PMID- 22067176
TI  - The impact of obesity on outcomes following major surgery for Crohn's disease: an
      American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whereas Crohn's disease is traditionally thought to represent a
      wasting disease, little is currently known about the incidence and impact of
      obesity in this patient cohort. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the
      perioperative outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease who were obese vs those
      who were not obese undergoing major abdominal surgery. DESIGN: This study is a
      retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2008). Risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes
      were assessed by the use of regression modeling accounting for patient
      characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical procedures. PATIENTS: Included were
      all patients with Crohn's disease who were undergoing abdominal operations. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcomes measured were short-term perioperative
      outcomes. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 or greater. RESULTS: We identified
      2319 patients (mean age, 41.6 y; 55% female). Of these patients, 379 (16%) met
      obesity criteria, 2% were morbidly obese, and 0.3% were super obese. Rates of
      obesity significantly increased each year over the study period. Twenty-five
      percent of the surgeries were performed laparoscopically (obese 21% vs nonobese
      26%). Six percent were emergent, with no difference in patients with obesity.
      Operative times were significantly longer among patients with obesity (177 min)
      compared with patients who were not obese (164 min). After adjusting for
      differences in comorbidities and steroid use, overall perioperative morbidity was
      significantly higher in the obese cohort (32% vs 22% nonobese; OR 1.9). In
      addition, the rates of postoperative complications increased directly with rising
      BMI. Irrespective of procedure type, the patients who were obese were
      significantly more likely to experience wound infections (OR 1.7), which
      increased even further in patients who were morbidly obese (BMI >40; OR 7.1). By
      specific operation, postoperative morbidity was increased in patients with
      obesity following colectomies with primary anastomosis for both open and
      laparoscopic approaches (OR 2.9 and OR 3.8). Cardiac, pulmonary, and renal
      complications as well as overall mortality did not differ significantly based on
      BMI. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by being a retrospective review, and by
      using data limited to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program database. CONCLUSION: Increasing BMI adversely affects
      perioperative morbidity in patients with Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22067177
TI  - Risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism after laparoscopic and open
      colorectal surgery: an additional benefit of the minimally invasive approach?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism constitutes a major cause of morbidity
      associated with surgical procedures. Colorectal surgical patients are at an
      elevated risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism. Whether the laparoscopic
      approach influences this risk is not well defined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      assess the risk of venous thromboembolism following major colorectal procedures.
      The influences of laparoscopic and open approaches on venous thromboembolism were
      compared while controlling for other potential confounders. DESIGN: Patients who
      underwent major colorectal procedures were identified. Association between
      patient, disease, operation-related factors, and venous thromboembolism within 30
      days of surgery was determined by the use of a logistic regression analysis.
      SETTINGS: Patients were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program database (2005-2008). PATIENTS: According to the National Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program database, 31,109 patients underwent colorectal
      surgery (open, 71%; laparoscopic, 29%) for cancer (48.3%), IBD (10.1%),
      diverticular disease (24.2%), and other benign conditions (17.4%). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary
      embolism. RESULTS: The venous thromboembolism rate was 2.4% (laparoscopic 1.2% vs
      open 2.9%, P < .001). Patients who developed venous thromboembolism were older
      (age 65.4 vs 61.5, P < .001), more often male (52.5% vs 47.5%, P = .023), with
      worse functional status (P < .001), and more comorbidities (P < .001). Venous
      thromboembolism was associated with sepsis (7.9% vs 1.8%, P < .001), steroid use
      (5.4% vs 2.2%, P < .001), surgical site infection (4.8% vs 2%, P < .001), and
      reoperation (7% vs 2.1%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, open surgery, older
      age, steroid use, sepsis, surgical site infection, reoperation, prolonged
      ventilation, and low albumin were independently associated with a higher venous
      thromboembolism rate. LIMITATIONS: The details regarding determinants of the
      decision for laparoscopic surgery, conversion rates for laparoscopic procedures,
      and thrombosis prophylaxis regimens were not available. CONCLUSIONS: The
      laparoscopic approach is associated with a lower venous thromboembolism rate in
      comparison with open surgery, despite controlling for other variables. This
      additional benefit of the minimally invasive approach further supports its use,
      whenever feasible, for a variety of colorectal conditions.

PMID- 22067178
TI  - The anatomical and surgical consequences of right colectomy for cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current practice when performing right colectomy for cancer is to
      divide the feeding vessels for the right colon on the right side of the superior
      mesenteric vein. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to show that arterial stumps can be
      visualized through an early postoperative CT and analyze their anatomical and
      surgical characteristics. DESIGN: This study presents a retrospective review of
      prospective data. SETTINGS: :The study was conducted at the Department of
      Surgery, Vestfold Hospital, Tonsberg, Norway. PATIENTS: Patients with leakage
      after a right colectomy for cancer (2003-2011) were identified through a local
      prospective complication registry (FileMaker Pro 9.0v3 software). INTERVENTIONS:
      Both preoperative and postoperative CTs were retrieved, reanalyzed, and 3
      dimensionally reconstructed (Osirix v.3.0.2./Mimics v.13.1.). Patients without
      postoperative CTs were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes
      measured were length, caliber of presumed and actual arterial stumps, and their
      position relative to the superior mesenteric vein. RESULTS: Eighteen patients,
      median age 69 (10 men) were included. All patients had postoperative CTs, and 15
      patients had preoperative CTs. Median time from operation to postoperative CT was
      5 days. The ileocolic artery was found in 14 (11 CT pairs) patients, and the
      right colic artery was found in 5 (4 pairs) patients. Actual stump lengths were
      28.0 mm (SD 9.3) and 37.3 mm (SD 14.9). A significant statistical difference
      between presumed and actual ileocolic artery stump lengths was found (P = .002).
      Posterior crossing to the superior mesenteric vein was noticed in 8 of 14
      ileocolic arteries and in 3 of 5 right colic arteries. There was no statistical
      difference in mean caliber for the preoperative and postoperative right colic
      artery (P = .505) and ileocolic artery (P = .474). LIMITATIONS: Difficulties when
      interpreting the postoperative images, due to intra-abdominal effusion, staples,
      edema, and altered syntopy of blood vessels, were overcome through comparison
      with preoperative CTs. CONCLUSION: An early postoperative CT can show arterial
      stumps after right colectomy for cancer. These stumps appear to be significantly
      longer than presumed; implying a significant improvement potential when specimen
      size is concerned.

PMID- 22067179
TI  - Intramural and mesorectal distal spread detected by whole-mount sections in the
      determination of optimal distal resection margin in patients undergoing surgery
      for rectosigmoid or rectal cancer without preoperative therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current Japanese general rules for clinical and pathologic
      studies on cancer of the colon, rectum, and anus state that a 3-cm distal
      resection margin is needed in resecting rectosigmoid cancer and rectal cancer
      with a distal edge above the peritoneal reflection, and 2 cm is needed for rectal
      cancer with a distal edge below the peritoneal reflection. The appropriateness of
      these rules has not been proved. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the
      appropriateness of the Japanese rules. DESIGN AND SETTING: We retrospectively
      analyzed surgical and pathology records of patients who underwent surgery at a
      tertiary care cancer center in Japan. PATIENTS: The study included 381
      consecutive patients with stage I to IV rectosigmoid or rectal cancer without
      preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We investigated
      both intramural and mesorectal distal spread, using whole-mount sections to
      measure the maximum length of distal spread. Long distal spread was defined as
      distal spread longer than the distal resection margin stated in the Japanese
      general rules. Risk factors for both distal spread and long distal spread were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Of 381 patients, 325 (85.3%) had no distal spread and a total
      of 56 (14.7%) had distal spread. Distal spread was within the limits specified by
      the Japanese general rules in 48 of the 381 patients (12.6%) and beyond the
      Japanese limits (long distal spread) in 8 patients (2.1%). The prevalence of
      distal spread increased with TNM stage (stage I, 2.7%; stage II, 5.3%; stage III,
      17.4%; stage IV, 46.2%). Long distal spread was not observed in stage I or II,
      was found in only 1.4% of patients with stage III disease and in 11.5% of
      patients with stage IV. The maximum extent of distal spread in patients with
      rectosigmoid cancer or rectal cancer with the distal edge above the peritoneal
      reflection was 38 mm; in patients with rectal cancer with the distal edge below
      the peritoneal reflection, 35 mm. Multivariable analyses showed that nodal
      involvement and distant metastasis were independent risk factors for distal
      spread; distant metastasis was the only independent risk factor for long distal
      spread. CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese general rules specifying the distal resection
      margin are appropriate for most patients who undergo surgery for rectosigmoid and
      rectal cancer without preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A further
      increase of 1 to 2 cm beyond the recommended distal resection margin may
      contribute to improved local control for patients with distant metastasis.

PMID- 22067180
TI  - Long-term follow-up features on rectal MRI during a wait-and-see approach after a
      clinical complete response in patients with rectal cancer treated with
      chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The "wait-and-see" policy instead of standard surgery for patients
      with rectal cancer who undergo a complete tumor regression after chemoradiation
      treatment is highly controversial. It is not clear yet how patients should be
      monitored once they are managed nonoperatively and whether follow-up by MRI has
      any potential role. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the rectal wall MRI
      morphology during short-term and long-term follow-up in patients with a clinical
      complete tumor response undergoing a wait-and-see policy without surgical
      treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: As part of an observational study in
      our center, a cohort of 19 carefully selected patients with a clinical complete
      response after chemoradiation was managed with a wait-and-see policy and followed
      regularly (every 3-6 mo) by clinical examination, endoscopy with biopsies, and a
      rectal MRI. The MR morphology of the tumor bed was studied on the consecutive MRI
      examinations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measured was the
      morphology of the tumor bed on the consecutive MRI examinations performed during
      short-term (<=6 mo) and long-term (>6 mo) follow-up. RESULTS: Patients with a
      complete tumor response after chemoradiation presented with either a normalized
      rectal wall (26%) or fibrosis (74%). In the latter group, 3 patterns of fibrosis
      were observed (full-thickness, minimal, or spicular fibrosis). The morphology
      patterns of a normalized rectal wall or fibrosis remained consistent during long
      term follow-up in 18 of 19 patients. One patient developed a small, endoluminal
      recurrence, which was salvaged with transanal endoscopic microsurgery. In 26% of
      patients, an edematous wall thickening was observed in the first months after
      chemoradiation, which gradually decreased during long-term follow-up. Median
      follow-up was 22 months (range, 12-60). LIMITATIONS: This was a small
      observational study, and had no histological validation. CONCLUSIONS: Four MR
      patterns of a persistent complete response of rectal cancer after chemoradiation
      were identified. These MR features can serve as a reference for the follow-up in
      a wait-and-see policy.

PMID- 22067181
TI  - Proximity to disease and perception of utility: physicians' vs patients'
      assessment of treatment options for ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physician values regarding the benefit of continued medical therapy
      vs colectomy for moderate ulcerative colitis have not been defined. If physicians
      perceive these states differently than patients, their therapeutic
      recommendations may not align with patient values. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      compare physician and patient willingness to trade life years with moderately
      active ulcerative colitis vs undergoing colectomy. DESIGN: This survey of
      physicians' and patients' utility values used standardized scenarios for
      moderately active ulcerative colitis and colectomy. SETTING: The investigation
      was conducted at a tertiary academic medical center. METHODS:
      Gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, and patients with ulcerative colitis
      who were either living with moderate disease or were postcolectomy completed the
      survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Utility values were measured by the use of the
      time trade-off method. RESULTS: We surveyed 17 physicians, 150 postcolectomy
      patients, and 69 patients with moderate ulcerative colitis. Utility values for
      ulcerative colitis and colectomy states were (0.87, 0.95), (0.86, 0.92), and
      (0.91, 0.91). On average, physicians and postcolectomy patients assessed the
      utility of life with ulcerative colitis more poorly than the postcolectomy state.
      Patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis who had not undergone
      colectomy viewed both health states equally. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited
      by the physician subject sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Patients living with moderate
      ulcerative colitis value the pre- and postcolectomy states differently than
      physicians and postcolectomy patients. Recognizing the differences between their
      own and patients' values may help physicians to better counsel patients
      preoperatively. In addition, exposure to postcolectomy patients may help those
      with moderate disease who are weighing the comparative benefits of colectomy.

PMID- 22067182
TI  - Advancement flap repair: a good option for complex anorectal fistulas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal advancement flap is a popular option for treatment of complex
      anal fistula. Although early outcomes vary, concerns remain about postoperative
      continence, long-term healing, and its role in patients with Crohn's disease and
      anovaginal fistulas. PURPOSE: This study aimed to report long-term outcomes in
      patients with complex fistula disease. PATIENTS: Patients who were undergoing
      rectal advancement flap for anal fistula were included in the study. DESIGN:
      Patients were contacted to determine the status of their fistula disease, their
      bowel function, and their degree of fecal incontinence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      The main outcomes measured were healing rate and continence. RESULTS: There were
      98 patients, 43 men and 55 women, mean age 53 +/- 14 years. Fifty-eight had
      cryptoglandular fistulas, and 40 (41%) had IBD (33 had Crohn's disease). Seventy
      seven of 98 patients had perianal fistulas, and all 77 underwent seton drainage
      before advancement flap. Twenty-one women had anovaginal fistulas. Average
      postoperative length of stay was 3 +/- 1 days. There were no mortalities. Follow
      up was possible in 75 patients, a mean of 7 +/- 3 years after surgery. Primary
      healing occurred in 54 (72%) patients. Twenty-one patients (28%) underwent
      further treatment, and 12 (57%) healed after a second advancement flap. Four more
      patients healed after more than 2 flaps or fistulotomy leading to an overall
      healing rate of 70 of 75 (93%). Patients with Crohn's disease had lower healing
      rates than those with cryptoglandular fistulas (87% vs 98%). Thirty-two patients
      (43%) had normal fecal continence before flap, and 43 (57%) had normal fecal
      continence after flap. CONCLUSION: Advancement flap is a good option for patients
      with complex anal fistulas.

PMID- 22067183
TI  - Scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy: a novel technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has become a favorable alternative to
      conventional open surgery for the creation of intestinal stomas, and it offers
      many benefits including reduced postoperative pain, ileus, and hospital stay.
      Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been described for many abdominal
      operations. It may offer better cosmetic outcomes and reduce incisional pain,
      adhesions, and recovery time. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to describe a
      novel technique of scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy for fecal
      diversion and to report our experience with 8 patients who underwent this
      procedure within a 1-year period. DESIGN: This study was designed as a
      retrospective case series. SETTINGS: This investigation was conducted at a single
      institution, tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Eight consecutive patients
      undergoing scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy between August
      2009 and August 2010 were included. INTERVENTION: Scarless single-incision
      laparoscopic loop ileostomies were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Among the
      outcomes measured were operation time, intraoperative blood loss, recovery of
      intestinal function, length of hospital stay, and surgical complications.
      RESULTS: Seven patients underwent surgery for active Crohn's disease refractory
      to medical therapy. One patient underwent surgery for radiation-induced
      rectovesical fistula. Median surgery time was 76 minutes, and median
      intraoperative blood loss was 10 mL. Median length of postoperative
      hospitalization was 7 days. Of the 8 patients included in our series, 2 patients
      (25%) required reoperation for stoma ischemia because of vascular congestion that
      we attribute to a tight fascial opening or extensive bowel manipulation. Other
      surgical complications included nonoperative readmission for ileus and partial
      small-bowel obstruction (n = 2), anal dilation to evacuate an obstructed distal
      colon (n = 1), and peristomal cellulitis (n = 1). LIMITATIONS: This study was
      limited by its small sample size and its retrospective nature. CONCLUSION:
      Scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy is a feasible alternative to
      standard laparoscopy for fecal diversion. Surgeons attempting this technique
      should do so with caution, given the high stoma ischemia rate in our small case
      series.

PMID- 22067184
TI  - Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: intriguing suggestion of gastrointestinal cancer
      prevention from surveillance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is characterized by GI polyps and
      mucocutaneous pigmentation and carries an increased risk of GI cancer. GI polyps
      may bleed or cause intussusception. Luminal GI surveillance is recommended, but
      there are few data detailing outcomes from GI surveillance in Peutz-Jeghers
      syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess outcomes from GI surveillance in
      patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective
      review, using hospital and registry notes and endoscopy and histology reports.
      SETTING: The investigation was conducted at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS:
      All patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome who were followed up at St Mark's
      hospital were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were
      surveillance procedures performed, complications, and long-term outcomes.
      RESULTS: Sixty-three patients from 48 pedigrees were included; the median age
      when patients were first seen was 20 years (range, 3-59). Only baseline
      investigations were performed in 12 patients. The remaining patients were
      followed up for 683 patient years, a median of 10 years (range, 2-41). Seven
      hundred seventy-six procedures were performed to assess the GI tract. These led
      to 5 double-balloon enteroscopies, 1 push enteroscopy, and 71 surgical
      procedures. Of the surgical procedures, 20 were performed as a result of baseline
      investigations, 12 arose from investigations of symptoms, and 39 were due to
      surveillance of asymptomatic patients. No emergency surgical interventions were
      performed. No luminal GI cancers were diagnosed. Of the 2461 polypectomies
      performed, 6 polyps contained atypia or dysplasia. Six complications arose from
      endoscopy or surgical intervention, requiring 5 laparotomies to manage these
      complications. CONCLUSION: GI surveillance in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is
      relatively safe and avoids the need for emergency surgery for small-bowel polyps.
      The lack of GI cancers may reflect that surveillance and polypectomy have
      prevented cancer from developing, although the detection of neoplasia or
      dysplasia is uncommon.

PMID- 22067185
TI  - Bupivacaine extended-release liposome injection for prolonged postsurgical
      analgesia in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy: a multicenter, randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bupivacaine extended-release liposome injection is a novel
      formulation of bupivacaine designed to achieve long-acting postoperative
      analgesia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the magnitude and
      duration of postoperative analgesia from a single dose of bupivacaine extended
      release injection with placebo administered intraoperatively in patients
      undergoing hemorrhoidectomy. DESIGN: This evaluation was a multicenter,
      randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase 3 study.
      SETTINGS: Data were obtained from 13 centers in the Republic of Georgia, Poland,
      and Serbia. PATIENTS: Included in this study were patients aged 18 to 86 years
      undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received
      either a single dose of bupivacaine extended-release 300 mg or placebo
      administered intraoperatively via wound infiltration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The
      cumulative pain score was assessed by measurement of the area under the curve of
      pain intensity through 72 hours after study drug administration. RESULTS: One
      hundred eighty-nine patients were randomly assigned and treated; 186 completed
      the study. Pain intensity scores were significantly lower in the bupivacaine
      extended-release group in comparison with the group receiving placebo (141.8 vs
      202.5, P < .0001). More patients in the bupivacaine extended-release group
      remained opioid free from 12 hours (59%) to 72 hours (28%) after surgery compared
      with patients receiving placebo (14% and 10%; P < .0008 through 72 h). The mean
      total amount of opioids consumed through 72 hours was 22.3 mg and 29.1 mg in the
      bupivacaine extended-release and placebo groups (P <= .0006). The median time to
      first opioid use was 14.3 hours in the bupivacaine extended-release group vs 1.2
      hours in the placebo group (P < .0001). A greater proportion of patients in the
      bupivacaine extended-release group were satisfied with their postsurgical
      analgesia (95% vs 73%, P = .0007) than in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Bupivacaine extended-release demonstrated a statistically significant reduction
      in pain through 72 hours, decreased opioid requirements, delayed time to first
      opioid use, and improved patient satisfaction compared with placebo after
      hemorrhoidectomy.

PMID- 22067186
TI  - Prevalence and pathophysiology of functional constipation among women in
      Catalonia, Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Specific treatment of functional bowel disorders requires precise
      diagnosis. However, prevalence and subtypes of functional constipation among
      women are not completely understood. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the
      prevalence of functional constipation and investigate the subtypes of dyssynergic
      defecation and slow transit constipation among Spanish women. DESIGN: We
      performed a prospective epidemiological study in healthy young women and
      retrospective pathophysiological studies in 2 patient cohorts of women with
      functional constipation according to Rome II criteria. SETTINGS: Referral centers
      at Clinica Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain, and Hospital de Mataro, Mataro,
      Spain. PATIENTS: The epidemiological study included 600 healthy young women, aged
      37.1 (SD, 8.2) years. Patient cohort 1 comprised 172 women with functional
      constipation without symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, ranging in age from 18
      to 45 years. Patient cohort 2 comprised 106 women with functional constipation
      and symptoms of dyssynergic defecation, ranging in age from 45 to 65 years. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: In healthy women, a questionnaire was used to determine rates
      of functional constipation, dyssynergic defecation, and slow transit
      constipation. In patients, results of anorectal manometry, EMG, and colonic
      transit studies were reviewed to assess subtypes of functional constipation; in
      addition, results of dynamic videoproctography were reviewed in cohort 2 to
      assess the role of structural pelvic floor disorders. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      functional constipation in healthy young women was 28.8%; symptoms of dyssynergic
      defecation were found in 8.2%, those of isolated slow transit in only 0.17%. In
      patient cohort 1, a total of 143 patients (83.1%) showed dyssynergic defecation:
      117 patients (68.0%) had paradoxical external anal sphincter contraction and 26
      (15.1%) had impaired internal anal sphincter relaxation). Slow transit
      constipation without dyssynergia was observed in 15 (8.7%). Up to 40.2% of
      patients with dyssynergia also had delayed colonic transit. In the cohort of 106
      women with dyssynergic defecation, videoproctography showed impaired puborectal
      relaxation in 64 patients (60.4%), anterior rectocele in 65 (61.3%), and rectal
      prolapse in 13 (12.3%). LIMITATIONS: We could not estimate the prevalence and
      subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome in the epidemiological study. CONCLUSIONS:
      Functional constipation is extremely prevalent among young, healthy, Spanish
      women, dyssynergic defecation being the most prevalent subtype. Slow transit
      constipation without dyssynergic defecation is uncommon. Structural pelvic floor
      disorders are highly prevalent in middle-aged women with dyssynergic defecation.

PMID- 22067187
TI  - Different bowel preparation schedule leads to different diagnostic yield of
      proximal and nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasm at screening colonoscopy in average
      risk population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that the timing of bowel preparation
      is crucial, but its impact on the diagnostic yield of proximal or nonpolypoid
      colorectal neoplasm remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate
      the impact of the timing of bowel preparation on the adenoma detection rate for
      nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasm at colonoscopy. DESIGN: This study is a
      retrospective analysis of a screening colonoscopy cohort database. SETTING: The
      investigation was conducted at a screening colonoscopy unit in an university
      hospital. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 3079 subjects who received primary
      screening colonoscopy with different timing of bowel preparation was analyzed.
      INTERVENTION: Different timing of bowel preparation (same day vs prior day) was
      studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes measured were patient
      demographics, timing of bowel preparation, colon-cleansing levels, diagnostic
      yields of colonoscopy, including adenoma, advanced adenoma, and nonpolypoid
      colorectal neoplasm. RESULTS: There were a total of 1552 subjects in the morning
      group and 1527 in the evening group. More subjects had proximal adenoma (175,
      11.3% vs 138, 9.0%, P = .04), advanced adenoma (68, 4.4% vs 46, 13.0%, P = .044),
      nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasm (98, 6.3% vs 67, 4.4%, P = .018), proximal
      nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasm (71, 4.6% vs 40, 2.6%, P = .004), and advanced
      nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasm (25, 1.6% vs 12, 0.8%, P = .036) detected by same
      day preparation. On multivariate regression analysis, the adenoma detection rate
      was significantly higher in the same-day group regarding overall and proximal
      adenoma (OR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00-1.50; OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05-1.74), advanced
      adenoma (OR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04-2.28), overall, proximal, and advanced nonpolypoid
      colorectal neoplasm (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.06-2.08; OR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.20-2.75; OR
      1.96, 95% CI: 1.12-3.37). The adenoma detection rate was also significantly
      different among endoscopists. LIMITATION: This was a single-center, nonrandomized
      trial. CONCLUSIONS: Improving bowel preparation quality by same-day preparation
      may lead to enhanced detection of overall, proximal, and advanced nonpolypoid
      colorectal neoplasm.

PMID- 22067188
TI  - Usefulness of an intensive bowel cleansing strategy for repeat colonoscopy after
      preparation failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No consensus exists regarding the optimal bowel preparation regimen
      for patients with poor bowel cleansing at a previous colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: We
      investigated the usefulness of an intensive cleansing regimen for repeat
      colonoscopy after previous failure of bowel preparation. DESIGN AND SETTING: A
      prospective observational study was performed in patients undergoing colonoscopy
      at a university-based, tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION:
      Outpatients with inadequate preparation at an index colonoscopy were offered a
      repeat colonoscopy and instructed to follow an intensive preparation regimen
      consisting of a low-fiber diet for 72 hours, liquid diet for 24 hours, bisacodyl
      (10 mg) in the evening of the day before the colonoscopy, and a split dose of
      polyethylene glycol (1.5 L in the evening before and 1.5 L in the morning on the
      day of the colonoscopy). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The adequacy of bowel cleansing
      was assessed according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (0 or 1 on any colon
      segment = inadequate bowel preparation). Procedural variables, detection rates
      for polyps and adenomas, compliance, and tolerability of the regimen were
      assessed. Satisfaction with the regimen was assessed with a 10-point visual
      analog scale. RESULTS: Of 83 patients with inadequate bowel preparation at
      colonoscopy, 51 underwent a second colonoscopy and were analyzed; 46 patients
      (90.2%) had adequate bowel cleansing at the second colonoscopy, with a mean (SD)
      total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score of 7.43 (1.5) and scores of 2.31 (0.6)
      for the right colon, 2.49 (0.6) for the transverse colon, and 2.63 (0.6) for the
      left colon. Polyps, flat lesions, or flat lesions proximal to the splenic flexure
      were found in significantly more patients at the second colonoscopy than at the
      index colonoscopy. The global satisfaction score was 6.6 (2.7). LIMITATIONS: The
      study was limited because of its open observational design, possible patient
      learning effect for bowel preparation at the repeat colonoscopy, and the
      inclusion of only outpatients. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive regimen consisting of a
      low-fiber diet, bisacodyl, and a split dose of polyethylene glycol can achieve
      good colon preparation with an improved detection rate for polyps and adenomas in
      most patients who have had poor bowel cleansing at a previous colonoscopy.

PMID- 22067189
TI  - Single-port laparoscopic diverting sigmoid colostomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-port laparoscopic surgery has been described for various
      colorectal conditions. Here, we report the first 4 single-port laparoscopic
      sigmoid colostomies for fecal diversion. METHODS: A 1.5-cm-round incision was
      made on the skin at a previously marked colostomy site. A wound retractor was
      inserted and an access platform with four 5-mm trocars was attached to the wound
      retractor. The sigmoid colon was mobilized using electrocautery, laparoscopic
      scissors, or an advanced bipolar device. A standard Brooke colostomy was created
      through the initial skin incision. RESULTS: Four elective single-port
      laparoscopic diverting colostomies were performed. Indications included
      obstructing colon and rectal cancers and intractable Crohn's proctitis. The
      average operative time was 73 minutes (range, 53-105), and blood loss was minimal
      (<50 mL). There were no intraoperative complications. Three of 4 patients
      received oral analgesia, and one patient received patient-controlled intravenous
      analgesia postoperatively. The average time to passage of flatus was 1 day. Diet
      was advanced either on the day of surgery or on postoperative day 1. The length
      of hospital stay ranged from 0 to 15 days. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic
      sigmoid colostomy is an effective technique that allows full intra-abdominal
      visualization and colonic mobilization while eliminating the need for additional
      skin incisions other than the colostomy site itself.

PMID- 22067190
TI  - The long-term gastrointestinal functional outcomes following curative anterior
      resection in adults with rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Significant variability and a lack of transparency exist in the
      reporting of anterior resection outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to
      qualitatively analyze the long-term functional outcomes and assessment tools used
      in evaluating patients with rectal cancer following anterior resection, to
      quantify the incidence of these outcomes, and to identify risk factors for long
      term incontinence. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched using
      the terms rectal neoplasms, resection, and gastrointestinal function. STUDY
      SELECTION: The studies included were in English and evaluated adults with rectal
      cancer, curative anterior resection, and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients
      with recurrent/metastatic disease were excluded. Of the 805 records identified,
      48 articles were included. INTERVENTION: The intervention performed was anterior
      resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was incontinence (gas,
      liquid stool, and solid stool). RESULTS: The histories of 3349 patients from 17
      countries were summarized. Surgeries were conducted between 1978 to 2004 with a
      median follow-up of 24 months (interquartile range, 12, 57). Sixty-five percent
      of studies did not use a validated assessment tool. Reported outcomes and
      incidence rates were variable. The reported proportion of patients with
      incontinence ranged from 3.2% to 79.3%, with a pooled incidence of 35.2% (95% CI
      27.9, 43.3). Risk factors for incontinence, identified by meta-regression, were
      preoperative radiation 0.009 and, in particular, short-course radiation (P =
      .006), and study quality (randomized controlled trial P = .004, observational P =
      .006). LIMITATIONS: The meta-analysis was limited by the significant
      heterogeneity of the primary data. CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcomes are
      inconsistently assessed and reported and require common definitions, and the more
      regular use of validated assessment tools, as well. Preoperative radiation and,
      in particular, short-course radiation may be a strong risk factor for
      incontinence; however, further studies are needed.

PMID- 22067195
TI  - Plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer for ultrasensitive on-chip biosensing.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate a plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI)
      integrated with a microfluidic chip for ultrasensitive optical biosensing. The
      MZI is formed by patterning two parallel nanoslits in a thin metal film, and the
      sensor monitors the phase difference, induced by surface biomolecular
      adsorptions, between surface plasmon waves propagating on top and bottom surfaces
      of the metal film. The combination of a nanoplasmonic architecture and sensitive
      interferometric techniques in this compact sensing platform yields enhanced
      refractive index sensitivities greater than 3500 nm/RIU and record high sensing
      figures of merit exceeding 200 in the visible region, greatly surpassing those of
      previous plasmonic sensors and still hold potential for further improvement
      through optimization of the device structure. We demonstrate real-time, label
      free, quantitative monitoring of streptavidin-biotin specific binding with high
      signal-to-noise ratio in this simple, ultrasensitive, and miniaturized plasmonic
      biosensor.

PMID- 22067196
TI  - Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of naproxen in children.
AB  - The aim of this study was to characterize pediatric pharmacokinetics and central
      nervous system exposure of naproxen after oral administration. The
      pharmacokinetics of naproxen was studied in 53 healthy children aged 3 months to
      12 years undergoing surgery with spinal anesthesia. Children received
      preoperatively a single dose of 10 mg/kg oral naproxen suspension. A single
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample (n = 52) was collected at the induction of
      anesthesia, and plasma samples (n = 270) were collected before, during, and after
      the operation (up to 51 hours after administration). A population pharmacokinetic
      model was built using the NONMEM software. Naproxen concentrations in plasma were
      well described by a 2-compartment model. The estimated oral clearance (CL/F) was
      0.62 L/h when linearly scaled by weight to 70 kg. The apparent volume of
      distribution at steady state (Vss/F) was 12.5 L /70 kg. The findings are
      consistent with previously reported pharmacokinetic parameters for children older
      than 5 years. Naproxen permeated into the CSF and reached CSF concentrations that
      were 4 times higher than unbound plasma concentrations. Based on these data,
      weight can be used as a basis for naproxen dosing in children older than 3 months
      of age.

PMID- 22067197
TI  - Shortening of the QT interval after food can be used to demonstrate assay
      sensitivity in thorough QT studies.
AB  - The effect of food was investigated under conditions of a thorough QT (TQT) study
      and with confirmation of assay sensitivity by the use of a positive control (400
      mg of moxifloxacin). Fifty-five healthy subjects were randomized to treatment and
      a sequence of fasted and fed baseline electrocardiography days. Subjects received
      standard breakfast 30 to 10 minutes prior to dosing. Measurement of QT interval
      was performed automatically with subsequent manual onscreen overreading using
      electronic calipers. A profound increase in heart rate of 9.4 bpm was observed in
      the fed condition compared with the fasted condition at 1.5 hours after dose with
      a corresponding shortening of QT (27 milliseconds); (baseline data). When
      corrected, QTcF interval was shortened significantly with the maximal effect
      observed at 2 hours after dose of 8.2 (95% confidence interval, 6-10)
      milliseconds. A concurrent shortening of the PR interval with a maximum value of
      5.6 milliseconds was also observed. The findings of this study demonstrate that
      food alters the QT-RR relationship and shortens QTc and PR for at least 4 hours
      after a carbohydrate-rich meal. The findings are of regulatory interest as this
      study shows that normal physiological causes can shorten QTc significantly and
      that it could be used as a method to demonstrate assay sensitivity.

PMID- 22067198
TI  - Smoking and risk of incident psoriatic arthritis in US women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis that is
      associated with psoriasis. Previous studies have found an association between
      smoking and psoriasis, but the association with PsA is unclear. The authors aimed
      to evaluate the association between smoking and the risk of incident PsA in a
      large cohort of women. METHODS: 94 874 participants were included from the
      Nurses' Health Study II over a 14-year period (1991-2005). Information on smoking
      was collected biennially during follow-up. The incidence of clinician-diagnosed
      PsA was ascertained and confirmed by self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS:
      During 1 303 970 person-years' follow-up, the authors identified 157 incident PsA
      cases. Among total participants, smoking was associated with an elevated risk of
      incident PsA. Compared with never smokers, the RR was 1.54 for past smokers (95%
      CI 1.06 to 2.24) and 3.13 for current smokers (95% CI 2.08 to 4.71). With
      increasing smoking duration or pack-years, the risk of PsA increased
      monotonically (p for trend <0.0001). The increase in risk was particularly
      significant for PsA cases with more severe phenotypes. Secondary analysis among
      participants developing psoriasis during the follow-up replicated the
      association, demonstrating an increased risk of PsA among psoriasis cases. The
      risk was significant for those with higher cumulative measures of smoking or PsA
      cases with more severe phenotypes. CONCLUSION: In this study smoking was found to
      be associated with a risk of PsA and cumulative measures of smoking were also
      associated with a higher risk of PsA among women.

PMID- 22067199
TI  - Association of osteonecrosis and peripheral neuropathy in HIV-1-infected
      patients:  possible roles of nerve growth factor and vascular endothelial growth
      factor.

PMID- 22067200
TI  - Sustained virological response to a raltegravir-containing salvage therapy in an
      HIV-2-infected patient.

PMID- 22067201
TI  - The price of tenofovir-emtricitabine undermines the cost-effectiveness and
      advancement of pre-exposure prophylaxis.

PMID- 22067202
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of novel 2, 2'-bipyrimidine fluorescent derivative
      for protein binding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluorescent dyes with biocompatible functional group and good
      fluorescence behavior are used as biosensor for monitoring different biological
      processes as well as detection of protein assay. All reported fluorophore used as
      sensors are having high selectivity and sensitivity but till there is more demand
      to synthesized new fluorophore which have improved fluorescence properties and
      good biocompatibility. RESULTS: Novel 4, 4'-(1, 1'-(5-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-[2, 2'
      bipyrimidine]-4, 6-diyl)bis(1H-pyrazol-3, 1-diyl)) dianiline fluorescent dye was
      synthesized by multistep synthesis from 2-phenylacetonitrile, 2-chloropyrimidine
      and 2-methoxyphenol. This dye has absorption at 379 nm with intense single
      emission at 497 nm having fairly good quantum yield (0.375) and Stokes shift. The
      intermediates and dye were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass
      spectral analysis. The pyrazole bipyrimidine based fluorescent dye possessing two
      amino groups suitable for binding with protein is reported. Its utility as a
      biocompatible conjugate was explained by conjugation with bovine serum albumin.
      The method is based on direct fluorescence detection of fluorophore-labelled
      protein before and after conjugation. Purified fluorescent conjugate was
      subsequently analyzed by fluorimetry. The analysis showed that the tested
      conjugation reaction yielded fluorescent conjugates of the dye through
      carbodiimide chemistry. CONCLUSION: In summery synthesized fluorophore pyrazole
      bipyrimidine has very good interaction towards protein bovine serum albumin and
      it acts as good candidate for protein assay.

PMID- 22067204
TI  - Learning curve and surgical outcome for single-port access total laparoscopic
      hysterectomy in 100 consecutive cases.
AB  - AIMS: To define the learning curve for single-port access (SPA) total
      laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and evaluate the surgical outcomes. METHODS:
      Patient demographics and segmental operating times of all 100 patients who
      underwent SPA-TLH by a single surgeon were analyzed. Patients were arranged in
      order based on surgery date. RESULTS: 100 patients underwent SPA-TLH. There was
      no conversion to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy. The median time until
      the removal of a specimen (T(R)) was 45 min and the median time for closure of
      the vaginal cuff (T(C)) was 18 min. The median total operating time from skin
      opening to closure (T(O)) was 80 min. T(R), T(C), and T(O) decreased
      significantly over the study period. The T(C) decreased significantly from the
      first 20 cases to the next 20 (p = 0.028) and the T(O) from the second 20 cases
      to the next 20 (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Proficiency for SPA-TLH was achieved
      after 40 cases. Operating time and postoperative hemoglobin drop decreased with
      experience, without increasing complication.

PMID- 22067203
TI  - Isolation of protein-tyrosine phosphatase-like member-a variant from cementum.
AB  - Cementum has been shown to contain unique polypeptides that participate in cell
      recruitment and differentiation during cementum formation. We report the
      isolation of a cDNA variant for protein-tyrosine phosphatase-like (proline
      instead of catalytic arginine) member-a (PTPLA) from cementum. A cementifying
      fibroma-derived lambda-ZAP expression library was screened by panning with a
      monoclonal antibody to cementum attachment protein (CAP), and 1435 bp cDNA (gb
      AC093525.3) was isolated. This cDNA encodes a 140-amino-acid polypeptide, and its
      N-terminal 125 amino acids are identical to those of PTPLA. This isoform,
      designated as PTPLA-CAP, results from a read-through of the PTPLA exon 2 splice
      donor site, truncating after the second putative transmembrane domain. It
      contains 15 amino acids encoded within the intron between PTPLA exons 2 and 3,
      which replace the active site for PTPLA phosphatase activity. The recombinant
      protein, rhPTPLA-CAP, has Mr 19 kDa and cross-reacts with anti-CAP antibody. Anti
      rhPTPLA-CAP antibody immunostained cementum cells, cementum, heart, and liver.
      Quantitative RT-PCR showed that PTPLA was expressed in all periodontal cells;
      however, PTPLA-CAP expression was limited to cementum cells. The rhPTPLA-CAP
      promoted gingival fibroblast attachment. We conclude that PTPLA-CAP is a splice
      variant of PTPLA, and that, in the periodontium, cementum and cementum cells
      express this variant.

PMID- 22067205
TI  - Mean displacement map of spine and spinal cord disorders using high b-value q
      space imaging-feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Q-space analysis is a new metric that uses multiple, high b-value,
      diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) data. This technique shows promising
      results as a tool to provide information complementary to that of other imaging
      techniques used on biological tissue in vivo. PURPOSE: To investigate the use of
      a mean displacement (MDP) map of high b-value, q-space imaging (QSI) to
      characterize spinal and spinal cord lesions in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight
      patients with spine or spinal cord disorders (two neurinomas, one myeloma, three
      cases of syringohydromyelia, and two cases of cervical spondylosis) were
      included. The MR imaging protocol consisted of conventional MR sequences,
      conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; b = 1000), and high b-value QSI
      with a maximum q value of 836.9 cm(-1). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps
      of conventional DWI and MDP maps of QSI data were obtained and region-of-interest
      analyses for the lesions were performed. RESULTS: MDP values of normal spinal
      cord, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tumor parenchyma were 6.57 +/- 0.52, 17.6 +/
      2.75, and 8.49 +/- 2.09, respectively (um, mean +/- standard deviation). In
      general, MDP maps were not well correlated with the corresponding ADC maps at the
      pathologic lesions. Spondylotic lesions tended to have higher MDP values than
      normal spinal cord, whereas syringohydromyelia produced MDP values slightly lower
      than those of CSF. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneous MDP values were probably due to
      differences in tissues and pathologic structures. This technique has potential to
      provide additional clinical information to that obtained with conventional MR
      imaging.

PMID- 22067206
TI  - FDG-PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An advantage of PET/CT has been demonstrated for diagnosis of several
      tumor entities. In patients with breast cancer, early diagnosis and accurate
      restaging of recurrence after surgery is important for selection of the most
      appropriate therapeutic strategy. Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of integrated
      positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) using 18F
      fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), for follow-up of patients with suspected recurrent
      breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with suspected
      recurrent breast cancer underwent PET/CT. The PET and PET/CT images were
      interpreted without knowledge of the results of other diagnostic modalities, and
      compared with each other with reference to the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Twenty
      five (53%) patients suffered tumor recurrence. The overall sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV),
      and accuracy of PET/CT were 96%, 91%, 92%, 95%, and 94%, respectively. In
      comparison with PET, PET/CT had a higher sensitivity and accuracy (96% vs. 80%
      and 94% vs. 81%, respectively). The difference in diagnostic accuracy between
      PET/CT and PET was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present findings
      indicate that PET/CT is an accurate, sensitive and reliable modality for
      screening and detection of breast cancer recurrence. PET/CT appears to be an
      effective surveillance tool, as it is able to cover the whole body in a single
      procedure and shows good performance.

PMID- 22067207
TI  - Main bronchial diverticula in the subcarinal region: their relation to airflow
      limitations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, bronchial diverticula have generally been treated as a
      pathological condition associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD), although only a limited amount of published information is available on
      the relationship between bronchial diverticula as depicted by multidetector
      computed tomography (MDCT) and airflow limitations. PURPOSE: To evaluate the
      relationship between airflow limitations and main bronchial diverticula in the
      subcarinal region using spirometry and thin-section MDCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      total of 189 consecutive adult patients were retrospectively evaluated based on
      spirometry and thin-section MDCT of the chest. All examinations were performed at
      our institution between June and October 2008. The study group included 70 women
      and 119 men with a mean age of 65 years (range 19-86 years). The relationship
      between the FEV(1)% and bronchial diverticula in the subcarinal region was
      analyzed (Student's t-test). RESULTS: The indications for conducting the
      examinations were pulmonary diseases (82 patients), cardiovascular diseases (22),
      extrapulmonary malignancies (74), and other conditions (11). A total of 84/189
      (44.4%) patients showed bronchial diverticula, and the FEV(1)% of 70/84 (83.3%)
      patients was above 70. The FEV(1)% of patients with lesions ranged from 26.0 to
      97.8 (mean 76.8), whereas the range was 28.1-94.4 (mean 73.7) in those without
      lesions. There was no significant association between the FEV(1)% and the
      presence of subcarinal bronchial diverticula (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data
      demonstrate that thin-section chest CT commonly demonstrates main bronchial
      diverticula in the subcarinal region in patients without airflow limitations. We
      propose that the presence of a small number of tiny bronchial diverticula under
      the carina may not be a criterion for the diagnosis of COPD.

PMID- 22067208
TI  - Stent-graft placement for urgent treatment or prevention of bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stent-graft treatment of the patients with ongoing bleeding may be
      beneficial in specific situations, especially when preservation of blood flow to
      the distant organs is important. PURPOSE: To present the results of stent-graft
      placement for urgent treatment or prevention of the bleeding. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Stent-graft placement was performed urgently for the treatment of active
      bleeding and/or pseudoaneurysm/aneurysm in 17 patients. Diagnoses were based on
      clinical findings and/or imaging studies. The etiology was previous major surgery
      and/or percutaneous intervention in 13, malignancy in one, pancreatitis and
      pseudocyst in one, multitrauma due to traffic accident in one and unknown cause
      in one patient. RESULTS: A total of 23 stent-grafts were placed. Angiograms
      obtained after placement revealed patent stent-graft with no further active
      extravasation or filling of pseudoaneurysm in 14 patients. Due to persistent
      bleeding, embolization was performed in two patients. In three patients, the
      stent-grafts were found to be thrombosed either immediately after placement (n =
      1) or at follow-up (n = 2). Stent-grafts were patent in six of nine patients that
      could be followed (between 3 months and 6 years). CONCLUSION: Urgent stent-graft
      placement may be an alternative to endovascular embolization or surgery. It may
      be preferred when embolization is technically difficult or impossible and/or when
      preservation of blood supply to distal organs is essential such as in liver
      transplant grafts or extremity salvage.

PMID- 22067209
TI  - Vahlkampfia sp: structural observations of cultured trophozoites.
AB  - Some structural observations on cultured Vahlkampfia sp. trophozoites are
      reported. Trophozoites are active and pleomorphic, producing large cell
      protrusions related to locomotion such as lamellipodia, filopodia and endocytic
      structures formed by hyaline cytoplasm, in which actin provides a framework that
      allows rapid changes in morphology. As observed by transmission electron
      microscopy, the cytoplasm is highly granular masking some cell organelles and the
      major cytoplasmic membrane systems. The structure of cell organelles such as the
      nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and digestive vacuoles is described. A common
      finding was the presence of 50 nm electron-dense round granules that are not
      limited by a membrane and that appear scattered in the cytoplasm, and whose
      function remains unknown. Apparently, the cell reserve material is glycogen,
      since complete trophozoites were positive to Schiff periodic-acid technique.

PMID- 22067210
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis integrity is required for the expression of object
      recognition memory.
AB  - It has been shown that the brain has its own intrinsic renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS) and angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) is particularly interesting, because it
      appears to counterbalance most of the Ang II effects. Ang-(1-7) exerts its
      biological function through activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas.
      Interestingly, hippocampus is one of the regions with higher expression of Mas.
      However, the role of Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in hippocampus-dependent memories is
      still poorly understood. Here we demonstrated that Mas ablation, as well as the
      blockade of Mas in the CA1-hippocampus, impaired object recognition memory (ORM).
      We also demonstrated that the blockade of Ang II receptors AT1, but not AT2,
      recovers ORM impairment of Mas-deficient mice. Considering that high
      concentrations of Ang-(1-7) may activate AT1 receptors, nonspecifically, we
      evaluate the levels of Ang-(1-7) and its main precursors Ang I and Ang II in the
      hippocampus of Mas-deficient mice. The Ang I and Ang II levels are unaltered in
      the whole hipocampus of MasKo. However, Ang-(1-7) concentration is increased in
      the whole hippocampus of MasKo mice, as well as in the CA1 area. Taken together,
      our findings suggest that the functionality of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis is
      essential for normal ORM processing.

PMID- 22067211
TI  - Effects of anticipation certainty on preparatory brain activity and anticipatory
      postural adjustments associated with voluntary unilateral arm movement while
      standing.
AB  - We examined the effects of anticipation certainty concerning which voluntary
      movement is required in response to a stimulus while standing on preparatory
      brain activity and anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs). Ten right-handed
      adults abducted their left or right arm rapidly in response to a visual
      imperative stimulus, based on the type of stimulus. A warning cue, which did or
      did not contain information about the side of arm abduction, was presented 2000ms
      before the imperative stimulus. Preparatory brain activity before arm abduction
      was quantified by the mean amplitude of the contingent negative variation 100ms
      before the imperative stimulus (late CNV amplitude). Compared with the low
      anticipation condition, in the high anticipation condition the following results
      were obtained only in the case of right arm abduction: (1) larger late CNV
      amplitude, (2) earlier postural muscle activities with respect to the focal
      muscle of arm abduction, and (3) smaller peak displacement of center of pressure
      during the abduction. These findings suggest that high anticipation of voluntary
      movement of dominant arm to a stimulus while standing influences preparatory
      brain activity before the movement, resulting in earlier APAs and thus smaller
      disturbance of postural equilibrium during the movement.

PMID- 22067212
TI  - Population variation in NAIP functional copy number confers increased cell death
      upon Legionella pneumophila infection.
AB  - The NAIP gene encodes an intracellular innate immunity receptor that senses
      flagellin. The genomic region containing NAIP presents a complex genomic
      organization and includes various NAIP paralogs. Here, we assessed the degree of
      copy number variation of the complete NAIP gene (NAIPFull) in various human
      populations and studied the functional impact of such variation on host cell fate
      using Legionella pneumophila as an infection model. We determined that African
      populations have a NAIPFull duplication at a higher frequency than Europeans and
      Asians, with an increased transcription of the gene. In addition, we demonstrated
      that a higher amount of the NAIPFull protein dramatically increases cell death
      upon infection by L. pneumophila, a mechanism that may account for increased host
      resistance to infection. We postulate that the NAIPFull gene duplication might
      have been evolutionary maintained, or even selected for, because it may confer an
      advantage to the host against flagellated bacteria.

PMID- 22067213
TI  - Measuring capacity building in communities: a review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although communities have long been exhorted to make efforts to
      enhance their own health, such approaches have often floundered and resulted in
      little or no health benefits when the capacity of the community has not been
      adequately strengthened. Thus being able to assess the capacity building process
      is paramount in facilitating action in communities for social and health
      improvement. The current review aims to i) identify all domains used in
      systematically documented frameworks developed by other authors to assess
      community capacity building; and ii) to identify the dimensions and attributes of
      each of the domains as ascribed by these authors and reassemble them into a
      comprehensive compilation. METHODS: Relevant published articles were identified
      through systematic electronic searches of selected databases and the examination
      of the bibliographies of retrieved articles. Studies assessing capacity building
      or community development or community participation were selected and assessed
      for methodological quality, and quality in relation to the development and
      application of domains which were identified as constituents of community
      capacity building. Data extraction and analysis were undertaken using a realist
      synthesis approach. RESULTS: Eighteen articles met the criteria for this review.
      The various domains to assess community capacity building were identified and
      reassembled into nine comprehensive domains: "learning opportunities and skills
      development", "resource mobilization", "partnership/linkages/networking",
      "leadership", "participatory decision-making", "assets-based approach", "sense of
      community", "communication", and "development pathway". Six sub-domains were also
      identified: "shared vision and clear goals", "community needs assessment",
      "process and outcome monitoring", "sustainability", "commitment to action" and
      "dissemination". CONCLUSIONS: The set of domains compiled in this review serve as
      a foundation for community-based work by those in the field seeking to support
      and nurture the development of competent communities. Further research is
      required to examine the robustness of capacity domains over time and to examine
      capacity development in association with health or other social outcomes.

PMID- 22067214
TI  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a neonate associated with nemaline myopathy.
AB  - Nemaline myopathy is a congenital nonprogressive skeletal muscle disorder with a
      characteristic rod body formation in the skeletal muscle fibers. Cardiac
      involvement in nemaline myopathy is rare, although both dilated and hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy have been reported. We describe an infant diagnosed with
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypotonia on the first day of life. Muscle biopsy
      confirmed nemaline myopathy at 3 weeks of age. The diagnosis of nemaline myopathy
      precluded consideration of heart transplantation, thus shifting the focus to
      comfort care. This is the earliest presentation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
      reported in the literature in the setting of nemaline myopathy. The approach to
      determining an etiology for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an infant is reviewed.

PMID- 22067215
TI  - First report of the protective effects of remote per- and postconditioning on
      ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal injury.

PMID- 22067216
TI  - Sitagliptin therapy in kidney transplant recipients with new-onset diabetes after
      transplantation.

PMID- 22067217
TI  - Accelerated kidney transplant rejection and hypertensive encephalopathy in a
      pediatric patient associated with antibodies against angiotensin type 1 receptor
      and HLA class II.

PMID- 22067218
TI  - Successful splenic venous drainage for kidney transplant in case of inferior vena
      cava thrombosis.

PMID- 22067219
TI  - Letter referring to the paper by Galinovic et al.: fully automated postprocessing
      carries a risk of substantial overestimation of perfusion deficits in acute
      stroke magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 22067220
TI  - Multi-detector computed tomography demonstration of double-lumen aortic arch-
      persistent fifth arch--as an isolated anomaly in an adult.
AB  - Persistent fifth - double-lumen - aortic arch is a rarely seen entity, which is
      usually associated with other cardiac anomalies; it has been previously reported
      only in children. We report a new case of double-lumen aortic arch with a
      systemic-to-systemic connection diagnosed incidentally during cardiac multi
      detector computer tomography evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafts in an
      adult.

PMID- 22067221
TI  - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance in Argentina, 1997-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) from Latin
      America are limited. We present a comprehensive epidemiological survey on CJD
      patients in Argentina based on systematic surveillance between 1997 and 2008.
      METHODS: A CJD Surveillance Referral Center (SRC) was established in Argentina in
      1997; previously a Neuropathology Referral Center was used from 1983 to 1996. All
      suspected cases referred to the SRC were classified using established criteria on
      the basis of information derived from the following: clinical data form, EEG, MRI
      (both for central review), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for protein 14-3-3 Western
      blot (WB), autopsy or biopsy material for neuropathology, prion protein (PrP)
      immunohistochemistry and PrP WB, as well as blood for DNA studies (when brain
      tissue was not available). RESULTS: Of the 517 patients referred to the SRC
      between 1997 and 2008, 211 (40.8%) had CJD or other transmissible spongiform
      encephalopathies (TSEs) (definite or probable). Possible cases totaled 14.5%,
      while cases with no WHO criteria accounted for 16.4%. Non-CJD cases excluded by
      biopsy/autopsy or during follow-up corresponded to 28.2% of the 517 referrals.
      Main differential diagnoses included neurodegenerative diseases such as
      Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular, metabolic or viral
      encephalopathy, and Hashimoto's disease. Five percent of referred patients
      ultimately recovered. Eighty-three percent of TSE cases were sporadic CJD; 17%
      were genetic, mainly E200K (15.6%); the remaining 1.4% included an octarepeat
      insertion and two Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker cases (P102L). Seventy-four of
      100 definite cases had frozen tissue available for molecular subtyping
      (PrP(Sc)/codon 129). CSF protein 14-3-3 WB sensitivity was 72.3% and specificity
      was 92.1%. Clinical diagnostic criteria for probable CJD when compared to
      definite diagnosis by neuropathology showed 71.3% sensitivity, 86.2% specificity,
      94.4% positive predictive value and 48% negative predictive value. Country
      incidence increased over time and reached 0.85 cases per million in 2008, with
      the highest rate detected in the city of Buenos Aires (1.8). Districts with 6% of
      the total population have never reported suspected cases. CONCLUSION: In spite of
      an increase in incidence observed over time, the difference between Buenos Aires
      city, where the incidence is comparable to that of smaller European countries
      with higher population density, and the incidence observed in the rest of the
      country suggests underreporting in nonmetropolitan areas, probably due to a lack
      of access to specialized medical facilities. CSF WB sensitivity results for
      protein 14-3-3 were probably linked to the fact that testing was not routinely
      repeated during the course of the disease, when earlier test results had been
      negative. The spectrum of molecular CJD subtypes observed did not differ from
      other countries in Europe. No iatrogenic or variant CJD cases were identified.
      The sensitivity and negative predictive value of clinical diagnostic criteria for
      probable CJD (which includes EEG and/or CSF protein 14-3-3 levels) may have been
      resulted from confirmed cases not meeting probable criteria before autopsy, due
      to a lack of ancillary tests such as EEG and/or CSF 14-3-3 WB, or because
      negative tests were not repeated during follow-up.

PMID- 22067222
TI  - Back to the future: the changing frontiers of nutrition research and its
      relationship to policy.
AB  - Seventy years have elapsed since the Nutrition Society was founded and John Boyd
      Orr became its first Chairman. Over the intervening period, nutrition research
      has embraced and responded to a wide variety of challenges as the requirements of
      research have evolved and changed. This paper reflects on some of the major
      challenges that have influenced nutrition research over the past 70 years and
      considers where nutrition stands today along with the challenges for the future.
      In the past, these challenges have included food security and improvements in
      animal nutrition to enhance production through problems of overnutrition, such as
      CVD and obesity, as well as the recognition of the importance of early-life
      nutrition. The challenges for the future include how to translate the
      increasingly comprehensive and complex understanding of the relationship between
      nutrition and health, being gained as a result of the genomic revolution, into
      simple and accessible policy advice. It also includes how we learn more about the
      ways in which diet can help in the prevention of obesity as well as the ways in
      which we prevent the rise in complex diseases in emerging nations as they undergo
      nutritional transition. From this, it is clear that nutrition research has moved
      a long way from its initial focus on nutritional deficiencies to a subject, which
      is at the heart of public health consideration. This evolution of nutrition
      research means that today diet and health are high on the political agenda and
      that nutrition remains a priority area for research. It has been 70 years since
      1941 when the Nutrition Society was established, under its first Chairman, John
      Boyd Orr. At that time there were many who believed that nutrition research had
      reached its peak and there was little left to discover. This view stemmed from
      the fact that most vitamins and minerals had been discovered and that the
      syndromes associated with nutritional deficiencies in these were largely known.
      Despite this gloomy prognosis, the intervening 70 years have witnessed a
      remarkable evolution in nutrition research, which has underpinned key Government
      policies, ranging from food security right through to public health. This review
      considers some major developments that have helped to shape nutrition research
      over the past 70 years and in so doing have changed its frontiers.

PMID- 22067223
TI  - Effect of ghrelin on protein kinase C-epsilon and protein kinase C-delta gene
      expression in the pulmonary arterial smooth muscles of chronic hypoxic rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Protein kinase C (PKC), can be activated in pulmonary arterial
      smooth muscle cells during hypoxia, leading to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
      (HPV). Studies are going on to detect the strict PKC isoform involved in the
      phenomenon. It has been shown that ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid peptide, may protect
      lungs from HPV side effects, to some extent. The aim of study was to evaluate the
      effect of exogenous ghrelin on PKC-epsilon and PKC-delta gene expression during
      chronic hypoxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were
      divided randomly in 3 groups. Hypoxic rats with saline or ghrelin treatment were
      placed in a normobaric hypoxic chamber for 2 weeks. Controls remained in room
      air. PKC-epsilon and PKC-delta gene expression was measured by real-time RT-PCR.
      RESULTS: Morphometric analysis showed that ghrelin reversed the hypoxia induced
      pulmonary artery wall thickness. In hypoxic animals, there was a 2- and 4-fold
      increment in PKC-epsilon and PKC- delta gene expression, respectively. Ghrelin
      treatment reduced the overexpression of PKC-epsilon and PKC-delta to control
      animals' value. CONCLUSION: Ghrelin by decreasing the expression of PKC-epsilon
      and PKC-delta in hypoxic animals reduces the HPV. Although more studies are
      needed, it could be an honest deduction that ghrelin affects HPV in a
      multifunctional manner and might be used as a therapeutic agent in the future.

PMID- 22067225
TI  - Correlates of male fitness in captive zebra finches--a comparison of methods to
      disentangle genetic and environmental effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is a common observation in evolutionary studies that larger, more
      ornamented or earlier breeding individuals have higher fitness, but that body
      size, ornamentation or breeding time does not change despite of sometimes
      substantial heritability for these traits. A possible explanation for this is
      that these traits do not causally affect fitness, but rather happen to be
      indirectly correlated with fitness via unmeasured non-heritable aspects of
      condition (e.g. undernourished offspring grow small and have low fitness as
      adults due to poor health). Whether this explanation applies to a specific case
      can be examined by decomposing the covariance between trait and fitness into its
      genetic and environmental components using pedigree-based animal models. We here
      examine different methods of doing this for a captive zebra finch population
      where male fitness was measured in communal aviaries in relation to three
      phenotypic traits (tarsus length, beak colour and song rate). RESULTS: Our case
      study illustrates how methods that regress fitness over breeding values for
      phenotypic traits yield biased estimates as well as anti-conservative standard
      errors. Hence, it is necessary to estimate the genetic and environmental
      covariances between trait and fitness directly from a bivariate model. This
      method, however, is very demanding in terms of sample sizes. In our study
      parameter estimates of selection gradients for tarsus were consistent with the
      hypothesis of environmentally induced bias (betaA=0.035+/-0.25 (SE), betaE=0.57+/
      0.28 (SE)), yet this differences between genetic and environmental selection
      gradients falls short of statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: To examine the
      generality of the idea that phenotypic selection gradients for certain traits
      (like size) are consistently upwardly biased by environmental covariance a meta
      analysis across study systems will be needed.

PMID- 22067226
TI  - Local morphology fitting active contour for automatic vascular segmentation.
AB  - In this paper, we propose an active contour model using local morphology fitting
      for automatic vascular segmentation on 2-D angiogram. The vessel and background
      are fitted to fuzzy morphology maximum and minimum opening, separately, using
      linear structuring element with adaptive scale and orientation. The minimization
      of the energy associated with the active contour model is implemented within a
      level set framework. As in the current local model, fitting the image to local
      region information makes the model robust against the inhomogeneous background.
      Moreover, selective local estimations for fitting that are precomputed instead of
      updated in each contour evolution makes the evolution of level set robust again
      initial location compared to the current local model. The results on synthetic
      image and real angiogram compared with other methods are presented. It is shown
      that the proposed method can achieve automatic and accurate segmentation of
      vascular angiogram.

PMID- 22067224
TI  - Identification, characterization, and comparative genomic distribution of the
      HERV-K (HML-2) group of human endogenous retroviruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integration of retroviral DNA into a germ cell may lead to a provirus
      that is transmitted vertically to that host's offspring as an endogenous
      retrovirus (ERV). In humans, ERVs (HERVs) comprise about 8% of the genome, the
      vast majority of which are truncated and/or highly mutated and no longer encode
      functional genes. The most recently active retroviruses that integrated into the
      human germ line are members of the Betaretrovirus-like HERV-K (HML-2) group, many
      of which contain intact open reading frames (ORFs) in some or all genes,
      sometimes encoding functional proteins that are expressed in various tissues.
      Interestingly, this expression is upregulated in many tumors ranging from breast
      and ovarian tissues to lymphomas and melanomas, as well as schizophrenia,
      rheumatoid arthritis, and other disorders. RESULTS: No study to date has
      characterized all HML-2 elements in the genome, an essential step towards
      determining a possible functional role of HML-2 expression in disease. We present
      here the most comprehensive and accurate catalog of all full-length and partial
      HML-2 proviruses, as well as solo LTR elements, within the published human genome
      to date. Furthermore, we provide evidence for preferential maintenance of
      proviruses and solo LTR elements on gene-rich chromosomes of the human genome and
      in proximity to gene regions. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis has found and corrected
      several errors in the annotation of HML-2 elements in the human genome, including
      mislabeling of a newly identified group called HML-11. HML-elements have been
      implicated in a wide array of diseases, and characterization of these elements
      will play a fundamental role to understand the relationship between endogenous
      retrovirus expression and disease.

PMID- 22067227
TI  - Ligand-controlled rates of photoinduced electron transfer in hybrid CdSe
      nanocrystal/poly(viologen) films.
AB  - This paper describes a study of the rates of photoinduced electron transfer (PET)
      from CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to poly(viologen) within thin films, as a function
      of the length of the ligands passivating the QDs. Ultrafast (<10 ps),
      quantitative PET occurs from CdSe QDs coated with HS-(CH(2))(n)-COOH for n = 1,
      2, 5, and 7 to viologen units. The observed decrease in the magnitude of the PET
      rate constant with n is weaker than that expected from the decay of the electron
      tunneling probability across extended all-trans mercaptocarboxylic acids but well
      described by electron tunneling across a collapsed ligand shell. The PET rate
      constants for films with n = 10 and 15 are much slower than those expected based
      on the trend for n = 1-7; this deviation is ascribed to the formation of bundles
      of ligands on the surface of the QD that make the tunneling process prohibitively
      slow by limiting access of the viologen units to the surfaces of the QDs. This
      study highlights the importance of molecular-level morphology of donor and
      acceptor materials in determining the rate and yield of interfacial photoinduced
      electron transfer in thin films.

PMID- 22067228
TI  - From the editor: re-form: inside and outside perspectives on health care.

PMID- 22067229
TI  - Knowledge for re-forming nursing's future: standpoint makes a difference.
AB  - We draw on our recent research that has convinced us of the importance of nurses'
      participating in re-forming health care on their own terms. The empirical
      evidence we present here shows how "boardroom knowledge" of health care is
      constructed with different priorities than is the knowledge of direct care on
      which nurses' safe, efficient, and effective work relies. The 2 forms of
      knowledge are not the same. Nurses' knowledge is routinely transposed through a
      procrustean process of "working up" direct care nurses' knowledge into new
      informational forms without attention to the importance of the full range of what
      nurses know from their unique standpoint.

PMID- 22067230
TI  - Instrumental care and human-centered caring: rhetoric and lived reality.
AB  - This article explores the nursing discourse on relational caring as a context for
      examining the authors' recent lived realities with the health care system. Two
      narratives detail experiences of instrumental care and human-centered caring as
      the authors journeyed with a loved one who was dying. Commonalities across the
      stories are identified and caring analyzed using Halldorsdottir's ways of being
      with another. From weaving an analysis of the realities with the literature
      emerges a recognition of a critical turning point in nursing and health care.

PMID- 22067231
TI  - Critical interactionism: an upstream-downstream approach to health care reform.
AB  - Currently, per capita health care expenditures in the United States are more than
      20% higher than any other country in the world and more than twice the average
      expenditure for European countries, yet the United States ranks 37th in life
      expectancy. Clearly, the health care system is not succeeding in improving the
      health of the US population with its focus on illness care for individuals. A new
      theoretical approach, critical interactionism, combines symbolic interactionism
      and critical social theory to provide a guide for addressing health care problems
      from both an upstream and downstream approach. Concepts of meaning from symbolic
      interactionism and emancipation from critical perspective move across system
      levels to inform and reform health care for individuals, organizations, and
      societies. This provides a powerful approach for health care reform, moving back
      and forth between the micro and macro levels. Areas of application to nursing
      practice with several examples (patients with obesity; patients who are lesbian,
      gay, bisexual, and transgender; workplace bullying and errors), nursing
      education, and research are also discussed.

PMID- 22067232
TI  - Accounting for care: exploring tensions and contradictions.
AB  - Within the context of neoliberal restructuring, accountability is primarily
      linked to efficiency, determined through standardized, numerically based
      technologies and focused on lengths of stay, utilization indicators, and the
      like. Disappearing from view in this approach is what is actually happening at
      the point of care for registered nurses. Grounded in semistructured interviews,
      this article casts a critical light on the tensions and contradictions
      experienced by nurses, arguing that instead of a more accountable, effective, or
      efficient system, this path is jeopardizing nurses' ability to provide needed
      care within healthy, supportive work environments, setting into motion a
      fundamental transformation of nursing practice.

PMID- 22067233
TI  - "I will not be discriminated against": older lesbians creating new communities.
AB  - Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults fear discrimination
      in long-term care and voice a preference for LGBT-specific services. The purpose
      of this study was to describe, through the eyes of 10 socially interconnected
      older lesbians (>55 years), the roles that life experiences, social ties, and
      expectations for aging play in their decision to live in an LGBT continuous-care
      setting. Nursing has been largely inattentive to older lesbians' unique health
      and care issues. Reforms in nursing research, education, and practice are
      suggested to make this population more visible and better understood.

PMID- 22067234
TI  - Advancing population-based health-promotion and prevention practice in community
      health nursing: key conditions for change.
AB  - Community-health nursing practice is a pivotal aspect of present-day health
      reforms. In Quebec, Canada, the recent introduction of a population-based
      approach has entailed increasing the resources allocated to health promotion and
      disease prevention. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nurses and
      managers (N = 69) in an effort to understand how these new resources are
      reflected in nursing practice. Three classes of factors emerged as key conditions
      for change: contextual and historical, training and professional-development, and
      work-organization factors. The authors propose courses of action respecting these
      conditions to provide support for community-health nursing practices that
      incorporate a contemporary population-based approach.

PMID- 22067235
TI  - Of courage and leaving safe harbors.
AB  - If the health care system in the United States is to be sustainable, dramatic
      changes that result in better outcomes, lower costs, and improved quality are
      needed. As the largest group of health care providers, successful change will
      depend, in part, upon nursing practitioners, leaders, visionaries, advocates, and
      educators who are courageous enough to make difficult decisions and to follow
      through with actions. This philosophical inquiry addresses the nature of courage,
      types and motivations for courageous actions, and the complex psychological
      manifestations of thinking courageously. The inquiry concludes with educational
      and practical goals to promote proper use of courage in clinical practice.

PMID- 22067236
TI  - Delivering specialized palliative care in the community: a new role for nurse
      practitioners.
AB  - The rising population of older Americans with advanced illness challenges current
      care delivery models. We use the metaphor of advanced illness as a difficult
      journey and propose a specific role, that of the "OACIS NP [nurse practitioner],"
      who helps provide a place of refuge during this journey. "OACIS" is an acronym
      for Optimizing Advanced Complex Illness Support, a program to provide home-based
      palliative medical care. The 4 pillars of this collaborative model for advanced
      nursing care include care coordination, medical management, psychosocial support,
      and education. We make the case for this expanded role for nurse practitioners
      who specialize in palliative care.

PMID- 22067237
TI  - Effect of motivational music on lactate levels during recovery from intense
      exercise.
AB  - The effects of music played during an exercise task on athletic performance have
      been previously studied. Yet, these results are not applicable for competitive
      athletes, who can use music only during warm-up or recovery from exercise.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of motivational
      music (music that stimulates or inspires physical activity) during recovery from
      intense exercise, on activity pattern, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and
      blood lactate concentration. Twenty young, active men (mean age 26.2 +/- 2.1
      years) performed a 6-minute run at peak oxygen consumption speed (predetermined
      from the VO(2) max test). The mean heart rate (HR), RPE, number of steps
      (determined by step counter), and blood lactate concentrations were determined at
      3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 minutes during the recovery from the exercise, with and
      without motivational music (2 separate sessions, at random order). There was no
      difference in the mean HR during the recovery with and without music. Listening
      to motivational music during the recovery was associated with increased voluntary
      activity of the participants, determined by increased number of steps (499.4 +/-
      220.1 vs. 413.2 +/- 150.6 steps, with and without music, respectively; p <=
      0.05). The increased number of steps during the recovery was accompanied by a
      significantly greater decrease in blood lactate concentration percentage (28.1 +/
      12.2 vs. 22.8 +/- 10.9%, with and without music, respectively, p <= 0.05). This
      was associated with a greater decrease in RPE (77.7 +/- 14.4 vs. 73.1 +/- 14.7%
      with and without music, respectively; p <= 0.05). Our results suggest that
      listening to motivational music during nonstructured recovery from intense
      exercise leads to increased activity, faster lactate clearance, and reduced RPE
      and therefore may be used by athletes in their effort to enhance recovery.

PMID- 22067238
TI  - An exercise sequence for progression in balance training.
AB  - Compared with resistance training, information concerning the progressive
      configuration of balance training (BT) is rare and lacks scientific validation.
      Therefore, a study was designed to determine participants' ability to perform
      balance exercises with increasing level of difficulty. The task required the
      participants (N = 20) to stand as stable as possible on a computerized balance
      platform. The experiment was performed on 3 testing days using different stance
      and sensory conditions. On each day, bipedal, step, tandem, and monopedal stands
      were performed 3 times while sensory conditions changed from firm ground, eyes
      opened (day 1) over foam ground, eyes opened (day 2) to firm ground, eyes closed
      (day 3). The results showed that total center of pressure displacements
      significantly increased when the use of sensory information (comparison between
      testing days: all p < 0.001) or when the base of support (comparison within
      testing days: all p < 0.001) was gradually reduced. Based on the observed pattern
      of increased postural sway across all testing conditions and the levels of trial
      variability, exercises were categorized into several stages of training. Findings
      indicate that balance performance decreased in response to an increased level of
      task difficulty introduced by narrowing the base of support and by limiting the
      use of sensory information. Practitioners can use the derived exercise ranking to
      select exercises for BT appropriate to the level of participants' balance ability
      and to implement progression in balance training.

PMID- 22067239
TI  - Metabolic and cardiac autonomic effects of high-intensity resistance training
      protocol in Wistar rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effects of metabolic and autonomic
      nervous control on high-intensity resistance training (HRT) as determined by
      pancreatic glucose sensitivity (GS), insulin sensitivity (IS), blood lactate
      ([La]), and heart rate variability (HRV) in rats. Thirty male, albino Wistar rats
      (292 +/- 20 g) were divided into 3 groups: sedentary control (SC), low-resistance
      training (LRT), and HRT. The animals in the HRT group were submitted to a high
      resistance protocol with a progressively increasing load relative to body weight
      until exhaustion, whereas the LRT group performed the same exercise regimen with
      no load progression. The program was conducted 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The
      [La], parameters related to the functionality of pancreatic tissue, and HRV were
      measured. There was a significant increase in peak [La] only in the HRT group,
      but there was a reduction in [La] when corrected to the maximal load in both
      trained groups (LRT and HRT, p < 0.05). Both trained groups exhibited an increase
      in IS; however, compared with SC and LRT, HRT demonstrated a significantly higher
      GS posttraining (p < 0.05). With respect to HRV, the low-frequency (LF) band, in
      milliseconds squared, reduced in both trained groups, but the high-frequency
      band, in milliseconds squared and nu, increased, and the LF in nu, decreased only
      in the HRT group (p < 0.05). The HRT protocol produced significant and beneficial
      metabolic and cardiac autonomic adaptations. These results provide evidence for
      the positive benefits of HRT in counteracting metabolic and cardiovascular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22067240
TI  - Inflammatory response and neutrophil functions in players after a futsal match.
AB  - Inflammatory response and neutrophil functions in players after a futsal match. J
      Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2507-2514, 2012-Futsal players suffer injuries resulting
      from muscle fatigue and contact or collision among players. Muscle lesions can be
      detected by measuring muscle lesion markers such as creatine kinase (CK) and
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in plasma. After an initial lesion, there is an
      increase in the plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory
      cytokines. These mediators may activate neutrophils and contribute to tissue
      damage and increase susceptibility to invasive microorganisms. In this study, we
      investigated the effect of a futsal match on muscle lesion markers, cytokines,
      and CRP in elite players. The basal and stimulated neutrophil responsiveness
      after a match was also evaluated based on measurements of neutrophil necrosis,
      apoptosis, phagocytic capacity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and
      cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin [IL]-8, IL-1beta,
      IL-10, and IL-1ra) production. Blood samples were taken from 16 players (26.4 +/-
      3.2 years, 70.2 +/- 6.9 kg, 59.7 +/- 5.1 ml.kg.min, sports experience of 4.4 +/-
      0.9 years) before and immediately after a match. Exercise increased the serum
      activities of CK (2.5-fold) and LDH (1.3-fold). Playing futsal also increased the
      serum concentrations of IL-6 (1.6-fold) and CRP (1.6-fold). The TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-8, IL-1ra, and IL-10 serum levels were not modified in the conditions
      studied. The futsal match induced neutrophil apoptosis, as indicated by
      phosphatidylserine externalization (6.0-fold). The exercise induced priming of
      neutrophils by increasing ROS (1.3-fold), TNF-alpha (5.8-fold), and IL-1beta (4.8
      fold) released in nonstimulated cells. However, in the stimulated condition, the
      exercise decreased neutrophil function, diminishing the release of ROS by phorbol
      myristate acetate-stimulated neutrophils (1.5-fold), and the phagocytic capacity
      (1.6-fold). We concluded that playing futsal induces inflammation, primes and
      activates neutrophils, and reduces the efficiency of neutrophil phagocytosis
      immediately after a match.

PMID- 22067241
TI  - Effect of different warm-up procedures on subsequent swim and overall sprint
      distance triathlon performance.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of 3 warm-up procedures on subsequent swimming
      and overall triathlon performance. Seven moderately trained, amateur triathletes
      completed 4 separate testing sessions comprising 1 swimming time trial (STT) and
      3 sprint distance triathlons (SDT). Before each SDT, the athletes completed 1 of
      three 10-minute warm-up protocols including (a) a swim-only warm-up (SWU), (b) a
      run-swim warm-up (RSWU), and (c) a control trial of no warm-up (NWU). Each
      subsequent SDT included a 750-m swim, a 500-kJ (~20 km) ergometer cycle and a 5
      km treadmill run, which the athletes performed at their perceived race intensity.
      Blood lactate, ratings of perceived exertion, core temperature, and heart rate
      were recorded over the course of each SDT, along with the measurement of swim
      speed, swim stroke rate, and swim stroke length. There were no significant
      differences in individual discipline split times or overall triathlon times
      between the NWU, SWU, and RSWU trials (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no difference
      existed between trials for any of the swimming variables measured (p > 0.05) nor
      did they significantly differ from the preliminary STT (p > 0.05). The findings
      of this study suggest that warming up before an SDT provides no additional
      benefit to subsequent swimming or overall triathlon performance.

PMID- 22067242
TI  - Evaluation of muscle activity during a standardized shoulder resistance training
      bout in novice individuals.
AB  - Momentary fatigue is an important variable in resistance training periodization
      programs. Although several studies have examined neuromuscular activity during
      single repetitions of resistance training, information is lacking in regard to
      neuromuscular fatigue indices throughout a full resistance training bout. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle activity during a shoulder
      resistance training bout with 15 repetitions maximum (RM) loadings in novice
      individuals. Twelve healthy sedentary women (age = 27-58 years; weight = 54-85
      kg; height = 160-178 cm) were recruited for this study. Normalized
      electromyographic (nEMG) activity and median power frequency (MPF) of the upper,
      medial, and lower trapezius; the medial deltoid, infraspinatus, and serratus
      anterior was measured during 3 sets of 15RM during the exercises front raise,
      reverse flyes, shrugs, and lateral raise. For the majority of exercises, nEMG
      activity was high (>60% of maximal isometric contractions). From the first to the
      last repetition of each set nEMG-averaged for all muscles-increased 10. 0 +/-
      0.4% (p < 0.05) and MPF decreased -7.7 +/- 0.5 Hz (p < 0.05). By contrast, nEMG
      activity and MPF were unchanged from the first to the third set (averaged for all
      muscles: 38.1 +/- 23.6 vs. 47.6 +/- 28.8% and 88.4 +/- 21.3 vs. 82.1 +/- 18.1 Hz,
      respectively). In conclusion, during a shoulder resistance training bout in
      novice individuals using 15RM loading muscle activity of the upper, medial, and
      lower trapezius, the medial deltoid, infraspinatus, and serratus anterior
      increased, and MPF decreased within each set-indicating momentary neuromuscular
      fatigue. By contrast, no such change was observed between the 3 sets. This
      indicates that momentary neuromuscular fatigue in shoulder resistance training is
      induced more efficiently within a set than between sets.

PMID- 22067243
TI  - Speed and agility of 12- and 14-year-old elite male basketball players.
AB  - The aims of this study were (a) to identify and compare the speed and agility of
      12- and 14-year-old elite male basketball players and (b) to investigate
      relations between speed and agility for both age groups of basketball players, to
      help coaches to improve their work. Sixty-four players aged 12 (M = 11.98 years,
      SD = 0.311) and 54 players aged 14 (M = 14.092 years, SD = 0.275) were tested.
      Three agility tests: agility t-test, zigzag agility drill, and agility run 4 * 15
      m and 3 speed tests: 20-m run, 30-m run, and 50-m run were applied. Fourteen-year
      old players achieved significantly better results in all speed and agility tests
      compared with 12-year-old players. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.81, p =
      0.001) showed that 12-year-old players have the same ability in the 30- and 50-m
      runs. The other correlation coefficient (r = 0.59, p = 0.001) indicated that 20-
      and 30-m runs had inherently different qualities. The correlation coefficients
      between agility tests were <0.71, and therefore, each test in this group
      represents a specific task. In 14-year-old players, the correlation coefficients
      between the speed test results were <0.71. In contrast, the correlation
      coefficients between the agility tests were >0.71, which means that all the 3
      tests represent the same quality. During the speed training of 12-year-old
      players, it is advisable to focus on shorter running distances, up to 30 m.
      During the agility training of the same players, it is useful to apply exercises
      with various complexities. In speed training of the 14-year-old players, the 30-
      and 50-m runs should be applied, and agility training should include more
      specific basketball movements and activities.

PMID- 22067244
TI  - Acute effects of a warm-up including active, passive, and dynamic stretching on
      vertical jump performance.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of 3 different
      stretching methods combined with a warm-up protocol on vertical jump performance.
      Sixteen young tennis players (14.5 +/- 2.8 years; 175 +/- 5.6 cm; 64.0 +/- 11.1
      kg) were randomly assigned to 4 different experimental conditions on 4 successive
      days. Each session consisted of a general and specific warm-up, with 5 minutes of
      running followed by 10 jumps, accompanied by one of the subsequent conditions:
      (a) Control Condition (CC)-5 minutes of passive rest; (b) Passive Stretching
      Condition (PSC)-5 minutes of passive static stretching; (c) Active Stretching
      Condition (ASC)-5 minutes of active static stretching; and (d) Dynamic Stretching
      Condition (DC)-5 minutes of dynamic stretching. After each intervention, the
      subjects performed 3 squat jumps (SJs) and 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs), which
      were measured electronically. For the SJ, 1-way repeated measures analysis of
      variance (CC * PSC * ASC * DC) revealed significant decreases for ASC (28.7 +/-
      4.7 cm; p = 0.01) and PSC (28.7 +/- 4.3 cm; p = 0.02) conditions when compared
      with CC (29.9 +/- 5.0 cm). For CMJs, there were no significant decreases (p >
      0.05) when all stretching conditions were compared with the CC. Significant
      increases in SJ performance were observed when comparing the DC (29.6 +/- 4.9 cm;
      p = 0.02) with PSC (28.7 +/- 4.3 cm). Significant increases in CMJ performance
      were observed when comparing the conditions ASC (34.0 +/- 6.0 cm; p = 0.04) and
      DC (33.7 +/- 5.5 cm; p = 0.03) with PSC (32.6 +/- 5.5 cm). A dynamic stretching
      intervention appears to be more suitable for use as part of a warm-up in young
      athletes.

PMID- 22067246
TI  - A 6-month supervised employer-based minimal exercise program for police officers
      improves fitness.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a 6-month supervised,
      job-specific moderate exercise program in police officers on body composition,
      cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and
      cardiovascular and muscular fitness were assessed at baseline, after a 6-month
      supervised fitness program and at 12-month follow-up (18 months). One hundred
      sixty-five (n = 131 men and n = 34 women) young (mean +/- SEM, 26.4 +/- 1.9
      years), overweight (BMI = 26.2 +/- 1.2 kg.m) police officers participated.
      Aerobic exercise progressed from 3 d.wk, 20 minutes per session at 60% of the
      heart rate reserve (HRR) to 5 d.wk, 30 minutes per session at 75% of HRR at 3
      months, and this level was maintained until 6 months. Muscular strength training
      progressed using 8 different calisthenics exercises from 3 d.wk, 2 sets of 5
      repetitions using the participant's own BW to 5 d.wk, 3 sets of 15 repetitions of
      the participant's own BW at 3 months, and this level was maintained until 6
      months. Cardiovascular and muscular fitness was measured using a 0.25-mile
      obstacle course incorporating various job-specific exercises and expressed as the
      physical abilities test (PAT) time. There was a significant reduction in BMI (
      0.6 +/- 0.2 kg.m, p < 0.001) and BW (-2.8 +/- 2.3 kg) and reduction in PAT time (
      11.9 +/- 2.1%, p < 0.01) from baseline to 6 months. However, BMI (1.4 +/- 1.1
      kg.m, p < 0.001), BW (5.1 +/- 3.0 kg, p < 0.01), and PAT time significantly
      increased (12.8 +/- 2.2%, p < 0.01) from 6 to 18 months. There were no sex by
      time differences. The practical applications of this study indicate that a
      supervised, job-specific exercise program for police officers improves fitness
      and body composition after 6 months in both men and women, but continued
      supervision of exercise program may be necessary for maintenance of health
      benefits.

PMID- 22067247
TI  - Electromyostimulation--a systematic review of the effects of different
      electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and
      elite athletes.
AB  - This is the first part of 2 studies that systematically review the current state
      of research and structure the results of selected electromyostimulation (EMS)
      studies in a way that makes accurate comparisons possible. This part will focus
      on the effects of EMS on strength enhancement. On the basis of these results,
      part 2 will deal with the influence of the training regimen and stimulation
      parameters on EMS training effectiveness to make recommendations for training
      control. Out of about 200 studies, 89 trials were selected according to
      predefined criteria: subject age (<35 years), subject health (unimpaired), EMS
      type (percutaneous stimulation), and study duration (>7 days). To evaluate these
      trials, we first defined appropriate categories according to the type of EMS
      (local or whole body) and type of muscle contraction (isometric, dynamic,
      isokinetic). Then, we established the most relevant strength parameters for high
      performance sports: maximal strength, speed strength, power, jumping and
      sprinting ability. Unlike former reviews, this study differentiates between 3
      categories of subjects based on their level of fitness (untrained subjects,
      trained subjects, and elite athletes) and on the types of EMS methods used
      (local, whole-body, combination). Special focus was on trained and elite
      athletes. Untrained athletes were investigated for comparison purposes. This
      scientific analysis revealed that EMS is effective for developing physical
      performance. After a stimulation period of 3-6 weeks, significant gains (p <
      0.05) were shown in maximal strength (isometric Fmax +58.8%; dynamic Fmax
      +79.5%), speed strength (eccentric isokinetic Mmax +37.1%; concentric isokinetic
      Mmax + 41.3%; rate of force development + 74%; force impulse + 29%; vmax + 19%),
      and power (+67%). Developing these parameters increases vertical jump height by
      up to +25% (squat jump +21.4%, countermovement jump +19.2%, drop jump +12%) and
      improves sprint times by as much as -4.8% in trained and elite athletes. With
      regard to the level of fitness, the analysis shows that trained and elite
      athletes, despite their already high level of fitness, are able to significantly
      enhance their level of strength to same extent as is possible with untrained
      subjects. The EMS offers a promising alternative to traditional strength training
      for enhancing the strength parameters and motor abilities described above.
      Because of the clear-cut advantages in time management, especially when whole
      body EMS is used, we can expect this method to see the increasing use in high
      performance sports.

PMID- 22067248
TI  - Repeated-sprint and change-of-direction abilities in physically active
      individuals and soccer players: training and testing implications.
AB  - The relationship between repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and repeated change-of
      direction (RCOD) matched on intervals and distances was investigated in this
      study. The discrimination abilities of the tests were also examined. Using a
      within-subject repeated measures design, 25 physically active individuals (ACTs),
      16 college soccer players (COL), and 18 professional soccer players (PRO)
      performed the RSA and RCOD tests during which the fastest time (FT), average time
      (AT), total time (TT), and percentage decrement score (%Dec) were recorded. We
      concluded that RSA and RCOD tested separate motor abilities because the shared
      variance between them in the FT, AT, and TT was <=50%. Both RSA and RCOD tests
      were reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient ranged 0.79-0.90) and valid
      performance assessments in terms of construct in that they discriminated between
      ACT and soccer players (irrespective of the soccer skill level in this study).
      Specifically, the FT, AT, and TT (but not %Dec) of RSA and RCOD were
      significantly higher in ACT as compared with that in both COL and PRO (p < 0.05).
      Most values of the RSA/RCOD index in COL and PRO were 0.59, which were
      significantly higher than those of ACT (0.53, p < 0.05). We proposed the use of
      the RSA/RCOD index with a target value of 0.59 to prioritize and quantify the
      training needs of RSA and RCOD for soccer players.

PMID- 22067249
TI  - Metabolic syndrome is inversely related to cardiorespiratory fitness in male
      career firefighters.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 45% of on-duty fatalities among
      firefighters, occurring primarily in firefighters with excess CVD risk factors in
      patterns resembling the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Additionally, firefighters
      have a high prevalence of obesity and sedentary behavior suggesting that MetSyn
      is also common. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of MetSyn in firefighters
      and its association with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a cross-sectional
      study of 957 male career firefighters. The CRF was measured by maximal exercise
      tolerance testing (standard metabolic equivalent [METS]). The MetSyn was defined
      according to modified criteria from the Joint Scientific Statement. Group
      differences were compared using chi-test and logistic regression. The prevalence
      of MetSyn was 28.3%. Firefighters in the lowest fitness category (METS <= 10) had
      a nearly 10-fold higher prevalence of MetSyn (51.2%) compared with colleagues in
      the highest fitness category (METS > 14) (MetSyn prevalence 5.2%) (p value <
      0.0001, adjusted for age). In multivariate regression models, every 1-unit
      increase in METS decreased the odds of having the MetSyn by 31% (odds ratio 0.69
      [95% confidence interval 0.63-0.76] [age adjusted]), whereas age had no
      significant effect after adjusting for CRF. We found a high prevalence of the
      MetSyn in this group of career emergency responders expected to be more active,
      fit, and relatively younger than the general population. Moreover, there is a
      highly significant inverse, dose-response association with CRF. Firefighters
      should be given strong incentives to improve their fitness, which would decrease
      prevalent MetSyn, a likely precursor of on-duty CVD events and contributor to CVD
      burden in this population.

PMID- 22067250
TI  - A simplified model to predict stress fracture in young elite combat recruits.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to develop a simple prediction model for stress
      fractures (SFs) in young male recruits to identify risk factors for SF. Data were
      collected from 57 young (18.5 +/- 0.5 years) male athletes before elite combat
      basic training (BT). Measurements included anthropometric variables, blood
      samples, fitness tests, bone quality (peripheral quantitative computed tomography
      [pQCT]), psychological assessment, nutritional habits, and history of physical
      activity. A medical evaluation was done periodically. The SFs were clinically
      diagnosed during the 1-year training and thereafter confirmed by bone
      scintigraphy. Three "simple to monitor" variables were found to be significantly
      (p < 0.05) related to SF occurrence during basic and advanced training: aerobic
      training frequency, aerobic training duration, and waist circumference. From
      these 3 variables, a new model was constructed that successfully predicted 85% of
      the soldiers with (n = 23) and without (n = 34) SF as follows:(Equation is
      included in full-text article.)where PSF is the stress fracture prediction
      according to the Log Odds (SF), Odds(SF) is the ratio between the probability of
      SF existence and nonexistence, ATn is the aerobic training (times per week), ATt
      is the aerobic training duration (minutes per week), and waist is the
      circumference (centimeters). This model was validated on a different database
      taken from another 59 elite combat recruits before BT and successfully predicted
      76.5% of the soldiers with SF (n = 22) and without SF (n = 37). A young male
      recruit for elite combat unit is at a greater risk of developing SF if, before
      entering BT, he trained aerobically <2 times per week with each training >40
      minutes and has a waist circumference of <75 cm. However, further evaluation is
      required for different combat recruits, ages, and training programs to validate
      these results.

PMID- 22067251
TI  - Physiological responses and perceived exertion during cycling with superimposed
      electromyostimulation.
AB  - The goal of the study was to evaluate and to quantify the effects of local
      electromyostimulation (EMS) during cycling on the cardiorespiratory system,
      muscle metabolism, and perceived exertion compared with cycling with no EMS. Ten
      healthy men (age: 24.6 +/- 3.2 years, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: 54.1 +/- 6.0
      ml.min.kg) performed 3 incremental cycle ergometer step tests, 1 without and 2
      with EMS (30 and 85 Hz) until volitional exhaustion. Lactate values and
      respiratory exchange ratio were significantly higher at intensities >=75% peak
      power output (PPO) when EMS was applied. Bicarbonate concentration, base excess
      (BE), and Pco2 were significantly lower when EMS was applied compared with the
      control at intensities >=75% PPO. Saliva cortisol levels increased because of the
      exercise but were unaffected by EMS. Furthermore, EMS showed greater effects on
      CK levels 24 hours postexercise than normal cycling did. Rating of perceived
      exertion was significantly higher at 100% PPO with EMS. No statistical
      differences were found for heart rate, pH, and Po2 between the tested cycling
      modes. The main findings of this study are greater metabolic changes (lactate,
      respiratory exchange ratio, BE, (Equation is included in full-text article.),
      Pco2) during cycling with EMS compared with normal cycling independent of
      frequency, mainly visible at higher work rates. Because metabolic alterations are
      important for the induction of cellular signaling cascades and adaptations, these
      results lead to the hypothesis that applied EMS stimulations during cycling
      exercise might be an enhancing stimulus for skeletal muscle metabolism and
      related adaptations. Thus, superimposed EMS application during cycling could be
      beneficial to aerobic performance enhancements in athletes and in patients who
      cannot perform high workloads. However, the higher demand on skeletal muscles
      involved must be considered.

PMID- 22067252
TI  - Increasing the distance of an external focus of attention enhances standing long
      jump performance.
AB  - Numerous studies have demonstrated that using verbal instructions to direct a
      performers attention externally (i.e., toward the effect of the movement)
      significantly enhances motor skill performance. Limited research has also
      demonstrated that increasing the distance of an external focus relative to the
      body magnifies the effect of an external focus of attention. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the effect of increasing the distance of an external
      focus of attention on standing long jump performance. Using a counterbalanced
      within-participant design, recreationally trained male subjects (n = 35)
      performed 2 standing long jumps following 3 different sets of verbal instructions
      (total of 6 jumps; each separated by 1 minute of seated rest). One set of
      instructions was designed to focus attention externally near the body (EXN);
      another set of instructions directed attention externally to a target farther
      from the body (EXF); the last set of instructions served as a control condition
      (CON) and did not encourage a specific focus of attention. The results indicated
      that the EXN and EXF conditions elicited jump distances that were significantly
      greater than the CON condition. In addition, the subjects in the EXF condition
      jumped significantly farther than those in the EXN condition. These findings
      suggest that increasing the distance of an external focus of attention, relative
      to the body, immediately improves standing long jump performance.

PMID- 22067253
TI  - Changes in Acid-base balance during simulated soccer match play.
AB  - This study evaluated changes in markers of acid-base balance that occurred during
      simulated soccer match play. Sixteen academy soccer players participated in a
      soccer match simulation that consisted of 90 minutes of soccer-specific exercise
      with skills throughout. Blood samples were obtained before exercise
      (preexercise), every 15 minutes during the simulation (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90
      minutes), and 10 minutes into the half-time break (half time). Blood lactate
      concentrations were elevated throughout exercise (preexercise: 1.5 +/- 0.12
      mmol.L; 90 minutes: 6.1 +/- 0.7 mmol.L, time effect: p < 0.01, partial-eta =
      0.740). Relative to preexercise values, actual blood bicarbonate (preexercise:
      28.02 +/- 0.92 mmol.L; 90 minutes: 21.73 +/- 0.65 mmol.L, time effect = p < 0.01,
      partial-eta = 0.680), standard blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 25.97 +/- 0.43
      mmol.L; 90 minutes: 22.87 +/- 0.31 mmol.L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta =
      0.667), base excess (preexercise: 2.40 +/- 0.54 mmol.L, 90 minutes: -1.57 +/-
      0.39 mmol.L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.664), and pH (preexercise:
      7.44 +/- 0.01 units; 90 minutes: 7.39 +/- 0.01 units, time effect = p < 0.01,
      partial-eta = 0.542) were depressed throughout the exercise. Interestingly, blood
      bicarbonate, base excess, and pH recovered at half time (p > 0.05). This is the
      first study to provide data concerning the acid-base balance of familiarized
      soccer players during exercise that simulates soccer match play. These findings
      suggest that (a) blood pH is reduced during soccer-specific exercise and (b)
      although buffering capacity is reduced throughout exercise, it returns to normal
      during half time. Further research is warranted to develop interventions that can
      maintain acid-base balance throughout the full duration of a soccer match.

PMID- 22067254
TI  - Effects of MagProTM on muscle performance.
AB  - Athletes are on an endless quest to enhance performance and are frequently
      barraged by products that purport to contribute to various components of athletic
      activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if MagProTM influenced
      muscle flexibility or muscle endurance. This was a double-blind, randomized,
      controlled study using a repeated-measures design. The Institutional Review Board
      approved consent was obtained. The participants were healthy, physically active
      adults (n = 38 for phase 1; n = 18 for phase 2). Two creams were used: MagProTM
      (Mg cream) and a placebo. In phase 1, each cream was applied to the gastroc
      soleus muscles. A stretching protocol was completed, and ankle dorsiflexion was
      compared. In phase 2, 1 cream was applied to both quadriceps muscles. An
      endurance protocol using a Life Fitness bicycle was completed. The procedure was
      repeated with the other cream on the quadriceps muscle 1 week later. For the
      flexibility phase, an analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed no
      difference between the 2 creams (p = 0.50), but there was a change in the
      flexibility over time (p = 0.00). For the endurance phase, paired t-tests
      revealed that there was no significant difference between the first (p = 0.26) or
      second (p = 0.35) cycling bouts of either cream. Likewise, there were no
      differences between the first and second cycling bouts of both the creams
      (MagProTM p = 0.46; Placebo p = 0.08). Despite previous studies demonstrating
      improved performance with Mg supplements, MagProTM did not enhance the outcome
      measures of this study. Examination of alternative application techniques and
      other outcome measures would be appropriate.

PMID- 22067255
TI  - The effects of whole-body vibration in isolation or combined with strength
      training in female athletes.
AB  - The aims of this study were to assess the behavior of a vibrating platform under
      different conditions and to compare the effects of an 8-week periodized training
      program with whole-body vibration (WBV) alone or in combination with conventional
      strength training (ST). Vibrating frequencies, displacements, and peak
      accelerations were tested through a piezoelectric accelerometer under different
      conditions of load and subjects' position. Eighteen national-level female
      athletes were assigned to 1 of 3 different groups performing WBV, conventional
      ST, or a combination of the 2 (WBV + ST). Isometric maximal voluntary
      contraction, dynamic maximal concentric force, and vertical jump tests were
      performed before and after the conditioning program. Vibrating displacements and
      maximum accelerations measured on the device were not always consistent with
      their expected values calculated from the display and manufacturers' information
      (sinusoidal waveforms). The WBV alone or in combination with low-intensity
      resistance exercise did not seem to induce significant enhancements in force and
      power when compared with ST. It appears that WBV cannot substitute parts of ST
      loading in a cohort of young female athletes. However, vibration effects might be
      limited by the behavior of the commercial platforms as the one used in the study.
      More studies are needed to analyze the performances of devices and the
      effectiveness of protocols.

PMID- 22067256
TI  - Comparative analysis of miRNAs and their targets across four plant species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNA (miRNA) mediated regulation of gene expression has been
      recognized as a major posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism also in plants. We
      performed a comparative analysis of miRNAs and their respective gene targets
      across four plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana (Ath), Medicago truncatula(Mtr),
      Brassica napus (Bna), and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cre). RESULTS: miRNAs were
      obtained from mirBase with 218 miRNAs for Ath, 375 for Mtr, 46 for Bna, and 73
      for Cre, annotated for each species respectively. miRNA targets were obtained
      from available database annotations, bioinformatic predictions using RNAhybrid as
      well as predicted from an analysis of mRNA degradation products (degradome
      sequencing) aimed at identifying miRNA cleavage products. On average, and
      considering both experimental and bioinformatic predictions together, every miRNA
      was associated with about 46 unique gene transcripts with considerably variation
      across species. We observed a positive and linear correlation between the number
      miRNAs and the total number of transcripts across different plant species
      suggesting that the repertoire of miRNAs correlates with the size of the
      transcriptome of an organism. Conserved miRNA-target pairs were found to be
      associated with developmental processes and transcriptional regulation, while
      species-specific (in particular, Ath) pairs are involved in signal transduction
      and response to stress processes. Conserved miRNAs have more targets and higher
      expression values than non-conserved miRNAs. We found evidence for a conservation
      of not only the sequence of miRNAs, but their expression levels as well.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion of a high birth and death rate of
      miRNAs and that miRNAs serve many species specific functions, while conserved
      miRNA are related mainly to developmental processes and transcriptional
      regulation with conservation operating at both the sequence and expression level.

PMID- 22067257
TI  - Epigenetic-aging-signature to determine age in different tissues.
AB  - All tissues of the organism are affected by aging. This process is associated
      with epigenetic modifications such as methylation changes at specific cytosine
      residues in the DNA (CpG sites). Here, we have identified an Epigenetic-Aging
      Signature which is applicable for many tissues to predict donor age. DNA
      methylation profiles of various cell types were retrieved from public data
      depositories - all using the HumanMethylation27 BeadChip platform which
      represents 27,578 CpG sites. Five datasets from dermis, epidermis, cervical
      smear, T-cells and monocytes were used for Pavlidis Template Matching to identify
      19 CpG sites that are continuously hypermethylated upon aging (R>0.6; p-value<10
      13). Four of these CpG sites (associated with the genes NPTX2, TRIM58, GRIA2 and
      KCNQ1DN) and an additional hypomethylated CpG site (BIRC4BP) were implemented in
      a model to predict donor age. This Epigenetic-Aging-Signature was tested on a
      validation group of eight independent datasets corresponding to several cell
      types from different tissues. Overall, the five CpG sites revealed age-associated
      DNA-methylation changes in all tissues. The average absolute difference between
      predicted and real chronological age was about 11 years. This method can be used
      to predict donor age in various cell preparations - for example in forensic
      analysis.

PMID- 22067258
TI  - Body mass index at 11-13 weeks' gestation and pregnancy complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) at 11-13
      weeks' gestation and a wide range of adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjustment
      for confounding factors in obstetric history and maternal characteristics.
      METHODS: This was a prospective screening study for adverse obstetric outcomes in
      women with singleton pregnancies attending for their first routine hospital visit
      at 11(+0)-13(+6) weeks of gestation. The maternal weight and height were measured
      and the BMI was calculated. Regression analysis was performed to examine the
      association between BMI and each of the adverse pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: We
      examined 41,577 pregnancies with a live fetus at 11-13 weeks. There was a
      significant contribution from maternal BMI, in addition to maternal
      characteristics and obstetric history, in the prediction of subsequent
      miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational
      diabetes mellitus, delivery of small and large for gestational age neonates, and
      both elective and emergency cesarean section, but not spontaneous preterm
      delivery. The risk for each pregnancy complication increased exponentially with
      BMI, except for delivery of small for gestational age neonates which decreased
      with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal BMI at 11-13 weeks can be combined with other
      maternal characteristics and obstetric history to estimate patient-specific risks
      for many pregnancy complications.

PMID- 22067259
TI  - Characterization of a novel oral glucocorticoid system and its possible role in
      disease.
AB  - Synthetic corticosteroids are used widely for the treatment of a variety of
      diseases of the mouth. However, little is known as to whether the oral mucosa is
      able to modulate the local concentration of active corticosteroids or to produce
      steroids de novo. This has important clinical implications, because tissue
      specific regulation of glucocorticoids is a key determinant of the clinical
      efficacy of these drugs. In the present study, we show that oral fibroblasts and
      keratinocytes expressed ACTH receptor (MC2R), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and
      11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11beta-HSDs). Unlike keratinocytes,
      fibroblasts lacked 11beta-HSD2 and could not effectively deactivate exogenously
      administered cortisol. However, both cell types were able not only to activate
      cortisone into the active form cortisol, but also to synthesize cortisol de novo
      following stimulation with ACTH. 11beta-HSD2, the enzyme controlling cortisol
      deactivation, exhibited different patterns of expression in normal (squamous
      epithelium and salivary glands) and diseased oral mucosa (squamous cell carcinoma
      and mucoepidermoid carcinoma). Blocking of endogenous cortisol catabolism in
      keratinocytes with the 11beta-HSD2 inhibitor 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid mimicked
      the effect of exogenous administration of hydrocortisone and partially prevented
      the detrimental effects induced by pemphigus vulgaris sera. Analysis of the data
      demonstrates that a novel, non-adrenal glucocorticoid system is present in the
      oral mucosa that may play an important role in disease.

PMID- 22067260
TI  - Chronic administration of tibolone modulates anxiety-like behavior and enhances
      cognitive performance in ovariectomized rats.
AB  - Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be prescribed to prevent the symptoms of
      menopause. This therapy may include estrogenic and/or progestin components and
      may increase the incidence of endometrial and breast cancers. Tibolone (TIB),
      which is also made up of estrogen and progestin components, is often used to
      reduce the impact of HRT. However, the effect of TIB on the processes of
      learning, memory and anxiety has yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the long-term effect on learning, memory processes and
      anxiety in ovariectomized rats caused by different doses of TIB (0 mg/kg, 0.01
      mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg 1.0 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, administered daily via the oral route
      for 18 weeks). Two behavioral animal models, the autoshaping and T maze models
      were employed. The concentrations of acetyl choline transferase (ChAT) and
      tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the hippocampus were directly measured by Western
      blot. No significant changes were observed in the autoshaping model and
      spontaneous activity test. In the T maze, increased latency was observed with TIB
      doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg compared to the vehicle. We observed that the ChAT
      content decreased with increasing doses of TIB, whereas TPH content increased
      with doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg of TIB. These data indicate that high doses of TIB
      improved emotional learning, which may be related to the modulation of the
      cholinergic and serotonergic systems by TIB.

PMID- 22067261
TI  - Photoperiodicity and increasing salinity as environmental cues for reproduction
      in desert adapted rodents.
AB  - Understanding the ways environmental signals, regulate reproduction and
      reproductive behavior of desert adapted rodents is a major gap in our knowledge.
      In this study, we assessed the roles of photoperiod and diet salinity, as signals
      for reproduction. We challenged desert adapted common spiny mice, Acomys
      cahirinus, males and females with osmotic stress, by gradually increasing
      salinity in their water source - from 0.9% to 5% NaCl under short and long days
      (SD and LD, respectively). Photoperiodicity affected testosterone levels, as
      under LD-acclimation, levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher than under SD
      acclimation. Salinity treatment (ST) significantly reduced SD-acclimated male
      body mass (W(b)) and testis mass (p<0.005; normalized to W(b)). ST-LD-females
      significantly (p<0.005) decreased progesterone levels and the numbers of estrous
      cycles. A reduction in white adipose tissue (WAT) to an undetectable level was
      noted in ST-mice of both sexes under both photoperiod regimes. Receptors for
      vasopressin (VP) and aldosterone were revealed on testes of all male groups and
      on WAT in control groups. Our results suggest that photoperiod serves as an
      initial signal while water availability, expressed by increased salinity in the
      water source, is an ultimate cue for regulation of reproduction, in both sexes of
      desert-adapted A. cahirinus. We assume that environmental changes also affect
      behavior, as water seeking behavior by selecting food items, or locomotor
      activity may change in extreme environment, and thus indirectly affect
      reproduction and reproductive behavior. The existence of VP and aldosterone
      receptors in the gonads and WAT suggests the involvement of osmoregulatory
      hormones in reproductive control of desert adapted rodents.

PMID- 22067262
TI  - Evaluation of the humoral immune response in adult dairy cattle three years after
      vaccination with a bluetongue serotype 8 inactivated vaccine.
AB  - Despite the widespread use of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) inactivated vaccines
      across Europe from 2008 to 2011, two very practical questions remain unanswered
      about the length of persistence of group-specific antibodies in milk and serum
      post-vaccination and the duration of protection beyond one year post-vaccination.
      This study has firstly revealed that group-specific antibodies persist at high
      levels in milk and serum in the majority of cattle for at least 3 years post
      vaccination, thus removing the option of using these animals in ELISA-based
      surveillance programmes. Secondly neutralising antibodies have been shown to
      persist in the majority of cattle for at least 3 years post-vaccination,
      indicating that the cattle are likely to be protected for this time period. This
      extended duration of protection may have contributed towards the rapid and
      efficient eradication of BTV-8 from many European countries, despite reducing
      levels of vaccine coverage.

PMID- 22067263
TI  - Vaccination with NS1-truncated H3N2 swine influenza virus primes T cells and
      confers cross-protection against an H1N1 heterosubtypic challenge in pigs.
AB  - The diversity of contemporary swine influenza virus (SIV) strains impedes
      effective immunization of swine herds. Mucosally delivered, attenuated virus
      vaccines are one approach with potential to provide broad cross-protection.
      Reverse genetics-derived H3N2 SIV virus with truncated NS1 (NS1Delta126 TX98) is
      attenuated and immunogenic when delivered intranasally in young pigs. We analyzed
      T-cell priming and cross-protective efficacy in weanling piglets after intranasal
      inoculation with NS1Delta126 TX98 versus wild type TX98. In vivo replication of
      the truncation mutant was minimal compared to the wild type virus. T-cell
      responses were greater in magnitude in pigs infected with the wild type virus in
      in vitro restimulation assays. According to the expression of activation marker
      CD25, peripheral T cell recall responses in NS1Delta126 TX98 infected pigs were
      minimal. However, intracellular IFN-gamma data indicate that the attenuated virus
      induced virus-specific CD4(+)CD8(-), CD4(+)CD8(+), CD4(-)CD8(+), and gammadelta T
      cells within 28 days. The IFN-gamma response appeared to contract, as responses
      were reduced at later time points prior to challenge. CD4(+)CD8(+) cells isolated
      5 days after heterosubtypic H1N1 challenge (day 70 overall) showed an elevated
      CD25 response to virus restimulation. Pigs previously infected with wild type
      TX98 were protected from replication of the H1N1 challenge virus. Vaccination
      with NS1Delta126 TX98 was associated with significantly lower levels of Th1
      associated cytokines in infected lungs but provided partial cross-protection
      against the H1N1 challenge. These results demonstrate that NS1Delta SIV vaccines
      can elicit cell-mediated cross-protection against antigenically divergent
      strains.

PMID- 22067264
TI  - Lung function reduction and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in the
      cement industry: a follow up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are only a few follow-up studies of respiratory function among
      cement workers. The main aims of this study were to measure total dust exposure,
      to examine chronic respiratory symptoms and changes in lung function among cement
      factory workers and controls that were followed for one year. METHODS: The study
      was conducted in two cement factories in Ethiopia. Totally, 262 personal
      measurements of total dust among 105 randomly selected workers were performed.
      Samples of total dust were collected on 37-mm cellulose acetate filters placed in
      closed faced Millipore-cassettes. Totally 127 workers; 56 cleaners, 44 cement
      production workers and 27 controls were randomly selected from two factories and
      examined for lung function and interviewed for chronic respiratory symptoms in
      2009. Of these, 91 workers; 38 cement cleaners (mean age 32 years), 33 cement
      production workers (36 years) and 20 controls (38 years) were examined with the
      same measurements in 2010. RESULTS: Total geometric mean dust exposure among
      cleaners was 432 mg/m(3). The fraction of samples exceeding the Threshold Limit
      Value (TLV) of 10 mg/m(3) for the cleaners varied from 84-97% in the four
      departments. The levels were considerably lower among the production workers (GM
      = 8.2 mg/m(3)), but still 48% exceeded 10 mg/m(3).The prevalence of all the
      chronic respiratory symptoms among both cleaners and production workers was
      significantly higher than among the controls.Forced Expiratory Volume in one
      second (FEV(1)) and FEV(1)/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV(1)/FVC) were significantly
      reduced from 2009 to 2010 among the cleaners (p < 0.002 and p < 0.004,
      respectively) and production workers (p < 0.05 and p < 0.02, respectively), but
      not among the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of chronic respiratory
      symptoms and reduction in lung function is probably associated with high cement
      dust exposure. Preventive measures are needed to reduce the dust exposure.

PMID- 22067265
TI  - The feasibility of endocardial propagation mapping using magnetic resonance
      guidance in a Swine model, and comparison with standard electroanatomic mapping.
AB  - The introduction of electroanatomic mapping (EAM) has improved the understanding
      of the substrate of ventricular tachycardia. EAM systems are used to delineate
      scar regions responsible for the arrhythmia by creating voltage or activation
      time maps. Previous studies have identified the benefits of creating MR-guided
      voltage maps; however, in some cases voltage maps may not identify regions of
      slow propagation that can cause the reentrant tachycardia. In this study, we
      obtained local activation time maps and analyzed propagation properties by
      performing MR-guided mapping of the porcine left ventricle while pacing from the
      right ventricle. Anatomical and myocardial late gadolinium enhancement images
      were used for catheter navigation and identification of scar regions. Our MR
      guided mapping procedure showed qualitative correspondence to conventional
      clinical EAM systems in healthy pigs and demonstrated altered propagation in
      endocardial infarct models.

PMID- 22067266
TI  - A Bayesian framework for automated cardiovascular risk scoring on standard lumbar
      radiographs.
AB  - We present a fully automated framework for scoring a patient's risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality from a standard lateral radiograph of
      the lumbar aorta. The framework segments abdominal aortic calcifications for
      computing a CVD risk score and performs a survival analysis to validate the
      score. Since the aorta is invisible on X-ray images, its position is reasoned
      from 1) the shape and location of the lumbar vertebrae and 2) the location,
      shape, and orientation of potential calcifications. The proposed framework
      follows the principle of Bayesian inference, which has several advantages in the
      complex task of segmenting aortic calcifications. Bayesian modeling allows us to
      compute CVD risk scores conditioned on the seen calcifications by formulating
      distributions, dependencies, and constraints on the unknown parameters. We
      evaluate the framework on two datasets consisting of 351 and 462 standard lumbar
      radiographs, respectively. Promising results indicate that the framework has
      potential applications in diagnosis, treatment planning, and the study of drug
      effects related to CVD.

PMID- 22067267
TI  - Dynamics of a contrast agent microbubble attached to an elastic wall.
AB  - A modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation is derived to model the oscillation of a
      contrast agent microbubble attached to an elastic wall. The obtained equation
      shows that contact with the wall affects the bubble oscillation as if the bubble
      oscillated in a liquid with a changed (effective) density. Depending on the wall
      properties, the effective density can be either higher or lower than the real
      liquid density and hence the natural frequency of the attached bubble can be
      either lower or higher than the natural frequency of the same bubble in an
      unbounded liquid. Numerical simulations are made for a contrast bubble with shell
      properties similar to those used in the Marmottant shell model. The cases of a
      rigid wall and a plastic wall are compared. The properties of the plastic wall
      are set to correspond to walls of OptiCell chambers commonly used in experiments.
      It is shown that contact with the rigid wall decreases the natural frequency of
      the bubble as compared to its natural frequency in an unbounded liquid, whereas
      contact with the OptiCell wall increases the natural frequency of the bubble.
      Bubble resonance curves for three cases are compared: the bubble in an unbounded
      liquid; the bubble at a distance from an OptiCell wall; the bubble in contact
      with an OptiCell wall. Results obtained for a 2- MUm -radius bubble insonified
      with a 10-cycle, 40 kPa, 2.1 MHz Gaussian pulse show that contact with the
      OptiCell wall leads to the following effects. The amplitude of the radial
      oscillation of the attached bubble is decreased by about 70% as compared to that
      of the same bubble in an unbounded liquid. The fundamental component in the
      spectrum of the scattered pressure of the attached bubble is decreased by 12 dB.
      A strong second harmonic appears in the spectrum of the scattered pressure of the
      attached bubble; its magnitude is about 11.5 dB higher than the level
      corresponding to the case of an unbounded liquid.

PMID- 22067268
TI  - Usefulness of repeated recombinant human thyrotropin-stimulated thyroglobulin
      test in the post-surgical follow-up of very low-risk patients with differentiated
      thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Thyroid Association (ETA) and the American Thyroid
      Association (ATA) guidelines identify subgroups of patients affected by thyroid
      carcinoma in whom, due to a low risk of recurrence, radioiodine ablation is not
      indicated. These patients are referred to as "very low-risk" according to the ETA
      consensus and "low-risk" patients according to the ATA guidelines. The
      recommended post-surgical follow-up of these patients is based upon periodical
      measurements of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) on levothyroxine therapy and neck
      ultrasound (US). AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of recombinant human (rh)-TSH Tg
      test and its repetition 2-3 yr afterwards in very low-risk patients. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 32 patients with undetectable anti-Tg
      antibodies. Basal serum Tg levels was undetectable in all patients. RESULTS:
      Following rhTSH serum Tg remained undetectable in 23 (71.9%) patients (UP) and
      was >1.0 ng/ml in 9 (DP). US and whole body scan, revealed lymph node metastasis
      in 4/9 DP patients. A second rhTSH stimulation test (36.9+/-3.5 months later) was
      performed in all UP and in 5 DP patients without proven recurrences. All the UP
      and 4/5 formerly DP patients showed undetectable Tg stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that rhTSH Tg test may be helpful in very low-risk patients,
      given its ability to differentiate those who may be considered "free of disease"
      from those who require further investigation and treatment. Repeated rhTSH Tg
      tests may be indicated only in patients with detectable serum Tg at prior
      stimulation testing.

PMID- 22067269
TI  - Joint impact of donor and recipient parameters on the outcome of liver
      transplantation in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The shortage of donor organs in Germany has led to the use of organs
      from donors with extended donor criteria (EDC). EDC have been defined on the
      basis of expert opinions, but their clinical relevance is controversial. This may
      cause loss of organs otherwise available for transplantation. We evaluated the
      impact of donor and recipient factors in liver transplants on patient and graft
      survival in a nationwide multicenter analysis, with special focus on EDC and
      donor risk index. METHODS: A database was created from data on livers donated and
      transplanted in Germany between 2006 and 2008 as provided by Deutsche Stiftung
      Organ transplantation and BQS Institute. Cox regression (significance level 5%,
      risk ratio [95% confidence interval]) was used for calculating the impact on
      patient survival (n=2095) and on graft survival (n=2175). RESULTS: Patient and
      graft survival were significantly affected only by donor age (1.012 and
      1.011/year), recipient age (1.019 and 1.014/year), creatinine (1.248 and
      1.205/mg/dL), bilirubin (1.022 and 1.023/mg/dL), and high urgency status (1.783
      and 1.809). Inferior organ quality resulted in lower graft survival (1.243) and
      donor history of smoking in lower patient survival (1.249). CONCLUSION: Multiple
      Cox regression revealed no significant impact of EDC or donor risk index on
      patient and graft survival except for donor age after donor selection at
      recovery. Among recipient variables, only age, creatinine and bilirubin, and high
      urgency status were associated with poorer outcome.

PMID- 22067270
TI  - Impact of early conversion from tacrolimus to sirolimus on chronic allograft
      changes in kidney recipients on rapid steroid withdrawal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcineurin-inhibitor therapy is a contributing factor to the origin
      of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective randomized trial of conversion of tacrolimus to sirolimus at 1-month
      posttransplant in kidney transplant recipients on rapid steroid withdrawal. We
      compared the chronic changes (IFTA and sum of Banff chronic scores--Total Score)
      on protocol biopsies at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years in all randomized patients.
      We compared the outcomes between treatment groups and analyzed the impact of
      previous rejection on the chronic changes. RESULTS: We randomized 122 patients,
      62 to sirolimus and 60 to tacrolimus. The 1-year biopsy was performed in 54
      patients (90%) of the tacrolimus group and 56 patients (90%) of the sirolimus
      group. The proportion of biopsies with IFTA more than or equal to 2 and the Total
      Score more than 2 increased over the 2 years but were not different between the
      study groups at any time point. On the 1-year biopsy, there was more IFTA, and
      the fraction with Total Score more than 2 was higher in the tacrolimus group with
      previous rejection. In the cohort without rejection, there was a significant
      progression of the IFTA and Total Score between 1 and 2 years in both the
      sirolimus and tacrolimus groups. CONCLUSION: Conversion from tacrolimus to
      sirolimus at 1-month posttransplant in kidney transplant recipients on rapid
      steroid withdrawal does not decrease the progression of chronic changes on
      protocol biopsies during the first 2 years even in those patients without
      previous acute rejection.

PMID- 22067271
TI  - QT dispersion and cardiac involvement in children with Familial Mediterranean
      fever.
AB  - Familial Mediterranean fever is a hereditary disease characterised by recurrent
      and self-terminated attacks of fever and polyserositis. An earlier study found
      that adult patients of Familial Mediterranean fever had an abnormally longer QT
      dispersion and corrected QT dispersion, markers for ventricular
      arrhythmogenicity. QT dispersion is a simple non-invasive arrhythmogenic marker
      that can be used to assess homogeneity of cardiac repolarisation; however, it has
      not been studied in children with Familial Mediterranean fever before. The aim of
      this study was to assess QT dispersion and corrected QT dispersion, and their
      relationship with systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle in a
      group of children with Familial Mediterranean fever. We performed
      electrocardiography and Doppler echocardiography on patients and controls.
      Maximum QT, minimum QT, QT dispersion, corrected QT, maximum corrected QT,
      minimum corrected QT, and corrected QT dispersion intervals were measured from
      standard 12-lead electrocardiography. No statistically significant differences
      were found between the groups in QT dispersion, corrected QT dispersion, and
      systolic-diastolic function of the left ventricle parameters. During the 12
      months of follow-up, no ventricular arrhythmias were documented in either group.

PMID- 22067273
TI  - An autoimmune disease prevented by anti-retroviral drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, a Mendelian mimic of congenital
      infection, and the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus can result
      from mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme Trex1. In mice, the absence of
      Trex1 causes severe myocarditis. The enzyme is thought to degrade endogenous
      retroelements, thus linking them to autoimmune disease. However, inhibition of
      reverse transcription by the inhibitor zidovudine (AZT) did not ameliorate the
      disease, weakening the link to retroelements. FINDINGS: Here, we show that two
      other FDA-approved drugs that inhibit reverse transcriptase can ameliorate the
      myocarditis in Trex1-null mouse. CONCLUSIONS: The result suggests that
      retroelements contribute to this hereditary form of autoimmunity, and that
      treatment with retroelement inhibitors might ameliorate Aicardi-Goutieres
      syndrome in humans.

PMID- 22067275
TI  - Adaptive timing of detachment in a tick parasitizing hole-nesting birds.
AB  - In non-permanent parasites with low intrinsic mobility such as ticks, dispersal
      is highly dependent on host movements as well as the timing of separation from
      the hosts. Optimal detachment behaviour is all the more crucial in nidicolous
      ticks as the risk of detaching in non-suitable habitat is high. In this study, we
      experimentally investigated the detachment behaviour of Ixodes arboricola, a
      nidicolous tick that primarily infests birds roosting in tree-holes. We infested
      great tits with I. arboricola larvae or nymphs, and submitted the birds to 2
      experimental treatments, a control treatment in which birds had normal access to
      nest boxes and an experimental treatment, in which the birds were prevented
      access to their nest boxes for varying lengths of time. In the control group,
      most ticks detached within 5 days, whereas in the experimental group, ticks
      remained on the bird for as long as the bird was prevented access (up to 14
      days). This prolonged attachment caused a decrease in survival and engorgement
      weight in nymphs, but not in larvae. The capacity of I. arboricola larvae to
      extend the duration of attachment in non-suitable environments with no apparent
      costs, may be an adaptation to unpredictable use of cavities by roosting hosts
      during winter, and at the same time may facilitate dispersal of the larval
      instars.

PMID- 22067274
TI  - Global analysis of gene expression in NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons identifies
      molecular pathways associated with cell death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developing sympathetic neurons depend on nerve growth factor (NGF)
      for survival and die by apoptosis after NGF withdrawal. This process requires de
      novo gene expression but only a small number of genes induced by NGF deprivation
      have been identified so far, either by a candidate gene approach or in mRNA
      differential display experiments. This is partly because it is difficult to
      obtain large numbers of sympathetic neurons for in vitro studies. Here, we
      describe for the first time, how advances in gene microarray technology have
      allowed us to investigate the expression of all known genes in sympathetic
      neurons cultured in the presence and absence of NGF. RESULTS: We have used
      Affymetrix Exon arrays to study the pattern of expression of all known genes in
      NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons. We identified 415 up- and 813 down-regulated
      genes, including most of the genes previously known to be regulated in this
      system. NGF withdrawal activates the mixed lineage kinase (MLK)-c-Jun N-terminal
      kinase (JNK)-c-Jun pathway which is required for NGF deprivation-induced death.
      By including a mixed lineage kinase (MLK) inhibitor, CEP-11004, in our
      experimental design we identified which of the genes induced after NGF withdrawal
      are potential targets of the MLK-JNK-c-Jun pathway. A detailed Gene Ontology and
      functional enrichment analysis also identified genetic pathways that are highly
      enriched and overrepresented amongst the genes expressed after NGF withdrawal.
      Five genes not previously studied in sympathetic neurons - trib3, ddit3, txnip,
      ndrg1 and mxi1 - were validated by real time-PCR. The proteins encoded by these
      genes also increased in level after NGF withdrawal and this increase was
      prevented by CEP-11004, suggesting that these genes are potential targets of the
      MLK-JNK-c-Jun pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The sympathetic neuron model is one of the
      best studied models of neuronal apoptosis. Overall, our microarray data gives a
      comprehensive overview of, and provides new information about, signalling
      pathways and transcription factors that are regulated by NGF withdrawal.

PMID- 22067276
TI  - Considerations on the measurement of follicular squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22067277
TI  - Effects of administration of hormone therapy or raloxifene on the immune system
      and on biochemical markers of bone remodeling.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Over the last few years, conclusive evidence of the involvement of the
      immune system in the regulation of bone metabolism has been identified.
      Consequently, one question that should be formulated concerns the possible
      effects of antiresorptive therapies on the immune system. Therefore, the purpose
      of the present work was to evaluate both the functionality of the immune system
      and bone turnover in women receiving antiresorptive therapies, such as hormone
      therapy (HT; n = 33) and raloxifene (RLX; n = 66), acting through estrogen
      receptors. METHODS: To that end, this study analyzed bone turnover markers in a
      population of postmenopausal women before and after beginning therapy and
      compared these with data of women not treated (NT; n = 102). In a subgroup of
      participants (NT = 33, RLX = 24, and HT = 26), we analyzed the effects of
      treatments on immune system parameters such as serum levels of interleukin (IL)
      6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-1beta; lymphocyte subpopulations; cell
      proliferation by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); in vitro production
      of IL-1beta by PBMCs; and the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor
      kappaB ligand, transforming growth factor beta, and IL-4 genes by PBMCs. RESULTS:
      The results showed that bone resorption was inhibited strongly in women in the
      RLX and HT groups when compared with women in the NT group. Interestingly, the
      administration of RLX inhibited the production of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      pathway inhibitor Dickkopf Homolog-1 (P < 0.05) and tended to increase the levels
      of the osteoclastogenesis inhibitor osteoprotegerin at month 6 (P = 0.059). With
      regard to the immune system, the different treatments did not markedly perturb
      the parameters analyzed, with the exception of the increase in serum IL-1beta
      detected in the HT group at month 6 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The main conclusions
      of the present work were that HT or RLX do not disturb the immune system and that
      both treatments have a similar antiresorptive power.

PMID- 22067278
TI  - Optimal waist circumference cutoff value for defining the metabolic syndrome in
      postmenopausal Latin American women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine an optimal waist circumference
      (WC) cutoff value for defining the metabolic syndrome (METS) in postmenopausal
      Latin American women. METHODS: A total of 3,965 postmenopausal women (age, 45-64
      y), with self-reported good health, attending routine consultation at 12
      gynecological centers in major Latin American cities were included in this cross
      sectional study. Modified guidelines of the US National Cholesterol Education
      Program, Adult Treatment Panel III were used to assess METS risk factors.
      Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to obtain an optimal WC
      cutoff value best predicting at least two other METS components. Optimal cutoff
      values were calculated by plotting the true-positive rate (sensitivity) against
      the false-positive rate (1 - specificity). In addition, total accuracy, distance
      to receiver operator characteristic curve, and the Youden Index were calculated.
      RESULTS: Of the participants, 51.6% (n = 2,047) were identified as having two or
      more nonadipose METS risk components (excluding a positive WC component). These
      women were older, had more years since menopause onset, used hormone therapy less
      frequently, and had higher body mass indices than women with fewer metabolic risk
      factors. The optimal WC cutoff value best predicting at least two other METS
      components was determined to be 88 cm, equal to that defined by the Adult
      Treatment Panel III. CONCLUSIONS: A WC cutoff value of 88 cm is optimal for
      defining METS in this postmenopausal Latin American series.

PMID- 22067279
TI  - The effect of red blood cell transfusion on tissue oxygenation and
      microcirculation in severe septic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microcirculation plays a vital role in the development of multiple
      organ failure in severe sepsis. The effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions
      on these tissue oxygenation and microcirculation variables in early severe sepsis
      are not well defined. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study of
      patients with severe sepsis requiring RBC transfusions of one to two units of non
      leukoreduced RBCs for a hemoglobin < 7.0, or for a hemoglobin between 7.0 and 9.0
      with lactic acidosis or central venous oxygen saturation < 70%. This study took
      place in a 54-bed, medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university
      affiliated hospital. Thenar tissue oxygen saturation was measured by using a
      tissue spectrometer on 21 patients, and a vaso-occlusive test was performed
      before and 1 hour after transfusion. The sublingual microcirculation was assessed
      with a Sidestream Dark Field device concomitantly on 11 of them. RESULTS: RBC
      transfusion resulted in increase in hemoglobin (7.23 (+/- 0.87) to 8.75 (+/-
      1.06) g/dl; p < 0.001). RBC transfusion did not globally affect near-infrared
      spectrometry (NIRS)-derived variables. However, percent change in muscle oxygen
      consumption was negatively correlated with baseline (r = - 0.679, p = 0.001).
      There was no statistically significant correlation between percent change in
      vascular reactivity and baseline (p = 0.275). There was a positive correlation
      between percent change in oxygen consumption and percent change in vascular
      reactivity (r = 0.442, p = 0.045). In the 11 patients, RBC transfusion did not
      globally affect NIRS-derived variables or SDF-derived variables. There was no
      statistically significant correlation between percent change in small vessel
      perfusion and baseline perfusion (r = -0.474, p = 0.141), between percent change
      in small vessel flow and baseline flow (r = -0.418, p = 0.201), or between
      percent change in small vessel perfusion and percent change in small vessel flow
      (r = 0.435, p = 0.182). CONCLUSIONS: In a small sample population, muscle tissue
      oxygen consumption, microvascular reactivity and sublingual microcirculation were
      globally unaltered by RBC transfusion in severe septic patients. However, muscle
      oxygen consumption improved in patients with low baseline and deteriorated in
      patients with preserved baseline. Future research with larger samples is needed
      to further examine the association between RBC transfusion and outcomes of
      patients resuscitated early in severe sepsis, with an emphasis on elucidating the
      potential contribution of microvascular factors.

PMID- 22067280
TI  - External exercise information provides no immediate additional performance
      benefit to untrained individuals in time trial cycling.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance of the provision of external exercise
      information to the setting of the pacing strategy, in subjects unfamiliar with a
      cycling task. DESIGN: Twenty-two healthy, untrained cyclists (VO(2max), 50 +/- 9
      mL-(1).kg-(1).min-(1)) were randomly assigned to a control (CON) group or an
      experimental (EXP) group and two successive 4 km time trials (TT) were performed,
      separated by a 17 min recovery. The CON group received distance knowledge and
      distance feedback; the EXP group received neither, but knew that each TT was to
      be of the same distance. RESULTS: No significant difference in completion time
      (p>0.05) was observed between the groups for either time to complete TT one (TT1)
      (CON=443 +/- 33 s versus EXP=471 +/- 63 s) or time to complete TT two (time trial
      2) (CON=461 +/- 37 s versus EXP=501 +/- 94 s). No significant difference in the
      final RPE was observed between groups. However, a significant interaction for RPE
      (rating of perceived exertion)*TT in the CON was observed (F7,70=5.32, p<0.05),
      with significantly higher RPE values in the final kilometre of TT2 (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The lack of any performance improvement in either group, despite the
      differences in exercise information received, indicates both a reliance on the
      afferent feedback for setting a pacing strategy and slow learning effect from
      practice in subjects unfamiliar with the task. The modification in RPE profile
      observed in the CON, despite no performance improvement, suggests exercise
      perception based changes may pre-empt work rate based changes and thus not
      immediately translate to improved performance.

PMID- 22067281
TI  - More research is needed into the effects on injury of substitute and interchange
      rules in team sports.

PMID- 22067282
TI  - European consensus on epidemiological studies of injuries in the thoroughbred
      horse racing industry.

PMID- 22067283
TI  - Events leading to anterior cruciate ligament injury in World Cup Alpine Skiing: a
      systematic video analysis of 20 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors have recently identified three main mechanisms for
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among World Cup (WC) alpine skiers,
      termed as "the slip-catch", "the landing back-weighted" and "the dynamic
      snowplow". However, for a more complete understanding of how these injuries
      occur, a description of the events leading to the injury situations is also
      needed. OBJECTIVE: To describe the skiing situation leading to ACL injuries in WC
      alpine skiing. METHODS: Twenty cases of ACL injuries reported through the
      International Ski Federation Injury Surveillance System (FIS ISS)for three
      consecutive WC seasons (2006-2009) were obtained on video. Ten experts (9 WC
      coaches, 1 former WC athlete) performed visual analyses of each case to describe
      in their own words, factors they thought may have contributed to the injury
      situation related to different predefined categories: (1) skier technique, (2)
      skier strategy, (3) equipment, (4) speed and course setting, (5) visibility, snow
      and piste conditions and (6) any other factors. RESULTS: Factors related to the
      three categories, namely skier technique, skier strategy, and visibility, snow
      and piste conditions, were assumed to be the main contributors to the injury
      situations. Skier errors, technical mistakes and inappropriate tactical choices,
      were the dominant factors. In addition, bumpy conditions, aggressive snow,
      reduced visibility and course difficulties were assumed to contribute.
      CONCLUSION: Based on this systematic video analysis of 20 injury situations,
      factors related to skier technique, skier strategy and specific race conditions
      were identified as the main contributors leading to injury situations.

PMID- 22067285
TI  - Telemedical home-monitoring of diabetic foot disease using photographic foot
      imaging--a feasibility study.
AB  - We assessed the feasibility of using a photographic foot imaging device (PFID) as
      a tele-monitoring tool in the home environment of patients with diabetes who were
      at high risk of ulceration. Images of the plantar foot were taken three times a
      week over a period of four months in the home of 22 high-risk patients. The
      images were remotely assessed by a diabetic foot specialist. At the end of the
      study, 12% of images were missing, mainly due to modem or server failures (66%),
      or non-adherence (11%). All three referrals for diagnosed ulcers and 31 of 32
      referrals for abundant callus resulted in treatment. Health-related quality of
      life (EQ-5D visual analogue scale), increased from 7.5 at baseline to 7.9 at end
      of follow-up, but not significantly. Mean scores on a visual analogue scale for
      different usability domains (independence, ease of use, technical aspects and
      value) ranged from seven to nine. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using
      the PFID for the early diagnosis of foot disease, which may prevent complications
      in high-risk patients with diabetes.

PMID- 22067284
TI  - Genome protective effect of metformin as revealed by reduced level of
      constitutive DNA damage signaling.
AB  - We have shown before that constitutive DNA damage signaling represented by H2AX
      Ser139 phosphorylation and ATM activation in untreated normal and tumor cells is
      a reporter of the persistent DNA replication stress induced by endogenous
      oxidants, the by-products of aerobic respiration. In the present study we
      observed that exposure of normal mitogenically stimulated lymphocytes or tumor
      cell lines A549, TK6 and A431 to metformin, the specific activator of 5'AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) and an inhibitor of mTOR signaling, resulted in
      attenuation of constitutive H2AX phosphorylation and ATM activation. The effects
      were metformin-concentration dependent and seen even at the pharmacologically
      pertinent 0.1 mM drug concentration. The data also show that intracellular levels
      of endogenous reactive oxidants able to oxidize 2',7'-dihydro-dichlorofluorescein
      diacetate was reduced in metformin-treated cells. Since persistent constitutive
      DNA replication stress, particularly when paralleled by mTOR signaling, is
      considered to be the major cause of aging, the present findings are consistent
      with the notion that metformin, by reducing both DNA replication stress and mTOR
      signaling, slows down aging and/or cell senescence processes.

PMID- 22067286
TI  - Development of a remote monitoring satisfaction survey and its use in a clinical
      trial with lung transplant recipients.
AB  - We developed an instrument to measure the satisfaction of lung transplant
      recipients with home monitoring. The survey comprised 15 items, each scored on a
      five-point Likert-type scale (from strongly disagree to strongly agree). Three
      additional free-text items enabled subjects to provide comments. The survey had a
      scoring range of 15-75. In a test group of 43 patients, the internal consistency
      (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.93 overall for all questions. The intra-class
      correlation for scores from the same 27 patients approximately 2.5 months apart
      was 0.77 for the total score. The survey was used to evaluate subject
      satisfaction in a randomized controlled trial of a computerized algorithm for
      triaging lung transplant recipients. Surveys were mailed to 50 study subjects and
      were returned by 32 (64% return rate). Ninety percent of respondents were
      satisfied with the home monitoring programme and would recommend it to other
      patients.

PMID- 22067287
TI  - Remote CT reading using an ultramobile PC and web-based remote viewing over a
      wireless network.
AB  - We developed a new type of mobile teleradiology system using an ultramobile PC
      (UMPC) for web-based remote viewing over a wireless network. We assessed the
      diagnostic performance of this system for abdominal CT interpretation.
      Performance was compared with an emergency department clinical monitor using a
      DICOM viewer. A total of 100 abdominal CT examinations were presented to four
      observers. There were 56 examinations showing appendicitis and 44 which were
      normal. The observers viewed the images using a UMPC display and an LCD monitor
      and rated each examination on a five-point scale. Receiver operating
      characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to test for differences. The sensitivity
      and specificities of all observers were similarly high. The average area under
      the ROC curve for readings performed on the UMPC and the LCD monitor was 0.959
      and 0.976, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two
      display systems for interpreting abdominal CTs. The web-based mobile
      teleradiology system appears to be feasible for reading abdominal CTs for
      diagnosing appendicitis and may be valuable in emergency teleconsultation.

PMID- 22067288
TI  - Sarcoglycans in the normal and pathological breast tissue of humans: an
      immunohistochemical and molecular study.
AB  - The sarcoglycan complex, consisting of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta- and epsilon
      sarcoglycans, is a multimember transmembrane system providing a mechanosignaling
      connection from the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Whereas the
      expression of alpha- and gamma-sarcoglycan is restricted to striated muscle,
      other sarcoglycans are widely expressed. Although many studies have investigated
      sarcoglycans in all muscle types, insufficient data are available on the
      distribution of the sarcoglycan complex in nonmuscle tissue. On this basis, we
      used immunohistochemical and RT-PCR techniques to study preliminarily the
      sarcoglycans in normal glandular breast tissue (which has never been studied in
      the literature on these proteins) to verify the effective wider distribution of
      this complex. Moreover, to understand the role of sarcoglycans, we also tested
      samples obtained from patients affected by fibrocystic mastopathy and breast
      fibroadenoma. Our data showed, for the first time, that all sarcoglycans are
      always detectable in all normal samples both in epithelial and myoepithelial
      cells; in pathological breast tissue, all sarcoglycans appeared severely reduced.
      These data demonstrated that all sarcoglycans, not only beta-, delta-, and
      epsilon-sarcoglycans, have a wider distribution, implying a new unknown role for
      these proteins. Moreover, in breast diseases, sarcoglycans containing cadherin
      domain homologs could provoke a loss of strong adhesion between epithelial cells,
      permitting and facilitating the degeneration of these benign breast tumors into
      malignant tumors. Consequently, sarcoglycans could play an important and
      intriguing role in many breast diseases and in particular in tumor progression
      from benign to malignant.

PMID- 22067289
TI  - Medial prefrontal cortical activation during working memory differentiates
      schizophrenia and bipolar psychotic patients: a pilot fMRI study Response to the
      comment.

PMID- 22067290
TI  - Learning and perceptual similarity among cuticular hydrocarbons in ants.
AB  - Nestmate recognition in ants is based on perceived differences in a multi
      component blend of hydrocarbons that are present on the insect cuticle. Although
      supplementation experiments have shown that some classes of hydrocarbons, such as
      methyl branched alkanes and alkenes, have a salient role in nestmate recognition,
      there was basically no information available on how ants detect and perceive
      these molecules. We used a new conditioning procedure to investigate whether
      individual carpenter ants could associate a given hydrocarbon (linear or methyl
      branched alkane) to sugar reward. We then studied perceptual similarity between a
      hydrocarbon previously associated with sugar and a novel hydrocarbon. Ants learnt
      all hydrocarbon-reward associations rapidly and with the same efficiency,
      regardless of the structure of the molecules. Ants could discriminate among a
      large number of pairs of hydrocarbons, but also generalised. Generalisation
      depended both on the structure of the molecule and the animal's experience. For
      linear alkanes, generalisation was observed when the novel molecule was smaller
      than the conditioned one. Generalisation between pairs of methyl-alkanes was
      high, while generalisation between hydrocarbons that differed in the presence or
      absence of a methyl group was low, suggesting that chain length and functional
      group might be coded independently by the ant olfactory system. Understanding
      variations in perception of recognition cues in ants is necessary for the general
      understanding of the mechanisms involved in social recognition processes based on
      chemical cues.

PMID- 22067291
TI  - Attraction of Drosophila melanogaster males to food-related and fly odours.
AB  - The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has become a model for olfaction and odour
      mediated behaviour. In the wild, Drosophila flies aggregate on decaying fruit
      where they mate and oviposit and a strategy to find mates would be to locate
      fruit which has already been colonized by other flies. We therefore developed a
      bioassay to investigate attraction of males to food and fly odours. We showed
      that upwind flights are initiated by food odours. At shorter distances, males are
      attracted by volatiles produced by conspecifics. However, only odours produced by
      copulating flies attract males. This suggests either a synergistic effect of both
      male and female odours or changes in pheromone release during mating, that
      indicate the presence of sexually receptive females. Our findings demonstrate the
      essential role of food odours and pheromones for mate location in D.
      melanogaster.

PMID- 22067292
TI  - Improved GART neural network model for pattern classification and rule extraction
      with application to power systems.
AB  - Generalized adaptive resonance theory (GART) is a neural network model that is
      capable of online learning and is effective in tackling pattern classification
      tasks. In this paper, we propose an improved GART model (IGART), and demonstrate
      its applicability to power systems. IGART enhances the dynamics of GART in
      several aspects, which include the use of the Laplacian likelihood function, a
      new vigilance function, a new match-tracking mechanism, an ordering algorithm for
      determining the sequence of training data, and a rule extraction capability to
      elicit if-then rules from the network. To assess the effectiveness of IGART and
      to compare its performances with those from other methods, three datasets that
      are related to power systems are employed. The experimental results demonstrate
      the usefulness of IGART with the rule extraction capability in undertaking
      classification problems in power systems engineering.

PMID- 22067293
TI  - Hepatoprotective potential of polyphenol rich extract of Murraya koenigii L.: an
      in vivo study.
AB  - The present study investigates hepatoprotective effects of polyphenol rich
      Murraya koenigii L. (MK) hydro-ethanolic leaf extract in CCl(4) treated
      hepatotoxic rats. Plasma markers of hepatic damage, lipid peroxidation levels,
      enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidants in liver and histopathological changes
      were investigated in control and treated rats. MK pretreated rats with different
      doses (200, 400 and 600mg/kg body weight) showed significant decrement in
      activity levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline
      phosphatase, total protein, and bilirubin. Also, MK treated rats recorded a dose
      dependent increment in hepatic super oxide dismutase, catalase, reduced
      glutathione and ascorbic acid and, a decrement in lipid peroxidation. Microscopic
      evaluations of liver revealed CCl(4)-induced lesions and related toxic
      manifestations that were minimal in liver of rats pretreated with MK extract.
      These results demonstrate that hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of MK possesses
      hepatoprotective potentials.

PMID- 22067294
TI  - Evaluation of antioxidative, protective effect against H2O2 induced cytotoxicity,
      and cytotoxic activities of three different Quercus species.
AB  - Quercus species are used as antidiarrheic, for the treatment of hemorrhoid, oral
      and anal mucosa inflammation. These tree species have been of interest to
      researchers because of their usage in folk medicine, consumption as food,
      beverage and especially usage of oak woods for construction in wine barrels. The
      DPPH, SO and NO radical scavenging activities, protective effect against H2O2
      induced cytotoxicity as well as their cytotoxic activity against Hep-2 human
      larynx epidermoid carcinoma cell line of the MeOH and water extracts of the barks
      of Quercus cerris var. cerris, Quercusmacranthera subsp. syspirensis and Quercus
      aucheri were investigated for the first time. Total phenolic content of the
      extracts was also evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Results demonstrated that
      the extracts showed strong radical scavenging activity comparable to those of
      standard compounds. Extracts also showed good protective effect against H2O2
      induced cytotoxicity on human erythrocytes comparing to ascorbic acid. On the
      other hand, while each extract showed dose dependent cytotoxic activity, MeOH
      extract of Q.macranthera subsp. syspirensis showed the strongest cytotoxicity
      against the tested cell line. Taken together, the results showed that Quercus
      species may be a promising alternative to synthetic substances as natural
      compound with high antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

PMID- 22067295
TI  - Reliability, construct validity and measurement potential of the ICF
      comprehensive core set for osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the reliability and construct
      validity of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
      Health (ICF) Comprehensive Core Set for osteoarthritis (OA) in order to test its
      possible use as a measuring tool for functioning. METHODS: 100 patients with OA
      (84 F, 16 M; mean age 63 yr) completed forms including demographic and clinical
      information besides the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36(r)) and the Western
      Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC). The ICF
      Comprehensive Core Set for OA was filled by health professionals. The internal
      construct validities of "Body Functions-Body structures" (BF-BS), "Activity" (A),
      "Participation" (P) and "Environmental Factors" (EF) domains were tested by Rasch
      analysis and reliability by internal consistency and person separation index
      (PSI). External construct validity was evaluated by correlating the Rasch
      transformed scores with SF-36 and WOMAC. RESULTS: In each scale, some items
      showing disordered thresholds were rescored, testlets were created to overcome
      the problem of local dependency and items that did not fit to the Rasch model
      were deleted. The internal construct validity of the four scales (BF-BS 16 items,
      A 8 items, P 7 items, EF 13 items) were good [mean item fit (SD) 0.138 (0.921),
      0.216 (1.237), 0.759 (0.986) and -0.079 (2.200); person item fit (SD) -0.147
      (0.652), -0.241 (0.894), -0.310 (1.187) and -0.491 (1.173) respectively],
      indicating a single underlying construct for each scale. The scales were free of
      differential item functioning (DIF) for age, gender, years of education and
      duration of disease. Reliabilities of the BF-BS, A, P, and EF scales were good
      with Cronbach's alphas of 0.79, 0.86, 0.88, and 0.83 and PSI's of 0.76, 0.86,
      0.87, and 0.71, respectively. Rasch scores of BF-BS, A, and P showed moderate
      correlations with SF-36 and WOMAC scores where the EF had significant but weak
      correlations only with SF36-Social Functioning and SF36-Mental Health.
      CONCLUSION: Since the four different scales derived from BF-BS, A, P, and EF
      components of the ICF core set for OA were shown to be valid and reliable through
      a combination of Rasch analysis and classical psychometric methods, these might
      be used as clinical assessment tools.

PMID- 22067296
TI  - Is sparing the pronator quadratus muscle possible in volar plating of the distal
      radius?
AB  - We measured the length of the distal radius that can be exposed by mobilizing the
      distal edge of pronator quadratus (PQ) without detaching its radial attachment.
      Measurements were made in 20 cadaveric upper limbs from the distal margin of the
      radius in line with the scaphoid and lunate fossae to the distal margin of the
      PQ, before and after mobilization of the muscle from its distal attachment. The
      mean distance from the distal edge of the PQ to the scaphoid fossa was 13.1 mm
      and to the lunate fossa was 10.7 mm. This increased to a mean of 26.2 mm for the
      scaphoid and a mean of 23.8 mm for the lunate fossa following mobilization of PQ.
      Subperiosteal retrograde release of the PQ from its distal margin will allow for
      the placement of a volar plate and insertion of locking peri-articular screws in
      the great majority of volar locking plate systems on the market.

PMID- 22067297
TI  - Kienbock's disease: percutaneous cement lunatoplasty--a cadaver study.

PMID- 22067298
TI  - Outcome of nerve transfers for traumatic complete brachial plexus avulsion:
      results of 28 patients by DASH and NRS questionnaires.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients who suffered
      complete brachial plexus avulsion before and after nerve transfers by assessing
      upper extremity function and pain using the DASH and NRS questionnaires. Patients
      who underwent nerve transfers improved their DASH and NRS scores compared with
      before surgery. Although individually there was no correlation with improved
      scores, the triple combination of rehabilitation exercises, electrical
      stimulation therapy and neurotrophic drugs postoperatively correlated positively
      with improved functional outcomes. This study suggested a positive effect of the
      passage of time and nerve transfers in total brachial plexus avulsions from
      patients' self assessments.

PMID- 22067299
TI  - Scanning electron microscopy analysis of erythrocytes in thromboembolic ischemic
      stroke.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Erythrocytes play an important role in hemostasis and disease
      conditions. During ischemic stroke, erythrocytes undergo oxidative and
      proteolytic changes resulting in a changed cellular rheology. METHODS: Blood
      samples were obtained from controls and thromboembolic ischemic stroke patients
      (within 48 h of stroke). The ultrastructure of erythrocytes was compared, using a
      scanning electron microscope (SEM). Abnormal morphology included codocytes,
      knizocytes, stomatocytes, and echinocytes. Percentage of abnormal cells was
      calculated, and the analyses were performed using the statistical program NCSS
      with the level of significance set at 0.05. A t-test was carried out to compare
      the data from the erythrocyte counts of stroke patients with that of the control
      subjects. RESULTS: Ultrastructural SEM results showed that there are a large
      percentage of erythrocytes in healthy individuals that do not have a typical
      discoid shape, when studying the cells using a high magnification electron
      microscope. Furthermore, analysis showed that variation in shape is so subtle
      that it is not clearly visible using a typical light microscopy blood smear
      analysis. Thromboembolic ischemic stroke patients presented with a significant
      amount of erythrocytes with abnormal morphology. CONCLUSION: We suggest that in
      healthy individuals, a typical smear would contain several nondiscoid-shaped
      erythrocytes, only clearly visible at high magnification. However, thromboembolic
      ischemic stroke does significantly impact erythorcyte shape, and this change in
      morphology may result in an impaired microcirculation, as well as impaired oxygen
      carrying capacity. This changed morphology may further complicate the restoring
      of homeostasis caused by acute thromboembolic stroke.

PMID- 22067300
TI  - Freshwater ascomycetes: Natipusillaceae, a new family of tropical fungi,
      including Natipusilla bellaspora sp. nov. from the Peruvian Amazon.
AB  - A new ascomycete species, Natipusilla bellaspora, collected from submerged woody
      debris in a freshwater stream at Los Amigos Biological Station, Madre De Dios in
      the Peruvian Amazon is described and illustrated. This fungus is characterized by
      small, globose to subglobose, hyaline ascomata; small, globose to subglobose,
      eight-spored fissitunicate asci; one-septate, multiguttulate ascospores with two
      different gelatinous sheaths, an outer amorphous sheath that enlarges in water
      and an inner sheath that has a distinctive persistent shape and is attached to
      the ascospore apex. Morphologically N. bellaspora differs from other Natipusilla
      species in having larger ascospores and two ascospore sheaths. A second
      Natipusilla species, N. limonensis, is reported for the first time from Peru.
      Based on the unique morphological characters of taxa in Natipusilla and results
      of previous molecular phylogenetic analyses with other members of the
      Dothideomycetes, we establish Natipusillaceae fam. nov. for this unique tropical
      freshwater clade.

PMID- 22067301
TI  - Fine-scale mapping in Neurospora crassa by using genome-wide knockout strains.
AB  - Fine-scale genetic mapping is often hindered by the lack of adequate markers
      surrounding the locus of interest. In the filamentous ascomycete Neurospora
      crassa, the genome has been sequenced and an effort has been made to generate
      genome-wide deletion strains for the entire gene set. Accordingly, the hygromycin
      resistant marker in each deletion strain can be used as a mapping locus in a
      classical three-point cross, along with the mapping target and a standard marker.
      We have demonstrated the feasibility of this fine-scale mapping approach in N.
      crassa by refining the location of r(Sk-2).

PMID- 22067302
TI  - Characterization of a Basidiomycete fungus from stored sugar beet roots.
AB  - Eighteen isolates from sugar beet roots associated with an unknown etiology were
      characterized based on observations of morphological characters, hyphal growth at
      4-28 C, production of phenol oxidases and sequence analysis of internal
      transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the ribosomal DNA
      (rDNA). The isolates did not produce asexual or sexual spores, had binucleate
      hyphal cells with clamp connections, grew 4-22 C with estimated optimal growth at
      14.5 C and formed a dark brown pigment on potato dextrose or malt extract agar
      amended with 0.5% tannic acid. Color changes observed when solutions of gum
      guiac, guiacol and syringaldzine were applied directly to mycelium grown on these
      media indicated that all isolates produced phenol oxidases. Sequences of ITS and
      LSU regions on the rDNA gene from 15 isolates were 99.2-100% identical, and
      analysis of sequence data with maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony suggest
      that the isolates from sugar beet roots are phylogenetically related to Athelia
      bombacina, Granulobasidium vellereum and Cyphella digitalis. High statistical
      support for both loci under different criteria confirmed that Athelia bombacina
      was consistently the closest known relative to the sugar beet isolates.
      Additional taxonomic investigations are needed before species can be clarified
      and designated for these isolates.

PMID- 22067303
TI  - Phialide arrangement and character evolution in the helotialean anamorph genera
      Cadophora and Phialocephala.
AB  - The dematiaceous hyphomycete genera Cadophora and Phialocephala are anamorphs
      associated with mollisioid inoperculate discomycetes (Helotiales) and are
      delineated based on the complexity of the phialide arrangement with members of
      Cadophora producing solitary phialides and species of Phialocephala producing
      complex heads of multiple phialides. A third phylogenetically related taxon,
      Leptodontidium orchidicola, produces mostly indehiscent conidia that may
      represent non-functional phialides. Morphological characteristics of both sexual
      and asexual states of these and other fungi in a focal group of helotialean taxa
      were re-examined, in light of relationships shown by molecular phylogenetic
      analyses of rDNA ITS sequences, to determine the evolutionary significance of
      phialide arrangement. The focal species of Phialocephala formed a monophyletic
      clade, while five of six species of Cadophora including the type were in a
      separate clade along with L. orchidicola. C. finlandica was placed in a third
      clade with species of Meliniomyces and Rhizoscyphus. We hypothesized that the
      ancestral state for species in Cadophora and Phialocephala is the production of
      sclerotium-like heads of multiple phialides, which has been retained in most
      species assignable to Phialocephala. A reduction to solitary phialides occurred
      in the lineage leading to the clade containing most of the Cadophora species. Two
      possible reductions to non-functional phialides were identified: one in the
      Meliniomyces-C. finlandica-Chloridium paucisporum clade and another in the L.
      orchidicola and Mollisia "rhizophila": clade. A reversion to increased phialide
      complexity might have occurred in the clade containing C. finlandica and Ch.
      paucisporum. Our data and analyses also show a previously unrecognized
      relationship between teleomorph and anamorph morphology in that Mollisia species
      with smaller asci would be expected to have Phialocephala states while those with
      larger asci would be expected to have Cadophora states. Based on morphology and
      phylogenetic placement, L. orchidicola and C. hiberna are transferred
      respectively to Cadophora and Phialocephala.

PMID- 22067304
TI  - New teleomorph combinations in the entomopathogenic genus Metacordyceps.
AB  - The genus Metacordyceps contains arthropod pathogens in Clavicipitaceae
      (Hypocreales) that formerly were classified in Cordyceps sensu Kobayasi et Mains.
      Of the current arthropod pathogenic genera of Hypocreales, the genus
      Metacordyceps remains one of the most poorly understood and contains a number of
      teleomorphic morphologies convergent with species of Cordyceps s.s.
      (Cordycipitaceae) and Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae). Of note, the
      anamorph genera Metarhizium and Pochonia were found to be associated only with
      Metacordyceps and demonstrated to be phylogenetically informative for the clade.
      Several species of Cordyceps considered to have uncertain placements (incertae
      sedis) in the current taxonomic framework of clavicipitoid fungi were collected
      during field expeditions mostly in eastern Asia. Species reclassified here in
      Metacordyceps include Cordyceps atrovirens Kobayasi & Shimizu, Cordyceps
      indigotica Kobayasi & Shimizu, Cordyceps khaoyaiensis Hywel-Jones, Cordyceps
      kusanagiensis Kobayasi & Shimizu, Cordyceps martialis Speg., Ophiocordyceps
      owariensis Kobayasi, Cordyceps pseudoatrovirens Kobayasi & Shimizu and
      Ophicordyceps owariensis f. viridescens (Uchiy. & Udagawa) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung,
      Hywel-Jones & Spatafora. Incorporation of these species in a multigene
      phylogenetic framework of the major clades of clavicipitoid fungi more than
      doubled the number of species in Metacordyceps and allowed for refinement of
      morphological concepts for the genus consistent with the phylogenetic structure.
      Based on these findings we then discuss evolution of this genus, subgeneric
      relationships, anamorph connections, and suggest additional species that should
      be confirmed for possible inclusion in Metacordyceps.

PMID- 22067305
TI  - Sequestrate species of Agaricus and Macrolepiota from Australia: new species and
      combinations and their position in a calibrated phylogeny.
AB  - Australian collections of sequestrate Agaricaceae were examined with
      morphological and molecular data (nuclear DNA from ITS and LSU), and the majority
      were found to belong to the genera Agaricus and Macrolepiota. Previously
      described Australian species of Endoptychum are transferred to the appropriate
      agaricoid genera and several new combinations proposed. Descriptions and
      illustrations are provided for these and eight new species: Agaricus eburneocanus
      sp. nov., A. chartaceus sp. nov., A. erythrosarx sp. nov., A. inilleasper sp.
      nov., A. pachydermus sp. nov., Macrolepiota gasteroidea sp. nov., M.
      vinaceofibrillosa sp. nov. and M. turbinata sp. nov. The sequestrate genus
      Barcheria is retained as a distinct taxon. Timing of evolution of sequestrate
      sporocarp forms in Macrolepiota, Chlorophyllum and Agaricus seems to have
      occurred in the past 15 000 000 y, and a stem age is approximately 65 000 000 y
      for Barcheria.

PMID- 22067306
TI  - New species of Clavulina (Cantharellales, Basidiomycota) with resupinate and
      effused basidiomata from the Guiana Shield.
AB  - Three new species of Clavulina (Cantharellales, Basidiomycota) are described from
      rainforests dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees of the leguminous genus Dicymbe
      (Fabaceae subfam. Caesalpinioideae) from the central Guiana Shield. Species of
      Clavulina typically form branched, coralloid basidiomata with amphigenous
      hymenia. However, the three species described here form resupinate or effuso
      coralloid basidiomata, macromorphological forms previously unknown in Clavulina.
      Macromorphological, micromorphological, habitat and DNA sequence data are
      provided for each new species. Micromorphological features and DNA sequence data
      from the second largest subunit of DNA-dependant RNA polymerase II (rpb2) and
      internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (28S) of the ribosomal repeat
      justify placement of these new species in Clavulina. Comparisons with described
      Clavulina species and other resupinate taxa within the Cantharellales are
      provided.

PMID- 22067307
TI  - The treatment of neuroendocrine tumors with long-acting somatostatin analogs: a
      single center experience with lanreotide autogel.
AB  - The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and
      tolerability of lanreotide autogel given to metastatic well-differentiated (WD)
      neuroendocrine tumors (NET) patients observed in our Institute between 2005 and
      2008. Patients with metastatic NET referred to our tertiary referral center were
      given lanreotide autogel 120 mg/month by deep sc injection for a period of at
      least 24 months. The efficacy was evaluated by the relief of disease symptoms,
      behavior of tumor markers and response rate in terms of time to tumor
      progression. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by assessing the onset of
      adverse events and treatment feasibility. Twenty-three patients (13 males),
      median age 62 yr (range 32-87) were considered for the study. All patients were
      affected by WD metastatic NET and had tumor progression in the last 6 months
      before the enrolment in the study. Median duration of response was 28 months
      (range 6-50 months). Fourteen patients (60.9%) showed flushing and diarrhea which
      improved by 85.7% and 55.6%, respectively, bronchoconstrinction and abdominal
      pain also ameliorated. A complete, partial or no-changed response in the tumor
      markers behavior was observed, respectively, in 42.9%, 22.9%, and 17.1% of cases.
      According to RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) criteria
      (version 1.1), there were 2 partial regression (8.7%) and 15 stable disease
      (65.3%); 6 patients (26.0%) progressed. No patient complained from any severe
      adverse reaction. The results of our study suggest that lanreotide autogel is
      effective in the symptoms, biochemical markers, and tumor progression control of
      WD metastatic NET and confirm that the treatment is well tolerated.

PMID- 22067308
TI  - Current status of pediatric intestinal failure, rehabilitation, and
      transplantation: summary of a colloquium.
AB  - An international symposium convened September 9-11, 2010, in Chicago to present
      the state of the art and science of the multidisciplinary care of intestinal
      failure in children. Medical and surgical management of the child with intestinal
      failure was presented with a focus on the importance of multidisciplinary
      intestinal failure management. Issues of timing of referral and benefit risk
      analysis for intestine "rehabilitation" and transplant were presented. Areas of
      opportunity such as increased donor recovery, improvement of long-term transplant
      outcomes, optimization of immune monitoring, and quality-of-life outcomes were
      reviewed.

PMID- 22067309
TI  - Donor desmopressin is associated with superior graft survival after kidney
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent randomized trial showed that pretreatment of the brain-dead
      donor with low-dose dopamine improves immediate kidney graft function, by
      limiting injury from cold storage (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00115115).
      This study determines whether donor exposure to desmopressin (1-deamino-8-d
      arginine-vasopressin [DDAVP]) before organ retrieval affects renal transplant
      outcome. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study, nested in the
      database of the dopamine trial, includes 264 deceased heart-beating donors with
      confirmed brain death and corresponding 487 renal allograft recipients
      transplanted at 60 European centers between March 2004 and August 2007. We
      assessed differences in delayed graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejections,
      and 2-year kidney graft survival in recipients of a DDAVP-exposed versus
      unexposed graft. RESULTS: DDAVP was associated with improved graft survival
      (85.4% vs. 73.6%, P=0.003). This survival benefit persisted after censoring for
      death with functioning graft (91.1% vs. 82.0%, P=0.01) and after adjustment for
      confounders including covariate adjustment from propensity scoring (hazard ratio
      0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.77; P=0.006). Delayed graft function
      (odds ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.57-1.65; P=0.92) and biopsy-proven acute rejections
      (odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI 0.70-2.49; P=0.40) were unaffected. The survival effect
      was enhanced after a shorter cold ischemic time less than 14 hr (91.3% vs. 77.8%,
      P=0.008) and after dopamine pretreatment (92.7% vs. 78.6%, P=0.006). By contrast,
      prolonged cold ischemic time more than or equal to 14 hr (91.2% vs. 86.5%,
      P=0.39) and assignment to the nondopamine group (89.7% vs. 84.8%, P=0.37)
      abrogated the survival advantage. CONCLUSIONS: Donor DDAVP seems to improve renal
      allograft survival. Combined use of donor DDAVP and low-dose dopamine should
      receive further evaluation.

PMID- 22067310
TI  - Islet graft survival and function: concomitant culture and transplantation with
      vascular endothelial cells in diabetic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human islet transplantation is a great potential therapy for type I
      diabetes. To investigate islet graft survival and function, we recently showed
      the improved effects after co-culture and co-transplantation with vascular
      endothelial cells (ECs) in diabetic rats. METHODS: ECs were isolated, and the
      viability of isolated islets was assessed in two groups (standard culture group
      and co-culture group with ECs). Then streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were
      divided into four groups before islet transplantation as follows: group A with
      infusion of islet grafts; group B with combined vascular ECs and islet grafts;
      groups C and D as controls with single ECs infusion and phosphate-buffered saline
      injection, respectively. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured
      daily. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was investigated by
      immunohistochemical staining. The mean microvascular density was also calculated.
      RESULTS: More than 90% of acridine orange-propidium iodide staining positive
      islets demonstrated normal morphology while co-cultured with ECs for 7 days.
      Compared with standard control, insulin release assays showed a significantly
      higher simulation index in co-culture group except for the first day (P<0.05).
      After transplantation, there was a significant difference in concentrations of
      blood glucose and insulin among these groups after 3 days (P<0.05). The mean
      microvascular density in co-culture group was significantly higher than that in
      single islet group (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Co-culture with ECs in vitro could
      improve the survival and function of isolated rat islet, and co-transplantation
      of islets with ECs could effectively prolong the islet graft survival in diabetic
      rats.

PMID- 22067311
TI  - Early changes in kidney function predict long-term chronic kidney disease and
      mortality in patients after liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a well-known complication after liver
      transplantation (LT) and is associated with increased mortality. The purpose of
      this study was to determine risk factors of advanced CKD and mortality after LT.
      METHODS: Four hundred forty-five adult patients underwent LT between June 1990
      and September 2007 and survived more than 1 month. Multivariate Cox regression
      analyses were performed for time to CKD stage 4 (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]
      <=30 mL/min), time to chronic dialysis, and all-cause mortality. Several patient
      and disease characteristics were used as independent pre- and posttransplant
      variables. We specifically analyzed a drop more than or equal to 30% in the
      estimated GFR (eGFR) during the first year posttransplant. RESULTS: Diabetes
      mellitus pretransplant and a drop more than or equal to 30% in the eGFR between 3
      and 12 months predicted CKD stage 4 (odds ratio [OR] 4.1, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.9-5.4, P<0.001 and OR 16.1, 95% CI 5.9-44.5, P<0.0001, respectively), the
      need for chronic dialysis (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.1-13.2, P=0.03 and OR 14.6, 95% CI
      3.0-71.4, P<0.001, respectively), and all-cause mortality (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2
      2.9, P=0.004 and OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.4, P<0.001, respectively), more than 1 year
      after LT. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus pretransplant and a drop more than or
      equal to 30% in the eGFR within the first year are strong predictors of advanced
      CKD, chronic dialysis, and death more than 1 year after LT. These easily
      determined clinical variables define a population at risk for CKD who should be
      targeted for renal protection strategies.

PMID- 22067312
TI  - Early steroid withdrawal and optimization of mycophenolic acid exposure in kidney
      transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate mofetil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early posttransplant steroid withdrawal may increase the risk of
      acute rejection and the occurrence of subclinical acute rejection (SCAR). We
      assessed the feasibility and safety of early steroid withdrawal in low-risk
      patients receiving cyclosporine A (CsA) and the impact of optimization of
      mycophenolic acid exposure on steroid withdrawal success. METHODS: De novo, low
      immunological risk kidney recipients received an anti-interleukin-2-receptor
      alpha antibody induction, a short course of 7 days of corticosteroids, and CsA
      with 2-hr postdose concentration monitoring. They were randomized to adjusted
      dose (AD) of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)
      or a fixed-dose (FD) regimen. MMF 3 g was initiated posttransplant and then
      adjusted starting at week 2 to a 0 to 12 hr area under the concentration time
      curve of 40 mg . h/L versus 2 g daily, respectively. The primary endpoint was a
      composite of the proportion of patients experiencing biopsy-proven acute
      rejection (BPAR) and those with SCAR identified on the 3-month protocol biopsy.
      RESULTS: Among 247 analyzed patients, only 22 in the AD group and 17 in the FD
      group experienced BPAR or SCAR (P=0.46). The rate of SCAR was low: 4% (AD) and
      2.5% (FD). No between-group difference in the incidence of BPAR was observed. TDM
      yielded MMF doses ranging from 1 to 4 g/d and significantly reduced interpatient
      variability at weeks 26 and 52 in the AD group. CONCLUSIONS: In low-immunological
      risk kidney recipients, MMF combined with CsA allows early corticosteroid
      discontinuation with good tolerability. In this group of patients, TDM of MMF
      does not improve clinical outcome.

PMID- 22067313
TI  - Innominate vein vascular ring provides novel insight into systemic venous
      embryogenesis.
AB  - Anomalies of the innominate vein are uncommon in congenital cardiac disease. We
      report a case of duplicate innominate veins forming a vascular ring encircling
      the ascending aorta. We postulate that this vascular ring represents the failure
      of both a dorsal and ventral precardinal anastomosis to regress.

PMID- 22067314
TI  - TGF-beta mediates suppression of adipogenesis by estradiol through connective
      tissue growth factor induction.
AB  - In the bone marrow cavity, adipocyte numbers increase, whereas osteoblast
      progenitor numbers decrease with aging. Because adipocytes and osteoblasts share
      a common progenitor, it is possible that this shift is due to an increase in
      adipocyte-lineage cells at the expense of osteoblast-lineage commitment.
      Estrogens inhibit adipocyte differentiation, and in both men and women,
      circulating estrogens correlate with bone loss with aging. In bone cells,
      estrogens stimulate expression of TGF-beta and suppress mesenchymal cell
      adipogenesis. Using a tripotential mesenchymal cell line, we have examined
      whether estradiol suppression of adipocyte differentiation is due to stimulation
      of TGF-beta and the mechanism by which TGF-beta suppresses adipogenesis. We
      observed that estradiol-mediated suppression of adipogenic gene expression
      required at least 48 h treatment. TGF-beta expression increased within 24 h of
      estradiol treatment, and TGF-beta inhibition reversed estradiol influences on
      adipogenesis and adipocyte gene expression. Connective tissue growth factor
      (CTGF) mediates TGF-beta suppression of adipogenesis in mouse 3T3-L1 cells. CTGF
      expression was induced within 24 h of TGF-beta treatment, whereas estradiol
      mediated induction required 48 h treatment. Moreover, estradiol-mediated
      induction of CTGF was abrogated by TGF-beta inhibition. These data support that
      estradiol effects on adipogenesis involves TGF-beta induction, which then induces
      CTGF to suppress adipogenesis.

PMID- 22067316
TI  - Neural distribution of vasotocin receptor mRNA in two species of songbird.
AB  - The neurohypophyseal hormones vasopressin and oxytocin are produced and released
      within the mammalian brain, where they act via multiple receptor subtypes. The
      neural distributions of these receptors, for example, V1a and oxytocin receptors,
      have been well described in many mammals. In birds, the distribution of binding
      sites for the homologous neuropeptides, vasotocin (VT) and mesotocin, has been
      studied in several species by using synthetic radioligands designed to bind to
      mammalian receptors. Such binding studies, however, may not reveal the specific
      distributions of each receptor subtype. To identify and map the receptors likely
      to bind VT and mesotocin, we generated partial cDNA sequences for four VT
      receptor subtypes, VT1, VT2 (V1b), VT3 (oxytocin-like), and VT4 (V1a), in white
      throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).
      These genes shared high sequence identity with the homologous avian and mammalian
      neurohypophyseal peptide receptors, and we found evidence for VT1, VT3, and VT4
      receptor mRNA expression throughout the brains of both species. As has been
      described in rodents, there was striking interspecific and intraspecific
      variation in the densities and distribution of these receptors. For example,
      whereas the VT1 receptor mRNA was more widespread in zebra finch brain, the VT3
      (oxytocin-like) receptor mRNA was more prevalent in the sparrow brain. Although
      VT2 (V1b) receptor mRNA was abundant in the pituitary, it was not found in the
      brain. Because of their association with brain regions implicated in social
      behavior, the VT1, VT3, and VT4 receptors are all likely candidates for mediating
      the behavioral effects of VT.

PMID- 22067315
TI  - Type 2 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor in the ventromedial nucleus of
      hypothalamus is critical in regulating feeding and lipid metabolism in white
      adipose tissue.
AB  - Ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (VMH) plays a critical role in regulating
      feeding and energy metabolism. The nucleus expresses high levels of the type 2
      corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFR2) and receives prominent
      innervation of nerve fibers containing Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3), an endogenous ligand
      of the receptor. In the present study, we showed that mice deficient in Ucn 3 had
      elevated basal feeding and increased nocturnal food intake after overnight
      fasting compared with the wild-type (WT) littermates. The Ucn 3 null mice also
      had lower circulating insulin levels compared with those of the WT mice.
      Interestingly, the mutant mice maintained a comparable body weight with the WT
      littermates. Mice with reduced CRFR2 expression in the VMH by small hairpin RNA
      knockdown (KD) recapitulated feeding phenotypes observed in the Ucn 3 null mice.
      However, VMH CRFR2 KD mice gained significantly more weight than control mice.
      The weight gain was due to an accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT)
      accompanied by reduced plasma free fatty acids and glycerol levels, increased
      respiratory quotients, and improved glucose tolerance. On the other hand, plasma
      insulin levels were comparable with the receptor KD and control mice.
      Furthermore, the expression of several genes, including hormone-sensitive lipase,
      was significantly reduced in the WAT of VMH CRFR2 KD mice compared with controls.
      These results indicate that Ucn 3 signaling through CRFR2 is a critical molecular
      mediator in the VMH in regulating feeding and lipid metabolism in WAT.

PMID- 22067317
TI  - Lack of overt FGF21 resistance in two mouse models of obesity and insulin
      resistance.
AB  - Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a metabolic regulator
      of glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis, are elevated in obese diabetic
      subjects, raising questions about potential FGF21 resistance. Here we report
      tissue expression changes in FGF21 and its receptor components, and we describe
      the target-organ and whole-body responses to FGF21 in ob/ob and diet-induced
      obese (DIO) mice. Plasma FGF21 concentrations were elevated 8- and 16-fold in DIO
      and ob/ob mice, respectively, paralleling a dramatic increase in hepatic FGF21
      mRNA expression. Concurrently, expression levels of betaKlotho, FGF receptor
      (FGFR)-1c, and FGFR2c were markedly down-regulated in the white adipose tissues
      (WAT) of ob/ob and DIO mice. However, dose-response curves of recombinant human
      FGF21 (rhFGF21) stimulation of ERK phosphorylation in the liver and WAT were not
      right shifted in disease models, although the magnitude of induction in ERK
      phosphorylation was partially attenuated in DIO mice. Whole-body metabolic
      responses were preserved in ob/ob and DIO mice, with disease models being more
      sensitive and responsive than lean mice to the glucose-lowering and weight-loss
      effects of rhFGF21. Endogenous FGF21 levels, although elevated in diseased mice,
      were below the half-maximal effective concentrations of rhFGF21, suggesting a
      state of relative deficiency. Hepatic and WAT FGF21 mRNA expression levels
      declined after rhFGF21 treatment in the absence of the increased expression
      levels of betaKlotho and FGFR. We conclude that overt FGF21 resistance was not
      evident in the disease models, and increased hepatic FGF21 expression as a result
      of local metabolic changes is likely a major cause of elevated circulating FGF21
      levels.

PMID- 22067318
TI  - 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, but not type 2, deficiency worsens
      acute inflammation and experimental arthritis in mice.
AB  - Glucocorticoids profoundly influence immune responses, and synthetic
      glucocorticoids are widely used clinically for their potent antiinflammatory
      effects. Endogenous glucocorticoid action is modulated by the two isozymes of
      11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD). In vivo, 11beta-HSD1 catalyzes
      the reduction of inactive cortisone or 11-dehydrocorticosterone into active
      cortisol or corticosterone, respectively, thereby increasing intracellular
      glucocorticoid levels. 11beta-HSD2 catalyzes the reverse reaction, inactivating
      intracellular glucocorticoids. Both enzymes have been postulated to modulate
      inflammatory responses. In the K/BxN serum transfer model of arthritis, 11beta
      HSD1-deficient mice showed earlier onset and slower resolution of inflammation
      than wild-type controls, with greater exostoses in periarticular bone and,
      uniquely, ganglion cysts, consistent with greater inflammation. In contrast,
      K/BxN serum arthritis was unaffected by 11beta-HSD2 deficiency. In a distinct
      model of inflammation, thioglycollate-induced sterile peritonitis, 11beta-HSD1
      deficient mice had more inflammatory cells in the peritoneum, but again 11beta
      HSD2-deficient mice did not differ from controls. Additionally, compared with
      control mice, 11beta-HSD1-deficient mice showed greater numbers of inflammatory
      cells in pleural lavages in carrageenan-induced pleurisy with lung pathology
      consistent with slower resolution. These data suggest that 11beta-HSD1 limits
      acute inflammation. In contrast, 11beta-HSD2 plays no role in acute inflammatory
      responses in mice. Regulation of local 11beta-HSD1 expression and/or delivery of
      substrate may afford a novel approach for antiinflammatory therapy.

PMID- 22067319
TI  - Role of IGFBP-3 in the regulation of beta-cell mass during obesity: adipose
      tissue/beta-cell cross talk.
AB  - In obesity an increase in beta-cell mass occurs to cope with the rise in insulin
      demand. This beta-cell plasticity is essential to avoid the onset of
      hyperglycemia, although the molecular mechanisms that regulate this process
      remain unclear. This study analyzed the role of adipose tissue in the control of
      beta-cell replication. Using a diet-induced model of obesity, we obtained
      conditioned media from three different white adipose tissue depots. Only in the
      adipose tissue depot surrounding the pancreas did the diet induce changes that
      led to an increase in INS1E cells and the islet replication rate. To identify the
      factors responsible for this proliferative effect, adipose tissue gene expression
      analysis was conducted by microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR. Of all the
      differentially expressed proteins, only the secreted ones were studied. IGF
      binding protein 3 (Igfbp3) was identified as the candidate for this effect.
      Furthermore, in the conditioned media, although the blockage of IGFBP3 led to an
      increase in the proliferation rate, the blockage of IGF-I receptor decreased it.
      Taken together, these data show that obesity induces specific changes in the
      expression profile of the adipose tissue depot surrounding the pancreas, leading
      to a decrease in IGFBP3 secretion. This decrease acts in a paracrine manner,
      stimulating the beta-cell proliferation rate, probably through an IGF-I-dependent
      mechanism. This cross talk between the visceral-pancreatic adipose tissue and
      beta-cells is a novel mechanism that participates in the control of beta-cell
      plasticity.

PMID- 22067320
TI  - Identical gene regulation patterns of T3 and selective thyroid hormone receptor
      modulator GC-1.
AB  - Synthetic selective thyroid hormone (TH) receptor (TR) modulators (STRM) exhibit
      beneficial effects on dyslipidemias in animals and humans and reduce obesity,
      fatty liver, and insulin resistance in preclinical animal models. STRM differ
      from native TH in preferential binding to the TRbeta subtype vs. TRalpha,
      increased uptake into liver, and reduced uptake into other tissues. However,
      selective modulators of other nuclear receptors exhibit important gene-selective
      actions, which are attributed to differential effects on receptor conformation
      and dynamics and can have profound influences in animals and humans. Although
      there are suggestions that STRM may exhibit such gene-specific actions, the
      extent to which they are actually observed in vivo has not been explored. Here,
      we show that saturating concentrations of the main active form of TH, T(3), and
      the prototype STRM GC-1 induce identical gene sets in livers of euthyroid and
      hypothyroid mice and a human cultured hepatoma cell line that only expresses
      TRbeta, HepG2. We find one case in which GC-1 exhibits a modest gene-specific
      reduction in potency vs. T(3), at angiopoietin-like factor 4 in HepG2.
      Investigation of the latter effect confirms that GC-1 acts through TRbeta to
      directly induce this gene but this gene-selective activity is not related to
      unusual T(3)-response element sequence, unlike previously documented promoter
      selective STRM actions. Our data suggest that T(3) and GC-1 exhibit almost
      identical gene regulation properties and that gene-selective actions of GC-1 and
      similar STRM will be subtle and rare.

PMID- 22067321
TI  - Kisspeptin signaling is indispensable for neurokinin B, but not glutamate,
      stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in mice.
AB  - Kisspeptins (Kp), products of the Kiss1 gene that act via Gpr54 to potently
      stimulate GnRH secretion, operate as mediators of other regulatory signals of the
      gonadotropic axis. Mouse models of Gpr54 and/or Kiss1 inactivation have been used
      to address the contribution of Kp in the central control of gonadotropin
      secretion; yet, phenotypic and hormonal differences have been detected among the
      transgenic lines available. We report here a series of neuroendocrine analyses in
      male mice of a novel Gpr54 knockout (KO) model, generated by heterozygous
      crossing of a loxP-Gpr54/Protamine-Cre double mutant line. Gpr54-null males
      showed severe hypogonadotropic hypogonadism but retained robust responsiveness to
      GnRH. Gonadotropic responses to the agonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors, N
      methyl-d-aspartate, were attenuated, but persisted, in Gpr54-null mice. In
      contrast, LH secretion after activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors was
      totally preserved in the absence of Gpr54 signaling. Detectable, albeit reduced,
      LH responses were also observed in Gpr54 KO mice after intracerebroventricular
      administration of galanin-like peptide or RF9, putative antagonist of
      neuropeptide FF receptors for the mammalian ortholog of gonadotropin-inhibiting
      hormone. In contrast, the stimulatory effect of senktide, agonist of neurokinin B
      (NKB; cotransmitter of Kiss1 neurons), was totally abrogated in Gpr54 KO males.
      Lack of Kp signaling also eliminated feedback LH responses to testosterone
      withdrawal. However, residual but sustained increases of FSH were detected in
      gonadectomized Gpr54 KO males, in which testosterone replacement failed to fully
      suppress circulating FSH levels. In sum, our study provides novel evidence for
      the relative importance of Kp-dependent vs. -independent actions of several key
      regulators of GnRH secretion, such as glutamate, galanin-like peptide, and
      testosterone. In addition, our data document for the first time the indispensable
      role of Kp signaling in mediating the stimulatory effects of NKB on LH secretion,
      thus supporting the hypothesis that NKB actions on GnRH neurons are indirectly
      mediated via its ability to regulate Kiss1 neuronal output.

PMID- 22067322
TI  - Prenatal dexamethasone exposure potentiates diet-induced hepatosteatosis and
      decreases plasma IGF-I in a sex-specific fashion.
AB  - The clinical use of synthetic glucocorticoids in preterm infants to promote lung
      development has received considerable attention due to the potential for
      increased risk of developing metabolic disease in adulthood after such treatment.
      In this study, we examined the hypothesis that exposure to the synthetic
      glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), during late gestation in the rat results in
      the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adult offspring. Pregnant
      Sprague Dawley dams were treated with 0.4 mg/kg DEX beginning on gestational d 18
      until parturition (gestational d 23). At postnatal d 21, offspring were weaned
      onto either a standard chow or high-fat (60% fat-derived calories) diet. In
      adulthood (postnatal d 60-65), hepatic tissue was harvested and examined for
      pathology. Liver steatosis, or fat accumulation, was found to be more severe in
      the DEX-exposed female offspring that were weaned onto the high-fat diet. This
      finding corresponded with decreased plasma IGF-I concentrations, as well as
      decreased hypothalamic expression of GHRH mRNA. Morphological measurements on
      body and long bone length further implicate a GH signaling deficit after fetal
      DEX exposure. Collectively, these data indicate suppression of GH axis function
      in the female DEX/high-fat cohort but not in the male offspring. Because deficits
      in the GH signaling can be linked to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease, our results suggest that the prominent liver injury noted in female
      offspring exposed to DEX during late gestation may stem from abnormal development
      of the GH axis at the hypothalamic level.

PMID- 22067323
TI  - Mutual regulation of growth hormone and bone morphogenetic protein system in
      steroidogenesis by rat granulosa cells.
AB  - GH induces preantral follicle growth and differentiation with oocyte maturation.
      However, the effects of GH on ovarian steroidogenesis and the mechanisms
      underlying its effects have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated
      the actions of GH on steroidogenesis by rat granulosa cells isolated from early
      antral follicles by focusing on the ovarian bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)
      system. We found that GH suppressed FSH-induced estradiol production with
      reduction in aromatase expression and, in contrast, GH increased FSH-induced
      progesterone level with induction of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, side
      chain cleavage cytochrome P450, and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The
      effects of GH on steroidogenesis by granulosa cells were enhanced in the presence
      of the BMP antagonist noggin. Coculture of GH with oocytes did not alter GH
      regulation of steroidogenesis. Steroid production induced by cAMP donors was not
      affected by GH treatment and the GH effects on FSH-induced steroid production
      were not accompanied by changes in cAMP synthesis, suggesting that GH actions
      were not directly mediated by the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway. GH exerted
      synergistic effects on MAPK activation elicited by FSH, which regulated FSH
      induced steroidogenesis. In addition, GH-induced signal transducer and activator
      of transcription phosphorylation was involved in the induction of IGF-I
      expression. GH increased IGF-I, IGF-I receptor, and FSH receptor expression in
      granulosa cells, and inhibition of IGF-I signaling restored GH stimulation of FSH
      induced progesterone production, suggesting that endogenous IGF-I is functionally
      involved in GH effects on progesterone induction. BMP inhibited IGF-I effects
      that increased FSH-induced estradiol production with suppression of expression of
      the GH/IGF-I system, whereas GH/IGF-I actions impaired BMP-Sma and Mad related
      protein 1/5/8 signaling through down-regulation of the expression of BMP
      receptors. Thus, GH acts to modulate estrogen and progesterone production
      differentially through endogenous IGF-I activity in granulosa cells, in which GH
      IGF-I interaction leads to antagonization of BMP actions including suppression of
      FSH-induced progesterone production. Mutual balance between GH/IGF-I and BMP
      signal intensities may be a key for regulating gonadotropin-induced
      steroidogenesis in growing follicles.

PMID- 22067324
TI  - Constitutive activation of IKKbeta in adipose tissue prevents diet-induced
      obesity in mice.
AB  - The IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) is a master kinase involved in obesity-related
      inflammation and insulin resistance through nuclear factor kappaB dependent and
      independent pathways. However, the effect of IKKbeta activation in adipose
      tissue, the organ critical for storage of excessive energy and initiation of
      inflammatory responses in the context of obesity, on systemic insulin sensitivity
      and metabolism, has not been investigated. In our study, we found that mice
      overexpressing the constitutively active IKKbeta in adipose tissue under the
      control of murine adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) promoter were
      protected from age-related and diet-induced body weight gains, despite increased
      food intake. The aP2-IKKbeta SE mice have significantly reduced weights in all
      white adipose tissue depots and reduced triglyceride contents in adipose tissue,
      liver, and muscle. Despite increased systemic and tissue inflammation, aP2
      IKKbeta SE mice displayed decreased blood glucose levels, improved glucose, and
      insulin tolerance. This may be at least partially attributable to increased
      energy expenditure. Histological analysis revealed presence of many small
      adipocytes in white adipose tissue of aP2-IKKbeta SE mice fed on high-fat diet.
      Furthermore, transgenic expression of IKKbeta in adipose tissue improved high-fat
      diet-induced hepatosteatosis. Collectively, increased energy expenditure and
      reduced plasma free fatty acid levels may contribute to enhanced systemic insulin
      sensitivity in aP2-IKKbeta SE mice. Our study demonstrates that presence of
      inflammation in adipose tissue before the development of obesity has beneficial
      effect on metabolism.

PMID- 22067325
TI  - Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) and A2 (FOXA2) oppositely regulate human type 1
      iodothyronine deiodinase gene in liver.
AB  - Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase (D1), a selenoenzyme that catalyzes the
      bioactivation of thyroid hormone, is expressed mainly in the liver. Its
      expression and activity are modulated by several factors, but the precise
      mechanism of its transcriptional regulation remains unclear. In the present
      study, we have analyzed the promoter of human D1 gene (hDIO1) to identify factors
      that prevalently increase D1 activity in the human liver. Deletion and mutation
      analyses demonstrated that a forkhead box (FOX)A binding site and an E-box site
      within the region between nucleotides -187 and -132 are important for hDIO1
      promoter activity in the liver. EMSA demonstrated that FOXA1 and FOXA2
      specifically bind to the FOXA binding site and that upstream stimulatory factor
      (USF) specifically binds to the E-box element. Overexpression of FOXA2 decreased
      hDIO1 promoter activity, and short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of FOXA2
      increased the expression of hDIO1 mRNA. In contrast, overexpression of USF1/2
      increased hDIO1 promoter activity. Short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of
      FOXA1 decreased the expression of hDIO1 mRNA, but knockdown of both FOXA1 and
      FOXA2 restored it. The response of the hDIO1 promoter to USF was greatly
      attenuated in the absence of FOXA1. Taken together, these results indicate that a
      balance of FOXA1 and FOXA2 expression modulates hDIO1 expression in the liver.

PMID- 22067326
TI  - betaC1 of chili leaf curl betasatellite is a pathogenicity determinant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cotton leaf curl disease in the Indian subcontinent is associated
      with several distinct begomoviruses that interact with a disease-specific DNA
      satellite named Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). However, we have
      recently reported that Chili leaf curl betasatellite (ChLCB) is also occasionally
      found associated with the disease in Pakistan. The question as to whether ChLCB
      contributes to the development of disease symptoms such as leaf curling and
      enations remain to be answered. We have previously shown that the expression of
      betaC1 of CLCuMB develops all symptoms of cotton leaf curl disease in Nicotiana
      benthamiana when expressed from PVX vector. FINDINGS: The role of ChLCB in the
      induction of typical disease symptoms was studied by its expression from PVX
      vector in N. benthamiana. The expression of betaC1 from PVX vector developed
      severe leaf curl symptoms and leaf-like enations that resemble the phenotype
      induced by betaC1 of CLCuMB. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented here show that
      the expression of betaC1 of ChLCB from PVX vector exhibit phenotype typical of
      cotton leaf curl and therefore ChLCB may contribute to the disease symptoms.

PMID- 22067328
TI  - Dissociation and emotion regulation in borderline personality disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although some evidence suggests that borderline personality disorder
      (BPD) is primarily a disorder of the emotion regulation system, findings remain
      inconsistent. One potential explanation for this is the moderating role of
      dissociation. METHOD: In this study, 33 female subjects with BPD and 26 healthy
      controls (HC; matched by education level and nicotine intake) were presented
      idiographic aversive, standard unpleasant and neutral scripts. Modulation of
      startle reflex and electrodermal responses (skin conductance level; SCL) were
      measured during imagery of emotional and neutral scripts. Additionally, self
      reports of emotional experience (valence and arousal) and present-state
      dissociation were assessed. RESULTS: Patients with BPD showed elevated levels of
      dissociative experiences during testing. Present-state dissociation mediated
      group differences in SCL and startle response between the HC and BPD groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that careful attention must be paid to the
      moderating effect of dissociative symptoms on the psychophysiological responses
      of BPD patients. Furthermore, the findings have important implications for the
      assessment and treatment of BPD, including the need to carefully assess BPD
      patients for dissociative symptoms and to incorporate the treatment of
      dissociation.

PMID- 22067327
TI  - Exploring the gonad transcriptome of two extreme male pigs with RNA-seq.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although RNA-seq greatly advances our understanding of complex
      transcriptome landscapes, such as those found in mammals, complete RNA-seq
      studies in livestock and in particular in the pig are still lacking. Here, we
      used high-throughput RNA sequencing to gain insight into the characterization of
      the poly-A RNA fraction expressed in pig male gonads. An expression analysis
      comparing different mapping approaches and detection of allele specific
      expression is also discussed in this study. RESULTS: By sequencing testicle mRNA
      of two phenotypically extreme pigs, one Iberian and one Large White, we
      identified hundreds of unannotated protein-coding genes (PcGs) in intergenic
      regions, some of them presenting orthology with closely related species.
      Interestingly, we also detected 2047 putative long non-coding RNA (lncRNA),
      including 469 with human homologues. Two methods, DEGseq and Cufflinks, were used
      for analyzing expression. DEGseq identified 15% less expressed genes than
      Cufflinks, because DEGseq utilizes only unambiguously mapped reads. Moreover, a
      large fraction of the transcriptome is made up of transposable elements (14500
      elements encountered), as has been reported in previous studies. Gene expression
      results between microarray and RNA-seq technologies were relatively well
      correlated (r = 0.71 across individuals). Differentially expressed genes between
      Large White and Iberian showed a significant overrepresentation of gamete
      production and lipid metabolism gene ontology categories. Finally, allelic
      imbalance was detected in ~ 4% of heterozygous sites. CONCLUSIONS: RNA-seq is a
      powerful tool to gain insight into complex transcriptomes. In addition to
      uncovering many unnanotated genes, our study allowed us to determine that a
      considerable fraction is made up of long non-coding transcripts and transposable
      elements. Their biological roles remain to be determined in future studies. In
      terms of differences in expression between Large White and Iberian pigs, these
      were largest for genes involved in spermatogenesis and lipid metabolism, which is
      consistent with phenotypic extreme differences in prolificacy and fat deposition
      between these two breeds.

PMID- 22067329
TI  - KBA62 and PNL2: 2 new melanoma markers-immunohistochemical analysis of 1563
      tumors including metastatic, desmoplastic, and mucosal melanomas and their
      mimics.
AB  - Identification of metastatic melanoma can be difficult because of its
      considerable morphologic variation and mimicry of a wide variety of other tumors.
      The more melanoma-specific melanoma markers, MelanA/MART-1, HMB45, and
      tyrosinase, used in addition to S100 protein, all have limitations in sensitivity
      and specificity. In this study, we evaluated 2 new melanoma markers, monoclonal
      antibodies KBA62 and PNL2 to yet unidentified antigens, using a large panel of
      metastatic melanomas (n=214), desmoplastic melanomas (n=34), gastrointestinal
      mucosal melanomas (n=54), benign nevi (n=27), clear cell sarcomas (n=16), and
      nonmelanocytic tumors (n=1218). Immunoreactivity for KBA62 and PNL2 was found in
      all pigmented nevi and in 86% and 90% of metastatic melanomas, respectively.
      Mucosal melanomas showed a similar rate of PNL2 immunoreactivity but somewhat
      less frequent KBA62 positivity (72%). In addition, KBA62 was found to be a
      sensitive diagnostic marker for desmoplastic melanoma (28 of 34; 82%), whereas
      PNL2 was only rarely positive (2 of 34; 6%). KBA62-positive normal tissues
      included pericytes, vascular and parenchymal smooth muscles, and basal cells of
      complex epithelia, including myoepithelia, whereas PNL2 labeled only melanocytes
      and neutrophils. Among nonmelanocytic tumors, those that were KBA62 positive were
      nodular fasciitis, leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors,
      benign and malignant nerve sheath tumors, synovial sarcoma, and subsets of
      various carcinomas, especially those with squamous cell/stratified epithelial
      differentiation. PNL2 positivity in nonmelanocytic tumors was more restricted but
      occurred consistently in angiomyolipoma and other perivascular epitheloid cell
      tumor and in chronic myeloid leukemia tissue infiltrates. KBA62 may assist in the
      identification of desmoplastic melanomas, but its widespread occurrence in
      nonmelanomas limits utility. PNL2 is highly specific for melanomas but lacks
      reactivity with desmoplastic melanomas. It is also an excellent supplementary
      marker for perivascular epitheloid cell tumor at various sites.

PMID- 22067330
TI  - Absence of Merkel cell polyomavirus in primary parotid high-grade neuroendocrine
      carcinomas regardless of cytokeratin 20 immunophenotype.
AB  - High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the salivary glands is a rare malignancy
      that can be difficult to distinguish from metastatic neuroendocrine (Merkel cell)
      carcinoma of the skin, which often occurs on the head and neck and may
      metastasize to lymph nodes in or adjacent to salivary glands, particularly the
      parotid gland. As the 2 tumors have morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap,
      additional diagnostic tools may be clinically useful. Merkel cell carcinoma is
      known to harbor Merkel cell polyomavirus in up to 80% of cases. However, the
      presence or absence of this virus in salivary gland neuroendocrine carcinomas has
      not been investigated. We evaluated 7 primary salivary gland high-grade
      neuroendocrine carcinomas (all from the parotid) for the virus by both
      immunohistochemistry (CM2B4 clone) and real-time polymerase chain reaction
      directed against the conserved small T antigen. Five of the tumors had small cell
      morphology, and 2 had large cell morphology. All were either chromogranin and/or
      synaptophysin positive. Four of the 5 small cell (80%) and 1 of the 2 large cell
      (50%) carcinomas were cytokeratin 20 positive. All but 1 case had cervical lymph
      node metastases at presentation. Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigen was not
      detected in any of the 7 tumors, either by immunohistochemistry or by polymerase
      chain reaction with adequate controls. These observations suggest that primary
      parotid high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma arises from a biological pathway that
      is different from that of cutaneous Merkel cell carcinomas. Furthermore, viral
      testing may aid in distinguishing the 2 tumor types, as a positive result would
      favor a metastasis.

PMID- 22067331
TI  - Prox1 transcription factor as a marker for vascular tumors-evaluation of 314
      vascular endothelial and 1086 nonvascular tumors.
AB  - Prox1, a transcription factor important in the regulation and maintenance of the
      lymphatic endothelial phenotype, is consistently expressed in lymphangiomas and
      Kaposi sarcoma and has also been reported in Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.
      However, information on its distribution in vascular tumors, such as
      angiosarcoma, is limited. In this study, we examined selected normal tissues and
      314 vascular endothelial and 1086 nonvascular tumors to get an insight into the
      biology of these tumors and on potential diagnostic use of Prox1 as an
      immunohistochemical marker. In adult tissues, Prox1 was essentially restricted to
      lymphatic endothelia, with expression in subsets of pancreatic and
      gastrointestinal epithelia. However, it was also detected in embryonic liver and
      heart. Prox1 was consistently expressed in lymphangiomas, venous hemangiomas,
      Kaposi sarcoma, in endothelia of spindle cell hemangioma, Kaposiform
      hemangioendothelioma, and retiform hemangioendothelioma, and in half of
      epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas. It was present in most cutaneous angiosarcomas
      from different sites but was less commonly expressed in deep soft tissue and
      visceral angiosarcomas. In contrast, Prox1 was generally absent in capillary and
      cavernous hemangiomas. In positive hemangiomas and angiosarcomas it was
      coexpressed with podoplanin, another marker of the lymphatic endothelial
      phenotype. There was an inverse correlation with CD34 expression. The expression
      in mesenchymal nonendothelial neoplasm was limited. Prox1 was detected in 5 of 27
      synovial sarcomas, specifically in the epithelia of biphasic tumors. Four of 16
      Ewing sarcomas and 5 of 15 paragangliomas were also positive. All melanomas and
      undifferentiated sarcomas were negative. Among epithelial neoplasms, Prox1 was
      detected in 18 of 38 colonic carcinomas and 10 of 15 cholangiocarcinomas and in a
      minority of pulmonary, prostatic, and endometrial adenocarcinomas. The common
      Prox1 expression in angiosarcoma and its rare presence in nonvascular mesenchymal
      tumors make this marker suitable for the diagnosis of angiosarcoma and Kaposi
      sarcoma. However, the presence of Prox1 in some malignant epithelial tumors
      necessitates caution in applying Prox1 as a marker for vascular tumors. Common
      Prox1 expression in angiosarcoma may reflect the lymphatic endothelial phenotype
      in these tumors. Its patterns of expression in hemangiomas and angiosarcoma may
      be diagnostically useful and offer a new parameter in the biological
      classification of vascular tumors.

PMID- 22067332
TI  - Pax8 detection in well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine tumors: how reliable
      is it?

PMID- 22067333
TI  - Prediction of adenocarcinoma in esophagectomy specimens based upon analysis of
      preresection biopsies of Barrett esophagus with at least high-grade dysplasia: a
      comparison of 2 systems.
AB  - Distinguishing Barrett esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (BE-HGD) from
      intramucosal and submucosal adenocarcinomas on biopsies is challenging, yet
      important, in the choice of therapy. The current study evaluates preresection
      biopsies from patients who underwent esophagectomy for at least BE-HGD, to
      compare the recently published histologic categories by the University of
      Michigan (UM) and Cleveland Clinic (CC), correlate preresection and final
      resection diagnosis, and identify histologic features in biopsies that might be
      predictive of adenocarcinoma on esophagectomy. A total of 112 cases with a
      consensus biopsy diagnosis (agreement by >=4 of 7 gastrointestinal pathologists)
      were statistically analyzed to identify histologic features that predicted
      adenocarcinoma on resection. Applying the UM criteria to the biopsy series showed
      excellent agreement with the CC system (kappa=0.86) and significant correlation
      between preoperative and esophagectomy diagnoses (P<0.001). The likelihood of
      finding carcinoma on resection was significantly higher with the category of HGD
      with marked glandular distortion cannot exclude intramucosal adenocarcinoma [CC;
      odd ratio (OR), 2.8; P=0.046] or HGD suspicious for adenocarcinoma (UM; OR, 4.3;
      P=0.008), compared to HGD alone. The presence of "never-ending" glands (OR, 3.7;
      P=0.008), sheet-like growth (P<0.001), angulated glands (OR, 8.5; P<0.001), >=3
      dilated glands with intraluminal debris (OR, 2.6; P=0.05), and >1 focus of single
      cell infiltration into the lamina propria (OR, 8.9; P<0.001) increased the odds
      of finding carcinoma on resection. The latter 2 variables remained independent
      predictors of adenocarcinoma in multivariable analysis. In conclusion, the CC and
      UM systems show excellent agreement and define histologic categories that can
      improve prediction of adenocarcinoma on resection.

PMID- 22067334
TI  - "Null pattern" of immunoreactivity in a Lynch syndrome-associated colon cancer
      due to germline MSH2 mutation and somatic MLH1 hypermethylation.
AB  - Lynch syndrome accounts for approximately 3% of newly diagnosed colorectal
      cancers and is caused by germline defects in DNA mismatch repair genes. Screening
      of patients for Lynch syndrome can be done by immunohistochemical staining for a
      panel of mismatch repair proteins and/or DNA testing for microsatellite
      instability. We describe a unique "null" immunophenotype in a Lynch syndrome
      associated colon cancer in a 71-year-old woman who also had a personal history of
      ureteral cancer and a strong family history of various malignancies.
      Immunohistochemical stains for MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6 were completely
      negative in the tumor cells, with positive staining in stromal and inflammatory
      cells. Mutation analysis using peripheral blood showed a germline G587R mutation
      in the MSH2 gene. Further testing revealed the tumor to be positive for MLH1
      promoter hypermethylation. Normal colonic mucosa adjacent to the tumor was
      negative for MLH1 promoter methylation. The lack of immunostaining for any of the
      4 DNA mismatch repair proteins in this extremely unusual case was, therefore,
      related to a germline MSH2 mutation and somatic MLH1 promoter hypermethylation.

PMID- 22067335
TI  - Video as poetry: Felix in Exile (1994) by William Kentridge (b. 1955).

PMID- 22067336
TI  - Electrostimulation mapping of spatial neglect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cortical and subcortical electrostimulation mapping during awake
      brain surgery for tumor removal is usually used to minimize deficits. OBJECTIVE:
      To use electrostimulation to study neuronal substrates involved in spatial
      awareness in humans. METHODS: Spatial neglect was studied using a line bisection
      task in combination with electrostimulation mapping of the right hemisphere in 50
      cases. Stimulation sites were identified with Talairach coordinates. The
      behavioral effects induced by stimulation, especially eye movements and
      deviations from the median, were quantified and compared with preoperative data
      and a control group. RESULTS: Composite and highly individualized spatial neglect
      maps were generated. Both rightward and leftward deviations were induced,
      sometimes in the same patient but for different stimulation sites. Group analysis
      showed that specific and reproducible line deviations were induced by stimulation
      of discrete cortical areas located in the posterior part of the right superior
      and middle temporal gyri, inferior parietal lobe, and inferior postcentral and
      inferior frontal gyri (P < .05). Fiber tracking identified stimulated subcortical
      areas important to spare as sections of fronto-occipital and superior
      longitudinal II fascicles. According to preoperative and postoperative neglect
      battery tests, the specificity and sensitivity of intraoperative line bisection
      tests were 94% and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In humans, discrete cortical
      areas that are variable in location between individuals but mainly located within
      the right posterior Sylvian fissure sustain visuospatial attention specifically
      toward the contralateral or ipsilateral space direction. Line bisection mapping
      was found to be a reliable method for minimizing spatial neglect caused by brain
      tumor surgery.

PMID- 22067340
TI  - A better understanding of myelination using nano-indentation.

PMID- 22067341
TI  - Predicting the first site of relapse for cancerous tumors using protein
      expression profiles.

PMID- 22067342
TI  - Seizures and free radicals:  the antioxidant may become the next anticonvulsant.

PMID- 22067343
TI  - The effect of endothelin receptor antagonists on vasospasm following aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 22067344
TI  - Enhancing memory via stimulation: a promising new technique?

PMID- 22067345
TI  - SAMMPRIS: end of intracranial stenting for atherosclerosis or back to the drawing
      board?

PMID- 22067346
TI  - Direct conversion of human fibroblasts to functional neurons in one step.

PMID- 22067347
TI  - Neurosurgery tops malpractice risk.

PMID- 22067359
TI  - Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis in infant with erysipelas.

PMID- 22067362
TI  - Protein acetylation and aging.
AB  - Our results suggest the possible benefit of manipulating an intrinsic aging
      pathway that is independent of nutrition availability, a potential therapeutic
      route that might be able to bypass shortcomings of calorie restriction.

PMID- 22067349
TI  - Three interrelated themes in current breast cancer research: gene addiction,
      phenotypic plasticity, and cancer stem cells.
AB  - Recent efforts to understand breast cancer biology involve three interrelated
      themes that are founded on a combination of clinical and experimental
      observations. The central concept is gene addiction. The clinical dilemma is the
      escape from gene addiction, which is mediated, in part, by phenotypic plasticity
      as exemplified by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal-to
      epithelial transition. Finally, cancer stem cells are now recognized as the basis
      for minimal residual disease and malignant progression over time. These themes
      cooperate in breast cancer, as induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      enhances self-renewal and expression of cancer stem cells, which are believed to
      facilitate tumor resistance.

PMID- 22067363
TI  - Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of enkephalinergic neurons in adult
      and developing retinas of the preproenkephalin-green fluorescent protein
      transgenic mouse.
AB  - Enkephalin (ENK) peptides are present in the retina of several vertebrate species
      and play a crucial role in establishing specific circuits during retinal
      development. However, there is no information available concerning the
      development of ENKergic neurons in the mouse retina. To address this question, we
      used preproenkephalin-enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice,
      in which ENKergic neurons are revealed by GFP. Our results showed that most GFP
      positive cells were located in the proximal part of the inner nuclear layer with
      a scattering of GFP-immunoreactive cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in the
      adult retina. Double immunostaining with syntaxin indicates that GFP expression
      was restricted to a population of amacrine cells. The proportions of glycine
      transporter-1 and gamma-aminobutyric acid-positive cells among ENKergic neurons
      were 57.3 +/- 2.4% and 10.1 +/- 1.8%, respectively. We then injected retrograde
      tracer into the superior colliculus and observed that none of the ENKergic
      neurons in the GCL were retrogradely labeled with the tracer. GFP-positive cells
      were first observed at embryonic day (E) 15 in the inner neuroblastic layer at
      only very low levels, which gradually increased until E18. After birth, there was
      a steep rise in GFP expression levels, reaching maximal activity by postnatal day
      (P) 7. The distribution and intensity of GFP-positive cells at P15 were similar
      to those of adult retina. It was found that immunoreactive processes in the inner
      plexiform layer formed strongly stained patches. The present results provide
      detailed morphological evidence of the cell type and spatial and temporal
      distribution of ENKergic neurons in the retina.

PMID- 22067364
TI  - Particle filter with a mode tracker for visual tracking across illumination
      changes.
AB  - In this correspondence, our goal is to develop a visual tracking algorithm that
      is able to track moving objects in the presence of illumination variations in the
      scene and that is robust to occlusions. We treat the illumination and motion ( x
      y  translation and scale) parameters as the unknown "state" sequence. The
      observation is the entire image, and the observation model allows for occasional
      occlusions (modeled as outliers). The nonlinearity and multimodality of the
      observation model necessitate the use of a particle filter (PF). Due to the
      inclusion of illumination parameters, the state dimension increases, thus making
      regular PFs impractically expensive. We show that the recently proposed approach
      using a PF with a mode tracker can be used here since, even in most occlusion
      cases, the posterior of illumination conditioned on motion and the previous state
      is unimodal and quite narrow. The key idea is to importance sample on the motion
      states while approximating importance sampling by posterior mode tracking for
      estimating illumination. Experiments demonstrate the advantage of the proposed
      algorithm over existing PF-based approaches for various face and vehicle
      tracking. We are also able to detect illumination model changes, e.g., those due
      to transition from shadow to sunlight or vice versa by using the generalized
      expected log-likelihood statistics and successfully compensate for it without
      ever loosing track.

PMID- 22067365
TI  - Commutability of blur and affine warping in super-resolution with application to
      joint estimation of triple-coupled variables.
AB  - This paper proposes a new approach to the image blind super-resolution (BSR)
      problem in the case of affine interframe motion. Although the tasks of image
      registration, blur identification, and high-resolution (HR) image reconstruction
      are coupled in the imaging process, when dealing with nonisometric interframe
      motion or without the exact knowledge of the blurring process, classic SR
      techniques generally have to tackle them (maybe in some combinations) separately.
      The main difficulty is that state-of-the-art deconvolution methods cannot be
      straightforwardly generalized to cope with the space-variant motion. We prove
      that the operators of affine warping and blur commute with some additional
      transforms and derive an equivalent form of the BSR observation model. Using this
      equivalent form, we develop an iterative algorithm to jointly estimate the triple
      coupled variables, i.e., the motion parameters, blur kernels, and HR image.
      Experiments on synthetic and real-life images illustrate the performance of the
      proposed technique in modeling the space-variant degradation process and
      restoring local textures.

PMID- 22067366
TI  - Incentives in the family II: behavioral dynamics and the evolution of non-costly
      signaling.
AB  - In many biological and social interactions, individuals with private information
      have incentives to misrepresent their information. A prominent example is when
      offspring know their need or condition but the parents do not. Theory showed that
      signal costs can ensure truthful communication in such situations, but further
      studies have cast in doubt whether empirically measured costs are high enough to
      sustain honesty, and whether the costly signaling equilibrium represents a
      fitness advantage over non-signaling. Here, I tackle these issues with a model of
      signaling that takes place at the behavioral time-scale through dynamic responses
      of individuals to each other. I then embed this behavioral model in an
      evolutionary one that asks how the decision rules of the parent and offspring
      evolve in response to the trade-off between signal costs and the costs of
      provisioning. I find that a non-costly honest signaling equilibrium can evolve
      when relatedness between siblings is above a certain threshold. This threshold is
      lower when (i) offspring get satiated more quickly, (ii) the cost of provisioning
      to the parent escalates less rapidly, or (iii) the variation in offspring need is
      higher. These results provide a potential resolution to the apparent paradox of
      costly begging. I also discuss the relation between costly signaling and
      mechanism design theories.

PMID- 22067367
TI  - Preventive and minimal intervention dentistry in the undergraduate curriculum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper illustrates the preventive and minimal intervention
      dentistry (MI) concepts with examples from cariology, but the philosophy is much
      wider and should have an impact across all dental specialties and the entire
      undergraduate curriculum. Collaboration between researchers, educators and
      clinical dentists is very important for the continuing improvement of dentistry.
      METHODS: This paper considers the potential of preventive dentistry and "MI
      Dentistry" and then outlines a modern core cariology curriculum recently
      developed for use across Europe. Related initiatives from the ICDAS Foundation's
      ICCMSTM (International Caries Classification and Management System), the
      International Association for Dental Research and the Alliance for a Cavity Free
      Future (ACFF) are also outlined. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive and minimal intervention
      dentistry are important topics, both for the present and increasingly for the
      future.

PMID- 22067368
TI  - Estrogenic botanical supplements, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and
      hormone-related symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a HEAL study report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether estrogenic botanical supplement (EBS) use
      influences breast cancer survivors' health-related outcomes. METHODS: We examined
      the associations of EBS use with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), with
      fatigue, and with 15 hormone-related symptoms such as hot flashes and night
      sweats among 767 breast cancer survivors participating in the Health, Eating,
      Activity, and Lifestyle (HEAL) Study. HRQOL was measured by the Medical Outcomes
      Study short form-36 physical and mental component scale summary score. Fatigue
      was measured by the Revised-Piper Fatigue Scale score. RESULTS: Neither overall
      EBS use nor the number of EBS types used was associated with HRQOL, fatigue, or
      hormone-related symptoms. However, comparisons of those using each specific type
      of EBS with non-EBS users revealed the following associations. Soy supplements
      users were more likely to have a better physical health summary score (odds ratio
      [OR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.70). Flaxseed oil users were
      more likely to have a better mental health summary score (OR = 1.76, 95% CI =
      1.05-2.94). Ginseng users were more likely to report severe fatigue and several
      hormone-related symptoms (all ORs >= 1.7 and all 95% CIs exclude 1). Red clover
      users were less likely to report weight gain, night sweats, and difficulty
      concentrating (all OR approximately 0.4 and all 95% CIs exclude 1). Alfalfa users
      were less likely to experience sleep interruption (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12
      0.68). Dehydroepiandrosterone users were less likely to have hot flashes (OR =
      0.33, 95% CI = 0.14-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that several
      specific types of EBS might have important influences on a woman's various
      aspects of quality of life, but further verification is necessary.

PMID- 22067369
TI  - Application of multiplex PCR approaches for shark molecular identification:
      feasibility and applications for fisheries management and conservation in the
      Eastern Tropical Pacific.
AB  - Here we describe the application of new and existing multiplex PCR methodologies
      for shark species molecular identification. Four multiplex systems (group ID,
      thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks and miscellaneous shark) were employed with
      primers previously described and some designed in this study, which allow for
      species identification after running PCR products through an agarose gel. This
      system was implemented for samples (bodies and fins) collected from unidentified
      sharks landed in the port of Buenaventura and from confiscated tissues obtained
      from illegal fishing around the Malpelo Island Marine Protected Area, Pacific
      Coast of Colombia. This method has allowed reliable identification, to date, of
      407 samples to the genus and/or species levels, most of them (380) identified as
      the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus). Another seven samples were
      identified as scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini). This is an easy-to
      implement and reliable identification method that could even be used locally to
      monitor shark captures in the main fishing ports of developed and developing
      countries.

PMID- 22067370
TI  - Serum superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels in a group of Chinese
      patients with age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity together with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in a group of
      Chinese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Serum SOD
      activity and MDA levels were analysed in 56 AMD patients with subtypes (early
      dry, geographic atrophy, and wet) and 34 healthy controls matched with age and
      sex. RESULTS: Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in AMD (3.68 +/- 1.06
      nmol/mL) than in controls (2.83 +/- 0.43 nmol/mL; p=0.000), and was significantly
      higher in wet AMD (3.79 +/- 0.79 nmol/mL) than in early dry AMD (3.26 +/- 0.99
      nmol/mL; p=0.038). Serum SOD activity was significantly higher in AMD (87.12 +/-
      13.22 U/mL) than in controls (79.91 +/- 11.80 U/mL; p=0.012), and slightly higher
      in wet AMD (89.52 +/- 16.25 U/mL) than in GA (83.62 +/- 9.75 U/mL; p=0.275) and
      early dry AMD (81.64 +/- 18.90 U/mL; p=0.093). There was a positive correlation
      between serum MDA levels and SOD activities in AMD patients and controls
      (r=0.320, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The observed increase in SOD activity in our
      study may be related to increased MDA levels, as a compensatory regulation in
      response to oxidative stress in AMD patients. The present data also demonstrate
      that oxido-reduction disturbance may be hypothesized in the pathogenesis of AMD.

PMID- 22067371
TI  - Differences according to gender and health status in CD4:CD8 ratio in a sample of
      community-dwelling oldest old. The OCTABAIX immune study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The presence of an immune-risk phenotype (IRP) has been
      correlated with survival rates in elderly people. The aim of this study is to
      characterize the inverted CD4:CD8 ratio as a possible marker of IRP in a sample
      of oldest old (85 years) by assessing differences in gender and health status.
      METHODS: Comorbidity, functional status (Barthel Index), and cognitive status
      with the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination were evaluated. Non
      disabled subjects were defined as those with better health status, with scores of
      >90 on the Barthel Index and >23 points on the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental
      State Examination. CD4:CD8 ratios were recorded, and a ratio of 1.00 or less was
      used to define IRF. RESULTS: Three hundred and twelve subjects aged 85 years old
      were studied, 190 women (60.9%) and 122 men. The CD4:CD8 ratio was 1.00 or less
      in 47 subjects (15.6%) and higher than 2.2 in 115 (36.8%). There were no
      differences in CD4:CD8 ratio according to health status. The inverted CD4:CD8
      ratio was more frequent in men (55.3%). CONCLUSION: In this community-dwelling,
      single year birth cohort study, the subgroup with poor health status did not have
      a lower CD4:CD8 ratio. The inverted CD4:CD8 ratio was more frequent in men.

PMID- 22067372
TI  - Association between generic and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires
      and mobility and balance among women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aims of this study were to assess correlations between
      two health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements, the Quality of Life
      Questionnaire issued by the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO- 41)
      and the total score of The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20) in a population
      of women living at home with well-established osteoporosis and at least one
      vertebral fracture, as well as the internal consistency and floor and ceiling
      effects of these measurements. Also examined were the mean values of these
      measurements, to ascertain whether they were significantly different for the
      group consisting of 75% of the women with the best performance on mobility and
      balance, compared with the other participants. METHODS: Across-sectional study of
      89 women aged 60 years or more, evaluated by QUALEFFO-41 (consisting of one total
      score and five section scores), GHQ-20 (one total score), maximum speed and
      Functional Reach (FR). RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient for measurements of
      HRQOL ranged from 0.61 to 0.92. Significant correlations between 'QUALEFFO- 41:
      total score' and 'GHQ-20: total score' were 0.49, and between 'GHQ-20: total
      score' and section scores of 'QUALEFFO-41' 0.28-0.63. Those in the 75% group with
      the highest maximum walking speed or longest distance on FR reported
      significantly better disease-specific HRQOL than the others, with poorer results
      on these tests. CONCLUSIONS: Disease-specific and generic HRQOL instruments are
      not redundant when applied together, and the disease-specific 'QUALEFFO-41' and
      generic GHQ-20 measure different aspects of HRQOL.

PMID- 22067373
TI  - Carotid sinus syndrome is common in very elderly patients undergoing tilt table
      testing and carotid sinus massage because of syncope or unexplained falls.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although the incidence of falls and syncope increase with
      age, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, particularly in very old
      patients. We report diagnostic outcomes of tilt table and carotid sinus massage
      (TT/CSM) testing in a population of older old subjects (82% over 80 years of age)
      referred for TT/CSM from a falls clinic for assessment of syncope or unexplained
      falls. METHODS: Prospective observational study between January 1, 2001 and
      January 1, 2005 involving 290 consecutive subjects undergoing TT/CSM testing
      according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and
      management of syncope. RESULTS: Combination of TT/CSM provided a positive result
      in 62% of subjects, and was significantly more likely to be positive in subjects
      over the age of 80 (68% vs 50%, p=0.001). Carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) was the
      most common diagnosis, and was significantly more common in subjects over 80 (48%
      vs 34%, p=0.022) particularly due to a higher incidence of mixed CSS (16% vs 7%,
      p=0.023). There was no significant difference in the diagnosis of subjects
      referred due to falls and those reporting syncope (p=0.93). No cardiovascular or
      neurological adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of very elderly
      patients, the diagnostic accuracy of tilt testing and carotid sinus massage was
      high and adverse incidents absent when testing was indicated by a geriatrician
      experienced in the assessment of falls and syncope. We advocate the use of TT/CSM
      testing as part of a comprehensive falls/syncope assessment for the diagnostic
      evaluation of older patients presenting with unexplained falls and/or syncope in
      whom structured assessment has not identified a cause for their symptoms.

PMID- 22067374
TI  - Examination of the relationship between age and clinical function: missing the
      trees for the wood.

PMID- 22067375
TI  - Surfactant lavage therapy for meconium aspiration syndrome: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung lavage with diluted surfactant has emerged as an innovative
      treatment for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). However, the treatment effect
      has not yet been fully established. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of
      surfactant lavage therapy for MAS by a systematic meta-analysis. METHODS:
      Relevant studies were identified by database searches in MEDLINE (from 1950),
      EMBASE (from 1980), and CENTRAL, up to June 2010, and by additional hand
      searches. Meta-analyses were separately conducted for randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled studies (NRSs). Risk of bias was
      assessed and clinical as well as statistical heterogeneities were also
      investigated in explaining the potential bias. RESULTS: Two RCTs (87 patients)
      and eight NRSs (178 patients) were identified. From the results of the meta
      analysis of RCTs, surfactant lavage significantly decreased death or the need for
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11, 0.99). An
      interventional benefit was indicated for other outcomes, although it was not
      statistically significant based only on the two RCTs. Results from the analysis
      of outcomes from NRSs are consistent with those from RCTs and demonstrated a
      beneficial effect, which could be considered as supporting evidence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Lung lavage with diluted surfactant appeared to improve the clinical outcome in
      infants with MAS. Given that less than 100 infants were included in the two RCTs,
      the findings of this study may still be regarded as insufficient evidence.
      Further research will be needed to confirm the benefit as well as to refine the
      lavage technique.

PMID- 22067383
TI  - IL-15 administered by continuous infusion to rhesus macaques induces massive
      expansion of CD8+ T effector memory population in peripheral blood.
AB  - IL-15 promotes activation and maintenance of natural killer (NK) and CD8(+) T
      effector memory (T(EM)) cells, making it a potential immunotherapeutic agent for
      the treatment of cancer and immunodeficiency states. Here we report the
      immunologic effects of 3 different IL-15 dosing strategies in Rhesus macaques. IL
      15 at a dose of 20 MUg/kg/d administered by continuous intravenous infusion for
      10 days resulted in a massive (100-fold) expansion of CD8(+) T(EM) cells in the
      peripheral blood. In contrast, the administration of 20-40 MUg/kg/d of IL-15 by
      subcutaneous injection resulted in a more modest (10-fold) expansion of CD8(+)
      T(EM) cells. NK expansion was similar in both the continuous intravenous and
      daily subcutaneous treatment groups. The observation that IL-15 administered by
      continuous intravenous infusion is able to induce markedly greater expansions of
      CD8(+) T(EM) cells than the same dose administered by other routes may have
      important implications for clinical development of this cytokine.

PMID- 22067384
TI  - Activity of alemtuzumab monotherapy in treatment-naive, relapsed, and refractory
      severe acquired aplastic anemia.
AB  - Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) + cyclosporine is effective in restoring
      hematopoiesis in severe aplastic anemia (SAA). We hypothesized that the humanized
      anti-CD52 mAb alemtuzumab might be active in SAA because of its lymphocytotoxic
      properties. We investigated alemtuzumab monotherapy from 2003-2010 in treatment
      naive, relapsed, and refractory SAA in 3 separate research protocols at the
      National Institutes of Health. Primary outcome was hematologic response at 6
      months. For refractory disease, patients were randomized between rabbit ATG +
      cyclosporine (n = 27) and alemtuzumab (n = 27); the response rate for alemtuzumab
      was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-57%) and for rabbit ATG 33% (95% CI,
      14%-52%; P = .78). The 3-year survival was 83% (95% CI, 68%-99%) for alemtuzumab
      and 60% (95% CI, 43%-85%) for rabbit ATG (P = .16). For relapsed disease (n =
      25), alemtuzumab was administered in a single-arm study; the response rate was
      56% (95% CI, 35%-77%) and the 3-year survival was 86% (95% CI, 72%-100%). In
      treatment-naive patients (n = 16), alemtuzumab was compared with horse and rabbit
      ATG in a 3-arm randomized study; the response rate was 19% (95% CI 0%-40%), and
      the alemtuzumab arm was discontinued early. We conclude that alemtuzumab is
      effective in SAA, but best results are obtained in the relapsed and refractory
      settings. The present trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT00195624, NCT00260689, and NCT00065260.

PMID- 22067385
TI  - Role of c-MYC in alternative activation of human macrophages and tumor-associated
      macrophage biology.
AB  - In response to microenvironmental signals, macrophages undergo different
      activation, including the "classic" proinflammatory phenotype (also called M1),
      the "alternative" activation induced by the IL-4/IL-13 trigger, and the related
      but distinct heterogeneous M2 polarization associated with the anti-inflammatory
      profile. The latter is induced by several stimuli, including IL-10 and TGF-beta.
      Macrophage-polarized activation has profound effects on immune and inflammatory
      responses and in tumor biology, but information on the underlying molecular
      pathways is scarce. In the present study, we report that alternative polarization
      of macrophages requires the transcription factor c-MYC. In macrophages, IL-4 and
      different stimuli sustaining M2-like polarization induce c-MYC expression and its
      translocation to the nucleus. c-MYC controls the induction of a subset (45%) of
      genes associated with alternative activation. ChIP assays indicate that c-MYC
      directly regulates some genes associated with alternative activation, including
      SCARB1, ALOX15, and MRC1, whereas others, including CD209, are indirectly
      regulated by c-MYC. c-MYC up-regulates the IL-4 signaling mediators signal
      transducer and activator of transcription-6 and peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptorgamma, is also expressed in tumor-associated macrophages, and its
      inhibition blocks the expression of protumoral genes including VEGF, MMP9, HIF
      1alpha, and TGF-beta. We conclude that c-MYC is a key player in alternative
      macrophage activation, and is therefore a potential therapeutic target in
      pathologies related to these cells, including tumors.

PMID- 22067386
TI  - The repertoire of lambda light chains causing predominant amyloid heart
      involvement and identification of a preferentially involved germline gene, IGLV1
      44.
AB  - Monoclonal Ig light chains (LC) can be responsible for pathologic conditions in
      humans, as in systemic amyloid light amyloidosis. Protean clinical manifestations
      characterize this disorder with the most varied combination of symptoms generated
      by different degrees of diverse organ involvement. Kidney and heart are most
      frequently interested, with major heart involvement as the most relevant
      prognostic factor. The identification of the underlying mechanism involved in
      organ targeting is of major relevance for the pathobiology of this disorder. To
      this aim, we characterized the repertoire of variable region germline genes of
      lambda LC preferentially targeting the heart and compared it with the repertoire
      of LC that do not in a case-control study. We found that the repertoires were
      highly restricted, showing preferential use of the same few germline genes but
      with a different frequency pattern. A single gene, IGVL1-44, was found associated
      with a 5-fold increase in the odds of dominant heart involvement (after adjusting
      for confounders in a multivariable logistic model). These results support an
      involvement of LC genetics in the determination of organ targeting. Study of the
      characteristics of IGVL1-44-LC with, and of the minority without, heart
      involvement might lead to identification of LC/tissue interactions.

PMID- 22067387
TI  - Maturation and function of human dendritic cells are regulated by B lymphocytes.
AB  - Mature dendritic cells (DCs) are stimulators of T-cell immune response, whereas
      immature DCs support T-cell tolerance. Murine B cells can inhibit the production
      of IL-12 by DCs and thereby hinder the inflammatory response. Notwithstanding the
      importance of this modulation, only a few studies are available in humans. Here,
      we have developed an in vitro model of cocultures to assess its significance. We
      establish that human activated B cells restrained the development of monocytes
      into immature DCs and their differentiation into mature DCs. In addition, they
      decreased the density of HLA-DR from mature DCs, the expression of CD80 and CD86
      coactivation molecules, the production of IL-12p70 required for antigen
      presentation and Th1 differentiation, and inhibited the DC-induced T-cell
      proliferation. These modulations were mediated by
      CD19(+)IgD(low)CD38(+)CD24(low)CD27(-) B cells and needed direct cell-to-cell
      contacts that involved CD62L for the control of CD80 and CD86 expression and a
      soluble factor for the control of IL-12 production. Moreover, mature DCs from
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus displayed insensitivity to the
      regulation of IL-12. Overall, it appears that human B cells can regulate DC
      maturation and function and that inefficient B-cell regulation may influence an
      improper balance between an effector inflammatory response and tolerance
      induction.

PMID- 22067388
TI  - Tumor penetrative depth considers both the size of sentinel lymph node metastases
      and their location in relation to the nodal capsule.

PMID- 22067389
TI  - Phase II study of intraperitoneal paclitaxel plus cisplatin and intravenous
      paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as adjuvant treatment of optimal stage II/III
      epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intraperitoneal (IP) cisplatin and intravenous (IV) or IP paclitaxel
      constitute a standard therapy for optimally debulked ovarian cancer. Bevacizumab
      prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) when included in first-line IV
      chemotherapy. In this study, the safety and feasibility of adding bevacizumab to
      a first-line IP regimen were assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment was as
      follows: paclitaxel 135 mg/m(2) IV over 3 hours day 1, cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) IP
      day 2, and paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2) IP day 8. Bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV was given
      after paclitaxel on day 1 beginning in cycle 2. After six cycles of chemotherapy,
      bevacizumab was given every 3 weeks for 17 additional treatments. The primary end
      point was safety and tolerability determined by whether 60% of patients completed
      six cycles of IV/IP chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of 41 treated patients, 30 (73%)
      received six cycles of IV/IP chemotherapy and 35 (85%) received at least four
      cycles. Three (27%) of those who discontinued chemotherapy did so because of
      complications related to bevacizumab (hypertension, n = 2; perforation, n = 1).
      Grades 3 to 4 toxicities included neutropenia (34%), vasovagal syncope (10%),
      hypertension (7%), nausea/vomiting (7%), hypomagnesemia (7%), and abdominal pain
      (7%). There were three grade 3 small bowel obstructions (7%) during cycles 3, 9,
      and 15. One patient died following rectosigmoid anastomotic dehiscence during
      cycle 4. Estimated median PFS is 28.6 months (95% CI, 19.1 to 38.9 months). Three
      patients (7%) had IP port malfunction. CONCLUSION: The addition of bevacizumab to
      this IP regimen is feasible; however, bevacizumab may increase the risk of bowel
      obstruction/perforation. The observed median PFS is similar to that seen with
      IP/IV chemotherapy alone.

PMID- 22067390
TI  - Validation study of a quantitative multigene reverse transcriptase-polymerase
      chain reaction assay for assessment of recurrence risk in patients with stage II
      colon cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We developed quantitative gene expression assays to assess recurrence
      risk and benefits from chemotherapy in patients with stage II colon cancer.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We sought validation by using RNA extracted from fixed
      paraffin-embedded primary colon tumor blocks from 1,436 patients with stage II
      colon cancer in the QUASAR (Quick and Simple and Reliable) study of adjuvant
      fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy versus surgery alone. A recurrence score (RS) and a
      treatment score (TS) were calculated from gene expression levels of 13 cancer
      related genes (n = 7 recurrence genes and n = 6 treatment benefit genes) and from
      five reference genes with prespecified algorithms. Cox proportional hazards
      regression models and log-rank methods were used to analyze the relationship
      between the RS and risk of recurrence in patients treated with surgery alone and
      between TS and benefits of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Risk of recurrence was
      significantly associated with RS (hazard ratio [HR] per interquartile range,
      1.38; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.74; P = .004). Recurrence risks at 3 years were 12%, 18%,
      and 22% for predefined low, intermediate, and high recurrence risk groups,
      respectively. T stage (HR, 1.94; P < .001) and mismatch repair (MMR) status (HR,
      0.31; P < .001) were the strongest histopathologic prognostic factors. The
      continuous RS was associated with risk of recurrence (P = .006) beyond these and
      other covariates. There was no trend for increased benefit from chemotherapy at
      higher TS (P = .95). CONCLUSION: The continuous 12-gene RS has been validated in
      a prospective study for assessment of recurrence risk in patients with stage II
      colon cancer after surgery and provides prognostic value that complements T stage
      and MMR. The TS was not predictive of chemotherapy benefit.

PMID- 22067391
TI  - More than just an oncogene translocation and a kinase inhibitor: Kevin's story.

PMID- 22067392
TI  - When a decision must be made: role of computer modeling in clinical cancer
      research.

PMID- 22067393
TI  - Assessment of BCR-ABL1 transcript levels at 3 months is the only requirement for
      predicting outcome for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE: We studied BCR-ABL1 transcript levels in patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) at 3, 6, and 12 months after starting imatinib
      to identify molecular milestones that would predict for overall survival (OS) and
      other outcomes more reliably than serial marrow cytogenetics. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We analyzed 282 patients with CML-CP who received imatinib 400 mg/d as
      first-line therapy followed by dasatinib or nilotinib if treatment with imatinib
      failed. We used a receiver operating characteristic curve to identify the cutoffs
      in transcript levels at 3, 6, and 12 months that would best predict patient
      outcome. We validated our findings in an independent cohort of 95 patients
      treated elsewhere. RESULTS: Patients with transcript levels of more than 9.84% (n
      = 68) at 3 months had significantly lower 8-year probabilities of OS (56.9% v
      93.3%; P < .001), progression-free survival, cumulative incidence of complete
      cytogenetic response, and complete molecular response than those with higher
      transcript levels. Similarly, transcript levels of more than 1.67% (n = 87) at 6
      months and more than 0.53% (n = 93) at 12 months identified high-risk patients.
      However, transcript levels at 3 months were the most strongly predictive for the
      various outcomes. When we compared OS for the groups defined molecularly at 6 and
      12 months with the usual cytogenetic milestones, categorization by transcript
      numbers was the only independent predictor for OS (relative risk, 0.207; P < .001
      and relative risk, 0.158; P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: A single
      measurement of BCR-ABL1 transcripts performed at 3 months is the best way to
      identify patients destined to fare poorly, thereby allowing early clinical
      intervention.

PMID- 22067394
TI  - Individualizing follow-up for patients with early-stage melanoma.

PMID- 22067395
TI  - Minimizing therapy and maximizing outcomes in rectal cancer.

PMID- 22067396
TI  - Chemoresponsive liver hemangioma in a patient with a metastatic germ cell tumor.

PMID- 22067397
TI  - Phase II study of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor ridaforolimus in
      patients with advanced bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ridaforolimus is an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, an
      integral component of the phosphatidyl 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway, with early
      evidence of activity in sarcomas. This multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase
      II trial was conducted to assess the antitumor activity of ridaforolimus in
      patients with distinct subtypes of advanced sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients with metastatic or unresectable soft tissue or bone sarcomas received
      ridaforolimus 12.5 mg administered as a 30-minute intravenous infusion once daily
      for 5 days every 2 weeks. The primary end point was clinical benefit response
      (CBR) rate (complete response or partial response [PR] or stable disease >= 16
      weeks). Safety, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), time to
      progression, and duration of response were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of
      212 patients were treated in four separate histologic cohorts. In this heavily
      pretreated population, 61 patients (28.8%) achieved CBR. Median PFS was 15.3
      weeks; median OS was 40 weeks. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors
      (RECIST) confirmed response rate was 1.9%, with four patients achieving confirmed
      PR (two with osteosarcoma, one with spindle cell sarcoma, and one with malignant
      fibrous histiocytoma). Archival tumor protein markers analyzed were not
      correlated with CBR. Related adverse events were generally mild or moderate and
      consisted primarily of stomatitis, mucosal inflammation, mouth ulceration, rash,
      and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Single-agent ridaforolimus in patients with advanced and
      pretreated sarcomas led to PFS results that compare favorably with historical
      metrics. A phase III trial based on these data will further define ridaforolimus
      activity in sarcomas.

PMID- 22067398
TI  - Path toward prognostication and prediction: an evolving matrix.

PMID- 22067399
TI  - Optimizing the frequency of follow-up visits for patients treated for localized
      primary cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop more evidence-based guidelines for the frequency of patient
      follow-up after treatment of localized (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC]
      stage I or II) melanoma. METHODS: We used data from Melanoma Institute Australia
      on an inception cohort of 3,081 consecutive patients first diagnosed with stage I
      or II melanoma between January 1985 and December 2009. Kaplan-Meier curves and
      Cox models were used to characterize the time course and predictors for
      recurrence and new primaries. We modeled the delay in diagnosis of recurrence or
      new primary as well as the number of monitoring visits required using two
      monitoring schedules: first, according to 2008 Australian and New Zealand
      guidelines and, second, with fewer visits, especially for those at lowest risk of
      recurrence. RESULTS: For every 1,000 patients beginning follow-up, 229 developed
      recurrence and 61 developed new primary within 10 years. There was only a small
      difference in modeled delay in diagnosis (extra 44.9 and 9.6 patients per 1,000
      for recurrence and new primary, respectively, with delay greater than 2 months)
      using a schedule that requires far fewer visits (3,000 fewer visits per 1,000
      patients) than recommended by current guidelines. AJCC substage was the most
      important predictor of recurrence, whereas age and date of primary diagnosis were
      important predictors of developing new primary. CONCLUSION: By providing less
      intensive monitoring, more efficient follow-up strategies are possible. Fewer
      visits with a more focused approach may address the needs of patients and
      clinicians to detect recurrent or new melanoma.

PMID- 22067400
TI  - Wait-and-see policy for clinical complete responders after chemoradiation for
      rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer can result in complete
      disappearance of tumor and involved nodes. In patients without residual tumor on
      imaging and endoscopy (clinical complete response [cCR]) a wait-and-see-policy
      (omission of surgery with follow-up) might be considered instead of surgery. The
      purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate feasibility and safety
      of a wait-and-see policy with strict selection criteria and follow-up. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Patients with a cCR after chemoradiotherapy were prospectively
      selected for the wait-and-see policy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      endoscopy plus biopsies. Follow-up was performed 3 to 6 monthly and consisted of
      MRI, endoscopy, and computed tomography scans. A control group of patients with a
      pathologic complete response (pCR) after surgery was identified from a
      prospective cohort study. Functional outcome was measured with the Memorial Sloan
      Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) bowel function questionnaire and Wexner
      incontinence score. Long-term outcome was estimated by using Kaplan-Meier curves.
      RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with cCR were included in the wait-and-see policy
      group. Mean follow-up was 25 +/- 19 months. One patient developed a local
      recurrence and had surgery as salvage treatment. The other 20 patients are alive
      without disease. The control group consisted of 20 patients with a pCR after
      surgery who had a mean follow-up of 35 +/- 23 months. For these patients with a
      pCR, cumulative probabilities of 2-year disease-free survival and overall
      survival were 93% and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A wait-and-see policy with
      strict selection criteria, up-to-date imaging techniques, and follow-up is
      feasible and results in promising outcome at least as good as that of patients
      with a pCR after surgery. The proposed selection criteria and follow-up could
      form the basis for future randomized studies.

PMID- 22067402
TI  - Older women with breast cancer: slow progress, great opportunity, now is the
      time.

PMID- 22067401
TI  - RAS mutations are associated with the development of cutaneous squamous cell
      tumors in patients treated with RAF inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE: RAF inhibitors are effective against melanomas with BRAF V600E mutations
      but may induce keratoacanthomas (KAs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas
      (cSCCs). The potential of these agents to promote secondary malignancies is
      concerning. We analyzed cSCC and KA lesions for genetic mutations in an attempt
      to identify an underlying mechanism for their formation. METHODS: Four
      international centers contributed 237 KA or cSCC tumor samples from patients
      receiving an RAF inhibitor (either vemurafenib or sorafenib; n = 19) or
      immunosuppression therapy (n = 53) or tumors that developed spontaneously (n =
      165). Each sample was profiled for 396 known somatic mutations across 33 cancer
      related genes by using a mass spectrometric-based genotyping platform. RESULTS:
      Mutations were detected in 16% of tumors (38 of 237), with five tumors harboring
      two mutations. Mutations in TP53, CDKN2A, HRAS, KRAS, and PIK3CA were previously
      described in squamous cell tumors. Mutations in MYC, FGFR3, and VHL were
      identified for the first time. A higher frequency of activating RAS mutations was
      found in tumors from patients treated with an RAF inhibitor versus populations
      treated with a non-RAF inhibitor (21.1% v 3.2%; P < .01), although overall
      mutation rates between treatment groups were similar (RAF inhibitor, 21.1%;
      immunosuppression, 18.9%; and spontaneous, 17.6%; P = not significant). Tumor
      histology (KA v cSCC), tumor site (head and neck v other), patient age (<= 70 v >
      70 years), and sex had no significant impact on mutation rate or type.
      CONCLUSION: Squamous cell tumors from patients treated with an RAF inhibitor have
      a distinct mutational profile that supports a mechanism of therapy-induced
      tumorigenesis in RAS-primed cells. Conceivably, cotargeting of MEK together with
      RAF may reduce or prevent formation of these tumors.

PMID- 22067403
TI  - From node to pathway blockade: lessons learned from targeting mammalian target of
      rapamycin.

PMID- 22067404
TI  - Nomogram for predicting the benefit of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for resected
      gallbladder cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for resected gallbladder cancer may
      improve survival for some patients, identifying which patients will benefit
      remains challenging because of the rarity of this disease. The specific aim of
      this study was to create a decision aid to help make individualized estimates of
      the potential survival benefit of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for patients with
      resected gallbladder cancer. METHODS: Patients with resected gallbladder cancer
      were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 
      Medicare database who were diagnosed between 1995 and 2005. Covariates included
      age, race, sex, stage, and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy
      (CRT). Propensity score weighting was used to balance covariates between treated
      and untreated groups. Several types of multivariate survival regression models
      were constructed and compared, including Cox proportional hazards, Weibull,
      exponential, log-logistic, and lognormal models. Model performance was compared
      using the Akaike information criterion. The primary end point was overall
      survival with or without adjuvant chemotherapy or CRT. RESULTS: A total of 1,137
      patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The lognormal survival model
      showed the best performance. A Web browser-based nomogram was built from this
      model to make individualized estimates of survival. The model predicts that
      certain subsets of patients with at least T2 or N1 disease will gain a survival
      benefit from adjuvant CRT, and the magnitude of benefit for an individual patient
      can vary. CONCLUSION: A nomogram built from a parametric survival model from the
      SEER-Medicare database can be used as a decision aid to predict which gallbladder
      patients may benefit from adjuvant CRT.

PMID- 22067405
TI  - Induction of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas by RAF inhibitors: cause for
      concern?

PMID- 22067406
TI  - Development and independent validation of a prognostic assay for stage II colon
      cancer using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.
AB  - PURPOSE: Current prognostic factors are poor at identifying patients at risk of
      disease recurrence after surgery for stage II colon cancer. Here we describe a
      DNA microarray-based prognostic assay using clinically relevant formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A gene signature was
      developed from a balanced set of 73 patients with recurrent disease (high risk)
      and 142 patients with no recurrence (low risk) within 5 years of surgery.
      RESULTS: The 634-probe set signature identified high-risk patients with a hazard
      ratio (HR) of 2.62 (P < .001) during cross validation of the training set. In an
      independent validation set of 144 samples, the signature identified high-risk
      patients with an HR of 2.53 (P < .001) for recurrence and an HR of 2.21 (P =
      .0084) for cancer-related death. Additionally, the signature was shown to perform
      independently from known prognostic factors (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This gene
      signature represents a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with stage II
      colon cancer that can be applied to FFPE tumor samples.

PMID- 22067407
TI  - Improvement in breast cancer outcomes over time: are older women missing out?
AB  - PURPOSE: Women aged >= 75 years account for 40,000 breast cancers/yr and are the
      most rapidly growing demographic. Recent data demonstrated that breast cancer
      death rates in the US population are declining, but it is not known whether death
      rates have declined similarly for older and younger women. We examined the
      following two outcomes: the rate of breast cancer death in the general population
      and the risk of breast cancer death in newly diagnosed patients, and we compared
      change over time in these outcomes for older versus younger women. METHODS: By
      using data from National Vital Statistics Reports that spanned from 1990 to 2007,
      the yearly change in the age-specific rate of breast cancer death was
      characterized with linear regression. With the use of the Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results nine-registry cohort that spanned from 1980 to
      1997, the yearly change in age-specific risk of breast cancer death was
      characterized by using competing-risks regression adjusted for race and stage.
      RESULTS: Relative to 1990, the rate of breast cancer death in the general
      population decreased by 2.5%/yr for women age 20 to 49 years, 2.1%/yr for women
      age 50 to 64 years, 2.0%/yr for women age 65 to 74 years, and 1.1%/yr for women
      age >= 75 years. From 1980 to 1997, the adjusted risk of breast cancer death in
      newly diagnosed patients decreased by 3.6%/yr for women age less than 75 years
      versus 1.3%/yr for women age >= 75 years (P < .001). Over this time interval, the
      10-year absolute risk of breast cancer death decreased by 15.3% for women age 50
      to 64 years (from 31.9% to 16.6%) but by only 7.5% (from 24.8% to 17.4%) for
      women age >= 75 years. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer outcomes have preferentially
      improved in women age less than 75 years. Focused research is needed to improve
      outcomes in older women.

PMID- 22067408
TI  - Esophageal cancer: a critical evaluation of systemic second-line therapy.
AB  - The objective of this article was to review clinical trials that used
      antineoplastic second-line chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies in patients
      with esophageal cancer after first-line therapy. Computerized (MEDLINE) and
      manual searches were performed to identify articles published on this topic
      between 1996 and 2011. Twenty-five published trials and four abstracts presented
      at scientific meetings were identified. A total of 10 trials included only
      patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), four focused exclusively on
      adenocarcinoma (AC), the remaining 15 studies included both SCC and AC. The
      majority of trials (17 of 29) used docetaxel in combination with platinum
      analogs, eight used single-agent cytotoxic chemotherapy, and six evaluated
      targeted therapies. The numbers of patients were relatively small, ranging from
      eight to 55 patients. The response rates were generally low (between 0% and 39%),
      with only two small studies reporting objective responses of 50% and 63%,
      respectively. Time to progression ranged from 1.4 to 6.2 months, and the overall
      survival was disappointing at 4.0 to 11.4 months. Approximately 40% of patients
      who experience progressive disease after first-line chemotherapy are able to
      undergo second-line treatment. On the basis of data published so far, no standard
      second-line therapy has emerged. Future research will need to focus on individual
      therapy strategies such as genetic receptor mutations to increase the therapeutic
      outcome.

PMID- 22067409
TI  - Balloon atrial septostomy and pre-operative brain injury in neonates with
      transposition of the great arteries: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the effects of
      balloon atrial septostomy on peri-operative brain injury in neonates with
      transposition of the great arteries. DATA SOURCE: We conduct a systematic review
      of the literature to identify all observational studies that included neonates
      born with transposition of the great arteries who had peri-operative evidence of
      brain injury. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The search strategy produced
      three prospective and two retrospective cohort studies investigating the
      association between balloon atrial septostomy and brain injury totalling 10,108
      patients. In two studies, the outcome was represented by the presence of a coded
      diagnosis of a clinically evident stroke at discharge, whereas in three studies
      the outcome was represented by the finding of pre-operative brain injury
      identified by magnetic resonance scans. DATA SYNTHESIS: The overall brain injury
      rate for neonates who underwent balloon atrial septostomy versus control patients
      was 60 of 2273 (2.6%) versus 45 of 7835 (0.5%; pooled odds ratio, 1.90; 95%
      confidence intervals, 0.93-3.89; p = 0.08). A subgroup analysis of the three
      studies that used pre-operative brain injury as the primary outcome found no
      significant association between balloon atrial septostomy and brain injury
      (pooled odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence intervals, 0.64-11.33; p = 0.17).
      Balloon atrial septostomy frequency was 22.4% (2273 of 10,108), with reported
      rates ranging from 20% to 75%. CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that balloon atrial
      septostomy is not associated with increased odds for peri-operative brain injury.
      Balloon atrial septostomy should still be used for those patients with
      significant hypoxaemia, haemodynamic instability, or both.

PMID- 22067410
TI  - Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition with sildenafil reverses exercise oscillatory
      breathing in chronic heart failure: a long-term cardiopulmonary exercise testing
      placebo-controlled study.
AB  - AIMS: Exercise oscillatory breathing (EOB) is a ventilatory abnormality that
      occurs in ~20% of heart failure (HF) patients and carries a very unfavourable
      prognosis. Pulmonary vasoconstriction has been suggested to be involved in this
      disorder. We hypothesized that modulation of pulmonary vascular hypertone by
      oversignalling of the nitric oxide pathway with phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)
      inhibition might be beneficial. Accordingly, we performed a 1-year pilot trial
      with sildenafil in patients with HF and EOB. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 122 HF
      cases, 32 presented with EOB during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and
      were randomized to receive placebo (n = 16) or sildenafil (n = 16) at the dose of
      50 mg three times a day, in addition to their current antifailure treatment. CPX
      derived variables and pulmonary haemodynamics were assessed at 6 and 12 months.
      Sildenafil reversed EOB in 87% of patients at 6 months and 93% at 1 year,
      respectively (P < 0.01). This effect was accompanied by an improvement in
      functional performance (peak VO(2); from 9.6 to 12.4 and 13.2 mL/min/kg; P <
      0.01) and exercise ventilation efficiency (ventilation to CO(2) production slope;
      from 41.1 to 32.7 and 31.5; P < 0.01). Chronic treatment with PDE5 inhibition
      significantly decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (from 21 to 14 and 14
      mmHg), mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP; from 34.8 to 23 and 24 mmHg), and
      pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; from 360 to 270 and 266 dyne/s/cm(5))
      compared with placebo (P < 0.01 for each comparison). On exploratory analysis,
      there was a correlation between PAP and PVR and the decrease in EOB in the
      treatment group. Placebo did not alter any of the aforementioned variables.
      CONCLUSIONS: PDE5 inhibition in HF patients with EOB offers the dual advantage of
      improving functional capacity and modulating the EOB pattern. PAP and PVR
      reduction seem to underlie the correction of the breathing disorder. Whether
      reversal of this unfavourable prognostic signal can affect survival remains
      unconfirmed at the moment.

PMID- 22067411
TI  - Dental caries area of rat molar expanded by cigarette smoke exposure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Passive smoking is the involuntary inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS)
      and has an adverse impact on oral health. We examined the effect of CS exposure
      on caries risk and experimental dental caries. METHODS: Experimental dental
      caries was induced in rat maxillary molars which were inoculated orally with
      Streptococcus mutans MT8148 and maintained on a cariogenic diet (diet 2000) and
      high sucrose water during the experimental period. CS-exposed rats were
      intermittently housed in an animal chamber with whole-body exposure to CS until
      killed. Whole saliva was collected before CS exposure (day 0) and for 30 days
      after the start of CS exposure. Saliva secretion was stimulated by administration
      of isoproterenol and pilocarpine after anesthesia. Maxillary molars were
      harvested on day 31. RESULTS: The increase in body weight of the CS-exposed rats
      was less than that of the control rats. Salivary flow rate, concentration of S.
      mutans in the stimulated saliva and caries activity score did not significantly
      differ between 0 and 30 days after the start of CS exposure. Histological
      examination of the caries-affected area on maxillary molars 30 days after CS
      exposure showed expansion compared to control rats. In the electron probe
      microanalysis, no differences were observed between the mineral components of the
      CS-exposed teeth and the control teeth. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CS
      exposure expands the caries-affected area in the maxillary molars of the rat.

PMID- 22067412
TI  - Phase-specific plasticity of synaptic structures in the somatosensory cortex of
      living mice during neuropathic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postsynaptic dendritic spines in the cortex are highly dynamic,
      showing rapid morphological changes including elongation/retraction and
      formation/elimination in response to altered sensory input or neuronal activity,
      which achieves experience/activity-dependent cortical circuit rewiring. Our
      previous long-term in vivo two-photon imaging study revealed that spine turnover
      in the mouse primary somatosensory (S1) cortex markedly increased in an early
      development phase of neuropathic pain, but was restored in a late maintenance
      phase of neuropathic pain. However, it remains unknown how spine morphology is
      altered preceding turnover change and whether gain and loss of presynaptic
      boutons are changed during neuropathic pain. FINDINGS: Here we used short-term (2
      hour) and long-term (2-week) time-lapse in vivo two-photon imaging of individual
      spines and boutons in the S1 cortical layer 1 of the transgenic mice expressing
      GFP in pyramidal neurons following partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). We found
      in the short-term imaging that spine motility (Delta length per 30 min)
      significantly increased in the development phase of neuropathic pain, but
      returned to the baseline in the maintenance phase. Moreover, the proportion of
      immature (thin) and mature (mushroom) spines increased and decreased,
      respectively, only in the development phase. Long-term imaging data showed that
      formation and elimination of boutons moderately increased and decreased,
      respectively, during the first 3 days following PSL and was subsequently
      restored. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the S1 synaptic structures are
      rapidly destabilized and rearranged following PSL and subsequently stabilized in
      the maintenance phase of neuropathic pain, suggesting a novel therapeutic target
      in intractable chronic pain.

PMID- 22067413
TI  - The uncertain consequences of transferring bacterial strains between laboratories
      - rpoS instability as an example.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microbiological studies frequently involve exchanges of strains
      between laboratories and/or stock centers. The integrity of exchanged strains is
      vital for archival reasons and to ensure reproducible experimental results. For
      at least 50 years, one of the most common means of shipping bacteria was by
      inoculating bacterial samples in agar stabs. Long-term cultures in stabs exhibit
      genetic instabilities and one common instability is in rpoS. The sigma factor
      RpoS accumulates in response to several stresses and in the stationary phase. One
      consequence of RpoS accumulation is the competition with the vegetative sigma
      factor sigma70. Under nutrient limiting conditions mutations in rpoS or in genes
      that regulate its expression tend to accumulate. Here, we investigate whether
      short-term storage and mailing of cultures in stabs results in genetic
      heterogeneity. RESULTS: We found that samples of the E. coli K-12 strain MC4100TF
      exchanged on three separate occasions by mail between our laboratories became
      heterogeneous. Reconstruction studies indicated that LB-stabs exhibited mutations
      previously found in GASP studies in stationary phase LB broth. At least 40% of
      reconstructed stocks and an equivalent proportion of actually mailed stock
      contained these mutations. Mutants with low RpoS levels emerged within 7 days of
      incubation in the stabs. Sequence analysis of ten of these segregants revealed
      that they harboured each of three different rpoS mutations. These mutants
      displayed the classical phenotypes of bacteria lacking rpoS. The genetic
      stability of MC4100TF was also tested in filter disks embedded in glycerol. Under
      these conditions, GASP mutants emerge only after a 3-week period. We also confirm
      that the intrinsic high RpoS level in MC4100TF is mainly due to the presence of
      an IS1 insertion in rssB. CONCLUSIONS: Given that many E. coli strains contain
      high RpoS levels similar to MC4100TF, the integrity of such strains during
      transfers and storage is questionable. Variations in important collections may be
      due to storage-transfer related issues. These results raise important questions
      on the integrity of bacterial archives and transferred strains, explain variation
      like in the ECOR collection between laboratories and indicate a need for the
      development of better methods of strain transfer.

PMID- 22067414
TI  - Emotional and symptomatic reactivity to stress in individuals at ultra-high risk
      of developing psychosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The stress-vulnerability model of psychosis continues to be
      influential. The aim of this study was to compare emotional and symptomatic
      responses to stress in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) of developing
      psychosis, in age- and gender-matched healthy controls, and in patients with non
      affective psychosis. METHOD: A total of 27 UHR, 27 psychotic and 27 healthy
      individuals completed the experience sampling method, an ambulant diary
      technique, where they were required to fill in self-assessment questions about
      their emotions, symptoms and perceived stress at semi-random times of the day for
      6 days. Quesionnaire and interview assessments were also completed. RESULTS:
      Multilevel regression analyses showed that individuals at UHR of developing
      psychosis reported greater negative emotions in response to stress than the
      healthy individuals. Against the initial hypotheses, the UHR individuals also
      experienced greater emotional reactivity to stress when compared with the patient
      group. No significant differences were observed between the patients and the non
      clinical sample. Stress measures significantly predicted the intensity of
      psychotic symptoms in UHR individuals and patients, but the extent of this did
      not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals at UHR of
      developing psychosis may be particularly sensitive to everyday stressors. This
      effect may diminish after transition to psychosis is made and in periods of
      stability. Subtle increases in psychotic phenomena occur in response to stressful
      events across the continuum of psychosis.

PMID- 22067415
TI  - Predictive value and safety of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring with
      motor evoked potentials in glioma surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resection of gliomas in or adjacent to the motor system is widely
      performed with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM). Despite the fact that data
      on the safety of IOM are available, the significance and predictive value of the
      procedure are still under discussion. Moreover, cases of false-negative
      monitoring affect the surgeon's confidence in IOM. OBJECTIVE: To examine cases of
      false-negative IOM to reveal structural explanations. METHODS: Between 2007 and
      2010, we resected 115 consecutive supratentorial gliomas in or close to eloquent
      motor areas using direct cortical stimulation for monitoring of motor evoked
      potentials (MEPs). The monitoring data were reviewed and related to new
      postoperative motor deficit and postoperative imaging. Clinical outcomes were
      assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: Monitoring of MEPs was successful in 112
      cases (97.4%). Postoperatively, 30.3% of patients had a new motor deficit, which
      remained permanent in 12.5%. Progression-free follow-up was 9.7 months (range, 2
      weeks-40.6 months). In 65.2% of all cases, MEPs were stable throughout the
      operation, but 8.9% showed a new temporary motor deficit, whereas 4.5% (5
      patients) presented with permanently deteriorated motor function representing
      false-negative monitoring at first glance. However, these cases were caused by
      secondary hemorrhage, ischemia, or resection of the supplementary motor area.
      CONCLUSION: Continuous MEP monitoring provides reliable monitoring of the motor
      system, influences the course of operation in some cases, and has to be regarded
      as the standard for IOM of the motor system. In our series, we found no false
      negative MEP results.

PMID- 22067416
TI  - Conservative management of vestibular schwannoma--a prospective cohort study:
      treatment, symptoms, and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One hundred ninety-three patients with sporadic unilateral vestibular
      schwannoma given conservative management were enrolled in a prospective study.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of conservative management and to determine
      the effect of an initial conservative management on the quality of life (QOL) and
      severity of audio vestibular symptoms. METHODS: The patients underwent magnetic
      resonance imaging scans, clinical examination, and QOL assessment by 2 validated
      questionnaires, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI).
      Using regression analysis of clustered data, we analyzed possible associations
      between tumor growth and symptoms and tested whether our earlier finding that
      vertigo is associated with reduced QOL could be verified. RESULTS: The median
      follow-up time was 43 months (range, 9-115 months; SD, 21.48 months). Results are
      based on 703 clinical controls and 642 (SF-36) and 638 (GBI) questionnaires.
      Seven patients were lost to follow-up. Approximately 40% of patients were in need
      of treatment during follow-up. We found a statistically significant association
      between tinnitus and vertigo and tumor growth. Vertigo was found to significantly
      reduce QOL. There was a significant drop in the Social Function subscales of both
      SF-36 and GBI, possibly attributable to progressive hearing loss. Otherwise,
      there was no overall trend toward any change in QOL during the observation
      period. In addition, QOL seemed to be little affected by treatment. CONCLUSION:
      There was a small but statistically significant improvement in vestibular
      complaints and no change in the occurrence of tinnitus. Except for hearing loss
      caused by surgery, treatment did not affect symptoms or QOL significantly. Growth
      was associated with the occurrence of tinnitus and balance problems.

PMID- 22067417
TI  - Surgery of insular nonenhancing gliomas:  volumetric analysis of tumoral
      resection, clinical outcome, and survival in a consecutive series of 66 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite intraoperative technical improvements, the insula remains a
      challenging area for surgery because of its critical relationships with vascular
      and neurophysiological functional structures. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively
      investigate the morbidity profile in insular nonenhancing gliomas, with special
      emphasis on volumetric analysis of tumoral resection. METHODS: From 2000 to 2010,
      66 patients underwent surgery. All surgical procedures were conducted under
      cortical-subcortical stimulation and neurophysiological monitoring. Volumetric
      scan analysis was applied on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) to
      establish preoperative and postoperative tumoral volume. RESULTS: The median
      preoperative tumor volume was 108 cm. The median extent of resection was 80%. The
      median follow-up was 4.3 years. An immediate postoperative worsening was detected
      in 33.4% of cases; a definitive worsening resulted in 6% of cases. Patients with
      extent of resection of > 90% had an estimated 5-year overall survival rate of
      92%, whereas those with extent of resection between 70% and 90% had a 5-year
      overall survival rate of 82% (P < .001). The difference between preoperative
      tumoral volumes on T2-weighted MRI and on postcontrast T1-weighted MRI ([T2 - T1]
      MRI volume) was computed to evaluate the role of the diffusive tumoral growing
      pattern on overall survival. Patients with preoperative volumetric difference <
      30 cm demonstrated a 5-year overall survival rate of 92%, whereas those with a
      difference of > 30 cm had a 5-year overall survival rate of 57% (P = .02).
      CONCLUSION: With intraoperative cortico-subcortical mapping and
      neurophysiological monitoring, a major resection is possible with an acceptable
      risk and a significant result in the follow-up.

PMID- 22067418
TI  - Predicting long-term remission by measuring immediate postoperative growth
      hormone levels and oral glucose tolerance test in acromegaly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The suppression of the growth hormone (GH) on an oral glucose
      tolerance test (OGTT) has been accepted as the most reliable parameter for
      determining remission of acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of immediate
      postoperative GH level and 1-week postoperative OGTT as early predictive tools of
      long-term surgical remission. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four acromegalic
      patients who received transsphenoidal tumor resection and were followed up for >
      1.5 years (3.80 +/- 0.17 years) with at least 3 postoperative OGTTs were
      evaluated. Level of GH was measured 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72 hours
      postoperatively, and an OGTT was performed 1 week after surgery, every 6 months
      for the first 3 years, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: One hundred seventy
      seven patients underwent gross total resection; long-term remission was achieved
      in 153. The GH level at 24 hours after surgery showed the highest predictive
      power for long-term remission. Long-term remission was maintained in 125/127
      (98.4%) patients who had nadir GH levels < 1.0 MUg/L on an early postoperative
      OGTT. However, when nadir GH levels were > 1.0 MUg/L on an early postoperative
      OGTT, long-term remission was observed in 28 patients (28 of 67, 41.8%) in a
      delayed fashion. One-week postoperative OGTT had a sensitivity of 81.7% and
      specificity of 95.1% for predicting remission. CONCLUSION: Immediate
      postoperative GH level is a very good predictor of long-term outcome in
      acromegaly. One-week postoperative OGTT is also a good predictor with high
      specificity. These findings may provide critical information for the
      determination of adjuvant treatment after surgery.

PMID- 22067420
TI  - Impact of changes in intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials on stroke
      rates after clipping of intracranial aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring is used during
      intracranial aneurysm surgery to track the effects of anesthesia, surgical
      manipulation, and temporary clipping. OBJECTIVE: To present the outcomes of 663
      consecutive patients (691 cases) treated surgically for intracranial aneurysms
      who underwent intraoperative SSEP monitoring and to analyze the sensitivity and
      specificity of significant SSEP changes in predicting postoperative stroke.
      METHODS: Of 691 surgeries analyzed, 403 (391 anterior circulation, 12 posterior
      circulation) were unruptured aneurysms and 288 (277 anterior, 11 posterior) were
      ruptured. Postoperatively, symptomatic patients underwent computed tomography
      imaging. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and
      specificity were calculated with a Fisher exact test (2-tailed P value). RESULTS:
      Changes in SSEP occurred in 45 of 691 cases (6.5%): 16 of 403 (4.0%) in
      unruptured aneurysms and 29 of 288 (10%) in ruptured aneurysms. In unruptured
      aneurysms, reversible SSEP changes were associated with a 20% stroke rate, but
      irreversible changes were associated with an 80% stroke rate. In ruptured
      aneurysms, however, reversible changes were associated with a 12% stroke rate,
      and irreversible changes were associated with a 42% stroke rate. The overall
      accuracy of SSEP changes in predicting postoperative stroke was as follows:
      positive predictive value, 30%; negative predictive value, 94%; sensitivity, 25%;
      and specificity, 95%. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative SSEP changes are more reliable
      in unruptured aneurysm cases than in ruptured cases. Whereas irreversible changes
      in unruptured cases were associated with an 80% stroke rate, such changes in
      ruptured cases did not have any adverse ischemic sequelae in 58% of patients.
      This information is helpful during the intraoperative assessment of reported SSEP
      changes.

PMID- 22067421
TI  - Effectiveness of repeat glycerol rhizotomy in treating recurrent trigeminal
      neuralgia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy (GR) is used to treat trigeminal
      neuralgia (TN), with satisfactory pain relief lasting 2 to 3 years in most
      patients after the first intervention. The efficacy of subsequent GRs, however,
      has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain relief and durability
      achieved by the first GR with those obtained after subsequent GRs in a
      retrospective cohort of TN patients. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2010, 548 patients
      with TN underwent 708 GRs. After exclusions, 430 initial GRs (GR1) and 114
      subsequent GRs (GR2+) were compared in terms of initial pain relief, durability,
      sensory change, and complications. Durability was assessed by determining median
      time to treatment failure for all GRs achieving complete pain relief without
      medications (n = 375: 264 failures, 111 censored). Predictors of initial pain
      relief were assessed by logistic regression, and predictors of failure were
      assessed by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: After GR1, pain relief results were
      as follows: 285 patients (66%) were pain free without medications, 26 (6%) were
      pain free with medications, 66 (15%) improved, and 53 (12%) were unchanged. After
      GR2+, results were as follows: 90 patients (79%) were pain free without
      medications, 6 (5%) were pain free with medications, 7 (6%) improved, and 11
      (10%) were unchanged (P = .03). Median time to treatment failure was 26 months
      after GR1 and 25 months after GR2+ (P = .34). On multivariate analysis, prior GR
      was a positive predictor of initial pain relief (odds ratio, 2.067; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.243-3.437; P = .005) and had no effect on durability.
      CONCLUSION: TN patients experienced greater pain relief and equivalent durability
      after GR2+ beyond the initial treatment.

PMID- 22067422
TI  - Characterization of the supplementary motor area syndrome and seizure outcome
      after medial frontal lobe resections in pediatric epilepsy surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In adults, resection of the medial frontal lobe has been shown to
      result in supplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome, a disorder characterized by
      transient motor impairment. Studies examining the development of SMA syndrome in
      children, however, are wanting. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the development of SMA
      syndrome and to analyze seizure outcomes after surgery in the medial frontal lobe
      for medically intractable epilepsy. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with medically
      intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery in the medial frontal lobe were
      reviewed retrospectively. The progression of neurological impairment and seizure
      outcome after surgery was recorded, and the extent of cortex resected was
      analyzed. RESULTS: After resection in the region of the SMA, 23 patients (59%)
      developed postoperative neurological impairment; 17 (74%) were identified as SMA
      syndrome. No neurological impairment was found after surgery in 16 patients
      (41%). Six patients (15%) experienced permanent neurological impairment. The
      majority of patients (82%) who developed SMA syndrome had resolution of their
      symptoms by 1 month postoperatively. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging
      finding of lesional cases was associated with a significantly decreased
      likelihood of developing SMA syndrome (P = .02). Seizure outcome was favorable
      after surgery in most patients. CONCLUSION: Surgery for medically intractable
      epilepsy in the region of the medial frontal cortex is effective and associated
      with reversible neurological impairment in children. All patients had resolution
      of their SMA syndrome by 6 months postoperatively.

PMID- 22067423
TI  - Ventricular catheter location and the clearance of intraventricular hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding optimal position of an external
      ventricular drain (EVD) with regard to clearance of intraventricular hemorrhage
      (IVH). OBJECTIVE: To assess the hypothesis that EVD laterality may influence the
      clearance of blood from the ventricular system with and without administration of
      thrombolytic agent. METHODS: The EVD location was assessed in 100 patients in 2
      Clot Lysis Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage
      (CLEAR IVH) phase II trials assessing the safety and dose optimization of
      thrombolysis through the EVD to accelerate the clearance of obstructive IVH.
      Laterality of catheter was correlated with clearance rates. RESULTS: Clearance of
      IVH over the first 3 days was significantly greater when thrombolytic compared
      with placebo was administered regardless of catheter laterality (P < .005; 95%
      confidence interval, -14.0 to -4.14 for contralateral EVD and -24.7 to -5.44 for
      ipsilateral EVD). When thrombolytic was administered, there was a trend toward
      more rapid clearance of total IVH through an EVD placed on the side of dominant
      intraventricular blood compared with an EVD on the side with less blood (P = .09;
      95% confidence interval, -9.62 to 0.69). This was not true when placebo was
      administered. Clearance of third and fourth ventricular blood was unrelated to
      EVD laterality. CONCLUSION: It is possible that placement of EVD may be optimized
      to enhance the clearance of total IVH if lytic agents are used. Catheters on
      either side can clear the third and fourth ventricles with equal efficiency.

PMID- 22067424
TI  - Prognostic value of pulmonary dead space in patients with the acute respiratory
      distress syndrome.
AB  - A study published in the previous issue of Critical Care demonstrates that
      measurement of the pulmonary dead-space fraction is superior to hypoxemia as an
      indicator of a favorable physiologic response to prone positioning in patients
      with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. These results add to the growing
      evidence supporting the clinical and research value of measuring pulmonary dead
      space in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and using this
      pulmonary physiologic end-point as one indicator of a favorable response to
      therapy.

PMID- 22067426
TI  - The performance of the leveraged buyout of the Hospital Corporation of America,
      Inc.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A leveraged buyout (LBO) is a type of corporate reorganization and
      acquisition practice whereby private investors borrow a substantial amount of
      debt to acquire a firm by buying back its publicly held stock to go private. The
      Hospital Corporation of America, Inc. (HCA), went through its second LBO in July
      of 2006. A prior study on the performance changes of the first LBO found no
      significant changes in revenues, expenses, or profitability. PURPOSES: In this
      study, we evaluated the changes in performance measures for HCA hospitals during
      the second LBO period. We looked at the effect of the LBO on financial and
      operational performance indicators, controlling for market and hospital
      characteristics. METHODOLOGY: We identified 121 urban HCA hospitals that
      consistently reported data over a 4-year window from 1 year pre-LBO to 3 years
      post-LBO and evaluated their study performance changes during the period. Primary
      data for operational and financial measures are derived from Health Care Cost
      Report Information System data sets. FINDINGS: On the basis of this study, the
      LBO led to significant increases in cash flow margin, net patient revenues, and
      total asset turnover ratio. It also increased operating expenses significantly.
      However, it was not associated with changes in labor costs, staffing, and capital
      investment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The management of publicly traded hospitals
      that consider an LBO should develop operating strategies to maintain a strong
      cash flow performance and find ways to boost patient volume. It also needs to
      determine if it would be able to continue investing in its facilities to keep
      physicians and patients loyal and to keep investing in the training and retention
      of employees, which ultimately improves the quality of care and enhances
      operational efficiency.

PMID- 22067427
TI  - Work environment factors other than staffing associated with nurses' ratings of
      patient care quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of registered nurse (RN) staffing on patient care quality
      has been extensively studied. Identifying additional modifiable work environment
      factors linked to patient care quality is critical as the projected shortage of
      approximately 250,000 RNs over the next 15 years will limit institutions' ability
      to rely on RN staffing alone to ensure high-quality care. PURPOSE: We examined
      the association between RNs' ratings of patient care quality and several novel
      work environment factors adjusting for the effects of two staffing variables:
      reported patient-to-RN ratios and ratings of staffing adequacy. METHODOLOGY: We
      used a cross-sectional, correlational design and a mailed survey to collect data
      in 2009 from a national sample of RNs (n = 1,439) in the United States. A
      multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. FINDINGS:
      Workgroup cohesion, nurse-physician relations, procedural justice, organizational
      constraints, and physical work environment were associated with RNs' ratings of
      quality, adjusting for staffing. Furthermore, employment in a Magnet hospital and
      job satisfaction were positively related to ratings of quality, whereas
      supervisory support was not. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our evidence demonstrates the
      importance of considering RN work environment factors other than staffing when
      planning improvements in patient care quality. Health care managers can use the
      results of our study to strategically allocate resources toward work environment
      factors that have the potential to improve quality of care.

PMID- 22067428
TI  - Are utilities bounded at 1.0? Implications for statistical analysis and scale
      development.

PMID- 22067429
TI  - Calculating utility decrements associated with an adverse event: marginal Tobit
      and CLAD coefficients should be used with caution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When calculating the decreases in health utility associated with
      adverse events, often a number of respondents achieve the upper utility bound of
      1. "Marginal" Tobit or CLAD coefficients have been used to account for this.
      These are calculated by using a Tobit or a CLAD model to estimate the decrease in
      a latent unbounded variable associated with the event or condition, then to
      multiply by the proportion of respondents falling below 1 in order to transform
      back to the utility scale. OBJECTIVE: & METHODS: Starting with the Tobit model,
      we show mathematically that this procedure is not valid, when calculating
      decreases in utility associated with binary events. We then generalize the result
      to the CLAD model. A selection of published studies is used to illustrate the
      bias in the marginal Tobit decrements. RESULTS: The degree of bias is more severe
      the greater the decrease in utility associated with the event, and the larger the
      proportion of individuals at the upper ceiling.In the examples studied, the
      degree of bias was often greater than 10%. We provide the correct formula for
      calculating the utility decrement. CONCLUSIONS: The marginal Tobit and CLAD
      coefficients should not be used as estimates of a utility decrement corresponding
      to an adverse event or health condition unless the coefficients are small in
      absolute value, or if the proportion of individuals at the upper utility bound is
      small. In other settings, the corrected formula or alternative regression methods
      (e.g. linear models of mean utility) should be considered.

PMID- 22067430
TI  - The relative importance of quality of care information when choosing a hospital
      for surgical treatment: a hospital choice experiment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of quality of care and other hospital information
      on patients' choices between hospitals. METHODS: 665 former surgical patients
      were invited to respond to an Internet-based questionnaire including a choice
      based conjoint analysis. Each patient was presented with 12 different comparisons
      of 2 hospitals, with each hospital characterized by 6 attributes containing 2
      levels. Hospital attributes were included if frequently reported by patients as
      most important for future hospital choices. These included both general hospital
      information (e.g., atmosphere), information on quality of care (e.g., percentage
      of patients with "textbook outcome"), and surgery-specific information (e.g.,
      possibility for minimally invasive procedure). Hierarchial Bayes estimation was
      used to estimate the utilities for each attribute level for each patient. Based
      on the ranges of these utilities, the relative importance of each hospital
      attribute was determined for each participant as a measure of the impact on
      patients' choices. RESULTS: 308 (46.3%) questionnaires were available for
      analysis. Of the hospital attributes that patients considered, surgery-specific
      information on average had the highest relative importance (25.7 [23.9-27.5]),
      regardless of gender, age, and education. Waiting time and hospital atmosphere
      were considered least important. The attribute concerning the percentage of
      patients with "textbook outcomes" had the second greatest impact (18.3 [16.9
      19.6]), which was similar for patients with different adverse outcome experience.
      CONCLUSIONS: Surgery-specific and quality of care information are more important
      than general information when patients choose between hospitals.

PMID- 22067431
TI  - Varieties of uncertainty in health care: a conceptual taxonomy.
AB  - Uncertainty is a pervasive and important problem that has attracted increasing
      attention in health care, given the growing emphasis on evidence-based medicine,
      shared decision making, and patient-centered care. However, our understanding of
      this problem is limited, in part because of the absence of a unified, coherent
      concept of uncertainty. There are multiple meanings and varieties of uncertainty
      in health care that are not often distinguished or acknowledged although each may
      have unique effects or warrant different courses of action. The literature on
      uncertainty in health care is thus fragmented, and existing insights have been
      incompletely translated to clinical practice. This article addresses this problem
      by synthesizing diverse theoretical and empirical literature from the fields of
      communication, decision science, engineering, health services research, and
      psychology and developing a new integrative conceptual taxonomy of uncertainty. A
      3-dimensional taxonomy is proposed that characterizes uncertainty in health care
      according to its fundamental sources, issues, and locus. It is shown how this new
      taxonomy facilitates an organized approach to the problem of uncertainty in
      health care by clarifying its nature and prognosis and suggesting appropriate
      strategies for its analysis and management.

PMID- 22067433
TI  - Conversion of the Mini-Mental State Examination to the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health terminology and scoring
      system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In older patients, evaluation of the cognitive status is crucial. The
      Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is widely used for screening of cognition,
      providing fairly high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility. Recently, a
      consensus emerged on the necessity of an international and transparent language,
      as provided by the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability
      and Health (ICF). Most assessment tools however are not in accordance with the
      ICF. OBJECTIVE: To reformulate the MMSE according to the ICF, both for the
      individual items and for the scoring system. METHOD: MMSE data (scores varying
      from 3 to 30/30) of (1) 217 cognitively healthy elderly, (2) 60 persons with mild
      cognitive impairment, (3) 60 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD), and (4)
      60 patients with moderate/severe AD were obtained from studies at a university
      hospital setting. Subjects were aged 65 years or more and recruited either
      through advertisement (group 1), from the geriatric day hospital (groups 2 and
      3), or the geriatric ward (group 4). The allocation to the groups was done after
      multidisciplinary evaluation. The conversion of the MMSE to ICF-MMSE was done by
      content comparison and by subsequent translation of the scoring system using
      automatic algorithms. RESULTS: All MMSE items were converted to the corresponding
      ICF categories. Three ICF domains were addressed: global and specific mental
      functions, general tasks and demands, divided over 6 ICF categories (orientation
      time/place, sustaining attention, memory functions, mental functions of language,
      undertaking a simple task). Scores on individual items were transformed according
      to their relative weight on the original MMSE scale, and a total ICF-MMSE score
      from 0 (no problem) to 100 (complete problem) was generated. Translation was
      satisfying, as illustrated by a good correlation between MMSE and ICF-MMSE. The
      diagnostic groups were distributed over the ICF-MMSE scores as expected. For each
      ICF domain, ICF-MMSE subscores were higher with increasing severity in cognitive
      decline. There was a higher dispersion, in accordance with the more detailed
      scoring possibilities of the ICF-MMSE. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to adapt the
      MMSE to the ICF concept. This adaptation enhances interdisciplinary communication
      since it provides more clarity in assessment, with better visibility of the areas
      covered by the instrument.

PMID- 22067432
TI  - 'Relax and Repair' to restrain aging.
AB  - The maintenance of genomic integrity requires the precise identification and
      repair of DNA damage. Since DNA is packaged and condensed into higher order
      chromatin, the events associated with DNA damage recognition and repair are
      orchestrated within the layers of chromatin. Very similar to transcription,
      during DNA repair, chromatin remodelling events and histone modifications act in
      concert to 'open' and relax chromatin structure so that repair proteins can gain
      access to DNA damage sites. One such histone mark critical for maintaining
      chromatin structure is acetylated lysine 16 of histone H4 (AcH4K16), a
      modification that can disrupt higher order chromatin organization and convert it
      into a more 'relaxed' configuration. We have recently shown that impaired H4K16
      acetylation delays the accumulation of repair proteins to double strand break
      (DSB) sites which results in defective genome maintenance and accelerated aging
      in a laminopathy-based premature aging mouse model. These results support the
      idea that epigenetic factors may directly contribute to genomic instability and
      aging by regulating the efficiency of DSB repair. In this article, the interplay
      between epigenetic misregulation, defective DNA repair and aging is discussed.

PMID- 22067434
TI  - An optimization of allocation of information granularity in the interpretation of
      data structures: toward granular fuzzy clustering.
AB  - Clustering forms one of the most visible conceptual and algorithmic framework of
      developing information granules. In spite of the algorithm being used, the
      representation of information granules-clusters is predominantly numeric (coming
      in the form of prototypes, partition matrices, dendrograms, etc.). In this paper,
      we consider a concept of granular prototypes that generalizes the numeric
      representation of the clusters and, in this way, helps capture more details about
      the data structure. By invoking the granulation-degranulation scheme, we design
      granular prototypes being reflective of the structure of data to a higher extent
      than the representation that is provided by their numeric counterparts
      (prototypes). The design is formulated as an optimization problem, which is
      guided by the coverage criterion, meaning that we maximize the number of data for
      which their granular realization includes the original data. The granularity of
      the prototypes themselves is treated as an important design asset; hence, its
      allocation to the individual prototypes is optimized so that the coverage
      criterion becomes maximized. With this regard, several schemes of optimal
      allocation of information granularity are investigated, where interval-valued
      prototypes are formed around the already produced numeric representatives.
      Experimental studies are provided in which the design of granular prototypes of
      interval format is discussed and characterized.

PMID- 22067435
TI  - A self-learning particle swarm optimizer for global optimization problems.
AB  - Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been shown as an effective tool for solving
      global optimization problems. So far, most PSO algorithms use a single learning
      pattern for all particles, which means that all particles in a swarm use the same
      strategy. This monotonic learning pattern may cause the lack of intelligence for
      a particular particle, which makes it unable to deal with different complex
      situations. This paper presents a novel algorithm, called self-learning particle
      swarm optimizer (SLPSO), for global optimization problems. In SLPSO, each
      particle has a set of four strategies to cope with different situations in the
      search space. The cooperation of the four strategies is implemented by an
      adaptive learning framework at the individual level, which can enable a particle
      to choose the optimal strategy according to its own local fitness landscape. The
      experimental study on a set of 45 test functions and two real-world problems show
      that SLPSO has a superior performance in comparison with several other peer
      algorithms.

PMID- 22067436
TI  - Symbolic dynamic filtering and language measure for behavior identification of
      mobile robots.
AB  - This paper presents a procedure for behavior identification of mobile robots,
      which requires limited or no domain knowledge of the underlying process. While
      the features of robot behavior are extracted by symbolic dynamic filtering of the
      observed time series, the behavior patterns are classified based on language
      measure theory. The behavior identification procedure has been experimentally
      validated on a networked robotic test bed by comparison with commonly used tools,
      namely, principal component analysis for feature extraction and Bayesian risk
      analysis for pattern classification.

PMID- 22067437
TI  - Application of lignocellulolytic enzymes produced under solid state cultivation
      conditions.
AB  - In this paper, cellulose from brown-rot fungus Fomitopsis sp. RCK2010,
      thermostable and alkalostable xylanase from Bacillus pumilus MK001 and laccase
      from Ganoderma sp. rckk-02 were evaluated for (i) saccharification of alkali
      pretreated rice straw and wheat straw, (ii) upgradation of chick feed and (iii)
      decolorization of dyes, respectively. The cellulose from brown-rot fungus
      resulted in a sugar release of 151.48 and 214.11 mg/g, respectively, from rice
      straw and wheat straw, which was comparatively higher than the earlier reports.
      While xylan, one of the main anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) present in the chick
      feed was removed to an extent of 11.6 mg/g xylose sugars at 50 degrees C using
      the thermostable xylanase. Besides, the treatment with thermostable xylanase also
      brought about a release of 0.85 (mg/g) of soluble phosphorous. Moreover, the
      laccase when used for the decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) and
      xylidine ponceau cause almost complete decolorization in 2 and 4h, respectively,
      depicting high rate of decolorization.

PMID- 22067438
TI  - Biosorption of food dyes onto Spirulina platensis nanoparticles: equilibrium
      isotherm and thermodynamic analysis.
AB  - The biosorption of food dyes FD&C red no. 40 and acid blue 9 onto Spirulina
      platensis nanoparticles was studied at different conditions of pH and
      temperature. Four isotherm models were used to evaluate the biosorption
      equilibrium and the thermodynamic parameters were estimated. Infra red analysis
      (FT-IR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to verify the
      biosorption behavior. The maximum biosorption capacities of FD&C red no. 40 and
      acid blue 9 were found at pH 4 and 298 K, and the values were 468.7 mg g(-1) and
      1619.4 mg g(-1), respectively. The Sips model was more adequate to fit the
      equilibrium experimental data (R2>0.99 and ARE<5%). Thermodynamic study showed
      that the biosorption was exothermic, spontaneous and favorable. FT-IR and EDS
      analysis suggested that at pH 4 and 298 K, the biosorption of both dyes onto
      nanoparticles occurred by chemisorption.

PMID- 22067439
TI  - The anti-inflammatory effect of paraoxonase 1 against oxidized lipids depends on
      its association with high density lipoproteins.
AB  - AIM: The aims of this study were to investigate whether purified PON1 can reduce
      the pro-inflammatory effect of oxidized phospholipids and whether the effect
      depended on its association with HDL. MAIN METHODS: Lipid peroxidation was
      induced by copper ions and was measured using the conjugated diene method.
      Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) formation was measured by HPLC with evaporative
      light scattering detection (ELSD) and ICAM-1 expression on Ea.hy926 endothelial
      cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS: Purified PON1 significantly
      inhibited copper-induced oxidation of LDL and HDL, causing a 60.5% and 77.7%
      decrease in conjugated diene formation, respectively. Incubating PON1 with oxLDL
      caused a significant increase in lyso-PC levels, while oxHDL caused a significant
      decrease. PON1 (12.5 to 50 MUg/mL) had a pro-inflammatory effect in the presence
      of oxLDL, increasing ICAM-1 levels in Ea.hy926 cells by 33.0% and 40.6% (p<0.001)
      respectively, and had an anti-inflammatory effect in the presence of oxHDL,
      causing a 3-fold reduction in ICAM-1 levels. PON1 also caused a significant
      decrease in TNFalpha? and purified lyso-PC-induced ICAM-1 expression. The results
      obtained with reconstituted HDL as well as LCAT and PAF-AH inhibitors suggested
      that the anti-inflammatory effect of PON1 against oxidized lipids is dependent on
      its association with HDL. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results clearly showed that PON1 is
      involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of HDL and that the effect appears to
      depend on its association with HDL.

PMID- 22067441
TI  - Perceived stress and gastrointestinal symptoms in nursing students in Korea: A
      cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although nursing students experience a high level of stress during
      their training, there has been limited research on stress and its impact on the
      student's physical responses, such as gastrointestinal symptoms. The aims of this
      study are to assess the prevalence of GI symptoms in nursing students in Korea
      and to examine the association between the perceived stress and GI symptoms.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. A total of 715
      students of a three-year associate degree nursing program in a Korean college
      participated. The Perceived Stress Scale and a GI Symptoms Questionnaire were
      administered through a self-reported system. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact
      test, and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS 17.0. RESULTS:
      Sixty-five percent of the nursing students experienced more than one GI symptom,
      with 31.1% of students reporting more than three GI symptoms. Most of the nursing
      students complained of upper dysmotility and bowel symptoms. In addition,
      students who reported higher perceived stress were significantly more likely to
      complain of GI symptoms. Compared to nursing students with the lowest perceived
      stress level, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for GI symptoms in students with the
      highest perceived stress level was 3.52 times higher (95% CI = 2.05-6.06).
      CONCLUSIONS: GI symptoms that are highly prevalent among nursing students are
      significantly associated with the perceived stress level. High perceived stress
      should be considered a risk factor for GI symptoms. To reduce perceived stress,
      stress management programs including cognitive reappraisal training are needed in
      nursing curriculum.

PMID- 22067440
TI  - Neurometabolic mechanisms for memory enhancement and neuroprotection of methylene
      blue.
AB  - This paper provides the first review of the memory-enhancing and neuroprotective
      metabolic mechanisms of action of methylene blue in vivo. These mechanisms have
      important implications as a new neurobiological approach to improve normal memory
      and to treat memory impairment and neurodegeneration associated with
      mitochondrial dysfunction. Methylene blue's action is unique because its
      neurobiological effects are not determined by regular drug-receptor interactions
      or drug-response paradigms. Methylene blue shows a hormetic dose-response, with
      opposite effects at low and high doses. At low doses, methylene blue is an
      electron cycler in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, with unparalleled
      antioxidant and cell respiration-enhancing properties that affect the function of
      the nervous system in a versatile manner. A major role of the respiratory enzyme
      cytochrome oxidase on the memory-enhancing effects of methylene blue is supported
      by available data. The memory-enhancing effects have been associated with
      improvement of memory consolidation in a network-specific and use-dependent
      fashion. In addition, low doses of methylene blue have also been used for
      neuroprotection against mitochondrial dysfunction in humans and experimental
      models of disease. The unique auto-oxidizing property of methylene blue and its
      pleiotropic effects on a number of tissue oxidases explain its potent
      neuroprotective effects at low doses. The evidence reviewed supports a
      mechanistic role of low-dose methylene blue as a promising and safe intervention
      for improving memory and for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions
      characterized by increased oxidative stress, neurodegeneration and memory
      impairment.

PMID- 22067442
TI  - Expression and imprinting analysis of the NESP55 gene in pigs.
AB  - Most imprinted genes play important roles in a mammalian development. One of them
      is GNAS complex locus which codes for several imprinted or biallelically
      expressed transcripts. The function of some of them are well understood (for
      example GSalpha-guanine nucleotide binding, alpha -stimulating protein is
      essential element of cell signaling), whereas the others are little known. The
      function of NESP55 (Neuroendocrine secretory protein 55) remains elusive,
      although there are suggestions about its role in brain development. Imprinted
      genes are currently being studied as potential candidate genes for quantitative
      trait loci (QTLs) in farm animals. In our study, we analyzed tissue distribution
      of NESP55 mRNA in pigs and established imprinting status of this gene in the
      brain stem, muscle, kidney and liver at several developmental stages. NESP55 mRNA
      was most abundant in central nervous system (CNS) and pituitary. Substantial
      expression was also noticed in the kidney, testis and muscle. Moreover, we
      identified a 12-nucleotides deletion within the coding region of NESP55
      (accession number ss#342570450) which was used in imprinting analysis. The
      deletion was very rare in the analyzed populations and present only in
      heterozygous form. The imprinting analysis showed that NESP55 is maternally
      expressed in young and adult pigs, similar to what was obtained in humans, mice
      and cattle.

PMID- 22067443
TI  - PINA v2.0: mining interactome modules.
AB  - The Protein Interaction Network Analysis (PINA) platform is a comprehensive web
      resource, which includes a database of unified protein-protein interaction data
      integrated from six manually curated public databases, and a set of built-in
      tools for network construction, filtering, analysis and visualization. The second
      version of PINA enhances its utility for studies of protein interactions at a
      network level, by including multiple collections of interaction modules
      identified by different clustering approaches from the whole network of protein
      interactions ('interactome') for six model organisms. All identified modules are
      fully annotated by enriched Gene Ontology terms, KEGG pathways, Pfam domains and
      the chemical and genetic perturbations collection from MSigDB. Moreover, a new
      tool is provided for module enrichment analysis in addition to simple query
      function. The interactome data are also available on the web site for further
      bioinformatics analysis. PINA is freely accessible at
      http://cbg.garvan.unsw.edu.au/pina/.

PMID- 22067444
TI  - zfishbook: connecting you to a world of zebrafish revertible mutants.
AB  - zfishbook is an internet-based openly accessible database of revertible protein
      trap gene-breaking transposon (GBT) insertional mutants in the zebrafish, Danio
      rerio. In these lines, a monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP) is encoded by
      an artificial 3' exon, resulting in a translational fusion to endogenous loci.
      The natural transparency of the zebrafish embryo and larvae greatly facilitates
      the expression annotation of tagged loci using new capillary-based SCORE imaging
      methods. Molecular annotation of each line is facilitated by cloning methods such
      as 5'-Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and inverse polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR). zfishbook (http://zfishbook.org) represents a central hub for
      molecular, expression and mutational information about GBT lines from the
      International Zebrafish Protein Trap Consortium (IZPTC) that includes researchers
      from around the globe. zfishbook is open to community-wide contributions
      including expression and functional annotation. zfishbook also represents a
      central location for information on how to obtain these lines from diverse
      members of the IZPTC and integration within other zebrafish community databases
      including Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN), Ensembl and National Center for
      Biotechnology Information.

PMID- 22067445
TI  - SCRIPDB: a portal for easy access to syntheses, chemicals and reactions in
      patents.
AB  - The patent literature is a rich catalog of biologically relevant chemicals; many
      public and commercial molecular databases contain the structures disclosed in
      patent claims. However, patents are an equally rich source of metadata about
      bioactive molecules, including mechanism of action, disease class, homologous
      experimental series, structural alternatives, or the synthetic pathways used to
      produce molecules of interest. Unfortunately, this metadata is discarded when
      chemical structures are deposited separately in databases. SCRIPDB is a chemical
      structure database designed to make this metadata accessible. SCRIPDB provides
      the full original patent text, reactions and relationships described within any
      individual patent, in addition to the molecular files common to structural
      databases. We discuss how such information is valuable in medical text mining,
      chemical image analysis, reaction extraction and in silico pharmaceutical lead
      optimization. SCRIPDB may be searched by exact chemical structure, substructure
      or molecular similarity and the results may be restricted to patents describing
      synthetic routes. SCRIPDB is available at http://dcv.uhnres.utoronto.ca/SCRIPDB.

PMID- 22067446
TI  - Specialization of an Exonuclease III family enzyme in the repair of 3' DNA
      lesions during base excision repair in the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated that the two Exonuclease III (Xth) family members
      present within the obligate human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, NApe and NExo,
      are important for survival under conditions of oxidative stress. Of these, only
      NApe possesses AP endonuclease activity, while the primary function of NExo
      remained unclear. We now reveal further functional specialization at the level of
      3'-PO(4) processing for NExo. We demonstrate that the bi-functional meningococcal
      glycosylases Nth and MutM can perform strand incisions at abasic sites in
      addition to NApe. However, no such functional redundancy exists for the 3'
      phosphatase activity of NExo, and the cytotoxicity of 3'-blocking lesions is
      reflected in the marked sensitivity of a mutant lacking NExo to oxidative stress,
      compared to strains deficient in other base excision repair enzymes. A histidine
      residue within NExo that is responsible for its lack of AP endonuclease activity
      is also important for its 3'-phosphatase activity, demonstrating an evolutionary
      trade off in enzyme function at the single amino acid level. This specialization
      of two Xth enzymes for the 3'-end processing and strand-incision reactions has
      not previously been observed and provides a new paradigm within the prokaryotic
      world for separation of these critical functions during base excision repair.

PMID- 22067447
TI  - Ensembl Genomes: an integrative resource for genome-scale data from non
      vertebrate species.
AB  - Ensembl Genomes (http://www.ensemblgenomes.org) is an integrative resource for
      genome-scale data from non-vertebrate species. The project exploits and extends
      technology (for genome annotation, analysis and dissemination) developed in the
      context of the (vertebrate-focused) Ensembl project and provides a complementary
      set of resources for non-vertebrate species through a consistent set of
      programmatic and interactive interfaces. These provide access to data including
      reference sequence, gene models, transcriptional data, polymorphisms and
      comparative analysis. Since its launch in 2009, Ensembl Genomes has undergone
      rapid expansion, with the goal of providing coverage of all major experimental
      organisms, and additionally including taxonomic reference points to provide the
      evolutionary context in which genes can be understood. Against the backdrop of a
      continuing increase in genome sequencing activities in all parts of the tree of
      life, we seek to work, wherever possible, with the communities actively
      generating and using data, and are participants in a growing range of
      collaborations involved in the annotation and analysis of genomes.

PMID- 22067448
TI  - VFDB 2012 update: toward the genetic diversity and molecular evolution of
      bacterial virulence factors.
AB  - The virulence factor database (VFDB, http://www.mgc.ac.cn/VFs/) has served as a
      comprehensive repository of bacterial virulence factors (VFs) for >7 years.
      Bacterial virulence is an exciting and dynamic field, due to the availability of
      complete sequences of bacterial genomes and increasing sophisticated technologies
      for manipulating bacteria and bacterial genomes. The intricacy of virulence
      mechanisms offers a challenge, and there exists a clear need to decipher the
      'language' used by VFs more effectively. In this article, we present the recent
      major updates of VFDB in an attempt to summarize some of the most important
      virulence mechanisms by comparing different compositions and organizations of VFs
      from various bacterial pathogens, identifying core components and phylogenetic
      clades and shedding new light on the forces that shape the evolutionary history
      of bacterial pathogenesis. In addition, the 2012 release of VFDB provides an
      improved user interface.

PMID- 22067450
TI  - Permanent or reversible conjugation of 2'-O- or 5'-O-aminooxymethylated
      nucleosides with functional groups as a convenient and efficient approach to the
      modification of RNA and DNA sequences.
AB  - 2'-O-Aminooxymethyl ribonucleosides are prepared from their 3',5'-disilylated 2'
      O-phthalimidooxymethyl derivatives by treatment with NH(4)F in MeOH. The reaction
      of these novel ribonucleosides with 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde results in the
      efficient formation of stable and yet reversible ribonucleoside 2'-conjugates in
      yields of 69-82%. Indeed, exposure of these conjugates to 0.5 M tetra-n
      butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in THF results in the cleavage of their iminoether
      functions to give the native ribonucleosides along with the innocuous nitrile
      side product. Conversely, the reaction of 5-cholesten-3-one or dansyl chloride
      with 2'-O-aminooxymethyl uridine provides permanent uridine 2'-conjugates, which
      are left essentially intact upon treatment with TBAF. Alternatively, 5'-O
      aminooxymethyl thymidine is prepared by hydrazinolysis of its 3'-O-levulinyl-5'-O
      phthalimidooxymethyl precursor. Pyrenylation of 5'-O-aminooxymethyl thymidine and
      the sensitivity of the 5'-conjugate to TBAF further exemplify the usefulness of
      this nucleoside for modifying DNA sequences either permanently or reversibly.
      Although the versatility and uniqueness of 2'-O-aminooxymethyl ribonucleosides in
      the preparation of modified RNA sequences is demonstrated by the single or double
      incorporation of a reversible pyrenylated uridine 2'-conjugate into an RNA
      sequence, the conjugation of 2'-O-aminooxymethyl ribonucleosides with aldehydes,
      including those generated from their acetals, provides reversible 2'-O-protected
      ribonucleosides for potential applications in the solid-phase synthesis of native
      RNA sequences. The synthesis of a chimeric polyuridylic acid is presented as an
      exemplary model.

PMID- 22067449
TI  - LSD1 cooperates with CTIP2 to promote HIV-1 transcriptional silencing.
AB  - Microglial cells are the main HIV-1 targets in the central nervous system (CNS)
      and constitute an important reservoir of latently infected cells. Establishment
      and persistence of these reservoirs rely on the chromatin structure of the
      integrated proviruses. We have previously demonstrated that the cellular cofactor
      CTIP2 forces heterochromatin formation and HIV-1 gene silencing by recruiting
      HDAC and HMT activities at the integrated viral promoter. In the present work, we
      report that the histone demethylase LSD1 represses HIV-1 transcription and viral
      expression in a synergistic manner with CTIP2. We show that recruitment of LSD1
      at the HIV-1 proximal promoter is associated with both H3K4me3 and H3K9me3
      epigenetic marks. Finally, our data suggest that LSD1-induced H3K4 trimethylation
      is linked to hSET1 recruitment at the integrated provirus.

PMID- 22067451
TI  - IDEAL: Intrinsically Disordered proteins with Extensive Annotations and
      Literature.
AB  - IDEAL, Intrinsically Disordered proteins with Extensive Annotations and
      Literature (http://www.ideal.force.cs.is.nagoya-u.ac.jp/IDEAL/), is a collection
      of knowledge on experimentally verified intrinsically disordered proteins. IDEAL
      contains manual annotations by curators on intrinsically disordered regions,
      interaction regions to other molecules, post-translational modification sites,
      references and structural domain assignments. In particular, IDEAL explicitly
      describes protean segments that can be transformed from a disordered state to an
      ordered state. Since in most cases they can act as molecular recognition elements
      upon binding of partner proteins, IDEAL provides a data resource for functional
      regions of intrinsically disordered proteins. The information in IDEAL is
      provided on a user-friendly graphical view and in a computer-friendly XML format.

PMID- 22067452
TI  - WormBase 2012: more genomes, more data, new website.
AB  - Since its release in 2000, WormBase (http://www.wormbase.org) has grown from a
      small resource focusing on a single species and serving a dedicated research
      community, to one now spanning 15 species essential to the broader biomedical and
      agricultural research fields. To enhance the rate of curation, we have automated
      the identification of key data in the scientific literature and use similar
      methodology for data extraction. To ease access to the data, we are collaborating
      with journals to link entities in research publications to their report pages at
      WormBase. To facilitate discovery, we have added new views of the data,
      integrated large-scale datasets and expanded descriptions of models for human
      disease. Finally, we have introduced a dramatic overhaul of the WormBase website
      for public beta testing. Designed to balance complexity and usability, the new
      site is species-agnostic, highly customizable, and interactive. Casual users and
      developers alike will be able to leverage the public RESTful application
      programming interface (API) to generate custom data mining solutions and
      extensions to the site. We report on the growth of our database and on our work
      in keeping pace with the growing demand for data, efforts to anticipate the
      requirements of users and new collaborations with the larger science community.

PMID- 22067453
TI  - A flexible brace maintains the assembly of a hexameric replicative helicase
      during DNA unwinding.
AB  - The mechanism of DNA translocation by papillomavirus E1 and polyomavirus LTag
      hexameric helicases involves consecutive remodelling of subunit-subunit
      interactions around the hexameric ring. Our biochemical analysis of E1 helicase
      demonstrates that a 26-residue C-terminal segment is critical for maintaining the
      hexameric assembly. As this segment was not resolved in previous crystallographic
      analysis of E1 and LTag hexameric helicases, we determined the solution structure
      of the intact hexameric E1 helicase by Small Angle X-ray Scattering. We find that
      the C-terminal segment is flexible and occupies a cleft between adjacent subunits
      in the ring. Electrostatic potential calculations indicate that the negatively
      charged C-terminus can bridge the positive electrostatic potentials of adjacent
      subunits. Our observations support a model in which the C-terminal peptide serves
      as a flexible 'brace' maintaining the oligomeric state during conformational
      changes associated with ATP hydrolysis. We argue that these interactions impart
      processivity to DNA unwinding. Sequence and disorder analysis suggest that this
      mechanism of hexamer stabilization would be conserved among papillomavirus E1 and
      polyomavirus LTag hexameric helicases.

PMID- 22067454
TI  - A role for insulator elements in the regulation of gene expression response to
      hypoxia.
AB  - Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) up-regulates the transcription of a few hundred
      genes required for the adaptation to hypoxia. This restricted set of targets is
      in sharp contrast with the widespread distribution of the HIF binding motif
      throughout the genome. Here, we investigated the transcriptional response of GYS1
      and RUVBL2 genes to hypoxia to understand the mechanisms that restrict HIF
      activity toward specific genes. GYS1 and RUVBL2 genes are encoded by opposite DNA
      strands and separated by a short intergenic region (~1 kb) that contains a
      functional hypoxia response element equidistant to both genes. However, hypoxia
      induced the expression of GYS1 gene only. Analysis of the transcriptional
      response of chimeric constructs derived from the intergenic region revealed an
      inhibitory sequence whose deletion allowed RUVBL2 induction by HIF. Enhancer
      blocking assays, performed in cell culture and transgenic zebrafish, confirmed
      the existence of an insulator element within this inhibitory region that could
      explain the differential regulation of GYS1 and RUVBL2 by hypoxia. Hence, in this
      model, the selective response to HIF is achieved with the aid of insulator
      elements. This is the first report suggesting a role for insulators in the
      regulation of differential gene expression in response to environmental signals.

PMID- 22067455
TI  - SuperTarget goes quantitative: update on drug-target interactions.
AB  - There are at least two good reasons for the on-going interest in drug-target
      interactions: first, drug-effects can only be fully understood by considering a
      complex network of interactions to multiple targets (so-called off-target
      effects) including metabolic and signaling pathways; second, it is crucial to
      consider drug-target-pathway relations for the identification of novel targets
      for drug development. To address this on-going need, we have developed a web
      based data warehouse named SuperTarget, which integrates drug-related information
      associated with medical indications, adverse drug effects, drug metabolism,
      pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms for target proteins. At present, the
      updated database contains >6000 target proteins, which are annotated with
      >330,000 relations to 196,000 compounds (including approved drugs); the vast
      majority of interactions include binding affinities and pointers to the
      respective literature sources. The user interface provides tools for drug
      screening and target similarity inclusion. A query interface enables the user to
      pose complex queries, for example, to find drugs that target a certain pathway,
      interacting drugs that are metabolized by the same cytochrome P450 or drugs that
      target proteins within a certain affinity range. SuperTarget is available at
      http://bioinformatics.charite.de/supertarget.

PMID- 22067456
TI  - FlyRNAi.org--the database of the Drosophila RNAi screening center: 2012 update.
AB  - FlyRNAi (http://www.flyrnai.org), the database and website of the Drosophila RNAi
      Screening Center (DRSC) at Harvard Medical School, serves a dual role, tracking
      both production of reagents for RNA interference (RNAi) screening in Drosophila
      cells and RNAi screen results. The database and website is used as a platform for
      community availability of protocols, tools, and other resources useful to
      researchers planning, conducting, analyzing or interpreting the results of
      Drosophila RNAi screens. Based on our own experience and user feedback, we have
      made several changes. Specifically, we have restructured the database to
      accommodate new types of reagents; added information about new RNAi libraries and
      other reagents; updated the user interface and website; and added new tools of
      use to the Drosophila community and others. Overall, the result is a more useful,
      flexible and comprehensive website and database.

PMID- 22067457
TI  - Management of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: guide to therapy.
AB  - Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is an inflammatory response of the
      conjunctiva triggered by exposure to seasonal allergens. Treatment options for
      SAC include artificial tears, antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell
      stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dual antihistamine/mast cell
      stabilizers, immunotherapy and corticosteroids. Topical, intranasal and systemic
      formulations of corticosteroids have traditionally provided the most effective
      relief of the inflammation and signs and symptoms associated with severe, acute
      exacerbations of SAC. However, steroid-induced ocular and systemic side-effects
      have limited the prescribing of these agents. This limitation of traditional
      corticosteroids led to the development of modified corticosteroids that retain
      the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of traditional corticosteroids with a
      much-improved safety profile because of their rapid breakdown to inactive
      metabolites after exerting their activity. The development of one such novel
      corticosteroid, loteprednol etabonate (LE), led to the insertion of an ester
      (instead of a ketone) group at the carbon-20 (C-20) position of the basic
      corticosteroid structure. Clinical trials assessing this C-20 ester
      corticosteroid have demonstrated similar efficacy to C-20 ketone corticosteroids
      in the prevention or treatment of the signs and symptoms of SAC but with a
      greatly improved safety profile, as the C-20 ester corticosteroid is less likely
      to elevate intraocular pressure. In addition, the ketone at the C-20 position has
      been implicated in the formation of cataract, while nonketolic corticosteroids do
      not form Schiff base intermediates with lens proteins, which is a common first
      step in cataractogenesis. The clinical relevance of the C-20 ester corticosteroid
      class, as modelled by LE, is that they provide both effective and safe treatment
      of the inflammation associated with SAC and relief of its signs and symptoms.
      Loteprednol etabonate offers a well-tolerated treatment option for patients with
      debilitating acute exacerbations as well as chronic forms of the disease.

PMID- 22067458
TI  - Setting the clock for recirculating lymphocytes.
AB  - In their search for antigens, lymphocytes continuously shuttle among blood
      vessels, lymph vessels, and lymphatic tissues. Chemokines mediate entry of
      lymphocytes into lymphatic tissues, and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) promotes
      localization of lymphocytes to the vasculature. Both signals are sensed through G
      protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Most GPCRs undergo ligand-dependent homologous
      receptor desensitization, a process that decreases their signaling output after
      previous exposure to high ligand concentration. Such desensitization can explain
      why lymphocytes do not take an intermediate position between two signals but
      rather oscillate between them. The desensitization of S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) is
      mediated by GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2). Deletion of GRK2 in lymphocytes compromises
      desensitization by high vascular S1P concentrations, thereby reducing
      responsiveness to the chemokine signal and trapping the cells in the vascular
      compartment. The desensitization kinetics of S1PR1 allows lymphocytes to
      dynamically shuttle between vasculature and lymphatic tissue, although the
      positional information in both compartments is static.

PMID- 22067459
TI  - Short RNA duplexes elicit RIG-I-mediated apoptosis in a cell type- and length
      dependent manner.
AB  - Short double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) induce type I interferon (IFN)-mediated
      innate immune responses. In functional studies with short interfering RNAs or
      synthetic mimics of microRNA precursors in vitro, we found that short dsRNAs
      readily induced apoptosis in cells derived from human granulosa cell tumors, but
      not in other cell types. Apoptosis was independent of the sequence of the dsRNA,
      but depended on its length, and was induced by 23- and 24-nucleotide (nt) dsRNAs,
      but not by shorter dsRNAs (< 22 nt) or by the long dsRNA polyinosinic
      polycytidylic acid. Microarray analysis revealed that apoptosis was accompanied
      by the increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes; however, several lines of
      evidence showed that IFNs did not directly induce apoptosis. Subsequent analyses
      revealed that the short dsRNAs increased the expression of retinoic acid
      inducible gene I (RIG-I) through dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). Although
      these dsRNAs bore 3' overhangs and nontriphosphate 5' termini, which are not
      thought to be RIG-I-activating structures, the dsRNAs bound to RIG-I and
      triggered proapoptotic signaling mostly by activating RIG-I, which was followed
      by activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. Thus, we suggest that
      ligand recognition and subsequent signaling by RNA sensors are more complicated
      than previously believed. In addition, short dsRNAs may serve as pharmacological
      agents to target specific tumors, such as granulosa cell tumors.

PMID- 22067462
TI  - Promoting services.

PMID- 22067461
TI  - Differential hemodynamic effects of levosimendan in a porcine model of neonatal
      hypoxia-reoxygenation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal asphyxia can be complicated by myocardial dysfunction with
      secondary alterations in pulmonary and regional hemodynamics. Levosimendan is a
      calcium-sensitizing inotrope that may support cardiac output, but little is known
      regarding its differential hemodynamic effects in asphyxiated neonates. METHODS:
      Mixed breed piglets (1-4 days old, weight 1.6-2.3 kg) were acutely instrumented.
      Normocapnic alveolar hypoxia (10-15% oxygen) was induced for 2 h, followed by
      reoxygenation with 100% (1 h) and then 21% oxygen (3 h). At 2 h of reoxygenation,
      after volume loading (Ringer's lactate 10 ml/kg), either levosimendan (0.1 or 0.2
      MUg/kg/min) or D(5)W (placebo) was infused for 2 h in a blinded, block-randomized
      fashion (n = 7-8/group). The systemic, pulmonary and regional (carotid, superior
      mesenteric and renal) hemodynamics were compared. RESULTS: At 0.1 and 0.2
      MUg/kg/min, levosimendan significantly increased cardiac output (121 and 123% of
      pretreatment, respectively) and heart rate, and decreased systemic vascular
      resistance without causing hypotension. Pulmonary arterial pressure and estimated
      pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly increased from pretreatment
      baseline in 0.1 but not 0.2 MUg/kg/min levosimendan. Levosimendan infusion had no
      effects on regional hemodynamics. Myocardial efficiency but not oxygen
      consumption increased with 0.1 MUg/kg/min levosimendan without significant
      effects on plasma troponin and myocardial lactate levels. CONCLUSIONS: In newborn
      piglets following hypoxia-reoxygenation injury, levosimendan improves cardiac
      output but has no marked effects in carotid, superior mesenteric and renal
      perfusion. It appears that various doses of levosimendan increase the cardiac
      output through different mechanisms. Further investigations are needed to examine
      the effectiveness of levosimendan as a cardiovascular supportive therapy either
      alone or in conjunction with other inotropes in asphyxiated neonates.

PMID- 22067460
TI  - Systematic phosphorylation analysis of human mitotic protein complexes.
AB  - Progression through mitosis depends on a large number of protein complexes that
      regulate the major structural and physiological changes necessary for faithful
      chromosome segregation. Most, if not all, of the mitotic processes are regulated
      by a set of mitotic protein kinases that control protein activity by
      phosphorylation. Although many mitotic phosphorylation events have been
      identified in proteome-scale mass spectrometry studies, information on how these
      phosphorylation sites are distributed within mitotic protein complexes and which
      kinases generate these phosphorylation sites is largely lacking. We used
      systematic protein-affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry to
      identify 1818 phosphorylation sites in more than 100 mitotic protein complexes.
      In many complexes, the phosphorylation sites were concentrated on a few subunits,
      suggesting that these subunits serve as "switchboards" to relay the kinase
      regulatory signals within the complexes. Consequent bioinformatic analyses
      identified potential kinase-substrate relationships for most of these sites. In a
      subsequent in-depth analysis of key mitotic regulatory complexes with the Aurora
      kinase B (AURKB) inhibitor Hesperadin and a new Polo-like kinase (PLK1)
      inhibitor, BI 4834, we determined the kinase dependency for 172 phosphorylation
      sites on 41 proteins. Combination of the results of the cellular studies with
      Scansite motif prediction enabled us to identify 14 sites on six proteins as
      direct candidate substrates of AURKB or PLK1.

PMID- 22067463
TI  - Skin care in the older person: a focus on the use of emollients.
AB  - This article gives an overview of pathophysiological changes in the older
      person's skin, with particular focus on dry skin and the important use of
      emollient therapy. This includes guidance on emollient choice, function and
      application. Education is emphasized as an important factor in patient/carer
      concordance, with additional advice also recommended to extend education to other
      health care professionals in terms of correct usage and prescription amounts.
      Best practice of the use of emollient therapy is the main objective of this
      article, promoting the health professional to place skin care assessment high on
      the patient need agenda, and to recognize this therapy as the first-line
      treatment in all dry skin management.

PMID- 22067464
TI  - Providing information and advice on diet to stoma patients.
AB  - The community nurse will encounter many queries and requests for advice in the
      work environment. This article offers information on diet related to the stoma.
      Specific advice for the three different types of stoma, and for certain
      situations that might arise after the ostomate (person with a stoma) is
      discharged home, is provided. Much of the advice is common sense, but it might
      prevent the use of medication such as laxatives. Nutrition is essential for
      recovery following surgery and in the long-term. By using the information
      provided, the community nurse can give better care to this group of patients.

PMID- 22067465
TI  - Assessment and management of  diabetic foot ulcers.
AB  - Diabetic foot ulcers can cause considerable disability and morbidity. The complex
      pathology requires expert and in-depth assessment and management to achieve the
      best outcomes. Assessment is underpinned by attention to four key points:
      vascular sufficiency, neurological/sensory status, appropriateness of footwear,
      and presence of foot deformity. The 'shopping list' for management is derived
      from the assessment and requires careful planning and a multidisciplinary
      approach. This article outlines key first line principles and practices in
      assessment and management of diabetic foot ulcers, including the importance of
      offloading pressure and mechanical trauma to aid healing and prevent recurrence.

PMID- 22067466
TI  - Skin changes at life's end: SCALE ulcer or pressure ulcer?
AB  - Pressure ulceration causes much distress to patients and family, and can be taken
      as an indication of poor nursing care. It is vital that both parties understand
      when pressure damage can be prevented, and those circumstances when skin failure
      at the end of life cannot be avoided. Appropriate risk assessment, provision of
      all appropriate care, and use of pressure relieving equipment to minimize the
      risk of any loss of skin integrity are required. The recognition of Skin Changes
      at Life's End (SCALE) ulcers may herald the imminent demise of a loved one.
      Families require support and good communication from nursing staff at this
      difficult time.

PMID- 22067467
TI  - Meeting the policy agenda, part 1:  the role of the modern district nurse.
AB  - The challenges posed by the current context of health and social care offer
      opportunities for different models of care delivery. District nursing has
      evolved, and continues to evolve to meet these challenges. The traditional
      reactive role of district nursing has developed as contemporary practice expects
      district nurses to meet both planned and unplanned care required by practice
      populations. Modern anticipatory care approaches to care are being adopted, while
      care and case management is being facilitated and delivered to patients and
      families with complex health and social care needs. Additionally, district nurses
      are recognizing the need to further develop management and leadership skills as
      the teams delivering care consist of a skill mix of nurses and other disciplines.
      They are also charged with evidencing the impact of what they do and influencing
      care delivery at every level of healthcare organizations. This first paper of two
      will explore the current UK policy context and ways in which district nursing
      services within each country are changing to meet the challenges posed. A second
      article will argue the need to ensure the district nursing workforce is
      underpinned by robust educational standards that ensure protection of the public.
      The influences of education and development from professional and organizational
      perspectives will be examined.

PMID- 22067468
TI  - Self-management for young people with mental health conditions.

PMID- 22067469
TI  - Social media and health care: an interactive future.

PMID- 22067470
TI  - Looking at the extent of fraud  within the NHS.
AB  - Fraud costs the NHS billions of pounds each year, and takes money away from
      frontline services. The Fraud Act 2006 has made the offence clearer and therefore
      easier to bring prosecutions. Offences can range from false representation about
      qualifications and experience to fraudulent consent forms, and through to bogus
      invoices and charging ghost patients. In this article, Richard Griffith and
      Cassam Tengnah outline what constitutes fraud and the measures taken by the NHS
      to counter fraudulent activity.

PMID- 22067471
TI  - Learning from others.

PMID- 22067472
TI  - The expanding relevance of nuclear mTOR in carcinogenesis.
AB  - Deregulated mTOR signaling drives the growth of various human cancers, making
      mTOR a major target for development of cancer chemotherapeutics. The role of mTOR
      in carcinogenesis is thought to be largely a consequence of its activity in the
      cytoplasm resulting in increased translation of pro-tumorigenic genes. However,
      emerging data locate mTOR in various subcellular compartments including Golgi,
      mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and the nucleus, implying the presence of
      compartment-specific mTOR substrates and functions. Efforts to identify mTOR
      substrates in these compartments, and the mechanisms by which mTOR recruits these
      substrates and affects downstream cellular processes, will add to our
      understanding of the diversity of roles played by mTOR in carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22067474
TI  - Medical evacuation of patients to other hospitals due to the Fukushima I nuclear
      accidents.

PMID- 22067473
TI  - Dedicated outreach service for hard to reach patients with tuberculosis in
      London: observational study and economic evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost effectiveness of the Find and Treat service for
      diagnosing and managing hard to reach individuals with active tuberculosis.
      DESIGN: Economic evaluation using a discrete, multiple age cohort, compartmental
      model of treated and untreated cases of active tuberculosis. SETTING: London,
      United Kingdom. Population Hard to reach individuals with active pulmonary
      tuberculosis screened or managed by the Find and Treat service (48 mobile
      screening unit cases, 188 cases referred for case management support, and 180
      cases referred for loss to follow-up), and 252 passively presenting controls from
      London's enhanced tuberculosis surveillance system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Incremental costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), and cost effectiveness
      ratios for the Find and Treat service. RESULTS: The model estimated that, on
      average, the Find and Treat service identifies 16 and manages 123 active cases of
      tuberculosis each year in hard to reach groups in London. The service has a net
      cost of L1.4 million/year and, under conservative assumptions, gains 220 QALYs.
      The incremental cost effectiveness ratio was L6400-L10,000/QALY gained (about
      ?7300-?11,000 or $10,000-$16 000 in September 2011). The two Find and Treat
      components were also cost effective, even in unfavourable scenarios (mobile
      screening unit (for undiagnosed cases), L18,000-L26,000/QALY gained; case
      management support team, L4100-L6800/QALY gained). CONCLUSIONS: Both the
      screening and case management components of the Find and Treat service are likely
      to be cost effective in London. The cost effectiveness of the mobile screening
      unit in particular could be even greater than estimated, in view of the secondary
      effects of infection transmission and development of antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 22067475
TI  - Welfare, temperance and compulsory commitment to care for persons with substance
      misuse problems: a comparative study of 38 European countries.
AB  - AIMS: The study explores the existence and types of law on compulsory commitment
      to care (CCC) of adult substance misusers in Europe and how such laws are related
      to variations in demographics, alcohol consumption and epidemiology in misuse of
      opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, temperance culture heritage, health and welfare
      expenditure, and involvement and role of the state in welfare distribution.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Legal information on laws on CCC of misusers was obtained
      primarily through a survey of 38 European countries. Predictors of laws on CCC,
      and types of such, were analyzed from country descriptors in multivariate models.
      RESULTS: A majority (74%) of the explored countries have a law concerning CCC.
      The most common type of CCC law is within criminal justice legislation (45%), but
      civil CCC is almost as frequent (37%). These two models of CCC legislation are
      related to differences in cultural heritage and welfare distribution models.
      CONCLUSIONS: Temperance cultures, i.e. countries with a history of a strong
      temperance movement, and countries with a Beveridgean distribution of welfare,
      i.e. through the state, tend to favor civil CCC, while countries with a
      Bismarckian distribution of welfare, i.e. through insurance with less state
      interference, tend to favor CCC within criminal justice legislation.

PMID- 22067476
TI  - Effect of additional treatment with EXenatide in patients with an Acute
      Myocardial Infarction (EXAMI): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction causes irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes and
      may lead to loss of ventricular function, morbidity and mortality. Infarct size
      is a major prognostic factor and reduction of infarct size has therefore been an
      important objective of strategies to improve outcomes. In experimental studies,
      glucagon-like peptide 1 and exenatide, a long acting glucagon-like peptide 1
      receptor agonist, a novel drug introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes,
      reduced infarct size after myocardial infarction by activating pro-survival
      pathways and by increasing metabolic efficiency. METHODS: The EXAMI trial is a
      multi-center, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled trial, designed to
      evaluate clinical outcome of exenatide infusion on top of standard treatment, in
      patients with an acute myocardial infarction, successfully treated with primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention. A total of 108 patients will be randomized to
      exenatide (5 MUg bolus in 30 minutes followed by continuous infusion of 20 MUg/24
      h for 72 h) or placebo treatment. The primary end point of the study is
      myocardial infarct size (measured using magnetic resonance imaging with delayed
      enhancement at 4 months) as a percentage of the area at risk (measured using T2
      weighted images at 3-7 days). DISCUSSION: If the current study demonstrates
      cardioprotective effects, exenatide may constitute a novel therapeutic option to
      reduce infarct size and preserve cardiac function in adjunction to reperfusion
      therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01254123.

PMID- 22067477
TI  - Identification, phylogenetic analysis and expression profile of an anionic insect
      defensin gene, with antibacterial activity, from bacterial-challenged cotton
      leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Defensins are a well known family of cationic antibacterial peptides
      (AMPs) isolated from fungi, plants, insects, mussels, birds, and various mammals.
      They are predominantly active against gram (+) bacteria, and a few of them are
      also active against gram (-) bacteria and fungi. All insect defensins belonging
      to the invertebrate class have a consensus motif, C-X5-16-C-X3-C-X9-10-C-X4-7-CX1
      C. Only seven AMPs have already been found in different lepidopteran species. No
      report was published on the isolation of defensin from the Egyptian cotton
      leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis. RESULTS: An anionic defensin, termed SpliDef,
      was isolated from the haemolymph of the cotton leafworm, S. littoralis, after
      bacterial challenge using differential display technique. Based on sequence
      analyses of the data, specific primers for full length and mature peptide of
      defensin were designed and successfully amplified 471 and 150 bp amplicons. The
      integration of the results revealed that the 471 bp-PCR product has one open
      reading frame (orf) of 303 bp long, including both start codon (AUG) and stop
      codon (UGA). The deduced peptide consists of a 23-residues signal peptide, a 27
      residues propeptide and a 50-residues mature peptide with the conserved six
      cysteine motif of insect defensins. Both haemolymph and expressed protein
      exhibited antibacterial activities comparable to positive control. The RT-qPCR
      indicated that it was more than 41-folds up-regulated at 48 h p.i. CONCLUSION:
      Our results highlight an important immune role of the defensin gene in Spodoptera
      littoralis by cooperating with other AMPs to control bacterial infection.

PMID- 22067478
TI  - Risk of schizophrenia in relation to parental origin and genome-wide divergence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second-generation immigrants have an increased risk of schizophrenia,
      a finding that still lacks a satisfactory explanation. Various operational
      definitions of second-generation immigrants have been used, including foreign
      parental country of birth. However, with increasing global migration, it is not
      clear that parental country of birth necessarily is informative with regard to
      ethnicity. We compare two independently collected measures of parental foreign
      ethnicity, parental foreign country of birth versus genetic divergence, based on
      genome-wide genotypic data, to access which measure most efficiently captures the
      increased risk of schizophrenia among second-generation immigrants residing in
      Denmark. METHOD: A case-control study covering all children born in Denmark since
      1981 included 892 cases of schizophrenia and 883 matched controls. Genetic
      divergence was assessed using principal component analyses of the genotypic data.
      Independently, parental foreign country of birth was assessed using information
      recorded prospectively in the Danish Civil Registration System. We compared
      incidence rate ratios of schizophrenia associated with these two independently
      collected measures of parental foreign ethnicity. RESULTS: People with foreign
      born parents had a significantly increased risk of schizophrenia [relative risk
      (RR) 1.94 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.41-2.65)]. Genetically divergent
      persons also had a significant increased risk [RR 2.43 (95% CI 1.55-3.82)].
      Mutual adjustment of parental foreign country of birth and genetic divergence
      showed no difference between these measures with regard to their potential impact
      on the results. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of RR of schizophrenia, genetic divergence
      and parental foreign country of birth are interchangeable entities, and both
      entities have validity with regard to identifying second-generation immigrants.

PMID- 22067479
TI  - Intrathecal lemnalol, a natural marine compound obtained from Formosan soft
      coral, attenuates nociceptive responses and the activity of spinal glial cells in
      neuropathic rats.
AB  - The investigators previously found that the administration of lemnalol, a natural
      marine compound isolated from the Formosan soft coral Lemnalia cervicorni,
      produced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in carrageenan-injected rats.
      Recently, several studies have demonstrated that the development and maintenance
      of neuropathic pain are accompanied by releasing of proinflammatory mediators
      from activated glial cells in the spinal cord. In this study, we investigated the
      antinociceptive properties of lemnalol, a potential anti-inflammatory compound,
      on chronic constriction injury (CCI) in a well-established rat model of
      neuropathic pain. Our results demonstrated that a single intrathecal
      administration of lemnalol (0.05-10 MUg) significantly attenuated CCI-induced
      thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, 14 days postsurgery. Furthermore,
      immunohistofluorescence analyses showed that lemnalol (10 MUg) also significantly
      inhibits CCI-induced upregulation of microglial and astrocytic
      immunohistochemical activation markers in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal
      cord. Double immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that intrathecal injection
      of lemnalol (10 MUg) markedly inhibited spinal proinflammatory mediator tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha expression in microglial cells and astrocytes in
      neuropathic rats. Collectively, our results indicate that lemnalol is a potential
      therapeutic agent for neuropathic pain, and that further exploration of the
      effects of lemnalol on glial proinflammatory responses is warranted.

PMID- 22067480
TI  - Learning impairment by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in adolescence is
      attributable to deficits in chunking.
AB  - Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug used by adolescents. Yet, there are
      only a few studies that have examined the effects of cannabis use on learning and
      memory during this sensitive and important neurodevelopmental stage. Male
      adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol
      (THC, 6 mg/kg) daily for 27 days and concurrently trained in a spatial learning
      and memory task. The chronic effects of cannabis use were specifically examined
      by assessing animal behaviour during the 'postacute' period (17 h after drug
      exposure), when minimal acute drug burden is expected to be present. The
      postacute period is a good model for cannabis use patterns in human adolescents.
      In addition, we investigated whether the hierarchical organization of working
      memory (chunking) was impaired by THC-treatment. We show that THC exposure
      impairs adolescent learning when tested in the postacute period, and that THC
      impairs the ability of animals to use a chunking strategy.

PMID- 22067481
TI  - Heat treatment of retinal pigment epithelium induces production of elastic lamina
      components and antiangiogenic activity.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the
      Western world. In advanced AMD, new vessels from choriocapillaris (CC) invade
      through the Bruch's membrane (BrM) into the retina, forming choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV). BrM, an elastic lamina that is located between the
      retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and CC, is thought to act as a physical and
      functional barrier against CNV. The BrM of patients with early AMD are
      characterized by decreased levels of antiangiogenic factors, including
      endostatin, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and pigment epithelium-derived factor
      (PEDF), as well as by degeneration of the elastic layer. Motivated by a previous
      report that heat increases elastin expression in human skin, we examined the
      effect of heat on human ARPE-19 cell production of BrM components. Heat treatment
      stimulated the production of BrM components, including TSP-1, PEDF, and
      tropoelastin in vitro and increased the antiangiogenic activity of RPE measured
      in a mouse corneal pocket assay. The effect of heat on experimental CNV was
      investigated by pretreating the retina with heat via infrared diode laser prior
      to the induction of CNV. Heat treatment blocked the development of experimental
      CNV in vivo. These findings suggest that heat treatment may restore BrM integrity
      and barrier function against new vessel growth.

PMID- 22067482
TI  - HIF-1alpha coordinates lymphangiogenesis during wound healing and in response to
      inflammation.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms that coordinate lymphangiogenesis.
      Using mouse models of lymphatic regeneration and inflammatory lymphangiogenesis,
      we explored the hypothesis that hypoxia inducible factor-alpha (HIF-1alpha) is a
      central regulator of lymphangiogenesis. We show that HIF-1alpha inhibition by
      small molecule inhibitors (YC-1 and 2-methyoxyestradiol) results in delayed
      lymphatic repair, decreased local vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)
      expression, reduced numbers of VEGF-C(+) cells, and reductions in inflammatory
      lymphangiogenesis. Using transgenic HIF-1alpha/luciferase mice to image HIF
      1alpha expression in real time in addition to Western blot analysis and
      pimonidazole staining for cellular hypoxia, we demonstrate that hypoxia
      stabilizes HIF-1alpha during initial stages of wound repair (1-2 wk); whereas
      inflammation secondary to gradients of lymphatic fluid stasis stabilizes HIF
      1alpha thereafter (3-6 wk). In addition, we show that CD4(+) cell-mediated
      inflammation is necessary for this response and regulates HIF-1alpha expression
      by macrophages, as CD4-deficient or CD4-depleted mice demonstrate 2-fold
      reductions in HIF-1alpha expression as compared to wild-types. In summary, we
      show that HIF-1alpha is a critical coordinator of lymphangiogenesis by regulating
      the expression of lymphangiogenic cytokines as part of an early response
      mechanism to hypoxia, inflammation, and lymphatic fluid stasis.

PMID- 22067483
TI  - The ubiquitin hydrolase USP22 contributes to 3'-end processing of JAK-STAT
      inducible genes.
AB  - The JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription)
      signaling pathway drives cellular growth, differentiation, and the immune
      response. STAT-activated gene expression is both rapid and transient and requires
      dynamic post-translational modification of the chromatin template. We previously
      showed that monoubiquitination of histone H2B (ubH2B) is highly dynamic at the
      STAT1 target gene, interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), suggesting that a
      deubiquitinase is recruited during gene activation. Here, we report that RNAi
      mediated knockdown of the ubiquitin hydrolase, USP22, results in 2-fold higher
      ubH2B, and 2-fold lower transcriptional elongation at IRF1. We also demonstrate
      that USP22 depletion diminishes 3'-end cleavage/polyadenylation by 2- to 3-fold.
      Furthermore, the polyadenylation factor CPSF73 is not effectively recruited, and
      serine 2 phosphorylation (Ser2P) of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II is
      also disrupted. The transcriptional and processing defects observed in the USP22
      knockdown cells are reversed by transient USP22 overexpression. Together, these
      results suggest that ubH2B helps recruit polyadenylation factors to STAT1
      activated genes. We propose a working model, wherein a cycle of H2B
      ubiquitination/deubiquitination specifies Ser2P to regulate elongation and 3'-end
      processing of JAK-STAT-inducible mRNAs. These results further elaborate USP22
      function and its role as a putative cancer stem cell marker.

PMID- 22067484
TI  - Evaluation of genomic high-throughput sequencing data generated on Illumina HiSeq
      and genome analyzer systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The generation and analysis of high-throughput sequencing data are
      becoming a major component of many studies in molecular biology and medical
      research. Illumina's Genome Analyzer (GA) and HiSeq instruments are currently the
      most widely used sequencing devices. Here, we comprehensively evaluate properties
      of genomic HiSeq and GAIIx data derived from two plant genomes and one virus,
      with read lengths of 95 to 150 bases. RESULTS: We provide quantifications and
      evidence for GC bias, error rates, error sequence context, effects of quality
      filtering, and the reliability of quality values. By combining different
      filtering criteria we reduced error rates 7-fold at the expense of discarding
      12.5% of alignable bases. While overall error rates are low in HiSeq data we
      observed regions of accumulated wrong base calls. Only 3% of all error positions
      accounted for 24.7% of all substitution errors. Analyzing the forward and reverse
      strands separately revealed error rates of up to 18.7%. Insertions and deletions
      occurred at very low rates on average but increased to up to 2% in homopolymers.
      A positive correlation between read coverage and GC content was found depending
      on the GC content range. CONCLUSIONS: The errors and biases we report have
      implications for the use and the interpretation of Illumina sequencing data.
      GAIIx and HiSeq data sets show slightly different error profiles. Quality
      filtering is essential to minimize downstream analysis artifacts. Supporting
      previous recommendations, the strand-specificity provides a criterion to
      distinguish sequencing errors from low abundance polymorphisms.

PMID- 22067485
TI  - What part can nurses play  in the prevention of suicide?
AB  - Professor Alan Glasper discusses the new goverment initiative which aims to
      tackle the number of suicides ocurring in the UK. There are many different
      reasons people choose to take their own lives and it is important that nurses
      have a good understanding and awareness of these in order to contribute to the
      reduction of the problem.

PMID- 22067486
TI  - NHS future forum: is anyone listening?
AB  - The NHS Future Forum has been asked by the Government to continue what it refers
      to as 'conversations' with patients, service users and professionals (Department
      of Health (DH), 2011a). The key focus points of the forum are information,
      education and training, integrated care and public health. The forum was first
      put into action following the publication of Modernising the NHS: The Health and
      Social Care Bill 2011 (DH, 2011b), which met with opposition from many who felt
      that encouraging competition within the NHS was a bad idea and put the NHS at
      risk of privatization. Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health, launched a
      'listening exercise' as a response to this widespread criticism. However, this
      too has been criticized after a confidential memo came to light suggesting that
      there was actually little room for manoeuvre in terms of changes to the Bill
      (Bosely et al, 2011).

PMID- 22067487
TI  - The importance of hand disinfection prior to surgery.
AB  - 'Hand washing is a practice we perform ritualistically, but as healthcare
      professionals we need to appreciate its importance in clinical practice and not
      become complacent about it' (Kerr, 1998).

PMID- 22067488
TI  - Inadvertant hypothermia and active warming for surgical patients.
AB  - Inadvertant hypothermia is common among surgical patients and can result in
      serious complications. This article describes active warming systems which can be
      used preoperatively and intraoperatively to prevent hypothermia and maintain
      normothermia (normal body temperature).

PMID- 22067489
TI  - Emergency and intensive care: assessing and managing the airway.
AB  - Airway assessment and management skills are vital in an emergency department (ED)
      as they are the most sensitive indicator of patient deterioration. Problems as
      common as head injury or alcohol intoxication are associated with an inadequate
      airway or diminished respiratory function and can cause a patient's condition to
      decline rapidly. Maintaining a patient's airway and facilitating breathing is the
      main priority in any emergency situation, although achieving airway control can
      be difficult. All health professionals need to be able to safely undertake airway
      management. The key is a thorough assessment to determine whether the airway is
      patent or not. This paper will discuss the importance and practicalities of
      airway management and assessment in the emergency and intensive care.

PMID- 22067490
TI  - The future of surgical nursing and enhanced recovery programmes.
AB  - Patients undergoing surgery in the UK are seeing a rise in the development of
      enhanced recovery programmes as a result of increasing medical advances. Enhanced
      recovery is concerned with helping patients get better sooner after an operation
      by following a meticulous regime of care. The practical application of these
      programmes is undertaken largely by nurses, despite encompassing explicit,
      medically-driven protocols. However, beyond the professional knowledge and skills
      required to aid the programmes, nursing knowledge has contributed little to this
      rapidly developing aspect of surgery to date. Nursing has much to offer through
      future creation of centrally coordinated, surgical nursing units focusing on
      patients' holistic experience. This article will briefly describe enhanced
      recovery, identify aspects of nursing knowledge that can have a positive
      influence, and outline practical changes to assist the development of such
      programmes, thereby benefiting all patients undergoing elective surgery.

PMID- 22067491
TI  - Hirsutism: causes and treatment  for women.
AB  - Hirsutism is defined as an androgen-dependent, male pattern of hair distribution
      in women. It affects between 5-15% of all women across all ethnic backgrounds
      (Azziz, 2003). The presence of unwanted female facial hair (and male hair
      patterns in other body areas) is the devastating consequence of hirsutism. It is
      also estimated that up to 40% of the general female population have some degree
      of unwanted facial hair (Hamzavi et al, 2007). The treatment of hirsutism is
      twofold; treating the underlying cause and reducing visible hair. This article
      will seek to define the causes of hirsutism, explore current treatment options
      for the removal of unwanted hair and discuss the psychosocial effects for the
      woman with hirsutism.

PMID- 22067492
TI  - Fibromyalgia: an overview and comparison of treatment options.
AB  - Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by a multitude of physical and
      psychological symptoms which tend to persist overtime. The dominant symptom is
      that of widespread musculoskeletal pain. This paper discusses the possible
      causations of fibromyalgia, as well as the need for a biopsychosocial assessment
      to fully understand the pain experience and to inform treatment and the evidence
      base regarding therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22067493
TI  - Why is the regulation of advanced practice essential?
AB  - For many years, nurses have sought to define advanced practice (AP). There is now
      a developing consensus that it should be broadly defined in ways which include
      and embrace not only clinical practice, but also other domains such as education,
      management and leadership. This broad definition is congruent with Benner's
      notion of the novice to expert trajectory and lends support to the view that the
      risks around AP are minimal, since advanced practitioners by definition have
      expertise. The broad model of AP, however, ignores one distinct subset of
      advanced practice nurses who we term nurse practitioners (NPs). NPs are distinct
      because of their hybrid, quasi-medical practice, which crucially involves
      autonomous medical diagnosis and treatment. The risks in this area of practice
      are substantial, and consequently require nothing less than a nationally
      regulated set of benchmarks. These must address the training, assessment and
      registration of NPs for the primary purpose of public protection.

PMID- 22067494
TI  - Supporting self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 8: dealing
      with negative staff.
AB  - One of the most destructive forces to teamwork and morale are people within the
      team who are negative. Everyone has days when they feel a bit 'down' and most
      people enjoy a bit of a coffee break moan, but a few seem to dedicate their lives
      to moaning and take this to an extreme, becoming a destructive negative element
      when working in a team.

PMID- 22067495
TI  - The Care Quality Commission's end-of-year report.
AB  - Annual reports of organizations are very useful, they portray the activities that
      have been carried out and also lay out plans for the future. Trends, challenges
      and opportunities for the organization and the sector are also identified. Annual
      reports are in many respects very similar to the end of year reports that we all
      received at school but perhaps not as blunt. The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
      annual report (the report) has just been published and it provides an
      illuminating picture of NHS care in England with many challenges, successes and
      failures clearly revealed. Key sections of the report that relate to NHS health
      care will be discussed in this article.

PMID- 22067496
TI  - Essential tips for nurses.
AB  - A useful book for teachers of nurses as well as for their pupils was reviewed in
      the BJN 100 years ago. It was called, 'A Quiz Book of Nursing,' by Miss Amy
      Elizabeth Pope, with regard to the restraint of patients, it is suggested that
      the following points should be emphasized by the instructor:

PMID- 22067497
TI  - Reviewing nurse safety  in the aftermath of the riots.
AB  - Many cities in the UK including London, Birmingham and Manchester, were ravaged
      by the shocking levels of rioting and looting that took place a few weeks ago and
      are still attempting to recover.

PMID- 22067498
TI  - Care transitions: more important than ever and on the national agenda.

PMID- 22067500
TI  - OASIS-C importance of accurate pressure ulcer assessment and management in home
      healthcare: part II.
AB  - This is Part II of an article describing an educational initiative by certified
      wound, ostomy, and continence nurses to strengthen clinical and documentation
      skills related to the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)-C M items.
      Part I, published in Home Healthcare Nurse in April 2011 (vol. 29, issue 4, pp.
      233-245), reviewed the fundamentals of wound assessment, wound healing, and OASIS
      C wound terminology. The focus of this article is to show the connection between
      the clinical assessment, interventions, documentation, and the impact on quality
      outcomes and reimbursement. Because of the scope of this topic and the emphasis
      given to the problem of pressure ulcers by varying sectors of healthcare,
      including hospitals and nursing homes, this article focuses on pressure ulcers
      and OASIS-C.

PMID- 22067502
TI  - A call to action: helping hospice social workers embrace evidence-based practice
      improving hospice documentation.
AB  - Hospice programs provide interdisciplinary palliative care and services to
      patients with a life-limiting illness; 6 months or less if the disease runs its
      normal course. Social workers have been a required part of the hospice
      interdisciplinary group since the inception of the Hospice Medicare Benefit in
      1983 (), and it is impossible to imagine hospice care without the involvement of
      social workers. Social workers are uniquely trained to assess the psychological
      and social factors that impact well-being and intervene when the inability to
      cope and emotional stress further impair the function of the patient and family.

PMID- 22067504
TI  - A systems-based medication reconciliation process: with implications for home
      healthcare.
AB  - This article describes the medication reconciliation process applied on hospital
      discharge of patients to home with home care services within Seton Health System,
      an integrated health delivery network located in Troy, New York. The project,
      which was not research based, was characterized by an intensive
      pharmacotherapeutic medication reconciliation at hospital discharge by the
      hospital-based pharmacist with continued pharmacist support available to home
      healthcare nurses collaboratively at the time of start of care and resumption of
      care. The goal of this process was to identify and resolve medication-related
      problems and reduce hospital readmissions.

PMID- 22067505
TI  - The challenge of improving transitional care: lessons learned in a home
      healthcare agency.
AB  - This article describes the efforts undertaken to reduce avoidable
      hospitalizations in a large, not-for-profit home healthcare agency over a period
      of 4 years by focusing on the improvement of transitional care-that is, moving
      patients from 1 level of care to another. Beginning as an effort to simply
      "teach" home care staff about best-practice tools, the challenges of implementing
      the changes required to improve the transition period were found to be complex
      and associated with a number of factors, ranging from the variation in discharge
      processes across hospitals to how clinicians perceived their roles and those of
      patients in the transition process. The author discusses the insights gleaned
      from the work that has been completed-and the work that still remains-while
      steadily decreasing the home healthcare agency's overall hospitalization rate.

PMID- 22067506
TI  - Research on transitional care: from hospital to home.
AB  - Concern over the human and financial costs of healthcare "silos" and poorly
      coordinated care has been growing, fueled by data on risky patient "handoffs,"
      repeat hospitalizations, and avoidable emergency department visits. More than 20%
      of patients experience an adverse clinical event within 30 days of the discharge
      from a hospital (). This column features research and review articles focused on
      the issue of "handoffs" and transitional care. The investigators of the 1st
      article described studied communication and information transfer deficits between
      hospitalists and primary care physicians. The 2nd article presents findings of a
      systematic hospital-based intervention geared toward improving discharge
      experiences. The 3rd article describes another hospital-based initiative. This
      reengineered discharge intervention uses nurse discharge advocates as one
      component of a strategy to help patients understand, develop, and implement their
      discharge plans. The final article profiled in this column presents findings of a
      systematic literature review of randomized clinical trials that aimed to improve
      transitional care for chronically ill adults and opportunities to promote more
      widespread use of evidence-based programs through initiatives sponsored by the
      Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Interested readers are encouraged to
      read the articles for full information about the interventions and review
      findings.

PMID- 22067507
TI  - The complexity of care transitions.

PMID- 22067508
TI  - Olfactory projections in the lepidosirenid lungfishes.
AB  - Olfactory nerve and olfactory bulb projections in lepidosirenid lungfishes were
      experimentally determined with neural tracers. Unilateral injections of DiI into
      the olfactory nerve labeled the accessory and main olfactory bulbs as well as
      fibers of the anterior root of the terminal nerve, which terminates extensively
      in cell groups of the medial hemispheric wall, the dorsal and lateral pallia, and
      the preoptic nuclei and posterior tubercle. Lepidosirenid lungfishes do not
      exhibit separate vomeronasal nerves, but previous data indicate that calbindin
      positive receptors within basal crypts of the olfactory epithelium are homologous
      to the vomeronasal organ of tetrapods. Unilateral injections of DiI into the
      accessory olfactory bulb reveal an accessory olfactory tract which terminates
      primarily if not solely in the ipsilateral medial amygdalar nucleus as in
      amphibians. Unilateral injections of tracers into the main olfactory bulb reveal
      extensive projections to all cell groups in the ipsilateral telencephalic
      hemisphere, except for the medial amygdalar nucleus, as well as secondary
      olfactory projections (decussating in the habenular commissure) to the
      contralateral dorsal pallium and main olfactory bulb. Secondary olfactory
      projections also terminate bilaterally in diencephalic and midbrain centers after
      partial decussation in the anterior and postoptic commissures, as well as in the
      ventral hypothalamus and posterior tubercle. Cladistic analysis of the extensive
      secondary olfactory projections indicates that this pattern is primitive for all
      bony fishes whereas the reduction in secondary olfactory projections in
      amphibians, particularly anurans, is a derived, simplified pattern.

PMID- 22067509
TI  - Damping by branching: a bioinspiration from trees.
AB  - Man-made slender structures are known to be sensitive to high levels of vibration
      due to their flexibility which often cause irreversible damage. In nature, trees
      repeatedly endure large amplitudes of motion, mostly caused by strong climatic
      events, yet with minor or no damage in most cases. A new damping mechanism
      inspired by the architecture of trees is identified here and characterized in the
      simplest tree-like structure, a Y-shaped branched structure. Through analytical
      and numerical analyses of a simple two-degree-of-freedom model, branching is
      shown to be the key ingredient in this protective mechanism that we call damping
      by-branching. It originates in the geometrical nonlinearities so that it is
      specifically efficient to damp out large amplitudes of motion. A more realistic
      model, using flexible beam approximation, shows that the mechanism is robust.
      Finally, two bioinspired architectures are analyzed, showing significant levels
      of damping achieved via branching with typically 30% of the energy being
      dissipated in one oscillation. This concept of damping-by-branching is of simple
      practical use in the design of very slender and flexible structures subjected to
      extreme dynamical loadings.

PMID- 22067510
TI  - The importance of challenge for the enjoyment of intrinsically motivated, goal
      directed activities.
AB  - Although early interview-based analyses of the enjoyment of intrinsically
      motivated, goal-directed activities (e.g., chess, rock climbing, art making)
      suggested the importance of relatively difficult, "optimal" challenges,
      subsequent findings derived from a wider range of activities have not provided
      consistent support for this proposition. Two studies were conducted to clarify
      the relation between challenge and enjoyment. Study 1 focused on a single
      activity-Internet chess. The importance of challenge was evident at the
      subjective level (perceived challenge strongly predicted enjoyment) as well as
      the objective level (games against superior opponents were more enjoyable than
      games against inferior opponents, and close games were more enjoyable than
      blowouts). In Study 2, the experience sampling method was used to examine the
      enjoyment of challenge across a wide range of everyday activities. Activity
      motivation (intrinsically motivated, non-intrinsically motivated) and activity
      type (goal directed, non-goal directed) moderated the relation. Implications for
      theories of intrinsic motivation are discussed.

PMID- 22067511
TI  - Cardiac excitation mechanisms, wavefront dynamics and strength-interval curves
      predicted by 3D orthotropic bidomain simulations.
AB  - The assessment and understanding of cardiac excitation mechanisms is very
      important for the development and improvement of implantable cardiac devices,
      pacing protocols, and arrhythmia treatments. Previous bidomain simulation studies
      have investigated cathodal and anodal make/break mechanisms of cardiac excitation
      and strength-interval (S-I) curves in two-dimensional sheets or cylindrical
      domains, that by symmetry reduce to the two-dimensional case. In this work,
      cathodal and anodal S-I curves are studied by means of detailed bidomain
      simulations which include: (i) three-dimensional cardiac slabs; (ii) transmural
      fiber rotation; (iii) unequal orthotropic anisotropy of the conducting media;
      (iv) incorporation of funny and electroporation currents in the ventricular
      membrane model. The predicted shape of cathodal and anodal S-I curves exhibit the
      same features of the S-I curves observed experimentally and the break/make
      transition coincides with the final descending phase of the S-I curves. Away from
      the break/make transition, only the break or make excitation mechanism is
      observed independently of the stimulus strength, whereas within an interval at
      the break/make transition, new paradoxical excitation behaviors are observed that
      depend on the stimulus strength.

PMID- 22067512
TI  - Distinguishing possible mechanisms for auxin-mediated developmental control in
      Arabidopsis: models with two Aux/IAA and ARF proteins, and two target gene-sets.
AB  - New models of gene transcriptional responses to auxin signalling in Arabidopsis
      are presented. This work extends a previous model of auxin signalling to include
      networks of gene-sets which may control developmental responses along auxin
      gradients. Key elements of this new study include models of signalling pathways
      and networks involving two Aux-IAA proteins (IAAs), auxin response factors (ARFs)
      and gene targets. Hypotheses for the gene network topologies which may be
      involved in developmental responses have been tested against experimental
      observations for root hair growth in particular. In studying these models, we
      provide a framework for the analysis of auxin signalling with multiple IAAs and
      ARFs, and discuss the implications of bistability in such systems.

PMID- 22067513
TI  - Preconditions for successful guideline implementation: perceptions of oncology
      nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although evidence-based guidelines are important for improving the
      quality of patient care, implementation in practice is below expectations. With
      the recent focus on team care, guidelines are intended to promote the integration
      of care across multiple disciplines. We conducted an exploratory study to
      understand oncology nurses' perceptions of guideline implementation and to learn
      their views on how their experiences affected the implementation. METHODS: A
      qualitative study was used with focus group interviews. We collected data from 11
      nurses with more than 5 years of oncology nursing experience in Japan. The data
      were analyzed using grounded theory. RESULTS: Results of the analysis identified
      "preconditions for successful guideline implementation" as a core category. There
      were 4 categories (goal congruence, equal partnership, professional self
      development and user-friendliness) and 11 subcategories related to
      organizational, multidisciplinary, individual, and guideline levels. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the guidelines were viewed as important, they were not fully implemented
      in practice. There are preconditions at the organizational, multidisciplinary,
      individual, and guideline levels that must be met if an organization is to
      successfully implement the guideline in clinical settings. Prioritizing
      strategies by focusing on these preconditions will help to facilitate successful
      guideline implementation.

PMID- 22067514
TI  - The endometrial epigenome and its response to steroid hormones.
AB  - The human endometrium undergoes cyclic morphological and functional changes
      during the menstrual cycle. These changes are driven mainly by steroid hormones
      and orchestrated by a myriad of genes - many of which have been identified
      recently as being epigenetically regulated. Epigenetic modifications, including
      DNA methylation and histone acetylations, are shown recently to be involved in
      functional changes in endometrium and endometrial diseases. Since epigenetics
      itself is a rapidly evolving field, this review starts with an overview of
      epigenetics and its intrinsic connections with endometrial response to steroid
      hormones, highlighting its various levels of complexities. This is followed by a
      review of published and unpublished work on "writers", "erasers", and other
      players of endometrial epigenome. In the end, areas in need for future research
      in this area will be exposed.

PMID- 22067515
TI  - DNA fingerprinting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: from phage typing to whole
      genome sequencing.
AB  - Current typing methods for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex evolved from simple
      phenotypic approaches like phage typing and drug susceptibility profiling to DNA
      based strain typing methods, such as IS6110-restriction fragment length
      polymorphisms (RFLP) and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) typing.
      Examples of the usefulness of molecular typing are source case finding and
      epidemiological linkage of tuberculosis (TB) cases, international transmission of
      MDR/XDR-TB, the discrimination between endogenous reactivation and exogenous re
      infection as a cause of relapses after curative treatment of tuberculosis, the
      evidence of multiple M. tuberculosis infections, and the disclosure of laboratory
      cross-contaminations. Simultaneously, phylogenetic analyses were developed based
      on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genomic deletions usually referred to
      as regions of difference (RDs) and spoligotyping which served both strain typing
      and phylogenetic analysis. National and international initiatives that rely on
      the application of these typing methods have brought significant insight into the
      molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis. However, current DNA fingerprinting
      methods have important limitations. They can often not distinguish between
      genetically closely related strains and the turn-over of these markers is
      variable. Moreover, the suitability of most DNA typing methods for phylogenetic
      reconstruction is limited as they show a high propensity of convergent evolution
      or misinfer genetic distances. In order to fully explore the possibilities of
      genotyping in the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis and to study the
      phylogeny of the causative bacteria reliably, the application of whole-genome
      sequencing (WGS) analysis for all M. tuberculosis isolates is the optimal,
      although currently still a costly solution. In the last years WGS for typing of
      pathogens has been explored and yielded important additional information on
      strain diversity in comparison to the classical DNA typing methods. With the
      ongoing cost reduction of DNA sequencing it is possible that WGS will become the
      sole diagnostic tool in the secondary laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis for
      identification, drug susceptibility testing and genetic characterization.

PMID- 22067516
TI  - Recombinant norovirus GII.g/GII.12 gastroenteritis in children.
AB  - Recombinant GII.g/GII.12 norovirus (NoV) strains emerged in 2008 in Australia and
      subsequently have been associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. In
      the winter season 2009-2010 GII.12 strains caused 16% of the NoV outbreaks in the
      United States. During 2009-2010 we also identified GII.g/GII.12 strains during
      surveillance of sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in Italian children. Severity
      scores were calculated for the GII.g/GII.12 NoV infections using the Vesikari
      scale and in two out of three paediatric cases they exceeded the median value
      calculated for concomitant GII.4 infections. Upon sequence analysis, the Italian
      strains were found to be recombinant viruses and displayed different patterns of
      nucleotide polymorphisms. Phylodynamic analysis with other GII.g/GII.12
      recombinants showed a high rate of evolution, comparable to the rates observed
      for GII.4 viruses. The mechanisms leading to worldwide emergence of GII.12 NoV
      strains in 2008-2010 are not clear. Monitoring of GII.12 NoV circulation is
      necessary to understand these mechanisms of evolution.

PMID- 22067517
TI  - Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the ocular surface: clinicopathologic features
      and search for infectious agents.

PMID- 22067518
TI  - Clinical features of patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL)
      with vascular-limited deposition in the kidney.
AB  - In the kidney, immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) can be deposited in
      vascular-limited AL (V-AL) or diffuse (D-AL) pattern. These patterns are
      associated with different clinical presentations. A nested case study was
      performed to describe these differences. V-AL was defined by the vascular-limited
      deposits. Cases were matched for age, sex and date of renal biopsy. There were 12
      cases of V-AL (mean age 61 +/- 11 years) and 24 cases of D-AL. Median follow-up
      was 26 months for V-AL and 38 months for D-AL, P = 0.14. Lambda was more common
      in D-AL (83.3%) than V-AL (50%, P = 0.04). Cardiac function was similar between
      the two groups. V-AL patients presented with lower renal function (serum
      creatinine = 2.1 versus 1.3 mg/dL, P = 0.02; estimated glomerular filtration rate
      31 versus 59 mL/min/1.73m(2), P = 0.01 and creatinine clearance 38.5 versus 64
      mL/min/1.73m(2), P = 0.02, respectively). Proteinuria was low grade in V-AL [0.4
      (0.09-0.98) g/day] compared to nephrotic range in D-AL patients [8.0 (0.2-22)
      g/day, P < 0.001]. Stem cell transplantation was performed on 62.5% of the D-AL
      but on only 25% of the V-AL, P = 0.08. Median survival was longer in patients
      with D-AL (77.2 months) versus V-AL (40.6 months, log-rank P = 0.02). Our study
      found that V-AL patients presented with more severe renal insufficiency and less
      proteinuria than D-AL. There was a preference for lambda light chain in the D-AL
      that was not noted in the V-AL. Patients with D-AL in this study had a longer
      median survival but most of them were stem cell transplantation candidates.

PMID- 22067519
TI  - Body plan in tetrapods: is it patterned by a hyperbolic tissue flow?

PMID- 22067520
TI  - Levosimendan in two neonates with ischemic heart failure and pulmonary
      hypertension.
AB  - We report the successful and safe use of levosimendan, a new calcium-sensitizing
      agent with positive inotropic and vasodilatory action, in 2 critically ill term
      newborns with acute heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in the absence of
      any underlying heart malformation and/or previous cardiosurgical procedures.
      During the neonatal period, levosimendan may represent an ideal drug for immature
      myocardium characterized by a higher calcium-dependent contractility than in
      adults.

PMID- 22067526
TI  - Is the intake of sugar-containing beverages during adolescence related to adult
      weight status?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the intake of sugar-containing
      beverages (SCB) at the age of 13 years and adult weight status 24-30 years later.
      DESIGN: A longitudinal study with 30 years of follow-up from adolescence (age 13
      years in 1976) to adulthood (up to 2000 and 2006). Dietary intake was assessed
      through cross-check dietary history face-to-face interviews by a dietitian.
      Beverages were divided into two categories: (i) total SCB and (ii) SCB excluding
      100% fruit juices. Percentage of total fat (%total fat) and percentage of trunk
      fat (%trunk fat) were obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
      measurements; body weight and height were measured by trained staff. SETTING:
      Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study, the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: One
      hundred and fourteen males and 124 females. RESULTS: In males, but not in
      females, each additional daily serving of SCB excluding 100% fruit juices at 13
      years was associated with 1?14% higher %total fat (95% CI 0?04, 2?23 %; P50?04)
      and 1?62% higher %trunk fat (95% CI 0?14, 3?10 %; P50?03) in adulthood after
      correction for confounders. No statistically significant relationship was found
      between the intake of SCB excluding 100% fruit juices at the age of 13 and BMI in
      both sexes. In addition, no statistically significant relationships were found
      between the intake of total SCB and all measures of adult weight status in both
      sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of SCB excluding 100% fruit juices at the age of 13
      years was positively associated with adult %total fat and %trunk fat in males,
      but not in females.

PMID- 22067527
TI  - Development of a novel, nearly insoluble antiadhesive membrane.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) is difficult to
      use in a moist environment because of its susceptibility to moisture. METHODS: We
      developed the three-layered nDM-14R membrane. The surface layers are composed of
      1-lactide, glycolide and e-caprolactone copolymers. HA/CMC and nDM-14R were used
      in all these studies. (1) The central region of 1 * 10 cm specimens (n = 5) was
      moistened for 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 s, after which the tensile strength was
      determined; (2) one side of specimens of 1 * 10 cm (n = 5) was moistened with
      agar gel for 5, 10, 15 or 30 s, after which the adhesion strength was determined,
      and (3) Rat cecum (n = 10) was scratched, 3 * 3 cm specimens were placed on the
      scratched area, and adhesions were evaluated on postoperative day 14. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: (1) The tensile strength of nDM-14R after contact for 10-30 s was
      greater than that of HA/CMC. (2) The adhesive strength of HA/CMC after contact
      for 5-10 s was greater than that of nDM-14R. (3) Adhesion scores in treatment
      groups were significantly lower than in the control group. The results suggest
      that nDM-14R has the same antiadhesive effect and allows easier placement under
      moist conditions than HA/CMC.

PMID- 22067528
TI  - Expression and role of fibroblast activation protein-alpha in microinvasive
      breast carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in breast cancer cases
      is challenging for pathologist due to a variety of in situ patterns and
      artefacts, which could be misinterpreted as stromal invasion. Microinvasion is
      detected by the presence of cytologically malignant cells outside the confines of
      the basement membrane and myoepithelium. When malignant cells invade the stroma,
      there is tissue remodeling induced by perturbed stromal-epithelial interactions.
      Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are main cells in the microenvironment of
      the remodeled tumor-host interface. They are characterized by the expression of
      the specific fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAP-alpha), and differ from
      that of normal fibroblasts exhibiting an immunophenotype of CD34. We hypothesized
      that staining for FAP-alpha may be helpful in determining whether DCIS has
      microinvasion. METHODS: 349 excised breast specimens were immunostained for
      smooth muscle actin SMA, CD34, FAP-alpha, and Calponin. Study material was
      divided into 5 groups: group 1: normal mammary tissues of healthy women after
      plastic surgery; group 2: usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH); group 3: DCIS without
      microinvasion on H & E stain; group 4: DCIS with microinvasion on H & E stain
      (DCIS-MI), and group 5: invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). A comparative evaluation
      of the four immunostains was conducted. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that
      using FAP-alpha and Calponin adjunctively improved the sensitivity of
      pathological diagnosis of DCIS-MI by 11.29%, whereas the adjunctive use of FAP
      alpha and Calponin improved the sensitivity of pathological diagnosis of DCIS by
      13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that immunostaining
      with FAP-alpha and Calponin can serve as a novel marker for pathologically
      diagnosing whether DCIS has microinvasion.

PMID- 22067530
TI  - Emotion modulates cognitive flexibility in patients with major depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with alterations of emotional and cognitive
      processing, and executive control in particular. Previous research has shown that
      depressed patients are impaired in their ability to shift attention from one
      emotional category to another, but whether this shifting deficit is more evident
      on emotional relative to non-emotional cognitive control tasks remains unclear.
      METHOD: The performance of patients with major depressive disorder and matched
      healthy control participants was compared on neutral and emotional variants of a
      dynamic cognitive control task that requires participants to shift attention and
      response from one category to another. RESULTS: Relative to controls, depressed
      patients were impaired on both tasks, particularly in terms of performance
      accuracy. In the neutral go/no-go task, the ability of depressed patients to
      flexibly shift attention and response from one class of neutral stimuli to the
      other was unimpaired. This contrasted with findings for the emotional go/no-go
      task, where responding was slower specifically on blocks of trials that required
      participants to shift attention and response from one emotional category to the
      other. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that any depression-related
      difficulties with cognitive flexibility and control may be particularly evident
      on matched tasks that require processing of relevant emotional, rather than
      simply neutral, stimuli. The implications of these findings for our developing
      understanding of cognitive and emotional control processes in depression are
      discussed.

PMID- 22067531
TI  - As we look toward the future, should we take note of the past?

PMID- 22067529
TI  - Chemical and transcriptional responses of Norway spruce genotypes with different
      susceptibility to Heterobasidion spp. infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] is one of the most important
      conifer species in Europe. The wood is economically important and infections by
      wood-rotting fungi cause substantial losses to the industry.The first line of
      defence in a Norway spruce tree is the bark. It is a very efficient barrier
      against infection based on its mechanical and chemical properties. Once an injury
      or an infection is recognized by the tree, induced defences are activated. In
      this study we examined transcriptional response, using 454-sequencing, and
      chemical profiles in bark of Norway spruce trees with different susceptibility to
      Heterobasidion annosum s.l. infection. The aim was to find associations between
      the transcriptome and chemical profiles to the level of susceptibility to
      Heterobasidion spp. in Norway spruce genotypes. RESULTS: Both terpene and phenol
      compositions were analysed and at 28 days post inoculation (dpi) high levels of 3
      carene was produced in response to H. annosum. However, significant patterns
      relating to inoculation or to genotypes with higher or lower susceptibility could
      only be found in the phenol fraction. The levels of the flavonoid catechin, which
      is polymerized into proanthocyanidins (PA), showed a temporal variation; it
      accumulated between 5 and 15 dpi in response to H. annosum infection in the less
      susceptible genotypes. The transcriptome data suggested that the accumulation of
      free catechin was preceded by an induction of genes in the flavonoid and PA
      biosynthesis pathway such as leucoanthocyanidin reductase. Quantitative PCR
      analyses verified the induction of genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid
      pathway. The qPCR data also highlighted genotype-dependent differences in the
      transcriptional regulation of these pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The varying dynamics
      in transcriptional and chemical patterns displayed by the less susceptible
      genotypes suggest that there is a genotypic variation in successful spruce
      defence strategies against Heterobasidion. However, both high levels of
      piceasides and flavonoids in the less susceptible genotypes suggested the
      importance of the phenolic compounds in the defence. Clearly an extended
      comparison of the transcriptional responses in the interaction with
      Heterobasidion between several independent genotypes exhibiting reduced
      susceptibility is needed to catalogue mechanisms of successful host defence
      strategies.

PMID- 22067532
TI  - Managing pain in obese patients.
AB  - Obesity has become an epidemic in American healthcare. Comorbidities such as
      diabetes and cardiac disease increase the mortality and morbidity for these
      patients. Obesity-related pain conditions can limit the patient's efforts at
      increasing activity and limit quality of life. This article will offer
      information on these conditions and treatment options.

PMID- 22067533
TI  - Anthracycline extravasations: prevention and management.
AB  - This article highlights the importance of being knowledgeable about anthracycline
      extravasations, including their prevention, early detection, and prompt and
      effective management.  It also emphasizes the need for chemotherapy nurses to
      document and report all extravasations when they occur, summarizes the current
      management options, and offers recommendations for clinical practice.
      Extravasation refers to the unintentional administration of an agent into the
      surrounding tissue instead of the venous system; in this case, vesicant
      chemotherapy. Anthracycline extravasations can lead to significant and lasting
      tissue damage, infection, pain, and functional impairment; they remain a feared
      consequence for both the patient receiving the chemotherapy and the nurse
      administering it.  The management of anthracycline extravasations remains a
      constant challenge to the professionals caring for the patient. One of these
      challenges is the lack of evidence for many of the treatment options available.
      The systemic antidote Savene(r) is the only approved treatment for anthracycline
      extravasations. It has proved highly efficacious and well-tolerated in
      prospective clinical studies and in routine clinical practice. Despite national
      and international professional organizations recommending Savene in their
      extravasation guidelines, many cancer networks in England still exclude it from
      their local protocol. Funding decisions regarding the use of supportive
      treatments are often made on the basis of clinical need; it is, therefore,
      imperative that nurses promptly report all extravasations or they will remain
      unknown and management of extravasations will not improve.

PMID- 22067534
TI  - Clinical nurse specialists: essential resource for an effective NHS.
AB  - Despite emerging evidence for the clinical and financial efficacy of the clinical
      nurse specialist (CNS), the provision of this role is patchy across the country.
      There is also a risk that incumbent CNS' may be redirected to less specialist
      work in trusts that do not appreciate the full value of the service that these
      nurses provide. Optimal and equitable patient access to CNS care will require the
      development of a strong evidence base showing that specialist nurses not only
      deliver patient-focused care, but that they can also help to meet healthcare
      managers' objectives of streamlined, cost-effective clinical services.

PMID- 22067535
TI  - It's a targeted world  in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PMID- 22067536
TI  - Cancer nurses: value for money when it matters.

PMID- 22067537
TI  - Young patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

PMID- 22067538
TI  - Cancer-related fatigue: physical assessment is not enough.
AB  - Cancer-related fatigue has been referred to as 'inevitable, unimportant and
      untreatable' (Stone et al, 2000), with patient experiences easily overlooked or
      even dismissed by health professionals. This article examines literature
      regarding the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue, its manifestation and
      assessment. It also aims to encourage fellow health professionals to reflect on
      their own practice when assessing and managing fatigue, and identifies the need
      to address the psychosocial dimensions of the experience, as well as the
      physical.

PMID- 22067539
TI  - The WHO analgesic ladder: 25 years on.

PMID- 22067540
TI  - Effectively managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
AB  - This article examines the unpleasant side effect of chemotherapy-induced nausea
      and vomiting (CINV). What was once the main reason for withdrawing from treatment
      is now much more tolerable owing to the advent of modern antiemetics. However,
      because of the improvements in these antiemetics, the focus on CINV appears to
      have lapsed. Despite this, some patients continue to experience problems and
      under-report this side effect. This article looks at the mechanism of CINV and
      clarifies terminology and definitions surrounding it. Risk factors are discussed
      and management strategies advised, including appropriateness of modern
      antiemetics and non-pharmacological strategies. To conclude, a brief look at
      nursing implications and self-management strategies are explored.

PMID- 22067542
TI  - Hypertrophy and dietary tyrosine ameliorate the phenotypes of a mouse model of
      severe nemaline myopathy.
AB  - Nemaline myopathy, the most common congenital myopathy, is caused by mutations in
      genes encoding thin filament and thin filament-associated proteins in skeletal
      muscles. Severely affected patients fail to survive beyond the first year of life
      due to severe muscle weakness. There are no specific therapies to combat this
      muscle weakness. We have generated the first knock-in mouse model for severe
      nemaline myopathy by replacing a normal allele of the alpha-skeletal actin gene
      with a mutated form (H40Y), which causes severe nemaline myopathy in humans. The
      Acta1(H40Y) mouse has severe muscle weakness manifested as shortened lifespan,
      significant forearm and isolated muscle weakness and decreased mobility. Muscle
      pathologies present in the human patients (e.g. nemaline rods, fibre atrophy and
      increase in slow fibres) were detected in the Acta1(H40Y) mouse, indicating that
      it is an excellent model for severe nemaline myopathy. Mating of the Acta1(H40Y)
      mouse with hypertrophic four and a half LIM domains protein 1 and insulin-like
      growth factor-1 transgenic mice models increased forearm strength and mobility,
      and decreased nemaline pathologies. Dietary L-tyrosine supplements also
      alleviated the mobility deficit and decreased the chronic repair and nemaline rod
      pathologies. These results suggest that L-tyrosine may be an effective treatment
      for muscle weakness and immobility in nemaline myopathy.

PMID- 22067543
TI  - IETS 2011 pre-Conference Symposium foreword.

PMID- 22067544
TI  - Incidence of isolated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and risk of thrombosis by
      IgG-specific anti-PF4/heparin ELISA.
AB  - Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibodies are screened by an enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Polyspecific ELISA detects anti-PF4/heparin
      IgG, IgA, and IgM. Recently, anti-PF4/heparin IgG ELISA has been shown to be more
      specific. However, the impact of using the IgG-ELISA on the incidence of isolated
      HIT (thrombocytopenia alone without clinically evident thrombosis) and the risk
      of developing subsequent thrombosis are still unknown. METHODS: A total of 492
      consecutive patients with clinically suspected HIT at The University of Texas
      Southwestern Medical Center and affiliated hospitals were retrospectively
      reviewed from December 2008 to May 2010. RESULTS: 29 patients (6%) were diagnosed
      with HIT based on clinical findings and positive ELISA. 19 of the 29 patients
      (65%) had thrombosis at the time of diagnosis; whereas 10 of the 29 (35%) had
      only isolated HIT. The ten patients with isolated HIT had serial follow up for at
      least 3 months. 3 of 10 were treated with direct thrombin inhibitors and 5 of 10
      were treated with Warfarin for at least 1 month upon discharge. None of them
      developed symptoms or signs of thrombosis during 3 months of follow up.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of isolated HIT in this study was 35%, which is
      significantly lower than previously reported in the literature. It is possible
      that some patients previously thought to have HIT by the poly-specific ELISA
      assay had false positive results. The improved specificity of the IgG- ELISA
      appears to reduce the incidence of isolated HIT which may have lower risk of
      subsequent thrombosis.

PMID- 22067545
TI  - Deep venous thrombosis in acute stroke patients.
AB  - Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a complication of stroke. Our aim was to
      determine the frequency of DVT in patients with acute stroke, risk factors for
      its development, and its influence on the 3-month outcome. A total of 323
      consecutive patients with acute stroke were enrolled. We performed ultrasound
      imaging within 7 days after stroke. Deep venous thrombosis was found in 8.7% of
      patients, only in those with ischemic stroke. Patients with DVT were more
      frequently female (71.4% vs 49.5%), had prestroke Modified Rankin scale (mRS) 3
      to 5 (42.9% vs 15.3%), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) serum level (65.4% vs
      32.5%), and a trend toward elevated serum fibrinogen level (85.7% vs 70.1%; P =
      .08). In a multivariate analysis, elevated CRP (odds ratio [OR] 3.15) and
      prestroke disability (OR 2.89) were independent risk factors for DVT. Deep venous
      thrombosis occurs in <10% of patients with acute stroke and does not
      significantly affect the 3-month outcome. Prestroke dependency and elevated CRP
      level at baseline are independent risk factors for DVT.

PMID- 22067546
TI  - Four-terminal resistance of an interacting quantum wire with weakly invasive
      contacts.
AB  - We analyze the behavior of the four-terminal resistance, relative to the two
      terminal resistance of an interacting quantum wire with an impurity, taking into
      account the invasiveness of the voltage probes. We consider a one-dimensional
      Luttinger model of spinless fermions for the wire. We treat the coupling to the
      voltage probes perturbatively, within the framework of non-equilibrium Green
      function techniques. Our investigation unveils the combined effect of impurities,
      electron-electron interactions and invasiveness of the probes on the possible
      occurrence of negative resistance.

PMID- 22067548
TI  - Attitudes toward people with disabilities caused by illness or injury:  beyond
      physical impairment.
AB  - This study examined differences in attitudes toward and reactions to individuals
      with comparable disabilities caused by injury or illness. Participants were
      students and healthcare professionals randomly assigned to read one of eight
      vignettes constructed in a between-subjects, full-factorial design: 2
      (illness/injury)* 2 (male/female)* 2 (visible/not visible). Participants
      completed questionnaires measuring reactions to the target person and attitudes
      toward people with disabilities. We found that both students and healthcare
      professionals expressed more positive attitudes toward persons with injury
      related compared with illness-related disabilities, but that these differences
      were typically not expressed in reported social encounters with individual
      disabled persons. The effects of the illness-injury distinction were moderated by
      sex only among students, with the highest distancing reported from a female with
      an illness-related disability. Visibility of the disability triggered more social
      distancing among students, regardless of the injury-illness distinction. We
      concluded that the illness-injury distinction is a socially and psychologically
      significant factor.

PMID- 22067547
TI  - The virulence regulator Agr controls the staphylococcal capacity to activate
      human neutrophils via the formyl peptide receptor 2.
AB  - The Agr quorum-sensing system represents the master regulator for staphylococcal
      virulence factors and is known to have a strong impact on the release of pathogen
      associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules. Among the various staphylococcal
      PAMPs, phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) peptides have attracted increasing interest
      because they are crucial for staphylococcal virulence and have neutrophil
      recruiting properties. The latter depend on recognition of PSMs by the neutrophil
      formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2/ALX), for which PSMs are highly efficient
      agonists. We demonstrate that Agr inactivation in Staphylococcus aureus or S.
      epidermidis leads to strongly reduced neutrophil responses, which is in agreement
      with the previously reported strict control of PSM expression by Agr. Agr had a
      distinct and profound impact on activation of FPR2/ALX but not of the related
      FPR1 receptor that senses bacterial formylated peptides. S. epidermidis PSMs had
      similar FPR2/ALX-activating properties but differed in their dependence on N
      terminal formylation compared to S. aureus PSMs. Moreover, S. aureus and S.
      epidermidis PSMs upregulated the neutrophil complement receptor CD11b via
      FPR2/ALX stimulation in an Agr-dependent fashion. Hence, Agr controls the
      capacity of staphylococcal pathogens to activate FPR2/ALX-dependent neutrophil
      responses, underscoring the crucial role of FPR2/ALX and PSMs in staphylococcus
      host interaction.

PMID- 22067541
TI  - Neurological diseases and pain.
AB  - Chronic pain is a frequent component of many neurological disorders, affecting 20
      40% of patients for many primary neurological diseases. These diseases result
      from a wide range of pathophysiologies including traumatic injury to the central
      nervous system, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, and exploring the
      aetiology of pain in these disorders is an opportunity to achieve new insight
      into pain processing. Whether pain originates in the central or peripheral
      nervous system, it frequently becomes centralized through maladaptive responses
      within the central nervous system that can profoundly alter brain systems and
      thereby behaviour (e.g. depression). Chronic pain should thus be considered a
      brain disease in which alterations in neural networks affect multiple aspects of
      brain function, structure and chemistry. The study and treatment of this disease
      is greatly complicated by the lack of objective measures for either the symptoms
      or the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain. In pain associated with
      neurological disease, it is sometimes difficult to obtain even a subjective
      evaluation of pain, as is the case for patients in a vegetative state or end
      stage Alzheimer's disease. It is critical that neurologists become more involved
      in chronic pain treatment and research (already significant in the fields of
      migraine and peripheral neuropathies). To achieve this goal, greater efforts are
      needed to enhance training for neurologists in pain treatment and promote greater
      interest in the field. This review describes examples of pain in different
      neurological diseases including primary neurological pain conditions, discusses
      the therapeutic potential of brain-targeted therapies and highlights the need for
      objective measures of pain.

PMID- 22067549
TI  - Rehabilitation of critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy patients:  an
      observational study.
AB  - Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM) frequently develops in
      patients hospitalized in intensive care units. The number of patients with CIPNM
      admitted to inpatient rehabilitation is increasing. The aim of this study was to
      comprehensively evaluate the outcome of their rehabilitation. Twenty-seven
      patients with CIPNM were included in the study. The diagnosis was established
      clinically and confirmed electrophysiologically. Manual muscle testing was used
      for the assessment of function. Activity was assessed using the functional
      independence measure and two walking tests. The patients were also assessed using
      an adapted International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
      (ICF) checklist. All assessments were performed at admission and discharge.
      Clinically important and statistically significant improvements were found in all
      observed measures. High and significant correlations were found between the
      measures, except between muscle strength and the results of walking tests.
      Improvement in body functions during rehabilitation decreased as the time from
      established diagnosis to the start of rehabilitation increased, but it was not
      related to rehabilitation duration. Improvements in terms of the ICF mainly
      corresponded to the gain in functional independence measure scores. Major
      improvement regarding body functions and activities/participation was achieved in
      patients with CIPNM with a relatively short rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of
      such patients should start as early as possible once the diagnosis has been
      established. Comprehensive assessment of such patients combining established
      scales, objective clinical tests, and the ICF is recommended.

PMID- 22067550
TI  - Effect of long-term physical activity practice after cardiac rehabilitation on
      some risk factors.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term physical
      activity practice after a cardiac rehabilitation program on weight, physical
      capacity and arterial compliance. The Dijon Physical Activity Score was used to
      identify two groups: sedentary and active. Weight, distance at the 6-min walk
      test and the small artery elasticity indice were measured at the beginning, at
      the end of the rehabilitation program and at 18.3 +/- 5.3 months after. After the
      cardiac rehabilitation, sedentary patients showed a significant increase in
      weight and a significant reduction in distance on the 6-min walk test and in the
      arterial compliance. Active patients did not show any alteration in these
      parameters. We concluded that, after a cardiac rehabilitation program, the
      sedentary lifestyle has a negative influence on weight, physical capacity and
      arterial compliance, which are major markers of risk factors. In contrast, the
      practice of physical activity preserves these parameters.

PMID- 22067551
TI  - When control fails: influence of the prefrontal but not striatal dopaminergic
      system on behavioural flexibility in a change detection task.
AB  - There is growing interest in understanding the neurobiological foundations of
      attention. To examine whether attentional processes in a change detection task
      are modulated by dopamine signalling, we investigated the influence of two
      polymorphisms, i.e. Val158Met (rs4680) in the catechol-O-methyl transferase
      (COMT) and a variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism (VNTR, rs28363170) in
      the dopamine transporter (DAT1). The COMT Met allele, which results in lower
      enzyme activity and therefore probably enhanced PFC dopamine signalling, was
      significantly associated with task-performance and modulated executive control:
      Homozygous Met/Met allele carriers had difficulties when performing a change
      detection task, particularly showing the greatest difficulties in case cognitive
      and behavioural flexibility was necessary and the required reaction was not part
      of the subject's primary task set. Contrary, no difference between the two
      genotype groups were evident, when an attentional conflict emerged and
      attentional control was needed for adequate responding. No association with
      variation in DAT1 was observed. The results indicate a dissociation of the
      prefrontal and striatal dopamine system for attentional control and behavioural
      flexibility in a change detection task: While prefrontal dopamine turnover seems
      to modulate performance, putatively via difficulties in set shifting leading to
      behavioural inflexibility in COMT Met allele carriers, striatal dopamine turnover
      seems less important in this regard. With respect to other studies examining
      mechanisms of attentional functions in different paradigms, the results suggest
      that behavioural flexibility and attentional control as two executive
      subprocesses are differentially influenced by genetic polymorphisms within the
      dopaminergic system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post
      Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22067552
TI  - A case-referent study of lung cancer and incense smoke, smoking, and residential
      radon in Chinese men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burning incense generates large amounts of air pollutants, many of
      which are confirmed or suspected human lung carcinogens. OBJECTIVES: We conducted
      a population-based case-referent study to examine the effect of incense smoke
      exposure on lung cancer risk among Chinese males and explored the joint effect of
      cigarette smoking and exposure to residential radon. METHODS: We recruited 1,208
      male lung cancer incident cases and 1,069 community referents from 2004 to 2006
      and estimated their lifetime exposures to incense smoke and other residential
      indoor air pollutants based on self-reported information collected during
      interviews. We performed unconditional multivariable logistic regression analysis
      to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for lung cancer associated with exposure to
      incense smoke after adjusting for possible confounders. We conducted stratified
      analyses by smoking status and exposures to incense burning and residential radon
      and explored the potential additive-scale interactions. RESULTS: We observed an
      association between incense exposure and lung cancer that was limited primarily
      to smokers. Cigarette smoking and high cumulative incense exposure at home
      appeared to have a synergistic effect on lung cancer (compared with never-smokers
      who never used incense, the OR for lung cancer for smokers who used incense >= 60
      day-years = 5.00; 95% confidence interval: 3.34, 7.51). Power was limited, but we
      also found preliminary evidence suggesting that radon exposure may increase risk
      among smokers using incense. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that exposure to
      incense smoke in the home may increase the risk of lung cancer among smokers and
      that exposure to radon may further increase risk.

PMID- 22067553
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of Li-rich mesoporous LiMn2O4 nanospheres for
      enhancing the electrochemical performance in Li-ion secondary batteries.
AB  - The hierarchically structured mesoporous LiMn(2)O(4) (LMO) nanospheres were
      synthesized using a template-free self-assembly process that was coupled with
      ultrasound (U). The ultrasound technique suggested here is very powerful for
      controlling an ordered nanostructure and improving crystallinity with large
      single-crystalline domains. Owing to the hierarchical mesoporous structure and
      high crystallinity, U-LMO provides an excellent rate capability and cycle
      stability with a capacity retention of more than 98% up to 50 cycles at a 0.2C
      rate. Here, we demonstrate that mesoporous U-LMO nanospheres were fabricated to
      enhance the electrochemical performance and protect it from structurally
      significant collapsing because of high crystallinity.

PMID- 22067555
TI  - Biomarkers predicting tumor response and evasion to anti-angiogenic therapy.
AB  - No fully validated biological markers currently exist to predict responsiveness
      to or the development of evasion to anti-angiogenic therapy of cancer. The
      identification of such biomarkers is vital to move these therapies forward, as
      failure to respond to these treatments is often associated with rapid tumor
      progression that could have been averted had the intrinsic or acquired evasion to
      anti-angiogenic therapy been identified in a timely fashion. Furthermore, the
      high cost of antiangiogenic therapies makes it important to avoid utilizing them
      in the setting of lack of response or developing evasion, making the
      identification of biomarkers even more important. A number of potential
      physiologic, circulating, tissue, and imaging biomarkers have emerged from
      recently completed preclinical animal studies and clinical trials. In this
      review, we define 5 different types of biomarkers (physiologic, circulating,
      intratumoral, genetic polymorphisms, and radiographic); discuss the challenges in
      establishing biomarkers of antiangiogenic therapy in animal models and in
      clinical trials; and discuss future strategies to identify and validate
      biomarkers of anti-angiogenic therapy.

PMID- 22067554
TI  - A novel esterase gene cloned from a metagenomic library from neritic sediments of
      the South China Sea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marine microbes are a large and diverse group, which are exposed to a
      wide variety of pressure, temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and other
      environmental conditions. They provide a huge potential source of novel enzymes
      with unique properties that may be useful in industry and biotechnology. To
      explore the lipolytic genetic resources in the South China Sea, 23 sediment
      samples were collected in the depth < 100 m marine areas. RESULTS: A metagenomic
      library of South China Sea sediments assemblage in plasmid vector containing
      about 194 Mb of community DNA was prepared. Screening of a part of the
      unamplified library resulted in isolation of 15 unique lipolytic clones with the
      ability to hydrolyze tributyrin. A positive recombinant clone (pNLE1), containing
      a novel esterase (Est_p1), was successfully expressed in E. coli and purified. In
      a series of assays, Est_p1 displayed maximal activity at pH 8.57, 40 degrees C,
      with rho-Nitrophenyl butyrate (C4) as substrate. Compared to other metagenomic
      esterases, Est_p1 played a notable role in specificity for substrate C4 (kcat/Km
      value 11,500 S-1m M-1) and showed no inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride,
      suggested that the substrate binding pocket was suitable for substrate C4 and the
      serine active-site residue was buried at the bottom of substrate binding pocket
      which sheltered by a lid structure. CONCLUSIONS: Esterase, which specificity
      towards short chain fatty acids, especially butanoic acid, is commercially
      available as potent flavoring tools. According the outstanding activity and
      specificity for substrate C4, Est_p1 has potential application in flavor
      industries requiring hydrolysis of short chain esters.

PMID- 22067557
TI  - Effect of intraocular lens asphericity on posterior capsule opacification between
      two intraocular lenses with same acrylic material: a fellow-eye study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate intra-individual differences in posterior capsule
      opacification (PCO) and visual performance between spherical AcrySof SN60AT and
      an aspheric AcrySof SN60WF intraocular lens (IOL) with a posterior aspheric
      surface, both of which are made of same hydrophobic acrylic material. SETTING:
      Ophthalmology Department, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. METHODS: In this
      prospective randomized, fellow-eye comparison, an aspheric IOL, which is 9%
      thinner in comparison with the spherical IOL, was randomized to the first eye of
      47 patients and fellow-eye surgery was performed within 3 weeks. Follow-up was at
      1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Corrected logMAR visual acuity (CDVA) was measured at
      100% and 9% contrast. After pupil dilation, digital retroillumination photographs
      were taken and the mean PCO percentage was calculated using poco software at each
      follow-up visit. RESULTS: At 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, 47 (94 eyes), 44 (88
      eyes), 42 (84 eyes) and 41 (82 eyes) patients were followed-up respectively.
      Hundred per cent and 9% of LogMAR CDVA was not significantly different between
      the two IOLs (p = NS at all time-points). Percentage area PCO scores (mean +/-
      SD) at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with the spherical IOL was 5.82 +/- 9.89, 7.76
      +/- 16.83, 7.21 +/- 12.46, 9.29 +/- 18.25 and 14.39 +/- 25.42, respectively, and
      with an aspheric IOL was 8.91 +/- 12.79, 5.97 +/- 10.32, 5.15 +/- 7.92, 7.68 +/-
      11.18 and 12.18 +/- 20.10, respectively (p = NS at all time-points). CONCLUSIONS:
      Posterior capsule opacification was not significantly different between the
      spheric and aspheric IOLs in this fellow-eye, randomized comparison. Additional
      asphericity on the existing model of IOL does not influence PCO performance.

PMID- 22067556
TI  - Age and sex differences in the ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia in
      awake neonatal, pre-pubertal and young adult rats.
AB  - There is evidence for a "sensitive period" in respiratory development in rats
      around postnatal age (P) 12-13d. Little is known about sex differences during
      that time. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sex on breathing
      development, specifically around the "sensitive period". We used whole-body
      plethysmography to study breathing in normoxic, hypoxic and hypercapnic gases in
      non-anesthetized male and female neonatal rats from P10 to P15, juvenile (P30)
      and young adult (P90) rats. Compared to other neonatal ages, P12-13 male rats had
      significantly lower ventilation during normoxia, hypoxia, and hypercapnia.
      Compared to age-matched females, P12-13 male rats had lower ventilation in
      normoxia and hypoxia and a lower O(2) saturation during hypoxia. Circulating
      estradiol was greater in P12-13 male vs. female rats. Estradiol and ventilatory
      responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia were negatively correlated in neonatal male,
      but not female rats. Our results suggest that P10-15 includes a critical
      developmental period in male but not female rats.

PMID- 22067558
TI  - [Awake fibrecapnic intubation].
AB  - Awake flexible intubation is the gold standard for difficult airway management
      but failures have been reported in up to 13% of cases. A novel technique called
      'awake fibrecapnic intubation', developed in the Netherlands, is described here
      for the intubation of patients with head and neck cancer who have a difficult
      airway. After topical anaesthesia is administered, a flexible fibrescope is
      introduced into the pharynx. A special suction catheter is then advanced through
      the suction channel of this scope and then into the airway for the recording of
      carbon dioxide measurements. The catheter may also be used for oxygenation during
      the procedure. Spontaneous respiration is maintained in all patients. When four
      capnograms have been obtained, the flexible scope is railroaded over the catheter
      and after identification of tracheal rings or carina, the tracheal tube is
      placed. This new intubation technique is easier to learn than awake flexible
      intubation.

PMID- 22067559
TI  - [Cardiovascular polypill in high risk patients].
AB  - The initial theoretical concept of a polypill was a fixed-dosed combination pill
      containing an antiplatelet agent, a cholesterol-lowering agent and multiple blood
      pressure-lowering agents aimed at the prevention of atherosclerotic vascular
      disease in the population aged 55 years and up. The reduction in the risk of
      cardiovascular disease does not depend on the cholesterol level and blood
      pressure at the start of treatment. The pharmacological reduction in risk factors
      in individuals with a high risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease is often
      suboptimal, partly due to the complexity of the guidelines and low adherence to
      the therapy. A polypill may offer opportunities for improvement. Research has
      shown that the use of combination products leads to a greater reduction in risk
      factors than the use of separate substances, possibly through improved adherence
      to the therapy. The use of a polypill in the prevention of vascular disease in
      high-risk patients may lead to a more effective reduction in risk, a decrease in
      costs and a reduction in pharmacological expenditure.

PMID- 22067560
TI  - [Intestinal ischaemia caused by acute mesenteric vein thrombosis].
AB  - Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis is an uncommon cause of intestinal ischaemia,
      with a considerable morbidity and mortality rate. There is a delay in diagnosis
      owing to the fact that patients present with non-specific abdominal symptoms;
      there is often a low level of suspicion by the clinician. We discuss the case
      histories of a 23 year-old woman and a 49 year-old woman with intestinal
      ischaemia caused by acute mesenteric vein thrombosis. These patients presented at
      two different hospital emergency departments. In patients with acute, progressive
      abdominal complaints, mesenteric vein thrombosis must be included in the
      differential diagnosis, especially if there are thromboembolic risk factors. In
      such patients, CT angiography (CTA) must be performed during the arterial and
      portal-venous phase to evaluate the mesenteric circulation.

PMID- 22067561
TI  - [Cholecystectomy without visible scars: the transvaginal method].
AB  - Since the 1990's, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been the standard procedure
      for symptomatic gallstone disease. Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic
      Surgery (NOTES) is the next logical step in the development of minimal invasive
      surgery. During a NOTES procedure, a natural orifice is used to gain access to
      the abdominal cavity instead of incisions through the abdominal wall. In this
      article we report the introduction of the NOTES technique to the Netherlands. In
      our institution, 15 women with gallstone disease recently underwent transvaginal
      cholecystectomy. The procedure performed was a hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy. Only
      one trocar was inserted through the umbilicus, and two other instruments were
      inserted through the vagina. The potential advantages of this technique include a
      better cosmetic result and less postoperative pain. The number and type of
      complications do not appear to differ from those of the standard laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.

PMID- 22067562
TI  - [Primary torsion of the omentum majus].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary torsion of the omentum majus is a rare condition. The
      clinical picture can mimic other causes of acute abdominal pain. The condition is
      therefore often not recognised and the diagnosis is made only perioperatively.
      CASE DESCRIPTION: A 32-year-old man visited the emergency department with acute
      abdominal pain. During surgery, the pain turned out to be caused by an ischaemic
      segment of the omentum majus, resulting in torsion. In retrospect, the patient
      had been suffering from recurrent attacks of similar abdominal pain for years
      without a satisfactory diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In any patient with episodes of
      recurrent, localised, stabbing abdominal pain, possibly related to exercise and
      without any other clear diagnosis, the diagnosis 'torsion of the omentum majus'
      should be considered.

PMID- 22067563
TI  - Maintenance of primary tumor phenotype and genotype in glioblastoma stem cells.
AB  - The clinicopathological heterogeneity of glioblastoma (GBM) and the various
      genetic and phenotypic subtypes in GBM stem cells (GSCs) are well described.
      However, the relationship between GSCs and the corresponding primary tumor from
      which they were isolated is poorly understood. We have established GSC-enriched
      neurosphere cultures from 15 newly diagnosed GBM specimens and examined the
      relationship between the histopathological and genomic features of GSC-derived
      orthotopic xenografts and those of the respective patient tumors. GSC-initiated
      xenografts recapitulate the distinctive cytological hallmarks and diverse
      histological variants associated with the corresponding patient GBM, including
      giant cell and gemistocytic GBM, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)-like
      components. This indicates that GSCs generate tumors that preserve patient
      specific disease phenotypes. The majority of GSC-derived intracerebral xenografts
      (11 of 15) demonstrated a highly invasive behavior crossing the midline, whereas
      the remainder formed discrete nodular and vascular masses. In some cases, GSC
      invasiveness correlated with preoperative MRI, but not with the status of PI3
      kinase/Akt pathways or O(6)-methylguanine methyltransferase expression. Genome
      wide screening by array comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in
      situ hybridization revealed that GSCs harbor unique genetic copy number
      aberrations. GSCs acquiring amplifications of the myc family genes represent only
      a minority of tumor cells within the original patient tumors. Thus, GSCs are a
      genetically distinct subpopulation of neoplastic cells within a GBM. These
      studies highlight the value of GSCs for preclinical modeling of clinically
      relevant, patient-specific GBM and, thus, pave the way for testing novel anti
      GSC/GBM agents for personalized therapy.

PMID- 22067564
TI  - A new level of spindle assembly checkpoint inactivation that functions without
      mitotic spindles.

PMID- 22067566
TI  - Holding the line.
AB  - When problems occur in healthcare nurses are often blamed. Press and public may
      consider that the nurse should have done more or that nurses should have spoken
      out. Do problems occur because of staff who are not fit to be nurses, or is the
      situation more complex?

PMID- 22067565
TI  - Inotropic support in the NICU: ever more compounds in search of guidance?
      Commentary on J. Esch et al.: differential hemodynamic effects of levosimendan in
      a porcine model of neonatal hypoxia-reoxygenation (Neonatology 2012;101:192-200)
      and M.P. De Carolis et al.: levosimendan in two neonates with ischemic heart
      failure and pulmonary hypertension (Neonatology 2012;101:201-205).

PMID- 22067567
TI  - End-of-life care in the community: attaining a critical balance.
AB  - There are not many people who will argue against the need for high-quality care
      in all healthcare settings, and particularly at the end of life. The recently
      published report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC, 2011) makes a number of
      negative observations about poor quality of care in the 100 hospitals they
      inspected. The report concluded that many hospitals are failing to meet basic
      needs of older people. It is important that we nurses provide essential care, as
      there is nothing basic about patients' needs, wishes and aspirations at the end
      of their lives.

PMID- 22067568
TI  - Catheterization in the community: converting to the Foley catheter tray.
AB  - With the aim of minimizing clinical incidents and improving clinical practice,
      the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board carried out a trial of a Foley
      catheter tray to be carried by district nurses as emergency boot stock. As part
      of the trial all nurses had to undergo training on the Foley catheter tray prior
      to use. The district nurses using the tray reported improvement in confidence,
      efficiency, convenience and patient experience. Owing to the success of the
      initiative, use of the Foley catheter tray as emergency boot stock is now
      standard practice for District Nursing/Acute Response and out-of-hours care in
      the Cardiff and Vale area.

PMID- 22067569
TI  - Using FRAX to assess the risk that an older person will suffer a fragility
      fracture.
AB  - A challenge of planning for local health services is how to prevent the effects
      of diseases of older age in order to reduce individual suffering and also wider
      economic costs to society. This article discusses FRAX(r) (Fracture Risk
      Assessment), a computer-based algorithm that allows 10-year probability of a hip
      and osteoporotic fracture calculation in people aged 40-90 years. The inclusion
      of FRAX within the portfolio of risk assessment measures available to community
      nurses is recommended to aid identification and referral of clients at risk of
      fragility fractures.

PMID- 22067570
TI  - Meeting the policy agenda, part 2:  is a 'Cinderella service' sufficient?
AB  - This is the second of two papers that examine district nursing within a changing
      health policy and service environment. The first paper explored the current UK
      policy context and the way in which district nursing and community nursing
      services within each country are changing to meet the challenges posed. This
      article considers the current district nurse (DN) role, which has constantly
      evolved over the past 150 years, and considers the educational framework that
      underpins the preparation of these specialist community practitioners in relation
      to community colleagues such as specialist community public health nurses
      (SCPHNs). In the context of the current economic climate, there is concern that
      the apprenticeship model of staff development is replacing specialist
      practitioner education for DNs, solely on the basis of resource. This article
      explores the current challenges for DN education within the UK. The underpinning
      educational preparation of DN programmes is examined and key issues such as
      safeguarding the public are discussed. The need to develop a cohesive approach to
      education for post-qualification nurses in the community is advocated. These are
      important considerations for the future of a discipline which currently feels
      under threat.

PMID- 22067571
TI  - Spirituality in end-of-life care:  attending the person on their journey.
AB  - Spirituality is a fundamental element to the human experience of health and
      healing, illness and dying. Spiritual care is an essential component of
      palliative and end-of-life care provision and is the responsibility of all staff
      and carers involved in the care of patients and families. As end-of-life care is
      a significant element of community nursing, this article explores the relevancy
      of spirituality to end-of-life practice, the challenge of defining spirituality
      and the attributes and skills required for the practice of spiritual care. The
      aim of is to encourage self reflection and open dialogue about the subject, thus
      enhancing community nurses' understanding of spiritual care practice. By
      reflecting and generating talk about the practice of spiritual care, it may
      become more normalized, recognized, and practically meaningful, thereby retaining
      its significance in holistic nursing.

PMID- 22067572
TI  - Transforming the UK's response to HIV: addressing AIDS in the community.
AB  - HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious public health issue in UK. More
      than 90000 people are currently living with HIV and a full quarter of these
      people are not aware that they have it. Further, there are 6000-7000 new HIV
      diagnoses every year.

PMID- 22067573
TI  - A process for developing a principle-centred district nursing service philosophy.
AB  - While it is well known that team vision and values statements in nursing can
      promote person-centred care, practitioner role clarity and empowerment, and
      service effectiveness, especially during times of change, their use in district
      nursing is limited. Accepted practice is to formulate vision and values
      statements 'from the top', and then seek buy-in from other staff groups, however,
      this inhibits practitioner engagement. This paper describes the use of group
      facilitation, based on principle-centred leadership practices, to engage
      practitioners in all the creative aspects of developing a values statement.
      Increasing practitioner engagement would be expected to provide the above
      benefits by improving communication with service-users and other key stakeholders
      and by motivating performance evaluation and improvement.

PMID- 22067574
TI  - Prescription of controlled drugs by non-medical prescribers.
AB  - The Government has again promised to end the confusion over the range and use of
      controlled drugs by non-medical prescribers (NMPs). A recent written answer
      suggests that regulations allowing district nurses who are NMPs to prescribe the
      full range of controlled drugs will be in place by the end of October 2011. This
      is the third time successive governments have made such a commitment, and until
      it is confirmed district nurses who are independent nurse prescribers must limit
      their use of controlled drugs to those set out in the British National Formulary
      and Drug Tariff. This article sets out the limitations on an independent nurse
      prescriber's right to prescribe controlled drugs under current legislation.

PMID- 22067575
TI  - What's happening to nursing?
AB  - This year has been remarkable for the negative media reporting of nursing and
      nurses. First, the Health Service Ombudsman (2011) highlighted the deficiencies
      of care relating to ten older people who as a consequence experienced unnecessary
      pain, distress and indignity which cast a long shadow over their families.

PMID- 22067577
TI  - Television viewing and variations in energy intake in adults and children in the
      USA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Examine the association between energy intake and television (TV)
      viewing in Americans. DESIGN: Nationally representative, cross-sectional study of
      2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SETTING: Total energy
      intake was determined by two 24 h recalls. TV viewing was reported as low (<=1
      h/d), middle (2-3 h/d), and high (>=4 h/d). Multivariate linear regression models
      were used to analyse TV viewing and energy intake, adjusted for BMI (percentile
      for children 2-18 years), age, ethnicity and physical activity. SUBJECTS: Pre
      school children (2-5 years; n 1369), school-age children (6-11 years; n 1759),
      adolescents (12-18 years; n 3233) and adults (>=19 years; n 7850) in the USA.
      RESULTS: There was a significant association between TV viewing and energy intake
      for adolescent girls (high v. low: beta = 195.2, P = 0.03) and men (high v. low:
      beta = -113.0, P = 0.02; middle v. low: beta = -131.1, P = 0.0002). Mean adjusted
      energy intake for adolescent girls was 7801.0, 8088.5 and 8618.2 kJ/d for low,
      middle and high TV viewing, respectively. Mean adjusted energy intake for men was
      9845.9, 9297.2 and 9372.8 kJ/d for low, middle and high TV viewing. CONCLUSIONS:
      TV viewing was associated with energy intake in US children and adults only in 12
      18-year-old girls and men. For girls, the high TV viewing category consumed more
      energy daily (816.3 kJ (195 kcal)) than the low category. In men, the middle and
      high TV viewing categories consumed less energy daily (548.4 kJ (131 kcal) and
      473.0 kJ (113 kcal), respectively) than the low category. Our findings support
      some, but not all previous research. Future research is needed to explore this
      complicated relationship with rigorous measures of energy intake and TV viewing.

PMID- 22067578
TI  - Ethnobotanical investigation of 'wild' food plants used by rice farmers in
      Kalasin, Northeast Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wild food plants are a critical component in the subsistence system
      of rice farmers in Northeast Thailand. One of the important characteristics of
      wild plant foods among farming households is that the main collection locations
      are increasingly from anthropogenic ecosystems such as agricultural areas rather
      than pristine ecosystems. This paper provides selected results from a study of
      wild food conducted in several villages in Northeast Thailand. A complete
      botanical inventory of wild food plants from these communities and surrounding
      areas is provided including their diversity of growth forms, the different
      anthropogenic locations were these species grow and the multiplicity of uses they
      have. METHODS: Data was collected using focus groups and key informant interviews
      with women locally recognized as knowledgeable about contemporarily gathered
      plants. Plant species were identified by local taxonomists. RESULTS: A total of
      87 wild food plants, belonging to 47 families were reported, mainly trees, herbs
      (terrestrial and aquatic) and climbers. Rice fields constitute the most important
      growth location where 70% of the plants are found, followed by secondary woody
      areas and home gardens. The majority of species (80%) can be found in multiple
      growth locations, which is partly explained by villagers moving selected species
      from one place to another and engaging in different degrees of management. Wild
      food plants have multiple edible parts varying from reproductive structures to
      vegetative organs. More than two thirds of species are reported as having diverse
      additional uses and more than half of them are also regarded as medicine.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the remarkable importance of anthropogenic areas in
      providing wild food plants. This is reflected in the great diversity of species
      found, contributing to the food and nutritional security of rice farmers in
      Northeast Thailand.

PMID- 22067580
TI  - Keeping patients safe: protecting this priority.

PMID- 22067579
TI  - Impact of intraperitoneal chemotherapy after gastrectomy with positive
      cytological findings in peritoneal washings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no standard treatment available for gastric cancer patients
      whose sole 'non-curative factor' is positivecytological findings in peritoneal
      washings (CFPW). The aim of this study was to examine the safety,
      pharmacokinetics and efficacy for free intraperitoneal cancer cells of
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel after gastrectomy with en bloc D2
      lymph node dissection in cases of gastric cancer with positive CFPW. METHODS: Ten
      patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy and systemic
      lymphadenectomy with D2 dissection, without any other non-curative factors
      besides positive CFPW, were treated with early postoperative intraperitoneal
      paclitaxel. Intra-chemotherapeutic toxicity and operative complications were
      measured using NCI-CTC version 3.0. Intraperitoneal and plasma paclitaxel
      concentrations were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatographic
      assay. RESULTS: Grade 3/4 toxic effects included anemia (20%) and neutropenia
      (10%) that required no treatment. Operative complications were, for example,
      superficial surgical site infections (10%) that were treated with antibiotics. No
      viable cancer cells were observed in the intra-abdominal fluid 24 h after
      intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel. The intraperitoneal/plasma area
      under the drug concentration-time curve ratio was 2,003.3:1. CONCLUSION:
      Intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel is a safe and effective treatment
      modality for free intraperitoneal cancer cells.

PMID- 22067581
TI  - Perfect victims: protecting vulnerable adults.

PMID- 22067582
TI  - Patient safety and healthcare-associated infection.
AB  - Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) has become a major patient safety issue in
      National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. The UK has an HCAI prevalence rate of
      8.2% which equates to an annual incidence of approximately 300000 patients
      (Hospital Infection Society, 2007). HCAI is a safety issue because it is
      associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as increased healthcare
      costs (National Audit Office (NAO), 2009). In 2000, the NAO identified cultural
      change as a requirement if the NHS is to get a grip of infection prevention and
      control. This article has taken a 'conceptual culture of safety model' that has
      been previously described in the literature and applied it to the organization of
      infection control. It is clear that while there are many areas of good practice,
      in relation to infection prevention and control, there is still much to do if the
      NHS is to invoke the type of paradigm shift that will result in a mature
      sustainable safety culture.

PMID- 22067583
TI  - Tuberculosis and infection control.
AB  - Against a background of rising tuberculosis (TB) rates, increasing incidence of
      TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, coupled with the
      emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB
      (XDR-TB), the need for effective TB infection control has never been more vital
      (World Health Organization (WHO), 2009). TB infection control has been defined as
      'a combination of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of TB transmission within
      populations' (WHO, 2009: p.ix). Health professionals are frequently confused
      about appropriate infection control measures when caring for patients affected by
      infectious respiratory tuberculosis (Mohandas and Cunniffe, 2009). This article
      aims to address the key infection control measures required to optimize patient
      care and reduce the risk of TB transmission within hospital and community
      settings.

PMID- 22067584
TI  - Sexual dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis: a hot but sensitive issue.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has considerable personal impact for sufferers and
      their families. Those with RA suffer from pain, restricted joint movements, and
      fatigue, and can have problems with self-esteem and body image. It is also
      possible that medication causes sexual problems. Research on the subject is
      limited, and shows a divergent picture. Assessment for sexual dysfunction in
      clinical practice might be another hurdle, as patients and health professionals
      are reluctant to discuss this issue face to face. The aim of the work carried out
      and described in this article was to study the possibility of implementing sexual
      dysfunction assessment into standard rheumatology clinical practice. Results
      revealed that the multidimensional patient-reported outcome measures
      questionnaire offered the opportunity to assess the disease activity parameters,
      functional disability, quality of life, sexual dysfunction, and self-helplessness
      in one format. The patients appeared willing to complete questionnaires and this
      may be an acceptable tool for assessment. Improving patient education, as well as
      nurse-patient communication, through discussions about available options may
      minimize patients' feelings of isolation in addressing the problem and could help
      compensate for negative effects resulting from the disease.

PMID- 22067585
TI  - Supporting self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 9:
      solution-focused support.

PMID- 22067586
TI  - The snapshot pre-registration assessment tool. Part 1: background, literature and
      research.
AB  - This is the first of a two-part article that presents a new assessment tool - the
      snapshot - for pre-registration nurses in clinical practice, that is being used
      at Kingston University/St George's University of London during year 3 of the
      Diploma and BSc programmes. A pilot study of the use of the snapshot in a
      simulation environment had previously been undertaken and as a result of this,
      the snapshot was piloted as part of continuous clinical assessment in practice on
      two cohorts of third-year pre-registration student nurses. An evaluative study
      was undertaken. This article describes the background to the project, the
      literature and the research methods used to undertake the evaluative research
      study. Part 2 will focus on the findings and a discussion of these findings
      mapped against the literature.

PMID- 22067588
TI  - Regulating support workers:  is the Government listening?

PMID- 22067587
TI  - The future of nurse training: can unsuitable students be identified?

PMID- 22067589
TI  - When health professionals  cause harm to patients.

PMID- 22067590
TI  - Prejudice in nursing appointments 100 years ago.

PMID- 22067591
TI  - Practice makes perfect.

PMID- 22067592
TI  - Acute infarct of the corpus callosum presenting as alien hand syndrome: evidence
      of diffusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infarcts of the corpus callosum are rare and have not been well
      documented previously. As for a variety of signs and symptoms presented, alien
      hand syndrome (AHS) can be easily overlooked. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report,
      we present a patient with a mixed types of AHS coexistence secondary to the
      corpus callosum infarction, including a motor type of AHS by intermanual conflict
      (callosal type AHS) and a sensory type of AHS by alien hand and left
      hemianesthesia (posterior AHS). CONCLUSIONS: Our case may contribute to the early
      recognition of AHS and to explore the abnormal neural mechanism of AHS. To our
      knowledge, rare reports have ever documented such mixed AHS coexisting secondary
      to the callosal lesion, based on advanced neuroimaging methods as in our case.

PMID- 22067593
TI  - The winding road from research to practice through theory.

PMID- 22067594
TI  - Perceived family functioning and suicidal ideation: hopelessness as mediator or
      moderator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Suicidal ideation has been identified increasingly as a problem
      among university students in Hong Kong. Understanding the relationships among
      hopelessness, perceived family functioning, and suicidal ideation is essential to
      designing effective interventions. OBJECTIVES: : The aims of this study are to
      explore the relationships among hopelessness, perceived family functioning, and
      suicidal ideation and to examine the moderating and mediating roles played by
      hopelessness on suicidal ideation. METHODS: : A cross-sectional survey using
      convenience sampling was conducted. A questionnaire was administered to 350
      university students with ages 18 to 25 years. The questions measured levels of
      suicidal ideation, perceived family functioning, and hopelessness of the
      students. Data analyses, including correlation and multiple hierarchical
      regression analyses, were conducted to examine the mediating and moderating roles
      of hopelessness on suicidal ideation. RESULTS: : Perceived family functioning (B
      = -.10, p < .05) and hopelessness (B = .56, p < .001) were shown to be
      significant predictors of suicidal ideation. Hopelessness was found to mediate
      only partially but moderate the impact of perceived family functioning on
      suicidal ideation (B = -.88, p < .05), hence expanding Beck's cognitive theory of
      suicide. CONCLUSION: : Perceived family functioning and hopelessness are
      significant predictors, whereas hopelessness is a partial mediator and a
      significant moderator of suicidal ideation. Therefore, interventions that enhance
      family functioning and lower the sense of hopelessness may be effective in
      decreasing suicidal ideation among university students.

PMID- 22067595
TI  - Pilot study: individualized training for caregivers of hospitalized older
      veterans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : The hospital-to-home transition represents a vulnerable time for
      older veterans who are more medically and socioeconomically challenged than the
      general population of older adults. OBJECTIVES: : The aim of this study was
      examine the feasibility of delivering an individualized caregiver training
      program before hospital discharge of older veterans. As an exploratory aim, the
      impact of this training on caregiver self-efficacy and preparedness was
      determined. METHODS: : The sample consisted 50 caregiver-patient dyads. Training
      included medication management, identification of medical red flags,
      identification of Veterans Affairs community-based resources, and specific
      caregiver concerns about home care. Program feasibility was determined by whether
      caregivers could be recruited and could complete the training before patients
      were discharged from the hospital. Caregiver self-efficacy (using modified
      Lorig's self-efficacy scale) and preparedness (using Preparedness in Caregiving
      Scale) were assessed before the training (T1), immediately after the training
      (T2), and 1 week (T3) and 4 weeks (T4) after hospital discharge. RESULTS: : One
      thousand six hundred ninety inpatients were screened, 252 of whom (15%) met study
      eligibility criteria. Of these, 112 were approached, and 50 dyads (44.6%) agreed
      to participate. Of the 50 consented dyads, 40 caregivers (80%) received the
      training. The mean self-efficacy among caregivers improved at T2, and the
      improvement was sustained at T3 and T4 (T1, 783.86; T2, 903.64; T3, 867.85; T4,
      877.02). The same trend was observed in caregiving preparedness (T1, 26. 95; T2,
      30.55; T3, 28.88; T4, 28.91). DISCUSSION: : Providing an individualized training
      program to informal caregivers of hospitalized older veterans was not only
      feasible but was also associated with increased self-efficacy and caregiving
      preparedness. This study has the potential to assist caregivers in their home
      care of older veterans after hospital discharge.

PMID- 22067596
TI  - Decreased heart rate variability during emotion regulation in subjects at risk
      for psychopathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysfunctions in the regulation of emotional responses are related to
      poor psychological well-being and increased impact of cardiovascular disease. It
      has been suggested that the relationship between negative affect and higher
      morbidity could be mediated by a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system
      (ANS), for example, of heart rate variability (HRV). Neuroticism is a personality
      trait associated with a maladaptive emotion regulation and also with alterations
      in ANS function. However, it is unknown whether subjects with high neuroticism
      present with specific biases in emotion regulation associated with reduced HRV.
      METHOD: In total, 33 healthy subjects (n=13, highly neurotic) performed an
      emotion regulation task, during which they were instructed to either passively
      view negative pictures or attempt to down-regulate the affect elicited by the
      images. During the task an electrocardiogram was recorded and HRV was measured by
      calculation of the high frequency spectrum (HF-HRV). RESULTS: A significant
      interaction between task condition and personality group was observed on HF-HRV
      measures (F 1,31=6.569, p=0.016). This was driven by subjects with low
      neuroticism presenting higher HF-HRV during down-regulation compared to passive
      exposure to negative stimuli, while subjects with high neuroticism reported an
      opposite tendency. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show reduced HF-HRV during cognitive
      reappraisal of negative stimuli in high neuroticism and indicate a specific link
      between loss of flexibility in the parasympathetic cardiovascular tone and
      emotion regulation, consistent with previous work. Such findings support the
      importance of exploring the combination of ANS adaptability and emotional
      dysregulation in neuroticism as different facets of a common psychosomatic
      vulnerability factor.

PMID- 22067597
TI  - Hydrogen induced changes in the crystal structure and magnetic properties of
      UCoGe.
AB  - Hydrogen pressure of 0.5-140 bar has been applied to synthesize hydrides of
      UCoGe. Besides an alpha hydride crystallizing in the structure type of the parent
      compound, which loses the weak ferromagnetism found in pure UCoGe, two distinctly
      different beta hydrides were identified. The almost pure beta hydride
      (UCoGeH(1.7)) is a ferromagnet below T(C) = 50 K. The highest H(2) pressures (>
      130 bar) produce admixture of another hydride called beta' hydride, with less
      H/f.u. and T(C) = 8 K, obtained presumably as a decay product of a full hydride
      UCoGeH(2.0) unstable at ambient conditions. The value of the Sommerfeld
      coefficient of electronic specific heat gamma increases over 100 mJ mol(-1) K(-2)
      for the magnetic hydrides.

PMID- 22067598
TI  - Brain arginine vasotocin immunoreactivity differs between urban and desert curve
      billed thrashers, Toxostoma curvirostre: relationships with territoriality and
      stress physiology.
AB  - The neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT: the avian homolog of vasopressin) has
      numerous functional roles including mediating social behaviors, coregulating the
      adrenocortical stress response and maintaining water balance. These functions of
      AVT make it susceptible to environmental influence, yet little is understood
      concerning the variation in the AVT system across habitats. In this study, AVT
      immunoreactivity was compared between male curve-billed thrashers, Toxostoma
      curvirostre, from native Sonoran Desert locations and those within the city of
      Phoenix, Ariz. Previous research found that urban thrashers are more responsive
      to territorial intrusion, secrete more corticosterone (CORT) during capture
      stress, and they may also have greater access to water than desert counterparts.
      Variation in AVT immunoreactivity was also related to levels of plasma CORT and
      osmolality, and with behavioral responses to a simulated territorial intrusion.
      Birds from these two habitats showed different AVT immunoreactive patterns in two
      brain regions: the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the medial bed
      nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTM), a part of the limbic system.
      Immunoreactive AVT within the paraventricular nucleus was associated with plasma
      CORT levels in urban, but not desert, birds, but no such association with
      osmolality was observed in birds from either habitat. The total number of BSTM
      AVT-immunoreactive cells was related to a decreased responsiveness to territorial
      intrusion. These data suggest that divergence in the AVT system between urban and
      desert thrashers may help explain observed differences in both the adrenocortical
      stress response and territorial behavior between populations. Whether differences
      in water availability between habitats contribute to population differences in
      the brain AVT system is unknown.

PMID- 22067599
TI  - Controlled hydrostatic sinus elevation: a novel method of elevating the sinus
      membrane.
AB  - Maxillary sinus elevation surgery has been practiced successfully over the past
      several decades with good outcomes, but tears and perforations still occur in
      significant numbers. The presumed cause of these problems is the fact that all
      methods currently used place "point sources" of lifting pressure on the
      Schneiderian membrane. A new procedure, controlled hydrostatic sinus lift, is
      presented herein as a safer, more controlled "lifting pressure" which
      simultaneously places equal force per square millimeter of bone-membrane
      interface. Hydraulic pressure in a closed system places equal pressure on all
      surfaces within the system, thereby eliminating "point sources" of pressure and
      gently elevating the Schneiderian membrane equally at all points of attachment.
      This controlled hydrostatic sinus lift procedure is accomplished by using a
      calibrated, hand-controlled pump and in-line pressure sensor meter.

PMID- 22067600
TI  - Maxillary sinus floor augmentation using bovine bone grafts with simultaneous
      implant placement: a 5-year prospective follow-up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 5 year clinical results of
      maxillary sinus floor augmentation using bovine bone grafts with simultaneous
      implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients were enrolled in
      the study, and a total of 84 implants were placed into the grafted sites.
      Unilateral or bilateral sinus augmentation was performed, and implants were
      inserted into the augmented sinuses. After osseointegration and insertion of the
      prosthesis, the implants were evaluated by clinical and radiographic parameters.
      RESULTS: The cumulative implant survival rate after 60 months of loading was
      100%. Periimplant bone loss was at clinically acceptable levels (0.146 and 0.34
      mm after 1 and 5 years, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Bovine bone grafts used in 1
      stage sinus augmentation yields sufficient quality and volume of bone for
      predictable simultaneous implant placement.

PMID- 22067601
TI  - Clinical study of graft materials using autogenous teeth in maxillary sinus
      augmentation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
      autogenous tooth bone graft materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred implants in
      51 patients were selected, and the patients received maxillary sinus augmentation
      and implant placement using autogenous tooth graft materials at the Chosun
      University Dental Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between
      July 2009 and November 2010. RESULTS: In cases using autogenous tooth bone graft
      alone, or together with other graft material, the implant survival rate was
      96.15%. On histomorphologic examination, autogenous tooth bone graft materials
      showed gradual resorption and new bone formation through osteoconduction and
      osteoinduction. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that autogenous tooth bone
      graft materials are appropriate for use in maxillary sinus augmentation.

PMID- 22067602
TI  - Flapless approach to maxillary sinus augmentation using minimally invasive antral
      membrane balloon elevation.
AB  - In the atrophic posterior maxilla, successful implant placement is often
      complicated by the lack of quality and volume of available bone. In these cases,
      sinus floor augmentation is recommended to gain sufficient bone around the
      implants. Sinus elevation can be performed by either an open lateral window
      approach or by a closed osteotome approach depending on available bone height.
      This case series demonstrates the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive
      antral membrane balloon elevation, followed by bone augmentation and implant
      fixation in 20 patients with a residual bone height of 2 to 6 mm below the sinus
      floor. The surgical procedure was performed using a flapless approach. At 18
      months follow-up, the implant survival rate was 100%. Absence of patient
      morbidity and satisfactory bone augmentation with this minimally invasive
      procedure suggests that minimally invasive antral membrane balloon elevation
      should be considered as an alternative to some of the currently used methods of
      maxillary bone augmentation.

PMID- 22067604
TI  - Surface edges mitigate the disparity gradient constraint on binocular fusion and
      visual direction.
AB  - One function of the visual system is to combine the different views of the two
      eyes so that each object appears in a single direction. Using pairs of isolated
      dots, previous studies have found that binocular fusion gives way to diplopia if
      the disparity gradient between the dots is steep. This paper evaluates whether
      fusion is possible in the presence of steep disparity gradients if those
      gradients occur between the edges of two surfaces, not isolated dots. Two target
      squares with a steep disparity gradient were presented alone, or were
      incorporated into separate surfaces - one foreground, the other background. The
      addition of surfaces, or support texture, restored fusion, overcoming the
      disparity gradient constraint on fusion. Visual direction was the average of the
      monocular views in the presence of support texture, indicating that single vision
      arose from fusion rather than a local suppression of one eye's view. The results
      suggest a close relationship between the disparity gradient constraint on fusion
      and the mitigating influence of support texture, because both effects decline
      dramatically over the same small range of element separations and both effects
      are reduced by differences in contrast polarity.

PMID- 22067605
TI  - The role of extracorporeal photopheresis in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell
      lymphomas.
AB  - Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is an effective treatment modality for
      patients with erythrodermic myocosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS).
      During ECP, a fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is collected,
      incubated ex-vivo with methoxypsoralen, UVA irradiated, and finally reinfused to
      the patient. Although the mechanism of action of ECP is not well established,
      clinical and laboratory observations support the hypothesis of a vaccination-like
      effect. ECP induces apoptosis of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes, while
      enhancing differentiation of monocytes towards immature dendritic cells (imDCs),
      followed by engulfment of apoptotic bodies. After reinfusion, imDCs undergo
      maturation and antigenic peptides from the neoplastic cells are expressed on the
      surface of DCs. Mature DCs travel to lymph nodes and activate cytotoxic T-cell
      clones with specificity against tumor antigens. Disease control is mediated
      through cytotoxic T-lymphocytes with tumor specificity. The efficacy and
      excellent safety profile of ECP has been shown in a large number of retrospective
      trials. Previous studies showed that monotherapy with ECP produces an overall
      response rate of approximately 60%, while clinical data support that ECP is much
      more effective when combined with other immune modulating agents such as
      interferons or retinoids, or when used as consolidation treatment after total
      skin electron beam irradiation. However, only a proportion of patients actually
      respond to ECP and parameters predictive of response need to be discovered. A
      patient with a high probability of response to ECP must fulfill all of the
      following criteria: (1) SS or erythrodermic MF, (2) presence of neoplastic cells
      in peripheral blood, and (3) early disease onset. Despite the fact that ECP has
      been established as a standard treatment modality, no prospective randomized
      study has been conducted so far, to the authors' knowledge. Considering the high
      cost of the procedure, the role of ECP in the treatment of SS/MF needs to be
      clarified via well designed multicenter prospective randomized trials.

PMID- 22067606
TI  - Large-scale use of mosquito larval source management for malaria control in
      Africa: a cost analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At present, large-scale use of two malaria vector control methods,
      long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) is
      being scaled up in Africa with substantial funding from donors. A third vector
      control method, larval source management (LSM), has been historically very
      successful and is today widely used for mosquito control globally, except in
      Africa. With increasing risk of insecticide resistance and a shift to more
      exophilic vectors, LSM is now under re-evaluation for use against afro-tropical
      vector species. Here the costs of this intervention were evaluated. METHODS: The
      'ingredients approach' was used to estimate the economic and financial costs per
      person protected per year (pppy) for large-scale LSM using microbial larvicides
      in three ecologically diverse settings: (1) the coastal metropolitan area of Dar
      es Salaam in Tanzania, (2) a highly populated Kenyan highland area (Vihiga
      District), and (3) a lakeside setting in rural western Kenya (Mbita Division).
      Two scenarios were examined to investigate the cost implications of using
      alternative product formulations. Sensitivity analyses on product prices were
      carried out. RESULTS: The results show that for programmes using the same
      granular formulation larviciding costs the least pppy in Dar es Salaam (US$0.94),
      approximately 60% more in Vihiga District (US$1.50) and the most in Mbita
      Division (US$2.50). However, these costs are reduced substantially if an
      alternative water-dispensable formulation is used; in Vihiga, this would reduce
      costs to US$0.79 and, in Mbita Division, to US$1.94. Larvicide and staff salary
      costs each accounted for approximately a third of the total economic costs per
      year. The cost pppy depends mainly on: (1) the type of formulation required for
      treating different aquatic habitats, (2) the human population density relative to
      the density of aquatic habitats and (3) the potential to target the intervention
      in space and/or time. CONCLUSION: Costs for LSM compare favourably with costs for
      IRS and LLINs, especially in areas with moderate and focal malaria transmission
      where mosquito larval habitats are accessible and well defined. LSM presents an
      attractive tool to be integrated in ongoing malaria control effort in such
      settings. Further data on the epidemiological health impact of larviciding is
      required to establish cost effectiveness.

PMID- 22067607
TI  - Intravitreous interleukin-2 treatment and inflammation modulates glial cells
      activation and uncrossed retinotectal development.
AB  - Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays regulatory functions both in immune and nervous
      system. However, in the visual system, little is known about the cellular types
      which respond to IL-2 and its effects. Herein, we investigated the influence of
      IL-2 in the development of central visual pathways. Lister Hooded rats were
      submitted to multiple (at postnatal days [PND]7/10/13) or single (at PND10)
      intravitreous injections of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (vehicle), zymosan,
      or IL-2. IL-2 receptor alpha subunit was detected in the whole postnatal retina.
      Chronic treatment with either PBS or IL-2 increases retinal glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP) expression, induces intravitreous inflammation revealed by
      the presence of macrophages, and results in a slight rearrangement of
      retinotectal axons. Acute zymosan treatment disrupts retinotectal axons
      distribution, confirming the influence of inflammation on retinotectal pathway
      reordering. Furthermore, acute IL-2 treatment increases GFAP expression in the
      retina without inflammation and produces a robust sprouting of the intact
      uncrossed retinotectal pathway. No difference was observed in glial cells
      activity in superior colliculus. Taken together, these data suggest that
      inflammation and interleukin-2 modulate retinal ganglion cells development and
      the distribution of their axons within central targets.

PMID- 22067608
TI  - The vertebrate homolog of sulfide-quinone reductase is expressed in mitochondria
      of neuronal tissues.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can be consumed by both invertebrates and vertebrates as
      an inorganic substrate. The pathway metabolizing H2S probably involves three
      mitochondrial enzymes, one of which is sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase (SQR),
      known as sulfide-quinone reductase-like protein (SQRDL) in vertebrates. Evidence
      from fission yeast suggests that SQR might have a role in regulating sulfide
      levels in the cell. Regulation might be essential for H2S to act as a gaseous
      transmitter (gasotransmitter). The brain is an organ with high activity of
      gasotransmitters, like nitric oxide (NO) and H2S, which are known to affect
      synaptic transmission. In this study, we provide evidence that SQRDL is expressed
      in the mammalian brain. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed an
      increase in the number of Sqrdl transcripts in the brain with increasing age.
      Cellular fractionation and subsequent analysis by Western blotting indicated that
      the protein is located in mitochondria, which is the site of sulfide consumption
      in the cell. With an immunohistochemical approach, we demonstrated that the SQRDL
      protein is expressed in neurons, oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells. Taken
      together, our data suggest that brain tissue harbors the machinery required for
      local regulation of sulfide levels.

PMID- 22067609
TI  - Memory impairment induced by brain iron overload is accompanied by reduced H3K9
      acetylation and ameliorated by sodium butyrate.
AB  - Iron accumulation in the brain has been associated to the pathogenesis of
      neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously demonstrated that iron overload
      in the neonatal period results in severe and persistent memory deficits in adult
      rats. Alterations in histone acetylation have been associated with memory
      deficits in models of neurological disorders. Here we examine histone acetylation
      in the brain and the effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) sodium
      butyrate (NaB) on memory in the neonatal iron overload model in rats. Rats
      received vehicle or 30.0-mg/kg Fe+2 orally at postnatal days 12-14. When animals
      reached adulthood, they were given training in either novel object recognition or
      inhibitory avoidance. Histone acetylation in the dorsal hippocampus and the
      effects of NaB were examined in separate sets of rats. Iron overload led to a
      reduction in H3 lysine 9 acetylation in the hippocampus, without affecting the
      acetylation of other H3 and H4 lysine residues. A single systemic injection of
      NaB (1.2 g/kg) immediately after training ameliorated iron-induced memory
      impairments. The results suggest that a reduction in H3K9 acetylation might play
      a role in iron-induced memory impairment and support the view that HDACis can
      rescue memory dysfunction in models of brain disorders.

PMID- 22067610
TI  - BMPR1A is a candidate gene for congenital heart defects associated with the
      recurrent 10q22q23 deletion syndrome.
AB  - Congenital heart defects (CHD) are associated with the recurrent 10q22q23
      deletion syndrome and with partially overlapping distal 10q23.2.q23.31
      microdeletions. We report on a de novo intragenic deletion of the BMPR1A gene in
      a normally developing adolescent boy with short stature, delayed puberty, facial
      dysmorphism and an atrioventricular septal defect. Based on this finding,
      complemented with computational prioritization data and molecular evidence in
      literature, the critical region for CHD on 10q23 can be downsized to a single
      gene, BMPR1A. Although loss-of-function mutations in BMPR1A typically result in
      juvenile polyposis syndrome, none of the patients with the typical 10q22q23
      microdeletion syndrome, comprising this gene, were reported to have juvenile
      polyposis thus far. We reason that, even in the absence of juvenile polyposis
      syndrome, sequencing and copy number analysis of BMPR1A should be considered in
      patients with (atrioventricular) septal defects, especially when associated with
      facial dysmorphism and anomalous growth.

PMID- 22067611
TI  - P16/p53 expression and telomerase activity in immortalized human dental pulp
      cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Residing within human dental pulp are cells of an ectomesenchymal
      origin which have the potential to differentiate into odontoblast-like cells.
      These cells have a limited growth potential owing to the effects of cell
      senescence. This study examines the effects of immortalizing odontoblast-like
      cells on cell proliferation and mineralization by comparing transformed dental
      pulp stem cells (tDPSCs) and non-transformed dental pulp stem cells (nDPSCs).
      RESULTS: With the exogenous expression of hTERT, tDPSCs maintained a continued
      expression of odontogenic markers for cell proliferation and mineralization (ALP,
      COL-1, DMP-1, DSPP, OCN amd OPN)as did nDPScs. Oncoprotein expression was seen in
      both groups except for a noted absence of p16 in the tDPSCs. nDPSCs also showed
      lower levels of total ALP and DNA activity in comparison to tDPSCs when assayed
      as well as low telomerase activity readings. METHODS: Using a retroviral vector,
      exogenous human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) was expressed in tDPSCs.
      Both cell groups were cultured and their telomerase activities is determined
      using a telomerase quantification assay. Also examined were the expression of
      genes involved in proliferation and mineralization such as human alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP), beta-actin, collagen 1 (col-1), core binding factor (cbfa-1),
      dentin matrix protein (DMP-1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), GAPDH, hTERT,
      osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) as well as oncoproteins involved in
      senescence (p16, p21 and p53) using RT-PCR. DNA and alkaline phosphatase activity
      was assayed in both cell groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate maintainance
      of odontoblast-like differentiation characteristics after retroviral
      transformation with hTERT and suggest a possible link with a reduced p16
      expression.

PMID- 22067612
TI  - Cholesterol-lowering efficacy of a microencapsulated bile salt hydrolase-active
      Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 yoghurt formulation in hypercholesterolaemic
      adults.
AB  - Several studies have reported limited or no reduction in serum cholesterol in
      response to probiotic formulations. Recently, probiotics have shown promise in
      treating metabolic disease due to improved strain selection and delivery
      technologies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cholesterol
      lowering efficacy of a yoghurt formulation containing microencapsulated bile salt
      hydrolase (BSH)-active Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242, taken twice per d over
      6 weeks, in hypercholesterolaemic adults. A total of 114 subjects completed this
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, parallel-arm, multi-centre study.
      This interventional study included a 2-week washout, 2-week run-in and 6-week
      treatment period. Subjects were randomised to consume either yoghurts containing
      microencapsulated L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 or placebo yoghurts. Over the
      intervention period, subjects consuming yoghurts containing microencapsulated L.
      reuteri NCIMB 30242 attained significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) of
      8.92 % (P = 0.016), total cholesterol (TC) of 4.81 % (P = 0.031) and non-HDL
      cholesterol (HDL-C) of 6.01 % (P = 0.029) over placebo, and a significant
      absolute change in apoB-100 of - 0.19 mmol/l (P = 0.049). Serum concentrations of
      TAG and HDL-C were unchanged over the course of the study. Present results show
      that consumption of microencapsulated BSH-active L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 yoghurt
      is efficacious and safe for lowering LDL-C, TC, apoB-100 and non-HDL-C in
      hypercholesterolaemic subjects. The efficacy of microencapsulated BSH-active L.
      reuteri NCIMB 30242 yoghurts appears to be superior to traditional probiotic
      therapy and akin to that of other cholesterol-lowering ingredients.

PMID- 22067613
TI  - Reconstituted HDL elicits marked changes in plasma lipids following single-dose
      injection in C57Bl/6 mice.
AB  - High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-targeting therapies, including reconstituted HDL
      (rHDL), are attractive agents for treating dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, as
      they may increase HDL levels and enhance therapeutic activities associated with
      HDL, including reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Using CSL-111, a rHDL
      consisting of native human apolipoprotein AI (hApoAI) and phospholipids, we
      characterized the acute effects of rHDL administration in C57Bl/6 mice to (i)
      further our understanding of the mechanism of action of rHDL, and (ii) evaluate
      the usefulness of the mouse as a preclinical model for HDL-targeting therapies.
      After a single injection of CSL-111, there was a dose- and time-dependent
      increase of hApoAI, human pre-beta HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in
      serum, consistent with the effects of CSL-111 in humans. However, unlike in
      humans, there was no measurable increase in cholesteryl esters. Evaluated ex
      vivo, the ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1)- and scavenger receptor type BI (SR-BI)
      dependent cholesterol efflux capacity of serum from CSL-111-treated mice was
      increased compared with serum from vehicle-treated animals. Fractionation by size
      exclusion chromatography of lipoproteins in serum from treated mice revealed
      hApoAI in particles the size of endogenous HDL and slightly larger, cholesterol
      enriched particles of all sizes, including sizes distinct from endogenous HDL or
      CSL-111 itself, and triglyceride-enriched particles the size of very-low-density
      lipoprotein (VLDL). These results suggest that in mouse blood CSL-111 is
      remodeled and generates enhanced cholesterol efflux capacity which increases
      mobilization of free cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Our findings complement
      the previous reports on CSL-111 in human participants and provide data with which
      to evaluate the potential utility of mouse models in mechanistic studies of HDL
      targeting therapies.

PMID- 22067614
TI  - Acute electrical stimulation of the human retina with an epiretinal electrode
      array.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the threshold charges needed for eliciting visual
      perceptions through acute electrical stimulation of the human retina in patients
      suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, using an epiretinal microelectrode array.
      METHODS: In a multicentre study, 20 patients (average age 55 years) with visual
      acuities ranging from 4/200 to no light perception were included. The stimulation
      procedure was performed during a pars plana vitrectomy, for a maximum of 45 min,
      by using a microcontact film with IrO(x) electrodes connected by cable to a
      current generator. After repeated stimulation and threshold charge determination,
      the microelectrode array was removed. RESULTS: Nineteen of 20 patients stated in
      the postoperative interviews that they experienced one or more visual perceptions
      with close time correlation to single stimulation events. Minimum threshold
      charges needed to generate visual perceptions could be measured and verified in
      15 patients. The charge level ranged from 20 to 768 nC with single or multiple
      electrodes. One patient suffered a retinal detachment during the procedure; this
      patient's retina was successfully reattached. There were no further adverse
      reactions observed during the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Acute epiretinal
      stimulation of the human retina, using a microelectrode array, can elicit visual
      perceptions in blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PMID- 22067615
TI  - Transformation and regeneration of the holoparasitic plant Phelipanche
      aegyptiaca.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transformation and subsequent regeneration of holoparasitic plants
      has never been reported, in part due to challenges in developing transformation
      protocols, but also because regeneration of obligate parasites is difficult since
      their survival depends completely on successful haustorium penetration of a host
      and the formation of vascular connections. The recent completion of a massive
      transcriptome sequencing project (the Parasitic Plant Genome Project) will fuel
      the use of genomic tools for studies on parasitic plants. A reliable system for
      holoparasite transformation is needed to realize the full value of this resource
      for reverse genetics and functional genomics studies. RESULTS: Here we
      demonstrate that transformation of Phelipanche aegyptiaca is achieved by
      infection of 3 month-old in vitro grown P. aegyptiaca calli with Agrobacterium
      rhizogenes harboring the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Four months later, YFP
      positive regenerated calli were inoculated onto tomato plants growing in a
      minirhizotron system. Eight days after inoculation, transgenic parasite tissue
      formed lateral haustoria that penetrated the host and could be visualized under
      UV illumination through intact host root tissue. YFP-positive shoot buds were
      observed one month after inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: This work constitutes a
      breakthrough in holoparasitic plant research methods. The method described here
      is a robust system for transformation and regeneration of a holoparasitic plant
      and will facilitate research on unique parasitic plant capabilities such as host
      plant recognition, haustorial formation, penetration and vascular connection.

PMID- 22067616
TI  - Effects of repeated stress on distal airway inflammation, remodeling and
      mechanics in an animal model of chronic airway inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Epidemiological studies suggest that stress has an impact on
      asthmatic exacerbations. We evaluated if repeated stress, induced by forced
      swimming, modulates lung mechanics, distal airway inflammation and extracellular
      matrix remodeling in guinea pigs with chronic allergic inflammation. METHODS:
      Guinea pigs were submitted to 7 ovalbumin or saline aerosols (1-5 mg/ml during 4
      weeks; OVA and SAL groups). Twenty-four hours after the 4th inhalation, guinea
      pigs were submitted to the stress protocol 5 times a week during 2 weeks (SAL-S
      and OVA-S groups). Seventy-two hours after the 7th inhalation, guinea pigs were
      anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Resistance and elastance of the
      respiratory system were obtained at baseline and after ovalbumin challenge. Lungs
      were removed, and inflammatory and extracellular matrix remodeling of distal
      airways was assessed by morphometry. Adrenals were removed and weighed. RESULTS:
      The relative adrenal weight was greater in stressed guinea pigs compared to non
      stressed animals (p < 0.001). Repeated stress increased the percent elastance of
      the respiratory system after antigen challenge and eosinophils and lymphocytes in
      the OVA-S compared to the OVA group (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). Neither
      collagen nor elastic fiber contents were modified by stress in sensitized
      animals. CONCLUSIONS: In this animal model, repeated stress amplified
      bronchoconstriction and inflammatory response in distal airways without
      interfering with extracellular matrix remodeling.

PMID- 22067617
TI  - Immunolocalization of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 as well as their endogenous
      ligand, heat shock protein 70, in rat traumatic brain injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential to the innate immune system
      for recognizing not only microbial pathogens but also endogenous ligands from
      injured cells, suggesting that TLRs are a sensitive detection system to tissue
      injury and play roles in initiating tissue degeneration/regeneration. In this
      study, the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on lesional expression of
      TLR2, TLR4, their most common adaptor molecule myeloid differentiation factor 88
      (MyD88) and their endogenous ligand, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), were
      investigated. METHODS: Rat TBI was induced using an open-skull weight-drop model.
      TLR2, TLR4, MyD88 and HSP70 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: TLR2, TLR4, HSP70 and MyD88 were mainly found in lesioned regions and
      subcortical white matter. While infiltration of TLR2+ cells became significant on
      day 2, significant accumulation of TLR4+, MyD88+ and HSP70+ cells was already
      seen on day 1, and the numbers of immunopositive cells increased continuously
      until day 4. Furthermore, double staining together with morphological
      classification showed that major cellular sources for TLR2, TLR4 and MyD88 were
      macrophages/microglia in lesioned areas and astrocytes in subcortical white
      matter. But for HSP70, the major cellular sources were neurons in perilesion and
      macrophages/microglia in lesion areas and astrocytes in subcortical white matter.
      DISCUSSION: In summary, our data reveal distinct patterns of localization of TLR+
      resident and infiltrating cells in TBI rat brain. Infiltrating activated
      monocytic cells are the major source of TLR+ cells. These findings warrant
      further investigation of the roles of TLRs in controlling immune and
      degenerative/regenerative processes after TBI.

PMID- 22067618
TI  - Neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G in Chinese patients detected by
      immunofluorescence assay on a monkey brain substrate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG) is used as a
      biomarker to differentiate between neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple
      sclerosis (MS). However, the original assay is expensive and complex and shows
      low sensitivity. Here, we investigated the potential of NMO-IgG detection using
      an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay on monkey brains. METHODS: NMO-IgG
      seroprevalence was determined in 168 samples by an IIF assay on a monkey brain
      substrate. The data were compared with those from a standard mouse brain IIF
      assay using McNemar and kappa tests. RESULTS: Thirty-one of 50 (62%) NMO
      patients, 7 of 18 (38.9%) longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis patients,
      6 of 57 (10.5%) MS patients, and 5 of 10 (50%) optic neuritis patients were
      seropositive for NMO-IgG. None of the acute partial transverse myelitis patients
      (n = 3) or healthy controls (n = 20) was positive. Thus, the sensitivity of the
      test was 62% for the patients with clinically definite NMO. The specificity was
      89.5%, considering the 57 MS patients as the control group. The modified IIF
      assay on monkey brains and the standard IIF assay based on mouse brains were not
      significantly different (McNemar test; p = 1.000). The two assays were concordant
      in 39 seropositive samples and 100 seronegative samples (kappa test; kappa =
      0.592, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the modified IIF monkey brain assay was
      no better than the standard mouse brain IIF assay, we affirmed that NMO-IgG is a
      sensitive and specific biomarker to differentiate between NMO and MS.

PMID- 22067619
TI  - Effect of gender and menstrual cycle on immune system response to acute mental
      stress: apoptosis as a mediator.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to explore the immunological outcomes of short-term
      mental stress in apoptosis in peripheral lymphocytes and variations by gender and
      hormonal status of the individuals together with possible mediators of this
      interaction. METHODS: Acute mental stress (computerized Stroop color-word
      interference and cold pressor tests) was applied to men (n = 17) and women (n =
      16, in both follicular and luteal phases). Heart rate and blood pressure were
      monitored throughout the test and after the test until baseline values were
      recorded. Blood samples were drawn for measuring cortisol and nitric oxide (NO)
      levels and flow-cytometric cell counting before and after the test. RESULTS:
      Activation of the stress system was ascertained by increased heart rate, blood
      pressure and serum cortisol levels after the test. Relative to baseline values,
      acute mental stress altered the distribution of T and natural killer cells. There
      was a significant decrease in T helper/T cytotoxic-suppressor cell ratio and an
      increase in apoptotic T helper cell percentage irrespective of gender or
      menstrual cycle phase. An increased number of natural killer cells was detected
      in women, whereas it was decreased in men. After stress induction, serum NO
      levels remained the same in women and increased in men. Although a correlation
      was not found between immune system changes and NO levels, glucocorticoids seem
      to have a role in the observed differences. CONCLUSION: Acute mental stress
      triggers apoptotic T helper cell loss which was associated with stress system
      activation, and sex steroids affect the pattern of stress-related immune cell
      distribution.

PMID- 22067621
TI  - Antioxidant status of bilirubin and uric acid in patients with myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant status have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and free radicals can cause
      considerable damage to the acetylcholine receptors. 388 individuals, including 97
      patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), 135 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
      and 156 healthy controls, were assessed for serum levels of bilirubin and uric
      acid (UA), in order to determine the levels of these natural antioxidants in the
      serum. We found that serum UA levels in patients with MG were significantly lower
      (266.03 +/- 93.09 MUmol/l) compared with those of the healthy control group
      (338.87 +/- 107.10 MUmol/l, p = 0.001). However, there was no significant
      difference of serum UA levels between patients with MG and those with MS (p =
      0.071). We also found that serum levels of total, direct and indirect bilirubin
      in patients with MG were significantly lower, compared with those in the healthy
      control group, whether male or female. From this study, we conclude that serum
      levels of bilirubin and UA are lower in MG patients.

PMID- 22067620
TI  - Neuroimmunoendocrine interactions in patients with recurrent major depression,
      increased early life stress and long-standing posttraumatic stress disorder
      symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic events experienced in childhood may lead to psychiatric
      diseases in adult life, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It remains
      obscure to what extent early life stress (ELS) is associated with biologically
      relevant changes in MDD. OBJECTIVE: We investigated both neuroendocrine and
      immunological correlates in recurrent MDD with ELS and current posttraumatic
      stress disorder symptoms. METHODS: Thirty-eight female MDD patients with or
      without childhood trauma and 15 healthy controls took part in this study.
      Salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were assessed by
      radioimmunoassays. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and T
      cell proliferation and cellular sensitivity to steroids and DHEAS were evaluated
      by colorimetric assays. Th1/Th2 cytokines were assessed by cytometric bead
      arrays. RESULTS: MDD patients with or without previous trauma had similarly lower
      salivary cortisol and DHEAS in parallel with blunted T cell proliferation. PBMCs
      of depressives were significantly less sensitive to dexamethasone or epinephrine
      than those of the controls. PBMCs of MDD patients produced significantly lower
      interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels when compared to
      healthy controls. CONCLUSION: We found that a history of ELS did not modify the
      blunted neuroendocrine and immunological alterations presented by recurrent
      depressed patients.

PMID- 22067622
TI  - Melatonin membrane receptor type MT1 modulates cell-mediated immunity in the
      seasonally breeding tropical rodent Funambulus pennanti.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the evidence for melatonin membrane receptors (MT1R and MT2R)
      on lymphoid tissues in a wide range of seasonal breeders, their specific potency
      has never been compared and correlated with cell-mediated immunity. METHODS: We
      used luzindole, a nonselective MT2R antagonist, and 4-phenyl-2
      propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT), a selective MT2R antagonist, to assess the
      potency of the melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in melatonin-induced immunity
      under both in vivo as well as in vitro conditions. RESULTS: Physiological doses
      (25 MUg/100 g body weight in vivo and 100 and 500 pg/ml in vitro) of melatonin
      upregulated both MT1R and MT2R expression as well as splenocyte proliferation,
      while higher doses (100 and 500 MUg/100 g body weight in vivo and 1 ng/ml in
      vitro) downregulated splenocyte proliferation and the expression of both
      receptors. Luzindole antagonized the expression of both MT1R and MT2R in a dose
      dependent manner under in vivo as well as in vitro conditions, while 4P-PDOT
      blocked the expression of MT2R only during both experimental conditions.
      Splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 secretion (in vitro) followed the MT1R
      expression pattern, while the MT2R expression pattern showed no definite relation
      with either splenocyte proliferation or IL-2 secretion under in vivo and in vitro
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Immune function in tropical rodents is directly regulated
      by melatonin via its high-affinity membrane receptor MT1. MT1R plays a directive
      role in mediating splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 release, while the MT2R
      subtype appears not to be required for the immunoenhancing role of melatonin.

PMID- 22067623
TI  - Expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 4 and 9 in patients with Guillain-Barre
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A myriad of transcription factors and inflammatory cytokines have been
      described to participate in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).
      However, the innate immunity components--Toll-like receptors (TLRs)--have never
      been explored in this disease. We therefore investigated the expression of TLR2,
      4 and 9 in the peripheral circulation of GBS patients as well as healthy
      controls. METHODS: Twenty-one GBS patients and 21 healthy donors participated in
      this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used for mRNA and protein
      analysis of TLR-related molecules. Also, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from
      different subjects were incubated with different TLR agonists and the subsequent
      IFN-gamma secretion was determined. RESULTS: Expression of TLR2, 4 and 9 as well
      as their related signaling molecules were higher in GBS patients compared to
      healthy controls. Disability scores of GBS patients had a strong positive
      correlation with the high levels of expression of TLR2, 4 and 9. CONCLUSIONS: The
      TLR signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of GBS.

PMID- 22067625
TI  - A mathematical model for simulating daily bed occupancy in an intensive care
      unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a mathematical model for simulating the daily bed
      occupancy in an intensive care unit. DESIGN: Data collection and retrospective
      analysis to develop a mathematical model for simulating daily bed occupancy in an
      intensive care unit. SETTING: We studied all admissions to the intensive care
      unit at the Hospital of Navarra over a 9-yr period. PATIENTS: Six-thousand three
      hundred adult patients consecutively admitted to intensive care units at a
      tertiary care hospital. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The
      large set of data collected comprises an arrivals file, a patient file, and a bed
      occupancy file. The arrival file records the number of patients admitted to the
      intensive care unit each day, by admission type, and by day of the week. The
      patient file contains records for all patients admitted to the intensive care
      unit during the study period: Admission type, admission and discharge dates, age,
      sex, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score within the first 24
      hrs, infections during hospitalization, and mortality. We used these two files to
      fit appropriate statistical models of arrival rates and length of stay by patient
      type. Based on this statistical analysis and the representation of the intensive
      care unit as a queuing problem, we built a simulation model. The bed occupancy
      file records the number of occupied beds at 4:00 PM each day. We used this file
      to validate the simulation model by testing the similarity of the real and
      simulated output data. The simulation model also includes bed management
      decisions related to patient discharge. RESULTS: We obtained a valid simulation
      model that reproduced on a computer the patient flow through the intensive care
      unit at the Hospital of Navarra. This computerized simulation model can be used
      to study the intensive care unit bed occupancy profile and can be used as a
      reliable sizing and capacity analysis tool. As an example, we present the problem
      of estimating the number of beds needed to meet an increase in patient arrivals
      at the intensive care unit because of different causes. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      possible to develop simulation models that can be used to predict future
      intensive care unit resource needs.

PMID- 22067624
TI  - Mild hypothermia decreases fentanyl and midazolam steady-state clearance in a rat
      model of cardiac arrest.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic hypothermia is widely employed for neuroprotection after
      cardiac arrest. However, concern regarding elevated drug concentrations during
      hypothermia and increased adverse drug reaction risk complicates concurrent
      pharmacotherapy. Many commonly used medications in critically ill patients rely
      on the cytochrome P450 3A isoform for their elimination. Therefore, our study
      objectives were to determine the effect of mild hypothermia on the in vivo
      pharmacokinetics of fentanyl and midazolam, two clinically relevant cytochrome
      P450 3A substrates, after cardiac arrest and to investigate the mechanisms of
      these alterations. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING:
      University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley
      rats. INTERVENTIONS: An asphyxial cardiac arrest rat model was used and mild
      hypothermia (33 degrees C) was induced 1 hr post injury by surface cooling and
      continued for 10 hrs to mimic the prolonged clinical application of hypothermia
      accompanied by intensive care interventions. Fentanyl and midazolam were
      independently administered by intravenous infusion and plasma and brain
      concentrations were analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem
      mass spectrometry. Cytochrome P450 3a2 protein expression was measured and a
      Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetic analysis was performed at 37 degrees C and 33
      degrees C using control rat microsomes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mild
      hypothermia decreased the systemic clearance of both fentanyl (61.5 +/- 11.5 to
      48.9 +/- 8.95 mL/min/kg; p < .05) and midazolam (89.2 +/- 12.5 to 73.6 +/- 12.1
      mL/min/kg; p < .05) after cardiac arrest. The elevated systemic concentrations
      did not lead to parallel increased brain exposures of either drug.
      Mechanistically, no differences in cytochrome P450 3a2 expression was observed,
      but the in vitro metabolism of both drugs was decreased at 33 degrees C vs. 37
      degrees C through reductions in enzyme metabolic capacity rather than substrate
      affinity. CONCLUSIONS: Mild hypothermia reduces the systemic clearances of
      fentanyl and midazolam in rats after cardiac arrest through alterations in
      cytochrome P450 3a2 metabolic capacity rather than enzyme affinity as observed
      with other cytochrome P450s. Contrasting effects on blood and brain levels
      further complicates drug dosing. Consideration of the impact of hypothermia on
      medications whose clearance is dependent on P450 3A metabolism is warranted.

PMID- 22067626
TI  - Herpes simplex virus encephalitis despite normal cell count in the cerebrospinal
      fluid.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe herpes simplex virus encephalitis despite normal cell
      count in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with malignoma after whole brain
      irradiation. INTERVENTIONS: Blood and cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic
      resonance imaging. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three male and two female
      patients with malignoma and a recent history of whole-brain irradiation presented
      with impaired consciousness with or without epileptic seizure. Although
      cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a normal cell count, herpes simplex virus
      DNA was detected in all samples by polymerase chain reaction. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with impaired consciousness, epileptic seizure, or temporal lobe
      symptoms of new onset and a recent history of brain irradiation with normal
      cerebrospinal fluid, an atypical anergic course of herpes simplex virus
      encephalitis should be considered. Herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction
      should be used as method of choice to detect herpes simplex virus genomes as
      early as possible rather than relying on routine cerebrospinal fluid parameters.
      Importantly, antiviral therapy should be started without delay in any case of
      faint suspicion and should be continued until herpes simplex virus encephalitis
      is clearly ruled out.

PMID- 22067628
TI  - Haloperidol prophylaxis decreases delirium incidence in elderly patients after
      noncardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term low-dose
      intravenous haloperidol for delirium prevention in critically ill elderly
      patients after noncardiac surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind,
      and placebo-controlled trial in two centers. SETTING: Intensive care units of two
      large tertiary teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: Four hundred fifty-seven patients 65
      yrs or older who were admitted to the intensive care unit after noncardiac
      surgery. INTERVENTION: Haloperidol (0.5 mg intravenous bolus injection followed
      by continuous infusion at a rate of 0.1 mg/h for 12 hrs; n = 229) or placebo (n =
      228) was randomly administered from intensive care unit admission. MEASURES: The
      primary end point was the incidence of delirium within the first 7 days after
      surgery. Secondary end points included time to onset of delirium, number of
      delirium-free days, length of intensive care unit stay, all-cause 28-day
      mortality, and adverse events. Delirium was assessed using the confusion
      assessment method for the intensive care unit. RESULTS: The incidence of delirium
      during the first 7 days after surgery was 15.3% (35/229) in the haloperidol group
      and 23.2% (53/228) in the control group (p = .031). The mean time to onset of
      delirium and the mean number of delirium-free days were significantly longer (6.2
      days [95% confidence interval 5.9-6.4] vs. 5.7 days [95% confidence interval 5.4
      6.0]; p = .021; and 6.8 +/- 0.5 days vs. 6.7 +/- 0.8 days; p = .027,
      respectively), whereas the median length of intensive care unit stay was
      significantly shorter (21.3 hrs [95% confidence interval 20.3-22.2] vs. 23.0 hrs
      [95% confidence interval 20.9-25.1]; p = .024) in the haloperidol group than in
      the control group. There was no significant difference with regard to all-cause
      28-day mortality between the two groups (0.9% [2/229] vs. 2.6% [6/228]; p =
      .175). No drug-related side effects were documented. CONCLUSIONS: For elderly
      patients admitted to intensive care unit after noncardiac surgery, short-term
      prophylactic administration of low-dose intravenous haloperidol significantly
      decreased the incidence of postoperative delirium. The therapy was well
      tolerated.

PMID- 22067627
TI  - The acute pulmonary inflammatory response to the graded severity of smoke
      inhalation injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the graded severity of smoke inhalation is
      reflected by the acute pulmonary inflammatory response to injury. DESIGN: In a
      prospective observational study, we assessed the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for
      both leukocyte differential and concentration of 28 cytokines, chemokines, and
      growth factors. Results were then compared to the graded severity of inhalation
      injury as determined by Abbreviated Injury Score criteria (0, none; 1, mild; 2,
      moderate; 3, severe; 4, massive). SETTING: All patients were enrolled at a single
      tertiary burn center. PATIENTS: The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained
      from 60 patients within 14 hrs of burn injury who underwent bronchoscopy for
      suspected smoke inhalation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Those who presented with worse grades of inhalation injury had higher plasma
      levels of carboxyhemoglobin and enhanced airway neutrophilia. Patients with the
      most severe inhalation injuries also had a greater requirement for tracheostomy,
      longer time on the ventilator, and a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit.
      Of the 28 inflammatory mediators assessed in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, 21
      were at their highest in those with the worst inhalation injury scores (grades 3
      and 4), the greatest of which was interleukin-8 (92,940 pg/mL, grade 4). When
      compared in terms of low inhalation injury (grades 1-2) vs. high inhalation
      injury (grades 3-4), we found significant differences between groups for
      interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-9, interleukin-15, interferon-gamma,
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and monocyte chemotactic
      protein-1 (p < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: These data reveal that the degree of
      inhalation injury has basic and profound effects on burn patient morbidity,
      evokes complex changes of multiple alveolar inflammatory proteins, and is a
      determinant of the pulmonary inflammatory response to smoke inhalation.
      Accordingly, future investigations should consider inhalation injury to be a
      graded phenomenon.

PMID- 22067629
TI  - The surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score predicts mortality and
      length of stay.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test if the surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score
      predicts mortality and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. DESIGN:
      Prospective single-center cohort study. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit of
      the Massachusetts General Hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred thirteen consecutive
      patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. INVESTIGATIONS: We tested
      the hypotheses that the surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score
      independent of comorbidity index, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
      II, creatinine, hypotension, hypernatremia, acidosis, hypoxia, and hypercarbia
      predicts hospital mortality, surgical intensive care unit and total hospital
      length of stay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two nurses independently predicted
      the patients' mobilization capacity by using the surgical intensive care unit
      optimal mobility score the morning after admission, whereas a third nurse
      recorded the achieved mobilization levels of patients at the end of the day. A
      multidisciplinary expert team measured patients' grip strength and assessed their
      predicted mobilization capacity independently. Multivariate analysis revealed
      that the surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score was the only
      independent predictor of mortality. Surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility
      score, hypotension, and hypernatremia (>144 mmol/L) independently predicted
      intensive care unit length of stay, whereas the surgical intensive care unit
      optimal mobility score and hypernatremia predicted total hospital length of stay.
      The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was not identified in
      the multivariate analysis. The surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility
      score was also a reliable and valid instrument in predicting achieved
      mobilization levels of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical critically ill patients
      presenting without preexisting impairment of functional mobility, the surgical
      intensive care unit optimal mobility score is a reliable and valid tool to
      predict mortality and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.

PMID- 22067630
TI  - Oxygen blood transport during experimental sepsis: effect of hypothermia*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to highlight the link between induced
      hypothermia and increased survival duration as observed in the septic model
      developed by the laboratory. To reach this objective, survival duration and blood
      oxygen transport capacity were measured at two temperatures-38  degrees C
      (induced normothermia) and 34  degrees C (induced hypothermia)-in septic rats.
      DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, experimental animal study. SETTING: University
      laboratory. SUBJECTS: Forty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (median weight, 232 g;
      range, 200-303 g). INTERVENTIONS: After anesthesia and obtention of the
      temperature goal, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and perforation.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sepsis induction led to death 5 hrs 11 mins +/- 0
      hr 36 mins after cecal ligation and perforation at 38  degrees C. At this
      temperature, significant changes in blood oxygen transport capacity were observed
      in septic rats; Hill number decreased from 2.36 +/- 0.10 (baseline group) to 1.99
      +/- 0.17 (septic group) (p = .008) and oxygen-hemoglobin affinity decreased and
      P50 increased from 41.40 +/- 2.4 Torr (baseline group) to 51.17 +/- 14.07 Torr
      (septic group). Furthermore, in normothermia, a significant increase of
      creatinine and albumin plasmatic concentrations was observed 4 hrs after sepsis
      induction. Survival duration was significantly higher in induced hypothermia (7
      hrs 22 mins +/- 0 hr 12 mins at 34  degrees C) compared with induced
      normothermia. At 34  degrees C, no significant change in blood oxygen transport
      capacity was observed. In the same way, exposure to 34  degrees C induced no
      change in measured plasmatic parameters except an increase in albumin
      concentration in septic rats compared with the baseline group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Sepsis led to a decrease of both oxygen hemoglobin cooperativity and affinity at
      38  degrees C. By contrast, no change in these parameters was observed when
      sepsis was induced during hypothermia. Taken together, these results could be
      interpreted in normothermia septic rats as an adaptive mechanism that could
      enhance the release of oxygen at the tissue level. Hypothermia by slowing down
      sepsis evolution could increase survival duration.

PMID- 22067631
TI  - Impact of real-time electronic alerting of acute kidney injury on therapeutic
      intervention and progression of RIFLE class.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a real-time electronic alert system or "AKI
      sniffer," which is based on the RIFLE classification criteria (Risk, Injury and
      Failure), would have an impact on therapeutic interventions and acute kidney
      injury progression. DESIGN: Prospective intervention study. SETTING: Surgical and
      medical intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 951
      patients having in total 1,079 admission episodes were admitted during the study
      period (prealert control group: 227, alert group: 616, and postalert control
      group: 236). INTERVENTIONS: Three study phases were compared: A 1.5-month
      prealert control phase in which physicians were blinded for the acute kidney
      injury sniffer and a 3-month intervention phase with real-time alerting of
      worsening RIFLE class through the Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology telephone
      system followed by a second 1.5-month postalert control phase. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: A total of 2593 acute kidney injury alerts were recorded with a
      balanced distribution over all study phases. Most acute kidney injury alerts were
      RIFLE class risk (59.8%) followed by RIFLE class injury (34.1%) and failure
      (6.1%). A higher percentage of patients in the alert group received therapeutic
      intervention within 60 mins after the acute kidney injury alert (28.7% in alert
      group vs. 7.9% and 10.4% in the pre- and postalert control groups, respectively,
      p MU .001). In the alert group, more patients received fluid therapy (23.0% vs.
      4.9% and 9.2%, p MU .01), diuretics (4.2% vs. 2.6% and 0.8%, p MU .001), or
      vasopressors (3.9% vs. 1.1% and 0.8%, p MU .001). Furthermore, these patients had
      a shorter time to intervention (p MU .001). A higher proportion of patients in
      the alert group showed return to a baseline kidney function within 8 hrs after an
      acute kidney injury alert "from normal to risk" compared with patients in the
      control group (p = .048). CONCLUSIONS: The real-time alerting of every worsening
      RIFLE class by the acute kidney injury sniffer increased the number and
      timeliness of early therapeutic interventions. The borderline significant
      improvement of short-term renal outcome in the RIFLE class risk patients needs to
      be confirmed in a large multicenter trial.

PMID- 22067632
TI  - Automated grain mapping using wide angle convergent beam electron diffraction in
      transmission electron microscope for nanomaterials.
AB  - The grain size statistics, commonly derived from the grain map of a material
      sample, are important microstructure characteristics that greatly influence its
      properties. The grain map for nanomaterials is usually obtained manually by
      visual inspection of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs
      because automated methods do not perform satisfactorily. While the visual
      inspection method provides reliable results, it is a labor intensive process and
      is often prone to human errors. In this article, an automated grain mapping
      method is developed using TEM diffraction patterns. The presented method uses
      wide angle convergent beam diffraction in the TEM. The automated technique was
      applied on a platinum thin film sample to obtain the grain map and subsequently
      derive grain size statistics from it. The grain size statistics obtained with the
      automated method were found in good agreement with the visual inspection method.

PMID- 22067633
TI  - [Access of French-speaking elderly to nursing homes among minorities, a
      linguistic challenge for health and greater welfare].
AB  - Access to long-term nursing homes by French-speaking seniors in minority
      situations is a very real problem. However, few studies have been conducted on
      this subject. We wanted to better understand this issue in New Brunswick while
      taking into account the language aspect. In this article, we will present the
      problem based on different issues encountered by Francophones in minority
      situations and by giving an overview of the studies conducted on French-speaking
      seniors in minority situations. We will then address the issue related to the
      rights of French-speaking senior to receive services in French in nursing homes
      by analyzing briefly the province's legal requirements. Furthermore, we will
      present the regulatory framework of nursing homes in New Brunswick. Finally, we
      will provide a geographic analysis of existing New Brunswick nursing homes while
      taking into account the language aspect, the levels of service and the
      distribution of French-speaking seniors within the territory.

PMID- 22067634
TI  - Predictors of multiple sclerosis in children and implications for early
      initiation of treatment.

PMID- 22067635
TI  - MRI parameters for prediction of multiple sclerosis diagnosis in children with
      acute CNS demyelination: a prospective national cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostic criteria incorporate MRI features
      that can be used to predict later diagnosis of MS in adults with acute CNS
      demyelination. To identify MRI predictors of a subsequent MS diagnosis in a
      paediatric population, we created a standardised scoring method and applied it to
      MRI scans from a national prospective incidence cohort of children with CNS
      demyelination. METHODS: Clinical and MRI examinations were done at the onset of
      acute CNS demyelination and every 3 months in the first year after that, and at
      the time of a second demyelinating attack. MS was diagnosed on the basis of
      clinical or MRI evidence of relapsing disease. Baseline MRI scans were assessed
      for the presence of 14 binary response parameters. Parameters were assessed with
      a multiple tetrachoric correlation matrix. Univariate analyses and multivariable
      Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of MS. FINDINGS:
      Between Sept 1, 2004, and June 30, 2010, 332 children and adolescents were
      assessed for eligibility. 1139 scans were available from 284 eligible
      participants who had been followed up for 3.9 (SD 1.7) years. 57 (20%) were
      diagnosed with MS after a median of 188 (IQR 144-337) days. Seven of 14 binary
      response parameters were retained. The presence of either one or more T1-weighted
      hypointense lesions (hazard ratio 20.6, 95% CI 5.46-78.0) or one or more
      periventricular lesions (3.34, 1.27-8.83) was associated with an increased
      likelihood of MS diagnosis (sensitivity 84%, specificity 93%, positive predictive
      value 76%, negative predictive value 96%). Risk for MS diagnosis was highest when
      both parameters were present (34.27, 16.69-70.38). Although the presence of
      contrast enhancement, cerebral white matter, intracallosal, and brainstem lesions
      was associated with MS in the univariate analyses, these parameters were not
      retained in the multivariable models. INTERPRETATION: Specific MRI parameters can
      be used to predict diagnosis of MS in children with incident demyelination of the
      CNS. The ability to promptly identify children with MS will enhance timely access
      to care and will be important for future clinical trials in paediatric MS.
      FUNDING: Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation.

PMID- 22067636
TI  - Chemotherapeutic errors in hospitalised cancer patients: attributable damage and
      extra costs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In spite of increasing efforts to enhance patient safety, medication
      errors in hospitalised patients are still relatively common, but with potentially
      severe consequences. This study aimed to assess antineoplastic medication errors
      in both affected patients and intercepted cases in terms of frequency, severity
      for patients, and costs. METHODS: A 1-year prospective study was conducted in
      order to identify the medication errors that occurred during chemotherapy
      treatment of cancer patients at a French university hospital. The severity and
      potential consequences of intercepted errors were independently assessed by two
      physicians. A cost analysis was performed using a simulation of potential
      hospital stays, with estimations based on the costs of diagnosis-related groups.
      RESULTS: Among the 6, 607 antineoplastic prescriptions, 341 (5.2%) contained at
      least one error, corresponding to a total of 449 medication errors. However, most
      errors (n = 436) were intercepted before medication was administered to the
      patients. Prescription errors represented 91% of errors, followed by
      pharmaceutical (8%) and administration errors (1%). According to an independent
      estimation, 13.4% of avoided errors would have resulted in temporary injury and
      2.6% in permanent damage, while 2.6% would have compromised the vital prognosis
      of the patient, with four to eight deaths thus being avoided. Overall, 13
      medication errors reached the patient without causing damage, although two
      patients required enhanced monitoring. If the intercepted errors had not been
      discovered, they would have resulted in 216 additional days of hospitalisation
      and cost an estimated annual total of 92,907?, comprising 69,248? (74%) in
      hospital stays and 23,658? (26%) in additional drugs. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      point to the very small number of chemotherapy errors that actually reach
      patients, although problems in the chemotherapy ordering process are frequent,
      with the potential for being dangerous and costly.

PMID- 22067638
TI  - The benefits of intermittent self-catheterization.

PMID- 22067639
TI  - Improving staff engagement and patient care: use of novel initiatives.
AB  - Staff engagement and patient care are two key aspects of the healthcare system.
      Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH) NHS Trust is focused on achieving
      excellence in these areas and has used innovative initiatives to realize these
      aims. Listening into Action (LiA) is a comprehensive outcome-orientated approach
      which is aimed at harnessing the ideas of frontline staff. LiA has led to
      improvement in results from staff surveys and the fostering of a more
      collaborative approach. The Trust has started to use a Foley catheter tray with
      the aim of improving catheter procedures. The Foley catheter trays, which include
      all the necessary equipment for an aseptic catheterization, were introduced
      across the Trust over a 4-week period. Uptake and implementation were excellent
      with the use of the Foley catheter tray, and were associated with a reduction in
      catheterization time.

PMID- 22067640
TI  - Using behavioural methods to manage faecal incontinence.
AB  - Faecal incontinence is a common problem for patients who have suffered a stroke.
      However, patients arriving at a neurorehabilitation unit are often reluctant to
      disclose their problem, and transfer documentation is sometimes incomplete.
      Nurses need to be aware that this is a sensitive area for patients, which can
      adversely affect their rehabilitation progress. Nurses and other professional
      practitioners must work together as a team, as the impact of faecal incontinence
      can be highly distressing for patients, and can result in inefficient use of
      therapy time. This article examines how the rehabilitation nurse, using evidence
      based practice, can manage faecal incontinence effectively within a structured
      assessment and therapy programme, and shows it is possible to manage patients'
      bowel actions proactively. The benefits of this include maximizing therapy and
      nursing time and preventing delayed discharges. This article is based on a
      thorough assessment originating from a case study.

PMID- 22067641
TI  - Management of psoriasis and its comorbidities in primary care.
AB  - Psoriasis is a common chronic disfiguring skin disease. Its management depends on
      the extent of disease, sites affected, comorbidities, and patient's background or
      lifestyle. In the UK, psoriasis treatment starts in the primary care with range
      of topical applications, including steroids, vitamin D analogues and coal tar.
      However, psoriasis is associated with physical, psychological and metabolic
      comorbidities which could not be improved by topical therapy. The aim of this
      review is to address the challenge in managing these comorbidities within primary
      care.

PMID- 22067642
TI  - Nurse-led homeless intermediate care: an economic evaluation.
AB  - This article describes a homeless intermediate care pilot project that took place
      at a 120-bedded homeless hostel in South London in 2009. During the year, 34
      hostel clients directly benefited from intermediate care. At the end of the year,
      the number of hospital admissions to the hostel had dropped 77% relative to 2008,
      and the number of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances had dropped 52%.
      Hospital 'did not attends' (DNAs) were 22% lower. An economic evaluation found
      that the pilot project was cost neutral overall, and there is some evidence that
      health outcomes improved. The project now has mainstream funding and has recently
      received a national community nursing award. Its success has been recognized
      nationally as an example of innovative practice in work with vulnerable groups
      (Department of Health (DH), 2010).

PMID- 22067643
TI  - To pray or not to pray: a question of ethics.
AB  - There is a widespread belief that nurses have a duty to provide spiritual care.
      However, many feel there is still a need for debate surrounding the ethical use
      of prayer in both nursing research and practice. By using critical reflections
      and evidence-based literature, this paper develops a discourse on the ethics of
      prayer as a spiritual intervention in nursing and health care practice. Several
      key ethical issues are highlighted. In regards to research, lack of informed
      consent is a major concern in both research and nursing practice. Key ethical
      issues in practice include questions around intention and authority, e.g. despite
      the religious beliefs of the nurse, intentions to proselytize must be avoided to
      protect patient autonomy and avoid abuse of the nurse's authority. Furthermore,
      prayer has unknown side effects and implications. This paper concludes that, in
      practice, nurses must reconcile their personal, spiritual beliefs with their
      professional duties, and while this may be a delicate balance, it is not yet
      appropriate to encourage or dissuade a patient from their beliefs until
      appropriate research evidence is produced.

PMID- 22067644
TI  - Supporting the self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 10:
      confidentiality.

PMID- 22067645
TI  - Can older nurses still provide care?

PMID- 22067646
TI  - Tooling up for patient safety: 'seeing is believing'.

PMID- 22067647
TI  - Smoking cessation: implementing hospital-based services.
AB  - Smoking cessation services are well established in the community. In recent
      years, an increase in their availability has been recommended and secondary care
      settings were identified as suitable locations. This article draws on the
      evidence base underpinning this move and uses findings from an evaluation of such
      a service introduced into an acute hospital to illustrate the key principles to
      be considered. These principles included receptiveness of the hospital
      environment to the smoking cessation message, the importance of organizational
      preparation before launching the service, collaboration within the hospital and
      in the community, resourcing of the initiative, training of staff and providing
      feedback to staff on progress (e.g. quit rates resulting from initiative). The
      paper concludes that broad acceptance at all levels within the hospital, which
      enhances a stop smoking culture, in parallel with an in-depth preparation and
      training period, is required to successfully launch a hospital-based stop smoking
      service.

PMID- 22067648
TI  - The essence of the role of the nurse as teacher.

PMID- 22067649
TI  - Education that works in practice.

PMID- 22067650
TI  - Actomyosin contractililty: force power drives tumor growth.

PMID- 22067651
TI  - Ribosome biogenesis and p53: who is regulating whom?

PMID- 22067652
TI  - (H)if blood stem cells gO2 sleep: what can wake them up?

PMID- 22067653
TI  - Lineage reprogramming: a shortcut to generating functional neurons from
      fibroblasts.

PMID- 22067654
TI  - A novel role for activation-induced cytidine deaminase: central B-cell tolerance.

PMID- 22067655
TI  - Insulin resistance due to nutrient excess: is it a consequence of AMPK
      downregulation?
AB  - It has long been known that excesses of glucose and branched chain amino acids,
      such as leucine, lead to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. A recent study in
      incubated rat muscle suggests that both molecules may do so by virtue of their
      ability to downregulate the fuel sensing and signaling enzyme AMP-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK) and activate mTOR/p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) signaling. The
      results also demonstrated that inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K with rapamycin prevented
      the development of insulin resistance but had no effect on AMPK activity (Thr172
      phosphorylation of its catalytic subunit). In contrast, activation of AMPK by
      both AICAR and alpha-lipoic acid led to the phosphorylation of specific molecules
      that diminished both mTOR/p70S6K signaling and insulin resistance. These findings
      suggest that downregulation of AMPK precedes mTOR/p70S6K activation in mediating
      glucose and leucine-induced insulin resistance, although the mechanism by which
      it does so remains to be determined. Also requiring study is how an excess of the
      two nutrients leads to AMPK downregulation.

PMID- 22067656
TI  - Bioenergy sensing in the brain: the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in
      neuronal metabolism, development and neurological diseases.
AB  - Bioenergy homeostasis constitutes one of the most crucial foundations upon which
      other cellular and organismal processes may be executed. AMP-activated protein
      kinase (AMPK) has been shown to be the key player in the regulation of energy
      metabolism, and thus is becoming the focus of research on obesity, diabetes and
      other metabolic disorders. However, its role in the brain, the most energy
      consuming organ in our body, has only recently been studied and appreciated.
      Widely expressed in the brain, AMPK activity is tightly coupled to the energy
      status at both neuronal and whole-body levels. Importantly, AMPK signaling is
      intimately implicated in multiple aspects of brain development and function
      including neuronal proliferation, migration, morphogenesis and synaptic
      communication, as well as in pathological conditions such as neuronal cell death,
      energy depletion and neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 22067657
TI  - Effects of conditional depletion of topoisomerase II on cell cycle progression in
      mammalian cells.
AB  - Topoisomerase II (Topo II) that decatenates newly synthesized DNA is targeted by
      many anticancer drugs. Some of these drugs stabilize intermediate complexes of
      DNA with Topo II and others act as catalytic inhibitors of Topo II. Simultaneous
      depletion of Topo IIalpha and Topo IIbeta, the two isoforms of mammalian Topo II,
      prevents cell growth and normal mitosis, but the role of Topo II in other phases
      of mammalian cell cycle has not yet been elucidated. We have developed a
      derivative of p53-suppressed human cells with constitutive depletion of Topo
      IIbeta and doxycycline-regulated conditional depletion of Topo IIalpha. The
      effects of Topo II depletion on cell cycle progression were analyzed by time
      lapse video microscopy, pulse-chase flow cytometry and mitotic morphology. Topo
      II depletion increased the duration of the cell cycle and mitosis, interfered
      with chromosome condensation and sister chromatid segregation and led to frequent
      failure of cell division, ending in either cell death or restitution of polyploid
      cells. Topo II depletion did not change the rate of DNA replication but increased
      the duration of G 2. These results define the effects of decreased Topo II
      activity, rather than intermediate complex stabilization, on the mammalian cell
      cycle.

PMID- 22067659
TI  - Single molecule experimentation in biological physics: exploring the living
      component of soft condensed matter one molecule at a time.
AB  - The soft matter of biological systems consists of mesoscopic length scale
      building blocks, composed of a variety of different types of biological
      molecules. Most single biological molecules are so small that 1 billion would fit
      on the full-stop at the end of this sentence, but collectively they carry out the
      vital activities in living cells whose length scale is at least three orders of
      magnitude greater. Typically, the number of molecules involved in any given
      cellular process at any one time is relatively small, and so real physiological
      events may often be dominated by stochastics and fluctuation behaviour at levels
      comparable to thermal noise, and are generally heterogeneous in nature. This
      challenging combination of heterogeneity and stochasticity is best investigated
      experimentally at the level of single molecules, as opposed to more conventional
      bulk ensemble-average techniques. In recent years, the use of such molecular
      experimental approaches has become significantly more widespread in research
      laboratories around the world. In this review we discuss recent experimental
      approaches in biological physics which can be applied to investigate the living
      component of soft condensed matter to a precision of a single molecule.

PMID- 22067660
TI  - Focus on central venous pressure monitoring in an acute care setting.

PMID- 22067658
TI  - Networks of intergenic long-range enhancers and snpRNAs drive castration
      resistant phenotype of prostate cancer and contribute to pathogenesis of multiple
      common human disorders.
AB  - The mechanistic relevance of intergenic disease-associated genetic loci (IDAGL)
      containing highly statistically significant disease-linked SNPs remains unknown.
      Here, we present experimental and clinical evidence supporting the importantance
      of the role of IDAGL in human diseases. A targeted RT-PCR screen coupled with
      sequencing of purified PCR products detects widespread transcription at multiple
      IDAGL and identifies 96 small noncoding trans-regulatory RNAs of ~100-300 nt in
      length containing SNPs (snpRNAs) associated with 21 common disorders. Multiple
      independent lines of experimental evidence support functionality of snpRNAs by
      documenting their cell type-specific expression and evolutionary conservation of
      sequences, genomic coordinates and biological effects. Chromatin state
      signatures, expression profiling experiments and luciferase reporter assays
      demonstrate that many IDAGL are Polycomb-regulated long-range enhancers.
      Expression of snpRNAs in human and mouse cells markedly affects cellular behavior
      and induces allele-specific clinically relevant phenotypic changes: NLRP1-locus
      snpRNAs rs2670660 exert regulatory effects on monocyte/macrophage
      transdifferentiation, induce prostate cancer (PC) susceptibility snpRNAs and
      transform low-malignancy hormone-dependent human PC cells into highly malignant
      androgen-independent PC. Q-PCR analysis and luciferase reporter assays
      demonstrate that snpRNA sequences represent allele-specific "decoy" targets of
      microRNAs that function as SNP allele-specific modifiers of microRNA expression
      and activity. We demonstrate that trans-acting RNA molecules facilitating
      resistance to androgen depletion (RAD) in vitro and castration-resistant
      phenotype (CRP) in vivo of PC contain intergenic 8q24-locus SNP variants
      (rs1447295; rs16901979; rs6983267) that were recently linked with increased risk
      of PC. Q-PCR analysis of clinical samples reveals markedly increased and highly
      concordant (r = 0.896; p < 0.0001) snpRNA expression levels in tumor tissues
      compared with the adjacent normal prostate [122-fold and 45-fold in Gleason 7
      tumors (p = 0.03); 370-fold and 127-fold in Gleason 8 tumors (p = 0.0001) for
      NLRP1-locus and 8q24-locus snpRNAs, respectively]. Our experiments indicate that
      RAD and CR phenotype of human PC cells can be triggered by ncRNA molecules
      transcribed from the NLRP1-locus intergenic enhancer at 17p13 and by downstream
      activation of the 8q24-locus snpRNAs. Our results define the IDAGL at 17p13 and
      8q24 as candidate regulatory loci of RAD and CR phenotypes of PC, reveal
      previously unknown molecular links between the innate immunity/inflammasome
      system and development of hormone-independent PC and identify novel molecular and
      genetic targets with diagnostic and therapeutic potentials, exploration of which
      should be highly beneficial for personalized clinical management of PC.

PMID- 22067662
TI  - Return on public health investment: CDC's Expanded HIV Testing Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over a 3-year period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      invested $102.3 million in a large-scale HIV testing program, the Expanded HIV
      Testing Initiative for populations disproportionally affected by HIV. Policy
      makers, who must optimize public health given a set budget, are interested in the
      financial return on investment (ROI) of large-scale HIV testing. METHODS: We
      conducted an ROI analysis using expenditure and outcome data from the program. A
      health system perspective was used that included all program expenditures
      including medical costs of treating newly diagnosed patients. We incorporated
      benefits of HIV transmissions averted from persons diagnosed of their infection
      through the Initiative compared with when, on average, those persons would have
      been diagnosed without the Initiative (3 years later in the base case). HIV
      transmissions were derived from a published mathematical model of HIV
      transmission. In sensitivity analysis, we tested the effect of 1-year to 5-year
      alternate testing intervals and differences in the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV
      infection. RESULTS: Under the Initiative, 2.7 million persons were tested for
      HIV, there was a newly diagnosed HIV positivity rate of 0.7%, and an estimated
      3381 HIV infections were averted. It achieved a return of $1.95 for every dollar
      invested. ROI ranged from $1.46 to $2.01 for alternative testing intervals of 1-5
      years and remained above $1 (positive return on investment) with a prevalence of
      undiagnosed HIV infection as low as 0.12%. CONCLUSIONS: The expanded testing
      Initiative yielded ROI values of >$1 under a broad range of sensitivity analyses
      and provides further support for large-scale HIV testing programs.

PMID- 22067661
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, controlled study of NGX-4010, a capsaicin 8% dermal
      patch, for the treatment of painful HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Effective treatment of HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy
      remains a significant unmet therapeutic need. METHODS: In this randomized, double
      blind, controlled study, patients with pain due to HIV-associated distal sensory
      polyneuropathy received a single 30-minute or 60-minute application of NGX-4010-
      a capsaicin 8% patch (n = 332)--or a low-dose capsaicin (0.04%) control patch (n
      = 162). The primary endpoint was the mean percent change from baseline in Numeric
      Pain Rating Scale score to weeks 2-12. Secondary endpoints included patient
      global impression of change at week 12. RESULTS: Pain reduction was not
      significantly different between the total NGX-4010 group (-29.5%) and the total
      control group (-24.5%; P = 0.097). Greater pain reduction in the 60-minute (
      30.0%) versus the 30-minute control group (-19.1%) prevented intended pooling of
      the control groups to test individual NGX-4010 treatment groups. No significant
      pain reduction was observed for the 30-minute NGX-4010 group compared with 30
      minute control (-26.2% vs.-19.1%, respectively, P = 0.103). Pain reductions in
      the 60-minute NGX-4010 and control groups were comparable (-32.8% vs. -30.0%,
      respectively; P = 0.488). Posthoc nonparametric testing demonstrated significant
      differences favoring the total (P = 0.044) and 30-minute NGX-4010 groups (P =
      0.035). Significantly, more patients in the total and 30-minute NGX-4010 group
      felt improved on the patient global impression of change versus control (67% vs.
      55%, P = 0.011 and 65% vs. 45%, P = 0.006, respectively). Mild to moderate
      transient application site pain and erythema were the most common adverse events.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary endpoint analyses were not significant, trends
      toward pain improvement were observed after a single 30-minute NGX-4010
      treatment.

PMID- 22067663
TI  - Interpretation of genotypic resistance to predict darunavir/ritonavir failure in
      antiretroviral experienced patients.
AB  - From the Italian Antiretroviral Resistance Cohort Analysis database, 1104
      patients starting ritonavir-boosted darunavir-containing regimen were included as
      follows: 118 subsequently failed treatment at a median of 11 months
      (interquartile range: 5-20); 3 years failure proportion: 24.6%. HIV Drug
      Resistance Database and ANRS interpretation algorithms were associated with a
      progressive risk prediction of virological failure at adjusted Cox. In contrast,
      Rega algorithm allows to identify a higher number of patients at risk of failure,
      without losing statistical significance. Four mutations (V32I, I50V, L76V, I84V)
      were predictive of failure, the hazard ratio progressively increased by detecting
      1 (hazard ratio: 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 3.0), 2 (3.6, 2.0 to 6.6),
      or 3 of them (9.7, 2.8 to 33.5).

PMID- 22067664
TI  - Rapamycin with antiretroviral therapy in AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma: an AIDS
      Malignancy Consortium study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The mammalian target of rapamycin is activated in Kaposi sarcoma (KS)
      and its inhibitor, rapamycin, has induced KS regression in transplant-associated
      KS. This study aimed to evaluate rapamycin's safety and toxicity in HIV-infected
      individuals with KS receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), investigate rapamycin
      interactions with both protease inhibitor (PI)-containing and nonnucleoside
      reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-containing ART regimens, and assess
      clinical and biological endpoints including KS response and mammalian target of
      rapamycin-dependent signaling. METHODS: Seven participants, 4 on PI-based and 3
      on NNRTI-based ART, had rapamycin titrated to achieve trough concentrations of 5
      10 ng/mL. Patients were monitored for safety and KS response. KS biopsies were
      evaluated for changes in phosphoribosomal S6 protein, and phospho-Akt expression.
      Interleukin 6 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels, HIV and KS
      associated herpesvirus viral loads, and CD4 counts were monitored. RESULTS:
      Despite pharmacokinetic interactions resulting in >200-fold differences in
      cumulative weekly rapamycin doses between participants on PI-containing and NNRTI
      containing regimens, treatment was well tolerated. There were no significant
      changes in viral loads or cytokine levels; modest initial decreases in CD4 counts
      occurred in some patients. Three participants, all on PI-containing regimens and
      with higher rapamycin exposure, showed partial KS responses. Three of 4 subjects
      whose biopsies were studied at >=day 50 showed decreased phosphoribosomal S6
      protein staining. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin seems safe in HIV-infected individuals
      with KS and can, in some cases, induce tumor regression and affect its molecular
      targets. Significant pharmacokinetic interactions require careful titration to
      achieve target drug trough concentrations but may be exploited to achieve
      therapeutic benefit.

PMID- 22067665
TI  - Outcomes of antiretroviral treatment programs in rural Southern Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on outcomes of antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs in rural
      sub-Saharan African are scarce. We describe early losses and long-term outcomes
      in 6 rural programs in Southern Africa with limited access to viral load
      monitoring and second-line ART. METHODS: Patients aged >=16 years starting ART in
      2 programs each in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho were included. We evaluated
      risk factors for no follow-up after starting ART and mortality and loss to follow
      up (LTFU) over 3 years of ART, using logistic regression and competing risk
      models. Odds ratios and subdistribution hazard ratios, adjusted for gender, age
      category, CD4 category, and World Health Organization stage at start of ART are
      reported. RESULTS: Among 7725 patients, 449 (5.8%) did not return after
      initiation of ART. During 9575 person-years, 698 (9.6%) of those with at least 1
      follow-up visit died, and 1319 (18.1%) were LTFU. At 3 years, the cumulative
      incidence of death and LTFU were 12.5% (11.5%-13.5%) and 25.4% (24.0%-26.9%),
      respectively, with important differences between countries as follows: in
      Zimbabwe 75.1% (72.8%-77.3%) were alive and on ART at 3 years compared with 55.4%
      (52.8%-58.0%) in Lesotho and 51.6% (48.0%-55.2%) in Mozambique. In all settings,
      young age and male gender predicted LTFU, whereas advanced clinical stage and low
      baseline CD4 counts predicted death. CONCLUSIONS: In African ART programs with
      limited access to second-line treatment, mortality, and LTFU are high in the
      first 3 years of ART. Low retention in care is a major threat to the
      sustainability of ART delivery in Southern Africa, particularly in rural sites.

PMID- 22067667
TI  - Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of HIV-1 isolates obtained from
      patients on rilpivirine therapy experiencing virologic failure in the phase 3
      ECHO and THRIVE studies: 48-week analysis.
AB  - Genotypic and phenotypic characterization was performed of HIV-1 isolates from
      treatment-naive HIV-1-infected patients experiencing virologic failure (VF)
      during treatment with the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTIs)
      rilpivirine or efavirenz in the pooled phase 3 studies ECHO and THRIVE. Among 686
      patients receiving rilpivirine, 72 (10%) experienced VF versus 39 of 682 (6%)
      receiving efavirenz. In patients with low baseline viral load (VL) <=100,000
      copies per milliliter, the proportions of rilpivirine VFs (19 of 368) and
      efavirenz VFs (16 of 330) were the same (5%). In patients with high baseline VL
      >100,000 copies per milliliter, the proportion of VFs was higher with rilpivirine
      (53 of 318; 17%) than efavirenz (23 of 352; 7%). The rate of rilpivirine VF was
      comparable between HIV-1 subtype B-infected (11%) and nonsubtype B-infected (8%)
      patients. The absolute number of VFs with treatment-emergent NNRTI resistance
      associated mutations (RAMs) was higher for rilpivirine (most commonly E138K or
      K101E) than efavirenz (most commonly K103N), but relative proportions were
      similar [63% (39 of 62) vs. 54% (15 of 28), respectively]. More rilpivirine VFs
      had treatment-emergent nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor RAMs
      than efavirenz VFs [68% (42 of 62) versus 32% (9 of 28), respectively], most
      commonly M184I and M184V. The proportion of rilpivirine VFs with RAMs in patients
      with low baseline VL was lower than in those with high baseline VL [38% (6 of 16)
      versus 72% (33 of 46) for NNRTI RAMs and 44% (7 of 16) versus 76% (35 of 46) for
      nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor RAMs, respectively]. In
      summary, VF and treatment-emergent reverse transcriptase RAMs were similar at low
      baseline VL but more frequent at high baseline VL in rilpivirine-treated than in
      efavirenz-treated patients. The frequent emergence of E138K, especially in
      combination with M184I, in rilpivirine VFs is a unique finding of these trials.

PMID- 22067666
TI  - Measurement of mucosal biomarkers in a phase 1 trial of intravaginal 3%
      StarPharma LTD 7013 gel (VivaGel) to assess expanded safety.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the 3% StarPharma
      LTD 7013 gel (VivaGel) on mucosal immune markers hypothesized to be associated
      with HIV-1 acquisition. DESIGN: Phase 1, placebo-controlled, randomized, double
      blind clinical trial was performed in 54 young women in the United States and
      Kenya. Participants used carbopol gel with and without (placebo) StarPharma LTD
      7013 twice daily over 14 days. Cervical specimens were collected for cytokines,
      chemokines, T cells, and dendritic cells at days 0, 7, 14, and 21. A negative
      binomial regression model was used to assess differences between study arms.
      RESULTS: Several mucosal immune parameters were increased in the VivaGel arm
      compared with placebo. For cytokines D7, IL-6 (P = 0.05); D 14, interferon gamma
      (P = 0.03), IL-2 (P = 0.04), IL-5 (P = 0.003), and IL-10 (P = 0.001) were
      increased. On D7, CD8+/CD69+ T cells tended to be increased (P < 0.08); limiting
      analysis to visits without blood or bacterial vaginosis, these findings were
      stronger as follows: at D7, CD8+/CD69+ T cells were increased in the VivaGel arm
      (P < 0.005), as were CD4+/CD69+ cells (P = 0.001) and CD4+/CCR5+ T cells (P =
      0.01). The changes described for D7 and 14 were no longer seen at D21.
      CONCLUSIONS: Markers associated with inflammation and epithelial damage were
      reversibly elevated in the VivaGel arm compared with the placebo arm after 7-14
      days of twice daily product use.

PMID- 22067668
TI  - Cell phone-based and internet-based monitoring and evaluation of the National
      Antiretroviral Treatment Program during rapid scale-up in Rwanda: TRACnet, 2004
      2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Monitoring and evaluation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) scale-up
      has been challenging in resource-limited settings. We describe an innovative cell
      phone-based and internet-based reporting system (TRACnet) utilized in Rwanda.
      METHODS: From January 2004 to June 30, 2010, all health facilities with ART
      services submitted standardized monthly aggregate reports of key indicators.
      National cohort data were analyzed to examine trends in characteristics of
      patients initiating ART and cumulative cohort outcomes. Estimates of HIV-infected
      patients eligible for ART were obtained from Joint United Nations Program on
      HIV/AIDS (Estimation and Projection Package-Spectrum, 2010). RESULTS: By June 30,
      2010, 295 (65%) of 451 health centers, District and referral hospitals provided
      ART services; of these, 255 (86%) were located outside Kigali, the capital. Cell
      phone-based and internet-based reporting was used by 253 (86%) and 42 (14%),
      respectively. As of June 30, 2010, 83,041 patients were alive on ART, 6171 (6%)
      had died, and 9621 (10%) were lost-to-follow-up. Of those alive on ART, 7111
      (8.6%) were children, 50,971 (61.4%) were female, and 1823 (2.2%) were on a
      second-line regimen. The proportion of all patients initiating ART at World
      Health Organization clinical stages 3 and 4 declined from 65% in 2005 to 27% in
      2010. National ART coverage of eligible patients increased from 13% in 2005 to
      79% in 2010. CONCLUSIONS: Rwanda has successfully expanded ART access and
      achieved high national ART coverage among eligible patients. TRACnet captured
      essential data about the ART program during rapid scale-up. Cell phone-based and
      internet-based reporting may be useful for monitoring and evaluation of similar
      public health initiatives in other resource-limited settings.

PMID- 22067670
TI  - Curcumin-supplemented yoghurt improves physiological and biochemical markers of
      experimental diabetes.
AB  - We investigated the effects of prolonged treatment of diabetic rats with curcumin
      supplemented yoghurt on the physiological and biochemical changes associated with
      diabetes mellitus. An established metabolic cage model was used to assess these
      changes in three groups of streptozotocin-diabetic rats which had been
      administered, by gavage, curcumin blended into yoghurt in the doses of 30, 60 and
      90 mg/kg body weight (BW) per d (groups DC30, DC60, DC90) for 31 d. One group of
      non-diabetic rats was also treated with 90 mg/kg BW per d curcumin (NDC90). Three
      control groups of diabetic animals received water (DW), yoghurt (DY) and insulin
      at 27.78 MUmol/d by subcutaneous injection (DI). Also, two groups of non-diabetic
      animals received water (NDW) and yoghurt (NDY). Groups DI and DC90 exhibited
      significant falls, relative to DW and DY, in food and water intake, urine volume,
      glycaemia, urinary urea and glucose, proteinuria, serum TAG and activities of
      aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, and higher hepatic glycogen and BW.
      These improvements were greater in DI than in DC90. No difference was observed in
      the serum levels of total cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol, or in the masses of
      adipose and muscular tissues, between DC90 and DW or DY. Moreover, the
      improvements in curcumin-treated rats, relative to DW and DY, were significant
      and dose-dependent. The NDC90 group also showed no difference from the NDW or NDY
      groups, in any of the markers for diabetes. In conclusion, curcumin mixed into
      yoghurt at the highest dose tested exhibited anti-diabetic activity, improving
      significantly most of the markers assessed in this study.

PMID- 22067669
TI  - The GABA(A) receptor agonist THIP ameliorates specific behavioral deficits in the
      mouse model of fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Hyperactivity, hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli, and exaggerated fear are
      common behavioral abnormalities observed in individuals with fragile X syndrome
      (FXS), a neurodevelopmental disorder that is the most common genetic cause of
      autism. Evidence from studies of the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS
      supports the notion that impaired GABAergic transmission in different brain
      regions such as the amygdala, striatum or cerebral cortex is central to FXS
      behavioral abnormalities. This suggests that the GABAergic system might be an
      intriguing target to ameliorate some of the phenotypes in FXS. Our recent work
      revealed that THIP (gaboxadol), a GABA(A) receptor agonist, can restore principal
      neuron excitability deficits in the Fmr1 KO amygdala, suggesting that THIP may
      also restore some of the key behavioral abnormalities in Fmr1 KO mice. Here, we
      reveal that THIP significantly attenuated hyperactivity in Fmr1 KO mice, and
      reduced prepulse inhibition in a volume-dependent manner. In contrast, THIP did
      not reverse the deficits in cued fear or startle response. Thus, this study shows
      that enhancing GABAergic transmission can correct specific behavioral phenotypes
      of the Fmr1 KO mouse further supporting that targeting the GABAergic system, and
      specifically tonic inhibition, might be important for correcting or ameliorating
      some key behaviors in FXS.

PMID- 22067671
TI  - Statistical learning methods as a preprocessing step for survival analysis:
      evaluation of concept using lung cancer data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Statistical learning (SL) techniques can address non-linear
      relationships and small datasets but do not provide an output that has an
      epidemiologic interpretation. METHODS: A small set of clinical variables (CVs)
      for stage-1 non-small cell lung cancer patients was used to evaluate an approach
      for using SL methods as a preprocessing step for survival analysis. A stochastic
      method of training a probabilistic neural network (PNN) was used with
      differential evolution (DE) optimization. Survival scores were derived
      stochastically by combining CVs with the PNN. Patients (n = 151) were
      dichotomized into favorable (n = 92) and unfavorable (n = 59) survival outcome
      groups. These PNN derived scores were used with logistic regression (LR) modeling
      to predict favorable survival outcome and were integrated into the survival
      analysis (i.e. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression). The hybrid modeling was
      compared with the respective modeling using raw CVs. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve (Az) was used to compare model predictive
      capability. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to compare
      disease associations with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The LR model
      with the best predictive capability gave Az = 0.703. While controlling for gender
      and tumor grade, the OR = 0.63 (CI: 0.43, 0.91) per standard deviation (SD)
      increase in age indicates increasing age confers unfavorable outcome. The hybrid
      LR model gave Az = 0.778 by combining age and tumor grade with the PNN and
      controlling for gender. The PNN score and age translate inversely with respect to
      risk. The OR = 0.27 (CI: 0.14, 0.53) per SD increase in PNN score indicates those
      patients with decreased score confer unfavorable outcome. The tumor grade
      adjusted hazard for patients above the median age compared with those below the
      median was HR = 1.78 (CI: 1.06, 3.02), whereas the hazard for those patients
      below the median PNN score compared to those above the median was HR = 4.0 (CI:
      2.13, 7.14). CONCLUSION: We have provided preliminary evidence showing that the
      SL preprocessing may provide benefits in comparison with accepted approaches. The
      work will require further evaluation with varying datasets to confirm these
      findings.

PMID- 22067674
TI  - Shifting mindsets: work in progress.
AB  - The past few months have seen a hive of activity related to the publishing of
      reports and documents in the UK. July heralded the arrival of the long-awaited
      final report on the Palliative Care Funding Review (Hughes-Hallett et al, 2011).

PMID- 22067673
TI  - Adjuvant hepatic arterial infusional chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and
      cisplatin after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether adjuvant hepatic arterial infusional
      chemotherapy (HAIC) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin reduces the
      recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. METHODS:
      Between January 2006 and December 2008, 31 HCC patients received four cycles of
      adjuvant HAIC with 5-FU and cisplatin via port system after curative resection.
      During the same period, 62 patients, who did not take any adjuvant therapy, were
      selected as controls. RESULTS: Tumor characteristics, such as distribution of TNM
      stage, pathologic differentiation, portal vein invasion, or microscopic invasion
      did not differ between control and adjuvant groups. During follow-up, recurrence
      developed in 11 adjuvant (35.5%) and 24 control patients (38.7%; p = 0.823).
      Tumor progression after recurrence was the cause of death in 2 adjuvant (28.6%)
      and 7 control patients (38.8%; p = 0.912). The 2-year recurrence rate was 9.1% in
      the adjuvant group and 4.2% in the control group, with the median recurrence-free
      survival time being 10.5 and 7.5 months, respectively (p = 0.324). The 3-year
      cumulative survival rate was 73.3% in the adjuvant group and 68.3% in the control
      group (p = 0.355). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant HAIC with 5-FU and cisplatin did not
      offer any beneficial effect on the recurrence after curative resection of HCC.

PMID- 22067675
TI  - Transferring service provision from a Primary Care Trust to a charity:  what
      needs to be considered?
AB  - On 1 April 2011, specialist palliative care (SPC) services in NHS Berkshire West
      transferred to Sue Ryder, a third sector provider of health and social care in
      the UK. Prior to the transfer, Berkshire West Primary Care Trust (PCT)
      commissioned services from its own provider arm and from Sue Ryder's Nettlebed
      Hospice in South Oxfordshire.

PMID- 22067676
TI  - Advance directives: Portuguese  palliative care professionals' views.
AB  - Advance directives are a controversial subject in Portugal at present,
      particularly among health professionals. Although some health professionals
      consider them to be important tools that are helpful in making proper decisions
      and promoting patient autonomy, others think that they may interfere with the
      human and relational dimension of care. It is therefore timely to investigate
      health professionals' views of advance directives in more detail. This study
      aimed to identify and reflect on Portuguese palliative care professionals'
      perspectives of advanced directives and their relevance to end-of-life decision
      making. A qualitative exploratory methodology was adopted in which interviews
      were conducted with two physicians, six nurses, two psychologists, and one social
      worker from four palliative care teams based across Portugal. The findings
      emphasize the relevance of advance directives to ethical decision-making
      processes in palliative care. However, debates are needed regarding whether
      advance directives should be legally binding.

PMID- 22067677
TI  - Symptom experience and management among people with acute myeloid leukaemia in
      Thailand.
AB  - In Thailand, haematological malignancy is one of the most common types of cancer.
      This cross-sectional study, conducted in Southern Thailand, aimed to describe the
      symptom experiences of and symptom management strategies among patients with
      acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Sixty hospitalized patients with AML were
      recruited. The Symptom Experience Scale and two open-ended questions regarding
      symptom-management strategies were used to collect data via face-to-face
      interviews 2 weeks after the induction phase of the AML protocol. The data was
      analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. High fever, weakness,
      nausea, and anorexia were the four most prevalent symptoms reported. Other
      prevalent symptoms included weight loss, bleeding, nausea and vomiting,
      dysphagia, and a cluster of psycho-emotional symptoms: worrying, fear, feeling
      discouraged, and feeling bored. Patients used various approaches and strategies
      to alleviate their symptoms, which could be categorized into five groups:
      preventive, direct, distraction, complementary, and restorative approaches. This
      study has provided important information for the development of symptom
      management nursing programmes for patients with AML, particularly in Thailand.

PMID- 22067678
TI  - Development and evaluation of the Pain Assessment in the Communicatively Impaired
      (PACI) tool: part I.
AB  - Pain is a common symptom for long-term care residents, particularly those in need
      of palliative care. However, pain assessment in residents who have communication
      limitations is challenging. A study was conducted with the aim of developing a
      pain assessment tool that could feasibly be used by direct care providers in long
      term care with minimal training yet demonstrating strong psychometric properties.
      The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop and test the
      Pain Assessment in the Communicatively Impaired (PACI) tool. Part I of this paper
      reports on the development phase; a forthcoming second part will report on the
      testing phase. The overall results of this study support the psychometric
      properties and feasibility of the PACI tool, offering preliminary support for its
      use in clinical practice.

PMID- 22067679
TI  - Nursing interventions to promote dignified dying in South Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: This descriptive study aimed to assess the appropriateness of the
      International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) catalogue Palliative
      Care for Dignified Dying for palliative care nursing interventions in South
      Korea. METHODS: The study surveyed 213 South Korean nurses who might regularly
      care for dying patients. Nurses were recruited to complete a survey that included
      interventions from the ICNP catalogue listed with Likert response sets. FINDINGS:
      All of the interventions were scored as being at least 'slightly important' on
      average. The following three nursing interventions were ranked as most important
      when caring for dying patients: establish trust, establish rapport, and
      administer pain medication. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides new insights into the
      palliative care provided in South Korea by documenting nurses' views of what are
      the most important palliative care nursing interventions. It also suggests that
      the palliative care interventions listed in the ICNP catalogue Palliative Care
      for Dignified Dying are in congruence with the interventions that nurses in South
      Korea use.

PMID- 22067680
TI  - Challenges in home-based palliative care in Norway: a qualitative study  of
      spouses' experiences.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Issues around patients' preferred place of care and death are
      taking greater precedence of late. However, little is known about patients' and
      carers' experiences of palliative care in the home setting. This study explored
      carers' views of what determines the quality of home care at the end of life.
      METHODS: The study made use of systems theory, the purpose of which is to obtain
      a broad understanding of a phenomenon by looking at the relations between its
      individual elements. Seven carers (spouses) of people who died having received
      home-based palliative care in three different municipalities in Norway were
      interviewed. RESULTS: None of the participants had planned to give or receive
      palliative care in the home. However, they did not regret that the home had been
      the place of care. Factors deemed important to acheiving the best possible home
      based palliative care included around-the-clock help, holistic care, and
      affirmation of the significance of the carer's role. CONCLUSION: Health
      professionals should be more forthcoming in discussing the benefits and
      challenges of home-based palliative care and make greater acknowledgment of the
      carer's role. Treatment plans may be helpful in acheiving these goals.

PMID- 22067681
TI  - End of life in an Icelandic nursing home: an ethnographic study.
AB  - AIM: To examine care of the dying elderly in a nursing home in Iceland. METHODS:
      An ethnographic study design was adopted. The study sample comprised all of the
      nursing home residents, their relatives, and all of the staff working in the
      nursing home, but with a particular focus on the 11 registered nurses (RNs) on
      the site. Data was collected through participant observation, semi-structured
      group interviews with the RNs, and an examination of the nursing home's official
      records. Underlying themes were discovered using interpretative phenomenology.
      FINDINGS: Two main themes emerged: that palliative care is the most important
      element of care in the home, and that RNs are the pillars of caring for the dying
      elderly in the nursing home. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that RNs'
      professional knowledge can greatly contribute to the care of dying elderly
      residents in nursing homes. There seem to be many parallels between the condition
      and wellbeing of very frail nursing home residents and patients in specialized
      palliative care units for the elderly. Public awareness of palliative care of the
      elderly in Icelandic nursing homes should be encouraged.

PMID- 22067682
TI  - Politics and palliative care:  China (part II).

PMID- 22067683
TI  - Diazepam-induced decrease in anxiety-like behaviors of marmoset monkeys exposed
      to a novel open-field.
AB  - Unfamiliar environments can be a source of stress, fear and anxiety for marmoset
      monkeys. In spite of existing data, the influence of putative anxiolytics on the
      effects of novel environments has yet to be tested in primates. Therefore, the
      behavior of adult black tufted-ear marmosets to a single brief (15 min) exposure
      to a novel environment was analyzed in the presence and absence of diazepam
      (DZP). Marmosets were pre-treated with vehicle (n=5) or diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, ip;
      n=5) and submitted to a 15 min free exploration trial within a rectangular open
      field arena. DZP-treated subjects, compared to vehicle controls, demonstrated
      significantly lower rates of (phee) contact calls and exploration, while a higher
      scan duration. Sojourn time in the arena's central zone was also significantly
      higher in the former group and sedation was not observed. Thus, pre-treatment
      with the benzodiazepine DZP decreased several anxiety-related behaviors induced
      by subjecting the marmosets to a new environment. The results also indicate that,
      as with rodent subjects, the open-field may provide a useful simple paradigm for
      assessing anxiety-like behaviors in this primate and, as such, constitutes a
      unique opportunity for direct comparative studies between rodents and marmoset
      monkeys in terms of anxiety and/or sedation.

PMID- 22067684
TI  - Chinese women's sexuality concerns after gynecologic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexuality has been recognized as an integral aspect of quality of
      life. Issues surrounding sexuality have also been acknowledged to have a great
      impact on the quality of life of gynecologic cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: The
      objectives of this study were to describe sexual function and sexual activity
      among Chinese women after gynecologic cancer and to identify significant
      predicting factors of women's sexuality outcome changes. METHODS: This is a
      descriptive correlational study that was performed in mainland China. A sexuality
      scale was used to assess women's sexuality outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 156
      Chinese women who had gynecologic cancer were included in this study. Study
      results revealed that sexual dysfunction was an important concern among these
      women (62.2%). The rate of sexual inactivity (70.5%) was relatively high. Reasons
      for sexual inactivity were related to worry about possibly weakening the potency
      of treatment (46.5%), fear of cancer recurrence (41.1%), and lack of sexual
      interest (31%). When looking at predictors of negative changes of women's
      sexuality after cancer, this study found that older age (>50 years old) was
      associated with the decrease of sexual desire/interest (odds ratio, 3.64;
      confidence interval, 1.19-11.16). Women who received radiation therapy had more
      severe vaginal dryness (odds ratio, 2.27; confidence interval, 1.10-4.72) and
      were less sexually active than those who did not have radiation therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Chinese women after gynecologic cancer suffered from various
      sexuality concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Considering the high rates of
      sexual dysfunction and sexual inactivity, there is a need to integrate sexuality
      into routine nursing care.

PMID- 22067685
TI  - Male caregivers of patients with breast and gynecologic cancer: experiences from
      caring for their spouses and partners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is considerable evidence demonstrating the negative effects of
      caregiving particularly in the areas of psychological well-being and quality of
      life of family caregivers of patients with cancer. However, there is little work
      on male caregivers' subjective experience of caring for family members with
      cancer, and little is known on how caregivers experience the caring over time.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore male spouses'/partners'
      experience of caring for their wives/partners with breast and gynecologic cancer
      over a 1-year period. METHOD: An exploratory longitudinal qualitative descriptive
      design using face-to-face interviews of 15 spouses/partners was used in this
      study. Content analysis of the transcribed data was conducted to extract
      significant categories and themes. RESULTS: Varying degrees of interrelated
      cognitive, physical, and psychological impact were experienced by caregivers that
      extended to 12 months. Gender-specific attitudes prevented male caregivers from
      supporting their own self. Male caregivers dealt with problems that arose in the
      caregiving congruent with their masculinity, such as minimizing disruptions,
      focusing on tasks, and keeping their own stress to themselves. CONCLUSION: Male
      caregivers as a separate group with their own needs have not received much
      attention in the cancer literature, and their concerns and challenges may differ
      from those of female caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Male caregivers'
      concerns and challenges must be taken into consideration when planning
      appropriate interventions to support them in their caregiving role.

PMID- 22067688
TI  - Factors associated with self-care self-efficacy among gastric and colorectal
      cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated that self-efficacy plays a crucial
      role in self-care. However, findings from previous studies indicate that the
      relationships between self-efficacy and several variables are inconsistent.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of self-care self
      efficacy among Chinese gastric and colorectal cancer patients and to identify the
      demographic and disease-related, physical, psychological, and social factors
      associated with their self-care self-efficacy. METHODS: One hundred forty-eight
      cancer patients were recruited from hospitals in Shanghai and Shandong Province.
      Their self-efficacy, health status, social support, and mental health were
      assessed during face-to-face interview, using the Strategies Used by People to
      Promote Health (Chinese version), Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36, Social
      Support Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS:
      The overall level of self-care self-efficacy was moderate (mean, 80.34). The
      multiple regression analyses indicated that depression, physical functioning, use
      of available social support, vitality, and profession were indicators of the
      level of self-care self-efficacy and accounted for 60.9% of the variances.
      CONCLUSION: Participants who had less depression, better physical function, more
      social support, and higher vitality tended to have higher levels of self-care
      self-efficacy. Depression levels had the largest influence on self-care self
      efficacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings indicate that nurses may be able to
      influence certain cancer patients' self-care self-efficacy by attending to
      depression and other variables related to physical and social functioning.

PMID- 22067686
TI  - Smoking cessation in hospital workers: effectiveness of a coordinated program in
      33 hospitals in Catalonia (Spain).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Catalan Network of Smoke-free Hospitals coordinates a smoking
      cessation program addressed to hospital workers. The program included training in
      tobacco cessation, a common software, and free access to pharmacological
      treatments. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the
      Catalan Network of Smoke-free Hospitals smoking cessation program for abstinence
      among workers of the 33 participating hospitals. METHODS: A total of 930 hospital
      workers (in 33 hospitals) attended the cessation units between July 2005 and
      December 2007. The program included active follow-up during 6 months after
      quitting. We calculated 6-month abstinence probabilities by means of Kaplan-Meier
      curves according to gender, age, years of tobacco consumption, profession,
      Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score, and use of pharmacotherapy.
      RESULTS: Overall abstinence probability was 0.504 (95% confidence interval [CI]:
      0.431-0.570) at 6 months of follow-up. Abstinence was higher in men (0.526, 95%
      CI = 0.398-0.651) than in women (0.495, 95% CI = 0.410-0.581). Physicians had
      higher abstinence (0.659, 95% CI = 0.506-0.811) than nurses (0.463, 95% CI =
      0.349-0.576). Workers with high nicotine dependence (FTND > 7) had lower
      abstinence probability (0.376, 95% CI = 0.256-0.495) than workers, with FTND
      score equal or below 6 (0.529, 95% CI = 0.458-0.599). We observed the highest
      abstinence probabilities in workers treated with combined pharmacotherapy (0.761,
      95% CI = 0.588-0.933). CONCLUSION: Significant predictors of abstinence were
      smoking 10 to 19 cigarettes/day, having present low or medium FTND score, and
      using combined treatment (nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion).
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results show the feasibility and success of a
      smoking cessation program for hospital workers coordinated at the regional level.

PMID- 22067687
TI  - Changes in siblings after the death of a child from cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined changes in siblings after the death of a
      brother or sister, particularly from mother, father, and sibling perspectives
      within the first year after death. OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study identified
      and assessed the frequency of changes in siblings after a child's death from
      cancer. METHODS: Participants were recruited from cancer registries at 3
      hospitals in the United States and Canada 3 to 12 months after the child's death.
      Thirty-six mothers, 24 fathers, and 39 siblings from 40 families were included.
      Semistructured interviews using open-ended questions were conducted with each
      parent and sibling separately in the home. Content analysis identified emerging
      themes, and the McNemar tests compared frequencies between each paired set of
      reports (sibling vs mother, sibling vs father, mother vs father). RESULTS: Sixty
      nine percent of participants reported personal changes in siblings (eg, changes
      in personality, school work, goals/life perspective, activities/interests). Forty
      seven percent noted changes in siblings' relationships with family members and
      peers. Only 21% of participants reported no changes attributed to the death.
      Comparisons of frequencies across informants were not significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Most siblings experienced changes in multiple areas of their lives after the
      death of a brother or sister to cancer. Some changes reflected siblings that were
      positively adapting to the death, whereas other changes reflected difficulties.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Our findings offer guidance to improve aftercare for
      bereaved siblings and their families. Additional research is needed to further
      delineate the needs of bereaved siblings and to develop strategies to promote
      adaptation to loss.

PMID- 22067689
TI  - Arab American women's lived experience with early-stage breast cancer diagnosis
      and surgical treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, limited literature addresses Arab American women's
      responses to the impact of breast cancer and its treatments. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of the study was to understand the experience of being diagnosed with
      and undergoing surgical treatment for early-stage breast cancer among Arab
      American women. METHODS: A qualitative interpretive phenomenological research
      design was used for this study. A purposive sample of 10 Arab American women who
      were surgically treated for early-stage breast cancer in the United States was
      recruited. Data were collected using individual interviews and analyzed using the
      Heideggerian hermeneutical methodology. RESULTS: Arab American women accepted
      breast cancer diagnosis as something in God's hands that they had no control
      over. Although they were content with God's will, the women believed that the
      diagnosis was a challenge that they should confront. The women confronted this
      challenge by accessing the healthcare system for treatment, putting trust in
      their physicians, participating when able in treatment decisions, using religious
      practices for coping, maintaining a positive attitude toward the diagnosis and
      the treatment, and seeking information. CONCLUSION: Arab American women's
      fatalistic beliefs did not prevent them from seeking care and desiring treatment
      information and options when diagnosed with breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: It is important that healthcare providers encourage patients to express
      meanings they attribute to their illness to provide them with appropriate
      supportive interventions. They should also individually assess patients' decision
      making preferences, invite them to participate in decision making, and provide
      them with tailored means necessary for such participation without making any
      assumptions based on patients' ethnic/cultural background.

PMID- 22067690
TI  - Meaning in bone marrow transplant nurses' work: experiences before and after a
      "meaning-centered" intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When a clinical culture emphasizes cure, as in bone marrow
      transplantation (BMT) services, BMT nurses commonly experience enormous stress
      when patients are suffering or dying. In this context, it is unclear what
      meanings BMT nurses experience in their work and how they find meaning and
      sustain hope, given conflicting responsibilities to patients. OBJECTIVE: This
      study aimed to explore BMT nurses' experiences of meaning and hope and the
      effects of a meaning-centered intervention (MCI) on these experiences using
      qualitative methodology. METHODS: Fourteen BMT nurses engaged in a 5-session MCI,
      with 7 members each participating in 2 groups. Semistructured qualitative
      interviews were conducted at 1 month before and after the intervention.
      Interpretive phenomenology guided data analysis. RESULTS: The BMT nurses in the
      Princess Margaret Hospital experienced meaning in their involvement with their
      patients' suffering. The MCI seemed to inspire participants to engage more with
      patients and their suffering. Three subthemes reflected this influence: (a)
      greater awareness of boundaries between their personal and professional
      involvement, (b) enhanced empathy from an awareness of a shared mortality, and
      (c) elevated hope when nurses linked patients' suffering with meaning.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that patients' suffering constitutes nurses'
      search for meaning and hope in their work. The MCI offers a way in which to
      actively support nurses in this process. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses can
      learn to be more responsive to patients' suffering beyond limits of cure. A
      minimal intervention, such as the MCI, supports BMT nurses in finding positive
      personal meaning and purpose in their otherwise highly stressful work culture.

PMID- 22067691
TI  - Sense of coherence and need for support among long-term survivors of childhood
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of sense of coherence (SOC) may be applied to explain
      individuals' resources for dealing with the stressors confronted in daily life.
      Little is known about what impact cancer in childhood may have on the development
      of SOC. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to compare SOC between long
      term survivors of childhood cancer and a comparison group and to explore the need
      for current support among the survivors and the association between need for
      support and SOC. METHODS: Data were collected from 224 long-term survivors aged
      18 to 37 years using the 13-item SOC scale and interviews. A matched comparison
      group (n = 283) randomly selected from the general population was included.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean SOC score between the
      survivors and the comparison group. Twenty percent of the survivors reported a
      need for support, a need significantly predicted by a low SOC, as well as surgery
      and/or radiation treatment often in combination with chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Long-term survivors of childhood cancer seem to have resources to cope with
      stressful situations in life to the same degree as people in general. Survivors
      with fewer resources to cope and those having received a more intense treatment
      were more likely to be in need of support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The concept
      of SOC in nursing practice may be helpful to identify and discuss an individual's
      resources and impediments to health to better understand the need for support
      among survivors of childhood cancer.

PMID- 22067692
TI  - Comparing the meanings of fatigue in individuals with cancer in Thailand and
      Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Illness is experienced in social contexts; its meaning is rooted in
      local beliefs and values as well as one's personal and family situation. Health
      professionals are steeped in knowledge of disease but know much less about
      illness. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to learn more about the
      social construction of illness by comparing the meanings of fatigue in Thai and
      Canadian individuals with cancer. METHODS: Using an ethnoscience design, 10 Thai
      adults receiving chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer or colorectal cancer were
      interviewed twice. They were asked to sort words and phrases about fatigue from
      their first interview using Q-sort, triadic, and dyadic approaches; to name each
      pile; and to describe the similarities and differences between the piles. The
      card sorts were used to understand the relationships among key ideas in each
      interview. A table summarizing the card sorts was constructed, and patterns in
      the data were identified. RESULTS: Two segregates in the Thai data were
      identified: essential/constant and intermittent, with essential/constant
      including 2 segregates (feeble and altered cognition), and intermittent including
      2 segregates (loss of mental strength and difficulty sleeping). The primary
      meanings of fatigue in the Thai data were related to temporality, whereas the
      primary meanings of fatigue in the Canadian data were related to the location of
      the fatigue (mind/body). CONCLUSION: These findings help us understand the social
      construction of fatigue, a common symptom in cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
      Further research in relation to links between fatigue and other related-symptoms
      is needed with the goal of developing cross-cultural interventions for managing
      fatigue in the future.

PMID- 22067693
TI  - Invisibility: the lived experience of women with cancer of the vulva.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study describes an exploration of the lived experience of 13
      British women with cancer of the vulva who underwent surgical treatment. A review
      of the literature highlighted a paucity of knowledge as many studies were
      conducted during the 1980s and 1990s and investigated sexual functioning only.
      OBJECTIVE: An interpretive phenomenological approach based on the work of
      Heidegger and van Manen was used to frame the study by posing the question, "What
      must it be like to be diagnosed with, and have surgery for a cancer of the
      vulva?" METHODS: The women, younger than 50 years, were identified by purposive
      sampling and interviewed between 6 months and 5 years after surgery. The data
      were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS: The women's lived experience is
      described in its entirety by the concept of invisibility, characterized as
      something "no one can see," "heard of," and "talks about." CONCLUSIONS: The
      impact of this invisibility is discussed as the "invisibility of understanding"
      and "invisibility of support." IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Although many women may
      expect to be cured of their vulval cancer, the invisible nature of the condition
      and the resulting lack of understanding and support may continue for a
      considerable period, as every aspect of their everyday life and in their
      relationships may be affected. The challenge now is to raise awareness of this
      condition and provide greater informational and emotional support for these
      women.

PMID- 22067694
TI  - Body image and its predictors in breast cancer patients receiving surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Negative body image may reduce patients' ability to cope with breast
      cancer after surgery. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to (1) assess
      breast cancer patients' perceived level of symptom distress, anxiety, depression,
      disease impact, and body image and (2) evaluate factors associated with body
      image in breast cancer patients during the postoperative period. METHODS: A cross
      sectional and correlational design was used to collect data for this study,
      conducted in northern Taiwan. A set of questionnaires was used to measure body
      image, symptom distress, anxiety, depression, psychological impact of disease,
      and demographic and disease-related information. Stepwise regression was
      conducted to determine significant factors related to body image. RESULTS:
      Surgical procedure and age were found to be important factors related to body
      image concerns. Patient receipt of mastectomy and younger age were associated
      with greater body image concerns. CONCLUSION: The average age of breast cancer
      patients is declining in Taiwan, and body image problems in these patients are
      growing. Several factors are significantly related to body image distress among
      these patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: By understanding variables associated
      with breast cancer patients' body image, health professionals can coordinate
      interventions to improve these women's body image. Among women with breast
      cancer, those who have received mastectomy and those who are younger are
      particularly vulnerable to body image concerns. Nursing assessment of body image
      indicators and implementation of strategies to increase self-confidence and self
      acceptance are needed for high-risk women.

PMID- 22067695
TI  - Demographics, cancer-related factors, and sexual function in rectal cancer
      patients in Taiwan: preliminary findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual function has been ignored because survival issues associated
      with cancer treatment commonly take precedence over sexual issues. Sexual
      dysfunction remains a recognized complication after cancer treatment despite
      improvement in survival rates for patients with rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This
      study investigated the relationships among demographics (ie, age, gender,
      education, religion) and cancer-related factors (ie, stage of disease, type of
      treatment, time since operation, comorbid conditions) and sexual function in
      patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a convenience
      sample of 120 rectal cancer patients from a medical center in southern Taiwan
      completed the International Index of Erectile Function, Female Sexual Function
      Index, a demographic questionnaire, and medical data during face-to-face
      interviews. RESULTS: In both men and women, better sexual function was
      significantly associated with younger age but not with religion, time since
      operation, or number of chronic conditions. In men only, better sexual function
      was associated with earlier stage of cancer, fewer cancer treatments, and higher
      education. CONCLUSION: Sexual function may receive greater attention in Taiwan
      when rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care. A larger diverse sample is
      needed for further examination of sexual function over time. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: Health promotion programs for long-term survivors should include a
      consistent assessment of sexual function before and after an operation, and
      patients should receive clinical sexual counseling.

PMID- 22067696
TI  - Effects of false-positive results in a breast screening program on anxiety,
      depression and health-related quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decreased anxiety has been reported among women with false-positive
      results in mammography screening programs. No long-term effects have been fully
      demonstrated, and the findings for anxiety and depression are contradictory. Few
      studies have addressed changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
      OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the short- and long-term effects such as
      changes in anxiety, depression, and HRQOL among women with false-positive
      results. METHODS: With a longitudinal study design, data were collected on
      anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and HRQOL (Short
      Form 36 [SF-36] Health Survey) among women with false-positive results before
      screening, at recall, and at 3 and 6 months after screening. Controls (negative
      results in screening) were measured before screening and at 6 months after.
      RESULTS: Women with false-positive results (n = 128) showed increased anxiety at
      recall (mean, 4.6 [SD, 3.7]) versus before screening (P = .04), but this
      decreased until 6 months after screening. Depression was increased until 6 months
      after screening (not statistically significant). Women with false-positive
      results scored lower than did control subjects on general health (P = .02) and
      mental health (P = .03) and higher on depression (P = .045) at 6 months after
      screening. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts should be made to minimize anxiety at recall and
      depression after screening. Further research is needed on the long-term effects
      of recall and any effects on HRQOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Information about
      the prevalence of false-positive results and time until unambiguous diagnostic
      results should be improved. Information leaflet based on evidence needs to be
      continually updated.

PMID- 22067697
TI  - Prognostic items for the last 10 and 3 days of life of cancer patients at home.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prognostic indices are needed to optimize end-of-life care for cancer
      patients at home, but few prognostic indices predict the last 10 days. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of this study was to identify predictors for the last 10 and 3 days
      of life in patients with lung, gastric, or colorectal cancer at home. METHODS:
      Symptoms and signs were initially identified by literature review, and
      questionnaire was developed. Evaluation of these items and identification of
      additional items were then performed by 72 visiting nurses using the 3-round
      Delphi approach. RESULTS: The evaluation of 31 third-round responses is reported.
      The items for gastric and colorectal cancers were almost same; these cancers were
      treated as gastrointestinal cancer. To predict the last 10 and 3 days, there were
      6 and 0 specific items for lung cancer, respectively, and 5 and 13 specific items
      for gastrointestinal cancer, respectively. There were 9 common items to predict
      the last 10 days and 29 common items to predict the last 3 days. CONCLUSION: The
      specific and common items that could be used to predict the last 10 and 3 days in
      patients with lung or gastrointestinal cancer were identified. The prognostic
      items for the last 3 days of life were more numerous among the gastrointestinal
      cancers than those for the last 10 days. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Specific
      prognostic items for each cancer are useful for visiting nurses to offer
      individualized care to patients and families. Using the specific and common
      prognostic items, end-of-life care may be improved.

PMID- 22067698
TI  - From "no big deal" to "losing oneself": different meanings of mastectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of early detection and advanced treatment options, more women
      with breast cancer survive after mastectomy and thus have to face the choice of
      living with or without a reconstructed breast for many years to come. OBJECTIVE:
      This article investigates these women's narratives about the impact of mastectomy
      on their lives, as well as their reflections on breast reconstruction. METHODS:
      Fifteen women were strategically chosen from a previous population-based study on
      mastectomy. They were contacted for further exploration in thematic narrative
      inspired interviews 4.5 years after mastectomy. RESULTS: Three types of
      storylines were identified. In the first storyline, the mastectomy was described
      as "no big deal"; losing a breast did not disturb the women's view of themselves
      as women, and breast reconstruction was not even worth consideration. In the
      second storyline, the women described the mastectomy as shattering their
      identity. Losing a breast implied losing oneself as a sexual being, a woman, and
      a person. The third storyline fell in between the other two; the sense of
      femininity was wounded, but not to the extent that they felt lost as women.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the experience of mastectomy due to breast
      cancer is very much individual and contextual. Losing a breast may be of minor or
      major importance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare practitioners should be
      attentive to how the women themselves experience the personal meaning of losing a
      breast and guard against vague preconceptions based on the breast-sexuality
      femininity discourse and its connection to what the patient needs.

PMID- 22067699
TI  - Challenging the distal-to-proximal cannulation technique for administration of
      anticancer therapies: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distal-to-proximal technique has been recommended for anticancer
      therapy administration. There is no evidence to suggest that a 24-hour delay of
      treatment is necessary for patients with a previous venous puncture proximal to
      the administration site. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify if the practice
      of 24-hour delay between a venous puncture and subsequent cannulation for
      anticancer therapies at a distal site is necessary for preventing extravasation.
      METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 72 outpatients receiving
      anticancer therapy via an administration site distal to at least 1 previous
      venous puncture on the same arm in a tertiary cancer center in Australia.
      Participants were interviewed and assessed at baseline data before treatment and
      on day 7 for incidence of extravasation/phlebitis. RESULTS: Of 72 participants
      with 99 occasions of treatment, there was 1 incident of infiltration (possible
      extravasation) at the venous puncture site proximal to the administration site
      and 2 incidents of phlebitis at the administration site. CONCLUSION: A 24-hour
      delay is unnecessary if an alternative vein can be accessed for anticancer
      therapy after a proximal venous puncture. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Infiltration
      can occur at a venous puncture site proximal to an administration site in the
      same vein. However, the nurse can administer anticancer therapy at a distal site
      if the nurse can confidently determine that the vein of choice is not in any way
      connected to the previous puncture site through visual inspection and palpation.

PMID- 22067700
TI  - Impact of health information-seeking behavior and personal factors on preferred
      role in treatment decision making in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) patients continue to have unmet information
      needs at the time of diagnosis and are often unable to communicate their
      preferences to physicians at the time of the treatment consultation. OBJECTIVE:
      The objective of the study was to determine the impact of health information
      seeking behavior (HISB) and personal factors on patients' preferred role in
      treatment decision making (TDM). METHODS: Participants consisted of 150 men with
      newly diagnosed PC seen at 2 urology clinics in western Canada. A survey
      questionnaire was used to gather information on HISB, personal factors
      influencing treatment choice, and decision control. RESULTS: More than 90% of the
      participants reported a preference to play either an active or collaborative role
      in TDM and having either an "intense" or "complementary" HISB. No significant
      association was found between HISB and preferred role in TDM. Impact of treatment
      on survival and urinary function and the urologist's recommendation were
      identified as the 3 main factors influencing the treatment decision. CONCLUSIONS:
      At the time of diagnosis, the majority of men want to be involved in TDM and have
      access to information. Our findings suggest that the type and amount of
      information men want to access are dependent on HISB. Assessing factors having an
      impact on TDM may prove useful to guide patient-clinician treatment discussions.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This survey provides clinicians with a method to
      assess information and decision preferences of men with newly diagnosed PC and
      factors having an influence on treatment choice.

PMID- 22067701
TI  - High sero-prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis identified in slaughterhouse
      samples as a consequence of deficiencies in sheep farm management in the state of
      Minas Gerais, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), caused by Corynebacterium
      pseudotuberculosis, is one of the most important diseases of sheep and goats,
      causing considerable economic losses for herd owners. RESULTS: We assessed the
      seroprevalence of infection with C. pseudotuberculosis in 805 sheep from 23 sheep
      farms that supply slaughterhouses in the state of Minas Gerais; we also analyzed
      management practices that could be associated with CLA occurrence, used on these
      and nearby farms that also supplied animals to the slaughterhouse (n = 60). The
      serum samples for assaying CLA infection were taken at the slaughterhouse.
      Frequency of infection with C. pseudotuberculosis was estimated at 43.7%, and
      farm frequency was estimated at 100%. Management practices were analyzed through
      a questionnaire. All farmers (60/60) had extensive/semi-extensive rearing system;
      70.0% (42/60) identified sheep individually; 11.7% (7/60) had periodical
      technical assistance; 41.7% (25/60) disinfected the facilities; 86.7% (52/60)
      used barbed wire fences and did not implement adequate CLA control measures; only
      11.7% (7/60) of breeders reported vaccination against C. pseudotuberculosis;
      13.3% (8/60) took note of animals with clinical signs of CLA; 1.7% (1/60) opened
      and sanitized abscesses, and isolated the infected animals; 10.0% (6/60) knew the
      zoonotic potential of this disease and 1.7% (1/60) of the farmers culled animals
      in case of recurrence of abscesses. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that C.
      pseudotuberculosis infection is widely spread in sheep flocks in Minas Gerais
      state in Brazil and that there is a lack of good management measures and
      vaccination, allowing transmission of this infectious agent throughout the
      production network.

PMID- 22067702
TI  - The effect of selenium enrichment on baker's yeast proteome.
AB  - The use of regular yeast (RY) and selenium-enriched yeast (SEY) as dietary
      supplement is of interest because the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC)
      trial revealed that SEY but not RY decreased the incidence of prostate cancer
      (PC). Using two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)-tandem
      mass spectrometry (MS/MS) approach, we performed proteomic analysis of RY and SEY
      to identify proteins that are differentially expressed as a result of selenium
      enrichment. 2D-DIGE revealed 96 candidate protein spots that were differentially
      expressed (p<=0.05) between SEY and RY. The 96 spots were selected, sequenced by
      LC/MS/MS and 37 proteins were unequivocally identified. The 37 identified
      proteins were verified with ProteinProphet software and mapped to existing Gene
      Ontology categories. Furthermore, the expression profile of 5 of the proteins
      with validated or putative roles in the carcinogenesis process, and for which
      antibodies against human forms of the proteins are available commercially was
      verified by western analysis. This study provides evidence for the first time
      that SEY contains higher levels of Pyruvate Kinase, HSP70, and Elongation factor
      2 and lower levels of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5A-2 and
      Triosephosphate Isomerase than those found in RY.

PMID- 22067703
TI  - Phosphorylatable short peptide conjugated low molecular weight chitosan for
      efficient siRNA delivery and target gene silencing.
AB  - Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been widely investigated as a potential
      therapeutic approach for diseases with genetic defects. However, its application
      was greatly hampered by the rapid degradation and poor cellular uptake. Recently,
      chitosan (CS) and its derivant have been considered as a promising siRNA
      transporter with the advantages of low toxicity, good biodegradability and
      biocompatibility. Chitosan of different molecular weight (Mw) and degrees of
      deacetylation (DD) showed significantly varied target gene silencing efficacy,
      and it is still not well clarified how these characteristics influence CS
      mediated siRNA transfection. To compare the aspects of cell permeability and
      intracellular unpacking of CS/siRNA complex on the effect of CS/siRNA
      transfection. A radiolabeled siRNA, targeting firefly luciferase gene, was loaded
      by chitosan of different molecular weight (varying from 2000 to 800,000 Da) and
      subjected to the transfection against MDA-MB-231/Luc human breast cancer cell
      line which stably expressed knocked in firefly Luciferase reporter gene.
      Following transfection intracellular radioactivity was measured to represent cell
      entrance ability of the CS/siRNA, while, luciferase activity in the cell lysate
      was also determined to reflect target gene silencing effect. The results revealed
      that although low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) condensed siRNA has the
      highest cell permeability of almost two folds of medium molecular weight chitosan
      and lipofactamine, its target gene silencing effect is really low of almost eight
      times less than lipofectamine. This conspicuous contradiction gave us the
      hypothesis that LMWC generated more condensed CS/siRNA complex to facilitate cell
      entrance but the tight electrostatic interaction probably limited intracellular
      siRNA unpacking as well and unfavorably hindered target gene silencing as the
      final consequence. To approve this hypothesis a phosphorylatable short peptide
      conjugated LMWC was adopt to promote intracellular siRNA unpacking. Which was
      demonstrated of perfect target gene knock down ability to the extent of being
      even superior to lipofactamine 2000. In a conclusion, low molecular weight
      chitosan has the great potential to be an ideal siRNA vehicle if the issue of
      siRNA unpacking could be properly resolved.

PMID- 22067704
TI  - Effect of androstenedione on the growth and meiotic competence of bovine oocytes
      from early antral follicles.
AB  - Medium that contains 17beta-estradiol has been reported to support in vitro
      growth of bovine oocytes, isolated from early antral follicles, until the final
      stage. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of androstenedione in
      medium on such growing bovine oocytes. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes were
      collected from early antral follicles and cultured for 14 days in medium
      supplemented with 17beta-estradiol (0, 10 and 100 ng/ml) or androstenedione (0,
      10 and 100 ng/ml). The mean diameter of oocytes measured after seeding on the
      culture substrate was 96.9 MUm (n = 191). Either steroid was necessary for
      maintainance of the organization of oocyte-granulosa cell complexes over the 14
      day culture period. In the 17beta-estradiol- or the androstenedione-supplemented
      medium about 80% or 65%, respectively, of viable oocytes were recovered. In both
      groups the increase in oocyte size was significant after 14 days. The in vitro
      grown oocytes were cultured for a further 22-24 h for oocyte maturation; 13% and
      30% of oocytes grown in the 10 and 100 ng/ml 17beta-estradiol-supplemented medium
      reached metaphase II, respectively; more than 64% of oocytes grown in the
      androstenedione-supplemented medium matured to metaphase II. These results show
      that androstenedione, as 17beta-estradiol, can maintain the viability of bovine
      oocyte-granulosa cell complexes and support the growth of oocytes, and that
      androstenedione promotes the acquisition of oocyte meiotic competence efficiently
      at a low dose.

PMID- 22067706
TI  - Identifying weak linear features with the "coalescing shortest path image
      transform".
AB  - The detection of line-like features in images finds many applications in
      microanalysis. Actin fibers, microtubules, neurites, pilis, DNA, and other
      biological structures all come up as tenuous curved lines in microscopy images. A
      reliable tracing method that preserves the integrity and details of these
      structures is particularly important for quantitative analyses. We have developed
      a new image transform called the "Coalescing Shortest Path Image Transform" with
      very encouraging properties. Our scheme efficiently combines information from an
      extensive collection of shortest paths in the image to delineate even very weak
      linear features.

PMID- 22067705
TI  - Genetic bases of stuttering: the state of the art, 2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The literature on the genetics of stuttering is reviewed with special
      reference to the historical development from psychosocial explanations leading up
      to current biological research of gene identification. SUMMARY: A gradual
      progression has been made from the early crude methods of counting percentages of
      stuttering probands who have relatives who stutter to recent studies using entire
      genomes of DNA collected from each participant. Despite the shortcomings of some
      early studies, investigators have accumulated a substantial body of data showing
      a large presence of familial stuttering. This encouraged more refined research in
      the form of twin studies. Concordance rates among twins were sufficiently high to
      lend additional support to the genetic perspective of stuttering. More
      sophisticated aggregation studies and segregation analyses followed, producing
      data that matched recognized genetic models, providing the final 'go ahead' to
      proceed from the behavior/statistical genetics into the sphere of biological
      genetics. Recent linkage and association studies have begun to reveal
      contributing genes to the disorder. CONCLUSION: No definitive findings have been
      made regarding which transmission model, chromosomes, genes, or sex factors are
      involved in the expression of stuttering in the population at large. Future
      research and clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 22067707
TI  - The usefulness and feasibility of a screening instrument to identify psychosocial
      problems in patients receiving curative radiotherapy: a process evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial problems in cancer patients are often unrecognized and
      untreated due to the low awareness of the existence of these problems or
      pressures of time. The awareness of the need to identify psychosocial problems in
      cancer patients is growing and has affected the development of screening
      instruments. This study explored the usefulness and feasibility of using a
      screening instrument (SIPP: Screening Inventory of Psychosocial Problems) to
      identify psychosocial problems in cancer patients receiving curative radiotherapy
      treatment (RT). METHODS: The study was conducted in a radiation oncology
      department in The Netherlands. Several methods were used to document the
      usefulness and feasibility of the SIPP. Data were collected using self-report
      questionnaires completed by seven radiotherapists and 268 cancer patients.
      RESULTS: Regarding the screening procedure 33 patients were offered to consult a
      psychosocial care provider (e.g. social worker, psychologist) during the first
      consultation with their radiotherapist. Of these patients, 31 patients suffered
      from at least sub-clinical symptoms and two patients hardly suffered from any
      symptoms. Patients' acceptance rate 63.6% (21/33) was high. Patients were
      positive about the content of the SIPP (mean scores vary from 8.00 to 8.88, out
      of a range between 0 and 10) and about the importance of discussing items of the
      SIPP with their radiotherapist (mean score = 7.42). Radiotherapists' perspectives
      about the contribution of the SIPP to discuss the different psychosocial problems
      were mixed (mean scores varied from 3.17 to 4.67). Patients were more positive
      about discussing items of the SIPP if the radiotherapists had positive attitudes
      towards screening and discussing psychosocial problems. CONCLUSIONS: The
      screening procedure appeared to be feasible in a radiotherapy department. In
      general, patients' perspectives were at least moderate. Radiotherapists
      considered the usefulness and feasibility of the SIPP generally to be lower, but
      their evaluations were mixed. A positive attitude to using screening instruments
      like the SIPP needs to be encouraged among radiotherapists, as this may not only
      improve the usefulness of a screening instrument, but also patients' satisfaction
      with care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00859768.

PMID- 22067708
TI  - A self-propelled biological process: Plk1-dependent, product-activated
      feedforward mechanism.

PMID- 22067709
TI  - Essential protein interactions within the replisome regulate DNA replication.

PMID- 22067710
TI  - mTOR in podocyte function: is rapamycin good for diabetic nephropathy?

PMID- 22067718
TI  - Viscoelastic properties of confined molecular layers.
AB  - We study the viscoelastic properties of a film of n layers of spherical molecules
      confined between two walls. We find that the dynamic response arises from two
      competing contributions: the effective stiffness of n + 1 springs in series and
      softening due to strain fluctuations. In particular, the latter are the origin of
      the oscillatory behavior of the stiffness and the damping coefficient. The
      dissipation is strongest at the minima of the stiffness; the inverse behavior may
      occur for a modulated relaxation time. As a corollary we show that confined
      molecular layers cannot be described as Maxwell fluids.

PMID- 22067717
TI  - Colporrhaphy compared with mesh or graft-reinforced vaginal paravaginal repair
      for anterior vaginal wall prolapse: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report 2-year outcomes of a randomized controlled trial comparing
      standard anterior colporrhaphy with reinforced vaginal paravaginal repair using
      xenograft or synthetic mesh in women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall
      prolapse. METHODS: Women with stage II or greater anterior prolapse were randomly
      assigned to three groups: anterior colporrhaphy, paravaginal repair with porcine
      dermis, or polypropylene mesh. Outcomes of prolapse stage, quality of life,
      degree of bother, and sexual symptoms were assessed by blinded examiners and
      validated measures at 2 years. Anatomic failure was defined as anterior prolapse
      at stage II or greater. Composite failure was defined as symptoms of "bulge" and
      anterior prolapse at stage II or greater. Power calculations determined 33
      participants per arm would detect a 40% difference in anatomic success between
      standard and grafted repair. chi, Mann-Whitney U, and Student's t tests were used
      for comparisons. RESULTS: Of the 99 participants enrolled, 78 (79%) completed a
      minimum of 2-year follow-up. Those with mesh had a significantly lower anatomic
      failure rate (18%) than both the porcine (46%, P=.015) and colporrhaphy groups
      (58%, P=.002). All groups had statistically similar reductions in their prolapse
      and urinary symptom subscale scores. Composite failure was not statistically
      different between groups: 13% colporrhaphy, 12% porcine, and 4% mesh. Two
      reoperations for anterior prolapse occurred in the porcine group. Mesh erosion
      rates were 14% for the mesh group. CONCLUSION: Vaginal paravaginal repair with
      polypropylene mesh has the lowest anatomic failure rate when compared with that
      with xenograft and anterior colporrhaphy without differences in composite
      failures. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov,
      www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT0139171. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

PMID- 22067716
TI  - Effect of hysterectomy with ovarian preservation on ovarian function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively estimate the risk for earlier ovarian failure among
      women undergoing hysterectomy with ovarian preservation, as compared with women
      of similar age without hysterectomy. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was
      conducted among women aged 30 to 47 years undergoing hysterectomy without
      bilateral oophorectomy (n=406) and women with intact uteri (n=465). Blood samples
      and questionnaire data were obtained at baseline and annually for up to 5 years.
      Hazard ratios (HR) for ovarian failure, defined as follicle-stimulating hormone
      levels 40 international units/L or higher, were calculated using Cox proportional
      hazards models. RESULTS: Ovarian failure occurred among 60 of the women with
      hysterectomy and 46 of the women in the control group. Women undergoing
      hysterectomy were at nearly a twofold increased risk for ovarian failure as
      compared with women with intact uteri (HR 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29
      2.86). The proportional hazards model further estimated that 14.8% of women with
      hysterectomies experienced ovarian failure after 4 years of follow-up compared
      with 8.0% of the women in the control group. Risk for ovarian failure was greater
      for women who had a unilateral oophorectomy along with their hysterectomy (HR
      2.93, 95% CI 1.57-5.49), but also it was significantly increased for women who
      retained both ovaries (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.14-2.65). CONCLUSION: Increased risk of
      earlier ovarian failure is a possible consequence of premenopausal hysterectomy.
      Although it is unresolved whether it is the surgery itself or the underlying
      condition leading to hysterectomy that is the cause of earlier ovarian failure,
      physicians and patients should take into account this possible sequela when
      considering options for treatment of benign conditions of the uterus. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 22067719
TI  - Managing heart failure: a critical appraisal of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preventing heart failure (HF) rehospitalizations requires examination
      of evidence-based research, which may lead to opportunities to improve on care
      transitions upon discharge from an acute care setting. This review was conducted
      to identify current literature in HF and disease management without focusing
      specifically on disease management programs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study
      was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to better understand how to
      structure interventions for HF patients upon transition from the hospital to home
      and to outline critical research gaps. CONCLUSION: Patients recently hospitalized
      for HF or at high risk for HF decompensation should be considered for
      comprehensive heart failure disease management (HFDM) and/or structured HF
      interventions. Level 1 evidence demonstrated positive benefits from HFDM
      programs, structured telephone support, and telemonitoring interventions as an
      effective component of contemporary multidisciplinary HF management. CLINICAL
      IMPLICATIONS: Based on the evidence from this critique, key features and
      recommendations are provided. Also discussed is the State Action on Avoidable
      Rehospitalizations program, which may provide acute care centers in Massachusetts
      an opportunity to create an ideal transition home for HF patients.

PMID- 22067721
TI  - Effects of social support and stressful life events on health-related quality of
      life in coronary artery disease patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of social
      support and stressful life events on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in
      coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: Five hundred sixty consecutive
      patients with CAD attending cardiac rehabilitation program were invited to
      participate in the study. Data on stressful life events, perceived social
      support, and HRQoL were collected from the self-administered questionnaires,
      Social Readjustment Rating Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social
      Support, and 36-Item Short Form Medical Outcome Questionnaire, respectively.
      RESULTS: In male patients, multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that
      physical domains of the HRQoL, specifically physical functioning, were associated
      with clinical aspects of the CAD, such as New York Heart Association class and
      angina pectoris class, and psychological domains of the HRQoL such as mental
      health, energy/vitality, and social functioning were associated with social
      characteristics such as stressful life events and perceived social support. In
      women, both physical and psychological domains of the HRQoL were associated only
      with social characteristics, especially with perceived social support.
      CONCLUSION: Perceived social support and stressful life events have independent
      significant effects on the HRQoL in CAD patients, especially in female patients.
      When planning cardiac rehabilitation programs, special attention should be paid
      to patients who experience high levels of stress and have low social support.

PMID- 22067720
TI  - Biologic measures as epidemiological indicators of risk for the development of
      hypertension in an African American adolescent population.
AB  - Globally, the health disparity of hypertension is disproportionately greater
      within the African American population and develops at an earlier age. Elevated
      and continuous interaction of biologic measures during adolescence may be
      precursors and indicators of risk for blood pressure changes and the subsequent
      development of adult essential hypertension. The purpose of this study was to
      describe (1) the prevalence of biologic measures of risk of hypertension,
      specifically family history of hypertension, prehypertension, elevated salivary
      cortisol, and hyperresponsive cortisol and cardiovascular reactivity, and (2) the
      gender difference in the prevalence of biologic risk factors of hypertension.
      SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This was an exploratory descriptive design with a nonrandom
      purposive sample. Participants (N = 106) were high school, African American
      adolescents, aged 14 to 18 years. Data, including family history of hypertension,
      resting blood pressure, and blood pressure and cortisol levels before and after
      induced physiologic stress by cold water hand immersion, were measured. RESULTS:
      One hundred six African American participants (49 males and 57 females) completed
      the study. Data described that 71% had a positive family history of hypertension.
      Overall, the resting blood pressures were 120 mm Hg for systolic and 68 mm Hg for
      diastolic. Forty-one percent of the patients had prehypertensive blood pressures;
      86% had elevated cortisol; 49% had hyperresponsive blood pressure reactivity; and
      35% had cortisol hyperresponsivity. Excluding ethnicity, 65% had 3 or more
      biologic measures of risk of hypertension. Statistically significant gender
      differences included male systolic pressure and number of males with
      prehypertension. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the high prevalence
      of multiple physiologic biologic measures of risk of hypertension factors within
      a vulnerable population. The continuous interaction of biologic measures over
      time may increase the susceptibility and risk of essential hypertension
      development and supports the development of appropriate physiologically based
      behavioral interventions.

PMID- 22067722
TI  - A comparison of the effect of glitazones on serum sialic acid in patients with
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Although management of hyperglycaemia represents one of the principal treatment
      goals of diabetes therapy, the high incidence of cardiovascular (CV)
      complications in diabetes also needs effective management. Therefore, the present
      study was designed to determine and compare the effect of glitazones on serum
      sialic acid (SSA), a known risk marker for CV disease, along with fasting plasma
      glucose (FPG), glycohaemoglobin (HbA1-c) and blood lipids, in overweight,
      previously only diet-treated patients with type 2 diabetes (n=60). The study was
      conducted for a period of 12 months. Significant improvement in FPG and HbA1-c
      were shown by both rosiglitazone (p<0.003 and p<0.001, respectively) and
      pioglitazone (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively), compared with baseline, and
      pioglitazone showed greater beneficial effects on other parameters monitored,
      significantly reducing total cholesterol (TC) (p<=0.05). Both the drugs showed a
      decrease in SSA and no significant differences were observed between the groups.
      However, the decrease was significant only in the pioglitazone-treated group at
      month 12 (p<=0.05), compared with baseline. A significant decrease in SSA by
      pioglitazone indicates its greater cardioprotective effect compared with
      rosiglitazone.

PMID- 22067723
TI  - Association of diabetes with increased all-cause mortality following primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      in the contemporary era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and
      all-cause mortality in a large cohort of consecutive patients treated with
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in the contemporary era.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a single-centre registry of
      patients undergoing PPCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      at a large regional PCI centre between 2005 and 2009. All-cause mortality in
      relation to patient and procedural characteristics was compared between patients
      with and without DM. RESULTS: Of 2586 patients undergoing PPCI, 310 (12%) had DM.
      Patients with DM had a higher prevalence of multi-vessel coronary disease
      (p<0.001) and prior myocardial infarction (p<0.001). Patients with DM were less
      commonly admitted directly to the interventional centre (p=0.002). Symptom-to
      balloon (p<0.001) and door-to-balloon time (p=0.002) were longer in patients with
      DM. Final infarct-related-artery TIMI-flow grade was lower in patients with DM
      (p=0.031). All-cause mortality at 30 days (p=0.0025) and 1 year (p<0.0001) was
      higher in patients with DM. DM was independently associated with increased
      mortality after multivariate adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS:
      Mortality remains substantially higher in patients with DM following reperfusion
      for STEMI in comparison with those without diabetes, despite contemporary
      management with PPCI. Greater co-morbidity, delayed presentation, longer times-to
      reperfusion, and less optimal reperfusion may contribute to adverse outcomes.

PMID- 22067724
TI  - The effects of rosiglitazone on myocardial triglyceride content in patients with
      type 2 diabetes: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - This was a nested sub-study of a randomised placebo-controlled trial of the
      effect of 6 months of treatment with rosiglitazone added to existing therapy on
      myocardial triglyceride (mTG) content in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and
      prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at least one additional risk factor.
      The primary endpoint, mTG content, was measured with cardiac (1)H-magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy. Of the 99 randomised participants selected for the
      imaging sub-study, 49 (48%) had complete and interpretable spectroscopy data (age
      = 58 years, duration of T2D = 9.5 years; 57% women and 69% non-white). There was
      no significant change in mTG in either group (-0.1 +/- 0.6% and -0.05 +/- 0.8%
      respectively) and the changes in mTG were not associated with changes in left
      ventricular structure or function. Compared with placebo, treatment with
      rosiglitazone for 6 months had no discernible effect on mTG or left ventricular
      function in this population with long-standing diabetes and CVD.

PMID- 22067726
TI  - Is genetic screening necessary for determining the possibility of venous
      thromboembolism in cancer patients?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of an association with some genetic
      polymorphisms involved in venous thromboembolism (VTE) gene variations (FVL, FV
      H1299R, FII G20210A, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, PAI-1 4G/5G, beta-fibrinogen -455
      G -> A, FXIII Val34Leu and GpIIIa HPA-1a) in cancer patients. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Among 78 cancer patients, 28 who had proven first episode of VTE were
      selected as the patient group, with 50 control samples selected from age-, sex-
      and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers (healthy group). The differences
      in frequency of genetic polymorphisms were found to be statistically
      insignificant between these two groups. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis
      after adjustment for age, sex, smoking and hypertension showed no difference. The
      screened mutations of these genes were not significantly associated with VTE
      risk. CONCLUSION: There is no possible benefit from genetic screening tests
      regarding VTE in cancer patients.

PMID- 22067725
TI  - How can food extracts consumed in the Mediterranean and East Asia suppress
      prostate cancer proliferation?
AB  - We have developed a blend of food extracts commonly consumed in the Mediterranean
      and East Asia, named blueberry punch (BBP), with the ultimate aim to formulate a
      chemoprevention strategy to inhibit prostate cancer progression in men on active
      surveillance protocol. We demonstrated previously that BBP inhibited prostate
      cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the molecular mechanism responsible for the suppression of prostate
      cancer cell proliferation by BBP. Treatment of lymph node-metastasised prostate
      cancer cells (LNCaP) and bone-metastasised prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and MDA
      PCa-2b) with BBP (up to 0.8 %) for 72 h increased the percentage of cells at the
      G0/G1 phase and decreased those at the S and G2/M phases. The finding was
      supported by the reduction in the percentage of Ki-67-positive cells and of DNA
      synthesis measured by the incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine.
      Concomitantly, BBP treatment decreased the protein levels of phosphorylated
      retinoblastoma, cyclin D1 and E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 2, and pre
      replication complex (CDC6 and MCM7) in LNCaP and PC-3 cells, whereas CDK
      inhibitor p27 was elevated in these cell lines. In conclusion, BBP exerts its
      anti-proliferative effect on prostate cancer cells by modulating the expression
      and phosphorylation of multiple regulatory proteins essential for cell
      proliferation.

PMID- 22067727
TI  - Priorities and realities: addressing the rich-poor gaps in health status and
      service access in Indonesia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the past four decades, the Indonesian health care system has
      greatly expanded and the health of Indonesian people has improved although the
      rich-poor gap in health status and service access remains an issue. The
      government has been trying to address these gaps and intensify efforts to improve
      the health of the poor following the economic crisis in 1998. METHODS: This paper
      examines trends and levels in socio-economic inequity of health and identifies
      critical factors constraining efforts to improve the health of the poor.
      Quantitative data were taken from the Indonesian Demographic Health Surveys and
      the National Socio-Economic Surveys, and qualitative data were obtained from
      interviews with individuals and groups representing relevant stakeholders.
      RESULTS: The health of the population has improved as indicated by child
      mortality decline and the increase in community access to health services.
      However, the continuing prevalence of malnourished children and the persisting
      socio-economic inequity of health suggest that efforts to improve the health of
      the poor have not yet been effective. Factors identified at institution and
      policy levels that have constrained improvements in health care access and
      outcomes for the poor include: the high cost of electing formal governance
      leaders; confused leadership roles in the health sector; lack of health inequity
      indicators; the generally weak capacity in the health care system, especially in
      planning and budgeting; and the leakage and limited coverage of programs for the
      poor. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the government's efforts to improve the health of the
      poor, the rich-poor gap in health status and service access continues. Factors at
      institutional and policy levels are critical in contributing to the lack of
      efficiency and effectiveness for health programs that address the poor.

PMID- 22067728
TI  - Disseminated, eruptive molluscum contagiosum lesions in a psoriasis patient under
      treatment with methotrexate and cyclosporine.

PMID- 22067729
TI  - HER3 overexpression as an independent indicator of poor prognosis for patients
      with curatively resected pancreatic cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The association between human epidermal growth factor receptor 3
      (HER3) overexpression and survival in patients with curatively resected
      pancreatic cancer was investigated. METHODS: Tissue samples from 126 pancreatic
      cancers without hematogenous or peritoneal metastases recovered from
      macroscopically curative resection were fixed with formalin, embedded in paraffin
      and subjected to immunohistochemical staining. Semiquantitative scores of zero
      (no staining or staining in less than 10% of cancer cells), 1+, 2+, or 3+ were
      assigned to each sample based on the intensity of staining. Scores of 2+ or 3+
      were defined as HER3-positive staining, i.e., HER3 overexpression. RESULTS: HER3
      overexpression was observed in 52 of the 126 tissue samples (41.3%). There were
      no associations between HER3 overexpression and clinicopathological factors,
      including tumor location, tumor size, tumor differentiation, T/N categories
      according to the International Union against Cancer, and serum carbohydrate
      antibody 19-9 level (CA19-9). Univariate analysis demonstrated the median
      survival time of patients with HER3 overexpression was 37.2 months, while that of
      patients with HER3-negative samples was 58.6 months (p = 0.008). HER3
      overexpression, lymph node metastasis, and elevated serum CA19-9 level were
      independent predictors of poor prognosis based on multivariate survival analysis.
      CONCLUSION: A new prognostic predictor, HER3 overexpression, was identified for
      resected pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22067730
TI  - Fusion tags: a collection of papers.

PMID- 22067732
TI  - The role of pain treatment in managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms
      of dementia (BPSD).

PMID- 22067733
TI  - A guide to the use and care of vascular access devices  in the palliative care
      setting.
AB  - There has been a steady increase in the number and range of vascular access
      devices used in all areas of health care. With this increase there comes a
      requirement that health professionals dealing with these devices be aware of the
      range available, indications for use, and the most up to date guidance on the
      care and maintenance procedures. Care of the device is paramount to preventing
      complications. This article provides an overview of the types of venous access
      devices that may be encountered when a patient is transferred to palliative care
      services, as well as of the procedures for routine maintenance.

PMID- 22067734
TI  - Development and evaluation of the  Pain Assessment in the Communicatively
      Impaired (PACI) tool: part II.
AB  - Pain is a common symptom for long-term care residents, particularly those in need
      of palliative care. However, pain assessment in residents who have communication
      limitations is challenging. A study was conducted with the aim of developing a
      pain assessment tool that could feasibly be used by direct care providers in long
      term care with minimal training yet demonstrating strong psychometric properties.
      The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop and test the
      Pain Assessment in the Communicatively Impaired (PACI) tool. Part I of this paper
      reported on the development phase; this second part reports on the test results.
      The validity and reliability results of the PACI tool were acceptable, and the
      convergent validity was moderately strong. A moderate level of interobserver
      agreement was evident, with kappas ranging from 0.46 to 0.63 for the individual
      items and a kappa score of 0.59 for the total tool score. The overall results of
      this study support the psychometric properties and feasibility of the PACI tool,
      offering preliminary support for its use in clinical practice.

PMID- 22067735
TI  - The practice of withholding and withdrawing life-support measures among patients
      with cancer in Jordan.
AB  - In Jordan, an Arabic Islamic country, decisions around withholding and/or
      withdrawing life support measures still present both moral and professional
      dilemmas. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of such measures among
      patients with cancer in Jordan. The medical records of 436 patients with cancer
      who were at least 18 years old and who died at a specialized cancer centre in
      Jordan in 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Of those, 212 (48.6%) had a written
      decision to withhold or withdraw life support measures. Among the 436 charts
      reviewed, only 7 patients (1.6%) had treatment withdrawn, while 212 (48.6%) had
      treatment withheld. Resuscitation was the most common treatment withheld,
      followed by medication, and poor prognosis was the most common reason for the
      decision. The time period between a decision being made and the death of the
      patient was short, indicating that treatment plans are not being made well in
      advance. A cultural and religious consensus regarding such decisions is needed to
      help ensure that a greater proportion of terminally ill people plan their care in
      advance, and to aid health-care providers in advising their patients and acting
      in the patients' best interests.

PMID- 22067736
TI  - Student nurses' experience of their first death in clinical practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is important to understand how student nurses might feel when
      confronted with a dying patient, so that appropriate support and education can be
      offered prior to their placement. This paper aimed to explore student nurses'
      experiences of their first death in clinical practice to help identify
      educational, training, and support needs. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative
      phenomenological approach was adopted and data was collected using a focus group
      involving five student nurse participants. FINDINGS: The data analysis revealed
      four themes: the emotional influence of death, skills required, the role of the
      mentor, and relationships. The students' experiences of their first death in
      clinical practice caused them considerable anxiety, and they reported feeling
      inadequately prepared for the reality of the situation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Educationalists and clinicians alike should give much consideration to finding
      teaching and learning methods that are appropriate to this challenging subject
      and that more effectively prepare students for what they might encounter.

PMID- 22067737
TI  - Discussing life story, forgiveness, heritage, and legacy with patients with life
      limiting illnesses.
AB  - AIM: To explore the perceptions that individuals with life-limiting illnesses
      have about their lives, both positive and negative, and their messages to future
      generations. METHODS: A preparation and life completion intervention (Outlook)
      was assessed for acceptability and feasibility in an Australian palliative care
      setting. This paper reports a qualitative analysis of the participants' responses
      to the intervention. The intervention sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and
      analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Eleven
      participants were recruited from inpatient and outpatient hospital and hospice
      settings. Three overarching themes were identified: life review, current
      situation, and legacy/principles. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention provided insights
      into individual palliative care patients' sense of self, views of their current
      situation, hopes, and how they would like to be remembered.

PMID- 22067740
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of type I interferon gene expression by interferon
      regulatory factor-3 in Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus.
AB  - Type I interferon (IFN) induces the antiviral response in innate immunity. The
      type I IFN gene cloned from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) has a
      length of 1189 bp and consisting of 5 exons and 4 introns. In a phylogenetic tree
      of type I IFNs, Japanese flounder grouped with other Acanthopterygii. To gain
      insight into the transcriptional regulation of IFN gene, the 1.36 kb 5'-upstream
      region including numerous canonical motifs to bind transcription factors [for
      example, IFN regulatory factor (IRF)] was analyzed. In HINAE cells using a
      luciferase reporter assay, poly I:C-responsive transcriptional activity was found
      in the region from -634 to -179 bp. This region includes several IRF motifs. In
      the presence of poly I:C, overexpression of IRF3 and RLR strongly enhanced
      transcriptional activity. These results suggest that the transcriptional
      regulation of Japanese flounder type I IFN is regulated by IRF3 after triggering
      with dsRNA sensors.

PMID- 22067741
TI  - Yeast-surface expressed BVDV E2 protein induces a Th1/Th2 response in naive T
      cells.
AB  - Yeast species such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae are known to be potent activators
      of the immune system. S. cerevisiae activates the innate immune system by
      engaging pattern recognition receptors such as toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) and
      dectin-1. In the current project, we express the immunogenic envelope protein E2
      of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) on the surface of S. cerevisiae. After
      successful expression, components of the innate and adaptive immune response
      induced by the recombinant S. cerevisiaein vitro were analysed to determine if
      expression in yeast enhances the immunogenicity of the viral protein. Recombinant
      S. cerevisiae stimulated production of the chemokine CXCL-8 in primary bovine
      macrophages, but did no stimulate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in
      the same cells. Additionally, bovine macrophages primed with S. cerevisiae
      expressing viral envelope proteins had a greater capacity for stimulating
      proliferation of CD4+ T-cells from BVDV-free animals compared to macrophages
      primed with envelope protein alone or S. cerevisiae without envelope protein
      expression. Heat inactivation of recombinant S. cerevisiae increased ROS
      production and capacity to stimulate CD4+ T-cells in macrophages but did not
      alter CXCL-8 release compared to the live counter-part. Additionally, heat
      inactivation of recombinant S. cerevisiae induced less INFgamma and IL-4 but
      equal amounts of IL-10 compared to live yeast T-cell cultures. Our studies
      demonstrate a use for S. cerevisiae as a vehicle for transporting BVDV vaccine
      antigen to antigen-presenting cell in order to elicit cell-mediated immunity even
      in naive animals.

PMID- 22067742
TI  - Health status, infection and disease in California sea lions (Zalophus
      californianus) studied using a canine microarray platform and machine-learning
      approaches.
AB  - Conservation biologists face many challenges in assessing health, immune status
      and infectious diseases in protected species. These challenges include
      unpredictable sample populations, diverse genetic and environmental backgrounds
      of the animals, as well as the practical, legal and ethical issues involved in
      experimentation. The use of whole genome scale transcriptomics with animal
      samples obtained in a minimally invasive manner is an approach that shows promise
      for health assessment. In this study we assessed the utility of a microarray to
      identify changes in gene expression predictive of health status by interrogating
      blood samples from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in
      rehabilitation. A custom microarray was developed from the commercially available
      dog microarray (Canis familiaris) by selecting probes that demonstrated reliable
      cross-hybridization with RNA in sea lion blood. This custom microarray was used
      for the analysis of RNA from 73 sea lion blood samples, from animals with a broad
      spectrum of health changes. Both traditional classifying techniques and newer
      artificial neural network approaches correctly classified sea lions with respect
      to health status, primarily distinguishing between leptospirosis infection and
      domoic acid exposure. Real time PCR validation for a small set of genes, followed
      by sequencing, showed good correlation with array results and high identity (96
      98%) between the dog and sea lion sequences. This approach to health status
      classification shows promise for disease identification in a clinical setting,
      and assessment of health status of wildlife.

PMID- 22067743
TI  - Myocardial perfusion imaging with (99 m)Tc-tetrofosmin SPECT in breast cancer
      patients that received postoperative radiotherapy: a case-control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the cardiac toxicity of radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer
      (BC) patients employing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with Tc-99 m
      Tetrofosmin-single photon emission computer tomography (T-SPECT). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We studied 46 BC female patients (28 patients with left and 18 patients
      with right BC) treated with postoperative RT compared to a control group of 85
      age-matched females. The median time of RT to SPECT was 40 months (6-263).
      RESULTS: Abnormalities in the summed stress score (SSS) were found in 54% of left
      BC patients, 44.4% of right BC patients, and 32.9% of controls. In left BC
      patients there were significantly more SSS abnormalities compared to controls
      (4.0 +/- 3.5 vs 2.6 +/- 2.0, p = 0.05) and possible trend of increased
      abnormalities of right BC patients (3.7 +/- 3.0 vs 2.6 +/- 2.0, p = 0.14).
      Multiple regression analysis showed more abnormalities in the MPI of left BC
      patients compared to controls (SSS, p = 0.0001); Marginal toxicity was also noted
      in right BC patients (SSS, p = 0.045). No additional toxicity was found in
      patients that received adjuvant cardiotoxic chemotherapy. All T-SPECT
      abnormalities were clinically silent. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that
      radiation therapy to BC patients result in MPI abnormalities but without apparent
      clinical consequences.

PMID- 22067745
TI  - Assessment of the viability of embryos stored in liquid nitrogen produced
      commercially using culture medium as a complementary test for stereoscopic
      microscopy.
AB  - Summary The objective of the present study was to evaluate the viability of
      frozen embryos obtained from various private farmers in a culture medium for 4 h.
      Forty-seven embryos were used that had been previously graded as good and fair.
      These embryos were evaluated using stereoscopic microscopy by experienced
      clinicians prior to freezing. Embryos were divided in two groups: the non
      cultured group, made up of six good quality embryos, and five fair; and the
      cultured group that consisted of 20 good quality embryos and 16 fair. Fifty-four
      per cent of the good quality embryos achieved a favourable development during
      culture whereas just 42% of embryos determined to be fair were observed to have
      adequate development. This evaluation was undertaken by serial photographs
      obtained at the onset of culture and 4 h later. This finding was corroborated by
      a more specific technique: terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end
      labelling-bromodeoxyuridine (TUNEL-BrdU). These results are indicative of the
      necessity of tight quality controls for commercially produced frozen embryos, as
      once thawed it is unlikely that clinicians will examine them to determine their
      physiological status prior to transfer.

PMID- 22067744
TI  - The interaction between MYB proteins and their target DNA binding sites.
AB  - Members of the MYB family of transcription factors are found in all eukaryotic
      lineages, where they function to regulate either fundamental cellular processes,
      or specific facets of metabolism or cellular differentiation. MYB transcription
      factors regulate these processes through modulation of transcription at target
      genes, to which they bind in a sequence-specific manner. Over the past decades,
      insights have been gained into the molecular interactions between MYB proteins
      and their cognate DNA targets. This review focuses on those insights, the
      emergence of common themes in DNA binding by diverse MYB family members. The
      review also considers gaps in the current knowledge of MYB-DNA interactions,
      particularly for plant MYB proteins, and how emerging techniques that examine
      protein-DNA interactions can fill these gaps.

PMID- 22067746
TI  - GH11 xylanases: Structure/function/properties relationships and applications.
AB  - For technical, environmental and economical reasons, industrial demands for
      process-fitted enzymes have evolved drastically in the last decade. Therefore,
      continuous efforts are made in order to get insights into enzyme
      structure/function relationships to create improved biocatalysts. Xylanases are
      hemicellulolytic enzymes, which are responsible for the degradation of the
      heteroxylans constituting the lignocellulosic plant cell wall. Due to their
      variety, xylanases have been classified in glycoside hydrolase families GH5, GH8,
      GH10, GH11, GH30 and GH43 in the CAZy database. In this review, we focus on GH11
      family, which is one of the best characterized GH families with bacterial and
      fungal members considered as true xylanases compared to the other families
      because of their high substrate specificity. Based on an exhaustive analysis of
      the sequences and 3D structures available so far, in relation with biochemical
      properties, we assess biochemical aspects of GH11 xylanases: structure, catalytic
      machinery, focus on their "thumb" loop of major importance in catalytic
      efficiency and substrate selectivity, inhibition, stability to pH and
      temperature. GH11 xylanases have for a long time been used as biotechnological
      tools in various industrial applications and represent in addition promising
      candidates for future other uses.

PMID- 22067748
TI  - Oral contraceptive and progestin-only use correlates to tissue tumor marker
      expression in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to investigate correlations between combined
      oral contraceptive (COC), any progestin-only contraceptive, medicated
      intrauterine device (MID) or systemic progestin-only (Syst-P) use and tumor
      marker expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia compared to nonusers.
      STUDY DESIGN: One-hundred ninety-five women of fertile age with cervical biopsies
      ranging histologically from normal epithelium to carcinoma in situ were recruited
      consecutively. Combined oral contraceptive, Syst-P and MID users were
      investigated according to the expression of 11 tumor markers. RESULTS:
      Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) was observed in COC users, while
      interleukin 10 was underexpressed. When users of progestogen-only contraceptives
      were analyzed, there was a lower expression of cytokeratin 10 and interleukin 10.
      When only MID users were analyzed, a high expression of p53 was found. Expression
      of Cox-2, p53 and retinoblastoma protein differed between COC and MID users.
      CONCLUSION: The study showed molecular alterations, which, in general, have not
      been studied previously in COC users and have never been studied in progestogen
      only users. These biological events might be involved in epidemiological
      correlations found between hormonal contraceptive use and cervical neoplasms.

PMID- 22067747
TI  - Secretory phospholipase A2 pathway in various types of lung injury in neonates
      and infants: a multicentre translational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a group of enzymes involved in
      lung tissue inflammation and surfactant catabolism. sPLA2 plays a role in adults
      affected by acute lung injury and seems a promising therapeutic target.
      Preliminary data allow foreseeing the importance of such enzyme in some critical
      respiratory diseases in neonates and infants, as well. Our study aim is to
      clarify the role of sPLA2 and its modulators in the pathogenesis and clinical
      severity of hyaline membrane disease, infection related respiratory failure,
      meconium aspiration syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome. sPLA2 genes
      will also be sequenced and possible genetic involvement will be analysed.
      METHODS/DESIGN: Multicentre, international, translational study, including
      several paediatric and neonatal intensive care units and one coordinating
      laboratory. Babies affected by the above mentioned conditions will be enrolled:
      broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, serum and whole blood will be obtained at definite
      time-points during the disease course. Several clinical, respiratory and outcome
      data will be recorded. Laboratory researchers who perform the bench part of the
      study will be blinded to the clinical data. DISCUSSION: This study, thanks to its
      multicenter design, will clarify the role(s) of sPLA2 and its pathway in these
      diseases: sPLA2 might be the crossroad between inflammation and surfactant
      dysfunction. This may represent a crucial target for new anti-inflammatory
      therapies but also a novel approach to protect surfactant or spare it, improving
      alveolar stability, lung mechanics and gas exchange.

PMID- 22067749
TI  - Comment on: Li HW, Wong CY, Yeung WS, Ho PC, Ng EH. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone
      level is not altered in women using hormonal contraceptives. Contraception
      2011;83:582-5.

PMID- 22067751
TI  - Women's preferences for pain control during first-trimester surgical abortion: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To explore women's preferences for pain control during first
      trimester surgical abortion. STUDY DESIGN: Pre- and postoperative semistructured
      individual interviews were conducted with 40 women divided into eight strata by
      anesthesia choice, age and prior vaginal delivery status. We identified key
      themes in the interviews and analyzed baseline characteristics and responses to
      close-ended questions within and across the strata. RESULTS: For most women, pain
      control options were not the primary concern in choosing a clinic for an
      abortion. Women who received intravenous (IV) sedation had lower pain scores and
      were more likely to report that they would recommend that method to a friend than
      women who received local anesthesia alone. Women described the pain as a
      cramping, tugging, pulling and scraping sensation. Respondents recommended IV
      sedation for a woman who was very anxious or could not tolerate pain, even though
      more nausea and vomiting may occur. CONCLUSIONS: Most women felt that pain
      control decisions should be individualized.

PMID- 22067752
TI  - Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for
      measuring plasma and uterine tissue levels of indomethacin in rabbits treated
      with indomethacin-medicated Cu-IUDs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some side effects of copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs) including
      increased uterine bleeding, pelvic infections and pain have been reported. The
      presence of indomethacin in such devices was found to be effective in relieving
      the symptoms. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a rapid and
      sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for
      measuring plasma and uterine tissue levels of indomethacin in rabbits after
      insertion of indomethacin-medicated Cu-IUDs. STUDY DESIGN: Indomethacin was
      extracted from rabbit plasma and uterine tissue by a simple protein precipitation
      using acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Diamonsil
      C(18) column (150*4.6 mm ID, 5 MUm) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of
      methanol, acetonitrile, water and formic acid (45:45:10:0.5, v/v/v/v). Mass
      spectrometric detection was achieved by a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer
      equipped with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface operating in
      positive ionization mode. Quantitation was performed using selective reaction
      monitoring mode. The LC-MS/MS method was validated with respect to selectivity,
      linearity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery and stability, and then
      applied to the in vivo studies of indomethacin in rabbits treated with
      indomethacin-medicated Cu-IUDs. RESULTS: The linear calibration curves of
      indomethacin in plasma and uterine tissue were obtained over the concentration
      range of 2.0-400 ng/mL and 4.0-800 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and interday
      precision was less than 9.5%, and the relative error was within +/-5.3%. After
      insertion of indomethacin-medicated Cu-IUDs in rabbits, indomethacin was rapidly
      absorbed, and peak plasma levels were reached in approximately 1 h. A multiphasic
      elimination pattern was observed, which was a rapid decline in plasma
      concentration during the first 100 h followed by a very slow clearance phase. The
      uterine indomethacin levels were significantly higher than simultaneous plasma
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: The developed method proved to be rapid and sensitive, and
      was successfully applied to investigate the absorption and uterine distribution
      of indomethacin in rabbits after insertion of indomethacin-medicated Cu-IUDs.

PMID- 22067753
TI  - The copper IUD for emergency contraception, a neglected option.

PMID- 22067754
TI  - Extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring versus hormonal oral
      contraceptives: effects on lipid metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined oral contraceptives used in an extended regimen have been
      studied because of their potential benefits; however, there have been few
      publications on extended regimens of contraceptive vaginal rings. The aim of this
      study was to assess the effects of these two extended regimens on the lipid
      metabolism of women using these contraceptive methods during 1 year. STUDY
      DESIGN: This prospective study enrolled 150 women: 75 used a vaginal
      contraceptive ring (11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol), and 75
      used oral contraceptives (30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150 mg desogestrel). Both
      groups used their respective method for 84 days followed by a 7-day pause during
      1 year. At baseline and every 3 months during the study period, blood was
      collected to assess total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and
      B. The analysis of variance test was used to analyze differences in the results
      of these exams over time. RESULTS: A total of 62 vaginal ring and 61 oral
      contraceptive users completed the study. There were no significant differences in
      the discontinuation rate, mean total cholesterol and fraction levels, apo B
      concentration or apo A-I/apo B ratio. Vaginal ring users had significantly higher
      apo A-1 levels than oral contraceptive users. CONCLUSION: Despite the vaginal
      route of administration, the steroids released by the ring had the same effects
      on the lipid metabolism and lipoprotein levels typically seen with ethinyl
      estradiol given either by oral or parenteral routes.

PMID- 22067755
TI  - Controversies in family planning: management of second-trimester pregnancy
      terminations complicated by placenta accreta.

PMID- 22067756
TI  - Assessment of significant factors affecting acceptability of home administration
      of misoprostol for medical abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge on factors affecting acceptability of medical abortion with
      mifepristone followed by home administration of misoprostol is scarce. The
      objective of this study was therefore to assess factors affecting acceptability
      and experience of home use of misoprostol for medical abortion up to 63 days'
      gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study with acceptability
      assessed through questionnaires. Factors affecting acceptability were analyzed
      using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 395 women were
      included. Independent factors for acceptability were having a partner/friend
      present and having a positive low-sensitivity urine hCG at follow-up, although
      most of these patients had successful abortions. Age, gestational length and
      requirement of extra pain medication did not affect acceptability. CONCLUSION:
      Home administration of misoprostol is highly acceptable. Increasing the number of
      complete abortions should be a focus of future research. Women should be
      encouraged to have a partner/friend present during home administration of
      misoprostol.

PMID- 22067757
TI  - Oral contraceptive formulation and risk of breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While evidence on the association between oral contraceptive (OC) use
      and breast cancer generally suggests little or no increased risk, the question of
      whether breast cancer risk varies by OC formulation remains controversial. Few
      studies have examined this issue because large samples and extensive OC histories
      are required. STUDY DESIGN: We used data from a multicenter, population-based,
      case-control investigation. Women aged 35-64 years were interviewed. To explore
      the association between OC formulation and breast cancer risk, we used
      conditional logistic regression to derive adjusted odds ratios, and we used
      likelihood ratio tests for heterogeneity to assess whether breast cancer risk
      varied by OC formulation. Key OC exposure variables were ever use, current or
      former use, duration of use and time since last use. To strengthen inferences
      about specific formulations, we restricted most analyses to the 2282 women with
      breast cancer and the 2424 women without breast cancer who reported no OC use or
      exclusive use of one OC. RESULTS: Thirty-eight formulations were reported by the
      2674 women who used one OC; most OC formulations were used by only a few women.
      We conducted multivariable analyses on the 10 formulations that were each used by
      at least 50 women and conducted supplemental analyses on selected formulations of
      interest based on recent research. Breast cancer risk did not vary significantly
      by OC formulation, and no formulation was associated with a significantly
      increased breast cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: These results add to the small body of
      literature on the relationship between OC formulation and breast cancer. Our data
      are reassuring in that, among women 35-64 years of age, we found no evidence that
      specific OC formulations increase breast cancer risk.

PMID- 22067759
TI  - Feasibility of postpartum placement of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system
      more than 6 h after vaginal birth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of
      postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) placement on the
      postpartum ward. STUDY DESIGN: This case-series study took place in a teaching
      hospital in North Carolina. Women were followed for 6 months, and data on method
      satisfaction, study design satisfaction and expulsion were collected. Descriptive
      statistics were used. RESULTS: Forty women enrolled. Twenty-nine women (73%)
      received the LNG-IUS at a median of 20 h (range 7-48 h) after delivery, and all
      reported that they would recommend this method of contraception to a friend.
      Eleven women had a spontaneous expulsion (38%; 95% confidence interval 21, 58).
      CONCLUSION: Placement of LNG-IUS more than 6 h postpartum was acceptable to women
      in this study. The expulsion rate of 38% had statistical instability and should
      be interpreted with caution. However, our report may assist with individual
      counseling of women interested in postpartum LNG-IUS placement, or in future
      study designs.

PMID- 22067758
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline to prevent
      unscheduled bleeding with continuous oral contraceptive pill use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unscheduled bleeding is the main side effect of continuous oral
      contraceptive pills (OCPs) and has been correlated with the up-regulation of
      matrix metalloprotineases (MMPs). The study objective was to determine if
      prophylactic administration of doxycycline (an MMP inhibitor at low
      subantimicrobial doses) would prevent unscheduled bleeding during the initiation
      of a continuous OCP. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects using cyclic hormonal contraceptives
      (combined OCPs, patch or ring) without unscheduled bleeding were switched to
      continuous OCPs (20 mcg ethinyl estradiol/100 mcg levonorgestrel). They were
      randomized to receive daily doxycycline [sustained-release subantimicrobial dose
      (40 mg daily)] or placebo for the first 84 days and then observed for an
      additional 28 days on the continuous OCP alone. The number of bleeding/spotting
      days and the time in days it took to achieve amenorrhea were compared using a t
      test. RESULTS: Sixty-five subjects were randomized. Although the use of
      doxycycline did not significantly decrease the number of mean bleeding/spotting
      days in the first 84 days of the study [doxycycline 14.75 (SE 2.30), placebo
      17.78 (2.31), p=.36], women who received doxycycline had a significantly earlier
      onset of amenorrhea [mean last day of bleeding/spotting doxycycline 61.7 (7.7),
      placebo 85.2 (6.7), p=.03]. CONCLUSION: The coadministration of subantimicrobial
      dose doxycycline during initiation of continuous OCPs results in a significant
      reduction in the length of time needed to achieve amenorrhea.

PMID- 22067760
TI  - Associations between recent contraceptive use and quality of life among women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether contraception affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
      is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of routine
      intake data collected from women aged 18-50 years, including the RAND-36
      (Research and Development Corporation) measure of HRQoL, pregnancy intentions and
      recent contraceptive use. We used multivariable logistic regression to test the
      relationship between HRQoL and use of any and specific contraceptives. Physical
      and mental HRQoLs were dichotomized based on US population averages. Models were
      adjusted for age, race, marital status, education and pregnancy intentions.
      RESULTS: Among the 726 women, those using any form of contraception were more
      likely to have average or better mental HRQoL than women using no contraception
      [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-2.53]. Women
      using injectable contraception were less likely than those using combined
      hormonal methods to have average or better physical HRQoL (aOR=0.26, 95% CI 0.09
      0.80) and mental HRQoL (aOR=0.24, 95% CI 0.06-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Measures of
      women's HRQoL differ with contraceptive use.

PMID- 22067761
TI  - The benefits and risks of using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
      for contraception.
AB  - The contraceptive profile of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
      (LNG-IUS; Mirena(r)) is well established, with efficacy similar to that achieved
      with sterilization and rapid return to fertility after discontinuation of use.
      The LNG-IUS is typically associated with transient menstrual disturbance during
      the first few months of use, but this usually settles with continued use, with a
      concomitant decrease in menstrual blood loss. Overall, the safety profile of the
      LNG-IUS has been well established across a wide population of women, and the
      available data do not suggest that the LNG-IUS adversely affects bone health or
      increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events or breast and uterine cancers.
      This article reviews the literature to provide updated information on the risks
      and benefits associated with the LNG-IUS, particularly focusing on its use in
      contraception.

PMID- 22067762
TI  - Immediate versus delayed insertion of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine
      device following dilation and evacuation: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to compare 6-month usage of the
      levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) when placed immediately or
      3 to 6 weeks after dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure. STUDY DESIGN: We
      enrolled women undergoing D&E at 15 to 23 weeks of gestation. After completion of
      the D&E, subjects without contraindications to immediate IUD insertion were
      randomized to immediate or delayed (3 to 6 weeks later) LNG-IUD insertion.
      Subjects in the immediate group had the LNG-IUD placed using ultrasound guidance.
      All subjects returned at 3 to 6 weeks and 8 to 10 weeks after D&E and were
      contacted by phone at 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 93 subjects enrolled, 88 were
      randomized. All 44 subjects (100%) randomized to immediate insertion had
      successful IUD placement, while only 20 (45.5%) of the 44 subjects randomized to
      delayed insertion returned for IUD placement, all of which were successful
      [difference 54.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 39.8%-69.3%]. Seventeen (38.6%)
      participants in each group were lost to follow-up. Of subjects contacted at the 6
      month follow-up phone call, 23 of 27 women (85.2%) and 17 of 27 women (62.9%)
      were utilizing the LNG-IUD in the immediate and delayed groups, respectively
      (difference 22.2%, 95% CI -0.4% to 44.8%). Intrauterine device expulsion occurred
      in three subjects (6.8%) and one subject (5.0%) in whom the IUD was placed in the
      immediate and delayed groups, respectively (p=1.0). No significant adverse events
      occurred. CONCLUSION: Significantly more participants had the LNG-IUD placed in
      the immediate insertion group compared with the delayed insertion group. Given
      the low risk of complications, immediate post-D&E insertion of the LNG-IUD should
      be offered, especially for populations that may have difficulty returning for
      follow-up.

PMID- 22067763
TI  - Body weight does not impact pregnancy rates during use of a low-dose extended
      regimen 91-day oral contraceptive.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the impact of weight on efficacy during use of
      an extended oral contraceptive (OC). STUDY DESIGN: Data were from a Phase 3
      clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of a low-dose 91-day extended regimen of
      100 mcg levonorgestrel/20 mcg ethinyl estradiol (LNG/EE; 84 days)+10 mcg EE (7
      days) for the prevention of pregnancy. Crude pregnancy rates were calculated for
      weight and body mass index (BMI) deciles. RESULTS: Of the 1736 women in this
      analysis, 878 (50.6%) had a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2, and 770 (44.4%) were
      heavier than 70 kg. Pregnancies occurred in 36 women. Crude pregnancy rates were
      similar across weight and BMI deciles, with no discernable differences observed
      between deciles using either classification criterion. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence
      of any reduction in the level of contraceptive efficacy was observed with this
      low-dose extended OC regimen in overweight and obese women.

PMID- 22067764
TI  - Bridge over troubled waters: considerations in transitioning emergency
      contraceptive users to hormonal methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) become increasingly available
      through pharmacies, concerns about potential overuse of this product have
      emerged. In response, bridging women from ECPs to ongoing contraception was
      advanced as a solution. STUDY DESIGN: We collected information in Ghanaian
      pharmacies on ECP users' sexual activity, use of contraceptive methods and
      reasons for buying ECPs. Further, two behavioral indicators were examined to
      determine whether a woman should consider using an ongoing contraceptive method:
      how often she has sex and how she uses ECPs. RESULTS: Of the four types of ECP
      users, stratified by those two indicators, only women who have sex frequently and
      use ECPs as their main contraceptive method would be appropriate for, but not
      necessarily amenable to, bridging. CONCLUSIONS: The challenges of bridging to
      meet the contraceptive needs of women are discussed in light of the
      characteristics of emergency contraceptive users and suggest that bridging is not
      as straightforward as initially conceived.

PMID- 22067765
TI  - Contraceptive vaginal ring treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: a randomized
      controlled trial with norethisterone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared the efficacy of the contraceptive vaginal ring
      (CVR; NuvaRing; N.V. Organon, Oss, the Netherlands) and norethisterone for
      treatment of idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) during the fertile age.
      STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-five women with idiopathic HMB were selected in this
      randomized controlled trial. They were treated with either the CVR (n=48) or
      norethisterone (n=47) for three cycles. Each cycle consisted of 3 weeks of CVR
      use and then a 1-week ring-free period or norethisterone tablets, 5 mg three
      times daily from Cycle Days 5 to 26. Outcome measures were as follows: menstrual
      blood loss assessed by pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC), duration of
      menses, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, side
      effects and overall satisfaction with treatment. RESULT: Significant improvements
      in PBAC score, the duration of menses, hemoglobin, serum ferritin and QoL were
      observed at the end of the study in each group. No statistically significant
      differences were found regarding the mean PBAC score (90.2+/-24.4 vs. 92.3+/
      26.7) and its percent reduction (68.6% vs. 69.5%), duration of menses (5.3+/-1.2
      vs. 5.5+/-1.1 days), hemoglobin and serum ferritin at the end of the study
      between the CVR and the norethisterone groups, respectively. Significantly more
      ring users were satisfied and elected to continue with treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Both the CVR and oral norethisterone are effective treatments for idiopathic HMB.
      The CVR may be an attractive option especially for those requesting contraception
      as well.

PMID- 22067766
TI  - Abortion practice in Mexico: a survey of health care providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about abortion practice in Mexico postlegalization of
      abortion in Mexico City in 2007. STUDY DESIGN: In 2009, we anonymously surveyed
      418 Mexican health care providers at the Colegio Mexicano de Especialistas en
      Ginecologia y Obstetricia meeting using audio computer-assisted self-interview
      technology. RESULTS: The majority of respondents were obstetrician gynecologists
      (376, 90%), Catholic (341, 82%), 35-60 years old (332, 79%) and male (222, 53%)
      and worked with trainees (307, 74%). Prior to 2007, 11% (46) and 17% (71)
      provided medical and surgical abortions; now, 15% (62) and 21% (86) provide these
      services, respectively. Practitioners from Mexico City were more likely to
      provide services than those from other areas. Most medical abortion providers
      (50, 81%) used ineffective protocols. Surgical abortion providers mainly used
      either manual vacuum aspiration (39, 45%) or sharp curettage (27, 32%). Most
      abortion providers were trained in residency and wanted more training in medical
      (54, 87%) and surgical (59, 69%) abortion. Among nonproviders, 49% (175) and 27%
      (89) expressed interest in learning to perform medical and surgical abortion,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Given the interest in learning to provide safe abortion
      services and the prevalent use of ineffective medical abortion regimens and sharp
      curettage, abortion training in Mexico should be strengthened.

PMID- 22067767
TI  - Effects of extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring on carbohydrate
      metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few publications on the metabolic effects of extended
      regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring. The aim of this study was to assess
      changes in fasting plasma glucose levels and insulin concentration of women using
      the contraceptive vaginal ring continuously over a 1-year period. STUDY DESIGN:
      This prospective cohort enrolled 75 women (ages 18-37 years) who used a
      contraceptive vaginal ring releasing 120 mcg of etonogestrel and 15 mcg of
      ethinyl estradiol daily continuously for 84 days, followed by a 7-day ring-free
      interval, during 1 year. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured, and
      homeostatic model assessment was calculated at baseline and every 3 months during
      the 1-year study period. The repeated-measures analysis of variance test was used
      to analyze differences in the results of these exams over time. RESULTS: None of
      the 75 participants had results outside the normal range in any of the
      assessments. There were no pregnancies during the 1-year period, and a total of
      62 participants completed the study. There were no significant changes in mean
      fasting glucose levels (79.3 and 78.9 mg/dL at baseline and after 12 months,
      respectively), mean fasting insulin concentration (9.6 and 10.1 MUU/mL) or mean
      homeostatic model assessment results (1.88% and 1.97%). CONCLUSION: Fasting
      plasma glucose concentration, insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment
      values of women using the vaginal ring on an extended regimen did not change
      significantly over a 1-year period.

PMID- 22067768
TI  - A life-threatening ectopic pregnancy with etonogestrel implant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Etonogestrel contraceptive implant is a highly effective subdermal
      method of long-acting hormonal contraception for women. CASE: We describe a case
      of ruptured ectopic pregnancy occurring in a patient with an etonogestrel
      contraceptive implant (Implanon(r)). The only factor predisposing to a failure in
      this case is a moderately elevated body mass index of 29. However, the implant
      was in place for less than 2 years, and the plasma levels of etonogestrel were
      within the expected range. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the fact that
      ectopic pregnancy should not be formally ruled out in women using this
      contraceptive, and it highlights the need for further study of the effect of body
      weight on this contraceptive method.

PMID- 22067770
TI  - Contraceptive failure in the United States.

PMID- 22067771
TI  - No sex for science? Formative research on the acceptability and feasibility of a
      true contraceptive efficacy clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruitment challenges and restrictions on intercourse frequency and
      timing have stymied previous attempts to implement true contraceptive efficacy
      clinical trials. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative research was conducted in Madagascar,
      South Africa, and the United States to explore the acceptability of three
      potential true contraceptive efficacy study designs and the feasibility of
      recruitment for such trials, including characteristics of potential participants
      who may be willing to join. RESULTS: Participants preferred the study design with
      the least restrictive sex criteria: participants have sex with assigned
      contraceptive method/no method on days around ovulation and use condoms on other
      days. Participants suggested that condom adherence would be low. Differences were
      noted across sites on whether female participants should be actively seeking
      pregnancy or not actively seeking pregnancy but willing to accept a pregnancy.
      Recruitment of participants was expected to be difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Data
      suggest that a true contraceptive efficacy clinical trial may not be feasible at
      this time in these settings.

PMID- 22067772
TI  - Interest in using intrauterine contraception when the option of self-removal is
      provided.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need to ask a clinician to remove an intrauterine contraceptive
      (IUC) may deter some women from trying the method. There is little risk to a
      woman who attempts to remove her own IUC. STUDY DESIGN: In 2010, 602 women
      seeking abortion completed a computerized survey in the waiting rooms of six US
      abortion clinics. The survey asked women to rate their interest in using the
      currently available IUCs and a hypothetical "new" self-removable IUC. RESULTS:
      Overall, 25% of respondents would be more willing to try an IUC if they could
      remove it themselves. Interest in a self-removable IUC was higher among women who
      were already considering use of an IUC. After controlling for multiple
      covariates, women who were likely to have unprotected sex in the future were more
      willing to consider use of an IUC if they had the option of self-removal (odds
      ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.59). CONCLUSIONS: Informing women that
      they may safely attempt self-removal of their IUC may increase interest in trying
      an IUC.

PMID- 22067773
TI  - IUD use in adolescent mothers: retention, failure and reasons for
      discontinuation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many professional organizations recommend intrauterine device (IUD)
      use in adolescents, but data on performance of currently available devices in US
      teens are scant. We describe IUD continuation, side effect and pregnancy rates in
      parous adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: Between 2002 and 2008, a cohort of 136 young
      mothers from an adolescent pregnancy/postpartum program received either a CuT380A
      or LNG-IUS for contraception. A minimum of 2 years postplacement, IUD status was
      ascertained by records review and phone interviews. Discontinuation, side effect
      and pregnancy rates by IUD type were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Mean and
      median survival times were 25.1 and 14.1 months, respectively, and did not differ
      by IUD type. Twelve-month continuation was 55%. Of the 87 removals, the most
      common reasons were expulsion (14.2%), pain (12.2%), bleeding (7.4%), pregnancy
      desire (6.8%) and pregnancy (4.7%), and rates did not differ significantly by IUD
      type. First-year pregnancy rates with IUD in situ was 6.2% for the CuT380A and
      3.7% for the LNG-IUS (p=.5). Rates of removal for bleeding and pain were similar
      for both devices. CONCLUSION: Over half of parous adolescents who choose IUDs
      keep them for at least 1 year. Expulsion rates and pregnancy rates are higher
      than reported in the general population.

PMID- 22067774
TI  - Intrauterine lidocaine infusion for pain management during outpatient
      transcervical tubal sterilization: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to examine the effects of a 4% intrauterine
      lidocaine infusion on patient-perceived pain during transcervical sterilization.
      STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
      Subjects received standard premedication with 800 mg ibuprofen, 2 mg lorazepam, a
      10-mL 1% lidocaine paracervical block and transcervical instillation of 5 mL of
      either 4% lidocaine or saline 3 min prior to insertion of the hysteroscope.
      Subjects completed a series of 100-mm visual analog scales to measure their
      perceived pain at set time points during and after the procedure. Serum lidocaine
      levels were obtained in a subset of subjects. RESULTS: Pain scores at all
      evaluation points did not significantly differ between groups (lidocaine n=29,
      saline n=29). Mean lidocaine levels did not differ between groups, and no subject
      demonstrated symptoms of lidocaine toxicity. The highest serum lidocaine level
      (4022 ng/mL) occurred 20 min after infusion in a lidocaine-treated subject.
      CONCLUSION: Intrauterine lidocaine prior to outpatient transcervical
      sterilization does not decrease pain.

PMID- 22067775
TI  - Routine training is not enough: structured training in family planning and
      abortion improves residents' competency scores and intentions to provide abortion
      after graduation more than ad hoc training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abortion provision remains threatened by the paucity of physicians
      trained to provide them. Lack of training during residency has been cited by
      obstetrician and gynecologist (ob-gyn) physicians as a reason for not including
      abortion in their practice. STUDY DESIGN: We administered surveys on interest,
      competency and intention to provide abortions to two groups of ob-gyn residents:
      one experiencing a new comprehensive and structured family planning rotation, and
      another group at our affiliate hospital's residency program receiving "ad hoc"
      training during their routine gynecology rotations. Surveys were anonymous and
      blinded to investigator. RESULTS: The structured family planning rotation group
      compared to the ad hoc group reported significantly increased competency score
      using a Likert scale in manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) (4.5 vs. 1; p=.003) and
      had a higher proportion reporting intent to provide office MVA postresidency
      (100% vs. 39%; p=.01) and being trained to 22.5 weeks' vs. 12 weeks' gestation
      (p=.005). In bivariate analysis, competency in MVA was associated with higher
      intentions to provide MVA after residency (p=.007). CONCLUSIONS: A structured
      rotation in family planning and abortion for obstetrics/gynecology residents
      results in increases in competency and intentions to provide abortion, and an
      association between the two. In-hospital structured training proved to be
      superior to ad hoc training in our affiliate institution in improving competency
      and intention to provide abortion after residency.

PMID- 22067776
TI  - Update on and correction to the cost effectiveness of contraceptives in the
      United States.

PMID- 22067777
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes with an IUD in situ: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide highly effective
      contraception, pregnancies among IUD users do rarely occur. The objective of this
      systematic review is to assess the evidence about risks for adverse pregnancy
      outcomes among women who conceive with an IUD in situ. METHODS: We searched
      MEDLINE, POPLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases from inception through April 2011
      for peer-reviewed articles containing evidence related to pregnancy outcomes
      among women who conceived while using copper (Cu) and levonorgestrel-releasing
      (LNG) IUDs. RESULTS: Nine articles met our inclusion criteria. Women with
      retained IUDs were at the greatest risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including
      spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, septic abortion and chorioamnionitis. Cu
      IUD removal decreased risks but not to the baseline risk of pregnancies without
      an IUD. One case series examined the LNG-IUD; when left in situ, 8 in 10 ended in
      spontaneous abortions. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies complicated by a remaining IUD in
      situ were at greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early IUD removal
      appeared to improve outcomes but did not entirely eliminate risks.

PMID- 22067778
TI  - Revival of the intrauterine device: increased insertions among US women with
      employer-sponsored insurance, 2002-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of the intrauterine device (IUD) in the United States has
      recently increased. New evidence for women with employer-sponsored health
      insurance permits analysis of variation and trends in such use. STUDY DESIGN: A
      retrospective analysis of annual IUD insertion rates between 2002 and 2008 was
      conducted by evaluating claims from the MarketScan(r) Commercial Research
      Databases for US women insured by plans that covered IUD insertions. Estimates
      were weighted to be nationally representative. RESULTS: IUD insertion rates
      increased from 1.6/1000 women of reproductive age to 9.8/1000 over 2002-2008 and
      varied substantially by state. Insertion rates of the levonorgestrel-releasing
      intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) increased from 0.4/1000 to 7.7/1000, whereas the
      insertion rates of copper T380A IUD (copper IUD) increased from 0.6/1000 to
      1.5/1000. IUD insertions, which are most common among women aged 25-34 years,
      increased at roughly the same rate across all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      sixfold increase in IUD insertion rates between 2002 and 2008 was accompanied by
      an increase in the share IUD use with the LNG-IUS from 40% to 85%. Substantial
      geographic and age variations existed.

PMID- 22067779
TI  - Mifepristone+misoprostol vs. misoprostol alone for early medical abortion.

PMID- 22067781
TI  - Access to contraception after health care reform in Massachusetts: a mixed
      methods study investigating benefits and barriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2006, Massachusetts passed sweeping health care reform legislation
      aimed at improving access to health care for residents. This study investigates
      how this landmark legislation affected contraceptive access for low-income women.
      STUDY DESIGN: This study included (a) 16 in-depth interviews with family planning
      providers, (b) 9 focus group discussions with 52 low-income English- and Spanish
      speaking women, (c) 10 self-administered surveys of family planning
      administrators and (d) a systematic review of Web sites for government-subsidized
      insurance plans. RESULTS: Findings from all study components were highly
      consistent. We found that while most low-income women in Massachusetts continue
      to regularly obtain contraception, challenges such as maintaining insurance
      coverage, understanding benefits, securing an appointment with a provider and
      obtaining prescriptions were identified post reform. Findings about contraceptive
      affordability under reform were mixed. CONCLUSION: Though health care reform
      legislation has benefited many women, barriers remain to ensuring consistent
      access to contraception for low-income women.

PMID- 22067782
TI  - Does the provision of free intrauterine contraception reduce pregnancy rates
      among uninsured low-income women? A cohort study: a two North Carolina clinics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-income women are disproportionately affected by unintended
      pregnancy. The Access to Resources in Contraceptive Health Foundation was
      established to provide free levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems to
      uninsured women who meet specific socioeconomic eligibility criteria. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this program at reducing
      pregnancies among uninsured women attending two North Carolina clinics. STUDY
      DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study including uninsured women (aged 15
      44 years) who desired contraception, were deemed eligible for the program and
      attended one of two North Carolina clinics between January 1, 2003, and June 30,
      2009. The primary outcome was pregnancy. Pregnancy rates were compared between
      those women who had a program-approved intrauterine device placed (exposed group)
      and those women who were eligible for the program, but did not have a device
      placed (the unexposed group). Questionnaires were used to determine the numbers
      of pregnancies (and dates of conception), the types of alternative contraception
      being used and basic demographic information about program participants. The data
      were analyzed using survival analysis of time to pregnancy. A Cox proportional
      hazards model was used to estimate a hazard ratio. RESULTS: We attempted to reach
      321 patients and obtained 104 responses. After exclusions, data from 90
      participants were analyzed. Sixty-five women received a levonorgestrel device,
      and 25 eligible women did not. Seven pregnancies occurred in the exposed group
      (11%), all after the IUD was removed; three of these pregnancies were planned.
      Eight pregnancies occurred in the unexposed group (32%). The median follow-up
      time was 2.4 years (range: 0.75-4 years) and 1.8 years (0.05-4 years) in the
      exposed and unexposed groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of a
      levonorgestrel-releasing device was associated with significantly lower risk of
      pregnancy than was use of alternative or no contraception. If these data from
      North Carolina are representative of experience nationwide, then the public
      health benefit of the Foundation's philanthropy may be large.

PMID- 22067783
TI  - Mifepristone may shorten the induction-to-abortion time for termination of second
      trimester pregnancies by ethacridine lactate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with adding mifepristone to the protocol
      for the termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks of gestation by intra-amniotic
      ethacridine lactate. STUDY DESIGN: The study consisted of women who presented for
      the termination of a second-trimester pregnancy between August 2000 and July
      2008. RESULTS: Of 1245 women who requested a termination of a second-trimester
      pregnancy, 744 women underwent the induction of abortion by intra-amniotic
      ethacridine lactate with mifepristone (mifepristone group), and 501 received
      intra-amniotic ethacridine lactate alone (control group). The proportion of women
      who delivered within 24 h was 25.94% in the mifepristone group and 10.18% in the
      control group (p < .001); the failure rate of abortion was 5.38% in the
      mifepristone group and 4.99% in the control group (p < .001). There was no
      significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups. The rate
      of cervical laceration was 0.54% in the mifepristone group and 0.60% in the
      control group (p = .9315). The rate of retained placental tissue was 6.99% in the
      mifepristone group and 6.19% in the control group (p = .1112). Nausea was
      reported by 34.0% of women in the mifepristone group and none in the control
      group. CONCLUSION: The addition of mifepristone to ethacridine lactate may
      shorten the induction-to-abortion time compared with the use of ethacridine
      lactate alone without increasing the number of complications.

PMID- 22067784
TI  - Effect of shared contraceptive experiences on IUD use at an urban abortion
      clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied the effect of contraceptive social networking on
      postabortion intrauterine device (IUD) uptake. This study explores whether women
      who have heard personal stories of IUD use are more likely to use an IUD for
      postabortion contraception. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed 299 women undergoing
      induced abortion at San Francisco General Hospital's Women's Options Center
      before and after contraceptive counseling. Both English- and Spanish-speaking
      women, aged 15 years and older, were surveyed. RESULTS: Fifty percent of women
      surveyed chose to use an IUD for postabortion contraception. Women choosing IUDs
      were more likely than women choosing other contraceptives or no contraceptives to
      be multiparous, Latina and interested in IUDs prior to contraceptive counseling.
      Disclosure of personal IUD use by a clinic staff member was independently
      associated with the decision to use an IUD (odds ratio 8.1, 95% confidence
      interval 3.8-17.2). CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing abortion in an urban clinic
      have knowledge and high acceptance of IUDs, and sharing of contraceptive
      experiences is common among women of all demographics. Controlling for
      demographics and prior knowledge of IUDs, sharing of personal IUD experiences by
      providers is significantly associated with IUD use.

PMID- 22067785
TI  - Analyzing the impacts of abortion clinic structures and processes: a qualitative
      analysis of women's negative experience of abortion clinics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, the social myth that abortion clinics are
      unsafe, lonely places is pervasive. Little research has investigated the extent
      to which women's negative experiences of clinic interactions and processes
      confirm or contest this myth. STUDY DESIGN: Semistructured interviews with 41
      women who received an abortion at a clinic were conducted and analyzed using
      qualitative analytical techniques in Atlas 5.0. RESULTS: The processes and
      structures of the abortion clinic necessitated by the realities of antiabortion
      hostilities lead some women to react negatively to the clinic experience in ways
      consistent with the social myth of the abortion clinic. Staff interactions can
      mitigate or alleviate these experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Clinic workers and
      administrators should be aware that safety structures and processes may create
      negative experiences for some women. Policymakers should be aware of the extent
      to which public policies and conflict over abortion render the social myth of the
      clinic a reality.

PMID- 22067786
TI  - Can women accurately assess the outcome of medical abortion based on symptoms
      alone?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate whether women
      undergoing medical abortion can accurately assess abortion outcome based on
      symptoms alone. Our secondary aim was to identify predictors of medical abortion
      failure. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a case-control study of women undergoing
      medical abortion from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2005, who were 63 days'
      gestation or less and received 200 mg mifepristone followed by 800 mcg of vaginal
      misoprostol 6-72 h later. Cases were defined as women who required uterine
      evacuation for a retained gestational sac or ongoing pregnancy. Separate analyses
      were conducted for the subset of cases with ongoing pregnancies. Controls were
      defined as women who successfully expelled the pregnancy without uterine
      evacuation. RESULTS: During the study period, 53 women had a retained gestational
      sac (N = 26) or ongoing pregnancy (N = 27), and a total of 53 controls were
      selected, matched by site and date of procedure. Case subjects were more likely
      than controls to report minimal vaginal bleeding and ongoing pregnancy symptoms
      and to express doubt that they expelled the pregnancy. When predictive modeling
      was performed, ongoing pregnancy symptoms, minimal bleeding and gestational age
      as determined by ultrasound measurement of gestational sac or crown-rump length
      accurately identified only 68% of medical abortion failures. We also found that
      the odds of medical abortion failure decreased progressively from approximately 4
      to 7 weeks' gestational age, was lowest at approximately 7 weeks and increased
      from 7 to 9 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: Patient symptomatology and self
      assessment of complete abortion alone are moderately useful in identifying
      medical abortion failure. An objective measure of complete abortion, such as a
      pregnancy test, is still required.

PMID- 22067787
TI  - Impact of etonogestrel-releasing implant and copper intrauterine device on
      carbohydrate metabolism: a comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the influence of an etonogestrel-releasing (ETG)
      implant and copper intrauterine device (IUD) on carbohydrate metabolism. STUDY
      DESIGN: In this nonrandomized, open-label, prospective controlled trial, 40
      healthy women received an implant or IUD (20 per group). Outcome measures were
      fasting glucose, fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and
      glycosylated hemoglobin A(1)C (HbA(1)C) levels at baseline and after 6 and 12
      months. RESULTS: The groups were similar in age, body mass index and laboratory
      parameters at baseline. Carbohydrate metabolism was not modified by the ETG
      implant at baseline and at 6 and 12 months (mean +/- SD) (fasting glucose: 85.9
      +/- 5.13, 87.05 +/- 5.36, 88.19 +/- 5.05; insulin: 7.77 +/- 2.42, 10.64 +/- 9.4,
      8.82 +/- 3.73; OGTT: 94.8 +/- 25.28, 96.5 +/- 19.67, 99.47 +/- 24.6; HbA(1)C:
      5.27 +/- .34, 5.55 +/- .39, 5.7 +/- 0.37). The same was true for the IUD (fasting
      glucose: 88.87 +/- 7.2, 89.65 +/- 5.86, 88.75 +/- 4.79; insulin: 7.94 +/- 3.6,
      8.3 +/- 4.1, 7.34 +/- 3.02; OGTT: 96.85 +/- 15.16, 97.48 +/- 13.42, 91.3 +/-
      22.16; HbA(1)C: 5.41 +/- .49, 5.75 +/- .41, 5.9 +/- 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The ETG
      releasing implant did not affect carbohydrate metabolism in normal women after 12
      months.

PMID- 22067788
TI  - Safety of digoxin for fetal demise before second-trimester abortion by dilation
      and evacuation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Digoxin is used to induce fetal demise before dilation and evacuation
      (D&E) abortion. Published data on the safety of digoxin in abortion care are
      limited. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with historical
      controls at a large family planning center. We reviewed the records of patients
      at 18 to 24 weeks' gestation who received digoxin before D&E from May 15, 2007
      (date the center initiated digoxin use), through March 31, 2008. We also reviewed
      the records of patients who presented for D&E without digoxin from February 22,
      2006, through May 12, 2007. We compared the rates of immediate complications.
      RESULTS: We included 566 digoxin patients and 513 controls. Eleven spontaneous
      abortions occurred in the digoxin cohort; none occurred among controls (p<.001).
      We found 19 cases of infection in the digoxin cohort and three among controls
      (odds ratio 5.91; 95% confidence interval 1.74-20.07). Eleven digoxin patients
      were admitted to a hospital after the preoperative visit; no controls were
      admitted (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received digoxin before D&E were
      more likely to experience spontaneous abortion, infection and hospital admission
      than controls who underwent D&E without digoxin.

PMID- 22067789
TI  - Bioequivalence study of an oral contraceptive containing
      ethinylestradiol/drospirenone/levomefolate calcium relative to
      ethinylestradiol/drospirenone and to levomefolate calcium alone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new tablet formulation containing 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol/3 mg
      drospirenone/0.451 mg levomefolate calcium (calcium salt containing 0.416 mg L-5
      methyltetrahydrofolate) was assessed for bioequivalence compared to the approved
      oral contraceptive (OC) tablet containing identical amounts of ethinylestradiol
      and drospirenone and to a tablet containing 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium. STUDY
      DESIGN: Forty-four subjects received in an intraindividual crossover design
      single doses of the new tablet formulation or the established
      ethinylestradiol/drospirenone tablet or the levomefolate calcium tablet. RESULTS:
      Bioequivalence was demonstrated for ethinylestradiol, drospirenone and L-5
      methyltetrahydrofolate (active moiety of levomefolate calcium) between the
      investigated tablet formulations. The geometric mean ratios of the AUC((0-tlast))
      and C(max) values for all three compounds and their 90% confidence intervals were
      well within the 80%-125% range generally accepted to demonstrate bioequivalence.
      CONCLUSION: The rate and extent of absorption of ethinylestradiol and
      drospirenone were not affected by the concomitant administration of levomefolate
      calcium and vice versa.

PMID- 22067790
TI  - Folate status and homocysteine levels during a 24-week oral administration of a
      folate-containing oral contraceptive: a randomized, double-blind, active
      controlled, parallel-group, US-based multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of adding levomefolate calcium
      0.451 mg (the calcium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate; Metafolin(r)) to an
      oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol (EE) 20 mcg/drospirenone (drsp) 3
      mg on folate levels in healthy women seeking contraception. STUDY DESIGN: In this
      randomized, double-blind, multicenter US-based study, women (18-40 years)
      received 24 weeks (six cycles) of EE/drsp/levomefolate calcium or EE/drsp for 24
      days followed by 4 days of levomefolate calcium alone or placebo, respectively.
      The primary efficacy variables were red blood cell (RBC) and plasma folate levels
      at 24 weeks. RESULTS: At week 24, increases from baseline in mean RBC (990 +/-
      390 nmol/L to 1406 +/- 440 nmol/L) and plasma folate (45.0 +/- 17.6 nmol/L to
      60.8 +/- 19.9 nmol/L) levels were observed in women who received
      EE/drsp/levomefolate calcium [per protocol set (n=262); all values are displayed
      as mean +/- standard deviation]. In contrast, marginal fluctuations were observed
      with EE/drsp (p<.0001 for between-treatment differences at week 24). CONCLUSION:
      Clinically significant increases in folate status were observed with
      EE/drsp/levomefolate calcium compared with EE/drsp alone in US women of
      childbearing age.

PMID- 22067791
TI  - Reduction of the "burst release" of copper ions from copper-based intrauterine
      devices by organic inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The copper intrauterine device is a contraceptive method that is
      based on the release of copper ions from a copper wire. Immediately after
      insertion, the dissolution of copper in the uterine fluid is markedly higher
      ("burst release") than that necessary for contraception action, leading to a
      variety of harmful effects. STUDY DESIGN: Pretreatments with organic compounds
      [thiourea (TU) and purine (PU), 10(-4)-10(-2) M concentration range, 1- and 3-h
      immersion times] were tested. The dissolution of copper with and without
      pretreatments in TU and PU solutions was analyzed by conventional electrochemical
      techniques and surface analysis. RESULTS: Pretreatments in PU solutions reduced
      the initial corrosion rate of copper in simulated uterine solutions, with
      inhibitory efficiencies that depend on the PU concentration and on the immersion
      time assayed. Inhibitory efficiency values higher than 98% for pretreatments with
      >=10(-3) M PU were found. Conversely, after TU pretreatments, a high copper
      release was measured. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that 10(-3) M PU pretreatment
      is a promising strategy able to reduce the "burst release" of copper and to
      ensure contraceptive action.

PMID- 22067792
TI  - Contraceptive discontinuation and repeat unintended pregnancy within 1 year after
      an abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined 12-month hormonal contraceptive continuation and
      pregnancy rates by abortion history. STUDY DESIGN: Women who wanted to avoid
      pregnancy for at least 1 year were recruited at four San Francisco Bay area
      family planning clinics on regular service days and on abortion care days.
      Participants completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Multivariable Cox
      models assessed the factors associated with method discontinuation and pregnancy.
      RESULTS: Women who were enrolled into the study on the day of their abortion were
      20% more likely to discontinue their contraceptive method than women who never
      had an abortion [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=1.21, 95% confidence interval
      (CI)=1.03-1.42]. Women who had a recent abortion or previous abortion were 60%
      more likely to have a pregnancy during follow-up than women who never had an
      abortion (AHR=1.63, 95% CI =1.21-2.20, and AHR=1.66, 95% CI=1.18-2.33,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: The experience of having an unintended pregnancy and
      abortion does not lead to behavioral changes that protect against another
      unintended pregnancy.

PMID- 22067795
TI  - Old barriers need not apply: opening doors for new contraceptives in the
      developing world.

PMID- 22067793
TI  - Continuous oral levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol for treating premenstrual
      dysphoric disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to investigate continuous daily
      levonorgestrel 90 mcg/ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg (LNG/EE) on premenstrual dysphoric
      disorder (PMDD). STUDY DESIGN: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled study, women with PMDD received LNG/EE (n=186) or placebo
      (n=181) daily for 112 days and completed the Daily Record of Severity of Problems
      (DRSP). RESULTS: Mean DRSP change from baseline to late luteal phase was
      significantly greater with LNG/EE than placebo at the late luteal phase of the
      first estimated cycle (-30.52+/-1.73 [SE] vs. -22.47+/-1.77; p<.001) and the
      worst 5 days during the last on-therapy estimated cycle (-26.77+/-1.83 vs. 
      20.89+/-1.82; p=.016). Other primary end points were not statistically
      significant. Significantly more subject taking LNG/EE (52%) than placebo (40%)
      responded (>=50% improvement in the DRSP 7-day late luteal phase score and
      Clinical Global Impression of Severity score of >=1 improvement) at last on
      therapy cycle (p=.025). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous daily LNG 90 mcg/EE 20 mcg was
      well tolerated and may be useful for managing the physical, psychological and
      behavioral symptoms and loss of work productivity related to PMDD.

PMID- 22067796
TI  - Preventing repeat abortion in Canada: is the immediate insertion of intrauterine
      devices postabortion a cost-effective option associated with fewer repeat
      abortions?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2005, 97,254 abortions were performed in Canada, of which 38% were
      repeat abortions. The objective of this research was to determine if provision of
      free intrauterine devices (IUDs) postabortion is associated with a reduction in
      health-care costs and repeat abortions in a Canadian population compared with
      provision of oral contraceptives (OCPs) or depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate
      (DMPA). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted by intention-to
      treat chart review in a facility providing the majority of abortions in a
      Canadian health region. All (n=1782) residents of this region who underwent
      abortion in 2003, 2004 and 2008 were included. One- and 5-year rates of repeat
      abortion were calculated, and a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to
      compare health-care system costs of providing patients with IUDs, OCPs or DMPA
      and subsequent repeat abortions. RESULTS: In 2003 and 2004, 1101 index abortions
      occurred. The main contraceptive cohorts were immediate IUD insertion (n=117,
      10.6%), immediate OCP (n=413, 37.5%) and immediate DMPA administration (n=357,
      32.4%). After 5 years repeat abortion rates in the respective cohorts were: IUD,
      9.4%, OCP, 17.4%, DMPA, 16.2% (p=.05). One-year rates of repeat abortion were not
      significantly different. Costs of providing contraception and subsequent
      abortions over 5 years were $142.63 (IUD), $385.61 (OCP) and $384.81 (DMPA) per
      user. CONCLUSION: The immediate insertion of IUDs postabortion is associated with
      a lower 5-year rate of repeat abortion than provision of OCPs or DMPA. A cost
      reduction to the health-care system occurs when providing IUDs postabortion vs.
      alternate contraception of equivalent duration.

PMID- 22067797
TI  - Challenging the "insurance theory" of sexual and reproductive health behaviors.

PMID- 22067798
TI  - Factors influencing partners' involvement in women's contraceptive services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Involving women's partners in family planning services may be one
      avenue by which rates of unplanned pregnancies can be reduced. STUDY DESIGN: In
      2009, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2113 women aged 18-49
      years receiving services from Title X family planning clinics in the United
      States about their contraceptive use and their current partner, including
      partners' past involvement in seeking and obtaining contraceptive services.
      RESULTS: More than half of the women in the sample (56%) indicated that their
      partners were at least partially involved in their contraceptive services. In the
      multivariable analysis, race/ethnicity, union status and relationship
      satisfaction were all significant predictors of partner involvement in
      contraceptive services. Women reporting that their partners interfere with their
      birth control were nearly twice as likely as women without interfering partners
      to report those partners being involved in their contraceptive services.
      Contraceptive use at last sex was not associated with partner involvement in
      contraceptive services in either bivariable or multivariable analyses.
      CONCLUSION: In designing future couple-focused programs, clinics may need to
      focus on the interpersonal dynamics of couple-based decision-making and behaviors
      and tailor their programs given the characteristics of clients most likely to
      avail themselves of these services.

PMID- 22067799
TI  - Co-prescription of antiepileptic drugs and contraceptives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) reduce the efficacy of
      oral contraceptives. Little is known of contraceptive practice among reproductive
      age women who receive AEDs. STUDY DESIGN: We explored the use of contraceptive
      methods among Dutch women aged 15 to 49 years with prescriptions of AEDs using
      pharmacy dispensing database. Drug dispensing data of AEDs and contraceptives in
      2006 was retrieved from the InterAction Database (IADB.nl database). The
      prevalence of contraceptives use and distribution of different contraceptive
      methods were calculated. RESULTS: Of women who used enzyme-inducing AEDs in
      combination with any highly effective contraceptive method, over 40% were on an
      oral contraceptive (OC) containing <50 mcg estrogen. IUDs and injectable
      contraception were used in 22.5% of women receiving AEDs in combination with any
      highly effective contraceptive method, and 33.2% in those receiving enzyme
      inducing AEDs in combination with any highly effective contraceptive method.
      CONCLUSION: Fertile-age women who received AEDs often relied on less effective
      contraceptive methods. Prescribers should be more aware of the interaction
      between AEDs and OCs.

PMID- 22067801
TI  - Laparoscopic removal of an intra-abdominal intrauterine device: case and
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterine perforation by intrauterine devices (IUDs) is a rare but well
      recognized complication. In the past, the presence of adhesions and perforation
      of viscera often resulted in the need for a laparotomy to remove the IUD.
      However, advances in laparoscopic technique have allowed surgeons to safely
      retrieve perforated IUDs. In this review, we analyze uterine perforation by an
      IUD and assess laparoscopic vs. open methods for removal of a perforated IUD.
      STUDY DESIGN: A systematic search strategy was applied to several electronic
      bibliographic databases: Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and OCLC
      PapersFirst. Key words used were IUD, laparoscopy, and uterine perforation.
      RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine cases of attempted laparoscopic removal of
      perforated IUDs were identified in the English literature between 1970 and 2009.
      Patient age ranged from 17 to 49 years. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in
      all 179 cases reported. Laparoscopic removal of perforated IUDs was achieved
      successfully in 64.2% (115/179) of cases. CONCLUSION: This systematic review
      highlights how advances in laparoscopic technique and skill have allowed surgeons
      to safely retrieve IUDs without laparotomy. We recommend an attempt at
      laparoscopic removal as first-line treatment in symptomatic patients and as a
      reasonable treatment option in asymptomatic patients.

PMID- 22067800
TI  - Deterioration in cardiometabolic risk markers in obese women during depot
      medroxyprogesterone acetate use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly effective contraception is essential in obese women, but it
      should not increase their risk of developing or worsening obesity-related
      cardiometabolic illness. The purpose of this 18-week prospective experimental
      study was to compare the impact of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
      (DMPA-SC) on cardiometabolic markers in obese and normal-weight women. METHODS:
      Normal-weight [body mass index (BMI) 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)] and obese (BMI>=30
      kg/m(2)) women received injections of 104 mg DMPA-SC at baseline and 12 weeks
      later. Markers of cardiometabolic risk measured at baseline and 18 weeks after
      the first injection included body morphometry, fasting blood tests, and oral and
      frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests (FSIGT). RESULTS: At
      baseline, median gravidity, BMI, abdominal circumference, and acute insulin
      response to intravenous glucose were higher and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      cholesterol and insulin sensitivity (S(I) from FSIGTs) were lower in the 10 obese
      participants than the five normal-weight women (p<=.05 for each). While there was
      no significant difference between median baseline and follow-up values among
      normal-weight women, the difference between median baseline and follow-up among
      the obese cohort was significantly higher for BMI and lower for HDL cholesterol
      and insulin sensitivity (S(I)) (p<=.05 for each). The absolute changes for
      routinely measured clinical laboratory values of metabolic decline were no
      different among the normal-weight vs. obese women. The difference in absolute
      change in beta-cell compensation for insulin resistance [disposition index (DI)]
      was significant between the two groups at follow-up, with the normal-weight group
      experiencing an increase in DI while the obese group experienced a decline in DI
      (188.5 vs. -286, p=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Obese women have an increased baseline
      cardiometabolic risk when compared with normal-weight women at baseline. There
      was a significantly greater decline in beta-cell compensation for insulin
      resistance in obese women on DMPA. Our data suggest potential deleterious effects
      of DMPA on glucose regulation in obese women. Further studies should elucidate
      the long-term cardiometabolic consequences of DMPA use in obese women.

PMID- 22067802
TI  - Contraceptive efficacy and safety of HerbOshieldTM vaginal gel in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spermicides represent one of the methods of contraception. The
      synthetic agents available as spermicides produce severe side effects. Hence,
      there is a need to replace these agents with safe and effective agents such as
      plant-based contraceptive agents. STUDY DESIGN: The objective of the present
      study was to develop and evaluate a stable, safe, effective and easily acceptable
      contraceptive delivery system containing herbal drug. Efforts were made to
      evaluate the contraceptive potential of the hydroalcoholic extract from the seeds
      of Annona squamosa Linn. and the vaginal gel HerbOshieldTM containing the
      extract. RESULTS: Spermicidal effect was evaluated in vitro using healthy human
      spermatozoa and in vivo in rats. The in vitro results demonstrated that
      HerbOshieldTM vaginal gel is an effective spermicide. At a 100-mg/mL dose,
      complete immobilization of human spermatozoa was observed within 20 s. None of
      the treated animals conceived, indicating 100% contraceptive effect as compared
      to Gynol II, a nonoxynol-9-containing marketed formulation, which showed only 67%
      contraceptive effect in vivo. HerbOshieldTM vaginal gel was found to be safe in
      animals during a 14-day toxicity study. CONCLUSIONS: HerbOshieldTM vaginal gel
      was found to be safe and effective in rats and could be developed as a potential
      vaginal contraceptive for future use in humans.

PMID- 22067803
TI  - Characteristics of women who undergo second-trimester abortion in the setting of
      a fetal anomaly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most women diagnosed with a fetal anomaly terminate the pregnancy.
      Little is known about utilization of two procedures: dilation and evacuation
      (D&E) and induction termination. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study
      included all women seen at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
      Prenatal Diagnosis Center (PDC) who underwent a second-trimester abortion for an
      anomalous pregnancy from 2005 to 2008. We abstracted variables from the PDC
      database and medical charts to identify predictors associated with undergoing
      D&E. RESULTS: Three quarters of the 192 women underwent D&E (n=148). Higher
      maternal age, proximity to UCSF, earlier gestational age, singleton gestation and
      genetic anomaly were associated with undergoing D&E. In adjusted analysis,
      earlier gestational age and singleton gestation were associated with undergoing
      D&E. CONCLUSIONS: The D&E procedure was more commonly utilized for terminating an
      anomalous pregnancy at UCSF than medical induction. Further inquiry is needed to
      explore how provider counseling influences the choice of D&E vs. induction.

PMID- 22067804
TI  - A pilot study of women's knowledge of pregnancy health risks: implications for
      contraception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was performed to assess women's knowledge of the health
      risks of pregnancy and how their assessment of pregnancy risks compared to their
      estimates of the risks of oral contraceptives. STUDY DESIGN: A survey, which
      asked both open-ended and specific questions about the health benefits and risks
      of pregnancy, was administered verbally on a one-on-one basis to nonpregnant,
      English-speaking, reproductive-age women. RESULTS: Of the 248 women who provided
      information for analysis, over one quarter of women could not correctly name any
      health risk associated with pregnancy. When shown a list of potential health
      risks, only 13.3% correctly identified all the health problems that increased in
      pregnancy. Only 49% knew that risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE), diabetes and
      hypertension increase in pregnancy; 30.6% did not know that VTE risk increases.
      Over 75% of respondents rated birth control pills as more hazardous to a woman's
      health than pregnancy. The greater the women's education, the more likely she was
      to believe that oral contraceptives are riskier than pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This
      pilot project clearly demonstrates a need to assess women's understanding of the
      health hazards of pregnancy on a national level. Underestimation of pregnancy
      risks can lead to contraceptive method discontinuation, can decrease motivation
      to seek preconceptional care and can lead to greater medicolegal liability for
      providers of obstetrical care.

PMID- 22067805
TI  - Extended intervention time and evaluation of sperm suppression by dienogest plus
      testosterone undecanoate in male rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The potential of using dienogest [DNG, 40 mg/kg body weight (bw)]
      plus testosterone undecanoate (TU, 25 mg/kg bw) in rats for development of a once
      a-month male hormonal contraceptive has been reported earlier in our
      laboratories. STUDY DESIGN: In the present study, we report a separate efficacy
      evaluation of the same combination, DNG (40 mg/kg bw) and TU (25 mg/kg bw) in
      which interval of drug administration has been extended further to 45 and 60 days
      instead of every 30 days. RESULTS: Complete sperm suppression was observed in
      rats sacrificed either 60 or 90 days after DNG+TU administration, for two
      injections at 45-day interval. The neutral alpha-glucosidase activity in these
      treated rats remained in the normal range. Germ cell loss due to apoptosis was
      frequently observed both after 60 or 90 days of combination treatment.
      Significant decline in serum gonadotropin and testosterone, both serum and
      intratesticular levels, were observed in the treated rats. Following stoppage of
      treatment (given at 45-day interval) after two (0 and 45 days) or three
      injections (0, 45 and 90 days), complete restoration of spermatogenesis was
      observed by 120 and 165 days, respectively. The sperm suppression, however, could
      not be sustained when the period of combined drug administration was extended
      from every 45 to 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: Dienogest plus testosterone undecanoate in
      the above doses retained contraceptive effectiveness when administered every 45
      days but not 60 days. The spermatogenic arrest was completely reversible once
      drug treatment is stopped. The dose and the frequency of intervention can be
      extrapolated in future clinical trials.

PMID- 22067806
TI  - Knowledge and beliefs about mechanism of action of birth control methods among
      European women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adequate knowledge is essential for making informed decisions. We
      attempted to determine the level of knowledge about mechanisms of action of birth
      control methods in five representative samples of European women. STUDY DESIGN:
      Randomly selected women, aged 18-49 years, completed an anonymous survey in
      Germany, France, the UK, Sweden and Romania (N=1137). Participants were asked
      about how contraceptive methods work and if providers should inform them about
      this issue. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate women's
      characteristics associated with their knowledge of mechanisms of action. RESULTS:
      The majority of women identified the unequivocal mode of action of condoms,
      sterilization and abortion. Fewer than 2% identified all possible mechanisms of
      action of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices. Highly educated women
      correctly identified the mechanism or mechanisms of action of more methods than
      less educated women (beta=0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.43). Regardless of
      their sociodemographic characteristics and their belief about when human life
      begins, most women (75%) stated that the provider should inform them about
      possible postfertilization effects. CONCLUSIONS: European women have low
      knowledge about mechanisms of action of several contraceptive methods. The
      majority want to be informed about possible postfertilization effects. Since
      adequate knowledge is essential for making informed decisions, providers are
      encouraged to inform women about all possible mechanisms of action of
      contraceptives.

PMID- 22067807
TI  - Prevalence of genital tract infection with Entamoeba gingivalis among copper T
      380A intrauterine device users in Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was performed to study the prevalence and potential
      pathogenicity of E. gingivalis in the genital tracts of intrauterine
      contraceptive device (IUD) users. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study conducted at
      the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Fertility Care Unit, Mansoura
      University Hospital, Egypt. The study was carried out on 87 IUD users and 87
      nonusers. The copper T 380A IUD was removed from each woman and washed with
      phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4; the IUD wash was centrifuged. The
      sediment was resuspended in 2 ml PBS and divided into two portions. One portion
      was used for preparation of direct and iron hematoxylin-stained smears. Direct
      smears and stained smears were examined for detailed morphology. The second
      portion of the sediment was used for DNA extraction and subsequent PCR
      amplification targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA of E. gingivalis.
      RESULTS: The parasite was found in 12.64% of IUD users and in 6.9% of non users
      (p>.3). It was found that 90.9% of those harboring E. gingivalis in their genital
      tract had the parasite in their oral cavity. The percentage of genital infection
      in IUD users increased with low level of education, rural areas, insertion in
      primary health-care center and among those not washing hands before checking the
      strings. In the infected cases, vaginal discharge was more common (81.8%) than in
      noninfected cases (32.9%), such difference was statistically significant (p<.05).
      Also, excessive vaginal discharge is more common than backache and menorrhagia in
      the infected cases. CONCLUSION: Higher incidence of E. gingivalis infection in
      IUD users is related to oral cavity infection, residence, the facility where they
      inserted their IUD and washing hands attitude before checking the strings. We
      recommend treatment of gingival infection, proper counseling and medical
      education on oral and genital tract hygiene for IUD users.

PMID- 22067808
TI  - A qualitative exploration of emergency contraception users' willingness to select
      the copper IUD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The copper T intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective but
      underutilized method of emergency contraception (EC). This study investigates the
      factors influencing a woman's decision around which method of EC to select. STUDY
      DESIGN: In-depth interviews with 14 IUD and 14 oral EC users aged 18-30 years
      accessing public health clinics. RESULTS: Emergency contraception users
      associated long-term methods of contraception with long-term sexual
      relationships. Women were not aware of the possibility of using the copper IUD
      for EC. Cost was identified as a major barrier to accessing IUDs. Perceived side
      effects and impact on future pregnancies further influenced the EC method a
      participant selected. CONCLUSIONS: Women think about contraception in the context
      of each separate relationship and not as a long-term individual plan. Most women
      were unaware of the copper IUD for EC. Furthermore, there is little discussion
      between women and their health-care providers around EC.

PMID- 22067809
TI  - Couples' acceptability of the SILCS diaphragm for microbicide delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disposable plastic applicators used in microbicide gel studies are
      expensive and have a negative environmental impact. The SILCS diaphragm is a
      barrier contraceptive that could offer a reusable delivery system. STUDY DESIGN:
      Thirty-six couples in this randomized, cross-over study evaluated single- and
      double-sided gel delivery from a SILCS diaphragm compared with gel from an
      applicator. Couples used each gel scenario during two acts of intercourse and
      completed acceptability questionnaires after each. RESULTS: All three scenarios
      received favorable ratings for ease of application, acceptability and perceived
      effectiveness. Both female and male participants tended to rate the gel
      applicator significantly more favorably than either SILCS gel delivery scenarios
      for all attributes except messiness/leakage and effectiveness. Additionally,
      about 60% of female participants and about half of male participants preferred
      the gel applicator to either of the gel delivery systems using SILCS. The
      preference for the SILCS scenario for pregnancy protection was statistically
      significant for both sexes. Male participants were also significantly more likely
      to prefer the SILCS single-sided delivery system to the gel applicator for
      protection from sexually transmitted infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this study
      population, participants found the gel applicator to be more acceptable than
      either single- or double-sided gel delivery from a SILCS diaphragm. Further
      research of the SILCS as a microbicide delivery system should be implemented to
      assess its acceptability among study populations that reflect diverse potential
      user groups such as women and men from both low and high HIV prevalence settings
      including HIV-positive populations and with and without experience using female
      barrier methods.

PMID- 22067810
TI  - Feticidal digoxin injection before dilation and evacuation abortion: evidence and
      ethics.

PMID- 22067811
TI  - Infection and extramural delivery with use of digoxin as a feticidal agent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many abortion providers use digoxin to induce fetal demise prior to
      dilation and evacuation (D&E). Our primary objective was to examine the frequency
      of infection and extramural delivery following digoxin use. STUDY DESIGN: We
      conducted a retrospective single-cohort study. Inclusion criteria were all women
      between 18 and 24 weeks of estimated gestational age who received digoxin in
      preparation for D&E at our outpatient facility. We queried two electronic
      databases to collect data on the frequency of extramural delivery and the rate of
      perioperative infection. RESULTS: From January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2008,
      4906 abortions were performed between 18 and 24 weeks of estimated gestation with
      digoxin injection administered as feticidal agent 1 day prior to D&E. Extramural
      delivery frequency was 0.30%, and infection frequency was 0.04%. There were no
      significant differences in the frequency of extramural deliveries across
      procedure year (p = .2), estimated gestational age (p = .3), race/ethnicity (p =
      .2) or maternal age (p = .3). CONCLUSION: Rates of extramural delivery and
      infection are acceptably low following digoxin use prior to scheduled D&E.

PMID- 22067812
TI  - Imaging of vascular smooth muscle cells with soft X-ray spectromicroscopy.
AB  - Using X-ray microscopy and spectromicroscopy, vascular smooth muscle cells
      (VSMCs) were imaged, prepared without using additional embedding material or
      staining, but by applying simple, noncryo fixation techniques. The cells were
      imaged with a compact source transmission X-ray microscope and a scanning
      transmission X-ray microscope (STXM). With the STXM, spectromicroscopy was
      performed at the C K-edge and the Ca L(III,II)-edges. VSMCs were chosen because
      of their high amount of actin stress fibers, so that the actin cytoskeleton
      should be visible. Other parts of the cell, such as the nucleus and organelles,
      were also identified from the micrographs. Both in the spectra and the images,
      the effects of the different preparation procedures were observable. Furthermore,
      Ca hotspots were detected and their density is determined.

PMID- 22067813
TI  - Incidence and risk factors associated with venous thrombotic events in pediatric
      intensive care unit patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) in children admitted to pediatric intensive care units
      (PICUs). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Eleven tertiary care
      PICUs in the United States. PATIENTS: Children who were admitted to PICUs and had
      radiographically confirmed VTE over a rolling 6-month period were enrolled in the
      study. Demographic, patient-related, and outcomes data were collected and
      compared with all children admitted during the same period. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      RESULTS: : Sixty-six symptomatic VTE were documented in sixty-two patients among
      6653 patients admitted to 11 PICUs. Thirteen (19.7%) of the thrombi were present
      on admission. The incidence rate was 0.74% (range, 0-2.7% per PICU) with a point
      prevalence of 0.93%. Doppler ultrasound was most frequently used to diagnose or
      confirm a suspected VTE. Variables associated with unadjusted risk for VTE
      include: younger age (3.8 months for patients with VTE vs. 51 months for non-VTE
      patients, p < .001), cardiac diagnosis (41% in VTE cases vs. 15% in non-VTE, p <
      .001), pre-/post-operative status (63% in VTE cases vs. 40% in non-VTE, p =
      .001), presence of central venous catheter (88% in VTE case vs. 17% in non-VTE, p
      < .001), or mechanical ventilation (85% in VTE cases vs. 30% non-VTE, p < .001).
      Multivariate analysis showed increased risk of VTE with CVC (odds ratio 6.9;
      confidence interval 2.7-17.5) and mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 2.8;
      confidence interval 0.98-7.93). Children with VTE were sicker (Pediatric Index of
      Mortality 2 score risk of mortality of 3.0% vs. 0.9%; p<0.0001), stayed longer in
      the ICU (21.2 days vs. 1.6 days; p < .0001) and had increased mortality (10.2%
      vs. 2.6; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Children admitted to the PICU have an increased
      risk of VTE. The presence of a CVC is the strongest risk factor for VTE in this
      PICU population. Children with VTE were younger, sicker, stayed longer in PICU,
      and had a higher mortality rate.

PMID- 22067814
TI  - The autopsy: underutilized weapon in the pediatric intensive care unit.

PMID- 22067815
TI  - Follow-up after a child's death in the pediatric intensive care unit: Can it
      improve family outcomes?

PMID- 22067816
TI  - Venous thromboembolism in the pediatric intensive care unit: increased incidence
      or increased awareness?

PMID- 22067817
TI  - Oncology patients in the pediatric intensive care unit: it's time for prospective
      study.

PMID- 22067818
TI  - The pediatric BUS has arrived: is bedside ultrasound in the pediatric intensive
      care unit a feasible option?

PMID- 22067819
TI  - Pediatric heart transplant graft ischemic time and early morbidity.

PMID- 22067820
TI  - Parental inclusion in pediatric intensive care rounds: how does it fit with
      patient- and family-centered care?

PMID- 22067821
TI  - Family conferences in the pediatric intensive care unit: how meaningful and
      memorable?

PMID- 22067822
TI  - Cerebral edema in diabetic ketoacidosis: time to go with the (cerebral blood)
      flow?

PMID- 22067823
TI  - Intracranial pressure monitoring in meningitis: thinking beyond traumatic brain
      injury.

PMID- 22067824
TI  - Toward individualized treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome: response
      guided mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 22067825
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the 21st century: a decade of change.

PMID- 22067826
TI  - Review of dengue hemorrhagic fever and shock syndromes - comments.

PMID- 22067827
TI  - Invasive versus noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring in children with
      acute liver failure.

PMID- 22067829
TI  - Novel H1N1 influenza in pediatric intensive care units: what to be concerned
      about.

PMID- 22067830
TI  - Quantitative analysis of the ion-dependent folding stability of DNA triplexes.
AB  - A DNA triplex is formed through binding of a third strand to the major groove of
      a duplex. Due to the high charge density of a DNA triplex, metal ions are
      critical for its stability. We recently developed the tightly bound ion (TBI)
      model for ion-nucleic acids interactions. The model accounts for the potential
      correlation and fluctuations of the ion distribution. We now apply the TBI model
      to analyze the ion dependence of the thermodynamic stability for DNA triplexes.
      We focus on two experimentally studied systems: a 24-base DNA triplex and a pair
      of interacting 14-base triplexes. Our theoretical calculations for the number of
      bound ions indicate that the TBI model provides improved predictions for the
      number of bound ions than the classical Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation. The
      improvement is more significant for a triplex, which has a higher charge density
      than a duplex. This is possibly due to the higher ion concentration around the
      triplex and hence a stronger ion correlation effect for a triplex. In addition,
      our analysis for the free energy landscape for a pair of 14-mer triplexes
      immersed in an ionic solution shows that divalent ions could induce an attractive
      force between the triplexes. Furthermore, we investigate how the protonated
      cytosines in the triplexes affect the stability of the triplex helices.

PMID- 22067832
TI  - Attenuated Bordetella pertussis BPZE1 as a live vehicle for heterologous vaccine
      antigens delivery through the nasal route.
AB  - Whereas the great majority of the current vaccines are delivered through the
      parenteral route, mucosal administration has been increasingly considered for
      controlling infection and preventing disease. Mucosal vaccination can trigger
      both humoral and cell-mediated protection, not only at the targeted mucosal
      surface, but also systemically. In this regard, nasal vaccination has shown great
      potential. The live attenuated strain of Bordetella pertussis, BPZE1, is
      particularly attractive and promising as a nasal vaccine delivery vector of
      heterologous antigen vaccine candidates. BPZE1 was originally developed as a live
      nasal pertussis vaccine candidate, and is currently undergoing phase I clinical
      trial in human (http://www.child-innovac.org). Highly adapted to the human
      respiratory tract and offering several potential protein carriers for
      presentation of the heterologous antigen vaccine candidates, BPZE1 represents an
      appealing platform for the development of live recombinant vaccines delivered via
      the nasal route that would confer simultaneous protection against pertussis and
      the targeted infectious disease(s).

PMID- 22067833
TI  - Unemployment figures at highest level: a health warning.
AB  - The effects of unemployment can have a detrimental impact on individuals,
      families and society. It has been announced that the latest unemployment figures
      demonstrate that the employment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 70.4% of
      the working population in the 3months to August. This reflects the fragility of
      the global economy and the Government's aspirations to reduce spending.

PMID- 22067831
TI  - The genetic toolbox for Leishmania parasites.
AB  - Leishmania parasites cause a variety of devastating diseases in tropical areas
      around the world. Due to the lack of vaccines and limited availability of drugs,
      new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. A variety of genetic tools have been
      developed to investigate the complex biology of this parasite and its
      interactions with the host. One of the main techniques is the generation of knock
      out parasites via targeted gene replacement, a process that takes advantage of
      the parasites ability to undergo homologous recombination. Studying the effect of
      gene deletions in vitro and in infectivity models in vivo allows understanding
      the function of a target gene and its potential as a therapeutic target. Other
      genetic manipulations available include episomal and chromosomal complementation
      and the generation of overproducer strains. However, there are also limitations,
      such as the lack of RNA interference machinery in most Leishmania species and
      limited options for inducible expression systems. The genomes of several
      Leishmania species have now been sequenced and will provide powerful resources in
      combination with the genetic tools that are available. The increasing knowledge
      of parasite biology and host parasite interactions derived from these studies
      will raise the number of potential therapeutic targets, which are sorely needed
      to combat leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22067834
TI  - Promoting better care  for patients with dementia.
AB  - Admission to hospital or a visit to a local clinic can be a frightening
      experience for a patient with dementia who faces interactions with strangers in
      unfamiliar surroundings. A nursing team on an acute medical ward for individuals
      with respiratory conditions, or in a busy general practice, simply has little
      time to assess what the patient wants to communicate and provide reassurance.

PMID- 22067835
TI  - Nutrition: safe practice in adult  enteral tube feeding.
AB  - The use of enteral feeding tubes, such as nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes, to
      support a patient's nutritional intake is generally considered to be safe and
      effective. However, recent alerts and recommendations from the National Patient
      Safety Agency (NPSA) regarding enteral feeding have led health professionals to
      review their practice and guidelines. This article explores safe practice in
      enteral tube feeding in the light of three NPSA alerts: Promoting safer
      measurement and administration of liquid medicines via oral and other enteral
      routes (2007), Early detection of complications after gastrostomy (2010) and
      Reducing the harm caused by misplaced nasogastric tubes in adults and children
      (2011).

PMID- 22067836
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis: treating to target with disease-modifying drugs.
AB  - Treating to target is an established concept in a number of long-term conditions,
      which aims to improve outcomes and prevent disease progression. Treatment targets
      in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are to control the signs and symptoms of significant
      inflammatory disease activity, with the ultimate goal of remission from disease.
      Assessment of patients' disease activity includes clinical examination of the
      number of swollen and tender joints, combined with measurement of inflammatory
      markers and visual analogue scales of patients' overall wellbeing and symptoms.
      Early initiation and rapid dose escalation of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic
      drugs (DMARDs) has been shown to be crucial to optimizing disease control,
      protecting joints from destruction and preserving health-related quality of life.
      Corticosteroids can be prescribed for oral use but are often given by intra
      muscular or joint injection in times of flare to minimize the risks of side
      effects. The rational use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesia
      remains important to symptom management throughout the patient journey. In part
      two of this three-part series, the concept of treating to target in rheumatoid
      arthritis is outlined, including the role of the nurse in optimizing outcomes and
      an overview of treatment options using conventional DMARDs. Part three will cover
      the use of biologic agents, which have increased treatment options for RA, but
      their use is reserved for patients with severe disease activity who have failed
      to respond to adequate trials of DMARDs.

PMID- 22067837
TI  - Using Actico bandaging for chronic oedema/lymphoedema management.
AB  - Actico has been used successfully within clinical and community settings and is
      best used as part of a multi-layered lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB) system. This
      system is designed to produce a semi-rigid casing that is comfortable enough to
      allow patients to continue with their activities and exercises so as to generate
      an optimal resisted muscle pump action within. Correct application is key to
      using this cohesive short-stretch bandage, and collaborative working between
      clinics and community nurses is made easier through using Actico as part of
      oedema management.  The case studies enclosed aim to illustrate the use of Actico
      MLLB for both patients and clinicians.

PMID- 22067838
TI  - Implementation of 'sign-off' mentorship: different perspectives.
AB  - Students who entered nurse training from September 2007 onwards are required to
      have a sign-off mentor (SOM) in their final clinical placement. The sign-off
      mentor is responsible for confirming to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
      that a student nurse has met all the requirements of pre-registration clinical
      assessment and can be registered as a nurse. This became mandatory in September
      2010, and this article describes how one acute NHS foundation Trust implemented
      and managed this process, with contributions from practice education
      facilitators, an SOM and a student.

PMID- 22067839
TI  - Serving within the British Army: research into mental health benefits.
AB  - The mental health (MH) of soldiers remains extremely newsworthy and is regularly
      featured in high profile media forums that focus on post-traumatic stress
      disorder. However, the authors feel that there are distinct benefits to serving
      within the Army, and that it provides effective occupational medical, MH and
      welfare support. This research study explores potential benefits and stressors of
      being in the Army and provides an overview of Army mental health services (AMHS)
      through the perspectives of AMHS personnel, 84% of which were nurses. The study
      indicated that the Army can provide a protective community, sharing a bond based
      on common values and experiences. The Army can provide soldiers with career
      opportunities that are not available in civilian life, and there are
      opportunities to develop an employment profile, enhanced by internal and external
      educational training, and encapsulated within a progressive career pathway. The
      Army can also be seen to offer an escape route, preventing soldiers entering a
      life of crime, and supplying the stable family these soldiers had never
      experienced. The provision of leadership, within an environment where soldiers
      are valued and stigma is not tolerated can potentially shield against MH
      problems.

PMID- 22067840
TI  - Seasonal influenza: what every nurse needs to know.
AB  - Professor Alan Glasper discusses this year's seasonal influenza advice from the
      Department of Health in preparation for winter, and the increasing importance of
      influenza vaccination by nurses, for nurses.

PMID- 22067841
TI  - A new paradigm in patient safety.
AB  - John Tingle, Linda Gibson and Maria Ferrante discuss a new framework for the
      patient safety agenda.

PMID- 22067842
TI  - Supporting the self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 11: a
      strategic model.
AB  - The previous articles in this series have focused primarily on support and
      supervision at a ward or unit level, and have examined the practicalities of
      mentorship, clinical supervision, giving feedback, dealing with conflict and a
      number of other strategies. This practical application is relevant to the staff
      nurse, team leader and nurse consultant. At a more strategic level (those of the
      hospital, Trust or national level), we need to step back from the interactional
      and face-to-face structures and examine the organization of support and
      supervision strategically.

PMID- 22067843
TI  - Exploring the implications  of modernized European legislation.
AB  - On many occasions in this column, I have discussed the unique experience of the
      student nurse and the many ways that that experience differs from other students
      within the university. In June, the European Commission published a consultation
      on a green paper entitled Modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive,
      the aim of which was to modernize the legislation allowing individual EU citizens
      to realize their individual right to work anywhere in the EU. This embraces
      nurses as one of many professional groups; however, there are a number of issues
      which must be considered discretely.

PMID- 22067844
TI  - Taking the lead role in care delivery.
AB  - The NHS community services in my local area are offering free health checks. My
      invitation letter offered me a choice - I could take the enclosed form to my GP,
      get another form and go to a phlebotomy clinic, then wait 2 weeks and go back to
      my GP for the blood test result and the health check; or alternatively, I could
      go to my local pharmacy, have a blood test and assessment, all in one visit. I
      thought 'no contest, I am going to the pharmacy for my health check!'

PMID- 22067845
TI  - Coexisting pustular and ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum.

PMID- 22067846
TI  - Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors and inflammasomes in the
      pathogenesis of non-microbial inflammation and diseases.
AB  - The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) or
      nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing family of genes plays an
      important role in the development of innate immune responses. Some family members
      are known to form multiprotein complexes known as inflammasomes that regulate the
      processing and secretion of proinflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1beta
      and interleukin-18. Activity of the inflammasome is triggered not only by
      microbial infection, but also by a wide range of both exogenous and endogenous
      noninfectious stimuli. Consequently, the dysregulation of inflammasome activity
      is associated with numerous proinflammatory, non-microbial human diseases. The
      discovery of NLRP3 gene mutations in autoinflammatory diseases such as Muckle
      Wells syndrome has led to the association of NLRs in the pathogenesis of many non
      microbial diseases that include arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic
      disorders (obesity and diabetes), cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis,
      myocardial infarction), inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and
      hypersensitivity dermatitis. A number of NLRs are also associated with human
      disease in the absence of inflammasome activity, suggesting additional roles for
      NLRs in the regulation of inflammation and disease. This review serves to provide
      a summary of NLR-associated diseases and, where possible, the mechanisms behind
      the associations.

PMID- 22067847
TI  - Dietary fish oil preserves cardiac function in the hypertrophied rat heart.
AB  - Regular fish or fish oil intake is associated with a low incidence of heart
      failure clinically, and fish oil-induced reduction in cardiac remodelling seen in
      hypertrophy models may contribute. We investigated whether improved cardiac
      energy efficiency in non-hypertrophied hearts translates into attenuation of
      cardiac dysfunction in hypertrophied hearts. Male Wistar rats (n 33) at 8 weeks
      of age were sham-operated or subjected to abdominal aortic stenosis to produce
      pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy. Starting 3 weeks post-operatively to
      follow initiation of hypertrophy, rats were fed a diet containing 10 % olive oil
      (control) or 5 % fish oil (ROPUFA(r) 30 (17 % EPA, 10 % DHA))+5 % olive oil (FO
      diet). At 15 weeks post-operatively, ventricular haemodynamics and oxygen
      consumption were evaluated in the blood-perfused, isolated working heart. Resting
      and maximally stimulated cardiac output and external work were >60 % depressed in
      hypertrophied control hearts but this was prevented by FO feeding, without
      attenuating hypertrophy. Cardiac energy efficiency was lower in hypertrophy, but
      greater in FO hearts for any given cardiac mass. Coronary blood flow, restricted
      in hypertrophied control hearts, increased with increasing work in hypertrophied
      FO hearts, revealing a significant coronary vasodilator reserve. Pronounced
      cardiac dysfunction in hypertrophied hearts across low and high workloads,
      indicative of heart failure, was attenuated by FO feeding in association with
      membrane incorporation of n-3 PUFA, principally DHA. Dietary fish oil may offer a
      new approach to balancing the high oxygen demand and haemodynamic requirements of
      the failing hypertrophied heart independently of attenuating hypertrophy.

PMID- 22067848
TI  - Hilotherm efficacy in controlling postoperative facial edema in patients treated
      for maxillomandibular malformations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A cooling system based on polyurethane preshaped masks for
      postoperative cryotherapy, named Hilotherm, has been recently introduced. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this equipment in
      controlling postoperative edema and compare the results with those obtained with
      a group treated with conventional cryotherapy and a group not treated with
      cryotherapy. METHODS: Ninety patients were included in this randomized controlled
      trial. The 90 patients were divided into 3 groups. Group A was treated with
      Hilotherm. Group B was treated with conventional cryotherapy. Group C was not
      treated with cryotherapy. Using a tape measure, we measured for both sides of the
      face the distances in centimeters between point 0 and external canthus ([alpha]),
      most lateral point on the ala of the nose ([beta]), commissura labialis
      ([gamma]), and Pos ([delta]). We performed a Kruskal-Wallis test comparing the
      average variation of edema on the right and left sides of the face for each
      facial segment of patients of the 3 groups from time 0 to time 24 hours. RESULTS:
      No cryotherapy is the worst treatment for every segment studied. In anatomic
      regions defined [beta], [gamma], and [delta], Hilotherm was more effective in
      containing edema than the ice pack 24 hours after the first measurement. Opposite
      results were seen on district [alpha], the site not completely enclosed in the
      mask. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial difference between different treatments
      probably consisted in the greater reliability of the Hilotherm system, which is
      characterized by easy handling, constant temperature control, comfort, and
      practicality of the masks.

PMID- 22067849
TI  - Oral rehabilitation after surgical removal of pleomorphic adenoma.
AB  - Although tumors of minor salivary glands are rare, the pleomorphic adenoma is the
      most common pathology among the benign neoplasm and can be found with high
      prevalence in the junction between hard palate and soft palate. The treatment of
      choice for most of maxillary tumors is surgical through either a total or partial
      maxillectomy. However, surgical defects caused by such type of treatment lead to
      both clinical and psychologic disorders for the patient. The immediate oral
      rehabilitation using interim palate obturator after maxillectomy provides
      optimization on the healing process, recovers the stomatognathic functions after
      surgery, and avoids psychosocial sequelae for the patients. This clinical report
      aimed to present the rehabilitation with immediate palate obturator of a patient
      who underwent a partial maxillectomy due to a hard palate pleomorphic adenoma of
      minor salivary glands. We report the clinical importance of the prosthetic
      rehabilitation and the improvements on both quality of life and stomatognathic
      functions of this patient. It can be concluded that the immediate rehabilitation
      of the patient after partial maxillectomy by using an interim palate obturator
      was a great option and provided clinical benefits in the immediate postoperative
      period, improving the patient's quality of life, allowing the patient's
      reinsertion into society, and reducing the surgical treatment sequelae.

PMID- 22067850
TI  - Combined use of titanium mesh and resorbable PLLA-PGA implant in the treatment of
      large orbital floor fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A variety of alloplastic permanent and resorbable materials have been
      successfully used in orbital floor reconstruction; nevertheless, they both have
      shown disadvantages in the reconstruction of large orbital floor defects. We
      believe that, by combining both types of implants, the disadvantages could be
      diminished. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that included all patients
      with large orbital floor defects (>2 * 2 cm), pure or in association with other
      facial fractures, treated in our service with the combined use of titanium mesh
      and the resorbable implant LactoSorb. RESULTS: We included 20 patients, 7 had
      pure blowout fractures and the rest had other associated maxillofacial fractures.
      All of them had a large orbital floor defect with entrapment of periorbital
      tissue and herniation into the maxillary sinus. Mean hospital stay was 2 days,
      and our follow-up period was for at least 3 months. Seventeen patients had
      complete coverage of their floor defect with restoration of orbital volume,
      normal globe position, and full extraocular motility. We report 3 cases of
      enophthalmos and 2 cases of ectropion. Follow-up tomographic scans showed
      incomplete implant coverage of the orbital floor in 2 cases and a misplaced
      implant in the other. Subsequent operation was needed for correction.
      CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the combination of both implants is a good option
      for the reconstruction of large orbital floor defects. It takes full advantage of
      their intrinsic properties while at the same time lowers the disadvantages of
      their individual use. Complications were attributed to technical errors and not
      to the combination of both materials.

PMID- 22067851
TI  - IMP3 is a novel biomarker to predict metastasis and prognosis of tongue squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Insulinlike growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is a newly identified
      mRNA-binding protein that is involved in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis of some
      malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic
      significance of this protein in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The
      expression of IMP3 in 65 samples of tongue SCC and 27 cases of oral leukoplakia
      (OL) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. These expression levels were
      correlated with clinical and pathologic features as well as death from tongue
      SCC. Weak immunohistochemical stain for IMP3 was identified in all 19 cases of OL
      with mild dysplasia, and no immunohistochemical reactivity was found in 8 cases
      of OL without dysplasia. Positive immunohistochemical stain for IMP3 was
      identified in 50 cases (77%) of SCC; among them, weak staining was identified in
      33 cases (51%) and intermediate staining in 17 cases (26%). To compare the
      expression of IMP3 in tongue SCC and OL, stronger immunohistochemical reactivity
      was found in tongue SCC (P < 0.05). Stronger expression of IMP3 was found to be
      associated with lymphoid metastasis (P < 0.05) and patient poor outcome (median
      survival time of 40 months in the negative and weak expression group vs 10 months
      in the intermediate expression group; P < 0.05). This study suggests that the
      increase in IMP3 expression in tongue leukopathia and SCCs may play a role in the
      carcinogenesis and tumor metastasis of tongue SCCs. Insulinlike growth factor II
      mRNA-binding protein 3 could be a novel prognostic indicator for patients with
      tongue SCCs.

PMID- 22067852
TI  - Missile war injuries of the face.
AB  - In a society struggling to rebuild its country after 3 decades of years of
      dictatorships and wars, Iraqi maxillofacial and craniofacial surgeons play a
      critical role in treatment of many most serious terrorist missile injuries of the
      face by ongoing conflict in Iraq. This study reflects our surgical techniques of
      treating explosive missile injuries and other combat- and terrorism-related
      injuries and also evaluates the immediate and secondary phase managements of
      patients with missile injuries. This study includes 235 patients with missile war
      injuries of the face during a period of 4 years; all injured patients were
      treated in the Maxillofacial Unit of Surgical Specialties Hospital, Medical City,
      Baghdad. There were 195 men and 40 women; their ages ranged from 1 to 70 years
      (mean, 39.5 years). Posttraumatic missile facial deformities were classified as
      follows: 95 patients (40.43%) had bone loss; 72 patients (30.64%) had soft tissue
      loss; 33 patients (14.05%) had orbital injuries; and 35 patients (14.90%) had
      other deformities of scar contracture, fistula, and sinus formation. Two
      techniques were used for reconstruction of the bony defect, either by bone chips
      carried by osteomesh tray harvested from the iliac crest or by free block of
      corticocancellous bone graft from the iliac crest. Soft tissue reconstruction was
      done by local flaps and regional flaps such as lateral cervical and cervicofacial
      flaps, and the orbit was reconstructed by bone graft, lyophilized dura, and
      sialastic implant. Scar contracture was treated by scar revision and sinus tract
      excised at the same time of scar revision. In conclusion, the primary phase
      required an urgent airway management, controlling an active bleeding by surgical
      intervention; most entrance and exit wounds as well as retained missiles were
      located in the cheek, chin, and mandibular body, with few cases of mortality due
      to complications related to head injuries. The secondary phase management of
      deformities of the face as a complication of missile injuries was classified as
      bone loss, soft tissue loss, combined bone and soft tissue loss, and others
      (sinus tracts and poor scars).

PMID- 22067853
TI  - Upper double-rotation advancement method for unilateral cleft lip repair of
      severe forms: classification and surgical technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symmetry in lip height
      and lip width after double-rotation advancement unilateral cleft lip repair.
      STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective audit of 1 surgeon's outcome of 72
      consecutively performed unilateral cleft lip with short lateral segment. Two
      hundred fifty patients with unilateral cleft lip were operated on using the upper
      double-rotation advancement technique since 2007. Of those patients, 72 met the
      study criterion of having anthropometric measurements performed at least 1 year
      postoperatively. DATA COLLECTION: Measurement of lip height, lip width, vermilion
      height, and alar base width was performed at the cleft and noncleft side under
      general anesthesia, immediately before the lip (preoperative) and palate
      (postoperative) surgery. The lip measurements were obtained using calipers. The
      matched-pair t-test analyses were performed when the assumptions required were
      met. When the normality assumption was not met, a nonparametric test was used,
      the Wilcoxon signed rank test, to assess the statistical significance of
      differences between the cleft side and the noncleft side. RESULTS: The study
      found no statistically significant differences between cleft-side and noncleft
      side lip height (P = 0.058), lip width (P = 0.295), and vermilion height (P =
      0.237) after lip repair. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the upper double
      rotation and advancement technique is a good alternative to repair short lateral
      segment and severe forms of unilateral cleft lip.

PMID- 22067854
TI  - Microvascular tissue transfer in cleft palate patients: advocacy of the
      prelaminated radial free forearm flap.
AB  - The closure of wide palatal clefts and recurrent oronasal fistulae may be
      challenging. After repeated failure of conventional techniques, microvascular
      tissue transfer may be indicated in the closure of such fistulae. Depending on
      the location and the size of the palatal fistula, different tissues are required
      to sufficiently close the palatal gaps. A subdivision of common flaps into
      mucosa, muscular, bony, skin, and fascia flaps was carried out to analyze their
      suitability for alveolar, hard, and soft palate reconstruction. Furthermore, the
      bulk of flaps and the length of the vascular pedicle were analyzed to rate the
      suitability of different flaps for palatal closure. Based on a new classification
      of oronasal fistulae, all these factors were taken into consideration to
      introduce a decision guidance of what microvascular flap fits a particular
      clinical situation. The radial free forearm flap was found to be sufficient in
      the closure of all classes of oronasal fistulae.

PMID- 22067855
TI  - Use of stereolithographic drilling and cutting guides in bilateral mandibular
      distraction.
AB  - Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is used in the treatment of patients with
      syndromic and nonsyndromic class II mandibular hypoplasia. The three-dimensional
      distraction of the mandible is extremely complex. Past experience with mandibular
      distraction has demonstrated the indispensability of solid presurgical planning
      to achieve predictable results. We report a method for a virtual three
      dimensional planning of the bilateral mandibular distraction with intraoperative
      transfer by stereolithographic guides. Five patients (mean age, 22.8 years) with
      bilateral mandibular hypoplasia were examined with preoperative and postoperative
      computed tomographic scans. The direction and dimension of the distraction were
      planned on the three-dimensional computed tomographic scans. Tooth- and bone
      borne stereolithographic guides for transferring the planning were then applied
      intraoperatively. It was feasible to transfer and perform the surgery as planned
      by the use of the stereolithographic drilling and cutting guides. The mean
      distraction width was 11.33 (SD, 8.32) mm. The mean difference of the distraction
      width between the planning and the achieved final mandibular position was 1.80
      (SD, 0.43) mm. The intercondyle distance decreased by 3.28 (SD, 1.01) mm. A
      parallel distraction within the planned vectors was achieved. Mandibular
      distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of severe mandibular hypoplasia needs
      careful presurgical planning. Parallel distraction and fast placement of the
      distractors are provided by the planning. The method provides a useful tool for
      both planning and intraoperative transfer of the virtually preplanned distraction
      vectors.

PMID- 22067856
TI  - Photoelastic analysis of biomechanical behavior of single and multiple fixed
      partial prostheses with different prosthetic connections.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution on external
      hexagon, internal hexagon, and Morse taper implant in single and 3-unit implant
      supported fixed partial prostheses (FPPs) using photoelasticity. Six models were
      fabricated with the photoelastic resin PL-2: 3 models for the 3-unit implant
      supported FPP with implants of 4.0 * 10.0 mm in the region of the second premolar
      and molar including 1 model for each type of implant connection, and 3 models for
      the single prosthesis for each implant type. The prostheses fabrication was
      standardized. A circular polariscope was used, and axial and oblique (45 degrees)
      loads of 100 N were applied in a universal testing machine. The results were
      photographed and analyzed qualitatively. The internal hexagon implant exhibited
      better stress distribution and lower intensity of fringes followed by the
      external hexagon and Morse taper implants for the models with the 3-unit
      prostheses. For the single implants, the Morse taper implant presented better
      stress distribution, followed by the internal and external hexagon implants. The
      oblique loading increased the number of photoelastic fringes in all models. It
      was concluded that the internal hexagon implant exhibited better biomechanical
      behavior for the 3-unit implant-supported FPP, whereas the Morse taper implant
      was more favorable for the single implant-supported prosthesis. The oblique
      loading increased the stress in all models.

PMID- 22067857
TI  - Recession defects associated with scraped roots treated with subepithelial
      connective tissue graft.
AB  - The objective of the current study was to assess histomorphometrically the
      healing process of recession defects associated with scraped roots treated with
      subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Six dogs were used. Bone dehiscence
      defects (6 * 8 mm) and root planing were carried out on maxillary canine teeth.
      Following a split-mouth model, according to the treatment, left canines (control)
      were covered with coronally positioned flap (CPF). Right canines were submitted
      to treatments with SCTG. After a 3-month postoperative period, the animals were
      killed, and the blocks processed for the histomorphometric assessment. Data
      assessment demonstrated that the CPF group showed parameters of a new connective
      tissue attachment, length of new cement (NC), length of new bone (mean +/- SD:
      0.95 +/- 0.53, 2.44 +/- 1.97, and 1.96 +/- 2.29 mm, respectively), which were
      higher than those of SCTG group (mean +/- SD: 0.71 +/- 0.36, 2.21 +/- 1.28, and
      1.52 +/- 1.31 mm, respectively), although not significantly (P > 0.05). The
      length of both epithelial tissue and connective tissue apposition in the SCTG
      group (mean +/- SD: 1.70 +/- 0.53 and 2.62 +/- 1.52 mm, respectively) were higher
      than those of the CPF group (mean +/- SD: 1.18 +/- 0.49 and 2.03 +/- 1.03 mm,
      respectively), although showing no significant differences (P > 0.05). Within the
      limits of the current study, it was possible to conclude that there were no
      significant differences between the groups according to the histologic parameters
      assessed.

PMID- 22067858
TI  - Effect of mitomycin C on endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to retrospectively analyze the
      efficacy of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
      (END-DCR) and compare it with external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR). METHODS:
      For the comfort of the patients, the procedures were performed under general
      anesthesia. Intraoperatively during the END-DCR, we applied a cotton pledget
      soaked in a 0.5 mg/mL solution of MMC for 2.5 minutes. In each patient, a
      silicone tube was placed into the nasal cavity via the superior and inferior
      punctae and fixed in the vestibule. We retrospectively analyzed the medical
      records of patients who underwent END-DCR and EXT-DCR. RESULTS: A retrospective
      review was performed on the medical records of 43 patients (with a total of 49
      affected cases) who were admitted to our clinics with a primary complaint of
      epiphora. The overall success rates were 91% in END-DCR+MMC and 71.5% in EXT-DCR.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin C, in appropriate doses, minimizes postoperative
      granulations and fibrosis. Adjunctive use of MMC is considered to increase the
      success rate of END-DCR.

PMID- 22067859
TI  - Osteoconductive capacity of hydroxyapatite implanted into the skull of diabetics.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus can cause various diseases, including loss of bone mineral
      density as a characteristic manifestation of osteoporosis. In this condition,
      bone is more vulnerable to pathologic fractures that can be treated by
      implantation of biomaterial grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      osteogenic capacity of hydroxyapatite implanted into bone defects in the skull of
      nonobese diabetic mice. Fifteen nonobese diabetic mice were divided into 3
      groups: control (nondiabetic), spontaneously diabetic, and spontaneously diabetic
      receiving insulin replacement applied subcutaneously into the dorsum. Defects
      were created experimentally in the skull with a surgical bur and filled with
      hydroxyapatite granules. The animals were killed 4 weeks after surgery, and
      samples were obtained for analysis. Quantitative methods were used for
      measurement of the new bone formation. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance
      followed by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). Radiographic results showed good
      radiopacity of the hydroxyapatite; however, radiolucent spots were seen between
      the hydroxyapatite granules in the diabetic groups, indicating infiltration of
      connective tissue. Microscopic results showed projections of newly formed bone
      from the margin of bone defect toward the implant. The quantity of newly formed
      bone was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that observed in the diabetic
      groups. The recipient area of diabetic groups contained a larger amount of
      connective tissue as demonstrated by radiographic analyses. In conclusion, the
      osteogenesis guided by the properties of hydroxyapatite may even occur in bone
      suffering from the effects of diabetes, but the quantity of newly formed bone is
      lower, and the process is slower.

PMID- 22067860
TI  - Rugby players' awareness of concussion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Concussion is a common issue in most contact sports, such as rugby,
      being one of the most troublesome injuries facing the sports medicine physician.
      The aim of this article was to survey the knowledge and beliefs concerning
      concussion in a sample of young rugby athletes in the northwest of Italy.
      METHODS: The athletes of 4 amateur rugby teams completed a questionnaire about
      their knowledge about the signs and symptoms of concussion and of return-to-play
      strategies and protocols. RESULTS: Twenty-five athletes reported that they had
      not been informed by anyone about symptoms of concussion and its consequences.
      Among these, 7 players thought they could return to play immediately after a
      concussion during the very same match. CONCLUSIONS: The surveyed group in this
      study presented a general lack of knowledge of concussion. Rugby athletes and
      coaches must be made aware about signs and symptoms of concussion to suspect this
      injury. It would be desirable that rugby players are educated regarding the
      potential risks of playing while symptomatic.

PMID- 22067861
TI  - Analysis of short implants and lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve with
      2-stage dental implants by finite element method.
AB  - There are difficulties for dental implant use in posterior mandible when there is
      little bone height for implant placement. Among the treatment alternatives
      available, there is no direct comparison between short implants and conventional
      implants placed with lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve. The present
      study aimed to comparatively evaluate the risk of peri-implant bone loss of the
      above treatments. With this aim, computed tomography scans of mandibles were
      processed, and implants and prosthetic components were reverse engineered for
      reconstruction of three-dimensional models to simulate the biomechanical behavior
      of 3-element fixed partial dentures supported by 2 osseointegrated implants,
      using simulations with the finite element method. The models of implants were
      based on MK III implants (Nobel Biocare) of 5- and 4-mm diameter by 7-mm length,
      representing short implants, and 4- and 3.75-mm diameter by 15-mm length,
      representing implants used in lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve. All
      models were simulated with prestress concerning the stresses generated by the
      torque of the screw. Axial and oblique occlusal loads at 45% were simulated,
      resulting in 8 different simulations. The results showed that the risk for bone
      loss in osseointegrated implants is greater for treatments with short implants.

PMID- 22067862
TI  - Evaluation of the nose profile after maxillary advancement with impaction
      surgeries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and quantify nasal profile
      changes following maxillary advancement (MA) and maxillary advancement with
      impaction (MAI) with Le Fort I osteotomies. METHODS: The study consisted of
      preoperative and postoperative lateral cephalograms of 42 class III adult
      patients. The study sample was divided into 2 groups, with the first group
      composed of 22 patients who underwent MA surgery and the second group composed of
      20 patients who underwent MAI surgery. In total, 7 skeletal parameters and 17
      soft-tissue parameters related to nasal projection, hump, dorsal convexity, and
      the nasolabial region were evaluated on the cephalograms, and hard- and soft
      tissue relationships were assessed. RESULTS: Nasal length, hump, nasal depths,
      distance from the most convex point of the Alar curvature to the most inferior
      point of the nostril, alar curvature-subnasale, and subnasale-pronasale
      measurements decreased postoperatively. In the MAI group, MA correlated with
      significant decreases in nasal length and hump. In the MA group, MA correlated
      with pronasale position (P < 0.05); significant decreases in nasal depth,
      columella convexity, and subnasale-pronasale length; and significant changes in
      subnasale position. CONCLUSIONS: There is little difference in the effects of the
      2 different maxillary surgeries on the postoperative nasal profile.

PMID- 22067863
TI  - Upper lip asymmetry perception using three-dimensional anthropometry in patients
      with unilateral cleft lip deformity.
AB  - Conventional anthropometry using photographs has been widely used, but it does
      not provide accurate length. For upper lip asymmetry analysis, three-dimensional
      photographic system (3D VECTRA; Canfield, Fairfield, NJ) was used to calculate
      the ratio of cleft-side and noncleft-side curvature lengths. Thirty patients with
      unilateral cleft lip were analyzed. Three-dimensional photographic system was
      used to calculate the length ratio of upper lip of cleft and noncleft sides. In
      addition, two-dimensional photographs were analyzed by 10 plastic surgeons, and
      upper lip asymmetry was scored using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pearson
      analysis was used to identify relations between the ratios and the VAS scores.
      Intrarater reliability for the VAS scores ranged from 0.653 to 0.925, and
      interrater reliability was 0.611. Pearson correlation coefficients for each ratio
      and the VAS score were 0.412 (P = 0.024) for cleft-side to noncleft-side
      curvature length ratio of Cupid's bow, 0.250 (P = 0.182) for cleft-side to
      noncleft-side curvature length ratio from the commissure to the lowest point of
      the nasal ala, 0.214 (P = 0.018) for linear length ratio of Cupid's bow, and
      0.356 (P = 0.153) for linear length ratio from the commissure to the lowest point
      of the nasal ala. Analysis of upper lip asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip
      patients using the three-dimensional photographic system is more accurate than
      two-dimensional anthropometry. Horizontal curvature length ratio was the most
      strongly correlated with VAS score.

PMID- 22067864
TI  - Elongated styloid process associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
AB  - This article presents a case with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS)
      and an elongated styloid process. Basal cell carcinoma syndrome, also known as
      Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, is an autosomal dominant inherited syndrome manifested by
      multiple defects involving the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine system, and
      bones. Elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament cause
      craniofacial or cervical pain. The actual cause of elongation of the styloid
      process or the calcification of the stylohyoid ligament is unclear. The cause of
      elongation of styloid process in this case may be the calcification induced by
      NBCCS. This report is the first case presentation of NBCCS with elongated styloid
      process. Elongated styloid process might be described as an anomaly of an NBCCS.

PMID- 22067865
TI  - Mimix hydroxyapatite cement use in the reconstruction of the craniofacial
      skeleton.
AB  - Reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton has undergone a significant evolution
      during the past century. Initially, the use of autogenous bone grafts from
      various sites was the criterion standard. However, owing to donor site morbidity
      and lack of sufficient bone for large defects, surgeons have relied on various
      bone substitutes. Hydroxyapatite (HA) has served as an alternative to autogenous
      grafts, but questions regarding biocompatibility, risk of infection, and slow set
      times have hampered its acceptance. This article serves as a review of a single
      surgeon's experience using HA in the craniofacial skeleton. Eighteen patients
      receiving HA between March 2000 and November 2006 were observed. Sixteen
      underwent recontouring of skull-based bone defects, and 2 underwent recontouring
      for nasal and alveolar defects. The mean amount of HA used in each patient was
      30.2 g. For large contour irregularities, the maximum thickness of HA used was 8
      mm. The size of bone defects ameliorated averaged 4.8 cm(2). Complications
      occurred in 3 (16.7%) of 18 patients and included scalp hematoma and superficial
      cellulitis. In addition, 1 patient developed a facial abscess after placement
      along the alveolar floor, which necessitated removal. Hydroxyapatite represents a
      viable alternative to autogenous bone grafts when used in the correct manner.
      Hydroxyapatite should be used only for smaller defects or used in conjunction
      with absorbable plates when attempting to fill larger defects. Use of HA for
      nasal piriform augmentation or alveolar bone grafting should not be considered
      owing to problems with late infections.

PMID- 22067866
TI  - Worldwide incidence of odontogenic tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to determine the relative frequency of
      odontogenic tumors (OTs) in the world population, directing an epidemiologic
      profile to these lesions. METHODS: Was conducted a search in epidemiologic
      studies involving OTs that are listed by PubMed and Ovid, EMBASE, and Cochrane
      Library, embracing the period from January 1960 to January 2010, to verify their
      incidence worldwide. We identified 195 articles, of which 19 articles were
      selected, considering the location, age, sex, histologic type, and World Health
      Organization classification. RESULTS: A total of 8544 OTs were found. The results
      showed a low frequency of malignant OTs in selected works. The most frequent
      tumor was ameloblastoma (39.6%), followed by odontoma (20.1%) and the newly
      included keratocystic OT (13.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These OTs are uncommon lesions in
      world population, and malignant OTs are very rare. The relative frequency of
      different kinds of OTs, the age, and the sex distribution show a marked
      geographic variation in incidence of those lesions. This was particularly notable
      in the ameloblastomas and odontoma, with the incidences being relatively well and
      weighted showing similar values to an average when compared with previous
      studies.

PMID- 22067867
TI  - Microdeletion 3q syndrome.
AB  - The authors present the clinical case of a 5-month-old boy, affected by
      multimalformative syndrome with features of microdeletion 3q syndrome. In the
      literature so far, the real incidence is unknown because of its rarity. The goal
      of this study was to describe the salient findings of this rare malformative
      syndrome, which needs a multidisciplinary approach. The patient had 3q
      interstitial chromosome deletion (q22.1-q25.2). He showed the following clinical
      features: microcephaly, microphthalmia, epicantus inversus, blepharophimosis,
      palpebral ptosis, short neck with pterygium, brachycephaly, round face,
      hypotelorism, broad nasal bridge, beaked nose, large and low-set ears, soft cleft
      palate, retromicrognathia with large mouth, arthrogryposis of the superior limbs
      and knees in association with clinodactyly, overlapping of second and third
      digits of both hands and feet, and gastroesophageal reflux. The patient developed
      physical and motor development delay. He was affected by Dandy-walker
      malformation, characterized by cerebellum vermis hypoplasia. The placement of the
      patient in contiguous gene syndrome (Dandy walker syndrome, Pierre-Robin
      sequence, and Seckel syndrome) was carried out by a multidisciplinary team to
      have a holistic evaluation of clinical findings. Thanks to this approach, it was
      possible to establish a complete diagnostic and therapeutic course. The genetic
      analysis enables to arrange an assistive program. Surgeons' attention was focused
      on the malformations, which represented an obstacle for normal development and
      social life.

PMID- 22067868
TI  - Clinical and immunohistochemical analysis of orbital metastasis from prostate
      carcinoma.
AB  - Orbital tumors can present with different symptoms, especially ophthalmic
      disturbances. We describe 1 patient with an orbital metastasis from prostate
      carcinoma presenting with proptosis and give details of his presentation,
      diagnostic tools, and treatment. This is a rare case. Possible ocular spread of
      prostate adenocarcinoma and the diagnostic techniques used are discussed. It is
      stressed that immunohistochemical studies and comparison with primary tumor may
      be essential for a definitive diagnosis. The treatment of prostate orbital
      metastases is also reviewed.

PMID- 22067869
TI  - Evaluation of stress patterns produced by implant-retained overdentures and
      implant-retained fixed partial denture.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to photoelastically measure the biomechanical
      behavior of 4 implants retaining different cantilevered bar mandibular
      overdenture designs and to compare a fixed partial denture (FPD). A photoelastic
      model of a human edentulous mandible was fabricated, which contained 4 screw-type
      implants (3.75 * 10 mm) embedded in the parasymphyseal area. An FPD and 3
      overdenture designs with the following attachments were evaluated: 3 plastic
      Hader clips, 1 Hader clip with 2 posterior resilient cap attachments, and 3
      ball/O-ring attachments. Vertical occlusal forces of 100 N were applied between
      the central incisor and unilaterally to the right and left second premolars and
      second molars. Stresses that developed in the supporting structure were monitored
      photoelastically and recorded photographically. The results showed that the
      anterior loading, the overdenture with 3 plastic Hader clips, displayed the
      largest stress concentration at the medium implant. With premolar loading, the
      FPD and overdenture with 3 plastic Hader clips displayed the highest stresses to
      the ipsilateral terminal implant. With molar loading, the overdenture with 3
      ball/O-ring attachments displayed the most uniform stress distribution in the
      posterior edentulous ridge, with less overloading in the terminal implant. It was
      concluded that vertical forces applied to the bar-clip overdenture and FPD
      created immediate stress patterns of greater magnitude and concentration on the
      ipsilateral implants, whereas the ball/O-ring attachments transferred minimal
      stress to the implants. The increased cantilever in the FPD caused the highest
      stresses to the terminal implant.

PMID- 22067870
TI  - Murine RANK protein's inhibition of bone resorption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the inhibitory effects of recombinant
      murine receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB (RANK) protein on osteoclasts
      in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: The RANK protein was added to the cocultures of
      osteoclasts at concentrations of 10(-6), 10(-5), and 10(-4) g/L. The morphology
      and number of osteoclasts were examined. Female KM mice were ovariectomized and
      treated with RANK protein at 5 mg/kg body weight. Biochemical markers of bone
      metabolism, bone mineral density, and bone morphology were examined. RESULTS:
      Three days after RANK treatment, the numbers of tartrate-resistant acid
      phosphatase-positive osteoclasts and resorption pits in bone slices decreased
      significantly in each treatment group, with the most significant decrease
      observed in the 10(-4) g/L group. Compared with the control group in vivo, the
      RANK-treated group exhibited higher bone mineral density and nearly complete
      inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts in bone
      slices. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant murine RANK protein effectively inhibits the
      activity of osteoclasts and the resulting bone resorption.

PMID- 22067871
TI  - Complex craniofacial reconstruction with prostheses as an alternative method to
      autogenous reconstruction.
AB  - Reconstruction of facial organ and tissue losses using autogenous tissue is a
      permanent and effective method in plastic surgery. However, in cases where the
      patient's general condition does not allow for surgical reconstruction or where
      the patient is in need of reconstruction of complex organs such as the eye, nose,
      or ear, an epithesis can be considered as an alternative to treatment with
      autogenous tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors
      affecting the success rate of facial reconstructions with an externally retained
      prosthesis in relation to the defect location and radiotherapy treatment. Between
      September 2004 and October 2008, 11 patients with facial tissue defects who had
      been treated with an osseointegrated implant system were evaluated. Because 1
      patient with a midfacial defect died 3 months after the surgery, this case was
      excluded, leaving a total of 10 patients for evaluation. Five patients' facial
      defects were located in the ear, 2 patients had nasal defects, and 3 patients had
      defects in the midfacial region. The total numbers of implants applied to these
      regions were 13, 6, and 25, respectively. A total of 44 implants applied were
      followed for an average period of 52.4 months (between 6 and 77 months). In cases
      where the reconstruction was considered satisfactory, no infections were
      observed, and there were no implant losses in the mastoid region. Implant losses
      were observed in a total of 14 implants (31.8%), 2 of which were in the glabellar
      region (4.5%), and 12 were in the midfacial region (27.2%). The implant losses
      were observed between the first and 18th postsurgical months (with an average of
      6 months). The remaining implants were sufficient to retain the prostheses.
      Because of these results, the use of implant-assisted epitheses can be considered
      a viable alternative in patients whose facial defects cannot be corrected through
      reconstructive surgery performed with autogenous tissue.

PMID- 22067872
TI  - Mandibular sagittal split osteotomy: is a bicortical 2-screw osteosynthesis
      adequate?
AB  - The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy and reliability
      of the use of the Hunsuck/Epker-type mandibular split osteotomy together with
      osteosynthesis with placement of 2 bicortical positioning screws without the
      adjunctive use of a postoperative maxilla-mandibular fixation in the treatment of
      mandibular dentofacial deformities. We analyzed the clinical and radiologic data
      of 54 patients with dentofacial deformities. We recorded age and sex, status of
      healing, and complications. Postsurgical complications that were recorded as
      minor did not require surgical intervention, whereas major complications required
      further surgical intervention. Fifty-one patients (94.5%) had a successful
      treatment outcome without complications, 13 patients (24%) developed minor
      complications, and 3 patients (5.5%) developed screw loosening requiring hardware
      removal and reosteosynthesis. The present study has demonstrated that
      Hunsuck/Epker-type mandibular split osteotomy together with osteosynthesis with
      placement of 2 bicortical positioning screws without the adjunctive use of a
      postoperative maxilla-mandibular fixation in the treatment of mandibular
      dentofacial deformities results in a low rate of major complications with a high
      rate of success

PMID- 22067873
TI  - Calcium hydroxide mixed with camphoric p-monochlorophenol or chlorhexidine in
      delayed tooth replantation.
AB  - This study evaluated the repair process after delayed replantation of rat teeth,
      using calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) mixed with camphorated p-monochlorophenol
      (CMCP), chlorhexidine 2% (CHX), or saline as temporary root canal dressing to
      prevent and/or control inflammatory radicular resorption. Thirty Wistar rats
      (Rattus norvegicus albinos) had their right upper incisor extracted, which was
      bench-dried for 60 minutes. The dental papilla, the enamel organ, the dental
      pulp, and the periodontal ligament were removed. The teeth were immersed in 2%
      acidulated-phosphate sodium fluoride solution for 10 minutes. The root canals
      were dried with absorbent paper cones and divided into 3 groups of 10 animals
      according to root canal dressing used: group 1: Ca(OH)2 + saline, group 2:
      Ca(OH)2 + CMCP, and group 3: Ca(OH)2 + CHX 2%. Before replanting, the teeth
      sockets were irrigated with saline. Histological analysis revealed the presence
      of inflammatory resorption, replacement resorption, and ankylosis in all 3
      groups. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between group 3 and
      the other groups. The use of Ca(OH)2 mixed with CMCP or CHX did not show an
      advantage over the use of Ca(OH)2 mixed with saline in preventing and/or
      controlling inflammatory resorption in delayed replantation of rat teeth.

PMID- 22067874
TI  - Defining the protruding ear.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although protruding ears are one of the most frequently occurring
      congenital deformities in the craniofacial area, there is no clear consensus in
      literature as to the definition. Our aim was to provide a clear delineation for
      the definition of prominent ears, deduced from the anthropometry of normal
      (nonprotruding) ears. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study to assess
      the anatomy of the normal auricle in children using computer-assisted
      anthropometry in photographs of 102 children aged 5 to 18 years. We compared the
      anatomy to retrospectively assess photographs of 44 patients who were listed for
      prominent ear correction. RESULTS: Our results show that protrusion differs
      statistically between sexes. In view of these data, an ear could be defined as
      prominent when the upper protrusion exceeds 21.5 mm or the lower protrusion
      exceeds 20.0 mm in boys and the upper protrusion exceeds 17.5 mm or the lower
      protrusion exceeds 15.5 mm in girls. Using these demarcations, 87.5% of our
      operated prominent ears would qualify as a prominent ear. In addition, we found
      that prominent ears have larger auricular lengths and consequently larger surface
      measurements compared with normal ears (P = 0.001). Up to 19.3% of the normal
      ears showed an asymmetry of more than 3 mm concerning protrusion. CONCLUSIONS:
      Protrusion differs significantly between sexes. This indicates that different
      criteria should be used to judge protrusion in boys and girls. None of our
      prominent ears exceeded only the demarcation in the lower protrusion, suggesting
      that upper protrusion plays a larger role in the perception of prominence than
      lower protrusion and should therefore be the main objective of corrective
      otoplasty. Furthermore, the variation of asymmetry of protrusion in the normal
      population indicates that an often used success criteria in otoplasty of an
      asymmetry less than 3 mm may be too strict.

PMID- 22067875
TI  - Intraoral curved ostectomy for prominent mandibular angle by grinding, contiguous
      drilling, and chiseling.
AB  - There are several surgical techniques for mandibuloplasty, for example, ostectomy
      of the lateral cortex around the mandibular angle, angle-splitting ostectomy,
      sagittal split ramus ostectomy, multistage osteotomy of the mandibular angle.
      These techniques all have achieved excellent aesthetic results, but they require
      a high level of skill and are time consuming. From July 1995 to June 2010, a
      total of 1006 patients underwent intraoral curved ostectomy for prominent
      mandibular angle by grinding, contiguous drilling, and chiseling in our
      department. A round bur was used to reduce the outer cortex thickness of the
      mandible body. The ostectomy line on the mandibular angle was penetrated
      contiguously using a long-shaft bur drill. A curved-headed chisel approximately
      10 mm in width was hammered to separate the redundant mandibular angle.
      Concurrent procedures such as reduction malarplasty and genioplasty were
      performed in patients with protrusion of the malar bone and microgenia. A total
      of 992 patients were satisfied with the final facial contour. The square-shaped
      appearance was converted to an ovoid, slender, and feminine facial contour from
      the frontal view. Ninety-three patients underwent postoperative complications.
      Among the 93 cases, there were 14 patients who were unsatisfied with the final
      results. The average operative time was 42 minutes for ostectomy of prominent
      mandibular angle. Intraoral curved ostectomy for prominent mandibular angle by
      grinding, contiguous drilling, and chiseling is an appropriate technique for
      correcting lower facial contour. The surgical technique is not complex, and the
      ostectomy is easy to manipulate. The operation consumes less time. Complications
      of various degrees are relatively lower, and most of them can be treated
      effectively. Both surgeons and most of the patients are satisfied with the
      results.

PMID- 22067877
TI  - Renal system.

PMID- 22067876
TI  - Retinoic acid pathway activity in Wilms tumors and characterization of biological
      responses in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wilms tumor (WT) is one of the most common malignancies in childhood.
      With current therapy protocols up to 90% of patients can be cured, but there is
      still a need to improve therapy for patients with aggressive WT and to reduce
      treatment intensity where possible. Prior data suggested a deregulation of the
      retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway in high-risk WT, but its mode of action
      remained unclear. RESULTS: The association of retinoid signaling and clinical
      parameters could be validated in a large independent tumor set, but its relevance
      in primary nephrectomy tumors from very young children may be different. Reduced
      RA pathway activity and MYCN overexpression were found in high risk tumors as
      opposed to tumors with low/intermediate risk, suggesting a beneficial impact of
      RA especially on advanced WT. To search for possible modes of action of retinoids
      as novel therapeutic options, primary tumor cell cultures were treated in vitro
      with all-trans-RA (ATRA), 9cis-RA, fenretinide and combinations of retinoids and
      a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Genes deregulated in high risk tumors
      showed opposite changes upon treatment suggesting a positive effect of retinoids.
      6/7 primary cultures tested reduced proliferation, irrespective of prior RA
      signaling levels. The only variant culture was derived from mesoblastic nephroma,
      a distinct childhood kidney neoplasm. Retinoid/HDAC inhibitor combinations
      provided no synergistic effect. ATRA and 9cis-RA induced morphological changes
      suggestive of differentiation, while fenretinide induced apoptosis in several
      cultures tested. Microarray analysis of ATRA treated WT cells revealed
      differential expression of many genes involved in extracellular matrix formation
      and osteogenic, neuronal or muscle differentiation. The effects documented appear
      to be reversible upon drug withdrawal, however. CONCLUSIONS: Altered retinoic
      acid signaling has been validated especially in high risk Wilms tumors. In vitro
      testing of primary tumor cultures provided clear evidence of a potential utility
      of retinoids in Wilms tumor treatment based on the analysis of gene expression,
      proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.

PMID- 22067878
TI  - Worldwide demand for critical care.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interest in the global burden of critical illness is growing,
      but comprehensive data to describe this burden and the resources available to
      provide care for critically ill patients are lacking. RECENT FINDINGS: Challenges
      to obtaining population-based global estimates of critical illness and resources
      to treat it include the syndrome-based definitions of critical illness, incorrect
      equating of 'critical illness' with 'admission to an intensive care unit', lack
      of reliable case ascertainment in administrative data, and short prodrome and
      high mortality of critical illness, limiting the number of prevalent cases.
      Modeling techniques will be required to estimate the burden of critical illness
      and disparities in access to critical care using existing data sources. Demand
      for critical care is likely to increase, related to urbanization, an aging
      demographic, and the ongoing wars, disasters, and pandemics, whereas economic
      crises will likely decrease the ability to pay for it. SUMMARY: Major unexplored
      research and public health questions remain unanswered regarding the worldwide
      burden of critical illness, variation in resources available for treatment, and
      strategies to prevent and treat critical illness that are broadly effective and
      feasible.

PMID- 22067879
TI  - Remote care by telemedicine in the ICU:  many models of care can be effective.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Telemedicine, by the use of audiovisual technologies, is
      increasingly being used to assist in patient care by ICUs unable to be staffed by
      consultant intensivists. This review discusses the recent evaluation of these
      services and their potential role in managing intensive care patients. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Models of care range from complete remote 24 h surveillance requiring
      direct video observation to a consultation liaison service only requiring
      conventional telephone links. There has been a rapid adoption of such services
      especially in North America where access to on-site intensive care specialists is
      limited for the volume of intensive care being undertaken. Early work suggests
      savings in terms of cost and length of stay with an improvement in compliance
      with care protocols. However, later work is not as supportive of such services,
      possibly related to differing care infrastructures and the organization of
      individual units. The key task is to ascertain the most appropriate service
      requirements that would assist in care for a given patient circumstance. SUMMARY:
      Clear benefits of ICU-telemedicine systems remain unclear but at least the
      systems appear safe. Formal reviews of the impacts and contribution of ICU
      telemedicine to processes of care, the effects on unit staffing, hospital
      organization, and the healthcare region are needed. However, ICU-telemedicine is
      available and being embraced by some, especially to deal with the tyranny of
      distance.

PMID- 22067880
TI  - Current world literature.

PMID- 22067882
TI  - A high court of wound care?
AB  - I have just arrived back from two very enjoyable (albeit rainy) days in Galway,
      attending the Wound Management Association of Ireland's biennial conference. The
      title of one of the sessions, 'The great debate: technology versus dressings in
      wound management - is there a difference in outcomes?', caught my eye.
      Interestingly, while listening to the proceedings, it became apparent that there
      was more consensus than debate among the delegates, with most agreeing that the
      key to success is simply the ability to identify which option is most suited to
      the needs of the patient and wound. Ironically, given that we were talking about
      new technology, the old phrase 'back to basics' was used repeatedly, referring in
      this instance to the need for thorough and holistic assessment. Plus ca change,
      plus c'est la meme chose!

PMID- 22067883
TI  - Quantitative estimation of exudate volume for full-thickness pressure ulcers: the
      ESTimation method.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop an equation for the estimation of exudate volume in
      millilitres, for full-thickness pressure ulcers, according to wound
      characteristics. METHOD: In a cross-sectional study, 41 patients aged >60 years
      with 58 full-thickness pressure ulcers were evaluated. Exudate was collected by
      covering each wound with a transparent occlusive dressing and the accumulated
      volume was measured to estimate volume per day. The overall severity of each
      wound was evaluated by the DESIGN-R tool; a model was then developed to estimate
      the volume of exudate based on these experimental values. Linear regression
      analyses were performed to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the model.
      RESULTS: The model, including exudate score, size score, and total score, showed
      a higher adjusted coefficient of determination (R2=0.66) than the model with only
      a traditional exudate score (R2=0.57). After adjustment for age, inclusion of
      interaction terms, and modification of bias, a model with continuous parameters
      was finally developed: exudate volume per day (ml/day) = exp([0.86*exudate
      score]+ [0.21*size score]+[0.12*total score]-[0.013*size score*total score]
      [0.04*age]-3.60). Furthermore, a categorical model was developed for clinical
      simplicity of use. The adjusted R2 was increased to 0.73 for the continuous model
      and to 0.77 for the categorical model. There were no apparent biases (p>0.05) and
      no correlations between residuals and measured value (p>0.05) in these models.
      CONCLUSION: The equation, including the exudate score, size score and total score
      of DESIGN-R, as well as age, is called the ESTimation method. It will be useful
      for clinicians to predict the absolute volume of exudate and to select
      appropriate dressings for full-thickness pressure ulcers. DECLARATION OF
      INTEREST: The authors have nothing to declare.

PMID- 22067884
TI  - Modelling the cost-effectiveness of electric stimulation therapy in non-healing
      venous leg ulcers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using electric stimulation (ES)
      therapy (Accel-Heal) plus dressings and compression bandaging compared with
      dressings and compression bandaging alone in treating chronic, non-healing venous
      leg ulcers (VLUs) of >6 months' duration from the perspective of the National
      Health Service (NHS) in the UK. METHOD: A 5-month Markov model was constructed,
      depicting the management of a chronic, non-healing VLU of >6 months' duration.
      The model considers the decision by a clinician to continue with a patient's
      previous care plan (comprising dressings and compression bandaging) or treating
      with ES therapy plus dressings and compression bandaging. The model was used to
      estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of ES therapy at 2008-2009 prices.
      RESULTS: According to the model, 38% of VLUs are expected to heal within 5 months
      after starting ES therapy, with a further 57% expected to improve. This
      improvement in clinical outcome is expected to lead to a 6% health gain of 0.017
      QALYs (from 0.299 to 0.316 QALYs) over 5 months. The model also showed that using
      ES therapy instead of continuing with a patient's previous care plan is expected
      to reduce the NHS cost of managing them by 15%, from L880 to L749, due in part to
      a 27% reduction in the requirement for nurse visits (from mean 49.0 to 35.9
      visits per patient) over the first 5 months after the start of treatment. Hence,
      use of ES therapy was found to be a dominant treatment (improved outcome for less
      cost). CONCLUSION: Within the model's limitations, use of ES therapy potentially
      affords the NHS a cost-effective treatment, compared with patients remaining on
      their previous care plan in managing chronic, non-healing VLUs of >6 months'
      duration. However, this is dependant on the number of ES therapy units per
      treatment, the unit cost of the device, and the number of nurse visits required
      to manage patients in clinical practice. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: This study was
      sponsored by Synapse Microcurrent Ltd., manufacturers of Accel-Heal. The authors
      have no other conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of
      this manuscript. In particular, Synapse Microcurrent Ltd. had no role in the
      study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, or in
      writing the manuscript.

PMID- 22067885
TI  - Effect of simulated leg length discrepancy on plantar pressure distribution in
      diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulceration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a minor degree of artificially induced leg
      length discrepancy (LLD) on plantar pressure distribution in diabetic patients
      with neuropathic foot ulceration. METHOD: In-shoe plantar pressure distributions
      were measured on the ulcerated foot during walking using F-scan (Tekscan Inc.).
      To simulate minor LLD, the contralateral leg length was changed by asking
      patients to walk under three different conditions: wearing shoe of the same sole
      thickness (NLLD), walking with a bare foot (20mm long leg) and wearing a 40mm
      high platform-sole shoe (20mm short leg). These three different walking
      conditions were compared in a randomised, single-blinded crossover design.
      RESULTS: The study included 28 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers
      (53.7 +/- 6.8 years; 16 males, 12 female). Notably, the peak pressure and
      pressure time integral (PTI) were the most affected parameters. PTI significantly
      increased beneath total foot, mid-foot, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metatarsal heads
      (MTHs), and 3rd toe, when the 20mm short leg was simulated (79.4 +/- 21.1; 61.5
      +/- 32.3; 59.9 +/- 36.5; 69 +/- 42.1; 70.6 +/- 42.3; 63.9 +/- 33.7; 40.+/- 33.2
      kPa.s, respectively), compared with NLLD (73.7 +/- 19.9; 55.524; 51.8 +/- 30.1;
      58.4 +/- 37.6; 60.3 +/- 39.5; 57.2 +/- 32.3; 36.9 +/- 33.3 kPa.s, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: The short leg of diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers will
      be subjected to greater pressure load, primarily beneath the total foot, mid-foot
      and 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metatarsal heads. As such, care should be taken to
      avoid minor LLD, as it could inadvertently develop on using offloading devices.
      DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The authors have nothing to declare.

PMID- 22067886
TI  - The MOEWAT as a proposed method of evaluating orbital exenteration wounds.
AB  - Orbital exenteration is a disfiguring and life-changing surgical procedure that
      involves the removal of the socket contents, including the eye, surrounding
      adnexa and, in some cases, the eyelids, orbital bone and sinuses. Wound healing
      of exenterated sockets can be complex and may take several months to completely
      heal. In an attempt to provide a framework for continuity of care for patients
      who undergo orbital exenteration surgery, we propose a socket wound assessment
      tool, which will allow professionals to track changes in orbital exenteration
      wounds. The Manchester Orbital Exenteration Wound Assessment tool (MOEWAT) has
      been developed to facilitate assessment and evaluation of postoperative
      exenterated sockets at any given time. Consequently, as the first assessment
      instrument specifically developed for use in orbital exenterated patients, the
      MOEWAT could provide a basis for wound-care decision-making in relation to
      clinical findings.

PMID- 22067887
TI  - The effect of temperature and humidity on the permeability of film dressings.
AB  - The moisture vapour permeability of a dressing can make an important contribution
      to its overall fluid handling capacity. Despite the fact that this parameter is
      often quoted in scientific literature and manufacturers' promotional material, it
      is a concept that is not generally well understood. In particular, the effect of
      changing environmental conditions upon experimentally determined permeability
      values for particular dressings is rarely acknowledged. The present study was
      undertaken to derive and validate a method that could be used to predict the
      permeability of a self-adhesive semipermeable film dressing under specific
      conditions of temperature and humidity using a single set of data generated in
      the laboratory. A calculator that facilitates this process is also described.

PMID- 22067888
TI  - Complex lower extremity wounds treated with skin grafts and NPWT: a retrospective
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a single centre experience with the use of NPWT for
      securing split-thickness skin grafts in the management of specifically lower
      extremity chronic wounds, including revascularised arterial wounds, amputations,
      diabetic and venous leg ulcers. METHOD: A seven-year retrospective review of a
      prospectively maintained database of all the patients who underwent primary split
      thickness skin grafts (STSGs) with immediate postoperative NPWT for at least 96
      hours was carried out. The percentage graft take after removal of NPWT device and
      clinical follow-up date were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 59 skin grafts
      procedures had adequate follow up to be reviewed. This included 39% post
      debridement/ amputation wounds in patients who presented with diabetic foot
      infection/gangrene, 31% venous leg ulcers, and 31% other post-surgical wounds
      (arterial ulcers that had undergone revascularisation). The mean percentage graft
      survival after removal of V.A.C. was 94%; 63% of cases had complete graft
      survival, 25% had 90-99% survival, and 8.5% had 80-89% survival. Outpatient
      follow up ranged from 2 weeks to 5 years (mean of 10 months). Fifteen per cent of
      patients were lost to follow up, and, of the remaining patients, 76% remained
      completely healed, 10% remained partially healed, and 14% lost the entire STSG.
      CONCLUSION: Patients with STSGs secured with NPWT required fewer repeated
      grafting procedures, had very high initial graft survival with complete recipient
      bed coverage, and had good long-term wound closure rates compared with historical
      controls. While retrospective reviews, such as this, support NPWT as a good
      method of STSG affixation, the paucity of reviews with other study designs does
      not allow for good historic comparison, so a well-enrolled prospective trial
      would be of use. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Dr J.C. Lantis is a member of the
      speakers' bureau, has been a site principal investigator of four multicentre
      trials and has been a consultant for KCI Inc. The same author has no equity in
      the company and has no financial benefit from positive results for the company's
      product(s). No external funding was sought nor obtained for this study.

PMID- 22067889
TI  - The potential role of preventing atherosclerosis by induction of neonatal
      tolerance to VLDL.
AB  - Induction of immune tolerance to ox-LDL could reduce atherosclerosis by
      modulation immune response. We suppose that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)
      may have a similar role to ox-LDL in autoimmune response of atherosclerosis. In
      this study, neonatal rats were injected with ox-LDL, VLDL, or equal-volume
      saline, respectively. Vaccination with ox-LDL reduced the level of specific
      antibody, T cells proliferation response, and the level of endothelins. The
      method also had a tendency of reducing blood lipids. Vaccination with VLDL
      obviously reduced the level of specific antibody and T cells proliferation.
      Though there was also a tendency of reducing blood lipids and endothelins, the
      effect was less prominent than that with ox-LDL. We conclude that, although the
      effect was less obvious, vaccination with VLDL to induce neonatal tolerance had
      an effect on modulating immune response, protecting endothelial cells, and
      reducing blood lipids.

PMID- 22067897
TI  - Migraine- and dystonia-related disease-mutations of Na+/K+-ATPases: relevance of
      behavioral studies in mice to disease symptoms and neurological manifestations in
      humans.
AB  - The two autosomal dominantly inherited neurological diseases: familial hemiplegic
      migraine type 2 (FHM2) and familial rapid-onset of dystonia-parkinsonism
      (Familial RDP) are caused by in vivo mutations of specific alpha subunits of the
      sodium-potassium pump (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase). Intriguingly, patients with classical
      FHM2 and RDP symptoms additionally suffer from other manifestations, such as
      epilepsy/seizures and developmental disabilities. Recent studies of FHM2 and RDP
      mouse models provide valuable tools for dissecting the vital roles of the
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPases, and we discuss their relevance to the complex patient
      symptoms and manifestations. Thus, it is interesting that mouse models targeting
      a specific alpha-isoform cause different, although still comparable, phenotypes
      consistent with classical symptoms and other manifestations observed in FHM2 and
      RDP patients. This review highlights that use of mouse models have broad
      potentials for future research concerning migraine and dystonia-related diseases,
      which will contribute towards understanding the, yet unknown, pathophysiologies.

PMID- 22067898
TI  - Does surgery for breast cancer induce angiogenesis and thus promote metastasis?
AB  - At the time of surgery for breast cancer, cancer cells released from the primary
      tumor have most likely entered blood or lymphatic vessels, leading to the
      development of micrometastases. Cancer cells directly produce angiogenesis
      stimulators, provoke the release of stimulators bound to the surrounding
      extracellular matrix and induce macrophages to secrete angiogenesis stimulators,
      thereby promoting angiogenesis. Metastasis dormancy is characterized by a balance
      between cell proliferation and apoptosis and is thought to be controlled by
      increased apoptosis, indirectly induced by angiogenesis inhibitors. Many patients
      with solid tumors already have micrometastases at the time of detection and
      surgical removal of their primary tumors. Primary tumor resection is believed to
      stimulate angiogenesis, initiating the proliferation of latent micrometastases.
      Latent micrometastases have already acquired angiogenic potential. The provision
      of additional therapy to inhibit angiogenesis after surgery is therefore
      considered a rational approach. The effectiveness of dormancy therapy should be
      evaluated in the prospective clinical trials of chemotherapy with drugs such as
      cyclophosphamide and UFT, which have been reported to inhibit angiogenesis as
      demonstrated by the numbers of circulating endothelial cells and circulating
      endothelial progenitors in peripheral blood before and after surgery in women
      with primary breast cancer.

PMID- 22067899
TI  - An Observational Study of the Etiology, clinical presentation and outcomes
      associated with peritonitis in Lilongwe, Malawi.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition with a multitude of
      etiologies that can vary with geographic location. The aims of this study were to
      elucidate the etiology, clinical presentation and outcomes associated with
      peritonitis in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: All patients admitted to Kamuzu Central
      Hospital (KCH) who underwent an operation for treatment of peritonitis during the
      calendar year 2008 were eligible. Peritonitis was defined as abdominal rigidity,
      rebound tenderness, and/or guarding in one or more abdominal quadrants. Subjects
      were identified from a review of the medical records for all patients admitted to
      the adult general surgical ward and the operative log book. Those who met the
      definition of peritonitis and underwent celiotomy were included. RESULTS: 190
      subjects were identified. The most common etiologies were appendicitis (22%),
      intestinal volvulus (17%), perforated peptic ulcer (11%) and small bowel
      perforation (11%). The overall mortality rate associated with peritonitis was
      15%, with the highest mortality rates observed in solid organ rupture (35%),
      perforated peptic ulcer (33%), primary/idiopathic peritonitis (27%), tubo-ovarian
      abscess (20%) and small bowel perforation (15%). Factors associated with death
      included abdominal rigidity, generalized (versus localized) peritonitis,
      hypotension, tachycardia and anemia (p < 0.05). Age, gender, symptoms
      (obstipation, vomiting) and symptom duration, tachypnea, abnormal temperature,
      leukocytosis, hemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis were not
      associated with mortality (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: There are several signs and
      laboratory findings predictive of poor outcome in Malawian patients with
      peritonitis. Tachycardia, hypotension, anemia, abdominal rigidity and generalized
      peritonitis are the most predictive of death (P < 0.05 for each). Similar to
      studies from other African countries, in our population the most common cause of
      peritonitis was appendicitis, and the overall mortality rate among all patients
      with peritonitis was 15%. Identified geographical differences included intestinal
      volvulus, rare in the US but the 2nd most common cause of peritonitis in Malawi
      and gallbladder disease, common in Ethiopia but not observed in Malawi. Future
      research should investigate whether correction of factors associated with
      mortality might improve outcomes.

PMID- 22067900
TI  - Individual variability and environmental characteristics influence older adults'
      abilities to manage everyday technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to manage everyday technology (ET), such as computers and
      microwave ovens, is increasingly required in the performance of everyday
      activities and participation in society. This study aimed to identify aspects
      that influence the ability to manage ET among older adults with and without
      cognitive impairment. METHODS: Older adults with mild Alzheimer's disease and
      mild cognitive impairment and without known cognitive impairment were assessed as
      they managed their ET at home. Data were collected using the Management of
      Everyday Technology Assessment (META). Rasch-based measures of the person's
      ability to manage ET were analyzed. These measures were used as dependent
      variables in backward procedure ANOVA analyses. Different predefined aspects that
      could influence the ability to manage ET were used as independent variables.
      RESULTS: Three aspects had a significant effect upon the ability to manage ET.
      These were: (1) variability in intrapersonal capacities (such as "the capacity to
      pay attention and focus", (2) environmental characteristics (such as "the impact
      of the design") and (3) diagnostic group. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in
      intrapersonal capacities seems to be of more importance than the actual level of
      intrapersonal capacity in relation to the ability to manage ET for this sample.
      This implies that investigations of ability to manage ET should also include
      intraperson variability. Additionally, adaptations in environmental
      characteristics could simplify the management of ET to support older adults as
      technology users.

PMID- 22067901
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of benfotiamine are mediated through the regulation of
      the arachidonic acid pathway in macrophages.
AB  - Benfotiamine, a lipid-soluble analogue of vitamin B1, is a potent antioxidant
      that is used as a food supplement for the treatment of diabetic complications.
      Our recent study (U.C. Yadav et al., Free Radic. Biol. Med. 48:1423-1434, 2010)
      indicates a novel role for benfotiamine in the prevention of bacterial endotoxin,
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytotoxicity and inflammatory response in murine
      macrophages. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how benfotiamine mediates anti
      inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory role
      of benfotiamine in regulating arachidonic acid (AA) pathway-generated
      inflammatory lipid mediators in RAW264.7 macrophages. Benfotiamine prevented the
      LPS-induced activation of cPLA2 and release of AA metabolites such as
      leukotrienes, prostaglandin E2, thromboxane 2 (TXB2), and prostacyclin (PGI2) in
      macrophages. Further, LPS-induced expression of AA-metabolizing enzymes such as
      COX-2, LOX-5, TXB synthase, and PGI2 synthase was significantly blocked by
      benfotiamine. Furthermore, benfotiamine prevented the LPS-induced phosphorylation
      of ERK1/2 and expression of transcription factors NF-kappaB and Egr-1.
      Benfotiamine also prevented the LPS-induced oxidative stress and protein-HNE
      adduct formation. Most importantly, compared to specific COX-2 and LOX-5
      inhibitors, benfotiamine significantly prevented LPS-induced macrophage death and
      monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Thus, our studies indicate that the dual
      regulation of the COX and LOX pathways in AA metabolism could be a novel
      mechanism by which benfotiamine exhibits its potential anti-inflammatory
      response.

PMID- 22067902
TI  - Impact of oral ibandronate 150 mg once monthly on bone structure and density in
      post-menopausal osteoporosis or osteopenia derived from in vivo MUCT.
AB  - The effect of ibandronate 150 mg/once monthly in the treatment of post-menopausal
      osteopenia and osteoporosis on bone micro-structure at the distal tibia and
      radius has not been considered to date. Seventy post-menopausal women with
      osteoporosis or osteopenia were recruited. All subjects received calcium and
      vitamin D supplementation and were randomized to either a group which took 150 mg
      ibandronate oral monthly or a placebo group over a 12-month period. MUCT measures
      of the distal tibia and radius were conducted every three months, with DXA lumbar
      spine and hip measurements conducted only pre and post and serum markers of bone
      formation and resorption measured every 6 months. After 12-months no significant
      impact of ibandronate on the primary outcome measures bone-volume to tissue
      volume and trabecular separation at the distal tibia (p>=0.15) was found. Further
      multiple regression analyses of the primary end-points indicated a significant
      effect favoring the ibandronate intervention (p=0.045). Analysis of secondary end
      points showed greater increases in distal tibia cortical thickness, cortical
      density and total density (p<=0.043) with ibandronate and no significant effects
      at the distal radius, but greater increases of hip DXA-BMD and lumbar spine DXA
      BMD (p<=0.017). Ibandronate use resulted in a marked reduction in bone turnover
      (p<0.001). While ibandronate resulted in greater mineralization of bone, this
      effect differed from one body region to another. There was some impact of
      ibandronate on bone structure (cortical thickness) at the distal tibia, but not
      on bone-volume to tissue-volume or trabecular separation.

PMID- 22067903
TI  - Molecular characterisation of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast
      tumour specimens using a custom 512-gene breast cancer bead array-based platform.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue represents an
      immense but mainly untapped resource with respect to molecular profiling. The
      DASL (cDNA-mediated Annealing, Selection, extension, and Ligation) assay is a
      recently described, RT-PCR-based, highly multiplexed high-throughput gene
      expression platform developed by Illumina specifically for fragmented RNA
      typically obtained from FFPE specimens, which enables expression profiling. In
      order to extend the utility of the DASL assay for breast cancer, we have custom
      designed and validated a 512-gene human breast cancer panel. METHODS: The RNA
      from FFPE breast tumour specimens were analysed using the DASL assay. Breast
      cancer subtype was defined from pathology immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.
      Differentially expressed genes between the IHC-defined subtypes were assessed by
      prediction analysis of microarrays (PAM) and then used in the analysis of two
      published data sets with clinical outcome data. RESULTS: Gene expression
      signatures on our custom breast cancer panel were very reproducible between
      replicates (average Pearson's R2=0.962) and the 152 genes common to both the
      standard cancer DASL panel (Illumina) and our breast cancer DASL panel were
      similarly expressed for samples run on both panels (average R2=0.877). Moreover,
      expression of ESR1, PGR and ERBB2 corresponded well with their respective
      pathology-defined IHC status. A 30-gene set indicative of IHC-defined breast
      cancer subtypes was found to segregate samples based on their subtype in our data
      sets and published data sets. Furthermore, several of these genes were
      significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival
      (RFS) in these previously published data sets, indicating that they are
      biomarkers of the different breast cancer subtypes and the prognostic outcomes
      associated with these subtypes. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the ability to
      expression profile degraded RNA transcripts derived from FFPE tissues on the DASL
      platform. Importantly, we have identified a 30-biomarker gene set that can
      classify breast cancer into subtypes and have shown that a subset of these
      markers is prognostic of OS and RFS.

PMID- 22067904
TI  - Overexpression of TMPRSS4 in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with poor
      prognosis in patients with squamous histology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality rates in lung cancer patients have not decreased
      significantly in recent years, even with the implementation of new therapeutic
      regimens. One of the main problems is that a large proportion of patients present
      local or distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The need for identification
      of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a more effective management of
      lung cancer led us to investigate TMPRSS4, a protease reported to promote tumour
      growth and metastasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In all, 34 lung cancer cell lines
      were used to evaluate the TMPRSS4 expression. Cell migration and clonogenic
      assays, and an in-vivo lung metastasis model were used for functional analysis of
      the TMPRSS4 downregulation in H358, H441 and H2170 cell lines. The TMPRSS4
      expression analysis in normal and malignant lung tissue samples was performed by
      qPCR. Five different microarray-based publicly available expression databases
      were used to validate our results and to study prognosis. RESULTS: The TMPRSS4
      knock down in H358, H441 and H2170 cells resulted in a significant reduction in
      proliferation, clonogenic capacity and invasion. A significant (P<0.05) decrease
      in the lung colonisation and growth was found when mice were injected with
      TMPRSS4-depleated H358-derived clones, as compared with controls. Expression of
      TMPRSS4 showed a >30-fold increase (P<0.001) in tumours in comparison with non
      malignant samples. Levels in tumours with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology
      were found to be significantly higher (P<0.001) than those with adenocarcinoma
      (AC) histology, which was confirmed in data retrieved from the microarrays.
      Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that high levels of TMPRSS4 were significantly
      associated (P=0.017) with reduced overall survival in the patients with SCC
      histology, whereas no correlation was found for the AC histology. CONCLUSION: Our
      results demonstrate that TMPRSS4 has a role in the lung cancer development. The
      potential use of TMPRSS4 as a biomarker for lung cancer detection or as a
      predictor of patient's outcome warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22067905
TI  - Tumor cell cross talk with tumor-associated leukocytes leads to induction of
      tumor exosomal fibronectin and promotes tumor progression.
AB  - Exosomes participate in intercellular communication, but most data published are
      based on exosomes released from in vitro cultured cells that do not communicate
      with neighboring cells located in the same microenvironment as the exosomal
      producing cells in vivo. In this study, our data show that co-culture of
      leukocytes isolated from breast tumor tissue leads to uptake of fibronectin (FN)
      on or in the tumor exosomes (Exo(fib+)). The induction of FN and exosomal uptake
      is tumor tissue derived and leukocyte specific, because leukocytes isolated from
      the peripheral blood of naive mice failed to induce FN uptake by tumor exosomes.
      Furthermore, depletion of both CD25(+) cells and Gr-1(+) cells from tumor
      associated leukocytes causes a reduction of Exo(fib+), suggesting that tumor
      associated CD25(+) cells and Gr-1(+) cells participate in FN production and
      uptake by tumor exosomes, resulting in Exo(fib+). As a result of tumor cells
      absorbing Exo(fib+), two major events are induced: focal adhesion kinase/Src
      dependent signaling pathways are activated, and the production of proinflammatory
      cytokines and metalloproteinase 9 is enhanced in response to absorbing exosomes.
      This, in turn, enhances tumor cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. Collectively,
      our findings provide evidence that exosomes released from freshly excised tumor
      tissue cells that have communicated/interacted with immune cells gain new immune
      evasion capacity.

PMID- 22067906
TI  - Persistent inflammation subverts thrombospondin-1-induced regulation of retinal
      angiogenesis and is driven by CCR2 ligation.
AB  - Neovascular retinal disease is a leading cause of blindness orchestrated by
      inflammatory responses. Although noninfectious uveoretinitis is mediated by
      CD4(+) T cells, in the persistent phase of disease, angiogenic responses are
      observed, along with degeneration of the retina. Full clinical manifestation
      relies on myeloid-derived cells, which are phenotypically distinct from, but
      potentially sharing common effector responses to age-related macular
      degeneration. To interrogate inflammation-mediated angiogenesis, we investigated
      experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, an animal model for human uveitis. After
      the initial acute phase of severe inflammation, the retina sustains a persistent
      low-grade inflammation with tissue-infiltrating leukocytes for over 4 months.
      During this persistent phase, angiogenesis is observed as retinal neovascular
      membranes that arise from inflamed venules and postcapillary venules, increase in
      size as the disease progresses, and are associated with infiltrating arginase
      1(+) macrophages. In the absence of thrombospondin-1, retinal neovascular
      membranes are markedly increased and are associated with arginase-1(-) CD68(+)
      macrophages, whereas deletion of the chemokine receptor CCR2 resulted in reduced
      retinal neovascular membranes in association with a predominant neutrophil
      infiltrate. CCR2 is important for macrophage recruitment to the retina in
      experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis and promotes chronicity in the form of a
      persistent angiogenesis response, which in turn is regulated by constitutive
      expression of angiogenic inhibitors like thrombospondin-1. This model offers a
      new platform to dissect the molecular and cellular pathology of inflammation
      induced ocular angiogenesis.

PMID- 22067907
TI  - Serine protease inhibition reduces post-ischemic granulocyte recruitment in mouse
      intestine.
AB  - Proteases and proteinase-activated receptor (PAR) activation are involved in
      several intestinal inflammatory conditions. We hypothesized that serine proteases
      and PAR activation could also modulate the intestinal injury induced by ischemia
      reperfusion (I-R). C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to 90 minutes of intestinal
      ischemia followed or not by reperfusion. Sham-operated animals served as
      controls. After ischemia, plasma and tissue serine protease activity levels were
      increased compared to the activity measured in plasma and tissues from sham
      operated mice. This increase was maintained or further enhanced after 2 and 5
      hours of reperfusion, respectively. Trypsin (25 kDa) was detected in tissues both
      after ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion. Treatment with FUT-175 (10 mg/kg), a
      potent serine protease inhibitor, increased survival after I-R, inhibited tissue
      protease activity, and significantly decreased intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity and chemokine and adhesion molecule expression. We investigated whether
      serine proteases modulate granulocyte recruitment by a PAR-dependent mechanism.
      MPO levels and adhesion molecule expression were significantly reduced in I-R
      groups pre-treated with the PAR(1) antagonist SCH-79797 (5 mg/kg) and in Par(2)(
      /-)mice, compared, respectively, to vehicle-treated group and wild-type
      littermates. Thus, increased proteolytic activity and PAR activation play a
      pathogenic role in intestinal I-R injury. Inhibition of PAR-activating serine
      proteases could be beneficial to reduce post-ischemic intestinal inflammation.

PMID- 22067908
TI  - Chronic inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase and
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) augments vascular
      response to limb ischemia in type 2 diabetic mice.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is a key risk factor for ischemia-dependent pathology; therefore,
      a significant medical need exists to develop novel therapies that increase the
      formation of new vessels. We explored the therapeutic potential of epidermal
      growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFRtk) and extracellular signal
      regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibition in impaired ischemia-induced
      neovascularization in type 2 diabetes. Unilateral femoral artery ligation was
      performed in diabetic (db(-)/db(-)) and their control (db(-)/db(+)) mice for 4
      weeks, followed by treatments with EGFRtk and ERK1/2 inhibitors (AG1478, 10
      mg/kg/day and U0126, 400 MUg/kg/day, respectively) for 3 weeks.
      Neovascularization, blood flow recovery, vascular and capillary density, and
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity were significantly impaired and were
      associated with enhanced EGFRtk and ERK1/2 activity in db(-)/db(-) mice. EGFRtk
      and ERK1/2 inhibitors did not have any effect in control mice, while in db(-)/db(
      ) mice there was a significant increase in neovascularization, blood flow
      recovery, vascular and capillary density, endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      activity, and were associated with a decrease in EGFRtk and ERK1/2 activity. Our
      data demonstrated that the inhibition of EGFRtk and ERK1/2 restored ischemia
      induced neovascularization and blood flow recovery in type 2 diabetic mice. Thus,
      EGFRtk and ERK1/2 could be possible targets to protect from ischemia-induced
      vascular pathology in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22067909
TI  - LPS-induced murine systemic inflammation is driven by parenchymal cell activation
      and exclusively predicted by early MCP-1 plasma levels.
AB  - Systemic inflammation remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the
      United States, across many disease processes. One classic murine model to study
      this syndrome is lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)
      dependent systemic inflammation. Although most studies have focused on
      inflammatory cell TLR4 responses, parenchymal cells also express TLR4. Our
      objective was to define the in vivo role of parenchymal- versus marrow-derived
      cell activation via TLR4 during LPS-induced inflammation. Mice bearing TLR4 on
      parenchymal cells only, marrow-derived cells only, both, or neither were
      generated using bone marrow transplantation. Mortality occurred only in mice that
      had TLR4 expression on their parenchymal cells. Before onset, virtually all major
      plasma cytokines and blood neutrophil responses were related to marrow-derived
      cell activation via TLR4. The only cytokine predictive of oncoming systemic
      inflammation was the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Late blood
      neutrophil responses were related to the presence of TLR4 on either parenchymal
      or marrow cells, whereas plasma cytokine elevations late in LPS-induced systemic
      inflammation were dependent on mice having TLR4 in both cell compartments.
      Parenchymal cell activation via TLR4 is a key component of LPS-induced systemic
      inflammation and mortality, although most plasma cytokine levels and blood
      neutrophil responses were not key components. Given its unique role, future
      studies into monocyte chemoattractant protein-1's exact role during systemic
      inflammation are warranted.

PMID- 22067910
TI  - Cognitive decline typical of frontotemporal lobar degeneration in transgenic mice
      expressing the 25-kDa C-terminal fragment of TDP-43.
AB  - Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is the pathological
      signature protein in several neurodegenerative disorders, including the majority
      of frontotemporal lobar degeneration cases (FTLD-TDP), motor neuron disease, and
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pathological TDP-43 is mislocalized from its
      nuclear location to the cytoplasm, where it accumulates and is proteolytically
      cleaved to form C-terminal fragments. Although the 25-kDa C-terminal fragment of
      TDP-43 (TDP-25) accumulates in affected brain regions, its role in the disease
      pathogenesis remains elusive. To address this problem, we have generated a novel
      transgenic mouse that selectively expresses TDP-25 in neurons. We show that
      transgenic mice expressing TDP-25 develop cognitive deficits associated with the
      build-up of soluble TDP-25. These cognitive deficits are independent of TDP-43
      positive inclusions and occur without overt neurodegeneration. Additionally, we
      show that the expression of TDP-25 is sufficient to alter the processing of
      endogenous full-length TDP-43. These studies represent the first in vivo
      demonstration of a pathological role for TDP-25 and strongly suggest that the
      onset of cognitive deficits in TDP-43 proteinopathies is independent of TDP-43
      inclusions. These data provide a framework for understanding the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the onset of cognitive deficits in FTLD-TDP and other TDP
      43 proteinopathies; thus, the TDP-25 transgenic mice represent a unique tool to
      reach this goal.

PMID- 22067911
TI  - Chlamydia trachomatis disturbs epithelial tissue homeostasis in fallopian tubes
      via paracrine Wnt signaling.
AB  - The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis (Ctr) is a major cause
      of sexually transmitted disease and infertility worldwide. Ascending genital
      infections cause inflammation of fallopian tubes and subsequent scarring and
      occlusion. The cellular basis for such sequelae remains undetermined. We used
      confocal immunofluorescence microscopy to show that Ctr disrupts epithelial
      homeostasis in an ex vivo infection model of human fallopian tubes. Ctr triggered
      loss of polarity of inclusion harboring cells and of neighboring uninfected
      cells, as shown by subcellular redistribution of adhesion and polarity (occludin)
      markers. beta-catenin (a component of the adherens junction and a Wnt signaling
      transducer) was recruited to the bacterial inclusion, suggesting a role for Wnt
      signaling in Ctr-mediated tissue damage. Comparative microarray analysis of
      infected epithelium in the presence of the Wnt secretion inhibitor (IWP2)
      demonstrated that the transcriptional response to Ctr infection was highly
      dependent on active Wnt secretion, moreover IWP2 reversed Ctr-induced tissue
      phenotypes. Notably, we observed the up-regulation of differentiation and
      proliferation biomarkers olfactomedin 4 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule,
      and also Ctr-induced proteolytic activation of epithelial cell adhesion molecule.
      Thus, acute Ctr infection activates the paracrine Wnt signaling pathway, leading
      to profound disruption of epithelial structure and function that facilitates the
      dissemination of damage beyond that of infected cells.

PMID- 22067912
TI  - Apelin is required for non-neovascular remodeling in the retina.
AB  - Retinal pathologies are frequently accompanied by retinal vascular responses,
      including the formation of new vessels by angiogenesis (neovascularization).
      Pathological vascular changes may also include less well characterized traits of
      vascular remodeling that are non-neovascular, such as vessel pruning and the
      emergence of dilated and tortuous vessel phenotypes (telangiectasis). The
      molecular mechanisms underlying neovascular growth versus non-neovascular
      remodeling are poorly understood. We therefore undertook to identify novel
      regulators of non-neovascular remodeling in the retina by using the dystrophic
      Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat and the retinal dystrophy 1 (RD1) mouse, both
      of which display pronounced non-neovascular remodeling. Gene expression profiling
      of isolated retinal vessels from these mutant rodent models and wild-type
      controls revealed 60 differentially expressed genes. These included the genes for
      apelin (Apln) and for its receptor (Aplnr), both of which were strongly up
      regulated in the mutants. Crossing RD1 mice into an Apln-null background
      substantially reduced vascular telangiectasia. In contrast, Apln gene deletion
      had no effect in two models of neovascular pathology [laser-induced choroidal
      neovascularization and the very low density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr)-knockout
      mouse]. These findings suggest that in these models apelin has minimal effect on
      sprouting retinal angiogenesis, but contributes significantly to pathogenic non
      neovascular remodeling.

PMID- 22067913
TI  - A collagen alpha2(I) mutation impairs healing after experimental myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - Collagen breakdown and de novo synthesis are important processes during early
      wound healing after myocardial infarction (MI). We tested the hypothesis that
      collagen I, the main constituent of the extracellular matrix, affects wound
      healing after MI. The osteogenesis imperfecta mouse (OIM), lacking procollagen
      alpha2(I) expression, represents a model of the type III form of the disease in
      humans. Homozygous (OIM/OIM), heterozygous (OIM/WT), and wild-type (WT/WT) mice
      were subjected to a permanent myocardial infarction protocol or sham surgery.
      Baseline functional and geometrical parameters determined by echocardiography did
      not differ between genotypes. After MI but not after sham surgery, OIM/OIM
      animals exhibited significantly increased mortality, due to early ventricular
      rupture between day 3 and 7. Echocardiography at day 1 demonstrated increased
      left ventricular dilation in OIM/OIM animals. Less collagen I mRNA within the
      infarct area was found in OIM/OIM animals. At 2 days after MI, MMP-9 expression
      in the infarct border zone was higher in OIM/OIM than in WT/WT animals. Increased
      granulocyte infiltration into the infarct border zone occurred in OIM/OIM
      animals. Neither granulocyte depletion nor MMP inhibition reduced mortality in
      OIM/OIM animals. In this murine model, deficiency of collagen I leads to a
      myocardial wound-healing defect. Both structural alterations within pre-existing
      collagen matrix and impaired collagen de novo expression contribute to a high
      rate of early myocardial rupture after MI.

PMID- 22067914
TI  - CCR7 with S1P1 signaling through AP-1 for migration of Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells
      controls autoimmune exocrinopathy.
AB  - Forkhead box p3-positive (Foxp3(+)) regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) participate
      in maintaining peripheral immune tolerance and suppressing autoimmunity. We
      recently reported that in situ patrolling by C-C-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7)(+)
      T(reg) cells in target organs is essential for controlling autoimmune lesions in
      Sjogren's syndrome. In the present study, the molecular mechanism underlying CCR7
      mediated T(reg) cell migration was investigated in a mouse model. The impaired
      migratory response of Ccr7(-/-) T(reg) cells to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)
      occurred because of defective association of S1P receptor 1 (S1P(1)) with a G
      coupled-protein. In addition, T-cell receptor (TCR)- and S1P(1)-mediated Ras
      related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac-1), extracellular signal-related
      kinase (ERK), and c-Jun phosphorylation required for activator protein 1 (AP-1)
      transcriptional activity were significantly impaired in Ccr7(-/-) T(reg) cells.
      Surprisingly, the abnormal nuclear localization of Foxp3 was detected after
      abrogation of the c-Jun and Foxp3 interaction in the nucleus of Ccr7(-/-) T(reg)
      cells. These results indicate that CCR7 essentially controls the migratory
      function of T(reg) cells through S1P(1)-mediated AP-1 signaling, which is
      regulated through its interaction with Foxp3 in the nucleus.

PMID- 22067915
TI  - 'Oh dear, should I really be saying that on here?': issues of identity and
      authority in an online diabetes community.
AB  - We explore peer-to-peer discussions which took place in a UK-based diabetes
      'Virtual Clinic' online community. In particular, we seek to understand the
      rhetorical nature and content of exchanges over a period of six months from the
      community's inception. Data were captured weekly and analysis based on thematic
      discourse analysis. Two key issues emerged regarding how the community shaped the
      nature of the discussion forum. First, the identity of the forum was established,
      and boundaries drawn about what was, and was not, acceptable. Second,
      participants sought to present themselves as reliable and authoritative sources
      of information. Internet discussion communities are shaped in important ways
      early on by the community of users, including how the character and focus of
      discussion is formed, and how both information and users can be constructed as
      authoritative and reliable.

PMID- 22067916
TI  - Gendered perceptions of own and partner weight-level.
AB  - This study investigates gender differences in perceptions of body weight.
      Previous research has found significant gender differences in perceived weight
      level, but less is known about weight perceptions of the opposite gender. Based
      on Danish survey data (859 women and 160 men), the discrepancy between BMI weight
      level and self-perceived weight-level is estimated as well as the perception of
      one's partner's weight-level. Two main empirical conclusions emerge. First, there
      are significant gender differences in weight assessment. Whereas women assess
      weight according to the standardized BMI weight-levels for both genders, men
      assess weight according to gender. The weight-level of men is often
      underestimated by men themselves, but both men and women tend to overestimate the
      weight-level of women in the lower BMI deciles compared to standardized BMI
      weight-levels. Second, there is greater underestimation of weight-levels for
      individuals in the higher BMI--especially regarding weight perceptions of the
      opposite gender. These findings are discussed within a framework of socio
      cultural theory of body image and gendered relations.

PMID- 22067917
TI  - Compton scattering artifacts in electron excited X-ray spectra measured with a
      silicon drift detector.
AB  - Artifacts are the nemesis of trace element analysis in electron-excited energy
      dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Peaks that result from nonideal behavior in the
      detector or sample can fool even an experienced microanalyst into believing that
      they have trace amounts of an element that is not present. Many artifacts, such
      as the Si escape peak, absorption edges, and coincidence peaks, can be traced to
      the detector. Others, such as secondary fluorescence peaks and scatter peaks, can
      be traced to the sample. We have identified a new sample-dependent artifact that
      we attribute to Compton scattering of energetic X-rays generated in a small
      feature and subsequently scattered from a low atomic number matrix. It seems
      likely that this artifact has not previously been reported because it only occurs
      under specific conditions and represents a relatively small signal. However, with
      the advent of silicon drift detectors and their utility for trace element
      analysis, we anticipate that more people will observe it and possibly misidentify
      it. Though small, the artifact is not inconsequential. Under some conditions, it
      is possible to mistakenly identify the Compton scatter artifact as approximately
      1% of an element that is not present.

PMID- 22067918
TI  - Deliberations and recommendations of the Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care
      Task Force: executive summary.

PMID- 22067919
TI  - Treatment and triage recommendations for pediatric emergency mass critical care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper will outline the Task Force recommendations regarding
      treatment during pediatric emergency mass critical care, issues related to the
      allocation of scarce resources, and current challenges in the development of
      pediatric triage guidelines. METHODS: In May 2008, the Task Force for Mass
      Critical Care published guidance on provision of mass critical care to adults.
      Acknowledging that the critical care needs of children during disasters were
      unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering Committee, assembled by the Oak
      Ridge Institute for Science and Education with guidance from members of the
      American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April 2009 to determine priority
      topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care recommendations.Steering
      Committee members established subcommittees by topic area and performed
      literature reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. The Steering Committee produced
      draft outlines through consensus-based study of the literature and convened
      October 6-7, 2009, in New York, NY, to review and revise each outline. Eight
      draft documents were subsequently developed from the revised outlines as well as
      through searches of MEDLINE updated through March 2010.The Pediatric Emergency
      Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36 experts from diverse public health,
      medical, and disaster response fields, convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30,
      2010. Feedback on each manuscript was compiled and the Steering Committee revised
      each document to reflect expert input in addition to the most current medical
      literature. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendations are divided into three
      operational sections. The first section provides pediatric emergency mass
      critical care recommendations for hospitals that normally provide care to
      pediatric patients. The second section provides recommendations for pediatric
      emergency mass critical care at hospitals that do not routinely provide care to
      pediatric patients. The final section provides a discussion of issues related to
      developing triage algorithms and protocols and the allocation of scarce resources
      during pediatric emergency mass critical care.

PMID- 22067920
TI  - Supplies and equipment for pediatric emergency mass critical care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epidemics of acute respiratory disease, such as severe acute
      respiratory syndrome in 2003, and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in
      2005, have prompted planning in hospitals that offer adult critical care to
      increase their capacity and equipment inventory for responding to a major demand
      surge. However, planning at a national, state, or local level to address the
      particular medical resource needs of children for mass critical care has yet to
      occur in any coordinated way. This paper presents the consensus opinion of the
      Task Force regarding supplies and equipment that would be required during a
      pediatric mass critical care crisis. METHODS: In May 2008, the Task Force for
      Mass Critical Care published guidance on provision of mass critical care to
      adults. Acknowledging that the critical care needs of children during disasters
      were unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering Committee, assembled by the
      Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education with guidance from members of the
      American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April 2009 to determine priority
      topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care recommendations.Steering
      Committee members established subcommittees by topic area and performed
      literature reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. The Steering Committee produced
      draft outlines through consensus-based study of the literature and convened
      October 6-7, 2009, in New York, NY, to review and revise each outline. Eight
      draft documents were subsequently developed from the revised outlines as well as
      through searches of MEDLINE updated through March 2010.The Pediatric Emergency
      Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36 experts from diverse public health,
      medical, and disaster response fields, convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30,
      2010. Feedback on each manuscript was compiled and the Steering Committee revised
      each document to reflect expert input in addition to the most current medical
      literature. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: The Task Force endorsed the view that
      supplies and equipment must be available for a tripling of capacity above the
      usual peak pediatric intensive care unit capacity for at least 10 days. The
      recommended size-specific pediatric mass critical care equipment stockpile for
      two types of patients is presented in terms of equipment needs per ten mass
      critical care beds, which would serve 26 patients over a 10-day period. Specific
      recommendations are made regarding ventilator capacity, including the potential
      use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation. Other recommendations include inventories for disposable medical
      equipment, medications, and staffing levels.

PMID- 22067921
TI  - Neonatal and pediatric regionalized systems in pediatric emergency mass critical
      care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Improved health outcomes are associated with neonatal and pediatric
      critical care in well-organized, cohesive, regionalized systems that are prepared
      to support and rehabilitate critically ill victims of a mass casualty event.
      However, present systems lack adequate surge capacity for neonatal and pediatric
      mass critical care. In this document, we outline the present reality and suggest
      alternative approaches. METHODS: In May 2008, the Task Force for Mass Critical
      Care published guidance on provision of mass critical care to adults.
      Acknowledging that the critical care needs of children during disasters were
      unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering Committee, assembled by the Oak
      Ridge Institute for Science and Education with guidance from members of the
      American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April 2009 to determine priority
      topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care recommendations.Steering
      Committee members established subcommittees by topic area and performed
      literature reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. The Steering Committee produced
      draft outlines through consensus-based study of the literature and convened
      October 6-7, 2009, in New York, NY, to review and revise each outline. Eight
      draft documents were subsequently developed from the revised outlines as well as
      through searches of MEDLINE updated through March 2010.The Pediatric Emergency
      Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36 experts from diverse public health,
      medical, and disaster response fields, convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30,
      2010. Feedback on each manuscript was compiled and the Steering Committee revised
      each document to reflect expert input in addition to the most current medical
      literature. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: States and regions (facilitated by
      federal partners) should review current emergency operations and devise
      appropriate plans to address the population-based needs of infants and children
      in large-scale disasters. Action at the state, regional, and federal levels
      should address legal, operational, and information systems to provide effective
      pediatric mass critical care through: 1) predisaster/mass casualty planning,
      management, and assessment with input from child health professionals; 2) close
      cooperation, agreements, public-private partnerships, and unique delivery
      systems; and 3) use of existing public health data to assess pediatric
      populations at risk and to model graded response plans based on increasing
      patient volume and acuity.

PMID- 22067922
TI  - Education in a pediatric emergency mass critical care setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An emergency mass critical care event puts significant strains on
      all healthcare resources, including equipment, supplies, and manpower; it leads
      to extraordinary stresses on healthcare providers, many of whom will be expected
      to deliver care outside of their usual scope of practice. Education and
      educational resources will be critically important for training providers and
      diminishing the stress, anxiety, and chaos of delivering pediatric emergency mass
      critical care. This article suggests educational tools, as well as potential
      resources, that need to be developed to cope with a pediatric emergency mass
      critical care event. METHODS: In May 2008, the Task Force for Mass Critical Care
      published guidance on provision of mass critical care to adults. Acknowledging
      that the critical care needs of children during disasters were unaddressed by
      this effort, a 17-member Steering Committee, assembled by the Oak Ridge Institute
      for Science and Education with guidance from members of the American Academy of
      Pediatrics, convened in April 2009 to determine priority topic areas for
      pediatric emergency mass critical care recommendations.Steering Committee members
      established subgroups by topic area and performed literature reviews of MEDLINE
      and Ovid databases. The Steering Committee produced draft outlines through
      consensus-based study of the literature and convened October 6-7, 2009, in New
      York, NY, to review and revise each outline. Eight draft documents were
      subsequently developed from the revised outlines as well as through searches of
      MEDLINE updated through March 2010.The Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care
      Task Force, composed of 36 experts from diverse public health, medical, and
      disaster response fields, convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30, 2010. Feedback
      on each manuscript was compiled and the Steering Committee revised each document
      to reflect expert input in addition to the most current medical literature. TASK
      FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: Identifying educational needs to prepare for a pediatric
      emergency mass critical care event is essential for all healthcare organizations.
      Educational strategies and tactics should be developed at multiple levels for a
      comprehensive approach to preparing for pediatric emergency mass critical care.

PMID- 22067923
TI  - Pediatric emergency mass critical care: the role of community preparedness in
      conserving critical care resources.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Public health emergencies require resources at state, regional,
      federal, and often international levels; however, community preparedness is the
      crucial first step in managing these events and mitigating their consequences,
      particularly for children. Community preparedness can be optimized through system
      wide planning that includes integrating multiple points of contact, such as the
      community, prehospital care, health facilities, and regional level of care
      assets.Citizen readiness, call centers, alternate care facilities, emergency
      medical services, and health emergency operations centers linked to community
      incident command systems should be considered as important options for delivery
      of population-based care. Early collaboration between pediatric clinicians and
      public health authorities is essential to ensure that pediatric needs are
      addressed in community preparedness for mass critical care events. METHODS: In
      May 2008, the Task Force for Mass Critical Care published guidance on provision
      of mass critical care to adults. Acknowledging that the critical care needs of
      children during disasters were unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering
      Committee, assembled by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education with
      guidance from members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April
      2009 to determine priority topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care
      recommendations.Steering Committee members established subcommittees by topic
      area and performed literature reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. The Steering
      Committee produced draft outlines and convened October 6-7, 2009, in New York,
      NY, to review and revise each outline. Eight draft documents were subsequently
      developed from the revised outlines as well as through searches of MEDLINE
      updated through March 2010.The Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care Task Force,
      composed of 36 experts from diverse public health, medical, and disaster response
      fields, convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30, 2010. Feedback on each
      manuscript was compiled and the Steering Committee revised each document to
      reflect expert input in addition to the most current medical literature. TASK
      FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: The Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care Task Force
      recommends active promotion of programs to ensure an informed citizenry;
      education of children and families in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      community mitigation strategies; emphasis on community-level preparedness
      empowering the public to provide self care; use of 9-1-1 telephone triage with
      pre-established protocols and in coordination with emergency medical services;
      and advocacy for healthcare coalitions and other creative operational concepts
      that provide guidance and protocols for care of the pediatric population.

PMID- 22067924
TI  - Legal considerations during pediatric emergency mass critical care events.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent public health emergencies, such as the 2009 Influenza A/H1N1
      Pandemic and Hurricane Katrina, underscore the importance of developing
      healthcare response plans and protocols for disasters impacting large
      populations. Significant research and scholarship, including the 2009 Institute
      of Medicine report on crisis standards of care and the 2008 Task Force for Mass
      Critical Care recommendations, provide guidance for healthcare responses to
      catastrophic emergencies. Most of these efforts recognize but do not focus on the
      unique needs of pediatric populations. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control
      and Prevention supported the formation of a task force to address pediatric
      emergency mass critical care response issues, including legal issues. Liability
      is a significant concern for healthcare practitioners and facilities during
      pediatric emergency mass critical care that necessitates a shift to crisis
      standards of care. This article describes the legal considerations inherent in
      planning for and responding to catastrophic health emergencies and makes
      recommendations for pediatric emergency mass critical care legal preparedness.
      METHODS: The Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36
      experts from diverse public health, medical, and disaster response fields,
      convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30, 2010, to review the pediatric emergency
      mass critical care recommendations developed by a 17-member steering committee.
      During the meeting, experts determined that the recommendations would be
      strengthened by a manuscript addressing legal issues. Authors drafted the
      manuscript through consensus-based study of peer-reviewed research, literature
      reviews, and expert opinion. The manuscript was reviewed by Pediatric Emergency
      Mass Critical Care Steering Committee members and additional legal counsel and
      revised. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: While the legal issues associated with
      providing pediatric emergency mass critical care are not unique within the
      overall context of disaster healthcare, the scope of the parens patriae power of
      states, informed consent principles, and security should be considered in
      pediatric emergency mass critical care planning and response efforts because
      parents and legal guardians may be unavailable to participate in healthcare
      decision making during disasters. In addition, practitioners who follow properly
      vetted and accepted pediatric emergency mass critical care disaster protocols in
      good faith should be protected from civil liability, and healthcare facilities
      that provide pediatric care should incorporate informed consent and security
      protocols into their disaster plans.

PMID- 22067925
TI  - Pediatric emergency mass critical care: focus on family-centered care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pediatric emergency mass critical care during disasters requires
      modifications to standard healthcare operations. Modification of standards for
      pediatric emergency mass critical care should include incorporation of family
      centered care principles. Family-centered care, which is an integral aspect of
      current pediatric practice, encourages active participation of the child's family
      in medical care delivery. While family-centered care should be practical in most
      disasters, whether we can operationalize it in pediatric emergency mass critical
      care is unknown. However, every effort to adhere to the principles should be
      made. This manuscript addresses some of the basic tensions that exist between
      creating efficient disaster-related standards and offering family-centered care
      by augmenting the concepts outlined elsewhere in the supplement with practical
      suggestions on incorporating family-centered care. In addition, this manuscript
      demonstrates how family-centered care benefits not only children and families,
      but also the staff providing care to pediatric patients in disasters. METHODS: In
      May 2008, the Task Force for Mass Critical Care published guidance on provision
      of mass critical care to adults. Acknowledging that the critical care needs of
      children during disasters were unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering
      Committee, assembled by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education with
      guidance from members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April
      2009 to determine priority topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care
      recommendations.Steering Committee members established subgroups by topic area
      and performed literature reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. The Steering
      Committee produced draft outlines through consensus-based study of the literature
      and convened October 6-7, 2009, in New York, NY, to review and revise each
      outline. Eight draft documents were subsequently developed from the revised
      outlines as well as through searches of MEDLINE updated through March 2010.The
      Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36 experts from
      diverse public health, medical, and disaster response fields, convened in
      Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30, 2010. Feedback on each manuscript was compiled and
      the Steering Committee revised each document to reflect expert input in addition
      to the most current medical literature. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: This paper
      offers a list of practical suggestions for incorporating family-centered care
      principles into each of the following healthcare settings during a disaster,
      including a pediatric emergency mass critical care event: emergency medical
      services transport, emergency departments, pediatric intensive care units,
      general pediatric wards, and alternative sites. Disaster and pediatric emergency
      mass critical care responses must incorporate family-centered care principles to
      the extent possible in a variety of healthcare settings.

PMID- 22067926
TI  - Ethical issues in pediatric emergency mass critical care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As a result of recent events, including natural disasters and
      pandemics, mass critical care planning has become a priority. In general,
      planning involves limiting the scope of disasters, increasing the supply of
      medical resources, and allocating scarce resources. Entities at varying levels
      have articulated ethical frameworks to inform policy development. In spite of
      this increased focus, children have received limited attention. Children require
      special attention because of their unique vulnerabilities and needs. METHODS: In
      May 2008, the Task Force for Mass Critical Care published guidance on provision
      of mass critical care to adults. Acknowledging that the critical care needs of
      children during disasters were unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering
      Committee, assembled by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education with
      guidance from members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April
      2009 to determine priority topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care
      recommendations.Steering Committee members established subgroups by topic area
      and performed literature reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. Draft documents
      were subsequently developed and revised based on the feedback from the Task
      Force. The Pediatric Emergency Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36
      experts from diverse public health, medical, and disaster response fields,
      convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30, 2010. This document reflects expert
      input from the Task Force in addition to the most current medical literature.
      TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: The Ethics Subcommittee recommends that surge
      planning seek to provide resources for children in proportion to their percentage
      of the population or preferably, if data are available, the percentage of those
      affected by the disaster. Generally, scarce resources should be allocated on the
      basis of need, benefit, and the conservation of resources. Estimates of need,
      benefit, and resource utilization may be more subjective or objective. While the
      Subcommittee favors more objective methods, pediatrics lacks a simple, validated
      scoring system to predict benefit or resource utilization. The Subcommittee
      hesitantly recommends relying on expert opinion while pediatric triage tools are
      developed. If resources remain inadequate, they should then be allocated based on
      queuing or lottery. Choosing between these methods is based on ethical,
      psychological, and practical considerations upon which the Subcommittee could not
      reach consensus. The Subcommittee unanimously believes the proposal to favor
      individuals between 15 and 40 yrs of age is inappropriate. Other age-based
      criteria and criteria based on social role remain controversial. The Subcommittee
      recommends continued work to engage all stakeholders, especially the public, in
      deliberation about these issues.

PMID- 22067927
TI  - The reality of pediatric emergency mass critical care in the developing world.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Public health emergencies resulting from major man-made crises and
      large-scale natural disasters severely impact developing countries, causing
      unprecedented rates of indirect mortality and morbidity, especially in children
      and women. Concomitantly, the state of children's health in the least-developed
      countries is the worst since the 1950s before the Declaration of Alma Ata.
      Worldwide decline in public health protections, infrastructures, and systems, and
      a health worker crisis primarily in Africa and Asia, limit the delivery of
      intensive and critical care services. METHODS: In May 2008, the Task Force for
      Mass Critical Care published guidance on provision of mass critical care to
      adults. Acknowledging that the critical care needs of children during disasters
      were unaddressed by this effort, a 17-member Steering Committee, assembled by the
      Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education with guidance from members of the
      American Academy of Pediatrics, convened in April 2009 to determine priority
      topic areas for pediatric emergency mass critical care recommendations.Steering
      Committee members established subgroups by topic area and performed literature
      reviews of MEDLINE and Ovid databases. The Steering Committee produced draft
      outlines through consensus-based study of the literature and convened October 6
      7, 2009, in New York, NY, to review and revise each outline. Eight draft
      documents were subsequently developed from the revised outlines as well as
      through searches of MEDLINE updated through March 2010.The Pediatric Emergency
      Mass Critical Care Task Force, composed of 36 experts from diverse public health,
      medical, and disaster response fields, convened in Atlanta, GA, on March 29-30,
      2010. Feedback on each manuscript was compiled and the Steering Committee revised
      each document to reflect expert input in addition to the most current medical
      literature. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: Using pandemics as a model of public
      health emergencies, steps to improve care to the most vulnerable of populations
      are outlined, including mandates under the International Health Regulations
      Treaty of 2007 and World Health Organization guidelines. Recommendations include
      an emphasis on first improving primary care, prevention, and basic emergency
      care, where possible. Advances in care should move incrementally without
      compromising primary care resources. A first step in preparing for a pandemic in
      developing countries involves building capacity in public health surveillance and
      proven community containment and mitigation strategies. Given the severe lack of
      healthcare workers in at least 57 countries, the Task Force also supports World
      Health Organization's recommendations that planning for a public health emergency
      include means for health workers to collaborate with staff in the military,
      transport, and education sectors as well as international healthcare workers to
      maximize the efficiency of scarce human resources. Rapid response teams can be
      augmented by international subject matter experts if these do not exist at the
      country level.

PMID- 22067928
TI  - Venous anomalies and horseshoe kidney. A minefield in open vascular surgery.

PMID- 22067929
TI  - Chronic inflammation links cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases.
AB  - Chronic inflammation appears to underlie most, if not all, the chronic diseases
      of today, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney
      disease, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. We have demonstrated that obesity
      induces chronic local inflammation in adipose tissue. We also found that chronic
      inflammation is crucially involved in the development of heart failure and
      chronic kidney disease. In this article, I review recent findings reported by my
      group and others regarding the mechanisms underlying the chronic inflammatory
      processes commonly observed in adipose tissue, heart and kidney. I then discuss
      the key features of the chronic inflammation seen in chronic diseases.

PMID- 22067930
TI  - Urgent statement on antithrombotic therapy of atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22067931
TI  - French national wound management survey: choice criteria of dressings.
AB  - Across Europe, wound care management is organized differently, and in some
      countries such as the UK or Denmark, wound healing centres have been implemented.
      In France, a large number of health professionals are not sufficiently educated
      in wound care management during their vocational training. The rapid evolution of
      dressings has changed wound management practices and has given rise to new
      professional recommendations. This national survey was carried out in France in
      2009, including 465 health professionals, to determine the criteria they use to
      choose a dressing and their habits of care with acute or chronic wounds. Around
      73% of respondents were nurses and, on average, participants took care of 43
      wounds per month. It was also found that 89% of the health professionals who took
      part prefer the sequential treatment of the wound based on its appearance.
      Regardless of whether the wound is acute or chronic, the priorities for wound
      care and the choice of dressing are the management of the exudate and the
      prevention or treatment of infection. These results put into evidence the
      adequacy of the recommendations by these practitioners and the good correlation
      between the choice of dressing and the local therapeutic goal. To reach the same
      level of expertise, the professional training for health professionals who are
      less frequently involved in wound care is necessary.

PMID- 22067932
TI  - A meta-synthesis of research on leg ulceration and neuropathic pain component and
      sequelae.
AB  - Leg ulceration represents a substantial health problem, and pain is likely to be
      an associated symptom. The aim of this meta-synthesis was to undertake a
      systematic review of qualitative studies investigating the experience of chronic
      painful leg ulceration. This study undertook the meta-synthesis approach
      described by Sandelowski and Barroso (2003), which is a synthesis and re
      interpretation of the findings from several qualitative studies. Findings were
      extracted and synthesized. The overarching theme was that patients with chronic
      leg ulceration suffer from persistent pain with associated sequelae. Word
      descriptors used by participants also suggested that patients have neuropathic
      pain. In addition, findings from the meta-synthesis suggested that pain
      associated with chronic leg ulcer may have a neuropathic pain component. Pain
      associated with leg ulceration is likely to have nociceptive properties as well
      as neuropathic properties. If neuropathic pain is not identified and managed
      effectively, patients are at risk of developing a chronic pain condition with
      associated sequelae, such as poor sleep, depression and suicidal ideation. It is
      proposed that early identification and management may enable appropriate pain
      management which may prevent or reduce the associated risks.

PMID- 22067933
TI  - Laboratory performance of alternating pressure air mattresses component and
      sequelae.
AB  - The performance of three different alternating pressure air mattresses with
      different geometries of air cell were compared (Nimbus 3, Heritage, Tamora Plus),
      using simple performance indices based on pressure mapping. The aim of this study
      was to examine the effect on performance of elevating the backrest and thigh
      section of the bed into sitting position. Ten healthy volunteers of various sizes
      were pressure-mapped over the full pressure cycle on three alternating pressure
      air mattresseses with differing cell geometries. This was then repeated with the
      beds profiled to a sitting position. Performance of the alternating pressure air
      mattresses in terms of their ability to redistribute pressure dynamically was
      assessed in the different positions. The different alternating pressure air
      mattresses performed similarly with the bed in the lying flat position, but
      smaller cells appeared to be more effective in the sitting position. A conclusion
      was made that cell geometry may have an effect on the ability of the mattress to
      achieve alternating behaviour in the sitting position.

PMID- 22067934
TI  - Clinical evaluation of Allevyn Gentle Border LiteTM within one health trust.
AB  - This article outlines the financial cost of wound care and the importance of
      appropriate dressings to achieve both clinical and economic outcomes. A clinical
      evaluation of Allevyn Gentle Border LiteTM including 50 patients within one
      health trust was undertaken to assess ease of application, wear time, ease of
      removal, durability and patient comfort. An observation is made that wound care
      is complex and health professionals require a knowledge and understanding of the
      wound healing process, pain, dressing products, asepsis, microbiology,
      pharmacology, psychosocial factors, and ethics, and should possess good
      communication skills. A conclusion is made that the 50 patient evaluation
      demonstrates the flexibility of the Allevyn Gentle Border Lite, which allows for
      a secure fit, provides active fluid management in its control of exudates, may be
      applied to patients with fragile skin, thereby avoiding the need for secondary
      retention, and may be used on difficult-to-dress areas.

PMID- 22067935
TI  - When is a grade 4 pressure  ulcer not grade 4?
AB  - The adoption of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) (2009)
      pressure ulcer classification system within healthcare trusts in the UK has
      provided health professionals with a common approach for the description of
      tissue damage for pressure ulcers. However, the omission of the
      'unstageable/unclassified' and 'suspected deep tissue injury under intact skin'
      has caused difficulties when the visual appearance of pressure ulcers falls
      outside the four grades listed in the classification system. These difficulties
      lead health professionals to overestimate the degree of tissue damage, resulting
      in confusion in regards to determining the true extent of the tissue damage and
      often misdirection of scarce resources (Moore, 2005). The Berkshire Tissue
      Viability Nurses Group attempted to bring clarity to the situation by
      highlighting the issues to raise awareness and stimulate discussion among health
      professionals. The author, with support of the Berkshire Tissue Viability Nurses
      Group, first presented the content of this article at a meeting of the No
      Needless Skin Breakdown Work Stream meeting of the South Central Strategic Health
      Authority Patient Safety Federation in January 2011.

PMID- 22067936
TI  - Fusobacterium nucleatum: an emerging gut pathogen?
AB  - The Gram-negative, non-sporulating, obligately anaerobic species, Fusobacterium
      nucleatum, is rapidly gaining notoriety as a pathogen with a surprising number of
      associated diseases. Recently, we have found that F. nucleatum is a more common
      resident of the GI tract than originally thought, and thus, through several
      studies, we have attempted to determine its gut-relevant potential for virulence.
      We have found that F. nucleatum possesses a number of pathogenic traits with
      relevance to gut diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), however, we
      have also documented strain-associated differences in virulence. An intriguing
      picture emerges that paints F. nucleatum as both conferring beneficial as well as
      detrimental effects on host cells; and we suggest that the ultimate effects of F.
      nucleatum infection in the gut are a consequence of the microbes with which this
      species aggregates.

PMID- 22067937
TI  - N-Glycans on secretory component: mediators of the interaction between secretory
      IgA and gram-positive commensals sustaining intestinal homeostasis.
AB  - Human beings live in symbiosis with billions of microorganisms colonizing mucosal
      surfaces. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying this fine-tuned
      intestinal balance has made significant processes during the last decades. We
      have recently demonstrated that the interaction of SIgA with Gram-positive
      bacteria is essentially based on Fab-independent, glycan-mediated recognition.
      Results obtained using mouse hybridoma- and colostrum-derived secretory IgA
      (SIgA) consistently show that N-glycans present on secretory component (SC) play
      a crucial role in the process. Natural coating may involve specific Gram-positive
      cell wall components, which may explain selective recognition at the molecular
      level. More widely, the existence of these complexes is involved in the
      modulation of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) responses in vitro and the
      formation of intestinal biofilms. Thus, SIgA may act as one of the pillars in
      homeostatic maintenance of the microbiota in the gut, adding yet another facet to
      its multiple roles in the mucosal environment.

PMID- 22067938
TI  - Polyethylene glycol diminishes pathological effects of Citrobacter rodentium
      infection by blocking bacterial attachment to the colonic epithelia.
AB  - Infections from enteric bacteria such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC)
      and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are a public health threat
      worldwide. EPEC and EHEC are extracellular pathogens, and their interaction with
      host surface receptors is critical to the infection process. We previously
      demonstrated that polyethylene glycol (PEG) downregulates surface receptors in
      intestinal cells. Here we show that PEG decreases beta1-integrin, the surface
      receptor in intestinal cells that is critical for EPEC and EHEC attachment. We
      hypothesized that PEG would inhibit the attachment of these enteric pathogens to
      host cells and improve clinical signs of infection. We found that attachment of
      the mouse enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium, which belongs to the same group
      of pathogens as EPEC and EHEC, was attenuated by the concurrent presence of PEG.
      Pretreatment with PEG, without concurrent presence during infection, also reduced
      bacterial attachment. This finding was further supported in vivo such as that PEG
      administered by gavage daily during infection as well as prior to infection
      significantly decreased C. rodentium in the colon and improved the appearance of
      the infected colon in mice. In addition, PEG decreased the beta1-integrin in
      colonic mucosa and reduced the C. rodentium-induced activation of epidermal
      growth factor receptors. PEG also significantly reduced infection-induced colonic
      inflammation. Finally, PEG efficiently reduced C. rodentium shedding from the
      colon during infection. In conclusion, PEG can be an efficient and safe
      preventive agent against EPEC and EHEC infections.

PMID- 22067939
TI  - Beneficial effect of probiotics in IBD: are peptidogycan and NOD2 the molecular
      key effectors?
AB  - Although the beneficial capacities of probiotics are more and more substantiated,
      their effects clearly depend on the strains used and their mechanisms of action
      remain poorly understood. Recent evidences have highlighted the potential role of
      cell-wall components in the anti-inflammatory capacity of selected lactobacilli.
      In this addendum, we summarize our recent results concerning the role of
      peptidoglycan (PGN) and NOD2 signaling in the regulation of intestinal
      inflammation. We showed that the protective effect of Lactobacillus PGN is strain
      specific and linked to the induction of diverse immune regulatory pathways.
      Moreover the beneficial effect of Lactobacillus PGN correlated with the release
      of a specific muropeptide sensed by NOD2. These findings allow for a better
      understanding of how probiotic lactobacilli exert their beneficial effect and
      will help guide for more successful strain selection.

PMID- 22067940
TI  - A role for quorum sensing in regulating innate immune responses mediated by
      Vibrio cholerae outer membrane vesicles (OMVs).
AB  - Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are released from many Gram-negative bacteria.
      OMVs interact with and are taken up by human cells. We and others have now showed
      that OMVs contain peptidoglycan, which is sensed mainly by the pattern
      recognition receptor NOD1 in the cytoplasm of host cells. Vibrio cholerae is
      clinically important as one of the causative agents of severe dehydrating
      diarrhea in humans. We showed that non-O1 non-O139 V. cholerae (NOVC) strains of
      V. cholera produce OMVs. Of note, we revealed that NOVC can evade NOD1-mediated
      immune surveillance by the quorum sensing machinery. Here we review these recent
      findings and discuss the relevance for our understanding of bacterial infections
      and innate immune responses.

PMID- 22067941
TI  - The design of probiotic studies to substantiate health claims.
AB  - The EC Regulation No. 1924/2006 on Nutrition and Health claims made on foods has
      generated considerable debate and concern among scientists and industry. At the
      time of writing, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not approved any
      probiotic claims despite numerous human trials and meta-analyses showing evidence
      of beneficial effects. On 29th and 30th September 2010, ten independent, academic
      scientists with a documented record in probiotic research, met to discuss designs
      for future probiotic studies to demonstrate health benefits for gut and immune
      function. The expert panel recommended the following: (i) always formulate a
      precise and concrete hypothesis, and appropriate goals and parameters before
      starting a trial; (ii) ensure trials have sufficient sample size, such that they
      are adequately powered to reach statistically significant conclusions, either
      supporting or rejecting the a priori hypothesis, taking into account adjustment
      for multiple testing (this might necessitate more than one recruitment site);
      (iii) ensure trials are of appropriate duration; (iv) focus on a single, primary
      objective and only evaluate multiple parameters when they are hypothesis-driven.
      The panel agreed that there was an urgent need to better define which biomarkers
      are considered valuable for substantiation of a health claim. As a first step,
      the panel welcomed the publication on the day of the meeting of EFSA's draft
      guidance document on immune and gut health, although it came too late for study
      designs and dossiers to be adjusted accordingly. New validated biomarkers need to
      be identified in order to properly determine the range of physiological functions
      influenced by probiotics. In addition, validated biomarkers reflecting risk
      factors for disease, are required for article 14 claims (EC Regulation No.
      1924/2006). Finally, the panel concluded that consensus among scientists is
      needed to decide appropriate clinical endpoints for trials.

PMID- 22067942
TI  - Rud syndrome does not exist.

PMID- 22067943
TI  - Maternal intake of fatty acids during pregnancy and allergies in the offspring.
AB  - Fatty acids (FA) are known to have a number of immunological effects and,
      accordingly, may play a role in the development of allergic diseases. We
      investigated the effect of maternal intake of FA during pregnancy on the risk of
      allergic rhinitis, wheeze and atopic eczema in children aged 5 years. The present
      study analysed data from the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention
      Nutrition Study, a population-based birth cohort study with a 5-year follow-up.
      Complete information on maternal diet (assessed by a validated FFQ) and
      International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-based allergic outcomes
      was available for 2441 children. Cox proportional regression and logistic
      regression were used for the analyses. After adjusting for potential confounding
      variables, high maternal consumption of butter and butter spreads (hazard ratio
      (HR) 1.33; 95 % CI 1.03, 1.71) and higher ratio of n-6:n-3 FA (HR 1.37; 95 % CI
      1.07, 1.77) during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of allergic
      rhinitis in the offspring by 5 years of age. High maternal intakes of total PUFA
      (HR 0.71; 95 % CI 0.52, 0.96) and alpha-linolenic FA (HR 0.73; 95 % CI 0.54,
      0.98) were associated with a decreased risk of allergic rhinitis. However, these
      results lost their significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
      Overall, our data suggest that maternal consumption of butter, the ratio of n-6:n
      3 FA and intake of PUFA and alpha-linolenic FA during pregnancy may be potential
      determinants of allergic rhinitis in the offspring.

PMID- 22067944
TI  - RAGE does not contribute to renal injury and damage upon ischemia/reperfusion
      induced injury.
AB  - The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) mediates a variety of
      inflammatory responses in renal diseases, but its role in renal
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is unknown. We showed that during renal I/R,
      RAGE ligands HMGB1 and S100B are expressed. However, RAGE deficiency does not
      affect renal injury and function upon I/R-induced injury.

PMID- 22067946
TI  - Current world literature.

PMID- 22067949
TI  - Eczema diagnosis and management  in the community.
AB  - The old saying, 'a stitch in time saves nine' is particularly true in the
      management of eczema. Early diagnosis and the recognition of an underlying cause
      can mean that more simple measures, such as moisturizers, may be sufficient to
      keep eczema under control, while the identification of an allergic stimulus can
      forestall further problems. Equally, being aware of what action to take when a
      course of treatment is ineffective, and having the ability to teach parents and
      families to realize when they need extra help, may allow changes to be made that
      will restore control of the condition more quickly. An understanding and
      empathetic ear may make all the difference when a patient is having to come to
      terms with eczema. This article discusses the aetiology and symptoms of different
      types of eczema, and summarises the range of available options for the management
      of this often disruptive condition.

PMID- 22067945
TI  - Polyphenolic extract of lotus root (edible rhizome of Nelumbo nucifera)
      alleviates hepatic steatosis in obese diabetic db/db mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most
      common liver disease of industrialized countries. Thus, discovering food
      components that can ameliorate NAFLD is of interest. Lotus root, the edible
      rhizome of Nelumbo nucifera, contains high levels of polyphenolic compounds, and
      several health-promoting properties of lotus root have been reported. In this
      study, we tested whether feeding a polyphenolic extract of lotus root to db/db
      mice protects them from hepatic steatosis. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of feeding, the
      hepatomegaly and hepatic triglyceride accumulation were markedly alleviated in
      the lotus polyphenol-diet-fed db/db mice relative to the control mice. Although
      the lipolytic enzyme activity was not changed, the activities of lipogenic
      enzymes, such as fatty acid synthase and malic enzyme, were significantly lower
      in the lotus polyphenol diet-fed db/db mice. Additionally, the ESI-IT/MS and
      MALDI-TOF MS spectra revealed the presence of B-type proanthocyanidin polymers
      with polymerization degree up to 9 in the polyphenolic lotus root extract.
      CONCLUSION: We speculate that the condensed tannins contained in lotus root can
      alleviate hepatic steatosis by suppressing the lipogenic enzyme activity in the
      livers of db/db mice.

PMID- 22067950
TI  - Advance care planning: thinking ahead to achieve our patients' goals.
AB  - The End of Life Care Strategy for England describes advance care planning (ACP)
      as a 'voluntary process of discussion about future care...concerns and
      wishes...values or personal goals for care, their understanding of their illness
      and prognosis...wishes for types of care or treatment and the availability of
      these' (Department of Health (DH), 2008). In Scotland, Living and Dying Well:
      Building on Progress (Scottish Government (SG), 2011) referred to adopting a
      'thinking ahead' philosophy.

PMID- 22067952
TI  - Challenges facing newly qualified community nurses: a qualitative study.
AB  - This article describes a qualitative study that set out first to explore the
      challenges facing recently qualified nurses working in community and intermediate
      healthcare settings, and their perceptions of role and professional identity, and
      then to propose effective support structures. Data were gathered using individual
      interviews which were recorded, transcribed and analysed through categorization
      using four  key themes: transition work; new learning; support and supervision; 
      professional identity and integration. It was concluded that transition can be
      challenging and stressful but, despite the level of independent working in the
      community, participants can be helped to develop resilience by a supportive
      environment in which their developmental needs are identified and met.
      Recommendations are made concerning the need for a more structured and planned
      approach to induction and preceptorship.

PMID- 22067953
TI  - Link mentorship: improving support for pre-registration students and mentors.
AB  - A very distinct policy change has, over recent years in the UK, prompted a marked
      cultural change and a transition of health services from the acute sector to the
      community setting. This transition has a direct implication for current and
      future pre-registration nursing students and, therefore, for the mentors who
      support them in community placements. This article will explore and discuss an
      initiative to introduce a link mentor role to support and develop mentorship
      within community district nurse settings in respect of adult pre-registration
      nursing students. The role was implemented collaboratively between a Higher
      Education Institution (HEI) and practice. Initially 15 community nurses undertook
      the role which was evaluated after 6 months. Feedback from mentors was
      overwhelmingly positive and plans are in place to develop the initiative further.

PMID- 22067954
TI  - Non-pharmacological management of behavioural symptoms of dementia.
AB  - This article describes a 6-month pilot project in which a community mental health
      team provided a dementia inreach service into 4 care homes in Birmingham, UK. The
      project included analysis of the impact of the service at the end of the project
      as well as a literature review of dementia care in care homes, and especially the
      issue of antipsychotic medication use and non-pharmacological approaches in
      managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The project
      included training care home staff in the management of BPSD; 2 questionnaires
      distributed at the beginning of the project found that 65% of care home staff
      felt a need for education and awareness, practical problem-solving and
      counselling in managing BPSD. Self-reported knowledge of common mental health
      problems and dementia increased in care home staff at the end of the project by a
      margin of 7% and 11% respectively. Reported confidence in managing behavioural
      problems increased by 9% among care home staff at the end of the project. The
      project achieved regular monitoring of psychotropic medications, and enabled the
      discharge of 14 out of 63 existing patients in the selected homes. The project
      also provided guidance for non-pharmacological techniques for management of BPSD,
      which included relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, reality
      orientation, reminiscence work, needs led therapy, music therapy, person-centred
      approach and behaviour therapy.

PMID- 22067955
TI  - Protecting the health of offenders in prison and other places of detention.
AB  - The care of prisoners (offenders) in England lies with the Department of Health
      (DH) and the ability of the PCTs to commission services. In other countries of
      the UK this differs; in Scotland the Scottish Prison Service manages the
      responsibility of offender health, with responsibility resting with local health
      boards in Wales and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern
      Ireland. This article provides the community nurse with an overview of health
      protection in England's prisons and places of detention along with a review of
      communicable disease, immunization and infection prevention and control. General
      advice on legal obligations is provided with infection control principles and a
      discussion concerning incident and outbreak management. The role of the community
      nurse in the prison setting is no different to the role being undertaken in any
      other situation or environment where people require health care. Offenders are
      entitled to the same standards of healthcare as the general public.

PMID- 22067956
TI  - District nurses' use of social  networking sites: caution required.
AB  - Although an increasingly popular form of online communication and social
      interaction, social network sites have to be used with caution by district
      nurses. In common with all health professionals, the scope of a district nurse's
      accountability extends to their online presence, and inappropriate remarks or
      pictures posted online can call into question the fitness to practise of the
      individual. In this article, Richard Griffith and Cassam Tengnah review your
      accountability, as it applies to your online presence, and discuss the Nursing
      and Midwifery Council's new advice to nurses and midwives on acceptable use of
      social networks.

PMID- 22067957
TI  - Diacylglycerol kinase zeta: at the crossroads of lipid signaling and protein
      complex organization.
AB  - Diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidic acid (PA) are lipids with unique functions
      as metabolic intermediates, basic membrane constituents, and second-signal
      components. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGK) regulate the levels of these two lipids,
      catalyzing the interconversion of one to the other. The DGK family of enzymes is
      composed of 10 isoforms, grouped into five subfamilies based on the presence of
      distinct regulatory domains. From its initial characterization as a type IV DGK
      to the generation of mouse models showing its importance in cardiac dysfunction
      and immune pathologies, diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKzeta) has proved an
      excellent example of the critical role of lipid-metabolizing enzymes in the
      control of cell responses. Although the mechanism that regulates this enzyme is
      not well known, many studies demonstrate its subtle regulation and its strategic
      function in specific signaling and as part of adaptor protein complexes. These
      data suggest that DGKzeta offers new opportunities for therapeutic manipulation
      of lipid metabolism.

PMID- 22067958
TI  - The treatment of scaphoid nonunion using the Ilizarov fixator without bone graft,
      a study of 18 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Ilizarov fine-wire
      compression/distraction technique in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion (SNU),
      without the use of bone graft. DESIGN: A retrospective review of 18 consecutive
      patients in one centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 18 patients; 17 males; 1 female,
      with a mean SNU duration of 13.9 months. Patients with carpal instability,
      humpback deformity, carpal collapse, avascular necrosis or marked degenerative
      change, were excluded. Following frame application the treatment consisted of
      three stages: the frame was distracted 1 mm per day until radiographs showed a 2
      3 mm opening at the SNU site (mean 10 days); the SNU site was then compressed for
      5 days, at a rate of 1 mm per day, with the wrist in 15 degrees of flexion and 15
      degrees of radial deviation; the third stage involved immobilization with the
      Ilizarov fixator for 6 weeks. The technique is detailed herein. RESULTS:
      Radiographic (CT) and clinical bony union was achieved in all 18 patients after a
      mean of 89 days (70-130 days). Mean modified Mayo wrist scores improved from 21
      to 86 at a mean follow-up of 37 months (24-72 months), with good/excellent
      results in 14 patients. All patients returned to their pre-injury occupations and
      levels of activity at a mean of 117 days. Three patients suffered superficial K
      wire infections, which resolved with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: In these
      selected patients this technique safely achieved bony union without the need to
      open the SNU site and without the use of bone graft.

PMID- 22067959
TI  - Vascular risk factors and cognitive impairment in a stroke-free cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine vascular risk factors, as measured by the Framingham Stroke
      Risk Profile (FSRP), to predict incident cognitive impairment in a large,
      national sample of black and white adults age 45 years and older. METHODS:
      Participants included subjects without stroke at baseline from the Reasons for
      Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study with at least 2
      cognitive function assessments during the follow-up (n = 23,752). Incident
      cognitive impairment was defined as decline from a baseline score of 5 or 6 (of
      possible 6 points) to the most recent follow-up score of 4 or less on the Six
      item Screener (SIS). Subjects with suspected stroke during follow-up were
      censored. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, 1,907 participants met
      criteria for incident cognitive impairment. Baseline FSRP score was associated
      with incident cognitive impairment. An adjusted model revealed that male sex
      (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-1.77), black race (OR
      = 2.09, 95% CI 1.88-2.35), less education (less than high school graduate vs
      college graduate, OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.88-2.60), older age (10-year increments, OR
      = 2.11, per 10-year increase in age, 95% CI 2.05-2.18), and presence of left
      ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.06-1.58) were related to
      development of cognitive impairment. When LVH was excluded from the model,
      elevated systolic blood pressure was related to incident cognitive impairment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Total FSRP score, elevated blood pressure, and LVH predict
      development of clinically significant cognitive dysfunction. Prevention and
      treatment of high blood pressure may be effective in preserving cognitive health.

PMID- 22067962
TI  - An enhancing brainstem lesion in a patient with a history of worldwide travel.

PMID- 22067963
TI  - Parkinson disease: the enteric nervous system spills its guts.
AB  - Lewy pathology in Parkinson disease (PD) extends well beyond the CNS, also
      affecting peripheral autonomic neuronal circuits, especially the enteric nervous
      system (ENS). The ENS is an integrative neuronal network also referred to as "the
      brain in the gut" because of its similarities to the CNS. We have recently shown
      that the ENS can be readily analyzed using routine colonic biopsies. This led us
      to propose that the ENS could represent a unique window to assess the
      neuropathology in living patients with PD. In this perspective, we discuss
      current evidence which indicates that the presence of ENS pathology may by
      exploited to improve our understanding and management of PD and likely other
      neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 22067965
TI  - Love lies bleeding--those who are left behind salute you.

PMID- 22067964
TI  - "The seagull cry" in internal carotid artery dissection.

PMID- 22067966
TI  - Morphometry of dermal nerve fibers in human skin.

PMID- 22067967
TI  - Pediatric sciatic neuropathies: a 30-year prospective study.

PMID- 22067968
TI  - Improvement of migraine headaches in severely obese patients after bariatric
      surgery.

PMID- 22067969
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: granulomatous angiitis of the CNS associated with Hodgkin
      lymphoma.

PMID- 22067970
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: mesial temporal sclerosis after a prolonged unprovoked
      seizure in an infant.

PMID- 22067971
TI  - Teaching video NeuroImages: shake Mom's hand to get the diagnosis.

PMID- 22067972
TI  - An unusual cause of symptomatic tension-type headache: hypertrophic branchial
      myopathy.

PMID- 22067973
TI  - A nonsense variation p.Arg325X in the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene
      may be associated with congenital tricuspid aortic valve stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In our recent study, we first reported that mutation in vascular
      endothelial growth factor-A is associated with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis.
      However, to date no groups have explored the role of vascular endothelial growth
      factor-A variations in the aetiology of congenital tricuspid aortic valve
      stenosis. METHODS: We sequenced all eight coding exons and exon-intron boundaries
      of the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene in deoxyribonucleic acid samples
      of a cohort of 32 sporadic patients with tricuspid aortic valve stenosis, 300
      normal controls, and 103 disease controls - conotruncal defects - in order to
      identify sequence variants. RESULTS: We identified a c.973C > T heterozygous
      nonsense variation in exon 6 of the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene in
      a patient with an isolated tricuspid aortic valve stenosis. The c.973C > T
      variation, which was absent in all controls, changes a highly conserved arginine
      at amino acid position 325 to a stop codon (p.Arg325X) and is predicted to
      produce a truncated protein of 324 amino acid residues. The proband's parents had
      a normal cardiac phenotype; however, his father was a carrier of the p.Arg325X
      variation, which indicates that the p.Arg325X variation is inherited and
      incompletely penetrant. CONCLUSION: We report for the first time that the
      p.Arg325X nonsense variation in the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene may
      be associated with congenital tricuspid aortic valve stenosis.

PMID- 22067974
TI  - Study on formulation variables of methotrexate loaded mesoporous MCM-41
      nanoparticles for dissolution enhancement.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop methotrexate loaded mesoporous MCM-41
      nanoparticles for improved dissolution of methotrexate. The mesoporous MCM-41
      nanoparticles act as carrier for drug and increase the solubility of the drug. In
      order to achieve this objective small pore size MCM-41 nanoparticles have been
      synthesized followed by drug loading process. The process of drug loading was
      optimized using full 33 factorial design. With a view to obtain maximum drug
      loading three variables, concentration of drug solution, stirring rate, and
      drug:carrier ratio were optimized using a full 33 factorial design. Using
      statistically designed experiments, the inclusion of methotrexate in MCM-41
      nanoparticles was successfully carried out to obtain a drug loading of about 48%.
      X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry revealed the
      presence of methotrexate in amorphous form and FT-IR spectroscopy showed the
      presence of light interactions between the silicate silanols and the drug. The
      decrease of Brunauer, Emmett and Teller specific surface area and pore volume
      between free MCM-41 and the inclusion compound was the proof of the presence of
      methotrexate inside the mesopores. The inclusion compound was submitted to in
      vitro dissolution tests and a remarkable dissolution rate improvement was
      observed in comparison to the crystalline drug in all tested conditions.

PMID- 22067976
TI  - Hospital admissions and pharmacotherapy before out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
      according to age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The underlying etiology of sudden cardiac death varies with age and
      is likely to be reflected in type and number of healthcare contacts. We aimed to
      determine the specific type of healthcare contact shortly before out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest (OHCA) across ages. METHODS: OHCA patients were identified in the
      nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Register and Copenhagen Medical Emergency Care
      Unit (2001-2006). We matched every OHCA patients with 10 controls on sex and age.
      Healthcare contacts were evaluated 30 days before event by individual-level
      linkage of nationwide registers. RESULTS: We identified 16,924 OHCA patients,
      median age 70.0 years (Q1-Q3: 59-80). OHCA patients had a higher number of
      hospitalizations and received more pharmacotherapy compared to the control
      population across all ages (p for difference <0.001). OHCA patients aged 70-79
      and 80-89 years had the highest proportion of hospitalizations (70%) and
      pharmacotherapy (73%), respectively. In general, the association between OHCA and
      hospitalizations and pharmacotherapy was more pronounced among the youngest OHCA
      patients compared to controls. OHCA patients in age groups 14-19, 20-29, 30-39
      were ~5 times more likely to be in contact with the healthcare service than the
      control population (p for difference <0.001). Similarly, OHCA patients in the
      oldest age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, >89) were <2 times more likely to be in
      contact with the healthcare services shortly before OHCA compared to the control
      population (p for difference <0.001). CONCLUSION: Young OHCA patients are more
      likely to be in contact with the healthcare services compared with an age and sex
      matched control population suggestive of traits that make them stand out from the
      general population.

PMID- 22067975
TI  - Rapid Response Team composition, resourcing and calling criteria in Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been introduced into at least 60%
      of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - equipped Australian hospitals to review
      deteriorating ward patients. Most studies have assessed their impact on patient
      outcome and less information exists on team composition or aspects of their
      calling criteria. METHODS: We obtained information on team composition,
      resourcing and details of activation criteria from 39 of 108 (36.1%) RRT-equipped
      Australian hospitals. RESULTS: We found that all 39 teams operated 24/7 (h/days),
      but only 10 (25.6%) had received additional funding for the service. Although
      38/39 teams, were physician-led medical emergency teams, in 7 (17.9%) sites the
      most senior member would be unlikely to have advanced airway skills. Three
      quarters of calling criteria were structured into "ABCD", and approximately 40%
      included cardiac and/or respiratory arrest as a calling criterion. Thresholds for
      calling criteria varied widely (particularly for respiratory rate and heart
      rate), as did the wording of the worried/concerned criterion. There was also wide
      variation in the number and nature of additional activation criteria.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply the likelihood of significant practice variation
      in relation to RRT composition, staff skill set and activation criteria between
      hospitals. We recommend improved resourcing of RRTs, training of the team
      members, and consideration for improved standardisation of calling criteria
      across institutions.

PMID- 22067977
TI  - Multienzymatic amperometric biosensor based on gold and nanocomposite planar
      electrodes for glycerol determination in wine.
AB  - Amperometric biosensors based on gold planar or nanocomposite electrode
      containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes for determination of glycerol were
      developed. The biosensors were constructed by immobilization of a novel
      multienzyme cascade consisting of glycerol kinase/creatine
      kinase/creatinase/sarcosine oxidase/peroxidase between a chitosan "sandwich." A
      measuring buffer contained adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate,
      and an artificial electrochemical mediator ferrocyanide. The currents
      proportional to glycerol concentration were measured at working potential of -50
      mV against Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The biosensors showed linearity over the
      ranges of 5-640 MUM and 5-566 MUM with detection limits of 1.96 and 2.24 MUM and
      sensitivities of 0.80 and 0.81 nA MUM(-1), respectively. Both types of biosensors
      had a response time of 70s. The biosensors demonstrated satisfactory operational
      stability (no loss of sensitivity after 90 consecutive measurements) and
      excellent storage stability (90% of the initial sensitivity after 15 months of
      storage at room temperature). The results obtained from measurements of wines
      correlated well with those obtained with an enzymatic-spectrophotometric assay.
      The presented multienzyme cascade can be used also for determination of
      triglycerides or various kinase substrates when glycerol kinase is replaced by
      other kinases.

PMID- 22067978
TI  - Internally quenched fluorescent peptide libraries with randomized sequences
      designed to detect endopeptidases.
AB  - Identification of synthetic peptide substrates for novel peptidases is an
      essential step for their study. With this purpose we synthesized fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptide libraries Abz (or MCA)-GXXXXXQ-EDDnp and
      Abz (or MCA)-GXXZXXQ-EDDnp, where X consists of an equimolar mixture of all amino
      acids, the Z position is fixed with one of the proteinogenic amino acids
      (cysteine was excluded), Abz (ortho-aminobenzoic acid) or MCA ([7-amino-4
      methyl]coumarin) is the fluorescence donor and Q-EDDnp (glutamine-[N-(2,4
      dinitrophenyl)-ethylenediamine]) is the fluorescence acceptor. The peptide
      libraries MCA-GXXX?XXQ-EDDnp and MCA-GXXZ?XXQ-EDDnp were cleaved as indicated (?)
      by trypsin, chymotrypsin, cathepsin L, pepsin A, and Eqolisin as confirmed by
      Edman degradation of the products derived from the digestion of these libraries.
      The best hydrolyzed Abz-GXXZXXQ-EDDnp sublibraries by these proteases, including
      Dengue 2 virus NS2B-NS3 protease, contained amino acids at the Z position that
      are reported to be well accepted by their S(1) subsite. The pH profiles of the
      hydrolytic activities of these canonical proteases on the libraries were similar
      to those reported for typical substrates. The FRET peptide libraries provide an
      efficient and simple approach for detecting nanomolar concentrations of
      endopeptidases and are useful for initial specificity characterization as
      performed for two proteases secreted by a Bacillus subtilis.

PMID- 22067980
TI  - An artifact in studies of gene regulation using beta-galactosidase reporter gene
      assays.
AB  - Reporter gene assays are important tools for evaluating gene expression. A
      frequently used assay measures the activity of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)
      expressed from lacZ in plasmid or genomic constructions. Such constructions are
      often used to interrogate the ability of DNA (query DNA), potentially encoding a
      transcription factor, to regulate in trans the expression of a promoter fused to
      the reporter lacZ. Query DNA is frequently inserted into a second plasmid within
      the alpha-subunit of beta-gal, interrupting its function. However, this plasmid
      can induce up-expression of beta-gal even when void of query DNA, leading to
      confusion between artifact and authentic regulation.

PMID- 22067979
TI  - A protein switch sensing system for the quantification of sulfate.
AB  - Protein engineering has generated versatile methods and technologies that have
      been instrumental in advancements in the fields of sensing, therapeutics, and
      diagnostics. Herein, we demonstrate the employment of rational design to engineer
      a unique bioluminescence-based protein switch. A fusion protein switch combines
      two totally unrelated proteins, with distinct characteristics, in a manner such
      that the function of one protein is dependent on another. Herein we report a
      protein switch sensing system by insertion of the sulfate-binding protein (SBP)
      into the structure of the photoprotein aequorin (AEQ). In the presence of
      sulfate, SBP undergoes a conformational change bringing the two segments of AEQ
      together, "turning on" bioluminescence in a dose-dependent fashion, thus allowing
      quantitative detection of sulfate. A calibration plot was obtained by correlating
      the amount of bioluminescence generated with the concentration of sulfate
      present. The switch demonstrated selectivity and reproducibility, and a detection
      limit of 1.6*10(-4)M for sulfate. Moreover, the sensing system was validated by
      performing sulfate detection in clinical and environmental samples, such as,
      serum, urine, and tap water. The detection limits and working ranges in all three
      samples fall within the average normal/recommended sulfate levels in the
      respective matrices.

PMID- 22067981
TI  - An acetic acid-based extraction method to obtain high quality collagen from
      archeological bone remains.
AB  - Human bones, recovered from excavations, are an important biological archive of
      information. In particular, the analysis of the collagen fraction is useful for
      paleodietary reconstruction, via light stable isotopes, and for (14)C dating.
      Generally, collagen extraction procedures do not prevent loss of integrity of
      proteins. As a consequence, information about the state-of-remains preservation
      is unavailable. Here we describe a "soft" nondestructive CH(3)COOH-based method
      to recover collagen from archaeological bones, and also to obtain material for
      successive isotopic analyses. Our isotopic measurements on the extracts indicate
      that the CH(3)COOH-based method of extraction may be routinely employed in the
      context of paleodiet studies. In addition, we propose that biochemical
      characterization by denaturant electrophoresis and Western blot on CH(3)COOH
      extracts may be used as a bone collagen quality indicator.

PMID- 22067982
TI  - Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of early initiation of noninvasive positive
      pressure ventilation in pediatric patients admitted with status asthmaticus: a
      pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is increasingly
      used for respiratory distress, there is not much data supporting its use in
      children with status asthmaticus. The objective of this study was to determine
      safety, tolerability, and efficacy of early initiation of noninvasive positive
      pressure ventilation in addition to standard of care in the management of
      children admitted with status asthmaticus. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective,
      randomized, controlled, clinical trial. PATIENTS: Twenty patients (1-18 yrs old)
      admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with status asthmaticus. METHODS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: Children were randomized to receive either noninvasive positive
      pressure ventilation plus standard of care (noninvasive positive pressure
      ventilation group) or standard of care alone (standard group). Improvement in
      clinical asthma score was significantly greater in noninvasive positive pressure
      ventilation group compared to standard group at 2 hrs, 4-8 hrs, 12-16 hrs, and 24
      hrs after initiation of interventions (p < .01). A significant decrease in
      respiratory rate at >= 24 hrs oxygen requirement after 2 hrs was noted in
      noninvasive positive pressure ventilation group as compared to standard group (p
      = .01 and p = .03, respectively). Although statistically not significant, fewer
      children in the noninvasive positive pressure ventilation group required adjunct
      therapy compared to standard group (11% vs. 50%; p = .07). There were no major
      adverse events related to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Nine out of
      ten patients tolerated noninvasive positive pressure ventilation through the
      duration of the study; noninvasive positive pressure ventilation had to be
      discontinued in one patient because of persistent cough. CONCLUSIONS: Early
      initiation of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, along with short acting
      beta-agonists and systemic steroids, can be safe, well-tolerated, and effective
      in the management of children with status asthmaticus.

PMID- 22067983
TI  - Automated respiratory cycles selection is highly specific and improves
      respiratory mechanics analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Selected optimal respiratory cycles should allow calculation of
      respiratory mechanic parameters focusing on patient-ventilator interaction. New
      computer software automatically selecting optimal breaths and respiratory
      mechanics derived from those cycles are evaluated. DESIGN: Retrospective study.
      SETTING: University level III neonatal intensive care unit. SUBJECTS: Ten mins
      synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation and assist/control ventilation
      recordings from ten newborns. INTERVENTION: The ventilator provided respiratory
      mechanic data (ventilator respiratory cycles) every 10 secs. Pressure, flow, and
      volume waves and pressure-volume, pressure-flow, and volume-flow loops were
      reconstructed from continuous pressure-volume recordings. Visual assessment
      determined assisted leak-free optimal respiratory cycles (selected respiratory
      cycles). New software graded the quality of cycles (automated respiratory
      cycles). Respiratory mechanic values were derived from both sets of optimal
      cycles. We evaluated quality selection and compared mean values and their
      variability according to ventilatory mode and respiratory mechanic provenance. To
      assess discriminating power, all 45 "t" values obtained from interpatient
      comparisons were compared for each respiratory mechanic parameter. MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 11,724 breaths are evaluated. Automated respiratory
      cycle/selected respiratory cycle selections agreement is high: 88% of maximal
      kappa with linear weighting. Specificity and positive predictive values are 0.98
      and 0.96, respectively. Averaged values are similar between automated respiratory
      cycle and ventilator respiratory cycle. C20/C alone is markedly decreased in
      automated respiratory cycle (1.27 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.81 +/- 0.67). Tidal volume
      apparent similarity disappears in assist/control: automated respiratory cycle
      tidal volume (4.8 +/- 1.0 mL/kg) is significantly lower than for ventilator
      respiratory cycle (5.6 +/- 1.8 mL/kg). Coefficients of variation decrease for all
      automated respiratory cycle parameters in all infants. "t" values from ventilator
      respiratory cycle data are two to three times higher than ventilator respiratory
      cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Automated selection is highly specific. Automated
      respiratory cycle reflects most the interaction of both ventilator and patient.
      Improving discriminating power of ventilator monitoring will likely help in
      assessing disease status and following trends. Averaged parameters derived from
      automated respiratory cycles are more precise and could be displayed by
      ventilators to improve real-time fine tuning of ventilator settings.

PMID- 22067984
TI  - Critical care for pediatric asthma: wide care variability and challenges for
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe pediatric severe asthma care, complications, and outcomes
      to plan for future prospective studies by the Collaborative Pediatric Critical
      Care Research Network. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: : Pediatric
      intensive care units in the United States that submit administrative data to the
      Pediatric Health Information System. PATIENTS: Children 1-18 yrs old treated in a
      Pediatric Health Information System pediatric intensive care unit for asthma
      during 2004-2008. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen
      thousand five-hundred fifty-two children were studied; 2,812 (21%) were treated
      in a Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network and 10,740 (79%) were
      treated in a non-Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network pediatric
      intensive care unit. Medication use in individual Collaborative Pediatric
      Critical Care Research Network centers differed widely: ipratropium bromide (41%
      84%), terbutaline (11%-74%), magnesium sulfate (23%-64%), and methylxanthines (0%
      46%). Complications including pneumothorax (0%-0.6%), cardiac arrest (0.2%-2%),
      and aspiration (0.2%-2%) were rare. Overall use of medical therapies and
      complications at Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network centers
      were representative of pediatric asthma care at non-Collaborative Pediatric
      Critical Care Research Network pediatric intensive care units. Median length of
      pediatric intensive care unit stay at Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care
      Research Network centers was 1 to 2 days and death was rare (0.1%-3%). Ten
      percent of children treated at Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research
      Network centers received invasive mechanical ventilation compared to 12% at non
      Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network centers. Overall 44% of
      patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation were intubated in the
      pediatric intensive care unit. Children intubated outside the pediatric intensive
      care unit had significantly shorter median ventilation days (1 vs. 3), pediatric
      intensive care unit days (2 vs. 4), and hospital days (4 vs. 7) compared to those
      intubated in the pediatric intensive care unit. Among children who received
      mechanical respiratory support, significantly more (41% vs. 25%) were treated
      with noninvasive ventilation and significantly fewer (41% vs. 58%) were intubated
      before pediatric intensive care unit care when treated in a Pediatric Health
      Information System hospital emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: Marked variations
      in medication therapies and mechanical support exist. Death and other
      complications were rare. More than half of patients treated with mechanical
      ventilation were intubated before pediatric intensive care unit care. Site of
      respiratory mechanical support initiation was associated with length of stay.

PMID- 22067985
TI  - Dexmedetomidine and ketamine: an effective alternative for procedural sedation?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although generally effective for sedation during noninvasive
      procedures, dexmedetomidine as the sole agent has not been uniformly successful
      for invasive procedures. To overcome some of the pitfalls with dexmedetomidine as
      the sole agent, there are an increasing number of reports regarding its
      combination with ketamine. This article provides a descriptive account of the
      reports from the literature regarding the use of a combination of dexmedetomidine
      and ketamine for procedural sedation. DATA SOURCE: A computerized bibliographic
      search of the literature regarding dexmedetomidine and ketamine for procedural
      sedation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The literature contains four reports
      with cohorts of more than ten patients with a total of 122 patients. Two of these
      studies were prospective randomized trials. Additionally, there are eight single
      case reports or small case series (six patients or less) with an additional 21
      pediatric patients. When used together, dexmedetomidine may prevent the
      tachycardia, hypertension, salivation, and emergence phenomena from ketamine,
      whereas ketamine may prevent the bradycardia and hypotension, which has been
      reported with dexmedetomidine. An additional benefit is that the addition of
      ketamine to initiate the sedation process speeds the onset of sedation, thereby
      eliminating the slow onset time when dexmedetomidine is the sole agent. Although
      various regimens have been reported in the literature, the most effective regimen
      appears to be the use of a bolus dose of both agents, dexmedetomidine (1 ug/kg)
      and ketamine (1-2 mg/kg), to initiate sedation. This can then be followed by a
      dexmedetomidine infusion (1-2 ug/kg/hr) with supplemental bolus doses of ketamine
      (0.5-1 mg/kg) as needed. CONCLUSIONS: The available literature except for one
      trial is favorable regarding the utility of a combination of ketamine and
      dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation. Future studies with direct comparisons
      to other regimens appear warranted for both invasive and noninvasive procedures.

PMID- 22067986
TI  - Development of a bedside tool to predict time to death after withdrawal of life
      sustaining therapies in infants and children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To generate a preliminary bedside predictor of rapid time-to-death
      after withdrawal of support in children to help identify potential candidates for
      organ donation after circulatory death. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.
      SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit of an academic children's hospital.
      PATIENTS: All deaths in the pediatric intensive care unit from May 1996 to April
      2007. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 1389 deaths, 634
      patients underwent withdrawal of support and 518 with complete data regarding
      demographics, life-supportive therapies, and end-of-life circumstances were
      analyzed. Three hundred seventy-three (72%) patients died within 30 mins of
      withdrawal and 452 (87%) died within 60 mins. Using multiple logistic regression,
      significant predictors of death within 30 or 60 mins (typical cut-off times for
      organ donation) were identified and a predictor score was generated. Significant
      predictors included: age 1 month or younger; norepinephrine, epinephrine, or
      phenylephrine >0.2 ug/kg/min; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; and positive
      end-expiratory pressure >10 cmH2O; and spontaneous ventilation. Possible scores
      for the 30-min predictor ranged from -17 to 67; a score <=-9 predicted a 37%
      probability of death <= 30 mins, whereas a score >= 38 predicted an 85%
      probability of death within 30 mins. For the 60-min predictor, scores ranged from
      -21 to 38; score <=-10 predicted a 59% probability of death within 60 mins and a
      score >= 16 predicted a 98% probability of death within 60 mins. CONCLUSIONS:
      This tool is a reasonable preliminary predictor for death within 30 or 60 mins
      after withdrawal of support in terminally ill or injured children and might
      assist in identifying potential pediatric candidates for donation after
      circulatory death, although prospective validation is required.

PMID- 22067987
TI  - Quality of life of pediatric cardiac patients who previously required
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess quality of life of pediatric cardiac
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors. We hypothesized that these
      patients would have decreased quality of life when compared to that of a general
      U.S. population sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Patient homes and
      Children's Hospital Boston. PATIENTS: Cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      survivors currently 5-18 yrs old. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Quality of life was assessed by parent proxy report using the Child
      Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50 and was compared to that of a general U.S.
      population sample and other cardiac populations. Factors associated with lower
      quality of life were sought. Physical summary scores for 41 cardiac
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors were lower than the mean of the
      general population sample (42.4 +/- 16.4 vs. 53.0 +/- 8.8; p < .001) but similar
      to those of children with Fontan physiology or an automatic implantable
      cardioverter defibrillator. Psychosocial summary scores in extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation patients were not different from those of the general
      population (48.2 +/- 11.8 vs. 51.2 +/- 9.1; p = .11) or of other cardiac samples.
      Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, more noncardiac operations,
      total intensive care and hospital days, noncardiac medical conditions,
      medications, and the need for physical, occupational, or speech therapy were
      associated with low physical summary scores. More noncardiac operations,
      noncardiac medical conditions, and the need for special education, physical,
      occupational, or speech therapy were associated with low psychosocial summary
      scores. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      survivors, the physical component of health-related quality of life is lower than
      that of the general population but similar to that of patients with complex
      cardiac disease, whereas psychosocial quality of life is similar to that of the
      general population and of other pediatric cardiac populations.

PMID- 22067988
TI  - ROPGAPs of Arabidopsis limit susceptibility to powdery mildew.
AB  - The barley ROP GTPase HvRACB is a susceptibility factor of barley to powdery
      mildew caused by the biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei (Bgh). In a
      recent publication, we reported about a MICROTUBULE-ASSOCIATED ROP GTPASE
      ACTIVATING PROTEIN 1 (HvMAGAP1) of barley. Transient-induced gene silencing or
      overexpression of HvMAGAP1 resulted in enhanced or reduced susceptibility to Bgh,
      respectively, indicating a possible HvRACB-antagonistic function of HvMAGAP1 in
      interaction with Bgh. HvMAGAP1 also influences the polarity of cortical
      microtubules in interaction with Bgh. In AtROPGAP1 and AtROPGAP4, Arabidopsis
      homologs of HvMAGAP1, knock-out T-DNA insertions enhanced susceptibility of
      Arabidopsis to the virulent powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe cruciferarum,
      indicating functions of ROPGAPs in pathogen interaction of monocots and dicots.
      Here we discuss the role of AtROPGAP1 and AtROPGAP4 in Arabidopsis pathogenesis
      of powdery mildew in some more detail.

PMID- 22067989
TI  - Two Arabidopsis guard cell-preferential MAPK genes, MPK9 and MPK12, function in
      biotic stress response.
AB  - Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a major role in plant development and adaptation to
      severe environmental conditions. ABA evokes cellular events to regulate stomatal
      apertures and thus contributes to the plant's ability to respond to abiotic
      stresses. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in response to ABA and
      mediate ABA-induced stomatal closure. We have shown that two MAP kinases, MPK9
      and MPK12, are highly and preferentially expressed in guard cells and function as
      positive regulators of ROS-mediated ABA signaling in guard cells. Cell biological
      and electrophysiological analyses demonstrated that MPK9 and MPK12 act downstream
      of ROS and cytosolic Ca2+ and upstream of anion channels in the guard cell ABA
      signaling cascade. Plant pathogens use stomata as the primary gateway to enter
      into their hosts, and previous studies have indicated crosstalk between ABA and
      defense signaling. Here we show that mpk9-1/12-1 double mutants are highly
      susceptible to Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 compared to WT plants. These results
      suggest that the regulation of stomatal apertures by MPK9 and MPK12 contributes
      to the first line of defense against pathogens.

PMID- 22067990
TI  - OsDIS1-mediated stress response pathway in rice.
AB  - Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation has been well demonstrated as a key
      regulatory mechanism in response to drought stress in Arabidopsis. However, the
      biological function of most E3 ligase genes in drought response is still unknown
      in rice. We recently showed that OsDIS1 (Oryza sativa drought-induced SINA
      protein 1), a SINA type E3 ligase, is involved in the drought-stress signal
      transduction in rice. OsDIS1 plays a negative role in drought stress tolerance
      through the transcriptional regulation of diverse stress-related genes and also
      possibly through the posttranslational regulation of its interacting protein
      OsNek6 in rice. Here we also show that OsDIS1 interacts with OsSKIPa, a drought
      and salt stress positive regulator in rice. Based on these results, we propose a
      working model for the function of OsDIS1 in regulating the stress signaling
      pathway in rice.

PMID- 22067991
TI  - Arabidopsis TRAPPII is functionally linked to Rab-A, but not Rab-D in polar
      protein trafficking in trans-Golgi network.
AB  - The trans-Golgi network (TGN) in plant cells is an independent organelle,
      displaying rapid association and dissociation with Golgi bodies. In plant cells,
      the TGN is the site where secretory and endocytic membrane trafficking meet. Cell
      wall components, signaling molecules and auxin transporters have been found to
      undergo intracellular trafficking around the TGN. However, how different
      trafficking pathways are regulated and how different cargoes are sorted in the
      TGN is poorly defined in plant cells. Using a combined approach of genetic and in
      vivo imaging, we recently demonstrated that Arabidopsis TRAPPII acts in the TGN
      and is required for polar targeting of PIN2, but not PIN1, auxin efflux carrier
      in root tip cells. Here, we report that, TRAPPII in Arabidopsis is required for
      polar distribution of AUX1, an auxin influx carrier in protophloem cells and
      epidermal cells of Arabidopsis root tips. In yeast cells, TRAPPII serves as a
      guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Ypt1 and Ypt31/32 in late Golgi
      trafficking, while in mammalian cells, TRAPPII acts as a GEF for Rab1 (homolog of
      yeast Ypt1) in early Golgi trafficking. We show here that TRAPPII in Arabidopsis
      is functionally linked to Rab-A proteins, homologs of yeast Ypt31/32, but not Rab
      D proteins, homologs of yeast Ypt1 and animal Rab1 proteins.

PMID- 22067992
TI  - Glycerol-3-phosphate and systemic immunity.
AB  - Glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), a conserved three-carbon sugar, is an obligatory
      component of energy-producing reactions including glycolysis and glycerolipid
      biosynthesis. G3P can be derived via the glycerol kinase-mediated phosphorylation
      of glycerol or G3P dehydrogenase (G3Pdh)-mediated reduction of dihydroxyacetone
      phosphate. Previously, we showed G3P levels contribute to basal resistance
      against the hemibiotrophic pathogen, Colletotrichum higginsianum. Inoculation of
      Arabidopsis with C. higginsianum correlated with an increase in G3P levels and a
      concomitant decrease in glycerol levels in the host. Plants impaired in GLY1
      encoded G3Pdh accumulated reduced levels of G3P after pathogen inoculation and
      showed enhanced susceptibility to C. higginsianum. Recently, we showed that G3P
      is also a potent inducer of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants. SAR is
      initiated after a localized infection and confers whole-plant immunity to
      secondary infections. SAR involves generation of a signal at the site of primary
      infection, which travels throughout the plants and alerts the un-infected distal
      portions of the plant against secondary infections. Plants unable to synthesize
      G3P are defective in SAR and exogenous G3P complements this defect. Exogenous G3P
      also induces SAR in the absence of a primary pathogen. Radioactive tracer
      experiments show that a G3P derivative is translocated to distal tissues and this
      requires the lipid transfer protein, DIR1. Conversely, G3P is required for the
      translocation of DIR1 to distal tissues. Together, these observations suggest
      that the cooperative interaction of DIR1 and G3P mediates the induction of SAR in
      plants.

PMID- 22067993
TI  - miR393: integrator of environmental cues in auxin signaling?
AB  - Auxin signalling and plant development depend on a family of partially redundant
      F-box receptors of the TIR1/AFB2 Auxin Receptor (TAAR) clade. We have recently
      shown that the post-transcriptional regulation of the Arabidopsis thaliana TAAR
      gene family invokes complex sRNA regulations during development. In leaves, the
      microRNA miR393 appears (1) to be primarily generated from one of the two genes,
      AtMIR393B, (2) to regulate the expression of all four members of the clade and
      (3) to initiate the formation of functional secondary siRNAs, named siTAARs, from
      TAAR transcripts themselves. Strikingly, mir393b-1 mutants, which are impaired in
      the biogenesis of miR393b and siTAARs, exhibit rather mild developmental defects.
      The known roles of miR393 in nitrate response, in defence against pathogenic
      bacteria and in plant development lead us to hypothesize that miR393 plays an
      important role to integrate complex environmental stimuli.  

PMID- 22067994
TI  - Type 2 histone deacetylases play a major role in the control of elicitor-induced
      cell death in tobacco.
AB  - The cell death which characterizes the onset of the Hypersensitive Response (HR)
      is a very important weapon evolved by plants to block pathogen development. By
      the use of numerous plant/avirulent pathogen or plant/elicitor models, we have
      now obtained detailed signalling pathways allowing, after pathogen or elicitor
      perception, the control of the expression of specific sets of genes that
      contribute to cell death. However, our knowledge of the molecular actors involved
      in this process still remains limited. This is particularly true when regarding
      what happen in the nucleus. We recently reported that nuclear post-translational
      protein modifications are major processes that control cell death. Using the
      tobacco/cryptogein model, we showed that type 2 histone deacetylase activities,
      which act as negative regulators of cell death, depend on their phosphorylation
      status. In the present paper, we integrated all these results to propose a model
      depicting the putative nuclear signalling pathways controlling the establishment
      of cell death in tobacco in response to the cryptogein elicitor. This model
      highlights the role of the nuclear protein acetylation and phosphorylation in the
      establishment of plant defences.

PMID- 22067995
TI  - Carnivorous Utricularia: the buckling scenario.
AB  - We review recent results about the functioning of aquatic carnivorous traps from
      the genus Utricularia. The use of high speed cameras has helped to elucidate the
      mechanism at the origin of the ultra fast capture process of Utricularia, at a
      millisecond time scale. As water is pumped out of the trap, pressure decreases
      inside the trap and elastic energy is stored due to the change of shape of the
      trap body. This energy is suddenly released when the trap is fired: the trap door
      undergoes an elastical instability--buckling--which allows its fast and passive
      opening and closure. This mechanism is used by Utricularia both to catch preys
      touching its trigger hairs and to fire spontaneously at regular time intervals.
      The results leading to this interpretation are reviewed and discussed and
      suggestions for further work are briefly presented.

PMID- 22067996
TI  - Crosstalk between blue-light- and ABA-signaling pathways in stomatal guard cells.
AB  - We recently established an immunohistochemical method for the detection of blue
      light (BL)-induced and phototropin-mediated phosphorylation of plasma-membrane H+
      ATPase in stomatal guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. This technique makes it
      possible to detect the phosphorylation/activation status of guard-cell H+-ATPase
      in the epidermis of a single rosette leaf, without the need to prepare guard-cell
      protoplasts (GCPs) from a large number of plants. Moreover, it can detect guard
      cell responses under more natural and stress-free conditions compared to using
      GCPs. Taking advantage of these properties, we examined the effect of abscisic
      acid (ABA) on BL-induced phosphorylation of guard-cell H+-ATPase by using ABA
      insensitive mutants. This revealed inhibition of BL-induced phosphorylation of
      guard-cell H+-ATPase via the early ABA-signaling components PYR/PYL/RCAR-PP2Cs
      SnRK2s, which are known to be early ABA-signaling components for a wide range of
      ABA responses in plants.

PMID- 22067997
TI  - Cell-specific compartmentation of mineral nutrients is an essential mechanism for
      optimal plant productivity--another role for TPC1?
AB  - Vacuoles of different leaf cell-types vary in their capacity to store specific
      mineral elements. In Arabidopsis thaliana potassium (K) accumulates
      preferentially in epidermal and bundle sheath cells whereas calcium (Ca) and
      magnesium (Mg) are stored at high concentrations only in mesophyll cells.
      Accumulation of these elements in a particular vacuole can be reciprocal, i.e. as
      [K]vac increases [Ca]vac decreases. Mesophyll-specific Ca-storage involves CAX1
      (a Ca2+/H+ antiporter) and Mg-storage involves MRS2-1/MGT2 and MRS2-5/MGT3 (both
      Mg2+-transporters), all of which are preferentially expressed in the mesophyll
      and encode tonoplast-localised proteins. However, what controls leaf-cell [K]vac
      is less well understood. TPC1 encodes the two-pore Ca2+ channel protein
      responsible for the tonoplast-localised SV cation conductance, and is highly
      expressed in cell-types that not preferentially accumulate Ca. Here, we evaluate
      evidence that TPC1 has a role in maintaining differential K and Ca storage across
      the leaf, and propose a function for TPC1 in releasing Ca2+ from epidermal and
      bundle sheath cell vacuoles to maintain low [Ca]vac. Mesophyll-specific Ca
      storage is essential to maintain apoplastic free Ca concentration at a level that
      does not perturb a range of physiological parameters including leaf gas exchange,
      cell wall extensibility and growth. When plants are grown under serpentine
      conditions (high Mg/Ca ratio), MGT2/MRS2-1 and MGT3/MRS2-5 are required to
      sequester additional Mg2+ in vacuoles to replace Ca2+ as an osmoticum to maintain
      growth. An updated model of Ca2+ and Mg2+ transport in leaves is presented as a
      reference for future interrogation of nutritional flows and elemental storage in
      plant leaves.

PMID- 22067998
TI  - Cell wall integrity maintenance in plants: lessons to be learned from yeast?
AB  - The plant cell wall is involved in different biological processes like cell
      morphogenesis and response to biotic/abiotic stress. Functional integrity of the
      wall is apparently being maintained during these processes by changing
      structure/composition and coordinating cell wall with cellular metabolism. In
      S.cerevisiae a well-characterized mechanism exists that is maintaining functional
      integrity of yeast the cell wall during similar processes. During the last years
      it has become obvious that plants have evolved a mechanism to monitor and
      maintain functional integrity of their cell walls. However, our understanding of
      the mechanism is rather limited. The available evidence suggests that similar
      signaling cascades may be involved and particular protein activities may be
      conserved between plants and yeast. Here we review the available evidence briefly
      and highlight similarities between yeast and plants that could help us to
      understand the mode of action of the signaling cascades maintaining plant cell
      wall integrity.

PMID- 22067999
TI  - Vertebrate unfolded protein response: mammalian signaling pathways are conserved
      in Medaka fish.
AB  - The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates
      the unfolded protein response (UPR). The ER stress signal is sensed and
      transmitted by a transmembrane protein(s) in the ER. The number of these
      transducers has increased with evolution, one in yeast, three in worm and fly,
      and five in mammals. Here, we examined medaka fish, Oryzias latipes, as a
      vertebrate model organism, and found that the medaka genome encodes five UPR
      transducers. Analysis of a medaka embryonic cell line revealed that the mammalian
      UPR signaling mechanisms are very well conserved. Thus, XBP1 mRNA, which encodes
      the transcription factor XBP1 downstream of the IRE1 pathway, was spliced in
      response to ER stress, resulting in production of the active form of XBP1.
      Translation was generally attenuated in response to ER stress, which
      paradoxically induced the translation of ATF4, the transcription factor
      downstream of the PERK pathway. ATF6 was constitutively synthesized as a
      transmembrane protein and activated by ER stress-induced proteolysis. Results
      obtained with the overexpression of active ATF6alpha, ATF6beta, and XBP1 strongly
      suggested that ATF6alpha plays a major role in upregulating the major ER
      chaperone BiP, contrary to the case in non-vertebrates, in which the IRE1 pathway
      is essential to the induction of BiP. Physiological ER stress occurring during
      embryonic development was visualized using transgenic medaka carrying the
      enhanced green fluorescent protein gene under the control of the BiP promoter.
      Thus, analysis of the vertebrate UPR using medaka will help provide a more
      comprehensive understanding of the biology and physiology of the UPR.

PMID- 22068000
TI  - Nursing in a changing NHS.
AB  - In the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of attending a series of seminars
      exploring the themes emerging from the Mid Staffordshire Public Inquiry to date.
      They are highly relevant to nurses and to the future of nursing. They have
      explored system and professional regulation, organizational culture, board
      leadership, information systems, nurse training, patient experience and
      commissioning.

PMID- 22068001
TI  - Abusing the privelege  to care: shame on us.
AB  - Ian Peate, Consultant Editor of BJN, wrote the editorial 'Abusing the privelege:
      to care - shame on us' which was adapted and published on the BBC website
      (http://tinyurl.com/6cf2q5t).  There was an overwhelming response to Ian's piece
      and some examples are shown here.

PMID- 22068002
TI  - Treating to target in rheumatoid arthritis: biologic therapies.
AB  - Treating to target is an established concept in the management of a number of
      long-term conditions to improve outcomes and prevent disease progression.
      Treatment targets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are to control the signs and
      symptoms of significant inflammatory disease activity, with the ultimate goal of
      remission from disease. The previous article in this series (Firth, 2011)
      outlined treating RA to target with conventional disease modifying drugs
      (DMARDs), including the role of the nurse in assessing disease activity,
      promoting shared clinical-decision making and monitoring treatment. In recent
      years, biologic agents have increased the treatment options for RA, but their use
      is reserved for patients with severe disease activity who fail to respond to
      treatment with two or more DMARDs. This article outlines the role of biologic
      therapies in treating RA to target, including eligibility criteria and the role
      of the nurse in optimizing outcomes.

PMID- 22068003
TI  - Critical care training:  using Twitter as a teaching tool.
AB  - In 2010, the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) funded a project to
      explore the usefulness of Twitter as a teaching tool. The project, which was
      based at the Clinical Simulation Centre at the University of Glamorgan, involved
      the creation of four short, videoed clinical scenarios and used a high-fidelity
      mannequin-based simulator. A group of twelve learners on a BSc Critical Care
      course accessed these videos asynchronously and were encouraged to 'tweet' very
      short messages on the evolving condition of the patient in the videos, on key
      clinical decision points or respond to specific questions posted by the tutors.
      Another group of learners on a pre-registration nursing course used Twitter in a
      synchronous, face-to-face classroom environment and also tweeted their responses
      to the videos. The overall aim of the project was to explore the merits, or
      otherwise, of Twitter as a tool to scaffold learning and engage nursing students
      in reflection and clinical decision making.

PMID- 22068004
TI  - Developing a 'model of transition' prior to preceptorship.
AB  - It has long been recognized (Kramer, 1974) that the transition from student to
      qualified nurse or midwife is a steep learning curve which Kramer famously
      described as a 'reality shock'. The University Hospital of North Staffordshire
      (UHNS) NHS Trust has recently taken its established preceptorship programme a
      step further by integrating 'key' components into the final module (module 9) of
      nurse/midwifery training, now referred to as the 'transition' module. The
      development of this new and exciting 'shared learning' approach has been the
      result of collaborative working with the tutors at Keele University and the
      clinical education team at the UHNS Trust. The subject material introduced into
      module 9 aims to both reflect and support the current university curriculum.
      Initial verbal and written feedback from students who have progressed through the
      'transition' module has been both positive and encouraging. Students have
      identified that they feel more prepared to take on their new roles, confident in
      the knowledge that they can seek support from the lead preceptor nurse/midwife
      prior to qualifying.

PMID- 22068005
TI  - The snapshot pre-registration assessment tool. Part 2: data, discussion and
      future directions.
AB  - This paper is the second of a two-part article presenting a new assessment tool
      (the snapshot) for pre-registration nurses in clinical practice that is being
      used at Kingston University/St George's University of London during year 3 of the
      Diploma and BSc programme. Part 1 of this article presented background to the
      snapshot tool and the research approach used in the evaluative research study.
      Part 2 will present the data collection, findings and discussion which show that
      the snapshot is perceived positively by students in terms of the criteria,
      documentation and process. However, mentor understanding of these factors varied
      with some mentors having an inadequate understanding and additional questions of
      assessment validity also arose and need to be addressed. Both parts of this
      article make a contribution to the practice assessment agenda and to the
      continuous clinical assessment methods currently in use that tests students'
      competence against agreed criteria. The snapshot reflects the reality of practice
      and assesses skills in a realistic environment.

PMID- 22068006
TI  - A right to die or a right to live? Discontinuing medical treatment.
AB  - This article explores the decision in the case of W v M, S and an NHS Primary
      Care Trust [2011] EWHC 2443 (Fam) in which an application to withdraw feeding
      from a woman in a minimally conscious state was rejected by Baker J in the Court
      of Protection. The article places the case in the context of the development of
      case law concerning the withdrawal of treatment from patients lacking decision
      making capacity, where death will be the inevitable consequence of the withdrawal
      of treatment after the decision in Airedale NHS Trust v Bland. It questions
      whether nearly two decades after the Bland decision there is scope for the
      boundaries of the decision to withdraw treatment from patients in 'futile'
      conditions to be reconsidered by the Supreme Court.

PMID- 22068007
TI  - The use of MRI scanning  to triage patients.
AB  - The rise in the incidence of prostate cancer is mainly attributed to the
      increasing use of the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test as a
      screening tool. Regardless of doubts over its sensitivity and specificity, PSA
      remain a key mechanism in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. The
      Department of Health (DH) in the UK recommends urgent specialist referral for
      patients presenting with age-elevated PSA. This national guideline, known as the
      National Cancer Wait Times (NCWT) system, aims at monitoring the process of
      referral, investigation and management of new suspicious prostate cancer cases.
      The use of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy is the gold
      standard specialist investigation for prostate cancer. However, there is growing
      interest in the use of imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      as first-line specialist investigation for suspicious prostate cancer.

PMID- 22068008
TI  - Supporting the self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 12:
      series summary.
AB  - This series has examined a number of important structures and systems involved in
      supporting both yourself and others, in your work as a nurse.

PMID- 22068009
TI  - Meet the needs of older people.
AB  - The national report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC, 2011) detailed the
      findings of an inspection programme which looked at standards of dignity and
      nutrition in 100 NHS acute hospitals in England. The CQC carried out unannounced
      inspections at these hospitals in England between March and June 2011. Inspection
      teams were made up of CQC inspectors, a practising and experienced nurse, and an
      'expert by experience' - someone with experience of caring or receiving care,
      trained and supported by Age UK.

PMID- 22068010
TI  - Duty of candour: can nurses lead the way in implementation?
AB  - Professor Alan Glasper discusses the Department of Health's Duty of Candour
      consultation, which is reminiscent of the NPSA's Being Open Framework in its aims
      for openness across health care and creating a more accountable and transparent
      NHS.

PMID- 22068011
TI  - Nutritional intervention and quality of life in palliative care patients.
AB  - Quality of life measures can be used by health professionals to assess
      effectiveness of nutritional interventions administered to palliative care
      patients. Stabilizing, maintaining and attempting to increase weight in
      palliative care patients through the support of oral feeding, and provision of
      artificial feeding, has been shown to mediate the metabolic and physical wasting
      effects of the disease process and improve general comfort. A quality of life
      instrument is a multi-dimensional questionnaire that health professionals can use
      to measure domains relating to physical, psychological and social aspects of
      living, and health and disease outcomes. There are three instruments specifically
      designed to assess quality of life in patients receiving palliative care. These
      are: The Palliative Care Quality of life Instrument, The Assessment of Quality of
      Life at the End of Life (AQEL), and The Spitzer Quality of Life Index (SQLI).
      General use quality of life measures are multifaceted; however, for use with
      palliative care patients, they have added dimensions of spirituality, existential
      issues (purpose and meaning of life), family members' perceptions of quality of
      care, symptom control and family support. Use of quality of life scales provides
      health professionals and organizations with an ideal measure for planning,
      targeting and evaluating health interventions.

PMID- 22068012
TI  - The importance of fastidiousness in nursing.
AB  - There has been a lot of criticism of nurses recently. Some would say that one of
      the biggest problems today is that nurses are not as disciplined or don't pay
      sufficient attention to detail. One hundred years ago in the BJN, there was an
      article questioning just how fussy and careful nurses were about small details
      such as dress and cleanliness.

PMID- 22068013
TI  - Kind enough to care, clever enough to cope.
AB  - In my lifetime the human race has reached out to the stars and walked on the
      surface of the moon. Now I can hold a computer more powerful than the one used to
      control the moon landing in the palm of my hand. Diseases that once signalled
      death have been reduced to the status of long-term conditions, the number of
      people aged 85 and over has more than tripled.

PMID- 22068014
TI  - Balancing quality  and cost effectiveness.
AB  - It is not uncommon to open a nursing journal and be faced with dominating
      articles that focus on discussions around quality and cost-effective care. During
      this time of austerity, tissue viability services are not immune from the
      increasing pressure to improve patient care while reducing costs.

PMID- 22068015
TI  - Bioavailability, tissue distribution and hypoglycaemic effect of vanadium in
      magnesium-deficient rats.
AB  - Vanadium is an element whose role as a micronutrient and hypoglycaemic drug has
      yet to be fully clarified. The present study was undertaken to investigate the
      bioavailability and tissue distribution of vanadium and its interactions with
      magnesium in healthy and in magnesium-deficient rats, in order to determine its
      role as a micronutrient and antidiabetic agent. Four groups were used: control
      (456.4 mg magnesium and 0.06 mg vanadium/kg food); control treated with 1mg
      vanadium/day; magnesium-deficient (164.4 mg magnesium/kg food and 0.06 mg
      vanadium/kg food); and magnesium-deficient treated with 1 mg vanadium/day. The
      vanadium was supplied in the drinking water as bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (IV).
      The experiment had a duration of five weeks. We measured vanadium and magnesium
      in excreta, serum, skeletal muscle, kidney, liver, adipose tissue and femur.
      Fasting glucose, insulin and total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum were
      studied. The vanadium treatment applied to the control rats reduced the
      absorption, retention, serum level and femur content of magnesium. Magnesium
      deficiency increased the retention and serum level of vanadium, the content of
      vanadium in the kidney, liver and femur (organs where magnesium had been
      depleted), serum glycaemia and insulin, and reduced TAS. V treatment given to
      magnesium-deficient rats corrected magnesium content in muscle, kidney and liver
      and levels of serum glucose, insulin and TAS. In conclusion, our results show
      interactions between magnesium and vanadium in the digestive and renal systems.
      Treatment with vanadium to magnesium-deficient rats corrected many of the
      alterations that had been generated by the magnesium deficiency.

PMID- 22068016
TI  - Effects of dietary strawberry powder on blood lipids and inflammatory markers in
      obese human subjects.
AB  - Obesity is a strong risk factor for the development of CVD, hypertension and type
      2 diabetes. The overall goal of the present pilot study was to feed strawberries,
      in the form of freeze-dried powder, to obese subjects to determine whether
      dietary strawberries beneficially altered lipid profiles and reduced blood
      markers of inflammation compared with a control intervention. A total of twenty
      healthy subjects (thirteen females and seven males) aged between 20 and 50 years
      with a BMI between 30 and 40 kg/m2 completed the present 7-week double-blind,
      randomised, cross-over trial. Each subject received a prepared diet 7 d/week for
      7 weeks consisting of approximately 35 % of energy from fat, 20 % protein, 45 %
      carbohydrate and 14 g fibre. Blood was collected on days 1 and 8 for baseline
      information. After the first week, subjects were randomly assigned to the
      strawberry powder (equivalent to four servings of frozen strawberries) or control
      (strawberry-flavoured) intervention for 3 weeks. For the remaining 3 weeks,
      subjects crossed over to the opposite intervention. Blood was collected again at
      the end of weeks 3, 4, 6 and 7. A comprehensive chemistry panel, lipid profile
      analyses and measurement of inflammatory mediators were performed for each blood
      draw. A 3-week dietary intervention with strawberry powder reduced plasma
      concentrations of cholesterol and small HDL-cholesterol particles, and increased
      LDL particle size in obese subjects (P < 0.05). Dietary strawberry powder reduced
      risk factors for CVD, stroke and diabetes in obese volunteers, suggesting a
      potential role for strawberries as a dietary means to decrease obesity-related
      disease.

PMID- 22068017
TI  - Online first publication.

PMID- 22068018
TI  - High rates of intestinal colonization with extended-spectrum lactamase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae among healthy individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
      producing bacteria become an emerging problem in the community setting in many
      parts of the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine fecal
      carriage of ESBL-producing organisms in a community setting. METHODS: A total of
      632 fecal specimens from healthy individuals were screened for ESBL using the
      agar screening test with MacConkey agar plates supplemented with 1 MUg/mL of
      cefotaxime for selection of ESBL-producing strains and confirmed by the Clinical
      Laboratory Standards Institute combined disk method. RESULTS: Four hundred
      isolates (63.3%) were ESBL producers. Two hundred eighty-five isolates (71.25%)
      of them were Escherichia coli and 96 (24.0%) Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSION:
      We concluded that the community could be a reservoir of these ESBL-producing
      bacteria and enzymes.

PMID- 22068019
TI  - Evaluation of serum level of tumor necrosis factor receptor II in hepatitis C
      virus (genotype 4)-infected middle-aged men with and without diabetes and its
      complications in Egypt: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a type of cytokine
      produced by macrophages and other cell types in response to various stimuli. Many
      studies have shown that TNF-alpha is involved in the development of diabetes. It
      also has a pivotal role in the inflammatory process of chronic hepatitis C.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that TNF is increased in
      patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and with diabetes rather than in
      patients infected with HCV or with diabetes alone. METHODS: Patients were divided
      into 5 groups: patients with diabetes without complications and without HCV
      infection (group 1), patients with diabetes and complications but without HCV
      infection (group 2), patients without diabetes but with HCV infection (group 3),
      patients with diabetes without complications but with HCV infection (group 4),
      and patients with diabetes and complications and with HCV infection (group 5).
      RESULTS: Results revealed an activation of the TNF axis in all tested patients
      when compared with the level of healthy Egyptians done in previous studies.
      However, although there was a gradual escalation in the activation of the TNF
      axis in these groups, the increase did not amount to a statistical difference
      between them (P > 0.05). However, the trend was toward the higher values in HCV
      infection with diabetes and its complications. The number of studied patients may
      be a limitation of this research. There was no correlation between the level of
      TNF receptor II and the levels of transaminases, albumin, and creatinine in the
      different groups or the degree of microalbuminuria in the groups of patients with
      diabetic complications. Also, there was no relation between the hepatic or
      splenic size and the level of TNF receptor II. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of
      diabetes and its complications in patients with HCV infection could not be
      attributed only to the activation of the TNF system at least in Egyptian
      patients.

PMID- 22068020
TI  - A prokaryote-based cell-free translation system that efficiently synthesizes
      glycoproteins.
AB  - Asparagine-linked (N-linked) protein glycosylation has been observed in all
      domains of life, including most recently in bacteria and is now widely considered
      a universal post-translational modification. However, cell-based production of
      homogeneous glycoproteins for laboratory and preparative purposes remains a
      significant challenge due in part to the complexity of this process in vivo. To
      address this issue, an easily available and highly controllable Escherichia coli
      based cell-free system for the production of N-linked glycoproteins was
      developed. The method was created by coupling existing in vitro translation
      systems with an N-linked glycosylation pathway reconstituted from defined
      components. The translation/glycosylation system yielded efficiently glycosylated
      target proteins at a rate of hundreds of micrograms/milliliters in half a day.
      This is the first time a prokaryote-based cell-free protein synthesis system has
      generated N-linked glycoproteins.

PMID- 22068021
TI  - Ingestion of 10 grams of whey protein prior to a single bout of resistance
      exercise does not augment Akt/mTOR pathway signaling compared to carbohydrate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of a whey protein supplement in
      conjunction with an acute bout of lower body resistance exercise, in
      recreationally-active males, on serum insulin and insulin like growth factor 1
      (IGF-1) and Akt/mTOR signaling markers indicative of muscle protein synthesis:
      insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR),
      p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) and 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). METHODS: In a
      randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, 10 males ingested 1 week apart,
      either 10 g of whey protein (5.25 g EAAs) or carbohydrate (maltodextrose), 30 min
      prior to a lower-body resistance exercise bout. The resistance exercise bout
      consisted of 4 sets of 8-10 reps at 80% of the one repetition maximum (RM) on the
      angled leg press and knee extension exercises. Blood and muscle samples were
      obtained prior to, and 30 min following supplement ingestion and 15 min and 120
      min post-exercise. Serum and muscle data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.
      RESULTS: No significant differences were observed for IGF-1 (p > 0.05). A
      significant main effect for Test was observed for serum insulin (p < 0.01) at 30
      min post-ingestion and 15 and 120 min post-exercise, with no Supplement * Test
      interaction (p > 0.05). For the Akt/MTOR signaling intermediates, no significant
      Supplement * Test interactions were observed (p > 0.05). However, significant
      main effects for Test were observed for phosphorylated concentrations of IRS,
      mTOR, and p70S6K, as all were elevated at 15 min post-exercise (p < 0.05).
      Additionally, a significant main effect for Test was noted for 4E-BP1 (p < 0.05),
      as it was decreased at 15 min post-exercise. CONCLUSION: Ingestion of 10 g of
      whey protein prior to an acute bout of lower body resistance exercise had no
      significant preferential effect compared to carbohydrate on systemic and cellular
      signaling markers indicative of muscle protein synthesis in untrained
      individuals.

PMID- 22068022
TI  - Strategies toward single-donor islets of Langerhans transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current review addresses a critical need in clinical islet
      transplantation, namely the routine transition from the requirement of two to
      four donors down to one donor per recipient. The ability to achieve single-donor
      islet transplantation will provide many more islet grafts for treatment of an
      ever-expanding patient base with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) with poor glycemic
      control. Avoiding exposure of recipients to multiple different donor human
      leukocyte associated (HLA) antigens is critical if risk of donor sensitization is
      to be avoided. This point is important as further islet or pancreas transplants
      in the remote future or the potential future need for a solid organ kidney
      transplant may become prohibitive if the recipient is sensitized. RECENT
      FINDINGS: This review addresses systematically all areas that contribute to the
      success or failure of single-donor islet engraftment, beginning with donor
      related factors, optimizing islet isolation and culture conditions, and describes
      a series of strategies in the treatment of the recipient to prevent inflammation,
      apoptosis, islet thrombosis, and improve metabolic functional outcome, all of
      which will lead to improved single-donor engraftment success. SUMMARY: If single
      donor islet transplantation can be achieved routinely, therapy will become more
      widely available, more accepted by the transplant community (currently pancreas
      transplantation requires only a single donor), and this situation will have a
      major impact overall as an effective treatment option in T1DM.

PMID- 22068023
TI  - Current world literature.

PMID- 22068027
TI  - Can community health workers increase coverage of reproductive health services?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health services were severely affected during the many years of
      instability and conflict in Afghanistan. In recent years, substantial increases
      in the coverage of reproductive health services have been achieved, yet absolute
      levels of coverage remain very low, especially in rural areas. One strategy for
      increasing use of reproductive health services is deploying community health
      workers (CHWs) to promote the use of services within the community and at health
      facilities. METHODS: Using a multilevel model employing data from a cross
      sectional survey of 8320 households in 29 provinces of Afghanistan conducted in
      2006, this study determines whether presence of a CHW in the community leads to
      an increase in use of modern contraceptives, skilled antenatal care and skilled
      birth attendance. This study further examines whether the effect varies by the
      sex of the CHW. RESULTS: Results show that presence of a female CHW in the
      community is associated with higher use of modern contraception, antenatal care
      services and skilled birth attendants but presence of a male CHW is not.
      Community-level random effects were also significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides evidence that indicates that CHWs can contribute to increased use of
      reproductive health services and that context and CHW sex are important factors
      that need to be addressed in programme design.

PMID- 22068028
TI  - Association between sleep duration and haemoglobin A1c in young adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that inadequate
      sleep can cause both obesity and impaired glucose tolerance. Short sleep duration
      in childhood appears to have a greater impact on the risk for adult obesity than
      adult sleep duration. The long-term effects of childhood sleep on glucose
      metabolism have not been investigated. The authors assessed the associations
      between childhood and adult sleep duration and adult glycosylated haemoglobin
      (HbA(1c)) levels. METHODS: An unselected cohort of 1037 individuals, born in
      Dunedin, New Zealand, between 1972 and 1973. Parent reports of times in bed at
      ages 5, 7, 9 and 11 were used to estimate childhood sleep duration. Adult sleep
      duration was estimated from self-reported times in bed at age 32. HbA(1c) levels
      were measured at age 32. Pregnant women and participants with diabetes were
      excluded from the analyses. RESULTS: Childhood sleep duration did not predict
      adult HbA(1c). However, less time spent in bed at age 32 was associated with
      higher levels of HbA(1c) (p=0.002) and an increased risk of prediabetes
      (p=0.015). The inverse association between adult sleep times and HbA(1c) was
      independent of body mass index, smoking, socioeconomic status, shift work and
      symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea. CONCLUSIONS: Short sleep duration is
      associated with higher levels of HbA(1c) and an increased risk of prediabetes in
      young adults. The findings suggest that inadequate sleep impairs glucose control
      in the short term and may increase the risk for long-term health problems.

PMID- 22068029
TI  - Educational differences in disability pension among Swedish middle-aged men: role
      of factors in late adolescence and work characteristics in adulthood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between level of education and disability pension
      (DP) is well known. Earlier studies have investigated the importance of early
      life factors and work characteristics but not in combination. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the association between level of education and DP among
      Swedish middle-aged working men and to what extent such an association can be
      explained by factors measured in late adolescence and work characteristics in
      adulthood. METHODS: Information about IQ, health-related lifestyle factors,
      psychiatric and musculoskeletal diagnoses was obtained from the 1969 conscription
      cohort, consisting of 49,321 Swedish men. Data collected when subjects were 18-20
      years of age were combined with national register-based information about level
      of education, job control and physical strain at work in adulthood, and
      information about DP between 1991 and 2002. RESULTS: There was a strong graded
      association between level of education and DP. Those with the lowest level of
      education had a four times greater probability of having DP as compared with
      those with the highest level. In multivariable analyses, factors measured in late
      adolescence, IQ in particular, attenuated the association more than work-related
      characteristics in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found an association
      between level of education and DP among Swedish middle-aged working men. A large
      part of the association was explained by factors measured in late adolescence, IQ
      in particular, and somewhat less by work characteristics measured in adulthood.
      Level of education remained as a significant predictor of DP in middle age after
      full adjustment.

PMID- 22068030
TI  - Neurons on Parafilm: versatile elastic substrates for neuronal cell cultures.
AB  - A variety of materials has been applied to neuronal cell culture substrates to
      improve the efficiency of the culture and to provide pertinent cell growth
      environment. Here we report the application of Parafilm((r)) M ('Parafilm') as a
      novel substrate for neuronal culture and patterning. Cell culture results show
      that elastic Parafilm had effects on cell viability, length and number of
      neurites, and soma spreading. Parafilm was also an effective substrate to obtain
      patterned neuronal cultures using a conventional micro-contract printing (MUCP)
      technique. Polylysine micropatterns in line or grid forms were readily
      transferred from PDMS stamp to bare Parafilm surfaces and spatially confined
      neuronal cultures were successfully maintained for over three weeks. We also
      demonstrate that batch-processing cell culture substrates can be easily
      fabricated using a piece of Parafilm. The softness, plasticity, and
      hydrophobicity were main features that made it attractive for Parafilm to be
      considered as a practical cell culture platform. The results can be extended to
      develop an inexpensive and practical neuronal culture substrates in tissue
      engineering and biochip applications.

PMID- 22068031
TI  - A robust experimental protocol for pharmacological fMRI in rats and mice.
AB  - Pharmacological Magnetic Resonance Imaging (phMRI) methods have significantly
      expanded the stimulation repertoire available to preclinical fMRI research, by
      allowing to selectively probe the activity of specific brain circuitries and
      neurotransmitter systems. However, the application of phMRI to animal models is
      constrained by a number of experimental factors. Firstly, in order to prevent
      motion artefacts and reduce restraint-induced stress, phMRI studies are typically
      performed under anaesthesia. Moreover, several psychoactive drugs produce blood
      pressure changes and alterations in respiratory frequency that may perturb
      central haemodynamic readouts of brain function. Hence, the quality and outcome
      of phMRI studies is critically dependent on the ability to monitor and control
      peripheral physiological parameters (i.e. blood pressure, arterial blood gases)
      that could alter phMRI readouts. Here we provide a thorough methodological
      description of a robust protocol to measure drug-induced cerebral blood volume
      changes in anaesthetised rats and mice. We show that the protocol ensures stable
      physiological parameters and robust phMRI response to the psychostimulant drug d
      amphetamine in three different rat strains. We also document the successful
      application of the protocol to map the central effects produced by d-amphetamine
      in C57Bl/6J mice, a strain commonly used as background for the generation of
      transgenic lines, thus paving the way to the implementation of phMRI in
      genetically engineered animals.

PMID- 22068032
TI  - Role of activation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in
      gastric ulcer healing in diabetic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The potential utility of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
      kinase (AMPK)-activating agents, such as metformin, in inducing angiogenesis,
      could be a promising approach to promote healing of gastric ulcers complicated by
      diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a
      drug that activates AMPK, namely metformin, in gastric ulcer healing in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar albino rats were
      made diabetic by intraperitoneal (i.p.) streptozotocin injection and 10 rats were
      injected i.p. by a single dose of physiological saline. Six weeks following
      streptozotocin or saline injection, gastric ulcers were induced by serosal
      application of acetic acid. Three days after acetic acid application, rats were
      divided into group 1 (nondiabetic control), group 2 (streptozotocin-injected
      rats), groups 3-5 (streptozotocin-injected rats treated with metformin or
      metformin and an inhibitor of AMPK, namely compound C or pioglitazone) for 7 days
      following acetic acid application. RESULTS: Administration of metformin, but not
      pioglitazone, resulted in a significant decrease in the gastric ulcer area, a
      significant increase in epithelial regeneration assessed histologically, a
      significant increase in the number of microvessels in the ulcer margin, a
      significant increase in gastric vascular endothelial growth factor concentration
      and gastric von Willebrand factor as well as a significant increase in gastric
      phospho-AMPK. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, blocked metformin-induced changes
      in assessed parameters suggesting that the effect of metformin was mediated
      mainly through activation of AMPK. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the
      feasibility of a novel treatment strategy, namely drugs activating AMPK, for
      patients in whom impairment of ulcer healing constitutes a secondary complication
      of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22068033
TI  - p53 modulates acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors and radiation.
AB  - There is presently great interest in mechanisms of acquired resistance to
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors that are now being used widely
      in the treatment of a variety of common human cancers. To investigate these
      mechanisms, we established EGFR inhibitor-resistant clones from non-small cell
      lung cancer cells. A comparative analysis revealed that acquired resistance to
      EGFR inhibitors was associated consistently with the loss of p53 and cross
      resistance to radiation. To examine the role of p53, we first knocked down p53 in
      sensitive parental cells and found a reduction in sensitivity to both EGFR
      inhibitors and radiation. Conversely, restoration of functional p53 in EGFR
      inhibitor-resistant cells was sufficient to resensitize them to EGFR inhibitors
      or radiation in vitro and in vivo. Further studies indicate that p53 may enhance
      sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors and radiation via induction of cell-cycle arrest,
      apoptosis, and DNA damage repair. Taken together, these findings suggest a
      central role of p53 in the development of acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors
      and prompt consideration to apply p53 restoration strategies in future clinical
      trials that combine EGFR inhibitors and radiation.

PMID- 22068034
TI  - Targeting regulatory T cells in cancer.
AB  - Infiltration of tumors by regulatory T cells confers growth and metastatic
      advantages by inhibiting antitumor immunity and by production of receptor
      activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand, which may directly stimulate metastatic
      propagation of RANK-expressing cancer cells. Modulation of regulatory T cells can
      enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Strategies include depletion,
      interference with function, inhibition of tumoral migration, and exploitation of
      T-cell plasticity. Problems with these strategies include a lack of specificity,
      resulting in depletion of antitumor effector T cells or global interruption of
      regulatory T cells, which may predispose to autoimmune diseases. Emerging
      technologies, such as RNA interference and tetramer-based targeting, may have the
      potential to improve selectivity and efficacy.

PMID- 22068035
TI  - Expression and function of survivin in canine osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcoma has a high mortality rate and remains in need of more effective
      therapeutic approaches. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis family member
      protein that blocks apoptosis and drives proliferation in human cancer cells
      where it is commonly elevated. In this study, we illustrate the superiority of a
      canine osteosarcoma model as a translational tool for evaluating survivin
      directed therapies, owing to the striking similarities in gross and microscopic
      appearance, biologic behavior, gene expression, and signaling pathway
      alterations. Elevated survivin expression in primary canine osteosarcoma tissue
      correlated with increased histologic grade and mitotic index and a decreased
      disease-free interval (DFI). Survivin attenuation in canine osteosarcoma cells
      inhibited cell-cycle progression, increased apoptosis, mitotic arrest, and
      chemosensitivity, and cooperated with chemotherapy to significantly improve in
      vivo tumor control. Our findings illustrate the utility of a canine system to
      more accurately model human osteosarcoma and strongly suggest that survivin
      directed therapies might be highly effective in its treatment.

PMID- 22068036
TI  - EZH2 Mediates epigenetic silencing of neuroblastoma suppressor genes CASZ1, CLU,
      RUNX3, and NGFR.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor with an
      undifferentiated status and generally poor prognosis, but the basis for these
      characteristics remains unknown. In this study, we show that upregulation of the
      Polycomb protein histone methyltransferase EZH2, which limits differentiation in
      many tissues, is critical to maintain the undifferentiated state and poor
      prognostic status of NB by epigenetic repression of multiple tumor suppressor
      genes. We identified this role for EZH2 by examining the regulation of CASZ1, a
      recently identified NB tumor suppressor gene whose ectopic restoration inhibits
      NB cell growth and induces differentiation. Reducing EZH2 expression by RNA
      interference-mediated knockdown or pharmacologic inhibiton with 3-deazaneplanocin
      A increased CASZ1 expression, inhibited NB cell growth, and induced neurite
      extension. Similarly, EZH2(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) displayed 3
      fold higher levels of CASZ1 mRNA compared with EZH2(+/+) MEFs. In cells with
      increased expression of CASZ1, treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC)
      inhibitor decreased expression of EZH2 and the Polycomb Repressor complex
      component SUZ12. Under steady-state conditions, H3K27me3 and PRC2 components
      bound to the CASZ1 gene were enriched, but this enrichment was decreased after
      HDAC inhibitor treatment. We determined that the tumor suppressors CLU, NGFR, and
      RUNX3 were also directly repressed by EZH2 like CASZ1 in NB cells. Together, our
      findings establish that aberrant upregulation of EZH2 in NB cells silences
      several tumor suppressors, which contribute to the genesis and maintenance of the
      undifferentiated phenotype of NB tumors.

PMID- 22068037
TI  - The Multiverse of Inquiry: Introduction to the Special Issue on "Dementia Care
      and Chinese Culture"

PMID- 22068038
TI  - Youth on the virtual edge: researching marginalized sexualities and genders
      online.
AB  - Research shows clear links between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
      youth and deliberate self-harm (DSH), but there is a lack of research
      investigating the social context of young LGBT people's lives and helping to
      explain the higher DSH risk. In this article, we report on a small-scale
      methodological study intended to test the feasibility of online qualitative
      interviews for investigating young people, sexual and gender identity, and
      emotional distress. There are many methodological dilemmas arising from
      researching such sensitive issues with marginalized groups. The study reported
      here was designed to examine (a) sampling diversity in terms of sexuality, gender
      identities, and class; and (b) the type of data produced. We found that a virtual
      methodology was effective in recruiting young LGBT participants who might
      otherwise not take part in research. Online interviewing successfully produced in
      depth, "immediate" data that potentially gave access to insights that might not
      emerge through face-to face interviews.

PMID- 22068039
TI  - Young women's perspectives on cervical cancer prevention in Appalachian Kentucky.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coupled with routine Papanicolaou (Pap)
      tests can prevent pervasive HPV infections causing cervical cancer. However, both
      HPV vaccination rates and Pap testing rates in Appalachian Kentucky are lower
      among all age groups than the rest of the United States. We recruited 19 young
      women residing in Appalachian Kentucky from university-based and rural clinical
      settings for group and individual interviews. After considering an integrated
      behavioral framework, we illustrate these women's perspectives by detailing five
      themes, including (a) experiential beliefs pose barriers to performing behaviors,
      (b) three vaccine doses complicate vaccination intention, (c) women have
      misunderstandings about HPV and the HPV vaccination function, (d) normative
      influences cue action (and inaction), and (e) specific environmental and
      contextual barriers exist to performing cervical cancer prevention behaviors in
      Appalachian Kentucky. These findings related to cervical cancer prevention in
      Appalachian Kentucky have implications for health-message design and clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22068040
TI  - Population health and social governance: analyzing the mainstream incorporation
      of ethnography.
AB  - Recently, health care workers (researchers, academics, policy writers,
      clinicians) have begun to view ethnography as an acceptable research methodology
      for informing public health work. This corresponds with a change in public health
      practice toward population health, wherein identifiable groups are examined to
      identify the group-level and contextual factors that affect their health
      statuses. Although population health-based methodological and outcomes-focused
      examinations have already occurred regarding ethnography, no extant literature
      scrutinizes the incorporation of ethnography into mainstream public and
      population health work from a sociopolitical viewpoint. Consequently, such an
      investigation occurs here using Foucault's concepts of discipline and Lupton's
      advancement of Foucault's ideas about the imperative of health. The outcome of
      this investigation is the assertion that ethnography is a strategic method for
      disciplining populations that do not respect the imperative of health. In other
      words, ethnography helps generate the data that can be used to normalize large
      groups of people.

PMID- 22068041
TI  - Intergenerational differences in food, physical activity, and body size
      perceptions among African migrants.
AB  - We assessed intergenerational differences in food, physical activity, and body
      size perceptions among refugees and migrants from the Horn of Africa living in
      Victoria, Australia. We used a qualitative design and obtained data from 48
      participants (18 individual interviews; 3 semistructured focus groups). Three
      major themes emerged: (a) food and physical activity, (b) preference of body size
      and social expectations, and (c) perceived consequences of various body sizes.
      For parents, large body size was perceived to equate with being beautiful and
      wealthy; slimness was associated with chronic illness and poverty. Parents
      adopted strategies that promoted weight gain in children. These included tailored
      food practices and restricting children's involvement in physical activity. For
      young people, slimness was the ideal body size endorsed by their peers, and they
      adopted strategies to resist parental pressure to gain weight. Obesity-prevention
      programs in this subpopulation need to adopt a multigenerational approach.

PMID- 22068042
TI  - A history of interpersonal trauma and the gynecological exam.
AB  - Cervical cancer is preventable, in part, by routine Papanicolaou (Pap) testing,
      but some women avoid routine screening. African American women have the greatest
      mortality among all groups of women in the United States. Personal reasons have
      been found to contribute to screening avoidance behavior, such as a history of
      sexual abuse and intimate partner violence. Fifteen African American women with a
      trauma history participated in personal interviews. The Interaction Model of
      Client Behavior was employed for exploring the women's social influence, previous
      health care experience, cognitive appraisal, affective response, and motivation
      associated with routine Pap testing. Study findings suggest that providers need
      to assess and provide accurate information about Pap testing and cervical cancer
      to increase patients' knowledge. Personally reflecting on one's approach to
      conducting a woman's gynecologic exam (and how it is performed) might prevent
      triggering unwanted memories, making that visit a positive experience and
      facilitating repeat screening behavior.

PMID- 22068043
TI  - Fathers' beliefs about parenting and fathers' clubs to promote child health in
      rural Haiti.
AB  - Health care providers are challenged to use culturally appropriate, low
      technology approaches to improve child health in resource-poor countries. Village
      fathers' clubs is one approach used in rural Haiti since 1994. Fathers meet
      regularly for health education and community-building activities. Our aim was to
      investigate parenting practices and beliefs among Haitian fathers of young
      children and to explore their views on fathers' clubs. We conducted
      semistructured interviews with 18 fathers. Themes identified were fathers'
      involvement in routine care of their children, the close partnerships of fathers
      and mothers in child care, fathers' responsibilities to their communities, and
      fathers' clubs as an important supportive institution for the Haitian fathers and
      their families. Rural Haitian fathers reported taking a very active role in the
      lives of their families and children. Increased involvement of fathers should be
      explored as a strategy to improve child health and survival in other parts of
      Haiti and throughout the world.

PMID- 22068044
TI  - Sources of the uncertainty experienced by women with HPV.
AB  - Women with genital human papillomavirus (HPV) experience considerable stress and
      uncertainty as a result of the diagnosis; however, little is known about the
      sources of uncertainty in HPV. Given that uncertainty creates stress, which might
      be linked to the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, research on these sources of
      uncertainty is warranted. To this end, we completed semistructured interviews
      with 25 women living with HPV, and identified seven sources of uncertainty: The
      meaning of the diagnosis, the potential for disease progression, finances, the
      source of the infection, disclosure, sex and reproduction, and the HPV vaccine.
      In the discussion we articulate the relevance and importance of study findings to
      research, theory, and practice.

PMID- 22068045
TI  - Social contexts of risk behaviors for HIV among male, unskilled, unregistered
      laborers in urban Vietnam.
AB  - In Vietnam there has been relatively little success in controlling the HIV
      epidemic, in part because the subpopulations most exposed to the virus are often
      difficult to engage in prevention research and programs. In this qualitative
      study we explored social contexts shaping HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese men
      involved in unskilled, unregistered, and low-income labor in urban settings.
      Based on self-disclosed behaviors, it is clear that these men were at high risk
      of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Evidence emerged from the interview data
      highlighting equivalent influences of individual psychological factors, social
      integration, social barriers, and accessibility regarding drug use and sexual
      risk behavior. Psychological influences such as tedium, distress, fatalism and
      revenge, and the strong effects of collective decision making and fear of social
      isolation appeared important for these men living on the economic and social
      margins of this rapidly urbanizing society. The study findings suggest directions
      for research and culturally appropriate HIV preventive education and services for
      these men.

PMID- 22068046
TI  - Disulfiram reaction in an artist exposed to solvents.
AB  - This case report describes an artist on treatment for alcoholism with disulfiram
      (Antabuse) who suffered chronic symptoms similar to those of a disulfiram alcohol
      reaction, which we attribute to his occupational exposure to products containing
      alcohol and other solvents. Symptoms abated with strict precautions to prevent
      exposure, although gradually returned over the course of months, causing him
      eventually to stop the medication. Medical practitioners should be aware of
      possible adverse interactions between occupational solvent exposures and
      disulfiram.

PMID- 22068047
TI  - Thymidine kinase and cancer monitoring.
AB  - Thymidine kinases (TK) have a key function in the synthesis of DNA. Two
      isoenzymes have been characterized: TK1 is cell cycle-dependent and present in
      the cytoplasm whereas TK2--located in mitochondria--is cell cycle-independent.
      The diagnostic and prognostic role of TK1 has recently been investigated. TK1
      might be helpful for screening and monitoring of human malignancies. TK1 may also
      serve as a prognostic factor for progression. Herein, we summarize the status of
      TK1 for cancer monitoring and point out its use as a proliferation marker. A
      comprehensive overview about the association of TK-1 with various entities is
      given.

PMID- 22068048
TI  - Total isovolumic time relates to exercise capacity in patients with transposition
      of the great arteries late after atrial switch procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic right ventricular systolic dysfunction is common late after
      atrial switch surgery for transposition of the great arteries. Total isovolumic
      time is the time that the ventricle is neither ejecting nor filling and is
      calculated without relying on geometric assumptions. We assessed resting total
      isovolumic time in this population and its relationship to exercise capacity.
      METHODS: A total of 40 adult patients with transposition of the great arteries
      after atrial switch - and 10 healthy controls - underwent transthoracic
      echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing from January, 2006 to
      January, 2009. Resting total isovolumic time was measured in seconds per minute:
      60 minus total ejection time plus total filling time. RESULTS: The mean age was
      31.6 plus or minus 7.6 years, and 38.0% were men. There were 16 patients (40%)
      who had more than or equal to moderate systolic dysfunction of the right
      ventricle. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was good for total isovolumic
      time, which was significantly prolonged in patients compared with controls (12.0
      plus or minus 3.9 seconds per minute versus 6.0 plus or minus 1.8 seconds per
      minute, p-value less than 0.001) and correlated significantly with peak oxygen
      consumption (r equals minus 0.63, p-value less than 0.001). The correlation
      strengthened (r equals minus 0.73, p-value less than 0.001) after excluding seven
      patients with exercise-induced cyanosis. No relationship was found between
      exercise capacity and right ventricular ejection fraction or long-axis amplitude.
      CONCLUSION: Resting isovolumic time is prolonged after atrial switch for patients
      with transposition of the great arteries. It is highly reproducible and relates
      well to exercise capacity.

PMID- 22068049
TI  - Lipid nanocapsule as vaccine carriers for his-tagged proteins: evaluation of
      antigen-specific immune responses to HIV I His-Gag p41 and systemic inflammatory
      responses.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to design novel nanocapsules (NCs) with surface
      chelated nickel (Ni-NCs) as a vaccine delivery system for histidine (His)-tagged
      protein antigens. Ni-NCs were characterized for binding His-tagged model proteins
      through high-affinity non-covalent interactions. The mean diameter and zeta
      potential of the optimized Ni-NCs were 214.9 nm and -14.8 mV, respectively. The
      optimal binding ratio of His-tagged Green Fluorescent Protein (His-GFP) and His
      tagged HIV-1 Gag p41 (His-Gag p41) to the Ni-NCs was 1:221 and 1:480 w/w,
      respectively. Treatment of DC2.4 cells with Ni-NCs did not result in significant
      loss in the cell viability up to 24h (<5%). We further evaluated the antibody
      response of the Ni-NCs using His-Gag p41 as a model antigen. Formulations were
      administered subcutaneously to BALB/c mice at day 0 (prime) and 14 (boost)
      followed by serum collection on day 28. Serum His-Gag p41-specific antibody
      levels were found to be significantly higher at 1 and 0.5 MUg doses of Gag p41
      His-Ni-NCs (His-Gag p41 equivalent) compared with His-Gag p41 (1 MUg) adjuvanted
      with aluminum hydroxide (AH). The serum IgG2a levels induced by Gag p41-His-Ni
      NCs (1 MUg) were significantly higher than AH adjuvanted His-Gag p41. The Ni-NCs
      alone did not result in the elevation of systemic IL-12/p40 and CCL5/RANTES
      inflammatory cytokine levels upon subcutaneous administration in BALB/c mice. In
      conclusion, the proposed Ni-NCs can bind His-tagged proteins and have the
      potential to be used as antigen delivery system capable of generating strong
      antigen-specific antibodies at doses much lower than with aluminum-based adjuvant
      and causing no significant elevation of systemic pro-inflammatory IL-12/p40 and
      CCL5/RANTES cytokines.

PMID- 22068050
TI  - Design, modeling, and expression of erythropoietin cysteine analogs in Pichia
      pastoris: improvement of mean residence times and in vivo activities through
      cysteine-specific PEGylation.
AB  - In this study, the low-cost production of recombinant human erythropoietin
      cysteine analogs (Cys-rhEPOs) from Pichia pastoris and the potential to increase
      their serum residency and in vivo activity through cysteine-specific PEGylation
      were investigated. Three-dimensional structures of several Cys-rhEPOs were
      generated using homology modeling, and three stable Cys-rhEPOs were selected on
      the basis of model stability in molecular dynamics simulation and surface
      accessibility of the inserted cysteine. cDNAs encoding Cys-rhEPOs were
      constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed as secreted proteins in
      flask cultures of P. pastoris. The selection of highly expressing clones and the
      optimization of certain culture parameters resulted in protein expression levels
      of 100-170 mg/l. Purified Cys-rhEPOs were cysteine-specifically PEGylated using
      20 kDa and 30 kDa mPEG-maleimides (methoxy polyethylene glycol-maleimides). The
      E89CEPO analog with the highest (96.6%) cysteine accessibility was conjugated to
      PEG-polymers with the largest yields (about 80%). In comparison with rhEPO, 30
      kDa PEG-E89CEPO demonstrated a significant (approximately 30%) increase in the
      mean residence time. Whereas the in vitro activities of 30 kDa PEG-E89CEPO were
      comparable to those of rhEPO, the in vivo activity of this conjugate was more
      prolonged compared to rhEPO (12 days vs. 7 days). Our results demonstrate that
      the site-specific PEGylation of Pichia-expressed EPO analogs may be considered as
      a promising approach for generating cost-effective and long-acting erythropoiesis
      stimulating agents.

PMID- 22068051
TI  - Autophagy-based unconventional secretory pathway for extracellular delivery of IL
      1beta.
AB  - Autophagy controls the quality and quantity of the eukaryotic cytoplasm while
      performing two evolutionarily highly conserved functions: cell-autonomous
      provision of energy and nutrients by cytosol autodigestion during starvation, and
      removal of defunct organelles and large aggregates exceeding the capacity of
      other cellular degradative systems. In contrast to these autodigestive processes,
      autophagy in yeast has additional, biogenesis functions. However, no equivalent
      biosynthetic roles have been described for autophagy in mammals. Here, we show
      that in mammalian cells, autophagy has a hitherto unappreciated positive
      contribution to the biogenesis and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL
      1beta via an export pathway that depends on Atg5, inflammasome, at least one of
      the two mammalian Golgi reassembly stacking protein (GRASP) paralogues, GRASP55
      (GORASP2) and Rab8a. This process, which is a type of unconventional secretion,
      expands the functional manifestations of autophagy beyond autodigestive and
      quality control roles in mammals. It enables a subset of cytosolic proteins
      devoid of signal peptide sequences, and thus unable to access the conventional
      pathway through the ER, to enter an autophagy-based secretory pathway
      facilitating their exit from the cytoplasm.

PMID- 22068052
TI  - An indirect role for ASPP1 in limiting p53-dependent p21 expression and cellular
      senescence.
AB  - In addition to acting as a transcriptional cofactor for p53, ASPP1 has been shown
      to function in the cytoplasm to regulate the nuclear localization and activity of
      YAP/TAZ. We show here that the ability of ASPP1 to activate YAP results in the
      decreased expression of LATS2, which lowers the ability of p53 to induce p21,
      cell-cycle arrest and senescence. ASPP1 expression peaks in S-phase, and down
      regulation of ASPP1 leads to a reduction in DNA synthesis and enhanced senescence
      in response to drugs that impede DNA replication. These activities of cytoplasmic
      ASPP1 in opposing p53-mediated p21 expression are in contrast to the role of
      nuclear ASPP1 in cooperating with p53 to induce the expression of apoptotic
      target genes, and may help to dampen p53 activity in normal cells.

PMID- 22068053
TI  - The unmasking of novel unipotent stem cells in the mammary gland.

PMID- 22068054
TI  - Differential regulation of motor control and response to dopaminergic drugs by
      D1R and D2R neurons in distinct dorsal striatum subregions.
AB  - The dorsal striatum is critically involved in a variety of motor behaviours,
      including regulation of motor activity, motor skill learning and motor response
      to psychostimulant and neuroleptic drugs, but contribution of D(2)R
      striatopallidal and D(1)R-striatonigral neurons in the dorsomedial (DMS,
      associative) and dorsolateral (DLS, sensorimotor) striatum to distinct functions
      remains elusive. To delineate cell type-specific motor functions of the DMS or
      the DLS, we selectively ablated D(2)R- and D(1)R-expressing striatal neurons with
      spatial resolution. We found that associative striatum exerts a population
      selective control over locomotion and reactivity to novelty, striatopallidal and
      striatonigral neurons inhibiting and stimulating exploration, respectively.
      Further, DMS-striatopallidal neurons are involved only in early motor learning
      whereas gradual motor skill acquisition depends on striatonigral neurons in the
      sensorimotor striatum. Finally, associative striatum D(2)R neurons are required
      for the cataleptic effect of the typical neuroleptic drug haloperidol and for
      amphetamine motor response sensitization. Altogether, these data provide direct
      experimental evidence for cell-specific topographic functional organization of
      the dorsal striatum.

PMID- 22068055
TI  - FOG-1 and GATA-1 act sequentially to specify definitive megakaryocytic and
      erythroid progenitors.
AB  - The transcription factors that control lineage specification of haematopoietic
      stem cells (HSCs) have been well described for the myeloid and lymphoid lineages,
      whereas transcriptional control of erythroid (E) and megakaryocytic (Mk) fate is
      less understood. We here use conditional removal of the GATA-1 and FOG-1
      transcription factors to identify FOG-1 as required for the formation of all
      committed Mk- and E-lineage progenitors, whereas GATA-1 was observed to be
      specifically required for E-lineage commitment. FOG-1-deficient HSCs and
      preMegEs, the latter normally bipotent for the Mk and E lineages, underwent
      myeloid transcriptional reprogramming, and formed myeloid, but not erythroid and
      megakaryocytic cells in vitro. These results identify FOG-1 and GATA-1 as
      required for formation of bipotent Mk/E progenitors and their E-lineage
      commitment, respectively, and show that FOG-1 mediates transcriptional Mk/E
      programming of HSCs as well as their subsequent Mk/E-lineage commitment. Finally,
      C/EBPs and FOG-1 exhibited transcriptional cross-regulation in early myelo
      erythroid progenitors making their functional antagonism a potential mechanism
      for separation of the myeloid and Mk/E lineages.

PMID- 22068057
TI  - The role of RGS protein in agonist-dependent relaxation of GIRK currents in
      Xenopus oocytes.
AB  - G protein coupled inward rectifier K(+) channels (GIRK) are activated by the
      G(betagamma) subunits of G proteins upon activation of G protein coupled
      receptors (GPCRs). Receptor-stimulated GIRK currents are known to possess a
      curious property, termed "agonist-dependent relaxation," denoting a slow current
      increase upon stepping the membrane voltage from positive to negative potentials.
      Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins have earlier been implicated in
      this phenomenon since RGS coexpression was required for relaxation to be observed
      in heterologous expression systems. However, a recent study presented contrasting
      evidence that GIRK current relaxation reflects voltage sensitive agonist binding
      to the GPCR. The present study re-examined the role of RGS protein in agonist
      dependent relaxation and found that RGS coexpression is not necessary for the
      relaxation phenomenon. However, RGS4 speeds up relaxation kinetics, allowing the
      phenomenon to be observed using shorter voltage steps. These findings resolve the
      controversy regarding the role of RGS protein vs. GPCR voltage sensitivity in
      mediating agonist-dependent relaxation of GIRK currents.

PMID- 22068056
TI  - Signal-dependent incorporation of MyoD-BAF60c into Brg1-based SWI/SNF chromatin
      remodelling complex.
AB  - Tissue-specific transcriptional activators initiate differentiation towards
      specialized cell types by inducing chromatin modifications permissive for
      transcription at target loci, through the recruitment of SWItch/Sucrose
      NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodelling complex. However, the molecular
      mechanism that regulates SWI/SNF nuclear distribution in response to
      differentiation signals is unknown. We show that the muscle determination factor
      MyoD and the SWI/SNF subunit BAF60c interact on the regulatory elements of MyoD
      target genes in myoblasts, prior to activation of transcription. BAF60c
      facilitates MyoD binding to target genes and marks the chromatin for signal
      dependent recruitment of the SWI/SNF core to muscle genes. BAF60c phosphorylation
      on a conserved threonine by differentiation-activated p38alpha kinase is the
      signal that promotes incorporation of MyoD-BAF60c into a Brg1-based SWI/SNF
      complex, which remodels the chromatin and activates transcription of MyoD-target
      genes. Our data support an unprecedented two-step model by which pre-assembled
      BAF60c-MyoD complex directs recruitment of SWI/SNF to muscle loci in response to
      differentiation cues.

PMID- 22068059
TI  - Gastric trichobezoar: abdominal mass in a child with sickle cell disease.
AB  - Abdominal pain is a frequent occurrence among the pediatric population and can be
      a diagnostic challenge. Trichobezoar is a differential diagnosis that is often
      neglected. Different from previously reported cases, we present a 3-year-old girl
      with sickle cell disease with complaints of acute abdominal pain, suspecting
      sickle cell splenic sequestration. The child presented to the emergency
      department with sharp epigastric pain and an associated palpable upper abdominal
      mass. This case illustrates a large obstructing gastric trichobezoar and
      summarizes both the diagnostic modalities and treatment.

PMID- 22068058
TI  - Vulnerable child syndrome, parental perception of child vulnerability, and
      emergency department usage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vulnerable child syndrome (VCS) describes children perceived to be at
      risk for behavioral, developmental, or medical problems. Families with the
      dynamics of VCS overuse health care resources with frequent visits to doctors'
      offices. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore the relationship
      between VCS, parental perception of child vulnerability (PPCV), and frequency of
      emergency department (ED) visits. DESIGN/METHODS: Parents of patients 1 to 15
      years old presenting with nonurgent complaints to a pediatric ED were eligible.
      Participants completed questionnaires in which the Vulnerable Child Scale was
      used to generate a measure of PPCV. Primary outcomes included number of ED visits
      and PPCV assignment. Children were divided into 2 PPCV groups by Vulnerable Child
      Scale score: less than 40 (high PPCV) versus 40 or greater (low PPCV). The cutoff
      point was chosen as 1 SD (7.3) from the sample mean (46.8) on the vulnerable end
      of the scale (low scores). RESULTS: The mean ages of the 351 parents and children
      were 30 (SD, 7.7) years and 5 (SD, 3.9) years, respectively; 17% of children had
      high PPCV. Eleven variables differed statistically between subjects with high and
      low PPCV including number of ED visits and hospital admissions, excellent
      reported child health, pregnancy problems, delivery problems, child mental health
      problems, parent mental health problems, and child developmental problems.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that children with higher PPCV had an increased
      number of ED visits, and risk factors for higher perceived vulnerability scores
      were identified. Future investigation on ways to intervene with families with the
      dynamics of VCS may be warranted.

PMID- 22068060
TI  - Optimizing patient/caregiver satisfaction through quality of communication in the
      pediatric emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimizing patient/family caregiver satisfaction with emergency
      department (ED) encounters has advantages for improving patient health outcomes,
      adherence with medical plans, patient rights, and shared participation in care,
      provider satisfaction, improved health economics, institutional market share, and
      liability reduction. The variables that contribute to an optimal outcome in the
      pediatric ED setting have been less well investigated. The specific hypothesis
      tested was that patient/family caregiver-provider communication and 24-hour
      postdischarge phone contact would be associated with an increased frequency of
      highest possible satisfaction scores. METHODS: A consecutive set of Press Ganey
      satisfaction survey responses between June and December 2009 in a large tertiary
      referral pediatric ED was evaluated. Press Ganey responses were subsequently
      linked to defined components of the electronic medical record associated with
      each survey respondent's ED visit to ascertain specific objective ED data.
      Multivariate modeling utilizing generalized linear equations was achieved to
      obtain a composite model of drivers of patient/caregiver satisfaction. RESULTS:
      Primary drivers of satisfaction and willingness to return or refer others to the
      ED were as follows: being informed about delays, ease of the insurance process,
      overall physician rating, registered nurse attention to needs, control of pain,
      and successful completion of postdischarge phone call to a family caregiver.
      Multiple wait time variables that were statistically significant in univariate
      modeling, including total length of time in the ED, time in waiting room, comfort
      of waiting room, time in treatment room, and play items, were not statistically
      significant once controlling for the other variables in the model. Type of
      insurance, race, patient age, or time of year did not influence the models.
      CONCLUSIONS: Achieving optimal patient/caregiver satisfaction scores in the
      pediatric ED is highly dependent on the quality of the interpersonal interaction
      and communication of ED activities. Wait time and other throughput variables are
      less important than perceived quality of the health interaction and interpersonal
      communication. Patient satisfaction has advantages greater than market share and
      should be considered a component of the care-delivery paradigm.

PMID- 22068061
TI  - Epidemiology and disposition of burn injuries among infants presenting to a
      tertiary-care pediatric emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study the etiology of and factors
      determining the emergency department disposition of infants sustaining burn
      injuries. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients 12
      months or younger with a burn injury presenting to our emergency department over
      a 5-year period. We collected the chief complaint and diagnosis, patient
      demographics, and circumstances surrounding the burn injury from the emergency
      department charts. Univariable statistics, multiple imputation, and multivariable
      regression were performed to determine differences between races and factors
      leading to admission. RESULTS: During the study period, 344 patients meeting
      inclusion criteria were treated in our emergency department. Scalds (53.2%) and
      contact burns (39.8%) were the most common causes of burns among the study group.
      Significant differences were observed between races for mechanism of burn,
      interhospital transport, and total body surface area affected (P < 0.05). White
      patients were more likely to have higher body surface affected and to be
      transferred from another facility (P < 0.05). Increased severity of burn, burns
      located on the hand, and concern for abuse resulted in higher likelihood of
      admission (P < 0.01). No significant differences in disposition or mechanism of
      burn were present between English-speaking and non-English-speaking patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although most infant burns in our emergency department are due to
      scalds, burn injuries due to contact with household objects are common. Race
      plays a significant role in mechanism and severity of burn sustained. Increased
      severity of burn, concern for abuse, and burn to the hand were all associated
      with increased odds of admission.

PMID- 22068062
TI  - Bedside ultrasound diagnosis of nonangulated distal forearm fractures in the
      pediatric emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound (US) may be a useful tool for rapidly diagnosing
      fractures. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of US as compared with
      radiographs in the detection of nonangulated distal forearm fractures. METHODS:
      Distal forearm US was performed and interpreted at the bedside by a pediatric
      emergency medicine physician before radiography in a prospective sample of
      children with possible nonangulated distal forearm fractures. A second pediatric
      emergency medicine physician with extensive US experience gave a final
      interpretation of the images. This second reviewer was blinded to both clinical
      and radiographic findings. The primary outcome was accuracy in the detection of
      fracture via the blinded reviewer's US interpretation when compared with the
      radiologist's clinical radiography results. Patient-reported FACES pain scores
      (range, 0-5) associated with both US and radiography were compared. RESULTS: Of
      101 enrolled patients, 46 had a fracture detected by the radiologist. When
      compared with radiographs, the blinded US interpretation had an overall accuracy
      of 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88%-99%). Sensitivity and specificity were
      96% (95% CI, 85%-99%) and 93% (95% CI, 82%-98%), respectively. Positive
      predictive value was 92%, and negative predictive value was 96%. Mean FACES pain
      scores were higher following radiography than US (1.7 vs 1.2, respectively; P =
      0.004). CONCLUSIONS: For the diagnosis of nonangulated distal forearm fractures
      in children, bedside US holds promise as a diagnostic modality, particularly with
      appropriate training. Ultrasound is at least no more painful that traditional
      radiographs. Pediatric emergency medicine physicians should consider becoming
      proficient in this application.

PMID- 22068063
TI  - Impact of disaster drills on caregiver perception and satisfaction in the
      pediatric emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess caregiver perception and
      satisfaction of a regional disaster drill in a pediatric emergency department
      (ED). METHODS: Caregivers of children receiving care during a 2-hour disaster
      drill were given a survey regarding perceived importance of the drill, waiting
      time to see a physician, service timeliness, impact on comfort, and overall
      recommendation of the ED. As a control, the survey was also given to caregivers a
      week before and after the drill. RESULTS: Caregivers on the drill date were more
      likely to consider drill conduction to be highly important (100% vs 82.9%, P <
      0.045). Compared with the drill date, there were no significant differences in
      the perceived duration of waiting, impact on care, or likelihood to recommend the
      ED to others. CONCLUSIONS: In a single regional disaster drill, we found that
      caregivers feel that disaster drills are important and unlikely to impact care of
      children negatively. These findings can help support decision making by hospital
      administrators to commit personnel and resources to conduct necessary disaster
      drills involving children.

PMID- 22068064
TI  - Bedside ultrasound in the diagnosis of pediatric clavicle fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of
      pediatric emergency physicians in diagnosing clavicle fractures by bedside
      ultrasound (US). METHODS: This was a prospective study of pediatric emergency
      department (ED) patients with suspected clavicle fractures conducted in a
      tertiary-care, freestanding pediatric hospital. A convenience sample of patients
      younger than 17 years underwent bedside US for detection of clavicle fracture by
      pediatric emergency physicians with limited US training. Ultrasound findings were
      compared with standard radiographs, which were considered the criterion standard.
      Pain scores using the validated color analog scale (0-10) were determined before
      and during US. Total length of stay in the ED, time to US, and time to radiograph
      were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, of which 39 (67%) had
      fracture determined by radiograph. Ultrasound interpretation gave a sensitivity
      of 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75.8%-97.1%) and specificity of 89.5%
      (95% CI, 66.9%-98.7%). Positive and negative predictive values were 94.6% (95%
      CI, 81.8%-99.3%) and 81.0% (95% CI, 58.1%-94.5%), respectively. Positive and
      negative likelihood ratios were 8.33 and 0.11, respectively. Pain scores averaged
      4.7 before US and 5.2 during US (P = 0.204). There was a statistically
      significant difference between mean time to US (76 minutes) and mean time to
      radiograph (107 minutes) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric emergency physicians
      with minimal formal training can accurately diagnose clavicle fractures by US. In
      addition, US itself is not associated with an increase in pain and may reduce
      length of stay in the ED.

PMID- 22068065
TI  - Evaluation and management of sexually transmitted infections in adolescent males
      presenting to a pediatric emergency department: is the chief complaint
      diagnostic?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to (1) describe evaluation and
      treatment patterns for adolescent males presenting with a concern for sexually
      transmitted infection (STI) in a pediatric emergency department, (2) assess the
      rates of STIs in symptomatic males, and (3) determine the utility of urinalysis
      alone in predicting STIs in adolescent males. METHODS: A retrospective cohort
      study was conducted of all patients presenting to our pediatric emergency
      department from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2007. Inclusion criteria
      included males, aged 15 to 21 years, with an STI or urinary chief complaint.
      Exclusion criteria were referrals from pediatricians, a previous history of
      urinary tract infection or preexisting urologic condition, or primary complaint
      of scrotal and/or testicular pain. RESULTS: A total of 270 patients were
      identified. Testing included urinalysis with microscopy (UA) (64%), urine culture
      (53%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) (93%), and
      Trichomonas vaginalis (5%). Sixty-four percent of males tested positive for
      either GC or CT, or both. Overall, 91% of patients were treated for CT and GC,
      18% for T. vaginalis, and 5% for urinary tract infection. The sensitivity and
      specificity of a positive UA for presence of GC and/or CT were 86% and 82%,
      respectively, whereas the positive and negative predictive values were 89% and
      77%, respectively. There were no positive urine cultures in the cohort.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sixty-four percent of patients were diagnosed with either GC or CT.
      Although UA is helpful in predicting STI, limited use is warranted, given the
      high prevalence of disease in this selected population. The urine culture does
      not appear to be a necessary adjunct in the management of these patients.

PMID- 22068066
TI  - Does prearrival communication from a poison center to an emergency department
      decrease time to activated charcoal for pediatric poisoning?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A poison center plays an important role in directing appropriate care,
      which is critical in reducing morbidity due to poisoning. Activated charcoal (AC)
      is one intervention for some poisonings. This study examined whether children
      with a poisoning who were preannounced by a poison center received AC earlier
      than patients without a referral. METHODS: A retrospective review of AC
      administration in children aged 0 to 18 years in a pediatric emergency department
      (ED) from 2000 to 2006 was performed. Abstracted covariates were poison center
      referral status, age, sex, acuity, disposition, transportation mode, triage time,
      and time of AC administration. Analysis of variance controlling for covariates
      tested the equality of mean time intervals between the groups with and without a
      poison center referral. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-one cases met the inclusion
      criteria. One hundred thirty-five (39%) were male. Eighty cases (23%) had a
      poison center referral. Time from triage to charcoal administration for patients
      with a poison center referral was a mean of 59 (SD, 34) minutes. Time for the
      group without a referral was a mean of 71 (SD, 43) minutes (P = 0.0036).
      CONCLUSIONS: Advanced communication from a poison center was associated with
      earlier administration of AC in the ED for this population. Nevertheless, the
      duration to charcoal administration was frequently suboptimal. Triage and
      prehospital practices should be reexamined to improve timeliness of AC when
      indicated and consider exclusion of administration if beyond an appropriate time
      frame. Advanced notification should be the paradigm for all poison centers, and
      early response protocols for poison center referrals should be used by EDs.

PMID- 22068067
TI  - Trampoline trauma in children: is it preventable?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Trampoline injuries represent a preventable cause of injury in
      children. This study identified the characteristics of children injured while
      using trampolines who presented to a pediatric trauma center in Sydney,
      Australia. METHODS: The Pediatric Trauma Database at our institution was reviewed
      to identify children with trampoline-related injuries between January 1999 and
      June 2008. Data collected included age, sex, Injury Severity Score, anatomical
      region injured, type of injury, mechanism of injury, site of injury and surface
      fallen onto, level of supervision, treatment, and hospital length of stay.
      RESULTS: Over the 9.5-year review period, 383 children presented with trampoline
      related injuries: 193 (50.4%) were female. Just over a quarter (n = 106, 27.7%)
      were treated and discharged the same day. The remaining patients accounted for
      725 hospital bed days with a mean length of stay of 2.3 days. The most common
      area of the body injured was the upper limb (n = 246, 64.2%), with a fall from
      the trampoline to the ground being the most frequent mechanism of injury (n =
      257, 67.1%). The majority (n = 345, 90.1%) of children were injured in their home
      or at the home of a friend or relative. Surgery was required in 236 (61.6%), with
      closed reduction of an upper limb fracture being the most common procedure (n =
      107, 27.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Trampoline-related injuries remain common in children.
      Implementation of current guidelines and the introduction of innovative
      trampoline designs should reduce the risk of this injury in children.

PMID- 22068068
TI  - Is a lumbar puncture necessary when evaluating febrile infants (30 to 90 days of
      age) with an abnormal urinalysis?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Guidelines for the management of febrile infants aged 30 to 90 days
      presenting to the emergency department (ED) suggest that a lumbar puncture (LP)
      should be performed routinely if a positive urinalysis is found during initial
      investigations. The aim of our study was to assess the necessity of routine LPs
      in infants aged 30 to 90 days presenting to the ED for a fever without source but
      are found to have a positive urine analysis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      the records of all infants aged 30 to 90 days, presenting to the Montreal
      Children's Hospital ED from October 2001 to August 2005 who underwent an LP for
      bacterial culture, in addition to urinalysis and blood and urine cultures.
      Descriptive statistics and their corresponding confidence intervals were used.
      RESULTS: Overall, 392 infants were identified using the microbiology laboratory
      database. Fifty-seven patients had an abnormal urinalysis. Of these, 1 infant (71
      days old) had an Escherichia coli urinary tract infection, bacteremia, and
      meningitis. This patient, however, was not well on history, and the peripheral
      white blood cell count was low at 2.9 * 109/L. Thus, the negative predictive
      value of an abnormal urinalysis for meningitis was 98.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Routine
      LPs are not required in infants (30-90 days) presenting to the ED with a fever
      and a positive urinalysis if they are considered at low risk for serious
      bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory criteria. However, we
      recommend that judicious clinical judgment be used; in doubt, an LP should be
      performed before empiric antibiotic therapy is begun.

PMID- 22068069
TI  - Benign afebrile convulsions in the course of mild acute gastroenteritis: a study
      of 28 patients and a literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Since the description of afebrile convulsions in the course of mild
      acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in 1982 by Morooka in Japan, there have been few
      reports of further cases outside Asia. The aim of this study was to share our
      casuistry--from a non-Asian country. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of
      identified cases in our center from January 2002 to December 2007. RESULTS: A
      total of 28 patients were studied. All were previously healthy patients who
      experienced convulsions with mild AGE without dehydration and with normal blood
      analysis. The mean age was 17.25 months (range, 6-48 months), with 93% younger
      than 24 months. Seizures were generalized tonic-clonic (61%), followed by
      generalized tonic (31%), and hypotonic (5.2%), with 2 (2.6%) partial. Only 8
      patients (28.6%) presented one convulsion, and in 13 patients (46%), the seizures
      were in clusters from 3 to 6. Eleven patients (39%) presented 2 different types
      of convulsion. The duration of the crises ranged from 30 seconds to 10 minutes,
      and all of them occurred within 24 hours of the first. Electroencephalograms,
      obtained for all patients, were normal. Rotavirus was the main infectious agent
      in the AGEs, found in 11 patients with 22 determinations. In one patient,
      Salmonella serotype Enteritidis was isolated. All of the patients developed
      favorably, with no sequelae or epilepsy during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS:
      Afebrile convulsion in the course of mild gastroenteritis exists in our
      environment. It is a banal symptom in the course of the disease with good
      prognosis. Recognition of this fact may help avoid needless explorations and
      treatment in patients of this kind.

PMID- 22068070
TI  - Deadly proposal: a case of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare
      adrenergically mediated arrhythmogenic disorder classically induced by exercise
      or emotional stress and found in structurally normal hearts. It is an important
      cause of cardiac syncope and sudden death in childhood. Catecholaminergic
      polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a genetic cardiac channelopathy with known
      mutations involving genes affecting intracellular calcium regulation. We present
      a case of a 14-year-old boy who had cardiopulmonary arrest after an emotionally
      induced episode of CPVT while attempting to invite a girl to the school dance.
      Review of his presenting cardiac rhythm, induction of concerning ventricular
      arrhythmias during an exercise stress test, and genetic testing confirmed the
      diagnosis of CPVT. He recovered fully and was treated with beta-blocker therapy
      and placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. In this report, we
      discuss this rare but important entity, including its molecular foundation,
      clinical presentation, basics of diagnosis, therapeutic options, and implications
      of genetic testing for family members. We also compare CPVT to other notable
      cardiomyopathic and channelopathic causes of sudden death in youth including
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, long QT
      syndrome, short QT syndrome, and Brugada syndrome.

PMID- 22068071
TI  - Pediatric boutonniere deformity after blunt closed traumatic injury.
AB  - The boutonniere deformity (BD) is a well-described condition in hand surgery.
      Treatment of acute traumatic BD includes splinting of the proximal
      interphalangeal joint in extension for 4 to 5 weeks, which often leads to
      acceptable results. However, the chronic BD is more problematic and often
      requires surgical intervention with poor functional outcomes. Boutonniere
      deformity is extremely rare in the pediatric population. We present the case of a
      9-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with an acute traumatic
      BD after a fall. Being an uncommon entity in this patient population, the patient
      was referred to the plastic surgery clinic and was subsequently treated
      appropriately with splinting, resulting in favorable results as early as 4 weeks.
      To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of BD in the pediatric patient
      population. Recognition and timely management of BD in a pediatric patient should
      not be overlooked to obtain favorable results.

PMID- 22068072
TI  - Abusive suffocation presenting as new-onset seizure.
AB  - Child abuse can often be very difficult to identify. This is especially true in
      cases of abuse by suffocation. Suffocation often leaves no external physical
      marks and presents with vague, nonspecific symptoms. Infants who have been
      suffocated usually present unexplained apnea, cyanosis, or seizure. Moreover, new
      onset seizures can be mistaken for an organic seizure disorder. This case report
      reviews a case of abuse by suffocation, which presented as new-onset status
      epilepticus. This case illustrates that suffocation can be difficult to diagnose
      despite the recognition of red flags that should prompt an investigation for
      abuse.

PMID- 22068073
TI  - A life-threatening presentation of child physical abuse: jejunal perforation.
AB  - Intra-abdominal injuries from impacts are the second most common cause of death
      in battered children. However, it may be difficult to distinguish between
      accidental abdominal injury and abuse, especially in the absence of other
      clinical findings. Published reports are also limited about the diagnosis of
      abuse in children with intra-abdominal injury. We report a case with jejunal
      perforation, multiple soft tissue injuries, and occipital fracture secondary to
      child abuse who was initially admitted to our hospital with complaint of fever,
      cough, and vomiting. An exploratory laparotomy revealed perforation of the
      jejunum, and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed. The patient was evaluated
      by the hospital's child protective team to implement appropriate diagnostic and
      child-protective interventions, and the child was discharged home in 10 days.

PMID- 22068074
TI  - Lemierre syndrome in a 22-month-old due to Streptococcus pyogenes: a case report.
AB  - We report a case of Lemierre syndrome secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes in a 22
      month-old girl. This case report and literature review took place at a pediatric
      intensive care unit at a freestanding tertiary children's hospital. Diagnosis
      occurred after the discovery of left internal jugular thrombus and multiple
      metastatic infection sites including the right knee, kidneys, lungs, and brain.
      Lemierre syndrome can occur in young children secondary to S. pyogenes, and a
      classic presentation may not occur. A high index of suspicion is crucial to the
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22068075
TI  - Asymptomatic complete atrioventricular block in a 13-year-old girl.
AB  - Atrioventricular (AV) block is a delay or an interruption in the transmission of
      an impulse from atria to ventricles due to an anatomic or a functional impairment
      in the conduction system. Atrioventricular block may be congenital or acquired.
      Electrocardiographic screening of asymptomatic school-aged children (median, 12.4
      years) in Japan found the prevalence of a third-degree AV block to be 2 per
      100,000. We report a case of asymptomatic complete AV block of unknown etiology
      in a 13-year-old child who did not require pacemaker placement. The importance of
      recognizing an asymptomatic complete AV block in the pediatric population, the
      classification and controversies of pacemaker placement, and the complications of
      pacemaker placement are discussed.

PMID- 22068076
TI  - A "rare" case of melena in a 3-year-old.
AB  - Melena is a potential sign of life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding;
      however, there are numerous substances ingested resulting in a stool appearance
      similar to melena. Examples of such substances include black licorice, bismuth
      subsalicylate, and iron supplements. We report a case of a well-appearing 3-year
      old Vietnamese girl presenting to our emergency department after 2 episodes of
      "black, sticky" stool. The cause of her "melena" was determined after father
      revealed that she had ingested 2 bowls of pork blood soup during the preceding 12
      hours. This case highlights the need for a careful dietary history and cultural
      considerations in children presenting with what may appear to be melena.

PMID- 22068077
TI  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - In 1924, Dr Eli Moschcowitz described a 16-year-old adolescent girl with abrupt
      onset of petechiae, hemolytic anemia, followed by paralysis, coma, and death.
      Autopsy showed widespread hyaline thrombi in the terminal arterioles and
      capillaries of various organs. The syndrome described by Moschowitz is now known
      as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

PMID- 22068079
TI  - Emergency department madness: tips to maintain sanity and flow.
AB  - Physician factors can influence congestion and wait times in emergency
      departments. This article provides some guidance to improve personal and
      departmental efficiency.

PMID- 22068080
TI  - Slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

PMID- 22068081
TI  - ECGs in the ED.

PMID- 22068082
TI  - Community pediatric hospitalists providing care in the emergency department: an
      analysis of physician productivity and financial performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Community hospital pediatric inpatient programs are being threatened
      by current financial and demographic trends. We describe a model of care and
      report on the financial implications associated with combining emergency
      department (ED) and inpatient care of pediatric patients. We determine whether
      this type of model could generate sufficient revenue to support physician
      salaries for continuous in-house coverage in community hospitals. METHODS:
      Financial productivity and selected performance indicators were obtained from a
      retrospective review of registration and billing records. Data were obtained from
      2 community-based pediatric hospitalist programs, which are part of a single
      health system and included care delivered in the ED and inpatient settings during
      a 1-year period from July 1, 2008, to July 1, 2009. RESULTS: Together, the
      combined programs were able to generate 6079 total relative value units and
      collections of $244,828 annually per full-time equivalent (FTE). Salary,
      benefits, and practice expenses totaled $235,674 per FTE. Thus, combined daily
      revenues exceeded expenses and provided 104% of physician salary, benefits, and
      practice expenses. However, 1 program generated a net profit of $329,715 ($40,706
      per FTE), whereas the other recorded a loss of $207,969 ($39,994 per FTE).
      Emergency department throughput times and left-without-being-seen rates at both
      programs were comparable to national benchmarks. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating ED
      care into a pediatric hospitalist program can be an effective strategy to
      maintain the financial viability of pediatric services at community hospitals
      with low inpatient volumes that seek to provide 24-hour pediatric staffing.

PMID- 22068083
TI  - Influenza vaccine update 2011-2012.

PMID- 22068084
TI  - Pneumoretroperitoneum after foreign body insertion.

PMID- 22068106
TI  - Arabidopsis thaliana Nudix hydrolase AtNUDT7 forms complexes with the regulatory
      RACK1A protein and Ggamma subunits of the signal transducing heterotrimeric G
      protein.
AB  - Arabidopsis thaliana AtNUDT7 Nudix pyrophosphatase hydrolyzes NADH and ADP-ribose
      in vitro and is an important factor in the cellular response to diverse biotic
      and abiotic stresses. Several studies have shown that loss-of-function Atnudt7
      mutant plants display many profound phenotypes. However the molecular mechanism
      of AtNUDT7 function remains elusive. To gain a better understanding of this
      hydrolase cellular role, proteins interacting with AtNUDT7 were identified. Using
      AtNUDT7 as a bait in an in vitro binding assay of proteins derived from cultured
      Arabidopsis cell extracts we identified the regulatory protein RACK1A as an
      AtNUDT7-interactor. RACK1A-AtNUDT7 interaction was confirmed in a yeast two
      hybrid assay and in a pull-down assay and in Bimolecular Fluorescence
      Complementation (BiFC) analysis of the proteins transiently expressed in
      Arabidopsis protoplasts. However, no influence of RACK1A on AtNUDT7 hydrolase
      catalytic activity was observed. In vitro interaction between RACK1A and the AGG1
      and AGG2 gamma subunits of the signal transducing heterotrimeric G protein was
      also detected and confirmed in BiFC assays. Moreover, association between AtNUDT7
      and both AGG1 and AGG2 subunits was observed in Arabidopsis protoplasts, although
      binding of these proteins could not be detected in vitro. Based on the observed
      interactions we conclude that the AtNUDT7 Nudix hydrolase forms complexes in
      vitro and in vivo with regulatory proteins involved in signal transduction.
      Moreover, we provide the initial evidence that both signal transducing gamma
      subunits bind the regulatory RACK1A protein.

PMID- 22068107
TI  - Effects of low doses of gamma rays on the stability of normal and diabetic
      erythrocytes.
AB  - We studied the influence of low doses of gamma radiation (from 0.04 to 1.8 mGy)
      on the stability of human red blood cells (RBC) from healthy donors and diabetic
      patients using absorption spectroscopy. Because of the alteration of many
      enzymatic pathways in diabetic RBCs resulting in strong modification of the lipid
      and protein membrane components one could expect that the ionizing gamma
      radiation should influence the stability of the healthy and diabetic cells in a
      different way. Indeed, distinct discontinuities and monotonic changes of
      hemolysis detected in the healthy and diabetic RBCs suggest that various
      enzymatic and chemical processes are activated in these membranes by gamma
      radiation. Mossbauer measurements showed that only the highest applied dose of
      gamma radiation caused modification of hemoglobin in both types of RBCs.

PMID- 22068108
TI  - Direct interaction of Gas41 and Myc encoded by amplified genes in nervous system
      tumours.
AB  - In order to understand better the role of the human Tip60 complex component
      Gas41, we analysed its expression levels in brain tumours and searched for
      possible interactors. Two-hybrid screening of a human foetal brain library
      allowed identification of some molecular interactors of Gas41. Among them we
      found n-Myc transcription factor. The interaction between Gas41 and n-Myc was
      validated by pull-down experiments. We showed that Gas41 is able to bind both n
      Myc and c-Myc proteins, and that the levels of expression of Gas41 and Myc
      proteins were similar to each other in such brain tumors as neuroblastomas and
      glioblastomas. Finally, in order to identify which region of Gas41 is involved in
      the interaction with Myc proteins, we analysed the ability of Gas41 to substitute
      for its orthologue Yaf9 in yeast; we showed that the N-terminal portions of the
      two proteins, containing the YEATS domains, are interchangeable, while the C
      terminal portions are species-specific. In fact we found that Gas41 C-terminal
      portion is required for Myc protein interaction in human.

PMID- 22068109
TI  - Vertically-oriented conjugated polymer arrays in mesoporous alumina via simple
      drop-casting and appearance of anisotropic photoluminescence.
AB  - Vertically aligned fluorescent polymer arrays with poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl
      2,7-diyl) (PFO) are prepared by simple drop-casting onto mesoporous alumina film.
      The obtained PFO arrays exhibit anisotropic photoluminescence (PL) along the
      orientation of the main chains.

PMID- 22068110
TI  - Insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity on the oral glucose tolerance test
      (OGTT) in middle-aged Japanese.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the changes in insulin secretion and insulin
      sensitivity in relation to fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose (PG) levels and to
      assess the independent contributions of their impairments to non-diabetic
      hyperglycemia.  A total of 2157 Japanese workers (mean age 52.6+/-7.3 years and
      mean BMI 23.9+/-3.2 kg/m(2)) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).  Of
      these subjects, 1125 had normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 525 subjects had
      isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 159 subjects had isolated impaired
      glucose tolerance (IGT), 263 subjects had combined IFG and IGT, and 85 subjects
      had newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.  Insulinogenic index and Matsuda insulin
      sensitivity index (ISI) were significantly attenuated in subjects with normal but
      slightly elevated fasting PG, or in subjects with normal but slightly elevated 2
      hour PG.  Whereas, InsAUC(120)/GluAUC(120) was not significantly decreased in
      those subjects, and significant decrease of it was observed exclusively in
      subjects with abnormal fasting PG (>= 106 mg/dL) or abnormal 2-hour PG (>= 221
      mg/dL).  Using multiple regression analyses, both Matsuda ISI and insulinogenic
      index were independently correlated with PG concentrations in subjects with IFG
      and/or IGT, while Matsuda ISI alone was independently correlated with fasting PG
      concentrations in normoglycemic subjects.  In conclusion, both insulinogenic
      index and Matsuda ISI were significantly attenuated in subjects with normal but
      slightly elevated PG.   Lowering of Matsuda ISI was likely to be a strong
      contributor to 'elevation of fasting PG within the normal range' in this
      population.

PMID- 22068111
TI  - Resveratrol prevents streptozotocin-induced diabetes by inhibiting the apoptosis
      of pancreatic beta-cell and the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase.
AB  - Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene; RSV) is one kind of polyphenolic
      phytoalexin that has many effects on metabolic diseases.  This study aimed to
      evaluate the protective effect of RSV pretreatment on beta-cell.  Male Sprague
      Dawley rats weighing 200-230 g were divided into 4 groups: (1) RSV; (2)
      streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); (3) STZ after 7 days
      pretreatment with RSV; and (4) STZ pretreated with nicotinamide.  Fasting glucose
      concentration was measured and an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was
      performed 72 h after STZ injection to determine the diabetic condition.  The
      pancreas was removed 3, 6, 36, and 48 h after STZ injection.  STZ induced
      diabetes in all rats not given RSV pretreatment, whereas none of the RSV
      pretreated rats developed diabetes.  Pretreatment with RSV inhibited apoptosis
      and reduced the activation of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). 
      However, expression of the total length PARP was not affected by pretreatment. 
      Our findings suggest that RSV protects beta-cells from STZ simultaneously with
      inhibiting the activation of PARP.

PMID- 22068112
TI  - Combined treatment with bicalutamide and anastrozole in a young boy with
      peripheral precocious puberty due to McCune-Albright Syndrome.
AB  - McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is a congenital endocrine disorder due to mosaic
      tissutal hyper-function.  We describe a boy with a molecularly confirmed MAS,
      clinically evident with congenital cafe-au-lait spots, bone fibrous dysplasia,
      hyperthyroidism, and renal phosphate wasting syndrome.  At 4.6 years of age he
      disclosed a rapid progression of peripheral puberty, so we decided to treat him
      with bicalutamide 25 mg/day and anastrozole 1 mg/day.  Combined third generation
      aromatase inhibitors - competitive androgen receptor blockers were employed in
      familial male precocious puberty (FMPP).  Combined treatment was performed for 49
      months from the age of 4.6 to 6.7 years.  The patient underwent clinical,
      laboratory, and instrumental evaluation twice a year from the first admission to
      the current age.  This treatment caused a rapid normalization of growth velocity,
      subsequent reduction of penile androgenization, and stabilization of testicular
      volume.  The therapy was well tolerated for all its duration and neither side
      effects, nor secondary hypothalamic activation were noted.  This report provides
      further evidence of effectiveness and safety of combined third generation
      aromatase inhibitors - competitive androgen receptor blockers in male precocious
      peripheral puberty, firstly employed in male MAS, and contributes to expand the
      spectrum of disorders in which their employment may reveal promising.

PMID- 22068113
TI  - Early intensive insulin therapy attenuates the p38 pathway in the renal cortex
      and indices of nephropathy in diabetic rats.
AB  - In this rodent study, we compared the effects of early versus late intensive
      insulin therapy on diabetic nephropathy and potential causal mechanisms. 
      Diabetes was induced in rats by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. 
      Intensive insulin therapy was initiated in the early intensive insulin therapy
      groups as soon as diabetes was confirmed and lasted for 8 (8wEI group) and 16
      weeks (16wEI group).  In the late insulin therapy group (LI group), intensive
      insulin treatment was initiated 8 weeks later and lasted for 8 weeks.  Age
      matched diabetic rats (8wDM group and 16wDM group) and non-diabetic rats (8wNC
      group and 16wNC group) served as controls.  Histological analysis, real-time PCR,
      and western blot were performed in renal cortex specimens.  Glomerular
      hypertrophy and mesangial matrix expansion were prominent in the 16wDM and LI
      groups while the EI groups remained normal and similar to the 16wNC group. 
      Western blots revealed that p38 MAPK activities in the EI groups decreased
      significantly, whereas the level in the LI group was markedly higher than the
      16wEI group, and not different from the DM groups.  Activities of MKK3/6, CREB
      and MKP-1 proteins as well as CREB and MKP-1 mRNA showed a similar pattern. 
      Therefore, we concluded that early intensive insulin treatment and attainment of
      good glycemic control counteracted some renal molecular pathways associated with
      epigenetic metabolic memory to minimize risk of diabetic nephropathy.  However,
      late insulin therapy did not abrogate the increased renal cortical p38 MAPK
      pathway activation in diabetic rats and led to glomerular hypertrophy and
      extracellular matrix expansion.

PMID- 22068115
TI  - Palliative care research: urgent need for investment.
AB  - More so than for perhaps any other area of health care, the knowledge base
      supporting the basic elements of palliative care clinical practice is still
      lacking. Numerous reports have highlighted the critical need for research to
      advance the science of palliative care, but investments do not match this. A
      recent report on investment in palliative and end-of-life research in Canada
      revealed that for every $20 spent on cancer prevention services and basic
      research only $1 was spent on palliative care research (Canadian Cancer Research
      Alliance and Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, 2011); similar findings are
      reported for other countries.

PMID- 22068114
TI  - Prognosis of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma patients: its relationship with
      the size of primary tumors.
AB  - It is well-known that papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has a generally indolent
      character and shows a favorable prognosis unless it has no high-risk features
      such as clinical lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and significant
      extrathyroid extension.  In this study, we investigated the prognosis of 3,965
      patients with PTC without these features.  We classified these patients into 3
      groups: T-1, tumor <= 2 cm (n = 2,591); T-2, tumor 2.1-4 cm (n = 1,123); T-3,
      tumor > 4 cm (n = 251).  Ten-year recurrence rates of T-1, T-2, and T-3 patients
      were 0.3, 1.3, and 1.9% for the thyroid (in the subset of patients who underwent
      limited thyroidectomy), 1.9, 4.6, and 8.1% for lymph nodes, and 0.4, 1.6, and
      3.4% for distant organs, respectively.  A tumor size larger than 2 cm had an
      independent prognostic impact on all these recurrences also on multivariate
      analysis.  These findings suggest that PTC larger than 2 cm exhibited more
      aggressive biological characteristics than that measuring 2 cm or less, even
      though it had no other high-risk features.  However, the incidences of distant
      recurrence and carcinoma death were still low and it remains unclear whether
      extensive surgery is mandatory for otherwise low-risk PTC patients with large
      tumor.

PMID- 22068116
TI  - A global update on the development  of palliative care services.
AB  - On World Hospice and Palliative Care Day-8 October 2011-the Worldwide Palliative
      Care Alliance (WPCA) launched a global update highlighting the progress that has
      been made in hospice and palliative care over the past 5 years (Lynch et al,
      2011; WPCA 2011). Encouragingly, the study shows that there has been a marked
      increase in the number of countries providing one or more hospice and  palliative
      care services-from 49% of countries in 2006 to 58% in 2011. Here we explore some
      of the key factors behind this progress, focusing  particularly on advocacy and
      policy.

PMID- 22068117
TI  - Salivary gland dysfunction  (dry mouth) in patients  with advanced cancer.
AB  - Salivary gland dysfunction (SGD) is a common problem in patients with advanced
      cancer, and is associated with significant morbidity in this group of patients.
      The management of SGD involves treatment of the cause, treatment of the symptoms
      (preferably with saliva stimulants), prevention of the complications, and
      treatment of the complications. This article reviews the evidence for the
      clinical utility of various management strategies, highlighting those strategies
      that have been investigated in patients with advanced cancer.

PMID- 22068118
TI  - A learning and development strategy for children's hospices across London.
AB  - Over recent years there have been several political imperatives in the UK
      directed toward children's palliative care and ensuring that services are high
      quality, coordinated, family-centred, and able to meet the needs of children with
      complex disabilities. In addition, in 2010 the health and social care regulation
      authority in England-the Care Quality Commission (CQC)-aligned hospices with
      regulation and inspection requirements. This context has acted as a driver for
      the creation of effective education and training to ensure a skilled and expert
      workforce. Against this backdrop, this paper describes a project to develop a
      learning and development strategy for Children's Hospices across London (CHaL).
      CHaL educators worked with a research team to develop a unified strategy that was
      based on evidence of good practice, embedded in required CQC outcomes, and
      validated with a wider audience. The resultant strategy contains a set of four
      key learning and development principles that are applicable and transferable
      across different hospices.

PMID- 22068119
TI  - Analysis of a network-wide specialist palliative care out-of-hours advice and
      support line: a model for the future.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recently the palliative care literature has emphasized the need for
      24-hour telephone advice and support for patients during the last year of life.
      As some health professionals may lack skills and knowledge regarding palliative
      care issues, an out-of-hours (OoH) advice line is considered a valuable resource.
      This report provides an analysis of both qualitative and quantative data
      concerning the Mount Vernon Cancer Network telephone advice line (TAL) for 2008
      2010. METHOD: Data relating to the use of the TAL during OoH periods was collated
      and analysed on an annual basis. Data collected from a caller questionnaire
      relating to patient outcome, experience, and caller satisfaction was also
      evaluated. RESULTS: The number of calls to the OoH TAL increased by 13% over the
      3-year period. The primary reason for the calls was symptom management, and 79%
      were made by patients' relatives. From the questionnaire responses, 66% of
      callers appeared to have a high rate of satisfaction, and 67% of patients were
      not admitted to hospital. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the advice line is
      providing a highly valued service, with calls being managed by experienced
      nurses. Increasingly, local commissioners are placing greater emphasis on
      supporting care at home and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, and advice
      lines seem to be an effective way of facilitating this.

PMID- 22068120
TI  - Evaluating a fast-track discharge service for patients wishing  to die at home.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The UK Department of Health's End of Life Care Strategy highlighted
      the low percentage of patients who achieve their wish to die at home (~20%).
      Figures in south west London were below the London regional average. This paper
      reports an attempt to improve the proportion of patients from one hospital in the
      area achieving their preferred place of death. METHODOLOGY: A funded initiative
      by two local primary care trusts allowed the development of a 7-day-per-week fast
      track discharge service provided by the hospital palliative care team. The
      hospital team acted as coordinators, ensured that the correct medication and
      equipment would be available at the home, and personally transferred the patients
      to community services. RESULTS: Data is presented from the first representative
      period of fast-track discharging (June 2009-July 2010). A total of 110 discharges
      were facilitated over this time, with the rate increasing as the service
      developed. The vast majority of discharges occurred within 72 hours, and a
      significant number (~20%) occurred within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The data
      indicate that the new service is effective. There are logistical problems in
      providing such a service and these are discussed. Further work is required to
      determine the feasibility of extending this service model to other acute
      hospitals and to evaluate its health-economic impact.

PMID- 22068121
TI  - Nurse-family interaction in Malaysian palliative care settings: a focused
      literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care in Malaysia developed in the 1990s to improve the
      quality of life of people with advanced cancer. Like many other countries,
      Malaysia faces its own challenges in providing palliative care to patients and
      their families. In Malaysian culture, families play a significant part in
      providing care to the dying. Connecting with families in patient care is
      therefore important. This paper reports a focused literature review evaluating
      studies on the care of the families of terminally ill people in palliative care
      environments in Malaysia. METHOD: The search engines CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO,
      and Google Scholar were searched for literature published from January 2000 to
      April 2010 relating to family care in palliative care environments. Due to a
      paucity of research on family care in Malaysia, the search was broadened to
      include relevant studies on family care internationally. RESULTS: Four themes
      were identified: delivering palliative care in Malaysia, communicating with
      families, crossing cultural boundaries, and the caring experience of nurses.
      CONCLUSION: The studies indicate the importance of the nurse-family interaction
      in providing optimal and culturally appropriate palliative care. This paper
      emphasizes the need for research into the nurse's role in family care and for
      developing a theory appropriate to the Malaysian culture and other countries with
      cultural diversity.

PMID- 22068123
TI  - Politics and palliative care:  Germany.
AB  - Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing.

PMID- 22068124
TI  - Infusion of Mg in humans acutely reduces serum insulin levels: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infusion of Mg for therapeutic purposes is still a matter for debate.
      Dosages vary considerably, yet subclinical effects on normal physiology are
      largely ignored. In human and animal models, interactions between Mg and insulin
      exist, thus we have investigated the effect of infusing Mg on serum insulin,
      ionised Mg (Mg(2+)) and Ca (Ca(2+)) and plasma glucose in human volunteers.
      METHODS: Six male volunteers were infused with magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4))
      dissolved in normal saline, using a high-dose "loading" bolus, followed by a
      lower-level "maintenance" period. FINDINGS: Serum Mg(2+) rose rapidly throughout
      the bolus infusion, declined during the maintenance phase, but remained higher
      than pre-infusion levels throughout the experimental period; serum Ca(2+) rose
      when serum Mg(2+) was highest. Infusion of MgSO(4) had no effect on heart rate or
      blood pressure, but caused a rapid, pronounced drop in circulating fasting
      insulin (p<0.0005), which slowly recovered to basal values during the course of
      the maintenance infusion. A slight, transient rise in plasma glucose (p<0.05)
      concomitant with the decline in serum insulin was also observed. INTERPRETATION:
      It is possible that the effect of Mg(2+) on insulin may have been due to
      antagonism of Ca(2+) entry in pancreatic beta-cells, the insulin decline causing
      a subsequent rise in circulating glucose levels. We suggest that these effects of
      MgSO(4) infusions should be considered where the aim is to achieve high doses of
      blood Mg(2+) levels by clinical intervention.

PMID- 22068126
TI  - Reproductive and developmental hazards.

PMID- 22068125
TI  - Natural recovery from antiglomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis is
      associated with glomeruli-infiltrating CD8alpha+CD11c+MHC class II+ cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: In an antiglomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis (GN)
      model, GN-resistant Lewis (LEW) rats naturally recover from early glomerular
      inflammation (days 21-23). We have previously identified a glomeruli-infiltrating
      CD8alpha(+)CD11(high)MHC II(+) cell (GIL CD8alpha(+) cell) in GN-prone Wistar
      Kyoto (WKY) rats, which terminates glomerular inflammation through inducing T
      cell apoptosis prior to glomerular fibrosis at days 35-40. We investigated if GIL
      CD8alpha(+) cells were also associated with the recovery in LEW rats. METHODS:
      GIL CD8alpha(+) cells in LEW rats were characterized; their infiltration was
      observed in connection with T cell apoptosis in glomeruli. RESULTS: An influx of
      GIL CD8alpha(+) cells into inflamed glomeruli was confirmed in the immunized LEW
      rats at days 17-22, which was much earlier than days 28-35 in WKY rats. Notably,
      LEW rats had a GIL CD8alpha(+)CD11(high) subpopulation after day 17, while WKY
      rats lacked this population until after day 30. Analyses further revealed a large
      number of clustered apoptotic CD4(+) or CD3(+) T cells in the glomeruli during
      recovery (day 23) in LEW rats, as compared to day 35 (transition to fibrosis) in
      WKY rats. Thus, infiltration of GIL CD8alpha(+) cells coincided with decline of
      glomerular inflammation and T cell apoptosis during recovery in LEW rats.
      Isolated GIL CD8alpha(+) cells were able to infiltrate glomeruli in both WKY and
      LEW rats at day 20. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed a strong association between
      GIL CD8a+ cells and recovery from early glomerular inflammation. It raises a
      possibility of involvement of GIL CD8a+ cells in the recovery.

PMID- 22068127
TI  - Are we focusing enough workplace wellness efforts on female workers?

PMID- 22068128
TI  - Short-term and long-term weight management results of a large employer-sponsored
      wellness program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the weight management results of Healthy Incentives, an
      employer-sponsored wellness program started in 2006 by King County, Washington.
      METHODS: Changes in body mass index (BMI) and the percentages of those who lost
      5% and 10% were compared for first-year participants, 5-year participants, and
      respondents to the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS). RESULTS: A total of
      19,559 first-year participants lost weight on average, while the comparative MEPS
      sample gained weight, -0.80% versus 0.31% (P < 0.01). A total of 10,432 5-year
      participants also lost weight on average but not as much as during the first
      year, -0.47% versus -0.80% (P = 0.01). More obese first-year participants lost 5%
      of BMI than the MEPS sample, 28.5% versus 23.2% (P < 0.01). Thirty eight percent
      of obese 5-year participants lost 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy Incentives achieved
      significant weight management benefits for both first-year and 5-year
      participants.

PMID- 22068129
TI  - Occupational injury surveillance using the Washington State Trauma Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Traumatic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among
      US workers, yet state trauma registries are rarely used for occupational
      research. Many, including the Washington State Trauma Registry, include
      information about work-relatedness. The objective is to explore and document the
      Washington State Trauma Registry as a resource for occupational injury
      surveillance and research. METHODS: State-designated trauma facilities report
      traumatic injuries meeting specific inclusion criteria to the Washington State
      Trauma Registry. This study included 16+ year-olds injured in Washington during
      1998 to 2008. RESULTS: Of 125,625 injuries, 7.3% were work related. We found no
      evidence of downward trends in traumatic occupational injuries (2003 to 2008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Capturing industry and occupation would enhance utility for
      occupational injury surveillance and research. Trauma registry data could
      contribute to prevention planning/evaluation, improve case ascertainment for
      severe occupational injuries, and aid identification of high-risk populations and
      emerging trends.

PMID- 22068130
TI  - Lung cancer risk attributable to occupational exposures in a multicenter case
      control study in Central and Eastern Europe.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the lung cancer risk attributable to occupational lung
      carcinogens. METHODS: Information was collected through interviews from 2624
      newly diagnosed lung cancer cases and 2690 frequency-matched controls in Central
      and Eastern Europe. Industrial hygiene experts evaluated exposure to 70
      occupational agents. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were
      estimated using unconditional logistic regression and attributable fractions (AF)
      by Miettinen's formula. RESULTS: Exposure to at least one occupational lung
      carcinogen resulted in an AF of 7.9% in men and 1.4% in women. Metals and silica
      contributed the most to the AF. The AF was highest for squamous cell carcinoma
      among men (11.4%) and for small cell carcinoma among women (7.1%); the effect of
      occupational lung carcinogens was stronger overall among current smokers.
      CONCLUSION: This estimation of the AF of occupational lung carcinogens is
      comparable to that estimated in other European studies, and cannot alone explain
      the high lung cancer rates in Central and Eastern Europe.

PMID- 22068131
TI  - Soft-tissue sarcoma and pesticides exposure in men: results of a Canadian case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate the putative associations of
      specific pesticides with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). METHODS: A Canadian
      population-based case-control study conducted in six provinces was used in this
      analysis. The study design consisted of two stages: a self-administered postal
      questionnaire and a telephone interview for those reporting pesticides exposure
      of 10 hours per year or more; and a 15% random sample of the remainder.
      Conditional logistic regression was used to fit the statistical models. RESULTS:
      A positive history of cancer among first-degree relatives and exposure to aldrin
      and diazinon were statistically significant independent predictors of an
      increased risk for STS, whereas diagnosis of whopping cough lowered the risk of
      STS. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of STS was associated with specific insecticides
      after adjustment for other independent predictors.

PMID- 22068132
TI  - Why are physicians subject to clinical guidelines?

PMID- 22068136
TI  - Current world literature.

PMID- 22068135
TI  - Site-selective modification of proteins for the synthesis of structurally defined
      multivalent scaffolds.
AB  - A combination of classical site-directed mutagenesis, genetic code engineering
      and bioorthogonal reactions delivered a chemically modified barstar protein with
      one or four carbohydrates installed at specific residues. These protein
      conjugates were employed in multivalent binding studies, which support the use of
      proteins as structurally defined scaffolds for the presentation of multivalent
      ligands.

PMID- 22068138
TI  - Challenging the received wisdom.

PMID- 22068139
TI  - Necrosis in breast cancer patients with skin metastases receiving bevacizumab
      based therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bevacizumab has entered daily practice in advanced breast cancer
      patients, in whom skin metastases occurrence is a common event. Wound healing
      impairment has been described with bevacizumab, and this study looks at possible
      deleterious side effects of bevacizumab in patients with skin metastases. METHOD:
      We retrospectively reviewed a series of 12 patients with advanced breast cancer
      presenting extensive skin metastases, and who received bevacizumab based therapy.
      RESULTS: Nine patients who initially presented with erosive skin lesions
      developed extensive and durable skin necrosis, as well as delayed healing of
      surgical flaps, despite early discontinuation of bevacizumab therapy and
      intensive skin care in a specialised unit. Skin necrosis was usually associated
      with extensive tumoural involvement of the skin. CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab may be
      harmful in selected breast cancer patients with metastatic cutaneous involvement.

PMID- 22068140
TI  - An evaluation of the skin stripping of wound dressing adhesives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study looks at six different modern wound dressings to
      investigate how likely they are to cause skin stripping and impairment of the
      skin's barrier function. METHOD: Healthy volunteers had each dressing applied,
      removed and reapplied to the skin on their back over the study period of 15 days.
      Skin barrier function was investigated using the amount of transepidermal water
      loss (TEWL) and then related to the amount of skin stripping, investigated by
      measuring stained skin removal, the thickness of the stratum corneum after
      treatment, and the amount of skin attached to the removed dressings. General
      signs of trauma, such as skin dryness and erythema, were investigated by
      subjective and objective parameters. RESULTS: TEWL values measured on the
      untreated test area, as well as after application of Urgotul Trio, remained
      relatively unchanged and Mepilex Border decreased slightly (?1g/m2/h), while all
      other dressings displayed an increased in TEWL: Allevyn Adhesive (5g/m2/h),
      Versiva XC (14g/m2/h), Comfeel Plus (22g/m2/h) and Biatain (28g/m2/h). By the end
      of the study, only the untreated area (mean 43% dye remaining), Mepilex Border
      (76%) and Urgotul Trio (34%) areas had visible dye remaining. It is interesting
      to note that the untreated site had a colour change, suggesting loss of stratum
      corneum, due to the shedding of skin cells from the surface. The increase in
      total skin colour for Comfeel Plus and Biatain after day 8 might be assigned to
      an increased redness due to erythema. All the dressings showed evidence of
      stratum corneum attached to the adhesive, except Mepilex Border, which appeared
      to be free of any attached stratum corneum. CONCLUSION: Overall the best
      performance in terms of skin protection and failure to cause skin trauma was
      found to be for Mepilex Border. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: This project was funded by
      a grant from Molnlycke Healthcare Ltd.

PMID- 22068141
TI  - Wound healing through synergy of hyaluronan and an iodine complex.
AB  - Hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), is a polysaccharide found in many
      locations in the human body, such as eye, skin and soft tissue. It is also found
      in other mammals and bacteria. As a component of the extracellular matrix, its
      role in wound repair, among others, is that of providing a temporary structure to
      support new tissue formation. Harnessing the therapeutic action of hyaluronan
      into a topical application of proven clinical benefit has proved challenging. A
      new development in hyaluronan technology, comprising sodium hyaluronate and
      iodine complex, offers a novel approach in exploiting the benefits of hyaluronan
      and delivering real clinical benefits for a wide range of wound types.

PMID- 22068142
TI  - Wound dressings and other topical treatment modalities in bioburden control.
AB  - Reduction of wound bioburden has traditionally been achieved by the use of
      topical antimicrobial agents, such as bactericidal antiseptics or antibiotics.
      This has worked well for many years, however, concerns about toxicity and
      resistance have prompted research into other mechanisms. There are various means
      of removing bacteria from the wound, without recourse to chemical agents; for
      example, larvae (maggots) ingest bacteria, together with the devitalised tissue
      of the wound, while the control of exudate restricts the availability of free
      water, impeding the growth of water-loving bacteria. The discovery that some
      materials selectively adsorb, or sequester, bacteria has led to the development
      of bacteriostatic dressing materials, which do not rely on antiseptics for their
      action. These are designed to physically remove microorganisms, such as bacteria,
      from the wound, thus reducing bioburden. However, this still demands validation
      as a clinically relevant mechanism. Until that time, it remains a fascinating
      theoretical concept.  This is a chapter taken from the book Microbiology of
      Wounds, published by CRC Press in 2010.

PMID- 22068143
TI  - Extended leg infection of diabetic foot ulcers: risk factors and outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for extension of infection to the leg in
      diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and to evaluate its role as a prognostic measure
      regarding limb salvage and healing time. METHOD: This retrospective case-control
      study took place in Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic (JADC) during 2006-2008. Forty-eight
      patients diagnosed with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) with the infection extending
      to the leg (case group) were compared with an equal number of patients with a DFU
      without extension (control group). Risk factors for extension were identified by
      univariate analysis and both groups were compared with regard to limb salvage and
      healing time. RESULTS: Previous history of toe amputation was more frequent in
      the case group (p=0.004). The case group patients were significantly more likely
      to present with fever (p=0.01), pallor (p=0.02), confusion (p=0.04), and necrosis
      (p=0.004). Ulcers located in the heel were more frequent in the case group when
      compared with controls (p=0.0001) while more toes ulcers were found in the
      control group (p=0.001). A significant number of patients in the case group had
      an ulcer of more than 5cm diameter compared with those in the control group
      (p=0.001). The total number of patients presented with severe disease (Wagner
      grade 3-5) was significantly more in the case group compared with controls
      (p=0.004). Patients with severe infection (grade 4) were more in the case group
      compared with the controls (p=0.04). There were no significant differences
      between the two groups with regard to major and minor amputation rate. The case
      group had a longer duration of healing when compared with the controls. Seventy
      five per cent of the controls healed by 6 months (n=31) compared with 22% in the
      case group (n=8 ; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Toe amputation, wound located in the
      heel, wound size more than 5cm and advanced Wagner grade (3-5) and severe sepsis,
      grade 4, may be considered as risk factors for extension of infection to the leg
      in DFU. However, this extension did not carry a poor prognostic value to the
      final outcome if adequate therapeutic measures were followed.

PMID- 22068144
TI  - Innovation in tissue viability documentation for acute services.
AB  - This paper discusses the developmental process, outcome and delivery of an
      innovative approach to standardising tissue viability documentation across two
      sites within Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, following the results of
      benchmarking pressure ulcer preventive care strategies and recommendations from
      pressure ulcer root cause analysis. It reflects upon the process, highlighting
      the lessons learnt.

PMID- 22068145
TI  - Functional analysis reveals the possible role of the C-terminal sequences and PI
      motif in the function of lily (Lilium longiflorum) PISTILLATA (PI) orthologues.
AB  - Two lily (Lilium longiflorum) PISTILLATA (PI) genes, Lily MADS Box Gene 8 and 9
      (LMADS8/9), were characterized. LMADS9 lacked 29 C-terminal amino acids including
      the PI motif that was present in LMADS8. Both LMADS8/9 mRNAs were prevalent in
      the first and second whorl tepals during all stages of development and were
      expressed in the stamen only in young flower buds. LMADS8/9 could both form
      homodimers, but the ability of LMADS8 homodimers to bind to CArG1 was relatively
      stronger than that of LMADS9 homodimers. 35S:LMADS8 completely, and 35S:LMADS9
      only partially, rescued the second whorl petal formation and partially converted
      the first whorl sepal into a petal-like structure in Arabidopsis pi-1 mutants.
      Ectopic expression of LMADS8-C (with deletion of the 29 amino acids of the C
      terminal sequence) or LMADS8-PI (with only the PI motif deleted) only partially
      rescued petal formation in pi mutants, which was similar to what was observed in
      35S:LMADS9/pi plants. In contrast, 35:LMADS9+L8C (with the addition of the 29
      amino acids of the LMADS8 C-terminal sequence) or 35S:LMADS9+L8PI (with the
      addition of the LMADS8 PI motif) demonstrated an increased ability to rescue
      petal formation in pi mutants, which was similar to what was observed in
      35S:LMADS8/pi plants. Furthermore, ectopic expression of LMADS8-M (with the MADS
      domain truncated) generated more severe dominant negative phenotypes than those
      seen in 35S:LMADS9-M flowers. These results revealed that the 29 amino acids
      including the PI motif in the C-terminal region of the lily PI orthologue are
      valuable for its function in regulating perianth organ formation.

PMID- 22068147
TI  - Do viral infections mimic bacterial sepsis? The role of microvascular
      permeability: A review of mechanisms and methods.
AB  - A dysregulated immune response and functional immunosuppression have been
      considered the major mechanisms of the bacterial sepsis syndrome. More recently,
      the loss of endothelial barrier function and resultant microvascular leak have
      been found to be a key determinant of the pathogenesis of bacterial sepsis.
      Whether a similar paradigm applies to systemic viral syndromes is not known.
      Answering this question has far-reaching implications for the development of
      future anti-viral therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview
      of the structure and function of the endothelium and how its barrier integrity is
      compromised in bacterial sepsis. The various in vitro and in vivo methodologies
      available to investigate vascular leak are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the
      advantages and limitations of cell culture techniques, which represent the most
      commonly used methods. Within this context, we appraise recent studies of three
      viruses - hantavirus, human herpes virus 8 and dengue virus - that suggest
      microvascular leak may play a role in the pathogenesis of these viral infections.
      We conclude with a discussion of how endothelial barrier breakdown may occur in
      other viral infections such as H5N1 avian influenza virus.

PMID- 22068146
TI  - Solanum lycopersicum cytokinin response factor (SlCRF) genes: characterization of
      CRF domain-containing ERF genes in tomato.
AB  - Cytokinin is an influential hormone in growth and developmental processes across
      many plant species. While several cytokinin-regulated genes have been well
      characterized in Arabidopsis, few have been identified in tomato, Solanum
      lycopersicum. Here a tomato family of 11 highly related cytokinin response factor
      genes designated as SlCRF1-SlCRF11 (Solanum lycopersicum cytokinin response
      factor) are identified and characterized. SlCRFs are AP2/ERF transcription
      factors and generally orthologous to Arabidopsis CRF clade members (AtCRFs). Some
      SlCRF genes lack a direct Arabidopsis orthologue and one SlCRF has a unique
      protein domain arrangement not seen in any other CRF protein. Expression analysis
      of SlCRF1-SlCRF11 revealed differential patterns and levels across plant tissues
      examined (leaf, stem, root and flower). Several SlCRFs show induction by
      cytokinin to various degrees, similar to AtCRFs. Additionally it is shown that
      some SlCRFs can be regulated by other factors, including NaCl, ethylene, methyl
      jasmonate, and salicylic acid. Examination of SlCRF proteins in transient
      Agrobacterium infiltration experiments indicates they can be nuclear localized in
      planta. Using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (split-yellow
      fluorescent protein) system, it is also shown that SlCRF proteins can interact to
      form homo- and heterodimers. Overall this work indicates that some SlCRFs
      resemble previously identified CRFs in terms of structure, expression, and
      cytokinin regulation. However, SlCRFs have novel CRF protein forms and responses
      to abiotic factors, suggesting they may have a diverse set of roles in stress and
      hormone regulation in tomato.

PMID- 22068148
TI  - SP600125 inhibits Orthopoxviruses replication in a JNK1/2 -independent manner:
      Implication as a potential antipoxviral.
AB  - The pharmacological inhibitor SP600125 [anthra(1,9-cd)pyrazol-6(2H)-one 1,9
      pyrazoloanthrone] has been largely employed as a c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2)
      inhibitor. In this study, we evaluated whether pretreatment with SP600125 was
      able to prevent Orthopoxviruses Vaccinia virus (VACV), Cowpox virus (CPXV) and
      modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) replication. We found that incubation with
      SP600125 not only blocked virus-stimulated JNK phosphorylation, but also,
      significantly reduced virus production. We observed 1-3 log decline in viral
      yield depending on the cell line infected (A31, BSC-40 or BHK-21). The reduction
      in viral yield correlated with a dramatic impact on virus morphogenesis progress,
      intracellular mature viruses (IMV) were barely detected. Despite the fact that
      SP600125 can act as an efficient anti-orthopoxviral compound, we also provide
      evidence that this antiviral effect is not specifically exerted through JNK1/2
      inhibition. This conclusion is supported by the fact that viral titers measured
      after infections of JNK1/2 knockout cells were not altered as compared to those
      of wild-type cells. In contrast, a decline in viral titers was verified when the
      infection of KO cells was carried out in the presence of the pharmacological
      inhibitor. SP600125 has been the focus of recent studies that have evaluated its
      action on diverse viral infections including DNA viruses. Our data support the
      notion that SP600125 can be regarded as a potential antipoxviral compound.

PMID- 22068149
TI  - Acute pharmacokinetics of memantine in the mouse.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics of memantine, a widely prescribed medication in the United
      States and the European Union for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), have not been well explored in the mouse. Memantine is a highly
      unspecific blocker of many channels and how memantine may be of benefit in AD
      remains a mystery. Therefore, the investigation of memantine in the mouse, the
      most commonly chosen subject for modeling AD, has strong potential to lead to
      better therapies. Here, we present an acute pharmacokinetic analysis of memantine
      in mouse brain tissue and blood serum for a variety of experimentally relevant
      doses. The data help shed light on the mechanism of memantine action in vivo, and
      demonstrate that subcutaneous doses above 10 mg/kg in the mouse are most likely
      not therapeutically relevant to the human.

PMID- 22068150
TI  - Physicochemical properties of imidazolium-derived ionic liquids with different C
      2 substitutions.
AB  - Five room temperature ionic liquids based on C-2 substituted imidazolium cations
      and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anions were synthesized and their
      physicochemical properties: thermal property, density, viscosity, ionic
      conductivity, self-diffusion coefficients, and electrochemical stability, were
      systematically investigated. The temperature dependence of both viscosity and
      ionic conductivities of these ionic liquids can be described by the Vogel-Fulcher
      Tamman (VFT) equation. Compared with the reference, 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, the introduction of functional groups at the
      C-2 position generally increased the viscosity and lowered the ionic
      conductivity. The introduction of an ether group (-CH(2)OCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH(3)) at
      the C-2 position not only enhanced the reduction stability of the ionic liquids
      but also exhibited the lowest solid electrolyte interfacial resistance (R(SEI)).
      In contrast, the introduction of a cyano group (-CN) at the C-2 position not only
      decreased the reduction stability but also adversely increased the SEI
      resistance. The effect of the C-2 substitution on the reduction stability was
      explained by the change in the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular
      orbital. The self-diffusion coefficients (D) of each ion were measured by pulsed
      field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR). The lithium transference
      number (t(Li)) of 0.5 M LiTFSI/IL solutions calculated from the self-diffusion
      coefficients was in the range of 0.04 to 0.09.

PMID- 22068151
TI  - Dasatinib as salvage therapy for steroid refractory and imatinib resistant or
      intolerant sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease.
AB  - Sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease (scGVHD) is a severe form of this
      disease that resembles systemic sclerosis and has limited and disappointing
      treatment options. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting up-regulated
      profibrotic pathways, such as imatinib mesylate, have been proposed as a
      potential therapeutic approach for patients with scGVHD. Dasatinib, a second
      generation TKI with a well-established safety and efficacy profile in chronic
      myeloid leukemia patients, who are refractory or intolerant to imatinib, has also
      shown potent antifibrotic effects. We present here the first direct clinical
      evidence, from 3 patients treated in a small single-center series, suggesting
      that dasatinib can be a therapeutic option for patients with severe scGVHD
      resistant or intolerant to imatinib. All patients achieved partial response, with
      improvement in scGHVD target organs severity, joint mobility, lung impairment,
      and deep fibrotic lesions. This clinical response has remained stable or
      continued to improve after a median of 22 months (20-25) on dasatinib treatment,
      with very good tolerance. In addition, corticosteroids could be discontinued or
      significantly reduced in all patients. This clinical evidence suggests that
      dasatinib could be a safe and effective alternative for scGVHD patients
      refractory to corticosteroids and resistant or intolerant to imatinib. Based on
      these preliminary findings, and in order to address appropriate patient
      selection, time of intervention, and choice of drug, future larger studies should
      more formally establish the efficacy and safety of second-generation TKI for the
      treatment of scGVHD.

PMID- 22068152
TI  - Measurement of the proximity effect for indoor air pollutant sources in two
      homes.
AB  - Personal exposure to air pollutants can be substantially higher in close
      proximity to an active source due to non-instantaneous mixing of emissions. The
      research presented in this paper quantifies this proximity effect for a non
      buoyant source in 2 naturally ventilated homes in Northern California (CA),
      assessing its spatial and temporal variation and the influence of factors such as
      ventilation rate on its magnitude. To quantify how proximity to residential
      sources of indoor air pollutants affects human exposure, we performed 16 separate
      monitoring experiments in the living rooms of two detached single-family homes.
      CO (as a tracer gas) was released from a point source in the center of the room
      at a controlled emission rate for 5-12 h per experiment, while an array of 30-37
      real-time monitors simultaneously measured CO concentrations with 15 s time
      resolution at radial distances ranging from 0.25-5 m under a range of ventilation
      conditions. Concentrations measured in close proximity (within 1 m) to the source
      were highly variable, with 5 min averages that typically varied by >100-fold.
      This variability was due to short-duration (<1 min) pollutant concentration peaks
      ("microplumes") that were frequently recorded in close proximity to the source.
      We decomposed the random microplume component from the total concentrations by
      subtracting predicted concentrations that assumed uniform, instantaneous mixing
      within the room and found that these microplumes can be modeled using a 3
      parameter lognormal distribution. Average concentrations measured within 0.25 m
      of the source were 6-20 times as high as the predicted well-mixed concentrations.

PMID- 22068153
TI  - Children's Appraisals of their Experiences in Out-of-Home Care.
AB  - Few studies have asked children directly about their experiences in out-of-home
      care. This study uses data collected from 180 nine- to-11-year-old children
      currently in out-of-home care who were asked about their perceptions and
      appraisals of out-of-home care. Analysis of variance and chi-square analyses were
      used to examine whether children's appraisals of their lives following removal
      from their families of origin differ as a function of age, gender,
      race/ethnicity, type and severity of maltreatment, length of time in out-of-home
      care, placement type, attachment to current caregivers, and rating of current
      caregiver/home. Youth who were sexually and emotionally abused, youth who were
      satisfied with their current caregivers and placements, and girls were more
      likely to state that their lives would have been worse had they remained with
      their families of origin. Youth who were physically abused were more likely to
      report that their lives would have remained the same. Children living in group
      care were more likely than those living in family foster care or with kin to
      report that their lives would have been better had they remained with their
      families of origin. Differences were not found between children living in family
      foster care and those living with kin nor did children's appraisals differ based
      on age, race, ethnicity, length of time in out-of-home care, neglect, or severity
      of maltreatment.

PMID- 22068154
TI  - Crystal structure of NAD+-dependent Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus glutamate
      dehydrogenase reveals determinants of cofactor specificity.
AB  - Glutamate dehydrogenases (EC 1.4.1.2-4) catalyse the oxidative deamination of l
      glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate using NAD(P) as a cofactor. The bacterial
      enzymes are hexamers and each polypeptide consists of an N-terminal substrate
      binding (Domain I) followed by a C-terminal cofactor-binding segment (Domain II).
      The reaction takes place at the junction of the two domains, which move as rigid
      bodies and are presumed to narrow the cleft during catalysis. Distinct signature
      sequences in the nucleotide-binding domain have been linked to NAD(+) vs. NADP(+)
      specificity, but they are not unambiguous predictors of cofactor preferences.
      Here, we have determined the crystal structure of NAD(+)-specific Peptoniphilus
      asaccharolyticus glutamate dehydrogenase in the apo state. The poor quality of
      native crystals was resolved by derivatization with selenomethionine, and the
      structure was solved by single-wavelength anomalous diffraction methods. The
      structure reveals an open catalytic cleft in the absence of substrate and
      cofactor. Modeling of NAD(+) in Domain II suggests that a hydrophobic pocket and
      polar residues contribute to nucleotide specificity. Mutagenesis and isothermal
      titration calorimetry studies of a critical glutamate at the P7 position of the
      core fingerprint confirms its role in NAD(+) binding. Finally, the cofactor
      binding site is compared with bacterial and mammalian enzymes to understand how
      the amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures may distinguish between
      NAD(+) vs. NADP(+) recognition.

PMID- 22068155
TI  - Metallothionein as a clonable high-density marker for cryo-electron microscopy.
AB  - Cryo-electron microscopy is expanding its scope from macromolecules towards much
      larger and more complex cellular specimens such as organelles, cells and entire
      tissues. While isolated macromolecular specimens are typically composed of only
      very few different components that may be recognized by their shape, size or
      state of polymerization, cellular specimens combine large numbers of
      proteinaceous structures as well as nucleic acids and lipid arrays. Consequently,
      an unambiguous identification of these structures within the context of a whole
      cell may create a very difficult challenge. On plastic-embedded specimens, or
      Tokuyasu sections (Tokuyasu, 1980), epitopes that are exposed at the surface can
      be tagged by antibodies. However, vitrified sections have to be kept at strict
      cryo-conditions (below -140  degrees C) and therefore do not allow any post
      sectioning treatment of the specimens other than data acquisition in the
      microscope. Hence, the labels have to be placed into the specimen before
      freezing. Here we report on the application of a small metal-clustering protein,
      metallothionein (MTH), as a clonable label capable of clustering metal atoms into
      a high-density particle with high spatial resolution. We tested MTH as a label
      for kinesin-decorated microtubules (MTs) as well as the building blocks of desmin
      intermediate filaments (IFs).

PMID- 22068156
TI  - Sargassumol, a novel antioxidant from the brown alga Sargassum micracanthum.

PMID- 22068157
TI  - Possible structural role of the disaccharide unit in Fe-bleomycin before and
      after oxygen activation.
AB  - Our previous investigation of the solution structure of Fe(II)-bleomycin pointed
      toward the carbamoyl group in the mannose moiety or a water molecule as possible
      alternative axial ligands to the metal center in this metallo-bleomycin. The
      possibility of a solvent molecule occupying the apical position trans to the
      primary amine has not been ruled out yet. In order to explore this possibility
      even further, the coordination chemistry of azide-bound Fe(II)-bleomycin was
      investigated with the use of NMR applied to paramagnetic molecules. Fe(II)- and
      apo-bleomycin were also re-visited. Comparison of the NMR results for both Fe(II)
      bound molecules obtained in the present study strongly suggests that the
      carbamoyl oxygen is ligated to Fe(II), and it is released from coordination upon
      azide binding. This event is suggested based on the diminished paramagnetic
      character exhibited by the carbohydrate moiety in Fe(II)-azide-bleomycin when
      compared with its parent metal complex. A possible structural role for the
      glucopyranose fragment, which changes throughout the process that starts with
      metallo-bleomycin formation and ends with DNA binding, is discussed. The study of
      the coordination of azide by Fe(II)-bleomycin through NMR has not been reported
      previously. Unlike magnetic CD data, NMR offers a residue-by-residue account of
      the possible structural changes that take place in Fe(II)-bleomycin after azide
      binding.

PMID- 22068158
TI  - Cytotoxic xanthone-anthraquinone heterodimers from an unidentified fungus of the
      order Hypocreales (MSX 17022).
AB  - Two new xanthone-anthraquinone heterodimers, acremoxanthone C (5) and
      acremoxanthone D (2), have been isolated from an extract of an unidentified
      fungus of the order Hypocreales (MSX 17022) by bioactivity-directed fractionation
      as part of a search for anticancer leads from filamentous fungi. Two known
      related compounds, acremonidin A (4) and acremonidin C (3) were also isolated, as
      was a known benzophenone, moniliphenone (1). The structures of these isolates
      were determined via extensive use of spectroscopic and spectrometric tools in
      conjunction with comparisons to the literature. All compounds (1-5) were
      evaluated against a suite of biological assays, including those for cytotoxicity,
      inhibition of the 20S proteasome, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and
      nuclear factor-kappaB.

PMID- 22068159
TI  - The non-canonical NOTCH ligand DLK1 exhibits a novel vascular role as a strong
      inhibitor of angiogenesis.
AB  - AIMS: The epidermal growth factor-like protein Delta-like 1 (DLK1) regulates
      multiple differentiation processes. It resembles NOTCH ligands structurally and
      is considered a non-canonical ligand. Given the crucial role of the NOTCH pathway
      in angiogenesis, we hypothesized that DLK1 could regulate angiogenesis by
      interfering with NOTCH. We therefore investigated the expression and function of
      DLK1 in the vascular endothelium and its role in the regulation of angiogenesis.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We report DLK1 expression in the endothelium of different
      species, including human, cow, pig, and mouse. Angiogenesis was studied by using
      in vitro and in vivo models of angiotube formation in endothelial cells, retinal
      phenotypes in Dlk1-null mice, and vessel development in zebrafish. DLK1
      overexpression strongly inhibited angiotube formation, whereas lung endothelial
      cells from Dlk1-null mice were highly angiogenic. In vivo studies demonstrated
      DLK1-mediated inhibition of neovessel formation and revealed an altered pattern
      of angiogenesis in the retinas of Dlk1-null mice. The expression of human DLK1 in
      zebrafish embryos severely altered the formation of intersegmental vessels, while
      knockdown of the orthologous gene was associated with ectopic and increased
      tumour-induced angiogenesis. NOTCH-dependent signalling as determined by gene
      expression reporters was inhibited by the presence of DLK1 in vascular
      endothelial cells. In contrast, Dlk1-null mice showed increased levels of NOTCH
      downstream targets, such as Snail and Slug. CONCLUSION: Our results unveil a
      novel inhibitory role for DLK1 in the regulation of angiogenesis, mediated by
      antagonism of the NOTCH pathway, and establish the basis for investigating its
      action in pathological settings.

PMID- 22068160
TI  - Roles of saturated vs. polyunsaturated fat in heart failure survival: not all
      fats are created equal.

PMID- 22068161
TI  - Treatment with selumetinib preserves cardiac function and improves survival in
      cardiomyopathy caused by mutation in the lamin A/C gene.
AB  - AIMS: Mutations in A-type nuclear lamins gene, LMNA, lead to a dilated
      cardiomyopathy. We have reported abnormal activation of the extracellular signal
      regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling in hearts from Lmna(H222P/H222P) mice,
      which develop dilated cardiomyopathy. We therefore determined whether an
      inhibitor of ERK1/2 signalling that has been investigated in clinical trials for
      cancer has the potential to be translated to humans with LMNA cardiomyopathy.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the relevance of this finding in mice to
      patients, we analysed the ERK1/2 signalling in heart tissue from human subjects
      with LMNA cardiomyopathy and showed that it was abnormally activated. To
      determine whether pharmacological inhibitors of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway
      could potentially be used to treat LMNA cardiomyopathy, we administered
      selumetinib to male Lmna(H222P/H222P) mice starting at 16 weeks of age, after
      they show signs of cardiac deterioration, up to 20 weeks of age. Selumetinib is
      an inhibitor of ERK1/2 signalling and has been given safely to human subjects in
      clinical trials for cancer. Systemic treatment with selumetinib inhibited cardiac
      ERK1/2 phosphorylation and blocked increased expression of RNAs encoding
      natriuretic peptide precursors and proteins involved in sarcomere architecture
      that occurred in placebo-treated mice. Echocardiography and histological analysis
      demonstrated that treatment increases cardiac fractional shortening, prevents
      myocardial fibrosis, and prolongs survival. Selumetinib treatment did not induce
      biochemical abnormalities suggestive of renal or hepatic toxicity. CONCLUSION:
      Our results suggest that selumetinib or other related inhibitors that have been
      safely administered to humans in clinical trials could potentially be used to
      treat LMNA cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22068163
TI  - Hepatitis B virus strains of subgenotype A2 with an identical sequence spreading
      rapidly from the capital region to all over Japan in patients with acute
      hepatitis B.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine recent trends of acute infection with hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) in Japan by nationwide surveillance and phylogenetic analyses. METHODS:
      During 1991 through 2009, a sentinel surveillance was conducted in 28 national
      hospitals in a prospective cohort study. Genotypes of HBV were determined in 547
      patients with acute hepatitis B. Nucleotide sequences in the preS1/S2/S gene of
      genotype A and B isolates were determined for phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: HBV
      genotype A was detected in 137 (25% (accompanied by genotype G in one)) patients,
      B in 48 (9%), C in 359 (66%), and other genotypes in the remaining three (0.5%).
      HBV persisted in five with genotype A including the one accompanied by genotype
      G; another was co-infected with HIV type 1. The genotype was A in 4.8% of
      patients during 1991-1996, 29.3% during 1997-2002, and 50.0% during 2003-2008 in
      the capital region, as against 6.5%, 8.5% and 33.1%, respectively, in other
      regions. Of the 114 genotype A isolates, 13 (11.4%) were subgenotype A1, and 101
      (88.6%) were A2, whereas of the 43 genotype B isolates, 10 (23.3%) were
      subgenotype B1, 28 (65.1%) were B2, two (4.7%) were B3, and three (7.0%) were B4.
      Sequences of 65 (64%) isolates of A2 were identical, as were three (23%) of A1,
      and five (18%) of B2, but none of the B1, B3 and B4 isolates shared a sequence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute infection with HBV of genotype A, subgenotype A2 in
      particular, appear to be increasing, mainly through sexual contact, and spreading
      from the capital region to other regions in Japan nationwide. Infection persisted
      in 4% of the patients with genotype A, and HBV strains with an identical sequence
      prevailed in subgenotype A2 infections. This study indicates the need for
      universal vaccination of young people to prevent increases in HBV infection in
      Japan.

PMID- 22068162
TI  - Interleukin-6-driven progranulin expression increases cholangiocarcinoma growth
      by an Akt-dependent mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating cancer of biliary
      origin with limited treatment options. The growth factor, progranulin, is
      overexpressed in a number of tumours. The study aims were to assess the
      expression of progranulin in cholangiocarcinoma and to determine its effects on
      tumour growth. METHODS: The expression and secretion of progranulin were
      evaluated in multiple cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and in clinical samples from
      patients with cholangiocarcinoma. The role of interleukin 6 (IL-6)-mediated
      signalling in the expression of progranulin was assessed using a combination of
      specific inhibitors and shRNA knockdown techniques. The effect of progranulin on
      proliferation and Akt activation and subsequent effects of FOXO1 phosphorylation
      were assessed in vitro. Progranulin knockdown cell lines were established, and
      the effects on cholangiocarcinoma growth were determined. RESULTS: Progranulin
      expression and secretion were upregulated in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and
      tissue, which were in part via IL-6-mediated activation of the
      ERK1/2/RSK1/C/EBPbeta pathway. Blocking any of these signalling molecules, by
      either pharmacological inhibitors or shRNA, prevented the IL-6-dependent
      activation of progranulin expression. Treatment of cholangiocarcinoma cells with
      recombinant progranulin increased cell proliferation in vitro by a mechanism
      involving Akt phosphorylation leading to phosphorylation and nuclear extrusion of
      FOXO1. Knockdown of progranulin expression in cholangiocarcinoma cells decreased
      the expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen, a marker of
      proliferative capacity, and slowed tumour growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence
      is presented for a role for progranulin as a novel growth factor regulating
      cholangiocarcinoma growth. Specific targeting of progranulin may represent an
      alternative for the development of therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22068164
TI  - Recombination of hepatitis B virus DNA in patients with HIV.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is a major cause of death in patients with HIV who
      usually receive drugs active against hepatitis B virus (HBV). The variability of
      HBV DNA over time has been little studied. Recombination between different HBV
      genotypes has been described in many cross-sectional studies, but the frequency
      of intergenotypic and intragenotypic recombinations in individual patients is
      unknown. METHODS: 32 HIV-positive and 11 HIV-negative patients who remained HBV
      viraemic despite antiviral therapy for at least 1 year were studied. Genotyping
      was based on line probe assays and genotype-specific PCR. The variability of HBV
      DNA over time was examined with restriction length and single-strand
      conformational polymorphism (RFLP-SSCP). HBV DNA sequences obtained by cloning a
      2800 bp PCR fragment were analysed for phylogenetic parameters (diversity and
      selection pressure) and recombination was detected with RDP3 software. RESULTS:
      Large fragments of HBV DNA could be amplified at two different time points in 33
      patients. Marked quasi-species modifications occurred in 14 patients. In seven of
      these patients and in one patient with no change detectable by RFLP-SSCP, the
      2800 bp fragment was cloned at two time points at least. In four (57%) of these
      seven patients, various intergenotypic or intragenotypic recombination events
      were detected between subvariants present in the initial quasi-species.
      Recombinant fragments mostly harboured antiviral resistance determinants and
      reflected a large increase in diversity and in positive selection pressure on the
      entire HBV quasi-species. CONCLUSIONS: In coinfected patients, HBV DNA
      recombination events are frequent during antiviral therapy, corresponding to
      increased positive selection pressure on the HBV quasi-species and to
      conservation of antiviral resistance mutations. In this population and at the
      individual level, recombination is a significant source of HBV genetic
      variability.

PMID- 22068165
TI  - Mesenteric fat in Crohn's disease: the hot spot of inflammation?

PMID- 22068166
TI  - Detection of pancreatic cancer tumours and precursor lesions by cathepsin E
      activity in mouse models.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth
      leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Surgical resection is the only
      effective treatment; however, only 20% of patients are candidates for surgery.
      The ability to detect early PDAC would increase the availability of surgery and
      improve patient survival. This study assessed the feasibility of using the
      enzymatic activity of cathepsin E (Cath E), a protease highly and specifically
      expressed in PDAC, as a novel biomarker for the detection of pancreas-bearing
      pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions and PDAC. METHODS: Pancreas
      from normal, chronic pancreatitis and PDAC patients was assessed for Cath E
      expression by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Human PDAC
      xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) of PDAC were injected
      with a Cath E activity selective fluorescent probe and imaged using an optical
      imaging system. RESULTS: The specificity of Cath E expression in PDAC patients
      and GEMM of pancreatic cancer was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and
      immunohistochemistry. The novel probe for Cath E activity specifically detected
      PDAC in both human xenografts and GEMM in vivo. The Cath E sensitive probe was
      also able to detect pancreas with PanIN lesions in GEMM before tumour formation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The elevated Cath E expression in PanIN and pancreatic tumours
      allowed in-vivo detection of human PDAC xenografts and imaging of pancreas with
      PanIN and PDAC tumours in GEMM. Our results support the usefulness of Cath E
      activity as a potential molecular target for PDAC and early detection imaging.

PMID- 22068167
TI  - Anti-TNF antibody therapy in Crohn's disease: the risk of a switch.

PMID- 22068168
TI  - Flt3 ligand expands CD103+ dendritic cells and FoxP3+ T regulatory cells, and
      attenuates Crohn's-like murine ileitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND; Imprinting an effector or regulatory phenotype on naive T cells
      requires education at induction sites by dendritic cells (DC). Objectives To
      analyse the effect of inflammation on the frequency of mononuclear phagocytes
      (MP) and the effect of altering their frequency by administration of Flt3-L in
      chronic ileitis. METHODS: Using a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) driven model of
      ileitis (ie, TNFDeltaARE) that recapitulates many features of Crohn's disease
      (CD), dynamic changes in the frequency and functional state of MP within the
      inflamed ileum were assessed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and real-time
      reverse-transcription PCR and by generating CX(3)CR1 GFP-reporter TNFDeltaARE
      mice. The effect of Flt3-L supplementation on the severity of ileitis, and the
      frequency of CD103(+) DC and of FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells was also studied in
      TNFDeltaARE mice. RESULTS: CD11c(Hi)/MHCII(+) MP accumulated in inflamed ilea,
      predominantly mediated by expansion of the CX(3)CR1(+) MP subpopulation. This
      coincided with a decreased pro-regulatory CD103(+) DC. The phenotype of these MP
      was that of activated cells, as they expressed increased CD80 and CD86 on their
      surface. Flt3-ligand administration resulted in a preferential expansion of
      CD103(+) DC that attenuated the severity of ileitis in 20-week-old TNFDeltaARE
      mice, mediated by increased CD4(+)/CD25(+)/FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results support a role for Flt3-L as a potential therapeutic agent
      in Crohn's-like ileitis.

PMID- 22068169
TI  - TNFalpha inhibitors restrict T cell activation and cycling via Notch-1 signalling
      in inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitors such as adalimumab
      and infliximab are frequently prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
      Despite the clinical success of TNFalpha inhibitors, their physiological mode of
      action is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mode
      of action of anti-TNFalpha agents in IBD. METHODS: It was hypothesised that Notch
      mediates anti-TNFalpha action in T cells. A study was carried out to identify
      Notch-1 as a link by which anti-TNFalpha antibodies mediate their inhibitory
      functions. RESULTS: TNFalpha inhibitors induced T cell apoptosis, inhibited
      activation, reduced cytokine secretion and restricted cell cycling. TNFalpha
      blockade at several levels showed that TNFalpha is responsible for inducing
      apoptosis by anti-TNFalpha but not for cell cycle restriction. By linking Notch
      and TNFalpha it was shown that (1) Notch-1 mucosal expression differs in inflamed
      and non-inflamed mucosa and increases in response to anti-TNFalpha treatment; (2)
      Notch-1 function is regulated by TNFalpha inhibitors; (3) Notch-1 binds to
      TNFalpha; and (4) Notch-1 inhibition prevents anti-TNFalpha-induced T cell cycle
      arrest but not apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: TNFalpha inhibitors potently inhibit T
      cell function. By demonstrating for the first time that Notch-1 mediates the
      inhibitory effects of adalimumab and infliximab on T cell cycling, this study
      reveals a new mode of action and also an underlying signalling pathway by which
      biological agents act in IBD.

PMID- 22068171
TI  - Occupational exposure to crack detection dye penetrants and the potential for
      bladder cancer.

PMID- 22068170
TI  - Progranulin and cholangiocarcinoma: another bad boy on the block!

PMID- 22068172
TI  - Increased alveolar nitric oxide and systemic inflammation markers in silica
      exposed workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to silica dust may cause inflammatory responses, primarily
      in the lungs, although systemic effects have also been reported. Alveolar
      inflammation can be demonstrated by increased alveolar concentration of nitric
      oxide (NO), but information on the effects of silica dust on exhaled NO is
      sparse. Inflammatory mediators including cytokines are known to take part in
      silica-induced processes, but the role of adipokines has not been studied
      previously. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the pulmonary and
      systemic inflammatory responses to occupational exposure to silica dust. METHODS:
      The authors examined 94 silica-exposed workers and 35 healthy volunteers. The
      authors also measured alveolar NO concentration, bronchial NO flux and the plasma
      levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, and the
      adipokines, adipsin, leptin, adiponectin and resistin. RESULTS: After adjusting
      for age, body mass index and pack-years of tobacco smoking, silica exposure was
      associated with significantly higher levels of alveolar NO (p=0.001), indicating
      inflammatory effects of silica in the peripheral lung. In addition, increased
      plasma concentrations of IL-6, adiponectin, adipsin and resistin were
      significantly associated with silica exposure (p=0.002, p=0.034, p<0.001 and
      p=0.048, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, measurement of alveolar NO
      concentration and plasma cytokine and adipokine levels seems to offer a modern
      means to demonstrate the inflammatory effects of exposure to silica. These
      measures might be useful in finding subjects with a significant immune response
      to silica particles and thus at higher risk of developing silicosis or other
      immunological diseases associated with exposure to silica, but further research
      is needed.

PMID- 22068173
TI  - Cadmium exposure and cancer mortality in the Third National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined prospective data from the Third National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) cohort to investigate the
      relationship between cadmium exposure and cancer mortality, and the specific
      cancers associated with cadmium exposure, in the general population. METHODS:
      Vital status and cause of death through 31 December 2006 were obtained by the
      National Center for Health Statistics for NHANES III participants. The cadmium
      concentration of spot urine samples was measured and corrected for urine
      creatinine (uCd). Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression with age as the
      time metric was applied to estimate sex-specific adjusted HRs (aHRs) of mortality
      associated with uCd for all cancers and the cancers responsible for the most
      deaths in the USA. Estimates were stratified by smoking history and adjusted for
      education, body mass index and race. RESULTS: uCd was associated with cancer
      mortality (aHR per twofold higher uCd (95% CI), men: 1.26 (1.07 to 1.48); women:
      1.21 (1.04 to 1.42)). In men, mortality from lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and
      non-Hodgkin lymphoma was associated with uCd; an association with leukaemia
      mortality was suggested. In women, associations were suggested with mortality due
      to lung cancer, leukaemia, ovarian and uterine cancer, but evidence was weaker
      than in men. CONCLUSIONS: Cadmium appears to be associated with overall cancer
      mortality in men and women, but the specific cancers associated differ between
      men and women, suggesting avenues for future research. Limitations of the study
      include the possibility of uncontrolled confounding by cigarette smoking or other
      factors, and the limited number of deaths due to some cancers.

PMID- 22068174
TI  - Occupational exposures and risk of stomach cancer by histological type.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between stomach cancer (SC), by
      histological type, and occupations and occupational exposures. METHODS: The
      authors conducted a hospital-based case-control study in south-east Spain.
      Subjects were 399 incident histological confirmed SC cases (241 intestinal and
      109 diffuse adenocarcinomas) and 455 controls frequency matched by sex, age and
      province of residence. Occupation was coded according to the Spanish National
      Classification of Occupations 1994. Occupational exposures were assessed by the
      FINJEM Job Exposure Matrix. ORs were estimated by unconditional logistic
      regression adjusting for matching variables and education, smoking, alcohol and
      diet. RESULTS: In men, statistically significant increased risk of the diffuse
      subtype was found for 'cooks' (OR 8.02), 'wood-processing-plant operators' (OR
      8.13) and 'food and related products machine operators' (OR 5.40); for the
      intestinal subtype, a borderline association was found for 'miners and quarry
      workers' (OR men 4.22, 95% CI 0.80 to 22.14). Significant increased risk was
      observed between the diffuse subtype of SC and the highest level of exposure to
      'pesticides' (OR(H) both sexes 10.39, 95% CI 2.51 to 43.02, p(trend)=0.02) and
      between the intestinal subtype and asbestos (OR(H) men 3.71, 95% CI 1.40 to 9.83,
      p(trend)=0.07). Restricted analyses of exposures of 15 years and longer showed
      significant associations between the diffuse subtype and the exposure to 'wood
      dust' (OR men 3.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the relationship previously
      suggested between SC and occupational exposure to dusty and high temperature
      environments. Several occupations may also increase the risk of diffuse SC but
      not the intestinal subtype.

PMID- 22068175
TI  - Residual cellular proliferation on the internal limiting membrane in macular
      pucker surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide pathology data on the completeness of epiretinal membrane
      (ERM) removal with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. METHODS:
      Twenty-two patients with idiopathic ERM formation underwent vitrectomy with ERM
      removal and subsequent staining of the vitreomacular interface with brilliant
      blue. If the ILM was still present after ERM removal, it was peeled off. Both ERM
      and ILM specimens were harvested in different containers and prepared for flat
      mount phase-contrast and interference microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and
      transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In 14 patients (64%), the ILM was
      still present at the macula after ERM removal. On average, 20% (range, 2-51%) of
      the total cell count was left behind at the ILM if the ERM was removed only.
      There were mainly glial cells on the ILM, and few hyalocytes. In nine eyes, the
      cells were forming cell clusters. In 8 patients (36%), both ERM and ILM were
      removed together. Electron microscopy showed cellular proliferation directly
      attached to the ILM in these eyes, whereas in the sequentially peeled group,
      there was collagen interposed between the ERM and the ILM. Surgical ERM removal
      resulted in splitting of the vitreous cortex in these eyes, leaving the ILM with
      residual cells behind. CONCLUSION: Simple ERM removal results in sufficient
      separation of fibrocellular tissue in one third of cases, only. In 2 of 3
      patients with idiopathic ERM, the vitreous cortex splits when the ERM is removed,
      leaving an average of 20% of the total cell count behind on the ILM. As these
      cells are capable of proliferation and causing ERM recurrence, staining of the
      ILM with subsequent removal seems beneficial in macular pucker surgery.

PMID- 22068176
TI  - Interdental cleaning behaviour and its relationship with psychological constructs
      based on the transtheoretical model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test the applicability of the
      Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to gain an understanding of interdental cleaning
      behaviour change in senior high school students (12th grade) in Iran. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Multistage cluster sampling was employed to recruit 361 senior high
      school students from 8 schools in Yazd City, Iran. This cross-sectional study
      took place from November 2008 to March 2009. Appropriate instruments were used to
      identify the stages of interdental cleaning behaviour and psychological
      attributes, including interdental cleaning behaviour, decisional balance, and
      self-efficacy. The statistical analysis of the data included descriptive
      statistics, t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: Of the 361 students, nearly 12.5% were in
      the maintenance stage, while 49.6% were in the pre-contemplation stage, with the
      rest distributed among the other stages of interdental cleaning behaviour change.
      There was a statistically significant difference in the stages of interdental
      cleaning behaviour change by gender. Self-efficacy and decisional balance
      differed significantly across the stages of interdental cleaning behaviour
      change. CONCLUSION: The TTM was found to be useful in determining the stages of
      interdental cleaning behaviour change among students. This study suggests the
      development of theory-based and empirically supported intervention strategies and
      programs to improve interdental cleaning behaviour with an emphasis on improving
      students' self-efficacy in this area.

PMID- 22068178
TI  - Do malocclusions affect the oral health-related quality of life?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between untreated
      malocclusions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in male
      adolescents of Mashad (Iran) high schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      observational cross-sectional descriptive study, 120 male students were randomly
      selected among Mashad (Iran) high schools. These students filled out an oral
      health-related quality of life questionnaire (the modified version of CPQ), and
      then they were clinically examined to determine their malocclusions according to
      the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON), and finally the relationship
      between these two variables was assessed with the Pearson correlation test.
      RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between ICON scores
      and the quality of life levels (P < 0.01). The assessment of four sections of the
      questionnaire showed that among these four sections (oral symptoms, functional
      limitations, emotional well-being, social well-being), only oral symptoms were
      significantly correlated with the ICON score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Malocclusion
      plays an important role in the oral health-related quality of life. However, the
      relationship between emotional well-being, social well-being and malocclusions
      was not as strong as in previous studies.

PMID- 22068177
TI  - Analysis of the effectiveness of different hygiene procedures used in dental
      prostheses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of bacterial plaque removal of six denture
      hygiene procedures used by patients to clean their dentures. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifteen students randomly divided into groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6
      used maxillary intraoral appliances for 24 h without cleaning them. Afterwards,
      the appliances were submitted to the following procedures: P1: washing under
      running water for 20 s; P2 and P3: cleaning with alkaline peroxide (Corega
      Tabs(r)) for 5 and 30 min, respectively; P4: brushing with water and liquid soap
      for 40 s; P5: alkaline hypochlorite for 10 minutes; P6: home use chlorine
      solution (Q'boa(r) at 0.45% for 10 min), throughout a period of 6 consecutive
      weeks. The procedures followed a circulating scheme, so that all the appliances
      were submitted to all the hygiene methods studied. After the hygiene procedures,
      the appliances were stained, photographed and submitted to the weighing method.
      RESULTS: After ANOVA and Tukey's test, differences were observed: P5 = 0.73 +/-
      0.3 (b), P6 = 1.27 +/- 0.4(b,c), P4 = 1.92 +/- 0.5 (b,c), P3 = 2.24 +/- 1.0
      (b,c), P2 = 7.53 +/- 2.5 (c) and P1 = 26.86 +/- 15. 3 (a). CONCLUSION: From the
      results of the study, it could be concluded that the use of alkaline hypochlorite
      is the best way to remove bacterial plaque, followed by the home-use chlorine
      solution and brushing with water and liquid soap. Corega Tabs(r) must be used for
      30 min of immersion to have a cleaning effectiveness similar to that of alkaline
      hypochlorite.

PMID- 22068179
TI  - Awareness and attitude of diabetic patients about their increased risk for oral
      diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess: 1) awareness of diabetic patients about their increased risk
      for oral diseases, 2) attitudes of diabetic patients towards maintaining good
      oral health through oral self-care and regular dental visits and 3) their sources
      of information on oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered
      questionnaire was used to assess the main objectives of the study. Two hundred
      diabetic patients ranging in age from 17 to 78 years old participated in the
      study. RESULTS: A majority of the participants had type 2 diabetes. The awareness
      of diabetic patients of their increased risk for oral diseases is low compared to
      their awareness of systemic diseases. Their attitude towards maintaining good
      oral health is poor. Of the participants, only 17% brush their teeth twice daily,
      61% never use dental floss, and 67% had not visited a dental clinic within the
      last year. Regarding participants' sources of awareness, 53% learned from a
      dentist and 30% through other media sources. A significant association (P < 0.05)
      was found between glycaemic control and oral infections and between duration of
      diabetes and denture problems. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients were found to have
      little awareness of their increased risk for oral diseases. In order to promote
      proper oral health and to reduce the risk of oral diseases, health professionals
      in both the dental and medical fields need to develop programs to educate the
      public about the oral manifestations of diabetes and its complications for oral
      health.

PMID- 22068180
TI  - Addressing tobacco control in dental practice: a survey of dentists' knowledge,
      attitudes and behaviours in India.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dental professionals are strategically placed to be the leaders in
      tobacco prevention and cessation as they provide preventive and therapeutic
      services to a basically healthy population on a regular basis. The objective of
      this study was to assess the tobacco cessation knowledge, attitudes and
      behaviours of dental practitioners in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A sampling frame of dentists enrolled in the Indian Dental
      Association (IDA), Kochi (Cochin) branch, practising in Ernakulam city, was
      obtained from the IDA. The letter describing the rationale for the study
      contained a 35-item pre-tested questionnaire and was personally delivered along
      with a stamped envelope. One hundred fourteen dentists returned a usable
      questionnaire. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS 12. Frequencies were
      calculated for all variables. RESULTS: Based on the responding dentists' self
      reports, 54.6% were not confident in tobacco cessation counselling, 10.6% never
      asked, 60.9% asked in 50% of their patients about tobacco use and 17.6% of the
      dentists surveyed were smokers themselves. Participating dentists perceived that
      they were interested in using tobacco cessation counselling, but were not sure of
      quitting rates in their patients. The average time spent counselling patients
      about tobacco cessation was less than 2 minutes. CONCLUSION: The dentists
      perceived that lack of formal training leads to less motivation about tobacco
      counselling and hence infrequently incorporated tobacco cessation into their
      dental practices. The cessation of tobacco habits among dentists is essential.

PMID- 22068181
TI  - Reproducibility of adjunct techniques for diagnosis of dental caries in an
      epidemiological situation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility of visual exams under natural light
      (VE1), visual exams under artificial light (VE2), radiographic bitewing exams
      (BW), fibre optic transillumination exams (FOTI) and DIAGNOdent exams (DD) in
      epidemiological settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three examiners and one
      benchmark examiner examined thirteen 12-year-old schoolchildren under
      epidemiological conditions for the D3 (carious lesions in dentin) and D1+D3
      (carious lesions in enamel or dentin) diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The
      reproducibility (intra/interexaminer agreement) under both diagnostic criteria
      was 'almost perfect' for the exams VE1 (D3: kappaintra = 0.91/kappainter = 0.85;
      D1+D3: kappaintra = 0.89/kappainter = 0.84), VE2 (D3: kappaintra =
      0.91/kappainter = 0.85; D1+D3: kappaintra = 0.88/kappainter = 0.83), BW (D3:
      kappaintra = 0.95/kappainter = 0.92; D1+D3: kappaintra = 0.99/kappainter = 0.90)
      and FOTI (D3: kappaintra = 0.97/kappainter = 0.93; D1+D3: kappaintra =
      0.87/kappainter = 0.83) exams and 'fair' for the DD exam (D3: kappaintra =
      0.36/kappainter = 0.35; D1+D3: kappaintra = 0.30/kappainter = 0.32). CONCLUSION:
      It was concluded that the VE1, VE2, BW, and FOTI exams presented good
      reproducibility under epidemiological conditions, and can be used accurately in
      epidemiological surveys.

PMID- 22068182
TI  - Comparative in vitro evaluation of efficacy of mouthrinses against Streptococcus
      mutans, Lactobacilli and Candida albicans.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to compare the relative antimicrobial
      efficacy of two commercially available mouthrinses, Hexidine (0.12% chlorhexidine
      mouthrinse) and S-Flo (0.2% sodium fluoride), and a laboratory-manufactured
      propolis mouthrinse (10%) tincture with a dilution of 1:5 with water and their
      combinations against Streptococcus mutans, lactobacilli and Candida albicans.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unstimulated saliva samples were obtained from the
      patients using the spitting method and the isolates of Streptococcus mutans,
      Lactobacillus and Candida albicans were obtained. The agar diffusion method was
      used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these test solutions and their
      combinations. RESULTS: Hexidine (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse) showed
      the best antimicrobial efficacy against all the tested microorganisms. The
      laboratory manufactured propolis mouthrinse showed an effective antimicrobial
      action only against Streptococcus mutans. The antimicrobial efficacy of propolis
      (P) against Streptococcus mutans was similar to that of chlorhexidine (CHX) and
      the combination of propolis with chlorhexidine (CHX+P). S-Flo mouthrinse (0.2%
      sodium fluoride) showed the least efficacy against Streptococcus mutans among all
      tested solutions, but had better efficacy than propolis against lactobacilli and
      Candida albicans. The antimicrobial efficacy of the combination of chlorhexidine
      and fluoride mouthrinse and the combination of chlorhexidine and propolis
      mouthrinse was less than chlorhexidine mouthwash alone. Among all the tested
      combinations, the combination of fluoride and propolis showed the least efficacy
      against all the tested microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The results of the study
      indicate that 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse (Hexidine) has the best
      anti-microbial efficacy against all the tested microorganisms, with laboratory
      manufactured propolis mouthrinse showing an equivalent efficacy against
      Streptococcus mutans only. No added advantage of using the tested mouthrinse
      combinations was observed.

PMID- 22068183
TI  - Effect of dentifrices against hydrochloric acid-induced erosion.
AB  - PURPOSE: This in vitro investigation assessed whether different dentifrices would
      be capable of controlling the enamel erosion progression caused by HCl. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Sixty bovine enamel slabs were covered with acid-resistant varnish,
      except for a 2.5-mm2 circular area on the labial surface. According to a complete
      block design, the experimental units were immersed in HCl solution (pH 1.2;
      0.1M). After storage in artificial saliva for 1 h, specimens (n = 15) were
      exposed to different dentifrices: Sensodyne Cool Gel (1100 ppm F), Sensodyne
      ProNamel (1450 ppm F), and PrevDent 5000 (5000 ppm F). The control group was
      immersed in deionised water. Following five cycles of erosive challenge, the
      slabs were prepared for porosity evaluation using solutions of copper sulfate and
      rubeanic acid. RESULTS: ANOVA demonstrated no difference in the enamel porosity
      as a function of the dentifrice employed (P = 0.5494). CONCLUSION: The damage
      caused by a simulated intrinsic erosive challenge seems unable to be controlled
      by fluoridated dentifrices, even when this ion is found in elevated
      concentrations.

PMID- 22068185
TI  - Oral hygiene and periodontal status among detainees in a juvenile detention
      center, India.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the oral hygiene and periodontal status and analyse the
      influence of age, education, institutionalization, type of visit and oral health
      behaviour on oral hygiene and periodontal status among detainees in juvenile
      detention center in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      total sample comprised 223 subjects (67.7% male and 32.3% female) aged 6 to 18
      years. Clinical examination included assessment of oral hygiene and periodontal
      status using OHI-S (Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified) and CPI (Community Periodontal
      Index), respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, Student t-test
      and stepwise multiple linear and multiple logistic regression analysis were
      carried out to find the relation between oral hygiene/ periodontal status and
      different independent variables. RESULTS: The results showed that the oral
      hygiene status of detainees was poor, with only 28.1% of the subjects having good
      oral hygiene. Mean OHI-S scores were significantly associated with all
      independent variables. Overall periodontal disease prevalence was 80.2% with
      bleeding and calculus contributing a major part (71.9%). Stepwise multiple linear
      and logistic regression analysis revealed that oral hygiene practice and type of
      visit in the detention center were the best predictors for the oral hygiene
      index, and for periodontal disease it was oral hygiene practice alone.
      CONCLUSION: The findings confirmed that detainees in the juvenile detention
      center have poor oral hygiene and an increased prevalence of periodontal disease
      compared to that of similarly ages in the general population.

PMID- 22068184
TI  - Plaque, gingival bleeding and calculus formation after supragingival scaling with
      and without polishing: a randomised clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of polishing after
      scaling and root planing on supragingival plaque, calculus formation, and
      gingival bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a split-mouth
      randomised clinical trial. Seventy-six patients were submitted to supragingival
      scaling on the six mandibular anterior teeth with manual curettes until a smooth
      surface was achieved. Subsequently, quadrants were randomly selected to be
      polished (test) or not (control) with a rubber cup and pumice. One, two and three
      weeks following treatment, a blinded examiner evaluated the visible plaque index,
      gingival bleeding index and the presence of supragingival calculus on the lingual
      tooth surfaces. RESULTS: The results showed that unpolished surfaces exhibited
      higher mean percentages of visible plaque in the third week. No statistically
      significant differences were observed between unpolished and polished sites
      related to gingival bleeding. Calculus formation was higher on unpolished sites
      than on polished sites at 2 and 3 weeks. Dental polishing after supragingival
      scaling contributed to reducing plaque and calculus formation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Polishing exerts an inhibitory effect on plaque and calculus formation.

PMID- 22068186
TI  - Risk indicators for increased periodontal probing depth in subjects attending a
      public dental school in Brazil.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontal probing
      depth (PD) and their association with sociodemographic and behavioural parameters
      in subjects attending a public dental school in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Five hundred and fifty-nine consenting participants (18 to 77 years of age) were
      submitted to full-mouth periodontal clinical examination and anamnesis
      questionnaires. The data were analysed by multivariable models using logistic
      regression analyses. The dependent variables were moderate (>= 5 mm in >= 10% of
      sites) and deep (>= 7 mm in at least one site) PD. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      individuals with at least one site with PD >= 5 mm or >= 7 mm was 69% and 54%,
      respectively. Mean PD ranged from 2.86 to 3.08 mm, and the mean frequency of
      sites with moderate and deep PD ranged from 10.74% to 14.99%, and from 4.60% to
      5.36%, respectively, according to age. Multivariate analyses identified a higher
      risk for having PD >= 5 in >= 10% of sites and 7 mm in at least one site in
      smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 10.56 and 9.10, respectively), and the presence of
      >10% of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) (OR = 6.37 to 20.91, and 6.94 to
      26.19, respectively). Age 36 to 50 years (OR = 1.95) and >50 years (OR = 3.15),
      presence of >30% of sites with supragingival biofilm (SB) (OR = 2.80), and >= 4
      missing teeth (OR = 2.26) were risk indicators for PD >= 7 mm in at least one
      site. CONCLUSION: This particular Brazilian population presented high prevalence
      and extent of increased periodontal probing depth. Age, smoking, BOP, SB, and
      tooth loss were risk indicators associated with probing depth in these
      individuals.

PMID- 22068187
TI  - Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries among 12- to 15-year-old schoolchildren
      in Ambala district, Haryana, India.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among 12-
      to 15-year-old schoolchildren in the Ambala district of Haryana state, India.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was carried out on 963 schoolchildren of 15
      government schools in the Ambala district. The examiner was calibrated and a
      pilot study was conducted. Maxillary as well as mandibular anterior teeth were
      taken into consideration to assess the traumatic dental injuries. The teeth
      involved, place of and reason for injury and other demographic details were
      recorded in a structured format. Data were analysed using SPSS version 13.0.
      RESULTS: Out of 963 subjects, 14.4% (139) had at least one tooth with TDI. Of
      these subjects, males and females accounted for 16.2% (77) and 12.7% (62),
      respectively. Permanent maxillary central incisors were the most commonly
      affected teeth. Enamel fracture was the most common (80% [111]) followed by
      enamel-dentin fracture (17.2% [24]). A higher number of children with incisal
      overjet greater than 3 mm had TDI than those with less than 3 mm, although this
      difference was not statistically significant. Subjects with Class III and Class
      II Div II malocclusion were more likely to have TDI, 16.2% and 17.7%
      respectively. Lip-closure incompetence was found to be more common in subjects
      having a TDI. Amongst the subjects having a TDI, only 83.4% (116) were aware of
      their injury, and falling was the reason most commonly reported. CONCLUSION:
      Traumatic dental injuries are highly prevalent among schoolchildren. Most of the
      TDIs involve only tooth enamel. Incompetent lip closure was significantly
      associated with TDIs and a fall was the major cause for TDIs in this age group.

PMID- 22068188
TI  - Exploring the synthetic potency of the first furanothioglycoligase through
      original remote activation.
AB  - Thioglycosidic bonds are of utmost importance in biomolecules as their
      incorporation led to more stable glycomimetics with potential drug activities.
      Until now only chemical methods were available for their incorporation into
      glycofuranosyl conjugates. Herein, we wish to describe the use of the first
      furanothioglycoligase for the preparation of a great variety of thioaryl
      derivatives with moderate to excellent yields. Of great interest, a stable 1
      thioimidoyl arabinofuranose, classically used in chemical glycosylation, was able
      to efficiently act as a donor through an original enzymatic remote activation
      mechanism. Study of the chemical structure as well as the nucleophilicity of the
      thiol allowed us to optimize this biocatalyzed process. As a consequence, this
      mutated enzyme constitutes an original, mild and eco-friendly method of
      thioligation.

PMID- 22068189
TI  - New directions in pharmacy education.

PMID- 22068190
TI  - The rocky road to educational change: adopting the entry-level PharmD at
      Maryland, 1989-93.

PMID- 22068191
TI  - Pharmacist-provided immunization compensation and recognition: white paper
      summarizing APhA/AMCP stakeholder meeting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the current challenges and opportunities in compensation
      and recognition for pharmacist-provided immunizations across the lifespan and to
      establish guiding principles for pharmacist-provided immunization compensation
      and recognition. DATA SOURCES: 22 stakeholders gathered on June 29, 2011, at the
      American Pharmacists Association (APhA) headquarters in Washington, DC, for a
      meeting on immunization compensation that was convened by APhA and the Academy of
      Managed Care Pharmacy. Participants included representatives from community
      pharmacy practices (chain, grocery, and independent), employers, national
      consumer health and advocacy organizations, national pharmacy and public health
      organizations, health plan representatives, pharmacy benefit managers, and health
      information technology, standards, and safety organizations. Key immunization
      leaders from TRICARE Management Activity, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
      Services, the National Vaccine Program Office of the Department of Health & Human
      Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also
      participated in the meeting. SUMMARY: The increased numbers of pharmacists
      providing vaccination services and the availability of pharmacist-provided
      immunizations to populations in need of vaccines has continued to increase. This
      has resulted in a rise in the percentage of patients who receive vaccines at
      pharmacies. Pharmacists are now working to lever-age their ability to identify
      people with key risk factors (e.g., diabetes, heart disease or previous
      myocardial infarction), encourage them to receive their CDC-recommended
      vaccinations, and administer the required vaccine. Challenges and opportunities
      in compensation and recognition for pharmacist-provided immunizations across the
      adult lifespan persist. Variability in state practice acts, reimbursement and
      compensation processes and systems, and mechanisms for documentation of vaccine
      services create substantial differences in how pharmacist-provided immunizations
      are delivered throughout the United States. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-provided
      immunizations are clinically sound, are cost effective, are readily accessible,
      and support our nation's public health goals. Pharmacists have demonstrated that
      patient vaccination rates have improved through expansion of pharmacist-provided
      immunizations. The profession should continue efforts to collaborate with other
      immunization stakeholders and expand a pharmacist scope of practice that is built
      around a uniform and recognized standard of immunization provision and that
      supports the provision of all CDC-recommended vaccines through pharmacy-provided
      immunizations.

PMID- 22068192
TI  - Impact of health screening and education on knowledge of coronary heart disease
      risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a community health screening and education
      intervention on knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and
      participation in health-promoting behaviors. DESIGN: Descriptive, exploratory,
      nonexperimental study. SETTING: Little Rock, AR, from July 2007 to December 2007.
      PARTICIPANTS: 56 participants recruited from two community health screenings.
      INTERVENTION: Prescreening written questionnaire to determine baseline knowledge
      of CHD risk factors. Participants underwent risk factor screening (lipid profile,
      blood glucose, body mass index [BMI], and blood pressure) and received tailored
      education. A postscreening telephone questionnaire was administered 4 to 8 weeks
      later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participant knowledge of CHD risk factors and
      participation in health-promoting behaviors pre- and postscreening. RESULTS: Of
      the 56 participants enrolled, 45 (80.4%) completed the postscreening telephone
      survey. Compared with prescreening responses, participants showed significantly
      greater postscreening knowledge of healthy values for CHD risk factors, including
      blood pressure (P = 0.02), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.03), fasting total
      cholesterol (P < 0.01), and BMI (P < 0.01). Following the screening, 20 (44.4%)
      participants had consulted their primary care provider and 31 (68.8%) made at
      least one healthy behavior change. Approximately one-half of participants
      reported changing eating habits, and 5 (11.1%) reported increased exercise.
      CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that community-based health screening and
      education interventions can effectively promote public health knowledge and
      empower participants to engage in health-promoting behaviors.

PMID- 22068193
TI  - Lifestyle changes for prehypertension with other cardiovascular risk factors:
      findings from Thailand.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a model for community pharmacists to screen and recommend
      lifestyle changes for patients with prehypertension/hypertension and other
      elevated modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN: Descriptive,
      exploratory, nonexperimental study. SETTING: One accredited community pharmacy in
      Hat Yai, Thailand, between October 2008 and January 2009. PARTICIPANTS:
      Individuals 35 years or older without any previous diagnosis of hypertension and
      other cardiovascular disease. INTERVENTION: Measurement of blood pressure, blood
      glucose, total cholesterol, and body mass index; history taking for smoking and
      physical exercise; laboratory referral; assessment of readiness to adopt
      lifestyle changes; and provision of verbal advice and an education pamphlet on
      cardiovascular risk factors and recommended lifestyle modifications. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Number of prehypertensive/hypertensive participants, patient return
      rate at 3-month follow-up, rate of laboratory referral uptake, confirmed glucose
      intolerance and dyslipidemia, and changes from baseline in blood pressure level.
      RESULTS: 263 of 400 people eligible for screening were found to have
      prehypertension or hypertension. Of these patients, 57% returned at 3-month
      follow-up. Mean (+/-SE) systolic (6.5 +/- 0.89 mm Hg [95% CI 4.7-8.2], P < 0.001)
      and diastolic (2.2 +/- 0.82 [0.54-3.77], P = 0.009) blood pressure were lowered.
      Compared with baseline (39.3%), the percentage of normotensive participants
      increased significantly at 3-month follow-up (51.8%; P < 0.001). The overall
      laboratory referral uptake was 36% (50 of 138). Glucose intolerance was confirmed
      in 2 of 21 participants. Of the 42 patients accepting laboratory confirmation,
      total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were confirmed to be above the
      normal range in 100% and 78.6%, respectively. Among these participants, those who
      returned at follow-up were rescreened for blood glucose and total cholesterol.
      Both values were found to be in the normal range. Although more participants
      reported lifestyle changes at 3 months, the smoking rate and amount of physical
      exercise were not changed. CONCLUSION: Community pharmacists, through the use of
      point-of-care testing and referrals for laboratory testing, can detect patients
      who are at risk of developing or already have hypertension, diabetes, and/or
      dyslipidemia. Lifestyle advice from pharmacists can have a positive effect on
      these risk factors.

PMID- 22068194
TI  - Independent community pharmacist interest in participating in community pharmacy
      research networks.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the interest of American Pharmacy Services Corporation
      (APSC) independent community pharmacists in participating in a community pharmacy
      research network (CPRN) and to identify perceived barriers to participation in a
      CPRN. DESIGN: Descriptive, exploratory, nonexperimental study. SETTING:
      University of Kentucky and APSC during 2009-10. PARTICIPANTS: 65 APSC independent
      community pharmacists in Kentucky. INTERVENTION: Single-mode survey. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: Independent community pharmacists' willingness to participate in
      community-based research and perceived barriers to participation. RESULTS: A
      total of 65 independent community pharmacists from 191 pharmacies returned the
      survey. The majority of independent community pharmacists were "interested" or
      "very interested" (83.8%) in participating in a CPRN. Respondents were willing to
      participate for a mean (+/-SD) of 6.5 +/- 5.8 hours per week. However, they
      reported only being able participate in a CPRN for 5.2 +/- 4.1 hours per week,
      with time being the greatest limitation to participation. An overwhelming
      percentage of respondents (92.1%) were interested in learning more about
      opportunities to participate in a CPRN in the future. CONCLUSION: CPRNs are an
      emerging interest in community pharmacy practice. A CPRN is an opportunity for
      independent community pharmacies to collaborate and use resources as a group to
      conduct research to solve issues in the community pharmacy setting.

PMID- 22068195
TI  - Determining the gluten content of nonprescription drugs: information for patients
      with celiac disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the information on the gluten content of
      nonprescription drugs is readily available from the manufacturer/supplier, to
      identify how patients are directed on the product labeling to obtain answers to
      questions that they have about the nonprescription medication, and to determine
      the time needed to obtain information about the gluten content of the product
      when contacting manufacturers/suppliers. DESIGN: Descriptive, exploratory,
      nonexperimental study. SETTING: United States during July 2010. PARTICIPANTS:
      Manufacturers/suppliers of 41 nonprescription drug products. INTERVENTION: The
      packaging of the products was reviewed for information on gluten content. The
      manufacturer/supplier listed on each product's packaging was contacted using the
      phone number provided and questioned about the gluten content of the product. A
      uniform script was used for the telephone inquiry. The responses provided and the
      duration of the phone calls were documented. The manufacturer's websites also
      were reviewed for pertinent information. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gluten status of
      products, time spent on phone to determine gluten status, and availability of
      online information regarding gluten status. RESULTS: Information concerning the
      gluten content was not included on any of the products' packaging. The mean time
      required to receive a response was 6.2 minutes (median 5 minutes). A total of 15
      products were reported to be gluten free; 13 products were not tested, but the
      manufacturer/supplier stated that they did not add gluten to the products; 9
      products did not have any gluten added by the manufacturer/ supplier, but no
      guarantee was made that the raw ingredients were gluten free; 2 products
      contained gluten; and 2 products had no available gluten status information.
      Gluten information was found on product websites for a total of six products.
      Four of those six websites indicated gluten status that was different from the
      information provided via the telephone call with the manufacturer. CONCLUSION:
      Information concerning the gluten content of many nonprescription drugs is
      relatively easy for patients to obtain if the manufacturer/supplier is contacted.
      Although the time to obtain a response was quite short for many of the inquiries,
      it took a substantial amount of time to receive the requested information from
      some of the companies.

PMID- 22068196
TI  - Does bargaining affect Medicare prescription drug plan reimbursements to
      independent pharmacies?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine how pharmacy bargaining activities affect reimbursement
      rates in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) contracts, controlling for
      pharmacy quality attributes, market structures, and area socioeconomic status.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Six Medicare regions throughout the
      United States between October and December 2009. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of
      1,650 independent pharmacies; 321 returned surveys containing sufficient
      responses for analysis. INTERVENTION: Pharmacies were surveyed regarding PDP
      reimbursement rates, costs, and cash prices of two popular prescription drugs
      (atorvastatin calcium [Lipitor-Pfizer] and lisinopril, 1-month supply of a common
      strength), as well as pharmacy bargaining activities and quality attributes. Data
      also were used from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs pharmacy
      database, the 2000 U. S. Census, and the 2006 Economic Census on local market
      structures and area socio-economic status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: PDP
      reimbursement rates. RESULTS: For the brand-name drug atorvastatin calcium, the
      PDP reimbursement was positively related to a pharmacy's request for a contract
      change (beta = 0.887, P < 0.05), whereas other bargaining activities were not
      significantly related to PDP reimbursement. However, for the generic drug
      lisinopril, no bargaining activities were found to be significantly related to
      the PDP reimbursement. CONCLUSION: Pharmacy request for a contract change was
      associated with higher reimbursement rates for the brand-name drug atorvastatin
      calcium in PDP contracts, after controlling for pharmacy quality attributes,
      local market structures, and area socioeconomic status; this finding likely
      applies to other brand-name drugs because of the structure of the contracts. Our
      results suggest that independent pharmacies are more likely to acquire higher
      reimbursement rates by engaging in active bargaining with third-party payers.

PMID- 22068197
TI  - Pharmacists' strategies for promoting medication adherence among patients with
      HIV.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide pharmacists' perspectives on medication adherence barriers
      for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to describe pharmacists'
      strategies for promoting adherence to antiretroviral medications. DESIGN:
      Multisite, qualitative, descriptive study. SETTING: Four midwestern U. S. states,
      from August through October 2009. PARTICIPANTS: 19 pharmacists at 10 pharmacies
      providing services to patients with HIV. INTERVENTION: Pharmacists were
      interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Barriers to medication adherence, pharmacist interventions, challenges to
      promoting adherence. RESULTS: Pharmacists reported a range of adherence barriers
      that were patient specific (e.g., cognitive factors, lack of social support),
      therapy related (e.g., adverse effects, intolerable medications), and structural
      level (e.g., strained provider relationships). They used a combination of
      individually tailored, patient-specific interventions that identified and
      resolved adherence barriers and actively anticipated and addressed potential
      adherence barriers. Pharmacist interventions included medication-specific
      education to enhance patient self-efficacy, follow-up calls to monitor adherence,
      practical and social support to motivate adherence, and patient referrals to
      other health care providers. However, the pharmacists faced internal (e.g., lack
      of time, lack of trained personnel) and external (e.g., insurance policies that
      disallowed patient enrollment in automatic prescription refill program)
      challenges. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists in community settings went beyond
      prescription drug counseling mandated by law to provide additional pharmacy
      services that were tailored to the needs of patients with HIV. Given that many
      individuals with HIV are living longer, more research is needed on the
      effectiveness and cost effectiveness of pharmacists' interventions in clinical
      practice, in order to inform insurance reimbursement policies.

PMID- 22068198
TI  - Emergency contraception counseling: an opportunity for pharmacists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of pharmacist counseling on patients'
      knowledge of emergency contraception (EC). DESIGN: Single-group, repeated
      measures analysis. SETTING: Academic medical center women's clinic in Little
      Rock, AR, between January and July 2010. PARTICIPANTS: 116 women 18 years or
      older. INTERVENTION: 10-minute education session provided by a pharmacist or
      trained student pharmacist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in participants' test
      scores (range 0 [lowest possible] to 13 [highest possible]) at three assessment
      periods (pretest, posttest, and follow-up) using 12 knowledge questions. RESULTS:
      116 participants with a mean (+/-SD) age of 25 +/- 5.9 years participated in this
      study. Mean knowledge scores were 5.3 +/- 4.1 for the pretest and 10.7 +/- 1.4
      for the posttest (P < 0.001). The least-squares mean EC knowledge test score
      (adjusted for demographics) was 5.86 at pretest, 10.75 at posttest, and 10.75 at
      follow-up. A nonsignificant small change in scores from posttest to follow-up was
      detected after the Tukey-Kramer adjustment. A higher education level was
      associated with higher knowledge scores in this population. CONCLUSION: Brief
      pharmacist-driven counseling sessions provided in a clinic setting are feasible
      and have a positive impact on immediate EC knowledge and long-term knowledge
      retention.

PMID- 22068199
TI  - Student pharmacist perspectives on providing pharmacy-access hormonal
      contraception services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess student pharmacists' interest and opinions in providing
      reproductive health services, particularly hormonal contraception (HC), in their
      future practices. METHODS: This descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional
      study was conducted in California between February and May 2007. Surveys were
      distributed to 790 second- and third-year student pharmacists to measure
      interest, opinions, and perceived barriers in providing HC services. RESULTS: 502
      survey responses (63.5% response rate) were received. Student pharmacists
      reported interest in providing HC services (96.2%) to both minors and adults
      (53.3%), adults (40.6%), or minors (6.2%). Students felt that patients would
      benefit from improved access and advice (94.0%). Inadequate pharmacist time was
      deemed an extremely important barrier in determining whether pharmacists could
      efficiently and effectively provide HC services, followed by lack of private
      counseling area in the pharmacy, inadequate patient health information, and lack
      of appropriate incentive structure. Students were interested in providing other
      reproductive health services, specifically preventive measures against sexually
      transmitted infections (STIs; 89.2%) and STI treatment for the partners of
      patients presenting with valid STI prescriptions (88.4%). CONCLUSION: Student
      pharmacists were very interested in providing pharmacy access to HC and related
      reproductive health services as future practitioners. The willingness of student
      pharmacists to provide this support indicates that pharmacy access to HC could be
      a viable service.

PMID- 22068201
TI  - Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (1961-1977) and American
      Pharmacy (1978-1995).

PMID- 22068200
TI  - Challenges of a pharmacist-directed peer support program among adolescents with
      diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and challenges of a pharmacist-directed
      peer support program among adolescents with diabetes. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The
      program was designed as adjunctive therapy for adolescents receiving care at the
      Diabetes Education and Research Center (DERC). DERC is an interdisciplinary
      facility at which the clinical pharmacist provides direct, diabetes-related
      patient care services. Through collaboration with DERC, pharmacists developed and
      facilitated each component of the program. PRACTICE INNOVATION: The U. S.
      Diabetes Conversation Map program was used for the educational component of the
      program. This is an innovative, American Diabetes Association-approved tool for
      providing group education on diabetes self-management. As trained facilitators of
      the conversation maps, the investigators educated group leaders on how to be
      facilitators for their peers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Glycosylated hemoglobin
      (A1C), diabetes self-management skills, and diabetes-related quality of life were
      measured at baseline and following program completion. Qualitative outcomes were
      measured via validated questionnaires in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The
      investigators facilitated the gathering of all quantitative and qualitative data.
      RESULTS: Several participants did not meet all inclusion criteria; therefore,
      data from only six participants were assessed. A1C increased among participants,
      affirming the challenge of metabolic control during adolescence. Despite this,
      qualitative analysis of questionnaires revealed improvements in adherence to
      lifestyle modifications and health perception after program completion.
      CONCLUSION: Evidence illustrates beneficial effects of peer-facilitated support
      on the physical and psychological challenges of diabetes self-management;
      however, challenges existed when implementing this program among adolescents.
      Suggestions to overcome these challenges include same-sex support groups, use of
      an appealing setting for participants, incorporation into camps or after-school
      programs, and extended program length. Pharmacists are well equipped to assist
      individuals in comprehensive diabetes management programs such as the one
      described here because of their education and training in medication management,
      therapeutic lifestyle changes, and patient communication.

PMID- 22068202
TI  - Choosing between live attenuated and trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines for
      healthy children.

PMID- 22068203
TI  - Rivaroxaban, ticagrelor, and fidaxomicin.

PMID- 22068204
TI  - Improving severe sepsis outcomes, managing cholesterol in patients with diabetes,
      and pediatric adverse events.

PMID- 22068206
TI  - Limited influence of aspirin intake on mast cell activation in patients with food
      dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis: comparison using skin prick and histamine
      release tests.
AB  - Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is a severe systemic syndrome
      induced by physical exercise after ingesting causative food. Aspirin is a well
      known trigger for anaphylaxis in patients with FDEIA. Possible mechanisms by
      which symptoms are aggravated by aspirin include enhanced antigen absorption and
      mast cell activation. The aim of this study was to determine whether aspirin
      intake has an influence on mast cell/basophil activation in patients with FDEIA.
      Provocation tests revealed that adding aspirin to the causative food challenge in
      7 of 9 (77.8%) patients with FDEIA provoked symptoms. In most cases, pretreatment
      with aspirin did not enhance skin tests (71.4%) or histamine release tests
      (88.9%) with food allergen challenges. The study confirms that histamine release
      and skin prick tests can be adjunctive tools for diagnosing FDEIA. In addition,
      our results suggest that exacerbation of FDEIA symptoms by aspirin is not
      mediated by direct effects of aspirin on mast cell/basophil activation.

PMID- 22068207
TI  - Locking plates in osteoporosis:  a biomechanical cadaveric study of diaphyseal
      humerus fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether locking plates offer an advantage in fixation of
      fractures in osteoporotic humeral bone. DESIGN: Biomechanical testing of 18
      matched pairs of osteoporotic human cadaver humeri plated posteriorly with either
      all locked or all nonlocked screws. An established protocol was used to test the
      constructs with torque applied to a peak of +/-10 Nm for 1000 cycles at 0.3 Hz or
      until failure. Eighteen pairs were tested for failure, 11 pairs were tested for
      cycles survived, and 10 pairs were tested for stiffness. SETTING: University
      biomechanical laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Percentage surviving
      testing, mean cycles survived, and stiffness. RESULTS: We observed catastrophic
      failure of the constructs in 47% of the samples. Humeri plated with nonlocking
      plates failed at a higher rate than those with locking plates (67% nonlocking vs
      28% locking, n = 18 pairs, P = 0.008). Locking constructs also outperformed
      nonlocking constructs in mean cycles survived (707 cycles locking, 345 cycles
      nonlocking, n = 11 pairs, P < 0.05) and stiffness at 10 cycles (0.853 Nm/degree
      locking vs 0.416 Nm/degree nonlocking, n = 10 pairs, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Locking plates were shown to provide improved mechanical performance over
      nonlocking plates in torsional cyclic loading in a osteoporotic cadaveric
      fracture model. Our results confirm general conclusions of previous work that
      used a synthetic bone model of osteoporosis, but we found a high rate of
      catastrophic failure, questioning the validity of the previously published
      synthetic model of osteoporosis (overdrilling of synthetic bone) for this
      application.

PMID- 22068208
TI  - Anterior knee pain after tibial intramedullary nailing using a medial
      paratendinous approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, severity, and etiology of anterior knee
      pain after tibial intramedullary (IM) nailing using a medial paratendinous
      approach and to investigate the association between anterior knee pain and
      functional impairment. DESIGN: Retrospective study with current clinical and
      radiographic assessments. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Forty-five
      patients with unilateral, tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with tibial IM
      nailing between August 2005 and January 2009. The mean follow-up was 22.3 months
      (range, 12-52 months). INTERVENTION: All patients underwent tibial IM nailing
      using a medial paratendinous approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Anterior knee
      pain based on a visual analog scale and functional outcomes based on the Tegner
      activity score and the modified Lysholm score. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients, 16
      (36%) were painless (N group), 16 (36%) had mild pain (M group), and 13 (28%) had
      moderate to severe pain (MS group). No group differences were found with respect
      to age, sex, body mass index, mode of injury, or type of fracture. With regard to
      nail prominence, superior nail prominence was greater in the MS group than in the
      other two groups (P = 0.042). There were no significant differences among the
      three groups in terms of anterior nail prominence (P = 0.221). The nail-apex
      distance in the MS group was significantly greater than in the other two groups
      (P = 0.033), and no significant difference was found between the N and M groups.
      The descending order of the activities with respect to severity of knee pain was
      kneeling, squatting, running, and stair ascending. Visual analog scale analysis
      revealed that the MS group had significantly more severe pain for all eight
      activities examined than the M group. At latest follow-up, the Tegner activity
      score was significantly lower in the MS group than in the other two groups (P =
      0.008), and there were statistically significant intergroup differences in the
      modified Lysholm score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anterior knee pain after tibial
      IM nailing using a medial paratendinous approach was a frequent complication that
      was not uncommonly moderate to severe (28%) in Asian patients. Although the
      etiology of anterior knee pain is undoubtedly multifactorial, it may be related
      to nail prominence. Furthermore, the severity of anterior knee pain was
      significantly associated with functional outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic
      Level IV. See page 128 for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22068209
TI  - Multifunctional nanoprobes for pathogen-selective capture and detection.
AB  - The synthesis of magnetic and fluorescent particles is described. The particles
      are biofunctionalized by binding pathogen-specific proteins to the particles via
      interactions between His-tags of proteins and zinc of the quantum dots. Detection
      of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by these particles is
      demonstrated.

PMID- 22068210
TI  - Examining clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms in mothers following
      a diagnosis of epilepsy in their children: a prospective analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to (1) document the risk of clinical depression
      in mothers in the 24 months after epilepsy diagnosis in their children, (2)
      determine whether the probability of risk of clinical depression changes over
      time, and (3) identify factors predictive of risk of clinical depression.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from the Health Related Quality of Life in Children
      with Epilepsy Study, a national prospective study of children 4-12 years old with
      new-onset epilepsy followed for 24 months. Risk-free survival was calculated
      using the life table approach. Binary sequence modeling for longitudinal data was
      implemented to identify risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 210 mothers were
      included in the analysis. Twenty-eight percent of mothers without clinically
      relevant levels of depressive symptoms at baseline were at risk for clinical
      depression by 24 months. The probability for risk of clinical depression and
      associated 95% confidence intervals by 6, 12, and 24 months was 0.13 (0.08,
      0.18), 0.12 (0.07, 0.17), and 0.19 (0.10, 0.27), respectively. Significant
      predictors (p < 0.01) of risk of clinical depression during follow-up quantified
      using odds ratios (OR) were maternal age (OR = 0.94), number of anti-epileptic
      drugs child was prescribed (OR = 1.41), family functioning (OR = 0.83), family
      resources (OR = 0.93), and family demands (OR = 1.10). CONCLUSIONS: Risk of
      clinical depression in mothers after their child is diagnosed with epilepsy is
      common and relatively stable over time. Modifiable risk factors may present
      avenues for intervention to improve the mental health of mothers of children with
      epilepsy.

PMID- 22068211
TI  - Shift climate profiles and correlates in acute psychiatric inpatient units.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inpatient psychiatric units are dynamic in nature, potentially creating
      a different treatment experience for each person, which may be difficult to
      quantify. Among the goals of this multi-centre service evaluation project was an
      assessment of shift-to-shift changes in unit-level events and their impact on the
      social-emotional environment. METHODS: Over 1 year, various nurse-completed logs
      were used within the 11 participating Australian psychiatric units (n = 5,546
      admissions) to record patient- and unit-level events per shift, including ratings
      of the overall social-emotional climate using a novel shift climate ratings (SCR)
      scale (n = 8,176 shifts). These were combined with admission-level patient
      characteristics to investigate shift climate profiles and correlates. RESULTS:
      Occupancy rates averaged 88% and two-thirds of admissions were involuntary. The
      psychometric performance of the SCR scale was considered to be satisfactory
      (e.g., high internal consistency, unidimensional factor structure, and evidence
      of discriminant and predictive validity). A series of hierarchical regressions
      revealed considerable variation in SCR total scores, with poorer climates being
      significantly associated with: day/afternoon shifts; higher occupancy levels;
      higher proportions of experienced staff, and male, older, or involuntary
      patients; higher rates of less serious aggressive incidents; reporting of
      additional staffing demands; and unit location in a stand-alone psychiatric
      hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The day-to-day social-emotional climate can have important
      consequences for patient engagement and recovery. Improved understanding of the
      role played by unit, staff and patient characteristics, together with routine
      monitoring, should facilitate the development and evaluation of targeted
      interventions to reduce adverse incidents and improve the overall social
      emotional climate.

PMID- 22068216
TI  - Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Colombia.
AB  - Hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease whose transmission to dogs occurs by
      ingestion of oocysts infected ticks or feeding on preys infested by infected
      ticks. Until now, there is no previous report of molecular characterization of
      Hepatozoon sp. in dogs from Colombia. EDTA blood samples were collected from 91
      dogs from central-western region of Colombia (Bogota, Bucaramanga, and
      Villavicencio cities) and submitted to 18S rRNA Hepatozoon sp. PCR and blood
      smears confection. Phylogenetic analysis was used to access the identity of
      Hepatozoon species found in sampled dogs. From 91 sampled dogs, 29 (31.8%) were
      positive to Hepatozoon sp. (25 dogs were only positive in PCR, 1 was positive
      only in blood smears, and 3 were positive in both blood smears and PCR). After
      sequencing, the found Hepatozoon sp. DNA showed 100% of identity with Hepatozoon
      canis DNA isolates. The phylogenetic tree supported the identity of the found
      Hepatozoon sp. DNA, showing that the isolates from Colombia were placed in the
      same clade than other H. canis isolates from Venezuela, Spain, and Taiwan. This
      is the first molecular detection of H. canis in dogs from Colombia.

PMID- 22068217
TI  - The efficacy of antioxidants in functional recovery of spinal cord injured rats:
      an experimental study.
AB  - A total of 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-220 g) subjected to spinal cord
      injury (SCI) were divided into three groups of ten rats each. Group 1 served as
      control (SCI + Saline), Group 2 received daily dose of ascorbic acid 2,000 mg/kg
      body weight and group 3 rats received alpha tocopherol daily with the dose of
      2,000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The Spontaneous coordinate activity (SCA),
      Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and Tarlov locomotor scores were used to
      assess functional recovery of SCI rats. Compared to group 1, group 2 showed
      statistically insignificant improvement in the SCA, BBB and Tarlov scores at the
      end of the study. Compared to group 1, group 3 showed statistically significant
      improvement in the SCA (P < 0.001), BBB (P < 0.001) and Tarlov (P < 0.01) scores
      at the end of the study. In conclusion, the administration of alpha-tocopherol
      enhances the reparative effects against SCI and it is more effective than
      ascorbic acid.

PMID- 22068218
TI  - Single-fiber electromyography in hyperCKemia: the value of fiber density.
AB  - Although persistently raised serum creatine kinase (sCK), or hyperCKemia, is
      considered the biological hallmark of neuromuscular diseases, pauci- or
      asymptomatic- or isolated-hyperCKemia can often be found. Single-fiber
      electromyography (SFEMG) is an electrophysiological technique of great value in
      the assessment of neuromuscular, neuropathic and myopathic disorders. We
      hypothesize that SFEMG fiber density (FD) evaluation is able to detect
      subclinical electrophysiological abnormalities indicating a myopathic process in
      subjects with hyperCKemia. Nineteen subjects with hyperCKemia without evident
      clinical signs of muscle involvement and 15 healthy controls were studied.
      Electrophysiological investigations including nerve conduction studies (NCS),
      quantitative EMG (QEMG), SFEMG with focus on FD measurements, and muscle biopsy
      were performed. NCS, QEMG, SFEMG were normal in all controls. In subjects with
      hyperCKemia, NCS were normal; QEMG was abnormal in 5, while both SFEMG and muscle
      biopsy disclosed abnormalities in 12 subjects. The mean FD value was 2.6 +/- 0.5
      in the control and 4 +/- 1.4 (p = 0.003) in the hyperCKemia group. SFEMG revealed
      subclinical changes in the majority of subjects with hyperCKemia. To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that SFEMG FD evaluation is
      able to detect the presence of muscle diseases, which are in a subclinical phase
      and would remain unidentified otherwise. SFEMG may be used to distinguish
      hyperCKemia associated to asymptomatic muscle disorders from idiopathic
      hyperCKemia. We believe that SFEMG FD evaluation should be added to the routine
      examinations in the screening of idiopathic hyperCKemia.

PMID- 22068219
TI  - Validation of a home environment test battery for supporting assessments in
      advanced Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Test sequences in a test battery for Parkinson's disease patients, consisting of
      self-assessments and motor tests, were carried out repeatedly in a telemedicine
      setting, during week-long test periods and results were summarized in an 'overall
      score'. 35 patients in stable and fluctuating conditions (15 age- and gender
      matched pairs) used the test battery for 1 week, and were then assessed with
      UPDRS and PDQ-39. This procedure was repeated 1 week later, without treatment
      changes. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients and
      Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity was assessed by Spearman rank correlations
      and known-groups' validity, by the Mann-Whitney test. According to anonymous
      usability questionnaires, the patients could easily complete the tasks. Median
      compliance (93%) and test-retest reliability (0.88) were good. The correlations
      between overall score and total UPDRS (-0.64) and PDQ-39 (-0.72) were adequate.
      Median overall score was 18% better in the stable compared to the fluctuating
      group (p = 0.0014).

PMID- 22068221
TI  - Interelectron magnetic coupling in electrides with one-dimensional cavity-channel
      geometry.
AB  - Dye and coworkers [J. L. Dye, Acc. Chem. Res., 2009, 42, 1564] established
      experimentally that the strength of interelectron coupling in electrides with
      open intercavity channels critically depends on the channel diameter but is less
      sensitive to the channel length. We explain these observations by theoretical
      analysis of model electrides with a simple geometry. Our model consists of two
      electrons confined in a dogbone-shaped cavity--two spherical cages connected by a
      cylindrical channel. The coupling constant J is obtained from the calculated
      singlet-triplet gap of this system. By approximating the confining potential of
      the dogbone-shaped cavity with a one-dimensional double-well potential we show
      that ln(-J/k(B)), where k(B) is the Boltzmann constant, is a near-linear function
      of ?((1/s) - (1/S)), where s and S are the cross-sectional areas of the channel
      and the cages, respectively. This prediction is in excellent agreement with the
      experiment for real electrides that have essentially one-dimensional cavity
      channel networks.

PMID- 22068220
TI  - Neurologic signs in relation to cognitive function in subcortical ischemic
      vascular dementia: a CREDOS (Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South
      Korea) study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      neurologic signs and cognitive dysfunction in subcortical ischemic vascular
      dementia (SIVD). 121 patients with SIVD were recruited from multiple nationwide
      hospitals. The patients' neurologic signs were evaluated using the Focal
      Neurologic Sign Score (FNSS). The FNSS scores did not correlate with the
      composite neuropsychology scores and Korean Mini-Mental State Examination scores.
      The FNSS scores correlated with the letter fluency and Rey-Osterrieth Complex
      Figure (ROCF) copy scores. Using a multivariate regression analysis controlled
      for age, sex, and educational level, the FNSS scores had a significant
      relationship with the letter fluency test scores (R (2) = 0.08, beta = -2.28, p =
      0.02) and ROCF copy scores (R (2) = 0.08, beta = -0.42, p = 0.03). These findings
      suggest that the neurologic signs in patients with SIVD do not correlate with
      global cognitive functions; however, these signs do correlate with executive
      dysfunction in these patients.

PMID- 22068222
TI  - Nilotinib in patients with metastatic melanoma harboring KIT gene aberration.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with metastatic melanoma have a poor prognosis and few
      treatment options are available. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity and safety
      of nilotinib, a KIT inhibitor, in patients with metastatic melanoma harboring KIT
      alterations, either mutations or amplifications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study
      was open-label, single center, prospective phase II clinical trial. Between
      October 2009 and April 2011, 11 patients with metastatic melanoma harboring KIT
      gene mutations or KIT gene amplifications were enrolled in the first stage of
      phase II study and nilotinib was administered orally at a dose of 400 mg twice a
      day until disease progression or intolerable toxicities. The primary endpoint was
      response rate and secondary endpoints were safety, progression-free survival
      (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of 11 patients, 9 patients were
      evaluable for treatment response. Of 9 patients, three patients had KIT mutations
      in exon 11, Leu576Pro, Val559Ala and Lys558Arg; and 6 patients had KIT
      amplifications > 50 copies compared to control DNA. Two patients achieved partial
      response (22.2%) and 5 patients achieved stable disease (55.6%). In two patients
      who responded to nilotinib, both had KIT mutations and showed durable response
      for 8.4 months and 10.0+ months. Of note, one patient with KIT amplification had
      stable disease with response for 6 months. A decrease in tumor size from baseline
      was observed in four patients (44.4%). Nilotinib 800 mg/d was very well tolerated
      with grade 1 nausea and grade 1 dry-eye being the most common adverse events.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have decided to publish the preliminary results because anti
      tumor activity of nilotinib was promising in KIT mutated patients. Although our
      results are preliminary, nilotinib had very favorable toxicity profile with
      durable response in metastatic melanoma patients with KIT mutations. The anti
      tumor activity of nilotinib in melanoma patients with KIT amplification is yet to
      be determined in future studies. Currently, phase II nilotinib trial is ongoing
      in Korea as multi-center study.

PMID- 22068223
TI  - Innovative technology in hearing instruments: matching needs in the developing
      world.
AB  - Hearing instrument technology research is almost entirely focused on the
      projected needs of the consumer market in the developed world. However, two
      thirds of the world's population with hearing impairment live in developing
      countries and this proportion will increase in future, given present demographic
      trends. In developing regions, amplification and other hearing health needs may
      differ from those in industrialized nations, for cultural, health, or economic
      reasons. World Health Organization estimates indicate that at present only a
      small percentage of individuals in developing countries who are in need of
      amplification have access to hearing aid provision. New technologies, such as
      trainable hearing aids, advanced noise reduction algorithms, feedback reduction
      circuitry, nano coatings for hearing aid components, and innovative power
      options, may offer considerable potential benefits, both for individuals with
      hearing impairment in developing countries and for those who provide hearing
      health care services in these regions. This article considers the possible
      supporting role of innovative hearing instrument technologies in the provision of
      affordable hearing health care services in developing countries and highlights
      the need for research that considers the requirements of the majority of the
      world population in need of hearing instrument provision.

PMID- 22068224
TI  - A method to remove differences in frequency response between commercial hearing
      aids to allow direct comparison of the sound quality of hearing-aid features.
AB  - GOAL: We want to remove differences in frequency response between different
      commercial hearing aids so that we can compare the sound quality of signal
      processing features from different hearing-aid in a future paired-comparison set
      up. More specifically, we want to control for the confounding effects of the
      linear hearing aid response when evaluating nonlinear processing. This article
      presents a control procedure and evaluates its effectiveness. METHOD: We
      increased the similarity of hearing-aid recordings in three steps and used both
      an objective quality metric and listening tests to investigate if the recordings
      from different hearing aids were perceptually similar. RESULTS: Neither was it
      sufficient to manually adjust the hearing-aid insertion gain, nor was it
      sufficient to add an additional bandwidth limitation to the recordings. Only
      after the application of an inverse filter the perceptual differences between
      recordings were removed adequately. CONCLUSION: It was possible to level the
      ground between different hearing devices, so to speak. This will allow future
      research to evaluate the sound quality of nonlinear signal processing features.

PMID- 22068225
TI  - Fluvastatin-induced alterations of skeletal muscle function in
      hypercholesterolaemic rats.
AB  - Although statins, the most widely used drugs in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia,
      are generally accepted as efficient and safe drugs their side-effects on skeletal
      muscle have been reported with increasing frequency. The lack of an animal model
      in which these side effects would consistently be observed is one of the
      important drawbacks in studying statin associated myopathy. To overcome this and
      enable the studying of the effects of fluvastatin on skeletal muscles an animal
      model with high blood cholesterol levels was developed. In these animals
      cholesterol levels rose more than seven fold (from 1.5 +/- 0.1 to 10.7 +/- 2.0
      mmol/l; n = 15 and 16) with a dramatic increase in low density lipoprotein/high
      density lipoprotein ratio (from 0.29 +/- 0.02 to 1.56 +/- 0.17). While the latter
      was reversed by statin treatment, an elevation in blood creatine kinase (CK)
      level indicated the presence of muscle wasting. Fibers from m. extensor digitorum
      longus (EDL) showed significant reduction in cross sectional area in the statin
      treated groups. Statin treatment also decreased the proliferation and fusion of
      skeletal myotubes in culture. In line with this, resting intracellular calcium
      concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was reduced in statin treated satellite cells and
      myotubes. On the other hand, in adult skeletal muscle fibers statin treatment
      increased resting [Ca(2+)](i) (116 +/- 4 nM vs. 151 +/- 5 nM; n = 33 and 34) and
      decreased both twitch and tetanic force both in EDL and m. soleus. In addition,
      in m. soleus the duration of twitch and tetanic force was shortened. These
      results clearly indicate that statin administration in these animals results in a
      myopathy characterized by decreased muscle force and elevated plasma CK level.

PMID- 22068226
TI  - Early and progressive impairment of spinal blood flow-glucose metabolism coupling
      in motor neuron degeneration of ALS model mice.
AB  - The exact mechanism of selective motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) remains still unclear. In the present study, we performed in vivo
      capillary imaging, directly measured spinal blood flow (SBF) and glucose
      metabolism, and analyzed whether if a possible flow-metabolism coupling is
      disturbed in motor neuron degeneration of ALS model mice. In vivo capillary
      imaging showed progressive decrease of capillary diameter, capillary density, and
      red blood cell speed during the disease course. Spinal blood flow was
      progressively decreased in the anterior gray matter (GM) from presymptomatic
      stage to 0.80-fold of wild-type (WT) mice, 0.61 at early-symptomatic, and 0.49 at
      end stage of the disease. Local spinal glucose utilization (LSGU) was transiently
      increased to 1.19-fold in anterior GM at presymptomatic stage, which in turn
      progressively decreased to 0.84 and 0.60 at early-symptomatic and end stage of
      the disease. The LSGU/SBF ratio representing flow-metabolism uncoupling (FMU)
      preceded the sequential pathological changes in the spinal cord of ALS mice and
      was preferentially found in the affected region of ALS. The present study
      suggests that this early and progressive FMU could profoundly involve in the
      whole disease process as a vascular factor of ALS pathology, and could also be a
      potential target for therapeutic intervention of ALS.

PMID- 22068227
TI  - How stereological analysis of vascular morphology can quantify the blood volume
      fraction as a marker for tumor vasculature: comparison with magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - To assess angiogenesis noninvasively in a C6 rat brain tumor model, the rapid
      steady-state-T(1) (RSST(1)) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method was used for
      microvascular blood volume fraction (BVf) quantification with a novel contrast
      agent gadolinium per (3,6 anhydro) alpha-cyclodextrin (Gd-ACX). In brain tissue
      contralateral to the tumor, equal BVfs were obtained with Gd-ACX and the
      clinically approved gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA). Contrary to Gd-DOTA, which
      leaks out of the tumor vasculature, Gd-ACX was shown to remain vascular in the
      tumor tissue allowing quantification of the tumor BVf. We sought to confirm the
      obtained tumor BVf using an independent method: instead of using a 'standard' two
      dimensional histologic method, we study here how vascular morphometry combined
      with a stereological technique can be used for three-dimensional assessment of
      the vascular volume fraction (V(V)). The V(V) is calculated from the vascular
      diameter and length density. First, the technique is evaluated on simulated data
      and the healthy rat brain vasculature and is then applied to the same C6 tumor
      vasculature previously quantified by RSST(1)-MRI with Gd-ACX. The mean perfused
      V(V) and the BVf obtained by MRI in tumor regions are practically equal and the
      technique confirms the spatial heterogeneity revealed by MRI.

PMID- 22068228
TI  - Coactivation of NMDA receptors by glutamate and D-serine induces dilation of
      isolated middle cerebral arteries.
AB  - N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are glutamate-gated cation channels that
      mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. In addition
      to glutamate, NMDA receptors are also activated by coagonist binding of the
      gliotransmitter, D-serine. Neuronal NMDA receptors mediate activity-dependent
      blood flow regulation in the brain. Our objective was to determine whether NMDA
      receptors expressed by brain endothelial cells can induce vasodilation of
      isolated brain arteries. Adult mouse middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were
      isolated, pressurized, and preconstricted with norepinephrine. N-methyl-D
      aspartate receptor agonists, glutamate and NMDA, significantly dilated MCAs in a
      concentration-dependent manner in the presence of D-serine but not alone.
      Dilation was significantly inhibited by NMDA receptor antagonists, D-2-amino-5
      phosphonopentanoate and 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid, indicating a response
      dependent on NMDA receptor glutamate and D-serine binding sites, respectively.
      Vasodilation was inhibited by denuding the endothelium and by selective
      inhibition or genetic knockout of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We
      also found evidence for expression of the pan-NMDA receptor subunit, NR1, in
      mouse primary brain endothelial cells, and for the NMDA receptor subunit NR2C in
      cortical arteries in situ. Overall, we conclude that NMDA receptor coactivation
      by glutamate and D-serine increases lumen diameter in pressurized MCA in an
      endothelial and eNOS-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 22068229
TI  - Fast-mapping placeholders: Using words to talk about kinds.
AB  - Fast-mapping is the ability to acquire a word rapidly on the basis of minimal
      information. As proposed by Carey (1978), we assume that children are able to
      achieve fast-mapping because their initial word meanings are skeletal
      placeholders that will be extended gradually over time. In this paper we propose
      that a notion of "kind" is fundamental to children's initial mappings for object
      labels. We illustrate this point by considering the acquisition of generic noun
      phrases, which are understood by children as kind-referring from very early on.
      We argue that the acquisition of generics has implications for mechanisms of word
      learning. Evidence suggests that generics cannot be acquired solely on the basis
      of associative learning mechanisms; rather, they are a default interpretation for
      young children.

PMID- 22068230
TI  - Recent advances in understanding ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis, one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease, is
      characterized by inflammation of the large bowel with constant involvement of the
      rectum, and a possible continuous retrograde distribution up to the cecum.
      Typical macroscopic lesions are mucosal ulcerations, with immune cell
      infiltration and cryptic abscesses at histology. Ulcerative colitis usually
      manifests with bloody diarrhea, is associated with a number of extra-intestinal
      manifestations, and may be acutely complicated by toxic megacolon. Longstanding
      disease may predispose to the development of colorectal cancer. Therapeutic
      options include mesalazine, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologic
      agents; however, if these treatments fail, the only available therapeutic choice
      remaining is the surgical removal of the colon. This review emphasizes novel
      concepts in the basic aspects of ulcerative colitis, and, in addition to the
      current clinical and diagnostic knowledge, it also describes new treatment
      options for this condition.

PMID- 22068231
TI  - Discovery of ATL: an odyssey in restrospect.
AB  - Forty years have passed since our initial description of peculiar cases of adult
      onset leukemia with abnormal cells having multi-convoluted nuclei and T cell
      properties, frequent in the southern regions of Japan in the early 1970s.
      Retrospectively, the study of adult T cell leukemia (ATL) and the related virus
      HTLV-I was a forerunner for all of human retrovirology, in which AIDS and the
      related retrovirus HIV were identified a few years later in the 1980s. Using the
      anti-TAC monoclonal antibody generated by the late Takashi Uchiyama during his
      stay in T. A. Waldmann's laboratory in NIH Bethesda, a cDNA encoding IL-2Ralpha
      chain was cloned by our group in Kyoto and by Waldmann's group in Bethesda.
      Abnormal IL-2Ralpha chain expression and the IL-2 dependency of ATL cell lines
      greatly contributed to the study of leukemogenesis of ATL. A new soluble factor
      named ADF/ATL-derived factor was also detected in ATL cell lines. After years of
      study, ADF proved to be a first human counterpart of thiol-related oxido
      reductase thioredoxin/TRX, which opened the field of redox regulation of cell
      signaling involved in a variety of diseases. Close interaction among Drs.
      Kimishige Ishizaka, Kiyoshi Takastuki and T. A. Waldmanns before ATL and HTLV-I
      study was an essential base for our initiation of ATL research with Takashi
      Uchiyama and many other colleagues.

PMID- 22068232
TI  - Cofilin-mediated F-actin severing is regulated by the Rap GTPase and controls the
      cytoskeletal dynamics that drive lymphocyte spreading and BCR microcluster
      formation.
AB  - When lymphocytes encounter APCs bearing cognate Ag, they spread across the
      surface of the APC to scan for additional Ags. This is followed by membrane
      contraction and the formation of Ag receptor microclusters that initiate the
      signaling reactions that lead to lymphocyte activation. Breakdown of the
      submembrane cytoskeleton is likely to be required for the cytoskeleton
      reorganization that drives cell spreading and for removing physical barriers that
      limit Ag receptor mobility. In this report, we show that Ag receptor signaling
      via the Rap GTPases promotes the dephosphorylation and activation of the actin
      severing protein cofilin and that this results in increased severing of cellular
      actin filaments. Moreover, we show that this cofilin-mediated actin severing is
      critical for the changes in actin dynamics that drive B and T cell spreading, for
      the formation of BCR microclusters, and for the increased mobility of BCR
      microclusters within the plasma membrane after BCR engagement. Finally, using a
      model APC, we show that activation of this Rap-cofilin signaling module controls
      the amount of Ag that is gathered into BCR microclusters and that this is
      directly related to the magnitude of the resulting BCR signaling that is
      initiated during B cell-APC interactions. Thus, Rap-dependent activation of
      cofilin is critical for the early cytoskeletal changes and BCR reorganization
      that are involved in APC-dependent lymphocyte activation.

PMID- 22068233
TI  - CpG protects human monocytic cells against HIV-Vpr-induced apoptosis by cellular
      inhibitor of apoptosis-2 through the calcium-activated JNK pathway in a TLR9
      independent manner.
AB  - Monocytic cells survive HIV replication and consequent cytopathic effects because
      of their decreased sensitivity to HIV-induced apoptosis. However, the mechanism
      underlying this resistance to apoptosis remains poorly understood. Lymphocytic
      cells are exposed to microbial products because of their translocation from the
      gut in persons with chronic HIV infections or following coinfections. We
      hypothesized that activation of monocytic cells by such microbial products
      through interaction with corresponding TLRs may confer antiapoptotic signals.
      Using HIV-viral protein R (Vpr)(52-96) peptide as a model apoptosis-inducing
      agent, we demonstrated that unlike monocyte-derived macrophages, undifferentiated
      primary human monocytes and promonocytic THP-1 cells are highly susceptible to
      Vpr(52-96)-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, monocytes and THP-1 cells stimulated
      with TLR9 agonist CpG induced almost complete resistance to Vpr(52-96)-induced
      apoptosis, albeit through a TLR9-independent signaling pathway. Moreover, CpG
      selectively induced the antiapoptotic cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (c-IAP)-2
      protein and inhibition of the c-IAP-2 gene by either specific small interfering
      RNA or synthetic second mitochondrial activator of caspases mimetic reversed CpG
      induced resistance against Vpr(52-96)-mediated apoptosis. We demonstrated that c
      IAP-2 is regulated by the JNK and calcium signaling pathway, in particular
      calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK and the
      calcium signaling including the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II by either
      pharmacological inhibitors or their specific small interfering RNAs reversed CpG
      induced protection against Vpr(52-96)-mediated apoptosis. We also show that CpG
      induced JNK phosphorylation through activation of the calcium signaling pathway.
      Taken together, our results suggest that CpG-induced protection may be mediated
      by c-IAP-2 through the calcium-activated JNK pathway via what appeared to be TLR9
      independent signaling pathways.

PMID- 22068234
TI  - CD84 negatively regulates IgE high-affinity receptor signaling in human mast
      cells.
AB  - CD84 is a self-binding receptor from the CD150 (or signaling lymphocyte
      activation molecule [SLAM]) family that is broadly expressed in hematopoietic
      cells. It has been described that the adaptors SLAM-associated protein (SAP) and
      EWS-FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2) are critical for CD150 family members'
      signaling and function. We observed that human mast cells express CD84 but lack
      SAP or EAT-2, that CD84 is tyrosine phosphorylated upon FcepsilonRI engagement,
      and that the release of granule contents is reduced when FcepsilonRI is coengaged
      with CD84 in LAD2 and human CD34(+)-derived mast cells. In addition, we observed
      that the release of IL-8 and GM-CSF was also reduced in FcepsilonRI/CD84
      costimulated cells as compared with FcepsilonRI/Ig control. To understand how
      CD84 downregulates FcepsilonRI-mediated function, we analyzed signaling pathways
      affected by CD84 in human mast cells. Our results showed that CD84 dampens
      FcepsilonRI-mediated calcium mobilization after its co-cross-linking with the
      receptor. Furthermore, FcepsilonRI-mediated Syk-linker for activation of T cells
      phospholipase C-gamma1 axis activity is downregulated after CD84 stimulation,
      compared with FcepsilonRI/Ig control. The inhibitory kinase Fes phosphorylates
      mainly the inhibitory motif for CD84. Moreover, Fes, which has been described to
      become phosphorylated after substrate binding, also gets phosphorylated when
      coexpressed with CD84. Consistently, Fes was observed to be more phosphorylated
      after CD84 and FcepsilonRI co-cross-linking. The phosphorylation of the protein
      phosphatase Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 also increases
      after CD84 and FcepsilonRI coengagement. Taken together, our results show that
      CD84 is highly expressed in mast cells and that it contributes to the regulation
      of FcepsilonRI signaling in SAP- and EAT-2-independent and Fes- and Src homology
      region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1-dependent mechanisms.

PMID- 22068235
TI  - Pancreatic islets engineered with SA-FasL protein establish robust localized
      tolerance by inducing regulatory T cells in mice.
AB  - Allogeneic islet transplantation is an important therapeutic approach for the
      treatment of type 1 diabetes. Clinical application of this approach, however, is
      severely curtailed by allograft rejection primarily initiated by pathogenic
      effector T cells regardless of chronic use of immunosuppression. Given the role
      of Fas-mediated signaling in regulating effector T cell responses, we tested if
      pancreatic islets can be engineered ex vivo to display on their surface an
      apoptotic form of Fas ligand protein chimeric with streptavidin (SA-FasL) and
      whether such engineered islets induce tolerance in allogeneic hosts. Islets were
      modified with biotin following efficient engineering with SA-FasL protein that
      persisted on the surface of islets for >1 wk in vitro. SA-FasL-engineered islet
      grafts established euglycemia in chemically diabetic syngeneic mice indefinitely,
      demonstrating functionality and lack of acute toxicity. Most importantly, the
      transplantation of SA-FasL-engineered BALB/c islet grafts in conjunction with a
      short course of rapamycin treatment resulted in robust localized tolerance in
      100% of C57BL/6 recipients. Tolerance was initiated and maintained by
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells, as their depletion early during
      tolerance induction or late after established tolerance resulted in prompt graft
      rejection. Furthermore, Treg cells sorted from graft-draining lymph nodes, but
      not spleen, of long-term graft recipients prevented the rejection of unmodified
      allogeneic islets in an adoptive transfer model, further confirming the Treg role
      in established tolerance. Engineering islets ex vivo in a rapid and efficient
      manner to display on their surface immunomodulatory proteins represents a novel,
      safe, and clinically applicable approach with important implications for the
      treatment of type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 22068236
TI  - Microbiota downregulates dendritic cell expression of miR-10a, which targets IL
      12/IL-23p40.
AB  - Commensal flora plays important roles in the regulation of the gene expression
      involved in many intestinal functions and the maintenance of immune homeostasis,
      as well as in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. The microRNAs
      (miRNAs), a class of small, noncoding RNAs, act as key regulators in many
      biological processes. The miRNAs are highly conserved among species and appear to
      play important roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, as they can control
      the differentiation of various immune cells, as well as their functions. However,
      it is still largely unknown how microbiota regulates miRNA expression, thereby
      contributing to intestinal homeostasis and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel
      disease. In our current study, we found that microbiota negatively regulated
      intestinal miR-10a expression, because the intestines, as well as intestinal
      epithelial cells and dendritic cells of specific pathogen-free mice, expressed
      much lower levels of miR-10a compared with those in germ-free mice. Commensal
      bacteria downregulated dendritic cell miR-10a expression via TLR-TLR ligand
      interactions through a MyD88-dependent pathway. We identified IL-12/IL-23p40, a
      key molecule for innate immune responses to commensal bacteria, as a target of
      miR-10a. The ectopic expression of the miR-10a precursor inhibited, whereas the
      miR-10a inhibitor promoted, the expression of IL-12/IL-23p40 in dendritic cells.
      Mice with colitis expressing higher levels of IL-12/IL-23p40 exhibited lower
      levels of intestinal miR-10a compared with control mice. Collectively, our data
      demonstrated that microbiota negatively regulates host miR-10a expression, which
      may contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by targeting IL-12/IL
      23p40 expression.

PMID- 22068237
TI  - Cutting edge: A role for inside-out signaling in TCR regulation of CD28 ligand
      binding.
AB  - Efficient T cell activation depends on the engagement of both TCR and CD28,
      although the molecular mechanisms that control this signal integration are not
      fully understood. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, we show that T
      cell activation can drive a reorientation of the cytosolic tails of the CD28
      dimer. However, this is not mediated through CD28 ligand binding. Rather, TCR
      signaling itself mediates this conformation change in CD28. We also show that TCR
      signaling can induce CD28-ligand interactions. Although the CD28 dimer appears to
      bind ligand monovalently in solution, we show that both ligand binding sites are
      required to efficiently recruit CD28 to the immunological synapse. These results
      suggest, that analogous to the cross-talk from TCR that regulates integrin
      activation, TCR-initiated inside-out signaling may induce a conformational change
      to the extracellular domains of CD28, enabling ligand binding and initiating CD28
      signaling.

PMID- 22068238
TI  - Silicon nanowire ion sensitive field effect transistor with integrated Ag/AgCl
      electrode: pH sensing and noise characteristics.
AB  - We have fabricated Si nanowire (SiNW) based ion-sensitive field effect
      transistors (ISFETs) for biosensing applications. The ability to prepare a large
      number of sensors on a wafer, the use of standard silicon microfabrication
      techniques resulting in cost savings, and potential high sensitivity are
      significant advantages in favor of nanoscale SiNW ISFETs. The SiNW ISFETs with
      embedded Ag/AgCl reference electrode were fabricated on a standard silicon-on
      insulator wafer using electron-beam lithography and conventional semiconductor
      processing technology. The current-voltage characteristics show an n-type FET
      behavior with a relatively high on/off current ratio, reasonable sub-threshold
      swing value, and low gate-leakage current. The pH responses of the ISFETs with
      different pH solutions were characterized at room temperature which showed a
      clear lateral shift of the drain current vs. gate voltage curve with a change in
      the pH value of the solution and a sensitivity of 40 mV pH(-1). The low frequency
      noise characteristics were investigated to evaluate the signal to noise ratio and
      sensing limit of the devices.

PMID- 22068239
TI  - Selective N-alkylation of amines using nitriles under hydrogenation conditions:
      facile synthesis of secondary and tertiary amines.
AB  - Nitriles were found to be highly effective alkylating reagents for the selective
      N-alkylation of amines under catalytic hydrogenation conditions. For the aromatic
      primary amines, the corresponding secondary amines were selectively obtained
      under Pd/C-catalyzed hydrogenation conditions. Although the use of electron poor
      aromatic amines or bulky nitriles showed a lower reactivity toward the reductive
      alkylation, the addition of NH(4)OAc enhanced the reactivity to give secondary
      aromatic amines in good to excellent yields. Under the same reaction conditions,
      aromatic nitro compounds instead of the aromatic primary amines could be directly
      transformed into secondary amines via a domino reaction involving the one-pot
      hydrogenation of the nitro group and the reductive alkylation of the amines.
      While aliphatic amines were effectively converted to the corresponding tertiary
      amines under Pd/C-catalyzed conditions, Rh/C was a highly effective catalyst for
      the N-monoalkylation of aliphatic primary amines without over-alkylation to the
      tertiary amines. Furthermore, the combination of the Rh/C-catalyzed N
      monoalkylation of the aliphatic primary amines and additional Pd/C-catalyzed
      alkylation of the resulting secondary aliphatic amines could selectively prepare
      aliphatic tertiary amines possessing three different alkyl groups. According to
      the mechanistic studies, it seems reasonable to conclude that nitriles were
      reduced to aldimines before the nucleophilic attack of the amine during the first
      step of the reaction.

PMID- 22068241
TI  - Comment: Use of recalibrated serum creatinine concentrations for adjustment of
      drug dosages: determination of values compatible with conventional dosing
      recommendations.

PMID- 22068242
TI  - The value of pharmacy services on a short-term medical mission trip: description
      of services and assessment of team satisfaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacists should be key members of a medical mission trip by
      providing assistance with medication knowledge and therapeutics. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the value of a pharmacist as a member of a medical mission team through
      (1) pharmacy interventions on 2 medical teams and 1 women's health team and (2)
      team satisfaction with the pharmacy services. METHODS: Pharmacy interventions
      were documented by 2 medical teams and 1 women's health team and included, but
      were not limited to, dosing recommendations, medication selection, and
      therapeutic substitution. Team satisfaction was determined from a 10-question
      survey administered on the last clinical day to all team members except
      pharmacists, pharmacy students, and physical therapists. RESULTS: The pharmacy
      service dispensed 2119 prescriptions, with an average number of prescriptions of
      1.84 per patient. A total of 2340 interventions were provided by the pharmacy
      service, averaging 2.04 interventions per patient and 1.1 interventions per
      prescription. The survey indicated that a pharmacist serves an integral role for
      the multidisciplinary medical team. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists play an important
      role in a short-term medical mission trip by serving as sources for medication
      knowledge and ensuring appropriate medication therapy management as part of the
      interdisciplinary team.

PMID- 22068243
TI  - Use of dexmedetomidine to discontinue high-dose fentanyl.

PMID- 22068245
TI  - A new, vitamin D-based, multidimensional nomogram for the diagnosis of primary
      hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To refine the diagnostic criteria for primary hyperparathyroidism (1
      degrees HPT) to identify atypical patients, in whom serum calcium, parathyroid
      hormone (PTH), or both are within the "normal" range. METHODS: Total serum
      calcium, intact PTH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured in
      patients with 1 degrees HPT and healthy patient groups. Multivariate analysis of
      healthy patient data first identified factors that significantly affected PTH
      levels and defined a new PTH reference range with a mathematical model. That
      nomogram was then validated for prediction of atypical 1 degrees HPT in patients
      with surgically confirmed disease. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, calcium (P
      = .0002), 25(OH)D (P<.0001), and age (P = .015) independently affected PTH. With
      these variables, we created a 4-dimensional nomogram that distinguished normal
      patients from those with hyperparathyroid states. Mathematically, this nomogram
      predicts 1 degrees HPT when the measured serum PTH value is higher than PTH
      calculated by the following formula: PTH (pg/mL) = 120 - [6 * calcium (mg/dL)] -
      [0.52 * 25(OH)D (ng/mL)] + [0.26 * patient age (years)]. When applied to our
      surgical group of patients, this nomogram successfully identified 100% of
      patients (238 of 238) with classic 1 degrees HPT, 84% (64 of 76) with
      normocalcemic 1 degrees HPT, and 54% (20 of 37) with 1 degrees HPT and normal
      PTH. CONCLUSION: This study uniquely defines a patient-specific upper limit of
      normal for PTH based on the readily available variables of serum calcium,
      25(OH)D, and patient age. Our nomogram may allow for more rapid definitive
      diagnosis and treatment of 1 degrees HPT in patients with atypical presentations.

PMID- 22068244
TI  - A review of supernumerary and absent limbs and digits of the upper limb.
AB  - For years people have been enamored by anomalies of the human limbs, particularly
      supernumerary and absent limbs and digits. Historically, there are a number of
      examples of such anomalies, including royal families of ancient Chaldea, tribes
      from Arabia, and examples from across nineteenth century Europe. The development
      of the upper limbs in a growing embryo is still being elucidated with the recent
      advent of homeobox genes, but researchers agree that upper limbs develop between
      stages 12-23 through a complex embryological process. Maternal thalidomide intake
      during limb development is known to cause limb reduction and subsequent amelia or
      phocomelia. Additionally, a number of clinical reports have illustrated different
      limb anomaly cases, with each situation unique in phenotype and developmental
      abnormality. Supernumerary and absent limbs and digits are not unique to humans,
      and a number of animal cases have also been reported. This review of the
      literature illustrates the historical, anatomical, and clinical aspects of
      supernumerary and absent limbs and digits for the upper limb.

PMID- 22068246
TI  - Finding the right balance between resistance and sensitivity: a review of the
      cardiac manifestations of the syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormone and the
      implications for treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review cardiac manifestations in the syndrome of resistance to
      thyroid hormone (RTH) and to question the general recommendation that the thyroid
      stimulating hormone (TSH) value be the guide to thyroid hormone replacement.
      METHODS: The syndrome of RTH is caused by mutations in the carboxy-terminal
      portion of the beta isoform of the thyroid hormone receptor, resulting in
      variable clinical manifestations. It is generally recommended that the
      replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with RTH be guided by the serum TSH
      concentration. The variable responsiveness of tissues to thyroid hormone,
      however, makes it difficult to balance the correct replacement dose. We present a
      case that brings into question the conventional wisdom about the replacement dose
      of thyroid hormone in this scenario, and we review the pertinent literature.
      RESULTS: A 54-year-old man with RTH was treated with levothyroxine and increasing
      doses of liothyronine sodium as part of an evaluation of RTH. On day 10 of the
      protocol, he developed atrial fibrillation despite a normal level of TSH (1.1
      mIU/L). Administration of liothyronine was discontinued, and cardioversion was
      planned; however, the patient's heart rhythm converted spontaneously to normal
      sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION: Replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with RTH
      should include careful monitoring of thyrotoxic cardiac side effects in addition
      to consideration of normalization of the TSH level.

PMID- 22068247
TI  - Hurthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid presenting as thyrotoxicosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a case of hyperthyroidism associated with Hurthle cell
      carcinoma and to review the literature regarding this relationship. METHODS: We
      describe the clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and pathologic data of a patient
      with Hurthle cell carcinoma associated with thyrotoxicosis and reversible heart
      failure. We discuss the mechanistic aspects and review previously reported cases
      of functional Hurthle cell carcinomas. RESULTS: A 43-year-old woman presented
      with thyrotoxicosis and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. She had a "hot" nodule in the
      left lobe of the thyroid on sodium pertechnetate scan. She underwent a left
      hemithyroidectomy and isthmusectomy. Pathologic findings revealed a minimally
      invasive Hurthle cell carcinoma. On follow-up, the dilated cardiomyopathy had
      resolved. The association of thyroid carcinoma with thyrotoxicosis is rare.
      CONCLUSIONS: Some Hurthle cell carcinomas can be functional and lead to
      thyrotoxicosis. To our knowledge, we present the first case of reversible dilated
      cardiomyopathy due to thyrotoxicosis originating from Hurthle cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22068248
TI  - Similar clinical features among patients with severe adult growth hormone
      deficiency diagnosed with insulin tolerance test or arginine or glucagon
      stimulation tests.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether insulin tolerance tests (ITTs), arginine
      stimulation tests (ASTs), and glucagon stimulation tests (GST) identify patients
      who have similar clinical features of growth hormone (GH) deficiency when a
      diagnostic GH threshold of 3 MUg/L is used. METHODS: Data were obtained from the
      KIMS database (Pfizer International Metabolic Database). Comparisons were made
      between patients who underwent ITT, AST, or GST for GH peak, body mass index,
      lipids, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and quality of life. RESULTS: A
      total of 5453 tests were available from 4867 patients registered in the database
      (ITT = 3111, AST = 1390, GST = 952). Significant (P<.001) intraindividual
      correlations were observed between the GH peaks for ITT vs AST (r = 0.655), ITT
      vs GST (r = 0.445), and AST vs GST (r = 0.632). GH peaks in response to all tests
      were negatively correlated to the number of additional pituitary hormone
      deficiencies and positively correlated to the insulinlike growth factor 1
      standard deviation score. Body mass index had a negative influence on all 3
      tests. Most clinical variables did not differ between the groups when comparing
      GH-deficient patients according to the diagnostic test used. The only exceptions
      that showed any difference were body mass index (slightly higher in the AST and
      GST groups), triglyceride levels (increased in the GST group), and insulinlike
      growth factor 1 (standard deviation score) (lower in the ITT and AST groups than
      in the GST group). Waist circumference was greater and quality of life was worse
      in the GST group than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The ITT, AST, and GST
      produce similar GH peaks, are influenced by similar clinical factors, and
      identify patients with similar features of GH deficiency at a diagnostic
      threshold of 3 MUg/L.

PMID- 22068249
TI  - Transition care of patients with growth hormone deficiency from pediatric
      endocrinologists to adult endocrinologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review whether growth hormone (GH) therapy should be continued into
      young adulthood, beyond achievement of final height, when GH deficiency persists,
      to summarize the recent evidence of the benefits of GH treatment during the
      transition period, and to address currently debated issues involving diagnosis,
      treatment, and transition of care. METHODS: Primary literature was reviewed in
      the following areas: the benefits and risks of GH therapy during the transition
      period, the diagnostic criteria for GH deficiency and recommended testing
      procedures during transition, the optimal dose of GH therapy during transition,
      and the factors to consider in the transition of care from the pediatric to the
      adult endocrinologist. RESULTS: Studies support the continuation of GH therapy
      through the transition period until accrual of peak bone mass, rather than
      cessation of GH treatment when adult height has been achieved. Continued GH
      treatment in patients with persistent GH deficiency after achieving final height
      has been associated with significant additional bone maturation and improved
      overall metabolic profile. The selection of the most appropriate methods and
      cutoff values for retesting GH deficiency during the transition period remains a
      challenge. Reassessment of the optimal GH dose is a key component of transition
      care. CONCLUSION: For patients with GH deficiency that will likely persist into
      adulthood, it is important to begin discussing possible continuation of GH
      treatment early in the management of GH deficiency. Clear communication between
      pediatric and adult endocrinologists will be needed to determine the timing of
      the patient-care transition and to minimize the interruption of GH therapy during
      the transition period.

PMID- 22068250
TI  - Successful treatment of prediabetes in clinical practice: targeting insulin
      resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of targeted pharmacologic interventions
      to reverse documented pathophysiologic abnormalities in prediabetes. METHODS:
      Patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose
      (IFG) were treated with insulin sensitizers (pioglitazone + metformin) or insulin
      sensitizers + exenatide on the basis of oral glucose tolerance testing-derived
      indices of insulin resistance and impaired beta-cell function. Patients who
      declined pharmacologic therapy received lifestyle modification only. RESULTS: One
      hundred five patients with IGT and/or IFG were treated with insulin sensitizers
      (pioglitazone + metformin) (n = 40), insulin sensitizers + exenatide (n = 47), or
      lifestyle modification only (n = 18). After a mean follow-up period of 8.9
      months, the lifestyle modification group demonstrated no significant changes in
      fasting plasma glucose, plasma glucose area under the curve during oral glucose
      tolerance testing, insulin sensitivity, or beta-cell function. In the
      pioglitazone + metformin group (24 hours off medication), fasting plasma glucose
      fell from 109 to 102 mg/dL; plasma glucose area under the curve decreased by
      12.0%; insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function improved by 42% and 50%,
      respectively (all P<.001); 14.3% converted to normal glucose tolerance; and no
      patient developed diabetes. In the pioglitazone + metformin + exenatide group (24
      hours off medication), fasting plasma glucose fell from 109 to 98 mg/dL; plasma
      glucose area under the curve decreased by 21.2%; insulin sensitivity and beta
      cell function improved by 52% and 109%, respectively (all P<.001); 59.1% of
      patients with IGT reverted to normal glucose tolerance; and no patient developed
      diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted pathophysiologic therapy based on oral glucose
      tolerance test-derived measures of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function can
      be implemented in general internal medicine and endocrine practice and is
      associated with marked improvement in glucose tolerance and reversion of
      prediabetes to normal glucose tolerance in more than 50% of patients.

PMID- 22068251
TI  - Three large, functioning cystic parathyroid adenomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a very rare case of 3 large, functioning cystic parathyroid
      adenomas causing primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: We present the history,
      clinical findings, laboratory test results, radiologic findings, endocrine workup
      results, intraoperative surgical challenges, and surgical pathology report of the
      study patient. We review the literature and discuss the importance of
      intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement in such cases. RESULTS: A 79
      year-old woman presented with primary hyperparathyroidism and elevated levels of
      calcium and PTH. Localization studies confirmed the presence of a large right
      upper parathyroid adenoma. On exploration, a very large cystic parathyroid gland
      was identified at that location. Because intraoperative PTH levels remained
      elevated, further exploration was pursued, which revealed 2 more large cystic
      glands on the left side that were resected. This resulted in an adequate but slow
      PTH drop. The right lower gland appeared normal. On follow-up 4 days and 6 weeks
      after surgery, the calcium and PTH levels had normalized. CONCLUSION: This case
      highlights the aspects of intraoperative PTH use and underscores the need to
      exclude multigland disease even in the setting of a very large parathyroid cyst
      with concordant localization studies.

PMID- 22068253
TI  - An outpatient-based clinical program for diabetes prevention: an update.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To update outcomes of the Diet-Exercise-Activity-Lifestyle (DEAL)
      program, a clinic-based diabetes prevention intervention. METHODS: Changes in
      weight, fasting blood glucose, and 2-hour glucose after a 75-g oral glucose
      tolerance test were evaluated in patients who enrolled in the DEAL program
      between January 2007 and August 2009. RESULTS: The 221 qualified participants had
      a mean age of 62 years, weight of 87.4 kg, body mass index of 31.2 kg/m2, fasting
      glucose level of 109 mg/dL, and 2-hour glucose value of 138 mg/dL. Among the
      program participants, 67% were women and 88% were white; 56% had isolated
      impaired fasting glucose, 5% had impaired glucose tolerance only, and 39% had
      both. The 6-month follow-up medical appointment was kept by 72% of program
      participants, but only 56% attended the 12-month visit. By 6 months after
      baseline, 59% had significantly lower fasting glucose concentrations, 59% had
      improvement in 2-hour glucose levels, and 61% had weight loss. Nearly 40%,
      however, were nonresponders and had increased fasting glucose, 2-hour glucose,
      and weight by 6 months. By the 12-month visit, significant declines in fasting
      glucose (P<.001), 2-hour glucose (P<.001), and weight (P = .008) occurred in
      comparison with baseline values; however, no significant changes occurred in
      these measures between the 6- and 12-month visits (P>.30 for all). CONCLUSION:
      Most DEAL participants showed improvement in glucose levels and weight, but some
      patients exhibited worsening glucose intolerance. Factors underlying nonresponse
      need to be identified. Ongoing experience and analysis should help revise the
      DEAL program so that outcomes for all participating patients will improve.

PMID- 22068254
TI  - Clinical effects of long-term metreleptin treatment in patients with
      lipodystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term clinical effect of treatment with
      metreleptin (an analogue of human leptin) on glycemic and lipid abnormalities and
      markers of hepatic steatosis in patients with inherited or acquired
      lipodystrophy. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (36 with generalized lipodystrophy
      and 19 with partial lipodystrophy) with at least 1 of 3 metabolic abnormalities
      (diabetes mellitus, fasting triglyceride level >=200 mg/dL, and insulin
      resistance) and low leptin levels received subcutaneous injections of metreleptin
      once or twice daily in an ongoing clinical trial at the National Institutes of
      Health. RESULTS: At baseline, hemoglobin A1c-8.5% +/- 2.1% (mean +/- standard
      deviation [SD])-and triglycerides-479 +/- 80 mg/dL (geometric mean +/- standard
      error [SE])-were substantially elevated. Robust and sustained reductions in both
      variables were evident for the observed patient population during a 3-year
      metreleptin treatment period (-2.1% +/- 0.5% [mean +/- SE] and -35.4% +/- 13.7%
      [mean +/- SE], respectively). Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST) levels were elevated at baseline (100 +/- 120 U/L and 71
      +/- 77 U/L [mean +/- SD], respectively) and decreased by -45 +/- 19 U/L and -33
      +/- 14 U/L (mean +/- SE), respectively, during the 3-year metreleptin treatment
      period. Improvements in hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, ALT, and AST were more
      pronounced in the subsets of patients having elevated levels at baseline. The
      most notable adverse events observed in this patient population were likely
      attributable to underlying metabolic abnormalities or comorbidities. CONCLUSION:
      Metreleptin treatment substantially reduced glycemic variables, triglycerides,
      and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and demonstrated durability of response
      throughout a 3-year treatment period. These results support metreleptin as a
      potential treatment for certain metabolic disorders (for example, diabetes
      mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia) associated with lipodystrophy.

PMID- 22068255
TI  - Retroperitoneal masses mimicking adrenal tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report 10 cases of neoplasms that were initially thought to be
      primarily adrenal-derived masses but were later confirmed as tumors of a
      different origin. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, a total of 229 patients
      underwent adrenalectomy at our institution. Of this overall group, 10 patients
      had retroperitoneal pathologic conditions mimicking adrenal tumors. Using an
      institutional review board-approved database, we reviewed the clinical,
      biochemical, and radiologic characteristics of these 10 patients. RESULTS: The
      study cohort consisted of 4 male and 6 female patients. The mean age of these 10
      patients was 48 years. The pathologic conditions included schwannoma (n = 3),
      leiomyosarcoma (n = 2), and 1 each of metastatic angiosarcoma, metastatic
      granulosa cell tumor, retroperitoneal hematoma, perivascular epithelioid cell
      tumor, and bronchogenic cyst. The patient with angiosarcoma had elevated plasma
      and urine catecholamines and a positive metaiodobenzylguanidine scan, whereas the
      others had normal findings on biochemical work-up. A percutaneous biopsy was
      performed preoperatively in 2 patients. All patients, except the patient with
      hematoma, underwent abdominal exploration, which was laparoscopic in 5, open in
      2, and robotic in 2. With exclusion of the patients with angiosarcoma and
      hematoma, resection was possible in all the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: In
      this report we describe our experience with retroperitoneal masses mimicking
      adrenal tumors. Increased awareness of these unusual pathologic conditions is
      important for appropriate clinical management of these tumors. The presentation
      of the patients and the surgical management of these individual pathologic
      entities are highlighted.

PMID- 22068256
TI  - Delayed treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from struma ovarii in a
      patient with history of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: a case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We present a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from struma
      ovarii treated erroneously as ovarian adenocarcinoma for more than 3 years.
      METHODS: We report clinical, surgical, laboratory, and imaging findings of the
      study patient and review the relevant literature. RESULTS: A 64-year-old woman
      was treated for ovarian adenocarcinoma for more than 3 years before it was
      determined that she likely had papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from struma
      ovarii. This is the first reported case of thyroid carcinoma arising from struma
      ovarii in a patient with a history of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Possible
      etiologies include residual ovarian tissue after oophorectomy, ectopic thyroid,
      or metastatic thyroid cancer. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to include struma
      ovarii and thyroid carcinoma arising from struma ovarii in the differential
      diagnosis, even with a history of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This case
      emphasizes the importance of effective communication among the pathologist,
      oncologist, and surgeon to ensure timely initiation of appropriate therapy and
      reduced patient morbidity.

PMID- 22068257
TI  - Visual vignette. Hypothyroidism-associated myopathy.

PMID- 22068259
TI  - Visual vignette. Primary adrenal insufficiency attributable to bilateral
      hemorrhagic adrenal metastatic lesions from poorly differentiated non-small cell
      lung carcinoma.

PMID- 22068258
TI  - Case report of acute necrotizing pancreatitis associated with combination
      treatment of sitagliptin and exenatide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the first postmarketing case of necrotizing pancreatitis in
      a patient on combination therapy of sitagliptin and exenatide. METHODS: We
      describe the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory test results, imaging,
      and autopsy findings. RESULTS: A 76-year-old woman with a history of type 2
      diabetes mellitus presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever
      requiring hospital admission. She had been treated with exenatide for 3 years to
      manage her diabetes mellitus. A few weeks before presentation, sitagliptin was
      added, presumably to further optimize her glycemic control. Acute pancreatitis
      was diagnosed during hospital admission. At initial presentation, her serum
      amylase concentration was 1136 U/L (reference range, 10-130 U/L) and her lipase
      concentration was greater than 3500 U/L (reference range, 0-75 U/L). In addition,
      computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated extensive previous
      cholecystectomy, reported no alcohol consumption, and had a normal lipid profile.
      Although she had a long-standing history of diabetes mellitus, she had no history
      of pancreatitis or other risk factors that would have caused her to develop the
      underlying condition. After initial brief improvement, her symptoms worsened, and
      despite aggressive care, her clinical state deteriorated and she died. Autopsy
      findings demonstrated acute necrotizing pancreatitis with complete digestion of
      the pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the temporal relationship of her symptoms
      to the addition of sitagliptin to her existing exenatide regimen, this case
      strongly suggests a possible causal link between exenatide or sitagliptin (or the
      combination of the 2 drugs) and the etiology of pancreatitis in this patient.

PMID- 22068260
TI  - Trichotemnomania: hair loss mediated by a compulsive habit not admitted by
      patients.

PMID- 22068261
TI  - (AEDPH3).(BtaH): a novel supramolecular plaster with formaldehyde adsorption and
      formaldehyde/ultraviolet ray-induced luminescence switching performance.
AB  - A novel supramolecular plaster, (AEDPH(3)).(BtaH) (1), is synthesised and
      characterized. The supramolecular plaster is easy to synthesise and process, and
      displays good mechanical properties. It can adsorb and eliminate formaldehyde
      (HCHO) with high efficiency and exhibits very interesting HCHO/ultraviolet ray
      induced luminescence switching.

PMID- 22068262
TI  - Simultaneous hydrogen utilization and in situ biogas upgrading in an anaerobic
      reactor.
AB  - The possibility of converting hydrogen to methane and simultaneous upgrading of
      biogas was investigated in both batch tests and fully mixed biogas reactor,
      simultaneously fed with manure and hydrogen. Batch experiments showed that
      hydrogen could be converted to methane by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis with
      conversion of more than 90% of the consumed hydrogen to methane. The hydrogen
      consumption rates were affected by both P(H2) (hydrogen partial pressure) and
      mixing intensity. Inhibition of propionate and butyrate degradation by hydrogen
      (1 atm) was only observed under high mixing intensity (shaking speed 300 rpm).
      Continuous addition of hydrogen (flow rate of 28.6 mL/(L/h)) to an anaerobic
      reactor fed with manure, showed that more than 80% of the hydrogen was utilized.
      The propionate and butyrate level in the reactor was not significantly affected
      by the hydrogen addition. The methane production rate of the reactor with H2
      addition was 22% higher, compared to the control reactor only fed with manure.
      The CO2 content in the produced biogas was only 15%, while it was 38% in the
      control reactor. However, the addition of hydrogen resulted in increase of pH
      (from 8.0 to 8.3) due to the consumption of bicarbonate, which subsequently
      caused slight inhibition of methanogenesis.

PMID- 22068263
TI  - On the role of beta-cyanoalanine synthase (CAS) in metabolism of free cyanide and
      ferri-cyanide by rice seedlings.
AB  - A study was conducted to investigate the contribution of beta-cyanoalanine
      synthase (CAS) to the botanical metabolism of free cyanide and iron cyanides.
      Seedlings of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. XZX 45) were grown hydroponically and then
      amended with free cyanide (KCN) or ferri-cyanide [K(3)Fe(CN)(6)] into the growth
      media. Total cyanide, free cyanide, and Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) in aqueous solution were
      analyzed to identify the speciation of K(3)Fe(CN)(6). Activity of CAS in
      different parts of the rice seedlings was also assayed in vivo and results
      indicated that dissociation of K(3)Fe(CN)(6) to free cyanide in solution was
      negligible. Almost all of the applied KCN was removed by rice seedlings and the
      metabolic rates were concentration dependent. Phyto-transport of K(3)Fe(CN)(6)
      was apparent, but appreciable amounts of cyanide were recovered in plant tissues.
      The metabolic rates of K(3)Fe(CN)(6) were also positively correlated to the
      concentrations supplied. Rice seedlings exposed to KCN showed a considerable
      increase in the CAS activity and roots had higher CAS activity than shoots,
      indicating that CAS plays an important role in the botanical assimilation of KCN.
      However, no measurable change of CAS activity in different parts of rice
      seedlings exposed to K(3)Fe(CN)(6) was detected, suggesting that K(3)Fe(CN)(6) is
      likely metabolized by rice directly through an unknown pathway rather than the
      beta-cyanoalanine pathway.

PMID- 22068264
TI  - Aza-boron-dipyrromethene dyes: TD-DFT benchmarks, spectral analysis and design of
      original near-IR structures.
AB  - The excited-state energies of aza-boron-dipyrromethene (Aza-BODIPY) derivatives
      are investigated with Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT), with
      twin goals. On the one hand, a pragmatic, yet efficient, computational protocol
      is defined in order to reach rapidly semi-quantitative estimates of the
      lambda(max) of these challenging dyes. It turned out that a PCM-TD-BMK/6
      311+G(2d,p)//PCM-PBE0/6-311G(2d,p) approach delivers appropriate lower bounds of
      the experimental results, despite the inherent limits of the vertical
      approximation. On the other hand, the method is applied to design new dyes
      absorbing in the near-IR. The spectral features of ca. 30 new compounds have been
      simulated in a systematic way, trying to efficiently combine several available
      synthetic strategies leading to significant bathochromic displacements. A series
      of dyes absorbing above 850 nm are proposed, illustrating that (relatively) fast
      theoretical calculations might be a useful pre-screening step preceding
      synthesis.

PMID- 22068265
TI  - Genetic determinants of Tibetan high-altitude adaptation.
AB  - Some highland populations have genetic adaptations that enable their successful
      existence in a hypoxic environment. Tibetans are protected against many of the
      harmful responses exhibited by non-adapted populations upon exposure to severe
      hypoxia, including elevated hemoglobin concentration (i.e., polycythemia). Recent
      studies have highlighted several genes subject to natural selection in native
      high-altitude Tibetans. Three of these genes, EPAS1, EGLN1 and PPARA, regulate or
      are regulated by hypoxia inducible factor, a principal controller of
      erythropoiesis and other organismal functions. Uncovering the molecular basis of
      hypoxic adaptation should have implications for understanding hematological and
      other adaptations involved in hypoxia tolerance. Because the hypoxia response
      involves a variety of cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic functions, this
      knowledge would improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and could
      ultimately be translated into targeted therapies for oxygen deprivation,
      cardiopulmonary and cerebral pathologies, and metabolic disorders such as
      diabetes and obesity.

PMID- 22068266
TI  - Effect of genu recurvatum on the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee during
      gait.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of genu recurvatum, which is
      considered to carry a high risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, on
      healthy and post-ACL injury gait and lower extremity muscle strength. METHODS:
      Subjects were 36 patients with ACL-deficient knee and 40 healthy controls without
      pain or restricted range of motion of the lower extremity during gait. The knee
      joints of all subjects were examined; those with over 10 degrees  hyperextension
      of both knees were defined as exhibiting genu recurvatum. On this basis, the
      subjects were further subdivided into two groups: with or without genu
      recurvatum. A three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates were used
      for gait analysis. Isokinetic dynamometers were used to measure knee muscle
      strength. RESULTS: There were no differences in joint angles, joint moments, or
      components of ground reaction force during gait or in knee strength for the
      healthy control subjects with and without genu recurvatum. ACL-deficient subjects
      without genu recurvatum showed a decrease in knee angles during the stance phase
      and a decrease in extension moments during the early stance phase compared with
      ACL-deficient subjects with genu recurvatum and controls. In contrast, neither
      knee angles nor extension moments during the stance phase differed significantly
      between ACL-deficient subjects with genu recurvatum and controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study provides clinically relevant information regarding the effects of genu
      recurvatum on gait parameters. The results suggest that in ACL injuries, the
      presence of genu recurvatum alters gait pattern. Consideration of the presence of
      genu recurvatum would be useful during rehabilitation following ACL injuries or
      ACL reconstruction. LEVEL  OF EVIDENCE: II. Prospective comparative study.

PMID- 22068268
TI  - Definition and classification of early osteoarthritis of the knee.
AB  - With the emerging interest in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, new
      treatment modalities being developed for joint disorders including joint surface
      lesions and articular cartilage defects. The clinical outcome of these novel
      approaches appears rather unpredictable and is due to many reasons but definitely
      also linked to the patient profile. As a typical example, symptomatic articular
      cartilage lesions can be presented in an otherwise normal joint, or associated
      with several other joint tissue alterations including meniscal lesions and
      abnormalities of the underlying bone. The outcome of novel treatments may well be
      influenced by the status of the whole joint, and the potential to develop
      osteoarthritis. To better identify the patients at risk and responders to certain
      treatments, it is of use to define and most importantly classify patients with
      "early osteoarthritis". Here, classification criteria for this group of patients
      are presented, allowing a more defined and accurate inclusion in clinical trials
      in the future.

PMID- 22068267
TI  - Surgical treatment for early osteoarthritis. Part II: allografts and concurrent
      procedures.
AB  - Young patients with early osteoarthritis (OA) represent a challenging population
      due to a combination of high functional demands and limited treatment options.
      Conservative measures such as injection and physical therapy can provide short
      term pain relief but are only palliative in nature. Joint replacement, a
      successful procedure in the older population, is controversial in younger
      patients, who are less satisfied and experience higher failure rates. Therefore,
      while traditionally not indicated for the treatment of OA, cartilage repair has
      become a focus of increased interest due to its potential to provide pain relief
      and alter the progression of degenerative disease, with the hope of delaying or
      obviating the need for joint replacement. The field of cartilage repair is seeing
      the rapid development of new technologies that promise greater ease of
      application, less demanding rehabilitation and better outcomes. Concurrent
      procedures such as meniscal transplantation and osteotomy, however, remain of
      crucial importance to provide a normalized biomechanical environment for these
      new technologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, Level II.

PMID- 22068269
TI  - The combination of microfracture and a cell-free polymer-based implant immersed
      with autologous serum for cartilage defect coverage.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this short-term pilot study was to determine the clinical
      and MRI outcome of a combination of microfracture with a cell-free polymer-based
      matrix for the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee. METHODS: The technique
      was used for treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects in the knee. Five
      patients were prospectively evaluated during 2 years with use of the Knee injury
      and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Tegner activity scale and the visual
      analog scale (VAS). MRI data were analyzed based on the original and modified
      MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) scoring system
      at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A gradual clinical improvement was
      observed during the follow-up. Adverse reactions to the matrix were not observed.
      The scaffold was firmly fixed with the use of bioresorbable pins. Both MOCART
      scoring systems revealed no significant deterioration or improvement in the
      repair tissue during the follow-up period. However, the majority of the patients
      exhibited subchondral lamina and bone changes. The formation of an intralesional
      osteophyte was observed in one case. CONCLUSIONS: The key finding in this study
      was that this procedure is safe for the treatment of cartilage defects in the
      knee. The patients showed a gradual clinical improvement postoperatively. Sixty
      percent (3/5) of the defects were adequately (complete or hypertrophic) filled
      with repair tissue at 2 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22068270
TI  - Keep the faith! Working with African American/black churches.

PMID- 22068272
TI  - State-mandated school-based BMI screening and parent notification: a descriptive
      case study.
AB  - To address childhood obesity, several states and local school districts across
      the United States have adopted body mass index (BMI) measurement initiatives.
      This descriptive case study explored psychosocial, environmental, and behavioral
      factors among parents of sixth-grade students who received BMI Health Letters
      (BMIHLs) in one Florida County. A nonexperimental postintervention design was
      employed to gather quantitative data via self-report Likert-type questionnaire.
      Participants were parents/guardians of sixth-grade students attending one
      Hillsborough County public middle school (n = 76). Results indicate three main
      findings: (a) most parents in this study (67.4%) who discussed the BMIHL with
      their child reported their child as "very" or "somewhat" uncomfortable with the
      discussion; (b) some parents of normal weight (NW) children responded by taking
      their child to a medical professional to control their weight; and (c) more
      parents of at risk of overweight/overweight (AR/OW) children (vs. NW) reported
      greater concern about their child's weight, using food restriction and physical
      activity to control their child's weight, and giving negative weight-related
      comments/behaviors. This case study illustrates the importance of adapting and
      tailoring state mandated BMIHLs for parents based on child's BMI status.

PMID- 22068273
TI  - A unifying hypothesis and a single name for a complex globally emerging
      infection: hantavirus disease.

PMID- 22068274
TI  - Laboratory evaluation of the ESwab transport system for the recovery of
      carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Microbiological surveillance for detection of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii
      is important, but recovery of A. baumannii is inadequate. We studied A. baumannii
      recovery by a particular transport system that is possibly superior over standard
      swabs, using reference and clinical strains. First, the recovery rates relating
      to the various swabs were compared with regard to various combinations of
      transport times (0 h, 1 h, 24 h, 48 h), storage times (0 weeks, 1 week, 2 weeks,
      4 weeks) and storage temperatures (4 degrees c,-80 degrees c) using live counts.
      Second, the recovery of different inocula of strains mixed with fecal microbiota
      was evaluated by plating on selective medium. The new transport system exhibited
      a decline of <3log10 under almost all conditions studied and performed better
      than standard swabs under several conditions. If plated on selective media, the
      new transport system performed well, even after prolonged transport or with a low
      inoculum, and its processing could be delayed by up to 2 weeks, especially if
      refrigerated. The new transport system may thus enhance A. baumannii
      surveillance.

PMID- 22068275
TI  - Molecular epidemiology and characterisation of MRSA isolates from Trinidad and
      Tobago.
AB  - Eighty methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from three
      hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago were collected and genotyped using microarray
      hybridisation. They were found to belong to three distinct MRSA strains. Of the
      80 isolates, 76 were assigned to ST239-MRSA-III. They were largely homogeneous,
      although some variations affected the presence of the enterotoxin A gene, as well
      as of resistance markers (mercury resistance operon, aadD, tet(K), qacA). The
      mupA gene conferring mupirocin resistance was found in 7.3% of isolates. One
      isolate was identified as CC5-MRSA-II and three isolates belonged to the Panton
      Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive ST8-MRSA-IV strain USA300. While community
      acquired MRSA strains are rare in Trinidad and Tobago, the vast majority of MRSA
      cases can be attributed to healthcare-associated strains. Thus, infection control
      procedures within medical facilities need to be revised and enforced. This could
      substantially reduce the burden of MRSA to healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago.

PMID- 22068276
TI  - Radioactive holmium acetylacetonate microspheres for interstitial
      microbrachytherapy: an in vitro and in vivo stability study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The clinical application of holmium acetylacetonate microspheres
      (HoAcAcMS) for the intratumoral radionuclide treatment of solid malignancies
      requires a thorough understanding of their stability. Therefore, an in vitro and
      an in vivo stability study with HoAcAcMS was conducted. METHODS: HoAcAcMS, before
      and after neutron irradiation, were incubated in a phosphate buffer at 37 degrees
      C for 6 months. The in vitro release of holmium in this buffer after 6 months was
      0.5%. Elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and
      time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry were performed on the HoAcAcMS.
      RESULTS: After 4 days in buffer the acetylacetonate ligands were replaced by
      phosphate, without altering the particle size and surface morphology. HoAcAcMS
      before and after neutron irradiation were administered intratumorally in VX2
      tumor-bearing rabbits. No holmium was detected in the faeces, urine, femur and
      blood. Histological examination of the tumor revealed clusters of intact
      microspheres amidst necrotic tissue after 30 days. CONCLUSION: HoAcAcMS are
      stable both in vitro and in vivo and are suitable for intratumoral radionuclide
      treatment.

PMID- 22068277
TI  - Glucuronidation and methylation of procyanidin dimers b2 and 3,3"-di-o-galloyl-b2
      and corresponding monomers epicatechin and 3-o-galloyl-epicatechin in mouse
      liver.
AB  - PURPOSE: The 3,3"-di-O-galloyl ester of procyanidin B2 (B2G2) is a component of
      grape seed extract that inhibits growth of human prostate carcinoma cell lines.
      In preparation for studies in mice, its hepatic metabolism was examined in vitro
      and compared to B2 and the corresponding monomers, epicatechin (EC) and 3-O
      galloyl-epicatechin (ECG). METHODS: Compounds were incubated with liver
      microsomes or cytosol containing cofactors for glucuronidation, sulfation or
      methylation, and products analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC
      MS). B2G2 was administered orally to mice and plasma analyzed by LC-MS for
      unmodified procyanidin and metabolites. RESULTS: Glucuronides and methyl ethers
      of B2 and B2G2 were formed in small amounts. In contrast, EC and ECG were largely
      or completely converted to glucuronides, sulfates and methyl ethers under the
      same incubation conditions. B2G2 given orally to mice was partially absorbed
      intact; no significant metabolites were detected in plasma. CONCLUSIONS:
      Glucuronidation and methylation of procyanidins B2 and B2G2 occurred but were
      minor processes in vitro. B2G2 was partially absorbed intact in mice after oral
      dosing and did not undergo significant metabolism. Unlike the flavanol monomers
      EC and ECG, therefore, B2G2 bioavailability should not be limited by metabolism.
      These results paved the way for ongoing pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies.

PMID- 22068278
TI  - Pharmacokinetic modeling to assess factors affecting the oral bioavailability of
      the lactone and carboxylate forms of the lipophilic camptothecin analogue AR-67
      in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Camptothecin analogues are anticancer drugs effective when dosed in
      protracted schedules. Such treatment is best suited for oral formulations. AR-67
      is a novel lipophilic analogue with potent efficacy in preclinical models. Here
      we assessed factors that may influence its oral bioavailability in rats. METHODS:
      Plasma pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were conducted following administration of AR
      67 lactone or carboxylate doses alone or after pre-dosing with inhibitors of the
      efflux transporters P-gp and Bcrp. A population PK model that simultaneously
      fitted to oral and intravenous data was used to estimate the bioavailability (F)
      and clearance of AR-67. RESULTS: An inverse Gaussian function was used as the
      oral input into the model and provided the best fits. Covariate analysis showed
      that the bioavailability of the lactone, but not its clearance, was dose
      dependent. Consistent with this observation, the bioavailability of AR-67
      increased when animals were pretreated orally with GF120918 or Zosuquidar.
      CONCLUSION: Absorption of AR-67 is likely affected by solubility of its lactone
      form and interaction with efflux pumps in the gut. AR-67 appears to be absorbed
      as the lactone form, most likely due to gastric pH favoring its formation and
      predominance. F increased at higher doses suggesting saturation of efflux
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22068279
TI  - Cellular reprogramming: a new technology frontier in pharmaceutical research.
AB  - Induced pluripotent stem cells via cellular reprogramming are now finding
      multiple applications in the pharmaceutical research and drug development
      pipeline. In the pre-clinical stages, they serve as model systems for basic
      research on specific diseases and then as key experimental tools for testing and
      developing therapeutics. Here we examine the current state of cellular
      reprogramming technology, with a special emphasis on approaches that recapitulate
      previously intractable human diseases in vitro. We discuss the technical and
      operational challenges that must be tackled as reprogrammed cells become
      incorporated into routine pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.

PMID- 22068281
TI  - Living life in the balance at midlife: lessons learned from mindfulness.
AB  - The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perceived effects of a
      Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on stress and quality of life
      of women in midlife. A total of 20 nurses, aged 45 to 55 years, who participated
      in a stress reduction course were contacted for interviews. A total of 9 nurses
      agreed to be interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyze these interviews.
      The five themes that emerged from the analysis were as follows: strengthening of
      interpersonal communication through social support, increased personal awareness
      through becoming more mindful and reflective, a spiritual awakening, effective
      ways of dealing with stress, and living life in balance by taking hold of one's
      life. This study increased the authors' understanding of effects/benefits,
      adherence, and application of MBSR techniques for women in midlife. It is
      concluded that MBSR may be a useful intervention for nurses in midlife to develop
      successful strategies for dealing with stress and to improve their quality of
      life.

PMID- 22068280
TI  - Use of artificial digestive systems to investigate the biopharmaceutical factors
      influencing the survival of probiotic yeast during gastrointestinal transit in
      humans.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the main biopharmaceutical factors on the
      viability of a new probiotic yeast strain, using dynamic in vitro systems
      simulating human gastric/small intestinal (TIM) and large intestinal (ARCOL)
      environments. METHODS: The viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856
      throughout the artificial digestive tract was determined by microbial counting.
      We investigated the effects of galenic formulation, food intake, dose, mode and
      frequency of administration on yeast survival rate. RESULTS: In both fasted and
      fed states, yeast viability in the upper digestive tract was significantly higher
      when the probiotic was administered in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)
      capsules compared to tablets. Food intake led to a delay in yeast release and a
      two-fold increase in strain survival. Whatever the dose, yeasts were particularly
      sensitive to the large intestinal environment. High concentrations of probiotic
      could only be maintained in the colon when it was inoculated twice a day over a 5
      h-period. CONCLUSIONS: TIM and ARCOL are complementary in vitro tools relevant
      for screening purposes, supplying valuable information on the effects of galenic
      form, food intake and dose regimen on the viability of probiotics throughout the
      human digestive tract.

PMID- 22068282
TI  - Effects of informal caregivers on function of older adults in home health care.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the effects of informal caregivers on the functioning
      of older adults in home health care (HHC). The authors performed a secondary data
      analysis using the Outcome and Assessment Information Set of older adults (N =
      8,750) who were admitted to a HHC agency from acute care hospitals. We conducted
      hierarchical multiple linear regression with functional dependence after a 60-day
      episode of formal HHC as an outcome variable. The older adults with informal
      caregivers showed less functional dependence at discharge (beta = -0.821, p =
      .027) than those without informal caregivers. Older adults who have a spouse
      (beta = -3.886, p < .001), offspring (beta = -3.614, p < .001), relative (beta = 
      4.360, p < .001), or nonrelative (beta = -4.977, p < .001) caregiver showed less
      functional dependence at discharge compared with those who had a paid caregiver
      when controlling for risk factors.

PMID- 22068284
TI  - Integrated analysis of multiple gene expression profiling datasets revealed novel
      gene signatures and molecular markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the novel gene signatures and molecular markers of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by integrated bioinformatics analysis of multiple
      gene expression profiling datasets. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Seven published gene
      expression profiling studies and one of our unpublished works were reanalyzed to
      identify the common significantly dysregulated (CSD) genes in NPC.
      Overrepresentation analysis of cytogenetic bands, Gene Ontology (GO) categories,
      pathways were used to explore CSD genes functionally associated with
      carcinogenesis. The protein expressions of selected CSD genes were examined by
      immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays, and the correlations of their
      expressions with clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Using the criteria
      (genes reported deregulated in more than one study), a total of 962 genes were
      identified as the CSD genes in NPC. Four upregulated (BUB1B, CCND2, CENPF, and
      MAD2L1) and two downregulated (LTF and SLPI) genes were markedly reported in six
      studies. The enrichments of chromosome aberrations were 2q23, 2q31, 7p15, 12q15,
      12q22, 18q11, and 18q12 in upregulated genes and 14q32 and 16q13 in downregulated
      genes. The activated GO categories and pathways related to proliferation,
      adhesion, invasion, and downregulated immune response had been functionally
      associated with NPC. SLPI significantly downregulated in nasopharyngeal
      adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, the high expression of BUB1B or CENPF was associated
      with poor overall survival of patients. CONCLUSION: It was first clearly
      identified the dysregulated expression of BUB1B and SLPI in NPC tissues. IMPACT:
      Further studies of the CSD genes as gene signatures and molecular markers of NPC
      might improve the understanding of the disease and identify new therapeutic
      targets.

PMID- 22068285
TI  - Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and survival following breast cancer
      diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While there is accumulating evidence that use of nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAID) decreases breast cancer risk, little is known about
      the impact of NSAIDs on survival after breast cancer diagnosis. METHODS: We
      assessed whether recent, prediagnostic NSAID use and lifetime cumulative aspirin
      use before diagnosis were associated with survival among 1,024 women with
      incident, primary, invasive breast cancer. RESULTS: Recent prediagnostic use of
      aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen and lifetime use of aspirin up to diagnosis
      were not associated with either all-cause mortality or breast cancer-specific
      mortality. Neither dose nor frequency of use was associated with risk.
      Associations were not different for pre- and postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION: In
      our data, prediagnostic NSAID use and lifetime cumulative aspirin use were not
      associated with breast cancer survival. IMPACT: Our findings do not support a
      role of NSAIDs prior to diagnosis in breast cancer survival.

PMID- 22068286
TI  - Exercise effects on depressive symptoms in cancer survivors: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is a distressing side effect of cancer and its treatment.
      In the general population, exercise is an effective antidepressant. OBJECTIVE: We
      conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the antidepressant
      effect of exercise in cancer survivors. DATA SOURCES: In May 2011, we searched
      MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, CINAHL, CDSR, CENTRAL, AMED, Biosis Previews, and
      Sport Discus and citations from relevant articles and reviews. STUDY ELIGIBILITY
      CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing exercise
      interventions with usual care in cancer survivors, using a self-report inventory
      or clinician rating to assess depressive symptoms, and reporting symptoms pre-
      and postintervention. STUDY APPRAISAL: Around 7,042 study titles were identified
      and screened, with 15 RCTs included. SYNTHESIS METHODS: Effect sizes (ES) were
      reported as mean change scores. The Q test was conducted to evaluate
      heterogeneity of ES. Potential moderator variables were evaluated with
      examination of scatter plots and Wilcoxon rank-sum or Kruskal-Wallis tests.
      RESULTS: The overall ES, under a random-effects model, was -0.22 (confidence
      interval, -0.43 to -0.09; P = 0.04). Significant moderating variables (ps < 0.05)
      were exercise location, exercise supervision, and exercise duration. LIMITATIONS:
      Only one study identified depression as the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS:
      Exercise has modest positive effects on depressive symptoms with larger effects
      for programs that were supervised or partially supervised, not conducted at home,
      and at least 30 minutes in duration. IMPACT: Our results complement other studies
      showing that exercise is associated with reduced pain and fatigue and with
      improvements in quality of life among cancer survivors.

PMID- 22068287
TI  - Long-term cancer risk among people diagnosed with AIDS during childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) results in partial
      immune restoration for people with AIDS, but its impact on cancer risk among
      children is unknown. METHODS: Data from the U.S. HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study were
      used to evaluate cancer risk for people diagnosed with AIDS as children
      (diagnosed with AIDS at ages 0-14 years, during 1980-2007, followed for up to 10
      years; N = 5,850). We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) to compare
      cancer risk to the general population. Poisson regression evaluated changes in
      cancer incidence between the pre-HAART (1980-1995) and HAART eras (1996-2007).
      RESULTS: There were 106 cancers observed with significantly elevated risks for
      the two major AIDS-defining cancers: Kaposi sarcoma [KS; N = 20, SIR = 1,694; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 986-2,712 and SIR = 1,146; 95% CI, 236-3,349] during
      the pre-HAART and HAART eras, respectively, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; N =
      64, SIR = 338; 95% CI, 242-458 and SIR = 116; 95% CI, 74-175). Incidence of both
      cancers declined 87% and 60%, respectively, in the HAART era (P < 0.05). Of non
      AIDS-defining cancers, leiomyosarcoma risk (N = 9) was elevated during both time
      periods (SIR = 863; 95% CI, 235-2,211 and SIR = 533; 95% CI, 173-1,243).
      CONCLUSION: People diagnosed with AIDS during childhood remain at elevated risk
      for KS, NHL, and leiomyosarcoma in the HAART era. Incidence of KS and NHL
      declined relative to widespread HAART use, but there was no change in the
      incidence of other cancers. IMPACT: People diagnosed with AIDS during childhood
      remain at elevated risk for certain cancers. Continued monitoring is warranted as
      this immunosuppressed population ages into adulthood where cancer risks generally
      increase.

PMID- 22068288
TI  - Patient activation increases colorectal cancer screening rates: a randomized
      trial among low-income minority patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain low among low-income
      and minority populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether
      providing patients with screening information, activating them to ask for a
      screening test, and telephone barriers counseling improves CRC screening rates
      compared with providing screening information only. METHODS: Patients were
      randomized to CRC screening information plus patient activation and barriers
      counseling (n = 138) or CRC screening information (n = 132). Barriers counseling
      was attempted among activated patients if screening was not completed after one
      month. CRC screening test completion was determined by medical record review at
      two months after the medical visit. Logistic regression was used to determine
      whether activated patients were more likely to complete CRC screening, after
      adjustment for confounding factors (e.g., demographic characteristics and CRC
      knowledge). RESULTS: Patients were African American (72.2%), female (63.7%), had
      annual household incomes less than $20,000 (60.7%), no health insurance (57.0%),
      and limited health literacy skills (53.7%). In adjusted analyses, more patients
      randomized to the activation group completed a screening test (19.6% vs. 9.9%; OR
      = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.14-5.56; P = 0.020). In addition, more activated patients
      reported discussing screening with their provider (54.4% vs. 27.5%, OR = 3.29,
      95% CI: 1.95-5.56; P < 0.001) and had more screening tests ordered (39.1% vs.
      17.6%; OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.88-6.15; P < 0.001) compared with those in the
      control group. CONCLUSION: Patient activation increased CRC screening rates among
      low-income minority patients. IMPACT: Innovative strategies are still needed to
      increase CRC screening discussions, motivate providers to recommend screening to
      patients, as well as assist patients to complete ordered screening tests.

PMID- 22068289
TI  - Comparison of physical activity levels between cancer survivors and non-cancer
      participants in the 2009 BRFSS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to compare physical activity (PA)
      levels between cancer survivors and those without cancer diagnosis (non-cancer
      participants). METHODS: Using data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System, we conducted secondary data analysis to compare PA between
      31,078 cancer survivors with history of single-site cancer diagnosis at least 2
      years prior to the survey, including cancer survivors of prostate [n = 2,951],
      female breast [n = 5,695], colon [n = 1,436], cervix [n = 2,211], endometrium [n
      = 1,080], and ovary [n = 732], and 235,351 non-cancer participants between 40 and
      79 years of age. Self-reported PA and cancer history data were collected through
      telephone interviews. Weekly moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA levels were
      calculated in moderate-to-intensity physical activity equivalent (MIE). Least
      squares means of MIE were obtained from sex, age groups (40-64 years [middle
      aged] and 65-79 years [older]), and cancer site-specific multivariable linear
      regression models, adjusting for age, age(2), race/ethnicity, household income,
      and education. RESULTS: Prostate cancer survivors reported participating in
      approximately 20 min/week more MIE, compared to their non-cancer counterparts (P
      < 0.10 for the middle-aged group; P < 0.01 for the older group). Middle-aged
      cervical and endometrial cancer survivors reported approximately 10 min/week less
      MIE (P < 0.05 and P < 0.15, respectively). Adjusted means of MIE were not
      different between cancer survivors of colon, female breast, or ovary and non
      cancer participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates higher PA levels among
      prostate cancer survivors and lower PA levels among middle-aged cervical and
      endometrial cancer survivors, compared to sex- and age group-matched general
      populations.

PMID- 22068290
TI  - Terminalia gum as a directly compressible excipient for controlled drug delivery.
AB  - The exudates from the incised trunk of Terminalia randii has been evaluated as
      controlled release excipient in comparison with xanthan gum and
      hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) using carvedilol (water insoluble) and
      theophylline (water soluble) as model drugs. Matrix tablets were prepared by
      direct compression and the effects of polymer concentration and excipients-spray
      dried lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate on
      the mechanical (crushing strength (CS) friability (F) and crushing strength
      friability ratio (CSFR)) and drug release properties of the matrix tablets were
      evaluated. The drug release data were fitted into different release kinetics
      equations to determine the drug release mechanism(s) from the matrix tablets. The
      results showed that the CS and CSFR increased with increase in polymer
      concentration while F decreased. The ranking of CS and CSFR was HPMC > terminalia
      > xanthan while the ranking was reverse for F. The ranking for t(25) (i.e. time
      for 25% drug release) at a polymer concentration of 60% was xanthan > terminalia
      = HPMC. The dissolution time, t(25), of theophylline matrices was significantly
      lower (p < 0.001) than those of carvedilol matrix tablets. Drug release from the
      matrices was by swelling, diffusion and erosion. The mechanical and drug release
      properties of the tablets were significantly (p < 0.05) dependent on the type and
      concentration of polymer and excipients used with the release mechanisms varying
      from Fickian to anomalous. Terminalia gum compared favourably with standard
      polymers when used in controlled release matrices and could serve as a suitable
      alternative to the standard polymers in drug delivery.

PMID- 22068291
TI  - Effect of sorbed water on disintegrant performance of four brands of Polacrilin
      Potassium NF.
AB  - Polacrilin Potassium NF is a commonly used weak cation exchange resin
      disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets. The objective of this research was to
      evaluate the effects of sorbed moisture on physical characteristics and
      disintegrant performance of four brands of Polacrilin Potassium NF. The
      disintegrants were stored in five different relative humidity chambers and their
      dynamic vapor adsorption-desorption analysis, effect of moisture on their
      compressibility, compactability, particle size, morphology, water uptake rate,
      and disintegration ability were studied. Moisture seemed to plasticize the
      disintegrants, reducing their yield pressures. However, certain optimum amount of
      moisture was found to be useful in increasing the compactablity of the tablets
      containing disintegrants. The tablets, however, lost their tensile strengths
      beyond this optimum moisture content. Moisture caused two brands of the
      disintegrants to swell; however, two other brands aggregated upon exposure to
      moisture. Swelling without aggregation increased the water uptake, and in turn
      the disintegrant performance. However, aggregation probably reduced the
      porosities of the disintegrants, reducing their water uptake rate and
      disintegrant performance. Different brands of Polacrilin Potassium NF differed in
      the abilities to withstand the effects of moisture on their functionality. Effect
      of moisture on disintegrant performance of Polacrilin Potassium NF needs to be
      considered before its use in tablets made by wet granulation.

PMID- 22068292
TI  - Parents' Experiences of Discrimination and Family Relationship Qualities: The
      Role of Gender.
AB  - Mothers and fathers in 156 African American families reported on racial
      discrimination experiences, gendered traits, and warmth and conflict in family
      relationships. Discrimination was linked with relationship quality, but links
      differed for mothers and fathers. More expressive parents and less instrumental
      fathers had more positive relationships in the face of discrimination, but for
      more instrumental fathers, discrimination-relationship quality links were
      negative. Findings imply consideration of sociocultural and individual
      characteristics for family relationships.

PMID- 22068294
TI  - Simultaneous electrochemical immunoassay of three liver cancer biomarkers using
      distinguishable redox probes as signal tags and gold nanoparticles coated carbon
      nanotubes as signal enhancers.
AB  - A novel strategy for simultaneous determination of three liver cancer biomarkers
      based on three redox labels with distinct voltammetric peaks was described. Gold
      nanoparticles coated carbon nanotubes were used as carriers to immobilize redox
      probes labeled antibodies and to amplify the signals.

PMID- 22068299
TI  - Cyclohexyl "base pairs" stabilize duplexes and intensify pyrene fluorescence by
      shielding it from natural base pairs.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the stability and structure of artificial base
      pairs that contain cyclohexyl rings. The introduction of a single pair of
      isopropylcyclohexanes into the middle of DNA slightly destabilized the duplex.
      Interestingly, as the number of the "base pairs" increased, the duplex was
      remarkably stabilized. A duplex with six base pairs was even more stable than one
      containing six A-T pairs. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that changes in entropy
      and not enthalpy contributed to duplex stability, demonstrating that hydrophobic
      interactions between isopropyl groups facilitated the base pairing, and thus
      stabilized the duplex. NOESY of a duplex containing an isopropylcyclohexane
      methylcyclohexane pair unambiguously demonstrated its "pairing" in the duplex
      because distinct NOEs between the protons of cyclohexyl moieties and imino
      protons of both of the neighboring natural base pairs were observed. CD spectra
      of duplexes tethering cyclohexyl moieties also showed a positive-negative couplet
      that is characteristic of the B-form DNA duplex. Taken together, these results
      showed that cyclohexyl moieties formed base pairs in the DNA duplex without
      severely disturbing the helical structure of natural DNA. Next, we introduced
      cyclohexyl base pairs between pyrene and nucleobases as an "insulator" that
      suppresses electron transfer between them. We found a massive increase in the
      quantum yield of pyrene due to the efficient shielding of pyrene from
      nucleobases. The cyclohexyl base pairs reported here have the potential to
      prepare highly fluorescent labeling agents by multiplying fluorophores and
      insulators alternately into DNA duplexes.

PMID- 22068300
TI  - Physical activity and colorectal cancer risk: an evaluation based on a systematic
      review of epidemiologic evidence among the Japanese population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Higher levels of physical activity have been consistently associated
      with a decreased risk of colon cancer, but not rectal cancer, in Western
      populations. The present study systematically evaluated epidemiologic evidence on
      the association between physical activity and colorectal cancer risk among the
      Japanese population. METHODS: Original data were obtained from MEDLINE searched
      using PubMed or from searches of the Ichushi database, complemented by manual
      searches. The associations were evaluated based on the strength of evidence, the
      magnitude of association and biologic plausibility. RESULTS: Two cohort studies
      and six case-control studies were identified. A weak to strong protective
      association between physical activity and colon cancer risk was observed in both
      cohort studies, showing a graded relationship, and among the majority of case
      control studies, with some showing a dose-response relationship. The association
      observed in cohort studies was more consistent and stronger in men than in women
      and for proximal colon cancer than for distal colon cancer. A protective
      association with rectal cancer was found only in case-control studies, but the
      evidence was less consistent and weaker than that observed for colon cancer.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity probably decreases the risk of colorectal cancer
      among the Japanese population. More specifically, the evidence for the colon is
      probable, whereas that for the rectum is insufficient.

PMID- 22068306
TI  - Late onset of skin manifestations in Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome with FLCN mutation
      p.W260X.

PMID- 22068307
TI  - Highly regioselective Lewis acid-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of alkynes with
      donor-acceptor oxiranes by selective carbon-carbon bond cleavage of epoxides.
AB  - A novel, efficient, highly regioselective Sc(OTf)(3)-catalyzed [3+2]
      cycloaddition of electron-rich alkynes with donor-acceptor oxiranes via highly
      chemoselective C-C bond cleavage under mild conditions was developed.

PMID- 22068308
TI  - Antibiotic resistance really starts to hurt.

PMID- 22068309
TI  - Nitron: a stable N-heterocyclic carbene that has been commercially available for
      more than a century.
AB  - The analytical reagent Nitron is a mesoionic compound whose structure consists of
      a cationic triazolium unit with an anionic PhN substituent. We provide clear
      evidence for the existence of a singlet diaminocarbene tautomer whose structure
      is composed of a 1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene unit bearing an NHPh substituent.

PMID- 22068310
TI  - Identification of heavy metal pollutants using multivariate analysis and effects
      of land uses on their accumulation in urban soils in Beijing, China.
AB  - In order to evaluate the current state of the environmental quality of soils in
      Beijing, we investigated contents of 14 metals in Beijing urban soils inside the
      5th ring road by even grids sampling. Statistic analyses were conducted to
      identify possible heavy metal pollutants, as well as the effects of land uses on
      their accumulation. Our results revealed that the urban soils in Beijing were
      contaminated by Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Land uses and urbanization ages affected the
      accumulation of the four heavy metals in soils significantly. Soils in industrial
      areas have the highest average Cu and Zn contents, while Pb contents in park
      areas and Cd in agricultural areas are the highest. The accumulations of Pb and
      Zn in urban soils increase significantly with sampling plots approaching the city
      center. And Pb, Cd, and Zn contents in soils in traffic areas also tend to
      increase in the city center. However, residential areas have the lowest contents
      of all the four heavy metals.

PMID- 22068311
TI  - Heavy metal assessment using geochemical and statistical tools in the surface
      sediments of Vembanad Lake, Southwest Coast of India.
AB  - The geochemical distribution and enrichment of ten heavy metals in the surface
      sediments of Vembanad Lake, southwest coast of India was evaluated. Sediment
      samples from 47 stations in the Lake were collected during dry and wet seasons in
      2008 and examined for heavy metal content (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu, Co,
      Cd), organic carbon, and sediment texture. Statistically significant spatial
      variation was observed among all sediment variables, but negligible significant
      seasonal variation was observed. Correlation analysis showed that the metal
      content of sediments was mainly regulated by organic carbon, Fe oxy-hydroxides,
      and grain size. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the 14 sediment
      variables into three factors that reveal distinct origins or accumulation
      mechanisms controlling the chemical composition in the study area. Pollution
      intensity of the Vembanad Lake was measured using the enrichment factor and the
      pollution load index. Severe and moderately severe enrichment of Cd and Zn in the
      north estuary with minor enrichment of Pb and Cr were observed, which reflects
      the intensity of the anthropogenic inputs related to industrial discharge into
      this system. The results of pollution load index reveal that the sediment was
      heavily polluted in northern arm and moderately polluted in the extreme end and
      port region of the southern arm of the lake. A comparison with sediment quality
      guideline quotient was also made, indicating that there may be some
      ecotoxicological risk to benthic organisms in these sediments.

PMID- 22068312
TI  - Determination of three alkylphenol isomers in various water samples using a new
      HPLC method based on a duet stationary phase.
AB  - The level of three alkylphenols (APs) 4-nonylphenol, 4-octylphenol and 4-tert
      octylphenol was monitored in various water samples using a new developed and
      validated HPLC method. The HPLC method employed a column with a mixed-mode
      stationary phase (C18/SCX) using a mobile phase of water to methanol = 15:85
      (v/v) delivered at a flow rate of 1 mL/min at room temperature. Both diode array,
      DAD and fluorescence, FLD detectors were employed. The method is linear when APs
      concentration ranged from 0.025 to 0.5 MUg/mL with a DAD detection at 279 nm and
      between 0.0008 and 0.1 MUg/mL when the detection was made by FLD (excitation at
      220 nm, emission at 315 nm). The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for
      alkylphenols were found to be 5 and 15 ng/mL, respectively (detection by DAD).
      The method was employed with good results for the determination of APs in the
      presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in various water samples.

PMID- 22068313
TI  - Principles for the monitoring and evaluation of wetland extent, condition and
      function in Australia.
AB  - The monitoring of resource condition is receiving renewed attention across
      several levels of government in Australia. This interest is linked to substantial
      investment in environmental remediation and aquatic ecosystem restoration in
      particular. In this context, it is timely to consider principles which ought to
      guide the development and implementation of monitoring programmes for wetland
      ecosystems. A framework is established which places monitoring in the context of
      the strategic adaptive management of wetlands. This framework requires there has
      to be clear goals for the extent and condition of the resource, with these goals
      being defined within thresholds of acceptable variability. Qualitative and, where
      possible, quantitative conceptual models linking management interventions to
      management goals should be the basis of indicator selection and assessment. The
      intensity of sampling ought to be informed by pilot surveys of statistical power
      in relation to the thresholds of acceptable variability identified within the
      management plan.

PMID- 22068314
TI  - Removal of phenols and other pollutants from different landfill leachates using
      powdered activated carbon supplemented SBR technology.
AB  - In this research, two types of sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with 8 h of cycle
      times, namely non-powdered activated carbon (NPAC-SBR) and powdered activated
      carbon (PAC-SBR), were used for the treatment of raw leachates at Kulim and Pulau
      Burung landfill sites. To test the performance of SBRs, phenols, total iron,
      zinc, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, color, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand,
      biochemical oxygen demand, and total dissolved salts removal efficiencies and
      sludge volume index (SVI) were studied at both sites. The rates of phenols
      removal, for instance in NPAC-SBRs and PAC-SBRs at Kulim, were 25% and 55%,
      respectively, whereas those at Pulau Buring were 94.81% and 97.75%, respectively.
      PAC as adsorbent in PAC-SBRs enhanced the removal efficiencies of the
      aforementioned pollutants from leachates at both sites. In addition, PAC as
      adsorbent decreased the SVI values at Kulim (59.7 mL/g) and Pulau Burung (91.4
      mL/g) leachates and improved the nitrification and denitrification processes.

PMID- 22068315
TI  - Abundance versus presence/absence data for modelling fish habitat preference with
      a genetic Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy system.
AB  - This study compared the accuracy of fuzzy habitat preference models (FHPMs) and
      habitat preference curves (HPCs) obtained from the FHPMs in order to assess the
      effect of two types of data [log-transformed fish population density (LOG) and
      presence-absence (P/A) data] on the habitat preference evaluation of Japanese
      medaka (Oryzias latipes). Three independent data sets were prepared for each type
      of data. The results differed according to the data sets and the types of data
      used. The HPCs showed a similar trend, whilst the degrees of preference were
      different. The model accuracy also differed according to the data sets used.
      Although almost no statistical difference was observed, on average, the P/A-based
      models showed a better performance according to the threshold-independent
      performance measures, whilst the LOG-based models showed better performance in
      predicting absence of the fish. These results can be explained partly from the
      different shapes of HPCs. This case study of Japanese medaka demonstrated the
      effect of different types of data on habitat preference evaluation. Further
      studies should build on the present finding and evaluate the effects of data
      characteristics such as the size of data sets and the prevalence for better
      understanding and reliable assessment of the habitat for target species.

PMID- 22068316
TI  - Distribution behavior and carcinogenic level of some polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in roadside soil at major traffic intercepts within a developing
      city of India.
AB  - A study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in roadside soil was
      conducted at a developing city locations of Jalandhar (Punjab), India in winter
      season to ascertain the contamination levels and their distribution behavior in
      roadside soil. PAHs concentration level of ten locations was measured at 1, 2,
      and 3 m distances from roadside soil covering all the major traffic intercepts
      within a city. Samples were extracted in acetone and dichloromethane (1:1) using
      soxhlet extraction. The extracts were filtered on a silica gel micro column to
      remove impurities and eluate was subjected to GC-FID. The total average PAHs
      concentration (city average) was found to be 4.04 MUg g(-1), whereas the
      concentration of 16 individual PAHs was found to vary between 0.008 and 28.4 MUg
      g(-1). The average concentration of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic PAHs in all
      the samples was 2.17 and 6.41 MUg g(-1) (ratio 1:2.95). The concentration of five
      ringed PAHs was found to be 45% to 60%, whereas two ringed PAHs were found to be
      in the range from 0.28% to 0.56% in all most all locations. The average highest
      PAHs concentration for any individual location was found as 12.23 MUg g(-1) at
      DAV Chowk at 1 m distance and minimum concentration was 0.98 MUg g(-1) at Maqsuda
      Chowk at 1 m distance from roadside. DiB (ah) A was the individual PAHs found in
      highest concentration in all the intercepts ranging between 1.26 and 28 MUg g(
      1). At most of the city intercepts, total carcinogenic PAHs concentration was
      found to range from 60% to 80% in comparison to noncarcinogenic PAHs (20%-40%) at
      most of the intercepts. The pollution level our study was compared with other
      cities of India/worldwide.

PMID- 22068317
TI  - Uncertain spatial reasoning of environmental risks in GIS using genetic learning
      algorithms.
AB  - Modeling the impact of air pollution is one of the most important approaches for
      managing damages to the ecosystem. This problem can be solved by sensing and
      modeling uncertain spatial behaviors, defining topological rules, and using
      inference and learning capabilities in a spatial reasoning system. Reasoning,
      which is the main component of such complex systems, requires that proper rules
      be defined through expert judgments in the knowledge-based part. Use of genetic
      fuzzy capabilities enables the algorithm to learn and be tuned to proper rules in
      a flexible manner and increases the preciseness and robustness of operations. The
      main objective of this paper was to design and evaluate a spatial genetic fuzzy
      system, with the goal of assessing environmental risks of air pollution due to
      oil well fires during the Persian Gulf War. Dynamic areas were extracted and
      monitored through images from NOAA, and the data were stored in an efficient
      spatial database. Initial spatial knowledge was determined by expert
      consideration of the application characteristics, and the inference engine was
      performed with genetic learning (GL) algorithms. Finally, GL (0.7 and 0.03), GL
      (0.7 and 0.08), GL (0.98 and 0.03), GL (0.98 and 0.08), and Cordon learning
      methods were evaluated with test and training data related to samples extracted
      from Landsat thematic mapper satellite images. Results of the implementation
      showed that GL (0.98, 0.03) was more precise than the other methods for learning
      and tuning rules in the concerned application.

PMID- 22068318
TI  - Redox switching and oxygen evolution at oxidized metal and metal oxide
      electrodes: iron in base.
AB  - Outstanding issues regarding the film formation, redox switching characteristics
      and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic behaviour of multicycled
      iron oxyhydroxide films in aqueous alkaline solution have been revisited. The
      oxide is grown using a repetitive potential multicycling technique, and the
      mechanism of the latter hydrous oxide formation process has been discussed. A
      duplex layer model of the oxide/solution interphase region is proposed. The
      acid/base behaviour of the hydrous oxide and the microdispersed nature of the
      latter material has been emphasised. The hydrous oxide is considered as a porous
      assembly of interlinked octahedrally coordinated anionic metal oxyhydroxide
      surfaquo complexes which form an open network structure. The latter contains
      considerable quantities of water molecules which facilitate hydroxide ion
      discharge at the metal site during active oxygen evolution, and also charge
      compensating cations. The dynamics of redox switching has been quantified via
      analysis of the cyclic voltammetry response as a function of potential sweep rate
      using the Laviron-Aoki electron hopping diffusion model by analogy with redox
      polymer modified electrodes. Steady state Tafel plot analysis has been used to
      elucidate the kinetics and mechanism of oxygen evolution. Tafel slope values of
      ca. 60 mV dec(-1) and ca. 120 mV dec(-1) are found at low and high overpotentials
      respectively, whereas the reaction order with respect to hydroxide ion activity
      changes from ca. 3/2 to ca. 1 as the potential is increased. These observations
      are rationalised in terms of a kinetic scheme involving Temkin adsorption and the
      rate determining formation of a physisorbed hydrogen peroxide intermediate on the
      oxide surface. The dual Tafel slope behaviour is ascribed to the potential
      dependence of the surface coverage of adsorbed intermediates.

PMID- 22068319
TI  - Variation in seedling freezing response is associated with climate in Larrea.
AB  - Variation in freezing severity is hypothesized to have influenced the
      distribution and evolution of the warm desert evergreen genus Larrea. If this
      hypothesis is correct, performance and survival of species and populations should
      vary predictably along gradients of freezing severity. If freezing environment
      changes in the future, the ability of Larrea to adapt will depend on the
      structure of variation for freezing resistance within populations. To test
      whether freezing responses vary among and within Larrea populations, we grew
      maternal families of seedlings from high and low latitude L. divaricata and high
      latitude L. tridentata populations in a common garden. We measured survival,
      projected plant area and dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence (F (v) /F (m))
      before and after cold acclimation and for 2 weeks following a single freeze. We
      detected significant variation in freezing resistance among species and
      populations. Maternal family lines differed significantly in their responses to
      cold acclimation and/or freezing for two out of the three populations: among L.
      tridentata maternal families and among low latitude L. divaricata maternal
      families. There were no significant differences across maternal families of high
      latitude L. divaricata. Our results indicate that increased freezing resistance
      in high latitude populations likely facilitated historical population expansion
      of both species into colder climates, but this may have occurred to a greater
      extent for L. tridentata than for L. divaricata. Differences in the structure of
      variation for cold acclimation and freezing responses among populations suggest
      potential differences in their ability to evolve in response to future changes in
      freezing severity.

PMID- 22068320
TI  - Anxiety and depression associated with incontinence in middle-aged women: a large
      Norwegian cross-sectional study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Several studies have indicated depression and
      anxiety to be associated with urinary incontinence (UI), however, the strength of
      the associations varies widely. The objective of this study was to determine
      these associations in a large survey. METHODS: In a cross-sectional population
      based survey study, we analysed questionnaire data on UI, depression and anxiety
      from 5,321 women between 40 and 44 years. A multivariate logistic regression
      model was used to predict the odds of having high levels of anxiety and
      depression among women with UI of different types and severities. RESULTS: Among
      women with UI, the adjusted OR for depression was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.32-2.04) and
      for anxiety 1.59 (95% CI, 1.36-1.86) compared with women without UI. CONCLUSION:
      UI was associated with both anxiety and depression in middle-aged women, with the
      strongest associations for mixed and urgency UI.

PMID- 22068321
TI  - Traditional native tissue versus mesh-augmented pelvic organ prolapse repairs:
      providing an accurate interpretation of current literature.
AB  - The objective of this paper was to review the literature on pelvic organ prolapse
      (POP) and compare the success of traditional/native tissue versus mesh-augmented
      repairs. A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed and
      bibliography searches to compare the anatomic success rates of native tissue (NT)
      and mesh-augmented (MA) prolapse repairs and to analyze outcome measures used to
      report success rates. Articles were included if anatomic outcomes were stated for
      the specific compartment of interest and included both prospective and
      retrospective studies. The published success rates for NT repairs versus MA
      repairs by anterior, posterior, or apical compartments are reported. When
      continence is used as the primary outcome measure, anterior NT has a success rate
      of 54%. Anterior NT success is as low as 30% in some studies, but generally is 88
      97% when prolapse is the primary outcome particularly if apical support is
      included. This compares to the 87-96% success reported for anterior MA. Posterior
      NT success is 54-81%, which is lower than the 92-97% reported for posterior MA
      when prolapse is the outcome measure. The success rates for apical NT are 97-98%
      for uterosacral ligament suspension and 96% for sacrospinous ligament suspension,
      which compare favorably to sacrocolpopexy (91-100%). There are some differences
      in the complications reported for NT and MA. The rate of complications is
      approximately 8% for NT and is reported at 0-19% for MA. The higher rate for MA
      is largely due to mesh erosion/exposure. When similar outcome measures are
      compared, the published anatomic success rates of POP of anterior and apical
      compartmental surgery are similar for NT and MA repairs. There may be a higher
      rate of complications noted for mesh implantation. POP surgery is complex, and
      both NT and MA techniques require skills to perform proper compartmental
      reconstruction. An understanding of the published literature and knowledge of
      individual surgeon factors are important in deciding which surgical approach to
      use and how to best counsel patients during informed consent.

PMID- 22068322
TI  - 3D analysis of cystoceles using magnetic resonance imaging assessing midline,
      paravaginal, and apical defects.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study assesses relative contributions of
      "midline defects" (widening of the vagina) and "paravaginal defects" (separation
      of the lateral vagina from the pelvic sidewall). METHODS: Ten women with anterior
      predominant prolapse and ten with normal support underwent pelvic MR imaging. 3-D
      models of the anterior vaginal wall (AVW) were generated to determine locations
      of the lateral AVW margin, vaginal width, and apical position. RESULTS: The
      lateral AVW margin was farther from its normal position in cases than controls
      throughout most of the vaginal length, most pronounced midvagina (effect sizes,
      2.2-2.8). Vaginal widths differed in the midvagina with an effect size of 1.0.
      Strong correlations between apical and paravaginal support were evident in mid-
      and upper vagina (r = 0.77-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in lateral AVW location
      were considerably greater than changes in vaginal width in cases vs controls,
      both in number of sites affected and effect sizes. These "paravaginal defects"
      are highly correlated with apical descent.

PMID- 22068323
TI  - TGF-beta 1 is a potential regulator of vaginal tropoelastin production.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our aims were to correlate transforming growth
      factor (TGF)-beta1 and elastin mRNA expression in the vagina of women and to
      measure the effects of TGF-beta1 on vaginal smooth muscle cell (SMC)
      proliferation and tropoelastin production. METHODS: Vaginal walls were sampled in
      women (n = 20). TGF-beta1 and elastin mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR. SMC
      cultures were performed from vaginal wall biopsies. SMC were incubated with TGF
      beta1, and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT-assay. Tropoelastin production
      was measured by the Fastin Elastin Assay. RESULTS: There was a significant
      positive correlation between TGF-beta1 and elastin mRNA (r = 0.784, P < 0.01).
      SMC proliferation was significantly increased by 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1 [relative
      cell number, mean +/- SD, 198% +/- 32% of control (P = 0.01)]. Tropoelastin
      production was significantly increased by TGF-beta1 [mean +/- SD, 645% +/- 180%
      of control (P = 0.01)]. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between TGF
      beta1 and elastin mRNA expression in the vaginal wall. In vitro, TGF-beta1
      increases vaginal tropoelastin production in vaginal SMC.

PMID- 22068324
TI  - Suburethral sling in autoimmune patients: complications, quality of life, and
      success rate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Suburethral sling procedures are a mainstay for the
      surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The interaction between
      the sling and the host is fundamental for the success of the procedure. Patients
      affected by autoimmune disease present with an overactive immune system; this
      should theoretically increase rejection risk. METHODS: The data from 19
      autoimmune patients affected by SUI were retrospectively collected. Primary
      outcome consisted of evaluating whether tape-related complications may occur more
      frequently. Secondary outcome measures were assessment of objective and
      subjective cure of SUI. Changes from baseline were analyzed using the Mann
      Whitney and Fisher tests. RESULTS: Success rate, evaluated at 12-month follow-up,
      was 89.5%. No tape erosion or urinary retention was observed; chronic pelvic pain
      and dyspareunia rates were 5.26% and 15.4%, respectively. One patient developed
      de novo urgency. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, the suburethral sling
      is a safe procedure with low complication rates comparable to those reported in
      the literature.

PMID- 22068325
TI  - Airlift column photobioreactors for Porphyridium sp. culturing: part I. effects
      of hydrodynamics and reactor geometry.
AB  - Photosynthetic microorganisms have been attracting world attention for their
      great potential as renewable energy sources in recent years. Cost effective
      production in large scale, however, remains a major challenge to overcome. It is
      known to the field that turbulence could help improving the performance of
      photobioreactors due to the so-called flashing light effects. Better
      understanding of the multiphase fluid dynamics and the irradiance distribution
      inside the reactor that cause the flashing light effects, as well as quantifying
      their impacts on the reactor performance, thus, are crucial for successful design
      and scale-up of photobioreactors. In this study, a species of red marine
      microalgae, Porphyridium sp., was grown in three airlift column photobioreactors
      (i.e., draft tube column, bubble column, and split column). The physical
      properties of the culture medium, the local fluid dynamics and the
      photobioreactor performances were investigated and are reported in this part of
      the manuscript. Results indicate that the presence of microalgae considerably
      affected the local multiphase flow dynamics in the studied draft tube column.
      Results also show that the split column reactor works slightly better than the
      draft tube and the bubble columns due to the spiral flow pattern inside the
      reactor.

PMID- 22068326
TI  - Pharmacist interventions on antibiotic use in inpatients with respiratory tract
      infections in a Chinese hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pharmacist interventions on antibiotic use
      in inpatients with respiratory tract infections in a tertiary hospital in China.
      METHOD: Two independent respiratory wards were randomized into control and
      intervention group. Between July 2009 and April 2010, all inpatients diagnosed
      with respiratory tract infections were enrolled. Pharmacist interventions were
      performed on the physicians in the intervention group. The total cost of
      hospitalization, cost of antibiotics, length of hospital stay and the scores of 6
      items of inappropriate antibiotic use (including indication, choice, dosage,
      dosing schedule, duration and conversion) were analyzed. RESULTS: The total costs
      of hospitalization in the intervention group were significant lower compared to
      the control group ($1442.3 +/- 684.9 vs. $1729.6 +/- 773.7, P < 0.001), as well
      as the cost of antibiotics ($832.0 +/- 373.0 vs. $943.9 +/- 412.0, P = 0.01), and
      the patients required shorter length of hospital stay (14.2 +/- 6.2 vs. 15.8 +/-
      6.0 days, P = 0.03). The scores with respect to the 6 items of inappropriate
      antibiotic use were all lower in the intervention group than in the control
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacist interventions, interacted directly with the
      physicians at ward level, could play an important role in optimizing antibiotic
      use, thus lead to the reduction in patients' length of hospital stay and health
      care cost.

PMID- 22068327
TI  - Systematic exploration of synergistic drug pairs.
AB  - Drug synergy allows a therapeutic effect to be achieved with lower doses of
      component drugs. Drug synergy can result when drugs target the products of genes
      that act in parallel pathways ('specific synergy'). Such cases of drug synergy
      should tend to correspond to synergistic genetic interaction between the
      corresponding target genes. Alternatively, 'promiscuous synergy' can arise when
      one drug non-specifically increases the effects of many other drugs, for example,
      by increased bioavailability. To assess the relative abundance of these drug
      synergy types, we examined 200 pairs of antifungal drugs in S. cerevisiae. We
      found 38 antifungal synergies, 37 of which were novel. While 14 cases of drug
      synergy corresponded to genetic interaction, 92% of the synergies we discovered
      involved only six frequently synergistic drugs. Although promiscuity of four
      drugs can be explained under the bioavailability model, the promiscuity of
      Tacrolimus and Pentamidine was completely unexpected. While many drug synergies
      correspond to genetic interactions, the majority of drug synergies appear to
      result from non-specific promiscuous synergy.

PMID- 22068328
TI  - Mapping the interaction of Snf1 with TORC1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Nutrient sensing and coordination of metabolic pathways are crucial functions for
      all living cells, but details of the coordination under different environmental
      conditions remain elusive. We therefore undertook a systems biology approach to
      investigate the interactions between the Snf1 and the target of rapamycin complex
      1 (TORC1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that Snf1 regulates a much broader
      range of biological processes compared with TORC1 under both glucose- and
      ammonium-limited conditions. We also find that Snf1 has a role in upregulating
      the NADP(+)-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (encoded by GDH3) under
      derepressing condition, and therefore may also have a role in ammonium
      assimilation and amino-acid biosynthesis, which can be considered as a
      convergence of Snf1 and TORC1 pathways. In addition to the accepted role of Snf1
      in regulating fatty acid (FA) metabolism, we show that TORC1 also regulates FA
      metabolism, likely through modulating the peroxisome and beta-oxidation. Finally,
      we conclude that direct interactions between Snf1 and TORC1 pathways are unlikely
      under nutrient-limited conditions and propose that TORC1 is repressed in a manner
      that is independent of Snf1.

PMID- 22068329
TI  - Algorithms in nature: the convergence of systems biology and computational
      thinking.
AB  - Computer science and biology have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship for
      decades. Biologists rely on computational methods to analyze and integrate large
      data sets, while several computational methods were inspired by the high-level
      design principles of biological systems. Recently, these two directions have been
      converging. In this review, we argue that thinking computationally about
      biological processes may lead to more accurate models, which in turn can be used
      to improve the design of algorithms. We discuss the similar mechanisms and
      requirements shared by computational and biological processes and then present
      several recent studies that apply this joint analysis strategy to problems
      related to coordination, network analysis, and tracking and vision. We also
      discuss additional biological processes that can be studied in a similar manner
      and link them to potential computational problems. With the rapid accumulation of
      data detailing the inner workings of biological systems, we expect this direction
      of coupling biological and computational studies to greatly expand in the future.

PMID- 22068330
TI  - Modularity and hormone sensitivity of the Drosophila melanogaster insulin
      receptor/target of rapamycin interaction proteome.
AB  - Genetic analysis in Drosophila melanogaster has been widely used to identify a
      system of genes that control cell growth in response to insulin and nutrients.
      Many of these genes encode components of the insulin receptor/target of rapamycin
      (InR/TOR) pathway. However, the biochemical context of this regulatory system is
      still poorly characterized in Drosophila. Here, we present the first quantitative
      study that systematically characterizes the modularity and hormone sensitivity of
      the interaction proteome underlying growth control by the dInR/TOR pathway.
      Applying quantitative affinity purification and mass spectrometry, we identified
      97 high confidence protein interactions among 58 network components. In all, 22%
      of the detected interactions were regulated by insulin affecting membrane
      proximal as well as intracellular signaling complexes. Systematic functional
      analysis linked a subset of network components to the control of dTORC1 and
      dTORC2 activity. Furthermore, our data suggest the presence of three distinct
      dTOR kinase complexes, including the evolutionary conserved dTTT complex
      (Drosophila TOR, TELO2, TTI1). Subsequent genetic studies in flies suggest a role
      for dTTT in controlling cell growth via a dTORC1- and dTORC2-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 22068331
TI  - Deep proteome and transcriptome mapping of a human cancer cell line.
AB  - While the number and identity of proteins expressed in a single human cell type
      is currently unknown, this fundamental question can be addressed by advanced mass
      spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. Online liquid chromatography coupled to high
      resolution MS and MS/MS yielded 166 420 peptides with unique amino-acid sequence
      from HeLa cells. These peptides identified 10 255 different human proteins
      encoded by 9207 human genes, providing a lower limit on the proteome in this
      cancer cell line. Deep transcriptome sequencing revealed transcripts for nearly
      all detected proteins. We calculate copy numbers for the expressed proteins and
      show that the abundances of > 90% of them are within a factor 60 of the median
      protein expression level. Comparisons of the proteome and the transcriptome, and
      analysis of protein complex databases and GO categories, suggest that we achieved
      deep coverage of the functional transcriptome and the proteome of a single cell
      type.

PMID- 22068333
TI  - Culturing adult canine sensory neurons to optimise neural repair.

PMID- 22068332
TI  - The quantitative proteome of a human cell line.
AB  - The generation of mathematical models of biological processes, the simulation of
      these processes under different conditions, and the comparison and integration of
      multiple data sets are explicit goals of systems biology that require the
      knowledge of the absolute quantity of the system's components. To date,
      systematic estimates of cellular protein concentrations have been exceptionally
      scarce. Here, we provide a quantitative description of the proteome of a commonly
      used human cell line in two functional states, interphase and mitosis. We show
      that these human cultured cells express at least -10 000 proteins and that the
      quantified proteins span a concentration range of seven orders of magnitude up to
      20 000 000 copies per cell. We discuss how protein abundance is linked to
      function and evolution.

PMID- 22068334
TI  - Radiographic identification of the equine ventral conchal bulla.
AB  - Involvement of the ventral conchal sinus (VCS) is an important diagnostic and
      prognostic feature in cases of the equine sinus disease. The authors aimed to
      ascertain if the caudo-dorsal extension of the VCS, the ventral conchal bulla
      (VCB) is identifiable on plain radiographs of cadaver skulls without sinus
      disease. Bilateral frontonasal sinus flaps were made in 10 equine cadaver skulls.
      Plain lateral, lateral oblique and dorso-ventral radiographs were then obtained
      followed by the same views taken with stainless steel wire outlining the caudal
      border of the VCB. Plain radiographs were randomised and blindly evaluated by two
      observers who marked where they believed the VCB to be positioned. This was then
      correlated with the true position of the VCB using radiographs with wires in
      place. The ease of identification of the VCB was classified as 'easy' or
      'difficult'. The VCB was correctly identified in 70 per cent of lateral
      radiographs, but only 45 per cent of lateral oblique radiographs and 17 per cent
      of dorso-ventral radiographs. If a clinician was confident that he or she could
      identify the VCB, they were usually correct. Conversely if the clinician judged
      VCB identification as 'difficult', they usually identified it incorrectly. In the
      authors' clinical experience, the VCB of horses with sinusitis involving this
      compartment is more radiologically evident than in clinically normal horses.
      Knowledge of the normal radiographic anatomy of this structure should aid
      clinicians in identifying horses with sinusitis affecting the VCS.

PMID- 22068336
TI  - A low cost point-of-care viscous sample preparation device for molecular
      diagnosis in the developing world; an example of microfluidic origami.
AB  - The lab-on-a-chip concept has led to several point-of-care (POC) diagnostic
      microfluidic platforms. However, few of these can process raw samples for
      molecular diagnosis and fewer yet are suited for use in a resource-limited
      setting without permanent electrical infrastructure. We present here a very low
      cost paper microfluidic device for POC extraction of bacterial DNA from raw
      viscous samples--a challenge for conventional microfluidic platforms. This is an
      example of "microfluidic origami" in that the system is activated by folding;
      demonstrated here is room temperature cell lysis and DNA extraction from pig
      mucin (simulating sputum) spiked with E. coli without the use of external power.
      The microfluidic origami device features dry reagent storage and rehydration of
      the lysis buffer. We demonstrate DNA extraction from samples with a bacterial
      load as low as 33 CFU ml(-1). Extraction times, starting from the raw sample,
      have been optimized to about 1.5 h without the use of external power, or to
      within 1 h using an oven or a heater block. The fabrication of this paper
      microfluidic device can be translated into high volume production in the
      developing world without the need for a semiconductor clean room or a
      microfabrication facility. The sample preparation can be performed with the
      addition of just the sample, water, ethanol and elute buffer to the device, thus
      reducing chemical hazards during transport and handling.

PMID- 22068337
TI  - Target organ damage in African American hypertension: role of APOL1.
AB  - Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene association studies and results of the African
      American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension are disproving the longstanding
      concept that mild to moderate essential hypertension contributes substantially to
      end-stage renal disease susceptibility in African Americans. APOL1 coding
      variants underlie a spectrum of kidney diseases, including that attributed to
      hypertension (labeled arteriolar or hypertensive nephrosclerosis), focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis, and HIV-associated nephropathy. APOL1 nephropathy
      risk variants persist because of protection afforded from the parasite that
      causes African sleeping sickness. This breakthrough will lead to novel treatments
      for hypertensive African Americans with low-level proteinuria, for whom effective
      therapies are lacking. Furthermore, APOL1 nephropathy risk variants contribute to
      racially variable allograft survival rates after kidney transplantation and
      assist in detecting nondiabetic forms of nephropathy in African Americans with
      diabetes. Discovery of APOL1-associated nephropathy was a major success of the
      genetics revolution, demonstrating that secondary hypertension is typically
      present in nondiabetic African Americans with nephropathy.

PMID- 22068335
TI  - Common genetic variation in the 3'-BCL11B gene desert is associated with carotid
      femoral pulse wave velocity and excess cardiovascular disease risk: the AortaGen
      Consortium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV) is a heritable measure of
      aortic stiffness that is strongly associated with increased risk for major
      cardiovascular disease events. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a meta-analysis
      of genome-wide association data in 9 community-based European ancestry cohorts
      consisting of 20 634 participants. Results were replicated in 2 additional
      European ancestry cohorts involving 5306 participants. Based on a preliminary
      analysis of 6 cohorts, we identified a locus on chromosome 14 in the 3'-BCL11B
      gene desert that is associated with CFPWV (rs7152623, minor allele
      frequency=0.42, beta=-0.075+/-0.012 SD/allele, P=2.8*10(-10); replication beta=
      0.086+/-0.020 SD/allele, P=1.4*10(-6)). Combined results for rs7152623 from 11
      cohorts gave beta=-0.076+/-0.010 SD/allele, P=3.1*10(-15). The association
      persisted when adjusted for mean arterial pressure (beta=-0.060+/-0.009
      SD/allele, P=1.0*10(-11)). Results were consistent in younger (<55 years, 6
      cohorts, n=13 914, beta=-0.081+/-0.014 SD/allele, P=2.3*10(-9)) and older (9
      cohorts, n=12 026, beta=-0.061+/-0.014 SD/allele, P=9.4*10(-6)) participants. In
      separate meta-analyses, the locus was associated with increased risk for coronary
      artery disease (hazard ratio=1.05; confidence interval=1.02-1.08; P=0.0013) and
      heart failure (hazard ratio=1.10, CI=1.03-1.16, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Common
      genetic variation in a locus in the BCL11B gene desert that is thought to harbor
      1 or more gene enhancers is associated with higher CFPWV and increased risk for
      cardiovascular disease. Elucidation of the role this novel locus plays in aortic
      stiffness may facilitate development of therapeutic interventions that limit
      aortic stiffening and related cardiovascular disease events.

PMID- 22068339
TI  - Differential effects of selenium and knock-down of glutathione peroxidases on
      TNFalpha and flagellin inflammatory responses in gut epithelial cells.
AB  - Selenium (Se) is essential for human health. Despite evidence that Se intake
      affects inflammatory responses, the mechanisms by which Se and the selenoproteins
      modulate inflammatory signalling, especially in the gut, are not yet defined. The
      aim of this work was to assess effects of altered Se supply and knock-down of
      individual selenoproteins on NF-kappaB activation in gut epithelial cells. Caco-2
      cells were stably transfected with gene constructs expressing luciferase linked
      either to three upstream NF-kappaB response elements and a TATA box or only a
      TATA box. TNFalpha and flagellin activated NF-kappaB-dependent luciferase
      activity and increased IL-8 expression. Se depletion decreased expression of
      glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) and selenoproteins H and W and increased TNFalpha
      stimulated luciferase activity, endogenous IL-8 expression and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production. These effects were not mimicked by independent knock
      down of either GPX1, selenoprotein H or W; indeed, GPX1 knock-down lowered
      TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB activation and did not affect ROS levels. GPX4 knock
      down decreased NF-kappaB activation by flagellin but not by TNFalpha. We
      hypothesise that Se depletion alters the pattern of expression of multiple
      selenoproteins that in turn increases ROS and modulates NF-kappaB activation in
      epithelial cells, but that the effect of GPX1 knock-down is ROS-independent.

PMID- 22068338
TI  - Disorders of blood pressure regulation-role of catecholamine biosynthesis,
      release, and metabolism.
AB  - Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are synthesised and produced by
      the adrenal medulla and postganglionic nerve fibres of the sympathetic nervous
      system. It is known that essential hypertension has a significant neurogenic
      component, with the rise in blood pressure mediated at least in part by
      overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, novel therapeutic
      strategies aimed at reducing sympathetic activity show promise in the treatment
      of hypertension. This article reviews recent advances within this rapidly
      changing field, particularly focusing on the role of genetic polymorphisms within
      key catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes, cofactors, and storage molecules. In
      addition, mechanisms linking the sympathetic nervous system and other adverse
      cardiovascular states (obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia) are discussed,
      along with speculation as to how recent scientific advances may lead to the
      emergence of novel antihypertensive treatments.

PMID- 22068340
TI  - Associations between functional polymorphisms in antioxidant defense genes and
      urinary oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy, premenopausal women.
AB  - Functional polymorphisms in endogenous antioxidant defense genes including
      manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione
      peroxidase (GPX-1) have been linked with risk of cancer at multiple sites.
      Although it is presumed that these germline variants impact disease risk by
      altering the host's ability to detoxify mutagenic reactive oxygen species, very
      few studies have directly examined this hypothesis. Concentrations of 8
      isoprostane F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8
      oxoxdG)-sensitive indicators of lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation,
      respectively-were measured in 24-h urine samples obtained from 93 healthy,
      premenopausal women participating in a dietary intervention trial. In addition,
      DNA was extracted from blood for genotyping of MnSOD Val16Ala, CAT-262 C > T, and
      GPX1 Pro198Leu genotypes by Taqman assay. Although geometric mean concentrations
      of 8-iso-PGF2(alpha) and 8-oxoxdG varied across several study characteristics
      including race, education level, body mass index, and serum antioxidant levels,
      there was little evidence that these biomarkers differed across any of the
      examined genotypes. In summary, functional polymorphisms in endogenous
      antioxidant defense genes do not appear to be strongly associated with systemic
      oxidative stress levels in young, healthy women.

PMID- 22068342
TI  - The Neuroscience of Happiness and Pleasure.

PMID- 22068346
TI  - Improvement of in vitro-transcribed amber suppressor tRNAs toward higher
      suppression efficiency in wheat germ extract.
AB  - In vitro-transcribed, unmodified, and non-aminoacylated amber suppressor tRNAs
      that are recognized by natural aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase were improved toward
      higher suppression efficiency in batch-mode cell-free translation in wheat germ
      extract. The suppression efficiency of the suppressor obtained through four
      sequence optimization steps (anticodon alteration of natural tRNAs (the first
      generation); chimerization of the efficient suppressors in the first generation;
      investigation and optimization of the effective parts in the second generation;
      combination of the optimized parts in the third generation) and by the terminal
      tuning was approximately 60%, which was 2.4-fold higher than that of the best
      suppressor in the first generation. In addition, an eRF1 aptamer further
      increased the efficiency up to 85%. This highly efficient suppression system also
      functioned well in a dialysis-based large-scale protein synthesis.

PMID- 22068350
TI  - COX-2-dependent and -independent biosynthesis of dihydroxy-arachidonic acids in
      activated human leukocytes.
AB  - Biosynthesis of 5,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5,15-diHETE) in leukocytes
      involves consecutive oxygenation of arachidonic acid by 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and
      15-LOX in either order. Here, we analyzed the contribution of cyclooxygenase
      (COX)-2 to the biosynthesis of 5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE in isolated human
      leukocytes activated with lipopolysaccharide and calcium ionophore A23187.
      Transformation of arachidonic acid was initiated by 5-LOX providing 5S-HETE as a
      substrate for COX-2 forming 5S,15S-diHETE, 5S,15R-diHETE, and 5S,11R-diHETE as
      shown by LC/MS and chiral phase HPLC analyses. The levels of 5,15-diHETE were
      0.45 +/- 0.2 ng/106 cells (mean +/- SEM, n = 6), reaching about half the level of
      LTB4 (1.3 +/- 0.5 ng/106 cells, n = 6). The COX-2 specific inhibitor NS-398
      reduced the levels of 5,15-diHETE to below 0.02 ng/106 cells in four of six
      samples. Similar reduction was achieved by MK-886, an inhibitor of 5-LOX
      activating protein but the above differences were not statistically significant.
      Aspirin treatment of the activated cells allowed formation of 5,15-diHETE (0.1 +/
      0.05 ng/106 cells, n = 6) but, as expected, abolished formation of 5,11-diHETE.
      The mixture of activated cells also produced 5S,12S-diHETE with the unusual
      6E,8Z,10E double bond configuration, implicating biosynthesis by 5-LOX and 12-LOX
      activity rather than by hydrolysis of the leukotriene A4-epoxide. Exogenous
      octadeuterated 5S-HETE and 15S-HETE were converted to 5,15-diHETE, implicating
      that multiple oxygenation pathways of arachidonic acid occur in activated
      leukocytes. The contribution of COX-2 to the biosynthesis of dihydroxylated
      derivatives of arachidonic acid provides evidence for functional coupling with 5
      LOX in activated human leukocytes.

PMID- 22068351
TI  - Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, COMP, and CTX-II in patients with Kashin
      Beck disease in Sichuan, China.
AB  - The aim of the study was to detect differences in serum levels of interleukin
      1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), cartilage oligomeric
      matrix protein (COMP), type II collagen (CTX-II) between patients with Kashin
      Beck disease (KBD) or osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess the correlation between
      these differences with the clinical grade of KBD. A total of one hundred fifty
      adult serum samples were collected; these samples belonged to the KBD group (n =
      64), the OA group in KBD-prevalent areas (n = 47) and a healthy control group in
      non-KBD area (n = 39). Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, COMP, and CTX-II were
      determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the results were
      compared among the 3 groups (KBD/OA/normal) and between the different grades of
      KBD as well. The serum levels of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, COMP, and CTX-II were
      significantly higher in the KBD and OA group than the healthy adult group (P <
      0.001), and TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels in the KBD group were similar to the OA
      group (for TNF-alpha, 14.38 +/- 7.42 pg/ml vs. 12.61 +/- 4.00 pg/ml,
      respectively, [P = 0.29]; for IL-1beta, 141.53 +/- 71.35 pg/ml vs. 135.61 +/-
      68.60 pg/ml, respectively, [P = 0.63]). However, the COMP level was significantly
      lower and the CTX-II level was higher in the KBD group than in the OA group (for
      COMP, 7.03 +/- 3.11 ng/ml vs. 9.20 +/- 3.51 ng/ml, respectively, [P = 0.003]; for
      CTX-II, 2.23 +/- 0.79 ng/ml vs. 1.80 +/- 0.87 ng/ml, respectively, [P = 0.026]).
      Moreover, no significant correlations were found between clinical grade and serum
      levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, COMP, and CTX-II for the 3 grades of KBD patients
      (P = 0.645, 0.481, 0.832, and 0.270, respectively). This study showed that serum
      levels of COMP in KBD patients decreased and CTX-II levels increased compared
      with the levels in OA patients, but TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels in KBD and OA
      group were similar. In addition, increased serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta,
      COMP, and CTX-II were not associated with the KBD grade.

PMID- 22068353
TI  - RETRACTED ARTICLE: An evidence-based review of the most current treatment options
      and trends for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

PMID- 22068354
TI  - Rapid infusion with rituximab: short term safety in systemic autoimmune diseases.
AB  - To describe the incidence, types and severity of adverse events, related to an
      accelerated regime of rituximab infusion in patients with various autoimmune
      diseases. Fifty-four patients with systemic autoimmune disease, to be treated
      with 1,000 mg of rituximab twice 2 weeks apart, participated. Pre-medication
      (oral prednisolone, anti-histamine and paracetamol) was administered 1-4 h before
      infusion start. The first infusion was administered over a period of 195 min. The
      second infusion over a period of 90 min. Any adverse events were classified using
      the Clinical Trials Classification of Adverse Events (CTCAE) v. 3.0. Ten patients
      (18.5%) experienced at least one infusion-related reaction (IRR) ever. The first
      infusion was associated with reactions in 4 CTCAE categories of which rhinitis
      were the most frequent. The CTCAE severity grading showed six patients (11.1%)
      had a grade 1 reaction. One patient (1.8%) had grade 2 events on both infusions
      and two patients (3.6%) had a grade 3 event on both infusions. RA patients more
      often had an infusion-related reaction (IRR) (9.2%) than the rest. The types of
      IRR were mostly of allergic or angio-oedematic nature. In practise, the rapid
      infusion was an easy to use regime and the second infusion is of time sparing
      significance to health professionals. No unexpected side effects were observed in
      relation to the accelerated regime.

PMID- 22068352
TI  - Antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin in patients with chronic hepatitis C
      virus genotype IV infection-related arthropathy.
AB  - One of the extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is
      polyarthritis that mimics rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-mutated citrullinated
      vimentin (MCV) was recently introduced in the diagnostic workup of RA, but its
      exact role in HCV infection and its related arthropathy is still unclear. The aim
      of the study is to determine the prevalence of anti-MCV antibodies in HCV
      infected patients with or without articular involvement, and to investigate
      whether anti-MCV antibodies have an additional role to anticyclic citrullinated
      peptide (CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) in differentiating patients
      with RA from patients with HCV-related arthropathy. Fifty-five HCV-infected
      patients (HCV RNA positive) and 30 RA patients (fulfilling the American College
      of Rheumatology classification criteria for RA and negative for HCV) were
      included. Anti-MCV antibodies, anti-CCP antibodies, RF and cryoglobulins were
      measured. Articular involvement in hepatitis C patients was evaluated. Articular
      involvement was detected in 30/55 (54.5%) of HCV-infected patients. The most
      frequent pattern was symmetric polyarthralgias and the most frequent joints to be
      involved were the wrists, metacarpophalangeal joints, shoulders and knees. In HCV
      arthropathy, anti-MCV was positive in 9/30 (30%), anti-CCP in 0% and RF in 22/30
      (73.3%). Whereas, in chronic HCV without arthropathy, anti-MCV was positive in 8
      patients (32%), anti-CCP in one patient (4%) and RF in 23/25 (92.0%). There was
      no significant difference between the two HCV groups as regards the frequencies
      of anti-MCV (P = 0.89), anti-CCP (P = 0.93) and RF (P = 0.15). In RA, anti-MCV
      was positive in 93.3% anti-CCP in 96.7% and RF in 86.7%. There was no significant
      difference in RF between RA and HCV arthropathy (P = 0.33). Meanwhile, there was
      a highly significant difference between both groups regarding anti-MCV and anti
      CCP (P < 0.0001 for each). The sensitivity of anti-MCV, anti-CCP and RF for RA
      was 93.3, 96.7 and 86.7%, respectively. Whereas their specificity was 69.1, 98.2
      and 18.2%, respectively. In addition, the mean levels of anti-MCV and anti-CCP
      were significantly increased in RA than in all HCV patients (P = 0.038 and P <
      0.0001, respectively). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in mean
      levels of anti-MCV and anti-CCP between HCV patients with arthropathy and those
      without arthropathy (P = 0.11 and P = 0.73, respectively). Also, there were no
      differences in mean RF between both HCV groups. There was a significant positive
      correlation between anti-MCV and anti-CCP levels in patients with HCV-related
      arthropathy (r = 0.39, P = 0.032) and in those without arthropathy (r = 0.578, P
      = 0.002). Cryoglobulins were detected in 7/30 HCV-related arthropathy (23.3%) and
      were positively correlated with anti-MCV(r = 0.485, P = 0.007). Anti-CCP still
      attains the major role in differentiating RA from HCV arthropathy. Anti-MCV seems
      to play no additional role in this aspect. The role of mutation of vimentin in
      the pathogenesis of HCV arthropathy is not as clear as it is for RA and needs
      further investigation.

PMID- 22068356
TI  - Exercise for fibromyalgia: evidence for an integrated modulation of autonomic and
      nociception neural regulation.

PMID- 22068355
TI  - Angiogenic growth factors in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - We investigated whether the angiogenic profile, which is based on the local
      expression and systemic levels of angiogenic growth factors (VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2,
      and the corresponding receptors), differs between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
      osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We determined the expression of VEGF, Ang-1, and
      Ang-2 together with its receptors (VEGFR-1/-2 and Tie2) in synovium tissue (ST)
      and muscular tissue (MT) from patients with RA and OA using quantitative PCR.
      Tissue samples were obtained from 15 RA and 19 OA patients during total knee
      arthroplasty. Control MT samples (n = 10) were obtained during spinal surgery.
      Results are correlated to VEGF and angiopoietin serum levels via ELISA
      measurements. The VEGF expressions in ST and serum levels were significantly
      higher in RA patients than in OA patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the VEGFR-1
      and VEGFR-2 expression in ST from RA patients were significantly higher than in
      OA patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). The relative concentration of angiopoietins
      (Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio) was significantly increased in RA (P < 0.01). Serum levels
      for Ang-2 showed no significant differences. Statistical analysis showed a
      significant higher level of Tie2 in RA patients (P < 0.001). Analysis of local
      levels of VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 in the muscular tissue
      showed no significant difference between RA and OA patients. These results
      underline the importance of pro-angiogenic growth factor levels for RA
      corroborating the assumption that VEGF and angiopoietins play an important role
      in the pathogenesis of RA.

PMID- 22068357
TI  - Health promotion in the workplace: assessing stress and lifestyle with an
      intranet tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic noncommunicable conditions, particularly cardiovascular and
      metabolic diseases, are the major causes of death and morbidity in both
      industrialized and low- to middle-income countries. Recent epidemiological
      investigations suggest that management of lifestyle factors, such as stress and
      lack of physical activity, could have an important value in cardiometabolic
      conditions, while information technology tools could play a significant
      facilitatory role. OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to verify the
      feasibility of using a private website, directed to the workers of a major
      Italian company, to describe their health profile and lifestyle and work habits
      using an ad hoc self-administered questionnaire. METHODS: We administered
      anonymous multiple choice Web-based questionnaires to 945 participants (683
      completed the task) as part of an ongoing health promotion program in a
      multinational company. Qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized with
      nonlinear principal component analysis to construct indicators (ie, variables)
      for stress, control, and lifestyle domains. Considering in addition absenteeism,
      the Calinski-Harabasz statistic and cluster analysis jointly differentiated seven
      clusters, which displayed different distributions of standardized classification
      variables. The final step consisted in assessing the relationship of the
      resulting seven subject typologies with personal data, illnesses, and metabolic
      syndrome status, carried out for the most part with descriptive methods. RESULTS:
      Statistical analyses singled out two not-overlapping domains of stress and
      control, as well as three not-overlapping domains of physical activity, smoking,
      and alcohol habits. The centroids of the seven clusters generated by the
      procedure were significantly (P < .001) different considering all possible 21
      comparisons between couples of groups. Percentage distributions of variables
      describing personal information (gender, age group, work category, illness
      status, or metabolic syndrome) within participant typologies show some noteworthy
      findings: females, workers aged 35-44 years, junior white collar workers, and
      respondents reporting illness were more prevalent in the stress group than in the
      overall studied population; preclinical metabolic syndrome status was more
      prevalent in the group with higher alcohol consumption. Absentees reported more
      illness. CONCLUSIONS: The present Intranet-based study shows the potential of
      applying diverse statistical techniques to deal jointly with qualitative and
      quantitative self-reported data. The resulting formal description of subject
      typologies and their relationship with personal characteristics might provide a
      convenient tool for supporting health promotion in the work environment.

PMID- 22068358
TI  - Cross-site evaluation of a comprehensive pediatric asthma project: the Merck
      Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN).
AB  - The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) initiative selected five sites
      that had high asthma burden and established asthma programs but were ready for
      greater program integration across schools, health care systems, and communities.
      MCAN supported a community-based approach that was tailored to the needs of each
      program site. As a result, each site was unique in its combination of
      interventions, but all sites served common goals of integration of care,
      incorporation of evidence-based programs, and improvement in knowledge, self
      management, health, and quality of life. This case study of the MCAN cross-site
      evaluation discusses the challenges associated with evaluating interventions
      involving multiple stakeholders that have been adjusted to fit the unique needs
      of specific communities. The evaluation triangulates data from site-specific
      monitoring and evaluation data; site documents, site visits, and cross-site
      meetings; qualitative assessments of families, organizational partners, and other
      stakeholders; and quantitative data from a common instrument on health indicators
      before and after the intervention. The evaluation employs the RE-AIM framework-
      reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance--to assess the
      barriers and facilitators of translation from theory into practice. Our
      experience suggests trade-offs between rigor of evaluation and burden of
      assessment that have applicability for other community-based translational
      efforts.

PMID- 22068359
TI  - Outcomes from a cross-site evaluation of a comprehensive pediatric asthma
      initiative incorporating translation of evidence-based interventions.
AB  - This article reports on an evaluation of the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc.
      (MCAN) initiative using pooled cross-site data on patient-reported outcomes pre-
      and postintervention to quantify the changes experienced by children in five
      program sites supported by the network. The results show a consistent pattern of
      improvement across all measured outcomes, including symptoms, hospital and
      emergency department use, school absences, and caregiver confidence. Children who
      started with uncontrolled asthma experienced larger improvements than children
      with controlled asthma at baseline. However, even considering the significant
      gains made by children with uncontrolled asthma at baseline, after 12 months,
      most of the outcomes for these children were significantly worse than the 12
      month outcomes for children with controlled asthma at baseline. The evaluation of
      the MCAN initiative offers a model that can be used in cases where resources must
      be balanced between evaluation and delivering services to children. The design
      process and results from the common survey instrument provide information for
      future initiatives seeking to translate evidence-based interventions in a
      community-based setting.

PMID- 22068360
TI  - Community-based care coordination: practical applications for childhood asthma.
AB  - Care coordination programs have been used to address chronic illnesses, including
      childhood asthma, but primarily via practice-based models. An alternative
      approach employs community-based care coordinators who bridge gaps between
      families, health care providers, and support services. Merck Childhood Asthma
      Network, Inc. (MCAN) sites developed community-based care coordination approaches
      for childhood asthma. Using a community-based care coordination logic model,
      programs at each site are described along with program operational statistics.
      Four sites used three to four community health workers (CHWs) to provide care
      coordination, whereas one site used five school-based asthma nurses. This school
      based site had the highest caseload (82.5 per year), but program duration was 3
      months with 4 calls or visits. Other sites averaged fewer cases (35 to 61 per CHW
      per year), but families received more (7 to 17) calls or visits over a year.
      Retention was 43% to 93% at 6 months and 24% to 75% at 12 months. Pre-post cross
      site data document changes in asthma management behaviors and outcomes. After
      program participation, 93% to 100% of caregivers had confidence in controlling
      their child's asthma, 85% to 92% had taken steps to reduce triggers, 69% to 100%
      had obtained an asthma action plan, and 46% to 100% of those with moderate to
      severe asthma reported appropriate use of controller medication. Emergency
      department visits for asthma decreased by 36% to 63%, and asthma-related
      hospitalizations declined by 26% to 78%. More than three fourths had fewer school
      absences. In conclusion, MCAN community-based care coordination programs improved
      management behaviors and decreased morbidity across all sites.

PMID- 22068361
TI  - Translating evidence-based interventions into practice: the Merck Childhood
      Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) initiative.

PMID- 22068362
TI  - Balancing "fidelity" and community context in the adaptation of asthma evidence
      based interventions in the "real world".
AB  - The Merck Childhood Asthma Network (MCAN) initiative selected five sites (New
      York City, Puerto Rico, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) to engage in
      translational research to adapt evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to improve
      childhood asthma outcomes. The authors summarize the sites' experience by
      describing criteria defining the fidelity of translation, community contextual
      factors serving as barriers or enablers to fidelity, types of adaptation
      conducted, and strategies used to balance contextual factors and fidelity in
      developing a "best fit" for EBIs in the community. A conceptual model captures
      important structural and process-related factors and helps frame lessons learned.
      Site implementers and intervention developers reached consensus on qualitative
      rankings of the levels of fidelity of implementation for each of the EBI core
      components: low fidelity, adaptation (major vs. minor), or high fidelity. MCAN
      sites were successful in adapting core EBI components based on their
      understanding of structural and other contextual barriers and enhancers in their
      communities. Although the sites varied regarding both the EBI components they
      implemented and their respective levels of fidelity, all sites observed
      improvement in asthma outcomes. Our collective experiences of adapting and
      implementing asthma EBIs highlight many of the factors affecting translation of
      evidenced-based approaches to chronic disease management in real community
      settings.

PMID- 22068363
TI  - The role of partnerships in addressing childhood asthma: the experiences of the
      Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) initiative.
AB  - Partnerships have taken on added importance in recent years because of their
      critical role in addressing complex public health problems and translating
      evidence-based practices to real-world settings. The Merck Childhood Asthma
      Network, Inc. initiative recognized the importance of partnerships in achieving
      the program's goals. In this article, case studies of the five Merck Childhood
      Asthma Network program sites describe the role of partnerships in the development
      and evolution of the program and its interventions. Three key factors contributed
      to the success of the partnerships: having common organizational goals,
      considering context in the selection and engagement of partners, and ensuring
      that each partnership benefited from the alliance. Over the 4-year program
      period, all five partnerships evolved, matured, and had an established goal to
      maintain collaboration.

PMID- 22068364
TI  - Desired attributes and skills of program managers in translation of evidence
      based interventions.
AB  - Successful chronic disease project management, especially of multiyear
      initiatives using evidence-based interventions (EBIs), is of great importance to
      funders, health care decision makers, and researchers, particularly in light of
      limited funding. However, a gap in knowledge may exist regarding which attributes
      and skills are most desirable in a program manager to help him or her ensure
      successful implementation of EBIs. Although some literature examines the dynamics
      contributing to the success of community coalitions, public health leadership,
      and community health education, there is minimal literature exploring the
      significance of a program manager's role in the conceptualization,
      implementation, and sustainability of initiatives to improve patient and
      community health. The authors present their experiences as participants in a
      large-scale asthma initiative implemented in priority communities, as well as
      results of a survey distributed among all personnel of the program sites. The
      survey aimed to assess the key skills and attributes, in addition to contextual
      factors, that contribute to the strength of a program manager overseeing EBIs in
      asthma initiatives. The results suggest that certain attributes and skills are
      desirable in recruiting and hiring of a program manager, especially when
      augmented by ongoing skill-building training, and can help ensure program and
      research success.

PMID- 22068365
TI  - Challenges and lessons learned from the translation of evidence-based childhood
      asthma interventions: a commentary on the MCAN initiative.
AB  - The Merck Childhood Asthma Network (MCAN) used evidence-based interventions
      (EBIs) for children with asthma to design community-based programs in a wide
      variety of settings--with varying resource constraints and priorities--that were
      often determined by the program context. Although challenges were faced, lessons
      learned strongly suggest that adapting and implementing EBIs is feasible in a
      variety of settings using a multisite approach. Lessons learned during the MCAN
      initiative presented unique opportunities to refine best practices that proved to
      be important to translation of EBIs in community-based settings. The adopted best
      practices were based on experiential learning during different phases of the
      project cycle, including monitoring and evaluation, translational research, and
      implementing policies in local program environments. Throughout this discussion
      it is important to note the importance of program context in determining the
      effectiveness of the interventions, opportunities to scale them, their
      affordability, and the ability to sustain them. Lessons learned from this effort
      will be important not only to advance science-based approaches to manage
      childhood asthma but also to assist in closing the gap between intervention
      development (discovery) and program dissemination and implementation (delivery).

PMID- 22068366
TI  - Translating evidence-based interventions into practice: the design and
      development of the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN).
AB  - Pediatric asthma is a multifactorial disease, requiring complex, interrelated
      interventions addressing children, families, schools, and communities. The Merck
      Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides
      support to translate evidence-based interventions from research to practice. MCAN
      developed the rationale and vision for the program through a phased approach,
      including an extensive literature review, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation
      of funding gaps. The analysis pointed to the need to identify pediatric asthma
      interventions implemented in urban U.S. settings that have demonstrated efficacy
      and materials for replication and to translate the interventions into wider
      practice. In addition to this overall MCAN objective, specific goals included
      service and system integration through linkages among health care providers,
      schools, community-based organizations, patients, parents, and other caregivers.
      MCAN selected sites based on demonstrated ability to implement effective
      interventions and to address multiple contexts of pediatric asthma prevention and
      management. Selected MCAN program sites were mature institutions or organizations
      with significant infrastructure, existing funding, and the ability to provide
      services without requiring a lengthy planning period. Program sites were located
      in communities with high asthma morbidity and intended to integrate new elements
      into existing programs to create comprehensive care approaches.

PMID- 22068367
TI  - Successful treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson syndrome
      overlap with human granulocyte colony stimulating factor: a case report.

PMID- 22068368
TI  - Residential treatment for homeless female veterans with psychiatric and substance
      use disorders: effect on 1-year clinical outcomes.
AB  - Limited evidence shows that time-limited residential treatment (RT) is beneficial
      for homeless people with serious mental illness. The Department of Veterans
      Affairs has established 11 specialty programs for homeless female veterans. We
      present data comparing 1-year clinical outcomes in a group of veterans who did
      and did not receive at least 30 days of RT. Clients of the Homeless Women
      Veterans Programs were invited to participate in a follow-up study. They were
      interviewed every 3 months for 1 year. Those who received at least 30 days of RT
      in the 3 months after program entry (RT group) were compared with other program
      participants (no or <30 days RT [NRT] group) on measures of community
      functioning, psychiatric symptoms, and drug and alcohol use during the follow-up.
      The RT group had better outcomes on employment, social support, housing status,
      and psychiatric symptoms. They also had significantly increased use of drugs and
      alcohol compared with the NRT group. Data suggest that RT may have a beneficial
      effect on mental health outcomes in homeless women. This study, in conjunction
      with others, suggests that provision of stable housing may be an important
      element of recovery for homeless women with psychiatric problems, excluding
      substance use.

PMID- 22068369
TI  - Physical activity in postdeployment Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring
      Freedom veterans using Department of Veterans Affairs services.
AB  - Veteran activity levels may decrease between Active Duty and postdeployment. We
      examined attitudes and changes in self-reported activities between the two in
      Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans using
      Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services. We conducted an online cross
      sectional survey (June-August 2008) of postdeployment OIF/OEF veterans registered
      with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Descriptive
      statistics summarized demographic data and attitudes, while regression analyses
      compared physical activities during Active Duty with physical activities
      postdeployment. Participants (n = 319, 15.6% response rate) reported that they
      believe staying physically fit is important, they worry about gaining weight, and
      they believe exercise will keep them healthy (77%, 72%, and 90% agree or strongly
      agree, respectively). Running (30.0%), Exercise with Gym Equipment (21.5%),
      Occupational Activities (14.9%), and Walking (13.0%) were the most frequently
      reported Active Duty physical activities. The most frequently reported
      postdeployment physical activities included Walking (21.1%), Running (18.5%), and
      Exercise with Gym Equipment (17.9%). Health problems (39%) and chronic pain (52%)
      were common barriers to physical activity. Postdeployment OIF/OEF veterans using
      the VA believe physical activity is beneficial, yet many report health problems
      and/or chronic pain that makes exercise difficult. Physical activity promotes
      health, and strategies are needed to facilitate physical activity in this
      population.

PMID- 22068370
TI  - Prevalence and characteristics of driving difficulties in Operation Iraqi
      Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom combat returnees.
AB  - We studied the prevalence and characteristics of self-reported driving
      difficulties and examined their association with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
      Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans who were seen at a Department of Veterans
      Affairs outpatient polytrauma clinic. In this study, we used a brief driving
      questionnaire and chart reviews to assess the prevalence and characteristics of
      driving difficulties in the following four groups of patients: TBI only, PTSD
      only, TBI + PTSD, and Neither (neither TBI nor PTSD). Compared with before
      deployment, 93% of OIF/OEF veterans seen in the polytrauma clinic reported more
      difficulties with driving in at least one domain, with the most common areas of
      difficulty being (1) problems with anger or impatience (82%), (2) general driving
      difficulties (65%), and (3) experiences with near misses (57%). Patients with
      PTSD (with or without TBI) reported the most significant driving impairments,
      whereas respondents with a history of only TBI endorsed driving difficulties
      similar to veterans without either diagnosis. Qualitative analysis of veterans'
      comments also revealed similar patterns. Self-reported driving problems were
      common among OIF/OEF returnees. Respondents who had a diagnosis of PTSD (with or
      without TBI) reported the most severe driving difficulties since returning from
      deployment. The association between PTSD and driving problems warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 22068371
TI  - Retrospective case series of clinical outcomes associated with chiropractic
      management for veterans with low back pain.
AB  - Musculoskeletal complaints, most notably low back pain (LBP), are prevalent among
      veterans. Despite a focus on LBP management by chiropractors within the Veterans
      Health Administration, limited published accounts detail clinical outcomes with
      chiropractic management of LBP among veterans. This was a retrospective case
      series of 171 veterans with a chief complaint of LBP who were managed with
      chiropractic care. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used, with the
      Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Back Bournemouth Questionnaire (BBQ) serving
      as the outcome measures. A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was set
      as 30% improvement from baseline for both measures. The mean number of treatments
      was 8.7. For the NRS, the mean raw score improvement was 2.2 points, representing
      37.4% change from baseline; 103 (60.2%) patients met or exceeded the MCID. For
      the BBQ, the mean raw score improvement was 13.6 points, representing 34.6%
      change from baseline; 92 patients (53.8%) met or exceeded the MCID. For this
      sample of veterans with LBP, the mean percentages of clinical improvement were
      statistically significant and clinically meaningful for both the NRS and BBQ.

PMID- 22068372
TI  - An objective method for selecting command sources for myoelectrically triggered
      lower-limb neuroprostheses.
AB  - Functional electrical stimulation (FES) facilitates ambulatory function after
      paralysis of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) by exciting the peripheral
      motor nerves to activate the muscles of the lower limbs. This study identified a
      process for selecting command sources for triggering FES with the surface
      electromyogram (EMG) from muscles partially paralyzed by incomplete SCI, given
      its high degree of intersubject variability. We found Discriminability Index (DI)
      to be a good metric to evaluate the potential of controlling FES-assisted
      ambulation in four nondisabled volunteers and two participants with incomplete
      paralysis. The left erector spinae (ES) (mean DI = 0.87) for triggering the left
      step and the right ES (mean DI = 0.83) for triggering the right step were the
      best command sources for participant 1. The left ES (mean DI = 0.93) for
      triggering the left step and the right medial gastrocnemius (mean DI = 0.88) for
      triggering the right step were the best command sources for participant 2. Our
      results showed that command sources can be selected objectively from surface EMG
      before a fully implantable EMG-triggered FES system for walking is implemented.

PMID- 22068373
TI  - Residual limb volume change: systematic review of measurement and management.
AB  - Management of residual limb volume affects decisions regarding timing of fit of
      the first prosthesis, when a new prosthetic socket is needed, design of a
      prosthetic socket, and prescription of accommodation strategies for daily volume
      fluctuations. This systematic review assesses what is known about measurement and
      management of residual limb volume change in persons with lower-limb amputation.
      Publications that met inclusion criteria were grouped into three categories:
      group I: descriptions of residual limb volume measurement techniques; group II:
      studies investigating the effect of residual limb volume change on clinical care
      in people with lower-limb amputation; and group III: studies of residual limb
      volume management techniques or descriptions of techniques for accommodating or
      controlling residual limb volume. We found that many techniques for the
      measurement of residual limb volume have been described but clinical use is
      limited largely because current techniques lack adequate resolution and in-socket
      measurement capability. Overall, limited evidence exists regarding the management
      of residual limb volume, and the evidence available focuses primarily on adults
      with transtibial amputation in the early postoperative phase. While we can draw
      some insights from the available research about residual limb volume measurement
      and management, further research is required.

PMID- 22068374
TI  - Tensile strength and impact resistance properties of materials used in prosthetic
      check sockets, copolymer sockets, and definitive laminated sockets.
AB  - Prosthetic sockets serve as the interface between people with amputations and
      their prostheses. Although most materials used to make prosthetic sockets have
      been used for many years, knowledge of these materials' properties is limited,
      especially after they are subjected to fabrication processes. This study
      evaluated tensile and impact properties of the current state-of-the-art materials
      used to fabricate prosthetic check sockets, copolymer sockets, and definitive
      laminated sockets. Thermolyn Rigid and Orfitrans Stiff check socket materials
      produced significantly lower tensile strength and impact resistance than
      polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Copolymer socket materials exhibited
      greater resistance to impact forces than the check socket materials but lower
      tensile strengths than PETG. The heated molding processes, for the check socket
      and copolymer materials, reduced both tensile strength and elongation at break.
      Definitive laminated sockets were sorted according to fabrication techniques.
      Nyglass material had significantly higher elongation, indicating a more ductile
      material than carbon-based laminations. Carbon sockets with pigmented resin had
      higher tensile strength and modulus at break than nonpigmented carbon sockets.
      Elongation at yield and elongation at break were similar for both types of carbon
      based laminations. The material properties determined in this study provide a
      foundation for understanding and improving the quality of prosthetic sockets
      using current fabrication materials and a basis for evaluating future
      technologies.

PMID- 22068375
TI  - Bilateral upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke using a movement-based game
      controller.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a bilateral, self-supported,
      upper-limb rehabilitation intervention using a movement-based game controller for
      people with chronic stroke. Fourteen participants received a control treatment,
      followed by a washout period, and then the intervention. The intervention
      comprised playing computer games with the CyWee Z (CyWee Group Ltd; Taipei,
      Taiwan), a movement-based game controller similar to the Nintendo Wii remote. The
      CyWee Z was incorporated into a handlebar, making bilateral exercises possible by
      allowing the unaffected side to support and assist the affected side. The
      intervention lasted for 8 to 10 sessions of 45 to 60 minutes over a period of 2.5
      weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper-limb section (FMA-UL) was used as the
      primary outcome. The Wolf Motor Function Test and the Disabilities of Arm,
      Shoulder, and Hand outcome measure were used as secondary outcomes.
      Postintervention, motor performance as measured by the FMA-UL was significantly
      improved compared with all preintervention assessments (p < 0.001), whereas no
      changes were found on both secondary outcomes. It can be concluded from this
      pilot study that upper-limb motor performance of adults with chronic stroke
      improves with repetitive, game-assisted, self-supported bilateral exercises.

PMID- 22068376
TI  - Development of custom measurement system for biomechanical evaluation of
      independent wheelchair transfers.
AB  - This study describes a new custom measurement system designed to investigate the
      biomechanics of sitting-pivot wheelchair transfers and assesses the reliability
      of selected biomechanical variables. Variables assessed include horizontal and
      vertical reaction forces underneath both hands and three-dimensional trunk,
      shoulder, and elbow range of motion. We examined the reliability of these
      measures between 5 consecutive transfer trials for 5 subjects with spinal cord
      injury and 12 nondisabled subjects while they performed a self-selected sitting
      pivot transfer from a wheelchair to a level bench. A majority of the
      biomechanical variables demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability (r > 0.6).
      The transfer measurement system recorded reliable and valid biomechanical data
      for future studies of sitting-pivot wheelchair transfers.We recommend a minimum
      of five transfer trials to obtain a reliable measure of transfer technique for
      future studies.

PMID- 22068377
TI  - Kinematic analysis of symmetric axial trunk rotation on dominant hip.
AB  - Axial rotation of the trunk has been reported as a significant risk of low back
      dysfunction. However, a lack of biomechanical investigation exists that explains
      how twisting is accomplished with simultaneous asymmetric handling between the
      hip joints and lumbar spine. We used a three-dimensional motion analysis to
      measure movements of the bilateral hips and lumbar spine. Forty-four persons
      participated in the study, and the results indicated that spinal range of motion
      (ROM) was significantly different based on dominance (F = 198.83, p = 0.001),
      region x dominance (F = 14.21, p = 0.001), and dominance x dimension (F = 141.08,
      p = 0.001). We also found a three-way interaction between region x dominance x
      dimension (F = 26.30, p = 0.001). These results indicated that the motion of the
      transverse and sagittal planes significantly increased when the participants
      attempted to rotate their hips, especially on the nondominant side. Decreased
      axial trunk ROM on the side of dominance might stiffen passive structures of the
      hip joints. The functions of the hip joints and lumbar spine might be altered
      three dimensionally based on the side of dominance.

PMID- 22068378
TI  - Smart rehabilitation for the 21st century: the Tampa Smart Home for veterans with
      traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 22068379
TI  - Multiply twinned Pt-Pd nanoicosahedrons as highly active electrocatalysts for
      methanol oxidation.
AB  - Bimetallic Pt-Pd nanoicosahedrons (NIs) with multiple {111} twins were obtained
      through a facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis in a high shape selectivity of
      82%. The {111}-enclosed NIs exhibited superior electrocatalytic activities to
      {111}-enclosed Pt-Pd nanotetrahedrons as well as commercial Pt catalysts (Pt
      black and Pt/C) for methanol oxidation.

PMID- 22068383
TI  - Examining the robustness of first-principles calculations for metal hydride
      reaction thermodynamics by detection of metastable reaction pathways.
AB  - First principles calculations have played a useful role in screening mixtures of
      complex metal hydrides to find systems suitable for H(2) storage applications.
      Standard methods for this task efficiently identify the lowest energy reaction
      mechanisms among all possible reactions involving collections of materials for
      which DFT calculations have been performed. The resulting mechanism can
      potentially differ from physical reality due to inaccuracies in the DFT
      functionals used, or due to other approximations made in estimating reaction free
      energies. We introduce an efficient method to probe the robustness of DFT-based
      predictions that relies on identifying reactions that are metastable relative to
      the lowest energy reaction path predicted with DFT. An important conclusion of
      our calculations is that in many examples DFT cannot unambiguously predict a
      single reaction mechanism for a well defined metal hydride mixture because two or
      more mechanisms have reaction energies that differ by a small amount. Our
      approach is illustrated by analyzing a series of single step reactions identified
      in our recent work that examined reactions with a large database of solids [Kim
      et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2011, 13, 7218].

PMID- 22068382
TI  - Case report: a p.C618S RET proto-oncogene germline mutation in a large Chinese
      pedigree with familial medullary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - We report a Chinese pedigree with familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. Direct
      sequencing of the entire coding sequences of Rearranged during Transfection (RET)
      identified a recurrent c.T1852A (p.C618S) mutation in 13 of 23 members. The
      polymorphisms c.A135G (p.A45A), c.A1296G (p.A432A), c.T2307G (p.L769L) and IVS19
      + 15T > C were also found in 13 carriers, and c.G2073A (p.G691S) was found in 1
      carrier. Of the 13 carriers, seven (mean age: 42.6 years, range: 27-64) presented
      MTC as the isolated clinical phenotype, with elevated basal serum calcitonin
      (average: 1077.9 ng/L, range: 504-2,652) and a mean diameter of thyroid nodules
      of 2.97 cm (range: 1.6-4.3); they underwent a total thyroidectomy with modified
      bilateral/unilateral neck dissection and/or level VI lymph node dissection. The
      other 6 carriers did not accept surgery (4 rejected, 2 awaited). These were 2
      older patients (63 and 32 years) with elevated calcitonin (1359 and 41.4 ng/L)
      and multi-centric hypoechoic nodules (1.5 and 0.6 cm) with calcifications in
      both/left thyroid lobes; and Doppler ultrasound showed normal bilateral thyroids
      in 4 younger carriers (median age: 8.3 years, range: 4-12) but with increased
      calcitonin (average: 9.7 ng/L, range: 7.87-12.2) in 3 of them. The phenotype here
      is consistent with the clinical symptoms reported worldwide. We recommend that
      screening of hotspot regions of RET should be preferentially carried out, while
      whole-exon sequencing should be performed when clinical signs fail to reveal
      hotspot mutations or different phenotype discrepancies. Moreover, we strongly
      suggest prophylactic thyroidectomy should be performed before age 5 in carriers
      with p.C618S to prevent the occurrence and metastasis of MTC.

PMID- 22068384
TI  - Predictors and outcomes of feeling of insufficient consultation time in cancer
      care in Korea: results of a nationwide multicenter survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shared decision making and an integrative approach is expected to
      result in better outcomes, but might require more time. While ensuring that
      sufficient consultation time is essential to quality cancer care, it is not clear
      whether cancer patients feel that the amount of consultation time with their
      oncologists is sufficient. METHODS: Data were collected from 2,556 cancer
      patients on their perceived and preferred consultation time, and included
      potential predictors, such as socio-demographics, clinical, behavioral, and
      quality-of-life factors, as well as potential outcomes, including unmet patient
      needs, trust in doctor, and satisfaction. The feeling of insufficient
      consultation time was defined as the perception that consultation time is less
      than the preferred consultation time; multivariate analyses were used for
      identification of predictors and comparison of outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 37.1%
      felt that consultation time was less than preferred. Younger age, female sex,
      higher education level, having national health insurance, having been diagnosed
      with less common cancers, and having anxiety/depression were significantly
      associated with feelings of insufficient consultation time. Subjects with a
      feeling of insufficient consultation time reported higher current needs for
      information, physical symptoms, and psychological problems. They also reported
      less trust in their physician, lower overall satisfaction, and lower intention to
      continue treatment at the current cancer center. CONCLUSION: This study
      illustrated that high-quality cancer care, characterized by shared decision
      making and an integrative approach, seems to be related to sufficient
      consultation time that meets the individual's subjective needs, and measures
      should be taken to ensure sufficient consultation time.

PMID- 22068385
TI  - Determinants of undercarboxylated and carboxylated osteocalcin concentrations in
      type 1 diabetes.
AB  - To determine whether undercarboxylated osteocalcin (UC-OC) or gamma
      carboxyglutamic-carboxylated-type osteocalcin (GLA-OC) concentrations deviate
      from normal in type 1 diabetes (T1D), serum levels were compared between 115
      subjects with T1D and 55 age-matched healthy controls. UC-OC and GLA-OC
      concentrations were similar between groups; however, in T1D, UC-OC correlated
      positively with markers of insulin exposure, either endogenously produced or
      exogenously administered. INTRODUCTION: A study was conducted to determine
      whether dysregulation of circulating concentrations of UC-OC or GLA-OC occurs in
      patients with type 1 diabetes, a condition of insulin deficiency without insulin
      resistance. METHODS: We measured serum concentrations of UC-OC and GLA-OC in 115
      subjects with T1D, ages 14-40 years, and in 55 age-matched healthy control
      subjects. Relationships between UC-OC and GLA-OC concentrations and patient
      characteristics (gender and age), indices of glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, C-peptide concentration, 3-day average glucose
      measured by a continuous glucose sensor, total daily insulin dose) and
      circulating indices of skeletal homeostasis (total calcium, 25-OH vitamin D,
      parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), type 1 collagen
      degradation fragments (CTX), adiponectin, leptin) were examined. Between group
      differences in the concentrations of UC-OC and GLA-OC were the main outcome
      measures. RESULTS: Although adiponectin levels were higher in the T1D group,
      between-group comparisons did not reveal statistically significant differences in
      concentration of UC-OC, GLA-OC, CTX or leptin between the T1D and control
      populations. Instead, by multivariate regression modeling, UC-OC was correlated
      with younger age (p < 0.001), higher CTX (p < 0.001), lower HbA1c (p = 0.013),
      and higher IGF-1 (p = 0.086). Moreover, within the T1D subgroup, UC-OC was
      positively correlated with C-peptide/glucose ratio (reflecting endogenous insulin
      secretion), with IGF-1 (reflecting intra-portal insulin sufficiency), and with
      total daily insulin dose. CONCLUSIONS: In T1D, UC-OC appears to correlate
      positively with markers of insulin exposure, either endogenously produced or
      exogenously administered.

PMID- 22068386
TI  - Excess mortality after hip fracture among elderly women in Norway. The HUNT
      study.
AB  - We wanted to study mortality after hip fractures among elderly women in Norway.
      We found that excess mortality was highest short time after hip fracture, but
      persisted for several years after the fracture. The excess mortality was not
      explained by pre-fracture medical conditions. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the
      present study was to investigate short and long term mortality after hip
      fracture, and to evaluate how comorbidity, bone mineral density, and lifestyle
      factors affect the survival after hip fractures. METHODS: The study cohort
      emerges from a population-based health survey in the county of Nord-Trondelag,
      Norway. Women aged 65 or more at participation at the health survey who sustained
      a hip fracture after attending the health survey are cases in this study (n =
      781). A comparison cohort was constructed based on participants at HUNT 2 with no
      history of hip fractures (n = 3, 142). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to
      evaluate crude survival, and Cox regression analyses were used to study age
      adjusted hazard ratios for mortality and for multivariable analyses involving
      relevant covariates. RESULTS: Mean length of follow-up after fracture was 2.8
      years. Within the first 3 months of follow-up, 78 (10.0%) of the hip fracture
      patients died, compared to only 39 (1.7%) in the control group. HR for mortality
      3 months after hip fracture was 6.5 (95% CI 4.2-9.6). For the entire follow-up
      period women who sustained a hip fracture had an HR for mortality of 1.9 (95% CI
      1.6-2.3), compared with women without a hip fracture. CONCLUSIONS: We found that
      elderly women who sustained a hip fracture had increased mortality risk. The
      excess mortality was highest short time after the fracture, but persisted for
      several years after the fracture, and was not explained by pre-fracture medical
      conditions.

PMID- 22068388
TI  - Airlift column photobioreactors for Porphyridium sp. culturing: Part II.
      verification of dynamic growth rate model for reactor performance evaluation.
AB  - Dynamic growth rate model has been developed to quantify the impact of
      hydrodynamics on the growth of photosynthetic microorganisms and to predict the
      photobioreactor performance. Rigorous verification of such reactor models,
      however, is rare in the literature. In this part of work, verification of a
      dynamic growth rate model developed in Luo and Al-Dahhan (2004) [Biotech Bioeng
      85(4): 382-393] was attempted using the experimental results reported in Part I
      of this work and results from literature. The irradiance distribution inside the
      studied reactor was also measured at different optical densities and successfully
      correlated by the Lambert-Beer Law. When reliable hydrodynamic data were used,
      the dynamic growth rate model successfully predicted the algae's growth rate
      obtained in the experiments in both low and high irradiance regime indicating the
      robustness of this model. The simulation results also indicate the hydrodynamics
      is significantly different between the real algae culturing system and an air
      water system that signifies the importance in using reliable data input for the
      growth rate model.

PMID- 22068389
TI  - Biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanaotes by a novel facultatively anaerobic Vibrio
      sp. under marine conditions.
AB  - Marine bacteria have recently attracted attention as potentially useful
      candidates for the production of practical materials from marine ecosystems,
      including the oceanic carbon dioxide cycle. The advantages of using marine
      bacteria for the biosynthesis of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), one of the eco
      friendly bioplastics, include avoiding contamination with bacteria that lack salt
      water resistance, ability to use filtered seawater as a culture medium, and the
      potential for extracellular production of PHA, all of which would contribute to
      large-scale industrial production of PHA. A novel marine bacterium, Vibrio sp.
      strain KN01, was isolated and characterized in PHA productivity using various
      carbon sources under aerobic and aerobic-anaerobic marine conditions. The PHA
      contents of all the samples under the aerobic-anaerobic condition, especially
      when using soybean oil as the sole carbon source, were enhanced by limiting the
      amount of dissolved oxygen. The PHA accumulated using soybean oil as a sole
      carbon source under the aerobic-anaerobic condition contained 14% 3
      hydroxypropionate (3HP) and 3% 5-hydroxyvalerate (5HV) units in addition to (R)-3
      hydroxybutyrate (3HB) units and had a molecular weight of 42 * 103 g/mol. The
      present result indicates that the activity of the beta-oxidation pathway under
      the aerobic-anaerobic condition is reduced due to a reduction in the amount of
      dissolved oxygen. These findings have potential for use in controlling the
      biosynthesis of long main-chain PHA by regulating the activity of the beta
      oxidation pathway, which also could be regulated by varying the dissolved oxygen
      concentration.

PMID- 22068390
TI  - Heat shock protein gene family of the Porphyra seriata and enhancement of heat
      stress tolerance by PsHSP70 in Chlamydomonas.
AB  - Heat shock proteins and molecular chaperones are key components contributing to
      survival in the abiotic stress response. Porphyra seriata grows on intertidal
      rocks exposed to dynamic environmental changes associated with the turning tides,
      including desiccation and heat stress. Analysis of the ESTs of P. seriata allows
      us to identify the nine HSP cDNAs, which are predicted to be PsHSP90, three
      PsHSP70, PsHSP40 and PsHSP20, and three 5'-truncated HSP cDNAs. RT-PCR results
      show that most of the PsHSP transcripts were detected under normal cell growth
      conditions as well as heat stress, with the exception of two cDNAs. In
      particular, PsHSP70b and PsHSP20 transcripts were upregulated by heat stress.
      When the putative mitochondrial PsHSP70b was introduced and overexpressed in
      Chlamydomonas, transformed Chlamydomonas evidenced higher rates of survival and
      growth than those of the wild type under heat stress conditions. Constitutive
      overexpression of the PsHSP70b gene increases the transcription of the HSF1 as
      well as the CrHSP20 and CrHSP70 gene. These results indicate that PsHSP70b is
      involved in tolerance to heat stress and the effects on transcription of the
      CrHSP20 and CrHSP70 genes.

PMID- 22068391
TI  - Young research investigators honored at the 2011 Gordon research conference on
      photosynthesis: ambiance and a perspective.

PMID- 22068392
TI  - Buoying health by building communities.

PMID- 22068393
TI  - The UN weighs solutions to the plague of noncommunicable disease.

PMID- 22068394
TI  - How the health and community development sectors are combining forces to improve
      health and well-being.
AB  - The root causes of poor health experienced by many who live in low-income
      neighborhoods-such as the lack of access to health care, limited food choices,
      and exposure to environmental hazards-are well documented, but often go beyond
      the scope of the health care delivery system. But that is beginning to change.
      The health sector has begun to collaborate with the community development sector,
      which for decades has been working in low-income neighborhoods. Encouraging local
      and national examples of these new partnerships abound. They include an effort in
      Seattle, Washington, to reduce exposure to allergens and irritants among low
      income asthmatic children, and a $500 million federal program to finance the
      operation of grocery stores in what have previously been urban "food deserts." To
      nurture such efforts, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Federal Reserve
      System, and others have sponsored a series of "healthy community" forums in US
      cities. In this article we explore the growing partnerships between the health
      and community development sectors as well as the challenges they face, and we
      offer policy recommendations that might help them succeed.

PMID- 22068395
TI  - Community development efforts offer a major opportunity to advance Americans'
      health.
AB  - Large differences in the opportunities and resources that Americans have to be
      healthy have led to sizable variations in health by geography, race and
      ethnicity, income level, and education. By enhancing the opportunities for good
      health in the places where we live, learn, work, play, and worship, community
      development initiatives can be important drivers of improved health. As articles
      in this month's issue of Health Affairs attest, community development and public
      health are two forces that often have the same goals. Because there has been
      little research to date documenting which aspects of community development could
      have the greatest impact on health, it will be increasingly necessary to
      rigorously evaluate the impact of various interventions to guide policy makers in
      identifying the most important measures to take in an environment of constrained
      financial resources.

PMID- 22068396
TI  - Partnerships among community development, public health, and health care could
      improve the well-being of low-income people.
AB  - Safe, vibrant neighborhoods are vital to health. The community development
      "industry"-a network of nonprofit service providers, real estate developers,
      financial institutions, foundations, and government-draws on public subsidies and
      other financing to transform impoverished neighborhoods into better-functioning
      communities. Although such activity positively affects the "upstream" causes of
      poor health, the community development industry rarely collaborates with the
      health sector or even considers health effects in its work. Examples of
      initiatives-such as the creation of affordable housing that avoids nursing home
      placement-suggest a strong potential for cross-sector collaborations to reduce
      health disparities and slow the growth of health care spending, while at the same
      time improving economic and social well-being in America's most disadvantaged
      communities. We propose a four-point plan to help ensure that these
      collaborations achieve positive outcomes and sustainable progress for residents
      and investors alike.

PMID- 22068397
TI  - Despite obstacles, considerable potential exists for more robust federal policy
      on community development and health.
AB  - The implementation of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Obama
      administration's urban policy create an opportunity to link community development
      with health in new and powerful ways. The administration's policy emphasizes
      improved access to and quality of care through coordinated local and regional
      approaches, expansion of access to healthy food, and the support of environmental
      health-including clean air, water, and soil-and healthy homes. New federal
      programs, such as the Affordable Care Act's Community Transformation Grants, seek
      to prevent death and disability through policy, environmental, programmatic, and
      infrastructure changes. But fragmented congressional jurisdiction and budget
      "scoring" rules pose challenges to needed reform. We argue that government
      agencies need to adopt so-called systems of innovation, or organizational
      practices and support mechanisms that seek continuously to test new models,
      refine promising ones, bring to scale those that work best, and restructure or
      terminate what does not. We also argue that a strong and well-focused policy
      advocacy coalition is needed to help drive reform focused on the social
      determinants of health.

PMID- 22068398
TI  - Bringing researchers and community developers together to revitalize a public
      housing project and improve health.
AB  - Tens of billions of dollars-both public and private-flow to low-income
      communities each year, mostly for affordable housing. However, it is rare for the
      health effects of these investments to be assessed. In San Francisco, California,
      a collaborative effort is under way that aims to fill this research gap while
      helping residents of Sunnydale, the city's largest public housing project, where
      poverty, violence, and truancy are entrenched. The collaboration is in its
      earliest stages-with construction not scheduled to start for at least four years
      but some early lessons have emerged. For example, researchers and community
      developers have found that their data collection needs and timeline expectations
      often don't match. Nevertheless, the collaborators intend to use the long period
      before groundbreaking to establish baseline measurements of residents' social and
      physical well-being, plan initiatives in collaboration with community members and
      stakeholders, and seek funding for the initiatives and a longitudinal evaluation
      of the community.

PMID- 22068399
TI  - At 'Urban Horizons,' healthier living is a beautiful thing.

PMID- 22068400
TI  - Neighborhood characteristics associated with access to patient-centered medical
      homes for children.
AB  - Understanding social determinants of health, such as the social and physical
      conditions under which children and their families live, work, and play, is
      essential to reducing disparities and improving the quality of primary care. We
      studied the relationship between perceptions of neighborhood characteristics such
      as cohesion, safety, physical environment, and whether children receive care from
      a patient-centered medical home. We found that place matters. Children were less
      likely to have access to a medical home if they were from less socially cohesive
      neighborhoods, less safe neighborhoods, or neighborhoods with fewer amenities.
      These associations persisted even after adjustment for socioeconomic factors and
      proved to be more strongly associated than race and income. Our findings
      underscore the need to foster medical practice models that make use of trusted
      community partners, such as churches and schools, expand care teams to include
      community health workers, and identify additional ways to build collaborative
      relationships between providers and their patients and their families from less
      cohesive neighborhoods.

PMID- 22068401
TI  - Community health centers and community development financial institutions:
      joining forces to address determinants of health.
AB  - Community health centers and community development financial institutions share
      similar origins and missions and are increasingly working together to meet
      community needs. Addressing the social and economic determinants of health is a
      common focus. The availability of new federal grants and tax credits has led
      these financial institutions to invest in the creation and expansion of community
      health centers. This article reviews the most recent trends in these two sectors
      and explores opportunities for further collaboration to transform the health and
      well-being of the nation's low-income communities.

PMID- 22068402
TI  - Training new community health, food service, and environmental protection workers
      could boost health, jobs, and growth.
AB  - General job training programs, and separate disease prevention or health
      promotion programs, are usually viewed as two different strategies for reducing
      poverty and promoting community development. We propose that with better
      alignment of the strategies, new jobs with the potential to simultaneously
      improve population health, lower the cost of health care, and reduce unemployment
      could be created and filled. Initiatives for three types of entry-level positions
      in the fields of community health, environmental remediation and protection, and
      food preparation-show particular promise as vehicles for health and economic
      improvement at the individual and community levels. Building on current federal
      programs, new pilot projects financed by federal funding should be created to
      test and refine such initiatives and their impact and assemble an evidence base
      for future policy action.

PMID- 22068403
TI  - Large variations in Medicare payments for surgery highlight savings potential
      from bundled payment programs.
AB  - Payers are considering bundled payments for inpatient surgery, combining provider
      reimbursements into a single payment for the entire episode. We found that
      current Medicare episode payments for certain inpatient procedures varied by 49
      130 percent across hospitals sorted into five payment groups. Intentional
      differences in payments attributable to such factors as geography or illness
      severity explained much of this variation. But after adjustment for these
      differences, per episode payments to the highest-cost hospitals were higher than
      those to the lowest-cost facilities by up to $2,549 for colectomy and $7,759 for
      back surgery. Postdischarge care accounted for a large proportion of the
      variation in payments, as did discretionary physician services, which may be
      driven in turn by variations in surgeons' practice styles. Our study suggests
      that bundled payments could yield sizable savings for payers, although the effect
      on individual institutions will vary because hospitals that were relatively
      expensive for one procedure were often relatively inexpensive for others. More
      broadly, our data suggest that many hospitals have considerable room to improve
      their cost efficiency for inpatient surgery and should look for patterns of
      excess utilization, particularly among surgical specialties, other inpatient
      specialist consultations, and various types of postdischarge care.

PMID- 22068404
TI  - The PROMETHEUS bundled payment experiment: slow start shows problems in
      implementing new payment models.
AB  - Fee-for-service payment is blamed for many of the problems observed in the US
      health care system. One of the leading alternative payment models proposed in the
      Affordable Care Act of 2010 is bundled payment, which provides payment for all of
      the care a patient needs over the course of a defined clinical episode, instead
      of paying for each discrete service. We evaluated the initial "road test" of
      PROMETHEUS Payment, one of several bundled payment pilot projects. The project
      has faced substantial implementation challenges, and none of the three pilot
      sites had executed contracts or made bundled payments as of May 2011. The pilots
      have taken longer to set up than expected, primarily because of the complexity of
      the payment model and the fact that it builds on the existing fee-for-service
      payment system and other complexities of health care. Participants continue to
      see promise and value in the bundled payment model, but the pilot results suggest
      that the desired benefits of this and other payment reforms may take time and
      considerable effort to materialize.

PMID- 22068405
TI  - The many different prices paid to providers and the flawed theory of cost
      shifting: is it time for a more rational all-payer system?
AB  - In developed nations that rely on multiple, competing health insurers-for
      example, Switzerland and Germany-the prices for health care services and products
      are subject to uniform price schedules that are either set by government or
      negotiated on a regional basis between associations of health insurers and
      associations of providers of health care. In the United States, some states
      notably Maryland-have used such all-payer systems for hospitals only. Elsewhere
      in the United States, prices are negotiated between individual payers and
      providers. This situation has resulted in an opaque system in which payers with
      market power force weaker payers to cover disproportionate shares of providers'
      fixed costs-a phenomenon sometimes termed cost shifting-or providers simply
      succeed in charging higher prices when they can. In this article I propose that
      this price-discriminatory system be replaced over time by an all-payer system as
      a means to better control costs and ensure equitable payment.

PMID- 22068407
TI  - Gaps in residency training should be addressed to better prepare doctors for a
      twenty-first-century delivery system.
AB  - Many observers have been concerned about a mismatch between the knowledge,
      skills, and professional values of newly trained physicians and the requirements
      of current and future medical practice. We surveyed and interviewed Kaiser
      Permanente's clinical department chiefs for internal medicine, pediatrics,
      general surgery, and obstetrics/gynecology to ascertain their views of the
      perceived gaps in the readiness of newly trained physicians. Nearly half of those
      surveyed reported deficiencies among new physicians in managing routine
      conditions or performing simple procedures often encountered in office-based
      practice. A third of the chiefs noted deficiencies in coordinating care for
      patients. Filling these and other training gaps will require changes at many
      levels-from residency programs to Medicare reimbursement policies-to better
      prepare new physicians for the challenges of working in a health care system
      evolving to emphasize accountability, quality outcomes, cost control, and
      information technology.

PMID- 22068406
TI  - Mayo Clinic employees responded to new requirements for cost sharing by reducing
      possibly unneeded health services use.
AB  - Some health plans have experimented with increasing consumer cost sharing, on the
      theory that consumers will use less unnecessary health care if they are expected
      to bear some of the financial responsibility for it. However, it is unclear
      whether the resulting decrease in use is sustained beyond one or two years. In
      2004 Mayo Clinic's self-funded health plan increased cost sharing for its
      employees and their dependents for specialty care visits (adding a $25 copayment
      to the high-premium option) and other services such as imaging, testing, and
      outpatient procedures (adding 10 or 20 percent coinsurance, depending on the
      option). The plan also removed all cost sharing for visits to primary care
      providers and for preventive services such as colorectal screening and
      mammography. The result was large decreases in the use of diagnostic testing and
      outpatient procedures that were sustained for four years, and an immediate
      decrease in the use of imaging that later rebounded (possibly to levels below the
      expected trend). Beneficiaries decreased visits to specialists but did not make
      greater use of primary care services. These results suggest that implementing
      relatively low levels of cost sharing can lead to a long-term decrease in
      utilization.

PMID- 22068408
TI  - How the National Prevention Council can overcome key challenges and improve
      Americans' health.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act of 2010 established the first-ever National Prevention,
      Health Promotion, and Public Health Council out of recognition of the need for a
      major new national focus on disease prevention. Composed of cabinet-level
      officials from a range of federal agencies, the council has a clear policy
      mandate: to coordinate and lead prevention, wellness, and health promotion
      efforts across the entire federal government and the nation. In its first year,
      the council developed a comprehensive prevention strategy; but its full
      implementation is threatened by economic, political, bureaucratic, and
      institutional challenges. This article examines these challenges and makes
      recommendations for how to maximize the positive impact of the council through
      effective cross-agency collaboration aimed at improving Americans' health,
      including framing prevention as a bipartisan cost containment strategy;
      distancing the work of the council from the implementation of other aspects of
      the Affordable Care Act; using dollars from the Prevention and Public Health Fund
      to incentivize ongoing participation by nonhealth agencies; and providing
      technical assistance and analytic support to nonhealth agencies willing to
      broaden attention to the health impacts of their nonhealth policies.

PMID- 22068409
TI  - Evolving brand-name and generic drug competition may warrant a revision of the
      Hatch-Waxman Act.
AB  - The evolution of pharmaceutical competition since Congress passed the Hatch
      Waxman Act in 1984 raises questions about whether the act's intended balance of
      incentives for cost savings and continued innovation has been achieved. Generic
      drug usage and challenges to brand-name drugs' patents have increased markedly,
      resulting in greatly increased cost savings but also potentially reduced
      incentives for innovators. Congress should review whether Hatch-Waxman is
      achieving its intended purpose of balancing incentives for generics and
      innovation. It also should consider whether the law should be amended so that
      some of its provisions are brought more in line with recently enacted legislation
      governing approval of so-called biosimilars, or the corollary for biologics of
      generic competition for small-molecule drugs.

PMID- 22068410
TI  - Six climate change-related events in the United States accounted for about $14
      billion in lost lives and health costs.
AB  - The future health costs associated with predicted climate change-related events
      such as hurricanes, heat waves, and floods are projected to be enormous. This
      article estimates the health costs associated with six climate change-related
      events that struck the United States between 2000 and 2009. The six case studies
      came from categories of climate change-related events projected to worsen with
      continued global warming-ozone pollution, heat waves, hurricanes, infectious
      disease outbreaks, river flooding, and wildfires. We estimate that the health
      costs exceeded $14 billion, with 95 percent due to the value of lives lost
      prematurely. Actual health care costs were an estimated $740 million. This
      reflects more than 760,000 encounters with the health care system. Our analysis
      provides scientists and policy makers with a methodology to use in estimating
      future health costs related to climate change and highlights the growing need for
      public health preparedness.

PMID- 22068411
TI  - Call it 'jiffy boob': what's lacking when care has assembly-line efficiency.

PMID- 22068412
TI  - Strengthening children's oral health: views from the field.
AB  - Low-income children and adolescents continue to bear a heavy burden of untreated
      pain and complications from dental disease. To explore why proposals to remediate
      this problem have not gained traction, the authors interviewed experts involved
      in efforts to improve the oral health status of low-income and minority children
      during the past decade. Key informants believe that success requires addressing
      both consumer demand and provider supply factors. They especially cite the lack
      of public outcry for more accessible oral health care and the undervaluing of
      oral health, relative to medical care. Informants were cautiously optimistic that
      strategies such as health literacy and outreach campaigns, which have helped
      increase children's physical activity and improve their diets, offer unexplored
      opportunities for progress.

PMID- 22068414
TI  - Appropriate care for chronic pain.

PMID- 22068416
TI  - Patient-centered medical homes in Michigan.

PMID- 22068418
TI  - Medicaid managed care for elderly, disabled populations.

PMID- 22068420
TI  - Withdrawing unsafe drugs from the market.

PMID- 22068421
TI  - Palliative care and hospice.

PMID- 22068422
TI  - Parity between behavioral health and medical services.

PMID- 22068423
TI  - N-cadherin determines individual variations in the therapeutic efficacy of human
      umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - In this study, we established and characterized human umbilical cord blood
      derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) from four different donors. However,
      the hUCB-MSCs showed remarkable variations in their therapeutic efficacy for
      repairing rat infarcted myocardium (including the process of angiogenesis) 8
      weeks after transplantation. In addition, we observed that the level of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of
      the four hUCB-MSCs. Next, to investigate the practical application of hUCB-MSCs,
      we searched for surface signature molecules that could serve as indicators of
      therapeutic efficacy. The gene for N-cadherin was the only cell surface gene that
      was highly expressed in the most effective hUCB-MSCs, both at the transcriptional
      and translational levels. We observed downregulation and upregulation of VEGF in
      response to N-cadherin blocking and N-cadherin overexpression, respectively.
      Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not protein kinase
      B, was increased when N-cadherin expression was increased, whereas disruption of
      N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contact induced suppression of ERK activation and
      led to VEGF downregulation. Moreover, by investigating hUCB-MSCs overexpressing N
      cadherin or N-cadherin knockdown hUCB-MSCs, we confirmed the in vivo function of
      N-cadherin. In addition, we observed that DiI-labeled hUCB-MSCs express N
      cadherin in the peri-infarct area and interact with cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 22068424
TI  - Safety and tolerability of the Easy VaxTM clinical epidermal electroporation
      system in healthy adults.
AB  - DNA vaccines are cost-effective and versatile, though intracellular delivery has
      been challenging in humans. Alternative delivery modalities such as
      electroporation have demonstrated improved immune responses, but are painful. In
      this single-center, double-blind, medical device trial, we evaluated the safety
      and tolerability of Easy VaxTM dermal electroporation system, alone (without DNA)
      in healthy adults. Three randomized protocol doses were administered to 10
      subjects (80% white, 60% female, mean age: 32.1 years) in each of two areas
      (total of six doses). Two subjects complained of shooting pain, burning and/or
      tingling when doses were administered to the forearm region, but not the lateral
      deltoid regions. Subsequent doses for the remaining eight subjects were
      restricted to the deltoid regions only. Tolerability pain scores never exceeded 3
      of 10 in the 11-Point Pain Rating scale, and 12 of 100 in the Visual Analog Scale
      (VAS), and lower in follow-up evaluations (P < 0.0001), with no significant
      difference between the three dosing protocols. Electrical properties of the skin,
      measured automatically by the device, showed no correlation between pain
      intensity and skin conductance. In conclusion, the Easy VaxTM electroporation
      device is safe and well tolerated when administered over the lateral deltoid skin
      regions in healthy volunteers.

PMID- 22068425
TI  - Phase 1 gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy using a translational
      optimized AAV vector.
AB  - Efficient and widespread gene transfer is required for successful treatment of
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Here, we performed the first clinical trial
      using a chimeric adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid variant (designated AAV2.5)
      derived from a rational design strategy. AAV2.5 was generated from the AAV2
      capsid with five mutations from AAV1. The novel chimeric vector combines the
      improved muscle transduction capacity of AAV1 with reduced antigenic
      crossreactivity against both parental serotypes, while keeping the AAV2 receptor
      binding. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase I clinical study
      in DMD boys, AAV2.5 vector was injected into the bicep muscle in one arm, with
      saline control in the contralateral arm. A subset of patients received AAV empty
      capsid instead of saline in an effort to distinguish an immune response to vector
      versus minidystrophin transgene. Recombinant AAV genomes were detected in all
      patients with up to 2.56 vector copies per diploid genome. There was no cellular
      immune response to AAV2.5 capsid. This trial established that rationally designed
      AAV2.5 vector was safe and well tolerated, lays the foundation of customizing AAV
      vectors that best suit the clinical objective (e.g., limb infusion gene delivery)
      and should usher in the next generation of viral delivery systems for human gene
      transfer.

PMID- 22068426
TI  - Efficient generation of functional hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells
      and induced pluripotent stem cells by HNF4alpha transduction.
AB  - Hepatocyte-like cells from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are expected to be a useful source of cells drug
      discovery. Although we recently reported that hepatic commitment is promoted by
      transduction of SOX17 and HEX into human ESC- and iPSC-derived cells, these
      hepatocyte-like cells were not sufficiently mature for drug screening. To promote
      hepatic maturation, we utilized transduction of the hepatocyte nuclear factor
      4alpha (HNF4alpha) gene, which is known as a master regulator of liver-specific
      gene expression. Adenovirus vector-mediated overexpression of HNF4alpha in
      hepatoblasts induced by SOX17 and HEX transduction led to upregulation of
      epithelial and mature hepatic markers such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, and
      promoted hepatic maturation by activating the mesenchymal-to-epithelial
      transition (MET). Thus HNF4alpha might play an important role in the hepatic
      differentiation from human ESC-derived hepatoblasts by activating the MET.
      Furthermore, the hepatocyte like-cells could catalyze the toxication of several
      compounds. Our method would be a valuable tool for the efficient generation of
      functional hepatocytes derived from human ESCs and iPSCs, and the hepatocyte-like
      cells could be used for predicting drug toxicity.

PMID- 22068427
TI  - Human skeletal muscle cells with a slow adhesion rate after isolation and an
      enhanced stress resistance improve function of ischemic hearts.
AB  - Identification of cells that are endowed with maximum potency could be critical
      for the clinical success of cell-based therapies. We investigated whether cells
      with an enhanced efficacy for cardiac cell therapy could be enriched from adult
      human skeletal muscle on the basis of their adhesion properties to tissue culture
      flasks following tissue dissociation. Cells that adhered slowly displayed greater
      myogenic purity and more readily differentiated into myotubes in vitro than
      rapidly adhering cells (RACs). The slowly adhering cell (SAC) population also
      survived better than the RAC population in kinetic in vitro assays that simulate
      conditions of oxidative and inflammatory stress. When evaluated for the treatment
      of a myocardial infarction (MI), intramyocardial injection of the SACs more
      effectively improved echocardiographic indexes of left ventricular (LV)
      remodeling and contractility than the transplantation of the RACs.
      Immunohistological analysis revealed that hearts injected with SACs displayed a
      reduction in myocardial fibrosis and an increase in infarct vascularization,
      donor cell proliferation, and endogenous cardiomyocyte survival and proliferation
      in comparison with the RAC-treated hearts. In conclusion, these results suggest
      that adult human skeletal muscle-derived cells are inherently heterogeneous with
      regard to their efficacy for enhancing cardiac function after cardiac
      implantation, with SACs outperforming RACs.

PMID- 22068428
TI  - Oncolytic Sindbis virus targets tumors defective in the interferon response and
      induces significant bystander antitumor immunity in vivo.
AB  - Sindbis virus (SBV) has been shown to possess oncolytic potential in many human
      xenograft tumor models in immunocompromised mice. However, the mechanism
      underlying the tumor selectivity of SBV remains undetermined. In this study, we
      provide evidence that the tumor tropism of SBV infection is not determined by the
      levels of SBV receptor but by the status of the type I interferon (IFN) response
      in the tumors. Our results demonstrate that cells with defects in the IFN
      response (in either IFN-beta production or IFN signaling) were highly susceptible
      to SBV infection in vitro. The results of oncolysis experiments conducted in
      immunocompetent animals further confirmed that the success of SBV-mediated
      oncolysis is greatly dependent on the presence of defects in IFN signaling in
      tumors. In all cases, viral titers rapidly declined in tumors due to host immune
      responses in immunocompetent animals. Interestingly, however, tumor-specific
      immune responses were concomitantly elicited, which might contribute to the
      sustained antitumor effect observed after the clearance of SBV. These findings
      indicate that SBV-mediated virotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for
      cancers defective in the IFN response and underscore the importance of bystander
      antitumor immunity in the efficacy of this virotherapy.

PMID- 22068430
TI  - Understanding pressure ulcer research and education needs: a comparison of the
      association for the advancement of wound care pressure ulcer guideline evidence
      levels and content validity scores .
AB  - Although difficult to quantify due to methodological variations, the worldwide
      burden of pressure ulcers (PUs) is substantial. Recognizing the importance of
      providing evidence-based care to help reduce this burden, the North American
      Wound Care Council societies collaborated to identify PU research and education
      opportunities using the PU "Guideline of Guidelines" developed and tested by
      Association for the Advancement of Wound Care Guideline Department (AAWC GD).
      Volunteer AAWC GD members compiled recommendations from PU guidelines available
      in 2008, searched the lit- erature for additional research as needed, and
      developed evidence levels for all recommendations using an established level-of
      evidence rating scheme. At the same time, AAWC members and Ostomy Wound
      Management readers were invited via email to participate in a content validation
      study of the 368 recommendations, rating items on a scale of 1 (not relevant) to
      4 (very relevant and succinct). Items with a content validity index (CVI) >0.75
      were considered valid. Recommendations with support from two or more randomized
      controlled PU trials or two or more cohort studies for diagnostic or predictive
      validity (A-level evidence) and a CVI >75 were grouped as ready for
      implementation. Recommendations with content validity but without A-level
      evidence were determined to be opportunities for research; recommendations that
      lacked content validity but that had A-level evidence were viewed as
      opportunities for education. Thirty-two (32) multidisciplinary healthcare
      professionals participated in the content validation study. Most (93.2%)
      recommendations were rated as valid. Of the 97 (26%) recommendations with A-level
      evidence, 90 (24.5% of total) met both strong content validity and strong
      evidence criteria and were rated as ready for implementation as standard of care.
      Most recommendations (253, 68.8%) were rated as valid but had B- or C-level
      evidence, representing opportunities for research. Only seven (1.9%)
      recommendations had a low CVI but A-level evidence, suggesting a need for
      education. The results show that most of the guideline recommendations are valid,
      that the number of PU intervention recommendations with A-level evidence is
      increasing, but that, in general, the need for research to replace opinion with
      evidence remains high across the entire spectrum of PU prevention and treatment.
      Understanding what is known (recommendation: ready to implement), what is not
      known (research needed), and what clinicians need to know (education needed) is
      an important step toward reducing the burden of pressure ulcers. difficile are
      warranted.

PMID- 22068429
TI  - Preclinical corrective gene transfer in xeroderma pigmentosum human skin stem
      cells.
AB  - Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a devastating disease associated with dramatic skin
      cancer proneness. XP cells are deficient in nucleotide excision repair (NER) of
      bulky DNA adducts including ultraviolet (UV)-induced mutagenic lesions.
      Approaches of corrective gene transfer in NER-deficient keratinocyte stem cells
      hold great hope for the long-term treatment of XP patients. To face this
      challenge, we developed a retrovirus-based strategy to safely transduce the wild
      type XPC gene into clonogenic human primary XP-C keratinocytes. De novo
      expression of XPC was maintained in both mass population and derived independent
      candidate stem cells (holoclones) after more than 130 population doublings (PD)
      in culture upon serial propagation (>10(40) cells). Analyses of retrovirus
      integration sequences in isolated keratinocyte stem cells suggested the absence
      of adverse effects such as oncogenic activation or clonal expansion. Furthermore,
      corrected XP-C keratinocytes exhibited full NER capacity as well as normal
      features of epidermal differentiation in both organotypic skin cultures and in a
      preclinical murine model of human skin regeneration in vivo. The achievement of a
      long-term genetic correction of XP-C epidermal stem cells constitutes the first
      preclinical model of ex vivo gene therapy for XP-C patients.

PMID- 22068431
TI  - Measuring toe pressures using a portable photoplethysmograph to detect arterial
      disease in high-risk patients: an overview of the literature.
AB  - Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is estimated to affect one third of
      individuals older than 65 years of age, occurs in younger individuals who use
      tobacco or have diabetes mellitus (DM), and often remains undiagnosed until a
      patient pres- ents with ischemia-related symptoms or complications. Valid and
      reliable noninvasive tests such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) are recommended
      to detect LEAD. However, ABI results can be inconclusive or the index can be
      elevated (i.e., >1.3) in persons with calcified ankle arteries due to DM, renal
      failure, or arthritis. In these instances, obtaining toe pressure (TP)
      measurements, which correlate well with angiographic findings, is advised,
      providing the patient does not have vasoconstriction with cold toes or
      vasospastic disease. In such cases, TP can be obtained using a portable pho-
      toplethysmograph (PPG), which offers a simple and inexpensive method for
      healthcare providers in a variety of clinical settings to assess for the presence
      of LEAD. Portable PPG TP measurements have been found to have a high level of
      agreement with vascular laboratory PPG tests to detect LEAD, as well as good
      sensitivity and a high specificity. Adopting a TP measurement protocol of care to
      assess high-risk individuals such as patients with DM and elevated ABIs
      potentially can have a major impact on early identification of LEAD and reduce
      the risk of ischemia-related complications, including lower extremity wounds and
      amputations.

PMID- 22068432
TI  - Controversy over the classification of medication-overuse headache.
AB  - Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a relatively common and impactful disorder,
      affecting 1% to 2% of the population, characterized by daily or near-daily
      headache aggravated by chronic acute medication intake. Primary headache patients
      do not necessarily develop MOH after acute medication overuse, although a pre
      existing primary headache is inevitably present. Likewise, headache patients may
      deteriorate in terms of frequency without medication overuse, or suffer from
      chronic headache in the presence of drug abuse without any causal relationship.
      To classify and define diagnostic criteria for MOH in the absence of objective
      biomarkers is a difficult task that is presently based on clinical grounds and is
      limited in part by the relative lack of research in this field. The present
      criteria are less restrictive but also less precise than the previous versions
      because they allow the diagnosis without the previously required MOH confirmation
      after medication withdrawal. MOH should remain as a distinct secondary disorder
      based on the available clinical and pathophysiological evidence.

PMID- 22068433
TI  - Robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention--filling an unmet need.
AB  - Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has undergone a remarkable evolution
      over the past 25 years. Initially, the procedure was limited to relatively
      straightforward lesions and was associated with significant risk and
      unpredictable long-term efficacy. With the incorporation of new technologies such
      as stents, the safety and efficacy of the procedure has improved dramatically.
      However, the fundamental way in which the procedure is performed has changed
      little since the time of Gruntzig's first successful case. Cumulative exposure to
      ionizing radiation, orthopedic injuries resulting from wearing shielding aprons,
      and fatigue from standing for hours at the table have made the catheterization
      laboratory a "high-risk workplace" for the interventional cardiologist. Robotic
      assisted PCI was developed to allow the operator to precisely manipulate
      angioplasty guidewires, balloons, and stents from a radiation-shielded cockpit. A
      small first-in-man study demonstrated that PCI can be performed with robotic
      assistance. The pivotal Percutaneous Robotically Enhanced Coronary Intervention
      Study trial is currently enrolling patients and evaluating the safety and
      efficacy of the CorPath(r) robotically assisted PCI system.

PMID- 22068434
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy: a report of the American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22068435
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22068436
TI  - Flexible oligocholate foldamers as membrane transporters and their guest
      dependent transport mechanism.
AB  - Dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric oligocholates with flexible 4-aminobutyroyl
      spacers caused the efflux of hydrophilic molecules such as carboxyfluorescein
      (CF) and glucose from POPC/POPG liposomes. Transport was greatly suppressed
      across higher-melting DPPC membranes. Lipid-mixing assays and dynamic light
      scattering (DLS) indicated that the liposomes were intact during the transport.
      Kinetic analysis supported the involvement of monomeric species in the rate
      limiting step of CF transport, consistent with a carrier-based mechanism. Glucose
      transport, on the other hand, displayed a highly unusual zero-order dependence on
      the oligocholate concentration at low loading of the transporter. Different
      selectivity was observed in the oligocholate transporters depending on the guest
      involved.

PMID- 22068437
TI  - Enzyme Directed Templating of Artificial Bone Mineral.
AB  - Bone is one of Nature's most remarkable materials, not only for its mechanical
      properties but also for its ability to repair fractures and remodel its
      microstructure in response to stress. At the nanoscale bone is a supramolecular
      matrix of collagen fibers reinforced by hydroxyapatite crystals with a high
      degree of order. Emulating elements of the biological synthesis of this composite
      could help develop strategies for advanced materials. Previous work has
      demonstrated the use of functionalized peptide amphiphile nanofibers in a two
      dimensional system to emulate hydroxyapatite mineralization in natural bone. We
      describe here an artificial, in vitro biomineralization process that allows a
      similar process to occur in three dimensions. The system employs the natural
      enzyme alkaline phosphatase and a phosphorylated, anionic nanofiber gel matrix to
      template hydroxyapatite nanocrystals with size, shape, and crystallographic
      orientation resembling natural bone mineral. The formation of this biomimetic
      mineral in three dimensions results from the synergy of fiber-induced nucleation
      and the temporal control of phosphate ion harvesting by the enzyme. Gradual
      enzymatic harvesting of ions for crystal growth and the strong nucleating ability
      of the phosphorylated fibers suppresses uncontrolled precipitation of mineral.
      The strategy could lead to biomimetic materials to promote bone regeneration or
      the synthesis of hybrid materials with crystallographically defined structures.

PMID- 22068440
TI  - Itch and pain in adolescents are associated with suicidal ideation: a population
      based cross-sectional study.
AB  - The association between itch and suicidal ideation has not been explored
      previously in the general population. The aim of the present study is to analyse
      the association between itch and suicidal ideation in adolescents, and to compare
      the findings with an expected association between pain and suicidal ideation in
      the same sample. A total of 4,744 adolescents were invited to join the
      questionnaire-based study. The participation rate was 80%. The prevalence of
      suicidal ideation among those who reported no itch was 8.4% vs 21.1% among those
      who reported severe itch. Significant association between itch and suicidal
      ideation was found in a multivariate model (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 2.1-4.2) and between pain and suicidal ideation (odds ratio 3.8,
      95% CI 2.6-5.7). The findings were similar and statistically significant in girls
      and boys separately. Itch and pain are approximately equally strongly associated
      with suicidal ideation in a large general population of adolescents.

PMID- 22068439
TI  - Expressed sequence-tag analysis of ovaries of Brachiaria brizantha reveals genes
      associated with the early steps of embryo sac differentiation of apomictic
      plants.
AB  - In apomixis, asexual mode of plant reproduction through seeds, an unreduced
      megagametophyte is formed due to circumvented or altered meiosis. The embryo
      develops autonomously from the unreduced egg cell, independently of
      fertilization. Brachiaria is a genus of tropical forage grasses that reproduces
      sexually or by apomixis. A limited number of studies have reported the sequencing
      of apomixis-related genes and a few Brachiaria sequences have been deposited at
      genebank databases. This work shows sequencing and expression analyses of
      expressed sequence-tags (ESTs) of Brachiaria genus and points to transcripts from
      ovaries with preferential expression at megasporogenesis in apomictic plants.
      From the 11 differentially expressed sequences from immature ovaries of sexual
      and apomictic Brachiaria brizantha obtained from macroarray analysis, 9 were
      preferentially detected in ovaries of apomicts, as confirmed by RT-qPCR. A
      putative involvement in early steps of Panicum-type embryo sac differentiation of
      four sequences from B. brizantha ovaries: BbrizHelic, BbrizRan, BbrizSec13 and
      BbrizSti1 is suggested. Two of these, BbrizSti1 and BbrizHelic, with similarity
      to a gene coding to stress induced protein and a helicase, respectively, are
      preferentially expressed in the early stages of apomictic ovaries development,
      especially in the nucellus, in a stage previous to the differentiation of
      aposporous initials, as verified by in situ hybridization.

PMID- 22068441
TI  - Slowing down after a mild traumatic brain injury: a strategy to improve cognitive
      task performance?
AB  - Long-term persistent attention and memory difficulties following a mild traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) often go undetected on standard neuropsychological tests,
      despite complaints by mild TBI individuals. We conducted a visual Repetition
      Detection working memory task to digits, in which we manipulated task difficulty
      by increasing cognitive load, to identify subtle deficits long after a mild TBI.
      Twenty-six undergraduate students with a self-report of one mild TBI, which
      occurred at least 6 months prior, and 31 non-head-injured controls took part in
      the study. Participants were not informed until study completion that the study's
      purpose was to examine cognitive changes following a mild TBI, to reduce the
      influence of "diagnosis threat" on performance. Neuropsychological tasks did not
      differentiate the groups, though mild TBI participants reported higher state
      anxiety levels. On our working memory task, the mild TBI group took significantly
      longer to accurately detect repeated targets on our task, suggesting that slowed
      information processing is a long-term consequence of mild TBI. Accuracy was
      comparable in the low-load condition and, unexpectedly, mild TBI performance
      surpassed that of controls in the high-load condition. Temporal analysis of
      target identification suggested a strategy difference between groups: mild TBI
      participants made a significantly greater number of accurate responses following
      the target's offset, and significantly fewer erroneous distracter responses prior
      to target onset, compared with controls. Results suggest that long after a mild
      TBI, high-functioning young adults invoke a strategy of delaying their
      identification of targets in order to maintain, and facilitate, accuracy on
      cognitively demanding tasks.

PMID- 22068442
TI  - Are embedded validity indices equivalent to free-standing symptom validity tests?
AB  - Symptom validity assessment is an important part of neuropsychological
      evaluation. There are currently several free-standing symptom validity tests
      (SVTs), as well as a number of empirically derived embedded validity indices,
      that have been developed to assess that an examinee is putting forth an optimal
      level of effort during testing. The use of embedded validity indices is
      attractive since they do not increase overall testing time and may also be less
      vulnerable to coaching. In addition, there are some instances where embedded
      validity indices are the only tool available to the neuropsychological
      practitioner for assessing an examinee's level of effort. As with free-standing
      measures, the sensitivity and specificity of embedded validity indices to
      suboptimal effort varies. The present study evaluated the diagnostic validity of
      17 embedded validity indices by comparing performance on these indices to
      performance on combinations of free-standing SVTs. Results from the current
      medico-legal sample revealed that of the embedded validity indices, Reliable
      Digit Span had the best classification accuracy; however, the findings do not
      support the use of this embedded validity index in the absence of free-standing
      SVTs.

PMID- 22068443
TI  - [The concept of early vascular aging - a story from EVA and ADAM].

PMID- 22068444
TI  - [Effects of daily physical exercise at school on cardiovascular risk--results of
      a 2-year cluster-randomized study].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to measure the effects
      over two years of daily sport activity during the school-day on their physical
      fitness (primary endpoint), motor coordination and blood pressure (secondary
      endpoints). METHODS: A total of 232 children from eleven different 6 (th) grade
      classes were enrolled after informed parental consent. Their mean age was 11.1 
      +/-  0.6 years. Six classes were randomly assigned for intervention (n=141), five
      as control (n=91). Those of the intervention cohort undertook, for five days
      weekly during the school year one hour of regulated sport exercise, including 15
      min of endurance training. The pupils of the control group undertook customary
      sport activity (two hours a week). Anthropometric data were recorded and maximal
      oxygen uptake measured in each pupil, as well as blood pressure and motor
      coordination at the beginning and at the end of each of the two years of the
      study. The data were analyzed using the cluster randomization method. RESULTS:
      Maximal oxygen uptake (VO (2)max) had improved among the intervention group after
      two years, compared with the controls (3.12 m/kg/min, 95% confindence interval
      [CI] 0.06-6.19), while improvement in motor coordination just failed to reach
      statistical significance (3.06, 95% CI -0.17-6.29). There was no significant
      difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but a downward trend in the
      prevalence of overweight and obesity from 12.1% to 7.8% in the intervention
      group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that daily physical exercise during
      school hours should be given greater importance. But it will require a long-term
      trial to determine whether promotion of increased physical activity at school
      influences the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors when the pupils reach
      adulthood.

PMID- 22068445
TI  - [Retinal microangiopathy in arterial hypertension as an early marker of a
      cerebral macroangiopathy].
AB  - HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 54-year-old man reported having had nonspecific
      attacks of dizziness. His BMI was 27.7. Since 11 years he had been treated for
      arterial hypertension and had received oral medication for type 2 diabetes for
      one year. The latest blood pressure value was 134/109 mm Hg during treatment with
      a combination of atenolol, chlortalidone und hydralazine-HCl; furthermore hr
      received simvastatin, metformin, glimepirid und ramipril. A standardized
      telemedical imaging of the retina ("talkingeyes ((r)) ") was undertaken,
      revealing focal and generalized arteriolar narrowing of the retinal vessels and a
      retinal microinfarction (cotton wool spot) in the right eye. The arterial/venous
      ratio was decreased to 0.74 in the right and 0.77 in the left eye.
      INVESTIGATIONS: Optical coherence tomographie (OCT) revealed an ischemic
      microinfarction of the retina with marked axonal swelling. The digital
      subtraction angiography of the cerebral vessels revealed a 40 % stenosis of the
      right internal carotid artery and a proximal, highgrade stenosis of the basilary
      artery. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Angioplasty with stent insertion of the basilary
      artery was performed. Long-term observation showed no restenosis and a reduction
      in the size of the the retinal microinfarct. CONCLUSION: Retinal microinfarctions
      denote localized retinal areas of hypoxia and underperfusion. They may act as
      markers of a generalized micro- and macroangiopathy. Patients with severe retinal
      microangiopathic changes should be examined thoroughly to detect early
      macroangiopathic changes. These can be treated by interventional procedures thus
      avoiding irreversible end-organ damages.

PMID- 22068446
TI  - [54-year-old man with ICD and increasing dyspnea].

PMID- 22068447
TI  - [Blood pressure variability].

PMID- 22068448
TI  - [Vascular aging, arterial hypertension and physical activity].
AB  - The present review delineates the significance of intima-media-thickness,
      arterial stiffness and endothelial function for vascular aging. There is profound
      evidence for an increase in intima-media-thickness and vascular stiffness not
      only during healthy aging but induced also by cardiovascular risk factors. There
      is a central role of arterial hypertension for this progression in both
      structural factors. In addition, both parameters are strongly associated with
      cardiovascular risk. Endothelial function measured as postischemic flow-mediated
      vasodilatation is a functional parameter which is decreased both in healthy aging
      and by cardiovascular risk factors. Physical activity modifies the influence of
      aging and risk factors on endothelial function. A positive influence of endurance
      exercise on vascular stiffness and endothelial function has been demonstrated in
      numerous studies. In long-term studies, regular physical activity has been shown
      to reduce the progression of intima-media-thickness. Thus, arterial hypertension
      accelerates vascular aging, while physical activity has a positive influence on a
      variety of vascular parameters associated with vascular aging.

PMID- 22068449
TI  - [Pulse wave analysis and central (aortic) pressure measurement: for use in
      reality? - Pro].

PMID- 22068450
TI  - [Pulse wave analysis and central (aortic) pressure measurement: for use in
      reality? - Contra].

PMID- 22068451
TI  - [Practice guidelines for home blood pressure measurement].

PMID- 22068452
TI  - [On the value of diuretics for hypertension treatment].

PMID- 22068453
TI  - [Gout - regardless of therapeutic options a "forgotten" disease].

PMID- 22068454
TI  - Green chemistry: solvent- and metal-free Prins cyclization. Application to
      sequential reactions.
AB  - Prins cyclization between a homoallylic alcohol and an aldehyde, promoted by
      trimethylsilyl halide, afforded 4-halo-tetrahydropyrans with good to excellent
      yields. Thanks to the absence of the solvent and metal, the THP thus obtained
      have been implicated without purification in several other reactions, in a
      sequential way, affording in particular new indole derivatives.

PMID- 22068455
TI  - Effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on growth performance, survival,
      body composition, and some hematological parameters in  giant sturgeon juvenile
      (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1754).
AB  - The effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharide (MOS; activeMOS(r)) on growth,
      survival, and body composition in giant sturgeon juvenile (Huso huso) with
      initially average weight 46.89 +/- 2.57 was investigated for a period of 46 days.
      Basal diet were supplemented with 0 (control), 2, and 4 g kg(-1) MOS in a totally
      randomized design trial in triplicate groups. The results showed no significant
      differences in growth and feeding parameters between control and treatment groups
      (MOS supplementation diets) (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant
      decrease (P < 0.05) in feed per fish level in only group treated with 4 g kg(-1)
      MOS. The highest and the lowest growth performances were observed in 2 and 4 g
      kg(-1) MOS, respectively. There were no significant differences in survival rate
      among all treatment groups (P > 0.05). In group treated with 2 g kg(-1) MOS was a
      significant difference in lipid carcass (P < 0.05), whereas protein, ash, and
      moisture remained unaffected (P > 0.05). However, no significant difference was
      observed in intestinal lactic acid bacteria between all treatment groups (P >
      0.05). There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between
      control and MOS treatment groups (P > 0.05). These results suggested that the
      prebiotic mannan oligosaccharide did not influence the growth performance in
      giant sturgeon juvenile, and it is not appropriate for supplementation in the
      diet of cultured juvenile giant sturgeon.

PMID- 22068456
TI  - Purification and characterization of trypsin from the pyloric ceca of orange
      spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides.
AB  - Trypsin from the pyloric ceca of orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides,
      was purified by fractionation with ammonium sulfate, ionic exchange, and affinity
      chromatography. The protein was purified 161.85-fold with a yield of 4%. Purified
      trypsin had an apparent molecular weight of 24 kDa according to an SDS-PAGE
      analysis. Optimal profiles of temperature and pH of the enzyme were 50 degrees C
      and 8-10, respectively, using Nalpha-benzoyl-L: -arginine ethyl ester as the
      substrate. The results of thermal and pH stability assays showed that the enzyme
      was stable at temperatures of up to 50 degrees C and in the pH range of 6-8.
      Trypsin activity decreased with an increasing NaCl concentration (0-0.6 M). The
      activity of purified trypsin was effectively inhibited by a soybean trypsin
      inhibitor and N-p-tosyl-L: -lysine chloromethyl ketone, and was slightly
      inhibited by iodoacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1-(L: -trans
      epoxysuccinyl-leucylamino)-4-guanidinobutane, and pepstatin A. Protein
      identification of the purified protease showed that the sequences of two
      peptides, LGEHNI and NLDNDIML, were highly homologous to other fish trypsins. The
      measurement of trypsin activity in different tissues showed that the highest
      activity was detected in pyloric ceca, followed by anterior intestine, middle
      intestine, hind intestine and spleen, but very low activities were found in other
      tissues. An inverse relationship between the trypsin activity in four tissues of
      pyloric ceca, anterior intestine, middle intestine and hind intestine and fish
      body weight as a result of increased pepsin in stomach indicated grouper growth
      status was increased.

PMID- 22068457
TI  - Preclinical study of the DNA repair inhibitor Dbait in combination with
      chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dbait molecules are a new class of DNA repair inhibitors triggering
      false DNA damage signaling in cancer cells. Dbait has already been shown to be
      effective in combination with radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess
      the adjuvant impact of Dbait on chemotherapy in vitro and in mouse models of
      colorectal cancer. METHODS: We assessed DNA repair efficiency over time, in
      vitro, in human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 (wild-type KRAS) and HCT-116 (mutated
      KRAS) cell lines treated with Dbait in combination with 5-fluorouracil and/or
      camptothecin. Genetically engineered mice spontaneously developing colorectal
      tumors in the intestines were selected for the evaluation of treatment efficacy.
      RESULTS: Dbait delayed the repair of DNA damage induced by chemotherapy in vitro.
      In APC (+/1638N) mutant mice, the combination of Dbait and chemotherapy decreased
      tumor size more effectively than chemotherapy alone (median size: 3.6 vs. 10.85
      mm(2), P < 0.05). In APC (+/1638N)/KRAS ( V12G ) mutant mice, animals treated
      with a combination of Dbait and chemotherapy survived significantly longer than
      animals treated by chemotherapy alone (median survival: 210 vs. 194 days, P <
      0.05). A quarter of all the animals treated by chemotherapy alone died as rapidly
      as untreated animals, whereas the first death was delayed by 29 days by the
      addition of Dbait. No increase in toxicity due to Dbait was observed in either
      mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Dbait to inhibit DNA repair may be an
      effective additional treatment for increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy in
      colon or rectal cancer, independently of KRAS status.

PMID- 22068458
TI  - Interaction between anions and substituted molecular bowls.
AB  - Complexes formed by anions and substituted molecular bowls were studied by means
      of computational methods. The bowls consisted of corannulene molecules
      substituted with five or ten F, Cl, or CN groups, whereas Cl(-), Br(-) and BF(4)(
      ) were the anions considered. Substitution with F, Cl and CN hardly affects the
      geometry of the bowl, but produces an inversion of the molecular electrostatic
      potential of the bowls, which becomes positive over the two faces of the bowl,
      therefore interacting favorably with anions. In all cases considered, the most
      stable complex presents the anion interacting with the concave side of the bowl.
      The strength of the interaction roughly follows the values of molecular
      electrostatic potential, being more stable as more positive is the potential. The
      preference of anions to interact with the concave side of the bowls has its
      origin in stronger electrostatic and dispersion interactions. Though the solvent
      produces an important decrease in the stability of the complexes, the results
      suggest the possibility of employing these substituted buckybowls as anion
      receptors with a preferential concave complexation, especially for large anions.

PMID- 22068461
TI  - Differential effects of AMPA receptor potentiators and glycine reuptake
      inhibitors on antipsychotic efficacy and prefrontal glutamatergic transmission.
AB  - RATIONALE: The alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)
      receptor positive allosteric modulators (AMPA-PAMs), Org 24448 and Org 26576, and
      the glycine transporter-1 (GlyT-1) inhibitor Org 25935 are developed for
      treatment of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES: Here we examined experimentally the
      ability of co-administration of these AMPA-PAMs or the GlyT-1 inhibitor to
      augment the antipsychotic activity and effect on cortical N-methyl-D: -aspartate
      (NMDA) receptor-mediated transmission of risperidone, olanzapine, or haloperidol.
      METHODS: We examined antipsychotic efficacy using the conditioned avoidance
      response (CAR) test, extrapyramidal side effect liability using a catalepsy test,
      and cortical NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission using
      intracellular electrophysiological recording technique in vitro. RESULTS: Both
      AMPA-PAMs enhanced the suppression of CAR induced by risperidone or olanzapine,
      and Org 24448 also enhanced the effect of haloperidol. In contrast, the GlyT-1
      inhibitor did not cause any behaviorally significant effect in the CAR test.
      However, the GlyT-1 inhibitor, but not the AMPA-PAMs, produced a large
      facilitation of NMDA-induced currents. All three drugs potentiated the effect of
      risperidone but not haloperidol on these currents. The GlyT-1 inhibitor also
      facilitated the effect of olanzapine. All drugs potentiated the effect of
      risperidone on electrically stimulated excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP)
      in cortical pyramidal cells, whereas only the GlyT inhibitor facilitated the
      effect of olanzapine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the AMPA-PAMs, when
      compared to the GlyT-1 inhibitor, show differential effects in terms of
      augmentation of antipsychotic efficacy, particularly when combined with
      risperidone or olanzapine. Both AMPA-PAMs and the GlyT-1 inhibitor may also
      improve negative symptoms and cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, in
      particular when combined with risperidone.

PMID- 22068463
TI  - Locoregional recurrence risk factors in breast cancer patients with positive
      axillary lymph nodes and the impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Locoregional recurrence (LRR) after mastectomy reduces the patient's
      quality of life and survival. There is a consensus that postmastectomy
      radiotherapy (PMRT) helps establish locoregional control and reduces LRR in
      patients with >=4 metastatic nodes. However, in patients with 1-3 metastatic
      nodes, the incidence of LRR and the role of PMRT have been the subject of
      substantial controversy. This study assessed the risk factors for LRR and the
      efficacy of PMRT in Japanese breast cancer patients with metastatic nodes.
      METHODS: This study analyzed 789 cases of invasive breast carcinoma with
      metastatic nodes from 1998 to 2008. We divided the study population into 4
      groups: 1-3 positive nodes with/without chemotherapy and >=4 positive nodes
      with/without chemotherapy. Risk factors for LRR were identified and the
      relationship between LRR and PMRT was analyzed. RESULTS: During the median follow
      up of 59.6 months, 61 (7.7%) patients experienced LRR. In patients who received
      chemotherapy, independent LRR risk factors were high nuclear grade, severe
      lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and progesterone receptor-negative status
      in patients with 1-3 positive nodes, and severe lymphatic invasion and estrogen
      receptor-negative status in patients with >=4 nodes. Although patients treated
      with PMRT had good outcomes, there was no significant difference, and PMRT did
      not significantly improve the outcome of the patients with all risk factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: With systemic therapy and adequate dissection, PMRT by itself was of
      limited value in establishing locoregional control. The indication for PMRT in
      patients with 1-3 positive nodes remains controversial.

PMID- 22068462
TI  - Metabolic oligosaccharide engineering with N-Acyl functionalized ManNAc analogs:
      cytotoxicity, metabolic flux, and glycan-display considerations.
AB  - Metabolic oligosaccharide engineering (MOE) is a maturing technology capable of
      modifying cell surface sugars in living cells and animals through the
      biosynthetic installation of non-natural monosaccharides into the glycocalyx. A
      particularly robust area of investigation involves the incorporation of azide
      functional groups onto the cell surface, which can then be further derivatized
      using "click chemistry." While considerable effort has gone into optimizing the
      reagents used for the azide ligation reactions, less optimization of the
      monosaccharide analogs used in the preceding metabolic incorporation steps has
      been done. This study fills this void by reporting novel butanoylated ManNAc
      analogs that are used by cells with greater efficiency and less cytotoxicity than
      the current "gold standard," which are peracetylated compounds such as Ac4
      ManNAz. In particular, tributanoylated, N-acetyl, N-azido, and N-levulinoyl
      ManNAc analogs with the high flux 1,3,4-O-hydroxyl pattern of butanoylation were
      compared with their counterparts having the pro-apoptotic 3,4,6-O-butanoylation
      pattern. The results reveal that the ketone-bearing N-levulinoyl analog 3,4,6-O
      Bu3 ManNLev is highly apoptotic, and thus is a promising anti-cancer drug
      candidate. By contrast, the azide-bearing analog 1,3,4-O-Bu3 ManNAz effectively
      labeled cellular sialoglycans at concentrations ~3- to 5-fold lower (e.g., at
      12.5-25 uM) than Ac4 ManNAz (50-150 uM) and exhibited no indications of apoptosis
      even at concentrations up to 400 uM. In summary, this work extends emerging
      structure activity relationships that predict the effects of short chain fatty
      acid modified monosaccharides on mammalian cells and also provides a tangible
      advance in efforts to make MOE a practical technology for the medical and
      biotechnology communities.

PMID- 22068464
TI  - Can docetaxel therapy improve overall survival from primary therapy compared with
      androgen-deprivation therapy alone in Japanese patients with castration-resistant
      prostate cancer? A multi-institutional cooperative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To verify the actual clinical benefit of docetaxel (DOC) therapy and
      to explore the prognostic factors that may predict overall survival in Japanese
      patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS: Baseline
      characteristics-matched CRPC patients who received conventional androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) or ADT plus DOC were compared retrospectively. The
      primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) from primary therapy. Secondary
      endpoints were response of tumor(s), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and
      toxicity. RESULTS: Median OS was significantly longer in the DOC group (n = 117)
      than the control group (n = 118) (94.0 vs. 70.0 months, P = 0.0077) and the
      corresponding hazard ratio (HR) for death in DOC group was 0.566 [95% confidence
      interval (95%CI) 0.370-0.867; P = 0.0088]. Effective DOC groups [medium dose (50
      69 mg/m(2)) and high dose (>=70 mg/m(2))] had significantly longer median OS than
      control even when survival times were calculated from the start of castration
      resistant events (151 vs. 36 months; P = 0.0173) and the corresponding HR for
      death in the DOC group was 0.515 (95%CI 0.293-0.903; P = 0.0205). In multivariate
      analysis, statistically significant prognostic indicators were Gleason score,
      time to CRPC events, and receipt of DOC therapy. Response rate of both measurable
      lesion and PSA was not significantly different between each DOC dose group. Grade
      3 or 4 adverse events associated with low- [30-49 mg/m(2)], medium-, and high
      dose DOC were 21.9, 35.7, and 90.7%, respectively. No death due to DOC therapy
      was reported. CONCLUSION: Treatment with DOC improves OS from primary therapy
      compared with conventional ADT alone in Japanese patients with CRPC.

PMID- 22068459
TI  - Spontaneous object recognition and its relevance to schizophrenia: a review of
      findings from pharmacological, genetic, lesion and developmental rodent models.
AB  - RATIONALE: Spontaneous (novel) object recognition (SOR) is one of the most widely
      used rodent behavioural tests. The opportunity for rapid data collection has made
      SOR a popular choice in studies that explore cognitive impairment in rodent
      models of schizophrenia, and that test the efficacy of drugs intended to reverse
      these deficits. OBJECTIVES: We provide an overview of the many recent studies
      that have used SOR to explore the mnemonic effects of manipulation of the key
      transmitter systems relevant to schizophrenia-the dopamine, glutamate, GABA,
      acetylcholine, serotonin and cannabinoid systems-alone or in combination. We also
      review the use of SOR in studying memory in genetically modified mouse models of
      schizophrenia, as well as in neurodevelopmental and lesion models. We end by
      discussing the construct and predictive validity, and translational relevance, of
      SOR with respect to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. RESULTS: Perturbation
      of the dopamine or glutamate systems can generate robust and reliable impairment
      in SOR. Impaired performance is also seen following antagonism of the muscarinic
      acetylcholine system, or exposure to cannabinoid agonists. Cognitive enhancement
      has been reported using alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists and 5
      HT(6) antagonists. Among non-pharmacological models, neonatal ventral hippocampal
      lesions and maternal immune activation can impair SOR, while mixed results have
      been obtained with mice carrying mutations in schizophrenia risk-associated
      genes, including neuregulin and COMT. CONCLUSIONS: While SOR is not without its
      limitations, the task represents a useful method for studying manipulations with
      relevance to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, as well as the interactions
      between them.

PMID- 22068465
TI  - Randomized controlled study of natural interferon alpha as adjuvant treatment for
      stage II or III renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prophylactic effect of postoperative interferon on recurrence and
      distant metastasis in stage II or III renal cell carcinoma is unclear. In most
      studies, interferon has been administered for 6 months or less. Therefore, we
      performed a clinical study of the efficacy of 1-year postoperative administration
      of natural interferon alpha, which is generally used in Japan. METHODS: The
      subjects were patients diagnosed with stage II or III renal cell carcinoma who
      underwent radical nephrectomy. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive an
      intramuscular injection of natural interferon alpha (3 million to 6 million
      units) 3 times a week for 1 year or to receive follow-up observation until
      recurrence or metastasis occurred. Chest and abdominal CT were performed once
      yearly for all patients. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival.
      RESULTS: From September 2001 to August 2006, a total of 107 patients were
      registered, but 7 subsequently withdrew from the study. Therefore, 100 patients
      were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint of progression-free survival
      did not differ significantly between the groups that received natural interferon
      alpha or follow-up observation (p = 0.456, log-rank test). However, peak hazards
      of progression in the interferon group were delayed for about 6-10 months
      compared with the observation group. CONCLUSION: Progression-free survival showed
      no improvement after administration of natural interferon alpha to patients with
      stage II or III renal cell carcinoma for 1 year after radical nephrectomy. The
      peak hazards of progression might be delayed by about 6 months by interferon
      administration.

PMID- 22068466
TI  - [Muscle disease update: advance in the first decade of 21 century].

PMID- 22068467
TI  - [Myotonic dystrophy type 2].
AB  - Myotonic dystrophies (DMs) are autosomal dominant disorders with multisystemic
      clinical features. DMs are categorized as DM1, caused by a (CTG)n expansion
      mutation in 19q13, and DM2, caused by a (CCTG)n expansion mutation in 3q21. The
      clinical features of DM2 are diffuse and proximal dominant weakness, wasting,
      myotonia, cardiac problems, cataracts, and insulinresistance. DM2 is milder than
      DM1. We compared the clinical features of both DMs and studied a Japanese patient
      with DM2 who had expansion mutations different from those usually attributed to
      the disease and originally discovered by European researchers. The detailed
      clinical features of the Japanese DM2 patient are described.

PMID- 22068468
TI  - [Myotonic dystrophy: therapeutic approaches to RNA toxicity].
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common hereditary muscle disease in adults,
      caused by unstable genomic expansions of simple sequence repeats. The mutant RNA
      transcripts containing the expanded repeat give rise to a toxic gainoffunction by
      perturbing splicing factors in the nucleus, leading to the misregulation of
      alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Although no curative treatment exists, recent
      advances in research and pharmaceutical technology have provided clues for
      therapeutic intervention in DM. Herein, we review the RNA-dominant mechanism of
      DM and potential therapeutic approaches for degrading or neutralizing the toxic
      RNA, restoring splicing factors, correcting splicing misregulation, and
      stabilizing the repeat.

PMID- 22068469
TI  - [Collagen VI-related muscle disorders].
AB  - Collagen VI-related muscle disorders include severe Ullrich's disease (Ullrich
      congenital muscular dystrophy:UCMD) and milder Bethlem myopathy. Mutations in the
      3 collagen VI genes, namely, COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3, cause both diseases.
      UCMD is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and de novo dominant
      mutations are also reported. Bethlem myopathy is usually inherited in an
      autosomal dominant manner, but a rare autosomal recessive inheritance has
      recently been reported. Patients with UCMD have generalized muscle weakness,
      multiple contractures of the proximal joints, and hyperextensibility of the
      distal joints. Bethlem myopathy is characterized by a combination of proximal
      muscle weakness and contractures of finger, elbow, and ankle joints. Because
      intermediate phenotypes occur, UCMD and Bethlem myopathy should be considered
      diseases in a continuous spectrum of collagen VI-related muscle disorders.
      Abnormalities of cell adhesion, regeneration, mitochondrial permeability
      transition pore, and autophagy have been reported in UCMD. Respiratory
      surveillance for nocturnal hypoventilation and proper respirator implementation
      are crinical management considerations in UCMD. Orthopedic assessment in
      necessary if surgery for Achilles tendon contractures is being considered in
      patient with Bethlem myopathy. We evaluated the role of nonsense-mediated mRNA
      decay (NMD) in UCMD associated with a premature termination codon in the COL6A2
      gene, which caused the loss of collagen VI. A pharmacological block of NMD caused
      upregulation of the mutant collagen VI and partially functional extracellular
      matrix formation. Cyclosporin A has been reported to correct mitochondrial
      dysfunction and muscle apoptosis in patients with collagen VI myopathies, and a
      pilot trial of cyclosporin A was carried out.

PMID- 22068470
TI  - [Myofibrillar myopathy].
AB  - Myofibrillar myopathy (MFM) describes a group of hereditary myopathies
      pathologically characterized as markedly disorganized myofibrils with cytoplasmic
      inclusions. Seven disease-related genes have been identified, including DES,
      CRYAB, MYOT, ZASP, FLNC, BAG3, and FHL1, all of which encode proteins closely
      related to Z-line. MFM often occurs via autosomal dominant inheritance, but
      autosomal recessive, or X-linked, forms are also seen. The majority of Japanese
      patients have no family history. Clinical symptoms of MFM are quite variable. The
      age at onset ranges from infancy to the eighth decade of life. Some patients show
      limb girdle muscle involvement, whereas others show distal myopathy. Patients who
      have cardiomyopathy with no obvious muscle weakness are also seen. Skeletal
      muscles from MFM patients contain cytoplasmic inclusions called cytoplasmic or
      spheroid bodies. Immunohistochemically, cytoplasmic accumulations of various
      proteins are commonly seen, including Z-line proteins such as desmin, alphaB
      crystallin, and myotilin; membrane proteins such as dystrophin and sarcoglycans;
      heat shock proteins; and ubiquitin. We review the clinical, pathological, and
      genetic characteristics of MFM patients, including those from our recent study
      results. Despite intensive mutation screening, about 70% of MFM patients in our
      series had no mutation in the known causative genes. The identification of novel
      disease-related genes and the development of efficient diagnostic tools are
      urgently needed, as is the elucidation of the pathomechanism of myofibril
      disorganization as a possible target for new treatments.

PMID- 22068471
TI  - [Recent Advances in alpha-dystroglycanopathy].
AB  - Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), muscle-eye-brain disease
      (MEB), and Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) are autosomal recessive disorders
      characterized by congenital muscular dystrophy with structural brain and eye
      abnormalities. Aberrant glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG) is a
      common pathomechanism of these disorders. In addition, genetic and
      glycobiological evidence has shown that abnormal glycosylation of alpha-DG is
      also seen in several forms of congenital and limb-girdle-type muscular
      dystrophies. These disorders are collectively called "alpha-dystroglycanopathy"
      and nowadays, this term is widely accepted because it is useful for illustrating
      a complicated genotype-phenotype correlation of these disorders. alpha-DG is a
      membrane-associated protein that interacts with extracellular matrix proteins
      such as laminin, and abnormal glycosylation of alpha-DG results in loss of its
      laminin-binding activity. A number of serine/threonine residues are present in
      the mucin-like domain of alpha-DG and are majorly composed of sugar chains. Among
      these glycans, an O-mannosyl tetrasaccharide (Neu5Ac-alpha2,3-Gal-beta1,4-GlcNAc
      beta1,2-Man) is important for laminin-binding activity of alpha-DG. POMT1/2 and
      POMGnT1, protein products of causative genes of WWS and MEB, respectively, are
      enzymes that directly catalyze the biosynthesis of this glycan. Recent studies
      have suggested that a phosphodiester-linked structure on O-mannose is also
      important for the laminin-binding activity and that mutations in other causative
      genes of alpha-dystroglycanopathy, such as fukutin (originally identified as the
      gene responsible for FCMD) and LARGE, disrupt the post-phosphoryl structure.
      Here, we review the history of basic and clinical research on alpha
      dystroglycanopathy and refine its clinical spectrum, which should be broadly
      extended. In addition, we reveal some progress in research on alpha
      dystroglycanopathy including a novel disease mechanism and anti-sense
      oligonucleotide therapy for FCMD.

PMID- 22068472
TI  - [Myositis-specific autoantibodies and their clinical significance].
AB  - The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM)
      have historically been defined using broad clinical and pathological criteria.
      These conditions affect both adults and children with clinical features including
      muscle weakness, skin disease, internal organ involvement, and an association
      with cancer in adults. Using a clinical-serological approach, PM and DM can be
      defined into more homogeneous subsets. In recent years, myositis-specific
      autoantibodies (MSAs) have been better characterized and include autoantibodies
      to the signal-recognition particle and aminoacyl tRNA-synthetase enzymes. In
      addition, clinically significant novel autoantibodies -anti-p155/p140, anti-CADM
      140, and others- have been described in the disease spectrum. MSAs are directed
      against cytoplasmic or nuclear components involved in key regulatory
      intracellular processes including protein synthesis, translocation, and
      transcription. The striking association between unique serological profiles and
      distinct clinical phenotypes suggests that target autoantigens may play a role in
      disease induction and propagation. This review reports recent progress in
      myositis-specific autoantigens, particularly their clinical significance.

PMID- 22068473
TI  - [Inclusion body myositis].
AB  - Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is an intractable and progressive
      skeletal muscle disease of unknown cause that has no curative treatment. Its
      prevalence varies among countries and ethnic groups. The clinical course is slow
      and chronic worsening. Diagnosis of sIBM is usually made 5 years after onset.
      Muscle weakness and atrophy in the quadriceps, wrist flexor, and finger flexors
      are the typical neurological findings of sIBM. Dysphagia and asymmetric weakness
      are often found as well. Serum creatine kinase is usually below 2,000 IU/L.
      Muscle biopsy typically reveals endomysial inflammation, invasion of mononuclear
      cells into non-necrotic fibers, and rimmed vacuoles, suggesting that inflammation
      and degeneration are coexist in the pathomechanism. The etiology of sIBM is still
      unknown; however, genetic factors, aging, lifestyle, and environmental factors
      may be involved. Recent studies have implicated amyloid beta accumulation,
      defects of proteolysis, and immune system abnormalities in the pathomechanism of
      sIBM. sIBM is generally refractory to current therapy, such as steroids or
      immunosuppressants. Recently, alemtuzumab, which targets T cells, has resulted in
      improvement in quantitative muscle strength testing. New strategies to induce
      proteolysis and autophagy, accelerate muscle regeneration, inhibit myostatin, and
      modulate inflammatory cells are promising. Elucidation of the pathomechanism of
      sIBM is the key to developing effective therapies.

PMID- 22068474
TI  - [Management of myocardial damage in muscular dystrophy].
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is a fatal complication in many muscular dystrophy cases and
      has become the most common cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
      since 2001. HF deaths in DMD occur in young patients and increase, along with
      respiratory failure, in older patients. Managing HF, therefore, is the most
      important component of DMD treatment. Management of HF is necessary in DMD
      patients of all ages because myocardial damage progresses regardless of age and
      disability. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial single-photon
      emission computed tomography (SPECT), and natriuretic peptides are used for the
      diagnosis of myocardial damage and chronic HF. Tissue Doppler echocardiography is
      in particularly useful for early detection of minute myocardial damage and
      dysfunction in DMD. The first-line drugs for chronic HF are angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors, and the prognosis of DMD patients has been improved
      using these drugs and beta-blockers. Diuretics are added in the presence of
      pulmonary congestion. Digoxin is most effective at a blood level of 0.5-0.8 ng/mL
      because of its pharmacokinetics in DMD. Surgical treatment may be necessary in
      cases of intractable HF. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (biventricular
      pacing), a treatment with an artificial pacemaker, is indicated for cases that
      meet specific criteria, including HF with ventricular dyssynchrony. Applications
      of partial left ventriculectomy (Batista procedure) and left ventricular assist
      devices in muscular dystrophy are likely in the near future.

PMID- 22068475
TI  - [Respiratory management in muscular dystrophies].
AB  - Respiratory failure is a major contributor to immobility and mortality in
      progressive muscular dystrophies. The severity of pulmonary impairment and the
      stage at which it develops differ according to the type of muscular dystrophy.
      Appropriate respiratory management for each type should be considered. In
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), respiratory impairment manifests in the late
      teens, and assisted mechanical ventilation is administered. Noninvasive positive
      pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has increased the median survival of patients with
      DMD by 10 year and improved quality of life. In myotonic dystrophy (MyD), the
      causes of respiratory failure can involve both the central and the peripheral
      nervous systems in addition to respiratory muscles. Nocturnal desaturation is
      more severe in MyD than in other muscular dystrophies with similar degrees of
      respiratory muscle weakness. Cognitive impairment should be taken into account in
      the management of MyD patients. NIPPV does not appear to improve survival of MyD.
      Guidelines for DMD have been published. Respiratory function should be assessed
      serially by measuring forced vital capacity, oxyhemoglobin saturation, peak cough
      flow, and end-tidal CO<sub>2</sub> level. A respiratory action plan should be
      enacted with increasing disease severity. Therapeutic measures comprise airway
      clearance, respiratory muscle training, noninvasive nocturnal ventilation,
      daytime noninvasive ventilation, and continuous invasive ventilation. At the
      advanced stage of respiratory failure, attention should be paid to complications
      related to long-term mechanical ventilation, such as pneumothorax and tracheal
      hemorrhage. Discussing about end-of-life care among the patient, family, and
      physician is important before mechanical ventilatory support is required.

PMID- 22068476
TI  - [Treatment for neuromuscular scoliosis in duchenne muscular dystrophy].
AB  - Patients with neuromuscular disorders are often complicated by progressive
      scoliosis. No established treatment for this type of scoliosis has been
      developed, however. We must pay attention to spinal deformity in patients with
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy, especially after they lose the ability to walk
      because spinal deformity frequently develops. Patient with progressive scoliosis
      should be treated by specialists who can perform scoliosis surgery safely.
      Surgical treatment for scoliosis has developped, and pedicle screw fixation is
      one of the most widely accepted methods for the treatment of several types of
      scoliosis. This method is safe and effective. In Europe and the United States,
      patients with neuromuscular scoliosis usually undergo surgery at a relatively
      early stage. We should define surgical indications carefully, considering natural
      history and complications. In addition, sufficient informed consent from patients
      and their families is of utmost importance. Most surgeons believe that surgical
      treatment for spinal deformity in neuromuscular disease improves quality of life
      and activity of daily living.

PMID- 22068477
TI  - [Psychological support for patients with muscular dystrophy].
AB  - The life expectancy of patients with muscular dystrophy has increased in recent
      while their challenges of activity of daily living persist. Therefore,
      psychological support is crucial for patients with muscular dystrophy and their
      family members and caregivers. We have carried out several studies to explore
      appropriate psychological support for these patients. Individual counseling was
      effective to support the mental health of patients with muscular dystrophy;
      however counseling settings should be changed adapted to the physical conditions
      of patients. A short-term support group for family members was helpful for
      sharing information and concerns about child rearing. A case conference including
      physicians, nurses, caseworkers and clinical psychologists was held concerning a
      decreased patient. Combined case conferences with medical staff reduce
      psychological stress for staff and prevent from burnout syndrome. Research on how
      to explain the illness to boys with muscular dystrophy started in 2009.
      Interviews with adult patients revealed that they had wanted to know about their
      illness while they were young children. Half of their parents had hoped that
      their children would recognize the diagnosis by seeing friends with muscular
      dystrophy during hospitalization. Some of the parents explained the diagnosis to
      their children directly during childhood, hoping to battle the illness together.
      In 2010, we studied the attitudes of pediatric neurologists toward explaining the
      muscular dystrophy diagnosis to children. Seventy percent of respondents answered
      that patients should be told about their illness. Many of them desired the
      opportunity to be trained in appropriate ways to tell children about the
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22068478
TI  - [Therapeutic readthrough strategy for suppression of nonsense mutations in
      duchenne muscular dystrophy].
AB  - Effective treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is currently
      unavailable. Readthrough of disease-causing premature termination codons might
      alleviate the symptoms of genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. Several
      ribosome-binding compounds, including selective antibiotics and synthetic novel
      small molecules, induce translational readthrough, restoring full-length
      functional proteins. Here in this innovative therapeutic strategy has been
      summarized with a focus on DMD. We have previously reported that negamycin
      restored dystrophin expression with less toxicity than gentamicin in mdx mice. To
      explore more potent readthrough inducers, we established the transgenic mouse
      called READ (readthrough evaluation and assessment by dural receptor) for
      readthrough-specific detection. Using READ mice, we discovered drug candidates,
      including sterically negamycin-like small molecules and aminoglycoside
      derivatives. The newly developed small molecules induced dose-dependent
      readthrough with greater potency than ataluren in vitro and promoted the
      expression of dystrophin and reduction in serum creatine kinase activity in mdx
      mice. Moreover, the aminoglycoside derivative restored both dystrophin protein
      and contractile function of mdx skeletal muscles with appreciably higher
      readthrough activity and lower toxicity than that of gentamicin. Furthermore, we
      confirmed the efficacy of a thioglycolate-based depilatory agent to enhance the
      topical delivery of skin-impermeable drugs, including aminoglycosides. These
      promising new chemotherapeutic agents with beneficial effects on readthrough
      action, lower toxicity, and transdermal delivery may have significant value in
      treating or preventing genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.

PMID- 22068479
TI  - [Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase inhibitors for the treatment of duchenne
      muscular dystrophy].
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked muscle disease,
      characterized by progressive skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness. DMD is caused
      by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which encodes for the cytoskeletal protein
      dystrophin. DMD is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophies,
      affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 boys. There is no complete cure for this
      disease. Clinical trials for gene transfer therapy as a treatment for DMD have
      been performed but mainly in animal models. Hematopoietic prostaglandin (PG) D
      synthase (H-PGDS) was found to be induced in grouped necrotic muscle fibers of
      DMD patients and animal models, mdx mice, and DMD dogs. We found an orally active
      H-PGDS inhibitor (HQL-79) and determined the 3D structure of the inhibitor-human
      H-PGDS complex by X-ray crystallography. Oral administration of HQL-79 markedly
      suppressed prostaglandin D<sub>2</sub> (PGD<sub>2</sub>) production, reduced
      necrotic muscle volume, and improved muscle strength in mdx dystrophic mice.
      Based on the high-resolution 3D structures of the inhibitor-H-PGDS complex, we
      designed alternative H-PGDS inhibitors, which were 100- to 3000-times more potent
      than HQL-79, as assessed by in vitro and in vivo analyses. We used these novel
      inhibitors for the treatment of DMD dogs and confirmed that oral administration
      of these inhibitors prevented skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness by decreasing
      PGD<sub>2</sub> production. These results indicate that PGD<sub>2</sub>,
      synthesized by H-PGDS, is involved in the expansion of muscle necrosis in DMD.
      Thus, inhibition of H-PGDS by using inhibitors is a novel therapy for DMD.

PMID- 22068480
TI  - [Myostatin blockade therapy for muscular atrophy].
AB  - Myostatin, a member of the muscle-specific transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta
      family, negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth. It inhibits muscle stem cell
      proliferation and differentiation and attenuates adult muscle fiber protein
      accretion, resulting in decreased skeletal muscle mass. As such, it has been
      considered a therapeutic target of muscular dystrophy. Notably, administration of
      a blocking antibody against myostatin ameliorated the pathophysiology of
      dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Although a clinical trial of anti-myostatin
      antibody MYO-029 failed to achieve a significant outcome in patients with
      muscular dystrophies, various distinct approaches have been taken to establish
      anti-myostatin therapy, including myostatin decoy receptor ACE-031, small
      molecule inhibitors against the myostatin receptor, and myostatin short
      intertering RNA with collagen-derived carrier particles. The clinical application
      of anti-myostatin therapeutics in treatment of patients with muscular dystrophy
      needs further evaluation for safety and specification of the target disease types
      among the various muscular dystrophies. In addition, myostatin inhibition could
      be effective for muscle-wasting conditions other than muscular dystrophy- for
      instance, steroid-induced myopathy, mitochondrial myopathy, or sarcopenia in
      elderly patients. Moreover, considerable evidence shows that myostatin regulates
      energy metabolism and that its inhibition can significantly attenuate the
      progression of obesity and diabetes. It may also be applicable for the prevention
      of metabolic syndrome. Thus, safe and potent anti-myostatin therapy will have a
      wide variety of applications in modern medicine.

PMID- 22068481
TI  - [Infrastructure for new drug development to treat muscular dystrophy: current
      status of patient registration (remudy)].
AB  - Clinical trials for new therapeutic strategies are now being planned for Duchenne
      and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD); however, many challenges exist in the
      planning and conduction of a clinical trial for rare diseases. The
      epidemiological data, total number of patients, natural history, and clinical
      outcome measures are unclear. Adequate numbers of patients are needed to achieve
      significant results in clinical trials. As solutions to these problems, patient
      registries are an important infrastructure worldwide, especially in the case of
      rare diseases such as DMD/BMD. In Europe, TREAT-NMD, a clinical research network
      for neuromuscular disorders, developeda global database for dystrophinopathy
      patients. We developed a national registry of Japanese DMD/BMD patients in
      collaboration with TREAT-NMD. The database includes clinical and molecular
      genetic data as well as all required items for the TREAT-NMD global patient
      registry. As of July 2011, 750 patients were registered in the database. The
      purpose of this registry is the effective recruitment of eligible patients for
      clinical trials, and it may also provide timely information to individual
      patients about upcoming trials. This registry data also provides more detailed
      knowledge about natural history, epidemiology, and clinical care. In recent
      years, drug development has become dramatically globalized, and global clinical
      trials (GCTs) are being conducted in Japan. It is appropriate, particularly with
      regard to orphan diseases, to include Japanese patients in GCTs to increase
      evidence for evaluation, because such large-scale trials would be difficult to
      conduct solely within Japan. GCTs enable the synchronization of clinical drug
      development in Japan with that in Western countries, minimizing drug approval
      delays.

PMID- 22068482
TI  - [Translation and linguistic validation of the Japanese version of the wearing-off
      questionnaires(WOQ-19 and WOQ-9)].
AB  - Levodopa remains the most effective drug for the treatment of Parkinson disease
      (PD). Long-term levodopa treatment of PD is associated with the development of
      motor complications, the first of which to occur is the wearing-off phenomenon.
      In routine clinical practice, poor patient education, communication difficulties,
      and lack of awareness often hamper detection of the wearing-off phenomenon.
      Failure to recognize wearing-off may lead to incorrect therapeutic dicision
      making and/or decline in the patient's quality of life. In order to develop a
      Japanese version of the 19-symptom and 9-symptom Wearing-off Questionnaires (WOQ
      19 and WOQ-9), a linguistic validation was performed to validate the translated
      version according to the internationally recognized procedure. Forward
      translation was made independently by 2 Japanese translators with medical
      knowledge. The Japanese translations were consolidated and revised by the authors
      into the Japanese draft version. The Japanese draft version was modified into the
      Japanese final draft by reference to the results of PD patients' surveys. The
      Japanese final draft was back-translated into English by 2 native translators,
      and negotiated with the original developers. We thus developed a linguistically
      validated Japanese version of the WOQ-19 and the WOQ-9. (Received: February 3,
      2011, Accepted: March 29, 2011).

PMID- 22068483
TI  - [Neuroimaging Findings of a 29-year-old woman with 22q11.2 deletion presenting
      with cognitive deterioration].

PMID- 22068484
TI  - Genetic diversity and population structure of Escherichia coli from neighboring
      small-scale dairy farms.
AB  - The genetic diversity and population structure of Escherichia coli isolates from
      small-scale dairy farms were used to assess the ability of E. coli to spread
      within the farm environment and between neighboring farms. A total of 164 E. coli
      isolates were obtained from bovine feces, bedding, cow teats and milk from 6
      small-scale dairy farms. Ward's clustering grouped the isolates into 54 different
      random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) types at 95% similarity, regardless of
      either the sample type or the farm of isolation. This suggests that RAPD types
      are shared between bovine feces, bedding, cow teats, and milk. In addition,
      transmission of RAPD types between the studied farms was suggested by the Ward
      grouping pattern of the isolates, Nei's and AMOVA population analyses, and
      genetic landscape shape analysis. For the first time, the latter analytical tool
      was used to assess the ability of E. coli to disseminate between small-scale
      dairy farms within the same producing region. Although a number of dispersal
      mechanisms could exist between farms, the genetic landscape shape analysis
      associated the flow of E. coli RAPD types with the movement of forage and milking
      staff between farms. This study will aid in planning disease prevention
      strategies and optimizing husbandry practices.

PMID- 22068485
TI  - Carnobacterium maltaromaticum infections in feral Oncorhynchus spp. (Family
      Salmonidae) in Michigan.
AB  - Members of the genus Oncorhynchus were introduced from the Pacific Northwest to
      the Laurentian Great Lakes basin and now constitute one of its most commercially
      and ecologically valuable fisheries. Recently, infections by a group of Gram
      positive atypical lactobacilli belonging to the genus Carnobacterium have been
      detected in feral and captive Oncorhynchus spp. broodstock, some of which were
      associated with mortalities. Out of 1564 rainbow and steelhead trout (O. mykiss),
      coho salmon (O. kisutch), and Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) that were
      bacteriologically examined, 57 Carnobacterium spp. isolates were recovered from
      the kidneys, spleen, swimbladder, and/or external ulcerations of 51 infected
      fish. Phenotypic and biochemical characterization, as well as partial 16S rDNA
      sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of 30 representative isolates identified 29
      as Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and 1 as C. divergens, though some phenotypic
      and genotypic heterogeneity was observed. Infections with C. maltaromaticum were
      associated with signitures typical of pseudokidney disease, but on occasion were
      also observed in fish displaying the gross and histopathological changes
      characteristic of nephrocalcinosis. While C. maltaromaticum infections were found
      to be widespread in both feral and farmed spawning populations of Oncorhynchus
      spp. residing within the Great Lakes basin, infection prevalence varied
      significantly according to fish species and strain, gender, and across time, but
      not by sampling location according to logistic regression analysis. The findings
      of this study further underscore the presence of phenotypic variations among
      Carnobacterium maltaromaticum strains that necessitate genotypic analysis to
      achieve definitive identification.

PMID- 22068486
TI  - Ecological development and genetic diversity of Microcystis aeruginosa from
      artificial reservoir in Russia.
AB  - Microcystis aeruginosa is a well-known Cyanobacterium responsible for the
      formation of toxic water blooms around the world. Shallow, warm, and eutrophic
      reservoirs provide the most favourable conditions for M. aeruginosa development.
      Numerous studies have been devoted to this species, but there still is a
      necessity to develop additional approaches for the monitoring of cyanobacteria in
      reservoirs. In this study, M. aeruginosa in the water column of a hypereutrophic
      Siberian reservoir was investigated by fluorescence, light, and electron
      microscopy as well as genetic analysis using a mcyE marker. Here, we demonstrate
      the genetic diversity and features of the fluorescence spectra for different
      ecotypes of this species. We suggest that a fluorescence approach can be used to
      identify M. aeruginosa in a natural environment in order to increase the
      effectiveness of ecological monitoring and water quality evaluation.

PMID- 22068487
TI  - Safety evaluation in vitro of Enterococcus durans from Tibetan traditional
      fermented yak milk.
AB  - Despite its ubiquity in fermented dairy products, the safety of lactic acid
      enterococcal bacteria remains controversial. In this study, five Enterococcus
      durans strains - A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1 - were isolated from traditional
      fermented yak milk from Tibet. To evaluate the strains' safety, biogenic amine
      production, antibiotic resistance and presence of known virulence determinants
      were investigated. Strain A1 can produce biogenic amines for histamine, spermine,
      and spermidine (mean values: 8.64, 8.31, and 0.30 mg/L, respectively). Polymerase
      chain reaction amplification for Strain A1 found genes involved in expression of
      gelatinase (gleE), cytolysin (cylA, cylB, and cylM), sex pheromones (ccf and cpd)
      and cell wall adhesion (efaA). Strain A2 showed sensitivity or intermediate
      resistance to all tested antibiotics, and no virulence determinants except gelE
      and ccf, but did produce tyramine at a relatively high level (912.02 mg/L). Both
      strains B1 and B2 could produce histamine (10.43 and 10.56 mg/L, respectively),
      and showed vancomycin resistance; B1 also produced tyramine (504.02 mg/L). Strain
      C1 could produce all five biogenic amines tested in the study -putrescine,
      histamine, tyramine, spermine, and spermidine; concentrations were 6.51, 9.59,
      205.85, 5.55, and 5.39 mg/L, respectively. All E. durans strains found in Tibetan
      traditional fermented yak milk thus offer potential risk.

PMID- 22068489
TI  - Detection of viruses in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Korea by RT
      LAMP assay.
AB  - The viral diseases have been the serious problem in salmonid farming, and rainbow
      trout is not an exception. In this study, routine surveys were conducted for
      detecting of viruses in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Korea
      during 2009-2010. Head kidneys from individual fish were employed for virus
      detection by using a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      (RT-LAMP) assay. Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), infectious
      hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus
      (VHSV) were the target viruses in this study. 53.5% (46/86) were found to be IPNV
      positive, while IHNV and VHSV showed RT-LAMP negative during examination for 2
      years. Ten IPNV-positive samples were randomly selected for viral isolation and
      the cells showing CPEs were subjected to RT-LAMP, RT-PCR, and direct sequencing.
      Phylogenetic analysis showed that the rainbow trout isolate has high similarity
      homologies with the VR-299 strain, as previously described.

PMID- 22068488
TI  - Comparative approach to capture bacterial diversity of coastal waters.
AB  - Despite the revolutionary advancements in DNA sequencing technology and
      cultivation techniques, few studies have been done to directly compare these
      methods. In this study, a 16S rRNA gene-based, integrative approach combining
      culture-independent techniques with culture-dependent methods was taken to
      investigate the bacterial community structure of coastal seawater collected from
      the Yellow Sea, Korea. For culture-independent studies, we used the latest model
      pyrosequencer, Roche/454 Genome Sequencer FLX Titanium. Pyrosequencing captured a
      total of 52 phyla including 27 candidate divisions from the water column, whereas
      the traditional cloning approach captured only 15 phyla including 2 candidate
      divisions. In addition, of 878 genera retrieved, 92.1 % of the sequences were
      unique to pyrosequencing. For culture-dependent analysis, plate culturing, plate
      washing, enrichment, and high-throughput culturing (HTC) methods were applied.
      Phylogenetic analysis showed that the plate-washing clones formed a cluster
      devoid of any previously cultured representatives within the family
      Rhodobacteraceae. One HTC isolate (SF293) fell into the OM182 clade, which was
      not recovered by other culturing methods described here. By directly comparing
      the sequences obtained from cultures with those from culture-independent work, we
      found that only 33% of the culture sequences were identical to those from clone
      libraries and pyrosequences. This study presents a detailed comparison of common
      molecular and cultivation techniques available in microbial ecology. As different
      methods yielded different coverage, we suggest choosing the approach after
      carefully examining the scientific questions being asked.

PMID- 22068490
TI  - Epidemiological investigation of eaeA-positive Escherichia coli and Escherichia
      albertii strains isolated from healthy wild birds.
AB  - Escherichia coli has commonly been associated with diarrheal illness in humans
      and animals. Recently, E. albertii has been reported to be a potential pathogen
      of humans and animals and to be carried by wild birds. In the present study, the
      prevalence and genetic characteristics of intimin-producing E. coli and E.
      albertii strains were evaluated in wild birds in Korea. Thirty one of 790
      Enterobacteriaceae strains from healthy wild birds were positive for the intimin
      gene (eaeA) and twenty two of the 31 strains were identified as atypical
      enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) that did not possess both EAF and bfpA genes. A
      total of nine lactose non-fermenting coliform bacterial strains were identified
      as E. albertii by PCR and sequence analysis of housekeeping genes. A total of 28
      (90.3%) eaeA-positive strains were isolated from waterfowl. Fifteen aEPEC (68.2%)
      and two E. albertii (22.2%) strains had a beta-intimin subtype and 14 aEPEC
      strains harboring beta-intimin belonged to phylogenetic group B2. AU eaeA
      positive E. albertii and 3 aEPEC strains possessed the cytolethal distending
      toxin gene (cdtB). The eaeA-positive E. coli and E. albertii strains isolated
      from healthy wild birds need to be recognized as a potential pathogroup that may
      pose a potential threat to human and animal health. These findings indicate that
      eaeA-positive E. coli as well as E. albertii can be carried by wild birds, posing
      a potential threat to human and animal health.

PMID- 22068491
TI  - Production of cephalosporin C using crude glycerol in fed-batch culture of
      Acremonium chrysogenum M35.
AB  - In this study, cephalosporin C production by Acremonium chrysogenum M35 cultured
      with crude glycerol instead of rice oil and methionine was investigated. The
      addition of crude glycerol increased cephalosporin C production by 6-fold in
      shake-flask culture, and also the amount of cysteine. In fed-batch culture
      without methionine, crude glycerol resulted only in overall improvement in
      cephalosporin C production (about 700%). In addition, A. chrysogenum M35 became
      highly differentiated in fed-batch culture with crude glycerol, compared with the
      differentiation in batch culture. The results presented here suggest that crude
      glycerol can replace methionine and plant oil as cysteine and carbon sources
      during cephalosporin C production by A. chrysogenum M35.

PMID- 22068492
TI  - Deciphering the biodiversity of Listeria monocytogenes lineage III strains by
      polyphasic approaches.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of humans and animals. The
      majority of human listeriosis cases are caused by strains of lineages I and II,
      while lineage III strains are rare and seldom implicated in human listeriosis. We
      revealed by 16S rRNA sequencing the special evolutionary status of L.
      monocytogenes lineage III, which falls between lineages I and II strains of L.
      monocytogenes and the non-pathogenic species L. innocua and L. marthii in the
      dendrogram. Thirteen lineage III strains were then characterized by polyphasic
      approaches. Biochemical reactions demonstrated 8 biotypes, internalin profiling
      identified 10 internal-in types clustered in 4 groups, and multilocus sequence
      typing differentiated 12 sequence types. These typing schemes show that lineage
      III strains represent the most diverse population of L. monocytogenes, and
      comprise at least four subpopulations IIIA-1, IIIA-2, HIB, and IIIC. The in vitro
      and in vivo virulence assessments showed that two lineage IIIA-2 strains had
      reduced pathogenicity, while the other lineage III strains had comparable
      virulence to lineages I and II. The HIB strains are phylogenetically distinct
      from other sub-populations, providing additional evidence that this sublineage
      represents a novel lineage. The two biochemical reactions L-rhamnose and L
      lactate alkalinization, and 10 internalins were identified as potential markers
      for lineage III subpopulations. This study provides new insights into the
      biodiversity and population structure of lineage III strains, which are important
      for understanding the evolution of the L. mono-cytogenes-L. innocua clade.

PMID- 22068493
TI  - A genome-wide identification of genes potentially associated with host
      specificity of Brucella species.
AB  - Brucella species are facultative intracellular pathogenic alpha-Proteobacteria
      that can cause brucellosis in humans and domestic animals. The clinical and
      veterinary importance of the bacteria has led to well established studies on the
      molecular mechanisms of Brucella infection of host organisms. However, to date,
      no genome-wide study has scanned for genes related to the host specificity of
      Brucella spp. The majority of bacterial genes related to specific environmental
      adaptations such as host specificity are well-known to have evolved under
      positive selection pressure. We thus detected signals of positive selection for
      individual orthologous genes among Brucella genomes and identified genes related
      to host specificity. We first determined orthologous sets from seven completely
      sequenced Brucella genomes using the Reciprocal Best Hits (RBH). A maximum
      likelihood analysis based on the branch-site test was accomplished to examine the
      presence of positive selection signals, which was subsequently confirmed by
      phylogenetic analysis. Consequently, 12 out of 2,033 orthologous genes were
      positively selected by specific Brucella lineages, each of which belongs to a
      particular animal host. Extensive literature reviews revealed that half of these
      computationally identified genes are indeed involved in Brucella host
      specificity. We expect that this genome-wide approach based on positive selection
      may be reliably used to screen for genes related to environmental adaptation of a
      particular species and that it will provide a set of appropriate candidate genes.

PMID- 22068494
TI  - Bacillus kyonggiensis sp. nov., isolated from soil of a lettuce field.
AB  - A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, motile, endospore-forming bacterial strain,
      designated NB22(T), was isolated from soil of a lettuce field in Kyonggi
      province, South Korea, and was characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic
      approach. This novel isolate grew optimally at 30-37 degrees C and pH 8-9. It
      grew in the presence of 0-4% NaCl (optimum, 1-2%). Comparative 16S rRNA gene
      sequence analysis showed that strain NB22(T) was closely related to members of
      the genus Bacillus and fell within a coherent cluster comprising B. siralis
      171544(T) (98.1%) and B. korlensis ZLC-26(T) (97.3%). The levels of 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity with respect to other Bacillus species with validly published
      names were less than 96.4%. Strain NB22(T) had a genomic DNA G+C content of 36.3
      mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The peptidoglycan
      contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major cellular fatty acids were iso
      C(15:0), anteiso-C(15:0), C(14:0), and C(16:0). These chemotaxonomic results
      supported the affiliation of strain NB22(T) to the genus Bacillus, and the low
      DNA-DNA relatedness values and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics allowed
      genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain NB22(T) from recognized
      Bacillus species. On the basis of the evidence presented, strain NB22(T) is
      considered to represent a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name
      Bacillus kyonggiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NB22(T) (=KEMB
      5401-267(T) =JCM 17569(T)).

PMID- 22068495
TI  - Use of rpoB sequences and rep-PCR for phylogenetic study of Anoxybacillus
      species.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the applicability of rpoB, which encodes
      the beta subunit of RNA polymerase, to be used as an alternative to 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity analysis in the thermophilic genus Anoxybacillus. Partial
      rpoB sequences were generated for the 14 type strains of Anoxybacillus species
      and 6 other strains of four Anoxybacillus species. The sequences and the
      phylogenetic tree of rpoB were compared with those obtained from 16S rRNA gene
      analysis. The rpoB gene was found to provide a better resolution for
      Anoxybacillus species, with lower interspecies sequence similarities. The rpoB
      sequence similarity analysis permitted a more accurate discrimination of the
      species within the Anoxybacillus genus than the more commonly used 16S rRNA gene.
      Furthermore, rapid and reproducible repetitive extragenic palindromic
      fingerprinting techniques (REP-, ERIC-, and BOX-PCR) were employed for the
      specimens of genus Anoxybacillus. Through comparison of the three methods, it was
      found that the BOX-PCR method generated more informative results than REP-PCR for
      the studied strains; BOX-PCR profiles were more distinct for the different
      strains, including a higher number of bands. Rapid and reproducible repetitive
      extragenic palindromic fingerprinting techniques (rep-PCR) constitute a suitable
      molecular approach for the validation and maintenance of taxonomy within the
      Anoxybacillus genus. The results of this study show that rpoB and rep-PCR provide
      rapid and reliable methods for molecular typing of Anoxybacillus species.

PMID- 22068496
TI  - Rapid discrimination of potato scab-causing Streptomyces species based on the
      RNase P RNA gene sequences.
AB  - Scab disease significantly damages potatoes and other root crops. Some
      Streptomyces species have been reported as potato-scab pathogens. Identification
      of the phytopathogenic Streptomyces is mainly done on the basis of the 16S rRNA
      gene, but use of this gene has some limitations for discriminating these strains
      because they share high similarities of 16S rRNA gene sequences. We tested the
      RNase P RNA (rnpB) gene as a taxonomic marker to clarify the relationship among
      closely related scab-causing Streptomyces strains. The rnpB genes were analyzed
      for 41 strains including 9 isolates from Jeju, Korea. There were 4 highly
      variable regions including nucleotide gaps in the rnpB genes. Interspecies
      similarity of the rnpB gene in tested Streptomyces strains was lower than about
      97%, while the intraspecies similarity was higher than about 98%. Phylogenetic
      analysis demonstrated that the rnpB tree has similar topology to the 16S rRNA
      gene tree, but produces a more divergent phyletic lineage. These results revealed
      that the rnpB gene could be used as a powerful taxonomic tool for rapid
      differentiation of closely related Streptomyces species. In addition, it was also
      suggested that the variable regions marked as alpha, beta, gamma, and delta in
      the rnpB gene could be useful markers for the detection of specific Streptomyces
      species.

PMID- 22068497
TI  - Biochemical properties and physiological roles of NADP-dependent malic enzyme in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Malic enzymes catalyze the reversible oxidative decarboxylation of L-malate using
      NAD(P)(+) as a cofactor. NADP-dependent malic enzyme (MaeB) from Escherichia coli
      MG1655 was expressed and purified as a fusion protein. The molecular weight of
      MaeB was about 83 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The recombinant MaeB showed a
      maximum activity at pH 7.8 and 46 degrees C. MaeB activity was dependent on the
      presence of Mn(2+) but was strongly inhibited by Zn(2+). In order to understand
      the physiological roles, recombinant E. coli strains (icd (NADP)/DeltamaeB and
      icd (NAD)/DeltamaeB) containing NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), or
      engineered NAD-dependent IDH with the deletion of the maeB gene, were constructed
      using homologous recombination. During growth on acetate, icd (NAD)/DeltamaeB
      grew poorly, having a growth rate only 60% that of the wild-type strain (icd
      (NADP)). Furthermore, icd (NADP)/DeltamaeB exhibited a 2-fold greater
      adaptability to acetate than icd (NAD)/DeltamaeB, which may be explained by more
      NADPH production for biosynthesis in icd (NADP)/DeltamaeB due to its NADP
      dependent IDH. These results indicated that MaeB was important for NADPH
      production for bacterial growth on acetate. We also observed that MaeB activity
      was significantly enhanced (7.83-fold) in icd (NAD), which was about 3-fold
      higher than that in icd (NADP), when switching from glucose to acetate. The
      marked increase of MaeB activity was probably induced by the shortage of NADPH in
      icd (NAD). Evidently, MaeB contributed to the NADPH generation needed for
      bacterial growth on two carbon compounds.

PMID- 22068498
TI  - A novel ribonuclease with potent HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity
      from cultured mushroom Schizophyllum commune.
AB  - A 20-kDa ribonuclease (RNase) was purified from fresh fruiting bodies of cultured
      Schizophyllum commune mushrooms. The RNase was not adsorbed on Affi-gel blue gel
      but adsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose. It exhibited maximal RNase
      activity at pH 6.0 and 70 degrees C. It demonstrated the highest ribonucleolytic
      activity toward poly (U) (379.5 MU/mg), the second highest activity toward poly
      (C) (244.7 MU/mg), less activity toward poly (A) (167.4 MU/mg), and much weaker
      activity toward poly (G) (114.5 MU/mg). The RNase inhibited HIV-1 reverse
      transcriptase with an IC(50) of 65 MUM. No effect on [(3)H-methyl]-thymidine
      uptake by lymphoma MBL2 cells and leukemia L1210 cells was observed at 100 MUM
      concentration of the RNase. A comparison of RNases from S. commune and
      Volvariella volvacea revealed that they demonstrated some similarities in N
      terminal amino acid sequence, optimum pH and polyhomoribonucleotide specificity.
      However, some differences in chromatographic behavior and molecular mass were
      observed.

PMID- 22068499
TI  - Biochemical properties of an extracellular trehalase from Malbranchea pulchella
      var. Sulfurea.
AB  - The thermophilic fungus Malbranchea pulchella var. sulfurea produced good amounts
      of extracellular trehalase activity when grown for long periods on starch,
      maltose or glucose as the main carbon source. Studies with young cultures
      suggested that the main role of the extracellular acid trehalase is utilizing
      trehalose as a carbon source. The specific activity of the purified enzyme in the
      presence of manganese (680 U/mg protein) was comparable to that of other
      thermophilic fungi enzymes, but many times higher than the values reported for
      trehalases from other microbial sources. The apparent molecular mass of the
      native enzyme was estimated to be 104 kDa by gel filtration and 52 kDa by SDS
      PAGE, suggesting that the enzyme was composed by two subunits. The carbohydrate
      content of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 19 % and the pi was 3.5. The
      optimum pH and temperature were 5.0-5.5 and 55 degrees  C, respectively. The
      purified enzyme was stimulated by manganese and inhibited by calcium ions, and
      insensitive to ATP and ADP, and 1 mM silver ions. The apparent K(M) values for
      trehalose hydrolysis by the purified enzyme in the absence and presence of
      manganese chloride were 2.70 +/- 0.29 and 2.58 +/- 0.13 mM, respectively.
      Manganese ions affected only the apparent V(max), increasing the catalytic
      efficiency value by 9.2-fold. The results reported herein indicate that
      Malbranchea pulchella produces a trehalase with mixed biochemical properties,
      different from the conventional acid and neutral enzymes and also from trehalases
      from other thermophilic fungi.

PMID- 22068500
TI  - Adaptive stress response to menadione-induced oxidative stress in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae KNU5377.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms involved in the ability of yeast cells to adapt and
      respond to oxidative stress are of great interest to the pharmaceutical, medical,
      food, and fermentation industries. In this study, we investigated the time
      dependent, cellular redox homeostasis ability to adapt to menadione-induced
      oxidative stress, using biochemical and proteomic approaches in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae KNU5377. Time-dependent cell viability was inversely proportional to
      endogenous amounts of ROS measured by a fluorescence assay with 2',7'
      dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFHDA), and was hypersensitive when cells were
      exposed to the compound for 60 min. Morphological changes, protein oxidation and
      lipid peroxidation were also observed. To overcome the unfavorable conditions due
      to the presence of menadione, yeast cells activated a variety of cell rescue
      proteins including antioxidant enzymes, molecular chaperones, energy-generating
      metabolic enzymes, and antioxidant molecules such as trehalose. Thus, these
      results show that menadione causes ROS generation and high accumulation of
      cellular ROS levels, which affects cell viability and cell morphology and there
      is a correlation between resistance to menadione and the high induction of cell
      rescue proteins after cells enter into this physiological state, which provides a
      clue about the complex and dynamic stress response in yeast cells.

PMID- 22068501
TI  - Degradation of endocrine disrupting chemicals by genetic transformants with two
      lignin degrading enzymes in Phlebia tremellosa.
AB  - A white rot fungus Phlebia tremellosa produced lignin degrading enzymes, which
      showed degrading activity against various recalcitrant compounds. However,
      manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity, one of lignin degrading enzymes, was very
      low in this fungus under various culture conditions. An expression vector that
      carried both the laccase and MnP genes was constructed using laccase genomic DNA
      of P. tremellosa and MnP cDNA from Polyporus brumalis. P. tremellosa was
      genetically transformed using the expression vector to obtain fungal
      transformants showing increased laccase and MnP activity. Many transformants
      showed highly increased laccase and MnP activity at the same time in liquid
      medium, and three of them were used to degrade endocrine disrupting chemicals.
      The transformant not only degraded bisphenol A and nonylphenol more rapidly but
      also removed the estrogenic activities of the chemicals faster than the wild type
      strain.

PMID- 22068502
TI  - Functional analysis of SGR4635-induced enhancement of pigmented antibiotic
      production in Streptomyces lividans.
AB  - The Gram-positive mycelium-producing bacterium Streptomyces undergoes complex
      morphological differentiation after autolytic degradation of the vegetative
      mycelium. Cell-wall breakdown during growth stimulates cell development and
      secondary metabolite production by Streptomyces. N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)
      produced by cell-wall lysis acts as a signal molecule, triggering the production
      of secondary metabolites in S. coelicolor A3(2). Here, we report that
      introduction of multiple copies of the GlcNAc-internalizing gene (sgr4635,
      encoding nagE2) of S. griseus activates actinorhodin and undecylprodigiosin
      production during the late growth of S. lividans in the absence of GlcNAc.
      Furthermore, the repressor-type transcriptional regulator DasR binds to two
      operator sites upstream of sgr4635. Our findings indicate that sgr4635 induces
      DasR-mediated antibiotic production by internalizing the GlcNAc accumulated from
      cell-wall lysis.

PMID- 22068503
TI  - Berberine inhibits HEp-2 cell invasion induced by Chlamydophila pneumoniae
      infection.
AB  - This study investigated the inhibitory effects of berberine on Chlamydophila
      (Chlamydia) pneumoniae infection-induced HEp-2 cell invasion and explored the
      possible mechanisms involved in this process. C. pneumoniae infection resulted in
      a significant increase in HEp-2 cell invasion when compared with the control
      cells (P<0.01) in a Matrigel invasion assay. This enhanced cell invasion was
      strongly suppressed by berberine (50 MUM) (P<0.01). In a cell adhesion assay, the
      infection-induced HEp-2 cell adhesion to Matrigel was also significantly
      inhibited by berberine (P<0.01). C. pneumoniae infection was found to promote HEp
      2 cell migration remarkably (P<0.01), which was markedly suppressed by berberine
      (P<0.01) in the cell migration assays. There were no statistically significant
      differences in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-9 in
      the infected cells and berberine did not change the expression of MMP-1 and MMP
      9. These data suggest that berberine inhibits C. pneumoniae infection-induced HEp
      2 cell invasion through suppressing HEp-2 cell adhesion and migration, but not
      through changing the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9.

PMID- 22068504
TI  - Interaction of Acinetobacter baumannii 19606 and 1656-2 with Acanthamoeba
      castellanii.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii is virtually avirulent for healthy people but maintains a
      high virulence among critically ill patients or immuno-compromised individuals.
      The ability of A. baumannii to adhere to cells and persist on surfaces as
      biofilms could be central to its pathogenicity. In the present study, we compared
      the virulence of the A. baumannii 1656-2 clinical strain, which is able to form a
      thick biofilm, with the virulence of the A. baumannii type strain (ATCC
      19606(T)). Acanthamoeba castellanii, a single-celled organism, was used as the
      host model system to study the virulence of A. baumannii. Compared to A.
      baumannii ATCC 19606(T), A. baumannii 1656-2 exhibited a higher ability to adhere
      and invade A. castellanii cells and had a higher killing rate of A. castellanii
      cells. Furthermore, co-incubation of the amoeba cells and the cell-free
      supernatant of A. baumannii resulted in the cell death of the amoebae. Heat
      inactivation or proteinase K treatment of the supernatant did not eliminate its
      cytotoxicity, suggesting heat stable non-protein factors are responsible for its
      cytotoxicity to A. castellanii cells. In conclusion, this study for the first
      time has revealed the capacity of the A. baumannii strain and/or its metabolic
      products to induce cytotoxicity in A. castellanii cells.

PMID- 22068505
TI  - Bacteria-based in vivo peptide library screening using biopanning approach.
AB  - Traditionally, library screening has been performed to identify biologically
      active agents including small molecules or peptides that inhibit target proteins
      or molecules with therapeutic interests. Due to its chemical nature, library
      screening is usually performed under in vitro environments using purified
      proteins and molecules. However, active agents identified from in vitro
      screenings often fail to exhibit biological activities in cells. To overcome this
      inherent limitation, we have developed an in vivo peptide library screening
      system that allows for the identification of dissociative inhibitors of protein
      interactions of interest. The screening is based on the reconstitution of the cI
      repressor from bacteriophage lambda with high-density expression peptide library
      and is entirely performed in bacteria cells. Furthermore, to enhance the efficacy
      and sensitivity of the screening, a multiple-round biopanning approach was
      employed for amplification and enrichment of positive peptides. Overall, this in
      vivo screening should provide a fast and efficient tool for identification of
      biologically active peptide molecules against target protein assembly.

PMID- 22068506
TI  - Microbacterium suwonense sp. nov., isolated from cow dung.
AB  - An actinomycete strain, designated M1T8B9(T), was isolated from cow dung in
      Suwon, Republic of Korea. The isolate was a Gram-positive, nonmotile, and non
      spore-forming bacterium. Phylogenetic evaluation based on 16S rRNA gene sequence
      similarity showed that this isolate belongs to the genus Microbacterium, with its
      closest neighbors being Microbacterium soli DCY17(T) (98.2%) and Microbacterium
      esteraromaticum DSM 8609(T) (98.0%). The polar lipid pattern consisted of
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and one unknown glycolipid. Strain
      M1T8B9(T) contained the major fatty acids C(15:0) anteiso, C(16:0) iso, C (17:0)
      anteiso, and C(15:0) iso, and the cell-wall peptidoglycan was of type B2beta.
      According to DNA-DNA hybridization studies, strain M1T8B9(T) showed 42% and 26%
      relatedness with M. soli DCY17(T) and M. esteraromaticum DSM 8609(T),
      respectively. On the basis of the data presented, strain M1T8B9(T) is considered
      to represent a novel species of the genus Microbacterium, for which the name
      Microbacterium suwonense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M1T8B9(T)
      (=KACC 14058(T) =NBRC 106310(T)).

PMID- 22068507
TI  - Pigmentiphaga soli sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from soil.
AB  - Strain BS12(T), a Gram-negative motile bacterium, was isolated from soil in South
      Korea and characterized to determine its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic
      analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain belonged to
      the family Alcaligenaceae in the class Betaproteobacteria. The highest degree of
      sequence similarities of strain BS12(T) were found with Pigmentiphaga litoralis
      JSM 061001(T) (98.3%), Pigmentiphaga daeguensis K110(T) (98.2%), and
      Pigmentiphaga kullae K24(T) (98.1%). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain
      BS12(T) possessed ubiquinone-8, which is common in the family Alcaligenaceae, and
      the predominant fatty acids were C(16:0), C(17:0) cyclo, summed feature 3
      (C(16:1) omega6c/omega7c), and summed feature 8 (C(18:1) omega6c/omega7c). The
      major polar lipids of strain BS12(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine and
      phosphatidylglycerol. Based on these data, BS12(T) (=KCTC 23577(T) =JCM 17666(T)
      =KEMB 9004-082(T)) should be classified as a type strain of a novel species, for
      which the name Pigmentiphaga soli sp. nov. is proposed.

PMID- 22068508
TI  - Sawadaea koelreuteriae comb, nov., a powdery mildew of Koelreuteria paniculata.
AB  - A powdery mildew parasitizing Koelreuteria spp. was first described under the
      name Uncinula koelreuteriae Miyake and later transferred to the genus
      Typhulochaeta. Based on morphological and molecular data of several herbarium
      specimens collected from Korea, the generic placement of Typhulochaeta is
      discussed and T. koelreuteriae is combined in the genus Sawadaea. Redescription
      and epitypification of this species is provided hereby.

PMID- 22068510
TI  - Big ideas and grand challenges.

PMID- 22068509
TI  - Psychosocial care in cancer.
AB  - Psychosocial care for cancer patients historically has been overlooked as an
      aspect of quality clinical care. However, several organizations have recently
      made strong recommendations for inclusion of psychosocial care across the
      continuum of treatment, from diagnosis, through treatment, into survivorship, and
      in the palliative stages of care. The evidence base for screening, diagnosis, and
      effective treatment of psychosocial issues in the context of cancer care is
      growing. Recent highly relevant research covering major topics in psycho
      oncology, including distress, delivery of care, psychoneuroimmunology, and
      cognitive deficits related to cancer, is reviewed in this article.

PMID- 22068511
TI  - America Invents Act receives cautious welcome.

PMID- 22068512
TI  - Larger companies dominate cancer companion diagnostic approvals.

PMID- 22068516
TI  - European ruling raises specter of mandatory GM pollen tests on honey.

PMID- 22068520
TI  - Industry leaders cite barriers to sequencing in trials.

PMID- 22068523
TI  - Hemophilia market awaits next-generation therapies.

PMID- 22068524
TI  - The R&D partnership universe.

PMID- 22068525
TI  - Biotech plummets in 3Q11.

PMID- 22068526
TI  - Hepatitis C: move over interferon.

PMID- 22068527
TI  - A label we don't need.

PMID- 22068528
TI  - Harnessing cloud computing with Galaxy Cloud.

PMID- 22068529
TI  - Going viral.

PMID- 22068530
TI  - Theory of knowledge and biotech patents: worlds apart?

PMID- 22068532
TI  - Interrogating the kinome.

PMID- 22068533
TI  - Primate genomes for biomedicine.

PMID- 22068534
TI  - Road test for genetically modified mosquitoes.

PMID- 22068540
TI  - How to apply de Bruijn graphs to genome assembly.

PMID- 22068541
TI  - Discovery and development of telaprevir: an NS3-4A protease inhibitor for
      treating genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus.
AB  - Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical problem with over 170
      million people infected worldwide. Substantial morbidity and mortality are
      associated with hepatic manifestations (cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma),
      which develop with increasing frequency in people infected with HCV for more than
      20 years. Less well known is the burden of HCV disease associated with
      extrahepatic manifestations (diabetes, B-cell proliferative disorders,
      depression, cognitive disorders, arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome). For patients
      infected with genotype 1 HCV, treatment with polyethylene glycol decorated
      interferon (peginterferon) alpha and ribavirin (PR) is associated with a low (40
      50%) success rate, substantial treatment-limiting side effects and a long (48
      week) duration of treatment. In the past 15 years, major scientific advances have
      enabled the development of new classes of HCV therapy, the direct-acting
      antiviral agents, also known as specifically targeted antiviral therapy for
      hepatitis C (STAT-C). In combination with PR, the HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitor
      telaprevir has recently been approved for treatment of genotype 1 chronic HCV in
      the United States, Canada, European Union and Japan. Compared with PR, telaprevir
      combination therapy offers significantly improved viral cure rates and the
      possibility of shortened treatment duration for diverse patient populations.
      Developers of innovative drugs have to blaze a new path with few validated sign
      posts to guide the way. Indeed, telaprevir's development was once put on hold
      because of its performance in a standard IC(50) assay. Data from new hypotheses
      and novel experiments were required to justify further investment and reduce risk
      that the drug might fail in the clinic. In addition, the poor drug-like
      properties of telaprevir were a formidable hurdle, which the manufacturing and
      formulation teams had to overcome to make the drug. Finally, novel clinical trial
      designs were developed to improve efficacy and shorten treatment in parallel
      instead of sequentially. Lessons learned from the development of telaprevir
      suggest that makers of innovative medicines cannot rely solely on traditional
      drug discovery metrics, but must develop innovative, scientifically guided
      pathways for success.

PMID- 22068542
TI  - Third-quarter biotech job picture.

PMID- 22068545
TI  - Thrombophilic mutations and susceptibility to preeclampsia in Western Iran.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency and the possible
      association between thrombophilic mutations of factor V Leiden (FVL) and
      prothrombin G20210A with preeclampsia among Kurdish population of Western Iran.
      We studied 198 women with preeclampsia including 128 women with mild and 70 women
      with severe forms and 101 healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancy.
      Among cases there were 23 women with early onset preeclampsia and 175 cases with
      late-onset preeclampsia. The sample was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment-length polymorphism using Mnl I and Hind III for FVL and
      prothrombin G20210A, respectively. The frequency of heterozygous FVL mutation was
      7.6% among all preeclamptic women (8.6% in mild and 5.7% in severe preeclamptic
      women) and 7.9% in controls (P > 0.05). However, the prevalence of heterozygous
      FVL were 10.5 and 3.9% among severe preeclamptic women with early onset and late
      onset preeclampsia, respectively (P > 0.05). The prevalence of prothrombin
      G20210A were 1.6, 2.9, and 3% among women with mild preeclamsia, severe
      preeclampsia and controls, respectively (P > 0.05). The level of serum
      triglycerides (TG) was significantly higher among women with preeclampsia
      compared to healthy pregnant women that was not associated with the two
      thrombophilic mutations. Our results indicate that neither FVL nor prothrombin
      G20210A could be a risk factor for preeclampsia in our population. However, high
      prevalence of FVL in preeclamptic women with early onset compared to those with
      late-onset preeclampsia may suggest a role for this mutation in predisposition to
      early onset preeclampsia that need to be confirmed with larger sample size.

PMID- 22068546
TI  - Femtosecond lasers for mass spectrometry: proposed application to catalytic
      hydrogenation of butadiene.
AB  - Mass spectra from the interaction of intense, femtosecond laser pulses with 1,3
      butadiene, 1-butene, and n-butane have been obtained. The proportion of the
      fragment ions produced as a function of intensity, pulse length, and wavelength
      was investigated. Potential mass spectrometry applications, for example in the
      analysis of catalytic reaction products, are discussed.

PMID- 22068547
TI  - 3,4'-Linked bis(piperidines) related to the haliclonacyclamine class of marine
      alkaloids: synthesis using crossed-aldol chemistry and preliminary biological
      evaluations.
AB  - Compounds 2-5, incorporating various elements of the 3,4'-bis(piperidine) core
      associated with the sponge-derived alkaloid haliclonacyclamine A (HA, 1), have
      been prepared through, inter alia, aldol-type reactions of N-substituted
      piperidin-4-ones and certain derivatives. Screening of these compounds in various
      assays, including an ecological one, reveals that compound 5 exhibits
      allelochemical properties similar to those associated with HA itself.

PMID- 22068548
TI  - Low serum testosterone levels are predictive of prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although hormones play fundamental roles in prostate growth, their
      clinical significance is not completely clear. Aims of present study were to
      assess whether testosterone and serum sex hormone levels are predictors of benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer (PC) and to verify whether
      prostate cancer is associated with low testosterone levels, and to test
      association between testosterone levels and known prognostic factors in prostate
      cancer. METHODS: In 206 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or
      prostate cancer testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone
      and prolactin levels were tested and correlated with disease. In patients with
      prostate cancer, hormone levels were also correlated with known prognostic
      factors. Predictive value was assessed for age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA),
      PSA ratio, PSA density, prostate volume and serum sex hormone levels using
      multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic
      curves. RESULTS: Considering sex hormones, only testosterone levels were
      significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer than those with BPH;
      testosterone levels appear to be independent predictor of prostate cancer,
      enhancing predictive accuracy for BPH and PC. Testosterone levels do not seem to
      be associated with known clinical prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      supports experimental findings that testosterone levels are predictor of prostate
      cancer and that prostate cancer is frequently associated with low testosterone
      levels. In the diagnostic work-up for prostate cancer, adding testosterone
      determination to PSA test may improve predictive accuracy.

PMID- 22068549
TI  - Mast cells cultured from IL-3-treated mice show impaired responses to bacterial
      antigen stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: This study exploits the biological activity of interleukin
      (IL)-3 to generate high yields of peritoneal mast cells ex vivo in order to
      examine pro-inflammatory immune responses in ex-vivo culture. MATERIAL OR
      SUBJECTS: Mast cells were obtained from the peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice.
      TREATMENT: Mice were injected intraperitoneally twice per day for 5 days with IL
      3 (40-50 MUg/ml) to increase mast cell numbers. METHODS: Histological studies
      examined mast cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity, intestine, lung, spleen and
      skeletal muscle. Peritoneal mast cells cultured ex vivo (PCMCs) were stimulated
      for 24 h with lipopolysaccharide and Bordetella pertussis antigen and secretion
      of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and interferon-gamma
      into supernatant was measured by commercial ELISA. Cell surface marker expression
      of FcepsilonRI, c-kit, OX40L and TLR2 was measured by flow cytometry. Mast cell
      degranulation was measured using a beta-hexosaminidase assay. RESULTS: IL-3
      treatment increases mast cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity, spleen and muscle
      but not intestine and lung of C57BL/6 mice. PCMCs generated from IL-3-treated
      mice exhibit impaired growth, differentiation and responses to activation as
      measured by decreased cytokine secretion and cell surface marker expression.
      CONCLUSION: Mast cells cultured from IL-3-treated mice show impaired responses.

PMID- 22068550
TI  - Diabetes and incident depression: Is the association mediated or modified by
      sociodemographic factors or co-morbidities? A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetic patients suffer more frequently from depression. Aim was to
      evaluate sociodemographic parameters and co-morbidities and late complications as
      potential modifying factors in the occurrence of depression in diabetic
      individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review, based
      on established meta-analyses and additional original publications in 2005-2009 in
      Medline and PsycINFO. We included articles focusing on longitudinal studies which
      evaluated the appearance of depression in diabetic and non diabetic individuals
      and further analyzed interactions or separate additional influences of potential
      modifying factors. RESULTS: 8 eligible studies were identified. 6 studies were
      population based. Only 3 studies analyzed the interaction between the variables
      of interest and diabetes on the incidence of depression. Remaining used diverse
      other methods to control for associated factors. The strongest influence was
      found for a general measure of co-morbidities but this influence was ambiguous.
      No significant modifying effect or interaction was found for sociodemographic
      factors. CONCLUSION: There seems to be a clear need for more research concerning
      mediating and modifying factors or a more stringent presentation of results in
      order to identify groups at risk or to identify treatment strategies.

PMID- 22068551
TI  - Determining the waist circumference cut off which best predicts the metabolic
      syndrome components in urban Africans: the SABPA study.
AB  - Various studies have shown that the relationship between waist circumference (WC)
      and abdominal obesity is age, gender as well as ethnicity-dependent. WC criteria
      for Sub Saharan Africans have not been defined by the International Diabetes
      Federation (IDF). The aim was to determine which WC cut off best predicted
      Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in a group of urban African teachers (80 males and 93
      females). We determined sphygmomanometer blood pressure, WC, glucose, high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HdL) and triglyceride (TRIG) values. The males'
      MetS profile was less favourable as their glucose, TRIG and blood pressure levels
      were higher than the proposed cut off for MetS. The females could be classified
      as obese, based on their mean BMI (32.78+/-6.36) and WC (93.48+/-15.68). Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) WC cut offs of 90, 91, 94 and 96 cm for the
      respective MetS components in males (blood pressure, HdL, glucose and TRIG) were
      suggested. In the females, cut offs of 92, 98, 94 and 94 cm for TRIG, blood
      pressure, HdL and glucose respectively, were put forward. Odds ratios revealed
      that increased blood pressure best predicted ROC WC in both males (OR 9.59; 95%
      CI 3.14-29.32) and females (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.30-7.42) irrespective of age. We
      suggest that the optimal cut off point for the males be set at 90 cm, as opposed
      to the current 94 cm; whilst the female cut off be set at 98 cm as opposed to the
      existing cut off of 80 cm. Larger sample groups are recommended to justify our
      data.

PMID- 22068552
TI  - Effects of isolated hyperinsulinaemia on sensory function in healthy adults.
AB  - AIMS: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting are
      more frequent in pre-diabetic states as well as established diabetes, compared to
      healthy individuals. The mechanisms behind these symptoms are multi-factorial and
      complex. Furthermore, the effect of isolated hyperinsulinaemia on visceral and
      peripheral sensory function is poorly understood. Thus, the current study aimed
      to evaluate effects of acute hyperinsulinaemia on sensory function in healthy
      adults. METHODS: The sensitivity to electrical oesophageal and median nerve
      stimulation was assessed in 15 healthy volunteers together with recording of
      evoked brain potentials. All subjects were studied both fasting and using a
      euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp. RESULTS: There was on average a 15%
      increased sensitivity to oesophageal electrical stimulation during
      hyperinsulinaemia compared to fasting state (P<0.05), but the sensation after
      median nerve stimulation remained stable (P=0.58). No significant changes in
      latencies and amplitudes of evoked brain potentials were observed after
      oesophageal or median nerve stimulation (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      suggests that acute isolated hyperinsulinaemia increases visceral sensitivity,
      but does not influence the somatic sensory function. The lack of changes in the
      evoked brain potentials may indicate that hyperinsulinaemia affects the visceral
      sensory system at a peripheral level. Our result suggests distinct functions of
      insulin in the various parts of the nervous system, and yields further clues to
      the significance of insulin as a satiety signal.

PMID- 22068553
TI  - Low-level subchronic arsenic exposure from prenatal developmental stages to adult
      life results in an impaired glucose homeostasis.
AB  - We evaluated how low-level (3 ppm) subchronic inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure
      from prenatal developmental stages until adult life affects glucose homeostasis.
      Biochemical parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism, pancreatic insulin and
      glycosylated haemoglobin were determined in 4-month-old female offspring of adult
      Wistar rats. Pancreatic histology was also performed. Statistical comparisons
      between control and iAs-treated groups were performed by unpaired two-tailed
      Student's t-test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. We found that iAs
      treatment resulted in an impaired glucose tolerance test, suggestive of impaired
      glucose metabolism. This group was found to have hyperglycaemia and high levels
      of HOMA-IR, glycosylated haemoglobin, cholesterol and pancreatic insulin compared
      to control rats. However, plasma insulin, triglycerides and high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol were not different from control rats. Moreover, beta-cell
      damage found in iAs-treated rats consisted of cells with a nucleus with dense
      chromatin and predominance of eosinophilic cytoplasm, as well as changes in the
      pancreatic vasculature. The current study provided evidence that subchronic iAs
      exposure at 3 ppm from prenatal developmental stages to adult life resulted in
      damage to pancreatic beta cells, affected insulin secretion and demonstrated
      altered glucose homeostasis, thus supporting a causal association between iAs
      exposure and diabetes.

PMID- 22068555
TI  - Association of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules with Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis: study on a large series of patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) associated with
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are rarely reported. This study evaluates the
      magnitude of such association, elaborating the clinical and biochemical
      characteristics of HT and AFTN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of
      our patients with thyroid nodules, including serum TSH, free T4 and T3, Tg-Ab,
      TPO-Ab, ultrasonography, Tc-99m Sodium Pertechnetate scintigraphy (performed in
      overt or subclinical hyperthyroid patients). HT patients with coexisting AFTN(s)
      (group A) were compared with patients with AFTNs alone (group B, n=267). RESULTS:
      80 patients (65 women and 15 men; F:M ratio 4.3:1; age 57+/-15 years) had AFTN(s)
      and coexisting HT. Except 9 patients who were under methimazole, all had
      suppressed (<0.01 mU/L) or low (<0.4 mU/L) TSH; 17/71 (24%) had increased FT4
      and/or FT3. Subclinical hyperthyroidism prevailed over frank hyperthyroidism in
      group A (76 vs. 24%), but not in group B (56 vs. 44%) ( P=0.005). Group A
      patients had lower serum FT3 (~0.6 pmol/L or 9%) and FT4 (~0.9 pmol/L or 4%) as
      compared to group B. The maximum diameter of the AFTN(s) was 8% smaller in group
      A as compared with group B, thus matching the said difference in FT3. A positive
      correlation between nodule size and age was found only in group B ( P=0.015).
      CONCLUSION: Even if difference in the size of nodules between groups A and B does
      not reach statistical significance, the chronic intrathyroid lymphocytic
      infiltration of HT may decrease the tendency of the AFTNs to grow and diminish
      their degree of functioning.

PMID- 22068554
TI  - Pancreatic autoantibodies, HLA DR and PTPN22 polymorphisms in first degree
      relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes and multiethnic background.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of pancreatic auto-antibodies (PAb) as well as
      its relationship with HLA DR B1 and PTPN22 polymorphisms in first degree
      relatives (FDR) of Brazilian patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and multiethnic
      background. METHODS: FDR of patients with T1D were interviewed and blood was
      sampled for PAb measurement, HLA DRB1 and PTPN22 genotyping. Genotyping was also
      performed in index cases. RESULTS: In FDR (n=78), 16.7% presented at least one
      PAb. These individuals had a higher prevalence of HLA DRB1* 03 than others
      (p=0.03), without differences in PTPN22 genotyping. While the genetic profile was
      similar in FDR with PAb and their index cases, those without PAb had a lower
      frequency of HLA DR B1 * 03 than their correspondent patients (p=0.009).
      CONCLUSION: In this multiethnic population, a significant proportion of FDR of
      T1D patients had PAb, which was associated with HLA DR B1 * 03 but not with the
      PTPN22 polymorphism.

PMID- 22068556
TI  - The promoter variant -803 G>A in the RBP4 gene is not associated with BMI,
      metabolic parameters or blood pressure in Caucasian children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies in adults identified the -803 G>A promoter polymorphism
      (rs3758539) in the RBP4 gene (RBP4) as a functional variant conferring an
      increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We genotyped this
      polymorphism in a cohort of 304 lean and 283 obese children to assess a potential
      association with early onset obesity and blood pressure and evaluated the effect
      of this SNP on metabolic parameters in a smaller subset. RESULTS: The allele
      frequency of -803 G>A was similar in obese compared to lean subjects (0.159 vs.
      0.191, P=0.318). We did not detect an association of the variant with adiposity
      parameters nor with parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism or blood pressure
      in quantitative analyses. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the promoter
      polymorphism -803 G>A in RBP4 is not associated with BMI, metabolic parameters or
      blood pressure in Caucasian children.

PMID- 22068557
TI  - Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis hypersensitivity and glucocorticoid
      receptor expression and function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiology of polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS), especially those related to cortisol signaling, are poorly
      understood. We hypothesized that modulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
      expression and function, may underlie possible PCOS-related impairment of
      feedback inhibition of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity
      and thus contribute to increased adrenal androgen production in women with PCOS.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 normal-weight and 31 obese women with PCOS were
      compared to 25 normal-weight controls. Fasting blood samples were collected for
      measurements of serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,
      testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, insulin, basal cortisol and cortisol
      after oral administration of 0.5 mg dexamethasone. Concentrations of GR mRNA, GR
      protein, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) protein and heat shock proteins (Hsps),
      as well as the number of GR per cell (B(max)) and its equilibrium dissociation
      constant (K(D)) were measured in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
      RESULTS: An increase in HPA axis sensitivity to dexamethasone, an elevation of
      the GR protein concentration, and unaltered receptor functional status were found
      in both normal-weight and obese women with PCOS vs. healthy controls. Lymphocyte
      MR, Hsp90 and Hsp70 concentrations, and MR/GR ratio were similar in all groups.
      Correlation between B(max) and K(D) was weaker in the group of obese women with
      PCOS than in the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results did not confirm the
      initial hypothesis, but imply that PCOS is associated with increased GR protein
      concentration and HPA axis sensitivity to dexamethasone.

PMID- 22068558
TI  - Relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration and soluble cellular
      adhesion molecules in patients referred to coronary angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evidence is emerging that aldosterone contributes to the development
      and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Little is known,
      however, regarding an association between circulating aldosterone levels and
      soluble cellular adhesion molecules in humans. METHODS: We investigated the
      relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and soluble cellular
      adhesion molecules in a large cohort of patients referred to coronary
      angiography. After exclusion of patients with ongoing mineralocorticoid receptor
      blocker use, oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy, 1,733 patients
      (mean age: 62.5+/-10.8 years; 26.4%% women; mean PAC: 101.5+/-93.5 pg/mL)
      remained eligible for analyses. RESULTS: Pearson correlation analysis as well as
      age and gender adjusted partial correlation analysis revealed a positive
      association between PAC and soluble (s) E-, L- and P-selectin levels but not with
      sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, respectively. In multivariate adjusted analyses of
      covariance (ANCOVA) sE- (p=0.026), sL- (p=0.049) and sP-selectin (p<0.001) levels
      increased steadily from the first (reference) to the third gender-specific
      tertile of PAC. No significant variation across PAC tertiles was found for sICAM
      1 (p=0.767) and sVCAM1 (p=0.425) levels, respectively. Finally, multivariate
      regression analyses revealed circulating aldosterone as an important predictor
      for soluble selectin levels. CONCLUSION: Our findings in a large cohort of
      patients indicate that upregulation of selectins might represent a novel
      mechanism of aldosterone mediated development and progression of atherosclerosis.
      In view of aldosterone as a novel cardiovascular risk factor independent of
      angiotensin II, our findings warrant further interventional studies which should
      evaluate anti-atherosclerotic effects of aldosterone blocking treatment
      strategies in humans.

PMID- 22068559
TI  - Abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene palladium complex: living catalyst for activation
      of aryl chlorides in Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling.
AB  - Palladium complexes bearing abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene were used as
      catalysts in Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling of aryl chlorides at 25  degrees C.
      The catalyst remained active for 10 successive catalytic runs and can activate 4
      chlorotoluene at 25  degrees C with 0.01 mol% catalyst loading resulting in a TON
      of 9500 within 6 h.

PMID- 22068562
TI  - Multiallelic models of genetic effects and variance decomposition in non
      equilibrium populations.
AB  - Quantitative genetics stems from the theoretical models of genetic effects, which
      are re-parameterizations of the genotypic values into parameters of biological
      (genetic) relevance. Different formulations of genetic effects are adequate to
      address different subjects. We thus need to generalize and unify them under a
      common framework for enabling researchers to easily transform genetic effects
      between different biological meanings. The Natural and Orthogonal Interactions
      (NOIA) model of genetic effects has been developed to achieve this aim. Here, we
      further implement the statistical formulation of NOIA with multiple alleles under
      Hardy-Weinberg departures (HWD). We show that our developments are
      straightforwardly connected to the decomposition of the genetic variance and we
      point out several emergent properties of multiallelic quantitative genetic
      models, as compared to the biallelic ones. Further, NOIA entails a natural
      extension of one-locus developments to multiple epistatic loci under linkage
      equilibrium. Therefore, we present an extension of the orthogonal decomposition
      of the genetic variance to multiple epistatic, multiallelic loci under HWD. We
      illustrate this theory with a graphical interpretation and an analysis of
      published data on the human acid phosphatase (ACP1) polymorphism.

PMID- 22068563
TI  - The combined effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Tuber melanosporum on the
      quality of Pinus halepensis seedlings.
AB  - The ecological, economic and social values of the ectomycorrhizal fungi of the
      black truffle found in the rural Mediterranean are well known. The inoculation of
      Pinus halepensis seedlings with mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria can improve
      the morphology and physiology of the seedlings and benefit the regeneration of
      arid regions and the reintroduction of inocula of mycorrhizal fungi into these
      areas. Some rhizobacteria can improve the establishment and functioning of
      ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. In this study, seedlings of P. halepensis were
      inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus Tuber melanosporum and the rhizobacteria
      Pseudomonas fluorescens CECT 844 under non-limiting greenhouse conditions. Five
      months after inoculation, we analysed the growth, water parameters (osmotic
      potential at saturation, osmotic potential at turgor loss and modulus of
      elasticity), concentrations of mycorrhizal colonies, nutrient concentration and
      nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Fe) in roots and aerial parts of the
      seedlings. Subsequently, tests were performed to estimate the root growth
      potentials. None of the treatments changed the water parameters or growth
      potentials of the roots. The inoculations improved the growth and nutrient uptake
      of the seedlings, although the combination of P. fluorescens CECT 844 and T.
      melanosporum did not generally lead to a significant improvement over the
      positive effects of a simple inoculation of T. melanosporum; however, the
      addition of P. fluorescens CECT 844 did double the rate of the mycorrhization of
      T. melanosporum. These results may be promising for enhancing the cultivation of
      truffles.

PMID- 22068564
TI  - The SNM practice guideline for somatostatin receptor scintigraphy 2.0.

PMID- 22068565
TI  - The excited states and vibronic spectroscopy of diphenyldiacetylene and
      diphenylvinylacetylene.
AB  - Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation scans and dispersed fluorescence
      (DFL) spectra have been recorded for two four-carbon alpha,omega-diphenyl
      systems, diphenyldiacetylene (DPDA, phi-C=C-C=C-phi) and trans
      diphenylvinylacetylene (DPVA, phi-CH=CH-C=C-phi) as isolated molecules cooled in
      a supersonic expansion. While these molecules have similar conjugation length,
      they exhibit strikingly different vibronic spectroscopy and photophysics. The
      near-UV LIF excitation spectrum of diphenyldiacetylene has its electronic origin
      at 32,158 cm(-1), and a strong progression in the C=C stretch (2156 cm(-1)). All
      transitions are inherently broad, with widths of ~30 cm(-1) fwhm or greater. The
      S(1) origin DFL spectrum is composed of sharp transitions with Franck-Condon
      activity mirroring that in the excitation spectrum, and broad emission shifted
      well to the red ascribable to phosphorescence on the MUs timescale. Using ab
      initio calculations, it is possible to show that DPDA exists as a single, planar
      conformer with D(2h) symmetry. In contrast, trans-diphenylvinylacetylene shows
      intense sharp transitions in both LIF and DFL spectra with an S(0)-S(1) origin of
      31,183.2 cm(-1) and long progressions involving the in-plane fundamentals nu(53)
      (bridge-phenyl bending) and nu(51) (bridge-phenyl stretch). A sharp reduction in
      fluorescence yield in DPVA occurs within 300 cm(-1) of the S(1) origin. Possible
      causes for the photophysical processes occurring in the two molecules are
      discussed.

PMID- 22068566
TI  - Preparation and characterization of chitosan hybrid membranes containing
      polyethylacrylate and polybutylacrylate.
AB  - Chitosan hybrid membranes were prepared in the presence of polyethylacrylate and
      polybutylacrylate and characterized by measuring stress, strain, Young's modulus,
      swelling behavior and antibacterial properties against gram-negative and gram
      positive bacteria using IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
      The results show that the mechanical properties of the hybrid membranes were
      enhanced using polybutylacrylate. SEM images showed homogeneity of the prepared
      membranes. The swelling degree was of the order chitosan >
      chitosan/polyethylacrylate > chitosan/polybutylacrylate. Antibacterial properties
      of the hybrid membranes with polybutylacrylate and polyethylacrylate were higher
      than those of chitosan membranes without any additives.

PMID- 22068567
TI  - Improving the efficiency of CHO cell line generation using glutamine synthetase
      gene knockout cells.
AB  - Although Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, with their unique characteristics,
      have become a major workhorse for the manufacture of therapeutic recombinant
      proteins, one of the major challenges in CHO cell line generation (CLG) is how to
      efficiently identify those rare, high-producing clones among a large population
      of low- and non-productive clones. It is not unusual that several hundred
      individual clones need to be screened for the identification of a commercial
      clonal cell line with acceptable productivity and growth profile making the cell
      line appropriate for commercial application. This inefficiency makes the process
      of CLG both time consuming and laborious. Currently, there are two main CHO
      expression systems, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)-based methotrexate (MTX)
      selection and glutamine synthetase (GS)-based methionine sulfoximine (MSX)
      selection, that have been in wide industrial use. Since selection of recombinant
      cell lines in the GS-CHO system is based on the balance between the expression of
      the GS gene introduced by the expression plasmid and the addition of the GS
      inhibitor, L-MSX, the expression of GS from the endogenous GS gene in parental
      CHOK1SV cells will likely interfere with the selection process. To study
      endogenous GS expression's potential impact on selection efficiency, GS-knockout
      CHOK1SV cell lines were generated using the zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology
      designed to specifically target the endogenous CHO GS gene. The high efficiency
      (~2%) of bi-allelic modification on the CHO GS gene supports the unique
      advantages of the ZFN technology, especially in CHO cells. GS enzyme function
      disruption was confirmed by the observation of glutamine-dependent growth of all
      GS-knockout cell lines. Full evaluation of the GS-knockout cell lines in a
      standard industrial cell culture process was performed. Bulk culture productivity
      improved two- to three-fold through the use of GS-knockout cells as parent cells.
      The selection stringency was significantly increased, as indicated by the large
      reduction of non-producing and low-producing cells after 25 uM L-MSX selection,
      and resulted in a six-fold efficiency improvement in identifying similar numbers
      of high-productive cell lines for a given recombinant monoclonal antibody. The
      potential impact of GS-knockout cells on recombinant protein quality is also
      discussed.

PMID- 22068568
TI  - Gracilis transposition for prostato-rectal fistula.

PMID- 22068569
TI  - Oral non-absorbable antibiotics for colorectal surgery.

PMID- 22068570
TI  - Reading too much into anal vector volumetric parameters: correspondence for "Anal
      vector volume analysis: an effective tool in the management of pelvic floor
      disorders" M. Grande, F. Cadeddu, P. Silveri, P. Ciano, G. M. Attina, I.
      Selvaggio, G. Milito. Tech Coloproctol (2011) 15:31-37.

PMID- 22068571
TI  - Training and technical assistance: lessons learned to sustain social norm changes
      in tobacco control.

PMID- 22068573
TI  - Technical assistance and tobacco control: a conversation with Dr. Ursula Bauer.
      Interview.

PMID- 22068572
TI  - The Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium: a foundation-university partnership
      to reduce tobacco use.

PMID- 22068574
TI  - Building the evaluation capacity of California's local tobacco control programs.
AB  - Successful evaluation capacity building requires a dynamic balance between
      responding to local agency needs and ensuring that local staff have appropriate
      skills to conduct rigorous evaluations. In 2004, the California Tobacco Control
      Program established the Tobacco Control Evaluation Center (TCEC), based at a
      public research university, to provide evaluation technical assistance to
      approximately 100 local agencies implementing tobacco control programs. TCEC has
      been responsive to local needs, for instance, by answering 512 technical
      assistance requests in the first 5 years of operation and by tailoring training
      according to needs assessment results. About 50% of the technical assistance
      requests were for new data collection instruments (n = 255). TCEC has sought
      proactively to improve local evaluation skills, most recently in a data analysis
      and report writing skill building campaign that included a webinar, newsletter,
      and seven regional training meetings. Preliminary analysis suggests a 20%
      improvement in scores for the local final evaluation reports as a result of this
      campaign. It is concluded that evaluation technical assistance can be provided
      effectively by a university as long as the local context is kept in mind, and a
      balance of responsive and proactive technical assistance is provided.

PMID- 22068575
TI  - Applying the performance partnership model to smoking cessation: lessons learned
      by the smoking cessation leadership center.
AB  - A wide array of partners can be convened around a single measurable outcome, such
      as driving down smoking prevalence, through the use of an innovative approach
      called the performance partnership model. This approach has certain key
      characteristics that make it different from ordinary coalition building, such as
      following four steps leading to a baseline, a target, an action plan, and an
      impact measurement plan. It also employs great speed and focus to keep partners
      engaged, and it has led to demonstrable progress on smoking cessation nationwide.

PMID- 22068576
TI  - The use of training and technical assistance to drive and improve performance of
      California's Tobacco Control Program.
AB  - The California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Control Program
      uses a social norm-change strategy to reduce the uptake and continued use of
      tobacco products. The statewide media campaign frames the message, community
      level projects implement advocacy campaigns, and statewide-funded projects build
      the capacity of community-level projects. The California Tobacco Control
      Program's technical assistance (TA) system has evolved over time because of
      changing needs, evaluation findings, and budget considerations. However, TA
      services continue to strategically align with four statewide policy priorities:
      to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure, to counter protobacco influences, to
      reduce the availability of tobacco, and to promote cessation services. TA is the
      engine powering social change across California by playing a key role in the
      uptake of a single policy to facilitating the adoption of hundreds of tobacco
      control policies statewide. The inclusion of expert and peer-to-peer TA models
      broadly disseminates both evidence-based and tacit community-based knowledge.
      Comprehensive TA also levels the playing field for organizations and communities
      to effectively implement policy interventions. Together these approaches
      accelerate change throughout California communities.

PMID- 22068577
TI  - Addressing tobacco use in homeless populations: recommendations of an expert
      panel.
AB  - A diverse group of panelists met for one day on October 21, 2009, in Washington,
      DC, for the purpose of addressing the high tobacco use prevalence rates in
      homeless populations; identifying appropriate policy, cessation practices and
      models for implementation in this population; and providing targeted
      recommendations for researchers, homeless service providers, tobacco control
      advocates, and policy makers. The panel was convened by Break Free Alliance, one
      of six national networks funded by the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health. The panelists worked through a process
      of problem identification, generation of responses, analysis and prioritization,
      development of recommendations, and arrival of final decisions reached by
      consensus. The resulting recommendations for addressing tobacco use in homeless
      populations focused on tobacco non-use policy implementation, cessation
      programming, and expansion of partnerships and collaborations between tobacco
      control advocates and social service providers. The panel also identified
      unanswered research questions that can serve to develop a framework for future
      initiatives to reduce tobacco use among homeless persons. The expert panel model
      serves as one approach for engaging nontraditional partners and building
      consensus among leaders from a variety of sectors to address tobacco use in
      special populations.

PMID- 22068578
TI  - Getting universal primary tobacco use prevention into priority area schools: a
      media literacy approach.
AB  - The impact of any prevention intervention depends on its ability to influence
      health risks and behavior change and the extent to which the target audience has
      access to and participates in the program. In this article, the authors make the
      case that media literacy-based tobacco prevention education can be integrated
      into the middle school curriculum in a way that delivers on both counts. They
      describe Missouri's successful development and dissemination of the Youth
      Empowerment in Action! Tobacco Education, Advocacy, and Media curriculum to
      schools serving populations that are most vulnerable to tobacco-related health
      disparities. They make three recommendations to support health program
      developers' efforts to motivate and prepare teachers to implement and sustain
      universal tobacco prevention education in areas of highest need.

PMID- 22068579
TI  - Culture change in addictions treatment: a targeted training and technical
      assistance initiative affects tobacco-related attitudes and beliefs in addiction
      treatment settings.
AB  - Targeted training and technical assistance can have a major impact on the
      attitudes and beliefs of addiction service providers with respect to the
      treatment of tobacco dependency. Major gains have been made with the general
      public since the mid-1960s with respect to the reduction of tobacco use behavior
      and tobacco-related diseases. Tobacco use continues to be a major public health
      problem, and tobacco control initiatives are significantly affecting public
      attitudes and norms regarding tobacco use. There is, however, a specific
      population that has not benefited from these gains and, in fact, has been
      encouraged to continue smoking rather than make an attempt to quit. Individuals
      with a substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder have a much higher
      percentage of tobacco use than the general population, resulting in major health
      disparities. The addiction treatment and recovery community has lagged behind the
      general public in addressing tobacco use. New York State's project, "Integrating
      Tobacco Use Interventions Into Chemical Dependence Services," is a model that
      demonstrates how innovative regulations, and training and technical assistance
      developed specifically for addiction service providers, can initiate culture
      change with respect to tobacco use within addiction treatment settings, resulting
      in improved treatment outcomes and longer term stable recovery.

PMID- 22068580
TI  - Developing approaches for evaluating smoke-free policies: a case study of a
      collaborative response to an emerging technical assistance need.
AB  - This article describes how several tobacco control organizations identified and
      responded to an emerging need for technical assistance on how to evaluate smoke
      free policies. The authors outline the purposes of evaluating smoke-free policies
      and present examples of evaluation approaches and tools. Examples are provided of
      how evaluation has been used to advance the adoption, implementation, and defense
      of smoke-free policies. Opportunities for further research are identified.
      Finally, the authors review lessons learned and discuss their implications for
      evaluating policy initiatives addressing other public health issues.

PMID- 22068581
TI  - Supporting tobacco control: stimulating local newspaper coverage with a technical
      assistance website for local coalitions.
AB  - A large and growing literature confirms that well-designed web-based programs can
      be effective in preventing or treating several chronic diseases. This study
      examined how the Internet can deliver information and train community activists
      and specifically tested the effects of web-based technical assistance on local
      tobacco control coalitions' efforts to use media advocacy to advance their
      agendas. The authors compared a highly interactive, Enhanced website
      (intervention) to a noninteractive, Basic text-based website (comparison) in
      Colorado communities. A total of 24 tobacco control coalitions led by local
      county health departments and nursing services were enrolled in the project and
      randomly assigned to use either the intervention or comparison website. A total
      of 73 local daily and weekly newspapers were identified in the service areas of
      23 of the 24 coalitions. A posttest assessment of newspaper coverage was
      conducted to locate all newspaper articles with tobacco control information
      published between January 1 and April 9, 2004, the last 3 months of the
      intervention. Although there was no evidence of a treatment effect on the
      frequency of newspaper articles on tobacco-related issues, there was, however,
      evidence that newspapers in counties where the coalition had access to the
      Enhanced website printed more stories focused on local/regional issues and more
      anti-tobacco local/regional stories than in the counties where coalitions had
      access to the Basic website. Coalitions can improve their influence on local
      media for community tobacco control when high-quality online technical
      assistance, training, and resources are available to them.

PMID- 22068582
TI  - Training leaders from priority populations to implement social norm changes in
      tobacco control: lessons from the LAAMPP Institute.
AB  - The development of leadership in tobacco control has been crucial in the fight
      against the number one most preventable cause of death and disease worldwide. Yet
      today, little scientific evidence exists regarding its actual impact,
      particularly among priority populations. This article describes the impact of the
      Leadership and Advocacy Institute to Advance Minnesota's Parity for Priority
      Populations (LAAMPP Institute), a major tobacco control leadership program for
      five priority populations: African/African Americans, American Indians, Asian
      Americans, Chicano/Latinos, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities
      in Minnesota. The LAAMPP Institute, a year-long institute with 17 days of
      training, focused on the core competencies of advocacy, collaboration, cultural
      or community competency, facilitation, and tobacco control. A logic model helped
      to guide and frame the institute's efforts. The LAAMPP Institute has been
      effective in increasing fellows' capacity to do advocacy, which in turn has led
      to increased involvement in implementing social norm-change activities.
      Leadership development can provide a solid foundation for training leaders and a
      catalyst for mobilizing key advocates and priority population communities toward
      the implementation and sustainment of social norm or policy changes.

PMID- 22068583
TI  - Stories from the field.
AB  - "Stories From the Field" is a series of short profiles of tobacco control
      programs and their leaders, showcasing promising technical assistance and
      training models in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the Cherokee Nation, West Virginia,
      the Pacific Islands, and the Virgin Islands. The series illuminates key themes of
      collaboration with diverse stakeholders, elimination of health disparities,
      building tobacco control coalitions, engaging youth to reduce commercial tobacco
      use, sustaining tobacco control efforts, and the use of the media to raise public
      awareness that are highlighted in the Health Promotion Practice Supplement Theme
      Issue, Training and Technical Assistance: Lessons Learned to Sustain Social Norm
      Changes in Tobacco Control. Common tobacco control strategies bind the stories
      together. Local knowledge, coalition building, community involvement, innovative
      partnerships, and educational outreach are at the core of all of these tobacco
      control projects.

PMID- 22068584
TI  - From movement to thought: executive function, embodied cognition, and the
      cerebellum.
AB  - This paper posits that the brain evolved for the control of action rather than
      for the development of cognition per se. We note that the terms commonly used to
      describe brain-behavior relationships define, and in many ways limit, how we
      conceptualize and investigate them and may therefore constrain the questions we
      ask and the utility of the "answers" we generate. Many constructs are so
      nonspecific and over-inclusive as to be scientifically meaningless. "Executive
      function" is one such term in common usage. As the construct is increasingly
      focal in neuroscience research, defining it clearly is critical. We propose a
      definition that places executive function within a model of continuous
      sensorimotor interaction with the environment. We posit that control of behavior
      is the essence of "executive function," and we explore the evolutionary advantage
      conferred by being able to anticipate and control behavior with both implicit and
      explicit mechanisms. We focus on the cerebellum's critical role in these control
      processes. We then hypothesize about the ways in which procedural (skill)
      learning contributes to the acquisition of declarative (semantic) knowledge. We
      hypothesize how these systems might interact in the process of grounding
      knowledge in sensorimotor anticipation, thereby directly linking movement to
      thought and "embodied cognition." We close with a discussion of ways in which the
      cerebellum instructs frontal systems how to think ahead by providing anticipatory
      control mechanisms, and we briefly review this model's potential applications.

PMID- 22068585
TI  - Dual-energy computed tomography applications in uroradiology.
AB  - The introduction of dual-energy computed tomography systems (ie, scanners that
      can simultaneously acquire images at different energies) has significant and
      unique applications for urologists. Imaging data from these scanners can be used
      to evaluate composition of urinary calculi and, by "removing" iodine from an
      image, significantly decrease radiation dose to patients referred for hematuria.
      Further, the ability to create a virtual noncontrast image obviates the need for
      repeated scanning in patients with incidentally detected renal and adrenal
      masses. Finally, the ability to quantify the regional concentration of iodine in
      a renal neoplasm may provide a method to monitor effectiveness of therapy before
      size changes become apparent.

PMID- 22068586
TI  - Molecular and cellular characteristics of ABCA3 mutations associated with diffuse
      parenchymal lung diseases in children.
AB  - ABCA3 (ATP-binding cassette subfamily A, member 3) is expressed in the lamellar
      bodies of alveolar type II cells and is crucial to pulmonary surfactant storage
      and homeostasis. ABCA3 gene mutations have been associated with neonatal
      respiratory distress (NRD) and pediatric interstitial lung disease (ILD). The
      objective of this study was to look for ABCA3 gene mutations in patients with
      severe NRD and/or ILD. The 30 ABCA3 coding exons were screened in 47 patients
      with severe NRD and/or ILD. ABCA3 mutations were identified in 10 out of 47
      patients, including 2 homozygous, 5 compound heterozygous and 3 heterozygous
      patients. SP-B and SP-C expression patterns varied across patients. Among
      patients with ABCA3 mutations, five died shortly after birth and five developed
      ILD (including one without NRD). Functional studies of p.D253H and p.T1173R
      mutations revealed that p.D253H and p.T1173R induced abnormal lamellar bodies.
      Additionally, p.T1173R increased IL-8 secretion in vitro. In conclusion, we
      identified new ABCA3 mutations in patients with life-threatening NRD and/or ILD.
      Two mutations associated with ILD acted via different pathophysiological
      mechanisms despite similar clinical phenotypes.

PMID- 22068587
TI  - A RANKL G278R mutation causing osteopetrosis identifies a functional amino acid
      essential for trimer assembly in RANKL and TNF.
AB  - Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a trimeric tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member, is the central mediator of osteoclast
      formation and bone resorption. Functional mutations in RANKL lead to human
      autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO), whereas RANKL overexpression has been
      implicated in the pathogenesis of bone degenerative diseases such as
      osteoporosis. Following a forward genetics approach using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea
      (ENU)-mediated random mutagenesis, we generated a novel mouse model of ARO caused
      by a new loss-of-function allele of Rankl with a glycine-to-arginine mutation at
      codon 278 (G278R) at the extracellular inner hydrophobic F beta-strand of RANKL.
      Mutant mice develop severe osteopetrosis similar to Rankl-deficient mice, whereas
      exogenous administration of recombinant RANKL restores osteoclast formation in
      vivo. We show that RANKL(G278R) monomers fail to assemble into homotrimers, are
      unable to bind and activate the RANK receptor and interact with wild-type RANKL
      exerting a dominant-negative effect on its trimerization and function in vitro.
      Since G278 is highly conserved within the TNF superfamily, we identified that a
      similar substitution in TNF, G122R, also abrogated trimerization, binding to TNF
      receptor and consequently impaired TNF biological activity. Notably, SPD304, a
      potent small-molecule inhibitor of TNF trimerization that interacts with G122,
      also inhibited RANKL activity, suggesting analogous inhibitory mechanisms. Our
      results provide a new disease model for ARO and identify a functional amino acid
      in the TNF-like core domain essential for trimer formation both in RANKL and in
      TNF that could be considered a novel potential target for inhibiting their
      biological activities.

PMID- 22068588
TI  - Postnatal neurogenesis generates heterotopias, olfactory micronodules and
      cortical infiltration following single-cell Tsc1 deletion.
AB  - Neurological symptoms in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and associated brain
      lesions are thought to arise from abnormal embryonic neurogenesis due to
      inherited mutations in Tsc1 or Tsc2. Neurogenesis persists postnatally in the
      human subventricular zone (SVZ) where slow-growing tumors containing Tsc-mutant
      cells are generated in TSC patients. However, whether Tsc-mutant neurons from the
      postnatal SVZ contribute to brain lesions and abnormal circuit remodeling in
      forebrain structures remain unexplored. Here, we report the formation of
      olfactory lesions following conditional genetic Tsc1 deletion in the postnatal
      SVZ using transgenic mice or targeted single-cell electroporation. These lesions
      include migratory heterotopias and olfactory micronodules containing neurons with
      a hypertrophic dendritic tree. Most significantly, our data identify migrating
      glial and neuronal precursors that are re-routed and infiltrate forebrain
      structures (e.g. cortex) and become glia and neurons. These data show that Tsc1
      mutant cells from the neonatal and juvenile SVZ generate brain lesions and
      structural abnormalities, which would not be visible using conventional non
      invasive imaging. These findings also raise the hypothesis that micronodules and
      the persistent infiltration of cells to forebrain structures may contribute to
      network malfunction leading to progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms in TSC.

PMID- 22068590
TI  - Modeling the human MTM1 p.R69C mutation in murine Mtm1 results in exon 4 skipping
      and a less severe myotubular myopathy phenotype.
AB  - X-linked myotubular myopathy (MTM) is a severe neuromuscular disease of infancy
      caused by mutations of MTM1, which encodes the phosphoinositide lipid
      phosphatase, myotubularin. The Mtm1 knockout (KO) mouse has a severe phenotype
      and its short lifespan (8 weeks) makes it a challenge to use as a model in the
      testing of certain preclinical therapeutics. Many MTM patients succumb early in
      life, but some have a more favorable prognosis. We used human genotype-phenotype
      correlation data to develop a myotubularin-deficient mouse model with a less
      severe phenotype than is seen in Mtm1 KO mice. We modeled the human c.205C>T
      point mutation in Mtm1 exon 4, which is predicted to introduce the p.R69C
      missense change in myotubularin. Hemizygous male Mtm1 p.R69C mice develop early
      muscle atrophy prior to the onset of weakness at 2 months. The median survival
      period is 66 weeks. Histopathology shows small myofibers with centrally placed
      nuclei. Myotubularin protein is undetectably low because the introduced c.205C>T
      base change induced exon 4 skipping in most mRNAs, leading to premature
      termination of myotubularin translation. Some full-length Mtm1 mRNA bearing the
      mutation is present, which provides enough myotubularin activity to account for
      the relatively mild phenotype, as Mtm1 KO and Mtm1 p.R69C mice have similar
      muscle phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate levels. These data explain the basis for
      phenotypic variability among human patients with MTM1 p.R69C mutations and
      establish the Mtm1 p.R69C mouse as a valuable model for the disease, as its less
      severe phenotype will expand the scope of testable preclinical therapies.

PMID- 22068589
TI  - Next generation sequencing identifies mutations in Atonal homolog 7 (ATOH7) in
      families with global eye developmental defects.
AB  - The atonal homolog 7 (ATOH7) gene encodes a transcription factor involved in
      determining the fate of retinal progenitor cells and is particularly required for
      optic nerve and ganglion cell development. Using a combination of autozygosity
      mapping and next generation sequencing, we have identified homozygous mutations
      in this gene, p.E49V and p.P18RfsX69, in two consanguineous families diagnosed
      with multiple ocular developmental defects, including severe vitreoretinal
      dysplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia, persistent fetal vasculature, microphthalmia,
      congenital cataracts, microcornea, corneal opacity and nystagmus. Most of these
      clinical features overlap with defects in the Norrin/beta-catenin signalling
      pathway that is characterized by dysgenesis of the retinal and hyaloid
      vasculature. Our findings document Mendelian mutations within ATOH7 and imply a
      role for this molecule in the development of structures at the front as well as
      the back of the eye. This work also provides further insights into the function
      of ATOH7, especially its importance in retinal vascular development and hyaloid
      regression.

PMID- 22068592
TI  - A submicron plasmonic dichroic splitter.
AB  - Spectral imaging and sensing techniques, new solar cell designs and wavelength
      division multiplexing in optical communication rely on structures that collect
      and sort photons by wavelength. The strong push for chip-scale integration of
      such optical components has necessitated ultracompact, planar structures, and
      fomented great interest in identifying the smallest possible devices.
      Consequently, novel micro-ring, photonic crystal and plasmonic solutions have
      emerged. Meanwhile, the optical coupling of subwavelength plasmonic structures
      supporting a very limited number of modes has also enabled new functionalities,
      including Fano resonances and structural electromagnetically-induced
      transparency. Here we show how two similarly sized subwavelength metal grooves
      can form an ultracompact submicron plasmonic dichroic splitter. Each groove
      supports just two electromagnetic modes of opposite symmetry that allows
      independent control of how a groove collects free-space photons and directs
      surface plasmon polaritons. These results show how the symmetry of
      electromagnetic modes can be exploited to build compact optical components.

PMID- 22068591
TI  - Direct stereoselective alpha-arylation of unmodified enals using an
      organocatalytic cross-coupling-like reaction.
AB  - Cross-coupling reactions typically rely on the use of transition metal catalysis.
      However, although achieving this process using metal-free organocatalysts is
      highly challenging, it could offer unique opportunities to discover novel bond
      forming strategies in organic synthesis. Here we report a new amine catalysed
      direct stereoselective C-H alpha-arylation reaction of unmodified enals with
      bromoarenes. The power of this process, which involves an unprecedented iminium
      Michael-alkylation-enamine-retro-Michael cascade sequence, has been demonstrated
      in the context of direct alpha-functionalization reactions of simple, unmodified
      enals with 4-bromophenols, 1-bromo-2-naphthol and 3-bromoindoles under mild
      reaction conditions. Notably, the process can be used for highly stereoselective
      syntheses of non-readily accessible E isomers, which normally require the use of
      transition metal-promoted cross-couplings and functionalized enals. The results
      of these studies significantly expand the scope of aminocatalysis.

PMID- 22068593
TI  - Epithelial organisation revealed by a network of cellular contacts.
AB  - The emergence of differences in the arrangement of cells is the first step
      towards the establishment of many organs. Understanding this process is limited
      by the lack of systematic characterization of epithelial organisation. Here we
      apply network theory at the scale of individual cells to uncover patterns in cell
      to-cell contacts that govern epithelial organisation. We provide an objective
      characterisation of epithelia using network representation, where cells are nodes
      and cell contacts are links. The features of individual cells, together with
      attributes of the cellular network, produce a defining signature that
      distinguishes epithelia from different organs, species, developmental stages and
      genetic conditions. The approach permits characterization, quantification and
      classification of normal and perturbed epithelia, and establishes a framework for
      understanding molecular mechanisms that underpin the architecture of complex
      tissues.

PMID- 22068594
TI  - Differentially photo-crosslinked polymers enable self-assembling microfluidics.
AB  - An important feature of naturally self-assembled systems such as leaves and
      tissues is that they are curved and have embedded fluidic channels that enable
      the transport of nutrients to, or removal of waste from, specific three
      dimensional regions. Here we report the self-assembly of photopatterned polymers,
      and consequently microfluidic devices, into curved geometries. We discover that
      differentially photo-crosslinked SU-8 films spontaneously and reversibly curve on
      film de-solvation and re-solvation. Photolithographic patterning of the SU-8
      films enables the self-assembly of cylinders, cubes and bidirectionally folded
      sheets. We integrate polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic channels with these SU-8
      films to self-assemble curved microfluidic networks.

PMID- 22068595
TI  - A guideline for atomistic design and understanding of ultrahard nanomagnets.
AB  - Magnetic nanoparticles are of immense current interest because of their possible
      use in biomedical and technological applications. Here we demonstrate that the
      large magnetic anisotropy of FePt nanoparticles can be significantly modified by
      surface design. We employ X-ray absorption spectroscopy offering an element
      specific approach to magnetocrystalline anisotropy and the orbital magnetism.
      Experimental results on oxide-free FePt nanoparticles embedded in Al are compared
      with large-scale density functional theory calculations of the geometric- and
      spin-resolved electronic structure, which only recently have become possible on
      world-leading supercomputer architectures. The combination of both approaches
      yields a more detailed understanding that may open new ways for a microscopic
      design of magnetic nanoparticles and allows us to present three rules to achieve
      desired magnetic properties. In addition, concrete suggestions of capping
      materials for FePt nanoparticles are given for tailoring both magnetocrystalline
      anisotropy and magnetic moments.

PMID- 22068596
TI  - miR-137 forms a regulatory loop with nuclear receptor TLX and LSD1 in neural stem
      cells.
AB  - miR-137 is a brain-enriched microRNA. Its role in neural development remains
      unknown. Here we show that miR-137 has an essential role in controlling embryonic
      neural stem cell fate determination. miR-137 negatively regulates cell
      proliferation and accelerates neural differentiation of embryonic neural stem
      cells. In addition, we show that the histone lysine-specific demethylase 1
      (LSD1), a transcriptional co-repressor of nuclear receptor TLX, is a downstream
      target of miR-137. In utero electroporation of miR-137 in embryonic mouse brains
      led to premature differentiation and outward migration of the transfected cells.
      Introducing a LSD1 expression vector lacking the miR-137 recognition site rescued
      miR-137-induced precocious differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TLX,
      an essential regulator of neural stem cell self-renewal, represses the expression
      of miR-137 by recruiting LSD1 to the genomic regions of miR-137. Thus, miR-137
      forms a feedback regulatory loop with TLX and LSD1 to control the dynamics
      between neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation during neural
      development.

PMID- 22068597
TI  - Malaria parasite tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase secretion triggers pro-inflammatory
      responses.
AB  - Malaria infection triggers pro-inflammatory responses in humans that are
      detrimental to host health. Parasite-induced enhancement in cytokine levels
      correlate with malaria-associated pathologies. Here we show that parasite tyrosyl
      tRNA synthetase (PfTyrRS), a housekeeping protein translation enzyme, induces pro
      inflammatory responses from host immune cells. PfTyrRS exits from the parasite
      cytoplasm into the infected red blood cell (iRBC) cytoplasm, from where it is
      released into the extracellular medium on iRBC lysis. Using its ELR peptide
      motif, PfTyrRS specifically binds to and internalizes into host macrophages,
      leading to enhanced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL
      6. PfTyrRS-macrophage interaction also augments expression of adherence-linked
      host endothelial receptors ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Our description of PfTyrRS as a
      parasite-secreted protein that triggers pro-inflammatory host responses, along
      with its atomic resolution crystal structure in complex with tyrosyl-adenylate,
      provides a novel platform for targeting PfTyrRS in anti-parasitic strategies.

PMID- 22068598
TI  - Extrasynaptic vesicle recycling in mature hippocampal neurons.
AB  - Fast neuronal signalling relies on highly regulated vesicle fusion and recycling
      at specialized presynaptic terminals. Recently, examples of non-classical
      neurotransmission have also been reported, where fusion of vesicles can occur at
      sites remote from conventional synapses. This has potentially broad biological
      implications, but the underlying mechanisms are not well established. Here we
      show that a complete vesicle recycling pathway can occur at discrete axonal sites
      in mature hippocampal neurons and that extrasynaptic fusion is a robust feature
      of native tissue. We demonstrate that laterally mobile vesicle clusters
      trafficking between synaptic terminals become transiently stabilized by evoked
      action potentials and undergo complete but delayed Ca(2+)-dependent fusion along
      axons. This fusion is associated with dynamic actin accumulation and,
      subsequently, vesicles can be locally recycled, re-acidified and re-used.
      Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural work demonstrates that extrasynaptic
      fusion sites can have apposed postsynaptic specializations, suggesting that
      mobile vesicle recycling may underlie highly dynamic neuron-neuron communication.

PMID- 22068599
TI  - Modulation of rod photoreceptor output by HCN1 channels is essential for regular
      mesopic cone vision.
AB  - Retinal photoreceptors permit visual perception over a wide range of lighting
      conditions. Rods work best in dim, and cones in bright environments, with
      considerable functional overlap at intermediate (mesopic) light levels. At many
      sites in the outer and inner retina where rod and cone signals interact, gap
      junctions, particularly those containing Connexin36, have been identified.
      However, little is known about the dynamic processes associated with the
      convergence of rod and cone system signals into ON- and OFF-pathways. Here we
      show that proper cone vision under mesopic conditions requires rapid adaptational
      feedback modulation of rod output via hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic
      nucleotide-gated channels 1. When these channels are absent, sustained rod
      responses following bright light exposure saturate the retinal network, resulting
      in a loss of downstream cone signalling. By specific genetic and pharmacological
      ablation of key signal processing components, regular cone signalling can be
      restored, thereby identifying the sites involved in functional rod-cone
      interactions.

PMID- 22068600
TI  - The plasma 5'-AMP acts as a potential upstream regulator of hyperglycemia in type
      2 diabetic mice.
AB  - Increased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) level is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
      However, the underlying molecular basis for FFA-caused hyperglycemia remains
      unclear. Here we identified plasma 5'-adenosine monophosphate (pAMP) markedly
      elevated in the plasma of type 2 diabetic mice. High levels of FFAs induced
      damage in vein endothelial cells and contributed to an increase in pAMP.
      Administration of synthetic 5'-AMP caused hyperglycemia and impaired insulin
      action in lean wild-type mice. 5'-AMP elevated blood glucose in mice deficient in
      adenosine receptors with equal efficiency as wild-type mice. The function of pAMP
      was initiated by the elevation of cellular adenosine levels, directly stimulating
      G-6-Pase enzyme activity, attenuating insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation in
      skeletal muscle, and displaying a rapid and steep increase in blood glucose and a
      decrease in hepatic glycogen level. It was followed by an increase in the gene
      expression of hepatic Foxo1 and its targeting gene Pepck and G6Pase, which was
      similar to diabetic phenotype in db/db mice. Our results suggest that pAMP is a
      potential upstream regulator of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22068602
TI  - Altered REDD1, myostatin, and Akt/mTOR/FoxO/MAPK signaling in streptozotocin
      induced diabetic muscle atrophy.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes, if poorly controlled, leads to skeletal muscle atrophy,
      decreasing the quality of life. We aimed to search highly responsive genes in
      diabetic muscle atrophy in a common diabetes model and to further characterize
      associated signaling pathways. Mice were killed 1, 3, or 5 wk after
      streptozotocin or control. Gene expression of calf muscles was analyzed using
      microarray and protein signaling with Western blotting. We identified
      translational repressor protein REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage
      responses) that increased seven- to eightfold and was associated with muscle
      atrophy in diabetes. The diabetes-induced increase in REDD1 was confirmed at the
      protein level. This result was accompanied by the increased gene expression of
      DNA damage/repair pathways and decreased expression in ATP production pathways.
      Concomitantly, increased phosphorylation of AMPK and dephosphorylation of the
      Akt/mTOR/S6K1/FoxO pathway of proteins were observed together with increased
      protein ubiquitination. These changes were especially evident during the first 3
      wk, along with the strong decrease in muscle mass. Diabetes also induced an
      increase in myostatin protein and decreased MAPK signaling. These, together with
      decreased serum insulin and increased serum glucose, remained altered throughout
      the 5-wk period. In conclusion, diabetic myopathy induced by streptozotocin led
      to alteration of multiple signaling pathways. Of those, increased REDD1 and
      myostatin together with decreased Akt/mTOR/FoxO signaling are associated with
      diabetic muscle atrophy. The increased REDD1 and decreased Akt/mTOR/FoxO
      signaling followed a similar time course and thus may be explained, in part, by
      increased expression of genes in DNA damage/repair and possibly also decrease in
      ATP-production pathways.

PMID- 22068601
TI  - Gestational-neonatal iron deficiency suppresses and iron treatment reactivates
      IGF signaling in developing rat hippocampus.
AB  - Gestational-neonatal iron deficiency, a common micronutrient deficiency affecting
      the offspring of more than 30% of pregnancies worldwide, leads to long-term
      cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Preclinical models of gestational
      neonatal iron deficiency result in reduced energy metabolism and expression of
      genes critical for neuronal plasticity and cognitive function, which are
      associated with a smaller hippocampal volume and abnormal neuronal dendrite
      growth. Because insulin-like growth factor (IGF) modulates early postnatal
      cellular growth, differentiation, and survival, we used a dietary-induced rat
      model to assess the effects of gestational iron deficiency on activity of the IGF
      system. We hypothesized that gestational iron deficiency attenuates postnatal
      hippocampal IGF signaling and results in downstream effects that contribute to
      hippocampal anatomic and functional deficits. At postnatal day (P) 15 untreated
      gestational-neonatal iron deficiency markedly suppressed hippocampal IGF
      activation and protein kinase B signaling, and reduced neurogenesis, while
      elevating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling and hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha expression. Iron treatment beginning at P7 restored IGF
      signaling, increased neurogenesis, and normalized all parameters by the end of
      rapid hippocampal differentiation (P30). Expression of the neuron-specific
      synaptogenesis marker, disc-large homolog 4 (PSD95), increased more rapidly than
      the glia-specific myelination marker, myelin basic protein, following iron
      treatment, suggesting a more robust response to iron therapy in IGF-I-dependent
      neurons than IGF-II-dependent glia. Collectively, our findings suggest that IGF
      dysfunction is in part responsible for hippocampal abnormalities in untreated
      iron deficiency. Early postnatal iron treatment of gestational iron deficiency
      reactivates the IGF system and promotes neurogenesis and differentiation in the
      hippocampus during a critical developmental period.

PMID- 22068603
TI  - Myofibrillar distribution of succinate dehydrogenase activity and lipid stores
      differs in skeletal muscle tissue of paraplegic subjects.
AB  - Lack of physical activity has been related to an increased risk of developing
      insulin resistance. This study aimed to assess the impact of chronic muscle
      deconditioning on whole body insulin sensitivity, muscle oxidative capacity, and
      intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content in subjects with paraplegia. Nine subjects
      with paraplegia and nine able-bodied, lean controls were recruited. An oral
      glucose tolerance test was performed to assess whole body insulin sensitivity.
      IMCL content was determined both in vivo and in vitro using (1)H-magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Muscle biopsy
      samples were stained for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity to measure muscle
      fiber oxidative capacity. Subcellular distributions of IMCL and SDH activity were
      determined by defining subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar areas on histological
      samples. SDH activity was 57 +/- 14% lower in muscle fibers derived from subjects
      with paraplegia when compared with controls (P < 0.05), but IMCL content and
      whole body insulin sensitivity did not differ between groups. In muscle fibers
      taken from controls, both SDH activity and IMCL content were higher in the
      subsarcolemmal region than in the intermyofibrillar area. This typical
      subcellular SDH and IMCL distribution pattern was lost in muscle fibers collected
      from subjects with paraplegia and had changed toward a more uniform distribution.
      In conclusion, the lower metabolic demand in deconditioned muscle of subjects
      with paraplegia results in a significant decline in muscle fiber oxidative
      capacity and is accompanied by changes in the subcellular distribution patterns
      of SDH activity and IMCL. However, loss of muscle activity due to paraplegia is
      not associated with substantial lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle tissue.

PMID- 22068605
TI  - Validity of particle size analysis techniques for measurement of the attrition
      that occurs during vacuum agitated powder drying of needle-shaped particles.
AB  - Analysis of needle-shaped particles of cellobiose octaacetate (COA) obtained from
      vacuum agitated drying experiments was performed using three particle size
      analysis techniques: laser diffraction (LD), focused beam reflectance
      measurements (FBRM) and dynamic image analysis. Comparative measurements were
      also made for various size fractions of granular particles of microcrystalline
      cellulose. The study demonstrated that the light scattering particle size methods
      (LD and FBRM) can be used qualitatively to study the attrition that occurs during
      drying of needle-shaped particles, however, for full quantitative analysis, image
      analysis is required. The algorithm used in analysis of LD data assumes the
      scattering particles are spherical regardless of the actual shape of the
      particles under evaluation. FBRM measures a chord length distribution (CLD)
      rather than the particle size distribution (PSD), which in the case of needles is
      weighted towards the needle width rather than their length. Dynamic image
      analysis allowed evaluation of the particles based on attributes of the needles
      such as length (e.g. the maximum Feret diameter) or width (e.g. the minimum Feret
      diameter) and as such, was the most informative of the techniques for the
      analysis of attrition that occurred during drying.

PMID- 22068604
TI  - Ghrelin-mediated sympathoinhibition and suppression of inflammation in sepsis.
AB  - Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to infection, continues to carry a high
      mortality despite advances in critical care medicine. Elevated sympathetic nerve
      activity in sepsis has been shown to contribute to early hepatocellular
      dysfunction and subsequently multiple organ failure, resulting in a poor
      prognosis, especially in the elderly. Thus, suppression of sympathetic nerve
      activity represents a novel therapeutic option for sepsis. Ghrelin is a 28-amino
      acid peptide shown to inhibit sympathetic nerve activity and inflammation in
      animal models of tissue injury. Age-related ghrelin hyporesponsiveness has also
      been shown to exacerbate sepsis. However, the mechanistic relationship between
      ghrelin-mediated sympathoinhibition and suppression of inflammation remains
      poorly understood. This review assesses the therapeutic potential of ghrelin in
      sepsis in the context of the neuroanatomical and molecular basis of ghrelin
      mediated suppression of inflammation through inhibition of central sympathetic
      outflow.

PMID- 22068606
TI  - Chemo-enzymatic syntheses of drimane-type sesquiterpenes and the fundamental core
      of hongoquercin meroterpenoid by recombinant squalene-hopene cyclase.
AB  - Squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC) converts squalene (C(30)) into pentacyclic
      triterpenes of hopene and hopanol. A linear sesquiterpene, (6E,10E)-2,6,10
      trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-triene, underwent cyclization catalyzed by SHC, affording
      the following six bicyclic sesquiterpenes (drimane skeleton) in relatively high
      yield (68%): drim-7(8)-ene, drim-8(12)-ene, drim-8(9)-ene, driman-8alpha-ol,
      driman-8beta-ol, and the novel sesquiterpene, named quasiclerodane, the skeleton
      of which is analogous to that of clerodane diterpene. To extend the scope of the
      enzymatic syntheses, acyclic sesquiterpenes to which a phenol moiety was appended
      were subjected to the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by SHC. The cyclic meroterpene
      core present in hongoquercins A and B was successfully prepared. The formation
      mechanisms of drimane-type sesquiterpenes and the cyclic meroterpene core of
      hongoquercins A and B are discussed.

PMID- 22068607
TI  - Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in patients aged 80 years
      and older: institutional results and meta-analysis.
AB  - Patients aged >=80 years are at high risk of adverse events after coronary artery
      bypass grafting. This study was performed to evaluate whether off-pump coronary
      artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) is superior to conventional surgery (CCAB) in these
      high-risk patients. The outcome of 185 patients aged >=80 years who underwent
      OPCAB or CCAB at our institution was reviewed and a meta-analysis on this issue
      was performed. Similar immediate postoperative results were observed after OPCAB
      and CCAB at our institution, despite significantly different operative risk (mean
      logistic EuroSCORE, OPCAB 20.3% vs CCAB 13.4%, P = 0.003). Among 56 propensity
      score matched pairs a trend toward lower postoperative stroke (0%, 95% CI 0-0 vs
      3.6%, 95% CI 0-10.0, P = 0.50) was observed after OPCAB. No significant
      differences were observed in the other outcome end points. Five-year survival was
      81.0% after OPCAB and 78.1% after CCAB (P = 0.239). Pooled analysis of eight
      studies including 3416 patients showed a significantly higher risk of
      postoperative stroke after CCAB (pooled rates: 4.2%, 95% confidence interval (95%
      CI) 2.4-7.1 vs 1.5%, 95% CI 0.9-2.5, risk ratio (RR) 2.15, 95% CI 1.17-3.96, P =
      0.01). A trend toward higher immediate postoperative mortality was observed after
      CCAB (15 studies including 4409 patients, pooled rates: 6.5%, 95% CI 5.2-8.0 vs
      5.6%, 95% CI 4.2-7.4, RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.86-1.93, P = 0.21). Generic inverse
      variance analysis showed similar intermediate survival after CCAB and OPCAB (RR
      1.31, 95% CI 0.85-2.01, P = 0.22). At 2 years, survival was 82.8% (95% CI 76.4
      89.2) after CCAB and 88.3% (95% CI 82.9-93.7) after OPCAB. Current results
      indicate that OPCAB compared with CCAB in patients aged >=80 years is associated
      with significantly lower postoperative stroke and with a trend toward better
      early survival. However, suboptimal quality of the available studies,
      particularly the lack of comparability of the study groups, prevents conclusive
      results on this controversial issue.

PMID- 22068608
TI  - Intra-aortic balloon pumping reduces the increased arterial load caused by acute
      cardiac depression, modifying central and peripheral load determinants in a time-
      and flow-related way.
AB  - The mechanisms that explain intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) effects are not
      completely understood, and attributing them only to pressure-associated changes
      in cardiac function would be an oversimplification. Since IABP modifies the
      aortic and systemic blood-flow pattern, flow-related effects could be expected.
      To characterize effects of acute heart failure (AHF) on the arterial
      biomechanics; IABP effects on the arterial biomechanics during AHF, and their
      potential time-dependence; the association between hemodynamics and biomechanical
      changes during AHF and IABP. Sheep (n = 6) aortic pressure, flow, and diameter
      were measured: (1) before (Basal) and (2) 1-3 (HF(1-3)) and 28-30 (HF(28-30)) min
      after starting halothane to induce AHF; and (3) at specific times (1-3, 14-15 and
      28-30 min) during IABP assistance. Calculus: aortic characteristic impedance
      (Z(c)), beta stiffness (beta), incremental (E(INC)) and pressure-strain elastic
      modulus (E(P)); total arterial compliance (C(G)), total systemic vascular
      resistance and wave propagation parameters. (1) AHF resulted in an acute increase
      in aortic and systemic stiffness (HF(28-30) % changes with respect to Basal
      conditions: beta +217%, E (P) +143%, E(INC) +101%, Z(c) +52%, C(G) -13%),
      associated with the reduction in the aortic blood flow; (2) during AHF IABP
      resulted in acute beneficial changes aortic and systemic biomechanics (% changes
      in IABP(1-3) with respect HF(28-30): beta -62%, E(P) -68%, E (INC) -66%, Z(c) 
      38%, C(G) 66%), and in wave propagation parameters, (3) IABP-related changes were
      time-dependent and associated with changes in aortic blood flow. Aortic and
      systemic biomechanical and impedance properties are detrimentally modified during
      AHF, being the changes rapidly reverted during IABP. IABP-related beneficial
      changes in arterial biomechanics were time-dependent and associated with IABP
      capability to increase blood flow.

PMID- 22068609
TI  - Multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable angina: a
      common approach? Lessons learned from the EHS PCI registry.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, procedural
      details, and outcomes of patients undergoing elective multivessel percutaneous
      coronary intervention (MV-PCI) in Europe. A total of 7113 patients with stable
      coronary artery disease and at least two major epicardial vessels with >= 70%
      stenosis were included in this analysis of the contemporary Euro Heart Survey PCI
      registry. Patients undergoing MV-PCI (n = 3376, 47.5%) were compared with those
      with single-vessel PCI (SV-PCI) (n = 3737, 52.5%). Patients with MV-PCI were more
      likely to have congestive heart failure, whereas those with SV-PCI more often
      suffered from noncardiac comorbidities. Hospital mortality (0.1% vs 0.3%) and the
      incidence of nonfatal postprocedural myocardial infarction (1.0% vs 0.7%) were
      low in patients with MV-PCI and SV-PCI. In the multivariate analysis, no
      significant difference in the incidence of hospital death (odds ratio (OR) 0.44,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-1.27) could be observed between the two groups.
      However, the risk for postprocedural myocardial infarction (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.93
      2.67) tended to be higher among patients undergoing MV-PCI. Independent
      determinants for performing MV-PCI were age, comorbidities, and coronary anatomy.
      In Europe almost half of all patients with multivessel disease were treated with
      MV-PCI. Hospital complications were low, but a trend toward a higher rate of
      postprocedural myocardial infarctions was seen in patients with MV-PCI.

PMID- 22068610
TI  - Homeostatic regulation of NCAM polysialylation is critical for correct synaptic
      targeting.
AB  - During development, axonal projections have a remarkable ability to innervate
      correct dendritic subcompartments of their target neurons and to form regular
      neuronal circuits. Altered axonal targeting with formation of synapses on
      inappropriate neurons may result in neurodevelopmental sequelae, leading to
      psychiatric disorders. Here we show that altering the expression level of the
      polysialic acid moiety, which is a developmentally regulated, posttranslational
      modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM, critically affects
      correct circuit formation. Using a chemically modified sialic acid precursor (N
      propyl-D: -mannosamine), we inhibited the polysialyltransferase ST8SiaII, the
      principal enzyme involved in polysialylation during development, at selected
      developmental time-points. This treatment altered NCAM polysialylation while NCAM
      expression was not affected. Altered polysialylation resulted in an aberrant
      mossy fiber projection that formed glutamatergic terminals on pyramidal neurons
      of the CA1 region in organotypic slice cultures and in vivo. Electrophysiological
      recordings revealed that the ectopic terminals on CA1 pyramids were functional
      and displayed characteristics of mossy fiber synapses. Moreover, ultrastructural
      examination indicated a "mossy fiber synapse"-like morphology. We thus conclude
      that homeostatic regulation of the amount of synthesized polysialic acid at
      specific developmental stages is essential for correct synaptic targeting and
      circuit formation during hippocampal development.

PMID- 22068611
TI  - The role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the regulation of pancreatic
      beta-cell mass: implications in the development of type-2 diabetes.
AB  - Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disorder that is characterized by high blood
      glucose concentration in the context of insulin resistance and/or relative
      insulin deficiency. It causes metabolic changes that lead to the damage and
      functional impairment of organs and tissues resulting in increased morbidity and
      mortality. It is this form of diabetes whose prevalence is increasing at an
      alarming rate due to the 'obesity epidemic', as obesity is a key risk factor in
      the development of insulin resistance. However, the majority of individuals who
      have insulin resistance do not develop diabetes due to a compensatory increase in
      insulin secretion in response to an increase in insulin demand. This adaptive
      response is sustained by an increase in both beta-cell function and mass.
      Importantly, there is increasing evidence that the Serine/Threonine kinase
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a key role in the regulation of beta
      cell mass and therefore likely plays a critical role in beta-cell adaptation.
      Therefore, the primary focus of this review is to summarize our current
      understanding of the role of mTOR in stimulating pancreatic beta-cell mass and
      thus, in the prevention of type-2 diabetes.

PMID- 22068612
TI  - NFkappaB and HIF display synergistic behaviour during hypoxic inflammation.
AB  - The oxygen-sensitive transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is a key
      regulator of gene expression during adaptation to hypoxia. Crucially, inflamed
      tissue often displays regions of prominent hypoxia. Recent studies have shown HIF
      signalling is intricately linked to that of the pro-inflammatory transcription
      factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) during hypoxic inflammation. We describe
      the relative temporal contributions of each to hypoxia-induced inflammatory gene
      expression and investigate the level of crosstalk between the two pathways using
      a novel Gaussia princeps luciferase (Gluc) reporter system. Under the control of
      an active promoter, Gluc is expressed and secreted into the cell culture media,
      where it can be sampled and measured over time. Thus, Gluc constructs under the
      control of either HIF or NFkappaB were used to resolve their temporal
      transcriptional dynamics in response to hypoxia and to cytokine stimuli,
      respectively. We also investigated the interactions between HIF and NFkappaB
      activities using a construct containing the sequence from the promoter of the
      inflammatory gene cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which includes functionally active
      binding sites for both HIF and NFkappaB. Finally, based on our experimental data,
      we constructed a mathematical model of the binding affinities of HIF and NFkappaB
      to their respective response elements to analyse transcriptional crosstalk. Taken
      together, these data reveal distinct temporal HIF and NFkappaB transcriptional
      activities in response to hypoxic inflammation. Furthermore, we demonstrate
      synergistic activity between these two transcription factors on the regulation of
      the COX-2 promoter, implicating a co-ordinated role for both HIF and NFkappaB in
      the expression of COX-2 in hypoxic inflammation.

PMID- 22068614
TI  - Lipid infiltration in the parotid glands: a clinical manifestation of metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical features of lipid infiltration in the parotid glands
      (LIPG) have not been studied. Monitoring of atomic-bomb survivors for late
      effects of radiation exposure has provided the opportunity to review the clinical
      findings of LIPG. METHODS: A total of 992 atomic-bomb survivors in Nagasaki,
      Japan underwent lachrymal and salivary secretion tests and anthropometric,
      biochemical, and abdominal ultrasonographic examinations between 2002 and 2004.
      Among 465 subjects who had reduced tear and/or salivary excretion, 176 subjects
      took a salivary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. RESULTS: LIPG was
      detected in 53 of the 176 subjects who had salivary MRI. LIPG cases showed a
      preponderance of females and fatty liver compared with the subjects without LIPG.
      Age-and-sex-adjusted regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, and C-reactive
      protein were higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin
      were lower, in the subjects with LIPG. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
      showed that BMI and fatty liver were mutually associated with LIPG independently
      from radiation dose. CONCLUSIONS: LIPG associated with BMI, fatty liver, and
      coronary risk factors was a clinical manifestation of metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22068615
TI  - Role of the CAG repeat polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene in polycystic
      ovary syndrome (PCOS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent heterogenic disorder
      with a familial background. Androgenic effects, determining the clinical features
      of the syndrome, are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), whose activity is
      modulated by a genetic polymorphism. We investigated the role of the CAG repeat
      polymorphism of the androgen receptor in PCOS. METHODS: In the infertility unit
      of a university clinic, 72 PCOS patients were compared with 179 ovulatory
      controls undergoing a standardized diagnostic work-up. The number of CAG repeats
      was determined by PCR, labelling with IR-800 and PAGE. X-chromosome inactivation
      was assessed by a methylation-sensitive assay. RESULTS: Compared to controls,
      PCOS patients displayed a shorter mean CAG repeat length, encoding for higher AR
      activity (P=0.001). CAG repeat length correlated inversely with oligomenorrhea, a
      central androgen dependent feature of the syndrome (P=0.005). In a binomial
      regression analysis including BMI, LH and free testosterone, CAG repeat length
      was identified as an independent risk factor for PCOS (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The
      CAG repeat polymorphism could constitute one of the genetic factors modulating
      the syndrome's phenotype, contributing to its clinical heterogeneity and
      associated metabolic consequences.

PMID- 22068613
TI  - Cycling or not cycling: cell cycle regulatory molecules and adult neurogenesis.
AB  - The adult brain most probably reaches its highest degree of plasticity with the
      lifelong generation and integration of new neurons in the hippocampus and
      olfactory system. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) residing both in the subgranular
      zone of the dentate gyrus and in the subventricular zone of the lateral
      ventricles continuously generate neurons that populate the dentate gyrus and the
      olfactory bulb, respectively. The regulation of NPC proliferation in the adult
      brain has been widely investigated in the past few years. Yet, the intrinsic cell
      cycle machinery underlying NPC proliferation remains largely unexplored. In this
      review, we discuss the cell cycle components that are involved in the regulation
      of NPC proliferation in both neurogenic areas of the adult brain.

PMID- 22068617
TI  - An Integrated Framework for Parameter-based Optimization of Scientific Workflows.
AB  - Data analysis processes in scientific applications can be expressed as coarse
      grain workflows of complex data processing operations with data flow dependencies
      between them. Performance optimization of these workflows can be viewed as a
      search for a set of optimal values in a multi-dimensional parameter space. While
      some performance parameters such as grouping of workflow components and their
      mapping to machines do not a ect the accuracy of the output, others may dictate
      trading the output quality of individual components (and of the whole workflow)
      for performance. This paper describes an integrated framework which is capable of
      supporting performance optimizations along multiple dimensions of the parameter
      space. Using two real-world applications in the spatial data analysis domain, we
      present an experimental evaluation of the proposed framework.

PMID- 22068616
TI  - Reduction of insulin signaling upregulates angiopoietin-like protein 4 through
      elevated free fatty acids in diabetic mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) is thought to cause an increase
      in serum triglyceride levels. In the present study, we elucidated Angptl4
      expression in the mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and
      investigated the possible mechanisms involved. METHODS: Type 1 diabetes was
      induced in C57BL/6 J mice by treating them with streptozotocin (STZ). Type 2
      diabetes was induced by feeding the mice a high-fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks.
      RESULTS: The levels of Angptl4 mRNA expression in liver, white adipose tissue
      (WAT), and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were found to increase in the STZ diabetic
      mice relative to control mice. This effect was attenuated by insulin
      administration. In the HFD diabetic mice, the Angptl4 mRNA expression levels were
      increased in liver, WAT, and BAT. Treatment with metformin for 4 weeks attenuated
      the increased levels of Angptl4 mRNA. Fatty acids (FAs) such as palmitate and
      linoleate induced Angptl4 mRNA expression in H4IIE hepatoma cells and 3T3-L1
      adipocytes. Treatment with insulin but not metformin attenuated FA-induced
      Angptl4 mRNA expression in H4IIE. Both insulin and metformin did not influence
      the effect of FAs in 3T3-L1 cells. CONCLUSION: These observations demonstrated
      that Angptl4 mRNA expression was increased through the elevated free FAs in
      diabetic mice.

PMID- 22068618
TI  - Stigmasterol-based novel low molecular weight/mass organic gelators.
AB  - Conjugates consisting of stigmasterol and L-phenylalanine, interconnected through
      short-chained dicarboxylic acyls by ester and amide bonds, respectively, were
      synthesized as potential low molecular weight/mass organic gelators
      (LMWGs/LMMGs). Their physico-chemical properties were subjected to investigation,
      especially their ability to form gels reversibly based on changes of the
      environmental conditions. Other self-assembly properties detectable by UV-VIS
      traces were measured in systems consisting of two miscible solvents
      (water/acetonitrile) with varying solvent ratios and using constant
      concentrations of the studied compounds. Partition and diffusion coefficients and
      solubility in water were calculated for the target conjugates. The conjugate 3a
      was the only compound from this series capable of forming a gel in 1-octanol. All
      three conjugates 3a-3c displayed supramolecular characteristics in the UV-VIS
      spectra.

PMID- 22068619
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-substituted-indolin-2-one derivatives
      containing chloropyrrole moieties.
AB  - Eighteen novel 3-substituted-indolin-2-ones containing chloropyrroles were
      synthesized and their biological activities were evaluated. The presence of a
      chlorine atom on the pyrrole ring was crucial to reduce cardiotoxicity. The
      presence of a 2-(ethyl-amino)ethylcarbamoyl group as a substituent at the C-4'
      position of the pyrrole enhanced the antitumor activities notably. IC50 values as
      low as 0.32, 0.67, 1.19 and 1.22 MUM were achieved against non-small cell lung
      cancer (A549), oral epithelial (KB), melanoma (K111) and large cell lung cancer
      cell lines (NCI-H460), respectively.

PMID- 22068620
TI  - Necessary health care and basic needs: health insurance plans and essential
      benefits.
AB  - According to HealthCare.gov, by improving access to quality health for all
      Americans, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will reduce disparities in health
      insurance coverage. One way this will happen under the provisions of the ACA is
      by creating a new health insurance marketplace (a health insurance exchange) by
      2014 in which "all people will have a choice for quality, affordable health
      insurance even if a job loss, job switch, move or illness occurs". This does not
      mean that everyone will have whatever insurance coverage he or she wants. The
      provisions of the ACA require that each of the four benefit categories of plans
      (known as bronze, silver, gold and platinum) provides no less than the benefits
      available in an "essential health benefits package". However, without a clear
      understanding of what criteria must be satisfied for health care to be essential,
      the ACA's requirement is much too vague and open to multiple, potentially
      conflicting interpretations. Indeed, without such understanding, in the rush to
      provide health insurance coverage to as many people as is economically feasible,
      we may replace one kind of disparity (lack of health insurance) with another kind
      of disparity (lack of adequate health insurance). Thus, this paper explores the
      concept of "essential benefits", arguing that the "essential health benefits
      package" in the ACA should be one that optimally satisfies the basic needs of the
      people covered. 

PMID- 22068621
TI  - Obesity is associated with lower mortality risk in elderly diabetic subjects: the
      Casale Monferrato study.
AB  - The relationship between obesity and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes has
      not been definitely assessed. We have examined this issue in a well-characterized
      population-based cohort of Mediterranean diabetic people. Standardized
      anthropometric data from the population-based Casale Monferrato Study have been
      prospectively analyzed. The cohort included 1,475 people (62.6% aged >=65 years)
      who had been recruited in 1991 and followed-up to December 31, 2006. Cox
      proportional hazards modeling was employed to estimate the independent
      associations between all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and BMI. Out of 1,475
      people, 972 deaths occurred during a 15-year follow-up. Cox regression analyses
      showed that with respect to BMI <24.2 kg/m(2), values of 30.0 kg/m(2) and over
      were associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk (HR =
      0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.85, P for trend = 0.001; HR = 0.59, 0.44-0.80, P for trend =
      0.002), independently of classical and new risk factors. As interaction between
      age and BMI was significant, we performed a stratified analysis by age, providing
      evidence that our finding was entirely due to a significant protective effect of
      BMI of 30.0 kg/m(2) and over in the elderly (all-cause mortality HR = 0.75, 95%
      CI 0.58-0.96; cardiovascular mortality HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.45-0.95). In contrast,
      obesity was not significantly associated with mortality risk in diabetic subjects
      aged <65 years. Results were confirmed even excluding from the analysis
      individuals who died within 2 years of follow-up, smokers and those with CHD. In
      Mediterranean diabetic people aged >=65 years, obesity is significantly
      associated with lower 15-year mortality risk. In contrast, it was not
      significantly associated with mortality risk in diabetic subjects aged <65 years.
      As more than two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes are elderly, our findings,
      if confirmed, could have clinical implications.

PMID- 22068622
TI  - ACP1-ADA1 interaction in type 2 diabetes: a study in coronary artery disease.

PMID- 22068623
TI  - Retinal heat shock protein 25 in early experimental diabetes.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and oxidative
      stress has been pathogenically associated with retinal neurodegeneration.
      Cellular stresses induce expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and this
      results in cytoprotection. Our aim was to assess retinal expression of HSP25 in
      early experimental diabetes. Mice were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin
      injection. Ten weeks after diabetes onset retinal HSP25 expression were studied
      by real-time PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Expression of
      nitrotyrosine and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), was assessed by IHC and
      apoptosis by TUNEL. Retinal HSP25 mRNA and protein expression was significantly
      increased in diabetic as compared to non-diabetic animals and localised
      predominantly within the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) layer. This was paralleled
      overexpression of nitrotyrosine and SOD and enhanced apoptosis. In early
      experimental diabetes, HSP25 is overexpressed in the RGC layer in parallel with
      markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis. 

PMID- 22068624
TI  - The collaborative role of molecular conformation and energetics in the binding of
      gas-phase non-covalent polymer/amine complexes.
AB  - A large series of similar non-covalent complexes were probed using ion mobility
      spectrometry, molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics (MM/MD), electrospray-tandem
      mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and RRKM theory in order to determine the effects
      of charge state and charge location upon the conformation, the 0 K activation
      energy (E(0)) and the entropy of activation (DeltaS(?)) of the dissociation of
      these complexes. The non-covalent complexes consisted of poly(methylmethacrylate)
      oligomers and singly and doubly charged diaminoalkanes of varying length. This
      allowed for control of the charge separation within the complexes, as well as the
      size of the complex. A destabilizing effect was observed in complexes containing
      protons in close proximity, and/or short oligomers. Interestingly, a multiple
      charge stabilizing effect was observed when charge sites were sufficiently
      separated and/or when the polymer moiety of the complex was large. DeltaS(?)
      values of doubly charged complexes showed a greater increase with increasing
      polymer size in comparison to singly charged complexes. This entropic observation
      is explained by structure, where IMS and MM/MD determined that the charge
      location was the determining factor of the overall conformation of these
      complexes and multiple charging resulted in more rigid arrangements. Dissociation
      of a tightly bound complex is more entropically favorable than a loosely bound
      complex. Also presented is a MM/MD refinement regime derived from IMS
      measurements.

PMID- 22068625
TI  - Arterial spin labeling of hemangioblastoma: differentiation from metastatic brain
      tumors based on quantitative blood flow measurement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hemangioblastoma and metastatic tumors are the major differential
      diagnoses for the posterior fossa tumors in adults. Our purpose was to evaluate
      the efficacy of ASL in differentiating hemangioblastomas from metastatic brain
      tumors. METHODS: A total of 19 patients including 5 with a hemangioblastomas and
      14 with metastatic tumors (7 from lung cancer, 4 from breast cancer, 1 from RCC,
      1 from gastric cancer, and 1 from unknown origin) were enrolled in this study.
      ASL was performed using a pulsed ASL method at a 3-T unit. aTBF was measured as a
      mean absolute blood flow value within a region of interest drawn in the tumor. In
      addition, rTBF was obtained by normalizing the aTBF by a blood flow measured in
      the normal-appearing cortical gray matter. The aTBF and rTBF values were compared
      between hemangioblastomas and metastatic tumors using Student's t test. RESULTS:
      Both the aTBF and rTBF values were significantly higher in hemangioblastomas
      (mean aTBF +/- SD = 437 +/- 274 mL/100 g/min, mean rTBF +/- SD = 7.96 +/- 3.12)
      in comparison with metastatic brain tumors (mean aTBF +/- SD = 125 +/- 134 mL/100
      g/min, mean rTBF +/- SD = 2.98 +/- 3.91; p < 0.05, respectively). However, a
      metastasis from RCC showed very high aTBF (559 mL/100 g/min) and rTBF (16.2).
      CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that ASL provides useful information to
      differentiate between hemangioblastomas and metastatic brain tumors. Metastasis
      from RCC may mimic hemangioblastoma on ASL blood flow measurement.

PMID- 22068626
TI  - Degradation of reactive dyes in a photocatalytic circulating-bed biofilm reactor.
AB  - Decolorization and mineralization of reactive dyes by intimately coupled TiO2
      photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) on a novel TiO2-coated biofilm carrier
      were investigated in a photocatalytic circulating-bed biofilm reactor (PCBBR).
      Two typical reactive dyes--Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 86 (RY86)-
      showed similar first-order kinetics when being photocatalytically decolorized at
      low pH (~4-5) in batch experiments. Photocatalytic decolorization was inhibited
      at neutral pH in the presence of phosphate or carbonate buffer, presumably due to
      electrostatic repulsion from negatively charged surface sites on TiO2, radical
      scavenging by phosphate or carbonate, or both. Therefore, continuous PCBBR
      experiments were carried out at a low pH (~4.5) to maintain high photocatalytic
      efficiency. In the PCBBR, photocatalysis alone with TiO2-coated carriers could
      remove target compound RB5 and COD by 97% and 47%, respectively. Addition of
      biofilm inside macroporous carriers maintained a similar RB5 removal efficiency,
      but COD removal increased to 65%, which is evidence of ICPB despite the low pH.
      ICPB was further proven by finding microorganisms inside carriers at the end of
      the PCBBR experiments. A proposed ICPB pathway for RB5 suggests that a major
      intermediate, a naphthol derivative, was responsible for most of the residual
      COD, while most of the nitrogen in the azo-bonds (-N=N-) was oxidized to N2.

PMID- 22068628
TI  - An overview of letrozole in postmenopausal women with hormone-responsive breast
      cancer.
AB  - Third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have proven to be superior to
      tamoxifen in terms of time to disease progression in patients with hormone
      receptor (HR) positive (HR+) status and, nowadays, are used in the adjuvant and
      neoadjuvant settings, and first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer.
      Letrozole is a third generation AI, as are anastrozole and exemestane. In the
      past, clinical studies had demonstrated that letrozole was effective as a second
      line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In this paper, pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic properties of letrozole are reviewed along with its activity in
      preclinical and clinical settings. Additionally, the results of important
      clinical trials such as Breast International Group (BIG) 1-98, which tested the
      optimal initial adjuvant endocrine treatment and the sequential therapy with
      letrozole and tamoxifen, MA-17 that evaluates the benefits of extended adjuvant
      therapy, and other important studies in advanced and neoadjuvant disease, are
      reviewed. Safety comparisons of treatments are also addressed. Interestingly,
      about 50% of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast
      cancers are HR+. However, HER2 positivity is a marker of antiestrogen treatment
      resistance. Because of this, a dual treatment is a logical approach when both
      receptors are overexpressed. The combination of lapatinib and letrozole leads to
      a significant improvement in the overall disease outcome. Also, the combination
      of everolimus plus letrozole has been tested in this setting. In fact, the
      coadministration of both agents seems to increase the efficacy of letrozole in
      newly-diagnosed HR+ patients. Once resistance to sequential trastuzumab and AI as
      monotherapy has been found, trastuzumab and letrozole combined in HR+ and HER2+
      patients with advanced breast cancer can overcome resistance to both drugs
      administered as single agents, according to recently reported results.

PMID- 22068629
TI  - Final report of the Amended Safety Assessment of PVM/MA copolymer and its related
      salts and esters as used in cosmetics.
AB  - Polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid (PVM/MA) copolymer, and its related salts and
      esters, are used in cosmetics, mainly as binders, film formers, and hair
      fixatives. Animal and human data relevant to the use of these ingredients in
      cosmetic products were reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel. The Panel concluded that
      these ingredients are safe for use in cosmetic products.

PMID- 22068630
TI  - Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments: 2007-2010.

PMID- 22068627
TI  - Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental tool for the study of complex
      neurological diseases: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and autism
      spectrum disorder.
AB  - The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a very well-defined and genetically
      tractable nervous system which offers an effective model to explore basic
      mechanistic pathways that might be underpin complex human neurological diseases.
      Here, the role C. elegans is playing in understanding two neurodegenerative
      conditions, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and a complex neurological
      condition, autism, is used as an exemplar of the utility of this model system. C.
      elegans is an imperfect model of Parkinson's disease because it lacks orthologues
      of the human disease-related genes PARK1 and LRRK2 which are linked to the
      autosomal dominant form of this disease. Despite this fact, the nematode is a
      good model because it allows transgenic expression of these human genes and the
      study of the impact on dopaminergic neurons in several genetic backgrounds and
      environmental conditions. For AD, C. elegans has orthologues of the amyloid
      precursor protein and both human presenilins, PS1 and PS2. In addition, many of
      the neurotoxic properties linked with Abeta amyloid and tau peptides can be
      studied in the nematode. Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental
      disorder characterised by impairments in human social interaction, difficulties
      in communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours. Establishing C.
      elegans as a model for this complex behavioural disorder is difficult; however,
      abnormalities in neuronal synaptic communication are implicated in the aetiology
      of the disorder. Numerous studies have associated autism with mutations in
      several genes involved in excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the mammalian
      brain, including neuroligin, neurexin and shank, for which there are C. elegans
      orthologues. Thus, several molecular pathways and behavioural phenotypes in C.
      elegans have been related to autism. In general, the nematode offers a series of
      advantages that combined with knowledge from other animal models and human
      research, provides a powerful complementary experimental approach for
      understanding the molecular mechanisms and underlying aetiology of complex
      neurological diseases.

PMID- 22068631
TI  - Adding to the mix: integrating ELSI into a National Nanoscale Science and
      Technology Center.
AB  - This paper describes issues associated with integrating the study of Ethical,
      Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) into ongoing scientific and technical research and
      describes an approach adopted by the authors for their own work with the center
      for nanophase materials sciences (CNMS) at the Oak Ridge national laboratory
      (ORNL). Four key questions are considered: (a) What is ELSI and how should it
      identify and address topics of interest for the CNMS? (b) What advantages accrue
      to incorporating ELSI into the CNMS? (c) How should the integration of ELSI into
      the CNMS take place? (d) How should one judge the effectiveness of the activity?
      We conclude that ELSI research is not a monolithic body of knowledge, but should
      be adapted to the question at hand. Our approach focuses on junctures in the R&D
      continuum at which key decisions occur, avoids topics of a purely ethical nature
      or advocacy, and seeks to gather data in ways that permit testing the validity of
      generalization. Integrating ELSI into the CNMS allows dealing with topics firmly
      grounded in science, offers concrete examples of potential downstream
      applications and provides access to the scientists using the CNMS and their
      insights and observations. As well, integration provides the opportunity for R&D
      managers to benefit from ELSI insights and the potential to modify R&D agendas.
      Successful integration is dependent on the particular ELSI question set that
      drives the project. In this case questions sought to identify key choices,
      information of value to scientists, institutional attributes, key attributes of
      the CNMS culture, and alternatives for communicating results. The opportunity to
      consult with scientists on ELSI implications is offered, but not promoted.
      Finally, ELSI effectiveness is judged by observing the use to which research
      products are put within the CNMS, ORNL, and the community of external scholars.

PMID- 22068632
TI  - Engagement agents in the making: on the front lines of socio-technical
      integration : commentary on: "Constructing productive engagement: pre-engagement
      tools for emerging technologies".
AB  - This commentary builds on Haico te Kulve and Arie Rip's (2011) notion of
      "engagement agents," individuals that must be able to move between multiple
      dimensions, or "levels" of research, innovation, and policy processes. The
      commentary compares and contrasts the role of the engagement agent within the
      Constructive Technology Assessment and integration approaches, and suggests that
      on-site integration research represents one way to transform both social and
      natural scientists into competent and informed "engagement agents," a new
      generation of researchers that possess the knowledge and capacities to forge
      "novel linkages" between the oftentimes disparate terrains of science, politics,
      and policy.

PMID- 22068633
TI  - Cell signalling: mTOR targets its own inhibitor.

PMID- 22068634
TI  - Evaluation of two Indian native chicken breeds for reproduction traits and
      heritability of juvenile growth traits.
AB  - The present study was conducted to evaluate two Indian native chicken breeds,
      namely, Aseel and Kadaknath for fertility, hatchability, genetic parameters of
      juvenile growth traits, and semen quality traits at the onset of sexual maturity.
      The fertility was similar in Aseel (86.96%) and Kadaknath (85.15%); however, a
      relatively higher hatchability was observed in Kadaknath (77.94%) than Aseel
      (70.74%). Heritability estimates of body weights at 4 weeks of age were almost
      similar in Aseel (0.37) and Kadaknath (0.39), while the estimate of body weight
      at 6 weeks of age was higher in Aseel (0.42) than Kadaknath (0.31). The
      heritability estimate of shank length at 6 weeks of age was lower in Aseel (0.16)
      compared to Kadaknath (0.35). The age at first egg in the flock was comparable in
      Aseel (148 days) and Kadaknath (150 days). Aseel breed with significantly (P <=
      0.001) higher body weight, absolute and relative testes weights had significantly
      higher semen volume (P <= 0.05) and sperm motility (P <= 0.01) but had lower
      seminal plasma cholesterol level (P <= 0.05) as compared to Kadaknath. It can be
      concluded that there is a scope for genetic improvement of these two native
      breeds for juvenile growth traits since heritability estimates of these traits
      were relatively high.

PMID- 22068635
TI  - Identification of Pasteurella multocida capsular types isolated from rabbits and
      other domestic animals in Mexico with respiratory diseases.
AB  - Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of pasteurellosis, a major disease
      in most domestic animals and livestock. In this study, a total of 34 isolates of
      P. multocida from rabbits and other domestic animals from Mexico with respiratory
      diseases underwent polymerase chain reaction-based capsular typing. One sheep
      isolate was found to belong to capsular serogroup D, whereas the rest of the
      rabbit, sheep, cattle, pig, goat, and duck isolates belonged to capsular
      serogroup A of P. multocida. This is the first report of capsular type A in P.
      multocida isolates from rabbits and duck origin in Mexico.

PMID- 22068637
TI  - The fiscal outcome of artificial conception in Brazil--creating citizens in
      developing countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infertility is an important health issue, but only a small fraction
      of the affected population receives treatment in Brazil, because it is not
      covered by the government or private health insurance plans. We developed a
      generational accounting-based mathematical model to assess the direct economic
      result of creating a citizen through IVF in different economic scenarios, and the
      potential economic benefit generated by the individual and his/her future
      offspring. METHODS: A mathematical model analyzes the revenues and expenses of an
      IVF-conceived individual over his lifetime. We calculated the net present value
      (NPV) of an IVF-conceived citizen, and this value corresponds to the fiscal
      contribution to the government by an individual, from birth through his predicted
      life expectancy. The calculation used discount rates of 4.0 and 7.0% to
      depreciate the money value by time. RESULTS: A 4.0% discount rate represents the
      most favorable economic scenario in Brazil, and it results in an NPV of US$ 61
      428. A 7.0% discount rate represents a less favorable economic reality, and it
      results in a debit of U$ 563, but this debt may be compensated by his/her future
      offspring. CONCLUSIONS: The fiscal contribution generated by each IVF-conceived
      citizen can justify an initial government investment in infertility treatment.
      Poor economic times in Brazil can sometimes result in a fiscal debt from each new
      IVF-conceived child, but this initial expenditure may be compensated by the
      fiscal contribution in the next generation.

PMID- 22068636
TI  - Seroprevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, Aujeszky's
      disease, and porcine parvovirus in replacement gilts in Thailand.
AB  - The present study investigated the seroprevalence of porcine reproductive and
      respiratory syndrome virus, Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), and porcine
      parvovirus (PPV) in replacement gilts from selected five swine herds in Thailand.
      The study consisted of three parts. First, a retrospective data analysis on the
      seroprevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and
      ADV glycoprotein I (gI) in gilts, sows, boars, nursery, and fattening pigs in
      five herds (n = 7,030). Second, a cross-sectional study on seroprevalence of
      PRRSV, ADV, and PPV (n = 200) in replacement gilts. Last, the seroprevalence of
      PRRSV, ADV, and PPV in gilts culled due to reproductive failure (n = 166). Across
      the herds, the seroprevalence of PRRSV and ADV was 79.3% and 5.3%, respectively.
      The cross-sectional study revealed that 87.5%, 4.0%, and 99.0% of the replacement
      gilts were infected with PRRSV, ADV, and PPV, respectively. In the gilts culled
      due to reproductive failure, the seroprevalence of PRRSV, ADV, and PPV was 73.5%,
      28.3%, and 86.0%, respectively. Of these culled gilts, 75.5% had been infected
      with at least two viruses and 18.9% had been infected with all three viruses. It
      could be concluded that most of the replacement gilts were exposed to PRRSV
      (84%), PPV (97%), and ADV (4%) before entering the breeding house. PPV was an
      enzootic disease among the selected herds. The prevalence of ADV was higher in
      gilts culled due to reproductive disturbance than in the healthy gilts.

PMID- 22068638
TI  - Non-invasive metabolomic profiling of Day 2 and 5 embryo culture medium: a
      prospective randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a technology proposed to
      facilitate non-invasive screening for the most optimal human embryo for uterine
      transfer. It has been proposed that the NIR spectral profile of an embryo's spent
      culture medium can be used to generate a viability score that correlates to
      implantation potential. As the initial proof of principle studies were all
      retrospective, our aim was to investigate whether NIR spectroscopy on spent
      embryo culture medium in an on-site, prospective setting could improve the
      ongoing single embryo transfer (SET) pregnancy rate after Day 2 and 5 transfers.
      METHODS: We conducted a single-centre, double-blinded, randomized controlled
      trial in which the NIR group was compared with a control group. The primary
      outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate after 6-7 weeks of gestation per
      randomized patient. In the control group embryo selection was based only on
      traditional morphological evaluation while in the treatment group NIR
      spectroscopy was added to the morphological evaluation. RESULTS: The study was
      terminated early as the analysis of the Data Safety Monitoring Board showed a
      very low conditional power of superiority for the primary outcome. Of the 752
      patients calculated to be included in the study, 164 and 163 patients were
      randomized into the NIR and control groups, respectively. No significant
      difference in the ongoing pregnancy rate per randomized patient was found between
      the NIR and the control group, 34.8 versus 35.6%, (P= 0.97). The proportional
      difference between the study groups mean was -0.8% (95% confidence interval -11.4
      to 10.2). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that adding NIR spectroscopy, in its
      present form, to embryo morphology does not improve the chance of a viable
      pregnancy when performing SET. The NIR technology appears to need further
      development before it can be used as an objective marker of embryo viability.
      CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER: ISRCTN23817363.

PMID- 22068639
TI  - Integrated ecological risk assessment of pesticides in tropical ecosystems: a
      case study with carbofuran in Brazil.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to contribute an ecologically relevant assessment
      of the ecotoxicological effects of pesticide applications in agricultural areas
      in the tropics, using an integrated approach with information gathered from soil
      and aquatic compartments. Carbofuran, an insecticide/nematicide used widely on
      sugarcane crops, was selected as a model substance. To evaluate the toxic effects
      of pesticide spraying for soil biota, as well as the potential indirect effects
      on aquatic biota resulting from surface runoff and/or leaching, field and
      laboratory (using a cost-effective simulator of pesticide applications) trials
      were performed. Standard ecotoxicological tests were performed with soil (Eisenia
      andrei, Folsomia candida, and Enchytraeus crypticus) and aquatic (Ceriodaphnia
      silvestrii) organisms, using serial dilutions of soil, eluate, leachate, and
      runoff samples. Among soil organisms, sensitivity was found to be E. crypticus <
      E. andrei < F. candida. Among the aqueous extracts, mortality of C. silvestrii
      was extreme in runoff samples, whereas eluates were by far the least toxic
      samples. A generally higher toxicity was found in the bioassays performed with
      samples from the field trial, indicating the need for improvements in the
      laboratory simulator. However, the tool developed proved to be valuable in
      evaluating the toxic effects of pesticide spraying in soils and the potential
      risks for aquatic compartments.

PMID- 22068640
TI  - Targeting GSTP1-1 induces JNK activation and leads to apoptosis in cisplatin
      sensitive and -resistant human osteosarcoma cell lines.
AB  - The effect of the glutathione transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1) targeting has been
      investigated in both sensitive (U-2OS) and cisplatin-resistant (U-2OS/CDDP4 MUg)
      human osteosarcoma cell lines. Despite the different enzyme's content, inhibition
      of GSTP1-1 by 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX) causes the
      activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and apoptosis in both cell lines.
      However, different time courses of JNK activation and cell responses are
      observed. Whereas in the U-2OS/CDDP4 MUg cell line drug treatment results in an
      early increase of caspase activity and secondary necrosis, in the U-2OS cells it
      mainly causes an early cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. In order to
      elucidate the action mechanism of NBDHEX we performed a proteomic investigation
      by label-free nLC-MS(E). The high-throughput analysis associated with a
      bioinformatic tool suggested the involvement of the TNF receptor associated
      factor (TRAF) family in the cellular response to the drug treatment. We report
      experimental evidence of the interaction between GSTP1-1 and TRAF2 and we
      demonstrate that NBDHEX is able to dissociate the GSTP1-1 : TRAF2 complex. This
      restores the TRAF2 : ASK1 signaling, thereby leading to the simultaneous and
      prolonged activation of JNK and p38. These mitogen-activated protein kinases
      (MAPKs) mediate different effects: JNK is crucial for apoptosis, whereas p38
      causes an increase in the p21 level and a concomitant cell cycle arrest. Our
      study shows that GSTP1-1 plays an important regulatory role in TRAF signaling of
      osteosarcoma and discloses new features of the action mechanism of NBDHEX that
      suggest potentially practical consequences of these findings.

PMID- 22068641
TI  - Mono thiomalonates as thioester enolate equivalents--enantioselective 1,4
      addition reactions to nitroolefins under mild conditions.
AB  - Mono thiomalonates (MTMs) are introduced as thioester enolate equivalents.
      Asymmetric organocatalyzed conjugate addition reactions to nitroolefins proceed
      under mild conditions to afford synthetically useful gamma-nitrothioesters with
      excellent yields and enantioselectivities.

PMID- 22068642
TI  - Craniofacial reconstruction as a treatment for elevated intracranial pressure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Craniofacial procedures may be needed to address symptomatic
      intracranial hypertension. The authors review their institutional experience in
      the treatment of children with symptomatic increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
      utilizing craniofacial reconstructive procedures. METHODS: The senior authors'
      (HSM, SRC) craniofacial experience of 222 patients over a 7-year period from 2000
      to 2007 at a single institution (Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego) is
      reviewed. Seventeen patients were identified who were felt to be candidates for
      craniofacial surgery with symptomatic increased ICP. RESULTS: Patient diagnoses
      included single-suture craniosynostosis, craniofacial dysostoses, shunt-induced
      craniostenosis, and shunt-associated intracranial hypertension (slit-ventricle
      syndrome). Seventeen patients underwent 21 craniofacial procedures. Age at
      surgery ranged from 3 months to 13 years with a mean of 5 years. Preoperative
      symptoms and signs included headaches, unexplained irritability, seizures,
      papilledema, and visual loss. All patients had diagnostic neuroimaging. Seven
      patients had preoperative invasive ICP measurements. Surgery was deferred on
      three of these patients based on these measurements. The mean total operative
      (including anesthetic preparation) and surgical times were 3 h 12 min and 2 h 20
      min, respectively. Percentage operative blood loss averaged 11.3%. In six
      procedures, no transfusions were required. Average hospital stay was 4 days.
      There was no perioperative mortality or significant surgery associated morbidity.
      All patients have had postoperative clinical improvement in signs and symptoms of
      increased ICP. CONCLUSIONS: Using modern diagnostic and surgical techniques,
      including invasive ICP monitoring, increased intracranial pressure can be
      successfully managed by an experienced, multidisciplinary, craniofacial team. Our
      treatment paradigm and operative management scheme is discussed.

PMID- 22068643
TI  - Eosinophilic enteritis presenting as a perforated duodenal     ulcer.

PMID- 22068644
TI  - Massive mucinous discharge from a fistula caused by intraductal     papillary
      mucinous neoplasm diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound.

PMID- 22068645
TI  - A case of propofol dependence after repeated use for endoscopy.

PMID- 22068646
TI  - Pancreatic cystic neoplasm presenting as a large gastric ulcer.

PMID- 22068647
TI  - Coil migration into the common bile duct after embolization of a     hepatic
      artery pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 22068648
TI  - Endoscopic sphincterotomy using a stabilizer-attached     sphincterotome in
      Billroth II anatomy.

PMID- 22068649
TI  - Arytenoid dislocation following upper gastrointestinal     endoscopy.

PMID- 22068650
TI  - Gastroparesis following endoscopic submucosal dissection for early     gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 22068651
TI  - Endoscopic retrieval of a migrated stent after endoscopic     ultrasound-guided
      choledochoduodenostomy.

PMID- 22068652
TI  - Endoscopic removal of a gastric bezoar consisting of self-expanding     spray
      foam used for insulating window frames.

PMID- 22068653
TI  - Nodal metastasis after successful endoscopic submucosal dissection     for
      colorectal mucosal cancer.

PMID- 22068654
TI  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression in human cancers: clinical and immunologic
      perspectives.
AB  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme with immune
      regulating activities in many contexts, such as fetal protection, allograft
      protection, and cancer progression. Clinical trials are currently evaluating IDO
      inhibition with 1-methyltryptophan in cancer immunotherapy. However, the exact
      role of tryptophan catabolism by IDO in human cancers remains poorly understood.
      Here, we review several studies that correlate IDO expression in human cancer
      samples and tumor-draining lymph nodes, with relevant clinical or immunologic
      parameters. IDO expression in various histologic cancer types seems to decrease
      tumor infiltration of immune cells and to increase the proportion of regulatory T
      lymphocytes in the infiltrate. The impact of IDO on different immune cell
      infiltration leads to the conclusion that IDO negatively regulates the
      recruitment of antitumor immune cells. In addition, increased IDO expression
      correlates with diverse tumor progression parameters and shorter patient
      survival. In summary, in the vast majority of the reported studies, IDO
      expression is correlated with a less favorable prognosis. As we may see results
      from the first clinical trials with 1-methyltryptophan in years to come, this
      review brings together IDO studies from human studies and aims to help appreciate
      outcomes from current and future trials. Consequently, IDO inhibition seems a
      promising approach for cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 22068655
TI  - MAGE: the spell is broken.
AB  - The success of immunotherapy in Hodgkin lymphoma is hampered partly by limited
      expression of tumor-specific antigens in the malignant cells. One strategy to
      increase tumor immunogenicity may be to enhance the expression of Hodgkin
      lymphoma-specific antigens such as MAGE-A4 using epigenetic-modifying drugs in
      combination with cancer testis antigen-specific immunotherapy.

PMID- 22068656
TI  - A pilot study of MUC-1/CEA/TRICOM poxviral-based vaccine in patients with
      metastatic breast and ovarian cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: PANVAC is a recombinant poxviral vaccine that contains transgenes for
      MUC-1, CEA, and 3 T-cell costimulatory molecules. This study was conducted to
      obtain preliminary evidence of clinical response in metastatic breast and ovarian
      cancer patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Twenty-six patients were enrolled and given
      monthly vaccinations. Clinical and immune outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: These
      patients were heavily pretreated, with 21 of 26 patients having 3 or more prior
      chemotherapy regimens. Side effects were largely limited to mild injection-site
      reactions. For the 12 breast cancer patients enrolled, median time to progression
      was 2.5 months (1-37+) and median overall survival was 13.7 months. Four patients
      had stable disease. One patient had a complete response by RECIST and remained on
      study for 37 months or more, with a significant drop in serum interleukin (IL)-6
      and IL-8 by day 71. Another patient with metastatic disease confined to the
      mediastinum had a 17% reduction in mediastinal mass and was on study for 10
      months. Patients with stable or responding disease had fewer prior therapies and
      lower tumor marker levels than patients with no evidence of response. For the
      ovarian cancer patients (n = 14), the median time to progression was 2 months (1
      6) and median overall survival was 15.0 months. Updated data are presented here
      for one patient treated with this vaccine in a previous trial, with a time to
      progression of 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients who had limited tumor burden
      with minimal prior chemotherapy seemed to benefit from the vaccine. Further
      studies to confirm these results are warranted.

PMID- 22068657
TI  - Tumor-derived autophagosome vaccine: mechanism of cross-presentation and
      therapeutic efficacy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We previously reported that autophagy in tumor cells plays a critical
      role in cross-presentation of tumor antigens and that autophagosomes are
      efficient antigen carriers for cross-priming of tumor-reactive CD8(+) T cells.
      Here, we sought to characterize further the autophagosome-enriched vaccine named
      DRibble (DRiPs-containing blebs), which is derived from tumor cells after
      inhibition of protein degradation, and to provide insights into the mechanisms
      responsible for their efficacy as a novel cancer immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: DRibbles were characterized by Western blot and light or transmission
      electron microscopy. The efficiency of cross-presentation mediated by DRibbles
      was first compared with that of whole-tumor cells and pure proteins. The
      mechanisms of antigen cross-presentation by DRibbles were analyzed, and the
      antitumor efficacy of the DRibble vaccine was tested in 3LL Lewis lung tumors and
      B16F10 melanoma. RESULTS: The DRibbles sequester both long-lived and short-lived
      proteins, including defective ribosomal products (DRiP), and damage-associated
      molecular pattern molecules exemplified by HSP90, HSP94, calreticulin, and HMGB1.
      DRibbles express ligands for CLEC9A, a newly described C-type lectin receptor
      expressed by a subset of conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC), and
      cross-presentation was partially CLEC9A dependent. Furthermore, this autophagy
      assisted antigen cross-presentation pathway involved both caveolae- and clathrin
      mediated endocytosis and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation machinery.
      It depends on proteasome and TAP1, but not lysosome functions of antigen
      presenting cells. Importantly, DCs loaded with autophagosome-enriched DRibbles
      can eradicate 3LL Lewis lung tumors and significantly delay the growth of B16F10
      melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: These data documented the unique characteristics and
      potent antitumor efficacy of the autophagosome-based DRibble vaccine. The
      efficacy of DRibble cancer vaccine will be further tested in clinical trials.

PMID- 22068658
TI  - Two distinct routes to oral cancer differing in genome instability and risk for
      cervical node metastasis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Problems in management of oral cancers or precancers include
      identification of patients at risk for metastasis, tumor recurrence, and second
      primary tumors or risk for progression of precancers (dysplasia) to cancer. Thus,
      the objective of this study was to clarify the role of genomic aberrations in
      oral cancer progression and metastasis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The spectrum of copy
      number alterations in oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) was
      determined by array comparative genomic hybridization. Associations with clinical
      characteristics were studied and results confirmed in an independent cohort.
      RESULTS: The presence of one or more of the chromosomal aberrations +3q24-qter, 
      8pter-p23.1, +8q12-q24.2, and +20 distinguishes a major subgroup (70%-80% of
      lesions, termed 3q8pq20 subtype) from the remainder (20%-30% of lesions, non
      3q8pq20). The 3q8pq20 subtype is associated with chromosomal instability and
      differential methylation in the most chromosomally unstable tumors. The two
      subtypes differ significantly in clinical outcome with risk for cervical (neck)
      lymph node metastasis almost exclusively associated with the 3q8pq20 subtype in
      two independent oral SCC cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Two subtypes of oral lesions
      indicative of at least two pathways for oral cancer development were
      distinguished that differ in chromosomal instability and risk for metastasis,
      suggesting that +3q,-8p, +8q, and +20 constitute a biomarker with clinical
      utility for identifying patients at risk for metastasis. Moreover, although
      increased numbers of genomic alterations can be harbingers of progression to
      cancer, dysplastic lesions lacking copy number changes cannot be considered
      benign as they are potential precursors to non-3q8pq20 locally invasive, yet not
      metastatic oral SCC.

PMID- 22068659
TI  - CPTH6, a thiazole derivative, induces histone hypoacetylation and apoptosis in
      human leukemia cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: We previously identified novel thiazole derivatives able to reduce
      histone acetylation and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in yeast. Among
      these compounds, 3-methylcyclopentylidene-[4-(4'-chlorophenyl)thiazol-2
      yl]hydrazone (CPTH6) has been selected and used throughout this study.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The effect of CPTH6 on histone acetylation, cell viability
      and differentiation, cell-cycle distribution, and apoptosis in a panel of acute
      myeloid leukemia and solid tumor cell lines has been evaluated. RESULTS: Here, we
      showed that CPTH6 leads to an inhibition of Gcn5 and pCAF HAT activity. Moreover,
      it inhibits H3/H4 histones and alpha-tubulin acetylation of a panel of leukemia
      cell lines. Concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability,
      paralleled by accumulation of cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase and depletion from the
      S/G(2)M phases, was observed. The role of mitochondrial pathway on CPTH6-induced
      apoptosis was shown, being a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and the
      release of cytochrome c, from mitochondria to cytosol, induced by CPTH6. Also the
      involvement of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL on CPTH6-induced apoptosis was found after
      overexpression of the two proteins in leukemia cells. Solid tumor cell lines from
      several origins were shown to be differently sensitive to CPTH6 treatment in
      terms of cell viability, and a correlation between the inhibitory efficacy on
      H3/H4 histones acetylation and cytotoxicity was found. Differentiating effect on
      leukemia and neuroblastoma cell lines was also induced by CPTH6. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results make CPTH6 a suitable tool for discovery of molecular targets of
      HAT and, potentially, for the development of new anticancer therapies, which
      warrants further investigations.

PMID- 22068660
TI  - Synergistic antitumor activity of anti-CD25 recombinant immunotoxin LMB-2 with
      chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although anti-CD25 recombinant immunotoxin LMB-2 is effective against
      CD25(+) hairy cell leukemia, activity against more aggressive diseases such as
      adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is limited by rapid disease progression between
      treatment cycles. Our goal was to determine in vivo whether rapid growth of
      CD25(+) tumor is associated with high levels of tumor interstitial soluble CD25
      (sCD25) and whether chemotherapy can reduce tumor sCD25 and synergize with LMB-2.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Tumor xenografts expressing human CD25 were grown in mice,
      which were then treated with LMB-2 and chemotherapy either alone or in
      combination, and sCD25 level and antitumor activity were measured. RESULTS:
      CD25(+) human xenografts growing rapidly in nude mice had intratumoral sCD25 at
      levels that were between 21- and 2,200 (median 118)-fold higher than in serum,
      indicating that interstitial sCD25 interacts with LMB-2 in tumors. Intratumoral
      sCD25 levels were in the range 21 to 157 (median 54) ng/mL without treatment and
      0.95 to 6.1 (median 2.6) ng/mL (P < 0.0001) 1 day after gemcitabine
      administration. CD25(+) xenografts that were too large to regress with LMB-2
      alone were minimally responsive to gemcitabine alone but completely regressed
      with the combination. Ex vivo, different ratios of gemcitabine and LMB-2 were
      cytotoxic to the CD25(+) tumor cells in an additive, but not synergistic, manner.
      CONCLUSIONS: Gemcitabine is synergistic with LMB-2 in vivo unrelated to improved
      cytotoxicity. Synergism, therefore, appears to be related to improved
      distribution of LMB-2 to CD25(+) tumors, and is preceded by decreased sCD25
      within the tumor because of chemotherapy. To test the concept of combined
      treatment clinically, patients with relapsed/refractory ATL are being treated
      with fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide before LMB-2.

PMID- 22068662
TI  - Facile synthesis of hierarchical core-shell Fe3O4@MgAl-LDH@Au as magnetically
      recyclable catalysts for catalytic oxidation of alcohols.
AB  - A novel core-shell structural Fe(3)O(4)@MgAl-LDH@Au nanocatalyst was simply
      synthesized via supporting Au nanoparticles on the MgAl-LDH surface of
      Fe(3)O(4)@MgAl-LDH nanospheres. The catalyst exhibited excellent activity for the
      oxidation of 1-phenylethanol, and can be effectively recovered by using an
      external magnetic field.

PMID- 22068661
TI  - Modeling the transcriptional consequences of epidermal growth factor receptor
      ablation in Ras-initiated squamous cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy is in clinical
      use to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and other cancers of
      lining epithelium. RAS mutations in these tumors are a negative prognostic factor
      for response, and skin inflammation is an adverse reaction to therapy. We
      investigated transcriptional and biochemical changes that could account for the
      confounding effects of RAS activation and inflammation in a squamous tissue.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We carried out gene expression profiling on oncogenic Ras
      transformed and wild-type mouse and human keratinocytes with EGFR ablated
      chronically by genetic deletion or acutely by drug treatment and followed leads
      provided by pathway analysis with biochemical studies. RESULTS: We identified a
      25-gene signature specific to the Ras-EGFR ablation interaction and a distinct 19
      gene EGFR ablation signature on normal keratinocytes. EGFR ablation in the
      context of wild-type Ras reduces ontologies favoring cell-cycle control and
      transcription, whereas oncogenic Ras enriches ontologies for ion channels and
      membrane transporters, particularly focused on calcium homeostasis. Ontologies
      between chronic EGFR ablation and acute pharmacologic ablation were unique, both
      with and without Ras activation. p38alpha is activated in response to abrogation
      of EGFR signaling under conditions of Ras activation in both mouse and human
      keratinocytes and in RAS-transformed tumor orthografts of EGFR-ablated mouse
      keratinocytes. EGFR ablation in the absence of oncogenic Ras revealed Erk and
      interleukin-1beta-related pathways. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal
      unrecognized interactions between Ras and EGFR signaling in squamous tumor cells
      that could influence the therapeutic response to EGFR ablation therapy.

PMID- 22068663
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy and narrow band
      imaging for small colorectal polyps: a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) allows real-time in
      vivo microscopic imaging of tissue. Narrow band imaging (NBI) can also classify
      colorectal lesions. Both systems may allow accurate optical diagnosis of small (6
      9 mm) and diminutive (1-5 mm) polyps without histopathology. This study assesses
      the accuracy of pCLE and NBI for prediction of histology. METHODS: Participants
      underwent high-definition colonoscopy. The surface pit pattern of all polyps (1-9
      mm) was determined in vivo using NBI. Confocal videos were obtained after
      administration of IV fluorescein. Recorded videos were subsequently analyzed
      offline, blinded to endoscopic characteristics, and histopathology. Confocal
      images were classified as neoplastic and non-neoplastic according to the Miami
      classification system. RESULTS: A total of 130 polyps (58 neoplastic, 72 non
      neoplastic, mean size 4.6 mm) from 65 patients were assessed. Assuming
      histopathology as gold standard, pCLE had higher sensitivity than NBI (86% vs.
      64%, P=0.008), with lower specificity (78% vs. 92%, p=0.027) and similar overall
      accuracy (82% vs. 79%, P=0.59). When 65 high-confidence cases were analyzed
      (polyps diagnosed identically with pCLE and NBI and with high-quality confocal
      videos), sensitivity and specificity were 94 and 97%. CONCLUSIONS: pCLE
      demonstrated higher sensitivity in predicting histology of small polyps compared
      with NBI, whereas NBI had higher specificity. When used in combination, the
      accuracy of pCLE and NBI was extremely high, approaching the accuracy of
      histopathology. Together, they may reduce the need for histological examination.
      However, further studies are warranted to evaluate the role of these techniques,
      especially in the population-based colon cancer screening.

PMID- 22068664
TI  - IBS patients show frequent fluctuations between loose/watery and hard/lumpy
      stools: implications for treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine how variable stool
      consistency is in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to assess the
      relationship between stool consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS:
      Individuals with a physician diagnosis of IBS were recruited by advertisement.
      Enrollment questionnaires included the Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire and IBS
      Symptom Severity Scale. Then, 185 patients meeting the Rome criteria for IBS
      rated the consistency (using the Bristol Stool Scale) of each bowel movement (BM)
      for 90 days and whether the BM was accompanied by pain, urgency, or soiling. Each
      night, they transferred BM ratings from a paper diary to an internet form and
      also reported the average daily intensity of abdominal pain, bloating, bowel
      habit dissatisfaction, and life interference of bowel symptoms. Only the longest
      sequence of consecutive days of diary data was used in the analysis (average of
      73 days). RESULTS: Patients were 89% females with average age 36.6 years. Among
      the patients, 78% had both loose/watery and hard/lumpy stools; the average was
      three fluctuations between these extremes per month. The proportion of
      loose/watery stools correlated r=0.78 between the first and second months and the
      proportion of hard/lumpy stools correlated r=0.85 between months. Loose/watery
      stools were associated with more BM-related pain, urgency, and soiling than
      hard/lumpy or normal stools; however, IBS-C patients had significantly more BM
      unrelated abdominal pain, bloating, dissatisfaction with bowel habits, and life
      interference than IBS-D patients. Questionnaires overestimated the frequency of
      abnormal stool consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms compared with diaries.
      CONCLUSIONS: Stool consistency varies greatly within individuals. However, stool
      patterns are stable within an individual from month to month. The paradoxical
      findings of greater symptom severity after individual loose/watery BMs vs.
      greater overall symptom severity in IBS-C implies different physiological
      mechanisms for symptoms in constipation compared with diarrhea. Daily symptom
      monitoring is more sensitive and reliable than a questionnaire.

PMID- 22068665
TI  - Peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: a prospective single
      center study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic balloon dilatation and laparoscopic myotomy are
      established treatments for achalasia. Recently, a new endoscopic technique for
      complete myotomy was described. Herein, we report the results of the first
      prospective trial of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in Europe. METHODS: POEM
      was performed under general anesthesia in 16 patients (male:female (12:4), mean
      age 45 years, range 26-76). The primary outcome was symptom relief at 3 months,
      defined as an Eckhard score <=3. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related
      adverse events, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure on manometry, reflux
      symptoms, and medication use before and after POEM. RESULTS: A 3-month follow-up
      was completed for all patients. Treatment success (Eckhard score <=3) was
      achieved in 94% of cases (mean score pre- vs. post-treatment (8.8 vs. 1.4);
      P<0.001). Mean LES pressure was 27.2 mm Hg pre-treatment and 11.8 mm Hg post
      treatment (P<0.001). No patient developed symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux
      after treatment, but one patient was found to have an erosive lesion (LA grade A)
      on follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy. No patient required medication with
      proton pump inhibitors or antacids after POEM. CONCLUSIONS: POEM is a promising
      new treatment for achalasia resulting in short-term symptom relief in >90% of
      cases. Studies evaluating long-term efficacy and comparing POEM with established
      treatments have been initiated.

PMID- 22068666
TI  - The spectrum of sclerosing cholangitis and the relevance of IgG4 elevations in
      routine practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidance
      recommends measurement of IgG4 in patients with sclerosing cholangitis (SC). The
      objective of this study was to evaluate this by analyzing our SC practice.
      METHODS: Characteristics were collected on 168 patients with radiological or
      biopsy proven SC; IgG4 was measured and magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography studies were reviewed. RESULTS: In all, 49% of patients
      were females and 55% had inflammatory bowel disease. Large duct disease was
      present in 63%, small duct disease in 8%, overlap with AIH in 11%, and secondary
      SC in 18%. Secondary etiologies included autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) (8%),
      intra-hepatic cholelithiasis (3%), portal vein thrombosis (2%), and neonatal
      Kasai (2%). In all, 101 patients had sufficient radiology and serology for re
      evaluation. IgG4 was elevated (>104 mg/dl) in 22% of patients. This was
      associated with male gender (73%; P=0.016), a past history of pancreatitis (27%
      vs. 5%; P=0.007), a higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) value, median 338.5 U/l vs.
      160 (P=0.005), and a higher primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) Mayo risk score,
      mean 0.6 vs. -0.2 (P=0.0008). Prior biliary intervention was more likely (36 vs.
      13%; P=0.023), while abnormal pancreatic imaging was noted in 15%, more
      frequently if IgG4 was elevated (40 vs. 8%; P=0.0007). After excluding those with
      pancreatic disease on magnetic resonance imaging, 14 patients had elevated IgG4.
      This group had higher ALP 379 U/l vs. 155.5 (P=0.0006), aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST) 72.5 U/l vs. 34 (P=0.0005), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
      90.5 U/l vs. 36 (P=0.004), and PSC Mayo risk score values 0.4 vs. -0.2 (P=0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: SC is a heterogeneous liver injury. IgG4 testing may be clinically
      important in all patients, since it appears to identify a distinct patient
      population, more so than just those with AIP.

PMID- 22068667
TI  - The extract of Cordyceps sinensis inhibited airway inflammation by blocking NF
      kappaB activity.
AB  - Aiming the extract of Cordyceps sinensis significantly inhibits airway
      inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and the infiltration of eosinophils in
      the airway of rats and may be related to the modulation of T helper (Th)1 and Th2
      cells functions. The mechanisms of C. sinensis involved in modulation of
      suppression inflammation are not yet determined. In this study, the mechanism
      involved in the extract of C. sinensis-C.S.3-modulated suppression of
      inflammation was investigated in vivo and in vitro systems. The results showed
      that C.S.3 reduced airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced allergic mice.
      Furthermore, we found C.S.3 could decrease extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      1/2 signaling pathway to suppress activity of nuclear factor-kappaB in lung cells
      and cultured airway smooth muscle cells. Conclusion C.S.3 may provide clinical
      applications for asthma in the future.

PMID- 22068668
TI  - Static and Dynamic Electrocardiographic Patterns Preceding Torsades de Pointes in
      the Acquired and Congenital Long QT Syndrome.
AB  - The arrhythmogenic mechanisms involved in the triggering of the polymorphic
      ventricular tachycardia called torsades de pointes (TdPs) remains to be
      elucidated. In this work, we investigated the static and dynamic profiles of the
      repolarization interval from the surface electrocardiogram recorded in healthy
      individuals and in cardiac patients with TdPs. We implemented this analysis just
      prior to the arrhythmia onset and we computed the delta values based on baseline
      periods (1 hour prior to event). We measured QT/QTc prolongation, QT variability,
      ventricular ectopic beats (VPBs) frequency, T-wave amplitude, T-peak to T-end
      interval, and T-wave complexcity. The analysis of these parameters in reference
      to baseline revealed 1) an increased QTc variability, 2) the presence of VPCs,
      and 3) the profound changes in T-loop morphology in patients developing TdPs.

PMID- 22068669
TI  - Surgical repair for rupture of a chronic traumatic thoracic aneurysm 14 years
      after injury: report of a case.
AB  - Traumatic thoracic aortic injury is a lethal condition. Because its mortality
      rate is extremely high in the acute phase, these patients rarely survive long
      enough for a chronic aneurysm to develop. We herein report a case of surgical
      repair for a ruptured chronic traumatic thoracic aneurysm. A 32-year-old man, who
      had been involved in a traffic accident 14 years earlier, was diagnosed with a
      rupture of a chronic traumatic thoracic aneurysm. Preoperative computed
      tomography showed that the ruptured aneurysm arose from the aortic isthmus and
      was accompanied by multiple daughter lesions. He underwent an aorta graft
      replacement with reconstruction of the left subclavian artery using both a median
      sternotomy and a left thoracotomy. The surgery was successful and the
      postoperative course was uneventful. Chronic traumatic thoracic aneurysm is
      usually a single lesion, and cases with daughter aneurysms have rarely been
      reported. We include a review of the previous literature and also discuss the
      etiology of this condition.

PMID- 22068670
TI  - Clinical evaluation of leukocyte filtration as an alternative anti-inflammatory
      strategy to aprotinin in high-risk patients undergoing coronary
      revascularization.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of aprotinin in cardiac surgery is associated with overriding
      safety concerns. Therefore, there is increased research on alternatives. This
      study investigated the relative benefits of strategic leukofiltration on polymer
      coated extracorporeal circuits (ECC), aprotinin, and combined therapy in high
      risk patients. METHODS: Eight hundred and seventy-five patients (EuroSCORE 6+)
      undergoing coronary revascularization over a 4-year period were prospectively
      randomized to one of four perfusion protocols: Group 1: polymethoxyethylacrylate
      (PMEA)-coated circuits + leukocyte filters (n = 214); Group 2: uncoated ECC +
      full Hammersmith aprotinin (n = 212); Group 3: PMEA-coated ECC + leukofilters +
      full Hammersmith aprotinin (n = 199); and Group 4: control-no treatment (n =
      250). Blood samples were collected at times T1: following the induction of
      anesthesia; T2: following heparin administration; T3: 15 min after
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); T4: before cessation of CPB; T5: 15 min after
      protamine reversal; and T6: in the intensive care unit. RESULTS: The serum
      interleukin-2 levels were significantly lower at T3, T4, and T5 in all study
      groups. C3a levels were significantly lower at T3. Creatine kinase MB and lactate
      levels demonstrated well-preserved myocardia in both leukofiltration groups (P <
      0.05). Neutrophil CD11b/CD18 levels were significantly lower for all study
      groups. Postoperative bleeding and respiratory support time were lower in all
      study groups. CONCLUSION: Leukofiltration on coated circuits significantly
      reduced bleeding and inflammatory response related to CPB with no adverse
      effects, and may be a possible alternative to pharmacological intervention.

PMID- 22068671
TI  - Kampo medicine "Dai-kenchu-to" prevents CPT-11-induced small-intestinal injury in
      rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: The key anticancer agent, CPT-11 (irinotecan hydrochloride), induces
      severe diarrhea clinically. We investigated the effect of a Kampo medicine, Dai
      kenchu-to (DKT), on CPT-11-induced intestinal injuries in rats. METHODS: Twenty
      four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group; a CPT-11
      group, given CPT-11 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 2 days; and a DKT group,
      given DKT 300 mg/kg orally for 5 days with CPT-11 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally on
      days 4 and 5. The rats were killed on day 6. RESULTS: Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL
      12, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in the
      small intestine of the CPT-11 group was significantly higher than that of the
      control group. Interleukin-1beta and IFN-gamma expression was improved
      significantly by DKT (P < 0.05). The number and height of jejuna villi, injury
      score, and apoptosis index in the CPT-11 group were improved significantly by DKT
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DKT suppressed CPT-11 induced inflammatory cytokines and
      apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa and maintained the mucosal integrity.

PMID- 22068672
TI  - Pancreaticoduodenectomy with resection of the splenic artery and splenectomy for
      pancreatic double cancers after total gastrectomy. Preservation of the pancreatic
      function via the blood supply from the posterior epiploic artery: report of a
      case.
AB  - The patient was a 56-year-old man who had previously undergone a total
      gastrectomy without splenectomy, and was diagnosed with pancreatic head and body
      cancers and primary solitary lung cancer. The pancreas body tumor invaded the
      origin of the splenic artery, and if the origin of the splenic artery were
      resected there would be no blood flow to the pancreas tail, resulting in a need
      for total pancreatectomy. However, we focused on the posterior epiploic artery
      (PEA), which is a less well known blood supply from the mesocolon to pancreatic
      body and tail, and planned to preserve the pancreatic tail as long as the
      resected margin of the pancreas was not malignant, considering his limited life
      expectancy. We performed a pancreaticoduodenectomy with resection of the origin
      of the splenic artery and splenectomy, preserving the pancreatic tail and PEA.
      The patient has been free from insulin therapy for blood sugar control, and has
      been well for 10 months after the surgery.

PMID- 22068673
TI  - Prosthetic repair of an incarcerated groin hernia with small intestinal
      resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: No consensus has been reached on the use of prostheses in a potentially
      infected operating field. In this study, we evaluated the validity of a mesh
      prosthesis for the repair of incarcerated groin hernias with intestinal
      resection. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients underwent operations for correction of
      incarcerated groin hernias with small intestinal resection at our hospital
      between January 2000 and March 2010. The patients were divided into two groups:
      those who underwent repair with a prosthetic mesh and those who underwent primary
      hernia repair. Patients with intestinal perforations, abscess formations,
      panperitonitis, and those who required colon resections were excluded. The length
      of the operation, blood loss, and incidences of surgical site infection,
      postoperative ileus, and recurrence were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: Of the
      27 patients studied, 10 (37%) underwent tension-free repair with a mesh, and 17
      (63%) underwent primary hernia repair. Although the patients who underwent
      primary hernia repair were significantly older than the patients who underwent
      mesh repair (P = 0.015), no statistically significant differences in morbidity,
      including surgical site infection, or mortality, were identified. CONCLUSION:
      Strangulated inguinal hernias cannot be considered a contraindication to the use
      of a prosthetic mesh even in cases requiring small-intestinal resection.

PMID- 22068674
TI  - Single-site laparoscopic herniorrhaphy using needle instruments for inguinal
      hernias in children: a novel technique.
AB  - We describe our new technique for laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with subumbilical
      single-site access to treat inguinal hernias in children. First, we inserted a
      transparent 3-mm trocar and a 2-mm minitrocar at the umbilicus. We then inserted
      a 3-mm 45 degrees  camera through the 3-mm trocar and needle-grasping forceps
      through the 2-mm trocar. We closed the hernia defect by using a 19-gauge hooked
      injection needle with a nonabsorbable suture. We treated 11 consecutive female
      children with inguinal hernia using this operation. The mean operating time was
      26.7 min (range 21-36 min) and the procedure was technically successful, without
      the need for additional trocars, in all 11 patients. There were no intraoperative
      complications and all the patients were discharged on the same day after the
      surgery. Single-site laparoscopic herniorrhaphy using needle instruments is
      feasible and seems to be safe. Further studies are required to determine whether
      this approach would benefit patient compared with standard laparoscopic
      herniorrhaphy.

PMID- 22068675
TI  - Effect of intra-abdominal absorbable sutures on surgical site infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish whether the rates of surgical site infection (SSI) in
      gastrointestinal surgery are affected by the type of intra-abdominal suturing:
      sutureless, absorbable material (polyglactin: Vicryl), and silk. METHODS: We
      conducted SSI surveillance prospectively at 25 hospitals. RESULTS: The overall
      SSI rate was 14.4% (130/903). The SSI rates in the sutureless, Vicryl, and silk
      groups were 4.8, 14.8, and 16.4%, respectively, without significant differences
      among the groups. In colorectal surgery, the SSI rate in the Vicryl group was
      13.9%, which was significantly lower than that of the silk group (22.4%; P =
      0.034). The incidence of deeper SSIs in the Vicryl group, including deep
      incisional and organ/space SSIs, was significantly lower than that in the silk
      group (P = 0.04). The SSI rates did not differ among the suture types overall, in
      gastric surgery, or in appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Using intra-abdominal absorbable
      sutures instead of silk sutures may reduce the risk of SSI, but only in
      colorectal surgery.

PMID- 22068676
TI  - Expanding the applications of microvascular surgical techniques to digestive
      surgeries: a technical review.
AB  - In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), it is considered safer to
      reconstruct hepatic arteries (HAs) under a microscope than under conventional
      loupe magnification, because graft HA stumps are generally thin and short with an
      average diameter of approximately 2 mm. We first applied microvascular surgical
      techniques to HA reconstruction for LDLT in 1996. In most cases, we use a
      disposable double-clip to secure the graft and recipient arteries, and
      interrupted 8-0 nonabsorbable monofilament sutures. We next started performing
      resection and reconstruction of the right HA in a surgery for hilar cholangioma
      using the same technique as in LDLT. Lately, we have started applying
      microvascular surgical techniques to various digestive surgeries; namely,
      supercharge and superdrainage in esophageal surgery, vascular reconstruction in
      free jejunal interposition grafts for cervical esophageal cancer, resection and
      reconstruction of spontaneous HA aneurysms, jejunal artery reconstruction for
      spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissections, and so forth. Mastering this
      technique is time consuming. However, once a surgeon masters the technique it has
      almost unlimited applications, and most vital vessels can be safely reconstructed
      using this method. We herein provide a technical review of the application of
      microvascular surgical techniques for various digestive surgeries.

PMID- 22068677
TI  - Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 play important roles in systemic inflammatory
      response syndrome of meconium peritonitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Meconium peritonitis is caused by an intestinal perforation that may
      occur in the fetus, followed by severe chemical peritonitis, resulting in high
      morbidity. METHODS: We have experienced six patients with meconium peritonitis.
      Cystic drainage was performed soon after birth for all patients. We investigated
      the concentrations of several cytokines and a chemokine (interleukin 8) in the
      ascites from the six patients with meconium peritonitis. In two patients we also
      measured the serum cytokines and chemokine level just after birth. RESULTS:
      Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 concentrations were very high in the cyst or
      ascites just after birth. In the serum taken from two patients, the levels of
      interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 were also high. In five patients who underwent
      drainage of cysts after birth, systemic inflammation could not be completely
      suppressed before curative surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8
      play important roles in the inflammatory response syndrome associated with
      meconium peritonitis, and drainage of cystic fluid did not completely suppress
      this inflammation. To lessen the high morbidity of meconium peritonitis, efforts
      should be made to suppress the inflammatory response using new treatment
      strategies, such as administration of steroids or anti-cytokine therapy to
      supplement cystic drainage.

PMID- 22068678
TI  - Mediastinoscopy-assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in patients with
      serious comorbidities.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of mediastinoscopy-assisted esophagectomy
      (MAE), performed for esophageal cancer patients with comorbidities, versus those
      of thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TSE), performed for esophageal patients with or
      without comorbidities. METHODS: Among 153 patients who underwent esophageal
      cancer surgery at our hospital, 17 (11.1%) underwent MAE and 37 (24.2%) underwent
      TSE. RESULTS: Many of the MAE group patients had pulmonary (P < 0.001),
      cardiovascular (P = 0.031), or hepatic (P = 0.0029) diseases preoperatively, and
      these comorbidities frequently overlapped (P < 0.0001). The %VC and FEV(1)/FVC
      were lower (P = 0.0099 and P = 0.0057, respectively), and the ICG-R15 and serum
      level of HbA1c were higher (P = 0.0014 and P = 0.043, respectively) in the MAE
      group. There were no differences in postoperative complications or in the
      modified Clavien classification between the groups. There was no mortality in
      either group. After MAE, 5 (29.4%) patients died of other diseases. The 5-year
      overall survival rate after MAE was poorer than that after TSE (56.1 vs. 71.8%),
      but the 5-year cause-specific survival rates were similar in the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: MAE is feasible for esophageal cancer patients with serious
      comorbidities and may decrease morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22068679
TI  - Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma producing granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor: report of a case.
AB  - We report a case of lung cancer producing granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The patient, a 55-year-old woman, was found to have
      leukocytosis (leukocytes 28.8 * 10(3)/mm3) with eosinophilia (eosinophils 24.5%)
      without any evidence of infection or allergy. The serum concentration of GM-CSF
      was elevated to 44 pg/ml (normal range <2.0 pg/ml), which might have induced the
      leukocytosis and eosinophilia. We performed left pneumonectomy and diagnosed a
      pleomorphic carcinoma with p-T2bN0M0, based on histological examination of the
      resected tumor. Immunohistochemical examination revealed GM-CSF. The serum level
      of GM-CSF decreased to within the normal range 8 days after surgery. At the time
      of writing, 16 months after the surgery, she was alive without disease. To our
      knowledge, this represents the first case report of a GM-CSF-producing tumor
      effectively treated by surgical resection.

PMID- 22068680
TI  - Impact of microvessel density on lymph node metastasis and survival after
      curative resection of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The roles of angiogenesis and the most prominent angiogenic vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diseases of the pancreas remain
      controversial. We compared microvessel density (MVD) and VEGF status in normal
      pancreatic, chronic pancreatic, and pancreatic cancer (PC) tissues to establish
      their prognostic relevance. METHODS: Eighty samples of PC tissue, 32 samples of
      normal pancreatic tissue, and 20 samples of chronic pancreatitis (cP) tissue were
      immunostained with monoclonal anti-CD31 and polyclonal anti-VEGF antibody. The
      MVD was correlated with clinicopathological features and survival. RESULTS:
      Microvessel density was higher in PC than in cP (P < 0.001). Residual tumor
      status was highly predictive for survival (P < 0.001). After stratification for
      residual tumor status, we identified lymph node metastasis (LNM) in more than two
      lymph nodes (P < 0.04) and high MVD (P < 0.03) as risk factors for mortality.
      Multivariate analysis revealed only a high MVD (P = 0.03, odds ratio 0.441, 95%
      confidence interval 0.211-0.821) as an independent predictor of poor survival.
      Vascular endothelial growth factor was found over stromal cells in cP and over
      ductal adenocarcinoma cells in PC. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression
      status was not predictive of survival (P < 0.07). CONCLUSION: This study confirms
      the role of angiogenesis in PC and identifies MVD as an independent prognostic
      factor in patients with curatively resected PC.

PMID- 22068681
TI  - Granulomatous mastitis: is it an autoimmune disease? Diagnostic and therapeutic
      dilemmas.
AB  - PURPOSE: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare benign inflammatory breast
      disease. The clinical presentation of granulomatous mastitis usually mimics
      malignancy or infection. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and
      diagnostic features of GM and discuss the medical and surgical treatment of our
      series of eight GM patients. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, eight patients were
      diagnosed with GM and underwent surgery. Patients were evaluated clinically and
      radiologically. The diagnosis of GM was confirmed in all cases by core needle or
      excisional biopsies. Serological tests were performed for rheumatoid factor (RF),
      antinuclear antibody (ANA), and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA). RESULTS:
      The mean patient age was 37 years. Common presenting symptoms were a hard mass,
      pain, inflamed hyperemic skin, and sinus formation. Serological tests for RF were
      positive in 6 patients, and ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected in 2
      patients. All patients underwent antibiotic therapy before surgery, and were
      treated with wide surgical excision with negative margins. Methylprednisolone (16
      mg/day for 3 months) therapy was used in 3 patients (all RF and 2 ANA/anti-dsDNA
      positive) following a wide excisional biopsy after a postoperative recurrence
      mimicking skin lesions was seen. These patients responded well to steroid
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of GM should be made carefully to avoid a
      misdiagnosis. Steroid therapy should be considered based on the idea that this is
      an autoimmune disease.

PMID- 22068682
TI  - Electrochemical performance of annealed cobalt-benzotriazole/CNTs catalysts
      towards the oxygen reduction reaction.
AB  - One of the major limitations yet to the global implementation of polymer
      electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is the cathode catalyst. The development
      of efficient platinum-free catalysts is the key issue to solve the problem of
      slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and high cost. We report a
      promising catalyst for ORR prepared through the annealing treatment under inert
      conditions of the cobalt-benzotriazole (Co-BTA) complex supported on carbon
      nanotubes (CNTs). The N-rich benzotriazole precursor was chosen based on its
      ability to complex Co(II) ions and generate under annealing highly reactive
      radicals able to tune the physicochemical properties of CNTs. X-Ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS) was used to follow the surface structure changes and highlight
      the active electrocatalytic sites towards the ORR. To achieve further evaluation
      of the catalysts in acidic medium, voltamperometry, rotating disk electrode
      (RDE), rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) and half-cell measurements were
      performed. The resulting catalysts (Co/N/CNTs) all show catalytic activity
      towards the ORR, the most active one resulting from annealing at 700  degrees C.
      The overall electron transfer number for the catalyzed ORR was determined to be
      ~3.7 with no change upon the catalyst loading, suggesting that the ORR was
      dominated by a 4e(-) transfer process. The results indicate a promising
      alternative cathode catalyst for ORR in fuel cells, although its performance is
      still lower (overpotential around 110 mV evaluated by RDE and RRDE) than the
      reference Pt/C catalyst.

PMID- 22068684
TI  - Three cases of pneumatosis intestinalis presenting in autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a comparatively rare disease characterized by
      the presence of intramural gas in the gastrointestinal tract. PI is known to be
      associated with several clinical conditions, such as pulmonary diseases,
      gastrointestinal diseases, and traumatic injury, as well as autoimmune disorders.
      In particular, PI is commonly seen in systemic sclerosis (SSc) but rarely in
      systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis (DM). In this report, we present
      three cases of PI presenting in autoimmune diseases, including DM, Sjogren's
      syndrome, and limited SSc, and further discuss its background characteristics.

PMID- 22068683
TI  - Early prediction of instability of Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing
      recombinant antibodies and antibody-fusion proteins.
AB  - One of the most important criteria for the successful manufacture of a
      therapeutic protein (e.g., an antibody) is to develop a mammalian cell line that
      maintains stability of production. Problems with process yield, lack of effective
      use of costly resources, and a possible delay in obtaining regulatory approval of
      the product may ensue otherwise. Therefore the stability of expression in a
      number of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) derived production cell lines that were
      isolated using the glutamine synthetase (GS) selection system was investigated by
      defining a culture as unstable if the titer (which is a measure of productivity)
      of a cell line expressing an antibody or antibody-fusion protein declined by 20
      30% or more as it underwent 55 population doublings. Using this criterion, a
      significant proportion of the GS-selected CHO production cell lines were observed
      to be unstable. Reduced antibody titers correlated with the gradual appearance of
      a secondary, less productive population of cells as detected with flow cytometric
      analysis of intracellular antibody content. Where tested, it was observed that
      the secondary population arose spontaneously from the parental population
      following multiple passages, which suggested inherent clonal instability.
      Moreover, the frequency of unstable clones decreased significantly if the host
      cell line from which the candidate production cell lines were derived was
      apoptotic-resistant. This data suggested that unstable cell lines were more prone
      to apoptosis, which was confirmed by the fact that unstable cell lines had higher
      levels of Annexin V and caspase 3 activities. This knowledge has been used to
      develop screening protocols that identify unstable CHO production cell lines at
      an early stage of the cell line development process, potentially reducing the
      cost of biotherapeutic development.

PMID- 22068685
TI  - Simultaneous in vivo RP-HPLC-DAD quantification of multiple-component and drug
      drug interaction by pharmacokinetics, using 6,7-dimethylesculetin, geniposide and
      rhein as examples.
AB  - Increasing evidence has demonstrated that multidrug combinations could amplify
      the therapeutic efficacies of each agent. Interestingly, the pharmacological
      effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is usually attributed to the drug
      interaction property (synergism) of multiple active constituents.
      Pharmacokinetics is a useful means of evaluating the drug interactions of major
      active compounds in TCM. A simple, sensitive and reliable RP-HPLC-DAD method has
      been developed to simultaneously quantify 6,7-dimethylesculetin (D), geniposide
      (G) and rhein (R), which are the active ingredients in Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT),
      performing drug-interaction pharmacokinetics studies in vivo. Plasma samples were
      prepared using methanolic precipitation, a filtration step, and then injection of
      the methanolic extract onto a Nova-Pak C18 Guard-PakTM guard column with a
      gradient mobile phase. Triple-wavelength diode array detection was set at
      lambda(max) values of 343 nm for D, 241 nm for the G, and 259 nm for R. Our
      results successfully demonstrate that this method has excellent and satisfactory
      selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and recovery. In healthy
      rats, the estimated pharmacokinetic parameters (i.e. C(max) , AUC and Cl) of D, G
      and R, when administered with COC (a combination of D, G and R), were C(max)
      16.05 mg/L, AUC 108.96 mg h/L and Cl 0.36 L/h for D; C(max) 9.35 mg/L, AUC 64.71
      mg h/L and Cl 0.88 L/h for G; and C(max) 14.18 mg/L, AUC 57.98 mg h/L and Cl 1.77
      L/h for R. Here, we report that the COC combination could significantly increase
      the plasma level and slow the elimination rate compared with any one or two of
      the three individual compounds, which may indicate a drug-drug interaction.

PMID- 22068686
TI  - A return to basics, a focus on the future.

PMID- 22068687
TI  - Effect of bismuth breast shielding on radiation dose and image quality in
      coronary CT angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is associated with
      high radiation dose to the female breasts. Bismuth breast shielding offers the
      potential to significantly reduce dose to the breasts and nearby organs, but the
      magnitude of this reduction and its impact on image quality and radiation dose
      have not been evaluated. METHODS: Radiation doses from CCTA to critical organs
      were determined using metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors
      positioned in a customized anthropomorphic whole-body dosimetry verification
      phantom. Image noise and signal were measured in regions of interest (ROIs)
      including the coronary arteries. RESULTS: With bismuth shielding, breast
      radiation dose was reduced 46%-57% depending on breast size and scanning
      technique, with more moderate dose reduction to the heart, lungs, and esophagus.
      However, shielding significantly decreased image signal (by 14.6 HU) and contrast
      (by 28.4 HU), modestly but significantly increased image noise in ROIs in
      locations of coronary arteries, and decreased contrast-to-noise ratio by 20.9%.
      CONCLUSIONS: While bismuth breast shielding can significantly decrease radiation
      dose to critical organs, it is associated with an increase in image noise,
      decrease in contrast-to-noise, and changes tissue attenuation characteristics in
      the location of the coronary arteries.

PMID- 22068688
TI  - Photoprotective effects of a formulation containing tannase-converted green tea
      extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress in hairless mice.
AB  - Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation may induce the acceleration of skin aging. The
      purpose of this study was to develop an effective formulation containing tannase
      converted green tea extract (FTGE) to inhibit UVB-induced oxidative damage.
      Significant (p<0.05) prevention of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH)
      depletion was observed in mice treated with FTGE. The hydrogen peroxide levels of
      mice treated with FTGE were similar to those of UVB non-irradiated mice. No
      significant difference was observed between No UVB control and FTGE mice. Also,
      mice treated with FTGE had significant (p<0.05) decreases in thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substance levels by lipid peroxidation compared with No UVB control
      mice. Our data suggest that this formulation may be effective in protecting skin
      from UVB photodamage.

PMID- 22068689
TI  - Discrimination of A1555G and C1494T point mutations in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA
      gene by on/off switch.
AB  - The objective of this study was to apply the "on/off" switch consisting of 3'
      phosphorothioate-modified allele specific primers and exo(+) polymerase in single
      base discrimination of A1555G and C1494T mutations in the highly conserved sites
      of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. The two point mutations are the hotspot mutations
      associated with either aminoglycoside antibiotics induced deafness or inherited
      nonsyndromic hearing loss. The PCR products of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 12S rRNA
      gene were inserted into the pMD19-T vector for transformation into Escherichia
      coli JM109 competent cells for preparing wild-type pMD19-T/mt vector. Inverse PCR
      was carried out for mtDNA 12S rRNA gene C1494T and A1555G mutagenesis and DpnI
      endonuclease degradating methylated pMD19-T/mt vector existing in the inverse PCR
      products was carried out to construct the mutation-type pMD19-T/mtM vector. These
      constructed vectors were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Allelic specific primers
      targeting wild-type and mutation-type templates were designed with 3' terminal
      phosphorothioate modification. Two-directional primer extension was performed
      using Pfu polymerases. Amplified by exo(+) polymerase, allelic specific primers
      perfectly matching wild-type allele were extended while no products were produced
      from primers targeting point-mutated deafness-related allele. Similarly, allelic
      specific primers perfectly matching point-mutated deafness-related mutation-type
      allele were extended and no products were yielded from primers targeting wild
      type allele. No specific product was observed in the primer extension reaction
      mediated by on/off switch in screening the mtDNA 12S rRNA gene harboring either
      C1494T or A1555G mutation in 40 healthy volunteers tested. These data suggest
      that the "off switch" mediated by exo(+) polymerase is highly reliable in the
      diagnosis of monogenic diseases and the novel "on/off" switch has enormous
      applications in systematic and extended screening of the12S rRNA gene A1555G and
      C1494T mutations. The established assay can be widely used not only for hearing
      loss patients but also for normal subjects before the use of aminoglycoside
      antibiotics.

PMID- 22068690
TI  - Kinetics of ergothioneine inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase.
AB  - The native amino acid ergothioneine, a thiourea derivative of histidine, inhibits
      mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC(50) value of
      1.025 mg/ml (4.47 mM). By contrast, histidine exhibited no inhibitory effect on
      mushroom tyrosinase activity. We characterized ergothioneine as a noncompetitive
      tyrosinase inhibitor using a Lineweaver-Burk plot of experimental kinetic data.
      The IC(50) value for ergothioneine scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
      was 6.110 +/- 0.305 mg/ml, much higher than the IC(50) for inhibition of
      tyrosinase activity which indicating ergothioneine on tyrosinase shows a weak
      correlation to its antioxidative activity. The results demonstrated that
      ergothioneine has a potent inhibition effect on tyrosinase enzyme activity,
      resulting from the presence of the sulfur substituted imidazole ring in
      ergothioneine.

PMID- 22068691
TI  - Chemiluminescent detection of carbohydrates in the tumoral breast diseases.
AB  - Nowadays, there is an increase of investigations into the fibroadenoma, mainly
      because some studies have shown that the occurrence of fibroadenoma is linked to
      an increased risk of developing breast carcinoma. Currently, the
      chemiluminescence biomarkers are applied for validation methods and screening.
      Here, a lectin chemiluminescence is proposed as new histochemistry method to
      identify carbohydrates in mammary tumoral tissues. The lectins concanavalin A
      (Con A) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) conjugated to acridinium ester were used to
      characterize the glycocode of breast tissues: normal, fibroadenoma, and invasive
      duct carcinoma (IDC). The lectin chemiluminescence expressed in relative light
      units (RLU) was higher in fibroadenoma and IDC than in normal tissue for both
      lectins tested. The relationship RLU emission versus tissue area described a
      linear and hyperbolic curve for IDC and fibroadenoma, respectively, using Con A
      whereas hyperbolic curves for both transformed tissues using PNA. RLU was
      abolished by inhibiting the interaction between tissues and lectins using their
      specific carbohydrates: methyl-alpha-D: -mannoside (Con A) and galactose (PNA).
      The intrinsic fluorescence emission did not change with combination of the
      lectins (Con A/PNA) to the acridinium ester for hydrophobic residues. These
      results represent the lectin chemiluminescence as an alternative of
      histochemistry method for tumoral diagnosis in the breast.

PMID- 22068692
TI  - Dendrites: there's a NAK to branching out.

PMID- 22068693
TI  - Synaptic plasticity: tuning electrical synapses.

PMID- 22068694
TI  - Learning and memory:  CA1 triggers the trace.

PMID- 22068695
TI  - Ovarian antral folliculogenesis during the human menstrual cycle: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND Ovarian follicles undergo dynamic morphologic and endocrinologic
      changes during the human menstrual cycle. The physiologic mechanisms underlying
      recruitment and selection of antral follicles in women are not fully elucidated. 
      METHODS A comprehensive review of >200 studies was conducted using PubMed. The
      objective was to compare and contrast different perspectives on human antral
      folliculogenesis.  RESULTS Antral folliculogenesis has been studied using
      histologic, endocrinologic and/or ultrasonographic techniques. Different theories
      of antral follicle recruitment include: (i) continuous recruitment throughout the
      menstrual cycle; (ii) recruitment of a 'cohort' of antral follicles once in the
      late-luteal phase or early-follicular phase of each cycle and (iii) recruitment
      of two or three 'cohorts' or 'waves'  during each cycle. Generally, a single
      dominant follicle is selected in the mid-follicular phase of each cycle and this
      follicle ovulates at mid-cycle. However, a dominant follicle may also be selected
      during anovulatory waves that precede the ovulatory wave in some women. 
      CONCLUSIONS There is increasing evidence to indicate that multiple waves of
      antral follicles develop during the human menstrual cycle. Ovarian follicular
      waves in women are comparable with those documented in several animal species;
      however, species-specific differences exist. Enhancing our understanding of the
      endocrine and paracrine mechanisms underlying antral follicular wave dynamics has
      clinical implications for understanding age-related changes in reproductive
      function, optimizing hormonal contraceptive and ovarian stimulation regimens and
      identifying non-invasive markers of the physiologic status of follicles which are
      predictive of oocyte competence and assisted reproduction outcomes.

PMID- 22068696
TI  - The effect of rhPTH on the healing of tendon to bone in a rat model.
AB  - Successful rotator cuff tendon repair depends on secure tendon-to-bone healing.
      Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH) has been shown in multiple studies
      to accelerate bone healing. Recent studies have also shown that rhPTH is
      chondrogenic by increasing chondrocyte recruitment and differentiation. We
      hypothesized that rhPTH would improve tendon-to-bone healing in a rat rotator
      cuff repair model. One hundred and fourteen Sprague Dawley rats underwent
      division and repair of the supraspinatus tendon. Fifty seven rats received daily
      subcutaneous injections of 10 ug/kg of rhPTH. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14,
      28, and 56 days for histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. In addition,
      rats in each group were sacrificed at 14, 28, and 56 days for biomechanical
      testing and micro CT analysis. At 2 weeks the controls had a significantly higher
      load to failure than the rhPTH group. At 28 and 56 days there were no differences
      in load to failure. rhPTH specimens had significantly higher stiffness at 56
      days. MicroCT analysis showed that the rhPTH group had significantly greater
      total mineral content at all time points, as well as significantly higher bone
      volume (BV) at 14 and 28 days. Histologically, the rhPTH specimens had more
      fibrocartilage, osteoblasts, and blood vessels at all timepoints, with
      significantly better collagen fiber orientation at 28 and 56 days. Although
      treatment with rhPTH resulted in an increase in bone and mineralized
      fibrocartilage formation, as well as better collagen fiber organization, this did
      not translate into improved biomechanical properties.

PMID- 22068697
TI  - Sesquiterpene synthases: passive catalysts or active players?
AB  - Sesquiterpene synthases catalyse the metal dependent turnover of farnesyl
      diphosphate to generate a class of natural products characterised by an enormous
      diversity in structure, stereochemistry, biological function and application. It
      has been proposed that these enzymes take a passive role in the reactions they
      catalyse and that they serve mostly as stereochemical templates, within which the
      reactions take place. Here, recent research into the structure and function of
      sesquiterpene synthases and the mechanisms of the reactions that they catalyse
      will be reviewed to suggest that these fascinating enzymes play multifaceted
      active roles in what are arguably the most complex biosynthetic reactions.

PMID- 22068698
TI  - Two-stage posterior-only procedures for correction of severe spinal deformities.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the outcomes of surgical treatment for severe spinal
      deformities via a two-stage posterior-only approach. METHODS: A total of 18
      patients with large and rigid spinal deformities were studied based on clinical
      and radiographic data. All of them received a two-stage posterior-only approach:
      first on the concave side by internal distraction of pedicle screws and rods
      through intramuscular tunnels, followed by respiratory function exercise and
      improving nutritional status during the intervening period, and finally by
      posterior additional correction, ultimate instrumentation and spinal fusion in
      the second operation. RESULTS: The mean major coronal curve was corrected by 46%
      after the first operation and by 60.4% after the second operation. The mean
      thoracic kyphosis was corrected by 50.9% after the first operation and by 64.8%
      after the second operation. The loss of correction mean was 3.3 degrees  for the
      major coronal curve and 2.6 degrees  for the thoracic kyphosis at a mean of 31.5
      months follow-up. The mean operation time for the first and second operation was
      186.2 and 300.6 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 211.1 and 1,597.2
      mL, respectively. No severe complication was noticed in this series. CONCLUSIONS:
      The two-stage posterior-only procedures permitting stepwise correction for the
      treatment of severe spinal deformities provide safe and satisfactory outcomes in
      this patient population.

PMID- 22068699
TI  - Staff workload and adverse events during mechanical ventilation in neonatal
      intensive care units.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate a possible association between the intensity of staff
      workload and intermediate adverse events, such as accidental extubation,
      obstruction of the endotracheal tube, and accidental disconnection of the
      ventilator circuit, during neonatal mechanical ventilation in high-risk neonatal
      units. METHOD: This prospective cohort study analyzed data of 543 newborns from
      public neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the city of Sao Luis, state of
      Maranhao, Northeastern Brazil, for 6 months, during which 136 newborns were
      submitted to mechanical ventilation in 1,108 shifts and were observed a total of
      4,554 times. RESULTS: Adverse events occurred 117 times during this period. The
      associations between workload and adverse events were analyzed by means of
      generalized estimating equations. The adjustment variables were: birth weight,
      gender, maternity unit, Clinical Risk Index for Babies score, and care demand,
      the latter measured by the Northern Neonatal Network Scale. The larger the number
      of newborns classified by care demand (NCCD) per nurse and nursing technician,
      the more likely the occurrence of intermediate adverse events linked to
      mechanical ventilation. A number of NCCD > 22 per nurse (relative risk [RR] =
      2.86) and > 4.8 per auxiliary nurse (RR = 3.41) was associated with a higher
      prevalence of intermediate adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The workload of NICU
      professionals seems to interfere with the intermediate results of neonatal care
      and thus should be taken into consideration when evaluating NICU outcomes.

PMID- 22068700
TI  - Moderate sedation for elective upper endoscopy with balanced propofol versus
      fentanyl and midazolam alone: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Balanced propofol sedation (BPS) combines propofol
      with opiates and benzodiazepines and targets at moderate sedation. Data comparing
      outcomes of BPS and standard sedation with opiates and benzodiazepines during
      elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) are sparse. The primary end point of
      this study was to compare, in the recovery area, patient satisfaction with EGD
      following BPS versus standard sedation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, single
      blinded randomized trial in 110 outpatients undergoing elective EGD and
      randomized 1:1 to BPS or standard sedation. Upon full recovery, the primary
      outcome of patient satisfaction was assessed using a 100-mm visual analogue scale
      (VAS) (1 = not at all satisfied, 100 = completely satisfied). Sedation recovery
      times and recall of pain and gagging (1 = none, 100 = severe) were also evaluated
      using a VAS. RESULTS: The BPS and standard sedation groups were similar regarding
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Mallampati class, age, sex, and body
      mass index (BMI). Compared with the standard sedation arm, the BPS group
      exhibited higher median procedural satisfaction (99 vs. 85, P < 0.001), and lower
      median scores for recall of pain (P < 0.001) and gagging (P < 0.001). BPS
      resulted in a shorter median recovery time (min) (11 vs. 23, P < 0.001). On
      multivariable regression analysis, predictors of patient satisfaction included
      use of propofol, increased age, and higher fentanyl dosage. CONCLUSIONS: BPS
      targeted to moderate sedation by adequately trained endoscopists results in
      superior patient satisfaction and shorter recovery times than standard sedation
      alone during EGD.

PMID- 22068701
TI  - Complete Barrett's excision by stepwise endoscopic resection in short-segment
      disease: long term outcomes and predictors of stricture.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Complete Barrett's excision (CBE) of short-segment
      Barrett's high grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma by
      stepwise endoscopic resection is a precise staging tool, detects covert
      synchronous disease, and may produce a sustained treatment response. Esophageal
      stricture is the most commonly reported complication of CBE although risk factors
      have not yet been clearly defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were recorded
      prospectively on patients with limited co-morbidity and age <= 80 years
      undergoing CBE for histologically proven HGD or esophageal adenocarcinoma within
      <= C3M5 segments. Endoscopic resection was performed by standardized protocol
      every 6 - 8 weeks until CBE was achieved. Esophageal dilation was performed when
      patients reported dysphagia. Dysphagia scores were recorded at scheduled
      endoscopic surveillance or by telephone interview. RESULTS: By intention-to-treat
      analysis, complete eradication of neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia was
      achieved in 95 % and 82 %, respectively, in 77 patients undergoing a median of 2
      resection sessions (interquartile range [IQR] 1 - 3). Esophageal dilation was
      required in 33 % (median 3 dilations, IQR 1 - 3.5) at median follow-up of 20
      months (IQR 6 - 40). Independent risk factors for dilation requirement were the
      number of mucosal resections at the index procedure (odds ratio [OR] 1.3 per
      resection, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.0 - 1.9; P = 0.043) and maximal extent
      of the Barrett's segment (OR 2.2 per cm, 95 %CI 1.2 - 3.9; P = 0.009).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although CBE is highly effective in the treatment of Barrett's HGD
      and esophageal adenocarcinoma, the risk of post-CBE dysphagia increases with the
      maximal extent of the Barrett's segment and the number of mucosal resections at
      the index procedure. These data could be used to inform treatment decisions and
      identify those patients who may benefit from prophylactic therapies such as
      dilation.

PMID- 22068702
TI  - Initial evaluation of a novel multibending backward-oblique viewing duodenoscope
      in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
AB  - A novel multibending backward-oblique viewing duodenoscope was developed to
      overcome the difficult technical aspect of deep cannulation into the bile duct
      during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of the
      present study was to evaluate the initial experience of a novel multibending
      backward-oblique viewing duodenoscope (M-D scope) for ERCP. This was a
      retrospective review of 23 patients with native papilla who received biliary ERCP
      with the M-D scope between April and December 2010. The procedures were performed
      by two well-experienced endoscopists. In all patients, biliary cannulation and
      therapeutic procedure were successfully completed. In two patients with Billroth
      I gastrectomy, ERCP were initially attempted with a conventional single-bending
      duodenoscope, but biliary cannulations were unsuccessful. However, with the use
      of the M-D scope, biliary cannulation and therapeutic procedures were
      successfully completed. A novel multibending backward-oblique viewing
      duodenoscope is safe and feasible for therapeutic and diagnostic ERCP.

PMID- 22068703
TI  - Gastrointestinal endoscopy in a low budget context: delegating EGD to non
      physician clinicians in Malawi can be feasible and safe.
AB  - Gastrointestinal endoscopy is rarely performed in low-income countries in sub
      Saharan Africa. One reason is the lack of available medical doctors and
      specialists in these countries. At Zomba Central Hospital in Malawi, clinical
      officers (non-physician clinicians with 4 years of formal training) were trained
      in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Prospectively recorded details of 1732
      consecutive esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed between September 2001
      and August 2010 were analyzed to evaluate whether upper gastrointestinal
      endoscopy can be performed safely and accurately by clinical officers. A total of
      1059 (61.1%) EGDs were performed by clinical officers alone and 673 (38.9%) were
      carried out with a medical doctor present who performed or assisted in the
      procedure. Failure and complication rates were similar in both groups (P=0.105).
      Endoscopic diagnoses for frequent indications were generally evenly distributed
      across the two groups. The main difference was a higher proportion of normal
      findings and a lower proportion of esophagitis in the group with a doctor
      present, although this was significant only in patients who had presented with
      epigastric/abdominal pain (P<0.001). In conclusion, delegating upper
      gastrointestinal endoscopy to clinical officers can be feasible and safe in a
      setting with a shortage of medical doctors when adequate training and supervision
      are provided.

PMID- 22068704
TI  - A homogeneous, high-throughput-compatible, fluorescence intensity-based assay for
      UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB) with nanomolar product
      detection.
AB  - A novel assay for the NADPH-dependent bacterial enzyme UDP-N
      acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB) is described that has nanomolar
      sensitivity for product formation and is suitable for high-throughput
      applications. MurB catalyzes an essential cytoplasmic step in the synthesis of
      peptidoglycan for the bacterial cell wall, reduction of UDP-N
      acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine to UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid (UNAM). Interruption of
      this biosynthetic pathway leads to cell death, making MurB an attractive target
      for antibacterial drug discovery. In the new assay, the UNAM product of the MurB
      reaction is ligated to L-alanine by the next enzyme in the peptidoglycan
      biosynthesis pathway, MurC, resulting in hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate
      (ATP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The ADP is detected with nanomolar
      sensitivity by converting it to oligomeric RNA with polynucleotide phosphorylase
      and detecting the oligomeric RNA with a fluorescent dye. The product sensitivity
      of the new assay is 1000-fold greater than that of the standard assay that
      follows the absorbance decrease resulting from the conversion of NADPH to
      NADP(+). This sensitivity allows inhibitor screening to be performed at the low
      substrate concentrations needed to make the assay sensitive to competitive
      inhibition of MurB.

PMID- 22068705
TI  - Establishment of a stable cell line coexpressing dengue virus-2 and green
      fluorescent protein for screening of antiviral compounds.
AB  - This study aimed to generate a stable cell line harboring subgenomic dengue virus
      replicon and a green fluorescent gene (DENV/GFP) for a cell-based model to screen
      anti-DENV compounds. The gene-encoding envelope protein of DENV-2 was deleted and
      then replaced with fragments of the GFP gene and a foot-and-mouth-disease virus
      2A-derived cleavage site. The human cytomegalovirus immediate early and antisense
      hepatitis delta virus ribozyme sequences were added at the 5'- and 3'-ends. An
      internal ribosome entry site and neomycin resistance genes were placed upstream
      and next to the NS1 gene. The recombinant plasmids were propagated in a mammalian
      cell line. A stable cell line with the brightest green fluorescent protein and
      the highest viral protein and RNA expression was selected from six clones. The
      clone was then examined for effectiveness in an antiviral drug screening assay
      with compounds isolated from the local plants using two known antiviral agents as
      controls. Two novel flavones, PMF and TMF, were discovered having DENV-inhibitory
      properties. The data were validated by a conventional plaque titration assay. The
      results indicate that this newly developed cell line is efficient for use as a
      cell-based model for primary screening of anti-DENV compounds.

PMID- 22068706
TI  - Biosensor-based approach to the identification of protein kinase ligands with
      dual-site modes of action.
AB  - The authors have used a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor approach
      to identify and characterize compounds with a unique binding mode to protein
      kinases. Biacore was used to characterize hits from an enzymatic high-throughput
      screen of the Tec family tyrosine kinase, IL2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK).
      Complex binding kinetics was observed for some compounds, which led to
      identification of compounds that bound simultaneously at both the adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) binding site and a second, allosteric site on ITK. The
      presence of the second binding site was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The
      second site is located in the N-terminal lobe of the protein kinase catalytic
      domain, adjacent to but distinct from the ATP site. To enable rapid optimization
      of binding properties, a competition-based Biacore assay has been developed to
      successfully identify second site noncompetitive binders that have been confirmed
      by X-ray crystallographic studies. The authors have found that SPR technology is
      a key method for rapid identification of compounds with dual-site modes of
      action.

PMID- 22068707
TI  - A homogeneous fluorescent assay for cAMP-phosphodiesterase enzyme activity.
AB  - Cyclic adenosine monophosphate-phosphodiesterases (cAMP-PDEs) regulate the
      cellular level of cAMP by selectively catalyzing the hydrolysis of the
      phosphodiester bond in the cAMP molecule. They play important roles in modulating
      cellular and physiological functions. There is a growing interest in the study of
      cAMP-PDEs as therapeutic targets. We describe a novel method for measuring the
      enzyme activity of cAMP-PDEs that is based on a homogeneous fluorescence assay
      employing a cAMP-dependent DNA-binding protein (CAP). We demonstrate that the
      assay is quick and robust compared to traditional methods and is expected to be
      cost-effective for high-throughput screening of cAMP-PDE inhibitors. The
      usefulness of the assay is demonstrated by measuring IC(50) values of three
      nonselective PDE inhibitors and by kinetic measurements of cAMP-PDEs from various
      rat tissues.

PMID- 22068708
TI  - Layer-by-layer evolution and a hysteretic single-crystal to single-crystal
      transformation cycle of a flexible pillared-layer open framework.
AB  - Two hypothetical crystal-growth intermediates of a new pillared-layer framework
      have been isolated. The seemingly rigid pillared-layer framework also undergoes
      temperature-induced, time-dependent, hysteretic framework distortion.

PMID- 22068709
TI  - Community sodium reduction: is it worth the effort?

PMID- 22068710
TI  - Effects of low-sodium diet vs. high-sodium diet on blood pressure, renin,
      aldosterone, catecholamines, cholesterol, and triglyceride (Cochrane Review).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The question of whether reduced sodium intake is effective as a
      health prophylaxis initiative is unsolved. The purpose was to estimate the
      effects of low-sodium vs. high-sodium intake on blood pressure (BP), renin,
      aldosterone, catecholamines, and lipids. METHODS: Studies randomizing persons to
      low-sodium and high-sodium diets evaluating at least one of the above outcome
      parameters were included. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.1. RESULTS: A
      total of 167 studies were included. The effect of sodium reduction in: (i)
      Normotensives: Caucasians: systolic BP (SBP) -1.27 mm Hg (95% confidence interval
      (CI): -1.88, -0.66; P = 0.0001), diastolic BP (DBP) -0.05 mm Hg (95% CI: -0.51,
      0.42; P = 0.85). Blacks: SBP -4.02 mm Hg (95% CI: -7.37, -0.68; P = 0.002), DBP 
      2.01 mm Hg (95% CI: -4.37, 0.35; P = 0.09). Asians: SBP -1.27 mm Hg (95% CI: 
      3.07, 0.54; P = 0.17), DBP -1.68 mm Hg (95% CI: -3.29, -0.06; P = 0.04). (ii)
      Hypertensives: Caucasians: SBP -5.48 mm Hg (95% CI: -6.53, -4.43; P < 0.00001),
      DBP -2.75 mm Hg (95% CI: -3.34, -2.17; P < 0.00001). Blacks: SBP -6.44 mm Hg (95%
      CI: -8.85, -4.03; P = 0.00001), DBP -2.40 mm Hg (95% CI: -4.68, -0.12; P = 0.04).
      Asians: SBP -10.21 mm Hg (95% CI: -16.98, -3.44; P = 0.003), DBP -2.60 mm Hg (95%
      CI: -4.03, -1.16; P = 0.0004). Sodium reduction resulted in significant increases
      in renin (P < 0.00001), aldosterone (P < 0.00001), noradrenaline (P < 0.00001),
      adrenaline (P < 0.0002), cholesterol (P < 0.001), and triglyceride (P < 0.0008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Sodium reduction resulted in a significant decrease in BP of 1%
      (normotensives), 3.5% (hypertensives), and a significant increase in plasma
      renin, plasma aldosterone, plasma adrenaline, and plasma noradrenaline, a 2.5%
      increase in cholesterol, and a 7% increase in triglyceride.

PMID- 22068711
TI  - Public health policies: no place for surrogates.

PMID- 22068712
TI  - Face emotion processing in depressed children and adolescents with and without
      comorbid conduct disorder.
AB  - Studies of adults with depression point to characteristic neurocognitive
      deficits, including differences in processing facial expressions. Few studies
      have examined face processing in juvenile depression, or taken account of other
      comorbid disorders. Three groups were compared: depressed children and
      adolescents with conduct disorder (n = 23), depressed children and adolescents
      without conduct disorder (n = 29) and children and adolescents without disorder
      (n = 37). A novel face emotion processing experiment presented faces with
      'happy', 'sad', 'angry', or 'fearful' expressions of varying emotional intensity
      using morphed stimuli. Those with depression showed no overall or specific
      deficits in facial expression recognition accuracy. Instead, they showed biases
      affecting processing of low-intensity expressions, more often perceiving these as
      sad. In contrast, non-depressed controls more often misperceived low intensity
      negative emotions as happy. There were no differences between depressed children
      and adolescents with and without conduct disorder, or between children with
      comorbid depression/conduct disorder and controls. Face emotion processing biases
      rather than deficits appear to distinguish depressed from non-depressed children
      and adolescents.

PMID- 22068713
TI  - Gender differences in psychopathic traits, types, and correlates of aggression
      among adjudicated youth.
AB  - The current study investigated gender differences in types and correlates of
      aggression among 150 adjudicated youth (M age = 15.2, SD = 1.4). In cluster
      analysis, consistent with past studies, one aggressive group characterized by
      moderate levels of reactive aggression and one characterized by high levels of
      proactive and reactive aggression emerged and these patterns were consistent
      across gender. For both boys and girls, the combined proactive/reactive
      aggression cluster showed the greatest levels of aggression, impulsivity, and
      callous-unemotional traits, supporting a severity over a typology model of
      proactive and reactive aggression. Girls displayed significantly higher rates of
      physical and relational aggression than boys. Girls were highly aggressive toward
      both girls and boys, whereas boys were highly aggressive only toward other boys.
      Girls also showed multiple indications of severity and emotionality, indexed by
      higher rates of negative affect, anxiety, distress about social provocations, and
      empathy.

PMID- 22068715
TI  - Distal anterior choroidal artery aneurysm following iatrogenic posterior cerebral
      artery occlusion : a case report and review of literature.
AB  - Aneurysms of the anterior choroidal artery are uncommon and account for only 2-5%
      of all intracranial aneurysms. Distal anterior choroidal artery aneurysms are
      rare and the pathogenesis of this aneurysm may be different from typical proximal
      ones. We describe an unusual case of ruptured de novo distal anterior choroidal
      artery aneurysm in a 55 year-old man who had previously undergone endovascular
      proximal occlusion for a fusiform aneurysm of the ipsilateral posterior cerebral
      artery (PCA). A comprehensive review of literature using Medline, PubMed and all
      related journals was also performed. Only 34 reported distal AchoA aneurysms were
      found: 16 associated with moyamoya disease, 10 idiopathic, two with
      atherosclerosis, two with arteriovenous malformation, two dissecting, one
      infectious and one due to trauma. It is probable that the increased hemodynamic
      stress within the AchoA contributed to the formation and rupture of the reported
      aneurysm. This late complication needs to be considered when large intracranial
      vessels are iatrogenically occluded in the management of complex intracranial
      aneurysms.

PMID- 22068716
TI  - An innovative method for detecting surgical errors using indocyanine green
      angiography during carotid endarterectomy: a preliminary investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the most effective treatment method
      of carotid stenosis or occlusion. Surgeons typically check the blood flow in each
      vessel using Duplex Doppler ultrasonography or radiocontrast angiography in order
      to prevent postoperative complications. Embolic cerebral infarction on the
      ipsilateral side has been reported in 4-7% of patients undergoing CEA despite a
      tolerable blood flow reported by Duplex ultrasonography. This study was designed
      to evaluate a new intraoperative method for detecting technical errors during CEA
      using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. METHODS: Six consecutive patients with
      severe carotid stenosis or occlusion underwent CEA. Both ICG angiography and
      Doppler ultrasonography were performed before the carotid arterial incision and
      after the carotid arterial suture. After injecting ICG dye via an intravenous
      route, the internal surface, atheroma, and flow defect were visualized with a
      microscope. RESULTS: In ICG angiography, stenotic lesions could be identified as
      regions of relatively dark signal intensity. Magnified real-time images could be
      created using a microscope with an infrared filter, including three-dimensional
      images and detailed images of the inner lumen. These images could then be
      compared with the results of Doppler ultrasonography. In the six cases assessed
      by both ICG angiography and Doppler ultrasonography, all Doppler results were
      acceptable. However, one patient underwent revision surgery because a fluttering
      atheroma was detected by ICG angiography. ICG angiography could assume the extent
      of severe stenotic area. ICG angiography could also detect mobile lesions such as
      a fluttering atheroma. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative ICG angiography before
      arteriotomy is useful to determine the precise stenotic area and the shape of the
      associated plaque. ICG angiography after an arteriotomy site is sutured is also
      useful for detecting residual stenosis or fluttering atheroma. ICG angiography
      could be an alternative method to Doppler ultrasonography for ensuring a complete
      and successful operation and preventing complications.

PMID- 22068717
TI  - Intentional partial coiling dome protection of complex ruptured cerebral
      aneurysms prevents acute rebleeding and produces favorable clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms protects against acute
      rebleeding; however, whether partially coiling a ruptured cerebral aneurysm
      protects against acute rebleeding has never been demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: This
      study was performed to test our hypothesis that intentional partial coiling of
      complex ruptured cerebral aneurysms, which are unfavorable for clipping and
      cannot be completely coiled primarily, prevents acute rebleeding to allow for
      clinical and neurological recovery until definitive treatment and produces
      favorable clinical outcomes. METHODS: Data were collected from the prospective
      databases of three centers. Only subarachnoid hemorrhage patients that were
      treated with a strategy of intentional partial coiling for dome protection were
      included. This did not include patients in whom the goal was complete coiling but
      only subtotal coil occlusion was achieved. RESULTS: Fifteen patients [aged 51 +/-
      13 years; HH 3-5 (n = 7); Fisher 3-4 (n = 9)] were treated with intentional
      partial dome protection. Aneurysm size was 12.8 +/- 5.4 mm; neck size 4.9 +/- 3
      mm; 12 anterior circulation. Four intentional partial coilings were performed
      with balloon assistance. Definitive treatment was performed 92 +/- 90 days later,
      with no case of rebleeding. Definitive treatment was clipping (n = 8), stent
      coiling (n = 5), Onyx (n = 1), further coiling (n = 1). Clinical outcome was
      favorable in 13 cases (GOS 4-5), fair in one (GOS 3), and death in one (GOS 1).
      CONCLUSIONS: Judicious use of a treatment strategy of intentional partial dome
      protection for complex aneurysms that are not favorable for clipping and in which
      complete coiling primarily is not possible may prevent acute rebleeding and
      produce favorable clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22068718
TI  - Magnetization, Mossbauer and isothermal dilatometric behavior of oxidized
      YBa(Co,Fe)4O(7+delta).
AB  - Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetization studies of YBaCo(4-x)Fe(x)O(7+delta) (x
      = 0-0.8) oxidized at 0.21 and 100 atm O(2), indicate an increasing role of penta
      coordinated Co(3+) states when the oxygen content approaches 8-8.5 atoms per
      formula unit. Strong magnetic correlations are observed in YBaCo(4-x)Fe(x)O(8.5)
      from 2 K up to 55-70 K, whilst the average magnetic moment of Co(3+) is lower
      than that for delta <= 0.2, in correlation with the lower (57)Fe(3+) isomer
      shifts determined from Mossbauer spectra. The hypothesis on dominant five-fold
      coordination of cobalt cations was validated by molecular dynamics modeling of
      YBaCo(4)O(8.5). The iron solubility limit in YBaCo(4-x)Fe(x)O(7+delta)
      corresponds to approximately x ~ 0.7. The oxygen intercalation processes in
      YBaCo(4)O(7+delta) at 470-700 K, analyzed by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry
      and controlled-atmosphere dilatometry, lead to unusual volume expansion opposing
      to the cobalt cation radius variations. This behavior is associated with
      increasing cobalt coordination numbers and with rising local distortions and
      disorder in the crystal lattice on oxidation, predicted by the computer
      simulations. When the oxygen partial pressure increases from 4 * 10(-5) to 1 atm,
      the linear strain in YBaCo(4)O(7+delta) ceramics at 598 K is as high as 0.33%.

PMID- 22068719
TI  - Analysis of T-wave Amplitude Adaptation to Heart Rate Using RR-binning of Long
      Term ECG Recordings.
AB  - The prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease at the early stage of the
      disease is a challenge of modern cardiology. There is an urgent need to risk
      stratify these patients. Holter technology is a cheap and cost effective tool to
      evaluate electrical abnormalities in the heart. We propose to investigate T
      amplitude adaptation to heart rate (HR) using RR-binning. We used daytime
      recordings from healthy subjects and subjects with acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI) from the Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse. The AMI subjects were divided
      into two groups based on location of their infarction (group A: anterior or
      anterior lateral, group B: inferior or inferior lateral). Both AMI groups had
      acute and stable phase recordings. Population-based T-adaptation to HR was
      observed for healthy subjects (R2 = 0.92) but was less pronounced for AMI
      subjects: [Formula: see text].

PMID- 22068720
TI  - Modeling and design of optimal flow perfusion bioreactors for tissue engineering
      applications.
AB  - Perfusion bioreactors have been used in different tissue engineering applications
      because of their consistent distribution of nutrients and flow-induced shear
      stress within the tissue-engineering scaffold. A widely used configuration uses a
      scaffold with a circular cross-section enclosed within a cylindrical chamber and
      inlet and outlet pipes which are connected to the chamber on either side through
      which media is continuously circulated. However, fluid-flow experiments and
      simulations have shown that the majority of the flow perfuses through the center.
      This pattern creates stagnant zones in the peripheral regions as well as in those
      of high flow rate near the inlet and outlet. This non-uniformity of flow and
      shear stress, owing to a circular design, results in limited cell proliferation
      and differentiation in these areas. The focus of this communication is to design
      an optimized perfusion system using computational fluid dynamics as a
      mathematical tool to overcome the time-consuming trial and error experimental
      method. We compared the flow within a circular and a rectangular bioreactor
      system. Flow simulations within the rectangular bioreactor are shown to overcome
      the limitations in the circular design. This communication challenges the
      circular cross-section bioreactor configuration paradigm and provides proof of
      the advantages of the new design over the existing one.

PMID- 22068721
TI  - Children's exposure to metals: a community-initiated study.
AB  - In 2007, it was shown that the shipping of lead (Pb) through Esperance Port in
      Western Australia resulted in contamination and increased Pb concentrations in
      children. A clean-up strategy was implemented; however, little attention was
      given to other metals. In consultation with the community, a cross-sectional
      exposure study was designed. Thirty-nine children aged 1 to 12 years provided
      samples of hair, urine, drinking water, residential soil and dust. Concentrations
      of nickel (Ni) and Pb were low in biological and environmental samples. Hair
      aluminium (Al) (lower than the detection limit [DL] to 251 MUg/g) and copper (Cu)
      (7 to 415 MUg/g), as well as urinary Al (<DL to 210 MUg/L), manganese (Mn) (<DL
      to 550 MUg/L), and Cu (<DL to 87 MUg/L), were increased for a small number of
      participants. Concentrations of nickel (Ni) in urine, soil, and dust decreased
      with increasing distance from the port, as did soil Pb concentrations. The
      results suggest exposure to Ni and Pb was limited in children at the time of
      sampling in 2009. Further investigation is required to determine the source(s)
      and significance of other increased metals concentrations.

PMID- 22068723
TI  - Update of the NIOSH life table analysis system: a person-years analysis program
      for the windows computing environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Person-years analysis is a fundamental tool of occupational
      epidemiology. A life table analysis system (LTAS), previously developed by the
      National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, was limited by its
      platform and analysis and reporting capabilities. We describe the updating of
      LTAS for the Windows operating system (LTAS.NET) with improved properties.
      SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: A group of epidemiologists, programmers, and
      statisticians developed software, platform, and computing requirements.
      Statistical methods include the use of (indirectly) standardized mortality
      ratios, (directly) standardized rate ratios, confidence intervals, and P values
      based on the normal approximation and exact Poisson methods, and a trend
      estimator for linear exposure-response associations. SOFTWARE FEATURES: We show
      examples using LTAS.NET to stratify and analyze multiple fixed and time-dependent
      variables. Data import, stratification, and reporting options are highly
      flexible. Users may export stratified data for Poisson regression modeling.
      CONCLUSIONS: LTAS.NET incorporates improvements that will facilitate more complex
      person-years analysis of occupational cohort data.

PMID- 22068722
TI  - Phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis of A-, B-, C- and E-class MADS-box genes
      in the basal eudicot Platanus acerifolia.
AB  - London plane tree (Platanus acerifolia Willd.) is an important member of the
      Platanaceae family, being popular as an urban landscaping tree. Here, we report
      the isolation of five MADS-box genes from the basal angiosperm, Platanus
      acerifolia. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses identified FRUITFUL-like, APETELA3
      like, AGAMOUS-like, SEPALLATA1-like and SEPALLATA3-like sequences and, hence, we
      term the respective Platanus acerifolia genes as PlacFUL, PlacAP3, PlacAG,
      PlacSEP1 and PlacSEP3. From these identities we infer that they represent
      candidate A-, B-, C-class and two E-class genes, respectively. The conserved MIK
      or MIKC domains from the nucleotide and protein sequences of PlacFUL, PlacAP3,
      PlacAG, PlacSEP1 and PlacSEP3 were analyzed using the maximum-likelihood, MrBayes
      and neighbor-joining methods. The results confirmed P. acerifolia as a basal
      eudicot. Expression pattern was determined by reverse transcriptase PCR, which
      showed all paralogous genes have distinct expression patterns, suggesting that
      they had undergone functional divergence.

PMID- 22068724
TI  - Objective measures of adoption of patient lift and transfer devices to reduce
      nursing staff injuries in the hospital setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interventions to reduce patient-handling injuries in the hospital
      setting are often evaluated based on their effect on outcomes such as injury
      rates. Measuring intervention adoption could address how and why observed trends
      in the outcome occurred. METHODS: Unit-level data related to adoption of patient
      lift equipment were systematically collected at several points in time over 5
      years on nursing units at two hospitals, including hours of lift equipment use,
      equipment accessibility, and supply purchases and availability. RESULTS: Various
      measures of adoption highlighted the adoption process' gradual nature and
      variability by hospital and between units. No single measure adequately assessed
      adoption. Certain measures appear well-correlated. CONCLUSION: Future evaluation
      of primary preventive efforts designed to prevent patient-handling injuries would
      be strengthened by objective data on intermediate measures that reflect
      intervention implementation and adoption.

PMID- 22068725
TI  - Implementation and adoption of mechanical patient lift equipment in the hospital
      setting: The importance of organizational and cultural factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Work focused on understanding implementation and adoption of
      interventions designed to prevent patient-handling injuries in the hospital
      setting is lacking in the injury literature and may be more insightful than more
      traditional evaluation measures. METHODS: Data from focus groups with health care
      workers were used to describe barriers and promoters of the adoption of patient
      lift equipment and a shift to a "minimal-manual lift environment" at two
      affiliated hospitals. RESULTS: Several factors influencing the adoption of the
      lift equipment and patient-handling policy were noted: time, knowledge/ability,
      staffing, patient characteristics, and organizational and cultural aspects of
      work. The adoption process was complex, and considerable variability by hospital
      and across units was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of qualitative data can
      enhance the understanding of factors that influence implementation and adoption
      of interventions designed to prevent patient-handling injuries among health care
      workers.

PMID- 22068726
TI  - A comparison of levels of select minerals in scalp hair samples with estimated
      dietary intakes of these minerals in women of reproductive age.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate daily intake of minerals and
      concentrations of minerals in hair in women of reproductive age. The study
      included 77 menstruating women, aged 35.9 +/- 9.7 years. Subjects were divided
      into three groups according to age. All women were healthy. Hair samples were
      taken from several points of the occipital scalp. The content of minerals in hair
      samples was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Dietary intake of
      the analysed minerals was assayed on the basis of dietary intake interviews from
      three preceding days and evaluated using the dietetic computer programme. It was
      shown that calcium and iron daily intake by the women was below the recommended
      value. Only few women had low concentrations (below reference values) of
      magnesium, copper and zinc in hair. Statistically significant differences were
      shown between age groups. Generally, the concentrations of minerals in hair in
      the younger (19-30 years) and the older women (41-50 years) were higher than in
      hair of middle-aged women (31-40 years). The content of calcium, magnesium, iron
      and zinc in daily diets of women correlated inversely with copper level in their
      hair. Food products with good bioavailability of iron and calcium should be
      recommended for women of childbearing age in all age groups.

PMID- 22068727
TI  - Serum mercury level and multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Exposure to heavy metals has been associated to a higher incidence of multiple
      sclerosis. In this work, we present a possible relationship between serum mercury
      levels and development of multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, the third largest city
      in Iran. Seventy-four patients affected by multiple sclerosis were retrieved from
      multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic in Isfahan, Iran. By matching sex and age, 74
      healthy volunteers were chosen as control group. Blood samples were collected and
      serum mercury content was determined. Serum mercury level in MS patients was
      significantly higher than controls (9.6 +/- 10.17 vs. 5.7 +/- 8.6, P = 0.037).
      Concerning all MS patients, serum mercury value was significantly higher than the
      mercury concentration founded in control subjects {odd ratio: 2.39 (CI, 1.96
      2.94), P = 0.00}. Serum mercury level is higher in MS patients with odd ratio
      equal to 2.39 compared with healthy individuals. It may reveal that high mercury
      levels in serum might help MS development in susceptible individuals. More
      studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

PMID- 22068728
TI  - Iron, copper, and zinc transport: inhibition of divalent metal transporter 1
      (DMT1) and human copper transporter 1 (hCTR1) by shRNA.
AB  - Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) fulfill various essential biological
      functions and are vital for all living organisms. They play important roles in
      oxygen transport, cell growth and differentiation, neurotransmitter synthesis,
      myelination, and synaptic transmission. Because of their role in many critical
      functions, they are commonly used in food fortification and supplementation
      strategies globally. To determine the involvement of divalent metal transporter 1
      (DMT1) and human copper transporter 1 (hCTR1) on Fe, Cu, and Zn uptake, Caco-2
      cells were transfected with four different shRNA plasmids to selectively inhibit
      DMT1 or hCTR1 transporter expression. Fe and Cu uptake and total Zn content
      measurements were performed in shRNA-DMT1 and shRNA-hCTR1 cells. Both shRNA-DMT1
      and shRNA-hCTR1 cells had lower apical Fe uptake (a decrease of 51% and 41%,
      respectively), Cu uptake (a decrease of 25.8% and 38.5%, respectively), and Zn
      content (a decrease of 23.1% and 22.7%, respectively) compared to control cells.
      These results confirm that DMT1 is involved in active transport of Fe, Cu, and Zn
      although Zn showed a different relative capacity. These results also show that
      hCTR1 is able to transport Fe and Zn.

PMID- 22068729
TI  - Influence of selenium on body weights and immune organ indexes in ducklings
      intoxicated with aflatoxin B1.
AB  - To investigate the influence of selenium on body weights and the immune organ
      indexes in ducklings administrated with aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)), 90 7-day-old
      ducklings were randomly divided into three groups (groups I-III). Group I was
      used as a blank control. Group II was administered with AFB(1) (0.1 mg/kg body
      weight). Group III was administered with AFB(1) (0.1 mg/kg body weight) plus
      sodium selenite (1 mg/kg body weight). All treatments were given once daily for
      21 days. It showed that the ducklings' bursa of fabricius, thymus indexes, and
      body weights in group II significantly decreased when compared with group I (P <
      0.01). Furthermore, the spleen indexes significantly decreased (P < 0.01).
      However, the ducklings' bursa of fabricius and thymus indexes, body weights in
      group III ducklings significantly increased when compared with group II (P <
      0.01). In addition, the spleen indexes significantly decreased (P < 0.01). These
      results revealed that AFB(1) significantly affect ducklings' growth and immune
      organs development. However, selenium significantly ameliorated the negative
      effects induced by AFB(1).

PMID- 22068730
TI  - Trace elements in fruit juices.
AB  - Fruit juices are widely consumed in tropical countries as part of habitual diet.
      The concentrations of several minerals in these beverages were evaluated. Four
      commercially available brands of juices were analyzed for cadmium, lead, copper,
      zinc, aluminum, iron, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum. The levels ranged from
      0.02 to 0.08 mg/L for copper, from 0.05 to 0.23 mg/L for zinc, from 0.1 to 0.4
      mg/L for aluminum, from 0.02 to 0.45 mg/L for iron, and from 0.01 to 0.22 mg/L
      for manganese. The levels of cadmium, lead, and chromium in all samples were very
      low or undetectable. The metal contents of fruit juices depend on a number of
      factors, including the soil composition, the external conditions during fruit
      growing and fruit harvesting, as well as on details of the fruit juice
      manufacturing processes employed. The concentrations of none of the metals in
      juice samples analyzed exceeded the limits imposed by local legislation.

PMID- 22068731
TI  - Influence of methionine and vitamin E on fluoride concentration in bones and
      teeth of rats exposed to sodium fluoride in drinking water.
AB  - Increased exposure to fluorine-containing compounds leads to accumulation of
      fluorides in hard tissues of bones and teeth, which may result in numerous
      skeletal and dental disorders. This study evaluates the influence of methionine
      and vitamin E on fluoride concentration in bones and teeth of rats subjected to
      long-term exposure to sodium fluoride in drinking water. The study was conducted
      in 30 3-month-old female Wistar FL rats. The animals were divided into five
      groups, six rats per group. The control group consisted of rats receiving only
      distilled water as drinking water. All other groups received NaF in the amount of
      10 mg/kg of body mass/day in their drinking water. In addition, respective animal
      groups received: NaF + Met group--10 mg of methionine/kg of body mass/day, NaF +
      Met + E group--10 mg of methionine/kg of body mass/day and 3 mg of vitamin E
      (tocopheroli acetas)/rat/day and NaF + E group--3 mg of vitamin E/rat/day.
      Femoral bones and incisor teeth were collected for the study, and the fluoride
      concentration was determined using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. Fluoride
      concentration in both bones and teeth was found to be higher in the NaF and NaF +
      Met groups compared to the control group. In groups NaF + Met + E and NaF + E,
      the study material contained much lower fluoride concentration compared to the
      NaF group, while the effect was more prominent in the NaF + E group. The results
      of the studies indicate that methionine and vitamin E have opposite effects on
      accumulation of fluorides in hard tissue in rats. By stimulating fluoride
      accumulation, methionine reduces the adverse effect of fluorides on soft tissue,
      while vitamin E, which prevents excessive accumulation of fluorides in bones and
      teeth, protects these tissues from fluorosis. Therefore, it seems that combined
      application of both compounds would be optimal for the prevention of the adverse
      effects of chronic fluoride intoxication.

PMID- 22068732
TI  - Dietary exposure estimates of 14 trace elements in Xuanwei and Fuyuan, two high
      lung cancer incidence areas in China.
AB  - Xuanwei and Fuyuan, located in the Yunnan province in southwest of China, are
      known to have a strikingly high incidence of lung cancer. Among the many factors
      that have been explored, the association between lung cancer and trace elements
      has not received enough attention. In this study, dietary samples were collected
      from 60 families of the lung cancer and control groups and abundances of 14 trace
      elements were determined using inductively coupled-plasma mass spectroscopy.
      Accuracy and sensitivity of the method were demonstrated by analyzing national
      standard reference materials. The results showed that the dietary intake of the
      trace elements contributed 96.6% of total intake. Among the 14 elements tested,
      cadmium and titanium were found to be present at a significantly higher level in
      the food consumed by the cancer group than by the control group. The intake of
      selenium by the population living in the areas is much lower than what it should
      be, with the people in the cancer group experiencing even more severe selenium
      deficiency. In addition, in both groups, the intakes of several essential
      elements (iron, copper, and zinc) from food and the drinking water were found to
      be significantly lower than required according to the Chinese Dietary Reference
      Intakes. The present study of the relationship between trace element intakes of
      lung cancer cases and controls provides important information urgently needed for
      the assessment of lung cancer risk of healthy subjects. The study also gives
      rational dietary suggestions to local residents which is important to the early
      diagnosis and pretreatment of lung cancer.

PMID- 22068733
TI  - The pregnant woman with heart disease: management of pregnancy and delivery.
AB  - Women with heart disease are at risk of cardiac complications during pregnancy
      and delivery. Risk assessment should be performed in these women, and the
      management of pregnancy and delivery should be planned accordingly. Depending on
      the risk, women should be cared for in specialised centres, regional centres or a
      combination of both. Multidisciplinary teams must be involved in the care of
      these women. Adequate organisation of care and communication between the team
      members is important to prevent complications.

PMID- 22068735
TI  - Detection of left main coronary artery stenosis: utilization of transesophageal
      echocardiography in acute heart failure.

PMID- 22068734
TI  - Left ventricular endocardial pacing in cardiac resynchronisation therapy: Moving
      from bench to bedside.
AB  - In cardiac resynchronisation therapy, failure to implant a left ventricular lead
      in a coronary sinus branch has been reported in up to 10% of cases. Although
      surgical insertion of epicardial leads is considered the standard alternative,
      this is not without morbidity and technical limitations. Endocardial left
      ventricular pacing can be an alternative as it has been associated with a
      favourable acute haemodynamic response compared with epicardial pacing in both
      animal and human studies. In this paper, we discuss left ventricular endocardial
      pacing and compare it with epicardial surgical implantation. Ease of application
      and procedural complications and morbidity compare favourably with epicardial
      surgical techniques. However, with limited experience, the most important concern
      is the still unknown long-term risk of thromboembolic complications. Therefore,
      for now endovascular implants should remain reserved for severely symptomatic
      heart failure patients and patients at high surgical risk of failed coronary
      sinus implantation.

PMID- 22068736
TI  - Frog sign.

PMID- 22068737
TI  - Two circumflex arteries originating from both right and left coronary sinuses of
      Valsalva.

PMID- 22068738
TI  - Pregnancy in women with pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Women with pulmonary hypertension have a high risk of morbidity and mortality
      during pregnancy. The inability to increase cardiac output leads to heart failure
      while further risks are introduced with hypercoagulability and decrease in
      systemic vascular resistance. There is no proof that new advanced therapies for
      pulmonary hypertension decrease the risk, though some promising results have been
      reported. However, pregnancy should still be regarded as contraindicated in women
      with pulmonary hypertension. When pregnancy occurs and termination is declined,
      pregnancy and delivery should be managed by multidisciplinary services with
      experience in the management of both pulmonary hypertension and high-risk
      pregnancies.

PMID- 22068739
TI  - The influence of salsolinol on dopaminergic system activity within the mediobasal
      hypothalamus of anestrous sheep: a model for studies on the salsolinol-dopamine
      relationship.
AB  - Salsolinol with its derivatives has been considered as a potential neurotoxin for
      the dopaminergic system in the human and rat brain. Investigating a sheep model
      for studies on the action of salsolinol within the central nervous system we
      examined whether this compound is able to affect the hypothalamic neuroendocrine
      dopaminergic (NEDA) system during its high seasonal activity, when sheep entered
      to anestrus under the long day conditions. Therefore, salsolinol was infused into
      the third ventricle of the brain in combination with the in vivo push-pull
      perfusion of the mediobasal hypothalamus/median eminence (MBH/ME). The effects of
      this drug on either perfusate noradrenaline (NA) or plasma prolactin
      concentration were also studied. The infusion of salsolinol resulted in rapid and
      permanent diminution in dopamine (DA) release into the extracellular spaces of
      the MBH/ME up to an undetectable level and in the 57% decrease in DA metabolite
      3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentration, compared to the control. This
      effect of salsolinol was accompanied by the significant enhancement of the
      pituitary prolactin release into circulation. The concentration of other DA
      metabolite, homovanillic acid, as well as NA in the MBH/ME was not affected.
      Thus, our results in the anestrous sheep underline the role played by salsolinol
      as a neuromodulator for the hypothalamic NEDA system and as a signal transmitter
      for the pituitary prolactin release. We suggest that the hypothalamic NEDA system
      of anestrous sheep during its high secretory activity may be set as a model for
      studies on the salsolinol-dopamine relationship.

PMID- 22068740
TI  - Use of Near Infrared Transillumination / Back Scattering Sounding (NIR-T/BSS) to
      assess effects of elevated intracranial pressure on width of subarachnoid space
      and cerebrovascular pulsation in animals.
AB  - The objective was to assess changes in the width of the subarachnoid space (SAS)
      and amplitude of cerebrovascular pulsation (CVP) during acute elevation of
      intracranial pressure (ICP) using Near Infrared Transillumination/Back Scattering
      Sounding (NIR-T/BSS). Changes in the width of the SAS and amplitude of CVP were
      observed in rabbits during experimental ICP elevation induced by: (1) quick
      injections of saline into the subdural space of the spinal cord, and (2)
      distension of a surgical catheter balloon placed intracranially in the subdural
      space. The amplitude of CVP was also assessed during acute elevation of blood
      pressure in the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) induced
      by adrenaline. Each of the injections of saline caused a transient rise in the
      width of the SAS and amplitude of CVP. The amplitude of the increase in CVP was
      dependent on changes in blood pressure in the ICA (r=-0.82, P<0.01). Distension
      of the intracranial balloon resulted in elimination of the respiratory
      oscillations in the CVP and increased its systolic-diastolic amplitude. An
      increase in the amplitude of CVP was evoked by adrenaline without an increase in
      the carotid blood flow. We demonstrated that during elevation of ICP the
      amplitude of CVP depends on blood pressure rather than on blood flow in large
      cerebral vessels. Elimination of the respiratory oscillations by a minute ("sub
      critical") ICP increase may be used as an early indicator of rising ICP. The
      direction of changes recorded using NIR-T/BSS was consistent with changes
      recorded using tensometric transducers.

PMID- 22068741
TI  - Enriched environment increases the total number of CNPase positive cells in the
      corpus callosum of middle-aged rats.
AB  - It had been reported that enriched environment was beneficial for the brain
      cognition, neurons and synapses in cortex and hippocampus. With diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI), several studies recently found the trained-induced larger corpus
      callosum. However, the effect of enriched environment on the oligodendrocytes in
      corpus callosum has not been explored with the unbiased stereological methods. In
      current study, the effect of enriched environment on the total number of 2',3'
      cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) positive cells in middle-aged rat
      corpus callosum was investigated by means of immunohistochemical techniques and
      the unbiased stereological methods. We found that, when compared to standard
      rats, the spatial learning capacity of enriched-environment rats was
      significantly increased. The total number of the CNPase positive cells in the
      corpus callosum of enriched-environment middle-aged rats was significantly
      increased when compared to standard rats. The present study provided, to the best
      of our knowledge, the first evidence of environmental enrichment-induced
      increases in the total number of CNPase positive cells in the corpus callosum of
      middle-aged rats.

PMID- 22068742
TI  - Towards chronic contextual conditioning in rats: the effects of different numbers
      of unpaired tone-shock presentations on freezing time and startle.
AB  - Contextual conditioning in rats is typically quantified using freezing time or
      startle amplitude. In this study, we combined both anxiety measures in one
      procedure and systematically examined the effect of training with 0, 5, 10 or 15
      unpaired tone-shock (0.8 mA - 250 ms) presentations on the expression of
      contextual conditioning in a chronic protocol with two training and testing days.
      Such a chronic procedure may be valuable as a chronic anxiety model. Training
      with 5, 10 or 15 explicitly unpaired shocks resulted in significant contextual
      freezing. There was no significant increase in freezing time from post-test 1 to
      post-test 2 and there were no differences between the three shocked groups,
      implying that the different numbers of shocks did not affect the degree of
      contextual freezing, probably because the ceiling freezing value had already been
      reached. Surprisingly, we observed no potentiated startle in the conditioned
      context. To summarize, our protocol produced consistent contextual freezing over
      two testing days.

PMID- 22068743
TI  - The effect of haloperidol on maternal behavior in WAG/Rij rats and its
      consequences in the offspring.
AB  - Haloperidol treatment during pre- and post-natal period affects maternal behavior
      and this may have long-term effects on the offspring. We examined whether early
      haloperidol administration to Wistar-Albino-Glaxo dams from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij)
      and in Wistar control rats would affect maternal care and as a consequence,
      seizure susceptibility and behavior in the WAG/Rij's offspring at 3-4 months of
      age. Nursing dams of this well-validated genetic animal model of absence epilepsy
      and control dams were injected with haloperidol or saline at PPD 1 to 6. Maternal
      behavior was evaluated at PPD 7 to 9. Haloperidol-injected WAG/Rij dams showed
      more pup carryings compared with saline-injected mothers, this effect was not
      noticed in control Wistar dams. The offspring of haloperidol-treated WAG/Rij
      dams, tested during adulthood, showed heightened behavioral activity (time spent
      into the open arms, head dips) in the elevated plus-maze, as well as shorter
      spike-wave discharges (SWD) as measured in their electroencephalographic activity
      compared with saline-treated rats. Overall, it can be concluded that deviancies
      in the DA system as induced by haloperidol facilitates pup carrying/retrieval
      behavior in WAG/Rij rats and reduces seizure activity of the offspring in
      adulthood. Therefore, inter-individual differences in seizure properties and
      behavior in genetically predisposed animals may be due to differences in maternal
      behavior of the dams.

PMID- 22068745
TI  - Dissociating sequence learning performance in Parkinson's disease: Visuomotor
      sequence acquisition and pattern judgment on a serial reaction time task.
AB  - In this study, the sequence learning performance of 16 non-demented patients with
      Parkinson's disease (PD) was compared with 18 age-matched healthy controls on a
      verbal version of the serial reaction time (SRT) task intended to encapsulate
      both visuomotor- and judgment-linked learning processes. Visuomotor sequence
      performance in PD patients was closely related to baseline response speed, with
      robust learning demonstrated by patients who responded with comparable speed to
      controls but severely impaired performance in patients who responded slowly. In
      contrast, both fast- and slow-responding PD patients were able to successfully
      categorise patterns according to their sequential status, a performance that was
      linked to declarative memory for the sequence. The findings highlight the
      important role of event timing in SRT performance and are in accord with the
      hypothesis that, despite the important role played by the basal ganglia in motor
      sequence learning, basal ganglionic dysfunction may not substantially impair
      sequence order learning so much as the translation of sequence knowledge into
      rapid motor performance for some PD patients. Intact pattern judgment on the SRT
      experiment suggests that the integrity of the neostriatum is not essential for
      learning judgment-linked categorical information about sequences of temporal
      stimulus movement.

PMID- 22068744
TI  - Cold pressor stimulation diminishes P50 amplitude in normal subjects.
AB  - The present study examined how cold pressor stimulation influences
      electrophysiological correlates of arousal. We measured the P50 auditory evoked
      response potential in two groups of subjects who immersed their foot in either
      cold (0-2 degrees C) or room temperature (22-24 degrees C) water for 50 seconds.
      The P50, which was recorded before and after stimulation, is sleep-state
      dependent and sensitive to states of arousal in clinical populations. We found a
      significant reduction in P50 amplitude after exposure to cold, but not room
      temperature water. In comparison with other studies, these results indicate that
      cold pressor stimulation in normal subjects may evoke a regulatory process that
      modulates the P50 amplitude, perhaps to preserve the integrity of sensory
      perception, even as autonomic and subjective aspects of arousal increase.

PMID- 22068746
TI  - Correlation between formation of the calcarine sulcus and morphological
      maturation of the lateral ventricle in cynomolgus monkey fetuses.
AB  - In the present study developmental changes in the cerebral sulci and volumes of
      subcortical and archicortical structures of the cerebrum in cynomolgus monkey
      fetuses were examined with T(1)-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images in 3D. On
      the embryonic day (ED) 90, the lateral ventricle had still an immature vesicular
      shape in the occipital region of the cerebrum, and it dramatically closed its
      lumen by ED 100. In that period the calcarine sulcus progressively infolded from
      the medial surface of the cerebral hemisphere narrowing the lumen of the lateral
      ventricle in the occipital region. Volume of the lateral ventricle decreased in
      the period ED 90-100, increasing afterwards in spite of increasing volumes of
      subcortical and archicortical structures such as the caudate nucleus, putamen,
      globus pallidus, amygdala and hippocampal formation. During the same time, the
      volume of the germinal matrix around lateral ventricles decreased to disappear
      completely by ED 120. These results suggest that the morphological maturation of
      lateral ventricle is linked to the development of calcarine sulcus in cynomolgus
      monkey fetuses. The degree of infolding of calcarine sulcus on ED 100 would be
      useful as a gross anatomical landmark for evaluating the cerebral maturation in
      cynomolgus monkey fetuses.

PMID- 22068747
TI  - Waking EEG in primary insomnia.
AB  - Quantitative analysis of the waking EEG has been proposed as an objective method
      for measuring neurobehavioral impairment in primary insomnia. Thirty six patients
      with DSM-IV primary insomnia diagnosis (mean age 36 years) and 29 controls,
      matched for age and education, participated in the study. Waking EEG from 21
      scalp electrodes was subjected to spectral analyses using a fast Fourier
      transform algorithm. Significantly lower values of power in the theta range and
      higher values of beta power were found in insomniacs as compared to control
      subjects. This theta power decrease in patients suffering from insomnia was not
      uniform throughout the brain, but it was pronounced in prefrontal derivations.
      Lower values of theta power correlated negatively and higher values of beta power
      correlated postively with Hyperarousal Scale score. Results of the research
      presented here support the notion of twenty-four hour hyperarousal in primary
      insomnia. Attenuated theta and enhanced beta power can be electrophysiological
      correlates of dysfunctional arousal in insomnia. Less waking theta power in
      insomniacs suggests a decrease in homeostatic sleep propensity.

PMID- 22068749
TI  - Synthesis, spectral and conformational studies of some N-arylsulfonyl-t(3)
      isopropyl-r(2),c(6)-diarylpiperidin-4-ones.
AB  - A series of N-arylsulfonyl-t(3)-isopropyl-r(2),c(6)-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 1-8
      were synthesized and characterized unambiguously by (1)H, (13)C NMR, 2D-COSY and
      HSQC NMR spectroscopy. The conformational preferences of 1-8 have been discussed
      on the basis of the coupling constants, and they suggest normal chair
      conformation with equatorial orientations of all the substituents in 1-8. The
      preferred conformation of aryl sulfonyl group at nitrogen and isopropyl group at
      C-3 was determined theoretically using density functional calculations.

PMID- 22068748
TI  - Sleep apnea, heart failure, and sleep position.

PMID- 22068750
TI  - Design of a dual-output fluorescent DNA logic gate and detection of silver ions
      and cysteine based on graphene oxide.
AB  - In the presence of graphene oxide, upon formation of cytosine-Ag-cytosine the
      fluorescence wavelength of FAM-labeled DNA exhibited a red shift, and its
      intensity significantly increased. A novel fluorescent DNA sensor for Ag(+) and
      cysteine detection, and a dual-output fluorescent DNA INHIBIT logic gate are
      designed.

PMID- 22068751
TI  - Impedimetric thrombin aptasensor based on chemically modified graphenes.
AB  - Highly sensitive biosensors are of high importance to the biomedical field.
      Graphene represents a promising transducing platform for construction of
      biosensors. Here for the first time we compare the biosensing performance of a
      wide set of graphenes prepared by different methods. In this work, we present a
      simple and label-free electrochemical impedimetric aptasensor for thrombin based
      on chemically modified graphene (CMG) platforms such as graphite oxide (GPO),
      graphene oxide (GO), thermally reduced graphene oxide (TR-GO) and
      electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ER-GO). Disposable screen-printed
      electrodes were first modified with chemically modified graphene (CMG) materials
      and used to immobilize a DNA aptamer which is specific to thrombin. The basis of
      detection relies on the changes in impedance spectra of redox probe after the
      binding of thrombin to the aptamer. It was discovered that graphene oxide (GO) is
      the most suitable material to be used as compared to the other three CMG
      materials. Furthermore, the optimum concentration of aptamer to be immobilized
      onto the modified electrode surface was determined to be 10 MUM and the linear
      detection range of thrombin was 10-50 nM. Lastly, the aptasensor was found to
      demonstrate selectivity for thrombin. Such simply fabricated graphene oxide
      aptasensor shows high promise for clinical diagnosis of biomarkers and point-of
      care analysis.

PMID- 22068752
TI  - Timing of antibiotic administration and infectious morbidity following cesarean
      delivery: incorporating policy change into workflow.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the success of a multidisciplinary approach to policy change
      regarding timing of antibiotic administration for the prevention of surgical-site
      infection after cesarean delivery. METHODS: After review of the evidence, our
      multidisciplinary Obstetrics Leadership Committee decided to change policy on the
      timing of antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery. Using a combination of
      meetings, email communications, and local champions, 100% compliance with the new
      policy was achieved in 5 weeks. The effect of this policy change was investigated
      through a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing cesarean
      delivery at one institution from January 2009 through May 2009. Approximately
      halfway through the study period our department implemented a practice change
      that required antibiotic administration before skin incision rather than after
      clamping the umbilical cord. We compared the incidence of surgical-site
      infection, including endometritis, cellulitis, and total infectious morbidity,
      among women who received antibiotics before skin incision to those who received
      antibiotics after umbilical cord clamp. RESULTS: There were 533 consecutive women
      who underwent cesarean delivery during the study period. Two hundred forty
      (45.0%) women received antibiotics after cord clamping, and 285 (53.5%) women
      received antibiotics before skin incision; timing could not be determined for 8
      (1.5%) women. Within 5 weeks of the policy change, 100% of the women undergoing
      cesarean delivery received perioperative prophylactic antibiotics before skin
      incision. The incidence of infectious morbidity fell from 5.4 to 2.5% when
      antibiotics were given before skin incision. Compared to the administration of
      antibiotics before skin incision, receiving antibiotics after cord clamp yielded
      a crude relative risk (RR) of 2.21 (95% CI 0.89-5.44) for total infectious
      morbidity and 3.56 (95% CI 0.73-17.49) for endometritis. Although not
      statistically significant, there was an increased risk of cellulitis (RR 1.66;
      95% CI 0.53-5.17) when antibiotics were administered after cord clamping.
      CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach was successful in achieving 100%
      adherence to our institution's policy change regarding timing of prophylactic
      antibiotics. This approach was necessary in order to incorporate this type of
      change into the labor and delivery workflow and may serve as a paradigm for
      success in implementing labor and delivery quality improvement projects. In
      addition, administration of prophylactic antibiotics before skin incision
      resulted in fewer surgical-site infections following cesarean delivery. As the
      clinical and economic impact of surgical-site infections is considerable, the
      once common practice of administering antibiotics after cord clamping should be
      avoided.

PMID- 22068753
TI  - Intraoperative frozen section is essential for assessment of myometrial invasion
      but not for histologic grade confirmation in endometrial cancer: a ten-year
      experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of endometrial biopsy (EB), transvaginal
      ultrasonography (TVS) and intraoperative frozen section (FS) for assessment of
      myometrial invasion and histologic grade to predict more conservative surgery in
      endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data of 220 patients
      with endometrial carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperatively, the
      subjects were evaluated by EB and TVS. Intraoperatively, FS was also performed to
      evaluate histological grading and myometrial invasion. All patients underwent
      surgical-pathological staging after removal of the uterus, adnexa and pelvic
      lymph nodes. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated for EB, TVS and
      FS with regard to detection of histological grading and neoplastic invasion of
      the myometrium according to the final histopathologic examination. RESULTS:
      Bilateral pelvic and common iliac lymphadenectomy was performed in 80 patients
      without performing intraoperative biopsy because of preoperative high risk.
      Evaluation of the tumor grade by preoperative EB showed a sensitivity,
      specificity and accuracy of 73, 97 and 91%, respectively. Evaluation of the tumor
      grade by intraoperative biopsy showed a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of
      73, 96 and 90%, respectively. Evaluation of the depth of myometrial invasion with
      TVS showed a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 52, 91 and 79%,
      respectively. Evaluation of the depth of myometrial invasion with intraoperative
      biopsy showed a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 86, 94 and 92%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the histologic grade by EB and of the
      depth of myometrial invasion by intraoperative biopsy is a good option for
      deciding the necessity of lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 22068754
TI  - [Artificial respiration in acute bronchial asthma].

PMID- 22068755
TI  - [Current coagulation diagnostics in intensive care medicine].
AB  - In the preoperative setting, a standardized questionnaire on bleeding history
      cannot be replaced by the Quick test or activated partial thromboplastin time
      (APTT) measurement. Thrombelastometry provides rapid measurement of coagulation
      in the intra- and postoperative settings. Besides the Quick test and APTT,
      thrombelastometry provides information about clot firmness and clot stability.
      This allows goal-directed management in coagulopathy, which results in a
      reduction of transfusion of blood products. Furthermore, this can lead to not
      only an overall reduced length of stay in the hospital, but also in the intensive
      care unit, thus, contributing to a significant cost reduction.

PMID- 22068756
TI  - [Preclinical therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitation].

PMID- 22068757
TI  - [Radiochemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer].

PMID- 22068759
TI  - Disabling acne fulminans.
AB  - Acne fulminans is a rare manifestation that may occur during the evolution of
      acne vulgaris primarily in male adolescents. Use of isotretinoin, testosterone,
      and exacerbated immune responses in the body are related triggers. Signs,
      symptoms and laboratory findings such as fever, hepatomegaly, polyarthralgia,
      leukocytosis, plaquetose, increased inflammatory markers and transaminases, are
      characteristic. A bone scan can detect osteolytic lesions in multiple skeletal
      sites. The treatment is performed with prednisolone, isotretinoin and antibiotics
      if secondary infection is present. This case describes a male patient with a
      diagnosis of grade III acne, who developed acne fulminans and bilateral
      sacroiliitis with inability to ambulate, after initiation of therapy with
      isotretinoin.

PMID- 22068758
TI  - [Acute pancreatitis].

PMID- 22068760
TI  - Acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma): a rarely-recognized condition. A
      case on the plantar aspect of the foot associated with chronic venous
      insufficiency.
AB  - Acroangiodermatitis, often known as pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma, is an uncommon
      angioproliferative entity related to chronic venous insufficiency, arteriovenous
      fistulae, paralysed limbs, amputation stumps, vascular syndromes and conditions
      associated with thrombosis. It presents most frequently as purple macules,
      papules or plaques in the dorsal aspects of the feet, especially the toes, and
      the malleoli. We report a case of acroangiodermatitis in the plantar aspect of
      the foot, misdiagnosed for two years, in which haematoxylin-eosin
      hystopathological stain and immunolabeling with CD34 histochemistry examination
      were decisive for diagnosis. Patient had chronic venous insufficiency. The lesion
      responded well to the treatment with a combination of leg elevation and
      compression.

PMID- 22068761
TI  - Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple.
AB  - Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is a complex benign mammary proliferation that
      can be misdiagnosed as a malignant mammary neoplasm. The most common clinical
      presentation includes discharge, erythema, erosion and crusting. The process is
      usually asymptomatic. It resembles benign conditions such as contact dermatitis,
      psoriasis and infections, but its main differential diagnosis is Paget's disease.
      Treatment is usually surgical and the prognosis is excellent.

PMID- 22068762
TI  - The importance of patch tests in the differential diagnosis of adverse drug
      reactions.
AB  - Exudative erythema multiforme is an acute self-limited skin disease often
      associated with infections (usually viral), and also with systemic diseases and
      drugs. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with systemic lupus
      erythematosus, who presented at the emergency clinic with exudative erythema
      multiforme which started 10 days after taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid for
      tonsillitis together (almost simultaneously) with the pneumococcal vaccine.
      Rowell's syndrome was also considered to be a possibility. Skin patch tests were
      carried with the standard battery of patches (GPEDC) and the active ingredients
      of the suspected drugs (Chemotechnique (r)), with readings at D2 and D3. The
      tests were positive for amoxicillin 10% pet (++), ampicillin 10% pet (+ +) and
      penicillin G potassium 10% pet (+). We accepted the diagnosis of erythema
      multiforme due to amoxicillin, confirmed by patch testing.

PMID- 22068763
TI  - An unusual presentation of macular amyloidosis.
AB  - Macular amyloidosis is a form of cutaneous amyloidosis characterized by dusky
      brown lesions usually located on the upper back between the shoulder blades. This
      report describes the case of a 45 year-old female presenting with hyperpigmented
      macules and lace-like, non-pruritic erythema in the sacral and cervical region as
      well as on both arms and legs. Histology revealed amyloid deposits in the
      papillary dermis which exhibited apple-green birefringence after Congo red
      staining. There were no systemic findings. This is a case of macular amyloidosis
      with an unusual presentation. The literature on the subject is also reviewed.

PMID- 22068764
TI  - Angiodema due to oral acitretin and isotretinoin.
AB  - Angioedema may be caused by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, angiotensin-
      converting enzyme inhibitors, radiocontrast media, antibiotics, sea food etc. It
      can involve an allergic (IgE-mediated) or non-allergic hypersensitivity reaction,
      both with a similar clinical presentation. While angioedema due to isotretionin
      has been described previously, this is the first description of angiodema due to
      acitretin. We report two uncommon cases of palpebral and labial angiodema due to
      retinoids, by acitretin and oral isotretinoin respectively: a 48-year-old man
      with psoriasis and a 24-year-old woman with severe acne resistant to antibiotics
      and topical drugs. In both cases the reaction persisted through-out treatment
      with these drugs, but resolved quickly after discontinuation. Reintroduction of
      the drugs brought on angioedema again.

PMID- 22068765
TI  - Use of dermoscopy for diagnosis of exogenous ochronosis.
AB  - Exogenous ochronosis consists of chronic hyperpigmentation of areas previously
      treated with topical agents such as hydroquinone, resorcinol, antimalarials and
      phenol. Early diagnosis allows to promptly suspend the causative agent and it is
      imperative since the available therapeutic options are scarce and have presented
      so far unsatisfactory results. Three cases of exogenous ochronosis on the face
      which were diagnosed with the use of dermoscopy are presented. Dermatoscopy
      showed blackish-gray amorphous structures, some obliterating the follicular
      openings. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.

PMID- 22068766
TI  - Zoon's plasma cell balanitis: a report of two cases treated with pimecrolimus.
AB  - Initially called (in French) "Balanoposthite chronique circonscrite benigne a
      plasmocytes", Zoon's plasma cell balanitis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis
      affecting the glans and foreskin of uncircumcised men. The different treatment
      options for this condition often present partial results. Reports have shown
      therapeutic success using topical tacrolimus. We report the use of pimecrolimus,
      a homologue of tacrolimus, with good response. Two male patients diagnosed with
      Zoon's plasma cell balanitis, confirmed by biopsy, were subjected to daily
      treatment with topical pimecrolimus1%. Significant improvement was noted in
      patient 1 after 6 weeks and after 8 weeks in patient 2. CONCLUSION: Pimecrolimus
      cream may be an option for the treatment of this disease.

PMID- 22068767
TI  - Familial case of oral white sponge nevus--a rare hereditary condition.
AB  - White sponge nevus (WSN) is an autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized by
      white, corrugated and diffuse plaques mainly affecting the oral mucosa. The
      condition has a high penetrance and variable expressivity, but familial reports
      are uncommon. This report presents a familial case of WSN in which two sisters
      are affected by the disorder.

PMID- 22068768
TI  - Keratosis pilaris and ulerythema ophryogenes in a woman with monosomy of the
      short arm of chromosome 18.
AB  - Partial monosomy of the short arm of chromosome 18 (18p- syndrome) is
      characterized mainly by speech delay, mild to moderate mental retardation and
      short stature. We describe a patient with the 18p- syndrome and widespread severe
      keratosis pilaris and ulerythema ophryogenes. This is the fourth case in which
      such an association has been reported. This association is of considerable
      interest because it may uncover a candidate genomic region and help to identify
      the gene responsible for follicular keratinization.

PMID- 22068769
TI  - Challenges in diagnosis and treatment of a case of SAPHO syndrome in.
AB  - The authors report a case of SAPHO Syndrome, in pediatric age, with a
      dermatological focus. This entity should be considered in patients who have pain
      in the anterior chest wall or other musculoskeletal symptoms, accompanied by
      palmoplantar pustulosis and acne fulminans. The specific cutaneous
      manifestations, diagnosis and the treatment will be presented.

PMID- 22068770
TI  - Diffuse plane xanthomatosis associated with monoclonal gammopathy.
AB  - Diffuse plane normolipemic xanthomatosis (DPNX) is a rare, non-inherited disease
      that is often associated with systemic diseases, mainly malignant hematological
      (especially multiple myeloma) or lymph proliferative disorders. The DPNX can
      precede the appearance of such conditions by several years, so careful follow-up
      and periodic laboratory examinations are recommended even for patients that
      seemed to have no underlying disease. We describe a case associated with
      monoclonal gammopathy. This case shows that dermatological lesions can be the
      first manifestation of important hematological diseases and so physicians should
      be familiarized with this entity.

PMID- 22068771
TI  - Elaioconiosis--case report.
AB  - Elaioconiosis is a work-related acneiform dermatosis which affects the exposed
      skin of individuals working with oils or greases. Its incidence has decreased
      with the introduction of personal protective equipment, personal hygiene measures
      and the cleaning of work clothes. Although not a rare disease, elaioconiosis is
      seldom reported in the literature, particularly in Brazil. Sufferers need to take
      time off work to proceed with the prolonged treatment to resolve the lesions
      caused by this condition.

PMID- 22068772
TI  - Epidermodysplasia verruciformis: clinical presentation with varied forms of
      lesions.
AB  - Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare inherited skin disorder spread by HPV,
      with cases linked to chromosome X. It is characterized by hypo- or hyper
      pigmented macular lesions, pityriasis versicolor-like lesions and an early
      tendency to develop skin malignancies. We present a case of epidermodysplasia
      verruciformis with a variety of lesions such as multiple plane warts, pityriasis
      versicolor-like lesions and aggressive squamous cell carcinoma on the face.

PMID- 22068773
TI  - Extensive intraoral blue nevus--case report.
AB  - Nevus is a congenital pigmented malformation rarely found in the oral mucosa.
      Around one third of cases located in this anatomical region are of the blue type,
      a histological variant with considerable tendency to malignancy. This study
      reports the case of a male patient, chronic smoker, with a blue nevus measuring 5
      cm in diameter on the hard palate. Since controversy exists in the literature
      regarding the incisional biopsy of pigmented lesions with malignant or malignant
      potential, excision without previous biopsy of the lesion was the therapy of
      choice for this case. The patient was followed-up for two years with no sign of
      recurrence or malignant transformation.

PMID- 22068774
TI  - Facial miliary osteoma in HIV patient.
AB  - Facial miliary osteoma is characterized by the presence of multiple normochromic
      papules, affecting mainly middle-aged women, with a previous history of acne. A
      39-year-old HIV positive female patient presented hardened papules which had
      appeared 3 years before, located on the malar region, glabella and mentum.
      Optical microscopy showed spherical bone formations in the dermis. Computerized
      tomography of the face revealed small calcifications on the surface consistent
      with bone formation. Multiple facial osteomas are rare as well as its association
      with HIV virus infection.

PMID- 22068775
TI  - Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma--case report.
AB  - Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma is a rare granulomatous skin disease
      characterized histologically by phagocytosis of elastic fibers by multinucleated
      giant cells and clinically by annular patches with elevated borders and atrophic
      centers found mainly on sun-exposed skin. The pathogenesis of the disease is
      controversial. We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with classical clinical
      and histological findings of the disease whose condition improved when
      hydroxychloroquine was administered over a four-week period.

PMID- 22068776
TI  - Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: a follow-up of 23 years of use of systemic
      retinoids.
AB  - Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is a form of ichthyosis normally resistant to
      topical treatments. Female patient monitored since 1978 diagnosed with
      epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Clinical examination showed generalized
      hyperkeratosis and scaling. Given that no other treatments were available at the
      time, the patient was initially treated with keratolytic, systemic vitamin A and
      moisturizers, with no improvement. In 1986, with the development of oral
      retinoids, etretinate was introduced. In 1998 this was replaced by acitretin. The
      patient is receiving 25 mg/day after 23 years of using oral retinoids.
      Significant improvement of the condition and patient's quality of life has been
      noted.

PMID- 22068777
TI  - Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans.
AB  - Flegel's disease, also known as hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans, is a rare
      skin disease characterized by small reddish-brown asymptomatic hyperkeratotic
      papules usually located on the lower extremities. The histopathological features
      are hyperorthokeratosis, epidermal atrophy and band-like inflammatory infiltrate
      in the superficial dermis. Treatment is generally ineffective. We report a case
      of hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans that improved following excisional biopsy
      of the lesions.

PMID- 22068778
TI  - Langerhans cells histiocytosis with vulvar involvement and responding to
      thalidomide therapy--case report.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a member of a group of rare histiocytic
      syndromes and is characterized for the proliferation of histiocytes called
      Langerhans'cells. Its manifestations vary from a solitary injury to systemic
      involvement, and vulvar lesions are uncommon. We describe a refractory case of
      cutaneous limited disease in a 57-year-old woman. She presented with a 6-year
      history of an erythematous papular eruption of the scalp, face, vulva, trunk and
      axillae. The diagnosis is difficult and in this case it was confirmed through
      immunohistochemical study and clinical improvement was achieved with thalidomide.

PMID- 22068779
TI  - Acral lichen sclerosus et atrophicus--case report.
AB  - Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a chronic disorder of the skin and mucosal
      surfaces, most commonly affecting the female genitalia. Few cases of lichen
      sclerosus et atrophicus confined to the feet and/or hands have been reported. We
      report a case of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus involving first the extremities
      and then the perigenital area.

PMID- 22068780
TI  - Autologous fat transplantation for the treatment of progressive hemifacial
      atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome: case report and review of medical literatute).
AB  - Parry-Romberg syndrome, also known as progressive hemifacial atrophy, is a rare
      disorder characterized by slow and progressive hemifacial atrophy. The treatment
      offered for the syndrome generally aims at improving aesthetics. Fat grafts,
      silicone injections or acrylic prosthesis are alternatives suggested for
      correction of facial atrophy. Currently, the recommended technique for correction
      of facial atrophy is cosmetic dermatologic surgery with autologous fat grafting.
      This study reports a case of Parry-Romberg syndrome and demonstrates that
      dermatologic surgery can relieve serious damage to the patient's anatomy,
      starting from the discussion of the therapeutic aspects of the syndrome with
      emphasis on autologous fat grafting.

PMID- 22068781
TI  - Comedonic lupus: a rare presentation of discoid lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a polymorphous autoimmune disease which
      may mimic some other clinical conditions, causing diagnostic difficulties.
      Acneiform lesions, including comedones and pitting scars are occasionally
      atypical presentations of cutaneous discoid lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22068782
TI  - Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus: differential diagnosis with dermatitis
      herpetiformis.
AB  - Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare subset of systemic lupus
      erythematosus that is even rarer in pediatric patients. We report a case of a 12
      year-old girl who presented with a vesiculobullous eruption on her face, neck,
      trunk and genital and oral mucosa, as well as anemia, sterile pyuria, ANA
      (1:1280, speckled pattern) and positive anti-Sm and anti-RNP. Pathological
      examination suggested dermatitis herpetiformis, and direct immunofluorescence
      revealed IgG, IgA and fibrin in the epithelial basement membrane zone. We present
      a typical case of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus and emphasize the
      importance of clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis with
      dermatitis herpetiformis.

PMID- 22068783
TI  - Disseminated hypertrophic lichen planus: relevant response to acitretin.
AB  - Hyperthrofic lichen planus is considered a variant of lichen planus with marked
      epidermal hyperplasia in response to persistent itch. It is clinically,
      characterized by symmetric hyperkeratotic plaques, of purplish-grey color, often
      located in the pretibial region. Intense pruritus, refractoriness to conventional
      treatments and the possibility of association of the long-term injuries with
      squamous cell carcinoma requires an effective treatment. The first-line treatment
      is corticosteroids which can be applied either topically or systemically. Other
      therapeutic modalities proposed are: NB-UVB phototherapy or PUVA,
      immunosuppressive drugs and systemic retinoids, notably acitretin. We report a
      case with exuberant clinical presentation of hyperthrofic lichen planus with
      excellent response to acitretin after nine months of treatment.

PMID- 22068784
TI  - Mal de Meleda: a report of two cases of familial occurrence.
AB  - Mal de Meleda is a rare transgressive palmoplantar keratoderma with an estimated
      prevalence of 1 in 100,000 individuals. It was first described in 1826 by Stulli
      on the island of Mljet. Its autosomal recessive inheritance was described in
      1938, and the defective gene was localized to chromosome 8 qter in 1998. Clinical
      features are the result of abnormal palmoplantar keratinization and include
      severe symmetrical transgressive hyperkeratosis and erythema of the feet and
      hands in a glove-and-sock pattern. Genetic counseling is mandatory in cases of
      consanguinity. We report two cases of familial occurrence in the offspring of
      consanguineous parents.

PMID- 22068785
TI  - Miliaria-rash after neutropenic fever and induction chemotherapy for acute
      myelogenous leukemia.
AB  - Miliaria is a disorder of the eccrine sweat glands which occurs in conditions of
      increased heat and humidity. It can be associated with persistent febrile states
      as well as with certain drugs. We presented a 40 year-old female with
      myelodysplastic syndrome and progression to acute myelogenous leukemia who was
      admitted to the hospital for chemotherapy induction. The patient was treated with
      idarubicin and cytarabine. She became pancytopenic and developed neutropenic
      fever and was started on vancomycin and cefepime, but was persistently febrile
      with night sweats. Five days into her fevers, she developed diffuse, nonpruritic
      and fragile vesicles together with drenching nightsweats. The patient's exanthem
      was diagnosed as Miliaria crystallina, most probably induced by neutropenic fever
      and idarubucin exposure.

PMID- 22068786
TI  - The importance of mitosis as a factor for predicting sentinel lymph node biopsy
      for thin melanoma.
AB  - 23-year-old female patient, with superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) on the
      back, Breslow 0.35 mm, Clark II, without ulceration and with 2 mitosis/mm2.
      Patient was submitted to margin enlargement and sentinel biopsy of 2 lymph nodes
      (left armpit). Histopathology revealed micrometastasis in the subcapsular sinus
      of both. Following the recommendation of the 2009 American Joint Committee on
      Cancer Melanoma Staging (AJCC), the patient underwent complete axillary
      lymphadenectomy. No other lymph nodes were metastatic. The clinical application
      of dermoscopy has enabled more accurate diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma, probably
      contributing to a greater proportion of thin melanomas at diagnosis. The mitotic
      rate was included as an important prognostic factor for thin melanomas by the
      AJCC, suggesting biopsy for these patients.

PMID- 22068787
TI  - Mixofibrossarcoma--case report.
AB  - Myxofibrosarcoma, previously known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, myxoid
      variant, is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin, composed of spindle cells and
      myxoid stroma. It mainly affects elderly people, involving the lower extremities
      and frequently extending to the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The tumor
      presents high rates of recurrence, and a deep biopsy is required to obtain the
      correct diagnosis. We report a case of high-grade mixofibrossarcoma characterized
      by a rapidly growing tumor and the presence of marked cellular pleomorphism and
      an abundant myxoid matrix.

PMID- 22068788
TI  - Fat necrosis of the newborn--report on two cases.
AB  - Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is an uncommon disorder occurring during
      the prenatal stage. Generally occurring in full-term neonates or during the first
      four weeks after a traumatic delivery, the disorder is characterized by the
      appearance of hard subcutaneous nodules or plaques on the trunk, buttocks or
      thighs. It is normally a benign and transient condition, although it may be
      complicated by hypocalcemia, which requires close monitoring until skin lesions
      are cured. The authors describe two cases of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the
      newborn, one occurring in a full-term neonate and the other in a premature
      newborn, both related to traumatic delivery and fetal distress.

PMID- 22068789
TI  - Sister Mary Joseph's nodule: a sign of internal malignancy.
AB  - The umbilicus can be affected by various skin diseases including metastasis of
      internal malignancies, at which point it is known as Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule.
      The authors report a case of Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule as the first sign of
      internal malignancy and highlight the importance for the dermatologist to
      recognize the condition.

PMID- 22068790
TI  - Familial occurrence of zoonotic sporotrichosis.
AB  - Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus
      Sporothrix schenckii which is endemic in Brazil and is transmitted primarily
      through traumatic inoculation of its causative agent into the skin. The zoonotic
      transmission, especially from infected cats, has been demonstrated in several
      reports and case series. We present simultaneous occurrence of the disease in
      three members of the same family by scratches from an infected domestic cat. Two
      patients developed the lymphocutaneous form and one only developed the fixed
      cutaneous form. Two patients were successfully treated with saturated solution of
      potassium iodide; however, the third case reported side effects and had his
      therapy substituted for itraconazole, with resolution of his lesions.

PMID- 22068791
TI  - Pancreatic panniculitis as the first manifestation of visceral disease--case
      report.
AB  - Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare pathological condition affecting 2-3% of
      patients with pancreatic disease. In 40% of cases the condition precedes
      manifestations of pancreatic disease. We report the case of a 71-year-old female
      who presented with an erythematous tender node which had appeared one month
      previously, progressing to ulceration and yellowish exudation. No abdominal
      symptoms. Biopsy revealed fat necrosis and vacuolated macrophages represented by
      amorphous amphophilic areas. Laboratory examination and CT scan revealed chronic
      pancreatitis. It is assumed that release of pancreatic enzymes such as trypsin
      may enhance the permeability of the microcirculation leading to lipase and
      amylase causing the subcutaneous fat necrosis observed in the lesions. Histology
      showed "ghost cells" and, firstly, septal panniculitis, followed later by lobular
      panniculitis. Treatment focused on resolution of the underlying pancreatic
      disease.

PMID- 22068792
TI  - AIDS-associated paracoccidioidomycosis in a patient with a CD4+ T-cell count of 4
      cells/mm3.
AB  - We describe a case of a patient presenting with HIV and paracoccidioidomycosis co
      infection. At the time of diagnosis total CD4+ T-cell count was 4 cells/mm3.
      Histopathology revealed tuberculoid granulomas, scarce CD4+ T cells, a moderate
      number of CD8+ cells and the absence of Foxp3+ cells. Most of the cutaneous
      lesions healed after two weeks of treatment with amphotericin B. After 14 months
      the patient is still under antiretroviral therapy and no clinical evidence of
      recurrence of the mycosis has been observed.

PMID- 22068793
TI  - Refractory endemic pemphigus foliaceous in adolescence successfully treated with
      intravenous immunoglobulin.
AB  - Endemic Pemphigus Foliaceous is a chronic autoimmune bullous skin disease.
      Treatment with prednisone often produces excellent results, but resistant forms
      exist, requiring alternative therapy. Alternative treatments have been used in
      cases of corticosteroid-refractory pemphigus, showing favorable results. This
      case study focuses on an adolescent male with a clinical-pathological diagnosis
      of pemphigus foliaceous with a severe clinical form of erythrodermis,
      unresponsive to multiple therapies, but which showed a satisfactory outcome with
      intravenous immunoglobulin. In this case we highlight the fact that the patient
      was a teenager who showed substantial clinical improvement as the result of using
      intravenous immunoglobulin, followed by complete remission after the fourth cycle
      of medication, allowing reduced doses of steroids and a consequent reduction of
      side effects.

PMID- 22068794
TI  - Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans: case report and review of medical
      literature.
AB  - Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans is a rare inflammatory dermatosis of unknown
      etiology, with a typical mucocutaneous involvement. We report the case of a woman
      with pustular and vesicular lesions in the axillae, evolving with vegetating
      plaques and pustules with annular grouping. The disease progressed with vulvar
      and inguinal involvement as well as involvement of the oral, nasal and ocular
      mucous membranes. She started the treatment with prednisone (40 mg/day), with
      remission of the lesions after one month of use of such medication. Association
      with inflammatory bowel disease occurs in 70% of the cases. Immunofluorescence,
      which is typically negative, helps to characterize the disease. A rapid response
      to systemic steroids is expected.

PMID- 22068795
TI  - Erythrodermic psoriasis with regression after prophylaxis with isoniazid and
      antidepressant therapy: case report.
AB  - An 83 year old woman, exhibiting severe psoriasis, was treated conventionally
      (phototherapy, acitretin, and cyclosporine). After poor clinical results and
      significant changes in laboratory procedures, those treatments were suspended.
      She was then being prepared to be submitted to biological treatment, when
      preliminary results disclosed a 30 mm PPD. Complete improvement occurred [only]
      after introducing prophylactic therapy for tuberculosis and anti-depressive
      medication.

PMID- 22068796
TI  - Refractory erythrodermic psoriasis in a child with an excellent outcome by using
      etanercept.
AB  - Psoriasis affects 0.12% to 0.71% of all children. Erythrodermic psoriasis is an
      uncommon but serious disorder, occurring in less than 1.5% of cases. Tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha blockers (TNF-alpha) are a new class of drugs used to treat
      moderate to severe psoriasis refractory to conventional therapies. Etanercept is
      a TNFalpha receptor fusion protein, approved by the FDA for treating juvenile
      rheumatoid arthritis. We present the case of a 7-year-old suffering from plaque
      psoriasis since 8 months old which evolved into erythroderma refractory to
      cyclosporine and methotrexate. Patient responded excellently to etanercept, with
      no adverse side effects.

PMID- 22068797
TI  - Keratosis lichenoides chronica--case report.
AB  - Keratosis lichenoides chronica or Nekam's disease is a rare mucocutaneous
      dermatosis characterized by keratinization. It is chronic and progressive usually
      affecting individuals aged 20-40 years. Around 70 cases have been reported in the
      literature. Due to the rarity of this condition and the lack of effective
      treatment, it is a difficult disease to manage. In the case described below we
      present a 42-year old patient with violaceous and hyperkeratotic papules in
      linear, reticular or plaque form, located on the trunk and limbs for five years.
      Aphthous lesions in the oral cavity and shallow ulcers on the genitalia also
      formed part of the clinical manifestation. Pathologic examination was suggestive
      of keratosis lichenoides chronica. Acitretin and dapsone was introduced and the
      lesions partially improved.

PMID- 22068798
TI  - Lichenoid reaction to carbamazepine in the oral mucosa: case report.
AB  - Lichenoid drug reactions are more common in skin, but they may also occur in the
      oral mucosa. It is difficult to diagnose these lesions due to their clinical
      similarity to the idiopathic oral lichen planus lesions. The present article
      reports a case of lichenoid reaction in oral mucosa associated to the use of
      carbamazepine, emphasizing the diagnostic process.

PMID- 22068799
TI  - Karapandzic flap and Bernard-Burrow-Webster flap for reconstruction of the lower
      lip.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the lips, and in
      about 90% of cases it is located on the lower lip due to higher cumulative
      exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The authors present two surgical techniques
      for reconstruction of large lower lip defects, resulting from surgical excision
      of tumors, exemplifying and comparing them with two clinical cases.

PMID- 22068800
TI  - Shark island pedicle flap for repairing of basal cell carcinoma localized in
      nasal ala-perialar region: a simple procedure.
AB  - Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. We describe a single-staged
      technique for correction of nasal ala defect after the excision of a basal cell
      carcinoma. This technique allows correction of surgical defects of the ala
      rebuilding the original anatomy, maintaining cosmetic units, without need for a
      graft.

PMID- 22068801
TI  - Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: clinical, Histological and ultrastructural
      aspects.
AB  - A 12-year-old boy with difficulty in wound healing and scars of unusual
      appearance was examined. Thin, shiny and protruding skin, characterizing
      pseudotumoral lesions, was observed on his knees and elbows. Loose joints and
      increased skin elasticity were also observed. Light microscopy showed rare
      collagen bundles and loosely dispersed collagen fibers. Irregularly distributed
      elastic tissue was observed, and transmission electron microscopy revealed
      disorganized collagen fibers. In cross sections under high magnifications, fibers
      of varying diameters could be seen, as well as an irregular fiber outline.
      Scanning electron microscopy of the dermis showed disorganized collagen fibers,
      which were rarely arranged in bundles. Isolated and crossed-over fibers were also
      found.

PMID- 22068802
TI  - Histoplasmosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
AB  - A 27-year-old HIV-positive male patient with disseminated cutaneous
      histoplasmosis was treated with both HAART and amphotericin B (total accumulated
      dose of 0.5 g). Amphotericin B was later replaced with itraconazole (200mg/day).
      Two months after therapy had been started and the cutaneous lesions had healed,
      the patient interrupted both treatments voluntarily and his health deteriorated.
      HAART was then re-introduced and CD4+ cell count increased sharply at the same
      time as lymph node histoplasmosis was diagnosed. This paradoxical response? the
      relapse of histoplasmosis and concomitant increase in CD4+ cell count and
      undetectable viral load after resumption of HAART ? suggests that this was a case
      of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

PMID- 22068803
TI  - Sweet's Syndrome and relapsing polychondritis signal myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - The emergence of certain skin conditions belonging to the group of mucocutaneous
      paraneoplastic syndromes may indicate the future appearance of a previously
      unknown malignancy. Sweet's Syndrome and relapsing polychondritis are included in
      this group. Sweet's Syndrome and relapsing polychondritis are very rarely found
      together in the same patient. This dual occurrence is more commonly found in
      cancer patients with associated hematological malignancies. We report the case of
      a 79 year-old male with Sweet's Syndrome and relapsing polychondritis, who was
      subsequently diagnosed with a myelodysplastic syndrome.

PMID- 22068804
TI  - Stiff skin syndrome--case report.
AB  - Stiff skin syndrome is a rare scleroderma-like disorder of unknown etiology
      characterized by stone-hard indurations of skin, mild hypertrichosis and limited
      joint mobility. No effective treatment has yet been found. Exercises and
      rehabilitative therapy are important in maintaining the patient's quality of
      life. The authors present a case of a two-year-old boy with progressive skin
      hardening since he was eight-month old and secondary restricted joint mobility,
      diagnosed as Stiff skin syndrome.

PMID- 22068805
TI  - Successful treatment of terbinafine in a case of sporotrichosis.
AB  - Sporotrichosis is a chronic subacute infection caused by fungi belonging to the
      Sporothrix Complex. In the present clinical case, nasal sporotrichosis was
      treated with potassium iodide. This was unsuccessful, and the treatment was
      restarted with a combination of potassium iodide and itraconazole. This however
      resulted in a further recurrence of the infection. The mycological cultures were
      tested in vitro for antifungal activity to assist in treatment. Terbinafine, an
      antifungal drug, produced the best results and was therefore used for the rest of
      the treatment course, with no recurrence after two years of its completion. In
      addition, both cultures were compared using RAPD and different fragment patterns
      were observed. This indicated that the isolates were either different or
      indicated a microevolutionary process of this microorganism.

PMID- 22068806
TI  - Multiple facial angiofibromas treated with high-frequency equipment.
AB  - Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease with autosomal dominant inheritance,
      associated with multiple hamartomas in several organs, such as the brain, skin,
      lung, kidney, heart and eyes. The authors of this study report a case of a 30
      years old female patient with tuberous sclerosis, presenting multiple
      angiofibromas on face treated with high frequency equipment (radiofrequency), and
      discuss the therapeutic options for treatment of individuals with extensive
      cutaneous involvement in tuberous sclerosis.

PMID- 22068807
TI  - Proliferating trichilemmal tumor--case report.
AB  - Proliferating trichilemmal tumor (PTT) is an uncommon neoplasm arising from the
      follicular isthmus. Its histological characteristic is the presence of
      trichilemmal keratinization. PTT usually presents as a solitary nodule on the
      scalp of elderly women. We describe a case of a PTT on the gluteal region
      (buttocks) of a 16-year-old female, presenting as a solitary nodule.

PMID- 22068808
TI  - Use of cyclosporin in a patient with hepatitis C and pustular psoriasis.
AB  - Cyclosporine has been contraindicated in patients with chronic infections such as
      infection with hepatitis C because of its immunosuppressive effect. Recent
      studies have shown however that cyclosporine suppresses viral replication and
      thus cannot exacerbate infection with hepatitis C when employed for treating
      patients with psoriasis. We present the case of a female patient with psoriasis
      for 30 years and hepatitis C for 20 years, with diffuse circinate lesions.
      Improvement in the skin condition and liver enzymes was obtained with the use of
      cyclosporine, with no adverse effect.

PMID- 22068809
TI  - Effects of pioglitazone versus simvastatin on biomarkers of inflammation in
      patients on high cardiovascular risk.
AB  - High levels of fetuin-A has been linked to cardiovascular disease, possibly via
      modulating low-grade systemic inflammation. We performed a subanalysis from the
      PIOSTAT study to investigate a possible link between fetuin-A and the
      inflammatory biomarker hs-CRP. 66 nondiabetic individuals at cardiovascular risk
      were randomized to either pioglitazone, simvastatin, or the combination of both,
      and followed for 12 weeks. At study endpoint, correlations between serum fetuin
      A, hs-CRP, blood lipids, PAI-1, MMP-9, HOMA-IR, and liver transaminases were
      investigated by Spearman rank correlation. Changes in fetuin-A concentration did
      not correlate to changes in hs-CRP (r=0.19, p=0.16). A positive correlation was
      found for change of HOMA-IR value (r=0.33, p=0.01) and for the AST/ALT ratio
      (p<0.05). Our data suggest that the previously observed correlation between
      elevated circulating fetuin-A and hs-CRP in epidemiological studies may not
      reflect a causal relationship in nondiabetic patients on high cardiovascular
      risk.

PMID- 22068810
TI  - Further studies on delineating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) reference range.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
      concentration in a reference group and to compare it with the TSH in subjects
      with high probability of thyroid dysfunction. The study population consisted of
      852 subjects. The reference group consisting of 316 subjects was obtained by the
      exclusion of the subjects having thyroid disease, taking thyroid influencing
      drugs, having increased thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, or having abnormal
      thyroid ultrasound. 42 high probability of thyroid dysfunction subjects were
      defined by the association of increased TPO antibody concentration, changed
      echogenicity, and changed echosonographic structure of thyroid parenchyma. In the
      reference group TSH reference range was 0.45 mU/l (95% CI 0.39-0.56 mU/l) to 3.43
      mU/l (95% CI 3.10-4.22 mU/l). To distinguish reference and high probability of
      thyroid dysfunction group a TSH threshold was calculated. At a threshold value of
      3.09 mU/l (95% CI 2.93-3.38 mU/l), specificity was 95% and sensitivity 38.1%.
      Using 2 different approaches to find upper limit of the TSH reference range we
      obtained similar results. Using reference group only a value of 3.43 mU/l was
      obtained. Using both reference group and subjects with the high probability of
      thyroid dysfunction we obtained 95% CI for the upper reference limit between 2.93
      and 3.38 mU/l. Based on these premises, it could be argued that conservative
      estimate of the TSH upper reference range should be 3.4 mU/l for both sexes.

PMID- 22068811
TI  - Aldosterone does not modify gene expression in human endothelial cells.
AB  - The toxic effects of aldosterone on the vasculature, and in particular on the
      endothelial layer, have been proposed as having an important role in the
      cardiovascular pathology observed in mineralocorticoid-excess states. In order to
      characterize the genomic molecular mechanisms driving the aldosterone-induced
      endothelial dysfunction, we performed an expression microarray on transcripts
      obtained from both human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human coronary
      artery endothelial cells stimulated with 10 - 7 M aldosterone for 18 h. The
      results were then subjected to qRT-PCR confirmation, also including a group of
      genes known to be involved in the control of the endothelial function or
      previously described as regulated by aldosterone. The state of activation of the
      mineralocorticoid receptor was investigated by means of a luciferase-reporter
      assay using a plasmid encoding a mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid-sensitive
      promoter. Aldosterone did not determine any significant change in gene expression
      in either cell type both in the microarray and in the qRT-PCR analysis. The
      luciferase-reporter assay showed no activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor
      following aldosterone stimulation. The status of nonfunctionality of the
      mineralocorticoid receptor expressed in cultured human umbilical and coronary
      artery endothelial cells does not allow aldosterone to modify gene expression and
      provides evidence against either a beneficial or harmful genomic effect of
      aldosterone on healthy endothelial cells.

PMID- 22068812
TI  - Effects of high fat diet on the Basal activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary
      adrenal axis in mice: a systematic review.
AB  - Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis activity is suggested to be involved in the
      pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome. In diet-induced obesity mouse models,
      features of the metabolic syndrome are induced by feeding high fat diet. However,
      the models reveal conflicting results with respect to the hypothalamus-pituitary
      adrenal-axis activation. The aim of this review was to assess the effects of high
      fat feeding on the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis in mice.
      PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane database, and Science Direct were
      electronically searched and reviewed by 2 individual researchers. We included
      only original mouse studies reporting parameters of the hypothalamus-pituitary
      adrenal-axis after high fat feeding, and at least 1 basal corticosterone level
      with a proper control group. Studies with adrenalectomized mice, transgenic
      animals only, high fat diet for less than 2 weeks, or other interventions besides
      high fat diet, were excluded. 20 studies were included. The hypothalamus
      pituitary-adrenal-axis evaluation was the primary research question in only 5
      studies. Plasma corticosterone levels were unchanged in 40%, elevated in 30%, and
      decreased in 20% of the studies. The effects in the peripheral tissues and the
      central nervous system were also inconsistent. However, major differences were
      found between mouse strains, experimental conditions, and the content and
      duration of the diets. This systematic review demonstrates that the effects of
      high fat feeding on the basal activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis
      in mice are limited and inconclusive. Differences in experimental conditions
      hamper comparisons and accentuate the need for standardized evaluations to
      discern the effects of diet-induced obesity on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal
      axis.

PMID- 22068813
TI  - The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant rs324420 AA/AC is not
      associated with weight loss in a 1-year lifestyle intervention for obese children
      and adolescents.
AB  - Adult obese carriers of the A allele of SNP rs324420 in the fatty acid amide
      hydrolase (FAAH) gene lose more weight and improve associated phenotypes better
      than non-carriers during an intervention. We aimed to replicate this finding in
      obese children and adolescents undergoing a one year lifestyle intervention
      (Obeldicks program). A total of 453 overweight and obese children and adolescents
      (10.8+/-2.6 years, BMI-SDS 2.4+/-0.5; 55% girls) were genotyped for rs324420
      (C/A) by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Participants
      were prescribed a balanced diet, containing 55 En% carbohydrates, 30 En% fat, and
      15 En% proteins. Moreover, they took part in an exercise therapy once a week.
      Blood was taken at baseline and after 1 year of intervention. Anthropometric
      (height, weight, BMI, and BMI-SDS) and plasma parameters (total cholesterol, LDL
      cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerides, glucose, insulin, and HOMA) as
      well as blood pressure were measured. Both mean BMI and BMI-SDS improved
      significantly. The mean systolic blood pressure was also lowered and
      concentrations of HDL-cholesterol increased significantly. However, none of the
      measured changes were associated with FAAH rs324420 AA/AC genotype. We did not
      detect evidence for an association of FAAH genotypes with weight reduction in
      overweight and obese children and adolescents. Hence, the previous finding in
      adults could not be confirmed. As the length (1 year as compared to 3 months) and
      mode of treatment (hypocaloric diet in adults vs. physical activity plus balanced
      meals) of the interventions varied, these parameters might have influenced the
      inconsistent results.

PMID- 22068814
TI  - Early operable breast cancer in elderly women treated with an aromatase inhibitor
      letrozole as sole therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary endocrine therapy (PET) with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is an
      option in elderly patients unfit for or unwilling to undergo surgery. We studied
      the outcome of patients treated with letrozole as PET. METHODS: Patients with
      early oestrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)-positive breast cancer
      treated with letrozole from February 2001 to September 2009 were reviewed.
      Inoperable and locally advanced tumours were excluded. Reasons for offering PET,
      response, survival, cause of death, time to initial and best response, fracture
      incidence, and late failure rates were studied. RESULTS: In all, 104 patients
      received PET due to frailty (n=48), comorbidity (n=30), old age (n=9), and
      patient preference (n=17). Median follow-up was 56 months (4-106). Eighty-five
      cancers responded to letrozole (stable disease (SD, n=19), reduction in size (PR,
      n=42), and complete response ((CR), n=24)). Median survival was 51 months (4
      103), time to initial response (PR/CR) 4.5 months (2-24), and time to best
      response 8.5 months (3-50). Letrozole was stopped in 25 patients due to
      progressive disease (n=19), side effects (n=5), and patient choice (n=1). Only 12
      of 49 deaths were from breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Letrozole is a reasonable
      alternative in elderly women with early ER/PR-positive invasive breast cancer who
      are unfit or unwilling to undergo standard therapy.

PMID- 22068815
TI  - Serial measurements of NT-proBNP are predictive of not-high-dose anthracycline
      cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the value of N-terminal pro-brain
      natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting late cardiotoxicity in patients
      treated with not-high-dose chemotherapy (NHDC), and to compare the predictive
      value of NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). METHODS: In 71 patients
      undergoing NHDC with anthracyclines, NT-proBNP and cTnI levels were measured
      before and 24 h after each NHDC cycle. Left ventricular (LV) function was
      assessed by echocardiography at baseline, every two NHDC cycles, at the end of
      chemotherapy, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: During NHDC, only NT
      proBNP showed abnormal values. According to NT-proBNP behaviour, patients were
      divided into two groups: group A (n=50) with normal (n=23) or transiently
      elevated NT-proBNP levels (n=27), and group B (n=21) with persistently elevated
      NT-proBNP levels. At follow-up, LV impairment was significantly worse in group B
      than in group A. %Delta (baseline-peak) NT-proBNP was predictive of LV impairment
      at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up, with a cutoff of 36%. CONCLUSION: Serial
      measurements of NT-proBNP may be a useful tool for the early detection of
      patients treated with NHDC at high risk of developing cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 22068816
TI  - Tumour suppressors miR-1 and miR-133a target the oncogenic function of purine
      nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) in prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our recent analyses of miRNA expression signatures showed that miR-1
      and miR-133a were significantly reduced in several types of cancer.
      Interestingly, miR-1 and miR-133a are located on the same chromosomal locus in
      the human genome. We examined the functional significance of miR-1 and miR-133a
      in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and identified the novel molecular targets
      regulated by both miR-1 and miR-133a. METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression levels
      of miR-1 and miR-133a were significantly downregulated in PCa compared with non
      PCa tissues. Restoration of miR-1 or miR-133a in PC3 and DU145 cells revealed
      significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. Molecular
      target identification by genome-wide gene expression analysis and luciferase
      reporter assay showed that purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) was directly
      regulated by both miRNAs. Silencing of the PNP gene inhibited proliferation,
      migration, and invasion in both PC3 and DU145 cells. Immunohistochemistry
      detected positive staining of PNP in PCa specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation
      of miR-1 and miR-133a was a frequent event in PCa and both function as tumour
      suppressors. The PNP is a novel target gene of both miRNAs and potentially
      functions as an oncogene. Therefore, identification of novel molecular networks
      regulated by miRNAs may provide new insights into the underlying causes of PCa
      oncogenesis.

PMID- 22068817
TI  - Adenosine triphosphate-based chemotherapy response assay-guided chemotherapy in
      unresectable colorectal liver metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adenosine
      triphosphate-based chemotherapy response assay (ATP-CRA)-guided neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy for increasing resectability in patients with unresectable
      colorectal liver metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomised into
      two groups: Group A was treated by conventional chemotherapy regimen and Group B
      was treated by chemotherapy regimen according to the ATP-CRA. Three
      chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan) were tested
      by ATP-CRA and more sensitive agents were selected. Either FOLFOX or FOLFIRI was
      administered. Between Group A and B, treatment response and resectability were
      compared. RESULTS: Between November 2008 and October 2010, a total 63 patients
      were randomised to Group A (N=32) or Group B (N=31). FOLFOX was more preferred in
      Group A than in Group B (26 out of 32 (81.3%) vs 20 out of 31 (64.5%)). Group B
      showed better treatment response than Group A (48.4% vs 21.9%, P=0.027). The
      resectability of hepatic lesion was higher in Group B (35.5% vs 12.5%, P=0.032).
      Mean duration from chemotherapy onset to the time of liver resection was 11
      cycles (range 4-12) in Group A and 8 cycles (range 8-16) in Group B. CONCLUSION:
      This study showed that tailored-chemotherapy based on ATP-CRA could improve the
      treatment response and resectability in initially unresectable colorectal liver
      metastasis.

PMID- 22068818
TI  - DNA methylation profiles delineate epigenetic heterogeneity in seminoma and non
      seminoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It remains important to understand the biology and identify
      biomarkers for less studied cancers like testicular cancer. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the methylation frequency of several cancer-related genes
      in different histological types of testicular cancer and normal testis tissues
      (NT). METHODS: DNA was isolated from 43 seminomas (SEs), 14 non-SEs (NSEs) and 23
      NT, and was assayed for promoter methylation status of 15 genes by quantitative
      methylation-specific PCR. The methylation status was evaluated for an association
      with cancer, and between SEs and NSEs. RESULTS: We found differential methylation
      pattern in SEs and NSEs. MGMT, VGF, ER-beta and FKBP4 were predominately
      methylated in NSEs compared with SEs. APC and hMLH1 are shown to be significantly
      more methylated in both subtypes in comparison with NT. When combining APC,
      hMLH1, ER-beta and FKBP4, it is possible to identify 86% of the NSEs, whereas
      only 7% of the SEs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the methylation
      profile of cancer-associated genes in testicular cancer correlates with
      histological types and show cancer-specific pattern for certain genes. Further
      methylation analysis, in a larger cohort is needed to elucidate their role in
      testicular cancer development and potential for therapy, early detection and
      disease monitoring.

PMID- 22068819
TI  - E/N-cadherin switch mediates cancer progression via TGF-beta-induced epithelial
      to-mesenchymal transition in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process
      governing not only morphogenesis in multicellular organisms, but also cancer
      progression. During EMT, epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) is downregulated while
      neural cadherin (N-cadherin) is upregulated, referred to as 'cadherin switch'.
      This study aimed to investigate whether cadherin switch promotes cancer
      progression in cholangiocarcinoma (CC). METHODS: CC cell lines were examined for
      migration, invasion, and morphological changes with typical EMT-induced model
      using recombinant TGF-beta1. The changes in E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression
      were investigated during EMT. We also examined E-cadherin and N-cadherin
      expression in resected specimens from extrahepatic CC patients (n=38), and the
      associations with clinicopathological factors and survival rates. RESULTS: TGF
      beta1 treatment activated cell migration, invasion, and fibroblastic
      morphological changes, especially in extrahepatic CC HuCCT-1 cells. These changes
      occurred with E-cadherin downregulation and N-cadherin upregulation, that is,
      cadherin switch. Patients with low E-cadherin expression had a significantly
      lower survival rate than patients with high E-cadherin expression (P=0.0059).
      Patients with decreasing E-cadherin and increasing N-cadherin expression had a
      significantly lower survival rate than patients with increasing E-cadherin and
      decreasing N-cadherin expression (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: Cadherin switch promotes
      cancer progression via TGF-beta-induced EMT in extrahepatic CC, suggesting a
      target for elucidating the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis in extrahepatic
      CC.

PMID- 22068820
TI  - Psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic
      review and synthesis for evidence-based practice.
AB  - This paper presents a systematic review, rating and synthesis of the empirical
      evidence for the use of psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum
      disorders (ASD). Thirty-three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in
      peer-reviewed journals qualified for inclusion and were coded and analyzed using
      a systematic evaluative method specific to autism research (Reichow et al. in
      Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 38:1311-1319, 2008). Results are
      presented by agent and primary target symptom(s). The findings suggest
      established evidence for relatively few agents, with preliminary and promising
      evidence for a larger group. Challenges and opportunities in the developing field
      of ASD psychopharmacology are identified, and recommendations for further
      research are provided.

PMID- 22068821
TI  - Audiovisual speech perception and eye gaze behavior of adults with asperger
      syndrome.
AB  - Audiovisual speech perception was studied in adults with Asperger syndrome (AS),
      by utilizing the McGurk effect, in which conflicting visual articulation alters
      the perception of heard speech. The AS group perceived the audiovisual stimuli
      differently from age, sex and IQ matched controls. When a voice saying  /p/ was
      presented with a face articulating  /k/, the controls predominantly heard  /k/.
      Instead, the AS group heard  /k/ and  /t/ with almost equal frequency, but with
      large differences between individuals. There were no differences in gaze
      direction or unisensory perception between the AS and control participants that
      could have contributed to the audiovisual differences. We suggest an explanation
      in terms of weak support from the motor system for audiovisual speech perception
      in AS.

PMID- 22068822
TI  - Gene therapy in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease remains a significant global health
      burden despite revolutionary improvements in endovascular techniques over the
      past decade. The durability of intervention for critical limb ischaemia is poor,
      and the condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. To
      address this deficiency, alternative therapeutic options are being explored.
      Advances in the fields of gene therapy and therapeutic angiogenesis have led to
      these being advocated as potential future treatments. METHODS: Relevant medical
      literature from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from the
      inception of these databases to June 2011 was reviewed. RESULTS: Encouraging
      outcomes in preclinical trials using a variety of proangiogenic growth factors
      have led to numerous efficacy and safety studies. However, no clinical study has
      shown significant benefit for gene therapy over placebo. CONCLUSION: Identifying
      the optimal site for gene delivery, choice of vector and duration of treatment is
      needed if gene therapy is to become a credible therapeutic option for peripheral
      arterial disease.

PMID- 22068823
TI  - On the origin of the triplet puzzle of homologies in receptor heteromers: Toll
      like receptor triplets in different types of receptors.
AB  - Based on our theory, we have discovered main triplets of amino acid residues in
      the GABAB1 receptor and several other neural receptors, which seem to originate
      from toll-like receptors and appear also as homologies in receptor heteromers.
      The obtained results strengthen our hypothesis that these triplets may 'guide-and
      clasp' receptor-receptor interactions.

PMID- 22068824
TI  - Substitution behaviour of novel dinuclear Pt(II) complexes with bio-relevant
      nucleophiles.
AB  - The novel dinuclear Pt(II) complexes [{trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl}(2)(MU
      pyrazine)](ClO(4))(2) (Pt1), [{trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl}(2)(MU-4,4'
      bipyridyl)](ClO(4))(2).DMF (Pt2), and [{trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl}(2)(MU-1,2-bis(4
      pyridyl)ethane)](ClO(4))(2) (Pt3), were synthesized. Acid-base titrations, and
      temperature and concentration dependent kinetic measurements of the reactions
      with biologically relevant ligands such as thiourea (Tu), glutathione (GSH) and
      guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) were studied at pH 2.5 and 7.2. The reactions
      were followed under pseudo-first-order conditions by stopped-flow and UV-vis
      spectrophotometry. (1)H NMR spectroscopy was used to follow the substitution of
      chloride in the complex [{trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl}(2)(MU-4,4'
      bipyridyl)](ClO(4))(2).DMF by guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) under second
      order conditions. The results indicate that the bridging ligand has an influence
      on the reactivity of the complexes towards nucleophiles. The order of reactivity
      of the investigated complexes is Pt1 > Pt2 > Pt3.

PMID- 22068825
TI  - A method for analysis of lipid vesicle domain structure from confocal image data.
AB  - Quantitative characterization of the lateral structure of curved membranes based
      on fluorescence microscopy requires knowledge of the fluorophore distribution on
      the surface. We present an image analysis approach for extraction of the
      fluorophore distribution on a spherical lipid vesicle from confocal imaging
      stacks. The technique involves projection of volumetric image data onto a
      triangulated surface mesh representation of the membrane, correction of
      photoselection effects and global motion of the vesicle during image acquisition
      and segmentation of the surface into domains using histograms. The analysis
      allows for investigation of the morphology and size distribution of domains on
      the surface.

PMID- 22068826
TI  - Observation of protein folding/unfolding dynamics of ubiquitin trapped in agarose
      gel by single-molecule FRET.
AB  - A ubiquitin mutant with two Cys mutations, m[C]q/S65C, was site-specifically
      labeled with two dye molecules, Alexa Fluor 488 (donor) and Alexa Fluor 594
      (acceptor), due to the different reactivity of these two Cys residues. This
      doubly dye-labeled ubiquitin has lower structural stability than wild-type
      ubiquitin. Taking advantage of this decreased stability, conformational
      heterogeneity of this protein under nondenaturing condition was observed at the
      single-molecule level using single-paired Forster resonance energy transfer
      (FRET) by trapping the protein in agarose gel. Three conformational populations
      corresponding to folded (E (ET) ~ 0.95), loosely packed (E (ET) ~ 0.72), and
      unfolded (E (ET) ~ 0.22) structures, and the structural transitions between them
      were observed. Our results suggest that agarose immobilization is good for
      observing structural dynamics of proteins under native condition.

PMID- 22068827
TI  - Guanine triphosphate-cyclohydrolase 1-deficient dopa-responsive dystonia
      presenting as frequent falling in 2 children.
AB  - Guanine triphosphate (GTP)-cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1)-deficient dopa-responsive
      dystonia is caused by GCH1 gene mutation. Two children presenting with frequent
      daily falling are reported with GCH1 gene mutations with persistent response to
      low-dose levodopa/carbidopa. Typical and atypical clinical features associated
      with GCH1 mutations are also reviewed.

PMID- 22068828
TI  - Evaluation of intraventricular hemorrhage in pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage.
AB  - Previous studies of pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage have investigated isolated
      intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The authors investigated whether detailed assessment
      of intraventricular hemorrhage enhanced outcome prediction after intracerebral
      hemorrhage. They prospectively enrolled 46 children, full-term to 17 years,
      median age 2.7 years, with spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage and/or
      intraventricular hemorrhage. Outcome was assessed with the King's Outcome Scale
      for Childhood Head Injury. Twenty-six (57%) had intraparenchymal hemorrhage, 10
      (22%) had pure intraventricular hemorrhage, and 10 (22%) had both. There were 2
      deaths, both with intraparenchymal hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage
      volume >=4% of total brain volume. Presence of intraventricular hemorrhage was
      not associated with poor outcome, but hydrocephalus showed a trend (P = .09)
      toward poor outcome. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,
      combined intraparenchymal hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage volume also
      showed a trend toward better outcome prediction than intraparenchymal hemorrhage
      volume alone. Although not an independent outcome predictor, future studies
      should assess intraventricular hemorrhage qualitatively and quantitatively.

PMID- 22068829
TI  - Skewed allele-specific expression of the NF1 gene in normal subjects: a possible
      mechanism for phenotypic variability in neurofibromatosis type 1.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by
      neurocutaneous abnormalities, learning disabilities, and attention-deficit
      disorder. Neurofibromatosis type 1 symptom severity can be highly variable even
      within families where all affected members carry the same mutation. We
      hypothesized that variation in the expression of the normal NF1 allele may be a
      mechanism that participates in producing variable phenotypes. We performed
      allelic expression imbalance assays on healthy control individuals to estimate
      the prevalence of skewed allelic expression of the NF1 gene. Approximately 30% of
      individuals in our sample population showed significant skewing of allelic
      expression away from the expected 50:50 ratio, indicating that differential
      regulation of the NF1 alleles occurs in a high proportion of individuals.
      Differences of up to 25% in allele-specific expression of the NF1 alleles were
      identified. In individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1, who carry a mutant
      allele (haploinsufficient), this degree of expression skewing may be sufficient
      to modulate the phenotype.

PMID- 22068830
TI  - Opioid use and dosing in the workers' compensation setting. A comparative review
      and new data from Ohio.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many authorities are concerned about the rising use and the potential
      overuse of opioid pain medications. A study of opioid prevalence and dosage in
      Ohio's workers' compensation (WC) system was conducted, with comparisons made to
      opioid use in other WC and non-WC settings. METHODS: Systematic literature
      reviews of WC and non-WC opioid use and dosage nationally were conducted. Two
      years of Ohio WC data (2008-2009) were analyzed to determine average daily
      morphine equivalent dose (MED), opioid costs, pharmacies used per claimant, and
      extent of long-duration cases. RESULTS: Nearly one-fifth (19.2%) of Ohio WC
      claims involved opioid use, compared to 31.8% in other WC systems and 17.9% in
      non-WC settings. Mean MED was 57.5 mg, compared to 47.8 mg in other WC systems,
      and 41.8 mg among non-WC populations. Nearly 10% of WC claims involved relatively
      high MED exceeding 120 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Policy makers need to develop
      strategies for addressing high opioid use in WC systems.

PMID- 22068831
TI  - A Comparison of IIR and Wavelet Filtering for Noise Reduction of the ECG.
AB  - This study compares the ability to preserve information and reduce noise
      contaminants on the ECG for five wavelet filters and three IIR filters. Two 3
      lead Holter ECGs were used. White Gaussian Noise was added to the first ECG in
      increments of 10% coverage. The second ECG contained alternating muscle
      transients and noise-free segments. Computation times and SNR improvements for
      different noise coverages were calculated and compared. RMS errors were
      calculated from noise-free segments on the ECG with transient muscle noise.
      Wavelet filters improved SNR more than IIR filters when the signal coverage was
      more than 50% noise. In contrast, the computation times were shorter for IIR
      filters (6 s) than for wavelet filters (88 s). On the ECG with transient muscle
      noise there was a trade-off in performance between wavelet and IIR filtering. In
      a clinical setting where the amount of noise is unknown, using IIR filters
      appears to be preferred for consistent performance.

PMID- 22068832
TI  - Effect of different intensity pulsed ultrasound on the restoration of rat
      skeletal muscle contusion.
AB  - Muscle damage is a common form of injury. The incidence of muscle damage accounts
      for up to half of the sports injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effect of pulsed ultrasound on the healing process in an animal contusion
      injury model. SD rats (62) were randomly divided into control group (CG, 14 rats)
      and treatment group (48). According to the intensities of Ultrasound therapy, the
      treatment group was divided into 4 subgroups of 12 rats, each: A (0.25 W/cm(2),
      US(1)), B (0.5 W/cm(2), US(2)), C (0.75 W/cm(2), US(3)) and D (0.25 W/cm(2)). The
      effectiveness of ultrasound treatment on muscle injuries was evaluated, and the
      optimal intensity of ultrasound in treating muscle injuries was explored. The
      results obtained provide experimental and theoretical evidence for the clinical
      effectiveness of Ultrasound therapy in treating muscle injuries.

PMID- 22068833
TI  - A case study of a high-status human skeleton from Pacopampa in Formative Period
      Peru.
AB  - The Pacopampa site is located in the northern highlands of Peru and is an
      archaeological site belonging to the Formative Period (2500-1 BC). The excavation
      of the Pacopampa site yielded unusual human skeletons from the main platform of a
      ceremonial center of the site during the 2009 field season. The skeletal remains
      were associated with a pair of gold earplugs, a pair of gold earrings, and shell
      objects. This specimen is possibly a female aged 20-39 years. Detailed
      examination of the neurocranium revealed the presence of artificial cranial
      deformation with decreased cranial length, increased cranial breadth, and lateral
      bulging of the parietal bones. The estimated stature of this individual was 162
      cm, which is about 15 cm higher than that of contemporary females of Pacopampa
      and about 20-25 cm higher than that of other Formative Period sites in northern
      Peru. The peculiarity of this individual, detected not only in the cultural
      artifacts but also in the physical features, is possible evidence for social
      stratification in the Formative Period.

PMID- 22068834
TI  - Isolation of prostate tumor initiating cells (TICs) through their
      dielectrophoretic signature.
AB  - In this study, the dielectrophoretic response of prostate tumor initiating cells
      (TICs) was investigated in a microfluidic system utilizing contactless
      dielectrophoresis (cDEP). The dielectrophoretic response of prostate TICs was
      observed to be distinctively different than that for non-TICs, enabling them to
      be sorted using cDEP. Culturing the sorted TICs generated spheroids, indicating
      that they were indeed initiating cells. This study presents the first marker-free
      TIC separation from non-TICs utilizing their electrical fingerprints through
      dielectrophoresis.

PMID- 22068835
TI  - Transportation Difficulty of Black and White Rural Older Adults.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to understand self-reported transportation
      difficulty among rural older adults. We used data from the UAB Study of Aging
      (255 Black and 259 White), community-dwelling participants residing in rural
      areas. We examined the relationship of predisposing characteristics, enabling
      resources, and measures of need for care with self-reports of transportation
      difficulty. Blacks reported having more transportation difficulty than Whites
      (24.7% vs. 11.6%; p <= .05). When we introduced other variables, race differences
      disappeared, but there was a race by income interaction with transportation
      difficulty. Whites with lower incomes were more likely to have transportation
      difficulty than Whites with higher incomes. When data from Blacks and Whites were
      analyzed separately, income was the only variable associated with transportation
      difficulty among Whites. Among Blacks, income was not related to transportation
      difficulty but several variables other than income (age, gender, marital status,
      MMSE scores and depression) were.

PMID- 22068838
TI  - Nanoparticle induced piezoelectric, super toughened, radiation resistant, multi
      functional nanohybrids.
AB  - We have developed multifunctional nanohybrids of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co
      chlorotrifluoroethylene) (CTFE) with a small percentage of surface modified
      inorganic layered silicate showing dramatic improvement in toughness, radiation
      resistant and piezoelectric properties vis-a-vis pristine polymer. Massive
      intercalation (d(001) 1.8 -> 3.9 nm) of polymer inside the nanoclay galleries and
      unique crystallization behavior of the fluoropolymer on the surface of individual
      silicate layer has been reported. Toughness in the nanohybrid increases more than
      three orders of magnitude as compared to pure CTFE. High energy radiation (80 MeV
      Si(+7)) causes chain session, amorphization and creates olefinic bonds in the
      pure polymer while the nanohybrids are radiation resistant at a similar dose.
      Nanoclay induces the metastable piezoelectric beta-phase in CTFE, suitable for
      sensor and actuator application. Molecular level changes after irradiation and
      controlled morphology for smart membrane have been confirmed by using
      spectroscopy, sol-gel technique, surface morphology studies and in situ residual
      gas analysis.

PMID- 22068837
TI  - Yeast RNA viruses as indicators of exosome activity: human exosome hCsl4p
      participates in RNA degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae'.
AB  - The exosome is an evolutionarily conserved 10-mer complex involved in RNA
      metabolism, located in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic
      exosome plays an important role in mRNA turnover through its 3'->5'
      exonucleolytic activity. The superkiller (SKI) phenotype of yeast was originally
      identified as an increase of killer toxin production due to elevated levels of
      the L-A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) Totivirus and its satellite toxin-encoding M
      dsRNA. Most SKI genes were later shown to be either components of the exosome or
      modulators of its activity. Variations in the amount of Totivirus are, thus, good
      indicators of yeast exosome activity, and can be used to analyse its components.
      Furthermore, if exosome proteins of higher eukaryotes were functional in S.
      cerevisiae, these viruses would provide a simple tool to analyse their function.
      In this work, we have found that hCSL4, the human orthologue of SKI4 in the yeast
      exosome, rescues the null phenotype of the deletion mutant. hCsl4p shares with
      Ski4p conserved S1 RNA-binding domains, but lacks the N-terminal third of Ski4p.
      Nevertheless, it interacts with the Dis3p exonuclease of yeast exosome, and
      partially complements the superkiller phenotype of ski4-1 mutation. The
      elimination of the N-terminal third of Ski4p does not affect its activity,
      indicating that it is dispensable for RNA degradation. We have also identified
      the point mutation G152E in hCSL4, equivalent to the ski4-1 mutation G253E, which
      impairs the activity of the protein, thus validating our approach of using yeast
      RNA virus to analyse the exosome of higher eukaryotes.

PMID- 22068839
TI  - Encapsulated oligothiophenes having electron-affinity characteristics.
AB  - Oligothiophenes composed of dioxocyclopenta[c]thiophene bearing bulky bis(di-t
      butylphenyl) groups were designed and synthesized to develop molecular wires
      having electron-transporting characteristics. Their effective conjugation,
      electron affinity, and encapsulation effects were investigated by photophysical
      and electrochemical measurements.

PMID- 22068836
TI  - MicroRNAs in opioid pharmacology.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNA), a class of ~22-nucleotide RNA molecules, are important gene
      regulators that bind to the target sites of mRNAs to inhibit the gene expressions
      either through translational inhibition or mRNA destabilization. There are
      growing evidences that miRNAs have played several regulatory roles in opioid
      pharmacology. Like other research fields such as cancer biology, the area where
      numerous miRNAs are found to be involved in gene regulation, we assume that in
      opioid studies including research fields of drug additions and opioid receptor
      regulation, there may be more miRNAs waiting to be discovered. This review will
      summarize our current knowledge of miRNA functions on opioids biology and briefly
      describe future research directions of miRNAs related to opioids.

PMID- 22068841
TI  - Stem cell differentiation depending on different surfaces.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells and 3D biomaterials are a potent assembly in tissue
      engineering. Today, a sizable number of biomaterials has been characterized for
      special tissue engineering applications. However, diverse material properties,
      such as soft or hard biomaterials, have a specific influence on cell behavior.
      Not only the cell attachment and proliferation, but also differentiation is
      controlled by the microenvironment. Material characteristics such as pore size,
      stiffness, roughness, and geometry affect not only the cell attachment and
      proliferation, but also the differentiation behavior of mesenchymal stem cells.
      Optimization of these features might enable direct differentiation without
      adjustment of the culture medium by applying expensive growth or differentiation
      factors. Future aspects include the design of multilayered biomaterials, where
      each zone fulfills a distinct function. Moreover, the embedding of growth and
      differentiation factors into the matrix with a controlled release rate might be
      advantageous to direct differentiation.

PMID- 22068840
TI  - Characteristics and management of intractable neck involvement in tularemia:
      report of 19 patients.
AB  - The objective of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics and to
      evaluate the treatment options of intractable neck involvement in tularemia. The
      medical records of 19 tularemia patients with neck involvement were reviewed
      retrospectively. On physical examination, fluctuation indicating an abscess
      formation was detected in 78.9% of the patients. Bilateral involvement was seen
      in 15.8% of the patients. The most common clinical form was glandular form
      (63.1%). The most commonly involved lymph node group was upper jugular nodes
      (78.6%). Six patients underwent incision and drainage procedure, five patients
      underwent superselective neck dissection and eight patients had only medical
      treatment. Complete and immediate cure, and better tissue healing with less
      scarring could be achieved in all patients who underwent superselective neck
      dissections. In conclusion, intractable neck masses and an abscess can be the
      initial finding in tularemia, and a high index of suspicion is needed in the
      differential diagnosis. Superselective neck dissection is a safe and effective
      option in the treatment of long lasting cervical tularemia unless it responds to
      medical treatment.

PMID- 22068842
TI  - Genetic aspects of cell line development from a synthetic biology perspective.
AB  - Animal cells can be regarded as factories for the production of relevant
      proteins. The advances described in this chapter towards the development of cell
      lines with higher productivity capacities, certain metabolic and proliferation
      properties, reduced apoptosis and other features must be regarded in an
      integrative perspective. The systematic application of systems biology approaches
      in combination with a synthetic arsenal for targeted modification of endogenous
      networks are proposed to lead towards the achievement of a predictable and
      technologically advanced cell system with high biotechnological impact.

PMID- 22068843
TI  - First-principles study of electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal
      adsorbed h-BNC2 sheets.
AB  - Adsorption of Fe, Co and Ni atoms on a hybrid hexagonal sheet of graphene and
      boron nitride is studied using density functional methods. Most favorable
      adsorption sites for these adatoms are identified for different widths of the
      graphene and boron nitride regions. Electronic structure and magnetic properties
      of the TM-adsorbed sheets are then studied in detail. The TM atoms change the
      electronic structure of the sheet significantly, and the resulting system can be
      a magnetic semiconductor, semi-metal, or a non-magnetic semiconductor depending
      on the TM chosen. This gives tunability of properties which can be useful in
      novel electronics applications. Finally, barriers for diffusion of the adatoms on
      the sheet are calculated, and their tendency to agglomerate on the sheet is
      estimated.

PMID- 22068844
TI  - [Whole-body MRI in preoperative diagnostics of breast cancer--a comparison with
      [corrected] staging methods according to the S 3 guidelines].
AB  - PURPOSE: The German Society of Senology (step-3 guidelines for the early
      recognition of breast cancer in Germany) recommends whole-body staging including
      chest X-ray, ultrasound of the liver and bone scintigraphy before systemic
      therapy in patients with breast cancer. The performance of these three
      examinations is time-consuming and involves radiation exposure. Whole-body MR
      imaging (WB-MRI) allows staging in a single examination without radiation
      exposure. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of WB
      MRI with staging according to the guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 04/07
      and 06/09, the initial staging in 51 patients (56 +/- 12 yrs) with breast cancer
      (24 patients with lymph node metastases) was performed according to the S 3
      guidelines. Additionally, all patients underwent contrast-enhanced WB-MRI (1.5
      Tesla-Magnetom Avanto, Siemens, Erlangen). The findings of the different
      modalities were compared after correlation of the lesions by follow-up. The
      detection of suspicious findings and the accuracy of prediction of malignancy of
      the detected lesions were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 14 metastases were
      detected in 4 of 51 patients after completion of the follow-up. By means of WB
      MRI, all 14 metastases could be detected, while just 4 of these metastases were
      identified by the conventional methods. CONCLUSION: The detection of distant
      metastases has an important impact on patient management. In this study WB-MRI in
      breast cancer staging has shown promising results in regard to possible clinical
      implementation as a matter of routine staging.

PMID- 22068845
TI  - [An unusual combination of fibromuscular dysplasia sites].

PMID- 22068846
TI  - [Clinical application of flat-panel CT in the angio suite].
AB  - The introduction of flat-panel detectors in modern angiographic C-arm systems
      makes it possible to acquire CT-like images in the angiographic suite (flat-panel
      CT; FD-CT). In this review, after a short technical introduction of FD-CT
      including the discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of this new imaging
      modality, the most commonly and best evaluated indications for FD-CT will be
      described. FD-CT has become an important adjunctive imaging modality in
      neurointerventional procedures and embolizations, especially during liver
      embolization. Another attractive indication for FD-CT is musculoskeletal
      interventions. FD-CT may provide important additional information in complicated
      peripheral vascular interventions and stent-graft procedures. FD-CT has a broad
      spectrum of possible applications, which finally depends on the experience and
      innovative thinking of the operator. However, it has to be kept in mind that FD
      CT causes additional radiation exposure. Roughly, it can be assumed that
      currently one FD-CT sequence causes at least the same radiation exposure as one
      spiral CT sequence of the corresponding body region.

PMID- 22068847
TI  - Impact factor and insertion of the ABO in the world scientific literature.

PMID- 22068848
TI  - [Frequency of occurrence of eyelid basal cell carcinoma in the centralwest region
      of Sao Paulo State and carriers characteristics].
AB  - PURPOSE: To observe the frequency of occurrence of eyelid basal cell carcinoma in
      the centralwest region of Sao Paulo State and to describe the demographic profile
      of the basal cell carcinoma carriers. METHODS: Transversal study, using a random
      sampling, carried out in 12 cities in the centralwest region of Sao Paulo State
      evolving 11,167 individuals. Patients were evaluated in a Mobile Unit, with
      complete ophthalmologic evaluation. The diagnosis of eyelid basal cell carcinoma
      was done through clinical examination and biomicroscopy of the lesion if
      desirable. The basal cell carcinoma carriers diagnosed were referred to
      Oculoplastic Clinic of Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu for treatment. Data were
      submitted to analysis of frequency of occurrence. RESULTS: Five cases of eyelid
      basal cell carcinoma were identified in the sample, corresponding to a frequency
      of occurrence of 0.045%. Four patients were female, most with age equal or
      greater than 70 year-old and all the cases had white skin color. Only three
      individuals conveyed attended the service for excision of the lesion and
      diagnostic confirmation. CONCLUSION: The eyelid basal cell carcinoma affects
      0.045% of the inhabitants of the centralwest region of Sao Paulo State, affecting
      mainly the 70 year-old female range.

PMID- 22068849
TI  - Cytological features of live limbal tissue donor eyes for autograft or allograft
      limbal stem cell transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate by impression cytology (IC) the corneal surface of live
      limbal tissue donor eyes for autograft or allograft limbal stem cell
      transplantation (LSCT). METHODS: Twenty limbal donors were enrolled (17 for
      autograft LSCT and 3 for allograft). Impression cytology was performed before
      transplantation of superior and inferior limbal grafts and after the third
      postoperative month. RESULTS: Impression cytology analysis showed sheets of
      corneal epithelial cells and goblet cell absence beyond the edge of the
      keratectomy sites in all patients, suggesting that conjunctival invasion towards
      the center did not occur in any eye. Partial conjunctivalization within 2 to 3
      clock hours, confirmed by the presence of goblet cells, was limited to the
      keratectomy site in 10% of the cases. CONCLUSION: A clear central corneal surface
      was demonstrated in all eyes following surgery leading to the conclusion that
      limbal donation was a safe procedure in this group of patients. A small
      percentage of eyes can have donor sites re-epithelized with conjunctival cells at
      the periphery of the cornea.

PMID- 22068850
TI  - Postconceptional age at the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in inborn and
      referred preterm infants from the same institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: The outcomes of the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) seem
      to be better in inborn patients than in those patients who were referred for ROP
      treatment. This study aims to investigate the timing of treatment and the
      outcomes in inborn patients and in patients referred for treatment to the
      Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: An institutional
      prospective cohort study was conducted from 2002 to 2010 and included in group 1
      all inborn preterm neonates treated for retinopathy of prematurity and in group 2
      all babies referred for treatment to the same institution. All of the included
      patients presented birth weight (BW) <=1,500 g and/or gestational age (GA) <=32
      weeks. Main outcomes were postconceptional age at the treatment and one year
      follow-up outcomes in both groups. The considered variables were: BW, GA, stage
      and location of retinopathy of prematurity at treatment. RESULTS: Group 1
      comprised 24 inborn patients. Mean BW and GA at birth were 918 +/- 232 g and 28.2
      +/- 2.1 weeks, respectively, and median post-conceptional postconceptional age at
      treatment was 37 weeks. Group 2 comprised 14 infants transferred for treatment.
      Mean BW and GA at birth were 885 +/- 188 g and 28.2 +/- 2.4 weeks, respectively,
      and median postconceptional age at treatment was 39 weeks. Mean BW and GA were
      similar in both groups (P=0.654 and P=0.949, respectively), but the difference
      among the postconceptional age was significant (P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Inborn
      patients were treated for retinopathy of prematurity during the 37(th) week of
      postconceptional age while transferred patients were treated, usually, after the
      39(th) week postconceptional age. The worst outcomes observed among referred
      patients could be partially explained by the delayed time for treatment.

PMID- 22068851
TI  - [Ocular findings in children with congenital toxoplasmosis].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to know the most common ocular findings in children
      with congenital toxoplasmosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study carried out
      from a historical cohort, with a quantitative approach. We evaluated children
      referred to a pediatric infectious disease service and included only those with
      confirmed diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. The ophthalmologic evaluation
      included regular fundus examination under pupil dilation. RESULTS: Of 58 children
      presumably exposed to risk of the disease during the pregnancy, 20 had ocular
      lesions during the first year of life (34 eyes). Of these, 12 were asymptomatic
      at birth. Strabismus was noted in 14 children (70%). In one child there was
      ptosis, and another had decrease in the palpebral fissure (microphthalmia).
      Retinochoroiditis was the most common complication, present in all 20 children.
      Seven children (35%) showed unilateral changes and 13 children showed bilateral
      changes (65%), with emphasis on the location in the posterior pole and macula.
      CONCLUSION: Retinochoroiditis and strabismus were outstanding as important
      sequelae of congenital toxoplasmosis.

PMID- 22068852
TI  - Real-time PCR in infectious uveitis as an alternative diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Uveitis is a major visual impairment disease affecting parts or the
      entire uveal tract and occasionally the sclera, the cornea or the optic nerve.
      The disease is a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness in immunocompetent
      and immunocompromised patients. In this work we analyzed the sensitivity and
      specificity of real-time PCR to detect the etiological agent from blood, plasma,
      vitreous and aqueous humor and compared with the diagnostic hypothesis. METHODS:
      Twenty-seven patients (13 male) were studied and Real-time PCR method was used
      for the detection of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV
      2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (TB) and Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo) in the aqueous humor as well as in
      the vitreous, blood and plasma. RESULTS: Our results showed the presence of Toxo,
      CMV, VZV or HSV-2 in 19.2% of aqueous humor samples, and in 30% of vitreous humor
      samples. In plasma and blood samples, only CMV was detected (11.1% and 3.7%,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Real-time PCR was able to detect and to confirm
      diagnostic hypothesis in uveitis. Our data also confirms that vitreous humor is
      the best source for molecular diagnosis of infectious uveitis but indicates
      aqueous humor samples that are easier to obtain may also be appropriate to be
      tested by Real-time PCR.

PMID- 22068853
TI  - [Functional vision assessment in children with low vision from two to six years
      of age - a comparative study].
AB  - PURPOSE: The Functional Vision Assessment (AVIF-2 to 6 years)'s capacity to
      differentiate visual ability levels in children with low vision was analyzed. The
      AVIF-2 to 6 years was created at the Infantile Low Vision Sector from Sao Geraldo
      Hospital, Brazil. METHODS: After a debate among professionals from different
      areas regarding the appropriateness of the test items, AVIF-2 to 6 years was
      applied to 40 children aged from 2 to 6 years; twenty children with low vision
      (Group 1) and twenty without it (Group 2) were assessed. Group 1 was recruited
      from the Infantile Low Vision Sector from Sao Geraldo Hospital. Group 2 comprised
      children from two different public day care centers and children were matched by
      age, gender and social level with group 1. Seven domains were studied: visual
      fixation, visual following, visual field confrontation, eye-hand coordination and
      surrounding locomotion, contrast vision and color vision discrimination. Group 1
      children were submitted to a complete ophthalmologic exam and group 2 to
      ophthalmologic screening. Children with low vision and neurologic disease were
      excluded. Comparative analyzes were performed for both groups and for distinct
      subgroups classified by age (24 to 35 months, 36 to 59 months and 60 to 78
      months) and by visual acuity subgroups (<1.0 logMAR and >=1.0 logMAR). RESULTS:
      The scores at total AVIF-2 to 6 years and its domains were statistically
      significant (p<0.05), except for the contrast vision and color vision
      discrimination domains. The total AVIF- 2 to 6 years median was lower for group 1
      at the three interval ages. CONCLUSION: AVIF- 2 to 6 years can discriminate
      different levels of functional vision of low vision children, however the authors
      emphasize that although the results are encouraging, further studies shall be
      done until the test is ready for clinical use.

PMID- 22068854
TI  - [Surgical correction of permanent exotropia outcomes in amblyopic and non
      amblyopic patients].
AB  - Permanent exotropia (XT) occurs in 1 to 2% of the pediatric population. Its
      management involves careful assessment of patient, treatment of amblyopia,
      refractive errors and surgery. The aim of the surgery is to straighten the eyes
      in the primary gaze position, giving a better cosmetic outcome. The factors
      reported to affect surgical outcome after exotropia surgery vary widely in
      reports and success rates for strabismus surgery have been reported to range from
      60% to 80%. There are few reports to determine the relation between amblyopia and
      surgical outcome in exotropic patients. PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcome
      of permanent exotropia surgery in amblyopic and non-amblyopic patients. METHODS:
      This is a retrospective study of 37 clinical records from amblyopic patients
      (Group A) and non-amblyopic patients (Group B) who underwent recess-resect in one
      eye for XT. Postoperative deviation was analyzed in one month (immediate) and in
      six months (final) in both groups and in between. Age: group A 24.7 +/- 14.2
      years, group B 22.6 +/- 18.6 years; Preoperative deviation: group A 29.1 +/-
      7.2(Delta), group B 28.4 +/- 6.8(Delta). RESULTS: The success rate in the
      immediate postoperative period was 60% (Group A) and 100% (Group B) (p<0.05); 50%
      (Group A) and 82.3% (Group B) (p=0.082) in the final postoperative period. There
      was a statistical difference in the immediate postoperative deviation, but the
      final deviation and the variation of the deviation were similar in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: There is a better outcome in patients of group B and no diference in
      the surgical outcome between these amblyopic and non-amblyopic patients in the
      final postoperative period.

PMID- 22068855
TI  - Health seeking behavior of the families of children with cataract attending an
      eye clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the health-seeking behavior of the families of children
      presenting with congenital and developmental cataract attending "Instituto
      Brasileiro de Oftalmologia" (IBOL), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: Caregivers
      of consecutive eligible children were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire
      and medical records were reviewed to collect information about their health
      seeking behavior and socioeconomic status in June and July of 2008. RESULTS: Data
      from 70 children were gathered, from which 42 (60.0%) had bilateral disease.
      Fifty-eight (82.9%) cases were considered congenital and 12 (17.1%)
      developmental. Presentation delay was observed in 33 (47.1%) children. Having
      insurance (adjusted OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.04 - 0.82) and being the only child
      (adjusted OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04 - 0.69) decreased likelihood of late presentation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Delayed detection and presentation for treatment of non-traumatic
      pediatric cataract are still significant problems in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
      Early recognition as well as prompt referral and appropriate treatment have to be
      improved, especially at the public sector.

PMID- 22068856
TI  - [Study of retinopathy of prematurity in a university hospital].
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in
      newborns, classify the cases, describe the risk factors for disease and
      treatment. METHODS: A retrospective observational cross-sectional study including
      newborns with gestational age <= 32 weeks and/or weight <= 1,500 g admitted to
      the neonatal intensive care unit of the Hospital de Clinicas, Universidade
      Federal de Uberlandia (HC-UFU) during the period of July 2005 to June 2007.
      RESULTS: We analyzed 148 patients. In 66 (44.6%) ROP was detected; 82 (55.4%)
      showed no disease. The statistically significant risk factors were: birth weight
      (p=0.0001), gestational age (p=0.0001), mechanical ventilation (p=0.0001), blood
      transfusion (p=0.0001), and postconceptional age (PCA) (p=0.0001). Of the 66
      premature infants with ROP, 77% were treated medically (follow-up with indirect
      ophthalmoscopy) and 23% required surgical treatment or photocoagulation.
      CONCLUSION: Based on the data above, the prevalence observed in this study was
      high. The development of ROP was inversely proportional to the weight and
      gestational age at birth.

PMID- 22068857
TI  - Functional and cosmetic results of a lower eyelid crease approach for external
      dacryocystorhinostomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: External dacryocystorhinostomy is routinely performed through a
      cutaneous vertical incision placed on the lateral aspect of the nose. The lower
      eyelid crease approach has been seldom reported. The purpose of this study is to
      report the cosmetic and functional results of the lid crease approach for
      external dacryocystorhinostomy in a series of patients. METHODS: Prospective,
      interventional case series. Twenty-five consecutive patients (17 women) ranging
      in age from 3 to 85 years (mean +/- SD= 44.84 +/- 23.67) were included in the
      study. All patients but one underwent unilateral external dacryocystorhinostomy
      with a 10 to 15 mm horizontal incision placed on a subciliary relaxed eyelid
      tension line. The inner canthus was photographed with a Nikon D70S digital camera
      with a macrolens and resolution of 3008 x 2000 pixels at 1, 3 and 6 months after
      surgery. The resulting scar was judged from the photographs by 3 observers
      (ophthalmologist, plastic and head and neck surgeons) according to a four level
      scale (1= unapparent, 2= minimally visible, 3= moderately visible, 4= very
      visible). RESULTS: The surgery was easily performed in all patients with a 90.48%
      success. Three of the elderly patients (ages 61, 79 and 85 yr) developed mild
      lacrimal punctum ectropion, which resolved with conservative treatment. One
      patient had a hypometric blink which spontaneously recovered within one month.
      The mean score for scar visibility was 2.19 (1(st) mo), 1.65 (3(th) mo) and 1.44
      (6(th) mo). CONCLUSIONS: The eyelid crease approach is an excellent option for
      external dacryocystorhinostomy. It leaves an unapparent scar since the first
      month after surgery, even in younger patients. The functional results are
      excellent and comparable to other techniques. Care should be taken in elderly
      patients with lower eyelid laxity in order to prevent lacrimal punctum ectropion.

PMID- 22068858
TI  - Danish type gelsolin-related amyloidosis in a Brazilian family: case reports.
AB  - Familial amyloidosis of the Finnish type (FAF) is an autosomal dominant form of
      systemic amyloidosis showing marked geographic clustering in Finland. The disease
      is caused by a point mutation, 654G-A, in the gelsolin gene. The Danish-subtype
      of FAF has been previously described in three families, the patients present
      clinical findings similar to FAF, and the mutation 654G-T in the gelsolin gene.
      Three members from two generations of the same family, with familial amyloidosis,
      were screened for mutations in the GSN gene. Genomic DNA was extracted from
      peripheral blood lymphocytes and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried
      out under standard conditions, using appropriate primers. Sequence analysis
      showed the presence of a G to T transition at nucleotide 654 of the gelsolin
      gene. This is the first report of gelsolin-related familial amyloidosis in a
      Brazilian family, and the result is particularly significant as this pedigree
      presents an unusual mutation, described previously in three families, with no
      known Finnish ancestors (Danish type).

PMID- 22068859
TI  - Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for foveal-macular pattern dystrophy: case
      report.
AB  - In the recent years, anti-angiogenic medications have successfully treated other
      diseases associated with choroidal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic
      therapy alone or combined with LASER and/or steroids has been effective in
      controlling ocular neovascularization, not only restricted to the treatment of
      typical membranes due to macular degeneration in the wet form. The discovery and
      subsequent use of these drugs has revolutionized medicine and ophthalmology. This
      report illustrates an example of successful treatment in a challenging pathology
      where it was found important visual and anatomical response after the use of
      ranibizumab.

PMID- 22068860
TI  - [Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy simulating Coats disease: case report].
AB  - We report the case of a seven year-old male patient, born at term without any
      perinatal complications, referred to the Retina/Vitreous Service for diagnostic
      elucidation. He had a history of progressive visual acuity loss on his left eye
      that started four years ago. On examination, he had decreased corneal diameter
      and corectopia of the right eye (OD), without any noteworthy findings on the
      biomicroscopy of the left eye (OS). The fundus of the OD revealed total retinal
      detachment, and the OS initially showed peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities
      and retinal exudation, associated with retinal vitreous traction on the temporal
      sector. The CT and MRI of the brain/orbits showed no abnormalities, except for
      findings suggestive of an old retinal detachment on the OD, confirmed by
      ultrasonography, which also showed microphthalmia of the OD. The diagnosis of
      familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, a rare disease of autosomal dominant
      inheritance and related to consanguineous marriages, that can initially simulate
      Coats disease, was proposed. The patient was treated with diode laser
      photocoagulation in the temporal periphery of the OS, with improvement in the
      areas of vitreoretinal traction.

PMID- 22068861
TI  - [Perfluoro-n-octane in orbital cavity after posterior vitrectomy and suture of
      eye perforating injury: case report].
AB  - A case of a perfluoro-n-octane leakage into the orbital cavity after
      corneoscleral suture, scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy in an eye with
      perforating injury after trauma is reported for the first time. A previously
      healthy 39-year-old man was sent for ophthalmic evaluation one day after
      suffering a penetrating ocular trauma in his right eye while hammering a nail. On
      the initial evaluation, the patient presented sudden reduction of visual acuity
      on his right eye with a perforating corneoscleral injury, intraocular foreign
      body and retinal detachment. The patient was submitted to corneoscleral suture,
      pars plana vitrectomy with perfluoro-n-octane administration to flatten the
      retina and scleral buckling, when it was found transfixation of the globe by the
      intraocular foreign body. Postoperatively, computed tomography scans of the orbit
      were ordered due to proptosis, which showed the presence of hyperdense images,
      suggesting leakage of perfluoro-n-octane into the orbital cavity. Thus, in cases
      of perforating eye injury, one should be suspicious about the possibility of
      intraocular foreign body, as well as possible occurrence of transfixation of the
      globe when scheduling the surgery.

PMID- 22068862
TI  - Meta-analysis of beta radiation augmentation for trabeculectomy - results in
      distinct ethnic groups.
AB  - PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis on the efficacy of
      trabeculectomy (TREC) followed by beta irradiation (BRT/TREC) compared to TREC
      alone for glaucoma in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control and adverse
      effects of treatment in different ethnic groups. METHODS: A meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials (RCT) was performed comparing adjunct BRT treatment
      for glaucoma with standard TREC after 12 months. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and
      Cochrane Library databases, Trial registers, bibliographic databases and recent
      studies of relevant journals were searched. Two reviewers independently reviewed
      relevant reports and the references from these reports were searched for
      additional trials, using guidelines set by QUOROM statement criteria. RESULTS: Of
      a total of 1,350 citations, eight studies (five cohorts, three randomized) were
      identified and only 3 RCT were included in this meta-analysis. Higher IOP
      reductions were verified in the BRT arm compared to the control arm (mean
      difference=1.68 mmHg, 95% CI= 0.61-2.68, P=0.002). Uncontrolled postoperative IOP
      (>21 mmHg) was less frequent when BRT was used (BRT/ TREC arm) compared to the
      control arm (38/218=17.4% versus 9/239=3.8%; OR=6.7; 95% CI 3.2-14.3, P<0.0001).
      Although better IOP control was observed in all patients treated with adjuvant
      BRT, only Black patients displayed a significant difference (P=0.005). There were
      no significant differences between the BRT and control arms regarding loss of
      visual acuity, postoperative complications and necessity of cataract surgery.
      CONCLUSION: Adjunct BRT increases the success rate of TREC, with better results
      in non Caucasian patients, and does not influence the occurrence of postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 22068863
TI  - Literature systematic review on the ophthalmological side effects of interferons.
AB  - Interferons alpha and beta have been used worldwide for a few decades, altering
      the natural history of several severe diseases including hepatitis C, cancer and
      immune-mediated conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The adverse events profile
      of interferons is well established, but only isolated reports of ophthalmological
      complications of interferon therapy have been published. The objective of this
      study was to carry out a literature systematic review on the subject, bringing to
      light the need for careful ophthalmological monitoring of patients undergoing
      interferon treatment. Nearly 500 cases of ophthalmological complications related
      to interferon have been reported. The most frequent findings were soft exudates,
      hemorrhages and retina ischemia.

PMID- 22068865
TI  - Relation between blood pressure and vascular events and mortality in patients
      with manifest vascular disease: J-curve revisited.
AB  - Recent studies have challenged the notion that "lower is better" for blood
      pressure in relation to vascular events and mortality in patients with vascular
      disease, whereas practice guidelines currently recommend to lower blood pressure
      to <130/80 mm Hg. We reassessed this J-curved relationship between blood pressure
      and cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with various
      manifestations of vascular disease. For this purpose, 5788 patients with
      symptomatic vascular disease enrolled in the Secondary Manifestations of Arterial
      Disease Study were followed-up for the occurrence of new vascular events (ie,
      myocardial infarction, stroke, or vascular death) and all-cause mortality. During
      a median of 5.0 years (interquartile range: 2.6-8.1 years), 788 patients
      experienced a new vascular event, and 779 died. Overall, the covariate-adjusted
      relationship between mean baseline systolic, diastolic, or pulse pressure and the
      occurrence of vascular events followed a J-curve with increased event rates above
      and below the nadir blood pressure of 143/82 mm Hg. A similar nonlinear
      relationship was found for diastolic pressure and all-cause mortality. Elevated
      blood pressure was not associated with increased morbidity and mortality in
      patients with recently diagnosed coronary artery disease, >=65 years, and having
      >60 mm Hg pulse pressure. Importantly, especially in these subgroups, low blood
      pressure could also be a symptom rather than a cause of disease. Blood pressure
      level below and above 143/82 mm Hg is, thus, an independent risk factor for
      recurrent events in patients with manifest vascular disease. Uncertainty of
      whether this association is causal provides a strong rationale for trials
      evaluating blood pressure treatment targets.

PMID- 22068864
TI  - Placental ischemia impairs middle cerebral artery myogenic responses in the
      pregnant rat.
AB  - One potential mechanism contributing to the increased risk for encephalopathies
      in women with preeclampsia is altered cerebral vascular autoregulation resulting
      from impaired myogenic tone. Whether placental ischemia, a commonly proposed
      initiator of preeclampsia, alters cerebral vascular function is unknown. This
      study tested the hypothesis that placental ischemia in pregnant rats (caused by
      reduced uterine perfusion pressure [RUPP]) leads to impaired myogenic responses
      in middle cerebral arteries. Mean arterial pressure was increased by RUPP (135+/
      3 mm Hg) compared with normal pregnant rats (103+/-2 mm Hg) and nonpregnant
      controls (116+/-1 mm Hg). Middle cerebral arteries from rats euthanized on
      gestation day 19 were assessed in a pressure arteriograph under active (+Ca(2+))
      and passive (0 Ca(2+)) conditions, whereas luminal pressure was varied between 25
      and 150 mm Hg. The slope of the relationship between tone and pressure in the
      middle cerebral artery was 0.08+/-0.01 in control rats and was similar in normal
      pregnant rats (0.05+/-0.01). In the RUPP model of placental ischemia, this
      relationship was markedly reduced (slope=0.01+/-0.00; P<0.05). Endothelial
      dependent and independent dilation was not different between groups, nor was
      there evidence of vascular remodeling assessed by the wall:lumen ratio and
      calculated wall stress. The impaired myogenic response was associated with brain
      edema measured by percentage of water content (RUPP P<0.05 versus control and
      normal pregnant rats). This study demonstrates that placental ischemia in
      pregnant rats leads to impaired myogenic tone in the middle cerebral arteries and
      that the RUPP model is a potentially important tool to examine mechanisms leading
      to encephalopathy during preeclamptic pregnancies.

PMID- 22068867
TI  - Carotid stiffness in young adults: a life-course analysis of its early
      determinants: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study.
AB  - Cardiovascular risk factors affecting arterial stiffness in adulthood may develop
      at different critical periods earlier in life. We examined whether the
      trajectories, from adolescence to young adulthood, of blood pressure, body
      fatness and fat distribution, blood lipids, cardiorespiratory fitness, and heart
      rate determined levels of arterial stiffness in young adults. We investigated 373
      apparently healthy adults in whom cardiovascular risk factors were repeatedly
      examined between the ages of 13 and 36 years and carotid stiffness estimates were
      obtained at the age of 36 years. Differences in the mean levels and the
      trajectories of risk factors throughout the 24-year longitudinal period between
      subjects with different levels of carotid stiffness at age 36 years were analyzed
      with generalized estimating equations. Compared with individuals with less stiff
      carotid arteries, those with stiffer carotid arteries at the age of 36 years were
      characterized from ages 13 to 36 years by greater levels of and steeper increases
      in blood pressure and central fatness, independently of each other and other risk
      factors. These increases were already present in adolescence, preceded the
      development of poorer levels of blood lipids, cardiorespiratory fitness, and
      heart rate, which were evident during adulthood only, and explained to a great
      extent the deleterious association between these risk factors and carotid
      stiffness at the age of 36 years. Multiple and intertwined mechanisms involved in
      the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness have their origins in early life. Blood
      pressure and central fatness have a pivotal role herein and should be
      specifically targeted to prevent arterial stiffening and its cardiovascular
      sequelae.

PMID- 22068866
TI  - Left ventricular mass and function with reduced-fat or reduced-carbohydrate
      hypocaloric diets in overweight and obese subjects.
AB  - In animals, carbohydrate and fat composition during dietary interventions
      influenced cardiac metabolism, structure, and function. Because reduced
      carbohydrate and reduced-fat hypocaloric diets are commonly used in the treatment
      of obesity, we investigated whether these interventions differentially affect
      left ventricular mass, cardiac function, and blood pressure. We randomized 170
      overweight and obese subjects (body mass index, 32.9+/-4.4; range, 26.5-45.4
      kg/m(2)) to 6-month hypocaloric diets with either reduced carbohydrate intake or
      reduced fat intake. We obtained cardiac MRI and ambulatory blood pressure
      recordings over 24 hours before and after 6 months. Ninety subjects completing
      the intervention period had a full cardiac MRI data set. Subjects lost 7.3+/-4.0
      kg (7.9+/-3.8%) with reduced-carbohydrate diet and 6.2+/-4.2 kg (6.7+/-4.4%) with
      reduced-fat diet (P<0.001 within each group; P=not significant between
      interventions). Caloric restriction led to similar significant decreases in left
      ventricular mass with low-carbohydrate diets (5.4+/-5.4 g) or low-fat diets
      (5.2+/-4.8 g; P<0.001 within each group; P=not significant between
      interventions). Systolic and diastolic left ventricular function did not change
      with either diet. The 24-hour systolic blood pressure decreased similarly with
      both interventions. Body weight change (beta=0.33; P=0.02) and percentage of
      ingested n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (beta=-0.27; P=0.03) predicted changes
      in left ventricular mass. In conclusion, weight loss induced by reduced-fat diets
      or reduced-carbohydrate diets similarly improved left ventricular mass in
      overweight and obese subjects over a 6-month period. However, n-3 polyunsaturated
      fatty acid ingestion may have an independent beneficial effect on left
      ventricular mass.

PMID- 22068868
TI  - Caloric restriction ameliorates angiotensin II-induced mitochondrial remodeling
      and cardiac hypertrophy.
AB  - Angiotensin II-induced cardiac damage is associated with oxidative stress
      dependent mitochondrial dysfunction. Caloric restriction (CR), a dietary regimen
      that increases mitochondrial activity and cellular stress resistance, could
      provide protection. We tested that hypothesis in double transgenic rats harboring
      human renin and angiotensinogen genes (dTGRs). CR (60% of energy intake for 4
      weeks) decreased mortality in dTGRs. CR ameliorated angiotensin II-induced
      cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, vascular inflammation, cardiac damage and fibrosis,
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and cardiac atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA
      overexpression. The effects were blood pressure independent and were linked to
      increased endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, serum adiponectin level, and
      5' AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. CR decreased cardiac p38
      phosphorylation, nitrotyrosine expression, and serum insulin-like growth factor 1
      levels. Mitochondria from dTGR hearts showed clustered mitochondrial patterns,
      decreased numbers, and volume fractions but increased trans-sectional areas. All
      of these effects were reduced in CR dTGRs. Mitochondrial proteomic profiling
      identified 43 dTGR proteins and 42 Sprague-Dawley proteins, of which 29 proteins
      were in common in response to CR. We identified 7 proteins in CR dTGRs that were
      not found in control dTGRs. In contrast, 6 mitochondrial proteins were identified
      from dTGRs that were not detected in any other group. Gene ontology annotations
      with the Panther protein classification system revealed downregulation of
      cytoskeletal proteins and enzyme modulators and upregulation of oxidoreductase
      activity in dTGRs. CR provides powerful, blood pressure-independent, protection
      against angiotensin II-induced mitochondrial remodeling and cardiac hypertrophy.
      The findings support the notion of modulating cardiac bioenergetics to ameliorate
      angiotensin II-induced cardiovascular complications.

PMID- 22068870
TI  - Plasma aldosterone levels and development of insulin resistance: prospective
      study in a general population.
AB  - Aldosterone plays a role in hypertension, and hypertension is prevalent in
      patients with insulin resistance. Cross-sectional studies have reported that
      plasma aldosterone levels are higher in patients with insulin resistance.
      However, it is not known whether plasma aldosterone levels predict the
      development of insulin resistance. Subjects of the present study were 1235 local
      residents (490 men and 745 women) who participated in health screenings in Japan
      in 1999. Plasma aldosterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. We
      investigated the cross-sectional relationship between plasma aldosterone levels
      and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment index >=1.73 according to
      the diagnostic criteria used in Japan) in 1088 nondiabetic participants. At the
      10-year follow-up, 141 subjects had died, and 260 subjects refused re
      examination. We performed a prospective analysis of 564 subjects to predict
      incident insulin resistance. We found a significant (P<0.001) cross-sectional
      relationship between plasma aldosterone and homeostasis model assessment index at
      baseline. In the prospective analysis, a significantly higher (P<0.05) relative
      risk (1.71 [95% CI: 1.03-2.84]) was observed in the highest tertile versus lowest
      tertile of plasma aldosterone for the development of insulin resistance, after
      adjustment for confounding factors. This 10-year prospective study demonstrated
      that plasma aldosterone levels predicted the development of insulin resistance in
      a general population.

PMID- 22068873
TI  - The J-shaped curve in secondary prevention: shall clinical practice change?

PMID- 22068872
TI  - Vascular biomarkers in the prediction of clinical cardiovascular disease: the
      Strong Heart Study.
AB  - We compared the ability of separately measured intimal-medial thickness and
      atherosclerotic plaque to predict incident cardiovascular disease. American
      Indian men and women from the Strong Heart Study who were free of cardiovascular
      disease were evaluated with carotid ultrasound and cardiovascular disease risk
      factor assessment. End-diastolic intimal-medial thickness of the common carotid
      arteries was measured and averaged. Arterial mass (cross-sectional area) was
      calculated from intimal-medial thickness and end-diastolic diameter.
      Atherosclerosis was defined by focal plaque (discrete thickening >50% relative to
      the adjacent wall) and the number of carotid segments containing plaque (plaque
      score); 2441 participants (age 63+/-8 years) were followed-up for a mean of 7.7+/
      2.8 years, during which time 495 experienced incident cardiovascular disease
      events. Time-to-event analyses were performed in groups stratified according to
      diabetes and hypertension status. Cardiovascular disease events were predicted by
      presence and extent of atherosclerosis in all groups; intima-medial thickness and
      arterial mass were only associated with outcomes when neither hypertension nor
      diabetes was present. Unequivocal evidence of atherosclerosis (plaque) and its
      extent (plaque score) are independently associated with incident cardiovascular
      disease events in individuals without preexisting cardiovascular disease
      regardless of diabetes and hypertension status. Hypertension-related increases in
      intima-media thickness and arterial mass appear to limit their use as measures of
      early or diffuse atherosclerosis and, hence, association with cardiovascular
      disease outcomes. These findings support the utility of separate assessment of
      focal atherosclerosis and intimal-medial thickness in epidemiological studies,
      trials, and risk stratification protocols.

PMID- 22068871
TI  - Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and sudden cardiac death: results from the
      Cardiovascular Health Study.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated greater risks of cardiovascular events and
      mortality among persons who have lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and higher
      parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. We sought to evaluate the association between
      markers of mineral metabolism and sudden cardiac death (SCD) among the 2312
      participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study who were free of clinical
      cardiovascular disease at baseline. We estimated associations of baseline 25-OHD
      and PTH concentrations individually and in combination with SCD using Cox
      proportional hazards models after adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular
      risk factors, and kidney function. During a median follow-up of 14 years, there
      were 73 adjudicated SCD events. The annual incidence of SCD was greater among
      subjects who had lower 25-OHD concentrations, 2 events per 1000 for 25-OHD >=20
      ng/mL and 4 events per 1000 for 25-OHD <20 ng/mL. Similarly, SCD incidence was
      greater among subjects who had higher PTH concentrations, 2 events per 1000 for
      PTH <65 pg/mL and 4 events per 1000 for PTH >=65 pg/mL. Multivariate adjustment
      attenuated associations of 25-OHD and PTH with SCD. Finally, 267 participants
      (11.7% of the cohort) had high PTH and low 25-OHD concentrations. This
      combination was associated with a >2-fold risk of SCD after adjustment (hazard
      ratio: 2.19 [95% CI: 1.17-4.10]; P=0.017) compared with participants with normal
      levels of PTH and 25-OHD. The combination of lower 25-OHD and higher PTH
      concentrations appears to be associated independently with SCD risk among older
      adults without cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22068874
TI  - A loss-of-function polymorphism in the human P2X4 receptor is associated with
      increased pulse pressure.
AB  - The P2X4 receptor is involved in endothelium-dependent changes in large arterial
      tone in response to shear stress and is, therefore, potentially relevant to
      arterial compliance and pulse pressure. Four identified nonsynonymous
      polymorphisms in P2RX4 were reproduced in recombinantly expressed human P2X4.
      Electrophysiological studies showed that one of these, the Tyr315>Cys mutation
      (rs28360472), significantly reduced the peak amplitude of the ATP-induced inward
      current to 10.9% of wild-type P2X4 receptors in transfected HEK-293 cells (10
      MUmol/L of ATP; n=4-8 cells; P<0.001). Concentration-response curves for ATP and
      the partial agonist BzATP demonstrate that the 315Cys-P2X4 mutant had an
      increased EC(50) value for both ligands. Mutation of Tyr315>Cys likely disrupts
      the agonist binding site of P2X4 receptors, a finding supported by molecular
      modeling based on the zebrafish P2X4 receptor crystal structure. We tested
      inheritance of rs28360472 encoding the Tyr315>Cys mutation in P2RX4 against pulse
      pressure in 2874 subjects from the Victorian Family Heart Study. The minor allele
      frequency was 0.014 (1.4%). In a variance components analysis we found
      significant association with pulse pressure (P=0.023 for total association) where
      1 minor allele increased pulse pressure by 2.84 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.41-5.27). This
      increase in pulse pressure associated with inheritance of 315Cys-P2X4 receptors
      might reflect reduced large arterial compliance as a result of impaired
      endothelium-dependent vasodilation in large arteries.

PMID- 22068876
TI  - Supramolecular hybrid of metal nanoparticles and semiconducting single-walled
      carbon nanotubes wrapped by a fluorene-carbazole copolymer.
AB  - The first approach for the preparation of metal nanoparticle/semiconducting
      single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) hybrids with specified chirality is
      described. For this purpose, a copolymer of a fluorene derivative with two long
      chain alkyl substituents and a carbazole derivative carrying a thiol group was
      used. The copolymer was found to selectively dissolve (7,6)- and (8,7)SWNTs, as
      determined by UV/Vis/NIR absorption and Raman spectroscopy and 2D
      photoluminescence mapping. Gold and silver nanoparticles with diameters of about
      3.8 and about 3.2 nm, respectively, were readily attached along the SWNTs by
      means of coordination bonds between the nanoparticles and the thiol moieties on
      the copolymer, as revealed by atomic force and electron microscopy studies. The
      study provides a novel way to design and fabricate metal
      nanoparticle/semiconducting SWNT hybrids with specific nanotube chirality.

PMID- 22068877
TI  - Dendritic nanospace constructed by only glycerol units enhanced uptake of a
      fluorescent molecule in aqueous solution.
AB  - A polyglycerol dendrimer (PGD) of generation 2, which consists of only glycerol
      units, constructed nanospace capable of uptake of a fluorescent molecule with a
      1:1 stoichiometry. On the other hand, a PGD of generation 1 trapped the molecule
      at the outer part.

PMID- 22068875
TI  - Interleukin 6 underlies angiotensin II-induced hypertension and chronic renal
      damage.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent life-threatening disease frequently
      associated with hypertension, progression to renal fibrosis, and eventual renal
      failure. Although the pathogenesis of CKD remains largely unknown, an increased
      inflammatory response is known to be associated with the disease and has long
      been speculated to contribute to disease development. However, the causative
      factors, the exact role of the increased inflammatory cascade in CKD, and the
      underlying mechanisms for its progression remain unidentified. Here we report
      that interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression levels were significantly increased in the
      kidneys collected from CKD patients and further elevated in CKD patients
      characterized with hypertension. Functionally, we determined that angiotensin II
      is a causative factor responsible for IL-6 induction in the mouse kidney and that
      genetic deletion of IL-6 significantly reduced hypertension and key features of
      CKD, including renal injury and progression to renal fibrosis in angiotensin II
      infused mice. Mechanistically, we provide both human and mouse evidence that IL-6
      is a key cytokine functioning downstream of angiotensin II signaling to directly
      induce fibrotic gene expression and preproendothelin 1 mRNA expression in the
      kidney. Overall, both the mouse and human studies reported here provide evidence
      that angiotensin II induces IL-6 production in the kidney, and that, in addition
      to its role in hypertension, increased IL-6 may play an important pathogenic role
      in CKD by inducing fibrotic gene expression and ET-1 gene expression. These
      findings immediately suggest that the IL-6 signaling is a novel therapeutic
      target to manage this devastating disorder affecting millions worldwide.

PMID- 22068878
TI  - Risk factors for missed HIV primary care visits among men who have sex with men.
AB  - Benefits of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) depend on consistent HIV care
      attendance. However, appointment non-adherence (i.e. missed appointments) is
      common even in programs that reduce financial barriers. Demographic,
      health/treatment, and psychosocial contributors to appointment non-adherence were
      examined among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending HIV primary care.
      Participants (n = 503) completed questionnaires, and HIV biomarker data were
      extracted from medical records. At 12 months, records were reviewed to assess HIV
      primary care appointment non-adherence. Among MSM, 31.2% missed without
      cancellation at least one appointment during 12-month study period. Independent
      predictors (P < 0.05) were: low income (OR = 1.87); African American (OR = 3.00)
      and Hispanic/Latino (OR = 4.31) relative to non-Hispanic White; depression (OR =
      2.01); and low expectancy for appointments to prevent/treat infection (OR =
      2.38), whereas private insurance (OR = 0.48) and older age (OR = 0.94) predicted
      lower risk. Low self-efficacy predicted marginal risk (OR = 2.74, P = 0.10). The
      following did not independently predict risk for non-adherence: education,
      relationship status, general health, time since HIV diagnosis, ART history, post
      traumatic stress disorder, HIV stigma, or supportive clinic staff. Appointment
      non-adherence is prevalent, particularly among younger and racial/ethnic minority
      MSM. Socioeconomic barriers, depression and low appointment expectancy and self
      efficacy may be targets to increase care engagement.

PMID- 22068879
TI  - The benefits of cognitive training after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
AB  - Cognitive deficits are frequent after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
      in the elderly population. In fact, memory and attention deficits can persist
      several months after the surgery. Recent studies with healthy older adults have
      shown that memory and attention can be improved through cognitive training
      programs. The present study examined whether memory training (method of loci and
      story generation) and attentional training (dual-task computerized training)
      could improve cognitive functions in patients aged 65 years and older who
      underwent CABG surgery. Participants (n = 51) were assigned to one of three
      groups: (1) control group (tested at 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery), (2)
      attention training followed by memory training, (3) memory training followed by
      attention training (groups 2 and 3: tested at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after the
      surgery). The trainings took place between the 6th and 10th week following the
      surgery. The three groups were compared before and after each training program
      using attention and memory tests and neuropsychological tests. The results showed
      that attention and memory trainings lead to significant improvement in the
      cognitive domain that was trained. It thus seems that cognitive training can be a
      promising tool to enhance cognitive functions after a CABG surgery.

PMID- 22068880
TI  - Endarterectomy versus carotid stenting.

PMID- 22068882
TI  - Characterization of the necrosis determinant of the European genotype of pepino
      mosaic virus by site-specific mutagenesis of an infectious cDNA clone.
AB  - Mild and necrotic isolates have been described for the European (EU) genotype of
      pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), an important pathogen of tomato worldwide. In this
      study, we produced various infectious cDNA clones of an EU isolate with point
      mutations introduced by site-directed mutagenesis. Our results showed that the
      genetic determinant responsible for necrosis induction on tomato and Datura
      inoxia was amino acid 67 of TGBp3. This amino acid residue also acts as necrosis
      determinant in PepMV isolates belonging to the Chilean 2 genotype. This
      demonstrates that a single point mutation plays a role in necrosis induction by
      PepMV, irrespective of genotype.

PMID- 22068881
TI  - Characterization of avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks in
      Vietnam in 2009 and 2010.
AB  - In the surveillance of avian influenza in Vietnam, 26 H9N2, 1 H3N2, 1 H3N8, 7
      H4N6, 3 H11N3, and 1 H11N9 viruses were isolated from tracheal and cloacal swab
      samples of 300 domestic ducks in April 2009, and 1 H9N6 virus from 300 bird
      samples in March 2010. Out of the 27 H9 virus isolates, the hemagglutinins of 18
      strains were genetically classified as belonging to the sublineage G1, and the
      other nine belonged to the Korean sublineage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that
      one of the 27 H9 viruses was a reassortant in which the PB2 gene belonged to the
      Korean sublineage and the other seven genes belonged to the G1 sublineage. Three
      representative H9N2 viruses were intranasally inoculated into ducks, chickens,
      pigs, and mice. On the basis of experimental infection studies, it was found that
      each of the three viruses readily infected pigs and replicated in their upper
      respiratory tracts, and they infected chickens with slight replication. Viruses
      were recovered from the lungs of mice inoculated with two of the three isolates.
      The present results reveal that H9 avian influenza viruses are prevailing and
      genetic reassortment occurs among domestic ducks in Vietnam. It is recommended
      that careful surveillance of swine influenza with H9 viruses should be performed
      to prepare for pandemic influenza.

PMID- 22068883
TI  - Oxovanadium(IV) based hypocrellin B complexes with enhanced photodynamic
      activity.
AB  - Hypocrellin B (HB), a naturally occurring photosensitizer, has been extensively
      and intensively studied as a promising photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent. In this
      work, three new oxovanadium(IV) complexes were designed and synthesized with HB
      as a bridging ligand and phen (1,10-phenanthroline, complex 1), tmp (3,4,7,8
      tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, complex 2) and dpq (dipyrido[3,2-f:2'3'
      h]quinoxaline, complex 3) as terminal ligands. The use of a diimine terminal
      ligand avoids the formation of polymeric complexes and ensures the three VO(2+)
      HB complexes possess a definite molecular formula and molecular weight to meet
      the single component requirement for an ideal PDT agent. Compared to HB, the
      VO(2+)-HB complexes exhibit improved water solubility, enhanced absorptivity in
      the phototherapeutic window, increased binding affinity toward dsDNA, and similar
      singlet oxygen quantum yield, therefore advanced DNA photocleavage activity. Both
      the DNA binding constants and photo nuclease activities of the complexes follow
      the order 2 (tmp) > 3 (dpq) > 1 (phen), demonstrating the importance of the
      binding affinity to biomolecules, which improves the bioavailability of reactive
      oxygen species. Our work opens a new avenue for the development of HB-based PDT
      agents.

PMID- 22068884
TI  - Hazard analysis and risk assessment in the development of biomedical drug
      formulation equipment.
AB  - Hazard analysis and risk assessment techniques are utilized within many private
      sector industries and government agencies, including the medical device and
      pharmaceutical industry, within a structured process to control human injuries
      and environmental and property damage. In the U.S. the Federal Drug
      Administration (FDA) requires a hazard analysis be performed on all medical
      devices. While there are biomedical engineering applications reported which deal
      with human hazards in clinical, patient care environment, no previous studies
      extend these traditional techniques to a university-based, research environment.
      This study applies a tiered approach to hazard analysis and risk assessment to a
      biomedical, university-based, research environment in the design of a high
      throughput platform that screens chemical excipients (additives) for their
      ability to increase protein solubility. Each design stage (conceptual,
      preliminary, system, and detailed) requires a unique hazard analysis technique
      based on available information. The analysis techniques applied here are
      evaluated for their use in a biomedical research environment where experiment
      accuracy is a primary concern.

PMID- 22068885
TI  - Assessment of obstructive sleep apnea and its severity during wakefulness.
AB  - In this article, a novel technique for assessment of obstructive sleep apnea
      (OSA) during wakefulness is proposed; the technique is based on tracheal breath
      sound analysis of normal breathing in upright sitting and supine body positions.
      We recorded tracheal breath sounds of 17 non-apneic individuals and 35 people
      with various degrees of severity of OSA in supine and upright sitting positions
      during both nose and mouth breathing at medium flow rate. We calculated the power
      spectrum, Kurtosis, and Katz fractal dimensions of the recorded signals and used
      the one-way analysis of variance to select the features, which were statistically
      significant between the groups. Then, the maximum relevancy minimum redundancy
      method was used to reduce the number of characteristic features to two. Using the
      best two selected features, we classified the participant into severe OSA and non
      OSA groups as well as non-OSA or mild vs. moderate and severe OSA groups; the
      results showed more than 91 and 83% accuracy; 85 and 81% specificity; 92 and 95%
      sensitivity, for the two types of classification, respectively. The results are
      encouraging for identifying people with OSA and also prediction of OSA severity.
      Once verified on a larger population, the proposed method offers a simple and non
      invasive screening tool for prediction of OSA during wakefulness.

PMID- 22068887
TI  - Diffusion-weighted whole-body MRI with background body signal suppression:
      technical improvements at 3.0 T.
AB  - PURPOSE: To improve image quality of diffusion-weighted body magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) at 3.0 T. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In 30 patients and eight volunteers, a diffusion-weighted spin-echo
      echo-planar imaging sequence with short TI inversion recovery (STIR) fat
      suppression was applied and repeated using slice-selective gradient reversal
      (SSGR) and/or dual-source parallel radiofrequency (RF) transmission (TX). The
      quality of diffusion-weighted images and gray scale inverted maximum intensity
      projections (MIP) were visually assessed by intraindividual comparison with
      respect to the level of fat suppression and signal homogeneity. Moreover, the
      contrast between lesions/lymph nodes and background (C(lb)) was analyzed in the
      MIP reconstructions. RESULTS: By combining STIR with SSGR, fat suppression was
      significantly improved (P < 0.001) and C(lb) was increased two times. The use of
      TX allowed the reduction of acquisition time and improved image quality with
      regard to signal homogeneity (P < 0.001) and fat suppression (P = 0.005).
      CONCLUSION: DWIBS at 3.0 T can be improved by using SSGR and TX.

PMID- 22068886
TI  - Glycoengineering of HCELL, the human bone marrow homing receptor: sweetly
      programming cell migration.
AB  - The successful clinical implementation of adoptive cell therapeutics, including
      bone marrow transplantation and other stem cell-based treatments, depends
      critically on the ability to deliver cells to sites where they are needed. E
      selectin, an endothelial C-type lectin, binds sialofucosylated carbohydrate
      determinants on its pertinent ligands. This molecule is expressed in a
      constitutive manner on bone marrow and dermal microvascular endothelium, and
      inducibly on post-capillary venules at all sites of tissue injury. Engagement of
      E-selectin with relevant ligand(s) expressed on circulating cells mediates
      initial "tethering/rolling" endothelial adhesive interactions prerequisite for
      extravasation of blood-borne cells at any target tissue. Most mammalian cells
      express high levels of a transmembrane glycoprotein known as CD44. A specialized
      glycoform of CD44 called "Hematopoietic Cell E-/L-selectin Ligand" (HCELL) is a
      potent E-selectin ligand expressed on human cells. Under native conditions, HCELL
      expression is restricted to human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. We have
      developed a technology called "Glycosyltransferase-Programmed Stereosubstitution"
      (GPS) for custom-modifying CD44 glycans to create HCELL on the surface of living
      cells. GPS-based glycoengineering of HCELL endows cell migration to endothelial
      beds expressing E-selectin. Enforced HCELL expression targets human mesenchymal
      stem cell homing to marrow, licensing transendothelial migration without
      chemokine signaling via a VLA-4/VCAM-1-dependent "Step 2-bypass pathway." This
      review presents an historical framework of the homing receptor concept, and will
      describe the discovery of HCELL, its function as the bone marrow homing receptor,
      and how enforced expression of this molecule via chemical engineering of CD44
      glycans could enable stem cell-based regenerative medicine and other adoptive
      cell therapeutics.

PMID- 22068889
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of bleeding duodenal varix.
AB  - A 35-year-old man presented with recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleed after
      eradication of esophageal varices. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed
      submucosal lesion in the duodenum and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) demonstrated it
      to be a duodenal varix. Cyanoacrylate glue was injected into the duodenal varix
      and successful obliteration of the duodenal varix was demonstrated on a follow up
      EUS.

PMID- 22068888
TI  - The IgE gene in primates exhibits extraordinary evolutionary diversity.
AB  - Membrane-bound IgE (mIgE) on B lymphocytes is essential for IgE production.
      Earlier studies showed that the epsilon chain of mIgE (mepsilon) on human B cells
      has a "long" isoform, with an extra "CepsilonmX" domain of 52 amino acid (aa)
      residues between the CH4 domain and the membrane-anchor segment, as compared to
      the conventional "short" isoform. Because CepsilonmX provides an antigenic site
      for targeting IgE-expressing B cells to down-regulate IgE production in patients
      with allergy, analysis of CepsilonmX in various animals is of great interest.
      Hence, we analyzed the epsilon Ig gene, in particular, its membrane exon regions
      encoding the membrane anchor peptide segment and CepsilonmX domain, of 26 species
      of the order Primates and 12 species of seven non-Primate orders using data
      obtained experimentally or retrieved from GenBank. Our analyses reveal the
      unexpected finding that the genes of three extant tarsier species do not contain
      the membrane exons for mIgE. Another striking finding is that early evolved
      Strepsirhini primates such as lemurs and lorises do not have gene segments for
      the long isoform, whereas New World monkeys such as marmosets and squirrel
      monkeys allow the transcription of only the long isoform. In Old World monkeys
      and apes, including humans, the epsilon gene allows the transcription of both
      isoforms. This work thus reveals the dramatic differences in the gene segment
      encoding the mepsilon C terminal region among the four major primate lineages:
      the Strepsirhini primates, the tarsiers, New World monkeys, and Old World monkeys
      and apes/humans.

PMID- 22068890
TI  - Biomass fuel use for cooking in Sri Lanka: analysis of data from national
      demographic health surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biomass cooking fuel is the main source of indoor air pollution in
      the majority of households in the developing world. Sri Lanka is an island of
      about 20 million population with urban, rural, and estate population of 14.6%,
      80.0%, and 5.4%, respectively. This study describes biomass fuel use for cooking
      in Sri Lanka. METHODS: We analyzed data from two national Demographic Health
      Surveys (2000 and 2007) to identify the use and determinants of cooking fuels in
      Sri Lankan households. The results are based on a sample of 8,169 households in
      2000 and 19,862 households in 2007. RESULTS: Wood was the principal cooking fuel
      used in 78.3% and 78.5% of households in 2000 and 2007, respectively. In 2007,
      96.3% of estate sector households used firewood as compared to 84.2% in the rural
      and 34.6% in the urban sectors. Similar trends were noted in 2000 as well.
      CONCLUSIONS: The shift from firewood to cleaner fuels in Sri Lanka is negligible
      from 2000 to 2007. Improving the quality of life of the population does not
      necessarily predict a shift towards the use of cleaner cooking fuels in Sri
      Lanka.

PMID- 22068891
TI  - Targeted agents: review of toxicity in the elderly metastatic colorectal cancer
      patients.
AB  - Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of cancer mortality in the Western world.
      With a median age at presentation of 71, patients with metastatic disease are
      often elderly with significant co-morbidities. In addition, elderly patients are
      more likely to be undertreated and under-represented in clinical trials.
      Therefore, as the available data from clinical trials are scarce, the optimal
      treatment strategy for this group of patients has not been adequately defined. In
      the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer, the introduction of so called
      targeted agents has significantly improved outcomes in the context of randomized
      clinical trials, while at the same time increasing treatment options for such
      patients. This review focuses on the role of targeted therapies in elderly
      patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, with specific reference to toxicity
      and tolerability. It should be noted that studies reviewed herein will have
      mostly included fit elderly patients fulfilling specific inclusion criteria. The
      available data so far are limited but suggest that targeted agents have similar
      efficacy and tolerability in elderly fit patients when compared with younger
      ones, provided caution is exercised in specific high-risk sub-groups. Clearly,
      further studies aimed at this specific patient population using well-established
      geriatric end-points will hopefully identify those patients more likely to
      benefit and less likely to suffer severe side effects.

PMID- 22068893
TI  - Updated practice guideline for somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.

PMID- 22068892
TI  - Vitamin D, osteocalcin, and risk for adiposity as comorbidities in middle school
      children.
AB  - Nonclassic actions of vitamin D include potential regulation of immune function
      and glucose homeostasis. The bone-metabolism loop has recently been expanded to
      include osteocalcin, which appears to play a more direct role in pancreatic beta
      cell function and energy metabolism. We hypothesized that both vitamin D and
      osteocalcin would correlate negatively with indices of adiposity-related
      comorbidity risk in periadolescents, varying by ethnic group. We analyzed
      anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory markers from a multiethnic population
      of 106 school children 11 to 14 years of age studied as part of the Reduce
      Obesity and Diabetes (ROAD) consortium. As expected, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH
      vitamin D) was inversely correlated with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH); total
      osteocalcin (OCN) and uncarboxylated osteocalcin (uOCN) were directly correlated
      with each other. OCN and uOCN concentrations correlated inversely with age.
      Vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent among East Asians (EA) and African
      Americans (AA). The highest lipid risk scores and homeostatic model for
      assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were seen in the South Asian
      (SA) group. Overall, adiposity measures were inversely correlated with OCN and
      iPTH, whereas such relationships were not observed for vitamin D. Acute insulin
      response to glucose challenge correlated negatively with uOCN in all subjects;
      however, lipid risk score correlated negatively with uOCN only in whites. The
      relationships between markers of calcium metabolism and body composition, glucose
      homeostasis, lipids, and inflammation all showed racial and ethnic differences.
      No consistent relationship was found between vitamin D and adiposity or vitamin D
      and glucose metabolism; instead vitamin D levels varied by race and ethnicity in
      this school-based group. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that
      markers of calcium and bone metabolism may reflect risk for adiposity-related
      comorbidities in children.

PMID- 22068894
TI  - Clinical feasibility of fast 3-dimensional dosimetry of the liver for treatment
      planning of hepatocellular carcinoma with 90Y-microspheres.
AB  - Several treatment strategies are used for selective internal radiation therapy
      with (90)Y-microspheres. The diversity of approaches does not favor the
      standardization of the prescribed activity calculation. To this aim, a fast 3
      dimensional (3D) dosimetry method was developed for (90)Y-microsphere treatment
      planning and was clinically evaluated retrospectively. METHODS: Our 3D approach
      is based on voxel S values (VSVs) and has been implemented in the software tool
      VoxelDose. VSVs were previously calculated at a fine voxel size. The time
      integrated activity (TIA) map is derived from pretherapeutic (99m)Tc
      macroaggregated-albumin SPECT/CT. The fine VSV map is resampled at the voxel size
      of the TIA map. Then, the TIA map is convolved with the resampled VSV map to
      construct the 3D dose map. Data for 10 patients with 12 tumor sites treated by
      (90)Y-microspheres for hepatocellular carcinoma were collected retrospectively.
      3D dose maps were computed for each patient, and tumoral liver and nontumoral
      liver (TL and NTL, respectively) were delineated, allowing the computation of
      descriptive statistics (i.e., mean absorbed dose, minimum absorbed dose, and
      maximum absorbed dose) and dose-volume histograms. Mean absorbed doses in TL and
      NTL from VoxelDose were compared with those calculated with the standard
      partition model. RESULTS: The estimated processing time for a complete 3D
      dosimetry calculation is on the order of 15 min, including 10 s for the dose
      calculation (i.e., VSV resampling and convolution). An additional 45 min was
      needed for the semiautomatic and manual segmentation of TL and NTL. The mean
      absorbed dose (+/-SD) was 422 +/- 263 Gy for TL and 50.1 +/- 36.0 Gy for NTL. The
      comparison between VoxelDose and partition model shows a mean relative difference
      of 1.5% for TL and 4.4% for NTL. Results show a wide spread of voxel-dose values
      around mean absorbed dose. The minimum absorbed dose within TL ranges from 32 to
      267 Gy (n = 12). The fraction of NTL volume irradiated with at least 80 Gy ranges
      from 4% to 70% (n = 10), and the absorbed dose from which 25% of NTL was the
      least irradiated ranges from 14 to 178 Gy. CONCLUSION: This article demonstrates
      the feasibility of a fast 3D dosimetry method for (90)Y-microspheres and
      highlights the potential value of a 3D treatment planning strategy.

PMID- 22068895
TI  - 124I-huA33 antibody uptake is driven by A33 antigen concentration in tissues from
      colorectal cancer patients imaged by immuno-PET.
AB  - The primary aim of this analysis was to examine the quantitative features of
      antibody-antigen interactions in tumors and normal tissue after parenteral
      administration of antitumor antibodies to human patients. METHODS: Humanized anti
      A33 antibody (10 mg) labeled with the positron-emitting radionuclide (124)I
      ((124)I-huA33) was injected intravenously in 15 patients with colorectal cancer.
      Clinical PET/CT was performed approximately 1 wk later, followed by a detailed
      assay of surgically removed tissue specimens including radioactivity counting,
      autoradiography, immunohistochemistry, and antigen density determination.
      RESULTS: PET/CT showed high levels of antibody targeting in tumors and normal
      bowel. In tissue specimens, the spatial distribution of (124)I-huA33 conformed to
      that of A33 antigen, and there was a linear relationship between the amount of
      bound antibody and antigen concentration. Antibody uptake was high in 1- to 2-mm
      regions of antigen-positive tumor cells (mean, ~0.05 percentage injected dose per
      gram) and in antigen-positive normal colonic mucosa (mean, ~0.03 percentage
      injected dose per gram). The estimated binding site occupancy for tumor and
      normal colon was 20%-50%. CONCLUSION: The in vivo biodistribution of (124)I-huA33
      in human patients 1 wk after antibody administration was determined by A33
      antigen expression. Our data imply that the optimal strategy for A33-based
      radioimmunotherapy of colon cancer will consist of a multistep treatment using a
      radionuclide with short-range (alpha- or beta-particle) emissions.

PMID- 22068896
TI  - "Treadmill exercise does not affect image quality on subsequent whole body FDG
      PET scan".

PMID- 22068897
TI  - Antitumor effects of a human dimeric antibody fragment 131I-AFRA-DFM5.3 in a
      mouse model for ovarian cancer.
AB  - AFRA-DMF5.3 is a human antibody fragment that, as a dimer, specifically binds to
      the alpha-folate receptor (FR) on ovary cancer cells. Pharmacokinetic and
      biodistribution parameters of (131)I-AFRA-DFM5.3 after intravenous administration
      in animal models support its potential therapeutic use. We evaluated its
      preclinical specificity and therapeutic efficacy in tumor models. METHODS: A
      negative control, AFRA-DFM6.1, was obtained by protein engineering. The activity
      and specificity of (131)I-AFRA-DFMs were evaluated by systemic administration
      (intravenous) in subcutaneous tumor xenograft-bearing nude mice.
      Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and efficacy were assessed by intraperitoneal
      administration of (131)I-AFRA-DFM5.3 in nude mice bearing 2 different
      intraperitoneal ovarian carcinoma xenografts. Treatments were tested at different
      doses and as single or double administrations 1 wk apart. RESULTS: In
      subcutaneous models, (131)I-AFRA-DFM5.3, but not the negative control, was found
      to reside on FR-positive tumor masses and significantly reduced tumor growth. In
      intraperitoneal models, early accumulation on free-floating clumps of ovarian
      cancer cells and solid peritoneal masses was evident after 1 h, and tumor uptake
      was stable for up to 3 h. The high tumor uptake determined the efficacy of (131)I
      AFRA-DFM5.3. The best antitumor activity, with more than 50% of treated animals
      cured, was achieved with 2 locoregional treatments of intraperitoneally growing
      tumors on days 2 and 9. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that radioimmunotherapy
      with (131)I-AFRA-DFM5.3 is feasible and leads to significantly prolonged
      survival. These preclinical data provide the basis for the rationale design of
      therapeutic treatments of ovarian cancer patients with a radiolabeled anti-FR
      antibody fragment.

PMID- 22068898
TI  - Evaluation of 177Lu-DOTA-sst2 antagonist versus 177Lu-DOTA-sst2 agonist binding
      in human cancers in vitro.
AB  - Somatostatin receptor targeting of neuroendocrine tumors using radiolabeled
      somatostatin agonists is today an established method to image and treat cancer
      patients. However, in a study using an animal tumor model, somatostatin receptor
      antagonists were shown to label sst(2)- and sst(3)-expressing tumors in vivo
      better than agonists, with comparable affinity even though they are not
      internalized into the tumor cell. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro
      binding of the antagonist (177)Lu-DOTA-pNO(2)-Phe-c (DCys-Tyr-DTrp-Lys-Thr-Cys)
      DTyrNH(2) ((177)Lu-DOTA-BASS) or the (177)Lu-DOTATATE agonist to sst(2)
      expressing human tumor samples. METHODS: Forty-eight sst(2)-positive human tumor
      tissue samples (9 ileal carcinoids, 10 pheochromocytomas, 7 breast carcinomas, 10
      renal cell carcinomas, and 12 non-Hodgkin lymphomas) were analyzed by in vitro
      receptor autoradiography for the expression of sst(2), comparing the binding
      capacity of (177)Lu-DOTA-BASS and (177)Lu-DOTATATE in successive tissue sections.
      The autoradiograms were quantitated using an electronic autoradiography detection
      system. RESULTS: In all cases, the radiolabeled antagonist bound to more receptor
      sites than did the agonist. The mean ratios of the antagonist (177)Lu-DOTA-BASS
      to the agonist (177)Lu-DOTATATE were 4.2 +/- 0.5 in the 9 ileal carcinoids, 12 +/
      3 in the 10 pheochromocytomas, 11 +/- 4 in the 7 breast carcinomas, 5.1 +/- 0.6
      in the 10 renal cell carcinomas, and 4.8 +/- 0.7 in the 12 non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
      CONCLUSION: The present in vitro human data, together with previous in vivo
      animal tumor data, are strong arguments indicating that sst(2) antagonists may be
      worth testing in vivo in patients in a wide range of tumors including
      nonneuroendocrine tumors.

PMID- 22068899
TI  - Bio-inspired synthesis: understanding and exploitation of the crystallization
      process from amorphous precursors.
AB  - Many biominerals, such as mollusk nacre, sea urchin, bone and teeth, are found to
      form by an amorphous precursor pathway, and these biominerals have remarkable
      properties, which are better than their artificial material counterparts that are
      formed at high temperatures and high pressures. More than ever, synthesizing
      technologically relevant materials following nature's way with a specific size,
      shape, orientation, organization, and complex form has been a focus of ongoing
      interest due to the increasing need for low cost and environmentally friendly
      approaches to processing advanced materials. Herein, we present recent
      developments in the crystallization process from amorphous precursors by
      primarily drawing on results from our own laboratory, and discuss some unique
      characteristics from the transformation process that can be exploited for the
      design and synthesis of artificial functional materials.

PMID- 22068900
TI  - QT/RR Coupling and Gender Differences.
AB  - Data provided by THEW was used to test QT gender differences. Three QT/RR models
      were used during analysis: a transfer function model (TRF), a model based on
      exponential weighting of RR intervals (EXP), and an EXP model with additive
      direct coupling with RR intervals (EXPDC). Data from 81 men and 73 women was
      analyzed.Women have a significantly higher QTc (p<10(-6)), steeper Gain(L) (QT/RR
      slope, gain for slow RR variability, p<0.01), faster tau (QT adaptation, p<0.05),
      higher Gain(F) (gain for fast RR variability, immediate change of QT, p<0.05) and
      higher QT random variability (p<0.05).The higher prevalence of arrhythmias in
      women, given by longer QTc, is compensated to some extent by a higher level of
      Gain(F) and faster tau. The proarrhythmic influence of drugs may originate in a
      change of Gain(L), Gain(F) or tau without any change in QTc.

PMID- 22068901
TI  - Synthesis of Nanoporous Iminodiacetic Acid Sorbents for Binding Transition
      Metals.
AB  - Iminodiacetic acid (IDAA) forms strong complexes with a wide variety of metal
      ions. Using self-assembled monolayers in mesoporous supports (SAMMS) to present
      the IDAA ligand potentially allows for multiple metal-ligand interactions to
      enhance the metal binding affinity relative to that of randomly oriented polymer
      based supports. This manuscript describes the synthesis of a novel nanostructured
      sorbent material built using self-assembly of a IDAA ligand inside a nanoporous
      silica, and demonstrates its use for capturing transition metal cations, and
      anionic metal complexes, such as PdCl(4) (-2).

PMID- 22068902
TI  - One-pot synthesis of reduced graphene oxide-cadmium sulfide nanocomposite and its
      photocatalytic hydrogen production.
AB  - Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocomposites were
      successfully prepared by a one-pot solvothermal process without pretreatment of
      graphene oxide (GO) and a precipitation process, in which GO needs to be pre
      reduced by hydrazine. The as-obtained RGO-CdS nanocomposites were used as
      photocatalysts for hydrogen production under visible light irradiation, and it
      was found that the product derived from the one-pot solvothermal process showed
      much better photoactivity than that from the precipitation method.

PMID- 22068903
TI  - Solid-state photochromism of chromenes: enhanced photocoloration and observation
      of unstable colored species at low temperatures.
AB  - Solid-state photochromism of benzopyrans and naphthopyrans (chromenes) was
      investigated in the temperature range between 300 and 80 K. Variable-temperature
      diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of microcrystalline powders showed that the
      extent of photocoloration was greatly enhanced at low temperatures. All the
      chromenes examined exhibited solid-state photochromism at low temperatures, even
      when they showed little or no photocoloration at room temperature. The solid
      state photochromic properties of the chromenes were quite similar to those
      reported for analogous photochromic compounds of spiropyrans and spirooxazines,
      which indicates that these classes of compounds are generally photochromic even
      in the solid state. Photobleaching reactions of the colored merocyanine forms
      proceeded at low temperatures through the formation of a colorless intermediate,
      instead of directly resuming the original closed form. In addition to two stable
      planar merocyanine forms, which are usually observed in the photochromic
      reactions in solution, photoreactions at low temperatures allowed us to observe
      unstable colored species, which were tentatively assigned as nonplanar cisoid
      forms, and were stabilized in the solid state at low temperatures.

PMID- 22068906
TI  - Plasma von Willebrand factor as a predictor of survival in pulmonary arterial
      hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.
AB  - Biomarkers have been identified for pulmonary arterial hypertension, but are less
      well defined for specific etiologies such as congenital heart disease-associated
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHDPAH). We measured plasma levels of eight
      microvascular dysfunction markers in CHDPAH, and tested for associations with
      survival. A cohort of 46 inoperable CHDPAH patients (age 15.0 to 60.2 years,
      median 33.5 years, female:male 29:17) was prospectively followed for 0.7 to 4.0
      years (median 3.6 years). Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen
      (VWF:Ag), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1), P
      selectin, reactive C-protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 and 
      10 were measured at baseline, and at 30, 90, and 180 days in all subjects. Levels
      of six of the eight proteins were significantly increased in patients versus
      controls (13 to 106% increase, P < 0.003). Interleukin-10 level was 2.06 times
      normal (P = 0.0003; Th2 cytokine response). Increased levels of four proteins (t
      PA, PAI-1, P-selectin, and interleukin-6) correlated with disease severity
      indices (P < 0.05). Seven patients died during follow-up. An average VWF:Ag (mean
      of four determinations) above the level corresponding to the 95th percentile of
      controls (139 U/dL) was independently associated with a high risk of death
      (hazard ratio = 6.56, 95%CI = 1.46 to 29.4, P = 0.014). Thus, in CHDPAH,
      microvascular dysfunction appears to involve Th2 inflammatory response. Of the
      biomarkers studied, plasma vWF:Ag was independently associated with survival.

PMID- 22068907
TI  - Protective effect of the APOE-e3 allele in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Although several alleles of susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been
      studied in the last decades, few polymorphisms have been considered as risk
      factors for the disease. Among them, the APOE-e4 allele appears to be the major
      genetic risk factor for the onset of the disease. However, it is important to
      confirm the potential susceptibility of these genetic variants in different
      populations in order to establish a genetic profile for the disease in specific
      communities. This study analyzed the APOE polymorphisms regarding susceptibility
      to AD in a sample of 264 individuals (primarily Caucasians; 82 cases and 182
      controls) in the population from Vitoria, ES, Brazil, by PCR restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. The patients were selected according to
      clinical criteria for probable AD. Whereas the e4 allele showed statistically
      significant positive association with susceptibility to AD (OR = 3.01, 95%CI =
      1.96-4.61; P < 0.0001), the e2 allele did not. The results of the e4 allele
      confirm the role of this polymorphism as a risk factor for AD in the sample
      studied as observed in other populations. Although the e3 allele has been
      considered neutral in several studies, our results suggest that it acts as a
      protective factor against AD in the population studied (OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.30
      0.67; P < 0.0001). This study may provide a new insight into the role of the APOE
      e3 allele in the etiology of AD and might help to establish a profile of risk for
      AD in the population from Vitoria, ES.

PMID- 22068908
TI  - Periodic mechanical stress activates MEK1/2-ERK1/2 mitogenic signals in rat
      chondrocytes through Src and PLCgamma1.
AB  - The mitogenic effects of periodic mechanical stress on chondrocytes have been
      studied extensively but the mechanisms whereby chondrocytes sense and respond to
      periodic mechanical stress remain a matter of debate. We explored the signal
      transduction pathways of chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis under
      periodic mechanical stress. In particular, we sought to identify the role of the
      MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis
      following cyclic physiologic mechanical compression. Under periodic mechanical
      stress, both rat chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis were
      significantly increased (P < 0.05) and were associated with increases in the
      phosphorylation of Src, PLCgamma1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 (P < 0.05). Pretreatment
      with the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 selective inhibitor, PD98059, and shRNA targeted to ERK1/2
      reduced periodic mechanical stress-induced chondrocyte proliferation and matrix
      synthesis (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation levels of Src-Tyr418 and
      PLCgamma1-Tyr783 were not inhibited. Proliferation, matrix synthesis and
      phosphorylation of MEK1/2-Ser217/221 and ERK1/2-Thr202/Tyr204 were inhibited
      after pretreatment with the PLCgamma1 inhibitor U73122 in chondrocytes in
      response to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation site
      of Src-Tyr418 was not affected. Inhibition of Src activity with PP2 and shRNA
      targeted to Src abrogated chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P <
      0.05) and attenuated PLCgamma1, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activation in chondrocytes
      subjected to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that
      periodic mechanical stress promotes chondrocyte proliferation and matrix
      synthesis in part through the Src-PLCgamma1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway,
      which links these three important signaling molecules into a mitogenic cascade.

PMID- 22068909
TI  - Catalytic enantioselective addition of terminal 1,3-diynes to aromatic ketones:
      facile access to chiral nonracemic tertiary alcohols.
AB  - An efficient, catalytic, and enantioselective 1,2-addition of terminal 1,3-diynes
      to aromatic ketones was realized in the presence of 10 mol% of a Cu(OTf)(2)
      hydroxycamphor-sulfonamide complex, affording chiral tertiary alcohols in up to
      94% yield and 90% ee.

PMID- 22068910
TI  - Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency; the Wisconsin experience
      (2008-2011).
AB  - Severe combined immunodeficiency is a life-threatening primary immune deficiency
      characterized by low numbers of naive T cells. Early diagnosis and treatment of
      this disease decreases mortality. In 2008, Wisconsin began newborn screening of
      infants for severe combined immunodeficiency and other forms of T-cell
      lymphopenia by the T-cell receptor excision circle assay. In total, 207,696
      infants were screened. Seventy-two infants had an abnormal assay. T-cell numbers
      were normal in 38 infants, abnormal in 33 infants, and not performed in one
      infant, giving a positive predictive value for T-cell lymphopenia of any cause of
      45.83% and a specificity of 99.98%. Five infants with severe combined
      immunodeficiency/severe T-cell lymphopenia requiring hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation or other therapy were detected. In summary, the T-cell receptor
      excision circle assay is a sensitive and specific test to identify infants with
      severe combined immunodeficiency and severe T-cell lymphopenia that leads to life
      saving therapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation prior to the
      acquisition of severe infections.

PMID- 22068911
TI  - The influence of interleukin-32gamma on osteoclastogenesis with a focus on fusion
      related genes.
AB  - We previously reported that interleukin-32 gamma (IL-32gamma) has a direct effect
      on osteoclast differentiation and activation in vitro in the context of receptor
      activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) co-stimulation. However, the stage of
      osteoclast differentiation at which IL-32gamma exerts its effect was not
      determined. Here, we demonstrated that IL-32gamma plays an important role in the
      fusion of preosteoclasts to yield multinuclear osteoclasts, particularly large
      osteoclasts. The synergistic effect of IL-32gamma on RANKL-induced formation of
      multinuclear osteoclasts was readily apparent when cells were treated with IL
      32gamma at the fusion stage. In addition, we demonstrated that IL-32gamma induced
      the expression of dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) and
      nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and NFATc1
      inactivation by cyclosporine treatment attenuated the effect of IL-32gamma. These
      results indicate that IL-32gamma is a potential mediator of osteoclast fusion,
      likely through up-regulation of NFATc1 and DC-STAMP.

PMID- 22068912
TI  - Colonic mucosa-associated microbiota is influenced by an interaction of Crohn
      disease and FUT2 (Secretor) genotype.
AB  - The FUT2 (Secretor) gene is responsible for the presence of ABO histo-blood group
      antigens on the gastrointestinal mucosa and in bodily secretions. Individuals
      lacking a functional copy of FUT2 are known as "nonsecretors" and display an
      array of differences in susceptibility to infection and disease, including Crohn
      disease. To determine whether variation in resident microbial communities with
      respect to FUT2 genotype is a potential factor contributing to susceptibility, we
      performed 454-based community profiling of the intestinal microbiota in a panel
      of healthy subjects and Crohn disease patients and determined their genotype for
      the primary nonsecretor allele in Caucasian populations, W143X (G428A).
      Consistent with previous studies, we observe significant deviations in the
      microbial communities of individuals with Crohn disease. Furthermore, the FUT2
      genotype explains substantial differences in community composition, diversity,
      and structure, and we identified several bacterial species displaying disease-by
      genotype associations. These findings indicate that alterations in resident
      microbial communities may in part explain the variety of host susceptibilities
      surrounding nonsecretor status and that FUT2 is an important genetic factor
      influencing host-microbial diversity.

PMID- 22068913
TI  - Redefining the relevance of established cancer cell lines to the study of
      mechanisms of clinical anti-cancer drug resistance.
AB  - Although in vitro models have been a cornerstone of anti-cancer drug development,
      their direct applicability to clinical cancer research has been uncertain. Using
      a state-of-the-art Taqman-based quantitative RT-PCR assay, we investigated the
      multidrug resistance (MDR) transcriptome of six cancer types, in established
      cancer cell lines (grown in monolayer, 3D scaffold, or in xenograft) and clinical
      samples, either containing >75% tumor cells or microdissected. The MDR
      transcriptome was determined a priori based on an extensive curation of the
      literature published during the last three decades, which led to the enumeration
      of 380 genes. No correlation was found between clinical samples and established
      cancer cell lines. As expected, we found up-regulation of genes that would
      facilitate survival across all cultured cancer cell lines evaluated. More
      troubling, however, were data showing that all of the cell lines, grown either in
      vitro or in vivo, bear more resemblance to each other, regardless of the tissue
      of origin, than to the clinical samples they are supposed to model. Although
      cultured cells can be used to study many aspects of cancer biology and response
      of cells to drugs, this study emphasizes the necessity for new in vitro cancer
      models and the use of primary tumor models in which gene expression can be
      manipulated and small molecules tested in a setting that more closely mimics the
      in vivo cancer microenvironment so as to avoid radical changes in gene expression
      profiles brought on by extended periods of cell culture.

PMID- 22068914
TI  - Persisting symptoms after intrathoracic anastomotic leak following oesophagectomy
      for cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrathoracic anastomotic leak is a major cause of postoperative
      mortality and morbidity after resection for oesophageal cancer. Little is known
      about persisting symptoms after this complication. In this Swedish nationwide
      cohort study, it was hypothesized that intrathoracic anastomotic leak makes
      patients more susceptible to persisting eating difficulties, odynophagia,
      dysphagia, trouble swallowing saliva and reflux. METHODS: Patients who underwent
      oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer, and had reconstruction with a gastric
      conduit and an intrathoracic anastomosis, between April 2001 and December 2005
      were included. Symptoms were measured using an oesophageal cancer-specific health
      related quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ-OES18), developed by the European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Multivariable logistic
      regression models were used to calculate risk estimates for symptoms, expressed
      as odds ratio (OR) with 95 per cent confidence interval, 6 months after
      intrathoracic anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: Among the 277 patients included in
      the study, the 29 patients with an intrathoracic anastomotic leak had a fourfold
      increased risk (OR 4.05, 1.47 to 11.16) of eating difficulties and a more than
      twofold greater risk (OR 2.59, 1.15 to 5.82) of odynophagia, 6 months after
      surgery, compared with patients without a leak. There was a twofold increased
      risk of trouble swallowing, but this was not statistically significant (OR 1.98,
      0.58 to 6.67). CONCLUSION: Patients with an intrathoracic anastomotic leak after
      oesophageal cancer surgery were at increased risk of eating difficulties and
      odynophagia 6 months after surgery. Higher risks of reflux and dysphagia were not
      found among patients with anastomotic leak.

PMID- 22068915
TI  - Crystal structure, electronic properties and cytotoxic activity of palladium
      chloride complexes with monosubstituted pyridines.
AB  - Palladium(II) complexes attract great attention due to their remarkable catalytic
      and biological activity. In the present study X-ray characterization, UV-Vis and
      Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) calculations for six
      PdCl(2)(XPy)(2) complexes (where: Py = pyridine; X = H, CH(3) or Cl) were applied
      in order to investigate substituent effects on their crystal structures and
      electronic properties and to combine the results with their catalytic and
      cytotoxic activity. The structures of complexes PdCl(2)(3-MePy)(2), PdCl(2)(4
      MePy)(2) and PdCl(2)(2-ClPy)(2), have been described for the first time and we
      compared our results with available data for the whole series of six complexes.
      All compounds exhibit a square planar coordination geometry in which the
      palladium ion coordinates two nitrogen atoms of pyridine ligands and two chlorine
      atoms in trans positions. For complexes with ortho substituted XPy ligands a cis
      disposition of substituents takes place, whereas for other ligands: 3-MePy and 3
      ClPy--the substituents are in trans positions. For XPy the energies of pi-pi* and
      n-pi* transitions depend on the position and nature of the X substituent in the
      XPy ring. After complex formation a hipsochromic shift (24-34 nm) of pi-pi* and a
      bathochromic shift of n-pi* bands are observed. The UV-Vis spectra of
      PdCl(2)(XPy)(2) confirm that square planar coordination geometry of complexes I
      VI and two dpi-pi* transitions are expected. With the help of the TD-DFT
      calculations we proved that dpi-pi* transitions in solutions of PdCl(2)(XPy)(2)
      complexes result from MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) with contribution
      from chlorine atoms to palladium. We also studied substituent effects on
      cytotoxic properties of Pd(II) complexes against the human breast cancer cell
      line MCF7, the human prostate cancer cell line PC3, and the human T-cell
      lymphoblast-like cell line CCRF. The studied complexes were the most active
      against the CCRF cell line and less or even no cytotoxic effect was observed for
      PC3 cells. Complexes with MePy ligands showed increased cytotoxic activity
      compared to unsubstituted pyridine ligands.

PMID- 22068916
TI  - Radiofrequency heating induced by 7T head MRI: thermal assessment using discrete
      vasculature or Pennes' bioheat equation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the maximum temperature (T(max) ) in the head
      after exposure to a 300 MHz radiofrequency (RF) field induced by a magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) coil using two thermal simulation methods: Pennes'
      bioheat equation (PBHE) and discrete vasculature (DIVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The electromagnetic field induced in the head by a 7T birdcage coil was simulated
      using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and validated by MRI. The specific
      absorption rate (SAR) distributions normalized to the 10-gram maximum or the
      whole-head average were used for PBHE and DIVA simulations. RESULTS: For all
      cases, the T(max) in PBHE was slightly higher than in DIVA. The T(max) was 37.9
      38.4 degrees C, depending on the simulation method or perfusion rate. CONCLUSION:
      In some situations, RF exposure limited to SAR(max,10g) led to a T(max) higher
      than allowed by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulations.
      Therefore, it is advisable to use thermal simulations to evaluate RF safety of
      MRI. The simulation method used only slightly influenced the observed maximum
      temperature; the observed temperature with PBHE was higher in all situations. So
      PBHE is an appropriate method for RF safety assessment of MRI in the head. Using
      DIVA simulations, it was found unlikely that the body temperature increases
      significantly due to energy deposited by a head coil under normal circumstances.

PMID- 22068917
TI  - Preventive oral supplementation with glutamine and arginine has beneficial
      effects on the intestinal mucosa and inflammatory cytokines in endotoxemic rats.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation
      with a combination of arginine and glutamine on the intestinal mucosa and
      inflammatory cytokines of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced adult rats. Fifty
      Sprague-Dawley rats (average weight of 185 +/- 15 g) were randomly divided into
      five groups: control group A (CA) and control group B (CB), both orally
      supplemented with 0.9% saline; group Arg, supplemented with 300 mg/kg day(-1)
      arginine; group Gln, supplemented with 300 mg/kg day(-1) glutamine; group AG,
      supplemented with 150 mg/kg day(-1) arginine and 150 mg/kg day(-1) glutamine. The
      experiment lasted for 2 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured during
      the experiment. At 10.00 h of day 15, animals were injected with 4 mg/kg LPS
      (group CB, Arg, Gln, and AG) or sterile saline (group CA) after supplementation.
      Then at 14.00 h, all animals were killed and blood and tissue collected. The
      results showed that compared with group CB, arginine concentration tended to be
      increased (P > 0.05) in group Arg and AG, while there was no significant
      difference in glutamine concentration among the groups challenged with LPS. Oral
      supplementation with arginine or/and glutamine mitigated morphology impairment
      (lower villus height, P < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum induced by LPS
      challenge. LPS administration resulted in a significant increase in TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA abundance. Arginine only significantly decreased TNF
      alpha mRNA abundance in the ileum, while glutamine significantly decreased both
      TNF-alpha and IL-10 mRNA in the ileum. A combination of arginine and glutamine
      significantly decreased TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mRNA abundance in both the jejunum
      and ileum, while they also significantly decreased anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the
      ileum. These results revealed that an oral supply of combined arginine and
      glutamine had more favorable effects on the intestinal mucosa and inflammatory
      cytokines than a supply of arginine or glutamine alone.

PMID- 22068918
TI  - The high fermentative metabolism of Kluyveromyces marxianus UFV-3 relies on the
      increased expression of key lactose metabolic enzymes.
AB  - The aim of this work was to obtain insights about the factors that determine the
      lactose fermentative metabolism of Kluyveromyces marxianus UFV-3. K. marxianus
      UFV-3 and Kluyveromyces lactis JA6 were cultured in a minimal medium containing
      different lactose concentrations (ranging from 0.25 to 64 mmol l(-1)) under
      aerobic and hypoxic conditions to evaluate their growth kinetics, gene expression
      and enzymatic activity. The increase in lactose concentration and the decrease in
      oxygen level favoured ethanol yield for both yeasts but in K. marxianus UFV-3 the
      effect was more pronounced. Under hypoxic conditions, the activities of beta
      galactosidase and pyruvate decarboxylase from K. marxianus UFV-3 were
      significantly higher than those in K. lactis JA6. The expression of the LAC4
      (beta-galactosidase), RAG6 (pyruvate decarboxylase), GAL7 (galactose-1-phosphate
      uridylyltransferase) and GAL10 (epimerase) genes in K. marxianus UFV-3 was higher
      under hypoxic conditions than under aerobic conditions. The high expression of
      genes of the Leloir pathway, LAC4 and RAG6, associated with the high activity of
      beta-galactosidase and pyruvate decarboxylase contribute to the high fermentative
      flux in K. marxianus UFV-3. These data on the fermentative metabolism of K.
      marxianus UFV-3 will be useful for optimising the conversion of cheese whey
      lactose to ethanol.

PMID- 22068919
TI  - The Toxicology Investigators Consortium Case Registry-the 2010 experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The American College of Medical Toxicology Case Registry was
      established in 2010 as a method of identifying cases cared for by medical
      toxicologists at participating institutions. The Registry allows for the
      extraction of information from medical records making it the most robust
      multicenter database on chemical toxicities in existence. The current report is a
      summary of the data collected in 2010. METHODS: All cases seen by medical
      toxicologists at participating institutions were entered on a database.
      Information characterizing patients entered in 2010 was tabulated. RESULTS: Over
      the course of 2010, the number of institutions contributing cases grew from 4 to
      50. Three thousand nine hundred forty-eight cases were entered. Emergency
      departments were the most common source of consultations, accounting for
      approximately 50% of the cases. The most common reason for consultations was for
      pharmaceutical overdoses, which occurred in 42% of the patients. The most common
      classes of agents were non-opioid analgesics (14%), sedative/hypnotics/muscle
      relaxants (10%), ethanol (8%), and opioids (8%). N-acetylcysteine was the most
      common antidote used, followed by opioid antagonists, sodium bicarbonate, and
      physostigmine. Anti-crotalidae Fab fragments were administered in 72% of the
      cases in which an antivenin was used. Signals were detected suggesting the
      possibility that amlodipine and metoprolol were associated with greater toxicity
      than had been previously recognized. CONCLUSIONS: The Registry can identify and
      characterize patients who have sufficient toxicity to require a consultation by a
      medical toxicologist. Hypotheses for further investigation emerged from the data.
      The Registry appears to be a potentially powerful tool for toxicovigilance and
      research.

PMID- 22068920
TI  - Increased rates of asthma among World Trade Center disaster responders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have documented high rates of asthma symptoms among
      responders to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. However, whether there are
      increased rates of asthma among responders compared to the general population is
      unknown. METHODS: The study population consisted of a prospective cohort of
      20,834 responders participating in the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment
      Program between July 2002 and December 2007. We calculated prevalence and
      standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) of lifetime asthma and 12-month asthma
      (defined as >=1 attacks in the prior 12 months) among WTC responders. The
      comparison population consisted of >200,000 adults who completed the National
      Health Interview Survey in 2000 (for pre-9/11 comparisons) and between 2002 and
      2007 (for post-9/11 comparisons). RESULTS: WTC responders were on average 43 +/-
      9 years old, 86% male, 59% white, and 42% had an occupation in protective
      services. The lifetime prevalence of asthma in the general population was
      relatively constant at about 10% from 2000 to 2007. However, among WTC
      responders, lifetime prevalence increased from 3% in 2000, to 13% in 2002, and
      19% in 2007. The age-adjusted overall SMR for lifetime asthma among WTC
      responders was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.8-1.9) for men and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9-2.1) for women.
      Twelve-month asthma was also more frequent among WTC responders compared to the
      general population (SMR 2.4, 95% CI: 2.2-2.5) for men and 2.2 (95% CI: 2.0-2.5)
      for women. CONCLUSIONS: WTC responders are at an increased risk of asthma as
      measured by lifetime prevalence or active disease.

PMID- 22068922
TI  - Rivastigmine transdermal patch and capsule in Alzheimer's disease: influence of
      disease stage on response to therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine is approved for the
      symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). This
      exploratory, hypothesis-forming analysis assessed response to rivastigmine
      according to severity of dementia at baseline. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      analysis of a large randomized, placebo-controlled trial (ENA713D2320). AD
      patients treated with 9.5 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch, 17.4 mg/24 h rivastigmine
      patch, rivastigmine capsule (12 mg/day), or placebo were stratified according to
      baseline Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores: >=7 to <=12 (severe
      disease), >=13 to <=15 (moderately severe), >=16 to <=18 (moderate), or >=19 to
      <=25 (mild to moderate). Changes from baseline at Week 24 on Alzheimer's Disease
      Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative
      Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS-CGIC), and Alzheimer's Disease
      Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) were assessed. RESULTS:
      Based on baseline MMSE scores, 141, 228, 333, and 348 patients had severe,
      moderately severe, moderate, and mild to moderate dementia. Worsening of ADAS
      cog, ADCS-CGIC, and ADCS-ADL scores in patients receiving placebo were greater in
      patients with more severe dementia. Significant improvements versus placebo were
      seen with rivastigmine patch and/or capsule on ADAS-cog, ADCS-CGIC, and ADCS-ADL
      scores in patients with severe, moderately severe, and moderate AD (all p <
      0.05). However, no significant improvements were seen in rivastigmine-treated
      patients with mild to moderate AD. CONCLUSIONS: Rivastigmine benefits AD patients
      across dementia stages. Similar to previous cholinesterase inhibitor studies,
      greatest treatment effects with rivastigmine patch and capsule were seen in
      patients with more advanced dementia, most likely driven by greater placebo
      decline in this population.

PMID- 22068923
TI  - Depression and its correlates in older adults in Ukraine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the epidemiology of late life depression in
      Eastern Europe. This study examined the 12-month prevalence and correlates of DSM
      IV major depressive episode (MDE) in adults age 50 years and over in Ukraine. The
      correlates included demographic factors, mental health and alcohol history,
      physical conditions, and impairments in functioning. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey was conducted in Ukraine using the Composite International Diagnostic
      Interview (CIDI-3.0) as part of the World Health Organization-World Mental Health
      Survey Initiative. The sample included 1843 respondents age 50-91. Unadjusted and
      adjusted odds ratios were used to examine associations of the risk factors with
      12-month MDE in men and women separately. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of MDE
      was 14.4% in women and 7.1% in men. In both sexes, history of MDE before age 50
      and poor self-assessed mental/physical health were significantly associated with
      MDE. Additionally, in men, living alone, 5+ physician visits, and role
      impairment, but not alcoholism, were associated with depression; in women,
      poverty, history of anxiety disorder, medical conditions, and cognitive and self
      care impairment were significant. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-month prevalence of late
      life MDE was substantially higher in Ukraine than in Western Europe and other
      developed countries. The risk factors, however, were similar to those found
      outside Ukraine. Depression is a recurrent condition, and history of depression
      was the strongest risk factor. Overall, the results show that older people in
      Ukraine constitute a high-risk group for MDE and would therefore benefit from
      targeted interventions by primary care physicians.

PMID- 22068924
TI  - What did you expect?

PMID- 22068921
TI  - MEG-SIM: a web portal for testing MEG analysis methods using realistic simulated
      and empirical data.
AB  - MEG and EEG measure electrophysiological activity in the brain with exquisite
      temporal resolution. Because of this unique strength relative to noninvasive
      hemodynamic-based measures (fMRI, PET), the complementary nature of hemodynamic
      and electrophysiological techniques is becoming more widely recognized (e.g.,
      Human Connectome Project). However, the available analysis methods for solving
      the inverse problem for MEG and EEG have not been compared and standardized to
      the extent that they have for fMRI/PET. A number of factors, including the non
      uniqueness of the solution to the inverse problem for MEG/EEG, have led to
      multiple analysis techniques which have not been tested on consistent datasets,
      making direct comparisons of techniques challenging (or impossible). Since each
      of the methods is known to have their own set of strengths and weaknesses, it
      would be beneficial to quantify them. Toward this end, we are announcing the
      establishment of a website containing an extensive series of realistic simulated
      data for testing purposes ( http://cobre.mrn.org/megsim/ ). Here, we present: 1)
      a brief overview of the basic types of inverse procedures; 2) the rationale and
      description of the testbed created; and 3) cases emphasizing functional
      connectivity (e.g., oscillatory activity) suitable for a wide assortment of
      analyses including independent component analysis (ICA), Granger
      Causality/Directed transfer function, and single-trial analysis.

PMID- 22068925
TI  - Very large magnetoresistive graphene disk with negative permittivity.
AB  - At room temperature a large magnetoresistance (MR) of up to 70% is observed in
      graphene. Both graphene size and surface functionality influence the MR behavior
      significantly. The conductivity increases linearly with increasing temperature
      and a unique negative permittivity over a wide frequency range from 10(3) to
      10(6) Hz is observed at room temperature.

PMID- 22068926
TI  - Regulation of CYP24 splicing by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in human colon cancer
      cells.
AB  - CYP24 is a well-established vitamin D receptor (VDR) target gene. The active VDR
      ligand 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates its own catabolism by increasing CYP24 expression.
      It is well known that in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3, VDR binds to VDREs in the
      promoter region of CYP24 and initiates CYP24 transcription. However, little is
      known about the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the posttranscriptional modulation of
      CYP24. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of 1,25(OH)2D3
      in CYP24 RNA splicing in colon cancer cells. Using RT-PCR, we found that
      1,25(OH)2D3 actively induces CYP24 splicing in a time-dependent manner and CYP24
      splicing pattern could be cell type or tissue specific. The induction of RNA
      splicing by 1,25(OH)2D3 was mainly CYP24 selective. Treatment of cells with
      parathyroid hormone inhibited basal CYP24 splicing, but failed to inhibit
      1,25(OH)2D3-induced CYP24 splicing. Further experiments demonstrated that new RNA
      synthesis was required for the induction of CYP24 splicing by vitamin D. In
      addition, alteration of multiple signaling pathways also affected CYP24 splicing
      and cellular sensitivity in response to vitamin D appeared to correlate with the
      induction of CYP24 splicing. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 not only
      regulates CYP24 transcription, but also plays an important role in
      posttranscriptional modulation of CYP24 by inducing its splicing. Our findings
      reveal an additional regulatory step that makes the vitamin D mediated action
      more prompt and efficient.

PMID- 22068927
TI  - Estrogen receptor (ER) expression and function in the pregnant human myometrium:
      estradiol via ERalpha activates ERK1/2 signaling in term myometrium.
AB  - Estrogens are thought to promote labor by increasing the expression of pro
      contraction genes in myometrial cells. The specific estrogen receptors ((ERs:
      ERalpha and ERbeta (also known as ESR1 and ESR2)) and G protein-coupled receptor
      30 (GPR30; also known as G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1)) and signaling
      pathways that mediate these actions are not clearly understood. In this study, we
      identified the ERs expressed in the pregnant human myometrium and determined a
      key extranuclear signaling pathway through which estradiol (E(2)) modulates
      expression of the gene encoding the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a major pro
      contraction protein. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we found that ERalpha and GPR30
      mRNAs were expressed in the human pregnant myometrium while ERbeta mRNA was
      virtually undetectable. While mRNA encoding ERalpha was the predominant ER
      transcript in the pregnant myometrium, ERalpha protein was largely undetectable
      in myometrial tissue by immunoblotting. Pharmacological inhibition of 26S
      proteasome activity increased ERalpha protein abundance to detectable levels in
      term myometrial explants, however, indicating rapid turnover of ERalpha protein
      by proteasomal processing in the pregnant myometrium. E(2) stimulated rapid
      extranuclear signaling in myometrial explants, as evidenced by increased
      extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation within 10 min. This
      effect was inhibited by pre-treatment with an ER antagonist, ICI 182 780,
      indicating the involvement of ERalpha. Inhibition of ERK signaling abrogated the
      ability of E(2) to stimulate OXTR gene expression in myometrial explants. We
      conclude that estrogenic actions in the human myometrium during pregnancy,
      including the stimulation of contraction-associated gene expression, can be
      mediated by extranuclear signaling through ERalpha via activation of the
      ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

PMID- 22068928
TI  - Mechanism of benzene hydroxylation by high-valent bare Fe(IV)=O2+: explicit
      electronic structure analysis.
AB  - The conversion of benzene to phenol by high-valent bare FeO(2+) was
      comprehensively explored using a density functional theory method. The conductor
      like screen model (COSMO) was used to mimic the role of solvent effect with
      acetonitrile chosen as the solvent. Two radical mechanisms and one oxygen
      insertion mechanism were tested for this conversion. The first radical mechanism
      can also be named as the concerted mechanism in which the hydrogen-atom
      abstraction process is accomplished via a four-centered transition state. The
      second radical mechanism is initiated by a direct hydrogen-atom abstraction with
      a collinear C-H-O transition structure. It is actually the same as the well
      accepted rebound mechanism for the C-H bond activation by heme and nonheme iron
      oxo catalysts. The third is an oxygen insertion mechanism which is essentially an
      aromatic electrophilic attack leading to an arenium sigma-complex intermediate.
      The formation of a precomplex with an eta(4) coordinate environment in the first
      radical mechanism is energetically more favorable. However, the relatively lower
      activation energy barrier of the oxygen insertion mechanism compared to the
      radical ones makes it highly competitive if the Fe=O(2+) collides with benzene in
      the proper orientation. The detailed potential energy surfaces also indicate that
      the second radical mechanism, i.e., the benzene C-H bond activation through the
      rebound mechanism, is less favorable. This thorough theoretical study, especially
      the electronic structure analysis, may offer very important clues for
      understanding and studying C-H bond activation by iron-based catalysts and
      enzymatic reactions in protein active pockets.

PMID- 22068930
TI  - Sports therapy for attention, cognitions and sociality.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to understand if sport improves attention
      symptoms, social competency, and cognitive functions in children with attention
      deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study was designed as a 6
      week, prospective trial, including 12 sessions of education/sports therapy. 13
      ADHD children participated in a 90-min athletic activity (sports-cADHD) twice a
      week, while 15 ADHD children received education on behavior control (edu-cADHD).
      During the 6-week treatment period, the sports-cADHD group showed greater
      improvements in DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale scores, parent and teacher version (K
      ARS-PT), compared to those of the edu-sADHD group. The cognitive functions
      assessed with the digit symbol and Trail-Making Test part B (TMT B) were improved
      in the sports-cADHD group, while the cognitive functions observed in the edu
      sADHD group were not significantly changed. The cooperativeness scores in the
      sports-cADHD group were greatly increased compared to those of the edu-sADHD
      group. The results demonstrated a positive correlation with sports and
      improvement in attention symptoms, cognitive symptoms and social skills. The
      results of the present study suggest that therapy in the form of athletic
      activity may increase social competency in children with ADHD, as demonstrated by
      improved cognitive functions.

PMID- 22068931
TI  - Muscle protein turnover in endurance training: a review.
AB  - There has been much debate about skeletal muscle capacity to adapt to long
      lasting endurance exercise. Exercise in the aerobic zone of metabolism does not
      result in hypertrophy of skeletal muscle fibres but increases their oxidative
      capacity. The duration and intensity of an exercise session determines the time
      period of depressed muscle protein synthesis and increased degradation rate
      during the recovery period after exercise. Protein turnover characterizes the
      renewal processes of muscle proteins and the functional capacity of muscle. The
      turnover rate of myofibrillar proteins is slow in comparison with mitochondrial
      proteins and depends on the oxidative capacity of muscle fibres. The turnover
      rate of myofibrillar proteins in the same muscle is different and is also
      different within the myosin molecule between myosin heavy and light chain
      isoforms. The turnover rate of muscle proteins in endurance training shows the
      adaptation of skeletal muscle to long-lasting exercise via remodelling of muscle
      structures. Adaptational coordination between myofibrillar and mitochondrial
      compartments shows the physiological role and adaptational capacity of skeletal
      muscle to endurance training. It is challenging to use muscle protein turnover
      for the purposes of monitoring the training process of endurance athletes,
      optimizing training programs and preventing overtraining.

PMID- 22068929
TI  - Cytokines and sudden infant death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesised that inflammatory reactions could play an
      important role in the pathway(s) leading to sudden and unexpected death in
      infancy. On a molecular level, these reactions are regulated by various
      cytokines. METHODS: To characterise the role of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha more
      precisely, the concentrations of these cytokines were determined quantitatively
      using specific ELISA techniques in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 119
      cases of sudden infant death. The infants were grouped into four categories
      (SIDS, SIDS with infection, natural death due to infection and unnatural death).
      RESULTS: A good correlation was found between CSF and serum for IL-6 (Spearman
      correlation coefficients (SCC), 0.73) and also for TNFalpha (SCC, 0.57), although
      the CSF concentrations were lower than that from the serum. There were no
      significant differences between the categories of death for any of the serum or
      CSF cytokines. Compared with normal values, increased serum concentrations of IL
      1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha were found in 70%, 69% and 38% of the cases
      respectively, indicating possible agonal or post-mortem changes of cytokine
      concentrations. In three cases very high cytokine concentrations were found
      (mainly for IL-6). This may have contributed to the mechanism of death (cytokine
      storm) in two of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: In a small group of patients, very high
      cytokine concentrations are a possible explanation for the cause of death
      ("cytokine storm").

PMID- 22068932
TI  - The importance of considering both racial and socioeconomic disparities: A
      response to Collins and Alpert.

PMID- 22068933
TI  - Stitching phospholanes together piece by piece: new modular di- and tridentate
      stereodirecting ligands.
AB  - The modular one-pot synthesis of a large family of bi- and tridentate 2,5
      dimethyl- and 2,5-diphenyl-substituted phospholanes employs air-stable chiral
      phospholanium chloride salts and primary amines or NH(4)Cl as starting materials.
      These were transformed into the C(2)-symmetric dimethyl- and diphenylphospholane
      ligands, which reacted with [Rh(cod)(2)]BF(4) (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) to yield
      the rhodium complexes [Rh(L)(cod)]BF(4) (L=bisphospholane ligands). The
      corresponding trisphospholane complexes, 11 and 12, were obtained in high yields
      (81 and 92%, respectively), and fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass
      spectrometry and elemental analysis. Whilst in the C(3)-symmetric complex 11,
      containing the tridentate 2,5-dimethylphospholane, the ligand is bound
      symmetrically, different coordination behaviour was found for the diphenyl
      substituted complex 12, in which the coordination of only two of the three
      phospholane moieties to the metal centre was observed. A DFT study at the B3PW91
      level established minimum energy structures consistent with experimental findings
      in solution and in the solid state. The non-coordinated phospholane unit present
      in 12 allowed further modification of the complex through the coordination of
      Au(I)-X (X=Cl, C(6)F(5) and tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl ((F)Mes)) fragments to
      the pendant phosphane. To investigate the potential of the new ligands, the
      enantioselective hydrogenation of a series of prochiral olefins as benchmark
      substrates, using isolated Rh complexes as catalysts, was studied. The substrates
      included methyl esters of three dehydro-alpha-acetamido acids and two itaconic
      acid derivatives. In general good to excellent enantioselectivities (of up to
      >99% ee) were observed. Ligand backbone modification by coordination of bulky Au
      X substituents to the free phospholane unit in complex 12 led to an outstanding
      enhancement of the catalyst performance and there was a clear correlation between
      the properties of the complex periphery and the enantioselectivity.

PMID- 22068934
TI  - Comparison of three T-Wave Delineation Algorithms based on Wavelet Filterbank,
      Correlation and PCA.
AB  - There is a large interest in analysing the QT-interval, as a prolonged QT
      interval can cause the development of ventricular tachyarrhythmias such as
      Torsade de Pointes. One major part of QT-analysis is T-end detection. Three
      automatic T-end delineation methods based on wavelet filterbanks (WAM),
      correlation (CORM) and Principal Component Analysis PCA (PCAM) have been
      developed and applied to Physionet QT database.All algorithms tested on Physionet
      QT database showed good results, while PCAM produced better results than WAM and
      CORM achieved best results. Standard deviation in sampling points (f(s)=250Hz)
      have been 33.3 (WAM), 8.0 (PTDM) and 7.8 (CORM). It could be shown that WAM is
      prone to interference while CORM is the most stable method even under bad
      conditions. Furthermore it was possible to detect significant QT-prolongation
      caused by Moxifloxacin in Thorough QT Study # 2 using CORM. QT-prolongation is
      significantly correlated to blood plasma concentration of Moxifloxacin.

PMID- 22068936
TI  - Allee effect in exotic and introduced blowflies.
AB  - We combined two models to investigate the theoretical dynamics of five exotic and
      native blowfly species in response to the Allee effect by using demographic
      parameters estimated from experimental populations. Most of the results suggest
      stabilization of dynamic behavior in response to the Allee effect. However, the
      results depended on the magnitude of the demographic parameters of each species,
      and also indicated chaotic fluctuations and limit cycles. The results are
      discussed in the context of larval aggregation, an important biological process
      for blowflies, which naturally incorporates the Allee effect.

PMID- 22068935
TI  - [Dermatobia hominis infection in a 3-year-old child].
AB  - In the context of increasing travel to the tropics, outpatient services are more
      frequently confronted with non-domestic diseases in Europe. A 3-year old child
      presented with a painful tumor of the scalp. After incision of the furuncle-like
      lesion, we extracted a larva of the botfly Dermatobia hominis. Botflies are
      mainly encountered in Central and South America; they should be considered if
      patients demonstrate a furuncle-like lesion and have returned from a holiday in
      these endemic regions.

PMID- 22068937
TI  - Diapause initiation and alterations in the life cycle of Grapholita molesta
      (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) as induced by photoperiodic conditions.
AB  - Grapholita molesta (Busck) is one of the major pests of Rosaceae, causing
      significant damage to buds and fruits. In Southern Brazil, its population density
      is reduced during Rosaceae dormancy months. The present study evaluated the
      influence of different photoperiods (L:D) (10:14, 11:13, 12:12, 13:11, 14:10 and
      16:8) at 25 +/- 1oC and 60 +/- 10% RH on diapause induction of G. molesta eggs,
      larvae, prepupae, and pupae. The effects of the photoperiod on the life cycle of
      non-diapausing insects and on the second generation were also assessed. Prepupal
      diapause was observed only when eggs and neonates (<= 12h-old larvae) were
      exposed to photophases from 10h to 14h long. Development of non-diapausing
      individuals and those from the second generation tended to be longer in
      photophases between 10h and 14h long.

PMID- 22068938
TI  - Development and survival of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
      (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) as a function of temperature: effect on the number
      of generations in tropical and subtropical regions.
AB  - The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is the most important pest of
      brassicaceous crops worldwide. Since temperature is the major abiotic factor
      influencing insect development and thermal requirements may vary among insect
      populations, it is important to know the effect of temperature on development and
      survival of a subtropical strain of P. xylostella. Development and survival of
      the diamondback moth was evaluated under seven constant temperatures ranging from
      10 degrees C to 35 degrees C. Development was completed between 10 degrees C and
      32.5 degrees C, but at 35 degrees C all individuals died in the larval stage.
      Data were fitted to one linear and five nonlinear models. Considering as criteria
      the goodness of fit and the ability to estimate parameters of biological
      significance, the models Briere-1 and Briere-2 were the most adequate to describe
      the relationship between temperature and development of P. xylostella. The linear
      model demonstrated that P. xylostella required 312.5 degree-days above a lower
      threshold of 6.3 degrees C to complete development. The degree-day model showed
      that the number of diamondback moth generations in the tropical region of Brazil
      is nearly twice the number in the subtropical region of the country. This result
      explains, at least in part, the higher population levels of this species in the
      tropical region of Brazil, and also demonstrates that P. xylostella is tolerant
      to a wide range of temperatures (6.1-32.5 degrees C). Therefore, temperature
      cannot be considered a limiting factor for the occurrence of diamondback moth
      throughout the year in most regions of Brazil.

PMID- 22068939
TI  - Do leaf-litter attributes affect the richness of leaf-litter ants?
AB  - The search for factors shaping leaf-litter ant communities has received
      particular attention due to the essential role of these insects in many
      ecological processes. Here, we aimed to investigate how the number of leaves and
      leaf morphotypes affect the litter-ant species density at forest edge and
      interior in an Atlantic Forest remnant in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. This
      study was developed based on 28 litter plots (1m2 each), 14 in the forest
      interior and 14 in the forest edge. As we early expected, ant species density
      increased with increasing both the number of leaves and the number of leaf
      morphotypes, but this result was clearly influenced by plot location. Contrasting
      with the forest interior, ant species density did not increase as the number of
      leaves increased in the forest edge. Possibly, factors such as plant species
      richness, vegetation structure and environmental conditions affect ant species
      density as well as promote a patchy distribution of species in ant communities
      along the edge-to-interior gradient. Our findings suggest that edge-affected
      forests present more simplified ant communities, with different factors shaping
      its structure. We encourage future studies to include leaf litter heterogeneity
      as one of the explanatory variables investigated.

PMID- 22068940
TI  - Long-term male aggregations of Euglossa melanotricha Moure (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
      on fern fronds Serpocaulon triseriale (Pteridophyta: Polypodiaceae).
AB  - A communal dormitory of male orchid bees, Euglossa melanotricha Moure, was
      monitored over a one-year period, when they passed the night in the fronds of a
      Serpocaulon triseriale (Polypodiaceae) fern. The bees used the same fronds
      continuously, moving to neighboring fronds as senescence set in. As many as 49
      males were observed together on any one night, clinging to the midribs on the
      abaxial surface of up to five fern blades with their mandibles. A number of males
      returned to the same site to pass the night continuously over a number of months,
      and were observed making physical contact with one another without provoking
      agonistic behavior. Males of E. melanotricha appeared to prefer sleeping at sites
      close to nests and potential sources of odoriferous essences, such as orchids
      (Orchidaceae).

PMID- 22068941
TI  - Molecules, wing pattern and distribution: an approach to species delimitation in
      the "loxurina group" (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Penaincisalia).
AB  - The wide range of morphological variations in the "loxurina group" makes taxa
      identification difficult, and despite several reviews, serious taxonomical
      confusion remains. We make use of DNA data in conjunction with morphological
      appearance and available information on species distribution to delimit the
      boundaries of the "loxurina" group species previously established based on
      morphology. A fragment of 635 base pairs within the mtDNA gene cytochrome oxidase
      I (COI) was analysed for seven species of the "loxurina group". Phylogenetic
      relationships among the included taxa were inferred using maximum parsimony and
      maximum likelihood methods. Penaincisalia sigsiga (Balint et al), P.
      cillutincarae (Draudt), P. atymna (Hewitson) and P. loxurina (C. Felder & R.
      Felder) were easily delimited as the morphological, geographic and molecular data
      were congruent. Penaincisalia ludovica (Balint & Wojtusiak) and P. loxurina
      astillero (Johnson) represent the same entity and constitute a sub-species of P.
      loxurina. However, incongruence among morphological, genetic, and geographic data
      is shown in P. chachapoya (Balint & Wojtusiak) and P. tegulina (Balint et al).
      Our results highlight that an integrative approach is needed to clarify the
      taxonomy of these neotropical taxa, but more genetic and geographical studies are
      still required.

PMID- 22068942
TI  - Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch, a new genus of Orthocladiinae (Diptera:
      Chironomidae) from South America.
AB  - Barbadocladius n. gen. is erected and described in larval, pupal and adult stages
      for two species: B. andinus sp. nov. and B. limay sp. nov., from Andean streams.
      The larva is distinctive by virtue of the very large ventromental 'beard' and the
      anterior parapods with a 'sleeve' of hooklets in addition to apical pectinate
      claws. The pupa has hooklets on some tergal and sternal intersegmental membranes.
      The adult, reported only in teneral specimens has hairy eyes, no antennal apical
      strong seta, no acrostichals, bare and unmarked wings, cylindrical 4th tarsomere
      subequal in length to the 5th, pulvilli about half the claw length, and
      hypopygium with anal point, lacking a virga. Molecular phylogenetic analysis
      eliminates relationships directly to the Eukiefferiella complex (which also have
      pupal hooklets), or to the Cricotopus group (adults also with hairy eyes),
      suggesting instead a sister group relationship to a suite of predominantly
      austral genera of Orthocladiinae.

PMID- 22068943
TI  - New mariner elements in Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae).
AB  - Mariner-like elements (MLE) are members from class II of transposable elements
      also known as DNA transposons. These elements have a wide distribution among
      different groups of organisms, including insects, which can be explained by
      horizontal and vertical gene-transfer. MLE families have been described in
      tephritid flies and other genera. During screening for Wolbachia bacteria in
      fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha, we discovered two sequences related to
      mariner-like elements. Based on these sequences, we designed primers that allowed
      us to isolate and characterize two new mariner-like elements (Anmar1 and Anmar2)
      in Anastrepha flies. These elements, which belong to the mellifera and rosa
      subfamilies have a low nucleotide diversity, and are probably inactive and
      acquired by vertical transfer. This is the first report of mariner-like
      transposons in flies found in South America.

PMID- 22068944
TI  - A new species group of the genus Epicauta Dejean of southern South America, the
      bella group (Coleoptera: Meloidae).
AB  - Epicauta includes two subgenera, and within the nominotypical subgenus several
      species groups. Analyzing species of southern South America, a set of species of
      Epicauta has the particularity to present two distinctive characters which
      separates this group from the other species groups of American Epicauta: color
      pattern of pubescence in elytra is not coincident with color pattern of tegument
      and endophalic hook robust. Based on these characters I propose a new group of
      species herein named bella group. This group includes the Neotropical species
      Epicauta bella Maklin, E. brunneipennis (Haag-Rutemberg), E. diagramma
      (Burmeister), E. griseonigra (Fairmaire), E. luctifera (Fairmaire), E. riojana
      (Fairmaire) (new status), and E. zebra (Dohrn). This group is endemic of southern
      South America, inhabiting the Chaco biogeographical subregion, mainly in the arid
      northern areas of Argentina. Here we redefine the species of the bella group,
      consider new characters, illustrate the species in the group, provide maps of
      their distribution, and a key to identify them.

PMID- 22068945
TI  - A morphometric and molecular study of Anastrepha pickeli Lima (Diptera:
      Tephritidae).
AB  - This study investigated the level of morphometric and genetic variability among
      populations of Anastrepha pickeli Lima from several localities in Brazil, one
      locality in Bolivia and one in Paraguay. Traditional and geometric morphometric
      analyses were used, as well as sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase
      gene (COI). Six variables were measured from the aculeus for traditional
      morphometric analysis and 14 landmarks from the right wing were used for
      geometric analysis, using 10 specimes/population. The aculeus tip length, aculeus
      width at the end of the cloaca opening, and the serrate part length contributed
      with 62.7% for grouping. According to the results from traditional morphometry,
      there was no significant difference, but the multivariate tests showed that the
      canonical variables were statistically significant, indicating a difference in
      the wing conformation among populations. Molecular phylogenetic analysis
      indicated that the populations clustered into three clades and revealed a high
      level of genetic variation within A. pickeli populations from various geographic
      regions. Anastrepha pickeli populations differed among them according to the
      methods used in this study, showing incongruence among the methods used.

PMID- 22068946
TI  - Riethia manauara n. sp., an Amazonian Chironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae) from
      Brazil.
AB  - One new species of Riethia Kieffer, Riethia manauara n. sp., is described and
      figured as male, pupa and larva. The generic diagnosis for pupae and larvae are
      emended. The specimens were collected from water systems in the Amazon Rainforest
      in northern Brazil.

PMID- 22068947
TI  - Plasmid patterns of efficient and inefficient strains of Bacillus thuringiensis
      against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
AB  - Bacillus thuringiensis harbors genes encoding Cry proteins found in chromosomes
      or plasmids of different sizes (4-150 Mb). Although the smaller plasmids are more
      abundant in B. thuringiensis, their specific function is unknown. As for the
      megaplasmids, their main recognized function is to harbor cry genes, although the
      sequencing of some of these plasmids indicates the occurrence of other important
      genes. This work used a new protocol for practical and rapid extraction of
      plasmid DNA in order to characterize the plasmid patterns of Brazilian strains
      belonging to Embrapa Milho e Sorgo research center B. thuringiensis bank. We
      tried to further assess the relationship of plasmid patterns with strains
      belonging to the same serovars and strains causing 100% and no mortality to
      Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) larvae. It was possible to characterize 59
      strains based on the migration of bands in agarose gel. Strains belonging to the
      same serovars showed different plasmid sizes (from 1,636 bp to 23,200 bp), with
      the exception of two strains belonging to serovar galleriae. The strain T09 Bt
      tolworthi showed a plasmid migration pattern identical to strains belonging to
      serovar galleriae. Plasmid patterns differed for 46 strains, confirming that this
      is a useful tool to discriminate specific strains. However, it was not possible
      to associate the plasmid pattern or the occurrence of particular plasmids with
      the pathogenicity of a given species towards S. frugiperda larvae.

PMID- 22068948
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of integrated pest management compared with insecticidal
      spraying against the German cockroach in apartment buildings.
AB  - This study assessed the cost and effectiveness of an integrated pest management
      (IPM) program using hydramethylnon gel baits compared with conventional spraying
      for controlling the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea:
      Blattellidae), in two residential buildings in Yasuj, Iran. The IPM approach was
      based on educational programs using pamphlets, posters and lectures, sanitation
      using vacuuming and application of hydramethylnon gel baits. Conventional
      approach used cypermethrin (10% EC) on baseboard and cracks-and-crevices. Sticky
      traps were used as tools for monitoring cockroach population densities. The IPM
      approach reduced (943%) the rate of insecticide application compared to the
      conventional spray. Cockroach populations in the IPM treatment were significantly
      reduced from an average of 12.2 +/- 3.01 cockroaches per unit before treatment to
      zero cockroach per unit by week four and thereafter. Cockroach populations in the
      conventional spray treatment were reduced from an average of 11.5 +/- 4.43
      cockroaches per unit before treatment to an average of 3.4 +/- 0.99 cockroach per
      unit after 11 weeks of post treatment. The IPM treatment improved 100% of
      infested units compared to 78% for spray treatment to obtain a clean level of
      infestation (< 1cockroach per trap per unit). The results suggest that the
      intervention by IPM using hydramethylnon gel baits significantly reduced
      cockroach infestation compared to cypermethrin spray throughout the 11 weeks of
      post-treatment period. However, within the study period, the IPM system involving
      gel baits, educational program and sanitation was 363.2% more expensive than the
      conventional method.

PMID- 22068949
TI  - Infestation of cassava genotypes by Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell) (Diptera:
      Lonchaeidae).
AB  - The objectives of this work were to assess the infestation of ten genotypes of
      cassava by the shoot fly Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell) and to investigate
      effects of plant age, temperature or precipitation on cassava plants infestation
      by the shoot fly. Thirty-two individuals of each cassava genotype were planted
      and analyzed every two weeks in order to calculate the percentage of plants
      infested by shoot fly larvae at each sampling event and per genotype. Infestation
      by the fly was different across the genotypes. Genotype IAC Caapora 105-66 and
      genotype IAC Cascuda were resistant to shoot fly infestation, whereas the
      genotype IAC 15 was the most susceptible to this insect. Plant age may have an
      influence on infestation by shoot flies. Advanced plant age apparently favors
      lower or even inexistent infestation rates. However, infestation rate does not
      seem to be affected by temperature or precipitation.

PMID- 22068950
TI  - Natural incidence of egg parasitoids of Edessa meditabunda (F.) (Hemiptera:
      Pentatomidae) on Crotalaria spectabilis in Campo Novo do Parecis, MT, Brazil.
AB  - Egg parasitoids of the stink bug Edessa meditabunda (F) were studied on rattlepod
      Crotalaria spectabilis used in soybean crop rotation in Campo Novo do Parecis,
      Mato Grosso state, central western Brazil. Seven species of parasitoids were
      found: two Encyrtidae, one Eurytomidae, and four Platygastridae. The occurrence
      of Trissolcus euchisti (Ashmead) and Trissolcus elimatus Johnson (Platygastridae)
      on eggs of E. meditabunda is recorded for the first time. Moreover, this is the
      first record of T. elimatus and T. euchisti from Brazil.

PMID- 22068951
TI  - Record of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) preying on
      Metrogaleruca obscura Degeer (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).
AB  - Asopines are predators of insects, with several species with potential as
      biocontrol agents of a number of pests. Metrogaleruca obscura (Degeer), a
      neotropical species of Galerucini, was introduced in Malaysia, Asia, and
      Mauritius, Africa, to control the spread of Cordia curassavica (Boraginaceae), a
      native plant of the neotropics. The occurrence of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas)
      preying on M. obscura is recorded, and Cordia verbenacea (Boraginaceae) is
      mentioned as a host plant for M. obscura. A list of Chrysomelidae attacked by
      asopines in the neotropical region is also presented.

PMID- 22068952
TI  - First record of the olive bud mite Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer) (Acari:
      Eriophyidae) from Brazil.
AB  - The mite Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer) (Eriophyidae) is reported for the first time
      in Brazil infesting olive trees, Olea europaea. Specimens were found on seedlings
      at Maria da Fe, state of Minas Gerais, in 2007. Although minor symptoms were not
      noticed, significant damage to plants were observed. There is no reliable
      evidence of when the mite could have been introduced. It is believed that the
      mite occurs since the first introductions of olive trees, around 1820, through
      vegetative propagating material, but the mite remained unnoticed due to the lack
      of studies with olive trees in Brazil.

PMID- 22068953
TI  - First host plant record for Pero obtusaria Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae).
AB  - The shrub Pluchea chingoyo is mentioned as the first host plant record for larvae
      of the little known moth Pero obtusaria Prout.

PMID- 22068954
TI  - New records of thrips (Thysanoptera) species in Brazil.
AB  - This study reports four thrips species from Brazil for the first time: the
      terebrantians Aptinothrips rufus (Haliday) and Echinothrips caribbeanus Hood; and
      the tubuliferans Androthrips ramachandrai Karny and Gynaikothrips uzeli
      (Zimmermann). New data about biological aspects of some of these new records are
      presented.

PMID- 22068955
TI  - Kamlet-taft and Catalan studies of some novel Y-shaped imidazole derivatives.
AB  - Some novel Y-shaped imidazole derivatives were developed and characterized by NMR
      and mass spectral techniques. The photophysical properties of these imidazole
      derivatives were studied in several solvents. The Kamlet-Taft and Catalan's
      solvent scales were found to be the most suitable for describing the
      solvatochromic shifts of the absorption and fluorescence emission. The adjusted
      coefficient representing the electron releasing ability or basicity of the
      solvent, C(beta) or C(SB) has a negative value, suggesting that the absorption
      and fluorescence bands shift to lower energies with the increasing electron
      donating ability of the solvent. This effect can be interpreted in terms of the
      stabilization of the resonance structures of the chromophore. The observed lower
      fluorescence quantum yield may be due to an increase in the non-radiative
      deactivation rate constant. This is attributed to the loss of planarity in the
      excited state provided by the non co-planarity of the cinnamaldehyde ring
      attached to C(2) atom of the imidazole ring. Such a geometrical change in the
      excited state leads to an important Stokes shift, reducing the reabsorption and
      reemission effects in the detected emission in highly concentrated solutions.

PMID- 22068957
TI  - Tumour-related factors and prognosis in breast cancer detected by screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer detected by screening has an unexplained prognostic
      advantage beyond stage shift compared with cancers detected clinically. The aim
      was to investigate biological factors in invasive breast cancer, with reference
      to mode of detection and rate of death from breast cancer. METHODS: Histology,
      oestrogen receptor alpha and beta, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth
      factor receptor (HER) 2, cyclin D1, p27, Ki-67 and perinodal growth were analysed
      in 466 tumours from a prospective cohort, the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study. Using
      logistic regression, odds ratios were calculated to investigate the relationship
      between tumour characteristics and mode of detection. The same tumour factors
      were analysed in relation to standard prognostic features. Death from breast
      cancer was analysed using Cox regression with adjustments for standard tumour
      factors; differences following adjustment were analysed by means of Freedman
      statistics. RESULTS: None of the biological tumour characteristics varied with
      mode of detection of breast cancer. After adjustment for age, tumour size,
      axillary lymph node involvement (ALNI) and grade, women with cancer detected
      clinically had an increased risk of death from breast cancer (hazard ratio 2.48,
      95 per cent confidence interval 1.34 to 4.59), corresponding to a 37.2 per cent
      difference compared with the unadjusted model. Additional adjustment for
      biological tumour factors studied caused only minor changes. CONCLUSION: None of
      the biological tumour markers investigated explained the improved prognosis in
      breast cancer detected by screening. None of the factors was related to ALNI,
      suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible for tumour spread.

PMID- 22068956
TI  - Spectrofluorimetric assessment of chlorzoxazone and ibuprofen in pharmaceutical
      formulations by using Eu-tetracycline HCl optical sensor doped in sol-gel matrix.
AB  - A novel, simple, sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method was developed
      for the determination of trace amounts of chlorzoxazone and Ibuprofen in
      pharmaceutical tablets using optical sensor Eu-Tetracycline HCl doped in sol-gel
      matrix. The chlorzoxazone or Ibuprofen can remarkably enhance the luminescence
      intensity of Eu-Tetracycline HCl complex doped in a sol-gel matrix in
      dimethylformamide (DMF) at pH 9.7 and 6.3, respectively, lambda(ex) = 400 nm. The
      enhancing of luminescence intensity peak of Eu-Tetracycline HCl complex at 617 nm
      is proportional to the concentration of chlorzoxazone or Ibuprofen a result that
      suggested profitable application as a simple optical sensor for chlorzoxazone or
      Ibuprofen assessment. The dynamic ranges found for the determination of
      chlorzoxazone and Ibuprofen concentration are 5 * 10(-9)-1 * 10(-4) and 1 * 10(
      8)-7 * 10(-5) mol L(-1), and the limit of detection (LOD) and quantitation limit
      of detection (LOQ) are 3.1 * 10(-10), 9.6 * 10(-10) and 5.6 * 10(-10), 1.7 * 10(
      9) mol L(-1), respectively.

PMID- 22068958
TI  - Water oxidation catalysed by manganese compounds: from complexes to 'biomimetic
      rocks'.
AB  - One of the most fundamental processes of the natural photosynthetic reaction
      sequence is the light-driven oxidation of water to molecular oxygen. In vivo,
      this reaction takes place in the large protein ensemble Photosystem II, where a
      MU-oxido-Mn(4)Ca- cluster, the oxygen-evolving-complex (OEC), has been identified
      as the catalytic site for the four-electron/four-proton redox reaction of water
      oxidation. This Perspective presents recent progress for three strategies which
      have been followed to prepare functional synthetic analogues of the OEC: (1) the
      synthesis of dinuclear manganese complexes designed to act as water-oxidation
      catalysts in homogeneous solution, (2) heterogeneous catalysts in the form of
      clay hybrids of such Mn(2)-complexes and (3) the preparation of manganese oxide
      particles of different compositions and morphologies. We discuss the key
      observations from the studies of such synthetic manganese systems in order to
      shed light upon the catalytic mechanism of natural water oxidation. Additionally,
      it is shown how research in this field has recently been motivated more and more
      by the prospect of finding efficient, robust and affordable catalysts for light
      driven water oxidation, a key reaction of artificial photosynthesis. As manganese
      is an abundant and non-toxic element, manganese compounds are very promising
      candidates for the extraction of reduction equivalents from water. These
      electrons could consecutively be fed into the synthesis of "solar fuels" such as
      hydrogen or methanol.

PMID- 22068959
TI  - Left ventricular diastolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated
      with myocardial triglyceride content but not with impaired myocardial perfusion
      reserve.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study myocardial perfusion reserve and myocellular metabolic
      alterations indicated by triglyceride content as possible causes of diastolic
      dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, preserved systolic
      function, and without clinically evident coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 42) underwent cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR) for quantification of 1) myocardial contractility by
      strain-encoded MR (SENC); 2) myocardial triglyceride content by proton magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy ((1) H-MRS); and 3) myocardial perfusion reserve during
      pharmacologic hyperemia. Age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 16) also underwent
      CMR to acquire normal values for myocardial strain and perfusion reserve.
      RESULTS: Stress CMR procedures were successfully performed in all subjects, and
      no regional inducible perfusion defects were observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus
      patients. Diastolic strain rate and myocardial perfusion reserve were
      significantly impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to
      control subjects (P < 0.001 for both). Interestingly, impaired diastolic function
      in type 2 diabetes mellitus was not associated with impaired myocardial perfusion
      reserve (r = 0.12, P = NS). Conversely a significant association was observed
      between diastolic dysfunction and myocardial triglyceride content (r = -0.71, P <
      0.001), which proved to be independent of age, gender, diabetes duration, blood
      pressure, and fasting blood glucose. CONCLUSION: Myocardial steatosis may
      represent an early marker of diabetic heart disease, triggering subclinical
      myocardial dysfunction irrespective of myocardial perfusion reserve.

PMID- 22068960
TI  - Design of thermostable luciferases through arginine saturation in solvent-exposed
      loops.
AB  - In most bioluminescence systems the oxidation of luciferin and production of
      light is catalyzed by luciferases. Protein engineering studies have shown that
      thermostable proteins from thermophilic organisms have a higher frequency of Arg,
      especially in exposed states. To further clarify the arginine saturation effect
      on thermostability of firefly luciferase, some of hydrophobic solvent-exposed
      residues in Lampyris turkestanicus luciferase are changed to arginine. All of
      these residues are located at the surface loops of L.turkestanicus luciferase.
      Starting with a luciferase mutant (E354Q/Arg356), single mutation (-Q35R, -I182R,
      -I232R and -L(300)R), double mutation (-Q35R/I232R) and triple mutation (
      Q35R/I232R/I182R) are added. Bioluminescence emission spectra indicate that
      substitution of Arg by these residues, do not effect on the maximum wavelength of
      emission spectrum. It should be noted, introduction of double mutation (
      Q35R/I232R) and triple mutation (-Q35R/I232R/I182R) were kept specific activity
      of firefly luciferase. By addition of positively charged residue, some specific
      mutations (-I232R, -Q35R/I232R and -Q35R/I232R/I182R) showed that optimum
      temperature of activity was increased to 40 degrees C which are 12 and 15 degrees
      C higher than E354Q/Arg356 and wild-type luciferases, respectively. Also, after
      40 min incubation of enzymes at 40 degrees C, the relative remaining activity of
      wild type was only 5%, whereas for -I232R, -Q35R/I232R and -Q35R/I232R/I182R was
      60, 80 and 80% of original activity, respectively.

PMID- 22068961
TI  - Unraveling the Helicobacter pylori UreG zinc binding site using X-ray absorption
      spectroscopy (XAS) and structural modeling.
AB  - The pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori depends on the activity of urease for pH
      modification. Urease activity requires assembly of a dinickel active site that is
      facilitated in part by GTP hydrolysis by UreG. The proper functioning of
      Helicobacter pylori UreG (HpUreG) is dependent on Zn(II) binding and
      dimerization. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and structural modeling were used to
      elucidate the structure of the Zn(II) site in HpUreG. These studies independently
      indicated a site at the dimer interface that has trigonal bipyramidal geometry
      and is composed of two axial cysteines at 2.29(2) A, two equatorial histidines at
      1.99(1) A, and a solvent-accessible coordination site. The final model for the
      Zn(II) site structure was determined by refining multiple-scattering extended X
      ray absorption fine structure fits using the geometry predicted by homology
      modeling and ab initio calculations.

PMID- 22068962
TI  - The differential heritability of personality item clusters.
AB  - An earlier twin analysis by Loehlin and Nichols was repeated with a considerably
      larger twin sample (2,600 adult Australian twin pairs). Like the previous
      analysis, it was based on item clusters, although from different questionnaires.
      Unlike the previous study, it found consistent differences in MZ-DZ discrepancy
      in correlation among the clusters. A more elaborate analysis confirmed this for
      the clusters, but not for broad Extraversion and Neuroticism composites based
      upon them.

PMID- 22068963
TI  - Nutritional aspects in patient undergoing liver resection.
AB  - In the past two decades, hepatic surgery has achieved important technical
      breakthroughs resulting in a drastic reduction of the onset of complications and
      in an improved post-resective survival. Pre-operative nutritional status is one
      of the key points for the success of a liver resection. Modern surgical
      achievement such as the development of living-related liver donation, and the
      possibility to perform more laparoscopic liver resection gave us the opportunity
      to extend post-operative protocol focused on early intestinal feeding to tumor
      patients. The aims of this review were to report the current status of the
      knowledge regarding nutritional aspects in liver resection patients.

PMID- 22068964
TI  - Glass etching to bridge micro- and nanofluidics.
AB  - In this study, a simple and economical fabrication technique bridging micro- and
      nanostructures is proposed. Glass molds with micro-nanostructures are fabricated
      by glass microlithography. The microlithography provides flexibility for
      structure design, and the glass etching contributes to transform the micro glass
      ridge to the nanoscale. Glass ridge structures with triangular cross sections are
      generated by undercutting, which coupled the isotropic character of glass and the
      shield effect of the top Cr layer upon HF etching. Further etching induced the
      height of the glass ridges to shrink from micro- to nanometres due to the edge
      effects. At the late etching stage, the geometrical change of the glass greatly
      slows down, which gives better control over the size of the glass ridge. By glass
      structure mold-copy, well repeatable, mechanically stable and tunable
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channels and cones are fabricated. Scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) and laser interferometry (LI) are carried out to characterize
      the micro-nanostructures. To demonstrate their workability, sample
      preconcentration to a single nanochannel level is carried out.

PMID- 22068965
TI  - Work-related upper-extremity amputations in Norway.

PMID- 22068967
TI  - Acute enterocyte adaptation to luminal glucose: a posttranslational mechanism for
      rapid apical recruitment of the transporter GLUT2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose absorption postprandially increases markedly to levels far
      greater than possible by the classic glucose transporter sodium-glucose
      cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). HYPOTHESIS: Luminal concentrations of glucose >50 mM
      lead to rapid, phenotypic, non-genomic adaptations by the enterocyte to recruit
      another transporter, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), to the apical membrane to
      increase glucose absorption. METHODS: Isolated segments of jejunum were perfused
      in vivo with glucose-containing solutions in anesthetized rats. Carrier-mediated
      glucose uptake was measured in 10 and 100 mM glucose solutions (n = 6 rats each)
      with and without selective inhibitors of SGLT1 and GLUT2. RESULTS: The mean rate
      of carrier-mediated glucose uptake increased in rats perfused with 100 mM versus
      10 mM glucose to 13.9 +/- 2.9 MUmol from 2.1 +/- 0.1 MUmol, respectively (p <
      0.0001). Using selective inhibitors, the relative contribution of GLUT2 to
      glucose absorption was 56% in the 100 mM concentration of glucose compared to the
      10 mM concentration (27%; p < 0.01). Passive absorption accounted for 6% of total
      glucose absorption at 100 mM glucose. CONCLUSION: A small amount of GLUT2 is
      active at the lesser luminal concentrations of glucose, but when exposed to
      concentrations of 100 mM, the enterocyte presumably changes its phenotype by
      recruiting GLUT2 apically to markedly augment glucose absorption.

PMID- 22068968
TI  - Imatinib mesylate improves liver regeneration and attenuates liver fibrogenesis
      in CCL4-treated mice.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Imatinib mesylate (STI-571), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has
      previously been demonstrated to attenuate liver fibrogenesis through inhibition
      of the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in CCL(4)-treated rat models.
      AIMS: This study aimed to further evaluate the role of STI-571 in liver
      regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All animals were divided into four groups,
      and mice were treated with or without CCL(4) and STI-571 (n = 6 for each group).
      RESULTS: Activated cultured HSCs in vitro with STI-571 administration showed
      increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation, as determined by flow cytometric
      analysis, 3-(4, 5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay,
      and confocal microscopy. STI-571 treatment attenuated liver fibrosis in vivo, as
      was evident in the results of histology, mRNA level, and expression analysis of
      smooth muscle actin and type I collagen. Mice treated with STI-571 had increased
      liver weight ratio and the improvement in liver regeneration was compatible with
      the change of serum interleukin 6 levels (p < 0.05). Further, increased apoptosis
      and a reduced proliferation were observed in the CCL(4)-treated mice after STI
      571 treatment based on the immunohistochemical staining of Annexin V,
      phosphorylated STAT3, and PCNA. CONCLUSION: STI-571 treatment effectively
      attenuated liver fibrogenesis and improved in liver regeneration in vivo and
      induced apoptosis in HSCs both in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22068969
TI  - Timing and risk factors of hepatectomy in the management of complications
      following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Complex bile duct injury (BDI) is a serious condition requiring
      hepatectomy in some instances. The present study was to analyse the factors that
      led to hepatectomy for patients with BDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
      METHODS: The medical records of patients referred to our department from April
      1998 to September 2007 for management of BDI following LC were reviewed, and
      patients who underwent hepatectomy were identified. The type of BDI, indication
      for liver resection, interval between LC and liver surgery, histology of the
      liver specimen, postoperative morbidity and long-term results were analysed.
      RESULTS: Hepatectomy was performed in 10 of 76 patients (13.2%), with BDI either
      as isolated damage or in combination with vascular injury (VI). Proximal BDI
      (defined as disruption of the biliary confluence) and injury to the right hepatic
      artery were found to be independent risk factors of hepatectomy, with odds ratios
      of 16 and 45, respectively. Five patients required early liver resection (within
      5 weeks post-LC) to control sepsis caused by confluent liver necrosis or bile
      duct necrosis. In five patients, hepatectomy was indicated during long-term
      follow-up (over 4 months post-LC) to effectively manage recurrent cholangitis and
      liver atrophy. Despite of high postoperative morbidity (60%) and even mortality
      (10%), the long-term results (median follow-up of 34 months) were satisfactory,
      with either no or only transitory symptoms in 67% of the patients. CONCLUSION:
      Hepatectomy may inevitably be necessary to manage early or late complications
      after LC. Proximal BDI and VI were the two independent risk factors of
      hepatectomy in this series.

PMID- 22068970
TI  - Littoral cell angioma and angiosarcoma of the spleen: report of two cases in
      siblings and review of the literature.

PMID- 22068971
TI  - A systematic review of the accuracy and clinical utility of the Addenbrooke's
      Cognitive Examination and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised in the
      diagnosis of dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence relating to the diagnostic accuracy and
      clinical utility of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) and its updated
      version, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) in relation to
      the diagnosis of dementia. DESIGN: A systematic search of relevant databases was
      conducted, covering the period 2000 to April 2010. Specific journals and
      reference lists were hand searched. Identified studies that fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria were reviewed using a tailored, methodological quality rating
      checklist. RESULTS: The systematic search process identified nine studies for
      review (seven relating to the ACE, two on the ACE-R). Strengths and weaknesses
      across studies are considered, and diagnostic accuracy measures are presented for
      six out of the nine studies. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that the ACE/ACE-R
      is capable of providing information on a range of cognitive domains and of
      differentiating well between those with and those without cognitive impairment.
      Further research examining how the tools distinguish between dementia subtypes
      and mild cognitive impairment will further benefit the evidence base.

PMID- 22068973
TI  - Functionalization of two-component molecular networks: recognition of Fe3+.
AB  - Two-component supramolecular networks have been constructed with a symmetric
      triphenylene derivative with three carboxyl groups (sym-TTT) and melamine. Two
      kinds of hydrogen bonds with different strength are involved in the multi
      component self-assembly, one is H-bond between carboxyl group of sym-TTT and
      melamine, the other is intermolecular H-bond between melamine molecules. These
      interactions drive a structural transformation from close-packed network to
      hexagonal network with active amino groups inside of the cavity. Scanning
      tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements reveal that the functionalized network of
      sym-TTT/melamine could recognise Fe(3+). These results could be helpful for
      designing functionalized molecular networks by multi-component self-assembling
      strategy.

PMID- 22068972
TI  - Calcium control of neurotransmitter release.
AB  - Upon entering a presynaptic terminal, an action potential opens Ca(2+) channels,
      and transiently increases the local Ca(2+) concentration at the presynaptic
      active zone. Ca(2+) then triggers neurotransmitter release within a few hundred
      microseconds by activating synaptotagmins Ca(2+). Synaptotagmins bind Ca(2+) via
      two C2-domains, and transduce the Ca(2+) signal into a nanomechanical activation
      of the membrane fusion machinery; this activation is mediated by the Ca(2+)
      dependent interaction of the synaptotagmin C2-domains with phospholipids and
      SNARE proteins. In triggering exocytosis, synaptotagmins do not act alone, but
      require an obligatory cofactor called complexin, a small protein that binds to
      SNARE complexes and simultaneously activates and clamps the SNARE complexes,
      thereby positioning the SNARE complexes for subsequent synaptotagmin action. The
      conserved function of synaptotagmins and complexins operates generally in most,
      if not all, Ca(2+)-regulated forms of exocytosis throughout the body in addition
      to synaptic vesicle exocytosis, including in the degranulation of mast cells,
      acrosome exocytosis in sperm cells, hormone secretion from endocrine cells, and
      neuropeptide release.

PMID- 22068974
TI  - The Meaning In Life Questionnaire: psychometric properties with individuals with
      serious mental illness in an inpatient setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Meaning in
      Life Questionnaire (MLQ) with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) in an
      inpatient setting (N = 96). The 10-item MLQ comprises Presence (perceived
      meaning) and Search (motivation to discover meaning) scales. DESIGN: This study
      focused on the reliability and validity of the MLQ, reporting a range of data,
      including correlations and regression (predicting scores on a measure of
      psychopathology, the Brief Symptom Inventory). RESULTS: Both MLQ scales yielded
      reliable scores. The current sample tended to report greater Presence, whereas
      Search means tended to be similar to those reported in other studies. The
      association between Presence and the Brief Symptom Inventory was not
      statistically significant. As for Search, people reporting greater motivation to
      discover meaning tended to report greater degrees of symptoms. The Presence and
      Search scales correlated at r =.12, which was unexpected given that most studies
      note an inverse relationship. However, this finding is considered in light of an
      interaction effect between Presence and Search when predicting psychological
      distress. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings are supportive of the MLQ's utility
      with individuals with SMI. Limitations and directions for research are offered.

PMID- 22068975
TI  - Mutagenesis of the thiostrepton precursor peptide at Thr7 impacts both
      biosynthesis and function.
AB  - The seventh residue of thiostrepton is predicted to be critical for antibacterial
      activity. Substitution of Thr7 in the thiostrepton precursor peptide disrupts
      both biological activity and the successful biosynthesis of analogs.

PMID- 22068976
TI  - Pattern formation in the iodate-sulfite-thiosulfate reaction-diffusion system.
AB  - Sodium polyacrylate-induced pH pattern formation and starch-induced iodine
      pattern formation were investigated in the iodate-sulfite-thiosulfate (IST)
      reaction in a one-side fed disc gel reactor (OSFR). As binding agents of the
      autocatalyst of hydrogen ions or iodide ions, different content of sodium
      polyacrylate or starch has induced various types of pattern formation. We
      observed pH pulses, striped patterns, mixed spots and stripes, and hexagonal
      spots upon increasing the content of sodium polyacrylate and observed iodine
      pulses, branched patterns, and labyrinthine patterns upon increasing the starch
      content in the system. Coexistence of a pH front and an iodine front was also
      studied in a batch IST reaction-diffusion system. Both pH and iodine front
      instabilities were observed in the presence of sodium polyacrylate, i.e.,
      cellular fronts and transient Turing structures resulting from the decrease in
      diffusion coefficients of activators. The mechanism of multiple feedback may
      explain the different patterns in the IST reaction-diffusion system.

PMID- 22068977
TI  - Rapid improvement of tardive dyskinesia with tetrabenazine, clonazepam and
      clozapine combined: a naturalistic long-term follow-up study.
AB  - Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a complex involuntary movement disorder affecting
      about 23% of neuroleptic-treated patients. Our objective was to retrospectively
      analyze a combination of tetrabenazine (TBZ), clonazepam (CLONAZ) and clozapine
      (CLOZ) used simultaneously for TD in psychotic patients. Six patients with
      severe, unsuccessfully controlled TD were referred for treatment (mean age 51.5
      years; three male; four schizophrenics; one bipolar disease; one borderline
      personality disorder). They were being treated with neuroleptics (classic, three;
      risperidone, two; olanzapine, one) and developed severe neck and buccolingual
      dyskinesias. At our clinic, all of them were treated simultaneously with TBZ
      (mean dose 141.6 mg); CLONAZ (mean dose 4.3 mg); and CLOZ (mean dose 125 mg). In
      parallel, we stopped the offending medication. With 1 week, we observed a very
      impressive improvement in symptoms and within 1 month all the patients were free
      of symptoms. The mean observation period was 4 years. The combination of TBZ,
      CLONAZ and CLOZ is a rapid and beneficial option for the management of TD. An
      augmentation effect probably played a role in the rapid alleviation of
      symptomatology.

PMID- 22068978
TI  - The flexible FIGO classification concept for underlying causes of abnormal
      uterine bleeding.
AB  - To this juncture, clinical management, teaching of medical providers, and the
      design and interpretation of clinical trials has been hampered by the absence of
      a consensus system for the classification of causes or potential causes of
      abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Indeed, more than one possible mechanism may be
      involved in the development of the bleeding symptoms experienced by a given
      individual. A consistent and universally accepted classification system could be
      used by clinicians, investigators, and even patients to facilitate communication,
      clinical care, and research. The "PALM-COEIN" AUB classification system is the
      result of several years of collaboration among a spectrum of individuals involved
      in clinical medicine, teaching, and the basic and clinical sciences and is
      proposed as a tool that meets the requirements just described but one that is
      capable of adaptation to our evolving insight into the mechanisms involved in the
      genesis of AUB. This system has been accepted by the International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) as a suitable system for widespread
      international use.

PMID- 22068980
TI  - The Escherichia coli protein YfeX functions as a porphyrinogen oxidase, not a
      heme dechelatase.
AB  - The protein YfeX from Escherichia coli has been proposed to be essential for the
      process of iron removal from heme by carrying out a dechelation of heme without
      cleavage of the porphyrin macrocycle. Since this proposed reaction is unique and
      would represent the first instance of the biological dechelation of heme, we
      undertook to characterize YfeX. Our data reveal that YfeX effectively decolorizes
      the dyes alizarin red and Cibacron blue F3GA and has peroxidase activity with
      pyrogallal but not guiacol. YfeX oxidizes protoporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin in
      vitro. However, we were unable to detect any dechelation of heme to free
      porphyrin with purified YfeX or in cellular extracts of E. coli overexpressing
      YfeX. Additionally, Vibrio fischeri, an organism that can utilize heme as an iron
      source when grown under iron limitation, is able to grow with heme as the sole
      source of iron when its YfeX homolog is absent. Plasmid-driven expression of YfeX
      in V. fischeri grown with heme did not result in accumulation of protoporphyrin.
      We propose that YfeX is a typical dye-decolorizing peroxidase (or DyP) and not a
      dechelatase. The protoporphyrin reported to accumulate when YfeX is overexpressed
      in E. coli likely arises from the intracellular oxidation of endogenously
      synthesized protoporphyrinogen and not from dechelation of exogenously supplied
      heme. Bioinformatic analysis of bacterial YfeX homologs does not identify any
      connection with iron acquisition but does suggest links to anaerobic-growth
      related respiratory pathways. Additionally, some genes encoding homologs of YfeX
      have tight association with genes encoding a bacterial cytoplasmic encapsulating
      protein. IMPORTANCE: Acquisition of iron from the host during infection is a
      limiting factor for growth and survival of pathogens. Host heme is the major
      source of iron in infections, and pathogenic bacteria have evolved complex
      mechanisms to acquire heme and abstract the iron from heme. Recently Letoffe et
      al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 106:11719-11724, 2009) reported that the
      protein YfeX from E. coli is able to dechelate heme to remove iron and leave an
      intact tetrapyrrole. This is totally unlike any other described biological system
      for iron removal from heme and, thus, would represent a dramatically new feature
      with potentially profound implications for our understanding of bacterial
      pathogenesis. Given that this reaction has no precedent in biological systems, we
      characterized YfeX and a related protein. Our data clearly demonstrate that YfeX
      is not a dechelatase as reported but is a peroxidase that oxidizes endogenous
      porphyrinogens to porphyrins.

PMID- 22068981
TI  - Mononuclear-dinuclear equilibrium of grafted copper complexes confined in the
      nanochannels of MCM-41 silica.
AB  - Following the structural concept of copper-containing proteins in which dinuclear
      copper centers are connected by hydroxide bridging ligands, a bidentate
      copper(II) complex has been incorporated into nano-confined MCM-41 silica by a
      multistep sequential grafting technique. Characterization by a combination of EPR
      spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV/Vis spectroscopy, IR
      spectroscopy , and solid-state (13)C and (29)Si cross-polarization magic-angle
      spinning (CP-MAS) NMR suggests that dinuclear Cu complexes are bridged by
      hydroxide and other counterions (chloride or perchlorate ions), similar to the
      situation for EPR-undetectable [Cu(II)...Cu(II)] dimer analogues in biological
      systems. More importantly, a dynamic mononuclear-dinuclear equilibrium between
      different coordination modes of copper is observed, which strongly depends on the
      nature of the counterions (Cl(-) or ClO(4)(-)) in the copper precursor and the
      pore size of the silica matrix (the so-called confinement effect). A proton
      transfer mechanism within the hydrogen-bonding network is suggested to explain
      the dynamic nature of the dinuclear copper complex supported on the MCM-41
      silica.

PMID- 22068979
TI  - A monomorphic haplotype of chromosome Ia is associated with widespread success in
      clonal and nonclonal populations of Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite of animals that also causes a zoonotic
      infection in humans. Previous studies have revealed a strongly clonal population
      structure that is shared between North America and Europe, while South American
      strains show greater genetic diversity and evidence of sexual recombination. The
      common inheritance of a monomorphic version of chromosome Ia (referred to as
      ChrIa*) among three clonal lineages from North America and Europe suggests that
      inheritance of this chromosome might underlie their recent clonal expansion. To
      further examine the diversity and distribution of ChrIa, we have analyzed
      additional strains with greater geographic diversity. Our findings reveal that
      the same haplotype of ChrIa* is found in the clonal lineages from North America
      and Europe and in older lineages in South America, where sexual recombination is
      more common. Although lineages from all three continents harbor the same
      conserved ChrIa* haplotype, strains from North America and Europe are genetically
      separate from those in South America, and these respective geographic regions
      show limited evidence of recent mixing. Genome-wide, array-based profiling of
      polymorphisms provided evidence for an ancestral flow from particular older
      southern lineages that gave rise to the clonal lineages now dominant in the
      north. Collectively, these data indicate that ChrIa* is widespread among
      nonclonal strains in South America and has more recently been associated with
      clonal expansion of specific lineages in North America and Europe. These findings
      have significant implications for the spread of genetic loci influencing
      transmission and virulence in pathogen populations. IMPORTANCE: Understanding
      parasite population structure is important for evaluating the potential spread of
      pathogenicity determinants between different geographic regions. Examining the
      genetic makeup of different isolates of Toxoplasma gondii from around the world
      revealed that chromosome Ia is highly homogeneous among lineages that predominate
      on different continents and within genomes that were otherwise quite divergent.
      This pattern of recent shared ancestry is highly unusual and suggests that some
      gene(s) found on this chromosome imparts an unusual fitness advantage that has
      resulted in its recent spread. Although the basis for the conservation of this
      particularly homogeneous chromosome is unknown, it may have implications for the
      transmission of infection and spread of human disease.

PMID- 22068982
TI  - The cover. The last of New England--the beginning of New Mexico.

PMID- 22068983
TI  - A piece of my mind. Annie.

PMID- 22068984
TI  - Public health cuts threaten preparedness, preventive health services.

PMID- 22068985
TI  - Nobel Prize honors immunity researchers.

PMID- 22068986
TI  - Knockout science: massive mouse project to provide window into human diseases.

PMID- 22068987
TI  - Pegloticase and chronic gout.

PMID- 22068988
TI  - Microscopic hematuria in adolescents and young adults and risk for end-stage
      renal disease.

PMID- 22068989
TI  - Reporting of effect direction and size in abstracts of systematic reviews.

PMID- 22068991
TI  - Association between physician billing and cardiac stress testing patterns
      following coronary revascularization.
AB  - CONTEXT: The degree to which financial factors may influence use of cardiac
      stress imaging procedures is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of
      physician billing and nuclear stress and stress echocardiography testing
      following coronary revascularization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Using data
      from a national health insurance carrier, 17,847 patients were identified between
      November 1, 2004, and June 30, 2007, who had coronary revascularization and an
      index cardiac outpatient visit more than 90 days following the procedure. Based
      on overall billings, physicians were classified as billing for both technical
      (practice/equipment) and professional (supervision/interpretation) fees,
      professional fees only, or not billing for either. Logistic regression models
      were used to evaluate the association between physician billing and use of stress
      testing, after adjusting for patient and other physician factors. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Incidence of nuclear and echocardiographic stress tests within 30 days
      of an index cardiac-related outpatient visit. RESULTS: The overall cumulative
      incidence of nuclear or echocardiography stress testing within 30 days of the
      index cardiac-related outpatient visit following revascularization was 12.2% (95%
      CI, 11.8%-12.7%). The cumulative incidence of nuclear stress testing was 12.6%
      (95% CI, 12.0%-13.2%), 8.8% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.2%), and 5.0% (95% CI, 4.4%-5.7%)
      among physicians who billed for technical and professional fees, professional
      fees only, or neither, respectively. For stress echocardiography, the cumulative
      incidence of testing was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.5%-3.2%), 1.4% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.9%), and
      0.4% (95% CI, 0.3%-0.6%) among physicians who billed for the technical and
      professional fees, professional fees only, or neither, respectively. Adjusted
      odds ratios (ORs) of nuclear stress testing among patients treated by physicians
      who billed for technical and professional fees and professional fees only were
      2.3 (95% CI, 1.8-2.9) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.2-2.1), respectively, compared with
      those patients treated by physicians who did not bill for testing (P < .001). The
      adjusted OR of stress echocardiography testing among patients treated by
      physicians billing for both or professional fees only were 12.8 (95% CI, 7.6
      21.6) and 7.1 (95% CI, 4.0-12.9), respectively, compared with patients treated by
      physicians who did not bill for testing (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Nuclear stress
      testing and stress echocardiography testing following revascularization were more
      frequent among patients treated by physicians who billed for technical fees,
      professional fees, or both compared with those treated by physicians who did not
      bill for these services.

PMID- 22068992
TI  - Neuron number and size in prefrontal cortex of children with autism.
AB  - CONTEXT: Autism often involves early brain overgrowth, including the prefrontal
      cortex (PFC). Although prefrontal abnormality has been theorized to underlie some
      autistic symptoms, the cellular defects that cause abnormal overgrowth remain
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether early brain overgrowth in children
      with autism involves excess neuron numbers in the PFC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      CASES: Postmortem prefrontal tissue from 7 autistic and 6 control male children
      aged 2 to 16 years was examined by expert anatomists who were blinded to
      diagnostic status. Number and size of neurons were quantified using stereological
      methods within the dorsolateral (DL-PFC) and mesial (M-PFC) subdivisions of the
      PFC. Cases were from the eastern and southeastern United States and died between
      2000 and 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean neuron number and size in the DL-PFC
      and M-PFC were compared between autistic and control postmortem cases.
      Correlations of neuron number with deviation in brain weight from normative
      values for age were also performed. RESULTS: Children with autism had 67% more
      neurons in the PFC (mean, 1.94 billion; 95% CI, 1.57-2.31) compared with control
      children (1.16 billion; 95% CI, 0.90-1.42; P = .002), including 79% more in DL
      PFC (1.57 billion; 95% CI, 1.20-1.94 in autism cases vs 0.88 billion; 95% CI,
      0.66-1.10 in controls; P = .003) and 29% more in M-PFC (0.36 billion; 95% CI,
      0.33-0.40 in autism cases vs 0.28 billion; 95% CI, 0.23-0.34 in controls; P =
      .009). Brain weight in the autistic cases differed from normative mean weight for
      age by a mean of 17.6% (95% CI, 10.2%-25.0%; P = .001), while brains in controls
      differed by a mean of 0.2% (95% CI, -8.7% to 9.1%; P = .96). Plots of counts by
      weight showed autistic children had both greater total prefrontal neuron counts
      and brain weight for age than control children. CONCLUSION: In this small
      preliminary study, brain overgrowth in males with autism involved an abnormal
      excess number of neurons in the PFC.

PMID- 22068993
TI  - Treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Outcomes following treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
      with microsurgery, embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or combinations
      vary greatly between studies. OBJECTIVES: To assess rates of case fatality, long
      term risk of hemorrhage, complications, and successful obliteration of brain AVMs
      after interventional treatment and to assess determinants of these outcomes. DATA
      SOURCES: We searched PubMed and EMBASE to March 1, 2011, and hand-searched 6
      journals from January 2000 until March 2011. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:
      We identified studies fulfilling predefined inclusion criteria. We used Poisson
      regression analyses to explore associations of patient and study characteristics
      with case fatality, complications, long-term risk of hemorrhage, and successful
      brain AVM obliteration. DATA SYNTHESIS: We identified 137 observational studies
      including 142 cohorts, totaling 13,698 patients and 46,314 patient-years of
      follow-up. Case fatality was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.61-0.76) per 100 person-years
      overall, 1.1 (95% CI, 0.87-1.3; n = 2549) after microsurgery, 0.50 (95% CI, 0.43
      0.58; n = 9436) after SRS, and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.67-1.4; n = 1019) after
      embolization. Intracranial hemorrhage rates were 1.4 (95% CI, 1.3-1.5) per 100
      person-years overall, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.10-0.30) after microsurgery, 1.7 (95% CI,
      1.5-1.8) after SRS, and 1.7 (95% CI, 1.3-2.3) after embolization. More recent
      studies were associated with lower case-fatality rates (rate ratio [RR], 0.972;
      95% CI, 0.955-0.989) but increased rates of hemorrhage (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00
      1.03). Male sex (RR, 0.964; 95% CI, 0.945-0.984), small brain AVMs (RR, 0.988;
      95% CI, 0.981-0.995), and those with strictly deep venous drainage (RR, 0.975;
      95% CI, 0.960-0.990) were associated with lower case fatality. Lower hemorrhage
      rates were associated with male sex (RR, 0.976, 95% CI, 0.964-0.988), small brain
      AVMs (RR, 0.988, 95% CI, 0.980-0.996), and brain AVMs with deep venous drainage
      (0.982, 95% CI, 0.969-0.996). Complications leading to permanent neurological
      deficits or death occurred in a median 7.4% (range, 0%-40%) of patients after
      microsurgery, 5.1% (range, 0%-21%) after SRS, and 6.6% (range, 0%-28%) after
      embolization. Successful brain AVM obliteration was achieved in 96% (range, 0%
      100%) of patients after microsurgery, 38% (range, 0%-75%) after SRS, and 13%
      (range, 0%-94%) after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Although case fatality after
      treatment has decreased over time, treatment of brain AVM remains associated with
      considerable risks and incomplete efficacy. Randomized controlled trials
      comparing different treatment modalities appear justified.

PMID- 22068994
TI  - Can the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute become relevant to
      controlling medical costs and improving value?

PMID- 22068995
TI  - Narrative vs evidence-based medicine--and, not or.

PMID- 22068996
TI  - Linking insurance coverage for innovative invasive procedures with participation
      in clinical research.

PMID- 22068997
TI  - Acute stroke therapy at the crossroads.

PMID- 22068998
TI  - Financial incentives and the art of payment reform.

PMID- 22068999
TI  - Increased neuron number and head size in autism.

PMID- 22069000
TI  - JAMA patient page. Chronic sinusitis.

PMID- 22069001
TI  - [Glucocorticoids in individual prescriptions].

PMID- 22068990
TI  - Extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery for stroke prevention in hemodynamic
      cerebral ischemia: the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study randomized trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic internal carotid artery
      occlusion (AICAO) and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia are at high risk for
      subsequent stroke when treated medically. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that
      extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery, added to best medical therapy,
      reduces subsequent ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with recently
      symptomatic AICAO and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia. DESIGN: Parallel-group,
      randomized, open-label, blinded-adjudication clinical treatment trial conducted
      from 2002 to 2010. SETTING: Forty-nine clinical centers and 18 positron emission
      tomography (PET) centers in the United States and Canada. The majority were
      academic medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with arteriographically
      confirmed AICAO causing hemispheric symptoms within 120 days and hemodynamic
      cerebral ischemia identified by ipsilateral increased oxygen extraction fraction
      measured by PET. Of 195 patients who were randomized, 97 were randomized to
      receive surgery and 98 to no surgery. Follow-up for the primary end point until
      occurrence, 2 years, or termination of trial was 99% complete. No participant
      withdrew because of adverse events. INTERVENTIONS: Anastomosis of superficial
      temporal artery branch to a middle cerebral artery cortical branch for the
      surgical group. Antithrombotic therapy and risk factor intervention were
      recommended for all participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: For all participants who
      were assigned to surgery and received surgery, the combination of (1) all stroke
      and death from surgery through 30 days after surgery and (2) ipsilateral ischemic
      stroke within 2 years of randomization. For the nonsurgical group and
      participants assigned to surgery who did not receive surgery, the combination of
      (1) all stroke and death from randomization to randomization plus 30 days and (2)
      ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 2 years of randomization. RESULTS: The trial
      was terminated early for futility. Two-year rates for the primary end point were
      21.0% (95% CI, 12.8% to 29.2%; 20 events) for the surgical group and 22.7% (95%
      CI, 13.9% to 31.6%; 20 events) for the nonsurgical group (P = .78, Z test), a
      difference of 1.7% (95% CI, -10.4% to 13.8%). Thirty-day rates for ipsilateral
      ischemic stroke were 14.4% (14/97) in the surgical group and 2.0% (2/98) in the
      nonsurgical group, a difference of 12.4% (95% CI, 4.9% to 19.9%). CONCLUSION:
      Among participants with recently symptomatic AICAO and hemodynamic cerebral
      ischemia, EC-IC bypass surgery plus medical therapy compared with medical therapy
      alone did not reduce the risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke at 2
      years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00029146.

PMID- 22069002
TI  - [Dermato-epidemiology].
AB  - Dermato-epidemiology is an important scientific discipline which investigates
      skin diseases using epidemiological methods. Epidemiology is the science of the
      distribution and determinants of disease in specified populations. We describe
      fundamental terms of dermato-epidemiology (measures of disease occurrence,
      measures of risk), different study types (observational studies, interventional
      studies), the selection of statistical tests, bias and confounding as well as the
      principles of evidence-based dermatology, and give illustrative examples.

PMID- 22069004
TI  - The Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (Brazilian Journal of Epidemiology-RBE)
      has followed the increase in scientific production in the field of public health
      and epidemiology.

PMID- 22069005
TI  - [Evaluation of the Brazilian surveillance system for adverse events following
      vaccination].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe and evaluate the Brazilian system of passive surveillance
      of adverse events following immunization (PSAEFI). METHODS: The description and
      evaluation of PSAEFI were undertaken using the reported cases of adverse events
      following immunization with DTwP-Hib vaccine (AEFI-T), during the period from
      2002 to 2005, using the Centers for Disease Control methodology. RESULTS: The
      PSAEFI system, which provides national coverage, is designed to standardize
      practices in cases of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and to
      identify highly reactogenic lots of vaccine. The PSAEFI system proved its
      usefulness, simplicity and flexibility; despite low sensitivity, overestimate the
      proportion of sever events, but it consistently described AEFI-T, identifying
      fever, convulsions and hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes as the most common
      events. It showed that 49.7% of AEFI-T occur after the first dose, and that 72.8%
      occur within the first six hours after vaccination. It facilitates public health
      decisions and epidemiological investigations. It is timely, 46.1% of all AEFI-T
      being reported within 10 days after vaccination and its completeness ranges from
      70 to 90%, depending on the item evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The PSAEFI system proved
      useful for monitoring DTwP-Hib vaccine safety. We recommended the incorporation
      of new methodologies, such the use of sentinel cities/hospitals and computerized
      immunization registries in order to increase its sensitivity.

PMID- 22069006
TI  - [A socio-economic profile of exposed populations to petroleum exploration
      residues].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Environmental Macro-Area Five (EMA-5) is located in Rio de Janeiro.
      Their municipalities are suffering the consequences of rapid urbanization,
      especially after the discovery of large reserves of petroleum and natural gas
      (PNG) in the Campos Basin. OBJECTIVE: To describe the socio-economic profile of
      the region and compare their indicators in space and time. METHODS: This is an
      ecological study, which made comparisons between the 11 municipalities of EMA-5.
      It is based on the behavior of the indicators before and after the increase in
      royalties and special participatioms (RPE) and the division of the production
      areas of PNG (main production area - MPA - and the border zone of MPA, BZMPA).
      The period of analysis of the indicators ranged from 1991 to 2005. RESULTS:
      Higher values of gross domestic product per capita were found in the
      municipalities of MPA, especially Macae. The same occurred in the RPE per capita,
      especially Rio das Ostras (higher value) and Nova Friburgo (lower value). In
      2004, more than 50% of total revenues of municipalities were dependent on the
      funds derived from royalties. In 2000, Nova Friburgo had the best Human
      Development Index. The highest value of the Quality Index of Municipalities
      Potential for Development was found in Macae. The major indexes of Social
      Exclusion was found in Macae, Nova Friburgo and Rio das Ostras. CONCLUSION: It
      was found, in the municipalities of MPA, economic growth with great exclusive
      reliance on royalties. It should invest in alternative economic activities for
      which there is no damage to the population with the completion of these
      resources.

PMID- 22069007
TI  - [Migration and Hansen's disease in Mato Grosso].
AB  - Studies on medical geography about leprosy discuss the role of the detailed
      report of the occupation of the territories as a basis of the permanence of
      leprosy focus. In Brazil, the states that present the highest rates of detection
      historically are in the Amazon region, which shows an uneven regional evolution
      of the disease. This paper analyzes the evolution of leprosy contextualizing the
      migratory processes that occurred in the State of Mato Grosso since the second
      half of the 20th century. The economic dynamism that occurred in the State in the
      1970s, 1980s and 1990s caused population growth rates higher than the national
      average. The data analyzed permitted an association between the evolution of
      leprosy and the process of occupation of the mato-grossense territory. However,
      the permanence of leprosy in the municipalities of the Baixada Cuiabana, as well
      as in other municipalities that lost population, seem to point to the existence
      of geographic contexts of different vulnerability to the social production of the
      disease in the tate. The migration would explain the appearance and evolution of
      leprosy. However, we consider that the maintenance of the endemic can be
      associated to contextual factors related to environment.

PMID- 22069008
TI  - [Household appliances and food insecurity: gender, referred skin color and
      socioeconomic differences].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Data from the National Household Survey 2004 was analyzed to compare
      differences in prevalence among moderate or severe food insecurity. Also, it was
      compared food security or mild food insecurity households in relation to the
      assets and other socioeconomic and demographic conditions of the household.
      METHOD: Private permanent households, with per capita monthly income of up to one
      minimum wage and with the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale answered by a household
      resident were studied (n=51,357). Association of variables with the dependent
      variable (food security) was verified using chi2 test, with 5% significance
      level. Crude prevalence ratio, respective 95% confidence interval and adjusted
      analyses were carried out using Poisson multiple regression Stata 8.0. It
      considers the weights of the complex sampling design of the survey. RESULTS: The
      per capita monthly household income was the variable with strongest association
      to food security. Both in urban and rural areas, there were higher risk of
      moderate or severe food insecurity prevalence ratio when the head of the
      household was a female, black color, presence of six or more members in the
      household, metropolitan area and with absence of some specific assets (stove,
      water filter, refrigerator, freezer, washing machine and cellular phone). In a
      model that, among assets, included just the refrigerator, it was observed the
      highest prevalence ratio for household income of up to 1/4 of a minimum wage and
      after this, the absence of refrigerator among households headed by white and
      black males and white or black female. Although female and black headed
      households have greater food restriction, internal differences among these groups
      were higher for households headed by white males and lower for those headed by
      black females. CONCLUSION: At national level and households with monthly income
      of up to one minimum age, poor socioeconomic conditions are associated to
      household food insecurity. This situation is worse among those headed by women
      and black people. Among poor people, the absence of assets identifies the most
      vulnerable population to food insecurity and may be used as complementary
      indicator, mainly in local studies with poor technical resources for data
      collection and more sophisticated analyzes.

PMID- 22069009
TI  - [Hospital admissions in the hospital health care system, SUS and non-SUS: Brazil,
      2006].
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze admissions in the hospital health care
      system in Brazil in the year of 2006, starting from the admitted subjects. The
      initial data were the admissions SUS (SIH), non-SUS (CIH) in 2006 and 2007. The
      identification of the individual was by probabilistic method of associations of
      registrations (linkage) and, for the composition of the admission data, specific
      algorithms were applied to the data. A total of 12,391,990 admissions with at
      least one day in hospital in the year of 2006 were analyzed. The imprecise nature
      of the probabilistic method at a certain degree, the adoption of conservative
      parameters in order to avoid the inclusion of false positive, and the
      subnotification of CIH represent possible limitations of this study. The Hospital
      Services System in Brazil presented admission rate of 5.6% in total, 5.0% SUS and
      1.6% non-SUS, with differences according to age and region. The non-SUS
      admissions data collected by CIH give important additional information to the
      analysis of the hospital utilization in the country. The SUS administrative data
      are valid for analyses of admissions and the algorithms for admission data
      composition enhance the analysis of the Hospital Services System in Brazil.

PMID- 22069010
TI  - [Internet behavior survey about the unprotected anal sex with men who have sex
      with men].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Unprotected anal sex (insertive or receptive) is an important risk
      factor for HIV infection and other STDs. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to
      investigate individual and social factors associated with unprotected anal sex
      among Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM) that declared being HIV negative and
      engaged in anal sex with an HIV positive partner or of ignored serology. METHODS:
      This study is part of a survey among MSM and among Internet users, with data
      collected from an on line questionnaire in project site. The internet sample for
      this study was 487 MSM. Descriptive and stratified analyses were carried out and
      chi2 test was used. Logistic regression was used for modeling the data. RESULTS:
      Among the participants 30.8% referred unprotected anal sex in the previous 12
      months with an HIV positive partner or partner with unknown serology. Most of
      them belonged to higher social classes, were white and single. Factors associated
      with unprotected anal sex were: number of partners (more than 3) in the previous
      12 months (OR=1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.7), high or medium perception of risk to HIV/Aids
      (OR=2.7; 95% CI 1.5-3.6) and enjoy passive oral sex (OR=0.3; 95% CI 0.2-0.8).
      CONCLUSION: Unprotected anal sex was a frequent practice among MSM in this
      survey. The frequency to public bathrooms should be further explored as a risk
      factor for unprotected anal sex. It is important to further explore these
      findings in order to understand these relationships and the involvement in risky
      sexual practices for HIV infection among MSM.

PMID- 22069011
TI  - [Motorcycle couriers: characteristics of traffic accidents in southern Brazil].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at understanding characteristics of traffic accidents
      with motorcycle couriers in the cities of Londrina and Maringa, in the State of
      Parana (Brazil). METHODS: A total of 327 couriers who reported, in 2005/2006,
      motorcycle accident in the previous 12 months took part in the study (147 in
      Londrina and 180 in Maringa). RESULTS: Of all the interviewed, 39.6% reported
      more than one traffic accident. The accidents were perceived as serious by 21.4%
      of them and 56.3% reported knowing a convalescing courier due to a traffic
      accident. Most injuries (82.9%) occurred during work hours. Significant
      differences were observed between the cities concerning climatic conditions
      (p=0.013), time of the day (p=0.002), pre-hospital care (p=0.032) and hospital
      admission (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The high incidence and the recurrence of traffic
      accidents highlight the susceptibility of motorcycle couriers to these events and
      the need for strategies and specific prevention policies.

PMID- 22069012
TI  - [Traffic related air pollution and population health: a review about Sao Paulo
      (SP), Brazil].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Air pollution is an important problem for Sao Paulo city and
      vehicles are the main source. About 11 million people are exposed to this
      pollution. OBJECTIVE: To examine studies realized about air pollution and its
      effects on health of the population of Sao Paulo (Brazil) and methods of
      assessing exposure to pollution related to traffic. METHODS: We performed a
      literature review using the keywords "air pollution", "Sao Paulo", and traffic
      related air pollution. RESULTS: As results were obtained several studies that
      found relation between air pollution in Sao Paulo and respiratory and
      cardiovascular problems, fetal growth, increased mortality and hospitalizations,
      particularly in children and elderly people. In order to estimate the exposure,
      most of these studies consider the isotropic distribution of pollutants
      throughout the area, what prevents the evaluation of and the influence of
      traffic. Several methods have been used to analyze the air traffic exposure,
      which can be used isolated or combined. It is believed that the combination of
      models used to calculate pollutant concentrations to methods of georeferencing is
      the most appropriate approach for similar studies in Sao Paulo. The advantages of
      these methods are the ability to identify priority areas and situations,
      obtaining detailed information for adoption of public policies or measures, and
      to simulate different scenarios. CONCLUSION: The application of these methods in
      studies at Sao Paulo depends on the improvement of input data, air quality
      meteorological monitoring net enhancement and data of traffic volume.

PMID- 22069013
TI  - [Challenges in definition of gestational age in population studies on birth
      preterm: the case of a study in Campina Grande (PB), Brazil].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of preterm birth has increased in recent years and
      it is currently a worldwide public health problem. In any epidemiological study,
      the greatest challenge facing the study of preterm delivery is to standardize the
      measurement of gestational age births. OBJECTIVE: To describe the methods used to
      define the sample under study and selection of events in case-control studies of
      risk factors for preterm birth in hospital births by mothers living in the city
      of Campina Grande (PB), Brazil. METHODS: The design was a case-control population
      based, which was conducted from June 2008 to May 2009. The cases were born at
      less than 37 weeks of gestation and controls at 37 weeks or more. Gestational age
      in weeks was defined using selection criteria based on the accuracy of the
      estimate. Interviews were conducted with mothers and collection of hospital
      records. RESULTS: It was selected 341 cases and 424 controls, 13.19% were
      classified as extremely preterm (<28 weeks), 34.87% as very preterm (<33 weeks)
      and 65.10% as moderate preterm (33 to 36 weeks of gestation). Among controls, the
      percent of children born 37-39 weeks was 58.02 to 5.90% was born post term (>42
      weeks). CONCLUSION: The strategies shown to be viable, even in a context with
      major limitations in obtaining the necessary information, given that the profile
      of preterm infants, the distribution of gestational age were comparable to
      studies with more accurate methods.

PMID- 22069014
TI  - [Early diagnosis and correlations of sexually transmitted infections among women
      in primary care health services].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in women remain a public
      health challenge due to high prevalence, difficulties to implement early
      diagnosis strategies and high rates of complications. OBJECTIVE: Identify the
      prevalence of STIs among users of a primary health care clinic in Sao Paulo.
      METHODS: Women, 18 to 40 years of age, were invited to self-collect vaginal
      specimens to be tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and
      Trichomonas vaginalis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Women were also invited
      to answer a demographic and sexual history questionnaire, either on the computer
      or face-to-face. RESULTS: The prevalence of STIs obtained from the 781 women
      included in the study was: Chlamydia trachomatis: 8.4%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
      1.9%, and Trichomonas vaginalis: 3.2%. Thirteen percent tested positive for at
      least one out of the three STIs. The variables associated independently with a
      higher risk of STIs were: age under 20-years-old, more than two lifetime sexual
      partners, and self-perception of STI risk. The use of condoms as a contraceptive
      method proved to be a protective factor. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence found
      among these women indicates the need for the implementation of STI screening
      strategies in primary care settings in Brazil.

PMID- 22069015
TI  - [Tuberculosis treatment drop out prevalence and associated factors in Sapucaia do
      Sul County (RS), Brazil, 2000-2008].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the Tuberculosis treatment drop out prevalence and the
      variables associated in the patients registered in the Tuberculosis Control
      Program in Sapucaia do Sul (Brazil), between 2000 and 2008. METHOD: A cross
      sectional study was conducted, which was based on the notified data in
      Information System for Disease Surveillance of the City Health Secretariat.
      RESULTS: From the 632 cases included in the study, 65 (10.3%; CI95%=7.9-12.7)
      were classified as treatment abandonment. Between 2000 and 2004, the prevalence
      of noncompliance was 12.7% (95%CI=9.1-16.2), and in the period 2005 to 2008
      decreased to 7.0% (95%CI=4.0-9.9). In the crude analysis, we find association
      with sex, age and AIDS presence. The adjusted analysis with the Poisson
      regression didn't show significant differences between the independent variables.
      CONCLUSION: The analysis showed reduction in the prevalence of noncompliance with
      the creation of Tuberculosis Control Program, from 2005, although the confidence
      intervals are shown superimposed. Still, the prevalence of noncompliance was high
      and stove above the 5% target, agreed between levels of government.

PMID- 22069016
TI  - [Latent tuberculosis among professionals with and without direct contact with
      inmates of two penitentiaries in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2008].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For groups of persons who remain confined, mainly in prisons,
      tuberculosis has always been a serious health problem, due to its transmission
      respiratory, putting in risk the professionals that work in a prison, especially
      the communicants of inmates. OBJECTIVE: To know the infection prevalence for the
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the employees communicating and no communicating
      of inmates of two prisons of the State of Sao Paulo. METHODS: This study
      consisted of the application of an individual questionnaire; application and
      reading of the tuberculin skin testing (TST); sputum smear examination and
      culture; identification and drug sensitivity testing; in the period of March the
      June of 2008. RESULTS: 277 (48.3%) employees of the 574 existent were examined.
      They were applied and read 248 (89.5%) TST (PPD-RT23 - 2TU/0.1 mL); of them, 194
      were in employees that worked directly with the inmates, that is, were
      communicants and 54 were no communicants. Among the communicants, 62.4% presented
      induration larger than 10 mm and among the non communicants, 38.9% presented this
      measure of TST. There was not positive in the sputum smear examination or in the
      culture, that is, tuberculosis illness case was not identified enters the
      professionals, at the moment of the research. CONCLUSION: This study suggests
      that the communicant employees have a larger risk of if they infect for the M.
      tuberculosis and consequently of being sick of tuberculosis.

PMID- 22069017
TI  - [Population based study on periodontal conditions and socioeconomic determinants
      in adults in the city of Guarulhos (SP), Brazil, 2006].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study described the prevalence of periodontal conditions and
      assessed its association with social, economical and behavioral variables in
      adults aged 35 to 44 years old, residents in the city of Guarulhos, State of Sao
      Paulo, 2006. METHODS: This study was a population based survey with cluster
      sampling. Data collecting and exams were done at houses drew at random. The
      Community Periodontal Index was used to assess the periodontal condition. Data
      analysis used EPIINFO 6 and STATA 10 softwares. The assessment of association
      used the prevalence ratio (PR), as calculated by Poisson regression models with
      complex sampling and weighted sample adjustments. RESULTS: The total number of
      people was 263 in 237 domiciles. In the multivariate model, the prevalence of
      gingival bleeding and dental calculus was significantly associated to being male
      (PR=1.12, p=0.04), smoking (PR=1.11, p=0.01), school level of less than eight
      years of study (PR=1.14, p=0.01), and who have not received dental care for more
      than two years (PR=1.19, p<0.01). As for the presence of periodontal pocket,
      associated factors were smoking (PR=1.71, p=0.02) and who have not received
      dental care for more than 2 years (PR=1.97, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: We observed a
      higher prevalence (62.7%) of individuals with gingival bleeding and dental
      calculus in relation to the presence of shallow or deep periodontal pockets
      (26,6%). As shallow pockets are reversible, their treatment may be resolute in
      programs of primary dental care.

PMID- 22069018
TI  - [Translation and validation for Brazil of the body image scale for adolescents-
      Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the semantic and measure equivalence of the body image sub
      scale of the Offer Self Image Questionnaire (OSIQ). METHODS: Participants were
      386 teenagers, 10 to 18 years old, both sexes, enrolled in a private school
      (junior and high school age). Translation, back-translation, technique revision
      and evaluation were conducted. The Portuguese instrument was evaluated for
      internal consistency, discriminate and concurrent validity. RESULTS: Internal
      consistency showed values from 0.43 to 0.54 and was able to discriminate all
      groups studied--the whole population, boys and girls, and boys in early
      adolescence, by nutritional status (p<0.001; p<0.009; p=0.030; p=0.043,
      respectively). Concurrent analyses showed significant correlation with
      anthropometric measures only for girls (r=-0.16 and p=0.021; r=-0.19 and
      p=0.007), early adolescence (r=-0.23 and p=0.008; r=-0.26 and p=0.003) and
      intermediate adolescence (r=-0.29 and p=0.010) and the retest confirmed
      reliability by the coefficient of interclass correlation. Although the instrument
      has proven its ability to discriminate between the groups studied by nutritional
      state, other results were less satisfactory. More studies are necessary for full
      transcultural adaptation, including the application of other comparative scales.
      CONCLUSION: The body image sub-scale of the OSIQ was translated, but the results
      are not promising and require more studies.

PMID- 22069019
TI  - [Mortality by race/color: evidence of social inequalities in Vitoria (ES),
      Brazil].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze mortality by cause and sex among groups of race or color
      from the mortality information system (MIS) in Vitoria (Brazil), in the period
      from 2003 to 2006. METHODS: We calculated and analyzed the mortality rates
      according to underlying cause, sex and race/color, and the mean and median age of
      death by underlying cause, sex and race. We calculated the relative risk (RR) for
      age, sex and underlying cause (p<0.05 and CI 95%). RESULTS: The completeness of
      race/color in SIM ranged from 1% in 1996 to 81% in 2006. There was a greater RR
      of death among blacks for mental and behavioral disorders (RR=9.29), Ill-defined
      causes (RR=8.71), and external causes (RR=5.71). For black women, we highlight
      the external causes (RR=2.38). We found a variation of up to 33 years (nervous
      system) between whites and blacks. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the existence
      of unequal racial/ethnic mortality, highlighting the mortality from mental
      disorders and external causes, in addition to early mortality that occurs in the
      black population.

PMID- 22069020
TI  - [Food groups for the investigation of risk of type 2 diabetes and associated
      diseases].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The food groups conventionally applied in activities of nutritional
      counseling were established according to their macronutrient content. However, it
      does not consider recent scientific evidences of the association between food
      consumption and risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE:
      To propose food groups for the investigation of the association between food
      consumption and risk of developing type 2 diabetes and associated diseases among
      Japanese-Brazilians. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a
      lifestyle intervention study conducted among Japanese-Brazilians of Bauru, SP,
      Brazil, from 2005 to 2007. Food intake was assessed by three 24-hour recalls of
      640 participants, both genders, aged 30 to 88 years old. RESULTS: Eighteen new
      food groups were proposed according to their quantity and quality of fat,
      carbohydrates, sodium, and fiber. CONCLUSION: The new food groups incorporate
      recent evidences of the association between diet and the risk of developing type
      2 diabetes.

PMID- 22069022
TI  - Majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission have
      mucosal inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly
      focused on mucosal remission. We assessed the prevalence of mucosal inflammation
      during clinical remission, the clinical consequences, and the impact on disease
      course. METHODS: IBD patients from two referral centers who underwent a
      surveillance colonoscopy while clinically in remission between January 2001 and
      December 2003 were included. Follow-up ended May 1, 2009. Clinical data were
      collected from patient charts. Statistical analysis was performed using
      independent t-tests and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: In total, 152 IBD patients
      were included (98 [65%] ulcerative colitis, 46 [30%] Crohn's disease; 85 [56%]
      males). Median follow-up was 6.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-8). Forty
      seven (31%) patients had no signs of inflammation during endoscopy (group A). Of
      the remaining 105 (68%) patients, 51 (49%) had both endoscopic and histological
      inflammation (group B), 51 (49%) histological inflammation only (group C), two
      (2%) endoscopic lesions only (group D). Two years later, 29% of all patients had
      endoscopic inflammation and another 27% had only microscopic inflammation. In 39%
      the inflammation had resolved spontaneously. Inflammation was more often found in
      group B+C (n = 62/102; 61%) than in group A (n = 17/47; 36%; P = 0.21).
      Inflammation was not associated with more frequent clinical relapses nor with
      stricture formation, nor with the need for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A large
      proportion of IBD patients have mucosal inflammation without clinical symptoms.
      Although one-third recover spontaneously, mucosal inflammation in patients who
      are clinically in remission is associated with more severe mucosal disease
      activity, but not with more complications or symptomatic flares during follow-up.

PMID- 22069024
TI  - Chiral anion-based NMR enantiodiscrimination of a dinuclear, cationic Ir(I) NHC
      complex with a figure-of-eight loop structure.
AB  - A dinuclear Ir(I) complex with a bis-NHC ligand was formed in situ from 1,1'
      ((4,6-dimethyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methylene))bis(3-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium) in
      the presence of Cs(2)CO(3) and [Ir(MU-Cl)(cod)](2). Its solid-state structure,
      determined by X-ray diffraction, shows a figure-of-eight loop with both the P and
      M enantiomers being present. Solution NMR studies were performed to examine the
      enantiodiscrimination between them by applying the enantiopure anions
      tris(tetrachlorobenzenediolato)phosphate(v) (Delta-TRISPHAT) and
      bis(tetrachlorobenzenediolato)mono([1,10]binaphthalenyl-2,20-diolato)phosphate(v)
      (Lambda-BINPHAT).

PMID- 22069023
TI  - Predictors of medication adherence in an urban Latino community with healthcare
      disparities.
AB  - Ethnic disparities exist when comparing glycemic control: Latino patients have
      suboptimal glycemic control as compared to non-Latino whites. A key factor to
      achieving optimal diabetes management and control is medication adherence. We
      conducted a nested, cross-sectional retrospective study of data (n = 61)
      collected from a larger parallel, randomized, longitudinal study conducted at an
      urban primary care practice examining a culturally tailored community-based peer
      counselor intervention. Baseline demographic and medication utilization
      covariates were evaluated for eligibility into the multivariate logistic
      regression to predict medication adherence. Significant correlates of medication
      adherence were physician or healthcare team support (OR 12.79, 95% CI 1.04,
      157.21), and increasing numbers of medications taken (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04,
      1.48). Receipt of government benefits was associated with medication non
      adherence (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.51). Modifiable factors such as the number of
      medications and the patient-healthcare team relationship appear to play a role in
      medication adherence.

PMID- 22069025
TI  - Mass-forming autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma: differential
      diagnosis on the basis of computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography, and diffusion-weighted imaging findings.
AB  - PURPOSE: To differentiate mass-forming autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from
      pancreatic carcinoma by means of analysis of both computed tomography (CT) and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients
      with mass-forming AIP diagnosed by revised clinical criteria of Japan Pancreas
      Society and 70 patients with pathologically proven pancreatic carcinoma were
      enrolled in this retrospective study. Two radiologists independently evaluated
      the CT and MR imaging findings. The sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratio of
      significant imaging findings and combinations of findings were calculated.
      RESULTS: Seven findings were more frequently observed in AIP patients: (i) early
      homogeneous good enhancement, (ii) delayed homogeneous good enhancement, (iii)
      hypoattenuating capsule-like rim, (iv) absence of distal pancreatic atrophy, (v5)
      duct penetrating sign, (vi) main pancreatic duct (MPD) upstream dilatation <= 4
      mm, and (vii) an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) <= 0.88 * 10(-3) mm(2) /s.
      When the findings of delayed homogeneous enhancement and ADC <= 0.88 * 10(-3)
      mm(2) /s were both used in diagnosis of mass-forming AIP, a sensitivity of 100%
      and a specificity of 100% were achieved. When 4 of any of the 7 findings were
      used in the diagnosis of AIP, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98% were
      achieved. CONCLUSION: Analysis of a combination of CT and MR imaging findings
      allows for highly accurate differentiation between mass-forming AIP and
      pancreatic carcinoma.

PMID- 22069026
TI  - Cloning of a fibrinolytic enzyme (subtilisin) gene from Bacillus subtilis in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Several investigations are being pursued to enhance the efficacy and specificity
      of fibrinolytic therapy. In this regard, microbial fibrinolytic enzymes attracted
      much more medical interests during these decades. Subtilisin, a member of
      subtilases (the superfamily of subtilisin-like serine proteases) and also a
      fibrinolytic enzyme is quite common in Gram-positive bacteria, and Bacillus
      species stand out in particular, as many extracellular and even intracellular
      variants have been identified. In the present work, the subtilisin gene from
      Bacillus subtilis PTCC 1023 was cloned into the vector pET-15b and expressed in
      Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). Total genomic DNA were isolated and used for
      PCR amplification of the subtilisin gene by means of the specific primers. SDS
      PAGE and enzyme assay were done for characterizing the expressed protein. A
      ~1,100 bp of the structural subtilisin gene was amplified. The DNA and amino acid
      sequence alignments resulting from the BLAST search of subtilisin showed high
      sequence identity with the other strains of B. subtilis, whereas significantly
      lower identity was observed with other bacterial subtilisins. The recombinant
      enzyme had the same molecular weight as other reported subtilisins and the E.
      coli transformants showed high subtilisin activity. This study provides evidence
      that subtilisin can be actively expressed in E. coli. The commercial availability
      of subtilisin is of great importance for industrial applications and also
      pharmaceutical purposes as thrombolytic agent. Thus, the characterization of new
      recombinant subtilisin and the development of rapid, simple, and effective
      production methods are not only of academic interest, but also of practical
      importance.

PMID- 22069027
TI  - Biogenic synthesis of multidimensional gold nanoparticles assisted by
      Streptomyces hygroscopicus and its electrochemical and antibacterial properties.
AB  - The fabrication of reliable, green chemistry processes for nanomaterial synthesis
      is an important aspect of nanotechnology. The biosynthesis of single-pot room
      temperature reduction of aqueous chloroaurate ions by Streptomyces hygroscopicus
      cells has been reported to facilitate the development of an industrially viable
      greener methodology for the synthesis of technologically important gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs). Multidimensional AuNPs are generated via the manipulation
      of key growth parameters, including solution pH and reaction time. The
      synthesized nanostructures are characterized by UV/Vis and energy dispersive X
      ray analysis studies. Particle morphology is characterized by HRTEM, FE-SEM and
      BioAFM. Additionally, we have demonstrated the electrochemical and antibacterial
      properties of AuNPs via cyclic voltammetry analysis and a minimal inhibitory
      concentration assay. Owing to the drawbacks of chemical synthesis, a biological
      synthesis method has been developed to generate biocompatible, inexpensive and
      eco-friendly size-controlled nanoparticles.

PMID- 22069028
TI  - Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX) is expressed in the human atheroma core:
      possible role in apoptosis.
AB  - Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidases (QSOXs) catalyze the formation of disulfide bonds in
      peptides and proteins, and in vertebrates comprise two proteins: QSOX1 and QSOX2.
      QSOX1, the most extensively studied type, has been implicated in protein folding,
      production of extracellular matrix, redox regulation, protection from apoptosis,
      angiogenesis, and cell differentiation. Atherosclerosis is an immunopathological
      condition in which redox processes, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and matrix
      secretion/maturation have critical roles. Considering these data, we hypothesized
      that QSOX1 could be involved in this disease, possibly reducing apoptosis and
      angiogenesis inside the plaque. QSOX1 labeling in normal human carotid vessels
      showed predominant expression by endothelium, subendothelium, and adventitia. In
      atherosclerotic plaques, however, QSOX1 was highly expressed in macrophages at
      the lipid core. QSOX1 expression was also studied in terms of mRNA and protein in
      cell types present in plaques under apoptotic or activating stimuli, emulating
      conditions found in the atherosclerotic process. QSOX1 mRNA increased in
      endothelial cells and macrophages after the induction of apoptosis. At the
      protein level, the correlation between apoptosis and QSOX1 expression was not
      evident in all cell types, possibly because of a rapid secretion of QSOX1. Our
      results propose for the first time possible roles for QSOX1 in atherosclerosis,
      being upregulated in endothelial cells and macrophages by apoptosis and cell
      activation, and possibly controlling these processes, as well as angiogenesis.
      The quantitative differences in QSOX1 induction may depend on the cell type and
      also on local factors.

PMID- 22069029
TI  - Hit clustering can improve virtual fragment screening: CDK2 and PARP1 case
      studies.
AB  - Virtual fragment screening could be a promising alternative to existing
      experimental screening techniques. However, reliable methods of in silico
      fragment screening are yet to be established and validated. In order to develop
      such an approach we first checked how successful the existing molecular docking
      methods can be in predicting fragment binding affinities and poses. Using our
      Lead Finder docking software the RMSD of the binding energy prediction was
      observed to be 1.35 kcal/mol(-1) on a set of 26 experimentally characterized
      fragment inhibitors, and the RMSD of the predicted binding pose from the
      experimental one was <1.5 A. Then, we explored docking of 68 fragments obtained
      from 39 drug molecules for which co-crystal structures were available from the
      PDB. It appeared that fragments that participate in oriented non-covalent
      interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and metal coordination, could be correctly
      docked in 70-80% of cases suggesting the potential success of rediscovering of
      corresponding drugs by in silico fragment approach. Based on these findings we've
      developed a virtual fragment screening technique which involved structural
      filtration of protein-ligand complexes for specific interactions and subsequent
      clustering in order to minimize the number of preferable starting fragment
      candidates. Application of this method led to 2 millimolar-scale fragment PARP1
      inhibitors with a new scaffold.

PMID- 22069030
TI  - Comparative homology modeling of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozymes from
      Xenopus tropicalis reveals structural basis for their subfunctionalization.
AB  - Structural-functional divergence is responsible for the preservation of highly
      homologous genes. Protein functions affected by mutagenesis in divergent
      sequences require investigation on an individual basis. In the present study,
      comparative homology modeling and predictive bioinformatics analysis were used to
      reveal for the first time the subfunctionalization of two pyruvate dehydrogenase
      kinase (PDK) isozymes in the western clawed frog Xenopus tropicalis. Three
      dimensional structures of the two proteins were built by homology modeling based
      on the crystal structures of mammalian PDKs. A detailed comparison of them
      revealed important structural differences that modify the accessibility of the
      nucleotide binding site in the two isozymes. Based on the generated models and
      bioinformatics data analysis, the differences between the two proteins in terms
      of kinetic parameters, metabolic regulation, and tissue distribution are
      predicted. The results obtained are consistent with the idea that one of the
      xtPDKs is the major isozyme responsible for metabolic control of PDC activity in
      X. tropicalis, whereas the other one has more specialized functions. Hence, this
      study provides a rationale for the existence of two closely related PDK isozymes
      in X. tropicalis, thereby enhancing our understanding of the functional evolution
      of PDK family genes.

PMID- 22069031
TI  - Evaluation of ultrasound-guided diagnostic local anaesthetic hip joint injection
      for osteoarthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis is often complicated by co-existing
      pathology in the knee and spine, and mismatch between clinical and radiological
      signs. Temporary pain relief from a local anaesthetic injection into the hip
      joint has been reported to help localise symptoms, reducing the risk of
      unnecessary surgery being performed. We hypothesize that good surgical outcome is
      predicted by good analgesia following diagnostic injection, and that alternative
      pathology is present when there is no response to injection. METHODS: Data were
      analysed from a prospective database of 163 consecutive patients who underwent
      diagnostic hip injection for possible osteoarthritis. We recorded result of
      injection and whether hip arthroplasty was performed. A good outcome to surgery
      was defined as subsequent pain relief without significant residual symptoms.
      RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were suitable for inclusion in the study. Fifty
      eight patients had hip arthroplasty following a good response to diagnostic
      injection. Of these 54 had a good outcome following surgery (93%). There was also
      a quantitative improvement in pain and function in these patients as measured by
      1 year post-operative and pre-operative Harris hip scores (P < 0.0001). A total
      of 44/49 patients had no surgery following no response to injection. A clear
      alternative diagnosis to hip osteoarthritis was made in 40 of these patients
      (91%). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic ultrasound-guided local anaesthetic injection of
      the hip joint is a useful test in confirming hip pathology. Complete relief of
      hip pain following intracapsular injection of local anaesthetic is associated
      with good surgical outcome following joint replacement.

PMID- 22069032
TI  - High resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the patellar retinaculum: normal
      anatomy, common injury patterns, and pathologies.
AB  - The medial patellar retinaculum (MPR) and the lateral patellar retinaculum (LPR)
      are vital structures for the stability of the patella. Failure to identify or
      treat injury to the patellar retinaculum is associated with recurrent patellar
      instability and contributes to significant morbidity. High-resolution magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) readily depicts the detailed anatomy of various
      components (layers) of the retinacula. In this review article, we discuss normal
      anatomy, important landmarks, common injury patterns, and other pathologies
      encountered in patellar retinacula. High field strength MRI is an excellent
      noninvasive tool for evaluation of patellar retinaculum anatomy and pathology.
      This article will help the reader become familiar with normal imaging findings
      and the most commonly occurring injuries/pathologies in MPR and LPR.

PMID- 22069033
TI  - Muscle fat-fraction and mapping in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: evaluation of
      disease distribution and correlation with clinical assessments. Preliminary
      experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the usefulness of dual-echo dual-flip angle spoiled gradient
      recalled (SPGR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique in quantifying muscle
      fat fraction (MFF) of pelvic and thighs muscles as a marker of disease severity
      in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), by correlating MFF calculation
      with clinical assessments. We also tried to identify characteristic patterns of
      disease distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive boys (mean age,
      8.6 years +/- 2.3 [standard deviation, SD]; age range, 5-15 years; median age, 9
      years;) with DMD were evaluated using a dual-echo dual-flip angle SPGR MRI
      technique, calculating muscle fat fraction (MFF) of eight muscles in the pelvic
      girdle and thigh (gluteus maximus, adductor magnus, rectus femoris, vastus
      lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gracilis). Color
      coded parametric maps of MFF were also obtained. A neurologist who was blinded to
      the MRI findings performed the clinical assessments (patient age, Medical
      Research Council score, timed Gower score, time to run 10 m). The relationships
      between mean MFF and clinical assessments were investigated using Spearman's rho
      coefficient. Positive and negative correlations were evaluated and considered
      significant if the P value was < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest mean MFF was found in
      the gluteus maximus (mean, 46.3 % +/- 24.5 SD), whereas the lowest was found in
      the gracilis muscle (mean, 2.7 % +/- 4.7 SD). Mean MFF of the gluteus maximus was
      significantly higher than that of the other muscles (P < 0.01), except for the
      adductor magnus and biceps muscles. A significant positive correlation was found
      between the mean MFF of all muscles and the patients age (20 patients; P <
      0.005), Medical Research Council score (19 patients; P < 0.001), timed Gower
      score (17 patients; P < 0.03), and time to run 10 m (20 patients; P < 0.001). A
      positive correlation was also found between the mean MFF of the gluteus maximus
      muscle and the timed Gower score. Color-coded maps provided an efficient visual
      assessment of muscle fat content and its heterogeneous distribution. CONCLUSION:
      Muscle fat fraction calculation and mapping using the dual-echo dual-flip angle
      SPGR MRI technique are useful markers of disease severity and permit patterns of
      disease distribution to be identified in patients with DMD.

PMID- 22069035
TI  - Automated tertiary structure prediction with accurate local model quality
      assessment using the IntFOLD-TS method.
AB  - The IntFOLD-TS method was developed according to the guiding principle that the
      model quality assessment (QA) would be the most critical stage for our template
      based modeling pipeline. Thus, the IntFOLD-TS method firstly generates numerous
      alternate models, using in-house versions of several different sequence-structure
      alignment methods, which are then ranked in terms of global quality using our top
      performing QA method-ModFOLDclust2. In addition to the predicted global quality
      scores, the predictions of local errors are also provided in the resulting
      coordinate files, using scores that represent the predicted deviation of each
      residue in the model from the equivalent residue in the native structure. The
      IntFOLD-TS method was found to generate high quality 3D models for many of the
      CASP9 targets, whilst also providing highly accurate predictions of their per
      residue errors. This important information may help to make the 3D models that
      are produced by the IntFOLD-TS method more useful for guiding future experimental
      work.

PMID- 22069034
TI  - Assessment of protein structure refinement in CASP9.
AB  - We assess performance in the structure refinement category in CASP9. Two years
      after CASP8, the performance of the best groups has not improved. There are few
      groups that improve any of our assessment scores with statistical significance.
      Some predictors, however, are able to consistently improve the physicality of the
      models. Although we cannot identify any clear bottleneck in improving refinement,
      several points arise: (1) The refinement portion of CASP has too few targets to
      make many statistically meaningful conclusions. (2) Predictors are usually very
      conservative, limiting the possibility of large improvements in models. (3) No
      group is actually able to correctly rank their five submissions-indicating that
      potentially better models may be discarded. (4) Different sampling strategies
      work better for different refinement problems; there is no single strategy that
      works on all targets. In general, conservative strategies do better, while the
      greatest improvements come from more adventurous sampling-at the cost of
      consistency. Comparison with experimental data reveals aspects not captured by
      comparison to a single structure. In particular, we show that improvement in
      backbone geometry does not always mean better agreement with experimental data.
      Finally, we demonstrate that even given the current challenges facing refinement,
      the refined models are useful for solving the crystallographic phase problem
      through molecular replacement. Proteins 2011;. (c) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID- 22069037
TI  - Identification of "known unknowns" utilizing accurate mass data and ChemSpider.
AB  - In many cases, an unknown to an investigator is actually known in the chemical
      literature, a reference database, or an internet resource. We refer to these
      types of compounds as "known unknowns." ChemSpider is a very valuable internet
      database of known compounds useful in the identification of these types of
      compounds in commercial, environmental, forensic, and natural product samples.
      The database contains over 26 million entries from hundreds of data sources and
      is provided as a free resource to the community. Accurate mass mass spectrometry
      data is used to query the database by either elemental composition or a
      monoisotopic mass. Searching by elemental composition is the preferred approach.
      However, it is often difficult to determine a unique elemental composition for
      compounds with molecular weights greater than 600 Da. In these cases, searching
      by the monoisotopic mass is advantageous. In either case, the search results are
      refined by sorting the number of references associated with each compound in
      descending order. This raises the most useful candidates to the top of the list
      for further evaluation. These approaches were shown to be successful in
      identifying "known unknowns" noted in our laboratory and for compounds of
      interest to others.

PMID- 22069036
TI  - Automated protein structure modeling in CASP9 by I-TASSER pipeline combined with
      QUARK-based ab initio folding and FG-MD-based structure refinement.
AB  - I-TASSER is an automated pipeline for protein tertiary structure prediction using
      multiple threading alignments and iterative structure assembly simulations. In
      CASP9 experiments, two new algorithms, QUARK and fragment-guided molecular
      dynamics (FG-MD), were added to the I-TASSER pipeline for improving the
      structural modeling accuracy. QUARK is a de novo structure prediction algorithm
      used for structure modeling of proteins that lack detectable template structures.
      For distantly homologous targets, QUARK models are found useful as a reference
      structure for selecting good threading alignments and guiding the I-TASSER
      structure assembly simulations. FG-MD is an atomic-level structural refinement
      program that uses structural fragments collected from the PDB structures to guide
      molecular dynamics simulation and improve the local structure of predicted model,
      including hydrogen-bonding networks, torsion angles, and steric clashes. Despite
      considerable progress in both the template-based and template-free structure
      modeling, significant improvements on protein target classification, domain
      parsing, model selection, and ab initio folding of beta-proteins are still needed
      to further improve the I-TASSER pipeline.

PMID- 22069038
TI  - Studying interfacial reactions of cholesterol sulfate in an unsaturated
      phosphatidylglycerol layer with ozone using field induced droplet ionization mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Field-induced droplet ionization (FIDI) is a recently developed ionization
      technique that can transfer ions from the surface of microliter droplets to the
      gas phase intact. The air-liquid interfacial reactions of cholesterol sulfate
      (CholSO(4)) in a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) surfactant
      layer with ozone (O(3)) are investigated using field-induced droplet ionization
      mass spectrometry (FIDI-MS). Time-resolved studies of interfacial ozonolysis of
      CholSO(4) reveal that water plays an important role in forming oxygenated
      products. An epoxide derivative is observed as a major product of CholSO(4)
      oxidation in the FIDI-MS spectrum after exposure of the droplet to O(3) for 5 s.
      The abundance of the epoxide product then decreases with continued O(3) exposure
      as the finite number of water molecules at the air-liquid interface becomes
      exhausted. Competitive oxidation of CholSO(4) and POPG is observed when they are
      present together in a lipid surfactant layer at the air-liquid interface.
      Competitive reactions of CholSO(4) and POPG with O(3) suggest that CholSO(4) is
      present with POPG as a well-mixed interfacial layer. Compared with CholSO(4) and
      POPG alone, the overall ozonolysis rates of both CholSO(4) and POPG are reduced
      in a mixed layer, suggesting the double bonds of both molecules are shielded by
      additional hydrocarbons from one another. Molecular dynamics simulations of a
      monolayer comprising POPG and CholSO(4) correlate well with experimental
      observations and provide a detailed picture of the interactions between
      CholSO(4), lipids, and water molecules in the interfacial region.

PMID- 22069039
TI  - New electric-shock job exposure matrix.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate a consistent association between jobs in "electric"
      occupations and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a comprehensive job exposure
      matrix (JEM) that includes electric shocks and magnetic fields (MF) is needed.
      METHODS: We used incident electric shocks and electrocutions from two available
      data sources along with expert judgment to create a JEM that was integrated into
      an existing MF JEM. The final JEM contained ordinal electric-shock exposure
      assignments for 501 job titles. RESULTS: Main occupational groups experiencing
      the electric shocks were precision production, craft, and repair occupations.
      Specific jobs with the highest proportion of shocks per 100,000 workers were:
      electrical apprentices (99.7), mechanic and repairer helpers (74.0), hoist and
      winch operators (63.3), and electrical power installers (52.4). Examples of job
      titles with low electric-shock exposures were administrative support occupations,
      data-key entry operators, and waiters and waitresses. CONCLUSIONS: Combining
      publicly available data with an expert panel is a viable method to construct an
      electric-shock MF JEM. This JEM will allow an evaluation of association between
      electric shocks and neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22069040
TI  - Loss of epithelial oestrogen receptor alpha inhibits oestrogen-stimulated
      prostate proliferation and squamous metaplasia via in vivo tissue selective
      knockout models.
AB  - Squamous metaplasia (SQM) is a specific phenotype in response to oestrogen in the
      prostate and oestrogen receptor (ER) alpha is required to mediate this response.
      Previous studies utilizing tissue recombination with seminal vesicle (SV)
      mesenchyme and prostatic ductal tips from wild type and ERalphaKO mice suggested
      that both epithelial and stromal ERalpha are necessary for SQM. However, tissue
      recombination is conducted in the renal capsule of immune-deficient mice, in
      which the microenvironment is different from normal prostate microenvironment in
      the intact mice. Furthermore, whether the requirement of stromal ERalpha in the
      SV for developing SQM is the same as in the prostate is unknown. Therefore, there
      is a clear need to evaluate the respective roles of ERalpha in prostate
      epithelial versus stromal compartments in the intact mouse. Here we generated a
      mouse model that has selectively lost ERalpha in either stromal (FSP-ERalphaKO)
      or epithelial prostate cells (pes-ERalphaKO) to determine the requirements of
      ERalpha for oestrogen-stimulated prostate proliferation and SQM. Our results
      indicated that FSP-ERalphaKO prostates develop full and uniform SQM, which
      suggests that loss of the majority (~65%) of stromal ERalpha will not influence
      oestrogen-mediated SQM. In contrast, loss of epithelial ERalpha inhibits
      oestrogen-mediated prostate growth and SQM evidenced by decreasing cytokertin 10
      positive squamous cell stratification and differentiation, by reduced ERalpha
      protein expression in SQM compared to wild type mice ERalpha, and by the presence
      of normal proliferative activities in the oestrogen-treated pes-ERalphaKO
      prostates. These in vivo results suggest that epithelial ERalpha is required for
      oestrogen-mediated proliferative response and could be an appropriate target for
      preventing aberrant oestrogen signalling in the prostate.

PMID- 22069041
TI  - ParaCEST MRI contrast agents capable of derivatization via"click" chemistry.
AB  - A comprehensive series of lanthanide chelates has been prepared with a
      tetrapropargyl DOTAM type ligand. The complexes have been characterized by a
      combination of (1)H NMR, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, CEST and
      relaxation studies and have also been evaluated for potential use as paramagnetic
      chemical exchange saturation transfer (ParaCEST) contrast agents in magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). We demonstrate the functionalization of several chelates
      by means of alkyne-azide "click" chemistry in which a glucosyl azide is used to
      produce a tetra-substituted carbohydrate-decorated lanthanide complex. The
      carbohydrate periphery of the chelates has a potent influence on the CEST
      properties as described herein.

PMID- 22069042
TI  - Malignant pheochromocytoma: new malignancy criteria.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pathological diagnosis of malignancy in pheochromocytomas remains a
      controversial issue. According to the WHO, malignancy is defined in the presence
      of metastasis. Multiparameter scoring systems such as PASS (Pheochromocytoma of
      Adrenal gland Scaled Score) have been used but remain controversial. The aim of
      this study was to search for new immunohistologic elements allowing determination
      of pheochromocytoma malignancy. METHODS: Among 53 patients operated for
      pheochromocytoma between 1993 and 2009, we selected pheochromocytomas with proven
      metastasis, seven cases in group 1 (G1) and paired two others groups: group 2
      (G2), patients who had "benign" pheochromocytoma with PASS >=4 and group 3 (G3),
      patients who had "benign" pheochromocytoma with PASS <4. We retrospectively
      analysed PASS criteria, size, weight, tumour necrosis, Ki-67 and pS100 staining.
      RESULTS: The size and weight of the lesion were directly and significantly
      correlated to malignancy in all three groups: respectively 9.7 cm and 292.0 g
      (G1), 6.2 cm and 83.8 g (G2) and 3.8 cm and 37.1 g (G3) (p < 0.005 for both).
      Tumour necrosis (TN) was present in all G1 (p < 0.005) and respectively at 0% and
      37.5% in G2 and G3. Ki-67 is directly correlated to presence of TN (p < 0.005)
      and malignancy (G1 14.1%, G2 1.8%, G3 2.6%; p < 0.001). All G1 had a Ki-67 index
      >4%, although one G3 presented an 11% Ki-67 index. There was an inverse
      statistically significant correlation between the three groups in staining using
      pS100 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Size and weight of the pheochromocytoma are
      directly related to PASS and malignancy. The presence of tumour necrosis, Ki-67
      index >4% and pS100 absence impose a close histopathological evaluation and
      follow-up with regard to cases presenting a high risk of malignancy/recurrence.

PMID- 22069043
TI  - Adrenocortical carcinoma: effect of hospital volume on patient outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Optimal management of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) involves a detailed
      diagnostic workup, radical surgery, and appropriate adjuvant therapy. However,
      due to the rarity of this disease, adequate expertise is necessary to ensure
      optimal patient care. We evaluated if the experience of a treating center
      influences the outcome of ACC. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-three patients who
      underwent adrenalectomy for ACC were included in a multi-institutional surgical
      survey and divided into 2 groups: "high-volume center" (HVC) (>=10
      adrenalectomies for ACC) and "low-volume center" (LVC) (<10 adrenalectomies for
      ACC). A comparative analysis was performed. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two
      patients underwent adrenalectomy at HVC and 91 at LVC. The two groups were
      homogeneous for age, sex, clinical presentation, and stage. The mean lesions size
      of ACC was higher in HVC than in LVC (104.1 +/- 54.6 vs 82.8 +/- 41.3 mm; P <
      0.001). A significantly higher rate of lymph node dissection (P < 0.01) and of
      multiorgan resection (P < 0.01) was accomplished in HVC. The number of patients
      who underwent adjuvant therapy was significantly higher in HVC (P < 0.001). Local
      recurrence rate was lower in patients treated at HVC (6% vs 18.5%; P = NS). Mean
      time to recurrence was significantly longer in HVC than in LVC (25.2 +/- 28.1 vs
      10.1 +/- 7.5; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The expertise of dedicated centers had a
      positive impact on the outcome of patients with ACC, resulting in a lower
      recurrence rate and improved mean time to recurrence. The improved patient
      outcome could be related not only to the appropriateness of the surgical
      procedure, but also to a more adequate multidisciplinary approach.

PMID- 22069044
TI  - Baroreceptor reflex dysfunction in the BACHD mouse model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that presents
      with a triad of clinical symptoms, which include movement abnormalities,
      emotional disturbance and cognitive impairment. Recent studies reported
      dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in Huntington's disease patients,
      which may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events in this
      patient population that often leads to death. We measured the baroreceptor
      reflex, a process dependent on proper autonomic function, in the BACHD mouse
      model of Huntington's disease. We found a blunted response of the baroreceptor
      reflex as well as significantly higher daytime blood pressure in BACHD mice
      compared to WT controls, which are both indications of autonomic dysfunction.
      BACHD mice had increased heart weight to tibia length ratios at 7 and 12 mo of
      age suggesting hypertrophic changes of the heart, which we speculate is a
      response to the increased blood pressure and aberrant baroreceptor reflex.
      Despite these structural changes, the hearts of BACHD mice continue to function
      normally as assessed by echocardiographic analysis. Studies of autonomic and
      cardiovascular function in BACHD mice may help elucidate the pathophysiology of
      Huntington's disease and aid in the development of clinical strategies to offset
      the incidence of fatal cardiovascular events in the Huntington's disease patient
      population.

PMID- 22069045
TI  - Quantification of HBsAg and HBV-DNA during therapy with peginterferon alpha-2b
      plus lamivudine and peginterferon alpha-2b alone in a German chronic hepatitis B
      cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peginterferon alpha-2b (PEG-IFNa2b) and lamivudine are efficient
      treatment options for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We assumed that
      a combination therapy of PEG-IFNalpha-2b plus lamivudine will be more effective
      than PEG-IFNalpha-2b alone concerning loss of HBV-DNA, HBeAg seroconversion, and
      HBsAg reduction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic hepatitis B were
      randomised to nine months treatment with PEG-IFNalpha-2b 1.5 ug/kg o. i. w. or
      PEG- IFNalpha-2b plus lamivudine 100 mg/d. The study was designed with 60
      patients per treatment arm. The primary endpoint was defined as loss of HBV-DNA
      (< 400 copies/mL) 24 weeks after the end of therapy. HBV-DNA (PCR), HBsAg
      (Architect, Abbott), and HBeAg (Axsym, Abbott) were determined prior to and at
      the end of treatment as well as at follow-up. HBV-genotypes were determined by
      Innolipa (Innogenetics). RESULTS: Only 32 patients were randomised to combination
      therapy and 27 individuals to monotherapy due to low recruitment rates. On
      treatment reduction of HBV-DNA was significantly higher during combination
      therapy compared to PEG-IFNa-2b monotherapy (- 4.60 +/- 2.71 vs. - 2.41 +/- 2.17
      log; p = 0.003). However, there was no difference in the number of cases
      achieving HBV-DNA < 400 copies/mL, ALT normalisation, or HBeAg seroconversion at
      follow-up. None of the parameters was significantly related to HBV-genotypes. In
      a post-hoc analysis serum HBsAg levels were analysed as an additional prognostic
      parameter for treatment response (n = 29). Combination therapy showed a stronger,
      but not significant HBsAg decline during (- 0.7 +/- 1.17 log IU/mL vs. - 0.26 +/-
      0.61 log IU/mL; p = 0.35) and after therapy (- 0.68 +/- 1.29 log IU/mL vs. - 0.24
      +/- 0.56 log IU/mL; p = 0.82). Two of three cases with a 2-log HBsAg decline to
      HBsAg levels < 100 IU/mL eliminated HBsAg during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      The study was underpowered with respect to the primary endpoint due to low
      recruitment rates. However, in the post-hoc analysis HBsAg decline was over two
      fold stronger at the end of treatment and follow-up after combination therapy and
      did not rebound after lamivudine withdrawal. These results may indicate the
      usefulness of future combination therapies without discontinuation of
      nucleos(t)ide analogues.

PMID- 22069046
TI  - [Extensive squamous papillomatosis of the oesophagus with malignant
      transformation of squamous epithelium].
AB  - While small solitary oesophageal papillomas are uncommon findings that are
      occasionally identified on routine upper endoscopies, extensive oesophageal
      papillomatosis is an extremely rare condition with only 9 cases reported in the
      English literature. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman who was referred
      for progressive dysphagia for solid food and clinical signs for a reflux disease.
      Upper endoscopy demonstrated bizarre villous alterations of the mucosa covering
      the oesophagus subtotally and a suspicious area within these alterations.
      Histological work-up of the biopsy samples revealed marked papillary hypertrophy
      and a squamous epithelial carcinoma in situ corresponding to the suspicious
      lesion. The patient underwent oesophagectomy with cervical gastroesophageal
      anastomosis and proximal remnants of papillomatous mucosa above the anastomosis
      were destroyed with endoscopic argon plasma coagulation. In the 2-year follow-up
      the patient showed limited recurrence of the papillomatosis in the remaining
      proximal oesophagus containing a circumscript carcinoma that was successfully
      treated by local endoscopic mucosectomy. Our case strongly underscores the risk
      of malignant transformation in large areas of papillomatous mucosa and shows that
      systematic surveillance is essential.

PMID- 22069047
TI  - Hyperemesis and a high water bill.
AB  - A male patient aged 28 years was admitted with hyperemesis that did not cease in
      spite of different therapeutic approaches and had persisted for several days. A
      wide range of differential diagnoses was excluded and all tests remained without
      pathological findings. He reported regular cannabis use and showed abnormal
      bathing behavior taking hot showers several times a day for more than one hour
      each, which was the only measure to ease his nausea; on the basis of these
      clinical findings, the diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was made.
      After detoxification, he remained free of symptoms. Cannabinoid hyperemesis
      syndrome was first described in 2004 in Australia and is an underrecognized cause
      of hyperemesis and abnormal bathing behavior. To the best of our knowledge, this
      is the first reported case in Germany.

PMID- 22069048
TI  - [The enteric glia--part of the puzzle in Crohn's disease?].
AB  - Enteric glia cells are essential for the mucosal integrity of the gut. A leakage
      of the epithelial barrier is postulated in Crohn's disease. The role of enteric
      glia cells in the onset and progress of Crohn's disease is not clear yet. A new
      approach in the therapy of Crohn's disease is to target "mucosal healing". Since
      enteric glia cells are an important source of factors that regulate the
      epithelial barrier function, further research and discussion about this cell
      entity under therapeutic aspects is urgently necessary.

PMID- 22069049
TI  - [High-protein reduced-carbohydrate weight-loss diets: negative impact on colonic
      health].

PMID- 22069050
TI  - [Improved survival in patients with NET of the pancreas with molecular
      therapies].

PMID- 22069051
TI  - [Walter Krienitz and one of the first descriptions of gastric bacteria].

PMID- 22069052
TI  - [Recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis in gastrointestinal endoscopy].

PMID- 22069053
TI  - The observation of gaseous gold superions induced from monodispersed
      nanoparticles.

PMID- 22069054
TI  - p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase modulates exocrine secretion in rabbit
      lacrimal gland.
AB  - The lacrimal gland (LG) is an exocrine gland important for secretion of the tear
      film. The kinase p38 has important signal transduction functions, e.g. in gene
      transcription, but has previously not been known to modulate exocrine secretion.
      The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of p38 in carbachol
      (Cch)-induced LG secretion in LG acinar cells in vitro. Western blotting was used
      to determine the phosphorylation status of p38 and p42/44 and determine
      expression of p38 isoforms. To determine the effect of p38 inhibition on LG
      secretion, PD 169316, a general p38 inhibitor, and SB 239063, an inhibitor of
      p38alpha and beta, were added to the cells prior to secretion measurements. The
      results revealed activation of p38 mediated by Cch stimulation and inhibition of
      Cch-induced secretion as a result of p38 inhibition. The inhibition was observed
      with PD 169316 isoforms, but not with SB 239063. The p38delta isoform was shown
      to have robust expression both by Western blotting of acinar cells and
      immunofluorescence of the whole gland. In conclusion, p38 activation mediates
      secretion in cholinergic stimulation of rabbit LG cells.

PMID- 22069055
TI  - Three-dimensional closed microfluidic channel fabrication by stepper projection
      single step lithography: the diabolo effect.
AB  - Microfluidic devices are currently being used in many types of biochemical
      microsystems for liquid phase analysis in the frame of medical applications. This
      paper presents a new technique for the realization of microfluidic channels using
      SU-8, a commonly used epoxy-based negative photo-resist. These microchannels were
      fabricated by a single stepper UV-photolithography process. By changing the
      process parameters, e.g. the optical focus depth and the UV exposure dose, well
      defined, covered microchannels with various dimensions and aspect ratios were
      realized and proven to be effective for the fluid transport by capillarity. This
      technique can easily be used for the fabrication of microfluidic devices in the
      microanalysis and lab-on-chip applications realm.

PMID- 22069056
TI  - Overhauser DNP with 15N labelled Fremy's salt at 0.35 Tesla.
AB  - The effectiveness of dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) as a tool to enhance the
      sensitivity of liquid state NMR critically depends on the choice of the optimal
      polarizer molecule. In this study the performance of (15)N labelled Fremy's salt
      as a polarizing agent in Overhauser DNP is investigated in detail at X-band (0.35
      T, 9.7 GHz EPR, 15 MHz (1)H NMR) and compared to that of TEMPONE-D,(15)N employed
      in previous studies. Both radicals provide similar maximum enhancements of the
      solvent water protons under similar conditions but a different saturation
      behaviour. The factors determining the enhancement and effective saturation were
      measured independently by EPR, ELDOR and NMRD and are shown to fulfil the
      Overhauser equation. In particular, following the theory of EPR saturation we
      provide analytical solutions for the dependence of the enhancement on the
      microwave field strength in terms of saturation transfer between two coupled
      hyperfine lines undergoing spin exchange. The negative charge of the radical in
      Fremy's salt solutions can explain the peculiar properties of this polarizing
      agent and indicates different suitable application areas for the two types of
      nitroxide radicals.

PMID- 22069057
TI  - Psychological and social characteristics associated with religiosity in Women's
      Health Initiative participants.
AB  - Measures of religiosity are linked to health outcomes, possibly indicating
      mediating effects of associated psychological and social factors. We examined
      cross-sectional data from 92,539 postmenopausal participants of the Women's
      Health Initiative Observational Study who responded to questions on religious
      service attendance, psychological characteristics, and social support domains. We
      present odds ratios from multiple logistic regressions controlling for
      covariates. Women attending services weekly during the past month, compared with
      those not attending at all in the past month, were less likely to be depressed
      [OR = 0.78; CI = 0.74-0.83] or characterized by cynical hostility [OR = 0.94; CI
      = 0.90-0.98], and more likely to be optimistic [OR = 1.22; CI = 1.17-1.26]. They
      were also more likely to report overall positive social support [OR = 1.28; CI =
      1.24-1.33], as well as social support of four subtypes (emotional/informational
      support, affection support, tangible support, and positive social interaction),
      and were less likely to report social strain [OR = 0.91; CI = 0.88-0.94].
      However, those attending more or less than weekly were not less likely to be
      characterized by cynical hostility, nor were they less likely to report social
      strain, compared to those not attending during the past month.

PMID- 22069058
TI  - Maxillary osteonecrosis and spontaneous teeth exfoliation following herpes
      zoster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports of osteonecrosis and spontaneous tooth loss following herpes
      zoster infection of the fifth cranial are extremely rare. Only 39 previously
      recorded cases of post-zoster osteonecrosis have been found in the literature.
      The unusual feature of the case of interest to the dental surgeon is a rare
      complication of tooth exfoliation and maxillary osteonecrosis. CASE REPORT: This
      article reports a case of 52-year-old man with herpes zoster infection of the
      trigeminal nerve and related alveolar bone necrosis and teeth loss. The etiology
      and management of herpes zoster infection associated with destructive sequelae
      are discussed. DISCUSSION: Very few cases of osteonecrosis and spontaneous teeth
      exfoliation secondary to herpes zoster are found in the literature. The exact
      mechanism by which herpes zoster induces these destructive changes in the
      alveolar bone and teeth cannot be proposed. As Varicella zoster virus is an
      aneurotropic virus, the possible provoking factors may be the infection of the
      nerves innervating the periosteum or the chronic inflammatory changes in the form
      of adverse periodontal disease and delayed healing of the extraction sockets
      associated with compromised host resistance.

PMID- 22069060
TI  - Blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 by ipilimumab is associated with a
      profound long-lasting depletion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells: a mechanistic
      explanation for ipilimumab-induced severe enterocolitis?

PMID- 22069059
TI  - Small bite, large impact-saliva and salivary molecules in the medicinal leech,
      Hirudo medicinalis.
AB  - Blood-sucking leeches have been used for medical purposes in humans for hundreds
      of years. Accordingly, one of the most prominent species has been named Hirudo
      medicinalis by Carl Linne in 1758. Feeding on vertebrate blood poses some serious
      problems to blood-sucking ectoparasites, as they have to penetrate the body
      surface of the host and to suppress the normal reactions of the host to such
      injuries (swelling, pain, inflammation) to remain undetected during the feeding
      period. Furthermore, the parasites have to take measures to inhibit the normal
      reactions in host tissues to blood vessel damage, namely hemostasis and blood
      coagulation (platelet aggregation and activation, activation of thrombin and
      formation of fibrin clots). During evolution, leeches have acquired the ability
      to control these processes in their hosts by transferring various bioactive
      substances to the host. These substances are supposedly produced in unicellular
      salivary gland cells and injected into the wound at the feeding site through tiny
      salivary ductule openings in the jaws that the leech uses to slice open the host
      body surface and to cut blood vessels in the depth of the wound. This review
      summarizes current knowledge about the salivary gland cells and the biological
      effects of individual saliva components as well as hints to the potential
      usefulness of some of these compounds for medical purposes.

PMID- 22069061
TI  - Predictors of early cessation of dairy farming in the French Doubs province: 12
      year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A healthy worker effect due to respiratory disability has been noted
      in the farming population, but other factors may also interfere. Little has been
      published about factors influencing the early cessation of work in self-employed
      dairy farmers. METHODS: Two hundred and nineteen dairy farmers were included from
      a cohort constituted in eastern France in 1993-1994 with a 12-year follow-up.
      Spirometric data, personal, and farm characteristics were registered. Cox models
      with delayed entry in which age was the time-scale were applied to identify the
      baseline predictive factors of the early cessation of dairy farming. RESULTS:
      Working in a modern farm was protective against early cessation of dairy farming
      (hazard ratio: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.16-0.81]), especially in men. Having asthma was a
      predictive factor of early cessation, especially in women (hazard ratio: 16.12
      [95% CI: 3.28-79.12]). CONCLUSIONS: The most predictive factors of early
      cessation of dairy farming were health related in women and farm related in men.

PMID- 22069062
TI  - Fat grafting versus adipose-derived stem cell therapy: distinguishing
      indications, techniques, and outcomes.
AB  - With adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) at the forefront of research and potential
      clinical applications, it is important that clinicians be able to distinguish
      them from the fat grafting currently used clinically and to understand how the
      two approaches relate to one another. At times, there has been confusion in
      clinically considering the two therapies to be the same. This report is aimed at
      distinguishing clearly between fat grafting and ASC therapy with regard to the
      indications, harvesting, processing, application techniques, outcomes, and
      complications. Findings have shown that autologous fat transfer, a widely used
      procedure for soft tissue augmentation, is beneficial for reconstructive and
      cosmetic procedures used to treat patients with volume loss due to disease,
      trauma, congenital defects, or the natural process of aging. On the other hand,
      ASCs have been identified as an ideal source of cells for regenerative medicine,
      with the potential to serve as soft tissue therapy for irradiated, scarred, or
      chronic wounds. Recent advances in tissue engineering suggest that the
      supplementation of fat grafts with ASCs isolated in the stromal vascular fraction
      may increase the longevity and quality of the fat graft. Research suggests that
      ASC supplementation may be a great clinical tool in the future, but more data
      should be acquired before clinical applications.

PMID- 22069064
TI  - [Prevention of vertical HIV-1 transmission in a tertiary care public hospital in
      Buenos Aires, Argentina].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of mother-child binomium (MCB),
      antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis, time trends, and variables associated with
      vertical transmission of HIV-1 in a population assisted by a tertiary public
      hospital in Argentina. METHODS: Prospective descriptive study undertaken by the
      Hospital Cosme Argerich s Vertical Transmission Working Group, Buenos Aires city,
      Argentina 1998-2008. Periods 1998-2003 vs. 2004-2008 were compared and variables
      associated with vertical transmission identified. RESULTS: Of 357 MCB, 21.0% of
      the mothers had HCV coinfection and 68.0% CD4 < 500/uL. During pregnancy, 75.0%
      received ARV: zidovudine (17.8%), zidovudinelamivudine (19.8%), zidovudine
      lamivudine-nevirapine (41.9%), and zidovudinelamivudine-protease inhibitor
      (11.4%); 74.0% had viral load (VL) peripartum < 1 000 copies/mL. Caesarean
      delivery: 58.0%. Intrapartum zidovudine: 83.4%; 98.0% of infants received
      prophylaxis; zidovudine monotherapy was the most frequently used (73.0%). Of
      neonates, 15.4% had low birthweight and 6.7% were premature. The global vertical
      transmission was 3.3% (10/302). Comparing both periods, an increase in triple ARV
      and VL < 1 000 copies/mL in peripartum and a decrease in the absence of
      maternal/neonatal prophylaxis and overall VT was observed. The vertical
      transmission for 2004-2008 was 1.3% vs. 6.3% in Buenos Aires city (official
      statistics). Absence of maternal/intrapartum prophylaxis and prematurity were
      associated with vertical transmission (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: A decline in overall vertical transmission between the two periods
      was observed attributable to increased coverage of maternal/neonatal ARV
      administration and increased use of triple therapy. The absence of
      maternal/intrapartum prophylaxis was the main factor associated with vertical
      transmission, emphasizing the need to improve accessibility of MCB to the local
      public health system.

PMID- 22069065
TI  - Intervention to prevent intestinal parasitic reinfections among Tarahumara
      indigenous schoolchildren in northern Mexico.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 20-week, broad intervention to
      prevent reinfection by Ascaris lumbricoides (AL) and Giardia lamblia (GL) among
      indigenous schoolchildren in northern Mexico. METHODS: A prospective,
      comparative, ecological study. Two isolated boarding schools, each hosting 100
      120 children, 4-15 years of age, were selected based on physical infrastructure:
      intervention school (IS), modern; control school (CS), deprived. After initial
      diagnosis, children with positive stool samples received supervised treatment
      with oral nitazoxanide. Diagnoses were made with at least one positive
      microscopic result from two serial samples using the Faust technique, as reported
      by the independent observations of two trained, laboratory technicians. Post
      treatment samples were taken, and only those with negative results were followed
      up. The intervention included infrastructure improvements/maintenance and an
      educational preventive program for children, parents, and school personnel; no
      activities were undertaken in the CS. RESULTS: Baseline prevalence for AL was
      37.5% at the IS versus 16.6% at the CS (P < 0.01); and for GL, 51.7% versus
      37.8%, respectively. At the IS, 35.7% did not speak Spanish, compared to 6.7% in
      the CS (P < 0.01). Cure rates were similar in both schools for AL (~ 98%) and GL
      (~ 80%). Final prevalence and reinfection rates for GL were 10.4% versus 10.8%,
      and 17.2% versus 21% at the IS and CS, respectively. No children were
      infected/reinfected with AL in either school. Follow-up rates were 80%-83% at the
      CS and 90%-95% at the IS. CONCLUSIONS: Infection/reinfection rates were similar
      at the schools after 20 weeks. Supervised treatment alone every semester could
      effectively control AL/GL infections in this indigenous setting.

PMID- 22069066
TI  - [Perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive
      walking devices].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding
      the use of assistive walking devices (AWD). METHODS: Twenty-three individuals who
      met the inclusion criteria and used AWD were recruited from a database of 360
      stroke survivors. Their mean age was 58.4 years, mean time since stroke was 80.8
      months, and mean time using AWD was 67.6 months. To assess the participants'
      perception, was used a standardized questionnaire covering the impact of AWDs on
      five aspects: weight-bearing on the paretic limb; ability to move the paretic
      limb; confidence; safety; and walking style. Possible answers were "improved,"
      "unchanged," or "decreased." RESULTS: Fourteen individuals used canes and nine
      used elbow crutches; 21 (91.3%) used AWDs on public roads and only two (8.7%)
      used AWDs at home. The perception regarding the use of AWDs were positive in the
      first four questions (6.87 < chi2 < 29.83; 0.0001 < P < 0.03), with reports of
      improvement in weight-bearing (82.6%), ability to move the paretic limb (39.1%),
      confidence (82.6%), and safety (86.9%). No significant differences were found in
      terms of walking style (chi2 = 1.09; P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of
      chronic hemiplegic subjects regarding the use of AWD were positive, suggesting
      that these devices can improve mobility and independence in activities of daily
      living.

PMID- 22069063
TI  - Silencing disease genes in the laboratory and the clinic.
AB  - Synthetic nucleic acids are commonly used laboratory tools for modulating gene
      expression and have the potential to be widely used in the clinic. Progress
      towards nucleic acid drugs, however, has been slow and many challenges remain to
      be overcome before their full impact on patient care can be understood. Antisense
      oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the two most
      widely used strategies for silencing gene expression. We first describe these two
      approaches and contrast their relative strengths and weaknesses for laboratory
      applications. We then review the choices faced during development of clinical
      candidates and the current state of clinical trials. Attitudes towards clinical
      development of nucleic acid silencing strategies have repeatedly swung from
      optimism to depression during the past 20 years. Our goal is to provide the
      information needed to design robust studies with oligonucleotides, making use of
      the strengths of each oligonucleotide technology.

PMID- 22069067
TI  - [Epidemiological and economic impact of tetanus vaccination in Colombian adults].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess the potential epidemiological and economic impact of
      vaccinating the over-15 Colombian population against tetanus with a booster dose
      every 10 years. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis of tetanus vaccination
      with a booster dose every 10 years was conducted in Colombia and compared with
      the current strategy (2, 4, 6, 18, and 60 months). Estimates of the burden of
      disease were based on three official data sources. A Markov model from the
      perspective of the third party payer was developed. The time horizon was the
      lifetime of a person. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were
      conducted. RESULTS: In Colombia, 30 to 48 cases of tetanus resulting in 9.6 to
      10.1 deaths are reported each year. Although booster vaccination for the entire
      population was cost-effective (the cost per disability-adjusted life year [DALY]
      avoided was US$ 11,314 in the entire population), gender-based differentiation of
      the results showed that it would not be cost-effective in women (cost per DALY
      avoided was US$ 4,903 in men and US$ 22,332 in women). CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first study that evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a tetanus vaccine booster
      dose every 10 years in a developing country. Use of this measure would be cost
      effective in Colombia, especially for men. As a result of the gender-based
      differences in the results, any decision about its use in women of childbearing
      age should take current vaccination into account.

PMID- 22069068
TI  - Implementation and progress of an inclusive primary health care model in
      Guatemala: coverage, quality, and utilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a primary health care model designed specifically for
      Guatemala that has been implemented in two demonstration sites since 2004 and
      present results of a process evaluation of utilization, service coverage, and
      quality of care from 2005 to 2009. METHODS: Coverage, utilization, and quality
      were assessed by using an automated database linking census and clinical records
      and were reported over time. Key maternal and child health coverage measures were
      compared with national-level measures. RESULTS: The postnatal coverage achieved
      by the Modelo Incluyente de Salud of nearly 100.0% at both sites contrasts with
      the national average of 25.6%. Vaccination coverage for children aged 12-23
      months in the Modelo Incluyente de Salud reached 95.6% at site 1 (Bocacosta,
      Solola) and 92.7% at site 2 (San Juan Ostuncalco), compared with the national
      average of 71.2%. Adherence to national treatment guidelines increased
      significantly at both sites with a marked increase between 2006 and 2007.
      Utilization increased significantly at both sites, with only 7.5% of families at
      site 1 and 11.2% of families at site 2 not using services by the end of the 5
      year period. CONCLUSIONS: Coverage, quality of care, and utilization measures
      increased significantly during the 5-year period when the service delivery model
      was implemented. This finding suggests a strong possibility that the model may
      have a benefit for health outcomes as well as for process measures. The Modelo
      Incluyente de Salud will be financially sustained by the Ministry of Health and
      extended to at least three additional sites. The model provides important lessons
      for primary care programs internationally.

PMID- 22069069
TI  - [Application of the intrinsic estimator to breast cancer mortality rates].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess use of the intrinsic estimator (IE) technique in epidemiology.
      METHODS: The IE approach was applied to the analysis of breast cancer data in
      Argentina in order to observe the trends associated with "age, period, and
      cohort" (APC). This method involves the use of a principal components regression
      to obtain a single set of estimated trends. The results were compared to the
      findings obtained with the conventional method, which consists of adjusting a
      generalized linear model that includes the traditional constraints of the
      statistical model as well as an additional constraint (CGLM). RESULTS: Both
      methods yielded compatible results in the trends associated with APC. However,
      they differed in the confidence intervals, with IE yielding greater efficiency.
      The curve associated with age showed the expected pattern of change across the
      life course: the greater the age, the greater the risk. With regard to cohorts, a
      decrease in the effects associated with the most recent cohorts was evident,
      whereas there was very little variation in the estimated effects for the period.
      CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of the results obtained with the IE method and the CGLM
      method revealed the reach of the generic solution provided by the IE to the
      problem of estimates in an APC model. The IE method is based on conversion of the
      data observed using a weighting matrix that is simple to apply and provides
      estimates with desirable statistical properties.

PMID- 22069070
TI  - [Assessment of the impact of the NGO Refazer on medical care for children at
      social risk].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of activities by the nongovernmental organization
      Refazer in support of medical care for children at social risk. METHODS: A
      longitudinal study was conducted of 77 patients from Rio de Janeiro in treatment
      at the Fernandes Figueira Institute and supported by Refazer. The assessment
      period was two years, one before and the other during the intervention period
      while being supported by the NGO. The percentage of hospitalizations, average
      length of stay, severity of the illness, use of technology, number of outpatient
      consultations, and clinical conditions involved were compared. RESULTS: The
      indicators linked with the hospitalizations revealed changes during the
      intervention period. There was a reduction in the average time and percentage of
      hospitalization. The most common pathologies were congenital malformations,
      chromosomal anomalies, and diseases of the nervous system. These diseases and
      HIV/AIDS were more prevalent in children that remained hospitalized even after
      receiving support from the NGO. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the indicators showed
      that the outcomes are adequate to the NGO's mission and that the population
      helped benefits from participation in the social support network. Although it
      cannot be stated that the benefits found are due exclusively to the activities of
      the NGO, a simple and easy-to-use evaluation of adequacy was developed that NGOs
      themselves can use, representing progress toward the institutional use of
      evaluations by NGOs working in health.

PMID- 22069071
TI  - Patterns and predictors of current cigarette smoking in women and men of
      reproductive age-Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate smoking prevalence by gender, describe patterns of
      cigarette use, and identify predictors of current smoking in reproductive-age
      adults in four Latin American countries. METHODS: Self-reported smoking was
      examined using data from Reproductive Health Surveys of women aged 15-49 years in
      Ecuador (2004), El Salvador (2002-2003), Guatemala (2002), and Honduras (2001),
      and of men aged 15-59 years in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for the same
      years. Current smoking was assessed by demographic characteristics, and
      independent associations were examined using logistic regression. Data were
      weighted to be nationally representative of households with reproductive-age
      women and men. RESULTS: Current smoking prevalence ranged from 2.6% (Guatemala)
      to 13.1% (Ecuador) for women and from 23.1% (Guatemala) to 34.9% (El Salvador)
      for men. In Ecuador, 67.6% of female smokers were non-daily users; in other
      countries, daily use was more prevalent than non-daily use for both men and
      women. In daily users, the median number of cigarettes smoked per day ranged from
      1.9 (Ecuador, Honduras) to 2.3 (Guatemala) for women and from 2.1 (Guatemala) to
      3.6 (Honduras) for men. In bivariate analysis, smoking prevalence in all
      countries was highest in women who lived in urban areas, were previously married,
      and/or had high socioeconomic status. Risk factors for smoking varied by country
      and gender. CONCLUSIONS: National tobacco control programs in these countries
      should aggressively target high-risk populations (reproductive-age men) and
      maintain low prevalence in low-risk populations (reproductive-age women). More
      research is needed to understand addiction patterns in non-daily smokers.

PMID- 22069072
TI  - [Reducing hospitalization with the use of a dengue management algorithm in
      Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of a dengue management algorithm on the
      hospitalization rate of patients with suspected disease in a primary care health
      facility in an endemic area of Colombia. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was
      conducted at the local hospital in Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia, based on
      comparison of two periods (18 weeks each), before and after use of the algorithm.
      This included recommendations for clinical diagnosis of dengue and the planning
      of follow-up visits and hemograms, as well as criteria for hospitalization and
      the discontinuation of follow-up. Hospitalization rates in the two periods were
      compared using the Poisson analysis. The population analyzed consisted of
      patients seen in the facility for acute febrile syndrome. For adjustment
      purposes, the number of dengue cases (IgM positive) identified in the
      municipality was included. RESULTS: Information was obtained on 964 patients in
      the first period and 1350 patients in the second. There were 44 and 13
      hospitalizations during the respective periods. Use of the algorithm was
      associated with a significant reduction in the hospitalization rate (ratio: 0.21;
      95% confidence interval; 0.11-0.39). This association did not change when
      adjusted for the number of dengue cases identified in the city. There were no
      significant differences in the rate of follow-up visits (P = 0.85) and hemograms
      (P = 0.24) in the two periods. There were no case fatalities. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that health care resources for dengue management can be optimized
      with the use of the algorithm.

PMID- 22069073
TI  - Redefining personality disorder: a Jamaican perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize and assess the factor structure of phenomenological
      features of DSM-IV personality disorder diagnosis in Jamaican patients and
      determine any similarities with those of traditional criteria, associations with
      disorder severity, and/or significant relationships between variables to inform
      the current debate on the relevance of established personality disorder
      diagnostics. METHODS: This was a case-control study. All the patients included
      were seen by one private psychiatric practice from 1974 to 2007. The study sample
      group (n = 351) were patients diagnosed as having a personality disorder (DSM-IV
      Axis II). The control group was composed of patients with DSM-IV Axis I clinical
      disorders, who had not been diagnosed with a personality disorder, and matched
      exactly on gender, and closely on age, as well as socioeconomic variables.
      RESULTS: Of the 351 individuals in the study sample group, 166 (47.3%) were male
      and 185 (53.7%) were female; 50 (14.2%) were white and 301 (85.8%) were black;
      293 (83.5%) were born and raised in Jamaica; and 202 (57.6%) were from
      socioeconomic classes I and II. Mean age was 33.92 (standard deviation 10.236).
      Disaggregating the phenomenology, the conventional DSM-IV personality disorder
      diagnoses disappeared. Factor analysis of 38 clinical phenomena identified five
      components: psychosis, major depression, power management problems, psychosexual
      issues, and physiological dependency. Independent t-tests revealed patients
      without personality disorder had significantly higher mean scores for psychosis;
      both groups scored equally for depression; and those with personality disorder
      had significantly higher mean scores on the remaining factors. Analysis of
      variance indicated these factors differed significantly for three levels of
      severity (mild, moderate, and severe). CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenology clustering
      into three major groups suggested an Axis I (clinical) diagnostic disorder of
      impulse control and authority and conflict management.

PMID- 22069074
TI  - [Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the
      Brazilian version of the Motor Activity Log].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross
      cultural adaptation of the Motor Activity Log (MAL), an instrument specifically
      designed to assess function of the more severely affected upper limb in
      hemiplegics. METHODS: The MAL was translated and adapted according to
      standardized procedures and submitted to test-retest reliability assessment
      (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Other psychometric properties were
      investigated using Rasch analysis in 77 chronic hemiplegics (41 men, mean age =
      57.5 +/- 12.4 years). RESULTS: An excellent ICC (0.98) was obtained for the total
      scores of both the quantity and quality MAL scales. When assessing degree of
      difficulty, "using a key to unlock the door" was the most difficult item on the
      quantity scale, whereas "washing hands" was the easiest one. On the quality
      scale, the most difficult item was "using the TV remote control," and the easiest
      one was "drying hands." The analyses showed that the set of items as a whole fit
      into the model; however, the individual analyses indicated that four items did
      not meet the expectations of the model in both the quantity (items 21, 16, 14,
      and 13) and quality (items 9, 21, 23, and 22) scales. Irregular response patterns
      were observed, and five subjects obtained the minimum score. There was
      disagreement between item difficulty and sample ability, suggesting that the
      abilities of individuals were below the degree of difficulty of the assessed
      items. A significant correlation was observed between grip strength of the more
      severely affected upper limb and motor skill measurement among individuals on the
      quantity (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001) and quality scales (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001), and
      also between the two scales when measuring the individuals' motor skills (r =
      0.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MAL-Brazil is potentially useful to evaluate the
      more severely affected upper limb in Brazilian patients with chronic hemiplegia.
      However, the instrument has limitations for use with individuals with severe limb
      impairments. Also, construct validity was affected by the presence of irregular
      score patterns. MAL-Brazil should be applied to additional samples to further
      investigate its validity.

PMID- 22069076
TI  - Situation of bovine tuberculosis in Ecuador.
AB  - Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic and contagious disease that affects
      domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. Caused by Mycobacterium bovis, BTB causes
      major economic losses and poses a serious constraint to international livestock
      trade. Moreover, in developing countries where BTB controls are lacking, M. bovis
      is a public health concern. In most developing countries, the prevalence of BTB
      in livestock is unknown because the information is either not reported or not
      available. In Ecuador, there is no national BTB control program. This article
      reviews the BTB situation in Ecuador by examining exhaustive data from tuberculin
      testing surveys and slaughterhouse surveillance studies conducted in 1972-2008 in
      a variety of the country's geographic areas. In Ecuador, several factors,
      including the dairy industry's expansion (preempted by the high demand for milk
      and its by-products), intensified efforts to increase the cattle population, the
      presence of M. bovis, and a lack of BTB controls, have caused a rise in BTB
      prevalence, and consequently, a growing push for the implementation of a national
      BTB control program.

PMID- 22069075
TI  - [A health care model for the Wayuu people on the Colombian-Venezuelan border].
AB  - At meetings and workshops with Wayuu communities and government officials from
      Colombia and Venezuela, after validating the analysis of the health situation and
      its determinants, the components of a binational health care model for the Wayuu
      people living on the border between the two countries were identified. Although
      both countries have made progress in intercultural health care, some aspects of
      their legislation and service organization still need to be strengthened to make
      the guaranteed right to health a reality. The allocation of new national
      resources-or the redistribution of current resources-should be ensured, as well
      as the management of international resources for conducting a short-term pilot
      project and implementing the model in the medium term.

PMID- 22069077
TI  - Comparison of Comet assay dose-response for ethyl methanesulfonate using freshly
      prepared versus cryopreserved tissues.
AB  - The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is using the Comet assay to evaluate
      genotoxic potential, and is investigating the integration of this assay into
      repeat-dose toxicity studies. To reduce sample-to-sample variability, address
      logistical concerns associated with evaluating multiple tissues from many
      animals, and accommodate sample collection at geographically distant testing
      facilities, tissue samples collected for Comet analysis by the NTP are routinely
      flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a -80 degrees C freezer until
      evaluation. To compare data obtained from frozen tissues to data from freshly
      isolated tissues, we conducted a dose-response study in male Sprague Dawley rats.
      Rats (5 per treatment group) were administered ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS; 0,
      25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) by gavage twice at an interval of 21 hr; blood, liver,
      stomach, and colon tissues were harvested 3 hr after the second treatment. Single
      cell preparations from each of the four tissues were put into Hank's balanced
      salt solution with 10% fresh dimethyl sulfoxide. One aliquot of each tissue
      preparation was used for immediate analysis, while additional aliquots were flash
      frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a -80 degrees C freezer for 1 or 8 weeks.
      One set of 8-week frozen samples was shipped roundtrip via air courier from
      Research Triangle Park, NC to Rochester, NY prior to analysis. For all four
      tissues, results from frozen, nontransported samples showed a similar dose
      response pattern for EMS-induced genotoxicity. We also demonstrated that for
      three tissues (blood, liver, stomach), air transport did not alter the
      sensitivity of the Comet assay for detecting DNA damage.

PMID- 22069078
TI  - Modulatory effects of acupuncture on resting-state networks: a functional MRI
      study combining independent component analysis and multivariate Granger causality
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate acupuncture specificity by exploring causal relationships
      of brain networks following acupuncture at GB40 (Qiuxu), with the acupoint KI3
      (Taixi) as a control (belonging to the same nerve segment but different
      meridians). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Needling at acupoints GB40 and KI3 was
      performed in 12 subjects separately. The specific coherent patterns, resting
      state networks (RSNs), were retrieved by independent component analysis (ICA)
      from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of resting state and post
      acupuncture resting states, respectively. Then multivariate Granger causality
      analysis (mGCA) was applied to evaluate the effective connectivity within and
      among the detected RSNs-default model, memory, executive, auditory, and motor
      brain networks. RESULTS: Following acupuncture at GB40, the strength of causal
      connectivity between the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and anterior insula was
      enhanced, while the connection strength between the STG and postcentral gyrus
      increased following acupuncture at KI3. Additionally, the causal influences
      within the auditory network increased following acupuncture at GB40, in
      comparison with the executive network following acupuncture at KI3. CONCLUSION:
      The current study demonstrates that acupuncture at different acupoints could
      exert different modulatory effects on RSNs. Our findings may help to understand
      the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture specificity.

PMID- 22069079
TI  - Quantification of kinase activity in cell lysates via photopatterned macroporous
      poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel arrays in microfluidic channels.
AB  - The efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as cancer therapeutics varies
      amongst individual patients as a result of patient-specific differences in
      molecular regulation of cancer development and progression, and acquisition of
      resistance to TKIs during therapy. A sensitive assay that can quantify kinase
      activity and predict inhibition of that activity from minimally invasive patient
      tissue samples may aid design of efficacious individualized TKI treatments. A
      microfluidic format can be useful in reducing limitations in standard protein
      kinase assays, including sensitivity required and low sample volume available. We
      present photopatterned macroporous poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel
      pillars functionalized with kinase substrates within microchannels for
      quantifying kinase activity in complex cellular lysates. We determined the effect
      of using a porogen to induce macroporosity in hydrogel pillars and showed that
      hydrogel poration enhanced the sensitivity of detecting Bcr-Abl activity in cell
      lysates by an order of magnitude. Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase activity in K562 cell
      lysates could be detected from 0.01 MUg/MUL of cell lysate, corresponding to
      approximately 500 cells, using GST-Crkl immobilized in macroporous hydrogels.
      This device was also capable of quantifying inhibition of Bcr-Abl activity by
      imatinib mesylate, which demonstrates the potential to predict the biochemical
      response to drug inhibitors. These results indicate that microfluidic devices
      containing macroporous hydrogels functionalized with kinase substrates provide a
      promising platform for sensitive and specific quantification of kinase activity
      and efficacy of kinase inhibitors in cancer cell lysates.

PMID- 22069080
TI  - Microstructuring of multiwell plates for three-dimensional cell culture
      applications by ultrasonic embossing.
AB  - Since three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models better reflect tissues in vivo
      in terms of cell shape and microenvironment compared to conventional monolayer
      cultures, 3D tissue culture substrates gain more importance for a wide range of
      biological applications like drug discovery, toxicological studies, cancer and
      stem cell research. In this study we developed a method for the fabrication of 3D
      cell culture substrates in a multiwell plate format by microstructuring the
      bottom of 96-well cell culture plates using an ultrasonic embossing process. The
      resulting microstructured area consists of cubic microcavities in which adherent
      multicellular aggregates can be formed. We performed the biological evaluation of
      the system with the liver-derived human cell-line HepG2 and compared the novel
      substrate with a commercially available 3D culture system comprising porous
      alginate sponges. Metabolic activity (alamarBlue(r) reduction) and induction of
      four biotransformation enzymes (EROD, ECOD, UGT, SULT) were determined by
      fluorimetry or HPLC. Our results revealed that HepG2 cells in microstructured
      plates showed a higher mitochondrial activity, as well as enzyme activity of ECOD
      and UGT after treatment with an inducer when compared to cells cultured in
      alginate sponges at otherwise comparable conditions. Since we have modified
      standard cell culture plates, the obtained system is adaptable to automated
      screening and might be useful for all kinds of cultures including adult,
      progenitor and stem cells which need a 3D culture configuration to restore or
      maintain the differentiated status.

PMID- 22069081
TI  - Perception of the end position of a limb loaded with a weight.
AB  - We examined the effect of loading a weight on the perception of the end position
      of the limb. The participants haptically perceived where the end of their limb
      was located while they swung the limb or statically held it. The results showed
      that the loading of a weight influenced participants' perception only when they
      swung the limb; when the weight was attached to a participant's hand, the
      position was perceived to be farther from the body than when the weight was
      attached to the forearm or no weight was attached. We also found that the end
      position was generally underestimated when the participants swung their limb. On
      the other hand, when the participants statically held their limb, the perceived
      position was not affected by the loading of the weight and was rather precise.
      These results suggest that the perceptual system for limb end position is
      sensitive to changes in the surrounding haptic information caused by moving the
      limb.

PMID- 22069083
TI  - The impact of category separation on unsupervised categorization.
AB  - Most previous research on unsupervised categorization has used unconstrained
      tasks in which no instructions are provided about the underlying category
      structure or in which the stimuli are not clustered into categories. Few studies
      have investigated constrained tasks in which the goal is to learn predefined
      stimulus clusters in the absence of feedback. These studies have generally
      reported good performance when the stimulus clusters could be separated by a one
      dimensional rule. In the present study, we investigated the limits of this
      ability. Results suggest that even when two stimulus clusters are as widely
      separated, as in previous studies, performance is poor if within-category
      variance on the relevant dimension is nonnegligible. In fact, under these
      conditions, many participants failed even to identify the single relevant
      stimulus dimension. This poor performance is generally incompatible with all
      current models of unsupervised category learning.

PMID- 22069082
TI  - Curved apparent motion induced by amodal completion.
AB  - We investigated whether amodal completion can bias apparent motion (AM) to
      deviate from its default straight path toward a longer curved path, which would
      violate the well-established principle that AM follows the shortest possible
      path. Observers viewed motion sequences of two alternating rectangular tokens
      positioned at the ends of a semicircular occluder, with varying interstimulus
      intervals (ISIs; 100-500 ms). At short ISIs, observers tended to report simple
      straight-path motion-that is, outside the occluder. But at long ISIs, they became
      increasingly likely to report a curved-path motion behind the occluder. This
      tendency toward reporting curved-path motion was influenced by the shape of
      tokens, display orientation, the gap between tokens and the occluder, and
      binocular depth cues. Our results suggest that the visual system tends to
      minimize unexplained absence of a moving object, as well as its path length, such
      that AM deviates from the shortest path when amodal integration of motion
      trajectory behind the curved occluder can account for the objective invisibility
      of the object during the ISI.

PMID- 22069084
TI  - Productivity enhancement of C=C bioreductions by coupling the in situ substrate
      feeding product removal technology with isolated enzymes.
AB  - To overcome the usually low productivities of the C=C bond bioreduction of
      alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes we combined the in situ substrate feeding
      product removal (SFPR) technology with a cascade system comprising an isolated
      ene-reductase and a chemoselective alcohol dehydrogenase.

PMID- 22069085
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro enzymatic and antiviral evaluation of phosphoramidate d4T
      derivatives as chain terminators.
AB  - The anti-HIV activity of nucleoside analogues is highly related to their
      substrate specificity for cellular and viral kinase and, as triphosphate, for HIV
      RT. A series of phosphoramidate d4T derivatives have been synthesized and
      evaluated as substrates for HIV-1 RT, and also tested for their in vitro anti-HIV
      activity. Compounds 2 and 4 are able to inhibit HIV-1 replication to the same
      extent as d4T and d4TMP in MT-4 cells as well as in CEM/0 cells and CEM/TK(-)
      cells. The data suggests that these phosphoramidates are hydrolysed to d4T before
      exerting their antiviral activity.

PMID- 22069086
TI  - Dinuclear Rh(II) pyrazolates as CVD precursors for rhodium thin films.
AB  - New dinuclear rhodium(II) pyrazolate (Pz) complexes of formula Rh(2)(3-R,5
      R'Pz)(4).2L (R = R' = CF(3), L = H(2)O (1), CH(3)CN (2)) and Rh(2)(3-R,5-R'Pz)(4)
      (R = R' = (t)Bu (3); R = CF(3), R' = (t)Bu (4)) have been synthesized from the
      interaction of the lithium salt of the corresponding pyrazole with Rh(2)(OAc)(4)
      in diethyl ether. The complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography and
      spectroscopic methods. They were further evaluated as precursors for the chemical
      vapor deposition (CVD) of Rh thin films using H(2) as the carrier gas. The
      resulting films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

PMID- 22069087
TI  - Risk factors for elevated INR values during warfarin therapy in hospitalized
      pediatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently no data describing the incidence of or risk
      factors for elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR) values in patients
      receiving warfarin at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. By minimizing risk
      factors for elevated INR values patient morbidity may be minimized. PROCEDURES: A
      6-year retrospective chart review of inpatient admissions at our institution that
      received warfarin was performed. Factors for elevated INR values, such as patient
      demographics, disease state, and medication interactions were reviewed. Patients
      with an INR value >= 0.5 above the upper limit of the goal range were compared to
      patients without an elevated INR value. A logistic regression analysis was
      performed to identify independent variables for elevated INR values. RESULTS: A
      total of 298 patient admissions (184 patients) met study criteria, and the
      largest patient population was between 1 and 12 years old (36.9%). The most
      common indication for warfarin was mitral valve replacement (25.5%). An elevated
      INR occurred in 20.8% of admissions. Logistic regression analysis identified
      Asian race, an elevated baseline INR value, warfarin initiation after cardiac
      surgery, days of inpatient warfarin therapy, and drug interactions with
      ciprofloxacin and lansoprazole as independent variables for an elevated INR value
      (P < 0.05). Obesity was significant as an independent variable for a non-elevated
      INR value (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated INR values occur often in patients
      receiving warfarin while admitted to a tertiary care pediatric facility and
      modifiable risk factors exist for elevated INR values.

PMID- 22069089
TI  - Editorial: Biotechnology Journal shines the spotlight on ACB-2011.

PMID- 22069092
TI  - Meeting report: ACB-2011 Shanghai - "biotechnology for better life".

PMID- 22069094
TI  - Cancer hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles.
AB  - Magnetic-nanoparticle-mediated intracellular hyperthermia has the potential to
      achieve localized tumor heating without any side effects. The technique consists
      of targeting magnetic nanoparticles to tumor tissue followed by application of an
      external alternating magnetic field that induces heat through Neel relaxation
      loss of the magnetic nanoparticles. The temperature in tumor tissue is increased
      to above 43 degrees C, which causes necrosis of cancer cells, but does not damage
      surrounding normal tissue. Among magnetic nanoparticles available, magnetite has
      been extensively studied. Recent years have seen remarkable advances in magnetite
      nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia; both functional magnetite nanoparticles and
      alternating-magnetic-field generators have been developed. In addition to the
      expected tumor cell death, hyperthermia treatment has also induced unexpected
      biological responses, such as tumor-specific immune responses as a result of heat
      shock protein expression. These results suggest that hyperthermia is able to kill
      not only local tumors exposed to heat treatment, but also tumors at distant
      sites, including metastatic cancer cells. Currently, several research centers
      have begun clinical trials with promising results, suggesting that the time may
      have come for clinical applications. This review describes recent advances in
      magnetite nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia.

PMID- 22069095
TI  - Evaluating (13)C enrichment data of free amino acids for precise metabolic flux
      analysis.
AB  - Metabolic flux analysis using (13)C enrichment data of intracellular free amino
      acids (FAAs) can improve the time resolution of flux estimation compared to
      analysis of proteinogenic amino acid data owing to the faster turnover times of
      FAAs. The nature of the (13)C enrichment dynamics of FAAs remains obscure,
      however, especially with regard to its dependence on culture conditions, even
      though an understanding of dynamic behavior is important for precise metabolic
      flux estimation. In this study, we analyzed the (13)C enrichment dynamics of free
      and proteinogenic amino acids in a series of continuous culture experiments with
      Escherichia coli. The results indicated that the effect of protein degradation on
      the (13)C enrichment of FAAs was negligible under cellular growth conditions.
      Furthermore, they showed that the time scale necessary for (13)C enrichment
      dynamics of FAAs to reach a steady state depends on culture conditions such as
      oxygen uptake rate, which was likely due to different pool sizes of intracellular
      metabolites. The results demonstrate the importance of analyzing (13)C enrichment
      dynamics for the precise estimation of metabolic fluxes using FAA data.

PMID- 22069097
TI  - A special issue on sleep.

PMID- 22069098
TI  - Immunohistochemical detection of dopamine D2 receptors in neuroendocrine tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, dopamine D2 receptors (RD2) have been found to be expressed
      in neuroendocrine tumours (NET), the tumours which arise from the diffuse
      neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, successful trials of the treatment of NET with
      cabergoline - D2 agonist, have been reported. These findings increase the
      interest of investigating RD2 expression in NET. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      expression of RD2 was investigated immunohistochemically using the antibody which
      recognises both short (S) and long (L) isoforms of the receptor in 17 NET samples
      taken from 15 patients. RESULTS: In 17 NET samples, a positive reaction with the
      anti-RD2 antibody occurred in 11 cases. In six cases, the localisation of the
      immunostaining was cytoplasmic and in nine cases it was nuclear. Only in one case
      was the receptor cell membrane-located, and in two cases the immunoreaction was
      also localised in the blood vessels walls. The relation between RD2 expression
      and the grade of malignancy examined by means of Ki-67 antigen expression needs
      further study. However, preliminary observations indicate that the nuclear
      localisation of RD2 is linked to higher tumour malignancy. The next investigated
      question was the co-expression of somatostatin and dopamine receptors. This
      question seems important because of the perspectives of somatostatin-dopamine
      chimeras application in NET treatment. In the samples examined by us, RD2 were co
      expressed in 5/10 cases with sstr1, in 3/10 with sstr2A, in 2/9 with sstr2B, in
      3/10 with sstr3, and in 5/10 with sstr5. CONCLUSION: Dopamine D2 receptors are
      revealed by means of immunohistochemistry in the majority of NET. They exhibit
      cytoplasmic and/or nuclear localisations, the latter being possibly linked to a
      higher grade of malignancy, and are often co-expressed with somatostatin
      receptors (mostly with subtypes1 and 5).

PMID- 22069099
TI  - Efficacy and safety of 90Y-DOTATATE therapy in neuroendocrine tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of
      peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with the use of the high affinity
      somatostatin receptor subtype 2 analogue, (90)Y labelled Tyr3-octreotate, ((90)Y
      DOTATATE) in neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 46 patients
      with disseminated or non-operable NET were enrolled in this study. The (90)Y
      DOTATATE therapeutic activity was calculated per total body surface area up to a
      total of 7.4 GBq/m(2) administered in three to five cycles, repeated every four
      to nine weeks. Before and after the therapy, blood tests for haematology, kidney
      and liver function, and chromogranin A were performed. RESULTS: Out of 46 (90)Y
      DOTATATE treated patients, one died before completing the therapy and 16 died
      after completing the therapy, among them one due to myocardial infarction. After
      12 month follow-up, stabilisation of disease was observed in 47%, partial
      remission in 31%, and progression in 9% of the 45 patients who completed the
      therapy. Five patients died before completion of 12 months of follow-up. One of
      the patients died due to myocardial infarction. In one case, the information
      after 12 months is incomplete. The progression free survival was 37.4 months.
      During 12 months follow-up, transient decrease of PLT, WBC and haemoglobin values
      was observed. A transient increase of creatinine level (within normal ranges) and
      decrease of GFR values were found. CONCLUSIONS: NETs (90)Y-DOTATATE therapy
      results in symptomatic relief and tumour mass reduction. The mild critical organ
      toxicity does not limit the PRRT of NETs.

PMID- 22069100
TI  - The predictive value of the IGF-1 level in acromegaly patients treated by surgery
      and a somatostatin analogue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the predictive value of IGF-1 against hGH in the
      treatment outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken of 47
      patients (mean age 41.1 +/- 12.9 years; 44 with macroadenoma and 3 with
      microadenoma), requiring treatment with octreotide LAR (SSLAR) following
      incomplete surgery. Concentrations of hGH and IGF-1 were measured three months
      after surgery and three, six, nine, 12, 18, and 24 months after introducing
      SSLAR. RESULTS: Following surgery, respective median values of hGH and IGF-1
      concentrations were 5.55 ng/mL (IQR = 7.1) and 512.7 ng/mL (IQR = 379.5). After
      six, 12, and 24 months of SSLAR treatment, median values of hGH decreased
      significantly: to 2.95 ng/mL (IQR = 5.5, p < 0.05), 2.95 ng/mL (IQR = 4.4, p <
      0.05) and 2.00 ng/mL (IQR = 3.6, p < 0.001), respectively. After six, 12, and 24
      months of SSLAR treatment, the respective median IGF-1 concentrations
      significantly decreased to 384.5 ng/mL (IQR = 312.2, p < 0.01), 323.0 ng/mL (IQR
      = 230.3, p < 0.001) and 334.0 ng/mL (IQR = 328.9, p < 0.01). The differences
      between median hGH and IGF-1 concentrations at 12 and 24 months were not
      significant. A statistically significant correlation was found between IGF-1
      concentration prior to and after surgery (R = 0.61, p < 0.05) and prior to SSLAR
      treatment and IGF-1 concentration 24 months later (R = 0.49, p < 0.05). No such
      correlation was observed for hGH. CONCLUSIONS: The level of IGF-1 prior to
      surgery and prior to SSLAR treatment is a better predictor of the treatment
      outcome than hGH. Octreotide LAR was most effective over the first 12 months of
      treatment. No further significant decrease of hGH or IGF-1 levels was observed
      past this period.

PMID- 22069101
TI  - Fibrinogen and D-dimers levels in patients with hyperthyroidism before and after
      radioiodine therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various abnormalities of haemostasis have been described in patients
      with hyperthyroidism. The results of different studies point to the underlying
      thyroid disease, especially severity of hyperthyroidism and autoimmune processes,
      as important factors contributing to coagulation-fibrinolytic balance. The
      objective of this study was to investigate the association between
      hyperthyroidism (concerning severity of thyroid dysfunction and anti-thyroid
      perioxidase antibodies level) and plasma fibrinogen and D-dimers levels before
      and after radioiodine therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 35 non
      smoking, postmenopausal women, aged 51-69, with subclinical or overt
      hyperthyroidism treated with radioiodine. Analysis comprised serum TSH (thyroid
      stimulating hormone), fT4 (free thyroxine), fT3 (free triiodothyronine), TPO
      antibodies (anti-thyroid perioxidase) levels, and plasma D-dimers and fibrinogen
      levels before and 12-16 weeks and 24-28 weeks after radioiodine therapy. RESULTS:
      Elevated fibrinogen (3.82 g/L +/- 0.75, reference range 2-4.5 g/L) and D-dimers
      (674.26 ng/mL +/- 652.71, reference range 70-490 ng/mL) levels were observed in
      subjects with hyperthyroidism. They decreased after radioiodine therapy. A
      negative correlation between plasma fibrinogen and D-dimers levels and anti
      thyroid perioxidase antibodies level was found. TSH, fT4 and fT3 correlated with
      D-dimers level in overt hyperthyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthyroidism is
      associated with a tendency toward hypercoagulation and hyperfibrinolysis. The
      changes observed in plasma fibrinogen and D-dimers levels are reversible.
      Fibrinogen level decreases within reference range and D-dimers level decreases
      almost to the upper reference range. They depend on severity and autoimmunity of
      the underlying thyroid disease and may be modified by restoring euthyroidism.

PMID- 22069102
TI  - Age, place of living and education influences the pregnancy universal thyroid
      function screening program attendance - questionnaire study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess attendance at the universal
      screening programme for thyroid function in pregnancy and attempt to evaluate the
      influence of age, number of past pregnancies, level of education, and place of
      residence on the attendance. The study was performed by means of a questionnaire.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study was performed on the basis of an anonymous
      questionnaire handed out to 543 women aged 16-45 years, on the third day of their
      puerperal stay in one of five obstetric wards in southern Poland. The
      questionnaire contained questions about participation in plasma level
      measurements of TSH, fT4, total T4, thyroid antibodies or thyroid ultrasound
      scanning at least once in pregnancy. RESULTS: The rate of attendance at any
      examination of thyroid function among pregnant women was 26.7%. The highest
      attendance rate (32.7%) was found among women living in provincial capitals or
      with higher education (41.3%), whereas the lowest was among women who had
      completed only primary school (11%) and those living in county towns (15%). The
      number of previous pregnancies did not influence the thyroid screening
      attendance. Women over 21 years of age participated in this screening programme
      more frequently (27.1-30%). CONCLUSION: Less than one third of pregnant women
      participated in the thyroid function screening. Place of living, education level,
      and age were the main factors influencing the attendance rate.

PMID- 22069103
TI  - Effects of thyroid autoimmunity on abdominal obesity and hyperlipidaemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroid autoimmunity has been suggested as a risk factor for
      atherosclerosis independent of thyroid function in several studies. The aim of
      this study was to investigate whether thyroid autoimmunity had any effect on
      hyperlipidaemia, obesity and abdominal obesity independent of thyroid function.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: 184 premenopausal female patients with Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis (HT) and 150 healthy premenopausal female volunteers as control group
      (CG) were included in the study. According to thyroid function status, the
      patients were divided into three subgroups: overt hypothyroid patients (ohp),
      subclinical hypothyroid patients (shp) and euthyroid patients (ep). Body mass
      index (BMI), waist to hip ratios, waist circumference (WC), and serum lipid
      levels of all the participants were determined. These parameters of ep were
      compared with those of ohp, shp and CG. Relationships among thyroid stimulating
      hormone (TSH), thyroid autoantibodies and lipid levels were investigated.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences between serum total cholesterol
      and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of ohp and ep with HT (P =
      0.18, P = 0.07 respectively) and LDL-C levels of ep were higher than those of CG
      (P = 0.03, P = 0.042, respectively). Although TSH levels did not correlate with
      serum lipid levels, levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody correlated with
      triglyceride levels and WCs (r = 0.158; P = 0.013, r = 0.128; P = 0.048
      respectively) and negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDL-C) levels (r = -0.137; P = 0.031). Levels of anti-thyroglobulin antibody
      also correlated with triglyceride and nonHDL-C levels (r = 0.208; P = 0.007, r =
      0.158; P = 0.043 respectively). CONCLUSION: Thyroid autoimmunity may have some
      effects on hyperlipidaemia and abdominal obesity independent of thyroid function.

PMID- 22069104
TI  - Relation of leptin, adiponectin and insulin resistance to bone mineral density in
      type 2 diabetic postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aim is to identify the relation of leptin, adiponectin and
      insulin resistance to bone mineral density (BMD) in type 2 diabetic
      postmenopausal women and compare it with that experienced by nondiabetics.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy six postmenopausal female patients were included in
      the study. Postmenopausal type 2 diabetic (n = 19) and nondiabetic patients (n =
      19) with spine and/or hip BMD T score lower than -2 were included in the study,
      and postmenopausal type 2 diabetic (n = 20) and nondiabetic women (n = 18) with
      normal BMD (T score > -1) were selected as control groups. Those receiving
      therapy for osteoporosis, over the age of 65, those who had a disease and were
      taking a medication that could affect bone metabolism were excluded. Biochemical
      tests, as well as leptin, adiponectin and insulin levels, were measured and
      insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA test. RESULTS: There was no
      correlation between low BMD and leptin, adiponectin and insulin resistance. There
      was only a negative correlation between leptin and femur Ward's triangle BMD.
      CONCLUSION: Further large-scale studies must to be performed in order to analyse
      the effects of leptin, adiponectin and insulin resistance on bone metabolism in
      type 2 diabetic patients.

PMID- 22069105
TI  - Increased risk of type 1 diabetes in Polish children - association with INS-IGF2
      5'VNTR and lack of association with HLA haplotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) complex and INS-IGF2 5'VNTR loci are
      principal determinants of the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Carriage
      of class III allele is protective, while class I/I homozygosity increases the
      risk of T1DM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HLA and 5'VNTR allele frequencies were
      summarised and multivariate logistic regression models with interaction
      evaluation were employed to determine the presence and types of allele effect
      interdependency. The study group was planned to number 590 children who would
      undergo genotyping of 5'VNTR and HLA. RESULTS: 590 patients (302 with T1DM and
      288 controls) were recruited. Frequencies of HLA risk alleles were: 117 carriers
      of DR3-DQ2; 130 carriers of DR4-DQ8 including 43 DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 heterozygotes.
      In all cases, risk alleles were vastly overrepresented in the T1DM group compared
      to the controls (p < 0.0001 in all cases). The most frequent protective haplotype
      was DQB1 * 0602 observed in 24 controls and two T1DM cases (p < 0.001). Class I
      5'VNTR homozygotes constituted 58% of the control group (n = 174) and 78% (n =
      224) of T1DM patients [OR = 2.63 (95% CI: 1.79-3.57)]. Interactions between
      5'VNTR and DR3-DQ2 or DR4-DQ8 variants did not reach statistical significance for
      risk of developing T1DM (p = 0.54 and 0.24) or age at its diagnosis (p = 0.14 and
      0.67 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Interactions between HLA and 5'VNTR genotype are
      not of multiplicative character. Class I homozygosity at 5'VNTR is a significant
      risk factor of T1DM and acts independently from HLA haplotype in determining the
      actual risk of diabetes in children.

PMID- 22069106
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - part 1: in physiology and
      pathophysiology.
AB  - Angiogenesis is an important component of many physiological processes, such as
      the female sexual cycle, placenta formation, the processes of growth and
      differentiation of tissues, and reparative processes including wound healing,
      fracture repair, and liver regeneration. The formation of new blood vessels
      during angiogenesis and vasculogenesis allows the growth and functioning of
      multicellular organisms. Pathological angiogenesis most commonly occurs in
      ischaemic, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Conditions in the pathogenesis
      of which angiogenesis plays an important role are sometimes labelled angiogenic
      diseases. To date, a number of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors have been defined.
      VEGF is the only specific mitogen for endothelial cells. It stimulates their
      growth and inhibits apoptosis, increases vascular permeability in many tissues,
      promotes vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGF signalling activity in relation to
      the cell is dependent on having its specific membrane receptors (Flt-1, KDR, Flt
      4). Angiogenesis plays a protective role in ischaemic heart disease and
      myocardial infarction. Angiogenesis extends life for patients after a stroke.
      Most of the facts about physiological angiogenesis are derived from studies into
      liver regeneration as a result of an acute injury or partial hepatectomy.
      Pathological hepatic angiogenesis occurs in the course of inflammation, fibrosis,
      hypoxia, and during tumourogenesis. There is interesting data relating to liver
      steatosis and obesity.

PMID- 22069107
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - part 2: in endocrinology and
      oncology.
AB  - Endocrine glands are well vascularised and the structure of their vessels
      facilitates the exchange of various substances, including hormones. These glands
      are a frequent experimental model in research on VEGF and angiogenesis. VEGF
      participates in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is in essence
      a microvascular disease that develops as a result of a confluence of haemodynamic
      and metabolic perturbations. Diabetic retinopathy is the commonest microvascular
      complication of diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of blindness. In
      diabetic retinopathy, ischaemic states, and hence tissue hypoxia and
      angiogenesis, take place. The participation of angiogenesis and VEGF in the
      pathogenesis of neoplastic disease has been described in many papers. VEGF
      protein and mRNA have been found in cancers of the thyroid, bronchus, lungs,
      oesophagus, stomach, colon, liver, breast, ovary, uterus, kidney, and urinary
      bladder, and in malignant tumours of the brain and bone. There have been many
      reports of the connections between the degree of VEGF expression and tumour
      aggression and prognosis in patients. Richly vascularised are GEP NET. In
      neuroendocrine tumours, strong expression of VEGF, Flt-1 and KDR in relation to
      the unchanged surrounding tissues has been demonstrated. Depending on the disease
      entity or the degree of its severity, attempts to apply angiogenic and
      antiangiogenic therapy have being made. Antiangiogenic therapy (usually regarded
      as a form of cancer therapy) is based on: 1. inhibitory effects of proangiogenic
      ligands and their receptors; 2. stimulation or delivery of angiogenesis
      inhibitors; and 3. direct destruction of neoplastic tumour vasculature.

PMID- 22069108
TI  - Suppurative thyroiditis caused by Salmonella enteritidis.
AB  - Bacterial thyroiditis is a rare disease, and one of which the clinical symptoms
      and signs are frequently misleading. On the other hand, prompt diagnosis is
      crucial for successful treatment. We report the case of an 82 year-old man with
      diabetes mellitus type 2 and a history of steroid treatment who presented with
      severe odynophagia and dysphagia associated with fever, chills, sore throat and
      right ear pain. Based on the clinical picture, radiological studies, thyroid
      cytology, blood and thyroid aspirate culture, suppurative thyroiditis caused by
      Salmonella enteritidis was diagnosed. The patient was successfully treated with
      antibiotics and surgical drainage.

PMID- 22069109
TI  - Transplantation osteoporosis.
AB  - Transplantation provides a valuable, often life-saving, treatment for end-stage
      failure of many organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas and lungs.
      It is also an important therapeutic option in diseases of the bone marrow and the
      immune system. Despite the undoubted benefits for transplant patients, it is
      associated with an increased risk of many complications. The potential causes
      include: poor general health of the patient, heavy burden of the surgery itself
      and the need for the long-term use of immunosuppression. In addition, the
      patients are also on numerous other medications, e.g. anti-coagulants, diuretics.
      Osteoporosis and high risk of fractures have emerged as frequent and devastating
      complications of the transplantation process. This article provides a review of
      the current literature on osteoporosis after transplantation, and the treatment
      options for this serious illness.

PMID- 22069110
TI  - Improved synthesis and mutagenicity of oligonucleotides containing 5
      hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine.
AB  - 5-Formylcytosine (fC or (5-CHO)dC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (caC or (5-COOH)dC)
      have recently been identified as constituents of mammalian DNA. The nucleosides
      are formed from 5-methylcytosine (mC or (5-Me)dC) via 5-hydroxymethylcytosine
      (hmC or (5-HOMe)dC) and are possible intermediates of an active DNA demethylation
      process. Here we show efficient syntheses of phosphoramidites which enable the
      synthesis of DNA strands containing these cytosine modifications based on Pd(0)
      catalyzed functionalization of 5-iododeoxycytidine. The first crystal structure
      of fC reveals the existence of an intramolecular H-bond between the exocyclic
      amine and the formyl group, which controls the conformation of the formyl
      substituent. Using a newly designed in vitro mutagenicity assay we show that fC
      and caC are only marginally mutagenic, which is a prerequisite for the bases to
      function as epigenetic control units.

PMID- 22069111
TI  - Antidepressant effects of magnetic resonance imaging--based stimulation on major
      depressive disorder: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Antidepressant effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based stimulation have
      been reported in animal studies, but no human studies are available on subjects
      with major depressive disorder. Here, the efficacy of two diagnostic MRI
      protocols (echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T1-weighted imaging)
      was assessed in patients with major depressive disorder. In this double-blind
      randomized clinical trial, 51 patients with clinically proven major depressive
      disorder were randomly enrolled into three equal groups. All patients were
      receiving a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor as the only antidepressant
      treatment. The first group received echo-planar DW stimulation (DWI group), the
      second group received T1-weighted stimulation (T1 group), and the third group
      experienced a similar condition without receiving any magnetic stimulation (sham
      group). The Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD24) and Beck depression
      inventory (BDI) were used to assess the effect of MR stimulation on depressive
      symptoms. In comparison to baseline, mean HAMD24 and BDI scores significantly (p
      < 0.001) decreased in the DWI (by 35% and 39%) and T1 (by 38% and 39%) groups 2
      weeks after MR stimulation. In the sham group, reduction in HAMD24 (19%, p =
      0.04) and BDI score (15%, p = 0.07) were lower than the MR stimulation groups.
      Two weeks after the MR experiments, changes in mean HAMD24 score and BDI score
      were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in subjects treated with MR stimulation (DWI
      or T1) vs. sham group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the antidepressant
      effects of DWI and T1 MRI protocols. Our results may point to usefulness of MR
      stimulation for clinical use in patients with major depressive disorder.

PMID- 22069112
TI  - Barriers to staff adoption of a surgical safety checklist.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Implementation of a surgical checklist depends on many organisational
      factors and on socio-cultural patterns. The objective of this study was to
      identify barriers to effective implementation of a surgical checklist and to
      develop a best use strategy. SETTING: 18 cancer centres in France. DESIGN: The
      authors first assessed use compliance and completeness rates of the surgical
      checklist on a random sample of 80 surgical procedures performed under general or
      loco-regional anaesthesia in each of the 18 centres. They then developed a
      typology of the organisational and cultural barriers to effective checklist
      implementation and defined each barrier's contents using data from collective and
      semi-structured individual interviews of key staff, the results of an email
      questionnaire sent to the 18 centres, and direct observations over 20 h in two
      centres. RESULTS: The study consisted of 1440 surgical procedures, 1299
      checklists, and 28 578 items. The mean compliance rate was 90.2% (0, 100). The
      mean completion rate was 61% (0, 84). 11 barriers to effective checklist
      implementation were identified. Their incidence varied widely across centres. The
      main barriers were duplication of items within existing checklists (16/18
      centres), poor communication between surgeon and anaesthetist (10/18), time spent
      completing the checklist for no perceived benefit, and lack of understanding and
      timing of item checks (9/18), ambiguity (8/18), unaccounted risks (7/18) and a
      time-honoured hierarchy (6/18). CONCLUSIONS: Several of the barriers to the
      successful implementation of the surgical checklist depended on organisational
      and cultural factors within each centre. The authors propose a strategy for
      change for checklist design, use and assessment, which could be used to construct
      a feedback loop for local team organisation and national initiatives.

PMID- 22069114
TI  - Do older patients' perceptions of safety highlight barriers that could make their
      care safer during organisational care transfers?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare is a series of complex, interwoven systems in which any
      discontinuities of care may affect the safety of patients, who have been reported
      to perceive safety differently to clinicians. This study aimed to explore patient
      perceptions of safety and identify how they can be used to construct additional
      barriers to reduce safety incidents within organisational care transfers, which
      are known to be high in risk. DESIGN: Appreciative Inquiry (AI) methodology was
      used to develop semi-structured interviews, using the Discover and Dream
      processes of AI. Fourteen patients (four men, 10 women; average age 76.2 years)
      were purposively recruited from NHS community care teams, social care homes and
      private nursing homes based on their experience of going through organisational
      care transfers. Thematic analysis was used to highlight key themes, which
      participants verified. FINDINGS: Communication, responsiveness and avoidance of
      traditional safety risks were identified as being important for patients to feel
      safe. Communication and responsiveness were mapped onto the Swiss-Cheese model of
      safety, presenting two new barriers to safety incidents. Traditional risks and
      the role of trust are discussed in relation to patients feeling safe. CONCLUSION:
      Perceptions of safety such as communication and responsiveness were similar to
      those found in previous studies. Mapping these perceptions onto the Swiss-Cheese
      model of safety identifies how further defences, barriers and safeguards can be
      constructed to make people feel safer by reinforcing communication and
      responsiveness. Traditional risks are widely published, but the identification by
      patients reinforces the role they can play in identifying and reporting these
      risks.

PMID- 22069113
TI  - Effects of a multicentre teamwork and communication programme on patient
      outcomes: results from the Triad for Optimal Patient Safety (TOPS) project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving communication between caregivers is an important approach
      to improving safety. OBJECTIVE: To implement teamwork and communication
      interventions and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes. DESIGN: A
      prospective, interrupted time series of a three-phase INTERVENTION: a run-in
      period (phase 1), during which a training programme was given to providers and
      staff on each unit; phase 2, which focused on unit-based safety teams to identify
      and address care problems using skills from phase 1; and phase 3, which focused
      on engaging patients in communication efforts. SETTING: General medical inpatient
      units at three northern California hospitals. PATIENTS: Administrative data were
      collected from all adults admitted to the target units, and a convenience sample
      of patients interviewed during and after hospitalisation. MEASUREMENTS:
      Readmission, length of stay and patient reports of teamwork, problems with care,
      and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: 10 977 patients were admitted; 581 patients
      (5.3% of total sample) were interviewed in hospital, and 313 (2.9% overall, 53.8%
      of interviewed patients) completed 1-month surveys. No phase of the study was
      associated with adjusted differences in readmission or length of stay. The phase
      2 intervention appeared to be associated with improvement in reports of whether
      physicians treated them with respect, whether nurses treated them with respect or
      understood their needs (p<0.05 for all). Interestingly, patients were more likely
      to perceive that an error took place with their care and agreed less that their
      caregivers worked well together as a team. No phase had a consistent impact on
      patient reports of care processes or overall satisfaction. Limitations The study
      lacks direct measures of patient safety. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to simultaneously
      improve caregivers' ability to troubleshoot care and enhance communication may
      improve patients' perception of team functions, but may also increase patients'
      perception of safety gaps.

PMID- 22069115
TI  - Getting the message: a quality improvement initiative to reduce pages sent to the
      wrong physician.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One in seven pages are sent to the wrong physician and may result in
      unnecessary delays that potentially threaten patient safety. The authors aimed to
      implement a new team-based paging process to reduce pages sent to the wrong
      physician. METHODS: The authors redesigned the paging process on general internal
      medicine (GIM) wards at a Canadian academic medical centre by implementing a
      standardised team-based paging process (pages directed to one physician
      responsible for receiving pages on behalf of the entire physician team) using
      rapid-cycle change methods. The authors evaluated the intervention using a
      controlled before-after study design by measuring pages sent to the wrong
      physician before and after implementation of the redesigned paging process.
      RESULTS: Pages sent to the wrong physician from the GIM (intervention) wards
      decreased from 14% to 3% (11% reduction), while pages sent to the wrong physician
      from control wards fell from 13% to 7% (6% reduction). The difference between the
      intervention wards and the control wards was significant (5% greater reduction in
      the intervention group compared with the control group, p=0.008). Nurses were
      more satisfied with team-based paging than the existing paging process. Team
      based paging may, however, introduce changes in communication workflow that lead
      to increased paging interruptions for certain members of the physician team.
      CONCLUSIONS: The authors successfully redesigned the hospital's paging process to
      decrease pages sent to the wrong physician. They recommend that the frequency of
      pages sent to the wrong physician is measured and changes be implemented to
      paging processes to reduce this error.

PMID- 22069116
TI  - Systems human factors: how far have we come?

PMID- 22069117
TI  - Mothers' differential treatment of adolescent siblings: predicting college
      attendance of sisters versus brothers.
AB  - Current estimates suggest that by 2015, 60% of college students will be women, a
      change since 1970 when 59% were men. We investigated family dynamics that might
      explain the growing gender gap in college attendance, focusing on an ethnically
      diverse sample of 522 mixed sex sibling dyads from the National Longitudinal
      Study of Adolescent Health. We examined whether the difference between sisters'
      and brothers' reports of their mothers' expectations for, and involvement in,
      their education during adolescence predicted their differential odds of college
      attendance seven years later. Sisters were more likely than brothers to attend
      college, and this gap was more pronounced among non-Whites and non-Asians.
      Sisters also had higher grades in school than their brothers. Although there were
      no gender differences overall in maternal educational expectations or
      involvement, brothers reported greater maternal involvement than sisters in non
      White and non-Asian families. After controlling for family background factors,
      the average of siblings' reports of maternal treatment, and differences between
      siblings' grades, the results revealed that as sisters reported greater maternal
      educational expectations than their brothers, it became more likely that only the
      sister rather than only the brother in the family attended college. The
      difference between brothers' and sisters' reports of their mothers' educational
      involvement and their odds of attending college showed the same pattern of
      association but was not statistically significant. These results suggest that
      within-family social comparisons may play a role in sisters' and brothers'
      choices about attending college.

PMID- 22069118
TI  - Domestication bottlenecks limit genetic diversity and constrain adaptation in
      narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.).
AB  - In contrast to most widespread broad-acre crops, the narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus
      angustifolius L.) was domesticated very recently, in breeding programmes isolated
      in both space and time. Whereas domestication was initiated in Central Europe in
      the early twentieth century, the crop was subsequently industrialized in
      Australia, which now dominates world production. To investigate the ramifications
      of these bottlenecks, the genetic diversity of wild (n = 1,248) and domesticated
      populations (n = 95) was characterized using diversity arrays technology, and
      adaptation studied using G * E trials (n = 31) comprising all Australian
      cultivars released from 1967 to 2004 (n = 23). Principal coordinates analysis
      demonstrates extremely limited genetic diversity in European and Australian
      breeding material compared to wild stocks. AMMI analysis indicates that G * E
      interaction is a minor, albeit significant effect, dominated by strong responses
      to local, Western Australian (WA) optima. Over time Australian cultivars have
      become increasingly responsive to warm, intermediate rainfall environments in the
      northern WA grainbelt, but much less so to cool vegetative phase eastern
      environments, which have considerably more yield potential. G * E interaction is
      well explained by phenology, and its interaction with seasonal climate, as a
      result of varying vernalization responses. Yield differences are minimized when
      vegetative phase temperatures fully satisfy the vernalization requirement
      (typical of eastern Australia), and maximized when they do not (typical of WA).
      In breeding for WA optima, the vernalization response has been eliminated and
      there has been strong selection for terminal drought avoidance through early
      phenology, which limits yield potential in longer season eastern environments.
      Conversely, vernalization-responsive cultivars are more yield-responsive in the
      east, where low temperatures moderately extend the vegetative phase. The
      confounding of phenology and vernalization response limits adaptation in narrow
      leafed lupin, isolates breeding programmes, and should be eliminated by widening
      the flowering time range in a vernalization-unresponsive background.
      Concomitantly, breeding strategies that will widen the genetic base of the
      breeding pool in an ongoing manner should be initiated.

PMID- 22069119
TI  - Identification, validation and high-throughput genotyping of transcribed gene
      SNPs in cassava.
AB  - The availability of genomic resources can facilitate progress in plant breeding
      through the application of advanced molecular technologies for crop improvement.
      This is particularly important in the case of less researched crops such as
      cassava, a staple and food security crop for more than 800 million people. Here,
      expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from five drought stressed and well
      watered cassava varieties. Two cDNA libraries were developed: one from root
      tissue (CASR), the other from leaf, stem and stem meristem tissue (CASL).
      Sequencing generated 706 contigs and 3,430 singletons. These sequences were
      combined with those from two other EST sequencing initiatives and filtered based
      on the sequence quality. Quality sequences were aligned using CAP3 and embedded
      in a Windows browser called HarvEST:Cassava which is made available.
      HarvEST:Cassava consists of a Unigene set of 22,903 quality sequences. A total of
      2,954 putative SNPs were identified. Of these 1,536 SNPs from 1,170 contigs and
      53 cassava genotypes were selected for SNP validation using Illumina's GoldenGate
      assay. As a result 1,190 SNPs were validated technically and biologically. The
      location of validated SNPs on scaffolds of the cassava genome sequence (v.4.1) is
      provided. A diversity assessment of 53 cassava varieties reveals some sub
      structure based on the geographical origin, greater diversity in the Americas as
      opposed to Africa, and similar levels of diversity in West Africa and southern,
      eastern and central Africa. The resources presented allow for improved genetic
      dissection of economically important traits and the application of modern
      genomics-based approaches to cassava breeding and conservation.

PMID- 22069120
TI  - Analysis of current treatments used in clinical practice in a pediatric summer
      camp population for children with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many treatment options exist for children with inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD), yet the lack of clinical guidelines for management has lead to
      great variation in care. The purpose of this project was to evaluate current
      treatment modalities in children from the Northeast US who applied to the 2010
      session of Camp Oasis, a Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
      sponsored camp for children ages 8-17 with medically stable IBD. METHODS: Patient
      demographics, medical history, and current medications were entered into the camp
      database. The subjects were divided into two groups; Crohn's disease (CD) or
      ulcerative colitis/indeterminate colitis (UC/IC). In all, 164 applicants were
      included, 121 (74%) with CD and 43 (26%) with UC/IC. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences between the two groups with respect to median age at the
      time of camp, median age at diagnosis, or median length of illness. Of the 121
      applicants with CD, 13 (10.7%) were on an antibiotic, 56 (46.3%) were on a 5
      aminosalicylate (5-ASA), 10 (8.3%) were on corticosteroids, 57 (47.1%) were on
      immunomodulators, and 44 (36.4%) were on a biologic agent. Six (5%) were on both
      an immunomodulator and a biologic agent. Of the 43 subjects with UC/IC, 27
      (62.7%) were on a 5-ASA, two (4.7%) were on corticosteroids, 13 (30.2%) were on
      an immunomodulator, and four (9.3%) were on a biologic agent. The groups were
      similar with regard to surgery (20.7% for CD and 18.6% for UC/IC). CONCLUSIONS:
      Identifying current treatment patterns may serve to highlight variations in care
      among this pediatric IBD population.

PMID- 22069121
TI  - Treating and downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe with
      yttrium-90 radioembolization.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the technical feasibility, safety,
      efficacy, and potential to downstage patients to within transplantation criteria
      when treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of the caudate lobe
      using Y90 radioembolization. METHODS: During a 4-year period, 8 of 291 patients
      treated with radioembolization for unresectable HCC had disease involving the
      caudate lobe. All patients were followed for treatment-related
      clinical/biochemical toxicities, serum tumor marker response, and treatment
      response. Imaging response was assessed with the World Health Organization (WHO)
      and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) classification
      schemes. Pathologic response was reported as percent necrosis at explantation.
      RESULTS: Caudate lobe radioembolization was successfully performed in all eight
      patients. All patients presented with both cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
      Half were United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) stage T3 (n = 4, 50%). Fatigue
      was reported in half of the patients (n = 4, 50%). One (13%) grade 3/4 bilirubin
      toxicity was reported. One patient (13%) showed complete tumor response by WHO
      criteria, and three patients (38%) showed complete response using EASL
      guidelines. Serum AFP decreased by more than 50% in most patients (n = 6, 75%).
      Four patients (50%) were UNOS downstaged from T3 to T2, three of who underwent
      transplantation. One specimen showed histopathologic evidence of 100% complete
      necrosis, and two specimens demonstrated greater than 50% necrosis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Radioembolization with yttrium-90 appears to be a feasible, safe, and effective
      treatment option for patients with unresectable caudate lobe HCC. It has the
      potential to downstage patients to transplantation.

PMID- 22069122
TI  - An update on the pathology and clinical management of gouty arthritis.
AB  - Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory condition associated with debilitating
      clinical symptoms, functional impairments, and a substantial impact on quality of
      life. This condition is initially triggered by the deposition of monosodium urate
      crystals into the joint space. This causes an inflammatory cascade resulting in
      the secretion of several proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil recruitment
      into the joint. While generally effective, currently available agents are
      associated with a number of adverse events and contraindications that complicate
      their use. Based on our increased understanding of the inflammatory pathogenesis
      of gouty arthritis, several new agents are under development that may provide
      increased efficacy and reduced toxicity.

PMID- 22069123
TI  - Agricultural injury risk among rural California public high school students:
      prospective results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize prospective agricultural injury experience among
      rural California Central Valley public high school students enrolled in
      agricultural sciences curriculum. METHODS: The University of California, Davis
      Youth Agricultural Injury Study (UCD-YAIS) examined prospective farm-work injury
      among students from 10 California Central Valley public high schools. RESULTS: Of
      eligible subjects, 882 (62.5%) completed at least one annual follow-up survey. Of
      these, 489 reported farm work in the previous year, including 40 (8.2%) with at
      least one farm work-related injury. Fractures were the most common injury,
      especially among girls. Girls were more likely to suffer animal-related injury
      and boys injury from motor vehicles, machinery, or tool use. Prospective injury
      risk was strongly associated with prior-year farm injury (OR 8.53; 95% CI 4.02,
      18.1) and farm work hours. After adjustment for farm work hours, grade level, and
      sex, risk was significantly associated with machinery operation, applying
      chemicals, number of hazardous tasks performed, riding motorcycles or mopeds,
      riding in back of an uncovered pick-up truck, and smoking. Risky attitude toward
      farm safety was associated prospectively with injury in stepwise fashion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents are at risk for serious farm-work injuries. Although
      limitations on hazardous tasks and farm work hours are likely to be the most
      efficacious means for reducing injury, education will play an important role.
      Education should include inculcating safety-related attitudes and habits and
      focus on hazardous tasks, such as those involving animals (for girls) and motor
      vehicles and machinery (for boys), especially among youth with prior farm injury.

PMID- 22069124
TI  - Calpain 2-dependent IkappaBalpha degradation mediates CPT-11 secondary resistance
      in colorectal cancer xenografts.
AB  - CPT-11 (irinotecan), the first-line chemotherapy for advanced stage colorectal
      cancer, remains inactive in about half of patients (primary chemoresistance) and
      almost all initial responders develop secondary resistance after several courses
      of treatment (8 months on average). Nude mice bearing HT-29 colon cancer
      xenografts were treated with CPT-11 and/or an NF-kappaB inhibitor for two
      courses. We confirm that NF-kappaB inhibition potentiated CPT-11 anti-tumoural
      effect after the first course of treatment. However, tumours grew again at the
      end of the second course of treatment, generating resistant tumours. We observed
      an increase in the basal NF-kappaB activation in resistant tumours and in two
      resistant sublines, either obtained from resistant HT-29 tumours (HT-29R cells)
      or generated in vitro (RSN cells). The decrease of NF-kappaB activation in HT-29R
      and RSN cells by stable transfections with the super-repressor form of
      IkappaBalpha augmented their sensitivity to CPT-11. Comparing gene expression
      profiles of HT-29 and HT-29R cells, we identified the S100A10/Annexin A2 complex
      and calpain 2 as over-expressed potential NF-kappaB inducers. SiRNA silencing of
      calpain 2 but not of S100A10 and/or annexin A2, resulted in a decrease in NF
      kappaB activation, an increase in cellular levels of IkappaBalpha and a partial
      restoration of the CPT-11 sensitivity in both HT-29R and RSN cells, suggesting
      that calpain 2-dependent IkappaBalpha degradation mediates CPT-11 secondary
      resistance. Thus, targeted therapies directed against calpain 2 may represent a
      novel strategy to enhance the anti-cancer efficacy of CPT-11.

PMID- 22069125
TI  - Obesity: the greatest epidemic of the 21st century?

PMID- 22069126
TI  - Who are the low-risk patients that could benefit from watch-and-wait regarding
      the neck?
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The management of clinically negative neck is
      controversial, with an ongoing debate on the indication criteria and prognostic
      impact of different types of therapy. The aim here was to compare the results
      from neck dissection and watch-and-wait, among oral cancer patients who,
      clinically, did not show any evidence of neck metastasis. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Retrospective analysis in a tertiary cancer center hospital. METHODS: Patients
      with epidermoid oral carcinoma were assessed. The inclusion criteria were:
      primary tumor restricted to the oral/oropharyngeal cavity, no previous treatment,
      surgical treatment as the first option, clinical/radiological stage N0 and no
      distant metastasis. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-two patients were analyzed.
      The length of follow-up ranged from four to 369.6 months and, at the end, 118
      patients were alive, 53 had died due to cancer, 84 had died from other causes and
      7 had died after the operation. Among the patients who underwent neck dissection,
      lymphatic vascular embolization (P = 0.009) and tumor thickness (P = 0.002) were
      significant for regional recurrence, while for the watch-and-wait group, only
      tumor thickness was significant (P = 0.018). Through recursive partitioning, the
      patients without adverse prognostic factors and tumor thickness < 2 mm presented
      compatible results in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Elective neck dissection seems
      to be the best treatment option. Patients who are eligible for watch-and-wait
      constitute a small group that, ideally, is categorized according to the
      postoperative pathological findings.

PMID- 22069127
TI  - Costs and usage of healthcare services before and after open bariatric surgery.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Morbidly obese individuals are major consumers of
      healthcare services, with high associated costs. Bariatric surgery is an
      alternative for improving these individuals' comorbidities. There are no studies
      comparing costs before and after bariatric surgery in Brazil. The aim here was to
      analyze results relating to healthcare usage and direct costs among morbidly
      obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical
      cohort study on patients receiving healthcare through a private health plan in
      Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. METHODS: All healthcare services and their
      associated costs were included in the analysis: hospitalization, hospital stay,
      elective outpatient consultations, emergency service usage and examinations. The
      analyses were treated as total when including the whole years before and after
      surgery, or partial when excluding the three-month periods adjacent to the
      operation. RESULTS: For 382 obese patients who underwent open bariatric
      operations, there were 53 hospitalizations one year before and 95 one year after
      surgery (P = 0.013). Gastrointestinal complications were the main indications for
      post-procedure hospitalizations. The partial average cost almost doubled after
      the operation (US$ 391.96 versus US$ 678.31). In subgroup analysis, the costs
      from patients with gastrointestinal complications were almost four times greater
      after bariatric surgery. Even in the subgroup without complications, the partial
      average cost remained significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Although bariatric
      surgery is the only path towards sustained weight loss for morbidly obese
      patients, the direct costs over the first year after the procedure are greater.
      Further studies, with longer follow-up, might elucidate whether long-term
      reversal of this trend would occur.

PMID- 22069128
TI  - Prevalence of prediabetes in patients with metabolic risk.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis of prediabetes should be done to avoid
      complications relating to diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim here was to assess the
      prevalence of prediabetes among individuals at high risk of developing DM, and to
      seek variables relating to glucose intolerance (GI) among individuals with normal
      fasting plasma glucose (FPG). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at
      Hospital do Servidor Publico Estadual, Sao Paulo. METHODS: The FPG and glucose
      tolerance test (GTT) were analyzed, from which the subjects were divided as
      follows: group 1 (FPG and GTT both normal), group 2 (normal FPG but abnormal
      GTT), group 3 (abnormal FPG but normal GTT), and group 4 (FPG and GTT both
      abnormal). The subjects' clinical, laboratory and anthropometric profile was
      determined. RESULTS: 138 subjects were studied: 44 in group 1, 11 in group 2, 33
      in group 3 and 50 in group 4. The prevalence of prediabetes was 68.0%. Group 4
      individuals were older than group 1 individuals [69.0 (55.5-74.0) versus 58.9 +/-
      11.8 years; P < 0.05], with greater prevalence of risk conditions for DM [5.0
      (4.0-5.0) versus 4.0 (3.0-5.0); P < 0.05]. Among individuals with normal FPG, GI
      prevalence was 20.0%. No variables analyzed correlated with GTT. CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of prediabetes was 68.0%, and 20.0% of subjects with normal FPG had
      GI. Although some anthropometric, clinical and laboratory variables have been
      correlated with DM and prediabetes, none, except for GTT, was able to screen for
      GI among subjects with normal FPG in the present study.

PMID- 22069129
TI  - Prevalence of breast cancer in the city of Goiania, Goias, Brazil, between 1988
      and 2002.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown increased prevalence rates for breast
      cancer, relating to higher incidence, longer survival and breast cancer
      prevention programs among populations. The aim here was to analyze the annual
      prevalence of breast cancer in Goiania over a 15-year period. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      This was a cross-sectional study on women with breast cancer diagnosed in
      Goiania, Goias, Brazil, from 1988 to 2002. METHODS: The breast cancer cases were
      identified in the database of the Population-Based Cancer Registry of Goiania.
      The 15-year period was stratified into three five-year periods. The cases were
      followed up for five years, and the mortality database was used to exclude
      deaths. The population of the official census was used as the denominator for
      rate calculations. RESULTS: The coefficient of breast cancer prevalence in
      Goiania was 22.87/100,000 in 1988 and 220.22/100,000 women in 2002. The analyses
      for periods showed that in the first period, the rate was 19.39/100,000 and that
      it was 44.79/100,000 in the last period. For the fifteen years analyzed, the
      prevalence rate for breast cancer was 127.24/100,000 women. The annual percentage
      change was 27.07 (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, CI: 20.79-33.67) from 1988
      to 1992 and 9.39 (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 8.52-10.25) from 1992 to 2002. CONCLUSION:
      There was an increase in the breast cancer prevalence rate in the city of Goiania
      between 1988 and 2002, possibly relating to the improvement in the screening and
      treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 22069130
TI  - Characteristics of ascitic fluid from patients with suspected spontaneous
      bacterial peritonitis in emergency units at a tertiary hospital.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a complication
      of ascites, especially in cirrhosis. Ascitic fluid with 250 or more
      neutrophils/mm3 is an acceptable criterion for diagnosis, even when bacterial
      fluid cultures are negative. The aims here were to estimate SBP frequency among
      emergency room patients based on cellular criteria and evaluate the biochemical
      profile of these fluids. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at a public
      tertiary hospital. METHODS: Laboratory records of patients with ascites attended
      in emergency rooms between November 2001 and November 2006, from whom ascitic
      fluid samples were sent to the laboratory due to suspected SBP, were evaluated.
      The 691 samples included were divided into group A (presumed SBP: >= 250
      neutrophils/mm3; n = 219; 31.7%) and group B (no presumed SBP: < 250
      neutrophils/mm3; n = 472; 68.3%). Patients' sex and age; ascitic fluid
      characteristics (numbers of neutrophils, leukocytes and nucleated cells);
      bacteriological characteristics; and protein, lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine
      deaminase and glucose concentrations were evaluated. RESULTS: Among group A
      cultured samples, 63 (33.8%) had positive bacterial cultures with growth of
      pathogens commonly associated with SBP. In total, the group A samples showed
      higher lactate dehydrogenase levels than seen in the group B samples. The latter
      presented predominance of lymphocytes and macrophages. CONCLUSION: Among the
      ascitic fluid samples with clinically suspected SBP, 31.7% fulfilled the cellular
      diagnostic criteria. Positive bacterial isolation was found in 33.8% of the
      cultured samples from the presumed SBP group.

PMID- 22069131
TI  - Canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways: a comparison between endometrial cancer
      type I and atrophic endometrium in Brazil.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The Wnt pathway is involved in tumorigenesis of several
      tissues. For this reason, we proposed to evaluate Wnt gene expression in
      endometrial cancer type I. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on materials
      gathered from the tissue bank of the Department of Pathology, Universidade
      Federal de Sao Paulo. METHODS: Endometrial specimens were obtained from surgeries
      performed between 1995 and 2005 at Sao Paulo Hospital, Universidade Federal de
      Sao Paulo. The material was divided into two groups according to tissue type:
      Group A, atrophic endometrium (n = 15); and Group B, endometrial adenocarcinoma
      (n = 45). We compared the immunohistochemical expression of Wnt1, Frizzled-1
      (FZD1), Wnt5a, Frizzled-5 (FZD5) and beta-catenin between endometrial cancer type
      I and atrophic endometrium. RESULTS: Regarding Wnt1, FZD1 and Wnt5a expression,
      no significant association was observed between the groups. A significant
      association was observed between the groups in relation to FZD5 expression (P =
      0.001). The proportion of FZD5-positive samples was significantly higher in group
      A (80.0%) than in group B (31.1%). Regarding the survival curve for FZD5 in group
      B, we did not find any significant association between atrophic endometrium and
      endometrial adenocarcinoma. We also did not find any significant association
      regarding beta-catenin expression (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: FZD5 is downregulated
      in endometrial adenocarcinoma, in comparison with atrophic endometrium.

PMID- 22069132
TI  - Efficacy of a specific model for cognitive-behavioral therapy among panic
      disorder patients with agoraphobia: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is frequently indicated for
      panic disorder. The aim here was to evaluate the efficacy of a model for
      cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating panic disorder with agoraphobia. DESIGN
      AND SETTING: Randomized clinical trial at Instituto de Psiquiatria da
      Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: A group of 50 patients with a
      diagnosis of panic disorder with agoraphobia was randomized into two groups to
      receive: a) cognitive-behavioral therapy with medication; or b) medication
      (tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). RESULTS:
      Although there was no difference between the groups after the treatment in
      relation to almost all variables with the exception of some items of the Sheehan
      disability scale and the psychosocial and environmental problems scale, the
      patients who received the specific therapy presented significant reductions in
      panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, agoraphobia avoidance and fear of body
      sensations at the end of the study, in relation to the group without the therapy.
      On the overall functioning assessment scale, overall wellbeing increased from
      60.8% to 72.5% among the patients in the group with therapy, thus differing from
      the group without therapy. CONCLUSION: Although both groups responded to the
      treatment and improved, we only observed significant differences between the
      interventions on some scales. The association between specific cognitive
      behavioral therapy focusing on somatic complaints and pharmacological treatment
      was effective among this sample of patients with panic disorder and the response
      was similar in the group with pharmacological treatment alone.

PMID- 22069133
TI  - Lumiracoxib for acute postoperative dental pain: a systematic review of
      randomized clinical trials.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Lumiracoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug that has been
      used to treat acute dental pain, mainly in postsurgical settings, in which the
      greatest levels of pain and discomfort are experienced during the first 24 hours.
      This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of lumiracoxib for treating
      acute postsurgical dental pain. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review developed
      at the Brazilian Cochrane Centre, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo. METHODS: An
      electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs
      (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciencias da Saude), SciELO
      (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Embase databases. A manual search was
      also performed. Only randomized controlled trials were included, and these were
      selected and assessed by two researchers with regard to the risk of bias.
      RESULTS: Three clinical trials with 921 participants were included. Lumiracoxib
      400 mg produced onset of analgesia in a shorter time than shown by lumiracoxib
      100 mg, celecoxib 200 mg and ibuprofen 400 mg. There was no difference between
      lumiracoxib 400 mg and rofecoxib 50 mg. In two studies, the mean time taken to
      attain onset of analgesia for the placebo was not estimated because the number of
      participants who reached onset was too small. CONCLUSION: There is evidence with
      a moderate risk of bias that recommends the use of lumiracoxib for acute
      postoperative dental pain. However, the adverse effects are not completely known.
      Given that lumiracoxib is currently available in only three countries, further
      studies are likely to be rare and discouraged.

PMID- 22069134
TI  - Testicular adrenal rest tumor in infertile man with congenital adrenal
      hyperplasia: case report and literature review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone is impaired in patients with
      congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) because of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Men
      with CAH have low fertility rates compared with the normal population, and this
      is related to testicular adrenal rest tumors. Findings of azoospermia in
      combination with a testicular tumor on ultrasound are likely to have a mechanical
      cause, especially when in the testicular mediastinum. The preferred treatment
      method consists of intensive corticoid therapy. However, when the tumor is
      unresponsive to steroid therapy, surgical treatment should be considered. CASE
      REPORT: We present the case of a male patient with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase
      deficiency who presented a testicular tumor and azoospermia. Treatment with low
      daily corticoid doses had previously been started by an endocrinologist, but
      after 12 months, no significant change in sperm count was found. Although the
      adrenocorticotrophic hormone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels returned to normal
      values, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone and
      testosterone levels remained unchanged. Ultrasound examination confirmed that the
      testicles were small and heterogenous bilaterally, and revealed a mosaic area at
      the projection of the testis network bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging
      confirmed the finding. Testicular biopsy revealed the presence of preserved
      spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in 20% of the seminiferous tubules in the
      right testicle. The patient underwent testis-sparing tumor resection. After 12
      months of follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence but the patient still
      presented azoospermia and joined an intracytoplasmic sperm injection program.

PMID- 22069135
TI  - Cystic brain metastases radiologically simulating neurocysticercosis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Brain metastases are common complications of cancer. Magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), the main diagnostic imaging method in these cases, rarely shows
      cystic images. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 45-year-old woman who had had
      severe headache for a month that was refractory to medication, and had previously
      had breast cancer, which had been treated. The MRI showed the criteria for
      neurocysticercosis. Since there was no improvement with clinical treatment, we
      chose to excise the lesions. Histopathological analysis showed an epithelioid
      malignant neoplasm. CONCLUSION: From immunohistochemical analysis, it was
      concluded that this was a metastasis of breast carcinoma. Even when the MRI is
      not characteristic of cerebral metastasis, this hypothesis needs to be ruled out
      in patients with a previous history of cancer.

PMID- 22069136
TI  - Hand dysfunction in scleroderma patients.

PMID- 22069137
TI  - Confidential unit exclusion and blood safety.

PMID- 22069140
TI  - Investigations on cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of laser printer emissions in
      human epithelial A549 lung cells using an air/liquid exposure system.
AB  - Exposure to emissions from laser printers during the printing process is
      commonplace worldwide, both in the home and workplace environment. In the present
      study, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the emission from five low to medium
      throughput laser printers were investigated with respect to the release of ozone
      (O(3) ), volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM), and
      submicrometer particles (SMP) during standby and operation. Experiments were
      conducted in a 1 m(3) emission chamber connected to a Vitrocell(r) exposure
      system. Cytotoxicity was determined by the WST-1 assay and genotoxicity by the
      micronucleus test in human A549 lung cells. The five laser printers emitted
      varying but generally small amounts of O(3) , VOC, and PM. VOC emissions included
      13 compounds with total VOC concentrations ranging from 95 to 280 MUg/m(3) (e.g.,
      2-butanone, hexanal, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene). Mean PM concentrations were below
      2.4 MUg/m(3). SMP number concentration levels during standby ranged from 9 to 26
      particles/cm(3). However, three of the printers generated a 90 to 16 * 10(3) 
      fold increase of SMP during the printing process (maximum 294,460
      particles/cm(3)). Whereas none of the printer emissions were found to cause
      cytotoxicity, emissions from two printers induced formation of micronuclei (P <
      0.001), thus providing evidence for genotoxicity. As yet, differences in
      biological activity cannot be explained on the basis of the specific emission
      characteristics of the different printers. Because laser printing technology is
      widely used, studies with additional cytogenetic endpoints are necessary to
      confirm the DNA-damaging potency and to identify emission components responsible
      for genotoxicity.

PMID- 22069141
TI  - Reducing the influence of b-value selection on diffusion-weighted imaging of the
      prostate: evaluation of a revised monoexponential model within a clinical
      setting.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of standard and revised monoexponential models
      of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) data for
      differentiating malignant from benign prostate tissue, using surgical pathology
      as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Institutional Review Board
      waived informed consent for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
      Act (HIPAA)-compliant, retrospective study of 46 patients (median age = 61 years;
      range: 42-85 years) who underwent DW-MRI between May and December 2008 before
      radical prostatectomy for biopsy-proven prostate cancer, had no prior treatment,
      and had whole-mount step-section pathology maps available showing at least one
      peripheral zone (PZ) lesion >0.1 cm(3) . DW-MRI data were obtained for b-values
      of 0, 400, and 700 s/mm(2) . Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were
      estimated from PZ regions of interest (ROIs) on b = 0, 700 and b = 0, 400 s/mm(2)
      images, using a standard monoexponential model. The true diffusion coefficient
      (D) and perfusion fraction (f) were measured using a revised monoexponential
      model incorporating all three b-values. Areas under receiver operating
      characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess the accuracy of individual
      parameters and a logistic regression model combining D and f (D+f) in
      distinguishing malignant ROIs; P < 0.05 denoted significance. RESULTS: ADC(400)
      (AUC = 0.81, P < 0.0001), ADC(700) (AUC = 0.79, P < 0.0001), D (AUC = 0.71, P =
      0.0001) and D + f distinguished malignant from benign ROIs (AUC = 0.82, P <
      0.0001), but f did not (AUC = 0.56, P = 0.28); D + f was significantly more
      accurate than D (P = 0.016) but not more accurate than ADC(400) (P = 0.26) or
      ADC(700) (P = 0.12). CONCLUSION: The true diffusion coefficient provides an
      additional DW-MRI parameter for distinguishing prostate cancer that is less
      influenced than the ADC by b-value selection.

PMID- 22069142
TI  - Neurocognitive outcome in patients with hypertyrosinemia type I after long-term
      treatment with NTBC.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The implementation of NTBC into treatment of hypertyrosinemia type I
      (HT I) greatly improved survival by prevention of acute liver failure and
      hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there are first reports of cognitive
      impairment in patients with elevated plasma tyrosine concentrations. METHODS: We
      here assess the neurocognitive development using standardized psychometric test
      batteries with respect to cognition, motor abilities and speech in nine early
      treated patients with HT I under long-term NTBC treatment. RESULTS: High plasma
      tyrosine concentrations were frequently documented resulting in elevated 12-month
      median plasma tyrosine concentrations in seven out of nine patients. Plasma NTBC
      concentrations were generally in the lower therapeutic range. Five out of seven
      patients (71%) above 3 years of age had a total IQ score below the average. In
      addition, five out of seven patients above 3 years showed an inhomogenous test
      profile with significant differences between the different testing scales. Motor
      abilities were subnormal in four out of seven patients(57%). Cerebral MRI
      revealed no abnormalities. Logopedic evaluation in children at school age
      documented dysfunction or retardation in language development in all but one of
      the tested patients (80%), however, all but one patients had a migration
      background. CONCLUSIONS: A high number of patients performed below normal in the
      assessment of development, motor function and speech. We propose intellectual
      impairment as long-term complication in HT type I with elevated plasma tyrosine
      under NTBC treatment as observed in other hypertyrosinemias. These findings
      remain to be reproduced in greater patient numbers.

PMID- 22069143
TI  - Cystathionine beta-synthase mutants exhibit changes in protein unfolding:
      conformational analysis of misfolded variants in crude cell extracts.
AB  - Protein misfolding has been proposed to be a common pathogenic mechanism in many
      inborn errors of metabolism including cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS)
      deficiency. In this work, we describe the structural properties of nine CBS
      mutants that represent a common molecular pathology in the CBS gene. Using
      thermolysin in two proteolytic techniques, we examined conformation of these
      mutants directly in crude cell extracts after expression in E. coli. Proteolysis
      with thermolysin under native conditions appeared to be a useful technique even
      for very unstable mutant proteins, whereas pulse proteolysis in a urea gradient
      had limited values for the study of the majority of CBS mutants due to their
      instability. Mutants in the active core had either slightly increased unfolding
      (p.A114V, p.E302K and p.G307S) or extensive unfolding with decreased stability
      (p.H65R, p.T191M, p.I278T and p.R369C). The extent of the unfolding inversely
      correlated with the previously determined degree of tetrameric assembly and with
      the catalytic activity. In contrast, mutants bearing aminoacid substitutions in
      the C-terminal regulatory domain (p.R439Q and p.D444N) had increased global
      stability with decreased flexibility. This study shows that proteolytic
      techniques can reveal conformational abnormalities even for CBS mutants that have
      activity and/or a degree of assembly similar to the wild-type enzyme. We present
      here a methodological strategy that may be used in cell lysates to evaluate
      properties of proteins that tend to misfold and aggregate and that may be
      important for conformational studies of disease-causing mutations in the field of
      inborn errors of metabolism.

PMID- 22069144
TI  - On the interpretation of removable interactions: a survey of the field 33 years
      after Loftus.
AB  - In a classic 1978 Memory & Cognition article, Geoff Loftus explained why
      noncrossover interactions are removable. These removable interactions are tied to
      the scale of measurement for the dependent variable and therefore do not allow
      unambiguous conclusions about latent psychological processes. In the present
      article, we present concrete examples of how this insight helps prevent
      experimental psychologists from drawing incorrect conclusions about the effects
      of forgetting and aging. In addition, we extend the Loftus classification scheme
      for interactions to include those on the cusp between removable and nonremovable.
      Finally, we use various methods (i.e., a study of citation histories, a
      questionnaire for psychology students and faculty members, an analysis of
      statistical textbooks, and a review of articles published in the 2008 issue of
      Psychology and Aging) to show that experimental psychologists have remained
      generally unaware of the concept of removable interactions. We conclude that
      there is more to interactions in a 2 * 2 design than meets the eye.

PMID- 22069145
TI  - Contrast class cues and performance facilitation in a hypothesis-testing task:
      evidence for an iterative counterfactual model.
AB  - Hypothesis-testing performance on Wason's (Quarterly Journal of Experimental
      Psychology 12:129-140, 1960) 2-4-6 task is typically poor, with only around 20%
      of participants announcing the to-be-discovered "ascending numbers" rule on their
      first attempt. Enhanced solution rates can, however, readily be observed with
      dual-goal (DG) task variants requiring the discovery of two complementary rules,
      one labeled "DAX" (the standard "ascending numbers" rule) and the other labeled
      "MED" ("any other number triples"). Two DG experiments are reported in which we
      manipulated the usefulness of a presented MED exemplar, where usefulness denotes
      cues that can establish a helpful "contrast class" that can stand in opposition
      to the presented 2-4-6 DAX exemplar. The usefulness of MED exemplars had a
      striking facilitatory effect on DAX rule discovery, which supports the importance
      of contrast-class information in hypothesis testing. A third experiment ruled out
      the possibility that the useful MED triple seeded the correct rule from the
      outset and obviated any need for hypothesis testing. We propose that an extension
      of Oaksford and Chater's (European Journal of Cognitive Psychology 6:149-169,
      1994) iterative counterfactual model can neatly capture the mechanisms by which
      DG facilitation arises.

PMID- 22069146
TI  - Submicroscopic deletion of 12q13 including HOXC gene cluster with skeletal
      anomalies and global developmental delay.
AB  - We report on a patient with a submicroscopic deletion of 12q13 detected by array
      CGH and confirmed by FISH. He was haploinsufficient for the HOXC gene cluster and
      some other neighboring genes. HOX genes have an important role in the initial
      formation of the body. The patient showed characteristic features including
      severe kyphoscoliosis, digital abnormalities, cardiac anomaly, expressive
      language, and global developmental delay. Radiologic features of the fingers had
      some similarities with those for multiple synostosis syndrome. No human genetic
      disorders due to HOXC abnormalities are yet known. We tentatively assume that his
      skeletal anomalies are associated with haploinsufficiency of the HOXC gene
      cluster. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical importance of
      haploinsufficiency of the HOXC gene cluster.

PMID- 22069147
TI  - New azidotetrazoles: structurally interesting and extremely sensitive.
AB  - The treatment of triaminoguanidinium chloride with two equivalents of sodium
      nitrite under acidic conditions, followed by the cyclization with stoichiometric
      amounts of either sodium hydroxide solution or solid sodium carbonate yielded 1
      amino-5-azidotetrazole (1), 5-azido-1-diazidocarbamoyltetrazole (2), and 1
      (aminoazidocarbamoyl)-5-azidotetrazole (3). The three novel compounds could be
      isolated by short-column liquid chromatography by using chloroform in reasonable
      yields. The mechanism of the formation as well as the decomposition pathway of
      the materials was investigated and a full characterization of all three compounds
      is presented. Compounds 1-3 have been characterized by means of Raman and IR as
      well as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction
      studies. Thermal stabilities have been evaluated by differential scanning
      calorimetry. Theoretical calculations have been performed to ensure the
      assignment of the vibrational modes obtained from Raman and IR measurements. The
      sensitivity values obtained from our measurements reflect the behavior of the
      compounds, which show an extremely high sensitivity toward mechanical as well as
      thermal stimuli.

PMID- 22069148
TI  - Physical evidence of child sexual abuse.
AB  - Child sexual abuse is increasingly recognised in all societies, affecting boys
      and girls alike in all age groups and often involving oral, anal and vaginal
      penetration. The presence of physical evidence following suspected child sexual
      abuse is important in confirming the diagnosis and providing legal corroboration
      that abuse has occurred. Whilst many children have no physical evidence, its
      presence should be carefully sought and documented by skilled examination,
      regardless of the time interval between any suspected abuse and the examination.
      When examination is close to the time of the abuse, forensic sampling may be
      required. Although many children have no physical findings, understanding the
      significance of physical findings has increased with both experience and
      research, although certainty and agreement is lacking in some areas. There are
      few case control studies of abused and non-abused children where standard
      terminology, examination method and description allow for meaningful comparison.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physical findings rarely provide conclusive evidence of sexual abuse
      in isolation but may offer important pieces of the diagnostic "jigsaw picture".

PMID- 22069149
TI  - Lewis acid-promoted synthesis of unsymmetrical and highly functionalized
      carbazoles and dibenzofurans from biaryl triazenes: application for the total
      synthesis of clausine C, clausine R, and clauraila A.

PMID- 22069150
TI  - Proteins influencing foam formation in wine and beer: the role of yeast.
AB  - This review focuses on the role of proteins in the production and maintenance of
      foam in both sparkling wines and beer. The quality of the foam in beer but
      especially in sparkling wines depends, among other factors, on the presence of
      mannoproteins released from the yeast cell walls during autolysis. These proteins
      are hydrophobic, highly glycosylated, and their molecular masses range from 10 to
      200 kDa--characteristics that allow mannoproteins to surround and thus stabilize
      the gas bubbles of the foam. Both the production and stabilization of foam also
      depend on other proteins. In wine, these include grape-derived proteins such as
      vacuolar invertase; in beer, barley-derived proteins, such as LTP1, protein Z,
      and hordein-derived polypeptides, are even more important in this respect than
      mannoproteins.

PMID- 22069151
TI  - Electricity generation by microorganisms in the sediment-water interface of an
      extreme acidic microcosm.
AB  - The attachment of microorganisms to electrodes is of great interest for
      electricity generation in microbial fuel cells (MFC) or other applications in
      bioelectrochemical systems (BES). In this work, a microcosm of the acidic
      ecosystem of Rio Tinto was built and graphite electrodes were introduced at
      different points. This allowed the study of electricity generation in the
      sediment/water interface and the involvement of acidophilic microorganisms as
      biocatalysts of the anodic and cathodic reactions in a fuel-cell configuration.
      Current densities and power outputs of up to 3.5 A/m2 and 0.3 W/m2, respectively,
      were measured at pH 3. Microbial analyses of the electrode surfaces showed that
      Acidiphilium spp., which uses organic compounds as electron donors, were the
      predominant biocatalysts of the anodic reactions, whereas the aerobic iron
      oxidizers Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum spp. were detected
      mainly on the cathode surface.

PMID- 22069152
TI  - Comparison of the gut microbiota from soldier and worker castes of the termite
      Reticulitermes grassei.
AB  - The bacterial microbiota from the whole gut of soldier and worker castes of the
      termite Reticulitermes grassei was isolated and studied. In addition, the 16S
      rDNA bacterial genes from gut DNA were PCR-amplified using Bacteria-selective
      primers, and the 16S rDNA amplicons subsequently cloned into Escherichia coli.
      Sequences of the cloned inserts were then used to determine closest relatives by
      comparison with published sequences and with sequences from our previous work.
      The clones were found to be affiliated with the phyla Spirochaetes,
      Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Synergistetes,
      Verrucomicrobia, and candidate phyla Termite Group 1 (TG1) and Termite Group 2
      (TG2). No significant differences were observed with respect to the relative
      bacterial abundances between soldier and worker phylotypes. The phylotypes
      obtained in this study were compared with reported sequences from other termites,
      especially those of phylotypes related to Spirochaetes, Wolbachia (an
      Alphaproteobacteria), Actinobacteria, and TG1. Many of the clone phylotypes
      detected in soldiers grouped with those of workers. Moreover, clones CRgS91
      (soldiers) and CRgW68 (workers), both affiliated with 'Endomicrobia', were the
      same phylotype. Soldiers and workers also seemed to have similar relative protist
      abundances. Heterotrophic, poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoate-accumulating bacteria were
      isolated from the gut of soldiers and shown to be affiliated with Actinobacteria
      and Gammaproteobacteria. We noted that Wolbachia was detected in soldiers but not
      in workers. Overall, the maintenance by soldiers and workers of comparable axial
      and radial redox gradients in the gut is consistent with the similarities in the
      prokaryotes and protists comprising their microbiota.

PMID- 22069153
TI  - Screening and evaluation of antiparasitic and in vitro anticancer activities of
      Panamanian endophytic fungi.
AB  - Many compounds produced by fungi have relevant pharmaceutical applications. The
      purpose of this study was to collect and isolate endophytic fungi from different
      regions of Panama and then to test their potential therapeutic activities against
      Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium falciparum, and Trypanosoma cruzi as well as
      their anticancer activities in MCF-7 cells. Of the 25 fungal isolates obtained,
      ten of them had good anti-parasitic potential, showing selective activity against
      L. donovani; four had significant anti-malarial activity; and three inhibited the
      growth of T. cruzi. Anticancer activity was demonstrated in four isolates. Of the
      active isolates, Edenia sp. strain F0755, Xylaria sp. strain F1220, Aspergillus
      sp. strain F1544, Mycoleptodiscus sp. strain F0194, Phomopsis sp. strain F1566,
      Pycnoporus sp. strain F0305, and Diaporthe sp. strain F1647 showed the most
      promise based on their selective bioactivity and lack of toxicity in the assays.

PMID- 22069154
TI  - Identification of lactobacilli residing in chicken ceca with antagonism against
      Campylobacter.
AB  - Bacteriocins produced by Lactobacillus salivarius have been recently recognized
      as a natural means to control Campylobacter and Salmonella in live poultry. This
      finding is of relevance since Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the
      predominant species isolated from poultry that are associated with human
      campylobacteriosis. In the present work, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from
      the cecum of twenty Tunisian chickens were identified and those isolates with
      antagonism against Campylobacter were further characterized. Following their
      preliminary confirmation as LAB, 150 strains were identified by combining
      morphological criteria, biochemical tests, and molecular methods, the latter
      inluding intergenic 16S- 23S PCR, specific lactobacilli PCR, and a biphasic
      approach. Most of the LAB isolated belonged to the genus Lactobacillus, among
      them Lb. sakei (33.3%), Lb. salivarius (19.4%), Lb. reuteri (8.6%), and Lb.
      curvatus (8.6%). The other LAB strains included those of the genus  Weissella
      (16.7%),  Enterococcus faecalis (5.3%),  Leuconostoc mesenteroides (2.7%),
      Lactococcus graviae (2.7%), and Streptococcus sp. (2.7%). The Lactobacilli
      strains were tested for their antagonism against C. jejuni and C. coli. The
      activity of three of them, Lb. salivarius SMXD51,  Lb. salivarius MMS122, and 
      Lb. salivarius MMS151, against the aforementioned target strains could be
      ascribed to the production of bacteriocins.

PMID- 22069155
TI  - Genomics and transcriptomics characterization of genes expressed during
      postharvest at 4 degrees C by the edible basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus.
AB  - Pleurotus ostreatus is an industrially cultivated basidiomycete with nutritional
      and environmental applications. Its genome, which was sequenced by the Joint
      Genome Institute, has become a model for lignin degradation and for fungal
      genomics and transcriptomics studies. The complete P. ostreatus genome contains
      35 Mbp organized in 11 chromosomes, and two different haploid genomes have been
      individually sequenced. In this work, genomics and transcriptomics approaches
      were employed in the study of P. ostreatus under different physiological
      conditions. Specifically, we analyzed a collection of expressed sequence tags
      (EST) obtained from cut fruit bodies that had been stored at 4 degrees C for 7
      days (postharvest conditions). Studies of the 253 expressed clones that had been
      automatically and manually annotated provided a detailed picture of the life
      characteristics of the self-sustained fruit bodies. The results suggested a
      complex metabolism in which autophagy, RNA metabolism, and protein and
      carbohydrate turnover are increased. Genes involved in environment sensing and
      morphogenesis were expressed under these conditions. The data improve our
      understanding of the decay process in postharvest mushrooms and highlight the use
      of high-throughput techniques to construct models of living organisms subjected
      to different environmental conditions.

PMID- 22069156
TI  - Spinal subdural hemorrhage in abusive head trauma: a retrospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the relative incidence, distribution, and radiologic
      characteristics of spinal subdural hemorrhage after abusive head trauma versus
      that after accidental trauma in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study
      received prior approval from the Human Subjects Protection Office. Informed
      consent was waived. This study was HIPAA compliant. Two hundred fifty-two
      children aged 0-2 years treated for abusive head trauma at our institute between
      1997 and 2009 were identified through retrospective chart review. A second group
      of 70 children aged 0-2 years treated at our institute for well-documented
      accidental trauma between 2003 and 2010 were also identified through
      retrospective chart review. All clinical data and cross-sectional imaging
      results, including computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging of the
      brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, were reviewed for both of these groups.
      A Fisher exact test was performed to assess the statistical significance of the
      proportion of the spinal canal subdural hemorrhage in abusive head trauma versus
      that in accidental trauma. RESULTS: In the abusive head trauma cohort, 67 (26.5%)
      of 252 children had evaluable spinal imaging results. Of these, 38 (56%) of 67
      children had undergone thoracolumbar imaging, and 24 (63%) of 38 had
      thoracolumbar subdural hemorrhage. Spinal imaging was performed in this cohort
      0.3-141 hours after injury (mean, 23 hours +/- 27 [standard deviation]), with 65
      (97%) of 67 cases having undergone imaging within 52 hours of injury. In the
      second cohort with accidental injury, only one (1%) of 70 children had spinal
      subdural hemorrhage at presentation; this patient had displaced occipital
      fracture. The comparison of incidences of spinal subdural hemorrhage in abusive
      head trauma versus those in accidental trauma was statistically significant (P <
      .001). CONCLUSION: Spinal canal subdural hemorrhage was present in more than 60%
      of children with abusive head trauma who underwent thoracolumbar imaging in this
      series but was rare in those with accidental trauma.

PMID- 22069159
TI  - Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers: A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among
      farmers and to establish the most common regional MSDs reported. METHODS:
      Comprehensive electronic searches of Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, SCOPUS,
      EMBASE, Agris Database, and Cochrane Library were carried out using keywords for
      MSDs and farmers. Pooled estimates of prevalence with 95% confidence intervals
      were calculated for overall MSD prevalence and the most common regional MSDs
      reported. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were
      incorporated into this review. From these studies, life-time prevalence of any
      form of MSD among farmers was 90.6% while 1-year MSD prevalence was 76.9% (95% CI
      69.8-82.7). The majority of studies focused on spinal MSDs with low back pain
      (LBP) the most frequently investigated. Life-time LBP prevalence was 75% (95% CI
      67-81.5) while 1-year LBP prevalence was 47.8% (95% CI 40.2-55.5). The next most
      common regional MSDs reported were upper (range 3.6-71.4%) and lower extremities
      (range 10.4-41%). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic review identified the prevalence of
      MSDs by body region in farmers and established that LBP was the most common MSD,
      followed by upper and then lower extremity MSDs. Reported trends suggest that the
      prevalence of MSDs in farmers is greater than in non-farmer populations. Case
      definition uniformity among MSD researchers is warranted. More studies are needed
      regarding upper and lower extremity MSDs, gender, workplace, and task context of
      MSDs.

PMID- 22069161
TI  - Dye-terminated, hyperbranched polytruxenes and polytruxene-block-polythiophene
      multiblock copolymers made in an "AB2 + A" approach.
AB  - Novel dye-terminated, hyperbranched polytruxenes and polytruxene-block
      polythiophene multiblock copolymers have been synthesized in a simple "AB(2)  +
      A" approach. Photoexcitation into the higher energy polytruxene absorption band
      results in an efficient excitation energy transfer to the peripheral dye or
      polythiophene blocks.

PMID- 22069160
TI  - Low MAD2 expression levels associate with reduced progression-free survival in
      patients with high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has an innate susceptibility to become
      chemoresistant. Up to 30% of patients do not respond to conventional chemotherapy
      [paclitaxel (Taxol(r)) in combination with carboplatin] and, of those who have an
      initial response, many patients relapse. Therefore, an understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular chemotherapeutic responses in EOC
      cells has the potential to impact significantly on patient outcome. The mitotic
      arrest deficiency protein 2 (MAD2), is a centrally important mediator of the
      cellular response to paclitaxel. MAD2 immunohistochemical analysis was performed
      on 82 high-grade serous EOC samples. A multivariate Cox regression analysis of
      nuclear MAD2 IHC intensity adjusting for stage, tumour grade and optimum surgical
      debulking revealed that low MAD2 IHC staining intensity was significantly
      associated with reduced progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.0003), with a
      hazard ratio of 4.689. The in vitro analyses of five ovarian cancer cell lines
      demonstrated that cells with low MAD2 expression were less sensitive to
      paclitaxel. Furthermore, paclitaxel-induced activation of the spindle assembly
      checkpoint (SAC) and apoptotic cell death was abrogated in cells transfected with
      MAD2 siRNA. In silico analysis identified a miR-433 binding domain in the MAD2 3'
      UTR, which was verified in a series of experiments. Firstly, MAD2 protein
      expression levels were down-regulated in pre-miR-433 transfected A2780 cells.
      Secondly, pre-miR-433 suppressed the activity of a reporter construct containing
      the 3'-UTR of MAD2. Thirdly, blocking miR-433 binding to the MAD2 3' UTR
      protected MAD2 from miR-433 induced protein down-regulation. Importantly, reduced
      MAD2 protein expression in pre-miR-433-transfected A2780 cells rendered these
      cells less sensitive to paclitaxel. In conclusion, loss of MAD2 protein
      expression results in increased resistance to paclitaxel in EOC cells. Measuring
      MAD2 IHC staining intensity may predict paclitaxel responses in women presenting
      with high-grade serous EOC.

PMID- 22069162
TI  - Variation of noise in multi-run functional MRI using generalized autocalibrating
      partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA).
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the noise variation in multi-run functional MRI (fMRI)
      scans using generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA),
      with a focus on the cause of this variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom was
      continuously scanned for 10 runs using echo-planar imaging (EPI) combined with
      GRAPPA to simulate a multi-run fMRI exam. The variation of noise between runs was
      examined for different GRAPPA acceleration factors. The noise variation was also
      evaluated in a real fMRI experiment with human subjects at an acceleration factor
      of two. The cause of noise variation was explored by offline reconstruction using
      different GRAPPA weights and numerical simulation of GRAPPA reference scans.
      RESULTS: It was found that the noise distribution in the image is stable within a
      run but may vary randomly from run to run. The variation of noise was also
      observed in fMRI experiments with human subjects. The variation can be
      significantly reduced if all the images from individual runs are reconstructed
      using the same reference scan data. CONCLUSION: Both phantom experiments and
      human data showed that the noise pattern may change in different fMRI runs. The
      variation is mainly caused by the random noise in separate reference scans for
      GRAPPA in each run.

PMID- 22069163
TI  - Hydrolysis of ammonia borane as a hydrogen source: fundamental issues and
      potential solutions towards implementation.
AB  - In today's era of energy crisis and global warming, hydrogen has been projected
      as a sustainable alternative to depleting CO(2)-emitting fossil fuels. However,
      its deployment as an energy source is impeded by many issues, one of the most
      important being storage. Chemical hydrogen storage materials, in particular B-N
      compounds such as ammonia borane, with a potential storage capacity of 19.6 wt %
      H(2) and 0.145 kg(H2)L(-1), have been intensively studied from the standpoint of
      addressing the storage issues. Ammonia borane undergoes dehydrogenation through
      hydrolysis at room temperature in the presence of a catalyst, but its practical
      implementation is hindered by several problems affecting all of the chemical
      compounds in the reaction scheme, including ammonia borane, water, borate
      byproducts, and hydrogen. In this Minireview, we exhaustively survey the state of
      the art, discuss the fundamental problems, and, where applicable, propose
      solutions with the prospect of technological applications.

PMID- 22069165
TI  - Enantioselective syntheses of corynanthe alkaloids by chiral Bronsted acid and
      palladium catalysis.

PMID- 22069164
TI  - Causes of death and autopsy findings in a large study cohort of individuals with
      Cornelia de Lange syndrome and review of the literature.
AB  - To identify causes of death (COD) in propositi with Cornelia de Lange syndrome
      (CdLS) at various ages, and to develop guidelines to improve management and avoid
      morbidity and mortality, we retrospectively reviewed a total of 426 propositi
      with confirmed clinical diagnoses of CdLS in our database who died in a 41-year
      period between 1966 and 2007. Of these, 295 had an identifiable COD reported to
      us. Clinical, laboratory, and complete autopsy data were completed on 41, of
      which 38 were obtainable, an additional 19 had autopsies that only documented the
      COD, and 45 propositi had surgical, imaging, or terminal event clinical
      documentation of their COD. Proband ages ranged from fetuses (21-40 weeks
      gestation) to 61 years. A literature review was undertaken to identify all
      reported causes of death in CdLS individuals. In our cohort of 295 propositi with
      a known COD, respiratory causes including aspiration/reflux and pneumonias were
      the most common primary causes (31%), followed by gastrointestinal disease,
      including obstruction/volvulus (19%). Congenital anomalies accounted for 15% of
      deaths and included congenital diaphragmatic hernia and congenital heart defects.
      Acquired cardiac disease accounted for 3% of deaths. Neurological causes and
      accidents each accounted for 8%, sepsis for 4%, cancer for 2%, renal disease for
      1.7%, and other causes, 9% of deaths. We also present 21 representative clinical
      cases for illustration. This comprehensive review has identified important
      etiologies contributing to the morbidity and mortality in this population that
      will provide for an improved understanding of clinical complications, and
      management for children and adults with CdLS.

PMID- 22069166
TI  - Normative data for anthropometric parameters used in delineation of dysmorphic
      features in north Indian children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide normative data for a set of anthropometric parameters which
      are commonly used in delineation of dysmorphic features. METHODS: This cross
      sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi.
      Six hundred infants and children up to 2 years with hundred subjects each in the
      age group of 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18 and 18-24 months were included. Both
      sexes were represented equally in the sample to avoid bias. Inner and outer
      intercanthal distance were measured by sliding callipers. Inter pupillary
      distance was measured directly as the distance between midpoint of two pupils.
      Ear length was the maximum vertical distance from the superior to the inferior
      edge of the ear. Internipple distance was the distance between centre of both
      nipples. Hand length was the distance between distal wrist crease to the tip of
      middle finger. Middle finger length was the distance between proximal flexion
      crease and tip of middle finger. The data was analyzed using the LMS method and
      percentile curves were developed for each age group for all the seven parameters.
      RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between male and female infants
      were observed. Significant differences were observed from other south east Asian
      and Caucasian population stressing the need for generation of regional ethnic
      data. The percentage of other isolated anomalies noted was 1.16% for polydactyly,
      2-4 syndactyly 2-4 toe syndactyly (0.89%), Preauricular tags (0.5%), double whorl
      pattern of hair (1.55%), 2-4 syndactyly (0.33%) and paraumbilical hernia (2.83%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Normative data directed towards the ethnic origin are useful in
      charting dysmorphic traits. Children with parameters less than 3rd percentile or
      more than 97th percentile should be evaluated for other co-existing anomalies.
      Percentile charts provided in the present study may also be applicable across
      India but more studies are required to validate the authors' contention.

PMID- 22069168
TI  - Capillarity creates single-crystal calcite nanowires from amorphous calcium
      carbonate.
AB  - Single-crystal calcite nanowires are formed by crystallization of morphologically
      equivalent amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) particles within the pores of track
      etch membranes. The polyaspartic acid stabilized ACC is drawn into the membrane
      pores by capillary action, and the single-crystal nature of the nanowires is
      attributed to the limited contact of the intramembrane ACC particle with the bulk
      solution. The reaction environment then supports transformation to a single
      crystal product.

PMID- 22069167
TI  - Access to health services and early age mortality in Ende, Indonesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Improvements in child survival to achieve Millennium Development Goal
      4 require highly accessible and effective maternal and child health (MCH)
      services. This article seeks to fill the gap in information for local government
      in Indonesia about early age mortality and access to appropriate care to inform
      the evaluation and planning of MCH services. METHODS: The Ende Child Mortality
      Survey (ECMS) was conducted in the district of Ende in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT),
      one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia. The ECMS is a cross-sectional
      household survey, providing information on child survival, MCH service
      utilisation, and socio-economic characteristics of the population. Multivariate
      logistic regression was conducted to examine the association of mortality, health
      service utilisation and socio-economic variables. RESULTS: Use of an unskilled
      birth attendant (45% of births) and giving birth at home are most common among
      the poorest and least educated women. The children of these women have the
      highest risk of infant mortality. The infant mortality rate differs greatly by
      region within Ende. Time to the preferred provider of child health care is
      longest in regions with the highest under-five mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: Many
      women in Ende do not receive vital interventions during labour to reduce infant
      mortality. The ECMS demonstrates the feasibility in implementing a low cost
      survey to provide evidence for MCH investments to improve accessibility to
      appropriate health services and reduce mortality risk.

PMID- 22069169
TI  - Towards power and sample size calculations for the comparison of two groups of
      patients with item response theory models.
AB  - Evaluation of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) is increasingly performed in health
      sciences. PRO differs from other measurements because such patient
      characteristics cannot be directly observed. Item response theory (IRT) is an
      attractive way for PRO analysis. However, in the framework of IRT, sample size
      justification is rarely provided or ignores the fact that PRO measures are latent
      variables with the use of formulas developed for observed variables. It might
      therefore be inappropriate and might provide inadequately sized studies. The
      objective was to develop valid sample size methodology for the comparison of PRO
      in two groups of patients using IRT. The proposed approach takes into account
      questionnaire's items parameters, the difference of the latent variables means,
      and its variance whose derivation is approximated using Cramer-Rao bound (CRB).
      We also computed the associated power. We realized a simulation study taking into
      account sample size, number of items, and value of the group effect. We compared
      power obtained from CRB with the one obtained from simulations (SIM) and with the
      power based on observed variables (OBS). For a given sample size, powers using
      CRB and SIM were similar and always lower than OBS. We observed a strong impact
      of the number of items for CRB and SIM, the power increasing with the
      questionnaire's length but not for OBS. In the context of latent variables, it
      seems important to use an adapted sample size formula because the formula
      developed for observed variables seems to be inadequate and leads to an
      underestimated study size.

PMID- 22069170
TI  - Tribute to Alfred E. Chang.

PMID- 22069171
TI  - Histopathology of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), generally driven by oncogenic KIT or
      PDGFRA mutations, is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal
      (GI) tract. GIST is most common in the stomach (60%) and small intestine (30%),
      but can occur anywhere in the GI-tract and the intra-abdominal soft tissues. GIST
      can show spindle cell or epithelioid morphology, and mitotic count and tumor size
      are most important prognostic parameters. GISTs in NF1 patients and children are
      distinctive clinicopathologic groups. Immunohistochemical testing for KIT and
      sometimes for DOG1/Ano 1 is essential in confirming the diagnosis.

PMID- 22069172
TI  - Morphology of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: historical perspectives.
AB  - About 2/3 of gastrointestinal stromal tumors occur in the stomach and about 1/5
      in the small intestine with few in the rectum, colon, and esophagus. Their cells
      are related to the interstitial cells of Cajal. They differ by site in terms of
      cell type and growth pattern. Benign and malignant tumors are separated based on
      their light microscopic appearances, size as measured by innumerable pathologists
      and assistants and mitotic counts.

PMID- 22069173
TI  - Advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors: systemic treatment
      options.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), the most common sarcoma arising in the
      gastrointestinal tract, typically expresses the tyrosine-kinase receptor, C-KIT,
      and contains activating mutation in the c-kit or platelet-derived growth factor
      receptor (pdgfr) gene. Recently, development of small molecules that inhibit the
      kinase activity of mutant C-KIT and PDGFR proteins has radically changed
      treatment and prognosis of patients diagnosed with advanced GIST as this
      molecularly "targeted" therapy has demonstrated remarkable high-level of activity
      in this disease.

PMID- 22069174
TI  - Adjuvant imatinib therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - Surgery is the standard of care for primary resectable gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GISTs), but half of surgically treated patients relapse. Imatinib (IM)
      has been shown to prolong recurrence-free survival after complete surgery and is
      now approved as adjuvant therapy (400  mg/day) for high-risk GIST patients. IM is
      well tolerated, with mild to moderate side effects observed. Whether adjuvant IM
      prolongs overall survival is under evaluation in two ongoing clinical trials.

PMID- 22069175
TI  - Systemic therapy for advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors: beyond imatinib.
AB  - Progression on first-line therapy with imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GIST) is caused by either initial resistance or more often a secondary
      mutation in tyrosine kinases KIT or PDGFR. Therapies in development for imatinib
      resistant GIST include agents that target KIT/PDGFR with greater potency or
      possess broader kinase inhibition profiles including VEGFR. To circumvent
      secondary mutations in KIT/PDGFR, inhibition of the downstream signaling in
      PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and enhanced degradation of KIT/PDGFR are also under
      investigation.

PMID- 22069176
TI  - Imaging modalities of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - Recent dramatic improvement of survival of Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      patients alongside the development of a new targeted treatment has made the role
      of imaging increasingly more important not only in diagnosing the disease, but
      also in monitoring the treatment effect and surveillance. Computed tomography is
      currently the imaging modality of choice for these purposes. This article reviews
      the current roles of different imaging modalities in clinical management of the
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

PMID- 22069177
TI  - Surveillance strategies for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - Although only 10-30% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are clinically
      malignant, all have some degree of malignant potential. The management of high
      risk patients should be evidence based. However, prospective data and a consensus
      for guidelines concerning the screening of asymptomatic high risk patients and
      surveillance following multidisciplinary treatment do not exist. This review
      provides an overview of GIST, with an emphasis on the available data regarding
      screening and surveillance of certain populations with GISTs.

PMID- 22069178
TI  - Special considerations in pediatric gastrointestinal tumors.
AB  - Pediatric gastrointestinal tumors are rare in children but are being increasingly
      recognized. These tumors have distinct biologic and clinical feature that are
      different from those observed in adults. This review highlights the biological
      and clinical characteristics of pediatric GIST and provides diagnostic and
      therapeutic guidelines for the management these unique and challenging group of
      tumors.

PMID- 22069179
TI  - Photosensitized hydrogen evolution from water using a single-walled carbon
      nanotube/fullerodendron/SiO2 coaxial nanohybrid.
AB  - A coaxial nanohybrid consisting of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT),
      fullerodendron, and SiO(2) shows high-efficiency light-driven hydrogen evolution
      from water. Upon visible light irradiation, SWCNT/fullerodendron/SiO(2) coaxial
      nanohybrid shows hydrogen evolution activity in the presence of methyl viologen
      (MV(2+)), benzyldihydronicotinamide (BNAH), and a colloidal polyvinyl
      alcohol(PVA)-Pt.

PMID- 22069180
TI  - Guidelines for good database selection and use in pharmacoepidemiology research.
AB  - The use of healthcare databases in research provides advantages such as increased
      speed, lower costs and limitation of some biases. However, database research has
      its own challenges as studies must be performed within the limitations of
      resources, which often are the product of complex healthcare systems. The primary
      purpose of this document is to assist in the selection and use of data resources
      in pharmacoepidemiology, highlighting potential limitations and recommending
      tested procedures. This guidance is presented as a detailed text with a checklist
      for quick reference and covers six areas: selection of a database, use of
      multiple data resources, extraction and analysis of the study population, privacy
      and security, quality and validation procedures and documentation.

PMID- 22069181
TI  - Functional characterization of a novel TP63 mutation in a family with overlapping
      features of Rapp-Hodgkin/AEC/ADULT syndromes.
AB  - Heterozygous mutations in TP63 cause a wide spectrum of autosomal dominant
      developmental disorders variably affecting skin, limbs, and face. TP63 encodes
      p63, a protein expressed in two main isoforms (Tap63 and DeltaNp63) with critical
      roles in both cell differentiation and development. Some analyses suggest a
      relationship of the mutation site to the observed clinical picture, although this
      link is inconsistent. This suggests an appreciable phenotypic continuity within
      the TP63-related disorders. We report a 3-month-old boy ascertained for
      congenital scalp erosion and mild features of ectodermal dysplasia. His mother
      showed full-blown characteristics of Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome plus intense abdominal
      and popliteal freckling. Molecular investigation identified the novel TP63
      mutation c.1697delG. We used a luciferase reporter assay to compare the effects
      on the p63 transactivation (TA) activity of c.1697delG with that of the
      p.Arg280Cys and p.Gln634X mutations, associated with ectrodactyly-ectodermal
      dysplasia-cleft lip/palate syndrome and isolated split hand/foot malformation,
      respectively. These results demonstrated complex behavior of c.1697delG in the TA
      of genes involved in epidermal differentiation and development and shed further
      light in the physiopathology of TP63-related disorders.

PMID- 22069183
TI  - Fifty years of X-inactivation research.
AB  - The third X-inactivation meeting 'Fifty years of X-inactivation research', which
      celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Mary Lyon's formulation of the X
      inactivation hypothesis, was an EMBO workshop held in Oxford, UK, in July 2011.
      This conference brought together the usual suspects from the field, as well as
      younger researchers, to discuss recent advances in X-inactivation research. Here,
      we review the results presented at the meeting and highlight some of the exciting
      progress that has been made. We also discuss the future challenges for the field,
      which aim to further our understanding of the developmental regulation of X
      inactivation, the randomness (or skewing) of X inactivation, and the diverse
      strategies used by mammalian species to mediate X inactivation.

PMID- 22069182
TI  - Inhibitory activities of pancreatic lipase and phosphodiesterase from Korean
      medicinal plant extracts.
AB  - To find new pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3)
      inhibitors from natural products, 61 medicinal plants from Korea were screened
      for their antilipase activity for prevention of obesity. Dried and powdered
      plants were extracted three times with EtOH and extracts were obtained by removal
      of the solvent in vacuo. Lipase activity was determined by measuring the
      hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate to p-nitrophenol. Also, the inhibitory
      effect was measured on phosphodiesterase (PDE), another therapeutic target for
      obesity. Of the extracts tested, Sorbus commixta (stem, leaf) and Viscum album
      (whole plant) exhibited antilipase activity (with IC(50) values of 29.6 ug/mL and
      33.3 ug/mL, respectively) and only anti-PDE activity (IC(50) values of 20.08
      ug/mL and 35.15 ug/mL, respectively).

PMID- 22069184
TI  - Chromosome silencing mechanisms in X-chromosome inactivation: unknown unknowns.
AB  - Fifty years ago, Mary Lyon hypothesised that one of the two X chromosomes in
      female mammalian cells is inactivated at random during early embryogenesis and
      that the inactive X is then stably maintained through all subsequent cell
      divisions. Although Lyon's hypothesis is now widely regarded as fact, we should
      not forget that her conceptual leap met with considerable resistance from the
      scientific establishment at the time - a common response to new ideas. Taking
      this point as a theme, I discuss our current understanding of the molecular
      mechanism of chromosome silencing in X-chromosome inactivation and focus on
      topics where new findings are challenging the prevailing view.

PMID- 22069185
TI  - Hedgehog and retinoic acid signaling cooperate to promote motoneurogenesis in
      zebrafish.
AB  - The precise requirements of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activity in vertebrate central
      nervous system development remain unclear, particularly in organisms with both
      maternally and zygotically derived signaling. Here we describe the motoneural
      phenotype of zebrafish that lack maternal and zygotic contributions of the Hh
      signaling transducer Smoothened (MZsmo mutants) and therefore are completely
      devoid of ligand-dependent pathway activation. Some functional primary
      motoneurons (PMNs) persist in the absence of Hh signaling, and we find that their
      induction requires both basal Gli transcription factor activity and retinoic acid
      (RA) signaling. We also provide evidence that RA pathway activation can modulate
      Gli function in a Hh ligand-independent manner. These findings support a model in
      which Hh and RA signaling cooperate to promote PMN cell fates in zebrafish.

PMID- 22069186
TI  - Roles of Hedgehog pathway components and retinoic acid signalling in specifying
      zebrafish ventral spinal cord neurons.
AB  - In mouse, Hedgehog (Hh) signalling is required for most ventral spinal neurons to
      form. Here, we analyse the spinal cord phenotype of zebrafish maternal-zygotic
      smoothened (MZsmo) mutants that completely lack Hh signalling. We find that most
      V3 domain cells and motoneurons are lost, whereas medial floorplate still
      develops normally and V2, V1 and V0v cells form in normal numbers. This phenotype
      resembles that of mice that lack both Hh signalling and Gli repressor activity.
      Ventral spinal cord progenitor domain transcription factors are not expressed at
      24 hpf in zebrafish MZsmo mutants. However, pMN, p2 and p1 domain markers are
      expressed at early somitogenesis stages in these mutants. This suggests that Gli
      repressor activity does not extend into zebrafish ventral spinal cord at these
      stages, even in the absence of Hh signalling. Consistent with this, ectopic
      expression of Gli3R represses ventral progenitor domain expression at these early
      stages and knocking down Gli repressor activity rescues later expression. We
      investigated whether retinoic acid (RA) signalling specifies ventral spinal
      neurons in the absence of Hh signalling. The results suggest that RA is required
      for the correct number of many different spinal neurons to form. This is probably
      mediated, in part, by an effect on cell proliferation. However, V0v, V1 and V2
      cells are still present, even in the absence of both Hh and RA signalling. We
      demonstrate that Gli1 has a Hh-independent role in specifying most of the
      remaining motoneurons and V3 domain cells in embryos that lack Hh signalling, but
      removal of Gli1 activity does not affect more dorsal neurons.

PMID- 22069187
TI  - The astrocyte-expressed integrin alphavbeta8 governs blood vessel sprouting in
      the developing retina.
AB  - The mouse retina is vascularized after birth when angiogenic blood vessels grow
      and sprout along a pre-formed latticework of astrocytes. How astrocyte-derived
      cues control patterns of blood vessel growth and sprouting, however, remains
      enigmatic. Here, we have used molecular genetic strategies in mice to demonstrate
      that alphavbeta8 integrin expressed in astrocytes is essential for
      neovascularization of the developing retina. Selective ablation of alphav or
      beta8 integrin gene expression in astrocytes leads to impaired blood vessel
      sprouting and intraretinal hemorrhage, particularly during formation of the
      secondary vascular plexus. These pathologies correlate, in part, with diminished
      alphavbeta8 integrin-mediated activation of extracellular matrix-bound latent
      transforming growth factor betas (TGFbetas) and defective TGFbeta signaling in
      vascular endothelial cells, but not astrocytes. Collectively, our data
      demonstrate that alphavbeta8 integrin is a component of a paracrine signaling
      axis that links astrocytes to blood vessels and is essential for proper
      regulation of retinal angiogenesis.

PMID- 22069189
TI  - Retinoic acid-dependent and -independent gene-regulatory pathways of Pitx3 in
      meso-diencephalic dopaminergic neurons.
AB  - Development of meso-diencephalic dopamine (mdDA) neurons requires the combined
      actions of the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 and the paired-like homeobox
      transcription factor Pitx3. Whereas all mdDA neurons require Nurr1 for expression
      of Th and survival, dependence on Pitx3 is displayed only by the mdDA
      subpopulation that will form the substantia nigra (SNc). Previously, we have
      demonstrated that Pitx3(-/-) embryos lack the expression of the retinoic acid
      (RA)-generating enzyme Ahd2, which is normally selectively expressed in the Pitx3
      dependent DA neurons of the SNc. Restoring RA signaling in Pitx3(-/-) embryos
      revealed a selective dependence of SNc neurons on the presence of RA for
      differentiation into Th-positive neurons and maintenance throughout embryonic
      development. Whereas these data are suggestive of an important developmental role
      for RA in neurons of the SNc, it remained unclear whether other Nurr1 and Pitx3
      target genes depend on RA signaling in a manner similar to Th. In the search for
      genes that were affected in Pitx3-deficient mdDA neurons and restored upon
      embryonic RA treatment, we provide evidence that Delta-like 1, D2R (Drd2) and Th
      are regulated by Pitx3 and RA signaling, which influences the mdDA terminal
      differentiated phenotype. Furthermore, we show that regulation of Ahd2-mediated
      RA signaling represents only one aspect of the Pitx3 downstream cascade, as
      Vmat2, Dat, Ahd2 (Aldh1a1), En1, En2 and Cck were unaffected by RA treatment and
      are (subset) specifically modulated by Pitx3. In conclusion, our data reveal
      several RA-dependent and -independent aspects of the Pitx3-regulated gene
      cascade, suggesting that Pitx3 acts on multiple levels in the molecular subset
      specification of mdDA neurons.

PMID- 22069188
TI  - Regulation of Drosophila glial cell proliferation by Merlin-Hippo signaling.
AB  - Glia perform diverse and essential roles in the nervous system, but the
      mechanisms that regulate glial cell numbers are not well understood. Here, we
      identify and characterize a requirement for the Hippo pathway and its
      transcriptional co-activator Yorkie in controlling Drosophila glial
      proliferation. We find that Yorkie is both necessary for normal glial cell
      numbers and, when activated, sufficient to drive glial over-proliferation. Yorkie
      activity in glial cells is controlled by a Merlin-Hippo signaling pathway,
      whereas the upstream Hippo pathway regulators Fat, Expanded, Crumbs and Lethal
      giant larvae have no detectable role. We extend functional characterization of
      Merlin-Hippo signaling by showing that Merlin and Hippo can be physically linked
      by the Salvador tumor suppressor. Yorkie promotes expression of the microRNA gene
      bantam in glia, and bantam promotes expression of Myc, which is required for
      Yorkie and bantam-induced glial proliferation. Our results provide new insights
      into the control of glial growth, and establish glia as a model for Merlin
      specific Hippo signaling. Moreover, as several of the genes we studied have been
      linked to human gliomas, our results suggest that this linkage could reflect
      their organization into a conserved pathway for the control of glial cell
      proliferation.

PMID- 22069190
TI  - Reelin sets the pace of neocortical neurogenesis.
AB  - Migration of neurons during cortical development is often assumed to rely on
      purely post-proliferative reelin signaling. However, Notch signaling, long known
      to regulate neural precursor formation and maintenance, is required for the
      effects of reelin on neuronal migration. Here, we show that reelin gain-of
      function causes a higher expression of Notch target genes in radial glia and
      accelerates the production of both neurons and intermediate progenitor cells.
      Converse alterations correlate with reelin loss-of-function, consistent with
      reelin controlling Notch signaling during neurogenesis. Ectopic expression of
      reelin in isolated clones of progenitors causes a severe reduction in neuronal
      differentiation. In mosaic cell cultures, reelin-primed progenitor cells respond
      to wild-type cells by further decreasing neuronal differentiation, consistent
      with an increased sensitivity to lateral inhibition. These results indicate that
      reelin and Notch signaling cooperate to set the pace of neocortical neurogenesis,
      a prerequisite for proper neuronal migration and cortical layering.

PMID- 22069191
TI  - Mastermind-like 1 (MamL1) and mastermind-like 3 (MamL3) are essential for Notch
      signaling in vivo.
AB  - Mastermind (Mam) is one of the elements of Notch signaling, a system that plays a
      pivotal role in metazoan development. Mam proteins form transcriptionally
      activating complexes with the intracellular domains of Notch, which are generated
      in response to the ligand-receptor interaction, and CSL DNA-binding proteins. In
      mammals, three structurally divergent Mam isoforms (MamL1, MamL2 and MamL3) have
      been identified. There have also been indications that Mam interacts functionally
      with various other transcription factors, including the p53 tumor suppressor,
      beta-catenin and NF-kappaB. We have demonstrated previously that disruption of
      MamL1 causes partial deficiency of Notch signaling in vivo. However, MamL1
      deficient mice did not recapitulate total loss of Notch signaling, suggesting
      that other members could compensate for the loss or that Notch signaling could
      proceed in the absence of Mam in certain contexts. Here, we report the generation
      of lines of mice null for MamL3. Although MamL3-null mice showed no apparent
      abnormalities, mice null for both MamL1 and MamL3 died during the early
      organogenic period with classic pan-Notch defects. Furthermore, expression of the
      lunatic fringe gene, which is strictly controlled by Notch signaling in the
      posterior presomitic mesoderm, was undetectable in this tissue of the double-null
      embryos. Neither of the single-null embryos exhibited any of these phenotypes.
      These various roles of the three Mam proteins could be due to their differential
      physical characteristics and/or their spatiotemporal distributions. These results
      indicate that engagement of Mam is essential for Notch signaling, and that the
      three Mam isoforms have distinct roles in vivo.

PMID- 22069192
TI  - ID4 regulates mammary gland development by suppressing p38MAPK activity.
AB  - The ID family of helix-loop-helix proteins regulates cell proliferation and
      differentiation in many different developmental pathways, but the functions of
      ID4 in mammary development are unknown. We report that mouse Id4 is expressed in
      cap cells, basal cells and in a subset of luminal epithelial cells, and that its
      targeted deletion impairs ductal expansion and branching morphogenesis as well as
      cell proliferation induced by estrogen and/or progesterone. We discover that
      p38MAPK is activated in Id4-null mammary cells. p38MAPK is also activated
      following siRNA-mediated Id4 knockdown in transformed mammary cells. This p38MAPK
      activation is required for the reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in
      Id4-ablated mammary glands. Therefore, ID4 promotes mammary gland development by
      suppressing p38MAPK activity.

PMID- 22069194
TI  - Evaluation of primary prostate cancer using 11C-methionine-PET/CT and 18F-FDG
      PET/CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of (11)C
      methionine (MET)-PET/CT and (18)F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D: -glucose (FDG)-PET/CT to
      diagnose primary prostate cancer using recently developed Gemini TF PET/CT
      (Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH). METHODS: Twenty men who had been referred
      for a diagnostic work-up for prostate cancer were enrolled in this study. MET-
      and FDG-PET/CT by high-resolution mode were carried out on the same day prior to
      prostate biopsy and each maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was compared
      with the pathological findings. The regions of interest (about 100 mm(2) small
      round) were placed at standard 6 points of the peripheral zone and 4 points in
      the apex of the transitional zone in cases that had undergone biopsy of the
      internal gland. We summed two scores if a specimen had inhomogeneous Gleason
      scores (e.g. GS 7; 4 + 3) and doubled the score when the Gleason score was the
      same (e.g. GS 8; 4 * 2). We divided the tumors into three groups. If the summed
      Gleason score of the specimens was 5 or less, they were grouped as NG (no grade
      with the Gleason score). If the summed Gleason score was 6 or 7, the tumors were
      defined as LG (low Gleason score group), and if the summed Gleason score was 8, 9
      or 10, the tumors were classified as HG (high Gleason score group). The mean
      SUVmax was calculated and one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test and
      the Tukey post hoc test were performed for statistical comparisons. The
      capabilities of MET and FDG for diagnosing prostate cancer were evaluated through
      analysis of the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curve. The cut-off levels of SUVmax for the highest accuracy were
      determined by the results of the ROC analysis, and the sensitivity, specificity
      and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: The PET images, obtained with Gemini TF
      PET/CT, allowed visual identification of anatomical locations within the prostate
      gland. Among the mean SUVmax of MET, FDG early phase and FDG delayed phase, the
      differences between NG and HG were all statistically significant (P < 0.01). With
      MET the difference between NG and LG was also significant (P < 0.05). And for the
      elevation rate from FDG early to delayed phase, the difference between NG and HG
      was significant (P < 0.05). The cut-off SUVmax, sensitivity, specificity,
      accuracy for distinguishing between NG and LG + HG by MET, FDG early and delayed
      phase were 3.15/78.7/75.6/78.3, 2.81/61.7/80.0/70.7 and 3.00/62.8/78.9/70.7,
      respectively. And the same factors between NG + LG and HG were
      3.76/70.1/89.7/82.6, 2.88/70.1/82.9/78.3 and 3.47/62.7/86.3/77.7, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: In terms of the capability to diagnose prostate cancer of high
      Gleason score (>=8), there was no significant difference between MET and FDG. MET
      appears to be useful for detecting prostate cancer of both low and high Gleason
      score.

PMID- 22069193
TI  - A conserved PTEN/FOXO pathway regulates neuronal morphology during C. elegans
      development.
AB  - The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is a conserved signal
      transduction cascade that is fundamental for the correct development of the
      nervous system. The major negative regulator of PI3K signaling is the lipid
      phosphatase DAF-18/PTEN, which can modulate PI3K pathway activity during
      neurodevelopment. Here, we identify a novel role for DAF-18 in promoting neurite
      outgrowth during development in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that DAF-18
      modulates the PI3K signaling pathway to activate DAF-16/FOXO and promote
      developmental neurite outgrowth. This activity of DAF-16 in promoting outgrowth
      is isoform-specific, being effected by the daf-16b isoform but not the daf-16a or
      daf-16d/f isoform. We also demonstrate that the capacity of DAF-16/FOXO in
      regulating neuron morphology is conserved in mammalian neurons. These data
      provide a novel mechanism by which the conserved PI3K signaling pathway regulates
      neuronal cell morphology during development through FOXO.

PMID- 22069195
TI  - Advances in PET myocardial perfusion imaging: F-18 labeled tracers.
AB  - Coronary artery disease and its related cardiac disorders represent the most
      common cause of death in the USA and Western world. Despite advancements in
      treatment and accompanying improvements in outcome with current diagnostic and
      therapeutic modalities, it is the correct assignment of these diagnostic
      techniques and treatment options which are crucial. From a diagnostic standpoint,
      SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using traditional radiotracers like
      thallium-201 chloride, Tc-99m sestamibi or Tc-99m tetrofosmin is the most
      utilized imaging technique. However, PET MPI using N-13 ammonia, rubidium-82
      chloride or O-15 water is increasing in availability and usage as a result of the
      growing number of medical centers with new-generation PET/CT systems taking
      advantage of the superior imaging properties of PET over SPECT. The routine
      clinical use of PET MPI is still limited, in part because of the short half-life
      of conventional PET MPI tracers. The disadvantages of these conventional PET
      tracers include expensive onsite production and inconvenient on-scanner tracer
      administration making them unsuitable for physical exercise stress imaging.
      Recently, two F-18 labeled radiotracers with longer radioactive half-lives than
      conventional PET imaging agents have been introduced. These are flurpiridaz F 18
      (formerly known as F-18 BMS747158-02) and F-18 fluorobenzyltriphenylphosphonium.
      These longer half-life F-18 labeled perfusion tracers can overcome the production
      and protocol limitations of currently used radiotracers for PET MPI.

PMID- 22069199
TI  - Development of gatekeeping strategies in confirmatory clinical trials.
AB  - This paper discusses multiplicity issues arising in confirmatory clinical trials
      with hierarchically ordered multiple objectives. In order to protect the overall
      type I error rate, multiple objectives are analyzed using multiple testing
      procedures. When the objectives are ordered and grouped in multiple families
      (e.g. families of primary and secondary endpoints), gatekeeping procedures are
      employed to account for this hierarchical structure. We discuss considerations
      arising in the process of building gatekeeping procedures, including proper use
      of relevant trial-specific information and criteria for selecting gatekeeping
      procedures. The methods and principles discussed in this paper are illustrated
      using a clinical trial in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22069200
TI  - On familywise type I error control for multiplicity in equivalence trials with
      three or more treatments.
AB  - For the all pairwise comparisons for equivalence of k (k>=2) treatments Lauzon
      and Caffo proposed simply to divide the type I error level alpha by k-1 to
      achieve a Bonferroni-based familywise error control when declaring pairs of two
      treatments equivalent. This rule is shown to be too liberal for k>=4. It works
      for k=3 yet for reasons not considered by Lauzon and Caffo. Based on the two one
      sided testing procedures and using the closure test principle we develop valid
      alternatives based on Bonferroni's inequality. The set H of intersection
      hypotheses reveals a rich structure, leading to the possibility to present H as a
      directed acyclic graph (DAG). This in turn allows using some graph theoretical
      theorems and eases proving properties of the resulting multiple testing problems.

PMID- 22069201
TI  - Robust estimation for the Cox regression model based on trimming.
AB  - We propose a robust Cox regression model with outliers. The model is fit by
      trimming the smallest contributions to the partial likelihood. To do so, we
      implement a Metropolis-type maximization routine, and show its convergence to a
      global optimum. We discuss global robustness properties of the approach, which is
      illustrated and compared through simulations. We finally fit the model on an
      original and on a benchmark data set.

PMID- 22069202
TI  - Nonparametric Bayesian estimation of the three-way receiver operating
      characteristic surface.
AB  - We describe a nonparametric Bayesian approach for estimating the three-way ROC
      surface based on mixtures of finite Polya trees (MFPT) priors. Mixtures of finite
      Polya trees are robust models that can handle nonstandard features in the data.
      We address the difficulties in modeling continuous diagnostic data with skewness,
      multimodality, or other nonstandard features, and how parametric approaches can
      lead to misleading results in such cases. Robust, data-driven inference for the
      ROC surface and for the volume under the ROC surface is obtained. A simulation
      study is performed to assess the performance of the proposed method. Methods are
      applied to data from a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study on human
      immunodeficiency virus patients.

PMID- 22069203
TI  - Patient safety: issues and advances.

PMID- 22069205
TI  - Role of effective teamwork and communication in delivering safe, high-quality
      care.
AB  - Healthcare is delivered in an extraordinary complex environment. Despite highly
      skilled, dedicated clinicians, there are currently unacceptably high levels of
      communication failures and adverse events. Effective teamwork, in conjunction
      with reliable processes of care, is essential for the consistent delivery of high
      quality care. Practical concepts and tools are provided that address the team
      behaviors of structured communication, effective assertion/critical language,
      psychological safety, situational awareness, and effective leadership. Examples
      of the mounting clinical evidence of improved patient outcomes and reduced harm
      resulting from effective teamwork training are cited.

PMID- 22069204
TI  - Improving quality in healthcare: start with the patient.
AB  - In the decade since the Institute of Medicine released To Err Is Human, patient
      harm from medical errors is still widespread. Healthcare has not undergone the
      transformative change that is needed to reduce medical errors and improve
      quality. This article discusses patient-centeredness as an organizing principle
      for transforming healthcare. We also describe important efforts that depict the
      shift from a provider-focused system to one that is more patient-centered.
      Finally, the article discusses challenges for the future and the importance of
      involving patients in the quest to deliver safe, quality care.

PMID- 22069206
TI  - Effect of e-prescribing systems on patient safety.
AB  - E-prescribing systems enable electronic transmissions of prescriptions to
      pharmacies from the provider's office. The promise of e-prescribing in regard to
      patient safety is reduction in the time gap between point of care and point of
      service, reduction in medication errors, and improved quality of care. This
      article will give a brief overview of e-prescribing systems, what is known about
      these systems and their impact on patient safety, and what challenges remain. For
      purposes of this article, the term "patient safety" will be used interchangeably
      with medication errors and adverse drug events. Although there is some evidence
      that e-prescribing alone and e-prescribing with medication decision support can
      reduce medication errors, there is also evidence that e-prescribing can be a
      source of medication errors. The need for more study is particularly relevant and
      timely, as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is strongly
      incentivizing providers to use e-prescribing with medication decision support.
      Despite concerns about efficiency and dissatisfaction, the majority of providers
      believe e-prescribing provides for improved patient safety. Limited evidence
      suggests that e-prescribing with medication decision support can improve patient
      safety.

PMID- 22069207
TI  - Reforming way medical students and physicians are taught about quality and
      safety.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to briefly review the history of how quality and
      safety have been addressed in the United States by those who have been teaching
      medical students and residents, and then discuss why and how this training must
      change in the future to more effectively address the problems of improving
      healthcare quality and safety. Although it has become clear that the curriculum
      in medical schools should encompass quality and safety training, medical schools
      have been very slow to implement the reforms that are necessary to accomplish
      such a goal. These changes, although desirable from a rational perspective,
      involve basic changes in the culture of medical schools and teaching hospitals.
      Moreover, the cost of implementing these changes would be very large, and, if
      imposed by outside agencies, would likely constitute an unfunded mandate. It
      should also be noted that at the present time there are very few people who are
      well trained to develop and teach these classes. In order to accomplish the goal
      of improving patient safety, it is essential that we provide much more training
      and knowledge regarding patient safety to medical students, including knowledge
      of interventions known to be effective in preventing errors; education in
      technical performance; information about organizational and team issues; and
      training in disclosing errors to patients. This training should occur early in
      the training of professionals, preferably while they are still in school, if such
      training is to change the culture of medicine. Some suggestions and plans for
      implementation are discussed, using some innovative programs as examples.

PMID- 22069208
TI  - Patient safety training simulations based on competency criteria of the
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
AB  - This report reviews and critically evaluates the development of 3 movements in
      healthcare that have had a profound impact on changes occurring at all levels of
      medical education: patient safety, healthcare simulation, and competency-based
      education (exemplified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
      Education). The authors performed a critical and selective review of the
      literature from 1999 to 2011 to identify uses of simulation to address patient
      safety issues aligned according to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
      Education 6 core competencies: (1) patient care; (2) medical knowledge; (3)
      interpersonal and communication skills; (4) professionalism; (5) practice-based
      learning; and (6) systems-based practice. The research synthesis is reported to
      inform and provide evidence about how simulation is used to train and evaluate
      learners on a range of patient-safety issues for each of the core competencies:
      There is emerging evidence that simulation can be used in training efforts to
      reduce medical errors related to medical knowledge and patient care (particular
      invasive procedures as well as improved communication and teamwork skills). There
      remains limited evidence on its impact to improve patient safety related to more
      complex competencies of practice-based learning and systems-based practice.
      Simulation-based learning can lead to positive patient outcomes and reduction of
      medical errors particularly when used for individual skills. However, particular
      attention needs to be placed on the organizational context in which it is
      implemented if improvements in practice-based learning and systems-based practice
      are to be realized.

PMID- 22069209
TI  - Errors in transfusion medicine: have we learned our lesson?
AB  - The phrase "patient safety" represents freedom from accidental or preventable
      harm due to events occurring in the healthcare setting. Practitioners aim to
      reduce, if not prevent, medical errors and adverse outcomes. Yet studies
      performed from many perspectives show that medical error constitutes a serious
      worldwide problem. Transfusion medicine, with its interdisciplinary intricacies
      and the danger of fatal outcomes, serves as an exemplar of lessons learned.
      Opportunity for error in complex systems is vast, and although errors are
      traditionally blamed on humans, they are often set up by preexisting factors.
      Transfusion has inherent hazards such as clinical vulnerabilities (eg,
      contracting an infectious agent or experiencing a transfusion reaction), but
      there also exists the possibility of hazards associated with process errors.
      Sample collection errors, or preanalytic errors, may occur when samples are drawn
      from donors during blood donation, as well as when drawn from patients prior to
      transfusion-related testing, and account for approximately one-third of events in
      transfusion. Errors in the analytic phase of the transfusion chain, slips and
      errors in the laboratory, comprise close to one-third of patient safety-related
      transfusion events. As many as 40% of mistransfusions are due to errors in the
      postanalytic phase: often failures in the final check of the right blood and the
      right patient at the bedside. Bar-code labels, radiofrequency identification
      tags, and even palm vein-scanning technology are increasingly being utilized in
      patient identification. The last phase of transfusion, careful monitoring of the
      recipient for adverse signs or symptoms, when performed diligently can help
      prevent or manage a potentially fatal reaction caused by an earlier process error
      or an unavoidable physiologic condition. Ways in which we can and do deal with
      potential hazards of transfusion are discussed, including a method of hazard
      reduction termed inherently safer design. This approach aims to lessen risk, with
      elimination of a hazard or the reduction of its occurrence as primary. In blood
      transfusion, elimination and marked reduction of some hazards has been employed
      to good effect. However, there is still a heavy reliance on procedural methods in
      the essentially manual steps constituting the phases of the transfusion chain.
      Some hospitals have created a new role of transfusion safety officer to assist in
      the effort of monitoring, identifying, and resolving conditions that may lessen
      safety.

PMID- 22069210
TI  - Prevention of retained surgical items.
AB  - Reduction in retained surgical items is an important part of any operating room
      patient-safety effort. Any item used in an operation can result in a retained
      surgical item, but sponges are the most frequent and the abdomen is the most
      common location. Retained sponges can cause significant morbidity, and the costs
      associated with both prevention and treatment of retained surgical items,
      including legal costs, can be considerable. This review will examine counting,
      teamwork, radiography, and new technology as methods used to prevent retained
      surgical items. Even though none of these techniques individually is likely to
      completely prevent retained surgical items, when used together the numbers can be
      reduced.

PMID- 22069211
TI  - Mitochondrial pathology in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The last 25 years have witnessed remarkable advances in our understanding of the
      etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The ability to undertake
      detailed biochemical analyses of the Parkinson's disease postmortem brain enabled
      the identification of defects of mitochondrial and free-radical metabolism. The
      discovery of the first gene mutation for Parkinson's disease, in alpha-synuclein,
      ushered in the genetic era for the disease and the subsequent finding of several
      gene mutations causing parkinsonism, 15 at the time of writing. Technological
      advances both in sequencing technology and software analysis have allowed
      association studies of sufficiently large size accurately to describe genes
      conferring an increased risk for Parkinson's disease. What has been so surprising
      is the convergence of these 2 separate disciplines (biochemistry and genetics) in
      terms of reinforcing the importance of the same pathways (ie, mitochondrial
      dysfunction and free-radical metabolism). Other pathways are also important in
      pathogenesis, including protein turnover, inflammation, and post-translational
      modification, particularly protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination. However,
      even these additional pathways overlap with each other and with those of
      mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This review explores these
      concepts with particular relevance to mitochondrial involvement.

PMID- 22069212
TI  - Image analysis of small pulmonary nodules identified by computed tomography.
AB  - Detection of small pulmonary nodules has markedly increased as computed
      tomography (CT) technology has advanced and interpretation evolved from viewing
      small CT images on film to magnified images on large, high-resolution computer
      monitors. Despite these advances, determining the etiology of a lung nodule short
      of major surgery remains problematic. Initial nodule size is a major criterion in
      evaluating the risk for malignancy, and the majority of CT detected nodules are
      <10 mm in diameter. Also, the likelihood that the nodule is a lung cancer
      increases with increasing age and smoking history, and such clinical information
      needs to be integrated into algorithms that guide the workup of such nodules.
      Baseline and annual repeat screening results are also very helpful in developing
      and assessing the usefulness of such algorithms. Based on CT morphology, subtypes
      of nodules have been identified; today nodules are routinely classified as being
      solid, part-solid, or nonsolid. It has been shown that part-solid nodules have a
      higher frequency of being malignant than solid or nonsolid ones. Other nodule
      characteristics such as spiculation are useful, although granulomas and fibrosis
      also have such features, so these characteristics have not been as useful as
      nodule-growth assessment. Depending on the aggressiveness of the lung cancer and
      the size of the nodule when it is initially seen, a follow-up CT scan 1-3 months
      after the first CT scan can identify those nodules with growth at a malignant
      rate. Software has been developed by all CT scanner manufacturers for such growth
      assessment, but the inherent variability of such assessments needs further
      development. Nodule-growth assessment based on 2-dimensional approaches is
      limited; therefore, software has been developed for the 3-dimensional assessment
      of growth. Different approaches for such growth assessment have been developed,
      either using automated computer segmentation techniques or hybrid methods that
      allow the radiologist to adjust such segmentation. There are, however, inherent
      reasons for variability in such measurements that need to be carefully
      considered, and this, together with continued technologic advances and
      integration of the relevant clinical information, will allow for
      individualization of the algorithms for the workup of small pulmonary nodules.

PMID- 22069213
TI  - Use of in vivo real-time optical imaging for esophageal neoplasia.
AB  - Esophageal adenocarcinoma carries a poor prognosis, as it typically presents at a
      late stage. Thus, a major research priority is the development of novel
      diagnostic-imaging strategies that can detect neoplastic lesions earlier and more
      accurately than current techniques. Advances in optical imaging allow clinicians
      to obtain real-time histopathologic information with instant visualization of
      cellular architecture and the potential to identify neoplastic tissue. The
      various endoscopic imaging modalities for esophageal neoplasia can be grouped
      into 2 major categories: (1) wide-field imaging, a comparatively lower-resolution
      view for imaging larger surface areas, and (2) high-resolution imaging, which
      allows individual cells to be visualized. This review will provide an overview of
      the various forms of real-time optical imaging in the diagnosis and management of
      Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22069214
TI  - Unravelling the mechanism of glycerol hydrogenolysis over rhodium catalyst
      through combined experimental-theoretical investigations.
AB  - We report herein a detailed and accurate study of the mechanism of rhodium
      catalysed conversion of glycerol into 1,2-propanediol and lactic acid. The first
      step of the reaction is particularly debated, as it can be either dehydration or
      dehydrogenation. It is expected that these elementary reactions can be influenced
      by pH variations and by the nature of the gas phase. These parameters were
      consequently investigated experimentally. On the other hand, there was a lack of
      knowledge about the behaviour of glycerol at the surface of the metallic
      catalyst. A theoretical approach on a model Rh(111) surface was thus implemented
      in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) to describe the above
      mentioned elementary reactions and to calculate the corresponding transition
      states. The combination of experiment and theory shows that the dehydrogenation
      into glyceraldehyde is the first step for the glycerol transformation on the Rh/C
      catalyst in basic media under He or H(2)  atmosphere.

PMID- 22069215
TI  - Detection of a novel FH whole gene deletion in the propositus leading to
      subsequent prenatal diagnosis in a sibship with fumarase deficiency.
AB  - Fumarase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic condition. We report
      on a sibship with molecularly confirmed fumarase deficiency. Prenatal findings
      included agenesis of the corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly, and ventriculoseptal
      defect. The postnatal course was significant for metabolic acidosis ultimately
      leading to death around 3 weeks of age. Postmortem findings were noted including
      swollen mitochondria with abnormal cristae on electron microscopy within the
      liver. Molecular testing revealed a novel whole gene deletion in conjunction with
      a point mutation. While the point mutation has been previously reported, the
      detection of a whole gene deletion has not been described to date in an
      individual with fumarase deficiency.

PMID- 22069216
TI  - Few sex differences in the use of drugs for secondary prevention after stroke: a
      nationwide observational study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This observational study describes the sex differences in the use of
      secondary preventive drugs after ischemic stroke in terms of prescribing and
      persistence. Also, sex differences in patient- and treatment-related factors
      associated with drug use were investigated. METHODS: In this nationwide register
      based study, the Swedish Stroke Register was linked to the Swedish Prescribed
      Drug Register for information on drugs prescribed for, and bought by, stroke
      patients. Background factors were included from the Swedish Stroke Register.
      RESULTS: Included in the database were 9331 men and 9018 women. Men were more
      often prescribed statins, 48.8% versus 38.1% [age-adjusted prevalence ratio (PR)
      = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.82-0.91], and warfarin, 38.4% versus 26.4% after stroke (age
      adjusted PR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.79-0.97). There were no differences in prescribing
      of antihypertensive or antiplatelet drugs. No sex differences were seen regarding
      not continuing drug treatment after discharge (primary non-adherence). Women had
      slightly higher persistence to antihypertensive treatment 2 years after
      discharge, 76.3% versus 71.9% for men (age-adjusted PR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.00
      1.09), but there were no differences in persistence to antiplatelet, warfarin or
      statin treatments. Similar factors were related to statin and warfarin
      prescribing for both men and women. Only antihypertensive treatment before stroke
      was associated to persistence to antihypertensive treatment, and this increased
      persistence for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed few
      differences between men and women after stroke. Patients' use of secondary
      preventive drugs needs to be improved, and from a public health perspective, poor
      persistence is probably a greater problem than differences between the sexes.

PMID- 22069217
TI  - Comparison of headspace solid-phase microextraction, headspace single-drop
      microextraction and hydrodistillation for chemical screening of volatiles in
      Myrtus communis L.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and headspace
      single-drop microextraction (HS-SDME) methods have never been used for the
      extraction and analysis of the volatile compounds of Myrtus communis. For that
      reason, in this work, these two techniques were compared with the traditional
      hydrodistillation (HD) extraction technique. OBJECTIVE: To compare SPME and SDME
      with HD for the extraction and analysis of Myrtus communis volatiles.
      METHODOLOGY: Three extraction methods, i.e. SPME, SDME and HD, coupled to gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry were used and optimised for the analysis of
      Myrtus communis volatiles. The SPME extraction was performed on a 100 um PDMS
      fibre and for SDME a drop of n-octadecane containing 0.7% of menthol as internal
      standard was used as extracting solvent. The results were compared from different
      viewpoints including efficiency of extraction, different kinds of species
      extracted and quantity of extracted compounds with HD. RESULTS: The main analytes
      extracted by SPME were found to be alpha-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool,
      linalyl acetate, alpha-terpinyl acetate and geranyl acetate, whereas for SDME
      alpha-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, linalyl acetate and beta-myrcene
      were extracted as major components. Hydrodistillation could extract alpha-pinene,
      limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, alpha-terpineol, linalyl acetate, alpha-terpinyl
      acetate, geranyl acetate and cis-isoeugenol better than other volatiles from
      Myrtus communis. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that HS-SPME and HS-SDME
      can be applied successfully for the extraction and separation of volatiles in
      aromatic plants, and these techniques are easier to perform, and more effective
      than HD for collection of more volatile compounds.

PMID- 22069220
TI  - Synthetic prodiginine obatoclax (GX15-070) and related analogues: anion binding,
      transmembrane transport, and cytotoxicity properties.
AB  - Synthetic prodiginine obatoclax shows promise as a potential anticancer drug.
      This compound promotes apoptosis of cancer cells, although the mechanism of
      action is unclear. To date, only the inhibition of BCL-2 proteins has been
      proposed as a mechanism of action. To gain insight into other possible modes of
      action, we have studied the anion-binding properties of obatoclax and related
      analogues in solution, in the solid state, and by means of density functional
      theory calculations. These compounds are well suited to interact with anions such
      as chloride and bicarbonate. The anion-transport properties of the compounds
      synthesized were assayed in model phospholipid liposomes by using a chloride
      selective-electrode technique and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The results
      demonstrated that these compounds are efficient anion exchangers that promote
      chloride, bicarbonate, and nitrate transport through lipid bilayers at very low
      concentrations. In vitro studies on small-cell lung carcinoma cell line GLC4
      showed that active ionophores are able to discharge pH gradients in living cells
      and the cytotoxicity of these compounds correlates well with ionophoric activity.

PMID- 22069221
TI  - Safety aspects of antiepileptic drugs--focus on pharmacovigilance.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most patients with epilepsy are dependent on a life-long pharmacological
      treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). AEDs include a wide range of
      substances that possess large pharmacological variability and are often
      susceptible to drug interactions and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). AEDs are
      increasingly used in other neurological and psychiatric disorders, and new
      patient groups are exposed to these drugs. The aim of the present review is to
      focus upon how pharmacovigilance contributes to improved safety of AEDs. METHODS:
      The present article is a review based on searches in Pubmed on articles from the
      last 15 years. Strengths and challenges regarding these aspects will be
      highlighted and discussed. RESULTS: The concept of pharmacovigilance includes
      various methods of monitoring of large patient populations with registries and
      databases of surveillance of ADRs and risk of suicide and sudden unexpected
      death, drug utilization and prescription patterns, pregnancy and birth registries
      and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) databases for studies on pharmacological
      variability of AEDs in large sample sizes. Challenges for existing reporting
      systems and databases include differences in outcome measures and thus
      international comparison. CONCLUSION: Continuous focus on safety aspects of AEDs
      and the importance of the implementation of pharmacovigilance contribute to
      further optimized therapy on a large scale and for the individual patient.

PMID- 22069219
TI  - Ex vivo spinal cord slice model of neuromyelitis optica reveals novel
      immunopathogenic mechanisms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a neuroinflammatory disease of spinal
      cord and optic nerve associated with serum autoantibodies (NMO-immunoglobulin G
      [IgG]) against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Recent studies suggest
      that AQP4 autoantibodies are pathogenic. The objectives of this study were to
      establish an ex vivo spinal cord slice model in which NMO-IgG exposure produces
      lesions with characteristic NMO pathology, and to test the involvement of
      specific inflammatory cell types and soluble factors. METHODS: Vibratome-cut
      transverse spinal cord slices were cultured on transwell porous supports. After 7
      days in culture, spinal cord slices were exposed to NMO-IgG and complement for 1
      to 3 days. In some studies inflammatory cells or factors were added. Slices were
      examined for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), AQP4, and myelin
      immunoreactivity. RESULTS: Spinal cord cellular structure, including astrocytes,
      microglia, neurons, and myelin, was preserved in culture. NMO-IgG bound strongly
      to astrocytes in the spinal cord slices. Slices exposed to NMO-IgG and complement
      showed marked loss of GFAP, AQP4, and myelin. Lesions were not seen in the
      absence of complement or in spinal cord slices from AQP4 null mice. In cultures
      treated with submaximal NMO-IgG, the severity of NMO lesions was increased with
      inclusion of neutrophils, natural killer cells, or macrophages, or the soluble
      factors tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta,
      or interferon-gamma. Lesions were also produced in ex vivo optic nerve and
      hippocampal slice cultures. INTERPRETATION: These results provide evidence for
      AQP4, complement- and NMO-IgG-dependent NMO pathogenesis in spinal cord, and
      implicate the involvement of specific immune cells and cytokines. Our ex vivo
      model allows for direct manipulation of putative effectors of NMO disease
      pathogenesis in a disease-relevant tissue.

PMID- 22069222
TI  - Quantitative assessment of skeletal muscle degeneration in patients with myotonic
      dystrophy type 1 using MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify MRI biomarkers that could be used to follow disease
      progression and therapeutic efficacy in one individual muscle in patients with
      myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lower limb MRI and
      maximal ankle dorsiflexor strength assessment, using a hand-held dynamometer,
      were performed in 19 DM1 patients and 6 control subjects. The volume of residual
      muscle tissue of Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscle was chosen as an index for muscle
      atrophy, and the T2-relaxation-time of the residual muscle tissue was measured to
      evaluate edema-like lesions. The fat-to-water ratio was assessed using three
      point Dixon images to quantify fat infiltration in the entire muscle. RESULTS:
      The intra-observer variability of MRI indices (~5.2% for the residual muscle
      tissue volume and 2.5% for the fat-to-water ratio) was lower than that of the
      dorsiflexor torque measurement (~11.5%). A high correlation (r = 0.91) was found
      between maximal ankle dorsiflexor strength and residual TA muscle tissue volume
      in DM1 patients. Increases in the fat-to-water ratio and T2-relaxation-time were
      associated with a decrease in maximal ankle dorsiflexor strength. CONCLUSION: MRI
      appears as a noninvasive method which can be used to follow disease progression
      and therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 22069223
TI  - Formation of giant protein vesicles by a lipid cosolvent method.
AB  - This paper describes a method to create giant protein vesicles (GPVs) of >=10 MUm
      by solvent-driven fusion of large vesicles (0.1-0.2 MUm) with reconstituted
      membrane proteins. We found that formation of GPVs proceeded from rotational
      mixing of protein-reconstituted large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) with a lipid
      containing solvent phase. We made GPVs by using n-decane and squalene as
      solvents, and applied generalized polarization (GP) imaging to monitor the
      polarity around the protein transmembrane region of aquaporins labeled with the
      polarity-sensitive probe Badan. Specifically, we created GPVs of spinach SoPIP2;1
      and E. coli AqpZ aquaporins. Our findings show that hydrophobic interactions
      within the bilayer of formed GPVs are influenced not only by the solvent
      partitioning propensity, but also by lipid composition and membrane protein
      isoform.

PMID- 22069224
TI  - Binap-gold(I) versus Binap-silver trifluoroacetate complexes as catalysts in 1,3
      dipolar cycloadditions of azomethine ylides.
AB  - The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between azomethine ylides and alkenes is
      efficiently catalysed by [{(S(a))-Binap-Au(tfa)}(2)] (Binap=2,2'
      bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl; tfa=trifluoroacetyl). Maleimides, 1,2
      bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene, chalcone and nitrostyrene were suitable
      dipolarophiles even when using sterically hindered 1,3-dipole precursors. The
      results obtained in these transformations improve the analogous ones obtained in
      the same reactions catalysed by [Binap-Ag(tfa)]. In addition, computational
      studies have also been carried out to demonstrate both the high
      enantioselectivity exhibited by the chiral gold(I) complex, and the non-linear
      effect observed in this transformation.

PMID- 22069225
TI  - Long-term mental health of men who lose a wife to cancer--a population-based
      follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the long-term risk of psychological morbidity
      for men after losing a wife to cancer. A further aim of the study was to
      investigate if being in a new relationship at the time of follow-up affects the
      risk of psychological morbidity. METHOD: In a population-based cohort study, we
      collected data from 907 men in Sweden who lost a wife to cancer in the breast,
      ovary or colon 4-5 years earlier. A control group of 330 married men was also
      included. RESULTS: Six hundred ninety-one of the widowers (76%) and 262 of the
      controls (79%) answered a questionnaire. Widowers in a new relationship had a
      similar risk of psychological morbidity compared with a control group of married
      men. However, compared with widowers in a new relationship, single widowers
      reported increased risks of (among other symptoms) the following: depression (RR
      2.2, confidence interval [CI] 1.5-3.2), anxiety (RR 1.6, CI 1.1-2.5) emotional
      numbness (RR 2.2, CI 1.7-2.8), and waking up at night with anxiety (RR 2.2, CI
      1.4-3.7). CONCLUSIONS: Men who lost a wife to cancer in Sweden in 2000 or 2001
      and are single 4-5 years later have increased risks of psychological morbidity,
      both compared with widowers who are in a new relationship at the time of follow
      up and with married men. Further scientific effort is needed for improved
      understanding of the most likely underlying mechanisms; that is, that enhanced
      emotional support of a new relationship after the loss of a wife protects against
      psychological morbidity, or alternatively, that the healthiest widowers enter a
      new relationship.

PMID- 22069227
TI  - Fourier analysis of STimulated echoes (FAST) for the quantitative analysis of
      left ventricular twist.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate a novel method for the rapid and facile quantification of
      left ventricular (LV) twist from tagged magnetic resonance images and demonstrate
      the potential clinical utility in a series of 20 healthy volunteers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) short-axis images were
      acquired with tissue tagging in 20 healthy subjects and six canines. The tagged
      images were processed using a novel Fourier Analysis of the STimulated echoes
      (FAST) method, which uses a series of Fourier-space operations to measure LV
      twist with limited user interaction. A subset of eight healthy subjects and the
      canine data were compared to results from previously validated "gold standard"
      software (FindTags). Interobserver and intraobserver coefficients of variation
      (CV(INTER) and CV(INTRA) ), linear regression, and Bland-Altman analyses were
      used to assess agreement between observers and methods. RESULTS: CV(INTRA) for
      peak systolic twist (2.9% and 2.6%) and CV(INTER) (4.3% and 4.2%) were all small.
      Linear regression analysis of the FAST and FindTags twist values indicated very
      good agreement in healthy subjects (R = 0.91) and in canines (R = 0.95). Bland
      Altman comparison of the FAST and FindTags twist results indicated excellent
      agreement in healthy subjects (bias of -0.5 degrees , 95% confidence intervals (
      4.3 degrees , 4.3 degrees )) and canines (bias of 0.2 degrees , 95% confidence
      intervals (-2.7 degrees , 3.1 degrees )). Peak systolic twist in healthy subjects
      averaged 10.5 +/- 1.9 degrees  degrees. CONCLUSION: The FAST method for
      quantifying LV twist produces results that are not significantly different from
      the current "gold standard" in a fraction of the user interaction time and has
      demonstrated feasibility in human subjects.

PMID- 22069228
TI  - 15N relaxation NMR studies of prolyl oligopeptidase, an 80 kDa enzyme, reveal a
      pre-existing equilibrium between different conformational states.
AB  - Open and closed: The characterization of protein mobility is crucial for the
      understanding of biological functions. We have applied NMR spectroscopy to study
      the conformational dynamics of the 80 kDa enzyme prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Our
      results revealed that POP is highly dynamic and that inhibition of catalytic
      activity shifts this conformational equilibrium towards a less dynamic state.

PMID- 22069229
TI  - Evaluating the polar organic chemical integrative sampler for the monitoring of
      beta-blockers and hormones in wastewater treatment plant effluents and receiving
      surface waters.
AB  - Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are known to be a source of surface water
      contamination by organic compounds such as pharmaceuticals. The objective of the
      present work was to study the suitability of the polar organic chemical
      integrative sampler (POCIS) to monitor beta-blockers and hormones in effluents
      and surface waters. Four sampling campaigns were carried out in French rivers
      (the Saone, the Ardieres, the Bourbre, and the Seine) between November 2007 and
      September 2008. Passive samplers were exposed in surface waters, upstream and
      downstream of WWTP outflows, and in effluents. Exposures lasted for up to 24 d to
      study the uptake kinetics directly in situ, and repeatability was assessed by
      exposure of triplicates. A good agreement was found between POCIS and water
      samples. With the exception of atenolol, beta-blockers showed a linear uptake
      during at least three weeks, and their sampling rates could be determined in
      situ. These sampling rates were then used to calculate time-weighted average
      concentrations of beta-blockers in the Seine River with an overall good accuracy
      and repeatability. Such calculations could not be performed for hormones because
      of their variable occurrences and low concentrations in water and POCIS. Polar
      organic chemical integrative sampler therefore seems to be a suitable tool for
      monitoring beta-blockers in surface waters impacted by WWTP effluents. Longer
      exposure durations would be necessary to determine the suitability of POCIS for
      monitoring hormones. Finally, preliminary assays on the use of several deuterated
      compounds as performance reference compounds showed promising results for
      deuterated atenolol.

PMID- 22069230
TI  - Boron- and silicon-substituted [3]-1-heterodendralenes as versatile building
      blocks for the rapid construction of polycyclic architectures.

PMID- 22069231
TI  - Concise review: Cord blood banking, transplantation and induced pluripotent stem
      cell: success and opportunities.
AB  - Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has become a standard practice to treat
      a number of malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. Bone marrow,
      mobilized peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood can all serve as primary
      sources of cells for HCT. The number of cord blood units currently stored is
      large, although it represents only a fraction of potential collections. With much
      of the collection being sequestered in private banks for possible autologous use,
      there is a reason to expect that public banks may not be able to provide for the
      demand in coming years as use of cord blood for treatment of patients with
      diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma continues to increase. We suggest that a
      possible solution to encourage private banks to share their valuable units is to
      apply recent methodologies to generate induced pluripotent stem cells from cord
      cells and to optimize techniques to generate hematopoietic lineages from them.
      This strategy would allow us to take advantage of the units already collected
      under appropriate regulatory guidelines, to access a pristine cell that can be
      converted to a pluripotent cell at a much higher efficiency and in a shorter time
      period than other cells. The ability to potentially replenish a used cord unit
      with new cells, as well as extend the potential utility of cord blood for
      additional therapeutic applications, should allow banks to develop an appropriate
      business model for both private and public cord blood banks to flourish.

PMID- 22069232
TI  - Age and dose-limited PET-CT scan regime in lymphoma: between the devil and the
      deep blue sea?
AB  - In this study the authors speculate about hypothetical effective-dose (E)
      reduction through limiting post-chemotherapy PET-CT scanning to lymphoma sites
      previously identified on pre-treatment CT. E reductions/scan time savings are
      compared between post-treatment standard and theoretically limited PET-CT scans.
      The influence of patient age with E savings and associated clinical implication
      for 100 subjects are discussed. The greatest E theoretical savings of 52 and 32%
      for the CT contribution and combined PET-CT, respectively, were seen in patients
      <18 y old using limited scans in this study, with a potential mean time saving of
      16 min per patient across the entire cohort. However, the limited PET-CT regime
      here missed a 1% rate of unexpected cancer that standard PET-CT recorded. The
      authors recommend performing larger scale multi-centre studies comparing PET-CT
      pre- and post-chemotherapy to establish full clinical efficacy of this method.

PMID- 22069233
TI  - 3D calculation of absorbed dose for 131I-targeted radiotherapy: a Monte Carlo
      study.
AB  - Various methods, such as those developed by the Medical Internal Radiation
      Dosimetry (MIRD) Committee of the Society of Nuclear Medicine or employing dose
      point kernels, have been applied to the radiation dosimetry of (131)I
      radionuclide therapy. However, studies have not shown a strong relationship
      between tumour absorbed dose and its overall therapeutic response, probably due
      in part to inaccuracies in activity and dose estimation. In the current study,
      the GATE Monte Carlo computer code was used to facilitate voxel-level radiation
      dosimetry for organ activities measured in an (131)I-treated thyroid cancer
      patient. This approach allows incorporation of the size, shape and composition of
      organs (in the current study, in the Zubal anthropomorphic phantom) and intra
      organ and intra-tumour inhomogeneities in the activity distributions. The total
      activities of the tumours and their heterogeneous distributions were measured
      from the SPECT images to calculate the dose maps. For investigating the effect of
      activity distribution on dose distribution, a hypothetical homogeneous
      distribution of the same total activity was considered in the tumours. It was
      observed that the tumour mean absorbed dose rates per unit cumulated activity
      were 0.65E-5 and 0.61E-5 mGY MBq(-1) s(-1) for the uniform and non-uniform
      distributions in the tumour, respectively, which do not differ considerably.
      However, the dose-volume histograms (DVH) show that the tumour non-uniform
      activity distribution decreases the absorbed dose to portions of the tumour
      volume. In such a case, it can be misleading to quote the mean or maximum
      absorbed dose, because overall response is likely limited by the tumour volume
      that receives low (i.e. non-cytocidal) doses. Three-dimensional radiation
      dosimetry, and calculation of tumour DVHs, may lead to the derivation of
      clinically reliable dose-response relationships and therefore may ultimately
      improve treatment planning as well as response assessment for radionuclide
      therapy.

PMID- 22069234
TI  - A study of environmental radioactivity measurements for Cankiri, Turkey.
AB  - This study is the first to assess the level of background radiation for the
      Cankiri province of Turkey. Indoor air radon concentrations were determined using
      Columbia Resin-39 nuclear track detectors and the average (222)Rn activity was
      found to be 44 Bq m(-3) (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 1.1 mSv).
      Measurements of gamma doses in outdoor air were performed using a portable
      plastic scintillation detector and the average gamma absorbed dose rate was found
      to be 8 MUR h(-1) (corresponding to an annual effective dose of 87.7 MUSv).
      Radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples were measured through gamma
      ray spectrometry and the average activities were determined as 17.7, 22.3, 357
      and 4.1 Bq kg(-1) for the radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs,
      respectively. The average annual effective dose from the natural radioactivity
      sources ((238)U series, (232)Th series and (40)K) was calculated to be 44.4 MUSv.
      Radioactivity levels of drinking water samples were carried out using a low
      background proportional counter and the average gross alpha and beta activities
      were obtained as 0.25 and 0.26 Bq l(-1), respectively (equivalent to an annual
      effective dose of 184 MUSv). The average radon concentrations in indoor air and
      the average radionuclide activities in soil were found to be lower than most
      Turkish cities while higher levels of outdoor gamma dose rate and water
      radioactivity were observed. The results of this study showed that the region's
      background radioactivity level differs considerably from the reported data for
      Turkish cities.

PMID- 22069235
TI  - Perfusion parameters analysis of the vertebral bone marrow in patients with Ph1-
      chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph(neg) MPN): a dynamic contrast-enhanced
      MRI (DCE-MRI) study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate perfusion parameters of the vertebral bone marrow in
      patients with Philadelphia negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph(neg)
      MPN) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      study enrolled 24 patients with Ph(neg) MPN: 12 patients with myelofibrosis
      (Group A), 6 with essential thrombocythemia (ET), and 6 with polycythemia vera
      (PV) (Group B) who underwent DCE-MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Twelve normal
      individuals served as control group (Group C). Wash-in (WIN), wash-out (WOUT),
      maximum contrast-enhancement (CE  max), time-to-peak (TTPK), time-to-maximum
      slope (TMSP), and the WIN/TMSP ratio (WTSP) were calculated. RESULTS: WIN,
      CE(max) , and WTSP parameters were higher in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05).
      These parameters were significant (P < 0.0001) in discriminating patients with
      myelofibrosis from normal individuals with sensitivities 74.14%, 87.93%, 74.14%,
      and specificities 91.07%, 83.93%, 91.07%, respectively. WIN, WOUT, CE(max) , and
      WTSP parameters were higher in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.05). Group B
      exhibited no differences in perfusion parameters as compared with Group C with
      the exception of WOUT. CONCLUSION: Patients with myelofibrosis exhibited
      increased perfusion parameters in vertebral bone marrow, which could be consisted
      with increased vascularity, probably related to neoangiogenesis as opposed to ET
      or PV patients showing no increased perfusion. DCE-MRI may be of value in
      discriminating subgroups of Ph(neg) MPN patients and in indicating those
      progressing to myelofibrosis.

PMID- 22069236
TI  - Surface-functionalized ionic liquid crystal-supported ionic liquid phase
      materials: ionic liquid crystals in mesopores.
AB  - The influence of confinement on the ionic liquid crystal (ILC) [C(18)C(1)Im][OTf]
      is studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical
      microscopy (POM), and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy
      (DRIFTS). The ILC studied is supported on Si-based powders and glasses with pore
      sizes ranging from 11 to 50 nm. The temperature of the solid-to-liquid
      crystalline phase transition seems mostly unaffected by the confinement, whereas
      the temperature of the liquid-crystalline-to-liquid phase transition is depressed
      for smaller pore sizes. A contact layer with a thickness in the order of 2 nm is
      identified. The contact layer exhibits a phase transition at a temperature 30 K
      lower than the solid-to-liquid-crystalline phase transition observed for the neat
      ILC. For applications within the "supported ionic liquid phase (SILP)" concept,
      the experiments show that in pores of diameter 50 nm a pore filling of alpha>0.4
      is sufficient to reproduce the phase transitions of the neat ILC.

PMID- 22069237
TI  - A critical requirement for notch signaling in maintenance of the quiescent
      skeletal muscle stem cell state.
AB  - Notch signaling plays a key role in virtually all tissues and organs in
      metazoans; however, limited examples are available for the regulatory role of
      this pathway in adult quiescent stem cells. We performed a temporal and
      ontological assessment of effectors of the Notch pathway that indicated highest
      activity in freshly isolated satellite cells and, unexpectedly, a sharp decline
      before the first mitosis, and subsequently in proliferating, satellite cell
      derived myoblasts. Using genetic tools to conditionally abrogate canonical Notch
      signaling during homeostasis, we demonstrate that satellite cells differentiate
      spontaneously and contribute to myofibers, thereby resulting in a severe
      depletion of the stem cell pool. Furthermore, whereas loss of Rbpj function
      provokes some satellite cells to proliferate before fusing, strikingly, the
      majority of mutant cells terminally differentiate unusually from the quiescent
      state, without passing through S-phase. This study establishes Notch signaling
      pathway as the first regulator of cellular quiescence in adult muscle stem cells.

PMID- 22069238
TI  - Optimization of b value in diffusion-weighted MRI for characterization of benign
      and malignant gynecological lesions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the optimal b value in diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI for
      differentiation of benign and malignant gynecological lesions. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Consecutive 58 patients (66 lesions) with pathologically confirmed
      diagnosis of gynecological disease were included in the study. Routine pelvic MRI
      sequences were used for defining the lesions and reviewed independently for
      benignity/ malignity. Single-shot echoplanar imaging (SH-EPI) DW-MRI with eight b
      values and nine apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were obtained. The
      lesions were analyzed qualitatively on DW-MRI for benignity/malignity on a five
      point-scale and quantitatively by measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient
      (ADC) values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to
      evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ADC values for differentiating between benign
      and malignant lesions. Pathology results were the reference standard. RESULTS:
      Differentiation between benign and malignant gynecological lesions using visual
      scoring was found to be successful with b values of 600, 800, or 1000 s/mm(2) .
      The mean ADC values of malignant lesions were significantly lower than those of
      benign lesions for all b value (P < 0.005). The ADCs with b = 0 and 600, 0 and
      1000 s/mm(2) , 0, 600, 800 and 1000 s/mm(2) , and all b values were more
      effective for distinguishing malignant from benign gynecological lesions (Az =
      0.851, 0.847, 0.848, 0.849, respectively). Using ADC with b = 0, 600, 800, and
      1000 s/mm(2) , a threshold value of 1.20 * 10(-3) mm(2) /s permitted this
      distinction with a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 81%. CONCLUSION: DW-MRI
      is an important method, and the optimal b values are between 600 and 1000 s/mm(2)
      for differentiation between benign and malignant gynecological lesions.

PMID- 22069239
TI  - Assessing spin-component-scaled second-order Moller-plesset theory using
      anharmonic frequencies.
AB  - Four common parametrisations of spin-component-scaled second-order Moller-Plesset
      (MP2) theory are benchmarked by calculating the anharmonic vibrational
      frequencies of a test suite consisting of eighteen diatomic and five small
      molecules. Of the four methods, the scaled opposite-spin MP2 (SOS-MP2), the
      variable-scaling opposite-spin MP2 (VOS-MP2) and the spin-component-scaled MP2
      (SCS-MP2) methods perform statistically better than standard MP2 theory, while
      the spin-component scaled for nucleic bases MP2 (SCSN-MP2) performs worse.
      Vibrations of closed-shell diatomic molecules are slightly more accurately
      described by the SOS-MP2 method of Head-Gordon (epsilon(MAD) =51 cm(-1) ) than
      the SCS-MP2 method of Grimme (epsilon(MAD) =61 cm(-1)) or the size-consistent
      parametrisation of VOS-MP2 (epsilon(MAD) =54 cm(-1)). For open-shell diatomic
      molecules, the SOS-MP2 (epsilon(MAD) =83 cm(-1)) and SCS-MP2 (epsilon(MAD) =81
      cm(-1)) methods are of similar accuracy, while VOS-MP2 is slightly better
      (epsilon(MAD) =77 cm(-1)). Since the VOS-MP2 and SOS-MP2 methods tend to have
      smaller deviations from experiment, and they can be made computationally more
      economical than the SCS-MP2 or MP2 methods, we suggest that they should be the
      preferred ab initio method for computing vibrational frequencies in large
      molecules.

PMID- 22069240
TI  - Serological antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review.
AB  - The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is traditionally based on a
      combination of clinical, endoscopic, histological, and radiological criteria.
      However, further testing is needed in cases of diagnostic uncertainty and in
      predicting disease course. This systematic review focuses on the potential for 10
      serological antibodies to fill these roles: pANCA, ASCA, anti-OmpC, anti-CBir1,
      anti-I2, ALCA, ACCA, AMCA, anti-L, and anti-C. We discuss their prevalence in IBD
      and health; their role in disease diagnosis and risk stratification; their
      stability over time; their presence in unaffected relatives; their association
      with genetic variants; and differences across ethnic groups. Serological
      antibodies have some role in primary diagnosis and in differentiating between
      Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In indeterminate colitis, preoperative
      measurement of serological antibodies can help to predict the likelihood of
      complications among patients undergoing pouch surgery. The combined presence and
      magnitude of a large panel of antibodies appear to be of value in predicting
      disease progression. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the
      use of antibody testing to predict responses to treatment or surgery in patients
      with IBD.

PMID- 22069242
TI  - Photodissociation dynamics of ClCN at different wavelengths.
AB  - The photodissociation dynamics of small molecules in the gas and condensed phase
      is an important source of information for better characterizing intermolecular
      interactions. Herein, classical molecular dynamics simulations with provisions to
      follow reactive processes between different electronic states are used to probe
      the wavelength dependence of product state distributions after laser excitation
      of ClCN. It is found that the maximum of the rotational excitation distribution
      P(j) of the CN product shifts to lower j-values with increasing wavelength and
      the width of the distribution narrows. Both observations are in accord with
      earlier experiments and provide improvements over previous theoretical treatments
      of the process with the same interaction potentials. For the reaction in a water
      droplet, strong quenching of rotational excitation is found.

PMID- 22069241
TI  - Cisterna chyli in patients with portal hypertension: evaluation with MR imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the difference in the caliber of cisterna chyli between
      patients with and without portal hypertension on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      and to assess the alteration of the caliber of cisterna chyli related to
      contraction waves during serial T2-weighted MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      study included 177 patients with and without portal hypertension who underwent
      two sets of T2-weighted MRI. MR images were evaluated for the visibility of
      cisterna chyli, the difference in the diameter of cisterna chyli between two
      patients groups, and the alteration in the diameter of cisterna chyli during
      serial T2-weighted MRI. RESULTS: The mean maximal diameter of cisterna chyli in
      patients with portal hypertension (4.97 +/- 1.87 mm, range; 2.5-13.1 mm) was
      significantly larger (P < 0.001) than that in patients without portal
      hypertension (3.37 +/- 1.25 mm, range; 1.5-6.8 mm). In 132 patients with visible
      cisterna chyli and portal hypertension, 25 (19%) patients had a positive caliber
      change of cisterna chyli of more than 2 mm between two sets of T2-weighted MR
      images. CONCLUSION: The dilatation of cisterna chyli can be demonstrated at MRI
      in patients with portal hypertension. Additionally, the positive caliber change
      of cisterna chyli related to contraction waves was observed in subsets of
      patients during serial T2-weighted MRI.

PMID- 22069243
TI  - Impact of exclusive enteral nutrition on body composition and circulating
      micronutrients in plasma and erythrocytes of children with active Crohn's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutritional therapy is the primary treatment for active pediatric
      Crohn's disease (CD) in the UK/Europe, improving disease activity and
      anthropometry. This study assessed changes in micronutrient status during
      exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN). METHODS: Seventeen children (male/female: 8/9;
      median age: 12.7 years) with active CD were treated exclusively for 6-8 weeks on
      a polymeric feed (Modulen IBD; Nestle, UK). Body impedance was measured at
      baseline, during EEN, and posttreatment on normal diet and converted to z-scores
      of fat and lean mass. Blood samples for nutrient analysis were collected from 13
      children at baseline, end of EEN, and posttreatment. RESULTS: Lean but not fat
      mass improved at the end of EEN (initiation vs. end of EEN; fat mass [z-score]: 
      0.5 vs. -0.3; P = 0.141; lean mass [z-score]: -2.1 vs. -0.8; P < 0.0001). At
      baseline several children presented with suboptimal concentrations of
      carotenoids, trace elements, vitamin C, B6, and folate in plasma but not in
      erythrocytes. EEN improved concentrations for several nutrients, but more than
      90% of patients had depleted concentrations of all carotenoids. The latter
      improved on normal diet but other micronutrients, which improved during EEN,
      returned toward pretreatment concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Lean but not fat mass
      improved at the end of EEN. Median concentrations for several plasma
      micronutrients improved on EEN but carotenoids were depleted. These findings may
      have implications for clinical practice and producers of enteral feeds. As plasma
      concentrations for many micronutrients can be affected by the acute phase
      response, measurements in erythrocytes may be a better marker of actual body
      stores.

PMID- 22069244
TI  - Prediction of microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: usefulness of
      peritumoral hypointensity seen on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced hepatobiliary
      phase images.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether peritumoral hypointensity seen on hepatobiliary
      phase images of preoperative gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging (EOB-MRI) is useful for predicting microvascular invasion of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by
      the Institutional Review Board. In all, 104 HCC masses in 104 patients who had
      undergone EOB-MRI and liver surgery within 1 month after EOB-MRI were evaluated.
      Two radiologists independently recorded the presence of a peritumoral
      hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase. Interobserver agreement was assessed and
      consensus records were used. Tumor size was measured. A chi-square test and
      independent t-test were used for univariate analysis. Multiple logistic
      regression was performed to determine factors for predicting microvascular
      invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative
      predictive value (NPV) of peritumoral hypointensity were calculated. RESULTS:
      Sixty HCCs had microvascular invasion and 44 did not. Interobserver agreement in
      determining peritumoral hypointensity was excellent (kappa = 0.83). By univariate
      analysis, peritumoral hypointensity and tumor size were significant for
      predicting microvascular invasion of HCC. On multiple logistic regression
      analysis, only peritumoral hypointensity was significant in predicting
      microvascular invasion of HCC (P = 0.013). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and
      NPV of peritumoral hypointensity were 38.3%, 93.2%, 88.5%, and 52.6%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Peritumoral hypointensity on the hepatobiliary phase of
      EOB-MRI is not sensitive but has high specificity for predicting microvascular
      invasion of HCC.

PMID- 22069245
TI  - Colloidal crystallization of surfactant-free ZnO quantum dots.

PMID- 22069246
TI  - Presence of concomitant inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an
      increased risk of postcholecystectomy complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often
      associated with complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether
      concomitant IBD was associated with an increased risk of postcholecystectomy
      complications. METHODS: The study group consisted of 82 consecutive IBD patients
      who underwent cholecystectomy from January 2001 to October 2010. The control
      group included 296 cholecystectomy patients without IBD who were randomly
      selected from the cholecystectomy database. Variables were analyzed by univariate
      and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age,
      gender, body mass index, presence of gallstones/common bile duct stones,
      indication for cholecystectomy, and postoperative mortality between the study and
      control groups. More patients in the study group had postoperative complications
      than in the control group (17.1% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.005). On multivariate analysis,
      the presence of concomitant IBD was independently associated with an increased
      risk for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] = 4.64; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.63-13.20, P = 0.004) after adjusting for age, the presence of
      cirrhosis, diabetes, body mass index, the use of corticosteroids,
      immunomodulators, total parental nutrition, or biologics, the presence of primary
      sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), acute or chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, or
      prior abdominal surgeries, and indication for surgery (elective vs. emergent).
      CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients undergoing cholecystectomy have a significantly
      increased risk of postoperative complications. Although further studies are
      warranted to clarify the reason for these differences, caution should be taken to
      determine the need and timing of cholecystectomy in IBD patients.

PMID- 22069247
TI  - Augmented reality and haptic interfaces for robot-assisted surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current teleoperated robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical
      systems do not take full advantage of the potential performance enhancements
      offered by various forms of haptic feedback to the surgeon. Direct and graphical
      haptic feedback systems can be integrated with vision and robot control systems
      in order to provide haptic feedback to improve safety and tissue mechanical
      property identification. METHODS: An interoperable interface for teleoperated
      robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery was developed to provide haptic
      feedback and augmented visual feedback using three-dimensional (3D) graphical
      overlays. The software framework consists of control and command software, robot
      plug-ins, image processing plug-ins and 3D surface reconstructions. RESULTS: The
      feasibility of the interface was demonstrated in two tasks performed with
      artificial tissue: palpation to detect hard lumps and surface tracing, using
      vision-based forbidden-region virtual fixtures to prevent the patient-side
      manipulator from entering unwanted regions of the workspace. CONCLUSIONS: The
      interoperable interface enables fast development and successful implementation of
      effective haptic feedback methods in teleoperation.

PMID- 22069248
TI  - Ultrasound and cadaveric prosections as methods for teaching cardiac anatomy: a
      comparative study.
AB  - This study compared the efficacy of two cardiac anatomy teaching modalities,
      ultrasound imaging and cadaveric prosections, for learning cardiac gross anatomy.
      One hundred and eight first-year medical students participated. Two weeks prior
      to the teaching intervention, students completed a pretest to assess their prior
      knowledge and to ensure that groups were equally randomized. Students, divided
      into pre-existing teaching groups, were assigned to one of two conditions;
      "cadaver" or "ultrasound." Those in the cadaver group received teaching on the
      heart using prosections, whereas the ultrasound group received teaching using
      live ultrasound images of the heart. Immediately after teaching, students sat a
      post-test. Both teaching modalities increased students' test scores by similar
      amounts but no significant difference was found between the two conditions,
      suggesting that both prosections and ultrasound are equally effective methods for
      teaching gross anatomy of the heart. Our data support the inclusion of either
      cadaveric teaching or living anatomy using ultrasound within the undergraduate
      anatomy curriculum, and further work is needed to compare the additive effect of
      the two modalities.

PMID- 22069249
TI  - Identification and characterization of a complex pure mosaic of small
      supernumerary marker chromosomes involving 11p11.12 -> q12.1 and 19p12 -> q12
      regions in a child featuring multiple congenital anomalies.
AB  - Unstable, gene-rich pericentric regions have been associated with various
      structural aberrations including small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs).
      We hereby report on a complex pure mosaic sSMCs derived from chromosomes 11 and
      19 in a child featuring multiple congenital anomalies. As indicated by microarray
      analysis, the sSMCs have involved materials from 11p11.12 -> q12.1 and 19p12 ->
      q12 in complex forms (with four cell lines harboring from 1 to 4 sSMCs) in all
      peripheral blood lymphocytes. The patient featured facial dysmorphism,
      generalized hypotonia, cryptorchidism, transverse palmar creases, cerebral
      hemorrhage, atrial septal defect secundum, strabismus, epilepsy,
      immunodeficiency, and severe cognitive and motor impairment. Literature review
      indicated this to be a unique sSMCs case simultaneously involving chromosomes 11
      and 19, with one sSMC containing materials from the both chromosomes. We propose
      that the involved chromosomal regions may contain dosage-sensitive genes which
      are important for the development, and that the sSMCs derived from multiple
      origins have formed by a complex mechanism.

PMID- 22069251
TI  - Immunology of Diabetes Society T-Cell Workshop: HLA class I tetramer-directed
      epitope validation initiative T-Cell Workshop Report-HLA Class I Tetramer
      Validation Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of T-cell reactivity to beta-cell antigen epitopes is
      an important goal for studying pathogenesis and for designing and monitoring of
      immunotherapeutic interventions in type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: We performed a
      multicentre validation of known human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I CD8+ T-cell
      epitopes. To this end, peripheral blood T-cell responses were measured in 35
      recently (<2 years) diagnosed HLA-A*02:01+ T1D patients using blind-coded HLA-A2
      tetramers (TMrs) and pentamers (PMrs), encompassing two epitopes of preproinsulin
      (PPI; PPIA12-20 and PPIB10-18) and two epitopes of glutamic acid decarboxylase
      (GAD; GAD114-122 and GAD536-545). We also compared the readout of TMrs and PMrs
      with a CD8+ T-cell interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assay. RESULTS:
      Despite the minute frequencies of autoreactive cells detected by TMrs/PMrs, most
      (73-77%) T1D patients had responses to one or more of the epitopes used. All four
      epitopes were recognized by T1D patients, with a prevalence ranging from 5 to
      25%. TMrs and PMrs detected more positive responses to the beta-cell epitopes
      than CD8+ T-cell interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot. However, concordance
      between positive responses to TMrs and PMrs was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Using a
      multicentre blind-coded setup and three different T-cell assays, we have
      validated PPI and GAD epitopes as commonly recognized CD8+ T-cell targets in
      recently diagnosed T1D patients. Both TMrs and PMrs showed higher detection
      sensitivity than the CD8+ T-cell interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assay.
      However, there are some important methodological issues that need to be addressed
      in using these sensitive techniques for detecting low frequency responses.

PMID- 22069252
TI  - Immunology of Diabetes Society T-Cell Workshop: HLA class II tetramer-directed
      epitope validation initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Islet-antigen-specific CD4+ T cells are known to promote auto-immune
      destruction in T1D. Measuring T-cell number and function provides an important
      biomarker. In response to this need, we evaluated responses to proinsulin and GAD
      epitopes in a multicentre study. METHODS: A tetramer-based assay was used in five
      participating centres to measure T-cell reactivities to DR0401-restricted
      epitopes. Three participating centres concurrently performed ELISPOT or
      immunoblot assays. Each centre used blind-coded, centrally distributed peptide
      and tetramer reagents. RESULTS: All participating centres detected responses to
      auto-antigens and the positive control antigen, and in some cases cloned the
      corresponding T cells. However, response rates varied among centres. In total,
      74% of patients were positive for at least one islet epitope. The most commonly
      recognized epitope was GAD270-285. Only a minority of the patients tested by
      tetramer and ELISPOT were concordant for both assays. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      successfully detected GAD and proinsulin responses using centrally distributed
      blind-coded reagents. Centres with little previous experience using class II
      tetramer reagents implemented the assay. The variability in response rates
      observed for different centres suggests technical difficulties and/or
      heterogeneity within the local patient populations tested. Dual analysis by
      tetramer and ELISPOT or immunoblot assays was frequently discordant, suggesting
      that these assays detect distinct cell populations. Future efforts should
      investigate shared blood samples to evaluate assay reproducibility and
      longitudinal samples to identify changes in T-cell phenotype that correlate with
      changes in disease course.

PMID- 22069253
TI  - Comparison of cryopreservation methods on T-cell responses to islet and control
      antigens from type 1 diabetic patients and controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a cell-mediated autoimmune disease
      characterized by destruction of the pancreatic islet cells. The use of
      cryopreserved cells is preferable to the use of freshly isolated cells to monitor
      clinical trials to decrease assay and laboratory variability. METHODS: The T-Cell
      Workshop Committee of the Immunology of Diabetes Society compared two widely
      accepted T-cell freezing protocols (warm and cold) to freshly isolated peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells from patients with T1D and controls in terms of recovery,
      viability, cell subset composition, and performance in functional assays
      currently in use in T1D-related research. Nine laboratories participated in the
      study with four different functional assays included. RESULTS: The cold freezing
      method yielded higher recovery and viability compared with the warm freezing
      method. Irrespective of freezing protocol, B cells and CD8+ T cells were
      enriched, monocyte fraction decreased, and islet antigen-reactive responses were
      lower in frozen versus fresh cells. However, these results need to take in to
      account that the overall response to islet autoantigens was low in some assays.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, none of the tested T-cell functional assays
      performed well using frozen samples. More research is required to identify a
      freezing method and a T-cell functional assay that will produce responses in
      patients with T1D comparable to responses using fresh peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells.

PMID- 22069254
TI  - Persistent glucose transporter expression on pancreatic beta cells from
      longstanding type 1 diabetic individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent reports have established the notion that many patients with
      longstanding type 1 diabetes (T1D) possess a remnant population of insulin
      producing beta cells. It remains questionable, however, whether these surviving
      cells can physiologically sense and respond to glucose stimuli. METHODS: Frozen
      pancreatic sections from non-diabetic donors (n=8), type 2 diabetic patients
      (n=4), islet autoantibody-positive non-diabetic patients (n=3), type 1 diabetic
      patients (n=10) and one case of gestational diabetes were obtained via the
      network for Pancreatic Organ Donors. All longstanding T1D samples were selected
      based on the detection of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas by
      immunohistochemistry. RNA was isolated from all sections followed by cDNA
      preparation and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for insulin,
      glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT2 and GLUT3. Finally, immunofluorescent
      staining was performed on consecutive sections for all four of these markers and
      a comparison was made between the expression of GLUT2 in humans versus NOD mice.
      RESULTS: In contrast to islets from the most widely used T1D model, the NOD
      mouse, human islets predominantly express GLUT1 and, to a much lesser extent,
      GLUT3 on their surface instead of GLUT2. Relative expression levels of these
      receptors do not significantly change in the context of the various (pre
      )diabetic conditions studied. Moreover, in both species preservation of GLUT
      expression was observed even under conditions of substantial leucocyte
      infiltration or decades of T1D duration. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that
      despite being subjected to multiple years of physiological stress, the remaining
      beta-cell population in longstanding T1D patients retains a capacity to sense
      glucose via its GLUTs.

PMID- 22069255
TI  - Delta-cell-specific expression of hedgehog pathway Ptch1 receptor in murine and
      human endocrine pancreas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hedgehog pathway plays an important role during pancreas development,
      when its inactivation is crucial to assure expression of pancreatic marker genes
      involved in the organ formation and to assure an appropriate organogenesis.
      Patched1 (Ptch1) is a transmembrane receptor of hedgehog pathway which has a key
      role in this process. In fact, heterozygous Ptch1 mutant (ptc+/-) mice are
      affected by an impaired glucose tolerance accompanied by reduced islet function.
      In the light that the cell distribution of Ptch1 receptor within the endocrine
      pancreas has not yet been established, we aimed at identifying the pancreatic
      endocrine cell subset(s) expressing such molecule. METHODS: Double immunostaining
      for Ptch1 and pancreatic hormones insulin, glucagon and somatostatin on
      pancreatic paraffin sections of C57BL/6J mice and human non-diabetic multiorgan
      donors was performed and analysed using confocal microscopy. In addition,
      diabetes was experimentally induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of
      streptozotocin. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction after laser
      capture microdissection of different islets from frozen pancreatic murine tissue
      sections was also performed. RESULTS: Ptch1 receptor was detected only in
      somatostatin-positive delta cells both in mice and in human pancreas; in mice its
      expression was not affected by streptozotocin treatment. A significant increase
      of Ptch1 mRNA expression levels in the islet periphery versus the islet core was
      observed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, in accord with
      immunohistochemical observations. CONCLUSION: Our data show a delta-cell-specific
      expression of Ptch1 receptor in murine and human pancreas.

PMID- 22069256
TI  - Imaging of pancreatic islet cells.
AB  - At present, the onset and progress of diabetes, and the efficacy of potential
      treatments, can only be assessed through indirect means, i.e. blood glucose,
      insulin, or C-peptide measurements. The development of non-invasive and reliable
      methods for (1) quantification of pancreatic beta islet cell mass in vivo, (2)
      determining endogenous islet function and survival, and (3) visualizing the
      biodistribution, survival, and function of transplanted exogenous islets are
      critical to further advance both basic science research and islet cell therapy in
      diabetes. Islet cell imaging using magnetic resonance, bioluminescence, positron
      emission tomography, or single photon emission computed tomography may provide us
      with a direct means to interrogate islet cell distribution, survival, and
      function. Current state-of-the-art strategies for beta-cell imaging are discussed
      and reviewed here in context of their clinical relevance.

PMID- 22069257
TI  - Imaging the pancreatic vasculature in diabetes models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular parameters, such as vascular volume, flow, and permeability,
      are important disease biomarkers for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Therefore,
      it is essential to develop approaches to monitor the changes in pancreatic
      microvasculature non-invasively. METHODS: Here, we describe the application of
      the long-circulating, paramagnetic T1 contrast agent, protected Graft Copolymer
      bearing covalently linked gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid residues
      and labelled with fluorescein (PGC-GdDTPA-F) for the non-invasive semi
      quantitative evaluation of vascular changes in diabetic models using magnetic
      resonance imaging. RESULTS: We observed a significantly higher accumulation of
      protected graft copolymer bearing covalently linked gadolinium
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid residues and labelled with fluorescein in the
      pancreata of BBDR rats induced to develop diabetes, as compared to non-diabetic
      controls at 1 h post-injection. No differences were seen in the blood pool,
      kidney, or muscle, indicating that the effect is specific to the diabetic
      pancreas. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a marked increase in contrast agent
      availability in the pancreas with the development of the pathology. Similar
      changes were noted in the homozygous Leprdb mouse model of type 2 diabetes. This
      effect appeared to result both from the increase of vascular volume and
      permeability. CONCLUSIONS: High-molecular weight paramagnetic blood volume
      contrast agents are valuable for the in vivo definition of pancreatic
      microvasculature dynamics by magnetic resonance imaging. The increase in vascular
      volume and permeability, associated with diabetic inflammation, can be monitored
      non-invasively and semi-quantitatively by magnetic resonance imaging in diabetic
      BBDR rats. This imaging strategy represents a valuable research tool for better
      understanding of the pathologic process.

PMID- 22069258
TI  - Insulin as a key autoantigen in the development of type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease against pancreatic beta
      cells. T cells target various antigens such as insulin, chromogranin A, glutamic
      acid decarboxylase and islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit
      related protein. Elimination of insulin dramatically prevents diabetes in the non
      obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model and response to insulin occurs prior to that to
      other antigens. These findings suggest that insulin is a target antigen at the
      early stage of the disease and is likely to be essential to cause anti-islet
      autoimmunity in NOD mice. In this review, we discuss whether insulin is truly
      essential and is only the single essential autoantigen for NOD mice and
      potentially for man. Although the ultimate principle is still being addressed, it
      is certain that T-cell response to insulin is a major check point to develop type
      1 diabetes in NOD mice. Given multiple similarities between diabetes of NOD mice
      and man, targeting insulin and insulin-reactive T cells may provide opportunities
      to develop robust immunotherapies.

PMID- 22069259
TI  - Multiple antigens versus single major antigen in type 1 diabetes: arguing for
      multiple antigens.
AB  - Our recent review of the literature revealed that approximately 20 antigens are
      now known to be targeted by T cells in the NOD mouse model of the autoimmune
      disease type 1 diabetes. Of these, insulin has received considerable attention
      and has been described by some in the research community as an 'initiating' or
      'single major' antigen in the disease. Insulin may indeed be worthy of these
      titles, at least in NOD mice and in the context of the particular major
      histocompatibility complex molecules expressed in this strain. However, here we
      present arguments in favour of viewing type 1 diabetes as a disease in which
      multiple antigens should be considered, rather than just one. In our view, other
      antigens may prove to be more worthy of these titles in humans, and the major
      histocompatibility complex molecules expressed may well be a determining factor.
      Furthermore, even if insulin is 'the initiating antigen' in type 1 diabetes,
      multiple pathogenic specificities are known to exist even during the prediabetic
      period and it is at our peril that we ignore them. The recent discovery of novel
      beta-cell antigens, e.g. ZnT8 and chromogranin A, has taught us that we still
      have much to learn about the targets of the autoimmune response in type 1
      diabetes. Increased knowledge will promote a clearer picture of disease
      pathogenesis and will better position the field to be successful in its
      translational goals of immune monitoring and disease prevention and reversal.

PMID- 22069260
TI  - Immunization with an insulin peptide-MHC complex to prevent type 1 diabetes of
      NOD mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutating the insulin B:9-23 peptide prevents diabetes in NOD mice.
      Thus, the trimolecular complex of I-Ag7-insulin B:9-23 peptide-TCR may be
      essential for the development of spontaneous diabetes. Pathogenic T cells
      recognize the B:9-23 peptide presented by I-Ag7 in what is termed register 3,
      with the B22 basic amino acid (arginine) of the peptide bound in pocket 9 of I
      Ag7. Our hypothesis is that immunization with an insulin B:12-22 peptide linked
      to I-Ag7 in register 3 (I-Ag7-B:RE#3 complex) can induce specific antibodies to
      the complex, block pathogenic TCRs, and thus prevent diabetes. METHODS: We
      immunized young NOD mice with recombinant I-Ag7-B:RE#3 protein, in which two
      amino acids of the peptide were mutated to fix the peptide in register 3, and
      investigated the induced antibodies targeted to the peptide in register 3.
      RESULTS: Specific antibodies targeting I-Ag7-B:RE#3 but not I-Ag7-HEL were
      identified in the sera of I-Ag7-B:RE#3 immunized mice. The sera inhibited B:9-23
      induced T-cell responses in vitro. I-Ag7-B:RE#3 immunization delayed progression
      to diabetes (versus PBS, p=0.0005), while immunization with I-Ag7-HEL control
      complex did not. CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with I-Ag7-B:RE#3 complex
      significantly delays the development of insulin autoantibodies and the onset of
      diabetes in NOD mice, which is associated with the induction of I-Ag7-B:RE#3
      antibodies.

PMID- 22069261
TI  - Intracellular pathways of pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apoptosis of beta cells is a feature of type 1 diabetes. It is also
      increasingly recognized in type 2 diabetes and islet graft rejection. METHODS: We
      have studied the intracellular pathways that regulate beta-cell apoptosis in type
      1 and 2 diabetes. We have examined the role of Bid, a pro-apoptotic member of the
      Bcl-2 family, using islets from mice deficient in Bid. We also studied the Bcl-2
      family molecules involved in killing by using high concentrations of reducing
      sugars such as glucose or ribose. RESULTS: We found that Bid-deficient islets are
      protected from recombinant human perforin and granzyme B, as well as from Fas
      mediated killing. This makes Bid a target for protection of beta cells from
      multiple insults relevant to type 1 diabetes. In contrast to granzyme B and death
      receptor signalling, we found that islets lacking Bim or Puma were protected from
      glucose toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that different stimuli activate
      different initiator molecules in the Bcl-2-regulated pathway in beta cells.

PMID- 22069262
TI  - Role of TLR2 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes and its therapeutic
      implication.
AB  - Recently, a couple of articles suggested the possibility that apoptosis of
      pancreatic beta-cells induces inflammatory/immune responses to beta-cells. Such a
      theory is based on the assumption that apoptotic cells can, under certain
      circumstances, induce immune responses, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders,
      which is in contrast to the dogma that apoptotic cells result in
      immunosuppression and necrotic cells provoke inflammation/immunity. We observed
      that late apoptotic beta-cells with secondary necrosis elicited inflammatory
      responses in macrophages through the toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/MyD88/nuclear
      factor-kappaB signalling pathway. Late apoptotic cells also induced TLR2
      dependent maturation of dendritic cells and then activation of autoreactive T
      cells. TLR2 knockout mice showed defective priming of diabetogenic T-cells by
      apoptotic beta-cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes. Furthermore, TLR2 deficiency
      conferred a significant protection against type 1 diabetes (T1D) and insulitis in
      T1D animal models. These findings present evidence suggesting that apoptosis of
      pancreatic beta-cells could be one of the initial events in T1D and provide a
      novel strategy for therapeutic or preventive intervention in T1D.

PMID- 22069263
TI  - The combination of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase protects pancreatic
      beta cells from oxidative damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species are considered an important cause of the
      death of pancreatic beta cells, thereby triggering the development of type 2
      diabetes as well as failure of islet transplantation. The biological properties
      of metallothionein (MT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are likely to be related
      to their antioxidant and free-radical scavenging abilities, but their access
      across biological membranes is limited. METHODS: We investigated whether Tat-MT
      and Tat-SOD fusion protein could be introduced into islets by a novel protein
      transduction technology and protect them from oxidative damage. We used 3-[4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Annexin
      V/propidium iodide assays to analyse cell viability, and assessed expression of
      apoptosis marker proteins by Western blotting. We examined the protective effect
      of Tat-MT and Tat-SOD on the development of diabetes and on graft failure after
      syngeneic islet transplantation into Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF)
      rats and Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice, respectively. RESULTS: Tat-MT and
      Tat-SOD were successfully delivered into the rat islets, and reactive oxygen
      species, nitric oxide, glucolipotoxicity-induced cell death, cytokine injury, and
      DNA fragmentation due to ischaemia-reperfusion in pancreatic beta cells were
      significantly reduced. In addition Tat-MT and Tat-SOD treatment protected OLETF
      rats from developing diabetes, and enhanced the survival of antioxidant-treated
      islets transplanted into the renal capsules of diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transduction of Tat-MT and Tat-SOD proteins offers a new strategy for protecting
      against the development of diabetes by relieving oxidative stress.

PMID- 22069264
TI  - Administration of recombinant human thioredoxin-1 significantly delays and
      prevents autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice through modulation of
      autoimmunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thioredoxin as a biological antioxidant plays an important role in
      regulating the redox system. The administration of recombinant thioredoxin has
      been demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory. In this study, the effect of
      recombinant human thioredoxin-1 (rhTrx-1) in preventing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in
      nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice was evaluated. METHODS: Eight-week-old NOD mice were
      treated with intravenous injection of rhTrx-1 (5 ug/mouse/day) for 5 weeks (5
      days a week), followed by every other day for additional 5 weeks. Diabetes onset
      was monitored twice a week. Pancreatic histology and beta-cell mass were examined
      by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and insulin immunohistochemistry staining,
      respectively. Adoptive transfer experiments were executed to assess autoimmune T
      cells modulated by rhTrx treatment. RESULTS: The intravenous administration of
      rhTrx-1 significantly delayed and prevented T1D in NOD mice. The histology data
      showed that rhTrx-1 treatment markedly reduced insulitic lesions and
      significantly preserved insulin-producing beta cells. Adoptive transfer of spleen
      cells from rhTrx-1-treated mice into nonobese diabetic-severe combined
      immunodeficiency (NOD-SCID) mice significantly reduced the diabetes onset than
      transfer of those from phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice. Adoptive co
      transfer experiments demonstrated that spleen cells from rhTrx-1-treated mice
      significantly delayed diabetes induced by the co-transferred diabetogenic spleen
      cells from the new-onset diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant rhTrx-1
      effectively prevents T1D which may be attributed to its activity to modulate
      autoimmunity.

PMID- 22069265
TI  - Interleukin-6 treatment induces beta-cell apoptosis via STAT-3-mediated nitric
      oxide production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by progressive beta-cell failure and
      apoptosis is probably the main form of beta-cell death in this disease. It was
      reported that circulating levels of interleukin-6 are elevated in type 2 diabetic
      patients, but whether this is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is
      still debated. In this study, we examined whether interleukin-6 can induce beta
      cell damage in vitro and elucidated its mechanisms. METHODS: To examine the
      effect of interleukin-6 on beta cells, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
      (GSIS) by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method and cell apoptosis by propidium iodide
      and annexin-V staining were measured in a rat beta-cell line (INS-1 or INS
      832/13) after treatment with interleukin-6. The expression of apoptosis-related
      molecules was measured using western blotting and nitric oxide (NO) production
      was measured using Griess assay. AG490 and N-monomethyl-L-arginine were used to
      inhibit Janus kinase-mediated signal transducers and activators of transcription
      signalling and NO production, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure (48 h) of INS-1
      cells to 20 ng/mL interleukin-6 significantly decreased GSIS as well as cell
      viability. We found that sub-G1/G0 population was increased as compared with
      untreated cells and expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and
      phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB was increased in interleukin-6-treated INS-1
      cells. Interleukin-6 increased the amount of early apoptotic cells; this increase
      was blocked by AG490 or N-monomethyl-L-arginine treatment. Moreover, NO
      production, which is known to induce apoptosis, was increased by interleukin-6
      treatment but abrogated in AG490-treated cells. CONCLUSION: Our results show that
      exposure to interleukin-6 for 48 h can induce beta-cell death, in part via signal
      transducers and activators of transcription-3-mediated NO production.

PMID- 22069266
TI  - Enteroviruses and type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human enteroviruses, which are transmitted via a faecal-oral route,
      have long been associated with type 1 diabetes onset. Increased hygiene in the
      20th century may now be responsible for a decreased chance of enterovirus
      exposure from an early age onward. Infections with enteroviruses may also be more
      likely to occur at a later age; the recurrent poliomyelitis epidemics in the 20th
      century were linked to increased hygiene, consistent with this hypothesis. The
      association of fewer enterovirus exposures and increased diabetes rates may seem
      at first non-intuitive but may be explained using a combination of human
      observations and data from experimental coxsackie B virus infections in nonobese
      diabetic mice. METHODS: Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes samples
      were examined for the presence of detectable enteroviral RNA by RT-PCR. RESULTS:
      Viral RNA was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: A role for enteroviruses in the
      aetiology of human type 1 diabetes is hard to refute but in order to definitively
      link enteroviruses in general, and specific viruses in particular, with the
      disease, pancreas biopsy tissue must become available at the time of disease
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22069267
TI  - Innate immunity in type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rat models of diabetes have emerged as a powerful experimental tool
      for addressing the role of microbial pathogens in the mechanism of autoimmune
      diabetes. We have used the biobreeding diabetes resistant and LEW1.WR1 rat models
      to identify the role of virus-induced innate immunity in the mechanism of type 1
      diabetes. METHODS: Groups of rats 21-25 days of age were left untreated, injected
      i.p. with 1*10(7) PFU of Kilham rat virus (KRV) only, or with 1-3 ug/g body
      weight-purified toll-like receptor agonists on three consecutive days and
      infected with 1*10(7) PFU of KRV on the following day. Spleens and pancreatic
      lymph nodes were recovered 5 days after infection and used for gene array
      analysis. To test the role of inflammation in diabetes, rats injected with KRV
      only or Poly(I:C) plus KRV were also administered with 2 or 0.2 ug/g body weight
      of dexamethasone and followed for diabetes for 40 days. RESULTS: KRV induced the
      expression of a vast array of proinflammatory genes in pancreatic lymph nodes on
      day 5 following infection. Brief dexamethasone therapy downmodulated inflammation
      and completely blocked diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a strong
      association between early virus-induced proinflammatory responses and islet
      destruction and raise the possibility that targeting innate immune pathways in
      the early stages of diabetes may be a useful strategy for disease prevention.

PMID- 22069268
TI  - Serum CXCL1 concentrations are elevated in type 1 diabetes mellitus, possibly
      reflecting activity of anti-islet autoimmune activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of unique inflammatory markers may facilitate
      prediction of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We previously compared transcript
      profiles of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells from non-obese diabetic mice with
      those from non-obese non-diabetic mice and found that bone marrow-derived
      dendritic cells' expressions of inflammatory mediators, including chemokine (C-X
      C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), were three to five times higher in 4-week-old female
      non-obese diabetic mice than in non-obese non-diabetic mice. In humans,
      microarray analysis results have suggested this chemokine be a biomarker
      representing active anti-islet autoimmunity. We investigated whether serum CXCL1
      levels, reflecting active autoimmune processes, might serve as biomarkers for
      T1DM. METHODS: The study groups consisted of 26 subjects with acute-onset T1DM,
      20 with slowly progressive T1DM, and 20 with type 2 diabetes mellitus as disease
      controls. All subjects were Japanese. CXCL1 in sera were quantified by solid
      phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Serum CXCL1 levels were
      significantly higher in subjects with acute-onset [median 113.2 ng/mL (41.75
      457.2)] or slowly progressive [median 100.8 ng/mL (32.87-225.0)] T1DM than in
      those with type 2 diabetes mellitus [median 71.58 ng/mL (32.45-152.6), p=0.01 and
      0.03, respectively, Mann-Whitney U-test]. Decreases in fasting C-peptide levels
      per year correlated significantly with CXCL1 levels (n=11, r2=0.524, p=0.012) in
      a subpopulation of slowly progressive T1DM subjects displaying preserved beta
      cell function. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to show
      elevated serum CXCL1 in T1DM subjects, regardless of diabetes subtype, as
      compared to control type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects. We propose serum CXCL1
      elevation to be a good T1DM marker, possibly indicating a predisposition to
      autoimmune disease development.

PMID- 22069269
TI  - Self-reported lower respiratory tract infections and development of islet
      autoimmunity in children with the type 1 diabetes high-risk HLA genotype: the
      MIDIA study.
AB  - AIM: To test whether self-reported lower respiratory tract infections in early
      infancy predicted risk for islet autoimmunity in genetically predisposed
      children. METHODS: The environmental triggers for type 1 diabetes (MIDIA) study
      recruited newborns in Norway to identify those with the human leukocyte antigen
      high-risk genotype DR4-DQ8/DR3-DQ2. Of 46 939 newborns genotyped, 1003 (2.1%)
      carried the high-risk genotype, of whom 885 children were followed longitudinally
      with questionnaires and blood samples for autoantibody testing at 3, 6, 9 and 12
      months of age, and then annually until 4 years of age. The endpoint
      (autoimmunity) was defined as positivity for at least one of three autoantibodies
      (to insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) or protein tyrosine phosphatase
      like protein (IA2)) on at least two consecutive samples. The parents responded in
      the questionnaires, whether the child had had 'pneumonia, bronchitis or
      respiratory syncytial virus'. Cox proportional hazards regression models with
      time-dependent covariates were used to estimate hazard ratios for autoimmunity
      using STATA 10. RESULTS: Forty-two children developed autoimmunity, of whom 15
      later developed type 1 diabetes. For 17 of the 42 cases (40%) 'pneumonia,
      bronchitis or respiratory syncytial virus' was reported (0.5-4 years of age)
      before or at the onset of autoimmunity. For 187 of the 843 non-cases (22%)
      'pneumonia, bronchitis or respiratory syncytial virus' was reported in the same
      age group. The hazard ratio was 3.4 (p=0.001, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-7.1)
      for developing autoimmunity. The estimated hazard ratio was only marginally
      influenced by adjustment for potential confounding factors. No association was
      found for other infectious self-reported symptoms. CONCLUSION: Self-reported
      lower respiratory tract infections were associated with increased risk of islet
      autoimmunity in early infancy.

PMID- 22069270
TI  - Genetic association analyses of atopic illness and proinflammatory cytokine genes
      with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genetic basis of the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes (T1D) has
      now been largely determined, so now we can compare these findings with emerging
      genetic knowledge of disorders and phenotypes that have been negatively or
      positively associated with T1D historically. Here, we assessed the role in T1D of
      variants previously reported to be associated with atopic diseases and epithelial
      barrier function, profilaggrin (FLG), and those that affect the expression levels
      of the proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin
      (IL)-1beta, interferon (IFN)gamma and IL-18. METHODS: We genotyped single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): -105/rs28665122 in SELS or SEPS1
      (selenoprotein), three single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL18 (-105/rs360717,
      +183/rs5744292 and +1467/rs574456) and R501X/rs61816761 in FLG, the major locus
      associated with atopic dermatitis and predisposing to asthma, in a minimum of
      6743 T1D cases and 7864 controls. RESULTS: No evidence of T1D association was
      found for any of the SNPs we genotyped at FLG, SELS or IL18 (p>=0.03), nor with
      haplotypes of IL18 (p=0.82). Review of previous T1D genome-wide association
      results revealed that four (human leucocyte antigen (HLA), gasdermin B/ORM1
      (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-like/gasdermin B/, GSDMB/ORMDL3/GSDMA and IL2RB) of
      ten loci recently reported to be associated with asthma were associated with T1D
      (p<=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that there are shared genetic
      associations for atopy-related traits and T1D, and this might help in the future
      to understand the mechanisms, pathways and environmental factors that underpin
      the rapid rise in incidence of both disorders in children.

PMID- 22069271
TI  - Analysis of the HLA and non-HLA susceptibility loci in Japanese type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported the associations of human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA) (DRB1 and DQB1), INS, CTLA4, IL2RA, ERBB3 and CLEC16A with Japanese type 1
      diabetes (T1D). In this study, we jointly analysed these loci in addition to
      IFIH1 and IL7R. METHODS: A maximum of 790 T1D patients and 953 control subjects
      were analysed. HLA was determined by sequencing-based typing. Seven non-HLA
      single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan assay. RESULTS: HLA
      DRB1*0405, DRB1*0901 and DRB1*0802-DQB1*0302 haplotypes were positively
      associated with T1D, while the DRB1*15 haplotypes were negatively associated. Non
      HLA single nucleotide polymorphisms, INS, IL2RA, ERBB3, CLEC16A and IL7R were
      associated with T1D. By a prediction model using the HLA loci alone (HLA model)
      or the non-HLA loci alone (non-HLA model), it was revealed that the cumulative
      effect of the non-HLA model was much weaker than that of the HLA model (average
      increase in odds ratio: 1.17 versus 3.14). Furthermore, the area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve of the non-HLA model was also much
      smaller than that of the HLA model (0.65 versus 0.81, p<10(-11)). Finally, a
      patient-only analysis revealed the susceptible HLA haplotypes and the risk allele
      of INS to be negatively associated with slower onset of the disease. In addition,
      the DRB1*0901 haplotype and the risk alleles of ERBB3, CLEC16A and CTLA4 were
      positively associated with the co-occurrence of thyroid autoimmunity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although several non-HLA susceptibility genes in Japanese were
      confirmed trans-racially and appear to contribute to the heterogeneity of the
      clinical phenotypes, the cumulative effect on the ability to predict the
      development of T1D was weak.

PMID- 22069272
TI  - Role of genetics in resistance to type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A single nucleotide polymorphism in the mitochondrial gene encoding
      NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (mt-ND2) has been associated with reduced incidence
      of human type 1 diabetes (T1D). We identified the orthologue of this
      mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphism in mouse and using NOD mouse models
      linked this genetic polymorphism to T1D resistance. The mechanism how this single
      nucleotide polymorphism affects the development of diabetes is studied using
      mouse models and beta cell lines. METHODS: The impact of this single nucleotide
      polymorphism on mitochondrial function and resistance to reactive oxygen species
      was assessed. For these studies we measured oxygen consumption by isolated
      mitochondria under different doses of nitric oxide. In addition, alloxan
      sensitivity of beta cell lines was tested using the MTT method to measure cell
      survival. RESULTS: mt-Nd2a is associated with protection against mouse T1D and
      alloxan-induced diabetes. Mice with mt-Nd2a exhibited resistance to transfer of
      diabetes by single clone of diabetogenic CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Beta cell line
      with mt-Nd2a resist in vitro attack of diabetogenic CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, as
      well as free radicals generated by alloxan; isolated mitochondria with mt-Nd2a
      showed lower reactive oxygen species production and were more resistant to nitric
      oxide. CONCLUSION: mt-Nd2a protects against T1D in mouse models. The protection
      is at beta cell level and is associated with resistance against reactive oxygen
      species-mediated damage and death.

PMID- 22069273
TI  - Characterization of the regulatory roles of the SUMO.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes is a multi-factorial autoimmune disease that results
      from the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas; both
      genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to its development.
      Recently, a novel gene encoding small ubiquitin-like modifier protein 4 (SUMO4)
      was cloned and a single nucleotide substitution (M55V) was found to be strongly
      associated with type 1 diabetes. SUMO4 was shown to interact with IkappaBalpha
      and inhibit NFkappaB transcriptional activity. The M55V substitution of SUMO4 may
      affect its ability to modify IkappaBalpha by sumoylation, and so lead to
      activation of NFkappaB and transcription of genes implicated in the development
      of type 1 diabetes. However, the effects of sumoylation on immune cells are
      poorly understood. METHODS: Human SUMO1, 2, 3, 4 and mouse SUMO2 (mSUMO2) were
      cloned and overexpressed in dendritic, T and B cells using retroviral
      transduction. We then investigated whether SUMO overexpression affected their
      functions in vitro. To study the function of mSUMO2 in vivo, we made transgenic
      mice overexpressing mSUMO2 in T cells and pancreatic beta cells and compared them
      with transgenic mice expressing a super-repressor of NFkappaB (a dominant
      negative form of NFkappaB, IkappaBalphaDeltaN) in T cells. Diabetes was induced
      in the two groups of mice by i.p. injection of streptozotocin. RESULTS: Human
      SUMO1, 2, 3, 4 and mSUMO2 were all found to negatively regulate the
      transcriptional activity of T, B and dendritic cells. Although mSUMO2
      overexpression in dendritic cells did not alter the expression of major
      histocompatibility complex class II proteins or B7, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-7, IL-12
      expression decreased, switching Th1-directed immune responses into Th2 responses.
      Unlike T cells from the IkappaBalphaDeltaN mice, mSUMO2 overexpression in T cells
      suppressed the production of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Whereas the mice
      overexpressing IkappaBalphaDeltaN were completely protected against diabetes,
      those expressing mSUMO2 had the same susceptibility to diabetes as wild type.
      CONCLUSION: These results indicate that at least in T cells, whereas NFkappaB has
      pro-apoptotic activity, mSUMO2 plays a more complex role in the development of
      autoimmune diabetes. The relative influence of NFkappaB and sumoylation on the
      development of autoimmune diabetes in vivo may vary depending on the
      developmental stage and cell type.

PMID- 22069274
TI  - Increased expression of microRNA miR-326 in type 1 diabetic patients with ongoing
      islet autoimmunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current paradigm that microRNAs represent a new layer of gene
      regulation has generated much interest in this field. MicroRNAs have emerged as
      important regulatory factors involved in the developmental processes and in the
      regulation of insulin secretion and signalling. Furthermore, recent studies
      revealed an altered microRNA profiling in lymphocytes of patients with autoimmune
      diseases like multiple sclerosis, in which a hyperexpression of miR-326 was
      reported. Here, we analysed the expression levels of miR-326 in peripheral blood
      lymphocytes from type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients in relationship with ongoing
      islet autoimmunity. METHODS: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained from 19
      T1D patients; 4/19 patients were positive for both glutamic acid decarboxylase
      (GAD) and islet cell antigen 512 autoantibodies; 10/19 were single GAD or IA-2 Ab
      positive and 5/19 were GAD antibodies and IA-2 antibodies (IA-2A) negative.
      Quantitative analysis of miR-326 was performed using specific stem-loop primers
      followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. All values were normalized to
      endogenous control U6. RESULTS: miR-326 resulted increased in Ab-positive versus
      Ab-negative T1D subjects. Its expression levels were 2.05+/-0.38-fold increased
      in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients expressing both GADA and IA-2A and
      2.93+/-0.46-fold increased in single Ab-positive versus Ab-negative individuals
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we have shown that miR-326 is expressed at
      higher levels in T1D subjects with ongoing islet autoimmunity, similar to what
      has been observed in multiple sclerosis, in which levels of this microRNA were
      highly correlated with disease severity. Interestingly, an online search of miR
      326 predicted targets revealed vitamin D receptor and Erythroblastosis virus E26
      oncogene homologue 1, two molecules highly involved in immune regulation.

PMID- 22069275
TI  - Evidence for the role of STAT4 as a general autoimmunity locus in the Korean
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, the association of a common STAT4 haplotype with type 1
      diabetes (T1D) as well as rheumatoid arthritis has been documented in Caucasians
      and Koreans. STAT4 is involved in the signalling of interleukin-12 and gammaIFN,
      as well as interleukin-23. To discover genes affecting the susceptibility of
      common autoimmune diseases, we studied the association of polymorphisms in STAT4
      with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) as well as T1D in the Korean population.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the chromosome 2q
      (rs11889341, rs7574865, rs8179673, and rs10181656), which were found to associate
      with rheumatoid arthritis were examined for association in a Korean sample of 428
      AITD, 418 T1D patients, and 1060 controls. RESULTS: The minor alleles of all four
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the reconstructed STAT4 haplotypes conferred
      significant degree of risk for AITD (p=10(-2) to 10(-4)). Although we found a
      weak association of rs11889341 with T1D (p<0.05), the same haplotypes were not
      associated with T1D susceptibility. When we stratified T1D patients according to
      the age of onset, the minor alleles of all four single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      and the same haplotypes showed significant association with the susceptibility of
      T1D in the early-onset subgroup (p<0.01), not in the late-onset subgroup.
      CONCLUSION: STAT4 alleles and the same haplotypes might influence cytokine
      signalling, and therefore the development of AITD as well as T1D. These results
      reinforce the influence of STAT4 gene as a general autoimmune gene.

PMID- 22069276
TI  - Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor along with HLA-C ligand genes are
      associated with type 1 diabetes in Chinese Han population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes and their
      putative ligands human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C genes have been associated with
      type 1 diabetes (T1D). We hypothesize that KIR genes and their ligands HLA-C
      genes are important in T1D aetiology. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: KIR and HLA-C
      ligand genotyping was performed in 259 T1D patients and 262 healthy children.
      RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the distribution of KIR genes
      between T1D patients and healthy controls. However, frequency of HLA-C1 gene and
      HLA-C2 gene (marginal association) was higher in patient group. The combinations
      2DL2-/HLA-C1+; 2DL3+/HLA-C1+; 2DS2-/HLAC1+ were positively associated with T1D.
      The combinations 2DL1+/HLA-C2-; 2DL2-/HLA-C1-; 2DL3+/HLA-C1-; 2DS2-/HLAC1- were
      found to be negatively associated with T1D. Among the genes we tested, a
      combination of HLA-C1 and -C2 conferred the strongest association with T1D and
      the strength of this association was higher than that of HLA-C1 alone. The
      frequencies of KIR 2DL1, 2DL2 and 2DL3 and HLA-C1 were higher in T1D patients
      positive for GAD65 autoantibody; frequency of KIR 2DS4 is higher in T1D patients
      positive for IA-2 autoantibody. The association between KIR/HLA-C gene and
      autoantibody status was not statistically significant after applying Bonferroni
      correction. CONCLUSION: In our study of a Han population (East China), we found
      no direct association of KIR genes with T1D. However, a combination of HLA-C1 and
      -C2 showed a positive association with T1D. Different combinations of HLA-C and
      KIR showed positive and negative association with T1D.

PMID- 22069277
TI  - Susceptibility influence of a PTPN22 haplotype with thyroid autoimmunity in
      Koreans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considerable amount of evidences in the Caucasians have suggested the
      association of a missense single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the protein
      tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene (rs2476601) with several
      autoimmune diseases including autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and type 1
      diabetes (T1D). As the SNP was reported to be non-polymorphic in Asians, we
      attempt to explore an association of PTPN22 without restricting to the rs2476601
      with AITD or T1D in Korean population. METHODS: We studied 389 T1D, 212 AITD (84
      Graves' disease and 128 Hashimoto's thyroiditis) patients and 225 controls. In
      addition to the rs2476601, we selected five testing SNPs spanning 58 kb over the
      PTPN22 gene using the previous resequencing data and International HapMap
      Project. RESULTS: We found that neither alleles, genotypes among all five SNPs,
      nor reconstructed haplotypes of five SNPs were associated with T1D.
      Interestingly, a minor allele of a SNP (rs12730735) and a haplotype (GGCTT)
      showed significant association with the susceptibility of AITD, especially with
      that of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate
      that the PTPN22 gene polymorphism independent of the SNP rs2476601 might be a
      supplementary risk factor to AITD, but not in T1D in Koreans, contradicting a
      major contributory influence of the PTPN22 gene in explaining common mechanism
      underlying multiple autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22069278
TI  - Mapping of conformational autoantibody epitopes in ZNT8.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of the major humoral epitopes in zinc transporter 8
      (ZnT8) will expand the range of biomarkers for human type 1 diabetes and may
      provide clues to the mechanisms governing disease progression. Our initial
      studies suggested that most ZnT8-reactive sera recognize conformational epitopes
      in the final 100aa region of the molecule. Subsequently we identified residue 325
      as a major determinant in two epitopes linked to a genetic polymorphism with high
      minor allele frequency (rs13266634). The goal of the current study was to extend
      this analysis to identify non-polymorphic epitopes in ZnT8. METHODS: Although the
      carboxy-terminal domains of human and mouse ZnT8 are ~80% identical, the mouse
      probe is not precipitated by the majority of human type 1 diabetes sera. Thus to
      identify key residues we systematically 'humanized' the mouse probe at each
      position that differs and evaluated the probes in radio-immunoassays. RESULTS: As
      previously reported, only the alteration of Q>R325 by itself showed any
      restoration of binding to human sera. However, when clusters of structurally
      adjacent variant residues were also changed an additional region of antigenicity
      was revealed that depended on residues R332, E333, K336, and K340. Using a panel
      of 112 sera from recent onset subjects tested with the hC325Q and m
      R325R332E333K336K340 probes, 39.3% of the subjects were ZnT8(Q)A+ , of which
      38.6% (17/44) also recognized the mouse probe. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the
      mR-REKK probe identifies a third major epitope in ZnT8 that may add to the
      diagnostic utility of measuring autoantibodies to this molecule.

PMID- 22069279
TI  - Development of a novel autoantibody assay for autoimmune gastritis in type 1
      diabetic individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoimmune atrophic body gastritis (ABG) and pernicious anaemia are
      prototypical, organ-specific autoimmune diseases whose prevalence in the general
      population is 2.0 vs 2 and 0.15-1%, respectively. The incidence of disease
      increases with age and is frequently associated with other autoimmune disorders
      such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Early diagnosis of ABG/pernicious
      anaemia is essential for the prevention and/or treatment before manifestations of
      chronic disease become irreversible. Parietal cell autoantibody detection via
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is currently the most widely used biomarker of
      disease with diagnosis confirmed by subsequent immunohistochemistry via biopsy.
      METHODS: To improve the assay we designed a specific, molecularly defined
      radioimmunoprecipitation assay for early detection of ABG, targeting its major
      antigen, the gastric H+/K+ ATPase 4A subunit ATP4A. RESULTS: The major antigenic
      domain in ATP4A was tested against a panel of sera from new onset patients with
      T1DM which tested positive for the gold standard T1DM autoantibodies (IAA, IA2A,
      GAD65A, and ZnT8A). Significant immunoreactivity to ATP4A was measured (25%)
      while 6% of first-degree relatives of subjects with T1DM who were sero-negative
      for T1DM autoantigens were positive for ATP4A autoantibodies. ATP4A antibody
      prevalence increased with age of onset of T1DM, which is atypical of other T1DM
      autoantibodies. Immunoreactivity to ATP4A, unlike that of T1DM antigens,
      demonstrates a significant gender bias in newly diagnosed individuals with T1DM.
      CONCLUSION: Although the utility of the assay as a biomarker for T1DM is likely
      limited, it may serve as an improved indicator of ABG.

PMID- 22069280
TI  - LIPS islet autoantibody assays in high-throughput format for DASP 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For cost-effective population-based diabetes prediction and
      confirmation, islet autoantibody assays must be made more economical. METHODS: We
      evaluated glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-Ruc (renilla luciferase) and IA2ic
      (also known as ICA512ic)-Ruc (renilla luciferase) fusion protein constructs in
      high-throughput islet antibody assay formats. RESULTS: Antigen production via
      transfection onto COS cells in 100 mm culture dishes yielded sufficient antigen
      to assay 375 and 535 serum samples for GAD and IA2ic per dish, respectively.
      Antigen was usably stable after -80  degrees C storage for 40-80 days after which
      luciferase activity decreased. The mean signal-to-noise ratios for luciferase
      based immunoprecitation system (LIPS) GAD and LIPS IA2ic were 88+/-24 and 219+/
      89, respectively, comparing favourably to radio-binding assays (RBA) in the same
      format. However, the coefficient of variation among triplicate wells was higher
      for IA2ic than for GAD in LIPS, similar to findings in RBA format. Correlation
      coefficients between autoantibody indices determined from the RBA and LIPS
      methods were only R2=0.79 and R2=0.75 for GAD and IA2ic, respectively, raising
      the possibility that different epitopes were favoured in the two different assay
      formats. Nevertheless, overall concordance for the two assay types was high, at
      228/240=95.0% for GAD and 494/521=94.8% for IA2ic. Using optimal cutoffs,
      Diabetes Autoantibody Standardization Program (DASP) 2010 sensitivity/specificity
      was 80/99% for GAD RBA, 80/99% for GAD LIPS, 70/98% for IA2 RBA, and 72/99% for
      IA2 LIPS. CONCLUSION: The LIPS assays for islet autoantibodies to GAD and IA2ic
      performed as well as RBA in DASP 2010. With further refinements in expression and
      storage, these assays may be more economical than current methods to measure
      islet autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 22069281
TI  - Zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies in fulminant, acute-onset, and slow-onset
      patients with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and role of
      autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A) in three forms (fulminant, acute
      onset, and slow-onset) of Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: One
      hundred and ninety-six new-onset patients with type 1 diabetes were studied: 85
      were fulminant, 81 acute-onset, and 30 slow-onset type 1 diabetes. ZnT8A were
      determined by radioimmunoassay using a hybrid ZnT8 carboxy-terminal construct
      (aa268-369) carrying 325Trp and 325Arg. Furthermore, ZnT8A epitopes were analysed
      using ZnT8 constructs incorporating the known aa325 variants (Trp, Arg, and Gln).
      RESULTS: ZnT8A were detected in 58% patients with acute-onset and 20% with slow
      onset type 1 diabetes (p<0.0005). In contrast, none of sera from fulminant type 1
      diabetes were reactive to ZnT8 construct. Conversion of Arg or Trp to Gln at
      aa325 abolished reactivity in 59% of patients with an age of onset>10 years,
      which was significantly higher than that in patients<=10 years of age (33%,
      p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ZnT8A are an additional useful
      marker for acute-onset type 1 diabetes, but not a diagnostic marker for fulminant
      type 1 diabetes, and ZnT8A epitope recognition is different according to the
      onset age.

PMID- 22069282
TI  - Discordant association of islet autoantibodies with high-risk HLA genes in
      Chinese type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To reveal the aetiology of diabetes, the relationships between the
      islet autoantibodies, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and DRB1 genotypes in the
      Chinese patients with type l diabetes (T1D) were investigated in our study.
      METHODS: In the cross-sectional and case-control study, peripheral blood samples
      were collected from 600 T1D patients and 102 healthy controls. The genetic
      polymorphisms of HLA-A and DRB1 are examined with polymerase chain reaction
      sequence oligonucleotide probe method. The zinc transporter 8 antibody (ZnT8A),
      glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) and protein-tyrosine-phosphatase-2
      autoantibody (IA2A) were detected by radioligand assay. RESULTS: The A*2402,
      DRB1*0301, DRB1*0405 and DRB1*0901 alleles, and A*1101-DRB1*0901, A*2402
      DRB1*0405 and A*2402-DRB1*0901 haplotypes were associated with T1D (all p<0.05).
      The positive rates of ZnT8A in patients carried DRB1*0901, IA2A in patients
      carried DRB1*0405 and A*1101-DRB1*0901 and GADA in patients carried DRB1*0901 and
      A*2402-DRB1*0901 were significantly higher than those not carried (p<0.05). HLA
      DRB1*0901 was the independent risk factor of positive antibody in T1D patients.
      In addition, higher body mass index is also related with the loss of islet
      function besides high-risk HLA gene and islet autoantibody (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      The discordant association of autoantibodies with high-risk HLA gene may indicate
      the different immunology mechanisms of those autoantibodies. And metabolic burden
      resulting from overweight may accelerate apoptosis of beta cells.

PMID- 22069283
TI  - An improved method for growing and analysing human antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell
      clones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T-cell clones are valuable tools for investigating T-cell specificity
      in type 1 diabetes. Efficient methods for isolating T-cell clones have been
      developed, but growing enough cells to undertake a detailed analysis remains a
      challenge. METHODS: We optimized the conditions for isolating and growing antigen
      specific human CD4+ effector T-cell clones. T-cell clones were isolated by FACS
      sorting antigen-responsive cells identified by carboxylfluorescein diacetate
      succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution. The cloning efficiency was compared between T
      cells cloned in the presence of 21 different combinations of cytokines. Following
      cloning, the growth of cloned T cells in the presence of seven different
      combinations of cytokines was compared. Finally, we sought a quicker and more
      sensitive assay to measure cloned T cells' responses to antigen. RESULTS: IL-2+IL
      4 were optimal for cloning antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. Following cloning, the
      most antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell clones grew in the presence of IL-15+IL-21.
      Antigen recognition by T cells cloned and grown under these conditions was
      readily detected by the increase in the expression of CD25. Induction of CD25 was
      a more sensitive measure of antigen recognition than 3H-thymidine incorporation
      assays. These findings were confirmed with two proinsulin-specific CD4+ T-cell
      clones isolated from an individual with type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSION: The optimal
      cytokines for isolating, and growing, proinsulin-specific human, CD4+ T-cell
      clones are IL-2+IL-4 and IL-15+IL-21, respectively. Antigen recognition, by
      clones isolated and grown under these conditions is best detected by the
      induction of CD25.

PMID- 22069284
TI  - 'Sensing' the link between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Obesity-associated insulin resistance is a core element of metabolic syndrome and
      type 2 diabetes (T2D). Notably, insulin resistance is also a feature of type 1
      diabetes (T1D), where findings in the non-obese diabetic mouse model have
      implicated transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1+) sensory neurons in
      local islet inflammation and glucose metabolism. Here, we briefly review the role
      of TRPV1 in non-obese diabetic (NOD) T1D pathogenesis, highlighting commonalities
      that suggest TRPV1 may contribute to obesity and T2D as well. With the recently
      discovered importance of adipose infiltrating lymphocytes in the metabolic
      disturbances of obesity and T2D, sensory innervation of fat may thus play an
      analogous role to sensory neurons in the islet--modulating neuroendocrine
      homeostasis and inflammation. In such a scenario, TRPV1+ sensory nerves would
      provide the pathoaetiological link connecting the shared metabolic and
      immunologic features of type 1 diabetes and T2D.

PMID- 22069286
TI  - Preservation of recall immunity in anti-CD3-treated recent onset type 1 diabetes
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety of any immune modulating agent in type 1 diabetes mellitus
      (T1DM) involves its selectivity on autoimmunity and its preservation of recall
      and tumour immunity. METHODS: We performed lymphocyte proliferation tests on
      seven recent onset diabetic patients treated with anti-CD3 (Otelixizumab;
      ChAglyCD3) and five recent onset diabetic patients treated with placebo, on
      average 2 years after therapy. RESULTS: Proliferative responses towards common
      viral, bacterial and yeast antigens upon in vitro stimulation with a range of
      recall antigens in anti-CD3-treated T1DM patients were highly similar to those in
      placebo-treated T1DM patients. Similarly, T-cell responses towards autoantigens
      were equally low between the two groups, several years after diagnosis of T1DM.
      The proliferative response upon stimulation with the human suppressor protein p53
      was invariably high in both anti-CD3- and placebo-treated patients, implying
      preserved anti-tumour immunity in anti-CD3 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: As long-term
      focus on side effects is key, we demonstrate in this sub-cohort of recent onset
      T1DM patients treated with Otelixizumab that recall immunity is preserved in
      spite of high-dose anti-CD3 treatment, adding to the safety of anti-CD3 treatment
      as an immune-modulatory agent in the treatment of T1DM.

PMID- 22069287
TI  - Encapsulated pancreatic progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells as a
      therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cellular-based therapies for insulin-dependent diabetes are potential
      means of achieving and maintaining normal blood glucose levels (BGL) without the
      need for insulin administration. Islets isolated from donor pancreases have been
      the most common tissue used to date, but supply is a limiting factor. The use of
      human embryonic stem cells (hESC) as a therapy became a possibility with the
      report that these cells could be differentiated to pancreatic progenitors (PP)
      over 12 days in vitro. Conversion of PP to glucose-responsive insulin-secreting
      cells can be achieved by transplanting the progenitors in vivo where cell
      maturation occurs. To date this step has not been shown under in vitro
      conditions. METHODS: Prior to transplanting, cells are encapsulated in alginate
      to prevent the immune cells of recipient attacking the graft. The alginate
      capsules have pores with a molecular weight cut-off of 250 kDa. These are too
      small to allow entry of immune cells, but large enough for passage of nutrients
      and insulin. RESULTS: Encapsulated insulin-producing cells survive and function
      when transplanted, and have been shown to normalize BGL when allografted into
      diabetic mice. As few as 750 encapsulated human islets are sufficient to
      normalize BGL of diabetic non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient
      (NOD/SCID) recipient mice for at least 2 months. The safety of transplanting
      encapsulated human islets as demonstrated by the lack of major adverse events and
      infection was recently shown in a first-in-human clinical trial. Finally, fetal
      porcine islet-like cell clusters, which are akin to PP derived from ESC, mature
      and normalize BGL of diabetic recipient mice with the same efficiency as non
      encapsulated clusters placed under the kidney capsule. CONCLUSION: Transplanting
      encapsulated PP, derived from hESCs, into diabetic recipients is the strategy
      that is now being explored in the Australia Diabetes Therapy Project.

PMID- 22069285
TI  - Mast cell stabilization: novel medication for obesity and diabetes.
AB  - Mast cells are essential in allergic responses and beyond. White adipose tissue
      from obese humans contains large numbers of mast cells. Serum mast cell tryptase
      levels are also significantly higher in obese subjects than in lean subjects,
      suggesting a role of these inflammatory cells in obesity and diabetes. Two types
      of mast cell-deficient mice, along with corresponding wild-type control mice,
      were fed a Western diet to induce obesity and diabetes. We also used two anti
      allergy drugs, cromolyn and ketotifen (Zaditor), to treat wild-type mice during
      intake of a Western diet or after the onset of obesity and diabetes, to examine
      the possible prevention or reversal of these conditions. Mast cell deficiency or
      pharmacological stabilization reduced body weight gain and improved glucose and
      insulin sensitivities. These common, side effect-free drugs also reduced pre
      established obesity and diabetes without noticeable toxicity. Mechanistic studies
      suggest that mast cells participate in these metabolic disorders by affecting
      energy expenditure, protease expression, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and
      preadipocyte differentiation. These observations open a new era of basic research
      regarding mast cells, and offer hope to patients suffering from these metabolic
      disorders.

PMID- 22069288
TI  - 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 alters murine dendritic cell behaviour in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells yield a cell type
      with the ability to prime immune responses towards defence and destruction.
      1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D3, fosters the development of
      tolerogenic dendritic cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of
      1,25(OH)2D3 on murine dendritic cell behaviour in vitro and in vivo. METHODS:
      Dendritic cells were differentiated from bone marrow cells of female C57Bl/6 mice
      in the presence or absence of 10(-8) M 1,25(OH)2D3 for 8 days (IL4 and GM-CSF).
      Maturation was induced for 48 h (IFNgamma, LPS and BALB/C islet homogenate
      antigen). RESULTS: Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells displayed a different
      surface marker profile in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 with decreased MHC II, CD86
      and CD80 and increased CCR5, DEC205, F4/80 and CD40, as well as lower IL6 and
      IL12 expression upon LPS/IFNgamma stimulation. T-cell proliferation was
      significantly reduced when exposed to islet antigen-loaded 1,25D3-DCs as compared
      to control dendritic cells and IL4, IL10, TNFalpha and TGFbeta levels were
      increased. In vivo, transfer of islet antigen-loaded control dendritic cells
      resulted in priming of the immune system and hyperacute islet allograft rejection
      (4/4), whereas this was prevented in 5/7 mice treated with islet antigen-loaded
      1,25D3-DCs. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in vitro 1,25(OH)2D3 exposure alters
      dendritic cell behaviour, converting them into a cell type that drives T cells
      away from destruction towards a regulatory phenotype.

PMID- 22069289
TI  - The effect of vitamin D supplementation on peripheral regulatory T cells and beta
      cell function in healthy humans: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence supports the role of vitamin D (vitD) in
      modifying the risk to develop type 1 diabetes (T1D) and other autoimmune
      diseases. VitD3 might stimulate regulatory T cells (Tregs), a central player in
      the maintenance of self-tolerance. In addition, direct effects of vitD on beta
      cell function are postulated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of
      a high dose vitD supplementation on Tregs frequency (%Tregs) and beta-cell
      function assessed by a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) in healthy humans.
      METHODS: A double-blind, placebo controlled trial was performed in 59 healthy
      adult subjects (49% females). Subjects received oral vitD3 (140,000 IU monthly)
      or placebo for 3 months. %Tregs within 20,000 CD4+ T cells of peripheral blood
      was determined by multi-parametric FACS-analysis. A liquid MMTT was carried out
      before and after treatment. RESULTS: %Tregs increased significantly in the vitD
      group, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. Fasting C-peptide
      concentrations did not change significantly in either group. Similarly, the mean
      AUC for C-peptide after 3 months and the change in mean values from baseline to
      the end of the treatment were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A short
      time high dose vitD3 supplementation significantly increased the frequency of
      Tregs, but did not further improve beta-cell function in apparently healthy
      subjects. The immunomodulatory potential of vitD might be an important
      mechanistic link for the association of vitD and T1D.

PMID- 22069290
TI  - Immune regulation by CTLA-4--relevance to autoimmune diabetes in a transgenic
      mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The importance of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) in immune
      regulation is unquestioned, yet a precise understanding of which cells express
      it, and how it mediates immune inhibitory function, is lacking. Regulatory T
      cells are known to constitutively express CTLA-4 intracellularly, whereas
      conventional T cells require activation to trigger CTLA-4 expression. However
      comparative analysis of CTLA-4 trafficking in regulatory and conventional subsets
      has not been performed. METHODS: Here we assess CTLA-4 expression in antigen
      specific conventional and regulatory cells responding to immunizing antigen in
      vivo and analyse the membrane trafficking of CTLA-4 using an in vitro recycling
      assay. We assess the expression of CTLA-4 on Treg infiltrating the pancreas in
      the DO11*RIP-mOVA diabetes model and the role of CTLA-4 in Treg function.
      RESULTS: Regulatory T cells show an enhanced capacity to traffic CTLA-4 following
      stimulation compared with conventional T cells. Treg infiltrating the pancreas in
      DO11*RIP-mOVA mice show high expression of CTLA-4. Furthermore CTLA-4-deficient
      Treg fail to control diabetes in an adoptive transfer model of diabetes, even in
      situations where they outnumber the disease-inducing conventional T cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data show that not only do regulatory T cells express higher
      levels of intracellular CTLA-4 than conventional T cells, but they also show an
      increased capacity to traffic CTLA-4 to the cell surface following stimulation.
      CTLA-4 is strongly upregulated in regulatory T cells infiltrating the target
      tissue in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes and expression of this protein is
      critical for effective regulation.

PMID- 22069291
TI  - Pioglitazone may accelerate disease course of slowly progressive type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that intervention with insulin in slowly
      progressive type 1 diabetic (SPIDDM) patients delays the progression to an
      insulin-dependent state compared to that with sulfonylureas. However, the rate of
      progression to SPIDDM with the use of insulin-sensitizing agents is unknown. The
      aim of this study was to determine the effect of insulin-sensitizing agents on
      SPIDDM patients. METHODS: The enrolled SPIDDM patients were randomly allocated to
      a pioglitazone or metformin group. When the haemoglobin A1C level was more than
      8% on two consecutive occasions, the case was considered to reach the end point.
      RESULTS: By 4 years post-intervention, all patients had reached the end point in
      the pioglitazone group, whereas only 20% of patients had reached the end point in
      the metformin group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pioglitazone may accelerate the
      disease course of SPIDDM.

PMID- 22069292
TI  - Prevention of type 1 diabetes by inducing subclinical dermatitis on a small area.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have previously epidemiologically shown that type 1 diabetes is
      inversely associated with contact allergy. This finding is intriguing as type 1
      diabetes and contact allergy are two completely different diseases, although T
      cells are involved in both diseases. The objective of this study was therefore to
      experimentally study the effect of contact allergens on the development of
      diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. METHODS: Non-obese diabetic mice 4 weeks of
      age were separated into seven groups. One group was exposed to tapped water every
      14th day, whereas the remaining six groups were split into sensitizations groups
      or elicitation groups (exposure every 14th day). These groups were then treated
      with one of the selected contact allergens (PPD or DNCB) or vehicle (AOO). All
      groups received the sensitizing treatment regime, and hereafter only the
      elicitation groups were further treated. If the blood glucose reached 14 mM, the
      mice were considered diabetic and euthanized. Cardiac heart blood was drawn at
      euthanization, and a Luminex analysis was done on the serum. RESULTS: We showed
      that repeated application of a low dose of PPD reduced the incidence of diabetes
      compared to application with water (47% versus 93%, p=0.004). The rest of the
      groups developed diabetes with a cumulative incidence rate above 80%. The Luminex
      cytokine analysis revealed no differences between the groups, and no elevated
      cytokine level suggested a systemic response. Dermatitis was not noticeable by
      visual inspection, a histological examination, however, revealed a slight
      infiltration in the ears in the elicitation groups exposed to contact allergens.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed that repeated topical application on the ears with
      a contact allergen could prevent the development of diabetes in non-obese
      diabetic mice. The contact allergens gave a non-visible, subclinical dermatitis
      on the application site. Activation of NKT cells to the ear lymph nodes seems to
      be involved.

PMID- 22069293
TI  - Fulminant type 1 diabetes--an important subtype in East Asia.
AB  - Fulminant type 1 diabetes is defined as a subtype of type 1 diabetes with a
      remarkably acute onset. A nationwide survey identified that this variant accounts
      for approximately 20% of acute-onset type 1 diabetic patients in Japan. Recent
      studies indicate that this is not a minor subtype in other East Asian countries.
      As genetic factors, we revealed association of HLA-DR-DQ, HLA-B and CTLA-4 to
      fulminant type 1 diabetes. As an environmental factor, viral infection would
      contribute to the development of this subtype. Cellular infiltration to islets
      was detected soon after the onset but not observed 1 month after the onset.
      Macrophages and T cells were the main components of the infiltrates. Enterovirus
      RNA and Toll-like receptor-3 expression, a signature of viral infection, was also
      observed. These findings suggest that viral infection in the susceptible
      individual might trigger anti-viral immune response and that pancreatic beta
      cells are rapidly destroyed through the accelerated immune reaction.

PMID- 22069294
TI  - Pathological changes in the pancreas of fulminant type 1 diabetes and slowly
      progressive insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (SPIDDM): innate immunity in
      fulminant type 1 diabetes and SPIDDM.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The contribution of innate immunity responsible for beta-cell
      destruction in fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) and slowly progressive insulin
      dependent diabetes mellitus (SPIDDM) is unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Islet-cell expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) including TLR3 and TLR4, the
      cytoplasmic retinoic acid-inducible protein I (RIG-I)-like helicases, RIG-I,
      melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5 and laboratory of genetics and
      physiology 2 in the affected islets were studied immuno-histochemically on three
      pancreases obtained 2-5 days after the onset of FT1D and a pancreas from a
      patient with SPIDDM. RESULTS: Laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 and RIG-I
      strongly expressed in beta cells in all three FT1D pancreases infected with
      enterovirus (VP1 antigen). Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5 was hyper
      expressed in all subsets of islet cells including beta cells and alpha cells.
      TLR3 and TLR4 were expressed in mononuclear cells that infiltrated to islets. IFN
      alpha/beta was strongly expressed in islet cells. In contrast, pancreas of a
      patient with SPIDDM, enterovirus and expression of innate immune receptors
      including RIG-I, melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5, hyperexpression of
      laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 and mononuclear cells, which were
      positive for TLR3 and TLR4, and infiltration to the islets were not detected.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that retinoic acid-inducible protein I
      (RIG-I)-like helicases and TLRs play a crucial role on beta-cell destruction in
      enterovirus-induced FT1D. The presence of distinct mechanism(s) of slowly
      progressive beta-cell failure in SPIDDM was suggested.

PMID- 22069295
TI  - Heterogeneity among patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some type 1 diabetic patients do not require insulin at diagnosis of
      diabetes, and they progress to insulin dependence only after several years
      (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). However, not all patients with latent
      autoimmune diabetes in adults progress to insulin dependence. We compared the
      characteristics of patients with high glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies
      (GADA) titres (>=10 U/mL) to those of patients with low titres and examined other
      factors possibly associated with the progression to insulin dependence. METHODS:
      We began registering diabetic patients in 1993 and have since followed them
      prospectively. Among these patients, we analysed clinical characteristics and
      progression to insulin dependence in those followed for more than 5 years.
      RESULTS: Patients with high GADA titres were younger and had lower body mass
      index, shorter disease durations and lower serum C-peptide (s-CPR) levels than
      the patients with low GADA titre and GADA negative type 2 diabetes. Frequencies
      of other islet-related autoantibodies were significantly higher in patients with
      high GADA titre than in those with low GADA titres. Disease protective HLA class
      II genotypes were less frequent in patients with high titre. The positive
      predictive value of being GADA positive was only 42.7%. The positive predictive
      value increased to 78.6% when the cut-off was set at the relatively high level of
      10 U/mL. Combining GADA with other islet-related autoantibodies or HLA class II
      genotype increased positive predictive value but decreased sensitivity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
      constitutes a heterogeneous group and that the majority of patients with high
      GADA titres (>=10 U/mL) will ultimately develop type 1 diabetes while those with
      low titres include patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22069296
TI  - LADA prevalence estimation and insulin dependency during follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a form of autoimmune
      mediated diabetes in adults, usually defined by GAD autoantibody positivity. Few
      epidemiological surveys on LADA in Asians did not come to a conclusive answer
      regarding prevalence and incidence, because of different criteria used in patient
      ascertainment. METHODS: We estimated LADA prevalence in a recent type 2 diabetes
      cohort by the positivity of circulating autoantibodies to pancreatic islet cell
      antigens (GAD, IA-2 and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8)) applying a comparable
      Caucasian criteria. We then observed the development of insulin dependency
      prospectively for 36 months. RESULTS: Applying the European NIRAD LADA group
      criteria, we found a high prevalence of LADA (4.4%) in Korean patients with
      phenotypic type 2 diabetes. This high prevalence of LADA in Korea is noteworthy
      since the previous population-based LADA prevalence survey reported low
      prevalence (1.7%). When we consider the low-titre GAD antibodies and the low
      prevalence of multiple autoantibodies, however, increased LADA prevalence does
      not necessarily mean increase in future insulin dependency. After 36 months of
      follow-up, only 3 of 39 patients who were initially classified as LADA have
      become insulin-dependent. Those three were all positive for multiple
      autoantibodies (GAD, IA-2 and zinc transporter 8 antibody). Other features of
      insulin secretion or insulin resistance did not determine future insulin
      necessity. CONCLUSIONS: Although the LADA prevalence estimated by anti-GAD
      positivity appeared to increase, the true insulin dependency evidenced by
      multiple antibody positivity did not increase in Korea.

PMID- 22069298
TI  - Optical versus virtual: teaching assistant perceptions of the use of virtual
      microscopy in an undergraduate human anatomy course.
AB  - Many studies that evaluate the introduction of technology in the classroom focus
      on student performance and student evaluations. This study focuses on instructor
      evaluation of the introduction of virtual microscopy into an undergraduate
      anatomy class. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with graduate teaching
      assistants (TA) and analyzed through qualitative methods. This analysis showed
      that the teaching assistants found the virtual microscope to be an advantageous
      change in the classroom. They cite the ease of use of the virtual microscope,
      access to histology outside of designated laboratory time, and increasing student
      collaboration in class as the primary advantages. The teaching assistants also
      discuss principal areas where the use of the virtual microscope can be improved
      from a pedagogical standpoint, including requiring students to spend more time
      working on histology in class.

PMID- 22069299
TI  - Three-dimensional segmentation of nuclei and mitotic chromosomes for the study of
      cell divisions in live Drosophila embryos.
AB  - Drosophila embryogenesis is an established model to investigate mechanisms and
      genes related to cell divisions in an intact multicellular organism. Progression
      through the cell cycle phases can be monitored in vivo using fluorescently
      labeled fusion proteins and time-lapse microscopy. To measure cellular properties
      in microscopic images, accurate and fast image segmentation methods are a
      critical prerequisite. To quantify static and dynamic features of interphase
      nuclei and mitotic chromosomes, we developed a three-dimensional (3D)
      segmentation method based on multiple level sets. We tested our method on 3D time
      series images of live embryos expressing histone-2Av-green fluorescence protein.
      Our method is robust to low signal-to-noise ratios inherent to high-speed
      imaging, fluorescent signals in the cytoplasm, and dynamic changes of shape and
      texture. Comparisons with manual ground-truth segmentations showed that our
      method achieves more than 90% accuracy on the object as well as voxel levels and
      performs consistently throughout all cell cycle phases and developmental stages
      from syncytial blastoderm to postblastoderm mitotic domains.

PMID- 22069300
TI  - Pericytes: a universal adult tissue stem cell?

PMID- 22069301
TI  - Cell phones go cellular--current scale-down lab-in-your-pocket applications.

PMID- 22069302
TI  - Surface chemical immobilization of parylene C with thermosensitive block
      copolymer brushes based on N-isopropylacrylamide and N-tert-butylacrylamide:
      synthesis, characterization, and cell adhesion/detachment.
AB  - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM), poly(N-tert-butylacrylamide) (pNTBAM), and
      their copolymer brushes were covalently immobilized onto parylene C (PC) surfaces
      via surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Contact angle
      measurement between 13 and 40 degrees C showed that the hydrophobicity of the
      modified PC surfaces was thermally sensitive. Among these samples, PC grafted
      with pNIPAM (PC-NI), PC grafted with pNTBAM (PC-NT) and PC grafted with copolymer
      brushes containing pNTBAM and pNIPAM (PC-NT-NI) exhibited the lower critical
      solution temperature (LCST) at 29, 22, and 24 degrees C, respectively.
      Cytocompatibility study for the modified surfaces was performed by 5 days human
      skin fibroblast culture at 37 degrees C. Data showed that only a very small
      amount of cells adhered on the PC and PC-NI surfaces, while a significantly
      higher amount of cell adhesion and growth was observed on PC-NT and PC-NT-NI
      surfaces. Furthermore, cell detachment at the temperatures of 24 and 6 degrees C
      were studied after the substrates were cultured with cells at 37 degrees C for 24
      h. The results showed that the cells on PC-NI formed the aggregations and loosely
      attached on the substrate after 30-min culture at 24 degrees C, while no
      significant cell detachment was observed for PC-NT and PC-NT-NI samples at this
      temperature. By continuing the cell culture for additional 100 min at 6 degrees C
      for PC-NT and PC-NT-NI, about 10 and 35% of the cells were found detached
      respectively, and the unattached cells aggregated on the substrate. In
      comparison, cells cultured on the tissue culture petri dish (TCP) exhibited no
      quantity and morphology changes at the culture temperatures of 37, 24, and 6
      degrees C. This study showed that: (1) immobilization of PC with nonthermal
      sensitive pNTBAM could provide PC surface thermal sensitive hydrophilicity; (2)
      the chlorines on the polymer brushes of PC-NT could be used to further initiate
      the ATRP pNIPAM and form block copolymer brushes; (3) the incorporation of pNTBAM
      into pNIPAM on PC-NT-NI could change the surface thermal hydrophilicity property,
      and be further applied to decrease the LCST of the modified PC surface; (4)
      grafted pNIPAM brushes on PC-NI by ATRP showed very low cell adhesion and
      proliferation in 5 days fibroblast culture at 37 degrees C, and cell detached at
      24 degrees C; (5) the incorporation of pNTBAM into pNIPAM on PC-NT-NI decreased
      the thermal sensitivity of cell adhesion/detachment, cell detached at 6 degrees
      C, but the cell adhesion and proliferation were significantly improved at a wide
      temperature range.

PMID- 22069303
TI  - Lamellar stack formation and degradative behaviors of hydrolytically degraded
      poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(glycolide-epsilon-caprolactone) blended
      fibers.
AB  - Electrospun fibrous mats have gained popularity in bioengineering over the past
      decade, but few papers detail their degradative mechanisms. To address this,
      blends of hydrophobic poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and hydrophilic PGA-PCL
      PGA triblock copolymer were electrospun into aligned fibrous mats to assess the
      copolymers' mechanical and degradative properties. Increased hydrophilic triblock
      content led to enhanced morphological uniformity of fiber, tightening of fiber
      diameters, increased storage and Young's modulus, and decreased elongation. The
      corresponding decrease in hydrophobic PCL content led to faster hydrolytic
      degradation rate, as reflected by enhanced decrease in mass, molecular weight,
      and modulus loss at 25, 37, and 45 degrees C. The activation energy for
      hydrolytic degradation for 15:85 PCL: triblock copolymer was approximately half
      that of 85:15 PCL: triblock copolymer. Detailed examination of fiber morphology
      and crystallinity revealed initial surface erosion followed by the evolution of
      crystalline lamellar stacks and bulk degradation at 37 degrees C. Because of the
      high surface to volume and short diffusion length scale of the small diameter
      fibers, surface and bulk degradation may both contribute to the hydrolytic
      degradative behavior of these electrospun fibrous mats. Electrospun mats'
      distinct architecture that embodies high specific surface to volume and
      interfiber porous ultrastructures that lead to their unique degradative behaviors
      hold much potential for significant impact in the field of tissue engineering and
      controlled drug delivery.

PMID- 22069304
TI  - Hospitalists and intensivists in the medical ICU: a prospective observational
      study comparing mortality and length of stay between two staffing models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A shortage of critical care specialists or intensivists, coupled with
      expanding United States critical care needs, mandates identification of alternate
      qualified physicians for intensive care unit (ICU) staffing. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare mortality and length of stay (LOS) of medical ICU patients cared for by a
      hospitalist or an intensivist-led team. DESIGN: Prospective observational study.
      SETTING: Urban academic community hospital affiliated with a major regional
      academic university. PATIENTS: Consecutive medical patients admitted to a
      hospitalist ICU team (n = 828) with selective intensivist consultation or an
      intensivist-led ICU teaching team (n = 528). MEASUREMENTS: Endpoints were ICU and
      in-hospital mortality and LOS, adjusted for patient differences with logistic and
      linear regression models and propensity scores. RESULTS: The odds ratio adjusted
      for disease severity for in-hospital mortality was 0.8 (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 0.49, 1.18; P = 0.23) and ICU mortality was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.51, 1.32; P =
      0.41), referent to the hospitalist team. The adjusted LOS was similar between
      teams (hospital LOS difference 0.9 days, P = 0.98; ICU LOS difference 0.3 days, P
      = 0.32). Mechanically ventilated patients with intermediate illness severity had
      lower hospital LOS (10.6 vs 17.8 days, P < 0.001) and ICU LOS (7.2 vs 10.6 days,
      P = 0.02), and a trend towards decreased in-hospital mortality (15.6% vs 27.5%, P
      = 0.10) in the intensivist-led group. CONCLUSIONS: The adjusted mortality and LOS
      demonstrated no statistically significant difference between hospitalist and
      intensivist-led ICU models. Mechanically ventilated patients with intermediate
      illness severity showed improved LOS and a trend towards improved mortality when
      cared for by an intensivist-led ICU teaching team.

PMID- 22069305
TI  - Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanospheres with cleavable Gd(III) chelates as
      MRI contrast agents: synthesis, characterization, target-specificity, and renal
      clearance.
AB  - Mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) are a promising material for magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In this paper multifunctional MSNs with
      cleavable Gd(III) chelates are synthesized and characterized, and their
      applicability as MRI contrast agents is demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.
      The MSNs contain Gd(III) chelates that are covalently linked via a redox
      responsive disulfide moiety. The MSNs are further functionalized with
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an anisamide ligand to improve their
      biocompatibility and target specificity. The effectiveness of MSNs as an MRI
      imaging contrast agent and their targeting ability are successfully demonstrated
      in vitro using human colon adenocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer cells. Finally,
      the capability of this platform as an in vivo MRI contrast agent is tested using
      a 3T scanner. The Gd(III) chelate was quickly cleaved by the blood pool thiols
      and eliminated through the renal excretion pathway. Further tuning of the Gd(III)
      chelate release kinetics is needed before the MSN system can be used as target
      specific MRI contrast agents in vivo.

PMID- 22069306
TI  - Self-assembly of graphenelike ZnO superstructured nanosheets and their
      application in hybrid photoconductors.
AB  - Photoconductors require high charge-carrier mobilities, sensitivity over a wide
      range of light levels, and good stability. Combining an organic semiconductor
      with environmentally benign inorganic nanoparticles is a rational means to
      develop photoconductors with such properties. However, an inhomogeneous
      distribution of nanoparticles in the active layer restricts both charge-carrier
      mobility and charge collection at an electrode. In this paper, ultrathin ZnO
      superstructured nanosheets are successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method.
      Time-dependent investigations show that the superstructured nanosheets assemble
      in solution during the growth process. Given that high-quality ZnO nanosheets are
      obtained, a hybrid photoconductor device with P3HT is fabricated and
      investigated. Sensitivity above 200% under simulated sunlight is obtained with
      good air stability. This study demonstrates a general approach to design
      photoconductors using hybrid nanomaterials.

PMID- 22069307
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 upon two primary needs for the
      wide use of quality metrics: (i) an evolving list of comprehensive quality
      metrics and (ii) 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 Proteomics,
      Proteomics Clinical Applications, Journal of Proteome Research, and Molecular and
      Cellular Proteomics, 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- 22069308
TI  - A novel role for interleukin-27 (IL-27) as mediator of intestinal epithelial
      barrier protection mediated via differential signal transducer and activator of
      transcription (STAT) protein signaling and induction of antibacterial and anti
      inflammatory proteins.
AB  - The role of the Th17 cell inhibiting cytokine IL-27 in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory bowel disease is contradictory. Its effects on the intestinal
      barrier have so far not been investigated, which was the aim of this study. We
      show that intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) express both IL-27 receptor subunits
      IL-27RA and gp130. The IL-27 receptor expression is up-regulated in intestinal
      inflammation and during bacterial infection. IL-27 activates ERK and p38 MAPKs as
      well as Akt, STAT1, STAT3, and STAT6 in IEC. IL-27 significantly enhances cell
      proliferation and IEC restitution. These functions of IL-27 are dependent on the
      activation of STAT3 and STAT6 signaling pathways. As analyzed by microarray, IL
      27 modulates the expression of 428 target genes in IEC (316 up and 112 down;
      p<0.05). IL-27 as well as its main target genes are up-regulated in colonic
      tissue and IEC isolated from mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced
      colitis. The IL-27-induced expression of the anti-bacterial gene deleted in
      malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) is mediated by p38 and STAT3 signaling, whereas
      the activation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial gene indoleamine 2,3
      dioxygenase (IDO1) is dependent on STAT1 signal transduction. IL-27-induced
      indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzymatic activity leads to growth inhibition of
      intestinal bacteria by causing local tryptophan depletion. For the first time, we
      characterize IL-27 as a mediator of intestinal epithelial barrier protection
      mediated via transcriptional activation of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
      target genes.

PMID- 22069309
TI  - Molecular basis of maillard amide-advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation
      in vivo.
AB  - The Maillard reaction in vivo entails alteration of proteins or free amino acids
      by non-enzymatic glycation or glycoxidation. The resulting modifications are
      called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and play a prominent role in
      various pathologies, including normoglycemic uremia. Recently, we established a
      new class of lysine amide modifications in vitro. Now, human plasma levels of the
      novel amide-AGEs N(6)-acetyl lysine, N(6)-formyl lysine, N(6)-lactoyl lysine, and
      N(6)-glycerinyl lysine were determined by means of LC-MS/MS. They were
      significantly higher in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis than in healthy
      subjects. Model reactions with N(1)-t-butoxycarbonyl-lysine under physiological
      conditions confirmed 1-deoxy-d-erythro-hexo-2,3-diulose as an immediate
      precursor. Because formation of N(6)-formyl lysine from glucose responded
      considerably to the presence of oxygen, glucosone was identified as another
      precursor. Comparison of the in vivo results with the model experiments enabled
      us to elucidate possible formation pathways linked to Maillard chemistry. The
      results strongly suggest a major participation of non-enzymatic Maillard
      mechanisms on amide-AGE formation pathways in vivo, which, in the case of N(6)
      acetyl lysine, parallels enzymatic processes.

PMID- 22069310
TI  - Ephrinb1 and Ephrinb2 are associated with interleukin-7 receptor alpha and retard
      its internalization from the cell surface.
AB  - IL-7 plays vital roles in thymocyte development, T cell homeostasis, and the
      survival of these cells. IL-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Ralpha) on thymocytes and T
      cells is rapidly internalized upon IL-7 ligation. Ephrins (Efns) are cell surface
      molecules and ligands of the largest receptor kinase family, Eph kinases. We
      discovered that T cell-specific double gene knock-out (dKO) of Efnb1 and Efnb2 in
      mice led to reduced IL-7Ralpha expression in thymocytes and T cells, and that IL
      7Ralpha down-regulation was accelerated in dKO CD4 cells upon IL-7 treatment. On
      the other hand, Efnb1 and Efnb2 overexpression on T cell lymphoma EL4 cells
      retarded IL-7Ralpha down-regulation. dKO T cells manifested compromised STAT5
      activation and homeostatic proliferation, an IL-7-dependent process. Fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer and immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Efnb1 and
      Efnb2 interacted physically with IL-7Ralpha. Such interaction likely retarded IL
      7Ralpha internalization, as Efnb1 and Efnb2 were not internalized. Therefore, we
      revealed a novel function of Efnb1 and Efnb2 in stabilizing IL-7Ralpha expression
      at the post-translational level, and a previously unknown modus operandi of Efnbs
      in the regulation of expression of other vital cell surface receptors.

PMID- 22069311
TI  - The mycobacterial transcriptional regulator whiB7 gene links redox homeostasis
      and intrinsic antibiotic resistance.
AB  - Intrinsic drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis limits therapeutic
      options for treating tuberculosis. The mycobacterial transcriptional regulator
      whiB7 contributes to intrinsic resistance by activating its own expression and
      many drug resistance genes in response to antibiotics. To investigate whiB7
      activation, we constructed a GFP reporter to monitor its expression, and we used
      it to investigate the whiB7 promoter and to screen our custom library of almost
      600 bioactive compounds, including the majority of clinical antibiotics. Results
      showed whiB7 was transcribed from a promoter that was conserved across
      mycobacteria and other actinomycetes, including an AT-rich sequence that was
      likely targeted by WhiB7. Expression was induced by compounds having diverse
      structures and targets, independent of the ability of whiB7 to mediate
      resistance, and was dependent on media composition. Pretreatment with whiB7
      activators resulted in clinically relevant increases in intrinsic drug
      resistance. Antibiotic-induced transcription was synergistically increased by the
      reductant dithiothreitol, an effect mirrored by a whiB7-dependent shift to a
      highly reduced cytoplasm reflected by the ratio of reduced/oxidized mycothiol.
      These data provided evidence that intrinsic resistance resulting from whiB7
      activation is linked to fundamental changes in cell metabolism.

PMID- 22069313
TI  - Anchor peptide of transferrin-binding protein B is required for interaction with
      transferrin-binding protein A.
AB  - Gram-negative bacterial pathogens belonging to the Pasteurellaceae,
      Moraxellaceae, and Neisseriaceae families rely on an iron acquisition system that
      acquires iron directly from host transferrin (Tf). The process is mediated by a
      surface receptor composed of transferrin-binding proteins A and B (TbpA and
      TbpB). TbpA is an integral outer membrane protein that functions as a gated
      channel for the passage of iron into the periplasm. TbpB is a surface-exposed
      lipoprotein that facilitates the iron uptake process. In this study, we
      demonstrate that the region encompassing amino acids 7-40 of Actinobacillus
      pleuropneumoniae TbpB is required for forming a complex with TbpA and that the
      formation of the complex requires the presence of porcine Tf. These results are
      consistent with a model in which TbpB is responsible for the initial capture of
      iron-loaded Tf and subsequently interacts with TbpA through the anchor peptide.
      We propose that TonB binding to TbpA initiates the formation of the TbpB-TbpA
      complex and transfer of Tf to TbpA.

PMID- 22069312
TI  - Functional selective oxytocin-derived agonists discriminate between individual G
      protein family subtypes.
AB  - We used a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer biosensor to screen for
      functional selective ligands of the human oxytocin (OT) receptor. We demonstrated
      that OT promoted the direct engagement and activation of G(q) and all the G(i/o)
      subtypes at the OT receptor. Other peptidic analogues, chosen because of specific
      substitutions in key OT structural/functional residues, all showed biased
      activation of G protein subtypes. No ligand, except OT, activated G(oA) or G(oB),
      and, with only one exception, all of the peptides that activated G(q) also
      activated G(i2) and G(i3) but not G(i1), G(oA), or G(oB), indicating a strong
      bias toward these subunits. Two peptides (DNalOVT and atosiban) activated only
      G(i1) or G(i3), failed to recruit beta-arrestins, and did not induce receptor
      internalization, providing the first clear examples of ligands differentiating
      individual G(i/o) family members. Both analogs inhibited cell proliferation,
      showing that a single G(i) subtype-mediated pathway is sufficient to prompt this
      physiological response. These analogs represent unique tools for examining the
      contribution of G(i/o) members in complex biological responses and open the way
      to the development of drugs with peculiar selectivity profiles. This is of
      particular relevance because OT has been shown to improve symptoms in
      neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders characterized by abnormal social
      behaviors, such as autism. Functional selective ligands, activating a specific G
      protein signaling pathway, may possess a higher efficacy and specificity on OT
      based therapeutics.

PMID- 22069314
TI  - Site-directed mutagenesis reveals key residue for O antigen chain length
      regulation and protein stability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wzz2.
AB  - The production of preferred lipopolysaccharide O antigen chain lengths is
      important for the survival of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria in different
      environments, yet how Wzz proteins regulate these lengths is not well understood.
      The Wzz2 proteins from two different serotype O11 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains
      are responsible for the expression of different very long chain lengths despite
      high sequence homology. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to determine
      whether a specific amino acid was responsible for this difference in chain
      length; the residue present in position 321 within the second predicted coiled
      coil region was able to determine which chain length was produced. A panel of
      site-directed mutants introducing different amino acids at this position
      implicated that the charge of the amino acid affected chain length, with
      positively charged residues associated with shorter chain lengths. Expression
      data also suggested this site was important for overall stability of the protein
      because mutants predicted to disrupt proper folding of the alpha helix led to
      lower protein levels. Cross-linking studies found that Wzz2 proteins producing
      shorter chain lengths had more stable higher-order oligomers. Mapping residue 321
      onto the solved Escherichia coli Wzz FepE crystal structure predicted it to be
      located within alpha helix 8, which participates in intermonomeric interactions.
      These data further support the observation that Wzz oligomerization is necessary
      for chain length regulating activity but also provide evidence that differences
      in complex stability or changes in the conformation of the oligomer can lead to
      shifts in the length of the O antigen side chain.

PMID- 22069315
TI  - The membrane-proximal intracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor
      receptor underlies negative cooperativity in ligand binding.
AB  - The binding of EGF induces dimerization of its receptor, leading to the
      stimulation of its intracellular tyrosine kinase activity. Kinase activation
      occurs within the context of an asymmetric dimer in which one kinase domain
      serves as the activator for the other kinase domain but is not itself activated.
      How ligand binding is related to the formation and dynamics of this asymmetric
      dimer is not known. The binding of EGF to its receptor is negatively cooperative-
      that is, EGF binds with lower affinity to the second site on the dimer than to
      the first site on the dimer. In this study, we analyzed the binding of (125)I-EGF
      to a series of EGF receptor mutants in the intracellular juxtamembrane domain and
      demonstrate that the most membrane-proximal portion of this region plays a
      significant role in the genesis of negative cooperativity in the EGF receptor.
      The data are consistent with a model in which the binding of EGF to the first
      site on the dimer induces the formation of one asymmetric kinase dimer. The
      binding of EGF to the second site is required to disrupt the initial asymmetric
      dimer and allow the formation of the reciprocal asymmetric dimer. Thus, some of
      the energy of binding to the second site is used to reorient the first asymmetric
      dimer, leading to a lower binding affinity and the observed negative
      cooperativity.

PMID- 22069316
TI  - Alternative splicing at C terminus of Ca(V)1.4 calcium channel modulates calcium
      dependent inactivation, activation potential, and current density.
AB  - The Ca(V)1.4 voltage-gated calcium channel is predominantly expressed in the
      retina, and mutations to this channel have been associated with human congenital
      stationary night blindness type-2. The L-type Ca(V)1.4 channel displays distinct
      properties such as absence of calcium-dependent inactivation (CDI) and slow
      voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI) due to the presence of an autoinhibitory
      domain (inhibitor of CDI) in the distal C terminus. We hypothesized that native
      Ca(V)1.4 is subjected to extensive alternative splicing, much like the other
      voltage-gated calcium channels, and employed the transcript scanning method to
      identify alternatively spliced exons within the Ca(V)1.4 transcripts isolated
      from the human retina. In total, we identified 19 alternative splice variations,
      of which 16 variations have not been previously reported. Characterization of the
      C terminus alternatively spliced exons using whole-cell patch clamp
      electrophysiology revealed a splice variant that exhibits robust CDI. This splice
      variant arose from the splicing of a novel alternate exon (43*) that can be found
      in 13.6% of the full-length transcripts screened. Inclusion of exon 43* inserts a
      stop codon that truncates half the C terminus. The Ca(V)1.4 43* channel exhibited
      robust CDI, a larger current density, a hyperpolarized shift in activation
      potential by ~10 mV, and a slower VDI. Through deletional experiments, we showed
      that the inhibitor of CDI was responsible for modulating channel activation and
      VDI, in addition to CDI. Calcium currents in the photoreceptors were observed to
      exhibit CDI and are more negatively activated as compared with currents elicited
      from heterologously expressed full-length Ca(V)1.4. Naturally occurring
      alternative splice variants may in part contribute to the properties of the
      native Ca(V)1.4 channels.

PMID- 22069317
TI  - 4-Phenylbutyrate stimulates Hsp70 expression through the Elp2 component of
      elongator and STAT-3 in cystic fibrosis epithelial cells.
AB  - Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) corrects trafficking of DeltaF508-CFTR in Cystic
      Fibrosis (CF) epithelia, which is hypothesized to, at least in part, result from
      increased expression of Hsp70 (stress-induced 70 kDa heat shock protein). To
      identify other 4PBA-regulated proteins that may promote correction of DeltaF508
      trafficking, we performed differential display RT-PCR on mRNA from IB3-1 CF
      bronchiolar epithelial cells treated for 0-24 h with 1 mM 4PBA. In this screen, a
      STAT-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-3)-interacting protein,
      StIP-1 that regulates STAT-3 activation had transiently increased expression.
      StIP-1 is identical to Elongator protein 2 (Elp2), a component of the Elongator
      complex that regulates RNA polymerase II. Previous studies have suggested that
      Elongator regulates Hsp70 mRNA transcription, and that the Hsp70 promoter
      contains functional STAT-3-binding sites. We therefore tested the hypothesis that
      4PBA increases Hsp70 expression by an Elongator- and STAT-3-dependent mechanism.
      4PBA treatment of IB3-1 CF bronchiolar epithelial cells caused transiently
      increased expression of Hsp70 protein, as well as Elp2 protein and mRNA. Elp2
      depletion by transfection of small interfering RNAs, reduced both Elp2 and Hsp70
      protein expression. 4PBA also caused transient activation of STAT-3, and
      increased abundance of nuclear proteins that bind to the STAT-3-responsive
      element of the Hsp70 promoter. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that both
      Elp2 overexpression and 4PBA increase Hsp70 promoter activity, while Elp2
      depletion blocked the ability of 4PBA to stimulate Hsp70 promoter activity.
      Together, these data suggest that Elp2 and STAT-3 mediate, at least in part, the
      stimulation of Hsp70 expression by 4PBA.

PMID- 22069318
TI  - Polyubiquitination of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta)-associated kinase
      1 mediates nuclear factor-kappaB activation in response to different inflammatory
      stimuli.
AB  - The transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays a central role
      in regulating inflammation in response to several external signals. The TGFbeta
      associated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an upstream regulator of NF-kappaB signaling. In
      TGFbeta-stimulated cells, TAK1 undergoes Lys-63-linked polyubiquitination at Lys
      34 by TNF receptor-associated factor 6 and is thereby activated. The aim of this
      study was to investigate whether TAK1 polyubiquitination at Lys-34 is also
      essential for NF-kappaB activation via TNF receptor, IL-1 receptor and toll-like
      receptor 4. We observed that TAK1 polyubiquitination occurred at Lys-34 and
      required the E3 ubiquitin ligase TNF receptor-associated factor 6 after
      stimulation of cells with IL-1beta. Polyubiquitination of TAK1 also occurred at
      Lys-34 in cells stimulated by TNF-alpha and LPS, which activates TLR4, as well as
      in HepG2 and prostate cancer cells stimulated with TGFbeta, which in all cases
      resulted in NF-kappaB activation. Expression of a K34R-mutant TAK1 led to a
      reduced NF-kappaB activation, IL-6 promoter activity, and proinflammatory
      cytokine secretion by TNF-alpha-stimulated PC-3U cells. Similar results were
      obtained in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 after LPS treatment. In
      conclusion, polyubiquitination of TAK1 is correlated with activation of TAK1 and
      is essential for activation of NF-kappaB signaling downstream of several
      receptors.

PMID- 22069319
TI  - Interferon-gamma alters downstream signaling originating from epidermal growth
      factor receptor in intestinal epithelial cells: functional consequences for ion
      transport.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) regulates many cellular functions,
      such as proliferation, apoptosis, and ion transport. Our aim was to investigate
      whether long term treatment with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) modulates EGF
      activation of downstream signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells and if
      this contributes to dysregulation of epithelial ion transport in inflammation.
      Polarized monolayers of T(84) and HT29/cl.19A colonocytes were preincubated with
      IFN-gamma prior to stimulation with EGF. Basolateral potassium transport was
      studied in Ussing chambers. We also studied inflamed colonic mucosae from C57BL/6
      mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium or mdr1a knock-out mice and controls.
      IFN-gamma increased intestinal epithelial EGFr expression without increasing its
      phosphorylation. Conversely, IFN-gamma caused a significant decrease in EGF
      stimulated phosphorylation of specific EGFr tyrosine residues and activation of
      ERK but not Akt-1. In IFNgamma-pretreated cells, the inhibitory effect of EGF on
      carbachol-stimulated K(+) channel activity was lost. In inflamed colonic tissues,
      EGFr expression was significantly increased, whereas ERK phosphorylation was
      reduced. Thus, although it up-regulates EGFr expression, IFN-gamma causes
      defective EGFr activation in colonic epithelial cells via reduced phosphorylation
      of specific EGFr tyrosine residues. This probably accounts for altered downstream
      signaling consequences. These observations were corroborated in the setting of
      colitis. IFN-gamma also abrogates the ability of EGF to inhibit carbachol
      stimulated basolateral K(+) currents. Our data suggest that, in the setting of
      inflammation, the biological effect of EGF, including the inhibitory effect of
      EGF on Ca(2+)-dependent ion transport, is altered, perhaps contributing to
      diarrheal and other symptoms in vivo.

PMID- 22069320
TI  - Evidence against cellular internalization in vivo of NMO-IgG, aquaporin-4, and
      excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Autoantibodies against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are thought to
      be pathogenic in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Prior work has suggested that a key
      component of NMO autoantibody (NMO-IgG) pathogenesis is internalization of AQP4
      and the associated glutamate transporter EAAT2, leading to glutamate
      excitotoxicity. Here, we show selective endocytosis of NMO-IgG and AQP4 in
      transfected cell cultures, but little internalization in brain in vivo. AQP4
      dependent endocytosis of NMO-IgG occurred rapidly in various AQP4-transfected
      cell lines, with efficient transport from early endosomes to lysosomes. Cell
      surface AQP4 was also reduced following NMO-IgG exposure. However, little or no
      internalization of NMO-IgG, AQP4, or EAAT2 was found in primary astrocyte
      cultures, nor was glutamate uptake affected by NMO-IgG exposure. Following
      injection of NMO-IgG into mouse brain, NMO-IgG binding and AQP4 expression showed
      a perivascular astrocyte distribution, without detectable cellular
      internalization over 24 h. We conclude that astrocyte endocytosis of NMO-IgG,
      AQP4, and EAAT2 is not a significant consequence of AQP4 autoantibody in vivo,
      challenging generally accepted views about NMO pathogenesis.

PMID- 22069321
TI  - Protein aggregates are recruited to aggresome by histone deacetylase 6 via
      unanchored ubiquitin C termini.
AB  - The aggresome pathway is activated when proteasomal clearance of misfolded
      proteins is hindered. Misfolded polyubiquitinated protein aggregates are
      recruited and transported to the aggresome via the microtubule network by a
      protein complex consisting of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and the dynein motor
      complex. The current model suggests that HDAC6 recognizes protein aggregates by
      binding directly to polyubiquitinated proteins. Here, we show that there are
      substantial amounts of unanchored ubiquitin in protein aggregates with solvent
      accessible C termini. The ubiquitin-binding domain (ZnF-UBP) of HDAC6 binds
      exclusively to the unanchored C-terminal diglycine motif of ubiquitin instead of
      conjugated polyubiquitin. The unanchored ubiquitin C termini in the aggregates
      are generated in situ by aggregate-associated deubiquitinase ataxin-3. These
      results provide structural and mechanistic bases for the role of HDAC6 in
      aggresome formation and further suggest a novel ubiquitin-mediated signaling
      pathway, where the exposure of ubiquitin C termini within protein aggregates
      enables HDAC6 recognition and transport to the aggresome.

PMID- 22069322
TI  - Functional analysis of C-type lysozyme in penaeid shrimp.
AB  - Lysozyme is an enzyme that cleaves the beta-1,4-glycosidic linkages between N
      acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in peptidoglycan, leading to bacterial
      lysis. Recently, lysozyme has been found to have anti-HIV and anti-cancer
      properties in mammals. However, most functional analyses were done in vitro using
      purified or recombinant lysozyme protein. Here, we used RNA interference to
      silence c-type lysozyme expression in penaeid shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus, to
      analyze the function of lysozyme in vivo. Silencing of lysozyme expression by
      dsRNA lysozyme (dsLYZ) led to 100% mortality without any artificial bacterial
      infection in 5 days. Lysozyme deficiency caused the number of hemocytes in
      hemolymph to decrease from 1.3 * 10(7) to 2.3 * 10(6) cells/ml and caused the
      number of bacteria to increase from 78 to 764 colony-forming units/ml.
      Suppression of bacterial growth using oxytetracycline and kanamycin showed
      improvement in mortality, suggesting that shrimp mortality post- dsLYZ injection
      can be attributed to bacterial growth in the shrimp hemolymph. The majority of
      the bacteria, identified by 16 S rRNA analysis, were Gram-negative species such
      as Vibrio and Pseudomonas. Furthermore, PKH26 staining showed that the dsLYZ
      injected shrimp were unable to eliminate non pathogenic Escherichia coli or
      Staphylococcus aureus in 24 h. These data suggest that c-type lysozyme in shrimp
      serves to regulate the growth of bacterial communities, particularly Gram
      negative bacteria, in the hemolymph.

PMID- 22069323
TI  - Mas-related gene X2 (MrgX2) is a novel G protein-coupled receptor for the
      antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in human mast cells: resistance to receptor
      phosphorylation, desensitization, and internalization.
AB  - Human LL-37 is a multifunctional antimicrobial peptide that promotes
      inflammation, angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor metastasis. Most effects of
      LL-37 are mediated via the activation of the cell surface G protein-coupled
      receptor FPR2 on leukocytes and endothelial cells. Although LL-37 induces
      chemotaxis, degranulation, and chemokine production in mast cells, the receptor
      involved and the mechanism of its regulation remain unknown. MrgX2 is a member of
      Mas-related genes that is primarily expressed in human dorsal root ganglia and
      mast cells. We found that a human mast cell line LAD2 and CD34(+) cell-derived
      primary mast cells, which natively express MrgX2, responded to LL-37 for
      sustained Ca(2+) mobilization and substantial degranulation. However, an immature
      human mast cell line, HMC-1, that lacks functional MrgX2 did not respond to LL
      37. shRNA-mediated knockdown of MrgX2 in LAD2 mast cell line and primary CD34(+)
      cell-derived mast cells caused a substantial reduction in LL-37-induced
      degranulation. Furthermore, mast cell lines stably expressing MrgX2 responded to
      LL-37 for chemotaxis, degranulation, and CCL4 production. Surprisingly, MrgX2 was
      resistant to LL-37-induced phosphorylation, desensitization, and internalization.
      In addition, shRNA-mediated knockdown of the G protein-coupled receptor kinases
      (GRK2 and GRK3) had no effect on LL-37-induced mast cell degranulation. This
      study identified MrgX2 as a novel G protein-coupled receptor for the
      antibacterial peptide LL-37 and demonstrated that unlike most G protein-coupled
      receptors it is resistant to agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation,
      desensitization, and internalization.

PMID- 22069324
TI  - Divergence and convergence in enzyme evolution.
AB  - Comparative analysis of the sequences of enzymes encoded in a variety of
      prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes reveals convergence and divergence at several
      levels. Functional convergence can be inferred when structurally distinct and
      hence non-homologous enzymes show the ability to catalyze the same biochemical
      reaction. In contrast, as a result of functional diversification, many
      structurally similar enzyme molecules act on substantially distinct substrates
      and catalyze diverse biochemical reactions. Here, we present updates on the ATP
      grasp, alkaline phosphatase, cupin, HD hydrolase, and N-terminal nucleophile
      (Ntn) hydrolase enzyme superfamilies and discuss the patterns of sequence and
      structural conservation and diversity within these superfamilies. Typically,
      enzymes within a superfamily possess common sequence motifs and key active site
      residues, as well as (predicted) reaction mechanisms. These observations suggest
      that the strained conformation (the entatic state) of the active site, which is
      responsible for the substrate binding and formation of the transition complex,
      tends to be conserved within enzyme superfamilies. The subsequent fate of the
      transition complex is not necessarily conserved and depends on the details of the
      structures of the enzyme and the substrate. This variability of reaction outcomes
      limits the ability of sequence analysis to predict the exact enzymatic activities
      of newly sequenced gene products. Nevertheless, sequence-based (super)family
      assignments and generic functional predictions, even if imprecise, provide
      valuable leads for experimental studies and remain the best approach to the
      functional annotation of uncharacterized proteins from new genomes.

PMID- 22069325
TI  - Inference of functional properties from large-scale analysis of enzyme
      superfamilies.
AB  - As increasingly large amounts of data from genome and other sequencing projects
      become available, new approaches are needed to determine the functions of the
      proteins these genes encode. We show how large-scale computational analysis can
      help to address this challenge by linking functional information to sequence and
      structural similarities using protein similarity networks. Network analyses using
      three functionally diverse enzyme superfamilies illustrate the use of these
      approaches for facile updating and comparison of available structures for a large
      superfamily, for creation of functional hypotheses for metagenomic sequences, and
      to summarize the limits of our functional knowledge about even well studied
      superfamilies.

PMID- 22069326
TI  - Divergent evolution in enolase superfamily: strategies for assigning functions.
AB  - Nature's strategies for evolving catalytic functions can be deciphered from the
      information contained in the rapidly expanding protein sequence databases.
      However, the functions of many proteins in the protein sequence and structure
      databases are either uncertain (too divergent to assign function based on
      homology) or unknown (no homologs), thereby limiting the utility of the
      databases. The mechanistically diverse enolase superfamily is a paradigm for
      understanding the structural bases for evolution of enzymatic function. We
      describe strategies for assigning functions to members of the enolase superfamily
      that should be applicable to other superfamilies.

PMID- 22069327
TI  - Direct interaction between scaffolding proteins RACK1 and 14-3-3zeta regulates
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) transcription.
AB  - RACK1 is a scaffolding protein that spatially and temporally regulates numerous
      signaling cascades. We previously found that activation of the cAMP signaling
      pathway induces the translocation of RACK1 to the nucleus. We further showed that
      nuclear RACK1 is required to promote the transcription of the brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here, we set out to elucidate the mechanism
      underlying cAMP-dependent RACK1 nuclear translocation and BDNF transcription. We
      identified the scaffolding protein 14-3-3zeta as a direct binding partner of
      RACK1. Moreover, we found that 14-3-3zeta was necessary for the cAMP-dependent
      translocation of RACK1 to the nucleus. We further observed that the disruption of
      RACK1/14-3-3zeta interaction with a peptide derived from the RACK1/14-3-3zeta
      binding site or shRNA-mediated 14-3-3zeta knockdown inhibited cAMP induction of
      BDNF transcription. Together, these data reveal that the function of nuclear
      RACK1 is mediated through its interaction with 14-3-3zeta. As RACK1 and 14-3
      3zeta are two multifunctional scaffolding proteins that coordinate a wide variety
      of signaling events, their interaction is likely to regulate other essential
      cellular functions.

PMID- 22069328
TI  - Thematic minireview series on enzyme evolution in the post-genomic era.
AB  - The emergence of genomics; ongoing computational advances; and the development of
      large-scale sequence, structural, and functional databases have created important
      new interdisciplinary linkages between molecular evolution, molecular biology,
      and enzymology. The five minireviews in this series survey advances and
      challenges in this burgeoning field from complementary perspectives. The series
      has three major themes. The first is the evolution of enzyme superfamilies, in
      which members exhibit increasing sequence, structural, and functional divergence
      with increasing time of divergence from a common ancestor. The second is the
      evolutionary role of promiscuous enzymes, which, in addition to their primary
      function, have adventitious secondary activities that frequently provide the
      starting point for the evolution of new enzymes. The third is the importance of
      in silico approaches to the daunting challenge of assigning and predicting the
      functions of the many uncharacterized proteins in the large-scale sequence and
      structural databases that are now available. A recent computational advance, the
      use of protein similarity networks that map functional data onto proteins
      clustered by similarity, is presented as an approach that can improve functional
      insight and inference. The three themes are illustrated with several examples of
      enzyme superfamilies, including the amidohydrolase, metallo-beta-lactamase, and
      enolase superfamilies.

PMID- 22069329
TI  - Divergence and convergence in enzyme evolution: parallel evolution of
      paraoxonases from quorum-quenching lactonases.
AB  - We discuss the basic features of divergent versus convergent evolution and of the
      common scenario of parallel evolution. The example of quorum-quenching lactonases
      is subsequently described. Three different quorum-quenching lactonase families
      are known, and they belong to three different superfamilies. Their key active
      site architectures have converged and are strikingly similar. Curiously, a
      promiscuous organophosphate hydrolase activity is observed in all three families.
      We describe the structural and mechanistic features that underline this converged
      promiscuity and how this promiscuity drove the parallel divergence of
      organophosphate hydrolases within these lactonase families by either natural or
      laboratory evolution.

PMID- 22069330
TI  - Toward a systems biology perspective on enzyme evolution.
AB  - Large superfamilies of enzymes derived from a common progenitor have emerged by
      duplication and divergence of genes encoding metabolic enzymes. Division of the
      functions of early generalist enzymes enhanced catalytic power and control over
      metabolic fluxes. Later, novel enzymes evolved from inefficient secondary
      activities in specialized enzymes. Enzymes operate in the context of complex
      metabolic and regulatory networks. The potential for evolution of a new enzyme
      depends upon the collection of enzymes in a microbe, the topology of the
      metabolic network, the environmental conditions, and the net effect of trade-offs
      between the original and novel activities of the enzyme.

PMID- 22069331
TI  - Carotenoid isomerase is key determinant of petal color of Calendula officinalis.
AB  - Orange petals of calendula (Calendula officinalis) accumulate red carotenoids
      with the cis-configuration at the C-5 or C-5' position (5-cis-carotenoids). We
      speculated that the orange-flowered calendula is a carotenoid isomerase (crtiso)
      loss-of-function mutant that impairs the cis-to-trans conversion of 5-cis
      carotenoids. We compared the sequences and enzyme activities of CRTISO from
      orange- and yellow-flowered calendulas. Four types of CRTISO were expressed in
      calendula petals. The deduced amino acid sequence of one of these genes
      (CoCRTISO1) was different between orange- and yellow-flowered calendulas, whereas
      the sequences of the other three CRTISOs were identical between these plants.
      Analysis of the enzymatic activities of the CoCRTISO homologs showed that
      CoCRTISO1-Y, which was expressed in yellow petals, converted carotenoids from the
      cis-to-trans-configuration, whereas both CoCRTISO1-ORa and 1-ORb, which were
      expressed in orange petals, showed no activity with any of the cis-carotenoids we
      tested. Moreover, the CoCRTISO1 genotypes of the F2 progeny obtained by crossing
      orange and yellow lines linked closely to petal color. These data indicate that
      CoCRTISO1 is a key regulator of the accumulation of 5-cis-carotenoids in
      calendula petals. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that the deletion of Cys-His
      His at positions 462-464 in CoCRTISO1-ORa and a Gly-to-Glu amino acid
      substitution at position 450 in CoCRTISO1-ORb abolished enzyme activity
      completely, indicating that these amino acid residues are important for the
      enzymatic activity of CRTISO.

PMID- 22069333
TI  - E1-E2 interactions in ubiquitin and Nedd8 ligation pathways.
AB  - Initial rates of E1-catalyzed E2 transthiolation have been used as a reporter
      function to probe the mechanism of 125I-ubiquitin transfer between activation and
      ligation half-reactions of ubiquitin conjugation. A functional survey of 11
      representative human E2 paralogs reveals similar Km for binding to human Uba1
      ternary complex (Km(ave)=121+/-72 nm) and kcat for ubiquitin transfer
      (kcat(ave)=4.0+/-1.2 s(-1)), suggesting that they possess a conserved binding
      site and transition state geometry and that they compete for charging through
      differences in intracellular concentration. Sequence analysis and mutagenesis
      localize this binding motif to three basic residues within Helix 1 of the E2 core
      domain, confirmed by transthiolation kinetics. Partial conservation of the motif
      among E2 paralogs not recognized by Uba1 suggests that another factor(s) account
      for the absolute specificity of cognate E2 binding. Truncation of the Uba1
      carboxyl-terminal beta-grasp domain reduces cognate Ubc2b binding by 31-fold and
      kcat by 3.5*10(4)-fold, indicating contributions to E2 binding and transition
      state stabilization. Truncation of the paralogous domain from the Nedd8
      activating enzyme has negligible effect on cognate Ubc12 transthiolation but
      abrogates E2 specificity toward non-cognate carrier proteins. Exchange of the
      beta-grasp domains between ubiquitin and Nedd8 activating enzymes fails to
      reverse the effect of truncation. Thus, the conserved Helix 1 binding motif and
      the beta-grasp domain direct general E2 binding, whereas the latter additionally
      serves as a specificity filter to exclude charging of non-cognate E2 paralogs in
      order to maintain the fidelity of downstream signaling.

PMID- 22069332
TI  - O-GlcNAcylation, novel post-translational modification linking myocardial
      metabolism and cardiomyocyte circadian clock.
AB  - The cardiomyocyte circadian clock directly regulates multiple myocardial
      functions in a time-of-day-dependent manner, including gene expression,
      metabolism, contractility, and ischemic tolerance. These same biological
      processes are also directly influenced by modification of proteins by
      monosaccharides of O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). Because the
      circadian clock and protein O-GlcNAcylation have common regulatory roles in the
      heart, we hypothesized that a relationship exists between the two. We report that
      total cardiac protein O-GlcNAc levels exhibit a diurnal variation in mouse
      hearts, peaking during the active/awake phase. Genetic ablation of the circadian
      clock specifically in cardiomyocytes in vivo abolishes diurnal variations in
      cardiac O-GlcNAc levels. These time-of-day-dependent variations appear to be
      mediated by clock-dependent regulation of O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase
      protein levels, glucose metabolism/uptake, and glutamine synthesis in an NAD
      independent manner. We also identify the clock component Bmal1 as an O-GlcNAc
      modified protein. Increasing protein O-GlcNAcylation (through pharmacological
      inhibition of O-GlcNAcase) results in diminished Per2 protein levels, time-of-day
      dependent induction of bmal1 gene expression, and phase advances in the
      suprachiasmatic nucleus clock. Collectively, these data suggest that the
      cardiomyocyte circadian clock increases protein O-GlcNAcylation in the heart
      during the active/awake phase through coordinated regulation of the hexosamine
      biosynthetic pathway and that protein O-GlcNAcylation in turn influences the
      timing of the circadian clock.

PMID- 22069334
TI  - Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome gene and HIV-1 restriction factor SAMHD1 is a dGTP
      regulated deoxynucleotide triphosphohydrolase.
AB  - The SAMHD1 protein is an HIV-1 restriction factor that is targeted by the HIV-2
      accessory protein Vpx in myeloid lineage cells. Mutations in the SAMHD1 gene
      cause Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, a genetic disease that mimics congenital viral
      infection. To determine the physiological function of the SAMHD1 protein, the
      SAMHD1 gene was cloned, recombinant protein was produced, and the catalytic
      activity of the purified enzyme was identified. We show that SAMHD1 contains a
      dGTP-regulated deoxynucleotide triphosphohydrolase. We propose that Vpx targets
      SAMHD1 for degradation in a viral strategy to control cellular deoxynucleotide
      levels for efficient replication.

PMID- 22069336
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22069335
TI  - Role of forward translocation in nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH
      I)-mediated transcription termination of vaccinia virus early genes.
AB  - Termination of transcription of vaccinia virus early genes requires the virion
      form of the viral RNA polymerase (RNAP), a termination signal (UUUUUNU) in the
      nascent RNA, vaccinia termination factor, nucleoside triphosphate
      phosphohydrolase I (NPH I), and ATP. NPH I uses ATP hydrolysis to mediate
      transcript release, and in vitro, ATPase activity requires single-stranded DNA.
      NPH I shows sequence similarity with the DEXH-box family of proteins, which
      includes an Escherichia coli ATP-dependent motor protein, Mfd. Mfd releases
      transcripts and rescues arrested transcription complexes by moving the
      transcription elongation complex downstream on the DNA template in the absence of
      transcription elongation. This mechanism is known as forward translocation. In
      this study, we demonstrate that NPH I also uses forward translocation to catalyze
      transcript release from viral RNAP. Moreover, we show that NPH I-mediated release
      can occur at a stalled RNAP in the absence of vaccinia termination factor and
      U(5)NU when transcription elongation is prevented.

PMID- 22069337
TI  - Learning spinal manipulation: a comparison of two teaching models.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of the present study was to quantify the high-velocity, low
      amplitude spinal manipulation biomechanical parameters in two cohorts of students
      from different teaching institutions. The first cohort of students was taught
      chiropractic techniques in a patient-doctor positioning practice setting, while
      the second cohort of students was taught in a "complete practice" manipulation
      setting, thus performing spinal manipulation skills on fellow student colleagues.
      It was hypothesized that the students exposed to complete practice would perform
      the standardized spinal manipulation with better biomechanical parameters.
      METHODS: Participants (n = 88) were students enrolled in two distinct
      chiropractic programs. Thoracic spine manipulation skills were assessed using an
      instrumented manikin, which allowed the measurement of applied force. Dependent
      variables included peak force, time to peak force, rate of force production, peak
      force variability, and global coordination. RESULTS: The results revealed that
      students exposed to complete practice demonstrated lower time to peak force
      values, higher peak force, and a steeper rate of force production compared with
      students in the patient-doctor positioning scenario. A significant group by
      gender interaction was also noted for the time to peak force and rate of force
      production variables. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study confirm the
      importance of chiropractic technique curriculum and perhaps gender in spinal
      manipulation skill learning. It also stresses the importance of integrating
      spinal manipulation skills practice early in training to maximize the number and
      the quality of significant learner-instructor interactions.

PMID- 22069338
TI  - Are patients receiving health promotion advice in the chiropractic teaching
      clinic setting?: an impact assessment of a brief intervention to increase
      advising rates and goal setting.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze patient-reported health issues and
      levels of engagement, discussion of needed lifestyle changes, and goal setting
      with the patient's intern or staff doctor before and after a brief intervention
      to increase health-promoting activities in the clinic. METHODS: Patient surveys
      were developed and administered to outpatients before and after a brief
      intervention aimed at increasing staff and intern engagement with patients on
      health promotion measures. Patients self-reported areas of need and levels of
      engagement by their doctor or intern. Data were analyzed as pre- and
      postintervention independent, cross-sectional samples. Frequencies and chi-square
      assessments were performed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight preintervention
      surveys and 162 postintervention surveys were collected. Back pain was the most
      common reason for being seen in the clinic (60% of patients) and most patients
      were white. More than 10% were smokers in both samples. Many patients reported
      poor diet, unhealthy weight, sleep issues, stress, or lack of regular physical
      activity, but 65% of the preintervention group and 72% of the postintervention
      group said a needed lifestyle change was discussed. Goals were set for 74% of the
      preintervention group and 84% of the postintervention group (p = .04).
      Information on lifestyle change was received by 52% of preintervention patients
      and 62% of postintervention patients and most were satisfied with this
      information. Goal setting was more common when a lifestyle change was discussed.
      Written information that was related to physical activity, for example, increased
      350% (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: There are many opportunities for discussing needed
      lifestyle changes with patients. Patients self-report health behavioral issues
      related to physical activity, unhealthy weight, diet, stress, and sleep. More can
      be done in this area by this clinic, but initial assessments of impact from a
      brief intervention seem to have increased some levels of engagement by interns.

PMID- 22069339
TI  - Depressive symptoms in chiropractic students: a 3-year study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The intensive training associated with health care education has been
      suggested to have unintended negative consequences on students' mental or
      emotional health that may interfere with the development of qualities deemed
      essential for proficient health care professionals. This longitudinal study
      examined the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among students at a
      chiropractic educational institution. METHODS: Chiropractic students at all
      levels of training were surveyed at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College during
      the academic years of 2000/2001, 2001/2002, and 2002/2003. The measurement tool
      employed was the Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd edition (BDI-II). Previously
      established BDI-II cutoff scores were used to assess the severity of reported
      depression symptoms, and these were compared by sex and year of training.
      RESULTS: The survey was completed by 1303 students (70%) over the 3 years of the
      study. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was nearly 25%, with 13.7% of
      respondents indicating a rating of mild depression, 7.1% indicating moderate
      depressive symptoms, and 2.8% indicating severe symptoms. Significant differences
      were found between years of training, with 2nd-year students having the highest
      prevalence of depressive symptoms, and sex, with females having a higher rate of
      symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Chiropractic students surveyed at Canadian Memorial
      Chiropractic College had high rates of depression similar to those measured in
      other health care profession students. Chiropractic educational institutions
      should be aware of this situation and are encouraged to emphasize students'
      awareness of their own personal health and well-being and their access to
      appropriate care, in addition to the same concerns for their future patients.

PMID- 22069341
TI  - Faculty perception of clinical value of five commonly used orthopedic tests.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of the value of
      five orthopedic tests (straight leg raise, Braggard's test, Kemp's test, Valsalva
      maneuver, and Patrick's fabere test) in the diagnosis of specific
      neuromusculoskeletal conditions among the chiropractic faculty at a large
      chiropractic college. METHODS: This is an observational study that employed a
      survey of 41 academic and clinic faculty members with a Doctor of Chiropractic
      degree. RESULTS: Of the 12 posed questions, only five demonstrated statistically
      significant consistency (positive straight leg raise for the presence of disc
      pathology, positive Valsalva maneuver for the presence of disc pathology,
      negative Valsalva maneuver to rule out disc pathology, negative Braggard's test
      to rule out the presence of disc pathology, and positive Patrick's fabere test
      for the presence of hip joint pathology). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the
      school of graduation may be the only predictor of consistency. CONCLUSION: There
      were strong indications that faculty members were not consistent in their
      perception of the value for common orthopedic tests for diagnosing specific
      conditions. In an evidence-based model of education, there should be a consensus
      among academic and clinical faculty in order for the students to learn,
      integrate, and apply in practice what they have learned in the classroom. Active
      intervention in the academic process is required to accomplish necessary change.

PMID- 22069340
TI  - Perception of educational environment among undergraduate students in a
      chiropractic training institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: The impact of the educational environment in student learning is well
      documented. However, there is a scarcity in the literature exploring the
      educational environment in chiropractic training institutions. This study aimed
      to identify the perceived educational environment in a chiropractic training
      institution and the possible perceptual differences among different demographic
      groups. METHODS: The perceived educational environment was surveyed using Dundee
      Ready Education Environment (DREEM), which is a validated, self-administered, and
      Likert-type inventory. DREEM items focus on subdomains related to learning,
      teachers, self-confidence, academic atmosphere, and social environment. The
      results were analyzed and interpreted in relation to standard norms of DREEM and
      demographic variables. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 124 chiropractic
      undergraduate students (response rate 83%). Statistically, the inventory items
      showed high correlation and the subdomains showed a close relationship. Overall
      the DREEM score was very high: 156.1/200 (78%). The subdomain scores were also at
      very high levels. However, the scoring of four items by students was consistently
      poor: lack of a support system for stressed students, 1.8 (SD 1.1); authoritarian
      teachers, 1.8 (SD 1.2); inadequate school time-tabling, 2.0 (SD 1.1); and
      overemphasis on factual learning, 2.0 (SD 1.0). There were no statistically
      significant differences in DREEM scores between gender, age, minority, and
      ethnicity groups. CONCLUSIONS: In general, students perceived that a sound
      educational environment is fostered by the institution and its educational
      program for all students despite their demographic variations. However, certain
      specific elements of the educational process may need to be addressed to improve
      the educational experience.

PMID- 22069342
TI  - A history of the journal of chiropractic education: twenty-five years of service,
      1987-2011.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Journal of Chiropractic Education celebrates its 25th anniversary in
      the year 2011. The purpose of this article is to chronicle the history of the
      journal, which is unreported at this time. METHODS: The entire collection of the
      journal was reviewed and information pertaining to important events and changes
      in the format, personnel, and processes of the journal were extracted. This
      information was used to create a chronology of the journal. The chronology was
      complemented with information obtained from people who were involved in the
      evolution of the journal and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational
      Conferences. RESULTS: Starting as a humble newsletter in 1987 and produced for a
      small cadre of readers primarily from the United States, the journal is now a
      full-sized and bound peer-reviewed international journal. Initially cataloged by
      the Index to Chiropractic Literature and MANTIS, the indexing expanded to
      interdisciplinary indexing systems such as CINAHL and ultimately PubMed. The
      journal has grown to serve the needs of chiropractic educators from around the
      world with representatives on the editorial board from 39 colleges and
      universities from 15 different countries. The journal has grown in tandem with
      the profession's leading education and research conference and has been the
      primary repository for the scholarship of chiropractic education. CONCLUSION: The
      history of the journal represents a significant milestone in the development of
      the chiropractic profession, particularly the discipline of chiropractic
      education. The journal has had an interesting history and the future promises to
      bring more opportunities and challenges to the field of chiropractic education
      and to the journal.

PMID- 22069343
TI  - Allowing a possible margin of error when assessing student skills in spinous
      process location.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spinal palpation is subject to inconsistency between examiners.
      When testing students on the location of vertebral spinous processes, faculty
      examiners may wish to allow for a margin of error that is observed between
      experienced practitioners. This study attempts to determine such a margin of
      error for selected vertebral levels that could be allowed in testing situations
      at Sherman Chiropractic College. This could serve as a model for other
      chiropractic colleges in determining their margins of error. METHODS: Two faculty
      clinicians palpated spinous processes at four different vertebral levels (C2, T3,
      T9, and L2) on 18 student volunteers. Differences for each vertebral level, along
      with one, two, and three standard deviations, were calculated. RESULTS: AVERAGE
      DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EXAMINERS INCREASED CAUDALLY, AS FOLLOWS: C2, 4.23 +/- 3.77
      mm; T3, 13.41 +/- 10.53 mm; T9, 18.17 +/- 17.62 mm; L2, 18.70 +/- 16.58 mm.
      DISCUSSION: In this study, faculty examiners exhibited variation in their
      locations of spinous processes for these vertebrae. These variations could be
      allowed when assessing student skills in locating these spinous processes at this
      chiropractic college. CONCLUSION: In this study, differences between examiners
      plus or minus one standard deviation ranged from 4.23 +/- 3.77 mm for C2 to 18.70
      +/- 16.58 mm for L2. The concept of margin of error should be considered by
      faculty examiners when assessing the skill of students in locating the spinous
      process of various vertebral levels.

PMID- 22069344
TI  - 2011 association of chiropractic colleges educational conference and research
      agenda conference.

PMID- 22069345
TI  - Letters to the editor.

PMID- 22069346
TI  - Evaluation of contrast visual acuity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine visual acuity at different
      contrast levels under photopic and mesopic conditions in patients with retinitis
      pigmentosa. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 31 normal controls, 92 eyes of 52 patients
      with retinitis pigmentosa without other ocular disorders (RP-1 group), and 20
      eyes of 14 patients with retinitis pigmentosa with cataracts and without other
      ocular disorders (RP-2 group) were studied. Conventional visual acuity was
      measured using a conventional Landolt ring chart with 100% contrast and luminance
      of 150 cd/m(2). All of the patients with retinitis pigmentosa had a decimal
      visual acuity better than 1.0. Contrast visual acuity was measured with the same
      Landolt ring chart with contrasts of 100% and 10% and under photopic (200
      cd/m(2)) and mesopic (10 cd/m(2)) conditions. Decimal visual acuities were
      converted to logMAR units for the analyses. RESULTS: The 100% contrast visual
      acuity and the 10% contrast visual acuity determined under both photopic and
      mesopic conditions were significantly poorer in both the RP-1 and RP-2 groups
      than in the controls. The differences between the conventional visual acuity and
      the 100% contrast visual acuity were significantly greater in the RP-1 and RP-2
      groups than in the controls under both photopic and mesopic conditions. The
      differences between the 100% contrast visual acuity and the 10% contrast visual
      acuity were not significant among the three groups under photopic and mesopic
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Contrast visual acuities were greatly reduced in patients
      with retinitis pigmentosa with relatively well preserved conventional visual
      acuity, and the contrast visual acuity was largely influenced by ambient light
      levels in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Although a longitudinal study for
      confirmation has to be performed, our findings indicate that contrast visual
      acuity is a better test to follow changes in visual function in patients with
      retinitis pigmentosa.

PMID- 22069347
TI  - Persistent subretinal fluid due to central serous chorioretinopathy after retinal
      detachment surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The causes of persistent submacular detachment after successful
      rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery remain unknown. Its presence is
      associated with poor postoperative visual acuity, but due to its spontaneous
      resolution no additional therapeutic or diagnostic procedure is recommended. CASE
      REPORT: A case of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) that simulated
      persistent subfoveal fluid after RRD surgery is presented. CONCLUSION: To the
      authors' knowledge, no other case of visual impairment after successful retinal
      detachment surgery due to CSC has been reported in the PubMed database. In view
      of this report, CSC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of
      persistent subretinal fluid after successful retinal detachment surgery.

PMID- 22069348
TI  - Comparison of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in primary open angle
      glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare intraocular
      pressure (IOP) reduction and inflammation after selective laser trabeculoplasty
      (SLT) treatment in patients suffering from primary open angle (POAG) vs
      pseudoexfoliative (PXFG) glaucoma. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty
      patients (60 eyes) participated in the study. Glaucoma patients (POAG or PXFG)
      scheduled for treatment with SLT were included. Inflammation was measured with a
      laser flare meter (Kowa FM-500). Measurements were made before SLT and 2 hours, 1
      week, and 1 month after SLT treatment. IOP was also checked at the same time
      intervals. RESULTS: Inflammation after SLT showed no significant difference
      between the groups (t-test, before: P = 0.16; 2 hours: P = 0.14; 1 week: P =
      0.12; and 1 month: P = 0.36). IOP reduction was the same in both groups (t-test,
      P = 0.27). CONCLUSION: SLT safely reduces IOP in both POAG and PXFG.
      Pseudoexfoliation does not seem to be a risk factor for post-laser complications.

PMID- 22069349
TI  - The use of bevacizumab in a multilevel retinal hemorrhage secondary to retinal
      macroaneurysm: a 39-month follow-up case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: The evaluation of long-term visual outcome after the use of bevacizumab
      for the management of multilevel hemorrhage due to retinal arterial macroaneurysm
      (MA). CASE REPORT: A 71-year-old hypertensive female presented with sudden
      reduction of visual acuity in her left eye (OS). Fundoscopy revealed an arterial
      macroaneurysm with preretinal and subretinal hemorrhage in the eye. Due to
      significant macular involvement, the patient received two intravitreal injections
      of bevacizumab within 2 months. RESULTS: Significant visual and anatomical
      recovery was observed 2 months later, which was confirmed by fluorescein
      angiography. At the end of a follow-up period (39 months) visual acuity and
      visual field were at normal levels. CONCLUSION: Retinal MA is a relatively rare
      condition. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy appears a safe and
      effective treatment option for selected symptomatic individuals that may offer
      faster visual rehabilitation. Herein we report, for the first time, a 39-month
      follow-up of a retinal MA treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
      therapy.

PMID- 22069350
TI  - Ocular onchocerciasis: current management and future prospects.
AB  - This paper reviews the current management of onchocerciasis and its future
      prospects. Onchocerciasis is a disease affecting millions of people in Africa,
      South and Central America, and Yemen. It is spread by the blackfly as a vector
      and caused by the filarial nematode, Onchocerca volvulus. A serious attempt was
      made by the Onchocerciasis Control Program between 1975 and 2002 to eliminate the
      vector in eleven of the endemic countries in West Africa, and with remarkable
      success. Formerly, the treatment was with diethyl carbamazine for the
      microfilaria and suramin for the adult worm. These drugs are now known to be
      toxic and unsuitable for mass distribution. In particular, they precipitate optic
      nerve disease. With the discovery of ivermectin, a much safer microfilaricide,
      and the decision of Merck to distribute the drug free of charge for as long as
      needed, the strategy of control switched to mass drug administration through
      community-directed treatment with ivermectin. So far, millions have received this
      annual or biannual treatment through the African Program for Onchocerciasis
      Control and the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas. However, the
      problem with ivermectin is that it is a monotherapy microfilaricide which has
      limited effect on the adult worm, and thus will need to be continued for the life
      span of the adult worm, which may last up to 15 years. There are also early
      reports of resistance. Serious encephalopathy and death may occur when ivermectin
      is used in subjects heavily infested with loiasis. It seems unlikely that a break
      in transmission will occur with community-directed treatment with ivermectin in
      Africa because of population migrations and the highly efficient vector, but in
      the Americas some countries such as Columbia and the Oaxaca focus in Mexico have
      reported eradication. Vector control is only now applicable in selected
      situations, and particularly to control the nuisance value of the blackfly.
      Trials are ongoing for alternatives to ivermectin. Candidate drugs include
      moxidectin, a macrofilaricide, doxycycline which targets the Wolbachia
      endosymbiont, and flubendazole, which shows promise with the newer oral
      cyclodextrin formulation.

PMID- 22069351
TI  - Translational research in retinology.
AB  - Clinical laboratories are strong, integral partners in personalized health care.
      Laboratory databases hold a vast amount of data on human phenotypes, genotypes,
      biomarkers, progression of disease, and response to therapy. These structured and
      unstructured free text data are critical for patient care and a resource for
      personalized medicine and translational research. Laboratory data are integrated
      into many electronic medical records that provide "summary reports" and
      "trending" to visualize longitudinal patient data. Recent advances in
      ophthalmology such as gene therapy, cell therapy using stem cells, and also
      retinal prosthesis explore the potential of translational research marking a new
      era in research into the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

PMID- 22069352
TI  - Evaluation of patients' experiences at different stages of the intravitreal
      injection procedure - what can be improved?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab has become one of the most
      commonly performed ophthalmic procedures. It is timely to conduct an evaluation
      of the injection procedure from the patient's perspective so as to determine ways
      to improve patient experience. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively
      describe patients' experiences of the different stages of the intravitreal
      injection procedure and provide suggestions for improvement. METHOD: Following
      intravitreal injection, patients were administered a questionnaire to score the
      distress felt for each of ten parts of the whole injection process from the
      initial waiting to the final instillation of topical antibiotic at the end. A
      score of higher than 4 was regarded as significantly unpleasant. The proportion
      of scores above 4 for each step was used to evaluate the relative distress
      experienced by patients for the different parts of the procedure. RESULTS: A
      total of 42 patients were surveyed. The step with the highest percentage of
      patients scoring more than 4 was the injection step (19%). However, cumulatively,
      the steps relating to the application of the drape, the speculum, and the removal
      of drape accounted for 53% of scores greater than 4. CONCLUSION: There is
      considerable variation in how patients tolerate different stages of the injection
      procedure. The needle entry was the most unpleasant step followed by the draping
      steps cumulatively. Use of subconjunctival anesthesia, a perforated drape, and
      alternative lid exclusion devices may help to improve the patient's tolerability
      of the procedure and experience.

PMID- 22069353
TI  - Donor and surgical risk factors for primary graft failure following Descemet's
      stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in Asian eyes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) has
      been shown to have superior refractive and visual results compared with
      penetrating keratoplasty, but higher rates of primary graft failure (PGF). This
      paper presents donor and surgical risk factors for PGF in DSAEK cases in Asian
      eyes. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: All consecutive
      patients who underwent DSAEK at a tertiary referral teaching hospital from March
      2006-December 2008. METHODS: DONOR DETAILS ANALYZED WERE: age of donor, cause of
      donor death, death to harvesting time, donor storage time, distribution distance
      of tissue, preoperative endothelial cell count. Surgical factors analyzed were:
      donor diameter, donor thickness, and method of donor insertion. These risk
      factors in cases of PGF were compared with patients with successful DSAEK as the
      control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: PGF. RESULTS: A total of 124 DSAEK
      procedures were performed. Six DSAEK procedures (five eyes of five patients; one
      eye with two failures) resulted in PGF (4.8%). Significant risk factors were
      found for PGF to include graft insertion using a folding technique (odds ratio
      [OR], 34.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.75-314.32; P = 0.0017) and a small
      donor diameter (OR, 39.94; 95% CI, 2.18-732.17; P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study suggest that in Asian eyes with shallow anterior chambers,
      surgical trauma relating to the technique of donor insertion, and the use of a
      small donor are major risk factors for PGF following DSAEK.

PMID- 22069354
TI  - Hemiretinal vein occlusion with macular hemorrhage and edema treated with
      intravitreal bevacizumab.
AB  - A 39-year-old male with decreased visual acuity and extensive macular hemorrhage
      and edema secondary to a hemiretinal vein occlusion was treated with multiple
      intravitreal injections of bevacizumab 1.25 mg every four to six weeks for over
      one year. Treatment outcomes were assessed by visual acuity and Cirrus spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography. Treatment resulted in ongoing visual and
      anatomic improvement, with resolution at the last visit.

PMID- 22069355
TI  - Additive intraocular pressure-lowering effect of dorzolamide 1%/timolol 0.5%
      fixed combination on prostaglandin monotherapy in patients with normal tension
      glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of adding
      dorzolamide 1.0%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination (DTFC) to prostaglandin analogs
      (PGAs) as monotherapy in patients with normal tension glaucoma. METHODS: A
      prospective, clinical, case-controlled study of patients with normal tension
      glaucoma. Patients had been on a once-daily night dose of prostaglandins (PGs) as
      monotherapy and then received DTFC added to PGs for 8 weeks. The IOP was measured
      at 9 am, week 0 (baseline), week 4, and week 8. RESULTS: The baseline IOP of 40
      patients who had previously been treated by prostaglandin monotherapy was 15.6 +/
      2.0 mmHg at baseline. The IOPs at 4 and 8 weeks after adding DTFC to PGs were
      13.5 +/- 2.1 mmHg and 13.7 +/- 2.2 mmHg, respectively. Significant decrease of
      the IOP was observed at each time point of measurement as compared with the
      baseline IOP before adding DTFC (P = 0.01). The percent IOP reduction from the
      baseline IOP at week 4 and week 8 was 13.5% +/- 12.3% and 11.7% +/- 13.1%,
      respectively. The percentage of patients who achieved 10% or more IOP reduction
      from the baseline IOP at week 8 was 62.5%. The baseline IOP was significantly
      correlated with the percent IOP reduction at week 8 (P = 0.03, r = 0.34).
      CONCLUSION: DTFC therapy added to PGAs as glaucoma monotherapy is effective in
      patients with normal tension glaucoma.

PMID- 22069356
TI  - Evaluation of retrobulbar blood flow in patients with age-related cataract; color
      Doppler ultrasonographic findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness worldwide, with
      cataract surgery being the most common ophthalmic procedure. To our best
      knowledge, this is the first case-control study with a large number of
      participants to evaluate ocular blood flow in patients with cataracts. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Color Doppler and duplex sonography of the orbital vessels was
      performed in 224 eyes of 112 patients with known bilateral age-related cataracts
      and in 76 eyes of 38 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. RESULTS: The mean
      +/- (standard deviation [SD]) of peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the ophthalmic
      artery in patients with cataracts (34.59 +/- 22.49 cm/second) was significantly
      different to that in controls (52.11 +/- 14.01 cm/second) (P < 0.001). The mean
      +/- SD PSV of the central retinal artery in patients with cataracts (15.31 +/-
      4.93 cm/second) was significantly different to that in controls (9.61 +/- 5.64
      cm/second) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mean PSV and resistive index (RI) of the
      ophthalmic and central retinal arteries were lower in cataract patients when
      compared with normal subjects. This suggests that ocular hypoperfusion and
      changes in ocular hemodynamic may have a role in the formation of age-related
      cataracts.

PMID- 22069357
TI  - Improving near vision in presbyopic eyes by selective treatment of high-order
      aberrations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluation of improving near vision in presbyopic patients with low to
      moderate myopia with selective treatment of high-order aberrations (HOAs) using
      the ORK-CAM software aberrometer and a SCHWIND ESIRIS excimer laser. In this
      study, all HOAs except vertical coma were treated and the effect on near visual
      function was evaluated. SETTING: Horus Vision Correction Center, Alexandria,
      Egypt. METHODS: Twenty-six presbyopic patients (52 eyes) with low to moderate
      myopia were divided into two groups, A and B. The ORK-CAM software aberrometer
      was used in both groups to measure HOAs and design wavefront-guided treatment.
      All included eyes had total coma >0.2 MUm. The Moria M2 mechanical microkeratome
      was used for flap making in both groups. Wavefront-guided laser-assisted in situ
      keratomileusis using ESIRIS laser was done for all eyes. In Group A (30 eyes) all
      HOAs were treated. In Group B (22 eyes) vertical coma was left untreated.
      Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected distance
      visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected near acuity (UCNA), distance corrected near
      acuity (DCNA), best corrected near acuity with addition for near vision (BCNA),
      manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), HOAs, and contrast sensitivity
      for both groups were done preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.
      RESULTS: Mean age was 47.46 and 45.2 years for groups A and B, respectively. Mean
      preoperative MRSE was -2.37 and -2.87 D and mean preoperative total HOAs was 0.35
      and 0.38 MUm in groups A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference
      between groups regarding age, sex, preoperative MRSE, and preoperative total
      HOAs. After 3 months, there was no significant difference between groups in terms
      of UCVA, BCVA, MRSE, and contrast sensitivity. Analysis of postoperative HOAs
      showed significant difference in vertical coma between the two groups (P <
      0.001). DCNA was significantly better in Group B (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Treating
      low to moderate myopia with wavefront-guided ablation including selective
      treatment of HOAs might be very useful for improving visual functions. Treating
      all HOAs but the vertical coma improved uncorrected near acuity in presbyopic
      patients.

PMID- 22069358
TI  - Risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma in Japanese subjects attending
      community health screenings.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To describe risk factors associated with primary open-angle
      glaucoma (POAG) in Japanese subjects who participated in community health
      screenings. METHODS: Residents of Akita, Japan, participating in a community
      health checkup were selected to undergo a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.
      Glaucoma was diagnosed based on optic disk appearance, perimetric results, and
      other ocular findings. Systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure were
      measured and ocular perfusion pressure was calculated. Logistic regression
      analysis was performed to determine risk factors for POAG patients. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: Of the 710 subjects examined, 26 had POAG. The estimated prevalence
      of POAG was 3.7%. After adjusting for age, the prevalence of POAG was similar to
      that found in the Tajimi Study of Japanese subjects. Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis demonstrated that older age (>=60 years, odds ratio [OR]:
      3.49), lower diastolic blood pressure (<=58 mmHg, OR: 2.11), higher intraocular
      pressure (>=19 mmHg, OR: 4.12), and lower ocular perfusion pressure (<=34 mmHg,
      OR: 5.78) were associated with increased risk of having POAG. These findings may
      be relevant for identifying high risk groups.

PMID- 22069359
TI  - Massive vitreous gel incarceration into the subretinal space following traumatic
      retinal detachment in a young patient: a case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper reports a young patient with a traumatic rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment and massive vitreous gel incarceration into the subretinal
      space, who was successfully treated with 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy.
      CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old boy was referred to the authors' clinic with
      traumatic retinal detachment in the right eye, 2 weeks after ocular contusion in
      a baseball accident. At the time of the injury, emergency fundus examination by
      his local doctor had revealed vitreous hemorrhage in the inferior quadrant of the
      right eye. Visual acuity was 1.5. He had continued to play baseball as usual for
      2 weeks after the injury. At his first visit to the authors' clinic, fundus
      examination showed a highly bullous retinal detachment involving the inferior two
      quadrants, associated with multiple irregular retinal breaks. There was an oval
      hole in the inferior quadrant which was 10-disc diameter * 5-disc diameter in
      size and was surrounded by edematous and hemorrhagic retina. The macula remained
      attached. Absolute rest for 4 hours in the supine position with binocular
      occlusion did not diminish the height of the retinal detachment. A 23-gauge three
      port pars plana vitrectomy combined with 360 degrees  circumferential buckling
      was performed under general anesthesia. The lens was retained. Incarceration of
      massive vitreous gel, including vitreous hemorrhage into the subretinal space
      through the largest break, was observed during vitrectomy. Reattachment of the
      retina was achieved by fluid-air exchange and internal tamponade using SF(6) gas.
      At follow-up at 9 months, the retina remained attached and visual acuity in the
      right eye was 1.2.

PMID- 22069360
TI  - Determinants of polypharmacy and compliance with GOLD guidelines in patients with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy of respiratory medications is commonly observed in
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aims of this
      study were to investigate determinants of polypharmacy and to study the
      consistency of actual respiratory drug use with current Global Initiative for
      Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines in pulmonary rehabilitation
      candidates with COPD. METHODS: Data were extracted from the records of all
      patients with a diagnosis of COPD referred for pulmonary rehabilitation to CIRO+
      between 2005 and 2009. Use of respiratory medications, self-reported COPD
      exacerbations, lung function, blood gases, exercise capacity, Medical Research
      Council (MRC) dyspnea grade, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)
      were recorded as part of assessment of health status. RESULTS: In total, 1859
      COPD patients of mean age (+/- standard deviation) 64.3 +/- 9.7 years and with a
      forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) of 44.7% +/- 18.2% were included.
      On average, patients used 3.5 +/- 1.5 respiratory medications; this number
      increased with increasing GOLD stage, MRC score, and SGRQ scores. FEV(1) (%
      predicted), SGRQ, and number of recent exacerbations were independent
      determinants of polypharmacy. Use of long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled
      corticosteroids was substantial and comparable in all GOLD stages. Use of
      corticosteroids was not restricted to patients with frequent exacerbations.
      CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy of respiratory medications is common in COPD patients
      with persistent symptoms. In addition to severity of disease, health status is an
      independent predictor of polypharmacy. Actual drug use in COPD patients referred
      for pulmonary rehabilitation is partially inconsistent with current GOLD
      guidelines.

PMID- 22069361
TI  - Effects of beclomethasone/formoterol fixed combination on lung hyperinflation and
      dyspnea in COPD patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease
      characterized by airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation leading to dyspnea
      and exercise capacity limitation. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to
      evaluate whether an extra-fine combination of beclomethasone and formoterol
      (BDP/F) was effective in reducing air trapping in COPD patients with
      hyperinflation. Fluticasone salmeterol (FP/S) combination treatment was the
      active control. METHODS: COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in one
      second <65% and plethysmographic functional residual capacity >=120% of predicted
      were randomized to a double-blind, double-dummy, 12-week, parallel group,
      treatment with either BDP/F 400/24 MUg/day or FP/S 500/100 MUg/day. Lung volumes
      were measured with full body plethysmography, and dyspnea was measured with
      transition dyspnea index. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were evaluable for intention
      to treat. A significant reduction in air trapping and clinically meaningful
      improvement in transition dyspnea index total score was detected in the BDP/F
      group but not in the FP/S group. Functional residual capacity, residual volume
      (RV) and total lung capacity significantly improved from baseline in the BDP/F
      group only. With regard to group comparison, a significantly greater reduction in
      RV was observed with BDP/F versus FP/S. CONCLUSION: BDP/F extra-fine combination
      is effective in reducing air trapping and dyspnea in COPD patients with lung
      hyperinflation.

PMID- 22069362
TI  - Factors associated with good self-rated health and quality of life in subjects
      with self-reported COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      state that COPD is both preventable and treatable. To gain a more positive
      outlook on the disease it is interesting to investigate factors associated with
      good, self-rated health and quality of life in subjects with self-reported COPD
      in the population. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study design, postal survey
      questionnaires were sent to a stratified, random population in Sweden in 2004 and
      2008. The prevalence of subjects (40-84 years) who reported having COPD was 2.1%
      in 2004 and 2.7% in 2008. Data were analyzed for 1475 subjects. Regression models
      were used to analyze the associations between health measures (general health
      status, the General Health Questionnaire, the EuroQol five-dimension
      questionnaire) and influencing factors. RESULTS: The most important factor
      associated with good, self-rated health and quality of life was level of physical
      activity. Odds ratios for general health varied from 2.4 to 7.7 depending on
      degree of physical activity, where subjects with the highest physical activity
      level reported the best health and also highest quality of life. Social support
      and absence of economic problems almost doubled the odds ratios for better health
      and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based public health survey,
      better self-rated health status and quality of life in subjects with self
      reported COPD was associated with higher levels of physical activity, social
      support, and absence of economic problems. The findings indicated that of
      possible factors that could be influenced, promoting physical activity and
      strengthening social support are important in maintaining or improving the health
      and quality of life in subjects with COPD. Severity of the disease as a possible
      confounding effect should be investigated in future population studies.

PMID- 22069363
TI  - Predictive properties of different multidimensional staging systems in patients
      with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered to be a
      respiratory disease with systemic manifestations. Some multidimensional staging
      systems, not based solely on the level of airflow limitation, have been
      developed; however, these systems have rarely been compared. METHODS: We
      previously recruited 150 male outpatients with COPD for an analysis of factors
      related to mortality. For this report, we examined the discriminative and
      prognostic predictive properties of three COPD multidimensional measurements.
      These indices were the modified BODE (mBODE), which includes body mass index,
      airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity; the ADO, composed of age,
      dyspnea, and airflow obstruction; and the modified DOSE (mDOSE), comprising
      dyspnea, airflow obstruction, smoking status, and exacerbation frequency.
      RESULTS: Among these indices, the frequency distribution of the mBODE index was
      the most widely and normally distributed. Univariate Cox proportional hazards
      analyses revealed that the scores on three indices were significantly predictive
      of 5-year mortality of COPD (P < 0.001). The scores on the mBODE and ADO indices
      were more significantly predictive of mortality than forced expiratory volume in
      1 second, the Medical Research Council dyspnea score, and the St. George's
      Respiratory Questionnaire total score. However, peak oxygen uptake on progressive
      cycle ergometry was more significantly related to mortality than the scores on
      the three indices (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The multidimensional staging systems
      using the mBODE, ADO, and mDOSE indices were significant predictors of mortality
      in COPD patients, although exercise capacity had a more significant relationship
      with mortality than those indices. The mBODE index was superior to the others for
      its discriminative property. Further discussion of the definition of disease
      severity is necessary to promote concrete multidimensional staging systems as a
      new disease severity index in guidelines for the management of COPD.

PMID- 22069364
TI  - Spirometry for patients in hospital and one month after admission with an acute
      exacerbation of COPD.
AB  - AIM: To assess whether spirometry done in hospital during an admission for an
      acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is
      clinically useful for long-term management. METHODS: Patients admitted to
      hospital with a clinical diagnosis of AECOPD had spirometry post-bronchodilator
      at discharge and approximately 4 weeks later. RESULTS: Spirometry was achieved in
      less than half of those considered to have AECOPD. Of 49 patients who had
      spirometry on both occasions, 41 met the GOLD criteria for COPD at discharge and
      39 of these met the criteria at 1 month. For the 41, spirometry was not
      statistically different between discharge and 1 month but often crossed arbitrary
      boundaries for classification of severity based on FEV(1). The eight who did not
      meet GOLD criteria at discharge were either misclassified due to comorbidities
      that reduce FVC, or they did not have COPD as a cause of their hospital
      admission. CONCLUSION: Spirometry done in hospital at the time of AECOP is useful
      in patients with a high pre-test probability of moderate-to-severe COPD. Small
      changes in spirometry at 1 month could place them up or down one grade of
      severity. Spirometry at discharge may be useful to detect those who warrant
      further investigation.

PMID- 22069365
TI  - Cost trends among commercially insured and Medicare Advantage-insured patients
      with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2006 through 2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few estimates of health care costs related to chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) are available regarding commercially insured patients in
      the United States. The aims of this retrospective observational analysis of
      administrative data were to describe and compare health care resource use and
      costs related to COPD in the United States for patients with commercial insurance
      or Medicare Advantage with Part D benefits, and to assess cost trends over time.
      METHODS: Patient-level and visit-level health care costs in the calendar years
      2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 were assessed for patients with evidence of COPD.
      Generalized linear models adjusting for sex, age category, and geographic region
      were used to investigate cost trends over time for patients with Medicare or
      commercial insurance. RESULTS: Medical costs, which ranged from an annual mean of
      US$2382 (Medicare 2007) to US$3339 (commercial 2009) per patient, comprised the
      majority of total costs in all years for patients with either type of insurance.
      COPD-related costs were less for Medicare than commercial cohorts. In the
      multivariate analysis, total costs increased by approximately 6% per year for
      commercial insurance patients (cost ratio 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04
      1.07; P < 0.001) and 5% per year for Medicare patients (cost ratio 1.05; 95% CI
      1.03-1.07; P < 0.001). Costs for outpatient and emergency department visits
      increased significantly over time in both populations. Standard admission costs
      increased significantly for Medicare patients (cost ratio 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.05;
      P = 0.03), but not commercial patients, and costs for intensive care unit visits
      remained stable for both populations. CONCLUSION: COPD imposed a substantial
      economic burden on patients and the health care system, with costs increasing
      significantly in both the Medicare and commercial populations.

PMID- 22069366
TI  - Chronic airflow limitation in a rural Indian population: etiology and
      relationship to body mass index.
AB  - PURPOSE: Respiratory conditions remain a source of morbidity globally. As such,
      this study aimed to explore factors associated with the development of airflow
      obstruction (AFO) in a rural Indian setting and, using spirometry, study whether
      underweight is linked to AFO. METHODS: Patients > 35 years old attending a rural
      clinic in West Bengal, India, took a structured questionnaire, had their body
      mass index (BMI) measured, and had spirometry performed by an ancillary health
      care worker. RESULTS: In total, 416 patients completed the study; spirometry was
      acceptable for analysis of forced expiratory volume in 1 second in 286 cases
      (69%); 16% were noted to exhibit AFO. Factors associated with AFO were:
      increasing age (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.004-0.011; P = 0.005), smoking
      history (95% CI 0.07-0.174; P = 0.006), male gender (95% CI 0.19-0.47; P =
      0.012), reduced BMI (95% CI 0.19-0.65; P = 0.02), and occupation (95% CI 0.12
      0.84; P = 0.08). The mean BMI in males who currently smoked (n = 60; 19.29
      kg/m(2); standard deviation [SD] 3.46) was significantly lower than in male never
      smokers (n = 33; 21.15 kg/m(2) SD 3.38; P < 0.001). AFO was observed in 27% of
      subjects with a BMI <18.5 kg/m(2), falling to 13% with a BMI >=18.5 kg/m(2) (P =
      0.013). AFO was observed in 11% of housewives, 22% of farm laborers, and 31% of
      cotton/jute workers (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: In a rural Indian setting, AFO was
      related to advancing age, current or previous smoking, male gender, reduced BMI,
      and occupation. The data also suggest that being under-weight is linked with AFO
      and that a mechanistic relationship exists between low body weight, smoking
      tobacco, and development of AFO.

PMID- 22069367
TI  - Experience with an extended-release opioid formulation designed to reduce abuse
      liability in a community-based pain management clinic.
AB  - CONTEXT: With the growing public health concern over rising rates of opioid
      abuse, physicians have a responsibility to incorporate safeguards into their
      practice to minimize the potential for opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion.
      Patient-specific treatment regimens should include steps to monitor treatment
      success with regard to optimal pain management as well as inappropriate use of
      opioids and other substances. Opioid formulations designed to be less attractive
      for abuse are also being developed. While future studies are needed to determine
      the impact of such formulations in addressing the issue of opioid misuse in the
      community as a whole, the experience of practitioners who have utilized these
      formulations can highlight the practical steps to incorporate such formulations
      into the everyday patient-care setting. PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to
      describe experience in managing patients with chronic, moderate-to-severe pain
      using morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride extended release capsules (MS
      sNT) (EMBEDA((r)), King Pharmaceuticals((r)) Inc, Bristol, TN, which was acquired
      by Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, in March 2011), a formulation designed with features
      to deter abuse/misuse, in a community-based pain management clinic. CASE
      PRESENTATIONS: Case reports demonstrating a clinical management plan for
      assessment, initial interview procedures, explanation/discussion of proposed
      therapies, patients' treatment goals, conversion to MS-sNT, and titration and
      treatment outcomes are provided. RESULTS: The management approach yielded
      successful outcomes including pain relief, improved quality of life, treatment
      satisfaction, and patient acceptance of a formulation designed to deter
      abuse/misuse. DISCUSSION: The cases presented demonstrate that the communication
      accompanying complete pretreatment assessment, goal-setting and expectations, and
      attention to individual patient needs can enable optimization of pain-related
      outcomes, resulting in improved quality of life for patients and fostering
      patient acceptance of formulations designed to help address opioid abuse/misuse
      issues in the community at large.

PMID- 22069368
TI  - Noninvasive radioelectric asymmetric brain stimulation in the treatment of stress
      related pain and physical problems: psychometric evaluation in a randomized,
      single-blind placebo-controlled, naturalistic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of noninvasive
      radioelectric asymmetric conveyer brain stimulation (REAC-BS) on pain and
      physical problems, a measurement cluster of the Psychological Stress Measure
      (PSM) test. When the symptoms of pain and physical problems do not respond to
      various therapeutic approaches such as medication, physiotherapy, and
      psychotherapy, they are often called medically unexplained symptoms. As such,
      these symptoms are reported to be a response to stressful situations or emotional
      states, often unknown to patients themselves. To explore the effectiveness of
      noninvasive radioelectric brain stimulation in the amelioration of symptoms of
      pain and physical problems, we administered a neuropsychophysical optimization
      protocol using a REAC device. METHODS: The PSM, a self-administered
      questionnaire, was used to measure psychological stress and pain and physical
      problems in a group of 888 subjects. Data were collected immediately prior to and
      following a 4-week REAC treatment cycle. RESULTS: There was a significant
      reduction in scores measuring subjective perceptions of stress for subjects
      treated with one cycle of neuropsychophysical optimization REAC-BS. At the end of
      the study, the number of treated subjects reporting symptoms of stress-related
      pain and physical problems on the PSM test was significantly reduced, whereas
      there was no difference in placebo-treated subjects. CONCLUSION: One cycle of
      neuropsychophysical optimization REAC-BS appears to reduce subjective perceptions
      of stress as measured by the PSM, particularly on the pain and physical problems
      cluster.

PMID- 22069369
TI  - Acute renal failure and severe rhabdomyolysis in a patient with resistant
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening disorder.
      This paper describes the case of a 39-year-old Sudanese male who presented to the
      emergency room with fever, jaundice, decreased level of consciousness, and
      worsening kidney function for 7 days, a high lactate dehydrogenase level (1947),
      severe thrombocytopenia (platelets 8), and numerous schistocytes in the
      peripheral blood smear. The patient was admitted with a diagnosis of TTP for
      plasma exchange. Fourteen days later, his creatinine kinase (CK) level rose to
      >50,000 IU; rhabdomyolysis was suggested. Continuous venovenous hemodialysis
      (CVVHD) was started. The patient's CK level remained high, despite CVVHD, until
      the 6th day, after which this parameter gradually started to decrease. This
      report highlights a resistant case of TTP that presented with concomitant severe
      rhabdomyolysis, which demanded aggressive, continuous intervention.

PMID- 22069370
TI  - Chronic productive cough and extensive cysts in left lung.
AB  - Bronchiectasis refers to dilated and thickened airways due to chronic
      inflammation and infections, with anatomic distortion of the bronchi. Here, we
      describe a 29-year-old man with a history of multiple hospitalizations for lung
      infection who presented to the pulmonary clinic with a complaint of worsening
      chronic productive cough in the previous year. This case presentation prompted a
      review of the etiologies of bronchiectasis in 291 recent cases admitted to Masih
      Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran.

PMID- 22069371
TI  - Exploitation of resources and cardiovascular outcomes in low-risk patients with
      chest pain hospitalized in coronary care units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most patients who present to medical centers due to chest pain do not
      suffer from acute coronary syndromes and do not need to be hospitalized in
      coronary care units (CCUs). This study was done to determine exploitation of
      resources and cardiovascular outcomes in low-risk patients with chest pain
      hospitalized in CCUs of educational hospitals affiliated with a major medical
      university. METHODS: Over a 4-month period, 550 patients with chest pain who were
      hospitalized in the CCUs belonging to six hospitals affiliated to the authors'
      medical university were recruited by census method. Using Thrombolysis in
      Myocardial Infarction risk score, 95 patients (17.27%) were categorized as low
      risk patients. This group was evaluated with respect to demographics, bed
      occupancy rate, mean hospitalization period, expenses during admission, and
      cardiovascular outcomes in the 30-day period postdischarge. RESULTS: Mean (+/-
      standard deviation) hospitalization duration was 3.04 (+/-0.71) days. No
      significant difference was seen between the six surveyed hospitals regarding
      hospitalization duration (P = 0.602). The highest bed occupancy rate was seen in
      Taleghani and Shohada Tajrish hospitals and the lowest was in Modarres Hospital.
      The mean paid treatment expenses by low-risk patients was IRR 2,050,000 (US$205).
      Mean total hospitalization expenses was US$205. No significant difference was
      seen between the six surveyed hospitals (P = 0.699). Of the patients studied,
      89.5% did not show any cardiovascular complications in 1 month and no deaths
      occurred. CONCLUSION: Given the high bed-occupancy rate by low-risk patients,
      associated high hospitalization costs, and the lack of cardiovascular
      complications in patients observed at 1-month follow-up after discharge, it is
      recommended that appropriate evaluations be performed in emergency units to
      prevent unnecessary admissions.

PMID- 22069372
TI  - The burden of cancer risk in Canada's indigenous population: a comparative study
      of known risks in a Canadian region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canadian First Nations, the largest of the Aboriginal groups in
      Canada, have had lower cancer incidence and mortality rates than non-Aboriginal
      populations in the past. This pattern is changing with increased life expectancy,
      a growing population, and a poor social environment that influences risk
      behaviors, metabolic conditions, and disparities in screening uptake. These
      factors alone do not fully explain differences in cancer risk between
      populations, as genetic susceptibility and environmental factors also have
      significant influence. However, genetics and environment are difficult to modify.
      This study compared modifiable behavioral risk factors and metabolic-associated
      conditions for men and women, and cancer screening practices of women, between
      First Nations living on-reserve and a non-First Nations Manitoba rural population
      (Canada). METHODS: The study used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey
      and the Manitoba First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey to examine
      smoking, binge drinking, metabolic conditions, physical activity, fruit/vegetable
      consumption, and cancer-screening practices. RESULTS: First Nations on-reserve
      had significantly higher rates of smoking (P < 0.001), binge drinking (P <
      0.001), obesity (P < 0.001) and diabetes (P < 0.001), and less leisure-time
      physical activity (P = 0.029), and consumption of fruits and vegetables (P <
      0.001). Sex differences were also apparent. In addition, First Nations women
      reported significantly less uptake of mammography screening (P < 0.001) but
      similar rates for cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings
      of this retrospective study, the future cancer burden is expected to be high in
      the First Nations on-reserve population. Interventions, utilizing existing and
      new health and social authorities, and long-term institutional partnerships, are
      required to combat cancer risk disparities, while governments address economic
      disparities.

PMID- 22069373
TI  - Exercise lowers blood pressure in university professors during subsequent
      teaching and sleeping hours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: University professors are subjected to psychological stress that
      contributes to blood pressure (BP) reactivity and development of hypertension.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on BP in
      university professors during teaching and sleeping hours. METHODS: Twelve
      normotensive professors (42.2 +/- 10.8 years, 74.2 +/- 11.2 kg, 172.8 +/- 10.4
      cm, 20.1% +/- 6.7% body fat) randomly underwent control (CONT) and exercise
      (EX30) sessions before initiating their daily activities. EX30 consisted of 30
      minutes of cycling at 80%-85% of heart rate reserve. Ambulatory BP was monitored
      for 24 hours following both sessions. RESULTS: BP increased in comparison with
      pre-session resting values during teaching after CONT (P < 0.05) but not after
      EX30. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP showed a more pronounced
      nocturnal dip following EX30 (approximately -14.7, -12.7, and -9.6 mmHg,
      respectively) when compared with CONT (approximately -6, -5 and -3 mmHg).
      CONCLUSION: Exercise induced a BP reduction in university professors, with the
      main effects being observed during subsequent teaching and sleeping hours.

PMID- 22069374
TI  - Molecular pathogenesis of EBV susceptibility in XLP as revealed by analysis of
      female carriers with heterozygous expression of SAP.
AB  - X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) is a primary immunodeficiency caused
      by mutations in SH2D1A which encodes SAP. SAP functions in signalling pathways
      elicited by the SLAM family of leukocyte receptors. A defining feature of XLP is
      exquisite sensitivity to infection with EBV, a B-lymphotropic virus, but not
      other viruses. Although previous studies have identified defects in lymphocytes
      from XLP patients, the unique role of SAP in controlling EBV infection remains
      unresolved. We describe a novel approach to this question using female XLP
      carriers who, due to random X-inactivation, contain both SAP(+) and SAP(-) cells.
      This represents the human equivalent of a mixed bone marrow chimera in mice.
      While memory CD8(+) T cells specific for CMV and influenza were distributed
      across SAP(+) and SAP(-) populations, EBV-specific cells were exclusively SAP(+).
      The preferential recruitment of SAP(+) cells by EBV reflected the tropism of EBV
      for B cells, and the requirement for SAP expression in CD8(+) T cells for them to
      respond to Ag-presentation by B cells, but not other cell types. The inability of
      SAP(-) clones to respond to Ag-presenting B cells was overcome by blocking the
      SLAM receptors NTB-A and 2B4, while ectopic expression of NTB-A on fibroblasts
      inhibited cytotoxicity of SAP(-) CD8(+) T cells, thereby demonstrating that SLAM
      receptors acquire inhibitory function in the absence of SAP. The innovative XLP
      carrier model allowed us to unravel the mechanisms underlying the unique
      susceptibility of XLP patients to EBV infection in the absence of a relevant
      animal model. We found that this reflected the nature of the Ag-presenting cell,
      rather than EBV itself. Our data also identified a pathological signalling
      pathway that could be targeted to treat patients with severe EBV infection. This
      system may allow the study of other human diseases where heterozygous gene
      expression from random X-chromosome inactivation can be exploited.

PMID- 22069376
TI  - Unique interplay between sugar and lipid in determining the antigenic potency of
      bacterial antigens for NKT cells.
AB  - Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are an evolutionary conserved T cell
      population characterized by features of both the innate and adaptive immune
      response. Studies have shown that iNKT cells are required for protective
      responses to Gram-positive pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, and that
      these cells recognize bacterial diacylglycerol antigens presented by CD1d, a non
      classical antigen-presenting molecule. The combination of a lipid backbone
      containing an unusual fatty acid, vaccenic acid, as well as a glucose sugar that
      is weaker or not stimulatory when linked to other lipids, is required for iNKT
      cell stimulation by these antigens. Here we have carried out structural and
      biophysical studies that illuminate the reasons for the stringent requirement for
      this unique combination. The data indicate that vaccenic acid bound to the CD1d
      groove orients the protruding glucose sugar for TCR recognition, and it allows
      for an additional hydrogen bond of the glucose with CD1d when in complex with the
      TCR. Furthermore, TCR binding causes an induced fit in both the sugar and CD1d,
      and we have identified the CD1d amino acids important for iNKT TCR recognition
      and the stability of the ternary complex. The studies show also how hydrogen
      bonds formed by the glucose sugar can account for the distinct binding kinetics
      of the TCR for this CD1d-glycolipid complex. Therefore, our studies illuminate
      the mechanism of glycolipid recognition for antigens from important pathogens.

PMID- 22069375
TI  - De novo genesis of enhancers in vertebrates.
AB  - Evolutionary innovation relies partially on changes in gene regulation. While a
      growing body of evidence demonstrates that such innovation is generated by
      functional changes or translocation of regulatory elements via mobile genetic
      elements, the de novo generation of enhancers from non-regulatory/non-mobile
      sequences has, to our knowledge, not previously been demonstrated. Here we show
      evidence for the de novo genesis of enhancers in vertebrates. For this, we took
      advantage of the massive gene loss following the last whole genome duplication in
      teleosts to systematically identify regions that have lost their coding capacity
      but retain sequence conservation with mammals. We found that these regions show
      enhancer activity while the orthologous coding regions have no regulatory
      activity. These results demonstrate that these enhancers have been de novo
      generated in fish. By revealing that minor changes in non-regulatory sequences
      are sufficient to generate new enhancers, our study highlights an important
      playground for creating new regulatory variability and evolutionary innovation.

PMID- 22069377
TI  - On the futility of screening for genes that make you fat.

PMID- 22069378
TI  - Priorities for research on equity and health: towards an equity-focused health
      research agenda.

PMID- 22069380
TI  - Cholinergic partition cells and lamina x neurons induce a muscarinic-dependent
      short-term potentiation of commissural glutamatergic inputs in lumbar
      motoneurons.
AB  - Acetylcholine and the activation of muscarinic receptors influence the activity
      of neural networks generating locomotor behavior in the mammalian spinal cord.
      Using electrical stimulations of the ventral commissure, we show that commissural
      muscarinic (CM) depolarizations could be induced in lumbar motoneurons. We
      provide a detailed electrophysiological characterization of the muscarinic
      receptors and the membrane conductance involved in these responses. Activation of
      the CM terminals, originating from lamina X neurons and partition cells, induced
      a pathway-specific short-term potentiation (STP) of commissural glutamatergic
      inputs in motoneurons. This STP is occluded in the presence of the muscarinic
      antagonist atropine. During fictive locomotion, the activation of the commissural
      pathways transiently enhanced the motor output in a muscarinic-dependent manner.
      This study describes for the first time a novel regulatory mechanism of synaptic
      strength in spinal locomotor networks. Such cellular mechanisms would endow the
      locomotor central pattern generators with adaptive processes needed to generate
      appropriate synaptic inputs to motoneurons during different motor tasks.

PMID- 22069381
TI  - Topographic Organization and Corticocortical Connections of the Forepaw
      Representation in Areas S1 and SC of the Opossum: Evidence for a Possible Role of
      Area SC in Multimodal Processing.
AB  - In small-brained mammals, such as opossums, the cortex is organized in fewer
      sensory and motor areas than in mammals endowed with larger cortical sheets. The
      presence of multimodal fields, involved in the integration of sensory inputs has
      not been clearly characterized in those mammals. In the present study, the
      corticocortical connections of the forepaw representation in the somatosensory
      caudal (SC) area of the Didelphis aurita opossum was studied with injections of
      fluorescent anatomical tracers in SC. Electrophysiological mapping of S1 was used
      to delimit its respective rostral and caudal borders, and to guide SC injections.
      The areal borders of S1 and the location of area SC were further confirmed by
      myeloarchitecture. In S1, we found a well-delimited forepaw representation,
      although it presented a crude internal topographic organization. Cortical
      projections to S1 originate in somatosensory areas of the parietal cortex, and
      appeared to be mostly homotopic. Physiological and connectional evidence were
      provided for a topographic organization in opossum area SC as well. Most notably,
      corticocortical projections to the forepaw representation of SC originated from
      somatosensory cortical areas and from cortex representing other sensory
      modalities, especially the visual peristriate cortex. This suggests that SC might
      be involved in multimodal processing similar to the posterior parietal cortex of
      species with larger brains.

PMID- 22069379
TI  - Physical activity attenuates the influence of FTO variants on obesity risk: a
      meta-analysis of 218,166 adults and 19,268 children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The FTO gene harbors the strongest known susceptibility locus for
      obesity. While many individual studies have suggested that physical activity (PA)
      may attenuate the effect of FTO on obesity risk, other studies have not been able
      to confirm this interaction. To confirm or refute unambiguously whether PA
      attenuates the association of FTO with obesity risk, we meta-analyzed data from
      45 studies of adults (n = 218,166) and nine studies of children and adolescents
      (n = 19,268). METHODS AND FINDINGS: All studies identified to have data on the
      FTO rs9939609 variant (or any proxy [r(2)>0.8]) and PA were invited to
      participate, regardless of ethnicity or age of the participants. PA was
      standardized by categorizing it into a dichotomous variable (physically inactive
      versus active) in each study. Overall, 25% of adults and 13% of children were
      categorized as inactive. Interaction analyses were performed within each study by
      including the FTO*PA interaction term in an additive model, adjusting for age and
      sex. Subsequently, random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the interaction
      terms. In adults, the minor (A-) allele of rs9939609 increased the odds of
      obesity by 1.23-fold/allele (95% CI 1.20-1.26), but PA attenuated this effect
      (p(interaction)  = 0.001). More specifically, the minor allele of rs9939609
      increased the odds of obesity less in the physically active group (odds ratio  =
      1.22/allele, 95% CI 1.19-1.25) than in the inactive group (odds ratio  =
      1.30/allele, 95% CI 1.24-1.36). No such interaction was found in children and
      adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The association of the FTO risk allele with the odds of
      obesity is attenuated by 27% in physically active adults, highlighting the
      importance of PA in particular in those genetically predisposed to obesity.

PMID- 22069382
TI  - Can Temporal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation be Enhanced by
      Targeting Affective Components of Tinnitus with Frontal rTMS? A Randomized
      Controlled Pilot Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of
      the temporal cortex has been investigated as a new treatment tool for chronic
      tinnitus during the last years and has shown moderate efficacy. However, there is
      growing evidence that tinnitus is not a pathology of a specific brain region, but
      rather the result of network dysfunction involving both auditory and non-auditory
      brain regions. In functional imaging studies the right dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex has been identified as an important hub in tinnitus related networks and
      has been shown to particularly reflect the affective components of tinnitus.
      Based on these findings we aimed to investigate whether the effects of left low
      frequency rTMS can be enhanced by antecedent right prefrontal low-frequency rTMS.
      STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-six patients were randomized to receive either low-frequency
      left temporal rTMS or a combination of low-frequency right prefrontal followed by
      low-frequency left temporal rTMS. The change of the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ)
      score was the primary outcome, secondary outcome parameters included the Tinnitus
      Handicap Inventory, numeric rating scales, and the Beck Depression Inventory. The
      study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01261949). RESULTS: Directly after
      therapy there was a significant improvement of the TQ-score in both groups.
      Comparison of both groups revealed a trend toward more pronounced effects for the
      combined group (effect size: Cohen's d = 0.176), but this effect did not reach
      significance. A persistent trend toward better efficacy was also observed in all
      other outcome criteria. CONCLUSION: Additional stimulation of the right
      prefrontal cortex seems to be a promising strategy for enhancing TMS effects over
      the temporal cortex. These results further support the involvement of the right
      DLPFC in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. The small effect size might be due to
      the study design comparing the protocol to an active control condition.

PMID- 22069383
TI  - Computational characterization of visually induced auditory spatial adaptation.
AB  - Recent research investigating the principles governing human perception has
      provided increasing evidence for probabilistic inference in human perception. For
      example, human auditory and visual localization judgments closely resemble that
      of a Bayesian causal inference observer, where the underlying causal structure of
      the stimuli are inferred based on both the available sensory evidence and prior
      knowledge. However, most previous studies have focused on characterization of
      perceptual inference within a static environment, and therefore, little is known
      about how this inference process changes when observers are exposed to a new
      environment. In this study we aimed to computationally characterize the change in
      auditory spatial perception induced by repeated auditory-visual spatial conflict,
      known as the ventriloquist aftereffect. In theory, this change could reflect a
      shift in the auditory sensory representations (i.e., shift in auditory likelihood
      distribution), a decrease in the precision of the auditory estimates (i.e.,
      increase in spread of likelihood distribution), a shift in the auditory bias
      (i.e., shift in prior distribution), or an increase/decrease in strength of the
      auditory bias (i.e., the spread of prior distribution), or a combination of
      these. By quantitatively estimating the parameters of the perceptual process for
      each individual observer using a Bayesian causal inference model, we found that
      the shift in the perceived locations after exposure was associated with a shift
      in the mean of the auditory likelihood functions in the direction of the
      experienced visual offset. The results suggest that repeated exposure to a fixed
      auditory-visual discrepancy is attributed by the nervous system to sensory
      representation error and as a result, the sensory map of space is recalibrated to
      correct the error.

PMID- 22069384
TI  - Revealing context-specific conditioned fear memories with full immersion virtual
      reality.
AB  - The extinction of conditioned fear is known to be context-specific and is often
      considered more contextually bound than the fear memory itself (Bouton, 2004).
      Yet, recent findings in rodents have challenged the notion that contextual fear
      retention is initially generalized. The context-specificity of a cued fear memory
      to the learning context has not been addressed in the human literature largely
      due to limitations in methodology. Here we adapt a novel technology to test the
      context-specificity of cued fear conditioning using full immersion 3-D virtual
      reality (VR). During acquisition training, healthy participants navigated through
      virtual environments containing dynamic snake and spider conditioned stimuli
      (CSs), one of which was paired with electrical wrist stimulation. During a 24-h
      delayed retention test, one group returned to the same context as acquisition
      training whereas another group experienced the CSs in a novel context.
      Unconditioned stimulus expectancy ratings were assayed on-line during fear
      acquisition as an index of contingency awareness. Skin conductance responses time
      locked to CS onset were the dependent measure of cued fear, and skin conductance
      levels during the interstimulus interval were an index of context fear. Findings
      indicate that early in acquisition training, participants express contingency
      awareness as well as differential contextual fear, whereas differential cued fear
      emerged later in acquisition. During the retention test, differential cued fear
      retention was enhanced in the group who returned to the same context as
      acquisition training relative to the context shift group. The results extend
      recent rodent work to illustrate differences in cued and context fear acquisition
      and the contextual specificity of recent fear memories. Findings support the use
      of full immersion VR as a novel tool in cognitive neuroscience to bridge rodent
      models of contextual phenomena underlying human clinical disorders.

PMID- 22069385
TI  - Broader visual orientation tuning in patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - Reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in cerebral cortex are thought to
      contribute to information processing deficits in patients with schizophrenia
      (SZ), and we have previously reported lower in vivo GABA levels in the visual
      cortex of patients with SZ. GABA-mediated inhibition plays a role in sharpening
      orientation tuning of visual cortical neurons. Therefore, we predicted that
      tuning for visual stimulus orientation would be wider in SZ. We measured
      orientation tuning with a psychophysical procedure in which subjects performed a
      target detection task of a low-contrast oriented grating, following adaptation to
      a high-contrast grating. Contrast detection thresholds were determined for a
      range of adapter-target orientation offsets. For both SZ and healthy controls,
      contrast thresholds decreased as orientation offset increased, suggesting that
      this tuning curve reflects the selectivity of visual cortical neurons for
      stimulus orientation. After accounting for generalized deficits in task
      performance in SZ, there was no difference between patients and controls for
      detection of target stimuli having either the same orientation as the adapter or
      orientations far from the adapter. However, patients' thresholds were
      significantly higher for intermediate adapter-target offsets. In addition, the
      mean width parameter of a Gaussian fit to the psychophysical orientation tuning
      curves was significantly larger for the patient group. We also present
      preliminary data relating visual cortical GABA levels, as measured with magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy, and orientation tuning width. These results suggest that
      our finding of broader orientation tuning in SZ may be due to diminished visual
      cortical GABA levels.

PMID- 22069386
TI  - Increased readiness for adaptation and faster alternation rates under binocular
      rivalry in children.
AB  - Binocular rivalry in childhood has been poorly investigated in the past.
      Information is scarce with respect to infancy, and there is a complete lack of
      data on the development of binocular rivalry beyond the first 5-6 years of age.
      In this study, we are attempting to fill this gap by investigating the
      developmental trends in binocular rivalry in pre-puberty. We employ a classic
      behavioral paradigm with orthogonal gratings, and introduce novel statistical
      measures (after Pastukhov and Braun) to analyze the data. These novel measures
      provide a sensitive tool to estimate the impact of the history of perceptual
      dominance on future alternations. We found that the cumulative history of
      perceptual alternations has an impact on future percepts, and that this impact is
      significantly stronger and faster in children than in adults. Assessment of the
      "cumulative history" and its characteristic time-constant helps us to take a look
      at the adaptive states of the visual system under multi-stable perception, and
      brings us closer to establishing a possible developmental scenario of binocular
      rivalry: a greater and faster relative contribution of neural adaptation is found
      in children, and this increased readiness for adaption seems to be associated
      with faster alternation rates.

PMID- 22069387
TI  - Brain correlates of mathematical competence in processing mathematical
      representations.
AB  - The ability to extract numerical information from different representation
      formats (e.g., equations, tables, or diagrams) is a key component of mathematical
      competence but little is known about its neural correlate. Previous studies
      comparing mathematically less and more competent adults have focused on mental
      arithmetic and reported differences in left angular gyrus (AG) activity which
      were interpreted to reflect differential reliance on arithmetic fact retrieval
      during problem solving. The aim of the present functional magnetic resonance
      imaging study was to investigate the brain correlates of mathematical competence
      in a task requiring the processing of typical mathematical representations.
      Twenty-eight adults of lower and higher mathematical competence worked on a
      representation matching task in which they had to evaluate whether the numerical
      information of a symbolic equation matches that of a bar chart. Two task
      conditions without and one condition with arithmetic demands were administered.
      Both competence groups performed equally well in the non-arithmetic conditions
      and only differed in accuracy in the condition requiring calculation. Activation
      contrasts between the groups revealed consistently stronger left AG activation in
      the more competent individuals across all three task conditions. The finding of
      competence-related activation differences independently of arithmetic demands
      suggests that more and less competent individuals differ in a cognitive process
      other than arithmetic fact retrieval. Specifically, it is argued that the
      stronger left AG activity in the more competent adults may reflect their higher
      proficiency in processing mathematical symbols. Moreover, the study demonstrates
      competence-related parietal activation differences that were not accompanied by
      differential experimental performance.

PMID- 22069388
TI  - Sensory feedback plays a significant role in generating walking gait and in gait
      transition in salamanders: a simulation study.
AB  - Here, we investigate the role of sensory feedback in gait generation and
      transition by using a three-dimensional, neuro-musculo-mechanical model of a
      salamander with realistic physical parameters. Activation of limb and axial
      muscles were driven by neural output patterns obtained from a central pattern
      generator (CPG) which is composed of simulated spiking neurons with adaptation.
      The CPG consists of a body-CPG and four limb-CPGs that are interconnected via
      synapses both ipsilaterally and contralaterally. We use the model both with and
      without sensory modulation and four different combinations of ipsilateral and
      contralateral coupling between the limb-CPGs. We found that the proprioceptive
      sensory inputs are essential in obtaining a coordinated lateral sequence walking
      gait (walking). The sensory feedback includes the signals coming from the stretch
      receptor like intraspinal neurons located in the girdle regions and the limb
      stretch receptors residing in the hip and scapula regions of the salamander. On
      the other hand, walking trot gait (trotting) is more under central (CPG)
      influence compared to that of the peripheral or sensory feedback. We found that
      the gait transition from walking to trotting can be induced by increased activity
      of the descending drive coming from the mesencephalic locomotor region and is
      helped by the sensory inputs at the hip and scapula regions detecting the late
      stance phase. More neurophysiological experiments are required to identify the
      precise type of mechanoreceptors in the salamander and the neural mechanisms
      mediating the sensory modulation.

PMID- 22069389
TI  - Affective infrastructures: toward a cultural neuropsychology of sport.
AB  - Recently there has been a turn toward considerations of embodiment, cognition,
      and context in sport studies. Many researchers have argued that the traditional
      focus on clinical psychology and performance enhancement within the discipline is
      incomplete, and now emphasize the importance of athletes' social and familial
      contexts in a research paradigm that examines interconnections between movement,
      cognition, emotion, and the social and cultural context in which movement takes
      place. While it is important that the sport studies focus is being expanded to
      consider these interactions, I will argue that this model is still incomplete in
      that it is missing a fundamental variable - that of our evolutionary
      neurobiological roots. I will use the work of affective neuroscientists Jaak
      Panksepp and Stephen Porges to show that because sport so clearly activates
      neural systems that function at both proximate and ultimate levels of causation,
      it can be seen to serve fundamental needs for affective balance. A neurobiology
      of affect shows how the evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system has
      resulted in neurophysiological substrates for affective processes and stress
      responses, and has wide-ranging implications for sport studies in terms of
      suggesting what forms of coaching might be the most effective in what context. I
      propose the term cultural neuropsychology of sport as a descriptor for a model
      that examines the relationships between neurophysiological substrates and
      athletes' social and familial contexts in terms of how these variables facilitate
      or fail to facilitate athletes' neuroceptions of safety, which in turn have a
      direct impact on their performance. A cultural neuropsychological model of sport
      might thereby be seen to elaborate a relationship between proximate and ultimate
      mechanisms in concretely applied ways.

PMID- 22069390
TI  - Information domain approach to the investigation of cardio-vascular, cardio
      pulmonary, and vasculo-pulmonary causal couplings.
AB  - The physiological mechanisms related to cardio-vascular (CV), cardio-pulmonary
      (CP), and vasculo-pulmonary (VP) regulation may be probed through multivariate
      time series analysis tools. This study applied an information domain approach for
      the evaluation of non-linear causality to the beat-to-beat variability series of
      heart period (t), systolic arterial pressure (s), and respiration (r) measured
      during tilt testing and paced breathing (PB) protocols. The approach quantifies
      the causal coupling from the series i to the series j (C(ij)) as the amount of
      information flowing from i to j. A measure of directionality is also obtained as
      the difference between two reciprocal causal couplings (D(i,j) = C(ij) - C(ji)).
      Significant causal coupling and directionality were detected respectively when
      the median of C(ij) over subjects was positive (C(ij) > 0), and when D(i,j) was
      statistically different from zero (D(i,j) > 0 or D(i,j) < 0). The method was
      applied on t, s, and r series measured in 15 healthy subjects (22-32 years, 8
      males) in the supine (su) and upright (up) positions, and in further 15 subjects
      (21-29 years, 7 males) during spontaneous (sp) and paced (pa) breathing. In the
      control condition (su, sp), a significant causal coupling was observed for C(rs),
      C(rt), C(st), and C(ts), and significant directionality was present only from r
      to t (D(r,t) > 0). During head-up tilt (up, sp), C(rs) was preserved, C(rt)
      decreased to zero median, and C(st) and C(ts) increased significantly;
      directionality vanished between r and t (D(r,t) = 0) and raised from s to t
      (D(s,t) > 0). During PB (su, pa), C(rs) increased significantly, C(rt) and C(ts)
      were preserved, and C(st) decreased to zero median; directionality was preserved
      from r to t (D(r,t) > 0), and raised from r to s (D(r,s) > 0). These results
      suggest that the approach may reflect modifications of CV, CP, and VP mechanisms
      consequent to altered physiological conditions, such as the baroreflex engagement
      and the dampening of respiratory sinus arrhythmia induced by tilt, or the
      respiratory driving on arterial pressure induced by PB. Thus, it could be
      suggested as a tool for the non-invasive monitoring of CV and cardiorespiratory
      control systems in normal and impaired conditions.

PMID- 22069391
TI  - Oxytocin receptor gene associated with the efficiency of social auditory
      processing.
AB  - Oxytocin has been shown to facilitate social aspects of sensory processing,
      thereby enhancing social communicative behaviors and empathy. Here we report that
      compared to the AA/AG genotypes, the presumably more efficient GG genotype of an
      oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (OXTR rs53576) that has previously been
      associated with increased sensitivity of social processing is related to less
      self-reported difficulty in hearing and understanding people when there is
      background noise. The present result extends associations between oxytocin and
      social processing to the auditory and vocal domain. We discuss the relevance of
      our findings for autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), as ASD seems related to
      specific impairments in the orienting to, and selection of speech sounds from
      background noise, and some social processing impairments in patients with ASD
      have been found responsive to oxytocin treatment.

PMID- 22069392
TI  - Finger numeral representations: more than just another symbolic code.

PMID- 22069393
TI  - Attention demands of spoken word planning: a review.
AB  - Attention and language are among the most intensively researched abilities in the
      cognitive neurosciences, but the relation between these abilities has largely
      been neglected. There is increasing evidence, however, that linguistic processes,
      such as those underlying the planning of words, cannot proceed without paying
      some form of attention. Here, we review evidence that word planning requires some
      but not full attention. The evidence comes from chronometric studies of word
      planning in picture naming and word reading under divided attention conditions.
      It is generally assumed that the central attention demands of a process are
      indexed by the extent that the process delays the performance of a concurrent
      unrelated task. The studies measured the speed and accuracy of linguistic and non
      linguistic responding as well as eye gaze durations reflecting the allocation of
      attention. First, empirical evidence indicates that in several task situations,
      processes up to and including phonological encoding in word planning delay, or
      are delayed by, the performance of concurrent unrelated non-linguistic tasks.
      These findings suggest that word planning requires central attention. Second,
      empirical evidence indicates that conflicts in word planning may be resolved
      while concurrently performing an unrelated non-linguistic task, making a task
      decision, or making a go/no-go decision. These findings suggest that word
      planning does not require full central attention. We outline a computationally
      implemented theory of attention and word planning, and describe at various points
      the outcomes of computer simulations that demonstrate the utility of the theory
      in accounting for the key findings. Finally, we indicate how attention deficits
      may contribute to impaired language performance, such as in individuals with
      specific language impairment.

PMID- 22069394
TI  - In search of our true selves: feedback as a path to self-knowledge.
AB  - How can self-knowledge of personality be improved? What path is the most fruitful
      source for learning about our true selves? Previous research has noted two main
      avenues for learning about the self: looking inward (e.g., introspection) and
      looking outward (e.g., feedback). Although most of the literature on these topics
      does not directly measure the accuracy of self-perceptions (i.e., self
      knowledge), we review these paths and their potential for improving self
      knowledge. We come to the conclusion that explicit feedback, a largely unexamined
      path, is likely a fruitful avenue for learning about one's own personality.
      Specifically, we suggest that self-knowledge might be fully realized through the
      use of explicit feedback from close, knowledgeable others. As such, we conclude
      that the road to self-knowledge likely cannot be traveled alone but must be
      traveled with close others who can help shed light on our blind spots.

PMID- 22069395
TI  - False Belief vs. False Photographs: A Test of Theory of Mind or Working Memory?
AB  - Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to reason about other people's thoughts and
      beliefs, has been traditionally studied in behavioral and neuroimaging
      experiments by comparing performance in "false belief" and "false photograph"
      (control) stories. However, some evidence suggests that these stories are not
      matched in difficulty, complicating the interpretation of results. Here, we more
      fully evaluated the relative difficulty of comprehending these stories and
      drawing inferences from them. Subjects read false belief and false photograph
      stories followed by comprehension questions that probed true ("reality"
      questions) or false beliefs ("representation" questions) appropriate to the
      stories. Stories and comprehension questions were read and answered,
      respectively, more slowly in the false photograph than false belief conditions,
      indicating their greater difficulty. Interestingly, accuracy on representation
      questions for false photograph stories was significantly lower than for all other
      conditions and correlated positively with participants' working memory span
      scores. These results suggest that drawing representational inferences from false
      photo stories is particularly difficult and places heavy demands on working
      memory. Extensive naturalistic practice with ToM reasoning may enable a more
      flexible and efficient mental representation of false belief stories, resulting
      in lower memory load requirements. An important implication of these results is
      that the differential modulation of right temporal-parietal junction (RTPJ)
      during ToM and "false photo" control conditions may reflect the documented
      negative correlation of RTPJ activity with working memory load rather than a
      specialized involvement in ToM processes.

PMID- 22069397
TI  - Examination of microbial proteome preservation techniques applicable to
      autonomous environmental sample collection.
AB  - Improvements in temporal and spatial sampling frequency have the potential to
      open new windows into the understanding of marine microbial dynamics. In recent
      years, efforts have been made to allow automated samplers to collect microbial
      biomass for DNA/RNA analyses from moored observatories and autonomous underwater
      vehicles. Measurements of microbial proteins are also of significant interest
      given their biogeochemical importance as enzymes that catalyze reactions and
      transporters that interface with the environment. We examined the influence of
      five preservatives solutions (SDS-extraction buffer, ethanol, trichloroacetic
      acid, B-PER, and RNAlater) on the proteome integrity of the marine cyanobacterium
      Synechococcus WH8102 after 4 weeks of storage at room temperature. Four
      approaches were used to assess degradation: total protein recovery, band
      integrity on an SDS detergent polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel, and
      number of protein identifications and relative abundances by 1-dimensional LC
      MS/MS proteomic analyses. Total protein recoveries from the preserved samples
      were lower than the frozen control due to processing losses, which could be
      corrected for with internal standardization. The trichloroacetic acid preserved
      sample showed significant loss of protein band integrity on the SDS-PAGE gel. The
      RNAlater preserved sample showed the highest number of protein identifications
      (103% relative to the control; 520 +/- 31 identifications in RNAlater versus 504
      +/- 4 in the control), equivalent to the frozen control. Relative abundances of
      individual proteins in the RNAlater treatment were quite similar to that of the
      frozen control (average ratio of 1.01 +/- 0.27 for the 50 most abundant
      proteins), while the SDS-extraction buffer, ethanol, and B-PER all showed
      significant decreases in both number of identifications and relative abundances
      of individual proteins. Based on these findings, RNAlater was an effective
      proteome preservative, although further study is warranted on additional marine
      microbes.

PMID- 22069396
TI  - Phonological Planning during Sentence Production: Beyond the Verb.
AB  - The current study addresses the extent of phonological planning during
      spontaneous sentence production. Previous work shows that at articulation,
      phonological encoding occurs for entire phrases, but encoding beyond the initial
      phrase may be due to the syntactic relevance of the verb in planning the
      utterance. I conducted three experiments to investigate whether phonological
      planning crosses multiple grammatical phrase boundaries (as defined by the number
      of lexical heads of phrase) within a single phonological phrase. Using the
      picture-word interference paradigm, I found in two separate experiments a
      significant phonological facilitation effect to both the verb and noun of
      sentences like "He opens the gate." I also altered the frequency of the direct
      object and found longer utterance initiation times for sentences ending with a
      low-frequency vs. high-frequency object offering further support that the direct
      object was phonologically encoded at the time of utterance initiation. That
      phonological information for post-verbal elements was activated suggests that the
      grammatical importance of the verb does not restrict the extent of phonological
      planning. These results suggest that the phonological phrase is unit of planning,
      where all elements within a phonological phrase are encoded before articulation.
      Thus, consistent with other action sequencing behavior, there is significant
      phonological planning ahead in sentence production.

PMID- 22069398
TI  - Lived experience of infertile men with male infertility cause.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 15 percent of all the couples are involuntarily
      childless in reproductive ages. The ability to reproduce and give birth to a
      child is an important part of the human beings life; thus, infertility can cause
      anxiety for the infertile people. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate
      men's experiences from male infertility. METHODS: This was a descriptive
      phenomenological study. The data were collected using in-depth interview of ten
      infertile men. The interviews were taped and then transcribed on the paper for
      analyzing through seven-step Colaizzi method. Considering that in qualitative
      studies, study population is not considered, therefore there was no limitation in
      location for collecting the data and the participants selected from the infertile
      men of the society. RESULTS: FOUR MAIN CONCEPTS WERE OBTAINED IN ASSOCIATION WITH
      INFERTILITY PHENOMENON: individual stress, challenges in communication, problems
      associated with treatment process and the effects of beliefs and religious
      attitude. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it seems that all
      the different life aspects of infertile were affected by infertility. Thus,
      designing and conducting conductive and supportive programs plays an important
      role for providing better care for infertile men.

PMID- 22069399
TI  - Assessing the nursing error rate and related factors from the view of nursing
      staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Error is an inevitable aspect of all the professions particularly
      health and treatment-related jobs and it should be acknowledged that committing
      it cannot absolutely be preventable. Among the causes that necessitate the
      evaluation of nursing errors, it should be noted that errors not only lead to
      damage and mortality for the patients, but also they are one of the obvious and
      costly problems in the hospitals. It is believed that nurses have the focal role
      in committing nursing errors.The main objective of this study was to identify
      nursing errors and the related factors. METHODS: This was a descriptive
      correlative study which was conducted in 2010. 239 nurses and head nurses who
      were working in the selected hospitals in Isfahan were selected randomly and
      participated in this research. In order to collect the data, two questionnaires
      were used, each one consisting of three sections of the demographic data,
      questions about the type of error and the effective factors for making the
      errors. RESULTS: The highest rate of error was reported about the lack of
      compiling and reviewing the medical history of the patient (31.75%) and also
      disregarding the appropriate time for prescription of the medicine (31.75%).
      Besides, the nurses and head nurses believed in more than one factor for
      committing the errors and mentioned the managerial factors (84.2%) and patient
      related factors (50.5%) as the most important and the least important causes for
      the commitment of errors respectively. Moreover, there was a direct relationship
      between gender, ward, and having an extra job with the score of the nursing
      errors. CONCLUSIONS: Attempts for reducing and controlling the nursing errors can
      rely on the usage of systemic approaches for assessing the effective factors,
      removing these factors as much as possible, and designing a system for increasing
      the level of reporting these errors for identifying the weak points and
      jeopardizing factors.

PMID- 22069400
TI  - Assessing the effect of high school students' training program on peers
      performance suffering from asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common disease in childhood which is considered as
      the forerunner of the acute diseases and simply can cause disability among the
      children. Since childhood and adolescence are the most important periods of
      growth and perfection and incidence of asthma can bring about distortion in this
      process, the present study done aimed to assess the effect of conducting high
      school training program on peers' performance with asthma. METHODS: This was a
      quasi-experimental study in which the performance rate of the students at the
      time of artificial attack of asthma was directly observed, assessed and compared
      through demographic data questionnaire and performance assessment check list.
      Eighty individuals from the second grade of high school students in 2010 in
      Isfahan City were randomly selected to participate in the present study, among
      which, 40 individuals were entered in the test group and 40 of them also were
      placed in the control group. After conducting the training program for the test
      group, which had been designed both by direct method (in person and face to face
      by asking and answering and group discussion) and by indirect method (using
      pamphlet and other educational materials), the level of the training
      effectiveness was assessed on the students' performance. RESULTS: The findings of
      the present study indicated that the performance of students at the test group
      increased from 2.2 (0.6) to 91.8 (1.3) which emphasized that the training program
      for the young adolescent peers had a positive effect on promoting their health.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of the present study and regarding to the
      importance and role of students as the future makers of the country, and also the
      cost-effectiveness of the training programs and the positive effect of peers on
      increasing the level of health among the students with asthma and consequently
      decreasing the school absence, it obviously seems necessary to generalize and
      expand these training programs.

PMID- 22069401
TI  - Reviewing the effect of two methods of educational package and social inoculation
      on changing the attitudes towards domestic violence against women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Domestic violence (DV) is a serious problem all over the world which
      had been extended to boundaries of countries, economical, cultural and racial
      classes. 10-69 percent of women are exposed to physical, sexual and emotional
      violence which has numerous physical and emotional consequences. Therefore,
      males' attitude towards women is one of the strongest predicting factors of
      violence against women, so one of the ways to remove the violence against women
      is to change the men's attitude. Changing the attitude, in the basic stages of
      the marriage for couples who are not yet involved with marital misunderstandings,
      will probably influence their future relationships, therefore, the present study
      reviewed two attitude changing methods of educational package (EP) and social
      inoculation (SI) which were used to change the attitude among male volunteers
      participating in the premarital counseling classes. METHODS: This was a semi
      experimental study aimed to determine the influence of two methods of supplying
      EP and SI on the change of attitude toward DV against women. The study subjects
      included male volunteers participating in Isfahan Molla Hadi Sabzevari Premarital
      Counseling Center, where the attitudes of 183 subjects were investigated
      primarily using simple sampling method. Ninety-nine subjects who had positive
      attitude toward DV were selected and then, randomly distributed into three 33
      subject groups. The first was SI group, the second was EP supply group and the
      third was the control group. Data collection tool was an evaluating questionnaire
      of the attitude toward DV against women which consisted of two parts, demographic
      data and 34 attitude evaluating questions. Scientific validity was determined by
      content validity method and scientific reliability was determined using
      Cronbach's alpha. Analyzing the data was done using descriptive (frequency and
      mean), analytical statistical methods (paired-t, independent t-tests, ANOVA,
      Duncan, Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square) and SPSS software. RESULTS: Among 183
      participants, 99 of them (54%) had a positive attitude with an average score of
      46.5 and 84 of them (45%) with an average score of 29 had a negative attitude
      toward violence against women. Before the intervention, the highest violence
      attitude was in emotional, physical and sexual areas, respectively. After the
      intervention in the inoculation group, the highest attitude changes were in
      physical, sexual and emotional areas, respectively and in the EP group, in total
      the attitude changes score after the intervention was significant compared to
      prior to it, although changes were observed only in physical and sexual areas. In
      SI group, more attitude changes were occurred than that in EP group. In control
      group, the attitude score after the intervention had no significant change
      compared to it before. CONCLUSIONS: Although attitude change has no guaranty for
      changing the behavior, in order to change the behavior, changing the attitude is
      required, in which for violence against women, it is better to be started at the
      beginning of the marital relationship. The SI method has been successfully
      applied in psychology Sciences and the health programs, but the EP method is not
      an effective method on its own to change the attitude, so it is better to be
      accompanied by other methods like group discussion, etc.

PMID- 22069402
TI  - Evaluation of men's participation in group training of their wives in family
      planning programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population growth is still a global concern. In spite of the decrease
      in population growth and conception rate, Iran and the world population will grow
      in coming years. Participation of men in contraception interventions to control
      population growth is of great importance. METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental
      study, in which the authors provided group training of contraceptive methods to
      53 women, and then evaluated the effect of training on the dependent variable of
      husbands' participation in family planning. The data was gathered using a
      questionnaire and a checklist, and then was analyzed using SPSS software, by
      paired t-test. RESULTS: The results indicated that the mean score of knowledge
      level of the case group members and their husbands changed significantly after
      the training program (p < 0.001). Also, it was found that 51% of the participants
      and their husbands used contraceptive methods after the training program.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results, providing group training for couples to
      increase the participation rate of men in family planning programs is
      recommended.

PMID- 22069403
TI  - Assessing the effect of two praying methods on the life quality of patients
      suffering from cancer hospitalized at Seyedo Shohada medical center of Isfahan
      University of Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Life quality and its promotional strategies among patients with acute
      and debilitating diseases, especially cancer, have been considered from a long
      time ago by medical and nursing societies. One of the methods to promote the
      patient's life quality is spiritual care which can be in form of prayer. The
      results of the studies done about the choice of the best praying method for the
      patients involves a lot of challenges. Thus, the researchers decided to examine
      the effect of two individual and choral praying methods on the life quality of
      the cancer-stricken patients. METHODS: The present study was conducted in two
      staged clinical trial using pre-post test administration in which the researcher
      examined the effect of two individual and choral praying methods on the life
      quality of 70 cancer-stricken patients. Data collection to assess the life
      quality was performed by World Health Organization Brief Life Quality
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: The current research showed that the life quality score
      was increased in the individual-choral group after the intervention. Also,
      comparing the average life quality score in the two groups of individual and
      choral praying revealed a significant difference in which the quality of life had
      improved more in the choral praying group than in the individual praying group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicated the positive effect of
      praying and supplication on the life quality of cancer-stricken patients.
      Generally, choral praying has a better effect on the life quality of cancer
      stricken patients compared with praying individually. More studies with a larger
      sample size are suggested in order to verify the effect of praying on the life
      quality of cancer-stricken patients.

PMID- 22069404
TI  - Reviewing the effect of reflexology on the pain and certain features and outcomes
      of the labor on the primiparous women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reflexology is one of the non-pharmacological pain relief methods,
      and since it is a non-invasive, inexpensive and applicable technique, it can be
      used by a skilled and trained midwife. This study aimed to review the effect of
      reflexology on the pain and outcomes of the labor. METHODS: In this quasi
      experimental study, 88 primiparous mothers referred to selected hospitals of
      Isfahan for vaginal delivery were selected using simple random sampling method
      and then randomized in two groups. Data collection tools were the demographic
      data questionnaire, profile and outcomes of the labor and the short-form of the
      McGill Questionnaire for Pain Rating Index (PRI) assessment. The intervention was
      general and specific reflexology in the active phase of labor. PRI was assessed
      before the intervention and four times after the intervention (3-5 cm, 6-8 cm and
      9-10 cm dilatations and second stage of labor. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference between groups before intervention. In the reflexology group, there
      was a significant difference between the PRI before and after the 4 stages
      intervention (p < 0.001). PRI was different significantly between studied groups
      after intervention (p < 0.001). The length of active phase of labor was different
      significantly between the two groups; but this difference was not significant
      during the second (p = 0.29), and the third (p = 0.27) stages. The difference
      between the 1(st) minute and the 5(th) minute Apgar score (p < 0.001) and rate of
      hemorrhage between the two groups were different significantly (p = 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: Reflexology can lead to decrease in the labor pain. Therefore,
      regarding to the safety of this technique, it can be replaced as an alternative
      for pharmacological methods.

PMID- 22069405
TI  - Proposing a syllabus for the operation room B.S. courses in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Education is based upon the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are
      required for an occupation, and the changes occurring in the occupations and
      duties as well as in the ideals and values necessitate constant needs analysis.
      Furthermore, owing to the transformations in sciences, especially medical
      sciences, the current syllabus for the operation room courses at associate level
      will not meet the requirements for operation room personnel in future. Therefore,
      the syllabus for operation room B.S. was developed and proposed in a research
      project entitled "Study of the international syllabus for the operation room
      courses and proposing an appropriate syllabus for the courses in Iran." Since the
      operation room courses at B.S. level are supposed to be introduced in Iranian
      universities, we intended to learn about the opinions of other people related to
      this subject in Iran. METHODS: In this research, a questionnaire was used that
      contained the syllabus proposed for the operation room B.S. courses, which was
      the result of a research project entitled "Study of the international syllabus
      for the operation room courses and proposing an appropriate syllabus for the
      courses in Iran." To develop this syllabus, 12 heads of the operation room
      departments in universities across Iran in which the subject matter was being
      taught at associate level were consulted. RESULTS: The study showed that 14 out
      of the 53 courses proposed in the syllabus had a desirability level of 100%, 22
      courses were desirable at levels of 91-100%, 19 were 75-90% desirable, and no
      courses had a desirability level less than 75%. After carrying out some
      modifications to the syllabus, the problems were resolved and the opinions were
      again asked. When a consensus of greater than 70% was reached, the syllabus for
      the operation room courses at B.S. level was finalized and proposed. The
      regulations from the Development, Planning, and Evaluation Office of the Ministry
      of Health were also followed. CONCLUSIONS: Although all the courses showed a
      desirability level of greater than 70%, receiving appropriate suggestions about
      some courses led the research team to carry out major or minor modifications to
      some of the courses.

PMID- 22069406
TI  - Assessing the effect of community health nursing care management at home on war
      worn soldiers' physical problems suffering from spinal cord complications
      (urinary infection, bedsore).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Veterans are among the highly-susceptible and highly-esteemed groups
      of the society. there is no correct, principled, and comprehensive programming
      with respect to home-nursing care for them. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental
      study, 26 veterans with spinal cord complications, with a 70-percent damage who
      were resident of Najaf Abad, Iran were concluded. The data were gathered by a
      checklist consisted of two parts, the first part included the demographic data
      and the second part consisted of Para-clinical (clinical findings) assessment of
      the veterans suffering from urinary infection, laboratorial assessments, and
      assessing the bedsores. The researcher visited all the veterans and completed the
      checklist by interviewing them. RESULTS: The mean age of the veterans was 45
      (5.1) years and the highest frequency (53.8%) belonged to the age range of 40-44
      years. The mean number of the family members was 4.4 people. The veterans who had
      paraplegia damage included 88.6%. Considering the damage rate, the highest
      frequency (69.2%) belonged to thoracic vertebra level. all the 26 veterans had
      been suffering from urinal infection before the managerial intervention; however
      20 subjects (76.9%) had urinal infection after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It
      can be stated that pressure wounds are preventable and these caring measures can
      be offered to susceptible groups of the community in a better and cheaper way if
      more studies are done with a closer contact and a higher number of samples in
      addition to have unison among the community-based systems.

PMID- 22069407
TI  - The effect of participating in the labor preparation classes on maternal vitality
      and positive affect during the pregnancy and after the labor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnant women predispose to physical and emotional diseases.
      Vitality and positive affect are against the depression and low energetic mood
      Exercise and physical activities in pregnancy have short and long term
      consequences for mothers and their growing fetus and affected in mood regulation.
      Respiratory and relaxation skills could decrease stress, pain and use of
      analgesics during labor. METHODS: In this study, 117 primigravida and
      multigravida women (59 women in case and 58 in control groups) were enrolled.
      Women in case group participated in delivery preparation classes since 20 weeks
      of pregnancy for 8 sessions. The control group was just received routine
      pregnancy care. The education was about pregnancy and delivery, physical
      exercises and relaxation skills. Questionnaires of vitality and positive affect
      toward the labor were completed three times: before intervention, after the 8(th)
      session and after delivery to 2 weeks later by an interview. Data analyzed using
      SPSS16 software and repeated measurement. RESULTS: There was a significant
      difference in vitality and positive affect regarding type of delivery before and
      after intervention and after delivery in case group(p < 0.0001).There was no
      significant difference in vitality and positive affect scores after delivery and
      after intervention (p < 0.083, p < 0.545). There was significant difference in
      vitality and positive affect scores regarding between case and control groups
      after the intervention and after the delivery (p < 0.001, p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of this study, it could be recommended that
      all pregnant women should contribute in delivery preparation classes to improve
      their mood, confidence, vitality toward labor.

PMID- 22069408
TI  - The effect of anger management by nursing staff on violence rate against them in
      the emergency unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Violence at work is considered as part of the occupational hazards
      which can affect medical staff and have undesirable effects on quality of
      patients care. Anger management training causes increases the ability of
      individuals to change behavior and also can increase the ability of the
      individual in controlling the excitation in the undesirable conditions. This
      study aimed to determine the effect of anger management training program by
      nursing staff on violence rate against them. METHODS: This was a two-group, two
      phase, semi-experimental study. Sixty six qualified nurses employed in emergency
      unit of Al-Zahra Hospital were divided into test and control groups. In this
      study, the modified questionnaire of World Health Organization was used with
      adequate validity and reliability to measure the violence rate and anger control.
      Thereafter, the test group received anger management training for four 60-minute
      sessions. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that there was no significant
      difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics except
      marital status. In addition, there was a significant difference between the two
      groups in frequency distribution of psychological violence against nurses after
      the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups
      in frequency distribution of physical violence against nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study corroborated the findings of the previous studies.
      Therefore, increase in self-control and communication skills and problem solving
      skills at the time of dealing with the patients and their relatives is a step in
      reducing one of the factors of violence at workplace.

PMID- 22069409
TI  - Investigating the therapeutic effect of vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme
      compared to clotrimazole cream for the treatment of mycotic vaginitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaginitis is the most prevalent gynecological problem for which women
      look for treatment and is responsible for 10 million physician visits annually.
      Use of herbal treatments has been recorded in many of patient groups as well as
      in general populations to increase health level. The present study was conducted
      with the purpose of determination and comparison of the effect of vaginal cream
      containing garlic and thyme compared to clotrimazole cream for the treatment of
      mycotic vaginitis. METHODS: This clinical trial is a prospective, multivariate,
      single-blind, two-stage, two-group study with randomized assignment of samples
      into the two groups. From the clinics in Isfahan in 2010, 64 cases (32
      individuals in each group) entered the study. Data collection was accomplished by
      demographic information questionnaire and clinical performance checklist, and
      data analysis was performed by SPSS 16.0 software. RESULTS: Abundance
      distributions of clinical symptoms (vaginal discharge; vulval erythema and
      edema), patients' complaints (secretions, itching, dyspareunia, painful
      urination, and vaginal irritation) and clinical symptoms (existence of
      germinating hypha, acidity under 4.5, and culture of vaginal secretions) were
      different in each group prior to and after the intervention; these factors
      however were not different between the two groups before and after the
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme is
      effective as much as clotrimazole vaginal cream for the treatment of candida
      vaginitis and there is no difference between responses to treatment by these two
      drugs.

PMID- 22069410
TI  - Experiences of university faculty members regarding communication in work
      environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals have different understandings, beliefs, values and
      attitudes, and follow their own specific approach to express their feelings. The
      present research was aimed to study the experiences of the faculty members of
      nursing and midwifery department regarding communication in work environment.
      METHODS: As the phenomenon to be studied in the current research is the human
      experiences, the study was accomplished in nursing and midwifery department of
      seven universities, including Isfahan, Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran, Mashhad,
      Shiraz, and Tabriz universities of medical sciences. The most common data
      collection technique in qualitative studies is the participants' observations,
      interview, and their written texts. In the present study, Collaizzi's seven steps
      were applied. RESULTS: We interviewed 36 individuals, including 20 women and 16
      men. The intra-organizational communications influence the physical and mental
      health as well as performance of staffs in their work environment. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study expressed in the themes formulated from statements of the units under
      study.

PMID- 22069411
TI  - The process of confrontation with disability in patients with spinal cord injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal injury can establish severe psychological outcomes for the
      patient and his/her family which requires high adjustment. Health system staff
      would be able to play their roles well in caring these patients provided with
      knowing what steps spinal injured people should pass to handle their disability
      and also what assistance they need in what stages from what sources. This study
      aimed to explain the process of confrontation with disability in spinal cord
      injured patients. METHODS: This was a qualitative study with grounded theory
      approach which was performed in Strauss and Corbin proposed method on twenty
      people with spinal cord injury who had past at least three months from their
      spinal injury. Sampling was done in purposive and theoretical method, and
      analysis of the results was also performed during constant comparative process.
      RESULTS: Central concept in the data was support which was associated with other
      concepts and affected them. The patients, with the help of internal and external
      support could overcome their main problem that was disability feeling and
      dependency on others and find a new definition for the self, and ultimately
      achieve the sense of independence and autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the process
      of confrontation with disability along with better understanding of spinal cord
      injured people would help health system staff to actualize and support their
      potentials much better through strengthening internal resources and providing
      appropriate supportive services of each individual.

PMID- 22069412
TI  - A comparative study on attitude of contraceptive methods users towards common
      contraceptive methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family planning is a method of thinking and a life style which is
      chosen voluntarily and according to the attitudes and responsible determination
      of the couples in order to promote the hygiene and convenience of the family.
      This study aimed to identify and compare the attitudes of the users of common
      contraceptive methods with regard to each method separately. METHODS: The
      descriptive study was conducted in 2010. The study samples included 378 women
      using common contraceptive methods as LD pills, IUD (intrauterine devices),
      condom, withdrawal, tubectomy (females sterilization) and vasectomy as well as
      withdrawal method. The samples were selected through systemic random sampling
      from 9 health care centers. The data collection tool was a researcher-made. In
      order to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, the
      content validity and Cronbach's alpha correlation coefficient methods were used.
      In order to analyze the data, the descriptive and inferential statistical methods
      (ANOVA) were used. RESULTS: Mean score of attitude regarding different
      contraceptive methods in the group who were users of the same method was above
      the users of all the methods; however, total attitude score toward the
      contraceptive methods was approximately similar to each other in all the groups
      and there was no significant difference among the different groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings of this study showed that attitude is an important factor in
      choosing the contraceptive methods; therefore, this issue should to be taken into
      account by the family planning planners and consultants.

PMID- 22069413
TI  - Comparing the effects of reflexology methods and Ibuprofen administration on
      dysmenorrhea in female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is one of the most common disorders
      experienced by 50% of women in their reproductive age. Adverse effects of medical
      treatments and its failure rate of 20-25% have caused many women to seek other
      complementary and alternative treatment methods for primary dysmenorrhea. Hence,
      this study aimed to compare and determine the efficacy of reflexology and
      Ibuprofen on reduction of pain intensity and duration of menstrual pain. METHODS:
      This was a quasi-experimental clinical trial study on 68 students with primary
      dysmenorrhea living in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences' dormitories.
      Simple random sampling was done considering the inclusion criteria and then the
      students were randomly divided into two groups. In the reflexology group, the
      subjects received 10 reflexology sessions (40 minutes each) in two consecutive
      mense cycles. The Ibuprofen group received Ibuprofen (400 mg), once every eight
      hours for 3 days during 3 consecutive mense cycles. To assess the severity of
      dysmenorrhea, Standard McGill Pain Questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) and
      pain rating index (PRI) were used in this study. RESULTS: Findings of the study
      showed that the two groups had no statistically significant difference in terms
      of demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). Reflexology method was associated with
      more reduction of intensity and duration of menstrual pain in comparison with
      Ibuprofen therapy. Independent and Paired t-test showed that there was a
      significant difference in the two groups between intensity and duration of
      menstrual pain using VAS and PRI in each of the 3 cycles between reflexology and
      Ibuprofen groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of the study,
      reflexology was superior to Ibuprofen on reducing dysmenorrhea and its treatment
      effect continued even after discontinuing the intervention in the third cycle.
      Therefore, considering that reflexology is a non-invasive, easy and cheap
      technique, it seems that it can replace anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to avoid
      their adverse side effects.

PMID- 22069414
TI  - Reviewing time intervals from onset of the symptoms to thrombolytic therapy in
      patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery diseases are one of the causes of early death all
      over the world. In developed countries, ischemic heart disease is responsible for
      half of the entire mortalities; however in developing countries it is estimated
      that from 9 million deaths per year, 32 percent are due to coronary artery
      disease. Acute coronary syndromes are responsible for over 250,000 deaths per
      year caused by progressive atherosclerotic process which would lead to rupture of
      the atherosclerotic plaque and establishing thrombosis. This study aimed to
      determine time intervals between the onset of the heart attack symptoms to
      thrombolytic therapy in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) in selected hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. METHODS:
      In this study, 180 subjects with first time STEMI were enrolled by categorized
      random sampling in cardiac care units of four hospitals affiliated to Isfahan
      University of Medical Sciences during 9 months. Necessary information were
      collected by asking the patients and reviewing their records. The data included
      demographic, prehospital and in-hospital data of the patients. RESULTS: The mean
      duration of time interval from the onset of heart attack symptoms to the first
      action in order to seek medical care was 01:16'(01:36') (h:m [SD]), from the
      symptoms onset to admission in emergency unit was 02:29'(02:00') and from
      admission in emergency unit to administration of thrombolytic drug was
      01:04'(01:14'). CONCLUSIONS: Time interval between onset of the acute coronary
      symptoms and seek for medical care and arrival to the emergency unit in this
      study had a better condition than other studies, but the interval between the
      emergency admission and thrombolytic therapy was longer than other studies.

PMID- 22069415
TI  - The effect of education on behavioral intention model of mothers' attitude
      towards over weight preschool children's nutritional patterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and over weight is one of the causes of threatening
      children's present and future life. One of the factors that cause this problem is
      parents' attitude toward preschool children's nutritional patterns. Education can
      improve the parents' attitude and prevents from this big issue. This study aimed
      to assess changes in mother's attitude and behavioral intention using intention
      model. METHODS: This was a semi-experimental study with pre-test, post test
      design. Forty-five mothers with overweight preschool children attended this
      study. Sampling was based on cluster randomize sampling method. The researcher
      made questionnaire which was used in this study was standardized through content
      validity and test, re-test. RESULTS: Comparing the pretest and posttest scores
      indicated a statistically significant difference in the attitude mean score. The
      findings of this study suggest that attitude and behavioral intention about
      nutritional patterns can be improved through parents' education based on
      behavioral intention model such as attitude, subjective norm and behavioral
      intention. CONCLUSIONS: In order to have healthy children, parents should improve
      their knowledge about how they promote their attitude towards children's
      nutritional pattern. Therefore, new model of education can optimize correct
      healthy behavior.

PMID- 22069416
TI  - Effect of communication skill training using group psychoeducation method on the
      stress level of psychiatry ward nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing is a dynamic and supportive job, with the main role of taking
      care of patients. Maintaining appropriate communication of the nurse with the
      patients is particularly known as the main core of care in mental health.
      However, in spite of the importance of providing communication, one of the main
      sources of stress in nurses of psychiatry wards is communication with the
      patients. Some important reasons for inappropriate relationship between the nurse
      and patient can be lack of necessary skills to communicate with patients because
      of insufficient training. Although training communication skills is an important
      part of the education of medical and paramedical students, in recent studies it
      has been demonstrated that the communication skills learned in theoretical
      courses would not necessarily be transferred to clinical settings, and proving
      training in clinical settings is a must. The present study was carried out to
      determine the effect of training communication skills using psychoeducation
      method on the stress level of nurses of psychiatry wards in 2010. METHODS: This
      is a quasi-experimental study. The participants were 45 nurses; 23 and 22 in the
      experiment and control groups, respectively, working in psychiatry wards of Noor
      and Farabi hospitals, Isfahan, Iran. The sampling was carried out by the census
      method, and then the participants were randomly assigned to the two groups of
      experiment and control, using random number table. The two groups filled out the
      demographic data form and also the questionnaire on nurses' occupational stress,
      designed by the researcher. The questionnaire was filled out three times; before,
      immediately after, and one month after the training. Training of communication
      skills was carried out using group psychoeducation method, in six sessions, each
      lasted for 1.5 hours. The training sessions of the experiment group were held in
      Farabi Hospital. RESULTS: The findings indicated that before the intervention,
      the members of the two groups had a high level of occupational stress.
      Immediately after the training, the stress level of the experiment group
      decreased significantly, and the decrease was sustained for the following one
      month. CONCLUSIONS: Training communicative skills using group psychoeducation
      method can decrease the occupational stress of psychiatry ward nurses.

PMID- 22069417
TI  - Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on
      the severity of premenstrual syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause suicide, dissociation of
      familial relationships, abnormalities in the daily work and inter-personal
      relationships in the patients, and bring about direct and indirect economic
      burden for the society, it is important to resolve the problems of the patients.
      The objective of the current study is to determine the effect of magnesium (Mg),
      combination of vitamin B6 and Mg, and the placebo on the severity of PMS in the
      patients affected by the disease referred to the health centers of Isfahan
      University of Medical Sciences during 2009-2010. METHODS: The participants were
      randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The study was
      carried out for four months in ten selected health centers in Isfahan. To confirm
      the PMS diagnosis in patients, they were asked to fill out the PMS daily symptom
      record form for two months and then, when the diagnosis was confirmed, the
      participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups of the study (Mg,
      Mg plus vitamin B6, and placebo). Medical intervention was carried out in two
      menstrual cycles and the results of pre- and post-test were compared. RESULTS:
      After the intervention, the mean score of PMS significantly decreased in all the
      three groups (p < 0.05). The decrease was the greatest in the Mg plus vitamin B6
      group, and was the least in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      indicated that Mg plus vitamin B6 and placebo has the greatest and the least
      effect on the mean score of PMS, respectively.

PMID- 22069418
TI  - Pediatric neurosurgery - Indian prospective.

PMID- 22069419
TI  - Surgical management of Pott's disease of the spine in pediatric patients: A
      single surgeon's experience of 8 years in a tertiary care center.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, case study of 64 pediatric patients who underwent
      spinal surgery for Pott's spine and have minimum 6 months follow-up. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical management and outcome of 64
      pediatric Pott's spine cases operated by single surgeon over last 8 years, with a
      minimum follow-up of 6 months. The prognostic significance and the outcome of the
      demographic factors, location of the disease, and its surgical approach were also
      evaluated in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data collected
      retrospectively from the institute's record case sheets of the 64 pediatric
      patients with Pott's disease of the spine, operated between 2002 and 2010 in the
      Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical
      Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, were analyzed. The study population consisted of 40
      male and 24 female pediatric patients. Clinical findings included back pain,
      paraparesis, kyphosis, fever, sensory disturbance, and bowel and bladder
      dysfunction. RESULTS: The most common region of Pott's disease was the thoracic
      region [21/64 (33%)] followed by craniovertebral junction (CVJ) [17/64 (27%)]. At
      presentation, all of the patients had neurological features of spinal cord
      compression. All patients were treated with antituberculous chemotherapy which
      was continued after the surgical intervention also. Transthoracic surgical
      approach [18/64 (28%)] was the most frequently required surgery followed by
      transoral decompression with posterior fusion [12/64 (19%)] depending on the site
      of disease and compression of neuraxis. Initially, more than two-third of the
      patients were in poor grade of Kumar and Kalra scoring as well as modified Kumar
      and Kalra scoring, which were reduced to about one fifth after the surgical
      intervention, and the outcome was good as the condition of 46 patients (72%)
      improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Currently, treatment of spinal tubercular
      infections requires a multidisciplinary team that includes infectious diseases
      experts, neuroradiologists, and spine surgeons. The key to successful management
      is early detection and timely and judicious surgical intervention, the decision
      of which needs to be taken in view of clinicoradiological compression of the
      spinal cord and nerve roots, age of the patient and responsiveness of ATT.

PMID- 22069420
TI  - Pediatric aneurysms and vein of Galen malformations.
AB  - Pediatric aneurysms are different from adult aneurysms - they are more rare, are
      giant and in the posterior circulation more frequently than in adults and may be
      associated with congenital disorders. Infectious and traumatic aneursyms are also
      seen more frequently. Vein of Galen malformations are even rarer entities. They
      may be of choroidal or mural type. Based on the degree of AV shunting they may
      present with failure to thrive, with hydrocephalus or in severe cases with heart
      failure. The only possible treatment is by endovascular techniques - both
      transarterial and transvenous routes are employed. Rarely transtorcular approach
      is needed. These cases should be managed by an experienced neurointerventionist.

PMID- 22069421
TI  - Hydrocephalus Indian scenario - A review.
AB  - Hydrocephalus is a common clinical problem seen in pediatric neurosurgical
      practice. Hydrocephalus involves dilatation of the cerebral ventricular system
      with corresponding, compressive effects on the parenchyma. It can be
      communicative or obstructive types. Congenital, acquired, infective, and
      secondary hydrocephalus have different clinical features with different modality
      of treatments. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is the gold standard of treatment.
      Endoscopic 3(rd) ventriculostomy is rapidly gaining prominence as an alternative.
      Various kinds of hydrocephalus, their pathophysiology, treatment and
      complications are reviewed.

PMID- 22069422
TI  - Outcome of selective motor fasciculotomy in the treatment of upper limb
      spasticity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the outcome of selective motor
      fasciculotomy in relieving upper limb harmful resistant spasticity and thereby to
      improve motor functions in persons with cerebral palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty people having cerebral palsy (12 females and 8 males) with age ranging
      from 5 to 35 (mean 12.85) years with upper limb resistant spasticity due to
      spastic hemiplegia (n=7), triplegia (n=6), and quadriplegia (n=7) were assessed
      using Modified Ashworth Scale, Selective Voluntary Control Grade, Wee FIM Scale
      and hand function evaluation. Selective motor fasciculotomy was performed on the
      musculocutaneous nerve (n=13) for elbow flexors spasticity, median nerve (n=24)
      for pronators and radial wrist flexors spasticity and ulnar nerve (n=3) for ulnar
      wrist flexors spasticity. Pre- and post-op therapeutic exercises were performed.
      RESULTS: Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test showed
      significant reduction in spasticity and improvement in selective voluntary
      control, hand functions (grasp to hold a 2 inch rod), and Wee FIM (self-care
      domain in particular). There was no recurrence in spasticity and complications
      following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The selective motor fasciculotomy of
      musculocutaneous, median, and ulnar nerves significantly reduces spasticity in
      the affected muscle groups and thereby improves the self-care (motor) functions
      in selected people with cerebral palsy who have harmful resistant spasticity
      without any organic shortening of the muscles. The procedure is safe and the
      spasticity does not recur.

PMID- 22069423
TI  - Pediatric epilepsy: The Indian experience.
AB  - Epilepsy is a common clinical entity in neurology clinics. The understanding of
      the genetics of epilepsy has undergone a sea change prompting re-classification
      by the International league against epilepsy recently. The prevalence rates of
      epilepsy in India are similar to those of developed nations. However, the large
      treatment gap is a major challenge to our public health system. Perinatal
      injuries are a major causative factor in pediatric group. We have discussed a few
      common etiologies such as neurocysticercosis and newer genetic epilepsy
      syndromes. We have also briefly touched upon the Indian experience in pediatric
      epilepsy surgery.

PMID- 22069424
TI  - Epilepsy surgery in India.
AB  - Modern epilepsy started in India in 1995 at Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute of
      Medical Science and Technology, Trivandrum and at All India Institute of Medical
      Sciences, New Delhi. At both centres the attempt was to get the program going
      with patients having surgically remediable epilepsy syndromes -who could be
      evaluated with non invasive investigations. The mainstay of the evaluation was a
      good quality epilepsy specific MRI and video EEG coupled with a SPECT study and a
      neuropsychological evaluation. Concordance of the focus on all investigations was
      critical to a good outcome. There were several problems on the way - but they
      were managed keeping in consideration our local needs and requirements.
      Intraoperative electocorticography was done and good outcomes attained. The
      critical determinants of success were the formation of a team with various
      interdisciplinary specialists and a strong will to succeed.

PMID- 22069425
TI  - Journal of pediatric neurosciences: 2006-2010.

PMID- 22069426
TI  - Craniostenosis.
AB  - Craniostenosis is a common problem in the pediatric neurosurgery departments. The
      management of this problem is still evolving. Some misconceptions exist regarding
      this condition particularly regarding the indications for surgery. The author
      started performing this surgery nearly two decades ago. The experience gained
      over time as well as the problems encountered are discussed.

PMID- 22069427
TI  - Anterior encephalocele - AIIMS experience a series of 133 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior encephaloceles are rare conditions. Except for a few places
      from South East Asia, no large series has been published in the World literature.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: At AIIMS, we have managed 133 cases over a 40-year-period
      from 1971 to 2010. Frontoethmoidal type was the most frequent, noticed in 104
      patients, followed by nasopharyngeal nasal in 12 and orbital encephaloceles in 6
      patients. OBSERVATION: Ten patients were adults over the age of 18 years and 15
      patients were between 5 and 18 years of age. Swelling over the nose was reported
      in all 104 patients with frontoethmoid type. In nasopharyngeal type, patients
      presented with respiratory problem. Patients with orbital mass had proptosis, on
      the side of encephalocele. Computed tomography (CT)/Magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) was performed in 127 patients, which was able to delineate the bone defect
      and associated brain anomalies. All the patients were subjected to repair of
      encephalocele. Patients with hypertelorism required orbital osteotomies and
      correction of deformity. OUTCOME: There were four deaths, all prior to 2000. No
      death was encountered in the last 10 years. CSF leak was the commonest
      postoperative complication, noticed in 24 patients. Overall cosmetic outcome was
      good.

PMID- 22069429
TI  - Development of pediatric neurosurgery in India.
AB  - The development of pediatric neurosurgery in this country actually began with
      holding of the 17(th) Annual Conference of the International Society for
      Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) in 1989 in Mumbai. It subsequently led to the
      formation in 1990 of the Indian Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (IndSPN),
      which is responsible for organizing regular annual conferences and CMEs in
      cooperation with the ISPN. The first three international CME programs were
      arranged in 1992, 1994 and 1995, followed by the next three courses from 1998 to
      2000. Subsequently, five more such programs were organized in 2002, 2004, 2007,
      2009, and 2010. The official publication, Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences
      (JPN), which was started in 2006, has also made good progress in the last 5
      years. In the last 20 years, the IndSPN has made striking progress in the
      development and growth of pediatric neurosurgery in the country and has
      successfully managed to bring this subspeciality to an international level. The
      IndSPN now has about 150 active members and quite a few of them practice mainly
      pediatric neurosurgery. In large teaching institutions, pediatric neurosurgery
      has been accepted as a subspeciality with a designated neurosurgeon taking care
      of the pediatric patients. This augers well for the subspeciality as persons with
      greater interest and expertise will be tackling its problems. Some of these
      institutions have recently started or are in the process of starting the 1-year
      fellowship training program in pediatric neurosurgery.

PMID- 22069428
TI  - Spinal dysraphism.
AB  - To review the clinical features and current understanding of spina bifida with an
      emphasis on the Indian Scenario. Selected articles and current English language
      texts were reviewed. The authors experience was also reviewed and analysed. Spina
      bifida is a common congenital anomaly encompassing a wide spectrum of neural tube
      defects.It is broadly classified as spina bifida aperta and occulta. With the
      prenatal screening, the incidence of aperta is gradually declining, whereas the
      detection of occulta has increased with the advent of magnetic resonance imaging.
      Over the years, the understanding of pathophysiology has made a significant
      changein the management of these anomalies. Early detection and complete
      correction can significantly reduce the neurological disability. This article is
      an overview of spina bifida with a special emphasis on Indian scenario.

PMID- 22069430
TI  - Split cord malformation - A study of 300 cases at AIIMS 1990-2006.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Split cord malformation (SCM) is a rare condition. With decreasing
      incidence of neural tube defect (NTD) in the West, the reports of SCM are getting
      lesser and lesser. However, in India, spinal dysraphism is still a major problem
      encountered by the neurosurgeons. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze 300 patients
      of SCM for their clinical features, radiological findings and outcome of surgery,
      which can throw light on the subject to others, who have less scope of finding
      these cases frequently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 16-year period, we
      encountered 300 cases of SCM at AIIMS. Over the same period, more than 1500 cases
      of NTD were managed. SCM was noticed in 20% of cases with NTD. Skin stigmata were
      noted in two-third of the cases, and scoliosis and foot deformity were observed
      in 50% and 48% cases, respectively. Motor and sensory deficits were observed in
      80% and 70% cases, respectively. Commonest site affected was lumbar or
      dorsolumbar (55% and 23%, respectively). In 3% cases, it was cervical in
      location. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a large number of
      anomalies like lipoma, neuroenteric cyst, thick filum and dermoid or epidermoid
      cysts. All the patients were surgically treated. In type I, bony spurs were
      excised, and in type II, bands tethering the cord were released. Associated
      anomalies were managed in the same sitting. Patients were followed up from 3
      months to 3 years. RESULTS: Overall improvement was noticed in 50% and
      stabilization in 44% cases and deterioration of neurological status was recorded
      in 6% cases. However, 50% of those who deteriorated improved to preop status
      prior to discharge, 7-10 days following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SCM is rare and not
      many large series are available. We operated 300 cases and noticed a large number
      of associated anomalies and also multilevel and multisite splits. Improvement or
      stabilization was noted in 94% and deterioration in 6% cases. We recommended
      prophylactic surgery for our asymptomatic patients.

PMID- 22069431
TI  - Pediatric suprasellar lesions.
AB  - Pediatric brain tumors have always been challenging as well as intriguing in
      their anatomical, surgical, and postsurgical management-related issues. They are
      a heterogeneous set of pathologies involving different age groups in childhood
      and also differ widely from their adult counterparts as far as adjuvant therapies
      are concerned. Though neurosurgeons across the world are radical in surgery for
      most of the pediatric tumors, it can often be at the cost of future quality of
      life in suprasellar tumors. As the time has gone by, the pendulum has swung
      toward rather conservative and maximal safe surgical resections with adjuvant
      therapies coming to the forefront. Hence, the aim is to achieve a good quality of
      life for these children along with a control of tumor growth (rather than cure)
      and to again tackle the tumors, if required, once these children reach
      adolescence or adulthood. We have reviewed the literature for different pediatric
      suprasellar tumors and discussed their current management giving our perspective
      with illustrative cases.

PMID- 22069432
TI  - Tumors of the posterior third ventricular region in pediatric patients: The
      Indian perspective and a review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diverse tumors in the posterior third ventricular region (TPTVR)
      frequently occur in children. A decade's experience with pediatric TPTVR is
      presented, focusing on the Indian perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 children
      (age range: 3-18 years; mean age: 13.32 years; presentation range: 7 days-2.5
      years) had clinico-radiological assessment with contrast computed tomography (CT)
      and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ventricular/lumbar cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) alpha feto protein (AFP)/beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)
      estimation was done when radiological suspicion of a germ cell tumor was present.
      Extent of resection was deemed partial when some tumor mass remained at the end
      of surgery, near total when <10% was retained over vital neurovascular
      structures, and total when complete resection was attained. RESULTS: Operations
      included infratentorial supracerebellar approach (n = 12), occipito
      transtentorial approach (n = 2), endoscopic biopsy and third ventriculostomy (n =
      1), frontal parasagittal craniotomy, interhemispheric transcallosal subchoroidal
      approach (n = 2), middle temporal gyrus transcortical transventricular approach
      (n = 1), fronto-temporo-zygomatic combined transylvian and subtemporal approach
      (n = 1) and right ventriculoperitoneal shunt and stereotactic biopsy (n = 1).
      Only CSF diversion was performed for five patients with a small TPTVR. CSF
      diversion was required in 12 (48%) patients. Tumor pathology included
      pinealoblastoma (n = 4; one with pineocytic differentiation), nongerminomatous
      germ cell tumor (NGGCT; n = 3), germinoma (n = 3), pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 2),
      epidermoid (n = 3) and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), fibrillary
      astrocytoma, glioblastoma, teratoma, and meningioma (n = 1, respectively). A
      patient with neurocysticercosis was diagnosed solely on MRI (four did not undergo
      biopsy). Fractionated radiotherapy was administered in 13 patients with primary
      pineal tumors, PNET, NGGCT, fibrillary astrocytoma and glioblastoma. Extent of
      excision was total in 10 (40%), near total in 5 (20%), partial in 3 (12%) and a
      biopsy in 2 (8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic characterization of TPTVR
      is essential prior to their further management. Benign lesions often have a good
      prognosis following gross total surgical resection. Pure germinomas are highly
      susceptible to radiotherapy. NGGCTs often have malignant components that require
      adjuvant therapy following surgery. The advancements in microsurgical techniques
      have led to gratifying perioperative results in these deep-seated lesions.

PMID- 22069433
TI  - Management of posterior fossa gliomas in children.
AB  - Brain tumours form the most common type of solid tumour in children and more that
      50% of these are infratentorial. Cerebellar astrocytomas and brain stem gliomas
      are the commonest posterior fossa glial tumours in children. Cerebellar
      astrocytomas represent up to 10% of all primary brain tumours and up to 25% of
      posterior fossa tumors in children, with Low grade gliomas forming the commonest
      of the cerebellar gliomas. They commonly present with symptoms and signs of
      raised intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. Radiologically
      they may be solid or cystic with or without a mural nodule. Surgical excision is
      the mainstay of treatment and forms the most consistent factor influencing
      progression free and long term survival. While majority of the tumours are
      pilocytic astrocytomas, they may also be fibrillary astrocytomas or even high
      grade tumours. Tumour histology does not appear to be an independent factor in
      the prognosis of these children, and therefore no palliative treatment after
      surgery is advocated. Brain stem gliomas account for approximately 10% of all
      pediatric brain tumours. Cranial nerve signs, ataxia and cerebellar signs with or
      without symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure are classically
      described symptoms and signs. Radiographic findings and clinical correlates can
      be used to categorize brain stem tumours into four types: diffuse, focal,
      exophytic and cervicomedullary. Histologically most brain stem gliomas are
      fibrillary astrocytomas. Diffuse brain stem gliomas are the most commonly seen
      tumour in the brain stem. These lesions are malignant high grade fibrillary
      astrocytomas. Focal tumours of the brain stem are demarcated lesions generally
      less than 2 cms in size, without associated edema. Most commonly seen in the
      midbrain or medulla, they form a heterogeneous pathological group, showing
      indolent growth except when the lesion is a PNET. Dorsally exophytic tumours lie
      in the fourth ventricle, while cervicomedullary lesions are similar to spinal
      intramedullary tumours. Expanding lesions are the only lesions amenable for
      excision while infiltrative and ventral lesions are not.

PMID- 22069435
TI  - Intramedullary tumors in children.
AB  - Intramedullary tumors of the spinal cord account for 35-40% of intraspinal tumors
      in children. The biological behavior of these tumors is of slow progression, and
      hence aggressive surgery has been advocated. Surgical adjuncts include use of
      intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, preoperative ultrasound,
      microsurgical techniques and ultrasonic suction devices. Osteoplastic
      laminoplasty approaches avoid post-laminectomy deformities in younger children.
      Postoperative radiotherapy and more recently chemotherapy regimes have been
      proposed for incompletely resected tumors.

PMID- 22069434
TI  - Medulloblastoma in childhood-King Edward Memorial hospital surgical experience
      and review: Comparative analysis of the case series of 365 patients.
AB  - AIM: Medulloblastoma is one of the most common posterior fossa tumors in
      childhood. The treatment-related side effects as well as predictive outcome still
      remain as a major challenge. The improved understanding of the disease and
      advances in molecular biology is changing the treatment paradigms from Chang's
      staging system to molecular risk stratification. However, surgery still remains
      as an important mainstay of therapy and is formidable. The role of radical
      surgery has always been a crucial factor in the outcome of these patients, the
      best survival being reported in patients who had total excision of the tumor and
      with no metastasis. PATIENT AND METHODS: An analysis of 365 patients (age<18
      years) of medulloblastoma who underwent treatment at the Seth G.S. Medical
      College and King Edward VII Memorial hospital (KEM), Mumbai over a 25- year
      period (1985-2000 and 2001-2010) is presented. The clinical profile, radiological
      features, pathology and surgical nuances are discussed. RESULTS: The most common
      age group affected was between 3 and 12 years. 75.3% presented with headaches,
      vomiting and 63.2% with papilledema. Sitting position was used in majority of
      cases. A total of 8 patients underwent shunting; all of them were in the
      postoperative period (5.19%). 92.2% (142 cases) had classical medulloblastoma,
      5.1% (8 cases) had desmoplastic variant, 1.9% (3 cases) had anaplastic changes
      and 0.6% (1 case) had glial differentiation. The 5-year and 10-year progression
      free survival rate was 73 and 41% for average risk disease while for high risk
      disease rate it was 34%. The mortality rate was 2%. The quality of life was
      enhanced in patients who survived 5-10 years after treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgery
      for medulloblastoma is formidable. The option of sitting position for
      medulloblastoma surgery is still viable. A vigilant neuroanesthesiologist and a
      safe surgery are necessary to achieve a good postoperative result. Radiological
      characteristics are helpful adjuncts for determining effective surgical strategy.
      Permanent CSF drainage can be avoided in majority of patients and can be
      definitively considered in progressive symptomatic hydrocephalus. A safe maximal
      resection and a good Karnofsky score are paramount to ensure compliance with
      adjuvant therapy and contribute to an overall survival advantage.

PMID- 22069436
TI  - Pediatric bony craniovertebral junction abnormalities: Institutional experience
      of 10 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features and treatment outcome of pediatric
      patients with bony craniovertebral abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      authors studied 189 consecutive cases of pediatric bony craniovertebral junction
      abnormalities operated between 2001 and March, 2010. RESULTS: The pathologies
      were developmental (n = 162), traumatic (n = 18) and tuberculous (n = 9).
      Surgical procedures included transoral decompression (n = 118), occipitocervical
      fusion (OCF, n = 139), C 1 -C 2 fusion (n = 45), and posterior fossa
      decompression (n = 5). Methods for OCF included contoured stainless steel rods (n
      = 86), titanium lateral mass screws and plates (n = 47) and steel wires (n = 6).
      Constructs of all patients of posterior fixation with contoured rods and wires or
      lateral mass screw and rod who could be followed up were either stable/fused or
      were fused and stable. No implant failure was noticed among these two surgical
      procedures. However, 6 patients with C 1-C 2 fusion had broken wires on follow-up
      requiring repeat posterior fixation. Good neurological outcome was observed even
      in poor-grade patients. No significant effect on the curvature or growth of the
      spine was observed at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric craniovertebral junction
      anomalies can be managed successfully with good outcomes using a low cost
      contoured rod and wires.

PMID- 22069437
TI  - Brain tuberculomas, tubercular meningitis, and post-tubercular hydrocephalus in
      children.
AB  - Central nervous system tuberculosis in children presents commonly as tubercular
      meningitis, post-tubercular meningitis hydrocephalus, and much more rarely as
      space-occupying lesions known as tuberculomas. The occurrence of this condition,
      though previously reported only in the developing world, is now frequently
      reported in human immunodeficiency virus positive migrants in the western world.
      The exact pathogenesis of this condition is still incompletely understood, and
      the mainstay of treatment is chemotherapeutic regimes. Neurosurgical intervention
      is rarely necessary, and is confined to cases of hydrocephalus after tubercular
      meningitis and to large tubeculomas with space-occupying effects.

PMID- 22069438
TI  - Lexical knowledge without a lexicon?
AB  - Although for many years a sharp distinction has been made in language research
      between rules and words - with primary interest on rules - this distinction is
      now blurred in many theories. If anything, the focus of attention has shifted in
      recent years in favor of words. Results from many different areas of language
      research suggest that the lexicon is representationally rich, that it is the
      source of much productive behavior, and that lexically specific information plays
      a critical and early role in the interpretation of grammatical structure. But how
      much information can or should be placed in the lexicon? This is the question I
      address here. I review a set of studies whose results indicate that event
      knowledge plays a significant role in early stages of sentence processing and
      structural analysis. This poses a conundrum for traditional views of the lexicon.
      Either the lexicon must be expanded to include factors that do not plausibly seem
      to belong there; or else virtually all information about word meaning is removed,
      leaving the lexicon impoverished. I suggest a third alternative, which provides a
      way to account for lexical knowledge without a mental lexicon.

PMID- 22069444
TI  - Efficiency of peptide nucleic acid-directed PCR clamping and its application in
      the investigation of natural diets of the Japanese eel leptocephali.
AB  - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-clamping using blocking primer and DNA-analogs,
      such as peptide nucleotide acid (PNA), may be used to selectively amplify target
      DNA for molecular diet analysis. We investigated PCR-clamping efficiency by
      studying PNA position and mismatch with complementary DNA by designing PNAs at
      five different positions on the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer 1 of the
      Japanese eel Anguilla japonica in association with intra-specific nucleotide
      substitutions. All five PNAs were observed to efficiently inhibit amplification
      of a fully complementary DNA template. One mismatch between PNA and template DNA
      inhibited amplification of the template DNA, while two or more mismatches did
      not. DNA samples extracted from dorsal muscle and intestine of eight wild-caught
      leptochephalus larvae were subjected to this analysis, followed by cloning,
      nucleotide sequence analysis, and database homology search. Among 12 sequence
      types obtained from the intestine sample, six were identified as fungi. No
      sequence similarities were found in the database for the remaining six types,
      which were not related to one another. These results, in conjunction with our
      laboratory observations on larval feeding, suggest that eel leptocephali may not
      be dependent upon living plankton for their food source.

PMID- 22069443
TI  - Putting into practice domain-linear motif interaction predictions for exploration
      of protein networks.
AB  - PDZ domains recognise short sequence motifs at the extreme C-termini of proteins.
      A model based on microarray data has been recently published for predicting the
      binding preferences of PDZ domains to five residue long C-terminal sequences.
      Here we investigated the potential of this predictor for discovering novel
      protein interactions that involve PDZ domains. When tested on real negative data
      assembled from published literature, the predictor displayed a high false
      positive rate (FPR). We predicted and experimentally validated interactions
      between four PDZ domains derived from the human proteins MAGI1 and SCRIB and 19
      peptides derived from human and viral C-termini of proteins. Measured binding
      intensities did not correlate with prediction scores, and the high FPR of the
      predictor was confirmed. Results indicate that limitations of the predictor may
      arise from an incomplete model definition and improper training of the model.
      Taking into account these limitations, we identified several novel putative
      interactions between PDZ domains of MAGI1 and SCRIB and the C-termini of the
      proteins FZD4, ARHGAP6, NET1, TANC1, GLUT7, MARCH3, MAS, ABC1, DLL1, TMEM215 and
      CYSLTR2. These proteins are localised to the membrane or suggested to act close
      to it and are often involved in G protein signalling. Furthermore, we showed
      that, while extension of minimal interacting domains or peptides toward tandem
      constructs or longer peptides never suppressed their ability to interact, the
      measured affinities and inferred specificity patterns often changed
      significantly. This suggests that if protein fragments interact, the full length
      proteins are also likely to interact, albeit possibly with altered affinities and
      specificities. Therefore, predictors dealing with protein fragments are promising
      tools for discovering protein interaction networks but their application to
      predict binding preferences within networks may be limited.

PMID- 22069445
TI  - Reduction of plasma gelsolin levels correlates with development of multiple organ
      dysfunction syndrome and fatal outcome in burn patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depletion of the circulating actin-binding protein, plasma gelsolin
      (pGSN) has been described in critically ill surgical patients. We hypothesized
      that the extent of pGSN reduction might correlate with different outcome of burn
      patients. The study was performed to evaluate the prognostic implications of pGSN
      levels on the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and fatal
      outcome in a group of severely burn patients. METHODS AND FINDINGS: 95 patients
      were included, and they were divided into three groups with different burn area:
      group I (n = 33), group II (n = 32) and group III (n = 30). According to whether
      there was development of MODS or not, patients were divided into MODS group (n =
      28) and none-MODS group (n = 67); then the patients with MODS were further
      divided into non-survivor group (n = 17) and survivor group (n = 11). The
      peripheral blood samples were collected on postburn days (PBD) 1, 3, 7, 14, and
      21. The levels of pGSN were determined and T cells were procured from the blood.
      The contents of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma) released by T cells were
      also measured. The related factors of prognosis were analyzed by using
      multivariate logistic regression analysis. The results showed that pGSN
      concentrations, as well as the levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma, decreased markedly
      on PBD 1-21, whereas, the levels of IL-4 increased markedly in all burn groups as
      compared with normal controls (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and there were obviously
      differences between group I and group III (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The similar results
      were found in MODS patients and the non-survivor group as compared with those
      without MODS and the survival group on days 3-21 postburn (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
      Moreover, as the pGSN levels decreased, the incidence of septic complication as
      well as MODS remarkably increased. CONCLUSIONS: pGSN levels appear to be an early
      prognostic marker in patients suffering from major burns.

PMID- 22069446
TI  - Bayesian analysis of high-throughput quantitative measurement of protein-DNA
      interactions.
AB  - Transcriptional regulation depends upon the binding of transcription factor (TF)
      proteins to DNA in a sequence-dependent manner. Although many experimental
      methods address the interaction between DNA and proteins, they generally do not
      comprehensively and accurately assess the full binding repertoire (the complete
      set of sequences that might be bound with at least moderate strength). Here, we
      develop and evaluate through simulation an experimental approach that allows
      simultaneous high-throughput quantitative analysis of TF binding affinity to
      thousands of potential DNA ligands. Tens of thousands of putative binding targets
      can be mixed with a TF, and both the pre-bound and bound target pools sequenced.
      A hierarchical Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach determines posterior
      estimates for the dissociation constants, sequence-specific binding energies, and
      free TF concentrations. A unique feature of our approach is that dissociation
      constants are jointly estimated from their inferred degree of binding and from a
      model of binding energetics, depending on how many sequence reads are available
      and the explanatory power of the energy model. Careful experimental design is
      necessary to obtain accurate results over a wide range of dissociation constants.
      This approach, which we call Simultaneous Ultra high-throughput Ligand
      Dissociation EXperiment (SULDEX), is theoretically capable of rapid and accurate
      elucidation of an entire TF-binding repertoire.

PMID- 22069447
TI  - An evaluation of different target enrichment methods in pooled sequencing designs
      for complex disease association studies.
AB  - Pooled sequencing can be a cost-effective approach to disease variant discovery,
      but its applicability in association studies remains unclear. We compare sequence
      enrichment methods coupled to next-generation sequencing in non-indexed pools of
      1, 2, 10, 20 and 50 individuals and assess their ability to discover variants and
      to estimate their allele frequencies. We find that pooled resequencing is most
      usefully applied as a variant discovery tool due to limitations in estimating
      allele frequency with high enough accuracy for association studies, and that in
      solution hybrid-capture performs best among the enrichment methods examined
      regardless of pool size.

PMID- 22069448
TI  - A peptide of SPARC interferes with the interaction between caspase8 and Bcl2 to
      resensitize chemoresistant tumors and enhance their regression in vivo.
AB  - SPARC, a matricellular protein with tumor suppressor properties in certain human
      cancers, was initially identified in a genome-wide analysis of differentially
      expressed genes in chemotherapy resistance. Its exciting new role as a potential
      chemosensitizer arises from its ability to augment the apoptotic cascade,
      although the exact mechanisms are unclear. This study further examines the
      mechanism by which SPARC may be promoting apoptosis and identifies a smaller
      peptide analogue with greater chemosensitizing and tumor-regressing properties
      than the native protein. We examined the possibility that the apoptosis-enhancing
      activity of SPARC could reside within one of its three biological domains (N
      terminus (NT), the follistatin-like (FS), or extracellular (EC) domains), and
      identified the N-terminus as the region with its chemosensitizing properties.
      These results were not only confirmed by studies utilizing stable cell lines
      overexpressing the different domains of SPARC, but as well, with a synthetic 51
      aa peptide spanning the NT-domain. It revealed that the NT-domain induced a
      significantly greater reduction in cell viability than SPARC, and that it
      enhanced the apoptotic cascade via its activation of caspase 8. Moreover, in
      chemotherapy resistant human colon, breast and pancreatic cancer cells, its
      chemosensitizing properties also depended on its ability to dissociate Bcl2 from
      caspase 8. These observations translated to clinically significant findings in
      that, in-vivo, mouse tumor xenografts overexpressing the NT-domain of SPARC had
      significantly greater sensitivity to chemotherapy and tumor regression, even when
      compared to the highly-sensitive SPARC-overexpressing tumors. Our results
      identified an interplay between the NT-domain, Bcl2 and caspase 8 that helps
      augment apoptosis and as a consequence, a tumor's response to therapy. This NT
      domain of SPARC and its 51-aa peptide are highly efficacious in modulating and
      enhancing apoptosis, thereby conferring greater chemosensitivity to resistant
      tumors. Our findings provide additional insight into mechanisms involved in
      chemotherapy resistance and a potential novel therapeutic that specifically
      targets this devastating phenomenon.

PMID- 22069449
TI  - Pattern of amino acid substitutions in transmembrane domains of beta-barrel
      membrane proteins for detecting remote homologs in bacteria and mitochondria.
AB  - beta-barrel membrane proteins play an important role in controlling the exchange
      and transport of ions and organic molecules across bacterial and mitochondrial
      outer membranes. They are also major regulators of apoptosis and are important
      determinants of bacterial virulence. In contrast to beta-helical membrane
      proteins, their evolutionary pattern of residue substitutions has not been
      quantified, and there are no scoring matrices appropriate for their detection
      through sequence alignment. Using a Bayesian Monte Carlo estimator, we have
      calculated the instantaneous substitution rates of transmembrane domains of
      bacterial beta-barrel membrane proteins. The scoring matrices constructed from
      the estimated rates, called bbTM for beta-barrel Transmembrane Matrices, improve
      significantly the sensitivity in detecting homologs of beta-barrel membrane
      proteins, while avoiding erroneous selection of both soluble proteins and other
      membrane proteins of similar composition. The estimated evolutionary patterns are
      general and can detect beta-barrel membrane proteins very remote from those used
      for substitution rate estimation. Furthermore, despite the separation of 2-3
      billion years since the proto-mitochondrion entered the proto-eukaryotic cell,
      mitochondria outer membrane proteins in eukaryotes can also be detected
      accurately using these scoring matrices derived from bacteria. This is consistent
      with the suggestion that there is no eukaryote-specific signals for
      translocation. With these matrices, remote homologs of beta-barrel membrane
      proteins with known structures can be reliably detected at genome scale, allowing
      construction of high quality structural models of their transmembrane domains, at
      the rate of 131 structures per template protein. The scoring matrices will be
      useful for identification, classification, and functional inference of membrane
      proteins from genome and metagenome sequencing projects. The estimated
      substitution pattern will also help to identify key elements important for the
      structural and functional integrity of beta-barrel membrane proteins, and will
      aid in the design of mutagenesis studies.

PMID- 22069450
TI  - Oral vaccination of baculovirus-expressed VP28 displays enhanced protection
      against White Spot Syndrome Virus in Penaeus monodon.
AB  - White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is an infectious pathogen of shrimp and other
      crustaceans, and neither effective vaccines nor adequate treatments are currently
      available. WSSV is an enveloped dsDNA virus, and one of its major envelope
      proteins, VP28, plays a pivotal role in WSSV infection. In an attempt to develop
      a vaccine against WSSV, we inserted the VP28 gene into a baculovirus vector
      tailored to express VP28 on the baculovirus surface under the WSSV ie1 promoter
      (Bac-VP28). The Bac-VP28 incorporated abundant quantity (65.3 ug/ml) of VP28.
      Shrimp were treated by oral and immersion vaccination with either Bac-VP28 or
      wild-type baculovirus (Bac-wt). The treatment was followed by challenge with WSSV
      after 3 and 15 days. Bac-VP28 vaccinated shrimp showed significantly higher
      survival rates (oral: 81.7% and 76.7%; immersion: 75% and 68.4%) than Bac-wt or
      non-treated shrimp (100% mortality). To verify the protective effects of Bac
      VP28, we examined in vivo expression of VP28 by immunohistochemistry and
      quantified the WSSV copy number by qPCR. In addition to that, we quantified the
      expression levels shrimp genes LGBP and STAT by real-time RT-PCR from the samples
      obtained from Bac-VP28 vaccinated shrimp at different duration of vaccine regime.
      Our findings indicate that oral vaccination of shrimp with Bac-VP28 is an
      attractive preventative measure against WSSV infection that can be used in the
      field.

PMID- 22069451
TI  - Lack of adherence to isoniazid chemoprophylaxis in children in contact with
      adults with tuberculosis in Southern Ethiopia.
AB  - SETTING: Hawassa, Southern Region of Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES: To determine
      compliance to isoniazid (INH) preventive therapy (IPT) and its effectiveness in
      preventing (TB) disease in children in contact with adults with pulmonary TB
      (PTB). DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study of children <15 years old in
      contact with adults with smear-positive PTB. Asymptomatic children <=5 years were
      provided IPT independently of their Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) status and
      children >5 years old were given advice but did not receive IPT, as recommended
      by the National TB control programme. Compliance to IPT and incidence of clinical
      TB were determined monthly for six months and then quarterly for up to 30 months.
      RESULTS: One hundred and eighty four children in contact with 83 smear-positive
      PTB cases were identified. Eighty two were <=5 and 102>5 years old. Only 27 (33%)
      of 82 children given IPT took it for >4 months and 10 (12%) completed the 6-month
      course. The main reason for non-compliance was the perception that drugs were not
      necessary when the child was healthy. Eleven children (all except one >5 years
      old) developed symptoms of TB disease and initiated treatment, resulting in an
      incidence of 28.6 cases for all and 53.5 for children >5 years old per 1000
      children-year. CONCLUSION: Compliance to IPT in children is poor in Southern
      Region of Ethiopia and this was associated with the parents' perception of the
      low importance of chemoprophylaxis in asymptomatic children. Poor compliance
      might be an important barrier for the wider implementation of IPT. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00456469.

PMID- 22069452
TI  - Bilateral fronto-parietal integrity in young chronic cigarette smokers: a
      diffusion tensor imaging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable
      morbidity and mortality in China and other countries. Previous studies have
      demonstrated gray matter loss in chronic smokers. However, only a few studies
      assessed the changes of white matter integrity in this group. Based on those
      previous reports of alterations in white matter integrity in smokers, the aim of
      this study was to examine the alteration of white matter integrity in a large,
      well-matched sample of chronic smokers and non-smokers. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Using in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure the differences
      of whole-brain white matter integrity between 44 chronic smoking subjects (mean
      age, 28.0+/-5.6 years) and 44 healthy age- and sex-matched comparison non-smoking
      volunteers (mean age, 26.3+/-5.8 years). DTI was performed on a 3-Tesla Siemens
      scanner (Allegra; Siemens Medical System). The data revealed that smokers had
      higher fractional anisotropy (FA) than healthy non-smokers in almost
      symmetrically bilateral fronto-parietal tracts consisting of a major white matter
      pathway, the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We
      found the almost symmetrically bilateral fronto-parietal whiter matter changes in
      a relatively large sample of chronic smokers. These findings support the
      hypothesis that chronic cigarette smoking involves alterations of bilateral
      fronto-parietal connectivity.

PMID- 22069453
TI  - The birth-death-mutation process: a new paradigm for fat tailed distributions.
AB  - Fat tailed statistics and power-laws are ubiquitous in many complex systems.
      Usually the appearance of of a few anomalously successful individuals (bio
      species, investors, websites) is interpreted as reflecting some inherent
      "quality" (fitness, talent, giftedness) as in Darwin's theory of natural
      selection. Here we adopt the opposite, "neutral", outlook, suggesting that the
      main factor explaining success is merely luck. The statistics emerging from the
      neutral birth-death-mutation (BDM) process is shown to fit marvelously many
      empirical distributions. While previous neutral theories have focused on the
      power-law tail, our theory economically and accurately explains the entire
      distribution. We thus suggest the BDM distribution as a standard neutral model:
      effects of fitness and selection are to be identified by substantial deviations
      from it.

PMID- 22069454
TI  - Factors associated with elevated ALT in an international HIV/HBV co-infected
      cohort on long-term HAART.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      infection increases the risk for ALT elevations in HIV-HBV co-infected patients
      during the first year of HAART; however, there is limited data on the prevalence
      of ALT elevations with prolonged HAART in this patient group. METHODS/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: To identify factors associated with ALT elevations in an HIV-HBV co
      infected cohort receiving prolonged HAART, data from 143 co-infected patients on
      HAART enrolled in an international HIV-HBV co-infected cohort where ALT
      measurements were obtained every 6 months was analysed. A person-visit analysis
      was used to determine frequency of ALT elevation (>= 2.5*ULN) at each visit.
      Factors associated with ALT elevation were determined using multivariate logistic
      regression with generalized estimating equations to account for correlated data.
      The median time on HAART at the end of follow-up was 5.6 years (range 0.4-13.3)
      years. During follow-up, median ALT was 36 U/L with 10.6% of person-visits
      classified as having ALT elevation. Most ALT elevations were grade 2 (86.5%),
      with only 13.5% of all ALT elevations grade 3 or higher. Univariate associations
      with ALT elevation (p<0.05) included history of AIDS, HBV DNA >= 2,000 IU/ml,
      HBeAg positive, study visit CD4 <200 cells/ml and nadir CD4 <200 cells/ml. In the
      multivariate analysis, only study visit CD4 <200 cells/ml (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.04
      4.11, p = 0.04) and HBeAg positive status (OR 2.22, 95%CI 1.03-4.79, p = 0.04)
      were independently associated with ALT elevation. CONCLUSIONS: In this HIV-HBV co
      infected cohort, elevated ALT after >1 year of HAART was uncommon, and severe ALT
      elevations were rare. HIV-HBV co-infected patients on long-term HAART who are
      either HBeAg positive or have a CD4 count of <200 cells/ml are at increased risk
      for ALT elevations.

PMID- 22069455
TI  - Distribution of extracellular glutamate in the neuropil of hippocampus.
AB  - Reported values of extracellular glutamate concentrations in the resting state
      depend on the method of measurement and vary ~1000-fold. As glutamate levels in
      the micromolar range can cause receptor desensitization and excitotoxicity, and
      thus affect neuronal excitability, an accurate determination of ambient glutamate
      is important. Part of the variability of previous measurements may have resulted
      from the sampling of glutamate in different extracellular compartments, e.g.,
      synaptic versus extrasynaptic volumes. A steep concentration gradient of
      glutamate between these two compartments could be maintained, for example, by
      high densities of glutamate transporters arrayed at the edges of synapses. We
      have used two photon laser scanning microscopy and electrophysiology to
      investigate whether extracellular glutamate is compartmentalized in acute
      hippocampal slices. Pharmacological blockade of NMDARs had no effect on Ca(2+)
      transients generated in dendritic shafts or spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons by
      depolarization, suggesting that ambient glutamate is too low to activate a
      significant number of NMDARs. Furthermore, blockade of transporters did not flood
      the synapse with glutamate, indicating that synaptic NMDARs are not protected
      from high concentrations of extrasynaptic glutamate. We suggest that, in the CA1
      region of hippocampus, glutamate transporters do not create a privileged space
      within the synapse but rather keep ambient glutamate at very low levels
      throughout the neuropil.

PMID- 22069456
TI  - When tuberculosis comes back: who develops recurrent tuberculosis in california?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent tuberculosis suggests potentially modifiable gaps in
      tuberculosis treatment and control activities. The frequency of late recurrences
      following treatment completion has not been well-studied. We determined the
      frequency of, and risk factors associated with, tuberculosis that recurs at least
      one year after completion of anti-tuberculosis therapy in California. METHODS:
      The study population included culture-positive, pulmonary tuberculosis patients
      reported to the California tuberculosis case registry from 1993 to 2007 who
      completed anti-tuberculosis therapy. A person with late recurrent tuberculosis
      was defined as an individual that appeared in the registry more than once,
      determined by match on name and date-of-birth, with at least one year between
      treatment completion of the first episode and treatment initiation of the second
      episode. RESULTS: Among 23,517 tuberculosis patients, 148 (0.63%) had a late
      recurrence. Independent risk factors for recurrence included: infection with a
      pyrazinamide mono-resistant isolate (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.93; p = 0.019);
      initiation of an isoniazid- and rifampin-only treatment regimen (adjusted hazard
      ratio, 2.55; p = 0.0412); sputum smear-positive disease (adjusted hazard ratio,
      1.96; p = 0.0003); human immunodeficiency virus infection (adjusted hazard ratio,
      1.81; p = 0.0149); and birth in the United States (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.88; p
      = 0.0002). Infection with an isoniazid mono-resistant isolate was protective
      (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.25; p = 0.0171). CONCLUSIONS: The low frequency of late
      recurrent tuberculosis in California suggests that local TB control programs are
      largely successful at preventing this adverse outcome. Nonetheless, we identified
      subpopulations at increased risk of late tuberculosis recurrence that may benefit
      from additional medical or public health interventions.

PMID- 22069457
TI  - Genetic linkage map of a high yielding FELDA deli*yangambi oil palm cross.
AB  - Enroute to mapping QTLs for yield components in oil palm, we constructed the
      linkage map of a FELDA high yielding oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), hybrid cross.
      The parents of the mapping population are a Deli dura and a pisifera of Yangambi
      origin. The cross out-yielded the average by 8-21% in four trials all of which
      yielded comparably to the best current commercial planting materials. The higher
      yield derived from a higher fruit oil content. SSR markers in the public domain -
      from CIRAD and MPOB, as well as some developed in FELDA - were used for the
      mapping, augmented by locally-designed AFLP markers. The female parent linkage
      map comprised 317 marker loci and the male parent map 331 loci, both in 16
      linkage groups each. The number of markers per group ranged from 8-47 in the
      former and 12-40 in the latter. The integrated map was 2,247.5 cM long and
      included 479 markers and 168 anchor points. The number of markers per linkage
      group was 15-57, the average being 29, and the average map density 4.7 cM. The
      linkage groups ranged in length from 77.5 cM to 223.7 cM, with an average of 137
      cM. The map is currently being validated against a closely related population and
      also being expanded to include yield related QTLs.

PMID- 22069458
TI  - Circuit specific functions of cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the balance of
      investigatory drive and exploration.
AB  - Well balanced novelty seeking and exploration are fundamental behaviours for
      survival and are found to be dysfunctional in several psychiatric disorders.
      Recent studies suggest that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an important
      control system for investigatory drive. Pharmacological treatment of rodents with
      cannabinergic drugs results in altered social and object investigation.
      Interestingly, contradictory results have been obtained, depending on the
      treatment, drug concentration and experimental conditions. The cannabinoid type 1
      (CB1) receptor, a central component of the eCB system, is predominantly found at
      the synapses of two opposing neuronal populations, i.e. on inhibitory GABAergic
      and excitatory glutamatergic neurons. In the present study, using different
      transgenic mouse lines, we aimed at investigating the impact of CB1 receptor
      inactivation in glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons on investigatory behaviour. We
      evaluated animate (interaction partner) and inanimate (object) exploratory
      behaviour in three different paradigms. We show that exploration was increased
      when CB1 receptor was deleted from cortical and striatal GABAergic neurons. No
      effect was observed when CB1 receptor was deleted specifically from dopamine
      receptor D1-expressing striatal GABAergic medium spiny neurons. In contrast,
      deletion of CB1 receptor from cortical glutamatergic neurons resulted in a
      decreased exploration. Thus, our results indicate that exploratory behaviour is
      accurately balanced in both, the social and non-social context, by the eCB system
      via CB1 receptor activation on cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. In
      addition, the results could explain the contradictory findings of previous
      pharmacological studies and could further suggest a possibility to readjust an
      imbalance in exploratory behaviour observed in psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22069459
TI  - Adhesive F-actin waves: a novel integrin-mediated adhesion complex coupled to
      ventral actin polymerization.
AB  - At the leading lamellipodium of migrating cells, protrusion of an Arp2/3
      nucleated actin network is coupled to formation of integrin-based adhesions,
      suggesting that Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization and integrin-dependent
      adhesion may be mechanistically linked. Arp2/3 also mediates actin polymerization
      in structures distinct from the lamellipodium, in "ventral F-actin waves" that
      propagate as spots and wavefronts along the ventral plasma membrane. Here we show
      that integrins engage the extracellular matrix downstream of ventral F-actin
      waves in several mammalian cell lines as well as in primary mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts. These "adhesive F-actin waves" require a cycle of integrin
      engagement and disengagement to the extracellular matrix for their formation and
      propagation, and exhibit morphometry and a hierarchical assembly and disassembly
      mechanism distinct from other integrin-containing structures. After Arp2/3
      mediated actin polymerization, zyxin and VASP are co-recruited to adhesive F
      actin waves, followed by paxillin and vinculin, and finally talin and integrin.
      Adhesive F-actin waves thus represent a previously uncharacterized integrin-based
      adhesion complex associated with Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization.

PMID- 22069460
TI  - Development of an RNA interference tool, characterization of its target, and an
      ecological test of caste differentiation in the eusocial wasp polistes.
AB  - Recent advancements in genomics provide new tools for evolutionary ecological
      research. The paper wasp genus Polistes is a model for social insect evolution
      and behavioral ecology. We developed RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene
      silencing to explore proposed connections between expression of hexameric storage
      proteins and worker vs. gyne (potential future foundress) castes in naturally
      founded colonies of P. metricus. We extended four fragments of putative hexamerin
      encoding P. metricus transcripts acquired from a previous study and fully
      sequenced a gene that encodes Hexamerin 2, one of two proposed hexameric storage
      proteins of P. metricus. MALDI-TOF/TOF, LC-MSMS, deglycosylation, and detection
      of phosphorylation assays showed that the two putative hexamerins diverge in
      peptide sequence and biochemistry. We targeted the hexamerin 2 gene in 5(th)
      (last)-instar larvae by feeding RNAi-inducing double-stranded hexamerin 2 RNA
      directly to larvae in naturally-founded colonies in the field. Larval development
      and adult traits were not significantly altered in hexamerin 2 knockdowns, but
      there were suggestive trends toward increased developmental time and less
      developed ovaries, which are gyne characteristics. By demonstrating how data
      acquisition from 454/Roche pyrosequencing can be combined with biochemical and
      proteomics assays and how RNAi can be deployed successfully in field experiments
      on Polistes, our results pave the way for functional genomic research that can
      contribute significantly to learning the interactions of environment,
      development, and the roles they play in paper wasp evolution and behavioral
      ecology.

PMID- 22069461
TI  - Video game playing is independently associated with blood pressure and lipids in
      overweight and obese adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between duration and type of screen time
      (TV, video games, computer time) and blood pressure (BP) and lipids in overweight
      and obese adolescents. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study of 282 overweight
      or obese adolescents aged 14-18 years (86 males, 196 females) assessed at
      baseline prior to beginning a lifestyle intervention study for weight control.
      Sedentary behaviours, defined as hours per day spent watching TV, playing video
      games, recreational computer use and total screen time were measured by self
      report. We examined the associations between sedentary behaviours and BP and
      lipids using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Seated video gaming was the
      only sedentary behaviour associated with elevated BP and lipids before and after
      adjustment for age, sex, pubertal stage, parental education, body mass index
      (BMI), caloric intake, percent intake in dietary fat, physical activity (PA)
      duration, and PA intensity. Specifically, video gaming remained positively
      associated with systolic BP (adjusted r = 0.13, beta = 1.1, p<0.05) and total
      cholesterol/HDL ratio (adjusted r = 0.12, beta = 0.14, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Playing video games was the only form of sedentary behaviour that was
      independently associated with increased BP and lipids. Our findings provide
      support for reducing time spent playing seated video games as a possible means to
      promote health and prevent the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk
      factors in this high risk group of overweight and obese adolescents. Future
      research is needed to first replicate these findings and subsequently aim to
      elucidate the mechanisms linking seated video gaming and elevated BP and lipids
      in this high risk population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00195858.

PMID- 22069462
TI  - Analogous mechanisms of resistance to benzothiazinones and dinitrobenzamides in
      Mycobacterium smegmatis.
AB  - Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of death worldwide. The selection and
      spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively
      drug-resistant strains (XDR-TB) is a severe public health problem. Recently, two
      different classes of chemical series, the benzothiazinones (BTZ) and the
      dinitrobenzamide (DNB) derivatives have been found to be highly active against M.
      tuberculosis, including XDR-TB strains. The target of BTZs is DprE1 protein which
      works in concert with DprE2 to form the heteromeric decaprenylphosphoryl-beta-D
      ribose 2'-epimerase, involved in Decaprenyl-Phospho-Arabinose (DPA) biosynthesis.
      Interestingly, it has been shown that the DNBs block the same pathway thus
      suggesting that both drugs could share the same target. Moreover, in
      Mycobacterium smegmatis the overexpression of the NfnB nitroreductase led to the
      inactivation of the BTZs by reduction of a critical nitro-group to an amino
      group. In this work several spontaneous M. smegmatis mutants resistant to DNBs
      were isolated. Sixteen mutants, showing high levels of DNB resistance, exhibited
      a mutation in the Cys394 of DprE1. Using fluorescence titration and mass
      spectrometry it has been possible to monitor the binding between DprE1 and DNBs,
      achieving direct evidence that MSMEG_6382 is the cellular target of DNBs in
      mycobacteria. Additionally, M. smegmatis mutants having low levels of resistance
      to DNBs harbor various mutations in MSMEG_6503 gene encoding the transcriptional
      repressor of the nitroreductase NfnB. By LC/MS analysis it has been demonstrated
      that NfnB is responsible for DNB inactivation. Taken together, our data
      demonstrate that both DNB and BTZ drugs share common resistance mechanisms in M.
      smegmatis.

PMID- 22069463
TI  - APOE genotype and cardio-respiratory fitness interact to determine adiposity in 8
      year-old children from the Tasmanian Infant Health Survey.
AB  - APOE plays a well established role in lipid metabolism. Animal model evidence
      suggests APOE may also be associated with adiposity, but this has not been
      thoroughly investigated in humans. We measured adiposity (BMI, truncal fat mass,
      waist circumference), physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory fitness and APOE
      genotype (E2, E3, E4) in 292 8-year-old children from the Tasmanian Infant Health
      Survey (TIHS), an Australian population-based prospective birth cohort. Our aims
      were to examine the association of APOE with child adiposity, and to examine the
      interplay between this association and other measured factors. We found that APOE
      was associated with child lipid profiles. APOE was also associated with child
      adiposity measures. The association was E4 allele-specific, with adiposity lower
      in the E4-containing group (BMI: Mean difference -0.90 kg/m2; 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) -1.51, -0.28; p = 0.004). The association of APOE4 with lower BMI
      differed by fitness status (difference in effect p = 0.002), and was more evident
      among the less fit (mean difference -1.78 kg/m2; 95% CI -2.74, -0.83; p<0.001).
      Additionally, associations between BMI and lipids were only apparent in those of
      lower fitness who did not carry APOE4. Similar overall findings were observed
      when truncal fat mass and waist circumference were used as alternative adiposity
      measures. APOE4 and cardiorespitatory fitness could interact to influence child
      adiposity. In studies addressing the genetic determinants of childhood obesity,
      the context of child fitness should also be taken into account.

PMID- 22069464
TI  - Hypotheses of spatial stock structure in orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
      inferred from diet, feeding, condition, and reproductive activity.
AB  - We evaluate hypotheses for meso-scale spatial structure in an orange roughy
      (Hoplostethus atlanticus) stock using samples collected during research trawl
      surveys off the east coast of New Zealand. Distance-based linear models and
      generalised additive models were used to identify the most significant
      biological, environmental, and temporal predictors of variability in diet,
      proportion of stomachs containing prey, standardised weight of prey, fish somatic
      weight, fish total weight, and reproductive activity. The diet was similar to
      that observed elsewhere, and varied with ontogeny, depth, and surface water
      temperature. Smaller sized and female orange roughy in warmer bottom water were
      most likely to contain food. Fish condition and reproductive activity were
      highest at distances more than 20 km from the summit of the hills. Trawl survey
      catches indicated greater orange roughy densities in hill strata, suggesting hill
      habitat was favoured. However, analyses of feeding, condition, and reproductive
      activity indicated hill fish were not superior, despite fish densities on hills
      being reduced by fishing which, in principle, should have reduced intra-specific
      competition for food and other resources. Hypotheses for this result include: (1)
      fish in relatively poor condition visit hills to feed and regain condition and
      then leave, or (2) commercial fishing has disturbed feeding aggregations and/or
      caused habitat damage, making fished hills less productive. Mature orange roughy
      were observed on both flat and hill habitat during periods outside of spawning,
      and if this spatial structure was persistent then a proportion of the total
      spawning stock biomass would remain unavailable to fisheries targeting hills.
      Orange roughy stock assessments informed only by data from hills may well be
      misleading.

PMID- 22069465
TI  - Segtor: rapid annotation of genomic coordinates and single nucleotide variations
      using segment trees.
AB  - Various research projects often involve determining the relative position of
      genomic coordinates, intervals, single nucleotide variations (SNVs), insertions,
      deletions and translocations with respect to genes and their potential impact on
      protein translation. Due to the tremendous increase in throughput brought by the
      use of next-generation sequencing, investigators are routinely faced with the
      need to annotate very large datasets. We present Segtor, a tool to annotate large
      sets of genomic coordinates, intervals, SNVs, indels and translocations. Our tool
      uses segment trees built using the start and end coordinates of the genomic
      features the user wishes to use instead of storing them in a database management
      system. The software also produces annotation statistics to allow users to
      visualize how many coordinates were found within various portions of genes. Our
      system currently can be made to work with any species available on the UCSC
      Genome Browser. Segtor is a suitable tool for groups, especially those with
      limited access to programmers or with interest to analyze large amounts of
      individual genomes, who wish to determine the relative position of very large
      sets of mapped reads and subsequently annotate observed mutations between the
      reads and the reference. Segtor (http://lbbc.inca.gov.br/segtor/) is an open
      source tool that can be freely downloaded for non-profit use. We also provide a
      web interface for testing purposes.

PMID- 22069466
TI  - An inducible cell-cell fusion system with integrated ability to measure the
      efficiency and specificity of HIV-1 entry inhibitors.
AB  - HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs) mediate virus entry by fusing the viral and
      target cell membranes, a multi-step process that represents an attractive target
      for inhibition. Entry inhibitors with broad-range activity against diverse
      isolates of HIV-1 may be extremely useful as lead compounds for the development
      of therapies or prophylactic microbicides. To facilitate the identification of
      such inhibitors, we have constructed a cell-cell fusion system capable of
      simultaneously monitoring inhibition efficiency and specificity. In this system,
      effector cells stably express a tetracycline-controlled transactivator (tTA) that
      enables tightly inducible expression of both HIV-1 Env and the Renilla luciferase
      (R-Luc) reporter protein. Target cells express the HIV-1 receptors, CD4 and CCR5,
      and carry the firefly luciferase (F-Luc) reporter gene under the control of a tTA
      responsive promoter. Thus, Env-mediated fusion of these two cell types allows the
      tTA to diffuse to the target cell and activate the expression of the F-Luc
      protein. The efficiency with which an inhibitor blocks cell-cell fusion is
      measured by a decrease in the F-Luc activity, while the specificity of the
      inhibitor is evaluated by its effect on the R-Luc activity. The system exhibited
      a high dynamic range and high Z'-factor values. The assay was validated with a
      reference panel of inhibitors that target different steps in HIV-1 entry,
      yielding inhibitory concentrations comparable to published virus inhibition data.
      Our system is suitable for large-scale screening of chemical libraries and can
      also be used for detailed characterization of inhibitory and cytotoxic properties
      of known entry inhibitors.

PMID- 22069467
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic modifications of Sox2 contribute to the invasive phenotype
      of malignant gliomas.
AB  - We undertook this study to understand how the transcription factor Sox2
      contributes to the malignant phenotype of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most
      aggressive primary brain tumor. We initially looked for unbalanced genomic
      rearrangements in the Sox2 locus in 42 GBM samples and found that Sox2 was
      amplified in 11.5% and overexpressed in all the samples. These results prompted
      us to further investigate the mechanisms involved in Sox2 overexpression in GBM.
      We analyzed the methylation status of the Sox2 promoter because high CpG density
      promoters are associated with key developmental genes. The Sox2 promoter
      presented a CpG island that was hypomethylated in all the patient samples when
      compared to normal cell lines. Treatment of Sox2-negative glioma cell lines with
      5-azacitidine resulted in the re-expression of Sox2 and in a change in the
      methylation status of the Sox2 promoter. We further confirmed these results by
      analyzing data from GBM cases generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas project. We
      observed Sox2 overexpression (86%; N = 414), Sox2 gene amplification (8.5%; N =
      492), and Sox 2 promoter hypomethylation (100%; N = 258), suggesting the
      relevance of this factor in the malignant phenotype of GBMs. To further explore
      the role of Sox2, we performed in vitro analysis with brain tumor stem cells
      (BTSCs) and established glioma cell lines. Downmodulation of Sox2 in BTSCs
      resulted in the loss of their self-renewal properties. Surprisingly, ectopic
      expression of Sox2 in established glioma cells was not sufficient to support self
      renewal, suggesting that additional factors are required. Furthermore, we
      observed that ectopic Sox2 expression was sufficient to induce invasion and
      migration of glioma cells, and knockdown experiments demonstrated that Sox2 was
      essential for maintaining these properties. Altogether, our data underscore the
      importance of a pleiotropic role of Sox2 and suggest that it could be used as a
      therapeutic target in GBM.

PMID- 22069468
TI  - Status of B-vitamins and homocysteine in diabetic retinopathy: association with
      vitamin-B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common cause of blindness. Although many studies
      have indicated an association between homocysteine and DR, the results so far
      have been equivocal. Amongst the many determinants of homocysteine, B-vitamin
      status was shown to be a major confounding factor, yet very little is known about
      its relationship to DR. In the present study, we, therefore, investigated the
      status of B-vitamins and homocysteine in DR. A cross-sectional case-control study
      was conducted with 100 normal control (CN) subjects and 300 subjects with type-2
      diabetes (T2D). Of the 300 subjects with T2D, 200 had retinopathy (DR) and 100
      did not (DNR). After a complete ophthalmic examination including fundus
      fluorescein angiography, the clinical profile and the blood levels of all B
      vitamins and homocysteine were analyzed. While mean plasma homocysteine levels
      were found to be higher in T2D patients compared with CN subjects, homocysteine
      levels were particularly high in the DR group. There were no group differences in
      the blood levels of vitamins B1 and B2. Although the plasma vitamin-B6 and folic
      acid levels were significantly lower in the DNR and DR groups compared with the
      CN group, there were no significant differences between the diabetes groups.
      Interestingly, plasma vitamin-B12 levels were found to be significantly lower in
      the diabetes groups compared with the CN group; further, the levels were
      significantly lower in the DR group compared with the DNR group. Higher
      homocysteine levels were significantly associated with lower vitamin-B12 and
      folic acid but not with other B-vitamins. Additionally, hyperhomocysteinemia and
      vitamin-B12 deficiency did not seem to be related to subjects' age, body mass
      index, or duration of diabetes. These results thus suggest a possible association
      between vitamin-B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia in DR. Further, the data
      indicate that vitamin-B12 deficiency could be an independent risk factor for DR.

PMID- 22069469
TI  - Platelets retain high levels of active plasminogen activator inhibitor 1.
AB  - The vascular fibrinolytic system is crucial for spontaneous lysis of blood clots.
      Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), the principal inhibitor of the key
      fibrinolytic enzyme tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), is present in
      platelets at high concentrations. However, the majority of PAI-1 stored in
      platelets has been considered to be inactive. Our recent finding (Brogren H, et
      al. Blood 2004) that PAI-1 de novo synthesized in platelets remained active for
      over 24 h, suggested that PAI-1 stored in the alpha-granules might be active to a
      larger extent than previously reported. To re-evaluate this issue, we performed
      experiments where the fraction of active PAI-1 was estimated by analyzing the tPA
      PAI-1 complex formation. In these experiments platelets were lysed with Triton X
      100 in the presence of serial dilutions of tPA and subsequently the tPA-PAI-1
      complex was evaluated by Western blot. Also, using a non-immunologic assay, tPA
      was labeled with (125)I, and (125)I-tPA and (125)I-tPA-PAI-1 was quantified by
      scintigraphy. Interestingly, both methods demonstrated that the majority (>50%)
      of platelet PAI-1 is active. Further analyses suggested that pre-analytical
      procedures used in previous studies (sonication or freezing/thawing) may have
      substantially reduced the activity of platelet PAI-1, which has lead to an
      underestimation of the proportion of active PAI-1. Our in vitro results are more
      compatible with the role of PAI-1 in clot stabilization as demonstrated in
      physiological and pathophysiological studies.

PMID- 22069470
TI  - The molecular basis for the broad substrate specificity of human sulfotransferase
      1A1.
AB  - Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) are mammalian enzymes that detoxify a wide
      variety of chemicals through the addition of a sulfate group. Despite extensive
      research, the molecular basis for the broad specificity of SULTs is still not
      understood. Here, structural, protein engineering and kinetic approaches were
      employed to obtain deep understanding of the molecular basis for the broad
      specificity, catalytic activity and substrate inhibition of SULT1A1. We have
      determined five new structures of SULT1A1 in complex with different acceptors,
      and utilized a directed evolution approach to generate SULT1A1 mutants with
      enhanced thermostability and increased catalytic activity. We found that active
      site plasticity enables binding of different acceptors and identified dramatic
      structural changes in the SULT1A1 active site leading to the binding of a second
      acceptor molecule in a conserved yet non-productive manner. Our combined approach
      highlights the dominant role of SULT1A1 structural flexibility in controlling the
      specificity and activity of this enzyme.

PMID- 22069472
TI  - Interferon-gamma release assays for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in HIV
      infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) have provided a new method
      for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, the role of
      IGRAs for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB), especially in HIV-infected
      patients remains unclear. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane
      databases to identify studies published in January 2001-July 2011 that evaluated
      the evidence of using QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB (T
      SPOT) on blood for the diagnosis of active TB in HIV-infected patients. RESULTS:
      The search identified 16 eligible studies that included 2801 HIV-infected
      individuals (637 culture confirmed TB cases). The pooled sensitivity for the
      diagnosis of active TB was 76.7% (95%CI, 71.6-80.5%) and 77.4% (95%CI, 71.4
      82.6%) for QFT-GIT and T-SPOT, respectively, while the specificity was 76.1%
      (95%CI, 74.0-78.0%) and 63.1% (95%CI, 57.6-68.3%) after excluding the
      indeterminate results. Studies conducted in low/middle income countries showed
      slightly lower sensitivity and specificity when compared to that in high-income
      countries. The proportion of indeterminate results was as high as 10% (95%CI, 8.8
      11.3%) and 13.2% (95%CI, 10.6-16.0%) for QFT-GIT and T-SPOT, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: IGRAs in their current formulations have limited accuracy in
      diagnosing active TB in HIV-infected patients, and should not be used alone to
      rule out or rule in active TB cases in HIV-infected patients. Further
      modification is needed to improve their accuracy.

PMID- 22069471
TI  - Multiple doublesex-related genes specify critical cell fates in a C. elegans male
      neural circuit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In most animal species, males and females exhibit differences in
      behavior and morphology that relate to their respective roles in reproduction. DM
      (Doublesex/MAB-3) domain transcription factors are phylogenetically conserved
      regulators of sexual development. They are thought to establish sexual traits by
      sex-specifically modifying the activity of general developmental programs.
      However, there are few examples where the details of these interactions are
      known, particularly in the nervous system. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In
      this study, we show that two C. elegans DM domain genes, dmd-3 and mab-23,
      regulate sensory and muscle cell development in a male neural circuit required
      for mating. Using genetic approaches, we show that in the circuit sensory
      neurons, dmd-3 and mab-23 establish the correct pattern of dopaminergic (DA) and
      cholinergic (ACh) fate. We find that the ETS-domain transcription factor gene ast
      1, a non-sex-specific, phylogenetically conserved activator of dopamine
      biosynthesis gene transcription, is broadly expressed in the circuit sensory
      neuron population. However, dmd-3 and mab-23 repress its activity in most cells,
      promoting ACh fate instead. A subset of neurons, preferentially exposed to a TGF
      beta ligand, escape this repression because signal transduction pathway activity
      in these cells blocks dmd-3/mab-23 function, allowing DA fate to be established.
      Through optogenetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that the sensory and
      muscle cell characteristics controlled by dmd-3 and mab-23 are crucial for
      circuit function. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In the C. elegans male, DM domain
      genes dmd-3 and mab-23 regulate expression of cell sub-type characteristics that
      are critical for mating success. In particular, these factors limit the number of
      DA neurons in the male nervous system by sex-specifically regulating a
      phylogenetically conserved dopamine biosynthesis gene transcription factor.
      Homologous interactions between vertebrate counterparts could regulate sex
      differences in neuron sub-type populations in the brain.

PMID- 22069473
TI  - Complement and the alternative pathway play an important role in LPS/D-GalN
      induced fulminant hepatic failure.
AB  - Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a clinically severe type of liver injury with
      an extremely high mortality rate. Although the pathological mechanisms of FHF are
      not well understood, evidence suggests that the complement system is involved in
      the pathogenesis of a variety of liver disorders. In the present study, to
      investigate the role of complement in FHF, we examined groups of mice following
      intraperitoneal injection of LPS/D-GalN: wild-type C57BL/6 mice, wild-type mice
      treated with a C3aR antagonist, C5aR monoclonal antibody (C5aRmAb) or CR2-Factor
      H (CR2-fH, an inhibitor of the alternative pathway), and C3 deficient mice (C3-/-
      mice). The animals were euthanized and samples analyzed at specific times after
      LPS/D-GalN injection. The results show that intraperitoneal administration of
      LPS/D-GalN activated the complement pathway, as evidenced by the hepatic
      deposition of C3 and C5b-9 and elevated serum levels of the complement activation
      product C3a, the level of which was associated with the severity of the liver
      damage. C3a receptor (C3aR) and C5a receptor (C5aR) expression was also
      upregulated. Compared with wild-type mice, C3-/- mice survived significantly
      longer and displayed reduced liver inflammation and attenuated pathological
      damage following LPS/D-GalN injection. Similar levels of protection were seen in
      mice treated with C3aR antagonist,C5aRmAb or CR2-fH. These data indicate an
      important role for the C3a and C5a generated by the alternative pathway in LPS/D
      GalN-induced FHF. The data further suggest that complement inhibition may be an
      effective strategy for the adjunctive treatment of fulminant hepatic failure.

PMID- 22069474
TI  - Pulmonary embolism incidence and fatality trends in chinese hospitals from 1997
      to 2008: a multicenter registration study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has not been sufficient evidence to support the Asians being
      less susceptible to pulmonary embolism (PE) than other ethnicities, because the
      prevalence of PE/deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in different racial and ethnic
      groups has not been carefully studied until recently except in Caucasians. To
      test the hypothesis that the Chinese population has a lower risk for PE, this
      study comprehensively assessed the hospital-based incidence and case fatality
      rates for PE during the 1997-2008 in China. METHODS: A registration study of
      patients with suspected PE syndromes admitted to 60 level-3 hospitals involved in
      the National Cooperative Project for the Prevention and Treatment of Venous
      Thromboembolism (NCPPT) was conducted from January 1997 to December 2008. The
      only exclusion criterion was an age of less than 18 years. Helical computed
      tomography scan, ventilation-perfusion lung scintigraphy or pulmonary angiography
      was carried out before or after hospitalization. All images were reviewed and
      evaluated independently by two specialists. RESULTS: A total of 18,206 patients
      were confirmed with PE from 16,972,182 hospital admissions. The annual incidence
      was 0.1% (95% CI: 0.1% to 0.2%). The overall incidence of PE in male patients
      (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.1% to 0.3%) was higher than that in female patients (0.1% and
      95% CI: 0.0% to 0.1%). An increasing incidence gradient for PE was noticed from
      Southern to Northern China. In addition, the case fatality rate was apparently
      decreasing: 25.1% (95% CI: 16.2% to 36.9%) in 1997 to 8.7% (95% CI: 3.5% to
      15.8%) in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the relatively stable PE
      incidence and decreasing fatality trends in Chinese hospitals may be partially
      attributable to the implementation of the NCCPT and suggest the government should
      reevaluate the severity of PE so that health resources for the prevention,
      diagnosis and treatment of PE could be used to their fullest.

PMID- 22069475
TI  - Does speciation between Arabidopsis halleri and Arabidopsis lyrata coincide with
      major changes in a molecular target of adaptation?
AB  - Ever since Darwin proposed natural selection as the driving force for the origin
      of species, the role of adaptive processes in speciation has remained
      controversial. In particular, a largely unsolved issue is whether key divergent
      ecological adaptations are associated with speciation events or evolve
      secondarily within sister species after the split. The plant Arabidopsis halleri
      is one of the few species able to colonize soils highly enriched in zinc and
      cadmium. Recent advances in the molecular genetics of adaptation show that the
      physiology of this derived ecological trait involves copy number expansions of
      the AhHMA4 gene, for which orthologs are found in single copy in the closely
      related A. lyrata and the outgroup A. thaliana. To gain insight into the
      speciation process, we ask whether adaptive molecular changes at this candidate
      gene were contemporary with important stages of the speciation process. We first
      inferred the scenario and timescale of speciation by comparing patterns of
      variation across the genomic backgrounds of A. halleri and A. lyrata. Then, we
      estimated the timing of the first duplication of AhHMA4 in A. halleri. Our
      analysis suggests that the historical split between the two species closely
      coincides with major changes in this molecular target of adaptation in the A.
      halleri lineage. These results clearly indicate that these changes evolved in A.
      halleri well before industrial activities fostered the spread of Zn- and Cd
      polluted areas, and suggest that adaptive processes related to heavy-metal
      homeostasis played a major role in the speciation process.

PMID- 22069476
TI  - Fast and cost-effective mining of microsatellite markers using NGS technology: an
      example of a Korean water deer Hydropotes inermis argyropus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microsatellites, a special class of repetitive DNA sequence, have
      become one of the most popular genetic markers for population/conservation
      genetic studies. However, its application to endangered species has been impeded
      by high development costs, a lack of available sequences, and technical
      difficulties. The water deer Hydropotes inermis is the sole existing endangered
      species of the subfamily Capreolinae. Although population genetics studies are
      urgently required for conservation management, no species-specific microsatellite
      marker has been reported. METHODS: We adopted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to
      elucidate the microsatellite markers of Korean water deer and overcome these
      impediments on marker developments. We performed genotyping to determine the
      efficiency of this method as applied to population genetics. RESULTS: We obtained
      98 Mbp of nucleotide information from 260,467 sequence reads. A total of 20,101
      di-/tri-nucleotide repeat motifs were identified; di-repeats were 5.9-fold more
      common than tri-repeats. [CA](n) and [AAC](n)/[AAT](n) repeats were the most
      frequent di- and tri-repeats, respectively. Of the 17,206 di-repeats, 12,471
      microsatellite primer pairs were derived. PCR amplification of 400 primer pairs
      yielded 106 amplicons and 79 polymorphic markers from 20 individual Korean water
      deer. Polymorphic rates of the 79 new microsatellites varied from 2 to 11 alleles
      per locus (H(e): 0.050-0.880; H(o): 0.000-1.000), while those of known
      microsatellite markers transferred from cattle to Chinese water deer ranged from
      4 to 6 alleles per locus (H(e): 0.279-0.714; H(o): 0.300-0.400). CONCLUSIONS:
      Polymorphic microsatellite markers from Korean water deer were successfully
      identified using NGS without any prior sequence information and deposited into
      the public database. Thus, the methods described herein represent a rapid and low
      cost way to investigate the population genetics of endangered/non-model species.

PMID- 22069477
TI  - Adjuvant chemotherapy, with or without taxanes, in early or operable breast
      cancer: a meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials with 30698 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taxanes have been extensively used as adjuvant chemotherapy for the
      treatment of early or operable breast cancer, particularly in high risk, node
      negative breast cancer. Previous studies, however, have reported inconsistent
      findings regarding their clinical efficacy and safety. We investigated disease
      free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and drug-related toxicities of
      taxanes by a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Center Register
      of Controlled Trials, proceedings of major meetings, and reference lists of
      articles for studies conducted between January 1980 and April 2011. Randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemotherapy with and without taxanes in the
      treatment of patients with early-stage or operable breast cancer were eligible
      for inclusion in our analysis. The primary endpoint was DFS. Nineteen RCTs
      including 30698 patients were identified, including 8426 recurrence events and
      3803 deaths. Taxanes administration yielded a 17% reduction of hazard ratio (HR)
      for DFS (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.88, p<0.001) and a 17% reduction of HR for OS
      (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.90, p<0.001). For high risk, node-negative breast
      cancer, the pooled HR also favoured the taxane-based treatment arm over the
      taxane-free treatment arm (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.87, p = 0.022). A
      significantly increased rate of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, fatigue,
      diarrhea, stomatitis, and oedema was observed in the taxane-based treatment arm.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Adjuvant chemotherapy with taxanes could reduce the
      risk of cancer recurrence and death in patients with early or operable breast
      cancer, although the drug-related toxicities should be balanced. Furthermore, we
      also demonstrated that patients with high risk, node-negative breast cancer also
      benefited from taxanes therapy, a result that was not observed in previous
      studies.

PMID- 22069478
TI  - TOPAZ1, a novel germ cell-specific expressed gene conserved during evolution
      across vertebrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We had previously reported that the Suppression Subtractive
      Hybridization (SSH) approach was relevant for the isolation of new mammalian
      genes involved in oogenesis and early follicle development. Some of these
      transcripts might be potential new oocyte and granulosa cell markers. We have now
      characterized one of them, named TOPAZ1 for the Testis and Ovary-specific PAZ
      domain gene. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Sheep and mouse TOPAZ1 mRNA have 4,803 bp and
      4,962 bp open reading frames (20 exons), respectively, and encode putative TOPAZ1
      proteins containing 1,600 and 1653 amino acids. They possess PAZ and CCCH
      domains. In sheep, TOPAZ1 mRNA is preferentially expressed in females during
      fetal life with a peak during prophase I of meiosis, and in males during
      adulthood. In the mouse, Topaz1 is a germ cell-specific gene. TOPAZ1 protein is
      highly conserved in vertebrates and specifically expressed in mouse and sheep
      gonads. It is localized in the cytoplasm of germ cells from the sheep fetal ovary
      and mouse adult testis. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a novel PAZ-domain
      protein that is abundantly expressed in the gonads during germ cell meiosis. The
      expression pattern of TOPAZ1, and its high degree of conservation, suggests that
      it may play an important role in germ cell development. Further characterization
      of TOPAZ1 may elucidate the mechanisms involved in gametogenesis, and
      particularly in the RNA silencing process in the germ line.

PMID- 22069479
TI  - Evaluation of the sublingual route for administration of influenza H5N1 virosomes
      in combination with the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP.
AB  - Avian influenza A H5N1 is a virus with pandemic potential. Mucosal vaccines are
      attractive as they have the potential to block viruses at the site of entry,
      thereby preventing both disease and further transmission. The intranasal route is
      safe for the administration of seasonal live-attenuated influenza vaccines, but
      may be less suitable for administration of pandemic vaccines. Research into novel
      mucosal routes is therefore needed. In this study, a murine model was used to
      compare sublingual administration with intranasal and intramuscular
      administration of influenza H5N1 virosomes (2 ug haemagglutinin; HA) in
      combination with the mucosal adjuvant (3',5')-cyclic dimeric guanylic acid (c-di
      GMP). We found that sublingual immunisation effectively induced local and
      systemic H5N1-specific humoral and cellular immune responses but that the
      magnitude of response was lower than after intranasal administration. However,
      both the mucosal routes were superior to intramuscular immunisation for induction
      of local humoral and systemic cellular immune responses including high
      frequencies of splenic H5N1-specific multifunctional (IL-2+TNF-alpha+) CD4+ T
      cells. The c-di-GMP adjuvanted vaccine elicited systemic haemagglutination
      inhibition (HI) antibody responses (geometric mean titres >= 40) both when
      administered sublingually, intranasally and inramuscularly. In addition, salivary
      HI antibodies were elicited by mucosal, but not intramuscular vaccination. We
      conclude that the sublingual route is an attractive alternative for
      administration of pandemic influenza vaccines.

PMID- 22069480
TI  - A suppressor/enhancer screen in Drosophila reveals a role for wnt-mediated lipid
      metabolism in primordial germ cell migration.
AB  - Wnt proteins comprise a large family of secreted ligands implicated in a wide
      variety of biological roles. WntD has previously been shown to inhibit the
      nuclear accumulation of Dorsal/NF-kappaB protein during embryonic dorsal/ventral
      patterning and the adult innate immune response, independent of the well-studied
      Armadillo/beta-catenin pathway. In this paper, we present a novel phenotype for
      WntD mutant embryos, suggesting that this gene is involved in migration of
      primordial germ cells (PGC) to the embryonic gonad. Additionally, we describe a
      genetic suppressor/enhancer screen aimed at identifying genes required for WntD
      signal transduction, based on the previous observation that maternal
      overexpression of WntD results in lethally dorsalized embryos. Using an algorithm
      to narrow down our hits from the screen, we found two novel WntD signaling
      components: Fz4, a member of the Frizzled family, and the Drosophila Ceramide
      Kinase homolog, Dcerk. We show here that Dcerk and Dmulk (Drosophila Multi
      substrate lipid kinase) redundantly mediate PGC migration. Our data are
      consistent with a model in which the activity of lipid phosphate phosphatases
      shapes a concentration gradient of ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), the product of
      Dcerk, allowing proper PGC migration.

PMID- 22069481
TI  - The role of host traits, season and group size on parasite burdens in a
      cooperative mammal.
AB  - The distribution of parasites among hosts is often characterised by a high degree
      of heterogeneity with a small number of hosts harbouring the majority of
      parasites. Such patterns of aggregation have been linked to variation in host
      exposure and susceptibility as well as parasite traits and environmental factors.
      Host exposure and susceptibility may differ with sexes, reproductive effort and
      group size. Furthermore, environmental factors may affect both the host and
      parasite directly and contribute to temporal heterogeneities in parasite loads.
      We investigated the contributions of host and parasite traits as well as season
      on parasite loads in highveld mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae). This
      cooperative breeder exhibits a reproductive division of labour and animals live
      in colonies of varying sizes that procreate seasonally. Mole-rats were
      parasitised by lice, mites, cestodes and nematodes with mites (Androlaelaps sp.)
      and cestodes (Mathevotaenia sp.) being the dominant ecto- and endoparasites,
      respectively. Sex and reproductive status contributed little to the observed
      parasite prevalence and abundances possibly as a result of the shared burrow
      system. Clear seasonal patterns of parasite prevalence and abundance emerged with
      peaks in summer for mites and in winter for cestodes. Group size correlated
      negatively with mite abundance while it had no effect on cestode burdens and
      group membership affected infestation with both parasites. We propose that the
      mode of transmission as well as social factors constrain parasite propagation
      generating parasite patterns deviating from those commonly predicted.

PMID- 22069482
TI  - Anesthetic propofol attenuates the isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation and
      Abeta oligomerization.
AB  - Accumulation and deposition of beta-amyloid protein (Abeta) are the hallmark
      features of Alzheimer's disease. The inhalation anesthetic isoflurane has been
      shown to induce caspase activation and increase Abeta accumulation. In addition,
      recent studies suggest that isoflurane may directly promote the formation of
      cytotoxic soluble Abeta oligomers, which are thought to be the key pathological
      species in AD. In contrast, propofol, the most commonly used intravenous
      anesthetic, has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. We therefore set
      out to compare the effects of isoflurane and propofol alone and in combination on
      caspase-3 activation and Abeta oligomerization in vitro and in vivo. Naive and
      stably-transfected H4 human neuroglioma cells that express human amyloid
      precursor protein, the precursor for Abeta; neonatal mice; and conditioned cell
      culture media containing secreted human Abeta40 or Abeta42 were treated with
      isoflurane and/or propofol. Here we show for the first time that propofol can
      attenuate isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation in cultured cells and in the
      brain tissues of neonatal mice. Furthermore, propofol-mediated caspase inhibition
      occurred when there were elevated levels of Abeta. Finally, isoflurane alone
      induces Abeta42, but not Abeta40, oligomerization, and propofol can inhibit the
      isoflurane-mediated oligomerization of Abeta42. These data suggest that propofol
      may mitigate the caspase-3 activation by attenuating the isoflurane-induced
      Abeta42 oligomerization. Our findings provide novel insights into the possible
      mechanisms of isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity that may aid in the development of
      strategies to minimize potential adverse effects associated with the
      administration of anesthetics to patients.

PMID- 22069483
TI  - Quantification of optic disc edema during exposure to high altitude shows no
      correlation to acute mountain sickness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to quantify changes of the optic nerve head (ONH)
      during exposure to high altitude and to assess a correlation with acute mountain
      sickness (AMS). This work is related to the Tuebingen High Altitude Ophthalmology
      (THAO) study. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A confocal scanning laser
      ophthalmoscope (cSLO, Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, HRT3(r)) was used to quantify
      changes at the ONH in 18 healthy participants before, during and after rapid
      ascent to high altitude (4559 m). Slitlamp biomicroscopy was used for clinical
      optic disc evaluation; AMS was assessed with Lake Louise (LL) and AMS-cerebral
      (AMS-c) scores; oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) were monitored.
      These parameters were used to correlate with changes at the ONH. After the first
      night spent at high altitude, incidence of AMS was 55% and presence of clinical
      optic disc edema (ODE) 79%. Key stereometric parameters of the HRT3(r) used to
      describe ODE (mean retinal nerve fiber layer [RNFL] thickness, RNFL cross
      sectional area, optic disc rim volume and maximum contour elevation) changed
      significantly at high altitude compared to baseline (p<0.05) and were consistent
      with clinically described ODE. All changes were reversible in all participants
      after descent. There was no significant correlation between parameters of ODE and
      AMS, SpO2 or HR. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Exposure to high altitude leads to
      reversible ODE in the majority of healthy subjects. However, these changes did
      not correlate with AMS or basic physiologic parameters such as SpO2 and HR. For
      the first time, a quantitative approach has been used to assess these changes
      during acute, non-acclimatized high altitude exposure. In conclusion, ODE
      presents a reaction of the body to high altitude exposure unrelated to AMS.

PMID- 22069484
TI  - Bacillus subtilis MreB orthologs self-organize into filamentous structures
      underneath the cell membrane in a heterologous cell system.
AB  - Actin-like bacterial cytoskeletal element MreB has been shown to be essential for
      the maintenance of rod cell shape in many bacteria. MreB forms rapidly
      remodelling helical filaments underneath the cell membrane in Bacillus subtilis
      and in other bacterial cells, and co-localizes with its two paralogs, Mbl and
      MreBH. We show that MreB localizes as dynamic bundles of filaments underneath the
      cell membrane in Drosophila S2 Schneider cells, which become highly stable when
      the ATPase motif in MreB is modified. In agreement with ATP-dependent filament
      formation, the depletion of ATP in the cells lead to rapid dissociation of MreB
      filaments. Extended induction of MreB resulted in the formation of membrane
      protrusions, showing that like actin, MreB can exert force against the cell
      membrane. Mbl also formed membrane associated filaments, while MreBH formed
      filaments within the cytosol. When co-expressed, MreB, Mbl and MreBH built up
      mixed filaments underneath the cell membrane. Membrane protein RodZ localized to
      endosomes in S2 cells, but localized to the cell membrane when co-expressed with
      Mbl, showing that bacterial MreB/Mbl structures can recruit a protein to the cell
      membrane. Thus, MreB paralogs form a self-organizing and dynamic filamentous
      scaffold underneath the membrane that is able to recruit other proteins to the
      cell surface.

PMID- 22069485
TI  - Biophysical analysis of apolipoprotein E3 variants linked with development of
      type III hyperlipoproteinemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a major protein of the lipoprotein
      transport system that plays important roles in lipid homeostasis and protection
      from atherosclerosis. ApoE is characterized by structural plasticity and
      thermodynamic instability and can undergo significant structural rearrangements
      as part of its biological function. Mutations in the 136-150 region of the N
      terminal domain of apoE, reduce its low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor
      binding capacity and have been linked with lipoprotein disorders, such as type
      III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) in humans. However, the LDL-receptor binding
      defects for these apoE variants do not correlate well with the severity of
      dyslipidemia, indicating that these variants may carry additional properties that
      contribute to their pathogenic potential. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this
      study we examined whether three type III HLP predisposing apoE3 variants, namely
      R136S, R145C and K146E affect the biophysical properties of the protein. Circular
      dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed that these mutations do not significantly
      alter the secondary structure of the protein. Thermal and chemical unfolding
      analysis revealed small thermodynamic alterations in each variant compared to
      wild-type apoE3, as well as effects in the reversibility of the unfolding
      transition. All variants were able to remodel multillamelar 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) vesicles, but R136S and R145C had reduced
      kinetics. Dynamic light scattering analysis indicated that the variant R136S
      exists in a higher-order oligomerization state in solution. Finally, 1
      anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS) binding suggested that the variant R145C
      exposes a larger amount of hydrophobic surface to the solvent.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, our findings suggest that single amino acid
      changes in the functionally important region 136-150 of apoE3 can affect the
      molecule's stability and conformation in solution and may underlie functional
      consequences. However, the magnitude and the non-concerted nature of these
      changes, make it unlikely that they constitute a distinct unifying mechanism
      leading to type III HLP pathogenesis.

PMID- 22069486
TI  - Identification of hepatic niche harboring human acute lymphoblastic leukemic
      cells via the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.
AB  - In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, the bone marrow niche is widely
      known to be an important element of treatment response and relapse. Furthermore,
      a characteristic liver pathology observed in ALL patients implies that the
      hepatic microenvironment provides an extramedullary niche for leukemic cells.
      However, it remains unclear whether the liver actually provides a specific niche.
      The mechanism underlying this pathology is also poorly understood. Here, to
      answer these questions, we reconstituted the histopathology of leukemic liver by
      using patients-derived primary ALL cells into NOD/SCID/Yc (null) mice. The liver
      pathology in this model was similar to that observed in the patients. By using
      this model, we clearly demonstrated that bile duct epithelial cells form a
      hepatic niche that supports infiltration and proliferation of ALL cells in the
      liver. Furthermore, we showed that functions of the niche are maintained by the
      SDF-1/CXCR4 axis, proposing a novel therapeutic approach targeting the
      extramedullary niche by inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. In conclusion, we
      demonstrated that the liver dissemination of leukemia is not due to nonselective
      infiltration, but rather systematic invasion and proliferation of leukemic cells
      in hepatic niche. Although the contribution of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is reported in
      some cancer cells or leukemic niches such as bone marrow, we demonstrated that
      this axis works even in the extramedullary niche of leukemic cells. Our findings
      form the basis for therapeutic approaches that target the extramedullary niche by
      inhibiting the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.

PMID- 22069487
TI  - CD44 upregulation in E-cadherin-negative esophageal cancers results in cell
      invasion.
AB  - E-cadherin is frequently lost during epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the
      progression of epithelial tumorigenesis. We found a marker of epithelial
      mesenchymal transition, CD44, upregulated in response to functional loss of E
      cadherin in esophageal cell lines and cancer. Loss of E-cadherin expression
      correlates with increased expression of CD44 standard isoform. Using an
      organotypic reconstruct model, we show increased CD44 expression in areas of cell
      invasion is associated with MMP-9 at the leading edge. Moreover, Activin A
      increases cell invasion through CD44 upregulation after E-cadherin loss. Taken
      together, our results provide functional evidence of CD44 upregulation in
      esophageal cancer invasion.

PMID- 22069488
TI  - Structural, stability, dynamic and binding properties of the ALS-causing T46I
      mutant of the hVAPB MSP domain as revealed by NMR and MD simulations.
AB  - T46I is the second mutation on the hVAPB MSP domain which was recently identified
      from non-Brazilian kindred to cause a familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS). Here using CD, NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we
      characterized the structure, stability, dynamics and binding capacity of the T46I
      MSP domain. The results reveal: 1) unlike P56S which we previously showed to
      completely eliminate the native MSP structure, T46I leads to no significant
      disruption of the native secondary and tertiary structures, as evidenced from its
      far-UV CD spectrum, as well as Calpha and Cbeta NMR chemical shifts. 2)
      Nevertheless, T46I does result in a reduced thermodynamic stability and loss of
      the cooperative urea-unfolding transition. As such, the T46I-MSP domain is more
      prone to aggregation than WT at high protein concentrations and temperatures in
      vitro, which may become more severe in the crowded cellular environments. 3) T46I
      only causes a 3-fold affinity reduction to the Nir2 peptide, but a significant
      elimination of its binding to EphA4. 4) EphA4 and Nir2 peptide appear to have
      overlapped binding interfaces on the MSP domain, which strongly implies that two
      signaling networks may have a functional interplay in vivo. 5) As explored by
      both H/D exchange and MD simulations, the MSP domain is very dynamic, with most
      loop residues and many residues on secondary structures highly fluctuated or/and
      exposed to bulk solvent. Although T46I does not alter overall dynamics, it does
      trigger increased dynamics of several local regions of the MSP domain which are
      implicated in binding to EphA4 and Nir2 peptide. Our study provides the
      structural and dynamic understanding of the T46I-causing ALS; and strongly
      highlights the possibility that the interplay of two signaling networks mediated
      by the FFAT-containing proteins and Eph receptors may play a key role in ALS
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 22069489
TI  - Activation of Sirt1 by resveratrol inhibits TNF-alpha induced inflammation in
      fibroblasts.
AB  - Inflammation is one of main mechanisms of autoimmune disorders and a common
      feature of most diseases. Appropriate suppression of inflammation is a key
      resolution to treat the diseases. Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) has been shown to play a role
      in regulation of inflammation. Resveratrol, a potent Sirt1 activator, has anti
      inflammation property. However, the detailed mechanism is not fully understood.
      In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammation role of Sirt1 in NIH/3T3
      fibroblast cell line. Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9),
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      were induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in 3T3 cells and
      resveratrol suppressed overexpression of these pro-inflammatory molecules in a
      dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of Sirt1 by RNA interference caused 3T3 cells
      susceptible to TNF-alpha stimulation and diminished anti-inflammatory effect of
      resveratrol. We also explored potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of
      resveratrol. Resveratrol reduced NF-kappaB subunit RelA/p65 acetylation, which is
      notably Sirt1 dependent. Resveratrol also attenuated phosphorylation of mammalian
      target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 ribosomal protein (S6RP) while ameliorating
      inflammation. Our data demonstrate that resveratrol inhibits TNF-alpha-induced
      inflammation via Sirt1. It suggests that Sirt1 is an efficient target for
      regulation of inflammation. This study provides insight on treatment of
      inflammation-related diseases.

PMID- 22069490
TI  - A single nucleotide in stem loop II of 5'-untranslated region contributes to
      virulence of enterovirus 71 in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has emerged as a neuroinvasive virus
      responsible for several large outbreaks in the Asia-Pacific region while
      virulence determinant remains unexplored. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this report, we
      investigated increased virulence of unadapted EV71 clinical isolate 237 as
      compared with isolate 4643 in mice. A fragment 12 nucleotides in length in stem
      loop (SL) II of 237 5'-untranslated region (UTR) visibly reduced survival time
      and rate in mice was identified by constructing a series of infectious clones
      harboring chimeric 5'-UTR. In cells transfected with bicistronic plasmids, and
      replicon RNAs, the 12-nt fragment of isolate 237 enhanced translational
      activities and accelerated replication of subgenomic EV71. Finally, single
      nucleotide change from cytosine to uridine at base 158 in this short fragment of
      5'-UTR was proven to reduce viral translation and EV71 virulence in mice. Results
      collectively indicated a pivotal role of novel virulence determinant C158 on
      virus translation in vitro and EV71 virulence in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      presented the first reported virulence determinant in EV71 5'-UTR and first
      position discovered from unadapted isolates.

PMID- 22069491
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase provides an escape from phagocytosis by degrading
      the pulmonary surfactant protein-A.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes both acute
      pneumonitis in immunocompromised patients and chronic lung infections in
      individuals with cystic fibrosis and other bronchiectasis. Over 75% of clinical
      isolates of P. aeruginosa secrete elastase B (LasB), an elastolytic
      metalloproteinase that is encoded by the lasB gene. Previously, in vitro studies
      have demonstrated that LasB degrades a number of components in both the innate
      and adaptive immune systems. These include surfactant proteins, antibacterial
      peptides, cytokines, chemokines and immunoglobulins. However, the contribution of
      LasB to lung infection by P. aeruginosa and to inactivation of pulmonary innate
      immunity in vivo needs more clarification. In this study, we examined the
      mechanisms underlying enhanced clearance of the DeltalasB mutant in mouse lungs.
      The DeltalasB mutant was attenuated in virulence when compared to the wild-type
      strain PAO1 during lung infection in SP-A+/+ mice. However, the DeltalasB mutant
      was as virulent as PAO1 in the lungs of SP-A-/- mice. Detailed analysis showed
      that the DeltalasB mutant was more susceptible to SP-A-mediated opsonization but
      not membrane permeabilization. In vitro and in vivo phagocytosis experiments
      revealed that SP-A augmented the phagocytosis of DeltalasB mutant bacteria more
      efficiently than the isogenic wild-type PAO1. The DeltalasB mutant was found to
      have a severely reduced ability to degrade SP-A, consequently making it unable to
      evade opsonization by the collectin during phagocytosis. These results suggest
      that P. aeruginosa LasB protects against SP-A-mediated opsonization by degrading
      the collectin.

PMID- 22069493
TI  - Recent loss of vitamin C biosynthesis ability in bats.
AB  - The traditional assumption that bats cannot synthesize vitamin C (Vc) has been
      challenged recently. We have previously shown that two Old World bat species
      (Rousettus leschenaultii and Hipposideros armiger) have functional L
      gulonolactone oxidase (GULO), an enzyme that catalyzes the last step of Vc
      biosynthesis de novo. Given the uncertainties surrounding when and how bats lost
      GULO function, exploration of gene evolutionary patterns is needed. We therefore
      sequenced GULO genes from 16 bat species in 5 families, aiming to establish their
      evolutionary histories. In five cases we identified pseudogenes for the first
      time, including two cases in the genus Pteropus (P. pumilus and P.
      conspicillatus) and three in family Hipposideridae (Coelops frithi, Hipposideros
      speoris, and H. bicolor). Evolutionary analysis shows that the Pteropus clade has
      the highest omega ratio and has been subjected to relaxed selection for less than
      3 million years. Purifying selection acting on the pseudogenized GULO genes of
      roundleaf bats (family Hipposideridae) suggests they have lost the ability to
      synthesize Vc recently. Limited mutations in the reconstructed GULO sequence of
      the ancestor of all bats contrasts with the many mutations in the ancestral
      sequence of recently emerged Pteropus bats. We identified at least five
      mutational steps that were then related to clade origination times. Together, our
      results suggest that bats lost the ability to biosynthesize vitamin C recently by
      exhibiting stepwise mutation patterns during GULO evolution that can ultimately
      lead to pseudogenization.

PMID- 22069492
TI  - Stanniocalcin-1 regulates re-epithelialization in human keratinocytes.
AB  - Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1), a glycoprotein hormone, is believed to be involved in
      various biological processes such as inflammation, oxidative responses and cell
      migration. Riding on these emerging evidences, we hypothesized that STC1 may
      participate in the re-epithelialization during wound healing. Re
      epithelialization is a critical step that involves keratinocyte lamellipodia (e
      lam) formation, followed by cell migration. In this study, staurosporine (STS)
      treatment induced human keratinocyte (HaCaT) e-lam formation on fibronectin
      matrix and migration via the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the surge
      of intracellular calcium level [Ca2+]i and the inactivation of Akt. In
      accompanied with these migratory features, a time- and dose-dependent increase in
      STC1 expression was detected. STC1 gene expression was found not the downstream
      target of FAK-signaling as illustrated by FAK inhibition using PF573228. The
      reduction of [Ca2+]i by BAPTA/AM blocked the STS-mediated keratinocyte migration
      and STC1 gene expression. Alternatively the increase of [Ca2+]i by ionomycin
      exerted promotional effect on STS-induced STC1 gene expression. The inhibition of
      Akt by SH6 and GSK3beta by lithium chloride (LiCl) could respectively induce and
      inhibit the STS-mediated e-lam formation, cell migration and STC1 gene
      expression. The STS-mediated e-lam formation and cell migration were notably
      hindered or induced respectively by STC1 knockdown or overexpression. This notion
      was further supported by the scratched wound assay. Collectively the findings
      provide the first evidence that STC1 promotes re-epithelialization in wound
      healing.

PMID- 22069494
TI  - Characterization of a truncated metabotropic glutamate receptor in a primitive
      metazoan, the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni.
AB  - A novel glutamate-binding protein was identified in Schistosoma mansoni. The
      protein (SmGBP) is related to metabotropic glutamate receptors from other species
      and has a predicted glutamate binding site located within a Venus Flytrap module
      but it lacks the heptahelical transmembrane segment that normally characterizes
      these receptors. The SmGBP cDNA was cloned, verified by 5' and 3' Rapid
      Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and shown to be polyadenylated at the 3'end,
      suggesting the transcript is full-length. The cloned cDNA was subsequently
      expressed in bacteria and shown to encode a functional glutamate-binding protein.
      Other studies, using a specific peptide antibody, determined that SmGBP exists in
      two forms, a monomer of the expected size and a stable but non-covalent dimer.
      The monomer and dimer are both present in the membrane fraction of S. mansoni and
      are resistant to extraction with high-salt, alkaline pH and urea, suggesting
      SmGBP is either an integral membrane protein or a peripheral protein that is
      tightly associated with the membrane. Surface biotinylation experiments combined
      with western blot analyses and confocal immunolocalization revealed that SmGBP
      localized to the surface membranes of adult male schistosomes, especially the
      dorsal tubercles. In contrast, we detected little or no expression of SmGBP
      either in the females or larval stages. A comparative quantitative PCR analysis
      confirmed that the level of SmGBP expression is several-fold higher in male worms
      than cercariae, and it is barely detectable in adult females. Together, the
      results identify SmGBP as a new type of schistosome glutamate receptor that is
      both gender- and stage-specific. The high-level expression of this protein in the
      male tubercles suggests a possible role in host-parasite interaction.

PMID- 22069496
TI  - Mll5 is required for normal spermatogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mll5 is currently a member of the Mll family of SET domain histone
      methyltransferase proteins but studies have also showed that it could be part of
      the SET3 branch of proteins. Recently, constitutive knock out animal studies have
      shown that Mll5 is required for proper haematopoietic stem cell differentiation,
      and loss of Mll5 results in synthetic lethality for genome de-methylation. Mll5
      deficient male mice are infertile and here we analyse the consequences of Mll5
      deficiency for spermatogenesis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Mll5 deficient
      male mice, but not female mice, are infertile. Here we show using RNA in-situ
      hybridization that Mll5 is expressed in the germ cells of the testes of wild type
      mice. Consistent with the expression of Mll5, we demonstrate by electron
      microscopy, video microscopy and in vitro fertilisation techniques that Mll5
      deficient mice have defects in terminal maturation and packaging of sperm. The
      defects seen include detachment of the acrosomal cap and impaired excess
      cytoplasm removal. Functional tests of sperm motility show a lack of progressive
      motility of spermatozoa from Mll5 deficient animals. None of these defects could
      be rescued by in vitro fertilization. Using microarray analysis we show that
      transcripts implicated in spermatogenesis are dysregulated.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data demonstrate a clear role of Mll5 in mammalian
      spermatogenesis at the level of terminal differentiation providing further
      support for its classification in the SET3 branch of proteins. Moreover, this
      study identifies Tlk2, Utx, Gpr64, Sult4a1, Rap2ip, Vstm2 and HoxA10 as possible
      Mll5 targets that together may account for the observed spermatozoa maturation
      defects.

PMID- 22069495
TI  - Comparative transcriptional analysis reveals differential gene expression between
      asymmetric and symmetric zygotic divisions in tobacco.
AB  - Asymmetric cell divisions occur widely during many developmental processes in
      plants. In most angiosperms, the first zygotic cell division is asymmetric
      resulting in two daughter cells of unequal size and with distinct fates. However,
      the critical molecular mechanisms regulating this division remain unknown.
      Previously we showed that treatment of tobacco zygotes with beta-glucosyl Yariv
      (betaGlcY) could dramatically alter the first zygotic asymmetric division to
      produce symmetric two-celled proembryos. In the present study, we isolated
      zygotes and two-celled asymmetric proembryos in vivo by micromanipulation, and
      obtained symmetric, two-celled proembryos by in vitro cell cultures. Using
      suppression-subtractive hybridization (SSH) and macroarray analysis differential
      gene expression between the zygote and the asymmetric and symmetric two-celled
      proembryos was investigated. After sequencing of the differentially expressed
      clones, a total of 1610 EST clones representing 685 non-redundant transcripts
      were obtained. Gene ontology (GO) term analysis revealed that these transcripts
      include those involved in physiological processes such as response to stimulus,
      regulation of gene expression, and localization and formation of anatomical
      structures. A homology search against known genes from Arabidopsis indicated that
      some of the above transcripts are involved in asymmetric cell division and
      embryogenesis. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the up- or down-regulation of
      the selected candidate transcripts during zygotic division. A few of these
      transcripts were expressed exclusively in the zygote, or in either type of the
      two-celled proembryos. Expression analyses of select genes in different tissues
      and organs also revealed potential roles of these transcripts in fertilization,
      seed maturation and organ development. The putative roles of few of the
      identified transcripts in the regulation of zygotic division are discussed.
      Further functional work on these candidate transcripts will provide important
      information for understanding asymmetric zygotic division, generation of apical
      basal polarity and cell fate decisions during early embryogenesis.

PMID- 22069497
TI  - The temporal order of genetic and pathway alterations in tumorigenesis.
AB  - Cancer evolves through the accumulation of mutations, but the order in which
      mutations occur is poorly understood. Inference of a temporal ordering on the
      level of genes is challenging because clinically and histologically identical
      tumors often have few mutated genes in common. This heterogeneity may at least in
      part be due to mutations in different genes having similar phenotypic effects by
      acting in the same functional pathway. We estimate the constraints on the order
      in which alterations accumulate during cancer progression from cross-sectional
      mutation data using a probabilistic graphical model termed Hidden Conjunctive
      Bayesian Network (H-CBN). The possible orders are analyzed on the level of genes
      and, after mapping genes to functional pathways, also on the pathway level. We
      find stronger evidence for pathway order constraints than for gene order
      constraints, indicating that temporal ordering results from selective pressure
      acting at the pathway level. The accumulation of changes in core pathways differs
      among cancer types, yet a common feature is that progression appears to begin
      with mutations in genes that regulate apoptosis pathways and to conclude with
      mutations in genes involved in invasion pathways. H-CBN models provide a
      quantitative and intuitive model of tumorigenesis showing that the genetic events
      can be linked to the phenotypic progression on the level of pathways.

PMID- 22069498
TI  - Capsomer vaccines protect mice from vaginal challenge with human papillomavirus.
AB  - Capsomers were produced in bacteria as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion
      proteins with human papillomavirus type 16 L1 lacking the first nine and final 29
      residues (GST-HPV16L1Delta) alone or linked with residues 13-47 of HPV18, HPV31
      and HPV45 L2 in tandem (GST-HPV16L1Delta-L2x3). Subcutaneous immunization of mice
      with GST-HPV16L1Delta or GST-HPV16L1Delta-L2x3 in alum and monophosphoryl lipid A
      induced similarly high titers of HPV16 neutralizing antibodies. GST-HPV16L1Delta
      L2x3 also elicited moderate L2-specific antibody titers. Intravaginal challenge
      studies showed that immunization of mice with GST-HPV16 L1Delta or GST
      HPV16L1Delta-L2x3 capsomers, like Cervarix(r), provided complete protection
      against HPV16. Conversely, vaccination with GST-HPV16 L1Delta capsomers failed to
      protect against HPV18 challenge, whereas mice immunized with either GST
      HPV16L1Delta-L2x3 capsomers or Cervarix(r) were each completely protected. Thus,
      while the L2-specific response was moderate, it did not interfere with immunity
      to L1 in the context of GST-HPV16L1Delta-L2x3 and is sufficient to mediate L2
      dependent protection against an experimental vaginal challenge with HPV18.

PMID- 22069499
TI  - A molecular phylogeny of bivalve mollusks: ancient radiations and divergences as
      revealed by mitochondrial genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bivalves are very ancient and successful conchiferan mollusks (both
      in terms of species number and geographical distribution). Despite their
      importance in marine biota, their deep phylogenetic relationships were scarcely
      investigated from a molecular perspective, whereas much valuable work has been
      done on taxonomy, as well as phylogeny, of lower taxa. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Here we present a class-level bivalve phylogeny with a broad sample of
      122 ingroup taxa, using four mitochondrial markers (MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-CO1, MT
      CYB). Rigorous techniques have been exploited to set up the dataset, analyze
      phylogenetic signal, and infer a single final tree. In this study, we show the
      basal position of Opponobranchia to all Autobranchia, as well as of
      Palaeoheterodonta to the remaining Autobranchia, which we here propose to call
      Amarsipobranchia. Anomalodesmata were retrieved as monophyletic and basal to
      (Heterodonta + Pteriomorphia). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Bivalve morphological
      characters were traced onto the phylogenetic trees obtained from the molecular
      analysis; our analysis suggests that eulamellibranch gills and heterodont hinge
      are ancestral characters for all Autobranchia. This conclusion would entail a re
      evaluation of bivalve symplesiomorphies.

PMID- 22069500
TI  - Substance P is a mechanoresponsive, autocrine regulator of human tenocyte
      proliferation.
AB  - It has been hypothesised that substance P (SP) may be produced by primary
      fibroblastic tendon cells (tenocytes), and that this production, together with
      the widespread distribution of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R) in tendon
      tissue, could play an important role in the development of tendinopathy, a
      condition of chronic tendon pain and thickening. The aim of this study was to
      examine the possibility of endogenous SP production and the expression of NK-1 R
      by human tenocytes. Because tendinopathy is related to overload, and because the
      predominant tissue pathology (tendinosis) underlying early tendinopathy is
      characterized by tenocyte hypercellularity, the production of SP in response to
      loading/strain and the effects of exogenously administered SP on tenocyte
      proliferation were also studied. A cell culture model of primary human tendon
      cells was used. The vast majority of tendon cells were immunopositive for the
      tenocyte/fibroblast markers tenomodulin and vimentin, and immunocytochemical
      counterstaining revealed that positive immunoreactions for SP and NK-1 R were
      seen in a majority of these cells. Gene expression analyses showed that
      mechanical loading (strain) of tendon cell cultures using the FlexCell(c)
      technique significantly increased the mRNA levels of SP, whereas the expression
      of NK-1 R mRNA decreased in loaded as compared to unloaded tendon cells. Reduced
      NK-1 R protein was also observed, using Western blot, after exogenously
      administered SP at a concentration of 10-7 M. SP exposure furthermore resulted in
      increased cell metabolism, increased cell viability, and increased cell
      proliferation, all of which were found to be specifically mediated via the NK-1
      R; this in turn involving a common mitogenic cell signalling pathway, namely
      phosphorylation of ERK1/2. This study indicates that SP, produced by tenocytes in
      response to mechanical loading, may regulate proliferation through an autocrine
      loop involving the NK-1 R.

PMID- 22069501
TI  - Modulation of synaptic plasticity by stress hormone associates with plastic
      alteration of synaptic NMDA receptor in the adult hippocampus.
AB  - Stress exerts a profound impact on learning and memory, in part, through the
      actions of adrenal corticosterone (CORT) on synaptic plasticity, a cellular model
      of learning and memory. Increasing findings suggest that CORT exerts its impact
      on synaptic plasticity by altering the functional properties of glutamate
      receptors, which include changes in the motility and function of alpha-amino-3
      hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid subtype of glutamate receptor (AMPAR)
      that are responsible for the expression of synaptic plasticity. Here we provide
      evidence that CORT could also regulate synaptic plasticity by modulating the
      function of synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which mediate the
      induction of synaptic plasticity. We found that stress level CORT applied to
      adult rat hippocampal slices potentiated evoked NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses
      within 30 min. Surprisingly, following this fast-onset change, we observed a slow
      onset (>1 hour after termination of CORT exposure) increase in synaptic
      expression of GluN2A-containing NMDARs. To investigate the consequences of the
      distinct fast- and slow-onset modulation of NMDARs for synaptic plasticity, we
      examined the formation of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression
      (LTD) within relevant time windows. Paralleling the increased NMDAR function,
      both LTP and LTD were facilitated during CORT treatment. However, 1-2 hours after
      CORT treatment when synaptic expression of GluN2A-containing NMDARs is increased,
      bidirectional plasticity was no longer facilitated. Our findings reveal the
      remarkable plasticity of NMDARs in the adult hippocampus in response to CORT.
      CORT-mediated slow-onset increase in GluN2A in hippocampal synapses could be a
      homeostatic mechanism to normalize synaptic plasticity following fast-onset
      stress-induced facilitation.

PMID- 22069502
TI  - The JAK-STAT pathway controls Plasmodium vivax load in early stages of Anopheles
      aquasalis infection.
AB  - Malaria affects 300 million people worldwide every year and 450,000 in Brazil. In
      coastal areas of Brazil, the main malaria vector is Anopheles aquasalis, and
      Plasmodium vivax is responsible for the majority of malaria cases in the
      Americas. Insects possess a powerful immune system to combat infections. Three
      pathways control the insect immune response: Toll, IMD, and JAK-STAT. Here we
      analyze the immune role of the A. aquasalis JAK-STAT pathway after P. vivax
      infection. Three genes, the transcription factor Signal Transducers and
      Activators of Transcription (STAT), the regulatory Protein Inhibitors of
      Activated STAT (PIAS) and the Nitric Oxide Synthase enzyme (NOS) were
      characterized. Expression of STAT and PIAS was higher in males than females and
      in eggs and first instar larvae when compared to larvae and pupae. RNA levels for
      STAT and PIAS increased 24 and 36 hours (h) after P. vivax challenge. NOS
      transcription increased 36 h post infection (hpi) while this protein was already
      detected in some midgut epithelial cells 24 hpi. Imunocytochemistry experiments
      using specific antibodies showed that in non-infected insects STAT and PIAS were
      found mostly in the fat body, while in infected mosquitoes the proteins were
      found in other body tissues. The knockdown of STAT by RNAi increased the number
      of oocysts in the midgut of A. aquasalis. This is the first clear evidence for
      the involvement of a specific immune pathway in the interaction of the Brazilian
      malaria vector A. aquasalis with P. vivax, delineating a potential target for the
      future development of disease controlling strategies.

PMID- 22069503
TI  - Sleeping sickness in travelers - do they really sleep?
AB  - The number of imported Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) cases in non-endemic
      countries has increased over the last years. The objective of this analysis is to
      describe the clinical presentation of HAT in Caucasian travelers. Literature was
      screened (MEDLINE, Pubmed) using the terms "Human African Trypanosomiasis",
      "travelers" and "expatriates"; all European languages except Slavic ones were
      included. Publications without clinical description of patients were only
      included in the epidemiological analysis. Forty-five reports on Caucasians with
      T.b. rhodesiense and 15 with T.b. gambiense infections were included in the
      analysis of the clinical parameters. Both species have presented with fever (T.b.
      rhodesiense 97.8% and T.b. gambiense 93.3%), headache (50% each) and a
      trypanosomal chancre (T.b. rhodesiense 84.4%, T.b. gambiense 46.7%). While
      sleeping disorders dominate the clinical presentation of HAT in endemic regions,
      there have been only rare reports in travelers: insomnia (T.b. rhodesiense 7.1%,
      T.b. gambiense 21.4%), diurnal somnolence (T.b. rhodesiense 4.8%, T.b. gambiense
      none). Surprisingly, jaundice has been seen in 24.2% of the Caucasian T.b.
      rhodesiense patients, but has never been described in HAT patients in endemic
      regions. These results contrast to the clinical presentation of T.b. gambiense
      and T.b. rhodesiense HAT in Africans in endemic regions, where the presentation
      of chronic T.b. gambiense and acute T.b. rhodesiense HAT is different. The
      analysis of 14 reports on T.b. gambiense HAT in Africans living in a non-endemic
      country shows that neurological symptoms such as somnolence (46.2%), motor
      deficit (64.3%) and reflex anomalies (14.3%) as well as psychiatric symptoms such
      as hallucinations (21.4%) or depression (21.4%) may dominate the clinical
      picture. Often, the diagnosis has been missed initially: some patients have even
      been hospitalized in psychiatric clinics. In travelers T.b. rhodesiense and
      gambiense present as acute illnesses and chancres are frequently seen. The
      diagnosis of HAT in Africans living outside the endemic region is often missed or
      delayed, leading to presentation with advanced stages of the disease.

PMID- 22069504
TI  - Cell-associated flagella enhance the protection conferred by mucosally
      administered attenuated Salmonella Paratyphi A vaccines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A, the
      agent of paratyphoid A fever, poses an emerging public health dilemma in endemic
      areas of Asia and among travelers, as there is no licensed vaccine. Integral to
      our efforts to develop a S. Paratyphi A vaccine, we addressed the role of
      flagella as a potential protective antigen by comparing cell-associated flagella
      with exported flagellin subunits expressed by attenuated strains. METHODOLOGY: S.
      Paratyphi A strain ATCC 9150 was first deleted for the chromosomal guaBA locus,
      creating CVD 1901. Further chromosomal deletions in fliD (CVD 1901D) or flgK (CVD
      1901K) were then engineered, resulting in the export of unpolymerized FliC,
      without impairing its overall expression. The virulence of the resulting isogenic
      strains was examined using a novel mouse LD(50) model to accommodate the human
      host restricted S. Paratyphi A. The immunogenicity of the attenuated strains was
      then tested using a mouse intranasal model, followed by intraperitoneal challenge
      with wildtype ATCC 9150. RESULTS: Mucosal (intranasal) immunization of mice with
      strain CVD 1901 expressing cell-associated flagella conferred superior protection
      (vaccine efficacy [VE], 90%) against a lethal intraperitoneal challenge, compared
      with the flagellin monomer-exporting mutants CVD 1901K (30% VE) or CVD 1901D (47%
      VE). The superior protection induced by CVD 1901 with its cell-attached flagella
      was associated with an increased IgG2a:IgG1 ratio of FliC-specific antibodies
      with enhanced opsonophagocytic capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly suggest
      that enhanced anti-FliC antibody-mediated clearance of S. Paratyphi A by
      phagocytic cells, induced by vaccines expressing cell-associated rather than
      exported FliC, might be contributing to the vaccine-induced protection from S.
      Paratyphi A challenge in vivo. We speculate that an excess of IgG1 anti-FliC
      antibodies induced by the exported FliC may compete with the IgG2a subtype and
      block binding to specific phagocyte Fc receptors that are critical for clearing
      an S. Paratyphi A infection.

PMID- 22069505
TI  - Crystal structure of the complex mAb 17.2 and the C-terminal region of
      Trypanosoma cruzi P2beta protein: implications in cross-reactivity.
AB  - Patients with Chronic Chagas' Heart Disease possess high levels of antibodies
      against the carboxyl-terminal end of the ribosomal P2beta protein of Trypanosoma
      cruzi (TcP2beta). These antibodies, as well as the murine monoclonal antibody
      (mAb) 17.2, recognize the last 13 amino acids of TcP2beta (called the R13
      epitope: EEEDDDMGFGLFD) and are able to cross-react with, and stimulate, the
      beta1 adrenergic receptor (beta1-AR). Indeed, the mAb 17.2 was able to
      specifically detect human beta1-AR, stably transfected into HEK cells, by flow
      cytometry and to induce repolarisation abnormalities and first degree
      atrioventricular conduction block after passive transfer to naive mice. To study
      the structural basis of this cross-reactivity, we determined the crystal
      structure of the Fab region of the mAb 17.2 alone at 2.31 A resolution and in
      complex with the R13 peptide at 1.89 A resolution. We identified as key contact
      residues on R13 peptide Glu3, Asp6 and Phe9 as was previously shown by alanine
      scanning. Additionally, we generated a model of human beta1-AR to elucidate the
      interaction with anti-R13 antibodies. These data provide an understanding of the
      molecular basis of cross-reactive antibodies induced by chronic infection with
      Trypanosoma cruzi.

PMID- 22069506
TI  - Challenges in estimating insecticide selection pressures from mosquito field
      data.
AB  - Insecticide resistance has the potential to compromise the enormous effort put
      into the control of dengue and malaria vector populations. It is therefore
      important to quantify the amount of selection acting on resistance alleles, their
      contributions to fitness in heterozygotes (dominance) and their initial
      frequencies, as a means to predict the rate of spread of resistance in natural
      populations. We investigate practical problems of obtaining such estimates, with
      particular emphasis on Mexican populations of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti.
      Selection and dominance coefficients can be estimated by fitting genetic models
      to field data using maximum likelihood (ML) methodology. This methodology,
      although widely used, makes many assumptions so we investigated how well such
      models perform when data are sparse or when spatial and temporal heterogeneity
      occur. As expected, ML methodologies reliably estimated selection and dominance
      coefficients under idealised conditions but it was difficult to recover the true
      values when datasets were sparse during the time that resistance alleles
      increased in frequency, or when spatial and temporal heterogeneity occurred. We
      analysed published data on pyrethroid resistance in Mexico that consists of the
      frequency of a Ile1,016 mutation. The estimates for selection coefficient and
      initial allele frequency on the field dataset were in the expected range,
      dominance coefficient points to incomplete dominance as observed in the
      laboratory, although these estimates are accompanied by strong caveats about
      possible impact of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in selection.

PMID- 22069508
TI  - Cortical actin dynamics: Generating randomness by formin(g) and moving.
AB  - The actin cytoskeleton plays essential roles in cell polarization and cell
      morphogenesis of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast cells utilize
      formin-generated actin cables as tracks for polarized transport, which forms the
      basis for a positive feedback loop driving Cdc42-dependent cell polarization.
      Previous studies on cable organization mostly focused on polarized actin cables
      in budded cells and their role as relatively static tracks for myosin-dependent
      organelle transport. Using quantitative live cell imaging, we have recently
      characterized the dynamics of cortical actin cables throughout the yeast cell
      cycle. Surprisingly, randomly oriented actin cables in G(1) cells exhibited the
      highest level of dynamics, while cable dynamics was markedly slowed down upon
      cell polarization. We further demonstrated that the rapid dynamics of randomly
      oriented cables were driven by the formin Bni1 and Myosin V. Our data suggested a
      precise spatio-temporal regulation of the two yeast formins, as well as an
      unexpected mechanism of actin cable rearrangement through myosins. Here we
      discuss the immediate significance of these findings, which illustrates the
      importance of generating randomness for cellular organization.

PMID- 22069507
TI  - Tropomyosin isoforms and reagents.
AB  - Tropomyosins are rod-like dimers which form head-to-tail polymers along the
      length of actin filaments and regulate the access of actin binding proteins to
      the filaments.1 The diversity of tropomyosin isoforms, over 40 in mammals, and
      their role in an increasing number of biological processes presents a challenge
      both to experienced researchers and those new to this field. The increased
      appreciation that the role of these isoforms expands beyond that of simply
      stabilizing actin filaments has lead to a surge of reagents and techniques to
      study their function and mechanisms of action. This report is designed to provide
      a basic guide to the genes and proteins and the availability of reagents which
      allow effective study of this family of proteins. We highlight the value of
      combining multiple techniques to better evaluate the function of different tm
      isoforms and discuss the limitations of selected reagents. Brief background
      material is included to demystify some of the unfortunate complexity regarding
      this multi-gene family of proteins including the unconventional nomenclature of
      the isoforms and the evolutionary relationships of isoforms between species.
      Additionally, we present step-by-step detailed experimental protocols used in our
      laboratory to assist new comers to the field and experts alike.

PMID- 22069509
TI  - Coupling of the mechanotransduction machinery and F-actin polymerization in the
      cochlear hair bundles.
AB  - Mechanoelectrical transduction (MET), the conversion of mechanical stimuli into
      electrical signals operated by the sensory cells of the inner ear, enables
      hearing and balance perception. Crucial to this process are the tip-links,
      oblique fibrous filaments that interconnect the actin-filled stereocilia of
      different rows within the hair bundle, and mechanically gate MET channels. In a
      recent study, we observed a complete regression of stereocilia from the short and
      medium but not the tall row upon the disappearance of the tip-links caused by the
      loss of one of their components, cadherin-23, or of one of their anchoring
      proteins, sans, in the auditory organs of engineered mutant mice. This indicates
      the existence of a coupling between the MET and F-actin polymerization
      machineries at the tips of the short and medium stereocilia rows in cochlear hair
      bundles. Here, we first present our findings in the mutant mice, and then discuss
      the possible effects of the tip-link tension on stereocilia F-actin
      polymerization, acting either directly or through Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms
      that involve the gating of MET channels.

PMID- 22069510
TI  - The sarcoplasmic reticulum: Actin and tropomodulin hit the links.
AB  - Skeletal muscle exhibits strikingly regular intracellular sorting of actin and
      tropomodulin (Tmod) isoforms, which are essential for efficient muscle
      contraction. A recent study from our laboratory demonstrates that the skeletal
      muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is associated with cytoplasmic gamma-actin
      (gamma(cyto)-actin) filaments, which are predominantly capped by Tmod3. When
      Tmod3 is experimentally induced to vacate its SR compartment, the cytoskeletal
      organization of SR-associated gamma(cyto)-actin is perturbed, leading to SR
      swelling, depressed SR Ca(2+) release and myofibril misalignment. Based on these
      findings, Tmod3-capped gamma(cyto)-actin filaments mechanically stabilize SR
      structure and regulate SR function via a novel lateral linkage. Furthermore, by
      placing these findings in the context of studies in nonmuscle cells, we conclude
      that Tmodcapped actin filaments are emerging as critical regulators of membrane
      stability and physiology in a broad assortment of cell types.

PMID- 22069511
TI  - Lymphocyte polarity, the immunological synapse and the scope of biological
      analogy.
AB  - Lymphocytes such as T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells form
      specialized contacts, called immunological synapses, with other cells in order to
      engage in specific intercellular communication and killing. Synapse formation is
      associated with the polarization of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC)
      toward the contact site, which enables the directional secretion of cytokines and
      lytic factors. Although MTOC reorientation to the synapse is crucial for
      lymphocyte function, it has been difficult to study because of technical
      constraints. We have developed a photoactivation and imaging strategy that
      enables high-resolution analysis of cytoskeletal dynamics in individual T cells.
      Using this approach, we have demonstrated that the lipid second messenger
      diacylglycerol plays a crucial role in promoting MTOC reorientation by recruiting
      three members of the protein kinase C family to the synapse. Here, I will discuss
      these results along with studies from other labs, which have explored the role of
      polarity-inducing protein complexes after synapse formation. I will also propose
      a two-step model for MTOC reorientation in lymphocytes that reflects what we now
      know about the subject. Finally, I will consider the extent to which lymphocyte
      polarity resembles analogous cell polarity systems in other cell types.

PMID- 22069512
TI  - Spectrin-adducin membrane skeleton: A missing link between epithelial junctions
      and the actin cytoskeletion?
AB  - Adherens junctions (AJs) and tight junctions (TJs) represent key adhesive
      structures that regulate the apico-basal polarity and barrier properties of
      epithelial layers. AJs and TJs readily undergo disassembly and reassembly during
      normal tissue remodeling and disruption of epithelial barriers in diseases. Such
      junctional plasticity depends on the orchestrated dynamics of the plasma membrane
      with its underlying F-actin cytoskeleton, however the interplay between these
      cellular structures remains poorly understood. Recent studies highlighted the
      spectrin-adducin-based membrane skeleton as an emerging regulator of AJ and TJ
      integrity and remodeling. Here we discuss new evidences implicating adducin,
      spectrin and other membrane skeleton proteins in stabilization of epithelial
      junctions and regulation of junctional dynamics. Based on the known ability of
      the membrane skeleton to link cortical actin filaments to the plasma membrane, we
      hypothesize that the spectrin-adducin network serves as a critical signal and
      force transducer from the actomyosin cytoskeleton to junctions during remodeling
      of AJs and TJs.

PMID- 22069513
TI  - Nuclear actin-related proteins take shape.
AB  - The function of nuclear actin is poorly understood. It is known to be a discrete
      component of several chromatin-modifying complexes. Nevertheless, filamentous
      forms of actin are important for various nuclear processes as well. Nuclear actin
      is often associated with nuclear actin-related protein Arp4 and other actin
      related proteins like Arp8 in the INO80 chromatin remodeler. We recently
      determined the crystal structure of S. cerevisiae Arp4 that explains why Arp4 is
      unable to form actin like filaments and shows that it is constitutively bound to
      an ATP nucleotide. More interestingly, in vitro activities of Arp4 and Arp8 seem
      to be directed towards stabilizing monomeric actin and to integrate it
      stoichiometrically into the INO80 complex. Based on this activity, we discuss
      possible roles of nuclear Arps in chromatin modifying complexes and in regulating
      more general aspects of nuclear actin dynamics.

PMID- 22069514
TI  - New insights into eyespot placement and assembly in Chlamydomonas.
AB  - Aspects of cellular architecture, such as cytoskeletal asymmetry cues, play
      critical roles in directing the placement of organelles and establishing the
      sites of their formation. In the model green alga Chlamydomonas, the photosensory
      eyespot occupies a defined position in relation to the flagella and microtubule
      cytoskeleton. Investigations into the cellular mechanisms of eyespot placement
      and assembly have aided our understanding of the interplay between cytoskeletal
      and plastid components of the cell. The eyespot, which must be assembled anew
      after each cell division, is a multi-layered organelle consisting of stacks of
      carotenoid-filled pigment granules in the chloroplast and rhodopsin
      photoreceptors in the plasma membrane. Placement of the eyespot is determined on
      both the latitudinal and longitudinal axes of the cell by the daughter four
      membered (D4) microtubule rootlet. Recent findings have contributed to the
      hypothesis that the eyespot photoreceptor molecules are directed from the Golgi
      to the daughter hemisphere of the cell and trafficked along the D4 microtubule
      rootlet. EYE2, a chloroplast-envelope protein, forms an elliptical patch together
      with the photoreceptors and establishes the site for assembly of the pigment
      granule arrays in the chloroplast, connecting the positioning information of the
      cytoskeleton to assembly of the pigment granule arrays in the chloroplast.

PMID- 22069515
TI  - Ras and Rho GTPases on the move: The RasGRF connection.
AB  - Metastasis involves tumor cells moving through tissues and crossing tissue
      boundaries, which requires cell migration, remodeling of cell-to-cell contacts
      and interactions with the extracellular matrix. Individual tumor cells move in
      three-dimensional environments with either a rounded "ameboid" or an elongated
      "mesenchymal" morphology. These two modes of movement are tightly regulated by
      Rho family GTPases: elongated movement requires activation of Rac1, whereas
      rounded movement engages specific Cdc42 and Rho signaling pathways. It has been
      known for some time that events unfolding downstream of Ras GTPases are also
      involved in regulating multiple aspects of cell migration and invasion. More
      recently, RasGRF2-a Ras activator-has been identified as a suppressor of rounded
      movement, by inhibiting the activation of Cdc42, independently of its capacity to
      activate Ras. Here, we discuss how Rho and Ras signals can either cooperate or
      oppose each other in the regulation of cell migration and invasion.

PMID- 22069516
TI  - Next-generation dengue vaccines: novel strategies currently under development.
AB  - Dengue has become the most important arboviral infection worldwide with more than
      30 million cases of dengue fever estimated to occur each year. The need for a
      dengue vaccine is great and several live attenuated dengue candidate vaccines are
      proceeding through clinical evaluation. The need to induce a balanced immune
      response against all four DENV serotypes with a single vaccine has been a
      challenge for dengue vaccine developers. A live attenuated DENV chimeric vaccine
      produced by Sanofi Pasteur has recently entered Phase III evaluation in numerous
      dengue-endemic regions of the world. Viral interference between serotypes
      contained in live vaccines has required up to three doses of the vaccine be given
      over a 12-month period of time. For this reason, novel DENV candidate vaccines
      are being developed with the goal of achieving a protective immune response with
      an immunization schedule that can be given over the course of a few months. These
      next-generation candidates include DNA vaccines, recombinant adenovirus vectored
      vaccines, alphavirus replicons, and sub-unit protein vaccines. Several of these
      novel candidates will be discussed.

PMID- 22069517
TI  - Inhibition of geranylgeranyl transferase-I decreases cell viability of HTLV-1
      transformed cells.
AB  - Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of adult T
      cell leukemia (ATL), an aggressive and highly chemoresistant malignancy. Rho
      family GTPases regulate multiple signaling pathways in tumorigenesis:
      cytoskeletal organization, transcription, cell cycle progression, and cell
      proliferation. Geranylgeranylation of Rho family GTPases is essential for cell
      membrane localization and activation of these proteins. It is currently unknown
      whether HTLV-1-transformed cells are preferentially sensitive to
      geranylgeranylation inhibitors, such as GGTI-298. In this report, we demonstrate
      that GGTI-298 decreased cell viability and induced G(2)/M phase accumulation of
      HTLV-1-transformed cells, independent of p53 reactivation. HTLV-1-LTR
      transcriptional activity was inhibited and Tax protein levels decreased following
      treatment with GGTI-298. Furthermore, GGTI-298 decreased activation of NF-kappaB,
      a downstream target of Rho family GTPases. These studies suggest that protein
      geranylgeranylation contributes to dysregulation of cell survival pathways in
      HTLV-1-transformed cells.

PMID- 22069518
TI  - Non-retroviral fossils in vertebrate genomes.
AB  - Although no physical fossils of viruses have been found, retroviruses are known
      to leave their molecular fossils in the genomes of their hosts, the so-called
      endogenous retroviral elements. These have provided us with important information
      about retroviruses in the past and their co-evolution with their hosts. On the
      other hand, because non-retroviral viruses were considered not to leave such
      fossils, even the existence of prehistoric non-retroviral viruses has been
      enigmatic. Recently, we discovered that elements derived from ancient
      bornaviruses, non-segmented, negative strand RNA viruses, are found in the
      genomes of several mammalian species, including humans. In addition, at
      approximately the same time, several endogenous elements of RNA viruses, DNA
      viruses and reverse-transcribing DNA viruses have been independently reported,
      which revealed that non-retroviral viruses have played significant roles in the
      evolution of their hosts and provided novel insights into virology and cell
      biology. Here we review non-retroviral virus-like elements in vertebrate genomes,
      non-retroviral integration and the knowledge obtained from these endogenous non
      retroviral virus-like elements.

PMID- 22069519
TI  - Next generation sequencing technologies for insect virus discovery.
AB  - Insects are commonly infected with multiple viruses including those that cause
      sublethal, asymptomatic, and latent infections. Traditional methods for virus
      isolation typically lack the sensitivity required for detection of such viruses
      that are present at low abundance. In this respect, next generation sequencing
      technologies have revolutionized methods for the discovery and identification of
      new viruses from insects. Here we review both traditional and modern methods for
      virus discovery, and outline analysis of transcriptome and small RNA data for
      identification of viral sequences. We will introduce methods for de novo assembly
      of viral sequences, identification of potential viral sequences from BLAST data,
      and bioinformatics for generating full-length or near full-length viral genome
      sequences. We will also discuss implications of the ubiquity of viruses in
      insects and in insect cell lines. All of the methods described in this article
      can also apply to the discovery of viruses in other organisms.

PMID- 22069520
TI  - Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) neutralization: a review.
AB  - One of the major obstacles that must be overcome in the design of effective
      lentiviral vaccines is the ability of lentiviruses to evolve in order to escape
      from neutralizing antibodies. The primary target for neutralizing antibodies is
      the highly variable viral envelope glycoprotein (Env), a glycoprotein that is
      essential for viral entry and comprises both variable and conserved regions. As a
      result of the complex trimeric nature of Env, there is steric hindrance of
      conserved epitopes required for receptor binding so that these are not accessible
      to antibodies. Instead, the humoral response is targeted towards decoy
      immunodominant epitopes on variable domains such as the third hypervariable loop
      (V3) of Env. For feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as the related
      human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), little is known about the factors that
      lead to the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies. In cats infected with
      FIV and patients infected with HIV-1, only rarely are plasma samples found that
      contain antibodies capable of neutralizing isolates from other clades. In this
      review we examine the neutralizing response to FIV, comparing and contrasting
      with the response to HIV. We ask whether broadly neutralizing antibodies are
      induced by FIV infection and discuss the comparative value of studies of
      neutralizing antibodies in FIV infection for the development of more effective
      vaccine strategies against lentiviral infections in general, including HIV-1.

PMID- 22069521
TI  - Prior virus exposure alters the long-term landscape of viral replication during
      feline lentiviral infection.
AB  - We developed a feline model of lentiviral cross-species transmission using a puma
      lentivirus (PLV or FIV(Pco)) which infects domestic cats but does not cause
      disease. Infection with PLV protects cats from CD4+ T-cell decline caused by
      subsequent infection with virulent feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Previous
      studies implicate innate immune and/or cellular restriction mechanisms for FIV
      disease attenuation in PLV-infected cats. In this study, we evaluated viral
      infection and cytokine mRNA transcription in 12 different tissue reservoirs
      approximately five months post infection. We quantitated tissue proviral load,
      viral mRNA load and relative transcription of IL-10, IL-12p40 and IFNgamma from
      tissues of cats exposed to FIV, PLV or both viruses and analyzed these parameters
      using a multivariate statistical approach. The distribution and intensity of FIV
      infection and IFNgamma transcription differed between single and co-infected
      cats, characterized by higher FIV proviral loads and IFNgamma expression in co
      infected cat tissues. Variability in FIV mRNA load and IFNgamma was significantly
      more constrained in co-infected versus singly infected cat tissues. Single
      infected:co-infected ratios of FIV mRNA load compared to FIV proviral load
      indicated that active viral transcription was apparently inhibited during co
      infection. These results indicate that previous PLV infection increases
      activation of tissue innate immunity and constrains the ability of FIV to
      productively infect tissue reservoirs of infection for months, independent of FIV
      proviral load, supporting a model in which innate immunity and/or modulation of
      target cell susceptibility play a key role in PLV-induced protection from FIV
      disease.

PMID- 22069522
TI  - The hepatitis C virus glycan shield and evasion of the humoral immune response.
AB  - Despite the induction of effective immune responses, 80% of hepatitis C virus
      (HCV)-infected individuals progress from acute to chronic hepatitis. In contrast
      to the cellular immune response, the role of the humoral immune response in HCV
      clearance is still subject to debate. Indeed, HCV escapes neutralizing antibodies
      in chronically infected patients and reinfection has been described in human and
      chimpanzee. Studies of antibody-mediated HCV neutralization have long been
      hampered by the lack of cell-culture-derived virus and the absence of a small
      animal model. However, the development of surrogate models and recent progress in
      HCV propagation in vitro now enable robust neutralization assays to be performed.
      These advances are beginning to shed some light on the mechanisms of HCV
      neutralization. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the
      viral targets of anti-HCV-neutralizing antibodies and the mechanisms that enable
      HCV to evade the humoral immune response. The recent description of the HCV
      glycan shield that reduces the immunogenicity of envelope proteins and masks
      conserved neutralizing epitopes at their surface constitutes the major focus of
      this review.

PMID- 22069523
TI  - Viral ancestors of antiviral systems.
AB  - All life must survive their corresponding viruses. Thus antiviral systems are
      essential in all living organisms. Remnants of virus derived information are also
      found in all life forms but have historically been considered mostly as junk DNA.
      However, such virus derived information can strongly affect host susceptibility
      to viruses. In this review, I evaluate the role viruses have had in the origin
      and evolution of host antiviral systems. From Archaea through bacteria and from
      simple to complex eukaryotes I trace the viral components that became essential
      elements of antiviral immunity. I conclude with a reexamination of the 'Big Bang'
      theory for the emergence of the adaptive immune system in vertebrates by
      horizontal transfer and note how viruses could have and did provide crucial and
      coordinated features.

PMID- 22069524
TI  - The molecular biology of frog virus 3 and other iridoviruses infecting cold
      blooded vertebrates.
AB  - Frog virus 3 (FV3) is the best characterized member of the family Iridoviridae.
      FV3 study has provided insights into the replication of other family members, and
      has served as a model of viral transcription, genome replication, and virus
      mediated host-shutoff. Although the broad outlines of FV3 replication have been
      elucidated, the precise roles of most viral proteins remain unknown. Current
      studies using knock down (KD) mediated by antisense morpholino oligonucleotides
      (asMO) and small, interfering RNAs (siRNA), knock out (KO) following replacement
      of the targeted gene with a selectable marker by homologous recombination,
      ectopic viral gene expression, and recombinant viral proteins have enabled
      researchers to systematically ascertain replicative- and virulence-related gene
      functions. In addition, the application of molecular tools to ecological studies
      is providing novel ways for field biologists to identify potential pathogens,
      quantify infections, and trace the evolution of ecologically important viral
      species. In this review, we summarize current studies using not only FV3, but
      also other iridoviruses infecting ectotherms. As described below, general
      principles ascertained using FV3 served as a model for the family, and studies
      utilizing other ranaviruses and megalocytiviruses have confirmed and extended our
      understanding of iridovirus replication. Collectively, these and future efforts
      will elucidate molecular events in viral replication, intrinsic and extrinsic
      factors that contribute to disease outbreaks, and the role of the host immune
      system in protection from disease.

PMID- 22069527
TI  - A novel platform for research on toxins.

PMID- 22069526
TI  - Recombination in hepatitis C virus.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a Flavivirus with a positive-sense, single-stranded
      RNA genome of about 9,600 nucleotides. It is a major cause of liver disease,
      infecting almost 200 million people all over the world. Similarly to most RNA
      viruses, HCV displays very high levels of genetic diversity which have been used
      to differentiate six major genotypes and about 80 subtypes. Although the
      different genotypes and subtypes share basic biological and pathogenic features
      they differ in clinical outcomes, response to treatment and epidemiology. The
      first HCV recombinant strain, in which different genome segments derived from
      parentals of different genotypes, was described in St. Petersburg (Russia) in
      2002. Since then, there have been only a few more than a dozen reports including
      descriptions of HCV recombinants at all levels: between genotypes, between
      subtypes of the same genotype and even between strains of the same subtype. Here,
      we review the literature considering the reasons underlying the difficulties for
      unequivocally establishing recombination in this virus along with the analytical
      methods necessary to do it. Finally, we analyze the potential consequences,
      especially in clinical practice, of HCV recombination in light of the coming new
      therapeutic approaches against this virus.

PMID- 22069525
TI  - Cellular restriction factors of feline immunodeficiency virus.
AB  - Lentiviruses are known for their narrow cell- and species-tropisms, which are
      determined by cellular proteins whose absence or presence either support viral
      replication (dependency factors, cofactors) or inhibit viral replication
      (restriction factors). Similar to Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1),
      the cat lentivirus Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is sensitive to recently
      discovered cellular restriction factors from non-host species that are able to
      stop viruses from replicating. Of particular importance are the cellular proteins
      APOBEC3, TRIM5alpha and tetherin/BST-2. In general, lentiviruses counteract or
      escape their species' own variant of the restriction factor, but are targeted by
      the orthologous proteins of distantly related species. Most of the knowledge
      regarding lentiviral restriction factors has been obtained in the HIV-1 system;
      however, much less is known about their effects on other lentiviruses. We
      describe here the molecular mechanisms that explain how FIV maintains its
      replication in feline cells, but is largely prevented from cross-species
      infections by cellular restriction factors.

PMID- 22069528
TI  - Effect of neem leaf extract and neem oil on Penicillium growth, sporulation,
      morphology and ochratoxin A production.
AB  - In vitro trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of Azadirachtaindica (neem)
      extracts on mycelial growth, sporulation, morphology and ochratoxin A production
      by P. verrucosum and P. brevicompactum. The effect of neem oil extract from seeds
      and leaf was evaluated at 0.125; 0.25 and 0.5% and 6.25 and 12.5 mg/mL,
      respectively, in Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES) medium. Ochratoxin A production was
      evaluated by a thin-layer chromatography technique. Oil extracts exhibited
      significant (p <= 0.05) reduction of growth and sporulation of the fungi. No
      inhibition of ochratoxin A production was observed. Given its accessibility and
      low cost, neem oil could be implemented as part of a sustainable integrated pest
      management strategy for plant disease, as it has been shown to be fungitoxic by
      inhibition of growth and sporulation.

PMID- 22069529
TI  - Intersex tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) from a contaminated river in Taiwan: A case
      study.
AB  - River pollution in Taiwan is rather serious, but so far there have been no
      reports of fish intersex problems. This report reveals that 50% male tilapia in
      the Era-Jiin River of southern Taiwan were found to be feminized in an October 8,
      1994 collection from station EJ-2 of this river. After discounting all other
      possible causative factors, and correlating with endocrine disrupting chemicals
      found in this river, we suggest that there is a great possibility that the
      occurrence of intersex tilapia was caused by these chemicals. The above finding
      suggests that greater attention needs to be given to endocrine disrupting
      chemicals problems.

PMID- 22069530
TI  - Oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity reaction in the adult yucatan
      pigs. A useful model for drug development and validation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to establish a model of delayed type
      hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in the ear skin of large animals such as adult
      Yucatan pigs, which may aid in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic modalities
      of newly developed anti-inflammatory drugs. The pigs were sensitized with
      oxazolone, re-challenged with the same irritant six days later, and dosed with
      either vehicle or with cyclosporine A (CsA) before and after challenge. CsA
      reduced the redness, inhibited the accumulation of ear fluid and inflammatory
      cells, as well as the release of the inflammatory mediators. Further, CsA
      inhibited the proliferation of T cells collected from the spleens or PBMCs of CsA
      treated pigs when these cells were stimulated in vitro with PMA plus Ionomycin.
      These results indicate that pig skin can be used to evaluate modalities for the
      purpose of developing drugs that may be used to treat DTH in humans.

PMID- 22069531
TI  - Predicted roles of the uncharacterized clustered genes in aflatoxin biosynthesis.
AB  - Biosynthesis of the toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins (AFs) requires the activity
      of more than 27 enzymes. The roles in biosynthesis of newly described enzymes are
      discussed in this review. We suggest that HypC catalyzes the oxidation of
      norsolorinic acid anthrone; AvfA (AflI), the ring-closure step in formation of
      hydroxyversicolorone; HypB, the second oxidation step in conversion of O
      methylsterigmatocystin to AF; and HypE and NorA (AflE), the final two steps in
      AFB(1) formation. HypD, an integral membrane protein, affects fungal development
      and lowers AF production while AflJ (AflS), has a partial methyltransferase
      domain that may be important in its function as a transcriptional co-activator.

PMID- 22069532
TI  - Immune response to Chlamydophila abortus POMP91B protein in the context of
      different Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMP); role of antigen in the
      orientation of immune response.
AB  - In a previous study, we used bacterial flagellin to deliver antigens such as p27
      of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to a host immune system and obtained a potent Th1
      response compared to those obtained with Freund's adjuvant and DNA immunization.
      In the current study, using a POMP91B antigen of Chlamydophila abortus, a human
      and animal pathogen, as a model, we found that this antigen is unable to promote
      Th1 response. However, this antigen, unlike others, was able to induce a good Th2
      response and IL-4 production after immunization by recombinant protein in
      Freund's adjuvant or in phosphate buffered saline. Our results suggest that
      immune response is not only dependent on the immunization adjuvant, but also
      dependent on the nature of antigen used.

PMID- 22069533
TI  - Cyclopiazonic acid biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae.
AB  - Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is an indole-tetramic acid neurotoxin produced by some
      of the same strains of A. flavus that produce aflatoxins and by some Aspergillus
      oryzae strains. Despite its discovery 40 years ago, few reviews of its toxicity
      and biosynthesis have been reported. This review examines what is currently known
      about the toxicity of CPA to animals and humans, both by itself or in combination
      with other mycotoxins. The review also discusses CPA biosynthesis and the genetic
      diversity of CPA production in A. flavus/oryzae populations.

PMID- 22069534
TI  - Asp Viper (Vipera aspis) envenomation: experience of the Marseille Poison Centre
      from 1996 to 2008.
AB  - A retrospective case review study of viper envenomations collected by the
      Marseille's Poison Centre between 1996 and 2008 was performed. RESULTS: 174 cases
      were studied (52 grade 1 = G1, 90 G2 and 32 G3). G1 patients received symptomatic
      treatments (average hospital stay 0.96 day). One hundred and six (106) of the
      G2/G3 patients were treated with the antivenom Viperfav* (2.1+/-0.9 days in
      hospital), while 15 of them received symptomatic treatments only (plus one
      immediate death) (8.1+/-4 days in hospital, 2 of them died). The hospital stay
      was significantly reduced in the antivenom treated group (p < 0.001), and none of
      the 106 antivenom treated patients had immediate (anaphylaxis) or delayed (serum
      sickness) allergic reactions. CONCLUSION: Viperfav* antivenom was safe and
      effective for treating asp viper venom-induced toxicity.

PMID- 22069535
TI  - CyanoHAB occurrence and water irrigation cyanotoxin contamination: ecological
      impacts and potential health risks.
AB  - The world-wide occurrence of harmful cyanobacteria blooms "CyanoHAB" in fresh and
      brackish waters creates problems for all life forms. During CyanoHAB events,
      toxic cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins at high levels that can cause chronic and
      sub-chronic toxicities to animals, plants and humans. Cyanotoxicity in eukaryotes
      has been mainly focused on animals, but during these last years, data, related to
      cyanotoxin (mainly microcystins, MCs) impact on both aquatic and terrestrials
      crop plants irrigated by water containing these toxins, have become more and more
      available. This last cited fact is gaining importance since plants could in a
      direct or indirect manner contribute to cyanotoxin transfer through the food
      chain, and thus constitute a potent health risk source. The use of this
      contaminated irrigation water can also have an economical impact which appears by
      a reduction of the germination rate of seeds, and alteration of the quality and
      the productivity of crop plants. The main objective of this work was to discuss
      the eventual phytotoxicity of cyanotoxins (microcystins) as the major
      agricultural impacts induced by the use of contaminated water for plant
      irrigation. These investigations confirm the harmful effects (ecological, eco
      physiological, socio-economical and sanitary risk) of dissolved MCs on
      agricultural plants. Thus, cyanotoxin phytotoxicity strongly suggests a need for
      the surveillance of CyanoHAB and the monitoring of water irrigation quality as
      well as for drinking water.

PMID- 22069536
TI  - Determination of the biological activity and structure activity relationships of
      drugs based on the highly cytotoxic duocarmycins and CC-1065.
AB  - The natural antibiotics CC-1065 and the duocarmycins are highly cytotoxic
      compounds which however are not suitable for cancer therapy due to their general
      toxicity. We have developed glycosidic prodrugs of seco-analogues of these
      antibiotics for a selective cancer therapy using conjugates of glycohydrolases
      and tumour-selective monoclonal antibodies for the liberation of the drugs from
      the prodrugs predominantly at the tumour site. For the determination of structure
      activity relationships of the different seco-drugs, experiments addressing their
      interaction with synthetic DNA were performed. Using electro-spray mass
      spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography, the experiments revealed
      a correlation of the stability of these drugs with their cytotoxicity in cell
      culture investigations. Furthermore, it was shown that the drugs bind to AT-rich
      regions of double-stranded DNA and the more cytotoxic drugs induce DNA
      fragmentation at room temperature in several of the selected DNA double-strands.
      Finally, an explanation for the very high cytotoxicity of CC-1065, the
      duocarmycins and analogous drugs is given.

PMID- 22069537
TI  - Comparison of sea snake (Hydrophiidae) neurotoxin to cobra (Naja) neurotoxin.
AB  - Both sea snakes and cobras have venoms containing postsynaptic neurotoxins.
      Comparison of the primary structures indicates many similarities, especially the
      positions of the four disulfide bonds. However, detailed examination reveals
      differences in several amino acid residues. Amino acid sequences of sea snake
      neurotoxins were determined, and then compared to cobra neurotoxins by computer
      modeling. This allowed for easy comparison of the similarities and differences
      between the two types of postsynaptic neurotoxins. Comparison of computer models
      for the toxins of sea snakes and cobra will reveal the three dimensional
      difference of the toxins much clearer than the amino acid sequence alone.

PMID- 22069538
TI  - Isolation and chemical characterization of a toxin isolated from the venom of the
      sea snake, Hydrophis torquatus aagardi.
AB  - Sea snakes (family: Hydrophiidae) are serpents found in the coastal areas of the
      Indian and Pacific Oceans. There are two subfamilies in Hydrophiidae:
      Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae. A toxin, aagardi toxin, was isolated from the
      venom of the Hydrophiinae snake, Hydrophis torquatus aagardi and its chemical
      properties such as molecular weight, isoelectric point, importance of disulfide
      bonds, lack of enzymatic activity and amino acid sequence were determined. The
      amino acid sequence indicated a close relationship to the primary structure of
      other Hydrophiinae toxins and a significant difference from Laticaudinae toxins,
      confirming that primary toxin structure is closely related to sea snake
      phylogenecity.

PMID- 22069539
TI  - Functional analysis of a putative Dothistromin toxin MFS transporter gene.
AB  - Dothistromin is a non-host selective toxin produced by the pine needle pathogen
      Dothistroma septosporum. Dothistromin is not required for pathogenicity, but may
      have a role in competition and niche protection. To determine how D. septosporum
      tolerates its own toxin, a putative dothistromin transporter, dotC, was
      investigated. Studies with mutants lacking a functional dotC gene, overproducing
      dotC, or with a dotC-GFP fusion gene, did not provide conclusive evidence of a
      role in dothistromin efflux. The mutants revealed a major effect of dotC on
      dothistromin biosynthesis but were resistant to exogenous dothistromin.
      Intracellular localization studies suggest that compartmentalization may be
      important for dothistromin tolerance.

PMID- 22069540
TI  - Preparation of an in-house reference material containing fumonisins in Thai rice
      and matrix extension of the analytical method for Japanese rice.
AB  - Mycotoxin contamination in rice is less reported, compared to that in wheat or
      maize, however, some Fusarium fungi occasionally infect rice in the paddy field.
      Fumonisins are mycotoxins mainly produced by Fusarium verticillioides, which
      often ruins maize. Rice adherent fungus Gibberella fujikuroi is taxonomically
      near to F. verticillioides, and there are sporadic reports of fumonisin
      contamination in rice from Asia, Europe and the United States. Therefore, there
      exists the potential risk of fumonisin contamination in rice as well as the need
      for the validated analytical method for fumonisins in rice. Although both natural
      and spiked reference materials are available for some Fusarium mycotoxins in
      matrices of wheat and maize, there are no reference materials for Fusarium
      mycotoxins in rice. In this study, we have developed a method for the preparation
      of a reference material containing fumonisins in Thai rice. A ShakeMaster
      grinding machine was used for the preparation of a mixed material of blank Thai
      rice and F. verticillioides-infected Thai rice. The homogeneity of the mixed
      material was confirmed by one-way analysis of variance, which led this material
      to serve as an in-house reference material. Using this reference material,
      several procedures to extract fumonisins from Thai rice were compared.
      Accordingly, we proved the applicability of an effective extraction procedure for
      the determination of fumonisins in Japanese rice.

PMID- 22069541
TI  - Fluorescence polarization immunoassay of mycotoxins: a review.
AB  - Immunoassays are routinely used in the screening of commodities and foods for
      fungal toxins (mycotoxins). Demands to increase speed and lower costs have lead
      to continued improvements in such assays. Because many reported mycotoxins are
      low molecular weight (below 1 kDa), immunoassays for their detection have
      generally been constructed in competitive heterogeneous formats. An exception is
      fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), a homogeneous format that does not
      require the separation of bound and free labels (tracer). The potential for
      rapid, solution phase, immunoassays has been realized in the development of FPIA
      for many of the major groups of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins,
      group B trichothecenes (primarily deoxynivalenol), ochratoxin A, and zearalenone.
      This review describes the basic principles of FPIA and summarizes recent research
      in this area with regard to mycotoxins.

PMID- 22069542
TI  - Clostridium perfringens iota-toxin: structure and function.
AB  - Clostridium perfringens iota-toxin is composed of the enzyme component (Ia) and
      the binding component (Ib). Ib binds to receptor on targeted cells and
      translocates Ia into the cytosol of the cells. Ia ADP-ribosylates actin,
      resulting in cell rounding and death. Comparisons of the deduced amino acid
      sequence from the gene and three-dimensional structure of Ia with those of ADP
      ribosylating toxins (ARTs) suggests that there is striking structural similarity
      among these toxins. Our objectives are to review the recent advances in the
      character, structure-function, and the mode of action of iota-toxin by
      consideration of the findings about ARTs.

PMID- 22069543
TI  - Protein Domain Analysis of C. botulinum Type A Neurotoxin and Its Relationship
      with Other Botulinum Serotypes.
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are highly potent poisons produced by seven
      serotypes of Clostridium botulinum. The mechanism of neurotoxin action is a
      multistep process which leads to the cleavage of one of three different SNARE
      proteins essential for synaptic vesicle fusion and transmission of the nerve
      signals to muscles: synaptobrevin, syntaxin, or SNAP-25. In order to understand
      the precise mechanism of neurotoxin in a host, the domain structure of the
      neurotoxin was analyzed among different serotypes of C. botulinum. The results
      indicate that neurotoxins type A, C, D, E and F contain a coiled-coil domain
      while types B and type G neurotoxin do not. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis
      based on neurotoxin sequences has further confirmed that serotypes B and G are
      closely related. These results suggest that neurotoxin has multi-domain
      structure, and coiled-coil domain plays an important role in oligomerisation of
      the neurotoxin. Domain analysis may help to identify effective antibodies to
      treat Botulinum toxin intoxication.

PMID- 22069544
TI  - Structure and function of snake venom proteins affecting platelet plug formation.
AB  - Many snake venom proteins have been isolated that affect platelet plug formation
      by interacting either with platelet integrins, membrane glycoprotein Ib (GPIb),
      or plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF). Among them, disintegrins purified from
      various snake venoms are strong inhibitors of platelet aggregation. Botrocetin
      and bitiscetin derived from Bothrops jararaca and Bitis arietans venom,
      respectively, induce VWF-dependent platelet agglutination in vitro. Several GPIb
      binding proteins have also been isolated from snake venoms. In this review, we
      focus on the structure and function of those snake venom proteins that influence
      platelet plug formation. These proteins are potentially useful as reagents for
      the sub-diagnosis of platelet disorder or von Willebrand disease, as well as for
      clinical and basic research of thrombosis and hemostasis.

PMID- 22069545
TI  - Sensing the deadliest toxin: technologies for botulinum neurotoxin detection.
AB  - Sensitive and rapid detection of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the most
      poisonous substances known to date, is essential for studies of medical
      applications of BoNTs and detection of poisoned food, as well as for response to
      potential bioterrorist threats. Currently, the most common method of BoNT
      detection is the mouse bioassay. While this assay is sensitive, it is slow, quite
      expensive, has limited throughput and requires sacrificing animals. Herein, we
      discuss and compare recently developed alternative in vitro detection methods and
      assess their ability to supplement or replace the mouse bioassay in the analysis
      of complex matrix samples.

PMID- 22069546
TI  - Reciprocal interactions between lactoferrin and bacterial endotoxins and their
      role in the regulation of the immune response.
AB  - Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein expressed in most biological
      fluids, represents a major component of the mammalian innate immune system. Lf's
      multiple activities rely not only on its capacity to bind iron, but also to
      interact with molecular and cellular components of both host and pathogens. Lf
      can bind and sequester lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thus preventing pro-inflammatory
      pathway activation, sepsis and tissue damage. However, Lf-bound LPS may retain
      the capacity to induce cell activation via Toll-like receptor 4-dependent and 
      independent mechanisms. This review discusses the complex interplay between Lf
      and LPS and its relevance in the regulation of the immune response.

PMID- 22069549
TI  - Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) and myeloperoxidase: co-regulators of formation of
      reactive oxygen species.
AB  - INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS TRIGGER POLYMORPHONUCLEAR NEUTROPHILS (PMN) TO PRODUCE
      REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (ROS: O(2) (-), H(2)O(2), ?OH). Mediated by
      myeloperoxidase in PMN, HOCl is formed, detectable in a chemiluminescence (CL)
      assay. We have shown that the abundant cytosolic PMN protein calprotectin
      (S100A8/A9) similarly elicits CL in response to H(2)O(2) in a cell-free system.
      Myeloperoxidase and calprotectin worked synergistically. Calprotectin-induced CL
      increased, whereas myeloperoxidase-triggered CL decreased with pH > 7.5.
      Myeloperoxidase needed NaCl for CL, calprotectin did not. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid,
      binding ?OH, almost abrogated calprotectin CL, but moderately increased
      myeloperoxidase activity. The combination of native calprotectin, or recombinant
      S100A8/A9 proteins, with NaOCl markedly enhanced CL. NaOCl may be the synergistic
      link between myeloperoxidase and calprotectin. Surprisingly- and unexplained- at
      higher concentration of S100A9 the stimulation vanished, suggesting a switch from
      pro-oxidant to anti-oxidant function. We propose that the ?OH is predominant in
      ROS production by calprotectin, a function not described before.

PMID- 22069547
TI  - the versatility of the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin vacA in signal
      transduction and molecular crosstalk.
AB  - By modulating important properties of eukaryotic cells, many bacterial protein
      toxins highjack host signalling pathways to create a suitable niche for the
      pathogen to colonize and persist. Helicobacter pylori VacA is paradigm of pore
      forming toxins which contributes to the pathogenesis of peptic ulceration.
      Several cellular receptors have been described for VacA, which exert different
      effects on epithelial and immune cells. The crystal structure of VacA p55 subunit
      might be important for elucidating details of receptor interaction and pore
      formation. Here we discuss the multiple signalling activities of this important
      toxin and the molecular crosstalk between VacA and other virulence factors.

PMID- 22069550
TI  - Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factors (CNFs)-A Growing Toxin Family.
AB  - The Escherichia coli Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factors, CNF1, CNF2, CNF3 and CNFY
      from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis belong to a family of deamidating toxins. CNFs
      deamidate glutamine 63/61 in the switch II region of Rho GTPases that is
      essential for GTP hydrolysing activity. Deamidation leads to constitutive
      activation of Rho GTPases. However, cellular mechanisms like proteasomal
      degradation of the activated Rho proteins restrict the action of the GTPases.
      This review describes the differences between the toxin family members concerning
      expression, cellular entry and substrate specificity.

PMID- 22069552
TI  - Bothrops lanceolatus bites: guidelines for severity assessment and emergent
      management.
AB  - Approximately 20-30 declared snakebite cases occurin Martinique each year.
      Bothrops lanceolatus, a member of the Crotalidae family, is considered to be the
      only involved snake. B. lanceolatus, commonly named "Fer-de-Lance", is endemic
      and only found on this Caribbean island. Envenomation local features include the
      presence of fang marks, swelling, pain, bleeding from punctures, and ecchymosis.
      Severe envenomation is associated with multiple systemic thromboses appearing
      within 48 h of the bite and resulting in cerebral, myocardial or pulmonary
      infarctions. Diagnosis requires first of all identification of the snake.
      Coagulation tests are helpful to identify thrombocytopenia or disseminated
      intravascular coagulation. A clinical score based on 4 grades is helpful to
      assess envonimation severity. A specific monovalent equine anti-venom
      (Bothrofav((r)), Sanofi-Pasteur, France) to neutralize B. lanceolatus venom is
      available. Its early administration within 6h from the biting in case of
      progressive local injures, general signs or coagulation disturbances is effective
      to prevent severe thrombosis and coagulopathy. Its tolerance is considered to be
      good. Despite an increasing incidence of bites, no deaths have been recently
      attributed to B. lanceolatus in Martinique, probably due to the currently
      recommended strategy of early antivenom administration when required.

PMID- 22069554
TI  - PP2A inhibition assay using recombinant enzyme for rapid detection of okadaic
      acid and its analogs in shellfish.
AB  - Okadaic acid and its analogs (OAs) responsible for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning
      (DSP) strongly inhibit protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and thus are quantifiable by
      measuring the extent of the enzyme inhibition. In this study, we evaluated the
      suitability of the catalytic subunit of recombinant human PP2A (rhPP2Ac) for use
      in a microplate OA assay. OA, dinophysistoxin-1(DTX1), and hydrolyzate of 7-O
      palmitoyl-OA strongly inhibited rhPP2Ac activity with IC(50) values of 0.095,
      0.104, and 0.135 nM, respectively. The limits of detection and quantitation for
      OA in the digestive gland of scallops and mussels were 0.0348 MUg/g and 0.0611
      MUg/g respectively, and, when converted to the whole meat basis, are well below
      the regulation level proposed by EU (0.16 MUg/g whole meat). A good correlation
      with LC-MS data was demonstrated, the correlation coefficient being 0.996 with
      the regression slope of 1.097.

PMID- 22069553
TI  - The protein kinase C agonist PEP005 (ingenol 3-angelate) in the treatment of
      human cancer: a balance between efficacy and toxicity.
AB  - The diterpene ester ingenol-3-angelate (referred to as PEP005) is derived from
      the plant Euphorbia peplus. Crude euphorbia extract causes local toxicity and
      transient inflammation when applied topically and has been used in the treatment
      of warts, skin keratoses and skin cancer. PEP005 is a broad range activator of
      the classical (alpha, beta, gamma) and novel (delta, epsilon, eta, theta) protein
      kinase C isoenzymes. Direct pro-apoptotic effects of this drug have been
      demonstrated in several malignant cells, including melanoma cell lines and
      primary human acute myelogenous leukemia cells. At micromolar concentrations
      required to kill melanoma cells this agent causes PKC-independent secondary
      necrosis. In contrast, the killing of leukemic cells occurs in the nanomolar
      range, requires activation of protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta) and is
      specifically associated with translocation of PKCdelta from the cytoplasm to the
      nuclear membrane. However, in addition to this pro-apoptotic effect the agent
      seems to have immunostimulatory effects, including: (i) increased chemokine
      release by malignant cells; (ii) a general increase in proliferation and cytokine
      release by activated T cells, including T cells derived from patients with
      chemotherapy-induced lymphopenia; (iii) local infiltration of neutrophils after
      topical application with increased antibody-dependent cytotoxicity; and (iv)
      development of specific anti-cancer immune responses by CD8(+) T cells in animal
      models. Published studies mainly describe effects from in vitro investigations or
      after topical application of the agent, and careful evaluation of the toxicity
      after systemic administration is required before the possible use of this agent
      in the treatment of malignancies other than skin cancers.

PMID- 22069551
TI  - Curcumin-the paradigm of a multi-target natural compound with applications in
      cancer prevention and treatment.
AB  - As cancer is a multifactor disease, it may require treatment with compounds able
      to target multiple intracellular components. We summarize here how curcumin is
      able to modulate many components of intracellular signaling pathways implicated
      in inflammation, cell proliferation and invasion and to induce genetic
      modulations eventually leading to tumor cell death. Clinical applications of this
      natural compound were initially limited by its low solubility and bioavailability
      in both plasma and tissues but combination with adjuvant and delivery vehicles
      was reported to largely improve bio-availability of curcumin. Moreover, curcumin
      was reported to act in synergism with several natural compounds or synthetic
      agents commonly used in chemotherapy. Based on this, curcumin could thus be
      considered as a good candidate for cancer prevention and treatment when used
      alone or in combination with other conventional treatments.

PMID- 22069555
TI  - Comments on "Ochratoxin A: In utero Exposure in Mice Induces Adducts in
      Testicular DNA. Toxins 2010, 2, 1428-1444"-Mis-Citation of Rat Literature to
      Justify a Hypothetical Role for Ochratoxin A in Testicular Cancer.
AB  - A manuscript in the journal recently cited experimental rat data from two
      manuscripts to support plausibility of a thesis that ochratoxin A might be a
      cause of human testicular cancer. I believe that there is no experimental
      evidence that ochratoxin A produces testicular cancer in rats or mice.

PMID- 22069557
TI  - Genomic damage in endstage renal disease-contribution of uremic toxins.
AB  - Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), whether on conservative, peritoneal
      or hemodialysis therapy, have elevated genomic damage in peripheral blood
      lymphocytes and an increased cancer incidence, especially of the kidney. The
      damage is possibly due to accumulation of uremic toxins like advanced glycation
      endproducts or homocysteine. However, other endogenous substances with genotoxic
      properties, which are increased in ESRD, could be involved, such as the blood
      pressure regulating hormones angiotensin II and aldosterone or the inflammatory
      cytokine TNF-alpha. This review provides an overview of genomic damage observed
      in ESRD patients, focuses on possible underlying causes and shows modulations of
      the damage by modern dialysis strategies and vitamin supplementation.

PMID- 22069558
TI  - Diversity and impact of prokaryotic toxins on aquatic environments: a review.
AB  - Microorganisms are ubiquitous in all habitats and are recognized by their
      metabolic versatility and ability to produce many bioactive compounds, including
      toxins. Some of the most common toxins present in water are produced by several
      cyanobacterial species. As a result, their blooms create major threats to animal
      and human health, tourism, recreation and aquaculture. Quite a few cyanobacterial
      toxins have been described, including hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxins and
      dermatotoxins. These toxins are secondary metabolites, presenting a vast
      diversity of structures and variants. Most of cyanobacterial secondary
      metabolites are peptides or have peptidic substructures and are assumed to be
      synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthesis (NRPS), involving peptide
      synthetases, or NRPS/PKS, involving peptide synthetases and polyketide synthases
      hybrid pathways. Besides cyanobacteria, other bacteria associated with aquatic
      environments are recognized as significant toxin producers, representing
      important issues in food safety, public health, and human and animal well being.
      Vibrio species are one of the most representative groups of aquatic toxin
      producers, commonly associated with seafood-born infections. Some enterotoxins
      and hemolysins have been identified as fundamental for V. cholerae and V.
      vulnificus pathogenesis, but there is evidence for the existence of other
      potential toxins. Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli are also water
      contaminants and are able to produce important toxins after infecting their
      hosts. Other bacteria associated with aquatic environments are emerging as toxin
      producers, namely Legionella pneumophila and Aeromonas hydrophila, described as
      responsible for the synthesis of several exotoxins, enterotoxins and cytotoxins.
      Furthermore, several Clostridium species can produce potent neurotoxins. Although
      not considered aquatic microorganisms, they are ubiquitous in the environment and
      can easily contaminate drinking and irrigation water. Clostridium members are
      also spore-forming bacteria and can persist in hostile environmental conditions
      for long periods of time, contributing to their hazard grade. Similarly,
      Pseudomonas species are widespread in the environment. Since P. aeruginosa is an
      emergent opportunistic pathogen, its toxins may represent new hazards for humans
      and animals. This review presents an overview of the diversity of toxins produced
      by prokaryotic microorganisms associated with aquatic habitats and their impact
      on environment, life and health of humans and other animals. Moreover, important
      issues like the availability of these toxins in the environment, contamination
      sources and pathways, genes involved in their biosynthesis and molecular
      mechanisms of some representative toxins are also discussed.

PMID- 22069559
TI  - ADAM-15 disintegrin-like domain structure and function.
AB  - The ADAM (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase) proteins are a family of
      transmembrane cell-surface proteins with important functions in adhesion and
      proteolytic processing in all animals. Human ADAM-15 is the only member of the
      ADAM family with the integrin binding motif Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) in its disintegrin
      like domain. This motif is also found in most snake venom disintegrins and other
      disintegrin-like proteins. This unique RGD motif within ADAM-15 serves as an
      integrin ligand binding site, through which it plays a pivotal role in
      interacting with integrin receptors, a large family of heterodimeric
      transmembrane glycoproteins. This manuscript will present a review of the RGD
      containing disintegrin-like domain structures and the structural features
      responsible for their activity as antagonists of integrin function in relation to
      the canonical RGD template.

PMID- 22069561
TI  - Verotoxin-1 treatment or manipulation of its receptor globotriaosylceramide (gb3)
      for reversal of multidrug resistance to cancer chemotherapy.
AB  - A major problem with anti-cancer drug treatment is the development of acquired
      multidrug resistance (MDR) of the tumor cells. Verotoxin-1 (VT-1) exerts its
      cytotoxicity by targeting the globotriaosylceramide membrane receptor (Gb3), a
      glycolipid associated with multidrug resistance. Gb3 is overexpressed in many
      human tumors and tumor cell lines with inherent or acquired MDR. Gb3 is co
      expressed and interplays with the membrane efflux transporter P-gp encoded by the
      MDR1 gene. P-gp could act as a lipid flippase and stimulate Gb3 induction when
      tumor cells are exposed to cancer chemotherapy. Recent work has shown that
      apoptosis and inherent or acquired multidrug resistance in Gb3-expressing tumors
      could be affected by VT-1 holotoxin, a sub-toxic concentration of the holotoxin
      concomitant with chemotherapy or its Gb3-binding B-subunit coupled to cytotoxic
      or immunomodulatory drug, as well as chemical manipulation of Gb3 expression. The
      interplay between Gb3 and P-gp thus gives a possible physiological approach to
      augment the chemotherapeutic effect in multidrug resistant tumors.

PMID- 22069562
TI  - Biological and pathological studies of rosmarinic acid as an inhibitor of
      hemorrhagic Trimeresurus flavoviridis (habu) venom.
AB  - In our previous report, rosmarinic acid (RA) was revealed to be an antidote
      active compound in Argusia argentea (family: Boraginaceae). The plant is locally
      used in Okinawa in Japan as an antidote for poisoning from snake venom,
      Trimeresurus flavoviridis (habu). This article presents mechanistic evidence of
      RA's neutralization of the hemorrhagic effects of snake venom. Anti-hemorrhagic
      activity was assayed by using several kinds of snake venom. Inhibition against
      fibrinogen hydrolytic and collagen hydrolytic activities of T. flavoviridis venom
      were examined by SDS-PAGE. A histopathological study was done by microscopy after
      administration of venom in the presence or absence of RA. RA was found to
      markedly neutralize venom-induced hemorrhage, fibrinogenolysis, cytotoxicity and
      digestion of type IV collagen activity. Moreover, RA inhibited both hemorrhage
      and neutrophil infiltrations caused by T. flavoviridis venom in pathology
      sections. These results demonstrate that RA inhibited most of the hemorrhage
      effects of venom. These findings indicate that rosmarinic acid can be expected to
      provide therapeutic benefits in neutralization of snake venom accompanied by heat
      stability.

PMID- 22069560
TI  - Targeting inflammatory pathways by triterpenoids for prevention and treatment of
      cancer.
AB  - Traditional medicine and diet has served mankind through the ages for prevention
      and treatment of most chronic diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that chronic
      inflammation mediates most chronic diseases, including cancer. More than other
      transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and STAT3 have emerged
      as major regulators of inflammation, cellular transformation, and tumor cell
      survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Thus, agents
      that can inhibit NF-kappaB and STAT3 activation pathways have the potential to
      both prevent and treat cancer. In this review, we examine the potential of one
      group of compounds called triterpenes, derived from traditional medicine and diet
      for their ability to suppress inflammatory pathways linked to tumorigenesis.
      These triterpenes include avicins, betulinic acid, boswellic acid, celastrol,
      diosgenin, madecassic acid, maslinic acid, momordin, saikosaponins, platycodon,
      pristimerin, ursolic acid, and withanolide. This review thus supports the famous
      adage of Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food".

PMID- 22069565
TI  - Warfarin toxicity and individual variability-clinical case.
AB  - Warfarin is a widely used anticoagulant in the treatment and prevention of
      thrombosis, in the treatment for chronic atrial fibrillation, mechanical valves,
      pulmonary embolism, and dilated cardiomyopathy. It is tasteless and colorless,
      was used as a poison, and is still marketed as a pesticide against rats and mice.
      Several long-acting warfarin derivatives-superwarfarin anticoagulants-such as
      brodifacoum, diphenadione, chlorophacinone, bromadiolone, are used as pesticides
      and can produce profound and prolonged anticoagulation. Several factors increase
      the risk of warfarin toxicity. However, polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 genes
      and drug interactions account for most of the risk for toxicity complications.
      Each person is unique in their degree of susceptibility to toxic agents. The
      toxicity interpretation and the health risk of most toxic substances are a
      subject of uncertainty. Genetically determined low metabolic capacity in an
      individual can dramatically alter the toxin and metabolite levels from those
      normally expected, which is crucial for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index,
      like warfarin. Personalized approaches in interpretation have the potential to
      remove some of the scientific uncertainties in toxicity cases.

PMID- 22069563
TI  - Mechanisms of Cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
AB  - Cisplatin is a widely used and highly effective cancer chemotherapeutic agent.
      One of the limiting side effects of cisplatin use is nephrotoxicity. Research
      over the past 10 years has uncovered many of the cellular mechanisms which
      underlie cisplatin-induced renal cell death. It has also become apparent that
      inflammation provoked by injury to renal epithelial cells serves to amplify
      kidney injury and dysfunction in vivo. This review summarizes recent advances in
      our understanding of cisplatin nephrotoxicity and discusses how these advances
      might lead to more effective prevention.

PMID- 22069566
TI  - Ecophysiology of Aspergillus section nigri species potential ochratoxin a
      producers.
AB  - After aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most studied mycotoxin due to the
      toxicological significance in human and animal diets. OTA presence has been
      extensively reported worldwide in the last decade in several agricultural
      products. The main OTA producer in tropical and temperate climates is Aspergillus
      carbonarius followed by species belonging to A. niger aggregate. Currently, many
      scientists worldwide have studied the influence of water activity and temperature
      for growth and biosynthesis of OTA by these species on synthetic media. This
      article reviews ecophysiological studies of Aspergillus section Nigri strains on
      synthetic media and natural substrates. The results of these investigations
      suggest that significant amounts of OTA can be produced in only five days and
      that the use of different storage practices, such as a(W) and temperature levels
      below 0.930 and 15  degrees C, respectively, allow controlling fungal
      contamination and minimizing the OTA production in several products as peanuts,
      corn, dried grapes and derived products for human consumption.

PMID- 22069567
TI  - Snake venom disintegrins and cell migration.
AB  - Cell migration is a key process for the defense of pluricellular organisms
      against pathogens, and it involves a set of surface receptors acting in an
      ordered fashion to contribute directionality to the movement. Among these
      receptors are the integrins, which connect the cell cytoskeleton to the
      extracellular matrix components, thus playing a central role in cell migration.
      Integrin clustering at focal adhesions drives actin polymerization along the cell
      leading edge, resulting in polarity of cell movement. Therefore, small integrin
      binding proteins such as the snake venom disintegrins that inhibit integrin
      mediated cell adhesion are expected to inhibit cell migration. Here we review the
      current knowledge on disintegrin and disintegrin-like protein effects on cell
      migration and their potential use as pharmacological tools in anti-inflammatory
      therapy as well as in inhibition of metastatic invasion.

PMID- 22069568
TI  - Tetanus toxin C-fragment: the courier and the cure?
AB  - In many neurological disorders strategies for a specific delivery of a biological
      activity from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a
      considerable challenge for successful therapy. Reporter assays have established
      that the non-toxic C-fragment of tetanus toxin (TTC), provided either as protein
      or encoded by non-viral naked DNA plasmid, binds pre-synaptic motor neuron
      terminals and can facilitate the retrograde axonal transport of desired
      therapeutic molecules to the CNS. Alleviated symptoms in animal models of
      neurological diseases upon delivery of therapeutic molecules offer a hopeful
      prospect for TTC therapy. This review focuses on what has been learned on TTC
      mediated neuronal targeting, and discusses the recent discovery that, instead of
      being merely a carrier molecule, TTC itself may well harbor neuroprotective
      properties.

PMID- 22069569
TI  - Targeted toxins in brain tumor therapy.
AB  - Targeted toxins, also known as immunotoxins or cytotoxins, are recombinant
      molecules that specifically bind to cell surface receptors that are overexpressed
      in cancer and the toxin component kills the cell. These recombinant proteins
      consist of a specific antibody or ligand coupled to a protein toxin. The targeted
      toxins bind to a surface antigen or receptor overexpressed in tumors, such as the
      epidermal growth factor receptor or interleukin-13 receptor. The toxin part of
      the molecule in all clinically used toxins is modified from bacterial or plant
      toxins, fused to an antibody or carrier ligand. Targeted toxins are very
      effective against cancer cells resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. They are
      far more potent than any known chemotherapy drug. Targeted toxins have shown an
      acceptable profile of toxicity and safety in early clinical studies and have
      demonstrated evidence of a tumor response. Currently, clinical trials with some
      targeted toxins are complete and the final results are pending. This review
      summarizes the characteristics of targeted toxins and the key findings of the
      important clinical studies with targeted toxins in malignant brain tumor
      patients. Obstacles to successful treatment of malignant brain tumors include
      poor penetration into tumor masses, the immune response to the toxin component
      and cancer heterogeneity. Strategies to overcome these limitations are being
      pursued in the current generation of targeted toxins.

PMID- 22069570
TI  - beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine induces neurological deficits and shortened life
      span in Drosophila.
AB  - The neurotoxic non-protein amino acid, beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), was
      first associated with the high incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) in Guam. Recently, BMAA has
      been implicated as a fierce environmental factor that contributes to the etiology
      of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, in addition to ALS. However, the
      toxicity of BMAA in vivo has not been clearly demonstrated. Here we report our
      investigation of the neurotoxicity of BMAA in Drosophila. We found that dietary
      intake of BMAA reduced life span, locomotor functions, and learning and memory
      abilities in flies. The severity of the alterations in phenotype is correlated
      with the concentration of BMAA detected in flies. Interestingly, developmental
      exposure to BMAA had limited impact on survival rate, but reduced fertility in
      females, and caused delayed neurological impairment in aged adults. Our studies
      indicate that BMAA exposure causes chronic neurotoxicity, and that Drosophila
      serves as a useful model in dissecting the pathogenesis of ALS/PDC.

PMID- 22069564
TI  - Toxin-based therapeutic approaches.
AB  - Protein toxins confer a defense against predation/grazing or a superior
      pathogenic competence upon the producing organism. Such toxins have been
      perfected through evolution in poisonous animals/plants and pathogenic bacteria.
      Over the past five decades, a lot of effort has been invested in studying their
      mechanism of action, the way they contribute to pathogenicity and in the
      development of antidotes that neutralize their action. In parallel, many research
      groups turned to explore the pharmaceutical potential of such toxins when they
      are used to efficiently impair essential cellular processes and/or damage the
      integrity of their target cells. The following review summarizes major advances
      in the field of toxin based therapeutics and offers a comprehensive description
      of the mode of action of each applied toxin.

PMID- 22069571
TI  - Genetics of dothistromin biosynthesis of Dothistroma septosporum: an update.
AB  - Dothistroma needle blight is one of the most devastating fungal pine diseases
      worldwide. The disease is characterized by accumulation in pine needles of a red
      toxin, dothistromin, that is chemically related to aflatoxin (AF) and
      sterigmatocystin (ST). This review updates current knowledge of the genetics of
      dothistromin biosynthesis by the Dothistroma septosporum pathogen and highlights
      differences in gene organization and regulation that have been discovered between
      the dothistromin and AF/ST systems. Some previously reported genes are promoted
      or demoted as 'dothistromin genes' based on recent research. A new dothistromin
      gene, norB, is reported, and evidence of dothistromin gene homologs in other
      Dothideomycete fungi is presented. A hypothesis for the biological role of
      dothistromin is outlined. Finally, the impact that the availability of the D.
      septosporum genome sequence will have on dothistromin research is discussed.

PMID- 22069573
TI  - Genetics of dothistromin biosynthesis in the peanut pathogen Passalora
      arachidicola.
AB  - The peanut leaf spot pathogen Passalora arachidicola (Mycosphaerella arachidis)
      is known to produce dothistromin, a mycotoxin related to aflatoxin. This is a
      feature shared with the pine needle pathogen Dothistroma septosporum
      (Mycosphaerella pini). Dothistromin biosynthesis in D. septosporum commences at
      an unusually early stage of growth in culture compared to most other fungal
      secondary metabolites, and the biosynthetic genes are arranged in fragmented
      groups, in contrast to aflatoxin gene clusters. Dothistromin biosynthetic genes
      were identified and studied in P. arachidicola to determine if the attributes
      described in D. septosporum are shared by another dothistromin-producing species
      within the Class Dothideomycetes. It was shown that dothistromin biosynthesis is
      very similar in the two species with regard to gene sequence and gene synteny.
      Functional complementation of D. septosporum mutants with P. arachidicola
      dothistromin genes was also possible. These similarities support a vertical mode
      of dothistromin gene transmission. P. arachidicola also produced dothistromin at
      an early growth stage in culture, suggesting that this type of regulation pattern
      may be relevant to the biological role of dothistromin.

PMID- 22069572
TI  - Ribosome-inactivating proteins: from plant defense to tumor attack.
AB  - Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are EC3.2.32.22 N-glycosidases that
      recognize a universally conserved stem-loop structure in 23S/25S/28S rRNA,
      depurinating a single adenine (A4324 in rat) and irreversibly blocking protein
      translation, leading finally to cell death of intoxicated mammalian cells. Ricin,
      the plant RIP prototype that comprises a catalytic A subunit linked to a
      galactose-binding lectin B subunit to allow cell surface binding and toxin entry
      in most mammalian cells, shows a potency in the picomolar range. The most
      promising way to exploit plant RIPs as weapons against cancer cells is either by
      designing molecules in which the toxic domains are linked to selective tumor
      targeting domains or directly delivered as suicide genes for cancer gene therapy.
      Here, we will provide a comprehensive picture of plant RIPs and discuss
      successful designs and features of chimeric molecules having therapeutic
      potential.

PMID- 22069574
TI  - Novel cytotoxic vectors based on adeno-associated virus.
AB  - Vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) are promising tools for gene
      therapy. The production of strongly toxic vectors, for example for cancer
      directed gene transfer, is often unfeasible due to uncontrolled expression of
      toxic genes in vector-producing cells. Using an approach based on transcriptional
      repression, we have created novel AAV vectors carrying the genes coding for
      diphtheria toxin A (DTA) and the pro-apoptotic PUMA protein. The DTA vector had a
      significant toxic effect on a panel of tumor cell lines, and abrogation of
      protein synthesis could be shown. The PUMA vector had a toxic effect on HeLa and
      RPMI 8226 cells, and sensitized transduced cells to doxorubicin. To permit
      targeted gene transfer, we incorporated the DTA gene into a genetically modified
      AAV-2 capsid previously developed by our group that mediates enhanced
      transduction of murine breast cancer cells in vitro. This vector had a stronger
      cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells than DTA vectors with wildtype AAV capsid
      or vectors with a random capsid modification. The vector production and
      application system presented here allows for easy exchange of promotors,
      transgenes and capsid specificity for certain target cells. It will therefore be
      of great possible value in a broad range of applications in cytotoxic gene
      therapy and significantly broadens the spectrum of available tools for AAV-based
      gene therapy.

PMID- 22069576
TI  - Occurrence of Fusarium spp. and fumonisins in stored wheat grains marketed in
      Iran.
AB  - Wheat grains are well known to be invaded by Fusarium spp. under field and
      storage conditions and contaminated with fumonisins. Therefore, determining
      Fusarium spp. and fumonisins in wheat grains is of prime importance to develop
      suitable management strategies and to minimize risk. Eighty-two stored wheat
      samples produced in Iran were collected from various supermarkets and tested for
      the presence of Fusarium spp. by agar plate assay and fumonisins by HPLC. A total
      of 386 Fusarium strains were isolated and identified through morphological
      characteristics. All these strains belonged to F. culmorum, F. graminearum, F.
      proliferatum and F.verticillioides. Of the Fusarium species, F. graminearum was
      the most prevalent species, followed by F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum and
      then F. culmorum. Natural occurrence of fumonisin B1 (FB1) could be detected in
      56 (68.2%) samples ranging from 15-155 MUg/kg, fumonisin B2 (FB2) in 35 (42.6%)
      samples ranging from 12-86 MUg/kg and fumonisin B3 (FB3) in 26 (31.7%) samples
      ranging from 13-64 MUg/kg. The highest FB1 levels were detected in samples from
      Eilam (up to 155 MUg/kg) and FB2 and FB3 in samples from Gilan Gharb (up to 86
      MUg/kg and 64 MUg/kg).

PMID- 22069575
TI  - Targeted secretion inhibitors-innovative protein therapeutics.
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxins are highly effective therapeutic products. Their
      therapeutic success results from highly specific and potent inhibition of
      neurotransmitter release with a duration of action measured in months. These same
      properties, however, make the botulinum neurotoxins the most potent acute lethal
      toxins known. Their toxicity and restricted target cell activity severely limits
      their clinical utility. Understanding the structure-function relationship of the
      neurotoxins has enabled the development of recombinant proteins selectively
      incorporating specific aspects of their pharmacology. The resulting proteins are
      not neurotoxins, but a new class of biopharmaceuticals, Targeted Secretion
      Inhibitors (TSI), suitable for the treatment of a wide range of diseases where
      secretion plays a major role. TSI proteins inhibit secretion for a prolonged
      period following a single application, making them particularly suited to the
      treatment of chronic diseases. A TSI for the treatment of chronic pain is in
      clinical development.

PMID- 22069577
TI  - Gangliosides block Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LtxA)
      mediated hemolysis.
AB  - Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an oral pathogen and etiologic agent of
      localized aggressive periodontitis. The bacterium is also a cardiovascular
      pathogen causing infective endocarditis. A. actinomycetemcomitans produces
      leukotoxin (LtxA), an important virulence factor that targets white blood cells
      (WBCs) and plays a role in immune evasion during disease. The functional receptor
      for LtxA on WBCs is leukocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1), a beta-2 integrin that
      is modified with N-linked carbohydrates. Interaction between toxin and receptor
      leads to cell death. We recently discovered that LtxA can also lyse red blood
      cells (RBCs) and hemolysis may be important for pathogenesis of A.
      actinomycetemcomitans. In this study, we further investigated how LtxA might
      recognize and lyse RBCs. We found that, in contrast to a related toxin, E. coli
      alpha-hemolysin, LtxA does not recognize glycophorin on RBCs. However,
      gangliosides were able to completely block LtxA-mediated hemolysis. Furthermore,
      LtxA did not show a preference for any individual ganglioside. LtxA also bound to
      ganglioside-rich C6 rat glioma cells, but did not kill them. Interaction between
      LtxA and C6 cells could be blocked by gangliosides with no apparent specificity.
      Gangliosides were only partially effective at preventing LtxA-mediated
      cytotoxicity of WBCs, and the effect was only observed when a high ratio of
      ganglioside:LtxA was used over a short incubation period. Based on the results
      presented here, we suggest that because of the similarity between N-linked sugars
      on LFA-1 and the structures of gangliosides, LtxA may have acquired the ability
      to lyse RBCs.

PMID- 22069578
TI  - The cyanobacteria derived toxin Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine and amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis.
AB  - There is mounting evidence to suggest that environmental factors play a major
      role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS (Amyotrophic
      Lateral Sclerosis). The non-protein amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine
      (BMAA) was first associated with the high incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) in Guam, and has been
      implicated as a potential environmental factor in ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and
      other neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA has a number of toxic effects on motor
      neurons including direct agonist action on NMDA and AMPA receptors, induction of
      oxidative stress, and depletion of glutathione. As a non-protein amino acid,
      there is also the strong possibility that BMAA could cause intraneuronal protein
      misfolding, the hallmark of neurodegeneration. While an animal model for BMAA
      induced ALS is lacking, there is substantial evidence to support a link between
      this toxin and ALS. The ramifications of discovering an environmental trigger for
      ALS are enormous. In this article, we discuss the history, ecology, pharmacology
      and clinical ramifications of this ubiquitous, cyanobacteria-derived toxin.

PMID- 22069579
TI  - Spider-venom peptides as therapeutics.
AB  - Spiders are the most successful venomous animals and the most abundant
      terrestrial predators. Their remarkable success is due in large part to their
      ingenious exploitation of silk and the evolution of pharmacologically complex
      venoms that ensure rapid subjugation of prey. Most spider venoms are dominated by
      disulfide-rich peptides that typically have high affinity and specificity for
      particular subtypes of ion channels and receptors. Spider venoms are
      conservatively predicted to contain more than 10 million bioactive peptides,
      making them a valuable resource for drug discovery. Here we review the structure
      and pharmacology of spider-venom peptides that are being used as leads for the
      development of therapeutics against a wide range of pathophysiological conditions
      including cardiovascular disorders, chronic pain, inflammation, and erectile
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22069580
TI  - Strategy for treating motor neuron diseases using a fusion protein of botulinum
      toxin binding domain and streptavidin for viral vector access: work in progress.
AB  - Although advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have suggested attractive
      treatment strategies, delivery of agents to motor neurons embedded within the
      spinal cord is problematic. We have designed a strategy based on the specificity
      of botulinum toxin, to direct entry of viral vectors carrying candidate
      therapeutic genes into motor neurons. We have engineered and expressed fusion
      proteins consisting of the binding domain of botulinum toxin type A fused to
      streptavidin (SAv). This fusion protein will direct biotinylated viral vectors
      carrying therapeutic genes into motor nerve terminals where they can enter the
      acidified endosomal compartments, be released and undergo retrograde transport,
      to deliver the genes to motor neurons. Both ends of the fusion proteins are shown
      to be functionally intact. The binding domain end binds to mammalian nerve
      terminals at neuromuscular junctions, ganglioside GT1b (a target of botulinum
      toxin), and a variety of neuronal cells including primary chick embryo motor
      neurons, N2A neuroblastoma cells, NG108-15 cells, but not to NG CR72 cells, which
      lack complex gangliosides. The streptavidin end binds to biotin, and to a
      biotinylated Alexa 488 fluorescent tag. Further studies are in progress to
      evaluate the delivery of genes to motor neurons in vivo, by the use of
      biotinylated viral vectors.

PMID- 22069582
TI  - Pasteurella multocida toxin activates various heterotrimeric G proteins by
      deamidation.
AB  - Pasteurella multocida produces a 146-kDa protein toxin (Pasteurella multocida
      toxin, PMT), which stimulates diverse cellular signal transduction pathways by
      activating heterotrimeric G proteins. PMT deamidates a conserved glutamine
      residue of the alpha-subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins that is essential for
      GTP-hydrolysis, thereby arresting the G protein in the active state. The toxin
      substrates are Galpha(q) Galpha(13) and the Galpha(i)-family proteins. Activation
      of these alpha-subunits causes stimulation of phospholipase Cbeta, Rho-guanine
      nucleotide exchange factors or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This article
      provides the current knowledge on PMT concerning the structure-function analysis
      based on the crystal structure and recently elucidated molecular mode of action.
      Furthermore, the impact of PMT on cellular signaling is discussed.

PMID- 22069581
TI  - Botulinum neurotoxin for pain management: insights from animal models.
AB  - The action of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) at the neuromuscular junction has
      been extensively investigated and knowledge gained in this field laid the
      foundation for the use of BoNTs in human pathologies characterized by excessive
      muscle contractions. Although much more is known about the action of BoNTs on the
      peripheral system, growing evidence has demonstrated several effects also at the
      central level. Pain conditions, with special regard to neuropathic and
      intractable pain, are some of the pathological states that have been recently
      treated with BoNTs with beneficial effects. The knowledge of the action and
      potentiality of BoNTs utilization against pain, with emphasis for its possible
      use in modulation and alleviation of chronic pain, still represents an
      outstanding challenge for experimental research. This review highlights recent
      findings on the effects of BoNTs in animal pain models.

PMID- 22069583
TI  - Animal Toxins: How is Complexity Represented in Databases?
AB  - Peptide toxins synthesized by venomous animals have been extensively studied in
      the last decades. To be useful to the scientific community, this knowledge has
      been stored, annotated and made easy to retrieve by several databases. The aim of
      this article is to present what type of information users can access from each
      database. ArachnoServer and ConoServer focus on spider toxins and cone snail
      toxins, respectively. UniProtKB, a generalist protein knowledgebase, has an
      animal toxin-dedicated annotation program that includes toxins from all venomous
      animals. Finally, the ATDB metadatabase compiles data and annotations from other
      databases and provides toxin ontology.

PMID- 22069584
TI  - Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1): toxin biology, in vivo
      applications and therapeutic potential.
AB  - CNF1 is a protein toxin produced by certain pathogenic strains of Escherichia
      coli. It permanently activates the regulatory Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 GTPases in
      eukaryotic cells, by deamidation of a glutamine residue. This modification
      promotes new activities in cells, such as gene transcription, cell proliferation
      and survival. Since the Rho GTPases play a pivotal role also in several processes
      in vivo, the potentiality of CNF1 to act as a new pharmacological tool has been
      explored in experimental animals and in diverse pathological contexts. In this
      review, we give an update overview on the potential in vivo applications of CNF1.

PMID- 22069585
TI  - Detection of fumonisin b1 and ochratoxin a in grain products using microsphere
      based fluid array immunoassays.
AB  - Grain products are a staple of diets worldwide and therefore, the ability to
      accurately and efficiently detect foodborne contaminants such as mycotoxins is of
      importance to everyone. Here we describe an indirect competitive fluid array
      fluoroimmunoassay to quantify the mycotoxins, fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A. Both
      toxins were immobilized to the surface of microspheres using a variety of
      intermediate molecules and binding of biotinylated "tracer" antibody tracers
      determined through flow cytometry using streptavidin-phycoerythrin conjugates and
      the Luminex100 flow cytometer. Competitive assays were developed where the
      binding of biotinylated monoclonal antibodies to fumonisin B and ochratoxin A was
      competitively inhibited by different concentrations of those toxins in solution.
      Concentrations of fumonisin giving 50% inhibition were 300 pg/mL in buffer, 100
      ng/g in spiked oats, and 1 MUg/g in spiked cornmeal; analogous concentrations for
      ochratoxin A were 30 ng/mL in buffer, 30 ng/g in spiked oats, and 10 ng/g in
      spiked corn. The future challenge will be to expand the number of mycotoxins
      tested both individually and in multiplexed format using this platform.

PMID- 22069586
TI  - Cholera toxin: an intracellular journey into the cytosol by way of the
      endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Cholera toxin (CT), an AB(5)-subunit toxin, enters host cells by binding the
      ganglioside GM1 at the plasma membrane (PM) and travels retrograde through the
      trans-Golgi Network into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the ER, a portion of
      CT, the enzymatic A1-chain, is unfolded by protein disulfide isomerase and retro
      translocated to the cytosol by hijacking components of the ER associated
      degradation pathway for misfolded proteins. After crossing the ER membrane, the
      A1-chain refolds in the cytosol and escapes rapid degradation by the proteasome
      to induce disease by ADP-ribosylating the large G-protein Gs and activating
      adenylyl cyclase. Here, we review the mechanisms of toxin trafficking by GM1 and
      retro-translocation of the A1-chain to the cytosol.

PMID- 22069587
TI  - A pilot study of nuclear instability in archived renal and upper urinary tract
      tumours with putative ochratoxin aetiology.
AB  - DNA ploidy measurement has been applied uniquely to wax-embedded tissue of
      primary renal cell and metastatic tumours of a key experimental researcher on
      porcine ochratoxicosis, a control, and four transitional cell carcinomas from
      cases of Balkan endemic nephropathy. Primary renal tumour was diploid, and
      hyperdiploid metastasis was within the lower ploidy range for typical renal cell
      carcinoma. Three Balkan primary tumours showed extensive aneuploidy indicating
      marked nuclear instability, similar to model rat renal carcinoma caused by
      ochratoxin A. In contrast, much less nuclear instability in the putative
      occupational ochratoxicosis case fitted poorly with the ochratoxin A model.

PMID- 22069588
TI  - Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains trigger a proinflammatory response in human
      monocyte-derived macrophages through the p38alpha mitogen-activated protein
      kinase signal transduction pathway.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis, the major etiologic agent of chronic periodontitis,
      produces a broad spectrum of virulence factors, including Arg- and Lys-gingipain
      cysteine proteinases. In this study, we investigated the capacity of P.
      gingivalis gingipains to trigger a proinflammatory response in human monocyte
      derived macrophages. Both Arg- and Lys-gingipain preparations induced the
      secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-8 by macrophages. Stimulation of macrophages with
      Arg-gingipain A/B preparation at the highest concentration was associated with
      lower amounts of cytokines detected, a phenomenon likely related to proteolytic
      degradation. The inflammatory response induced by gingipains was not dependent of
      their catalytic activity since heat-inactivated preparations were still
      effective. Stimulating macrophages with gingipain preparations was associated
      with increased levels of phosphorylated p38alpha MAPK suggesting its involvement
      in cell activation. In conclusion, our study brought clear evidence that P.
      gingivalis Arg- and Lys-gingipains may contribute to the host inflammatory
      response, a critical factor in periodontitis-associated tissue destruction.

PMID- 22069589
TI  - Environmental factors and interactions with mycobiota of grain and grapes:
      effects on growth, deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin production by Fusarium culmorum
      and Aspergillus carbonarius.
AB  - Mycotoxigenic fungi colonizing food matrices are inevitably competing with a wide
      range of other resident fungi. The outcomes of these interactions are influenced
      by the prevailing environmental conditions and the competing species. We have
      evaluated the competitiveness of F. culmorum and A. carbonarius in the grain and
      grape food chain for their in vitro and in situ dominance in the presence of
      other fungi, and the effect that such interactions have on colony interactions,
      growth and deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) production. The Index of
      Dominance shows that changes in water activity (a(w)) and temperature affect the
      competitiveness of F. culmorum and A. carbonarius against up to nine different
      fungi. Growth of both mycotoxigenic species was sometimes inhibited by the
      presence of other competing fungi. For example, A. niger uniseriate and biseriate
      species decreased growth of A. carbonarius, while Aureobasidium pullulans and
      Cladosporium species stimulated growth. Similar changes were observed when F.
      graminearum was interacting with other grain fungi such as Alternaria alternata,
      Cladopsorium herbarum and Epicoccum nigrum. The impact on DON and OTA production
      was very different. For F. culmorum, the presence of other species often
      inhibited DON production over a range of environmental conditions. For A.
      carbonarius, on a grape-based medium, the presence of certain species resulted in
      a significant stimulation of OTA production. However, this was influenced by both
      temperature and a(w) level. This suggests that the final mycotoxin concentrations
      observed in food matrices may be due to complex interactions between species and
      the environmental history of the samples analyzed.

PMID- 22069590
TI  - Role of the osmotic stress regulatory pathway in morphogenesis and secondary
      metabolism in filamentous fungi.
AB  - Environmental stimuli trigger an adaptative cellular response to optimize the
      probability of survival and proliferation. In eukaryotic organisms from mammals
      to fungi osmotic stress, mainly through the action of the high osmolarity
      glycerol (HOG) pathway, leads to a response necessary for adapting and surviving
      hyperosmotic environments. In this review we show that the osmoadaptative
      response is conserved but not identical in different fungi. The osmoadaptative
      response system is also intimately linked to morphogenesis in filamentous fungi,
      including mycotoxin producers. Previous studies indicate that the response to
      osmotic stress is also coupled to the biosynthesis of natural products, including
      mycotoxins.

PMID- 22069591
TI  - Development of an electrochemical immunosensor for fumonisins detection in foods.
AB  - An electrochemical affinity sensor for the determination of fumonisins mycotoxins
      (Fms) using monoclonal antibody modified screen-printed gold electrode with
      carbon counter and silver-silver chloride pseudo-reference electrode is reported
      in this work. A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was
      initially developed, exhibiting a detection limit of 100 ug.L(-1 )for fumonisins.
      This was then transferred to the surface of a bare gold screen-printed electrode
      (SPGE) and detection was performed by chronoamperometry, monitoring the reaction
      of 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide
      (H(2)O(2)) catalysed by HRP at -100 mV potential vs. onboard Ag-AgCl pseudo
      reference electrode. The immunosensor exhibited detection limit of 5 ug.L(-1)
      fumonisins with a dynamic range from 1 ug.L(-1)-1000 ug.L(-1). The sensor also
      performed well in extracted corn samples.

PMID- 22069592
TI  - The black Aspergillus species of maize and peanuts and their potential for
      mycotoxin production.
AB  - The black spored fungi of the subgenera Circumdata, the section Nigri
      (=Aspergillus niger group) is reviewed relative to their production of mycotoxins
      and their effects on plants as pathogens. Molecular methods have revealed more
      than 18 cryptic species, of which several have been characterized as potential
      mycotoxin producers. Others are defined as benign relative to their ability to
      produce mycotoxins. However, these characterizations are based on in vitro
      culture and toxins production. Several can produce the ochratoxins that are toxic
      to livestock, poultry, and humans. The black aspergilli produce rots of grapes,
      maize, and numerous other fruits and grain and they are generally viewed as post
      harvest pathogens. Data are review to suggest that black aspergilli, as so many
      others, are symptomless endophytes. These fungi and their mycotoxins contaminate
      several major grains, foodstuffs, and products made from them such as wine, and
      coffee. Evidence is presented that the black aspergilli are producers of other
      classes of mycotoxins such as the fumonisins, which are known carcinogenic and
      known prior investigations as being produced by the Fusarium species. Three
      species are identified in U.S. maize and peanuts as symptomless endophytes, which
      suggests the potential for concern as pathogens and as food safety hazards.

PMID- 22069593
TI  - Inhibition of hemorragic snake venom components: old and new approaches.
AB  - Snake venoms are complex toxin mixtures. Viperidae and Crotalidae venoms, which
      are hemotoxic, are responsible for most of the envenomations around the world.
      Administration of antivenins aimed at the neutralization of toxins in humans is
      prone to potential risks. Neutralization of snake venom toxins has been achieved
      through different approaches: plant extracts have been utilized in etnomedicine.
      Direct electric current from low voltage showed neutralizing properties against
      venom phospholipase A2 and metalloproteases. This mini-review summarizes new
      achievements in venom key component inhibition. A deeper knowledge of alternative
      ways to inhibit venom toxins may provide supplemental treatments to serum
      therapy.

PMID- 22069595
TI  - Effects of aflatoxin B(1) and fumonisin B(1) on blood biochemical parameters in
      broilers.
AB  - The individual and combined effects of dietary aflatoxin B(1 )(AFB(1)) and
      fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) on liver pathology, serum levels of aspartate amino
      transferase (AST) and plasma total protein (TP) of broilers were evaluated from 8
      to 41 days of age. Dietary treatments included a 3 * 3 factorial arrangement with
      three levels of AFB(1 )(0, 50 and 200 MUg AFB(1)/kg), and three levels of FB(1
      )(0, 50 and 200 mg FB(1)/kg). At 33 days post feeding, with the exception of
      birds fed 50 mg FB(1 )only, concentrations of AST were higher (p < 0.05) in all
      other treatment groups when compared with controls. Plasma TP was lower (p <
      0.05) at six days post feeding in groups fed 200 MUg AFB(1)/kg alone or in
      combination with FB(1). At day 33 days post feeding, with the exception of birds
      fed the highest combination of AFB(1 )and FB(1 )which had higher plasma TP than
      control birds(, )plasma TP of birds fed other dietary treatments were similar to
      controls. Broilers receiving the highest levels of AFB(1) and FB(1) had bile duct
      proliferation and trabecular disorder in liver samples. AFB(1) singly or in
      combination with FB at the levels studied, caused liver damage and an increase in
      serum levels of AST.

PMID- 22069594
TI  - Toxins-useful biochemical tools for leukocyte research.
AB  - Leukocytes are a heterogeneous group of cells that display differences in
      anatomic localization, cell surface phenotype, and function. The different
      subtypes include e.g., granulocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells
      and NK cells. These different cell types represent the cellular component of
      innate and adaptive immunity. Using certain toxins such as pertussis toxin,
      cholera toxin or clostridium difficile toxin, the regulatory functions of
      Galpha(i), Galphas and small GTPases of the Rho family in leukocytes have been
      reported. A summary of these reports is discussed in this review.

PMID- 22069596
TI  - Ochratoxin a: general overview and actual molecular status.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and
      Penicillium fungi that structurally consists of a para-chlorophenolic group
      containing a dihydroisocoumarin moiety that is amide-linked to L-phenylalanine.
      OTA is detected worldwide in various food and feed sources. Studies show that
      this molecule can have several toxicological effects such as nephrotoxic,
      hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, teratogenic and immunotoxic. A role in the etiology of
      Balkan endemic nephropathy and its association to urinary tract tumors has been
      also proved. In this review, we will explore the general aspect of OTA: physico
      chemical properties, toxicological profile, OTA producing fungi, contaminated
      food, regulation, legislation and analytical methods. Due to lack of sufficient
      information related to the molecular background, this paper will discuss in
      detail the recent advances in molecular biology of OTA biosynthesis, based on
      information and on new data about identification and characterization of
      ochratoxin biosynthetic genes in both Penicillium and Aspergillus species. This
      review will also cover the development of the molecular methods for the detection
      and quantification of OTA producing fungi in various foodstuffs.

PMID- 22069597
TI  - Venom proteins of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis: recent discovery of an
      untapped pharmacopee.
AB  - Adult females of Nasonia vitripennis inject a venomous mixture into its host
      flies prior to oviposition. Recently, the entire genome of this ectoparasitoid
      wasp was sequenced, enabling the identification of 79 venom proteins. The next
      challenge will be to unravel their specific functions, but based on homolog
      studies, some predictions already can be made. Parasitization has an enormous
      impact on hosts physiology of which five major effects are discussed in this
      review: the impact on immune responses, induction of developmental arrest,
      increases in lipid levels, apoptosis and nutrient releases. The value of
      deciphering this venom is also discussed.

PMID- 22069599
TI  - Oncological outcomes in rats given nephrocarcinogenic exposure to dietary
      ochratoxin a, followed by the tumour promoter sodium barbital for life: a pilot
      study.
AB  - The potent experimental renal carcinogenesis of ochratoxin A (OTA) in male rats
      makes the dietary contaminant a potential factor in human oncology. We explored
      whether the tumour promoter sodium barbitate could shorten the otherwise long
      latency between exposure to toxin and tumourigenesis. Young rats, of a hybrid in
      which mononuclear leukaemia was rare, were given feed contaminated (5 ppm) with
      OTA for 36 weeks to initiate renal tumourigenesis. Some individuals were
      thereafter given sodium barbitate (500 ppm in drinking water) for life.
      Pathological outcomes were studied at or near the end of natural life. Renal
      tumours in males given barbitate became evident after latency of one year, but
      only slightly before those without barbitate. In contrast, female mammary
      tumourigenesis was advanced by at least 6 months synchronously in all rats given
      the OTA-barbitate regimen compared to tumourigenesis in controls. Diagnosis of
      malignant mammary angiosarcoma in a female given the OTA-barbitate regimen is a
      new finding in the rat. The long latency of OTA-induced renal tumourigenesis was
      not notably susceptible to accelerated promotion by barbitate, contrasting with
      an apparently marked effect of barbitate on development of mammary tumours.

PMID- 22069598
TI  - Phytochemicals in cancer prevention and therapy: truth or dare?
AB  - A voluminous literature suggests that an increase in consumption of fruit and
      vegetables is a relatively easy and practical strategy to reduce significantly
      the incidence of cancer. The beneficial effect is mostly associated with the
      presence of phytochemicals in the diet. This review focuses on a group of them,
      namely isothiocyanate, curcumin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, lycopene
      and resveratrol, largely studied as chemopreventive agents and with potential
      clinical applications. Cellular and animal studies suggest that these molecules
      induce apoptosis and arrest cell growth by pleiotropic mechanisms. The anticancer
      efficacy of these compounds may result from their use in monotherapy or in
      association with chemotherapeutic drugs. This latter approach may represent a new
      pharmacological strategy against several types of cancers. However, despite the
      promising results from experimental studies, only a limited number of clinical
      trials are ongoing to assess the therapeutic efficacy of these molecules.
      Nevertheless, the preliminary results are promising and raise solid foundations
      for future investigations.

PMID- 22069600
TI  - Real and perceived risks for mycotoxin contamination in foods and feeds:
      challenges for food safety control.
AB  - Mycotoxins are toxic compounds, produced by the secondary metabolism of toxigenic
      moulds in the Aspergillus, Alternaria, Claviceps, Fusarium, Penicillium and
      Stachybotrys genera occurring in food and feed commodities both pre- and post
      harvest. Adverse human health effects from the consumption of mycotoxins have
      occurred for many centuries. When ingested, mycotoxins may cause a mycotoxicosis
      which can result in an acute or chronic disease episode. Chronic conditions have
      a much greater impact, numerically, on human health in general, and induce
      diverse and powerful toxic effects in test systems: some are carcinogenic,
      mutagenic, teratogenic, estrogenic, hemorrhagic, immunotoxic, nephrotoxic,
      hepatotoxic, dermotoxic and neurotoxic. Although mycotoxin contamination of
      agricultural products still occurs in the developed world, the application of
      modern agricultural practices and the presence of a legislatively regulated food
      processing and marketing system have greatly reduced mycotoxin exposure in these
      populations. However, in developing countries, where climatic and crop storage
      conditions are frequently conducive to fungal growth and mycotoxin production,
      much of the population relies on subsistence farming or on unregulated local
      markets. Therefore both producers and governmental control authorities are
      directing their efforts toward the implementation of a correct and reliable
      evaluation of the real status of contamination of a lot of food commodity and,
      consequently, of the impact of mycotoxins on human and animal health.

PMID- 22069601
TI  - Biological profile of erucin: a new promising anticancer agent from cruciferous
      vegetables.
AB  - Consumption of cruciferous vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk in
      the development of various types of cancer. This has been attributed to the
      bioactive hydrolysis products that are derived from these vegetables, namely
      isothiocyanates. Erucin is one such product derived from rocket salads, which is
      structurally related to sulforaphane, a well-studied broccoli-derived
      isothiocyanate. In this review, we present current knowledge on mechanisms of
      action of erucin in chemoprevention obtained from cell and animal models and
      relate it to other isothiocyanates. These mechanisms include modulation of phase
      I, II and III detoxification, regulation of cell growth by induction of apoptosis
      and cell cycle arrest, induction of ROS-mechanisms and regulation androgen
      receptor pathways.

PMID- 22069603
TI  - The effects of cholera toxin on cellular energy metabolism.
AB  - Multianalyte microphysiometry, a real-time instrument for simultaneous
      measurement of metabolic analytes in a microfluidic environment, was used to
      explore the effects of cholera toxin (CTx). Upon exposure of CTx to PC-12 cells,
      anaerobic respiration was triggered, measured as increases in acid and lactate
      production and a decrease in the oxygen uptake. We believe the responses observed
      are due to a CTx-induced activation of adenylate cyclase, increasing cAMP
      production and resulting in a switch to anaerobic respiration. Inhibitors (H-89,
      brefeldin A) and stimulators (forskolin) of cAMP were employed to modulate the
      CTx-induced cAMP responses. The results of this study show the utility of
      multianalyte microphysiometry to quantitatively determine the dynamic metabolic
      effects of toxins and affected pathways.

PMID- 22069602
TI  - Biosynthesis and toxicological effects of patulin.
AB  - Patulin is a toxic chemical contaminant produced by several species of mold,
      especially within Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. It is the most
      common mycotoxin found in apples and apple-derived products such as juice, cider,
      compotes and other food intended for young children. Exposure to this mycotoxin
      is associated with immunological, neurological and gastrointestinal outcomes.
      Assessment of the health risks due to patulin consumption by humans has led many
      countries to regulate the quantity in food. A full understanding of the molecular
      genetics of patulin biosynthesis is incomplete, unlike other regulated mycotoxins
      (aflatoxins, trichothecenes and fumonisins), although the chemical structures of
      patulin precursors are now known. The biosynthetic pathway consists of
      approximately 10 steps, as suggested by biochemical studies. Recently, a cluster
      of 15 genes involved in patulin biosynthesis was reported, containing
      characterized enzymes, a regulation factor and transporter genes. This review
      includes information on the current understanding of the mechanisms of patulin
      toxinogenesis and summarizes its toxicological effects.

PMID- 22069604
TI  - Studies on carcinogenic and toxic effects of ochratoxin A in chicks.
AB  - Carcinogenic/toxic effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) in various internal organs of
      Plymouth Rock chicks were determined. The number of OTA-induced neoplasms was
      similar in chicks given 25 ppm L-beta-phenylalanine (PHE) in addition to 5 ppm
      OTA compared to chicks given only 5 ppm OTA, which showed that PHE cannot be used
      as a real protector against the carcinogenic or toxic effects of OTA in chicks.
      OTA was found to provoke strong degenerative changes in liver and kidneys,
      degenerative changes and depletion of cells in lymphoid organs, oedematous and
      degenerative changes in the brain, muscular haemorrhages and fatty changes in the
      bone marrow. The target organs for carcinogenic effect of OTA in chicks were
      found to be kidneys and liver.

PMID- 22069605
TI  - Clostridial neurotoxins: mechanism of SNARE cleavage and outlook on potential
      substrate specificity reengineering.
AB  - The clostridial neurotoxin family consists of tetanus neurotoxin and seven
      distinct botulinum neurotoxins which cause the diseases tetanus and botulism. The
      extreme potency of these toxins primarily relies not only on their ability to
      specifically enter motoneurons but also on the activity their catalytic domains
      display inside presynaptic motoneuronal terminals. Subsequent to neurotoxin
      binding and endocytosis the catalytic domains become translocated across
      endosomal membranes and proteolyze unique peptide bonds of one of three soluble N
      ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment receptors (SNAREs), vesicle
      associated membrane protein/synaptobrevin, synaptosome associated protein of 25
      kDa, or syntaxin. As these substrate proteins are core components of the
      vesicular membrane fusion apparatus, cleavage of any of the substrate molecules
      results in the blockade of neurotransmitter release. This review summarizes the
      present knowledge about the molecular basis of the specific substrate recognition
      and cleavage mechanism and assesses the feasibility of reengineering catalytic
      domains to hydrolyze non-substrate members of the three SNARE families in order
      to expand the therapeutic application of botulinum neurotoxins.

PMID- 22069607
TI  - Antigenotoxic studies of different substances to reduce the DNA damage induced by
      aflatoxin B(1) and ochratoxin A.
AB  - Mycotoxins are produced mainly by the mycelial structure of filamentous fungi, or
      more specifically, molds. These secondary metabolites are synthesized during the
      end of the exponential growth phase and appear to have no biochemical
      significance in fungal growth and development. The contamination of foods and
      feeds with mycotoxins is a significant problem for the adverse effects on humans,
      animals, and crops that result in illnesses and economic losses. The toxic effect
      of the ingestion of mycotoxins in humans and animals depends on a number of
      factors including intake levels, duration of exposure, toxin species, mechanisms
      of action, metabolism, and defense mechanisms. In general, the consumption of
      contaminated food and feed with mycotoxin induces to neurotoxic,
      immunosuppressive, teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effect in humans
      and/or animals. The most significant mycotoxins in terms of public health and
      agronomic perspective include the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes,
      fumonisins, patulin, and the ergot alkaloids. Due to the detrimental effects of
      these mycotoxins, several strategies have been developed in order to reduce the
      risk of exposure. These include the degradation, destruction, inactivation or
      removal of mycotoxins through chemical, physical and biological methods. However,
      the results obtained with these methods have not been optimal, because they may
      change the organoleptic characteristics and nutritional values of food. Another
      alternative strategy to prevent or reduce the toxic effects of mycotoxins is by
      applying antimutagenic agents. These substances act according to several extra-
      or intracellular mechanisms, their main goal being to avoid the interaction of
      mycotoxins with DNA; as a consequence of their action, these agents would inhibit
      mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. This article reviews the main strategies used to
      control AFB(1) and ochratoxin A and contains an analysis of some antigenotoxic
      substances that reduce the DNA damage caused by these mycotoxins.

PMID- 22069608
TI  - Ochratoxin A and aflatoxins in liquorice products.
AB  - The occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (AFs) in liquorice products
      made in Italy was surveyed. Twenty-eight samples of dried liquorice extract and
      fifty-four of liquorice confectionery (liquorice content between 2 and 10%) were
      collected from retail outlets located in northern Italy. After extraction and
      purification through an immunoaffinity column, OTA and AFs were analysed using
      both HPLC-FLD and HPLC-MS/MS. OTA occurred in all samples of dried liquorice
      extract and in 61% of samples of liquorice confectionery, showing very high
      values for the former (mean 89.6 ug kg(-1), maximum value 990.1 ug kg(-1)), and
      relatively low levels for the latter (mean 0.96 ug kg (-1), maximum value 8.3 ug
      kg (-1)). The contribution of dried liquorice extract to OTA intake appears to be
      non-negligible for children, who are potentially high consumers. AF contamination
      resulted very low: AFB (1) was detected only in 15.8% of samples (maximum value
      7.7 ug kg (-1), mean 0.38 and 0.41 ug kg (-1) for dried liquorice extract and
      liquorice confectionery, respectively); the other AFs were not detected. To our
      knowledge, it is the first time that AFB (1) has been detected in liquorice
      extract samples.

PMID- 22069609
TI  - Ochratoxins-food contaminants: impact on human health.
AB  - Ochratoxins are secondary metabolites of Aspergillus and Penicillium, that are
      hazardous to health through contamination of dietary foods. Ochratoxin A (OTA)
      remains the single most potent member of this group of mycotoxins. OTA has a long
      half-life in humans and is thus easily detected in serum. Dietary intake studies
      have confirmed link between endemic nephrotoxicity in humans to their daily
      household intake of OTA. OTA has been reported to contribute to endemic
      nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity in humans and animals. OTA produces renal
      tumours, DNA adducts and chromosomal aberrations in kidneys. OTA may be
      embryotoxic, teratogenic, and immunotoxic only at doses higher than those causing
      nephrotoxicity. The incidence of endemic nephrotoxicity has been mostly reported
      in northeast Europe since the early fifties. Recent studies however have warned
      that OTA and other toxins, such as aristolochic acid, show very similar renal
      pathology. There is thus the need for thorough co-occurrence studies on toxin
      incidence.

PMID- 22069610
TI  - Ochratoxin A and beta2-microglobulin in BEN patients and controls.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin naturally occurring in different foods. OTA is
      arguably a risk factor for Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). The aims of this
      study are to (1) test the OTA-BEN association in BEN-groups and controls and (2)
      determine whether urine beta2-microglobulin, a marker of impaired ability of the
      kidneys to re-absorb, is related to OTA. BEN patients had significantly higher
      OTA serum levels. Within the offspring, OTA was significantly related to higher
      beta2-microglobulin excretion. OTA (2005/2006) was related to a higher incidence
      of BEN after 2008, providing further evidence that OTA is a risk factor for BEN.

PMID- 22069606
TI  - Bacterial toxins and the nervous system: neurotoxins and multipotential toxins
      interacting with neuronal cells.
AB  - Toxins are potent molecules used by various bacteria to interact with a host
      organism. Some of them specifically act on neuronal cells (clostridial
      neurotoxins) leading to characteristics neurological affections. But many other
      toxins are multifunctional and recognize a wider range of cell types including
      neuronal cells. Various enterotoxins interact with the enteric nervous system,
      for example by stimulating afferent neurons or inducing neurotransmitter release
      from enterochromaffin cells which result either in vomiting, in amplification of
      the diarrhea, or in intestinal inflammation process. Other toxins can pass the
      blood brain barrier and directly act on specific neurons.

PMID- 22069611
TI  - Fibrolase: trials and tribulations.
AB  - Fibrolase is the fibrinolytic enzyme isolated from Agkistrodon contortrix
      contortrix (southern copperhead snake) venom. The enzyme was purified by a three
      step HPLC procedure and was shown to be homogeneous by standard criteria
      including reverse phase HPLC, molecular sieve chromatography and SDS-PAGE. The
      purified enzyme is a zinc metalloproteinase containing one mole of zinc. It is
      composed of 203 amino acids with a blocked amino-terminus due to cyclization of
      the terminal Gln residue. Fibrolase shares a significant degree of homology with
      enzymes of the reprolysin sub-family of metalloproteinases including an active
      site homology of close to 100%; it is rapidly inhibited by chelating agents such
      as EDTA, and by alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2MU). The enzyme is a direct-acting
      thrombolytic agent and does not rely on plasminogen for clot dissolution.
      Fibrolase rapidly cleaves the A(alpha)-chain of fibrinogen and the B(beta)-chain
      at a slower rate; it has no activity on the gamma-chain. The enzyme exhibits the
      same specificity with fibrin, cleaving the alpha-chain more rapidly than the beta
      chain. Fibrolase was shown to have very effective thrombolytic activity in a
      reoccluding carotid arterial thrombosis model in the canine. A recombinant
      version of the enzyme was made in yeast by Amgen, Inc. (Thousand Oaks, CA, USA)
      and called alfimeprase. Alfimeprase is identical to fibrolase except for a two
      amino acid truncation at the amino-terminus and the insertion of a new amino
      terminal amino acid in the truncated protein; these changes lead to a more stable
      enzyme for prolonged storage. Alfimeprase was taken into clinical trials by
      Nuvelo, Inc. (San Carlos, CA), which licensed the enzyme from Amgen. Alfimeprase
      was successful in Phase I and II clinical trials for peripheral arterial
      occlusion (PAO) and central venous access device (CVAD) occlusion. However, in
      Phase III trials alfimeprase did not meet the expected end points in either PAO
      or CVAD occlusion and in a Phaase II stroke trial, and Nuvelo dropped further
      development in 2008.

PMID- 22069612
TI  - Ochratoxin A in ruminants-A review on its degradation by gut microbes and effects
      on animals.
AB  - Ruminants are much less sensitive to ochratoxin A (OTA) than non-ruminants. The
      ruminal microbes, with protozoa being a central group, degrade the mycotoxin
      extensively, with disappearance half lives of 0.6-3.8 h. However, in some studies
      OTA was detected systemically when using sensitive analytical methods, probably
      due to some rumen bypass at proportions of estimated 2-6.5% of dosage (maximum
      10%). High concentrate proportions and high feeding levels are dietary factors
      promoting the likeliness of systemic occurrence due to factors like shifts in
      microbial population and higher contamination potential. Among risk scenarios for
      ruminants, chronic intoxication represents the most relevant.

PMID- 22069613
TI  - Occurrence of black aspergilli and ochratoxin A on grapes in Italy.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) in wine is linked to contamination by several Aspergillus
      species. In 2003-2007, grape samples collected in Italy were surveyed for the
      presence of OTA and OTA-producing fungi. A. niger aggregate was the prevalent
      species. A. carbonarius, which is considered the main source of OTA in grapes,
      was mostly found in Southern Italy. The year and the environment had an important
      influence on the development of the black Aspergillus populations. Testing with
      ELISA showed OTA to be present in about 30% of the samples. Samples from Southern
      Italy showed the highest occurrence (45%) and also the highest OTA concentration,
      sometimes higher than 2 MUg/L. The values decreased progressively the further
      North the samples were taken.

PMID- 22069614
TI  - The double-edged sword of autoimmunity: lessons from multiple sclerosis.
AB  - The relationship between immune responses to self-antigens and autoimmune disease
      is unclear. In contrast to its animal model experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is driven by T cell responses to myelin antigens,
      the target antigen of the intrathecal immune response in multiple sclerosis (MS)
      has not been identified. Although the immune response in MS contributes
      significantly to tissue destruction, the action of immunocompetent cells within
      the central nervous system (CNS) may also hold therapeutic potential. Thus,
      treatment of MS patients with glatiramer acetate triggers a protective immune
      response. Here we review the immunopathogenesis of MS and some recent findings on
      the mechanism of glatiramer acetate (GA).

PMID- 22069615
TI  - Marine toxins: chemistry, toxicity, occurrence and detection, with special
      reference to the Dutch situation.
AB  - Various species of algae can produce marine toxins under certain circumstances.
      These toxins can then accumulate in shellfish such as mussels, oysters and
      scallops. When these contaminated shellfish species are consumed severe
      intoxication can occur. The different types of syndromes that can occur after
      consumption of contaminated shellfish, the corresponding toxins and relevant
      legislation are discussed in this review. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP),
      Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) and
      Azaspiracid Shellfish Poisoning (AZP) occur worldwide, Neurologic Shellfish
      Poisoning (NSP) is mainly limited to the USA and New Zealand while the toxins
      causing DSP and AZP occur most frequently in Europe. The latter two toxin groups
      are fat-soluble and can therefore also be classified as lipophilic marine toxins.
      A detailed overview of the official analytical methods used in the EU (mouse or
      rat bioassay) and the recently developed alternative methods for the lipophilic
      marine toxins is given. These alternative methods are based on functional assays,
      biochemical assays and chemical methods. From the literature it is clear that
      chemical methods offer the best potential to replace the animal tests that are
      still legislated worldwide. Finally, an overview is given of the situation of
      marine toxins in The Netherlands. The rat bioassay has been used for monitoring
      DSP and AZP toxins in The Netherlands since the 1970s. Nowadays, a combination of
      a chemical method and the rat bioassay is often used. In The Netherlands toxic
      events are mainly caused by DSP toxins, which have been found in Dutch shellfish
      for the first time in 1961, and have reoccurred at irregular intervals and in
      varying concentrations. From this review it is clear that considerable effort is
      being undertaken by various research groups to phase out the animal tests that
      are still used for the official routine monitoring programs.

PMID- 22069616
TI  - AIP56: a novel bacterial apoptogenic toxin.
AB  - Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) is a Gram-negative pathogen agent
      of an important fish septicemia. The key virulence factor of Phdp is the plasmid
      encoded exotoxin AIP56, which is secreted by exponentially growing pathogenic
      strains. AIP56 has 520 amino acids including an N-terminal cleavable signal
      peptide of 23 amino acid residues, two cysteine residues and a zinc-binding
      region signature HEXXH that is typical of most zinc metallopeptidases. AIP56
      induces in vitro and in vivo selective apoptosis of fish macrophages and
      neutrophils through a caspase-3 dependent mechanism that also involves caspase-8
      and -9. In vivo, the AIP56-induced phagocyte apoptosis progresses to secondary
      necrosis with release of cytotoxic phagocyte molecules including neutrophil
      elastase. Fish injected with recombinant AIP56 die with a pathology similar to
      that seen in the natural infection.

PMID- 22069617
TI  - Discovery and characterization of proteins associated with aflatoxin-resistance:
      evaluating their potential as breeding markers.
AB  - Host resistance has become a viable approach to eliminating aflatoxin
      contamination of maize since the discovery of several maize lines with natural
      resistance. However, to derive commercial benefit from this resistance and
      develop lines that can aid growers, markers need to be identified to facilitate
      the transfer of resistance into commercially useful genetic backgrounds without
      transfer of unwanted traits. To accomplish this, research efforts have focused on
      the identification of kernel resistance-associated proteins (RAPs) including the
      employment of comparative proteomics to investigate closely-related maize lines
      that vary in aflatoxin accumulation. RAPs have been identified and several
      further characterized through physiological and biochemical investigations to
      determine their causal role in resistance and, therefore, their suitability as
      breeding markers. Three RAPs, a 14 kDa trypsin inhibitor, pathogenesis-related
      protein 10 and glyoxalase I are being investigated using RNAi gene silencing and
      plant transformation. Several resistant lines have been subjected to QTL mapping
      to identify loci associated with the aflatoxin-resistance phenotype. Results of
      proteome and characterization studies are discussed.

PMID- 22069618
TI  - Proteases as insecticidal agents.
AB  - Proteases from a variety of sources (viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and
      insects) have toxicity towards insects. Some of these insecticidal proteases
      evolved as venom components, herbivore resistance factors, or microbial
      pathogenicity factors, while other proteases play roles in insect development or
      digestion, but exert an insecticidal effect when over-expressed from genetically
      engineered plants or microbial pathogens. Many of these proteases are cysteine
      proteases, although insect-toxic metalloproteases and serine proteases have also
      been examined. The sites of protease toxic activity range from the insect midgut
      to the hemocoel (body cavity) to the cuticle. This review discusses these
      insecticidal proteases along with their evaluation and use as potential
      pesticides.

PMID- 22069619
TI  - The role of lymphostatin/EHEC factor for adherence-1 in the pathogenesis of gram
      negative infection.
AB  - Lymphostatin/EHEC factor for adherence-1 is a novel large toxin represented in
      various Gram negative bacteria, highly associated with the development of
      infectious diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome. In vitro and in vivo
      experiments identified lymphostatin/EFA-1 as a toxin with a central role in the
      pathogenesis of Gram negative bacteria, responsible for bacterial adhesion,
      intestinal colonization, immunosuppression, and disruption of gut epithelial
      barrier function.

PMID- 22069620
TI  - Autoproteolytic activation of bacterial toxins.
AB  - Protease domains within toxins typically act as the primary effector domain
      within target cells. By contrast, the primary function of the cysteine protease
      domain (CPD) in Multifunctional Autoprocessing RTX-like (MARTX) and Clostridium
      sp. glucosylating toxin families is to proteolytically cleave the toxin and
      release its cognate effector domains. The CPD becomes activated upon binding to
      the eukaryotic-specific small molecule, inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP(6)),
      which is found abundantly in the eukaryotic cytosol. This property allows the CPD
      to spatially and temporally regulate toxin activation, making it a prime
      candidate for developing anti-toxin therapeutics. In this review, we summarize
      recent findings related to defining the regulation of toxin function by the CPD
      and the development of inhibitors to prevent CPD-mediated activation of bacterial
      toxins.

PMID- 22069621
TI  - The zinc-dependent protease activity of the botulinum neurotoxins.
AB  - The botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT, serotypes A-G) are some of the most toxic
      proteins known and are the causative agents of botulism. Following exposure, the
      neurotoxin binds and enters peripheral cholinergic nerve endings and specifically
      and selectively cleaves one or more SNARE proteins to produce flaccid paralysis.
      This review centers on the kinetics of the Zn-dependent proteolytic activities of
      these neurotoxins, and briefly describes inhibitors, activators and factors
      underlying persistence of toxin action. Some of the structural, enzymatic and
      inhibitor data that are discussed here are available at the botulinum neurotoxin
      resource, BotDB (http://botdb.abcc.ncifcrf.gov).

PMID- 22069622
TI  - Toxin-specific antibodies for the treatment of Clostridium difficile: current
      status and future perspectives.
AB  - Therapeutic agents targeting bacterial virulence factors are gaining interest as
      non-antibiotic alternatives for the treatment of infectious diseases. Clostridium
      difficile is a Gram-positive pathogen that produces two primary virulence
      factors, enterotoxins A and B (TcdA and TcdB), which are responsible for
      Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) and are targets for CDAD therapy.
      Antibodies specific for TcdA and TcdB have been shown to effectively treat CDAD
      and prevent disease relapse in animal models and in humans. This review
      summarizes the various toxin-specific antibody formats and strategies under
      development, and discusses future directions for CDAD immunotherapy, including
      the use of engineered antibody fragments with robust biophysical properties for
      systemic and oral delivery.

PMID- 22069623
TI  - A review on toxic and harmful algae in Greek coastal waters (E. Mediterranean
      Sea).
AB  - The Greek coastal waters are subjected to harmful algal bloom (HAB) phenomena due
      to the occurrence of species characterized as toxic (TX), potentially toxic (PT),
      and non-toxic, high biomass (HB) producers causing harm at multiple levels. The
      total number of (TX), (PT) and (HB) algae reported in this work are 61, but only
      16 species have been associated with the occurrence of important HABs causing
      damage in the marine biota and the water quality. These phenomena are sporadic in
      time, space and recurrence of the causative species, and are related to the
      anthropogenically-induced eutrophication conditions prevailing in the
      investigated areas.

PMID- 22069624
TI  - Consequences and utility of the zinc-dependent metalloprotease activity of
      anthrax lethal toxin.
AB  - Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The
      pathogenesis of this disease is dependent on the presence of two binary toxins,
      edema toxin (EdTx) and lethal toxin (LeTx). LeTx, the major virulence factor
      contributing to anthrax, contains the effector moiety lethal factor (LF), a zinc
      dependent metalloprotease specific for targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase
      kinases. This review will focus on the protease-specific activity and function of
      LF, and will include a discussion on the implications and consequences of this
      activity, both in terms of anthrax disease, and how this activity can be
      exploited to gain insight into other pathologic conditions.

PMID- 22069625
TI  - Occurrence of ochratoxin A in Southern Spanish generous wines under the
      denomination of Origin "Jerez-Xeres-Sherry and 'manzanilla' Sanlucar de
      Barrameda".
AB  - The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) has toxic effects in animals; the most relevant
      of them is nephrotoxicity. OTA has also been classified as a possible carcinogen
      for humans (group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
      Therefore, exposure to OTA through contaminated food can represent health
      impairment to humans. The maximum permitted level for this mycotoxin in wine is
      2.0 MUg/L. The presence of OTA in Spanish wines produced using the traditional
      methods under the Denomination of Origin "Jerez-Xeres-Sherry andmanzanilla
      Sanlucar de Barrameda" was evaluated by a High performance Liquid Chromatography
      method with fluorescence detection and immunoaffinity column purification. A
      recovery of 95.4% and a limit of detection and quantification of 0.009 MUg/L and
      0.02 MUg/L respectively, were achieved. In manzanilla, fino, amontillado and
      oloroso wine, the mean OTA values were 0.042, 0.044, 0.144, and 0.319 MUg/L,
      respectively. These levels are not different from other data given in the
      reference literature on white wines, although fino and manzanilla wines have very
      low OTA levels.

PMID- 22069626
TI  - Ochratoxins in feed, a risk for animal and human health: control strategies.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been shown to be a potent nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and
      teratogenic compound. In farm animals, the intake of feed contaminated with OTA
      affects animal health and productivity, and may result in the presence of OTA in
      the animal products. Strategies for the control of OTA in food products require
      early identification and elimination of contaminated commodities from the food
      chain. However, current analytical protocols may fail to identify contaminated
      products, especially in animal feed. The present paper discusses the impact of
      OTA on human and animal health, with special emphasis on the potential risks of
      OTA residue in animal products, and control strategies applied in the feed
      industry.

PMID- 22069628
TI  - Pathological outcomes in kidney and brain in male Fischer rats given dietary
      ochratoxin A, commencing at one year of age.
AB  - Malignant renal carcinoma, manifest in morbid ageing rats, is the striking
      component of an otherwise silent response after about nine months of exposure to
      ochratoxin A in the first year of life (daily intake ~100-250 ug/kg body weight).
      Reasons for the long latency are unclear, as is whether there would be a similar
      carcinogenic response if toxin exposure started at one year of age. Therefore, 24
      male Fischer rats were given 100 ug ochratoxin A as a daily dietary contaminant
      for 35 weeks from age 50 weeks. Plasma ochratoxin A concentration reached a
      maximum value of ~8 ug/mL within one month of starting the toxin regimen. No
      renal carcinomas occurred. Four renal adenomas, two of which were only
      microscopic, were found among the six rats surviving for 110 weeks. The findings
      raise new questions about a difference between young adults and mature adults in
      sensitivity of male rats to the ochratoxin A-induced DNA damage necessary for
      renal carcinogenesis. A pilot histological study of perfuse-fixed brains of the
      toxin-treated rats showed no gross abnormalities, correlating with the consistent
      absence of behavioral or neurological disorders from chronic ochratoxin A
      exposure regimens in the range 100-250 ug/kg/day during the second half of life.
      Reasoned questioning concerning ochratoxin A as a neurotoxic mycotoxin is made.

PMID- 22069627
TI  - Biodegradation of ochratoxin a for food and feed decontamination.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important mycotoxins that is found in food
      and feed products. It has proven toxic properties, being primarily known for its
      nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity to certain animal species. OTA is produced by
      several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium that can be found in a wide
      variety of agricultural products, which makes the presence of OTA in these
      products common. Many countries have statutory limits for OTA, and concentrations
      need to be reduced to as low as technologically possible in food and feed. The
      most important measures to be taken to control OTA are preventive in order to
      avoid fungal growth and OTA production. However, these measures are difficult to
      implement in all cases with the consequence of OTA remaining in agricultural
      commodities. Remediation processes are often used to eliminate, reduce or avoid
      the toxic effects of OTA. Biological methods have been considered increasingly as
      an alternative to physical and chemical treatments. However, examples of
      practical applications are infrequent. This review will focus on the (i) known
      microorganisms and enzymes that are able to biodegrade OTA; (ii) mode of action
      of biodegradation and (iii) current applications. A critical discussion about the
      technical applicability of these strategies is presented.

PMID- 22069629
TI  - Ochratoxin A producing species in the genus Penicillium.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) producing fungi are members of the genera Aspergillus and
      Penicillium. Nowadays, there are about 20 species accepted as OTA producers,
      which are distributed in three phylogenetically related but distinct groups of
      aspergilli of the subgenus Circumdati and only in two species of the subgenus
      Penicillium. At the moment, P. verrucosum and P. nordicum are the only OTA
      producing species accepted in the genus Penicillium. However, during the last
      century, OTA producers in this genus were classified as P. viridicatum for many
      years. At present, only some OTA producing species are known to be a potential
      source of OTA contamination of cereals and certain common foods and beverages
      such as bread, beer, coffee, dried fruits, grape juice and wine among others.
      Penicillium verrucosum is the major producer of OTA in cereals such as wheat and
      barley in temperate and cold climates. Penicillium verrucosum and P. nordicum can
      be recovered from some dry-cured meat products and some cheeses.

PMID- 22069630
TI  - Ochratoxin A in Moroccan foods: occurrence and legislation.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is secondary metabolite naturally produced in food and feed by
      toxigenic fungi, especially some Aspergillus species and Penicillium verucosum.
      OTA is one of the most studied mycotoxins and is of great interest due to its
      toxic effects on human and animals. OTA is produced in different food and feed
      matrices and contaminates a large range of base foods including cereals and
      derivatives, spices, dried fruits, wine and coffee, etc. Morocco, a North African
      country, has a climate characterized by high humidity and temperature, which
      probably favors the growth of molds. This contribution gives an overview of
      principal investigations about the presence of OTA in foods available in Morocco.
      Due to its toxicity, OTA presence is increasingly regulated worldwide, especially
      in countries of the European Union. However, up until now, no regulation limits
      were in force in Morocco, probably due to the ignorance of the health and
      economic problems resulting from OTA contamination. Finally, recommendations and
      future research directions are given required to assess the situation completely.

PMID- 22069632
TI  - Comparative study of various immune parameters in three bivalve species during a
      natural bloom of Dinophysis acuminata in Santa Catarina Island, Brazil.
AB  - This study aimed to verify if Dinophysis acuminata natural blooms affected the
      immune system of three bivalves: the oyster, Crassostrea gigas, the mussel, Perna
      perna, and the clam, Anomalocardia brasiliana. Animals were obtained from a
      renowned mariculture farm in the southern bay of Santa Catarina Island during,
      and 30 days after (controls), an algal bloom. Various immunological parameters
      were assessed in the hemolymph of the animals: total and differential hemocyte
      counts, percentage of apoptotic hemocytes, protein concentration,
      hemagglutinating titer and phenoloxidase activity. The results showed that the
      mussel was the most affected species, with several altered immune parameters,
      whereas the immunological profile of clams and oysters was partially and
      completely unaffected, respectively.

PMID- 22069631
TI  - Exfoliative toxins of Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen of humans and livestock. It causes
      a diverse array of diseases, ranging from relatively harmless localized skin
      infections to life-threatening systemic conditions. Among multiple virulence
      factors, staphylococci secrete several exotoxins directly associated with
      particular disease symptoms. These include toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1),
      enterotoxins, and exfoliative toxins (ETs). The latter are particularly
      interesting as the sole agents responsible for staphylococcal scalded skin
      syndrome (SSSS), a disease predominantly affecting infants and characterized by
      the loss of superficial skin layers, dehydration, and secondary infections. The
      molecular basis of the clinical symptoms of SSSS is well understood. ETs are
      serine proteases with high substrate specificity, which selectively recognize and
      hydrolyze desmosomal proteins in the skin. The fascinating road leading to the
      discovery of ETs as the agents responsible for SSSS and the characterization of
      the molecular mechanism of their action, including recent advances in the field,
      are reviewed in this article.

PMID- 22069633
TI  - Serine protease autotransporters of enterobacteriaceae (SPATEs): biogenesis and
      function.
AB  - Serine Protease Autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATEs) constitute a
      large family of proteases secreted by Escherichia coli and Shigella. SPATEs
      exhibit two distinct proteolytic activities. First, a C-terminal catalytic site
      triggers an intra-molecular cleavage that releases the N-terminal portion of
      these proteins in the extracellular medium. Second, the secreted N-terminal
      domains of SPATEs are themselves proteases; each contains a canonical serine
      protease catalytic site. Some of these secreted proteases are toxins, eliciting
      various effects on mammalian cells. Here, we discuss the biogenesis of SPATEs and
      their function as toxins.

PMID- 22069634
TI  - Overcoming multidrug resistance in human cancer cells by natural compounds.
AB  - Multidrug resistance is a phenomenon whereby tumors become resistant to
      structurally unrelated anticancer drugs. P-glycoprotein belongs to the large ATP
      binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily of membrane transport proteins. P
      glycoprotein mediates resistance to various classes of anticancer drugs including
      vinblastine, daunorubicin, and paclitaxel, by actively extruding the drugs from
      the cells. The quest for inhibitors of anticancer drug efflux transporters has
      uncovered natural compounds, including (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin,
      capsaicin, and guggulsterone, as promising candidates. In this review, studies on
      the effects of natural compounds on P-glycoprotein and anticancer drug efflux
      transporters are summarized.

PMID- 22069635
TI  - Ochratoxin a in Portugal: a review to assess human exposure.
AB  - In Portugal, the climate, dietary habits, and food contamination levels present
      the characteristics for higher population susceptibility to ochratoxin A (OTA),
      one of the known mycotoxins with the greatest public health and agro-economic
      importance. In this review, following a brief historical insight on OTA research,
      a summary of the available data on OTA occurrence in food (cereals, bread, wine,
      meat) and biological fluids (blood, urine) is made. With this data, an estimation
      of intake is made to ascertain and update the risk exposure estimation of the
      Portuguese population, in comparison to previous studies and other populations.

PMID- 22069637
TI  - Alpha-tocopherol counteracts the cytotoxicity induced by ochratoxin a in primary
      porcine fibroblasts.
AB  - The aims of the current study were to determine the half-lethal concentration of
      ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as the levels of lactate dehydrogenase release and DNA
      fragmentation induced by OTA in primary porcine fibroblasts, and to examine the
      role of alpha-tocopherol in counteracting its toxicity. Cells showed a dose-,
      time- and origin-dependent (ear vs. embryo) sensitivity to ochratoxin A. Pre
      incubation for 3 h with 1 nM alpha-tocopherol significantly (P < 0.01) reduced
      OTA cytotoxicity, lactate dehydrogenase release and DNA damage in both fibroblast
      cultures. These findings indicate that alpha-tocopherol supplementation may
      counteract short-term OTA toxicity, supporting its defensive role in the cell
      membrane.

PMID- 22069636
TI  - Toxins and secretion systems of Photorhabdus luminescens.
AB  - Photorhabdus luminescens is a nematode-symbiotic, gram negative, bioluminescent
      bacterium, belonging to the family of Enterobacteriaceae. Recent studies show the
      importance of this bacterium as an alternative source of insecticides, as well as
      an emerging human pathogen. Various toxins have been identified and characterized
      in this bacterium. These toxins are classified into four major groups: the toxin
      complexes (Tcs), the Photorhabdus insect related (Pir) proteins, the "makes
      caterpillars floppy" (Mcf) toxins and the Photorhabdus virulence cassettes (PVC);
      the mechanisms however of toxin secretion are not fully elucidated. Using
      bioinformatics analysis and comparison against the components of known secretion
      systems, multiple copies of components of all known secretion systems, except the
      ones composing a type IV secretion system, were identified throughout the entire
      genome of the bacterium. This indicates that Photorhabdus luminescens has all the
      necessary means for the secretion of virulence factors, thus it is capable of
      establishing a microbial infection.

PMID- 22069638
TI  - Differential cell sensitivity between OTA and LPS upon releasing TNF-alpha.
AB  - The release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by ochratoxin A (OTA) was
      studied in various macrophage and non-macrophage cell lines and compared with E.
      coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a standard TNF-alpha release agent. Cells were
      exposed either to 0, 2.5 or 12.5 umol/L OTA, or to 0.1 ug/mL LPS, for up to 24 h.
      OTA at 2.5 umol/L and LPS at 0.1 ug/mL were not toxic to the tested cells as
      indicated by viability markers. TNF-alpha was detected in the incubated cell
      medium of rat Kupffer cells, peritoneal rat macrophages, and the mouse monocyte
      macrophage cell line J774A.1: TNF-alpha concentrations were 1,000 pg/mL, 1,560
      pg/mL, and 650 pg/mL, respectively, for 2.5 umol/L OTA exposure and 3,000 pg/mL,
      2,600 pg/mL, and 2,115 pg/mL, respectively, for LPS exposure. Rat liver
      sinusoidal endothelial cells, rat hepatocytes, human HepG2 cells, and mouse L929
      cells lacked any cytokine response to OTA, but showed a significant release of
      TNF-alpha after LPS exposure, with the exception of HepG2 cells. In non
      responsive cell lines, OTA lacked both any activation of NF-kappaB or the
      translocation of activated NF-kappaB to the cell nucleus, i.e., in mouse L929
      cells. In J774A.1 cells, OTA mediated TNF-alpha release via the pRaf/MEK 1/2-NF
      kappaB and p38-NF-kappaB pathways, whereas LPS used pRaf/MEK 1/2-NF-kappaB, but
      not p38-NF-kappaB pathways. In contrast, in L929 cells, LPS used other pathways
      to activate NF-kappaB. Our data indicate that only macrophages and macrophage
      derived cells respond to OTA and are considered as sources for TNF-alpha release
      upon OTA exposure.

PMID- 22069639
TI  - Deoxynivalenol-induced proinflammatory gene expression: mechanisms and
      pathological sequelae.
AB  - The trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is commonly encountered in human
      cereal foods throughout the world as a result of infestation of grains in the
      field and in storage by the fungus Fusarium. Significant questions remain
      regarding the risks posed to humans from acute and chronic DON ingestion, and how
      to manage these risks without imperiling access to nutritionally important food
      commodities. Modulation of the innate immune system appears particularly critical
      to DON's toxic effects. Specifically, DON induces activation of mitogen-activated
      protein kinases (MAPKs) in macrophages and monocytes, which mediate robust
      induction of proinflammatory gene expression-effects that can be recapitulated in
      intact animals. The initiating mechanisms for DON-induced ribotoxic stress
      response appear to involve the (1) activation of constitutive protein kinases on
      the damaged ribosome and (2) autophagy of the chaperone GRP78 with consequent
      activation of the ER stress response. Pathological sequelae resulting from
      chronic low dose exposure include anorexia, impaired weight gain, growth hormone
      dysregulation and aberrant IgA production whereas acute high dose exposure evokes
      gastroenteritis, emesis and a shock-like syndrome. Taken together, the capacity
      of DON to evoke ribotoxic stress in mononuclear phagocytes contributes
      significantly to its acute and chronic toxic effects in vivo. It is anticipated
      that these investigations will enable the identification of robust biomarkers of
      effect that will be applicable to epidemiological studies of the human health
      effects of this common mycotoxin.

PMID- 22069640
TI  - Shiga toxin is transported into the nucleoli of intestinal epithelial cells via a
      carrier-dependent process.
AB  - Shiga toxin (Stx) produced by the invasive Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 (S.
      dysenteriae1) causes gastrointestinal and kidney complications. It has been
      assumed that Stx is released intracellularly after enterocyte invasion by S.
      dysenteriae1. However, there is little information about Stx distribution inside
      S. dysenteriae1-infected enterocytes. Here, we use intestinal epithelial T84
      cells to characterize the trafficking of Stx delivered into the cytosol, in ways
      that mimic aspects of S. dysenteriae1 infection. We find that cytoplasmic Stx is
      transported into nucleoli. Stx nucleolar movement is carrier- and energy
      dependent. Stx binding to the nucleoli of normal human enterocytes in vitro
      supports possible roles for nucleolar trafficking in toxin-induced intestinal
      pathology.

PMID- 22069641
TI  - On the interaction of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin with claudins.
AB  - Clostridium perfringens causes one of the most common foodborne illnesses, which
      is largely mediated by the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). The toxin
      consists of two functional domains. The N-terminal region mediates the cytotoxic
      effect through pore formation in the plasma membrane of the mammalian host cell.
      The C-terminal region (cCPE) binds to the second extracellular loop of a subset
      of claudins. Claudin-3 and claudin-4 have been shown to be receptors for CPE with
      very high affinity. The toxin binds with weak affinity to claudin-1 and -2 but
      contribution of these weak binding claudins to CPE-mediated disease is
      questionable. cCPE is not cytotoxic, however, it is a potent modulator of tight
      junctions. This review describes recent progress in the molecular
      characterization of the cCPE-claudin interaction using mutagenesis, in vitro
      binding assays and permeation studies. The results promote the development of
      recombinant cCPE-proteins and CPE-based peptidomimetics to modulate tight
      junctions for improved drug delivery or to treat tumors overexpressing claudins.

PMID- 22069643
TI  - Molecular mechanism of ochratoxin a transport in the kidney.
AB  - The mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA), is thought to be responsible for Balkan
      endemic nephropathy. OTA accumulates in several tissues, especially in the
      kidneys and liver. The excretion of OTA into urine is thought to be mainly by
      tubular secretion, presumably via the organic anion transport system. Recently,
      several families of multispecific organic anion transporters have been
      identified: organic anion transporters (OATs), organic anion-transporting
      polypeptides (OATPs), oligopeptide transporters (PEPTs), and ATP-binding cassette
      (ABC) transporters, such as MRP2 and BCRP. These renal transporters mediate the
      transmembrane transport of OTA and play a pivotal role in the development of OTA
      induced nephrotoxicity.

PMID- 22069644
TI  - Effect of antioxidant mixtures on growth and ochratoxin a production of
      Aspergillus section Nigri species under different water activity conditions on
      peanut meal extract agar.
AB  - The effect of mixtures of antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) and propyl
      paraben (PP) on lag phase, growth rate and ochratoxin A (OTA) production by four
      Aspergillus section Nigri strains was evaluated on peanut meal extract agar
      (PMEA) under different water activities (a(w)). The antioxidant mixtures used
      were: BHA + PP (mM), M1 (0.5 + 0.5), M2 (1.0 + 0.5), M3 (2.5 + 0.5), M4 (0.5 +
      1.0), M5 (1.0 + 1.0), M6 (2.5 + 1.0), M7 (5.0 + 2.5) and M8 (10 + 2.5). The
      mixture M8 completely suppressed mycelial growth for all strains. A significant
      stimulation in OTA production was observed with mixtures M1 to M5 mainly at the
      highest a(w); whereas M6, M7 and M8 completely inhibited OTA production in all
      strains assayed; except M6 in A. carbonarius strain (RCP G). These results could
      enable a future intervention strategy to minimize OTA contamination.

PMID- 22069642
TI  - The glucocorticoid receptor: a revisited target for toxins.
AB  - The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and glucocorticoid
      responses are critical for survival from a number of bacterial, viral and toxic
      insults, demonstrated by the fact that removal of the HPA axis or GR blockade
      enhances mortality rates. Replacement with synthetic glucocorticoids reverses
      these effects by providing protection against lethal effects. Glucocorticoid
      resistance/insensitivity is a common problem in the treatment of many diseases.
      Much research has focused on the molecular mechanism behind this resistance, but
      an area that has been neglected is the role of infectious agents and toxins. We
      have recently shown that the anthrax lethal toxin is able to repress
      glucocorticoid receptor function. Data suggesting that the glucocorticoid
      receptor may be a target for a variety of toxins is reviewed here. These studies
      have important implications for glucocorticoid therapy.

PMID- 22069645
TI  - "Suspects" in etiology of endemic nephropathy: aristolochic acid versus
      mycotoxins.
AB  - Despite many hypotheses that have been challenged, the etiology of endemic
      nephropathy (EN) is still unknown. At present, the implications of aristolochic
      acid (AA) and mycotoxins (ochratoxin A-OTA and citrinin-CIT) are under debate. AA
      theory is based on renal pathohistological similarities between Chinese herbs
      nephropathy (CHN) and EN, findings of AA-DNA adducts in EN and in patients with
      urinary tract tumors (UTT), as well as the domination of A:T(r)T:A transversions
      in the p53 mutational spectrum of UTT patients, which corresponds with findings
      of such mutations in AA-treated rats. However, exposure pathways of EN residents
      to AA are unclear. Experimental studies attempting to deduce whether nephrotoxins
      OTA and CIT appear at higher frequencies or levels (or both) in the food and
      blood or urine of EN residents support the mycotoxin theory. Also, some molecular
      studies revealed the presence of OTA-DNA adducts in the renal tissue of EN and
      UTT patients. In this review, data supporting or arguing against AA and mycotoxin
      theory are presented and discussed.

PMID- 22069646
TI  - Heat-labile enterotoxin: beyond G(m1) binding.
AB  - Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a significant source of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide. One major virulence factor released by ETEC is the heat
      labile enterotoxin LT, which is structurally and functionally similar to cholera
      toxin. LT consists of five B subunits carrying a single catalytically active A
      subunit. LTB binds the monosialoganglioside G(M1), the toxin's host receptor, but
      interactions with A-type blood sugars and E. coli lipopolysaccharide have also
      been identified within the past decade. Here, we review the regulation, assembly,
      and binding properties of the LT B-subunit pentamer and discuss the possible
      roles of its numerous molecular interactions.

PMID- 22069647
TI  - Synthetic alpha-conotoxin mutants as probes for studying nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptors and in the development of novel drug leads.
AB  - alpha-Conotoxins are peptide neurotoxins isolated from venomous marine cone
      snails that are potent and selective antagonists for different subtypes of
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). As such, they are valuable probes for
      dissecting the role that nAChRs play in nervous system function. In recent years,
      extensive insight into the binding mechanisms of alpha-conotoxins with nAChRs at
      the molecular level has aided in the design of synthetic analogs with improved
      pharmacological properties. This review examines the structure-activity
      relationship studies involving alpha-conotoxins as research tools for studying
      nAChRs in the central and peripheral nervous systems and their use towards the
      development of novel therapeutics.

PMID- 22069649
TI  - Molecularly imprinted polymers for ochratoxin a extraction and analysis.
AB  - Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are considered as polymeric materials that
      mimic the functionality of antibodies. MIPs have been utilized for a wide variety
      of applications in chromatography, solid phase extraction, immunoassays, and
      sensor recognition. In this article, recent advances of MIPs for the extraction
      and analysis of ochratoxins are discussed. Selection of functional monomers to
      bind ochratoxin A (OTA) with high affinities, optimization of extraction
      procedures, and limitations of MIPs are compared from different reports. The most
      relevant examples in the literature are described to clearly show how useful
      these materials are. Strategies on MIP preparation and schemes of analytical
      methods are also reviewed in order to suggest the next step that would make
      better use of MIPs in the field of ochratoxin research. The review ends by
      outlining the remaining issues and impediments.

PMID- 22069650
TI  - Arsenic in cancer treatment: challenges for application of realgar nanoparticles
      (a minireview).
AB  - While intensive efforts have been made for the treatment of cancer, this disease
      is still the second leading cause of death in many countries. Metastatic breast
      cancer, late-stage colon cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, and other
      forms of cancer are still essentially incurable in most cases. Recent advances in
      genomic technologies have permitted the simultaneous evaluation of DNA sequence
      based alterations together with copy number gains and losses. The requirement for
      a multi-targeting approach is the common theme that emerges from these studies.
      Therefore, the combination of new targeted biological and cytotoxic agents is
      currently under investigation in multimodal treatment regimens. Similarly, a
      combinational principle is applied in traditional Chinese medicine, as formulas
      consist of several types of medicinal herbs or minerals, in which one represents
      the principal component, and the others serve as adjuvant ones that assist the
      effects, or facilitate the delivery, of the principal component. In Western
      medicine, approximately 60 different arsenic preparations have been developed and
      used in pharmacological history. In traditional Chinese medicines, different
      forms of mineral arsenicals (orpiment-As(2)S(3), realgar-As(4)S(4), and
      arsenolite-arsenic trioxide, As(2)O(3)) are used, and realgar alone is included
      in 22 oral remedies that are recognized by the Chinese Pharmacopeia Committee
      (2005). It is known that a significant portion of some forms of mineral
      arsenicals is poorly absorbed into the body, and would be unavailable to cause
      systemic damage. This review primary focuses on the application of arsenic
      sulfide (realgar) for treatment of various forms of cancer in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22069648
TI  - Shiga toxins: intracellular trafficking to the ER leading to activation of host
      cell stress responses.
AB  - Despite efforts to improve hygenic conditions and regulate food and drinking
      water safety, the enteric pathogens, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
      (STEC) and Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 remain major public health concerns
      due to widespread outbreaks and the severity of extra-intestinal diseases they
      cause, including acute renal failure and central nervous system complications.
      Shiga toxins are the key virulence factors expressed by these pathogens mediating
      extra-intestinal disease. Delivery of the toxins to the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) results in host cell protein synthesis inhibition, activation of the
      ribotoxic stress response, the ER stress response, and in some cases, the
      induction of apoptosis. Intrinsic and/or extrinsic apoptosis inducing pathways
      are involved in executing cell death following intoxication. In this review we
      provide an overview of the current understanding Shiga toxin intracellular
      trafficking, host cellular responses to the toxin and ER stress-induced apoptosis
      with an emphasis on recent findings.

PMID- 22069651
TI  - Development and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against Ochratoxin B
      and its application in ELISA.
AB  - A monoclonal antibody specific to ochratoxin B (OTB) was employed for the
      development of an indirect competitive OTB-ELISA. The optimized OTB-ELISA
      resulted in a limit of detection (LOD) for OTB of 3 ug/L (8 nM), a limit of
      quantification (LOQ) of 3.7 ug/L (10 nM), and a 50% inhibitory concentration
      (IC(50)) of 150 nM. Due to very low cross-reactivity to OTA (2.7%) and
      structurally related molecules (0%), this OTB-ELISA was found to be suitable to
      detect OTB with excellent precision in different matrices, i.e., beer, coffee and
      wine. Therefore, this OTB-ELISA will allow screening of OTB in food and feed
      products.

PMID- 22069652
TI  - Specificity of interaction between clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and
      claudin-family tight junction proteins.
AB  - Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), a major cause of food poisoning, forms
      physical pores in the plasma membrane of intestinal epithelial cells. The ability
      of CPE to recognize the epithelium is due to the C-terminal binding domain, which
      binds to a specific motif on the second extracellular loop of tight junction
      proteins known as claudins. The interaction between claudins and CPE plays a key
      role in mediating CPE toxicity by facilitating pore formation and by promoting
      tight junction disassembly. Recently, the ability of CPE to distinguish between
      specific claudins has been used to develop tools for studying roles for claudins
      in epithelial barrier function. Moreover, the high affinity of CPE to selected
      claudins makes CPE a useful platform for targeted drug delivery to tumors
      expressing these claudins.

PMID- 22069655
TI  - Plant Natural compounds with antibacterial activity towards common pathogens of
      pond-cultured channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).
AB  - The bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare cause enteric
      septicemia and columnaris disease, respectively, in channel catfish (Ictalurus
      punctatus). Natural therapeutants may provide an alternative to current
      management approaches used by producers. In this study, a rapid bioassay
      identified plant compounds as potential therapeutants. Chelerythrine chloride and
      ellagic acid were the most toxic toward E. ictaluri, with 24-h IC50 of 7.3 mg/L
      and 15.1 mg/L, respectively, and MIC of 2.1 mg/L and 6.5 mg/L, respectively.
      Chelerythrine chloride, ellagic acid, beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, sorgoleone, and
      wogonin were the most toxic towards two genomovars of F. columnare, and wogonin
      had the strongest antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.3 mg/L).

PMID- 22069653
TI  - AB toxins: a paradigm switch from deadly to desirable.
AB  - To ensure their survival, a number of bacterial and plant species have evolved a
      common strategy to capture energy from other biological systems. Being imperfect
      pathogens, organisms synthesizing multi-subunit AB toxins are responsible for the
      mortality of millions of people and animals annually. Vaccination against these
      organisms and their toxins has proved rather ineffective in providing long-term
      protection from disease. In response to the debilitating effects of AB toxins on
      epithelial cells of the digestive mucosa, mechanisms underlying toxin
      immunomodulation of immune responses have become the focus of increasing
      experimentation. The results of these studies reveal that AB toxins may have a
      beneficial application as adjuvants for the enhancement of immune protection
      against infection and autoimmunity. Here, we examine similarities and differences
      in the structure and function of bacterial and plant AB toxins that underlie
      their toxicity and their exceptional properties as immunomodulators for
      stimulating immune responses against infectious disease and for immune
      suppression of organ-specific autoimmunity.

PMID- 22069654
TI  - Neurological disease rises from ocean to bring model for human epilepsy to life.
AB  - Domoic acid of macroalgal origin was used for traditional and medicinal purposes
      in Japan and largely forgotten until its rediscovery in diatoms that poisoned 107
      people after consumption of contaminated mussels. The more severely poisoned
      victims had seizures and/or amnesia and four died; however, one survivor
      unexpectedly developed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) a year after the event.
      Nearly a decade later, several thousand sea lions have stranded on California
      beaches with neurological symptoms. Analysis of the animals stranded over an
      eight year period indicated five clusters of acute neurological poisoning;
      however, nearly a quarter have stranded individually outside these events with
      clinical signs of a chronic neurological syndrome similar to TLE. These
      poisonings are not limited to sea lions, which serve as readily observed
      sentinels for other marine animals that strand during domoic acid poisoning
      events, including several species of dolphin and whales. Acute domoic acid
      poisoning is five-times more prominent in adult female sea lions as a result of
      the proximity of their year-round breeding grounds to major domoic acid bloom
      events. The chronic neurological syndrome, on the other hand, is more prevalent
      in young animals, with many potentially poisoned in utero. The sea lion rookeries
      of the Channel Islands are at the crossroads of domoic acid producing harmful
      algal blooms and a huge industrial discharge site for
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs). Studies in experimental animals suggest
      that chronic poisoning observed in immature sea lions may result from a spatial
      and temporal coincidence of DDTs and domoic acid during early life stages.
      Emergence of an epilepsy syndrome from the ocean brings a human epilepsy model to
      life and provides unexpected insights into interaction with legacy contaminants
      and expression of disease at different life stages.

PMID- 22069656
TI  - Production, secretion and biological activity of Bacillus cereus enterotoxins.
AB  - Bacillus cereus behaves as an opportunistic pathogen frequently causing
      gastrointestinal diseases, and it is increasingly recognized to be responsible
      for severe local or systemic infections. Pathogenicity of B. cereus mainly relies
      on the secretion of a wide array of toxins and enzymes and also on the ability to
      undergo swarming differentiation in response to surface-sensing. In this report,
      the pathogenicity exerted by B. cereus toxins is described with particular
      attention to the regulatory mechanisms of production and secretion of HBL, Nhe
      and CytK enterotoxins.

PMID- 22069657
TI  - Uncoupling of T cell receptor zeta chain function during the induction of anergy
      by the superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin A.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins have immunomodulatory properties. In this
      study, we show that Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) induces a strong
      proliferative response in a murine T cell clone independent of MHC class II
      bearing cells. SEA stimulation also induces a state of hypo-responsiveness
      (anergy). We characterized the components of the T cell receptor (TCR) during
      induction of anergy by SEA. Most interestingly, TCR zeta chain phosphorylation
      was absent under SEA anergizing conditions, which suggests an uncoupling of zeta
      chain function. We characterize here a model system for studying anergy in the
      absence of confounding costimulatory signals.

PMID- 22069658
TI  - Chemical, physical and biological approaches to prevent ochratoxin induced
      toxicoses in humans and animals.
AB  - Ochratoxins are polyketide derived fungal secondary metabolites with nephrotoxic,
      immunosuppressive, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties. Ochratoxin-producing
      fungi may contaminate agricultural products in the field (preharvest spoilage),
      during storage (postharvest spoilage), or during processing. Ochratoxin
      contamination of foods and feeds poses a serious health hazard to animals and
      humans. Several strategies have been investigated for lowering the ochratoxin
      content in agricultural products. These strategies can be classified into three
      main categories: prevention of ochratoxin contamination, decontamination or
      detoxification of foods contaminated with ochratoxins, and inhibition of the
      absorption of consumed ochratoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. This paper
      gives an overview of the strategies that are promising with regard to lowering
      the ochratoxin burden of animals and humans.

PMID- 22069659
TI  - Food poisoning and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus produces a wide variety of toxins including staphylococcal
      enterotoxins (SEs; SEA to SEE, SEG to SEI, SER to SET) with demonstrated emetic
      activity, and staphylococcal-like (SEl) proteins, which are not emetic in a
      primate model (SElL and SElQ) or have yet to be tested (SElJ, SElK, SElM to SElP,
      SElU, SElU2 and SElV). SEs and SEls have been traditionally subdivided into
      classical (SEA to SEE) and new (SEG to SElU2) types. All possess superantigenic
      activity and are encoded by accessory genetic elements, including plasmids,
      prophages, pathogenicity islands, vSa genomic islands, or by genes located next
      to the staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) implicated in methicillin
      resistance. SEs are a major cause of food poisoning, which typically occurs after
      ingestion of different foods, particularly processed meat and dairy products,
      contaminated with S. aureus by improper handling and subsequent storage at
      elevated temperatures. Symptoms are of rapid onset and include nausea and violent
      vomiting, with or without diarrhea. The illness is usually self-limiting and only
      occasionally it is severe enough to warrant hospitalization. SEA is the most
      common cause of staphylococcal food poisoning worldwide, but the involvement of
      other classical SEs has been also demonstrated. Of the new SE/SEls, only SEH have
      clearly been associated with food poisoning. However, genes encoding novel SEs as
      well as SEls with untested emetic activity are widely represented in S. aureus,
      and their role in pathogenesis may be underestimated.

PMID- 22069660
TI  - Cholera-like enterotoxins and Regulatory T cells.
AB  - Cholera toxin (CT) and the heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli (LT), as well as
      their non toxic mutants, are potent mucosal adjuvants of immunization eliciting
      mucosal and systemic responses against unrelated co-administered antigens in
      experimental models and in humans (non toxic mutants). These enterotoxins are
      composed of two subunits, the A subunit, responsible for an ADP-ribosyl
      transferase activity and the B subunit, responsible for cell binding.
      Paradoxically, whereas the whole toxins have adjuvant properties, the B subunits
      of CT (CTB) and of LT (LTB) have been shown to induce antigen specific tolerance
      when administered mucosally with antigens in experimental models as well as,
      recently, in humans, making them an attractive strategy to prevent or treat
      autoimmune or allergic disorders. Immunomodulation is a complex process involving
      many cell types notably antigen presenting cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs).
      In this review, we focus on Treg cells and cholera-like enterotoxins and their
      non toxic derivates, with regard to subtype, in vivo/in vitro effects and
      possible role in the modulation of immune responses to coadministered antigens.

PMID- 22069661
TI  - Effects of ochratoxin a on livestock production.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination often causes large economic losses on livestock
      production. The intake of feed contaminated by OTA also represents a potential
      risk for animal health and a food safety issue due to the transfer of the toxin
      through the food chain to humans. The aim of this paper is to review the
      available literature on: (1) the frequency and degree of occurrence of OTA in
      different feedstuffs; (2) the toxicological effects of OTA intake on the
      performance of the main livestock (i.e., poultry, swine, cattle, goats and
      sheep); and (3) the transfer of OTA, or its metabolites, from animal feed into
      animal products such as milk, meat and eggs.

PMID- 22069663
TI  - Emergence of anthrax edema toxin as a master manipulator of macrophage and B cell
      functions.
AB  - Anthrax edema toxin (ET), a powerful adenylyl cyclase, is an important virulence
      factor of Bacillus anthracis. Until recently, only a modest amount of research
      was performed to understand the role this toxin plays in the organism's immune
      evasion strategy. A new wave of studies have begun to elucidate the effects this
      toxin has on a variety of host cells. While efforts have been made to illuminate
      the effect ET has on cells of the adaptive immune system, such as T cells, the
      greatest focus has been on cells of the innate immune system, particularly the
      macrophage. Here we discuss the immunoevasive activities that ET exerts on
      macrophages, as well as new research on the effects of this toxin on B cells.

PMID- 22069662
TI  - The enterotoxicity of Clostridium difficile toxins.
AB  - The major virulence factors of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are two
      large exotoxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). However, our understanding of the specific
      roles of these toxins in CDI is still evolving. It is now accepted that both
      toxins are enterotoxic and proinflammatory in the human intestine. Both purified
      TcdA and TcdB are capable of inducing the pathophysiology of CDI, although most
      studies have focused on TcdA. C. difficile toxins exert a wide array of
      biological activities by acting directly on intestinal epithelial cells.
      Alternatively, the toxins may target immune cells and neurons once the intestinal
      epithelial barrier is disrupted. The toxins may also act indirectly by
      stimulating cells to produce chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, neuropeptides
      and other neuroimmune signals. This review considers the mechanisms of TcdA- and
      TcdB-induced enterotoxicity, and recent developments in this field.

PMID- 22069664
TI  - The systemic and pulmonary immune response to staphylococcal enterotoxins.
AB  - In response to environmental cues the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus
      synthesizes and releases proteinaceous enterotoxins. These enterotoxins are
      natural etiologic entities of severe food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and
      acute diseases. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are currently listed as Category B
      Bioterrorism Agents by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. They are
      associated with respiratory illnesses, and may contribute to exacerbation of
      pulmonary disease. This likely stems from the ability of Staphylococcal
      enterotoxins to elicit powerful episodes of T cell stimulation resulting in
      release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we discuss the role of the immune
      system and potential mechanisms of disease initiation and progression.

PMID- 22069665
TI  - NetB, a pore-forming toxin from necrotic enteritis strains of Clostridium
      perfringens.
AB  - The Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like toxin (NetB) is a recently
      discovered member of the beta-barrel pore-forming toxin family and is produced by
      a subset of avian C. perfringens type A strains. NetB is cytotoxic for avian
      cells and is associated with avian necrotic enteritis. This review examines the
      current state of knowledge of NetB: its role in pathogenesis, its distribution
      and expression in C. perfringens and its vaccine potential.

PMID- 22069666
TI  - Ochratoxin A in roasted coffee from French supermarkets and transfer in coffee
      beverages: comparison of analysis methods.
AB  - The OTA content of 30 roasted coffees purchased in French supermarkets was
      evaluated by two validated different methods: one using immunoaffinity column
      (IAC) clean-up after alkaline extraction; the second using toluene extraction
      under acidic conditions. OTA recoveries (0.5 to 5 ug/kg) ranged from 16-49% with
      the alkaline extraction method and 55-60% with the acidic method. OTA recoveries
      from prepared beverages were similar with all methods (75-80%). All samples
      containing OTA ranged from trace (<LOQ) to 11.9 ug/kg. About 20 to 140% of OTA
      passed through the beverages. Recoveries of over 100% of OTA in beverages were
      due to three types of interferences: (i) formation of open-ring OTA (OP-OA)
      during alkaline extraction, (ii) isomerization of OTA during roasting, and (iii)
      presence of the nonchlorinated analogue OTB. The first two types of interference
      generate OTA derivatives that are not recognized by OTA antibodies, while OTB
      cross-reacts with OTA-antibodies. These analytical problems will seriously impact
      the amount of OTA detected, especially at the levels close to the limits from the
      EU legislation. Underestimation of OTA could be highly dangerous for health.

PMID- 22069667
TI  - Natural toxins for use in pest management.
AB  - Natural toxins are a source of new chemical classes of pesticides, as well as
      environmentally and toxicologically safer molecules than many of the currently
      used pesticides. Furthermore, they often have molecular target sites that are not
      exploited by currently marketed pesticides. There are highly successful products
      based on natural compounds in the major pesticide classes. These include the
      herbicide glufosinate (synthetic phosphinothricin), the spinosad insecticides,
      and the strobilurin fungicides. These and other examples of currently marketed
      natural product-based pesticides, as well as natural toxins that show promise as
      pesticides from our own research are discussed.

PMID- 22069668
TI  - Therapeutic down-modulators of staphylococcal superantigen-induced inflammation
      and toxic shock.
AB  - Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and related superantigenic toxins are potent
      stimulators of the immune system and cause a variety of diseases in humans,
      ranging from food poisoning to toxic shock. These toxins bind directly to major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells
      and specific Vbeta regions of T-cell receptors (TCR), resulting in
      hyperactivation of both monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes. Activated host
      cells produce massive amounts of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines,
      activating inflammation and coagulation, causing clinical symptoms that include
      fever, hypotension, and shock. This review summarizes the in vitro and in vivo
      effects of staphylococcal superantigens, the role of pivotal mediators induced by
      these toxins in the pathogenic mechanisms of tissue injury, and the therapeutic
      agents to mitigate the toxic effects of superantigens.

PMID- 22069669
TI  - Natural occurrence of ochratoxin A in musts, wines and grape vine fruits from
      grapes harvested in Argentina.
AB  - In this study, ochratoxin A (OTA) occurrence in Argentinean musts, wines and
      dried vine fruits was evaluated, alongside with the performance of OchraStar(TM)
      columns for OTA extraction. In all the three matrices analyzed, the OchraStar(TM)
      columns showed good performance. The analysis of natural occurrence of OTA in the
      red must and the red wine samples showed low incidence with low levels of mean
      OTA contamination (0.12 ng/mL and 0.37 ng/mL, respectively), while 60% of the
      dried vine fruit samples were contaminated with OTA, in levels ranging from 0.26
      to 20.28 ng/g.

PMID- 22069670
TI  - Unexpected modulation of recall B and T cell responses after immunization with
      rotavirus-like particles in the presence of LT-R192G.
AB  - LT-R192G, a mutant of the thermolabile enterotoxin of E. coli, is a potent
      adjuvant of immunization. Immune responses are generally analyzed at the end of
      protocols including at least 2 administrations, but rarely after a prime. To
      investigate this point, we compared B and T cell responses in mice after one and
      two intrarectal immunizations with 2/6 rotavirus-like particles (2/6-VLP) and LT
      R192G. After a boost, we found, an unexpected lower B cell expansion measured by
      flow cytometry, despite a secondary antibody response. We then analyzed
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(-) helper
      T cells after in vitro (re)stimulation of mesenteric lymph node cells with the
      antigen (2/6-VLP), the adjuvant (LT-R192G) or both. 2/6-VLP did not activate
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(-) nor Foxp3(+) T cells from non-immunized and 2/6-VLP
      immunized mice, whereas they did activate both subsets from mice immunized with
      2/6-VLP in the presence of adjuvant. LT-R192G dramatically decreased
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells from non-immunized and 2/6-VLP immunized mice but
      not from mice immunized with 2/6-VLP and adjuvant. Moreover, in this case, LT
      R192G increased Foxp3 expression on CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells, suggesting
      specific Treg activation during the recall. Finally, when both 2/6-VLP and LT
      R192G were used for restimulation, LT-R192G clearly suppressed both 2/6-VLP
      specific CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(-) and Foxp3(+) T cells. All together, these results
      suggest that LT-R192G exerts different effects on CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells,
      depending on a first or a second contact. The unexpected immunomodulation
      observed during the recall should be considered in designing vaccination
      protocols.

PMID- 22069673
TI  - Contrasting nephropathic responses to oral administration of extract of cultured
      Penicillium polonicum in rat and primate.
AB  - Liquid- or solid substrate-cultured Penicillium polonicum administered in feed to
      rats over several days evokes a histopathological response in kidney involving
      apoptosis and abnormal mitosis in proximal tubules. The amphoteric toxin is yet
      only partly characterized, but can be isolated from cultured sporulating biomass
      in a fraction that is soluble in water and ethanol, and exchangeable on either
      anion- or cation-exchange resins. After several weeks of treatment renal proximal
      tubule distortion became striking on account of karyocytomegaly, but even
      treatment for nearly two years remained asymptomatic. Extract from a batch of
      solid substrate fermentation of P. polonicum on shredded wheat was incorporated
      into feed for rats during four consecutive days, and also given as an aqueous
      solution by oral gavage to a vervet monkey daily for 10 days. Treatment was
      asymptomatic for both types of animal. Rat response was evident as the typical
      renal apoptosis and karyomegaly. In contrast there was no such response in the
      primate; and neither creatinine clearance nor any haematological characteristic
      or serum component concentration deviated from a control or from historical data
      for this primate. The contrast is discussed concerning other negative findings
      for P. polonicum in pigs and hamsters. Renal karyomegaly, as a common rat
      response to persistent exposure to ochratoxin A, is not known in humans suspected
      as being exposed to more than the usual trace amounts of dietary ochratoxin A.
      Therefore the present findings question assumptions that human response to
      ochratoxin A conforms to that in the rat.

PMID- 22069674
TI  - Ochratoxin A contamination of food from Croatia.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic
      properties produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus moulds under different
      climatic conditions. Humans and animals are exposed to this compound mainly via
      ingestion of contaminated food. In Croatia, research on mycotoxins focused on OTA
      when the mycotoxin theory of endemic nephropathy (EN) was postulated. Ochratoxin
      A was more frequent and at higher concentration in foods from EN than those from
      the control regions. Subsequently, OTA concentrations were determined in some
      commodities intended for human consumption such as maize, wheat, beans and wine.
      Samples from all parts of Croatia were analyzed and OTA was found in all types of
      commodities. It was frequently found together with other mycotoxins (fumonisin
      B(1), fumonisin B(2) and zearalenone). In general, OTA concentration in foods
      from Croatia is low, but the frequency of positive samples shows considerable
      variations from year to year depending also on sampling location. Although low
      levels of OTA were found in a large proportion of analyzed food samples, its
      persistent co-occurrence with other significant mycotoxins should raise serious
      public health concerns as there interactions may be synergistic or additive in
      causing toxicity in humans and animals. There is need to establish control
      measures through which such contaminations in foods can be managed.

PMID- 22069671
TI  - Bacterial heat-stable enterotoxins: translation of pathogenic peptides into novel
      targeted diagnostics and therapeutics.
AB  - Heat-stable toxins (STs) produced by enterotoxigenic bacteria cause endemic and
      traveler's diarrhea by binding to and activating the intestinal receptor guanylyl
      cyclase C (GC-C). Advances in understanding the biology of GC-C have extended ST
      from a diarrheagenic peptide to a novel therapeutic agent. Here, we summarize the
      physiological and pathophysiological role of GC-C in fluid-electrolyte regulation
      and intestinal crypt-villus homeostasis, as well as describe translational
      opportunities offered by STs, reflecting the unique characteristics of GC-C, in
      treating irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation, and in preventing and
      treating colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22069672
TI  - Assessment of the role of renal organic anion transporters in drug-induced
      nephrotoxicity.
AB  - In the present review we have attempted to assess the involvement of the organic
      anion transporters OAT1, OAT2, OAT3, and OAT4, belonging to the SLC22 family of
      polyspecific carriers, in drug-induced renal damage in humans. We have focused on
      drugs with widely recognized nephrotoxic potential, which have previously been
      reported to interact with OAT family members, and whose underlying pathogenic
      mechanism suggests the participation of tubular transport. Thus, only compounds
      generally believed to cause kidney injury either by means of direct tubular
      toxicity or crystal nephropathy have been considered. For each drug, or class of
      agents, the evidence for actual transport mediated by individual OATs under in
      vivo conditions is discussed. We have then examined their role in the context of
      other carriers present in the renal proximal tubule sharing certain substrates
      with OATs, as these are critical determinants of the overall contribution of OAT
      dependent transport to intracellular accumulation and transepithelial drug
      secretion, and thus the impact it may have in drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

PMID- 22069675
TI  - How should staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks be characterized?
AB  - Staphylococcal food poisoning is one of the most common food-borne diseases and
      results from the ingestion of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) preformed in food
      by enterotoxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. To date, more than 20 SEs
      have been described: SEA to SElV. All SEs have superantigenic activity whereas
      only a few have been proved to be emetic, representing a potential hazard for
      consumers. Characterization of staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks (SFPOs)
      has considerably progressed compared to 80 years ago, when staphylococci were
      simply enumerated and only five enterotoxins were known for qualitative
      detection. Today, SFPOs can be characterized by a number of approaches, such as
      the identification of S. aureus biovars, PCR and RT-PCR methods to identify the
      se genes involved, immunodetection of specific SEs, and absolute quantification
      by mass spectrometry. An integrated gene-to-protein approach for characterizing
      staphylococcal food poisoning is advocated.

PMID- 22069676
TI  - Multiple roles of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins: pathogenicity,
      superantigenic activity, and correlation to antibiotic resistance.
AB  - Heat-stable enterotoxins are the most notable virulence factors associated with
      Staphylococcus aureus, a common pathogen associated with serious community and
      hospital acquired diseases. Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) cause toxic shock
      like syndromes and have been implicated in food poisoning. But SEs also act as
      superantigens that stimulate T-cell proliferation, and a high correlation between
      these activities has been detected. Most of the nosocomial S. aureus infections
      are caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, and those resistant
      to quinolones or multiresistant to other antibiotics are emerging, leaving a
      limited choice for their control. This review focuses on these diverse roles of
      SE, their possible correlations and the influence in disease progression and
      therapy.

PMID- 22069677
TI  - Toxin mediated diarrhea in the 21 century: the pathophysiology of intestinal ion
      transport in the course of ETEC, V. cholerae and rotavirus infection.
AB  - An estimated 4 billion episodes of diarrhea occur each year. As a result, 2-3
      million children and 0.5-1 million adults succumb to the consequences of this
      major healthcare concern. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to toxin
      mediated diarrhea by infectious agents, such as E. coli, V. cholerae or
      Rotavirus. Our understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying these
      infectious diseases has notably improved over the last years. This review will
      focus on the cellular mechanism of action of the most common enterotoxins and the
      latest specific therapeutic approaches that have been developed to contain their
      lethal effects.

PMID- 22069678
TI  - Different types of cell death induced by enterotoxins.
AB  - The infection of bacterial organisms generally causes cell death to facilitate
      microbial invasion and immune escape, both of which are involved in the
      pathogenesis of infectious diseases. In addition to the intercellular infectious
      processes, pathogen-produced/secreted enterotoxins (mostly exotoxins) are the
      major weapons that kill host cells and cause diseases by inducing different types
      of cell death, particularly apoptosis and necrosis. Blocking these enterotoxins
      with synthetic drugs and vaccines is important for treating patients with
      infectious diseases. Studies of enterotoxin-induced apoptotic and necrotic
      mechanisms have helped us to create efficient strategies to use against these
      well-characterized cytopathic toxins. In this article, we review the induction of
      the different types of cell death from various bacterial enterotoxins, such as
      staphylococcal enterotoxin B, staphylococcal alpha-toxin, Panton-Valentine
      leukocidin, alpha-hemolysin of Escherichia coli, Shiga toxins, cytotoxic
      necrotizing factor 1, heat-labile enterotoxins, and the cholera toxin, Vibrio
      cholerae. In addition, necrosis caused by pore-forming toxins, apoptotic
      signaling through cross-talk pathways involving mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic
      reticulum stress, and lysosomal injury is discussed.

PMID- 22069680
TI  - Characterization of SNARE cleavage products generated by formulated botulinum
      neurotoxin type-a drug products.
AB  - The study evaluated substrate cleavage product(s) generated by three botulinum
      neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) medicinal drug products utilizing a novel and
      highly specific, light-chain activity, high-performance liquid chromatography
      (LCA-HPLC) method. Samples were reacted with a commercially available BoNT/A
      fluorescent substrate derived from the SNAP-25 sequence. Reaction products were
      separated by reversed-phase HPLC. The method detected an atypical cleavage
      pattern by one of the formulated drug products. IncobotulinumtoxinA produced two
      cleavage fragments rather than the single fragment typically generated by BoNT/A.
      Identification confirmed the secondary cleavage at a position corresponding to
      SNAP-25 Arg198-Ala199 (normal BoNT/A cleavage is Gln197-Arg198). Arg198-Ala199 is
      also the cleavage site for trypsin and serotype C toxin. Normal cleavage was
      observed for all other BoNT/A drug product samples, as well as 900-kD and 150-kD
      bulk toxin BoNT/A. The reason for this unexpected secondary cleavage pattern by
      one formulated BoNT/A drug product is unknown. Possible explanations include a
      contaminating protease and/or damage to the 150-kD type-A toxin causing
      nonspecific substrate recognition and subsequent cleavage uncharacteristic of
      type-A toxin. The BoNT/A drug products were also analyzed via the LCA-HPLC assay
      using a commercial BoNT/C fluorescent substrate derived from the syntaxin
      sequence. Cleavage of the serotype C substrate by incobotulinumtoxinA was also
      confirmed whilst neither of the other drug products cleaved the syntaxin
      substrate.

PMID- 22069679
TI  - Staphylococcal enterotoxins.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a Gram positive bacterium that is carried by
      about one third of the general population and is responsible for common and
      serious diseases. These diseases include food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome,
      which are caused by exotoxins produced by S. aureus. Of the more than 20
      Staphylococcal enterotoxins, SEA and SEB are the best characterized and are also
      regarded as superantigens because of their ability to bind to class II MHC
      molecules on antigen presenting cells and stimulate large populations of T cells
      that share variable regions on the beta chain of the T cell receptor. The result
      of this massive T cell activation is a cytokine bolus leading to an acute toxic
      shock. These proteins are highly resistant to denaturation, which allows them to
      remain intact in contaminated food and trigger disease outbreaks. A recognized
      problem is the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of S. aureus and these
      are a concern in the clinical setting as they are a common cause of antibiotic
      associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients. In this review, we provide an
      overview of the current understanding of these proteins.

PMID- 22069682
TI  - Rapid visual tests: fast and reliable detection of ochratoxin A.
AB  - This paper reviews the early detection strategies that have been employed for the
      rapid monitoring of ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination of food. OTA, a mycotoxin
      mainly produced by some Aspergillus and Penicillium species, is found in cereals,
      coffee, wine, pork and grapes. To minimize the entry of this mycotoxin into the
      food chain, rapid diagnostic tools are required. To this end, the potential use
      of lateral flow devices has also been developed. In this study, we analyze the
      robustness of test strips using published methods for colorimetric detection.
      Different test formats are discussed, and challenges in the development of
      lateral flow devices for on-site determination of OTA, with requirements such as
      robustness, speed, and cost-effectiveness, are discussed.

PMID- 22069681
TI  - Cure and curse: E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin and its receptor guanylyl cyclase
      C.
AB  - Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) associated diarrhea is responsible for
      roughly half a million deaths per year, the majority taking place in developing
      countries. The main agent responsible for these diseases is the bacterial heat
      stable enterotoxin STa. STa is secreted by ETEC and after secretion binds to the
      intestinal receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), thus triggering a signaling
      cascade that eventually leads to the release of electrolytes and water in the
      intestine. Additionally, GC-C is a specific marker for colorectal carcinoma and
      STa is suggested to have an inhibitory effect on intestinal carcinogenesis. To
      understand the conformational events involved in ligand binding to GC-C and to
      devise therapeutic strategies to treat both diarrheal diseases and colorectal
      cancer, it is paramount to obtain structural information on the receptor ligand
      system. Here we summarize the currently available structural data and report on
      physiological consequences of STa binding to GC-C in intestinal epithelia and
      colorectal carcinoma cells.

PMID- 22069683
TI  - SLT-VEGF reduces lung metastases, decreases tumor recurrence, and improves
      survival in an orthotopic melanoma model.
AB  - SLT-VEGF is a recombinant cytotoxin comprised of Shiga-like toxin (SLT) subunit A
      fused to human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is highly cytotoxic
      to tumor endothelial cells overexpressing VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2/KDR/Flk1) and
      inhibits the growth of primary tumors in subcutaneous models of breast and
      prostate cancer and inhibits metastatic dissemination in orthotopic models of
      pancreatic cancer. We examined the efficacy of SLT-VEGF in limiting tumor growth
      and metastasis in an orthotopic melanoma model, using NCR athymic nude mice
      inoculated with highly metastatic Line IV Cl 1 cultured human melanoma cells.
      Twice weekly injections of SLT-VEGF were started when tumors became palpable at
      one week after intradermal injection of 1 * 10(6) cells/mouse. Despite selective
      depletion of VEGFR-2 overexpressing endothelial cells from the tumor vasculature,
      SLT-VEGF treatment did not affect tumor growth. However, after primary tumors
      were removed, continued SLT-VEGF treatment led to fewer tumor recurrences (p =
      0.007), reduced the incidence of lung metastasis (p = 0.038), and improved
      survival (p = 0.002). These results suggest that SLT-VEGF is effective at the
      very early stages of tumor development, when selective killing of VEGFR-2
      overexpressing endothelial cells can still prevent further progression. We
      hypothesize that SLT-VEGF could be a promising adjuvant therapy to inhibit or
      prevent outgrowth of metastatic foci after excision of aggressive primary
      melanoma lesions.

PMID- 22069684
TI  - Development of treatment concepts for the use of botulinum toxin a in children
      with cerebral palsy.
AB  - The treatment of children with cerebral palsy with Botulinum toxin A injections
      is well established, safe and effective. However, a standardized injection
      strategy is still missing and the used dosage has escalated over the years. In
      the recent past, the recommended dosages in Europe were, however, reduced due to
      a better understanding of the relationship between dosage, severe side effects
      and the kind of anesthesia used. To combine safety and efficacy, the trend tends
      to a lower dosage, but combined with a more specific selection of injected
      muscles. The treatment of these key-muscles takes into account the best support
      for motor development to attain each individual motor milestone.

PMID- 22069685
TI  - Staphylococcal superantigen (TSST-1) mutant analysis reveals that t cell
      activation is required for biological effects in the rabbit including the
      cytokine storm.
AB  - Staphylococcal superantigens (sAgs), such as toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST
      1), induce massive cytokine production, which may result in toxic shock syndrome
      (TSS) and sepsis. Recently, we reported that in vitro studies in human peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) do not reflect the immunological situation of the
      host, because after exposure to superantigens (sAgs) in vivo, mononuclear cells
      (MNC) leave the circulation and migrate to organs, e.g., the spleen, liver and
      lung. Our experimental model of choice is the rabbit because it is comparable to
      humans in its sensitivity to sAg. T cell activation has been assessed by
      lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 gene expression after in vivo challenge with
      TSST-1 and the mutant antigens; expression of the genes of proinflammatory
      cytokines were taken as indicators for the inflammatory reaction after the
      combined treatment with TSST-1 and LPS. The question as to whether the biological
      activities of TSST-1, e.g., lymphocyte extravasation, toxicity and increased
      sensitivity to LPS, are mediated by T cell activation or activation by MHC II
      only, are unresolved and results are contradictory. We have addressed this
      question by studying these reactions in vivo, with two TSST-1 mutants: one
      mutated at the MHC binding site (G31R) with reduced MHC binding with residual
      activity still present, and the other at the T cell binding site (H135A) with no
      residual function detectable. Here, we report that the mutant G31R induced all
      the biological effects of the wild type sAg, while the mutant with non-functional
      TCR binding did not retain any of the toxic effects, proving the pivotal role of
      T cells in this system.

PMID- 22069686
TI  - Naturally occurring food toxins.
AB  - Although many foods contain toxins as a naturally-occurring constituent or, are
      formed as the result of handling or processing, the incidence of adverse
      reactions to food is relatively low. The low incidence of adverse effects is the
      result of some pragmatic solutions by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      and other regulatory agencies through the creative use of specifications, action
      levels, tolerances, warning labels and prohibitions. Manufacturers have also
      played a role by setting limits on certain substances and developing mitigation
      procedures for process-induced toxins. Regardless of measures taken by regulators
      and food producers to protect consumers from natural food toxins, consumption of
      small levels of these materials is unavoidable. Although the risk for toxicity
      due to consumption of food toxins is fairly low, there is always the possibility
      of toxicity due to contamination, overconsumption, allergy or an unpredictable
      idiosyncratic response. The purpose of this review is to provide a toxicological
      and regulatory overview of some of the toxins present in some commonly consumed
      foods, and where possible, discuss the steps that have been taken to reduce
      consumer exposure, many of which are possible because of the unique process of
      food regulation in the United States.

PMID- 22069687
TI  - Studies in the use of magnetic microspheres for immunoaffinity extraction of
      paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins from shellfish.
AB  - Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a potentially fatal human health condition
      caused by the consumption of shellfish containing high levels of PSP toxins.
      Toxin extraction from shellfish and from algal cultures for use as standards and
      analysis by alternative analytical monitoring methods to the mouse bioassay is
      extensive and laborious. This study investigated whether a selected MAb antibody
      could be coupled to a novel form of magnetic microsphere (hollow glass magnetic
      microspheres, brand name Ferrospheres-N) and whether these coated microspheres
      could be utilized in the extraction of low concentrations of the PSP toxin, STX,
      from potential extraction buffers and spiked mussel extracts. The feasibility of
      utilizing a mass of 25 mg of Ferrospheres-N, as a simple extraction procedure for
      STX from spiked sodium acetate buffer, spiked PBS buffer and spiked mussel
      extracts was determined. The effects of a range of toxin concentrations (20-300
      ng/mL), incubation times and temperature on the capability of the immuno-capture
      of the STX from the spiked mussel extracts were investigated. Finally, the coated
      microspheres were tested to determine their efficiency at extracting PSP toxins
      from naturally contaminated mussel samples. Toxin recovery after each experiment
      was determined by HPLC analysis. This study on using a highly novel
      immunoaffinity based extraction procedure, using STX as a model, has indicated
      that it could be a convenient alternative to conventional extraction procedures
      used in toxin purification prior to sample analysis.

PMID- 22069688
TI  - Peptide neurotoxins that affect voltage-gated calcium channels: a close-up on
      omega-agatoxins.
AB  - Peptide neurotoxins found in animal venoms have gained great interest in the
      field of neurotransmission. As they are high affinity ligands for calcium,
      potassium and sodium channels, they have become useful tools for studying channel
      structure and activity. Peptide neurotoxins represent the clinical potential of
      ion-channel modulators across several therapeutic fields, especially in
      developing new strategies for treatment of ion channel-related diseases. The aim
      of this review is to overview the latest updates in the domain of peptide
      neurotoxins that affect voltage-gated calcium channels, with a special focus on
      omega-agatoxins.

PMID- 22069689
TI  - Changes in astrocyte shape induced by sublytic concentrations of the cholesterol
      dependent cytolysin pneumolysin still require pore-forming capacity.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen that causes various infections,
      such as sepsis and meningitis. A major pathogenic factor of S. pneumoniae is the
      cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, pneumolysin. It produces cell lysis at high
      concentrations and apoptosis at lower concentrations. We have shown that sublytic
      amounts of pneumolysin induce small GTPase-dependent actin cytoskeleton
      reorganization and microtubule stabilization in human neuroblastoma cells that
      are manifested by cell retraction and changes in cell shape. In this study, we
      utilized a live imaging approach to analyze the role of pneumolysin's pore
      forming capacity in the actin-dependent cell shape changes in primary astrocytes.
      After the initial challenge with the wild-type toxin, a permeabilized cell
      population was rapidly established within 20-40 minutes. After the initial rapid
      permeabilization, the size of the permeabilized population remained unchanged and
      reached a plateau. Thus, we analyzed the non-permeabilized (non-lytic)
      population, which demonstrated retraction and shape changes that were inhibited
      by actin depolymerization. Despite the non-lytic nature of pneumolysin treatment,
      the toxin's lytic capacity remained critical for the initiation of cell shape
      changes. The non-lytic pneumolysin mutants W433F-pneumolysin and delta6
      pneumolysin, which bind the cell membrane with affinities similar to that of the
      wild-type toxin, were not able to induce shape changes. The initiation of cell
      shape changes and cell retraction by the wild-type toxin were independent of
      calcium and sodium influx and membrane depolarization, which are known to occur
      following cellular challenge and suggested to result from the ion channel-like
      properties of the pneumolysin pores. Excluding the major pore-related phenomena
      as the initiation mechanism of cell shape changes, the existence of a more
      complex relationship between the pore-forming capacity of pneumolysin and the
      actin cytoskeleton reorganization is suggested.

PMID- 22069690
TI  - Towards new uses of botulinum toxin as a novel therapeutic tool.
AB  - The uses of botulinum toxin in the fields of neurology, ophthalmology, urology,
      rehabilitation medicine and aesthetic applications have been revolutionary for
      the treatment of patients. This non-invasive therapeutic has continually been
      developed since first discovered in the 1970s as a new approach to what were
      previously surgical treatments. As these applications develop, so also the
      molecules are developing into tools with new therapeutic properties in specific
      clinical areas. This review examines how the botulinum toxin molecule is being
      adapted to new therapeutic uses and also how new areas of use for the existing
      molecules are being identified. Prospects for future developments are also
      considered.

PMID- 22069691
TI  - Loss of msnA, a putative stress regulatory gene, in Aspergillus parasiticus and
      Aspergillus flavus increased production of conidia, aflatoxins and kojic acid.
AB  - Production of the harmful carcinogenic aflatoxins by Aspergillus parasiticus and
      Aspergillus flavus has been postulated to be a mechanism to relieve oxidative
      stress. The msnA gene of A. parasiticus and A. flavus is the ortholog of
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSN2 that is associated with multi-stress response.
      Compared to wild type strains, the msnA deletion (?msnA) strains of A.
      parasiticus and A. flavus exhibited retarded colony growth with increased
      conidiation. The ?msnA strains also produced slightly higher amounts of
      aflatoxins and elevated amounts of kojic acid on mixed cereal medium. Microarray
      assays showed that expression of genes encoding oxidative stress defense enzymes,
      i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and cytochrome c peroxidase in A.
      parasiticus ?msnA, and the catalase A gene in A. flavus ?msnA, was up-regulated.
      Both A. parasiticus and A. flavus ?msnA strains produced higher levels of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS production of A. flavus msnA addback
      strains was decreased to levels comparable to that of the wild type A. flavus.
      The msnA gene appears to be required for the maintenance of the normal oxidative
      state. The impairment of msnA resulted in the aforementioned changes, which might
      be used to combat the increased oxidative stress in the cells.

PMID- 22069692
TI  - The Discodermia calyx toxin calyculin a enhances cyclin D1 phosphorylation and
      degradation, and arrests cell cycle progression in human breast cancer cells.
AB  - Cyclin D1 is a key regulator of the cell cycle that is over expressed in more
      than half of breast cancer patients. The levels of cyclin D1 are controlled
      primarily through post-translational mechanisms and phosphorylation of cyclin D1
      at T286 induces its proteasomal degradation. To date, no studies have explored
      the involvement of phosphatases in this process. Here we treated human breast
      cancer cells with the structurally distinct toxins calyculin A, okadaic acid, and
      cantharidin, which are known to inhibit Ser/Thr phosphatases of the PPP family.
      At low nanomolar concentrations calyculin A induced T286 phosphorylation and
      degradation of cyclin D1 via the proteosome in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells.
      Cyclin D1 degradation also was dose-dependently induced by okadaic acid and
      catharidin, implicating a negative regulatory role for type-2A phosphatases.
      These effects occurred without increasing phosphorylation of p70S6K, cyclin D3,
      or myosin light chain that were used as endogenous reporters of cellular PP2A and
      PP1 activity. A reverse phase phosphoprotein array analysis revealed increased
      phosphorylation of only 6 out of 33 Ser/Thr phosphosites, indicating selective
      inhibition of phosphatases by calyculin A. Calyculin A treatment induced cell
      cycle arrest in MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These findings suggest
      that a specific pool of type-2A phosphatase is inhibited by calyculin A leading
      to the degradation of cyclin D1 in human breast cancer cells. The results
      highlight the utility of toxins as pharmacological probes and points to the T286
      cyclin D1 phosphatase inhibited by calyculin A as a possible target for
      chemotherapy to treat triple negative breast cancer.

PMID- 22069693
TI  - Structure-based design of ricin inhibitors.
AB  - Ricin is a potent cytotoxin easily purified in large quantities. It presents a
      significant public health concern due to its potential use as a bioterrorism
      agent. For this reason, extensive efforts have been underway to develop antidotes
      against this deadly poison. The catalytic A subunit of the heterodimeric toxin
      has been biochemically and structurally well characterized, and is an attractive
      target for structure-based drug design. Aided by computer docking simulations,
      several ricin toxin A chain (RTA) inhibitors have been identified; the most
      promising leads belonging to the pterin family. Development of these lead
      compounds into potent drug candidates is a challenging prospect for numerous
      reasons, including poor solubility of pterins, the large and highly polar
      secondary binding pocket of RTA, as well as the enzyme's near perfect catalytic
      efficiency and tight binding affinity for its natural substrate, the eukaryotic
      ribosome. To date, the most potent RTA inhibitors developed using this approach
      are only modest inhibitors with apparent IC(50) values in the 10(-4) M range,
      leaving significant room for improvement. This review highlights the variety of
      techniques routinely employed in structure-based drug design projects, as well as
      the challenges faced in the design of RTA inhibitors.

PMID- 22069694
TI  - Toxic marine puffer fish in Thailand seas and tetrodotoxin they contained.
AB  - A total of 155 puffers caught from two of Thailand's seas, the Gulf of Siam and
      the Andaman seas, during April to July 2010 were included in this study. Among
      125 puffers from the Gulf of Siam, 18 were Lagocephalus lunaris and 107 were L.
      spadiceus which were the same two species found previously in 2000-2001. Thirty
      puffers were collected from the Andaman seas, 28 Tetraodon nigroviridis and two
      juvenile Arothron reticularis; the two new species totally replaced the nine
      species found previously in 1992-1993. Conventional mouse bioassay was used to
      determine the toxicity in all fish tissue extracts, i.e., liver, reproductive
      tissue, digestive tissue and muscle. One of each of the species L. lunaris and L.
      spadiceus (5.56 and 0.93%, respectively) were toxic. All 28 T. nigroviridis and 2
      A. reticularis (100%) from the Andaman seas were toxic. The toxicity scores in T.
      nigroviridis tissues were much higher than in the respective tissues of the other
      three fish species. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      revealed that the main toxic principle was tetrodotoxin (TTX). This study is the
      first to report TTX in L. spadiceus. Our findings raised a concern for people,
      not only Thais but also inhabitants of other countries situated on the Andaman
      coast; consuming puffers of the Andaman seas is risky due to potential TTX
      intoxication.

PMID- 22069695
TI  - Mucosal injuries due to ribosome-inactivating stress and the compensatory
      responses of the intestinal epithelial barrier.
AB  - Ribosome-inactivating (ribotoxic) xenobiotics are capable of using cleavage and
      modification to damage 28S ribosomal RNA, which leads to translational arrest.
      The blockage of global protein synthesis predisposes rapidly dividing tissues,
      including gut epithelia, to damage from various pathogenic processes, including
      epithelial inflammation and carcinogenesis. In particular, mucosal exposure to
      ribotoxic stress triggers integrated processes that are important for barrier
      regulation and re-constitution to maintain gut homeostasis. In the present study,
      various experimental models of the mucosal barrier were evaluated for their
      response to acute and chronic exposure to ribotoxic agents. Specifically, this
      review focuses on the regulation of epithelial junctions, epithelial transporting
      systems, epithelial cytotoxicity, and compensatory responses to mucosal insults.
      The primary aim is to characterize the mechanisms associated with the intestinal
      epithelial responses induced by ribotoxic stress and to discuss the implications
      of ribotoxic stressors as chemical modulators of mucosa-associated diseases such
      as ulcerative colitis and epithelial cancers.

PMID- 22069696
TI  - Anthrax lethal toxin-mediated disruption of endothelial VE-cadherin is attenuated
      by inhibition of the Rho-associated kinase pathway.
AB  - Systemic anthrax disease is characterized by vascular leakage pathologies. We
      previously reported that anthrax lethal toxin (LT) induces human endothelial
      barrier dysfunction in a cell death-independent manner with actin stress fiber
      formation and disruption of adherens junctions (AJs). In the present study, we
      further characterize the molecular changes in the AJ complex and investigate
      whether AJ structure and barrier function can be preserved by modulating key
      cytoskeletal signaling pathways. Here, we show that LT reduces total VE-cadherin
      protein and gene expression but the expression of the key linker protein beta
      catenin remained unchanged. The changes in VE-cadherin expression correlated
      temporally with the appearance of actin stress fibers and a two-fold increase in
      phosphorylation of the stress fiber-associated protein myosin light chain (p-MLC)
      and cleavage of Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK-1). Co-treatment with ROCK
      inhibitors (H-1152 and Y27632), but not an inhibitor of MLC kinase (ML-7),
      blocked LT-induced p-MLC enhancement and stress fiber formation. This was
      accompanied by the restoration of VE-cadherin expression and membrane
      localization, and attenuation of the LT-induced increase in monolayer
      permeability to albumin. Together, these findings suggest the ROCK pathway may be
      a relevant target for countering LT-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction.

PMID- 22069697
TI  - Genetic diversity in Fusarium graminearum from a major wheat-producing region of
      Argentina.
AB  - The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is a group of mycotoxigenic fungi
      that are the primary cause of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat worldwide. The
      distribution, frequency of occurrence, and genetic diversity of FGSC species in
      cereal crops in South America is not well understood compared to some regions of
      Asia, Europe and North America. Therefore, we examined the frequency and genetic
      diversity of a collection of 183 FGSC isolates recovered from wheat grown during
      multiple growing seasons and across a large area of eastern Argentina, a major
      wheat producing region in South America. Sequence analysis of the translation
      elongation factor 1-alpha and beta-tubulin genes as well as Amplified Fragment
      Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analyses indicated that all isolates were the FGSC
      species F. graminearum sensu stricto. AFLP analysis resolved at least 11
      subgroups, and all the isolates represented different AFLP haplotypes. AFLP
      profile and geographic origin were not correlated. Previously obtained
      trichothecene production profiles of the isolates revealed that the 15
      acetyldeoxynivalenol chemotype was slightly more frequent than the 3
      acetyldeoxynivalenol chemotype among the isolates. These data extend the current
      understanding of FGSC diversity and provide further evidence that F. graminearum
      sensu stricto is the predominant cause of FHB in the temperate main wheat-growing
      area of Argentina. Moreover, two isolates of F. crookwellense and four of F.
      pseudograminearum were also recovered from wheat samples and sequenced. The
      results also suggest that, although F. graminearum sensu stricto was the only
      FGSC species recovered in this study, the high level of genetic diversity within
      this species should be considered in plant breeding efforts and development of
      other disease management strategies aimed at reducing FHB.

PMID- 22069698
TI  - Hydrogen-bonding interactions in T-2 toxin studied using solution and solid-state
      NMR.
AB  - The structure of T-2 toxin in the solid-state is limited to X-ray
      crystallographic studies, which lack sufficient resolution to provide direct
      evidence for hydrogen-bonding interactions. Furthermore, its solution-structure,
      despite extensive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies, has provided little
      insight into its hydrogen-bonding behavior, thus far. Hydrogen-bonding
      interactions are often an important part of biological activity. In order to
      study these interactions, the structure of T-2 toxin was compared in both the
      solution- and solid-state using NMR Spectroscopy. It was determined that the
      solution- and solid-state structure differ dramatically, as indicated by
      differences in their carbon chemical shifts, these observations are further
      supported by solution proton spectral parameters and exchange behavior. The slow
      chemical exchange process and cross-relaxation dynamics with water observed
      between the hydroxyl hydrogen on C-3 and water supports the existence of a
      preferential hydrogen bonding interaction on the opposite side of the molecule
      from the epoxide ring, which is known to be essential for trichothecene toxicity.
      This result implies that these hydrogen-bonding interactions could play an
      important role in the biological function of T-2 toxin and posits towards a
      possible interaction for the trichothecene class of toxins and the ribosome.
      These findings clearly illustrate the importance of utilizing solid-state NMR for
      the study of biological compounds, and suggest that a more detailed study of this
      whole class of toxins, namely trichothecenes, should be pursued using this
      methodology.

PMID- 22069700
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin triggers the synthesis of B-cell lymphoma 3 by
      human platelets.
AB  - The frequency and severity of bacteremic infections has increased over the last
      decade and bacterial endovascular infections (i.e., sepsis or endocarditis) are
      associated with high morbidity and mortality. Bacteria or secreted bacterial
      products modulate platelet function and, as a result, affect platelet
      accumulation at sites of vascular infection and inflammation. However, whether
      bacterial products regulate synthetic events in platelets is not known. In the
      present study, we determined if prolonged contact with staphylococcal alpha-toxin
      signals platelets to synthesize B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-3), a protein that regulates
      clot retraction in murine and human platelets. We show that alpha-toxin induced
      alpha(IIb)beta(3)-dependent aggregation (EC(50) 2.98 ug/mL +/- 0.64 ug/mL) and,
      over time, significantly altered platelet morphology and stimulated de novo
      accumulation of Bcl-3 protein in platelets. Adherence to collagen or fibrinogen
      also increased the expression of Bcl-3 protein by platelets. alpha-toxin altered
      Bcl-3 protein expression patterns in platelets adherent to collagen, but not
      fibrinogen. Pretreatment of platelets with inhibitors of protein synthesis or the
      mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) decreased Bcl-3 protein expression in alpha
      toxin stimulated platelets. In conclusion, Staphylococcusaureus-derived alpha
      toxin, a pore forming exotoxin, exerts immediate (i.e., aggregation) and
      prolonged (i.e., protein synthesis) responses in platelets, which may contribute
      to increased thrombotic events associated with gram-positive sepsis or
      endocarditis.

PMID- 22069701
TI  - Metabolism of zearalenone in the course of beer fermentation.
AB  - Zearalenone (ZON) is a mycotoxin with estrogenic activity, produced by members of
      Fusarium species, and is found worldwide in a number of cereal crops. It is known
      to have four active metabolites (alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZOL), beta-zearalenol
      (beta-ZOL), alpha-zearalanol (alpha-ZAL), and beta-zearalanol (beta-ZAL)). A
      highly sensitive analytical method using liquid chromatography/tandem mass
      spectrometry using electrospray ionization (LC-ESI-MS/MS) has been established
      and validated in order to analyze ZON and its metabolites in beer and malt
      samples. The metabolism of ZON in the course of beer fermentation was further
      characterized using the artificially contaminated wort by this established
      method. In the fermented sample, 85.9% of ZON was converted to beta-ZOL, which
      has lower estrogenic activity than that of ZON. These findings indicate that the
      health risk to humans due to ZON in beer is reduced during the fermentation
      process.

PMID- 22069699
TI  - Ricinus communis intoxications in human and veterinary medicine-a summary of real
      cases.
AB  - Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have
      been known for centuries but the causative agent remained elusive until 1888 when
      Stillmark attributed the toxicity to the lectin ricin. Ricinus communis is grown
      worldwide on an industrial scale for the production of castor oil. As by-product
      in castor oil production ricin is mass produced above 1 million tons per year. On
      the basis of its availability, toxicity, ease of preparation and the current lack
      of medical countermeasures, ricin has gained attention as potential biological
      warfare agent. The seeds also contain the less toxic, but highly homologous
      Ricinus communis agglutinin and the alkaloid ricinine, and especially the latter
      can be used to track intoxications. After oil extraction and detoxification, the
      defatted press cake is used as organic fertilizer and as low-value feed. In this
      context there have been sporadic reports from different countries describing
      animal intoxications after uptake of obviously insufficiently detoxified
      fertilizer. Observations in Germany over several years, however, have led us to
      speculate that the detoxification process is not always performed thoroughly and
      controlled, calling for international regulations which clearly state a ricin
      threshold in fertilizer. In this review we summarize knowledge on intended and
      unintended poisoning with ricin or castor seeds both in humans and animals, with
      a particular emphasis on intoxications due to improperly detoxified castor bean
      meal and forensic analysis.

PMID- 22069703
TI  - Mycobiota and aflatoxin B1 in feed for farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).
AB  - Thesafety characteristics of feed used in fish and crustacean aquaculture systems
      are an essential tool to assure the productivity of those animal exploitations.
      Safety of feed may be affected by different hazards, including biological and
      chemical groups. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate fungi
      contamination and the presence of aflatoxins in 87 samples of feed for sea bass,
      collected in Portugal. Molds were found in 35 samples (40.2%) in levels ranging
      from 1 to 3.3 log10 CFU?g(-1). Six genera of molds were found. Aspergillus flavus
      was the most frequent, found in all positive samples, with a range from 2 to 3.2
      log(10) CFU?g(-1). Aspergillus niger was found in 34 samples (39.1%), ranging
      from 1 to 2.7 log(10) CFU?g(-1). Aspergillus glaucus was found in 26 samples
      (29.9%) with levels between 1 and 2.4 log(10) CFU?g(-1). Penicillium spp. and
      Cladosporium spp. were both found in 25 samples (28.7%). Fusarium spp. was found
      in 22 samples (25.3%), ranging from 1 to 2.3 log(10) CFU?g(-1). All feed samples
      were screened for aflatoxins using a HPLC technique, with a detection limit of
      1.0 MUg?kg(-1). All samples were aflatoxin negative.

PMID- 22069702
TI  - Effects of spider venom toxin PWTX-I (6-Hydroxytrypargine) on the central nervous
      system of rats.
AB  - The 6-hydroxytrypargine (6-HT) is an alkaloidal toxin of the group of tetrahydro
      beta-carbolines (THbetaC) isolated from the venom of the colonial spider
      Parawixia bistriata. These alkaloids are reversible inhibitors of the monoamine
      oxidase enzyme (MAO), with hallucinogenic, tremorigenic and anxiolytic
      properties. The toxin 6-HT was the first THbetaC chemically reported in the venom
      of spiders; however, it was not functionally well characterized up to now. The
      action of 6-HT was investigated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and
      intravenous (i.v.) applications of the toxin in adult male Wistar rats, followed
      by the monitoring of the expression of fos-protein, combined with the use of
      double labeling immunehistochemistry protocols for the detection of some nervous
      receptors and enzymes related to the metabolism of neurotransmitters in the
      central nervous system (CNS). We also investigated the epileptiform activity in
      presence of this toxin. The assays were carried out in normal hippocampal neurons
      and also in a model of chronic epilepsy obtained by the use of neurons incubated
      in free-magnesium artificial cerebro-spinal fluid (ACSF). Trypargine, a well
      known THbetaC toxin, was used as standard compound for comparative purposes. Fos
      immunoreactive cells (fos-ir) were observed in hypothalamic and thalamic areas,
      while the double-labeling identified nervous receptors of the sub-types rGlu2/3
      and NMR1, and orexinergic neurons. The 6-HT was administrated by perfusion and
      ejection in "brain slices" of hippocampus, inducing epileptic activity after its
      administration; the toxin was not able to block the epileptogenic crisis observed
      in the chronic model of the epilepsy, suggesting that 6-HT did not block the
      overactive GluRs responsible for this epileptic activity.

PMID- 22069704
TI  - The biology of the cytolethal distending toxins.
AB  - The cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs), produced by a variety of Gram-negative
      pathogenic bacteria, are the first bacterial genotoxins described, since they
      cause DNA damage in the target cells. CDT is an A-B(2) toxin, where the CdtA and
      CdtC subunits are required to mediate the binding on the surface of the target
      cells, allowing internalization of the active CdtB subunit, which is functionally
      homologous to the mammalian deoxyribonuclease I. The nature of the surface
      receptor is still poorly characterized, however binding of CDT requires intact
      lipid rafts, and its internalization occurs via dynamin-dependent endocytosis.
      The toxin is retrograde transported through the Golgi complex and the endoplasmic
      reticulum, and subsequently translocated into the nuclear compartment, where it
      exerts the toxic activity. Cellular intoxication induces DNA damage and
      activation of the DNA damage responses, which results in arrest of the target
      cells in the G1 and/or G2 phases of the cell cycle and activation of DNA repair
      mechanisms. Cells that fail to repair the damage will senesce or undergo
      apoptosis. This review will focus on the well-characterized aspects of the CDT
      biology and discuss the questions that still remain unanswered.

PMID- 22069705
TI  - Monitoring radiographic brain tumor progression.
AB  - Determining radiographic progression in primary malignant brain tumors has posed
      a significant challenge to the neuroncology community. Glioblastoma multiforme
      (GBM, WHO Grade IV) through its inherent heterogeneous enhancement, growth
      patterns, and irregular nature has been difficult to assess for progression. Our
      ability to detect tumor progression radiographically remains inadequate. Despite
      the advanced imaging techniques, detecting tumor progression continues to be a
      clinical challenge. Here we review the different criteria used to detect tumor
      progression, and highlight the inherent challenges with detection of progression.

PMID- 22069706
TI  - Imaging of convection enhanced delivery of toxins in humans.
AB  - Drug delivery of immunotoxins to brain tumors circumventing the blood brain
      barrier is a significant challenge. Convection-enhanced delivery (CED)
      circumvents the blood brain barrier through direct intracerebral application
      using a hydrostatic pressure gradient to percolate therapeutic compounds
      throughout the interstitial spaces of infiltrated brain and tumors. The efficacy
      of CED is determined through the distribution of the therapeutic agent to the
      targeted region. The vast majority of patients fail to receive a significant
      amount of coverage of the area at risk for tumor recurrence. Understanding this
      challenge, it is surprising that so little work has been done to monitor the
      delivery of therapeutic agents using this novel approach. Here we present a
      review of imaging in convection enhanced delivery monitoring of toxins in humans,
      and discuss future challenges in the field.

PMID- 22069707
TI  - Post-intoxication inhibition of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A within neurons by
      small-molecule, non-peptidic inhibitors.
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) comprise seven distinct serotypes that inhibit the
      release of neurotransmitter across neuromuscular junctions, resulting in
      potentially fatal flaccid paralysis. BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A), which targets
      synaptosomal-associated protein of 25kDa (SNAP-25), is particularly long-lived
      within neurons and requires a longer time for recovery of neuromuscular function.
      There are currently no treatments available to counteract BoNT/A after it has
      entered the neuronal cytosol. In this study, we examined the ability of small
      molecule non-peptidic inhibitors (SMNPIs) to prevent SNAP-25 cleavage post
      intoxication of neurons. The progressive cleavage of SNAP-25 observed over 5 h
      following 1 h BoNT/A intoxication was prevented by addition of SMNPIs. In
      contrast, anti-BoNT/A neutralizing antibodies that strongly inhibited SNAP-25
      cleavage when added during intoxication were completely ineffective when added
      post-intoxication. Although Bafilomycin A1, which blocks entry of BoNT/A into the
      cytosol by preventing endosomal acidification, inhibited SNAP-25 cleavage post
      intoxication, the degree of inhibition was significantly reduced versus addition
      both during and after intoxication. Post-intoxication application of SMNPIs, on
      the other hand, was nearly as effective as application both during and after
      intoxication. Taken together, the results indicate that competitive SMNPIs of
      BoNT/A light chain can be effective within neurons post-intoxication.

PMID- 22069708
TI  - Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin: a powerful tool with capacity
      to cause imbalance in the host inflammatory response.
AB  - Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans has been described as a member of the
      indigenous oral microbiota of humans, and is involved in the pathology of
      periodontitis and various non-oral infections. This bacterium selectively kills
      human leukocytes through expression of leukotoxin, a large pore-forming protein
      that belongs to the Repeat in Toxin (RTX) family. The specificity of the toxin is
      related to its prerequisite for a specific target cell receptor, LFA-1, which is
      solely expressed on leukocytes. The leukotoxin causes death of different
      leukocyte populations in a variety of ways. It activates a rapid release of
      lysosomal enzymes and MMPs from neutrophils and causes apoptosis in lymphocytes.
      In the monocytes/macrophages, the toxin activates caspase-1, a cysteine
      proteinase, which causes a proinflammatory response by the activation and
      secretion of IL-1beta and IL-18. A specific clone (JP2) of A.
      actinomycetemcomitans with enhanced leukotoxin expression significantly
      correlates to disease onset in infected individuals. Taken together, the
      mechanisms by which this toxin kills leukocytes are closely related to the
      pathogenic mechanisms of inflammatory disorders, such as periodontitis.
      Therapeutic strategies targeting the cellular and molecular inflammatory host
      response in periodontal diseases might be a future treatment alternative.

PMID- 22069709
TI  - From toxins targeting ligand gated ion channels to therapeutic molecules.
AB  - Ligand-gated ion channels (LGIC) play a central role in inter-cellular
      communication. This key function has two consequences: (i) these receptor
      channels are major targets for drug discovery because of their potential
      involvement in numerous human brain diseases; (ii) they are often found to be the
      target of plant and animal toxins. Together this makes toxin/receptor
      interactions important to drug discovery projects. Therefore, toxins acting on
      LGIC are presented and their current/potential therapeutic uses highlighted.

PMID- 22069710
TI  - Mechanism of diphtheria toxin catalytic domain delivery to the eukaryotic cell
      cytosol and the cellular factors that directly participate in the process.
AB  - Research on diphtheria and anthrax toxins over the past three decades has
      culminated in a detailed understanding of their structure function relationships
      (e.g., catalytic (C), transmembrane (T), and receptor binding (R) domains), as
      well as the identification of their eukaryotic cell surface receptor, an
      understanding of the molecular events leading to the receptor-mediated
      internalization of the toxin into an endosomal compartment, and the pH triggered
      conformational changes required for pore formation in the vesicle membrane.
      Recently, a major research effort has been focused on the development of a
      detailed understanding of the molecular interactions between each of these toxins
      and eukaryotic cell factors that play an essential role in the efficient
      translocation of their respective catalytic domains through the trans-endosomal
      vesicle membrane pore and delivery into the cell cytosol. In this review, I shall
      focus on recent findings that have led to a more detailed understanding of the
      mechanism by which the diphtheria toxin catalytic domain is delivered to the
      eukaryotic cell cytosol. While much work remains, it is becoming increasingly
      clear that the entry process is facilitated by specific interactions with a
      number of cellular factors in an ordered sequential fashion. In addition, since
      diphtheria, anthrax lethal factor and anthrax edema factor all carry multiple
      coatomer I complex binding motifs and COPI complex has been shown to play an
      essential role in entry process, it is likely that the initial steps in catalytic
      domain entry of these divergent toxins follow a common mechanism.

PMID- 22069712
TI  - Re-assembled botulinum neurotoxin inhibits CNS functions without systemic
      toxicity.
AB  - The therapeutic potential of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) has recently
      been widely recognized. BoNT/A acts to silence synaptic transmission via specific
      proteolytic cleavage of an essential neuronal protein, SNAP25. The advantages of
      BoNT/A-mediated synaptic silencing include very long duration, high potency and
      localized action. However, there is a fear of possible side-effects of BoNT/A due
      to its diffusible nature which may lead to neuromuscular blockade away from the
      injection site. We recently developed a "protein-stapling" technology which
      allows re-assembly of BoNT/A from two separate fragments. This technology
      allowed, for the first time, safe production of this popular neuronal silencing
      agent. Here we evaluated the re-assembled toxin in several CNS assays and
      assessed its systemic effects in an animal model. Our results show that the re
      assembled toxin is potent in inhibiting CNS function at 1 nM concentration but
      surprisingly does not exhibit systemic toxicity after intraperitoneal injection
      even at 200 ng/kg dose. This shows that the re-assembled toxin represents a
      uniquely safe tool for neuroscience research and future medical applications.

PMID- 22069713
TI  - Cycle inhibiting factors (cifs): cyclomodulins that usurp the ubiquitin-dependent
      degradation pathway of host cells.
AB  - Cycle inhibiting factors (Cifs) are type III secreted effectors produced by
      diverse pathogenic bacteria. Cifs are "cyclomodulins" that inhibit the eukaryotic
      host cell cycle and also hijack other key cellular processes such as those
      controlling the actin network and apoptosis. This review summarizes current
      knowledge on Cif since its first characterization in enteropathogenic Escherichia
      coli, the identification of several xenologues in distant pathogenic bacteria, to
      its structure elucidation and the recent deciphering of its mode of action. Cif
      impairs the host ubiquitin proteasome system through deamidation of ubiquitin or
      the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 that regulates Cullin-Ring-ubiquitin Ligase
      (CRL) complexes. The hijacking of the ubiquitin-dependent degradation pathway of
      host cells results in the modulation of various cellular functions such as
      epithelium renewal, apoptosis and immune response. Cif is therefore a powerful
      weapon in the continuous arm race that characterizes host-bacteria interactions.

PMID- 22069711
TI  - Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom toxins: tools for biological purposes.
AB  - Venomous animals use their venoms as tools for defense or predation. These venoms
      are complex mixtures, mainly enriched of proteic toxins or peptides with several,
      and different, biological activities. In general, spider venom is rich in
      biologically active molecules that are useful in experimental protocols for
      pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology, as well as putative
      tools for biotechnology and industries. Spider venoms have recently garnered much
      attention from several research groups worldwide. Brown spider (Loxosceles genus)
      venom is enriched in low molecular mass proteins (5-40 kDa). Although their venom
      is produced in minute volumes (a few microliters), and contain only tens of
      micrograms of protein, the use of techniques based on molecular biology and
      proteomic analysis has afforded rational projects in the area and permitted the
      discovery and identification of a great number of novel toxins. The brown spider
      phospholipase-D family is undoubtedly the most investigated and characterized,
      although other important toxins, such as low molecular mass insecticidal
      peptides, metalloproteases and hyaluronidases have also been identified and
      featured in literature. The molecular pathways of the action of these toxins have
      been reported and brought new insights in the field of biotechnology. Herein, we
      shall see how recent reports describing discoveries in the area of brown spider
      venom have expanded biotechnological uses of molecules identified in these
      venoms, with special emphasis on the construction of a cDNA library for venom
      glands, transcriptome analysis, proteomic projects, recombinant expression of
      different proteic toxins, and finally structural descriptions based on
      crystallography of toxins.

PMID- 22069715
TI  - Detection of ricin contamination in ground beef by electrochemiluminescence
      immunosorbent assay.
AB  - Ricin is a highly toxic protein present in the seeds of Ricinus communis
      (castor), grown principally as a source of high quality industrial lubricant and
      as an ornamental. Because ricin has been used for intentional poisoning in the
      past and could be used to contaminate food, there is a need for analytical
      methodology to detect ricin in food matrices. A monoclonal antibody-based method
      was developed for detecting and quantifying ricin in ground beef, a complex,
      fatty matrix. The limit of detection was 0.5 ng/g for the
      electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method and 1.5 ng/g for enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection of nanogram per gram quantities of
      ricin spiked into retail samples of ground beef provides approximately 10,000
      fold greater sensitivity than required to detect a toxic dose of ricin (>1 mg) in
      a 100 g sample.

PMID- 22069714
TI  - The use of convection-enhanced delivery with liposomal toxins in neurooncology.
AB  - Liposomes have long been effective delivery vehicles for transport of toxins to
      peripheral cancers. The combination of convection-enhanced delivery (CED) with
      liposomal toxins was originally proposed to circumvent the limited delivery of
      intravascular liposomes to the central nervous system (CNS) due to the blood
      brain-barrier (BBB). CED offers markedly improved distribution of infused
      therapeutics within the CNS compared to direct injection or via drug eluting
      polymers, both of which depend on diffusion for parenchymal distribution. This
      review examines the basis for improved delivery of liposomal toxins via CED
      within the CNS, and discusses preclinical and clinical experience with these
      therapeutic techniques. How CED and liposomal technologies may influence future
      neurooncologic treatments are also considered.

PMID- 22069716
TI  - A comparison of the anti-tumor effects of a chimeric versus murine anti-CD19
      immunotoxins on human B cell lymphoma and Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell
      lines.
AB  - Precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B ALL) affects five to six
      thousand adults and almost three thousand children every year. Approximately 25%
      of the children and 60% of the adults die from their disease, highlighting the
      need for new therapies that complement rather than overlap chemotherapy and bone
      marrow transplantation. Immunotherapy is a class of therapies where toxicities
      and mechanisms of action do not overlap with those of chemotherapy. Because CD19
      is a B cell- restricted membrane antigen that is expressed on the majority of pre
      B tumor cells, a CD19-based immunotherapy is being developed for ALL. In this
      study, the anti-tumor activities of immunotoxins (ITs) constructed by conjugating
      a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb), HD37, or its chimeric (c) construct to
      recombinant ricin toxin A chain (rRTA) were compared both in vitro using human
      pre-B ALL and Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines and in vivo using a disseminated
      human pre-B ALL tumor cell xenograft model. The murine and chimeric HD37 IT
      constructs were equally cytotoxic to pre-B ALL and Burkitt's lymphoma cells in
      vitro and their use in vivo resulted in equivalent increases in survival of SCID
      mice with human pre-B ALL tumors when compared with control mice.

PMID- 22069718
TI  - Accumulation kinetics of three scirpentriol-based toxins in oats inoculated in
      Vitro with isolates of Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium poae.
AB  - Autoclaved oats were inoculated with a strain of Fusarium sporotrichioides or
      Fusarium poae. Moisture content of oats after inoculation was at 38%, incubation
      took place in standing culture at 28  degrees C. The A-type trichothecenes, 4,15
      diacetoxyscirpenol (4,15-DAS), 15-monoacetoxyscirpenol (15-MAS), and scirpentriol
      (SCIRP) were analyzed by GC/MS. For each strain, three culture flasks were
      harvested at 2-3 day intervals starting immediately after inoculation. Total
      incubation time was 42 days (F. poae) and 56 days (F. sporotrichioides).
      Following peak accumulation, 4,15-DAS decreased below the detection limit for
      both strains, 15-MAS decreased below this limit for the isolate of F.
      sporotrichioides, for the isolate of F. poae it decreased to a level markedly
      below the peak value. SCIRP, after having peaked, decreased to some extent for
      the strain F. sporotrichioides, with a significant (P = 0.0029) negative linear
      regression of toxin content against culture age during this period. The content
      of 15-MAS, and in part also of 4,15-DAS, decreased along with an increase of
      SCIRP. This sequential accumulation pattern suggests the successive induction of
      esterases deacetylating 4,15-DAS and 15-MAS, as well as of enzymes involved in
      the metabolization of the parent alcohol, SCIRP. The results may explain, at
      least in part, the somewhat higher incidence in naturally contaminated compounds
      reported in the literature for SCIRP compared to 4,15-DAS and 15-MAS.

PMID- 22069717
TI  - Use of ribosome-inactivating proteins from Sambucus for the construction of
      immunotoxins and conjugates for cancer therapy.
AB  - The type 2 ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) isolated from some species
      belonging to the Sambucus genus, have the characteristic that although being even
      more active than ricin inhibiting protein synthesis in cell-free extracts, they
      lack the high toxicity of ricin and related type 2 RIPs to intact cells and
      animals. This is due to the fact that after internalization, they follow a
      different intracellular pathway that does not allow them to reach the cytosolic
      ribosomes. The lack of toxicity of type 2 RIPs from Sambucus make them good
      candidates as toxic moieties in the construction of immunotoxins and conjugates
      directed against specific targets. Up to now they have been conjugated with
      either transferrin or anti-CD105 to target either transferrin receptor- or
      endoglin-overexpressing cells, respectively.

PMID- 22069719
TI  - Inhibition of the unfolded protein response by ricin a-chain enhances its
      cytotoxicity in mammalian cells.
AB  - Ricin is a highly toxic type II ribosome-inactivating protein that has potential
      as a biochemical weapon and as the toxic component of immunotoxins. The unfolded
      protein response (UPR) is a survival response that helps cells to recover from
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Failure to recover from ER stress leads to
      apoptosis. In yeast, ricin-A-chain (RTA), the enzymatic component of ricin,
      inhibits UPR. Our goals were to determine if RTA inhibits UPR in two epithelial
      cell lines and if this affects RTA cytotoxicity. RTA alone did not induce UPR.
      However, RTA inhibited both phosphorylation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)
      and splicing of X-box binding protein1 mRNA by the UPR-inducing agent tunicamycin
      (Tm). The ability of dithiothreitol (DTT) to activate eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2alpha), a component of the PERK pathway, was also
      inhibited by RTA. Treatment with RTA in combination with Tm or DTT inhibited
      protein synthesis more than either agent did alone in one cell line, while
      caspase cleavage was enhanced by the treatment combination in both cell lines.
      These data indicate that RTA is more cytotoxic when UPR is inhibited. This
      ability to inhibit UPR may enhance the potential of RTA as a therapeutic
      immunotoxin in solid tumors.

PMID- 22069721
TI  - Alpha-latrotoxin rescues SNAP-25 from BoNT/A-mediated proteolysis in embryonic
      stem cell-derived neurons.
AB  - The botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) exhibit zinc-dependent proteolytic activity
      against members of the core synaptic membrane fusion complex, preventing
      neurotransmitter release and resulting in neuromuscular paralysis. No
      pharmacologic therapies have been identified that clinically relieve botulinum
      poisoning. The black widow spider venom alpha-latrotoxin (LTX) has the potential
      to attenuate the severity or duration of BoNT-induced paralysis in neurons via
      the induction of synaptic degeneration and remodeling. The potential for LTX to
      antagonize botulinum poisoning was evaluated in embryonic stem cell-derived
      neurons (ESNs), using a novel screening assay designed around the kinetics of
      BoNT/A activation. Exposure of ESNs to 400 pM LTX for 6.5 or 13 min resulted in
      the nearly complete restoration of uncleaved SNAP-25 within 48 h, whereas
      treatment with 60 mM K(+) had no effect. Time-lapse imaging demonstrated that LTX
      treatment caused a profound increase in Ca(2+) influx and evidence of
      excitotoxicity, though ESNs remained viable 48 h after LTX treatment. This is the
      first instance of a cell-based treatment that has shown the ability to eliminate
      BoNT activity. These data suggest that LTX treatment may provide the basis for a
      new class of therapeutic approach to BoNT intoxication and may contribute to an
      improved understanding of long-term mechanisms of BoNT intoxication and recovery.
      They further demonstrate that ESNs are a novel, responsive and biologically
      relevant model for LTX research and BoNT therapeutic drug discovery.

PMID- 22069720
TI  - Botulinum neurotoxins and botulism: a novel therapeutic approach.
AB  - Specific treatment is not available for human botulism. Current remedial mainstay
      is the passive administration of polyclonal antibody to botulinum neurotoxin
      (BoNT) derived from heterologous species (immunized animal or mouse hybridoma)
      together with supportive and symptomatic management. The antibody works
      extracellularly, probably by blocking the binding of receptor binding (R) domain
      to the neuronal receptors; thus inhibiting cellular entry of the holo-BoNT. The
      antibody cannot neutralize the intracellular toxin. Moreover, a conventional
      antibody with relatively large molecular size (150 kDa) is not accessible to the
      enzymatic groove and, thus, cannot directly inhibit the BoNT zinc metalloprotease
      activity. Recently, a 15-20 kDa single domain antibody (V(H)H) that binds
      specifically to light chain of BoNT serotype A was produced from a humanized
      camel VH/V(H)H phage display library. The V(H)H has high sequence homology (>80%)
      to the human VH and could block the enzymatic activity of the BoNT. Molecular
      docking revealed not only the interface binding between the V(H)H and the toxin
      but also an insertion of the V(H)H CDR3 into the toxin enzymatic pocket. It is
      envisaged that, by molecular linking the V(H)H to a cell penetrating peptide
      (CPP), the CPP-V(H)H fusion protein would be able to traverse the hydrophobic
      cell membrane into the cytoplasm and inhibit the intracellular BoNT. This
      presents a novel and safe immunotherapeutic strategy for botulism by using a cell
      penetrating, humanized-single domain antibody that inhibits the BoNT by means of
      a direct blockade of the groove of the menace enzyme.

PMID- 22069722
TI  - H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomic assessment of uremic toxicity, with
      toxicological outcomes, in male rats following an acute, mid-life insult from
      ochratoxin a.
AB  - Overt response to a single 6.25 mg dose of ochratoxin A (OTA) by oral gavage to
      15 months male rats was progressive loss of weight during the following four
      days. Lost weight was restored within one month and animals had a normal life
      span without OTA-related terminal disease. Decline in plasma OTA concentration
      only commenced four days after dosing, while urinary excretion of OTA and
      ochratoxin alpha was ongoing. During a temporary period of acute polyuria, a
      linear relationship between urine output and creatinine concentration persisted.
      Elimination of other common urinary solutes relative to creatinine was generally
      maintained during the polyuria phase, except that phosphate excretion increased
      temporarily. (1)H NMR metabolomic analysis of urine revealed a progressive cyclic
      shift in the group principal components data cluster from before dosing,
      throughout the acute insult phase, and returning almost completely to normality
      when tested six months later. Renal insult by OTA was detected by (1)H NMR within
      a day of dosing, as the most sensitive early indicator. Notable biomarkers were
      trimethylamine N-oxide and an aromatic urinary profile dominated by
      phenylacetylglycine. Tolerance of such a large acute insult by OTA, assessed by
      rat natural lifetime outcomes, adds a new dimension to toxicology of this
      xenobiotic.

PMID- 22069723
TI  - 4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside triphosphate (4PyTP), a novel
      NAD metabolite accumulating in erythrocytes of uremic children: a biomarker for a
      toxic NAD analogue in other tissues?
AB  - We have identified a novel nucleotide, 4-pyridone 3/5-carboxamide ribonucleoside
      triphosphate (4PyTP), which accumulates in human erythrocytes during renal
      failure. Using plasma and erythrocyte extracts obtained from children with
      chronic renal failure we show that the concentration of 4PyTP is increased, as
      well as other soluble NAD(+) metabolites (nicotinamide, N(1)-methylnicotinamide
      and 4Py-riboside) and the major nicotinamide metabolite N(1)-methyl-2-pyridone-5
      carboxamide (2PY), with increasing degrees of renal failure. We noted that 2PY
      concentration was highest in the plasma of haemodialysis patients, while 4PyTP
      was highest in erythrocytes of children undergoing peritoneal dialysis: its
      concentration correlated closely with 4Py-riboside, an authentic precursor of
      4PyTP, in the plasma. In the dialysis patients, GTP concentration was elevated:
      similar accumulation was noted previously, as a paradoxical effect in
      erythrocytes during treatment with immunosuppressants such as ribavirin and
      mycophenolate mofetil, which deplete GTP through inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase
      in nucleated cells such as lymphocytes. We predict that 4Py-riboside and 4Py
      nucleotides bind to this enzyme and alter its activity. The enzymes that
      regenerate NAD(+) from nicotinamide riboside also convert the drugs tiazofurin
      and benzamide riboside into NAD(+) analogues that inhibit IMP dehydrogenase more
      effectively than the related ribosides: we therefore propose that the
      accumulation of 4PyTP in erythrocytes during renal failure is a marker for the
      accumulation of a related toxic NAD(+) analogue that inhibits IMP dehydrogenase
      in other cells.

PMID- 22069724
TI  - Expression analysis of stress-related genes in kernels of different maize (Zea
      mays L.) inbred lines with different resistance to aflatoxin contamination.
AB  - This research examined the expression patterns of 94 stress-related genes in
      seven maize inbred lines with differential expressions of resistance to aflatoxin
      contamination. The objective was to develop a set of genes/probes associated with
      resistance to A. flavus and/or aflatoxin contamination. Ninety four genes were
      selected from previous gene expression studies with abiotic stress to test the
      differential expression in maize lines, A638, B73, Lo964, Lo1016, Mo17, Mp313E,
      and Tex6, using real-time RT-PCR. Based on the relative-expression levels, the
      seven maize inbred lines clustered into two different groups. One group included
      B73, Lo1016 and Mo17, which had higher levels of aflatoxin contamination and
      lower levels of overall gene expression. The second group which included Tex6,
      Mp313E, Lo964 and A638 had lower levels of aflatoxin contamination and higher
      overall levels of gene expressions. A total of six "cross-talking" genes were
      identified between the two groups, which are highly expressed in the resistant
      Group 2 but down-regulated in susceptible Group 1. When further subjected to
      drought stress, Tex6 expressed more genes up-regulated and B73 has fewer genes up
      regulated. The transcript patterns and interactions measured in these experiments
      indicate that the resistant mechanism is an interconnected process involving many
      gene products and transcriptional regulators, as well as various host
      interactions with environmental factors, particularly, drought and high
      temperature.

PMID- 22069725
TI  - Aflatoxin toxicity reduction in feed by enhanced binding to surface-modified clay
      additives.
AB  - Animal feeding studies have demonstrated that clay additives, such as bentonites,
      can bind aflatoxins in ingested feed and reduce or eliminate the toxicity.
      Bentonite deposits are found throughout the world and mostly consist of
      expandable smectite minerals, such as montmorillonite. The surfaces of smectite
      minerals can be treated with organic compounds to create surface-modified clays
      that more readily bind some contaminants than the untreated clay.
      Montmorillonites treated with organic cations, such as hexadecyltrimethylammonium
      (HDTMA) and phenyltrimethylammonium (PTMA), more effectively remove organic
      contaminants, such as benzene and toluene, from water than untreated clay.
      Similarly, montmorillonite treated with PTMA (K(d) = 24,100) retained more
      aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) from aqueous corn flour than untreated montmorillonite (K(d)
      = 944). Feed additives that reduced aflatoxin toxicity in animal feeding studies
      adsorbed more AfB1 from aqueous corn flour than feed additives that were less
      effective. The organic cations HDTMA and PTMA are considered toxic and would not
      be suitable for clay additives used in feed or food, but other non-toxic or
      nutrient compounds can be used to prepare surface-modified clays. Montmorillonite
      (SWy) treated with choline (K(d) = 13,800) and carnitine (K(d) = 3960) adsorbed
      much more AfB1 from aqueous corn flour than the untreated clay (K(d) = 944). A
      choline-treated clay prepared from a reduced-charge, high-charge montmorillonite
      (K(d) = 20,100) adsorbed more AfB1 than the choline-treated high-charge
      montmorillonite (K(d) = 1340) or the untreated montmorillonite (K(d) = 293).
      Surface-modified clay additives prepared using low-charge smectites and nutrient
      or non-toxic organic compounds might be used to more effectively bind aflatoxins
      in contaminated feed or food and prevent toxicity.

PMID- 22069726
TI  - Aflatoxin B(1) in affecting broiler's performance, immunity, and gastrointestinal
      tract: a review of history and contemporary issues.
AB  - Aflatoxin B(1) is a common contaminant of poultry feeds in tropical and
      subtropical climates. Research during the last five decades has well established
      the negative effects of the mycotoxin on health of poultry. However, the last ten
      years of relevant data have accentuated the potential of low levels of aflatoxin
      B(1) to deteriorate broiler performance. In this regard, any attempt to establish
      a dose-effect relationship between aflatoxin B(1) level and broiler performance
      is also complicated due to differences in types of broilers and length of
      exposure to the mycotoxin in different studies. Contrary to the prevalent notion
      regarding literature saturation with respect to aflatoxicosis of chicken, many
      areas of aflatoxicosis still need to be explored. Literature regarding effects of
      the mycotoxin on the gastrointestinal tract in this regard is particular scanty
      and non-conclusive. In addition to these issues, the metabolism of aflatoxin B(1)
      and recently proposed hypotheses regarding biphasic effects of the mycotoxin in
      broilers are briefly discussed.

PMID- 22069727
TI  - The effects of anthrax lethal toxin on host barrier function.
AB  - The pathological actions of anthrax toxin require the activities of its edema
      factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF) enzyme components, which gain intracellular
      access via its receptor-binding component, protective antigen (PA). LF is a
      metalloproteinase with specificity for selected mitogen-activated protein kinase
      kinases (MKKs), but its activity is not directly lethal to many types of primary
      and transformed cells in vitro. Nevertheless, in vivo treatment of several animal
      species with the combination of LF and PA (termed lethal toxin or LT) leads to
      morbidity and mortality, suggesting that LT-dependent toxicity is mediated by
      cellular interactions between host cells. Decades of research have revealed that
      a central hallmark of this toxicity is the disruption of key cellular barriers
      required to maintain homeostasis. This review will focus on the current
      understanding of the effects of LT on barrier function, highlighting recent
      progress in establishing the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.

PMID- 22069728
TI  - Shiga toxin: expression, distribution, and its role in the environment.
AB  - In this review, we highlight recent work that has increased our understanding of
      the production and distribution of Shiga toxin in the environment. Specifically,
      we review studies that offer an expanded view of environmental reservoirs for
      Shiga toxin producing microbes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We then
      relate the abundance of Shiga toxin in the environment to work that demonstrates
      that the genetic mechanisms underlying the production of Shiga toxin genes are
      modified and embellished beyond the classical microbial gene regulatory paradigms
      in a manner that apparently "fine tunes" the trigger to modulate the amount of
      toxin produced. Last, we highlight several recent studies examining
      microbe/protist interactions that postulate an answer to the outstanding question
      of why microbes might harbor and express Shiga toxin genes in the environment.

PMID- 22069729
TI  - Shiga toxin interaction with human intestinal epithelium.
AB  - After ingestion via contaminated food or water, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli
      colonises the intestinal mucosa and produces Shiga toxins (Stx). No Stx-specific
      secretion system has been described so far, and it is assumed that Stx are
      released into the gut lumen after bacterial lysis. Human intestinal epithelium
      does not express the Stx receptor Gb3 or other Stx binding sites, and it remains
      unknown how Stx cross the intestinal epithelial barrier and gain access to the
      systemic circulation. This review summarises current knowledge about the
      influence of the intestinal environment on Stx production and release, Stx
      interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and intracellular uptake, and toxin
      translocation into underlying tissues. Furthermore, it highlights gaps in
      understanding that need to be addressed by future research.

PMID- 22069730
TI  - Detection of stx and stx genes in Pennsylvanian white-tailed deer.
AB  - Shiga toxin-producing E. coli carrying the stx(1) and/or stx(2) genes can cause
      multi-symptomatic illness in humans. A variety of terrestrial and aquatic
      environmental reservoirs of stx have been described. Culture based detection of
      microbes in deer species have found a low percentage of samples that have tested
      positive for Stx-producing microbes, suggesting that while deer may contain these
      microbes, their overall abundance in deer is low. In this study, quantitative PCR
      (qPCR) was utilized to test for the presence of stx genes in white-tailed deer
      fecal matter in western Pennsylvania. In this culture independent screening,
      nearly half of the samples tested positive for the stx(2) gene, with a bias
      towards samples that were concentrated with stx(2). This study, while limited in
      scope, suggests that deer may be a greater reservoir for stx than was previously
      thought.

PMID- 22069731
TI  - Control of aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
      using RNA silencing technology by targeting aflD (nor-1) gene.
AB  - Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are important pathogens of cotton,
      corn, peanuts and other oil-seed crops, producing toxins both in the field and
      during storage. We have designed three siRNA sequences (Nor-Ia, Nor-Ib, Nor-Ic)
      to target the mRNA sequence of the aflD gene to examine the potential for using
      RNA silencing technology to control aflatoxin production. Thus, the effect of
      siRNAs targeting of two key genes in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway, aflD
      (structural) and aflR (regulatory gene) and on aflatoxin B(1 )(AFB(1)), and
      aflatoxin G(1) (AFG(1)) production was examined. The study showed that Nor-Ib
      gave a significant decrease in aflD mRNA, aflR mRNA abundance, and AFB(1)
      production (98, 97 and 97% when compared to the controls) in A. flavus NRRL3357,
      respectively. Reduction in aflD and aflR mRNA abundance and AFB(1 )production
      increased with concentration of siRNA tested. There was a significant inhibition
      in aflD and AFB(1) production by A. flavus EGP9 and AFG(1 )production by A.
      parasiticus NRRL 13005. However, there was no significant decrease in AFG(1)
      production by A. parasiticus SSWT 2999. Changes in AFB(1) production in relation
      to mRNA levels of aflD showed a good correlation (R = 0.88; P = 0.00001); changes
      in aflR mRNA level in relation to mRNA level of aflD also showed good correlation
      (R = 0.82; P = 0.0001). The correlations between changes in aflR and aflD gene
      expression suggests a strong relationship between these structural and regulatory
      genes, and that aflD could be used as a target gene to develop efficient means
      for aflatoxin control using RNA silencing technology.

PMID- 22069733
TI  - Loss of vtx genes after the first subcultivation step of verocytotoxigenic
      Escherichia coli O157 and Non-O157 during isolation from naturally contaminated
      fecal samples.
AB  - Verocytotoxins VT1 and VT2,produced by Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC),
      are encoded on temperate bacteriophages. Several studies reported the loss of the
      vtx genes after multiple subcultivation steps or long preservation. The objective
      of this study was to determine if the loss of the verocytotoxin genes can already
      occur during the first subcultivation step. Consequently, the stability of the
      vtx genes were tested in 40 isolates originating from 40 vtx-positive fecal
      samples after the first subcultivation step following the isolation procedure.
      The loss occurred in 12 out of 40 strains tested and was rather rare among the
      O157 strains compared to the non-O157 strains. This is the first study
      demonstrating that the loss of the verocytotoxin genes can already occur after
      the first subcultivation step. This may lead to an underestimation of VTEC
      positive samples.

PMID- 22069732
TI  - T cell targeting by anthrax toxins: two faces of the same coin.
AB  - Bacillus anthracis, similar to other bacterial pathogens, has evolved effective
      immune evasion strategies to prolong its survival in the host, thus ensuring the
      unchecked spread of the infection. This function is subserved by lethal (LT) and
      edema (ET) toxins, two exotoxins produced by vegetative anthrax bacilli following
      germination of the spores. The structure of these toxins and the mechanism of
      cell intoxication are topics covered by other reviews in this issue. Here we
      shall discuss how B. anthracis uses LT and ET to suppress the immune defenses of
      the host, focusing on T lymphocytes, the key players in adaptive immunity. We
      shall also summarize recent findings showing that, depending on its
      concentration, ET has the ability not only to suppress T cell activation but also
      to promote the polarization of CD4(+) T cells to the Th2 and Th17 subsets,
      highlighting the potential use of this toxin as an immunomodulator.

PMID- 22069734
TI  - Developing resistance to aflatoxin in maize and cottonseed.
AB  - At this time, no "magic bullet" for solving the aflatoxin contamination problem
      in maize and cottonseed has been identified, so several strategies must be
      utilized simultaneously to ensure a healthy crop, free of aflatoxins. The most
      widely explored strategy for the control of aflatoxin contamination is the
      development of preharvest host resistance. This is because A. flavus infects and
      produces aflatoxins in susceptible crops prior to harvest. In maize production,
      the host resistance strategy has gained prominence because of advances in the
      identification of natural resistance traits. However, native resistance in maize
      to aflatoxin contamination is polygenic and complex and, therefore, markers need
      to be identified to facilitate the transfer of resistance traits into
      agronomically viable genetic backgrounds while limiting the transfer of
      undesirable traits. Unlike maize, there are no known cotton varieties that
      demonstrate enhanced resistance to A. flavus infection and aflatoxin
      contamination. For this reason, transgenic approaches are being undertaken in
      cotton that utilize genes encoding antifungal/anti-aflatoxin factors from maize
      and other sources to counter fungal infection and toxin production. This review
      will present information on preharvest control strategies that utilize both
      breeding and native resistance identification approaches in maize as well as
      transgenic approaches in cotton.

PMID- 22069735
TI  - Immunotoxins and other conjugates containing saporin-s6 for cancer therapy.
AB  - Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a family of plant toxins that
      permanently damage ribosomes and possibly other cellular substrates, thus causing
      cell death. RIPs are mostly divided in two types: Type 1 RIPs that are single
      chain enzymatic proteins, and type 2 RIPs that consist of an active A chain
      (similar to a type 1 RIP) linked to a B chain with lectin properties. RIP
      containing conjugates have been used in many experimental strategies against
      cancer cells, often showing great efficacy in clinical trials. Saporin-S6, a type
      1 RIP extracted from Saponaria officinalis L. seeds, has been extensively
      utilized to construct anti-cancer conjugates because of its high enzymatic
      activity, stability and resistance to conjugation procedures, resulting in the
      efficient killing of target cells. This review summarizes saporin-S6-containing
      conjugates and their application in cancer therapy, considering in-vitro and in
      vivo studies both in animal models and in clinical trials. The review is
      structured on the basis of the targeting of hematological versus solid tumors and
      on the antigen recognized on the cell surface.

PMID- 22069736
TI  - Hemodynamic effects of anthrax toxins in the rabbit model and the cardiac
      pathology induced by lethal toxin.
AB  - Anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx) and edema toxin (EdTx) have been shown to alter
      hemodynamics in the rodent model, while LeTx primarily is reported to induce
      extensive tissue pathology. However, the rodent model has limitations when used
      for comparison to higher organisms such as humans. The rabbit model, on the other
      hand, has gained recognition as a useful model for studying anthrax infection and
      its pathophysiological effects. In this study, we assessed the hemodynamic
      effects of lethal toxin (LeTx) and edema toxin (EdTx) in the rabbit model using
      physiologically relevant amounts of the toxins. Moreover, we further examine the
      pathological effects of LeTx on cardiac tissue. We intravenously injected Dutch
      belted rabbits with either low-dose and high-dose recombinant LeTx or a single
      dose of EdTx. The animals' heart rate and mean arterial pressure were
      continuously monitored via telemetry until either 48 or 72 h post-challenge.
      Additional animals challenged with LeTx were used for cardiac troponin I (cTnI)
      quantitation, cardiac histopathology, and echocardiography. LeTx depressed heart
      rate at the lower dose and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at the higher dose. EdTx,
      on the other hand, temporarily intensified heart rate while lowering MAP. Both
      doses of LeTx caused cardiac pathology with the higher dose having a more
      profound effect. Lastly, left-ventricular dilation due to LeTx was not apparent
      at the given time-points. Our study demonstrates the hemodynamic effects of
      anthrax toxins, as well as the pathological effects of LeTx on the heart in the
      rabbit model, and it provides further evidence for the toxins' direct impact on
      the heart.

PMID- 22069737
TI  - Gene expression profiling and identification of resistance genes to Aspergillus
      flavus infection in peanut through EST and microarray strategies.
AB  - Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus infect peanut seeds and produce aflatoxins,
      which are associated with various diseases in domestic animals and humans
      throughout the world. The most cost-effective strategy to minimize aflatoxin
      contamination involves the development of peanut cultivars that are resistant to
      fungal infection and/or aflatoxin production. To identify peanut Aspergillus
      interactive and peanut Aspergillus-resistance genes, we carried out a large scale
      peanut Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) project which we used to construct a peanut
      glass slide oligonucleotide microarray. The fabricated microarray represents over
      40% of the protein coding genes in the peanut genome. For expression profiling,
      resistant and susceptible peanut cultivars were infected with a mixture of
      Aspergillusflavus and parasiticus spores. The subsequent microarray analysis
      identified 62 genes in resistant cultivars that were up-expressed in response to
      Aspergillus infection. In addition, we identified 22 putative Aspergillus
      resistance genes that were constitutively up-expressed in the resistant cultivar
      in comparison to the susceptible cultivar. Some of these genes were homologous to
      peanut, corn, and soybean genes that were previously shown to confer resistance
      to fungal infection. This study is a first step towards a comprehensive genome
      scale platform for developing Aspergillus-resistant peanut cultivars through
      targeted marker-assisted breeding and genetic engineering.

PMID- 22069738
TI  - A public platform for the verification of the phenotypic effect of candidate
      genes for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and Aspergillus flavus infection
      in maize.
AB  - A public candidate gene testing pipeline for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation
      or Aspergillus flavus infection in maize is presented here. The pipeline consists
      of steps for identifying, testing, and verifying the association of selected
      maize gene sequences with resistance under field conditions. Resources include a
      database of genetic and protein sequences associated with the reduction in
      aflatoxin contamination from previous studies; eight diverse inbred maize lines
      for polymorphism identification within any maize gene sequence; four Quantitative
      Trait Loci (QTL) mapping populations and one association mapping panel, all
      phenotyped for aflatoxin accumulation resistance and associated phenotypes; and
      capacity for Insertion/Deletion (InDel) and SNP genotyping in the population(s)
      for mapping. To date, ten genes have been identified as possible candidate genes
      and put through the candidate gene testing pipeline, and results are presented
      here to demonstrate the utility of the pipeline.

PMID- 22069739
TI  - Transcriptional profiles uncover Aspergillus flavus-induced resistance in maize
      kernels.
AB  - Aflatoxin contamination caused by the opportunistic pathogen A. flavus is a major
      concern in maize production prior to harvest and through storage. Previous
      studies have highlighted the constitutive production of proteins involved in
      maize kernel resistance against A. flavus' infection. However, little is known
      about induced resistance nor about defense gene expression and regulation in
      kernels. In this study, maize oligonucleotide arrays and a pair of closely
      related maize lines varying in aflatoxin accumulation were used to reveal the
      gene expression network in imbibed mature kernels in response to A. flavus'
      challenge. Inoculated kernels were incubated 72 h via the laboratory-based Kernel
      Screening Assay (KSA), which highlights kernel responses to fungal challenge.
      Gene expression profiling detected 6955 genes in resistant and 6565 genes in
      susceptible controls; 214 genes induced in resistant and 2159 genes induced in
      susceptible inoculated kernels. Defense related and regulation related genes were
      identified in both treatments. Comparisons between the resistant and susceptible
      lines indicate differences in the gene expression network which may enhance our
      understanding of the maize-A. flavus interaction.

PMID- 22069740
TI  - Ricin trafficking in plant and mammalian cells.
AB  - Ricin is a heterodimeric plant protein that is potently toxic to mammalian and
      many other eukaryotic cells. It is synthesized and stored in the endosperm cells
      of maturing Ricinus communis seeds (castor beans). The ricin family has two major
      members, both, lectins, collectively known as Ricinus communis agglutinin ll
      (ricin) and Ricinus communis agglutinin l (RCA). These proteins are stored in
      vacuoles within the endosperm cells of mature Ricinus seeds and they are rapidly
      broken down by hydrolysis during the early stages of post-germinative growth.
      Both ricin and RCA traffic within the plant cell from their site of synthesis to
      the storage vacuoles, and when they intoxicate mammalian cells they traffic from
      outside the cell to their site of action. In this review we will consider both of
      these trafficking routes.

PMID- 22069741
TI  - Trichothecenes: from simple to complex mycotoxins.
AB  - As the world's population grows, access to a safe food supply will continue to be
      a global priority. In recent years, the world has experienced an increase in
      mycotoxin contamination of grains due to climatic and agronomic changes that
      encourage fungal growth during cultivation. A number of the molds that are plant
      pathogens produce trichothecene mycotoxins, which are known to cause serious
      human and animal toxicoses. This review covers the types of trichothecenes, their
      complexity, and proposed biosynthetic pathways of trichothecenes.

PMID- 22069742
TI  - Comparative (1)H NMR metabolomic urinalysis of people diagnosed with Balkan
      endemic nephropathy, and healthy subjects, in Romania and Bulgaria: a pilot
      study.
AB  - (1)H NMR spectroscopy of urine has been applied to exploring metabolomic
      differences between people diagnosed with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), and
      treated by haemodialysis, and those without overt renal disease in Romania and
      Bulgaria. Convenience sampling was made from patients receiving haemodialysis in
      hospital and healthy controls in their village. Principal component analysis
      clustered healthy controls from both countries together. Bulgarian BEN patients
      clustered separately from controls, though in the same space. However, Romanian
      BEN patients not only also clustered away from controls but also clustered
      separately from the BEN patients in Bulgaria. Notably, the urinary metabolomic
      data of two people sampled as Romanian controls clustered within the Romanian BEN
      group. One of these had been suspected of incipient symptoms of BEN at the time
      of selection as a 'healthy' control. This implies, at first sight, that
      metabolomic analysis can be predictive of impending morbidity before conventional
      criteria can diagnose BEN. Separate clustering of BEN patients from Romania and
      Bulgaria could indicate difference in aetiology of this particular silent renal
      atrophy in different geographic foci across the Balkans.

PMID- 22069743
TI  - Adapting yeast as model to study ricin toxin a uptake and trafficking.
AB  - The plant A/B toxin ricin represents a heterodimeric glycoprotein belonging to
      the family of ribosome inactivating proteins, RIPs. Its toxicity towards
      eukaryotic cells results from the depurination of 28S rRNA due to the N
      glycosidic activity of ricin toxin A chain, RTA. Since the extention of RTA by a
      mammalian-specific endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal (KDEL)
      significantly increases RTA in vivo toxicity against mammalian cells, we here
      analyzed the phenotypic effect of RTA carrying the yeast-specific ER retention
      motif HDEL. Interestingly, such a toxin (RTA(HDEL)) showed a similar cytotoxic
      effect on yeast as a corresponding RTA(KDEL) variant on HeLa cells. Furthermore,
      we established a powerful yeast bioassay for RTA in vivo uptake and trafficking
      which is based on the measurement of dissolved oxygen in toxin-treated
      spheroplast cultures of S. cerevisiae. We show that yeast spheroplasts are highly
      sensitive against external applied RTA and further demonstrate that its toxicity
      is greatly enhanced by replacing the C-terminal KDEL motif by HDEL. Based on the
      RTA resistant phenotype seen in yeast knock-out mutants defective in early steps
      of endocytosis (?end3) and/or in RTA depurination activity on 28S rRNA (?rpl12B)
      we feel that the yeast-based bioassay described in this study is a powerful tool
      to dissect intracellular A/B toxin transport from the plasma membrane through the
      endosomal compartment to the ER.

PMID- 22069745
TI  - G(i/o) protein-dependent and -independent actions of Pertussis Toxin (PTX).
AB  - Pertussis toxin (PTX) is a typical A-B toxin. The A-protomer (S1 subunit)
      exhibits ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. The B-oligomer consists of four
      subunits (S2 to S5) and binds extracellular molecules that allow the toxin to
      enter the cells. The A-protomer ADP-ribosylates the alpha subunits of
      heterotrimeric G(i/o) proteins, resulting in the receptors being uncoupled from
      the G(i/o) proteins. The B-oligomer binds proteins expressed on the cell surface,
      such as Toll-like receptor 4, and activates an intracellular signal transduction
      cascade. Thus, PTX modifies cellular responses by at least two different
      signaling pathways; ADP-ribosylation of the Galpha(i/o) proteins by the A
      protomer (G(i/o) protein-dependent action) and the interaction of the B-oligomer
      with cell surface proteins (G(i/o) protein-independent action).

PMID- 22069744
TI  - Immunotoxins and anticancer drug conjugate assemblies: the role of the linkage
      between components.
AB  - Immunotoxins and antibody-drug conjugates are protein-based drugs combining a
      target-specific binding domain with a cytotoxic domain. Such compounds are
      potentially therapeutic against diseases including cancer, and several clinical
      trials have shown encouraging results. Although the targeted elimination of
      malignant cells is an elegant concept, there are numerous practical challenges
      that limit conjugates' therapeutic use, including inefficient cellular uptake,
      low cytotoxicity, and off-target effects. During the preparation of
      immunoconjugates by chemical synthesis, the choice of the hinge component joining
      the two building blocks is of paramount importance: the conjugate must remain
      stable in vivo but must afford efficient release of the toxic moiety when the
      target is reached. Vast efforts have been made, and the present article reviews
      strategies employed in developing immunoconjugates, focusing on the evolution of
      chemical linkers.

PMID- 22069746
TI  - Isolation and biochemical characterization of rubelase, a non-hemorrhagic
      elastase from Crotalus ruber ruber (Red Rattlesnake) venom.
AB  - A novel non-hemorrhagic basic metalloprotease, rubelase, was isolated from the
      venom of Crotalus ruber ruber. Rubelase hydrolyzes succinyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L
      alanyl p-nitroanilide (STANA), a specific substrate for elastase, and the
      hydrolytic activity was inhibited by chelating agents. It also hydrolyzes
      collagen and fibrinogen. However, hemorrhagic activity was not observed. By ESI/Q
      TOF and MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry combined with Edman sequencing procedure, the
      molecular mass of rubelase was determined to be 23,266 Da. Although its primary
      structure was similar to rubelysin (HT-2), a hemorrhagic metalloprotease isolated
      from the same snake venom, the circumstances surrounding putative zinc binding
      domain HEXXHXXGXXH were found to be different when the three-dimensional computer
      models of both metalloproteases were compared. The cytotoxic effects of rubelase
      and rubelysin on cultured endothelial and smooth muscle cells were also
      different, indicating that the substitution of several amino acid residues causes
      the changes of active-site conformation and cell preference.

PMID- 22069747
TI  - Protein-bound uremic toxins: new insight from clinical studies.
AB  - The uremic syndrome is attributed to the progressive retention of a large number
      of compounds which, under normal conditions, are excreted by healthy kidneys. The
      compounds are called uremic toxins when they interact negatively with biological
      functions. The present review focuses on a specific class of molecules, namely
      the family of protein-bound uremic toxins. Recent experimental studies have shown
      that protein-bound toxins are involved not only in the progression of chronic
      kidney disease (CKD), but also in the generation and aggravation of
      cardiovascular disease. Two protein-bound uremic retention solutes, namely
      indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate, have been shown to play a prominent role.
      However, although these two molecules belong to the same class of molecules,
      exert toxic effects on the cardiovascular system in experimental animals, and
      accumulate in the serum of patients with CKD they may have different clinical
      impacts in terms of cardiovascular disease and other complications. The principal
      aim of this review is to evaluate the effect of p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl
      sulfate retention on CKD patient outcomes, based on recent clinical studies.

PMID- 22069748
TI  - Spatial patterns of aflatoxin levels in relation to ear-feeding insect damage in
      pre-harvest corn.
AB  - Key impediments to increased corn yield and quality in the southeastern US
      coastal plain region are damage by ear-feeding insects and aflatoxin
      contamination caused by infection of Aspergillus flavus. Key ear-feeding insects
      are corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, maize
      weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, and brown stink bug, Euschistus servus. In 2006 and
      2007, aflatoxin contamination and insect damage were sampled before harvest in
      three 0.4-hectare corn fields using a grid sampling method. The feeding damage by
      each of ear/kernel-feeding insects (i.e., corn earworm/fall armyworm damage on
      the silk/cob, and discoloration of corn kernels by stink bugs), and maize weevil
      population were assessed at each grid point with five ears. The spatial
      distribution pattern of aflatoxin contamination was also assessed using the corn
      samples collected at each sampling point. Aflatoxin level was correlated to the
      number of maize weevils and stink bug-discolored kernels, but not closely
      correlated to either husk coverage or corn earworm damage. Contour maps of the
      maize weevil populations, stink bug-damaged kernels, and aflatoxin levels
      exhibited an aggregated distribution pattern with a strong edge effect on all
      three parameters. The separation of silk- and cob-feeding insects from kernel
      feeding insects, as well as chewing (i.e., the corn earworm and maize weevil) and
      piercing-sucking insects (i.e., the stink bugs) and their damage in relation to
      aflatoxin accumulation is economically important. Both theoretic and applied
      ramifications of this study were discussed by proposing a hypothesis on the
      underlying mechanisms of the aggregated distribution patterns and strong edge
      effect of insect damage and aflatoxin contamination, and by discussing possible
      management tactics for aflatoxin reduction by proper management of kernel-feeding
      insects. Future directions on basic and applied research related to aflatoxin
      contamination are also discussed.

PMID- 22069749
TI  - Expression profiling of non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus mutants
      obtained by 5-azacytosine treatment or serial mycelial transfer.
AB  - Aflatoxins are carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by the fungi
      Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Previous studies found that
      repeated serial mycelial transfer or treatment of A. parasiticus with 5
      azacytidine produced colonies with a fluffy phenotype and inability to produce
      aflatoxins. To understand how these treatments affect expression of genes
      involved in aflatoxin production and development, we carried out expressed
      sequence tag (EST)-based microarray assays to identify genes in treated clones
      that are differentially expressed compared to the wild-type. Expression of 183
      genes was significantly dysregulated. Of these, 38 had at least two-fold or lower
      expression compared to the untreated control and only two had two-fold or higher
      expression. The most frequent change was downregulation of genes predicted to
      encode membrane-bound proteins. Based on this result we hypothesize that the
      treatments cause changes in the structure of cellular and organelle membranes
      that prevent normal development and aflatoxin biosynthesis.

PMID- 22069750
TI  - Incidence of Fusarium species and mycotoxins in silage maize.
AB  - Maize is frequently infected by the Fusarium species producing mycotoxins.
      Numerous investigations have focused on grain maize, but little is known about
      the Fusarium species in the entire plant used for silage. Furthermore, mycotoxins
      persist during the ensiling process and thus endanger feed safety. In the current
      study, we analyzed 20 Swiss silage maize samples from growers' fields for the
      incidence of Fusarium species and mycotoxins. The species spectrum was analyzed
      morphologically and mycotoxins were measured by LC-MS/MS. A pre-harvest visual
      disease rating showed few disease symptoms. In contrast, the infection rate of
      two-thirds of the harvest samples ranged from 25 to 75% and twelve different
      Fusarium species were isolated. The prevailing species were F. sporotrichioides,
      F. verticillioides and F. graminearum. No infection specificity for certain plant
      parts was observed. The trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON) was found in each
      sample (ranging from 780 to 2990 ug kg(-1)). Other toxins detected in descending
      order were zearalenone, further trichothecenes (nivalenol, HT-2 and T-2 toxin,
      acetylated DON) and fumonisins. A generalized linear regression model containing
      the three cropping factors harvest date, pre-precrop and seed treatment was
      established, to explain DON contamination of silage maize. Based on these
      findings, we suggest a European-wide survey on silage maize.

PMID- 22069751
TI  - Enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay for Deoxynivalenol (DON).
AB  - Deoxynivalenol (DON), one of the trichothecene mycotoxins, is a worldwide
      contaminant of wheat and barley, especially when infected by Fusarium
      graminearum, the causative agent of an epidemic wheat disease called Fusarium
      Head Blight. Because of the high risk of DON ingestion and the possibility of
      frequent exposure, it is important to develop a rapid and highly sensitive method
      for easy identification and quantification of DON in grain samples. In this
      study, we have developed an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) to detect DON in wheat. We conjugated 3-O-Hemisuccinyl-DON (3HS
      DON) to Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Ovalbumin (OVA), and obtained DON-specific
      mice antisera. The indirect competitive ELISA revealed that the optimal
      concentration of mice serum and the coated antigen was 1/1600 and 1/1500,
      respectively. The antiserum cross-reacted with the trichothecenes 3-acetyl-DON
      and T-2 toxin, reaching about 55.2% and 6.3%, respectively, as compared with DON.
      Results showed that the assay could be performed satisfactorily using an
      extraction buffer containing less than 15% methanol. Recovery from DON was 82-93%
      in grains. The linear detection range of DON in grains was between 0.01 and 100
      MUg/mL.

PMID- 22069752
TI  - Mechanism of lethal toxin neutralization by a human monoclonal antibody specific
      for the PA(20) region of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen.
AB  - The primary immunogenic component of the currently approved anthrax vaccine is
      the protective antigen (PA) unit of the binary toxin system. PA-specific
      antibodies neutralize anthrax toxins and protect against infection. Recent
      research has determined that in humans, only antibodies specific for particular
      determinants are capable of effecting toxin neutralization, and that the
      neutralizing epitopes recognized by these antibodies are distributed throughout
      the PA monomer. The mechanisms by which the majority of these epitopes effect
      neutralization remain unknown. In this report we investigate the process by which
      a human monoclonal antibody specific for the amino-terminal domain of PA
      neutralizes lethal toxin in an in vitro assay of cytotoxicity, and find that it
      neutralizes LT by blocking the requisite cleavage of the amino-terminal 20 kD
      portion of the molecule (PA(20)) from the remainder of the PA monomer. We also
      demonstrate that the epitope recognized by this human monoclonal does not
      encompass the (166)RKKR(169) furin recognition sequence in domain 1 of PA.

PMID- 22069753
TI  - Molecular analysis of the interaction of the snake venom rhodocytin with the
      platelet receptor CLEC-2.
AB  - The Malayan pit viper, Calloselasma rhodostoma, produces a potent venom toxin,
      rhodocytin (aggretin) which causes platelet aggregation. Rhodocytin is a ligand
      for the receptor CLEC-2 on the surface of platelets. The interaction of these two
      molecules initiates a signaling pathway which results in platelet activation and
      aggregation. We have previously solved the crystal structures of CLEC-2 and of
      rhodocytin, and have proposed models by which tetrameric rhodocytin may interact
      with either two monomers of CLEC-2, or with one or two copies of dimeric CLEC-2.
      In the current study we use a range of approaches to analyze the molecular
      interfaces and dynamics involved in the models of the interaction of rhodocytin
      with either one or two copies of dimeric CLEC-2, and their implications for
      clustering of CLEC-2 on the platelet surface.

PMID- 22069754
TI  - Monoclonal antibody therapies against anthrax.
AB  - Anthrax is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the spore-forming
      bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It not only causes natural infection in humans but
      also poses a great threat as an emerging bioterror agent. The lethality of
      anthrax is primarily attributed to the two major virulence factors: toxins and
      capsule. An extensive effort has been made to generate therapeutically useful
      monoclonal antibodies to each of the virulence components: protective antigen
      (PA), lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), and the capsule of B. anthracis.
      This review summarizes the current status of anti-anthrax mAb development and
      argues for the potential therapeutic advantage of a cocktail of mAbs that
      recognize different epitopes or different virulence factors.

PMID- 22069755
TI  - Population structure and genetic diversity of the Fusarium graminearum species
      complex.
AB  - The Fusarium graminearum species complex (Fg complex) consists of
      phylogenetically distinct species some of which cannot be discriminated based on
      their morphology. Their chemotypes and geographic distributions are dramatically
      different, and these highlight the challenges that Fusarium head blight (FHB)
      poses to plant disease specialists and plant breeders, thereby requiring that
      quarantine officials employ molecular diagnostic tools in their active
      surveillance programs. Molecular marker technologies play essential roles in
      species identification of the Fg complex, and they are being used widely to
      assess the genetic diversity of the clade. The utility, applicability and
      limitations of molecular methods for assessing the population structure and
      genetic diversity within the Fg complex are discussed with suitable examples.
      Knowledge gained from these studies will provide a baseline for monitoring
      changes in FHB pathogen diversity and mycotoxin potential over time, both of
      which are critical to the ultimate control and elimination of this economically
      devastating disease.

PMID- 22069756
TI  - Modes of action of microbially-produced phytotoxins.
AB  - Some of the most potent phytotoxins are synthesized by microbes. A few of these
      share molecular target sites with some synthetic herbicides, but many microbial
      toxins have unique target sites with potential for exploitation by the herbicide
      industry. Compounds from both non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbes are
      discussed. Microbial phytotoxins with modes of action the same as those of
      commercial herbicides and those with novel modes of action of action are covered.
      Examples of the compounds discussed are tentoxin, AAL-toxin, auscaulitoxin
      aglycone, hydantocidin, thaxtomin, and tabtoxin.

PMID- 22069757
TI  - Impact of the nature and size of the polymeric backbone on the ability of
      heterobifunctional ligands to mediate shiga toxin and serum amyloid p component
      ternary complex formation.
AB  - Inhibition of AB(5)-type bacterial toxins can be achieved by heterobifunctional
      ligands (BAITs) that mediate assembly of supramolecular complexes involving the
      toxin's pentameric cell membrane-binding subunit and an endogenous protein, serum
      amyloid P component, of the innate immune system. Effective in vivo protection
      from Shiga toxin Type 1 (Stx1) is achieved by polymer-bound, heterobifunctional
      inhibitors-adaptors (PolyBAITs), which exhibit prolonged half-life in circulation
      and by mediating formation of face-to-face SAP-AB(5) complexes, block receptor
      recognition sites and redirect toxins to the spleen and liver for degradation.
      Direct correlation between solid-phase activity and protective dose of PolyBAITs
      both in the cytotoxicity assay and in vivo indicate that the mechanism of
      protection from intoxication is inhibition of toxin binding to the host cell
      membrane. The polymeric scaffold influences the activity not only by clustering
      active binding fragments but also by sterically interfering with the
      supramolecular complex assembly. Thus, inhibitors based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)
      methacrylamide (HPMA) show significantly lower activity than polyacrylamide-based
      analogs. The detrimental steric effect can partially be alleviated by extending
      the length of the spacer, which separates pendant ligand from the backbone, as
      well as extending the spacer, which spans the distance between binding moieties
      within each heterobifunctional ligand. Herein we report that polymer size and
      payload of the active ligand had moderate effects on the inhibitor's activity.

PMID- 22069758
TI  - Chemical and metabolic aspects of antimetabolite toxins produced by Pseudomonas
      syringae pathovars.
AB  - Pseudomonas syringae is a phytopathogenic bacterium present in a wide variety of
      host plants where it causes diseases with economic impact. The symptoms produced
      by Pseudomonas syringae include chlorosis and necrosis of plant tissues, which
      are caused, in part, by antimetabolite toxins. This category of toxins, which
      includes tabtoxin, phaseolotoxin and mangotoxin, is produced by different
      pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae. These toxins are small peptidic molecules that
      target enzymes of amino acids' biosynthetic pathways, inhibiting their activity
      and interfering in the general nitrogen metabolism. A general overview of the
      toxins' chemistry, biosynthesis, activity, virulence and potential applications
      will be reviewed in this work.

PMID- 22069759
TI  - Role of the mannose receptor (CD206) in innate immunity to ricin toxin.
AB  - The entry of ricin toxin into macrophages and certain other cell types in the
      spleen and liver results in toxin-induced inflammation, tissue damage and organ
      failure. It has been proposed that uptake of ricin into macrophages is
      facilitated by the mannose receptor (MR; CD206), a C-type lectin known to
      recognize the oligosaccharide side chains on ricin's A (RTA) and B (RTB)
      subunits. In this study, we confirmed that the MR does indeed promote ricin
      binding, uptake and killing of monocytes in vitro. To assess the role of MR in
      the pathogenesis of ricin in vivo, MR knockout (MR(-/-)) mice were challenged
      with the equivalent of 2.5* or 5* LD(50) of ricin by intraperitoneal injection.
      We found that MR(-/-) mice were significantly more susceptible to toxin-induced
      death than their age-matched, wild-type control counterparts. These data are
      consistent with a role for the MR in scavenging and degradation of ricin, not
      facilitating its uptake and toxicity in vivo.

PMID- 22069760
TI  - Modified heat-stable toxins (hSTa) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli lose
      toxicity but display antigenicity after being genetically fused to heat-labile
      toxoid LT(R192G).
AB  - Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a major cause of diarrhea in
      humans and animals. Heat-stable (STa) and heat-labile (LT) enterotoxins produced
      by ETEC disrupt fluid homeostasis in host small intestinal epithelial cells and
      cause fluid and electrolyte hyper-secretion that leads to diarrhea. ETEC strains
      producing STa or LT are sufficiently virulent to cause diarrhea, therefore STa
      and LT antigens must be included in ETEC vaccines. However, potent toxicity and
      poor immunogenicity (of STa) prevent them from being directly applied as vaccine
      components. While LT toxoids, especially LT(R192G), being used in vaccine
      development, STa toxoids have not been included. A recent study (IAI, 78:316-325)
      demonstrated porcine-type STa toxoids [pSTa(P12F) and pSTa(A13Q)] elicited
      protective anti-STa antibodies after being fused to a porcine-type LT toxoid
      [pLT(R192G)]. In this study, we substituted the 8th, 9th, 16th, or the 17th amino
      acid of a human-type STa (hSTa) and generated 28 modified STa peptides. We tested
      each STa peptide for toxicity and structure integrity, and found nearly all
      modified STa proteins showed structure alteration and toxicity reduction. Based
      on structure similarity and toxic activity, three modified STa peptides:
      STa(E8A), STa(T16Q) and STa(G17S), were selected to construct LT(192)-STa(
      toxoid) fusions. Constructed fusions were used to immunize mice, and immunized
      mice developed anti-STa antibodies. Results from this study provide useful
      information in developing toxoid vaccines against ETEC diarrhea.

PMID- 22069762
TI  - The potential contributions of lethal and edema toxins to the pathogenesis of
      anthrax associated shock.
AB  - Outbreaks of Bacillus anthracis in the US and Europe over the past 10 years have
      emphasized the health threat this lethal bacteria poses even for developed parts
      of the world. In contrast to cutaneous anthrax, inhalational disease in the US
      during the 2001 outbreaks and the newly identified injectional drug use form of
      disease in the UK and Germany have been associated with relatively high mortality
      rates. One notable aspect of these cases has been the difficulty in supporting
      patients once shock has developed. Anthrax bacilli produce several different
      components which likely contribute to this shock. Growing evidence indicates that
      both major anthrax toxins may produce substantial cardiovascular dysfunction.
      Lethal toxin (LT) can alter peripheral vascular function; it also has direct
      myocardial depressant effects. Edema toxin (ET) may have even more pronounced
      peripheral vascular effects than LT, including the ability to interfere with the
      actions of conventional vasopressors. Additionally, ET also appears capable of
      interfering with renal sodium and water retention. Importantly, the two toxins
      exert their actions via quite different mechanisms and therefore have the
      potential to worsen shock and outcome in an additive fashion. Finally, both
      toxins have the ability to inhibit host defense and microbial clearance, possibly
      contributing to the very high bacterial loads noted in patients dying with
      anthrax. This last point is clinically relevant since emerging data has begun to
      implicate other bacterial components such as anthrax cell wall in the shock and
      organ injury observed with infection. Taken together, accumulating evidence
      regarding the potential contribution of LT and ET to anthrax-associated shock
      supports efforts to develop adjunctive therapies that target both toxins in
      patients with progressive shock.

PMID- 22069761
TI  - Passive and active vaccination strategies to prevent ricin poisoning.
AB  - Ricin toxin (RT) is derived from castor beans, produced by the plant Ricinus
      communis. RT and its toxic A chain (RTA) have been used therapeutically to arm
      ligands that target disease-causing cells. In most cases these ligands are cell
      binding monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). These ligand-toxin conjugates or
      immunotoxins (ITs) have shown success in clinical trials [1]. Ricin is also of
      concern in biodefense and has been classified by the CDC as a Class B biothreat.
      Virtually all reports of RT poisoning have been due to ingestion of castor beans,
      since they grow abundantly throughout the world and are readily available. RT is
      easily purified and stable, and is not difficult to weaponize. RT must be
      considered during any "white powder" incident and there have been documented
      cases of its use in espionage [2,3]. The clinical syndrome resulting from ricin
      intoxication is dependent upon the route of exposure. Countermeasures to prevent
      ricin poisoning are being developed and their use will depend upon whether
      military or civilian populations are at risk of exposure. In this review we will
      discuss ricin toxin, its cellular mode of action, the clinical syndromes that
      occur following exposure and the development of pre- and post-exposure approaches
      to prevent of intoxication.

PMID- 22069763
TI  - Role of phospholipase A(2) in retrograde transport of ricin.
AB  - Ricin is a protein toxin classified as a bioterror agent, for which there are no
      known treatment options available after intoxication. It is composed of an
      enzymatically active A-chain connected by a disulfide bond to a cell binding B
      chain. After internalization by endocytosis, ricin is transported retrogradely to
      the Golgi and ER, from where the ricin A-chain is translocated to the cytosol
      where it inhibits protein synthesis and thus induces cell death. We have
      identified cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) as an important factor in
      ricin retrograde transport. Inhibition of PLA(2) protects against ricin
      challenge, however the toxin can still be endocytosed and transported to the
      Golgi. Interestingly, ricin transport from the Golgi to the ER is strongly
      impaired in response to PLA(2) inhibition. Confocal microscopy analysis shows
      that ricin is still colocalized with the trans-Golgi marker TGN46 in the presence
      of PLA(2) inhibitor, but less is colocalized with the cis-Golgi marker GM130. We
      propose that PLA(2) inhibition results in impaired ricin transport through the
      Golgi stack, thus preventing it from reaching the ER. Consequently, ricin cannot
      be translocated to the cytosol to exert its toxic action.

PMID- 22069764
TI  - Overexpression of the Trichoderma brevicompactum tri5 gene: effect on the
      expression of the trichodermin biosynthetic genes and on tomato seedlings.
AB  - Trichoderma brevicompactum IBT 40841 produces trichodermin, a trichothecene-type
      toxin that shares most of the steps of its biosynthesis with harzianum A, another
      trichothecene produced by several Trichoderma species. The first specific step in
      the trichothecene biosynthesis is carried out by a terpene cylcase, trichodiene
      synthase, that catalyzes the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to trichodiene
      and that is encoded by the tri5 gene. Overexpression of tri5 resulted in
      increased levels of trichodermin production, but also in an increase in tyrosol
      and hydroxytyrosol production, two antioxidant compounds that may play a
      regulatory role in trichothecene biosynthesis, and also in a higher expression of
      three trichothecene genes, tri4, tri6 and tri10, and of the erg1 gene, which
      participates in the synthesis of triterpenes. The effect of tri5 overexpression
      on tomato seedling disease response was also studied.

PMID- 22069765
TI  - Tacit consent: the Church and birth control in northern Italy.
AB  - This article employs novel documentation to examine ways in which the Church's
      moral rules on contraception were (or were not) communicated to parishioners in a
      predominantly Catholic context in a period of rapid fertility decline: the
      diocese of Padua, in the northeastern Italian region of Veneto, during the first
      half of the twentieth century. The account is based on documents that have until
      now been overlooked: the moral cases discussed during the periodic meetings among
      Padua priests in the years 1916-58, and the written answers provided by priests
      in response to a question asked of them concerning their efforts to combat the
      limiting of births. This documentation reveals the limited effect on the
      reproductive behavior of the position of the Catholic Church against birth
      control.

PMID- 22069766
TI  - Human smuggling in Austria: a comparative analysis of data on smuggled migrants
      from former Yugoslavia and the Russian Federation.
AB  - This article provides a summary of the author's research on human smuggling in
      Austria comparing migrants from Former Yugoslavia and the Russian Federation. The
      project's primary intent was to collect more detailed information on migrants
      seeking asylum in Austria and their use of smuggling services to leave their home
      countries, including detailed information on demographics, force or threat of
      force by smugglers, routes and methods of transportation, costs of smuggling,
      payment methods, and deeper perceptual questions regarding the flight. Another
      central premise of the article discusses how current distinctions between human
      smuggling and human trafficking are arbitrary in many regards.

PMID- 22069767
TI  - "Foreign brides" meet ethnic politics in Taiwan.
AB  - A great number of women from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia recently arrived in
      Taiwan to marry men of lower social strata. Such an unusual pattern of migration
      has stimulated debates about the status and the citizenship of the new arrivals.
      This study analyzes Taiwanese responses toward these marriage migrants by using a
      national survey conducted in 2004. Three aspects of restrictive attitudes were
      tapped concerning these newcomers: (1) rights to work; (2) access to public
      health insurance; and (3) full citizenship. Immigrants from China were most
      opposed, compared to women with other origins (Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, and
      the US). The seemingly unrelated regression estimation regression results do not
      support the split labor market hypotheses, as marriage migrants do not appear to
      be economic threats toward members of the lower classes. In contrast, ethnic
      nationalism plays a key role in determining the natives' restrictive attitudes.
      The case of Taiwan represents a special genre, where ethnic politics selectively
      arouses the social rejection of women immigrants of certain origins.

PMID- 22069768
TI  - Partner selection and divorce in ethnic minorities: distinguishing between two
      types of ethnic homogamous marriages.
AB  - This article compares divorce risks according to marriage type. The common
      dichotomy between ethnic homogamous and ethnic heterogamous marriages is further
      elaborated by differentiating a third marriage type; ethnic homogamous marriages
      between individuals from an ethnic minority group and a partner from the country
      of origin. Based on the analysis of data concerning the Turkish and Moroccan
      minorities in Belgium, it has been confirmed that the divorce risk associated
      with these marriages is higher than that of other ethnic homogamous marriages.
      However, specific divorce patterns according to marriage type also indicate the
      importance of differences between the minority groups.

PMID- 22069769
TI  - Cultural dissimilarity and intermarriage. a longitudinal study of immigrants in
      Sweden, 1990-2005.
AB  - Intermarriage with natives is a key indicator of immigrant integration. This
      article studies intermarriage for 138 immigrant groups in Sweden, using
      longitudinal individual level data. It shows great variation in marriage patterns
      across immigrant populations, ranging from over 70 percent endogamy in some
      immigrants groups to below 5 percent in other groups. Although part of this
      variation is explained by human capital and the structure of the marriage market,
      cultural factors (values, religion, and language) play an important role as well.
      Immigrants from culturally more dissimilar countries are less likely to
      intermarry with natives, and instead more prone to endogamy.

PMID- 22069770
TI  - Decoupling migration effects from income effects on reproduction in Central
      American migrant-sending households.
AB  - Contemporary data for three Central American countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala,
      and Nicaragua) surveyed by the Latin American Migration Project were analyzed to
      determine if migration length and remittance transfers had an influence on
      fertility. The analysis was structured to separate societal influences on
      fertility attributable to migration from the income effects associated with
      remittance transfers. At the couple level, the odds that a birth would occur were
      negatively associated with an increase in U.S. remittance receipts and an
      increase in a wife's migration duration. However, no correlation was found
      between length of male migration and couple fertility.

PMID- 22069772
TI  - Contextualizing ethnic educational inequality: the role of stability and quality
      of neighborhoods and ethnic density in second-generation attainment.
AB  - This study examines the joint impact of neighborhood structure and ethnic density
      on the educational attainment of the second generation. Using second-generation
      samples and a majority reference sample from the Belgian Census, multi-level
      analysis yields the expected positive effects of neighborhood stability and
      quality and ethnic density on second-generation school completion. Reflecting the
      ethnic stratification of the Belgian housing market, majority residential
      concentration tends to coincide with high neighborhood stability and quality and
      high completion rates, whereas Moroccan concentrations overlap with low
      neighborhood quality, and low completion rates. For the Turkish and Italian
      second generation, neighborhood structure moderates ethnic density effects on
      school completion, in line with segmented assimilation. Our findings suggest
      distinct Moroccan, Turkish and Italian incorporation modes which reflect
      differential access to, and investments in ethnic versus mainstream social
      networks.

PMID- 22069771
TI  - The educational legacy of unauthorized migration: comparisons across U.S.
      immigrant groups in how parents' status affects their offspring.
AB  - This research compares several national-origin groups in terms of how parents'
      entry, legalization and naturalization (i.e., membership) statuses relate to
      their children's educational attainment. In the case of Asian groups, the members
      of which predominantly come to the United States as permanent legal migrants, we
      hypothesize (1) that father's and mother's statuses will be relatively homogenous
      and few in number and (2) that these will exert minimal net effects on second
      generation attainment. For Mexicans, many of whom initially come as temporary
      unauthorized migrants, we hypothesize (1) that parental status combinations will
      be heterogeneous and greater in number and (2) that marginal membership statuses
      will exert negative net effects on education in the second generation. To assess
      these ideas, we analyze unique intergenerational data from Los Angeles on the
      young adult members of second-generation national-origin groups and their
      parents. The findings show that Asian immigrant groups almost universally exhibit
      similar father-mother migration statuses and high educational attainment among
      children. By contrast, Mexicans manifest more numerous discrepant father-mother
      combinations, with those in which the mother remains unauthorized carrying
      negative implications for children's schooling. The paper discusses the
      theoretical and policy implications of the delays in incorporation that result
      from Mexican Americans needing extra time and resources compared to the members
      of other groups to overcome their handicap of marginal membership status (i.e.,
      being more likely to enter and remain unauthorized).

PMID- 22069773
TI  - Cognitive and language skills of Turkish children in Germany: a comparison of the
      second and third generation and mixed generational groups.
AB  - The paper compares several generational groups of Turkish children in Germany
      with respect to cognitive skills and German language skills at an early age.
      Empirically, children of inter-marriages outperform the other groups of Turkish
      children in both tests while children with a first generation mother and a second
      generation father score worse than all others. All group differences regarding
      children's cognitive skills can be explained by the families' socio-economic
      status and educational resources. In contrast, with respect to children's
      language skills also parents' endowment with receiving country specific resources
      (e.g., parental German language proficiency) needs to be taken into account.

PMID- 22069774
TI  - Acquisition of cross-ethnic friends by recent immigrants in Canada: a
      longitudinal approach.
AB  - This paper examines the development of inter-ethnic friendships between
      immigrants and Canadians. It uses longitudinal data from three waves of the
      Canadian LSIC survey, in which newly arrived immigrants were followed during the
      first 4 years of settlement. It is found that pre-migration characteristics play
      an important role in the development of inter-ethnic friendships: immigrants who
      arrive at a younger age and for economic reasons, as well as those who are highly
      educated and have a cross-ethnic partner at the moment of arrival, establish more
      inter-ethnic friendships over time. In addition, post-migration characteristics
      affect the formation of inter-ethnic friendships. Such friendships are more
      common among immigrants who embrace Canadian traditions and acquire the host
      country language, as well as among those who work in international settings and
      inhabit ethnically mixed neighborhoods. The effects of pre-migration
      characteristics are partially mediated by post-migration characteristics. Our
      findings point out that economic, cultural, and spatial integration are all
      conducive to inter-ethnic friendships.

PMID- 22069775
TI  - Early influences on mammary gland development, with Suzanne Fenton. Interview by
      Ashley Ahearn.

PMID- 22069776
TI  - Planting healthier indoor air.

PMID- 22069777
TI  - Fukushima health study launched.

PMID- 22069779
TI  - Advising parents in the face of scientific uncertainty: an environmental health
      dilemma.

PMID- 22069778
TI  - Stress-pollution interactions: an emerging issue in children's health research.

PMID- 22069780
TI  - Indoor PM pollution and elevated blood pressure: cardiovascular impact of indoor
      biomass burning.

PMID- 22069781
TI  - Children's exposure to PBDEs: binational comparison highlights dramatic
      differences.

PMID- 22069782
TI  - Hard ride: traffic-related pollution may alter heart function in urban cyclists.

PMID- 22069783
TI  - Pregnancy pause: extreme heat linked to shortened gestation.

PMID- 22069784
TI  - Abstracts of the 136th Annual Meeting of the American Neurological Association.
      September 25-27, 2011. San Diego, California, USA.

PMID- 22069785
TI  - [In discussion today: Prof. Klaus Hergan of the University Institute for
      Radiology in Salzburg (interview by Dr. Eva Maria Thiel)].

PMID- 22069786
TI  - Abstracts of the 21st ECCMID (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and
      Infectious Diseases)/27th ICC. Milan, Italy. May 7-10, 2011.

PMID- 22069787
TI  - [A broad portfolio of different topics. Prof. Hermann Helmberger, President of
      the 93rd German Roentgen Congress (interview by Florian Schneider)].

PMID- 22069788
TI  - [Cooperation between radiologists and hospitals - legal requirements in forming
      cooperation contracts - contract physician, consultant physician, attending
      physician and cooperating physician].

PMID- 22069789
TI  - Walter Hess-Nobel Prize for work on the brain.

PMID- 22069790
TI  - Abstracts of the 16th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.
      November 3-6, 2011. Shanghai, China.

PMID- 22069791
TI  - Abstracts of the 5th Joint Triennial Congress of the European and Americas
      Committees for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. October 19-22, 2011.
      Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

PMID- 22069793
TI  - Policy entrepreneurship in the development of public sector strategy: the case of
      London health reform.
AB  - The development of health policy is recognized as complex; however, there has
      been little development of the role of agency in this process. Kingdon developed
      the concept of policy entrepreneur (PE) within his 'windows' model. He argued
      inter-related 'policy streams' must coincide for important issues to become
      addressed. The conjoining of these streams may be aided by a policy entrepreneur.
      We contribute by clarifying the role of the policy entrepreneur and highlighting
      the translational processes of key actors in creating and aligning policy
      windows. We analyse the work in London of Professor Sir Ara Darzi as a policy
      entrepreneur. An important aspect of Darzi's approach was to align a number of
      important institutional networks to conjoin related problems. Our findings
      highlight how a policy entrepreneur not only opens policy windows but also yokes
      together a network to make policy agendas happen. Our contribution reveals the
      role of clinical leadership in health reform.

PMID- 22069792
TI  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alter the response of growth and nutrient uptake of
      snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to O3.
AB  - The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus mosseae on the responses
      to elevated O3 in growth and nutrition of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv
      Guangzhouyuan) were investigated. Exposure was conducted in growth chambers by
      using three O3 concentrations (20 (CF), 80 (CFO1) and 120 nL/L (CFO2); 8 hr/day
      for 75 days). Results showed that elevated O3 slightly impacted overall
      mycorrhizal colonization, but significantly decreased the proportional frequency
      of hypha and increased the proportional frequency of spores and vesicles,
      suggesting that O3 had significant effects on mycorrhizal structure. Elevated O3
      significantly decreased yield, dry mass and nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca and
      Mg) in both non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants. However, significant
      interactive effects were found in most variables due to that the reduction by O3
      in the mycorrhizal plants was less than that in the non-mycorrhizal plants.
      Additionally, AMF increased thoe concentrations of N, P, Ca, and Mg in shoot and
      root. It can be concluded that AMF alleviated detrimental effects of increasing
      O3 on host plant through improving plant nutrition and growth.

PMID- 22069794
TI  - Coordination processes and outcomes in the public service: the challenge of inter
      organizational food safety coordination in Norway.
AB  - In 2004 Norway implemented a food safety reform programme aimed at enhancing
      inter-organizational coordination processes and outcomes. Has this programme
      affected inter-organizational coordination processes and outcomes, both
      vertically and horizontally - and if so how? This article employs the concept of
      inter-organizational coordination as an analytical tool, examining it in the
      light of two theoretical perspectives and coupling it with the empirical
      findings. The argument presented is that the chances of strong coordination
      outcomes may increase if inter-organizational processes feature a clear division
      of labour, arenas for coordination, active leadership, a lack of major
      conflicting goals, and shared obligations.

PMID- 22069796
TI  - The National Right to Life Committee: its founding, its history, and the
      emergence of the pro-life movement prior to Roe v. Wade.
AB  - During the mid-1960s a few Catholic journals and individuals advised that a more
      active role should be taken in defeating abortion reform. In 1967 the National
      Conference of Catholic Bishops selected James Thomas McHugh, administrator of the
      United States Catholic Conference's Family Life Bureau, to guide its National
      Right to Life Committee (NRLC). Several pro-life organizations, including
      Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, emerged and affiliated with the NRLC
      national office. To appeal to a more broad-based, nonsectarian movement, key
      Minnesota leaders proposed an organizational model that would separate the NRLC
      from its founder. In early 1973 McHugh and his executive assistant, Michael
      Taylor, proposed a different plan, facilitating the NRLC's move to independence.

PMID- 22069795
TI  - Body, gender, and disease: the female breast in late imperial Chinese medicine.
AB  - This paper examines the diverse ways in which Chinese medical experts
      historically gendered breast disease as a female ailment. By comparing
      representations of the female breast from the "Imperially-Compiled Golden Mirror
      of Medical Learning (Yuzuan yizong jinjian, 1742)" to those from earlier and
      contemporary texts, this paper analyzes how breast disease was alternately
      categorized as an ailment of childbearing and as a disease rooted in pathological
      female emotion. Medical awareness of breast disease in men did somewhat challenge
      these connections between womanhood and disease. Nevertheless, medical
      illustrations of women helped to reinforce the idea that breast disease was a
      characteristically female problem.

PMID- 22069797
TI  - "Living monuments": Union veteran amputees and the embodied memory of the Civil
      War.

PMID- 22069798
TI  - D'Eichthal and Urbain's "Lettres sur la race noire et la race blanche": race,
      gender, and reconciliation after slave emancipation.
AB  - This article is a close reading of Gustave D'Eichthal and Ishmayl Urbain's
      Lettres sur la race noire et la race blanche (1839), written during the decade
      prior to the "second" French emancipation in 1848. The article argues that the
      hierarchical gendering of race described in the letters is reflective of
      metropolitan concerns about potential for social disorder accompanying slave
      emancipation in the French colonies. In arguing for social reconciliation through
      interracial marriage and its offspring, the symbolically charged figure of the
      mulatto, the authors deployed gendered and familial language to describe a stable
      post-emancipation society.

PMID- 22069799
TI  - Physiological fictions and the fin-de-siecle female brain.
AB  - An important area of French medical research in the first half of the nineteenth
      century was the supposedly anomalous, sensation-based functioning of the female
      brain (Drs. Voisin, Virey, Brachet, Briquet). This paper explores the late
      century resurgence of such theory around the question of whether women could
      support an intense advanced education. It examines the conflicted attitudes of
      four females, the novelists Rachilde, Georges de Peyrebrune and Daniel Lesuer,
      and a medical doctor, Georgette Dega, as they tried to resist or rationalize the
      dogma that saw the female as a mentally diminished male. The juxtaposition of
      medical and fictional texts demonstrates that the so-called "automatic"
      functioning of the female brain led to her being embodied, in the male mind, as a
      symbol of the dreaded unconscious.

PMID- 22069800
TI  - Industrious peasants in east and west: markets, technology, and family structure
      in Japanese and Western European agriculture.
AB  - Jan de Vries engages with Osamu Saito's discussion of Tokugawa Japan, in
      particular, his exploration of de Vries's concept of an industrious revolution
      for East Asia, which was published in this journal in 2010. The discussion bears
      on the ongoing debate over the timing and character of the Great Divergence, when
      advanced parts of Europe pulled ahead of Asia. de Vries argues that the
      constraint on the Japanese rural household to acquire and shed labour delayed the
      shift from supply-side industriousness to demand-motivated industriousness, which
      in turn meant that the Great Divergence was already in place before 1800.

PMID- 22069801
TI  - Climate change, conflict and development in Sudan: global neo-Malthusian
      narratives and local power struggles.
AB  - Dystopian accounts of climate change posit that it will lead to more conflict,
      causing state failure and mass population movements. Yet these narratives are
      both theoretically and empirically problematic: the conflict-environment
      hypothesis merges a global securitization agenda with local manipulations of
      Northern fears about the state of planetary ecology. Sudan has experienced how
      damaging this fusion of wishful thinking, power politics and top-down development
      can be. In the 1970s, global resource scarcity concerns were used locally to
      impose the fata morgana of Sudan as an Arab-African breadbasket: in the name of
      development, violent evictions of local communities contributed to Sudan's second
      civil war and associated famines. Today, Darfur has been labelled 'the world's
      first climate change conflict', masking the long-term political-economic dynamics
      and Sudanese agency underpinning the crisis. Simultaneously, the global food
      crisis is instrumentalized to launch a dam programme and agricultural revival
      that claim to be African answers to resource scarcity. The winners, however, are
      Sudan's globalized Islamist elites and foreign investors, whilst the livelihoods
      of local communities are undermined. Important links exist between climatic
      developments and security, but global Malthusian narratives about state failure
      and conflict are dangerously susceptible to manipulations by national elites; the
      practical outcomes decrease rather than increase human security. In the climate
      change era, the breakdown of institutions and associated violence is often not an
      unfortunate failure of the old system due to environmental shock, but a strategy
      of elites in wider processes of power and wealth accumulation and contestation.

PMID- 22069802
TI  - Navigating the AIDS industry: being poor and positive in Tanzania.
AB  - This article shows how poor people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania navigate a
      myriad of actors, agencies and organizations to obtain the aid they need to
      survive. It focuses on community-based organizations which establish networks of
      care through which people obtain care, treatment and financial support. A case
      study of a roadside town in Tanzania illustrates that these community-based
      networks of care - essential to the survival of many - are partly the product of
      the AIDS industry, which encourages the establishment of community-based
      organizations and voluntary service delivery rather than more formalized systems
      of care. Community-based organizations, however, are so poorly supported that
      they often deploy self-destructive strategies. The need to strategically navigate
      the AIDS industry creates tension and even conflict among HIV-positive activists,
      the people they represent and the wider community, which undermines rather than
      strengthens community-based interventions. Whilst the AIDS industry promises
      inclusion of HIV-positive people in the response to HIV/AIDS, it succeeds only
      partially, with the result that it may potentially do more harm than good.

PMID- 22069803
TI  - Abortion law reforms in Colombia and Nicaragua: issue networks and opportunity
      contexts.
AB  - This article analyses two instances of abortion law reform in Latin America. In
      2006, after a decades-long impasse, the highly controversial issue of abortion
      came to dominate the political agenda when Colombia liberalized its abortion law
      and Nicaragua adopted a total ban on abortion. The article analyses the central
      actors in the reform processes, their strategies and the opportunity contexts.
      Drawing on Htun's (2003) framework, it examines why these processes concluded
      with opposing legislative outcomes. The authors argue for the need to understand
      the state as a non-unitary site of politics and policy, and for judicial
      processes to be seen as a key variable in facilitating gender policy reforms in
      Latin America. In addition, they argue that 'windows of opportunity' such as the
      timing of elections can be critically important in legislative change processes.

PMID- 22069804
TI  - The spatial pattern of suicide in the US in relation to deprivation,
      fragmentation and rurality.
AB  - Analysis of geographical patterns of suicide and psychiatric morbidity has
      demonstrated the impact of latent ecological variables (such as deprivation,
      rurality). Such latent variables may be derived by conventional multivariate
      techniques from sets of observed indices (for example, by principal components),
      by composite variable methods or by methods which explicitly consider the spatial
      framework of areas and, in particular, the spatial clustering of latent risks and
      outcomes. This article considers a latent random variable approach to explaining
      geographical contrasts in suicide in the US; and it develops a spatial structural
      equation model incorporating deprivation, social fragmentation and rurality. The
      approach allows for such latent spatial constructs to be correlated both within
      and between areas. Potential effects of area ethnic mix are also included. The
      model is applied to male and female suicide deaths over 2002-06 in 3142 US
      counties.

PMID- 22069805
TI  - The veterinary medicine industry in Britain in the twentieth century.
AB  - Economic historians have focused research effort on accounting for the growth and
      significance of Britain's pharmaceutical industry, but little effort has so far
      been directed at the veterinary medicine industry, which formed an important part
      of the wider sector. This article addresses that gap. Factors responsible for
      that sector's relative insignificance until the 1950s included a general tendency
      to slaughter rather than to treat sick animals, the absence of advanced medicines
      until the innovation of sulpha drugs and antibiotics, and difficult relations
      with the wider pharmaceutical industry. Thereafter output of veterinary medicines
      increased dramatically, arising from an exponential growth in the demand for
      intensively farmed poultry meat. Since the 1980s a decline in the use of drugs in
      agriculture has caused the industry to concentrate on the health needs of
      domestic animals rather than those of livestock.

PMID- 22069806
TI  - Infant mortality and the health of survivors: Britain, 1910-50.
AB  - The first half of the twentieth century saw rapid improvements in the health and
      height of British children. Average height and health can be related to infant
      mortality through a positive selection effect and a negative scarring effect.
      Examining town-level panel data on the heights of school children, no evidence is
      found for the selection effect, but there is some support for the scarring
      effect. The results suggest that the improvement in the disease environment, as
      reflected by the decline in infant mortality, increased average height by about
      half a centimetre per decade in the first half of the twentieth century.

PMID- 22069807
TI  - Becoming farmers: opening spaces for women's resource control in Calakmul,
      Mexico.
AB  - Despite empirical findings on women's varied and often extensive participation in
      smallholder agriculture in Latin America, their participation continues to be
      largely invisible. In this article, I argue that the intransigency of farming
      women's invisibility reflects, in part, a discursive construction of farmers as
      men. Through a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods, including
      interviews with one hundred women in Calakmul, Mexico, I demonstrate the material
      implications of gendered farmer identities for women's control of resources,
      including land and conservation and development project resources. In particular,
      I relate the activities of one women's agricultural community-based organization
      and the members' collective adoption of transgressive identities as farmers. For
      these women, the process of becoming farmers resulted in increased access to and
      control over resources. This empirical case study illustrates the possibility of
      women's collective action to challenge and transform women's continued local
      invisibility as agricultural actors in rural Latin American spaces.

PMID- 22069808
TI  - Putting the market in its place: food security in three Mapuche communities in
      southern Chile.
AB  - This article analyzes the impact of state policies since the 1970s on household
      food security in several Mapuche communities in the Araucania region of Chile
      (Region IX). The author highlights key transformations in the national economy
      and food system and endeavors to link those to local phenomena, in particular the
      absorption of the local livelihood strategies and food systems into capitalist
      markets and the high incidences of food insecurity. The article concludes that a
      reconceptualization of macroeconomic and indigenous policies are required to
      rebuild the material and social foundations of rural Mapuche communities that
      provide the bases from which their inhabitants can reconstruct a mutually
      beneficial relationship with the broader Chilean society and avert the continued
      acceleration of tension and violence.

PMID- 22069809
TI  - Research notes from the underworld: the entry logs of the Rio de Janeiro Casa de
      Detencao, 1860-1969.
AB  - The Rio de Janeiro state archive's collection of entry logs for the city's
      central detention center, going back to the mid-nineteenth century, provides a
      rare glimpse into the lives of Rio's-and Brazil's-poor and working classes who
      otherwise left few written records behind. During the time when the institution
      maintained the entry logs, police exercised broad power to make arrests. Although
      relatively few detainees were ever prosecuted or even formally charged, the
      detention center kept detailed records of detainees' physical appearance, attire,
      home address, nationality, sex, affiliation, and so on, as well as information
      about any criminal charges. This article explores the wealth of empirical data
      that the entry logs provide. It also suggests how scrutinizing this type of
      document across time shows how record keeping itself changed, in turn affording
      researchers rare insight into the inner workings of modern Latin American
      society.

PMID- 22069810
TI  - One of the boys: Ammie Wilson's challenge to postwar ideals of femininity on the
      stock show circuit.

PMID- 22069811
TI  - Age of pension eligibility, gains in life expectancy, and social policy.
AB  - Canadians are living longer and retiring younger. When combined with the aging of
      the baby-boom generation, that means that the "inactive" portion of the
      population is increasing and there are concerns about possibly large increases in
      the burden of support on those who are younger. We model the impact of continued
      future gains in life expectancy on the size of the population that receives
      public pension benefits. We pay special attention to possible increases in the
      age of eligibility and the pension contribution rate that would maintain the
      publicly financed component of the retirement income security system.

PMID- 22069812
TI  - The redistributional impact of Canada's Employment Insurance Program, 1992-2002.
AB  - For a decade or so starting in the early 1990s, Canada's major income support
      programs underwent substantial reform. Meanwhile, the economy first lingered in a
      deep recession and then recovered with a period of strong growth. This paper
      focuses on how the distributional impact of Employment Insurance (EI) evolved
      during this period. We find that EI was strongly redistributive throughout the
      whole period with respect to the earnings of individuals, and somewhat less so
      for family income. But we also show that the distribution of benefits and
      contributions changed substantially over time, becoming less redistributive.
      Somewhat counter-intuitively, both the benefit and contribution sides of the
      program are shown to be redistributive, even though the contribution structure is
      regressive. These findings are relevant in the current context, as the economy
      struggles with a combination of high unemployment and fiscal pressures on
      government spending.

PMID- 22069814
TI  - Hopi Indian witchcraft and healing: on good, evil, and gossip.

PMID- 22069813
TI  - Governance and sustainability at a municipal scale: the challenge of water
      conservation.
AB  - Municipal water conservation is increasingly promoted as a key dimension of
      environmental sustainability at the municipal scale. Progress toward municipal
      water conservation in Canada has, however, been poor. This paper examines the
      governance dimension of water conservation, and presents evidence in support of
      the argument that conservation efforts on the part of water utilities (and
      sometimes municipalities) are often constrained by factors external to their
      jurisdiction. To explore these issues, this paper presents a case study of
      municipal water conservation in Canada. The analysis identifies governance
      related barriers to water conservation and explores the relationship between
      these barriers and broader issues stemming from the multi-scalar, fragmented
      nature of environmental governance in Canada.

PMID- 22069815
TI  - Cherokee adaptation to the landscape of the west and overcoming the loss of
      culturally significant plants.

PMID- 22069816
TI  - Blood vessel disease linked to dementia. Strategies that protect blood vessels
      also fight aging-related memory loss.

PMID- 22069818
TI  - Angioplasty via wrist artery safe, effective. U.S. doctors are turning to the
      radial artery for angioplasty.

PMID- 22069817
TI  - Ask the doctor. My 69-year-old husband has had cardiomyopathy and diabetes for
      several years. Lately his ankles are always swollen. At his last doctor's visit,
      my husband's cardiologist said his heart has leaky valves and his ejection
      fraction is 10%. What would be the best plan for him?

PMID- 22069819
TI  - The smartphone will see you now. "Apps" and devices are turning cell phones into
      tools for health.

PMID- 22069820
TI  - More to the story than alcohol=heart protection.  Studies showing that alcohol
      protects the heart raise questions about drinking.

PMID- 22069821
TI  - Nature trumps nurture for heart disease.

PMID- 22069823
TI  - Repeat "zaps" often needed to stop atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22069822
TI  - Water exercise safe for troubled hearts.

PMID- 22069824
TI  - Ask the doctor.  I had a pacemaker implanted a few months ago.  I am planning to
      join a gym to get back some strength in my arms and upper body, but I am afraid
      of damaging the wires with some of the presses and pull down movements I would
      have to do to work out on the gym's machines.  Are there any exercises or
      movements I should avoid?

PMID- 22069825
TI  - Ask the doctor. My 61-year-old mother plans to take a long plane trip. Her legs
      usually become swollen when she flies a long distance. Should she wear elastic
      stockings or take any other precautions so she doesn't develop a blood clot in
      her legs?

PMID- 22069826
TI  - Ask the doctor. My blood pressure has wide swings each day. It can go as high as
      210/110 with even minor stress like grocery shopping, then fall to 100/50, which
      makes me tired and needing rest. I take 15 mg of isosorbide dinitrate and a slow
      release nitrate for angina. I also take 10 mg of atenolol (Tenormin) to slow my
      heart rate. My doctor says I'm just a "reactive person." My diet is excellent,
      and I try to keep active. Could my adrenal glands have anything to do with this?

PMID- 22069827
TI  - [Reduced (bioavailability of) nitric oxide as a cause of adverse prognosis in
      anaemic patients].

PMID- 22069828
TI  - [Comment on the article "ECG in childhood: what the cardiologist for adults
      should know" by Bronzetti et al].

PMID- 22069830
TI  - [Remembering William B. Kannel: pioneer in cardiovascular epidemiology].

PMID- 22069831
TI  - Introduction--the First IEEE Conference on Healthcare Informatics, Imaging, and
      Systems Biology HISB'11.

PMID- 22069832
TI  - The role of Reviews. Preface.

PMID- 22069833
TI  - "Ideal" practice helps this FP thrive.

PMID- 22069834
TI  - Colon cleansing: not dangerous if done right.

PMID- 22069835
TI  - [Progress of the clinical laboratory as applied to gynecology and obstetrics.
      1956].

PMID- 22069836
TI  - Louise Andreas-Salome: at the high noon of culture, in the shadows of
      psychoanalysis.

PMID- 22069837
TI  - [Contributions to the progress in Mexico of gynecological pathology. Summary of
      10 years (1946-1956). 1956].

PMID- 22069838
TI  - [Clinical utility of the dosage of ovarian hormones. 1956].

PMID- 22069839
TI  - The 800-pound gorilla: state lawmakers are trying to cut costs so the program
      will survive, even when millions more are added to the rolls.

PMID- 22069840
TI  - The technology promise: widespread use of electronic medical records promises to
      transform health care. But can we afford it?

PMID- 22069841
TI  - Got milk? Awareness of the health benefits and cost savings of breastfeeding
      continues to spread.

PMID- 22069842
TI  - The reach of free speech: recent rulings make it tough to nail down the
      boundaries of protected speech and other thorny state-federal issues.

PMID- 22069843
TI  - Evaluation techniques for paretic vertical strabismus.
AB  - Vertical strabismus can be associated with paretic or restrictive causes. Paretic
      causes may be due to a weak muscle or paresis, or to a total lack of muscle
      function caused by a third, fourth or sixth cranial nerve palsy. When examining a
      patient with vertical strabismus, it is paramount that we differentiate between a
      restricted cause and paretic cause. This paper discusses the nonsurgical
      techniques used in evaluating paretic vertical strabismus. There are no easy
      methods, and evaluation techniques can vary depending on the cooperation of the
      patient. It is essential to look at versions and ductions, pattern strabismus,
      measure in all positions of gaze and evaluate torsion. We know that measuring
      strabismus, especially in children can be challenging. Afew different tests and
      techniques are discussed. A review of the literature regarding the different
      evaluation techniques for vertical strabismus were collated and analyzed.

PMID- 22069844
TI  - Management of paretic vertical deviations.
AB  - Paretic vertical deviations are characterized by complex patterns of incomitance
      that make them some of the most challenging strabismus problems to treat. Optimum
      results are obtained by performing surgery on those muscles, selected from among
      the eight cyclovertical muscles in the two eyes, that minimize the incomitance.
      In superior oblique paresis the additional factors of torticollis and torsion
      need to be addressed and aberrant regeneration can alter the surgical plan in
      third nerve paresis.

PMID- 22069845
TI  - Situational restriction: using your physical exam to differentiate pulley
      abnormalities from other vertical deviations secondary to restrictive conditions.
AB  - The description of the orbital pulley system has changed the way we understand
      eye movements and ocular motility disorders. The presence of abnormalities in the
      orbital pulley system can complicate the assessment of vertical restrictive
      conditions. The standard tests for restriction are reviewed. These include
      version and duction testing, assessing saccades, differential intraocular
      pressure measurements, forced duction testing, and forced generation testing. We
      introduce the concept of situational restriction and how to look for it during
      your physical exam. Situational restriction is a limitation of ocular rotation
      that is dependent on the path that is taken to try to arrive at a tertiary
      position of ocular rotation. Specifically, it shows noncommutative movement that
      breaks Listing's Law. The presence of situational restriction denotes that a
      pulley abnormality is present.

PMID- 22069846
TI  - Management of vertical ocular deviations secondary to restrictive conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Management of vertical strabismus secondary to
      restrictive conditions can be challenging for both the patient and practitioner.
      The purpose of this paper is to identify both common and uncommon causes of
      vertical restrictive strabismus, to discuss the evaluation of these conditions,
      and to briefly review the etiology and recommendations for surgical management.
      METHOD: Current literature was reviewed as well as the surgical techniques that
      have been found to be most useful from experience over the past twenty years of
      practice. CONCLUSION: Surgical realignment and elimination of diplopia is both
      challenging and problematic. Surgery should be designed to relieve restriction,
      with attention to identifying and managing incomitance. Furthermore, it is
      important to establish realistic goals with patients.

PMID- 22069847
TI  - Vertical Deviations Secondary to Supranuclear Origins.
AB  - A vertical deviation is a relatively common finding in a pediatric ophthalmology
      and adult strabismus practice. Fortunately, vertical deviations secondary to
      supranuclear entities occur somewhat less frequently, given the neuro- logical
      implications associated with many of them. Because of the lower incidence of
      supranuclear vertical deviations, they can easily be overlooked or misdiagnosed
      if special care is not taken in its evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to
      assist the clinician in recognizing vertical deviations specific to supranuclear
      disorders, the associated findings, and the diagnostic tools geared toward them.

PMID- 22069848
TI  - Surgical treatment of vertical ocular motility disorders of supranuclear origin.
AB  - Vertical ocular motility disorders of supranuclear origin can be congenital or
      acquired later in life. They produce complex forms of strabismus that require
      specialized surgical management to restore ocular alignment, eliminate
      torticollis, treat diplopia, and restore normal lid position. For each condition,
      surgical management must be individualized to address multiple impediments to
      fusion. This article outlines the surgical management of three common types of
      supranuclear vertical strabismus.

PMID- 22069849
TI  - Evaluation of vertical deviations secondary to anatomical abnormalities.
AB  - Vertical strabismus secondary to anatomical abnormalities includes orbital
      anomalies leading to rotation of the extraocular muscle cone, converting the
      horizontal rectus muscles from adductors and abductors to elevators and
      depressors. Craniofacial syndromes also may include anomalous or absent muscles,
      simulating paretic strabismus. Abnormal musculature is also a cause of vertical
      strabismus. Included in this category is Brown syndrome and Duane retraction
      syndrome. Unusual strabismus that does not fit known patterns may be caused by
      anatomical anomalies. High axial myopia can lead to the "heavy eye syndrome" in
      which elevation is progressively more limited. Anti-elevation syndrome is caused
      by previous strabismus surgery, causing a Brown syndrome-like clinical picture
      with additional pseudo-overaction of the contralateral inferior oblique. Imaging
      studies are useful in determining the etiology of atypical strabismus and
      developing a treatment plan.

PMID- 22069850
TI  - Management of vertical deviations secondary to other anatomical abnormalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To review the surgical management of five vertical
      strabismus syndromes secondary to anatomical abnormalities. These syndromes are:
      1) craniosynostosis; 2) "heavy eye syndrome" of high myopia; 3) Brown syndrome;
      4) upshoot-downshoot in Duane retraction syndrome (DRS); and 5) antielevation
      syndrome after inferior oblique anteriorization. METHODS: The syndromes are
      presented from evolving to well-accepted surgical management practices based on
      review of the current literature. RESULTS: Surgical management techniques
      discussed include: 1) excyclotorsion of the muscle cones inducing elevation in
      adduction craniosynostosis, and surgery to stabilize the globe vertically in
      adduction in this situation; 2) loop myopexy to prevent prolapse of the
      elongated, highly myopic eye posteriorly between the superior and lateral recti;
      3) superior oblique tenotomy and lengthening procedures to address inability to
      elevate the adducted eye in Brown syndrome; 4)Y-splitting of the lateral rectus
      to stabilize the adducted globe vertically in Duane retraction syndrome; and 5)
      re-recession of the anteriorized inferior oblique to a position posterior to the
      inferior rectus insertion in anti-elevation syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The surgeon
      can, through careful surgical management techniques, alter the form of anatomy in
      these conditions and thereby provide more normally functioning binocular systems.

PMID- 22069851
TI  - Evaluation of vertical deviations secondary to other causes.
AB  - Distinguishing the cause of a vertical deviation can be important for management.
      When surgery is being considered, it is also critical to distinguish a true
      hypertropia from a dissociated vertical deviation (DVD). This paper reviews the
      clinical manifestations of DVD, true hypertropia, and primary oblique muscle
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22069852
TI  - Treatment of vertical deviations secondary to other causes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of vertical deviations secondary to
      other causes can be difficult and treatment approaches may vary. The purpose of
      this discussion is to present surgical treatment options for the management of
      vertical deviations secondary to other causes including dissociated vertical
      deviation, primary inferior oblique overaction, superior oblique overaction, and
      nonspecific eccentric gaze hypertropia with diplopia. RESULTS: Surgical treatment
      of vertical deviations secondary to other causes is beneficial to patients.
      Treatment approaches may vary depending upon patient circumstances and surgeon
      preference. Side effects and complications from surgery to manage these
      conditions can occur but are usually of minor significance and not vision
      threatening. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of vertical deviations secondary to other
      causes is effective and results usually satisfactory.

PMID- 22069853
TI  - Symposium: vertical strabismus: evaluating the highs and lows.

PMID- 22069854
TI  - A false start in the race against doping in sport: concerns with cycling's
      biological passport.
AB  - Professional cycling has suffered from a number of doping scandals. The sport's
      governing bodies have responded by implementing an aggressive new antidoping
      program known as the biological passport. Cycling's biological passport marks a
      departure from traditional antidoping efforts, which have focused on directly
      detecting prohibited substances in a cyclist's system. Instead, the biological
      passport tracks biological variables in a cyclist's blood and urine over time,
      monitoring for fluctuations that are thought to indirectly reveal the effects of
      doping. Although this method of indirect detection is promising, it also raises
      serious legal and scientific concerns. Since its introduction, the cycling
      community has debated the reliability of indirect biological-passport evidence
      and the clarity, consistency, and transparency of its use in proving doping
      violations. Such uncertainty undermines the legitimacy of finding cyclists guilty
      of doping based on this indirect evidence alone. Antidoping authorities should
      address these important concerns before continuing to pursue doping sanctions
      against cyclists solely on the basis of their biological passports.

PMID- 22069856
TI  - [Guidelines, homeopathy, placebo].

PMID- 22069855
TI  - [About the article: diagonal earlobe crease, clinical curiosity or ischemic
      cardiopathy marker?].

PMID- 22069857
TI  - [Jerusalem syndrome].

PMID- 22069858
TI  - Imaging vignette: scimitar syndrome.

PMID- 22069859
TI  - Securing today's campus.

PMID- 22069860
TI  - Five reasons why your people are in danger.

PMID- 22069861
TI  - Can sports kill you?

PMID- 22069862
TI  - Improving personal risk assessments.

PMID- 22069863
TI  - Making sense of electrical PPE.

PMID- 22069864
TI  - Engage to go from good to great.

PMID- 22069866
TI  - Banking on bipartisanship.

PMID- 22069865
TI  - Optimizing programs under OSHA's new initiatives.

PMID- 22069867
TI  - Intelligent hearing protection: a primer.

PMID- 22069868
TI  - Words of wisdom.

PMID- 22069869
TI  - Triple play.

PMID- 22069870
TI  - Putting real-time information to good use.

PMID- 22069871
TI  - Gas detection programs of the future.

PMID- 22069872
TI  - Little changes solve big pain problems.

PMID- 22069873
TI  - How to manage ergonomics champions at the grassroots level.

PMID- 22069874
TI  - No business like snow business.

PMID- 22069875
TI  - Water filtration snuffs dust hazards.

PMID- 22069876
TI  - Lockout/tagout today, tomorrow, and beyond.

PMID- 22069877
TI  - Higher leadership math.

PMID- 22069878
TI  - A salute to the nation's first hospice.
AB  - There is great honor in being the first hospice in America. This distinction
      belongs to The Connecticut Hospice (TCH) of Branford, Connecticut. This
      commendable organization was born in 1974, only two years after Elisabeth Kubler
      Ross, M.D. testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging at the first
      Congressional hearings on the previously taboo subject of death and dying in
      America. I had the honor of helping to produce those hearings.

PMID- 22069879
TI  - Hospice payment reform: a look into the future.
AB  - This article incorporates findings from the first phase of a Hospice U-shaped
      Modeling Project conducted by Simione Consultants that were presented on July 14
      at the 17th Annual NAHC Financial Management Conference & Exposition in San
      Diego, CA, by Robert Simione and Theresa M. Forster. SPECIAL NOTE: The National
      Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and its affiliated Hospice Association
      of America (HAA) extend special thanks to the agencies that volunteered to
      participate in the hospice payment modeling study referenced in this article, and
      particularly to Robert Simione, Jared Shure Michael Simione, and Kaitlyn Quada of
      Simione Consultants, LLC, for their significant contributions to advancing
      knowledge of the potential impact of hospice payment reform.

PMID- 22069880
TI  - Modification to hospice CAP computation: opportunities and considerations.

PMID- 22069881
TI  - Hospice: an evolution in end-of-life care.

PMID- 22069882
TI  - High tech to high touch: my journey to becoming a hospice volunteer.

PMID- 22069883
TI  - Nurses lead the way: bringing home the benefits of hospice.

PMID- 22069884
TI  - Living well at the end of life: a national conversation.

PMID- 22069885
TI  - Private duty's role in hospice care.

PMID- 22069886
TI  - Challenges intensify pressures on not-for-profit agencies.

PMID- 22069887
TI  - Pain: the hidden culprit behind challenging behaviors of those with Alzheimer's.

PMID- 22069888
TI  - Mad as hell.

PMID- 22069889
TI  - A tribute to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

PMID- 22069890
TI  - [Atopic thumb. Fungus? No, gameboy!].

PMID- 22069891
TI  - [Consciousness disorder of unknown origin. These signs point to the diagnosis].

PMID- 22069892
TI  - [Septic arthritis. Only rapid therapy saves the cartilage].

PMID- 22069893
TI  - [Naturopathy consultation. Sinusitis].

PMID- 22069894
TI  - [Recipe for success against warts. Keratolysis, antiviral therapy and especially
      motivation (interview by Dr. Judith Neumaier)].

PMID- 22069895
TI  - [COPD: smoker's cough? No, life-threatening!].

PMID- 22069896
TI  - [Epidemiology and diagnosis of COPD].

PMID- 22069897
TI  - [Pharmacotherapy of COPD].

PMID- 22069898
TI  - [Supportive measures in the management of COPD].

PMID- 22069899
TI  - [Emergency checklist: Priapism].

PMID- 22069900
TI  - [Methotrexate-related deaths in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

PMID- 22069901
TI  - Leading the last great civil rights battle ...

PMID- 22069902
TI  - Riding the age wave: how America can stay afloat and enjoy the ride.

PMID- 22069904
TI  - Signs of great service.

PMID- 22069903
TI  - Home care: a nursing adventure in caring and love.

PMID- 22069905
TI  - Limited restrictions equal unlimited care.

PMID- 22069906
TI  - Your patient with Alzheimer's is being hospitalized: how can you help?

PMID- 22069907
TI  - A crisis of debts and confidence: how home care can help.

PMID- 22069908
TI  - [Sixty years already...always a bright future before us, with you!].

PMID- 22069909
TI  - [I want the process of cooperation to be simplified, better structured and more
      legible].

PMID- 22069910
TI  - [The emancipation of nursing care over the years].
AB  - The emancipation of nursing care over the years. The definition of an autonomous
      nursing role in 1978, professional regulations in 1993, the 2002 nursing acts
      decree, prescribing rights in 2007, etc., these are the significant dates in the
      evolution of nursing practice. At the same time, training has moved from a two
      year course in 1951 to a three-year university degree in 2009.

PMID- 22069911
TI  - [A century in which a common identity and professional recognition emerged].
AB  - A century in which a common identity and professional recognition emerged. The
      professional history of nurses has evolved significantly, from the nun to the
      medical assistant with expertise in nursing care. This evolution has resulted in
      the recognition of an autonomous professional identity. Over the course of the
      last century, nursing moved from a vocation to a profession. The story continues.

PMID- 22069912
TI  - [The transformation of equipment for nursing care].
AB  - The transformation of equipment is shaping the evolution of nursing care. The
      provision of nursing care and the administration of treatment prescribed by the
      doctor require the use of a range of medical devices and equipment. Skilled in
      their use, the nurse must practise medical devices vigilance. Different memories
      and perspectives on the recent history of equipment which has strongly influenced
      the evolution of nursing care.

PMID- 22069913
TI  - [From the disorganization of care to the support of nursing sciences].
AB  - From the disorganisation of care to the support of nursing sciences. The early
      communal wards providing shelter for the poor led to the development of mass
      care. The emergence of concepts regarding the provision of care, combined with
      the increasing demands of patients in terms of quality and safety inspired a more
      individualised approach to nursing care. The evolution of determining healthcare
      factors will lead to new organisations within which nursing sciences will have a
      role to play.

PMID- 22069914
TI  - [Nurses' notes, a tool which reflects quality of care].
AB  - Nurses' notes, a tool which reflects the quality of care. Originally, nurses
      passed on knowledge and actions verbally. Theorists then developed care models
      which emerging nursing schools taught their students. Tools for writing down and
      passing on information were created, refined and adapted to meet the evolutions
      of society. As the main thread of nursing notes, clinical reasoning guides the
      implementation of the care given.

PMID- 22069915
TI  - [Half a century history of nurses and working women].
AB  - Half a century of history of nurses and working women. A historian's perspective
      of a professional group considers firstly the context, to understand what
      distinguishes it from other groups. The remarkable aspect of the history of
      nurses over the last half century is that they are predominantly women. It is
      therefore interesting to determine if the evolution of this profession and its
      practitioners, as noted in research, has any correlation with the history of the
      country's female population in general.

PMID- 22069916
TI  - [The evolution of initial training over the last sixty years].
AB  - The evolution of initial training over the last sixty years. Nursing training,
      over the last sixty years, has followed the social evolutions of our country.
      Professionals express a strong need for recognition. The 2009 training reference
      framework could be expected to radically change the nursing profile. An
      assessment of this programme should enable us to consolidate or modify training
      to meet users' needs.

PMID- 22069917
TI  - [Nurses and nursing care research].
AB  - Nurses and nursing care research. Nursing practice is fundamentally a work of
      creation. Unique, singular, appropriate and helpful to the patient, every act of
      care aims to take root in the subtle fertile soil of the nursing art. A base
      which, in all humility, invites caregivers to demonstrate curiosity and a
      critical mind with regard to their practices. At Toulouse university hospital,
      research into nursing care has been consolidating practices for more than fifteen
      years.

PMID- 22069918
TI  - [The different perspectives of young professionals].
AB  - The different perspectives of young professionals. Young graduate nurses or
      nursing students, they are the future of the nursing profession. They will take
      up the baton in order to meet the nursing needs of today and tomorrow. They will
      write the next chapter in the history of their profession. Even if some are
      unable to project themselves into the future, having to focus on the present
      demands of their daily lives as caregivers, they are all clear on their
      motivation to provide care.

PMID- 22069919
TI  - [Handling a claim or complaint].
AB  - Handling a claim or a complaint. Any user of a healthcare institute can lodge a
      complaint with the Commission for Relations with Users and Quality of Care. This
      organisation's mission is to inform patients or their family of their rights, to
      seek conciliation between different parties and to improve care within the
      institute.

PMID- 22069920
TI  - [Psychologist-nurse, a rewarding collaboration].
AB  - Psychologist-nurse, a rewarding collaboration. The collaboration between nurses
      and psychologists is relatively recent within healthcare institutes. Gaining
      maximum value from such a collaboration requires solid knowledge of the roles and
      the limits of each profession as well as a real desire to work together, for the
      benefit of the greater well-being of the patient and, indirectly, of the teams.

PMID- 22069921
TI  - [Nurse home visits in France].
AB  - Nurse home visits in France. More and more nurses carry out home visits, either
      as freelance nurses or employees of a nurse home visits service, a home hospital
      care structure or a nursing care centre. These home visits are both demanded by
      patients and encouraged by the health authorities. As a consequence, the service
      is expanding every year.

PMID- 22069922
TI  - A day at the emergency department.

PMID- 22069923
TI  - [Nursing care of the heart arrest patient].

PMID- 22069924
TI  - [Psychosomatic disorders].

PMID- 22069925
TI  - [Training for blood transfusions].

PMID- 22069927
TI  - Defining critical safety behaviors in a point-of-view video observation study of
      tree fallers at work.
AB  - This study aimed to characterize the use of five critical safety behaviors by
      tree fallers at different skill levels, and to test the feasibility of using a
      helmet camera to observe work activities directly in a remote environment. Small
      cameras were mounted on standard hard-hats. Video data were obtained for pairs of
      fallers at four different skill levels, from beginning students to professional
      fallers. Critical action steps during tree episodes were coded and compared.
      Critical action steps for fallers were successfully distinguished during work
      activities. Notable differences were observed among fallers in different skill
      categories and between individual fallers. This study found that the helmet
      camera worked well for observing faller work behavior, and that point-of-view
      video observation may be used to evaluate student loggers and training programs.
      We also found that professional fallers may have been exposed to increased
      hazard; care should be observed with helmet cameras designed for professionals.

PMID- 22069926
TI  - A quantitative method for estimating dermal benzene absorption from benzene
      containing hydrocarbon liquids.
AB  - This study examines a method for estimating the dermal absorption of benzene
      contained in hydrocarbon liquids that contact the skin. This method applies to
      crude oil, gasoline, organic solvents, penetrants, and oils. The flux of benzene
      through occluded skin as a function of the percent vol/vol benzene in the liquid
      is derived by fitting a curve to experimental data; the function is supralinear
      at benzene concentrations < or = 5% vol/vol. When a liquid other than pure
      benzene is on nonoccluded skin, benzene may preferentially evaporate from the
      liquid, which thereby decreases the benzene flux. We present a time-averaging
      method here for estimating the reduced dermal flux during evaporation. Example
      calculations are presented for benzene at 2% vol/vol in gasoline, and for benzene
      at 0.1% vol/vol in a less volatile liquid. We also discuss other factors
      affecting dermal absorption.

PMID- 22069928
TI  - Association between biofuel exposure and adverse birth outcomes at high altitudes
      in Peru: a matched case-control study.
AB  - Nearly one-third of the Peruvian population burns biofuels for cooking.
      Similarly, approximately one-third of this population lives at high altitudes.
      Cooking with biofuels and living at high altitudes have been implicated in
      adverse perinatal outcomes. This study attempted to determine the risk of low
      birth weight (LBW) and/or preterm delivery in relation to biofuel use in
      inhabitants at high altitudes in Peru. A matched-case study was performed in two
      high-altitude cities. All subjects (n=190) were identified from public-hospital
      records. Cases were matched by hospital by week of birth and area of residence.
      Cases were defined as: women with an at-term but LBW newborn; or women with a
      preterm birth. Adjusted conditional logistic regression analyses were used to
      determine odds ratio. Fifty-two percent of the cases used biofuel whereas only
      30% of the controls used biofuel. The use of biofuel for cooking was found to be
      strongly associated with increased risks of LBW, but was not significantly linked
      to preterm births.

PMID- 22069929
TI  - Exposure to lead from a storage site associated with intellectual impairment in
      Chilean children living nearby.
AB  - This study assesses the degree of impairment of children's IQ scores due to
      exposure to lead from a storage site. In 2005, we studied 192 children in
      Antofagasta, Chile, age 7-16 years who had been exposed to a lead storage site
      from birth until its removal in 1998. We used past (1998) and current (2005)
      blood lead levels as explanatory variables for IQ, which was measured once in
      2005 using the WISC-r test. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models
      were constructed, adjusting for potential confounders. Current blood lead level
      (BPb, 2005) was associated with a significant decrease in full-scale IQ (P value
      = 0.03), whereas blood lead level measured in 1998 (BPb, 1998) showed an inverse
      but not significant association with full-scale IQ (P value = 0.35). The findings
      provide evidence that exposure to an open source of environmental lead can exert
      an effect on IQ. Policy efforts should be targeted to prevent lead exposure to
      avoid children's intellectual impairment.

PMID- 22069930
TI  - The effectiveness of using interferon-gamma release assays in screening
      immigration employees for latent tuberculosis infection.
AB  - We assessed the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in immigration
      employees and compared two of the screening methods. Using a cross-sectional
      study design, we administered questionnaires regarding demographics, work,
      medical history, and tuberculosis risk factors to employees at two immigration
      facilities. Participants underwent tuberculin skin test (TST) placement and blood
      collection for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay. Fifty-four
      employees underwent QFT-GIT and TST placement. All QFT-GIT results were negative,
      and three employees tested TST positive. Twenty-three (49%) of 47 employees
      requiring two-step TST testing underwent second TST placement. Return rates for
      first and second TST reading were 76% and 74%, respectively. The QFT-GIT
      completion rate was higher than that for TST (100% vs. 39%, P < 0.001). Agreement
      between TST and QFT-GIT was 94%. Immigration employees had low return rates for
      their TST reading and second TST placement. Performing the one-visit QFT-GIT has
      administrative and logistical advantages in this occupational group.

PMID- 22069931
TI  - Worker-on-worker violence among hospital employees.
AB  - Violence toward hospital workers is an internationally recognized occupational
      hazard. While patients are frequently perpetrators of physical violence, other
      employees are often responsible for acts of nonphysical violence. However, few
      hospitals have systems for documenting and monitoring worker-on-worker violence.
      This study encompassed all incidents of worker-on-worker violence recorded by
      employees in a hospital system database over a six-year period. Incidence rates
      per 100 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and rate ratios (RR) were calculated by
      year, hospital, and job category. The majority (87%) of worker-on-worker
      incidents involved nonphysical conflict. The overall incidence rate was 1.65/100
      FTEs, ranging among the six hospitals from 0.54 to 3.42/100 FTEs. Based on
      multivariate analysis, no single professional group was at increased risk for
      worker-on-worker violence. Co-worker violence threatens the well-being of
      hospital employees and should be regularly tracked with other forms of workplace
      violence so that suitable intervention programs can be implemented and assessed.

PMID- 22069932
TI  - Violence prevention in a small-scale psychiatric unit: program planning and
      evaluation.
AB  - Aggression against nurses and ancillary personnel is a major--overall under
      reported--occupational problem in sociomedical facilities for psychiatric and
      demented patients. The frequency of violent incidents against workers in a
      residential rehabilitation unit was assessed during medical examinations in the
      workplace between 1996 and 2009. The majority of the workers had been subjected
      to physical aggression over time. A violence prevention program that included
      educational, organizational, and medical measures was implemented in 2002.
      Interrupted time series analysis showed that the aggression trend prior to
      intervention was flat (beta3 = -0.004; SD = 0.003; P = 0.241), while there was a
      significant drop in aggressions after the intervention (beta3, = -0.149; SD =
      0.018; P < 0.0001). No late increase in trend was observed in the post
      intervention period (beta3, = -0.006; SD = 0.004; P = 0.175). The program
      contributed to reducing violence in the workplace.

PMID- 22069934
TI  - Employability and HIV infection: can the military claim to be an exception?
AB  - To determine whether policies that exclude HIV-positive recruits from military
      service are scientifically and ethically justified, we reviewed the literature
      for evidence regarding their capacity to undertake rigorous exercise, the risks
      and benefits of exercise regimes, their risks from opportunistic infections and
      the extra burden of care, within military contexts. The literature suggests that
      HIV-infected persons with CD4 counts within the normal range have the exercise
      capacity and training benefits similar to uninfected persons. Subjects with
      modest CD4 depression are capable of moderate to strenuous exercise, without
      adverse consequences. Risks from opportunistic infections are mitigated with
      normal CD4 counts. Neurobehavioral impairment in asymptomatic HNV-positive
      patients is unlikely to reduce work capacity for most military occupations and
      can be easily identified by appropriate neurobehavioral testing. HIV testing
      alone is poorly predictive of competencies required for military employment.
      Testing should be used to promote access to care. Use for exclusionary purposes
      is discriminatory.

PMID- 22069933
TI  - A retrospective cohort study of lung cancer incidence in nylon flock workers,
      1998-2008.
AB  - During an investigation of a novel interstitial lung disease in a cohort of nylon
      flock workers, a former worker was found to have developed bilateral synchronous
      pulmonary adenocarcinomas three decades after he quit smoking, suggesting that
      exposures in this industry might pose excessive risk of lung cancer. We conducted
      a retrospective cohort study of lung cancer incidence in the original study
      cohort (n=162) from August 15, 1998, to August 14, 2008. The Rhode Island Cancer
      Registry identified cohort members with lung cancer and provided age-gender-era
      specific rates of lung cancer in Rhode Island. Five cases of lung cancer occurred
      among cohort members versus 1.61 cases expected for a standardized incidence
      ratio of 3.1 (95% CI, 1.01-7.23). The observed threefold increase in lung cancer
      incidence could not be readily ascribed to chance, study bias, or uncontrolled
      confounding. Workers in this industry should be notified of their potentially
      increased risk of lung cancer.

PMID- 22069936
TI  - Great aesthetic expectations.

PMID- 22069935
TI  - Gets AIDS and survive? The "perverse" effects of aid: addressing the social and
      environmental determinants of health, promoting sustainable primary care, and
      rethinking global health aid.

PMID- 22069937
TI  - Like an axe, tools of the trade need sharpening.

PMID- 22069938
TI  - Management of fluorosis macro- and microabrasion.

PMID- 22069939
TI  - Dentistry is challenging: cosmetic dentistry even more!

PMID- 22069940
TI  - Composites in a three-dimensional world.

PMID- 22069941
TI  - Eight steps all dentists need to know about refining their scrap.

PMID- 22069942
TI  - Lithium disilicate: masking discolored teeth.

PMID- 22069943
TI  - Quick technique for evaluation of interocclusal space.

PMID- 22069944
TI  - Case of the elusive MB2 canal.

PMID- 22069945
TI  - Technique for the temporization of an anterior implant.

PMID- 22069946
TI  - The "first implant": protocol for the GP part 2, utilizing CT guides.

PMID- 22069948
TI  - Managing temporomandibular dysfunction requires accuracy.

PMID- 22069947
TI  - Dental cements: an overview.

PMID- 22069949
TI  - The diode laser--the diode laser for gingivectomies in orthodontics.

PMID- 22069950
TI  - Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID): from molecular basis to clinical
      management.
AB  - Primary immune deficiency diseases (PID) comprise a genetically heterogeneous
      group of disorders that affect distinct components of the innate and adaptive
      immune system, such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, complement
      proteins, natural killer cells, as well as T and B lymphocytes. Severe combined
      immunodeficiency (SCID) is a group of disorders characterized by increased
      susceptibility to severe infections and early death. The diagnosis of SCID is
      supported by the demonstration of low absolute lymphocyte count and T cell
      lymphopenia (variably associated with numerical defects of B and NK cells). In
      the last two decades, advances in the characterization of the molecular
      pathophysiology of SCID, have permitted the development of novel diagnostic
      assays based on analysis of the expression of the disease-associated proteins and
      mutation analysis. More recently, pilot newborn screening programs for the
      identification of infants with SCID have been initiated in the United States.
      Prompt and aggressive treatment of infections, antimicrobial prophylaxis (in
      particular against Pneumocystis jiroveci) and regular administration of
      immunoglobulins are essential to reduce the risk of early death. However,
      survival ultimately depends on reconstitution of immune function, that is usually
      achieved by means of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Gene therapy and
      enzyme replacement therapy have also been used successfully is selected forms of
      SCID. Here we review the molecular and cellular pathophysiology and the mainstay
      of treatment of SCID.

PMID- 22069951
TI  - Prophylactic central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: the terms
      of the debate.
AB  - An increasing interest in the management of central neck lymph nodes in the
      surgical treatment of papillary thyroid cancer is observed. While is widely
      accepted that patients with clinically apparent lymph nodes metastases should
      undergo compartment-oriented neck dissection, controversy exists about the need
      for prophylactic central neck dissection. The main issues that have been raised
      are the following ones: the definition of the anatomic boundaries and terminology
      of central neck dissection, the value of the recommendations expressed by the
      most authoritative association, the arguments in favour and against the
      appropriateness of prophylactic neck dissection, the laterality of central neck
      dissection. This article aims at reviewing the literature on prophylactic central
      neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer in order to clarify some issues and
      to offer the reader a clear and concise overview of this complex debate.

PMID- 22069952
TI  - Care to relieve pain-stress in preterm newborns.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: A variety of non-pharmacological pain-prevention
      and relief techniques have been studied to evaluate the pain reduction in
      neonates. The aim of our study was to compare the analgesic effect of sucking a
      pacifier with the use of eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics (EMLA) during
      venipuncture in preterm newborns, using physiological and behavioural parameters
      as indicators of pain. METHODS: We analysed the reaction to invasive procedures
      in 17 preterm newborns. Our patients underwent repeated vein draws without pain
      relief, sucking a pacifier, after the application of EMLA; we also evaluated a
      group of patients approached for care without pricking. For each infant we
      recorded the average values of the physiological parameters at rest and after
      pain stimuli, behavioural conditions (crying or grimaces), number and time
      required for blood draw. RESULTS: The maximum heart rate values, respiratory
      rate, and the maximum respiratory rate values presented a statistically
      difference only between subjects that underwent vein draws compared to subjects
      without pricking (p < 0.01). Moreover, the SpO2 parameter presented a significant
      increase in the control group compared to the others (p = 0.024). Analysis
      ofbehavioural parameters shows that crying seems significantly related to the
      duration and number ofvenipunctures (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that
      pain stress is more closely related to the duration and number of venipuncture
      than pain relief methods. Our results suggest that limiting the number and
      duration of vein draws could help to reduce pain stresss in preterm newborns.

PMID- 22069953
TI  - Certolizumab: efficacy and safety profile of a novel pegylated TNF-alpha blocking
      agent.
AB  - The treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has changed since the introduction of
      biological agents. In particular, the anti Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha
      molecules have been the first group of drugs showing a good efficacy and safety
      profile. Among these, a new anti TNF-alpha antibody has been recently indicated
      for the treatment of RA: certolizumab pegol (CZP). In the main clinical trials
      this new pegylated anti TNF-alpha has shown to be efficacious on clinical,
      functional and prevention of structural damage in patients with active RA and
      with inadequate response to traditional disease modifying drugs, including
      methotrexate. Moreover CZP showed to be well tolerated and most adverse events
      occurred were mild or moderate. Therefore, results obtained showed that this new
      molecule can play a role in the treatment of RA.

PMID- 22069954
TI  - Clinical effectiveness of a highly standardized and bioavailable mixture of
      flavonoids and triterpenes in the management of acute hemorroidal crisis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Patients with acute haemorrhoidal crisis often
      need of an immediate and effective pharmacological approach to alleviate their
      pain, bleeding and swelling or have to be referred by the general practitioner to
      the surgeon for a definitive treatment. Effective and not invasive treatment
      control of the acute crisis could be of practical use in order to avoid or to
      delay invasive procedures to a time more convenient for the patient and/or for
      the surgeon. METHODS: After enrolling, according to the group treatment, every
      patient starts taking 1 tablet every 8 hours for 7 days of Emospid or 2 tablets
      every 8 hours for 7 days of MMDH tablets. According to a simplified PATE 2000
      classification, the following parameters were evaluated: haemorrhoidal grade,
      internal and external haemorrhoids, internal and external oedema, internal and
      external thrombosis, bleeding, bleeding intensity, pain, itching, defecation
      problems and urgency, tenesm, mucus in stools and sphinterial tone. RESULTS: In
      the Emospid group, within the considered period, 35 patients out 40 shift
      downwards of 1 grade of the haemorrhoidal scale (from III to II and from II to
      I); 22 out of 29 stop bleeding; bleeding intensity drops by about 90%; pain
      ceased in 33 out of38; pain intensity drops by about 75%; itching ceased in 25
      out 35; tenesm ceased in 32 out of 33; sphinterial tone reduced from hypertonic
      to normal in 19 out 24; mucus in the stools was found in 3 out of 12; 12 out 35
      still presented defecation disorders; defecation urgency was found in 2 out of
      14; need to defecate in 2 times was found in 1 out of 17; acute events (external
      and/or internal oedema, external and/or internal thrombosis) was found in 10 out
      of 36. In the MDHH group results were, in terms of global evaluation, inferior of
      about 25-50% according to the considered parameter when compared with the one got
      by the Emospid treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute haemorrhoidal crisis
      may be successfully treated with Emospid in order to avoid or to delay, if acute
      crisis relapsed, invasive procedures. Moreover, the treatment with Emospid shows
      to be more effective, if compared with MMDH, in counteracting acute haemorrhoidal
      crisis. (www.actabiomedica.it)

PMID- 22069955
TI  - Visceral ischaemia and organ dysfunction after hybrid repair of complex thoraco
      abdominal aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The visceral hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) is a
      feasible and relatively safe alternative to traditional open repair in a cohort
      of patients at high surgical risk, averting the need for thoracotomy and supra
      coeliac aortic cross clamping. The visceral ischaemia-reperfusion syndrome and
      organ dysfunction following visceral debranching is still unkown. This study
      investigates the relationship between visceral ischemia and multi system organ
      dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 18 consecutive patients undergoing elective,
      urgent and emergent hybrid repair of TAAAs between February 2005 and October 2007
      were prospectively analyzed. Preoperative organ dysfunction and intraoperative
      risk factors (operating time, extent of the aneurysm, number of visceral vessels
      by passed) were assessed and compared with postoperative organ dysfunction
      (pulmonary, hepatic, renal, pancreatic and haematological disorders). Blood
      sampling for neutrophil CD 11b quantification was performed at baseline, on
      postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and before discharge. RESULTS: Perioperative Multi
      System Organ Dysfunction (MSOD) was diagnosed in 22.2% of patients (n = 4/18).
      Three of these patients died within 30 days (16.7%, n = 3/18). No relationship
      between preoperative organ dysfunction, blood loss, or operative time and
      postoperative organ dysfunction was observed. A significant correlation between
      the visceral retrograde revascularization and postoperative neutrophil expression
      in MSOD patients regardless of preoperative neutrophil baseline, TAAA extent and
      number of vessels by passed was present. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of neutrophils
      may be responsible for the higher incidence of MSOD and it may be an important
      marker predicting a severe multiple organ failure following visceral debranching
      in hybrid procedures.

PMID- 22069956
TI  - Lichen sclerosus: a review of literature and a case of an atypic surgical
      treatment.
AB  - Lichen sclerosus is a chronic immuno-mediated skin disease of the genital region
      in men and women. The treatment may be pharmacological or surgical, the choice
      depending on the extension of the involved area, the histological pattern and the
      level of functional disease complained by the patient. If the biopsy is negative
      for neoplastic degeneration the treatment may be pharmacological only. In our
      paper, we describe the case of a patient with vulvar disease and labial fusion,
      burial of the clitoris and severe introital stenosis. In this case, the treatment
      was surgical.

PMID- 22069957
TI  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: take care to a "favourable"
      apparently evolution. A case report.
AB  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) caused by intraluminal
      thrombus organization and fibrous stenosis or complete obliteration of pulmonary
      arteries, is a not rare but life-threatening complication of acute pulmonary
      embolism. The prognosis of medically treated patients with CTEPH is poor and
      worsens as pulmonary hypertension exacerbates. We describe the case of a 43-years
      old with a history of progressive shortness of breath, hemoptysis, chest
      discomfort and syncope. Echocardiographic and imaging studies showed changes
      consistent with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Further work-up
      showed only moderate increase of homocysteine level with negative features for
      lupus and others primary thrombophilic disease. The patient was managed
      adequately with thrombolytic and inotropic therapy; oral anticoagulation was
      started with improvement of his clinical status and was screened for pulmonary
      thrombo endarterectomy, but he refused. The case presented despite its evolution
      'temporarily' positive perhaps related to the reduction of hemodynamic overload
      through bronchial arteries, reiterates the importance of early surgical
      intervention, before it establishes the hypertensive vasculopathy. Abnormal
      pulmonary function at rest and after exercise stress test associated to non
      invasive echocardiographic measurements are an excellent tool to identify the bad
      prognosis patients in CTEPH. We discuss the pathophysiology and conclude that in
      selected cases, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the best therapy, but only if
      executed early.

PMID- 22069958
TI  - Use of a diode laser in an excisional biopsy of two spoonlike neoformations on
      the tongue tip.
AB  - The 810 nm diode laser, due to its high affinity with haemoglobin (elective
      chromatophore) revealed, by itself, as elective instrument for surgical excision
      of the tongue, an organ highly vascularized and sensitive to the laser cutting
      action. The advantages for its use, with respect to the traditional cold blade
      surgery, are its haemostatic effect (which avoids to close wounds by stitches)
      and, not less important, the decontaminant effect of the laser ray, due to either
      the thermal raising created on cutting line and/or the specific selective action
      exerted on the bacterial membrane by its wavelength. Finally, the analgesic
      effect of the diode laser contributes to consider this kind of procedure more
      comfortable for the patient who often roundly requires its use.

PMID- 22069959
TI  - Desmoplastic fibroma of the mandible.
AB  - We report the imaging findings of a desmoplastic fibroma (DF) of the mandible in
      a 3 years old girl. DF of bone is a rare, no-metastasizing but locally aggressive
      tumor. Hypercellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic activity, and traces of
      odontogenic epithelium and bony tissue are absent. US exam showed a highly
      vascular and well delimited mass, with no necrotic/hemorrhagic areas. It appeared
      as a well-defined osteolytic region in RX and a multiloculated, hypodense mass,
      with no periosteal reaction signs, in CT scans. MRI showed hypointensity in T1w
      TSE sequence and hyperintensity both in T1w TSE SPIR and T2w ones with no
      restriction of the "apparent diffusion coefficient" (ADC). In conclusion,
      remaining histology the gold standard for the DF diagnosis, imaging features may
      strongly suggest it.

PMID- 22069960
TI  - A rare location of Crohn's disease: the nasal mucosa.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects both the
      small and large intestine in approximately 40% of cases, solely the ileum or the
      colon in 30% and 25%, respectively. The remaining locations of the
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract are involved in percentages ranging between 0.5 and
      5%. The appearance of the disease outside the GI tract is an exceptional event.
      In the present case, the authors report the history of a male patient suffering
      from CD involvement of almost the entire digestive system plus the nasal mucosa.
      This latter event emerged after repeated episodes of epistaxis, the
      demonstrations of histologic nasal features similar to those of intestinal CD,
      and the remission after treatment with beclomethasone. Since in literature less
      than a decade of cases of nasal location of CD was described, it is of prime
      importance to highlight that in CD patients, the occurrence of repeated episodes
      of epistaxis should prompt a consideration in the differential diagnosis of nasal
      location of the disease.

PMID- 22069961
TI  - Report of two cases of Castleman's Disease: a case of benign localized disease
      and a case of fast progressive multicentric disease.
AB  - Castleman's Disease is a rare tumour involving lymph node tissues; a case of
      benign localized disease and a case of rapid progressive multicentric disease are
      reported. Case report 1: A 19-year-old man presented with four months of
      hypogastric and left iliac pain. Castleman's Disease was suspected after CT-scan.
      A CT-guided fine-needle biopsy of the lesion was performed revealing hyaline
      vascular type Castleman's Disease. The patient underwent open surgery with
      radical excision of the lesion. No adjuvant therapy was performed after surgery.
      The patient is alive and disease-free after 24 months. Case report 2: A 58-year
      old woman presented with a right axillary palpable lymph node and vague abdominal
      discomfort. Abdomen CT demonstrated hepatosplenomegaly associated with adenopathy
      at the hepatic hilus and splenic hilus; dilatation of intra-hepatic biliary ducts
      was present. The axillary node was excised, the mass at hepatic hilus was
      biopsied. The diagnosis was Castleman's Disease in both sites. In course of
      steroid therapy retroperitoneal multiple nodes appeared associated with fast
      progressive mechanic jaundice and liver failure. Progressive multi-organ failure
      arose within 1 week, with irreversible clinical worsening to death.

PMID- 22069962
TI  - Hepatoprotective activity of a phytotherapeutic formula on thioacetamide--induced
      liver fibrosis model.
AB  - Hepatic fibrosis is a widespread alteration in the liver that primarily consists
      of increased collagen deposition in the tissue. The aim of the present study was
      to evaluate the protective effects of poly-phytocompound EH-1501 containing small
      amounts of silymarin but also other potentially effective substances on
      thioacetamide (TTA)-induced liver fibrosis and to elucidate the mechanisms
      underlying these protective effects in rats. Forty rats were randomly divided
      into four groups. Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 200
      mg/kg body weight. TAA dissolved in saline was administered thrice a week, for 8
      weeks. Groups 1 (normal healthy control) and 2 (liver injury model) received
      water for 8 weeks or silymarin (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 8 weeks (group 3) or a
      poly-phytocompound EH-1501 (containing grape leaf, wild strawberry, dandelion and
      milk thistle, EuroHealth, Italy) (200 mg/kg, daily respectively) for 8 weeks
      (group 4). Biochemistry and serum fibrosis markers were AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin,
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), hyaluronic acid and type IV
      collagen 7s. Liver tissue was used to assay glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
      catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), TBARs, hydroxyproline and gene
      expression of collagen alpha1 (col alpha1) and transforming growth factor-beta1
      (TGF-beta1). Silymarine and EH-1501 were equally effective in reducing serum
      markers of liver damage and fibrosis as well as oxidative stress. However, as
      compared to silymarine, EH-1501 was significantly more effective in improving
      tissue level of GPx while decreasing TBARs and hydroproline content (p < 0.05).
      When looking at gene expression of col alpha1 and TGF-beta1, EH-1501 showed a
      significantly higher degree of gene down-regulation as compared to silymarine (p
      < 0.05). Taken altogether, these data suggest that a natural antioxidant
      containing phytocompound EH-1501 exerts an effective hepatoprotective property in
      experimental chronic fibrotizing liver injury to a significantly higher degree
      than silymarin.

PMID- 22069963
TI  - [Preliminary clinical results of endoscopic discectomy followed by interbody
      fusion using B-Twin expandable spinal spacer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and significance of percutaneous
      endoscopic discectomy followed by interbody fusion using B-Twin expandable spinal
      spacer for degenerative lumbosacral disc METHODS: Between January 2007 and August
      2008, 21 patients with degenerative lumbosacral disc disease were treated with
      endoscopic discectomy followed by interbody fusion using B-Twin expandable spinal
      spacer. Among them, there were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 52
      years (range, 28-79 years). And the disease duration ranged from 3 months to 40
      years (median, 9 months). The affected segments included T11, 12, T12-L1, L1.2,
      and L2, 3 in 1 case respectively, L4, 5 in 4 cases, and L5, S1 in 13 cases. All
      patients had intractable low back pain or lower extremity radicular symptoms. The
      placement methods of B-Twin expandable spinal spacer were double sides in 15
      cases and single side in 6 cases. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Macnab
      grading were used to determine the function recovery after operation. And Suk's
      standard was used to determine the fusion effects by X-ray. RESULTS: All 21
      patients were followed up 18 months to 3 years (mean, 23.8 months). Sciatica
      symptoms disappeared after operation in 19 cases, no significant improvement
      occurred in 2 cases of thoracic disease. The ODI scores were 79% +/- 16% at
      preoperation, 30% +/- 9% at 1 month, 26% +/- 10% at 3 months, 21% +/- 12% at 6
      months, and 20% +/- 10% at 18 months after operation, showing significant
      differences between pre- and postoperation (P < 0.05). According to Macnab
      grading at 6 months postoperatively, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good
      in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 90.5%.
      According to Suk et al. standard, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in
      19 cases, and poor in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 95.2%. The muscle
      strength of the lower extremities had no improvement in 1 case of T11, 12 disc
      protrusion; pedicle screws fixation and decompression laminectomy were given
      after 6 months, but no improvement was achieved during follow-up. Protrusion
      recurred after 4 months in 1 case of L4, 5 disc protrusion, then was cured by
      laminectomy discectomy. The remaining patients achieved postoperative relief.
      CONCLUSION: Endoscope combined with interbody fusion is a good combination to
      solve lumbar instability. B-Twin expandable spinal spacer is a minimally invasive
      fusion choice of 4, 5 and L5, S1.

PMID- 22069964
TI  - [Microendoscopic decompression via unilateral approach for lumbar spinal
      stenosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of microendoscopic
      decompression via unilateral approach for lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS:
      Between May 2006 and June 2009, 79 patients with lumbar stenosis were treated and
      divided into 2 groups: posterior lamina fenestration decompression (group A, n =
      37), endoscopic decompression via unilateral approach (group B, n = 42). There
      was no significant difference in age, sex, segment level, and disease duration
      between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The clinical outcomes were assessed by using the
      visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The
      operation time, blood loss, complications were compared between 2 groups.
      RESULTS: Operations were successfully performed in all cases. The operation time,
      blood loss, and drainage volume were (75.0 +/- 25.7) minutes, (140.3 +/- 54.8)
      mL, and (46.5 +/- 19.7) mL in group A, were (50.4 +/- 18.2) minutes, (80.2 +/-
      35.7) mL, and (12.7 +/- 5.3) mL in group B; there were significant differences
      between 2 groups (P < 0.05). All the wounds healed by first intention. All
      patients were followed up 12-39 months (mean, 16 months). In group A, 1 patient
      suffered from intervertebral space infection after operation and recovered after
      conservative treatment; 4 patients had lumbar instability after operation and
      recovered after lumbar interbody fusion combined with spine system internal
      fixation. In group B, 2 patients suffered from spinal dural rupture during
      operation and recovered after corresponding treatment, and no lumbar instability
      was found. There was no significant difference in VAS score and ODI between 2
      groups at preoperation (P > 0.05). Both VAS score and ODI were significantly
      improved at early stage after operation and last follow-up when compared with
      preoperation in each group (P < 0.05). Comparing with group A, there was
      significant improvement in VAS score at 24 hours postoperatively and in ODI at 1
      month postoperatively in group B (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was
      observed at last follow-up (P > 0.05). According to clinical evaluation of ODI
      improvement rate, the excellent and good rate was 89.2% in group A and 92.9% in
      group B, showing no significant difference (chi2 = 0.896, P = 0.827). CONCLUSION:
      Comparing with posterior decompression surgery, microendoscopic decompression via
      unilateral approach is one of effective method to treat lumbar stenosis, with
      less trauma of fenestration yield and good early outcomes.

PMID- 22069965
TI  - [Analysis of effectiveness of interrupt percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
      through interlaminar approach for L5, S1 disc protrusion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of interrupt percutaneous endoscopy
      lumbar discectomy (PELD) through interlaminar approach for L5, S1 disc
      protrusion. METHODS: Between November 2006 and August 2010, 115 patients with L5,
      S1 disc protrusion were treated, including 79 males and 36 females with an
      average age of 38 years (range, 14-79 years). All patients showed the dominated
      symptom of the S1 nerve root. The working channel was established by puncturing
      through interlaminar approach under the local anesthesia. After the needle was
      used to make sure no nerve root or dural sac on working face, the disc tissue was
      excised directly by blind sight. Then the nerve root decompression was observed
      through the endoscope. In patients with free type, fragment compression was
      observed through the endoscope, and the disc tissue around the nerve roots was
      removed, then the free disc tissue around intervertebral space was excised.
      RESULTS: One patient who failed to puncture changed to miniopen discectomy; 3
      patients who failed changed to post lateral approach; and the others underwent
      interrupt PELD through interlaminar approach. Eighty patients were followed up 18
      months on average (range, 12-36 months). The average Oswestry Disability Index
      (ODI) was reduced to 13% +/- 5% at 12 months after operation and to 12% +/- 8% at
      last follow-up from 73% +/- 12% at preoperation, showing significant differences
      (P < 0.01). According to modified Macnab's criterion, the results were excellent
      in 59 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 3 cases at last
      follow-up, and the excellent and good rate was 92.5%. CONCLUSION: For the
      treatment of disc protrusion at the L5, S1 level, interrupt PELD through
      interlaminar approach should be ideal with short operation time, small trauma,
      and quick recovery.

PMID- 22069966
TI  - [Clinical observation of anterior bone graft fusion and internal fixation to
      treat adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis in one-stage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the method and effectiveness of anterior focus clearance
      with autograft bone fusion and internal fixation in treating of adjacent
      multivertebral tuberculosis in one-stage. METHODS: Between March 2007 and
      September 2009, 8 cases of thoracic vertebra tuberculosis were treated. Of 8
      cases, 6 were male and 2 were female, aged 32 years on average (range, 20-42
      years). The disease duration ranged from 8 to 14 months (mean, 10.2 months).
      Affected vertebrae included thoracic vertebrae in 35 cases and lumbar vertebrae
      in 11 cases; 5 vertebrae were involved in 4 cases, 6 vertebrae in 3 cases, and 8
      vertebrae in 1 case. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of
      grade C, 4 cases of grade D, and 2 cases of grade E. All patients had different
      kyphosis with the Cobb angle of (25.1 +/- 6.6) degrees. All patients received
      antituberculous therapy 4-6 weeks preoperatively; after complete clearance
      lesions, autograft bone fusion and internal fixation were performed, and then
      antituberculous therapy was given for 18 months. RESULTS: All incisions healed by
      first intention. Eight patients were followed up 18-48 months (mean, 29 months).
      According to JIN Dadi et al. criterion, 7 cases recovered after first operation,
      1 case of relapsed tuberculosis with sious was cured after re-focus clearance.
      The Cobb angle was (19.5 +/- 4.2) degrees at 7 days after operation and was (22.3
      +/- 3.6) degrees at last follow-up, showing significant differences when compared
      with the preoperative value (P < 0.05). The nerve function of all cases were
      classified as Frankel grade E. CT scan showed bone graft fusion at 6-8 months
      after operation. No loosening or displacement of grafted bone and internal
      fixation occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The treatment of adjacent
      multivertebral tuberculosis by anterior focus clearance, intervertebral
      autograft, and internal fixation in one-stage is effective. Anterior bone fusion
      and internal fixation in one-stage can correct kyphosis effectively and rebuild
      spinal stability, so it is a good choice for surgical treatment of adjacent
      multivertebral tuberculosis.

PMID- 22069967
TI  - [One-stage posterior debridement, bone graft, and internal fixation for thoracic
      tuberculosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and advantages of one-stage
      posterior debridement, bone graft, and internal fixation for thoracic
      tuberculosis. METHODS: The data were retrospectively analysed, from 21 cases of
      thoracic tuberculosis undergoing one-stage posterior debridement, bone graft, and
      internal fixation between June 2007 and November 2009. There were 16 males and 5
      females with an average age of 42.2 years (range, 22-73 years). The average
      disease duration was 13.2 months (range, 7-21 months). The lesions were located
      at the level of T5,6 (1 case), T6,7 (1 case), T8,9 (4 cases), T9,10 (3 cases),
      T10,11 (5 cases), T11,12 (6 cases), and T9-11 (1 case). According to the Frankel
      grading criterion, the neurological function was rated as grade B in 2 cases,
      grade C in 6 cases, grade D in 10 cases, and grade E in 3 cases. The preoperative
      Cobb angle was (26.3 +/- 9.2) degrees. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
      was (35.9 +/- 11.2) mm/1 hour. RESULTS: Thoracic tuberculosis was confirmed in
      postoperative pathological examination in all 21 cases. All incisions healed
      primarily without fistulae formation. The average follow-up time for 21 patients
      was 16.2 months (range, 1-3 years). Bony fusion was achieved within 7-12 months
      (mean, 9 months) without pseudoarthrosis. No loosening and breakage of internal
      fixation were found, and no local recurrence occurred. The ESR decreased to (25.1
      +/- 8.9) mm/1 hour at 1 week postoperatively, showing significant difference when
      compared with preoperative value (t = 5.935, P < 0.01); it decreased to (14.1 +/-
      4.6) mm/1 hour at 3 months postoperatively. According to Frankel grade, the
      neurological function was significantly improved at 1 year after operation (chi2
      = 13.689, P = 0.003). The average Cobb angle was (17.1 +/- 4.5) degrees at 1
      years postoperatively, showing significant difference when compared with
      preoperative value (t = 7.476, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: One-stage posterior
      debridement, bone graft, and internal fixation has a good clinical effectiveness
      for thoracic tuberculosis with less injury and complete focal cleaning, as well
      as a good effectiveness of spinal canal decompression and kyphosis deformity
      correction.

PMID- 22069968
TI  - [Debridement and allograft with internal fixation via combined anterior and
      posterior approach for treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of radical debridement,
      reconstruction with bone allograft, and pedicle screw-rod internal fixation via
      combined anterior and posterior approach in the treatment of lumbosacral
      tuberculosis. METHODS: Between January 2005 and May 2010, 16 patients with
      lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated. Radical debridement was performed via
      extraperitoneal approach, then tricortical iliac bone allograft was placed and
      pedicle screw-rod internal fixation was used to reconstruct the spinal column.
      There were 12 males and 4 females aged 38-65 years (mean, 48 years). The disease
      duration ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean, 10 months). The main clinical symptom
      was persistent pain in lumbosacral area. The involved segments included L4,5 (3
      cases), L5, S1 (8 cases), and l-S1 (5 cases). The lumbosacral angle was 18-32
      degrees (mean, 22 degrees). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 15-55
      mm/1 hour (mean, 25 mm/1 hour). All the patients were given antituberculosis
      chemotherapy for 12 months after operation. RESULTS: The operation time was 120
      240 minutes (mean, 180 minutes). The amount of bleeding was 300-600 mL (mean, 420
      mL). All wounds healed by first intention, and no relative complication occurred.
      All 16 cases were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 16 months). No recurrence
      occurred and ESR recovered to normal. Persistent pain in lumbosacral area and
      radicular pain in lower extremities disappeared. The X-ray films demonstrated
      that bony fusion was obtained in all patients at 8-12 months postoperatively. The
      lumbosacral angle was 16-31 degrees (mean, 21 degrees) at last follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: The extraperitoneal approach can provide direct and safe access to
      the lesion. The structural iliac bone allograft and posterior instrumentation
      could reconstruct effectively the stability of the lumbosacral junction.

PMID- 22069969
TI  - [Correlative factors of secondary fracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty for
      osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the correlative factors of secondary vertebral fracture
      after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral
      compression fracture (OVCF) at different levels (adjacent and/or nonadjacent
      levels). METHODS: Between December 2002 and May 2008, 84 patients with OVCF were
      treated with PKP, and the clinical data were analysed retrospectively. There were
      11 males and 73 females with an average age of 70.1 years (range, 55-90 years).
      All patients were followed up 24-96 months (mean, 38 months). Secondary vertebral
      fracture occurred in 12 cases at 3-52 months after PKP (secondary fracture
      group), no secondary fracture in 72 cases (control group) at over 24 months. The
      preoperative bone mineral density, postoperative vertebral height compression
      rate, postoperative Cobb angle, amount of injected bone cement per vertebra,
      puncture pathway (uni- or bilateral puncture), age, gender, number of fracture
      segment, and cement intradiscal leakage were compared between 2 groups to find
      correlative factors of secondary vertebral fractures. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference in preoperative bone mineral density, postoperative
      vertebral height compression rate, postoperative Cobb angle, amount of injected
      bone cement per vertebra, puncture pathway, age, gender, and number of fracture
      segment between 2 groups (P > 0.05). But the incidence of cement intradiscal
      leakage was much higher in secondary fracture group than in control group (chi2 =
      5.294, P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Cement intradiscal leakage may be the correlative
      factor of secondary vertebral fracture after PKP in OVCF.

PMID- 22069970
TI  - [Treatment of type IV Pipkin fracture through transtrochanteric approach with
      trochanteric osteotomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the short-term effectiveness of type IV Pipkin fracture
      through transtrochanteric approach with trochanteric osteotomy. METHODS: Between
      January 2007 and January 2010, 15 cases of type IV Pipkin fracture were treated
      through transtrochanteric approach with trochanteric osteotomy. There were 9
      males and 6 females with an average age of 42.5 years (range, 27-55 years). The
      causes of fractures included traffic accident (12 cases), falling from height (2
      cases), and heavy pound injury (1 case). The time from injury to hospitalization
      was 4 hours to 7 days (mean, 2.3 days). All patients had limitation of activity
      in the injured hips. The X-ray films and CT three-dimensional reconstruction
      indicated posterior dislocation of the hip joints and fractures of the femoral
      head and acetabulum, with no fracture of femoral neck. The locations of the
      femoral head fractures were under the round ligament in 9 cases and above the
      round ligament in 6 cases. Complications were treated firstly in all patients.
      The time from hospitalization to operation ranged from 2 to 10 days (mean, 4.5
      days). RESULTS: All patients got primary wound healing with no early
      complication. All the patients were followed up 12-48 months with an average of
      26 months. All osteotomies and acetabular fractures healed within 6 to 8 weeks.
      All patients achieved healing of femoral head fracture after 6-10 months. Mild
      heterotopic ossification occurred in 2 cases at 3 months after operation which
      were left untreated; and necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 1 case at 8
      months after operation, was treated by total hip arthroplasty. At last follow-up,
      the flexion of the injuried hips ranged from 60 to 120 degrees (mean, 92.5
      degrees). Based on Thompson et al. scoring scales, the results were excellent in
      5 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case; the excellent and
      good rate was 80%. CONCLUSION: Treatment of type IV Pipkin fracture through
      transtrochanteric approach with trochanteric osteotomy can provide good
      visualization and protection of the blood supply of the femoral head.

PMID- 22069971
TI  - [Femoral reconstruction in patients with proximal femoral deformity in total hip
      arthroplasty].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of the femoral reconstruction
      technique in patients with proximal femoral deformity in total hip arthroplasty.
      METHODS: Between March 2004 and June 2009, total hip arthroplasty procedures were
      performed on 25 patients (26 hips) with hip joint disease and proximal femoral
      deformity, including primary osteoarthritis of the hip joint (2 hips),
      developmental dysplasia of the hip (8 hips), traumatic arthritis of the hip (14
      hips), and tuberculosus arthritis of the hip (2 hips). There were 10 males (10
      hips) and 15 females (16 hips), with an average age of 64 years (range, 42-82
      years). The disease duration was 10 months to 25 years (mean, 10.6 years). The
      Harris score was 44.2 +/- 5.1, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was 45.0 +/- 2.7 before operation. According
      to Berry's classification system of primary disease, 8 hips were classified as
      developmental dysplasia of hip, 7 hips as malunion of fracture, 2 hips as chronic
      tuberculosis, 2 hips as slipped femoral epiphysis, 1 hip as previous
      subtrochanteric osteotomy, 1 hip as previous shelf operation of the acetabulum,
      and 5 hips as previous internal fixation; according to the anatomic site of the
      deformity, there were 5 hips of greater trochanter, 10 hips of femoral neck
      level, 10 hips of metaphyseal level, and 1 hip of diaphysis. RESULTS: All wounds
      healed by first intention. Deep venous thrombosis occurred in 3 patients within 1
      week, and were cured with braking and anticoagulant therapy. Bursal synovitis of
      great trochanter occurred in 1 patient after 6 weeks, and was eased after taking
      drugs for pain relief. All patients were followed up 1 year and 6 months to 6
      years, with an average of 3 years and 3 months. The Harris score and WOMAC score
      at last follow-up were 88.4 +/- 3.6 and 82.0 +/- 5.2 respectively, showing
      significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.05). The X
      ray films at last follow-up showed good location of prosthesis and no loosening
      expect 1 patient who had aseptic loosening and was given revision at 8 months
      postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Proximal femoral deformity classification will
      contribute to the choice of prosthesis and surgical strategy, thus the good
      results of femoral reconstruction and clinical results would be obtained.

PMID- 22069972
TI  - [Therapeutic effectiveness of intra-knee-articular injection of platelet-rich
      plasma on knee articular cartilage degeneration].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can enhance the chondrocyte proliferation
      and repair of cartilage defects. To explore the safety and efficacy of intra-knee
      articular injection of PRP to treat knee articular cartilage degeneration by
      comparing with injecting sodium hyaluronate (SH). METHODS: Thirty consecutive
      patients (30 knees) with knee articular cartilage degeneration were selected
      between January 2010 and June 2010. According to different injections, 30
      patients were randomly divided into PRP group (test group, n = 15) and SH group
      (control group, n = 15). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body
      mass index, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade between 2 groups (P > 0.05). Test group
      received 3.5 mL of PRP intra-knee-articular injections while control group
      received 2 mL of SH during the same time period. Both treatments were
      administered in series of 3 intra-knee-articular injections at 3-week intervals.
      Then, adverse reactions were recorded. International Knee Documentation Committee
      (IKDC) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index
      (WOMAC) score, and Lequesne index were used for evaluation of treatment results.
      RESULTS: The patients of 2 groups were followed up 6 months. There were
      significant differences in IKDC score, WOMAC score, and Lequesne index between
      pre- and post-injection in 2 groups (P < 0.05); no significant difference was
      found between different time points (3, 4, and 6 months) in test group (P >
      0.05), while significant differences were found between the postoperative 6th
      month and the postoperative 3rd and 4th months in control group (P < 0.05). There
      was no significant difference in IKDC score, WOMAC score, and Lequesne index
      between 2 groups within 4 months (P > 0.05), but the effectiveness of test group
      was significantly better than that of control group at 6 months after injection
      (P < 0.05). Adverse reactions occurred in 12 patients (31 injections) of test
      group and in 12 patients (30 injections) of control group. No significant
      difference in onset time, termination time, and duration of adverse reactions
      were found between 2 groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intra-knee-articular
      injection of PRP to treat knee articular cartilage degeneration is safe, which
      can alleviate symptoms of pain and swelling and improve the quality of life of
      patients; however, further data of large samples and long-term follow-up are
      needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness.

PMID- 22069973
TI  - [Multi-spot suture fixation under arthroscope for treating tibial intercondylar
      anterior eminence fracture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the surgical method and effectiveness of multi-spot suture
      fixation under arthroscope in treating tibial intercondylar anterior eminence
      fracture. METHODS: Between February 2006 and January 2010, 15 patients with
      tibial intercondylar anterior eminence fracture were treated with multi-spot
      suture fixation under arthroscope after fracture reduction. There were 14 males
      and 1 female with a median age of 33 years (range, 7-55 years). The injury causes
      were traffic accident in 9 cases, sport in 2 cases, and falling in 4 cases. The
      anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shift test in all the cases turned
      out to be positive. The Lysholm score was 64.7 +/- 1.3. According to Meyers
      McKeever classification, 5 cases were classified as type II, 7 cases as type III,
      and 3 cases as type IV. Of them, 13 cases had fresh fracture and 2 cases had old
      fracture. Assisted with anterior cruciate ligament-aimer, bone tunnels (2 mm in
      diameter) were built through the fracture fragments after fracture reduction,
      through which Ethibond 2 polyester sutures were guided into the joint by No.18
      spine needles; after knot of 2 sutures or knot of only 1 suture was made, the
      other ends of sutures were fastened together outside the joint. RESULTS: The
      incisions of all the cases healed by first intention with no complication of
      infection or deep venous thrombosis. Fifteen patients were followed up 14-48
      months with an average of 24.2 months. The X-ray examination indicated fractures
      healed in all the cases at 2-4 months (mean, 3 months). At 6 months after
      operation, 14 cases showed negative results of Lachman test and anterior drawer
      test but 1 case positive, while all the cases showed negative results in pivot
      shift test. The extension and flexion spheres of knee activity were normal in 13
      cases and were limited in 2 cases. The Lysholm score was 95.1 +/- 2.1, showing
      significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (t = 43.020, P =
      0.000). CONCLUSION: Multi-spot suture fixation under arthroscope is an effective
      method with small invasion, reliable fixation, and simple operation for treating
      tibial intercondylar anterior eminence fracture.

PMID- 22069974
TI  - [Comparison study on effectiveness between arthroscopy assisted percutaneous
      internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Schatzker types II
      and III tibial plateau fractures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopy assisted percutaneous
      internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Schatzker types II
      and III tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Between August 2006 and April 2010, 58
      patients with tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker types II and III were treated
      with arthroscopy assisted percutaneous internal fixation (arthroscopy group, n =
      38), and with open reduction and internal fixation (control group, n = 20). There
      was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, fracture type,
      and complication between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The operation time, incision
      length, fracture healing time, and complications were compared between 2 groups.
      Knee function score and the range of motion were measured according to American
      Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score standard. RESULTS: All patients achieved
      primary incision healing. The arthroscopy group had smaller incision length and
      longer operation time than the control group, showing significant differences (P
      < 0.05). The patients of 2 groups were followed up 12 to 14 months. At 6 months,
      the HSS score and the range of motion of the arthroscopy group were significantly
      greater than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The X-ray films showed bony
      union in 2 groups. The fracture healing time of the arthroscopy group was shorter
      than that of the control group, but no significant difference was found (t =
      2.14, P = 0.41). Morning stiffness occurred in 2 cases (5.3%) of the arthroscopy
      group, joint pain in 6 cases (30.0%) of the control group (3 cases had joint
      stiffness) at 1 week, which were cured after symptomatic treatment. There was
      significant difference in the incidence of complications between 2 groups (chi2 =
      6.743, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopy assisted percutaneous internal
      fixation is better than open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of
      tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker types II and III, because it has smaller
      incision length and shorter fracture healing time.

PMID- 22069976
TI  - [Effectiveness of microsurgical repair of flexor tendon rupture by non-knot
      Kessler suture method in anastomotic stoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness and advantages of the microsurgical
      repair of flexor tendon rupture with non-knot Kessler suture method in
      anastomotic stoma by comparing with the method of traditional Kessler suture.
      METHODS; Between February 2005 and February 2010, 122 patients (163 fingers with
      243 flexor digital tendons) with flexor tendon rupture, were treated with
      microsurgical repair by non-knot Kessler suture method (treatment group); flexor
      tendon was sutured, and sodium hyaluronate was used to repair tendon membrane,
      tendon sheaths, and the tissue surrounding tendons. The clinical data were
      analysed, and were compared with ones from 96 patients (130 fingers with 186
      flexor digital tendons) with flexor tendon rupture treated with traditional
      Kessler suture between February 2001 and February 2005 (control group). There was
      no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, injury site, duration,
      and other general information between 2 groups (P > 0.05). Kleinert elastic
      traction therapy (dynamic-protection) was performed at 3 weeks after surgery, and
      the finger function exercise was done after 24 hours. RESULTS: Infection of
      incision occurred in 2 cases of the treatment group and in 5 cases of the control
      group, and were cured after 2 weeks of dressing change; the other incisions
      healed by first intention. The patients were followed up 6 to 14 months (mean, 9
      months). In the treatment group, the total active movement (TAM) was (192.0 +/-
      13.1) degrees; the results were excellent in 54 cases, good in 58 cases, moderate
      in 8 cases, and poor in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 92%. In the
      control group, TAM was (170.0 +/- 15.2) degrees; the results were excellent in 23
      cases, good in 30 cases, moderate in 22 cases, and poor in 21 cases with an
      excellent and good rate of 55%. Significant difference in TAM was found between 2
      groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The microsurgical repair of flexor tendon with non
      knot Kessler suture method in anastomotic stoma with repair of tendon membrane,
      tendon sheaths, and the tissue surrounding tendons is more effective than the
      traditional Kessler suture, but long-term effectiveness still needs further
      observation.

PMID- 22069975
TI  - [Effectiveness of in situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft for subtalar
      traumatic arthritis and gait analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of in situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone
      graft for subtalar traumatic arthritis, and to analyse the plantar pressure
      distribution so as to provide the evidence for effectiveness evaluation. METHODS:
      Between March 2004 and December 2008, 26 patients with unilateral subtalar
      arthrodesis undergoing bone graft fusion were enrolled (test group). After
      operation, the imageology diversity and the effect of subtalar arthrodesis on
      adjacent joint were observed. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankel Society (AOFAS)
      ankle and hindfoot score and radiographs were used to assess the foot function
      before and after operation. Twenty-six normal subjects served as controls. Foot
      scan system was used to test the distribution of maximum plantar pressure and the
      change of gravity center curve. No significant difference was found in gender,
      age, height, and weight between 2 groups (P > 0.05). RESULTS: All patients were
      followed up 18.2 months on average (range, 14-71 months). The mean subtalar
      arthrodesis time was 5.6 months (range, 4 months and 15 days to 11 months). The
      mean AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score improved from 35.18 +/- 8.16 preoperatively
      to 76.36 +/- 6.90 postoperatively (t = -13.910, P = 0.000). Nine (34.6%) patients
      had satisfactory functional effects, and 13 (50.0%) patients basically
      satisfactory. The talocalcaneal height, talocalcaneal angle, talar declination
      angle, and calcaneus patch angle were 87.04% +/- 6.17%, 76.73% +/- 5.13%, 65.86%
      +/- 7.01%, and 70.19% +/- 8.33% of the contralateral side, respectively.
      Osteoarthritis of the adjacent joints occurred in 7 cases. The maximum plantar
      pressure increased in the third to fifth metatarsal bones and decreased in the
      first to second metatarsal bones, showing significant differences when compared
      with normal controls (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the
      plantar pressure between arthrodesis foot and contralateral foot of the test
      group (P > 0.05). The plantar pressure was well distributed in patient who was
      satisfied with the effect, but it was still different from normal controls. In
      patients who had high plantar pressure in middle foot, mild heel inversion
      occurred. The gravity center curve of the contralateral foot in the test group
      was almost the same as that of normal controls; curve medially shifted when
      forefoot touched down. The curve irregularly and laterally shifted in the
      subtalar arthrodesis foot; the curve did not medially shift when forefoot touched
      down. CONCLUSION: In situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft has good clinical
      results for subtalar traumatic arthritis. Gait analysis can be applied to assess
      the therapeutic effectiveness, and contribute to make a surgical plan. For the
      adaptive alteration of contralateral side after subtalar arthrodesis, a cohort of
      normal subjects should be used for comparison in gait analysis.

PMID- 22069977
TI  - [Effectiveness of a double-tsuge suture method in repairing Achilles tendon
      ruptures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a double-tsuge suture method with
      absorbable polydioxanone-cord (PDS-II) in repair of Achilles tendon ruptures.
      METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2008, 36 patients suffering from
      Achilles tendon ruptures were treated operatively. Of 36 patients, there were 29
      males and 7 females with a mean age of 36 years (range, 21-50 years), including
      22 cases of acute closed injuries, 6 cases of fresh open injuries (the time
      between injury and hospitalization was 1-10 days, mean 6 days), and 8 cases of
      old closed injuries (the time between injury and hospitalization was 43-63 days,
      mean 51 days). The injury reasons were sport injury (25 cases), incised injury (6
      cases), falling injury (4 cases), and other (1 case). The results of "heel test"
      and the Thompson sign were positive in all patients. Operation was performed by
      using a double-tsuge suture method with a No. 0 PDS-II. After the ankle joint was
      fixed with short leg plaster cast at 30 degrees plantar flexion position for 6
      weeks, the cast was removed and then functional exercises were done. RESULTS:
      Poor healing of incision occurred in 2 cases of old Achilles tendon ruptures and
      was cured after symptomatic treatment; healing of incision by first intention was
      achieved in the others. The patients were followed up 12 to 24 months (mean, 15
      months). No rerupture, deep venous thromboembolism, or reflex sympathetic
      dystrophy occurred during follow-up. When compared with the range of motion of
      ankle joint of normal side, 7 cases had no change, 16 cases had a loss of 1-10
      degrees, 12 cases had a loss of 10-20 degrees, and 1 case had a loss of 25
      degrees. The average score was 90 (range, 74-96) according to Termann clinical
      evaluation criterion; the results were excellent in 24 cases, good in 11 cases,
      and fair in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 97.2%. CONCLUSION: The
      double-tsuge suture method is easy-to-operate, which has the smallest
      interference to the blood supply of Achilles tendon because of no crossing or
      transversal intratendon suture. PDS-II can provide highly strong stability,
      furthermore, it can be degenerated completely with tiny foreign body reaction, so
      there is no tendency to develope local adhesion. This technique achieves good
      results and is associated with a low morbidity of complications.

PMID- 22069978
TI  - [Computer-aided precise resection of pelvic tumor and function reconstruction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of computer-aided design (CAD) in defining
      the resection boundary, reconstructing the pelvis and hip in patients with pelvis
      tumors. METHODS: Between November 2006 and April 2009, 5 cases of pelvis tumors
      were treated surgically using CAD technology. There were 3 males and 2 females
      with an average age of 36.4 years (range, 24-62 years). The cause was
      osteosarcoma, giant cell tumor of bone, and angiosarcoma in 1 case, respectively,
      and chondrosarcoma in 2 cases. According to the Enneking system for staging
      benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors, regions I, I + II, III, IV, and I +
      IV is in 1 case, respectively. According to the principle of reverse engineering,
      5 patients with pelvis tumors were checked with lamellar CT/MRI scanning, whose
      two-dimensional data were obtained in disease area. The three-dimensional
      reconstruction of pelvic anatomical model, precise resection boundary of tumor,
      individual surgical template, individual prosthesis, and surgical simulation were
      precisely made by computer with CAD software. Based on the proposal of CAD, the
      bone tumor was resected accurately, and allograft ilium with internal fixation
      instrument or allogeneic ilium with personalized prosthetic replacement were used
      to reconstruct the bone defect after tumor was resected. RESULTS: The operation
      was successfully performed in 5 cases. The average operation time was 7.9 hours,
      and the average blood loss was 3 125 mL. Hemorrhage and cerebrospinal fluid
      leakage occurred in 1 case, respectively, and were cured after debridement. Five
      patients were followed up from 24 to 50 months (mean, 34.5 months). All patients
      began non-weight bearing walk with double crutches at 4-6 weeks after operation,
      and began walk at 3-6 months after operation. Local recurrence developed in 2
      patients at 18 months after operation, and resection and radiotherapy were
      performed. According to International Society of Limb Salvage criteria for
      curative effectiveness of bone tumor limb salvage, the results were excellent in
      2 and good in 3. CONCLUSION: The individual surgical template, individual
      prosthesis, and surgical simulation by CAD ensure the precision and reliability
      of pelvis tumors resection. The CAD technology promotes pelvis tumor resection
      and the reconstruction of pelvis to individual treatment stage, and good curative
      effectiveness can be obtained.

PMID- 22069979
TI  - [Application of titanium plate and Teflon patch in chest wall reconstruction
      after sternal. tumor resection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the reconstruction method and effectiveness of titanium plate
      and Teflon patch for the chest wall after resection of sternal tumors. METHODS:
      Between October 2006 and November 2009, 4 patients with sternal tumors were
      treated and the thoracic cages were reconstructed. There were 2 males and 2
      females, aged 30-55 years. The patients were admitted because of chest lump or
      pain. The sizes of palpable lump ranged from 4 cm x 3 cm to 10 cm x 8 cm. CT
      examination showed bone destruction. After sternal tumor resection, defect size
      ranged from 10 cm x 8 cm to 18 cm x 14 cm, and titanium plate and Teflon patch
      were used to repair and reconstruct the chest wall defect. RESULTS: The
      operations of the tumor resection and reconstruction of chest wall defect were
      successfully performed in 4 cases. Incisions healed by first intention with no
      abnormal breath, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and infection. One case
      failed to be followed up after 6 months; 1 case died of intracranial hemorrhage;
      and 2 cases were followed up 1 and 4 years respectively without tumor recurrence.
      The chest wall had good remodeling. No loosening and exposure of titanium plate,
      difficulty in breathing, chest distress, and chest pain were observed during
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of sternal tumors will cause large
      chest wall defect which can be repaired by titanium plate and Teflon patch
      because it had the advantages of easy operation, satisfactory remodeling, and
      less complication.

PMID- 22069981
TI  - [Comparative study on different pedicles based sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate a best method of obtaining the sural
      neurofasciocutaneous flap by observing the models of different pedicles based
      sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps in rabbits and the effect of different pedicles
      on the survival of the flaps. METHODS: Forty adult New Zealand rabbits (male or
      female, weighing 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rabbits in
      each). The flaps of 7 cm x 1 cm were designed at the lateral hind legs, and the
      pedicle was 0.5 cm in length. In group A, the flaps were elevated based on a
      single perforator pedicle; in group B, the flaps were elevated based on fascia
      pedicle; in group C, the flaps were elevated based on perforator-plus fascia
      pedicle; and in group D, the flaps were elevated and sutured in situ. At 7 days
      after operation, the flap survival rate was recorded, and the blood flow in the
      center of the flap was monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry. The perfusion unit
      (PU) was measured. RESULTS: After operation, the flaps had no obvious swelling,
      and the flaps had good color at the proximal end, but pale at the distal end in
      groups A and B. Obvious swelling was observed with pale color at the distal flaps
      in group C, but swelling decreased gradually. However, the skin color became dark
      gradually in group D after operation. The flap survival rates were 74.0% +/-
      2.7%, 60.0% +/- 2.5%, 75.0% +/- 3.5%, and 0 in groups A, B, C, and D respectively
      after 7 days of operation. The PU values were 83.39 +/- 4.25, 28.96 +/- 13.49,
      81.85 +/- 5.93, and 8.10 +/- 3.36 in groups A, B, C, and D respectively. There
      were significant differences in flap survival rates and PU values between groups
      A, B, C and group D (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found between groups
      A, C and group B (P < 0.05), but no significant difference between group A and
      group C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The sural neurofasciocutaneous flap based on a
      single perforator pedicle has a reliable blood supply and enough venous drainage,
      which is one of the best methods to obtain the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap.

PMID- 22069980
TI  - [Reconstruction of severe contracture of the first web space and wrist by
      incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm transplantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the therapeutic effectiveness of incorporating pedicled
      retrograde flap of forearm transplantation for reconstructing severe contracture
      of the first web space and wrist. METHODS: Between November 2005 and February
      2010, 26 patients with severe contracture of the first web and wrist were
      treated. There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 27 years
      (range, 12-45 years). The locations were the right sides in 15 cases and the left
      sides in 11 cases. The injury reason included hot water scald in 7 cases,
      explosion hurt in 5 cases, traffic accident in 3 cases, hot pressing in 5 cases,
      and flame burns in 6 cases. The duration of scar contracture ranged from 6 to 26
      months with an average of 11 months. According to the evaluation standard by GU
      Yudong et al., all had severe contracture of the first web space, and concomitant
      injuries included adduction deformity thumb, limitation of the thumb extension
      and opposition function, and carpometacarpal flexion joint deformity. After scar
      contracture was released, the defect size ranged from 5.8 cm x 4.5 cm to 11.3 cm
      x 7.2 cm, which were repaired by the incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of
      forearm of 6.5 cm x 5.0 cm to 12.5 cm x 8.0 cm at size. The donor sites were
      directly sutured or repaired with skin graft. RESULTS: Blister and partial
      necrosis occurred at the distal end of the flaps in 2 cases, which were cured
      after dressing change. The other flaps survived and wounds healed by first
      intention. Incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. Twenty-six
      patients were followed up 6 to 24 months (mean, 15 months). The patients had
      functional recovery in thumb adduction and opposition at different degrees. At 6
      months after operation, according to the Swanson et al. AMA system for total
      thumb activity, the total thumb function was improved significantly, and
      according to Jensen et al. measurement, the width and angle of the first web
      space were significantly increased, all showing significant differences (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm
      transplantation for repairing severe contracture of the first web space and wrist
      could augment the first web space and improve the wrist flexible function.

PMID- 22069982
TI  - [An experimental study on effect of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nerve conduits on
      peripheral nerve regeneration in macaques].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nerve
      conduits for repairing radial nerve defect in Macaques. METHODS: Twelve adult
      Macaques weighing 3.26-5.35 kg were made the models of radial nerve defect (2 cm
      in length) and were randomly divided into 3 groups according to nerve grafting,
      with 4 Macaques in each group. Chitosan/PVA nerve conduit, non-graft, and
      autografts were implanted in the defects in groups A, B, and C, respectively. And
      the right radial nerves were used as normal control. At 8 months postoperatively,
      the general observation, electrophysiological methods, and histological
      examination were performed. RESULTS: At 8 months postoperatively, the regenerated
      nerve bridged the radial nerve defect in group A, but no obvious adhesion was
      observed between the tube and the peripheral tissue. The regenerated nerve had
      not bridged the sciatic nerve defect in group B. The adhesions between the
      implanted nerve and the peripheral tissue were significant in group C. Compound
      muscle action potentials (CMAP) were detected in group A and group C, and no CMAP
      in group B. Peak amplitude showed a significantly higher value in normal control
      than in groups A and C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference
      between groups A and C (P > 0.05). Nerve conduction velocity and latency were
      better in normal control than in groups A and C, and in group C than in group A,
      all showing significant differences (P < 0.05). The density of myelinated fibers
      in groups A and C was significantly lower than that in normal control (P < 0.05),
      but there was no significant difference between groups A and C (P > 0.05). The
      diameter and the myelin sheath thickness of the myelinated fibers in normal
      control were significantly higher than those in groups A and C, and in group C
      than in group A, all showing significant differences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      chitosan/PVA nerve conduits can promote the peripheral nerve regeneration, and
      may promise alternative to nerve autograft for repairing peripheral nerve
      defects.

PMID- 22069983
TI  - [A experimental study on transfecting human stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha
      and human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 genes into myoblasts in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the human stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (hSDF-1alpha)
      and human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165) mRNA expressions of
      the transfected cells after hSDF-1alpha gene and hVEGF165 gene were transfected
      into rat myoblasts in vitro so as to lay a foundation for further study on the
      synergistic effects of 2 genes on tissue engineered skeletal muscle
      vascularization. METHODS: The myoblasts of 1-day-old Sprague Dawley rats were
      cultured and purified by trypsin digestion assay in vitro and were identified by
      immunohistochemistry staining of Desmin. Approximately 70%-80% of confluent
      myoblasts were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-hSDF
      1alpha and EGFP-hVEGF165 genes in vitro (transfected group) and were not
      transfected (control group). The expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 mRNA and
      protein in the transfected cells were detected by RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot
      respectively. RESULTS: The cultured cells were identified as myoblasts by
      immunohistochemistry staining of Desmin. The expression of green fluorescent
      protein was observed in transfected cells, indicating that hSDF-1alpha and
      hVEGF165 genes were transfected into myoblasts successfully. The mRNA and protein
      expressions of the 2 genes were positive in the transfected group by RT-PCR and
      Western bolt assay at 2, 4, 6, and 8 days after transfection, and were negative
      in the control group. The expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 showed a stable
      low level in the control group, but the expressions of the proteins increased at
      2 days and then showed gradual downtrend with time in the transfected group by
      ELISA assay. There were significant differences in the expressions of hSDF-1alpha
      and hVEGF165 proteins between different time points in the transfected group, and
      between 2 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 genes are
      successfully transfected into myoblasts in vitro, and mRNA and proteins of hSDF
      1alpha and hVEGF165 can be expressed in the transfected myoblasts, which may
      provide the experimental evidence for the expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165
      mRNA and proteins in vivo successfully.

PMID- 22069984
TI  - [Effect of different number of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on growth of
      rat dorsal root ganglia in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as replacement cells of
      Schwann cells, can increase the effect of peripheral nerve repair. However, it
      has not yet reached any agreement to add the appropriate number of seeded cells
      in nerve scaffold. To investigate the effect of different number of BMSCs on the
      growth of rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG). METHODS: Three 4-week-old Sprague Dawley
      (SD) rats (weighing 80-100 g) were selected to isolate BMSCs, which were cultured
      in vitro. Three 1- to 2-day-old SD rats (weighing 4-6 g) were selected to prepare
      DRG. BMSCs at passage 3 were used to prepare BMSCs-fibrin glue complex. According
      to different number of BMSCs at passage 3 in fibrin glue, experiment was divided
      into group A (1 x 10(3)), group B (1 x 10(4)), group C (1 x 10(5)), and group D
      (0, blank control), and BMSCs were co-cultured with rat DRG. The axon length of
      DRG, Schwann cell migration distance, and axon area index were quantitatively
      evaluated by morphology, neurofilament 200, and Schwann cells S-100
      immunofluorescence staining after cultured for 48 hours. RESULTS: Some long cell
      processes formed in BMSCs at 48 hours; migration of Schwann cells and axons
      growth from the DRG were observed, growing in every direction. BMSCs in fibrin
      glue had the biological activity and could effect DRG growth. The axon length of
      DRG and Schwann cell migration distance in groups A, B, and C were significantly
      greater than those in group D (P < 0.05). The axon length of DRG and Schwann cell
      migration distance in group C were significantly less than those in group B (P <
      0.05), but there was no significant difference between group A and group C, and
      between group A and group B (P > 0.05). The axon area index in groups A and B was
      significantly greater than that in group D (P < 0.05), but there was no
      significant difference between group C and group D (P > 0.05); there was no
      significant difference in groups A, B, and C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In vitro
      study on DRG culture experiments is an ideal objective neural model of nerve
      regeneration. The effect of different number of BMSCs in fibrin glue on the
      growth of DRG has dose-effect relationship. It can provide a theoretical basis
      for the appropriate choice of the BMSCs number for tissue engineered nerve.

PMID- 22069985
TI  - [Effect of platelet lysate on chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical
      cord derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of platelet lysate (PL) on chondrogenic
      differentiation of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs)
      in vitro. METHODS: Umbilical cords were voluntarily donated by healthy mothers.
      The hUCMSCs were isolated by collagenase digestion and cultured in vitro. The
      surface markers of the cells were detected by flow cytometer. According to
      different components of inductive medium, the cultured hUCMSCs were divided into
      3 groups: group A [H-DMEM medium, 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 10%PL]; group
      B [H-DMEM medium, 10%FBS, 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1),
      1 x 10(-7) mol/L dexamethasone, 50 microg/mL Vitamin C, and 1% insulin
      transferrin-selenium (ITS)]; and group C (H-DMEM medium, 10%FBS, 10 ng/mL TGF
      beta1, 1 x 10(-7) mol/L dexamethasone, 50 microg/mL vitamin C, 1%ITS, and 10%PL).
      The hUCMSCs were induced in the mediums for 2 weeks. Toluidine blue staining was
      used to detect the secretion of chondrocyte matrix. Immunofluorescence method was
      used to identify the existence of collagen type II. The expressions of Aggrecan
      and collagen type II were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Flow
      cytometer results showed that the hUCMSCs did not express the surface markers of
      hematopoietic cell CD34, CD45, and human leukocyte antigen DR, but expressed the
      surface markers of adhesion molecule and mesenchymal stem cells CD44, CD105, and
      CD146. Toluidine blue staining and immunofluorescence showed positive results in
      group C, weak positive results in group B, and negative results in group A.
      Semiquantitative RT-PCR showed the expressions of Aggrecan and collagen type II
      at mRNA level in groups B and C, but no expression in group A. The mRNA
      expressions of Aggrecan and collagen type II were higher in group C than in group
      B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Only 10%PL can not induce differentiation of hUCMSCs
      into chondrocytes, but it can be a supplement to the induced mediums. PL can
      improve hUCMSCs differentiating into chondrocytes obviously in vitro. This study
      provides new available conditions for constructing tissue engineered cartilage.

PMID- 22069986
TI  - [A prospective clinical study on autologous periosteum wrapping tendon allograft
      for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction using autologous periosteum wrapping tendon allograft by comparing
      with using simple tendon allograft. METHODS: Between March 2008 and November
      2008, 68 patients with ACL injury were treated, who were in accordance with the
      inclusion criteria. They were divided into 2 groups randomly according to
      different treatment methods: ACL was reconstructed with autologous periosteum
      wrapping tendon allograft in 31 patients (test group) and with simple tendon
      allograft (control group) in 37 patients. There was no significant difference in
      gender, age, disease duration, the cause of injury, and functional score
      preoperatively between 2 groups (P > 0.05). Anatomic single-bundle ACL
      reconstruction was performed in 2 groups. RESULTS: Little exudation at tibial
      tunnel incision was found in 1 case respectively in both groups at 2 weeks after
      operation and was cured by dressing change and antibiotics. The other incisions
      healed by first intention. The patients were followed up 24-29 months (mean, 26
      months) in the test group and 24-32 months (mean, 27 months) in the control
      group. CT showed bone tunnel enlargement in both groups at 2 years after
      operation, but the rate of the tunnel enlargement was less in the test group
      (5/31, 16.1%) than in the control group (14/37, 37.8%), showing significant
      difference (chi2 = 3.948, P = 0.047). At 2 years after operation, the results of
      Lachman test and pivot shift test were negative in 23 cases (74.2%) and 25 cases
      (80.6%) of the test group, and in 26 cases (70.3%) and 30 cases (81.1%) of the
      control group, respectively. KT-1000 examination showed the displacement of the
      test group [(1.74 +/- 0.88) mm] was less than that of the control group [(2.36 +/
      0.83) mm], showing significant difference (t = -2.979, P = 0.004). There was no
      significant difference in Lysholm score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
      score, Tegner score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score
      between 2 groups at 2 years after operation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with
      simple tendon allograft, ACL reconstruction with autologous periosteum wrapping
      tendon allograft can improve tendon-bone healing, and decrease the rate of bone
      tunnel enlargement, so it has good short-term outcome.

PMID- 22069987
TI  - [Research progress in immune of composite tissue allotransplantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To introduce the research progress in the immune of composite tissue
      allotransplantation. METHODS: The related articles were reviewed to summarize the
      immune characteristics, experimental developments, and clinical experiences of
      composite tissue allotransplantation. Results Composite allogeneic tissue is on
      the body surface, including the composition of the complex with high
      antigenicity. There are a lot of differences in the immune responses between
      composite tissue allotransplantation and organ transplantation, such as
      immunosuppressant protocol, rejection diagnosis, and chronic rejection.
      CONCLUSION: In the next study, it is urgently needed to learn these experiences
      and to establish the special standard of composite tissue allotransplantation in
      induction of immune tolerance, local medication, and rejection diagnosis.

PMID- 22069988
TI  - [Research progress in repair and reconstruction of isolated traumatic radial head
      dislocation with annular ligament injury in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress in the repair and reconstruction of
      isolated traumatic radial head dislocation with annular ligament injury in
      children. METHODS: In recent years, the related literature concerning isolated
      traumatic radial head dislocation with annular ligament injury in children was
      reviewed. RESULTS: For isolated traumatic radial head dislocation with annular
      ligament injury in children, the surgery should be chosen as the main treatment,
      including open reduction and annular ligament reconstruction surgery. Triceps
      aponeurosis is usually used as reconstruction materials of annular ligament,
      mainly because the position of taking material of annular ligament is at the
      operative incision with less surgery trauma and short operative time; aponeurosis
      is tough and thick with rigid fixation and low risk of re-dislocation. Artificial
      materials are paid attention to increasingly because they are easy to get, have
      rigid fixation, and can avoid operative injury caused by taking material of
      annular ligament. CONCLUSION: Currently active annular ligament reconstruction
      surgery should be taken; triceps aponeurosis is widely adopted as reconstruction
      materials of annular ligament and artificial materials have come to be a new
      research trend.

PMID- 22069990
TI  - Water uptake and solubility of Acroseal sealer in comparison with Apexit and AH
      Plus sealers in Hank's solution.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The function of root canal fillings is to seal the root canal
      system. The important physical property necessary for sealers to achieve this is
      low solubility. However, any therapeutic effect of calcium hydroxide-based
      sealers is dependent on the calcium hydroxide being in ionized form, which
      implies that the material must be at least partly soluble. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of our study was to compare weight changes of Acroseal and Apexit,
      conventional calcium hydroxide-based sealer and AH Plus, epoxy-amine resin sealer
      in Hank's solution at different exposure times. METHODS: The standardized samples
      of each material were weighed and immersed in the Hank's solution for 1 h, 24 h,
      96 h, 14 days and 28 days. After these exposure times, they were removed, dried,
      and weighed again. Mean weight changes were determined and the differences
      between sealers were-analysed statistically using a one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The
      highest differences in mass were observed in Apexit, 1.52%, and were
      significantly different from Acroseal, 0.93% (p<0.05) and AH Plus, 0.45%
      (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between Acroseal and AH Plus,
      except for 96 h period. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of our study, it may be
      concluded that the Acroseal sealer presented the behaviour more like epoxy-based
      material, AH Plus, than calcium hydroxide sealer, Apexit.

PMID- 22069989
TI  - Correlation between ocular pulse amplitude measured by dynamic contour tonometer
      and colour Doppler flow imaging of the arteric retrobulbar vessels.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An altered perfusion of the optic nerve head has been proposed as a
      pathogenic factor in glaucoma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the correlation between ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), measured by Dynamic contour
      tonometer (DCT) and colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of the arteric retrobulbar
      vessels. METHODS: Twenty patients older than 50 years were examined, and divided
      into two equal groups. The first group comprised of patients with normal tension
      glaucoma treated with topical antiglaucomatous therapy, and the second group
      included patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma suspicious without any
      antiglaucomatous therapy. Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) was measured with DCT. CDI
      was also performed. We measured haemodynamic parameters of the internal carotid
      artery (ICA), ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior
      ciliary arteries (PCA). Peak systolic (PSV), end-diastolic (EDV) velocities were
      measured, and resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated.
      RESULTS: Correlation with OPA showed indirect servitude in the RI of the ICA, RI
      and PI of the CRA, in the first group; and in the PSV and EDV of the ICA, in the
      RI and PI of the OA, EDV and RI of the CRA, and RI of the PCA, in the second
      group CONCLUSION: Increase of OPA was mostly followed by the increase of the
      parameters (PSV, EDV, RI, and PI) of the arteric retrobulbar vessels in the first
      group; in the second group, increase of OPA was in almost 50% of parameters
      followed by their decrease.

PMID- 22069992
TI  - [Long-term follow-up after catheter-ablation of atrioventricular junction and
      pacemaker implantation in patients with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation and
      heart failure].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atrioventricular (AV) junction ablation coupled with pacemaker
      implantation is an effective therapeutic option for rate control in atrial
      fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). However, there is controversy regarding
      the long-term outcome of the procedure, since right ventricular stimulation can
      lead to left ventricular remodelling and HF. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was
      to determine a 5-year outcome of the procedure on survival, HF control and
      myocardial function in patients with HF and uncontrolled AF. METHODS: All
      patients with AF and HF who underwent AV-junction ablation with pacemaker
      implantation in our institution were followed after the procedure. HF diagnosis
      was established if > or = 2 of the following criteria were present: 1) ejection
      fraction (EF) < or = 45%; 2) previous episode of congestive HF (CHF); 3) NYHA
      class > or = 2; and 4) use of drug-therapy for HF. RESULTS: Study included 32
      patients (25 males; 53.4 +/- 9.6 years). The mean heart rate was 121 +/- 25 bpm
      before and 75 +/- 10 bpm after ablation (p=0.001). Over the follow-up of 5.0 +/-
      4.0 years nine patients (28.1%) died (five died suddenly, three of terminal CHF
      and one of stroke). After the procedure, CHF occurrence was reduced (p=0.001), as
      well as the annual number of hospitalizations (p=0.001) and the number of drugs
      for CHF (p=0.028). In addition, NYHA-class and EF were improved, from 3.3 +/- 0.7
      to 1.6 +/- 0.8 (p<0.001) and from 39 +/- 11% to 51 +/- 10% (p<0.001),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: In HF patients with uncontrolled AF, 5-year mortality
      after AV-junction ablation and pacemaker implantation was 28%. In the majority of
      these patients good rate of AF and HF control were achieved, as well as the
      improvement of functional status and myocardial contractility.

PMID- 22069991
TI  - [Correlation between retention force of experimental plates and viscosity of
      experimental fluids].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Saliva viscosity plays a significant role in the biophysical
      segment of the total retention potential of total dentures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      the paper was to establish the dependence of dynamic retention force of
      experimental plates on experimental fluid viscosity and especially time
      dependence of these parameters, following at the same time relative changes of
      the distance between the experimental plate and dentures support established by
      the dislocation of the experimental plate in both directions. METHODS: For
      experimental verification we used an original device with the aim to enable in
      vivo simulation on the phantom made of the upper total denture prosthesis support
      and experimental plate. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first part
      we determined the value of the dynamic retention force with plates without and
      with achieved ventilation effect. In the second part we determined time
      dependence of the dynamic retention force of experimental plates on the viscosity
      of experimental fluids that had been priorly determined on identical samples (8
      ml of experimental fluid samples) using a rotational viscometer (Haake RV-12)
      with a sensor (MV, Germany). RESULTS: Under the conditions of variable viscosity
      rates of seven experimental fluids (from 0.02 to 1309.04 mPa s), we registered
      the time dependence of dynamic retention force of the experimental plate related
      to fluid viscosity during the action of the continual dislocating force of the
      separating directions. In addition, the maximal height of the dislocation of the
      experimental plate was registered. The dynamic retention force, manifested by the
      separating direction of the experimental plate dislocation, was increased
      concurrently with increased viscosity. CONCLUSION: The increase of dynamic
      retention force depends directly on medium viscosity. Close border values of
      fluid viscosity above the investigated ones, the impossibility of experimental
      layer thinning and the decrease of distance height probably influence the onset
      of separating dislocation.

PMID- 22069993
TI  - Asymptomatic cardiovascular manifestations in diabetes mellitus: left ventricular
      diastolic dysfunction and silent myocardial ischemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several cardiovascular manifestations in patients with diabetes may
      be asymptomatic. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is considered to
      be the earliest metabolic myocardial lesion in these patients, and can be
      diagnosed with tissue Doppler echocardiography. Silent myocardial ischemia (SMI)
      is a characteristic and frequently described form of ischemic heart disease in
      patients with diabetes. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the
      prevalence of LVDD and SMI in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as to
      compare demographic, clinical, and metabolic data among defined groups (patients
      with LVDD, patients with SMI and patients with type 2 diabetes, without LVDD and
      SMI). METHODS: We investigated 104 type 2 diabetic patients (mean age 55.4 +/-
      9.1 years, 64.4% males) with normal blood pressure, prehypertension and arterial
      hypertension stage I. Study design included basic laboratory assessment and
      cardiological workup (transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler, as well
      as the exercise stress echocardiography). RESULTS: LVDD was diagnosed in twelve
      patients (11.5%), while SMI was revealed in six patients (5.8%). Less patients
      with LVDD were using metformin, in comparison to other two groups (chi2 =12.152;
      p=0.002). Values of HDL cholesterol (F=4.515; p=0.013) and apolipoprotein A1
      (F=5.128; p= 0.008) were significantly higher in patients with LVDD. CONCLUSION:
      The study confirmed asymptomatic cardiovascular complications in 17.3% patients
      with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22069994
TI  - [Elements of metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes before and after
      introduction to insulin analogues].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) in children is characterized by
      unstable course. A significant number of studies shows that introduction to
      insulin analogues treatment aims towards better control of the disease.
      OBJECTIVE: The assessment of metabolic control in children with T1DM that were
      introduced to insulin analogue treatment after many years of treatment with
      classic (human) insulin. METHODS: The study included 59 patients 2-19 years old
      (12.9 +/- 3.8) with T1DM, transferred from treatment with human insulin to
      insulin analogues treatment. Data were obtained directly from patients and their
      parents, as well as from medical records. RESULTS: The introduction to insulin
      analogues treatment, leads to a decrease in the value of glycolized haemoglobin
      (HbA1c) after 6 months (9.27 +/- 1.68% vs 8.63 +/- 1:26%, p=0.06). Average daily
      dose of insulin expressed per IU/kg of classic and insulin analogue (1.04 +/-
      0.38 vs 1.03 +/- 0.30; p>0.05), remained almost the same. In 39 examinees
      (66.1%), 6 months before the introduction to insulin analogue treatment, severe
      hypoglicemia was registered and 6 months after the introduction to insulin
      analogue treatment it appeared in only two examinees (3.4%) (p<0.001).
      Ketoacidosis, 6 months before introduction to insulin analogues treatment,
      appeared in 16 examinees (27.1%), while 6 months after it was not registered
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of insulin analogue treatment in childhood
      provides adequate metabolic control and substantially reduces the risk of acute
      complications (severe hypoglicemia, ketoacidosis).

PMID- 22069995
TI  - [Effect of chromium enriched fermentation product of barley and brewer's yeast
      and its combination with rosiglitazone on experimentally induced hyperglycaemia
      in mice].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the recent years, herbal preparations have been more used to
      treat diabetes. Dietetic supplement based on barley and beer yeast enriched with
      chromium (BBCr) is registered in Serbia as a supplement in the treatment of type
      2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the preparation based on
      barley and brewer's yeast with chromium (BBCr), rosiglitazone (R) and their
      combination (BBCr+R) on fasting glycaemia and glycaemia in mice after glucose,
      adrenalin and alloxan application. METHODS: The animals were divided into three
      groups: glucose 500 mg/kg (I); adrenalin 0.2 mg/kg (II); and alloxan 100 mg/kg
      (III) and into subgroups according to the substance they received (BBCr: 750
      mg/kg, R: 0.75 mg/kg and BBCr+R). Each animal was its own control in respect of
      glycaemia before and after the treatment with test substances, except for group
      III which contained a placebo subgroup. RESULTS: BBCr caused a significant
      decrease of fasting glycaemia and significant reduction of glycaemia after
      glucose load compared to the values before treatment (7.4 +/- 0.6 mmol/l vs 9.2
      +/- 0.6 mmol/l; p=0.01). R and BBCr+R significantly decreased glycaemia after
      adrenalin load (R: 8.6 +/- 1.8 mmol/l vs 15.4 +/- 3.2 mmol/l; p=0.004; BBCr+R:
      9.6 +/- 2.4 mmol/l vs 15.0 +/- 4.4 mmol/l; p=0.04). After alloxan application the
      glycaemia was significantly lower in the subgroups treated with BBCr, R and
      BBCr+R compared to placebo subgroup (10.1 +/- 8.0 mmol/l vs 6.8 +/- 2.7 mmol/l vs
      13.5 +/- 9.7 mmol/l vs 24.5 +/- 4.7 mmol/l; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment
      with BBCr caused a significant reduction of fasting glycaemia and glycaemia after
      glucose load. Rosiglitazone and BBCr+R caused a significant reduction of
      glycaemia after adrenalin load. Pretreatment with BBCr, R and BBCr+R prevented
      the onset of experimental diabetes caused by alloxan, which was confirmed by
      histological analysis of pancreas tissue.

PMID- 22069996
TI  - Histological types and age distribution of lung cancer operated patients over a
      20-year period: a pathohistological based study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from malignancy in
      Serbia. OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective analysis of lung cancer
      epidemiological changes regarding to its histological type and patients' age of
      both genders. Data were based on surgically treated lung cancer patients from
      1985 to 2005. METHODS: Data were collected from 972 pathohistological reports of
      operated patients of both genders divided into age groups. Histological types of
      lung cancer were distributed in four major groups: squamous cell cancer (SCC),
      adenocarcinoma (AC), small cell cancer (SCLC) and other rare histological types.
      Both genders together and separately were analysed. Chi-square with the level of
      significance p<0.05 and chi-square test for trends were used as statistical
      methods. RESULTS: SCC predominated in both genders; in 44.7% females and 68.0%
      males. AC was less frequently diagnosed (21.8%) than SCC (64.0%) in both genders
      and all age groups. The most frequently operated patients were aged between 51
      and 60 years (36.6%) with SCC and AC predominance. Three patients with SCLC were
      operated in 61-70 age-group. In age-group up to 30 years, three (0.5%) patients
      were operated on for SCC and other rare lung tumours, respectively. Predominance
      of other rare lung tumours was established in 51-60 age-group, 25% of patients of
      both genders. CONCLUSION: SCC is the most frequent histological type of lung
      cancer found in all age groups and in both genders of surgically treated
      patients.

PMID- 22069997
TI  - [Well differentiated endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For the difference from poorly differentiated, well differentiated
      endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas are the tumours in whom with aggressive
      surgery and chemotherapy fair results can be achieved. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the
      study was to point out the importance of such treatment. METHODS: Over a 6-year
      period eight patients (seven female and one male) of average age 51 years
      (ranging from 23 to 71 years) were operated on for well differentiated endocrine
      carcinoma: six of the head and two of the tail of the pancreas. There were two
      functional and six nonfunctional tumours. Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
      in seven, mild loss in weight in two, strong heartburn in two, obstructive
      jaundice in three, diarrhoea in one, sudden massive bleeding from gastric
      varicosities due to prehepatic portal hypertension caused by pancreatic head
      tumour in one, and bruise in one patient were registered preoperatively. US and
      CT in all, angiography in one, octreoscan in two and PET scan in one patient were
      performed. Whipple's procedure was performed in six and distal pancreatectomy in
      two patients, as well as systemic lymphadenectomy in all and excision of liver
      secondary tumours in two patients. In the patient with massive gastric bleeding a
      total gastrectomy was performed first, followed by Whipple's procedure a month
      later. RESULTS: R0 resection was achieved in all patients. Lymph nodes metastases
      were found in six patients. Six patients were given chemotherapy. One patient
      died 3 years after surgery, seven are still alive, on average 2.5 years. A local
      recurrence after distal pancreatectomy that occurred 5 years after surgery was
      successfully reresected and the patient is on peptide-receptor radiotherapy. In
      other six patients there were no local recurence or distant metastases.
      CONCLUSION: With aggressive surgery and chemotherapy fair results can be achieved
      in well differentiated endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas.

PMID- 22069998
TI  - [Urethral reconstruction in severe hypospadias using buccal mucosa graft and
      penile skin flap].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias represents the most frequent penile anomaly. The most
      challenging part of hypospadias surgery is urethral reconstruction. Many various
      tissues are used (local skin flaps, bladder mucosa grafts, buccal mucosa grafts
      etc.) for the reconstruction of the neourethra. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to
      evaluate advantages and disadvantages of combined buccal mucosa graft and penile
      skin flap in urethral reconstruction in severe hypospadias repair. METHODS:
      Between December 2005 and August 2009, 48 patients with severe hypospadias, aged
      from nine months to 12 years (mean age 23 months) underwent surgery. Thirty-four
      (71%) had penoscrotal and 14 (29%) scrotal hypospadias. Ventral penile curvature
      was present in all cases, and was corrected by incision of the short urethral
      plate. Urethroplasty was performed a buccal mucosa graft combined with dorsal
      penile skin flap. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 22 months (range from 9 months to 3
      years). Satisfactory functional and aesthetic results were achieved in 40 (83%)
      patients. Fistula was noted in six cases and was solved by minor revision.
      Urethral stenosis in two cases was resolved by simple dilatation. CONCLUSION:
      Urethral reconstruction using the buccal mucosa graft and dorsal penile skin flap
      in severe hypospadias repair could be the method of choice. Using this technique,
      single stage urethral reconstruction is possible with satisfactory esthetical and
      functional results.

PMID- 22069999
TI  - [Physical therapy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary release of
      urine through the urethra during the increase of abdominal pressure in the
      absence of m. detrusor contraction. The exercise of pelvic floor muscles is
      recommended as the first line of cure. It is the least invasive and the only
      method without any undesirable side effects, which leads to either improvement or
      complete cure of SUI in 80-85% of cases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      establish whether the strengthening of pelvic floor muscles using proprioceptive
      neural facilitation (PNF) spiral dynamic technique was more efficient in
      comparison to classical Kegel exercise. METHODS: The research was carried out at
      the Centre for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Centre Kragujevac.
      Sixty-six female patients with the symptoms of SUI were monitored in the period
      of two years. Thirty-four patients did pelvic floor muscle exercises twice a day,
      in the morning and in the evening, with 15-20 contractions. Thirty-two patients
      used PNF spiral dynamic technique for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. The
      patients who used the spiral dynamic technique also did some exercises from the
      program; they exercised twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, following
      the prescribed schedule. Treatment outcome was assessed by measuring the pelvic
      floor muscles by a vaginal dynamometer. RESULTS: The values of the pelvic floor
      muscle force that were measured using the vaginal dynamometer in both examined
      groups (PNF spiral dynamic technique or Kegel exercise) were statistically
      significantly higher after the implemented exercise program (t-test; p=0.000). No
      statistically significant difference in pelvic floor muscle values was found
      between the patients who applied PNF spiral dynamic technique and those who did
      Kegel exercise either before or after the exercise (two-factor analysis of
      variance with repeated measurements, factor of exercise type; p=0.899).
      CONCLUSION: Strengthening of pelvic floor muscles by exercises results in a
      significant increase of pelvic floor muscle strength and reduction of SUI
      symptoms, regardless of the used exercise program, PNF spiral dynamic technique
      or Kegel exercise program.

PMID- 22070000
TI  - [Influence of depression on the quality of life in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic hepatitis C reduces the quality of life in patients causing
      fatigue, loss of self-confidence, reduced working capacity, development of
      depression, emotional problems, and cognitive dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      the study was to identify the presence of depression in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C, predicting factors for its expression, and the impact of depression
      on the quality of life in these patients. METHODS: During the prospective study,
      we used the Hamilton depression scale to investigate the presence of depression,
      generic 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Chronic Liver Diseases
      Questionnaire (CLDQ) to examine the quality of life in 100 patients with chronic
      hepatitis C, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 30 patients with chronic liver
      disease nonviral aetiology and 50 healthy persons. RESULTS: A significantly
      higher presence of depression, and cognitive dysfunction in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C were noted as compared to the healthy individuals (p=0.00). In
      relation to non-viral patients with chronic liver disease, depression was
      significantly less present (p=0.004). Depression was rare in younger patients.
      The largest number of patients with chronic hepatitis C was without depression.
      The presence of depression caused deterioration of the physical and mental
      components of the quality of life. Multivariate analysis showed that the most
      significant positive predictive factor for the presence of depression was married
      life (B=0.278; SE=0.094; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The presence of depression was
      more often in patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection compared to
      healthy population and was correlated with decline in the quality of life.
      Depression is more pronounced in the elderly and intravenous drug addicts. The
      lowest depression is expected in patients who are not married.

PMID- 22070001
TI  - [Influence of air pollution on birth weight].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies point out that exposure to air pollution
      during pregnancy is a risk for low birth weight. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution on the occurrence
      of low birth weight. METHODS: The measurement of outdoor air pollutants, sulphur
      dioxide and black smoke was carried out daily at the Institute for Public
      Healthcare of Nis at two measuring locations, in Nis and Niska Banja during 2003.
      Subjects were 367 pregnant women, nonsmokers and who were not profesionally
      exposed to air pollution. Data on exposure to source of indoor air pollution
      (passive smoking and mode of heating) was determined on the basis of a
      questionnaire. Data on the characterisitics of newborns were taken from the
      register of Obstetrics and Gyanecology Clinic of Nis. RESULTS: We determined that
      exposure of pregnant women to outdoor air pollution and wood heating systems had
      influence on the occurence of low birth weight. Exposure to passive smoking had
      no influence on neonatal low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Exposure of pregnant women
      to outdoor and indoor air pollutants can have negative influence on the
      occurrence of low birth weight.

PMID- 22070002
TI  - [Syringomyelia in demyelinating disease of the central nervous system: report of
      two cases].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Syringomyelia is a cavitary extension inside the spinal cord which
      can be either symptomatic or congenitally-idiopathic. Syringomyelia during the
      course of the disease in patients presenting with clinically definite multiple
      sclerosis was described earlier. Syringomyelia in patients presenting with a
      clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis is unusual. CASE
      OUTLINE: We present two patients presenting with demyelinating disease of the
      central nervous system with syringomyelia in the cervical and thoracic spinal
      cord. We did not find classical clinical signs of syringomyelia in our patients,
      but we disclosed syringomyelia incidentally during magnetic resonance
      exploration. Magnetic resonance exploration using the gadolinium contrast
      revealed the signs of active demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord in one
      patient but not in the other. CONCLUSION: Syringomyelia in demyelinating disease
      of the central nervous system opens the question whether it is a coincidental
      finding or a part of clinical features of the disease. Differentiation of the
      significance of syringomyelia finding in these patients plays a role in the
      choice of treatment concept in such patients.

PMID- 22070003
TI  - Identical twins with "mirror image" anisometropia and esotropia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identical twins account for 0.2% of the world population and 8% of
      all twins. A "mirror image" variation can be found in 25% of identical twins.
      Studies of twins assume a special place in human genetics due to the possibility
      of comparing genetic and other factors. We present two pairs of identical male
      twins with mirror-image astigmatism and esotropia. CASE OUTLINE: The first was a
      pair of twelve-year old identical twins with "mirror image" myopic astigmatism.
      The Twin 1 had myopic astigmatism in the right eye, while the Twin 2 was affected
      by the left eye myopic astigmatism. The second was a pair of six-year old
      identical twins with esotropia and hypermetropic astigmatism. The Twin 1 had
      esotropia in the left eye, while the right eye was affected in the Twin 2.
      Esotropia was surgically corrected. CONCLUSION: In this study we pointed to the
      role of genetic factors in the development of refractive error, as well as the
      type of strabismus. Refraction anomalies (myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism)
      are complex heterogeneous disorders and ideal for genetic investigation. The
      knowledge of genetic mechanisms involved in refractive error susceptibility may
      allow treatment to prevent progression or to further examine gene-environment
      interactions. We hope that this paper will initiate further investigation of
      refraction anomalies in twins and future multicentre studies, which, to our
      knowledge, have not been conducted in our country so far.

PMID- 22070004
TI  - [Right-sided aortic arch with anomalous origin of the left subclavian artery:
      case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A right-sided aortic arch is a rare congenital defect of the aorta
      with incidence of 0.05% to 0.1% reported in published series. Usually it is
      associated with congenital heart anomalies and esophageal and tracheal
      compression symptoms. We present a case of a right-sided aortic arch of anomalous
      left subclavian artery origin, accidentally revealed during multislice CT (MSCT)
      supraaortic branches angiography. CASE OUTLINE: A 53-year-old female patient was
      examined at the Outpatients' Unit of the Vascular Surgery University Clinic for
      vertigo, occasional dizziness and difficulty with swallowing. Physical
      examination revealed a murmur of the left supraclavicular space, with 15 mmHg
      lower rate of arterial tension on the left arm. Ultrasound of carotid arteries
      revealed 60% stenosis of the left subclavian artery and bilateral internal
      carotid artery elongation. MSCT angiography revealed a right-sided aortic arch
      with aberrant separation of the left subclavian artery that was narrowed 50%,
      while internal carotid arteries were marginally elongated. There was no need for
      surgical treatment or percutaneous interventions, so that conservative treatment
      was indicated. CONCLUSION: A right-sided aortic arch is a very rare anomaly of
      the location and branching of the aorta. Multislice CT angiography is of great
      importance in the diagnostics of this rare disease.

PMID- 22070005
TI  - Successful retrieval of an unexpanded coronary stent from the left main coronary
      artery during primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dislodgement and embolization of the new generation of coronary
      stents before their deployment are rare but could constitute a very serious
      complication. CASE OUTLINE: We report a case of a stent dislodgement into the
      left main coronary artery during the primary coronary intervention of infarct
      related left circumflex artery in a patient with acute myocardial infarction. The
      dislodged and unexpanded bare-metal stent FlexMaster 3.0x19 mm (Abbot Vascular)
      was stranded and bended in the left main coronary artery (LMCA), probably by the
      tip of the guiding catheter, but stayed over the guidewire. It was successfully
      retrieved using a low-profile Ryujin 1.25x15 balloon catheter (Terumo) that was
      passed through the stent, inflated and then pulled back into the guiding
      catheter. After that, the whole system was withdrawn through the 6 F arterial
      sheath via the transfemoral approach. After repeated cannulation via the 6F
      arterial sheath, additional BMW and ATW guidewires were introduced into the
      posterolateral and obtuse marginal branches and a bare-metal stent Driver
      (Medtronic Cardiovascular Inc) 3.0x18 mm was implanted in the target lesion.
      CONCLUSION: Stent dislodgement is a rare but potentially life-threatening
      complication of the percutaneous coronary intervention. This incident occurring
      in the LMCA in particular during an acute myocardial infarction requires to be
      urgently resolved. The avoidance of rough manipulation with the guiding catheter
      and delivery system may help in preventing this kind of complications.

PMID- 22070006
TI  - Ileocolic intussusception as a presenting sign of primary lymphoma of the colon.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is a rare phenomenon in adults. It is caused mainly
      by malignant neoplasm. Primary lymphoma of the colon is a rare malignancy of the
      large intestine. The association of intussusception in adult and primary
      colorectal lymphoma is a diagnostic challenge, since they occur with a variety of
      atypical symptoms. CASE OUTLINE: We report a case of ileocolic intussusception in
      a 26-year-old man induced by primary lymphoma of the cecum. He was admitted to
      our hospital for incomplete intestinal obstruction. After thorough diagnostic
      work-up (plain abdominal radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, multi-slice
      computerized tomography, colonoscopy with biopsy), the patient underwent surgery.
      Intraoperative findings confirmed lymphoma as the cause of intussusception. The
      right hemicolectomy was carried out with end-to-side ileo-transverse anastomosis.
      CONCLUSION: Primary colorectal lymphomas should be considered in differential
      diagnosis of intussusceptions in adults. The treatment of choice is a radical
      resection where all oncological standards must be fulfilled.

PMID- 22070007
TI  - Pseudo-Bartter syndrome in an infant with congenital chloride diarrhoea.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pseudo-Bartter syndrome encompasses a heterogenous group of
      disorders similar to Bartter syndrome. We are presenting an infant with pseudo
      Bartter syndrome caused by congenital chloride diarrhoea. CASE OUTLINE: A male
      newborn born in the 37th gestational week (GW) to young healthy and non
      consanguineous parents. In the 35th GW a polyhydramnios with bowel dilatation was
      verified by ultrasonography. After birth he manifested several episodes of
      hyponatremic dehydration with hypochloraemia, hypokalaemia and metabolic
      alkalosis, so as Bartter syndrome was suspected treatment with indomethacin,
      spironolactone and additional intake of NaCl was initiated. However, this therapy
      gave no results, so that at age six months he was rehospitalized under the
      features of persistent watery diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration and acute renal
      failure (serum creatinine 123 micromol/L). The laboratory results showed
      hyponatraemia (123 mmol/L), hypokalaemia (3.1 mmol/L), severe hypochloraemia (43
      mmol/L), alcalosis (blood pH 7.64, bicarbonate 50.6 mmol/L), high plasma renin
      (20.6 ng/ml) and aldosterone (232.9 ng/ml), but a low urinary chloride
      concentration (2.1 mmol/L). Based on these findings, as well as the stool
      chloride concentration of 110 mmol/L, the patient was diagnosed congenital
      chloride diarrhoea. In further course, the patient was treated by intensive
      fluid, sodium and potassium supplementation which resulted in the normalization
      of serum electrolytes, renal function, as well as his mental and physical
      development during 10 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Persistent watery
      diarrhoea with a high concentration of chloride in stool is the key finding in
      the differentiation of congenital chloride diarrhoea from Bartter syndrome. The
      treatment of congenital chloride diarrhoea consists primarily of adequate water
      and electrolytes replacement.

PMID- 22070008
TI  - [DiGeorge syndrome: a case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: DiGeorge syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by deletion of
      chromosome 22. The main features are congenital heart disease, absence or
      hypoplasia ofthymus (with consecutive immunodeficiency and infections),
      hypoparathyroidism with consecutive hypocalcaemia, gastrointestinal problems,
      Delayed psychomotor development, abnormalities of head and face, tendency to
      develop seizures and psychiatric disorders. Syndrome can be detected prenatally,
      or during early development, which is of great importance for preventive and
      therapeutic measures. Death rate is high during the first year of life, mostly
      because of congenital heart disease. With prompt diagnosis and treatment most of
      the children can survive to adulthood, but they are children with special needs
      requiring continual care and supervision (because of metal retardation, seizures,
      neurological and psychiatric disorders). CASE OUTLINE: A seven-year-old boy
      underwent surgical correction of congenital heart disease soon after the birth.
      Since the age of four years he developed seizures, partially controlled by
      antiepileptic therapy. Entering the seventh year of age he displayed severe auto
      and heteroaggressive behaviour. His condition has improved by the introduction of
      intensive psychiatric and defectological treatment, and daily counselling with
      his mother the child improved in the sense of calming down, better social
      communication and acquiring some self-help specific skills. CONCLUSION: Symptoms
      of DiGeorge syndrome can be detected soon afterthe birth, especially that
      concerning congenital hearth disease. A prompt diagnosis and surgical
      intervention can save the child's life. Because of many other symptoms, many
      diagnostic procedures focused on this syndrome are to be performed, followed by
      long lasting stimulative treatment and treatment of seizures and psychiatric
      disorders.

PMID- 22070009
TI  - [Complications of mechanical ventilation].
AB  - Mechanical ventilation of the lungs, as an important therapeutic measure, cannot
      be avoided in critically ill patients. However, when machines take over some of
      vital functions there is always a risk of complications and accidents.
      Complications associated with mechanical ventilation can be divided into:1)
      airway-associated complications; 2) complications in the response of patients to
      mechanical ventilation; and 3) complications related to the patient's response to
      the device for mechanical ventilation. Complications of artificial airway may be
      related to intubation and extubation or the endotracheal tube. Complications of
      mechanical ventilation, which arise because of the patient's response to
      mechanical ventilation, may primarily cause significant side effects to the
      lungs. During the last two decades it was concluded that mechanical ventilation
      can worsen or cause acute lung injury. Mechanical ventilation may increase the
      alveolar/capillary permeability by overdistension of the lungs (volutrauma), it
      can exacerbate lung damage due to the recruitment/derecruitment of collapsed
      alveoli (atelectrauma) and may cause subtle damages due to the activation of
      inflammatory processes (biotrauma). Complications caused by mechanical
      ventilation, beside those involving the lungs, can also have significant effects
      on other organs and organic systems, and can be a significant factor contributing
      to the increase of morbidity and mortality in critically ill of mechanically
      ventilated patients. Complications are fortunately rare and do not occur in every
      patient, but due to their seriousness and severity they require extensive
      knowledge, experience and responsibility by healthcare workers.

PMID- 22070010
TI  - Histopathology of urinary bladder carcinoma: less common variants.
AB  - Bladder cancer is a common form of neoplasia which most often presents
      histologically as urothelial (transitional cell) carcinoma. In this article we
      review recent publications dealing with the less common variants of urothelial
      carcinoma such as tumours that show unusual forms of differentiation or the well
      know squamous, glandular, or sarcomatoid differentiation. Urothelial tumours may
      also show several distinct growth variants characterized by a nested,
      micropapillary, lymphoepithelioma-like, or plasmacytoid and giant cell growth
      pattern.The clinical course of bladder cancer varies depending on the
      histological type of neoplasia, grade and stage of the tumour. High-grade muscle
      invasive urothelial cancers and tumours showing variant microscopic morphology
      have in general high mortality and poor prognosis.

PMID- 22070011
TI  - [The history of the first pharmacy of Leskovac region].
AB  - This paper explains the social and healthcare related conditions in the Leskovac
      region during 18th and 19th century, and the foundation of the first pharmacy in
      Serbia. Based on the available historical facts and private documents, the
      history of the origin and activities of the first pharmacy in the Leskovac region
      during the Turkish reign in 1862 is presented.The paper also mentions the
      founder, Dr. Alexiadis (Greek by origin), who was a doctor working in
      pharmaceutical industry, as well as his son Mgr.Ph. Djordje Aleksic, born in 1847
      in Ioannina (Greece) and graduated from the Pharamacy Faculty in Constantinople
      in 1875, who later became the owner. After graduation, Mgr.Ph. Djordje Aleksic
      came in Leskovac and took over the "Hipokrat" pharmacy from his father, and
      started pharmacy business in Leskovac in the true meaning of that word.

PMID- 22070012
TI  - United States life tables, 2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This report presents complete period life tables by race, Hispanic
      origin, and sex for the United States based on age-specific death rates in 2007.
      METHODS: Data used to prepare the 2007 life tables are 2007 final mortality
      statistics, July 1, 2007, population estimates based on the 2000 decennial
      census, and 2007 Medicare data for ages 66-100. The methods used to estimate the
      life tables for the total, white, and black populations were first used in annual
      life tables in 2005 and have been in use since that time (1). The methods used to
      estimate the life tables for the Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic
      black populations were first used to estimate U.S. life tables by Hispanic origin
      for data year 2006 (2). RESULTS: In 2007, the overall expectation of life at
      birth was 77.9 years, representing an increase of 0.2 years from life expectancy
      in 2006. From 2006 to 2007, life expectancy at birth increased for all groups
      considered. It increased for males (from 75.1 to 75.4) and females (from 80.2 to
      80.4), the white (from 78.2 to 78.4) and black (from 73.2 to 73.6) populations,
      the Hispanic population (from 80.6 to 80.9), the non-Hispanic white population
      (from 78.1 to 78.2), and the non-Hispanic black population (from 72.9 to 73.2).

PMID- 22070013
TI  - [Hsp90--a target for anticancer therapy].
AB  - Molecular chaperones help other proteins to achieve and maintain their proper
      conformation. Chaperones bind to newly synthesized or unfolded polypeptide
      chains, actively modify their conformation and participate on their transport or
      degradation. Chaperones play an important role in cancer cell, where their
      increased activity enables stabilization of many mutant proteins and overcoming
      the stress generated by genetic instability. Hsp90 represents a key chaperone in
      cancer cells. Growth factor receptors, steroid hormone receptors and signal
      proctor teins are among its substrates, so-called client proteins; many of them
      being targets for anti-cancer therapy. Adverse conditions of the tumor
      microenvironment, such as hypoxia and nutrient deficiency, contribute to
      destabilization of proteins and further escalate dependence on chaperones. This
      is why molecular chaperones, in particular Hsp90, may represent a promising
      target for anticancer therapy. Importantly also, tumour-based Hsp90 has a
      significantly higher sensitivity to inhibitors than that in normal cells, and
      Hsp90 activity inhibition in tumours leads to a suppression of cellular signaling
      in many different oncogenic pathways. Several inhibitors of Hsp90 are currently
      undergoing clinical evaluation and new agents with different mechanisms of action
      are continually being identified.

PMID- 22070014
TI  - [Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy of rectal carcinoma with bevacizumab].
AB  - Concomitant chemoradiotherapy and radical surgery are standard methods of
      treatment in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma. Neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine is considered to be an
      optimal treatment approach. Clinical studies attempt to facilitate treatment
      response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy by adding targeted biological therapy.
      Anti-angiogenic effect of bevacizumab may potentiate radiosenzitivity. We present
      an overview of standard methods of treatment of rectal carcinoma and a summary of
      published results of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with bevacizumab in the
      treatment of rectal carcinoma. At present, this combination is not considered to
      be a standard procedure of neoadjuvant treatment in the Czech Republic. However,
      based on the results of forthcoming clinical studies, wider use of this
      concomitant chemobioradiotherapy in clinical practice can be expected, especially
      in the treatment of locally advanced stages of rectal carcinoma.

PMID- 22070015
TI  - [What patients need to know before their breast cancer surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: The quality of health care depends not only on physicians' medical
      skills but also on proper patient education. The aim of the study was to
      ascertain the types of information required by women before they start their
      breast cancer treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Before a surgery, 254 patients
      with early breast cancer treated primarily by surgery obtained an originally
      developed questionnaire containing information topics assumed to be important.
      The patients were asked to indicate the information they had been provided and
      the information they required. RESULTS: The majority of patients (more than 70%)
      knew that their disease was malignant, that they needed the surgery and what
      would be the extent of the resection of their breast. Markedly less patients
      (47.1%) knew about the planned extent of their regional lymph nodes surgery. More
      than 80% patients required information about their long-term expectations, such
      as the overall length of cancer treatment, length and extent of their anticipated
      physical impairment and their chances for cure. The majority of younger women
      (76.2%) recommended for total mastectomy required information about breast
      reconstruction options. A substantial proportion of older women (about 60%) were
      interested to learn about an anticipated cosmetic outcome and possibilities for
      correction of their potential defect. CONCLUSION: Multimodal breast cancer
      treatment is generally managed by clinical oncologists. However, a surgeon should
      be enabled to discuss with the patient their cancer treatment, what it involves
      and how it will affect the patient's future life. It is advisable to clarify the
      extent of the surgery on regional lymph nodes and to engage in discussions on
      cosmetic outcomes of the surgery. With respect to a proper patient education,
      breast cancer patients should be treated by surgeons specialized in the treatment
      of this disease.

PMID- 22070016
TI  - [Neuroendoscopic biopsy of a brain tumor].
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Neuroendoscopic biopsy is one of the techniques that can be used for
      histological verification of a suspected brain tumor. The use of neuroendoscopy
      is particularly useful for cystic tumors and para- and intraventricular brain
      tumors that are risky for stereotactic biopsy. The technique of navigated
      neuroendoscopy enables biopsy sampling under visual control, haemostasis of
      biopsy site and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid pathways obstruction. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Neuroendoscopic technique was used for biopsy in one patient with a
      solid brain tumor. 23 patients (12 males, mean age 49.7 years, range 21-75 years
      and 11 females, mean age 59.1 years, range 22-76 years) with a suspected cystic
      brain tumor underwent neuroendoscopic biopsy. Suspected intra- or paraventricular
      brain tumor presented indication for neuroendoscopic biopsy in 36 patients (20
      males, mean age 43.9 years, range 6-80 years and 16 females, mean age 46.2 years,
      range 11-78 years). RESULTS: High grade glioma was most frequently diagnosed in
      patients with cystic brain tumors, followed by low grade gliomas and metastatic
      tumors. Diagnostic sample was obtained from all patients. Tumor resection was
      performed in 7 patients with a cystic tumor after neuroendoscopic biopsy and
      histological findings were identical in 70.1% of them. Similarly, high grade
      glioma was most frequently diagnosed in patients with intra or paraventricular
      tumors, followed by tumors originating from pineal region tissues. Diagnostic
      sample was obtained from 94.3% of patients. Tumor resection was performed in 5
      patients after neuroendoscopic biopsy and histological findings of the resected
      tissue was identical with neuroendoscopic biopsy in 4 of them (80%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Neuroendoscopy is a safe biopsy technique for a subset of patients who are high
      risk for the use of stereotactic biopsy, with comparable results. Neuroendoscopy
      also provides for cerebrospinal fluid circulation obstruction treatment. The use
      of neuronavigation or stereotactic planning is particularly useful for the
      planning of an optimal surgical approach, helps to maintain anatomical
      orientation in distorted anatomy and facilitates haemostasis in case of
      intraoperative bleeding.

PMID- 22070018
TI  - [Adaptive IG-IMRT for prostate cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Adaptive image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG
      IMRT) is a perspective method for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.
      Validate optimal protocols for IG-IMRT using kilovoltage cone-beam CT (CBCT) are
      required. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients with prostate cancer were
      treated using adaptive IG-IMRT. Based on the CBCT performed during the first 10
      fractions of radiotherapy, an average prostate position in relation to the pelvic
      bones was determined in antero-posterior AP, supero-inferior SI, and right-left
      axes. An adapted treatment plan for the second phase of the treatment included an
      isocenter shift into its average position (correction of the systematic error
      sigma). A margin between a clinical and planned target volume (CTV-PTV) was
      adjusted according to the magnitude of random error sigma. During the second
      phase of radiotherapy, set-up of patients was performed daily on pelvic bones
      using kilovoltage skiagraphic imaging in two projections (kV-kV). Follow-up CBCTs
      were repeated once a week. RESULTS: An average isocenter position differed from
      the position of a reference planning CT isocenter in at least one axis in 63
      patients (83%). Major changes were recorded in AP axis - shift > or = 2 mm in 33
      patients (43%), shift > or = 5 mm in 7 patients (9%). PTV for the second phase of
      radiotherapy was in the range of 6-10 mm in AP axis, 6-8 mm in SI axis, and 6 mm
      in RL axis. Mean sigma value in the AP axis was smaller in patients with a
      specific diet compared to patients without the diet (2.2 mm vs. 2.7 mm, p =
      0.05). We evaluated 446 follow-up CBCT images from the second phase of
      radiotherapy (66 patients had 6 CBCT, 10 patients had 5 CBCT). Set-up error
      exceeding CTV-PTV margin occurred in 4 cases with no more than once per patient.
      Safety margin was sufficient in 72/76 patients (95%). CONCLUSION: IG-IMRT
      protocol integrating CBCT and kV-kV imaging provided adequate coverage of the
      target volume and proved to be compatible with departmental workflow. Margin
      reduction around the CTV is a prerequisite for dose escalation aimed at a
      intraprostatic lesion.

PMID- 22070017
TI  - Cetuximab enhances the anti-proliferative effect of trastuzumab in ERBB2 over
      expressing breast cancer cells--preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tyrosine kinase receptor comprises a subclass of cell surface
      growth factor receptors. Inhibition of certain members of the Epidermal Growth
      Factor Receptor (EGFR) family is an effective treatment approach in some cancers.
      The anti-tumor effects are greater when this approach is combined with inhibition
      of the ERBB2 receptors. These studies provide novel experimental data
      demonstrating a significant augmentation of the anti-proliferative effects of
      monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab and trastuzumab) on human breast carcinoma cell
      lines with different level of ERBB receptor expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Three breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7, BT-474, and SK-BR-3 were used. These are
      characterised by different levels of EGFR and/or other ERBB family members.
      Inhibition of cell growth in response to cetuximab, trastuzumab or their
      combination was assessed by MTT assay. RESULTS: The breast cancer cell lines
      differed in their sensitivity toTZ, CTX and their combination. The SK-BR-3 cancer
      cell line was sensitive to TZ. On the other hand, CTX had no effect on BT-474 or
      on SK-BR-3 that expressed low levels of EGFR and high levels of ERBB2.
      CONCLUSION: Our new experimental data show that the combination of anti-EGF
      receptor and anti-ERBB2 mAb may inhibit cancer cells expressing both EGF and
      ERBB2 receptors.

PMID- 22070019
TI  - [Partial regression of CNS lesions of Erdheim-Chester disease after treatment
      with 2-chlorodeoxadenosine and their full remission following treatment with
      lenalidomide].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Erdheim-Chester disease is a very rare syndrome affecting adult
      population. It typically causes hyperostosis of long bones, retroperitoneal
      fibrosis and widening of the aortic wall. Patients frequently suffer from disease
      associated fevers and pain in the lower limbs. No guidelines are available for
      the treatment of this rare ailment. Therefore, we describe our experience with
      lenalidomide in a patient with poor treatment response to 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine.
      CASE: Diabetes insipidus and neurological problems developing over 4 years were
      the first signs of the disease. The disease was diagnosed from histology of the
      bone marrow extracted from the ilium. At diagnosis, the patient had multiple
      infiltrates in the brain, widened wall of the thoracic and abdominal aorta,
      fibrotic changes to retroperitoneum and typical hyperostosis of the long bones of
      lower limbs with high accumulation of technetium pyrophosphate as well as
      fluorodeoxyglucose. First line treatment involved 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine 5 mg/m2
      s.c. for 5 consecutive days every 28 days. There was no clear treatment response
      identifiable on the MR scan of the brain following the third cycle and thus 4th
      6th cycle consisted of 2-chlorodexyadenosine 5 mg/m2 + cyclophosphamide 150 mg/m2
      + dexamethasone 24 mg day 1-5 every 28 days. After the 6th cycle, MR showed
      partial regression of the brain lesions. PET-CT showed an increased accumulation
      of fluorodeoxyglucose in bone lesions. Second line treatment involved
      lenalidomide 25 mg/day days 1-21 every 28 days. Lenalidomide tolerance was
      excellent; the number of neutrophils and thrombocytes was within the
      physiological range throughout the treatment period. Follow-up MR showed complete
      remission of the brain lesions, while follow-up PET-CT showed further increase in
      fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the bones of lower limbs. CONCLUSION:
      Treatment with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine-based regimen provided partial remission of
      Erdheim-Chester disease lesions in the brain, while treatment with lenalidomide
      resulted in complete remission of these lesions. Fluorodeoxyglucose continues to
      accumulate in the long bones of lower limbs. We are unable to elucidate the
      reasons for complete remission of the disease in the brain as per the MR and its
      progression in the long bones according to PET-CT. Further testing of
      lenalidomide in the treatment of this disease is required to support further use
      of this perspective treatment option.

PMID- 22070020
TI  - [Secondary angiosarcomas after conservation treatment for breast cancers].
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: The cancerogenic effect of ionizing radiation was documented just
      several years after it started to be used as a treatment option. Ionizing
      radiation produces a small but detectable risk of carcinoma as well as bone and
      soft tissue sarcomas. Over the past 20 years angiosarcomas arising from the area
      of the irradiated breast have been reported with increasing frequency as the
      number of women undergoing the breast conserving surgery with consecutive
      radiotherapy has increased also. Angiosarcomas can originate from either
      lymphatic or capillary endothelium, namely lymphangiosarcomas and
      haemangiosarcomas. The most of haemangiosarcomas arising from the breast skin
      developed in the irradiated area after breast conserving procedure--secondary
      angiosarcomas. Lymphangiosarcoma is typically associated with longstanding
      extremity lymphedema--Stewart-Treves syndrome. CASES: We report three cases of
      angiosarcomas which occured in this region after breast conserving treatment and
      we also review the literature. CONCLUSION: Paradoxically, the decrease in the use
      of radiotherapy to the post-mastectomy chest wall and the axillary area is
      expected to reduce the incidence of angiosarcomas, while the increase in the use
      of breast conserving procedure plus radiotherapy could lead to increased
      incidence of angiosarcomas in the residual breast tissue. Special attention
      should be paid to skin leasions and changes occuring after breast conserving
      treatment and especially to the ones with the skinthickening. The early detection
      and diagnosis has the crucial prognostic value.

PMID- 22070021
TI  - [Metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with everolimus--data from the RENIS
      Clinical Registry].
AB  - Everolimus is an oral mTOR kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of
      patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) progressing during or after
      treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted agents. Using
      the national RENIS clinical registry, we have retrospectively analysed outcomes
      of patients treated for mRCC with everolimus. A total of 78 patients were
      evaluable. Median progression-free survival from the start of everolimus therapy
      was 7 months (95% confidence interval 2-12 months). Partial response or stable
      disease was achieved in 69% of patients. Treatment toxicity was predictable and
      serious adverse events occurred in only 6% of patients the most common being
      respiratory toxicity. Everolimus therapy provides significant clinical benefit
      for heavily pretreated mRCC patients after failure of VEGF-targeted therapy.

PMID- 22070022
TI  - The biomechanics of plate fixation of periprosthetic femoral fractures near the
      tip of a total hip implant: cables, screws, or both?
AB  - Femoral shaft fractures after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain a serious
      problem, since there is no optimal surgical repair method. Virtually all studies
      that examined surgical repair methods have done so clinically or experimentally.
      The present study assessed injury patterns computationally by developing three
      dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models that were validated experimentally.
      The investigation evaluated three different constructs for the fixation of
      Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures following THA.
      Experimentally, three bone plate repair methods were applied to a synthetic femur
      with a 5 mm fracture gap near the tip of a total hip implant. Repair methods were
      identical distal to the fracture gap, but used cables only (construct A), screws
      only (construct B), or cables plus screws (construct C) proximal to the fracture
      gap. Specimens were oriented in 15 degrees adduction to simulate the single
      legged stance phase of walking, subjected to 1000 N of axial force, and
      instrumented with strain gauges. Computationally, a linearly elastic and
      isotropic 3D FE model was developed to mimic experiments. Results showed
      excellent agreement between experimental and FE strains, yielding a Pearson
      linearity coefficient, R2, of 0.92 and a slope for the line of best data fit of
      1.06. FE-computed axial stiffnesses were 768 N/mm (construct A), 1023 N/mm
      (construct B), and 1102 N/mm (construct C). FE surfaces stress maps for cortical
      bone showed Von Mises stresses, excluding peaks, of 0-8 MPa (construct A), 0-15
      MPa (construct B), and 0-20 MPa (construct C). Cables absorbed the majority of
      load, followed by the plates and then the screws. Construct A yielded peak stress
      at one of the empty holes in the plate. Constructs B and C had similar bone
      stress patterns, and can achieve optimal fixation.

PMID- 22070023
TI  - The biomechanics of plate repair of periprosthetic femur fractures near the tip
      of a total hip implant: the effect of cable-screw position.
AB  - Optimal surgical positioning of cable-screw pairs in repairing periprosthetic
      femur fractures near the tip of a total hip implant still remains unclear. No
      studies in the literature to date have developed a fully three-dimensional finite
      element (FE) model that has been validated experimentally to assess these injury
      patterns. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biomechanical
      performance of three different implant-bone constructs for the fixation of
      periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures following total hip arthroplasty.
      Experimentally, three bone-plate repair configurations were applied to the
      periprosthetic synthetic femur fractured with a 5 mm gap near the tip of a total
      hip implant. Constructs A, B, and C, respectively, had successively larger
      distances between the most proximal and the most distal cable-screw pairs used to
      affix the plate. Specimens were oriented in 15 degrees adduction, subjected to
      1000 N of axial force to simulate the single-legged stance phase of walking, and
      instrumented with strain gauges. Computationally, a linearly elastic and
      isotropic three-dimensional FE model was developed to mimic the experimental
      setup. Results showed excellent agreement between experimental versus FE analysis
      strains, yielding a Pearson linearity coefficient, R2, of 0.90 and a slope for
      the line of best data fit of 0.96. FE axial stiffnesses were 601 N/mm (Construct
      A), 849 N/mm (Construct B), and 1359 N/mm (Construct C). FE surface stress maps
      for cortical bone showed maximum von Mises values of 74 MPa (Construct A), 102
      MPa (Construct B), and 57 MPa (Construct C). FE stress maps for the metallic
      components showed minimum von Mises values for Construct C, namely screw
      (716MPa), cable (445MPa), plate (548MPa), and hip implant (154MPa). In the case
      of good bone stock, as modelled by the present synthetic femur model, optimal
      fixation can be achieved with Construct C.

PMID- 22070024
TI  - Pre-clinical evaluation of ceramic femoral head resurfacing prostheses using
      computational models and mechanical testing.
AB  - Ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing can potentially offer the bone-conserving
      advantages of resurfacing while eliminating metal ion release. Thin-walled
      ceramic resurfacing heads are conceivable following developments in the strength
      and reliability of ceramic materials, but verification of new designs is
      required. The present study aimed to develop a mechanical pre-clinical analysis
      verification process for ceramic resurfacing heads, using the DeltaSurf
      prosthesis design as a case study. Finite element analysis of a range of in vivo
      scenarios was used to design a series of physiologically representative
      mechanical tests, which were conducted to verify the strength of the prosthesis.
      Tests were designed to simulate ideal and worst-case in vivo loading and support,
      or to allow comparison with a clinically successful metallic device. In tests
      simulating ideal loading and support, the prosthesis sustained a minimum load of
      39 kN before fracture, and survived 10 000 000 fatigue cycles of 0.534 kN to 5.34
      kN. In worst-case tests representing a complete lack of superior femoral head
      bone support or pure cantilever loading of the prosthesis stem, the design
      demonstrated strength comparable to that of the equivalent metal device. The
      developed mechanical verification test programme represents an improvement in the
      state of the art where international test standards refer largely to total hip
      replacement prostheses. The case study's novel prosthesis design performed with
      considerable safety margins compared with extreme in vivo loads, providing
      evidence that the proposed ceramic resurfacing heads should have sufficient
      strength to perform safely in vivo. Similar verification tests should be designed
      and conducted for novel ceramic prosthesis designs in the future, leading the way
      to clinical evaluation.

PMID- 22070025
TI  - A hip simulator study of metal-on-metal hip joint device using acetabular cups
      with different fixation surface conditions.
AB  - In vitro wear data for hip joint devices reported in the literature vary in a
      wide range from one simulator study to another sometimes for the same type of
      device tested under identical physiological testing conditions. We hypothesized
      that non-bearing surface condition of the testing components could be an
      important factor affecting the simulator wear results. To confirm this
      hypothesis, fifteen 50 mm metal-on-metal hip resurfacing devices with identical
      bearing specifications were tested in a ProSim hip wear simulator for 5 million
      cycles. The heads were standard Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) heads; whilst
      the pairing acetabular cups were identical to the standard BHR cup except their
      different back surface conditions, including: (a) off-the-shelf products after
      removing the hydroxyapatite (HA) coating; (b) semi-finished products without HA
      coating; and (c) purposely-made cups without cast-in beads and HA coating.
      Results showed that the different back surfaces of the cups used indeed caused
      significantly large variations in the gravimetrically measured wear loss. We
      postulated that materials loss from the non-bearing surface of the testing
      components could contribute to the gravimetrically measured wear loss during a
      wear simulator test both directly and indirectly. The results presented in this
      paper pertain to In vitro wear simulator study and have little clinical relevance
      to the performance of any implant in vivo.

PMID- 22070026
TI  - Reconsideration on the use of elastic models to predict the instantaneous load
      response of the knee joint.
AB  - Fluid pressurization in articular cartilages and menisci plays an important role
      in the mechanical function of the knee joint. However, fluid pressure has not
      been incorporated in previous finite element modelling of the knee, instead
      elastic models of the knee are widely used. It is believed that an elastic model
      can be used to predict the instantaneous load response of the knee as long as
      large effective moduli for the cartilaginous tissues are used. In the present
      study, the instantaneous response of the knee was obtained from a proposed model
      including fluid pressure and fibril reinforcement in the cartilaginous tissues.
      The results were then compared with those obtained from an elastic model using
      the effective modulus method. It was found that the deformations and contact
      pressures predicted by the two models were substantially different. An unconfined
      compression of a tissue disc was used to help understand the issue. It was clear
      that a full equivalence between the instantaneous and elastic responses could not
      be established even for this simple case. A partial equivalence in stress could
      be conditionally established for a given unconfined compression, but it was not
      valid for a different magnitude of compression. The instantaneous deformation of
      the intact tissues in the joint was even more difficult to determine using the
      effective modulus method. The results thus obtained were further compromised
      because of the uncertainty over the choice of effective modulus. The tissue non
      linearity was one of the factors that made it difficult to establish the
      equivalence in stress. The pressurized tissue behaved differently from a solid
      material when non-linear fibril reinforcement was presented. The direct
      prediction of the instantaneous response using the proposed poromechanical model
      had the advantage of determining the fluid pressure and incompressible
      deformation.

PMID- 22070027
TI  - Numerical simulation of bone remodelling around dental implants.
AB  - Crestal bone loss can result in the failure of dental implants and can be caused,
      by among other factors, the development of non-physiological mechanical
      conditions. Bone remodelling (BR) is the physiological process through which bone
      adapts itself to the mechanical environment. A previously published mathematical
      model of BR is used in this work to study the homogenized structural evolution of
      peri-implant bone. This model is used to study the influence of the diameter and
      length of a dental implant of pure titanium on its long-term stability. The
      temporal evolution of porosity and microstructural damage of the peri-implant
      bone are the variables analysed in this study. The results show that damage and
      porosity increase as the implant length decreases and, more pronouncedly, as its
      diameter decreases. The increase in damage and porosity levels is localized, as
      many other studies confirm, at the implant neck due to the stress concentration
      that is created in that area. The main conclusion of this study is that in
      implants with a diameter equal to or greater than 3 mm the damage is under
      control and there is no mechanical failure of the peri-implant bone in the long
      term.

PMID- 22070028
TI  - Reduced stress shielding with limited micromotions using a carbon fibre composite
      biomimetic hip stem: a finite element model.
AB  - Total hip arthroplasty (THA) enjoys excellent rates of success in older patients,
      but younger patients are still at risk of aseptic loosening and bone resorption
      from stress shielding. One solution to the stress shielding problem is to use a
      hip stem with mechanical properties matching those of cortical bone. The
      objective of the present study was to investigate numerically the biomechanical
      performance of such a biomimetic hip stem based on a hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated
      carbon fibre composite. A finite element model (FEM) of the biomimetic stem was
      constructed. Contact elements were studied to model the bone-implant interface in
      a non-osseointegrated and osseointegrated state in the best way. Three static
      load cases representing slow walking, stair climbing, and gait in a healthy
      individual were considered. Stress shielding and bone-implant interface
      micromotions were evaluated and compared with the results of a similar FEM based
      on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The composite stems allowed for reduced stress
      shielding when compared with a traditional Ti-6Al-4V stem. Micromotions were
      slightly higher with the composite stem, but remained below 40 microm on most of
      the HA-coated surface. It is concluded that a biomimetic composite stem might
      offer a better compromise between stress shielding and micromotions than the Ti
      6Al-4V stem with the same external geometry.

PMID- 22070029
TI  - Correlation between intravesical pressure and prostatic obstruction grade using
      computational fluid dynamics in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - An urodynamic test which measures various physiologic variables during voiding is
      generally used for accurate diagnosis of a bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)
      resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). However, this method is
      difficult to directly apply to all patients because it is an invasive test and
      many patients suffer from anxiety and embarrassment during the test. Thus, other
      diagnosis methods such as uroflowmetry and prostatic symptom score are performed
      to measure the degree of BOO prior to the urodynamic test, and it is necessary to
      construct a quantitative relationship among the obstruction level, the
      intravesical pressure, and the uroflow rate. The aim of this paper is to analyse
      the variation of intravesical pressure as a function of the extent of the
      obstruction and the uroflow rate from given information on the size of the
      bladder and the urodynamic test using a computational fluid dynamics approach. In
      order to analyse the intravesical pressure, a two-dimensional axisymmetric model
      of the bladder including a narrowed region, i.e. the prostatic obstruction, is
      created. Then the variation of the intravesical pressure is quantitatively
      obtained as a function of the magnitude of the uroflow rate and the extent of the
      obstruction. It is shown that the intravesical pressure significantly increases
      even for small obstructions and that at large obstructions it can reach values
      higher than 100 cm H2O, which is a dangerous value. It is shown that the
      intravesical pressure decreases as the uroflow rate decreases. This study can
      form the basis of a non-invasive test for the diagnosis of BHP.

PMID- 22070030
TI  - Application of finite element analysis in pre-operative planning for deformity
      correction of abnormal hip joints--a case series.
AB  - In experimental and clinical research, it is difficult to directly measure
      responses in the human body, such as contact pressure and stress in a joint, but
      finite element analysis (FEA) enables the examination of in vivo responses by
      contact analysis. Hence, FEA is useful for pre-operative planning prior to
      orthopaedic surgeries, in order to gain insight into which surgical options will
      result in the best outcome. The present study develops a numerical simulation
      technique based on FEA to predict the surgical outcomes of osteotomy methods for
      the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphyses. The correlation of
      biomechanical parameters including contact pressure and stress, for moderate and
      severe cases, is investigated. For severe slips, a base-of-neck osteotomy is
      thought to be the most reliable and effective surgical treatment, while any
      osteotomy may produce dramatic improvement for moderate slips. This technology of
      pre-operative planning using FEA can provide information regarding biomechanical
      parameters that might facilitate the selection of optimal osteotomy methods and
      corresponding surgical options.

PMID- 22070031
TI  - Environmental issues and management strategies for waste electronic and
      electrical equipment.

PMID- 22070032
TI  - Estimated validity and reliability of on-board diagnostics for older vehicles:
      comparison with remote sensing observations.
AB  - Based on requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, most state
      vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs have, since 2002, replaced the
      tailpipe emission testing with the on-board diagnostic (OBD) II testing for 1996
      model and newer vehicles. This test relies on the OBD II system to give the pass
      or fail result, depending on certain conditions that might cause the vehicle to
      emit pollution 1.5 times higher than the regulated standard. The OBD II system is
      a computer and sensors installed in the vehicle to monitor the emission control
      units and signal if there is any malfunction. As a vehicle ages, its engine,
      pollution control units, and OBD II system deteriorate. Because the OBD II
      system's durability directly influences the test outcome, it is important to
      examine the fleetwide trend in the OBD II test results in comparison with an
      alternative measure of identifying high emitting vehicles. This study
      investigates whether the validity and reliability of the OBD II test is related
      to the age of the OBD II system installed in the fleet. Using Atlanta's I/M
      testing records and remote sensing device (RSD) data collected during 2002-2005,
      this research establishes the convergent validity and interobserver reliability
      criteria for the OBD II test based on on-road emissions measured by RSDs. The
      study results show that older vehicles exhibit significantly lower RSD-OBD II
      outcome agreement than newer vehicles. This suggests that the validity and
      reliability of the OBD II test may decline in the older vehicle fleets.
      Explanations and possible confounding factors for these findings are discussed.

PMID- 22070033
TI  - Analysis of chemical and physical effects of ultraviolet bulbs on cooking
      emissions.
AB  - There is a growing recognition of the risks to health, fire hazard, and air
      quality from cooking emissions. Recent research has identified what is emitted
      when foods are cooked. Some of the emitted mass is captured in the exhaust
      system. The balance is expelled into the atmosphere. The outlet of the exhaust
      system is a demarcation point-upstream the captured mass is the operator or
      building owner's concern, whereas downstream into the atmosphere, it affects air
      quality. Building codes have long required operators to deal with the upstream
      section. More recently, regulations are being placed on what kitchens can emit to
      the atmosphere. The industry is responding to this challenge with product
      innovations. Recently gained understanding of cooking emissions supports much of
      the innovation-but not all. This paper evaluates the purported benefit of adding
      better filtration and ultraviolet C (UVC) bulbs in kitchen hoods. A "UV hood"
      claims a two-step process to reduce emissions: better filters capture more
      emitted mass, and UVC photons and ozone drive photo-decomposition and oxidation
      reactions of some of the remaining greasy constituents. Adding UV to a hood at
      least doubles the cost compared to an equivalent non-UV hood. There is evidence
      that UV hoods do reduce some emissions. The essential question is whether
      improved performance is due to UV or relatively inexpensive, improved filters.
      Experimentation exposed an oleic acid aerosol, representative of cooking
      emissions, to UVC energy and ozone at higher concentrations and for longer
      exposure times than can occur in a UV hood. Particle-size and chemical changes
      were measured on samples collected with UV bulbs off and on. Results strongly
      indicate little change is happening and most emission reductions are caused by
      better filtration and not UV. The conclusion is that UV hoods fall short of
      claimed performance, and unreacted ozone may increase air pollution.

PMID- 22070035
TI  - Concentrations of particulate matter emitted from large cattle feedlots in
      Kansas.
AB  - Particulate matter (PM) emitted from cattle feedlots are thought to affect air
      quality in rural communities, yet little is known about factors controlling their
      emissions. The concentrations of PM (i.e., PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended
      particulates or TSP) upwind and downwind at two large cattle feedlots (KS1, KS2)
      in Kansas were measured with gravimetric samplers from May 2006 to October 2009
      (at KS1) and from September 2007 to April 2008 (at KS2). The mean downwind and
      net (i.e., downwind - upwind) mass concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and TSP varied
      seasonally, indicating the need for multiple-day, seasonal sampling. The downwind
      and net concentrations were closely related to the moisture content of the pen
      surface. The PM2.5/PM10 and PM2.5/TSP ratios at the downwind sampling location
      were also related to the moisture content of the pen surface, humidity, and
      temperature. Measurement of the particle size distribution downwind of the
      feedlot with a cascade impactor showed geometric mean diameter ranging from 7 to
      18 microm, indicating that particles that were emitted from the feedlots were
      generally large in size.

PMID- 22070034
TI  - Characterization of spatial impact of particles emitted from a cement material
      production facility on outdoor particle deposition in the surrounding community.
AB  - The objective of this study was to estimate the contribution of a facility that
      processes steel production slag into raw material for cement production to local
      outdoor particle deposition in Camden, NJ. A dry deposition sampler that can
      house four 37-mm quartz fiber filters was developed and used for the collection
      of atmospheric particle deposits. Two rounds of particle collection (3-4 weeks
      each) were conducted in 8-11 locations 200-800 m downwind of the facility.
      Background samples were concurrently collected in a remote area located -2 km
      upwind from the facility. In addition, duplicate surface wipe samples were
      collected side-by-side from each of the 13 locations within the same sampling
      area during the first deposition sampling period. One composite source material
      sample was also collected from a pile stored in the facility. Both the bulk of
      the source material and the < 38 microm fraction subsample were analyzed to
      obtain the elemental source profile. The particle deposition flux in the study
      area was higher (24-83 mg/m2 x day) than at the background sites (13-17
      mg/m2day). The concentration of Ca, a major element in the cement source
      production material, was found to exponentially decrease with increasing downwind
      distance from the facility (P < 0.05). The ratio of Ca/Al, an indicator of Ca
      enrichment due to anthropogenic sources in a given sample, showed a similar
      trend. These observations suggest a significant contribution of the facility to
      the local particle deposition. The contribution of the facility to outdoor
      deposited particle mass was further estimated by three independent models using
      the measurements obtained from this study. The estimated contributions to
      particle deposition in the study area were 1.8-7.4% from the regression analysis
      of the Ca concentration in particle deposition samples against the distance from
      the facility, 0-11% from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical
      Mass Balance (CMB) source-receptor model, and 7.6-13% from the EPA Industrial
      Source Complex Short Term (ISCST3) dispersion model using the particle-size
      adjusted permit-based emissions estimates.

PMID- 22070036
TI  - Application of a combined measurement and modeling method to quantify windblown
      dust emissions from the exposed playa at Mono Lake, California.
AB  - Particulate matter < or =10 microm (PM10) emissions due to wind erosion can vary
      dramatically with changing surface conditions. Crust formation, mechanical
      disturbance, soil texture, moisture, and chemical content of the soil can affect
      the amount of dust emitted during a wind event. A refined method of quantifying
      windblown dust emissions was applied at Mono Lake, CA, to account for changing
      surface conditions. This method used a combination of real-time sand flux
      monitoring, ambient PM10 monitoring, and dispersion modeling to estimate dust
      emissions and their downwind impact. The method identified periods with high
      emissions and periods when the surface was stable (no sand flux), even though
      winds may have been high. A network of 25 Cox sand catchers (CSCs) was used to
      measure the mass of saltating particles to estimate sand flux rates across a 2
      km2 area. Two electronic sensors (Sensits) were used to time-resolve the CSC sand
      mass to estimate hourly sand flux rates, and a perimeter tapered element
      oscillating microbalance (TEOM) monitor measured hourly PM10 concentrations.
      Hourly sand flux rates were related by dispersion modeling to hourly PM10
      concentrations to back-calculate the ratio of vertical PM10 flux to horizontal
      sand flux (K-factors). Geometric mean K-factor values (K(f)) were found to change
      seasonally, ranging from 1.3 x 10(-5) to 5.1 x 10(-5) for sand flux measured at
      15 cm above the surface (q15). Hourly PM10 emissions, F, were calculated by
      applying seasonal K-factors to sand flux measurements (F = K(f) x q15). The
      maximum hourly PM10 emission rate from the study area was 76 g/m2 x hr (10-m wind
      speed = 23.5 m/sec). Maximum daily PM10 emissions were estimated at 450 g/m2 x
      day, and annual emissions at 1095 g/m2 x yr. Hourly PM10 emissions were used by
      the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline AERMOD dispersion model
      to estimate downwind ambient impacts. Model predictions compared well with
      monitor concentrations, with hourly PM10 ranging from 16 to over 60,000 microg/m3
      (slope = 0.89, R2 = 0.77).

PMID- 22070037
TI  - Emission factors for high-emitting vehicles based on on-road measurements of
      individual vehicle exhaust with a mobile measurement platform.
AB  - Fuel-based emission factors for 143 light-duty gasoline vehicles (LDGVs) and 93
      heavy-duty diesel trucks (HDDTs) were measured in Wilmington, CA using a zero
      emission mobile measurement platform (MMP). The frequency distributions of
      emission factors of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), and particle
      mass with aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 microm (PM2.5) varied widely, whereas
      the average of the individual vehicle emission factors were comparable to those
      reported in previous tunnel and remote sensing studies as well as the predictions
      by Emission Factors (EMFAC) 2007 mobile source emission model for Los Angeles
      County. Variation in emissions due to different driving modes (idle, low- and
      high-speed acceleration, low- and high-speed cruise) was found to be relatively
      small in comparison to intervehicle variability and did not appear to interfere
      with the identification of high emitters, defined as the vehicles whose emissions
      were more than 5 times the fleet-average values. Using this definition,
      approximately 5% of the LDGVs and HDDTs measured were high emitters. Among the
      143 LDGVs, the average emission factors of NO(x), black carbon (BC), PM2.5, and
      ultrafine particle (UFP) would be reduced by 34%, 39%, 44%, and 31%,
      respectively, by removing the highest 5% of emitting vehicles, whereas CO
      emission factor would be reduced by 50%. The emission distributions of the 93
      HDDTs measured were even more skewed: approximately half of the NO(x) and CO
      fleet-average emission factors and more than 60% of PM2.5, UFP, and BC fleet
      average emission factors would be reduced by eliminating the highest-emitting 5%
      HDDTs. Furthermore, high emissions of BC, PM2.5, and NO(x) tended to cluster
      among the same vehicles.

PMID- 22070038
TI  - Stabilization and solidification of elemental mercury for safe disposal and/or
      long-term storage.
AB  - A simple and highly effective stabilization/solidification (S/S) technology of
      elemental mercury using only sulfur with paraffin is introduced. First, elemental
      mercury is mixed with an excess of sulfur powder and heated to 60 degrees C for
      30 min until elemental mercury is converted into mercuric sulfide (HgS black,
      metacinnabar) (Step 1). Then, metacinnabar with additional sulfur is poured into
      liquid paraffin (Step 2). Finally, the mixture is melted at 140 degrees C and
      settles to the bottom of the vessel where it cools and solidifies under the layer
      of liquid paraffin (Step 3). The proposed S/S method with sodium sulfide
      nonahydrate (Na2S x 9H2O) as an additive is also tested for comparison. The
      average toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test values are 6.72 microg/L
      (no additive) and 3.18 microg/L (with additive). Theses concentrations are well
      below the Universal Treatment Standard (25 microg/L). Effective diffusion
      coefficient evaluated from accelerated leach test and average headspace
      concentration of Hg vapor after 18 hr are 3.62 x 10(-15) cm2/sec, 0.55 mg/m3 (no
      additive) and 5.86 x 10(-13) cm2/sec, 0.25 mg/m3 (with additive).

PMID- 22070039
TI  - Particulate emissions from a stationary engine fueled with ultra-low-sulfur
      diesel and waste-cooking-oil-derived biodiesel.
AB  - Stationary diesel engines, especially diesel generators, are increasingly being
      used in both developing countries and developed countries because of increased
      power demand. Emissions from such engines can have adverse effects on the
      environment and public health. In this study, particulate emissions from a
      domestic stationary diesel generator running on ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD)
      and biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil were characterized for different
      load conditions. Results indicated a reduction in particulate matter (PM) mass
      and number emissions while switching diesel to biodiesel. With increase in engine
      load, it was observed that particle mass increased, although total particle
      counts decreased for all the fuels. The reduction in total number concentration
      at higher loads was, however, dependent on percentage of biodiesel in the diesel
      biodiesel blend. For pure biodiesel (B100), the reduction in PM emissions for
      full load compared to idle mode was around 9%, whereas for ULSD the reduction was
      26%. A large fraction of ultrafine particles (UFPs) was found in the emissions
      from biodiesel compared to ULSD. Nearly 90% of total particle concentration in
      biodiesel emissions comprised ultrafine particles. Particle peak diameter shifted
      from a smaller to a lower diameter with increase in biodiesel percentage in the
      fuel mixture.

PMID- 22070040
TI  - Rural southeast Texas air quality measurements during the 2006 Texas Air Quality
      Study.
AB  - The authors conducted air quality measurements of the criteria pollutants carbon
      monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone together with meteorological measurements at
      a park site southeast of College Station, TX, during the 2006 Texas Air Quality
      Study II (TexAQS). Ozone, a primary focus of the measurements, was above 80 ppb
      during 3 days and above 75 ppb during additional 8 days in summer 2006,
      suggestive of possible violations of the ozone National Ambient Air Quality
      Standard (NAAQS) in this area. In concordance with other air quality measurements
      during the TexAQS II, elevated ozone mixing ratios coincided with northerly flows
      during days after cold front passages. Ozone background during these days was as
      high as 80 ppb, whereas southerly air flows generally provided for an ozone
      background lower than 40 ppb. Back trajectory analysis shows that local ozone
      mixing ratios can also be strongly affected by the Houston urban pollution plume,
      leading to late afternoon ozone increases of as high as 50 ppb above background
      under favorable transport conditions. The trajectory analysis also shows that
      ozone background increases steadily the longer a southern air mass resides over
      Texas after entering from the Gulf of Mexico. In light of these and other TexAQS
      findings, it appears that ozone air quality is affected throughout east Texas by
      both long-range and regional ozone transport, and that improvements therefore
      will require at least a regionally oriented instead of the current locally
      oriented ozone precursor reduction policies.

PMID- 22070041
TI  - Perceptual pressures on lenition.
AB  - The phonological processes known as 'lenition' have traditionally been explained
      as articulatory effort reduction. However, such a motivation for lenition has
      never been directly demonstrated; in addition, there are reasons to doubt the
      articulatory explanation. This paper focuses on a particular type of lenition
      (intervocalic spirantization of voiced stops) and presents two experiments that
      investigate what role, if any, perceptual considerations might play in lenition.
      Experiment I shows that spirantization of intervocalic voiced stops is a less
      perceptually salient change than devoicing of intervocalic voiced stops (an
      unattested process). Using the line of reasoning of Steriade's P-map hypothesis,
      perceptual facts offer an alternative to the articulatory account: lenition of
      intervocalic voiced stops yields spirants rather than voiceless stops because the
      latter change is perceptually highly salient. The results of Experiment 2 show
      that the perceptual facts differ by place of articulation, such that the
      difference between stops and spirants is greater for labials than for dorsals.
      These results do not match the attested typology; if anything, languages are more
      likely to spirantize labials than they are to spirantize dorsals. Thus,
      perceptual facts have the potential to explain some, but not all, of the typology
      of lenition.

PMID- 22070042
TI  - The emergence of an unmarkedness effect in Mandarin speech errors: nasals in a
      coda position.
AB  - This study aims to explore how the markedness effect shapes Mandarin slips of the
      tongue with respect to nasals in syllable-final positions. Data were collected
      via natural speech and elicitation tasks from 35 participants' reading of 346
      test items. Three hundred and eight slips in Mandarin from natural data and 360
      slips from elicited data were investigated. This study shows that there exists a
      strong preference for unmarked coronal nasals over marked dorsal nasals in the
      syllable-final position in both spontaneous and elicited Mandarin slips. This
      tendency toward the unmarked [n] reveals that the influence of the unmarkedness
      effect is present in the coda position in Mandarin slips. Interestingly, this
      tendency is inconsistent with that found in a previous study by Wan of Mandarin
      slips in the onset position, which shows a tendency for coronals to be replaced
      by other sounds. This suggests an onset-coda distinction occurring in Mandarin
      speech errors, which implies that the markedness effect works differently in
      distinct syllable positions. More precisely, the unmarkedness effect emerges in
      the coda position in Mandarin slips, leading to the occurrence of unmarked
      segments, whereas it submerges in the onset position, resulting in marked
      segments.

PMID- 22070043
TI  - Congruent and incongruent semantic context influence vowel recognition.
AB  - The influence of sentence context on the recognition of naturally spoken vowels
      degraded by reverberation and Gaussian noise was investigated. Target words were
      paired to have similar consonant sounds but different vowels (e.g., map/mop) and
      were embedded early in sentences which provided three types of semantic context.
      Fifty-eight normal-hearing, young adults were presented with sentences in which
      acoustic and semantic cues agreed either weakly (neutral) or strongly (congruent)
      or the cues strongly disagreed (incongruent). One vowel pair (/epsilon/-/ae/) was
      selected to be easier to recognize than the other (/a/-/ae/). Changes induced in
      the spectra of the vowels by degradation showed that the impact of reverberation
      combined with noise was quite different from either condition alone. The
      recognition performance of participants (n=26) for isolated word stimuli matched
      the predictions of the frequency analysis. In sentences the recognition of the
      vowel was strongly influenced by the subsequent context; performance was best
      with congruent context and worst with incongruent context. The deleterious impact
      of incongruent context was larger than the helpful impact of congruent context.
      Incongruent context effects were greatest in noise but were also found in quiet
      and in reverberation.

PMID- 22070044
TI  - Acquisition of initial /s/-stop and stop-/s/sequences in Greek.
AB  - Previous work on children's acquisition of complex sequences points to a tendency
      for affricates to be acquired before clusters, but there is no clear evidence of
      a difference in order of acquisition between clusters with /s/ that violate the
      Sonority Sequencing Principle (SSP), such as /s/ followed by stop in onset
      position, and other clusters that obey the SSP. One problem with studies that
      have compared the acquisition of SSP-obeying and SSP-violating clusters is that
      the component sounds in the two types of sequences were different.This paper
      examines the acquisition of initial /s/-stop and stop-/s/ sequences by sixty
      Greek children aged 2 through 5 years. Results showed greater accuracy for the
      /s/-stop relative to the stop-/s/ sequences, but no difference in accuracy
      between /ts/, which is usually analyzed as an affricate in Greek, and the other
      stop-/s/ sequences. Moreover, errors for the /s/-stop sequences and /ts/
      primarily involved stop substitutions, whereas errors for /ps/ and /ks/ were more
      variable and often involved fricative substitutions, a pattern which may have a
      perceptual explanation. Finally, /ts/ showed a distinct temporal pattern relative
      to the stop-/s/ clusters /ps/ and /ks/, similar to what has been reported for
      productions of Greek adults.

PMID- 22070045
TI  - The effect of age on the acquisition of second language prosody.
AB  - This study reports an exploratory analysis of the age of arrival (AoA) effect on
      the production of second language (L2) prosody. Three groups of Mandarin-speaking
      immigrants (N=10 in each group) with varying AoA in the United States and ten
      native speakers of English as controls participated in the study. All
      participants read a paragraph of English, and their speech samples were subjected
      to three prosodic analyses: speech and articulation rates, native speakers'
      judgment of the prosody based on segment-filtered speech, and analyses of tones
      and prosodic groupings using the Mainstream American English Tones and Break
      Indices (MAE_ToBI) transcription conventions. The L2 groups also filled out a
      survey providing information about their demographic background, English input,
      and socio-psychological aspects of language learning. The results revealed that
      the AoA factor impacted different aspects of prosody to varying degrees. Group
      differences were statistically significant for speech rate, degree of foreign
      prosody, the frequency of pitch accents, and the frequency of high boundary tones
      (H-H%). However,group differences were not significant for articulation rate,
      prosodic groupings, and the rest of the ToBI-labeled phonological categories.
      Multiple regression analyses further confirmed the AoA effect on degree of
      foreign prosody, the frequency of pitch accents, and high boundary tones (H-H%);
      AoA remained a significant predictor controlling for the effects of other
      variables. However, speech rate was predicted by English media exposure and
      motivation variable but not by AoA.

PMID- 22070046
TI  - The perception of pathologically-disordered phonation by Gujarati, English, and
      Spanish listeners.
AB  - This study investigates the influence of linguistic experience on the perception
      of pathologically-disordered voices using 18 listeners of American English, which
      has allophonic breathiness, 12 listeners of Gujarati, which contrasts breathy and
      modal vowels, and 18 listeners of Spanish, which has neither allophonic nor
      phonemic breathiness. Listeners rated the similarity of pairs of pathologically
      disordered voices. Multidimensional scaling was used to determine the properties
      that were most correlated with perception for each listener group. Results showed
      that Gujaratis' perception was correlated with the difference between the
      amplitude of the first (HI*) and second (H2*) harmonic (HI*-H2*), which is
      associated with the production of phonation in Gujarati. English listeners'
      judgments were correlated with the measure HI*-H2* and cepstral peak prominence,
      and Spanish listeners' judgments were correlated with HI*-H2 and HI*-AI* (the
      amplitude of the principal harmonic near the first formant). When compared to
      Esposito (2006), which asked the same listeners to rate the similarity of breathy
      and modal vowels from Mazatec, results showed that Gujarati listeners classified
      the pathologically-disordered stimuli in the same way that they classified the
      Mazatec stimuli, while English and Spanish listeners perceived the pathologically
      disordered stimuli and the Mazatec stimuli in slightly different ways.

PMID- 22070047
TI  - Clinical experience of adnexal torsion: evaluation of 143 cases.
AB  - We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the outcomes, indications and
      post-operative findings of adnexal torsion cases and compared the features of
      benign cystic teratoma with the other cases. We analyzed a series of 143 cases of
      adnexal torsion from 2000 to 2009 at current clinic, retrospectively. The data
      were collected from the patient's specific files and hospital records
      descriptively. The demographic characteristics, sonographic findings and post
      operative invention were evaluated. Statistical analyses were carried out by
      using the statistical packages for SPSS 15.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL,
      USA). A total of 143 cases were operated for adnexal torsion during the study
      period at our clinic. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the cases
      are shown in table 1. Of all patients, forty of them were diagnosed as benign
      cystic teratoma and this group of the adnexal torsion cases had statistically
      different gravidy, mass size and torsion number from the non-benign cystic
      teratoma group. Age was not a statistically different between two groups.
      According to this study, benign cystic teratoma increases risk of adnexal
      torsion. When detecting benign cystic teratoma the patients should be informed
      about the risk of torsion and explained the signs of this situation. The early
      diagnosis and appropriate surgical management of adnexal torsion is the only way
      to prevent complications and to preserve future fertility. Being aware of the
      different sonographic findings of torsionated adnexa may assist in the correct
      diagnosis of these patients.

PMID- 22070049
TI  - Cost analysis of intra-arterial versus intra-venous delivery of bevacizumab for
      the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.
AB  - Intra-arterial bevacizumab (IA BV) has been recently identified to be safe in the
      treatment of recurrent GBM. In this study, we sought to perform a cost analysis
      of IA BV versus IV BV especially also taking account of patient progression free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We show that IA BV is significantly
      more cost effective than conventional IV therapy.

PMID- 22070048
TI  - Zinc is a potential therapeutic for chemoresistant ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer. The high
      mortality rate reflets the lack of early diagnosis and limited treatment
      alternatives. We have observed a number of properties of zinc cytotoxicity that
      make it attractive from a therapeutic standpoint. Using SKOV3 and ES2 cells,
      ovarian cancer cell lines that demonstrate varied degrees of resistance to known
      therapeutics, we show that zinc killing is time and concentration dependent.
      Death is preceded by distinct changes in cell shape and size. The effects of zinc
      are additive with cisplatin or doxorubicin, whose morphological effects are
      distinct from those of zinc. Cytotoxicity of paclitaxel is minimal, making it
      difficult to determine additivity with zinc. Paclitaxel results in changes in
      cell shape and size similar to those of zinc but has different effects on cell
      cycle progression and cyclin expression. The data indicate that the means by
      which zinc kills ovarian cancer cells is distinct from currently used
      chemotherapeutics. Based on the properties reported here, zinc has the potential
      to be developed as either a primary treatment or as a second line of defense
      against cancers that have developed resistance to currently used
      chemotherapeutics.

PMID- 22070050
TI  - Expressions of CK-19, NF-kappaB, E-cadherin, beta-catenin and EGFR as diagnostic
      and prognostic markers by immunohistochemical analysis in thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - Immunohistochemical markers have been proposed for thyroid cancer diagnosis and
      prognostic studies. Immunohistochemical analysis of CK-19, NF-kappaB, beta
      catenin, E-cadherin and EGFR were done to evaluate their diagnostic and
      prognostic efficiencies in eighty eight cancer specimen (PTC-52, FTC-16, benign
      nodule-12 and MNG-8). CK-19 was positive in 91% (62/68) DTC, 98% (51/52) PTC, 69%
      (11/16) FTC and 15% (3/20) benign thyroid nodules. NF-kappaB was expressed 93%
      (63/68) DTC, in 96% (50/52) PTC, 81% (11/16) FTC and 15% (3/20) benign thyroid
      nodules. Both CK-19 and NF-kappaB were significantly differentiated DTC, PTC and
      FTC from benign thyroid nodule (p < 0.0001) with diagnostic accuracy of 89.74%,
      94.4% and 77.4% for CK-19 and 91.0%, 90.5% and 83.5% respectively for NF-kappaB.
      Though CK-19 and NF-kappaB were equally sensitive but CK-19 was most specific in
      the diagnosis of DTC and PTC. The diagnostic accuracy of beta-catenin was 96% and
      94% and accuracy of E-cadherin was 90.1% and 93.9% for the diagnosis of
      metastatic PTC and FTC respectively. EGFR showed 90% (18/20) of metastatic PTC (p
      < 0.0001) and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 90%, 71.8% and 78.85%
      respectively. CK-19 and NF-kappaB were accurately diagnosed in DTC, PTC and FTC
      whereas, NF-kappaB, E-cadherin, beta-catenin and EGFR were strongly expressed in
      invasive papillary thyroid cancers and FTC, thus can be important diagnostic and
      prognostic marker for FTC and metastatic PTC. This may be concluded that
      immunohistochemical expression of panel of markers CK-19, NF-kappaB, E-cadherin,
      beta-catenin and EGFR can be useful in diagnosis and prognosis of DTC.

PMID- 22070051
TI  - Shattering the underpinnings of neoplastic architecture in LNCap: synergistic
      potential of nutraceuticals in dampening PDGFR/EGFR signaling and cellular
      proliferation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is a polyfactorial molecular anomaly that is offering
      refractoriness against a broad range of therapeutic drugs. Growth factor
      receptors are actively implicated in oncogenesis. PDGFR/EGFR mediated exacerbated
      signaling has a central participation and is contributory in fueling the signal
      transductions that gear up prostate cancer progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this particular study, androgen sensitive, Prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP) was
      used. Pretreatment of cell line with PDGF resulted in an enhanced proliferation
      of cells which was evaluated by MTT assay. Treatment of cell line with either
      alone Curcumin, EGCG, sulforaphane or in combination was evaluated. PDGFR/EGFR
      activation (phosphorylation) was studied using western blot. RESULTS: Results
      indicated that phosphorylation was gradually downregulated after treatment with
      individual compound. However there was a remarkable decrease in cellular
      proliferation after a combinatorial approach which is indicative of the fact that
      PDGFR phosphorylation was decreased outstandingly as evaluated by MTT assay. That
      also gave a prominent decline in the expression and subsequent decrease in
      proliferation pattern of cells. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that little is still
      known regarding the mechanistic insights by which phytonutrients act as barrier
      to cancer, and attempts to translate the studies from benchtop to bedside are in
      progress. A detailed analysis of nutraceuticals will help a lot in identifying
      the stumbling blocks in the standardization of therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22070052
TI  - Phellinus rimosus (Berk.) pilat attenuates 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene
      induced and croton oil promoted skin papilloma formation in mice.
AB  - The roles of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), a polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbon (PAH), and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) a skin tumor
      promoter present in croton oil, are clearly implicated in the formation of skin
      papilloma. The effect of ethyl acetate extract of Phellinus rimosus, a polypore
      macro fungus, against croton oil-induced skin inflammation, lipid peroxidation
      and tumor promotion was studied. The antiinflammatory and lipid peroxidation
      inhibiting activities were determined by topical application of extract of P.
      rimosus (10 and 20 mg) prior to the application of 0.1 ml of 50% croton oil in
      acetone. The tumor promotion inhibiting effect of P. rimosus was evaluated
      against DMBA-initiated, croton oil promoted two-stage carcinogenesis model in
      mouse skin. The results showed that topical application of the extract (10 and 20
      mg) significantly (p < 0.01) and dose dependently attenuate the inflammatory
      edema as well as lipid peroxidation induced by croton oil. Similarly, topical
      application of extract (1 and 5 mg) effectively ameliorated the croton oil
      promoted skin papilloma formation. The results of this study concluded that ethyl
      acetate extract of P. rimosus showed antitumor activity against DMBA initiated,
      croton oil promoted skin papilloma formation which can be partially ascribed to
      the antiperoxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract.

PMID- 22070053
TI  - The impact of uterine re-curettage, pre-evacuation and week-one level of hCG on
      the number of chemotherapy courses in treatment of post molar GTN.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post molar GTN was reported to occur in 7.5-20% of patients following
      evacuation of complete hydatidiform moles and in 2.5-7.5% following evacuation of
      partial moles. The role of uterine re-curettage in post molar GTN is not clear.
      OBJECTIVES: Study of the correlation of pre-evacuation and week- one level of
      hCG, and uterine re-curettage to the number of chemotherapy courses in treatment
      of post molar GTN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 29
      cases of post molar GTN through reviewing their medical records. RESULTS: There
      were 25 cases (86.21) of low risk, and 4 cases of high risk score (13.79%). The 3
      year survival was 96.6%. There were non-significant correlation of age, parity,
      pre-evacuation level and hCG in week-1 to number of chemotherapy courses, while
      uterine re-curettage was significantly correlated to number of chemotherapy
      courses (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Uterine re-curettage was significantly correlated
      to less number of chemotherapy courses in patients with post molar GTN (p =
      0.04). Pre-evacuation and week-1 hCG were not correlated to number of
      chemotherapy cycles. A large prospective randomized trial to clarify the
      beneficial effect of uterine re-curettage is recommended.

PMID- 22070054
TI  - Avocado fruit (Persea americana Mill) exhibits chemo-protective potentiality
      against cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity in human lymphocyte culture.
AB  - Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been associated with reduced risks for
      many types of cancers. Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a widely consumed
      fruit containing many cancer preventing nutrients, vitamins and phytochemicals.
      Studies have shown that phytochemicals extracted from the avocado fruit
      selectively induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit growth, and induce apoptosis in
      precancerous and cancer cell lines. Our recent studies indicate that
      phytochemicals extracted with 50% Methanol from avocado fruits help in
      proliferation of human lymphocyte cells and decrease chromosomal aberrations
      induced by cyclophosphamide. Among three concentrations (100 mg, 150 mg and 200
      mg per Kg Body Weight), the most effective conc. of extract was 200 mg/Kg Body
      Wt. It decreased significant level of numerical and structural aberrations
      (breaks, premature centromeric division etc. up to 88%, p < 0.0001)), and
      accrocentric associtation within D & G group (up to 78%, p = 0.0008). These
      studies suggest that phytochemicals from the avocado fruit can be utilized for
      making active chemoprotective ingredient for lowering the side effect of
      chemotherapy like cyclophosphamide in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22070055
TI  - Characterization of a murine lung adenocarcinoma (LAC1), a useful experimental
      model to study progression of lung cancer.
AB  - Lung cancer is one of the most important avoidable causes of death around the
      world, the most widespread carcinoma, with a very poor prognosis, and is the
      leading cause of cancer death in both developed and developing countries. We
      report morphological and biological behavior characteristics of a tumor that
      arose in only one BALB/c mouse of an experimental group treated with urethane, a
      chemical lung-tumorigenic agent. Morphological and immunochemical analysis
      indicated phenotypic compatibility with a lung adenocarcinoma. The tumor was
      named LAC1 (lung adenocarcinoma 1). Implant success in eight LAC1-bearing mice
      generations was 100%, with a fast evolution (58 survival days) and good
      metastatic capacity (41% of animals with metastases). The tumor induced a
      paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by anemia, neutrophilia, cachexia,
      splenomegaly and thymic atrophy. The lymphoproliferation to Con A was altered in
      tumor-bearing mice. This lung adenocarcinoma may be a useful experimental model
      for studying tumor progression, paraneoplastic syndromes and immunology in
      carcinogenic studies.

PMID- 22070056
TI  - CD22 as a target for cancer therapy.
AB  - Targeted therapies with monoclonal antibodies have been increasingly incorporated
      into the treatment for both lymphoid and myeloid hematological malignancies.
      Rituximab, the first approved monoclonal antibody for the treatment of cancer,
      has revolutionized our approach to the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, there is still an unmet medical need for
      novel therapeutic approaches, especially for patients in the relapsed/refractory
      setting. Therapeutic agents with specificity against different surface antigens
      on malignant B cells hold promise for improving clinical outcome in these
      patients. Throughout the last decade, CD22, a B-cell-restricted
      phosphoglycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, has gained considerable
      interest as a therapeutic target for B-cell-directed therapies. Several novel
      therapeutic agents that selectively target CD22 are being developed as an
      alternative approach for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current
      knowledge of CD22 and discusses the rationale for targeting CD22 in B-cell
      malignancies with immunotherapeutic agents. This review also describes some of
      the most promising investigational anti-CD22 agents for the treatment of B-cell
      malignancies.

PMID- 22070057
TI  - In vitro studies on Bothrops venoms cytotoxic effect on tumor cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal venoms are complex mixtures of proteins and non proteins
      components with several biological activities. Snake venoms represent an
      essentially unexplored source of bioactive compounds that may cure disease
      conditions which do not respond to currently available therapies. These venoms
      possess many pharmacological activities, as cytotoxic and/or lytic effects on
      tumor cells in vitro. Herein, were investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of
      three Bothrops venoms in tumor cell lines. METHODS: Cytotoxic effect was
      evaluated in HCT-8 (colon - human), SF-295 (nervous system - human), HL-60 (human
      leukemia) and MDAMB-435 (breast - human). Cell density and membrane integrity
      were determined by the exclusion of propidium iodide. To determine whether
      Bothrops venoms treated cells were undergoing an apoptotic and/ or necrosis
      death, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization was measured after the incubation
      with the venom. RESULTS: Botrhops venons showed significant cytotoxcity against
      all cell lines in study. Cell density and membrane integrity were determined by
      the exclusion of propidium iodide. The Bothrops venoms reduced the cell number
      and revealed the presence of a necrotic population when the cells was exposed to
      the B. pauloensis B. diporus and B. pirajai venoms. To determine whether Bothrops
      venoms treated cells were undergoing an apoptotic and/or necrosis death, PS
      externalization was measured after the incubation with the venom and it was
      observed necrotic and apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: All Bothrops venoms tested
      showed cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines through inducing of necrosis and
      apoptosis.

PMID- 22070058
TI  - Assessing the current status of tobacco dependence education curricula in U.S.
      physician assistant programs.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tobacco use continues to be the single most preventable cause of death
      and disease in the United States. A paradigm shift is needed in physician
      assistant (PA) education to address tobacco dependence as a chronic, relapsing
      disease requiring patient education, counseling, treatment, and follow-up.
      METHODS: A national study was conducted to assess the existing tobacco dependence
      education currently offered in U.S. PA programs. An established tobacco
      dependence curriculum survey was revised and mailed to the 141 accredited PA
      programs in the United States during the 2008-2009 academic year. The survey
      asked respondents to report the following with regard to tobacco dependence
      education content in their PA program; (1) Perceived self-efficacy and barriers;
      (2) Medical topics covered and minutes spent; (3) Evaluation of students'
      competency level; (4) Tobacco courses, topics, and resources used; and (5) Level
      of tobacco-cessation competency expected upon graduation. RESULTS: A total of 79
      surveys were returned (56% response rate). Though, on average, over 827 minutes
      (14 hours) were devoted to tobacco dependence education curriculum, most minutes
      (223 minutes) were spent on the health effects of tobacco use, with only 42
      minutes spent on cessation counseling, 55 minutes on medications, and 13 minutes
      on integrating tobacco-cessation into clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: PA
      educators have the unique opportunity to affect tobacco-related morbidity and
      mortality. The present study demonstrates that PA instructors are more than
      adequately teaching students about tobacco use. However, it is not clear if
      students are being adequately taught how to assist patients to quit using
      tobacco.

PMID- 22070059
TI  - Screening applicants for risk of poor academic performance: a novel scoring
      system using preadmission grade point averages and graduate record examination
      scores.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an effective screening tool for
      identifying physician assistant (PA) program applicants at highest risk for poor
      academic performance. METHODS: Prior to reviewing applications for the class of
      2009, a retrospective analysis of preadmission data took place for the classes of
      2006, 2007, and 2008. A single composite score was calculated for each student
      who matriculated (number of subjects, N=228) incorporating the total
      undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), the science GPA (SGPA), and the three
      component Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: verbal (GRE-V), quantitative
      (GRE-Q), analytical (GRE-A). Individual applicant scores for each of the five
      parameters were ranked in descending quintiles. Each applicant's five quintile
      scores were then added, yielding a total quintile score ranging from 25, which
      indicated an excellent performance, to 5, which indicated poorer performance.
      RESULTS: Thirteen of the 228 students had academic difficulty (dismissal,
      suspension, or one-quarter on academic warning or probation). Twelve of the 13
      students having academic difficulty had a preadmission total quintile score 12
      (range, 6-14). In response to this descriptive analysis, when selecting
      applicants for the class of 2009, the admissions committee used the total
      quintile score for screening applicants for interviews. Analysis of correlations
      in preadmission, graduate, and postgraduate performance data for the classes of
      2009-2013 will continue and may help identify those applicants at risk for
      academic difficulty. CONCLUSION: Establishing a threshold total quintile score of
      applicant GPA and GRE scores may significantly decrease the number of entering PA
      students at risk for poor academic performance.

PMID- 22070060
TI  - Assessing the value of dual physician assistant/public health degrees.
AB  - The popularity of dual physician assistant/master of public health degree
      programs continues to increase within US physician assistant (PA) education. The
      advantages and disadvantages of pursuing dual degree training have not been fully
      explored in the PA literature. Potential advantages of dual training include
      broadening of the student's perspective on health and health care beyond the "one
      provider, one patient" medical model, increased training in evaluation and use of
      the medical literature, increased skill in assessing community factors that
      affect the health of patients, enhanced expertise in health care administration
      or policy, and improved prospects for future roles as PA faculty members.
      Potential drawbacks include increased duration and expense of PA/MPH education,
      student burnout due to prolonged training, and the lack of jobs that explicitly
      use both halves of the PA/MPH training.

PMID- 22070061
TI  - A study of predictive validity of physician assistant students' reported practice
      site intent.
AB  - PURPOSE: With the downward trend in numbers of primary care physicians, it is
      anticipated that mid-level providers will increasingly fill the resulting void in
      rural health care. Recruitment of health care providers into rural areas has been
      historically difficult, and West Virginia has been at the forefront of developing
      programs to address rural recruitment. One of these programs is the West Virginia
      Rural Health Education Partnership, which provides rural clinical rotation
      opportunities for students from multiple disciplines and schools in West
      Virginia. This study assessed the predictive validity of physician assistant (PA)
      students' prediction, after completion of rural rotations, of a rural or an urban
      practice site and also assessed for factors associated with subsequent rural
      practice. METHODS: The Institutional Review Board of West Virginia University
      approved this study. The West Virginia Rural Health Education Partnership's
      electronic database, which has collected students' postrotation evaluation
      information since 2001, was coupled with West Virginia licensing information that
      included information on PA practice site(s). Data on 168 practicing West Virginia
      PAs who had completed rural rotation questionnaires during their clinical
      education were examined. Designation of a rural or an urban practice site was
      done using rural-urban commuting area codes. RESULTS: Student prediction of rural
      practice was significantly associated with subsequent rural practice (P < 0.04).
      Variables most predictive of rural practice were student reporting of high school
      hometown as rural and of West Virginia practice intent. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      suggests moderate predictive validity of PA student reporting on rural practice
      and on West Virginia practice intent; such methods may have potential in
      prediction of the future rural PA workforce.

PMID- 22070062
TI  - Essentials of corporate governance.

PMID- 22070063
TI  - The evidence-based medicine write-up: a tool for EBM skill development and
      patient-centered evidence application.

PMID- 22070064
TI  - Une Lecon Clinique a la Salpetriere (A clinical lesson at the Salpetriere), Andre
      Brouillet (1887).

PMID- 22070065
TI  - Strategies for workplace learning used by entry-level physician assistants.
AB  - PURPOSE: Physician assistants (PAs) play an increasingly important role in
      medicine. While PAs have strong basic science and clinical training in school,
      typically they don't participate in postgraduate training and are expected to
      expand their generalists' competencies through continuing professional education.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the methods PAs use during their
      initial phase of workplace learning and determine which methods are deemed most
      effective by PAs. METHODS: This large, cross-sectional study of PAs within the
      first 2 years of practice consisted of a survey of PAs investigating the methods
      used for assessment of educational needs, instruction, and assessment of
      learning. RESULTS: The results revealed that PAs generally found that employers
      are well aware of their learning needs and their supervising physicians play an
      essential role in their learning. PAs themselves often recognized their learning
      needs based on perceived gaps in competencies noted with patient encounters.
      Though many PAs reported having an orientation period, most PAs said that this
      orientation was not well adapted to their unique learning needs. A variety of
      methods were used during workplace learning, with those related to real patient
      problems deemed most helpful by PAs. Although PAs reported that their learning
      was assessed, review of patient outcome data was uncommon. CONCLUSIONS:
      Consistent with principles of adult learning theory, these findings suggest that
      PAs find active forms of learning most valuable. Employers and supervising
      physicians should consider these findings and the available literature on adult
      learning in developing an environment that is supportive of continuing
      professional development.

PMID- 22070066
TI  - The use of multimedia clinical case scenario software in a problem-based learning
      course: impact on faculty workload and student learning outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of using multimedia
      clinical case scenario software in lieu of text-based problem-based learning
      (PBL) cases. The specific interests in this study were student learning outcomes
      and facilitator utilization. METHODS: The study was conducted with one cohort of
      39 physician assistant (PA) students using the seven text-based PBL cases and
      adding one DxR Clinician software case. Faculty members facilitated each case. A
      second cohort of 41 PA students completed a blended curriculum of four PBL text
      cases and four DxR Clinician cases, including the same case used by the first
      cohort. The students' clinical reasoning case scores for each cohort were
      compared using a two-tailed unpaired t-test. During the second cohort's use of
      the DxR clinician cases, facilitators were available to the students upon
      request. Facilitator hours for each case in both cohorts were tabulated. A
      quantitative analysis of faculty time commitment was performed comparing the
      cohorts using a paired t-test. RESULTS: The clinical reasoning score between
      cohorts increased 12% with the increased use of multimedia clinical case scenario
      software. The savings in faculty facilitator time was 41% using the blended
      curriculum of text-based cases and multimedia cases. This time savings could
      potentially rise to 92% using multimedia cases exclusively. CONCLUSIONS: The use
      of multimedia clinical case scenario software offers an exciting opportunity to
      encourage clinical reasoning skills using an updated format for PBL.
      Additionally, the faculty time savings due to decreased PBL facilitation would
      allow more programs to incorporate PBL into their curriculum.

PMID- 22070067
TI  - [The significance of the expression of Col IV and LN in nasal and paranasal sinus
      malignant tumor].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the pathological relationship between the expression of Col
      IV and LN in nasal and paranasal sinus malignant tumor (NPMT). METHOD: The
      immunohistochemical technique was used to detected the expression of Col IV and
      LN in NPMT, para-cancer tissues and non-cancer tissues. RESULT: There was a
      significance on the expression of the Col IV and LN in NPMT, para-cancer tissues
      and non-cancer tissues (P<0.01), and no significance in endepidermis and soft
      connective tissue of the NPMT (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Col IV and LN perhaps
      participate in tumorigenesis of NPMT, and may play the homoioplastic role in
      different pathological types of the NPMT.

PMID- 22070068
TI  - [Aeroallergen spectrum of patients with child allergic rhinitis in Changsha area
      of China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate aeroallergen spectrum and allergy positive rates of
      patients with child allergic rhinitis and analyze its related factors. METHOD:
      Skin prick test was carried out in 562 cases with child allergic rhinitis using
      13 inhaled allergens, and detailed history was collected in all cases. RESULT:
      Four hundred and fifty-seven (81.3%) of 562 cases showed positive reaction to at
      least one allergen out of 13 allergens. The most common allergens found in
      patients was Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and
      positive reaction was 93.1% in child allergic rhinitis, followed by tropical
      mite, Periplaneta americana, Blattella germanica and dog hair. The pollen
      allergen, most common in American and European, was pretty rare in this study.
      The prevalence of child allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in urban than
      in rural (P<0.01). There was no adverse effect appeared in children with allergic
      rhinitis underwent skin prick test. CONCLUSION: The major allergen of allergic
      rhinitis is mite for child allergic rhinitis, and relates to housing enviroment.
      Most of patients with child allergic rhinitis can be treated by the mite specific
      immunotherapy. The skin prick test is a safe technique for diagnosis of children
      with allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 22070069
TI  - [Application of image guidance system in endoscopic optic nerve decompression of
      traumatic occlusion optic neuropathy affiliated with cerebrospinal rhinorrhea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advantages of image guidance system in endoscopic
      optic nerve decompression of traumatic occlusion optic neuropathy affiliated with
      cerebrospinal rhinorrhea. METHOD: Retrospective review of 15 traumatic occlusion
      optic neuropathy affiliated with cerebrospinal rhinorrhea at our department
      between June 2006 and June 2010. Witch were performed endoscopic optic nerve
      decompression and cerebrospinal rhinorrhea euplastic by image guidance system.
      RESULT: After 3 months to 1 year follow-up, All the cases with cerebrospinal
      rhinorrhea euplastic were successful. Two cases recovered to 0.3-0.6 in visual
      activity. Two cases to 0.1-0.3. One case was less than 0.1. Two cases could see
      hand movement and 2 cases had light perception. Total effective rate was 60
      percent (9/15). CONCLUSION: Image guidance system combined with endoscopy
      provides accurate localization and identifies the operative borders and critical
      anatomical structure of skull base, optic nerve and internal carotid artery,and
      also clearly indicate their adjacent relations,also decreases surgical invasions
      and complications. Image guidance system can improve the accuracy and safety,
      particularly in local anatomic structure due to the trauma caused by changes in
      the relationship. It is a safety and effective therapy method.

PMID- 22070070
TI  - [Study of acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry for severe obstructive sleep
      apnea-hypopnea syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between nasal airway function and severe
      obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (sOSAHS). METHOD: One hundred and four
      cases were divided into 3 groups: group A was 39 normal adult men, group B was 25
      nonobese patients with sOSAHS (BMI<28), groups C was 40 obese patients with
      sOSAHS (BMI > or = 28). Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometer was used to
      acquire unilateral area of first constriction, unilateral area of second of
      constriction, unilateral minimum cross-sectional area,unilateral nasal volume 0-5
      cm, 2-5 cm, the effective unilateral and total nasal resistances in inspiration,
      expiration at 150 Pa (URins, URexp, TRins, TRexp). RESULT: Nasal resistance were
      significantly higher in the group B compared to the group A and group C (P<0.05).
      Among the group B, but not the group A and group B, we found significant
      correlations between TRins,TRexp and apnea hypopnea index (r=0.402, 0.401,
      P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Nasal resistance is an important factor for nonobese
      patients with sOSAHS.

PMID- 22070071
TI  - [The clinical characters and acoustic rhinometry analyses of 98 cases fugal ball
      sinusitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To improve the cognition of fungal ball sinusitis (FB) for diagnosing
      and treatting it rightly, we retrospectively analyzed the hospitalization cases.
      METHOD: We analyzed 98 cases FB patients' first symptom, acoustic rhinometry, CT
      manifestation, operation fashion. RESULT: The first symptoms of FB include: 47.2%
      nosebleed, 38.8% snuffle, 28.6% headache and face-ache, 4.0% nasal peculiar
      smell, 2.0% excessive tear, 4.0% no symptom. Anterior nasoscope inspection
      include: 43.9% no significant abnormity, 13.3% nasoseptal deviation. 41.8% nasal
      cavity neoplasm (nasal polyp, nasoturbinal polyp, nasal meatus fugal ball etc),
      25.5% secretion in nasal cavity. The parameters that conclude the nasal airway
      resistance (NAR), nasal cavity volume (NCV) and nasal minimal cross-section area
      (NMCA) have extremely difference (P<0.01) between FB and normal volunteers (NV):
      the NAR increase, but NCV and NMCA decrease; the Distance of the Minimal cross
      sectional area from the nostril (DCAN) appear moving backword compared with NV.
      The CT manifestation: almost unilateral lesions, involved paranasal sinuses
      present asymmetric or symmetrical opacification: 60.2% with calcified area, 25.5%
      with local bone erosion, 74.5% with sinus wall sclerosis. 65.3% of the CT
      diagnoses as FB are accord with pathology diagnoses. The incidence of FB involve
      maxillary sinus most (54.1%), then sphenoid sinus (11.2%) and ethmoid sinus
      (5.1%), frontal sinus (2.0%), multi-sinus (32.7%). All cases operated functional
      endoscopy surgery: 13 cases with nasoseptal diorthosis, 4 cases with inferior
      meatus opening, 2 case with canine fossa opening; we clean up the fungal pathogen
      with different degree endoscope through different path. CONCLUSION: The clinical
      symptom of FB is not representative; the acoustic rhinometry show that NAR
      increasing but NCV and NMCA decreasing maybe the reason of fungal infection; the
      CT examine is helpful for FB diagnosis; the functional endoscopy surgery is
      efficient therapy for FB.

PMID- 22070072
TI  - [To investigate the relationship of airborne fungi and allergic disease of
      respiration system in the city of Wuhan region].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the prevalent species and the
      seasonal drift law of airborne fungi and respiratory allergic disease in the city
      of Wuhan. METHOD: Airborne fungi was investigated by exposed sides from 2007 to
      2008, and 1674 patients with respiratory allergic disease that were used to do
      allergens skin test simultaneously, in order to analyze the simultaneous. RESULT:
      Airborne fungi could be detected in air all over the year. In 2007, the exposed
      films collected 26 734 fungi spores, and 686 other fungi (hypha and not well
      known fungi), to the sum of 27420. Otherwise, in 2008, the exposed films
      collected 26 531 fungi spores, and 730 other fungi, to the sum of 27 261. In the
      survey, 17 types of species of the collected fungi spores were identified, and
      the predominant species were alternaria sp, ustilaginales, deightoniella sp,
      uredinales, and the quantity of Fungi alternaria was most of all . And the peak
      period mainly concentrated from April to June, and from September to October.
      Otherwise, the positive rate of fungi skin test in patients with respiratory
      allergic disease was 10.48% in 2007, but 10.07% in 2008. The main period of onset
      of respiratory allergic disease was from April to June, and from September to
      October, similar as the seasonal drift law of airborne fungi. CONCLUSION: The
      period of onset of respiratory allergic disease was consistent with the seasonal
      drift law of airborne fungi.

PMID- 22070073
TI  - [The analysis on the allergen test of the allergic rhinitis with 1564 cases in
      Changji district].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allergen distribution of subjects suffered from the
      allergic rhinitis in Changji district. METHOD: Skin prick test was employed on
      all the 1 564 sufferers by 17 sorts of allergic stock solution, with the
      physiological saline to be the negative control and the histamine to be the
      positive control. RESULT: The positive rate of allergen citanest was 85.17%.
      Furthermore, Chenopodium and Lupulus, as the main allergen substances, were found
      out to be the highest positive rate among 1332 subjects who were detected to be
      positive, with pollen of trees following. Whereas, the positive rate of allergic
      rhinitis caused by dust mite, fungus and canine epidermis was relatively low.
      CONCLUSION: The main allergens of the allergic rhinitis in Changji district are
      Chenopodium and Lupulus, similar as the dust mite. The allergen prick test, which
      is characterized as accuracy, sensitiveness and fastness, is an essential way to
      seek and screen those allergens. Thus, it can provide scientific instruction to
      the prevention of the allergic rhinitis in Changji district.

PMID- 22070074
TI  - [Kinetic expression of T-bet and GATA-3 genes in rat allergic rhinitis models].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate kinetic expression of genes T-bet and GATA-3 in blood
      mononuclear cells (BMCs) in allergic rhinitis rats model at different stages of
      development of allergic rhinitis. METHOD: Twenty SD rats (including 10 male and
      10 female) were divided into 2 groups, experimental group and control group,
      randomly, 10 rats for each group. Ten rats in experimental group were sensitized
      and intranasally challenged by OVA, aluminium hydroxide hydrate gel and
      Bordelella pertussis inactive microorganism suspension (B. pertussis) adjuvants,
      as allergic rhinitis models, Ten rats in control group were investigated using
      physiological saline only. BMCs were separated from 2 ml blood which was
      extracted from rat heart at the end of sensitization, 10- hour after the first
      challenge and 10-hour after the final challenge, respectively. RT-PCR was
      utilized to detect the expression of T-bet and GATA-3. RESULT: At the end of
      sensitization, 10-hour after the first challenge and 10-hour after the final
      challenge, in experimental group, Relative quantitation of expression of T-bet
      was 0.404 +/- 0.187, 1.676 +/- 0.708, 0.503 +/- 0.514 and that of GATA-3 was
      0.434 +/- 0.147, 0.600 +/- 0.480, 1.029 +/- 0.690, respectively. While, In
      control group, Relative quantitation of expression of T-bet was 0.487 +/- 0.212,
      0.486 +/- 0.148, 0.495 +/- 0.103 and and its of GATA-3 was 0.596 +/- 0.249, 0.474
      +/- 0.101, 0.550 +/- 0.119, respectively. At 10-hour after the first challenge,
      relative quantitation of expression of T-bet in experimental group was increased
      markedly and there was significant difference compared with contol group (t=4.18,
      P<0.01). In experimental group, The amount of expression of T-bet at 10-hour
      after first challenge was higher than it at 10-hour after the final challenge and
      there was markedly difference (t=5.14, P<0.01). The amount of expression of T-bet
      at 10-hour after first challenge was increased significantly compared with it at
      the end of sensitization (t= 5.27, P<0.01). while, the expression of GATA-3 at 10
      hour after final challenge was markedly increased compared with it at the end of
      sensitization (t= 3.51, P<0.05) and was higher than it at 10-hour after first
      challenge (t=2.53, P<0.05). At 10-hour after final challenge, The amount of
      expression of GATA-3 in experimental group was significantly higher than it in
      control group (t=2.71, P<0.05). However, both the expression of GATA-3 and T-bet
      had not markedly changed in control group. CONCLUSION: It is thought that the
      development of allergic rhinitis is a successive and sequencing kinetic course,
      and imbalance of expression of GATA-3 and T-bet may be genetic base on allergic
      rhinitis, both GATA-3 and T-bet were involved in allergic rhinitis only in
      different phase of development of allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 22070076
TI  - [Individual management of Meniere's disease and evaluation of functional
      outcome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate individual management for Meniere's disease and analyze
      outcomes of nonsurgical and surgical management of Meniere's disease. METHOD:
      Patients with Meniere's disease were staged according to hearing and quality of
      life. The individual management according to the staging was established,
      including outpatient treatment (lifestyle change, medical management and
      intratympanic steroids), endolymphatic sac decompression or drainage, vestibular
      neurectomy and labyrinthectomy. The characteristics of patients who underwent
      surgical management were analyzed. The functional outcomes of surgery in
      dizziness, hearing loss and quality of life were evaluated for 12-month
      postoperative follow-up. RESULT: Twenty patients underwent intratympanic
      injection of dexamethasone. Dizziness improved in 70% (14/20), tinnitus improved
      in 41% (7/17), and aural fullness improved in 36% (4/11). There were 55 patients
      who underwent surgical managements for 57 times. Endolymphatic sac decompression
      or drainage was carried out in 27 patients for 28 times, vestibular neurectomy in
      26 patients and labyrinthectomy in 3 patients. Vertigo control rate was 75% in
      patients with endolymphatic sac decompression or drainage, 100% in vestibular
      neurectomy and 100% in labyrinthectomy at 12-month postoperative follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: The non-surgical management and endolymphatic sac decompression or
      drainage can improve vertigo and ameliorate quality of life. Vestibular
      neurectomy and labyrinthectomy are effective surgical managements to eliminate
      vertigo. The management of Meniere's disease depends on several factors: stages
      of vertigo and hearing, quality of life, surgical contraindications and
      subjective desire. Therefore, the management for Menieres disease must be
      individualized for each patient.

PMID- 22070075
TI  - [Comparative study of three primary culture methods of human epithelial cells of
      nasal polyps in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare three primary culture methods of human epithelial cells of
      nasal polyps in vitro, and explore a suitable method to be used in further study.
      METHOD: Shape and appearance of human epithelial cells of nasal polyps were
      observed, and success ratio and growth curve of primarily cultural were achieved
      by enzymatic dissociation, isolated cell ABC culture and tissue piece culture
      method respectively. RESULT: By comparing achievement ratios, the isolated cell
      ABC culture method (87.5%) was shown to be superior to enzymatic dissociation
      (78.13%) and tissue piece culture methods (83.33%), but no statistical
      significance was found (P>0.05). The growth curves of two isolated cell culture
      methods were higher than that of tissue piece culture. CONCLUSION: The isolated
      cell ABC culture model is more suitable for primary culture due to its faster
      proliferation, less promiscuity, and more stable and reliable cell supply for
      nasal polyps research.

PMID- 22070077
TI  - [Study of hearing loss in 200 patients with subjective tinnitus].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hearing loss profiles in patients with tinnitus, and
      then provide clinical foundation for further studying the etiology and
      examination methods of tinnitus. METHOD: Ear specialist examination, acoustic
      impedance test,normal frequency pure tone audiometry and extended high frequency
      audiometry were applied to 200 patients with chief complaint of subjective
      tinnitus. RESULT: Among the 200 tinnitus cases, 123 (61.5%) patients were
      diagnosed with unilateral tinnitus, 77 (38.5%) patients with bilateral tinnitus
      and 46 (23.0%) cases with normal hearing. In those patients with unilateral
      tinnitus, by comparing the hearing threshold of affected side and contralateral
      side (0.125-8 kHz), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but
      in extended high frequency (> 10 kHz), the difference between two groups was not
      statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was significant difference in hearing
      threshold between tinnitus patients with normal and abnormal hearing in normal
      frequency (P < 0.05), meantime the detection rate in abnormal hearing group was
      lower than the normal group. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus can occur in people with normal
      hearing. Early in tinnitus,further study need be undertaken on whether the
      audiometry extended high frequency can offer the early evidence of hearing loss
      for tinnitus patients or not.

PMID- 22070078
TI  - [A pre- and post-treatment study of quality of life in patients with benign
      paroxysmal positional vertigo].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) on the
      quality of life (QOL) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional
      vertigo(BPPV). METHOD: The clinical data of 86 patients with BPPV (treatment
      group) and 120 normal ones (control group) were reviewed through the medical
      outcomes study short form (SF-36)and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), and
      the results of two groups were analyzed. RESULT: With SF-36 scales for evaluation
      of QOL, the results showed that the scores of treatment group before CRP were
      significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). While using of DHI
      scales in evaluation of the treatment group patients before CRP, the results were
      significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After CRP for 3
      months, not only with SF-36 scales but also with DHI scales, there were no
      significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CRP may
      obviously improve the clinical symptom of BPPV patients. The SF-36 and DHI scales
      could reflect the change of BPPV patient's QOL.

PMID- 22070079
TI  - [Preliminary investigation of psychologic factors in 76 tinnitus patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the psychological aspects of tinnitus patients, to analyze
      the distribution of psychologic obstacle in tinnitus patients, and then to
      provide information for diagnosing and treating tinnitus clinically. METHOD: All
      patients were detected their frequency and loudness of tinnitus. Then they were
      evaluated by symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90), life satisfaction scale, Pittsburgh
      sleep quality index (PSQI) and tinnitus handicap inventory (THI). All data were
      analyzed with statistical software SPSS11.0. RESULT: (1)There was no straight
      line correlation between frequency, loudness of tinnitus and the patient's scores
      from SCL-90, life satisfaction rating scale (LSR), life satisfaction index A
      (LSIA), LSIB, PSQI, THI. (2) To 76 tinnitus patients, some factors of SCL-90 were
      higher than internal nom. Compared with internal nom, tinnitus patients' score of
      LSR, LSIA and LSIB were all lower than it. Many of tinnitus patients had sleep
      disorder, the ratio was higher than internal nom. (3) Grouping these patients,
      based on the score of THI. To THI four grade group and THI five grade group,
      their satisfaction of lives were lower, some factors of SCL-90 were higher than
      internal nom. To THI five grade group, the ratio about sleep disorder was higher
      than internal nom. CONCLUSION: There is no straight line correlation between
      frequency, loudness of tinnitus and the patient's scores from SCL-90, LSR, LSIA,
      LSIB, PSQ1, THI. Grouping based on the score of THI, the groups of THI four grade
      and THI five grade are approved that they have psychologic obstacle obviously,
      they should be paid close attention.

PMID- 22070080
TI  - [Clinical effectiveness of REZ-I cochlear implants in post-lingual deafened
      Chinese dialect speakers].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the improvement of severe-to-profound hearing-impaired
      adults received REZ-I cochlear implant and to give an analysis to some Chinese
      dialect speakers. METHOD: With standard assessment table and standard testing
      program, 48 post-lingual hearing-impaired adults were divided into Mandarin
      language group (41 cases) and dialect group (7 cases). All of them were tested
      and scored for their hearing and speech perception abilities after 90 days
      rehabilitation. Sound field audio-metrics were performed at the same time.
      Clinical effectiveness of each subject in the two groups were assessed according
      to criteria, and efficacy index were statistically analyzed. RESULT: The total
      effective rates were 100% in both groups after 90 days hearing and speech
      perception rehabilitation. The clinical effectiveness were equal and there was no
      statistic significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: REZ-I cochlear
      implantation has similar effect for Chinese dialect spoken adults compared to
      mandarin spoken adults with post-lingual severe-to-profound hearing loss via
      appropriate postoperative rehabilitation.

PMID- 22070081
TI  - [Clinical evaluation of acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of treatment on acute low-tone sensorineural
      hearing loss and the related factors on the prognosis. METHOD: A total of 398
      inpatients with sudden deafness were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 41
      cases were diagnosed as acute low-tone hearing loss and then subjected to
      combined treatment with glucocorticoids. The relativity between patients' gender,
      disease duration and age of onset and curative effect were analyzed. RESULT: The
      acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss accounted for 10.30% of sudden
      deafness. Among which, female cases were significantly more than men, accounting
      for 70.73% of the total. At the first diagnosis, the average hearing threshold of
      three low tones was (48.43 +/- 11.67) dB against (18.86 +/- 9.40) dB of three
      high tones. After treatment, those two values were (27.07 +/- 11. 52) dB and
      (17.60 +/- 9.15) dB, respectively. There was statistical difference between three
      low tones and three high tones before treatment (t = 15.42, P < 0.01). There was
      statistical difference for three low tones before and after treatment (t = 10.69,
      P < 0.01) while there was no difference for the high ones before and after
      treatment(t = 1.93, P > 0.05). No obvious difference of the cure rate and
      effectiveness was found between male and female patients (P > 0.05). The
      incidence of acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss was high in the age range
      of 21-40 years, accounting for 68.29% of the total. The cure rates were
      statistically different between patients less than 40 years old and 41-60 years
      old (chi2 = 6.662, P < 0.05), but the effectiveness had no difference (P > 0.05).
      There was no difference of cure rate and effectiveness between those with
      duration less than or equal to 7 days and those with more than 7 days (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The combined therapy with glucocorticoids shows good effects on
      treating acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss. Neither gender nor duration
      affect the prognosis. Age of onset is related to the prognosis.

PMID- 22070082
TI  - [Meta-analysis of the effects of radiotherapy and surgery on carcinoma of the
      middle ear].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of radiotherapy and surgery on carcinoma of
      the middle ear. METHOD: A review of five published literatures was conducted
      according to defined selection criteria by the Review Manager 5.0 statistical
      software. RESULT: There were no systematic reviews or large-scale RCTs between
      radiotherapy and symptomatic treatment containing surgery and radiotherapy for
      carcinoma of the middle ear. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy and symptomatic treatment
      for carcinoma of the middle ear have no obvious differences. The radiotherapy is
      the first choice for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the middle ear.

PMID- 22070083
TI  - [Tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction of ear canal].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of tympanoplasty with soft-wall
      reconstruction of ear canal for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma. METHOD:
      Seventy-three patients (76 ears) suffering from chronic otitis media with
      cholesteatoma were treated with canal wall down mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty.
      Postauricular myo-periosteal flap was used to the soft-wall reconstruction of ear
      canal, and the cavityplasty of auricular concha was not performed. The auricular
      bone prosthesis was made of the autogeneic mastoid cortical bone or residual
      incus. The postoperative modality and the function of external auditory canal and
      the postoperative hearing and the postoperative complications were observed.
      RESULT: The mean dry ear time was (21.1 +/- 3. 1) days after surgery in this
      study. The postoperative modality of external auditory canal was normal on the
      whole. The patients were followed up between 6 months and 24 months after
      surgery. The postoperative average air conduction hearing was improved by (14.5
      +/- 6.1) dB HL. CONCLUSION: Tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction of ear
      canal using the postauricular myo-periosteal flap can recover the modality and
      function of external auditory canal on the whole, and the cavityplasty of
      auricular concha is not needed. The postoperative hearing can be improved by this
      technique satisfactorily.

PMID- 22070085
TI  - [The cloning and sequencing of SD rat Atoh1 gene CDS region].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clone Atoh1 gene coding sequence of SD rat and construct the
      Eukaryotic expression plasmid pAtoh1-IRES2-EGFP,and to study its expression in
      293T cells. METHOD: Total RNA was extracted from colon of SD rat. Atoh1 cDNA was
      obtained by RT-PCR amplification and subcloned into PMD-19T vector. The purified
      digested fragment was connected into Eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP to
      construct the recombinant plasmid. The recombinant expression plasmid was
      identified by enzyme digestion and sequence analysis and then transfected into
      293T cells with Lipofectamine. The expression of green fluorescent protein was
      detected through fluorescence microscope. RESULT: Compared cloned DNA sequence of
      Atoh1 gene CDS area with the reference sequences published in GeneBank, there
      were two base nonsense mutation in the sequence, deduced amino acid of cloning
      sequences as the same as reference sequences. Two bases should be single
      nucleotide polymorphism. Results of enzyme digestion and sequencing confirmed the
      successful construction of the recombinant plasmid. The expression of the green
      fluorescent protein was observed in the transfected 293T cells 24 h after
      transfection by fluorescence microscope. CONCLUSION: pIRES2-EGFP-Atoh1 can be
      constructed and expressed successfully in the 293T cells, which will guide
      further research on gene therapy for sensorineural hearing loss.

PMID- 22070084
TI  - [Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of CHFR in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discover the relationship of transcriptional levels and promoter
      methylation status of CHFR gene in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma,to discuss the
      significance and epigenetic mechanism of CHFR inactivation in NPC, and to
      evaluate the feasibility of detecting methylated CHFR in nasopharyngeal swab as a
      means for diagnosis of NPC. METHOD: Transcriptional levels of CHFR was evaluated
      by RT-PCR. Methylation specific PCR was used to detect the methylation status of
      CHFR in NPC cells, normal nasopharyngeal epithelia, primary tumors and their
      paired nasopharyngeal swabs. Detailed methylation status was confirmed by
      bisulfite sequencing. NPC cells were treated by the methyltransferase inhibitor 5
      aza-dC and the reactivation of CHFR was evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULT: CHFR
      transcription was inactivated in NPC. The methylation frequency in NPC primary
      tumors and their paired swabs were 65.5% and 63.8%, respectively, with a 86.2%
      concordance. Bisulfite sequencing revealed a dense methylation in NPC cells and
      primary tumors, but all the normal nasopharyngeal epithelia were unmethylated.
      CHFR expression were restored after 5-aza-dC treatment. CONCLUSION: CHFR is
      epigenetically inactivated by promoter methylation in NPC. Detecting methylated
      CHFR can be served as a useful non-invasive means for diagnosis of NPC.

PMID- 22070086
TI  - Using trace elements in particulate matter to identify the sources of
      semivolatile organic contaminants in air at an alpine site.
AB  - An approach using trace elements in particulate matter (PM) to identify the
      geographic sources of atmospherically transported semivolatile organic
      contaminants (SOCs) was investigated. Daily samples of PM and SOCs were collected
      with high-volume air samplers from 16 January to 16 February 2009 at Temple
      Basin, a remote alpine site in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The most commonly
      detected pesticides were dieldrin, trans-chlordane, endosulfan I, and
      chlorpyrifos. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls were
      also detected. For each sampling day, the relative contribution of PM from
      regional New Zealand versus long-range Australian sources was determined using
      trace element profiles and a binary mixing model. The PM approach indicated that
      endosulfan I, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, and benzo[g,h,i]perylene found at Temple
      Basin were largely of Australian origin. Local wind observations indicated that
      the chlorpyrifos found at Temple Basin primarily came from the Canterbury Plains
      in New Zealand.

PMID- 22070087
TI  - A native disulfide stabilizes non-native helical structures in partially folded
      states of equine beta-lactoglobulin.
AB  - Equine beta-lactoglobulin (ELG) assumes non-native helices during refolding and
      in partially folded states. Previously, circular dichroism (CD) combined with
      site-directed mutagenesis identified helical regions in the acid- and cold
      denatured states of ELG. It is also known that a fragment of ELG, CHIBL (residues
      88-142), has a structure similar to that of the cold-denatured state. For the
      study reported herein, the structure of a shorter fragment, CHIBLDeltaF (residues
      97-142), was investigated by CD and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The
      secondary chemical shifts clearly showed that non-native alpha-helices are
      present in two different regions, residues 98-107 and 114-135, and are connected
      by a native disulfide bond. The CD spectra of two peptides that correspond to the
      helical regions are characterized by weak helical signatures, and the sum of
      their CD spectra is nearly the same as the spectrum of disulfide-reduced
      CHIBLDeltaF. Therefore, the non-native helices are stabilized by the disulfide,
      and non-native helix formation may occur only during the refolding of the
      disulfide-intact protein. Supporting this conclusion is the observation that tear
      lipocalin, a homologue of ELG that lacks the disulfide, does not form non-native
      helices during folding.

PMID- 22070088
TI  - Analysis of nonextractable phenolic compounds in foods: the current state of the
      art.
AB  - More than 500 phenolic compounds have been reported as present in foodstuffs, and
      their intake has been related to the prevention of several chronic diseases. Most
      of the literature on phenolic compounds focuses on those present in the
      supernatant of aqueous-organic extractions: extractable phenolics. Nevertheless,
      significant amounts of phenolic compounds remain in the solid residues after such
      extractions. These nonextractable phenolics are mostly proanthocyanidins,
      phenolic acids, and hydrolyzable tannins that are closely associated with the
      food matrix. Studies of this fraction of dietary phenolic compounds are scarce,
      and the few there are usually refer to particular types of phenolics rather than
      to the fraction as a whole. The present review reports the state-of-the-art
      methods that currently exist for analyzing nonextractable phenolic compounds in
      foods.

PMID- 22070089
TI  - Small molecular therapies for rheumatoid arthritis: where do we stand?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early aggressive treatment and utilization of targeted biological
      therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has dramatically improved patient
      outcomes. Even with this approach up to 50% of patients fail to achieve a
      significant clinical response and these therapies require subcutaneous injection
      or intravenous administration and are costly. Development of small molecules that
      can be administered orally has progressed and several are under investigation as
      potential treatments for RA. This manuscript will update the status of the small
      molecules under development. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the newer
      molecular protein kinase targets involved in signal transduction of inflammatory
      mediators and the development of inhibitors to these kinases. Additionally, the
      results of clinical trials evaluating these therapies will be reviewed. EXPERT
      OPINION: Based on the results of randomized clinical trials there is significant
      likelihood that a small molecular therapy to kinases involved in proinflammatory
      cytokine production will soon be available in the clinic. The benefit/risk
      profile is presently being determined in multiple late phase clinical trials.

PMID- 22070090
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22070091
TI  - Theatrical entertainments and kind words: nursing the insane in Western North
      Carolina, 1882-1907.
AB  - This paper argues that at the turn of the 19th century, nurses at the State
      Hospital in Morganton, North Carolina (now called Broughton Hospital) played
      critical roles in successfully implementing the best-known therapeutic methods of
      the time. They were also instrumental in developing the hospital's visibility and
      acceptance in rural western North Carolina. When the Hospital established its
      first nurse training school in 1895, this corps of first-generation western North
      Carolinians practising institutional nursing was highly esteemed in their field.
      Their skills not only served the community outside of the Hospital's walls, but
      were also sought out by other private and state asylums.

PMID- 22070094
TI  - Appendiceal goblet cell metaplasia and benign obstructive mucus retention in
      children: report of eight cases and review of the literature.
AB  - We report the clinical-pathologic study of 8 cases of pediatric benign,
      postobstructive, appendiceal mucus retention in patients 3-15 years of age. The
      appendices showed very limited acute inflammation. Their most significant change
      consisted of minimal to mild dilatation of the distal lumen, which was filled
      with mucus and lined by an epithelium showing often dramatic increase in mucus
      cells devoid of atypia and without any of the villous proliferation reported in
      instances of "mucosal hyperplasia" observed in adult patients. In all 8 cases,
      there was seepage of mucus through the appendiceal wall into the surrounding
      tissue, eliciting a macrophagic reaction. Proximal to the zones of mucus
      retention, the lumen of 2 of the appendices was obstructed by a fecalith, and 2
      exhibited fibrous obliteration of the lumen at that site. We believe the
      condition results from obstruction and focal inflammation, which isolate the
      distal portion of the appendix and elicit goblet cell metaplasia, the secretion
      of which is followed by luminal distention, eventual rupture, and seepage of
      mucus within the wall and the mesoappendix. The clinical and radiologic picture
      of this condition may be mistaken for that of an acute appendicitis complicated
      by rupture and abscess formation. The report provides an opportunity to describe
      and characterize "appendiceal mucosal goblet cell metaplasia," a seldom mentioned
      entity associated with benign appendiceal obstructive mucus retention in
      children.

PMID- 22070093
TI  - Overexpression of GCN2-type protein kinase in wheat has profound effects on free
      amino acid concentration and gene expression.
AB  - A key point of regulation of protein synthesis and amino acid homoeostasis in
      eukaryotes is the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor 2 (eIF2alpha) by protein kinase general control
      nonderepressible (GCN)-2. In this study, a GCN2-type PCR product (TaGCN2) was
      amplified from wheat (Triticum aestivum) RNA, while a wheat eIF2alpha homologue
      was identified in wheat genome data and found to contain a conserved target site
      for phosphorylation by GCN2. TaGCN2 overexpression in transgenic wheat resulted
      in significant decreases in total free amino acid concentration in the grain,
      with free asparagine concentration in particular being much lower than in
      controls. There were significant increases in the expression of eIF2alpha and
      protein phosphatase PP2A, as well as a nitrate reductase gene and genes encoding
      phosphoserine phosphatase and dihydrodipicolinate synthase, while the expression
      of an asparagine synthetase (AS1) gene and genes encoding cystathionine gamma
      synthase and sulphur-deficiency-induced-1 all decreased significantly. Sulphur
      deficiency-induced activation of these genes occurred in wild-type plants but not
      in TaGCN2 overexpressing lines. Under sulphur deprivation, the expression of
      genes encoding aspartate kinase/homoserine dehydrogenase and 3-deoxy-D-arabino
      heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase was also lower than in controls. The study
      demonstrates that TaGCN2 plays an important role in the regulation of genes
      encoding enzymes of amino acid biosynthesis in wheat and is the first to
      implicate GCN2-type protein kinases so clearly in sulphur signalling in any
      organism. It shows that manipulation of TaGCN2 gene expression could be used to
      reduce free asparagine accumulation in wheat grain and the risk of acrylamide
      formation in wheat products.

PMID- 22070095
TI  - Impact of alcohol habits and smoking on the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation
      in hypertensive patients with ECG left ventricular hypertrophy: the LIFE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased by
      uncontrolled hypertension, and antihypertensive treatment reduces new-onset AF.
      However, it is unclear whether alcohol intake and smoking influence the risk of
      new-onset AF during antihypertensive treatment. METHODS: In the Losartan
      Intervention For Endpoint reduction in Hypertension (LIFE) study, a double
      blinded, randomized, parallel-group study, 9193 hypertensive patients with
      electrocardiogram (ECG)-documented left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), randomized
      to once-daily losartan- or atenolol-based antihypertensive therapy were followed
      for a mean of 4.8 years. At baseline, 8831 patients (54% women, mean age 67
      years, mean blood pressure 174/98 mmHg after placebo run-in) had neither a
      history of AF nor AF on ECG, and they were thus at risk of developing this
      condition during the study. RESULTS: New-onset AF occurred in 353 (4%) patients.
      Univariate Cox analyses showed that intake of alcohol > 10 units/week compared
      with less or no alcohol intake predicted new-onset AF (Hazard ratio, HR = 1.60
      [95% CI 1.02-2.51], p = 0.043). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that
      intake of alcohol > 10 units/week predicted new-onset AF (p = 0.010)
      independently of most other univariate predictors, except when also baseline
      serum cholesterol, serum potassium and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were
      included in the model (HR = 1.60 [95% CI 0.94-2.72], p = 0.081). Impact of
      smoking was not significant in Cox univariate or multivariate analyses, and there
      were no significant interactions between high alcohol intake and either smoking
      or gender on the risk of getting AF. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 10 drinks of alcohol per
      week appears to be safe with respect to the risk for AF in hypertensive patients
      with LVH. Our data suggest that alcohol intake above this level may be marginally
      deleterious, while no effect of smoking on risk of AF was detected in
      hypertensive patients with LVH.

PMID- 22070097
TI  - Consensus on equine tendon disease: building on the 2007 Havemeyer symposium.

PMID- 22070096
TI  - Intercepting Wacker intermediates with arenes: C-H functionalization and
      dearomatization.
AB  - An intramolecular cyclization cascade reaction has been developed utilizing a
      high valent palladium intermediate that generates a carbon-carbon and carbon
      oxygen bond in a single transformation. This method provides rapid access to
      highly functionalized tricyclic scaffolds, including spirocyclic
      cyclohexadienones. Good yields and mild conditions are reported with high
      tolerance toward oxygen and water.

PMID- 22070098
TI  - Contribution of "modified genetic sonography" to the combined test as a screening
      method for chromosomal abnormalities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We propose to assess the contribution of "modified genetic
      sonography" (MGS) to the combined test (CT) as a method of stepwise sequential
      screening (1st step: CT, 2nd step: MGS) for chromosome abnormalities in the
      general population of pregnant women. METHODS: Prospective study. During a 4 year
      study period (July 2005-June 2009) 16,548 pregnancies underwent a CT combined
      with MGS (major malformation and nuchal fold) as a screening method for
      chromosome abnormalities. We assessed sensitivity and false positive rate (FPR)
      (95% CI). RESULTS: We offered a chromosome abnormalities screening test to 96.6%
      of pregnancies (15,995 cases). 14,160 cases are analyzed (1st step: CT, 2nd step:
      MGS) including 49 chromosome abnormalities and 35 Down's syndrome (DS). The
      sensitivity of CT for DS was 77.1% [95% CI, 63.2-91] (27/35) and 77.5% for all
      chromosome abnormalities [95% CI, 65.8-89.2] (38/49) with a FPR of 4.4% [95% CI,
      4.1-4.7]. If MGS was combined with CT, the sensitivity for DS was 91.4% [95% CI,
      82.1-99] (32/35) and 93.8% for all chromosome abnormalities [95% CI, 87-99]
      (46/49) for a FPR of 5.1% [95% CI, 4.7-5.5]. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of an MGS
      to combined first-trimester screening test for aneuploidy improved sensitivity by
      14.3% while only increasing the FPR by 0.7%.

PMID- 22070099
TI  - Cytochrome c-mediated formation of S-nitrosothiol in cells.
AB  - S-nitrosothiols are products of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism that have been
      implicated in a plethora of signalling processes. However, mechanisms of S
      nitrosothiol formation in biological systems are uncertain, and no efficient
      protein-mediated process has been identified. Recently, we observed that ferric
      cytochrome c can promote S-nitrosoglutathione formation from NO and glutathione
      by acting as an electron acceptor under anaerobic conditions. In the present
      study, we show that this mechanism is also robust under oxygenated conditions,
      that cytochrome c can promote protein S-nitrosation via a transnitrosation
      reaction and that cell lysate depleted of cytochrome c exhibits a lower capacity
      to synthesize S-nitrosothiols. Importantly, we also demonstrate that this
      mechanism is functional in living cells. Lower S-nitrosothiol synthesis activity,
      from donor and nitric oxide synthase-generated NO, was found in cytochrome c
      deficient mouse embryonic cells as compared with wild-type controls. Taken
      together, these data point to cytochrome c as a biological mediator of protein S
      nitrosation in cells. This is the most efficient and concerted mechanism of S
      nitrosothiol formation reported so far.

PMID- 22070100
TI  - Cigarette smoke increases TLR4 and TLR9 expression and induces cytokine
      production from CD8(+) T cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung disorder. COPD is characterized by
      an increase in CD8(+) T cells within the central and peripheral airways. We
      hypothesized that the CD8(+) T cells in COPD patients have increased Toll-like
      receptor (TLR) expression compared to control subjects due to the exposure of
      cigarette smoke in the airways. METHODS: Endobronchial biopsies and peripheral
      blood were obtained from COPD patients and control subjects. TLR4 and TLR9
      expression was assessed by immunostaining of lung tissue and flow cytometry of
      the peripheral blood. CD8(+) T cells isolated from peripheral blood were treated
      with or without cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) as well as TLR4 and TLR9
      inhibitors. PCR and western blotting were used to determine TLR4 and TLR9
      expression, while cytokine secretion from these cells was detected using
      electrochemiluminescence technology. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the
      overall expression of TLR4 and TLR9 in the lung tissue and peripheral blood of
      COPD patients compared to control subjects. However, COPD patients had increased
      TLR4 and TLR9 expression on lung CD8(+) T cells. Exposure of CD8(+) T cells to
      CSC resulted in an increase of TLR4 and TLR9 protein expression. CSC exposure
      also caused the activation of CD8(+) T cells, resulting in the production of IL
      1beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNFalpha and IFNgamma. Furthermore, inhibition of
      TLR4 or TLR9 significantly attenuated the production of TNFalpha and IL-10.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate increased expression of TLR4 and TLR9 on
      lung CD8(+) T cells in COPD. CD8(+) T cells exposed to CSC increased TLR4 and
      TLR9 levels and increased cytokine production. These results provide a new
      perspective on the role of CD8(+) T cells in COPD.

PMID- 22070101
TI  - In-house information about and contact with self-help groups in breast cancer
      patients: associated with patient and hospital characteristics?
AB  - The number of breast cancer patients who are informed about and have contact with
      patient self-help groups (SHGs) during their hospital stay varies across
      hospitals. The aim of this study is to investigate which patient and hospital
      characteristics contribute to these differences. Multilevel regression analysis
      was applied, using data on hospital characteristics and data from a patient
      survey, which catalogued the disease and socio-demographic characteristics of
      newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and recorded if they were informed about
      and had contact with SHGs during their hospital stay. Data from 2639 patients
      from 82 hospitals were analysed. The odds of being informed about SHGs were
      significantly lower if patients were treated at a teaching hospital. Patients
      aged 40 to 59 years significantly more often reported that they were informed
      about SHGs than patients aged 60 to 69 years. Patients with the highest education
      certificates significantly more often reported that they both were informed about
      and have had contact with SHGs. These results suggest that in teaching hospitals,
      information provided to patients about SHGs is reduced. Furthermore, patients are
      differentially given information about SHGs and have different levels of contact
      with SHGs, based on their age and education.

PMID- 22070103
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22070104
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22070102
TI  - Clients with intellectual disabilities on psychiatric units: care coordination
      for positive outcomes.
AB  - The transition from residential facilities to and from the psychiatric hospital
      setting is difficult for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). In the
      U.S.A., specialized psychiatric units for individuals with ID are uncommon and
      this population is usually served in generalized services. Nevertheless,
      providers of mental health services in the U.S.A. receive little training in
      their specific needs. Best practices call for coordination of plans between
      psychiatric units and community agencies, multidisciplinary care plans, staff
      education and comprehensive discharge planning in order to improve outcomes of
      psychiatric hospitalization. An inner city psychiatric unit in a major academic
      medical centre and a community agency providing residential care for individuals
      with ID cooperated to provide a plan of care for a client with ID both for
      hospitalization and for discharge leading to improved outcomes.

PMID- 22070105
TI  - Population policy: Personal notes.
AB  - Abstract   These are the population years: throughout the world, in both
      developing and developed countries, there has been a growing debate on population
      policy. In this paper population policy refers to governmental actions that are
      designed to alter population events, or that do alter them. The concern with
      policy seems to center in the relationships between four demographic variables
      (size, rates, distribution, composition) and four 'quality of life' categories as
      both determinants and consequences (comprehended here as economic, political,
      ecological/environmental, social). As to policy means, they can be seen as being
      five in number (information, voluntary programmes, change in social institutions,
      incentives and disincentives, and coercion) with the potential of affecting the
      three factors of fertility, mortality, and migration. The relationships and
      effects of these conceptual cross tabulations are illustrated.

PMID- 22070106
TI  - Latin American population prospects in the next fifteen years.
AB  - Abstract   This paper discusses some of the results of population projections by
      age and sex for the period 1965-85 which were prepared some years ago for Latin
      American countries. Despite the limitation of the data there are several short
      range implications which deserve attention. The area which had the highest rate
      of growth among all the major areas of the world during the last 50 years, is
      expected to maintain a stable rate during the next 15 years. Though some
      fertility decline is anticipated, it is bound to be slower, in general, than
      expected in East and South Asia where cultural factors are not as strong. The
      gain in mortality is also expected to be relatively slow, but this is only
      because mortality has already reached fairly low levels compared to Asia and
      Africa. However, because of the young age distribution, the area is expected to
      have in the near future crude death rates which are so low that they have
      probably not been experienced before in normal human populations.   A simple
      grouping of the population into pertinent age-sex groups gives information which
      undoubtedly raises serious questions concerning the adequacy of the measures
      which are now being taken or planned to meet the various needs of different
      population categories. For instance, in addition to existing problems, the
      economies will have to face the problem of absorbing within the next 15 years the
      anticipated increases of about 84 million in the labour force, the educational
      systems will have to provide for the schooling of about 28 million additional
      children of school age, and the planners for social and economic development will
      have to consider the measures necessary to face an increase of about 56% in the
      number of females of reproductive ages. The figures show clearly that the
      problems have different dimensions in different regions, with those of Central
      America being perhaps particularly serious.

PMID- 22070107
TI  - Age patterns of marriage.
AB  - Abstract   In different populations there is a common curve describing first
      marriage frequency (first marriages per woman) as a function of age for each
      cohort. To fit the variety of patterns of human nuptiality it suffices to choose
      the age that serves as origin for a standard curve of first-marriage frequency,
      and to choose appropriate horizontal and vertical scales for the curve. The
      prevalence of a standard form for first-marriage frequency implies that the
      proportion ever-married in any cohort also rises along a standard curve, subject
      to choice of origin (the earliest age of first marriage), vertical scale (the
      proportion ever-marrying by the end of life), and horizontal scale (the pace at
      which the proportion ever-married increases with age). A mathematical expression
      (a double exponential) is found to fit the risk offirst marriage (among those who
      ever marry), and some of the implications of uniform features of nuptiality in
      different populations are discussed.

PMID- 22070108
TI  - Explaining cross-cultural variations in age at marriage and proportions never
      marrying.
AB  - Abstract   According to censuses taken around 1960, the distinction between the
      'European' pattern of late marriage and high proportions never married and the
      'traditional' pattern of early and universal marriage remains generally valid for
      female populations in spite of trends toward convergence in the past few decades.
      Among male populations, however, the regional overlap is great. Variations in the
      timing and quantity of nuptiality in 57 countries in Europe, the Middle East,
      Asia and the English-speaking nations overseas are explained on the basis of
      variables measuring the desirability and feasibility of marriage. The conclusion
      is that marriage is becoming more feasible in the wealthier nations of the West
      and less feasible in many developing non-Western nations. Social and economic
      penalties of non-marriage are stronger in non-Western societies than in the West,
      and stronger for women than for men.

PMID- 22070109
TI  - Stable, semi-stable populations and growth potential.
AB  - Abstract   Starting from the definition of a Malthusian population given by
      Alfred J. Lotka, the author recalls how the concept of stable population is
      introduced in demography, first as a particular case of stable populations, and
      secondly as a limit of a demographic evolutionary process in which female age
      specific fertility rates and age-specific mortality rates remain constant. Then
      he defines a new concept: the semi-stable population which is a population with a
      constant age distribution. He shows that such a population coincides at any point
      of time with the stable population corresponding to the mortality and the
      fertility at this point of time.   In the remaining part of the paper it is shown
      how the concept of a stable population can be used for defining a coefficient of
      inertia which measures the resistance of a population to modification of its
      course as a consequence of changing fertility and mortality. Some formulae are
      established to calculate this coefficient first for an arbitrary population, and
      secondly for a semistable population. In this second case the formula is
      particularly simple. It appears as a product of three terms: the expectation of
      life at birth in years, the crude birth rate, and a coefficient depending on the
      rate of growth and for which a numerical table is easy to establish.

PMID- 22070110
TI  - The economic explanation of fertility changes in the United States.
AB  - Abstract   It is widely assumed that fertility varies positively with economic
      conditions. Actually this assumption receives little support from the historical
      record. For a century before 1930 fertility declined while the economy expanded
      and real incomes rose. Then for nearly three decades fertility and incomes fell
      and rose together. Since 1960 they have again moved in opposite directions.
      Clearly, no simple generalization about their relation will hold water.   More
      sophisticated explanations are based on relative rather than absolute incomes.
      Banks suggested that the downturn in English fertility in the 1870's might have
      occurred because standards of middle-class consumption rose faster than middle
      class incomes, but he found the evidence inconclusive.   To reconcile the post
      war baby boom in the United States with earlier experience, Easterlin has argued
      that fertility is determined by the relationship between the income of couples in
      their twenties and the income of their parents ten to fifteen years earlier.
      Among the weaknesses of this theory as applied to U.S. experience are its failure
      to explain the sharp drop in fertility, including that of native white urban
      women, in the 1920's; the fact that fertility rose most in the baby boom at the
      higher socio-economic levels where incomes rose least; and the sharp decline of
      fertility after 1962 in spite of the favourable trend of incomes, including those
      of younger people.   The broad conclusion is that while couples no doubt do
      consider income, employment opportunities, etc. in deciding how many children to
      have, such considerations have had a relatively minor influence on changes in
      fertility, which for the most part have been the result of changes in attitudes.
      Even the post-war baby boom was a result not only of higher incomes and full
      employment but also of a shift in attitudes toward family size, particularly
      among the better-educated, economically better-off sections of society.

PMID- 22070111
TI  - A comparison between current Indian fertility and late nineteenth-century Swedish
      and Finnish fertility.
AB  - Abstract   The paper aims to probe causes of the current high level of the crude
      birth rate in India. This is accomplished by comparing the current Indian
      fertility level with that of Sweden and Finland during the last quarter of the
      nineteenth century. By utilizing marital distribution, age distribution and age
      specific marital fertility rates of the three countries, the basic demographic
      causes of high fertility in India can be established.   In the second part, the
      factors causing age-specific marital fertility rates in India to be lower than
      nineteenth-century Sweden and Finland are discussed. This is done by comparing
      the levels of the followingsix variables, operating within marriage, between
      Indian and Scandinavian cultures: (1) Abstinence - voluntary and involuntary, (2)
      Frequency of coitus, (3) Incidence of sterility - primary and secondary, (4)
      Contraception and sterilization, (5) Incidence of foetal mortality and (6)
      Incidence of induced abortions.

PMID- 22070112
TI  - The structure of mortality during catastrophic years in a pre-industrial society.
AB  - Abstract   The aim of the study is to examine the way in which the pattern of
      mortality in a pre-industrial society differed in catastrophic years from that in
      'normal' years. Five Finnish parishes with a total population of 21,000 in 1850
      were examined. The deaths were classified by season, age and cause. The results
      support the theory that epidemics not directly connected with starvation were the
      main causes of mortality peaks.

PMID- 22070113
TI  - An experiment with census-type age enumeration in Nigeria.
AB  - Abstract   Censuses were held and data subsequently published in Nigeria in
      1952/3 and 1963. Age data and other aspects of the enumerations gave rise to
      considerable doubts.   In 1969 the Demographic Training and Research Unit of the
      University of Ife carried out a census of ages amongst 10,000 persons in the
      Western State of Nigeria employing in succession orthodox methods, supporting
      historical records, and two approaches involving the identification of single
      year cohorts of contemporaries. Certain other data were also collected for
      explanatory purposes.   The project confirmedthe tendency for age misstatement to
      exaggerate the number of females aged 20-44 and the number of older males, and to
      understate the number of persons aged 0-9 and females aged 50-59. It was shown
      that amongst females, aged 15-24, there is a significant tendency for the ages of
      the unmarried to be understated and those of the married, expecially those of
      higher parity, to be overstated. Such tendencies may be reduced by any type of
      enumeration if more time and care is allowed but anomalously this may increase
      the underenumeration of the very young. The more elaborate methods of enumeration
      are examinedto see whether they yield more accurate data and whether their use
      would be possible in a national census. Age statement was examined in some detail
      and it was shown that the majority of data originate neither with respondents nor
      enumerators but with third parties, who may wellbe continuing and untrainable
      sources of biassed error. The project provided more evidence than anticipated on
      the validity of the 1963 Census in the area, thus leaving the relative validity
      of the 1952/3 and 1963 censuses and hence the likely population of Nigeria still
      an open question.

PMID- 22070114
TI  - Some problems in determining the number of acceptors needed in a family planning
      programme to achieve a specified reduction in the birth rate.
AB  - Abstract   The paper attempts to revive professional interest in a problem
      originally considered by Lee and Isbister and which has assumed added importance
      recently because of the increasing number of national family planning programmes
      that are being instituted, which require the determination of the number of
      acceptors needed in a family planning programme in order to achieve a specified
      reduction in the birth rate. The publication of subsequent papers on births
      averted by programmes, notably by Potter and Wolfers, each of whom had made some
      criticisms of the paper by Lee and Isbister, has tended to obscure the
      differences in the nature between the problem raised by Lee and Isbister, and
      that discussedby Potter or Wolfers. The paper tries to bring out these
      differences and points out one of the limitations of the estimates of births
      averted obtained by using either Potter's or Wolfers's methods, viz. the
      inability to determine the time period to which the birth reduction refers,
      thereby further complicating the issues involved in assessing the social and
      economic implications of births averted by a family planning programme. The paper
      also points out some of the unrecognizedtechnical considerations which arise in
      dealingwith the 'target-setting' problem raised by Lee and Isbister and
      suggeststhat stochasticmodel studies might offera clue for evolving practical
      methods for tackling this problem.

PMID- 22070115
TI  - Fecundability and coital frequency.
AB  - Abstract   The analysis previouslyreported (Population Studies, 23, 1969) of the
      risk of conceptionon different days of the menstrual cycleis extended so as to
      take someaccount of the agesof wives. The risks are estimated from data (basal
      body temperatures and occurrences of coitus) recorded by 241 married couples not
      using any contraceptives, to whom at least one child had previously been born. A
      mathematical formula relating natural fecundability to coital frequency is
      proposed and considered.

PMID- 22070116
TI  - Birth variations in populations which practise family planning.
AB  - Abstract   In the first section it is demonstrated that permanent periodicities
      may appear in populations, in which fertility occurs at two or more ages,
      separated by ages, in which there is no fertility at all. It is also shown that
      where periodicity does disappear, this may take much longer than is usually
      assumed, before the stable age distribution is attained.   The last section of
      the paper is based on Swedish data relating to female fertility for single-year
      cohorts and for periods. It is demonstrated that fertility behaviour of cohorts
      from different decades has varied considerably, not least as regards birth
      timing. This explains why the period fertility rate has varied in such an
      irregular fashion, whereas the rate for cohorts has moved much more regularly;
      after the original decline to an all-time low for the cohorts born around 1905,
      there has been a slow, and on the whole, regular increase. This increase is
      largely explained by a rise in nuptiality. If the total fertility rate required
      for reproduction is computed, it is seen that no cohorts born after about 1885
      have reproduced themselves, and that for the cohorts born between 1895 and 1920
      the gap was considerable.

PMID- 22070120
TI  - Conference of the World Society of Arrhythmias Athens, December 2011.

PMID- 22070117
TI  - The incidence of illegal abortion.
AB  - Abstract   Previous estimates of the incidence of illegal abortion in this
      country are reviewed. It is suggested that data examined by Goodhart imply that
      there were more (perhaps many more) than 60,000 illegal abortions in 1967.  
      Estimates of the incidence of female sterilizing operations are reviewed.   It is
      suggested that in this country each female sterilizing operation averts about one
      live birth or - where induced abortion is the alternative - one induced abortion.

PMID- 22070122
TI  - Pattern of moderate-to-severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in a selected
      hospital in China.
AB  - AIM: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a commonly encountered complaint among women.
      It may affect women's quality of life and reduce their occupational productivity.
      This study aims to describe the symptoms of moderate-to-severe PMS and to examine
      the onset, stability, and severity of PMS among Chinese women. METHODS: A
      descriptive study included 142 women with self-reported PMS, aged 18-45 years,
      who were recruited by the Outpatient Department of Gynecological Endocrinology,
      Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Premenstrual symptoms were retrospectively
      assessed by using screening questionnaires modified with the DSM-IV. In total,
      126 eligible subjects were asked to record their daily symptoms during two
      consecutive menstrual cycles by using a premenstrual syndrome diary (PMSD).
      RESULTS: Of 126 eligible subjects, 67 filled in the PMSD for two cycles. The
      median of total scores of PMSD peaked on the day before menses and dropped after
      the beginning of the menses. Mood swings were the most common moderate-to-severe
      symptom prospectively reported by the subjects. The symptoms of PMS were
      relatively consistent across the two cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Women with moderate-to
      severe PMS were vulnerable to psychological symptoms. Further studies are needed
      to understand the correlations between hormonal changes and the experience of
      symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.

PMID- 22070123
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs in nuclear bodies.
AB  - High-throughput analyses of mammalian transcriptomes have revealed that more than
      half of the transcripts produced by RNA polymerase II are non-protein-coding. One
      class of these non-coding transcripts is the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs),
      which are more than 200 nucleotides in length and are molecularly
      indistinguishable from other protein-coding mRNAs. Although the molecular
      functions of these lncRNAs have long remained unknown, emerging evidence
      implicates the functional involvement of lncRNAs in the regulation of gene
      expression through the modification of chromatin, maintenance of subnuclear
      structures, transport of specific mRNAs, and control of pre-mRNA splicing. Here,
      we discuss the functions of a distinct group of vertebrate-specific lncRNAs,
      NEAT1/MENepsilon/beta/VINC, MALAT1/NEAT2, and Gomafu/RNCR2/MIAT, which accumulate
      abundantly within the nucleus as RNA components of specific nuclear bodies.

PMID- 22070124
TI  - Decreased methylation of the NK3 receptor coding gene (TACR3) after cocaine
      induced place preference in marmoset monkeys.
AB  - Epigenetic processes have been implicated in neuronal plasticity following
      repeated cocaine application. Here we measured DNA methylation at promoter CpG
      sites of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) and serotonin transporter (SERT) and
      neurokinin3-receptor (NK3-R)-receptor (TACR3) coding genes in marmoset monkeys
      after repeated cocaine injections in a conditioned place preference paradigm. We
      found a decrease in DNA methylation at a specific CpG site in TACR3, but not DAT1
      or SERT. Thus, TACR3 is a locus for DNA methylation changes in response to
      repeated cocaine administration and its establishment as a reinforcer, in support
      of other evidence implicating the NK3-R in reinforcement- and addiction-related
      processes.

PMID- 22070125
TI  - Addressing non-adherence to antipsychotic medication: a harm-reduction approach.
AB  - This paper discusses the evidence base for interventions addressing non-adherence
      to prescribed antipsychotics. A case study approach is used, and the extent to
      which adherence improvement interventions might be used in collaboration with a
      specific patient is considered. The principles and application of harm-reduction
      philosophy in mental health are presented in a planned non-adherence harm
      reduction intervention. This intervention aims to acknowledge the patient's
      ability to choose and learn from experience and to reduce the potential harm of
      antipsychotic withdrawal. The intervention evaluation method is outlined.

PMID- 22070126
TI  - Retrobulbar primitive neuroectodermal tumor in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri
      sciureus).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 2.8-year-old female captive-bred common squirrel monkey (Saimiri
      sciureus) showed exophthalmos of the right eye, and the eye was surgically
      enucleated. A tumor mass was found in the eye. METHODS: Formalin-fixed tumor
      samples were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically for
      diagnosis. RESULTS: The retrobulbar tumor mass adhered to the sclera and
      infiltrated the choroid. Histopathologically, tumor cells were pleomorphic,
      arranged in a sheet pattern, and mimicked primitive neuroectodermal cells. The
      tumor cells were strongly positive for precursor neuronal cell markers (beta III
      tubulin, neuron-specific enolase, vimentin, nestin, doublecortin, oligo2, and S
      100), but negative for mature cell markers (cytokeratin, neurofilament, and glial
      fibrillary acidic protein) and a retinoblastoma marker (rhodopsin). CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first reported case for the retrobulbar location of primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor in non-human primates.

PMID- 22070127
TI  - Positively charged lanthanide complexes with cyclen-based ligands: synthesis,
      solid-state and solution structure, and fluoride interaction.
AB  - The syntheses of a new cyclen-based ligand L(2) containing four N-[2-(2
      hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]acetamide pendant arms and of its lanthanide(III) complexes
      [LnL(2)(H(2)O)]Cl(3) (Ln = La, Eu, Tb, Yb, or Lu) are reported, together with a
      comparison with some Ln(III) complexes of a previously reported analogue L(1) in
      which two opposite amide arms have been replaced by coordinating pyridyl units.
      The structure and dynamics of the La(III), Lu(III), and Yb(III) complexes in
      solution were studied by using multinuclear NMR investigations and density
      functional theory calculations. Luminescence lifetime measurements in H(2)O and
      D(2)O solutions of the [Ln(L(2))(H(2)O)](3+) complexes (Ln = Eu or Tb) were used
      to investigate the number of H(2)O molecules coordinated to the metal ion,
      pointing to the presence of an inner-sphere H(2)O molecule in a buffered aqueous
      solution. Fluoride binding to the latter complexes was investigated using a
      combination of absorption spectroscopy and steady-state and time-resolved
      luminescence spectroscopy, pointing to a surprisingly weak interaction in the
      case of L(2) (log K = 1.4 +/- 0.1). In contrast to the results in solution, the X
      ray crystal structure of the lanthanide complex showed the ninth coordination
      position occupied by a chloride anion. In the case of L(1), the X-ray structure
      of the [(EuL(1))(2)F] complex features a bridging fluoride donor with an uncommon
      linear Eu-F-Eu entity connecting two almost identical [Eu(L(1))](3+) units.
      Encapsulation of the F(-) anion within the two complexes is assisted by pi-pi
      stacking between the pyridyl rings of two complexes and C-H...F hydrogen-bonding
      interactions involving the anion and the pyridyl units.

PMID- 22070128
TI  - Characterization of composite phthalocyanine-fatty acid films from the air/water
      interface to solid supports.
AB  - A commercial vanadyl 2,9,16,23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (VOPc) was
      dissolved in chloroform and spread on ultrapure water subphase in a Langmuir
      trough. The floating film was thoroughly characterized at the air-water interface
      by means of the Langmuir isotherm, Brewster angle microscopy, UV-vis reflection
      spectroscopy, and infrared measurements carried out directly at the air-water
      interface. All the results showed the formation of a non-uniform and aggregated
      floating layer, too rigid to be transferred by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method.
      For this reason, a mixture of arachidic acid and VOPc was realized,
      characterized, and transferred by the LB technique on solid substrates. Interface
      measurements and atomic force microscopy analysis suggested the formation of a
      uniform arachidic acid film and a superimposed VOPc placed in prone
      configuration.

PMID- 22070130
TI  - Compression of cross-linked poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoro ethylene) films
      for facile ferroelectric polarization.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrated a facile route for enhancing the ferroelectric
      polarization of a chemically cross-linked poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoro
      ethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) film. Our method is based on thermally induced cross
      linking of a PVDF-TrFE film with a 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine (THDA) agent
      under compression. The remanent polarization (P(r)) of a
      metal/ferroelectric/metal capacitor containing a cross-linked PVDF-TrFE film
      increased with pressure up to a certain value, whereas no change in the P(r)
      value was observed in the absence of THDA. A film cross-linked with 10 wt % THDA
      with respect to PVDF-TrFE under a pressure of 100 kPa exhibited a P(r) of
      approximately 5.61 MUC/cm(2), which is 1.6 times higher than that in the absence
      of pressure. The enhanced ferroelectric polarization was attributed to highly
      ordered 20-nm-thick edge-on crystalline lamellae whose c-axes are aligned
      parallel to the substrate. The lamellae were effective for ferroelectric
      switching of the PVDF-TrFE when a cross-linked film was recrystallized under
      pressure. Furthermore, compression of a PVDF-TrFE film with a topographically
      prepatterned poly(dimethyl siloxane) mold gave rise to a chemically cross-linked
      micropattern in which edge-on crystalline lamellae were globally oriented over a
      very large area.

PMID- 22070129
TI  - A pilot study on the effect of short-term consumption of a polyphenol rich drink
      on biomarkers of coronary artery disease defined by urinary proteomics.
AB  - Polyphenol rich diets have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular
      disease. We examined the effect of a polyphenol rich (P-R) drink on biomarkers
      assessed by urinary proteomics. Thirty nine middle aged and overweight subjects
      were randomized to P-R drink (n = 20) or placebo (n = 19) in addition to their
      normal diet. After two weeks urine samples were obtained for assessment of the
      urinary proteome using capillary electrophoresis coupled to a mass spectrometer.
      A total of 93 polypeptides were found to be candidates for differential
      distribution with a nominal p-value <0.05, though these differences did not reach
      significance when multiple testing was accounted for. Sequences were determined
      in 19 of these demonstrating that they originate from alpha-1 antitrypsin,
      collagens, fibrinogen alpha and IgG kappa. Levels of 27 polypeptides were greater
      than 4-fold different between the two groups. Of these, 7 were previously found
      to be part of a coronary artery disease (CAD) specific urinary biomarker pattern.
      Their direction of expression was closer to the healthy state in the P-R drink
      group and closer to CAD state in the placebo group. Our data suggest that the P-R
      drink may have beneficial effects on urinary biomarkers of CAD. The data
      encourage the planning of future prospective studies, aimed at investigating
      significant effects of polyphenol rich dietary products.

PMID- 22070132
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22070131
TI  - Cytochrome P450 polymorphisms and drug-induced interstitial lung disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With an increasing number of therapeutic drugs available for use,
      the list of drugs that are responsible for severe pulmonary disease also grows.
      Genetic polymorphism of drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly of the cytochrome
      P450 superfamily of enzymes, influences individual drug efficacy and safety
      through the alteration of pharmacokinetics and disposition of drugs. AREAS
      COVERED: This review focuses on drug-induced interstitial lung disease, describes
      common patterns of pulmonary injury, discusses diagnosis and treatment, and
      details the prevalence and clinical significance of cytochrome P450
      polymorphisms. EXPERT OPINION: Polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 genes can
      influence the metabolic activity of the subsequent enzymes, which in turn may
      lead to localized reactions and tissue damage, for example, in lung tissue.
      Pharmacogenomic techniques allow efficient analysis of risk factors and
      genotyping tests have the potential to optimize drug therapy. In the future,
      genotyping should be considered to identify patients who are at high risk of
      severe toxic responses in order to guide appropriate individual dosage.

PMID- 22070134
TI  - An effective way to biosynthesize alpha-glucosyl eugenol with a high yield by
      Xanthomonas maltophilia.
AB  - CONTEXT: Eugenol is known for its analgesic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory,
      antibacterial, and hair growing effects, the application of which, however, is
      limited by its low solubility, liability of sublimating, and its pungent smell.
      Compared to eugenol, its glycosylated derivate [eugenol alpha-glucoside (alpha
      EG)] has more advantages in application. OBJECTIVE: The biosynthesis of alpha-EG
      by Xanthomonas maltophilia Hugh (Xanthomonadaceae) BT-112 and the optimum
      conditions for alpha-EG production are investigated here. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The alpha-EG was obtained by fermentation using Xanthomonas maltophilia BT-112
      and purified by macroporous absorption resin. The identity of alpha-EG is
      confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR). RESULTS: The maximum yield of alpha-EG reached 10.62 g/L broth
      when the suspension of Xanthomonas maltophilia strain was incubated at 30 degrees
      C with 70 mM eugenol and 1.0 M maltose. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Bio
      fermentation was applied in this work to get alpha-EG with a high mole
      conversion, which is a potentially efficient and highly promising approach to
      modify phenolic compounds into glucosides.

PMID- 22070135
TI  - Synthesis and structural characterization of a TCNQ based organic semi-conducting
      material with a 2:5 stoichiometry.
AB  - The tetrabutylammonium complex with a 2:5 stoichiometry, (n-Bu(4)N)(2)(TCNQ)(5),
      has been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.
      Diagnostic bands in the Raman spectrum and signature features in the
      electrochemistry confirm that the TCNQ moieties are partially charged in the
      solid state. EPR, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical conductivity
      measurements are all consistent with (n-Bu(4)N)(2)(TCNQ)(5) behaving as a quasi
      one-dimensional organic semiconductor.

PMID- 22070137
TI  - Evaluation of perceived threat differences posed by filovirus variants.
AB  - In the United States, filoviruses (ebolaviruses and marburgviruses) are listed as
      National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Category A Priority
      Pathogens, Select Agents, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
      Category A Bioterrorism Agents. In recent months, U.S. biodefense professionals
      and policy experts have initiated discussions on how to optimize filovirus
      research in regard to medical countermeasure (ie, diagnostics, antiviral, and
      vaccine) development. Standardized procedures and reagents could accelerate the
      independent verification of research results across government agencies and
      establish baselines for the development of animal models acceptable to regulatory
      entities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while being fiscally
      responsible. At the root of standardization lies the question of which filovirus
      strains, variants, or isolates ought to be the prototypes for product
      development, evaluation, and validation. Here we discuss a rationale for their
      selection. We conclude that, based on currently available data, filovirus
      biodefense research ought to focus on the classical taxonomic filovirus
      prototypes: Marburg virus Musoke in the case of marburgviruses and Ebola virus
      Mayinga in the case of Zaire ebolaviruses. Arguments have been made in various
      committees in favor of other variants, such as Marburg virus Angola, Ci67 or
      Popp, or Ebola virus Kikwit, but these rationales seem to be largely based on
      anecdotal or unpublished and unverified data, or they may reflect a lack of
      awareness of important facts about the variants' isolation history and genomic
      properties.

PMID- 22070138
TI  - Catalyst-free preparation of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles from a novel
      unexpected domino reaction of 2-azido acrylates and nitrones.
AB  - A highly efficient and convenient method for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5
      tetrasubstituted imidazoles from readily accessible 2-azido acrylates and
      nitrones has been developed. This reaction proceeded under mild conditions
      without the assistance of any metal, acid, or base.

PMID- 22070139
TI  - Preterm birth seasonality in Greece: an epidemiological study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Seasonality of preterm birth has been noted, although not conclusively
      studied. Weather is also thought to play a role. We sought preterm birth
      seasonality and additionally studied the effect of weather parameters in the
      preterm birth pattern. METHODS: Vital statistics from the Hellenic Statistical
      Authority were retrieved, covering the years from 1980 to 2008. Additionally,
      weather data were retrieved for the years of the study. Time series analysis was
      used to create various statistical models that would be compared to each other
      for their accuracy to predict preterm birth. Factors used in the modeling
      included month of birth, gender and weather factors. RESULTS: Preterm birth
      seasonality was exhibited. Two peaks of higher risk of preterm birth were noted:
      One during summer and one during winter. Males were more influenced by
      seasonality and exhibited slightly different seasonal patterns than females,
      although no higher risk for preterm birth was noted. The best model that
      described seasonal pattern of preterm birth was the one that included
      meteorological factors. Notably, extreme (hotter or colder) weather was
      accompanied by an increase in preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for
      seasonality of preterm birth was shown and extreme weather was associated with a
      higher incidence of it.

PMID- 22070141
TI  - Regional differences in marital fertility in the Netherlands in the second half
      of the nineteenth century.
AB  - Abstract   In the Netherlands, as in other countries, substantial regional
      differences in the birth rate have always been the rule rather than the
      exception. Of course, differences in crude birth rates may be attributed to a
      number of possible reasons, not all of them of primary demographic interest. For
      instance, according to the census of 31st December 1899, the number of women per
      1,000 men in the province of Drenthe was only 924; in the province of Zuidholland
      the corresponding number was 1,073. It is clear that, ceteris paribus, the crude
      birth rate in Zuidholland would be about 7% higher than in Drenthe at that time.
      In such a case, the difference could reflect differences in economic development
      or job opportunities, factors not devoid of demographic significance, but only
      indirectly so.

PMID- 22070142
TI  - The decline of non-marital fertility in Europe, 1880-1940.
AB  - Abstract   Between 1880 and 1940, to take approximate dates, illegitimate
      fertility rates in Europe dropped precipitously, falling in most countries by 50%
      or more. The rates used throughout this paper relate extra-marital births to the
      number of unmarried (i.e. single, widowed and divorced) women; we use a
      standardized index, I ({ih}) to be discussed later. In Fig. 1 we present most of
      the European series of I ( h )'s that can be computed from existing census and
      vital registration data. Although there are interesting exceptions the general
      picture is clear: a decline in illegitimate fertility commenced in most countries
      in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, and was arrested in the 1920's and
      1930's. Once it had begun in a country, the downward course was swift and
      uninterrupted, until non-marital fertility had been cut in half.

PMID- 22070140
TI  - Ornithine decarboxylase mRNA is stabilized in an mTORC1-dependent manner in Ras
      transformed cells.
AB  - Upon Ras activation, ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) is markedly induced, and
      numerous studies suggest that ODC expression is controlled by Ras effector
      pathways. ODC is therefore a potential target in the treatment and prevention of
      Ras-driven tumours. In the present study we compared ODC mRNA translation
      profiles and stability in normal and Ras12V-transformed RIE-1 (rat intestinal
      epithelial) cells. While translation initiation of ODC increased modestly in
      Ras12V cells, ODC mRNA was stabilized 8-fold. Treatment with the specific mTORC1
      [mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) complex 1] inhibitor rapamycin or siRNA
      (small interfering RNA) knockdown of mTOR destabilized the ODC mRNA, but
      rapamycin had only a minor effect on ODC translation initiation. Inhibition of
      mTORC1 also reduced the association of the mRNA-binding protein HuR with the ODC
      transcript. We have shown previously that HuR binding to the ODC 3'UTR
      (untranslated region) results in significant stabilization of the ODC mRNA, which
      contains several AU-rich regions within its 3'UTR that may act as regulatory
      sequences. Analysis of ODC 3'UTR deletion constructs suggests that cis-acting
      elements between base 1969 and base 2141 of the ODC mRNA act to stabilize the ODC
      transcript. These experiments thus define a novel mechanism of ODC synthesis
      control. Regulation of ODC mRNA decay could be an important means of limiting
      polyamine accumulation and subsequent tumour development.

PMID- 22070143
TI  - Estimation of demographic measures for India, 1881-1961, based on census age
      distributions.
AB  - Abstract   India is one of the very few developing countries which have a
      relatively long history of population censuses. The first census was taken in
      1872, the second in 1881 and since then there has been a census every ten years,
      the latest in 1971. Yet the registration of births and deaths in India, even at
      the present time, is too inadequate to be of much help in estimating fertility
      and mortality conditions in the country. From time to time Indian census
      actuaries have indirectly constructed life tables by comparing one census age
      distribution with the preceding one. Official life tables are available for all
      the decades from 1872-1881 to 1951-1961, except for 1911-1921 and 1931-1941.
      Kingsley Davis(1) filled in the gap by constructing life tables for the latter
      two decades. He also estimated the birth and death rates ofIndia for the decades
      from 1881-1891 to 1931-1941. Estimates of these rates for the following two
      decades, 1941-1951 and 1951-1961, were made by Indian census actuaries. The birth
      rates of Davis and the Indian actuaries were obtained basically by the reverse
      survival method from the age distribution and the computed life table of the
      population. Coale and Hoover(2), however, estimated the birth and death rates and
      the life table of the Indian population in 1951 by applying stable population
      theory. The most recent estimates of the birth rate and death rate for 1963-1964
      are based on the results of the National Sample Survey. All these estimates are
      presented in summary form in Table 1.

PMID- 22070144
TI  - Nuptiality and population growth.
AB  - Abstract   In the European historical experience, nuptiality patterns played a
      very significant role in the development of low fertility. Late marriage and
      widespread celibacy provided one of the mechanisms by which age-specific
      fertility rates were brought to low levels in the populations of Western Europe.
      In Eastern and Central Europe on the other hand, where marriage customarily
      occurred earlier and was more nearly universal, a somewhat slower fertility
      transition was achieved through a reduction in marital fertility - without any
      drastic accompanying nuptiality change. Populations of developing countries,
      however, commonly exhibit nuptiality patterns characterized by a still higher
      incidence and a considerably younger age-pattern of marriage than even the
      earliest observed schedule from Eastern Europe. With few exceptions, little work
      has been done to date to examine the implications of these very early and
      universal marriage schedules for fertility in general and for the growth of these
      populations in particular.(1) We have therefore tried to analyse the impact of
      nuptiality on the fertility and growth of a series of populations from developing
      nations where extra-marital fertility is negligible. Populations in which the
      prevalence of cohabitation by age is not well documented by existing marital
      status data (mainly those in Latin America and tropical Africa) are excluded from
      this analysis; an attempt will be made in later work, however, to extend the
      analysis to these populations.

PMID- 22070145
TI  - Population growth in colonial America: A study of Ipswich, Massachusetts.
AB  - Abstract   During the colonial period, the settlements that subsequently became
      the United States of America experienced a tremendous growth of population.
      Although part of this increase was due to emigration from England and other
      European countries, most of the growth must be laid to the natural increase of
      the immigrants and their descendants. We are only beginning to probe the
      mechanisms ofthis increase. By numerous local studies, using the methods of
      historical demography that have largely been developed with work in French and
      English sources, we should eventually be able to describe the demographic nature
      of New World communities, and to understand how their populations were responding
      to a new physical, social and economic environment.

PMID- 22070146
TI  - Age at baptism in pre-industrial England.
AB  - Abstract   The adequacy of English parish registers as demographic sources has
      been a subject for much debate.(1) Most attention has been directed to the
      problem of how far the population at large continued to use the sacraments ofthe
      Established Church in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries,
      especially in areas affected by urban growth or Nonconformity. But the more
      general problem of how far the ecclesiastical registers of ceremonies are
      acceptable substitutes for registers of vital events also deserves some
      attention.

PMID- 22070147
TI  - The demography of Tristan da Cunha.
AB  - Abstract   The eruption of the volcano on Tristan da Cunha in 1961 and the
      subsequent arrival of the island population in the United Kingdom provided a
      unique opportunity for studying the health of this formerly isolated community.
      During their stay, while the facilities and services of modern medicine were made
      available to them, investigations of many facets of their general biology were
      made under the auspices of the Medical Research Council, co-ordinated by Dr. H.
      E. Lewis. Analysis of their demographic history was essential to understand many
      features of their disease pattern, and the results of this analysis are presented
      here. They are of interest in that they not only show some consistent trends in
      the common variables of demography, but also demonstrate biological principles,
      some perhaps for the first time in man, which may be fundamental in the process
      of colonization as a biological phenomenon, e.g. the initial difficulty of
      establishment of a population in a new area, the curious demographic structure
      that may emerge in its earliest years, the bottleneck effect of population-size
      reduction, the founder principle.

PMID- 22070148
TI  - Changes in fertility rates and family size in response to changes in age at
      marriage, the trend away from arranged marriages, and increasing urbanization.
AB  - Abstract   Demographers have proposed a long list of factors that help explain
      why population growth and fertility rates respond to rising levels of
      urbanization, economic growth and national development.(2) Two of the many
      suggested influences will be investigated in the present paper with regard to
      urban Hong Kong.

PMID- 22070149
TI  - Timing and sequence of resuming ovulation and menstruation after childbirth.
AB  - Abstract   This report presents results from a prospective study of post-partum
      physiology conducted by the Obstetric Department of the Catholic University of
      Chile during 1965-68. The study was undertaken to gain more detailed knowledge
      than is currently available about the relationship between a woman's lactation
      experience and the return of her post-partum reproductive function. 200 mothers
      were successfully followed and information collected about their intervals from
      childbirth to first ovulation and to first bleeding day, together with a detailed
      history of breast feeding. In these histories, days of 'full breast feeding'
      (infant exclusively breast-fed) are distinguished from days of 'partial breast
      feeding' (infant given supplementary nutrition besides breast milk). Elaborate
      pains were taken to establish the date of first ovulation, four different
      techniques being used concurrently during a series of weekly contacts with each
      patient.

PMID- 22070150
TI  - Breast feeding, mortality in childhood and fertility in a rural zone of Senegal.
AB  - Abstract   The data analysed in the present study were collected in the course of
      a demographic survey conducted at repeated intervals in the Sine-Saloum region of
      Senegal. 1 This study was financed by a grant from the 'Fond d'aide et de
      cooperation' of France, from 1963-65, and by the WHO Section for Research on
      Human Reproduction from 1966-67. The study was conducted by ORSTOM in
      collaboration with the Statistical Service of Senegal. The data used in this
      paper were analysed at INED. Only the data concerning the Sine (Niakhar) area are
      analysed here.

PMID- 22070151
TI  - Contraceptive overlap with post-partum anovularity.
AB  - Abstract   Contraceptive use in the early post-partum months is, for the majority
      of women, without any direct protective value because, whilst not ovulating, they
      are not exposed to the risk of pregnancy. This does not, of course, imply that
      contraception should be delayed until signs of the resumption of ovulation
      appear, as for many women the first sign of such resumption is pregnancy. There
      are, besides, logistic and psychological reasons which make early post-partum
      contraception advisable. It does, however, demand that any calculation of the
      demographic effects of contraceptive use should make due allowance for this null
      period of use.

PMID- 22070152
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22070155
TI  - Neutralizing antibodies against rotavirus produced in transgenically labelled
      purple tomatoes.
AB  - Edible fruits are inexpensive biofactories for human health-promoting molecules
      that can be ingested as crude extracts or partially purified formulations. We
      show here the production of a model human antibody for passive protection against
      the enteric pathogen rotavirus in transgenically labelled tomato fruits.
      Transgenic tomato plants expressing a recombinant human immunoglobulin A
      (hIgA_2A1) selected against the VP8* peptide of rotavirus SA11 strain were
      obtained. The amount of hIgA_2A1 protein reached 3.6 +/- 0.8% of the total
      soluble protein in the fruit of the transformed plants. Minimally processed fruit
      derived products suitable for oral intake showed anti-VP8* binding activity and
      strongly inhibited virus infection in an in vitro virus neutralization assay. In
      order to make tomatoes expressing hIgA_2A1 easily distinguishable from wild-type
      tomatoes, lines expressing hIgA_2A1 transgenes were sexually crossed with a
      transgenic tomato line expressing the genes encoding Antirrhinum majus Rosea1 and
      Delila transcription factors, which confer purple colour to the fruit.
      Consequently, transgenically labelled purple tomato fruits expressing hIgA_2A1
      have been developed. The resulting purple-coloured extracts from these fruits
      contain high levels of recombinant anti-rotavirus neutralizing human IgA in
      combination with increased amounts of health-promoting anthocyanins.

PMID- 22070156
TI  - Feasibility of pedometers for adults with schizophrenia: pilot study.
AB  - The purpose of this prospective and observational design study was to assess the
      feasibility of using a pedometer and step log to explore level of physical
      activity (PA) and to assess motivation to be physically active in adults with
      schizophrenia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data of 7 male and 5
      female subjects. Pedometer data indicated that subjects walked an average of
      4731.03 (+/-3318.19) steps and 5002.58 (+/-3041.03) during the first week and
      second week of the study, respectively. A minimum 30-min walk was recorded on an
      average of 3.67 (+/-1.82) days (week one) and 4.5 (+/-1.88) days (week two). Step
      logs, inconsistently maintained by subjects, were not able to be analysed.
      Examination of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R) at
      baseline indicates that exercise fitness and body appearance were subjects'
      primary motives for PA participation. Study findings indicate that it is feasible
      to use a pedometer to monitor the level of PA. However, maintenance of a
      concurrent step log requires further consideration to determine realistic
      outcomes. Extrinsically focused motivations for PA in this study sample may
      predict low PA adherence.

PMID- 22070157
TI  - Medicinal plants and dementia therapy: herbal hopes for brain aging?
AB  - An escalating "epidemic" of diseases like Alzheimer's has not yet been met by
      effective symptomatic treatments or preventative strategies. Among a few current
      prescription drugs are cholinesterase inhibitors including galantamine,
      originating from the snowdrop. Research into ethnobotanicals for memory or
      cognition has burgeoned in recent years. Based on a multi-faceted review of
      medicinal plants or phytochemicals, including traditional uses, relevant
      bioactivities, psychological and clinical evidence on efficacy and safety, this
      overview focuses on those for which there is promising clinical trial evidence in
      people with dementia, together with at least one other of these lines of
      supporting evidence. With respect to cognitive function, such plants reviewed
      include sage, Ginkgo biloba, and complex mixtures of other traditional remedies.
      Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) challenge carers and
      lead to institutionalization. Symptoms can be alleviated by some plant species
      (e.g., lemon balm and lavender alleviate agitation in people with dementia; St
      John's wort treats depression in the normal population). The ultimate goal of
      disease prevention is considered from the perspective of limited epidemiological
      and clinical trial evidence to date. The potential value of numerous plant
      extracts or chemicals (e.g., curcumin) with neuroprotective but as yet no
      clinical data are reviewed. Given intense clinical need and carer concerns, which
      lead to exploration of such alternatives as herbal medicines, the following
      research priorities are indicated: investigating botanical agents which enhance
      cognition in populations with mild memory impairment or at earliest disease
      stages, and those for BPSD in people with dementia at more advanced stages;
      establishing an ongoing authoritative database on herbal medicine for dementia;
      and further epidemiological and follow up studies of promising
      phytopharmaceuticals or related nutraceuticals for disease prevention.

PMID- 22070158
TI  - AFLP markers reveal high clonal diversity and extreme longevity in four key
      arctic-alpine species.
AB  - We investigated clonal diversity, genet size structure and genet longevity in
      populations of four arctic-alpine plants (Carex curvula, Dryas octopetala, Salix
      herbacea and Vaccinium uliginosum) to evaluate their persistence under past
      climatic oscillations and their potential resistance to future climate change.
      The size and number of genets were determined by an analysis of amplified
      fragment length polymorphisms and a standardized sampling design in several
      European arctic-alpine populations, where these species are dominant in the
      vegetation. Genet age was estimated by dividing the size by the annual horizontal
      size increment from in situ growth measurements. Clonal diversity was generally
      high but differed among species, and the frequency distribution of genet size was
      strongly left-skewed. The largest C. curvula genet had an estimated minimum age
      of c. 4100 years and a maximum age of c. 5000 years, although 84.8% of the genets
      in this species were <200 years old. The oldest genets of D. octopetala, S.
      herbacea and V. uliginosum were found to be at least 500, 450 and 1400 years old,
      respectively. These results indicate that individuals in the studied populations
      have survived pronounced climatic oscillations, including the Little Ice Age and
      the postindustrial warming. The presence of genets in all size classes and the
      dominance of presumably young individuals suggest repeated recruitment over time,
      a precondition for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Together,
      persistence and continuous genet turnover may ensure maximum ecosystem
      resilience. Thus, our results indicate that long-lived clonal plants in arctic
      alpine ecosystems can persist, despite considerable climatic change.

PMID- 22070159
TI  - Evolution of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease over 5 years under routine medical
      care--the ProGERD study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evolution of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) under
      current management options remains uncertain. AIM: To examine whether, depending
      on the initial presentation, non-erosive (NERD) and erosive reflux disease (ERD)
      without Barrett's oesophagus will progress to more severe disease under current
      routine care following the resolution of the initial condition. METHODS: Patients
      with the primary symptom of heartburn were included at baseline, and stratified
      into non-erosive (NERD) and erosive reflux disease (ERD), LA grades A-D (Los
      Angeles classification). After a 2- to 8-week course with esomeprazole therapy to
      achieve endoscopic healing in ERD and symptom relief in NERD, patients were
      treated routinely at the discretion of their physician. We report oesophagitis
      status and the presence of endoscopic and confirmed Barrett's oesophagus after 5
      years. RESULTS: A total of 6215 patients were enrolled in the study of whom 2721
      patients completed the 5-year follow-up. Progression, regression and stability of
      GERD severity were followed from baseline to 5 years. Only a few patients with
      NERD and mild/moderate ERD progressed to severe forms of ERD and even Barrett's
      oesophagus. Most patients remained stable or showed improvement in their
      oesophagitis; 5.9% of the NERD patients, 12.1% of LA grade A/B patients and 19.7%
      of LA grade C/D patients in whom no Barrett's oesophagus was recorded at baseline
      progressed to endoscopic or confirmed Barrett's oesophagus at 5 years.
      CONCLUSION: Most GERD patients remain stable or improve over a 5-year observation
      period under current routine clinical care.

PMID- 22070160
TI  - Recovery: what mental health nurses and service users say about the concept of
      recovery.
AB  - This study presents a thematic analysis of focus group talk to examine what
      recovery in mental health means to service users and nurses. Data were collected
      from two focus groups, one group of service users and one group of nurses. The
      service user group (n=6) were adults with previous or recent experience of
      inpatient mental health services. The nursing group were registered nurses (n=5)
      of various grades and experience currently working in inpatient mental health
      services in one region of the U.K. Thematic analysis using Krueger and Casey's
      framework led to four themes being developed. These were 'understandings of
      recovery', 'semantics', 'therapeutics' and 'a journey'. While the recovery
      concept was not new to either group, understandings of recovery were vague and
      contradictory.

PMID- 22070161
TI  - Medication safety: using incident data analysis and clinical focus groups to
      inform educational needs.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Medication-related safety incidents are a source
      of concern to patients, policy makers and clinicians. The role of education in
      improving safety-critical practices in health care is poorly appreciated. This
      pilot study aimed to initiate collective discussion among professional groups of
      clinical staff about a range of medicine-related patient safety issues which were
      identified from a local incident reporting system. In engaging staff to
      collectively reflect on reported medication incidents we attempted to uncover a
      deeper understanding of local contextual issues and potential educational needs.
      METHODS: A mixed method study was conducted involving categorical analysis of
      1058 medication incident reports (Phase 1) and the use of three mixed focus
      groups of clinical staff (Phase 2) in three acute hospitals in one locality in
      NHS Scotland. RESULTS: Focus group transcript analysis produced four main themes
      (e.g. the medical role) and 12 related sub-themes (e.g. pharmacological education
      and skill mix for administration of medicines) concerning medication-related
      practices and possible educational interventions. CONCLUSIONS: While it is
      necessary to review reported incident data and disseminate the educational
      messages for the improvement of quality, this traditional risk management process
      is inadequate on its own. Reporting systems can be enhanced by collective
      examination of reported information about medicines by local clinical teams. We
      identified a strong message from the focus groups for learning about each other
      and from each other, and that the method piloted may be an important inter
      professional mechanism for improvement.

PMID- 22070162
TI  - Lipid metabolism and other metabolic changes in vervet monkeys experimentally
      infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human African trypanosomiasis is associated with metabolic changes
      which have not been well characterized. METHODS: Chlorocebus aethiops were
      experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and late-stage
      disease induced at 28 days post-infection. Ear prick blood for glucose
      determination and blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals for 56 days.
      Analysis was carried out using dry chemistry analysis. RESULTS: In early
      infection, there was a significant increase in creatine kinase, while during
      early and transitional stage of infection there was a significant decrease in
      glucose and high-density lipoprotein and an increase in triglyceride levels. In
      the late stage, there was a significant increase in both total cholesterol and
      LDL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigations should focus on levels of total
      cholesterol during the follow-up period in curatively treated vervet monkeys.
      Apart from their importance in disease staging, the changes in lipids levels may
      also affect the pharmacokinetics of some trypanocides.

PMID- 22070163
TI  - Steric modifications tune the regioselectivity of the alkane oxidation catalyzed
      by non-heme iron complexes.
AB  - Iron complexes with the tetradentate N-donor ligand N,N'-di(phenylmethyl)-N,N'
      bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (bbpc) are reported. Despite the
      benzyl groups present on the amines, the iron compounds catalyze the oxygenation
      of cyclohexane to an extent similar to those employing less sterically encumbered
      ligands. The catalytic activity is strongly dependent on the counterion, with the
      highest activity and the strongest preference for alkane hydroxylation
      correlating to the most weakly coordinating anion, SbF(6)(-). The selectivity for
      the alcohol product over the ketone is amplified when acetic acid is present as
      an additive. When hydrocarbon substrates with both secondary and tertiary carbons
      are oxidized by H(2)O(2), the catalyst directs oxidation toward the secondary
      carbons to a greater degree than other previously reported iron-containing
      homogeneous catalysts.

PMID- 22070164
TI  - Arts In-Reach: taking 'bricks off shoulders' in adult mental health inpatient
      care.
AB  - This article reports upon a research study focusing on a programme of work called
      Arts In-Reach. The programme was designed to provide a participatory arts
      programme for the adult mental health inpatient wards in a city in the UK. The
      aim of the research study was to explore the experiences of people who have
      engaged with the Arts In-Reach programme of work. Eleven qualitative interviews
      were conducted among participants of the programme. Consistent with other
      research, this study reveals how people on the wards often feel powerless and
      bored. The feelings of boredom are exacerbated as people recover. Participating
      in the arts groups has alleviated some of those feelings. Furthermore,
      participation has also increased people's social interactions and given
      opportunity for self-expression. The arts activities also provide a distraction
      for people and some appreciated being able to talk about matters other than their
      'illness'. The arts activities helped people to think about their future and how
      they might take their artwork forward. For some people, thinking about the future
      helped with restoring a sense of hope, a quality imperative for recovery.

PMID- 22070165
TI  - Clinical evaluation of severe anemia in pregnancy with special reference to
      macrocytic anemia.
AB  - AIMS: Anemia in pregnancy has been almost synonymous with iron-deficiency anemia
      but there appears to be a changing trend with emerging evidence of macrocytic
      anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile of patients
      having severe anemia in pregnancy. METHODS: This study included all antenatal
      patients presenting with severe anemia (hemoglobin<7gm%) over a period of 2years
      from January 2008 to December 2009 in the Department of Obstetrics and
      Gynaecology, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi.
      RESULTS: Although iron-deficiency anemia remains the most important cause of
      anemia (48.1%) there is also a high prevalence of macrocytic anemia (40%) amongst
      these cases of severe anemia in pregnancy. The maternal and fetal morbidity and
      mortality is higher in macrocytic anemia as compared to iron-deficiency anemia.
      CONCLUSION: There is an emerging trend of macrocytic anemia among antenatal
      patients with severe anemia. Both maternal and fetal morbidity appears to be
      higher in these cases. This has important implications in terms of diagnosis and
      therapy to optimize both maternal and perinatal outcomes. Once clinicians and
      health administrators recognize the magnitude of this problem it may be
      considered relevant to start public health interventions by way of requirement of
      appropriate food fortification.

PMID- 22070166
TI  - The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism moderates the
      effect of antenatal stress on childhood behavioural problems: longitudinal
      evidence across multiple ages.
AB  - AIM: The functional polymorphism Val158Met in the catechol-O-methyltransferase
      (COMT) gene was analysed to determine its association with maternal stress and
      childhood total difficulties. METHOD: Data were collected at birth from a group
      of infants who were born small for gestational age and a group who were born at
      an appropriate size for gestational age and had been enrolled in the Auckland
      Birthweight Collaborative Study. Children were followed up at the ages of 1 year,
      3 years 6 months, 7 years, and 11 years. At the age of 11 years, DNA samples were
      collected from 546 children (270 females, 276 males): 227 children born small for
      gestational age and 319 children born at an appropriate size for gestational age.
      The main independent variable was perceived maternal stress at birth and at 7 and
      11 years of age, assessed using the total difficulties scale of the Strength and
      Difficulties Questionnaire. IQ was assessed at the age of 7 years. RESULTS:
      Met/Met homozygotes were at a significantly increased risk of behavioural and
      emotional problems at the ages of 7 (p=0.002) and 11 years (p=0.003), relative to
      either heterozygous or homozygous carriers of the Val158Met polymorphism, but
      only when they were exposed to maternal stress in utero. Met/Met homozygotes had,
      on average, IQ scores that were four points higher than those of Val/Val
      homozygotes (p=0.010). INTERPRETATION: These findings emphasize the potential
      long-term consequences of prenatal stress for genetically susceptible individuals
      during neurodevelopment in utero. Our findings add to the general understanding
      of the aetiology and developmental nature of childhood emotional and behavioural
      problems.

PMID- 22070168
TI  - Amphiphilic behavior of new cholesteryl cyclodextrins: a molecular study.
AB  - Amphiphilic cyclodextrins (CDs) are good candidates to functionalize natural
      membranes as well as synthetic vesicles. In this paper, we describe the synthesis
      of the amphiphilic permethylated monocholesteryl alpha-CD (TASC). Its interfacial
      behavior is compared with that of the permethylated mono- and dicholesteryl beta
      CD analogues (TBSC and TBdSC). Langmuir isotherms suggest a reorganization upon
      compression for all compounds, which is quantified using neutron as well as X-ray
      reflectivity. The in-plane structure is characterized by atomic force microscopy
      (AFM) on monolayers deposited on solid substrates. A model involving a
      reorientation of the CD with respect to the interface to adjust its conformation
      to the available area per molecule is proposed. Although we observe for TBSC a
      rearrangement similar to TASC and TBdSC, it is already achieved at lower surface
      pressures compared with its disubstituted derivative. This specific behavior is
      explained by an increased structural flexibility and compressibility compared
      with TBdSC and TASC. The average number of water molecules per CD was determined
      using the neutron data and validated from X-ray data, which also allows the
      determination of the CD's molecular volume. The permethylated CD molecules are
      strongly hydrated in the film, but the alpha-CD analogue is less hydrated than
      the beta-CD derivatives, and hydration decreases with compression.

PMID- 22070167
TI  - ProPhylo: partial phylogenetic profiling to guide protein family construction and
      assignment of biological process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phylogenetic profiling is a technique of scoring co-occurrence
      between a protein family and some other trait, usually another protein family,
      across a set of taxonomic groups. In spite of several refinements in recent
      years, the technique still invites significant improvement. To be its most
      effective, a phylogenetic profiling algorithm must be able to examine co
      occurrences among protein families whose boundaries are uncertain within large
      homologous protein superfamilies. RESULTS: Partial Phylogenetic Profiling (PPP)
      is an iterative algorithm that scores a given taxonomic profile against the
      taxonomic distribution of families for all proteins in a genome. The method works
      through optimizing the boundary of each protein family, rather than by relying on
      prebuilt protein families or fixed sequence similarity thresholds. Double Partial
      Phylogenetic Profiling (DPPP) is a related procedure that begins with a single
      sequence and searches for optimal granularities for its surrounding protein
      family in order to generate the best query profiles for PPP. We present ProPhylo,
      a high-performance software package for phylogenetic profiling studies through
      creating individually optimized protein family boundaries. ProPhylo provides
      precomputed databases for immediate use and tools for manipulating the taxonomic
      profiles used as queries. CONCLUSION: ProPhylo results show universal markers of
      methanogenesis, a new DNA phosphorothioation-dependent restriction enzyme, and
      efficacy in guiding protein family construction. The software and the associated
      databases are freely available under the open source Perl Artistic License from
      ftp://ftp.jcvi.org/pub/data/ppp/.

PMID- 22070169
TI  - Polycaprolactone scaffolds fabricated with an advanced electrohydrodynamic direct
      printing method for bone tissue regeneration.
AB  - Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) direct writing has been used in diverse
      microelectromechanical systems and various supplemental methods for biotechnology
      and electronics. In this work, we expanded the use of EHD-induced direct writing
      to fabricate 3D biomedical scaffolds designed as porous structures for bone
      tissue engineering. To prepare the scaffolds, we modified a grounded target used
      in conventional EHD direct printing using a poly(ethylene oxide) solution bath,
      elastically cushioning the plotted struts to prevent crumbling. The fabricated
      scaffolds were assessed for not only physical properties including surface
      roughness and water uptake ability but also biological capabilities by culturing
      osteoblast-like cells (MG63) for the EHD-plotted polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold.
      The EHD-scaffolds showed significantly roughened surface and enhanced water
      absorption ability (400% increase) compared with the pure rapid-prototyped PCL.
      The results of cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization
      analyses showed significantly enhanced biological properties of the scaffold (20
      times the cell viability and 6 times the mineralization) compared with the
      scaffolds fabricated using RP technology. Because of the results, the modified
      EHD direct-writing process can be a promising method for fabricating 3D
      biomedical scaffolds in tissue engineering.

PMID- 22070170
TI  - Sorption-desorption of indaziflam in selected agricultural soils.
AB  - Indaziflam, a new alkylazine herbicide that inhibits cellulose biosynthesis, is
      under current development for soil applications in perennial crops and
      nonagricultural areas. Sorption and desorption of indaziflam in six soils from
      Brazil and three soils from the United States, with different physical chemical
      properties, were investigated using the batch equilibration method. Sorption
      kinetics demonstrated that soil-solution equilibrium was attained in <24 h. The
      Freundlich equation described the sorption behavior of the herbicide for all
      soils (R(2) > 0.99). K(f) values of the Brazilian oxisols ranged from 4.66 to
      29.3, and 1/n values were >= 0.95. Sorption was positively correlated to %OC and
      clay contents. U.S. mollisol K(f) values ranged from 6.62 to 14.3; 1/n values for
      sorption were >= 0.92. K(f) values from mollisols were also positively correlated
      with %OC. These results suggest that indaziflam potential mobility, based solely
      on its sorption coefficients, would range from moderate to low in soil.
      Desorption was hysteretic on all soils, further decreasing its potential mobility
      for offsite transport.

PMID- 22070172
TI  - Status of National Family Planning Programmes of Developing Countries in relation
      to demographic targets.
AB  - Abstract   Having arisen within the context of social and economic development
      plans, demographic targets associated with family planning programmes in
      developing countries stipulate levels deemed desirable or necessary to implement
      economic goals. Since an optimum fertility path for economic development is open
      to conjecture, targets tend to be vague or arbitrary, and generally imply a
      fertility decline that goes beyond family limitation based on health
      considerations. While on the one hand, programme administrators have assumed
      responsibility for these targets, on the other hand they have structured their
      programmes toward health, not demographic, goals. As a result, they have
      minimized rather tham maximized the contribution of the programmes to the
      targets. of the 24 countries with programmes designed to reduce birth rates, the
      demographic variable is on target in seven; in six, review is premature; five
      cannot be evaluated because targets are non-quantifiable or vital data are too
      uncertain; and in six, including India and Pakistan, progress has been poor, at
      least in relation to targets.   The demographic target is only one of many models
      and techniques for programme evaluation, although many require data not often
      available in developing countries. An estimate of births averted based directly
      on programme activities is not only complex but speculative. However, in contrast
      to the target criterion, cost benefit analyses involving the estimated return for
      an averted birth indicate that the programmes are a highly profitable investment.

PMID- 22070173
TI  - The Validation of Brass's Model Life Table System.
AB  - Abstract   The closeness-of-fit of two-parameter Brass model life-tables to
      English life-tables is examined. This is done for various life-table functions
      and various criteria of best fit. Reproductions of computer output give full
      details of the fits for typical cases from the large selection of cases examined.
      It was found that the equations to be solved to find the best fit were
      intractable and the paper gives a simple method of finding an approximate
      solution to these equations.

PMID- 22070174
TI  - Models for the estimation of the probability of dying between birth and exact
      ages of early childhood.
AB  - Abstract   This paper develops two models, each of which is designed to estimate
      the probability of surviving from birth to selected exact ages of early
      childhood: namely ages two, three and five. The models are designed for use in
      areas with deficient registration systems. They require, as input, statistics
      which can be derived from retrospective data supplied by census or survey
      respondents. The first model, the age model, converts statistics on the
      proportion dead of children ever born to women in age groups 20-24, 25-29 and 30
      34 into estimates of q2, q3 and q5. The second model, the marriage model,
      converts statistics on the proportion dead of children ever born to women of five
      year marriage duration intervals into these estimates. The models can be used
      independently or simultaneously.   These models were developed from data
      generated by a large number of empirical fertility and mortality schedules.
      Regression analysis was used to determine the parameter values of the
      relationships specified, and several sets of equations for estimating values of
      qa, for a = 2, 3 and 5 comprise the final product of the paper. It should be
      noted that the conceptual basis for the models was first derived by William
      Brass. The data generated for the regression analysis provided an opportunity to
      test the original Brass estimated model. We are able to report that the model
      performed well over the wide range of fertility and mortality conditions included
      in the test.

PMID- 22070175
TI  - Neo-natal and post-neo-natal mortality in a rural area of Bangladesh.
AB  - Abstract   An analysis of neo-natal and post-neo-natal mortality in 132 villages
      (population of 117,000) of Matlab thana indicates the following:   (i) Neo-natal
      deaths accounted for 60% of the infant mortality rate of 125. This proportion was
      unexpectedly high since previous research had maintained that in countries with
      infant mortality rates over 100, neo-natal deaths account for less than one-third
      of all infant deaths. Since the present findings on the proportions of neo-natal
      deaths correspond exactly with results from an earlier registration system in
      East Pakistan, it is suggested that the long-accepted proposition, 'less
      developed' areas are characterized by lower proportions of neo-natal deaths than
      'more developed' areas, be re-examined.   (2) The infant death rate accounts for
      36% of all deaths in the population. If the infant death rate were reduced by
      half the result would be a decrease in the current crude death rate from 16 to
      13. Although this reduction would appear to be small, in the context of a current
      high growth rate of 3% (from 1966-67 to 1968-69) it exerts a sizeable impact. For
      example, it would take a reduction of eight points in the crude birth rate of 46
      just to achieve a growth rate 2.5% under these circumstances. Obviously,
      continued efforts in death control without an effective birth control programme
      will perpetuate high rates of growth.   (3) Neo-natal and post-neo-natal
      mortality exhibited the -expected 'U' shaped pattern with parity, and generally
      varied as expected with age and family size, except in the oldest age group and
      largest family size where the risk was smaller than in the preceding groups. An
      explanation for these findings is presented, based on the effect that births to
      high-parity women with low child mortality have upon the total neo-natal and post
      neo-natal mortality rates. It was found that these births exhibit a much lower
      mortality risk than births to women of comparable parities and higher child
      mortality, and that their numbers account for the lower risk to the births in the
      oldest age group and largest family size. It was concluded that women with a
      combination of high parity and low child mortality most probably represent a
      group with superior socio-economic and or health conditions which contribute to
      the lower risk of neo-natal and post-neo-natal death.

PMID- 22070178
TI  - Effects of ArF excimer laser irradiation of dentin on the tensile bonding
      strength to composite resin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of argon fluoride
      (ArF) excimer laser irradiation on the tensile bonding strength (TBS) of dentin
      to composite resin. BACKGROUND DATA: Dental lasers use a photothermal process,
      which potentially entails risk of tissue damage caused by heat affecting the bond
      strength of resins. The ArF excimer laser functions by a photochemical process in
      which the energy of photons directly cuts covalent bonds in molecules without
      generating heat. METHODS: Twenty extracted human molars were sectioned
      perpendicularly to the tooth axis to expose a flat dentin surface. The surfaces
      were treated with various combinations of ArF excimer laser irradiation, primer
      treatment, and bonding treatment. After composite resin was built up on the
      treated dentin surface, specimens with a 1*1 mm bonding interface were prepared
      and subjected to TBS tests. Treated dentin surfaces were also observed using
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Specimens that underwent laser
      irradiation followed by bonding treatment had a TBS that did not differ
      significantly from that of specimens that received conventional treatment, with
      or without priming. TEM observations showed sectioned and dispersed collagen
      matrix in the hybrid layer after laser irradiation, priming, and bonding, but no
      hybrid layer after laser irradiation and bonding at the treated dentin surface.
      CONCLUSIONS: The TBS of conditioning with ArF excimer laser irradiation was
      identical to that with conventional treatment when bonding was used. The bonding
      mechanism with the ArF irradiation differed from that of conventional bonding
      depending upon dentin hybridization.

PMID- 22070179
TI  - Contrast enhancement on computed tomography after renal cryoablation: an evidence
      of treatment failure?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal cryoablation has gained popularity as a treatment
      option for localized renal masses. Treatment success is typically defined by the
      absence of contrast enhancement on follow-up imaging. We investigate the
      evolution of lesions that demonstrate contrast enhancement on CT after renal
      cryoablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of records of
      laparoscopic and percutaneous cryoablation (LCA and PCA) was performed,
      identifying records with postoperative radiographic enhancement. Imaging studies
      were reviewed and radiographic (pre- and post-contrast Hounsfield units, pattern
      and location of enhancement) and clinical data including follow up were
      collected. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two cryoablation procedures were
      analyzed. Of these, 30 (17.4%) showed enhancement on follow-up CT. In 28 cases,
      contrast enhancement was demonstrated on the first postoperative study. Seven
      patients underwent salvage treatments. Spontaneous resolution of enhancement was
      noted in 17 (56.7%) cases. No association was found between enhancement pattern
      (diffuse/nodular/rim) and resolution. Of lesions enhancing >35 HU, only 14.3%
      resolved spontaneously. Delayed enhancement (after negative imaging studies)
      occurred in two patients; both underwent salvage treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Most of
      the time, contrast-enhancements after cryoablation are evident on the first
      follow-up imaging study. More than 50% of these resolve spontaneously, and only
      one of four patients need salvage treatment. Delayed appearance of enhancement
      after previously negative imaging and highly enhancing lesions (>35 HU) are
      unlikely to resolve and should be considered suspicious for local recurrence or
      incomplete ablation. Further investigation is warranted to reach a consensus on a
      radiographic definition of local recurrence after renal cryoablation.

PMID- 22070181
TI  - Defining treatment response in pediatric tic disorders: a signal detection
      analysis of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the optimal Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) percent
      reduction and raw cutoffs for predicting treatment response among children and
      adolescents with tic disorders. METHOD: Youth with a tic disorder (N=108; range=5
      17 years) participated in several clinical trials involving varied medications or
      psychosocial treatment, or received naturalistic care. Assessments were conducted
      before and after treatment and included the YGTSS and response status on the
      Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale (CGI-I). RESULTS: A 35% reduction
      on the YGTSS total tic severity score or a YGTSS raw total tic severity score
      change of 6 or 7 points were the best indicators of clinical treatment response
      in youth with tic disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A YGTSS total tic severity score
      reduction of 35% or a raw total tic severity score change of 6 or 7 appears
      optimal for determining treatment response. A consistent definition of treatment
      response on the YGTSS may facilitate cross-study comparability. Practitioners can
      use these values for treatment planning decisions (e.g., change medications,
      etc.).

PMID- 22070180
TI  - Risperidone-related improvement of irritability in children with autism is not
      associated with changes in serum of epidermal growth factor and interleukin-13.
AB  - Risperidone has been shown to improve serious behavioral problems in children
      with autism. Here we asked whether risperidone-associated improvement was related
      to changes in concentrations of inflammatory molecules in the serum of these
      subjects. Seven molecules were identified as worthy of further assessment by
      performing a pilot analysis of 31 inflammatory markers in 21 medication-free
      subjects with autism versus 15 healthy controls: epidermal growth factor (EGF),
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-13, IL-17, monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-1 and IL-1-receptor antagonist. Serum
      concentrations of these markers were then established in a different set of
      subjects that participated in a double-blind, clinical trial and an expanded
      group of healthy subjects. In the first analysis, samples obtained from subjects
      with autism at baseline visits were compared to visits after 8-week treatment
      with placebo (n=37) or risperidone (n=40). The cytokine concentrations remained
      stable over the 8-week period for both risperidone and placebo groups. In the
      second analysis, we explored further the differences between medication-free
      subjects with autism (n=77) and healthy controls (recruited independently; n=19).
      Serum levels of EGF were elevated in subjects with autism (median=103 pg/mL,
      n=75) in comparison to healthy controls (75 pg/mL, n=19; p<0.05), and levels of
      IL-13 were decreased in autism (median=0.8 pg/mL, n=77) in comparison to controls
      (9.8 pg/mL, n=19; p=0.0003). These changes did not correlate with standardized
      measures used for a diagnosis of autism. In summary, risperidone-induced clinical
      improvement in subjects with autism was not associated with changes in the serum
      inflammatory markers measured. Whether altered levels of EGF and IL-13 play a
      role in the pathogenesis or phenotype of autism requires further investigation.

PMID- 22070182
TI  - Placental magnetic resonance imaging in monochorionic twin pregnancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe complication of
      monochorionic pregnancies. Placental hydrops might be a marker for TTTS. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate whether differences in the placental
      parenchyma due to TTTS can be seen with fetal MRI. METHODS: In a retrospective
      study, 34 monochorionic pregnancies were investigated on a 1.5 Tesla MR.
      Seventeen pregnancies were affected by TTTS, and 17 showed no clinical signs of
      TTTS. Placental maturation and vascular pathologies, as well as the extent of the
      placental findings and allocation of placental tissue to each twin, were
      investigated. Placental findings were reported for origin, size, maturation, and
      placental thickness, and were correlated with the presence of TTTS. RESULTS: All
      placentas affected by TTTS showed abnormal maturation on MR scans, but only 64.7%
      of the non-TTTS group (p = 0.018). Vascular placental pathologies did not differ
      significantly between the TTTS and non-TTTS group. CONCLUSIONS: MR-signs of
      placental maturity in monochorionic twin pregnancies may indicate a lower risk of
      development of TTTS.

PMID- 22070183
TI  - Pd(0)-catalyzed oxy- and aminoalkynylation of olefins for the synthesis of
      tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines.
AB  - The first Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular oxy- and aminoalkynylation of
      nonactivated olefins is reported. The reaction gives access to important
      tetrahydrofuran and pyrrolidine heterocycles with high diastereoselectivity. The
      unique synthetic potential of acetylenes is further exploited to access key
      building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive natural products.

PMID- 22070184
TI  - Anticholinergics for overactive bladder therapy: central nervous system effects.
AB  - The mainstay of pharmacological treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) is
      anticholinergic therapy using muscarinic receptor antagonists (tertiary or
      quaternary amines). Muscarinic receptors in the brain play an important role in
      cognitive function, and there is growing awareness that antimuscarinic OAB drugs
      may have adverse central nervous system (CNS) effects, ranging from headache to
      cognitive impairment and episodes of psychosis. This review discusses the
      physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of OAB antimuscarinics that affect
      their propensity to cause adverse CNS effects, as observed in phase III clinical
      trials and in specific investigations on cognitive function and sleep
      architecture. PubMed/MEDLINE was searched for "OAB" plus "muscarinic antagonists"
      or "anticholinergic drug." Additional relevant literature was identified by
      examining the reference lists of papers identified through the search.
      Preclinical and clinical trials in adults were assessed, focusing on the OAB
      antimuscarinics approved in the United States. The blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      plays a key role in protecting the CNS, but it is penetrable. The lipophilic
      tertiary amines, particularly oxybutynin, are more likely to cross the BBB than
      the hydrophilic quaternary amine trospium chloride, for which there are very few
      reports of adverse CNS effects. In fact, in 2008 the US product labels for oral
      oxybutynin were modified to include the potential for anticholinergic CNS events
      and a warning to monitor patients for adverse CNS effects. Even modest cognitive
      impairment in the elderly may negatively affect independence; therefore,
      selection of an antimuscarinic OAB drug with reduced potential for CNS effects is
      advisable.

PMID- 22070185
TI  - Iron-catalyzed regioselective direct oxidative aryl-aryl cross-coupling.
AB  - Regioselective iron-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of two
      aromatic compounds using tert-BuOOH as oxidant under mild conditions has been
      reported. The direct oxidative coupling reaction is selective toward creation of
      a carbon-carbon bond at the position ortho to the functional groups of the
      substrates, completely preventing the homocoupled products. The C-C bond-forming
      reaction makes the method versatile, leading to functionalized 2,2' 
      disubstituted biaryls.

PMID- 22070186
TI  - A synthesis of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of school-based
      behavioural interventions for controlling and preventing obesity.
AB  - Schools are an attractive and popular setting for implementing interventions for
      children. There is a growing body of empirical research exploring the efficacy of
      school-based obesity prevention programs. While there have been several reviews
      on the topic, findings remain mixed. To examine the quality of evidence and
      compare the findings from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of school
      based programs in the prevention and control of childhood obesity. This paper
      systematically appraises the methodology and conclusions of literature reviews
      examining the effectiveness of school-based obesity interventions published in
      English in peer-reviewed journals between January 1990 and October 2010. Eight
      reviews were examined, three meta-analyses and five systematic reviews. All of
      the reviews recognized that studies were heterogeneous in design, participants,
      intervention and outcomes. Intervention components in the school setting
      associated with a significant reduction of weight in children included long-term
      interventions with combined diet and physical activity and a family component.
      Several reviews also found gender differences in response to interventions. Of
      the eight reviews, five were deemed of high quality and yet limited evidence was
      found on which to base recommendations. As no single intervention will fit all
      schools and populations, further high-quality research needs to focus on
      identifying specific program characteristics predictive of success.

PMID- 22070187
TI  - Nationwide linkage analysis in Scotland to assess mortality following hospital
      admission for Crohn's disease: 1998-2000.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although population-based studies of patients with Crohn's disease
      (CD) suggest only a modestly increased mortality, recent data have raised
      concerns regarding the outcome of CD patients requiring hospitalisation. AIM: To
      determine the mortality and contributory factors in 1595 patients hospitalised
      for CD in Scotland between 1998 and 2000. METHODS: The Scottish Morbidity Records
      database and linked datasets were used to assess longitudinal patient outcome,
      and to explore associations between 3-year mortality and age, sex, comorbidity,
      admission type and social deprivation. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) at
      3 years from admission was calculated with reference to the Scottish population.
      RESULTS: The SMR was 3.31 (95% confidence interval 2.80-3.89). This was increased
      in all patients, other than those <30 years at presentation, and was highest in
      patients aged 50-64 years (SMR 4.84 [3.44-6.63]). On multivariate analysis, age
      >50, admission type, comorbidity, social deprivation and length of admission were
      significantly associated with mortality. Other than age, admission type was the
      strongest factor predictive of death. Three-year crude mortality was 0.3% for
      elective surgical, 8.7% for emergency surgical, 8.3% for elective nonsurgical and
      12.7% for emergency nonsurgical admission (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      demonstrates high mortality rates in patients hospitalised during 1998-2000 for
      CD, especially in patients over 50. Elective surgery is associated with lower
      mortality than emergency surgery or medical therapy. Further study is needed to
      determine whether these patterns have changed following the introduction of
      biological treatment.

PMID- 22070188
TI  - Patients treated for psychosis and their perceptions of care in compulsory
      treatment: basis for an action plan.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to describe patients' conceptions and experiences of
      care in compulsory treatment for acute onset of psychosis. Twelve patients with
      experience of compulsory treatment were interviewed in 2008-2009, and
      phenomenographic analysis was used to analyse the data. Two descriptive
      categories emerged in the results: receiving needed support and perceiving
      respectful care. Patients perceived that coercive interventions were positive if
      they were given good care, if they were given the shelter they needed, if they
      got help with understanding and if the setting was healing. Patients felt
      respected if they were treated like human beings, if they were allowed to retain
      as much of their autonomy as possible and if they were invited to participate
      even though they were under compulsory treatment. The results show that it is
      important to prevent patients from being traumatized during compulsory treatment
      and to take advantage of patients' inner resources. Patients' experiences of
      compulsory treatment can form the basis for preparing an individual action plan
      for future compulsory treatment. Individual action plans could empower patients
      during compulsory treatment and improve their experience of care.

PMID- 22070189
TI  - Non-medical prescribing: audit, practice and views.
AB  - Non-medical prescribing is increasingly utilized in clinical care and UK
      Standards have been produced for this. This study was undertaken to investigate
      compliance with these standards which were adopted by one mental health service
      and to review whether any changes were necessary to existing arrangements
      monitoring this compliance. A questionnaire was distributed to all 24 non-medical
      prescribers from one UK Mental Health Trust. Participants were asked to respond
      to questions about demographic data and prescribing practices. We also asked them
      to rate their experience on a 5-point scale. In all, 83% of non-medical
      prescribers responded. The UK Standards were met even though there was a
      shortfall in the uptake of training and supervision. Non-medical prescribers from
      the Community Drug Team and Older People's Service prescribed a narrow range of
      speciality drugs than any other category of drugs, but prescribed more often. UK
      Standards were met by the majority of non-medical prescribers. However, concerns
      were noted about a shortfall in training, supervision and experience of some non
      medical prescribers. Conflict with psychiatrists was reported but their
      availability for support when necessary was valued. Non-medical prescribers
      believed that their input with non-medical prescribing had benefited patients.

PMID- 22070190
TI  - The pH sensor of the plant K+-uptake channel KAT1 is built from a sensory cloud
      rather than from single key amino acids.
AB  - The uptake of potassium ions (K+) accompanied by an acidification of the apoplasm
      is a prerequisite for stomatal opening. The acidification (approximately 2-2.5 pH
      units) is perceived by voltage-gated inward potassium channels (K(in)) that then
      can open their pores with lower energy cost. The sensory units for extracellular
      pH in stomatal K(in) channels are proposed to be histidines exposed to the
      apoplasm. However, in the Arabidopsis thaliana stomatal K(in) channel KAT1,
      mutations in the unique histidine exposed to the solvent (His267) do not affect
      the pH dependency. We demonstrate in the present study that His267 of the KAT1
      channel cannot sense pH changes since the neighbouring residue Phe266 shifts its
      pKa to undetectable values through a cation-pi interaction. Instead, we show that
      Glu240 placed in the extracellular loop between transmembrane segments S5 and S6
      is involved in the extracellular acid activation mechanism. Based on structural
      models we propose that this region may serve as a molecular link between the pH-
      and the voltage-sensor. Like Glu240, several other titratable residues could
      contribute to the pH-sensor of KAT1, interact with each other and even connect
      such residues far away from the voltage-sensor with the gating machinery of the
      channel.

PMID- 22070191
TI  - A meta-analysis of hospital 30-day avoidable readmission rates.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Urgent readmission to hospital is commonly used to
      measure hospital quality of care. Hospitals that measure the proportion of urgent
      readmissions judged avoidable need to know previously published rates for
      comparison. In this study, we generated a literature-based estimate for the
      proportion of 30-day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable for hospitals to use to
      gauge their performance in avoidable readmissions. METHODS: We searched the
      Medline and Embase databases to identify published studies that reported the
      proportion of 30-day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable. We then modelled the
      overall proportion of 30-day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable. RESULTS: We
      included 16 studies that used a wide variety of patients and a diverse range of
      methods to classify readmissions as avoidable. Studies reported a broad range for
      the proportion of urgent 30-day readmissions deemed avoidable. Overall, 848 of
      3669 readmissions (23.1%, 95% confidence interval, 21.7-24.5) of 30-day urgent
      readmissions were classified as avoidable. This proportion varied significantly
      based on hospital teaching status and number of reviewers for each case [teaching
      hospitals: with one reviewer, 9.3% (4.2-19.3); with >1 reviewer, 21.6% (13.2
      33.3); non-teaching hospital: with one reviewer, 32.2% (11.4-63.9); with >1
      reviewer, 39.9% (37.6-42.2)]. Significant heterogeneity remained between studies
      even after clustering studies by these covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Less than one in
      four readmissions were deemed avoidable. Health system planners need to use
      caution in interpreting all cause readmission statistics as they are only
      partially influenced by quality of care.

PMID- 22070192
TI  - Histamine pharmacology and new CNS drug targets.
AB  - During the last decade, the identification of a number of novel drug targets led
      to the development of promising new compounds which are currently under
      evaluation for their therapeutic prospective in CNS related disorders. Besides
      the established pleiotropic regulatory functions in the periphery, the interest
      in the potential homeostatic role of histamine in the brain was revived following
      the identification of H(3)  and H(4)  receptors some years ago. Complementing
      classical CNS pharmacology, the development of selective histamine receptor
      agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists provides the lead for the potential
      exploitation of the histaminergic system in the treatment of brain pathologies.
      Although no CNS disease entity has been associated directly to brain histamine
      dysfunction until now, the H(3)  receptor is recognized as a drug target for
      neuropathic pain, sleep-wake disorders, including narcolepsy, and cognitive
      impairment associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
      schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease, while the first H(3) 
      receptor ligands have already entered phase I-III clinical trials. Interestingly,
      the localization of the immunomodulatory H(4)  receptor in the nervous system
      exposes attractive perspectives for the therapeutic exploitation of this new drug
      target in neuroimmunopharmacology. This review focuses on a concise presentation
      of the current "translational research" approach that exploits the latest
      advances in histamine pharmacology for the development of beneficial drug targets
      for the treatment of neuronal disorders, such as neuropathic pain, cognitive, and
      sleep-wake pathologies. Furthermore, the role of the brain histaminergic
      system(s) in neuroprotection and neuroimmunology/inflammation remains a
      challenging research area that is currently under consideration.

PMID- 22070193
TI  - Local adaptation and matching habitat choice in female barn owls with respect to
      melanic coloration.
AB  - Local adaptation is a major mechanism underlying the maintenance of phenotypic
      variation in spatially heterogeneous environments. In the barn owl (Tyto alba),
      dark and pale reddish-pheomelanic individuals are adapted to conditions
      prevailing in northern and southern Europe, respectively. Using a long-term
      dataset from Central Europe, we report results consistent with the hypothesis
      that the different pheomelanic phenotypes are adapted to specific local
      conditions in females, but not in males. Compared to whitish females, reddish
      females bred in sites surrounded by more arable fields and less forests. Colour
      dependent habitat choice was apparently beneficial. First, whitish females
      produced more fledglings when breeding in wooded areas, whereas reddish females
      when breeding in sites with more arable fields. Second, cross-fostering
      experiments showed that female nestlings grew wings more rapidly when both their
      foster and biological mothers were of similar colour. The latter result suggests
      that mothers should particularly produce daughters in environments that best
      match their own coloration. Accordingly, whiter females produced fewer daughters
      in territories with more arable fields. In conclusion, females displaying
      alternative melanic phenotypes bred in habitats providing them with the highest
      fitness benefits. Although small in magnitude, matching habitat selection and
      local adaptation may help maintain variation in pheomelanin coloration in the
      barn owl.

PMID- 22070194
TI  - What near misses tell us about risk and safety in mental health care.
AB  - How service providers and service users view near misses in their daily practice
      within the rubric of patient safety events is not well understood. Further no
      studies were located that explored near misses specifically in mental health
      settings in Canada. In this context, a qualitative study was undertaken to gain
      insight into how service providers and service users (mental health clients or
      their family members) experienced and defined near misses. Eight (8) focus groups
      (n= 88) with service providers and 28 semi-structured interviews with service
      users were conducted at three mental health care organizations. Content analysis
      was employed to the dataset that elucidated that near misses were (1) safety
      threats and vulnerabilities associated with experiencing mental illness; and (2)
      acts that avert harm and prevent something from happening. Findings are compared
      to what is currently known about in safety. Implications of findings for
      practice, research and policy are delineated.

PMID- 22070195
TI  - PESCADOR, a web-based tool to assist text-mining of biointeractions extracted
      from PubMed queries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological function is greatly dependent on the interactions of
      proteins with other proteins and genes. Abstracts from the biomedical literature
      stored in the NCBI's PubMed database can be used for the derivation of
      interactions between genes and proteins by identifying the co-occurrences of
      their terms. Often, the amount of interactions obtained through such an approach
      is large and may mix processes occurring in different contexts. Current tools do
      not allow studying these data with a focus on concepts of relevance to a user,
      for example, interactions related to a disease or to a biological mechanism such
      as protein aggregation. RESULTS: To help the concept-oriented exploration of such
      data we developed PESCADOR, a web tool that extracts a network of interactions
      from a set of PubMed abstracts given by a user, and allows filtering the
      interaction network according to user-defined concepts. We illustrate its use in
      exploring protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disease and in the expansion
      of pathways associated to colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: PESCADOR is a platform
      independent web resource available at: http://cbdm.mdc-berlin.de/tools/pescador/

PMID- 22070196
TI  - Visual performance with simultaneous vision multifocal contact lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE:   The aim was to assess visual performance after PureVision high
      addition multifocal contact lens (PM) fitting through contrast sensitivity
      measured under different illumination levels for both distance and near. METHODS:
      In a cross-over study, 20 presbyopic patients were randomly assigned to PM or
      spectacles. Near contrast sensitivity was measured with the Vistech VCTS 6500
      system. Distance contrast sensitivity and distance visual acuity (VA) were
      measured with the Functional Vision Analyser under photopic (85 cd/m(2) ) and
      mesopic (3.0 cd/m(2) ) conditions, the latter also under two levels of induced
      glare: 1.0 lux and 28 lux. Near VA was measured by logMAR charts under
      approximately 80 cd/m(2) luminance settings. RESULTS:   Average monocular
      spectacle corrected and PM VA were -0.02 +/- 0.05 and 0.03 +/- 0.05 logMAR for
      distance photopic, 0.16 +/- 0.10 and 0.23 +/- 0.07 logMAR for distance mesopic
      and -0.03 +/- 0.05 and 0.05 +/- 0.06 logMAR for near photopic, respectively.
      Average binocular spectacle corrected and PM VA were -0.05 +/- 0.07 and -0.01 +/-
      0.03 logMAR for distance photopic, 0.10 +/- 0.06 and 0.18 +/- 0.05 logMAR for
      distance mesopic and -0.08 +/- 0.06 and 0.02 +/- 0.05 logMAR for near photopic,
      respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between the
      contrast sensitivity with the two types of correction for both distance and near,
      with spectacle correction being better in all cases. CONCLUSION:   PureVision
      multifocal contact lenses preserve good VA and good visual performance under real
      life conditions.

PMID- 22070197
TI  - First results from the multicentre study rehabilitation of occupational skin
      diseases--optimization and quality assurance of inpatient management (ROQ).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES. The German stepwise procedure of handling occupational
      skin diseases (OSDs) offers interdisciplinary integrated (inpatient/outpatient)
      rehabilitation measures [tertiary individual prevention (TIP)] for severe OSD. In
      2005, a prospective cohort multicentre study was started in order to evaluate
      TIP. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight patients with severe
      OSD were treated and educated in five clinics with follow-up before and 4 weeks
      after return to work. RESULTS: During the inpatient phase, there was a
      significant improvement in the severity of OSD (Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity
      Index, p < 0.001) and in the quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, p <
      0.001). These effects were largely sustained during the outpatient follow-up
      phase and in the 4 weeks after return to work. Among all patients, 89.4% used
      topical steroids before TIP, including 52.5% using high-grade topical steroids;
      93.2% of the patients were able to refrain from using topical steroids before
      returning to work. As a result of TIP, return to work was possible for 1587
      patients (88.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The primary objectives of TIP (return to work,
      improvement of OSD, enhancement of quality of life, and reduction in the use of
      topical steroids) were successfully met. The long-term follow-up (1 and 3 years
      after TIP) will examine whether these favourable outcomes can be sustained.

PMID- 22070198
TI  - The gas phase structure of coulombically stretched polyethylene glycol ions.
AB  - Prior ion-mobility mass-spectrometry (IMS-MS) studies of polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) ions have identified only two out of many sharply different observed
      structures: Linear shapes with several individually solvated singly charged
      cations at high charge states z (beads on a string), and single multiply charged
      globules at low z. The present study is devoted to assign all other existing
      structures of PEG ions, for the first time reaching masses of 100 kDa and charge
      states up to z = 10. There are at most z different structures at charge state z.
      All involve a single globule carrying n charges, tied to one or several
      appendices bearing z - n separate charges in a beads-on-a-string configuration.
      All sharp shape transitions observed at decreasing ion mass involve ejection of
      one elementary charge (sometimes two) from the shrinking globule into the growing
      linear appendage. This picture is supported by molecular dynamics simulations and
      approximate calculations of electrical mobilities for computed structures.

PMID- 22070199
TI  - Amyloid peptide regulates calcium homoeostasis and arrhythmogenesis in pulmonary
      vein cardiomyocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amyloid peptides modulate cardiac calcium homoeostasis and play an
      important role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary veins
      (PVs) are critical in the genesis of atrial fibrillation and contain abundant
      amyloid peptides. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether
      amyloid peptides may change the PV electrical activity through regulating calcium
      homoeostasis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The channel and calcium-handling protein
      expressions, intracellular calcium and ionic currents were studied in isolated
      rabbit PV cardiomyocytes in the presence and absence (control) of beta-amyloid
      (Abeta(25-35) ) for 4-6 h, using Western blot analysis, indo-1 fluorimetric ratio
      and whole-cell patch clamp techniques. Abeta(25-35) decreased the expressions of
      Ca(V) 1.2, total or Ser16-phosphorylated phospholamban (p-PLB), p-PLB/PLB ratio,
      sodium/calcium exchanger, but did not change ryanodine receptor, sarcoplasmic
      reticulum (SR) ATPase and K(+) channel proteins (Kir2.1, Kir2.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and
      Kv4.2). Abeta(25-35) -treated cardiomyocytes had smaller calcium transient, SR
      calcium store, L-type calcium current and sodium/calcium exchanger current than
      control cardiomyocytes. Moreover, Abeta(25-35) -treated cardiomyocytes (n = 20)
      had shorter 90% of the action potential duration (82 +/- 3 vs. 93 +/- 5 ms, P <
      0.05) than control cardiomyocytes (n = 16). CONCLUSION: Abeta(25-35) has direct
      electrophysiological effects on PV cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 22070200
TI  - New mixed-valent Mn clusters from the use of N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2
      hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (edteH4): Mn3, Mn4, Mn6, and Mn10.
AB  - The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetochemical characterization are
      reported for the new mixed-valent Mn clusters
      [Mn(2)(II)Mn(III)(O(2)CMe)(2)(edteH(2))(2)](ClO(4)) (1),
      [Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(2)(edteH(2))(2)(hmp)(2)Cl(2)](Mn(II)Cl(4)) (2),
      [Mn(III)(6)O(2)(O(2)CBu(t))(6)(edteH)(2)(N(3))(2)] (3),
      [Na(2)Mn(III)(8)Mn(II)(2)O(4)(OMe)(2)(O(2)CEt)(6)(edte)(2)(N(3))(6)] (4), and
      (NEt(4))(2)[Mn(8)(III)Mn(2)(II)O(4)(OH)(2)-(O(2)CEt)(6)(edte)(2)(N(3))(6)](5),
      where edteH(4) is N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine and hmpH is
      2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine. 1-5 resulted from a systematic exploration of the
      effect of different Mn sources, carboxylates, the presence of azide, and other
      conditions, on the Mn/edteH(4) reaction system. The core of 1 consists of a
      linear Mn(II)Mn(III)Mn(II) unit, whereas that of 2 is a planar Mn(4) rhombus
      within a [Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(2)(MU(3)-OR)(2)] incomplete-dicubane unit. The core of
      3 comprises a central [Mn(III)(4)(OR)(2)] incomplete-dicubane on either side of
      which is edge-fused a triangular [Mn(III)(3)(MU(3)-O)] unit. The cores of 4 and 5
      are similar and consist of a central [Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(2)(MU(3)-OR)(2)]
      incomplete-dicubane on either side of which is edge-fused a distorted
      [Mn(II)Mn(III)(3)(MU(3)-O)(2)(MU(3)-OR)(2)] cubane unit. Variable-temperature,
      solid-state direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) magnetization
      studies were carried out on 1-5 in the 5.0-300 K range, and they established the
      complexes to have ground state spin values of S = 3 for 1, S = 9 for 2, and S = 4
      for 3. The study of 3 provided an interesting caveat of potential pitfalls from
      particularly low-lying excited states. For 4 and 5, the ground state is in the S
      = 0-4 range, but its identification is precluded by a high density of low-lying
      excited states.

PMID- 22070202
TI  - Rational synthesis of noncentrosymmetric metal-organic frameworks for second
      order nonlinear optics.

PMID- 22070201
TI  - Inhibition of hematopoietic protein tyrosine phosphatase augments and prolongs
      ERK1/2 and p38 activation.
AB  - The hematopoietic protein tyrosine phosphatase (HePTP) is implicated in the
      development of blood cancers through its ability to negatively regulate the
      mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/2 and p38. Small-molecule
      modulators of HePTP activity may become valuable in treating hematopoietic
      malignancies such as T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and acute
      myelogenous leukemia (AML). Moreover, such compounds will further elucidate the
      regulation of MAPKs in hematopoietic cells. Although transient activation of
      MAPKs is crucial for growth and proliferation, prolonged activation of these
      important signaling molecules induces differentiation, cell cycle arrest, cell
      senescence, and apoptosis. Specific HePTP inhibitors may promote the latter and
      thereby may halt the growth of cancer cells. Here, we report the development of a
      small molecule that augments ERK1/2 and p38 activation in human T cells,
      specifically by inhibiting HePTP. Structure-activity relationship analysis, in
      silico docking studies, and mutagenesis experiments reveal how the inhibitor
      achieves selectivity for HePTP over related phosphatases by interacting with
      unique amino acid residues in the periphery of the highly conserved catalytic
      pocket. Importantly, we utilize this compound to show that pharmacological
      inhibition of HePTP not only augments but also prolongs activation of ERK1/2 and,
      especially, p38. Moreover, we present similar effects in leukocytes from mice
      intraperitoneally injected with the inhibitor at doses as low as 3 mg/kg. Our
      results warrant future studies with this probe compound that may establish HePTP
      as a new drug target for acute leukemic conditions.

PMID- 22070204
TI  - Population policy in Western Europe.
AB  - Abstract   Policies concerning procreation and fertility are considered first. In
      Western Europe there are countries which fully recognize and implement the
      personal rights of the individual to plan and space the number of children, as
      well as others denying these rights. The nature and implications of laws and
      policies concerning contraception, abortion and family planning in general are
      briefly described and their effects discussed.   The second topic considered the
      welfare and the economy of the family. The incidence of family allowance schemes,
      taxation systems, protection of working mothers, educational facilities
      (especially for children of pre-school age), and publicly financed housing is
      reviewed in an effort to understand whether the various social and legislative
      systems favour procreation and the raising of the children. The situation is
      contradictory: very mild pro-natalist effects of family allowances are partly
      offset by a taxation system that im unfavourable to the family, since husbands'
      and wives' incomes are in many instances assessed jointly. Increasing protection
      of working women may reconcile economic activity with childbearing, but serious
      shortage of institutions to care for very young children makes employment of
      mothers difficult.   The third topic is mobility, internal and international.
      Possibly the most serious demographic problems of Western Europe are the strong
      internal streams of migrants, congestion of cities and depopulation of rural
      areas. Measures for coping with these problems are generally in adequate. At the
      same time, international migration in very strong with many millions of foreign
      workers in various countries. The countries of immigration, although themselves
      tending towards almost stationary populations, seem not to accept the
      implications of this fact - particularly the cessation of growth of the domestic
      labour force. Temporary import of manpower through temporary immigration is a
      short-term solution which cannot be sustained indefinitely.   The paper concludes
      with a final consideration. Western European countries could probably lower their
      levels of fertility rather easily by giving more support to family planning
      programmes, liberalizing abortion, etc. But should fertility consistently and for
      a long time fall below replacement, where are the measures for stimulating
      recovery? Address delivered before the Population Association of America, New
      Orleans, 26 April 1973.

PMID- 22070203
TI  - Effects of heat and ultraviolet radiation on the oxidative stability of pine nut
      oil supplemented with carnosic acid.
AB  - The effects of carnosic acid (CA) of different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2
      mg/g) and two common antioxidants (butylated hydroxytoluene and alpha-tocopherol)
      on oxidative stability in pine nut oil at different accelerated conditions
      (heating and ultraviolet radiation) were compared. The investigation focused on
      the increase in peroxide and conjugated diene values, as well as free fatty acid
      and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. The changes in trans fatty acid and
      aldehyde compound contents were investigated by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, while the changes in pinolenic acid content were monitored by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results show that CA was more effective in
      restraining pine nut oil oxidation under heating, UV-A and UV-B radiation, in
      which a dose-response relationship was observed. The antioxidant activity of CA
      was stronger than that of alpha-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene. Pine nut
      oil supplemented with 0.2 mg/g CA exhibited favorable antioxidant effects and is
      preferable for effectively avoiding oxidation.

PMID- 22070205
TI  - Targets versus extension education: the Family Planning Programme in Uttar
      Pradesh, India.
AB  - Abstract   The article examines the impact of target setting on a Family Planning
      Programme in the North Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. The author argues that over
      concern with target setting has led to a number of negative results including
      high percentages of marginal cases brought for vasectomy, and low morale on the
      part of family planning personnel. Trained in extensive education techniques,
      they have been forced to place quantity above quality once they begin their work
      out in the districts. The author provides no easy answer to this tension between
      targets and extension educators, but the problem which he has raised needs
      consideration in a developing country concerned with implementing an effective
      programme of population control.

PMID- 22070206
TI  - Fertility and economic and social development in Turkey: a cross-sectional and
      time series study.
AB  - Abstract   The paper explores the impact of modernization on the fertility levels
      in Turkey, which started deliberate efforts at economic, social, and political
      transformation in the early 1920s. It is a disaggregative study using 'province'
      as the unit of observation. A relatively consistent series of data on population
      and various economic and social variables was available with quinquennial
      censuses starting with the 1940 Census. The technique of reverse projection is
      used to estimate provincial crude birth rates. Since 1955 there has been a
      consistent decline in the fertility level. A chain-relationship model is
      estimated using both cross-sectional and panel data. A major finding of the study
      is that in Turkey, continuing modernization and the concomitant spread of female
      education will result in a continuing decline in the fertility rate. This
      negative influence, stable and substantial over time, is largely due to factors
      other than the usual association between education and opportunity cost of female
      employment, such as changing attitudes and tastes. Also with the spread of
      economic and social development influencing the society's norm for average age at
      marriage and the proportion of women married, the marital rate, though not so
      significant as education, imparts a direct depressing effect on the aggregate
      period fertility rate at any given time.

PMID- 22070207
TI  - Prospective study of birth interval dynamics in rural Bangladesh.
AB  - Abstract   A group of 209 married, fecund women in rural Bangladesh were studied
      prospectively for 24 months from 1969 to 1971 to define some of the biological
      and sociological factors relating to fertility performance. These women were
      selected from a larger study population of 112,000 that had been followed with a
      daily house-to-house vital registration programme since 1966. The selected women
      were interviewed bi-weekly and were asked questions about menstruation,
      pregnancy, lactation, husband's occupational absences, and monthly urine tests
      for pregnancy were taken. The results for 193 non-contracepting women revealed
      that the seasonal pattern of births previously observed in this population could
      be associated with a corresponding seasonal pattern of conceptions and that this
      was due to a seasonal trend in fecundability. The highest conception rates were
      in the coolest months of the year. Post-partum lactational amenorrhoea was very
      prolonged, averaging 17 months for women with a surviving child. The appearance
      of the first post-partum menstrual flow (onset of ovulation) also had a seasonal
      trend which could not be adequately explained. The median waiting time to
      conception, once menstruation had resumed was eight months. This interval was
      influenced by seasonal fluctuations, as well as by the age of women and by
      husbands' absences. The foetal wastage rate was 15.0 per 100 conceptions, with 62
      per cent of the foetal losses occurring during the second month of gestation.
      Overall, the average birth interval was 33 months, with the prolonged lactational
      amenorrhoea accounting for almost 45 per cent of this interval. From the
      Department of Population Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene
      and Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.

PMID- 22070208
TI  - Residence background and fertility in Greater Bombay.
AB  - Abstract   The residence background of wives who migrate to metropolitan areas
      plays an important role in determining their fertility. From the data collected
      during 1966, relating to 7,872 currently married women of Greater Bombay, an
      attempt was made to establish differentials in marital fertility by residence
      background of the wives. This was categorized into three groups - non-migrants,
      urban migrants and rural migrants. It was observed that rural migrant wives
      exhibited significantly higher fertility compared with the other two groups, and
      this was explained by their lower educational attainment. Between the non-migrant
      and the urban migrant wives the latter consistently showed lower fertility for
      all age groups up to 40, while there was a reversal in the age group 40 and
      above, where non-migrants exhibited lower fertility. The urban migrant wives
      showed a somewhat higher level of education, most likely on account of
      selectivity, compared to the non-migrants. However, presence of a sizeable number
      of Parsee wives, characterized by a distinct urban culture and considerably lower
      fertility, was largely responsible for the low fertility of the non-migrant wives
      in the age group 40 and above. The variable that has emerged as the most
      influential in creating fertility differentials is education of the wife, which
      is shown to be negatively associated with the level of fertility. Wife's
      education explains to a large extent the observed fertility differentials by
      residence background.

PMID- 22070209
TI  - Some demographic consequences of changing cohort fertility patterns: An
      investigation using the Gompertz function.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper are formulated some convenient summary measures of
      fertility patterns. These measures, which are based on the Gompertz function, are
      total lifetime fertility, median age of mothers at childbirth, and inter-quartile
      range of age of mothers at childbirth. Estimates of the parameters of Gompertz
      function, based on Canadian data, are used to derive, for each of the summary
      measures, values which reflect historical fertility experience, and thus give an
      impression about the range of realistic values for these measures. A simple model
      of demographic activity which includes the Gompertz function is also considered,
      and this model is used in computer simulation experiments to determine the macro
      demographic effects of changes in each of the three summary measures.

PMID- 22070210
TI  - A comment on Schnaiberg's measure of fertility and child dependency.
AB  - Abstract   This comment discusses some potential difficulties in the construction
      and use of a new fertility variable proposed in a recent issue of Population
      Studies, and considers one possible remedy.

PMID- 22070213
TI  - Prenatal high-dose immunoglobulin treatment for neonatal hemochromatosis: a case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - Neonatal hemochromatosis is a difficult disorder to cure, and it has a high rate
      of recurrence. High-dose immunoglobulin treatment is very effective as prenatal
      treatment for recurrent neonatal hemochromatosis. A 34-year-old pregnant Japanese
      woman underwent high-dose immunoglobulin treatment for recurrent neonatal
      hemochromatosis. High-dose non-specific intravenous immunoglobulin (1 g/kg
      bodyweight) was administered to the mother intravenously every week from 18 until
      36 gestational weeks. A male infant was delivered at 37 weeks of gestation, and
      his condition was favorable, including hepatic function. The use of gamma
      globulin for neonatal hemochromatosis appears adequately validated by experience.

PMID- 22070214
TI  - The relevance of accurate comprehensive treatment parameters in
      photobiomodulation.

PMID- 22070215
TI  - A systematic review of the cost and cost effectiveness of treatment for multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Around 0.4 million cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
      occur each year. Only a small fraction of these cases are treated according to
      international guidelines. Evidence relevant to decisions about whether to scale
      up treatment for MDR-TB includes cost and cost-effectiveness data. Up to 2010, no
      systematic review of this evidence has been available. OBJECTIVE: Our objective
      was to conduct a systematic review of the cost and cost effectiveness of
      treatment for MDR-TB and synthesize the available data. METHODS: We searched for
      papers published or prepared for publication in peer-review journals and grey
      literature using search terms in five languages: English, French, Portuguese,
      Russian and Spanish. From an initial set of 420 studies, four were included, from
      Peru, the Philippines, Estonia and Tomsk Oblast in the Russian Federation.
      Results on costs, effectiveness and cost effectiveness were extracted. Assessment
      of the quality of each economic evaluation was guided by two existing checklists
      around which there is broad consensus. Costs were adjusted to a common year of
      value (2005) to remove distortions caused by inflation, and calculated in two
      common currencies: $US and international dollars (I$), to standardize for
      purchasing power parity. Data from the four identified studies were then
      synthesized using probabilistic sensitivity analysis, to appraise the likely cost
      and cost effectiveness of MDR-TB treatment in other settings, relative to WHO
      benchmarks for assessing whether or not an intervention is cost effective. Best
      estimates are provided as means, with 5th and 95th percentiles of the
      distributions. RESULTS: The cost per patient for MDR-TB treatment in Estonia,
      Peru, the Philippines and Tomsk was $US10 880, $US2423, $US3613 and $US14 657,
      respectively. Best estimates of the cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY)
      averted were $US598 (I$960), $US163 (I$291), $US143 (I$255) and $US745 (I$1059),
      respectively. The main influences on costs were (i) the model of care chosen (the
      extent to which hospitalization or ambulatory care were relied upon) and (ii) the
      second-line drugs included in the treatment regimen. When extrapolated to other
      settings, the best estimate of the cost of treatment varied from US3401 to US195
      078, depending on the region and model of care. The cost per DALY averted was
      lower than GDP per capita in all 14 WHO sub-regions considered, with better cost
      effectiveness for outpatient versus inpatient models of care. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment for MDR-TB can be cost effective in low- and middle-income countries.
      Evidence about the relative cost effectiveness of outpatient versus inpatient
      models of care is limited and more data are needed from Africa and Asia-
      especially India and China, which have the largest number of cases. Unless there
      is strong evidence that hospitalization is necessary to achieve high rates of
      adherence to treatment, patients with MDR-TB should be treated using mainly
      ambulatory care.

PMID- 22070216
TI  - Bimolecular reaction via the successive introduction of two substrates into the
      crystals of networked molecular cages.
AB  - Two substrates, 4-hydroxydiphenylamine (3) and ethyl isocyanate (4), were
      successively introduced into the crystals of networked M(6)L(4) cages 1. Because
      of the encapsulation effect, most of the initially introduced substrate 3
      remained within the crystals during immersion in a solution of 4. X-ray analysis
      revealed that before the reaction, the nucleophilic NH group of 3 is effectively
      protected by tight packing within the cage units while the OH group is exposed to
      the incoming second substrate. Successive introduction of 4 into the crystal
      results in the chemoselective acylation of 3 at the less nucleophilic OH group.
      The observed chemoselectivity is consistent with that exhibited by discrete
      M(6)L(4) cage 2 in solution.

PMID- 22070217
TI  - Postweaning mulstisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs and porcine circovirus
      (PCV). An indexed bibliography.
AB  - Summary   This bibliography contains the bibliographic data, including the
      abstracts (if available), the post addresses and as far as available also the E
      mail addresses of the authors, of 177 articles on postweaning multisystemic
      wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs and porcine circovirus (PCV). The bibliography
      concerns the period 1982-2002. The vast majority of the articles (151 of 177
      being 85%) were published in the period 1998-2002. All publications except one
      are taken from easily accessible journals. The exception concerns reference 52
      being the first report on PMWS, which has been published in a congress
      proceedings. To improve the accessibility of the bibliography five indices are
      given referring to the authors, the subjects, the serials, the years of
      publication and the countries.

PMID- 22070219
TI  - Muscarinic receptors: their roles in disorders of the central nervous system and
      potential as therapeutic targets.
AB  - Phylogenetically, acetylcholine is an ancient neurochemical. Therefore, it is not
      surprising that cholinergic neurons project extensively throughout the central
      nervous system, innervating a wide range of structures within the brain. In fact,
      acetylcholine is involved in processes that underpin some of our most basic
      central functions. Both muscarinic and nicotinic receptor families, which mediate
      cholinergic transmission, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of
      psychiatric and neurological disorders. The question that remains to be
      definitively answered is whether or not these receptors are viable targets for
      the development of future therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22070220
TI  - Are the currently used reference intervals for creatine kinase (CK) reflecting
      the general population? The Tromso Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory reference intervals are not necessarily reflecting the
      range in the background population. This study compared creatine kinase (CK)
      reference intervals calculated from a large sample from a Norwegian population
      with those elaborated by the Nordic Reference Interval Project (NORIP). It also
      assessed the pattern of CK-normalization after standardized control analyses.
      METHODS: New upper reference limits (URL) CK values were calculated after
      exclusion of individuals with risk of hyperCKemia and including individuals with
      incidentally detected hyperCKemia after they had completed a standardized control
      analysis. After exclusion of 5924 individuals with possible causes of
      hyperCKemia, CK samples were analyzed in 6904 individuals participating in the
      6th survey of The Tromso Study. URL was defined as the 97.5 percentile. RESULTS:
      New URL in women was 207 U/L. In men <50 years it was 395 U/L and in men >=50
      years 340 U/L. In individuals with elevated CK, normalization grade after control
      analysis was inversely correlated to the CK level (p<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: URL CK
      values in women and in men <50 years of age were in accordance with URL CK values
      given by the NORIP. In men >=50 years, a higher URL was found and the findings
      suggest an upward adjustment of URL in this age group.

PMID- 22070221
TI  - Development of control material for hemoglobin analysis.
AB  - Background: There is no certified control material for hemoglobin analysis which
      has the hemoglobin (Hb)A(2)/E level as high as found in ?-thalassemia trait, HbE
      trait, ?-thalassemia/HbE disease and homozygote of HbE, the thalassemia types
      found frequently in the Southeast Asian population. The aim of this study was to
      prepare the lyophilized hemoglobin control materials for hemoglobin analysis.  
      Methods: Washed and dialysed erythrocytes of normal individuals and patients with
      ?-thalassemia trait, HbE trait, ?-thalassemia/HbE disease, homozygous HbE were
      lysed in 5% sucrose solution. The lyophilized hemoglobin control materials were
      prepared by using a freeze-drying (lyophilization) method. The high performance
      liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of lyophilized hemoglobin was performed
      after storing at ?20?C for 1, 15 and 30?days and for 3?months.   Results: The
      chromatograms of lyophilized hemoglobin control materials showed similar patterns
      and similar levels of HbA, HbA(2)/E and HbF when compared with equivalent fresh
      whole blood. Moreover, the lyophilized hemoglobin presented a good correlation
      coefficient (r>0.990) of relationships between HPLC, low pressure liquid
      chromatography (LPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods.   Conclusions:
      The lyophilized hemoglobin could be developed and used as control materials for
      hemoglobin analysis.

PMID- 22070222
TI  - The multi-cancer marker, rs6983267, located at region 3 of chromosome 8q24, is
      associated with prostate cancer in Greek patients but does not contribute to the
      aggressiveness of the disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, several polymorphisms located on human chromosome 8q24 were
      found to be associated with prostate cancer risk with different frequency and
      incidence among the investigated populations. The authors conducted a prostate
      cancer case-control study in the Greek population to evaluate the association of
      the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6983267, located at region 3 of
      chromosome 8q24, with this type of cancer. METHODS: Samples of total blood from
      86 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 99 healthy
      individuals were genotyped using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tumor
      node-metastasis (TNM) stage, Gleason score and levels of prostate-specific
      antigen (PSA) at diagnosis were included in the analysis. RESULTS: A highly
      significant association (odds ratio=2.84 and p-value=0.002) was found between
      rs6983267 and prostate cancer in the Greek population. The sensitivity,
      specificity, negative and positive predictive values of the presence of G allele
      for the discrimination between patients and controls were 81.40%, 39.4%, 53.9%
      and 70.9%, respectively. A lower proportion of homozygotes was found in patients
      with PSA level <4 ng/mL compared to those with PSA level more than 4 ng/mL
      (p=0.019). None of the other clinical factors nor the aggressiveness of the
      disease were found to be significantly associated with rs6983267 genotype.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SNP rs6983267 is an established marker for a range of cancers.
      In prostate cancer, it indicates an enhanced risk for carriers to develop the
      disease in general. In our study it showed no association with aggressive forms
      or familial and early-onset prostate cancer families.

PMID- 22070223
TI  - Interference of hemoglobin (Hb) Las Palmas with HPLC measurement of HbA(1c) in 87
      patients.

PMID- 22070224
TI  - Victimization in individuals suffering from psychosis: a Swedish cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - The aims of the study were to investigate: (1) self-reported adulthood and last
      year victimization in male and female outpatients suffering from psychosis; (2)
      relationships to perpetrators; (3) whether drugs or alcohol were involved in
      victimization situations; (4) places where victimization occurred. Patients were
      randomly selected from five outpatient units geared to patients with psychosis;
      174 patients participated in a structured face-to-face interview. Experiences of
      victimization in adulthood were reported by 67%, 33% in the previous year. During
      adulthood 51% had been physically and 32% sexually victimized and 39% threatened.
      In the previous year 21% reported threats, 20% physical and 15% sexual
      victimization. Women reported greater exposure to physical and sexual
      victimization than men during adulthood and in the previous year. Strangers and
      acquaintances were mainly reported as perpetrators and half (55%) of those
      victimized in the previous year stated no involvement of alcohol or drugs.
      Victimization mainly occurred in the patients' own home (59%), outside downtown
      (34%), or in others homes (38%). The results of this study give reason to
      highlight the importance for research and clinical practices to adopt a broad
      frame of interpretation concerning victimization in patients, covering both
      individual and environmental factors.

PMID- 22070225
TI  - Role of the hypothalamus in the neuroendocrine regulation of body weight and
      composition during energy deficit.
AB  - Energy deficit in lean or obese animals or humans stimulates appetite, reduces
      energy expenditure and possibly also decreases physical activity, thereby
      contributing to weight regain. Often overlooked in weight loss trials for
      obesity, however, is the effect of energy restriction on neuroendocrine status.
      Negative energy balance in lean animals and humans consistently inhibits activity
      of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid, -gonadotropic and -somatotropic axes (or
      reduces circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 levels), while concomitantly
      activating the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, with emerging evidence of
      similar changes in overweight and obese people during lifestyle interventions for
      weight loss. These neuroendocrine changes, which animal studies show may result
      in part from hypothalamic actions of orexigenic (e.g. neuropeptide Y, agouti
      related peptide) and anorexigenic peptides (e.g. alpha-melanocyte-stimulating
      hormone, and cocaine and amphetamine-related transcript), can adversely affect
      body composition by promoting the accumulation of adipose tissue (particularly
      central adiposity) and stimulating the loss of lean body mass and bone. As such,
      current efforts to maximize loss of excess body fat in obese people may
      inadvertently be promoting long-term complications such as central obesity and
      associated health risks, as well as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Future weight
      loss trials would benefit from assessment of the effects on body composition and
      key hormonal regulators of body composition using sensitive techniques.

PMID- 22070226
TI  - Weight gain and lipid-glucose profiles among patients taking antipsychotic
      medications: comparisons for prescriptions administered using algorithms versus
      usual care.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine if treatment strategy had a
      significant effect on the occurrence of physiological changes consistent with
      metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes in patients using atypical
      antipsychotic medications. The four variables assessed were: weight gain, fasting
      blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. The two strategies compared were (1)
      evidence-based practice, derived from the Texas Medication Algorithm Project, and
      (2) practitioner preference. A retrospective chart review was performed on
      patients diagnosed with a chronic psychiatric disorder being treated with
      atypical antipsychotics. The dates of the reviewed records were from 1 January
      2008 to 31 December 2008. The sample of patients totaled 113. Statistical
      analysis included logistic regression for each of the four variables assessed.
      The use of evidence-based practice guidelines was found to have strong positive
      effects on two of the four variables assessed. Further studies need to be
      conducted to include medications being taken to lower lipids and blood sugar.
      Overall, the use of evidence-based practice guidelines has a positive effect on
      weight, triglycerides and cholesterol. It is important that patients be closely
      monitored and changes made in a timely manner to minimize adverse effects of
      atypical antipsychotics.

PMID- 22070227
TI  - Recruitment of the endosomal WASH complex is mediated by the extended 'tail' of
      Fam21 binding to the retromer protein Vps35.
AB  - The retromer complex is a conserved endosomal protein sorting complex that sorts
      membrane proteins into nascent endosomal tubules. The recognition of membrane
      proteins is mediated by the cargo-selective retromer complex, a stable trimer of
      the Vps35 (vacuolar protein sorting 35), Vps29 and Vps26 proteins. We have
      recently reported that the cargo-selective retromer complex associates with the
      WASH (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome homologue) complex, a multimeric protein complex
      that regulates tubule dynamics at endosomes. In the present study, we show that
      the retromer-WASH complex interaction occurs through the long unstructured 'tail'
      domain of the WASH complex-Fam21 protein binding to Vps35, an interaction that is
      necessary and sufficient to target the WASH complex to endosomes. The Fam21-tail
      also binds to FKBP15 (FK506-binding protein 15), a protein associated with
      ulcerative colitis, to mediate the membrane association of FKBP15. Elevated Fam21
      tail expression inhibits the association of the WASH complex with retromer,
      resulting in increased cytoplasmic WASH complex. Additionally, overexpression of
      the Fam21-tail results in cell-spreading defects, implicating the activity of the
      WASH complex in regulating the mobilization of membrane into the endosome-to-cell
      surface pathway.

PMID- 22070229
TI  - Assessing the problem of counterfeit medications in the United Kingdom.
AB  - Counterfeit medicines pose an ever-increasing threat to public health, although
      precise tracking of illegal counterfeit prescription drug activity is difficult.
      Available data indicate that all types of medications have been targeted. Adverse
      health effects, including death, have resulted from using counterfeit
      medications; consumers who self-medicate without appropriate interactions with
      the healthcare system rarely receive adequate healthcare. The Internet provides a
      large, convenient route for counterfeiters to reach potential buyers with
      unregulated, often dangerous, products. The majority of medicines purchased via
      unverified Internet sites are counterfeit; often, these products lack the
      purported drug compound or have variable concentrations of active ingredients and
      sometimes contain dangerous toxins. Although many consumers acknowledge some
      degree of risk with purchasing medications via the Internet, speed, convenience
      and cost often prompt these purchases. Counterfeit medications also have been
      detected in the legitimate supply chain, but represent a significantly smaller
      proportion of sales than those purchased via the Internet. Pilot programmes in
      Europe have demonstrated that product verification systems prevent penetration of
      counterfeit products into the legitimate supply chain. Significant EU
      legislation, including stronger penalties for counterfeiting, is in development.
      In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
      (MHRA) launched an initiative against counterfeit medication. Healthcare
      professionals should report suspected cases of counterfeit medication to the
      MHRA, be alert to threats to the medicine supply, and provide practical advice to
      patients about ordering medications online, including avoiding unregulated
      Internet pharmacies, and being suspicious of sites offering substantial discounts
      and prescription-only medication without a prescription.

PMID- 22070228
TI  - Successful combined therapy with tamoxifen and lithium in a paradoxical sleep
      deprivation-induced mania model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that manic states and sleep
      deprivation could contribute to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD)
      through protein kinase C (PKC) signaling abnormalities. Moreover, adjunctive
      therapy has become a standard strategy in the management of BD patients who
      respond poorly to current pharmacological treatments. AIM: Thus, the aim of this
      study was to investigate the possible involvement of PKC inhibition by tamoxifen
      both separately or in combination with lithium, in paradoxical sleep deprivation
      (PSD)-induced hyperactivity, one facet of mania-like behavior. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: Adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly distributed (n = 7/group) in 24-h
      PSD or control groups and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with vehicle, lithium
      (50, 100, or 150 mg/kg) or tamoxifen (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg - experiment 1). In
      a second experiment, mice were injected i.p. with vehicle or a combination of
      subeffective doses of lithium and tamoxifen. Animals were subjected to a protocol
      based on repetitive PSD conditions, followed by assessment of locomotion activity
      in the open-field task. RESULTS: PSD significantly increased locomotor activity
      in both experiments. These behavioral changes were prevented by a treatment with
      lithium or tamoxifen, or a combined treatment with both lithium and tamoxifen.
      DISCUSSION: Therefore, our findings suggest that lithium and tamoxifen exert
      reversal effects against PSD-induced hyperactivity in mice. CONCLUSION:
      Furthermore, tamoxifen as an adjunct to lithium therapy provides support for an
      alternative treatment of individuals who either do not respond adequately or
      cannot tolerate the adverse effects associated with therapeutic doses of lithium.

PMID- 22070230
TI  - Total synthesis of (-)-virginiamycin M2: application of crotylsilanes accessed by
      enantioselective Rh(II) or Cu(I) promoted carbenoid Si-H insertion.
AB  - A stereoselective synthesis of the antibiotic (-)-virginiamycin M(2) is detailed.
      A convergent strategy was utilized that proceeded in 10 steps (longest linear
      sequence) from enantioenriched silane (S)-15. This reagent, which was prepared
      via a Rh(II)- or Cu(I)-catalyzed carbenoid Si-H insertion, was used to introduce
      the desired olefin geometry and stereocenters of the C1-C5 propionate subunit. A
      modified Negishi cross-coupling or an efficient alkoxide-directed titanium
      mediated alkyne-alkyne reductive coupling strategy was utilized to assemble the
      trisubstituted (E,E)-diene. An underutilized late-stage SmI(2)-mediated
      macrocyclization was employed to construct the 23-membered macrocycle scaffold of
      the natural product.

PMID- 22070231
TI  - Detection and widespread distribution of sodium channel alleles characteristic of
      insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes in China.
AB  - Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes are widely distributed throughout China and are
      known to be important disease vectors. Two pyrethroid resistance associated
      mutations have been identified in Cx. pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae), but
      there is little information on the diversity and distribution of kdr alleles in
      pyrethroid resistance in Cx. pipiens complex mosquitoes in China. In the present
      study, we report on a modified three tube allele-specific (AS)-PCR method for
      detecting the 1014F and 1014S alleles. The new technique was applied to identify
      the distribution of the two alleles in natural Cx. pipiens complex populations in
      China. The results confirmed that the new method is both sensitive and specific.
      The 1014F allele was found in all 14 of the field populations tested (frequency
      ranged from 6.8 to 76.2%) and the 1014S allele was found in almost two-thirds
      (frequency from 2.4 to 28.6%), indicating that the genotypes known to be
      associated with pyrethroid resistance are widespread in China. The resistance
      associated alleles were more common in southern Chinese sampling sites than in
      northern sites. The coexistence of the two resistant mutations in individual
      mosquitoes was also observed in five of the field populations. Two alternative
      mutations within the L1014 codon were identified in Culex pipiens molestus
      Forskal, 1775, including a non-synonymous mutation resulting in a 1014C
      substitution.

PMID- 22070232
TI  - Speciation within genomic networks: a case study based on Steatocranus cichlids
      of the lower Congo rapids.
AB  - Hybridization in animals is a much more common phenomenon as previously thought
      and may have profound implications for speciation research. The cichlid genus
      Steatocranus (Teleostei: Cichlidae), a close relative to members of the East
      African cichlid radiations, radiated under riverine conditions in the lower Congo
      rapids and produced a small species flock. Previous phylogenetic analyses
      suggested that hybridization occurred and contributed to speciation in this
      genus. A re-analysis of an already published 2000 loci-AFLP data set explicitly
      testing for patterns of ancient gene flow provided strong evidence for a highly
      reticulate phylogenetic history of the genus. We provide, to our knowledge, the
      first example of a complex reticulate network in vertebrates, including multiple
      closely related species connected through ancient as well as recent gene flow. In
      this context, the limited validity of strictly bifurcating tree hypotheses as a
      phylogenetic basis for hypothesis testing in evolutionary biology is discussed.

PMID- 22070234
TI  - The economic rationality of high fertility: An investigation illustrated with
      Nigerian survey data.
AB  - Summary   In much of the developing world, especially among rural populations who
      usually are the majority, field researchers find that fertility is high and
      fairly stable and that there is little evidence either that high-fertility
      parents are relatively economically disadvantaged or that they believe themselves
      to be so. On the other hand most of modern economic-demographic theory suggests
      that the members of large families should be worse off than the members of small
      families. It is argued that the 'hardest' data are those of high fertility and
      the relative well being of large families and that the proper social scientific
      approach should have been to base further investigation upon such findings. It is
      suggested that much of the economic theorizing has erred because of bad survey
      data and ethnocentric bias in the research. Data are analysed from research
      programmes in Ghana and Nigeria to show that high fertility is not as
      disadvantageous as is often suggested. The main source of evidence is Project 2
      of the Nigerian segment of the Changing African Family Project, a 1973 sample
      survey of 1,499 females and 1,497 males, Yoruba and over 17 years of age, in the
      Western and Lagos States of Nigeria. It is concluded that the economic ends of a
      society are largely determined by its social ends and that the economic
      rationality of high fertility can be determined only within the context of a
      society's structure and ends. There can be no such thing as a purely economic
      theory of fertility. It is also concluded that the society studied is moving
      towards a condition where high fertility will be increasingly disadvantageous and
      that this is being brought about more by Westernization than modernization.

PMID- 22070233
TI  - Metal-organic framework materials as chemical sensors.

PMID- 22070235
TI  - Fertility levels and trends in Indonesia.
AB  - Summary   Fertility estimates from the 1973 Indonesian Fertility Mortality Survey
      are presented and compared with estimates from the 1971 population census.
      Although there are some differences, on the whole the two sources are remarkably
      consistent, indicating the same regional differentials: highest fertility in
      Sumatra (T.F.R. in rural areas around 7.0), followed by West Java and Sulawesi,
      Bali, then Central and East Java (T.F.R. in rural areas around 50). Coale's Index
      of Overall Fertility (If) is 39 per cent higher in rural Sumatra than in rural
      East Java. Fertility in urban areas is somewhat below rural fertility in all
      regions. The age pattern of fertility in Sumatra, Sulawesi and West Java is
      consistent with Henry's notion of 'natural fertility', and indeed the survey data
      show these regions to be almost innocent of deliberate   practice of
      contraception. The lower fertility levels in Central and East Java appear to be
      related to patterns of extended lactation and post-partum abstinence, though
      modern contraception promoted by the national family planning programme is also
      on the increase. Though lower than elsewhere, both actual fertility and stated
      ideal family size in Central and East Java are well above the levels needed to
      achieve replacement levels of fertility.

PMID- 22070236
TI  - The relation of economic class and fertility: An analysis of some Indonesian
      data.
AB  - Summary   Many recent fertility studies in developing societies put forward the
      hypothesis of a negative relation between economic class and fertility. Data
      showing a positive relationship are frequently dismissed a priori as resulting
      from the reporting errors of illiterate women. This study draws on data from
      Indonesia's 1971 Census, a 1973 sample survey of fertility and mortality, and an
      intensive community study in Java, to argue that an observed positive relation
      between class and fertility is real, and is related to differences in patterns of
      marital disruption, postpartum abstinence, and fecundity. The positive relation
      may be reversed in the future as changes in these patterns, and the impact of the
      national family planning programme, affect the family structure of each class
      differently. Had the positive relation in this context been attributed offhand to
      reporting errors, these important socio-economic changes would have been
      misunderstood, and possibly ignored.

PMID- 22070237
TI  - A dynamic model of the reproductive process.
AB  - Summary   A dynamic deterministic model of the reproductive process is presented.
      The model describes and analyses the effect of intermediate fertility variables
      on fertility. The intermediate fertility variables which are the inputs to the
      model, include the duration of post-partum amenorrhea, fecundability, incidence
      of spontaneous and induced abortion, contraceptive use and effectiveness, the
      distribution of age at first marriage and the age specific risks of marital
      disruption and remarriage. To test the validity of this model, it is fitted to
      data obtained from reproductive histories of 512 marriages occurring during the
      first half of the eighteenth century in Canada.

PMID- 22070238
TI  - Estimating adult mortality levels from information on widowhood.
AB  - Summary   A range of indirect techniques has been developed for mortality
      estimation in societies lacking adequate vital registration records. Information
      on orphanhood has been widely used as an estimator of adult mortality, with
      generally plausible results. Doubts have remained, however, about potential
      biases, and the method is less satisfactory for the estimation of male mortality.
      Information on widowhood, or more strictly the survival of first spouse, has
      several possible advantages over information on orphanhood. Model first marriage
      functions and model life tables are used to calculate proportions widowed of
      first spouse, for both females and males, by marital duration and by age. These
      proportions widowed are then related to life table survivorship probabilities to
      provide weighting factors for the conversion of observed proportions widowed into
      estimates of survivorship probabilities. The application of the method is
      illustrated with data collected by the 1974 post-enumeration survey of
      Bangladesh, with apparently encouraging results.

PMID- 22070239
TI  - Patterns underlying fertility schedules: A decomposition by both age and marriage
      duration.
AB  - Summary   Model fertility schedules based on the proportions married and the age
      pattern of marital fertility are unsatisfactory to the extent that marital
      fertility does not depend on age alone but also on other factors. Most notably,
      models based just on age fail to allow for differences between populations in
      their composition by marriage duration.   Examination of the major series of
      fertility rates specific by both age and duration of marriage (Sweden 1911-70,
      England and Wales, 1941-70) reveals striking underlying regularities. The marital
      fertility rates observed at any given point in time can be factored into three
      independent components - an overall level, a vector of age effects common to all
      marriage durations and a vector of duration effects common to all age groups. A
      simple product of these three components is shown to approximate the data very
      closely over the entire series, despite major changes in the aggregate levels of
      fertility and nuptiality during the periods concerned. Not only are the data
      tightly structured, conforming very closely to this simple multiplicative model,
      but the vectors of age and duration effects themselves are shown to exhibit clear
      and meaningful regularities.

PMID- 22070240
TI  - The estimation of adult mortality in Africa from data on orphanhood.
AB  - Summary   Until recently, very little information has been available about the
      levels and patterns of adult mortality in tropical Africa, but during the past
      decade several countries have included questions in censuses and surveys as to
      whether a person's father and mother are still alive. From the data so obtained,
      estimates of adult mortality have been prepared.   This paper compares the
      results of three such exercises with alternative estimates of adult mortality
      derived from other sources. In the case of Chad, the orphanhood data obtained in
      the demographic sample survey of 1964 yielded estimates of mortality which agreed
      reasonably closely with those obtained from questions on deaths of household
      members occurring during the twelve months preceding the survey. The latter data
      however were themselves subject to substantial errors and had to be corrected
      using techniques based on stable population theory. For Kenya, the orphanhood
      questions were included in the 1969 census and the results were compared with the
      mortality estimates derived from inter-censal survival from 1962 to 1969. Once
      again, the data obtained from the latter were subject to error but in general
      appeared to be consistent with the orphanhood estimates. The third comparison was
      made from Malawi, where alternative mortality figures were available from the
      Malawi Population Change survey which was a 'dual record' type of operation,
      conducted in 1971/2. The agreement in this case was remarkably close, once the
      number of deaths had been corrected for omissions by both systems with allowance
      for positive correlation.   It is concluded that as a simple and inexpensive
      technique of estimating adult mortality, the orphanhood approach has much to
      recommend it.

PMID- 22070241
TI  - Changes in childlessness in the United States: A demographic path analysis.
AB  - Summary   This paper describes changes in the incidence of marital childlessness
      among United States women since 1940 and tests a model to explain recent observed
      trends toward increasing childlessness. Based on U.S. Bureau of the Census
      sources, data are presented that indicate a substantial increase in childlessness
      for married women under 30 years of age since 1960. A path model is developed
      based on previous research on childlessness, in an attempt to explain this
      change. The model is composed of 1960-70 changes in (1) mean age at first
      marriage, (2) mean educational attainment, (3) the proportion of women in the
      labour force, (4) the proportion of women enrolled as students, (5) the incidence
      of marital disruption, and (6) the proportion of women living in urban
      environments. Using quarter-year age cohort data derived from the 1960 and 1970
      1/100 Public Use Samples the results indicate that a substantial part of the
      increase in childlessness csn be explained by this model. Particularly important
      were increased enrolment of married women in education, labour force
      participation, and mean age of first marriage. The results suggest the relevance
      of structural changes along with birth expectation attitudes in predicting trends
      in childlessness in the United States.

PMID- 22070242
TI  - Problems of abortion in Britain - Aberdeen, a case study.
AB  - Summary   This paper reports on nearly all pregnancies occurring in the City of
      Aberdeen in the years 1961-74 (births, and therapeutic and spontaneous abortions)
      and on male and female sterilization and the use of contraception. The collection
      of these data for a defined community was made possible through the coordinated
      and comprehensive maternity and contraceptive services. Several important
      innovations made during the years included the introduction of oral contraception
      and the inter-uterine device, laparoscopic sterilization and vasectomy. The
      Abortion Act 1969 came into force and at different times the Local Authority
      Family Planning Clinic made many changes including the removal of charges and of
      the need for referral.   The pattern of outcome differs for legitimate and
      illegitimate pregnancies, which are considered separately. Over half of all first
      pregnancies now occur before marriage and their outcome in women in different
      occupational groups is discussed. Oral contraception is favoured for postponing
      or spacing pregnancies, but when it comes to limitation of family size, couples
      have increasingly requested sterilization. Nevertheless there has been a ten-fold
      increase in the proportion of pregnancies being terminated. Aberdeen's birth rate
      is now below replacement level but the real objective 'every pregnancy a wanted
      pregnancy' is far from being achieved in either married or unmarried women.

PMID- 22070243
TI  - Female status among soviet central Asian nationalities: The melding of Islam and
      Marxism and its implications for population increase.
AB  - Summary   Marxist ideology has emphasized the rights of women to a degree perhaps
      unparalleled among political movements, whereas Islamic ideology has confined
      women to the traditional role of wife and mother. In Soviet Central Asia these
      two ideologies have clashed for more than 50 years. Data from the 1959 and 1970
      censuses of the U.S.S.R. are used to show three aspects of the position of Soviet
      women of Islamic nationality as compared with the position of Soviet women of non
      Islamic nationality, namely, educational attainment relative to men, non
      agricultural labour force participation relative to men, and the burden of child
      dependency. The hypothesis is put forward that the status of women among Soviet
      Islamic nationalities should be lower than among Soviet non-Islamic
      nationalities, but that the difference between the two groups in the various
      aspects of female status should diminish over time. The position of women among
      the Soviet Islamic nationalities was also compared with that of women in various
      Islamic nations with the hypothesis that female status should be higher among the
      former than the latter. The predictions were upheld, with the notable exception
      of two of the three pedictions concerning the burden of child dependency
      occasioned by the finding that child dependency increased substantially, from
      1959 to 1970 for Islamic nationalities but not for non-Islamic, and by 1970 was
      higher for Soviet Islamic nationalities than for the Islamic nations of the
      Middle East and North Africa. Several possible explanations are advanced for the
      above-mentioned unpredicted findings.

PMID- 22070244
TI  - Comments on Daniel A. Seiver's 'Recent fertility in Mexico: Measurement and
      Interpretation.'.
AB  - Abstract   In a recent article in this Journal,(1)Daniel A. Seiver concludes that
      'fertility' in Mexico did not decline between 1960 and 1970. His conclusion is
      based primarily on an increase in the child-woman ratio from 725 per 1,000 in
      1960 to 762 in 1970. Seiver simply asserts that this increase cannot be
      completely explained by declining infant mortality and under-enumeration.  (2)  .
      (3).

PMID- 22070245
TI  - A reply to W. Hicks's comments.
AB  - Abstract   W. Whitney Hicks's comments on my paper(1) can be reduced to four
      major points, all of which I dispute wholeheartedly:

PMID- 22070248
TI  - Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein level as a predictive biomarker of
      contrast-induced acute kidney injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a well-known
      complication of contrast medium exposure in patients with chronic kidney disease.
      However, there are no biological markers to accurately predict the onset of CI
      AKI. Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), an intracellular carrier
      protein for free fatty acids, is markedly upregulated and abundantly expressed in
      the proximal tubules after renal ischaemia. We prospectively investigated whether
      urinary L-FABP is a suitable marker for the prediction of CI-AKI. METHODS: We
      performed a prospective study of 220 consecutive patients with chronic kidney
      disease who underwent elective catheterization [serum creatinine (Cr) >= 1.2
      mg/dL (106 M)]. Serum Cr and L-FABP levels were measured immediately before and 1
      and 2 days after the procedure. CI-AKI was defined as an increase in serum Cr
      level of >= 0.3 mg/dL within 48 h after the procedure. RESULTS: We observed the
      development of CI-AKI in 19 patients (8.6%). Urinary L-FABP levels were
      significantly higher in patients with CI-AKI than those without CI-AKI before
      contrast medium exposure. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that
      baseline urinary L-FABP level exhibited 82% sensitivity and 69% specificity, at a
      cut-off value of 24.5 MUg/g Cr. Using multivariate analysis, we found that
      independent predictors of CI-AKI development were L-FABP level of >= 24.5 MUg/g
      Cr [odds ratio (OR): 9.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.20-28.9], and left
      ventricular ejection fraction <= 40% (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.07-10.8). CONCLUSIONS:
      Urinary L-FABP level is useful for predicting the onset of CI-AKI before contrast
      medium exposure.

PMID- 22070250
TI  - Achieving coherent policies for conservation and sustainable use of marine
      ecosystems.

PMID- 22070249
TI  - clusterMaker: a multi-algorithm clustering plugin for Cytoscape.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the post-genomic era, the rapid increase in high-throughput data
      calls for computational tools capable of integrating data of diverse types and
      facilitating recognition of biologically meaningful patterns within them. For
      example, protein-protein interaction data sets have been clustered to identify
      stable complexes, but scientists lack easily accessible tools to facilitate
      combined analyses of multiple data sets from different types of experiments. Here
      we present clusterMaker, a Cytoscape plugin that implements several clustering
      algorithms and provides network, dendrogram, and heat map views of the results.
      The Cytoscape network is linked to all of the other views, so that a selection in
      one is immediately reflected in the others. clusterMaker is the first Cytoscape
      plugin to implement such a wide variety of clustering algorithms and
      visualizations, including the only implementations of hierarchical clustering,
      dendrogram plus heat map visualization (tree view), k-means, k-medoid, SCPS,
      AutoSOME, and native (Java) MCL. RESULTS: Results are presented in the form of
      three scenarios of use: analysis of protein expression data using a recently
      published mouse interactome and a mouse microarray data set of nearly one hundred
      diverse cell/tissue types; the identification of protein complexes in the yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and the cluster analysis of the vicinal oxygen chelate
      (VOC) enzyme superfamily. For scenario one, we explore functionally enriched
      mouse interactomes specific to particular cellular phenotypes and apply fuzzy
      clustering. For scenario two, we explore the prefoldin complex in detail using
      both physical and genetic interaction clusters. For scenario three, we explore
      the possible annotation of a protein as a methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase within the
      VOC superfamily. Cytoscape session files for all three scenarios are provided in
      the Additional Files section. CONCLUSIONS: The Cytoscape plugin clusterMaker
      provides a number of clustering algorithms and visualizations that can be used
      independently or in combination for analysis and visualization of biological data
      sets, and for confirming or generating hypotheses about biological function.
      Several of these visualizations and algorithms are only available to Cytoscape
      users through the clusterMaker plugin. clusterMaker is available via the
      Cytoscape plugin manager.

PMID- 22070253
TI  - Special section: the futures of conservation. Introduction.

PMID- 22070251
TI  - Reevaluating and broadening the definition of genetic rescue.

PMID- 22070254
TI  - Conservation biology through the lens of a career in salmon conservation.

PMID- 22070255
TI  - Conservation means behavior.

PMID- 22070256
TI  - Indigenous alliances for conservation in Bolivia.

PMID- 22070257
TI  - Finding balance between human need and global stewardship.

PMID- 22070258
TI  - A vision of conservation from school.

PMID- 22070259
TI  - Walking the path of environmental Buddhism through compassion and emptiness.

PMID- 22070260
TI  - Competing cultures of conservation.

PMID- 22070261
TI  - Cultivating a constituency for conservation.

PMID- 22070263
TI  - Special section: conservation science in the coming decades. Introduction.

PMID- 22070262
TI  - Reaching the U.S. public through their patriotism, pastors, and pockets.

PMID- 22070264
TI  - Systemic conservation, REDD, and the future of the Amazon Basin.

PMID- 22070265
TI  - Land, food, and biodiversity.

PMID- 22070266
TI  - Biodiversity offsets and infrastructure.

PMID- 22070267
TI  - Conservation in sustainable-use tropical forest reserves.

PMID- 22070268
TI  - Marine protected areas and the governance of marine ecosystems and fisheries.

PMID- 22070269
TI  - The future of payments for environmental services.

PMID- 22070270
TI  - Climate change, connectivity, and conservation success.

PMID- 22070271
TI  - Future human intervention in ecosystems and the critical role for evolutionary
      biology.

PMID- 22070273
TI  - Producer-level benefits of sustainability certification.
AB  - Initiatives certifying that producers of goods and services adhere to defined
      environmental and social-welfare production standards are increasingly popular.
      According to proponents, these initiatives create financial incentives for
      producers to improve their environmental, social, and economic performance. We
      reviewed the evidence on whether these initiatives have such benefits. We
      identified peer-reviewed, ex post, producer-level studies in economic sectors in
      which certification is particularly prevalent (bananas, coffee, fish products,
      forest products, and tourism operations), classified these studies on the basis
      of whether their design and methods likely generated credible results, summarized
      findings from the studies with credible results, and considered how these
      findings might guide future research. We found 46 relevant studies, most of which
      focused on coffee and forest products and examined fair-trade and Forest
      Stewardship Council certification. The methods used in 11 studies likely
      generated credible results. Of these 11 studies, nine examined the economic
      effects and two the environmental effects of certification. The results of four
      of the 11 studies, all of which examined economic effects, showed that
      certification has producer-level benefits. Hence, the evidence to support the
      hypothesis that certification benefits the environment or producers is limited.
      More evidence could be generated by incorporating rigorous, independent
      evaluation into the design and implementation of projects promoting
      certification.

PMID- 22070272
TI  - Scientists' opinions on the global status and management of biological diversity.
AB  - The large investments needed if loss of biological diversity is to be stemmed
      will likely lead to increased public and political scrutiny of conservation
      strategies and the science underlying them. It is therefore crucial to understand
      the degree of consensus or divergence among scientists on core scientific
      perceptions and strategies most likely to achieve given objectives. I developed
      an internet survey designed to elucidate the opinions of conservation scientists.
      Conservation scientists (n =583) were unanimous (99.5%) in their view that a
      serious loss of biological diversity is likely, very likely, or virtually
      certain. Scientists' agreement that serious loss is very likely or virtually
      certain ranged from 72.8% for Western Europe to 90.9% for Southeast Asia.
      Tropical coral ecosystems were perceived as the most seriously affected by loss
      of biological diversity; 88.0% of respondents familiar with that ecosystem type
      agreed that a serious loss is very likely or virtually certain. With regard to
      conservation strategies, scientists most often viewed understanding how people
      and nature interact in certain contexts and the role of biological diversity in
      maintaining ecosystem function as their priorities. Protection of biological
      diversity for its cultural and spiritual values and because of its usefulness to
      humans were low priorities, which suggests that many scientists do not fully
      support the utilitarian concept of ecosystem services. Many scientists expressed
      a willingness to consider conservation triage, engage in active conservation
      interventions, and consider reframing conservation goals and measures of success
      for conservation of biological diversity in an era of climate change. Although
      some heterogeneity of opinion is evident, results of the survey show a clear
      consensus within the scientific community on core issues of the extent and
      geographic scope of loss of biological diversity and on elements that may
      contribute to successful conservation strategies in the future.

PMID- 22070274
TI  - Spatial predictions of phylogenetic diversity in conservation decision making.
AB  - Considering genetic relatedness among species has long been argued as an
      important step toward measuring biological diversity more accurately, rather than
      relying solely on species richness. Some researchers have correlated measures of
      phylogenetic diversity and species richness across a series of sites and suggest
      that values of phylogenetic diversity do not differ enough from those of species
      richness to justify their inclusion in conservation planning. We compared
      predictions of species richness and 10 measures of phylogenetic diversity by
      creating distribution models for 168 individual species of a species-rich plant
      family, the Cape Proteaceae. When we used average amounts of land set aside for
      conservation to compare areas selected on the basis of species richness with
      areas selected on the basis of phylogenetic diversity, correlations between
      species richness and different measures of phylogenetic diversity varied
      considerably. Correlations between species richness and measures that were based
      on the length of phylogenetic tree branches and tree shape were weaker than those
      that were based on tree shape alone. Elevation explained up to 31% of the
      segregation of species rich versus phylogenetically rich areas. Given these
      results, the increased availability of molecular data, and the known ecological
      effect of phylogenetically rich communities, consideration of phylogenetic
      diversity in conservation decision making may be feasible and informative.

PMID- 22070275
TI  - Translating effects of inbreeding depression on component vital rates to overall
      population growth in endangered bighorn sheep.
AB  - Evidence of inbreeding depression is commonly detected from the fitness traits of
      animals, yet its effects on population growth rates of endangered species are
      rarely assessed. We examined whether inbreeding depression was affecting Sierra
      Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae), a subspecies listed as endangered
      under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Our objectives were to characterize
      genetic variation in this subspecies; test whether inbreeding depression affects
      bighorn sheep vital rates (adult survival and female fecundity); evaluate whether
      inbreeding depression may limit subspecies recovery; and examine the potential
      for genetic management to increase population growth rates. Genetic variation in
      4 populations of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep was among the lowest reported for
      any wild bighorn sheep population, and our results suggest that inbreeding
      depression has reduced adult female fecundity. Despite this population sizes and
      growth rates predicted from matrix-based projection models demonstrated that
      inbreeding depression would not substantially inhibit the recovery of Sierra
      Nevada bighorn sheep populations in the next approximately 8 bighorn sheep
      generations (48 years). Furthermore, simulations of genetic rescue within the
      subspecies did not suggest that such activities would appreciably increase
      population sizes or growth rates during the period we modeled (10 bighorn sheep
      generations, 60 years). Only simulations that augmented the Mono Basin population
      with genetic variation from other subspecies, which is not currently a management
      option, predicted significant increases in population size. Although we recommend
      that recovery activities should minimize future losses of genetic variation,
      genetic effects within these endangered populations-either negative (inbreeding
      depression) or positive (within subspecies genetic rescue)-appear unlikely to
      dramatically compromise or stimulate short-term conservation efforts. The
      distinction between detecting the effects of inbreeding depression on a component
      vital rate (e.g., fecundity) and the effects of inbreeding depression on
      population growth underscores the importance of quantifying inbreeding costs
      relative to population dynamics to effectively manage endangered populations.

PMID- 22070276
TI  - The role of natural history institutions and bioinformatics in conservation
      biology.

PMID- 22070278
TI  - Genetics of resistance to race TTKSK of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in
      Triticum monococcum.
AB  - Race TTKSK (or Ug99) of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici possesses virulence to
      several stem rust resistance genes commonly present in wheat cultivars grown
      worldwide. New variants detected in the race TTKSK lineage further broadened the
      virulence spectrum. The identification of sources of genetic resistance to race
      TTKSK and its relatives is necessary to enable the development and deployment of
      resistant varieties. Accessions of Triticum monococcum, an A-genome diploid wild
      and cultivated wheat, have previously been characterized as resistant to stem
      rust. Three resistance genes were identified and introgressed into hexaploid
      wheat: Sr21, Sr22, and Sr35. The objective of this study was to determine the
      genetic control and allelic relationships of resistance to race TTKSK in T.
      monococcum accessions identified through evaluations at the seedling stage.
      Generation F(2) progeny of 8 crosses between resistant and susceptible accessions
      and 13 crosses between resistant accessions of T. monococcum were evaluated with
      race TTKSK and often with North American races, including races QFCSC, TTTTF, and
      MCCFC. For a selected population segregating for three genes conferring
      resistance to race TTKSK, F(2:3) progeny were evaluated with races TTKSK, QFCSC,
      and TTTTF. In that population, we detected two genes conferring resistance to
      race TTKSK that are different from Sr21, Sr22, and Sr35. One of the new genes was
      effective to all races tested. The identification of these genes will facilitate
      the development of varieties with new resistance to race TTKSK.

PMID- 22070279
TI  - Biological control of take-all by fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. from Chinese wheat
      fields.
AB  - Take-all disease of wheat caused by the soilborne fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis
      var. tritici is one of the most important root diseases of wheat worldwide.
      Bacteria were isolated from winter wheat from irrigated and rainfed fields in
      Hebei and Jiangsu provinces in China, respectively. Samples from rhizosphere
      soil, roots, stems, and leaves were plated onto King's medium B agar and 553
      isolates were selected. On the basis of in vitro tests, 105 isolates (19% of the
      total) inhibited G. graminis var. tritici and all were identified as Pseudomonas
      spp. by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis. Based on biocontrol assays,
      13 strains were selected for further analysis. All of them aggressively colonized
      the rhizosphere of wheat and suppressed take-all. Of the 13 strains, 3 (HC9-07,
      HC13-07, and JC14-07, all stem endophytes) had genes for the biosynthesis of
      phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) but none had genes for the production of 2,4
      diacetylphloroglucinol, pyoluteorin, or pyrrolnitrin. High-pressure liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) analysis of 2-day-old cultures confirmed that HC9-07, HC13
      07, and JC14-07 produced PCA but no other phenazines were detected. HPLC
      quantitative time-of-flight 2 mass-spectrometry analysis of extracts from roots
      of spring wheat colonized by HC9-07, HC13-07, or Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79
      demonstrated that all three strains produced PCA in the rhizosphere. Loss of PCA
      production by strain HC9-07 resulted in a loss of biocontrol activity. Analysis
      of DNA sequences within the key phenazine biosynthesis gene phzF and of 16S rDNA
      indicated that strains HC9-07, HC13-07, and JC14-07 were similar to the well
      described PCA producer P. fluorescens 2-79. This is the first report of 2-79-like
      bacteria being isolated from Asia.

PMID- 22070280
TI  - Modeling cold curing of Pierce's disease in Vitis vinifera 'Pinot Noir' and
      'Cabernet Sauvignon' grapevines in California.
AB  - Pierce's disease (PD) of Vitis vinifera grapevines is caused by the bacterium
      Xylella fastidiosa, a pathogen with a wide plant host range. Exposure of X.
      fastidiosa-infected plant tissue to cold temperatures has been shown to be
      effective at eliminating the pathogen from some plant hosts such as grapevines.
      This "cold curing" phenomenon suggests itself as a potential method for disease
      management and perhaps control. We investigated cold therapy of PD-affected
      'Pinot Noir' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grapevine. In the fall, inoculated plants
      and controls of each cultivar were transported to each of four field sites in
      California (Foresthill, McLaughlin, Hopland, and Davis) that differed in the
      magnitude of cold winter temperatures. A model for progression of the elimination
      of plant disease in relation to temperature was conceptualized to be a
      temperature-duration effect, where temperatures below a particular threshold kill
      X. fastidiosa with increasing efficacy as the temperature decreases to some value
      <6?C. The temperature effect was modeled as a likelihood of a particular
      temperature killing the pathogen and is termed the ?killing index?. We developed
      a mathematical model for cold curing of grapevines inoculated with X. fastidiosa
      and calibrated the model with cold-curing data collected in a field study.
      Parameter estimation resulted in lowest sum of squared differences across all 10
      trials to be low temperature below which the organism is killed (T(0)) = 6
      degrees C, number of hours to achieve 100% cure (N(100)) = 195 h, number of hours
      to achieve 10% cure (N(10)) = 20 h, and killing index (K(x)) = 0.45 for Pinot
      Noir and T(0) = 6 degrees C, N(100) = 302 h, N(10) = 170 h, and K(x) = 0.41 for
      Cabernet Sauvignon. With the parameter estimates optimized by model calibration,
      the simulation model was effective at predicting cold curing in four locations
      during the experiment, although there were some differences between Hopland for
      Pinot Noir and Davis for Cabernet Sauvignon. Using historical temperature data,
      the model accurately predicted the known severity of PD in other grape-growing
      regions of California, suggesting that it may have utility in assessing the
      relative risk of developing PD in proposed new vineyard sites.

PMID- 22070282
TI  - Anionic heptadecanuclear silver(I) cluster constructed from in situ generated 2
      mercaptobenzoic acid and a sulfide anion.
AB  - A novel anionic heptadecanuclear silver(I) cluster, (NH(4))(17)[(MU(6)
      S)@Ag(17)(mba)(16)].22H(2)O (1; H(2)mba = 2-mercaptobenzoic acid), was obtained
      by the reaction of equivalent molar silver oxide and 2,2'-dithiodibenzoic acid
      (H(2)dtba) under ultrasonic conditions at 50  degrees C. Complex 1 is a discrete
      cluster comprised of unexpected mba ligands on the shell and a MU(6)-S(2-) ion in
      the core, suggesting the occurrence of in situ S-S and S-C(sp(2)) bond cleavages
      of the H(2)dtba ligand. This novel cluster displays moderate orange-red emission
      in the solid state at room temperature.

PMID- 22070284
TI  - Deoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside, and enniatins: the major mycotoxins
      found in cereal-based products on the Czech market.
AB  - Fusarium  toxins,  Alternaria  toxins, and ergot alkaloids represent common
      groups of mycotoxins that can be found in cereals grown under temperate climatic
      conditions. Because most of them are chemically and thermally stable, these toxic
      fungal secondary metabolites might be transferred from grains into the final
      products. To get information on the commensurate contamination of various cereal
      based products collected from the Czech retail market in 2010, the occurrence of
      "traditional" mycotoxins such as groups of A and B trichothecenes and
      zearalenone, less routinely determined Alternaria toxins (alternariol,
      alternariol monomethyl ether and altenuene), ergot alkaloids (ergosine,
      ergocryptine, ergocristine, and ergocornine) and "emerging" mycotoxins (enniatins
      A, A1, B, and B1 and beauvericin) were monitored. In a total 116 samples derived
      from white flour and mixed flour, breakfast cereals, snacks, and flour, only
      trichothecenes A and B and enniatins were found. Deoxynivalenol was detected in
      75% of samples with concentrations ranging from 13 to 594 MUg/kg, but its masked
      form, deoxynivalenol-3-beta-d-glucoside, has an even higher incidence of 80% of
      samples, and concentrations ranging between 5 and 72 MUg/kg were detected.
      Nivalenol was found only in three samples at levels of 30 MUg/kg. For enniatins,
      all of the samples investigated were contaminated with at least one of four
      target enniatins. Enniatin A was detected in 97% of samples (concentration range
      of 20-2532 MUg/kg) followed by enniatin B with an incidence in 91% of the samples
      (concentration range of 13-941 MUg/kg) and enniatin B1 with an incidence of 80%
      in the samples tested (concentration range of 8-785 MUg/kg). Enniatin A1 was
      found only in 44% of samples at levels ranging between 8 and 851 MUg/kg.

PMID- 22070283
TI  - Seizures and epilepsy in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Many studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are at
      increased risk for developing seizures and epilepsy. However, reported prevalence
      and incidence of seizures and relationship of seizures to disease measures such
      as severity, outcome, and progression vary widely between studies. We performed a
      literature review of the available clinical and epidemiological data on the topic
      of seizures in patients with AD. We review seizure rates and types, risk factors
      for seizures, electroencephalogram (EEG) studies, and treatment responses.
      Finally, we consider limitations and methodological issues. There is considerable
      variability in the reported prevalence and incidence of seizures in patients with
      AD-with reported lifetime prevalence rates of 1.5-64%. More recent, prospective,
      and larger studies in general report lower rates. Some, but not all, studies have
      noted increased seizure risk with increasing dementia severity or with younger
      age of AD onset. Generalized convulsive seizures are the most commonly reported
      type, but often historical information is the only basis used to determine
      seizure type and the manifestation of seizures may be difficult to distinguish
      from other behaviors common in demented patients. EEG has infrequently been
      performed and reported. Data on treatment of seizures in AD are extremely
      limited. Similarly, the relationship between seizures and cognitive impairment in
      AD is unclear. We conclude that the literature on seizures and epilepsy in AD,
      including diagnosis, risk factors, and response to treatment suffers from
      methodological limitations and gaps.

PMID- 22070285
TI  - Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of stable oxetenes via Lewis acid-promoted [2+2]
      cycloaddition.
AB  - A highly enantioselective and atom-economical [2 + 2] cycloaddition of various
      alkynes with trifluoropyruvate using a dicationic (S)-BINAP-Pd catalyst has been
      established. This is the first enantioselective synthesis of stable oxetene
      derivatives, whose structure has been clarified by X-ray analysis. This catalytic
      process offers a practical synthetic method for oxetene derivatives (catalyst
      loading: up to 0.1 mol %), which can serve as novel chiral building blocks for
      pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals and can also be transformed into a variety of
      enantiomerically enriched CF(3)-substituted compounds with high
      stereoselectivity.

PMID- 22070286
TI  - Identification of key residues for protein conformational transition using
      elastic network model.
AB  - Proteins usually undergo conformational transitions between structurally
      disparate states to fulfill their functions. The large-scale allosteric
      conformational transitions are believed to involve some key residues that mediate
      the conformational movements between different regions of the protein. In the
      present work, a thermodynamic method based on the elastic network model is
      proposed to predict the key residues involved in protein conformational
      transitions. In our method, the key functional sites are identified as the
      residues whose perturbations largely influence the free energy difference between
      the protein states before and after transition. Two proteins, nucleotide binding
      domain of the heat shock protein 70 and human/rat DNA polymerase beta, are used
      as case studies to identify the critical residues responsible for their open
      closed conformational transitions. The results show that the functionally
      important residues mainly locate at the following regions for these two proteins:
      (1) the bridging point at the interface between the subdomains that control the
      opening and closure of the binding cleft; (2) the hinge region between different
      subdomains, which mediates the cooperative motions between the corresponding
      subdomains; and (3) the substrate binding sites. The similarity in the positions
      of the key residues for these two proteins may indicate a common mechanism in
      their conformational transitions.

PMID- 22070287
TI  - Enhanced diffusion in conic channels by means of geometric stochastic resonance.
AB  - Geometric stochastic resonance of Brownian particles diffusing across a
      converging conic channel subject to oscillating forces is studied in this paper.
      Conic channel geometries have been previously considered as a model for transport
      of particles in biological membranes, zeolites, and nanostructures. For this
      system, a broad excess peak of the effective diffusion above the free diffusion
      limit is exhibited over a wide range of frequencies, suggesting a synchronization
      effect in the confining geometry as particles respond to the periodic modulation
      of the external force. This indicates that the geometric stochastic resonance
      effect with unbiased ac forces can be exploited for improving the transport of
      particles in complex geometries.

PMID- 22070288
TI  - An off-lattice, self-learning kinetic Monte Carlo method using local
      environments.
AB  - We present a method called local environment kinetic Monte Carlo (LE-KMC) method
      for efficiently performing off-lattice, self-learning kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC)
      simulations of activated processes in material systems. Like other off-lattice
      KMC schemes, new atomic processes can be found on-the-fly in LE-KMC. However, a
      unique feature of LE-KMC is that as long as the assumption that all processes and
      rates depend only on the local environment is satisfied, LE-KMC provides a
      general algorithm for (i) unambiguously describing a process in terms of its
      local atomic environments, (ii) storing new processes and environments in a
      catalog for later use with standard KMC, and (iii) updating the system based on
      the local information once a process has been selected for a KMC move. Search,
      classification, storage and retrieval steps needed while employing local
      environments and processes in the LE-KMC method are discussed. The advantages and
      computational cost of LE-KMC are discussed. We assess the performance of the LE
      KMC algorithm by considering test systems involving diffusion in a submonolayer
      Ag and Ag-Cu alloy films on Ag(001) surface.

PMID- 22070289
TI  - Anomalous kinetics in diffusion limited reactions linked to non-Gaussian
      concentration probability distribution function.
AB  - We investigate anomalous reaction kinetics related to segregation in the one
      dimensional reaction-diffusion system A + B -> C. It is well known that spatial
      fluctuations in the species concentrations cause a breakdown of the mean-field
      behavior at low concentration values. The scaling of the average concentration
      with time changes from the mean-field t(-1) to the anomalous t(-1/4) behavior.
      Using a stochastic modeling approach, the reaction-diffusion system can be fully
      characterized by the multi-point probability distribution function (PDF) of the
      species concentrations. Its evolution is governed by a Fokker-Planck equation
      with moving boundaries, which are determined by the positivity of the species
      concentrations. The concentration PDF is in general non-Gaussian. As long as the
      concentration fluctuations are small compared to the mean, the PDF can be
      approximated by a Gaussian distribution. This behavior breaks down in the
      fluctuation dominated regime, for which anomalous reaction kinetics are observed.
      We show that the transition from mean field to anomalous reaction kinetics is
      intimately linked to the evolution of the concentration PDF from a Gaussian to
      non-Gaussian shape. This establishes a direct relationship between anomalous
      reaction kinetics, incomplete mixing and the non-Gaussian nature of the
      concentration PDF.

PMID- 22070291
TI  - Optimization of a genetic algorithm for searching molecular conformer space.
AB  - We present two sets of tunings that are broadly applicable to conformer searches
      of isolated molecules using a genetic algorithm (GA). In order to find the most
      efficient tunings for the GA, a second GA--a meta-genetic algorithm--was used to
      tune the first genetic algorithm to reliably find the already known a priori
      correct answer with minimum computational resources. It is shown that these
      tunings are appropriate for a variety of molecules with different
      characteristics, and most importantly that the tunings are independent of the
      underlying model chemistry but that the tunings for rigid and relaxed surfaces
      differ slightly. It is shown that for the problem of molecular conformational
      search, the most efficient GA actually reduces to an evolutionary algorithm.

PMID- 22070290
TI  - Rapid calculation of partition functions and free energies of fluids.
AB  - The partition function (Q) is a central quantity in statistical mechanics. All
      the thermodynamic properties can be derived from it. Here we show how the
      partition function of fluids can be calculated directly from simulations; this
      allows us to obtain the Helmholtz free energy (F) via F = -k(B)T ln Q. In our
      approach, we divide the density of states, assigning half of the configurations
      found in a simulation to a high-energy partition and half to a low-energy
      partition. By recursively dividing the low-energy partition into halves, we map
      out the complete density of states for a continuous system. The result allows
      free energy to be calculated directly as a function of temperature. We illustrate
      our method in the context of the free energy of water.

PMID- 22070292
TI  - Large-scale symmetry-adapted perturbation theory computations via density fitting
      and Laplace transformation techniques: investigating the fundamental forces of
      DNA-intercalator interactions.
AB  - Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) provides a means of probing the
      fundamental nature of intermolecular interactions. Low-orders of SAPT (here,
      SAPT0) are especially attractive since they provide qualitative (sometimes
      quantitative) results while remaining tractable for large systems. The
      application of density fitting and Laplace transformation techniques to SAPT0 can
      significantly reduce the expense associated with these computations and make even
      larger systems accessible. We present new factorizations of the SAPT0 equations
      with density-fitted two-electron integrals and the first application of Laplace
      transformations of energy denominators to SAPT. The improved scalability of the
      DF-SAPT0 implementation allows it to be applied to systems with more than 200
      atoms and 2800 basis functions. The Laplace-transformed energy denominators are
      compared to analogous partial Cholesky decompositions of the energy denominator
      tensor. Application of our new DF-SAPT0 program to the intercalation of DNA by
      proflavine has allowed us to determine the nature of the proflavine-DNA
      interaction. Overall, the proflavine-DNA interaction contains important
      contributions from both electrostatics and dispersion. The energetics of the
      intercalator interaction are are dominated by the stacking interactions (two
      thirds of the total), but contain important contributions from the intercalator
      backbone interactions. It is hypothesized that the geometry of the complex will
      be determined by the interactions of the intercalator with the backbone, because
      by shifting toward one side of the backbone, the intercalator can form two long
      hydrogen-bonding type interactions. The long-range interactions between the
      intercalator and the next-nearest base pairs appear to be negligible, justifying
      the use of truncated DNA models in computational studies of intercalation
      interaction energies.

PMID- 22070293
TI  - A combination of the tree-code and IPS method to simulate large scale systems by
      molecular dynamics.
AB  - An IPS/Tree method which is a combination of the isotropic periodic sum (IPS)
      method and tree-based method was developed for large-scale molecular dynamics
      simulations, such as biological and polymer systems, that need hundreds of
      thousands of molecules. The tree-based method uses a hierarchical tree structure
      to reduce the calculation cost of long-range interactions. IPS/Tree is an
      efficient method like IPS/DFFT, which is a combination of the IPS method and FFT
      in calculating large-scale systems that require massively parallel computers. The
      IPS method has two different versions: IPSn and IPSp. The basic idea is the same
      expect for the fact that the IPSn method is applied to calculations for point
      charges, while the IPSp method is used to calculate polar molecules. The concept
      of the IPS/Tree method is available for both IPSn and IPSp as IPSn/Tree and
      IPSp/Tree. Even though the accuracy of the Coulomb forces with tree-based method
      is well known, the accuracy for the combination of the IPS and tree-based methods
      is unclear. Therefore, in order to evaluate the accuracy of the IPS/Tree method,
      we performed molecular dynamics simulations for 32,000 bulk water molecules,
      which contains around 10(5) point charges. IPSn/Tree and IPSp/Tree were both
      applied to study the interaction calculations of Coulombic forces. The accuracy
      of the Coulombic forces and other physical properties of bulk water systems were
      evaluated. The IPSp/Tree method not only has reasonably small error in estimating
      Coulombic forces but the error was almost the same as the theoretical error of
      the ordinary tree-based method. These facts show that the algorithm of the tree
      based method can be successfully applied to the IPSp method. On the other hand,
      the IPSn/Tree has a relatively large error, which seems to have been derived from
      the interaction treatment of the original IPSn method. The self-diffusion and
      radial distribution functions of water were calculated each by both the IPSn/Tree
      and IPSp/Tree methods, where both methods showed reasonable agreement with the
      Ewald method. In conclusion, the IPSp/Tree method is a potentially fast and
      sufficiently accurate technique for predicting transport coefficients and liquid
      structures of water in a homogeneous system.

PMID- 22070294
TI  - Construction of a disorder variable from Steinhardt order parameters in binary
      mixtures at high densities in three dimensions.
AB  - Using molecular dynamics simulation, we investigate the structural disorder in
      crystal, polycrystal, and glass in a Lennard-Jones binary mixture composed of
      N(1) + N(2) = 4096 particles at a low temperature in three dimensions. The size
      ratio sigma(2)/sigma(1) between the large and small particles is either 1.2 or
      1.4. The crossovers among these states occur, as the composition of the large
      particles c = N(2)/(N(1) + N(2)) is varied. We define a disorder variable D(j)
      for each particle j in terms of local bond order parameters based on spherical
      harmonics (Steinhardt order parameters). Stacking faults and grain boundaries in
      fcc polycrystal and mesoscopic structural heterogeneity in glass are then
      visualized. At small c, disturbances of large particles is stronger for larger
      sigma(2)/sigma(1). At large c, the transition between glass and polycrystal
      occurs nearly discontinuously at c = c(c) ~ 0.8. At sigma(2)/sigma(1) = 1.4,
      microphase separation occurs in polycrystal states with c > c(c), where fcc
      crystal grains comprising the large particles are enclosed by amorphous layers
      composed of the two particle species.

PMID- 22070295
TI  - Efficient computation of adiabatic populations in multi-mode Jahn-Teller systems
      through the use of effective vibrational modes.
AB  - A highly efficient scheme for computing adiabatic electronic populations in multi
      mode Jahn-Teller systems is presented. It relies on the transformation to an
      effective-mode vibrational basis in which the relevant quantities depend on the
      coordinates of a single mode only. In this way, the generally tedious numerical
      evaluation of high-dimensional integrals is avoided and replaced by one
      dimensional integrations. The effective-mode scheme is applied to a variety of
      two-mode and three-mode Jahn-Teller systems and gives a typical speedup of about
      two to three orders of magnitude as compared to the direct evaluation of the
      adiabatic populations. The gain grows rapidly with the numbers of modes.

PMID- 22070296
TI  - Stability analysis of multiple nonequilibrium fixed points in self-consistent
      electron transport calculations.
AB  - We present a method to perform stability analysis of nonequilibrium fixed points
      appearing in self-consistent electron transport calculations. The nonequilibrium
      fixed points are given by the self-consistent solution of stationary, nonlinear
      kinetic equation for single-particle density matrix. We obtain the stability
      matrix by linearizing the kinetic equation around the fixed points and analyze
      the real part of its spectrum to assess the asymptotic time behavior of the fixed
      points. We derive expressions for the stability matrices within Hartree-Fock and
      linear response adiabatic time-dependent density functional theory. The stability
      analysis of multiple fixed points is performed within the nonequilibrium Hartree
      Fock approximation for the electron transport through a molecule with a spin
      degenerate single level with local Coulomb interaction.

PMID- 22070297
TI  - Elastic scattering and rotational excitation of nitrogen molecules by sodium
      atoms.
AB  - A quantal study of the rotational excitation of nitrogen molecules by sodium
      atoms is carried out. We present the two-dimensional potential energy surface of
      the NaN(2) complex, with the N(2) molecule treated as a rigid rotor. The
      interaction potential is computed using the spin unrestricted coupled-cluster
      method with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (UCCSD(T)). The
      long-range part of the potential is constructed from the dynamic electric dipole
      polarizabilities of Na and N(2). The total, differential, and momentum transfer
      cross sections for rotationally elastic and inelastic transitions are calculated
      using the close-coupling approach for energies between 5 cm(-1) and 1500 cm(-1).
      The collisional and momentum transfer rate coefficients are calculated for
      temperatures between 100 K and 300 K, corresponding to the conditions under which
      Na-N(2) collisions occur in the mesosphere.

PMID- 22070298
TI  - The X2Sigma+ state of LiCa studied by Fourier-transform spectroscopy.
AB  - The paper reports on a successful observation of high resolution Fourier
      transform spectra of LiCa. The fine structure of the ground state was observed
      and attributed to effective spin-rotation interaction. The experimental
      observations are described by two models using potential energy curves. One of
      them takes into account the fine structure splitting by means of effective
      constants, the other by means of a R dependent function gamma(R), built in the
      radial Schrodinger equation. Ab initio calculations were performed for gamma(R)
      which comes close to the experimental function.

PMID- 22070299
TI  - The Jahn-Teller effect in the triply degenerate electronic state of methane
      radical cation.
AB  - A quantum dynamics study is performed to examine the complex nuclear motion
      underlying the first photoelectron band of methane. The broad and highly
      overlapping structures of the latter are found to originate from transitions to
      the ground electronic state, X(2)T(2), of the methane radical cation. Ab initio
      calculations have also been carried out to establish the potential energy
      surfaces for the triply degenerate electronic manifold of CH(4)(+). A suitable
      diabatic vibronic Hamiltonian has been devised and the nonadiabatic effects due
      to Jahn-Teller conical intersections on the vibronic dynamics investigated in
      detail. The theoretical results show fair accord with experiment.

PMID- 22070300
TI  - Hydrophobic interactions in presence of osmolytes urea and trimethylamine-N
      oxide.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to study the influences of two
      naturally occurring osmolytes, urea, and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) on the
      hydrophobic interactions between neopentane molecules. In this study, we used two
      different models of neopentane: One is of single united site (UA) and another
      contains five-sites. We observe that, these two neopentane models behave
      differently in pure water as well as solutions containing osmolytes. Presence of
      urea molecules increases the stability of solvent-separated state for five-site
      model, whereas osmolytes have negligible effect in regard to clustering of UA
      model of neopentane. For both models, dehydration of neopentane and preferential
      solvation of it by urea and TMAO over water molecules are also observed. We also
      find the collapse of the second-shell of water by urea and water structure
      enhancement by TMAO. The orientational distributions of water molecules around
      different layers of neopentane were also calculated and we find that orientation
      of water molecules near to hydrophobic moiety is anisotropic and osmolytes have
      negligible effect on it. We also observe osmolyte-induced water-water hydrogen
      bond life time increase in the hydration shell of neopentane as well as in the
      subsequent water layers.

PMID- 22070301
TI  - Singlet state relaxation via scalar coupling of the second kind.
AB  - The contribution of scalar coupling relaxation of the second kind on the
      relaxation behaviour of nuclear spin singlet states has been derived. The
      analytical equation found for the relaxation rate constant of singlet state has
      been compared to the equation for the relaxation of longitudinal magnetization in
      order to find the conditions for which the singlet state remains long-lived even
      in the presence of this scalar relaxation mechanism. These results are relevant
      when the singlet state is formed in molecules with more than two interacting
      spins.

PMID- 22070302
TI  - Spectroscopic properties of alkali atoms embedded in Ar matrix.
AB  - We present a theoretical investigation of visible absorption and related
      luminescence of alkali atoms (Li, Na, and K) embedded in Ar matrix. We used a
      model based on core polarization pseudopotentials, which allows us to determine
      accurately the gas-to-matrix shifts of various trapping sites. The remarkable
      agreement between our calculated results and the experimental spectra recorded by
      several authors allows us to establish a clear assignment of the observed
      spectra, which are made of contributions from crystalline sites on the one hand,
      and of grain boundary sites on the other hand. Our study reveals remarkably large
      Stokes shifts, up to 9000 cm(-1), which could be observed experimentally to
      identify definitely the trapping sites.

PMID- 22070304
TI  - Photoisomerization dynamics of 3,3'-diethyloxadicarbocyanine iodide in ionic
      liquids: breakdown of hydrodynamic Kramers model.
AB  - Photoisomerization dynamics of 3,3'-diethyloxadicarbocyanine iodide (DODCI) has
      been examined in a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium (alkyl = methyl, ethyl,
      propyl, butyl, and hexyl) bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imides by measuring its
      fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields. This study has essentially been
      undertaken to find out whether the process of photoisomerization of DODCI in
      ionic liquids is different compared to that observed in conventional solvents
      such as alcohols. Activation energy of the reaction has been attained with the
      aid of isoviscosity plots and was found to be 22 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1), which is a
      factor of two higher compared to that obtained in alcohols. The significantly
      higher activation energy obtained in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imides compared
      to alcohols is probably due to the highly ordered nature of the ionic liquids,
      which hinders the twisting process. Kramers theory has been applied to understand
      the reduced isomerization rate constants in terms of solvent friction. As in case
      of alcohols, the isomerization data could not be explained by the Kramers model.
      However, a power law relation, which is a phenomenological functional form, could
      mimic the observed trend.

PMID- 22070303
TI  - Electron interaction with nitromethane embedded in helium droplets: attachment
      and ionization measurements.
AB  - Results of a detailed study on electron interactions with nitromethane
      (CH(3)NO(2)) embedded in helium nanodroplets are reported. Anionic and cationic
      products formed are analysed by mass spectrometry. When the doped helium droplets
      are irradiated with low-energy electrons of about 2 eV kinetic energy,
      exclusively parent cluster anions (CH(3)NO(2))(n)(-) are formed. At 8.5 eV, three
      anion cluster series are observed, i.e., (CH(3)NO(2))(n)(-), [(CH(3)NO(2))(n)-H](
      ), and (CH(3)NO(2))(n)NO(2)(-), the latter being the most abundant. The results
      obtained for anions are compared with previous electron attachment studies with
      bare nitromethane and nitromethane condensed on a surface. The cation chemistry
      (induced by electron ionization of the helium matrix at 70 eV and subsequent
      charge transfer from He(+) to the dopant cluster) is dominated by production of
      methylated and protonated nitromethane clusters, (CH(3)NO(2))(n)CH(3)(+) and
      (CH(3)NO(2))(n)H(+).

PMID- 22070305
TI  - Debye to non-Debye scaling of the Boson peak dynamics: critical behavior and
      local disorder in vitreous germania.
AB  - We report on the observation of a significant softening of the Boson peak (BP)
      frequency of vitreous GeO(2) above the glass transition temperature. The
      softening reminds a critical trend, with a transition temperature intermediate
      between the glass transition temperature, T(g), and the melting point. The
      softening of the BP frequency corresponds to a transition from a region dominated
      by Debye scaling to a non-Debye one. Below T(g) the density of vibrational states
      varies according to the modification of the elastic continuum medium. Above T(g)
      the relevant softening of the BP modes can be explained by a broadening of the
      distribution of elastic constants between neighboring atoms, induced by the
      structural rearrangement. These findings are discussed together with recent
      experimental and theoretical results on the low frequency vibrations in glasses.

PMID- 22070306
TI  - "Stubborn" triaminotrinitrobenzene: unusually high chemical stability of a
      molecular solid to 150 GPa.
AB  - We report an unexpectedly high chemical stability of molecular solid 1,3,5
      triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) under static high pressures. In contrast to
      the high-pressure behavior of the majority of molecular solids, TATB remains both
      chemically stable and an insulator to 150 GPa--well above the predicted
      metallization pressure of 120 GPa. Single crystal studies have shown that TATB
      exhibits pressure-induced Raman changes associated with two subtle structural
      phase transitions at 28 and 56 GPa. These phase transitions are accompanied by
      remarkable color changes, from yellow to orange and to dark red with increasing
      pressure. We suggest that the high-stability of TATB arises as a result of its
      hydrogen-bonded aromatic two-dimensional (2D) layered structure and highly
      repulsive interlayer interaction, hindering the formation of 3D networks or
      metallic states.

PMID- 22070307
TI  - H2O and D2 mixtures under pressure: spectroscopy and proton exchange kinetics.
AB  - We have investigated the pressure-induced spectral changes and the proton
      exchange reactions of D(2)-H(2)O mixtures to 64 GPa using micro-Raman
      spectroscopy. The results show the profound difference in the rotational and
      vibrational Raman spectra of hydrogen isotopes from those of the pure samples,
      showing the vibrational modes at higher frequencies and continuing to increase
      with pressure without apparent turnover. This indicates the repulsive nature of
      D(2)-H(2)O interaction without hydrogen bonds between the two and, thus,
      interstitial fillings of D(2) molecules into the bcc-like ice lattice. The
      spectral analysis using the Morse potential yields a hydrogen bond distance of
      0.734 A at 6 GPa--slightly shorter than that in pure--attributed to the repulsive
      interaction. The pressure-dependent spectral changes suggest that the proton
      ordering transition in the ice lattice occurs over a large pressure range between
      28 and 50 GPa, which is substantially lower than that of pure ice (40-80 GPa).
      This again indicates the presence of high internal pressure arising from the
      repulsive interaction. The Raman spectra show evidences that the proton exchange
      occurs in various phases including in solid D(2) and H(2)O mixtures. Based on the
      time-dependent spectral changes, we obtained the proton exchange rates of k ~
      0.085 h(-1) at 0.2 GPa in fluid D(2) and water mixtures, k ~ 0.03 h(-1) and 0.003
      h(-1) at 2 GPa and 4 GPa, respectively, in fluid D(2)-ice mixtures, and k ~ 10(
      3) h(-1) at 8 GPa in solid D(2) and ice mixtures.

PMID- 22070308
TI  - Interpreting single turnover catalysis measurements with constrained mean dwell
      times.
AB  - Observation of a chemical transformation at the single-molecule level yields a
      detailed view of kinetic pathways contributing to the averaged results obtained
      in a bulk measurement. Studies of a fluorogenic reaction catalyzed by gold
      nanoparticles have revealed heterogeneous reaction dynamics for these catalysts.
      Measurements on single nanoparticles yield binary trajectories with stochastic
      transitions between a dark state in which no product molecules are adsorbed and a
      fluorescent state in which one product molecule is present. The mean dwell time
      in either state gives information corresponding to a bulk measurement.
      Quantifying fluctuations from mean kinetics requires identifying properties of
      the fluorescence trajectory that are selective in emphasizing certain dynamic
      processes according to their time scales. We propose the use of constrained mean
      dwell times, defined as the mean dwell time in a state with the constraint that
      the immediately preceding dwell time in the other state is, for example, less
      than a variable time. Calculations of constrained mean dwell times for a kinetic
      model with dynamic disorder demonstrate that these quantities reveal correlations
      among dynamic fluctuations at different active sites on a multisite catalyst.
      Constrained mean dwell times are determined from measurements of single
      nanoparticle catalysis. The results indicate that dynamical fluctuations at
      different active sites are correlated, and that especially rapid reaction events
      produce particularly slowly desorbing product molecules.

PMID- 22070309
TI  - Surface and confinement effects on the dielectric relaxation of a monohydroxy
      alcohol.
AB  - 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2E1H) was confined to the surface of a collagen matrix at
      various concentration levels c. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed that upon
      decreasing c, the alcohol's prominent hydrogen-bond mediated Debye-like
      relaxation broadens and turns nonexponential. This destabilization of the
      supramolecular association is accompanied by an increasing relative strength of
      the structural relaxation in 2E1H up to a point beyond which the two processes
      are merged when the solvent molecules are sufficiently diluted. These results
      demonstrate that the contribution of the Debye-like relaxation can be completely
      suppressed and concomitantly the limit of a simple, nonassociating liquid is
      reached. Confinement of the alcohol in a monolithic glass with nanoscopic pores
      subjected to different internal surface treatments is also demonstrated to bear a
      large impact on the relative strengths of the two processes.

PMID- 22070310
TI  - Nuclear magnetic resonance and dielectric noise study of spectral densities and
      correlation functions in the glass forming monoalcohol 2-ethyl-1-hexanol.
AB  - The spectral densities related to various relaxation processes of the glass
      former 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2E1H), a monohydroxy alcohol, are probed using several
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments as well as via dielectric noise
      spectroscopy (DNS). On the basis of the spectral density relating to voltage
      fluctuations, i.e., without the application of external electrical fields, DNS
      enables the detection of the structural relaxation and of the prominent, about
      two decades slower Debye process. The NMR-detected spectral density, sensitive to
      the orientational fluctuations of the hydroxyl deuteron, also reveals dynamics
      slower than the structural relaxation, but not as slow as the Debye process.
      Rotational and translational correlation functions of 2E1H are probed using
      stimulated-echo NMR techniques which could only resolve the structural dynamics
      or faster processes. The experimental results are discussed with reference to
      models that were suggested to describe the dynamics in supercooled alcohols.

PMID- 22070311
TI  - Charge transfer dynamics of 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride
      molecules on Au(111) probed by resonant photoemission spectroscopy.
AB  - Charge transfer dynamics across the lying-down 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic
      dianhydride (PTCDA) organic semiconductor molecules on Au(111) interface has been
      investigated using the core-hole clock implementation of resonant photoemission
      spectroscopy. It is found that the charge transfer time scale at the
      PTCDA/Au(111) interface is much larger than the C 1s core-hole lifetime of 6 fs,
      indicating weak electronic coupling between PTCDA and the gold substrate due to
      the absence of chemical reaction and/or bonding.

PMID- 22070312
TI  - Structure, stability, and mobility of small Pd clusters on the stoichiometric and
      defective TiO2 (110) surfaces.
AB  - We report on the structure and adsorption properties of Pd(n) (n = 1-4) clusters
      supported on the rutile TiO(2) (110) surfaces with the possible presence of a
      surface oxygen vacancy or a subsurface Ti-interstitial atom. As predicted by the
      density functional theory, small Pd clusters prefer to bind to the stoichiometric
      titania surface or at sites near subsurface Ti-interstitial atoms. The adsorption
      of Pd clusters changes the electronic structure of the underlying surface. For
      the surface with an oxygen vacancy, the charge localization and ferromagnetic
      spin states are found to be largely attenuated owing to the adsorption of Pd
      clusters. The potential energy surfaces of the Pd monomer on different types of
      surfaces are also reported. The process of sintering is then simulated via the
      Metropolis Monte Carlo method. The presence of oxygen vacancy likely leads to the
      dissociation of Pd clusters. On the stoichiometric surface or surface with Ti
      interstitial atom, the Pd monomers tend to sinter into larger clusters, whereas
      the Pd dimer, trimer, and tetramer appear to be relatively stable below 600 K.
      This result agrees with the standard sintering model of transition metal clusters
      and experimental observations.

PMID- 22070313
TI  - Wet nanogranular materials: colloidal glass and gel.
AB  - Partially wet granular medium is a mouldable material due to capillary cohesion
      and its behavior plays key roles in geophysics. However, completely wet
      nanogranules may also demonstrate mouldable properties via van der Waals
      attraction and they exhibit colloidal glass or gel characteristics, depending on
      the solvent. As solvent-enhanced attractions prevail, phase separation is
      observed and nanogranular gel can be obtained. In contrast, as cage effects
      dominate, the stable slurry is seen and the nanogranular glass can be prepared.
      Upon surfactant addition, however, the arrested glass state changes into
      colloidal gel due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between nanogranules.

PMID- 22070314
TI  - Quasistatic computer simulations of shear behavior of water nanoconfined between
      mica surfaces.
AB  - We combine the grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques to
      simulate the shear response of water under a 9.2 A confinement between two
      parallel sheets of muscovite mica. The shear deformation is modeled in the
      quasistatic regime corresponding to an infinitely small shear rate. It is found
      that the confined water film is capable of sustaining shear stress, as is
      characteristic of solids, while remaining fluid-like in respect of molecular
      mobility and lateral order. An important information is obtained by splitting the
      stress tensor components into contributions arising from the interaction of the
      opposing mica sheets between themselves and their interaction with water. The
      mica-mica contributions to shear stress show a strong anisotropy dictated by the
      alignment of the surface K(+) ions in chains along the x axis. On shearing in
      this direction, the mica-mica contribution to shear stress is negligible, so that
      the shear resistance is determined by the water interlayer. By contrast, in the y
      direction, the mica-mica contribution to shear resistance is dominant. The water
      mica contribution is slightly less in magnitude but opposite in sign. As a
      consequence, the mica-mica contribution is largely canceled out. The physics
      behind this cancellation is the screening of the electrostatic interactions of
      the opposing surface K(+) ions by water molecules.

PMID- 22070315
TI  - A theory of single-electron non-adiabatic tunneling through a small metal
      nanoparticle with due account of the strong interaction of valence electrons with
      phonons of the condensed matter environment.
AB  - A theory of electrochemical behavior of small metal nanoparticles (NPs) which is
      governed both by the charging effect and the effect of the solvent reorganization
      on the dynamic of the electron transfer (ET) is considered under ambient
      conditions. The exact expression for the rate constant of ET from an electrode to
      NP which is valid for all values of the reorganization free energy E(r), bias
      voltage, and overpotential is obtained in the non-adiabatic limit. The tunnel
      current/overpotential relations are studied and calculated for different values
      of the bias voltage and E(r). The effect of E(r) on the full width at half
      maximum of the charging peaks is investigated at different values of the bias
      voltage. The differential conductance/bias voltage and the tunnel current/bias
      voltage dependencies are also studied and calculated. It is shown that, at room
      temperature, the pronounced Coulomb blockade oscillations in the differential
      conductance/bias voltage curves and the noticeable Coulomb staircase in the
      tunnel current/bias voltage relations are observed only at rather small values of
      E(r) in the case of the strongly asymmetric tunneling contacts.

PMID- 22070316
TI  - Atomistic surface erosion and thin film growth modelled over realistic time
      scales.
AB  - We present results of atomistic modelling of surface growth and sputtering using
      a multi-time scale molecular dynamics-on-the-fly kinetic Monte Carlo scheme which
      allows simulations to be carried out over realistic experimental times. The
      method uses molecular dynamics to model the fast processes and then calculates
      the diffusion barriers for the slow processes on-the-fly, without any
      preconceptions about what transitions might occur. The method is applied to the
      growth of metal and oxide materials at impact energies typical for both vapour
      deposition and magnetron sputtering. The method can be used to explain growth
      processes, such as the filling of vacancies and the formation of stacking faults.
      By tuning the variable experimental parameters on the computer, a parameter set
      for optimum crystalline growth can be determined. The method can also be used to
      model sputtering where the particle interactions with the surface occur at a
      higher energy. It is shown how a steady state can arise in which interstitial
      clusters are continuously being formed below the surface during an atom impact
      event which also recombine or diffuse to the surface between impact events. For
      fcc metals the near surface region remains basically crystalline during the
      erosion process with a pitted topography which soon attains a steady state
      roughness.

PMID- 22070317
TI  - Coverage effects in the adsorption of H2 on Pd(100) studied by ab initio
      molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - The interaction of hydrogen with palladium surfaces represents one of the model
      systems for the study of the adsorption and absorption at metal surfaces.
      Theoretical gas-surface dynamics studies have usually concentrated on the
      adsorption dynamics on clean surfaces. Only recently it has become possible,
      based on advances in the electronic structure codes and improvements in the
      computer power, to address the much more complex problem of the adsorption
      dynamics on precovered surfaces. Here, I present ab initio molecular dynamics
      (AIMD) simulations based on periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations
      of the adsorption of H(2) on hydrogen-precovered Pd(100) for a broad variety of
      different hydrogen coverage structures. The stability of the adsorbate structures
      and the adsorption dynamics are analyzed in detail. Calculated sticking
      probabilities are larger than expected for pure site-blocking consistent with
      experimental results. It turns out that the adsorption dynamics on the strongly
      corrugated surfaces depends sensitively on the dynamic response of the substrate
      atoms upon the impact of the impinging H(2) molecules. In addition, for some
      structures the adsorption probability was evaluated as a function of the kinetic
      energy. Adsorbate structures corresponding to the same coverage but with
      different arrangements of the adsorbed atoms can lead to a qualitatively
      different dependence of the adsorption probability on the kinetic energy changing
      also the order of the preferred structures, as far as the adsorption is
      concerned, as a function of the kinetic energy. This indicates that dynamical
      effects such as steering and dynamical trapping play an important role in the
      adsorption on these precovered substrates.

PMID- 22070318
TI  - Structural properties of atactic polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces.
AB  - In the present work, we are studying the local conformation of chains in a thin
      film of polystyrene adsorbed on a solid substrate by using atomistically detailed
      simulations. The simulations are carried out by using the readily available and
      massively parallel molecular dynamics code known as LAMMPS. In particular, a
      special emphasis is given to the density and orientation of side chains (which
      consist of phenyl groups and methylene units) at solid/polymer and polymer/vacuum
      interfaces. Three types of substrates were used in our study: alpha-quartz,
      graphite, and amorphous silica. Our investigation was restricted to atactic
      polystyrene. Our results show that the density and structural properties of side
      chains depend on the type of surface. An excess of phenyl rings is observed near
      the alpha-quartz substrate while the film adsorbed on graphite is depleted in
      C(6)H(5). Moreover, the orientation of the rings and methylene units on the
      substrate/film interface show a strong dependence on the type of the substrate,
      while the rings at the film/vacuum interface show a marked tendency to point
      outward, away from the film. The results we obtained are in a large part in good
      agreement with previous experimental and simulation results.

PMID- 22070319
TI  - Structure and dynamics of water confined in silica nanopores.
AB  - We report the results of molecular simulation of water in silica nanopores at
      full hydration and room temperature. The model systems are approximately
      cylindrical pores in amorphous silica, with diameters ranging from 20 to 40 A.
      The filled pores are prepared using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation and
      molecular dynamics simulation is used to calculate the water structure and
      dynamics. We found that water forms two distinct molecular layers at the
      interface and exhibits uniform, but somewhat lower than bulk liquid, density in
      the core region. The hydrogen bond density profile follows similar trends, with
      lower than bulk density in the core and enhancements at the interface, due to
      hydrogen bonds between water and surface non-bridging oxygens and OH groups. Our
      studies of water dynamics included translational mean squared displacements,
      orientational time correlations, survival probabilities in interfacial shells,
      and hydrogen bond population relaxation. We found that the radial-axial
      anisotropy in translational motion largely follows the predictions of a model of
      free diffusion in a cylinder. However, both translational and rotational water
      mobilities are strongly dependent on the proximity to the interface, with
      pronounced slowdown in layers near the interface. Within these layers, the
      effects of interface curvature are relatively modest, with only a small increase
      in mobility in going from the 20 to 40 A diameter pore. Hydrogen bond population
      relaxation is nearly bulk-like in the core, but considerably slower in the
      interfacial region.

PMID- 22070320
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation on polymer translocation in crowded environment.
AB  - The effect of crowded environment with static obstacles on the translocation of a
      three-dimensional self-avoiding polymer through a small pore is studied using
      dynamic Monte Carlo simulation. The translocation time tau is dependent on
      polymer-obstacle interaction and obstacle concentration. The influence of
      obstacles on the polymer translocation is explained qualitatively by the free
      energy landscape. There exists a special polymer-obstacle interaction at which
      the translocation time is roughly independent of the obstacle concentration at
      low obstacle concentration, and the strength of the special interaction is
      roughly independent of chain length N. Scaling relation tau ~ N(1.25) is observed
      for strong driving translocations. The diffusion property of polymer chain is
      also influenced by obstacles. Normal diffusion is only observed in dilute
      solution without obstacles or in a crowded environment with weak polymer-obstacle
      attraction. Otherwise, subdiffusion behavior of polymer is observed.

PMID- 22070321
TI  - Phase behaviors of cyclic diblock copolymers.
AB  - A spectral method of self-consistent field theory has been applied to AB cyclic
      block copolymers. Phase behaviors of cyclic diblock copolymers, such as order
      disorder transition, order-order transition, and domain spacing size, have been
      studied, showing good consistency with previous experimental and theoretical
      results. Compared to linear diblocks, cyclic diblocks are harder to phase
      separate due to the topological constraint of the ring structure. A direct
      disorder-to-cylinder transition window is observed in the phase diagram, which is
      significantly different from the mean field phase diagram of linear diblock
      copolymers. The domain spacing size ratio between cyclic and linear diblock
      copolymers is typically close to 0.707, indicating in segregation that the cyclic
      polymer can be considered to be made up of linear diblocks with half of the
      original chain length.

PMID- 22070322
TI  - The condensation and ordering of models of empty liquids.
AB  - We consider a simple model consisting of particles with four bonding sites
      ("patches"), two of type A and two of type B, on the square lattice, and
      investigate its global phase behavior by simulations and theory. We set the
      interaction between B patches to zero and calculate the phase diagram as the
      ratio between the AB and the AA interactions, epsilon(AB)*, varies. In line with
      previous work, on three-dimensional off-lattice models, we show that the liquid
      vapor phase diagram exhibits a re-entrant or "pinched" shape for the same range
      of epsilon(AB)*, suggesting that the ratio of the energy scales--and the
      corresponding empty fluid regime--is independent of the dimensionality of the
      system and of the lattice structure. In addition, the model exhibits an order
      disorder transition that is ferromagnetic in the re-entrant regime. The use of
      low-dimensional lattice models allows the simulation of sufficiently large
      systems to establish the nature of the liquid-vapor critical points and to
      describe the structure of the liquid phase in the empty fluid regime, where the
      size of the "voids" increases as the temperature decreases. We have found that
      the liquid-vapor critical point is in the 2D Ising universality class, with a
      scaling region that decreases rapidly as the temperature decreases. The results
      of simulations and theoretical analysis suggest that the line of order-disorder
      transitions intersects the condensation line at a multi-critical point at zero
      temperature and density, for patchy particle models with a re-entrant, empty
      fluid, regime.

PMID- 22070323
TI  - Folding dynamics of Trp-cage in the presence of chemical interference and
      macromolecular crowding. I.
AB  - Proteins fold and function in the crowded environment of the cell's interior. In
      the recent years it has been well established that the so-called "macromolecular
      crowding" effect enhances the folding stability of proteins by destabilizing
      their unfolded states for selected proteins. On the other hand, chemical and
      thermal denaturation is often used in experiments as a tool to destabilize a
      protein by populating the unfolded states when probing its folding landscape and
      thermodynamic properties. However, little is known about the complicated effects
      of these synergistic perturbations acting on the kinetic properties of proteins,
      particularly when large structural fluctuations, such as protein folding, have
      been involved. In this study, we have first investigated the folding mechanism of
      Trp-cage dependent on urea concentration by coarse-grained molecular simulations
      where the impact of urea is implemented into an energy function of the side chain
      and/or backbone interactions derived from the all-atomistic molecular dynamics
      simulations with urea through a Boltzmann inversion method. In urea solution, the
      folding rates of a model miniprotein Trp-cage decrease and the folded state
      slightly swells due to a lack of contact formation between side chains at the
      terminal regions. In addition, the equilibrium m-values of Trp-cage from the
      computer simulations are in agreement with experimental measurements. We have
      further investigated the combined effects of urea denaturation and macromolecular
      crowding on Trp-cage's folding mechanism where crowding agents are modeled as
      hard-spheres. The enhancement of folding rates of Trp-cage is most pronounced by
      macromolecular crowding effect when the extended conformations of Trp-cast
      dominate at high urea concentration. Our study makes quantitatively testable
      predictions on protein folding dynamics in a complex environment involving both
      chemical denaturation and macromolecular crowding effects.

PMID- 22070324
TI  - Comparison of chemical and thermal protein denaturation by combination of
      computational and experimental approaches. II.
AB  - Chemical and thermal denaturation methods have been widely used to investigate
      folding processes of proteins in vitro. However, a molecular understanding of the
      relationship between these two perturbation methods is lacking. Here, we combined
      computational and experimental approaches to investigate denaturing effects on
      three structurally different proteins. We derived a linear relationship between
      thermal denaturation at temperature T(b) and chemical denaturation at another
      temperature T(u) using the stability change of a protein (DeltaG). For this, we
      related the dependence of DeltaG on temperature, in the Gibbs-Helmholtz equation,
      to that of DeltaG on urea concentration in the linear extrapolation method,
      assuming that there is a temperature pair from the urea (T(u)) and the aqueous
      (T(b)) ensembles that produces the same protein structures. We tested this
      relationship on apoazurin, cytochrome c, and apoflavodoxin using coarse-grained
      molecular simulations. We found a linear correlation between the temperature for
      a particular structural ensemble in the absence of urea, T(b), and the
      temperature of the same structural ensemble at a specific urea concentration,
      T(u). The in silico results agreed with in vitro far-UV circular dichroism data
      on apoazurin and cytochrome c. We conclude that chemical and thermal unfolding
      processes correlate in terms of thermodynamics and structural ensembles at most
      conditions; however, deviations were found at high concentrations of denaturant.

PMID- 22070325
TI  - Phase diagram of polypeptide chains.
AB  - We use a coarse grained protein model that enables us to determine the
      equilibrium phase diagram of natively folded alpha-helical and unfolded beta
      sheet forming peptides. The phase diagram shows that there are only two
      thermodynamically stable peptide phases, the peptide solution and the bulk
      fibrillar phase. In addition, it reveals the existence of various metastable
      peptide phases. The liquidlike oligomeric phases are metastable with respect to
      the fibrillar phases, and there is a hierarchy of metastability. The presented
      phase diagram provides a solid basis for understanding the assembly of
      polypeptide chains into the phases formed in their natively folded and unfolded
      conformations.

PMID- 22070326
TI  - Design and manufacture of combinatorial calcium phosphate bone scaffolds.
AB  - It is well known that pore design is an important determinant of both the
      quantity and distribution of regenerated bone in artificial bone tissue
      scaffolds. A requisite feature is that scaffolds must contain pore
      interconnections on the order of 100-1000 MUm (termed macroporosity). Within this
      range, there is not a definitive optimal interconnection size. Recent results
      suggest that pore interconnections permeating the scaffold build material on the
      order of 2-20 MUm (termed microporosity) drive bone growth into the macropore
      space at a faster rate and also provide a new space for bone growth,
      proliferating throughout the interconnected microporous network. The effects of
      microstructural features on bone growth has yet to be fully understood. This work
      presents the manufacture and characterization of novel combinatorial test
      scaffolds, scaffolds that test multiple microporosity and macroporosity designs
      within a single scaffold. Scaffolds such as this can efficiently evaluate
      multiple mechanical designs, with the advantage of having the designs colocated
      within a single defect site and therefore less susceptible to experimental
      variation. This paper provides the manufacturing platform, manufacturing control
      method, and demonstrates the manufacturing capabilities with three representative
      scaffolds.

PMID- 22070327
TI  - A fluid dynamics study in a 50 cc pulsatile ventricular assist device: influence
      of heart rate variability.
AB  - Although left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have had success in supporting
      severe heart failure patients, thrombus formation within these devices still
      limits their long term use. Research has shown that thrombosis in the Penn State
      pulsatile LVAD, on a polyurethane blood sac, is largely a function of the
      underlying fluid mechanics and may be correlated to wall shear rates below 500 s(
      1). Given the large range of heart rate and systolic durations employed, in vivo
      it is useful to study the fluid mechanics of pulsatile LVADs under these
      conditions. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to capture planar flow in
      the pump body of a Penn State 50 cubic centimeters (cc) LVAD for heart rates of
      75-150 bpm and respective systolic durations of 38-50%. Shear rates were
      calculated along the lower device wall with attention given to the uncertainty of
      the shear rate measurement as a function of pixel magnification. Spatial and
      temporal shear rate changes associated with data collection frequency were also
      investigated. The accuracy of the shear rate calculation improved by
      approximately 40% as the resolution increased from 35 to 12 MUm/pixel. In
      addition, data collection in 10 ms, rather than 50 ms, intervals was found to be
      preferable. Increasing heart rate and systolic duration showed little change in
      wall shear rate patterns, with wall shear rate magnitude scaling by approximately
      the kinematic viscosity divided by the square of the average inlet velocity,
      which is essentially half the friction coefficient. Changes in in vivo operating
      conditions strongly influence wall shear rates within our device, and likely play
      a significant role in thrombus deposition. Refinement of PIV techniques at higher
      magnifications can be useful in moving towards better prediction of thrombosis in
      LVADs.

PMID- 22070328
TI  - Cardiac assist with a twist: apical torsion as a means to improve failing heart
      function.
AB  - Changes in muscle fiber orientation across the wall of the left ventricle (LV)
      cause the apex of the heart to turn 10-15 deg in opposition to its base during
      systole and are believed to increase stroke volume and lower wall stress in
      healthy hearts. Studies show that cardiac torsion is sensitive to various disease
      states, which suggests that it may be an important aspect of cardiac function.
      Modern imaging techniques have sparked renewed interest in cardiac torsion
      dynamics, but no work has been done to determine whether mechanically augmented
      apical torsion can be used to restore function to failing hearts. In this report,
      we discuss the potential advantages of this approach and present evidence that
      turning the cardiac apex by mechanical means can displace a clinically
      significant volume of blood from failing hearts. Computational models of normal
      and reduced-function LVs were created to predict the effects of applied apical
      torsion on ventricular stroke work and wall stress. These same conditions were
      reproduced in anesthetized pigs with drug-induced heart failure using a custom
      apical torsion device programmed to rotate over various angles during cardiac
      systole. Simulations of applied 90 deg torsion in a prolate spheroidal
      computational model of a reduced-function pig heart produced significant
      increases in stroke work (25%) and stroke volume with reduced fiber stress in the
      epicardial region. These calculations were in substantial agreement with
      corresponding in vivo measurements. Specifically, the computer model predicted
      torsion-induced stroke volume increases from 13.1 to 14.4 mL (9.9%) while actual
      stroke volume in a pig heart of similar size and degree of dysfunction increased
      from 11.1 to 13.0 mL (17.1%). Likewise, peak LV pressures in the computer model
      rose from 85 to 95 mm Hg (11.7%) with torsion while maximum ventricular pressures
      in vivo increased in similar proportion, from 55 to 61 mm Hg (10.9%). These data
      suggest that: (a) the computer model of apical torsion developed for this work is
      a fair and accurate predictor of experimental outcomes, and (b) supra-physiologic
      apical torsion may be a viable means to boost cardiac output while avoiding blood
      contact that occurs with other assist methods.

PMID- 22070329
TI  - MRI-based modeling for radiocarpal joint mechanics: validation criteria and
      results for four specimen-specific models.
AB  - The objective of this study was to validate the MRI-based joint contact modeling
      methodology in the radiocarpal joints by comparison of model results with
      invasive specimen-specific radiocarpal contact measurements from four cadaver
      experiments. We used a single validation criterion for multiple outcome measures
      to characterize the utility and overall validity of the modeling approach. For
      each experiment, a Pressurex film and a Tekscan sensor were sequentially placed
      into the radiocarpal joints during simulated grasp. Computer models were
      constructed based on MRI visualization of the cadaver specimens without load.
      Images were also acquired during the loaded configuration used with the direct
      experimental measurements. Geometric surface models of the radius, scaphoid and
      lunate (including cartilage) were constructed from the images acquired without
      the load. The carpal bone motions from the unloaded state to the loaded state
      were determined using a series of 3D image registrations. Cartilage thickness was
      assumed uniform at 1.0 mm with an effective compressive modulus of 4 MPa.
      Validation was based on experimental versus model contact area, contact force,
      average contact pressure and peak contact pressure for the radioscaphoid and
      radiolunate articulations. Contact area was also measured directly from images
      acquired under load and compared to the experimental and model data.
      Qualitatively, there was good correspondence between the MRI-based model data and
      experimental data, with consistent relative size, shape and location of
      radioscaphoid and radiolunate contact regions. Quantitative data from the model
      generally compared well with the experimental data for all specimens. Contact
      area from the MRI-based model was very similar to the contact area measured
      directly from the images. For all outcome measures except average and peak
      pressures, at least two specimen models met the validation criteria with respect
      to experimental measurements for both articulations. Only the model for one
      specimen met the validation criteria for average and peak pressure of both
      articulations; however the experimental measures for peak pressure also exhibited
      high variability. MRI-based modeling can reliably be used for evaluating the
      contact area and contact force with similar confidence as in currently available
      experimental techniques. Average contact pressure, and peak contact pressure were
      more variable from all measurement techniques, and these measures from MRI-based
      modeling should be used with some caution.

PMID- 22070331
TI  - The effect of boundary condition on the biomechanics of a human pelvic joint
      under an axial compressive load: a three-dimensional finite element model.
AB  - The finite element (FE) model of the pelvic joint is helpful for clinical
      diagnosis and treatment of pelvic injuries. However, the effect of an FE model
      boundary condition on the biomechanical behavior of a pelvic joint has not been
      well studied. The objective of this study was to study the effect of boundary
      condition on the pelvic biomechanics predictions. A 3D FE model of a pelvis using
      subject-specific estimates of intact bone structures, main ligaments and bone
      material anisotropy by computed tomography (CT) gray value was developed and
      validated by bone surface strains obtained from rosette strain gauges in an in
      vitro pelvic experiment. Then three FE pelvic models were constructed to analyze
      the effect of boundary condition, corresponding to an intact pelvic joint, a
      pelvic joint without sacroiliac ligaments and a pelvic joint without proximal
      femurs, respectively. Vertical load was applied to the same pelvis with a fixed
      prosthetic femoral stem and the same load was simulated in the FE model. A strong
      correlation coefficient (R(2)=0.9657) was calculated, which indicated a strong
      correlation between the FE analysis and experimental results. The effect of
      boundary condition changes on the biomechanical response depended on the
      anatomical location and structure of the pelvic joint. It was found that
      acetabulum fixed in all directions with the femur removed can increase the stress
      distribution on the acetabular inner plate (approximately double the original
      values) and decrease that on the superior of pubis (from 7 MPa to 0.6 MPa).
      Taking sacrum and ilium as a whole, instead of sacroiliac and iliolumber
      ligaments, can influence the stress distribution on ilium and pubis bone vastly.
      These findings suggest pelvic biomechanics is very dependent on the boundary
      condition in the FE model.

PMID- 22070330
TI  - Multi-rigid image segmentation and registration for the analysis of joint motion
      from  three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - We report an image segmentation and registration method for studying joint
      morphology and kinematics from in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and
      its application to the analysis of foot and ankle joint motion. Using an MRI
      compatible positioning device, a foot was scanned in a single neutral and seven
      other positions ranging from maximum plantar flexion, inversion, and internal
      rotation to maximum dorsiflexion, eversion, and external rotation. A segmentation
      method combining graph cuts and level set was developed. In the subsequent
      registration step, a separate rigid body transformation for each bone was
      obtained by registering the neutral position dataset to each of the other ones,
      which produced an accurate description of the motion between them. The
      segmentation algorithm allowed a user to interactively delineate 14 foot bones in
      the neutral position volume in less than 30 min total (user and computer
      processing unit [CPU]) time. Registration to the seven other positions took
      approximately 10 additional minutes of user time and 5.25 h of CPU time. For
      validation, our results were compared with those obtained from 3DViewnix, a
      semiautomatic segmentation program. We achieved excellent agreement, with volume
      overlap ratios greater than 88% for all bones excluding the intermediate
      cuneiform and the lesser metatarsals. For the registration of the neutral scan to
      the seven other positions, the average overlap ratio is 94.25%, while the minimum
      overlap ratio is 89.49% for the tibia between the neutral position and position
      1, which might be due to different fields of view (FOV). To process a single foot
      in eight positions, our tool requires only minimal user interaction time (less
      than 30 min total), a level of improvement that has the potential to make joint
      motion analysis from MRI practical in research and clinical applications.

PMID- 22070332
TI  - Calibration of hyperelastic material properties of the human lumbar
      intervertebral disc under fast dynamic compressive loads.
AB  - Under fast dynamic loading conditions (e.g. high-energy impact), the load rate
      dependency of the intervertebral disc (IVD) material properties may play a
      crucial role in the biomechanics of spinal trauma. However, most finite element
      models (FEM) of dynamic spinal trauma uses material properties derived from quasi
      static experiments, thus neglecting this load rate dependency. The aim of this
      study was to identify hyperelastic material properties that ensure a more
      biofidelic simulation of the IVD under a fast dynamic compressive load. A
      hyperelastic material law based on a first-order Mooney-Rivlin formulation was
      implemented in a detailed FEM of a L2-L3 functional spinal unit (FSU) to
      represent the mechanical behavior of the IVD. Bony structures were modeled using
      an elasto-plastic Johnson-Cook material law that simulates bone fracture while
      ligaments were governed by a viscoelastic material law. To mimic experimental
      studies performed in fast dynamic compression, a compressive loading velocity of
      1 m/s was applied to the superior half of L2, while the inferior half of L3 was
      fixed. An exploratory technique was used to simulate dynamic compression of the
      FSU using 34 sets of hyperelastic material constants randomly selected using an
      optimal Latin hypercube algorithm and a set of material constants derived from
      quasi-static experiments. Selection or rejection of the sets of material
      constants was based on compressive stiffness and failure parameters criteria
      measured experimentally. The two simulations performed with calibrated
      hyperelastic constants resulted in nonlinear load-displacement curves with
      compressive stiffness (7335 and 7079 N/mm), load (12,488 and 12,473 N),
      displacement (1.95 and 2.09 mm) and energy at failure (13.5 and 14.7 J) in
      agreement with experimental results (6551 +/- 2017 N/mm, 12,411 +/- 829 N, 2.1 +/
      0.2 mm and 13.0 +/- 1.5 J respectively). The fracture pattern and location also
      agreed with experimental results. The simulation performed with constants derived
      from quasi-static experiments showed a failure energy (13.2 J) and a fracture
      pattern and location in agreement with experimental results, but a compressive
      stiffness (1580 N/mm), a failure load (5976 N) and a displacement to failure (4.8
      mm) outside the experimental corridors. The proposed method offers an innovative
      way to calibrate the hyperelastic material properties of the IVD and to offer a
      more realistic simulation of the FSU in fast dynamic compression.

PMID- 22070333
TI  - A device to study the effects of stretch gradients on cell behavior.
AB  - Mechanical forces are key regulators of cell function with varying loads capable
      of modulating behaviors such as alignment, migration, phenotype modulation, and
      others. Historically, cell-stretching experiments have employed mechanically
      simple environments (e.g., uniform uniaxial or equibiaxial stretches). However,
      stretch distributions in vivo can be highly non-uniform, particularly in cases of
      disease or subsequent to interventional treatments. Herein, we present a cell
      stretching device capable of subjecting cells to controllable gradients in
      biaxial stretch via radial deformation of circular elastomeric membranes. By
      including either a defect or a rigid fixation at the center of the membrane,
      various gradients are generated. Capabilities of the device were quantified by
      tracking marked positions of the membrane while applying various loads, and
      experimental feasibility was assessed by conducting preliminary experiments with
      3T3 fibroblasts and 10T1/2 cells subjected to 24 h of cyclic stretch.
      Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure changes in mRNA expression of a
      profile of genes representing the major smooth muscle phenotypes. Genes
      associated with the contractile state were both upregulated (e.g., calponin) and
      downregulated (e.g., alpha-2-actin), and genes associated with the synthetic
      state were likewise both upregulated (e.g., SKI-like oncogene) and downregulated
      (e.g., collagen III). In addition, cells aligned with an orientation
      perpendicular to the maximal stretch direction. We have developed an in vitro
      cell culture device that can produce non-uniform stretch environments similar to
      in vivo mechanics. Cells stretched with this device showed alignment and altered
      mRNA expression indicative of phenotype modulation. Understanding these processes
      as they relate to in vivo pathologies could enable a more accurately targeted
      treatment to heal or inhibit disease, either through implantable device design or
      pharmaceutical approaches.

PMID- 22070334
TI  - Elasticity of human embryonic stem cells as determined by atomic force
      microscopy.
AB  - The expansive growth and differentiation potential of human embryonic stem cells
      (hESCs) make them a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine. However,
      this promise is off set by the propensity for spontaneous or uncontrolled
      differentiation to result in heterogeneous cell populations. Cell elasticity has
      recently been shown to characterize particular cell phenotypes, with
      undifferentiated and differentiated cells sometimes showing significant
      differences in their elasticities. In this study, we determined the Young's
      modulus of hESCs by atomic force microscopy using a pyramidal tip. Using this
      method we are able to take point measurements of elasticity at multiple locations
      on a single cell, allowing local variations due to cell structure to be
      identified. We found considerable differences in the elasticity of the analyzed
      hESCs, reflected by a broad range of Young's modulus (0.05-10 kPa). This
      surprisingly high variation suggests that elasticity could serve as the basis of
      a simple and efficient large scale purification/separation technique to
      discriminate subpopulations of hESCs.

PMID- 22070335
TI  - The association of wall mechanics and morphology: a case study of abdominal
      aortic aneurysm growth.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential correlation between peak
      wall stress (PWS) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) morphology and how it
      relates to aneurysm rupture potential. Using in-house segmentation and meshing
      software, six 3-dimensional (3D) AAA models from a single patient followed for 28
      months were generated for finite element analysis. For the AAA wall, both
      isotropic and anisotropic materials were used, while an isotropic material was
      used for the intraluminal thrombus (ILT). These models were also used to
      calculate 36 geometric indices characteristic of the aneurysm morphology. Using
      least squares regression, seven significant geometric features (p < 0.05) were
      found to characterize the AAA morphology during the surveillance period. By means
      of nonlinear regression, PWS estimated with the anisotropic material was found to
      be highly correlated with three of these features: maximum diameter (r = 0.992, p
      = 0.002), sac volume (r = 0.989, p = 0.003) and diameter to diameter ratio (r =
      0.947, p = 0.033). The correlation of wall mechanics with geometry is nonlinear
      and reveals that PWS does not increase concomitantly with aneurysm diameter. This
      suggests that a quantitative characterization of AAA morphology may be
      advantageous in assessing rupture risk.

PMID- 22070337
TI  - A novel sensor concept for optimization of loosening diagnostics in total hip
      replacement.
AB  - The main reason for the revision of total hip replacements is aseptic loosening,
      caused by stress shielding and wear particle induced osteolysis. In order to
      detect an implant loosening early, the osseointegration of endoprosthetic
      implants must be measured exactly. Currently applied diagnostic methods, such as
      standard radiographs and clinical symptomatology, often result in an imprecise
      diagnosis. A novel radiation-free method to improve the diagnostic investigation
      of implant loosening is presented. The osseointegration of an implant can be
      identified using mechanical magnetic sensors (oscillators), which impinge on
      small membranes inside an implant component, e.g., the femoral hip stem. The
      maximum velocity after impingement of the oscillator depends on the
      osseointegration of the implant. Excitation of the oscillator is realized by a
      coil outside the human body. Another external coil is used to detect the velocity
      of the oscillator. To demonstrate the principle of the novel loosening sensor, an
      overdimensioned test device was designed to measure simulated loosening phases in
      the first experimental tests with different material layers. The overdimensioned
      test device of the loosening sensor showed significant differences in the various
      phases of fixation. Analysis of the membrane without any material layer in the
      case of advanced loosening resulted in a 23% higher maximum velocity compared to
      an attached artificial bone layer. Based on these preliminary results, the sensor
      system shows potential for the detection of implant loosening. Moreover, the
      proposed system could be used in experimental applications to determine the
      quality of bioactive coatings and new implant materials.

PMID- 22070336
TI  - Evaluating foot kinematics using magnetic resonance imaging: from maximum plantar
      flexion, inversion, and internal rotation to maximum dorsiflexion, eversion, and
      external rotation.
AB  - The foot consists of many small bones with complicated joints that guide and
      limit motion. A variety of invasive and noninvasive means [mechanical, X-ray
      stereophotogrammetry, electromagnetic sensors, retro-reflective motion analysis,
      computer tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] have been used to
      quantify foot bone motion. In the current study we used a foot plate with an
      electromagnetic sensor to determine an individual subject's foot end range of
      motion (ROM) from maximum plantar flexion, internal rotation, and inversion to
      maximum plantar flexion, inversion, and internal rotation to maximum
      dorsiflexion, eversion, and external rotation. We then used a custom built MRI
      compatible device to hold each subject's foot during scanning in eight unique
      positions determined from the end ROM data. The scan data were processed using
      software that allowed the bones to be segmented with the foot in the neutral
      position and the bones in the other seven positions to be registered to their
      base positions with minimal user intervention. Bone to bone motion was quantified
      using finite helical axes (FHA). FHA for the talocrural, talocalcaneal, and
      talonavicular joints compared well to published studies, which used a variety of
      technologies and input motions. This study describes a method for quantifying
      foot bone motion from maximum plantar flexion, inversion, and internal rotation
      to maximum dorsiflexion, eversion, and external rotation with relatively little
      user processing time.

PMID- 22070338
TI  - Theory of the short time mechanical relaxation in articular cartilage.
AB  - Articular cartilage is comprised of macromolecules, proteoglycans, with (charged)
      chondroitin sulfate side-chains attached to them. The proteoglycans are attached
      to longer hyaluronic acid chains, trapped within a network of type II collagen
      fibrils. As a consequence of their relatively long persistence lengths, the
      number of persistence lengths along the chondroitin sulfate and proteoglycan
      chains is relatively small, and consequently, the retraction times for these side
      chains are also quite short. We argue that, as a consequence of this, they will
      not significantly inhibit the reptation of the hyaluronic acid chains. Scaling
      arguments applied to this model allow us to show that the shortest of the
      mechanical relaxation times of cartilage, that have been determined by Fyhrie and
      Barone to be due to reptation of the hyaluronic acid polymers, should have a
      dependence on the load, i.e., force per unit interface area P, carried by the
      cartilage, proportional to P(3/2).

PMID- 22070340
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative analysis of crystallographic defects present in 2D
      colloidal sphere arrays.
AB  - In this work, we present a study of the typical spontaneous defects present in
      self-assembled colloidal monolayers grown from polystyrene and silica
      microspheres. The quality of two-dimensional crystals from different colloidal
      suspensions of beads around 1 MUm in diameter has been studied qualitatively and
      quantitatively, evaluated in 2D hexagonal arrays at different scales through
      Fourier analysis of SEM images and optical characterization. The crystallographic
      defects are identified to better understand their origin and their effects on the
      crystal quality, as well as to find the best conditions colloidal suspensions
      must fulfill to achieve optimal quality samples.

PMID- 22070341
TI  - Voriconazole serum levels measured by high-performance liquid chromatography: a
      monocentric study in treated patients.
AB  - In this study we present the results of a therapeutic drug monitoring
      retrospective analysis involving 14 patients with several underlying diseases who
      were receiving voriconazole for the treatment of fungal infections. A simple high
      performance liquid chromatography assay with ultraviolet detection was used in
      the drug monitoring. We report here that serum concentrations were highly
      variable and unpredictable in most patients. We also found that lack of response
      was more frequent in patients with levels persistently lower than 1 mg/l. The
      number of samples with voriconazole concentrations below 1 mg/l was significantly
      higher in patients who exhibited therapeutic failures (88% versus 27%; P <
      0.001). In addition, the period of time in which voriconazole concentrations were
      maintained below 1 mg/l was slightly higher in patients in the failure group. We
      suggest that serum concentration should be individually quantified for patients
      receiving voriconazole therapy. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify
      the potential benefit of the individualization of treatment.

PMID- 22070342
TI  - Gestational diabetes and pre-pregnancy overweight: possible factors involved in
      newborn macrosomia.
AB  - AIM: Good glycemic control in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seems not to be
      enough to prevent macrosomia (large-for-gestational-age newborns). In GDM
      pregnancies we studied the effects of glycemic control (as glycosylated
      hemoglobin [HbA1c]), pre-pregnancy body mass index (PP-BMI) and gestational
      weight gain per week (GWG-W) on the frequency of macrosomia. METHODS:   We
      studied 251 GDM pregnancies, divided into two groups: PP-BMI<25.0kg/m(2) (the non
      overweight group; n=125), and PP-BMI>=25.0kg/m(2) (the overweight group; n=126).
      A newborn weight Z-score>1.28 was considered large-for-gestational-age.
      Statistical analysis was carried out using the Student's t-test and chi(2) -test,
      receiver-operator characteristic curves and linear and binary logistic
      regressions. RESULTS: Prevalence of macrosomia was 14.9% among GDM (n=202/251,
      88.4%) with good glycemic control (mean HbA1c<6.0%), and 28.1% in those with mean
      HbA1c>=6.0% (n=49/251, P<0.025). Macrosomia rates were 10.4% in the non
      overweight group and 24.6% in the overweight group (P=0.00308), notwithstanding
      both having similar mean HbA1c (5.48+/-0.065 and 5.65+/-0.079%, P=0.269), and
      similar GWG-W (0.292+/-0.017 and 0.240+/-0.021kg/week, P=0.077). Binary logistic
      regressions showed that PP-BMI (P=0.012) and mean HbA1c (P=0.048), but not GWG-W
      (P=0.477), explained macrosomia. CONCLUSIONS: Good glycemic control in GDM
      patients was not enough to reduce macrosomia to acceptable limits (<10% of
      newborns). PP-BMI and mean HbA1c (but not GWG-W) were significant predictors of
      macrosomia. Thus, without ceasing in our efforts to improve glycemic control
      during GDM pregnancies, patients with overweight/obesity need to be treated prior
      to becoming pregnant.

PMID- 22070344
TI  - Functional detection of proteins by caged aptamers.
AB  - While many diagnostic assay platforms enable the measurement of analytes with
      high sensitivity, most of them result in a disruption of the analyte's native
      structure and, thus, in loss of function. Consequently, the analyte can be used
      neither for further analytical assessment nor functional analysis. Herein we
      report the use of caged aptamers as templates during apta-PCR analysis of
      targets. Aptamers are short nucleic acids that fold into a well-defined three
      dimensional structure in which they interact with target molecules with high
      affinity and specificity. Nucleic acid aptamers can also serve as templates for
      qPCR approaches and, thus, have been used as high affinity ligands to bind to
      target molecules and subsequently for quantification by qPCR, an assay format
      coined apta-PCR. Caged aptamers in turn refer to variants that bear one or more
      photolabile groups at strategic positions. The activity of caged aptamers can
      thus be turned on or off by light irradiation. The latter allows the mild elution
      of target-bound aptamers while the target's native structure and function remain
      intact. We demonstrate that this approach allows the quantitative and
      subsequently the functional assessment of analytes. Since caged aptamers can be
      generated emanating from virtually every available aptamer, the described
      approach can be generalized and adopted to any target-aptamer pair and, thus,
      have a broad applicability in proteomics and clinical diagnostics.

PMID- 22070345
TI  - Predictors of the depressive symptomatology of the family caregivers of Chinese
      stroke patients in Hong Kong.
AB  - The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the socio-demographic and
      clinical factors associated with depressive symptoms in the family caregivers of
      Hong Kong Chinese stroke patients. One hundred and twenty-three patients at a
      stroke clinic and their family caregivers formed the study sample. The depressive
      symptoms of both the patients and their family caregivers were rated with the
      Chinese version of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants'
      socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics served as the independent
      variables in relation to the caregivers' GDS scores. Patients' and caregivers'
      somatic and psychological conditions were measured with 10 scales. In univariate
      analysis, caregivers' GDS scores were significantly correlated with certain of
      their characteristics [Modified Life Event Scale (MLES), Cumulative Illness
      Rating Scale (CIRS) and Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS) scores, sex and being
      a housewife] and those of the patients (GDS score and being a housewife).
      Multiple regression analysis showed caregivers' MLES and CIRS scores and
      patients' GDS scores to be independent correlates of caregivers' GDS scores.
      Adverse events encountered by caregivers in the past 6 months, their current
      health problems and patients' depressive symptoms were found to be the principal
      factors associated with caregivers' depressive symptoms.

PMID- 22070346
TI  - Drinking to our health: can beverage companies cut calories while maintaining
      profits?
AB  - Carbonated soft drinks and other beverages make up an increasing percentage of
      energy intake, and there are rising public health concerns about the links
      between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain, obesity, and
      other cardiometabolic problems. In response, the food and beverage industry
      claims to be reformulating products, reducing package or portion sizes and
      introducing healthier options. Comparative analysis on various changes and their
      potential effects on public health are needed. We conduct a case study using the
      two largest and most influential producers of sweetened beverages, The Coca-Cola
      Company and PepsiCo Inc., who together control 34% of the global soft drink
      market, examining their product portfolios globally and in three critical markets
      (the United States, Brazil and China) from 2000 to 2010. On a global basis, total
      revenues and energy per capita sold increased, yet the average energy density (kJ
      100 mL(-1) ) sold declined slightly, suggesting a shift to lower-calorie
      products. In the United States, both total energy per capita and average energy
      density of beverages sold decreased, while the opposite was true in the
      developing markets of Brazil and China, with total per capita energy increasing
      greatly in China and, to a lesser extent, in Brazil.

PMID- 22070347
TI  - Irish psychiatric nurses' self-reported sources of knowledge for practice.
AB  - Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach to health care in which health
      professionals use the best evidence available to guide their clinical decisions
      and practice. Evidence is drawn from a range of sources, including published
      research, educational content and practical experience. This paper reports the
      findings of a study that investigated the sources of knowledge or evidence for
      practice used by psychiatric nurses in Ireland. The paper is part of a larger
      study, which also investigated barriers, facilitators and level of skills in
      achieving EBP among Irish psychiatric nurses. Data were collected in a postal
      survey of a random sample of Irish psychiatric nurses using the Development of
      Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire. The findings revealed that the majority of
      survey respondents based their practice on information which was derived from
      interactions with patients, from their personal experience and from information
      shared by colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team, in preference to
      published sources of empirically derived evidence. These findings are consistent
      with those of the previous similar studies among general nurses and suggest that
      Irish psychiatric nurses face similar challenges to their general nursing
      counterparts in attaining of EBP.

PMID- 22070348
TI  - Apocynin attenuates oxidative stress and hypertension in young spontaneously
      hypertensive rats independent of ADMA/NO pathway.
AB  - Both NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and asymmetric
      dimethylarginine (ADMA) are increased in hypertension. Apocynin, an NADPH oxidase
      inhibitor, could inhibit ROS, thus we tested whether apocynin can block NADPH
      oxidase and prevent increases of ADMA and blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHRs). SHRs and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, aged 4 weeks, were
      assigned to four groups: untreated SHRs and WKY rats, SHRs and WKY rats that
      received 2.5 mM apocynin for 8 weeks. BP was significantly higher in SHRs
      compared to WKY rats, which was attenuated by apocynin. Apocynin prevented
      p47phox translocation in SHR kidneys, but not the increase of superoxide and
      H(2)O(2). Additionally, apocynin did not protect SHRs against increased ADMA.
      Apocynin blocks NADPH oxidase to attenuate hypertension, but has little effect on
      the ADMA/nitric oxide (NO) pathway in young SHRs. The reduction of ROS and the
      preservation of NO simultaneously might be a better approach to restoring ROS-NO
      balance to prevent hypertension.

PMID- 22070349
TI  - Trueness in the measurement of haemoglobin: consensus or reference method?
AB  - BACKGROUND: For the measurement of haemoglobin a reference method exists: the
      haemiglobincyanide method. However, a Dutch external quality assessment
      organization does not use this method in the evaluation of trueness of results.
      The aim of this work was to assess whether trueness was compromised by the use of
      a consensus value. METHODS: Five Cell Dyn Sapphires (Abbott) in three independent
      locations were used to measure haemoglobin concentration. Results were compared
      to the reference method (haemiglobincyanide). Patient samples with a distribution
      over clinically relevant concentrations (Hb 2.5-10.2 mmol/L) were used next to
      samples from external quality assessment rounds. Passing and Bablok regression
      analysis and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate any systematic deviation.
      RESULTS: Results measured on the Cell Dyn Sapphires deviated significantly from
      the results obtained with the reference method. Remarkably, consensus results
      from external quality control samples also deviated significantly from the
      reference method. CONCLUSIONS: A significant negative bias exists in the
      measurement of haemoglobin on Cell Dyn Sapphires. Additionally, the consensus
      value as reported in external quality control assessment also shows an even
      greater significant negative bias compared to the reference method. As a
      reference method is available, external quality assessment would benefit from
      using this method instead of a consensus value to evaluate trueness.

PMID- 22070350
TI  - Speed of sample transportation by a pneumatic tube system can influence the
      degree of hemolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to find the incidence of hemolysis in
      samples transported through a pneumatic tube system (PTS) at different speeds.
      METHODS: This prospective observational study was done in three phases: "short
      distance and high speed (115 m at 3 m/s)", "long distance and high speed (225 m
      at 3 m/s)" and "short distance and slow speed (115 at 2 m/s)". Fifty-two, 215 and
      45 serum tube pairs, respectively, were evaluated in these three phases. A set of
      tubes was sent by PTS while the other was hand-carried. Samples were analyzed for
      supernatant hemoglobin (Hb), potassium (K+) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD).
      RESULTS: Mean transit time of samples through the PTS was much shorter as
      compared to human courier in all three phases. LD was elevated in PTS arm in the
      "short distance and high speed" phase and in the "long distance and high speed"
      phase, all three indices of hemolysis - Hb, K+ and LD - showed elevation in the
      PTS arm. However, at "short distance and slow speed" phase, there was no
      hemolysis in the PTS arm. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals should validate their PTS before
      use and, by altering speed of sample transportation, hemolysis may be
      obliterated.

PMID- 22070351
TI  - False-positive calcitonin results in patients with benign goiter.

PMID- 22070353
TI  - Developmental plasticity, morphological variation and evolvability: a multilevel
      analysis of morphometric integration in the shape of compound leaves.
AB  - The structure of compound leaves provides flexibility for morphological change by
      variation in the shapes, sizes and arrangement of leaflets. Here, we conduct a
      multilevel analysis of shape variation in compound leaves to explore the
      developmental plasticity and evolutionary potential that are the basis of
      diversification in leaf shape. We use the methods of geometric morphometrics to
      study the shapes of individual leaflets and whole leaves in 20 taxa of Potentilla
      (sensu lato). A newly developed test based on the bootstrap approach suggests
      that uncertainty in the molecular phylogeny precludes firm conclusions whether
      there is a phylogenetic signal in the data on leaf shape. For variation among
      taxa, variation within taxa, as well as fluctuating asymmetry, there is evidence
      of strong morphological integration. The patterns of variation are similar across
      all three levels, suggesting that integration within taxa may act as a constraint
      on evolutionary change.

PMID- 22070352
TI  - Continuous apple consumption induces oral tolerance in birch-pollen-associated
      apple allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with birch pollen allergy (major allergen: Bet v 1) have
      often an associated oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to apple, which contains the
      cross-reactive allergen Mal d 1. As successful birch pollen immunotherapy does
      not consistently improve apple related OAS symptoms, we evaluated whether regular
      apple consumption has an effect on OAS and immune parameters of Mal d 1 or Bet v
      1 allergy. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with a clear history of birch pollen
      rhinoconjunctivitis and associated OAS to apple were included in an open,
      randomized, controlled clinical trial: 27 patients consumed daily defined amount
      of apple (1-128 g), doubling the amount every two to three weeks, while 13
      patients remained untreated. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients that
      achieved tolerance to at least 128 g of apple at the end of the study after 8
      months. Exploratory endpoints were questionnaire about cross-reactive food and
      pollen allergy symptoms, conjunctival provocation test with birch pollen and Bet
      v 1, and in vitro tests (tIgE, sIgE, and IgG4 to Mal d 1 and Bet v 1; basophil
      activation test with both allergens). RESULTS: Seventeen of 27 patients in active
      group and none of 13 patients in control group (P = 0.0001) could tolerate a
      whole apple after the intervention. However, differences in endpoints reflecting
      systemic immune reactivity did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In
      patients with OAS to apple, tolerance can be safely induced with slowly,
      gradually increasing consumption of apple. However, the observation of a relapse
      after discounting of apple consumption and absence of immunologic changes suggest
      that induced tolerance is only transient.

PMID- 22070354
TI  - Overcoming sequelae of childhood sexual abuse with stress management.
AB  - The immense stress associated with experiencing and surviving childhood sexual
      abuse directly influences coping, immune function and overall health. Lifelong
      overuse of maladaptive coping strategies results in impaired adjustment to
      stress. The purpose of this research was to re-examine if stress management
      education would be effective in improving coping skills for this population. Two
      4-week series of stress management workshops were completed by 32 adult survivors
      who completed the ways of coping questionnaire before and after the training.
      Four categories of coping showed significant change. Stress management education
      is an effective and cost-efficient approach that gives adult survivors an
      empowering set of tools for their healing journey.

PMID- 22070355
TI  - Views of patients and general dental practitioners on the organizational aspects
      of a general dental practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the views of patients and general dental practitioners
      (GDPs) on the organizational aspects of a general dental practice and to see
      whether their views differ. BACKGROUND: Health care has increasingly centred on
      the patient over the last two decades, and the patients' opinions have been taken
      more seriously. Although in other health-care sectors research on organizational
      aspects has been performed, research in dental care is lacking on this subject.
      DESIGN: We developed two questionnaires covering 41 organizational aspects of a
      general dental practice: one for GDPs and one for dental patients. The
      questionnaires were handed out in dental practices to 5000 patients and sent to
      500 GDPs. RESULTS: We describe the results of the organizational aspects
      mentioned most by 25% of the dental patients. For most aspects, the views of the
      patients and GDPs differed significantly. However, both respondent groups
      mentioned the same category the most. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study
      could be used on a policy level for the development of guidelines and on a
      practice level for individual GDPs to adjust practice management to the
      preferences of patients.

PMID- 22070356
TI  - Cytochrome P450-catalysed reactive oxygen species production mediates the (
      )schisandrin B-induced glutathione and heat shock responses in AML12 hepatocytes.
AB  - Sch B (schisandrin B), the most abundant dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan in Fructus
      schisandrae, can induce glutathione antioxidant and heat shock responses, as well
      as protect against oxidant-induced injury in various tissues, including the liver
      in rodents and AML12 (alpha mouse liver 12) hepatocytes. (-)Sch B is the most
      potent stereoisomer of Sch B in its cytoprotective action on AML12 hepatocytes.
      To define the role of ROS (reactive oxygen species) arising from CYP (cytochrome
      P450)-catalysed metabolism of (-)Sch B in triggering glutathione antioxidant and
      heat shock responses, the effects of a CYP inhibitor [ABT (aminobenzotriazole)]
      and antioxidants [DMTU (dimethylthiouracil) and TRX (trolox)] on (-)Sch B-induced
      ROS production and associated increases in cellular GSH level, as well as
      Hsp25/70 (heat-shock protein 25/70) production, were investigated in AML12
      hepatocytes. The results indicated that (-)Sch B causes a dose dependent and
      sustained increase in ROS production over 6 h in AML12 hepatocytes, which was
      completely suppressed by pre-/co-treatment with ABT or DTMU/TRX. Incubation with
      (-)Sch B for 6 h caused optimal and dose-dependent increases in cellular GSH
      level and Hsp25/70 production at 16 h post-drug exposure in AML12 hepatocytes.
      These cellular responses were associated with protection against menadione
      induced apoptosis. Pre-/co-treatment with ABT or antioxidants completely
      abrogated the (-)Sch B-induced glutathione antioxidant and heat shock responses,
      as well as protection against menadione-induced apoptosis. Experimental evidence
      obtained thus far supports the causal role of ROS arising from the CYP-catalysed
      metabolism of (-)Sch B in eliciting glutathione antioxidant and heat shock
      responses in AML12 hepatocytes.

PMID- 22070357
TI  - Effect of acute posttrauma propranolol on PTSD outcome and physiological
      responses during script-driven imagery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Animal and human research suggests that the development of
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may involve the overconsolidation of
      memories of a traumatic experience. Previous studies have attempted to use
      pharmaceutical agents, especially the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol, to
      reduce this overconsolidation. AIMS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled study
      of the efficacy of propranolol in reducing the development of PTSD, we optimized
      dosages and conducted both psychophysiological and clinical assessments 1 and 3
      months after the traumatic event. Forty-one emergency department patients who had
      experienced a qualifying acute psychological trauma were randomized to receive up
      to 240 mg/day of propranolol or placebo for 19 days. At 4 and 12 weeks post
      trauma, PTSD symptoms were assessed. One week later, participants engaged in
      script-driven imagery of their traumatic event while psychophysiological
      responses were measured. RESULTS: Physiological reactivity during script-driven
      traumatic imagery, severity of PTSD symptoms, and the rate of the PTSD diagnostic
      outcome were not significantly different between the two groups. However, post
      hoc subgroup analyses showed that in participants with high drug adherence, at
      the 5-week posttrauma assessment, physiological reactivity was significantly
      lower during script-driven imagery in the propranolol than in the placebo
      subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The physiological results provide some limited support for
      a model of PTSD in which a traumatic conditioned response is reduced by
      posttrauma propranolol. However, the clinical results from this study do not
      support the preventive use of propranolol in the acute aftermath of a traumatic
      event.

PMID- 22070358
TI  - Medical problems and oral care of patients with Down syndrome: a literature
      review.
AB  - When planning the dental treatment of patients with Down syndrome (DS), dental
      practitioners should always consider their general health, in order to achieve a
      holistic and interdisciplinary approach. This article presents a literature
      review of the primary medical conditions in patients with DS that may affect
      their general health care and the appropriate clinical delivery of oral health
      care.

PMID- 22070359
TI  - The involvement of Iowa dentists in hospice care.
AB  - The relationships between dentist characteristics and professional education with
      involvement of Iowa dentists in hospice care were investigated. Using the 1999
      Iowa Health Professional database, a survey requesting information regarding
      involvement in and training for care of hospice patients was mailed to all
      licensed dentists (N = 1,210). Two mailings yielded a 54.6% response rate. Of the
      638 dentist respondents, the mean age was 47, 86% were male, 88% general
      dentists, and 295 (46%) reported providing some treatment for hospice patients.
      At least one dentist reported providing hospice patient care in 72 of Iowa's 99
      counties. About 90% of dentists treating hospice patients were general
      practitioners. Males were more likely to provide treatment (p < 0.0313). Neither
      dentist age nor years in practice were significant predictors. Dentists were more
      likely to treat hospice patients in the office (IO, 40%). The most prevalent
      treatments were denture relines (31% IO; 71% OO), examinations (16% IO; 68% OO),
      and emergency treatment (12.5% IO; 53% OO). More than 86% of surveyed dentists
      indicated that their professional education did not adequately train them to meet
      the clinical, psychosocial, communication, or spiritual needs of hospice
      patients.

PMID- 22070360
TI  - The incidence of dental caries in children and adolescents who have cerebral
      palsy and are participating in a dental program in Brazil.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of caries among children and
      adolescents who have cerebral palsy. The authors conducted baseline and follow-up
      dental examinations of 118 children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in a
      specialized healthcare unit in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Family care-givers completed a
      questionnaire that provided socioeconomic and behavioral information. The
      analysis used multivari-ate Poisson regression models adjusted for age. More than
      half (52.5%) of the subjects had at least one permanent or deciduous tooth
      affected by new caries during the longitudinal assessment (2004-2008). The
      incidence of caries was associated with the baseline prevalence of caries
      (incidence ratio = 1.92), a higher frequency of sugar intake (IR = 1.56), and
      having at least one sibling (IR = 1.64). Participants whose family care-givers
      had more education had a significantly lower incidence (IR = 0.68). The factors
      associated with a higher incidence of caries are similar to those in the general
      population. This evidence can potentially be used to develop an effective oral
      health promotion program for these patients.

PMID- 22070361
TI  - Living with facial disfigurement--strategies for individuals and care management.
AB  - Individuals and families affected by craniofacial disorders have expressed
      dissatisfaction with their experiences in the healthcare system, with day care,
      and in school situations. To capture their views, focus group encounters were
      done in a group of young individuals with these disorders and in a group of
      parents whose children were affected. The aim was to synthesize their attitudes
      and experiences into improved strategies for parents, teenagers, and
      professionals in the healthcare system. Their views were compiled into a document
      that emphasizes the responsibilities of persons with craniofacial disorders and
      their parents to actively seek information on diagnosis and treatment options and
      to participate in decisions on therapy. The conclusion was that it is not lack of
      specific knowledge but rather a lack of implementation of existing
      recommendations that makes living with facial disfigurement difficult for many
      individuals and their families.

PMID- 22070362
TI  - Improvement of mouth opening for a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans
      progressiva: a case report.
AB  - The aim of this article is to describe the care of a patient with fibrodysplasia
      ossificans progressiva (FOP) and to provide dentists with a guide for how to
      safely care for patients with FOP. Treatment improved the patient's limited mouth
      opening. FOP is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital
      malformation of the fingers and toes by heterotopic ossification progressiva of
      the connective tissue. This ossification causes a limitation in osteoradicular
      mobility, mainly affecting the spine, shoulders, hips, and peripheral joints. The
      disease can manifest from pregnancy until adulthood, with no greater prevalence
      associated with race or gender. Although rare, the disease can be easily
      identified by its clinical features, and diagnosis can be confirmed by a
      radiographic examination. There is no known effective treatment for this disease.
      All therapeutic treatment must be conservative to avoid any condition that may
      cause heterotopic ossification. Guidelines to prevent new ossifications are
      important for patients with FOP. Dental professionals should be cautious in
      planning treatment, avoiding anesthesia, especially in the mandible, to prevent
      ankylosis of the temporo-mandibular joints. The prevention of dental caries is
      essential to avoid the need for more invasive treatment.

PMID- 22070363
TI  - Dentistry for Peruvian residents with special needs: a commentary.

PMID- 22070365
TI  - Carry-over effects of the membrane interface probe.
AB  - The membrane interface probe (MIP) is widely used to characterize the subsurface
      distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One problem that arises during
      MIP application is that disproportionately high MIP signals are obtained after
      passing source zones which contain mobile or residual phases. This serious
      problem occurs because of a carry-over effect, in particular caused by compound
      specific retention times in the conventional unheated transfer line, commonly
      used during such an investigation. The objective of this study was to perform a
      qualitative methodical field evaluation of the carry-over effect of a
      conventional MIP system with a conventional unheated transfer line. This was
      achieved by coupling a mobile mass spectrometer to the MIP device. Results
      obtained were then further compared with those achieved using a laser induced
      fluorescence (LIF) system. Because of this coupling, time- and depth-dependent
      signals for different substances became known. Field evaluation data obtained
      showed complex superpositions of compounds with MIP system results. As a result
      of this superposition, MIP signals from the saturated zone beneath the source
      zone (zone with free and/or residual phase) are blurred and are therefore not
      representative of particular depths. However, utilizing multidirectional probing
      alongside conventional MIP probing (forwards and backwards), it was possible to
      detect the upper and lower phase boundary of the source zone. These MIP results
      correlated excellently with the LIF results. An important conclusion that can be
      drawn from the field investigation is that coupling a mobile mass spectrometer to
      the MIP system enables advanced MIP signal interpretation to be successfully
      achieved.

PMID- 22070368
TI  - 3,5-Bis(ethynyl)pyridine and 2,6-bis(ethynyl)pyridine spanning two Fe(Cp*)(dppe)
      units: role of the nitrogen atom on the electronic and magnetic couplings.
AB  - The role of the nitrogen atom on the electronic and magnetic couplings of the
      mono-oxidized and bi-oxidized pyridine-containing complex models [2,6-{Cp(dpe)Fe
      C=C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+) and [3,5-{Cp(dpe)Fe-C=C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+) is
      theoretically tackled with the aid of density-functional theory (DFT) and
      multireference configuration interaction (MR-CI) calculations. Results are
      analyzed and compared to those obtained for the reference complex [1,3
      {Cp*(dppe)Fe-C=C-)}(2)(C(6)H(4))](n+). The mono-oxidized species show an
      interesting behavior at the borderline between spin localization and
      delocalization and one through-bond communication path among the two involving
      the central ring, is favored. Investigation of the spin state of the dicationic
      complexes indicates ferromagnetic coupling, which can differ in magnitude from
      one complex to the other. Very importantly, electronic and magnetic properties of
      these species strongly depend not only upon the location of the nitrogen atom in
      the ring versus that of the organometallic end-groups but also upon the
      architectural arrangement of one terminus, with respect to the other and/or vis-a
      vis the central ring. To help validate the theoretical results, the related
      families of compounds [1,3-{Cp*(dppe)Fe-C=C-)}(2)(C(6)H(4))](n+), [2,6
      {Cp*(dppe)Fe-C=C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+), [3,5-{Cp*(dppe)Fe-C=C-}(2)(NC(5)H(3))](n+)
      (n = 0-2) were experimentally synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical,
      spectroscopic (infrared (IR), Mossbauer), electronic (near-infrared (NIR)), and
      magnetic properties (electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), superconducting
      quantum interference device (SQUID)) are discussed and interpreted in the light
      of the theoretical data. The set of data obtained allows for many strong
      conclusions to be drawn. A N atom in the long branch increases the ferromagnetic
      interaction between the two Fe(III) spin carriers (J > 500 cm(-1)), whereas, when
      placed in the short branch, it dramatically reduces the magnetic exchange in the
      di-oxidized species (J = 2.14(5) cm(-1)). In the mixed-valence compounds, when
      the N atom is positioned on the long branch, the intermediate excited state is
      higher in energy than the different ground-state conformers and the relaxation
      process provides exclusively the Fe(II)/Fe(III) localized system (H(ab) ? 0).
      Positioning the N atom on the short branch modifies the energy profile and the
      diabatic mediating state lies just above the reactant and product diabatic
      states. Consequently, the LMCT transition becomes less energetic than the MMCT
      transition. Here, the direct coupling does not occur (H(ab) = 0) and only the
      coupling through the bridge (c) and the reactant (a) and product (b) diabatic
      states is operating (H(ac) = H(bc) ? 0).

PMID- 22070366
TI  - Novel migrating mouse neural crest cell assay system utilizing P0-Cre/EGFP
      fluorescent time-lapse imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neural crest cells (NCCs) are embryonic, multipotent stem cells.
      Their long-range and precision-guided migration is one of their most striking
      characteristics. We previously reported that P0-Cre/CAG-CAT-lacZ double
      transgenic mice showed significant lacZ expression in tissues derived from NCCs.
      RESULTS: In this study, by embedding a P0-Cre/CAG-CAT-EGFP embryo at E9.5 in
      collagen gel inside a culture glass slide, we were able to keep the embryo
      developing ex vivo for more than 24 hours; this development was with enough NCC
      fluorescent signal intensity to enable single-cell resolution analysis, with the
      accompanying NCC migration potential intact and with the appropriate NCC response
      to the extracellular signal maintained. By implantation of beads with absorbed
      platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), we demonstrated that PDGF-AA acts as
      an NCC-attractant in embryos.We also performed assays with NCCs isolated from P0
      Cre/CAG-CAT-EGFP embryos on culture plates. The neuromediator 5-hydroxytryptamine
      (5-HT) has been known to regulate NCC migration. We newly demonstrated that
      dopamine, in addition to 5-HT, stimulated NCC migration in vitro. Two NCC
      populations, with different axial levels of origins, showed unique distribution
      patterns regarding migration velocity and different dose-response patterns to
      both 5-HT and dopamine. CONCLUSIONS: Although avian species predominated over the
      other species in the NCC study, our novel system should enable us to use mice to
      assay many different aspects of NCCs in embryos or on culture plates, such as
      migration, division, differentiation, and apoptosis.

PMID- 22070369
TI  - Effects of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel on clinical and metabolic parameters
      in Indian patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of an ethinyl
      estradiol (EE) and desogestrel (DSG) combination pill in polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A total of 42 women with PCOS were treated with an EE
      30 mcg and DSG 150 mcg (EE/DSG) combination pill for 12 cycles. The following
      parameters were studied at 0, 6, and 12months: body mass index, abdominal
      circumference, Ferriman-Gallwey score, presence of acne and acanthosis nigricans,
      serum testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin levels, fasting glucose and
      fasting insulin levels. Free androgen index and glucose:insulin ratio were
      calculated. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in Ferriman-Gallwey
      score, incidence of acne, serum testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin
      levels and free androgen index values at the 6-month follow up. But there were no
      further beneficial changes in the above parameters at the 12-month follow up.
      There were no significant changes in body mass index, abdominal circumference,
      incidence of acanthosis nigricans, fasting glucose and insulin levels and
      glucose:insulin ratio during treatment. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in
      hyperandrogenic parameters were seen only in the first 6months of treatment with
      EE/DSG in PCOS. Further continuation with this pill did not produce any
      significant improvement. There were no adverse effects on insulin sensitivity.

PMID- 22070370
TI  - A series of 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin derivatives from the sea mussel, Mytilus
      galloprovincialis, grown in the Black Sea, Ukraine.
AB  - A series of carotenoids with 19- or 19'-hexanoyloxy moieties, 19'
      hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (1), 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthinol (2), 19'
      hexanoyloxyhalocynthiaxanthin (3), 19-hexanoyloxycrassostreaxanthin A (4), 19
      hexanoyloxymytiloxanthin (5), and 19-hexanoyloxyallenicmytiloxanthin (6) were
      isolated from the edible part of the sea mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, grown
      in the Black Sea, Ukraine. Among them, 3, 4, and 6 were new compounds. These
      structures were charcterized by UV-vis, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry,
      circular dichroism, and (1)H NMR spectroscopic data. They were assumed to be
      metabolites of 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (1).

PMID- 22070371
TI  - Homogeneous detection of avidin based on switchable lanthanide luminescence.
AB  - We have developed switchable lanthanide luminescence-based binary probe
      technology for homogeneous detection of avidin, which is a tetrameric protein.
      Two different nonluminescent label moieties--a light-absorbing antenna ligand and
      a lanthanide ion carrier chelate--were conjugated to separate biotins, which is
      known as avidin's natural ligand. The assay was based on binding of the two
      differently labeled biotins on separate binding sites on the target protein and
      consequent self-assembly of a luminescent complex from the two label moieties.
      Specific luminescence signal was observed only at the presence of the target
      protein. The characteristics of the switchable lanthanide luminescence assay were
      compared to the reference assay, based on lanthanide resonance energy transfer.
      Both assays had a limit of detection in the low-picomolar concentration range;
      however, the lanthanide chelate complementation-based assay had wider dynamic
      range and its optimization was more straightforward. The switchable lanthanide
      luminescence technology could be further applied to generic protein detection,
      using reagents that are analogous to the proximity ligation assay principle.

PMID- 22070372
TI  - Active surveillance criteria for prostate cancer: can they be applied to Japanese
      patients?
AB  - Prostate-specific antigen screening has significantly increased the percentage of
      men who are diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. All men undergoing
      retropubic radical prostatectomy for primary treatment of prostate cancer from
      April 2004 to September 2010 in our hospital were examined in order to determine
      whether active surveillance criteria could be applied to Japanese men. From
      pathological data of prostate biopsies, whether these men met five published
      criteria for active surveillance (Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Prostate
      Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance Study, University of
      California, San Francisco, Toronto and Kakehi criteria) was evaluated. Men who
      met any of the criteria had a statistically significant lower extracapsular
      extension rate and organ-confinement rate. From the view of the possibility of
      Gleason upgrading and organ-confinement rate, the Johns Hopkins Medical
      Institution and Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance Study
      criteria showed to be appropriate for Japanese patients. However, the present
      study had limitations of selection bias and a limited number of cases.

PMID- 22070374
TI  - Ionic conductivity through thermoresponsive polymer gel: ordering matters.
AB  - Thermoreversible polymer gel has been prepared using PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer
      (Pluronic F77) which self-assembles into different microcrystalline phases like
      cubic, 2D-hexagonal, and lamellar. Addition of electrolyte (LiI/I(2)) converts
      the gel into a polymer gel electrolyte (PGE) which exhibits microphase-dependent
      ionic conductivity. The crystalline phases have been identified by SAXS as a
      function of the polymer concentration. It is found that the optimum value for the
      ionic conductivity (~1 * 10(-3) S x cm(-1)) is achieved in the Im3m phase due to
      faster diffusion of ions through the 3D-interconnected micellar nanochannels.
      This fact is further supported by FTIR study, ionic transference number, and
      diffusion coefficient measurements.

PMID- 22070373
TI  - Site-specific platinum(II) cross-linking in a ribozyme active site.
AB  - The function of RNA depends on its ability to adopt complex and dynamic
      structures, and the incorporation of site-specific cross-linking probes is a
      powerful method for providing distance constraints that are valuable in RNA
      structural biology. Here we describe a new RNA-RNA cross-linking strategy based
      on Pt(II) targeting of specific phosphorothioate substitutions. In this strategy
      cis-diammine Pt(II) complexes are kinetically recruited and anchored to a
      phosphorothioate substitution embedded within a structured RNA. Substitution of
      the remaining exchangeable Pt(II) ligand with a nucleophile supplied by a nearby
      RNA nucleobase results in metal-mediated cross-links that are stable during
      isolation. This type of cross-linking strategy was explored within the catalytic
      core of the Hammerhead ribozyme (HHRz). When a phosphorothioate substitution is
      installed at the scissile bond normally cleaved by the HHRz, Pt(II) cross-linking
      takes place to nucleotides G8 and G10 in the ribozyme active site. Both of these
      positions are predicted to be within ~8 A of a phosphorothioate-bound Pt(II)
      metal center. Cross-linking depends on Mg(2+) ion concentration, reaching yields
      as high as 30%, with rates that indicate cation competition within the RNA three
      helix junction. Cross-linking efficiency depends on accurate formation of the
      HHRz tertiary structure, and cross-links are not observed for RNA helices.
      Combined, these results show promise for using kinetically inert Pt(II) complexes
      as new site-specific cross-linking tools for exploring RNA structure and
      dynamics.

PMID- 22070375
TI  - Maintaining faith in agency under immutable constraints: cognitive consequences
      of believing in negotiable fate.
AB  - Negotiable fate refers to the idea that one can negotiate with fate for control,
      and that people can exercise personal agency within the limits that fate has
      determined. Research on negotiable fate has found greater prevalence of related
      beliefs in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Eastern Europe than in Western Europe
      and English-speaking countries. The present research extends previous findings by
      exploring the cognitive consequences of the belief in negotiable fate. It was
      hypothesized that this belief enables individuals to maintain faith in the
      potency of their personal actions and to remain optimistic in their goal pursuits
      despite the immutable constraints. The belief in negotiable fate was predicted to
      (a) facilitate sense-making of surprising outcomes; (b) increase persistence in
      goal pursuits despite early unfavorable outcomes; and (c) increase risky choices
      when individuals have confidence in their luck. Using multiple methods (e.g.,
      crosscultural comparisons, culture priming, experimental induction of fate
      beliefs), we found supporting evidence for our hypotheses in three studies.
      Furthermore, as expected, the cognitive effects of negotiable fate are observed
      only in cultural contexts where the fate belief is relatively prevalent.
      Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the intersubjective
      approach to understanding the influence of culture on cognitive processes (e.g.,
      Chiu, Gelfand, Yamagishi, Shteynberg, & Wan, 2010), the sociocultural foundations
      that foster the development of a belief in negotiable fate, and an alternative
      perspective for understanding the nature of agency in contexts where constraints
      are severe. Future research avenues are also discussed.

PMID- 22070376
TI  - Exploiting the acylating nature of the imide-Ugi intermediate: a straightforward
      synthesis of tetrahydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones.
AB  - We describe a simple and novel protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydro-1,4
      benzodiazepin-2-ones with three points of diversity, exploiting the acylating
      properties of the recently rediscovered Ugi-imide. The final compounds can be
      easily prepared in three synthetic steps using a multicomponent reaction, a
      Staudinger reduction, and an acylative protocol, with good to excellent yields
      for each synthetic step.

PMID- 22070377
TI  - Borrelia burgdorferi infections with special reference to horses. A review.
AB  - Summary   This review discusses the literature on B. burgdorferi infections in
      view of the rising incidence of this infection in general and the increasing
      concerns of horse owners and equine practitioners. Lyme disease, the clinical
      expression of Borrelia infections in man is an important health problem. The
      geographic distribution of B. burgdorferi infections in equidae should resemble
      that of human cases because the vector tick involved, Ixodes ricinus, feeds on
      both species and, indeed, the infection has been established many times in
      horses. However, a definite diagnosis of the disease "Lyme borreliosis" in human
      beings as well as in horses and other animals is often difficult to accomplish.
      Although a broad spectrum of clinical signs has been attributed to B. burgdorferi
      infections in horses, indisputable cases of equine Lyme borreliosis are extremely
      rare so far, if they exist at all.

PMID- 22070378
TI  - Use of plasma ionized calcium levels and Ca(2+) substitution response patterns as
      prognostic parameters for ileus and survival in colic horses.
AB  - Summary    Objective: Hypocalcaemia is a common finding in horses with
      enterocolitis and severe gastrointestinal disorders. The aims of this study were
      to investigate in colic horses (!))the parameters related to hypocalcaemia,
      (2))the influence of hypocalcaemia on outcome and (3))the possible beneficial
      effect of Ca(2+ )substitution.    Design: Randomized controlled trial.   
      Setting: Intensive care unit.    Patients: One hundred forty-four horses that
      were admitted with an acute abdomen during a 1.5 year period were enrolled and
      daily evaluated for clinical criteria and whole blood ionized Ca levels. Colic
      horses with hypocalcaemia were randomly assigned to receive Ca(2+).   
      Interventions: Analysis of heparinised whole blood samples. Horses that were
      assigned to be treated received 400 mEq Ca(2+) diluted in 10L of Ringer's lactate
      solution every 24 h until low reference range limits were obtained or until
      death.    Measurements and main results: 88% of all colic patients showed blood
      ionized Ca levels below the reference range at the time of admission.
      Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of reflux signs of endotoxaemia
      increased Packed Cell Volume (PCV) alkalinization of pH and the interaction
      PCV/pH all predispose colic horses to low ionized Ca(2+) levels at the time of
      admission. The Odds for developing ileus during hospitalization are +/- 11.94
      times larger for horses in the "very low" calcaemia interval in comparison with
      normocalcaemic horses. The Odds for fatal outcome are respectively +/- 9.82 and
      8.33 times larger for horses in the "very low" and "low" calcaemia interval.
      Ca(2+) substitution increased the probability of survival provided that Ca(2+)
      levels could be normalized. The lack of an upward calcaemia response despite
      repetitive Ca(2+) substitutions can be guarded as a poor ominous sign.   
      Conclusions: Hypocalcaemia in colic horses is of prognostic relevance both with
      regard to survival as to the probability of development of ileus during
      hospitalization. This study shows the importance of routine measurement of
      ionized calcium levels in colic horses. Moreover correction of hypocalcaemia
      seems to improve clinical outcome.

PMID- 22070379
TI  - Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in cats. A review.
AB  - Summary   Presentation of complex cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra is not
      very common in cats. As in bitches, hormonal influences result in environmental
      and histological changes in the uterus leading to predisposition to bacterial
      growth. Its influence on the organism provokes certain clinical signs. Diagnosis
      and treatment must be fast and aggressive. Depending on the clinical status and
      queen purpose, it can be both surgical or medical. Both of them offer a high rate
      of success if the detailed protocols are followed.

PMID- 22070380
TI  - Analysis of the 96 most often cited articles published in veterinary journals in
      2002 and 2003.
AB  - Summary   The study concerned 123 Journals of the category "Veterinary Sciences"
      as defined in the Journal Citation Reports ((c), Institute for Scientific
      Information (ISI), Philadelphia, USA). Using Web of Knowledge ((c), ISI, USA),
      update December 3, 2005, articles published in 2002 and 2003 and cited 20 times
      or more were selected. The total number of selected articles was 96. They were
      published in 34 out of the 123 journals. Based on the country of the first
      author, the articles originated form 24 countries. Forty-nine of the 96 articles
      (51%) were written in only two countries being England (15) and the USA (34). The
      articles could be classified in six categories being immunology (21),
      microbiology and directly related subjects (48), prions and prion-induced
      diseases (5), reproduction (23), toxicology (3), and miscellanea (11). The
      category "microbiology" (48) was divided into six subcategories: general (1),
      bacteriology (17), mycology (3), parasitology (5), protozoology (6), and virology
      (5). Some articles were classified in more than one (sub)category.

PMID- 22070382
TI  - The experience of young people with depression: a qualitative study.
AB  - People who develop depression experience a maelstrom of emotions as they struggle
      to understand what is happening to them. While the experience has been
      comparatively well documented in older adults, much less is known about the
      depression experience and responses of young people. In this study, we aimed to
      explore the experience of young people diagnosed with depression. Twenty-six
      young people were recruited from a youth mental health service. A qualitative
      interpretative design was used, incorporating semi-structured, audio-recorded
      interviews. Results provided four overlapping themes, reflecting the young
      people's difficulties in coming to terms with, and responding in self-protective,
      harmful and at times life-threatening ways to their depression: (1) struggling to
      make sense of their situation; (2) spiralling down; (3) withdrawing; and (4)
      contemplating self-harm or suicide. Study conclusions are that young people faced
      considerable difficulties coming to terms with, and responding to, depression.
      Improving young people's understanding of depression and its treatment, reducing
      community stigma and providing accessible and youth-focused services remain
      important targets for intervention. It is also important to improve mental health
      literacy in the community to increase awareness of depression and how mental
      health professionals, including nurses, respond effectively to the young person.

PMID- 22070383
TI  - Investigating the role of zinc in a rat model of epilepsy.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of zinc (Zn) in
      pilocarpine-induced seizures and its interrelation with an antiepileptic drug,
      namely, valproic acid. METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out on 110 male Wistar
      albino rats that were divided into the following groups: Group I, control rats
      that received intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline vehicle; Groups II-V received Zn in a
      medium dose, Zn in a high dose, valproic acid in a therapeutic dose, as well as a
      combination of valproic acid with medium dose Zn, respectively, for 3 weeks
      before saline injection, Group VI received i.p. pilocarpine to induce seizures;
      Groups VII-XI received Zn in a medium dose, Zn in a high dose, valproic acid in a
      therapeutic dose, a combination of therapeutic dose of valproic acid with medium
      dose Zn, as well as a combination of subeffective dose of valproic acid with
      medium dose of Zn, respectively, for 3 weeks before pilocarpine injection. The
      seizure's latency and severity for each rat was recorded. Blood and brain
      hippocampal samples were collected for determination of serum neuron specific
      enolase (NSE), hippocampal Zn, interleukin-1 beta concentrations as well as
      hippocampal superoxide dismutase and caspase-3 activities. RESULTS: The results
      of the current study demonstrated that pretreatment with high dose of Zn
      exacerbated pilocarpine-induced seizures. Whereas, a medium dose of Zn and
      valproic acid either alone or in combination reduced the severity of pilocarpine
      induced limbic seizures and increased the latency to attain the forelimb clonus.
      Also both drugs, either alone or in combination, ameliorated all studied
      biochemical parameters with the exception of hippocampal Zn concentration, which
      was only significantly increased by pretreatment with Zn, either alone or in
      combination with valproic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the
      antiepileptic role that could be played by Zn, when given in appropriate doses.

PMID- 22070384
TI  - Reversible translocation of ASK1 to a Triton-X100 insoluble cytoplasmic
      compartment during cardiac myocyte cell stress.
AB  - ASK1 is a cellular stress-responsive MAPKKK which activates the JNK and p38 MAPK
      pathways that play a key role in the response of cardiac myocytes to redox stress
      following ischemia/reperfusion. ASK1 becomes incorporated into high-molecular
      weight complexes upon activation but this has not been investigated in cardiac
      myocytes. Here we examine the distribution of ASK1 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes
      undergoing simulated ischemia and reperfusion. Simulated ischemia or redox stress
      in neonatal cardiac myocytes causes the translocation of ASK1 to distinct
      punctate cytoplasmic structures that are insoluble in Triton X-100. The
      translocation event is not dependent on ASK1 kinase activity, occurs subsequent
      to activation and is reversible upon removal of the cell stress. The structures
      to which ASK1 translocates in cardiac myocytes do not appear to correspond to the
      previously described ASK1 signalosome reported in other cell types.

PMID- 22070385
TI  - Chemotactic effect of odorants and tastants on the ciliate Tetrahymena
      pyriformis.
AB  - Naturally occurring aroma compounds are able to elicit physiological and
      migratory responses such as chemotaxis even at nano to femtomolar concentrations
      in organisms at different levels of phylogeny. Despite the amazing chemical
      variety of these substances the apparatus by which they can be detected i.e. the
      chemosensory receptors and the signaling pathways seem to be rather uniform and
      evolutionary well-conserved. The intracellular signaling process is supposed to
      be mediated by either cAMP or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The present work
      aimed to investigate the chemotactic behavior of 11 odorants that occur naturally
      in foods and are also used by the industry as additives, on the eukaryotic
      ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. Intracellular signaling pathways that might be
      activated by these compounds were also investigated. Activation of the
      phospholipase C (PLC) was measured by FACS and the stimulation of inositol-1,4,5
      trisphosphate 3-kinases (IP3K) was measured using two specific inhibitors,
      wortmannin and LY294002. The strongest chemoattractant character was observed for
      isoamyl acetate (10(-6) M), propyl isobutyrate (10(-8) M), isobutyl propionate
      (10(-6) M). The strongest repellent action was exerted by benzyl acetate (10(-8)
      M), furfuryl thioacetate (10(-12) M). Our results suggest that Tetrahymena
      responds in a very sensitive way to slight changes in the molecular structure.
      According to our study, tracer amounts of solvents do not contribute
      significantly to the chemotactic profile of the respective odorants. No
      significant activation of PLC or PI3K could be observed following stimulation
      with attractant odorants which implies that some other pathways may be involved,
      hence further investigation is needed.

PMID- 22070386
TI  - Cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation is attenuated in CD69-deficient
      mice.
AB  - Cluster of differentiation 69 (CD69) has been identified as a lymphocyte early
      activation marker, and recent studies have indicated that CD69 mediates
      intracellular signals and plays an important role in various inflammatory
      diseases. Cigarette smoke (CS) is a strong proinflammatory stimulus that induces
      the release of proinflammatory mediators by recruiting macrophages and
      neutrophils into the lung tissue, and is one of the main risk factors for a
      number of chronic diseases. However, the potential role of CD69 in CS-induced
      pulmonary inflammation has not been determined. To address to this question, CD69
      deficient (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to CS-induced acute
      pulmonary inflammation. After the exposure with CS, the expression of CD69 in the
      lung of WT mice was significantly induced, it was predominantly observed in
      macrophages. In conjunction with this phenomenon, neutrophil and macrophage cell
      counts, and expression of several cytokines were significantly higher in the
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of CS-exposed WT mice compared with air
      exposed WT mice. Likewise, the CS-induced accumulation of inflammatory cells and
      cytokines expression were significantly lower in CD69-KO mice than in WT mice.
      These results suggest that CD69 on macrophages is involved in CS-induced acute
      pulmonary inflammation.

PMID- 22070387
TI  - Hydrogen bonding in the electronic excited state.
AB  - Because of its fundamental importance in many branches of science, hydrogen
      bonding is a subject of intense contemporary research interest. The physical and
      chemical properties of hydrogen bonds in the ground state have been widely
      studied both experimentally and theoretically by chemists, physicists, and
      biologists. However, hydrogen bonding in the electronic excited state, which
      plays an important role in many photophysical processes and photochemical
      reactions, has scarcely been investigated.  Upon electronic excitation of
      hydrogen-bonded systems by light, the hydrogen donor and acceptor molecules must
      reorganize in the electronic excited state because of the significant charge
      distribution difference between the different electronic states. The electronic
      excited-state hydrogen-bonding dynamics, which are predominantly determined by
      the vibrational motions of the hydrogen donor and acceptor groups, generally
      occur on ultrafast time scales of hundreds of femtoseconds. As a result, state-of
      the-art femtosecond time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy is used to directly
      monitor the ultrafast dynamical behavior of hydrogen bonds in the electronic
      excited state. It is important to note that the excited-state hydrogen-bonding
      dynamics are coupled to the electronic excitation. Fortunately, the combination
      of femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy and accurate quantum chemistry
      calculations of excited states resolves this issue in laser experiments. Through
      a comparison of the hydrogen-bonded complex to the separated hydrogen donor or
      acceptor in ground and electronic excited states, the excited-state hydrogen
      bonding structure and dynamics have been obtained. Moreover, we have also
      demonstrated the importance of hydrogen bonding in many photophysical processes
      and photochemical reactions.  In this Account, we review our recent advances in
      electronic excited-state hydrogen-bonding dynamics and the significant role of
      electronic excited-state hydrogen bonding on internal conversion (IC), electronic
      spectral shifts (ESS), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), fluorescence
      quenching (FQ), intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and metal-to-ligand charge
      transfer (MLCT). The combination of various spectroscopic experiments with
      theoretical calculations has led to tremendous progress in excited-state hydrogen
      bonding research. We first demonstrated that the intermolecular hydrogen bond in
      the electronic excited state is greatly strengthened for coumarin chromophores
      and weakened for thiocarbonyl chromophores. We have also clarified that the
      intermolecular hydrogen-bond strengthening and weakening correspond to red-shifts
      and blue-shifts, respectively, in the electronic spectra. Moreover, radiationless
      deactivations (via IC, PET, ICT, MLCT, and so on) can be dramatically influenced
      through the regulation of electronic states by hydrogen-bonding interactions.
      Consequently, the fluorescence of chromophores in hydrogen-bonded surroundings is
      quenched or enhanced by hydrogen bonds. Our research expands our understanding of
      the nature of hydrogen bonding by delineating the interaction between hydrogen
      bonds and photons, thereby providing a basis for excited-state hydrogen bonding
      studies in photophysics, photochemistry, and photobiology.

PMID- 22070388
TI  - Biosynthesis of the biomarker okenone: chi-ring formation.
AB  - Purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) mainly occur in anoxic aquatic and benthic
      environments, where they play important roles in cycling carbon and sulfur. Many
      PSB characteristically produce the unique keto-carotenoid, okenone, which is
      important not only for its light absorption and photoprotection properties but
      also because of its diagenesis product, okenane, which is a biomarker for ancient
      sediments derived from anoxic environments. The specific methylation pattern of
      the chi-ring of okenane is unlikely to be formed by diagenetic processes and
      should therefore reflect an enzymatic activity from okenone biosynthesis. This
      study describes two enzymes that produce the chi-ring of okenone, the only
      structural element of okenone preserved in okenane. Genes encoding enzymes of
      carotenogenesis were identified in the draft genome sequence of an okenone
      producing PSB, Thiodictyon sp. strain CAD16. Two divergently transcribed genes
      encoded a CrtY-type lycopene cyclase and a CrtU/CruE-type gamma-carotene
      desaturase/methyltransferase. Expression of crtY in Escherichia coli showed that
      this gene encoded a lycopene cyclase that produced gamma-carotene as the only
      product. Although the sequence of the gamma-carotene desaturase/methyltransferase
      was more similar to CrtU sequences of green sulfur bacteria than to CruE
      sequences of cyanobacteria, expression of the crtU gene in Chlorobaculum tepidum
      showed that the enzyme produced carotenoids with chi-rings rather than phi-rings.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the carotene desaturase/methyltransferases revealed that
      enzymes capable of converting beta-rings to chi-rings have independently evolved
      at least two times. These results indicate that it probably will not be possible
      to deduce the activity of carotene desaturase/methyltransferases solely from
      sequence data.

PMID- 22070389
TI  - Willingness to pay as patient preference to bariatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An obesity epidemic is spreading worldwide. In addition to
      comorbidities, social and emotional problems contribute to reduce the quality of
      life (QoL) of obese people. Considering the heterogeneity of outcomes from
      clinical and surgical approaches, it is recommended that severely obese patients
      participate in their treatment decisions. This study evaluated preferences of
      severely obese patients for obesity surgical treatment using the willingness to
      pay (WTP) and to assess the impact of the presence of some clinical disorders,
      socioeconomic conditions and QoL on their decisions. METHODS: The selected
      patients were invited to answer the WTP questionnaire using two formats of
      contingent valuation questions: dichotomous choice (yes/no) and a bidding game.
      The answers were correlated with clinical features, QoL assessed by the SF-36 and
      the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II, Brazilian socioeconomic
      classification, and family and personal incomes. RESULTS: The group of patients
      who accepted the first bid was older and had higher frequency of sleep apnoea
      when compared to those who rejected the offer. A significant correlation between
      the bidding game value and family income was found (r = 0.28; P < 0.02). In the
      logistic regression model, socioeconomic classification and sleep apnoea were
      shown to be independently associated with acceptance the bid. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep
      apnoea was the comorbidity that most influenced the acceptance in dichotomous
      choice for bariatric surgery, probably due to the deleterious effects on daily
      activities induced by sleep disturbances. Our findings also suggest that the
      frequency of surgical procedures is below the preference of the obese population
      in Brazil.

PMID- 22070390
TI  - Acute mental health nurses: comprehensive practitioners or specialist therapists?
AB  - This paper examines the aids and barriers to implementing the psychosocial
      interventions (PSI) which trainees learned on two teaching modules. The main
      purpose of the modules is to teach trainees PSI to help them be more effective in
      their care of patients with severe mental illness. The trainees were qualified
      nurses working in acute mental health wards in various London hospitals. PSI has
      been found to be helpful for patients with psychotic symptoms in community
      contexts. In this study, the implementation of PSI specific to acute inpatient
      mental health settings is explored. This was achieved by conducting semi
      structured audiotaped interviews with all 20 trainees from a single cohort. The
      data were analysed by categories and themes to elicit not only the problems but
      also helpful strategies which can be used when working with PSI in acute
      inpatient mental health settings. The paper concludes by offering recommendations
      for future good practice for this area of mental health service.

PMID- 22070391
TI  - Serum albumin binding of structurally diverse neutral organic compounds: data and
      models.
AB  - Binding to serum albumin has a strong influence on freely dissolved, unbound
      concentrations of chemicals in vivo and in vitro. For neutral organic solutes,
      previous studies have suggested a log-log correlation between the albumin-water
      partition coefficient and the octanol-water partition coefficient (K(ow)) and
      postulated highly nonspecific binding that is mechanistically analogous to
      dissolution into solvents. These relationships and concepts were further explored
      in this study. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-water partition coefficients (K(BSA/w))
      were measured for 83 structurally diverse neutral organic chemicals in consistent
      experimental conditions. The correlation between log K(BSA/w) and log K(ow) was
      moderate, with R(2) = 0.76 and SD = 0.43. The log K(BSA/w) of low-polarity
      compounds including a series of chlorobenzenes and polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons increased with log K(ow) linearly up to log K(ow) = 4-5, but then
      the linear relationship apparently broke off, and the increase became gradual.
      The fitting of polyparameter linear free energy relationship models with five
      solute descriptors was just comparable to that of the log K(ow) model (R(2) =
      0.78-0.79, SD = 0.41-0.42); the relatively high SD obtained suggests that solvent
      dissolution models are not capable of modeling albumin binding accurately. A size
      limitation of the binding site(s) of albumin is suggested as a possible reason
      for the high SD. An equilibrium distribution model indicates that serum albumin
      generally has high contributions to the binding in the serum of polar compounds
      and relatively small low-polarity compounds, whereas albumin binding for large
      low-polarity compounds is outcompeted by the strong partitioning into lipids due
      to low relative affinity of albumin for these compounds.

PMID- 22070392
TI  - Oral rosmarinic acid-enhanced Mentha spicata modulates synovial fluid biomarkers
      of inflammation in horses challenged with intra-articular LPS.
AB  - A biological extract of high-rosmarinic acid mint (HRAM) has previously
      demonstrated inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin
      E(2) (PGE(2)), nitric oxide (NO) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release in vitro.
      This study was undertaken to determine whether HRAM added to feed produces
      similar effects in horses challenged with intra-articular LPS. Eight horses
      received HRAM (0 or 28.1 +/- 1.3 g/day; n = 4 per group) in their feed for 24
      days in a blinded manner. On day 21, all horses received an intra-articular
      injection of LPS (0.3 ng) into their left or right intercarpal joint. Synovial
      fluid (SF) samples were taken on postinjection day (PID)-21 (i.e. prior to
      commencement of supplementation), PID0, PID0.25, PID0.5, PID1 and PID3 and
      analysed for PGE(2), GAG, NO, protein and total nucleated cells counts. Blood
      biochemistry and haematology screens were conducted at PID-21, PID0, PID1 and
      PID3. There was a significant reduction in LPS-induced PGE(2) and GAG in SF in
      horses supplemented with HRAM compared with controls and a tendency to increase
      complement recognition protein accumulation in synovial fluid of HRAM horses.
      Plasma from HRAM horses had reduced total white blood cells, segmented
      neutrophils (compared with baseline concentrations) and lymphocytes (compared
      with controls), and increased SF nucleated cell count (compared with baseline
      concentrations and controls). It is concluded that HRAM offered as part of the
      feed alter biomarkers of inflammation in SF of LPS-challenged horses. Larger
      studies that seek to clarify effects of HRAM on synovial fluid cell counts and
      possible role of HRAM-induced interference with complement signalling are
      warranted.

PMID- 22070393
TI  - Implementing a structured psychosocial interventions group programme for people
      with bipolar disorder.
AB  - It has been reported that, at any time, over half of the people with bipolar
      disorder are receiving no active treatment. Despite the availability of effective
      medications and psychotherapies, research concludes that the care of bipolar
      disorder in everyday practice is often deficient. Evidence base reports the
      effectiveness of psychosocial interventions using many of the same ideas as the
      recovery approach; both attempt to place clients at the heart of service
      delivery. This paper reports on the development and implementation of three pilot
      group programmes for service users with bipolar disorder, in a community clinical
      setting in South East England. The group programme design and development was
      based upon the evidence-based psychosocial interventions advocated in national
      clinical guidelines and research literature. The programme incorporated the key
      effective psychosocial interventions and self-management mechanisms within its 12
      sessions spanning over 3 months, followed by three booster sessions in 6 months'
      time. Twenty-three service users have to date completed the programme.
      Participant feedback will be discussed and reported to inform further development
      and research implications of such innovative evidence-based interventions for
      service users with bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22070394
TI  - Comparison of homoeologous chromosome pairing between hybrids of wheat genotypes
      Chinese Spring ph1b and Kaixian-luohanmai with rye.
AB  - The ph-like genes in the Chinese common wheat landrace Kaixian-luohanmai (KL)
      induce homoeologous pairing in hybrids with alien species. In the present study,
      meiotic phenotypic differences on homoeologous chromosome pairing at metaphase I
      between hybrids of wheat genotypes Chinese Spring ph1b (CSph1b) and KL with rye
      were studied by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). The frequency of wheat
      wheat associations was higher in CSph1b*rye than in KL*rye. However, frequencies
      of wheat-rye and rye-rye associations were higher in KL*rye than in CSph1b*rye.
      These differences may be the result of different mechanisms of control between
      the ph-like gene(s) controlling homoeologous chromosome pairing in KL and CSph1b.
      Wheat-wheat associations were much more frequent than wheat-rye pairing in both
      hybriods. This may be caused by lower overall affinity, or homoeology, between
      wheat and rye chromosomes than between wheat chromosomes.

PMID- 22070395
TI  - Clinical aspect of reproductive immunology.

PMID- 22070396
TI  - Obesity and psychotropics.
AB  - Weight gain is on the rise in the United States as is the diagnosis and treatment
      of mental disorders. These two phenomena are distinctly separate but tend to
      overlap in that most psychotropic agents approved for use in the United States
      are associated with the potential to induce weight gain. Metabolic disorders such
      as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension are also on the rise and
      often associated with weight gain and clearly associated with certain
      psychotropic medications. This article serves to provide a succinct review
      regarding the epidemiology, etiology, and treatment options for psychotropic
      induced obesity.

PMID- 22070397
TI  - Akt and RhoA inhibition promotes anoikis of aggregated B16F10 melanoma cells.
AB  - In the highly metastatic B16F10 melanoma cell line, activation of the signalling
      molecules that promote cell proliferation and survival on conventional adhesive
      culture dishes may also be responsible for the growth and resistance to anoikis
      of aggregates on a non-adhesive substratum. We have examined the influence of
      bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferases C3-like exoenzymes, which selectively modify
      RhoA, B and C proteins and inhibit signal pathways controlled by them. RNA
      interference [siRNA (small interfering RNA) Akt (also known as protein kinase B)]
      and a PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) inhibitor were used to analyse the changes
      caused by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway. Inhibiting the activation of RhoA, B,
      C and Akt expression resulted in a decrease of the number of cells cultured in
      aggregates, and caspase 3 activation. RhoA activation and RhoB and RhoC
      expression were controlled by Akt, but not RhoA expression. Inhibiting Akt and
      RhoA reduced the expression of alpha5 integrin, and inactivated FAK (focal
      adhesion kinase) in B16F10 cells cultured as aggregates. Thus, inhibiting Rho
      subfamily proteins and Akt expression inactivates the FAK pathway and induces
      anoikis in anoikis-resistant cells. The activation of RhoA in melanoma cells can
      depend on PI3K/Akt activation, suggesting that PI3K/Akt is a suitable target for
      new therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22070398
TI  - Parents' discursive resources: analysis of discourses in Swedish, Danish and
      Norwegian health care guidelines for children with diabetes type 1.
AB  - The incidence of diabetes type 1 in children, the most common metabolic disorder
      in childhood, increases worldwide, with highest incidence in Scandinavia. Having
      diabetes means demands in everyday life, and the outcome of the child's treatment
      highly depends on parents' engagement and involvement. The aim of this study was
      to explore and describe discourses in health care guidelines for children with
      diabetes type 1, in Sweden, Norway and Denmark during 2007-2010, with a focus on
      how parents were positioned. As method a Foucauldian approach to discourse
      analysis was applied, and a six-stage model was used to perform the analysis. The
      findings shows a Medical, a Pedagogic and a Public Health discourse embedded in
      the hegemonic Expert discourse. The Expert discourse positioned parents as
      dependent on expert knowledge, as recipients of education, as valuable and
      responsible for their child's health through practicing medical skills. This
      positioning may place parents on a continuum from being deprived of their own
      initiatives to being invited to take an active part and could result in feelings
      of guilt and uncertainty, but also of security and significance. From this study
      we conclude that guidelines rooted in the Expert discourse may reduce
      opportunities for parents' voices to be heard and may overlook their knowledge.
      By broadening the selection of authors of the guidelines to include patients and
      all professionals in the team, new discourses could emerge and the parents' voice
      might be more prominent.

PMID- 22070399
TI  - Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
      and precursor lesions.

PMID- 22070400
TI  - Patient diaries as a clinical endpoint in Parkinson's disease clinical trials.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder
      with an estimated 4 million patients worldwide. L-dopa is standard, and often
      initial, therapy for patients with this condition; however, with continued
      dopaminergic treatment and as the disease progresses, the majority of patients
      experience complications such as "wearing-off" symptoms, dyskinesias, and other
      motor complications. These complications may become disabling and profoundly
      affect quality of life. Treatment modification and combination therapies with L
      dopa, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, and catechol-O
      methyltransferase inhibitors are commonly used to manage complications. In recent
      years regulatory agencies, clinical researchers, and sponsors have widely
      accepted and utilized changes in "ON" and "OFF" time measured by Patient Hauser
      Diaries as endpoints for measuring efficacy of therapeutics seeking approval for
      symptomatic treatment of PD. Successful antiparkinsonian medications have been
      associated with treatment effects of more than 1 h in either reduction of "OFF"
      time of increase in "ON" time. Accurate "ON" and "OFF" time registration during
      clinical studies requires rigorous patient training. Reduced compliance, recall
      bias and diary fatigue are common problems seen with patient diary reported
      measures. Electronic diaries may help reducing some of these problems but may be
      associated with other challenges in large, multicenter studies.

PMID- 22070401
TI  - The cholesterol hypothesis: time for the obituary?
AB  - The cholesterol hypothesis links cholesterol intake and blood levels to
      cardiovascular disease. It has had enormous impact on health care and society
      during decades, but has little or no scientific backing that is relevant for the
      human species. Apparently, the hypothesis is false and should be buried.

PMID- 22070402
TI  - Endothelial factors after selective retrograde coronary venous bypass under
      different pressures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selective retrograde coronary venous bypass (SRCVB) may be a
      promising treatment for patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). The
      aim of this study is to investigate the effect of SRCVB on plasma endothelial
      factor levels in dog myocardial ischemic model, and explore the possible
      mechanisms. METHODS: 24 crossbreed dogs were randomly divided into three groups:
      (1) control group; (2) SRCVB group with 60 mmHg perfusion pressure; (3) SRCVB
      group with 90 mmHg perfusion pressure. The posterior descending coronary artery
      (PDA) was ligated in all groups, and SRCVB was performed in the last two groups.
      The levels of plasma nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET) at different time
      points were determined in each group. In SRCVB groups, ink and imaging agent were
      injected to the heart through SVG graft for assessment of vein perfusion.
      RESULTS: At the acute period, there were significant increase in the plasma
      levels of NO and decrease in ET in SRCVB 90 mmHg group compared with the control
      (P < 0. 01), and a further improvement were found in SRCVB 60 mmHg group (P < 0.
      01). The ink or imaging agent was found in the myocardial tissue and flowed back
      to right atrium through contralateral coronary vein. CONCLUSIONS: SRCVB with low
      level of perfusion pressure could provide effective perfusion for ischemic
      myocardium and alleviate the myocardial endothelial cell injury. It may be a new
      therapeutic strategy for severe CAD.

PMID- 22070404
TI  - Approximate solutions for radial travel time and capture zone in unconfined
      aquifers.
AB  - Radial time-of-travel (TOT) capture zones have been evaluated for unconfined
      aquifers with and without recharge. The solutions of travel time for unconfined
      aquifers are rather complex and have been replaced with much simpler approximate
      solutions without significant loss of accuracy in most practical cases. The
      current "volumetric method" for calculating the radius of a TOT capture zone
      assumes no recharge and a constant aquifer thickness. It was found that for
      unconfined aquifers without recharge, the volumetric method leads to a smaller
      and less protective wellhead protection zone when ignoring drawdowns. However, if
      the saturated thickness near the well is used in the volumetric method a larger
      more protective TOT capture zone is obtained. The same is true when the
      volumetric method is used in the presence of recharge. However, for that case it
      leads to unreasonableness over the prediction of a TOT capture zone of 5 years or
      more.

PMID- 22070403
TI  - Unusual multi-step sequential Au(III)/Au(II) processes of gold(III)
      quinoxalinoporphyrins in acidic non-aqueous media.
AB  - The electrochemistry of gold(III) mono- and bis-quinoxalinoporphyrins was
      examined in CH(2)Cl(2) or PhCN containing 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate
      (TBAP) before and after the addition of trifluoroacetic acid to solution. The
      investigated porphyrins are represented as Au(PQ)PF(6) and Au(QPQ)PF(6), where P
      is the dianion of the 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrin and Q
      is a quinoxaline group fused to a beta,beta'-pyrrolic position of the porphyrin
      macrocycle; in Au(QPQ)PF(6) there is a linear arrangement where the quinoxalines
      are fused to pyrrolic positions that are opposite each other. The porphyrin
      without the fused quinoxaline groups, Au(P)PF(6), was also investigated under the
      same solution conditions. In the absence of acid, all three gold(III) porphyrins
      undergo a single reversible Au(III)/Au(II) process leading to the formation of a
      Au(II) porphyrin which can be further reduced at more negative potentials to give
      stepwise the Au(II) porphyrin pi-anion radical and dianion, respectively.
      However, in the presence of acid, the initial Au(III)/Au(II) processes of
      Au(PQ)PF(6) and Au(QPQ)PF(6) are followed by an internal electron transfer and
      protonation to regenerate new Au(III) porphyrins assigned as Au(III)(PQH)(+) and
      Au(III)(QPQH)(+). Both protonated gold(III) quinoxalinoporphyrins then undergo a
      second Au(III)/Au(II) process at more negative potentials. The electrogenerated
      monoprotonated monoquinoxalinoporphyrin, Au(II)(PQH), is then further reduced to
      its pi-anion radical and dianion forms, but this is not the case for the
      monoprotonated bis-quinoxalinoporphyrin, Au(II)(QPQH), which accepts a second
      proton and is rapidly converted to Au(III)(HQPQH)(+) before undergoing a third
      Au(III)/Au(II) process to produce Au(II)(HQPQH) as a final product. Thus,
      Au(P)PF(6) undergoes one metal-centered reduction while Au(PQ)PF(6) and
      Au(QPQ)PF(6) exhibit two and three Au(III)/Au(II) processes, respectively. These
      unusual multistep sequential Au(III)/Au(II) processes were monitored by thin
      layer spectroelectrochemistry and a reduction/oxidation mechanism for Au(PQ)PF(6)
      and Au(QPQ)PF(6) in acidic media is proposed.

PMID- 22070406
TI  - In situ oxidation study of Pt(110) and its interaction with CO.
AB  - Many interesting structures have been observed for O(2)-exposed Pt(110). These
      structures, along with their stability and reactivity toward CO, provide insights
      into catalytic processes on open Pt surfaces, which have similarities to Pt
      nanoparticle catalysts. In this study, we present results from ambient-pressure X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-pressure scanning tunneling microscopy, and
      density functional theory calculations. At low oxygen pressure, only chemisorbed
      oxygen is observed on the Pt(110) surface. At higher pressure (0.5 Torr of O(2)),
      nanometer-sized islands of multilayered alpha-PtO(2)-like surface oxide form
      along with chemisorbed oxygen. Both chemisorbed oxygen and the surface oxide are
      removed in the presence of CO, and the rate of disappearance of the surface oxide
      is close to that of the chemisorbed oxygen at 270 K. The spectroscopic features
      of the surface oxide are similar to the oxide observed on Pt nanoparticles of a
      similar size, which provides us an extra incentive to revisit some single-crystal
      model catalyst surfaces under elevated pressure using in situ tools.

PMID- 22070405
TI  - Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width in non-diabetic subjects
      with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: new indices of severity?
AB  - To evaluate Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in
      non-diabetic subjects, according to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS)
      severity and the associations of these indices with anthropometric
      characteristics and parameters of breathing function during sleep. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We included 610 non-diabetic subjects with suspected OSAS, evaluated by
      polysomnography. According to their apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), patients were
      divided into Group A (n=148) with AHI<5/h; Group B (n=121) with AHI: 5-14.9/h;
      Group C (n=85) with AHI: 15-29.9/h and Group D (n=256) with AHI >= 30/h. MPV and
      PDW were measured using an automated blood cell counter. RESULTS: MPV was
      significantly higher in group D (mean value 12.1 +/- 1.3 fl) than in groups A
      (9.8 +/- 1.1 fl), B (9.8 +/- 1.6 fl), and C (11.5 +/- 1.3 fl) (p<0.001). The same
      pattern was observed in PDW values (15.9 +/- 2.2 fl for group D and 13.2 +/- 2.2
      fl for group A, 14.1 +/- 2.8 fl for group B, and 15 +/- 2.2 fl for group C,
      p<0.001). Significant correlations were seen between MPV and AHI (p<0.001),
      average pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) (p<0.001), minimum SpO(2) (p<0.001) and
      percent of the total sleep time with SpO(2) lower than 90% (t<90%) (p<0.001)
      during sleep, Arousal Index (p<0.001) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS)
      (p=0.028). Similarly, PDW was correlated with AHI (p<0.001), average SpO(2)
      (p=0.001), minimum SpO(2) (p<0.001), t<90% (p=0.002), and Arousal Index
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MPV and PDW are higher in non-diabetic patients with
      severe OSAS and are correlated with different parameters of breathing function
      during sleep.

PMID- 22070407
TI  - Coupling stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles with antibody-antigen
      detection in immunoassays.
AB  - Because current homogeneous immunoassays show some limitations, particularly low
      sensitivity, we developed a new immunoassay to overcome these limitations. The
      approach was based on magnetic nanoparticles with a thermoresponsive polymer
      layer, a negatively charged polymer, and streptavidin-biotin-based antibody
      antigen detection and yielded higher sensitivity than commonly used heterogeneous
      immunoassays. Because no special equipment is needed, it can be applied to
      currently available absorbance-based systems for high-throughput assays.

PMID- 22070408
TI  - Temperature-responsive solid-liquid separations with charged block-copolymers of
      poly(N-isopropyl acryamide).
AB  - Temperature responsive charged block-copolymers of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
      (PNIPAM) have been used in the solid-liquid separation of alumina mineral
      particles from aqueous solution. The effects of temperature, polymer charge-sign
      and fraction of charged segment have been investigated. Batch settling and
      adsorption studies showed that rapid sedimentation results for suspensions with
      polymers of opposite charge-sign to the particle surface-charge (counterionic) at
      50  degrees C. Cooling the suspensions after flocculation at 50  degrees C was
      found to increase the final solids volume fraction of the sediment beds formed
      through a mechanism related to partial desorption of polymer and the reduction of
      the hydrophobic attraction. Suspension stability results after dosing with
      polymers of similar charge-sign to the particle surface-charge (co-ionic) at both
      25 and 50  degrees C. Increasing the amount of polymer charge increased the
      influence of polymer charge-sign on the adsorption and solid-liquid separation
      behavior. The performance of the charged block copolymers are compared to that of
      the random charged copolymer and neutral homopolymer PNIPAM structures.

PMID- 22070409
TI  - The selective phosphodiesterase 9 (PDE9) inhibitor PF-04447943 attenuates a
      scopolamine-induced deficit in a novel rodent attention task.
AB  - Numerous changes occur during aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression,
      including a decline in cholinergic functioning and cognition, as well as
      alterations in gene expression and activity in the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway. Donepezil, the current standard of care for
      Alzheimer's disease, improves cholinergic functioning and has demonstrated
      effects on multiple domains of cognition, including memory and attention in both
      preclinical species and patients. We previously found that increasing activation
      of the NO/cGMP pathway via phosphodiesterase 9 (PDE9) inhibition also improves
      memory in rodents and suggested that PDE9 might be a promising target for novel
      treatments for AD. Here we investigated whether PDE9 inhibition also enhances
      attention using a novel attention task in rats. We validated this task using
      several pharmacological manipulations and showed that the selective PDE9
      inhibitor PF-04447943 produced effects similar to those of donepezil. These data
      confirm and extend the hypothesis that PDE9 inhibition might serve as a novel
      treatment for AD and age-related cognitive decline.

PMID- 22070410
TI  - Effect of antioxidants on oxidation during the production of whey fat
      concentrate.
AB  - Whey fat has a relatively high level of unsaturated fatty acids, and as such,
      whey products with a high fat content are vulnerable to oxidation. The purposes
      of the present study were to assess the oxidative development in whey fat
      concentrate (WFC) during production and investigate the effect of the addition of
      antioxidants. Green tea extract (GTE) or a mixture of ascorbyl palmitate and
      tocopherol (AP/TOC) were used, each in two concentrations. Samples were taken
      before and after pasteurization of WFC and after drying. The level of volatile
      oxidation products decreased during processing, while dityrosine concentrations
      increased during drying. GTE reduced oxidation in both unpasteurized and
      pasteurized WFC, while the effect of AP/TOC was nonsignificant. In the WFC
      powder, there was no significant effect of the antioxidants. In conclusion,
      results indicated that GTE was able to inhibit oxidation in WFC during production
      and that AP/TOC addition had no effect.

PMID- 22070411
TI  - Tubal ligation and survival of ovarian cancer patients.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between ovarian
      cancer survival and reproductive, gynecological and hormone factors. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A prospective follow-up study was conducted in the Southeast of China.
      The cohort comprised 202 patients with histopathologically confirmed epithelial
      ovarian cancer who were enrolled during 1999-2000 and followed-up for 5years
      subsequently. One hundred and ninety five (96.5%) of the cohort or their close
      relatives were traced. Information was obtained on reproductive, gynecological
      and hormone factors prior to diagnosis, actual survival time and number of
      deaths. Cox proportional models were used to estimate mortality hazard ratios
      (HR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) for tubal ligation, adjusting
      for age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, International
      Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, histological grade of
      differentiation, cytology of ascites, and chemotherapy status. RESULTS: The HR
      was significantly increased and survival was worse in ovarian cancer patients
      with a previous tubal ligation, but not with any other reproductive,
      gynecological and hormone factor. Only 21 (38.9%) of 54 patients who had tubal
      ligation survived to the time of interview, in contrast to 95 women (67.4%) still
      alive among the 141 women without tubal ligation (P<0.001). Compared to the
      patients who had no tubal ligation, the adjusted HR was 1.62 (95% CI 1.01-2.59;
      P=0.04) for those who had tubal ligation. There was no association with age at
      menarche, menopausal status, parity, breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy,
      oral contraceptive use, and hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Previous tubal ligation was
      an independently adverse prognostic factor for epithelial ovarian cancer
      survival. Further studies that examine the relationship are warranted to confirm
      these results.

PMID- 22070412
TI  - Gene expression profile of lymphatic endothelial cells.
AB  - The lymphatic system was first described at around the same time as the blood
      circulation centuries ago, but the biological function elucidation of LECs
      (lymphatic endothelial cells) is far less than that of BVECs (blood vascular
      endothelial cells). Since the discovery of molecular markers for LECs and
      exploration of lymphatic role in tumour metastasis, more attention has been given
      to basic lymphatic research. Approx. 150 known genes were found to be expressed
      at the mRNA and protein levels by LECs. These molecules play an important role in
      lymphangiogenesis, signalling, tumour metastasis, immune function and fluid
      transport. This review provides a brief outline of gene expression profile of
      LECs and the molecular biological function, which will give the reader a better
      understanding about the mechanics of lymphatic function and some pathologies
      related to the lymphatic system such as lymphoedema, and facilitate advanced
      scientific research into lymphatic biology.

PMID- 22070414
TI  - Managing risk: a qualitative study of community-based professionals working with
      learning-disabled sex offenders.
AB  - This study reports on research conducted to examine how community practitioners
      manage the difficulties of risk assessment in relation to people with a learning
      disability and a history of sexually offensive or abusive behaviour. Semi
      structured interviews were conducted with a number of key professionals from
      various disciplines, all currently involved in the assessment process with the
      aim of determining potential referral to community settings. Data analysis
      revolved around a thematic exposition of factors influencing the relationship
      between the objective science of psychiatric investigation and the subjective
      interpretation of real-world practicalities in working with this group. Findings
      surrounded three major themes, frame conflict, relating to the difficulties of
      decision making in this area, therapeutic performance, whereby professionals were
      expected to engage in some form of active intervention, and safety outcomes,
      involving consideration of the problematic nature of judging the likelihood of re
      offending.

PMID- 22070413
TI  - On the possible use of exogenous histones in cell technology.
AB  - The prospect of developing transport systems using histones for site-specific
      delivery of therapeutic agents that have poor penetration characteristics through
      cellular membranes and tissue barriers has been investigated. Histones
      immobilized on microspheres can also be used to modify surfaces intended for cell
      cultivation, facilitating adhesion, proliferation and network formation by
      interactions of cells through contacts with several microspheres. They can be
      applied to three-dimensional pore matrices that are designed for producing tissue
      like structures in vitro.

PMID- 22070415
TI  - Negative support of significant others affects psychological adjustment in breast
      cancer patients.
AB  - Significant others play an important role in providing support in patients'
      lives, but some types of support negatively affect the patients. This study was
      conducted in early-stage breast cancer patients to examine the structure of
      support, which was provided by their significant others and assessed negatively
      by the patients, and to identify negative support relating to the psychological
      adjustment of these patients. Thus, we first conducted interviews among 28 breast
      cancer patients to identify these support items assessed as negative; next, we
      conducted a questionnaire survey using the resulting items in 109 postoperative
      patients who had early-stage breast cancer. We performed exploratory and
      confirmatory factor analyses and obtained a valid second-order factor structure,
      including superordinate factors (excessive engagement, avoidance of problems and
      underestimation) and subordinate factors (overprotection, encouragement and
      management). Among these factors, the avoidance of problems was the only factor
      to be negatively associated with psychological adjustment of the patients,
      suggesting that these patients receive problem-avoiding support. The results of
      our study suggest that such problem-avoiding support from significant others can
      be counter-productive and potentially worsen the psychological adjustment of
      breast cancer patients.

PMID- 22070416
TI  - The role of perceived benefits and costs in patients' medical decisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many decisions can be understood in terms of actors' valuations of
      benefits and costs. The article investigates whether this is also true of patient
      medical decision making. It aims to investigate (i) the importance patients
      attach to various reasons for and against nine medical decisions; (ii) how well
      the importance attached to benefits and costs predicts action or inaction; and
      (iii) how such valuations are related to decision confidence. METHODS: In a
      national random digit dial telephone survey of U.S. adults, patients rated the
      importance of various reasons for and against medical decisions they had made or
      talked to a health-care provider about during the past 2 years. Participants were
      2575 English-speaking adults age 40 and older. Data were analysed by means of
      logistic regressions predicting action/inaction and linear regressions predicting
      confidence. RESULTS: Aggregating individual reasons into those that may be
      regarded as benefits and those that may be regarded as costs, and weighting them
      by their importance to the patient, shows the expected relationship to action.
      Perceived benefits and costs are also significantly related to the confidence
      patients report about their decision. CONCLUSION: The factors patients say are
      important in their medical decisions reflect a subjective weighing of benefits
      and costs and predict action/inaction although they do not necessarily indicate
      that patients are well informed. The greater the difference between the
      importance attached to benefits and costs, the greater patients' confidence in
      their decision.

PMID- 22070417
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22070419
TI  - Weight status and health characteristics of rural Saskatchewan children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present and future health of children is significantly
      threatened by physical inactivity, poor diet, and the obesity epidemic. Limited
      studies on the health of children living in rural settings suggest that rural
      children have a higher prevalence of overweight and may not be as active as their
      urban counterparts. The purpose of this study was to examine the health behaviors
      and weight status of children aged 8 to 13 years living in rural Saskatchewan,
      Canada. METHODS: A cross-sectional health questionnaire assessed the health
      behaviors (eg physical activity, sedentary behaviors, dietary patterns) and
      perception of health status (eg very healthy, quite healthy, not very healthy) of
      99 children attending a rural school. Heights and weights were measured and used
      to calculate BMI's (kg/m2). The BMIs were used to categorize children as healthy
      weight, overweight, or obese. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of children were
      overweight (23.7%) or obese (10.3%) with a significantly higher prevalence of
      overweight/obesity in boys aged 6 to 8 years (<em>p </em><0.05). A significantly
      higher proportion of children living in town (vs living on a farm) watched two or
      more hours of television a day (<em>p </em><0.05). Many children (65%) used
      active transport (bus or car) to school or after-school activities. The majority
      of children reported they were very healthy. Most children reported eating fruit
      and vegetables more frequently, and sugared drinks and French fries less
      frequently. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of overweight/obesity in these rural children
      was high with gender differences evident at a very young age. Most children
      reported eating healthy diets but many participated in several hours of daily
      'screen time' (eg watching television or using a computer). Despite their weight
      status or patterns of physical inactivity, children perceived themselves as being
      very healthy. Understanding the health behaviors and weight status of rural
      children may assist in the development of effective health promotion programs for
      rural children.

PMID- 22070420
TI  - Models of care delivery in mental health nursing practice: a mixed method study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify the conceptual models that underpin mental
      health nursing care in clinical settings. This study is a modification of a
      previous study which evaluated the influence of implicit models of mental
      disorder on processes of decision making within community-based teams.
      Participants completed questionnaires in response to a scenario. A range of
      explanatory conceptual models were identified in respect to aetiology, treatment
      and recovery. In a forced choice the participants ranked a medical model of care
      above other models as underpinning care delivery. The content analysis found that
      the participants used a psychodynamic framework for understanding the causes of
      mental distress but described the nursing interventions in terms of supporting a
      medical model of care. Nursing care is dominated by a medical model which
      constrains mental health nursing. This potentially creates tension between what
      nurses believe to be the problem and the responses available for nurses in their
      clinical setting. A range of psychosocial approaches to mental health care
      delivery have been developed, but there seems to be problems with their
      implementation in practice. Further research is required to explore how broader
      therapeutic interventions can be implemented by nurses within multidisciplinary
      systems of mental health care delivery.

PMID- 22070422
TI  - Acne: prevalence and relationship with dietary habits in Eskisehir, Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common disease affecting adolescents. There is not
      comprehensive data on acne prevalence in the Central Anatolia Region in
      particular. Etiology of acne is not clarified yet. Acne might be related to
      environmental factors. There is increasing evidence supporting acne and diet
      relationship. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the acne
      prevalence in adolescents in the city of Eskisehir, located in the Central
      Anatolia, Turkey in addition to evaluate factors affecting acne and its
      relationship with dietary habits. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted
      on 2300 participants aged 13-18 years. The participants were asked to complete a
      questionnaire form consisting information about acne and a questionnaire form
      consisting information about dietary habits (The Adolescent Food Habits
      Checklist). In addition an objective evaluation of acne was determined. RESULTS:
      The mean age of students with acne was 15.10+/-1.53. The current acne prevalence
      was 60.7%. Although 21% of the participants had severe acne (grade 3-4) and 25%
      developed sequelaes, only 11.5% of all participants consulted a doctor. The
      participants without acne had healthier dietary habits than participants with
      acne (P<0.05). Frequent fat intake (OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.82), frequent sugar
      intake (OR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.05-1.60), frequent eating sausages, burgers (OR=1.24,
      95% CI: 1.03-1.48), frequent eating pastries, cakes (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.01-1.43)
      were associated with increased risk for acne. CONCLUSIONS: Acne prevalence is
      high among adolescents in Eskisehir but the rate of consulting doctor is low.
      Increasing public awareness is critical for convincing adolescents to seek
      medical help earlier. Acne was related with dietary habits. Fat, sugar and fast
      food consumption is found to be positively correlated with acne prevalence.

PMID- 22070421
TI  - Is response to OROS-methylphenidate treatment moderated by treatment with
      antidepressants or psychiatric comorbidity? A secondary analysis from a large
      randomized double blind study of adults with ADHD.
AB  - AIMS: The main aim of this post hoc analysis was to evaluate whether response to
      osmotic release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) was moderated by
      the concomitant use of antidepressants in attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD) adults stabilized on these medicines for the treatment of
      depression or anxiety disorders, or a history of mood, anxiety, or substance use
      disorders. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-six subjects were screened for
      participation; 227 were randomized (112 to OROS-MPH and 115 to placebo), and 223
      were analyzed (N= 109 and N= 114 for OROS-MPH and placebo, respectively).
      Subjects with anxiety disorders and depression treated with a stable medication
      regimen of non-MAOI antidepressants or benzodiazepines for at least 3 months
      could be enrolled in the study. Subjects currently receiving pharmacotherapy for
      anxiety disorders or depression were required to have Hamilton-Depression and
      Hamilton-Anxiety rating scales below 15 (mild range). RESULTS: Concomitant
      antidepressant use at baseline was not associated with ADHD response, OROS-MPH
      dose, study completion rate, adverse effects, or exacerbation of
      anxiety/depression. We did find nominally significant evidence that a lifetime
      history of mood (P= 0.09) or anxiety (P= 0.04) disorders was a moderator of ADHD
      symptoms and that a lifetime history of substance use disorder (P= 0.02) was a
      potential moderator of dose at endpoint. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We found few
      moderating effects in this large clinical trial of OROS-MPH in adults with ADHD,
      which supports the robustness of the clinical response to OROS-MPH in adult ADHD
      despite variable clinical pictures.

PMID- 22070423
TI  - Patient satisfaction as an outcome of individualised nursing care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between individualised nursing care and patient
      satisfaction has been previously found. However, there is a lack of studies
      examining this association between individualised care and patient satisfaction
      in a cross-cultural study. AIMS: This study examines the association between
      individualised care and patient satisfaction in a sample of general surgical
      patients from five European countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional design and
      survey method were used to collect data from general surgical patients (N = 1315,
      response rate 78%) in 72 inpatient wards in 26 general acute hospitals' in 2009
      using self-completed questionnaires the Individualised Care Scale and the Patient
      Satisfaction Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson
      correlation coefficients and multiple stepwise regression analyses. RESULTS:
      Surgical patients reported that the care they received was only moderately
      individualised overall, but individuality was taken into account well in
      patients' clinical situation and decisional control over care. Patients were
      satisfied with their care, mostly with the technical aspects of care and least
      with the information given. There were between-country differences in patients'
      perceptions of individuality in care and patient satisfaction. A positive
      correlation between the level of individualised care received and patient
      satisfaction was found, confirming that individualised nursing care delivery
      influences patients' satisfaction with care and demonstrating that this quality
      of care indicator might be able to be used as a predictor of patient
      satisfaction, one outcome of care. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study
      strengthen previous results and further reporting the existence of a relationship
      and the positive correlation between individualised care and patient
      satisfaction. The results can inform administrative decisions and policy on
      introducing nursing approaches to care that would increase patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22070425
TI  - Profile of inflammatory mediators in gestational diabetes mellitus: phenotype and
      genotype.
AB  - PROBLEM: Our study aimed to assess in vitro production of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-A, and
      adiponectin serum levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes
      mellitus (GDM) and to investigate a possible association between GDM and IL-10
      1082 A>G (rs1800896), IL-6-174 G>C (rs1800795), TNF-A-308 G>A (rs1800629),
      adiponectin +45 T>G (rs2241766), and adiponectin-11377 C>G (rs266729) gene
      polymorphisms. METHOD OF STUDY: This case-control study included 79 women with
      GDM and 169 healthy controls (C) grouped according to pre-pregnancy BMI. IL-10,
      IL-6, and TNF-A culture supernatant and adiponectin serum levels were assessed by
      ELISA. DNA genotype was performed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels were
      significantly higher in C than GDM women, even within the same BMI category.
      Cytokines levels were similar between the groups. There were no associations
      between GDM and the analyzed gene polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Women with GDM have
      significantly lower adiponectin levels in the third trimester, regardless of BMI.

PMID- 22070424
TI  - Proteome driven re-evaluation and functional annotation of the Streptococcus
      pyogenes SF370 genome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genome data of Streptococcus pyogenes SF370 has been widely used
      by many researchers and provides a vast array of interesting findings.
      Nevertheless, approximately 40% of genes remain classified as hypothetical
      proteins, and several coding sequences (CDSs) have been unrecognized. In this
      study, we attempted a shotgun proteomic analysis with a six-frame database that
      was independent of genome annotation. RESULTS: Nine proteins encoded by novel
      ORFs were found by shotgun proteomic analysis, and their specific mRNAs were
      verified by reverse transcriptional PCR (RT-PCR). We also provided functional
      annotations for hypothetical genes using proteomic analysis from three different
      culture conditions that were separated into three fractions: supernatant,
      soluble, and insoluble. Consequently, we identified 567 proteins on re-evaluation
      of the proteomic data using an in-house database comprising 1,697 annotated and
      nine non-annotated CDSs. We provided functional annotations for 126 hypothetical
      proteins (18.9% out of the 668 hypothetical proteins) based on their cellular
      fractions and expression profiles under different culture conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The list of amino acid sequences that were annotated by genome
      analysis contains outdated information and unrecognized protein-coding sequences.
      We suggest that the six-frame database derived from actual DNA sequences be used
      for reliable proteomic analysis. In addition, the experimental evidence from
      functional proteomic analysis is useful for the re-evaluation of previously
      sequenced genomes.

PMID- 22070426
TI  - Adolescent client views towards the treatment of anorexia nervosa: a review of
      the literature.
AB  - This paper reviews current literature in which adolescents with anorexia nervosa
      (AN) were consulted about their views of their treatment. Published research was
      systematically retrieved and interrogated during 2009-2010 and analysed using a
      four-stage model. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Three core themes
      were identified. AN was perceived as a means of taking control and also something
      that controlled the individual. Tensions were recognized between client
      preferences for psychological interventions and treatments that prioritized
      physical care. Therapeutic alliance emerged as a strategy for overcoming these
      difficulties but was challenged by client ambivalence towards treatment. Most
      included studies were qualitative. Young males and individuals who dropped out of
      treatment were underrepresented in the studies. Adolescents' perspectives on
      treatment for AN were characterized by paradoxes and tensions. Egosyntonic theory
      was used as a theoretical construct to interpret findings.

PMID- 22070427
TI  - Early age-related macular degeneration in patients with myocardial infarction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of early age-related macular degeneration
      (AMD) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Enrolled in the
      study were 262 acute MI patients (MI group), aged 40-64 years, as well as 1,155
      non-MI persons, aged 40-64 years, from a random sample (reference group) of the
      Kaunas population. RESULTS: The prevalence of early AMD in the random sample was
      7.3%, while in MI patients, the prevalence was 54.5% (P < 0.001). For all age
      groups, the prevalence of early AMD was significantly (P < 0.005) higher in MI
      patients than in reference-group persons. In the reference group, the prevalence
      of early AMD increased significantly with age, whereas no such trend was observed
      in the MI group. At the 45- to 54-year-olds, the prevalence was significantly
      higher in males than in females (9.9% vs. 3.7%; P < 0.05) in the reference group,
      while overall, the prevalence of early AMD in the males and females of the much
      larger reference group was 8.6% versus 6.2%, respectively (P > 0.05). It
      increased more with age for females (3.7% and 10.8% at the age 45-54 and 55-64
      years, P < 0.05, respectively) while in males, frequency of AMD did not differ
      significantly between latter age groups (9.9% vs. 11.6%; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      We conclude that the prevalence of early AMD is significantly higher in patients
      with MI than in a random sample of the population.

PMID- 22070428
TI  - Recent history provides sustainable African water quality project insight.
AB  - Small-scale projects to provide clean drinking water undertaken in the developing
      world can contribute to significantly improving the livelihood of rural
      communities. There has been a historical tendency to poorly plan such projects
      leading to an unsustainable future. Recent history indicates three simple steps
      to ensuring successful and enduring clean water projects. First, identification
      of need by the indigenous community provides ownership in the project. Second, a
      partnership between key individuals in the indigenous community with the donor
      provides for ambassadors on both sides of the project. Finally, an exit strategy
      by the donors for the indigenous communities ensures local sustainability for the
      future. The study site is the village of Geisha in northern Malawi, Africa.
      Sustainable implementation approaches are discussed in this case study as well as
      the various lessons learned. Improved project processes ensure sustainable small
      scale water quality projects by donor organizations in developing countries.

PMID- 22070429
TI  - Acupuncture for anxiety.
AB  - This review aims to examine the volume and quality of the evidence base which
      supports the use of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety disorders. A
      literature review was conducted using Pubmed, Google scholar, AMED, BMJ, Embase,
      Psychinfo, Cochrane library, Ingenta connect, and Cinahl databases. Keywords were
      "anxiety,""anxious,""panic,""stress,""phobia," and "acupuncture" limited to year
      2000 onwards and English language where available. The quality of research
      examining the use of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety disorders is
      extremely variable. There is enormous variety regarding points used, number of
      points used in a session, duration of sessions, frequency of treatment and
      duration of treatment programme. While the generally poor methodological quality,
      combined with the wide range of outcome measures used, number and variety of
      points, frequency of sessions, and duration of treatment makes firm conclusions
      difficult. Against this, the volume of literature, consistency of statistically
      significant results, wide range of conditions treated and use of animal test
      subjects suggests very real, positive outcomes using a treatment method preferred
      by a population of individuals who tend to be resistant to conventional medicine.

PMID- 22070431
TI  - Film stability during postassembly morphological changes in polyelectrolyte
      multilayers due to acid and base exposure.
AB  - The mechanism of the transition from a continuous morphology to a porous
      morphology within polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) of linear poly(ethylene
      imine) (LPEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride)
      (PAH) and PAA assembled by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is examined. These
      morphological changes were created by both acidic and basic postassembly
      treatments. Basic postassembly treatment is shown to create different types of
      porosity than acidic postassembly treatment. The morphological variation from the
      introduction of porosity to the collapse of these porous structures and the
      dissolution of films under postassembly treatments was observed by AFM, optical
      microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and SEM. These morphological
      transitions which are a result of structural rearrangement of weak
      polyelectrolytes due to pH changes are closely related to the neutralization of
      the polycations and the ionization of polyanions. Results obtained from FTIR
      spectroscopy and QCM confirm that polyelectrolytes are being selectively or
      partially released from the polyelectrolyte multilayers thin films (PEMs) in
      response to the pH treatment as a function of exposure time. In conclusion, here
      new information is presented about the structural reorganization found in a
      number of weak polyelectrolyte systems. This information will be useful in
      designing functional materials based on polyelectrolytes.

PMID- 22070433
TI  - Comment on "Optimized preprocessing of ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography/mass spectrometry urinary metabolic profiles for improved
      information recovery".

PMID- 22070432
TI  - Membrane-assisted online renaturation for automated microfluidic lectin blotting.
AB  - Aberrant glycosylation plays a pivotal role in a diverse set of diseases,
      including cancer. A microfluidic lectin blotting platform is introduced to enable
      and expedite the identification of protein glycosylation based on protein size
      and affinity for specific lectins. The integrated multistage assay eliminates
      manual intervention steps required for slab-gel lectin blotting, increases total
      assay throughput, limits reagent and sample consumption, and is completed using
      one instrument. The assay comprises non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by online post-sizing SDS
      filtration and lectin-based affinity blotting. Important functionality is
      conferred through both device and assay advances that enable integration of
      nanoporous membranes flanking a central microchamber to create sub-nanoliter
      volume compartments that trap SDS-protein complexes and allow electrophoretic SDS
      removal with buffer exchange. Recapitulation of protein binding for lectin was
      optimized through quantitative assessment of SDS-treated green fluorescent
      protein. Immunoglobulin A1 aberrantly glycosylated with galactose-deficient O
      glycans was probed in ~6 min using ~3 MUL of sample. This new microfluidic lectin
      blotting platform provides a rapid and automated assay for the assessment of
      aberrant glycosylation.

PMID- 22070434
TI  - Toll-like receptors and diabetes: a therapeutic perspective.
AB  - Diabetes is a mutifactorial metabolic disorder that leads to a number of
      complications. Diabetes is estimated to affect 36 million people in the U.S.A.,
      and the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes is at 9.3% and continues
      to rise. Evidence from experimental animal models as well as humans has indicated
      that systemic inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiological processes of
      diabetes and is facilitated by innate immune responses. TLRs (Toll-like
      receptors) are key innate immune receptors that recognize conserved PAMPs
      (pathogen-associated molecular patterns), induce inflammatory responses essential
      for host defences and initiate an adaptive immune response. Although TLR
      expression is increased in a plethora of inflammatory disorders, the effects of
      metabolic aberrations on TLRs and their role in diabetes and its complications is
      still emerging. In the present paper, we provide a systematic review on how TLRs
      play a detrimental role in the pathogenic processes [increased blood sugar, NEFAs
      (non-esterified 'free' fatty acids), cytokines and ROS (reactive oxygen species)]
      that manifest diabetes. Furthermore, we will highlight some of the therapeutic
      strategies targeted at decreasing TLRs to abrogate inflammation in diabetes that
      may eventually result in decreased complications.

PMID- 22070435
TI  - Equal access for Medicaid beneficiaries--the Supreme Court and the Douglas cases.

PMID- 22070436
TI  - Great expectations: a systematic review of the literature on the role of family
      carers in severe mental illness, and their relationships and engagement with
      professionals.
AB  - As community care has become embedded in the U.K. as in much of the western world
      more responsibility for psychosocial care has been placed on family carers. A
      systematic review of the literature about the role of family carers supporting a
      relative with severe mental illness and their relationships and engagement with
      professionals was carried out. The review aimed to find out what professionals
      expected of family carers and what family carers expected of themselves. Themes
      were identified: the distinct and personal nature of family caring, potentially
      effective family caring, barriers to effective caring and ways to overcome
      barriers. There were expectations that family carers were obligated to help
      support effective care, but that the rights to enable carers to fulfil these
      obligations were not consistently upheld. Barriers to upholding rights include:
      types of service provision, professional attitudes to communication and
      engagement with carers, and carer ability to cope. Recommendations for practice
      included: service provision aimed at including carers, more empathic
      communication by professionals, and a covenant between mental health services and
      people who depend on them. The idea of a covenant requires more discussion and
      research is needed into what is expected of family carers.

PMID- 22070437
TI  - Naturopathic medicine and public health: teaming up for a transformative
      tomorrow.

PMID- 22070439
TI  - The intersecting paradigms of naturopathic medicine and public health:
      opportunities for naturopathic medicine.
AB  - Complementary medicine research, including naturopathic medicine research, is
      plagued with many methodological challenges. Many of these challenges have also
      been experienced in public health research. Public health research has met these
      challenges with a long history of multidisciplinary, multimethod, and whole
      systems approaches to research that may better resonate with the ?real world?
      clinical settings of naturopathic medicine. Additionally, many of the underlying
      principles of naturopathic medicine are analogous to the underlying principles
      and activities of public health, specifically in such areas as health promotion,
      prevention, patient education, and proactive rather than reactive approaches to
      disease management and treatment. Future research in the field of naturopathic
      medicine may benefit from adopting public health research models rather than
      focusing exclusively on biomedical models. A complementary and collaborative
      relationship between these fields may provide an opportunity to deliver research
      that more accurately reflects naturopathic medicine practice, as well as
      providing the opportunity to improve health outcomes more generally.

PMID- 22070438
TI  - Reduced health resource use after acupuncture for low-back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acupuncture is commonly used to treat low-back pain (LBP) and
      clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy. However, less is known about how
      the utilization of acupuncture impacts public health service utilization in the
      real world. This study investigates the association between acupuncture
      utilization for LBP and health care utilization by assessing whether patients who
      undergo acupuncture subsequently use fewer health care resources and whether
      those patients differ in their health care use from the general population with
      LBP. DESIGN: This study employed the design of a two-group pre/post secondary
      data analysis. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: There were two study populations. To
      identify patients who received acupuncture for LBP in 2000, patient charts at
      Alberta registered acupuncture clinics were reviewed. The comparison group was
      identified from the Alberta physician claims administrative database. Acupuncture
      group cases were matched with four comparison cases from the general population
      with LBP based on gender and age. OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of physician visits
      and physician service cost for LBP-related services for 1 year pre- and
      postacupuncture treatment period were calculated from the physician claims data
      for both study groups. RESULTS: For the 201 cases and 804 controls, the mean age
      was 48 years and 54% were female. The number of physician visits for the 1-year
      period postacupuncture decreased 49% for the acupuncture group (p<0.01) compared
      to the 1-year period preacupuncture. For the comparison there was a decrease of
      2% in physician visits (p=0.59) for the same time periods. Corresponding to the
      decrease, physician services cost declined 37% for the case group (p=0.01) and 1%
      for the comparison (p=0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that patients with LBP
      were less likely to visit physicians for LBP after acupuncture treatment. This
      led to reduced health services spending on LBP.

PMID- 22070441
TI  - A case of aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole)-induced side-effects successfully
      treated with Kampo medicines.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is the fourth most frequent cause of death, and it is
      currently the most frequent cause of death among Japanese women. As to breast
      cancer therapy, lengthy hormonal therapy is very important for the treatment and
      prevention of recurrence. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the initial drug of
      choice for postoperative adjuvant therapy of breast cancer in Japan. AIs require
      long-term use and occasionally cause serious side-effects. In this report, the
      effects of Kampo medicines (Japanese traditional medicines) on AIs-induced side
      effects are described. SUBJECT: A 55-year-old woman visited the Kampo outpatient
      department of Chiba University Hospital for atypical genital bleeding and
      arthralgia. At the age of 54, she suffered from left breast cancer and underwent
      left total mastectomy followed by chemotherapy for 6 months. Afterwards, 1 mg/day
      of anastrozole, one of the AIs, was used for therapy. Three (3) months later,
      atypical genital bleeding from vaginal mucosa and joint pains of bilateral hands
      and knees occurred as side-effects of anastrozole. Her attending doctor could
      only prescribe nonsteroidal external medicine for the inflammation of vaginal
      mucosa and do close follow-up. However, her symptoms showed no improvement.
      INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME: Her deficiency of both ki (qi) and ketsu (Blood) was
      diagnosed based on Kampo diagnostics. Juzentaihoto was used for treatment. After
      taking juzentaihoto for 5 weeks, the atypical genital bleeding disappeared, and
      she no longer need topical medicine. Because her arthralgia showed no
      improvement, powdered processed aconitine root was added. After taking 3.0 g/day
      of this medication, her arthralgia almost completely disappeared. CONCLUSIONS:
      Controlling the side-effects is a clinical issue from the viewpoint of adherence
      to drug treatment. Kampo therapy should be considered one of the choices for side
      effects in the process of cancer treatment.

PMID- 22070442
TI  - The relationship between dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint status and
      general body health: part 1. Dental occlusion and TMJ status exert an influence
      on general body health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been varied studies that have suggested a relationship
      between dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status and general body
      health. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the systematic relationships and
      corresponding action mechanisms between them. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this
      part of study was to review the relationships between dental occlusion/TMJ status
      and systemic body health based on the published literature. METHODS: This study,
      based mostly on peer-reviewed specialist articles, has determined that dental
      occlusion/TMJ status exerts an influence on (1) synchronization of head and jaw
      muscles with the muscles from other body sites for proper body posture; (2) body
      stability such as body equilibrium (balance), center of gravity fluctuation, and
      gaze stability; and (3) physical performance along with physical fitness.
      CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, these relationships should be further investigated and
      extended to the whole body, and the action mechanisms should be elucidated.

PMID- 22070443
TI  - Attitude of conventional and CAM physicians toward CAM in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare the attitude toward
      complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) of primary care physicians trained
      in conventional medicine with CAM physicians whose training was for a comparable
      duration. The CAM physicians included practitioners of Ayurveda, homeopathy, and
      naturopathy. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and ninety five (295) physicians with aged
      20-60 (group mean+/-standard deviation, 48.2-12.3 years, 87 females)
      participated. Eighty-six (86) of them were trained in Ayurveda, 90 in homeopathy,
      82 in conventional medicine, and 37 in naturopathy. They were attending a 4-day
      residential program on Indian culture. All of them gave their signed consent to
      take part in the study, and the institution's ethics committee approved the
      study. STUDY DESIGN: The study was a cross-sectional survey. Since the
      participants had self-selected to join for the program on Indian culture, the
      sampling could be considered as convenience sampling. RESULTS: The number of
      conventionally trained and CAM physicians were similar in number and in their
      reasons for selecting CAM treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Conventionally trained and CAM
      physicians were comparably likely to prescribe CAM treatments for their patients.
      Their reasons for prescribing CAM treatments appeared to be (1) the idea that CAM
      treatments deal with the cause, and (2) a belief in the treatments. A limiting
      factor of the survey is that it did not determine whether the belief was based on
      evidence or on faith alone.

PMID- 22070444
TI  - Clinical handover in acute psychiatric and community mental health settings.
AB  - This study collected an area-wide snapshot of current handover practice in
      psychiatric settings which included acute care units and community mental health
      centres. The study was conducted in two stages. Firstly, a questionnaire was sent
      to all clinical mental health staff within an area-wide health service regarding
      normal handover procedures and processes. The second part of the study used non
      participant observers to evaluate actual handovers in inpatient and community
      settings. Of the 1125 surveys distributed in stage one, 380 (34%) were returned
      completed. Of the 40 handovers observed in stage two in which 637 patients were
      discussed, 40% included at least one consultant psychiatrist or registrar as a
      participant. Almost all the handovers were completed face-to-face in a specific
      location with a set time and duration. Eighty-six per cent of respondents
      reported that deteriorating patients were escalated for rapid response. The
      results of the survey and structured observations support the issues emerging
      from the literature from medical, surgical and clinical team handovers.
      Additionally, the issue of identifiers for deterioration of a psychiatric patient
      emerged as an area worthy of further investigation and incorporation into
      clinical handover education and training for psychiatric services.

PMID- 22070445
TI  - Developing written information on osteoarthritis for patients: facilitating user
      involvement by exposure to qualitative research.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In developing a guidebook on osteoarthritis (OA), we collaborated
      with people who have chronic joint pain (users). But to advise, users need to be
      aware of and sensitive about their own state of knowledge and educationalists
      argue that adults sometimes lack such awareness. This paper will report on our
      experience of providing users with findings from qualitative research to increase
      awareness of their level of knowledge. METHOD: A summary of the results from
      qualitative research into people's experiences of living with chronic pain was
      sent to individual members of two groups of users. It was then used to structure
      group meetings held to help identify information needed for the guidebook.
      FINDINGS: Some users found the summary difficult to read and suggested how to
      simplify it. Nevertheless, it helped most users to become aware of the
      experiences and views of others who have OA and thus become more sensitive to
      their own level of knowledge. It also helped them recall experiences that
      stimulated practical suggestions for managing joint pain in everyday life and
      provided a way of gently challenging the views of users when they appeared to
      assume that their views were widely held. The discussions brought to light gaps
      in the research literature. CONCLUSION: We believe this way of involving users by
      exposing them to qualitative research findings about lay experiences of living
      with OA effectively facilitated the users' contributions to the needs of those
      who have to live with OA, and we believe it has wider applications.

PMID- 22070446
TI  - Efficacy of passive uterine straightening during intrauterine insemination on
      pregnancy rates and ease of technique.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of passive uterine
      straightening during intrauterine insemination (IUI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      randomized controlled trial was conducted at Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Pediatric
      Research and Training Hospital. Participants were 460 women with unexplained
      infertility. Interventions were IUI by passive straightening of the uterus by
      means of bladder filling, or IUI performed with an empty bladder. Main outcome
      measures included pregnancy rate and difficulty of IUI. RESULTS: Four hundred and
      sixty couples were allocated: 230 couples were allocated to the full bladder
      group, and 230 couples were allocated to the empty bladder group (control). The
      pregnancy rate was higher in the full bladder group than in the empty bladder
      (control) group (P=0.03, 13.5% vs 7.4%; relative risk [RR] 1.95 for pregnant
      patients; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.048-3.637). The risk of undergoing
      difficult IUI was higher in the empty bladder group than the full bladder group
      (P<0.001; 10.0% vs 37.8%, RR 0.18 for difficulty IUI; 95% CI 0.11-0.30). The
      clinical pregnancy rate was also higher in the group of patients who had easy IUI
      than in the group of patients who had difficult IUI (P<0.05, 12.7% [42/331] vs
      5.5% [6/110]); RR 2.51 for pregnancy; 95% CI 1.04-6.09). CONCLUSION: Passive
      straightening of the uterus makes the procedure less difficult and improves the
      clinical pregnancy rate.

PMID- 22070447
TI  - Health and well-being as drivers of global success.

PMID- 22070448
TI  - Concern as motivation for protection: an investigation of mothers' concern about
      daughters' breast cancer risk.
AB  - The present study surveyed mothers with daughters (N = 386) to investigate how
      mothers' concern about their daughters' breast cancer risk influenced intentions
      to engage in preventive behaviors. Using protection motivation theory as a
      framework, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and level of concern were posited to
      influence protective behavioral intention in distinct ways. Results from
      regression analyses indicate that self-efficacy, response efficacy, and mothers'
      concern are significant predictors of intentions to engage in preventive
      behaviors with daughters. In addition, a content analysis of mothers' open-ended
      reasons for their concern about their daughters' breast cancer risk yield a list
      of specific concerns and trends that vary by concern level and individual comment
      valence. The authors discuss implications for incorporating mothers' concerns
      into breast cancer prevention messages as a novel strategy for campaign
      designers.

PMID- 22070449
TI  - Predictors of supportive message expression and reception in an interactive
      cancer communication system.
AB  - Social support in computer-mediated settings is an important variable in health
      communication research, yet little is known about the factors that influence the
      amount of social support one gives and receives in online support groups. To shed
      some light on this issue, the authors examined demographics, disease-related
      factors, psychosocial factors, and strategies for coping with breast cancer as
      potential determinants of which patients provide support to others and which ones
      consume it. Data collected from 177 participants in the Comprehensive Health
      Enhancement Support System "Living With Breast Cancer" program revealed that
      individuals who are younger, have higher levels of positive reframing, and lower
      levels of self-blame are more likely to provide emotional support in online
      settings. In contrast, individuals who are more educated, have less perceived
      availability of social support, and have lower levels of religious coping are
      more likely to receive emotional support from others. The authors discuss the
      theoretical and practical implications for providing effective psychosocial
      support for women with breast cancer.

PMID- 22070451
TI  - Comparison of recipient outcomes following transplant from local versus imported
      pancreas donors.
AB  - The shortage of deceased donor organs for solid organ transplantation continues
      to be an ongoing dilemma. One approach to increase the number of pancreas
      transplants is to share organs between procurement regions. To assess for the
      effects of organ importation, we reviewed the outcomes of 1014 patients
      undergoing deceased donor pancreas transplant at a single center. We performed
      univariate and multivariate analyses of the association of donor, recipient and
      surgical characteristics with patient outcomes. Organ importation had no effect
      on graft or recipient survival for recipients of solitary pancreas transplants.
      Similarly, there was no effect on technical failure rate, graft survival or long
      term patient survival for simultaneous kidney-pancreas (SPK) recipients. In
      contrast, there was a significant and independent increased risk of death in the
      first year in SPK recipients of imported organs. SPK recipients had longer
      hospitalizations and increased hospital costs. This increased medical complexity
      may make these patients more susceptible to short-term complications resulting
      from the longer preservation times of import transplants. These findings support
      the continued use of organ sharing to reduce transplant wait times but highlight
      the importance of strategies to reduce organ preservation times.

PMID- 22070452
TI  - Nurse-led delivery of specialist supportive care for bipolar disorder: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The aim of the study is (1) to assess the feasibility of delivering nurse-led
      specialist supportive care as an adjunct to usual care in the clinical setting;
      (2) to examine the relationship between the delivery of specialist supportive
      care and improved self-efficacy and functioning and reduced depressive symptoms.
      A randomized controlled trial of the clinical effectiveness of specialist
      supportive care as an adjunct to usual care was conducted in community mental
      health services at one site. Participants were randomized to either usual care or
      usual care and the adjunctive intervention. Self-report measures of depression,
      general functioning and self-efficacy were completed by participants in both
      groups at baseline and 9 months. The intervention was delivered parallel to usual
      treatment arrangements. While recruitment numbers were sufficient, a low rate of
      engagement meant we were unable to show significant differences in depressive
      symptoms or self-efficacy between the usual care group and the specialist
      supportive care plus usual care group. This study demonstrated that it was
      difficult to engage patients with bipolar disorder in specialist supportive care
      when they were currently in a mood episode and under the care of community mental
      health services.

PMID- 22070453
TI  - SCORAD 75: a new metric for assessing treatment outcomes in atopic dermatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) is a well-established severity
      scoring tool for atopic dermatitis (AD). Dead Sea climatotherapy (DSC) is a
      natural selective balneo-phototherapy utilized for many years to treat severe AD.
      The study's goal was to evaluate the impact of DSC on AD patients through
      assessment of SCORAD scores and to identify parameters associated with greater
      improvement. METHODS: The files of 78 European patients (37 male patients and 41
      female patients, mean age 37.8 years) with AD undergoing DSC were included in
      this retrospective study. Three sub-groups were delineated based on disease
      severity (as determined using the SCORAD). Demographic and clinical parameters as
      well as treatment characteristics--maximal and cumulative sun exposure doses-
      were recorded. SCORAD values were again recorded for assessment of treatment
      response. SCORAD 75 was defined as >=75% decrease in SCORAD values following
      therapy. Statistical analysis including logistic regression models was used in
      multivariable analysis. RESULTS: After an average of 30 days of treatment, mean
      SCORAD values dropped from 50.5 to 11 (76.7%, P<0.001). 64.1% of all patients,
      regardless of sub-group, reached SCORAD 75, whereas 78.9% of patients with severe
      disease achieved this result. In a multivariate logistic regression, factors
      associated with achieving SCORAD 75 were maximal sun exposure, family history of
      AD and age at disease onset (P=0.002, P=0.009 and P=0.040 respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Dead Sea climatotherapy is a particularly effective treatment method
      for the sub-population of adults with severe AD. The SCORAD 75 can be useful for
      defining sub-populations in which treatment is more likely to be successful.

PMID- 22070455
TI  - Care as a matter of courage: vulnerability, suffering and ethical formation in
      nursing care.
AB  - The aim of the study was to explore nurses' experience of how their own
      vulnerability and suffering influence their ethical formation and their capacity
      to provide professional care when they are confronted with the patient's
      vulnerability and suffering. Care is shaped in the meeting between human beings.
      Professional care is informed by the patient's appeal for help as it is expressed
      in the meeting. Ethical formation is understood as a personal ethical and
      existential process, resulting in the capacity to provide professional care. A
      nurse must have the sense of being a complete human being with own personal
      attributes and sensitivity in order to be able to relate to other people. The
      study is based on qualitative interviews with 23 experienced nurses from Sweden,
      Finland and Denmark. The analyses and interpretation were carried out in line
      with Steinar Kvale's three levels of interpretation. The study clarifies that
      ethical formation is a union of the nurse's personal attributes and professional
      qualifications and that ethical formation is developed over time. Moreover, it
      also demonstrates that the nurse's personal and professional life experiences of
      vulnerability and suffering influence ethical formation. Vulnerability and
      suffering have proven to be sensitive issues for nurses, like a sore point that
      either serve as an eye-opener or cause the development of blind spots.
      Furthermore, vulnerability, suffering and the sore points are seen to shape the
      nurse's courage in relation to care. Courage appears to be a significant unifying
      phenomenon that manifests itself as the courage to help patients face their own
      vulnerability and suffering, to bear witness to patients' vulnerability and
      suffering and to have faith in oneself in arguing for and providing professional
      care. Courage thus seems to play a significant role in nurses' ability to engage
      in care. Nurses' own vulnerability, suffering and sore points seem to shape their
      courage.

PMID- 22070454
TI  - Loss-of-function mutations affecting a specific Glycine max R2R3 MYB
      transcription factor result in brown hilum and brown seed coats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although modern soybean cultivars feature yellow seed coats, with the
      only color variation found at the hila, the ancestral condition is black seed
      coats. Both seed coat and hila coloration are due to the presence of
      phenylpropanoid pathway derivatives, principally anthocyanins. The genetics of
      soybean seed coat and hilum coloration were first investigated during the
      resurgence of genetics during the 1920s, following the rediscovery of Mendel's
      work. Despite the inclusion of this phenotypic marker into the extensive genetic
      maps developed for soybean over the last twenty years, the genetic basis behind
      the phenomenon of brown seed coats (the R locus) has remained undetermined until
      now. RESULTS: In order to identify the gene responsible for the r gene effect
      (brown hilum or seed coat color), we utilized bulk segregant analysis and
      identified recombinant lines derived from a population segregating for two
      phenotypically distinct alleles of the R locus. Fine mapping was accelerated
      through use of a novel, bioinformatically determined set of Simple Sequence
      Repeat (SSR) markers which allowed us to delimit the genomic region containing
      the r gene to less than 200 kbp, despite the use of a mapping population of only
      100 F6 lines. Candidate gene analysis identified a loss of function mutation
      affecting a seed coat-specific expressed R2R3 MYB transcription factor gene
      (Glyma09g36990) as a strong candidate for the brown hilum phenotype. We observed
      a near perfect correlation between the mRNA expression levels of the functional R
      gene candidate and an UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UF3GT) gene,
      which is responsible for the final step in anthocyanin biosynthesis. In contrast,
      when a null allele of Glyma09g36990 is expressed no upregulation of the UF3GT
      gene was found. CONCLUSIONS: We discovered an allelic series of four loss of
      function mutations affecting our R locus gene candidate. The presence of any one
      of these mutations was perfectly correlated with the brown seed coat/hilum
      phenotype in a broadly distributed survey of soybean cultivars, barring the
      presence of the epistatic dominant I allele or gray pubescence, both of which can
      mask the effect of the r allele, resulting in yellow or buff hila. These findings
      strongly suggest that loss of function for one particular seed coat-expressed
      R2R3 MYB gene is responsible for the brown seed coat/hilum phenotype in soybean.

PMID- 22070456
TI  - Late-onset bipolar illness: the geriatric bipolar type VI.
AB  - In parallel to considerable progress in understanding and treatment of bipolarity
      and despite growing interest in old age psychiatry, late-onset bipolar illness
      (LOBI) has remained relatively understudied so far, probably in reason of its
      complexity. To update available data, a systematic review was conducted, focusing
      on the main issues addressed in literature in regard to this topic. In addition
      to data on epidemiology, clinical features and treatment, five main issues could
      be identified: LOBI as secondary disorder, LOBI as expression of a lower
      vulnerability to the disease, LOBI as subform of pseudodementia, LOBI as risk
      factor for developing dementia, and LOBI as bipolar type VI (bipolarity in the
      context of dementia like processes). Levels of available evidence were found to
      vary according to the addressed issue. Although the concept of bipolar type VI
      could be criticized for subsuming under one single heading all the four other
      issues, this concept may be of pragmatic value in helping clinicians to orientate
      both diagnosis process and treatment decisions. Among others, the question as to
      whether some forms of bipolar type VI could constitute a special risk factor for
      developing dementia deserves further investigation. More studies are also needed
      to better disentangle the effects of age at onset from those of age itself.

PMID- 22070457
TI  - CD47-deficient mice have decreased production of intestinal IgA following oral
      immunization but a maintained capacity to induce oral tolerance.
AB  - Signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPalpha/CD172a), expressed by myeloid cells
      including CD11b(+)  dendritic cells, interacts with ubiquitously expressed CD47
      to mediate cell-cell signalling and therefore, may be pivotal in the development
      of tolerance or immunity. We show that in mice deficient in CD47 (CD47(-/-) ) the
      cellularity in gut-associated lymphoid tissues is reduced by 50%. In addition,
      the frequency of CD11b(+)  CD172a(+)  dendritic cells is significantly reduced in
      the gut and mesenteric lymph nodes, but not in Peyer's patches. Activation of
      ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4(+)  T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes after
      feeding OVA is reduced in CD47(-/-)  mice compared with wild-type however,
      induction of oral tolerance is maintained. The addition of cholera toxin
      generated normal serum anti-OVA IgG and IgA titres but resulted in reduced
      intestinal anti-OVA IgA in CD47(-/-)  mice. Replacing the haematopoietic
      compartment in CD47(-/-)  mice with wild-type cells restored neither the
      cellularity in gut-associated lymphoid tissues nor the capacity to produce
      intestinal anti-OVA IgA following immunization. This study demonstrates that CD47
      signalling is dispensable for oral tolerance induction, whereas the expression of
      CD47 by non-haematopoietic cells is required for intestinal IgA B-cell responses.
      This suggests that differential CD4 T cell functions control tolerance and
      enterotoxin-induced IgA immunity in the gut.

PMID- 22070458
TI  - Outer retinal oxygen consumption of rat by phosphorescence lifetime imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since the metabolic function of the retinal tissue is altered due to
      physiologic changes or disease, measurements of outer retinal oxygen consumption
      (Q(OR)) may be beneficial in assessment of retinal status. The purpose of this
      study was to report measurements of Q(OR) in rats using a phosphorescence
      lifetime imaging technique. METHODS: Phosphorescence lifetime imaging was
      performed and retinal PO(2) maps were generated in 10 rats under a light-adapted
      condition. Depth-resolved retinal PO(2) profiles were derived from the PO(2)
      maps. From the profiles, the maximum outer retina PO(2) (P(max)O(2)) was obtained
      and Q(OR) was calculated using a one-dimensional oxygen diffusion model.
      Repeatability, inter-location variability, and inter-subject variability of
      P(max)O(2) and Q(OR) measurements were established. RESULTS: Intraclass
      correlation coefficients of repeated measurements of P(max)O(2) and Q(OR) were
      0.89 and 0.70, respectively (P < 0.001). Inter-location variability of P(max)O(2)
      and Q(OR) measurements at superior to inferior contiguous locations on the retina
      were on average 9 mmHg and 0.22 ml O(2)/100 g-tissue-min, respectively. Mean and
      standard deviation of P(max)O(2) and Q(OR) measurements averaged over all rats
      were 60 +/- 16 mmHg and 0.73 +/- 0.28 ml O(2)/100 g-tissue-min, respectively.
      Inter-subject variability of P(max)O(2) and Q(OR) measurements was on average 2.3
      and 1.5 times inter-location variability, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements
      of outer retinal oxygen consumption can be made by phosphorescence lifetime
      imaging and may be of potential value for detecting changes in retinal oxygen
      metabolic activity due to altered physiological and pathological conditions over
      multiple locations and time points.

PMID- 22070459
TI  - Silicon nanowire fabric as a lithium ion battery electrode material.
AB  - A nonwoven fabric with paperlike qualities composed of silicon nanowires is
      reported. The nanowires, made by the supercritical-fluid-liquid-solid process,
      are crystalline, range in diameter from 10 to 50 nm with an average length of
      >100 MUm, and are coated with a thin chemisorbed polyphenylsilane shell. About
      90% of the nanowire fabric volume is void space. Thermal annealing of the
      nanowire fabric in a reducing environment converts the polyphenylsilane coating
      to a carbonaceous layer that significantly increases the electrical conductivity
      of the material. This makes the nanowire fabric useful as a self-supporting,
      mechanically flexible, high-energy-storage anode material in a lithium ion
      battery. Anode capacities of more than 800 mA h g(-1) were achieved without the
      addition of conductive carbon or binder.

PMID- 22070460
TI  - X-ray spectrometry.

PMID- 22070462
TI  - Tools for the job: why relying on risk assessment tools is still a risky
      business.
AB  - This theoretical review paper examines the applicability of assessment tools,
      guidelines and protocols in mental health and substance use care on the basis of
      the construction of such tools and their reliance on aggregate and actuarial
      methodologies. Evidence-based practice leads clinicians to increasing reliance on
      tools for assessment of health status, risk and prediction for a range of
      clinical needs for individual clients. In the longer-term management of people
      with enduring and chronic mental health and substance misuse problems, clinicians
      are often dealing with complex and unstable health needs. The tools available,
      however, are developed on the basis of majority population evidence and on
      presumptions of similarity and stability over time. This paper provides
      explanation of the basis for the development of such tools and argues that
      clinicians need to be able to evaluate the applicability of tools used for their
      clients and not just evaluate the internal validity of the tools used to make
      individual and contextual decisions about individual clients.

PMID- 22070461
TI  - Biological correlates of post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review.
AB  - Fatigue is a common and disabling consequence of stroke. Its mechanisms are
      unknown. Neuroanatomical abnormalities (e.g. white matter lesions, brain
      atrophy), neuroendocrine dysregulation, neurotransmitter changes and inflammation
      are associated with fatigue in conditions other than stroke. This review sought
      to identify published studies describing associations between post-stroke fatigue
      and these biological factors. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and
      AMED on October 15 and PubMed on 28 December 2010 and included studies in English
      that recruited at least 10 patients (>18 years old) with stroke, assessed fatigue
      and reported its relationship with neuroanatomical abnormalities, hypothalamo
      pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, neurotransmitter changes or inflammation.
      Of 4916 citations from the searches, 17 studies met our inclusion criteria. There
      was no association between white matter lesions, brain atrophy or pathological
      type of stroke and fatigue (seven studies, n = 4746). The data on relationship
      between lesion location and fatigue were inconclusive: four (n = 675) of 13
      studies (n = 1613) showed associations between fatigue and infratentorial lesion
      location (brainstem in particular) or basal ganglia stroke. One study reported C
      reactive protein levels and found an association with fatigue. No studies
      reported hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation or neurotransmitter
      changes and fatigue. We could not perform meta-analysis because the studies used
      different methods of fatigue assessment, examined different populations and had
      different designs. The biological mechanisms of post-stroke fatigue are
      uncertain. Further studies are required to determine the relationship between
      post-stroke fatigue and biological factors.

PMID- 22070463
TI  - Extensive characterization of Tupaia belangeri neuropeptidome using an integrated
      mass spectrometric approach.
AB  - Neuropeptidomics is used to characterize endogenous peptides in the brain of tree
      shrews (Tupaia belangeri). Tree shrews are small animals similar to rodents in
      size but close relatives of primates, and are excellent models for brain
      research. Currently, tree shrews have no complete proteome information available
      on which direct database search can be allowed for neuropeptide identification.
      To increase the capability in the identification of neuropeptides in tree shrews,
      we developed an integrated mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach that combines
      methods including data-dependent, directed, and targeted liquid chromatography
      (LC)-Fourier transform (FT)-tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis, database construction, de
      novo sequencing, precursor protein search, and homology analysis. Using this
      integrated approach, we identified 107 endogenous peptides that have sequences
      identical or similar to those from other mammalian species. High accuracy MS and
      tandem MS information, with BLAST analysis and chromatographic characteristics
      were used to confirm the sequences of all the identified peptides. Interestingly,
      further sequence homology analysis demonstrated that tree shrew peptides have a
      significantly higher degree of homology to equivalent sequences in humans than
      those in mice or rats, consistent with the close phylogenetic relationship
      between tree shrews and primates. Our results provide the first extensive
      characterization of the peptidome in tree shrews, which now permits
      characterization of their function in nervous and endocrine system. As the
      approach developed fully used the conservative properties of neuropeptides in
      evolution and the advantage of high accuracy MS, it can be portable for
      identification of neuropeptides in other species for which the fully sequenced
      genomes or proteomes are not available.

PMID- 22070464
TI  - Hospitalized mental health patients and oral health.
AB  - The purpose of this review of the literature is to present a contemporary
      perspective related to the nursing care of hospitalized mental health patients
      who have risk of developing oral health issues. Mental illness is a major health
      concern worldwide. Compounding this health issue, mental health patients/clients
      demonstrate avoidant behaviours related to oral health, and the symptoms of
      mental illness can be a compounding factor. Oral health and oral inflammatory
      disease are the result of lifestyle and behaviour and mental disorders affect
      both lifestyle and behaviour. The search used the search terms oral health AND
      nursing AND mental illness AND Published Date 2005 to 2010. For those who
      experience mental illness oral health assessment is not routinely practised by
      clinicians. The importance of special attention to dental problems for people
      with mental disorders has also been stressed by researchers since the lifespan of
      people with serious mental disorders is shortened compared to the general
      population. Oral health care is an important part of treatment. Routine oral care
      for hospitalized patients is imperative, and this is usually the responsibility
      of nurses without sufficient knowledge in oral care or comprehensive protocols to
      follow.

PMID- 22070465
TI  - Determination of the specific surface area of snow using ozonation of 1,1
      diphenylethylene.
AB  - We measured the kinetics of ozonation reaction of 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE) in
      artificial snow, produced by shock freezing of DPE aqueous solutions sprayed into
      liquid nitrogen. It was demonstrated that most of the reactant molecules are in
      direct (productive) contact with gaseous ozone, thus the technique produces snow
      with organic molecules largely ejected to the surface of snow grains. The kinetic
      data were used to evaluate the snow specific surface area (~70 cm(2) g(-1)). This
      number is a measure of the availability of the molecules on the surface for
      chemical reaction with gaseous species. The experimental results were consistent
      with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood type reaction mechanism. DPE represents
      environmentally relevant compounds such as alkenes which can react with
      atmospheric ozone, and are relatively abundant in natural snow. For typical
      atmospheric ozone concentrations in polar areas (20 ppbv), we estimated that half
      life of DPE on the surface of snow grains is ~5 days at submonolayer coverages
      and -15  degrees C.

PMID- 22070466
TI  - Immunological responses of male White Leghorn chicks kept on ochratoxin A (OTA)
      contaminated feed.
AB  - This study was designed to evaluate some immunological responses of male White
      Leghorn (WL) chicks kept on an ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated diet. For this
      purpose, 350 1-day-old male WL chicks were divided into five groups (A-E). Group
      A was kept as control, while Groups B, C, D, and E were fed OTA-contaminated feed
      at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/Kg diet, respectively, for 21 days, and then basal
      ration for the remaining period. At 14- and 16-days of age, random chicks (n =
      10) from each group were used for analyses of phagocytic function of the
      reticuloendothelial system or for measuring the lymphoproliferative responses to
      intradermally-administered T-cell mitogen, phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P),
      respectively. At 30-days of age, abdominal macrophages were collected from 15
      chicks/group and utilized for determination of their phagocytic potential and for
      nitrite production. Antibody (Ab) titers (i.e., total antibodies, IgM, and IgG)
      against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were determined at 7 and 14 days after a
      primary (at 7 days of age) and a booster (given 14 days after primary [at 21-days
      of age]) dose (intravenous) of the antigen. Data from the present study showed
      that the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius of chicks fed OTA for 14 and
      21 days and the spleen of chicks fed OTA for 21 days were significantly lower
      than their control counterpart. Phagocytic function of reticuloendothelial system
      evaluated by carbon clearance, and lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P, of
      chicks kept on OTA-contaminated diet were significantly lowered. The percentage
      of abdominal macrophages displaying phagocytosis of SRBC, the number of
      SRBC/macrophage, and nitrite production were each significantly lower in cells
      from chicks in the OTA-fed groups. Total Ab (at days 7 and 14 post-booster SRBC
      injection) and IgG (at day 14 post-primary and day 7 post-booster SRBC injection)
      titers against SRBC showed significant reductions in the groups fed OTA
      contaminated diet. The findings of this study are in line with the previous work
      suggesting the immunosuppressive effect of OTA in male WL chicks regarding
      functional impairment in some of the components of the immune system.

PMID- 22070467
TI  - Managing the cellular redox hub in photosynthetic organisms.
AB  - Light-driven redox chemistry is a powerful source of redox signals that has a
      decisive input into transcriptional control within the cell nucleus. Like
      photosynthetic electron transport pathways, the respiratory electron transport
      chain exerts a profound control over gene function, in order to balance energy
      (reductant and ATP) supply with demand, while preventing excessive over-reduction
      or over-oxidation that would be adversely affect metabolism. Photosynthetic and
      respiratory redox chemistries are not merely housekeeping processes but they
      exert a controlling influence over every aspect of plant biology, participating
      in the control of gene transcription and translation, post-translational
      modifications and the regulation of assimilatory reactions, assimilate
      partitioning and export. The number of processes influenced by redox controls and
      signals continues to increase as do the components that are recognized
      participants in the associated signalling pathways. A step change in our
      understanding of the overall importance of the cellular redox hub to plant cells
      has occurred in recent years as the complexity of the management of the cellular
      redox hub in relation to metabolic triggers and environmental cues has been
      elucidated. This special issue describes aspects of redox regulation and
      signalling at the cutting edge of current research in this dynamic and rapidly
      expanding field.

PMID- 22070468
TI  - Patient involvement in mental health care: one size does not fit all.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Involvement of mental health-care patients in the decision-making
      processes is considered to be an ethical requirement. Health-care systems
      worldwide are increasingly emphasizing the value of participatory approaches.
      There is, however, no consensus on the definition of patient involvement. The
      literature is particularly inconsistent and lacks clarity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose
      of this article is to clarify the concept of patient involvement in mental health
      care (MHC), taking into account its multidimensional nature. SEARCH STRATEGY: We
      searched the literature in online databases from January 1998 until August 2010
      using synonyms of 'patient involvement', combined with the terms 'mental
      health(care)'. DATA SYNTHESIS: Based on 45 different descriptions found in the
      literature, we constructed a definition of patient involvement and we drew up a
      model identifying its determinants and outcomes. RESULTS: We propose a
      comprehensive model of patient involvement to be used in MHC. This model can
      serve as a guide for policy makers and field workers to shape policies to
      stimulate involvement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: There are three main problems
      in the literature concerning patient involvement. First, there is a proliferation
      of conceptualizations of the topic, leading to conceptual vagueness. Furthermore,
      there is a lack of quantitative data, and some aspects of involvement remain
      underexposed, such as the involvement of specific target groups and practical
      ways to shape the involvement processes. Involvement processes should be tailored
      to the specific target group and context.

PMID- 22070469
TI  - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for nonremitted patients with bipolar
      disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of
      depression and/or mania along with interepisodic mood symptoms that interfere
      with psychosocial functioning. Despite periods of symptomatic recovery, many
      individuals with bipolar disorder continue to experience substantial residual
      mood symptoms that often lead to the recurrence of mood episodes. AIMS: This
      study explored whether a new mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for
      bipolar disorder would increase mindfulness, reduce residual mood symptoms, and
      increase emotion-regulation abilities, psychological well-being, positive affect,
      and psychosocial functioning. Following a baseline clinical assessment, 12
      individuals with DSM-IV bipolar disorder were treated with 12 group sessions of
      MBCT. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, as well as at the 3 months follow-up,
      participants showed increased mindfulness, lower residual depressive mood
      symptoms, less attentional difficulties, and increased emotion-regulation
      abilities, psychological well-being, positive affect, and psychosocial
      functioning. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that treating residual mood
      symptoms with MBCT may be another avenue to improving mood, emotion regulation,
      well-being, and functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22070471
TI  - Laparoscopic management of large ovarian tumors: clinical tips for overcoming
      common concerns.
AB  - AIM: This study was performed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of
      laparoscopic management for patients with large ovarian tumors. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 52
      women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for large ovarian tumors whose maximum
      diameter was >=15cm and a low possibility of malignancy. RESULTS: The median age
      of patients was 35years (range 18-84), median body mass index was 22.4kg/m(2)
      (range 12.4-31.5) and 18 patients had previous operative history. The median
      tumor diameter was 17cm (range 15-40). There were no conversions to laparotomy
      and perioperative complications. The median operating time, estimated blood loss,
      and hospital stay were 80min (range 25-225), 100mL (range 50-500) and 3days
      (range 2-14), respectively. The operative procedures performed were salpingo
      oophorectomy (n=26), ovarian cystectomy (n=16), laparoscopically assisted vaginal
      hysterectomy with unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (n=9), and
      laparoscopically assisted staging surgery (n=1). The histopathological results
      were mucinous cystadenoma (n=25), mature cystic teratoma (n=9), serous
      cystadenoma (n=6), endometrioma (n=5), mucinous borderline tumor (n=4),
      follicular cyst (n=2), and clear cell carcinoma (n=1). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic
      management of large ovarian tumors is feasible and efficient with appropriate
      patient selection and experience of surgeons.

PMID- 22070470
TI  - Association between carotid area calcifications and periodontal risk: a cross
      sectional study of panoramic radiographic findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the extent to which it is possible to
      diagnose suspected carotid calcification from dental panoramic radiography (PR)
      and to establish an association to periodontal risk. METHODS: 824 PRs from one
      dental practice were investigated. Parameters considered were gender, age, bone
      loss - age index, tooth loss, periodontal risk and suspected carotid
      calcification (left, right, both sides). Periodontal risk was classified: low
      risk (under 4 missing teeth, bone loss - age index under 0.5), moderate risk (5
      to 8 missing teeth and/or bone loss - age index 0.5 to 1.0) and high risk (more
      than 9 missing teeth and or bone loss - age index greater than 1.0). RESULTS: Of
      824 patients, 349 were male (42.4%) and 475 female (57.6%); the mean age was
      48.32 +/- 16.52 years. In 9.0% (n = 74) of PRs, suspected carotid calcification
      was diagnosed (right: 5.5%, left: 2.3%, both sides: 1.2%). The mean tooth loss
      was 4.16 +/- 5.39 teeth. In the case of 282 patients (34.2%), there was a low, in
      335 patients (40.7%) a moderate, and in 207 patients (25.1%) a high periodontal
      risk. There was a significant correlation found between number of cases of
      suspected carotid calcification and periodontal risk, tooth loss and age (p =
      0.0001). However, only age showed a significant association (OR: 4.9; CI: 2.4
      9.8; p < 0.0001) in contrast to periodontal risk (OR 1.4; CI: 0.9-2.4).
      CONCLUSION: PR can provides indication of carotid calcification as a secondary
      (chance) finding. In addition, periodontal risk may be correlated with positive
      findings of carotid calcification.

PMID- 22070472
TI  - Perioperative opiate requirements in children with previous opiate infusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critically ill children often require continuous opiate infusions.
      Tolerance may develop requiring a weaning strategy to prevent withdrawal
      symptoms. These children may also require subsequent surgical procedures. This is
      the first study to investigate whether previously opiate-tolerant patients
      require higher doses of opiates for adequate pain management perioperatively.
      METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital to
      investigate whether children previously exposed to continuous opiates for 10 or
      more days with subsequent weaning from those opiates will have similar or
      increased perioperative opiate requirements when compared to opioid-naive
      controls. Study patients included 31 children with previous continuous opiate
      exposure for 10 or more days followed by weaning and without signs of withdrawal
      for at least 72 h prior to the surgical procedure. Excluded were patients over 18
      years of age, those whose surgical procedures would be unlikely to require
      perioperative opiates, oncological patients, burn patients, neurologically
      devastated patients, and patients who received regional anesthesia in addition to
      perioperative narcotics. The control group consisted of 31 age- and case-matched
      opiate-naive patients who underwent a surgical procedure during a similar time
      frame as the study patient. The medication administration record was reviewed for
      the length of continuous opiate exposure, date of last opiate use prior to a
      subsequent surgical procedure, and opiate use during the perioperative period.
      Opiate use was calculated as morphine equivalents per kilogram body weight
      (MSEQ.kg(-1)). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for univariate comparisons
      between matched pairs, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically
      significant. RESULTS: The perioperative opiate requirements in opiate-exposed
      patients (median, interquartile range: 0.14, 0.08-0.25 MSEQ.kg(-1)) were not
      significantly different from opiate-naive patients (median, interquartile range
      0.10, 0.05-0.2 MSEQ.kg(-1), P = 0.19). Pain scores indicated that patients were
      generally comfortable in the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative
      opiate requirements of pediatric patients who were successfully weaned after
      prolonged opiate use were similar to opiate-naive patients. A history of
      prolonged opiate use alone does not necessitate special pain management for
      future procedures.

PMID- 22070473
TI  - Inadvertent arterial catheterization complicating femoral venous access for
      haemodialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Large-bore catheters for temporary haemodialysis are often placed via
      the internal jugular or femoral vein, guided by external landmarks or ultrasound
      techniques. Inadvertent femoral artery catheterization may occur during attempted
      placement of the dialysis catheter in the femoral vein. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      This investigation was carried out in Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden.
      Between 2008 and 2011, patients referred for consultation by a vascular
      specialist owing to inadvertent arterial catheterization after attempted
      placement of a dialysis catheter in the femoral vein were noted in a logbook and
      patients with iatrogenic arterial injuries undergoing vascular repair at Malmo
      Lund Hospitals were identified through the Swedish vascular registry (Swedvasc).
      RESULTS: The five included patients had a dialysis catheter (11-13.5 Fr)
      inserted, without ultrasound guidance, into the femoral artery. One patient
      suffered from circulatory shock. Two cases were managed with external
      compression, while three cases required surgical repair. Two patients had
      postoperative wound infection in the groin. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral dialysis
      catheters should be inserted using ultrasound guidance. Large-bore catheters
      suspected of being in an inadvertent arterial position should be fixed securely
      before further diagnostic or interventional considerations. A management
      algorithm for inadvertently placed catheters in the femoral artery is proposed.

PMID- 22070474
TI  - Getting moving on patient safety--harnessing electronic data for safer care.

PMID- 22070475
TI  - Glucocorticoids plus N-acetylcysteine in severe alcoholic hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality among patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis is
      high, even among those treated with glucocorticoids. We investigated whether
      combination therapy with glucocorticoids plus N-acetylcysteine would improve
      survival. METHODS: We randomly assigned 174 patients to receive prednisolone plus
      N-acetylcysteine (85 patients) or only prednisolone (89 patients). All patients
      received 4 weeks of prednisolone. The prednisolone-N-acetylcysteine group
      received intravenous N-acetylcysteine on day 1 (at a dose of 150, 50, and 100 mg
      per kilogram of body weight in 250, 500, and 1000 ml of 5% glucose solution over
      a period of 30 minutes, 4 hours, and 16 hours, respectively) and on days 2
      through 5 (100 mg per kilogram per day in 1000 ml of 5% glucose solution). The
      prednisolone-only group received an infusion in 1000 ml of 5% glucose solution
      per day on days 1 through 5. The primary outcome was 6-month survival. Secondary
      outcomes included survival at 1 and 3 months, hepatitis complications, adverse
      events related to N-acetylcysteine use, and changes in bilirubin levels on days 7
      and 14. RESULTS: Mortality was not significantly lower in the prednisolone-N
      acetylcysteine group than in the prednisolone-only group at 6 months (27% vs.
      38%, P = 0.07). Mortality was significantly lower at 1 month (8% vs. 24%, P =
      0.006) but not at 3 months (22% vs. 34%, P = 0.06). Death due to the hepatorenal
      syndrome was less frequent in the prednisolone-N-acetylcysteine group than in the
      prednisolone-only group at 6 months (9% vs. 22%, P = 0.02). In a multivariate
      analysis, factors associated with 6-month survival were a younger age (P<0.001),
      a shorter prothrombin time (P<0.001), a lower level of bilirubin at baseline
      (P<0.001), and a decrease in bilirubin on day 14 (P<0.001). Infections were less
      frequent in the prednisolone-N-acetylcysteine group than in the prednisolone-only
      group (P = 0.001); other side effects were similar in the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although combination therapy with prednisolone plus N-acetylcysteine
      increased 1-month survival among patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis,
      6-month survival, the primary outcome, was not improved. (Funded by Programme
      Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique; AAH-NAC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00863785
      .).

PMID- 22070476
TI  - Early liver transplantation for severe alcoholic hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 6-month abstinence from alcohol is usually required before patients
      with severe alcoholic hepatitis are considered for liver transplantation.
      Patients whose hepatitis is not responding to medical therapy have a 6-month
      survival rate of approximately 30%. Since most alcoholic hepatitis deaths occur
      within 2 months, early liver transplantation is attractive but controversial.
      METHODS: We selected patients from seven centers for early liver transplantation.
      The patients had no prior episodes of alcoholic hepatitis and had scores of 0.45
      or higher according to the Lille model (which calculates scores ranging from 0 to
      1, with a score >= 0.45 indicating nonresponse to medical therapy and an
      increased risk of death in the absence of transplantation) or rapid worsening of
      liver function despite medical therapy. Selected patients also had supportive
      family members, no severe coexisting conditions, and a commitment to alcohol
      abstinence. Survival was compared between patients who underwent early liver
      transplantation and matched patients who did not. RESULTS: In all, 26 patients
      with severe alcoholic hepatitis at high risk of death (median Lille score, 0.88)
      were selected and placed on the list for a liver transplant within a median of 13
      days after nonresponse to medical therapy. Fewer than 2% of patients admitted for
      an episode of severe alcoholic hepatitis were selected. The centers used 2.9% of
      available grafts for this indication. The cumulative 6-month survival rate (+/
      SE) was higher among patients who received early transplantation than among those
      who did not (77 +/- 8% vs. 23 +/- 8%, P<0.001). This benefit of early
      transplantation was maintained through 2 years of follow-up (hazard ratio, 6.08;
      P = 0.004). Three patients resumed drinking alcohol: one at 720 days, one at 740
      days, and one at 1140 days after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Early liver
      transplantation can improve survival in patients with a first episode of severe
      alcoholic hepatitis not responding to medical therapy. (Funded by Societe
      Nationale Francaise de Gastroenterologie.).

PMID- 22070477
TI  - Sudden, unexpected death in epilepsy.

PMID- 22070479
TI  - Images in clinical medicine: Bryant's and Stabler's signs after a difficult
      delivery.

PMID- 22070478
TI  - The human plasma lipidome.

PMID- 22070480
TI  - Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 34-2011: A 75-year-old
      man with memory loss and partial seizures.

PMID- 22070481
TI  - Transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis--time to rethink the 6-month "rule".

PMID- 22070483
TI  - Early or late parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults.

PMID- 22070484
TI  - Early or late parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults.

PMID- 22070485
TI  - Early or late parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults.

PMID- 22070486
TI  - Early or late parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults.

PMID- 22070488
TI  - Horse versus rabbit antithymocyte globulin in aplastic anemia.

PMID- 22070489
TI  - Horse versus rabbit antithymocyte globulin in aplastic anemia.

PMID- 22070491
TI  - Apixaban after acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 22070493
TI  - Oxygen sensing, homeostasis, and disease.

PMID- 22070494
TI  - Oxygen sensing, homeostasis, and disease.

PMID- 22070495
TI  - Case 23-2011--Legal considerations.

PMID- 22070496
TI  - Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of a fetal microdeletion syndrome.

PMID- 22070499
TI  - Images in clinical medicine: amenorrhea, abdominal pain, and weight gain.

PMID- 22070500
TI  - Risk of second primary melanoma: how should be long follow-up be? Ratio of
      observed and expected cases.

PMID- 22070501
TI  - In vitro effects of rituximab on the proliferation, activation and
      differentiation of human B cells.
AB  - Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) used in B-cell
      malignancies, various autoimmune disorders and organ transplantation. Although
      administration of a single dose of rituximab results in full B-cell depletion in
      peripheral blood, there remains a residual B-cell population in secondary
      lymphoid organs. These nondepleted B cells might be altered by exposure to
      rituximab with subsequent immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, we analyzed in
      vitro the effects of rituximab on proliferation, activation and differentiation
      of CD19(+) B cells by means of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-based
      multiparameter flow cytometry. Rituximab inhibited the proliferation of CD27(-)
      naive, but not of CD27(+) memory B cells. Interestingly, upon stimulation with
      anti-CD40 mAb and interleukin-21 in the presence of rituximab there was an
      enrichment of B cells that underwent only one or two cell divisions and displayed
      an activated naive phenotype (CD27(-)IgD(+)CD38(-/+)). The potency of
      prestimulated B cells to induce T-cell proliferation was increased by exposure of
      the B cells to rituximab. Of note, after stimulation with rituximab-treated B
      cells, proliferated T cells displayed a more Th2-like phenotype. Overall, these
      results demonstrate that rituximab can affect human B-cell phenotype and
      function, resulting in an altered outcome of B-T cell interaction.

PMID- 22070502
TI  - Late-life depression: systematic assessment of care needs as a basis for
      treatment.
AB  - Research shows that most of the variance in depression severity levels in late
      life can be explained by the unmet psychological needs of patients, more in
      particular the care needs of patients related with psychological distress. This
      case report describes the treatment of an 84-year-old patient suffering from
      depression. Her complaints faded upon the use of nursing interventions that were
      defined on the basis of a systematic assessment of her care needs with the
      Camberwell Assessment of Needs for the Elderly. The methodical attention to her
      needs for care and the interventions carried out led to the patient feeling
      acknowledged and to a diminished need for care and a better quality of life.
      Although there is no scientific evidence to date, a systematic assessment of care
      needs may well be a meaningful addition to the nursing diagnostic process.
      Moreover, alleviating distress in patients by fulfilling unmet care needs through
      tailored interventions can be seen as an essential element of an effective
      multidisciplinary depression treatment process.

PMID- 22070503
TI  - A qualitative analysis of success stories from Michiana Coordinated School Health
      Leadership institute participants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to detect and document common themes
      among success stories, along with challenges, as related by participants in the
      Michiana Coordinated School Health Leadership Institute. Four-member teams from
      18 Michigan and Indiana school districts participated in semiannual Institute
      workshops over a 3-year period and were tasked with implementing Coordinated
      School Health Programs (CSHPs). METHODS: Qualitative methods were used to
      generate themes from interviews. Data were gathered through a combined
      survey/interview process related to programmatic successes, evidence of success,
      and implementation challenges. One participant from 11 of 18 participating school
      districts completed the survey/interview. RESULTS: Each participant reported at
      least 1 success that had a positive effect on students and/or staff, many of
      which were related to the federally mandated wellness policy. With some notable
      exceptions, success was based on subjective judgments rather than systematically
      collected data. Unanimous expression of time constraints and being overworked in
      their current positions constituted major challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      Institute required only process evaluation, some participants collected outcome
      data, a task that is important in validating the benefits of CSHPs. Most
      districts were not able to hire the recommended coordinator to ensure
      implementation of health program planning initially developed during the
      institute. Encouragingly, at the time of data collection many teams were still
      acting to ensure health programming remained a priority. Nevertheless, without
      the network of social support provided by the Institute, some respondents
      struggled to maintain momentum.

PMID- 22070504
TI  - Associations of physical fitness and academic performance among schoolchildren.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public schools provide opportunities for physical activity and
      fitness surveillance, but are evaluated and funded based on students' academic
      performance, not their physical fitness. Empirical research evaluating the
      connections between fitness and academic performance is needed to justify
      curriculum allocations to physical activity programs. METHODS: Analyses were
      based on a convenience sample of 254,743 individually matched standardized
      academic (TAKSTM) and fitness (FITNESSGRAM((r)) ) test records of students,
      grades 3-11, collected by 13 Texas school districts. We categorized fitness
      results in quintiles by age and gender and used mixed effects regression models
      to compare the academic performance of the top and bottom fitness groups for each
      test. RESULTS: All fitness variables except body mass index (BMI) showed
      significant, positive associations with academic performance after adjustment for
      socio-demographic covariates, with standardized mean difference effect sizes
      ranging from .07 to .34. Cardiovascular fitness showed the largest interquintile
      difference in TAKS score (32-75 points), followed by curl-ups. Additional
      adjustment for BMI and curl-ups showed dose-response associations between
      cardiovascular fitness and academic scores (p < .001 for both genders and
      outcomes). Analysis of BMI demonstrated limited, nonlinear association with
      academic performance after socio-demographic and fitness adjustments.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fitness was strongly and significantly related to academic
      performance. Cardiovascular fitness showed a dose-response association with
      academic performance independent of other socio-demographic and fitness
      variables. The association appears to peak in late middle to early high school.
      We recommend that policymakers consider physical education (PE) mandates in
      middle high school, school administrators consider increasing PE time, and PE
      practitioners emphasize cardiovascular fitness.

PMID- 22070505
TI  - School administrators' perceptions of factors that influence children's active
      travel to school.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing children's active travel to school may be 1 strategy for
      addressing the growing prevalence of obesity among school age children. Using the
      School Travel Survey, we examined South Carolina school district leaders'
      perceptions of factors that influence elementary and middle school students
      walking to school. METHODS: Frequency distributions and chi-square tests were
      used to analyze the survey responses; open-ended questions were reviewed
      qualitatively for recurring topics and themes. RESULTS: School and district
      leaders (N = 314) most often reported street crossing safety (54.0%) and number
      of sidewalks (54.0%) as priority factors that should be addressed to increase
      students' active travel to school, followed by distance to school (46.0%),
      traffic volume (42.4%), parental attitudes (27.0%), traffic speed (26.7%),
      neighborhood condition (24.4%), and student attitudes (10.0%). Several
      respondents expressed concerns about liability issues related to students' active
      travel to school while others reported that schools are not responsible for
      students' safety once students leave school grounds. Independent of their
      comments about liability, respondents were concerned about the safety of students
      while walking to school. CONCLUSIONS: Those promoting active travel to school may
      benefit from addressing those factors perceived as most important by school and
      district leaders, including street crossing safety, number of sidewalks, and by
      educating school and district leaders about liability and safety issues related
      to students walking to school.

PMID- 22070506
TI  - The relationship between media use and psychological and physical assets among
      third- to fifth-grade girls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Media use is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and
      reduced quality of life among children. This study examined the relationship
      between media use during discretionary hours after school and psychological and
      physical assets among preadolescent girls. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis
      was conducted using data from a larger quasi-experimental evaluation of a
      positive youth development program through sport for third- to fifth-grade girls.
      Indicators of media use were the number of hours per school day spent watching
      television and videos and using computers. Psychological assets included global
      self-esteem, body size satisfaction, and commitment to physical activity;
      physical assets included physical activity. Nested random effects analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) models were used to examine the relationship between media use
      and psychological and physical assets controlling for relevant confounding
      factors. RESULTS: The analytic sample included 1027 participants; most were >=10
      years old, non-White; 27% self-reported >=4 hours of media use on school days. In
      adjusted results, media use was inversely associated with self-esteem (p = .008)
      and commitment to physical activity (p < .001). Time spent using media was not
      associated with body size satisfaction or physical activity in this age group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Media use was negatively associated with self-esteem and commitment
      to physical activity. It may be useful for school professionals to encourage
      after-school programs that offer opportunities for girls to reduce sedentary
      pursuits and improve important psychological and physical assets.

PMID- 22070507
TI  - School superintendents' perceptions of schools assisting students in obtaining
      public health insurance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Superintendents' perceptions regarding the effect of health insurance
      status on academics, the role schools should play in the process of obtaining
      health insurance, and the benefits/barriers to assisting students in enrolling in
      health insurance were surveyed. Superintendents' basic knowledge of health
      insurance, the link between health and learning, and specific school system
      practices for assisting students were also examined. METHODS: A 4-page
      questionnaire was sent to a national random sample of public school
      superintendents using a 4-wave postal mailing. RESULTS: Only 19% of school
      districts assessed the health insurance status of students. School districts'
      assistance in helping enroll students in health insurance was assessed using
      Stages of Change theory; 36% of superintendents' school districts were in the
      action or maintenance stages. The schools most often made health insurance
      materials available to parents (53%). The perceived benefits identified by more
      than 80% of superintendents were to keep students healthier, reduce the number of
      students with untreated health problems, reduce school absenteeism, and
      improvement of students' attention/concentration during school. The 2 most common
      perceived barriers identified by at least 50% of superintendents were not having
      enough staff or financial resources. CONCLUSIONS: Most superintendents believed
      schools should play a role in helping students obtain health insurance, but the
      specific role was unclear. Three fourths of superintendents indicated
      overwhelmingly positive beliefs regarding the effects of health insurance status
      on students' health and academic outcomes. School personnel and public policy
      makers can use the results to support collaboration in getting students enrolled
      in health insurance.

PMID- 22070508
TI  - Examining how neighborhood disadvantage influences trajectories of adolescent
      violence: a look at social bonding and psychological distress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To understand how neighborhoods influence the development of youth
      violence, we investigated intrapersonal mediators of the relationship between
      neighborhood disadvantage and youth violence trajectories between ages 11 and 18.
      The hypothesized mediators included indicators of social bonding (belief in
      conventional values, involvement in school activities, religious engagement, and
      commitment to traditional goals) and psychological distress. METHODS: The sample
      (N = 5118) was 50% female and 52% Caucasian. Data from a 5-wave panel study
      spanning ages 11 to 18 were analyzed using sex-stratified multilevel growth
      curves. RESULTS: Neighborhood disadvantage was associated with higher levels of
      violence perpetrated by girls, lower belief in conventional values for both girls
      and boys, less commitment to traditional goals by girls, and higher levels of
      psychological distress reported by girls. Sobel tests identified 3 significant
      mediators of the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on girls' violence
      trajectories: belief in conventional values, commitment to traditional goals, and
      psychological distress. The only significant mediator of the relationship between
      neighborhood disadvantage and boys' violence trajectories was belief in
      conventional values. The effects of neighborhood disadvantage on violence
      trajectories were not fully mediated; in fact, results suggested that suppression
      effects, or inconsistent mediation, may exist. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasize
      the importance of both contextual and intrapersonal attributes in understanding
      the development of violence among school-aged youth. Early school-based and
      community-level prevention initiatives that promote social bonding and address
      mental health needs may help reduce the impact of youth violence, particularly
      for girls.

PMID- 22070510
TI  - The snowball survey and peer education posters: methods of teaching social norms.

PMID- 22070509
TI  - Utilizing the school health index to build collaboration between a university and
      an urban school district.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insufficient attention has been paid to the process of conducting the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's School Health Index (SHI) to promote
      collaboration between universities and urban school districts when developing
      adolescent health promotion initiatives. This article provides an overview of the
      real-world contextual challenges and opportunities this type of collaboration can
      pose. METHODS: The SHI and selected collaboration principles were used to
      facilitate partnership and increase stakeholder buy-in, which led to developing
      and implementing an 8-year health promotion campaign. RESULTS: The focus on
      planning brought together key stakeholders to allow for health promotion
      programming to take place, despite the competing demands on the schools. The SHI
      allowed for input from stakeholders to develop campaign activities and inform
      school- and district-wide policy. Universities and school districts desiring to
      develop and implement school-based, adolescent health promotion programs should
      (1) identify the hierarchical structure of the school district, (2) establish
      credibility for the program and the university staff, (3) emphasize the benefits
      to all partners, (4) maintain a cooperative partnership with teachers and
      administrators, (5) appreciate the need for planning, and (6) provide as many
      resources as possible to aid an already overburdened school system. CONCLUSIONS:
      Promoting healthy behaviors among students is an important part of the
      fundamental mission of schools. The significance of collaboration using the SHI,
      with direct input from students, teachers, administrators, and university
      partners, is critical in the development of institutional support for
      implementation of adolescent health promotion initiatives.

PMID- 22070511
TI  - Improving relationships: serving up a slice of Enemy Pie.

PMID- 22070512
TI  - Ilaprazole for the treatment of duodenal ulcer: a randomized, double-blind and
      controlled phase III trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The new proton pump inhibitor (PPI), ilaprazole performed better at
      the dose of 10 mg/d relative to 5 or 20 mg/d in a previous phase II trial. A
      larger phase III trial was carried out to confirm the efficacy and safety of
      ilaprazole (10 mg/d) compared with omeprazole (20 mg/d) and provide some
      characteristics of the relationship between ilaprazole metabolism and CYP2C19 for
      later studies. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with at least one
      endoscopically diagnosed active duodenal ulcer (DU) were enrolled in a
      multicenter, randomized, double-blind, positive controlled trial and then
      assigned randomly to the ilaprazole group (10 mg/d) or the omeprazole group (20
      mg/d) with a sample allocation ratio 2:1. The course of treatment was 4 weeks.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00952978.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was endoscopically diagnosed ulcer
      healing rate at week 4. Symptom relief was evaluated as a secondary endpoint by
      graded scores. Safety and tolerability were evaluated on basis of clinical
      assessments. In addition, blood samples were collected at baseline for CYP2C19
      genotypes identification. RESULTS: Efficacy analyses were based on 494 patients.
      At week 4, the ulcer healing rates were 93.0% in ilaprazole group and 90.8% in
      omeprazole group (rate difference: 2.2%; 95% confidence interval: -2.8% to 7.2%).
      No obvious variation of healing rate on different CYP2C19 genotypes was found in
      ilaprazole group. The majority of patients (>80%) became asymptomatic after
      treatment. Incidences of adverse drug reactions were similar between ilaprazole
      group and omeprazole group (8.5% vs. 11.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Ilaprazole (10 mg/d) is
      as effective as omeprazole (20 mg/d) in the treatment of DU with similar side
      effects. The efficacy of ilaprazole is not affected by CYP2C19 polymorphisms.

PMID- 22070514
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of azithromycin in the treatment of respiratory
      infections in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical effectiveness of azithromycin in the management
      of respiratory tract infections in children up to 12 years of age; to examine
      duration of symptoms after commencement of therapy and to mark adverse events
      possibly caused by treatment with azithromycin. METHODS: The overall ITT
      population included 156 children (65 with acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis (AP), 32
      with acute otitis media (AOM), and 59 with lower respiratory tract infections
      (LRTI)). Clinical effectiveness was based on results of improvement and cure
      after 3 day's treatment with azithromycin, calculating the clinical score for
      each diagnosis before treatment, at the 4th day (end of the therapy) and at the
      12th or 28th day (end of the study). To better estimate patients' (parents')
      satisfaction with treatment, a diary was provided for each child and parents
      recorded the days when a child felt relief of symptoms. RESULTS: In this study
      azithromycin led to relief of symptoms after 3 days in 89.1% of patients.
      Antibiotics had been prescribed within 1 year prior to inclusion in 74.4% of
      patients and 29.5% had previously been treated with macrolides. Clinical
      effectiveness in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population was 94.8% and there were
      5.2% failures. Overall, 18 (11.5%) patients reported 25 adverse events (AEs) and
      nine AEs were characterized as possibly, probably or definitely related to
      azithromycin. The most common adverse events were diarrhea in nine (5.8%) cases,
      vomiting in six (3.8%) and abdominal pain reported in four (2.6 %) patients.
      CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that azithromycin in the treatment of
      children with respiratory tract infections has high clinical effectiveness and a
      small number of adverse events. However, major limitations of the study are its
      design as a non-comparative, observational, postmarketing study and that the
      etiology of infections was not confirmed. Despite this, it can be concluded that
      azithromycin is a reliable antibiotic treatment for children's respiratory tract
      infections, giving fast resolution of symptoms with few adverse events in
      patients with presumed bacterial infections.

PMID- 22070515
TI  - Is there an association between subjective and objective measures of cognitive
      function in patients with affective disorders?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with affective disorders experience cognitive dysfunction in
      addition to their affective symptoms. The relationship between subjectively
      experienced and objectively measured cognitive function is controversial with
      several studies reporting no correlation between subjective and objective
      deficits. AIMS: To investigate whether there is a correlation between
      subjectively reported and objectively measured cognitive function in patients
      with affective disorders, and whether subjective complaints predict objectively
      measured dysfunction. METHODS: The study included 45 participants; 15 with
      bipolar disorder (BD), 15 with unipolar disorder (UD) and 15 healthy individuals.
      Participants' subjectively experienced cognitive function and objective cognitive
      function were assessed with the Massachusetts General Hospital Cognitive and
      Physical Functioning Questionnaire (CPFQ) and the Screen for Cognitive Impairment
      in Psychiatry (SCIP), respectively. Patients were rated for affective symptoms
      with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS).
      RESULTS: Patients demonstrated subjective and objective cognitive dysfunction
      relative to controls (P-values <= 0.01) but there were no differences between
      patient groups (P > 0.1). We found no correlation between subjectively
      experienced and objectively measured cognitive dysfunction in BD (P = 0.7), and a
      non-significant trend towards a correlation in UD (P = 0.06), which disappeared
      when controlling for gender (P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that it is
      not necessarily patients who have cognitive complaints that are most impaired. If
      confirmed in a larger sample, our findings suggest that neuropsychological
      assessment is warranted to elucidate the potential role of cognitive dysfunction
      in patients' everyday lives and to inform treatment strategies targeting these
      difficulties.

PMID- 22070513
TI  - Evaluation of clinical use and effectiveness of darbepoetin alfa in cancer
      patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the patterns of use of darbepoetin alfa in Spanish
      centers, and to evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of chemotherapy
      induced anemia under clinical practice conditions. METHODS: This was an
      observational, retrospective, multicenter study in adult patients with non
      myeloid malignancies who initiated chemotherapy and darbepoetin alfa. Data was
      collected for up to 16 weeks or until treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: A total
      of 685 patients (72.7% with solid tumors and 27.3% with hematologic malignancies)
      were included in the study. Median age was 64.7 years (range 18.5-88.9 years),
      50.7% were women, 82.4% had ECOG status 0-1 and 80.5% had stage III/IV cancer. At
      darbepoetin initiation, mean hemoglobin (Hb) was 100 g/L (SD 10), with 11.0% and
      23.1% of patients below 90 g/L in solid and hematologic malignancies,
      respectively. A decrease in transfusion requirements was observed between weeks 5
      16 with respect to weeks 0-16 (13.3% [95% CI: 10.7 to 15.9] versus 19.0% [95% CI:
      16.0 to 22.0]). Hb levels were significantly increased during the treatment (mean
      change of 10.4 g/L for solid tumors [p < 0.001], and 16.6 g/L for hematologic
      malignancies [p < 0.001]). The percentage of patients with baseline Hb level <110
      g/L who achieved an Hb level >=110 g/L during the study was 66.5% (95% CI: 62.5%
      to 70.5%). Six serious adverse reactions were considered related to darbepoetin
      alfa (thromboembolic events, 1.0%). CONCLUSIONS: With the limitation of a
      retrospective design, our results suggest that darbepoetin alfa is a well
      tolerated treatment that increases hemoglobin levels and reduces the need for
      transfusion in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in clinical practice.

PMID- 22070516
TI  - 15N-labeled brain enables quantification of proteome and phosphoproteome in
      cultured primary neurons.
AB  - Terminally differentiated primary cells represent a valuable in vitro model to
      study signaling events associated within a specific tissue. Quantitative
      proteomic methods using metabolic labeling in primary cells encounter labeling
      efficiency issues hindering the use of these cells. Here we developed a method to
      quantify the proteome and phosphoproteome of cultured neurons using (15)N-labeled
      brain tissue as an internal standard and applied this method to determine how an
      inhibitor of an excitatory neural transmitter receptor, phencyclidine (PCP),
      affects the global phosphoproteome of cortical neurons. We identified over 10,000
      phosphopeptides and made accurate quantitative measurements of the neuronal
      phosphoproteome after neuronal inhibition. We show that short PCP treatments lead
      to changes in phosphorylation for 7% of neuronal phosphopeptides and that
      prolonged PCP treatment alters the total levels of several proteins essential for
      synaptic transmission and plasticity and leads to a massive reduction in the
      synaptic strength of inhibitory synapses. The results provide valuable insights
      into the dynamics of molecular networks implicated in PCP-mediated NMDA receptor
      inhibition and sensorimotor deficits.

PMID- 22070517
TI  - Possible involvement of monoaminergic neurotransmission in antidepressant-like
      activity of Emblica officinalis fruits in mice.
AB  - AIMS: In this study, antidepressant-like activity of Emblica offcinalis Gaertn.
      fruits (Family: Euphorbiaceae) was evaluated in Swiss young male albino mice
      employing tail suspension test and forced swim test. METHODS: Aqueous extract
      (200 and 400 mg/kg) of the fruits was administered orally for 14 successive days
      to mice. On day 14, 60 min after extract administration, animals were subjected
      to tail suspension test and forced swim test. RESULTS: The extract significantly
      decreased immobility period in both tail suspension test and forced swim test,
      indicating significant antidepressant-like activity. The lower dose (200 mg/kg)
      of the extract showed better antidepressant-like action. The efficacy of the
      extract was found to be comparable to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), imipramine (15
      mg/kg), and phenelzine (20 mg/kg). The extract did not show any significant
      effect on locomotor activity of the mice. Prazosin (alpha(1) -adrenoceptor
      antagonist), sulpiride (selective D(2) -receptor antagonist), baclofen (GABA(B)
      agonist), and p-CPA (tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor) significantly attenuated
      the extract-induced antidepressant-like effect. The extract also significantly
      decreased brain MAO-A levels. DISCUSSION: The aqueous extract might produce
      antidepressant-like effect by interaction with alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, dopamine
      D(2)- receptors, serotonergic, and GABA(B) receptors. In this study, aqueous
      extract was found to contain 2.94% of ascorbic acid. So ascorbic acid and other
      constituents like flavanoids, tannoid principles, and polyphenolic substances
      present in the aqueous extract of E. officinalis might be responsible for its
      antidepressant-like activity. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, aqueous extract of E.
      officinalis showed antidepressant-like activity probably by inhibiting MAO-A and
      GABA; and also due to its antioxidant activity.

PMID- 22070519
TI  - Irish psychiatric nurses' self-reported barriers, facilitators and skills for
      developing evidence-based practice.
AB  - Evidence-based practice places an emphasis on integration of clinical expertise
      with available best evidence, patient's clinical information and preferences, and
      with local health resources. This paper reports the findings of a study that
      investigated the barriers, facilitators and skills in developing evidence-based
      practice among psychiatric nurses in Ireland. A postal survey was conducted among
      a random sample of Irish psychiatric nurses and survey data were collected using
      the Development of Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire. Respondents reported
      that insufficient time to find and read research reports and insufficient
      resources to change practice were the greatest barriers to the development of
      evidence-based practice. Practice development coordinators were perceived as the
      most supportive resource for changing practice. Using the Internet to search for
      information was the highest-rated skill and using research evidence to change
      practice was the lowest-rated skill for developing evidence-based practice.
      Nurses' precursor skills for developing evidence-based practice, such as database
      searching and information retrieval, may be insufficient in themselves for
      promoting evidence-based practice if they cannot find evidence relating to their
      particular field of practice or if they do not have the time, resources and
      supports to develop their practice in response to evidence.

PMID- 22070518
TI  - Potentiometric sensors based on fluorous membranes doped with highly selective
      ionophores for carbonate.
AB  - Manganese(III) complexes of three fluorophilic salen derivatives were used to
      prepare ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) with ionophore-doped fluorous sensing
      membranes. Because of their extremely low polarity and polarizability, fluorous
      media are not only chemically very inert but also solvate potentially interfering
      ions poorly, resulting in a much improved discrimination of such ions. Indeed,
      the new ISEs exhibited selectivities for CO(3)(2-) that exceed those of
      previously reported ISEs based on nonfluorous membranes by several orders of
      magnitude. In particular, the interference from chloride and salicylate was
      reduced by 2 and 6 orders of magnitude, respectively. To achieve this, the
      selectivities of these ISEs were fine-tuned by addition of noncoordinating
      hydrophobic ions (i.e., ionic sites) into the sensing membranes. Stability
      constants of the anion-ionophore complexes were determined from the dependence of
      the potentiometric selectivities on the charge sign of the ionic sites and the
      molar ratio of ionic sites and the ionophore. For this purpose, a previously
      introduced fluorophilic tetraphenylborate and a novel fluorophilic cation with a
      bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium group,
      (R(f6)(CH(2))(3))(3)PN(+)P(R(f6)(CH(2))(3))(3), were utilized (where R(f6) is
      C(6)F(13)). The optimum CO(3)(2-) selectivities were found for sensing membranes
      composed of anionic sites and ionophore in a 1:4 molar ratio, which results in
      the formation of 2:1 complexes with CO(3)(2-) with stability constants up to 4.1
      * 10(15). As predicted by established theory, the site-to-ionophore ratios that
      provide optimum potentiometric selectivity depend on the stoichiometries of the
      complexes of both the primary and the interfering ions. However, the ionophores
      used in this study give examples of charges and stoichiometries previously
      neither explicitly predicted by theory nor shown by experiment. The exceptional
      selectivity of fluorous membranes doped with these carbonate ionophores suggests
      their use not only for potentiometric sensing but also for other types of
      sensors, such as the selective separation of carbonate from other anions and the
      sequestration of carbon dioxide.

PMID- 22070520
TI  - Midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a powerful predictor of early death
      in AL amyloidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac biomarkers play a major role in the identification of
      patients at risk of early death in AL amyloidosis, and a staging system based on
      amino-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide type-B (NT-proBNP) and troponins (cTn) is
      used for prognostic stratification. Adrenomedullin is produced by several tissues
      including the heart, and portends a poor prognosis in heart diseases. We
      investigated the ability of midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) to predict
      early death in AL amyloidosis. METHODS: One-hundred and thirty consecutive
      patients with newly-diagnosed AL amyloidosis were prospectively enrolled. The
      impact on survival of NT-proBNP, cTnI and MR-proADM was evaluated. RESULTS: The
      concentration of MR-proADM correlated with systolic and diastolic function, but
      did not reflect the amount of amyloid deposited in the heart. Moreover, MR-proADM
      was associated with non-cardiac markers of advanced disease. The staging system
      based on NT-proBNP and cTnI identified high-risk subjects, but could not
      discriminate good-risk and intermediate-risk patients. Conversely, a staging
      system based on MR-proADM and cTnI identified 3 groups with significantly
      different survivals. CONCLUSIONS: Midregional-proADM is a powerful prognostic
      marker in AL amyloidosis, which may not only reflect cardiac dysfunction but also
      widespread systemic disease, and can be combined with cTn for detecting patients
      at risk of early death.

PMID- 22070521
TI  - Oral status, oral hygiene habits and caries risk factors in home-dwelling elderly
      dependent on moderate or substantial supportive care for daily living.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Elderly people with disabilities have an increased risk of developing
      oral diseases as compared with the healthy elderly. The aim of this study was to
      investigate oral hygiene habits, clinical variables related to oral self-care and
      caries risk in elderly individuals living at home with moderate and substantial
      needs of home care. METHODS: A random sample of 151 elderly people with moderate
      needs and 151 with substantial needs of home care were examined. Data concerning
      general health, social conditions and oral hygiene habits were collected using a
      questionnaire. Data showing the prevalence of caries, plaque scores and gingival
      bleeding were obtained through clinical examinations. RESULTS: Elderly subjects
      with substantial needs of home nursing had more active caries (P < 0.01) and more
      often gingival bleeding (P < 0.05), as compared with elderly people with moderate
      needs. Forty-nine per cent of the elderly with moderate needs performed
      acceptable self-care, as compared with 25% of the individuals with substantial
      needs. Good self-care was associated with women, low plaque scores, less bleeding
      and less caries. Factors increasing the risk of having caries were low saliva
      secretion, high plaque scores and a large number of fillings, while having a
      dentist and good oral hygiene habits increased the chance of not developing
      caries. CONCLUSIONS: Good oral hygiene habits were associated with less
      prevalence of plaque and oral disease in the elderly irrespective of extent of
      needs of home nursing. However, the elderly with moderate needs more often
      performed good self-care, indicating that the possibilities of strengthening self
      care and learning new routines are better when functions are less affected.

PMID- 22070522
TI  - MicroRNA-1 and microRNA-206 improve differentiation potential of human satellite
      cells: a novel approach for tissue engineering of skeletal muscle.
AB  - Innovative strategies based on regenerative medicine, in particular tissue
      engineering of skeletal muscle, are promising for treatment of patients with
      skeletal muscle damage. However, the efficiency of satellite cell differentiation
      in vitro is suboptimal. MicroRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell
      proliferation and differentiation. We hypothesized that transient overexpression
      of microRNA-1 or microRNA-206 enhances the differentiation potential of human
      satellite cells by downregulation quiescent satellite cell regulators, thereby
      increasing myogenic regulator factors. To investigate this, we isolated and
      cultured human satellite cells from muscle biopsies. First, through
      immunofluorescent analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we showed that in satellite cell cultures, low Pax7
      expression is related to high MyoD expression on differentiation, and,
      subsequently, more extensive sarcomere formation, that is, muscle
      differentiation, was detected. Second, using qRT-PCR, we showed that microRNA-1
      and microRNA-206 are robustly induced in differentiating satellite cells.
      Finally, a gain-of-function approach was used to investigate microRNA-1 and
      microRNA-206 potential in human satellite cells to improve differentiation
      potential. As a proof of concept, this was also investigated in a three
      dimensional bioartificial muscle construct. After transfection with microRNA-1,
      the number of Pax7 expressing cells decreased compared with the microRNA
      scrambled control. In differentiated satellite cell cultures transfected with
      either microRNA-1 or microRNA-206, the number of MyoD expressing cells increased,
      and alpha-sarcomeric actin and myosin expression increased compared with microRNA
      scrambled control cultures. In addition, in a three-dimensional bioartificial
      muscle construct, an increase in MyoD expression occurred. Therefore, we conclude
      that microRNA-1 and microRNA-206 can improve human satellite cell
      differentiation. It represents a potential novel approach for tissue engineering
      of human skeletal muscle for the benefit of patients with facial paralysis.

PMID- 22070523
TI  - Influencing factors of community mental health nurses caring for people with
      schizophrenia in Taiwan.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing factors in the
      substantive theory of home care for people with schizophrenia in Taiwan. The
      grounded theory of Strauss and Corbin approach was used. Semi-structured one-to
      one in-depth interviews were utilized to collect data. Constant comparative
      analysis continued during the open, axial and selective coding processes until
      data saturation occurred. Participants were selected using theoretical sampling,
      and the final sample in this study consisted of a total of 29 community nurses
      (18 public health nurses and 11 home health nurses) who provided community mental
      health home-visiting services. The public health nurses and home health nurses
      both conducted a total of 16 (eight carers and eight clients) home visits. Four
      categories and 12 subcategories of influencing factors were identified; these
      factors have both positive and negative effects on nursing roles and the
      functions of public health nurses in the mental health home-visiting service in
      Taiwan. The influencing factors identified support the importance of home care
      services.

PMID- 22070524
TI  - Evaluation of the nifH gene marker of Methanobrevibacter smithii for the
      detection of sewage pollution in environmental waters in Southeast Queensland,
      Australia.
AB  - This study aimed at evaluating the host-specificity and -sensitivity of the nifH
      gene marker of Methanobrevibacter smithii by screening 272 fecal and wastewater
      samples from 11 animal species including humans in Southeast Queensland (SEQ),
      Australia. In addition, environmental water samples (n = 21) were collected
      during the dry and wet weather conditions and tested for the presence of the nifH
      marker along with other sewage-associated markers, namely, enterococci surface
      protein (esp) found in Enterococci faecium, Bacteroides HF183, adenoviruses
      (AVs), and polyomaviruses (PVs). The overall host-specificity of the nifH marker
      to differentiate between human and animal feces was 0.96 (maximum value of 1),
      while the overall sensitivity of this marker in human sourced feces and
      wastewater was 0.81 (maximum value of 1). Among the 21 environmental water
      samples tested, 2 (10%), 3 (14%), 12 (57%), 6 (29%), and 6 (29%) were positive
      for the nifH, esp, HF183, AVs and PVs markers, respectively. The prevalence of
      the nifH marker in environmental water samples, however, was low compared to
      other markers, suggesting that the use of this marker alone may not be sensitive
      enough to detect fecal pollution in environmental waters. The nifH marker,
      however, appears to be sewage-specific in SEQ, Australia, and therefore, it is
      recommended that this marker should be used as an additional marker in
      combination with the HF183 or viral markers such as AVs or PVs for accurate and
      sensitive detection of fecal pollution in SEQ waterways.

PMID- 22070525
TI  - Minimizing pharmacodynamic interactions of high doses of lacosamide.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether pharmacodynamic interactions between high doses
      of lacosamide (400-800 mg/day) and concomitant sodium channel antiepilepsy drugs
      (AEDs) can be minimized in patients with drug-resistant partial-onset seizures.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were rapidly initiated with high-dose lacosamide
      (100 mg/week; increases to 400 to 800 mg/day), while simultaneously tapering
      concomitant sodium channel AEDs. Seizure frequency and side effects were
      evaluated at six time points: baseline, titration, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
      RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had a baseline median of 4 seizures/month with
      persisting partial-onset seizures, despite previous treatment with an average of
      6.8 AEDs. Mean decreases in monthly seizure frequency were as follows: 3 months
      49.9% (P = 0.011), 6 months 55.4% (P = 0.010), 9 months 60.8% (P = 0.002) and 12
      months 58.2% (P = 0.011). Most adverse events were mild CNS-related symptoms and
      occurred transiently only during titration - there was no significant
      relationship (chi(2) < 1.5, P > 0.1) between lacosamide dose and the presence of
      side effects at 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant patients
      rapidly titrated to high doses of lacosamide with simultaneous tapering of
      traditional sodium channel AEDs had marked reduction in CNS-related adverse
      events compared with patients treated in three previous pivotal trials that used
      fixed doses of concomitant AEDs.

PMID- 22070526
TI  - In vitro tests for aerosol deposition. I: Scaling a physical model of the upper
      airways to predict drug deposition variation in normal humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In vitro-in vivo correlations (IVIVCs) are needed to relate in vitro
      test results for deposition to mean data from clinical trials, as well as the
      extremes in a population. Because drug deposition variations are related to
      differences in airway dimensions and inhalation profiles, this article describes
      the development and validation of models and methods to predict in vivo results.
      METHODS: Three physical models of the upper airways were designed as small,
      medium, and large versions to represent 95% of the normal adult human population.
      The physical dimensions were validated by reference to anatomy literature. The
      models were constructed by rapid prototyping, housed in an artificial thorax, and
      used for in vitro testing of drug deposition from 200 MUg Budelin Novolizers
      using a breath simulator to mimic the inhalation profiles used in the clinic. In
      vitro results were compared to those reported in vivo. RESULTS: The "average"
      model was scaled to produce "small" and "large" versions by multiplying linear
      dimensions by 0.748 or 1.165, respectively, based on reports of the mean and
      standard deviation of airway volume across a normal adult population. In vitro
      deposition variation under fixed test conditions was small. Testing in the model
      triplet however, using air flow rate versus time profiles based on the mean and
      the extremes reported in the clinic, produced results for total lung deposition
      (TLD) in vitro consistent with the complete range of drug deposition results
      reported in vivo. The effects of variables such as flow rate in vitro were also
      predictive of in vivo deposition. CONCLUSIONS: A new in vitro test method is
      described to predict the median and range of aerosol drug deposition seen in
      vivo. The method produced an IVIVC that was consistent with 1:1 predictions of
      total lung deposition from a marketed powder inhaler in trained normal adults.

PMID- 22070527
TI  - The pharmacokinetics of inhaled morphine delivered by an ultrasonic nebulizer in
      ventilated dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the pharmacokinetics of single dose morphine inhaled
      by modified ultrasonic nebulizer versus intravenous administered in ventilated
      dogs. METHODS: Six healthy dogs were randomly assigned to receive nebulized or
      intravenous morphine and crossed over to the alternative medication 1 week after.
      Morphine was nebulized by modified ultrasonic nebulizer (YuYue 402A, Jiangsu,
      China). Arterial blood was sampled every minute during the 10 min of
      administration and at 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, and
      360 min after the administration for the determination of morphine concentration
      by RP-HPLC. RESULTS: The main pharmacokinetic parameters of morphine by inhaled
      and intravenous administration were: MRT 59+/-14 min versus 19+/-4 min, T(1/2)
      21.9+/-5.1 min versus 3.3+/-1.0 min, T(max) 23.0+/-2.7 min versus 8.8+/-2.4 min,
      C(max) 0.245+/-0.09 mg.L-1 versus 1.09+/-0.32 mg.L-1, AUC(0-infinity) 9.7+/-1.1
      mg.min.L-1 versus 15.2+/-7.2 mg.min.L-1, CL 0.069+/-0.019 L.min-1.kg-1 versus
      0.063+/-0.028 L.min-1.kg-1, and the absolute bioavailability of inhaled morphine
      was 35.5+/-10%. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) between inhaled
      and intravenous morphine in AUC and CL. As expected, the T(1/2) and MRT of
      inhaled morphine were significantly greater than those of intravenous morphine.
      CONCLUSIONS: Morphine nebulized by ultrasonic nebulizer can be rapidly and
      extensively absorbed by lungs in ventilated dogs.

PMID- 22070528
TI  - Small CAB-like proteins prevent formation of singlet oxygen in the damaged
      photosystem II complex of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - The cyanobacterial small CAB-like proteins (SCPs) are single-helix membrane
      proteins mostly associated with the photosystem II (PSII) complex that accumulate
      under stress conditions. Their function is still ambiguous although they are
      assumed to regulate chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis and/or to protect PSII against
      oxidative damage. In this study, the effect of SCPs on the PSII-specific light
      induced damage and generation of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) was assessed in the
      strains of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking PSI (PSI-less
      strain) or lacking PSI together with all SCPs (PSI-less/scpABCDE(-) strain). The
      light-induced oxidative modifications of the PSII D1 protein reflected by a
      mobility shift of the D1 protein and by generation of a D1-cytochrome b-559
      adduct were more pronounced in the PSI-less/scpABCDE(-) strain. This increased
      protein oxidation correlated with a faster formation of (1)O(2) as detected by
      the green fluorescence of Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green assessed by a laser
      confocal scanning microscopy and by electron paramagnetic resonance spin-trapping
      technique using 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone (TEMPD) as a spin trap. In
      contrast, the formation of hydroxyl radicals was similar in both strains. Our
      results show that SCPs prevent (1)O(2) formation during PSII damage, most
      probably by the binding of free Chl released from the damaged PSII complexes.

PMID- 22070529
TI  - What motivates Australian health service users with chronic illness to engage in
      self-management behaviour?
AB  - CONTEXT: Health policy in Australia emphasizes the role of health service users
      (HSU) in managing their own care but does not include mechanisms to assist HSUs
      to do so. OBJECTIVE: To describe motivation towards or away from self-management
      in a diverse group of older Australians with diabetes, chronic heart failure
      (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and suggest policy
      interventions to increase patient motivation to manage effectively. DESIGN:
      Content and thematic analyses of in-depth semi-structured interviews.
      Participants were asked to describe their experience of having chronic illness,
      including experiences with health professionals and health services. Secondary
      analysis was undertaken to expose descriptions of self-management behaviours and
      their corresponding motivational factors. PARTICIPANTS: Health service users with
      diabetes, COPD and/or CHF (N=52). RESULTS: Participant descriptions exposed
      internal and external sources of motivation. Internal motivation was most often
      framed positively in terms of the desire to optimize health, independence and
      wellness and negatively in terms of avoiding the loss of those attributes.
      External motivation commonly arose from interactions with family, carers and
      health professionals. Different motivators appeared to work simultaneously and
      interactively in individuals, and some motivators seemed to be both positive and
      negative drivers. CONCLUSION: Successful management of chronic illness requires
      recognition that the driving forces behind motivation are interconnected. In
      particular, the significance of family as an external source of motivation
      suggests a need for increased investment in the knowledge and skill building of
      family members who contribute to care.

PMID- 22070530
TI  - Placental alpha-microglobulin-1 rapid immunoassay for detection of premature
      rupture of membranes.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of placental alpha
      microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) rapid immunoassay with conventional standard methods for
      the diagnosis of rupture of membranes (ROM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was performed in patients with symptoms or signs of premature
      rupture of membranes (PROM) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
      Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Conventional standard methods were
      performed to establish the diagnosis and were compared with PAMG-1 immunoassay
      results. ROM was diagnosed if visualization of fluid leaking from the cervical os
      or two of the following three conditions were present: positive nitrazine test,
      ferning test, and nile blue test. The diagnosis of ROM was confirmed by reviewing
      the medical records after delivery. RESULTS: One hundred patients (gestational
      age 36.5+/-3.5weeks, range 22-41weeks of gestation) were recruited into the
      study. Seventy-six percent were preterm and 24% were at term. PAMG-1 immunoassay
      had a sensitivity of 97.2%, specificity of 69%, positive predictive value (PPV)
      of 90.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.9% and an accuracy of 89%. In
      contrast, conventional combined standard methods had a sensitivity of 88.7%,
      specificity of 96.6%, PPV of 98.4%, NPV of 77.8%, and accuracy of 91% for the
      diagnosis of ROM. CONCLUSION: PAMG-1 immunoassay is a rapid method for the
      diagnosis of ROM. PAMG-1 has a higher sensitivity than conventional standard
      methods for the diagnosis of ROM.

PMID- 22070531
TI  - Amelioration of amyloid beta-induced cognitive deficits by Zataria multiflora
      Boiss. essential oil in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The limitations of current Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics
      have prompted investigation into innovative therapeutics focused on
      antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agents including those from
      medicinal plants. Numerous plants have been tested for their potential for
      alleviating symptoms of AD. AIMS: Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) a member of
      Lamiaceae family has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for its beneficial
      effects on mental abilities. Therefore, the effect of its essential oil was
      evaluated in a rat model of AD. METHODS: Amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) fragment 25
      35 was injected bilaterally in the CA1 region of rats hippocampus and the effect
      of different doses of ZM essential oil (50, 100, or 200 MUL/kg) on cognitive
      function was investigated in the Morris water maze. Acute toxicity of the
      essential oil was also studied. RESULTS: The results showed increases in escape
      latency, traveled distance, heading angle, and decreases in target quadrant
      entries in Abeta-received groups as compared to the control group. This
      impairment was reversed by ZM essential oil. The results of acute toxicity
      testing revealed that the calculated LD50 (1264.9 MUL/kg) is much higher than the
      therapeutic dose (100 MUL/kg). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that antioxidant,
      antiinflammatory, and anticholinesterase activities of ZM or its main
      constituents might contribute to its beneficial effects in this model. Our
      findings suggest that ZM may be a potentially valuable source of natural
      therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD. However, further investigations are
      necessary to establish its clinical efficacy and potential toxicity, before any
      recommendations concerning its use as a medication in the treatment of AD.

PMID- 22070534
TI  - Minimally invasive approach in the management of upper- urinary-tract tumours.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision has been the gold
      standard treatment for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC) for more
      than 60 years. However, endoscopic treatment of urothelial tumours of renal
      pelvis and ureter is gaining acceptance as a conservative treatment modality.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review in the English language of the Medline and Pub Med
      databases was performed using the keywords upper urinary tract transitional cell
      carcinoma and endoscopic management. There was a particular emphasis on treatment
      outcomes from published series. RESULTS: Endoscopic treatment of UTTCC alone for
      high-grade tumours is not advised owing to high rates of both local recurrence
      and disease progression, while many authors do not recommend primary endoscopic
      management of UTTCC in elective situations if pathological analysis and tumour
      grade cannot be obtained. CONCLUSION: Endourological management of UTTCC has
      become an accepted treatment option in highly selected patients, provided long
      term close surveillance to detect and treat recurrences is ensured.

PMID- 22070532
TI  - Structuring and validating a cost-effectiveness model of primary asthma
      prevention amongst children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the rising number of asthma cases and the increasing costs of
      health care, prevention may be the best cure. Decisions regarding the
      implementation of prevention programmes in general and choosing between
      unifaceted and multifaceted strategies in particular are urgently needed.
      Existing trials on the primary prevention of asthma are, however, insufficient on
      their own to inform the decision of stakeholders regarding the cost-effectiveness
      of such prevention strategies. Decision analytic modelling synthesises available
      data for the cost-effectiveness evaluation of strategies in an explicit manner.
      Published reports on model development should provide the detail and transparency
      required to increase the acceptability of cost-effectiveness modelling. But,
      detail on the explicit steps and the involvement of experts in structuring a
      model is often unevenly reported. In this paper, we describe a procedure to
      structure and validate a model for the primary prevention of asthma in children.
      METHODS: An expert panel was convened for round-table discussions to frame the
      cost-effectiveness research question and to select and structure a model. The
      model's structural validity, which indicates how well a model reflects the
      reality, was determined through descriptive and parallel validation. Descriptive
      validation was performed with the experts. Parallel validation qualitatively
      compared similarity between other published models with different decision
      problems. RESULTS: The multidisciplinary input of experts helped to develop a
      decision-tree structure which compares the current situation with screening and
      prevention. The prevention was further divided between multifaceted and
      unifaceted approaches to analyse the differences. The clinical outcome was
      diagnosis of asthma. No similar model was found in the literature discussing the
      same decision problem. Structural validity in terms of descriptive validity was
      achieved with the experts and was supported by parallel validation. CONCLUSIONS:
      A decision-tree model developed with experts in round-table discussions benefits
      from a systematic and transparent approach and the multidisciplinary
      contributions of the experts. Parallel validation provides a feasible alternative
      to validating novel models. The process of structuring and validating a model
      presented in this paper could be a useful guide to increase transparency,
      credibility, and acceptability of (future, novel) models when experts are
      involved.

PMID- 22070535
TI  - Significance of cytomegalovirus infection in the failure of native arteriovenous
      fistula.
AB  - High cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG levels have been identified as a risk factor for
      arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. None of the 68 patents in our study were CMV
      IgM positive, although 96% were CMV IgG positive. CMV antigens were detected in
      the radial artery or cephalic vein of 46% of patients who received an AVF. The
      presence of CMV antigens or high serum CMV IgG levels had no prognostic value for
      AVF failure.

PMID- 22070536
TI  - Sphingosine in plants--more riddles from the Sphinx?
AB  - * Sphingolipids are emerging as important mediators of cellular and developmental
      processes in plants, and advances in lipidomics have yielded a wealth of
      information on the composition of plant sphingolipidomes. Studies using
      Arabidopsis thaliana showed that the dihydroxy long-chain base (LCB) is
      desaturated at carbon position 8 (d18:1(Delta8)). This raised important questions
      on the role(s) of sphingosine (d18:1(Delta4)) and sphingosine-1-phosphate
      (d18:1(Delta4)-P) in plants, as these LCBs appear to be absent in A. thaliana. *
      Here, we surveyed 21 species from various phylogenetic groups to ascertain the
      position of desaturation of the d18:1 LCB, in order to gain further insights into
      the prevalence of d18:1(Delta4) and d18:1(Delta8) in plants. * Our results showed
      that d18:1(Delta8) is common in gymnosperms, whereas d18:1(Delta4) is widespread
      within nonseed land plants and the Poales, suggesting that d18:1(Delta4) is
      evolutionarily more ancient than d18:1(Delta8) in Viridiplantae. Additionally,
      phylogenetic analysis indicated that the sphingolipid Delta4-desaturases from
      Viridiplantae form a monophyletic group, with Angiosperm sequences falling into
      two distinct clades, the Eudicots and the Poales. * We propose that efforts to
      elucidate the role(s) of d18:1(Delta4) and d18:1(Delta4)-P should focus on
      genetically tractable Viridiplantae species where the d18:1 LCB is desaturated at
      carbon position 4.

PMID- 22070537
TI  - My farewell to the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

PMID- 22070538
TI  - Applicability and results of Maastricht type 2 donation after cardiac death liver
      transplantation.
AB  - Maastricht type 2 donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors suffer sudden and
      unexpected cardiac arrest, typically outside the hospital; they have significant
      potential to expand the donor pool. Herein, we analyze the results of
      transplanted livers and all potential donors treated under our type 2 DCD
      protocol. Cardiac arrest was witnessed; potential donors arrived at the hospital
      after attempts at resuscitation had failed. Death was declared based on the
      absence of cardiorespiratory activity during a 5-min no-touch period. Femoral
      vessels were cannulated to establish normothermic extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation, which was maintained until organ recovery. From April 2002 to
      December 2010, there were 400 potential donors; 34 liver transplants were
      performed (9%). Among recipients, median age, model for end-stage liver disease
      and cold and reperfusion warm ischemic times were 55 years (49-60), 19 (14-21)
      and 380 (325-430) and 30 min (26-35), respectively. Overall, 236 (59%) and 130
      (32%) livers were turned down due to absolute and relative contraindications to
      donate, respectively. One-year recipient and graft survivals were 82% and 70%,
      respectively (median follow-up 24 months). The applicability of type 2 DCD liver
      transplant was <10%; however, with better preservation technology and expanded
      transplant criteria, we may be able to improve this figure significantly.

PMID- 22070539
TI  - Historical aspects of Danish psychiatry.

PMID- 22070540
TI  - Melatonin-dependent timing of seasonal reproduction by the pars tuberalis:
      pivotal roles for long daylengths and thyroid hormones.
AB  - Most mammals living at temperate latitudes exhibit marked seasonal variations in
      reproduction. In long-lived species, it is assumed that timely physiological
      alternations between a breeding season and a period of sexual rest depend upon
      the ability of day length (photoperiod) to synchronise an endogenous timing
      mechanism called the circannual clock. The sheep has been extensively used to
      characterise the time-measurement mechanisms of seasonal reproduction. Melatonin,
      secreted only during the night, acts as the endocrine transducer of the
      photoperiodic message. The present review is concerned with the endocrine
      mechanisms of seasonal reproduction in sheep and the evidence that long day
      length and thyroid hormones are mandatory to their proper timing. Recent evidence
      for a circadian-based molecular mechanism within the pars tuberalis of the
      pituitary, which ties the short duration melatonin signal reflecting long day
      length to the hypothalamic increase of triiodothyronine (T3) through a thyroid
      stimulating hormone/deiodinase2 paracrine mechanism is presented and evaluated in
      this context. A parallel is also drawn with the golden hamster, a long-day
      breeder, aiming to demonstrate that features of seasonality appear to be
      phylogenetically conserved. Finally, potential mechanisms of T3 action within the
      hypothalamus/median eminence in relationship to seasonal timing are examined.

PMID- 22070541
TI  - Aims and results of the NIMH systematic treatment enhancement program for bipolar
      disorder (STEP-BD).
AB  - The Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) was
      funded as part of a National Institute of Mental Health initiative to develop
      effectiveness information about treatments, illness course, and assessment
      strategies for severe mental disorders. STEP-BD studies were planned to be
      generalizable both to the research knowledge base for bipolar disorder and to
      clinical care of bipolar patients. Several novel methodologies were developed to
      aid in illness characterization, and were combined with existing scales on
      function, quality of life, illness burden, adherence, adverse effects, and
      temperament to yield a comprehensive data set. The methods integrated
      naturalistic treatment and randomized clinical trials, which a portion of STEP-BD
      participants participated. All investigators and other researchers in this
      multisite program were trained in a collaborative care model with the objective
      of retaining a high percentage of enrollees for several years. Articles from STEP
      BD have yielded evidence on risk factors impacting outcomes, suicidality,
      functional status, recovery, relapse, and caretaker burden. The findings from
      these studies brought into question the widely practiced use of antidepressants
      in bipolar depression as well as substantiated the poorly responsive course of
      bipolar depression despite use of combination strategies. In particular, large
      studies on the characteristics and course of bipolar depression (the more
      pervasive pole of the illness), and the outcomes of treatments concluded that
      adjunctive psychosocial treatments but not adjunctive antidepressants yielded
      outcomes superior to those achieved with mood stabilizers alone. The majority of
      patients with bipolar depression concurrently had clinically significant manic
      symptoms. Anxiety, smoking, and early age of bipolar onset were each associated
      with increased illness burden. STEP-BD has established procedures that are
      relevant to future collaborative research programs aimed at the systematic study
      of the complex, intrinsically important elements of bipolar disorders.

PMID- 22070542
TI  - Stark control of a chiral fluoroethylene derivative.
AB  - Hydrogen dissociation is an unwanted competing pathway if a torsional motion
      around the C?C double bond in a chiral fluoroethylene derivative, namely (4
      methylcyclohexylidene) fluoromethane (4MCF), is to be achieved. We show that the
      excited state H-dissociation can be drastically diminished on time scales long
      enough to initiate a torsion around the C?C double bond using the nonresonant
      dynamic Stark effect. Potential energy curves, dipoles, and polarizabilities for
      the regarded one-dimensional reaction coordinate are calculated within the CASSCF
      method. The influence of the excitation and the laser control field is then
      simulated using wave packet dynamics.

PMID- 22070543
TI  - The medicines management needs of carers during an episode of mental health
      crisis.

PMID- 22070544
TI  - Integration of metabolomics and expression of glycerol-3-phosphate
      acyltransferase (GPAM) in breast cancer-link to patient survival, hormone
      receptor status, and metabolic profiling.
AB  - Changes in lipid metabolism are an important but not well-characterized hallmark
      of cancer. On the basis of our recent findings of lipidomic changes in breast
      cancer, we investigated glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM), a key enzyme
      in the lipid biosynthesis of triacylglycerols and phospholipids. GPAM protein
      expression was evaluated and linked to metabolomic and lipidomic profiles in a
      cohort of human breast carcinomas. In addition, GPAM mRNA expression was analyzed
      using the GeneSapiens in silico transcriptiomics database. High cytoplasmic GPAM
      expression was associated with hormone receptor negative status (p = 0.013). On
      the protein (p = 0.048) and mRNA (p = 0.001) levels, increased GPAM expression
      was associated with a better overall survival. Metabolomic analysis by GC-MS
      showed that sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, the substrate of GPAM, was elevated in
      breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue. LC-MS based lipidomic analysis
      identified significantly higher levels of phospholipids, especially
      phosphatidylcholines in GPAM protein positive tumors. In conclusion, our results
      suggest that GPAM is expressed in human breast cancer with associated changes in
      the cellular metabolism, in particular an increased synthesis of phospholipids,
      the major structural component of cellular membranes.

PMID- 22070546
TI  - Signs of cross-seeding: aortic medin amyloid as a trigger for protein AA
      deposition.
AB  - The highly diverse deposition pattern displayed by systemic amyloidoses,
      sometimes within the same amyloid disease, remains unexplained. The localized
      medin (AMed) amyloidosis develops from the precursor protein lactadherin and
      deposits in the media of the thoracic aorta in almost all individuals above 50
      years of age. Given its high prevalence in the population, and the fact that
      systemic amyloidoses also deposit in the aorta, led us to investigate whether
      AMed amyloid could influence the tissue distribution of serum amyloid A derived
      (AA) amyloidosis. Seven aortas from patients with diagnosed systemic AA
      amyloidosis were investigated. Four displayed partial co-localization between
      medin and AA aggregates when examined with double-labeling immunofluorescence.
      Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that AMed amyloid-like fibrils promote the
      aggregation of protein AA into fibrils. The findings indicate that the highly
      frequent "senile" amyloidoses may have the potential to initiate fibril formation
      of the more uncommon amyloidoses by a cross-seeding mechanism.

PMID- 22070545
TI  - The palladium catalyzed asymmetric addition of oxindoles and allenes: an atom
      economical versatile method for the construction of chiral indole alkaloids.
AB  - The Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) is one of the most useful
      and versatile methods for asymmetric synthesis known in organometallic chemistry.
      Development of this reaction over the past 30 years has typically relied on the
      use of an allylic electrophile bearing an appropriate leaving group to access the
      reactive Pd(pi-allyl) intermediate that goes on to the desired coupling product
      after attack by the nucleophile present in the reaction. Our group has been
      interested in developing alternative approaches to access the reactive Pd(pi
      allyl) intermediate that does not require the use of an activated electrophile,
      which ultimately generates a stoichiometric byproduct in the reaction that is
      derived from the leftover leaving group. Along these lines, we have demonstrated
      that allenes can be used to generate the reactive Pd(pi-allyl) intermediate in
      the presence of an acid cocatalyst, and this system is compatible with
      nucleophiles to allow for formation of formal AAA products by Pd-catalyzed
      additions to allenes. This article describes our work regarding the use of
      oxindoles as carbon-based nucleophiles in a Pd-catalyzed asymmetric addition of
      oxindoles to allenes (Pd-catalyzed hydrocarbonation of allenes). By using the
      chiral standard Trost ligand (L1) and 3-aryloxindoles as nucleophiles, this
      hydrocarbonation reaction provides products with two vicinal stereocenters, with
      one being quaternary, in excellent chemo-, regio-, diastereo-, and
      enantioselectivities in high chemical yields.

PMID- 22070547
TI  - Review: personalized mice: modelling the molecular heterogeneity of
      medulloblastoma.
AB  - Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour, is thought to
      arise from mutations in progenitors or stem cells in the cerebellum. Recent
      molecular analyses have highlighted the heterogeneity of these tumours, and
      demonstrated that they can be classified into at least four major subtypes that
      differ in terms of gene expression, genomic gains and losses, epidemiology and
      patient outcome. Along with analysis of human tumours, a variety of animal models
      of medulloblastoma have been developed using transgenic and knockout technology
      as well as somatic gene delivery. These models have provided valuable insight
      into the origins of the disease and the signalling pathways that control tumour
      growth. But the degree to which current models recapitulate the heterogeneity of
      the human disease remains unclear. Here we review the recent literature on the
      genomics of medulloblastoma and discuss the relationship of mouse models to the
      subtypes of the disease. Judicious use of existing models, and generation of
      additional models for poorly studied subtypes of medulloblastoma, will increase
      our understanding of tumour biology and allow evaluation of novel approaches to
      treatment of the disease.

PMID- 22070548
TI  - Investigating the impact of psychosocial risks and occupational stress on
      psychiatric hospital nurses' mental well-being in Japan.
AB  - A cross-sectional survey was conducted, with the aim to examine what stressors in
      the workplace and demographic factors were associated with signs and symptoms of
      poor well-being among psychiatric nurses. A structured questionnaire was
      distributed to nurses within six psychiatric hospitals in Japan. Information was
      collected on demographic information, work characteristics and two dimensions of
      well-being: feeling uptight and emotional exhaustion. Three hundred and sixty-one
      questionnaires were completed by participants. High rates of emotional exhaustion
      in psychiatric nurses were found to be predicted by young age, high psychological
      demands paired with low social support in the workplace, job strain (a proxy to
      occupational stress) and job strain paired with low social support. In addition,
      high rates of being tense/uptight were associated with high psychological job
      demand, low psychological job control, low social support in the workplace, high
      job strain and high job strain paired with low social support. The current study
      has found evidence of significant relationships between demographic factors and
      several work and organizational stressors and poor mental health among Japanese
      psychiatric nurses.

PMID- 22070549
TI  - What can virtual patient simulation offer mental health nursing education?
AB  - This paper discusses the use of simulation in nursing education and training,
      including potential benefits and barriers associated with its use. In particular,
      it addresses the hitherto scant application of diverse simulation devices and
      dedicated simulation scenarios in psychiatric and mental health nursing. It goes
      on to describe a low-cost, narrative-based virtual patient simulation technique
      which has the potential for wide application within health and social care
      education. An example of the implementation of this technology in a web-based
      pilot course for acute mental health nurses is given. This particular virtual
      patient technique is a simulation type ideally suited to promoting essential
      mental health nursing skills such as critical thinking, communication and
      decision making. Furthermore, it is argued that it is particularly amenable to e
      learning and blended learning environments, as well as being an apt tool where
      multilingual simulations are required. The continued development, implementation
      and evaluation of narrative virtual patient simulations across a variety of
      health and social care programmes would help ascertain their success as an
      educational tool.

PMID- 22070550
TI  - Silver nanoparticles and total aerosols emitted by nanotechnology-related
      consumer spray products.
AB  - Products containing silver nanoparticles are entering the market rapidly, but
      little is known about the potential for inhalation exposure to nanosilver. The
      objectives of this work were to characterize the emissions of airborne particles
      from consumer products that claim to contain silver nanoparticles or ions,
      determine the relationship between emissions and the products' liquid
      characteristics, and assess the potential for inhalation exposure to silver
      during product use. Three products were investigated: an antiodor spray for
      hunters, a surface disinfectant, and a throat spray. Products emitted 0.24-56 ng
      of silver in aerosols per spray action. The plurality of silver was found in
      aerosols 1-2.5 MUm in diameter for two products. Both the products' liquid
      characteristics and the bottles' spray mechanisms played roles in determining the
      size distribution of total aerosols, and the size of silver-containing aerosols
      emitted by the products was largely independent of the silver size distributions
      in the liquid phase. Silver was associated with chlorine in most samples. Results
      demonstrate that the normal use of silver-containing spray products carries the
      potential for inhalation of silver-containing aerosols. Exposure modeling
      suggests that up to 70 ng of silver may deposit in the respiratory tract during
      product use.

PMID- 22070551
TI  - MR spectroscopy and atrophy in Gluten, Friedreich's and SCA6 ataxias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous work using proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) of the
      cerebellum in the ataxias suggested that (1)H-MRS abnormalities and atrophy do
      not necessarily occur concurrently. AIMS: To investigate the spectroscopic
      features of different types of ataxias. METHODS: Using a clinical MR system
      operating at 1.5T, we performed (1)H-MRS with a single voxel placed over the
      right dentate nucleus in 22 patients with gluten ataxia (GA), six patients with
      Friedreich's ataxia (FA), six patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6)
      and 21 healthy volunteers. Atrophy of the vermis and hemispheres on standard MRI
      was rated by a neuroradiologist. Any interaction between atrophy and (1)H-MRS was
      analysed for the three groups of patients and controls. RESULTS: Patients with GA
      had significant atrophy of the vermis and hemispheres as well as abnormal (1)H
      MRS. Patients with SCA6 had more severe overall atrophy of the vermis and
      hemispheres, but relatively preserved N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr). The
      FA group showed significant atrophy of only the superior vermis with normal (1)H
      MRS. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that (1)H-MRS of the cerebellum in patients
      with ataxia provides information in addition to the presence of atrophy. There
      are significant (1)H-MRS differences amongst different types of ataxia with
      interesting correlations between atrophy and NAA/Cr.

PMID- 22070552
TI  - Enamel matrix derivative: a review of cellular effects in vitro and a model of
      molecular arrangement and functioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD), the active component of Emdogain(r),
      is a viable option in the treatment of periodontal disease owing to its ability
      to regenerate lost tissue. It is believed to mimic odontogenesis, though the
      details of its functioning remain the focus of current research. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this article is to review all relevant literature reporting on the
      composition/characterization of EMD as well as the effects of EMD, and its
      components amelogenin and ameloblastin, on the behavior of various cell types in
      vitro. In this way, insight into the underlying mechanism of regeneration will be
      garnered and utilized to propose a model for the molecular arrangement and
      functioning of EMD. METHODS: A review of in vitro studies of EMD, or components
      of EMD, was performed using key words "enamel matrix proteins" OR "EMD" OR
      "Emdogain" OR "amelogenin" OR "ameloblastin" OR "sheath proteins" AND "cells."
      Results of this analysis, together with current knowledge on the molecular
      composition of EMD and the structure and regulation of its components, are then
      used to present a model of EMD functioning. RESULTS: Characterization of the
      molecular composition of EMD confirmed that amelogenin proteins, including their
      enzymatically cleaved and alternatively spliced fragments, dominate the protein
      complex (>90%). A small presence of ameloblastin has also been reported. Analysis
      of the effects of EMD indicated that gene expression, protein production,
      proliferation, and differentiation of various cell types are affected and often
      enhanced by EMD, particularly for periodontal ligament and osteoblastic cell
      types. EMD also stimulated angiogenesis. In contrast, EMD had a cytostatic effect
      on epithelial cells. Full-length amelogenin elicited similar effects to EMD,
      though to a lesser extent. Both the leucine-rich amelogenin peptide and the
      ameloblastin peptides demonstrated osteogenic effects. A model for molecular
      structure and functioning of EMD involving nanosphere formation, aggregation, and
      dissolution is presented. CONCLUSIONS: EMD elicits a regenerative response in
      periodontal tissues that is only partly replicated by amelogenin or ameloblastin
      components. A synergistic effect among the various proteins and with the cells,
      as well as a temporal effect, may prove important aspects of the EMD response in
      vivo.

PMID- 22070553
TI  - Growth, respiration and nutrient acquisition by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus
      Glomus mosseae and its host plant Plantago lanceolata in cooled soil.
AB  - Although plant phosphate uptake is reduced by low soil temperature, arbuscular
      mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are responsible for P uptake in many plants. We
      investigated growth and carbon allocation of the AM fungus Glomus mosseae and a
      host plant (Plantago lanceolata) under reduced soil temperature. Plants were
      grown in compartmented microcosm units to determine the impact on both fungus and
      roots of a constant 2.7  degrees C reduction in soil temperature for 16 d. C
      allocation was measured using two (13)CO(2) pulse labels. Although root growth
      was reduced by cooling, AM colonization, growth and respiration of the
      extraradical mycelium (ERM) and allocation of assimilated (13)C to the ERM were
      all unaffected; the frequency of arbuscules increased. In contrast, root
      respiration and (13)C content and plant P and Zn content were all reduced by
      cooling. Cooling had less effect on N and K, and none on Ca and Mg content. The
      AM fungus G. mosseae was more able to sustain activity in cooled soil than were
      the roots of P. lanceolata, and so enhanced plant P content under a realistic
      degree of soil cooling that reduced plant growth. AM fungi may therefore be an
      effective means to promote plant nutrition under low soil temperatures.

PMID- 22070554
TI  - In vivo specific delivery of c-Met siRNA to glioblastoma using cationic solid
      lipid nanoparticles.
AB  - RNA interference is a powerful strategy that inhibits gene expression through
      specific mRNA degradation. In vivo, however, the application of small interfering
      RNAs (siRNAs) is severely limited by their instability and their poor delivery
      into target cells and tissues. This is especially true with glioblastomas (GBMs),
      the most frequent and malignant form of brain tumor, that has limited treatment
      options due to the largely impenetrable blood-brain barrier. Here, cationic solid
      lipid nanoparticles (SLN), reconstituted from natural components of protein-free
      low-density lipoprotein, was conjugated to PEGylated c-Met siRNA. The c-Met siRNA
      PEG/SLN complex efficiently down-regulated c-Met expression level, as well as
      decreased cell proliferation in U-87MG in vitro. In orthotopic U-87MG xenograft
      tumor model, intravenous administration of the complex significantly inhibited c
      Met expression at the tumor tissue and suppressed tumor growth without showing
      any systemic toxicity in mice. Use of Cy5.5 conjugated SLN revealed enhanced
      accumulation of the siRNA-PEG/SLN complexes specifically in the brain tumor. Our
      data demonstrates the feasibility of using siRNA-PEG/SLN complexes as a potential
      carrier of therapeutic siRNAs for the systemic treatment of GBM in the clinic.

PMID- 22070555
TI  - Surgery for fistula-in-ano in a specialist colorectal unit: a critical appraisal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several techniques have been described for the management of fistula
      in-ano, but all carry their own risks of recurrence and incontinence. We
      conducted a prospective study to assess type of presentation, treatment strategy
      and outcome over a 5-year period. METHODS: Between 1st January 2005 and 31st
      March 2011,247 patients presenting with anal fistulas were treated at the
      University Hospital Tor Vergata and were included in the present prospective
      study. Mean age was 47 years (range 16-76 years); minimum follow-up period was 6
      months (mean 40, range 6-74 months).Patients were treated using 4 operative
      approaches: fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton placement and rectal advancement
      flap. Data analyzed included: age, gender, type of fistula, operative
      intervention, healing rate, postoperative complications, reinterventions and
      recurrence. RESULTS: Etiologies of fistulas were cryptoglandular (n = 218),
      Crohn's disease (n = 26) and Ulcerative Colitis (n = 3). Fistulae were classified
      as simple -intersphincteric 57 (23%), low transphincteric 28 (11%) and complex 
      high transphicteric 122 (49%), suprasphincteric 2 (0.8%), extrasphinteric 2
      (0.8%), recto-vaginal 7 (2.8%) Crohn 26 (10%) and UC 3 (1.2%).The most common
      surgical procedure was the placement of seton (62%), usually applied in case of
      complex fistulae and Crohn's patients.Eighty-five patients (34%) underwent
      fistulotomy, mainly for intersphincteric and mid/low transphincteric tracts.
      Crohn's patients were submitted to placement of one or more loose setons.The main
      treatment successfully eradicated the primary fistula tract in 151/247 patients
      (61%). Three cases of major incontinence (1.3%) were detected during the follow
      up period; Furthermore, three patients complained minor incontinence that was
      successfully treated by biofeedback and permacol injection into the internal anal
      sphincter. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective audit demonstrates an high proportion of
      complex anal fistulae treated by seton placement that was the most common
      surgical technique adopted to treat our patients as a first line. Nevertheless, a
      good outcome was achieved in the majority of patients with a limited rate of
      faecal incontinence (6/247 = 2.4%). New technologies provide promising
      alternatives to traditional methods of management particularly in case of complex
      fistulas. There is, however, a real need for high-quality randomized control
      trials to evaluate the different surgical and non surgical treatment options.

PMID- 22070556
TI  - Short-course antibiotics for prosthetic joint infections treated with prosthesis
      retention.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the significance of shortening
      the antibiotic treatment duration in prosthetic joint infections (PJI) treated
      with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR). In April 2006 we
      shortened the total antibiotic treatment duration in total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) PJIs from 6 months to 3 months and in total hip arthroplasty (THA) PJIs
      from 3 months to 2 months. All patients with TKA or THA PJI treated with DAIR
      between February 2001 and August 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. There were
      132 patients treated with DAIR, of whom 86 (65%) completed the antibiotic therapy
      and were therefore eligible for comparison concerning the length of antibiotic
      treatment. There were 32 (37%) THA and 54 (63%) TKA PJIs in the comparison. The
      treatment succeeded in 34 (89.5%) patients treated with longer antibiotic
      treatment and in 42 (87.5%) of those treated with shorter antibiotic treatment (p
      0.78). Our conclusion is that if the patient completes the antibiotic therapy,
      treatment duration of 3 months in TKA PJIs and 2 months in THA PJIs is as good as
      longer antibiotic treatment of 6 months or 3 months, respectively, in patients
      treated with DAIR.

PMID- 22070557
TI  - Role of Hounsfield units to distinguish pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 22070558
TI  - Chemical pneumonitis after intravenous injection of isoparaffin: Characteristic
      clinico-radiologic findings.
AB  - A 23-year-old man presented with chest pain after intravenous (IV) injection of
      isoparaffin (C12-C13, 99%). This report describes the chest computed tomography
      (CT) pattern of chemical pneumonitis after IV isoparaffin injection. When
      injected IV, hydrocarbon can cause chemical pneumonitis, mimicking pulmonary
      infarction on chest CT. The CT pattern is attributable to diffusion of
      hydrocarbons through systemic veins into small pulmonary arteries and capillary
      beds, causing extensive local reactions and chemical pneumonitis or pleuritis.

PMID- 22070559
TI  - Inorganic mercury poisoning associated with skin-lightening cosmetic products.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mercury and mercury salts, including mercurous chloride and
      mercurous oxide, are prohibited for use in cosmetic products as skin-lightening
      agents because of their high toxicity. Yet, the public continue to have access to
      these products. METHODS: Reports of skin-lightening cosmetic products containing
      mercury and cases of mercury poisoning following the use of such products were
      identified using Medline (1950 - 28 March 2011) with mercury, mercury compounds,
      mercury poisoning, cosmetics and skin absorption as the subject headings. These
      searches identified 118 citations of which 31 were relevant. TOXICOKINETICS: The
      rate of dermal absorption increases with the concentration of mercury and prior
      hydration of the skin. The degree of dermal absorption varies with the skin
      integrity and lipid solubility of the vehicle in the cosmetic products. Ingestion
      may occur after topical application around the mouth and hand-to-mouth contact.
      After absorption, inorganic mercury is distributed widely and elimination occurs
      primarily through the urine and feces. With long-term exposure, urinary excretion
      is the major route of elimination. The half-life is approximately 1-2 months.
      FEATURES: The kidneys are the major site of inorganic mercury deposition; renal
      damage includes reversible proteinuria, acute tubular necrosis and nephrotic
      syndrome. Gastrointestinal symptoms include a metallic taste, gingivostomatitis,
      nausea and hypersalivation. Although penetration of the blood-brain barrier by
      inorganic mercury is poor, prolonged exposure can result in central nervous
      system (CNS) accumulation and neurotoxicity. Inorganic mercury poisoning
      following the use of skin-lightening creams has been reported from Africa,
      Europe, USA, Mexico, Australia and Hong Kong. Nephrotic syndrome (mainly due to
      minimal change or membranous nephropathy) and neurotoxicity were the most common
      presenting features. As mercury-containing cosmetic products can contaminate the
      home, some close household contacts were also reported to have elevated urine
      mercury concentrations. ASSESSMENT: Prevention from further exposure is the first
      step. Cream users and their close contacts should be evaluated for evidence of
      mercury exposure, the presence of target organ damage and the need for chelation
      treatment. Laboratory evaluation of affected subjects should include a complete
      blood count, serum electrolytes, liver and renal function tests, urinalysis,
      urine and blood mercury concentrations. Since blood mercury concentrations tend
      to return to normal within days of exposure, blood samples are useful primarily
      in short-term, higher-level exposures. Estimation of the urine mercury
      concentration is the best marker of exposure to inorganic mercury and indicator
      of body burden. A 24-hour urine for measurement of mercury excretion is
      preferred; a spot urine mercury concentration should be corrected for creatinine
      output. MANAGEMENT: Chelation therapy is indicated in patients with features of
      mercury poisoning and elevated blood and/or urine mercury concentrations.
      Unithiol (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid, DMPS) is the preferred antidote
      though succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid, DMSA) has also been employed.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of mercury in cosmetic products should be strictly
      prohibited. The public should be warned not to use such products as their use can
      result in systemic absorption and accumulation of mercury causing renal,
      gastrointestinal and CNS toxicity.

PMID- 22070560
TI  - Acute amiodarone poisoning occurring twice in the same subject.

PMID- 22070561
TI  - Second case of the use of intravenous fat emulsion therapy for propafenone
      toxicity.

PMID- 22070563
TI  - Effects of different surface pre-treatments on the bond strength of adhesive
      resin cement to quartz fiber post.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical and
      chemical surface treatment methods on the bond strength of resin cement to fiber
      post. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The roots of 36 maxillary central incisor teeth were
      mounted in auto polymerized acrylic resin blocks (10 * 15 mm) and the root canals
      were enlarged with the drills of post system (2.1 mm width, 12 mm length). Thirty
      six fiber posts were randomly assigned to one of the following surface
      conditioning methods: silane coupling agent, methylene chloride etching, 24%
      hydrogen peroxide etching, air abrasion with 50 um Al(2)O(3), 1-3 um synthetic
      diamond particles and silica coating with 30 um SiO(x). Fiber posts were cemented
      to the root canals with adhesive resin cement (Panavia F 2.0). Three slices of
      1.5 mm thick were obtained from each root. Push-out tests were performed with a
      universal testing machine. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD tests (alpha = 0.05). The effect of the surface
      treatments were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface
      roughness were evaluated with a profilometer. RESULTS: Surface pre-treatment
      methods affected the bond strength (p < 0.05). The highest bond strengths were
      obtained by air abrasion with synthetic diamond particles, the lowest bond
      strength were obtained by etching with methylene chloride (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Mechanical surface pre-treatment methods showed higher bond strength values than
      chemical methods. Synthetic diamond particles may be an alternative method to
      increase resin cement bonding on the quartz fiber post surfaces.

PMID- 22070562
TI  - Selective oestrogen receptor modulators differentially potentiate brain
      mitochondrial function.
AB  - The mitochondrial energy-transducing capacity of the brain is important for long
      term neurological health and is influenced by endocrine hormone responsiveness.
      The present study aimed to determine the role of oestrogen receptor (ER) subtypes
      in regulating mitochondrial function using selective agonists for ERalpha
      (propylpyrazoletriol; PPT) and ERbeta (diarylpropionitrile; DPN). Ovariectomised
      female rats were treated with 17beta-oestradiol (E(2) ), PPT, DPN or vehicle
      control. Both ER selective agonists significantly increased the mitochondrial
      respiratory control ratio and cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity relative to
      vehicle. Western blots of purified whole brain mitochondria detected ERalpha and,
      to a greater extent, ERbeta localisation. Pre-treatment with DPN, an ERbeta
      agonist, significantly increased ERbeta association with mitochondria. In the
      hippocampus, DPN activated mitochondrial DNA-encoded COX I expression, whereas
      PPT was ineffective, indicating that mechanistically ERbeta, and not ERalpha,
      activated mitochondrial transcriptional machinery. Both selective ER agonists
      increased protein expression of nuclear DNA-encoded COX IV, suggesting that
      activation of ERbeta or ERalpha is sufficient. Selective ER agonists up-regulated
      a panel of bioenergetic enzymes and antioxidant defence proteins. Up-regulated
      proteins included pyruvate dehydrogenase, ATP synthase, manganese superoxide
      dismutase and peroxiredoxin V. In vitro, whole cell metabolism was assessed in
      live primary cultured hippocampal neurones and mixed glia. The results of
      analyses conducted in vitro were consistent with data obtained in vivo.
      Furthermore, lipid peroxides, accumulated as a result of hormone deprivation,
      were significantly reduced by E(2) , PPT and DPN. These findings suggest that the
      activation of both ERalpha and ERbeta is differentially required to potentiate
      mitochondrial function in brain. As active components in hormone therapy,
      synthetically designed oestrogens as well as natural phyto-oestrogen cocktails
      can be tailored to improve brain mitochondrial endpoints.

PMID- 22070564
TI  - Olfactory processing in schizophrenia, non-ill first-degree family members, and
      young people at-risk for psychosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While deficits in odor identification and discrimination have been
      reported in schizophrenia, few studies have examined the relative specificity of
      these deficits in patients and at-risk youth. METHOD: Sniffin' Sticks odor
      identification and discrimination were assessed in schizophrenia outpatients and
      non-ill first-degree relatives (Study One), as well as youth at clinical (CR) or
      genetic (GR) risk for schizophrenia (Study Two). Scores were z-transformed, using
      the performance of a demographically-matched adult or adolescent comparison
      group. RESULTS: Patients and relatives were impaired on odor identification, but
      odor discrimination impairment was limited to the patient group. A similar
      pattern of impairment emerged in at-risk youth. GR youth were impaired on odor
      identification but not discrimination, while CR youth were impaired on both
      tasks. In patients, olfactory impairment was correlated with negative
      symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to show
      that CR youth are impaired on both olfactory tasks, as observed in adult
      schizophrenia patients. GR youth were impaired only on odor identification like
      their adult counterparts. These data suggest that odor identification impairment,
      in isolation, may represent a genetic marker of vulnerability for schizophrenia,
      while odor discrimination deficits may be a biomarker associated with the
      development of psychosis.

PMID- 22070566
TI  - Uterus-like mass of ovarian ligament: Image diagnosis and management by
      laparoendoscopic single-site surgery.
AB  - Uterus-like mass composed of a cavity lined by mucosa resembling endometrium and
      surrounding smooth muscle layer simulating myometrium is an extremely rare
      disease entity of which the histogenesis is presently unknown. A 39-year-old,
      gravida 2, para 2, woman presented with sudden onset of lower abdominal pain and
      was found to have left adnexal mass with unusual image diagnostic appearance. The
      adnexal mass arising from the left ovarian ligament was excised by
      laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. Histopathological diagnosis was uterus-like
      mass of ovarian ligament.

PMID- 22070565
TI  - A novel pathway of chronic allograft rejection mediated by NK cells and
      alloantibody.
AB  - Chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in murine heart allografts can be elicited
      by adoptive transfer of donor specific antibody (DSA) to class I MHC antigens and
      is independent of complement. Here we address the mechanism by which DSA causes
      CAV. B6.RAG1(-/-) or B6.RAG1(-/-)C3(-/-) (H-2(b)) mice received B10.BR (H-2(k))
      heart allografts and repeated doses of IgG2a, IgG1 or F(ab')(2) fragments of
      IgG2a DSA (anti-H-2(k)). Intact DSA regularly elicited markedly stenotic CAV in
      recipients over 28 days. In contrast, depletion of NK cells with anti-NK1.1
      reduced significantly DSA-induced CAV, as judged morphometrically. Recipients
      genetically deficient in mature NK cells (gamma-chain knock out) also showed
      decreased severity of DSA-induced CAV. Direct NK reactivity to the graft was not
      necessary. F(ab')(2) DSA fragments, even at doses twofold higher than intact DSA,
      were inactive. Graft microvascular endothelial cells responded to DSA in vivo by
      increased expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), a
      response not elicited by F(ab')(2) DSA. We conclude that antibody mediates CAV
      through NK cells, by an Fc dependent manner. This new pathway adds to the
      possible mechanisms of chronic rejection and may relate to the recently described
      C4d-negative chronic antibody-mediated rejection in humans.

PMID- 22070567
TI  - Intelligence is only one human attribute: an introduction to the festschrift in
      honour of Trevor Parmenter, What is intelligence? What is intellectual
      disability?

PMID- 22070570
TI  - New application for expanded porphyrins: sapphyrin and heterosapphyrins as
      inhibitors of Leishmania parasites.
AB  - Sapphyrins and a series of related porphyrinoid macrocycles have been
      investigated as potential agents for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The
      effectiveness of the compounds was evaluated in vitro upon incubation with
      Leishmania tarentolae or L. panamensis amastigotes and promastigotes. Their
      effectiveness was also assessed against intracellular L. panamensis. The
      cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in vitro using the U937 human
      promonocyte cell line. Effectiveness and cytotoxicity were assessed in the
      presence and absence of visible light to assess the photodynamic activity of the
      compounds. Sapphyrin and two related heterosapphyrins were shown to be
      particularly effective as inhibitors of Leishmania. A photodynamic effect was
      observed, which may be attributed to the formation of reactive oxygen species.
      Yields of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) produced were determined in ethanol solutions
      by direct measurement of (1)O(2) phosphorescence. Confocal microscopy
      demonstrated that sapphyrin and related macrocycles were taken up by the
      Leishmania cells and that their presence induces the formation of mitochondrial
      superoxide. Sapphyrins have been widely investigated as anticancer agents and we
      here show activity against the Leishmania parasites.

PMID- 22070571
TI  - Controlled intracellular release of doxorubicin in multidrug-resistant cancer
      cells by tuning the shell-pore sizes of mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
AB  - In this work, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) with three pore
      sizes were manufactured to control the drug release rate, and the biological
      roles of these HMSNs were evaluated in multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells. As
      novel pore-size-controllable inorganic materials, HMSNs showed negligible
      cytotoxicity and efficient cellular uptake toward drug-sensitive MCF-7 and drug
      resistant MCF-7/ADR cells. Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded HMSNs (DMSNs) not only
      demonstrated effective drug loading and a pH-responsive drug release character
      but also exhibited pore-size-dependent and sustained drug release performance in
      both in vitro and intracellular drug release experiments. In addition, DMSNs
      exhibited pore-size-dependent anticancer activity against MCF-7/ADR cells. DMSNs
      with larger pore size could mediate more cellular uptake of DOX and faster
      intracellular drug release, which led to more intracellular drug accumulation and
      stronger MDR-reversal effects. The MDR-overcoming mechanism could be due to the
      efficient cellular uptake, P-gp inhibition, and ATP depletion. These results
      demonstrate that HMSNs could be a very promising drug delivery system for pore
      size-controllable drug release and cancer MDR reversion.

PMID- 22070572
TI  - State of the art: treatment of bipolar disorders.
AB  - Bipolar disorders are lifelong lasting affective disorders, with an episodic
      course of the illness in most cases. The lifetime prevalence is around 2-5%, the
      illness usually appears in early adulthood and causes significant impairment in
      psychosocial functioning. This is a selective review focusing on recent
      developments and issues of interest in the psychopharmacological treatment of
      bipolar disorders. It is based primarily on the results of adequately powered,
      randomised, controlled trials (RCTs). These studies were systematically retrieved
      by means of a Medline search. The past 10 years have led to a broadening of the
      psychopharmacological treatment options for bipolar disorders. The proof of
      efficacy for the combination of fluoxetine/olanzapine as well as quetiapine in
      the acute treatment of bipolar I depression were important steps. While lithium
      remains the gold standard in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorders,
      valproate, olanzapine, lamotrigine, aripiprazole, and quetiapine have been shown
      efficacious for this indication, with quetiapine possessing the broadest approval
      status of all drugs for the different treatment phases of this illness. Despite
      this progress there remains a huge demand regarding new compounds for nearly
      every area in the psychopharmacological treatment of bipolar disorders. In
      addition new methodological approaches regarding the proof of effectiveness in
      clinical practice are urgently needed.

PMID- 22070573
TI  - The secret food diary of a person diagnosed with schizophrenia.
AB  - The objective was to consider the feasibility of food diaries as a method of
      understanding the dietary behaviour of people with schizophrenia. Examination of
      the food diaries completed in 1 week by eight patients with schizophrenia. All
      the patients were successful in completing the task. Examination of the food
      diaries revealed that: eating fruit and vegetables was largely absent; there was
      very little variety in most of the patients' diets; patients relied heavily on
      convenience food and ready meals for their main meal; as a rule patients followed
      an ordered mealtime routine; generally patients did not drink enough fluid; they
      were not big treat eaters; only one patient recorded drinking any alcohol;
      overall there appeared to be poor diet literacy in our small sample. The results
      show that on the whole, people with schizophrenia have a poor diet. This could be
      due to a combination of financial difficulty, lack of skills in food preparation,
      lack of motivation to prepare food or ignorance of what constitutes a healthy
      diet. The fact that they all managed to complete the task is perhaps evidence of
      motivation to improve their health and demonstrates the utility of food diaries
      in educating this population.

PMID- 22070574
TI  - In situ kinetic study on hydrothermal transformation of D-glucose into 5
      hydroxymethylfurfural through D-fructose with 13C NMR.
AB  - Kinetics of hydrothermal reaction of D-glucose was investigated at 0.02 M over a
      temperature range of 120-160  degrees C by applying in situ (13)C NMR
      spectroscopy. D-Glucose was found to be reversibly transformed first into D
      fructose (intermediate) and successively into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF)
      through dehydration. The carbon mass balance has been kept within the detection
      limit, and no other reaction pathways are present. The hydrothermal reaction of d
      glucose is thus understood as that of D-fructose in the sense that the D-glucose
      reaction proceeds only through D-fructose. All the isomers of D-glucose and D
      fructose were detected by the in situ (13)C NMR in D(2)O: they are the open
      chains and the pyranoses and furanoses of alpha- and beta-types. The beta-forms
      are the most stable due to the hydration. For both D-glucose and D-fructose, the
      isomers are in a rapid equilibrium for each monosaccharide, and they are treated
      collectively in the kinetic analysis of the slower hydrothermal reactions. The
      reactions are of the first order with respect to the concentrations of D-glucose
      and D-fructose, and D-glucose converts to 5-HMF on the order of hours. The
      kinetic parameters were determined by the in situ method.

PMID- 22070575
TI  - Two cheers or three for treatment guidelines? Nudging prescribers in right
      directions.

PMID- 22070577
TI  - Analysis of transcriptional factors and regulation networks in laryngeal squamous
      cell carcinoma patients with lymph node metastasis.
AB  - The present study was to identify and quantitate differentially expressed
      proteins in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues with or without
      lymph node metastasis and to explore transcriptional factors and regulation
      networks associated with the process. Tissue specimens were taken from 20
      patients with LSCC, including 10 cases of LSCC without metastasis LSCC (N0) and
      10 cases of LSCC with metastasis LSCC (Nx). Among the 643 unique proteins
      identified by using iTRAQ labeling and quantitative proteomic technology, 389
      proteins showed an abundance change in LSCC (Nx) as compared to LSCC (N0).
      Cytoskeleton remodeling, cell adhesion, and immune response activation were found
      to be the main processes in LSCC metastasis. The construction of transcription
      regulation networks identified key transcription regulators for lymph node
      metastasis of LSCC, including Sp1, c-myc, and p53, which may affect LSCC
      metastasis through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, our
      results suggest that ubiquitination may be a critical factor in the networks. The
      present study provides insights into transcriptional factors and regulation
      networks involved in LSCC metastasis, which may lead to new strategies for
      treatment of LSCC metastasis.

PMID- 22070578
TI  - Adoption of an Internet-based patient education programme in psychiatric
      hospitals.
AB  - Internet-based patient support systems are widely assumed to predict a future
      trend in patient education. Coherent information is still lacking on how patient
      education is adopted in psychiatric hospitals and how information technology is
      used in it. Our aim was to describe nurses' adoption of an Internet-based patient
      education programme and the variables explaining it. The study was based on
      Rogers' model of the diffusion of innovation. The Internet-based patient
      education sessions were carried out by nurses on nine acute psychiatric inpatient
      wards in two Finnish hospitals. They were evaluated with reports and analysed
      statistically. Out of 100 nurses, 83 adopted the programme during the study
      period. The nurses fell into Rogers' groups, late majority (72%), laggards (17%),
      early majority (7%), early adopters (3%) and innovators (1%). Three groups were
      formed according to their activity: laggards, late majority, adopters (including
      early majority, early adopters, innovators). There was a statistical difference
      between the nurses' programme adoption between the two hospitals (P= 0.045): more
      laggards (65% vs. 35%) and adopters (73% vs. 27%) in the same hospital. The
      findings help to provide insight into the contexts and settings when adopting
      information technology programmes in the area of mental health care.

PMID- 22070579
TI  - Noble-metal-free bimetallic nanoparticle-catalyzed selective hydrogen generation
      from hydrous hydrazine for chemical hydrogen storage.
AB  - Noble-metal-free nickel-iron alloy nanoparticles exhibit excellent catalytic
      performance for the complete decomposition of hydrous hydrazine, for which the
      NiFe nanocatalyst, with equimolar compositions of Ni and Fe, shows 100% hydrogen
      selectivity in basic solution (0.5 M NaOH) at 343 K. The development of low-cost
      and high-performance catalysts may encourage the effective application of hydrous
      hydrazine as a promising hydrogen storage material.

PMID- 22070580
TI  - Chemical characterization and source apportionment of fine and coarse particulate
      matter inside the refectory of Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church, home of Leonardo
      Da Vinci's "Last Supper".
AB  - The association between exposure to indoor particulate matter (PM) and damage to
      cultural assets has been of primary relevance to museum conservators. PM-induced
      damage to the "Last Supper" painting, one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous
      artworks, has been a major concern, given the location of this masterpiece inside
      a refectory in the city center of Milan, one of Europe's most polluted cities. To
      assess this risk, a one-year sampling campaign was conducted at indoor and
      outdoor sites of the painting's location, where time-integrated fine and coarse
      PM (PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10)) samples were simultaneously collected. Findings
      showed that PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) concentrations were reduced indoors by 88 and
      94% on a yearly average basis, respectively. This large reduction is mainly
      attributed to the efficacy of the deployed ventilation system in removing
      particles. Furthermore, PM(2.5) dominated indoor particle levels, with organic
      matter as the most abundant species. Next, the chemical mass balance model was
      applied to apportion primary and secondary sources to monthly indoor fine organic
      carbon (OC) and PM mass. Results revealed that gasoline vehicles, urban soil, and
      wood-smoke only contributed to an annual average of 11.2 +/- 3.7% of OC mass.
      Tracers for these major sources had minimal infiltration factors. On the other
      hand, fatty acids and squalane had high indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios
      with fatty acids showing a good correlation with indoor OC, implying a common
      indoor source.

PMID- 22070581
TI  - Depression in the elderly: study in a rural city in southern Catalonia.
AB  - Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric diseases among the
      elderly, and frequently go without diagnosis and treatment. However, evidence
      regarding the prevalence of depression related to the diagnostic systems utilized
      and the sociocultural variations in the different communities investigated (rural
      urban) is contradictory. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depression
      in a rural area in the south of Catalonia, analysing the different age groups,
      identifying the causal factors of depression and determining whether there are
      gender differences. The descriptive and quantitative study includes 157 women and
      160 men. The qualitative study evaluates 14 men and 52 women diagnosed with
      depression. Our results indicate a high risk of depression in elderly
      participants of our small rural community. Widowers suffer more depression than
      widows and the loneliness, illness, and task of caregiver were predictive
      variables for depression in these elderly men. The loss of the ability to perform
      activities of daily living associated with ageing has a greater effect on
      depression disorders in men than in women.

PMID- 22070582
TI  - Systematic review of cardiovascular disease in women: assessing the risk.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women. In an effort
      to reduce cardiovascular burden for women, identifying risk factors and
      increasing awareness of sex differences are fundamental. This systematic review
      examines cardiovascular disease risk for women. A search of the literature was
      undertaken using key health databases. Search terms used were cardiovascular
      disease AND women OR gender. Additional references were manually identified from
      this literature; 58 articles were reviewed in total. On average, cardiovascular
      disease presents 10 years later in women compared to men. By this time, they are
      more likely to suffer from more comorbidities, placing them at higher risk. The
      complexity of cardiovascular disease identification in women is accentuated
      through atypical symptoms, and has the potential to lead to delayed and/or
      misdiagnosis. It is clear through identifying sex differentiation in
      cardiovascular risk factors that there has been an increased awareness of symptom
      presentation for women. In light of the sex differences in risk factors, sex
      specific aspects should be more intensively considered in research/practice to
      improve clinical outcomes for female cardiovascular disease patients.

PMID- 22070583
TI  - NICE guidance on CardioQ(TM)  oesophageal Doppler monitoring.

PMID- 22070584
TI  - Peri-operative myocardial infarction: time for therapeutic trials.

PMID- 22070585
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis and anaesthesia.
AB  - There has been a great deal of progress in our understanding and management of
      rheumatoid arthritis in recent years. The peri-operative management of rheumatoid
      arthritis patients can be challenging and anaesthetists need to be familiar with
      recent developments and potential risks of this multi system disease.

PMID- 22070586
TI  - An unusual cause of monitor failure.

PMID- 22070587
TI  - Problems with expert opinion.

PMID- 22070590
TI  - Developing expert opinion in airway management.

PMID- 22070591
TI  - Comparison of Ambu aScope and Olympus re-usable fibrescope.

PMID- 22070595
TI  - The Clarus Video System (Trachway) intubating stylet for awake intubation.

PMID- 22070593
TI  - Use of manikins in airway equipment development.

PMID- 22070596
TI  - Persistent masseter spasm during anaesthesia.

PMID- 22070597
TI  - Devices designed to avoid wrong route administration of drugs.

PMID- 22070598
TI  - Poor ampoule colour coding?

PMID- 22070599
TI  - Use of capnography to confirm correct tracheal intubation during cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22070600
TI  - Anaesthetists and apps: content and contamination concerns.

PMID- 22070601
TI  - Is prevention the best treatment? CMV after lung transplantation.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most prevalent opportunistic infection that occurs
      in lung-transplant recipients. In addition to its direct morbidity, multiple
      studies have demonstrated that CMV, in particular CMV pneumonia, is associated
      with an increased risk for chronic graft dysfunction manifested as bronchiolitis
      obliterans syndrome (BOS) and worse posttransplant survival. Therefore,
      prevention of CMV remains an important goal to improve long-term lung-transplant
      outcomes. Although centers often employed 3 months of prophylaxis in at-risk
      patients after lung transplantation, a significant proportion of patients still
      developed infection or disease after the discontinuation of prophylaxis,
      highlighting the need for more effective approaches to CMV prevention. A number
      of early single-center reports suggested benefit to extending prophylaxis to
      longer durations, but concerns regarding cost, late-onset CMV disease, viral
      resistance and bone marrow toxicity limited enthusiasm for longer durations.
      However, several recent studies including a multicenter, prospective, randomized,
      double-blinded clinical trial have demonstrated significant benefits to extending
      CMV prophylaxis beyond 3 months. Although some areas of controversy remain, the
      clinical implications of these recent studies suggest that extending prophylaxis
      with valganciclovir up to 12 months is clearly beneficial for CMV prevention
      after lung transplantation.

PMID- 22070602
TI  - Executive function predicts risk of falls in older adults without balance
      impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Executive dysfunction has previously been found to be a risk factor
      for falls. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between
      executive dysfunction and risk of falling and to determine if this association is
      independent of balance. METHODS: Participants were 188 community-dwelling
      individuals aged 65 and older. All participants underwent baseline and annual
      evaluations with review of health history, standardized neurologic examination,
      neuropsychological testing, and qualitative and quantitative assessment of motor
      function. Falls were recorded prospectively using weekly online health forms.
      RESULTS: During 13 months of follow-up, there were 65 of 188 participants (34.6%)
      who reported at least one fall. Univariate analysis showed that fallers were more
      likely to have lower baseline scores in executive function than non-fallers (p =
      0.03). Among participants without balance impairment we found that higher
      executive function z-scores were associated with lower fall counts (p = 0.03)
      after adjustment for age, sex, health status and prior history of falls using
      negative binomial regression models. This relationship was not present among
      participants with poor balance. CONCLUSIONS: Lower scores on executive function
      tests are a risk factor for falls in participants with minimal balance
      impairment. However, this effect is attenuated in individuals with poor balance
      where physical or more direct motor systems factors may play a greater role in
      fall risk.

PMID- 22070603
TI  - Identification of active and quiescent adipose vascular stromal cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of both active
      and quiescent stem cells in bone marrow, hair follicle and intestine. We
      attempted to identify active and quiescent vascular stromal cells (VSC) in
      adipose tissue. METHODS: For identification of active VSC, adult rats were
      injected intraperitoneally with thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU)
      and their subcutaneous tissue harvested 3 days later. For identification of
      quiescent VSC, newborn rats were injected intraperitoneally with EdU and their
      subcutaneous tissue harvested 9 weeks later. The harvested adipose tissues were
      examined for the co-localization of EdU with VSC marker CD34, smooth muscle
      marker SMA, endothelial marker RECA and pericyte marker CD140b. RESULTS: In adult
      rat adipose tissues harvested 3 days after EdU injection, there were 28.80 +/-
      8.70 (mean +/- SD) EdU+ cells/100 * microscopic field, and approximately 6.2% of
      cell nuclei were labeled with EdU. The percentages of EdU+ cells expressing the
      following markers were approximately: 84 for CD34, 5.6 for RECA (rat endothelial
      marker), 3.7 for SMA and 14.8 for CD140b. In the adipose tissues of newborn rats
      that were harvested 9 weeks after EdU injection, the percentages of EdU+ cells
      expressing the following markers were approximately: 76 for CD34, 1.8 for RECA, 0
      for SMA and 12.9 for CD140b. In both the short-term (active) and long-term
      (quiescent) EdU-labeled adipose tissues, the EdU label was consistently co
      localized with CD34 and in the proximity of CD140b stain or in the adventitia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both active and quiescent VSC expressed CD34 and localized to
      capillaries and the adventitia of larger blood vessels.

PMID- 22070604
TI  - Benzimidazolones: a new class of selective peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma) modulators.
AB  - A series of benzimidazolone carboxylic acids and oxazolidinediones were designed
      and synthesized in search of selective PPARgamma modulators (SPPARgammaMs) as
      potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) with improved safety profiles relative to rosiglitazone and pioglitazone,
      the currently marketed PPARgamma full agonist drugs. Structure-activity
      relationships of these potent and highly selective SPPARgammaMs were studied with
      a focus on their unique profiles as partial agonists or modulators. A variety of
      methods, such as X-ray crystallographic analysis, PPARgamma transactivation
      coactivator profiling, gene expression profiling, and mutagenesis studies, were
      employed to reveal the differential interactions of these new analogues with
      PPARgamma receptor in comparison to full agonists. In rodent models of T2DM,
      benzimidazolone analogues such as (5R)-5-(3-{[3-(5-methoxybenzisoxazol-3
      yl)benzimidazol-1-yl]methyl}phenyl)-5-methyloxazolidinedione (51) demonstrated
      efficacy equivalent to that of rosiglitazone. Side effects, such as fluid
      retention and heart weight gain associated with PPARgamma full agonists, were
      diminished with 51 in comparison to rosiglitazone based on studies in two
      independent animal models.

PMID- 22070605
TI  - The occurrence of Legionella species other than Legionella pneumophila in
      clinical and environmental samples in Denmark identified by mip gene sequencing
      and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - In Denmark, several laboratories use PCR as a routine diagnostic method for
      Legionnaires' disease, and almost all PCR-positive samples are investigated by
      culture. From 1993 to 2010, isolates of Legionella species other than Legionella
      pneumophila were obtained from respiratory samples from 33 patients, and from
      1997 to 2010, 42 isolates of Legionella non-pneumophila species were obtained and
      saved from water samples from 39 different sites in Denmark. Macrophage
      infectivity potentiator gene (mip) sequencing was used as a reference method to
      identify the Legionella non-pneumophila species. Only one of the 75 isolates did
      not meet the acceptance criterion of a similarity of >=98% to sequences in the
      database. The species distribution between clinical and environmental isolates
      varied. For the former, four species were detected, with Legionella bozemanae and
      Legionella micdadei predominating (both 44%). For the latter, eight species were
      detected, with Legionella anisa predominating (52%). The distribution among the
      Danish clinical isolates was different from the general distribution both in
      Europe and outside Europe, where L. bozemanae and Legionella longbeachae are the
      most commonly found clinical Legionella non-pneumophila species. The 75 isolates
      were also investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS): 64 were correctly identified, with a
      score of >=2.0; eight had a score of <2.0, but only two of these were wrongly
      identified; and three gave no results with MALDI-TOF MS. Both mip sequencing and
      MALDI-TOF MS are robust methods for Legionella species identification.

PMID- 22070606
TI  - Differential hypothalamic secretion of neurocrines in male common marmosets:
      parental experience effects?
AB  - Pregnancy and lactation produce a plethora of hormonal changes in females that
      promote maternal care of offspring. Males in the biparental marmoset species
      (Callithrix jacchus) demonstrate high levels of parenting behaviour and express
      enhanced circulating reproductive hormones. Furthermore, these hormonal changes
      are influenced by paternal experience. To determine whether the paternally
      experienced male marmoset has altered neurocrine hypothalamic release, as the
      maternal females does, we examined the release of several reproductive
      neurocrines, dopamine (DA), oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP) and prolactin (PRL),
      in cultured explants of the hypothalamus of paternally experienced male marmosets
      compared to naive, paternally inexperienced males. DA levels secreted from the
      isolated hypothalamus were significantly lower in the experienced males, whereas
      OT and PRL levels were significantly higher than levels found in inexperienced
      males. PRL levels decreased rapidly in the hypothalamic media, suggesting that
      PRL production occurs elsewhere. AVP levels did not change. Stimulation of the
      cultured explants with oestradiol significantly decreased DA levels in the
      inexperienced males but did not alter the other neurocrines, suggesting a direct
      effect of oestradiol on DA suppression in the hypothalamus. Although other
      factors such as age and rearing experience with siblings may play a role in
      hypothalamic neurocrine levels, these results demonstrate that paternal
      experience may impact upon the secretion of neurocrines in a male biparental
      primate.

PMID- 22070607
TI  - Cold acclimation induces rapid and dynamic changes in freeze tolerance mechanisms
      in the cryophile Deschampsia antarctica E. Desv.
AB  - The cryophilic Antarctic hair grass, Deschampsia antarctica E. Desv., one of two
      higher plants indigenous to Antarctica, represents a unique resource for the
      study of freeze tolerance mechanisms. We have previously characterized a multi
      gene family in D. antarctica encoding ice recrystallization inhibition proteins
      (IRIPs) whose transcript levels are responsive to cold acclimation, and whose
      products confer ice recrystallization inhibition (RI) activity that can account
      for activity seen in cold acclimated plants. We used molecular and physiological
      analyses to investigate temporal responses of D. antarctica to cold acclimation
      and de-acclimation, and sub-zero acclimation. Quantitative profiling revealed
      that IRIP transcript levels significantly increased and decreased within hours of
      cold acclimation and de-acclimation, respectively, becoming up to 1000-fold more
      abundant in fully acclimated plants. Western analysis detected three major immuno
      reactive bands whose pattern of accumulation mirrored that of transcript. These
      data correlated with the onset and decline of RI activity in acclimated and de
      acclimated leaves. Plant survival-based testing revealed that cold acclimation
      enhanced freeze tolerance by 5  degrees C within 4 d, and that sub-zero
      acclimation conferred an additional 3  degrees C of tolerance. Thus, D.
      antarctica is highly responsive to temperature fluctuations, able to rapidly
      deploy IRIP based RI activity and enhance its freeze tolerance.

PMID- 22070608
TI  - The future of regenerative medicine: urinary system.
AB  - Regeneration of tissues and organs is now within the technological reach of
      modern medicine. With such advancements, substantial improvements to existing
      standards-of-care are very real possibilities. This review will focus on
      regenerative medicine approaches to treating specific maladies of the bladder and
      kidney, including the biological basis of regeneration and the history of
      regenerative medicine in the urinary system. Current clinical management
      approaches will be presented within the context of future directions including
      cell-based regenerative therapies.

PMID- 22070610
TI  - Stem cell challenges in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - Neurodegenerative diseases result from the gradual and progressive loss of neural
      cells and lead to nervous system dysfunction. The rapidly advancing stem cell
      field is providing attractive alternative options for fighting these diseases.
      Results have provided proof of principle that cell replacement can work in humans
      with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, three clinical studies of cell
      transplantation were published that found no net benefit, while patients in two
      of the studies developed dyskinesias that persisted despite reductions in
      treatment. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have major potential advantages
      because patient-specific neuroblasts are suitable for transplantation, avoid
      immune reactions, and can be produced without the use of human ES cells (hESC).
      Although iPSCs have not been successfully used in clinical trials for PD,
      patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were treated with autologous
      stem cells and, though they had some degree of decline one year after treatment,
      they were still improved compared with the preoperative period or without any
      drug therapy. In addition, neural stem cells (NSCs), via brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have been shown to ameliorate complex behavioral
      deficits associated with widespread Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in a
      transgenic mouse model of AD. So far, the FDA lists 18 clinical trials treating
      multiple sclerosis (MS), but most are in preliminary stages. This article serves
      as an overview of recent studies in stem cell and regenerative approaches to the
      above chronic neurodegenerative disorders. There are still many obstacles to the
      use of stem cells as a cure for neurodegenerative disease, especially because we
      still don't fully understand the true mechanisms of these diseases. However,
      there is hope in the potential of stem cells to help us learn and understand a
      great deal more about the mechanisms underlying these devastating
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22070611
TI  - Refractoriness in bipolar disorder: definitions and evidence-based treatment.
AB  - Defining refractoriness in bipolar disorder is complex and should concern and
      include either every phase and pole or the disorder as a whole. The data on the
      treatment of refractory bipolar patients are sparse. Combination and add-on
      studies suggest that in acutely manic patients partial responders to lithium,
      valproate, or carbamazepine, a good strategy would be to add haloperidol,
      risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, or aripiprazole. Adding oxcarbazepine to
      lithium is also a choice. There are no reliable data concerning the treatment of
      refractory bipolar depressives and also there is no compelling data for the
      maintenance treatment of refractory patients. It seems that patients stabilized
      on combination treatment might do worse if shifted from combination. Conclusively
      there are only limited and sometimes confusing data on the treatment of
      refractory bipolar patients. Further focused research is necessary on this group
      of patients.

PMID- 22070609
TI  - A systematic review of behavioral and treatment outcome studies among HIV
      infected men who have sex with men who abuse crystal methamphetamine.
AB  - Men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest incidence of HIV infection in
      the United States. One of the contributing factors to HIV spread among this group
      is the use of crystal methamphetamine ("meth"). The objective was to review the
      behavioral impact of crystal meth use in HIV-infected MSM and potential treatment
      options. A systematic review of MEDLINE identified studies that evaluated the
      clinical effects of crystal meth on the HIV-infected MSM population. Search terms
      included HIV, methamphetamine, MSM, antiretroviral therapy, adherence,
      resistance, and treatment. U.S. citations in the English language in peer
      reviewed journals until December 2010 were included. The primary author reviewed
      eligible articles, and relevant data including study design, sample, and outcomes
      were entered into an electronic data table. The 61 included studies highlight
      that HIV-infected MSM who use crystal meth are more likely to report high-risk
      sexual behaviors, incident sexually transmitted infections, and serodiscordant
      unprotected anal intercourse, compared to HIV-infected MSM who do not use crystal
      meth. Medication adherence in this population is notably low, which may
      contribute to transmission of resistant virus. No medications have proven
      effective in the treatment of crystal meth addiction, and the role of behavioral
      therapies, such as contingency management are still in question. HIV-infected MSM
      who abuse crystal meth have worse HIV-related health outcomes. Behavioral
      interventions have shown variable results in treating crystal meth addiction, and
      more investigation into rehabilitation options are needed. The results presented
      support efforts to develop and implement novel interventions to reduce crystal
      meth use in HIV-infected MSM.

PMID- 22070612
TI  - Pure non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma in a 45,XO/46,XX SRY-negative true
      hermaphrodite.
AB  - Non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma (NGCO) is an extremely rare malignant
      tumor with a poor prognosis and is difficult to distinguish from gestational
      choriocarcinoma. True hermaphrodite (TH) is genetically a heterogenous condition
      causing ovarian and testicular tissue development in the same individual. We
      report here the first case of pure NGCO in the right ovotestis of a 23-year-old
      45,XO/46X,X sex-determining region Y chromosome (SRY)-negative TH. The diagnosis
      of non-gestational origin was confirmed by testing five short tandem repeats
      (STR). The patient responded well to radical surgery with bleomycin, etoposide,
      cisplatin (BEP) regimen. We also hypothesize that some mutations of an X-linked
      or autosomal gene lead to testicular determination in SRY-negative TH patients.

PMID- 22070613
TI  - More than meets the eye. Feminist poststructuralism as a lens towards
      understanding obesity.
AB  - AIM:   This paper presents a discussion of the application of a feminist
      poststructuralist-based theoretical framework as an innovative approach towards
      understanding and managing the complex health issue of obesity. BACKGROUND:  
      Obesity is often viewed as a lifestyle choice for which the individual is blamed.
      This individualistic, dichotomous and behavioural perspective only allows for a
      narrow understanding of obesity and may even lead to misperceptions, stereotypes
      and marginalization of clients experiencing obesity. Feminist poststructuralism
      can provide a critical lens to understand the social construction of obesity and
      the broader environmental and cultural contexts of this health issue. DATA
      SOURCES:   The theoretical framework draws from the writings of Foucault, Scott,
      Butler, Cheek, and Powers, published between 1983 and 2005. DISCUSSION:   The
      concepts of discourse analysis and power relations are explored and discussed in
      a clear manner so that nurses can easily apply this framework to their practice
      as they observe, question, analyse, critique and assess the care experienced by
      clients who are obese. The concepts of personal and social beliefs, values and
      stereotypes are also discussed and examples of how to apply them in practice are
      provided. IMPLICATIONS:   It is imperative that we continue to question our
      everyday nursing practices as we work to support clients, especially those who
      feel marginalized. This focus on power relations and reflective practice can give
      direction to new possibilities for change in obesity management.

PMID- 22070614
TI  - Antitumor efficacy of photodynamic therapy using novel nanoformulations of
      hypocrellin photosensitizer SL052.
AB  - Recent preclinical and clinical testing of hypocrellin-based photosensitizer
      SL052 for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer has shown encouraging
      results. Further optimization of its formulation for delivery could considerably
      extend the therapeutic efficiency of this drug. A nanoformulation encapsulating
      SL052 into biodegradable polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was
      developed using a single-emulsion solvent evaporation technique and characterized
      in terms of particle size and loading of the photosensitizing agent. This
      nanoformulation, SL052-PLGA-nanoparticles (NPs), was compared with recently
      created nanoformulation based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (SL052-PVP-NPs) and
      standard liposomal SL052 preparation in terms of efficacy when used for PDT
      treatment of squamous cell carcinomas SCCVII growing subcutaneously in syngeneic
      mice. The therapeutic effect of PDT using these three different SL052
      formulations was tested for both 1 and 4 h intervals between drug injection and
      tumor light exposure. The longer time interval produced higher tumor cure rates
      with all SL052 preparations. With both drug-light intervals, PDT based on SL052
      PLGA-NPs produced superior therapeutic benefit compared with the other two SL052
      formulations.

PMID- 22070615
TI  - Mode of delivery and other pregnancy outcomes of patients with documented
      scoliosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore whether scoliosis is a risk factor for
      adverse obstetric outcomes and specifically for cesarean delivery (CD) and labor
      dystocia. Association between scoliosis and pregnancy outcome was studied before.
      Confounding conclusions prevent proper counseling of patients. Appropriate
      statistical analysis of a suitable cohort is helpful in resolving this issue. A
      retrospective population-based study comparing all singleton pregnancies of women
      with and without documented scoliosis was conducted. Deliveries occurred between
      the years 1988 and 2009. Multiple logistic regression models were used to control
      for confounders. Out of 229,116 patients which were included in our cohort,
      0.043% (n = 98) had a documented scoliosis. These patients had higher rates of
      fertility treatments (7.1% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.001). Scoliosis was found to be
      significantly associated with labor induction (36.7% vs. 26.3 %; p = 0.02) and
      cesarean deliveries (21.4% vs. 13.1%; p = 0.014). Using multiple logistic
      regression models, with CD as the outcome variable, controlling for confounders
      such as nulliparity, labor induction and maternal age, scoliosis was not found to
      be an independent risk factor for CD (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.9-2.7; p = 0.121).
      Scoliosis is not a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome, and specifically
      for labor dystocia.

PMID- 22070616
TI  - Reversed-polarity synthesis of diaryl ketones via palladium-catalyzed cross
      coupling of acylsilanes.
AB  - Acylsilanes serve as acyl anion equivalents in a palladium-catalyzed cross
      coupling reaction with aryl bromides to give unsymmetrical diaryl ketones. Water
      plays a unique and crucial activating role in these reactions. High-throughput
      experimentation techniques provided successful reaction conditions initially
      involving phosphites as ligands. Ultimately, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6-phenyl-2,4,8
      trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane was identified as giving a longer-lived catalyst with
      higher turnover numbers. Its use, in conjunction with a palladacycle precatalyst,
      led to optimal reaction rates and yields. Scope and limitations of this novel
      method are presented along with initial mechanistic insight.

PMID- 22070617
TI  - Zinc stabilization efficiency of aluminate spinel structure and its leaching
      behavior.
AB  - The feasibility of immobilizing zinc in contaminated soil was investigated by
      observing the role of zinc reacting with aluminum-rich materials under thermal
      conditions. To observe the process of zinc incorporation, mixtures of ZnO with
      alumina precursors (gamma-Al(2)O(3) and alpha-Al(2)O(3)) were fired at 750-1450 
      degrees C. Both precursors crystallochemically incorporated zinc into the
      ZnAl(2)O(4) spinel structure. The incorporation efficiencies of a 3 h sintering
      scheme were first quantitatively determined by Rietveld refinement analysis of X
      ray diffraction data. Different zinc incorporation behavior by these two
      precursors was revealed, although both resulted in nearly 100% transformation at
      the highest temperature. Different product microstructures and thermal
      densification effects were found by observing the sintered products from these
      two precursors. The leaching performances of ZnO and ZnAl(2)O(4) were compared by
      a prolonged acid leaching test for 22 d. The leachability analysis pointed to
      superiority of the ZnAl(2)O(4) structure in stabilizing zinc, suggesting a
      promising technique for incorporating zinc into the aluminum-rich product.
      Finally, the sludge collected from water treatment works was calcined and used as
      an aluminum-rich material to test its ability to stabilize zinc. Successful
      formation of ZnAl(2)O(4) indicated good potential for employing waterworks sludge
      to thermally immobilize hazardous metals as a promising waste-to-resource
      strategy.

PMID- 22070618
TI  - Growth kinetics of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays in clean oxygen-free
      conditions.
AB  - Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an important technological system,
      as well as a fascinating system for studying basic principles of nanomaterials
      synthesis; yet despite continuing efforts for the past decade many important
      questions about this process remain largely unexplained. We present a series of
      parametric ethylene chemical vapor deposition growth studies in a "hot-wall"
      reactor using ultrapure process gases that reveal the fundamental kinetics of the
      CNT growth. Our data show that the growth rate is proportional to the
      concentration of the carbon feedstock and monotonically decreases with the
      concentration of hydrogen gas and that the most important parameter determining
      the rate of the CNT growth is the production rate of active carbon precursor in
      the gas phase reaction. The growth termination times obtained with the purified
      gas mixtures were strikingly insensitive to variations in both hydrogen and
      ethylene pressures ruling out the carbon encapsulation of the catalyst as the
      main process termination cause.

PMID- 22070619
TI  - Caregivers' difficulties in activating long-term mental illness patients with low
      self-esteem.
AB  - The aim of the study was to describe psychiatric caregivers' perceptions of self
      esteem and activities for patients with long-term mental illness. The study
      design used a qualitative approach, based on an open lifeworld perspective. A
      total of 13 caregivers at four psychiatric hospital units in a large Swedish city
      were interviewed about their views on patients' physical activity and/or other
      pastimes, as well as their self-esteem and its bearing on the patients' well
      being. According to the caregivers, it is up to the patients themselves to decide
      what they wish to occupy themselves with. In the same time the caregivers'
      opinions are that patients have difficulties to occupy themselves. The caregivers
      believe that patients' disability is based in a lack of self-esteem, commitment
      and capacity to realize their wishes. The caregivers in this study argue that
      activities are valuable for self-esteem and physical health of people with long
      term mental illness. The caregivers consider that it is the patient's
      responsibility to initiate their needs of activities. This means that the
      caregivers do not use their knowledge about the importance of activities for the
      patient's health. Search terms: activity, caregivers, mental illness.

PMID- 22070620
TI  - No reactivation of hepatitis e virus after kidney retransplantation.

PMID- 22070621
TI  - Cognition in action: imaging brain/body dynamics in mobile humans.
AB  - We have recently developed a mobile brain imaging method (MoBI), that allows for
      simultaneous recording of brain and body dynamics of humans actively behaving in
      and interacting with their environment. A mobile imaging approach was needed to
      study cognitive processes that are inherently based on the use of human physical
      structure to obtain behavioral goals. This review gives examples of the tight
      coupling between human physical structure with cognitive processing and the role
      of supraspinal activity during control of human stance and locomotion. Existing
      brain imaging methods for actively behaving participants are described and new
      sensor technology allowing for mobile recordings of different behavioral states
      in humans is introduced. Finally, we review recent work demonstrating the
      feasibility of a MoBI system that was developed at the Swartz Center for
      Computational Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego,
      demonstrating the range of behavior that can be investigated with this method.

PMID- 22070622
TI  - Factors associated with parenting behavior of mothers in the early postpartum
      period in Turkey.
AB  - This study determined the factors associated with parenting behavior during the
      early postpartum period in first-time mothers. This cross-sectional, descriptive
      study was conducted in the postpartum ward of a state hospital in Aydin, Turkey.
      The study included 207 first-time mothers selected by non-probability sampling
      method. A significant weak, positive correlation was found between the Postpartum
      Parenting Behavior Scale score at the time of initial acquaintance with her
      infant and the Labor Agentry Scale score. Stepwise multiple regression analyses,
      performed to determine factors associated with the parenting behavior score of
      the mothers in the early postpartum period, revealed two statistically
      significant variables, which increased the strength of the model: maternal age
      and infant's birth weight. Midwives should observe early parenting behaviors,
      particularly of younger mothers having babies with low birth weight, appreciate
      their positive behaviors, and encourage them to develop appropriate behavior.

PMID- 22070623
TI  - Clinical characteristics and favorable long-term outcomes for patients with
      idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a retrospective single center study in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the clinical features and true survival risk
      factors in Chinese Han population. We conducted the current study to investigate
      the clinical features, long-term outcome and true potential indicators associated
      with mortality of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) in China. METHODS: We
      restrospectvely investigated 188 patients diagnosed with IIM at our hospital from
      January 1986 to April 2009. The primary outcome was determined with mortality.
      The secondary outcomes for survival patients were organ damage and disease
      activity, health status, and disability, which were assessed with Myositis Damage
      Index, Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Visual Analogue Scales, Health
      Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, and the Modified Rankin Scale,
      respectively. Potential prognostic factors for mortality were analyzed with the
      multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS: Mean age at disease onset was 43.8 +/
      15.8 years and male to female ratio was 1:2.1 in this cohort. The 1-, 5-, 10-,
      15- and 20-year survival rates were 93.6%, 88.7%, 81%, 73.6% and 65.6%. The
      independent predicators for mortality were age at disease onset [hazard ratio
      (HR):1.05, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.08], presence of cancer (HR:3.68, 95%CI 1.39 - 9.74),
      and elevated IgA level at diagnosis (HR:2.80, 95% CI 1.16-6.74). At the end of
      the follow-up, 29 patients manifested drug withdrawal within an average 4.1 years
      (range 0.5-15.2 year), most patients (85.9%) had no disease activity and 130
      patients (83.4%) had no disability. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of IIM
      patients in our cohort have improved dramatically. Those patients most likely to
      survive had a high chance of reaching stable disease status, and obtained long
      term or possibly permanent remission to a large extent.

PMID- 22070624
TI  - Rising epidemic of diabetes and hypertension in Asia.

PMID- 22070625
TI  - Developmental changes in mesophyll diffusion conductance and photosynthetic
      capacity under different light and water availabilities in Populus tremula: how
      structure constrains function.
AB  - Finite mesophyll diffusion conductance (g(m) ) significantly constrains net
      assimilation rate (A(n) ), but g(m)  variations and variation sources in response
      to environmental stresses during leaf development are imperfectly known. The
      combined effects of light and water limitations on g(m)  and diffusion
      limitations of photosynthesis were studied in saplings of Populus tremula L. An
      one-dimensional diffusion model was used to gain insight into the importance of
      key anatomical traits in determining g(m) . Leaf development was associated with
      increases in dry mass per unit area, thickness, density, exposed mesophyll
      (S(mes) /S) and chloroplast (S(c) /S) to leaf area ratio, internal air space
      (f(ias) ), cell wall thickness and chloroplast dimensions. Development of S(mes)
      /S and S(c) /S was delayed under low light. Reduction in light availability was
      associated with lower S(c) /S, but with larger f(ias)  and chloroplast thickness.
      Water stress reduced S(c) /S and increased cell wall thickness under high light.
      In all treatments, g(m)  and A(n)  increased and CO(2)  drawdown because of g(m)
      , C(i) -C(c) , decreased with increasing leaf age. Low light and drought resulted
      in reduced g(m)  and A(n)  and increased C(i) -C(c) . These results emphasize the
      importance of g(m)  and its components in determining A(n)  variations during
      leaf development and in response to stress.

PMID- 22070626
TI  - Dental developmental disturbances in 50 individuals with the 22q11.2 deletion
      syndrome; relation to medical conditions?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to examine tooth and enamel disturbances in
      individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and to analyze associations with
      medical conditions, birth characteristics and blood values of calcium and PTH.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty individuals participated in the study (27 females,
      median age 10 years, range 1.5-44). Congenital absence of teeth was studied on
      orthopantomograms; 1148 teeth were examined, both clinically and radiologically,
      and enamel hypomineralizations and hypoplasias were recorded. Medical history and
      findings were recorded as part of a larger study on the manifestations of 22q11.2
      deletion syndrome in Norway. RESULTS: Tooth agenesis was observed in 15% of study
      participants. Sixty-six percent of the participants and 26.0% of teeth presented
      with enamel disturbances. Of these, 12 individuals (24.0%) and 215 teeth (18.7%)
      had hypomineralizations and four individuals (8.0%) and 86 teeth (7.5%) had
      hypoplasias. Seventeen participants (34.0%) presented with both types of
      disturbance, but rarely in the same tooth. Only two teeth (0.17%) had both types
      of disturbance. Hypomineralizations were twice as frequent in permanent as in
      primary teeth. No correlations were found to medical conditions, except that
      participants with congenital cardiac anomalies presented with fewer total enamel
      disturbances and hypomineralizations in permanent teeth than those without.
      CONCLUSIONS: Enamel disturbances were frequently seen. There were more
      hypomineralizations than hypoplasias. Hypoparathyroidism and/or hypocalcemia are
      not clear etiological factors for enamel disturbances and there were no major
      correlations between medical conditions and enamel disturbances.

PMID- 22070627
TI  - Bifunctional MU/delta opioid peptides: variation of the type and length of the
      linker connecting the two components.
AB  - On the basis of evidence that opioid compounds with a mixed MU agonist/delta
      antagonist profile may produce an antinociceptive effect with low propensity to
      induce side effects, bifunctional opioid peptides containing the MU agonist H-Dmt
      d-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH(2) ([Dmt(1) ]DALDA; Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine) connected tail
      to-tail via various alpha,omega-diaminoalkyl- or diaminocyclohexane linkers to
      the delta antagonists H-Tyr-TicPsi[CH(2) -NH]Cha-Phe-OH (TICP[Psi]; Cha =
      cyclohexylalanine, Tic = 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid), H-Dmt
      Tic-OH or H-Bcp-Tic-OH (Bcp = 4'-[N-((4'
      phenyl)phenethyl)carboxamido]phenylalanine) were synthesized and
      pharmacologically characterized in vitro. Bifunctional [Dmt(1) ]DALDA->NH-(CH(2)
      )(n) -NH<-TICP[Psi] compounds (n = -12) showed decreasing MU and delta receptor
      binding affinities with increasing linker length. As expected, several of the
      bifunctional peptides were MU agonist/delta antagonists with low nanomolar MU and
      delta receptor binding affinities. However, compounds with unexpected opioid
      activity profiles, including a MU partial agonist/delta partial agonist, MU
      antagonist/delta antagonists and MU agonist/delta agonists, were also identified.
      These results indicate that the binding affinities and intrinsic efficacies of
      these bifunctional compounds at both receptors depend on the length and type of
      the linker connecting the MU and delta components. An important recommendation
      emerging from this study is that the in vitro activity profiles of bifunctional
      compounds containing an agonist and an antagonist component connected via a
      linker need to be determined prior to their pharmacological evaluation in vivo.

PMID- 22070628
TI  - 'I think we're all guinea pigs really': a qualitative study of medication and
      borderline personality disorder.
AB  - National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommended the use of medication only
      in times of crisis for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
      Despite this recommendation most service users referred to a specialist
      personality disorder service were found to be on numerous medications. Although a
      number of qualitative studies have explored the experience of individuals with a
      diagnosis of BPD they have failed to discuss their experience of being treated
      with medication, despite its high prescription with this group (e.g. Sansone et
      al.). The aim of this study was to explore the experience of service users being
      treated with medication for the BPD diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews were
      carried out with seven service users under a specialist service for personality
      disorder. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The
      main themes to emerge were: staff knowledge and attitudes, lack of resources for
      BPD and the recovery pathway for BPD. Overall, service users felt that receiving
      the BPD diagnosis had had a negative impact on the care they received, with staff
      either refusing treatment or focusing on medication as a treatment option. The
      introduction of specialist services for this group appears to improve service
      user satisfaction with their treatment and adherence to the National Institute
      for Clinical Excellence guidelines.

PMID- 22070629
TI  - Discovery of a potent and orally bioavailable benzolactam-derived inhibitor of
      Polo-like kinase 1 (MLN0905).
AB  - This article describes the discovery of a series of potent inhibitors of Polo
      like kinase 1 (PLK1). Optimization of this benzolactam-derived chemical series
      produced an orally bioavailable inhibitor of PLK1 (12c, MLN0905). In vivo
      pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic experiments demonstrated prolonged mitotic arrest
      after oral administration of 12c to tumor bearing nude mice. A subsequent
      efficacy study in nude mice achieved tumor growth inhibition or regression in a
      human colon tumor (HT29) xenograft model.

PMID- 22070631
TI  - The treatment of 'difficult' patients in a secure unit of a specialized
      psychiatric hospital: the patient's perspective.
AB  - The aim of this study is to obtain insight, from a patient's perspective, into
      the results and essential components of treatment in specialist settings for so
      called 'difficult' patients in mental health care. In cases where usual hospital
      treatment is not successful, a temporary transfer to another, specialist hospital
      may provide a solution. We investigated which aspects of specialist treatment
      available to 'difficult' patients are perceived as essential by the patients and
      what are the results of this treatment in their perception. A qualitative
      research design based on the Grounded Theory method was used. To generate data,
      14 semi-structured interviews were held with 12 patients who were admitted to a
      specialist hospital in the Netherlands. Almost all respondents rated the results
      of the specialist treatment as positive. The therapeutic climate was perceived as
      extremely strict, with a strong focus on structure, cooperation and safety. This
      approach had a stabilizing effect on the patients, even at times when they were
      not motivated. Most patients developed a motivation for change, marked by a
      growing and more explicit determination of their future goals. We concluded that
      a highly structured treatment environment aimed at patient stabilization is
      helpful to most 'difficult' patients.

PMID- 22070630
TI  - A randomised trial comparing the laryngeal mask airway SupremeTM with the
      laryngeal mask airway UniqueTM in children.
AB  - We conducted a randomised controlled trial comparing the laryngeal mask airway
      Supreme(TM) with the laryngeal mask airway Unique(TM) in children. Fifty children
      presenting for elective surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the
      laryngeal mask airway Supreme or laryngeal mask airway Unique. The outcomes
      measured were airway leak pressure, ease and time for insertion, insertion
      success rate, fibreoptic examination, incidence of gastric insufflation, ease of
      gastric tube placement through the laryngeal mask airway Supreme, quality of
      airway during anaesthetic maintenance and complications. Median (IQR [range])
      time to successful device placement was shorter with the laryngeal mask airway
      Unique, 14.5 [13.5-16.3 (10.0-23.6)] s than with the laryngeal mask airway
      Supreme, 17.4 [14.8-19.8 (11.5-29.2)] s; p = 0.007. Median (IQR [range]) airway
      leak pressures for the laryngeal mask airway Supreme and laryngeal mask airway
      Unique were 20 [16-21 (12-22)] cmH(2)O and 15 [14-18 (10-24)] cmH(2)O,
      respectively (p = 0.001). The incidence of gastric insufflation was lower with
      the laryngeal mask airway Supreme (zero vs six patients), p = 0.01. In
      conclusion, the laryngeal mask airway Supreme performed as well as the laryngeal
      mask airway Unique and is a useful alternative for airway maintenance,
      particularly in children who require evacuation of gastric contents during
      anaesthesia.

PMID- 22070633
TI  - Asymmetric intramolecular cyclobutane formation via photochemical reaction of N,N
      diallyl-2-quinolone-3-carboxamide using a chiral crystalline environment.
AB  - Crystal structures and photochemical reactions of three N,N-diallyl-2-quinolone-3
      carboxamides were investigated. One quinolonecarboxamide afforded chiral crystals
      of a P2(1) crystal system by spontaneous crystallization, and the molecular
      chirality in the crystal was effectively transferred to cyclobutane in 96% ee by
      an intramolecular 2 + 2 photocycloaddition reaction in the solid state.

PMID- 22070632
TI  - Generation of human adult mesenchymal stromal/stem cells expressing defined
      xenogenic vascular endothelial growth factor levels by optimized transduction and
      flow cytometry purification.
AB  - Adult mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are a valuable source of multipotent
      progenitors for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but may require to
      be genetically modified to widen their efficacy in therapeutic applications. For
      example, overexpression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) at controlled levels is an attractive strategy to overcome the
      crucial bottleneck of graft vascularization and to avoid aberrant vascular
      growth. Since the regenerative potential of MSCs is rapidly lost during in vitro
      expansion, we sought to develop an optimized technique to achieve high-efficiency
      retroviral vector transduction of MSCs derived from both adipose tissue (adipose
      stromal cells, ASCs) or bone marrow (BMSCs) and rapidly select cells expressing
      desired levels of VEGF with minimal in vitro expansion. The proliferative peak of
      freshly isolated human ASCs and BMSCs was reached 4 and 6 days after plating,
      respectively. By performing retroviral vector transduction at this time point,
      >90% efficiency was routinely achieved before the first passage. MSCs were
      transduced with vectors expressing rat VEGF(164) quantitatively linked to a
      syngenic cell surface marker (truncated rat CD8). Retroviral transduction and
      VEGF expression did not affect MSC phenotype nor impair their in vitro
      proliferation and differentiation potential. Transgene expression was also
      maintained during in vitro differentiation. Furthermore, three subpopulations of
      transduced BMSCs homogeneously producing specific low, medium, and high VEGF
      doses could be prospectively isolated by flow cytometry based on the intensity of
      their CD8 expression already at the first passage. In conclusion, this optimized
      platform allowed the generation of populations of genetically modified MSCs,
      expressing specific levels of a therapeutic transgene, already at the first
      passage, thereby minimizing in vitro expansion and loss of regenerative
      potential.

PMID- 22070634
TI  - Experimental hypothyroidism delays field excitatory post-synaptic potentials and
      disrupts hippocampal long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus of hippocampal
      formation and Y-maze performance in adult rats.
AB  - Manipulations of thyroid hormones have been shown to influence learning and
      memory. Although a large body of literature is available on the effect of thyroid
      hormone deficiency on learning and memory functions during the developmental
      stage, electrophysiological and behavioural findings, particularly on
      propylthiouracil administration to adult normothyroid animals, are not
      satisfactory. The experiments in the present study were carried out on 12 adult
      male Wistar rats aged 6-7 months. Hypothyroidism was induced by administering 6-n
      propyl-2-thiouracil in their drinking water for 21 days at a concentration of
      0.05%. The spatial learning performance of hypothyroid and control rats was
      studied on a Y-maze. The rats were then placed in a stereotaxic frame under
      urethane anaesthesia. A bipolar tungsten electrode was used to stimulate the
      medial perforant path. A glass micropipette was inserted into the granule cell
      layer of the ipsilateral dentate gyrus to record field excitatory post-synaptic
      potentials. After a 15-min baseline recording of field potentials, long-term
      potentiation was induced by four sets of tetanic trains. The propylthiouracil
      treated rats showed a significantly attenuated input-output (I/O) relationship
      when population spike (PS) amplitudes and field excitatory post-synaptic
      potentials (fEPSP) were compared. fEPSP and PS latencies were found to be longer
      in the hypothyroid group than in the control group. The PS amplitude and fEPSP
      slope potentiations in the hypothyroid rats were not statistically different from
      those in the control rats, except for the field EPSP slope measured in the post
      tetanic and maintenance phases. The hypothyroid rats also showed lower thyroxine
      levels and poor performance in the spatial memory task. The present study
      provides in vivo evidence for the action of propylthiouracil leading to impaired
      synaptic plasticity, which might explain deficit in spatial memory tasks in adult
      hypothyroid rats.

PMID- 22070635
TI  - Rationale for control of anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus to reduce
      eutrophication of inland waters.
AB  - Concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface waters are being regulated
      in the United States and European Union. Human activity has raised the
      concentrations of these nutrients, leading to eutrophication of inland waters,
      which causes nuisance growth of algae and other aquatic plants. Control of
      phosphorus often has had the highest priority because of its presumed leading
      role in limiting development of aquatic plant biomass. Experimental evidence
      shows, however, that nitrogen is equally likely to limit growth of algae and
      aquatic plants in inland waters, and that additions of both nutrients cause
      substantially more algal growth than either added alone. A dual control strategy
      for N and P will reduce transport of anthropogenic nitrogen through drainage
      networks to aquatic ecosystems that may be nitrogen limited. Control of total
      phosphorus in effluents is feasible and is increasingly being required by
      regulations. The control strategy for nitrogen in effluents is more difficult,
      but could be made more feasible by recognition that a substantial portion of
      dissolved organic nitrogen is not bioavailable; regulation should focus on
      bioavailable N (nitrate, ammonium, and some dissolved organic nitrogen) rather
      than total N. Regulation of both N and P also is essential for nonpoint sources.

PMID- 22070636
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and bipolar disorder: what should psychiatrists know?
AB  - This paper reviews the association between bipolar disorder (BD) and metabolic
      syndrome (MetS), focusing on the etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological aspects
      of this association and on the recommendations for preventing and managing MetS
      in patients with BD. We conducted a nonsystematic literature review by means of a
      MEDLINE search. The exact causal relationship between MetS and BD is still
      uncertain. The side effects of psychotropic medications may be a major
      contributor to the increased rates of MetS in patients with BD. Other factors
      such as unhealthy lifestyles, common neuroendocrine and immuno-inflammatory
      abnormalities, and genetic vulnerability may also play a role in explaining the
      high rates of MetS in BD. Strategies to prevent and treat the MetS and its
      cardiovascular consequences in patients with BD include accurate screening and
      monitoring of the patient and appropriate psychoeducation on weight control,
      healthy nutrition, and increased physical activity. When deciding on
      pharmacological therapy for the treatment of the components of the MetS, drug
      interactions and the effects of the medications on mood must be taken into
      account.

PMID- 22070637
TI  - Evolving epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus infections in the post-vaccination
      era: results from a long-term population-based study.
AB  - Historically, Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) serotype b (Hib) caused most invasive
      Haemophilus infections worldwide, mainly in children. In 1989 routine childhood
      vaccination against Hib was initiated in Iceland. We conducted a population-based
      study of all patients in the country with Haemophilus spp. isolated from sterile
      sites (n = 202), from 1983 to 2008. Epidemiology, clinical characteristics of the
      infections and serotypes of the isolates were compared during the pre-vaccination
      (1983-1989) and post-vaccination era (1990-2008). Following the vaccination, the
      overall incidence of Hib decreased from 6.4 to 0.3/100,000 per year (p <0.05)
      whereas the incidence did not change significantly for infections caused by
      Haemophilus sensu lato not serotype b, hereafter referred to as non-type b Hi
      (0.9 vs 1.2, respectively). The most frequent diagnosis prior to 1990 was
      meningitis caused by Hib, which was subsequently replaced by pneumonia and
      bacteraemia caused by non-type b Hi. Most commonly, non-type b Hi were non
      typeable (NTHi; 40/59), followed by Hi serotype f (14/59) and Hi serotype a
      (3/59). Pregnancy was associated with a markedly increased susceptibility to
      invasive Haemophilus infections (RR 25.7; 95% CI 8.0-95.9, p <0.0001) compared
      with non-pregnant women. The case fatality rate for Hib was 2.4% but 14% for non
      type b Hi, highest at the extremes of age. Hib vaccination gives young children
      excellent protection and decreases incidence in the elderly due to herd effect in
      the community. Replacement with other species or serotypes has not been noted.
      Pregnant women are an overlooked risk group.

PMID- 22070638
TI  - Hemodynamic responses to a hemoglobin bis-tetramer and its polyethylene glycol
      conjugate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The design of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) poses a
      significant challenge as clinical trials of many materials have reported adverse
      side effects that may come from the scavenging of the vasodilator nitric oxide
      (NO). A compensating reaction, reduction of endogenous nitrite by hemoglobin (Hb)
      and its derivatives, generates NO. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation of Hb
      enhances the rate of the reaction. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hemoglobin bis
      tetramers (BT) and their PEGylated derivative (BT-PEG) bind oxygen with a degree
      of cooperativity and also have significantly enhanced nitrite reductase activity
      compared to the native protein. Circulatory evaluation will test if the
      properties of BT and BT-PEG are reflected in their effects in vivo. BT and BT-PEG
      were evaluated as infusions into healthy wild-type (WT) and diabetic (db/db)
      mouse models. The effects were compared to infusions of murine Hb. RESULTS: The
      materials were found not to cause significant increases in systemic blood
      pressure in either WT mice or db/db mice. The latter are highly sensitive to NO
      scavenging. Further hemodynamic measurements in WT mice indicate that while a
      slight increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was observed after infusion
      of BT, the extent is not significant. No change in SVR from baseline was observed
      after infusion of BT-PEG. CONCLUSION: The enlarged Hb derivatives do not evoke
      unfavorable circulatory responses that have been noted to result from infusion of
      Hb derivatives. These results suggest that a compromise between the P(50) , n(50)
      , and nitrite reductase activity of a Hb derivative can serve as the basis for
      producing HBOCs that can be tested for vasoactivity.

PMID- 22070639
TI  - Energetics and mechanisms for the unimolecular dissociation of protonated trioses
      and relationship to proton-mediated formaldehyde polymerization to carbohydrates
      in interstellar environments.
AB  - We report the unimolecular decomposition of protonated glyceraldehyde,
      [HOCH(2)CH(OH)CHO]H(+), and protonated dihydroxyacetone,
      [HOCH(2)C(O)CH(2)OH]H(+). On the basis of mass spectrometric experiments and
      computational quantum chemistry, we have found that these isomeric ions
      interconvert freely at energies below that required for their unimolecular
      decompositions. The losses of formaldehyde and water (the latter also followed by
      CO loss) are the dominating processes, with formaldehyde loss having the lower
      energetic threshold. The reverse of the formaldehyde loss, namely, the addition
      of formaldehyde to protonated glycolaldehyde, appears to be an inefficient
      reaction at low temperature and pressure in the gas phase, leading to
      dissociation products. The relevance of these findings to interstellar chemistry
      and prebiotic chemistry is discussed, and it is concluded that the suggestion
      made in the literature that successive addition of formaldehyde by proton
      assisted reactions should account for interstellar carbohydrates most likely is
      incorrect.

PMID- 22070640
TI  - NK cells: new partners in antibody-triggered chronic rejection.

PMID- 22070641
TI  - Interval and continuous exercise elicit equivalent postexercise hypotension in
      prehypertensive men, despite differences in regulation.
AB  - Equicaloric bouts of interval (IE: 5 * 2:2 min at 85% and 40% maximal oxygen
      uptake) and steady state (SS: 21 min at 60% maximal oxygen uptake) exercise were
      performed by 13 older prehypertensive males on separate days, at equivalent times
      of day, to assess the influence of exercise mode on postexercise hypotension
      (PEH). Exercise conditions were compared with a control session. Cardiovascular
      measures were collected for 30 min prior to, and 60 min following exercise. PEH,
      as measured by mean postexercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) decrease (IE: -4
      +/- 6 mm Hg; SS: -3 +/- 4 mm Hg; control: 4 +/- 4 mm Hg), area under the SBP
      curve (IE: -240 +/- 353 mm Hg.min; SS: -192 +/- 244 mm Hg.min), and minimum SBP
      achieved (IE: -15 +/- 7 mm Hg; SS: -13 +/- 7 mm Hg), was equivalent after both
      conditions. Stroke volume was significantly reduced (IE: -14.6 +/- 16.0 mL; SS: 
      10.1 +/- 14.2 mL, control -1.7 +/- 2.2 mL) and heart rate was significantly
      elevated (IE: 13 +/- 8 beats.min-1; SS: 7.9 +/- 8 beats.min-1; control: -2 +/- 3
      beats.min-1) postexercise after both conditions. Cardiac output and total
      peripheral resistance were nonsignificantly decreased and increased postexercise,
      respectively. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was reduced following IE (p < 0.05)
      and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were reduced after both conditions,
      with IE eliciting larger and longer reductions in some indices. The results from
      the current study indicate that older prehypertensive adults experience similar
      PEH following equicaloric bouts of IE and SS exercise despite larger alterations
      in HRV and BRS elicited by IE.

PMID- 22070642
TI  - Lithium: still a major option in the management of bipolar disorder.
AB  - Still after more than 50 years, lithium is a major treatment of bipolar disorder,
      even though it has not been promoted by the pharmaceutical industry over the last
      decades. In recent years the evidence base on lithium for bipolar disorder has
      substantially increased due to results from a number of trials. Therefore, a
      review of this evidence is timely. The efficacy of lithium as an acute treatment
      and as a maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder was evaluated through a review
      of the evidence, focusing on modern, randomized, parallel-group designed trials.
      Additionally, the evidence was sought translated into the proper use of lithium
      in clinical practice. Lithium's antimanic efficacy has been convincingly
      demonstrated. However, as blood monitoring due to the risk of toxicity is
      required and due to an insufficient response in highly agitated patients, lithium
      monotherapy has a limited place in the acute treatment of severe manic states.
      For acute bipolar depression, results are conflicting. Recent maintenance trials
      have added substantially to the documentation of lithium's long-term stabilizing
      properties in bipolar disorder, and these properties have been demonstrated
      independently of any acute response to lithium. Finally, it is now beyond doubt
      that not only does lithium prevent mania, but also depression in bipolar
      disorder. Lithium is still to be considered a major if not the most important
      mood- stabilizer, at least for maintaining long-term stability in patients with
      bipolar disorder. The potential risks of lithium should be weighed up against its
      benefits and the fact that serious adverse effects are usually avoidable.

PMID- 22070643
TI  - Interprofessional working or role substitution? A discussion of the emerging
      roles in emergency care.
AB  - AIMS: This article presents a discussion of emerging non-medical roles in
      emergency care against the current policy context and the issues of role
      substitution and interprofessional working. BACKGROUND: Non-medical roles in
      emergency care have grown internationally in response to an increasing demand for
      emergency care services and to address the growing importance of the quality
      healthcare agenda. The blurring of role boundaries between professional groups
      has become more common. Data sources.  Searches were made of three electronic
      databases; CINAHL, Medline and EMBASE. The literature relating to
      interprofessional healthcare roles, and new roles in emergency care was searched
      from 1980 to 2010 and underpinned the discussion. DISCUSSION: A theoretical
      framework that has emerged from the literature is that task, role substitution
      and interprofessional working lie on a spectrum and evolving non-medical roles
      can be plotted on the spectrum, usually starting at one end of the spectrum under
      task substitution and then potentially moving in time towards true
      interprofessional working. CONCLUSIONS: There is still a great deal of progress
      to be made until non-medical roles in emergency care can truly be encompassed
      under the umbrella of interprofessional working and that a more robust critical
      mass of evidence is required to substantiate the theory that interprofessional
      working within teams contributes to effective, cost-effective care and better
      patient outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is essential to understand
      the underlying motivation, policy context and key drivers for the development of
      new nursing and non-medical roles. This allows services to be established
      successfully, by understanding and addressing the key predicable barriers to
      implementation and change.

PMID- 22070644
TI  - Mammary tumors that become independent of the type I insulin-like growth factor
      receptor express elevated levels of platelet-derived growth factor receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeted therapies are becoming an essential part of breast cancer
      treatment and agents targeting the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor
      (IGF-IR) are currently being investigated in clinical trials. One of the
      limitations of targeted therapies is the development of resistant variants and
      these variants typically present with unique gene expression patterns and
      characteristics compared to the original tumor. RESULTS: MTB-IGFIR transgenic
      mice, with inducible overexpression of the IGF-IR were used to model mammary
      tumors that develop resistance to IGF-IR targeting agents. IGF-IR independent
      mammary tumors, previously shown to possess characteristics associated with EMT,
      were found to express elevated levels of PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta. Furthermore,
      these receptors were shown to be inversely expressed with the IGF-IR in this
      model. Using cell lines derived from IGF-IR-independent mammary tumors (from MTB
      IGFIR mice), it was demonstrated that PDGFRalpha and to a lesser extent PDGFRbeta
      was important for cell migration and invasion as RNAi knockdown of PDGFRalpha
      alone or PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta in combination, significantly decreased tumor
      cell migration in Boyden chamber assays and suppressed cell migration in scratch
      wound assays. Somewhat surprisingly, concomitant knockdown of PDGFRalpha and
      PDGFRbeta resulted in a modest increase in cell proliferation and a decrease in
      apoptosis. CONCLUSION: During IGF-IR independence, PDGFRs are upregulated and
      function to enhance tumor cell motility. These results demonstrate a novel
      interaction between the IGF-IR and PDGFRs and highlight an important,
      therapeutically relevant pathway, for tumor cell migration and invasion.

PMID- 22070645
TI  - Heat transfer across the interface between nanoscale solids and gas.
AB  - When solid materials and devices scale down in size, heat transfer from the
      active region to the gas environment becomes increasingly significant. We show
      that the heat transfer coefficient across the solid-gas interface behaves very
      differently when the size of the solid is reduced to the nanoscale, such as that
      of a single nanowire. Unlike for macroscopic solids, the coefficient is strongly
      pressure dependent above ~10 Torr, and at lower pressures it is much higher than
      predictions of the kinetic gas theory. The heat transfer coefficient was measured
      between a single, free-standing VO(2) nanowire and surrounding air using laser
      thermography, where the temperature distribution along the VO(2) nanowire was
      determined by imaging its domain structure of metal-insulator phase transition.
      The one-dimensional domain structure along the nanowire results from the balance
      between heat generation by the focused laser and heat dissipation to the
      substrate as well as to the surrounding gas, and thus serves as a nanoscale power
      meter and thermometer. We quantified the heat loss rate across the nanowire-air
      interface, and found that it dominates over all other heat dissipation channels
      for small-diameter nanowires near ambient pressure. As the heat transfer across
      the solid-gas interface is nearly independent of the chemical identity of the
      solid, the results reveal a general scaling relationship for gaseous heat
      dissipation from nanostructures of all solid materials, which is applicable to
      nanoscale electronic and thermal devices exposed to gaseous environments.

PMID- 22070646
TI  - A specialist root herbivore exploits defensive metabolites to locate nutritious
      tissues.
AB  - The most valuable organs of plants are often particularly rich in essential
      elements, but also very well defended. This creates a dilemma for herbivores that
      need to maximise energy intake while minimising intoxication. We investigated how
      the specialist root herbivore Diabrotica virgifera solves this conundrum when
      feeding on wild and cultivated maize plants. We found that crown roots of maize
      seedlings were vital for plant development and, in accordance, were rich in
      nutritious primary metabolites and contained higher amounts of the insecticidal
      2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) and the phenolic compound
      chlorogenic acid. The generalist herbivores Diabrotica balteata and Spodoptera
      littoralis were deterred from feeding on crown roots, whereas the specialist D.
      virgifera preferred and grew best on these tissues. Using a 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one
      deficient maize mutant, we found that D. virgifera is resistant to DIMBOA and
      other 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones and that it even hijacks these compounds to optimally
      forage for nutritious roots.

PMID- 22070647
TI  - Combined impacts of irradiance and dehydration on leaf hydraulic conductance:
      insights into vulnerability and stomatal control.
AB  - The leaf is a hydraulic bottleneck, accounting for a large part of plant
      resistance. Thus, the leaf hydraulic conductance (K(leaf) ) is of key importance
      in determining stomatal conductance (g(s) ) and rates of gas exchange. Previous
      studies showed that K(leaf) is dynamic with leaf water status and irradiance. For
      four species, we tested the combined impacts of these factors on K(leaf) and on
      g(s) . We determined responses of K(leaf) and g(s) to declining leaf water
      potential (Psi(leaf) ) under low and high irradiance (<6 and >900 umol photons m(
      2) s(-1) photosynthetically active radiation, respectively). We hypothesized
      greater K(leaf) vulnerability under high irradiance. We also hypothesized that
      K(leaf) and g(s) would be similar in their responses to either light or
      dehydration: similar light-responses of K(leaf) and g(s) would stabilize
      Psi(leaf) across irradiances for leaves transpiring at a given vapour pressure
      deficit, and similar dehydration responses would arise from the control of
      stomata by Psi(leaf) or a correlated signal. For all four species, the K(leaf)
      light response declined from full hydration to turgor loss point. The K(leaf) and
      g(s) differed strongly in their light- and dehydration responses, supporting
      optimization of hydraulic transport across irradiances, and semi-independent,
      flexible regulation of liquid and vapour phase water transport with leaf water
      status.

PMID- 22070648
TI  - Factors associated with good self-management in older adults with a schizophrenic
      disorder compared with older adults with physical illnesses.
AB  - The number of older people living with a schizophrenic disorder (SD) is
      increasing yet little attention paid has been paid to the needs of this
      population relative to people with other chronic illnesses. In order to achieve
      optimal functioning people with a SD need to manage their illness and its impact;
      therefore, this study set out to determine the factors associated with self
      management in this population. The illness management of people over 50 years of
      age and living with schizophrenia (n= 84) was compared with their peers who were
      diagnosed with a chronic physical illness (n= 216). Participants completed a
      survey that included an illness management inventory, self-rated health and sense
      of coherence. The results demonstrated that participants with a SD had lower
      illness management levels, particularly for understanding their symptoms and
      taking appropriate actions in relation to health care. Poor self-rated health and
      the presence of comorbid conditions had a pervasive negative effect on self
      management factors in the SD group, whereas being married, having a greater sense
      of coherence and being voluntary to treatment had a positive effect. Nurses need
      to develop strategies to address general health and self-management in older
      adults living with a SD.

PMID- 22070649
TI  - Genetic variation in the NBS1 gene is associated with hepatic cancer risk in a
      Chinese population.
AB  - NBS1 plays important roles in maintaining genomic stability as a key DNA repair
      protein in the homologous recombination repair pathway and as a signal modifier
      in the intra-S phase checkpoint. We hypothesized that polymorphisms of NBS1 are
      associated with hepatic cancer (HCC) risk. The NBS1 rs1805794 C/G polymorphism
      has been frequently studied in some cancers with discordant results, but its
      association with HCC has not been investigated. Moreover, studies of the 3'UTR
      variant rs2735383 have not touched upon HCC. This study examined the contribution
      of these two polymorphisms to the risk of developing HCC in a Chinese population.
      NBS1 genotypes were determined in 865 HCC patients and 900 controls and the
      associations with risk of HCC were estimated by logistic regression. Compared
      with the rs1805794 GG genotype, the GC genotype had a significantly increased
      risk of HCC (adjusted odds ratios [OR]=1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.11
      1.80), the CC carriers had a further increased risk of HCC (OR=2.27; 95% CI=1.68
      3.14), and there was a trend for an allele dose effect on risk of HCC (p<0.001).
      Also, we found that the risk effect of rs1805794 CC+CG was more pronounced in HCC
      patients that drank (OR=2.28, 95% CI=1.55-3.29 for drinkers; OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.00
      1.77 for nondrinkers). However, there was no significant difference in genotype
      frequencies of rs2735383 G/C site between cases and controls. These findings
      suggest that rs1805794 C/G polymorphism in NBS1 may be a genetic modifier for
      developing HCC.

PMID- 22070650
TI  - Meta-analysis of epidermal growth factor polymorphisms and cancer risk: involving
      9,779 cases and 15,932 controls.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway stimulates proliferation and
      differentiation of epidermal and epithelial tissues, and plays an important role
      in tumorigenesis. The association between EGF polymorphisms and cancer risk is
      controversial; thus, we performed this meta-analysis. Overall, 41 case-control
      studies with 9,779 cases and 15,932 controls were retrieved. We found that EGF
      +61A/G polymorphism increased overall cancer risk (G allele vs. A allele:
      OR=1.181, 95% CI=1.077-1.295, P(heterogeneity) < 0.001; GG vs. AA: OR=1.370, 95%
      CI=1.143-1.641, P(heterogeneity) < 0.001; GG+GA vs. AA: OR=1.175, 95% CI=1.047
      1.318, P(heterogeneity) < 0.001). In the stratified analysis by cancer type, the
      +61 G allele was a risk factor for colorectal cancer, esophageal carcinoma,
      gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Individuals who carried +61G allele
      had higher cancer susceptibility in mixed and European racial subgroups. An
      increased association was detected in the hospital-based subgroup. No significant
      association was found among EGF -1380A/G, -1744G/A, rs6983267T/G polymorphisms
      and cancer risk.

PMID- 22070651
TI  - Involvement of T2677T multidrug resistance gene polymorphism in Interleukin 22
      plasma concentration in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

PMID- 22070652
TI  - Aptitude-based assignment of nurses to depressed patients.
AB  - In psychiatric units, head nurses face the daily challenge of assigning nurses to
      patients. The 'match' between a patient and a nurse is not always optimal. This
      can hinder the therapeutic relationship. Aptitude is an important component of
      competence, especially for psychiatric nurses involved in therapeutic
      relationships. In this study, we undertook explorative research to investigate
      possible relationships between nurse aptitudes and outcomes in depressed
      patients. We found statistically significant relationships between specific nurse
      aptitudes, along professional rank, and particular patient outcomes. During the
      hospital stay, patients' depressive feelings change as they recover. Our results
      indicate that, as a patient's depressive feelings change, another type of nurse,
      one with an aptitude that supports the patient's current needs, should be
      assigned to care for that patient. This suggestion is at odds with current
      practises of assigning a patient to one nurse for the entire hospital stay.

PMID- 22070653
TI  - Critical congenital heart disease--utility of routine screening for chromosomal
      and other extracardiac malformations.
AB  - Objective.  Infants with critical congenital heart disease (CHD) can have genetic
      and other extracardiac malformations, which add to the short- and long-term risk
      of morbidity and perhaps mortality. We sought to examine our center's practice of
      screening for extracardiac anomalies and to determine the yield of these tests
      among specific cardiac diagnostic categories. Design.  Retrospective review of
      infants admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit with a new diagnosis of CHD.
      Subjects were categorized into six groups: septal defects (SD), conotruncal
      defects (CTD), single-ventricle physiology (SV), left-sided obstructive lesions
      (LSO), right-sided obstructive lesions (RSO), and "other" (anomalous pulmonary
      venous return, Ebstein's anomaly). Screening modalities included genetic testing
      (karyotype and fluorescent in situ hybridization for 22q11.2 deletion), renal
      ultrasound (RUS), and head ultrasound (HUS). Results.  One hundred forty-one
      patients were identified. The incidence of cardiac anomalies was: CTD (36%), SD
      (18%), SV (18%), LSO (14%), RSO (3%), and "other" (8%). Overall 14% had an
      abnormal karyotype, 5% had a deletion for 22q11.2, 28% had an abnormal RUS and
      22% had abnormal HUS. Patients in SD and SV had the highest incidence of abnormal
      karyotype (36% and 17%); 22q11.2 deletion was present only in CTD and LSO groups
      (9% and 7%, respectively); abnormal RUS and HUS were seen relatively uniformly in
      all categories. Premature infants had significantly higher incidence of renal 43%
      vs. 24%, and intracranial abnormalities 46% vs. 16%. Conclusion.  Infants with
      critical CHD and particularly premature infants have high incidence of genetic
      and other extracardiac anomalies. Universal screening for these abnormalities
      with ultrasonographic and genetic testing maybe warranted because early detection
      could impact short and long-term outcomes.

PMID- 22070656
TI  - Biocathodic nitrous oxide removal in bioelectrochemical systems.
AB  - Anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N(2)O) emissions represent up to 40% of the global
      N(2)O emission and are constantly increasing. Mitigation of these emissions is
      warranted since N(2)O is a strong greenhouse gas and important ozone-depleting
      compound. Until now, only physicochemical technologies have been applied to
      mitigate point sources of N(2)O, and no biological treatment technology has been
      developed so far. In this study, a bioelectrochemical system (BES) with an
      autotrophic denitrifying biocathode was considered for the removal of N(2)O. The
      high N(2)O removal rates obtained ranged between 0.76 and 1.83 kg N m(-3) net
      cathodic compartment (NCC) d(-1) and were proportional to the current production,
      resulting in cathodic coulombic efficiencies near 100%. Furthermore, our
      experiments suggested the active involvement of microorganisms as the catalyst
      for the reduction of N(2)O to N(2), and the optimal cathode potential ranged from
      -200 to 0 mV vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) in order to obtain high
      conversion rates. Successful operation of the system for more than 115 days with
      N(2)O as the sole cathodic electron acceptor strongly indicated that N(2)O
      respiration yielded enough energy to maintain the biological process. To our
      knowledge, this study provides for the first time proof of concept of biocathodic
      N(2)O removal at long-term without the need for high temperatures and expensive
      catalysts.

PMID- 22070654
TI  - Indole alkaloids and quassinoids from the stems of Brucea mollis.
AB  - Seven new indole alkaloids, bruceollines H-N (1-7), three new quassinoids,
      yadanziolides T-V (10-12), and four known analogues, bruceolline E (8),
      bruceolline F (9), bruceine D (13), and yadanziolide B (14), were isolated from
      an ethanol extract of the stems of Brucea mollis. The absolute configurations of
      compounds 2 and 5 were determined by comparison of their experimental and
      calculated ECD spectra. The absolute configuration of the known compound 9 was
      determined by using Mo2(OAc)4-induced CD analysis for the first time. Compounds
      10, 13, and 14 exhibited cytotoxic activities with IC50 values of 3.00-5.81 MUM.

PMID- 22070657
TI  - The physical health of the seriously mentally ill: an overview of the literature.
AB  - Despite the wealth of literature which attests to the relationship between
      serious mental illness (SMI) and physical ill health, the provision of optimum
      physical health care for mental health service users remains a challenge. In
      England the Department of Health has identified the evident health inequalities
      for people with SMI as a priority area for health improvement, publishing
      numerous policy directives aimed at addressing these inequalities. However, this
      is a highly complex process and little is known about why the rhetoric of
      holistic health care has proved unattainable thus far. In this paper we present
      an informed commentary of the contemporary literature with the aim of offering a
      more comprehensive understanding of the health inequalities faced by people with
      SMI. We searched relevant databases for publications related to: the causes of
      poor physical health among the mentally ill, strategies to address these health
      needs and the impact which professional education, culture and services structure
      has on this facet of service delivery. This enabled us to identify potential
      strategies that can be adopted by health care practitioners wishing to improve
      the health of this vulnerable group, and by educationalists to advance
      professionals' knowledge of this important and ostensibly neglected area.

PMID- 22070658
TI  - The role of Government policy in supporting nurse-led care in general practice in
      the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia: an adapted realist review.
AB  - AIM:   This article is a report on a review that examined the role of Government
      policy in primary care and its association with nurse-led care in the United
      Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia between 1998 and 2009. BACKGROUND:   The
      United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia share a similar model of first point
      access to the healthcare system via general practitioners. General practice is
      synonymous with the term primary care. DATA OURCES:  Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE,
      Scopus, PsychInfo, Google, Department of Health, England (United Kingdom),
      Ministry of Health, New Zealand, Department of Health and Ageing, Australia.
      Searches of electronic databases from 1998 to December 2009 and hand searches of
      identified leads and key journals. Historical papers accessed to describe the
      genesis of practice nursing and historical Government policy documents prior to
      1998, were examined. REVIEW METHODS:   A modified realist review was used to
      synthesize research and policy documents relating to government policies
      pertaining to nurse-led care. In addition, a systematic review was used to
      identify literature that described practice nurse-led care. Results.  Nurse-led
      primary care services are well described in the United Kingdom with a total of 45
      studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the second review. There are no
      published studies from New Zealand, and only two from Australia describing nurse
      led primary care. CONCLUSION:   New Zealand and Australia lag behind the United
      Kingdom in practice nurse development. Implementation of clinical governance was
      fundamental to the development of nurse-led care in the UK.

PMID- 22070659
TI  - UV/ozone-oxidized large-scale graphene platform with large chemical enhancement
      in surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - We fabricated a highly oxidized large-scale graphene platform using chemical
      vapor deposition (CVD) and UV/ozone-based oxidation methods. This platform offers
      a large-scale surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate with large
      chemical enhancement in SERS and reproducible SERS signals over a centimeter
      scale graphene surface. After UV-induced ozone generation, ozone molecules were
      reacted with graphene to produce oxygen-containing groups on graphene and induced
      the p-type doping of the graphene. These modifications introduced the structural
      disorder and defects on the graphene surface and resulted in a large chemical
      mechanism-based signal enhancement from Raman dye molecules [rhodamine B (RhB),
      rhodamine 6G (R6G), and crystal violet (CV) in this case] on graphene.
      Importantly, the enhancement factors were increased from ~10(3) before ozone
      treatment to ~10(4), which is the largest chemical enhancement factor ever on
      graphene, after 5 min ozone treatment due to both high oxidation and p-doping
      effects on graphene surface. Over a centimeter-scale area of this UV/ozone
      oxidized graphene substrate, strong SERS signals were repeatedly and reproducibly
      detected. In a UV/ozone-based micropattern, UV/ozone-treated areas were highly
      Raman-active while nontreated areas displayed very weak Raman signals.

PMID- 22070660
TI  - Blood donation on posters: a worldwide review.
AB  - Originally pasted on walls and on locations reserved specially for that purpose,
      the poster is a medium for advertising and promotion to be seen on the streets
      and in public places. More recently, it has spread, in a smaller format, on
      dedicated indoor sites: billboards, columns, street furniture, and so forth. For
      transfusion, it appeared early on that the poster constitutes an important medium
      to promote blood donation. Thousands of posters supporting regional, national, or
      international blood donation campaigns have been created all over the planet,
      with a great variability of images, symbols, and slogans, which are particularly
      revealing about the image and the reality of blood donation. The topic is rich in
      information, particularly sociologic, on the variety of ways in which transfusion
      organizations promote blood donation. The authors present in this article the
      results of a study based on a total of 283 posters from nations on every
      continent, divided into 24 different themes.

PMID- 22070661
TI  - Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder: conceptual, clinical, and
      biological data support further research.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, debilitating, and has highly
      heterogeneous clinical and biological features. With the exception of one
      published preliminary clinical trial, rationale in support of the efficacy of
      acupuncture, a modality of Chinese medicine (CM), for PTSD has not been well
      described. This is a focused review of conceptual and clinical features of PTSD
      shared by modern western medicine (MWM) and CM, and of biological mechanisms of
      acupuncture that parallel known PTSD pathology. MWM and CM both recognize
      individual developmental variables and interactions between external conditions
      and internal responses in the genesis of PTSD. There is one published and one
      unpublished clinical trial that preliminarily support the efficacy of acupuncture
      for PTSD. Although there have been no mechanistic studies of acupuncture in human
      PTSD, extant research shows that acupuncture has biological effects that are
      relevant to PTSD pathology. Conceptual, clinical, and biological data support
      possible efficacy of acupuncture for PTSD. However, further definitive research
      about simultaneous clinical and biological effects is needed to support the use
      of acupuncture for PTSD in health care systems.

PMID- 22070662
TI  - The effect of pharmacotherapy on suicide rates in bipolar patients.
AB  - Suicide is a complex and multicausal human behavior and also a great challenge
      for psychiatry. We review the evidence available concerning pharmacological
      prevention of suicide in bipolar disorder patients. Several clinical trials
      provide evidence that effective acute and long-term treatment of bipolar
      depression provides a strong protection against suicide, suicide attempts, and
      probably against other complications of this disorder. Current major mood
      disorder is the most important risk factor of suicide, and bipolar II patients
      carry the highest risk. In bipolar patients suicidal behavior is most likely to
      occur during pure or mixed depressive episodes. Since bipolar disorder is a
      highly recurrent illness, adequate long-term pharmacotherapy is needed to prevent
      suicidal behavior.

PMID- 22070663
TI  - Degradation of seed mucilage by soil microflora promotes early seedling growth of
      a desert sand dune plant.
AB  - In contrast to the extensive understanding of seed mucilage biosynthesis, much
      less is known about how mucilage is biodegraded and what role it plays in the
      soil where seeds germinate. We studied seed mucilage biodegradation by a natural
      microbial community. High-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) was
      used to determine monosaccharide composition in achene mucilage of Artemisia
      sphaerocephala. Mucilage degradation by the soil microbial community from natural
      habitats was examined by monosaccharide utilization tests using Biolog plates,
      chemical assays and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Glucose (29.4%),
      mannose (20.3%) and arabinose (19.5%) were found to be the main components of
      achene mucilage. The mucilage was biodegraded to CO(2)  and soluble sugars, and
      an increase in soil microbial biomass was observed during biodegradation.
      Fluorescence microscopy showed the presence of mucilage (or its derivatives) in
      seedling tissues after growth with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled
      mucilage. The biodegradation also promoted early seedling growth in barren sand
      dunes, which was associated with a large soil microbial community that supplies
      substances promoting seedling establishment. We conclude that biodegradation of
      seed mucilage can play an ecologically important role in the life cycles of
      plants especially in harsh desert environments to which A. sphaerocephala is well
      adapted.

PMID- 22070664
TI  - Characterizing the rovibrational distribution of CD2CD2OH radicals produced via
      the photodissociation of 2-bromoethanol-d4.
AB  - This work characterizes the internal energy distribution of the CD(2)CD(2)OH
      radical formed via photodissociation of 2-bromoethanol-d(4). The CD(2)CD(2)OH
      radical is the first radical adduct in the addition of the hydroxyl radical to
      C(2)D(4) and the product branching of the OH + C(2)D(4) reaction is dependent on
      the total internal energy of this adduct and how that energy is partitioned
      between rotation and vibration. Using a combination of a velocity map imaging
      apparatus and a crossed laser-molecular beam scattering apparatus, we
      photodissociate the BrCD(2)CD(2)OH precursor at 193 nm and measure the velocity
      distributions of the Br atoms, resolving the Br((2)P(1/2)) and Br((2)P(3/2))
      states with [2 + 1] resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) on the
      imaging apparatus. We also detect the velocity distribution of the subset of the
      nascent momentum-matched CD(2)CD(2)OH cofragments that are formed stable to
      subsequent dissociation. Invoking conservation of momentum and conservation of
      energy and a recently developed impulsive model, we determine the vibrational
      energy distribution of the nascent CD(2)CD(2)OH radicals from the measured
      velocity distributions.

PMID- 22070665
TI  - Clinicopathologic and gene expression parameters predict liver cancer prognosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies following
      surgical resection and the large variation remains largely unexplained. Studies
      have revealed the ability of clinicopathologic parameters and gene expression to
      predict HCC prognosis. However, there has been little systematic effort to
      compare the performance of these two types of predictors or combine them in a
      comprehensive model. METHODS: Tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues were
      collected from 272 ethnic Chinese HCC patients who received curative surgery. We
      combined clinicopathologic parameters and gene expression data (from both tissue
      types) in predicting HCC prognosis. Cross-validation and independent studies were
      employed to assess prediction. RESULTS: HCC prognosis was significantly
      associated with six clinicopathologic parameters, which can partition the
      patients into good- and poor-prognosis groups. Within each group, gene expression
      data further divide patients into distinct prognostic subgroups. Our predictive
      genes significantly overlap with previously published gene sets predictive of
      prognosis. Moreover, the predictive genes were enriched for genes that underwent
      normal-to-tumor gene network transformation. Previously documented liver eSNPs
      underlying the HCC predictive gene signatures were enriched for SNPs that
      associated with HCC prognosis, providing support that these genes are involved in
      key processes of tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION: When applied individually,
      clinicopathologic parameters and gene expression offered similar predictive power
      for HCC prognosis. In contrast, a combination of the two types of data
      dramatically improved the power to predict HCC prognosis. Our results also
      provided a framework for understanding the impact of gene expression on the
      processes of tumorigenesis and clinical outcome.

PMID- 22070666
TI  - Costs and clinical outcome of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy followed by
      cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal
      carcinomatosis from gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The costs for loco-regional treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis
      from gastric cancer are not well investigated. The aims of this study were to
      evaluate the costs and clinical outcome of systemic chemotherapy followed by
      cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy compared to systemic
      chemotherapy only in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients were scheduled for systemic chemotherapy
      followed by loco-regional treatment. A reference group of 10 matched control
      patients treated with systemic chemotherapy only were used and both groups were
      evaluated with respect to clinical outcome and cost. RESULTS: The mean overall
      cost in the loco-regional group was $145,700 (range $49,900-$487,800) and $59,300
      (range $23,000-$94,800) for the control group. The mean overall survival for the
      loco-regional group was 17.4 months (range 6.0-34.3), and 11.1 months (range 0.1
      24.2) for the systemic chemotherapy only group. The gain in life-years was 0.52
      and in quality-adjusted life-years 0.49, leading to incremental cost per life
      year and quality-adjusted life-years gained of $166,716 and $175,164, for loco
      regional group compared to systemic chemotherapy. DISCUSSION: Treatment of
      peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer is costly irrespective of treatment
      modality. If the survival benefit from adding loco-regional treatment to systemic
      chemotherapy indicated from this comparison is true, the incremental cost is
      considered high.

PMID- 22070667
TI  - Quality improvement in long-term mental health: results from four collaboratives.
AB  - This multiple case study evaluates four quality improvement collaboratives (QICs)
      in long-term mental health care focusing on social psychiatric care, recovery
      oriented care, social participation and somatic co-morbidity of psychiatric
      patients. The aim is to explore (1) effectiveness in terms of objective outcome
      indicators and impact of changes as perceived by team members; and (2)
      associations between collaborative-, organizational- and team-level factors and
      perceived effectiveness. Most objective outcomes, such as health, loneliness and
      clients' problem areas, showed significant improvement. Because of the diversity
      in content no single measure for objective effectiveness could be computed across
      the four collaboratives. Perceived effectiveness of team members was used as an
      indicator of the overall impact. In all, 55 of the 94 participating team leaders
      and 117 remaining team members completed a written survey at the end of each
      quality improvement collaborative. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that
      innovation attributes, appropriate measures, usable data collection tools and an
      innovative team culture could explain variation in perceived effectiveness. In
      conclusion, overall positive changes for clients were realized as demonstrated by
      objective outcomes and team members' perceptions of improvements in care
      processes. The results supported the notion that a layered approach is necessary
      to achieve improvements in quality of care.

PMID- 22070668
TI  - Relationships between tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-12B and
      interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms and hepatitis B in Chinese Han haemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the possible association of gene polymorphisms of tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (-238 and -308), interleukin (IL)-10 (-592 and -819)
      and 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the IL12B (-1188) and hepatitis B in
      Chinese Han haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: The genotyping of TNF-alpha 
      238 and -308, IL-10 -592 and -819 and 3'UTR of the IL12B were performed by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
      method. RESULTS: The TNF-alpha-238 A allele, the IL12B 3'UTR C/C, C/A genotypes
      were associated with decreased susceptibility to hepatitis B viral infection (P =
      0.047, P = 0.003 and P = 0.001 respectively). The frequencies of IL-10-592 A/A
      genotype, IL-10-819 T/T genotype were lower in the HBV persistence group (P =
      0.029 and P = 0.019) than those in the virus clearance group. CONCLUSIONS: TNF
      alpha and IL12B 3'UTR gene polymorphisms may be associated with HBV
      susceptibility and IL-10 gene polymorphisms may be related to the HBV persistence
      infection in Chinese Han HD patients.

PMID- 22070669
TI  - Thrombotic microangiopathy after living-donor liver transplantation.
AB  - Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an infrequent but severe life-threatening
      disorder in solid organ transplant recipients. Few studies of TMA in living donor
      liver transplant (LDLT) recipients, however, have been reported. We investigated
      the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of TMA after LDLT. Among 393
      adult LDLT recipients, 30 patients (7.6%) were identified to have TMA. The 1-, 3-
      and 5-year survival rates of these patients were lower (60.6%, 52.5% and 47.7%,
      respectively) than those of patients without TMA (93.0%, 89.0% and 87.3%,
      respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that reduced administration of
      fresh frozen plasma and sensitization against HLA are closely related with TMA
      (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6 and 16.1, respectively). However, a review of the cases
      revealed that individual responses to treatment varied considerably and the main
      etiologies were difficult to determine. A comparison of the clinical factors
      suggested that late onset (>30 days), poor response to treatment and delayed
      diagnosis and/or treatment are associated with a poor outcome. Because the
      prevention of TMA in LDLT patients is difficult, early diagnosis and initiation
      of intensive therapies may be crucial to improve the prognosis.

PMID- 22070670
TI  - Quantification of the kinetics and extent of self-sorting in three dimensional
      spheroids.
AB  - The self-sorting of cells into distinct compartments in three-dimensional (3D)
      microtissues is a process critical to developmental biology, cancer metastasis,
      and tissue engineering. Although self-sorting has been studied since the 1950s,
      little quantitative data exist that describe this dynamic process. Here, we
      describe a recently developed assay designed to quantify the extent and kinetics
      of self-sorting in 3D. Mixtures of fluorescently labeled normal human fibroblasts
      (NHF) and hepatocyte (H35) cells were fluorescently labeled, red and green
      respectively, and seeded onto micro-molded non-adhesive hydrogels. The cells self
      assembled into a spheroid and self-sorted with NHFs forming the central core and
      H35s forming the outer shell. A time course of fluorescent images was used to
      analyze the ratio of red (NHFs) and green (H35s) fluorescence in concentric
      hollow cylinders throughout a spheroid and was statistically compared with the
      fluorescent ratio of the perfectly sorted spheroid. We found that NHFs and H35s,
      at a 1:1 ratio, sorted to a final extent of 88+/-3% at an initial rate of 0.36+/
      0.06% per minute and reached 50% self-sorted at 2.7+/-0.3 h. Studies with varying
      ratios of NHFs and H35s show that self-sorting and self-assembly are coincident
      in time when the proportion of NHFs are varied over a 6-fold range (14% to 85%).
      This method can, thus, be used to characterize the sorting behavior of additional
      pairs of cells, the effect of drugs, and growth factors that may change the
      kinetics of the process, and bring an understanding to the cellular mechanisms
      which control self-sorting.

PMID- 22070671
TI  - Allylic substitution on cyclopentene and -hexene rings with alkynylcopper
      reagents.
AB  - Substitution of cyclic allylic picolinates with a reagent derived from TMS
      C=CMgBr and a copper salt was investigated. Although the previous type of reagent
      (TMSC=CMgBr and CuBr.Me(2)S) developed for linear allylic picolinates was less
      product selective and regioselective, the Cu(acac)(2)-derived reagent was highly
      selective (94-95%) to afford the S(N)2' product in good yields. As an
      application, several C-C bond formations at the acetylenic carbon and the
      synthesis of the PG intermediate were studied with success.

PMID- 22070672
TI  - The use of analogy in speech motor performance.
AB  - The acoustic correlates of pitch variation were examined in 40 participants who
      received analogy instructions or explicit instructions that required them to
      modulate their intonation during speech production. First, using focus group
      methodology, professional speech-language pathologists were asked to identify
      analogies that best described minimum pitch variation (monotone), moderate pitch
      variation (normal intonation), and maximum pitch variation (exaggerated
      intonation) in speech. The focus group established that an appropriate pitch
      variation metaphor may be related to imagery of "waves at sea", with minimum
      pitch variation represented by a flat calm sea, moderate pitch variation
      represented by a moderate sea, and maximum pitch variation represented by a
      choppy sea. Forty adult participants without speech impairments were asked to
      read aloud a standard paragraph using their habitual pitch variation (control
      condition). They were then allocated randomly to an analogy or an explicit
      instruction group and were asked to read aloud different paragraphs with minimum,
      moderate, or maximum pitch variations. Results revealed that acoustic correlates
      of pitch variation (standard deviation of fundamental frequency, SDF0) were not
      different for the control condition, or moderate and maximum pitch variation
      conditions in the two groups. However, the analogy instruction was significantly
      more effective than the explicit instruction for inducing minimum pitch
      variation. Analysis of participants in each group who showed higher than normal
      pitch variation in the control condition (>.5 SD above the group SDF0) revealed
      that the analogy instruction was more effective than the explicit instruction in
      the minimum variation condition. It was concluded that analogy instructions may
      be a useful tool in speech rehabilitation.

PMID- 22070673
TI  - Female caregivers' perceptions of reasons for violent behaviour among nursing
      home residents.
AB  - Threats and violence against professional caregivers present a growing health and
      safety problem in elderly care. We aimed to explore female caregivers'
      perceptions of reasons for violent behaviour among nursing home residents. Forty
      one caregivers at three nursing homes were interviewed and their responses were
      subjected to qualitative content analysis, which revealed three content areas of
      perceived reasons for patient violence: patient characteristics, caregiver
      approach and environmental aspects. The caregivers' perceptions were formulated
      in three core statements: 'they (the residents) are not who they used to be', 'we
      (the caregivers) have acted inappropriately' and 'we (residents and caregivers)
      are all surrounded by disorder'. Our findings indicate that the reasons for
      violence are complex and multifactorial, so interventions should be individually
      tailored. Caregivers involved in a violent situation need to see the person
      behind the behaviour, try to interpret what the behaviour is meant to communicate
      and adjust the intervention according to individual need.

PMID- 22070674
TI  - Headache and papilledema in an adult with cyanotic congenital heart disease: the
      importance of fundoscopic evaluation rather than phlebotomy.
AB  - Headaches and blurred vision in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease
      and secondary erythrocytosis may be attributed to hyperviscosity and
      traditionally were treated with phlebotomy. In the current era, phlebotomy is
      rarely performed in these patients except in cases of hemoptysis or
      hyperviscosity symptoms. We report a case of a patient with a history of complex
      cyanotic congenital heart disease and secondary erythrocytosis who presented with
      headache and visual changes. He was found to have bilateral papilledema and
      increased intracranial pressure. Reduction of intracranial pressure with
      acetazolamide therapy led to alleviation of headache and visual changes. This
      demonstrates the need for formal ophthalmologic evaluation of these patients to
      assess other treatable causes of headache and visual changes before considering
      phlebotomy.

PMID- 22070675
TI  - Prevalence of human papillomavirus in mobile tongue cancer with particular
      reference to young patients.
AB  - The carcinogenetic role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in mobile tongue cancer
      remains unclear because of conflicting results reported in the literature. This
      disparity is likely to be due to variations in the samples and methods used.
      Furthermore, despite a tendency for increased prevalence of mobile tongue cancer
      in young adults, only a few reports specifically in young patients have been
      published. In the present study on 32 patients, including six in their 20s, we
      genotyped the prevalence of HPV using a highly sensitive detection tool in fresh
      frozen samples from surgical specimens and a novel detection device with
      electrochemical DNA chip and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. In addition,
      we confirmed HPV prevalence by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for
      the p16(INK4a) protein, regarded as a biomarker of HPV-associated cancers. The
      frequency of 13 genotypes of high-risk HPV was 0/32 (0%), which was further
      confirmed by in situ hybridization. Overexpression of p16(INK4a) protein was
      observed in six of the 32 patients (19%), with four (67%) also overexpressing
      p53. Because there is usually a lack of p53 overexpression in HPV-associated
      cancer, it is unlikely that p16(INK4a) protein overexpression is correlated with
      HPV infection. Consequently, it is unlikely that HPV infection plays an important
      role in mobile tongue carcinogenesis, in particular in young adults. In addition,
      our data suggest that the overexpression of p16(INK4a) protein is not an
      appropriate biomarker for HPV association in mobile tongue carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22070676
TI  - How is dispersal integrated in life histories: a quantitative analysis using
      butterflies.
AB  - As dispersal plays a key role in gene flow among populations, its evolutionary
      dynamics under environmental changes is particularly important. The inter
      dependency of dispersal with other life history traits may constrain dispersal
      evolution, and lead to the indirect selection of other traits as a by-product of
      this inter-dependency. Identifying the dispersal's relationships to other life
      history traits will help to better understand the evolutionary dynamics of
      dispersal, and the consequences for species persistence and ecosystem functioning
      under global changes. Dispersal may be linked to other life-history traits as
      their respective evolutionary dynamics may be inter-dependent, or, because they
      are mechanistically related to each other. We identify traits that are predicted
      to co-vary with dispersal, and investigated the correlations that may constrain
      dispersal using published information on butterflies. Our quantitative analysis
      revealed that (1) dispersal directly correlated with demographic traits, mostly
      fecundity, whereas phylogenetic relationships among species had a negligible
      influence on this pattern, (2) gene flow and individual movements are correlated
      with ecological specialisation and body size, respectively and (3) routine
      movements only affected short-distance dispersal. Together, these results provide
      important insights into evolutionary dynamics under global environmental changes,
      and are directly applicable to biodiversity conservation.

PMID- 22070677
TI  - Tailored chemotherapy based on tumour gene expression analysis: breast cancer
      patients' misinterpretations and positive attitudes.
AB  - The aim of this study was to document how breast cancer patients perceive their
      prognosis and a tailored treatment based on tumour gene expression analysis, and
      to identify the features of this approach that may impact its clinical
      application. In-depth interviews were conducted at three French cancer centres
      with 37 women (35-69 years of age) with node-positive breast cancer undergoing an
      adjuvant chemotherapy regimen defined on the basis of the genomic signature
      predicting the outcome after chemotherapy. Several concerns were identified.
      First, some misconceptions about these methods were identified due to semantic
      confusions between the terms 'genomic' and 'genetic', which generated anxiety and
      uncertainty about the future. Second, the 'not done' and 'not interpretable'
      signatures were misinterpreted by the women and associated with highly negative
      connotations. However, the use of tumour genomic analysis to adapt the treatment
      to each patient received most of the patients' approval because it was perceived
      as an approach facilitating personalised medicine. In conclusion, improving the
      quality of provider/patient communications should enable patients to play a more
      active part in the decision making about their treatment. This will ensure that
      those who agree to have tumour gene analysis have realistic expectations and
      sound deductions about the final result disclosure process.

PMID- 22070678
TI  - Quercetin as a systemic chemopreventative agent: structural and functional
      mechanisms.
AB  - There is a growing focus on diet and the use of naturally abundant compounds as
      supplements because their properties have many potential health benefits with
      minimal side effects. The flavonol-type flavonoid quercetin has increased in
      popularity because it is a highly studied, multidimensional bioactive compound
      that possesses both antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate signal
      transduction pathways. Direct antioxidant properties may play a role in the
      abrogation of both DNA damage, but potentially of more importance quercetin, can
      also target multiple signaling pathways associated with oncogenesis and tumor
      progression, which include DNA damage, inflammation and obesity. Quercetin can
      also upregulate proteins that abrogate free radical damage, such as p53. The
      concurrent targeting of quercetin's multiple bioactivities presents a potent
      chemopreventative strategy, but because bioavailability of quercetin is poor it
      will be necessary to develop quercetin analogs to maximize the full
      chemopreventative potential of the compound. This review will explore the
      structural and mechanistic properties of quercetin as they relate to its ability
      to act as a chemopreventative compound. A better understanding of quercetin's
      mechanistic properties could aid in the rational design of more potent or
      bioavailable flavonol-type compounds.

PMID- 22070680
TI  - Natural polyphenols and cardioprotection.
AB  - With more than 8000 polyphenols found in food (mainly, wine, tea, coffee, cocoa,
      vegetables and cereals), many epidemiological studies suggest that the intake of
      polyphenol-rich foods has a beneficial effect on a large number of cardiovascular
      risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity,
      diabetes and smoking. The mechanisms involved in the cardioprotective effects of
      polyphenols are numerous and include antioxidant, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory,
      anti-fibrotic, antiapoptotic and metabolic. Most importantly, recent experimental
      data demonstrate that polyphenols can exert its cardioprotective effect via the
      activation of several powerful prosurvival cellular pathways that involve
      metabolic intermediates, microRNAs, sirtuins and mediators of the recently
      described reperfusion injury salvage kinases (RISK) and survivor activating
      factor enhancement (SAFE) pathways.

PMID- 22070681
TI  - Polyphenols and neuroprotection against ischemia and neurodegeneration.
AB  - Neuroprotection of polyphenols in medical plants is getting attention in the
      world. Scutellaria baicalensis, paeonia veitchii and paeonia suffruticosa have
      been extensively studied in the last 10 years and show multi-function. They are
      neuroprotectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic agents as well
      as vasoconstriction inhibitors and amyloid-peptide (Abeta) cleaners by means of
      their polyphenols: baicalin, baicalein, wogonin (in scutellaria), and paeonol,
      paeonoside, paeoniflorin (PF) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose
      (PGG) (in paeonia veitchii and paeonia suffruticosa). Other 4 medical plants:
      astragali, ligusticum wallichii, angelica sinensis and carthamus tinctorius
      (saffron) have been the major medicines to treat ischemia for hundreds of years
      in China, Korea and Japan. Our recent experimental studies demonstrated the
      neuroprotective efficacy of the combination of these phyotmedicines on mitigating
      brain infarction and global ischemia as well as preventing the neurodegeneration
      following ischemia. Owing to their multi-function, including improving cerebral
      blood circulation, they therefore have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of
      degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Pharmacology of the 7 herbs and their major relative polyphenols is depicted in
      the article.

PMID- 22070682
TI  - An overview of innovations in analysis and beneficial health effects of wine
      polyphenols.
AB  - Polyphenols are natural compounds that show a wide spectrum of biological actions
      potentially beneficial for the human health. Wine is an alcoholic beverage that
      contains a large amount of polyphenols extracted from grapes during the processes
      of vinification. These molecules are associated with anticancerogenic,
      antidiabetic, neuroprotective, hormonal, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and
      other health effects of wine. The present review provided an overview of well
      know and recent achievement in analytical methodology for the analysis of
      polyphenols in wine, and their biological activities.

PMID- 22070679
TI  - Polyphenols: skin photoprotection and inhibition of photocarcinogenesis.
AB  - Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring plant products and are
      widely distributed in plant foods, such as, fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers,
      bark and seeds, etc. These polyphenols contribute to the beneficial health
      effects of dietary products. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that
      exposure of the skin to environmental factors/pollutants, such as solar
      ultraviolet (UV) radiation induce harmful effects and leads to various skin
      diseases including the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The
      incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer, comprising of squamous cell carcinoma and
      basal cell carcinoma, is a significant public health concern world-wide. Exposure
      of the skin to solar UV radiation results in inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA
      damage, dysregulation of cellular signaling pathways and immunosuppression
      thereby resulting in skin cancer. The regular intake of natural plant products,
      especially polyphenols, which are widely present in fruits, vegetables, dry
      legumes and beverages have gained considerable attention as protective agents
      against the adverse effects of UV radiation. In this article, we first discussed
      the impact of polyphenols on human health based on their structure-activity
      relationship and bioavailability. We then discussed in detail the photoprotective
      effects of some selected polyphenols on UV-induced skin inflammation,
      proliferation, immunosuppression, DNA damage and dysregulation of important
      cellular signaling pathways and their implications in skin cancer management. The
      selected polyphenols include: green tea polyphenols, pomegranate fruit extract,
      grape seed proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, silymarin, genistein and delphinidin.
      The new information on the mechanisms of action of these polyphenols supports
      their potential use in skin photoprotection and prevention of photocarcinogenesis
      in humans.

PMID- 22070683
TI  - Analysis of flavonoids in foods and biological samples.
AB  - Flavonoids are a major class of plant phenolics that are widely distributed in
      the human diet and have been related to health promotion. They may occur in their
      natural sources in free forms (aglycones), as glycosylated or acylated
      derivatives, or as oligomeric and polymerized structures. This structural
      diversity affects their physicochemical behaviour and complicates their analysis.
      Thus, there is not a single standardized procedure that can be recommended for
      all flavonoid groups and/or type of samples, and the procedures have to be
      optimized depending on the nature of the sample and the target analytes.
      Furthermore, when dealing with the analysis of flavonoids biological samples
      (i.e., human and animal fluids and tissues) some differential aspects have to be
      taken into account; the nature of the compounds that can be found in those
      samples may differ from that present in plants and food, and flavonoids and
      metabolites occur in much lower concentrations, which make their analysis still
      more challenging. In this review the main techniques for extraction and analysis
      of flavonoids in foodstuffs and biological fluids are revised, as well as their
      occurrence in foods and beverages and available databases.

PMID- 22070684
TI  - Polyphenols and cardiovascular disease: a critical summary of the evidence.
AB  - Epidemiological studies are clear: diets in which plant foods provide the major
      portion of caloric intake, e.g. the Mediterranean and the Japanese diets, are
      associated with a reduced risk of certain degenerative diseases like cancer and
      atherosclerosis. Although fats and proteins in plants, as opposed to those of
      animal origin, are responsible to some extent for these protective effects, the
      contribution of other plant food components may also be relevant. In the past few
      years, research on polyphenols has remarkably expanded and is unveiling several
      biological activities of these compounds. Alas, the marketing departments of
      several industries are jumping ahead of solid scientific evidence; as a
      consequence, unsubstantiated claims are being made and whole foods or fortified,
      enriched, or enhanced foods are being created and sold. Science is beginning to
      corroborate some of these claims, but much more research is needed and several
      myths are to be disproven. In this mini-review we critically discuss the current
      limitations of polyphenol research and we contend that, in addition to their
      putative antioxidant action, several biochemical and physiological processes
      might be influenced by polyphenols.

PMID- 22070685
TI  - Editorial: introduction to polyphenols, plant chemicals for human health.

PMID- 22070686
TI  - GPE and GPE analogues as promising neuroprotective agents.
AB  - The tripeptide glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE) is the naturally cleaved N
      terminal tripeptide of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in brain tissues by
      an acid protease. Although GPE does not bind to IGF-1 receptors and its mode of
      action is not clear, in vitro studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate
      acetylcholine and dopamine release, as well as to protect neurones from diverse
      induced brain injures. More importantly, GPE has been shown to have potent
      neuroprotective effects in numerous animal models of hypoxic-ischemic brain
      injury and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and
      Huntington's diseases. As a consequence, GPE was suggested to be a potential
      target for the rational design of neuroprotective agents. Unfortunately, the use
      of GPE as a therapeutic agent is limited because of its unfavorable biochemical
      and pharmacokinetic properties. This review will focus on structural
      modifications performed on the GPE molecule in order to obtain bioactive
      analogues with increased pharmacokinetic profile useful for the treatment of
      central nervous system (CNS) injures and neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 22070688
TI  - CDC25 phosphatase inhibitors: an update.
AB  - The cell division cycle 25 (CDC25) family of proteins is a group of highly
      conserved dual-specificity phosphatases. They are key regulators of normal cell
      division and the cell response to DNA damage, and play a fundamental role in
      transitions between cell cycle phases during normal cell division, via the
      activation of CdK/cyclin complexes. Their abnormal expression, detected in a
      number of tumors, often correlated with a poor clinical prognosis, implies that
      their dysregulation is involved in malignant transformation. Thus, inhibition of
      these proteins represents an attractive therapeutic target in oncology, as
      evidenced from many patents and papers published on the subject in recent years.
      Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of recent developments in the
      field of CDC25 phosphatase inhibitor design since 2008.

PMID- 22070689
TI  - Cell adhesion molecules as pharmaceutical target in atherosclerosis.
AB  - Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are transmembrane proteins that mediate adhesion
      and interactions between cells or cell and extra-cellular matrix. Increased
      expression and activation of CAMs in vascular endothelial cells and circulating
      leukocytes, as occurring in the settings of inflammation, hypercholesterolemia,
      hypertension and diabetes, stimulates leukocyte recruitment into the vascular
      endothelium, an important step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CAMs are a
      potential therapeutic target in clinical practice and in recent years
      pharmaceutical agents with specific effects on the production and function of
      these molecules have been studied and developed. This article reviews recent
      progress regarding pathophysiology of CAMs in atherogenesis and pharmaceutical
      products or chemicals that are active against CAMs, and assesses the
      possibilities for clinical developments in this area that might enhance the
      prevention, monitoring and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22070690
TI  - 2,5-diketopiperazines as neuroprotective agents.
AB  - 2,5-diketopiperazines are the simplest cyclic peptides found in nature, commonly
      biosynthesized from amino acids by different organisms, and represent a promising
      class of biologically active natural products. Their peculiar heterocyclic
      structure confers high stability against the proteolysis and constitutes a
      structural requirement for the active intestinal absorption. Furthermore, the
      diketopiperazine-based motif is considered as a novel brain shuttle for the
      delivery of drugs with limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and
      can be proposed as an ideal candidate for the rational development of new
      therapeutic agents. Although these cyclic peptides have been known since the
      beginning of the 20th century, only recently have they attracted substantial
      interest with respect to the wide spectrum of their biological properties,
      including antitumor, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antihyperglycemic
      activities. In addition to these, the most challenging function of the
      diketopiperazine derivatives is related with their remarkable neuroprotective and
      nootropic activity. The aim of the present paper is to provide an overview of the
      two major classes of diketopiperazines, the TRH-related and the unsaturated
      derivatives both characterized by a significant ability to protect against
      neurotoxicity in several experimental models. The neuroprotective profile of
      these compounds suggests that they may have a future utility in the therapy of
      neuronal degeneration in vivo, potentially through several different mechanisms.

PMID- 22070691
TI  - Ascorbic acid: an old player with a broad impact on body physiology including
      oxidative stress suppression and immunomodulation: a review.
AB  - Ascorbic acid is a low molecular weight antioxidant well known as anti-scorbut
      acting vitamin C in humans, primates and guinea pigs. This review summarizes
      basic data about ascorbic acid in its physiological action point of view. It is
      divided into biochemistry of ascorbic acid synthesis, mechanism of antioxidant
      action and participation in anabolism, pharmacokinetics and excretion, exogenous
      ascorbic acid immunomodulatory effect and participation in infectious diseases,
      impact on irradiation and intoxication pathogenesis, and supplementary demands.
      The primary intention was to consider ascorbic acid not only as an antioxidant
      but also as a chemical compound affecting multiple pathways with a potential
      beneficial impact in many diseases and processes in human body.

PMID- 22070692
TI  - Tetracyclines: drugs with huge therapeutic potential.
AB  - Tetracyclines are an amazing class of chemical agents with multiple therapeutic
      potential. Structural modification of the original natural tetracyclines led to
      the synthesis and development of doxycycline and minocycline, compounds with
      higher lipophilicity, better oral pharmacokinetics and higher potency. Due to
      diverse pharmacological properties, these drugs are now under extensive
      investigation for use in the treatment of various disparate diseases. In recent
      years, several studies have conclusively reported anti-inflammatory, immune
      modulating and neuroprotective effects of these compounds. There are currently
      over 200 ongoing clinical trials on tetracyclines. These studies extend over a
      wide range of diseases including dermatological diseases, behavior and mental
      disorders, immune system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In this
      review we will discuss the chemistry and pharmacology of these agents, and
      describe how their inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase and on pro
      inflammatory cytokines has kindled renewed interest in them. Based on the reports
      from pre-clinical and clinical trials, the therapeutic potential and application
      of tetracyclines may well be redefined and extensively extended.

PMID- 22070687
TI  - Vascular effects of phytoestrogens and alternative menopausal hormone therapy in
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Phytoestrogens are estrogenic compounds of plant origin classified into different
      groups including isoflavones, lignans, coumestans and stilbenes. Isoflavones such
      as genistein and daidzein are the most studied and most potent phytoestrogens,
      and are found mainly in soy based foods. The effects of phytoestrogens are partly
      mediated via estrogen receptors (ERs): ERalpha, ERbeta and possibly GPER. The
      interaction of phytoestrogens with ERs is thought to induce both genomic and non
      genomic effects in many tissues including the vasculature. Some phytoestrogens
      such as genistein have additional non-ER-mediated effects involving signaling
      pathways such as tyrosine kinase. Experimental studies have shown beneficial
      effects of phytoestrogens on endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle, and
      extracellular matrix. Phytoestrogens may also affect other pathophysiologic
      vascular processes such as lipid profile, angiogenesis, inflammation, tissue
      damage by reactive oxygen species, and these effects could delay the progression
      of atherosclerosis. As recent clinical trials showed no vascular benefits or even
      increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CV events with conventional
      menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), phytoestrogens are being considered as
      alternatives to pharmacologic MHT. Epidemiological studies in the Far East
      population suggest that dietary intake of phytoestrogens may contribute to the
      decreased incidence of postmenopausal CVD and thromboembolic events. Also, the
      WHO-CARDIAC study supported that consumption of high soybean diet is associated
      with lower mortalities from coronary artery disease. However, as with estrogen,
      there has been some discrepancy between the experimental studies demonstrating
      the vascular benefits of phytoestrogens and the data from clinical trials. This
      is likely because the phytoestrogens clinical trials have been limited in many
      aspects including the number of participants enrolled, the clinical end points
      investigated, and the lack of long-term follow-up. Further investigation of the
      cellular mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of phytoestrogens and careful
      evaluation of the epidemiological evidence and clinical trials of their potential
      vascular benefits would put forward the use of phytoestrogens as an alternative
      MHT for the relief of menopausal symptoms and amelioration of postmenopausal CVD.

PMID- 22070693
TI  - Lysophospholipids: potential markers of diseases and infertility?
AB  - The in vivo concentration of lysophospholipids (LPL) such as
      lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) increases under different pathological conditions
      and, thus, LPL attract nowadays considerable diagnostic and pharmacological
      interest. LPL are particularly interesting because they possess pro- and anti
      inflammatory properties and can be generated by two completely different
      pathways: either by the influence of (a) phospholipases and (b) different
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated in significant amounts under
      inflammatory conditions. This review provides a summary of the mechanisms by
      which LPL can be generated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The focus will
      be on lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) because this LPL is most abundant among all
      LPL and was, thus, most intensively studied so far. Additionally, biochemical,
      chromatographic and spectroscopic methods of LPL and LPC determinations will be
      discussed. Finally, the effects of LPL as signaling molecules and their roles in
      different pathologies such as infertility, cancer, atherosclerosis or
      inflammatory diseases are discussed. Special emphasis will be on the role of LPL
      in reproduction failures related to poor semen quality and, in that context, the
      potential role of LPC as a disease-indicative molecule.

PMID- 22070694
TI  - Pleuromutilin and its derivatives-the lead compounds for novel antibiotics.
AB  - Due to the rapid onset of resistance to most antibacterial drugs, research
      efforts are focusing on new classes of antibacterials with different mechanisms
      of action from clinically used antibacterials. Pleuromutilin derivatives have
      received more and more scientific attention for their unique mechanism of action.
      Two pleuromutilin derivatives, tiamulin and valnemulin have been successfully
      developed as antibiotics for veterinary use. Retapamulin, another pleuromutilin
      derivative has been approved for use in humans in April 2007 by Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA). It has been shown that there is rarely cross-resistance
      between pleuromutilin derivatives and other antimicrobial agents, and the
      development of resistance bacterial is still low. This review will demonstrate
      mechanism of action of pleuromutilin derivatives and reveal the structure
      activity relationship (SAR) of pleuromutilin derivatives. Additionally, the
      pleuromutilin antibacterial derivative agents in the market, such as tiamulin,
      valnemulin and retapamulin, will be discussed. It is proposed that new
      antibacterial agents might be developed from pleuromutilin derivatives in the
      future.

PMID- 22070695
TI  - Reticulate eruptions: Part 2. Historical perspectives, morphology, terminology
      and classification.
AB  - Reticulate eruptions of vascular origin may represent an underlying arterial,
      venous, microvascular or combined pathology. In the presence of arterial
      pathology, individual rings are centred around ascending arterial vessels that
      supply the corresponding area of skin within an arterial hexagon that clinically
      presents with a blanched centre. Confluence of multiple arterial hexagons
      generates a stellate (star-like) pattern. In the presence of a primary venous
      pathology, individual rings correspond to the underlying reticular veins forming
      multiple venous rings. Focal involvement of a limited number of vessels presents
      with a branched (racemosa) configuration while a generalized involvement forms a
      reticulate (net-like) pattern. 'Livedo' refers to the colour and not the pattern
      of the eruption. Primary livedo reticularis (Syn. cutis marmorata) is a
      physiological response to cold and presents with a diffuse blanchable reticulate
      eruption due to vasospasm of the feeding arteries and sluggish flow and
      hyperviscosity in the draining veins. Livedo reticularis may be secondary to
      underlying conditions associated with hyperviscosity of blood. Livedo racemosa is
      an irregular, branched eruption that is only partially-blanchable or non
      blanchable and always signifies a pathological process. Retiform purpura may be
      primarily inflammatory with secondary haemorrhage or thrombohaemorrhagic, as seen
      in disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

PMID- 22070696
TI  - Mohs surgery histopathology concordance in Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery is an important technique for dealing with
      difficult non-melanoma skin cancers. The ability of the Mohs surgeon to correctly
      interpret the histopathology is crucial to the practice of this surgery. This
      study sought to assess the concordance between a Mohs surgeon and a
      dermatopathologist in the reading of Mohs section histopathology slides. METHODS:
      This study was a retrospective study of Mohs frozen section histopathology slides
      of patients from a private Mohs practice. The slides were provided for assessment
      by a dermatopathologist who had to interpret the histopathology and mark on a
      Mohs map the location of the tumour. RESULTS: We demonstrate a 95% agreement
      between the Mohs surgeon and the dermatopathologist in the interpretation of Mohs
      frozen section histopathology slides. CONCLUSION: An Australian Mohs surgeon is
      capable of correctly identifying and interpreting histopathology in non-melanoma
      skin cancers, and this compares favourably to an overseas study.

PMID- 22070697
TI  - Dermoscopic naevus patterns in people at high versus moderate/low melanoma risk
      in Queensland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dermoscopic understanding of naevus characteristics is essential
      baseline knowledge for identifying early malignant changes. METHOD: This cross
      sectional study includes 34 patients (56% female, mean age 48 years) at high risk
      of melanoma (personal or a first degree family member with history of melanoma)
      and 31 moderate/low melanoma risk volunteers (55% female, mean age 37 years)
      recruited at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, between October 2009 and
      March 2010. Participants received full body and individual dermoscopic imaging of
      clinically significant naevi (>=2 mm on the back of male/female and lower limbs
      of female and >=5 mm at other body sites). Dermoscopic patterns of naevi were
      compared between people at high versus moderate/low melanoma risk according to
      age and body site. RESULTS: In both high and moderate/low risk groups, globular
      naevi predominated on the head/neck and abdomen/chest, reticular and non-specific
      naevi on the back, and non-specific pattern on the upper and lower limbs. Non
      specific naevi were the most common in all age groups. In both risk groups,
      globular naevi were more frequent in the younger age bracket, and reticular naevi
      were more frequent in the older age bracket. Mixed naevus patterns were
      infrequent and were more common in the younger age brackets of both risk groups.
      CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data shows that dermoscopic naevus patterns were
      similar for age and body site in people at different levels of melanoma risk,
      suggesting high melanoma risk does not influence dermoscopic naevus patterns.

PMID- 22070698
TI  - New insights in naevogenesis: number, distribution and dermoscopic patterns of
      naevi in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is well recognized that the number and patterns of
      acquired melanocytic naevi vary with age, but little is known about naevus
      patterns in the elderly. This is a cross-sectional study assessing the
      prevalence, dermoscopic pattern and anatomical distribution of naevus subtypes in
      a stratified cohort aged between 60 and 89 years. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients
      who attended the Queensland Institute of Dermatology were recruited randomly and
      evenly distributed into three age groups: 60-69 years; 70-79 years; and 80-89
      years. For each participant, total naevus count and morphological naevus types
      were recorded with respect to age, sex and anatomical location. Flat (Clark's)
      naevi were further subclassified according to the dermoscopic pattern as
      reticular, globular or structureless. RESULTS: Using non-parametric methods,
      naevus counts in the elderly decreased due to the disappearance of reticular
      naevi (P < 0.05). By contrast, structureless and intradermal (Unna's and
      Miescher's) naevi seemed to persist even into older age. Naevi on the trunk,
      limbs, head and neck represented 57.6%, 31.0% and 11.3%, respectively. Notably,
      no reticular naevi were found on the head and neck area. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      progressive reduction in total naevus counts with advancing age with respect to a
      cohort aged greater than 60 years.

PMID- 22070699
TI  - Tele-assessment of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index: a study of the accuracy of
      digital image capture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The implementation of remote Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)
      determinations would greatly enhance the delivery of specialist dermatological
      care to patients with severe psoriasis unable to attend face-to-face
      dermatological consultations. Here we investigate the feasibility of the remote
      determination of PASI scores by comparing the results of face-to-face with
      digital image assessment. METHODS: Twelve patients with confirmed psoriasis were
      recruited for the study. Initially, two dermatologists scored the PASI at the
      patients' usual scheduled face-to-face visits, at which time standardized digital
      images were obtained. PASI scoring based on digital images was then performed on
      two separate occasions by three dermatologists with a time-interval period
      between assessments, facilitating an assessment of score reproducibility. Linear
      weighted kappa statistics were applied to the PASI scores to ascertain agreement
      between sets of observations. RESULTS: While we found a moderate (kappa = 0.51)
      agreement between the face-to-face scores, there was very good (kappa = 0.83)
      agreement between the first round of telescores and moderate (kappa = 0.60)
      agreement between the second round of telescores. Comparison between the face-to
      face and telescores revealed good (kappa = 0.67 and 0.63) agreement for the
      scorers respectively. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that PASI scores can be
      determined with moderate to good accuracy by dermatologists using standardized
      digital images. Our results imply the implementation of a tele-PASI service may
      be a practical and effective adjunct to the dermatological care of patients with
      severe psoriasis where incapacity or distance prevent the realisation of face-to
      face consultations.

PMID- 22070700
TI  - Impact on the dermatology educational experience of medical students with the
      introduction of online teaching support modules to help address the reduction in
      clinical teaching.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: With increasing medical student numbers and decreasing
      clinical teaching opportunities, there has been a need to develop alternative
      learning resources. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a
      new dermatology online teaching resource, from a student perspective. METHODS:
      The Australasian College of Dermatologists developed an undergraduate dermatology
      curriculum and subsequently created online teaching modules in partnership with
      the University of Sydney. These modules were introduced to final year medical
      students at the University of Western Australia in 2010. The dermatology learning
      experiences of these 142 students were compared with the 2009 medical student
      cohort who did not have access to this resource. A self-administered
      questionnaire, with a 5-point rating scale, was used. RESULTS: The 2010 cohort
      described an improved educational experience using the online modules. Despite a
      reduction in the number of clinics attended, knowledge and skills gained were
      scored higher among the 2010 cohort. The student's confidence in their ability to
      manage common dermatological conditions was also statistically higher in the
      cohort with the online teaching resource. The learning experience for dermatology
      compared to other subspecialty teaching in medical school was ranked as a
      significantly more positive experience in the 2010 cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that the introduction of the online modules described in this
      paper to support learning have improved the perceived educational experience of
      medical students and should be incorporated as a way to improve student teaching
      in the face of reduced clinic teaching.

PMID- 22070701
TI  - Skin disease in the first two years of life in Aboriginal children in East Arnhem
      Land.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common skin infections affecting children in remote
      Aboriginal communities are scabies and impetigo. Group A streptococcal skin
      infections are linked to the high rates of heart and renal disease occurring in
      Aboriginal Australians. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was
      conducted in a primary health care centre in the East Arnhem region of the
      Northern Territory. Data was collected from all presentations to the clinic in
      the first 2 years of life for 99 children born between 2001 and 2005 as a
      component of the East Arnhem Regional Healthy Skin Project. RESULTS: The median
      number of presentations to the clinic in the first 2 years of life was 32. Skin
      disease was recorded in 22% of all presentations. By 1 year of age 82% of
      children had presented to the clinic with their first episode of impetigo and 68%
      with their first episode of scabies. Antibiotics were administered to 49% of
      children with impetigo. CONCLUSION: Skin infections are a major reason for
      presentation to primary health clinics and contribute to the high disease burden
      experienced by children in the first 2 years of life. This high frequency of
      presentation provides multiple opportunities for intervention and monitoring.

PMID- 22070702
TI  - The use of visual language as a search pattern in dermoscopy.

PMID- 22070703
TI  - Lymphomatoid papulosis in children: experience of five cases and the treatment
      efficacy of methotrexate.
AB  - We present a case series of childhood lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), an entity
      which is commonly misdiagnosed and poorly described in the paediatric dermatology
      literature. Clinically and histologically, the features of LyP in children can
      mimic insect bite reactions, with prominent dermal neutrophils and eosinophils.
      However, CD30 immunohistochemical staining of atypical lymphocytes within a mixed
      inflammatory infiltrate should point to the diagnosis of LyP. There is no
      consensus to guide management of childhood LyP due to its rarity and largely
      unknown natural course. We discuss our experience with LyP in five children and
      the use of methotrexate to induce rapid resolution of persistent lesions and to
      reduce recurrences in two children. Although none of our cases have experienced
      malignant transformation to date, life-long monitoring is advocated.

PMID- 22070704
TI  - Juvenile xanthogranuloma: challenges in complicated cases.
AB  - Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is one of the most common forms of non-Langerhans
      cell histiocytosis in children. Although it usually presents as a self-limited
      skin lesion with typical histopathology, JXG can be challenging to diagnose due
      to an atypical initial presentation with corresponding variable histopathology
      for different stages of development. We present challenging cases of JXG from
      Sydney Children's Hospital, collected over 10 years - two with multisystem
      involvement and concomitant urticaria, one associated with neurofibromatosis, and
      one case of giant JXG with an initial histopathological challenge. Although JXG
      has been reported with urticaria pigmentosa, in two of our cases persistent
      urticaria, in association with JXG is discussed.

PMID- 22070705
TI  - Cryptococcosis presenting as upper limb cellulitis and ulceration: a case series.
AB  - We report four cases of cryptococcosis presenting as upper limb cellulitis or
      ulceration, or both. Three of the four patients were on long-term prednisolone
      therapy at the time of presentation. In each case, the diagnosis of
      cryptococcosis was established by a biopsy of the skin. Only one of the four
      patients had conclusive evidence of disseminated disease. Our cases highlight the
      importance of skin biopsy in immunosuppressed individuals presenting with
      cellulitis, particularly when the cellulitis occurs in an atypical location and
      when the clinical condition fails to respond to standard antibacterial therapy.

PMID- 22070706
TI  - A case of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis responsive to azathioprine in a
      patient with no underlying malignancy.
AB  - Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH), a rare histiocytic systemic condition
      characterized by mutilating arthritis and multiple cutaneous nodules, has been
      associated with malignancy including that of the breast, thyroid and colon. An
      unsubstantiated link with infectious agents such as mycobacterium tuberculosis
      has been described. Many treatments have been used with varying success. We
      describe the case of a 60-year-old man with MRH and no underlying malignancy who
      initially responded well to azathioprine and whose disease recurred upon
      cessation. A second course of azathioprine administered in conjunction with
      antituberculous treatment resulted in disease control. Broader associations and
      features of this rare disease are discussed.

PMID- 22070707
TI  - Merkel cell carcinoma metastatic to the transverse colon: disease free after six
      years - cure or just prolonged remission?
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon but highly immunogenic skin malignancy that
      has the potential to metastasize to any site in the body. Despite treatment many
      patients experience relapse, often to distant sites beyond the site of initial
      treatment. The development of distant soft tissue or visceral metastases is
      considered incurable, despite treatment with prognosis usually being measured in
      months. We report the case of an elderly man who developed colonic metastases
      from a head and neck primary and with treatment has survived disease free for
      over 6 years. Such reports are infrequently documented and highlight the
      unpredictable nature of this disease.

PMID- 22070708
TI  - Palmoplantar keratoderma: an adverse reaction to influenza vaccination.
AB  - Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a rare group of conditions with a
      number of aetiologies, including adverse reactions to drugs. Herein, we report a
      case of acquired PPK in association with influenza vaccination, confirmed by
      rechallenge.

PMID- 22070709
TI  - Porokeratosis of Mibelli: Involution and resolution with 5% imiquimod cream.
AB  - An 82-year-old woman presented with a longstanding, slowly enlarging annular
      lesion on the medial aspect of the ankle. Histology confirmed the clinical
      diagnosis of Porokeratosis of Mibelli. The lesion slowly involuted and resolved
      over 26 weeks of 5% imiquimod cream applied topically and has not recurred during
      a 36 month follow-up period.

PMID- 22070715
TI  - Autosomal dominant bullous dermolysis of the newborn associated with a
      heterozygous missense mutation p.G1673R in type VII collagen.
AB  - Bullous dermolysis of the newborn is an inherited mechano-bullous disorder
      classed as a rare subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Fewer than 30
      cases of bullous dermolysis of the newborn have been reported in the literature
      and the pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood. Only a minority of
      cases have had pathogenic mutations identified. We present a case of a neonate
      born to non-consanguineous Caucasian parents with an exon 54 (c.5017G > A,
      p.G1673R) mutation reported as one mutant allele in a case of recessive
      dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (generalized other).

PMID- 22070716
TI  - Erythema annulare centrifugum-like mycosis fungoides.
AB  - A considerable number of recent reports have documented mycosis fungoides
      resembling many other dermatoses. Due to highly variable presentations and the
      sometimes non-specific nature of histological findings, an accurate diagnosis of
      mycosis fungoides can be difficult. Erythema annulare centrifugum-like mycosis
      fungoides with a variety of annular, polycyclic erythematous skin lesions is a
      recently recognized atypical manifestation of mycosis fungoides, and only a few
      cases have been reported to date.

PMID- 22070717
TI  - Metallic mercury vapour poisoning revisited.
AB  - Mercury poisoning was once common in the 19th century. With its declining use,
      now clinicians and the public in general are often unaware and unsuspecting of
      mercury toxicity. A 40-year-old woman and her two children were hospitalized with
      a 1-week history of a generalized lichenoid eruption. Clinical improvement
      occurred without a diagnosis; however, on returning home, features of acrodynia
      with digital gangrene developed in the woman, leading to suspicion of heavy metal
      poisoning. There was no recurrence after moving from their contaminated house.

PMID- 22070718
TI  - Pyogenic granuloma, port-wine stain and pregnancy.
AB  - We present a novel case of pyogenic granuloma occurring within a port-wine stain
      in two sequential pregnancies at different sites. There was no history of
      precipitating events such as trauma. We discuss why a pyogenic granuloma may
      occur within a port-wine stain and how pregnancy may increase the likelihood of
      this occurring.

PMID- 22070720
TI  - A novel, nonbinary evaluation of success and failure reveals bupropion efficacy
      versus methamphetamine dependence: reanalysis of a multisite trial.
AB  - A multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of bupropion for
      methamphetamine dependence was reanalyzed using a novel, nonbinary method of
      evaluating success and failure. The original analysis focused on a group response
      endpoint (the change in percentage of participants with methamphetamine-free
      urines each week over the course of the trial) and no significant bupropion
      effect was observed in the total population of study participants. In this
      reanalysis, individual participants were regarded as treatment success if they
      achieved multiple weeks of abstinence lasting through the end of the study, and
      their degree of success was quantified by calculating the number of beyond
      threshold weeks of success (NOBWOS). Thus, setting the threshold at 1 week of end
      of-study abstinence (EOSA), treatment successes were assigned NOBWOS values
      ranging from 1 to 11, with 1 corresponding to 2 weeks EOSA and 11 corresponding
      to abstinence throughput the entire 12-week trial. Treatment failures were
      assigned a value of 0. Comparison of NOBWOS values revealed a significant effect
      of bupropion to facilitate abstinence (P= 0.0176). In the bupropion group, 20% of
      participants achieved 2 or more weeks EOSA, 14% achieved 6 or more weeks EOSA,
      and 6% were abstinent throughout the trial; this compares with 7%, 4%, and 1% in
      the placebo group, respectively. On the basis of the NOBWOS analysis, bupropion
      seems to effectively facilitate the achievement of abstinence in methamphetamine
      dependent individuals.

PMID- 22070721
TI  - Immobilization of quantum dots via conjugated self-assembled monolayers and their
      application as a light-controlled sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - A light-addressable gold electrode modified with CdS and FePt or with CdS@FePt
      nanoparticles via an interfacial dithiol linker layer is presented. XPS
      measurements reveal that trans-stilbenedithiol provides high-quality self
      assembled monolayers compared to benzenedithiol and biphenyldithiol, in case they
      are formed at elevated temperatures. The CdS nanoparticles in good electrical
      contact with the electrode allow for current generation under illumination and
      appropriate polarization. FePt nanoparticles serve as catalytic sites for the
      reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water. Advantageously, both properties can be
      combined by the use of hybrid nanoparticles fixed on the electrode by means of
      the optimized stilbenedithiol layer. This allows a light-controlled analysis of
      different hydrogen peroxide concentrations.

PMID- 22070722
TI  - Isometric muscle training of the spine musculature in patients with spinal bony
      metastases under radiation therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osseous metastatic involvement of the spinal column affects many
      patients with a primary tumour disease of all entities. The consequences are pain
      both at rest and under exertion, impairments in going about day-to-day
      activities, diminished performance, the risk of pathological fractures, and
      neurological deficits. Palliative percutaneous radiotherapy is one of the
      therapeutical options available in this connection. The aim of this explorative
      study is to investigate the feasibility of muscle-training exercises and to
      evaluate the progression- and fracture-free survival time and the improvement of
      bone density, as well as to assess other clinical parameters such as pain,
      quality of life, and fatigue as secondary endpoints. METHODS/DESIGN: This study
      is a prospective, randomized, monocentre, controlled explorative intervention
      study in the parallel-group design to determine the multidimensional effects of a
      course of exercises at first under physiotherapeutic instruction and subsequently
      performed by the patients independently for strengthening the paravertebral
      muscles of patients with metastases of the vertebral column parallel to their
      percutaneous radiotherapy. On the days of radiation treatment the patients in the
      control group shall be given physical treatment in the form of respiratory
      therapy and the so-called "hot roll". The patients will be randomized into one of
      the two groups: differentiated muscle training or physiotherapy with thirty
      patients in each group. DISCUSSION: The aim of the study is to evaluate the
      feasibility of the training programme described here. Progression-free and
      fracture-free survival, improved response to radiotherapy by means of bone
      density, and clinical parameters such as pain, quality of life, and fatigue
      constitute secondary study objectives. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT01409720.

PMID- 22070723
TI  - All-time releases of mercury to the atmosphere from human activities.
AB  - Understanding the biogeochemical cycling of mercury is critical for explaining
      the presence of mercury in remote regions of the world, such as the Arctic and
      the Himalayas, as well as local concentrations. While we have good knowledge of
      present-day fluxes of mercury to the atmosphere, we have little knowledge of what
      emission levels were like in the past. Here we develop a trend of anthropogenic
      emissions of mercury to the atmosphere from 1850 to 2008-for which relatively
      complete data are available-and supplement that trend with an estimate of
      anthropogenic emissions prior to 1850. Global mercury emissions peaked in 1890 at
      2600 Mg yr(-1), fell to 700-800 Mg yr(-1) in the interwar years, then rose
      steadily after 1950 to present-day levels of 2000 Mg yr(-1). Our estimate for
      total mercury emissions from human activities over all time is 350 Gg, of which
      39% was emitted before 1850 and 61% after 1850. Using an eight-compartment global
      box-model of mercury biogeochemical cycling, we show that these emission trends
      successfully reproduce present-day atmospheric enrichment in mercury.

PMID- 22070724
TI  - The role of protamine amount in the transfection performance of cationic SLN
      designed as a gene nanocarrier.
AB  - Cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have been recently proposed as non-viral
      vectors in systemic gene therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      effect of the protamine amount used as the transfection promoter in SLN-mediated
      gene delivery. Three protamine-SLN samples (Pro25, Pro100, and Pro200) prepared
      by adding increasing amounts of protamine were characterized for their size, zeta
      potential, and protamine loading level. The samples were evaluated for pDNA
      complexation ability by gel-electrophoresis analysis and for cytotoxicity and
      transfection efficiency by using different cell lines (COS-I, HepG2, and Na1300).
      The size of SLN was ~230 nm and only Pro200 showed few particle aggregates.
      Unlike the Pro25 sample with the lowest protamine loading level, the others SLN
      samples (Pro100 and Pro200) exhibited a good ability in complexing pDNA. A cell
      line dependent cytotoxicity lower than that of the positive control PEI
      (polyethilenimmine) was observed for all the SLN. Among these, only Pro100,
      having an intermediate amount of protamine, appeared able to promote pDNA cell
      transfer, especially in a neuronal cell line (Na1300). In conclusion, the amount
      of protamine as the transfection promoter in SLN affects not only the gene
      delivery ability of SLN but also their capacity to transfer genes efficiently to
      specific cell types.

PMID- 22070725
TI  - Distinct microbial populations exist in the mucosa-associated microbiota of sub
      groups of irritable bowel syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence to support a role for the
      gastrointestinal microbiota in the etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
      Given the evidence of an inflammatory component to IBS, the mucosa-associated
      microbiota potentially play a key role in its pathogenesis. The objectives were
      to compare the mucosa-associated microbiota between patients with diarrhea
      predominant IBS (IBS-D), constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C) and controls using
      fluorescent in situ hybridization and to correlate specific bacteria groups with
      individual IBS symptoms. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with IBS (27 IBS-D and 20
      IBS-C) and 26 healthy controls were recruited to the study. Snap-frozen rectal
      biopsies were taken at colonoscopy and bacterial quantification performed by
      hybridizing frozen sections with bacterial-group specific oligonucleotide probes.
      KEY RESULTS: Patients with IBS had significantly greater numbers of total mucosa
      associated bacteria per mm of rectal epithelium than controls [median 218 (IQR -
      209) vs 128 (121) P = 0.007], and this was chiefly comprised of bacteroides IBS
      [69 (67) vs 14 (41) P = 0.001] and Eubacterium rectale-Clostridium coccoides [52
      (58) vs 25 (35) P = 0.03]. Analysis of IBS sub-groups demonstrated that
      bifidobacteria were lower in the IBS-D group than in the IBS-C group and controls
      [24 (32) vs 54 (88) vs 32 (35) P = 0.011]. Finally, amongst patients with IBS,
      the maximum number of stools per day negatively correlated with the number of
      mucosa-associated bifidobacteria (P < 0.001) and lactobacilli (P = 0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: The mucosa-associated microbiota in patients with IBS
      is significantly different from healthy controls with increases in bacteroides
      and clostridia and a reduction in bifidobacteria in patients with IBS-D.

PMID- 22070726
TI  - Evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology curricula: a scoping study.
AB  - This scoping study investigated how evidence-based practice (EBP) principles are
      taught in Australian speech-language pathology (SLP) teaching and learning
      contexts. It explored how Australian SLP university programs: (1) facilitate
      student learning about the principles of EBP in academic and clinical settings,
      and (2) self-evaluate their curricula in relation to EBP. The research involved
      two surveys. Survey 1 respondents were 131 academic staff, program coordinators,
      and on-campus and off-campus clinical educators. This survey gathered information
      about EBP teaching and learning in SLP programs as well as future EBP curriculum
      plans. Survey 2 investigated how clinical educators incorporated EBP into the way
      they taught clinical decision-making to students. Surveys responses from 85
      clinical educators were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics
      and thematic grouping of open-ended qualitative responses. Both surveys revealed
      strengths and gaps in integrating EBP into Australian SLP curricula. Perceived
      strengths were that respondents were positive about EBP, most had EBP training
      and access to EBP resources. The perceived gaps included the academic staff's
      perceptions of students' understanding and application of EBP, respondents'
      understanding of research methodologies, communication and collaboration between
      academic staff and clinical educators, and a lack of explicit discussion by
      clinical educators and students of EBP in relation to clients.

PMID- 22070727
TI  - A phase II trial of the Westmead Program: syllable-timed speech treatment for pre
      school children who stutter.
AB  - This report presents a Phase II clinical trial of a syllable-timed speech
      treatment for early stuttering known as The Westmead Program. Of 17 children
      recruited, eight children aged between 3-4.5 years (mean 3 years 8 months)
      completed the treatment. The primary outcome measure was percentage syllables
      stuttered (%SS) measured from independent, blinded speech assessments of beyond
      clinic audio recordings. Secondary outcomes were measures of treatment time,
      speech quality, and parent severity ratings. Dropouts occurred, but at a similar
      rate to other clinical trials of this nature. For the eight children who
      completed the treatment, mean pre-treatment stuttering was 6.0%SS and at 12
      months post-Stage 2 entry stuttering had decreased to 0.2%SS, representing a mean
      stuttering reduction of 96%. A large effect size was obtained with a mean of 8.0
      clinical hours required for these children to reach Stage 2. Independent
      listeners judged the everyday speech of all children to be not unnatural in any
      way. Stuttering reductions were attained with clinical efficiency and simplicity
      compared to other early stuttering interventions. Further clinical trials
      development of the treatment is warranted.

PMID- 22070728
TI  - Vertical gradient in soil temperature stimulates development and increases
      biomass accumulation in barley.
AB  - We have detailed knowledge from controlled environment studies on the influence
      of root temperature on plant performance, growth and morphology. However, in all
      studies root temperature was kept spatially uniform, which motivated us to test
      whether a vertical gradient in soil temperature affected development and biomass
      production. Roots of barley seedlings were exposed to three uniform temperature
      treatments (10, 15 or 20 degrees C) or to a vertical gradient (20-10 degrees C
      from top to bottom). Substantial differences in plant performance, biomass
      production and root architecture occurred in the 30-day-old plants. Shoot and
      root biomass of plants exposed to vertical temperature gradient increased by 144
      respectively, 297%, compared with plants grown at uniform root temperature of 20
      degrees C. Additionally the root system was concentrated in the upper 10cm of the
      soil substrate (98% of total root biomass) in contrast to plants grown at uniform
      soil temperature of 20 degrees C (86% of total root biomass). N and C
      concentrations in plant roots grown in the gradient were significantly lower than
      under uniform growth conditions. These results are important for the
      transferability of 'normal' greenhouse experiments where generally soil
      temperature is not controlled or monitored and open a new path to better
      understand and experimentally assess root-shoot interactions.

PMID- 22070729
TI  - A single-component liquid-phase hydrogen storage material.
AB  - The current state-of-the-art for hydrogen storage is compressed H(2) at 700 bar.
      The development of a liquid-phase hydrogen storage material has the potential to
      take advantage of the existing liquid-based distribution infrastructure. We
      describe a liquid-phase hydrogen storage material that is a liquid under ambient
      conditions (i.e., at 20  degrees C and 1 atm pressure), air- and moisture-stable,
      and recyclable; releases H(2) controllably and cleanly at temperatures below or
      at the proton exchange membrane fuel cell waste-heat temperature of 80  degrees
      C; utilizes catalysts that are cheap and abundant for H(2) desorption; features
      reasonable gravimetric and volumetric storage capacity; and does not undergo a
      phase change upon H(2) desorption.

PMID- 22070730
TI  - Nurses' roles in systematic patient education sessions in psychiatric nursing.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of nurses' expectations of
      their roles in systematic patient education in psychiatric inpatient care.
      Qualitative design was used in the study. The data were collected through
      interviews with nurses participating in the implementation of systematic patient
      education (information technology (IT) based patient education n= 14, or
      conventional patient education n= 16). The data were analysed using inductive
      content analysis. The analysis showed that nurses had different roles in both IT
      based and conventional patient education. Nurses acted as learners, advisors,
      collaborators, teachers or limiters. The nurses tailored the role in each session
      according to the patients' interest and mental status. We can conclude that
      nurses working in psychiatric hospitals have different roles in systematic
      patient education and they are ready and willing to tailor their roles according
      to patients' individual needs. Information technology should be adopted without
      delay as a new treatment method in daily practice in psychiatric services. It has
      potential to support equality between patient and nurse in secluded environments.

PMID- 22070731
TI  - Development of fetal intestinal length during 2nd-trimester in normal and
      pathologic pregnancies.
AB  - Linear growth of the human fetal gastrointestinal tract is not often discussed in
      the literature, and little is known about the effects of chromosomal
      abnormalities and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on intestinal length,
      especially during the 2nd trimester. Accurate evaluation of intestinal length and
      knowledge of normal and reference values are of clinical importance. For example,
      intestinal resection may be necessary in preterm infants with necrotizing
      enterocolitis or mid-gut volvulus, and the surgeon should use data to be
      judicious in the amount removed. Linear measurements are essential in evaluating
      fetal development ultrasonographically and are an integral part of the postmortem
      examination. The intestinal lengths of 203 2nd-trimester fetuses and premature
      infants were measured. Small intestine length (SIL), colon length (CL), total
      bowel length (TBL; TBL  =  SIL + CL), and the length of the appendix (AL)
      increased with gestational age. No differences between the genders were observed.
      Colon length increased secondary to maceration, but no such effects were shown on
      SIL, TBL, or AL. No differences were shown in relation to IUGR. Small intestine
      length, CL, and TBL, but not AL, were shorter in fetuses with trisomy 21.
      Appendix length was not affected by any of the studied factors. We propose that
      the measurement of the length of the appendix may be used as an additional
      parameter for the postmortem evaluation of gestational age. Furthermore, its
      assessment may have potential as an ultrasonographic indicator of gestational
      age, particularly for the 2nd trimester.

PMID- 22070732
TI  - Embryonic stem cell-derived T cells induce lethal graft-versus-host disease and
      reject allogenic skin grafts upon thymic selection.
AB  - Efficient differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) into hematopoietic
      progenitor cells (HPCs) is crucial for the establishment of stem cell-based
      therapies targeting the treatment of immunological and hematological disorders.
      However, so far, it has not been possible to induce long-term survival of murine
      ESC-derived HPCs without the overexpression of HoxB4, a homeobox transcription
      factor that confers self-renewal properties to hematopoietic cells. Yet it has
      not been feasible to generate T cells from HoxB4-expressing HPCs, a problem that
      has been attributed to HoxB4. Here, we show that Notch1 signaling in HoxB4
      transduced ESCs leads to efficient derivation of T cells that survive long term.
      These T cells display a normal T-cell Vbeta repertoire, respond to mitogen
      stimulation and induce lethal graft-versus-host disease. Thymic selection in
      fetal thymic organ cultures (FTOCs) allowed negative selection and generation of
      T cells tolerant to 'self' and capable of rejecting MHC-mismatched skin
      allografts. Our data show that ESC-derived T cells, despite high expression of
      HoxB4, are fully immunocompetent.

PMID- 22070733
TI  - Does individual placement and support really 'reflect client goals'?
AB  - Individual placement and support (IPS) is considered the only evidence-based
      practice available for providing vocational support within secondary mental
      health services. Clients are supported into and during competitive employment,
      with proponents claiming IPS 'reflects client goals' because most service users
      want to work. The idea that work improves mental health is also involved in
      promoting IPS in the U.K. This paper examines the evidential basis for these
      claims in policy documents and cited research. It additionally draws upon
      qualitative research in representing the value, meaning and challenges of working
      described by service users, while briefly considering the U.K. socio-economic
      context for IPS implementation. Statistical claims that most unemployed service
      users want to work are found misleadingly applied to IPS because only a minority
      say they want competitive employment. Discussion centres on the power interests
      such statistics serve and their role in underpinning the relevance of IPS
      randomized control trials. Assertions that work improves mental health are found
      confusing as a result of use of a dual continua model of mental illness and
      mental health. The internalized moral basis for work acting as a seemingly
      healthy 'normalization' experience is suggested as paradoxically feeding self
      stigma in those who feel they cannot work.

PMID- 22070734
TI  - Computational studies on ethylene addition to nickel bis(dithiolene).
AB  - The density functionals B3LYP, B3PW91, BMK, HSE06, LC-omegaPBE, M05, M06, O3LYP,
      TPSS, omega-B97X, and omega-B97XD are used to optimize key transition states and
      intermediates for ethylene addition to Ni(edt)(2) (edt = S(2)C(2)H(2)). The
      efficacy of the basis sets 6-31G**, 6-31++G**, cc-pVDZ, aug-cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, and
      aug-cc-pVTZ is also examined. The geometric parameters optimized with different
      basis sets and density functionals are similar and agree well with experimental
      values. The omega-B97XD functional gives relative energies closest to those from
      CCSD, while M06 and HSE06 yield results close to those from CCSD(T). CASSCF and
      CASSCF-PT2 calculation results are also given. Variation of the relative energies
      from different density functionals appears to arise, in part, from the
      multireference character of this system, as confirmed by the T1 diagnostic and
      CASSCF calculations.

PMID- 22070735
TI  - The image of you: constructing nursing identities in YouTube.
AB  - AIM: This article is a report on a descriptive study of nursing identity as
      constructed in the Web 2.0 site YouTube. BACKGROUND: Public images of the nurse
      carry stereotypes that rely on the taken for granted gender category of the nurse
      as woman. Nursing images represent a form of public discourse that has the
      capacity to construct nursing identity. METHODS: Critical discourse analysis was
      used to describe, analyse and explain how nurse and nursing identity were
      constructed in a purposive sample of ten video clips accessed on 17 and 18 July
      2010. RESULTS: The ten most-viewed videos depicting the nurse and nursing on
      YouTube offered narratives that constructed three distinct nursing identity
      types, namely nurse as 'a skilled knower and doer', nurse as 'a sexual plaything'
      and nurse as 'a witless incompetent' individual. CONCLUSION: Nursing identities
      recoverable from the texts of YouTube images propagate both favourable and
      derogatory nursing stereotypes. To mitigate the effects of unfavourable nursing
      stereotypes in such areas as interprofessional working and clinical decision
      making, nursing professional bodies need to act to protect the profession from
      unduly immoderate representations of the nurse and to support nurses in their
      efforts to maximize opportunities afforded by YouTube to promote a counter
      discourse.

PMID- 22070737
TI  - Community mental health nurses' perspectives of recovery-oriented practice.
AB  - Recovery-oriented practice, an approach aligned towards the service user
      perspective, has dominated the mental health care arena. Numerous studies have
      explored service users' accounts of the purpose, meaning and importance of
      'recovery'; however, far less is known about healthcare staff confidence in its
      application to care delivery. A self-efficacy questionnaire and content analysis
      of nursing course documents were used to investigate a cohort of community mental
      health nurses' recovery-oriented practice and to determine the extent to which
      the current continuing professional development curriculum met their educational
      needs in this regard. Twenty-three community mental health nurses completed a
      self-efficacy questionnaire and 28 course documents were analysed. The findings
      revealed high levels of nurses' confidence in their understanding and ability to
      apply the recovery model and low levels of confidence were found in areas of
      social inclusion. The content analysis found only one course document that used
      the whole term 'recovery model'. The findings suggest a gap in the nurses'
      perceived ability and confidence in recovery-oriented practice with what is
      taught academically. Hence, nursing education needs to be more explicitly focused
      on the recovery model and its application to care delivery.

PMID- 22070736
TI  - New platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms causing maternal immunization and
      neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal immunization against low-frequency, platelet (PLT)-specific
      antigens is being recognized with increasing frequency as a cause of neonatal
      alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serologic and
      molecular studies were performed on PLTs and DNA from two families in which an
      infant was born with severe thrombocytopenia not attributable to maternal
      immunization against known PLT-specific alloantigens. RESULTS: Antibodies
      reactive only with paternal PLTs were identified in each mother using flow
      cytometry and solid-phase assays. Unique mutations encoding amino acid
      substitutions K164T in glycoprotein (GP)IIb (Case 1) and R622W in GPIIIa (Case 2)
      were identified in paternal DNA and in DNA from the affected infants. Each
      maternal antibody recognized recombinant GPIIb/IIIa mutated to contain the
      polymorphisms identified in the corresponding father. None of 100 unselected
      normal subjects possessed these paternal mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Severe NAIT
      observed in the affected infants was caused by maternal immunization against
      previously unrecognized, low-frequency antigens created by amino acid
      substitutions in GPIIb/IIIa (alpha(IIb) /beta(3)  integrin). A search should be
      conducted for novel paternal antigens in cases of apparent NAIT not explained on
      the basis of maternal-fetal incompatibility for known human PLT antigens.

PMID- 22070738
TI  - Modeling the dementia epidemic.
AB  - The incidence of dementia increases steeply with age in older people, although
      from the tenth decade the slope may be smoother, perhaps reflecting different
      pathological processes in the oldest old. The prevalence depends upon interaction
      of age with other factors (e.g., comorbidities, genetic or environmental factors)
      that in turn are subject to change. If onset of dementia could be postponed by
      modulating its risk factors, this could significantly affect its incidence.
      Analysis of risk and protection factors should take into account the critical
      period during which these factors play a role. For example, the impact of
      education and diabetes mellitus occurs in early- and midlife, respectively, while
      maintaining optimal physical and mental activity and controlling vascular factors
      later in life may slow the rate of cognitive decline. Modifying factors need to
      be evaluated for different clinical groups, taking into account genetic
      background, age, and duration at exposure. The aim of the present article is to
      try to take stock of epidemiological data concerning factors affecting the
      prevalence of dementia and predict future developments, as well as to look for
      possible interventions that could affect outcome.

PMID- 22070739
TI  - Semiparametric frailty models for clustered failure time data.
AB  - We consider frailty models with additive semiparametric covariate effects for
      clustered failure time data. We propose a doubly penalized partial likelihood
      (DPPL) procedure to estimate the nonparametric functions using smoothing splines.
      We show that the DPPL estimators could be obtained from fitting an augmented
      working frailty model with parametric covariate effects, whereas the
      nonparametric functions being estimated as linear combinations of fixed and
      random effects, and the smoothing parameters being estimated as extra variance
      components. This approach allows us to conveniently estimate all model components
      within a unified frailty model framework. We evaluate the finite sample
      performance of the proposed method via a simulation study, and apply the method
      to analyze data from a study of sexually transmitted infections (STI).

PMID- 22070740
TI  - Welcome to the neighbourhood: interspecific genotype by genotype interactions in
      Solidago influence above- and belowground biomass and associated communities.
AB  - Intra- and interspecific plant-plant interactions are fundamental to patterns of
      community assembly and to the mixture effects observed in biodiversity studies.
      Although much research has been conducted at the species level, very little is
      understood about how genetic variation within and among interacting species may
      drive these processes. Using clones of both Solidago altissima and Solidago
      gigantea, we found that genotypic variation in a plant's neighbours affected both
      above- and belowground plant traits, and that genotype by genotype interactions
      between neighbouring plants impacted associated pollinator communities. The
      traits for which focal plant genotypic variation explained the most variation
      varied by plant species, whereas neighbour genotypic variation explained the most
      variation in coarse root biomass. Our results provide new insight into genotypic
      and species diversity effects in plant-neighbour interactions, the extended
      consequences of diversity effects, and the potential for evolution in response to
      competitive or to facilitative plant-neighbour interactions.

PMID- 22070741
TI  - The use of ice-lollies for pain relief post-paediatric tonsillectomy. A single
      blinded, randomised, controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the use of ice-lollies after tonsillectomy with or
      without adenoidectomy in children aged 2-12 reduces pain in the immediate
      postoperative period. DESIGN: A prospective, randomised, single-blinded study
      design consisting of two groups with an intention to treat analysis. SETTING:
      Tertiary referral centre. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 2-12 undergoing
      tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain
      assessment by nursing staff in the form of the validated modified Children's
      Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale at 15, 30 and 60 min and 4 h. RESULTS:
      Ninety-two patients were recruited into the study with 46 allocated to receive an
      ice-lolly and 41 not to receive an ice-lolly after exclusion of those with
      incomplete data. The two groups were comparable for number, age, sex and
      diagnosis. The pain score at every time interval was lower in the group that had
      received the ice-lolly compared with the group that had not. This was
      statistically significant at 30 (P = 0.008) and 60 min (P = 0.049). CONCLUSION:
      Our data suggest that ice-lollies are a cheap, effective and safe method of
      reducing postoperative pain up to one hour following paediatric tonsillectomy.

PMID- 22070742
TI  - Fiber containment for improved laboratory handling and uniform nanocoating of
      milligram quantities of carbon nanotubes by atomic layer deposition.
AB  - The presence of nanostructured materials in the workplace is bringing attention
      to the importance of safe practices for nanomaterial handling. We explored novel
      fiber containment methods to improve the handling of carbon nanotube (CNT)
      powders in the laboratory while simultaneously allowing highly uniform and
      controlled atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings on the nanotubes, down to less
      than 4 nm on some CNT materials. Moreover, the procedure yields uniform coatings
      on milligram quantities of nanotubes using a conventional viscous flow reactor
      system, circumventing the need for specialized fluidized bed or rotary ALD
      reactors for laboratory-scale studies. We explored both fiber bundles and fiber
      baskets as possible containment methods and conclude that the baskets are more
      suitable for coating studies. An extended precursor and reactant dose and soak
      periods allowed the gases to diffuse through the fiber containment, and the ALD
      coating thickness scaled linearly with the number of ALD cycles. The extended
      dose period produced thicker coatings compared to typical doses on CNT controls
      not encased in the fibers, suggesting some effects due to the extended reactant
      dose. Film growth was compared on a range of single-walled NTs, double-walled
      NTs, and acid-functionalized multiwalled NTs, and we found that ultrathin
      coatings were most readily controlled on the multiwalled NTs.

PMID- 22070743
TI  - Metal mesh scaffold for tissue engineering of membranes.
AB  - Engineering of the membrane-like tissue structures to be utilized in highly
      dynamic loading environments such as the cardiovascular system has been a
      challenge in the past decade. Scaffolds are critical components of the engineered
      tissue membranes and allow them being formed in vitro and remain secure in vivo
      when implanted in the body. Several approaches have been taken to develop
      scaffolds for tissue membranes. However, all methods entail limitations due to
      structural vulnerability, short-term functionality, and mechanical properties of
      the resulted membrane constructs. To overcome these issues, we have developed a
      novel hybrid scaffold made of an extra thin layer of metal mesh tightly enclosed
      by biological matrix components. This approach retains all the advantages of
      using biological scaffolds while developing a strong extracellular matrix that
      can stand various types of loads after implantation inside the body.

PMID- 22070745
TI  - Financial and social impact of supporting a haematological cancer survivor.
AB  - Support persons of haematological cancer survivors may be faced with unique
      challenges due to the course of these diseases and the treatments required. This
      study aimed to examine the social and financial impacts associated with their
      role. Eight hundred adult survivors of haematological cancer within 3 years of
      diagnosis were invited via an Australian state population-based cancer registry
      to complete a survey. Survivors were mailed two questionnaire packages, one for
      themselves and one for their primary support person. Non-respondents were mailed
      reminders via the survivor after 3 weeks. One hundred and eighty-two support
      persons completed the questionnaire (85% response rate). Of these, 67 (46%)
      support persons reported having at least one personal expense and 91 (52%)
      experienced at least one financial impact. Male support persons and support
      persons of survivors in active treatment reported experiencing more personal
      expenses than other support persons. Older participants reported fewer financial
      consequences. A greater number of social impacts were reported by those born
      outside Australia, those who had to relocate for treatment and support persons of
      survivors in active treatment. Future research should focus on practical
      solutions to reducing these impacts on support persons.

PMID- 22070744
TI  - Systemic Hydrocortisone To Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in preterm infants
      (the SToP-BPD study); a multicenter randomized placebo controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials have shown that treatment of chronically
      ventilated preterm infants after the first week of life with dexamethasone
      reduces the incidence of the combined outcome death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
      (BPD). However, there are concerns that dexamethasone may increase the risk of
      adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Hydrocortisone has been suggested as an
      alternative therapy. So far no randomized controlled trial has investigated its
      efficacy when administered after the first week of life to ventilated preterm
      infants. METHODS/DESIGN: The SToP-BPD trial is a randomized double blind placebo
      controlled multicenter study including 400 very low birth weight infants
      (gestational age < 30 weeks and/or birth weight < 1250 grams), who are ventilator
      dependent at a postnatal age of 7 - 14 days. Hydrocortisone (cumulative dose 72.5
      mg/kg) or placebo is administered during a 22 day tapering schedule. Primary
      outcome measure is the combined outcome mortality or BPD at 36 weeks
      postmenstrual age. Secondary outcomes are short term effects on the pulmonary
      condition, adverse effects during hospitalization, and long-term
      neurodevelopmental sequelae assessed at 2 years corrected gestational age.
      Analysis will be on an intention to treat basis. DISCUSSION: This trial will
      determine the efficacy and safety of postnatal hydrocortisone administration at a
      moderately early postnatal onset compared to placebo for the reduction of the
      combined outcome mortality and BPD at 36 weeks postmenstrual age in ventilator
      dependent preterm infants.

PMID- 22070746
TI  - Deregressed EBV as the response variable yield more reliable genomic predictions
      than traditional EBV in pure-bred pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic selection can be implemented by a multi-step procedure, which
      requires a response variable and a statistical method. For pure-bred pigs, it was
      hypothesised that deregressed estimated breeding values (EBV) with the parent
      average removed as the response variable generate higher reliabilities of genomic
      breeding values than EBV, and that the normal, thick-tailed and mixture
      distribution models yield similar reliabilities. METHODS: Reliabilities of
      genomic breeding values were estimated with EBV and deregressed EBV as response
      variables and under the three statistical methods, genomic BLUP, Bayesian Lasso
      and MIXTURE. The methods were examined by splitting data into a reference data
      set of 1375 genotyped animals that were performance tested before October 2008,
      and 536 genotyped validation animals that were performance tested after October
      2008. The traits examined were daily gain and feed conversion ratio. RESULTS:
      Using deregressed EBV as the response variable yielded 18 to 39% higher
      reliabilities of the genomic breeding values than using EBV as the response
      variable. For daily gain, the increase in reliability due to deregression was
      significant and approximately 35%, whereas for feed conversion ratio it ranged
      between 18 and 39% and was significant only when MIXTURE was used. Genomic BLUP,
      Bayesian Lasso and MIXTURE had similar reliabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Deregressed
      EBV is the preferred response variable, whereas the choice of statistical method
      is less critical for pure-bred pigs. The increase of 18 to 39% in reliability is
      worthwhile, since the reliabilities of the genomic breeding values directly
      affect the returns from genomic selection.

PMID- 22070747
TI  - ALAS1 gene expression is down-regulated by Akt-mediated phosphorylation and
      nuclear exclusion of FOXO1 by vanadate in diabetic mice.
AB  - Porphyrias are diseases caused by partial deficiencies of haem biosynthesis
      enzymes. Acute porphyrias are characterized by a neuropsychiatric syndrome with
      intermittent induction of hepatic ALAS1 (delta-aminolaevulinate synthase 1), the
      first and rate-limiting enzyme of the haem pathway. Acute porphyria attacks are
      usually treated by the administration of glucose; its effect is apparently
      related to its ability to inhibit ALAS1 by modulating insulin plasma levels. It
      has been shown that insulin blunts hepatocyte ALAS1 induction, by disrupting the
      interaction of FOXO1 (forkhead box O1) and PGC-1alpha (peroxisome-proliferator
      activated receptor gamma co-activator 1alpha). We evaluated the expression of
      ALAS1 in a murine model of diabetes and determined the effects of the
      insulinomimetic vanadate on the enzyme regulation to evaluate its potential for
      the treatment of acute porphyria attacks. Both ALAS1 mRNA and protein content
      were induced in diabetic animals, accompanied by decreased Akt phosphorylation
      and increased nuclear FOXO1, PGC-1alpha and FOXO1-PGC-1alpha complex levels.
      Vanadate reversed ALAS1 induction, with a concomitant PI3K (phosphoinositide 3
      kinase)/Akt pathway activation and subsequent reduction of nuclear FOXO1, PGC
      1alpha and FOXO1-PGC-1alpha complex levels. These findings support the notion
      that the FOXO1-PGC-1alpha complex is involved in the control of ALAS1 expression
      and suggest further that a vanadate-based therapy could be beneficial for the
      treatment of acute porphyria attacks.

PMID- 22070748
TI  - Interference of silver, gold, and iron oxide nanoparticles on epidermal growth
      factor signal transduction in epithelial cells.
AB  - Metallic nanomaterials, including silver, gold, and iron oxide, are being
      utilized in an increasing number of fields and specialties. The use of nanosilver
      as an antimicrobial agent is becoming ever-more common, whereas gold and iron
      oxide nanomaterials are frequently utilized in the medical field due to their
      recognized "biocompatibility". Numerous reports have examined the general
      toxicity of these nanomaterials; however, little data exists on how the
      introduction of these nanomaterials, at nontoxic levels, affects normal cellular
      processes. In the present study the impact of low levels of 10 nm silver (Ag-NP),
      gold (Au-NP), and iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) on epidermal growth factor
      (EGF) signal transduction within the human epithelial cell line, A-431, was
      investigated. Following a biocompatibility assessment, the nanoparticle-induced
      interference at four specific targets within the EGF signaling process was
      evaluated: (1) nanoparticle-EGF association, (2) Akt and Erk phosphorylation, (3)
      Akt activity, and (4) EGF-dependent gene regulation. For all tested
      nanoparticles, following cellular exposure, a disruption in the EGF signaling
      response transpired; however, the metallic composition determined the mechanism
      of alteration. In addition to inducing high quantities of ROS, Ag-NPs attenuated
      levels of Akt and Erk phosphorylation. Au-NPs were found to decrease EGF
      dependent Akt and Erk phosphorylation as well as inhibit Akt activity. Lastly,
      SPIONs produced a strong alteration in EGF activated gene transcription, with
      targeted genes influencing cell proliferation, migration, and receptor
      expression. These results demonstrate that even at low doses, introduction of Ag
      NPs, Au-NPs, and SPIONs impaired the A-431 cell line's response to EGF.

PMID- 22070749
TI  - Examining the relationship between risk assessment and risk management in mental
      health.
AB  - Thorough risk assessment helps in developing risk management plans that minimize
      risks that can impede mental health patients' recovery. Department of Health
      policy states that risk assessments and risk management plans should be
      inextricably linked. This paper examines their content and linkage within one
      Trust. Four inpatient wards for working age adults (18-65 years) in a large
      mental health Trust in England were included in the study. Completed risk
      assessment forms, for all patients in each inpatient ward were examined (n= 43),
      followed by an examination of notes for the same patients. Semi-structured
      interviews took place with ward nurses (n= 17). Findings show much variability in
      the amount and detail of risk information collected by nurses, which may be
      distributed in several places. Gaps in the risk assessment and risk management
      process are evident, and a disassociation between risk information and risk
      management plans is often present. Risk information should have a single location
      so that it can be easily found and updated. Overall, a more integrated approach
      to risk assessment and management is required, to help patients receive timely
      and appropriate interventions that can reduce risks such as suicide or harm to
      others.

PMID- 22070750
TI  - Few-layered graphene oxide nanosheets as superior sorbents for heavy metal ion
      pollution management.
AB  - Graphene has attracted multidisciplinary study because of its unique
      physicochemical properties. Herein, few-layered graphene oxide nanosheets were
      synthesized from graphite using the modified Hummers method, and were used as
      sorbents for the removal of Cd(II) and Co(II) ions from large volumes of aqueous
      solutions. The effects of pH, ionic strength, and humic acid on Cd(II) and Co(II)
      sorption were investigated. The results indicated that Cd(II) and Co(II) sorption
      on graphene oxide nanosheets was strongly dependent on pH and weakly dependent on
      ionic strength. The abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on the surfaces
      of graphene oxide nanosheets played an important role on Cd(II) and Co(II)
      sorption. The presence of humic acid reduced Cd(II) and Co(II) sorption on
      graphene oxide nanosheets at pH < 8. The maximum sorption capacities (C(smax)) of
      Cd(II) and Co(II) on graphene oxide nanosheets at pH 6.0 +/- 0.1 and T = 303 K
      were about 106.3 and 68.2 mg/g, respectively, higher than any currently reported.
      The thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature-dependent sorption
      isotherms suggested that Cd(II) and Co(II) sorptions on graphene oxide nanosheets
      were endothermic and spontaneous processes. The graphene oxide nanosheets may be
      suitable materials in heavy metal ion pollution cleanup if they are synthesized
      in large scale and at low price in near future.

PMID- 22070751
TI  - An ATP signalling pathway in plant cells: extracellular ATP triggers programmed
      cell death in Populus euphratica.
AB  - We elucidated the extracellular ATP (eATP) signalling cascade active in
      programmed cell death (PCD) using cell cultures of Populus euphratica. Millimolar
      amounts of eATP induced a dose- and time-dependent reduction in viability, and
      the agonist-treated cells displayed hallmark features of PCD. eATP caused an
      elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+)  levels, resulting in Ca(2+)  uptake by the
      mitochondria and subsequent H(2) O(2)  accumulation. P. euphratica exhibited an
      increased mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and cytochrome c was released
      without opening of the permeability transition pore over the period of ATP
      stimulation. Moreover, the eATP-induced increase of intracellular ATP, essential
      for the activation of caspase-like proteases and subsequent PCD, was found to be
      related to increased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. NO is implicated as a
      downstream component of the cytosolic Ca(2+)  concentration but plays a
      negligible role in eATP-stimulated cell death. We speculate that ATP binds
      purinoceptors in the plasma membrane, leading to the induction of downstream
      intermediate signals, as the proposed sequence of events in PCD signalling was
      terminated by the animal P2 receptor antagonist suramin.

PMID- 22070752
TI  - Low molecular weight chitosan-coated liposomes for ocular drug delivery: in vitro
      and in vivo studies.
AB  - In this study, low molecular weight chitosan coated liposomes (LCHL) were
      designed and prepared for ocular drug delivery, the coating mechanism was
      studied, and in vitro and in vivo characterization was conducted. The effects of
      molecular weight and concentration of low molecular weight chitosan on the
      liposomal coating were studied. The numeric relations between coating variables
      and coating efficiency were established using a mathematical model. Morphology of
      LCHL was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity and
      cell internalization of FITC-BSA labeled LCHL in a rabbit conjunctival epithelium
      (RCE) cell line were studied. Cyclosporin A (CsA) was encapsulated as a model
      drug, and in vitro drug release and in vivo drug absorption were investigated.
      LCHL demonstrated low toxicity to RCE cells. In vitro drug release measurement
      showed that LCHL had a delayed release profile compared with non-coated
      liposomes. In vivo study in rabbits showed that the concentrations of CsA in
      cornea, conjunctiva, and sclera were remarkably increased by LCHL. In conclusion,
      LCHL might be a potential ocular drug carrier with characteristics such as
      prolonged drug retention, enhanced drug permeation, and biocompatibility.

PMID- 22070756
TI  - Intrauterine fetal death of a monochorionic twin with peripheral pulmonary
      infarcts: potential thromboembolic events following death of co-twin.
AB  - In utero fetal lung infarction has rarely been reported. We present a case of
      intrauterine lung infarction in a 28-3/7 weeks' gestation monochorionic twin
      following intrauterine fetal demise of the co-twin at 20 weeks. This case
      highlights the potential for thromboembolic events (TBEs) associated with
      monochorionic gestations to include pulmonary TBE and infarction among the risks
      for fetal morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22070757
TI  - Patients of parish nurses experience renewed spiritual identity: a grounded
      theory study.
AB  - AIM: This article is a report of a study of the process that patients of parish
      nurses experience when they are provided spiritual care in Christian churches, a
      context where patients and nurses share a common set of values. BACKGROUND: Many
      studies have explored hospitalized patients' views and experiences of spiritual
      care. However, little is known about the spiritual changes that patients
      experience as they receive care from parish nurses. METHODS: The grounded theory
      method was used to explore what patients of the parish nurses experienced in
      spiritual care. Half of the participants were interviewed in 1999-2001 at the
      time of the parish nurse interviews, and half in 2005. Audiotapes were
      transcribed verbatim. Constant comparative methods were used to analyse the
      incidents of receiving spiritual care. FINDINGS: Theoretical memos described how
      the 'main concern' of the patients to resolve their health challenge resulted in
      changes to their spiritual identity. Phases in the change process included:
      facing a health challenge, finding a safe place, releasing burdens, changing
      perspectives and joining or rejoining the family of faith. The essence the
      patients experienced was an enhanced understanding of who they were in
      God/Christ. CONCLUSION: The patient's spiritual challenge is to re-conceptualize
      the self (as one who is known and loved by God) in the context of a particular
      health challenge. Spiritual care helps them find a new equilibrium in faith.

PMID- 22070758
TI  - Microwave spectra and gas phase structural parameters for N-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)
      thione.
AB  - The microwave spectrum for N-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)-thione (pyrithione) was
      measured in the frequency range 6-18 GHz, providing accurate rotational constants
      and nitrogen quadrupole coupling strengths for three isotopologues,
      C(5)H(4)(32)S(14)NOH, C(5)H(4)(32)S(14)NOD, and C(5)H(4)(34)S(14)NOH. Pyrithione
      was found to be in a higher concentration in the gas phase than the other
      tautomer, 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide (MPO). Microwave spectroscopy is best suited
      to determine which structure predominates in the gas phase. The measured
      rotational constants were used to accurately determine the coordinates of the
      substituted atoms and provided sufficient data to determine some of the important
      structural parameters for pyrithione, the only tautomer observed in the present
      work. The spectra were obtained using a pulsed-beam Fourier transform microwave
      spectrometer, with sufficient resolution to allow accurate measurements of the
      (14)N nuclear quadrupole hyperfine interactions. Ab initio calculations provided
      structural parameters and quadrupole coupling strengths that are in very good
      agreement with measured values. The experimental rotational constants for the
      parent compound are A = 3212.10(1), B = 1609.328(7), and C = 1072.208(6) MHz,
      yielding the inertial defect Delta(0) = -0.023 amu.A(2) for the
      C(5)H(4)(32)S(14)NOH isotopologue. The observed near zero inertial defect clearly
      indicates a planar structure. The least-squares fit structural analysis yielded
      the experimental bond lengths R(O-H) = 0.93(2) A, R(C-S) = 1.66(2) A, and angle
      (N-O-H) = 105(4) degrees  for the ground state structure.

PMID- 22070759
TI  - Attitudes of relatives and staff towards family intervention in forensic services
      using Q methodology.
AB  - Attitudes about family interventions have been identified as a possible reason
      for the poor implementation of such treatments. The current study used Q
      methodology to investigate the attitudes of relatives of forensic service users
      and clinical staff towards family interventions in medium secure forensic units,
      particularly when facilitated by a web camera. Eighteen relatives and twenty-nine
      staff completed a sixty-one item Q sort to obtain their idiosyncratic views about
      family intervention. The results indicated that relatives and staff mostly held
      positive attitudes towards family intervention. Relatives showed some uncertainty
      towards family intervention that may reflect the lack of involvement they receive
      from the forensic service. Staff highlighted key barriers to successful
      implementation such as lack of dedicated staff time for family work and few staff
      adequately trained in family intervention. Despite agreement with the web-based
      forensic family intervention technique and its benefits, both staff and relatives
      predicted problems in the technique.

PMID- 22070760
TI  - Cointegration methodology for psychological researchers: An introduction to the
      analysis of dynamic process systems.
AB  - Longitudinal data analysis focused on internal characteristics of a single time
      series has attracted increasing interest among psychologists. The systemic
      psychological perspective suggests, however, that many long-term phenomena are
      mutually interconnected, forming a dynamic system. Hence, only multivariate
      methods can handle such human dynamics appropriately. Unlike the majority of time
      series methodologies, the cointegration approach allows interdependencies of
      integrated (i.e., extremely unstable) processes to be modelled. This advantage
      results from the fact that cointegrated series are connected by stationary long
      run equilibrium relationships. Vector error-correction models are frequently used
      representations of cointegrated systems. They capture both this equilibrium and
      compensation mechanisms in the case of short-term deviations due to developmental
      changes. Thus, the past disequilibrium serves as explanatory variable in the
      dynamic behaviour of current variables. Employing empirical data from cognitive
      psychology, psychosomatics, and marital interaction research, this paper
      describes how to apply cointegration methods to dynamic process systems and how
      to interpret the parameters under investigation from a psychological perspective.

PMID- 22070761
TI  - Suboptimal light conditions negatively affect the heterotrophy of Planktothrix
      rubescens but are beneficial for accompanying Limnohabitans spp.
AB  - We examined the effect of light on the heterotrophic activity of the filamentous
      cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens and on its relationship with the
      accompanying bacteria. In situ leucine uptake by bacteria and cyanobacteria was
      determined in a subalpine mesotrophic lake, and natural assemblages from the zone
      of maximal P. rubescens abundances were incubated for 2 days at contrasting light
      regimes (ambient, 100* increased, dark). Planktothrix rubescens from the photic
      zone of the lake incorporated substantially more leucine, but some heterotrophic
      activity was maintained in filaments from the hypolimnion. Exposure of
      cyanobacteria to increased irradiance or darkness resulted in significantly lower
      leucine incorporation than at ambient light conditions. Highest abundances and
      leucine uptake of Betaproteobacteria from the genus Limnohabitans were found in
      the accompanying microflora at suboptimal irradiance levels for P. rubescens or
      in dark incubations. Therefore, two Limnohabitans strains (representing different
      species) were co-cultured with axenic P. rubescens at different light conditions.
      The abundances and leucine incorporation rates of both strains most strongly
      increased at elevated irradiance levels, in parallel to a decrease of
      photosynthetic pigment fluorescence and the fragmentation of cyanobacterial
      filaments. Our results suggest that Limnohabitans spp. in lakes might profit from
      the presence of physiologically stressed P. rubescens.

PMID- 22070762
TI  - Nursing academicians' attitudes towards work life and their personality traits.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between attitudes of
      nursing academicians towards job and organization and their personality traits.
      The research included 287 nursing academicians who worked in 14 School of Nurses
      in the Universities of Turkey. A descriptive information form, Job and
      Organization Related Attitude Scale and Temperament and Character Inventory were
      used as data collection tools. It has been determined that attitudes of nursing
      academicians towards job and organization and their personality traits depended
      upon socio-economic status, working year, academic title, the temperament feature
      of novelty seeking and persistence, and the character feature of self
      directedness and cooperativeness.

PMID- 22070764
TI  - Free amino acid and phenolic contents and antioxidative and cancer cell
      inhibiting activities of extracts of 11 greenhouse-grown tomato varieties and 13
      tomato-based foods.
AB  - Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants synthesize nutrients, pigments, and
      bioactive compounds that benefit nutrition and human health. The nature and
      concentrations of these compounds are strongly influenced by varietal factors
      such as size and color as well as by processing. To better understand how these
      factors affect the concentration of nutrients and bioactive compounds, we
      analyzed 11 Korean tomato varieties grown under the same greenhouse conditions
      and 13 processed commercial tomato products for free amino acids and amino acid
      metabolites by HPLC, for individual phenolics by HPLC-MS, for total phenolics by
      the Folin-Ciocalteu method, for antioxidative activity by the FRAP and DPPH
      methods, and for cancer cell-inhibiting effects by the MTT assay. We also
      determined the protein content of the tomatoes by an automated Kjeldahl method.
      The results show that there is a broad range of bioactive compounds across tomato
      varieties and products. Small tomatoes had higher contents of bioactive compounds
      than the large ones. The content of phenolic compounds of processed products was
      lower than that of fresh tomatoes. Tomato extracts promoted growth in normal
      liver (Chang) cells, had little effect in normal lung (Hel299) cells, mildly
      inhibited growth of lung cancer (A549) cells, and first promoted and then, at
      higher concentrations, inhibited growth in lymphoma (U937) cells. The
      relationship of cell growth to measured constituents was not apparent. Dietary
      and health aspects of the results are discussed.

PMID- 22070765
TI  - Odds ratios simplified.

PMID- 22070766
TI  - Optimisation and validation of a quantitative and confirmatory LC-MS method for
      multi-residue analyses of beta-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics in bovine
      muscle.
AB  - A multi-residue method for the determination of the beta-lactam antibiotics
      ampicillin, cefazolin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin,
      penicillin G, penicillin V and the tetracyclines chlotetracycline, tetracycline
      and oxytetracycline was optimised and validated in bovine muscle. The method is
      based on the extraction of the residues from muscle using water/acetonitrile
      (2/8, v/v) with subsequent use of dispersive solid-phase C18 and hexane for
      purification. Extracts were analysed using ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS) coupled with the mass spectrometer in positive
      electrospray ionisation mode (ESI+) for all analytes. The method was validated
      according to the requirements of European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The
      validation results were obtained within the MRL range of 0-1.5 of the MRL, with
      recoveries varying from 90% to 110% and CV < 20% (n = 54), except for
      cloxacillin, dicloxacillin and nafcillin. However, matrix interference was
      observed. The decision limit (CCalpha) ranged from 10% to 15% of the MRL. The
      uncertainty measurement was estimated based on both bottom-up and top-down
      strategies and the uncertainty values were found to be lower than 20% of the MRL.
      The method has a simple extraction procedure whereby analytes are separated with
      reasonable resolutions in a single 11-min chromatographic run. According to the
      validation results, this method is suitable for monitoring beta-lactams and
      tetracyclines according to National Program for Residue and Contaminant Control -
      Brazil (NPRC-Brazil) in bovine muscle.

PMID- 22070763
TI  - Molecular techniques in the biotechnological fight against halogenated compounds
      in anoxic environments.
AB  - Microbial treatment of environmental contamination by anthropogenic halogenated
      organic compounds has become popular in recent decades, especially in the
      subsurface environments. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction
      based fingerprinting methods have been extensively used to closely monitor the
      presence and activities of dehalogenating microbes, which also lead to the
      discovery of new dehalogenating bacteria and novel functional genes. Nowadays,
      traditional molecular techniques are being further developed and optimized for
      higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to better fit the contexts of
      dehalogenation. On the other hand, newly developed high throughput techniques,
      such as microarray and next-generation sequencing, provide unsurpassed detection
      ability, which has enabled large-scale comparative genomic and whole-genome
      transcriptomic analysis. The aim of this review is to summarize applications of
      various molecular tools in the field of microbially mediated dehalogenation of
      various halogenated organic compounds. It is expected that traditional molecular
      techniques and nucleic-acid-based biomarkers will still be favoured in the
      foreseeable future because of relative low costs and high flexibility. Collective
      analyses of metagenomic sequencing data are still in need of information from
      individual dehalogenating strains and functional reductive dehalogenase genes in
      order to draw reliable conclusions.

PMID- 22070767
TI  - Hopelessness and social comparison in Turkish adolescent with visual impairment.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine visually impaired adolescents' level
      of hopelessness and how they perceive of themselves socially compared to other
      individuals. Another purpose of this study was to look for relationships between
      hopelessness and social comparison in adolescents with visual impairment. The
      research population was comprised of 130 students at a secondary school for the
      visually impaired in Istanbul, Turkey. Our study demonstrated a weak relationship
      between social comparison and hopelessness (r=-0.46, P < 0.000). The mean
      hopelessness score for the adolescents with visual impairment was 4.59 +/- 3.12
      (girls: 4.23 +/- 3.10; boys: 4.83 +/- 3.11) and social comparison score was 87.50
      +/- 11.19 (girls: 88.67 +/- 11.62; boys: 86.60 +/- 10.85). Hopelessness and
      social comparison were not affected by being blind from birth compared to later
      or from being a full-time boarding student compared to being a day student. The
      hopeless (Beck Hopelessness Scale score >= 9) adolescents' social comparison
      scores were found lower than hopeful ones' scores (P < 000). Factors affecting
      hopelessness and social comparison were feelings about their father, teacher and
      school.

PMID- 22070768
TI  - Measuring walking within and outside the neighborhood in Chinese elders:
      reliability and validity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Walking is a preferred, prevalent and recommended activity for aging
      populations and is influenced by the neighborhood built environment. To study
      this influence it is necessary to differentiate whether walking occurs within or
      outside of the neighborhood. The Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire
      (NPAQ) collects information on setting-specific physical activity, including
      walking, inside and outside one's neighborhood. While the NPAQ has shown to be a
      reliable measure in adults, its reliability in older adults is unknown.
      Additionally its validity and the influence of type of neighborhood on
      reliability and validity have yet to be explored. METHODS: The NPAQ walking
      component was adapted for Chinese speaking elders (NWQ-CS). Ninety-six Chinese
      elders, stratified by social economic status and neighborhood walkability, wore
      an accelerometer and completed a log of walks for 7 days. Following the
      collection of valid data the NWQ-CS was interviewer-administered. Fourteen to 20
      days (average of 17 days) later the NWQ-CS was re-administered. Test-retest
      reliability and validity of the NWQ-CS were assessed. RESULTS: Reliability and
      validity estimates did not differ with type of neighborhood. NWQ-CS measures of
      walking showed moderate to excellent reliability. Reliability was generally
      higher for estimates of weekly frequency than minutes of walking. Total weekly
      minutes of walking were moderately related to all accelerometry measures.
      Moderate-to-strong associations were found between the NWQ-CS and log-of-walks
      variables. The NWQ-CS yielded statistically significantly lower mean values of
      total walking, weekly minutes of walking for transportation and weekly frequency
      of walking for transportation outside the neighborhood than the log-of-walks.
      CONCLUSIONS: The NWQ-CS showed measurement invariance across types of
      neighborhoods. It is a valid measure of walking for recreation and frequency of
      walking for transport. However, it may systematically underestimate the duration
      of walking for transport in samples that engage in high levels of this type of
      walking.

PMID- 22070769
TI  - Acupuncture for depression: exploring model validity and the related issue of
      credibility in the context of designing a pragmatic trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evaluating care that is not credible to its practitioners or
      patients will result in a gap between evidence and practice and the potential
      value, or harm, of the intervention may be underestimated. Our aim was to develop
      a pragmatic trial that would have better model validity and credibility than
      trials to date in this clinical area. METHODS: In-depth interviews; a nominal
      consensus technique and five arm pilot trial conducted in UK primary care using
      counseling and usual general practitioner (GP) care as comparisons for
      acupuncture. FINDINGS: Patients with long standing, severe illness that had not
      responded, or partially responded to conventional treatments may be interested in
      using acupuncture and participating in a trial. Using a database method to
      recruit, pilot trial patients were mostly severely depressed (87.5%); chronically
      ill (60% with 3+ previous episodes), with high levels of comorbidity, and
      medication use. Acupuncture was as credible to pilot trial participants as usual
      GP care and more credible than counseling: most patients (62.5%) preferred to be
      allocated to acupuncture, rating it more highly at baseline than counseling or
      usual GP care as potentially able to benefit their depression (P = 0.002).
      Disparities were identified in the working models of acupuncturists and
      counselors that suggest inherent differences between interventions in terms of
      the process and intended potential outcomes of therapy, as well as the
      interaction between patients and therapists. CONCLUSION: The Medical Research
      Council (MRC) framework with its phased, mixed method approach has helped to
      develop research that has better model validity than trials to date in this
      field. The next phase of research will need to involve acupuncture and counseling
      practitioners to help researchers to develop realistic and credible care packages
      for a full-scale trial, where patients are likely to be severely and chronically
      ill.

PMID- 22070770
TI  - Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of common fetal chromosomal aneuploidies by
      maternal plasma DNA sequencing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a new bioinformatic method in the noninvasive prenatal
      identification of common fetal aneuploidies using massively parallel sequencing
      on maternal plasma. METHODS: Massively parallel sequencing was performed on
      plasma DNA samples from 108 pregnant women (median gestation: 12(+5) week)
      immediately before chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Data were
      analysed using a novel z-score method with internal reference chromosome. The
      diagnostic accuracies of the fetal karyotyping status were compared against two
      previously reported z-score methods--one without adjustment and the other with GC
      correction. RESULTS: A total of 32 cases with fetal aneuploidy were confirmed by
      conventional karyotyping, including 11 cases of Trisomy 21, 10 cases of Trisomy
      18, 2 cases of Trisomy 13, 8 cases of Turner syndrome (45, XO) and one case of
      Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY). Using the z-score method without reference
      adjustment, the detection rate for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, Turner
      syndrome, and Klinefelter's syndrome is 100%, 40%, 0%, 88% and 0% respectively.
      Using the z-score method with GC correction, the detection rate increased to 100%
      for Trisomy 21, 90% for Trisomy 18, 100% for Trisomy 13. By using the z-score
      method with internal reference, the detection rate increased to 100% for all
      aneuploidies. The false positive rate was 0% for all three methods. CONCLUSION:
      This massively parallel sequencing-based approach, combined with the improved z
      score test methodology, enables the prenatal diagnosis of most common
      aneuploidies with a high degree of accuracy, even in the first trimester of
      pregnancy.

PMID- 22070771
TI  - Evaluation of the training and support received by facilitators of a cancer
      education and support programme in New Zealand.
AB  - This study evaluates the training and support provided for facilitators who
      deliver the Living Well programme. This education and support programme, offered
      by the Cancer Society of New Zealand since 1991, aims to demystify cancer and its
      treatments, and develop self-efficacy of cancer patients and their supporters. A
      purposeful sample of 17 facilitators from five regions across New Zealand
      participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data on demographics,
      qualifications and history with the programme were subjected to a frequency
      analysis. A thematic content analysis was conducted on qualitative data regarding
      the experiences of the facilitators with the training programme and the level and
      quality of subsequent support. Facilitators (aged 35-65, 16 of whom were women),
      came from a variety of socio-economic and educational backgrounds with a
      significant number having health-related roles and qualifications. Facilitator
      training was seen as relevant, thorough, effective and good preparation for the
      demands of the role. The pairing of more experienced staff and volunteers to co
      facilitate was a particularly successful aspect of the programme. The main
      drawbacks were limited access to support, lack of supervision and a perceived
      lack of appreciation from the organisation for the volunteer facilitators.

PMID- 22070772
TI  - B-cell depletion extends the survival of GTKO.hCD46Tg pig heart xenografts in
      baboons for up to 8 months.
AB  - Xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig organs offers great potential to
      address the shortage of human organs for allotransplantation. Rejection in Gal
      knockout (GTKO) pigs due to elicited non-Gal antibody response required further
      genetic modifications of donor pigs and better control of the B-cell response to
      xenoantigens. We report significant prolongation of heterotopic alpha Galactosyl
      transferase "knock-out" and human CD46 transgenic (GTKO.hCD46Tg) pig cardiac
      xenografts survival in specific pathogen free baboons. Peritransplant B-cell
      depletion using 4 weekly doses of anti-CD20 antibody in the context of an
      established ATG, anti-CD154 and MMF-based immunosuppressive regimen prolonged
      GTKO.hCD46Tg graft survival for up to 236 days (n = 9, median survival 71 days
      and mean survival 94 days). B-cell depletion persisted for over 2 months, and
      elicited anti-non-Gal antibody production remained suppressed for the duration of
      graft follow-up. This result identifies a critical role for B cells in the
      mechanisms of elicited anti-non-Gal antibody and delayed xenograft rejection.
      Model-related morbidity due to variety of causes was seen in these experiments,
      suggesting that further therapeutic interventions, including candidate genetic
      modifications of donor pigs, may be necessary to reduce late morbidity in this
      model to a clinically manageable level.

PMID- 22070773
TI  - Using timelines as part of recovery-focused practice in psychosis.
AB  - The value of timelines is discussed with regard to the promotion of recovery,
      particularly emphasizing relapse signature and concordance in medicine-taking.
      Recovery approaches in contemporary mental health care rely on understanding
      motivations, aspirations and decision making. In the authors' experience
      timelines are a useful way of working together with people to make sense of
      experiences, of which they may only have partial or intermittent awareness. The
      mental health workers' philosophical approach, the tools available to them and
      their skills and attributes, shape the therapeutic relationship. Timelines are a
      useful tool in helping reach the kind of joint understanding within a therapeutic
      relationship which characterizes concordance. As this relationship develops,
      decision making including that around medicine-taking and relapse signature, can
      be based on this shared understanding. Timeline examples (Tables 2 and 3) based
      on the fictitious experiences of Philip, a young man diagnosed with
      schizophrenia, show their application in recovery-focused practice. Further
      research is needed to enhance the limited evidence base underpinning timelines as
      a method of facilitating concordance.

PMID- 22070774
TI  - Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA by reverse transcription loop
      mediated isothermal amplification.
AB  - A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay
      was developed for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) RNA. The amplification was
      able to finish in 45 min under isothermal condition at 64 degrees C by employing
      a set of four primers targeting FMDV 2B. The assay showed higher sensitivity than
      RT-PCR. No cross reactivity was observed from other RNA viruses including
      classical swine fever virus, swine vesicular disease, porcine reproductive and
      respiratory syndrome virus, Japanese encephalitis virus. Furthermore, the assay
      correctly detected 84 FMDV positive samples but not 65 FMDV negative specimens.
      The result indicated the potential usefulness of the technique as a simple and
      rapid procedure for the detection of FMDV infection.

PMID- 22070775
TI  - Acid-sensing ion channel 3 mediates peripheral anti-hyperalgesia effects of
      acupuncture in mice inflammatory pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral tissue inflammation initiates hyperalgesia accompanied by
      tissue acidosis, nociceptor activation, and inflammation mediators. Recent
      studies have suggested a significantly increased expression of acid-sensing ion
      channel 3 (ASIC3) in both carrageenan- and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)
      induced inflammation. This study tested the hypothesis that acupuncture is
      curative for mechanical hyperalgesia induced by peripheral inflammation. METHODS:
      Here we used mechanical stimuli to assess behavioral responses in paw and muscle
      inflammation induced by carrageenan or CFA. We also used immunohistochemistry
      staining and western blot methodology to evaluate the expression of ASIC3 in
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. RESULTS: In comparison with the control, the
      inflammation group showed significant mechanical hyperalgesia with both
      intraplantar carrageenan and CFA-induced inflammation. Interestingly, both
      carrageenan- and CFA-induced hyperalgesia were accompanied by ASIC3 up-regulation
      in DRG neurons. Furthermore, electroacupuncture (EA) at the ST36 rescued
      mechanical hyperalgesia through down-regulation of ASIC3 overexpression in both
      carrageenan- and CFA-induced inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: In addition, electrical
      stimulation at the ST36 acupoint can relieve mechanical hyperalgesia by
      attenuating ASIC3 overexpression.

PMID- 22070777
TI  - Integrating fluctuating nitrate uptake and assimilation to robust homeostasis.
AB  - Nitrate is an important nitrogen source used by plants. Despite of the
      considerable variation in the amount of soil nitrate, plants keep cytosolic
      nitrate at a homeostatic controlled level. Here we describe a set of homeostatic
      controller motifs and their interaction that can maintain robust cytosolic
      nitrate homeostasis at fluctuating external nitrate concentrations and nitrate
      assimilation levels. The controller motifs are divided into two functional
      classes termed as inflow and outflow controllers. In the presence of high amounts
      of environmental nitrate, the function of outflow controllers is associated to
      efflux mechanisms removing excess of nitrate from the cytosol that is taken up by
      low-affinity transporter systems (LATS). Inflow controllers on the other hand
      maintain homeostasis in the presence of a high demand of nitrate by the cell
      relative to the amount of available environmental nitrate. This is achieved by
      either remobilizing nitrate from a vacuolar store, or by taking up nitrate by
      means of high-affinity transporter systems (HATS). By combining inflow and
      outflow controllers we demonstrate how nitrate uptake, assimilation, storage and
      efflux are integrated to a regulatory network that maintains cytosolic nitrate
      homeostasis at changing environmental conditions.

PMID- 22070776
TI  - Disruption of Trichoderma reesei cre2, encoding an ubiquitin C-terminal
      hydrolase, results in increased cellulase activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) is an
      important source of cellulases for use in the textile and alternative fuel
      industries. To fully understand the regulation of cellulase production in T.
      reesei, the role of a gene known to be involved in carbon regulation in
      Aspergillus nidulans, but unstudied in T. reesei, was investigated. RESULTS: The
      T. reesei orthologue of the A. nidulans creB gene, designated cre2, was
      identified and shown to be functional through heterologous complementation of a
      creB mutation in A. nidulans. A T. reesei strain was constructed using gene
      disruption techniques that contained a disrupted cre2 gene. This strain, JKTR2-6,
      exhibited phenotypes similar to the A. nidulans creB mutant strain both in carbon
      catabolite repressing, and in carbon catabolite derepressing conditions.
      Importantly, the disruption also led to elevated cellulase levels. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results demonstrate that cre2 is involved in cellulase expression. Since
      the disruption of cre2 increases the amount of cellulase activity, without severe
      morphological affects, targeting creB orthologues for disruption in other
      industrially useful filamentous fungi, such as Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma
      harzianum or Aspergillus niger may also lead to elevated hydrolytic enzyme
      activity in these species.

PMID- 22070778
TI  - Lethal osteogenesis imperfecta-like condition with cutis laxa and arterial
      tortuosity in MZ twins due to a homozygous fibulin-4 mutation.
AB  - This case report involved male infants of a size consistent with the estimated
      gestational age of 31 weeks. The mother of the twins was a 27-year-old, G4P3
      woman with limited prenatal care who presented for cesarean delivery.
      Resuscitation efforts were initiated and continued until the infants became
      asystolic. Postmortem radiographs showed innumerable fractures of the limbs,
      ribs, and skull in various states of healing with callus formation; hence, the
      fractures were of prenatal origin. Despite the fractures, the growth of the long
      bones was not impaired. The radiographic findings were initially thought to
      represent osteogenesis imperfecta type IIC. However, there were also vascular
      anomalies not explained by this phenotype. Grossly, all arteries were elongated,
      thickened, and tortuous. The carotids, descending aorta, and iliac arteries were
      redundant to such an extent that they produced corkscrew patterns. There was also
      cutis laxa with loose, redundant skin over the entire body. Collagen genes did
      not show any mutations; however, when it was suggested Fibulin-4 be studied
      because of overlap with the condition described by Dasouki and colleagues in
      2007, a homozygous premature stop codon mutation was found in that gene.

PMID- 22070779
TI  - Richard F. W. Bader: a true pioneer.

PMID- 22070780
TI  - Autobiography of Richard F. W. Bader.

PMID- 22070783
TI  - Miniaturized extinction culturing is the preferred strategy for rapid isolation
      of fast-growing methane-oxidizing bacteria.
AB  - Methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) have a large potential as a microbial sink for
      the greenhouse gas methane as well as for biotechnological purposes. However,
      their application in biotechnology has so far been hampered, in part due to the
      relative slow growth rate of the available strains. To enable the availability of
      novel strains, this study compares the isolation of MOB by conventional dilution
      plating with miniaturized extinction culturing, both performed after an initial
      enrichment step. The extinction approach rendered 22 MOB isolates from four
      environmental samples, while no MOB could be isolated by plating. In most cases,
      extinction culturing immediately yielded MOB monocultures making laborious
      purification redundant. Both type I (Methylomonas spp.) and type II (Methylosinus
      sp.) MOB were isolated. The isolated methanotrophic diversity represented at
      least 11 different strains and several novel species based on 16S rRNA gene
      sequence dissimilarity. These strains possessed the particulate (100%) and
      soluble (64%) methane monooxygenase gene. Also, 73% of the strains could be
      linked to a highly active fast-growing mixed MOB community. In conclusion,
      miniaturized extinction culturing was more efficient in rapidly isolating
      numerous MOB requiring little effort and fewer materials, compared with the more
      widely applied plating procedure. This miniaturized approach allowed
      straightforward isolation and could be very useful for subsequent screening of
      desired characteristics, in view of their future biotechnological potential.

PMID- 22070784
TI  - Comparison of salt stress resistance genes in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana
      indicates that extent of transcriptomic change may not predict secondary
      phenotypic or fitness effects.
AB  - Engineered abiotic stress resistance is an important target for increasing
      agricultural productivity. There are concerns, however, regarding possible
      ecological impacts of transgenic crops. In contrast to the first wave of
      transgenic crops, many abiotic stress resistance genes can initiate complex
      downstream changes. Transcriptome profiling has been suggested as a comprehensive
      non-targeted approach to examine the secondary effects. We compared phenotypic
      and transcriptomic effects of constitutive expression of genes intended to confer
      salt stress tolerance by three different mechanisms: a transcription factor,
      CBF3/DREB1a; a metabolic gene, M6PR, for mannitol biosynthesis; and the Na+/H+
      antiporter, SOS1. Transgenic CBF3, M6PR and SOS1 Arabidopsis thaliana were grown
      together in the growth chamber, greenhouse and field. In the absence of salt,
      M6PR and SOS1 lines performed comparably with wild type; CBF3 lines exhibited
      dwarfing as reported previously. All three transgenes conferred fitness advantage
      when subjected to 100 mm NaCl in the growth chamber. CBF3 and M6PR affected
      transcription of numerous abiotic stress-related genes as measured by Affymetrix
      microarray analysis. M6PR additionally modified expression of biotic stress and
      oxidative stress genes. Transcriptional effects of SOS1 in the absence of salt
      were smaller and primarily limited to redox-related genes. The extent of
      transcriptome change, however, did not correlate with the effects on growth and
      reproduction. Thus, the magnitude of global transcriptome differences may not
      predict phenotypic differences upon which environment and selection act to
      influence fitness. These observations have implications for interpretation of
      transcriptome analyses in the context of risk assessment and emphasize the
      importance of evaluation within a phenotypic context.

PMID- 22070785
TI  - Mental health problems and medically unexplained physical symptoms in adult
      survivors of childhood sexual abuse: an integrative literature review.
AB  - People sexually abused in childhood are at higher risk than non-abused people of
      medically unexplained symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic pain,
      with mental ill health and high healthcare use. Friction and frustration, with
      high, unproductive healthcare costs, can often develop between these patients and
      health-care professionals such as general practitioners and nursing staff. The
      aim of this integrative literature review was to seek a sound evidence base from
      which to develop helpful interventions, improve relationships and identify gaps
      in knowledge. It found some theories about interconnections among childhood
      sexual abuse mental health and medically unexplained symptoms, such as
      'somatization' or 'secondary gain', were used prejudicially, stigmatizing
      survivors. Conflicting theories make more difficult the search for effective
      interventions. Researchers rarely collaborated with sexual abuse specialists.
      Emphasis on identifying key risk factors, rather than providing support or
      alleviating distress, and lack of studies where survivors voiced their own
      experiences, meant very few targeted interventions for this group were proposed.
      Recommendations to enable effective interventions include making abuse survivors
      the prime study focus; qualitative research with survivors, to assist doctors and
      nursing staff with sensitive care; case histories using medical records;
      prospective studies with sexually abused children; support for the growing field
      of neurobiological research.

PMID- 22070786
TI  - Parameter estimation of multiple item response profile model.
AB  - Multiple item response profile (MIRP) models are models with crossed fixed and
      random effects. At least one between-person factor is crossed with at least one
      within-person factor, and the persons nested within the levels of the between
      person factor are crossed with the items within levels of the within-person
      factor. Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of models for binary data with
      crossed random effects is challenging. This is because the marginal likelihood
      does not have a closed form, so that MLE requires numerical or Monte Carlo
      integration. In addition, the multidimensional structure of MIRPs makes the
      estimation complex. In this paper, three different estimation methods to meet
      these challenges are described: the Laplace approximation to the integrand;
      hierarchical Bayesian analysis, a simulation-based method; and an alternating
      imputation posterior with adaptive quadrature as the approximation to the
      integral. In addition, this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of
      these three estimation methods for MIRPs. The three algorithms are compared in a
      real data application and a simulation study was also done to compare their
      behaviour.

PMID- 22070788
TI  - Thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins in Chamois-coloured domestic goat kids.
AB  - Conjoined twins have been observed in a wide range of mammalian and non-mammalian
      species; they are considered to be more common in bovine, less frequent in sheep
      and pig and extremely rare in horse and goat. A pair of female conjoined twins
      was delivered from a 2-year-old Chamois-coloured domestic goat. Post-mortem
      examination revealed two identical and symmetrical twins, fused from the
      manubrium sterni to the region just caudal to the umbilicus. The rib cages were
      conjoined in the ventral plane with a single set of pericardial, pleural and
      peritoneal cavities. Internal examination revealed the presence of a common
      diaphragm and a single enlarged liver. Within a single central pericardium, two
      malformed hearts were present. Reports on this type of congenital duplication in
      goats have not been found in the literature. Thoracopagus and thoraco
      omphalopagus are the most common types of conjoined twins in human beings and are
      associated with the highest mortality because of the frequent incidence of
      complex cardiac anatomy.

PMID- 22070787
TI  - Alcohol and risk of admission to hospital for unintentional cutting or piercing
      injuries at home: a population-based case-crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cutting and piercing injuries are among the leading causes of
      unintentional injury morbidity in developed countries. In New Zealand, cutting
      and piercing are second only to falls as the most frequent cause of unintentional
      home injuries resulting in admissions to hospital among people aged 20 to 64
      years. Alcohol intake is known to be associated with many other types of injury.
      We used a case-crossover study to investigate the role of acute alcohol use
      (i.e., drinking during the previous 6 h) in unintentional cutting or piercing
      injuries at home. METHODS: A population-based case-crossover study was conducted.
      We identified all people aged 20 to 64 years, resident in one of three regions of
      the country (Greater Auckland, Waikato and Otago), who were admitted to public
      hospital within 48 h of an unintentional non-occupational cutting or piercing
      injury sustained at home (theirs or another's) from August 2008 to December 2009.
      The main exposure of interest was use of alcohol in the 6-hour period before the
      injury occurred and the corresponding time intervals 24 h before, and 1 week
      before, the injury. Other information was collected on known and potential
      confounders. Information was obtained during face-to-face interviews with cases,
      and through review of their medical charts. RESULTS: Of the 356 participants, 71%
      were male, and a third sustained injuries from contact with glass. After
      adjustment for other paired exposures, the odds ratio for injury after consuming
      1 to 3 standard drinks of alcohol during the 6-hour period before the injury
      (compared to the day before), compared to none, was 1.77 (95% confidence interval
      0.84 to 3.74), and for four or more drinks was 8.68 (95% confidence interval 3.11
      to 24.3). Smokers had higher alcohol-related risks than non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Alcohol consumption increases the odds of unintentional cutting or piercing
      injury occurring at home and this risk increases with higher levels of drinking.

PMID- 22070789
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22070790
TI  - Effects of immediate or delayed addition of platelet additive solution on the in
      vitro quality of apheresis platelets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little knowledge how different hold times of
      hyperconcentrated platelet (PLT) suspensions (HPSs) before the addition of
      platelet additive solution (PAS) might affect PLT quality. We compared the in
      vitro quality of single-donor PLT concentrates (SDPs) with immediate or delayed
      PAS addition and studied the quality of collected concurrent plasma (CP). STUDY
      DESIGN AND METHODS: We collected 6*10(11) PLTs in 175 of mL plasma and CP from 31
      donors. The HPSs were split into two parts, with 162 mL of modified PAS III (PAS
      IIIM) added immediately (0hr-SDP) or 2 hours later (2hr-SDP). Final SDPs had a
      targeted concentration of 1.2*10(12) PLTs/L and a PAS proportion of 65%. On Days
      1, 5, and 7 we determined glucose and lactate concentration, pH, P-selectin
      expression, hypotonic shock response (HSR), and extent of shape change (ESC).
      Clotting Factor V (FV) and VIII (FVIII) activities and D-dimer concentration were
      determined in CP and donor. RESULTS: Glucose utilization, lactate production, and
      pH were similar for both kinds of products. Low P-selectin expression indicated
      no relevant PLT activation during storage. HSR and ESC were similarly well
      preserved. Recoveries of FV and FVIII were 100.0+/-14.0 and 98.6+/-14.9%,
      respectively. Concentrations of D-dimers in the donor and CP were 173.7+/-90.1
      and 177.6+/-91.2 ng/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Adding PAS immediately or 2
      hours after collection does not result in different in vitro quality of PLTs
      stored up to 7 days. The good recovery of clotting factors with no signs of
      activation indicates a good quality of CP.

PMID- 22070791
TI  - Monitoring and documentation of side effects from depot antipsychotic medication:
      an interdisciplinary audit of practice in a regional mental health service.
AB  - This audit reviewed current practice within a rural mental health service area on
      the monitoring and documentation of side effects of antipsychotic depot
      medication. A sample of 60 case files, care plans and prescriptions were audited,
      which is 31% of the total number of service users receiving depot injections in
      the mental health service region (n= 181). The sample audited had a range of
      diagnoses, including: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective
      disorder, depression, alcoholic hallucinosis and autism. The audit results
      revealed that most service users had an annual documented medical review and a
      documented prescription. However, only five (8%) case notes examined had
      documentation recorded describing the condition of the injection site, and
      alternation of the injection site was recorded in only 28 (47%) case notes. No
      case notes examined had written consent to commence treatment recorded. In 57
      (95%) of case notes, no documentation of recorded information on the depot and on
      side effects was given. The failure to monitor and record some blood tests was
      partly attributed to a lack of clarity regarding whose responsibility it was. A
      standardized checklist has been developed as a result of the audit and this will
      be introduced by all teams across the service.

PMID- 22070792
TI  - Causes of primary amenorrhea: a report of 295 cases in Thailand.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of etiologic causes
      of primary amenorrhea in Thailand. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed
      using 295 complete medical records of women with primary amenorrhea who attended
      the Gynecologic Endocrinology Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
      Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand from September
      1992 to February 2009. RESULTS: The three most common causes of primary
      amenorrhea were Mullerian agenesis (39.7%), gonadal dysgenesis (35.3%), and
      hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (9.2%). Amongst 88 cases of gonadal dysgenesis, 59
      cases (67.0%) incurred abnormal karyotype including 45X (n=21), mosaic (n=31),
      and others (n=7). CONCLUSIONS: The present study has currently been the largest
      case series of primary amenorrhea. Mullerian agenesis is the most prevalent cause
      in our study, while gonadal dysgenesis is the most common cause in the largest
      scale study in the USA. Hence, racial, genetic and environmental factors could
      play roles in the cause of primary amenorrhea.

PMID- 22070793
TI  - Fetal and maternal heart rate confusion during intra-partum monitoring:
      comparison of trans-abdominal fetal electrocardiogram and Doppler telemetry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare intra-partum performance of trans-abdominal
      electrocardiogram with Doppler telemetry. METHODS: In this prospective
      longitudinal study, simultaneous monitoring with trans-abdominal ECG and Doppler
      telemetry was performed in 41 uncomplicated term singleton pregnancies during
      labour. RESULTS: The overall success rate for FHR monitoring was similar between
      trans-abdominal ECG and Doppler telemetry (88.5 +/- 16.7% vs 89.4 +/- 7.6%),
      except for the second stage of labour. A significantly higher rate of confusion
      (p < 0.001) between fetal and maternal heart was found for Doppler telemetry (4.5
      +/- 4.5%) compared with trans-abdominal ECG (1.3 +/- 1.9%), especially in the
      second stage and during maternal movements. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-abdominal ECG
      monitoring is feasible, with comparable success rate to traditional Doppler
      telemetry, without interfering with maternal mobility or requiring midwife
      intervention. The reduction in maternal?fetal heart rate confusion from trans
      abdominal ECG could reduce incorrect obstetric interpretation.

PMID- 22070794
TI  - CA19-9-producing early gastric adenocarcinoma arising in hyperplastic foveolar
      polyp: a very unique resection case.
AB  - Here we report the first case of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9-producing early
      gastric adenocarcinoma arising in polyp. A solitary pedunculated polyp lesion of
      the stomach, measuring 26 * 20 * 20 mm, was noticed in a 76-year-old Japanese
      woman due to an abdominal disorder, associated with a markedly high serum CA19-9
      level (2,172.6 U/ml). After endoscopic mucosal resection was performed, the CA19
      9 level was drastically decreased and normalized. The scanning view of
      immunohistochemical staining of CA19-9 exhibited a focal, not diffuse, positive
      expression in the hyperplastic epithelium and, especially, in the irregular and
      fused tubular glands and the mucinous material secreted into the dilated glands.
      In particular, microscopic examination of the strongly CA19-9-positive areas
      showed structurally atypical epithelium containing mildly to focal moderately
      enlarged nuclei and prominent nucleoli with loss of cellular polarity, estimated
      as adenocarcinoma. No stromal invasion was evident. Immunohistochemically,
      distinct nuclear stainings for p53 and Ki-67 were seen, occasionally conforming
      to the CA19-9-positive atypical cells, respectively, confirmed by double
      immunostaining. These hyperplastic and atypical cells were classified into the
      pure gastric phenotype by mucin histochemical methods. Based on these features,
      we finally made a conclusive diagnosis of CA19-9-producing in situ well
      differentiated adenocarcinoma of gastric type arising in hyperplastic foveolar
      polyp. We suggest that the markedly high serum CA 19-9 level could be indicative
      of carcinoma in polyp at the very least.

PMID- 22070795
TI  - 'It's easier just to separate them': practice constructions in the mental health
      care and support of younger people with dementia and their families.
AB  - There is no standard model of specialist care for younger people with dementia
      (onset before the age of 65 years) and specialist service provision varies widely
      throughout the UK. In order to gain a clearer picture about ways in which
      clinical staff work with younger people with dementia, semi-structured interviews
      were conducted with dementia care staff working in the north-west of England.
      Interviews focused on exploring daily working practices and the meaning placed on
      clinical decision making when involving family/carers in routine practice.
      Content analysis generated three core themes: (1) Maintaining Separation: how
      clinical staff conceptualize the meaning of 'family' in the provision of dementia
      care services; (2) Providing Practical Help: the focus in care provision on
      assisting families with aspects of daily life such as finances, education and
      physical care; and (3) Acknowledging the Family Context: how staff understand and
      interact with family members in an attempt to initiate care, utilizing
      biographically informed practice. By understanding how staff view their role in
      providing younger people with dementia with effective, high-quality dementia
      care, it is anticipated that a more family-centred approach can be integrated
      into already established patterns of working that more holistically meet the
      needs of this group.

PMID- 22070796
TI  - Clinical efficacy of aniracetam, either as monotherapy or combined with
      cholinesterase inhibitors, in patients with cognitive impairment: a comparative
      open study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dementia constitutes an increasingly prevalent cognitive disorder
      with serious socioeconomic implications. AIMS: In the present study, we aimed to
      evaluate the efficacy of aniracetam, either as monotherapy or combined with
      cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), in terms of several neuropsychological
      parameters, in a considerable number of patients with dementia. RESULTS: In our
      prospective, open-label study, we enrolled a total of 276 patients (mean age 71
      +/- 8 years, 95 males) with cognitive disorders. Our study population comprised
      four groups: no treatment group (n = 75), aniracetam monotherapy group (n = 58),
      ChEIs monotherapy group (n = 68), and group of combined treatment (n = 68).
      Patients were examined with validated neuropsychological tests at baseline, 3, 6,
      and 12 months of treatment. In patients treated with aniracetam, all studied
      parameters were adequately maintained at 6 and 12 months, while emotional state
      was significantly improved at 3 months. In patients treated with ChEIs, we
      observed a significant cognitive deterioration at 12 months. The comparison
      between aniracetam and ChEIs in patients with relatively mild dementia (15 <=
      MMSE <= 25) revealed a significantly better cognitive performance with aniracetam
      at 6 months and improved functionality at 3 months. Comparing aniracetam
      monotherapy with combined treatment in the same population, aniracetam performed
      better in the cognitive scale at 6 months, and displayed a notable tendency for
      enhanced mood at 12 months and improved functionality at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings indicate that aniracetam (a nootropic compound with glutamatergic
      activity and neuroprotective potential) is a promising option for patients with
      cognitive deficit of mild severity. It preserved all neuropsychological
      parameters for at least 12 months, and seemed to exert a favorable effect on
      emotional stability of demented patients.

PMID- 22070797
TI  - Working while receiving chemotherapy: a survey of patients' experiences and
      factors that influence these.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to estimate the number of patients who continue to
      work when undergoing ambulatory chemotherapy and to identify personal or
      treatment-related factors that influence this. Patients undergoing final cycles
      of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast or colorectal cancer or first-line
      chemotherapy for lymphoma at two cancer treatment centres were approached to take
      part in a cross sectional survey (n= 55, RR 55%). Sixty-four per cent (n= 35) of
      respondents were working when cancer was diagnosed. Fifty-four per cent (n= 19)
      of respondents were working when chemotherapy began but as treatment progressed
      only 29% (n= 10) continued to work in any capacity. The most important
      influencing factor when making decisions about work was the need to concentrate
      on looking after oneself. Overall, respondents found their employers and
      colleagues supportive but there was some evidence they became less supportive as
      treatment progressed. While this was a small study it highlights the need for
      health care professionals to understand patient's needs and wishes in relation to
      work while undergoing chemotherapy by including this issue as part of routine
      assessment. Strategies to allow those who wish to continue to work during
      treatment should be put in place early to support this.

PMID- 22070798
TI  - The quality of the working alliance between chronic psychiatric patients and
      their case managers: process and outcomes.
AB  - The concept of a working alliance is rooted in psychotherapy and has been studied
      extensively in that field. Much less research has been conducted into working
      alliances between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers. The aim
      of this review was to identify what is known about the working alliance between
      chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers. An extensive survey of the
      literature produced 14 articles for this review. The results of studies conducted
      show that a good working alliance has positive effects on the functioning of
      patients, and that the quality of the alliance depends on both patient
      characteristics and the behaviour of the case managers. The results also indicate
      that the working alliance is largely determined in the first 3 months of the
      contact. Further research into the development of working alliances is necessary.

PMID- 22070799
TI  - Bystander activation of iNKT cells occurs during conventional T-cell
      alloresponses.
AB  - It is well established that iNKT cells can be activated by both exogenous and a
      limited number of endogenous glycolipids. However, although iNKT cells have been
      implicated in the immune response to transplanted organs, the mechanisms by which
      iNKT cells are activated in this context remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that
      iNKT cells are not activated by allogeneic cells per se, but expand, both in
      vitro and in vivo, in the presence of a concomitant conventional T-cell response
      to alloantigen. This form of iNKT activation was found to occur independently of
      TCR-glycolipid/CD1d interactions but rather was a result of sequestration of IL-2
      produced by conventional alloreactive T cells. These results show for the first
      time that IL-2, produced by activated conventional T cells, can activate iNKT
      cells independently of glycolipid/CD1d recognition. Therefore, we propose that
      the well-documented involvement of iNKT cells in autoimmunity, the control of
      cancer as well as following transplantation need not involve recognition of
      endogenous or exogenous glycolipids but alternatively may be a consequence of
      specific adaptive immune responses.

PMID- 22070800
TI  - An examination of the health and wellbeing of childless women: a cross-sectional
      exploratory study in Victoria, Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childlessness among Australian women is increasing. Despite this,
      little is known about the physical and mental health and wellbeing of childless
      women, particularly during the reproductive years. The aims of this exploratory
      study were to: 1) describe the physical and mental health and wellbeing and
      lifestyle behaviours of childless women who are currently within the latter part
      of their reproductive years (30 - 45 years of age); and 2) compare the physical
      and mental health and wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours of these childless women
      to Australian population norms. METHODS: A convenience sample of 50 women aged
      between 30 and 45 years were recruited to participate in a computer assisted
      telephone interview. The SF-36 Health Survey v2 and lifestyle indicators were
      collected in regards to women's health and wellbeing. Data were analysed using
      descriptive statistics, t-tests for independent sample means and 95% confidence
      intervals for the difference between two independent proportions. RESULTS:
      Childless women in this study reported statistically significant poorer general
      health, vitality, social functioning and mental health when compared to the adult
      female population of Australia. With the exception of vegetable consumption,
      lifestyle behaviours were similar for the childless sample compared to the adult
      female population in Australia. CONCLUSIONS: Childless women may be at a greater
      risk of experiencing poor physical and mental health when compared to the
      Australian population. A woman's health and wellbeing during her reproductive
      years may have longer term health consequences and as such the health and
      wellbeing of childless women requires further investigation to identify and
      address implications for the provision of health (and other social) services for
      this growing population group.

PMID- 22070801
TI  - A histochemical comparison of methylene-blue/acid fuchsin with hematoxylin and
      eosin for differentiating calcification of stromal tissue.
AB  - Benign and malignant connective tissue tumors consist of a fibrous component that
      contains varying amounts of one or more types of bone or other calcified tissue.
      Diagnosis of these connective tissue tumors often poses challenges for
      pathologists, because it is difficult to differentiate the organic matrix of
      osteoid from hyalinized stroma. To establish a definitive diagnosis, it sometimes
      is advantageous to demonstrate histologically by special staining either the type
      of calcification or the presence or absence of calcification. We compared the
      efficacy of methylene blue-acid fuchsin (MB-AF) to hematoxylin and eosin (H-E)
      for connective tissue tumors suspected to contain calcifications and to devise an
      optimal staining technique for calcification that would be specific, simple, and
      cost- and time-effective. We examined 50 benign and 45 malignant connective
      tissue tumors that were suspected to contain calcifications. Sections were
      stained with H-E and MB-AF and evaluated. MB-AF stained bone pink, which
      contrasted with blue soft tissue. After MB-AF staining, osteoid was faint pink in
      a blue stromal background. Osteoid was not visualized in H-E stained sections; it
      was stained the same shade of pink as stromal tissue. Dystrophic calcification
      and cementum could be identified equally well using either staining technique,
      but contrast was better after H-E staining. MB-AF staining of bone was comparable
      to H-E staining and could be used effectively to stain bone and osteoid. MB-AF is
      a simple, single step procedure. It also stains cementum blue with faint blue
      rimming and dystrophic calcification bluish-pink, but it cannot be used as a
      specific stain for types of calcification other than bone and osteoid.

PMID- 22070802
TI  - Removal of prion infectivity by affinity ligand chromatography during
      OctaplasLG(r) manufacturing--results from animal bioassay studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: OctaplasLG((r)) is a 2nd-generation virus inactivated pooled plasma
      for infusion. Prions are removed by the principle of chromatography, utilizing an
      affinity ligand gel (LG) developed for binding of prion proteins and their
      infectivity. The goal of this study was to verify, using the gold standard animal
      bioassay system, whether or not prion infectivity can be removed by the LG
      affinity step under conditions used in the routine manufacturing process.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aliquots of pooled plasma were spiked with a
      microsomal/cytosolic (MIC) fraction of brain-derived hamster-adapted scrapie 263K
      and subjected to the OctaplasLG((r)) manufacturing process. Validated Western
      blot tests and animal bioassays studies were performed to determine the
      logarithmic reduction factors (RF) and the prion infectivity binding capacity.
      RESULTS: Bioassay studies demonstrated different logarithmic RFs (i.e. 1.73 and
      0.76 log(10)) at two different plasma-to-resin ratios, the latter one
      representing the actual manufacturing ratio of 100:1, which can be explained by
      the differences in the study design. However, both bioassay studies showed a
      reproducible and high prion infectivity binding capacity of >=5.64 log(10)
      ID(50)/ml gel. CONCLUSION: Bioassay studies confirmed the capacity of the LG to
      bind brain-derived MIC prion proteins spiked into plasma. Even through
      infectivity was still detected following passage over the LG, this can be
      attributed to the high loads used in the study design, and the binding capacity
      of the LG still ensures a significant safety margin--binding the prion agents at
      the levels of prion infectivity that might be present in plasma and beyond.

PMID- 22070803
TI  - Influence of customized composite resin fibreglass posts on the mechanics of
      restored treated teeth.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the dentine/cement/post interface of
      a maxillary central incisor using the finite element method and to compare the
      stresses exerted using conventional or customized post cementation techniques.
      METHODOLOGY: Four models of a maxillary central incisor were created using
      fibreglass posts cemented with several techniques: FGP1, a 1-mm-diameter
      conventionally cemented post; CFGP1, a 1-mm-diameter customized composite resin
      post; FGP2, a 2-mm-diameter conventionally cemented post; CFGP2, a 2-mm-diameter
      customized composite resin post. A distributed load of 1N was applied to the
      lingual aspect of the tooth at 45 degrees  to its long axis. Additionally,
      polymerization shrinkage of 1% was simulated for the resin cement. The surface of
      the periodontal ligament was fixed in the three axes (X =Y = Z = 0). The maximum
      principal stress (sigma(max) ), minimum principal stress (sigma(min)), equivalent
      von Mises stress (sigma(vM) ) and shear stress (sigma(shear)) were calculated for
      the dentine/cement/post interface using finite element software. RESULTS: The
      peak of sigma(max) for the cement layer occurred first in CFGP1 (1.77 MPa),
      followed by CFGP2 (0.99), FGP2 (0.44) and FGP1 (0.2). The shrinkage stress
      (sigma(vM) ) of the cement layer occurred as follows: FGP1 (35 MPa), FGP2 (34),
      CFGP1 (30.7) and CFGP2 (30.1). CONCLUSIONS: Under incisal loading, the cement
      layer of customized posts had higher stress concentrations. The conventional
      posts showed higher stress because of polymerization shrinkage.

PMID- 22070804
TI  - Practical synthesis of 2-keto-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galactononulosonic acid (KDN).
AB  - Reaction of propargylmagnesium bromide with 2,3;5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D
      mannonolactone followed by highly stereoselective reduction of the so-formed
      lactol with sodium borohydride gives a syn-diol from which practical syntheses of
      2-keto-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galactononulosonic acid (KDN) and various partially
      protected derivatives have been achieved all of which feature the oxidative
      unmasking of the alpha-keto acid moiety from the alkyne.

PMID- 22070806
TI  - Systemic and central immunity in Alzheimer's disease: therapeutic implications.
AB  - Clinical pharmaceutical trials aimed at modulating the immune system in
      Alzheimer's Disease have largely focused on either dampening down central
      proinflammatory innate immunity or have manipulated adaptive immunity to
      facilitate the removal of centrally deposited beta amyloid. To date, these trials
      have had mixed clinical therapeutic effects. However, a number of clinical
      studies have demonstrated disturbances of both systemic and central innate
      immunity in Alzheimer's Disease and attention has been drawn to the close
      communication pathways between central and systemic immunity. This paper
      highlights the need to take into account the potential systemic effects of drugs
      aimed at modulating central immunity and the possibility of developing novel
      therapeutic approaches based on the manipulation of systemic immunity and its
      communication with the central nervous system.

PMID- 22070824
TI  - Immunoprecipitation of equine CD molecules using anti-human MABs previously
      analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
AB  - Earlier studies investigating the cross-reactivity of antibodies submitted to the
      HLDA8 had used flow cytometry as a method of choice to screen mAbs for reactivity
      with equine leukocytes, including two-color flow-cytometry to characterize the
      lymphocyte population they detect. In addition, immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was
      used to detect distribution of positive cells in lymphoid tissue sections. In
      this study we performed immunoprecipitation (IP) to complement the previous
      results and add valuable information regarding the molecules detected by the
      cross-reacting antibodies. Surface molecules from primary equine PBMC or the
      equine cell line T8888 were biotinylated prior to precipitation to determine the
      molecular weight of the corresponding molecules in a western blot using
      streptavidin-AP. 21 out of 24 mAbs precipitated the molecules with a MW
      corresponding to its human orthologue. Positive mAbs were directed against CD2,
      CD5, CD11a, CD11b, CD14, CD18, CD21, CD44, CD83, CD91, CD172a, MHCI and MHCII.
      Three mAbs directed against CD49d, CD163, and CD206 which were unambiguously
      identified earlier by flow cytometry failed to immunoprecipitate the
      corresponding CD molecule. MAbs detecting CD molecules which are expressed
      internally like CD68 and mAbs of IgM class could not be included into this
      approach.

PMID- 22070805
TI  - Childhood internalizing behaviour: analysis and implications.
AB  - The concept of 'internalizing behaviour' reflects a child's emotional or
      psychological state and typically includes depressive disorders, anxiety
      disorders, somatic complaints and teenage suicide. Genetic and environmental
      causes have been largely implicated, although research continues to explore
      social etiological factors. Some research suggests females may be especially
      vulnerable to internalizing disorders, while data across ethnicities are somewhat
      variable. Regarding treatment, cognitive-behavioural therapies and use of
      pharmacological approaches (i.e. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have
      both shown great promise in reducing symptoms of internalizing disorders.
      However, given the role of the social environment, prevention programmes aimed at
      reducing exposure to drugs, violence/abuse and environmental toxins are highly
      important. Internalizing disorders are associated with a host of deleterious
      outcomes (e.g. school drop-out, substance use and potentially suicide) as well as
      psychopathological outcomes (e.g. co-morbid anxiety or depression, externalizing
      disorders - including suicide). Children with mental health problems suffer
      educationally and are more likely to become entangled in the justice and welfare
      systems. Clearly, early treatment and prevention programmes for internalizing
      disorders need to be a priority from a public health perspective as well as from
      a family and community perspective.

PMID- 22070825
TI  - Somatic hypermutation leads to diversification of the heavy chain immunoglobulin
      repertoire in cattle.
AB  - The availability of unique variable (VH), diversity (D), and joining (JH) gene
      segments in the vertebrate germline determines the extent to which a primary
      immunoglobulin (Ig) repertoire can be generated through combinatorial
      rearrangement. Although bovine D segments possess unusual properties, the
      diversity of the primary Ig heavy chain (IgH) repertoire in cattle is restricted
      by the dominance of a single family of germline VH genes of limited number and
      diversity. Cattle therefore must employ other diversification strategies in order
      to generate a functional IgH repertoire, the main candidates being gene
      conversion and somatic hypermutation. In considering these possibilities, we
      predicted that if somatic hypermutation was active during B lymphocyte
      development, the process would introduce nucleotide substitutions to the VDJ exon
      and also non-coding region lying downstream of the rearranged JH segment. In
      contrast, our expectation was that gene conversion would show a greater tendency
      to confine modification to the IgH coding sequence, leaving intron regions
      substantially unmodified. An analysis of rearranged IgH sequences from cattle of
      different ages revealed that the diversification of germline sequences could be
      observed in very young calves and that substitution frequency increased with age.
      The age-dependent accumulation of mutations was particularly apparent in the
      second IgH complementarity-determining region (CDR2). Single base substitutions
      were found to predominate, with purines targeted more frequently than pyrimidines
      and transitions favoured over transversions. In non-coding regions, mutations
      were detected at a normalised frequency that was indistinguishable from that
      observed in CDR2. These data are consistent with a process of IgH diversification
      driven predominantly by somatic hypermutation.

PMID- 22070826
TI  - Differences in the peripheral immune response between lambs and adult ewes
      experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.
AB  - The peripheral immune response, and its relationship with the outcome of the
      infection according to the age of the animal, has been investigated in young
      lambs and adult ewes experimentally infected with two different doses of
      Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). Sixteen 1.5-month-old
      lambs out of 24 and 23 adult ewes out of 30 were orally challenged with an ovine
      Map field isolate. Animals were divided into two groups: HD, infected with a
      higher dose of Map and LD, with a lower dose. The remaining animals were used as
      uninfected control groups. Animals were euthanized at 110-120 and 210-220 days
      post-infection (dpi). Along the experiment, the humoral response and the specific
      and non-specific IFN-gamma production were assessed. An intradermal skin test
      (IDT), using avian PPD, was also performed at 90 and 195 dpi. Samples of
      intestine and related lymphoid tissue were taken for histological,
      bacteriological and PCR studies. The Ab and IFN-gamma production as well as the
      IDT response appeared earlier and with more intensity in the adult ewes compared
      to the lambs. The basal non-specific IFN-gamma levels increased only in the adult
      ewes from the HD group. Animals from the LD and HD groups were positive to PCR;
      however, lesions consistent with paratuberculosis were exclusively observed in
      the HD group, both in lambs and in adult sheep, but they only progressed to more
      advanced stages in the former. These results suggest that the peripheral immune
      response induced by Map infection in the adult ewes is more efficient to control
      the progression of the infection than in lambs. This could likely be due to the
      existence of previous contacts with Map or other mycobacteria in the adult sheep
      compared to the young lambs.

PMID- 22070828
TI  - T-wave alternans immediately after an acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22070827
TI  - Plasma ADAMTS13, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and VWF propeptide profiles in
      patients with DIC and related diseases.
AB  - ADAMTS13, endothelial von Willebrand factor (VWF) and related proteins are
      involved in the pathogenesis of some life threatening systemic thrombotic
      coagulopathies. Changes of plasma ADAMTS13 activity in thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is well known but is also involved in septic
      disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Here we investigated the ADAMTS13
      activity, VWF and VWF propeptide (VWFpp) antigens in 69 patients with DIC, 143
      with non-DIC, 21 with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and 23 with
      atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) for diagnosis of DIC. The plasma
      ADAMTS13 activity was significantly low in patients with DIC, and the plasma
      levels of VWF and VWFpp antigens, were the highest in these patients, but there
      were no significant differences in the plasma VWFpp levels between the patients
      with DIC and those with aHUS. The difference in the plasma ADAMTS13 activity, the
      VWF and VWFpp antigens between DIC and non-DIC cases was significant in those
      with infectious and malignant diseases, but the difference in the VWFpp/ VWF
      ratio were significant only in subjects with infectious diseases. As an indicator
      for prognosis, the plasma levels of VWFpp were significantly higher in non
      survivors than in survivors. Then, VWFpp/ VWF ratio and VWFpp/ADAMATS13 ratio
      will be potent informative indicators in DIC. These findings suggest that
      ADAMTS13/VWF profiles may have important roles in the pathogenesis of DIC, and
      that ADAMTS13 and VWFpp are useful indicators for the diagnosis and prognosis of
      DIC.

PMID- 22070829
TI  - Crosslinked cellulose developed by CuAAC, a route to new materials.
AB  - This work deals with a novel and simple approach of cellulose reticulation using
      the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, also known as a 'click chemistry'
      reaction, catalysed by copper and developed by Sharpless. This reaction is
      carried out by the addition of a true alkyne and an azide to form a triazole ring
      connecting the two polysaccharide chains. The addition of two different functions
      will allow us to control the crosslinking reaction, to avoid intra-chain
      reactions and thus to promote the creation of an enhanced three-dimensional
      network. Azidodeoxycellulose was obtained with a DS of 1.5 from tosyl cellulose.
      The propargylation reaction in aqueous media leading to propargylcellulose with a
      DS of 1.3. CuAAC reaction was performed between azidodeoxycellulose and
      propargylcellulose in a DMSO/H(2)O system using CuSO(4), 5H(2)O/sodium ascorbate
      as catalytic system. The modified cellulose products were analysed by infrared,
      NMR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies and resulting material was analysed
      using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

PMID- 22070830
TI  - Structures of building blocks in clusters of sweetpotato amylopectin.
AB  - phi,beta-Limit dextrins of domains and clusters of sweetpotato amylopectin were
      subjected to extensive hydrolysis by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase to
      release building blocks and reveal the internal structures of clusters. The
      composition of building blocks was analyzed by size-fractionation, gel permeation
      chromatography, and high performance anion exchange chromatography. Different
      domains and clusters had structurally similar building blocks with around three
      chains per building block and internal chain length around 2.9. Singly branched
      and doubly branched building blocks were the largest and second largest groups in
      the clusters. Type A clusters had more large building blocks and contained 5-6
      blocks per cluster with an inter-block chain length (IB-CL) of 7.0, whereas type
      B clusters had less large building blocks and contained 3-4 blocks per cluster
      with IB-CL 7.9. Models on how the building blocks could be organized into type A
      and type B clusters are discussed.

PMID- 22070831
TI  - Extraction of cellulose-synthesizing activity of Gluconacetobacter xylinus by
      alkylmaltoside.
AB  - This study reinvestigated the synthesis of cellulose in vitro with a well-known
      cellulose-producing bacterium, Gluconacetobacter xylinus. Alkylmaltoside
      detergents, which are more frequently used in recent structural biological
      researches, are uniquely used in this study to solubilize cellulose-synthesizing
      activity from the cell membrane of G. xylinus. Activity comparable to that
      previously reported is obtained, while the synthesized cellulose is crystallized
      into a non-native polymorph of cellulose (cellulose II) as well as the previous
      studies. In spite of this failure to recover the native activity to synthesize
      cellulose I microfibril in vitro, the product is a polymer with a degree of
      polymerization greater than 45 as determined by matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). It was thus
      concluded that the established protocol can solubilize cellulose-synthesizing
      activity of G. xylinus with polymerizing activity.

PMID- 22070832
TI  - Photochemical conversion of the o-nitrobenzyl-C-glucoside to a sugar lactone.
AB  - A new family of activated glycosidic compounds has been designed and synthesized:
      (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-nitrophenylmethane (1). It is
      stable in conditions commonly used for synthesis, and it can be converted to a
      sugar lactone derivative merely by photoirradiation (lambda=365 nm): 2,3,4,6
      tetra-O-acetyl-D-glucono-1,5-lactone (2). A mechanism for the reaction is
      proposed. The photochemical conversion of 1 in the presence of methanol has also
      been demonstrated, giving rise to methyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-D-gluconate (3).

PMID- 22070833
TI  - Reconstruction of defects of maxillary sinus wall after removal of a huge
      odontogenic lesion using prebended 3D titanium-mesh and CAD/CAM technique.
AB  - A 63 year-old male with a huge odontogenic lesion of sinus maxillaris was treated
      with computer-assisted surgery. After resection of the odontogenic lesion, the
      sinus wall was reconstructed with a prebended 3D titanium-mesh using CAD/CAM
      technique. This work provides a new treatment device for maxillary reconstruction
      via rapid prototyping procedures.

PMID- 22070834
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- 22070836
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. Developed in collaboration with the American Association
      for Thoracic Surgery, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and Society of
      Thoracic Surgeons.

PMID- 22070838
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22070839
TI  - Load redistribution after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital
      flexor tendon in adult horses.
AB  - Summary   An analysis of joint moments was used to study the biomechanical
      implications, load redistribution and kinematic pattern following desmotomy of
      the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL) in adult horses.
      Recordings of 6 sound horses were made before and 10 days after desmotomy of the
      AL of the right forelimb at the walk and the trot. Kinematic recordings of the
      right forelimb and the left distal forelimb were made using the CODA-3 system.
      Kinetic recordings of the ground reaction forces in both forelimbs were made
      using a Kistler force plate simultaneously with the kinematic recordings.
      Radiographic localisation of the CODA-3 markers in both distal limbs allowed an
      analysis of coffin and fetlock joint moments, moment arms and forces in the
      digital flexor tendons. No transfer of load from the operated to the
      contralateral limb was found. In the operated limb the total joint moment of the
      coffin joint decreased substantially due to a reduced moment arm of the vertical
      ground reaction force component during the entire stance phase, while the fetlock
      joint moment decreased only slightly. To compensate for the loss of AL function,
      the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) took a higher load during midstance,
      while at the end of the stance phase, the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT)
      carried a higher load with a marked load peak just before heel off. While the
      compensation was adequate during midstance (no changes in maximal hyperextension
      of the fetlock joint), a prolonged hyperextension of the fetlock joint together
      with a rapid flexion at the start of the swing phase indicated that the DDFT was
      unable to compensate completely for the loss of AL function. It was concluded
      that the changes in total joint moments and increases in loading of the SDFT and
      DDFT allow locomotion without serious overloading of the compensating tendons
      following AL desmotomy.

PMID- 22070840
TI  - Biomechanical effects of rocker-toed shoes in sound horses.
AB  - Summary   In many Western European countries rocker-toed shoes are applied
      routinely in sound horses. This is in contrast to most Anglo-Saxon countries
      where rocker-toed shoes are used almost exclusively for corrective or orthopaedic
      shoeing. The purposes of rocker-toed shoes are to hasten or facilitate breakover,
      or to encourage breakover to occur at the centre of the toe. This study compares
      the biomechanical effects of rocker-toed shoes with standard flat shoes in twelve
      sound Dutch warmblood horses, using a modified CODA-3 gait analysis system and a
      force plate. The variables analysed were speed of breakover, the moment of force
      in the coffin joint which is related to the 'ease' of breakover, the flight arc
      of the hoof in the sagittal and horizontal planes and some more general linear,
      temporal and angular stride characteristics.   No differences between rocker-toed
      shoes and standard flat shoes were found with respect to the duration or ease of
      breakover or the proximity of breakover to the centre of the toe. It is concluded
      that rocker-toed shoes do not influence the stride characteristics of sound Dutch
      warmblood horses, and the findings of this study showed no objective grounds for
      the use of rocker-toed shoes in sound horses.   This study was financially
      supported by Interpolis Paardenverzekeringen.

PMID- 22070841
TI  - Are kinematics of the walk related to the locomotion of a warmblood horse at the
      trot?
AB  - Summary   In purchase examinations or at studbook selection sales the locomotor
      apparatus of horses is judged both at walk and trot. To evaluate whether
      kinematics of the walk are related to the locomotion at the trot, fore and hind
      limb movements of a group of 24 26-month-old warmbloods were recorded at walk and
      trot on a treadmill (1.6 and 4 m/s) using a modified CODA-3 gait analysis system.
      The intralimb coordination patterns at walk and trot were compared, and temporal
      and spatial variables of these gaits were related. Stride and stance durations
      (s) were shorter at the trot, while the stance distance (m) and swing duration
      (s) remained the same. Moreover, the pattern of the joint angle-time curves at
      walk and trot looked rather similar, though shifted to the left at trot because
      of the shorter relative stance duration. During the stance phase, the shoulder,
      stifle and tarsal joints were more flexed throughout, while the carpal and
      fetlock joints were more maximally extended in the trot than in the walk. In the
      swing phase, the elbow, carpal, stifle, and tarsal joints were more flexed
      because of the higher 'operating' speed at the trot compared to the walk. All
      other kinematic variables at the trot could be predicted from the mean +/- 1sd of
      the values recorded at the walk. Moreover, nearly all kinematic variables at the
      walk correlated well with those at the trot, while variables indicating gait
      quality of the walk were similar to the ones identified previously for the trot.
      In conclusion, kinematics recorded at the walk in a group of horses were similar
      to and thus predictive for locomotion at the trot providing the decreased stance
      duration and the increased speed of the trot are taken into consideration.

PMID- 22070842
TI  - Thrombosis of the aorta and the caudal arteries in the horse; Additional
      diagnostics and a new surgical treatment.
AB  - Summary   The prognosis of aortic-iliac thrombosis (TAI) is usually considered to
      be poor, although affected horses are reported to have recovered following
      treatment with sodium gluconate. This paper presents some diagnostic techniques
      to monitor the development of hypoxemia in the diseased limb and to visualise the
      extension of the thrombosis into the femoral artery. Also, a surgical technique
      using a Fogarty(r) thrombectomy catheter for partial or total removal of thrombi
      to restore blood flow, is described.   One horse recovered completely, allowing
      it to resume its former career, the other horse improved. The preliminary results
      of surgical interference in horses with TAI are promising.

PMID- 22070843
TI  - Computed tomography and treatment of chronic temporomandibular joint arthritis in
      a sheep.
AB  - Summary   Diagnostic imaging and treatment of destructive right temporomandibular
      joint (TMJ) arthritis in a sheep are discussed. Computed tomography (CT) appears
      to be an attractive technique for imaging TMJ lesions in sheep. Surgical
      curettage of a deformed TMJ can result in functional recovery.

PMID- 22070844
TI  - The diagnostic nerve block of the sesamoidean nerve: Desensitized structures and
      possible clinical applications.
AB  - Summary   The sesamoidean nerve branches from the palmar nerve and runs towards
      the proximal sesamoid bone. To study the structures innervated by this nerve, a
      technique for blocking it was developed. The effect of this nerve block was
      determined in ponies with an induced lameness located in the lateral proximal
      sesamoid bone (5 ponies) or in the distal part of the lateral branch of the
      suspensory ligament (5 ponies), and in 10 horses with clinical sesamoidosis.   A
      lameness provoked by the implantation of an expansion plug in the proximal
      sesamoid bone could, to a large extent, be anaesthetized by a sesamoidean nerve
      block. However, lameness due to a local tendonitis in the lateral branch of the
      suspensory ligament, was only partially eliminated by a sesamoidean nerve block.
      In horses with sesamoidosis the lameness improved, on average, by about 30%.   It
      is concluded that the sesamoidean nerve contains sensory fibres that innervate
      the proximal sesamoid bone. The sesamoidean nerve block is highly specific for
      pain originating from the proximal sesamoid bone including the adjacent distal
      part of the extensor branch of the suspensory ligament. In horses suffering from
      sesamoidosis the main source of pain appears not to be located in the proximal
      sesamoid bone.   The specificity of the sesamoidean nerve block makes it a useful
      technique for differentiating the site of a lameness located in the fetlock area.
      In full compliance with the Act on Animal Experiments, this study was evaluated
      and approved by the Ethical Committee of the Utrecht Veterinary Faculty.

PMID- 22070845
TI  - The effect of the high palmar nerve block and the ulnar nerve block on lameness
      provoked by a collagenase-induced tendonitis of the lateral branch of the
      suspensory ligament.
AB  - Summary   Controversy exists with respect to the innervation of the suspensory
      ligament (SL) in the fore limb of the horse. It is uncertain whether this
      structure is exclusively innervated by branches of the ulnar nerve or also to
      some extent by median nerve branches.   Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) were
      determined in horses before and after the induction of a tendonitis in the
      lateral branch of the SL by the injection of collagenase, and before and after a
      high palmar and an ulnar block respectively. The high palmar block succeeded in
      bringing all GRF variables back to their original values which the ulnar block
      did not. It is concluded that the SL is innervated by branches of both the ulnar
      and the median nerves, with the median nerve being relatively more important for
      the distal part of the SL.

PMID- 22070846
TI  - The effect of diagnostic regional nerve blocks in the fore limb on the locomotion
      of clinically sound horses.
AB  - Summary   The practice of applying diagnostic nerve blocks relies on the
      assumption that the blocks in themselves do not alter the horse' s gait. This
      assumption has recently been challenged. In the present paper a series of
      sequential nerve blocks (low palmar digital block, abaxial sesamoid block, high
      palmar block) was applied to clinically sound horses. Before and after each block
      the gait was clinically scored and Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) were measured.
      Clinical scoring did not change after any of the nerve blocks. None of the GRF
      variables changed significantly except for a slight alteration of the time at
      which the longitudinal GRF changed from a decelerative to a propulsive force. It
      is concluded that the basic assumption that diagnostic nerve blocks do not
      essentially alter the gait of a sound horse is correct.

PMID- 22070847
TI  - Bioavailability of pivampicillin and ampicillin trihydrate administered as an
      oral paste in horses.
AB  - Summary   Pivampicillin was administered as an oral paste to five healthy adult
      horses, and an oral paste with ampicillin trihydrate was administered to three
      horses. Pivampicillin was administered to both starved and fed horses, ampicillin
      trihydrate was administered to fed horses only: The dose of pivampicillin was
      19.9 mg/kg, and the dose of ampicillin trihydrate was 17 mg/kg. Both doses are
      equivalent on a molecular basis to 15 mg/kg ampicillin. Ampicillin concentrations
      in plasma were determined up to 24 hours after administration. After
      administration of pivampicillin to starved and fed horses the mean areas under
      the plasma concentration-time curve (AUCs) were 23.0 and 19.3 MUg.h.ml(-1),
      respectively. After administration of ampicillintrihydrate to fed horses the mean
      AUC was 0.7 MUg.h.ml(-1). The peak plasma concentrations were 4.8, 6.7, and 0.1
      MUg/ml, after administration of pivampicillin to starved and fed horses and of
      ampicillin trihydrate to fed horses, respectively. There was no statistically
      significant difference in peak plasma concentration or AUC between pivampicillin
      administered to starved or fed horses. It is concluded that pivampicillin
      administered as an oral paste at a dose of 19.9 mg/kg gives satisfactory plasma
      concentrations in both starved and fed horses, whereas ampicillin trihydrate
      produces negligible plasma concentrations. Pivampicillin binds to feedstuffs at
      the pH found in the horse's stomach and small intestine. After incubation for 6h
      at pH 6, approximately 15% remains in solution, and after incubation for 3h at pH
      1.9, approximately 40% remains in solution. Ampicillin, which binds to feedstuffs
      to a lesser extent, has a lower bioavailability than pivampicillin. Therefore,
      binding to feedstuffs does not seem to be a critical factor in the absorption of
      aminopenicillins.

PMID- 22070849
TI  - Factors affecting assessment of severity of aggressive incidents: using the Staff
      Observation Aggression Scale - Revised (SOAS-R) in Japan.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated with overall
      judgements of aggression severity as provided by ward nurses, using the Japanese
      language version of the Staff Observation Aggression Scale - Revised (SOAS-R).
      Nurses who observed 326 aggressive incidents involving psychiatric inpatients at
      five mental health facilities in Japan provided their assessments of the incident
      severity both on the established rating scale, the SOAS-R, and on a visual
      analogue scale (VAS), a one-item scale to indicate overall aggression severity.
      To evaluate the factors influencing the VAS severity scores, a multiple
      regression analysis was performed, in which consumer, nurse and ward
      characteristics were added consecutively, along with SOAS-R severity scores as
      independent variables. SOAS-R scores explained 17.6% of the VAS severity scores.
      Independently from the SOAS-R scores, the gender and age of the aggressive
      consumers (adjusted R(2) = 10.0%), as well as the gender of the nurses who
      reported the aggression (adjusted R(2) = 4.1%), each explained VAS severity score
      to a significant degree. Apart from the SOAS-R scores, consumer and nurse
      characteristics appeared to influence the overall judgements of severity of
      aggressive incidents, which may be connected to decisions about the use of
      coercive measures, such as seclusion/restraint or forced medication.

PMID- 22070850
TI  - Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity of Phaleria macrocarpa (Boerl.)
      Scheff Fruit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl (Thymelaceae) originates from
      Papua Island, Indonesia and grows in tropical areas. The different parts of the
      fruit of P. macrocarpa were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
      cytotoxic activities. METHODS: Phaleria macrocarpa fruit were divided into
      pericarp, mesocarp and seed. All parts of the fruit were reflux extracted with
      methanol. The antioxidant activity of the extracts were characterized in various
      in vitro model systems such as FTC, TBA, DPPH radical, reducing power and NO
      radical. Anti-inflammatory assays were done by using NO production by macrophage
      RAW 264.7 cell lines induced by LPS/IFN-gamma and cytotoxic activities were
      determined by using several cancer cell lines and one normal cell line RESULTS:
      The results showed that different parts (pericarp, mesocarp, and seed) of
      Phaleria macrocarpa fruit contain various amount of total phenolic (59.2 +/-
      0.04, 60.5 +/- 0.17, 47.7 +/- 1.04 mg gallic acid equivalent/g DW) and flavonoid
      compounds (161.3 +/- 1.58, 131.7 +/- 1.66, 35.9 +/- 2.47 mg rutin equivalent/g
      DW). Pericarp and mesocarp showed high antioxidant activities by using DPPH
      (71.97%, 62.41%), ferric reducing antioxidant power (92.35%, 78.78%) and NO
      scavenging activity (65.68%, 53.45%). Ferric thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid
      tests showed appreciable antioxidant activity in the percentage hydroperoxides
      inhibitory activity from pericarp and mesocarp in the last day of the assay.
      Similarly, the pericarp and mesocarp inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthesis
      with values of 63.4 +/- 1.4% and 69.5 +/- 1.4% in macrophage RAW 264.7 cell lines
      induced by LPS/IFN-gamma indicating their notable anti-inflammatory potential.
      Cytotoxic activities against HT-29, MCF-7, HeLa and Chang cell lines were
      observed in all parts. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated the possible
      application of P. macrocarpa fruit as a source of bioactive compounds, potent as
      an antioxidant, anti inflammatory and cytotoxic agents.

PMID- 22070851
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor 23 and the bone-vascular axis: lessons learned from
      animal studies.
AB  - Calcification of arteries and cardiac valves is observed commonly in dialysis
      patients and represents a major determinant of the heightened cardiovascular risk
      observed during chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Recent advances from
      clinical and basic science studies suggest that vascular calcification should be
      considered a systemic disease in which pathologic processes occurring in the bone
      and kidney contribute to calcium deposition in the vasculature. Among the factors
      potentially involved in the vascular-bone axis dysregulation associated with CKD,
      there now is increasing interest in the role of the phosphaturic hormone
      fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). Increased FGF-23 plasma levels are observed
      with a decrease in kidney function and predict the risk of future cardiovascular
      mortality. However, clinical data are still unclear about whether a direct
      pathogenetic effect of FGF-23 on vascular/kidney/bone health exists. In the last
      few years, a series of basic science studies, performed using engineered mice,
      have contributed important pathophysiologic information about FGF-23 activities.
      This review summarizes findings from these studies and discusses the potential
      role of FGF-23 during the pathologic interplay between kidney, vessels, and bone
      in CKD.

PMID- 22070852
TI  - Parental influence on adolescent smoking cessation: is there a gender difference?
AB  - We examined the association of parental disapproval of adolescent smoking and
      parental smoking status, with past smoking quit behaviors among daily-smoking,
      high school-aged adolescents, and also tested whether these associations differ
      for boys and girls. Adolescent regular smokers (N=253) completed questions on
      smoking behaviors, past smoking cessation behaviors, parental disapproval of
      smoking, and parental smoking. Past smoking cessation behaviors were defined as
      "the number of quit attempts that lasted longer than 24 hours" and "the longest
      number of days of abstinence". Logistic regression analyses showed that for all
      adolescents, even having one smoking parent was associated with decreased odds of
      being abstinent for longer than 2 days. However, for girls, not having any
      smoking parents was associated with greater duration of abstinence (>2 weeks).
      Having both parents, compared with not having any parents disapprove of smoking,
      was associated with greater number of quit attempts in boys, but this effect was
      not found in girls. The results indicate that parents have a salient role in
      adolescent smoking cessation behaviors, and this association appears to be gender
      specific. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms that
      explain gender differences in parental influence on adolescent smoking cessation
      behaviors.

PMID- 22070853
TI  - Single stage and multistage classification models for the prediction of liver
      fibrosis degree in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.
AB  - Predicting significant fibrosis or cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C virus
      has persistently preoccupied the research agenda of many specialized research
      centers. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the use of readily
      available laboratory tests to predict significant fibrosis or cirrhosis with the
      purpose to substantially reduce the number of biopsies performed. Although many
      of them reported significant predictive values of several serum markers for the
      diagnosis of cirrhosis, none of these diagnostic techniques was successful in
      accurately predicting early stages of liver fibrosis. Therefore, in this study a
      single stage classification model and a multistage stepwise classification model
      based on Neural Network, Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, and Nearest
      Neighborhood clustering, have been developed to predict individual's liver
      fibrosis degree. Results showed that the area under the receiver operator curve
      (AUROC) values of the multistage model ranged from 0.874 to 0.974 which is a
      higher range than what is reported in current researches with similar conditions.

PMID- 22070854
TI  - Risk factors associated with altered fetal growth in patients with pregestational
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors for abnormal fetal growth in patients with
      pregestational diabetic mellitus (DM). METHODS: A retrospective study was
      performed in 336 patients with pregestational DM. Small-for-gestational-age (SGA)
      and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants were defined as newborns with birth
      weights < 10th percentile and > 90th percentile, respectively. Logistic
      regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for SGA and LGA.
      RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of the patients with pregestational DM revealed a
      significant difference between patients who delivered SGA and appropriate-for
      gestational-age (AGA) infants in terms of retinopathy (OR = 5.73, 95%CI = 1.39
      23.59) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) before delivery (OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.68 -
      0.94, with a 0.1% increase in DCCT unit). Multivariate analysis revealed a
      significant difference between patients who delivered LGA and AGA infants in
      terms of primipara (OR = 3.40, 95%CI = 1.47-7.87) and HbA1C before delivery (OR =
      1.14, 95%CI = 1.07-1.21, with a 0.1% increase in DCCT unit). CONCLUSIONS: HbA1C
      before delivery influenced both SGA and LGA infants in patients with
      pregestational DM. Tight glycemic control might be harmful to fetal growth in
      pregestational diabetic patients, especially when complicated with retinopathy.

PMID- 22070855
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging to guide surgical practice.

PMID- 22070856
TI  - Feasibility of non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography for imaging
      upper extremity vasculature prior to vascular access creation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Preoperative mapping of arterial and venous anatomy helps to prevent
      postoperative complications after vascular access creation. The use of gadolinium
      in contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has been linked to
      nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate non-contrast-enhanced (NCE) MRA for
      assessment of upper extremity and central vasculature and to compare it with CE
      MRA. METHODS: NCE and CE-MRA images were acquired in 10 healthy volunteers and 15
      patients with ESRD. In each data set, two observers analysed 11 arterial and 16
      venous segments with regard to image quality (0-4), presence of artefacts (0-2)
      and vessel-to-background ratio. RESULTS: More arterial segments were depicted
      using CE-MRA compared to NCE-MRA (99% vs. 96%, p = 0.001) with mean image quality
      of 3.80 vs. 2.68, (p < 0.001) and mean vessel-to-background ratio of 6.47 vs.
      4.14 (p < 0.001). Ninety-one percent of the venous segments were portrayed using
      NCE-MRA vs. 80% using CE-MRA (p < 0.001). Mean image quality and vessel-to
      background ratio were 2.41 vs. 2.21 (p = 0.140) and 5.13 vs. 3.88 (p < 0.001),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although arterial image quality and vessel-to
      background ratios were lower, NCE-MRA is considered a feasible alternative to CE
      MRA in patients with ESRD who need imaging of the upper extremity and central
      vasculature prior to dialysis access creation.

PMID- 22070857
TI  - Synthesis of a new class of beta-iodo N-alkenyl 2-pyridones.
AB  - A new method for the synthesis of beta-iodo N-alkenyl 2-pyridones from
      substituted 2-propargyloxypyridines has been discovered . These compounds present
      a unique complement of orthogonal functionality and structural characteristics
      that are unavailable via other routes. The ready access to these compounds
      renders them an important entry point for the preparation of more complex N-alkyl
      pyridone-containing targets.

PMID- 22070858
TI  - Activity of oritavancin and comparators in vitro against standard and high
      inocula of Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - In this study, the impact of inoculum density on the growth inhibitory and
      killing activities of oritavancin and comparators (vancomycin, daptomycin and
      linezolid) in vitro against four Staphylococcus aureus strains at clinically
      relevant drug concentrations was studied. Broth microdilution and time-kill
      assays were performed using a standard inoculum [ca. 10(5)colony-forming units
      (CFU)/mL as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines]
      and a high inoculum (ca. 10(7)CFU/mL). Whereas minimal inhibitory concentrations
      (MICs) of comparators were 2-8-fold higher when tested at high inoculum,
      oritavancin MICs were 16-fold higher for all strains at the high inoculum
      relative to the standard inoculum. However, in time-kill assays, when tested at
      its fC(min) [trough concentration of free (non-protein-bound) drug] and fC(max)
      (peak concentration of non-protein-bound drug), oritavancin retained its
      bactericidal activity against a vancomycin-susceptible, meticillin-susceptible S.
      aureus (VS-MSSA) strain and a vancomycin-susceptible, meticillin-resistant S.
      aureus (VS-MRSA) strain both at standard and high inocula. At its fC(max),
      oritavancin was bactericidal at standard inoculum but not at high inoculum
      against two vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strains. Against both VISA
      strains at standard inoculum, oritavancin at its fC(min) reduced cell density by
      between 2 and 3 log (bacteriostatic), predicting that it will retain activity
      against certain VISA infections. However, oritavancin had no substantial growth
      inhibitory effect against either VISA strain at high inoculum, suggesting that in
      rare VISA infections with an anticipated high bacterial burden such as
      endocarditis, alternative oritavancin dosing strategies, including combinations
      with other agents, may be explored.

PMID- 22070859
TI  - Investigation of the effect of power ultrasound on the nucleation of water during
      freezing of agar gel samples in tubing vials.
AB  - Nucleation, as an important stage of freezing process, can be induced by the
      irradiation of power ultrasound. In this study, the effect of irradiation
      temperature (-2  degrees C, -3  degrees C, -4  degrees C and -5  degrees C),
      irradiation duration (0s, 1s, 3s, 5s, 10s or 15s) and ultrasound intensity (0.07
      W cm(-2), 0.14 W cm(-2), 0.25 W cm(-2), 0.35 W cm(-2) and 0.42 W cm(-2)) on the
      dynamic nucleation of ice in agar gel samples was studied. The samples were
      frozen in an ethylene glycol-water mixture (-20  degrees C) in an ultrasonic bath
      system after putting them into tubing vials. Results indicated that ultrasound
      irradiation is able to initiate nucleation at different supercooled temperatures
      (from -5  degrees C to -2  degrees C) in agar gel if optimum intensity and
      duration of ultrasound were chosen. Evaluation of the effect of 0.25 W cm(-2)
      ultrasound intensity and different durations of ultrasound application on agar
      gels showed that 1s was not long enough to induce nucleation, 3s induced the
      nucleation repeatedly but longer irradiation durations resulted in the generation
      of heat and therefore nucleation was postponed. Investigation of the effect of
      ultrasound intensity revealed that higher intensities of ultrasound were
      effective when a shorter period of irradiation was used, while lower intensities
      only resulted in nucleation when a longer irradiation time was applied. In
      addition to this, higher intensities were not effective at longer irradiation
      times due to the heat generated in the samples by the heating effect of
      ultrasound. In conclusion, the use of ultrasound as a means to control the
      crystallization process offers promising application in freezing of solid foods,
      however, optimum conditions should be selected.

PMID- 22070860
TI  - Ultrasound and ionic liquid: an efficient combination to tune the mechanism of
      alkenes epoxidation.
AB  - In this proof of concept study, the advantageous properties of both
      H(2)O(2)/NaHCO(3)/imidazole/Mn(TPP)OAc oxidation system and MOPyrroNTf(2) ionic
      liquid have been combined under ultrasonic irradiation to give an exceptionally
      favorable environment for Mn(TPP)OAc catalyzed olefin oxidations. The results
      reveal the crucial role played by the ultrasonic irradiations that influence
      drastically the oxidation process. In MOPyrroNTf(2) and under ultrasonic
      irradiation, the mechanism probably involves an oxo-manganyl intermediate at the
      expense of the classical bicarbonate-activated peroxide route.

PMID- 22070861
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding among women in Kigoma
      region, Western Tanzania: a community based cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of infants'
      lives is a cost effective intervention in saving children's lives and can avert
      13 - 15% of the 9 million deaths of children under 5 years old in resource poor
      settings. However, EBF rates have been shown to be low in resource poor settings,
      ranging between 20 and 40%. In Tanzania, the prevalence of EBF among infants
      under 6 months is 41%, with limited information on predictors of EBF. The aim of
      the study was to determine prevalence of EBF and its predictors in Kigoma
      Municipality, Western Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in
      March to May 2010 among 402 consenting women, with infants aged 6 to 12 months,
      from randomly selected households. A questionnaire was used to collect
      information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of EBF, infant feeding
      practices, and on HIV status. RESULTS: The prevalence of EBF among women in
      Kigoma Municipality was 58%. Knowledge of EBF was relatively higher (86%)
      compared to the practice. In the multivariable analysis, women with adequate
      knowledge of EBF (AOR 5.4), women who delivered at health facilities (AOR 3.0)
      and women who had no problems related to breasts, like engorgement/cracked
      nipples (AOR 6.6) were more likely to exclusively breastfeed compared to others.
      CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of EBF in Kigoma municipality was slightly higher than
      the national figure of 41%, however it was way below the EBF prevalence of 90%
      recommended by the WHO. Strategies that target improving knowledge and skills for
      lactation management among women, as well as strategies to improve health
      facility delivery, may help to improve EBF in this setting.

PMID- 22070862
TI  - The process of change in psychotherapy for depression: helping clients to
      reformulate the problem.
AB  - There is increasing interest in mental health nurses delivering structured short
      term evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
      and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT); however, while there is evidence of the
      efficacy of psychotherapy for depression, there is limited understanding of the
      treatment processes. Data were drawn from audio tapes of CBT and IPT sessions for
      treatment of depression. The transcripts of the initial, middle and final
      psychotherapy sessions of 40 clients were analysed. A thematic analysis was
      conducted to identify what was occurring in the sessions, how the client was
      describing psychotherapy and how the client was describing improvement or lack of
      improvement in depressive symptoms. There were differences in descriptions of
      therapy and the experience of depression between clients who responded and those
      who did not respond to therapy that were related to improvement in symptoms but
      not to the specific therapy. These differences were in the client's engagement
      with the language of therapy, sense of optimism about the particular model of
      psychotherapy, ability to examine their own role in the problem and desire to
      engage with new ways of being in their lives. Clients who responded to CBT or IPT
      had flexibility to develop new ways of thinking and acting, the ability to accept
      responsibility for their role in the identified problem and were willing to risk
      change.

PMID- 22070863
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22070865
TI  - Elimination versus ring opening: a convergent route to alkylidene-cyclobutanes.
AB  - Functionalized alkylidene-cyclobutanes have been prepared from 2-fluoropyridinyl
      6-oxy precursors derived from vinyl cyclobutanols by a radical addition
      elimination process. A wide range of functional groups is tolerated, and the
      alkylidene-cyclobutanes can be further elaborated into cyclopentanones. The
      limitation of this approach resides in the competition with opening of the
      cyclobutane ring.

PMID- 22070864
TI  - American ginseng suppresses Western diet-promoted tumorigenesis in model of
      inflammation-associated colon cancer: role of EGFR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Western diets increase colon cancer risk. Epidemiological evidence
      and experimental studies suggest that ginseng can inhibit colon cancer
      development. In this study we asked if ginseng could inhibit Western diet (20%
      fat) promoted colonic tumorigenesis and if compound K, a microbial metabolite of
      ginseng could suppress colon cancer xenograft growth. METHODS: Mice were
      initiated with azoxymethane (AOM) and, two weeks later fed a Western diet (WD,
      20% fat) alone, or WD supplemented with 250-ppm ginseng. After 1 wk, mice
      received 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 5 days and were sacrificed 12 wks
      after AOM. Tumors were harvested and cell proliferation measured by Ki67 staining
      and apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Levels of EGF-related signaling molecules and
      apoptosis regulators were determined by Western blotting. Anti-tumor effects of
      intraperitoneal compound K were examined using a tumor xenograft model and
      compound K absorption measured following oral ginseng gavage by UPLC-mass
      spectrometry. Effects of dietary ginseng on microbial diversity were measured by
      analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA. RESULTS: Ginseng significantly inhibited colonic
      inflammation and tumorigenesis and concomitantly reduced proliferation and
      increased apoptosis. The EGFR cascade was up-regulated in colonic tumors and
      ginseng significantly reduced EGFR and ErbB2 activation and Cox-2 expression.
      Dietary ginseng altered colonic microbial diversity, and bacterial suppression
      with metronidazole reduced serum compound K following ginseng gavage.
      Furthermore, compound K significantly inhibited tumor xenograft growth.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ginseng inhibited colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis promoted by
      Western diet. We speculate that the ginseng metabolite compound K contributes to
      the chemopreventive effects of this agent in colonic tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22070866
TI  - Volumetric modulated arc planning for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy using
      conventional and unflattened photon beams: a dosimetric comparison with 3D
      technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: Frequently, three-dimensional (3D) conformal beams are used in lung
      cancer stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Recently, volumetric modulated arc
      therapy (VMAT) was introduced as a new treatment modality. VMAT techniques
      shorten delivery time, reducing the possibility of intrafraction target motion.
      However dose distributions can be quite different from standard 3D therapy. This
      study quantifies those differences, with focus on VMAT plans using unflattened
      photon beams. METHODS: A total of 15 lung cancer patients previously treated with
      3D or VMAT SBRT were randomly selected. For each patient, non-coplanar 3D,
      coplanar and non-coplanar VMAT and flattening filter free VMAT (FFF-VMAT) plans
      were generated to meet the same objectives with 50 Gy covering 95% of the PTV.
      Two dynamic arcs were used in each VMAT plan. The couch was set at +/- 5 degrees 
      to the 0 degrees  straight position for the two non-coplanar arcs. Pinnacle
      version 9.0 (Philips Radiation Oncology, Fitchburg WI) treatment planning system
      with VMAT capabilities was used. We analyzed the conformity index (CI), which is
      the ratio of the total volume receiving at least the prescription dose to the
      target volume receiving at least the prescription dose; the conformity number
      (CN) which is the ratio of the target coverage to CI; and the gradient index (GI)
      which is the ratio of the volume of 50% of the prescription isodose to the volume
      of the prescription isodose; as well as the V20, V5, and mean lung dose (MLD).
      Paired non-parametric analysis of variance tests with post-tests were performed
      to examine the statistical significance of the differences of the dosimetric
      indices. RESULTS: Dosimetric indices CI, CN and MLD all show statistically
      significant improvement for all studied VMAT techniques compared with 3D plans (p
      < 0.05). V5 and V20 show statistically significant improvement for the FFF-VMAT
      plans compared with 3D (p < 0.001). GI is improved for the FFF-VMAT and the non
      coplanar VMAT plans (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively) while the coplanar VMAT
      plans do not show significant difference compared to 3D plans. Dose to the target
      is typically more homogeneous in FFF-VMAT plans. FFF-VMAT plans require more
      monitor units than 3D or non-coplanar VMAT ones. CONCLUSION: Besides the
      advantage of faster delivery times, VMAT plans demonstrated better conformity to
      target, sharper dose fall-off in normal tissues and lower dose to normal lung
      than the 3D plans for lung SBRT. More monitor units are often required for FFF
      VMAT plans.

PMID- 22070867
TI  - Chronic cigarette smoking in alcohol dependence: associations with cortical
      thickness and N-acetylaspartate levels in the extended brain reward system.
AB  - Chronic smoking in alcohol dependence is associated with abnormalities in brain
      morphology and metabolite levels in large lobar regions (e.g. frontal lobe).
      Here, we evaluated if these abnormalities are specifically apparent in several
      cortical and select subcortical components of the extended brain reward system
      (BRS), a network that is critically involved in the development and maintenance
      of all forms of addictive disorders. We studied 33 non-smoking and 43 smoking
      alcohol-dependent individuals (ALC) with 1 week of abstinence and 42 non-smoking
      Controls. At 1.5 Tesla, we obtained regional measures of cortical thickness and N
      acetylaspartate (NAA; a surrogate marker of neuronal integrity) concentration in
      major components of the BRS as well as the corresponding measures throughout the
      cortex. Smoking ALC and non-smoking ALC demonstrated decreased thickness compared
      with Controls in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), insula,
      orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the total BRS, total frontal cortex and global
      cortex. Smoking ALC had significantly decreased thickness compared to non-smoking
      ALC in the ACC, insula, the total BRS and total frontal cortex. Smoking ALC had
      also lower NAA concentrations than both non-smoking ALC and Controls in the
      DLPFC, insula, superior corona radiata and the total BRS. Alcohol consumption and
      common medical and psychiatric co-morbidities did not mediate differences between
      smoking and non-smoking ALC. This dual modality magnetic resonance (MR) study
      indicated that chronic smoking in ALC was associated with significant cortical
      thinning and NAA abnormalities in anterior brain regions that are implicated in
      the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.

PMID- 22070868
TI  - Immunogenicity of panitumumab in combination chemotherapy clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Panitumumab is a fully human antibody against the epidermal growth
      factor receptor that is indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal
      cancer (mCRC) after disease progression on standard chemotherapy. The purpose of
      this analysis was to examine the immunogenicity of panitumumab and to evaluate
      the effect of anti-panitumumab antibodies on pharmacokinetic and safety profiles
      in patients with mCRC receiving panitumumab in combination with oxaliplatin- or
      irinotecan-based chemotherapies. METHODS: Three validated assays (two screening
      immunoassays and a neutralizing antibody bioassay) were used to detect the
      presence of anti-panitumumab antibodies in serum samples collected from patients
      enrolled in four panitumumab combination chemotherapy clinical trials. The impact
      of anti-panitumumab antibodies on pharmacokinetic and safety profiles was
      analyzed using population pharmacokinetic analysis and descriptive statistics,
      respectively. RESULTS: Of 1124 patients treated with panitumumab in combination
      with oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based chemotherapy with postbaseline samples
      available for testing, 20 (1.8%) patients developed binding antibodies and 2
      (0.2%) developed neutralizing antibodies. The incidence of anti-panitumumab
      antibodies was similar in patients with tumors expressing wild-type or mutant
      KRAS and in patients receiving oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based chemotherapies.
      No evidence of an altered pharmacokinetic or safety profile was found in patients
      who tested positive for anti-panitumumab antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The
      immunogenicity of panitumumab in the combination chemotherapy setting was
      infrequent and similar to the immunogenicity observed in the monotherapy setting.
      Panitumumab immunogenicity did not appear to alter pharmacokinetic or safety
      profiles. This low rate of immunogenicity may be attributed to the fully human
      nature of panitumumab.

PMID- 22070869
TI  - An allenic Pauson-Khand approach to 6,12-guaianolides.
AB  - Cyclocarbonylation of alpha-methylene butyrolactone-containing allene-ynes
      affords 6,12-guaianolide ring systems. Incorporation of the alpha-methylene
      butyrolactone early in a synthetic sequence is rare for reactivity reasons;
      however, this moiety proves to be beneficial to the allenic Pauson-Khand
      reaction. The three double bonds and the ketone in the resulting 5-7-5 ring
      system bear significant differences in their reactivity and are ideally
      positioned for synthetic application to 6,12-guaianolides and analogs.

PMID- 22070870
TI  - Assessment of carbon in woody plants and soil across a vineyard-woodland
      landscape.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantification of ecosystem services, such as carbon (C) storage, can
      demonstrate the benefits of managing for both production and habitat conservation
      in agricultural landscapes. In this study, we evaluated C stocks and woody plant
      diversity across vineyard blocks and adjoining woodland ecosystems (wildlands)
      for an organic vineyard in northern California. Carbon was measured in soil from
      44 one m deep pits, and in aboveground woody biomass from 93 vegetation plots.
      These data were combined with physical landscape variables to model C stocks
      using a geographic information system and multivariate linear regression.
      RESULTS: Field data showed wildlands to be heterogeneous in both C stocks and
      woody tree diversity, reflecting the mosaic of several different vegetation
      types, and storing on average 36.8 Mg C/ha in aboveground woody biomass and 89.3
      Mg C/ha in soil. Not surprisingly, vineyard blocks showed less variation in above
      and belowground C, with an average of 3.0 and 84.1 Mg C/ha, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrates that vineyards managed with practices
      that conserve some fraction of adjoining wildlands yield benefits for increasing
      overall C stocks and species and habitat diversity in integrated agricultural
      landscapes. For such complex landscapes, high resolution spatial modeling is
      challenging and requires accurate characterization of the landscape by vegetation
      type, physical structure, sufficient sampling, and allometric equations that
      relate tree species to each landscape. Geographic information systems and remote
      sensing techniques are useful for integrating the above variables into an
      analysis platform to estimate C stocks in these working landscapes, thereby
      helping land managers qualify for greenhouse gas mitigation credits. Carbon
      policy in California, however, shows a lack of focus on C stocks compared to
      emissions, and on agriculture compared to other sectors. Correcting these policy
      shortcomings could create incentives for ecosystem service provision, including C
      storage, as well as encourage better farm stewardship and habitat conservation.

PMID- 22070871
TI  - Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood: diagnostic value of vestibular test and
      high stimulus rate auditory brainstem response test.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of vestibular test and high
      stimulus rate auditory brainstem response (ABR) test and the possible mechanism
      responsible for benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC). METHODS: Data of
      56 patients with BPVC in vertigo clinic of our hospital from May 2007 to
      September 2008 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients with BPVC
      were tested with pure tone audiometry, high stimulus rate auditory brainstem
      response test (ABR), transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), bithermal caloric
      test, and VEMP. The results of the hearing and vestibular function test were
      compared and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 56 patients with BPVC, including 32
      men, 24 women, aged 3-12 years old, with an average of 6.5 years. Among 56 cases
      of BPVC patients, the results of pure tone audiometry were all normal. High
      stimulus rate ABR was abnormal in 66.1% (37/56) of cases. TCD showed 57.1%
      abnormality in 56 cases, including faster flow rate in 28 cases and slower flow
      rate in 4 cases. High stimulus rate ABR and TCD were both abnormal in 48.2%
      (27/56) of cases. Bithermal caloric test was abnormal in 14.3% (8/56) of cases.
      VEMP showed 32.1% abnormality, including amplitude abnormality in 16 cases and
      latency abnormality in 2 cases. The abnormal rate of VEMP was much higher than
      that of caloric test. CONCLUSION: Vascular mechanisms might be involved in the
      pathogenesis of BPVC and there is strong evidence for close relationship between
      BPVC and migraine. High stimulus rate ABR is helpful in the diagnosis of BPVC.
      The inferior vestibular pathway is much more impaired than the superior
      vestibular pathway in BPVC.

PMID- 22070872
TI  - Prevalence of mutations located at the dfnb1 locus in a population of cochlear
      implanted children in eastern Romania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss is one of the major public health problems, with a
      genetic etiology in more than 60% of cases. Connexin 26 and connexin 30 mutations
      are the most prevalent causes of deafness. The aim of this study is to
      characterize and to establish the prevalence of the GJB2 and GJB6 gene mutations
      in a population of cochlear implanted recipients from Eastern Romania, this being
      the first report of this type in our country. METHODS: We present a retrospective
      study that enrolled 45 Caucasian cochlear implanted patients with non-syndromic
      sensorineural severe to profound, congenital or progressive with early-onset
      idiopathic hearing loss. We performed sequential analysis of exon 1 and the
      coding exon 2 of the GJB2 gene including also the splice sites and analysis of
      the deletions del(GJB6-D13S1830), del(GJB6-D13S1854) and del(chr13:19,837,343
      19,968,698). RESULTS: The genetic analysis of the GJB2 gene identified connexin
      26 mutations in 22 patients out of 45 (12 homozygous for c.35delG, 6 compound
      heterozygous and 4 with mutations only on one allele). We found 6 different
      mutations, the most prevalent being c.35delG - found on 32 alleles, followed by
      p.W24* - found on 2 alleles. We did not identify the deletions del(GJB6
      D13S1830), del(GJB6-D13S1854) and del(chr13:19,837,343-19,968,698). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the most prevalent mutation was c.35delG (80% from all types of
      mutations), unexpectedly we identified 5 more different mutations. The presence
      of 6 different mutations on the GJB2 gene has implications in hearing screening
      programs development in our region and in genetic counseling.

PMID- 22070873
TI  - Differential role of NF-kappaB, ERK1/2 and AP-1 in modulating the
      immunoregulatory functions of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells from NOD mice.
AB  - Tolerogenic dendritic cells represent a promising immunotherapy in autoimmunity.
      However, the molecular mechanisms that drive tolerogenic DCs functions are not
      well understood. We used GM-CSF or GM-CSF+IL-4 to generate tolerogenic (GM/DCs)
      and immunogenic (IL-4/DCs) BMDCs from NOD mice, respectively. GM/DCs were
      resistant to maturation, produced large amounts of IL-10 but not IL-12p70. GM/DCs
      displayed a reduced capacity to activate diabetogenic CD8(+) T-cells and were
      efficient to induce Tregs expansion and conversion. LPS stimulation triggered
      ERK1/2 activation that was sustained in GM/DCs but not in IL-4/DCs. ERK1/2 and AP
      1 were involved in IL-10 production in GM/DCs but not in their resistance to
      maturation. Supershift analysis showed that NF-kappaB DNA binding complex
      contains p52 and p65 in GM/DCs, whereas it contains p52, p65 and RelB in IL
      4/DCs. ChIP experiments revealed that p65 was recruited to IL-10 promoter
      following LPS stimulation of GM/DCs whereas its binding to IL-12p35 promoter was
      abolished. Our results suggest that immunoregulatory functions of GM/DCs are
      differentially regulated by ERK1/2, AP-1 and NF-kappaB pathways.

PMID- 22070875
TI  - Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a renal allograft.

PMID- 22070874
TI  - CXCR7 mediated Gialpha independent activation of ERK and Akt promotes cell
      survival and chemotaxis in T cells.
AB  - Chemokine receptors CXCR7 and CXCR4 bind to the same ligand stromal cell derived
      factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha/CXCL12). We assessed the downstream signaling pathways
      mediated by CXCL12-CXCR7 interaction in Jurkat T cells. All experiments were
      carried out after functionally blocking the CXCR4 receptor. CXCL12, on binding
      CXCR7, induced phosphorylation of extra cellular regulated protein kinases (ERK
      1/2) and Akt. Selective inhibition of each signal demonstrated that
      phosphorylated ERK 1/2 is essential for chemotaxis and survival of T cells
      whereas activation of Akt promotes only cell survival. Another interesting
      finding of this study is that CXCL12-CXCR7 interaction under normal physiological
      conditions does not activate the p38 pathway. Furthermore, we observed that the
      CXCL12 signaling via CXCR7 is Gialpha independent. Our findings suggest that
      CXCR7 promotes cell survival and does not induce cell death in T cells. The
      CXCL12 signaling via CXCR7 may be crucial in determining the fate of the
      activated T cells.

PMID- 22070876
TI  - An unusual case of hypotension after fibrinolysis resulting from mediastinal
      hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although bleeding complications may occur after fibrinolysis,
      mediastinal hemorrhage is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We encountered mediastinal
      hemorrhage in a case of anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI); the patient
      developed sudden-onset chest pain with hypotension after fibrinolysis. The
      differential diagnosis and approach to management of such a case is discussed.
      CONCLUSION: As fibrinolysis remains a common means of establishing reperfusion in
      patients with acute MI, emergency physicians should be aware of such unusual
      complications secondary to fibrinolysis. An orderly clinical approach with an
      individualized management protocol is essential in such situations so that undue
      instrumentation and invasive procedures with their attendant risks in a
      thrombolysed patient are avoided.

PMID- 22070877
TI  - Understanding of sepsis among emergency medical services: a survey study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel commonly encounter sepsis,
      yet little is known about their understanding of sepsis. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the awareness, knowledge, current practice, and attitudes about sepsis
      among EMS personnel. METHODS: We performed an anonymous, multi-agency, online
      survey of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighter-emergency medical
      technicians (FF-EMTs), and paramedics in a metropolitan, 2-tier EMS system. We
      compared responses according to the level of EMS training and used multivariable
      logistic regression to determine the odds of correctly identifying the definition
      of sepsis, independent of demographic and professional factors. RESULTS: Overall
      response rate of study participants was 57% (786/1390), and was greatest among
      EMTs (79%; 276/350). A total of 761 respondents (97%) had heard of the term
      "sepsis." EMTs and FF-EMTs were at significantly reduced odds of correctly
      defining sepsis compared to paramedics, independent of age, sex, and years of
      experience (EMTs: odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.3-0.8; FF-EMTs: odds
      ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.6. Overall, knowledge of the clinical
      signs and symptoms and recommended treatments for sepsis was typically>75%,
      though better among paramedics than EMTs or FF-EMTs (p<0.01). The majority of
      respondents believed sepsis is not recognized by EMS "some" or "a lot" of the
      time (76%, 596/786). CONCLUSIONS: EMS personnel demonstrated an overall sound
      awareness of sepsis. Knowledge of sepsis was less among FF-EMTs and EMTs compared
      to paramedics. These results suggest that paramedics could be integrated into
      strategies of early identification and treatment of sepsis, and EMTs may benefit
      from focused education and training.

PMID- 22070878
TI  - Hyperdense basilar sign: an early computed tomography finding of acute ischemia.

PMID- 22070879
TI  - Acute sphenoid sinusitis induced blindness: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute, isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a rare but potentially
      devastating clinical entity. Missing this diagnosis can lead to permanent vision
      loss due to injury of the optic nerve. Patients may present with preseptal
      inflammation, lid edema, chemosis, or ophthalmoplegia. OBJECTIVE: We report a
      case of acute sphenoid sinusitis in a 10-year-old child who presented to the
      Emergency Department with essentially painless vision loss. CASE REPORT:
      Previously healthy, the patient reported progressive decrease in vision in her
      right eye for the 5 days prior. Other than blurred vision in the right eye, she
      complained of a mild frontal headache and right eye irritation the past week,
      which had abated. On examination, she was reading a book with her head tilted to
      one side. She had no photophobia, or facial or eyelid swelling. Her pupils were 5
      mm bilaterally, but the right was non-reactive to light. She was unable to see
      two fingers 6 inches in front of her face (right eye), whereas her visual acuity
      on the left was 20/25. She had bilateral elevated intraocular pressures and a
      Marcus Gunn pupil on the right. Ophthalmology was consulted and the diagnosis of
      acute sphenoid sinusitis causing compression and vascular compromise to the optic
      nerve was diagnosed ultimately by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was
      transferred to the nearest pediatric specialty hospital, where an emergent
      endoscopic sphenoidotomy was performed. The patient's vision subsequently
      returned. CONCLUSION: Sphenoid sinusitis should be considered in patients
      presenting with acute vision loss. Awareness, early diagnosis, and intervention
      help prevent permanent complications.

PMID- 22070880
TI  - Quality of human-computer interaction--results of a national usability survey of
      hospital-IT in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing functionality of medical information systems,
      it is hard to imagine day to day work in hospitals without IT support. Therefore,
      the design of dialogues between humans and information systems is one of the most
      important issues to be addressed in health care. This survey presents an analysis
      of the current quality level of human-computer interaction of healthcare-IT in
      German hospitals, focused on the users' point of view. METHODS: To evaluate the
      usability of clinical-IT according to the design principles of EN ISO 9241-10 the
      IsoMetrics Inventory, an assessment tool, was used. The focus of this paper has
      been put on suitability for task, training effort and conformity with user
      expectations, differentiated by information systems. Effectiveness has been
      evaluated with the focus on interoperability and functionality of different IT
      systems. RESULTS: 4521 persons from 371 hospitals visited the start page of the
      study, while 1003 persons from 158 hospitals completed the questionnaire. The
      results show relevant variations between different information systems.
      CONCLUSIONS: Specialised information systems with defined functionality received
      better assessments than clinical information systems in general. This could be
      attributed to the improved customisation of these specialised systems for
      specific working environments. The results can be used as reference data for
      evaluation and benchmarking of human computer engineering in clinical health IT
      context for future studies.

PMID- 22070881
TI  - The immediate lifesaving management of maxillofacial, life-threatening
      haemorrhages due to IED and/or shrapnel injuries: "when hazard is in hesitation,
      not in the action".
AB  - Maxillofacial/neck vascular injuries caused by improvised explosive devices IEDs
      or ballistics injuries are life threatening when they cause severe haemorrhage
      resulting in airway compromise. One should always keep in mind that the best
      technique used is that which saves the patient's life and not the most expensive
      and/or technologically advanced. Medical professionals on the scene should have
      the necessary experience to handle the emergency situations of airway compromise
      and haemorrhage control. In this instance there is only, "one to a few minutes"
      to clear airway obstruction and arrest haemorrhage to prevent death. The patients
      in this study had life-threatening shrapnel injuries of the carotid and/or
      jugular vessels, and facial primary blast affect implosion of facial middle third
      air-containing cavities injuries. In a massive casualties arenas, where
      time=lifesaving, we should need to replace "non-battlefield" civilian techniques
      with "time driven", combat management for IEDs injuries. In these cases, the
      immediate and effective compression tamponade using digital, Foley catheter
      tamponade, packs and/or vessels ligation for severe facial/neck haemorrhage were
      used successfully.

PMID- 22070882
TI  - Crystallography Open Database (COD): an open-access collection of crystal
      structures and platform for world-wide collaboration.
AB  - Using an open-access distribution model, the Crystallography Open Database (COD,
      http://www.crystallography.net) collects all known 'small molecule / small to
      medium sized unit cell' crystal structures and makes them available freely on the
      Internet. As of today, the COD has aggregated ~150,000 structures, offering basic
      search capabilities and the possibility to download the whole database, or parts
      thereof using a variety of standard open communication protocols. A newly
      developed website provides capabilities for all registered users to deposit
      published and so far unpublished structures as personal communications or pre
      publication depositions. Such a setup enables extension of the COD database by
      many users simultaneously. This increases the possibilities for growth of the COD
      database, and is the first step towards establishing a world wide Internet-based
      collaborative platform dedicated to the collection and curation of structural
      knowledge.

PMID- 22070884
TI  - Wnt3 gene expression promotes tumor progression in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The Wnt gene family encodes the multi-functional signaling glycoproteins
      regulating various normal and pathological processes including tumorigenesis. We
      investigated the clinical significance of the Wnt3 gene expression in relation to
      its target genes, c-Myc and survivin, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). One hundred and twenty-eight patients who underwent resection of NSCLC
      were analyzed. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR) was performed to evaluate the gene expression of Wnt3, c-Myc, and survivin.
      Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the protein expression of Wnt3,
      c-Myc, and survivin. The Ki-67 proliferation index and the apoptotic index using
      the TUNEL method were also evaluated. Twenty-four carcinomas (18.8%) were found
      to be high-Wnt3 tumors. The high-Wnt3 tumors were significantly more in squamous
      cell carcinomas than that in adenocarcinomas (P=0.0022). The Wnt3 gene expression
      was significantly associated with gene expressions of c-Myc (P=0.0103) and
      survivin (P=0.0009). As a result, the Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly
      higher in high-Wnt3 tumors than in low-Wnt3 tumors (P=0.0056). The apoptotic
      index was significantly lower in high-Wnt3 tumors than in low-Wnt3 tumors
      (P=0.0245). The overall survival rate was significantly lower in patients with
      high-Wnt3 tumors than in those with low-Wnt3 tumors (P=0.0020). A Cox regression
      analysis demonstrated that the Wnt3 status was a significant prognostic factor
      for NSCLC patients (hazard ratio 2.226, P=0.0296). The present study revealed
      that Wnt3 gene expression was significantly associated with c-Myc and survivin
      gene expressions, tumor proliferation, and tumor apoptosis. During the
      progression of NSCLC, Wnt3 overexpression could be associated with the
      development of more aggressive tumors.

PMID- 22070883
TI  - Chemical structure requirements and cellular targeting of microRNA-122 by peptide
      nucleic acids anti-miRs.
AB  - Anti-miRs are oligonucleotide inhibitors complementary to miRNAs that have been
      used extensively as tools to gain understanding of specific miRNA functions and
      as potential therapeutics. We showed previously that peptide nucleic acid (PNA)
      anti-miRs containing a few attached Lys residues were potent miRNA inhibitors.
      Using miR-122 as an example, we report here the PNA sequence and attached amino
      acid requirements for efficient miRNA targeting and show that anti-miR activity
      is enhanced substantially by the presence of a terminal-free thiol group, such as
      a Cys residue, primarily due to better cellular uptake. We show that anti-miR
      activity of a Cys-containing PNA is achieved by cell uptake through both clathrin
      dependent and independent routes. With the aid of two PNA analogues having
      intrinsic fluorescence, thiazole orange (TO)-PNA and [bis-o
      (aminoethoxy)phenyl]pyrrolocytosine (BoPhpC)-PNA, we explored the subcellular
      localization of PNA anti-miRs and our data suggest that anti-miR targeting of miR
      122 may take place in or associated with endosomal compartments. Our findings are
      valuable for further design of PNAs and other oligonucleotides as potent anti-miR
      agents.

PMID- 22070885
TI  - Intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the hip misdiagnosed by MRI: an unusual cause
      of unexplained hip pain.
AB  - Osteoid osteoma is a common benign bone tumor affecting the young adult with
      typical clinical and radiographic presentation in its most common locations.
      However, when arising in unusual intra-articular locations, diagnosis may appear
      confusing and lead to delayed management. We present the case of a 24-year-old
      man with intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the hip involving the posteroinferior
      quarter of the femoral head. This unusual location was at the origin of
      unexplained pain and delayed diagnosis made 18 months after the onset of symptoms
      since the initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination could not identify
      the lesion whereas it was detected on bone scintigraphy and thin slice CT
      imaging. Due to the complex location providing difficult access for radioguided
      techniques, an open surgical management was suggested and performed through a
      limited posterolateral approach with no hip dislocation, after identification of
      the circumflex pedicle. Following complete surgical excision of the tumor, the
      diagnosis could be confirmed after histopathologic analysis. No recurrence was
      observed.

PMID- 22070886
TI  - Perverse political correctness and personality traits.
AB  - Political correctness (PC) commonly refers to a mutual respect for the views and
      beliefs of others, including enemies, and while differing in opinions, the
      willfulness to overcome the existing disagreements, and to prevent animosity. To
      date however, the term PC is sometimes used in a perverted sense aimed for
      disintegration of solidarity in a society, thus giving birth to a new powerful
      conceptual tool, the perverse political correctness (PPC). PPC ideology resides
      in people with certain psychological types. We assume that there are basic
      psychological variations of personality traits and the mechanisms of their
      formation that promote not only insertion, but rapid distribution of modern PPC
      ideology. Although the dimension of their behavior is very similar, the
      personality traits of these persons can be divided into three groups: The
      subjects from the first group are characterized by general traits of one's
      personality, such as kindness, empathy, and humanism. This is true PC--an
      expression of proper humanistic personality traits, which are developed in a
      specific kind of environment. The subjects from second group are usually
      artistic, theatrical, vain and narcissistic, poseurs who need attention at any
      cost. Their views on life in general, as well as on questions of PC are
      characterized by colorfulness, picturesqueness and emotional satiety. The
      subjects from the third group, conjoined with the previous variety of
      demonstrative-theatrical PC, use mystical and religious contents as part of their
      propaganda of PPC activity.

PMID- 22070887
TI  - Aspirin may do wonders by the induction of immunological self-tolerance against
      autoimmune atherosclerosis.
AB  - Induction of immune tolerance is one of the recent novel immunomodulatory
      strategies to directly intervene the autoimmune-driven atherosclerosis. Aspirin
      is a prototypic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which is now being regarded
      as a life-saver in variety of atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications.
      Considerable amount of data emerged during last few years clearly suggests that
      aspirin can cause immunomodulation by several mechanisms, particularly, its
      ability to induce tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) and to upregulate T
      regulatory (Treg) cells is especially appealing with respect to induction of
      immunological self-tolerance. Based on this fact, we hypothesize that aspirin, in
      addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, may also specifically inhibit
      autoimmune response in atherosclerosis by actively increasing CD4+CD25+FOXP3+Treg
      cells as well as by inducing tolerogenic DCs which induce hyporesponsiveness in
      responder naive T cells. If proved to be correct, this hypothesis will provide an
      opportunity to medical community with an already available aspirin-based
      immunotherapeutic approach for inducing immune tolerance against atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22070888
TI  - The existence of two types of proteasome, the constitutive proteasome and the
      immunoproteasome, may serve as another layer of protection against autoimmunity.
AB  - Negative selection of CD8 single positive thymocytes is based on the presentation
      through the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway of peptides
      derived from degradation of self-proteins by the constitutive proteasome and the
      immunoproteasome in the thymus. Then naive CD8+ T-cells can be primed by mature
      dendritic cells. In mature dendritic cells peptides presented by MHC class I
      molecules are derived from degradation of endogenous self-proteins or through the
      process of cross-presentation from degradation of exogenous proteins by the
      immunoproteasome. In the absence of infection, peripheral cells display peptides
      on MHC class I molecules derived from degradation of endogenous self-proteins by
      the constitutive proteasome. The pool of peptides derived from protein
      degradation by the constitutive proteasome differs from the pool peptides derived
      from protein degradation by the immunoproteasome. Thus the probability of an
      autoreactive naive CD8+ T-cell that escaped negative selection, and converted by
      a mature dendritic cell to autoreactive cytolytic T-cell, to kill a normal cell
      in the periphery, is reduced.

PMID- 22070889
TI  - PathCase-SB architecture and database design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integration of metabolic pathways resources and regulatory metabolic
      network models, and deploying new tools on the integrated platform can help
      perform more effective and more efficient systems biology research on
      understanding the regulation in metabolic networks. Therefore, the tasks of (a)
      integrating under a single database environment regulatory metabolic networks and
      existing models, and (b) building tools to help with modeling and analysis are
      desirable and intellectually challenging computational tasks. DESCRIPTION:
      PathCase Systems Biology (PathCase-SB) is built and released. The PathCase-SB
      database provides data and API for multiple user interfaces and software tools.
      The current PathCase-SB system provides a database-enabled framework and web
      based computational tools towards facilitating the development of kinetic models
      for biological systems. PathCase-SB aims to integrate data of selected biological
      data sources on the web (currently, BioModels database and KEGG), and to provide
      more powerful and/or new capabilities via the new web-based integrative
      framework. This paper describes architecture and database design issues
      encountered in PathCase-SB's design and implementation, and presents the current
      design of PathCase-SB's architecture and database. CONCLUSIONS: PathCase-SB
      architecture and database provide a highly extensible and scalable environment
      with easy and fast (real-time) access to the data in the database. PathCase-SB
      itself is already being used by researchers across the world.

PMID- 22070890
TI  - The factor structure of the Chinese family assessment instrument adapted for
      parent report.
AB  - This article reports on a confirmatory factor analytic study of an adapted
      version of an instrument designed to assess family functioning of Chinese
      families. The Chinese Family Assessment Instrument, originally designed for
      completion by adolescents, was adapted for completion by parents. A sample of 700
      parent dyads of elementary school children (382 girls and 318 boys) completed the
      adapted questionnaire. Initial factor analyses showed that the existing five
      factor structure used for adolescents' responses was not a good fit for these
      data. Instead, a four-factor solution emerged where the factors were positive
      family functioning, negative family functioning, tolerance for family members,
      and parental understanding. This structure was the same for both mothers and
      fathers. Further studies of the Chinese Family Assessment Instrument parent
      adaptation are required to test the factor structure that emerged. Following such
      studies, validation studies will be required. 

PMID- 22070891
TI  - Critical appraisal of World Health Organization's new reference values for human
      semen characteristics and effect on diagnosis and treatment of subfertile men.
AB  - In 2010, the World Health Organization established new reference values for human
      semen characteristics that are markedly lower than those previously reported.
      Despite using controlled studies involving couples with a known time to pregnancy
      to establish the new limits, the reference studies are limited with regard to the
      population analyzed and the methods used for semen evaluation. The present review
      discusses concerns related to the new reference values for semen characteristics,
      including the effect on patient referral, diagnosis, and treatment of recognized
      conditions, such as varicocele, and on the indications for assisted reproductive
      technologies.

PMID- 22070892
TI  - Effect of warm ischemia on renal function during partial nephrectomy: assessment
      with new 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine scintigraphy parameter.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A decrease in renal function after partial nephrectomy caused by
      ischemic damage or nephron loss cannot be distinguished by conventional methods.
      We quantified renal function using a new 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc
      MAG3) renal scintigraphy parameter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 32 patients
      with a normally functioning contralateral kidney who received open partial
      nephrectomy with average warm ischemic time of 26.0 (range 14-46) min in this
      study. Effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) was calculated from 99mTc-MAG3 renal
      scintigraphy before and at 1 week and 6 months after surgery. We also analyzed
      regional 99mTc-MAG3 uptake in the surgically nonaffected parts. RESULTS: One week
      after surgery, average ERPF in the operated kidney decreased to 66.4% from
      baseline (from 177.8 to 116.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) and regional 99mTc-MAG3 uptake
      decreased to 83.4%. A stronger correlation was found between ischemic time and
      the decrease in regional 99mTc-MAG3 uptake (P<.001) compared with ERPF (P=.029).
      The decrease in regional 99mTc-MAG3 uptake remained at 6 months in the group with
      ischemic time>=25 minutes, whereas it recovered when ischemic time was <25
      minutes. CONCLUSION: This new parameter quantified ischemic renal damage better
      than the conventional split functional evaluation. When warm ischemic time was
      >=25 minutes, irreversible diffuse damage was seen in surgically preserved
      nephrons.

PMID- 22070893
TI  - A Chinese herbal formula, Shuganyiyang capsule, improves erectile function in
      male rats by modulating Nos-CGMP mediators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the Chinese herbal formula Shuganyiyang
      (SGYY) capsule on arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model and to
      investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: Forty male Sprague
      Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral ligation of the internal iliac artery and
      then divided into 4 groups (n=10 per group). They were treated daily with either
      sildenafil (10.5 mg/kg), or SGYY at 1 of 2 dosages (1 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg) for 30
      days. Erectile function was evaluated using cavernous nerve electrical
      stimulation after treatment, and the cavernous tissue specimens of all animals
      were harvested for gene and protein examination using real-time reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and cyclic
      guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) measurement. RESULTS: The ratio of the maximal
      intracavernous pressure to the mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in
      the SGYY (1 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg) rats than that in the models (P<.01). The gene and
      protein expression of 3 subtypes of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)--neuropathic
      (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial (eNOS)--and cGMP concentrations in
      cavernous tissue in SGYY-treated rats were significantly higher than in the
      models. However, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) expression in the SGYY rats was
      lower than those in models (P<.01 or P<.05). CONCLUSION: SGYY significantly
      improves the maximal intracavernous pressure in arteriogenic ED in a rat model.
      The underlying mechanism of action of SGYY involves increasing the expression of
      some main factors in the NOS-cGMP pathway and reducing the expression of PDE5.

PMID- 22070894
TI  - SIU Scholar: Dr. Fahed Abdullah Salem Baaboud.

PMID- 22070895
TI  - Pilot study of the vesicocutaneous continent catheterizable stoma (mitrofanoff)
      in adults--high complication rates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with an adult vesicocutaneous Mitrofanoff, an
      alternative to standard appendiceal or ileal Mitrofanoff. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Retrospective chart review was performed on 3 patients who underwent a
      vesicocutaneous Mitrofanoff by a single surgeon. Data were collected on etiology,
      complications, and number of procedures to correct the complication. RESULTS:
      Indications for the procedure included neurogenic bladder and urinary retention.
      Mean follow-up time was 485 days with mean time to first complication of 24 days.
      One-hundred percent of patients saw stenosis and dehiscence of their wounds. All
      3 patients required subsequent surgery. Sixty-six percent required reoperation to
      the standard Mitrofanoff with a mean time to this procedure of 222 days. The mean
      number of procedures was 4 (range 2-6). CONCLUSION: Continent catheterizable
      stomas have been a continuous challenge for adults who have had multiple
      abdominal surgeries, making a typical appendix, ureter, or small bowel
      Mitrofanoff difficult. We looked at our experience with a cutaneous Mitrofanoff
      (an extraperitoneal procedure often done in pediatrics but never before in
      adults) as an alternative but found complication rates of 100%. These included
      stenosis and dehiscence eventually requiring reoperation, with some even
      requiring conversion to an ileal or appendiceal Mitrofanoff. Although there are
      high complication rates in the standard Mitrofanoff, we conclude that a
      vesicocutaneous Mitrofanoff is not an effective alternative.

PMID- 22070896
TI  - Gold nanoparticle probes: design and in vitro applications in cancer cell
      culture.
AB  - A new architecture has been designed by the conjugation of [(18)F]2-fluoro-2
      deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and anti-metadherin
      (Anti-MTDH) antibody which is specific to the metadherin (MTDH) over-expressed on
      the surface of breast cancer cells. Mannose triflate molecule is used as a
      precursor for synthesis of (18)F-FDG by nucleophilic fluorination. For the
      conjugation of (18)F-FDG and AuNPs, cysteamine was first bound to mannose
      triflate (Man-CA) before synthesizing of (18)F-FDG which has cysteamine sides
      ((18)FDG-CA). Then, (18)FDG-CA was reacted with HAuCl(4) to obtain AuNPs and with
      NaBH(4) for reduction of AuNPs. At the end of this procedure, AuNPs were
      conjugated to (18)F-FDG via disulphide bonds ((18)FDG-AuNP). For the conjugation
      of Anti-MTDH, 1,1'-carbonyl diimidazol (CDI) was bound to the (18)FDG-AuNP, and
      Anti-MTDH was conjugated via CDI ((18)FDG-AuNP-Anti-MTDH). This procedure was
      also performed by using Na(19)F to obtain non-radioactive conjugates ((19)FDG
      AuNP-Anti-MTDH). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated that
      synthesized particles were in nano sizes. (18)FDG-AuNP-Anti-MTDH conjugate was
      characterized and used as a model probe containing both radioactive and optical
      labels together as well as the biological target. The (18)FDG-AuNP-Anti-MTDH
      conjugate was applied to MCF7 breast cancer cell line and apoptotic cell ratio
      was found to be increasing from 2% to 20% following the treatment. Hence, these
      results have promised an important application potential of this conjugate in
      cancer research.

PMID- 22070897
TI  - Anti-fouling surfaces by combined molecular self-assembly and surface-initiated
      ATRP for micropatterning active proteins.
AB  - A simple method by combined molecular self assembly and surface-initiated atom
      transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) was proposed to prepare a biologically
      inert surface for micropatterning active proteins. The MPEG microdomains having a
      short terminal poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) unit were prepared by self assembly of
      2-(methyoxy(polyethylenoxy) propyl)trimethoxy silane (MPEG-silane). The remaining
      local regions or poly(poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate-co-glycidyl
      methacrylate) (P(PEGMEMA-co-GMA)) microdomains were produced via SI-ATRP of
      PEGMEMA and GMA comonomers. The epoxy groups of the P(PEGMEMA-co-GMA)
      microdomains were used directly for covalent coupling of an active protein (human
      immunoglobulin or IgG) via the ring-opening reaction to produce the IgG-coupled
      microdomains. The IgG-coupled microdomains interact only and specifically with
      target anti-IgG, while the other antifouling microregions from self-assembled
      monolayers with short terminal PEG units effectively prevent specific and non
      specific protein fouling. When extended to other active biomolecules, microarrays
      for specific and non-specific analyte interactions with a high signal-to-noise
      ratio could be readily tailored.

PMID- 22070898
TI  - Definition of acute insomnia: diagnostic and treatment implications.

PMID- 22070899
TI  - The antimicrobial activity of photodynamic therapy against Streptococcus mutans
      using different photosensitizers.
AB  - Several photosensitizers have been used against oral bacteria without
      standardization. Singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) is an aggressive chemical species that
      can kill cells through apoptosis or necrosis. OBJECTIVE: to compare the
      antimicrobial activity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with different
      photosensitizers at the same concentration against Streptococcus mutans. In
      addition, the (1)O(2) production of each photosensitizer was determined. The
      photosensitizers (163.5 MUM) methylene blue (MB), toluidine blue ortho (TBO) and
      malachite green (MG) were activated with a light-emitting diode (LED; lambda=636
      nm), while eosin (EOS), erythrosine (ERI) and rose bengal (RB) were irradiated
      with a curing light (lambda=570 nm). Light sources were operated at 24 J cm(-2).
      For each photosensitizer, 40 randomized assays (n=10 per condition) were
      performed under one of the following experimental conditions: no light
      irradiation or photosensitizer, irradiation only, photosensitizer only or
      irradiation in the presence of a photosensitizer. After treatment, serial
      dilutions of S. mutans were seeded onto brain heart infusion agar to determine
      viability in colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU mL(-1)). Generation of
      (1)O(2) was analyzed by tryptophan photooxidation, and the decay constant was
      estimated. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer test
      (p<0.05). PDT with irradiation in the presence of the photosensitizers TBO and MG
      was effective in reducing S. mutans counts by 3 and 1.4 logs, respectively
      (p<0.01), compared to their respective untreated controls. MB generated 1.3 times
      more (1)O(2) than TBO, and both produced significantly higher concentrations of
      singlet oxygen than the other photosensitizers. Since in vitro bulk (1)O(2)
      production does not indicate that (1)O(2) was generated in the bacterial activity
      site, the bactericidal action against S. mutans cannot be related to in vitro
      singlet O(2) generation rate. In vitroS. mutans-experiments demonstrated TBO as
      the only photosensitizer that effectively reduced 99.9% of these microorganisms.

PMID- 22070900
TI  - Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed warm water represses wrinkle formation against UVA ray
      together with type-I collagen production and oxidative-stress diminishment in
      fibroblasts and cell-injury prevention in keratinocytes.
AB  - Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed warm water (HW) was prepared at 41 degrees C and
      exhibited dissolved hydrogen (DH) of 1.13 ppm and an oxidation-reduction
      potential (ORP) of -741 mV in contrast to below 0.01 ppm and+184 mV for regular
      warm water (RW). Fibroblasts OUMS-36 and keratinocytes HaCaT were used to examine
      effects of HW against UVA-ray irradiation. Type-I collagen was synthesized 1.85-
      to 2.03-fold more abundantly by HW application for 3-5 days than RW in OUMS-36
      fibroblasts, and localized preferentially around the nuclei as shown by
      immunostain. HW application significantly prevented cell death and DNA damages
      such as nuclear condensation and fragmentation in UVA-irradiated HaCaT
      keratinocytes as estimated by WST-1 and Hoechst 33342 assays. HW significantly
      suppressed UVA-induced generation of intracellular superoxide anion radicals in
      both the cell lines according to NBT assay. Wrinkle repression was clinically
      assessed using a HW-bathing. Six Japanese subjects were enrolled in a trial of HW
      bathing (DH, 0.2-0.4 ppm) every day for 3 months. HW-bathing significantly
      improved wrinkle in four subjects on the back of neck on 90th day as compared to
      0 day. Thus, HW may serve as daily skin care to repress UVA-induced skin damages
      by ROS-scavenging and promotion of type-I collagen synthesis in dermis.

PMID- 22070903
TI  - Do we need a global strategy for microbial conservation?

PMID- 22070902
TI  - Influence of race and socioeconomic status on engagement in pediatric primary
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the association of race/ethnicity with engagement in
      pediatric primary care and examine how any racial/ethnic disparities are
      influenced by socioeconomic status. METHODS: Visit videos and parent surveys were
      obtained for 405 children who visited for respiratory infections. Family and
      physician engagement in key visit tasks (relationship building, information
      exchange, and decision making) were coded. Two parallel regression models
      adjusting for covariates and clustering by physician were constructed: (1)
      race/ethnicity only and (2) race/ethnicity with SES (education and income).
      RESULTS: With and without adjustment for SES, physicians seeing Asian families
      spoke 24% fewer relationship building utterances, compared to physicians seeing
      White, non-Latino families (p<0.05). Latino families gathered 24% less
      information than White, non-Latino families (p<0.05), but accounting for SES
      mitigates this association. Similarly, African American families were
      significantly less likely to be actively engaged in decision making (OR=0.32;
      p<0.05), compared to White, non-Latino families, but adjusting for SES mitigated
      this association. CONCLUSION: While engagement during pediatric visits differed
      by the family's race/ethnicity, many of these differences were eliminated by
      accounting for socioeconomic status. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Effective targeting
      and evaluation of interventions to reduce health disparities through improving
      engagement must extend beyond race/ethnicity to consider socioeconomic status
      more broadly.

PMID- 22070901
TI  - Split-protein systems: beyond binary protein-protein interactions.
AB  - It has been estimated that 650,000 protein-protein interactions exist in the
      human interactome (Stumpf et al., 2008), a subset of all possible macromolecular
      partnerships that dictate life. Thus there is a continued need for the
      development of sensitive and user-friendly methods for cataloguing
      biomacromolecules in complex environments and for detecting their interactions,
      modifications, and cellular location. Such methods also allow for establishing
      differences in the interactome between a normal and diseased cellular state and
      for quantifying the outcome of therapeutic intervention. A promising approach for
      deconvoluting the role of macromolecular partnerships is split-protein
      reassembly, also called protein fragment complementation. This approach relies on
      the appropriate fragmentation of protein reporters, such as the green fluorescent
      protein or firefly luciferase, which when attached to possible interacting
      partners can reassemble and regain function, thereby confirming the partnership.
      Split-protein methods have been effectively utilized for detecting protein
      protein interactions in cell-free systems, Escherichia coli, yeast, mammalian
      cells, plants, and live animals. Herein, we present recent advances in
      engineering split-protein systems that allow for the rapid detection of ternary
      protein complexes, small molecule inhibitors, as well as a variety of
      macromolecules including nucleic acids, poly(ADP) ribose, and iron sulfur
      clusters. We also present advances that combine split-protein systems with
      chemical inducers of dimerization strategies that allow for regulating the
      activity of orthogonal split-proteases as well as aid in identifying enzyme
      inhibitors. Finally, we discuss autoinhibition strategies leading to turn-on
      sensors as well as future directions in split-protein methodology including
      possible therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22070904
TI  - Change in binge eating and binge eating disorder associated with migration from
      Mexico to the U.S.
AB  - Exposure to Western popular culture is hypothesized to increase risk for eating
      disorders. This study tests this hypothesis with respect to the proposed
      diagnosis of binge eating disorder (BED) in an epidemiological sample of people
      of Mexican origin in Mexico and the U.S. Data come from the Mexico National
      Comorbidity Survey, National Comorbidity Survey Replication, and National Latino
      and Asian American Survey (N = 2268). Diagnoses were assessed with the WMH-CIDI.
      Six groups were compared: Mexicans with no migrant family members, Mexicans with
      at least one migrant family member, Mexican return-migrants, Mexican-born
      migrants in the U.S., and two successive generations of Mexican-Americans in the
      U.S. The lifetime prevalence of BED was 1.6% in Mexico and 2.2% among Mexican
      Americans. Compared with Mexicans in families with migrants, risk for BED was
      higher in US-born Mexican-Americans with two U.S.-born parents (aHR = 2.58, 95%
      CI 1.12-5.93). This effect was attenuated by 24% (aHR = 1.97, 95% CI 0.84-4.62)
      with adjustment for prior-onset depressive or anxiety disorder. Adjustment for
      prior-onset conduct disorder increased the magnitude of association (aHR = 2.75,
      95% CI 1.22-6.20). A similar pattern was observed for binge eating. Among
      respondents reporting binge eating, onset in the U.S. (vs. Mexico) was not
      associated with prevalence of further eating disorder symptoms. Migration from
      Mexico to the U.S. is associated with an increased risk for BED that may be
      partially attributable to non-specific influences on internalizing disorders.
      Among respondents reporting binge eating in either country, similar levels of
      further symptoms were endorsed, suggesting some cross-cultural generalizability
      of criteria.

PMID- 22070905
TI  - Genetic variants in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins are associated with
      oxidative stress in obsessive compulsive disorders.
AB  - Obsessive compulsive disorder is a common psychiatric disorder defined by the
      presence of obsessive thoughts and repetitive compulsive actions. The mutations
      or polymorphic variants in mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes or nuclear genes
      result in oxidative stress, which has recently been associated with various
      psychiatric disorders. In order to understand the association of mitochondrial
      disorders with oxidative stress in obsessive compulsive disorder, we examined
      genetic variants of manganese superoxide dismutase and uncouple-2 antioxidant
      genes and malondialdehyde and glutathione, markers of oxidative stress. The study
      sample comprised 104 patients with OCD and 110 healthy controls. For manganese
      superoxide dismutase, the frequencies of CT (Ala/Val) genotype (p < 0.01) in
      patients were significantly lower than those of controls. In contrast, CC
      (Ala/Ala) genotype was significantly more frequent in patients than controls (p <
      0.05). For uncouple-2 I/D, the frequencies of ID genotype (p < 0.01) and I allele
      (p < 0.05) were lower in patients as compared with controls. In contrast, DD
      genotype was more prevalent in patients than controls (p < 0.01). While whole
      blood glutathione was significantly diminished (p < 0.0001), serum
      malondialdehyde was significantly elevated in patients compared with controls (p
      < 0.0001). Malondialdehyde levels were significantly elevated in subjects with DD
      genotype of UCP-2 I/D (p < 0.05) and CC genotype of manganese superoxide
      dismutase (p < 0.05) as compared with II or ID and TT or CT genotype,
      respectively. Malondialdehyde levels in patients carrying CC (p < 0.05) or CT (p
      < 0.05) genotype were significantly higher than those of carrying TT genotype. In
      conclusion, CC genotype of manganese superoxide dismutase or DD genotype of UCP-2
      might result in mitochondrial disorders by increasing oxidative stress in
      obsessive compulsive disorders.

PMID- 22070906
TI  - Perception of health risks of electromagnetic fields by MRI radiographers and
      airport security officers compared to the general Dutch working population: a
      cross sectional analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The amount of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) at work is
      mainly determined by an individual's occupation and may differ from exposure at
      home. It is, however, unknown how different occupational groups perceive possible
      adverse health effects of EMF. METHODS: Three occupational groups, the general
      Dutch working population (n = 567), airport security officers who work with metal
      detectors (n = 106), and MRI radiographers who work with MRI (n = 193), were
      compared on perceived risk of and positive and negative feelings towards EMF in
      general and of different EMF sources, and health concerns by using analyses of
      variances. Data were collected via an internet survey. RESULTS: Overall, MRI
      radiographers had a lower perceived risk, felt less negative, and more positive
      towards EMF and different sources of EMF than the general working population and
      the security officers. For security officers, feeling more positive about EMF was
      not significantly related to perceived risk of EMF in general or EMF of domestic
      sources. Feeling positive about a source did not generalize to a lower perceived
      risk, while negative feelings were stronger related to perceived risk. MRI
      radiographers had fewer health concerns regarding EMF than the other two groups,
      although they considered it more likely that EMF could cause physical complaints.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data show that although differences in occupation appear to be
      reflected in different perceptions of EMF, the level of occupational exposure to
      EMF as such does not predict the perceived health risk of EMF.

PMID- 22070907
TI  - Measuring the outcomes of long-term care.
AB  - How should we measure the value of long-term (social) care? This paper describes
      a care-related quality of life instrument (ASCOT) and considers aspects of its
      validity. In particular the aim is to assess whether ASCOT is better suited to
      measuring the impact of long-term care services than the EQ5D health-related
      quality of life measure. Long-term care services tend to be more concerned with
      addressing the day-to-day consequences of long-term conditions. As such, a
      quality of life measure should not be overly focused on the potential impact of
      services on personal ability and should instead consider how services directly
      help people to function in everyday life. Construct validity was judged by
      assessing the degree to which measured quality of life improvement was consistent
      with the theorised positive correlation between quality of life and the use of
      home care services. In a 2008/9 sample of people using care services in England,
      we found that the impact of service use was significant when measured by ASCOT,
      but not significant when using EQ5D. The results support our hypothesis that
      ASCOT has greater construct validity in this case.

PMID- 22070908
TI  - Understanding socio-economic determinants of childhood mortality: a retrospective
      analysis in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teso sub-region of Eastern Uganda had superior indices of childhood
      survival during the period 1959 to 1969 compared to the national average. We
      analysed the reasons that could explain this situation with a view of suggesting
      strategies for reducing childhood mortality. METHODS: We compared the childhood
      mortalities and their average annual reduction rate (AARR) of Teso sub-region
      with those of Uganda for the period 1959 to 1969. We also compared indicators of
      social economic well being (such as livestock per capita and per capita intake of
      protein/energy). In addition data was compared on other important determinants of
      child survival such as level of education and rate of urbanisation. FINDINGS: In
      1969 the infant mortality rate (IMR) for Teso was 94 per 1000 live births
      compared to the 120 for Uganda. Between 1959 and 1969 the AARR for IMR for Teso
      was 4.57% compared to 3% for Uganda. It was interesting that the AARR for Teso
      was higher than that that of 4.4.% required to achieve millennium development
      goal number four (MDG4). The rate of urbanisation and the level of education were
      higher in Uganda compared to Teso during the same period. Teso had a per capita
      ownership of cattle of 1.12 compared to Uganda's 0.44. Teso sub region had about
      3 times the amount of protein and about 2 times the amount of calories compared
      to Uganda. CONCLUSIONS: We surmise that higher ownership of cattle and growing of
      high protein and energy foods might have been responsible for better childhood
      survival in Teso compared to Uganda.

PMID- 22070909
TI  - The STARR operation with the Contour 30(r) (Transtar(r)) stapler for the
      treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and
      internal rectal prolapse.

PMID- 22070910
TI  - Porcine plasma as polyphosphate and caseinate replacer in frankfurters.
AB  - The aim was to replace polyphosphate and caseinate by porcine blood plasma as
      functional ingredients in frankfurters. Three trials, each consisting of one
      control, formulated with caseinate and tripolyphosphate, and one test, formulated
      with plasma, were carried out in a pilot plant. The frankfurters with plasma were
      compared to their respective controls by determining the composition, water
      holding capacity, cooking losses, internal colour, texture, microstructure,
      sensorial characteristics, and overall acceptance. No significant differences
      were found in proximate analysis, WHC, and cooking losses. Texture was not
      affected by the replacement, according to both sensorial and instrumental
      measurements. Nevertheless, the panellists detected the presence of animal taste
      and odour in plasma-containing sausages. Despite this, their overall acceptance
      was scored as 6.3 in a 10 maximum scale, so plasma could be considered as an
      interesting alternative to produce healthier and cheaper frankfurters.

PMID- 22070911
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery in head and neck cancer.

PMID- 22070913
TI  - IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 3 gene (IRAK3) variants associate with asthma in
      a replication study in the Spanish population.

PMID- 22070914
TI  - Reference values and clinical application of magnetic peripheral nerve
      stimulation in cats.
AB  - Magnetic stimulation of radial (RN) and sciatic (SN) nerves was performed
      bilaterally in 40 healthy cats. Reference values for onset latency and peak-to
      peak amplitude of magnetic motor evoked potentials (MMEPs) were obtained and
      compared with values of electric motor evoked potentials (EMEPs) in 10/40 cats.
      Onset latencies and peak-to-peak amplitudes of the MMEPs of three cats with
      polyneuropathy (PNP) were compared to the reference values. Magnetic motor evoked
      responses were easily recorded in all normal cats. Significant differences were
      found in onset latencies between MMEPs and EMEPs, but peak-to-peak amplitudes
      were equal. The MMEPs of three cats with PNP can be seen as outliers in
      comparison to the reference values. MMEPs from the RN and SN were easily obtained
      and reproducible in normal cats. The technique could represent a useful adjunct
      in the assessment of peripheral nerve disorders.

PMID- 22070912
TI  - The C11orf30-LRRC32 region is associated with total serum IgE levels in asthmatic
      patients.

PMID- 22070915
TI  - Effects of the GnRH antagonist acyline on the testis of the domestic cat (Felis
      catus).
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the effects of a single dose of the
      gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist acyline on testicular
      characteristics of the domestic cat. Twelve mature cats were orchidectomised
      unilaterally (right testis) on Day -7 (n=7) or Day 15 (n=5). On Day 0, 330 MUg/kg
      acyline was administered s.c. to all the animals. Left orchidectomy was carried
      out on Day 15 (n=2), Day 30 (n=4) and Day 60 (n=6). Sperm were recovered from the
      epididymis and the testes were evaluated grossly, histologically and
      immunohistochemically. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found between days
      for epididymal sperm motility, vigor, abnormal morphology, germinal epithelium
      height, spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, lumen and cellular debris.
      Conversely, no significant differences were found for gross testicular and
      tubular characteristics, spermatogonia, Sertoli and Leydig cells and intertubular
      compartments. It was concluded that a single dose of acyline reversibly impaired
      spermiogenesis, spermatocytogenesis and sperm motility for 2 weeks.

PMID- 22070917
TI  - Toll-like receptor 3-mediated tumor invasion in head and neck cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic inflammation associated with some infectious agents can lead
      to cancer. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) family is one of the largest and best
      studied families of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. TLR3 recognizes
      double-stranded RNA and is a major effector of the immune response against viral
      pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated TLR3 protein expression in 153
      oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) specimens using tissue microarray.
      Furthermore, we used polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) to stimulate head
      and neck cancer cells and an inhibitor of endosomal acidification bafilomycin A1
      to block the TLR 3 signaling pathway to clarify the role of TLR 3 in OSCC.
      RESULTS: Cytoplasmic TLR3 staining was observed in the vast majority of OSCC
      tissues (73.2%). Strong TLR3 expression was significantly correlated with
      patients whose tumors were poorly differentiated (P=0.028) and with perineural
      invasion (P=0.023). Three of the four head and neck cell lines tested (Fadu, OC2,
      and SCC4) expressed TLR3 mRNA, although at various levels. The stimulation of
      TLR3-expressing OC2 cells with poly I:C caused the phosphorylation of IFN
      regulatory factor 3 and IkappaB and sequentially induced the secretion of
      interleukin-6 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) in a dose- and time
      dependent manner. Moreover, poly I:C stimulation promoted CCL5-mediated migration
      in OC2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, we provide a novel mechanism for tumor
      invasion and the TLR3-dependent inflammatory response that could have therapeutic
      implications for OSCC.

PMID- 22070918
TI  - Proposed clinical classification for oral submucous fibrosis.
AB  - Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, scarring disease, that
      predominantly affects people of South Asia and South-East Asia, where chewing of
      arecanut and its commercial preparation is high. Presence of fibrous bands is the
      main characteristic feature of OSMF. Based on clinical and/or histopathological
      features of OSMF, various classifications have been put forth till date. But the
      advantages and drawbacks of these classification supersedes each other, leading
      to perplexity. Our various studies and clinical experience in the field of OSMF
      have initiated us to propose/introduce the new clinical classification which
      could assist the clinician in the categorization of this potentially malignant
      disorder according to its biological behaviour and hence its subsequent medical
      and surgical management.

PMID- 22070919
TI  - Priming does not enhance the efficacy of 1 Hertz repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation for the treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations: results of a
      randomized controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
      applied to the left temporoparietal area (TP) has been investigated as a
      treatment method for auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) yielding inconsistent
      results. In vitro studies have indicated that the effects of low-frequency rTMS
      can be enhanced by a brief pretreatment phase consisting of high-frequency rTMS
      (i.e., priming rTMS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this single-blind, randomized
      controlled study was to investigate whether the effects of rTMS on AVH can be
      enhanced with priming rTMS. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with medication
      resistant AVH were randomized over two groups: one receiving low-frequency rTMS
      preceded by 5 minutes of 6 Hertz rTMS; and another receiving low-frequency rTMS
      without priming. Both treatments were directed at the left TP. The total duration
      of stimulation was equal in the two groups, namely, 15 sessions of 20 minutes
      each. The severity of AVH and other psychotic features were measured with the aid
      of the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS), the Positive and Negative
      Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS).
      RESULTS: The severity of AVH and other psychotic symptoms in the group with
      priming was not significantly lower after 3 weeks of treatment in comparison to
      baseline. The group treated with standard rTMS showed a trend toward improvement
      after 3 weeks of treatment. No significant differences were observed on any of
      the rating scales between the group with and without priming. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study does not provide evidence that priming rTMS is an effective treatment for
      AVH.

PMID- 22070916
TI  - The biology of head and neck cancer stem cells.
AB  - Emerging evidence indicates that a small population of cancer cells is highly
      tumorigenic, endowed with self-renewal, and has the ability to differentiate into
      cells that constitute the bulk of tumors. These cells are considered the
      "drivers" of the tumorigenic process in some tumor types, and have been named
      cancer stem cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be involved
      in the process leading to the acquisition of stemness by epithelial tumor cells.
      Through this process, cells acquire an invasive phenotype that may contribute to
      tumor recurrence and metastasis. Cancer stem cells have been identified in human
      head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) using markers such as CD133 and
      CD44 expression, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. The head and neck
      cancer stem cells reside primarily in perivascular niches in the invasive front
      where endothelial-cell initiated events contribute to their survival and
      function. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-knowledge on the
      pathobiology of cancer stem cells, with a focus on the impact of these cells to
      head and neck tumor progression.

PMID- 22070920
TI  - SOX2-RNAi attenuates S-phase entry and induces RhoA-dependent switch to protease
      independent amoeboid migration in human glioma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SOX2, a high mobility group (HMG)-box containing transcription
      factor, is a key regulator during development of the nervous system and a
      persistent marker of neural stem cells. Recent studies suggested a role of SOX2
      in tumor progression. In our previous work we detected SOX2 in glioma cells and
      glioblastoma specimens. Herein, we aim to explore the role of SOX2 for glioma
      malignancy in particular its role in cell proliferation and migration. METHODS:
      Retroviral shRNA-vectors were utilized to stably knockdown SOX2 in U343-MG and
      U373-MG cells. The resulting phenotype was investigated by Western blot,
      migration/invasion assays, RhoA G-LISA, time lapse video imaging, and orthotopic
      xenograft experiments. RESULTS: SOX2 depletion results in pleiotropic effects
      including attenuated cell proliferation caused by decreased levels of cyclinD1.
      Also an increased TCF/LEF-signaling and concomitant decrease in Oct4 and Nestin
      expression was noted. Furthermore, down-regulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)
      signaling and of downstream proteins such as HEF1/NEDD9, matrix
      metalloproteinases pro-MMP-1 and -2 impaired invasive proteolysis-dependent
      migration. Yet, cells with knockdown of SOX2 switched to a RhoA-dependent
      amoeboid-like migration mode which could be blocked by the ROCK inhibitor Y27632
      downstream of RhoA-signaling. Orthotopic xenograft experiments revealed a higher
      tumorigenicity of U343-MG glioma cells transduced with shRNA targeting SOX2 which
      was characterized by increased dissemination of glioma cells. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that SOX2 plays a role in the maintenance of a less
      differentiated glioma cell phenotype. In addition, the results indicate a
      critical role of SOX2 in adhesion and migration of malignant gliomas.

PMID- 22070921
TI  - ECM roles in the function of metabolic tissues.
AB  - All metazoan cells produce and/or interact with tissue-specific extracellular
      matrices (ECMs). Such ECMs play important structural roles not only in connective
      tissues, but in all tissues in which they provide support and anchorage for
      cells. However, in addition to such structural roles it has become increasingly
      clear that the tissue-specific microenvironments formed by the ECM play
      instructional roles that inform the proper phenotypes and functional behaviors of
      specialized cell types, and recent in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that ECM
      components also affect metabolic function. This review summarizes data that
      provide insights into the roles of the ECM in informing the proper development
      and functioning of highly specialized cells of metabolic tissues, such as
      adipocytes and islet beta cells.

PMID- 22070922
TI  - Frequency of KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations in advanced colorectal cancers:
      Comparison of peptide nucleic acid-mediated PCR clamping and direct sequencing in
      formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.
AB  - KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutation testing before administration of anti-epidermal
      growth factor receptor therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has become
      important. However, considerable uncertainty exists regarding which detection
      method can be applied in a reproducible, sensitive, and simple manner in the
      routine diagnostic setting. We compared the detection rates of KRAS, BRAF, and
      PIK3CA mutations in 92 routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded CRC specimens by
      2 discrete methods: direct sequencing and peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated
      PCR. The detection rates for KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations by direct
      sequencing were 20.7%, 3.3%, and 1.1%, respectively. PNA-mediated PCR clamping
      significantly increased the percentages of KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations by up
      to 7.6%, 1.2%, and 5.4%, respectively, compared to the detection rate of regular
      PCR followed by direct sequencing (p=0.039, p=0.250, and p=0.031, respectively).
      The tumor volume of discordant cases was not significantly different from
      concordant cases (56.2+/-28.7% vs. 67.6+/-17.9%, p=0.41), which implies that
      there is a minor population of mutant alleles in the heterogeneous tumor
      population. The PNA-mediated PCR clamping method is highly sensitive and is
      efficiently applicable to the detection of KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations in a
      clinical setting.

PMID- 22070923
TI  - Cognition and lobar morphology in full mutation boys with fragile X syndrome.
AB  - The aims of the present study are twofold: (1) to examine cortical morphology
      (CM) associated with alterations in cognition in fragile X syndrome (FXS); (2) to
      characterize the CM profile of FXS versus FXS with an autism diagnosis (FXS+Aut)
      as a preliminary attempt to further elucidate the behavioral distinctions between
      the two sub-groups. We used anatomical magnetic resonance imaging surface-based
      morphometry in 21 male children (FXS N=11 and age [2.27-13.3] matched controls
      [C] N=10). We found (1) increased whole hemispheric and lobar cortical volume,
      cortical thickness and cortical complexity bilaterally, yet insignificant changes
      in hemispheric surface area and gyrification index in FXS compared to C; (2)
      linear regression analyses revealed significant negative correlations between CM
      and cognition; (3) significant CM differences between FXS and FXS+Aut associated
      with their distinctive behavioral phenotypes. These findings are critical in
      understanding the neuropathophysiology of one of the most common intellectual
      deficiency syndromes associated with altered cognition as they provide human in
      vivo information about genetic control of CM and cognition.

PMID- 22070924
TI  - The interaction between surface color and color knowledge: behavioral and
      electrophysiological evidence.
AB  - In this study, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to evaluate the
      contribution of surface color and color knowledge information in object
      identification. We constructed two color-object verification tasks - a surface
      and a knowledge verification task - using high color diagnostic objects; both
      typical and atypical color versions of the same object were presented. Continuous
      electroencephalogram was recorded from 26 subjects. A cluster randomization
      procedure was used to explore the differences between typical and atypical color
      objects in each task. In the color knowledge task, we found two significant
      clusters that were consistent with the N350 and late positive complex (LPC)
      effects. Atypical color objects elicited more negative ERPs compared to typical
      color objects. The color effect found in the N350 time window suggests that
      surface color is an important cue that facilitates the selection of a stored
      object representation from long-term memory. Moreover, the observed LPC effect
      suggests that surface color activates associated semantic knowledge about the
      object, including color knowledge representations. We did not find any
      significant differences between typical and atypical color objects in the surface
      color verification task, which indicates that there is little contribution of
      color knowledge to resolve the surface color verification. Our main results
      suggest that surface color is an important visual cue that triggers color
      knowledge, thereby facilitating object identification.

PMID- 22070925
TI  - Vancouver simplified grading system with computed tomographic angiography for
      blunt aortic injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Delineation of blunt aortic injury by computed tomographic angiography
      guides management of this potentially fatal injury. Two existing grading systems
      are problematic to apply and not linked to outcomes. A simplified computed
      tomographic angiography-based grading system, linked to clinical outcomes, was
      developed, and feasibility and reliability were evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective
      review was performed of all blunt aortic injury cases presenting to a single
      provincial quaternary referral center designated for blunt aortic injury
      management between 2001 and 2009. Management, associated injuries, hospital
      survival, and cause of death were determined. Initial computed tomographic
      angiography was reviewed, and injuries were graded according to the new Vancouver
      simplified grading system by 2 study authors. Three additional trauma
      radiologists then graded the aortic injuries with the 2 existing systems and the
      simplified system. Interrater reliability was determined. RESULTS: Forty-eight
      patients were identified. Two had minimal aortic injury (grade I), 7 had an
      intimal flap larger than 1 cm (grade II), 32 had traumatic pseudoaneurysm (grade
      III), 6 had active contrast extravasation (grade IV), and 1 could not be rated.
      Survivals were 100%, 90%, and 33% for grades I and II, III, and IV, respectively.
      Of grade III injuries, 14% were medically managed, 68% repaired endovascularly,
      and 18% repaired with open surgery. Interrater correlation was best with the
      simplified score, with only 0.5% of cases unable to be classified. CONCLUSIONS:
      The Vancouver simplified blunt aortic injury grading system is easy to use and
      correlates with clinical outcomes. Prospective external validation is required.

PMID- 22070927
TI  - Endoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease:
      initial experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is a promising approach
      for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that may decrease morbidity compared
      with conventional antireflux procedures. We report our initial experience with
      this minimally invasive approach. METHODS: Over a 24-month period, 46 patients
      (mean age, 49 years; 50% female) underwent 48 TIF procedures. All procedures were
      performed under general anesthesia. Two surgeons participated in all cases; one
      served as the endoscopist, and the other performed the partial fundoplication.
      Heartburn severity was measured using the GERD health-related quality of life
      (GERD-HRQL) instrument (best score = 0, worst score = 45), which includes an
      additional question assessing overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 33
      (72%) of 46 patients had small (<3 cm) hiatal hernias, and none had undergone any
      previous antireflux procedures. Preoperative workup included manometry and barium
      esophagogram, with pH testing reserved for patients with atypical symptoms or
      typical symptoms and a lack of response to proton-pump inhibitors. The mean
      procedure time was 83 minutes (range, 36-180 minutes). The mean procedure time
      decreased after the first 5 cases from 122 to 78 minutes (P = .001). Mean length
      of stay was 1.3 days. One patient was readmitted with aspiration pneumonia. Three
      patients had minor complications (1 had minor bleeding from a suture site and 2
      had urinary retention). There were no perioperative deaths. Mean follow-up was
      140 days. The mean GERD-HRQL scores improved significantly (23 vs 7; P < .001).
      There were 22 patients with follow-up greater than 90 days (mean follow-up, 240
      days). GERD-HRQL scores remained significantly improved for these patients (23 vs
      8; P = .001). Four patients from the entire group (8.6%) had no improvement, in 3
      instances due to breakdown of the wrap. Two patients were treated with repeat
      endoscopic fundoplication and 1 was treated with laparoscopic Nissen
      fundoplication, and all had a significant improvement in symptoms after
      reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: TIF is effective at short-term follow-up and safe for
      patients with GERD. However, long-term follow-up and randomized trials are
      required to assess the efficacy and durability of this approach compared with
      conventional surgical repair.

PMID- 22070928
TI  - Low-dose spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine with intrathecal fentanyl
      for operative hysteroscopy: a case series study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the efficacy and tolerability of low dose spinal
      anesthesia during operative hysteroscopy in a group of patients with high
      surgical risks. DESIGN: Case series study (Canadian Task Force Classification II
      2). SETTING: Tertiary centers for women health care. PATIENTS: A total of 47
      women affected by endometrial polyps (n = 32), myomas (n = 8), and abnormal
      uterine bleeding (n = 7) scheduled for inpatient operative hysteroscopy.
      INTERVENTIONS: Transvaginal ultrasonography; office diagnostic hysteroscopy;
      preoperative evaluation of American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA)
      classification; inpatient operative hysteroscopy; low-dose spinal anesthesia with
      hyperbaric bupivacaine; compilation of a questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Practicability and patients' subjective experiences with spinal anesthesia;
      duration of cervical dilation and for operative hysteroscopy; infusion volume
      needed; incidence of surgical complications. RESULTS: Resectoscopy was performed
      in all patients, with the exception of 1 woman (2.1%) in which spinal anesthesia
      was unsuccessful. No statistically significant differences were noted among
      groups in terms of intra- and peri-operative findings. Sensory block induced by
      spinal anesthesia was suitable for surgery in all patients, and side effects
      occurred far less frequently than mentioned in the literature. Data reported in
      the questionnaire revealed that 93.5% of women would choose a spinal anesthesia
      again for a potential operative hysteroscopy in the future, since for 89.1% of
      them long lasting anesthesia is of relevance. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose spinal
      anesthesia is a feasible technique in the inpatient setting for operative
      hysteroscopy in women with high surgical risks.

PMID- 22070929
TI  - Myomectomy decreases abnormal uterine peristalsis and increases pregnancy rate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between fibroids and infertility remains a critical
      and unresolved question. During the implantation phase, it is known that uterine
      peristalsis is dramatically reduced, which is thought to facilitate implantation
      of the embryo to the endometrium. In the previous study, using a cine MRI mode,
      we found that less than half of the patients with intramural fibroids exhibited
      abnormal uterine peristalsis during the mid-luteal phase. In the present study,
      we further investigated whether myomectomy for patients in the high peristalsis
      group is a constructive method to normalize uterine peristalsis. METHODS: The
      frequency of junctional zone movement was evaluated using a cine MRI mode during
      the mid-luteal phase. Fifteen infertility patients, who had intramural myomas and
      exhibited abnormal uterine peristalsis (>=2 times/3 min) in their first MRI,
      underwent myomectomy and a second MRI. After receiving the second MRI, patients
      underwent infertility treatment for at least 8 months, and pregnancy rate was
      evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: Among 15 patients, the frequency of uterine
      peristalsis was normalized (0 or 1 time/3 min) in 14 patients. Following
      myomectomy and second MRI test, 6 of the 15 patients achieved pregnancy (n = 15,
      pregnancy rate: 40%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of uterine fibroids might induce
      abnormal uterine peristalsis in some patients, leading to infertility, and
      myomectomy may improve fertility in these patients.

PMID- 22070930
TI  - Brain tumor eradication and prolonged survival from intratumoral conversion of 5
      fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil using a nonlytic retroviral replicating vector.
AB  - Patients with the most common and aggressive form of high-grade glioma,
      glioblastoma multiforme, have poor prognosis and few treatment options. In 2
      immunocompetent mouse brain tumor models (CT26-BALB/c and Tu-2449-B6C3F1), we
      showed that a nonlytic retroviral replicating vector (Toca 511) stably delivers
      an optimized cytosine deaminase prodrug activating gene to the tumor lesion and
      leads to long-term survival after treatment with 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC).
      Survival benefit is dose dependent for both vector and 5-FC, and as few as 4
      cycles of 5-FC dosing after Toca 511 therapy provides significant survival
      advantage. In the virally permissive CT26-BALB/c model, spread of Toca 511 to
      other tissues, particularly lymphoid tissues, is detectable by polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) over a wide range of levels. In the Tu-2449-B6C3F1 model, Toca 511
      PCR signal in nontumor tissues is much lower, spread is not always observed, and
      when observed, is mainly detected in lymphoid tissues at low levels. The
      difference in vector genome spread correlates with a more effective antiviral
      restriction element, APOBEC3, present in the B6C3F1 mice. Despite these
      differences, neither strain showed signs of treatment-related toxicity. These
      data support the concept that, in immunocompetent animals, a replicating
      retroviral vector carrying a prodrug activating gene (Toca 511) can spread
      through a tumor mass, leading to selective elimination of the tumor after prodrug
      administration, without local or systemic pathology. This concept is under
      investigation in an ongoing phase I/II clinical trial of Toca 511 in combination
      with 5-FC in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (www.clinicaltrials.gov
      NCT01156584).

PMID- 22070931
TI  - Absence of the lectin activation pathway of complement does not increase
      susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains one of the major clinical pathogens that burden
      immuno-compromised patients and patients with cystic fibrosis. The present study
      aimed to define the role of the lectin pathway of complement in the immune
      defence against P. aeruginosa in a mouse model of invasive pneumonia. Using in
      vitro assays specific for each of the three complement pathways, we demonstrate
      that some strains of P. aeruginosa bind lectin pathway recognition sub-components
      and initiate complement activation in a lectin pathway-specific mode. All of the
      tested strains activated complement via classical and alternative pathways. We
      assessed the importance of lectin pathway activation in fighting P. aeruginosa
      infections by testing a lectin pathway activating strain in a mouse model of
      intra-nasal infection. MASP-2 (mannan binding lectin associated serine protease
      2) deficient mice, which have no lectin pathway activity, had no significant
      survival disadvantage compared to wild type littermates (72.7% and 81.8%
      survival, respectively, p=0.48). Likewise, no difference in opsonising activity
      was seen between MASP-2 sufficient and MASP-2 deficient mouse sera. Moreover,
      cytokine expression profiles in the lungs of WT mice and MASP-2-/- mice were
      similar throughout the course of P. aeruginosa infection. We conclude that the
      lectin pathway does not play an essential role in fighting P. aeruginosa
      infection in mice.

PMID- 22070932
TI  - Smurf2 regulates IL17RB by proteasomal degradation of its novel binding partner
      DAZAP2.
AB  - IL17RB is the receptor for IL17E, the only member of IL17 family promoting Th2
      reactions. The mechanism of IL17BR regulation is poorly understood. We previously
      demonstrated that expression of IL17RB is induced on human macrophages by IL4 and
      enhanced by TGFbeta. In the present study we investigated the immediate signaling
      targets of IL17RB. Using Yeast Two Hybrid screening we identified DAZAP2 as a
      binding partner of IL17RB. We established that 2 SH2-binding domains of DAZAP2
      are essential for its binding to IL17RB. Deletion of these domains or
      substitution of tyrosines to alanines abrogates the binding. In IL17RB DAZAP2
      binding domain was mapped to the region between aa 329 and 347 within its
      cytoplasmic part. Confocal microscopy revealed that in primary human macrophages
      that do not express IL17RB DAZAP2 is predominantly localized in the nucleus,
      while in IL17RB positive macrophages a portion of DAZAP2 is visualized in the
      cytoplasm. Stimulation of IL17RB with its ligand IL17E induces accumulation of
      DAZAP2 in the cytoplasm. Further we established that DAZAP2 interacts with Smurf2
      an E3 ubiquitin ligase which induces proteasome-dependent degradation of the
      protein. In summary we established a new mechanism of IL17RB regulation-Smurf2
      dependent degradation of its adaptor protein DAZAP2.

PMID- 22070933
TI  - Cell therapy for refractory angina: time for more ACTion.
AB  - Chronic ischemic heart disease is a major cause of patient morbidity and
      healthcare expenditure. The development of therapies aimed to enhance
      angiogenesis is targeted for patients with severe ischemic symptoms that persist
      despite optimized medical therapy and in whom coronary revascularization
      procedures are no longer feasible or helpful. Several different stem, progenitor
      and mature cell types have so far shown potential to improve myocardial perfusion
      and vascularity after transplantation in preclinical models of ischemia. However,
      human studies of cell-based transfer have heavily focused on preventing cardiac
      remodeling and dysfunction in the setting of myocardial infarction, while
      relatively few have addressed the use of cells to treat patients suffering from
      chronic debilitating angina. To this end, the recent ACT34-CMI trial represents a
      seminal milestone in the clinical evolution of cell therapy for chronic ischemic
      heart disease. In this phase II placebo-controlled study, myocardial injection of
      autologous peripheral blood-derived CD34+ progenitor cells was shown to confer
      considerable benefit for symptom frequency and exercise tolerance in patients
      with refractory, class III and IV angina. The present commentary reviews the key
      lessons from this unique trial and considers its contributions in moving the
      field of cell-based cardiovascular research forward.

PMID- 22070934
TI  - Pattern of childhood burn injuries and their management outcome at Bugando
      Medical Centre in Northwestern Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burn injuries constitute a major public health problem and are the
      leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is paucity of
      published data on childhood burn injuries in Tanzania, particularly the study
      area. This study was conducted to describe the pattern of childhood burn injuries
      in our local setting and to evaluate their management outcome. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre (in Northwestern
      Tanzania) over a 3-year period from January 2008 to December 2010. Data was
      collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and statistical analyses
      performed using SPSS software version 15.0. RESULTS: A total of 342 burned
      children were studied. Males were mainly affected. Children aged = 2 were the
      majority accounting for 45.9% of cases. Intentional burn injuries due to child
      abuse were reported in 2.9% of cases. Scald was the most common type of burns
      (56.1%). The trunk was the most commonly involved body region (57.3%). Majority
      of patients (48.0%) sustained superficial burns. Eight (2.3%) patients were HIV
      positive. Most patients (89.8%) presented to the hospital later than 24 h. The
      rate of burn wound infection on admission and on 10th day were 32.4% and 39.8%
      respectively.Staphylococcus aureus were more common on admission wound swabs,
      with Pseudomonas aeruginosa becoming more evident after 10th day. MRSA was
      detected in 19.2% of Staphylococcus aureus. Conservative treatment was performed
      in 87.1% of cases. Surgical treatment mainly skin grafting (65.9%) was performed
      in 44 (12.9%) of patients. The overall average of the length of hospital stay
      (LOS) was 22.12 +/- 16.62 days. Mortality rate was 11.7%. Using multivariate
      logistic regression analysis; age of the patient, type of burn, delayed
      presentation, clothing ignition, %TBSA and severity of burn were found to be
      significantly associated with LOS (P < 0.001), whereas mortality rate was found
      to be independently and significantly related to the age of the patient, type of
      burn, HIV positive with stigmata of AIDS, CD4 count, inhalation injury, %TBSA and
      severity of burn (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Childhood burn injuries still remain a
      menace in our environment with virtually unacceptable high morbidity and
      mortality. There is need for critical appraisal of the preventive measures and
      management principles currently being practiced.

PMID- 22070935
TI  - Age differential between outcomes of carotid angioplasty and stent placement and
      carotid endarterectomy in general practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data derived from prospective randomized clinical trials suggest
      differential comparative benefit between carotid angioplasty and stent (CAS)
      placement and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in various age strata. We sought to
      investigate the impact of age on outcomes of CAS and CEA in general practice.
      METHODS: We analyzed the data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), which
      is representative of all admissions in the United States from 2005 to 2008. The
      primary end point was occurrence of stroke, cardiac complications, or death
      during the postprocedural period. Outcomes of interest were compared between
      patients aged >=70 years and <70 years, undergoing CEA and CAS. Multivariate
      logistic regression was performed to determine the effect of age on occurrence of
      postoperative stroke, cardiac complications, or death. Covariates included in the
      logistic regression were patient's age, gender, comorbid conditions, including
      hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic lung disease, coronary artery
      disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and renal failure; symptom status
      (symptomatic vs asymptomatic status), and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Of
      the total 495,331 estimated patients who received treatment for CAD during the
      study period, 88% underwent CEA and the remaining 12% underwent CAS. Of the total
      procedures, 41% of the procedures were performed in patients aged <70 years
      compared to the remaining 59% that were performed among patients aged >=70 years.
      For patients undergoing CAS, age >=70 years was an important predictor of
      postoperative stroke (P = .0025; odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.2-2.5) and cardiac complications postprocedure (P = .045; OR, 1.3; 95%
      CI, 1.0-1.6). For patients undergoing CEA, age >=70 years was associated with
      higher cardiac complications (P < .001; OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7) and higher
      postoperative mortality risk (P = .0008; OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8) compared to
      patients aged <70 years. The increased risk of composite end point (postoperative
      stroke/cardiac complications/mortality) among patients aged >=70 years was a
      significant factor for patients undergoing either CAS or CEA (OR of 1.3 for both
      procedures). CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that most CAS and CEAs are
      performed in patients aged >=70 years in general practice, and higher rates of
      postoperative complications are observed among these patients regardless of
      procedure choice.

PMID- 22070937
TI  - Factors affecting the patency of arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the accepted gold
      standard mode of repeated vascular access for hemodialysis in terms of access
      longevity, patient morbidity, and health care costs. This review assesses the
      current evidence supporting the role of various patient and surgeon factors on
      AVF patency. METHODS: The literature was searched to identify the current
      evidence available for patient characteristics, methods of AVF planning, and
      anatomic factors that may affect patency outcomes after AVF formation. The use of
      adjuvant medications, surgical techniques, and policies for AVF maintenance are
      discussed in relation to AVF patency. RESULTS: Current literature supports
      patient factors, such as increasing age, presence of diabetes, smoking,
      peripheral vascular disease, predialysis hypotension, and vessel characteristics,
      as directly influencing AVF patency. Vessels of small caliber (<2 mm) or
      demonstrating reduced distensibility are unlikely to create a functional AVF.
      Current evidence does not support altered patency due to sex or raised body mass
      index (<35 kg/m(2)). Factors such as early referral for AVF, preoperative
      ultrasound vessel mapping, use of vascular staples, and intraoperative flow
      measurements affected AVF patency, but the use of medical adjuvant therapies did
      not. Programs of surveillance and various needling techniques to maintain patency
      are not supported by current evidence. Novel techniques of infrared radiotherapy
      and topical glyceryl trinitrate are possible future strategies to increase AVF
      patency rates. The limitations of available evidence include a lack of large,
      randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis data to support current practice.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a complex interaction of factors that may affect the
      patency of an individual AVF. These need to be carefully considered when
      selecting surgical site or technique, adjuvant treatments, and follow-up
      protocols for AVFs.

PMID- 22070936
TI  - Carotid endarterectomy in the acute phase of stroke-in-evolution is safe and
      effective in selected patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study documented with independent neurologic assessment the 30
      day and 90-day outcomes in selected patients with severe internal carotid artery
      (ICA) stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the acute phase of
      stroke-in-evolution (SIE). METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2010, data from
      patients who had surgery <=2 weeks of an SIE with high-grade carotid stenosis
      were extracted from two prospectively collected databases. Clinical assessment
      was by the vascular neurologist using the National Institute of Health Stroke
      Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale score. All patients had computed
      tomography or magnetic resonance brain imaging <=3 hours of stroke onset. Those
      eligible received thrombolysis. Duplex ultrasound imaging was initially used for
      the diagnosis of severe (>=60%) ICA stenosis, and further assessment was by
      magnetic resonance or computed tomography angiography, or both. Perioperative
      medical treatment and operative techniques were standardized. Stroke, death,
      major cardiac events, and functional outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven
      patients underwent carotid revascularization in the acute phase of SIE.
      Fluctuating or progressive neurologic deficit was the presenting pattern in 20
      patients and occurred after otherwise successful thrombolytic therapy in the
      remaining 7 (26%). Median NIHSS score at admission was 8. Median delay to surgery
      from the index event was 6 days. The mean degree of ICA stenosis was 87%. All
      patients received antiplatelet and statin therapy during the intervening period.
      Procedures were conventional CEA with patch angioplasty (polytetrafluoroethylene)
      in 26 patients (96.3%) and redo interposition bypass grafting in 1 patient. CEA
      was done under local anesthesia in 23 patients (85.2%), with selective shunting
      in 3 (13.0%), and under general anesthesia, with systematic shunting in 4. At
      discharge and at 1 and 3 months, no recurrent stroke or death, and one nonfatal
      myocardial infarction occurred in this series, with a 100% complete follow-up. At
      3 months, all patients had a favorable functional outcome defined as a modified
      Rankin Scale score of <=2. CONCLUSIONS: This short series demonstrates that CEA
      in the acute phase of SIE with strict selection criteria and close blood pressure
      monitoring is safe, even after recent thrombolytic therapy, and is effective in
      functional outcome at 3 months. Larger series of patients are required to confirm
      the safety and efficacy of this management.

PMID- 22070938
TI  - A novel approach using pulmonary artery catheter-directed rapid right ventricular
      pacing to facilitate precise deployment of endografts in the thoracic aorta.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Controlled hypotension is critical for precise deployment of
      endografts in the thoracic aorta and for safe balloon dilation after deployment.
      We describe a novel approach to rapid right ventricular pacing using a pulmonary
      artery catheter (PAC) that is placed during the procedure for hemodynamic
      monitoring. METHODS: The study included 27 patients (20 men and seven women),
      with a mean age of 74 years, who underwent endograft placement in the thoracic
      aorta with PAC-directed rapid right ventricular pacing. Hemodynamic parameters,
      accuracy of deployment, complications related to rapid right ventricular pacing
      and PAC placement, presence of endoleaks, and postoperative complications were
      evaluated. RESULTS: PAC-directed rapid right ventricular pacing was performed
      during endograft deployment and balloon dilation after deployment without
      technical difficulty. Each patient underwent a median of two pacing episodes
      (range, 1-4). The length of each pacing episode was a mean of 11 seconds (range,
      8-14 seconds). Mean pacing rate was 170 +/- 15 beats/min, which achieved an
      average mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 42 +/- 8 mm Hg. After pacing cessation,
      the recovery time of MAP to prepacing levels was <5 seconds (mean, 2 seconds) in
      all but one patient. All endografts were precisely deployed at a mean of 2 mm
      from the intended placement site, and there was no unintentional branch vessel
      coverage. One patient with severe valvular heart disease died. There were nine
      endoleaks, one postoperative stroke (4%), and one access wound hematoma (4%).
      CONCLUSIONS: PAC-directed rapid right ventricular pacing is an effective method
      of inducing hypotension, enabling precise thoracic endograft deployment and safe
      balloon dilation after deployment. However, despite these advantages, the
      technique may be contraindicated in patients with severe valvular or ischemic
      heart disease.

PMID- 22070939
TI  - Migration of central lines from the superior vena cava to the azygous vein.
AB  - AIM: To report 11 cases of central venous access catheters migrating from the
      superior vena cava to the azygos vein in order to raise radiologists' awareness
      of this possibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the
      clinical history and imaging of 11 patients whose central line migrated from the
      superior vena cava to the azygos vein. The time course of migration, access route
      of the catheters, outcome, and depth of placement in the superior vena cava were
      evaluated. RESULTS: All of these catheters were placed from the left; six through
      the subclavian vein, four as PICC lines, and one from the left internal jugular
      vein. Seven of the catheters were originally positioned in the superior vena
      cava. Four of the catheters were originally positioned in the azygos vein and
      were repositioned into the superior vena cava at the time of placement. The time
      to migration ranged from 2 to 126 days, average 43 days. In three cases, the
      migration was not reported at the first opportunity, resulting in a delay in
      diagnosis ranging from 10 to 27 days. All but one of the catheters extended at
      least 3.5 cm (range 1.8-7 cm) below the top of the right mainstem bronchus when
      in the superior vena cava. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for migration into the azygos
      vein include placement from a left-sided approach and original positioning in the
      azygos vein with correction at placement. The depth of placement in the superior
      vena cava was not a protective factor. It is important to recognize migration
      because of the elevated risk of complications when central lines are placed in
      the azygos vein.

PMID- 22070940
TI  - Pulmonary blood volume imaging with dual-energy computed tomography: spectrum of
      findings.
AB  - Dual-energy (DE) pulmonary blood volume (PBV) computed tomography (CT) has
      recently become available on clinical CT systems. The underlying physical
      principle of DECT is the fact that the photoelectric effect is strongly dependent
      on the CT energies resulting in different degrees of x-ray attenuation for
      different materials at different energy levels. DECT thus enables the
      characterization and quantification of iodine within tissues via imaging at
      different x-ray energies and analysis of attenuation differences. Technical
      approaches to DECT include dual-source scanners acquiring two scans with
      different energy levels simultaneously, and single-source CT scanners using
      sandwich detectors or rapid voltage switching. DE PBV CT enables the creation of
      iodine maps of the pulmonary parenchyma. Experience to date shows that these
      studies can provide additional physiological information in patients with acute
      or chronic pulmonary embolism beyond the pure morphological assessment a standard
      CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) provides. It appears also to be promising for the
      evaluation of patients with obstructive airways disease. This article reviews the
      physics and technical aspects of DE PBV CT as well as the appearance of normal
      and abnormal lung tissue on these studies. Special consideration is given to
      pitfalls and artefacts.

PMID- 22070941
TI  - Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava.
AB  - Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and its tributaries are
      increasingly recognized in asymptomatic patients due to the more frequent use of
      cross-sectional imaging and computed tomography (CT) in particular. IVC
      development is a complex process involving formation of anastomoses between three
      pairs of embryonic veins in the 4th to 8th week of gestation. Various
      permutations occur in the basic venous plan of the abdomen and pelvis resulting
      in variants such as isolated left IVC, double IVC, and retroaortic left renal
      vein. The majority of these anomalies are asymptomatic but occasionally present
      clinically with thromboembolic complications. However, awareness of their
      existence is important to avoid important diagnostic pitfalls and in preoperative
      surgical and interventional radiological planning.

PMID- 22070943
TI  - CT of the adrenal: not just distinguishing non-adenoma versus adenoma.

PMID- 22070944
TI  - An observational study to evaluate the performance of units using two
      radiographers to read screening mammograms.
AB  - AIM: To examine the performance of screening units in which a proportion of
      mammograms were double read using "non-discordant radiographer only (double)
      reading" (NDROR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: NDROR was used by seven pilot units
      between 2006 and 2009, and six further units in 2009 only. There were 51
      comparison units. Screening performance outcome measures were calculated, and
      logistic regression was used to compare performance between the pilot and
      comparison units. RESULTS: Phase 1 pilot units read between on average 15 and 48%
      of mammograms per year using NDROR between 2006 and 2009 (median, 33%) and in
      2009, phase 2 pilot units used NDROR to read between 4 and 77% of mammograms
      (median, 34%). The results showed an increase in recall rates in the phase 1
      pilot units relative to the comparison units at both prevalent and incident
      screens (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05, 1.14; and adjusted OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07,
      1.14, respectively). There were also increases in the phase 2 pilot units
      relative to the comparison units; adjusted OR 1.08 (95% 1.00, 1.17) at prevalent
      screens, and adjusted OR 1.07 (95% CI 1.02, 1.14) at incident screens. There was
      no evidence to suggest a difference in cancer-detection rates between the pilot
      units and the comparison units. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the present study
      suggests that recall rates may increase as a result of units using radiographers
      to double read a proportion of their mammograms. However, there is little
      evidence to suggest that NDROR, as practiced by the pilot units in the present
      study, is likely to have major impacts on performance in the UK National Health
      Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP), particularly if it is fully
      supported and closely monitored (particularly recall rates).

PMID- 22070946
TI  - Endovascular repair of spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric
      artery.
AB  - AIM: To present our experience of the clinical management of spontaneous isolated
      dissection of superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA) and analyse the clinical
      features, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this retrospective study, eight consecutive patients with symptomatic SIDSMA were
      treated in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between April 2007 and April 2010; among
      these patients, six underwent endovascular stent placement. The clinical
      manifestations, imaging findings, endovascular stent placement outcome, and
      follow-up results of the patients were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Eight
      patients were diagnosed with SIDSMA by contrast-enhanced computer tomography. One
      patient died due to comorbidity before angiography. Six patients underwent
      percutaneous endovascular stent placement in the superior mesenteric artery
      (SMA): four patients with bare stents and two with stent grafts. Because it was
      not appropriate to perform stent implantation in the remaining patient, he
      received only conservative treatment. All seven patients had an uneventful
      recovery and the follow-up period was 16 month, ranging from 1 to 35 months.
      CONCLUSION: For patients with symptomatic SIDSMA, endovascular repair is a
      feasible treatment choice with a high success rate and good clinical outcome.

PMID- 22070947
TI  - Bovine aortic arch: a novel association with thoracic aortic dilation.
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether there is a link between bovine arch and thoracic
      aortic aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) images of the thorax of 191 patients with dilated
      thoracic aortas and 391 consecutive, unselected patients as controls were
      retrospectively reviewed. Bovine arch was considered present if either a shared
      origin of the left common carotid and innominate arteries or an origin of the
      left common carotid from the innominate artery was identified. A chi-square test
      was used to evaluate the significance of differences between subgroups. RESULTS:
      A trend towards increased prevalence of bovine arch was seen in patients with
      dilated aortas (26.2%) compared to controls (20.5%, p=0.12). The association was
      statistically significant in patients over 70 years old (31.9%, p=0.019) and when
      dilation involved the aortic arch (47.6%, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: An association
      between bovine arch and aortic dilation is seen in older patients, and when
      dilation involves the aortic arch. Bovine arch should be considered a potential
      risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysm.

PMID- 22070948
TI  - Language, perception, and the schematic representation of spatial relations.
AB  - Schemas are abstract nonverbal representations that parsimoniously depict spatial
      relations. Despite their ubiquitous use in maps and diagrams, little is known
      about their neural instantiation. We sought to determine the extent to which
      schematic representations are neurally distinguished from language on the one
      hand, and from rich perceptual representations on the other. In patients with
      either left hemisphere damage or right hemisphere damage, a battery of matching
      tasks depicting categorical spatial relations was used to probe for the
      comprehension of basic spatial concepts across distinct representational formats
      (words, pictures, and schemas). Left hemisphere patients underperformed right
      hemisphere patients across all tasks. However, focused residual analyses using
      voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) suggest that (1) left hemisphere
      deficits in the representation of categorical spatial relations are difficult to
      distinguish from deficits in naming these relations and (2) the right hemisphere
      plays a special role in extracting schematic representations from richly textured
      pictures.

PMID- 22070968
TI  - Tissue microbiology provides a coherent picture of infection.
AB  - The vertebrate host represents an extraordinarily complex and heterogenous
      environment which pathogenic bacteria of different types able to colonize and
      infect. This implies that all contributory elements of an infected tissue type or
      intact host are pre-requisites for full understanding of bacterial pathogenesis.
      Within this context, intravital techniques allow such studies of infection under
      realistic conditions within the live host, and with improved detection methods
      another level of understanding is attained. Here we define this field as tissue
      microbiology, with its focus placed on monitoring and mimicking host-pathogen
      interaction within the dynamic micro-ecology significant for infectious niches in
      the live host. Such all-inclusive approaches promise to more coherently define
      relevant interactions and angles for disease intervention.

PMID- 22070969
TI  - Use of composite refocusing pulses to form spin echoes.
AB  - The radiofrequency pulses used in NMR are subject to a number of imperfections
      such as those caused by inhomogeneity of the radiofrequency (B(1)) field and an
      offset of the transmitter frequency from precise resonance. The effect of these
      pulse imperfections upon a refocusing pulse in a spin-echo experiment can be
      severe. Many of the worst effects, those that distort the phase of the spin echo,
      can be removed completely by selecting the echo coherence pathway using either
      the "Exorcycle" phase cycle or magnetic field gradients. It is then tempting to
      go further and try to improve the amplitude of the spin-echo signal by replacing
      the simple refocusing pulse with a broadband composite 180 degrees  pulse that
      compensates for the relevant pulse imperfection. We show here that all composite
      pulses with a symmetric or asymmetric phase shift scheme will reintroduce phase
      distortions into the spin echo, despite the selection of the echo coherence
      pathway. In contrast, all antisymmetric composite pulses yield no phase
      distortion whatsoever, both on and off resonance, and are therefore the correct
      symmetry of composite refocusing pulse to use. These conclusions are verified
      using simulations and (31)P MAS NMR spin-echo experiments performed on a
      microporous aluminophosphate.

PMID- 22070970
TI  - Suppression of sampling artefacts in high-resolution four-dimensional NMR spectra
      using signal separation algorithm.
AB  - The development of non-uniform sampling (NUS) strategies permits to obtain high
      dimensional spectra with increased resolution in significantly reduced
      experimental time. We extended a previously proposed signal separation algorithm
      (SSA) to process sparse four-dimensional NMR data. It is employed for two
      experiments carried out for a partially unstructured 114-residue construct of
      chicken Engrailed 2 protein, namely 4D HCCH-TOCSY and 4D C,N-edited NOESY. The
      SSA allowed us to obtain high-quality spectra using only as little as 0.16% of
      the available samples, with low sampling artefacts approaching the thermal noise
      level in most spectral regions. It is demonstrated that NUS 4D HCCH-TOCSY is
      dominated by sampling noise and requires efficient artefact suppression. On the
      other hand, 4D C,N-edited NOESY is a particularly attractive experiment for NUS,
      as the absence of diagonal peaks renders the problem of artefacts less critical.
      We also present a transverse-relaxation optimized sequence for HMQC that is
      especially designed for longer evolution periods in the indirectly detected
      proton dimension in high-dimensional pulse sequences. In conjunction with novel
      sampling strategies and efficient processing methods, this improvement enabled us
      to obtain unique structural information about aliphatic-amide contacts.

PMID- 22070971
TI  - Comparison of interleukin IL-6 levels in the subretinal fluid and the vitreous
      during rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PMID- 22070972
TI  - Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 22070973
TI  - Abscisic acid root and leaf concentration in relation to biomass partitioning in
      salinized tomato plants.
AB  - Salinization is one of the most important causes of crop productivity reduction
      in many areas of the world. Mechanisms that control leaf growth and shoot
      development under the osmotic phase of salinity are still obscure, and opinions
      differ regarding the Abscisic acid (ABA) role in regulation of biomass allocation
      under salt stress. ABA concentration in roots and leaves was analyzed in a
      genotype of processing tomato under two increasing levels of salinity stress for
      five weeks: 100 mM NaCl (S10) and 150 mM NaCl (S15), to study the effect of ABA
      changes on leaf gas exchange and dry matter partitioning of this crop under
      salinity conditions. In S15, salinization decreased dry matter by 78% and induced
      significant increases of Na(+) and Cl(-) in both leaves and roots. Dry matter
      allocated in different parts of plant was significantly different in salt
      stressed treatments, as salinization increased root/shoot ratio 2-fold in S15 and
      3-fold in S15 compared to the control. Total leaf water potential (Psi(w))
      decreased from an average value of approximately -1.0 MPa, measured on control
      plants and S10, to -1.17 MPa in S15. In S15, photosynthesis was reduced by 23%
      and stomatal conductance decreased by 61%. Moreover, salinity induced ABA
      accumulation both in tomato leaves and roots of the more stressed treatment
      (S15), where ABA level was higher in roots than in leaves (550 and 312 ng g(-1)
      fresh weight, respectively). Our results suggest that the dynamics of ABA and ion
      accumulation in tomato leaves significantly affected both growth and gas exchange
      related parameters in tomato. In particular, ABA appeared to be involved in the
      tomato salinity response and could play an important role in dry matter
      partitioning between roots and shoots of tomato plants subjected to salt stress.

PMID- 22070974
TI  - Distribution and change patterns of free IAA, ABP 1 and PM H+-ATPase during ovary
      and ovule development of Nicotiana tabacum L.
AB  - Auxin plays key roles in flower induction, embryogenesis, seed formation and
      seedling development, but little is known about whether auxin regulates the
      development of ovaries and ovules before pollination. In the present report, we
      measured the content of free indole-3-acetic (IAA) in ovaries of Nicotiana
      tabacum L., and localized free IAA, auxin binding protein 1 (ABP1) and plasma
      membrane (PM) H+-ATPase in the ovaries and ovules. The level of free IAA in the
      developmental ovaries increased gradually from the stages of ovular primordium to
      the functional megaspore, but slightly decreased when the embryo sacs formed.
      Immunoenzyme labeling clearly showed that both IAA and ABP1 were distributed in
      the ovules, the edge of the placenta, vascular tissues and the ovary wall, while
      PM H+-ATPase was mainly localized in the ovules. By using immunogold labeling,
      the subcellular distributions of IAA, ABP1 and PM H+-ATPase in the ovules were
      also shown. The results suggest that IAA, ABP1 and PM H+-ATPase may play roles in
      the ovary and ovule initiation, formation and differentiation.

PMID- 22070975
TI  - Gene families of maize glutathione-ascorbate redox cycle respond differently to
      abiotic stresses.
AB  - The glutathione-ascorbate (GSH-ASC) cycle in plants plays an important role in
      detoxifying reactive oxygen species. Little is known about how the enzymes and
      antioxidants in the maize GSH-ASC cycle respond to stress. We clarified the
      genome positions, exon-intron structures and predicted subcellular locations of
      the ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR),
      dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR) families in
      maize. ABA treatment increased the transcript levels of most of the APX genes
      except ZmAPX3 and ZmAPX6, upregulated the transcription of ZmMDAR1 and
      downregulated the transcriptions of ZmMDAR3 and ZmMDAR4. However, it had little
      effect on the expressions of the ZmDHAR and ZmGR gene families. ABA treatment
      increased the activities of only 2 enzymes, ZmAPX and ZmDHAR. The PEG treatment
      led to similar expression patterns as that of ABA. ZmAPX1.1 and ZmAPX2 exhibited
      the same expression patterns under PEG treatment conditions. Enzyme activities
      were not affected by the PEG treatment with the exception of a significant
      decrease in MDAR activity that was observed after 6h. Compared to the ABA and PEG
      treatments, the NaCl treatment only slightly affected the transcription of the
      four gene families but significantly increased the activity of ZmGR. The ABA and
      PEG treatments elevate the ASC levels and decrease the GSSG level. Our results
      show that the gene families of the maize GSH-ASC redox cycle respond differently
      to abiotic stresses and suggest that APX and MDAR may play more important roles
      in stress tolerance in plants.

PMID- 22070976
TI  - Time-dependent distribution of sulphur, sulphate and glutathione in wheat tissues
      and grain as affected by three sulphur fertilization levels and late S
      fertilization.
AB  - Sulphur (S) fertilization has beneficial effects on yield and protein composition
      of mature wheat kernels. However, to understand the impact of S fertilization on
      storage protein composition, synthesis of S-containing compounds and their
      distribution during grain development has to be examined. A pot experiment with
      Triticum aestivum cultivar Turkis under three S fertilization levels (0 g, 0.1 g
      und 0.2 g S per pot) and a late S fertilization level at ear emergence was
      carried out. Stalk and leaves, flag leaves, ears and kernels were harvested
      separately during grain development at ear emergence, milk ripeness and maturity,
      and analyzed for elemental S, sulphate, glutathione, and protein concentration.
      Sulphate is the major S compound in stalk, leaf and ears at the start of grain
      development, whereas glutathione is more important for synthesis of S-containing
      proteins in the grain. The discrepancy of S concentration comparing low and high
      S fertilization became obvious after milk ripeness. The N/S ratios in ears at ear
      emergence and milk ripeness reflected the later N/S ratio in mature grain. Late S
      fertilization increased sulphate concentrations in the flag leaf within a short
      period of about two weeks at ear emergence. Late S fertilization prevented S
      deficiency in late stages of wheat growth and further enabled equal
      concentrations of S, glutathione and protein in all wheat organs compared to an S
      application only at sowing.

PMID- 22070977
TI  - Identification of differentially expressed salt-responsive proteins in roots of
      two perennial grass species contrasting in salinity tolerance.
AB  - This study was designed to identify physiological responses and differential
      proteomic responses to salinity stress in roots of a salt-tolerant grass species,
      seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), and a salt-sensitive grass species,
      centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides). Plants of both species were exposed to
      salinity stress by watering the soil with 300 mM NaCl solution for 20 d in a
      growth chamber. The 2-DE analysis revealed that the abundance of 8 protein spots
      significantly increased and 14 significantly decreased in seashore paspalum,
      while 19 and 16 protein spots exhibited increase and decrease in abundance in
      centipedegrass, respectively. Eight protein spots that exhibited enhanced
      abundance in seashore paspalum under salinity stress were subjected to mass
      spectrometry analysis. Seven protein spots were successfully identified, they are
      peroxidase (POD, 2.36-fold), cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH, 5.84-fold),
      asorbate peroxidase (APX, 4.03-fold), two mitochondrial ATPSdelta chain (2.26
      fold and 4.78-fold), hypothetical protein LOC100274119 (5.01-fold) and
      flavoprotein wrbA (2.20-fold), respectively. Immunblotting analysis indicated
      that POD and ATPSdelta chain were significantly up-regulated in seashore paspalum
      at 20 d of salinity treatment while almost no expression in both control and salt
      treatment of centipedegrass. These results indicated that the superior salinity
      tolerance in seashore paspalum, compared to centipedegrass, could be associated
      with a high abundance of proteins involved in ROS detoxification and energy
      metabolism.

PMID- 22070978
TI  - Effects of undenatured whey protein supplementation on CXCL12- and CCL21-mediated
      B and T cell chemotaxis in diabetic mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long and persistent uncontrolled diabetes tends to degenerate the
      immune system and leads to an increased incidence of infection. Whey proteins
      (WPs) enhance immunity during early life and have a protective role in some
      immune disorders. In this study, the effects of camel WP on the chemotaxis of B
      and T cells to CXCL12 and CCL21 in diabetic mice were investigated. RESULTS: Flow
      cytometric analysis of the surface expressions of CXCR4 (CXCL12 receptor) and
      CCR7 (CCL21 receptor) on B and T cells revealed that the surface expressions of
      CXCR4 and CCR7 were not significantly altered in diabetic and WP-supplemented
      diabetic mice compared with control mice. Nevertheless, B and T lymphocytes from
      diabetic mice were found to be in a stunned state, with a marked and significant
      (P < 0.05) decrease in CXCL12- and CCL21-mediated actin polymerization and
      subsequently, a marked decrease in their chemotaxis. WP supplementation in the
      diabetes model was found to significantly increase CXCL12- and CCL21-mediated
      actin polymerization and chemotaxis in both B and T cells. CONCLUSION: Our data
      revealed the benefits of WP supplementation in enhancing cytoskeletal
      rearrangement and chemotaxis in B and T cells, and subsequently improving the
      immune response in diabetic mice.

PMID- 22070979
TI  - Incorporation of in situ exposure and biomarkers response in clams Ruditapes
      philippinarum for assessment of metal pollution in coastal areas from the Maluan
      Bay of China.
AB  - The clams Ruditapes philippinarum were used to assess the impact of metal
      contaminants when transplanted to seven study sites along the Maluan Bay (China).
      Metal concentrations in digestive gland tissues of clams after 7-day in situ cage
      exposure were determined in conjunction with antioxidant enzyme activities. The
      results showed the importance of specific antioxidant biomarkers to assess
      complex pollutant mixtures and their good correlations to the pollutant
      compositions of deployment sites. Multivariate analysis indicated causal
      relationship between the chemicals at each study site and the biochemical
      "response" of the caged clams at these sites and demonstrated the potential
      presence of two different contaminant sources. This study suggested that the
      incorporation of tissue residue analysis with biomarkers response in caged clams
      together with factor analysis can be a useful biomonitoring tool for the
      identification of causal toxic pollutants and the assessment of complex metal
      pollutions in marine coastal environment.

PMID- 22070980
TI  - Quantifying the sources of pollutants in the Great Barrier Reef catchments and
      the relative risk to reef ecosystems.
AB  - Development of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchments in the last 150 years has
      increased the loads of suspended sediment, nutrients and pesticides
      ('pollutants') delivered to the GBR. The scale and type of development, the
      pollutants generated and the ecosystems offshore vary regionally. We analysed the
      relative risk of pollutants from agricultural land uses and identified the
      sources of these pollutants from different land uses for each region to develop
      priorities for management. The assessment showed the Wet Tropics and Mackay
      Whitsunday regions to be of relatively high risk dominated by sugarcane
      cultivation, contributing pesticide and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). The
      Burdekin and Fitzroy ranked medium-high risk dominated by grazing suspended
      sediment inputs for both, and additionally sugarcane DIN and pesticide inputs for
      the Burdekin. The Burnett Mary ranked medium risk, dominated by grazing and
      sugarcane. Cape York was not formally ranked but is considered to be low risk.

PMID- 22070981
TI  - Biomarker responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) exposed to produced water from
      a North Sea oil field: laboratory and field assessments.
AB  - Biological markers of produced water (PW) exposure were studied in Atlantic cod
      (Gadus morhua) in both laboratory and field experiments, using authentic PW from
      a North Sea oil field. In the laboratory study, the PW exposure yielded
      significantly elevated levels of metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (PAHs) and alkylphenols (APs) in bile even at the lowest exposure dose (0.125%
      PW). Other biomarkers (hepatic CYP1A induction and DNA adduct formation)
      responded at 0.25% and 0.5% PW concentrations. In the field study, bile
      metabolite markers and hepatic CYP1A were clearly increased in fish caged close
      to the PW outfall. Induction of plasma vitellogenin was not found in laboratory
      or field exposures, suggesting that the levels of oestrogen agonists (such as
      APs) might not have been sufficient to elicit induction, under the present
      conditions. The applicability of the biomarkers for use in water column
      biomonitoring programs is discussed.

PMID- 22070982
TI  - The relationship between heart rate variability and time-course of
      carcinoembryonic antigen in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying new prognostic factors is important for guiding
      treatments and preventing metastasis in cancer. Vagal nerve activity may predict
      prognosis in cancer due to its roles in modulating inflammation, sympathetic
      activity and oxidative stress. This study tested the relationship between heart
      rate variability (HRV), a vagal nerve index, and the colon cancer (CC) marker
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in an 'historical prospective' design. METHODS:
      We examined data of 72 CC patients, without inflammatory or cardiac diseases, of
      whom 38 had baseline electrocardiograms (ECG) and 12 month CEA levels. We
      measured HRV (SDNN, RMSSD) from brief archived ECG. Multiple confounders were
      considered. RESULTS: Controlling for effects of tumor stage and treatment
      orientation, baseline HRV predicted CEA levels at 12 months (r=-.43, p=.006).
      Patients with SDNN<20 ms had significantly higher CEA at 12months than those with
      SDNN>20 ms. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results showed that higher HRV predicts
      lower levels of a tumor marker, one year later, independent of confounders. This
      supports the hypothesized role of vagal activity in tumor modulation. Replication
      in larger samples is needed.

PMID- 22070983
TI  - Calcium supplementation prevents obesity, hyperleptinaemia and hyperglycaemia in
      adult rats programmed by early weaning.
AB  - It is known that Ca therapy may have anti-obesity effects. Since early weaning
      leads to obesity, hyperleptinaemia and insulin resistance, we studied the effect
      of dietary Ca supplementation in a rat model. Lactating rats were separated into
      two groups: early weaning (EW) - dams were wrapped with a bandage to interrupt
      lactation in the last 3 d of lactation and control (C) - dams whose pups had free
      access to milk during the entire lactation period (21 d). At 120 d, EW and C
      offspring were subdivided into four groups: (1) C, received standard diet; (2)
      CCa, received Ca supplementation (10 g of calcium carbonate/kg of rat chow); (3)
      EW, received standard diet; (4) EWCa, received Ca supplementation similar to CCa.
      The rats were killed at 180 d. The significance level was at P < 0.05. Adult EW
      offspring displayed hyperphagia (28 %), higher body weight (9 %) and adiposity
      (77 %), hyperleptinaemia (twofold increase), hypertriacylglycerolaemia (64 %),
      hyperglycaemia (16 %), higher insulin resistance index (38 %) and higher serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D3 (fourfold increase), but lower adiponectinaemia:adipose tissue
      ratio (44 %). In addition, they showed Janus tyrosine kinase 2 and phosphorylated
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 underexpression in
      hypothalamus (36 and 34 %, respectively), suggesting leptin resistance.
      Supplementation of Ca for 2 months normalised these disorders. The EW group had
      no change in serum insulin, thyroxine or triiodothyronine, and Ca treatment did
      not alter these hormones. In conclusion, we reinforced that early weaning leads
      to late development of some components of the metabolic syndrome and leptin
      resistance. Dietary Ca supplementation seems to protect against the development
      of endocrine and metabolic disorders in EW offspring, maybe through vitamin D
      inhibition.

PMID- 22070985
TI  - European regulation of herbal medicinal products on the border area to the food
      sector.
AB  - This article summarizes the regulation of herbal medicinal products in the EU
      with emphasis on traditional herbal medicinal products (THMP) and provides an
      evaluation of the borderline between medicine and food. Differences in the
      regulation of THMP with influence on the harmonization are revealed. With regard
      to the borderline between medicine and food, THMP may not be medicinal products
      by function but by presentation. The thesis is established that depending on the
      presentation, the product can be medicine (THMP) as well as food. To avoid
      shifting into the food sector the regulatory system of THMP is evaluated with
      regard to its attractiveness to applicants. Recommendations to achieve a better
      harmonization of THMP in the EU and to increase the attractiveness of the
      simplified registration procedure are given.

PMID- 22070984
TI  - DNA vaccination with a gene encoding Toxoplasma gondii GRA6 induces partial
      protection against toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii causes serious public
      health problems and is of great economic importance worldwide. Protection from
      acute toxoplasmosis is known to be mediated by CD8+ T cells, but the T. gondii
      antigens and host genes required for eliciting protective immunity have been
      poorly defined. The T. gondii dense granule protein 6 (GRA6), recently proved to
      be highly immunogenic and produces fully immune protection in T. gondii infected
      BALB/c mice with an H-2Ld gene. The CD8+ T cell response of H-2Ld mice infected
      by the T. gondii strain seemed to target entirely to a single GRA6 peptide HF10-H
      2Ld complex. RESULTS: To determine whether a GRA6-based DNA vaccine can elicit
      protective immune responses to T. gondii in BALB/c mice, we constructed a
      eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-HisGRA6 and tested its immunogenicity in a
      mouse model. BALB/c mice were vaccinated intramuscularly with three doses of GRA6
      DNA and then challenged with a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites.
      All immunized mice developed high levels of serum anti-GRA6 IgG antibodies, and
      in vitro splenocyte proliferation was strongly enhanced in mice adjuvanted with
      levamisole (LMS). Immunization with pcDNA3.1-HisGRA6 with LMS resulted in 53.3%
      survival of challenged BALB/c mice as compared to 40% survival of BALB/c without
      LMS. Additionally, immunized Kunming mice without an allele of H-2Ld failed to
      survive. CONCLUSIONS: Our result supports the concept that the acquired immune
      response is MHC restricted. This study has a major implication for vaccine
      designs using a single antigen in a population with diverse MHC class I alleles.

PMID- 22070986
TI  - Psychopharmacological profile of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) essential oil
      in mice.
AB  - In this study, the effect of Matricaria recutita L. essential oil (MEO) on the
      central nervous system (CNS) of mice was investigated using some behavioral
      methods. Chemical profiling both by GC and GC-MS analyses of the hydrodistilled
      essential oil of M. recutita revealed alpha-bisabolol oxide A (28%), alpha
      bisabolol oxide B (17.1%), (Z)-beta-Farnesene (15.9%) and alpha-bisabolol (6.8%)
      as the main components. Changes induced by MEO (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and
      reference drug caffeine (25 mg/kg) in spontaneous locomotor activities and motor
      coordinations of mice were investigated by activity cage measurements and Rota
      Rod tests, respectively. Open field, social interaction and elevated plus-maze
      tests were applied to assess the emotional state of the animals. Further, tail
      suspension test was performed for evaluating the effect of MEO on depression
      levels of mice. As a result, at 50 and 100 mg/kg, MEO significantly increased the
      numbers of spontaneous locomotor activities, exhibited anxiogenic effect in the
      open field, elevated plus-maze and social interaction tests and decreased the
      immobility times of animals in tail suspension tests. The falling latencies in
      Rota-Rod tests did not change. This activity profile of MEO was similar to the
      typical psychostimulant caffeine. The exact mechanism of action underlying this
      stimulant-like effect should be clarified with further detailed studies.

PMID- 22070987
TI  - Women with disabilities' experience with physical and sexual abuse: review of the
      literature and implications for the field.
AB  - While studies suggest that the rate of abuse of women with disabilities is
      similar or higher compared to the general population, there continues to be a
      lack of attention to this issue. Women with disabilities are at particularly high
      risk of abuse, both through typical forms of violence (physical, sexual, and
      emotional) and those that target one's disability. In an effort to highlight the
      need for increased attention to this issue, this article reviews the current peer
      reviewed research in this field. The authors outline recommendations for future
      research goals and provide implications for research, practice, and policy.

PMID- 22070988
TI  - Parenting interventions for male young offenders: a review of the evidence on
      what works.
AB  - Approximately one in four incarcerated male young offenders in the UK is an
      actual or expectant father. This paper reviews evidence on the effectiveness of
      parenting interventions for male young offenders. We conducted systematic
      searches across 20 databases and consulted experts. Twelve relevant evaluations
      were identified: 10 from the UK, of programmes for incarcerated young offenders,
      and two from the US, of programmes for young parolees. None used experimental
      methods or included a comparison group. They suggest that participants like the
      courses, find them useful, and the interventions may improve knowledge about, and
      attitudes to, parenting. Future interventions should incorporate elements of
      promising parenting interventions with young fathers in the community, for
      example, and/or with older incarcerated parents. Young offender fathers have
      specific developmental, rehabilitative, and contextual needs. Future evaluations
      should collect longer-term behavioural parent and child outcome data and should
      use comparison groups and, ideally, randomization.

PMID- 22070989
TI  - International casemix and funding models: lessons for rehabilitation.
AB  - This series of articles for rehabilitation in practice aims to cover a knowledge
      element of the rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Nevertheless they are intended
      to be of interest to a multidisciplinary audience. The competency addressed in
      this article is 'An understanding of the different international models for
      funding of health care services and casemix systems, as exemplified by those in
      the US, Australia and the UK.' BACKGROUND: Payment for treatment in healthcare
      systems around the world is increasingly based on fixed tariff models to drive up
      efficiency and contain costs. Casemix classifications, however, must account
      adequately for the resource implications of varying case complexity.
      Rehabilitation poses some particular challenges for casemix development.
      OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this educational narrative review are (a) to provide
      an overview of the development of casemix in rehabilitation, (b) to describe key
      characteristics of some well-established casemix and payment models in operation
      around the world and (c) to explore opportunities for future development arising
      from the lessons learned. RESULTS: Diagnosis alone does not adequately describe
      cost variation in rehabilitation. Functional dependency is considered a better
      cost indicator, and casemix classifications for inpatient rehabilitation in the
      United States and Australia rely on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).
      Fixed episode-based prospective payment systems are shown to contain costs, but
      at the expense of poorer functional outcomes. More sophisticated models
      incorporating a mixture of episode and weighted per diem rates may offer greater
      flexibility to optimize outcome, while still providing incentive for throughput.
      CONCLUSION: The development of casemix in rehabilitation poses similar challenges
      for healthcare systems all around the world. Well-established casemix systems in
      the United States and Australia have afforded valuable lessons for other
      countries to learn from, but have not provided all the answers. A range of
      casemix and payment models is required to cater for different healthcare
      cultures, and casemix tools must capture all the key cost-determinants of
      treatment for patients with complex needs.

PMID- 22070991
TI  - Inviting the pharmacist: a model for improved reproductive care access.

PMID- 22070990
TI  - Effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy on activity and
      participation after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy and
      modified constraint-induced movement therapy on activity and participation of
      patients with stroke (i.e. the effect of different treatment durations and
      frequency) by reviewing the results of randomized controlled trials. DATA
      SOURCES: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE,
      PEDro, OTSeeker, CENTRAL and by manual search. REVIEW METHODS: Randomized
      controlled trials for patients over 18 years old with stroke and published in
      Finnish, Swedish, English or German were included. Studies were collected up to
      the first week in May 2011. The evidence was high, moderate, low or no evidence
      according to the quality of randomized controlled trial and the results of meta
      analyses. RESULTS: Search resulted in 30 papers reporting constraint-induced
      movement therapy, including 27 randomized controlled trials published between
      2001 and 2011. Constraint-induced movement therapy practice for 60-72 hours over
      two weeks produced better mobility (i.e. ability to carry, move and handle
      objects) with high evidence compared to control treatment. Constraint-induced
      movement therapy for 20-56 hours over two weeks, 30 hours over three weeks and 15
      30 hours over 10 weeks improved mobility of the affected upper extremity.
      However, with self-care as an outcome measure, only 30 hours of constraint
      induced movement therapy practice over three weeks demonstrated an improvement.
      CONCLUSION: Constraint-induced movement therapy and modified constraint-induced
      movement therapy proved to be effective on affected hand mobility and to some
      extent self-care on the World Health Organization's International Classification
      of Functioning, Disability and Health activity and participation component, but
      further studies are needed to find out the optimal treatment protocols for
      constraint-induced movement therapy.

PMID- 22070992
TI  - Optical and spectroscopic studies on tannery wastes as a possible source of
      organic semiconductors.
AB  - Tanning industry produces a large quantity of solid wastes which contain hide
      proteins in the form of protein shavings containing chromium salts. The chromium
      wastes are the main concern from an environmental stand point of view, because
      chrome wastes posses a significant disposal problem. The present work is devoted
      to investigate the possibility of utilizing these wastes as a source of organic
      semi-conductors as an alternative method instead of the conventional ones. The
      chemical characterization of these wastes was determined. In addition, the
      Horizontal Attenuated Total Reflection (HATR) FT-IR spectroscopic analysis and
      optical parameters were also carried out for chromated samples. The study showed
      that the chromated samples had suitable absorbance and transmittance in the
      wavelength range (500-850 nm). Presence of chromium salt in the collagen samples
      increases the absorbance which improves the optical properties of the studied
      samples and leads to decrease the optical energy gap. The obtained optical energy
      gap gives an impression that the environmentally hazardous chrome shavings wastes
      can be utilized as a possible source of natural organic semiconductors with
      direct and indirect energy gap. This work opens the door to use some hazardous
      wastes in the manufacture of electronic devices such as IR-detectors, solar cells
      and also as solar cell windows.

PMID- 22070993
TI  - DFT studies on some properties of maleonitriledithiolate complexes [M(mnt)2]2-
      (M=Ni, Pd, Pt and Zn, Cd, Hg).
AB  - The structures and some molecular properties of the complexes M(mnt)(2)(2-)
      (M=Ni, Pd, Pt and Zn, Cd, Hg; mnt(2-)=deprotonated maleonitriledithiolate) have
      been studied by using density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/LanL2DZ level of
      theory. Computed binding energies show that the sequences of binding strengths
      are Ni<Pd<Pt and Cd<Hg<Zn. The natural bonding orbitals analyses show that Ni, Pd
      and Pt gain 1.40e, 1.62e and 1.72e, respectively to their ns, [Formula: see text]
      and [Formula: see text] orbitals from both ligand mnt(2-) and (n-1)d(yz) of metal
      ions, while Zn, Cd and Hg complexes gain electrons to their ns orbitals. The
      absorption spectra of these complexes were obtained by using time-dependent
      density functional theory associated with polarized continuum model. Comparison
      of the absorption spectra in acetonitrile solution with those in gas phase show
      that the solvatochromic effect made the lowest energy absorption red shift by 31,
      34 and 44 nm for d(8) metal complexes Ni(mnt)(2)(2-), Pd(mnt)(2)(2-) and
      Pt(mnt)(2)(2-), respectively, while blue shift by 28, 44, 25 nm for d(10) metal
      complexes Zn(mnt)(2)(2-), Cd(mnt)(2)(2-) and Hg(mnt)(2)(2-), respectively. The
      calculated results reproduced the experimental data with the deviations less than
      5% for Ni-S stretching vibrational frequencies and less than 3% for other
      vibrational modes.

PMID- 22070994
TI  - Iron(III) oxidized nucleophilic coupling of catechol with o-tolidine/p-toluidine
      followed by 1,10-phenanthroline as new and sensitivity improved
      spectrophotometric methods for iron present in chemicals, pharmaceutical, edible
      green leaves, nuts and lake water samples.
AB  - A nucleophile formed from iron(III) oxidized catechol in 0.1M hydrochloric acid
      couple with o-tolidine, system 1/p-toluidine, system 2 to produce dye product,
      lambda max 520 nm. The system 1/2 obeys Beer's law in the range 0.08-8.0 MUg ml(
      1) with molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity and regression coefficient
      values, 4.225 * 10(3)/3.140 * 10(3) l mol(-1) cm(-1), 0.0132/0.0178 MUg cm(-2)
      and 0.9987/0.9981. Iron(II) formed from iron(III) in system 1/2 reacts with 1,10
      phenanthroline, lambda max 510 nm, will constitute sensitivity improved iron
      determinations with values 0.08-1.6 MUg ml(-1), 2.4136 * 10(4)/2.2511 * 10(4) l
      mol(-1) cm(-1), 0.0023/0.0025 MUg cm(-2) and 0.9980/0.9997 corresponding to
      range, molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity and regression coefficient. The
      results of the systems for iron present in chemicals, pharmaceutical, edible
      green leaves, nuts and lake water samples are satisfactory since they are
      comparable with the results of iron determined separately from 1,10
      phenanthroline method.

PMID- 22070995
TI  - Structural, vibrational and hyperpolarizability calculation of (E)-2-(2
      hydroxybenzylideneamino)-3-methylbutanoic acid.
AB  - The (E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-3-methylbutanoic acid (E)-2HBAMBA was
      synthesized. The FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-vis spectra have been recorded and
      characterized. Theoretical wavenumbers along with IR and Raman intensities were
      calculated using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level and total energy distribution (TED) of
      the various normal mode of vibrations were also studied. The conformational
      analysis was performed for a stable conformer by selecting the dihedral angles
      and the optimized bond parameters were calculated for the stable structure.
      Effect of intramolecular interactions is calculated by changing the orientation
      of hydroxyl hydrogen. To know the charge transfer while changing the hydroxyl
      group hydrogen orientation, the NBO analysis was performed. Using the same level
      of calculation, the electronic charge transfers were calculated and compared.

PMID- 22070996
TI  - Tetra- and hexadentate Schiff base ligands and their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)
      complexes. Synthesis, spectral, magnetic and thermal studies.
AB  - Tetradentate N(2)O(2), N(4) Schiff bases, 1,2-bis(4-oxopent-2-ylideneamino)
      benzene (BOAB), 1-(4-oxopent-2-ylideneamino-2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylideneamino]
      benzene (OAHAB), 7,16-bis(4-chlorobenzylidene)-6,8,15,17-tetra-methyl-7,16
      dihydro -5,9,14,18-tetraza-dibenzo[a,h] cyclo tetradecene (BCBDCT), 7,16-bis(2
      hydroxy-benzylidene)-6,8,15,17-tetramethyl-7,16-dihydro-5,9,14,18-tetraza-dibenzo
      [a,h] cyclo tetradecene (BHBDCT) and hexadentate N(4)O(2) Schiff bases, 2,4-bis
      {2-[1-(2-hydroxyphenyl) ethylideneamino] phenylimino}-3-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)
      pentane (BHAPHP), 2,4-bis {2-[1-(2-hydroxyphenyl) ethylideneamino] phenylimino}-3
      (4-chlorobenzylidene) pentane (BHAPCP) were prepared and characterized by
      elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR and mass spectra. The solid complexes of
      the prepared Schiff base ligands with Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions were
      isolated and characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, IR, electronic and
      ESR spectra as well as conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The
      results showed that most complexes have octahedral geometry but few can attain
      the tetrahedral arrangement. The TG analyses suggest high stability for most
      complexes followed by thermal decomposition in different steps. The kinetic and
      thermodynamic parameters for decomposition steps in Cu(II) complexes thermograms
      have been calculated.

PMID- 22070997
TI  - A novel initialization method for nonnegative matrix factorization and its
      application in component recognition with three-dimensional fluorescence spectra.
AB  - Nonnegative matrix factorization has been widely used in many areas and has been
      applied for component recognition with three dimensional fluorescence spectra
      recently. However, nonnegative matrix factorization is a nonconvex programming in
      the iteration process, thus the solution is dependent on the initial values and
      consequently not unique. Up to now, an effective global convergent algorithm is
      still absent. In this work, we propose an initialization scheme based on
      independent component analysis. Compared with other initialization schemes, the
      optimal solution of nonnegative matrix factorization based on independent
      component analysis is much better and it is demonstrated by typical experiments
      of component recognition with three-dimensional fluorescence spectra.

PMID- 22070998
TI  - FT-IR, FT-Raman, ab initio and DFT studies, HOMO-LUMO and NBO analysis of 3-amino
      5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole.
AB  - The molecular vibrations of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) have been
      investigated in polycrystalline sample, at room temperature, by Fourier transform
      infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectroscopies. A detailed vibrational spectral
      analysis has been carried out and assignments of the fundamental modes have been
      proposed on the basis of peak positions and relative frequencies, atomic charges,
      HOMO-LUMO energies and several thermodynamic properties in the ground state were
      calculated using ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and Density Functional Theory,
      (B3LYP) with 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. With the aid of scaling
      procedures, observed wave numbers in FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra were analyzed and
      assigned to different normal modes of the molecule. Most of the modes have wave
      numbers in the expected range. The theoretical IR and Raman spectra have also
      been constructed. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) study explains charge delocalization
      of the molecule.

PMID- 22070999
TI  - Study of differences in the VEGFR2 inhibitory activities between semaxanib and
      SU5205 using 3D-QSAR, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - Semaxanib (SU5416) and 3-[4'-fluorobenzylidene]indolin-2-one (SU5205) are
      structurally similar drugs that are able to inhibit vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), but the former is 87 times more effective than the
      latter. Previously, SU5205 was used as a radiolabelled inhibitor (as surrogate
      for SU5416) and a radiotracer for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, but
      the compound exhibited poor stability and only a moderate IC(50) toward VEGFR2.
      In the current work, the relationship between the structure and activity of these
      drugs as VEGFR2 inhibitors was studied using 3D-QSAR, docking and molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations. First, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA)
      was performed using 48 2-indolinone derivatives and their VEGFR2 inhibitory
      activities. The best CoMFA model was carried out over a training set including 40
      compounds, and it included steric and electrostatic fields. In addition, this
      model gave satisfactory cross-validation results and adequately predicted 8
      compounds contained in the test set. The plots of the CoMFA fields could explain
      the structural differences between semaxanib and SU5205. Docking and molecular
      dynamics simulations showed that both molecules have the same orientation and
      dynamics inside the VEGFR2 active site. However, the hydrophobic pocket of VEGFR2
      was more exposed to the solvent media when it was complexed with SU5205. An
      energetic analysis, including Embrace and MM-GBSA calculations, revealed that the
      potency of ligand binding is governed by van der Waals contacts.

PMID- 22071000
TI  - Does nutrition affect bone porosity and mineral tissue distribution in deer
      antlers? The relationship between histology, mechanical properties and mineral
      composition.
AB  - It is well known that porosity has an inverse relationship with the mechanical
      properties of bones. We examined cortical and trabecular porosity of antlers, and
      mineral composition, thickness and mechanical properties in the cortical wall.
      Samples belonged to two deer populations: a captive population of an experimental
      farm having a high quality diet, and a free-ranging population feeding on plants
      of lower nutritive quality. As shown for minerals and mechanical properties in
      previous studies by our group, cortical and trabecular porosity increased from
      the base distally. Cortical porosity was always caused by the presence of
      incomplete primary osteons. Porosity increased along the length of the antler
      much more in deer with lower quality diet. Despite cortical porosity being
      inversely related to mechanical properties and positively with K, Zn and other
      minerals indicating physiological effort, it was these minerals and not porosity
      that statistically better explained variability in mechanical properties.
      Histochemistry showed that the reason for this is that Zn is located around
      incomplete osteons and also in complete osteons that were still mineralizing,
      whereas K is located in non-osteonal bone, which constitutes a greater proportion
      of bone where osteons are incompletely mineralized. This suggests that, K, Zn and
      other minerals indicate reduction in mechanical performance even with little
      porosity. If a similar process occurred in internal bones, K, Zn and other
      minerals in the bone may be an early indicator of decrease in mechanical
      properties and future osteoporosis. In conclusion, porosity is related to diet
      and physiological effort in deer.

PMID- 22071001
TI  - Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in Lithuania.
AB  - AIM: To compare point prevalence surveys of healthcare-associated infections
      (HCAI) performed in 2003, 2005 and 2007 in half of the acute care hospitals in
      Lithuania. FINDINGS: The prevalence of HCAI decreased slightly from 2003 to 2007
      (from 4.3% to 3.4%). The rate decreased for each surveyed year in intensive care,
      surgical and paediatric units, and increased in rehabilitation-nursing units. The
      proportion of lower respiratory tract infections increased (from 26.3% to 32.3%),
      while the proportion of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections
      decreased (from 11.6% to 6.7% and from 8.9% to 2.3%, respectively). The
      proportion of microbiologically investigated HCAI cases decreased from 2003 to
      2007 (from 56.0% to 41.0%, P<0.02). Gram-positive organisms accounted for most
      cases of HCAI. Approximately one-third of patients were on antimicrobial therapy
      (31.1%, 29.3% and 32.1% in 2003, 2005 and 2007, respectively), including
      penicillins, broad-spectrum penicillins, first-/second-generation cephalosporins
      and aminoglycosides. CONCLUSION: Repeated surveys allowed determination of trends
      in HCAI prevalence, risk factors and antibiotic usage. The surveys established
      infection control priorities in Lithuania, and resulted in changes to the
      national HCAI surveillance system.

PMID- 22071002
TI  - How should we assess risk behaviour when determining donor deferral? Reflections
      on the MSM deferral.
AB  - Concerns are increasingly being raised in a number of countries in relation to
      the behavioural donor criteria and in particular the on-going permanent exclusion
      of men who have had sex with other men (MSM). The justification for this is
      broadly linked to the use of risk models. Generally current exclusion criteria
      are broadly defined and indirectly it might be argued that this leads to
      exclusion based on sexual orientation. Available data indicates compliance issues
      with the exclusion and recent reviews in Europe have recommended that further
      research in this area is needed before any change in the current permanent
      exclusion should be made. Lobby groups however promote a more targetted approach
      to behavioural criteria. Firm data to support this is however currently lacking.
      There are a number of possible approaches to assessing risk including the period
      since the activity took place, the number of partners in a given period, the type
      of sex act or a combination of these factors. Definition of an optimal approach
      will need to consider both the sensitivity and specificity of the intervention
      along with an assessment of ease and consistency of application.

PMID- 22071003
TI  - The ethics of blood donation: does altruism suffice?
AB  - Is the recommendation of the WHO, endorsed by all member states, that all blood
      donations should be voluntary and non-compensated ethically coherent and
      realizable in practice? In a recent paper, Farrugia et al have argued for a
      plurality of both compensated and non-compensated systems, claiming that, from
      both an ethical and practical perspective, the classical concept of the 'the gift
      relationship', advocated over 40 years ago by Richard Titmuss, is unnecessary and
      inadequate. This paper focuses on the ethical aspects of this debate, considering
      the concepts of altruism, reciprocity and social solidarity as they apply to the
      procurement of blood and blood products, as well as evidence regarding safety of
      different sources of blood and the motivations of regular donors. It concludes
      with a discussion of the view summarized in a recent publication by Campbell
      (2009), that, although the body may be monetized, doing so would result in a loss
      of human value.

PMID- 22071004
TI  - Confidence judgment in depression and dysphoria: the depressive realism vs.
      negativity hypotheses.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the negativity hypothesis, depressed
      individuals are over-pessimistic due to negative self-concepts. In contrast,
      depressive realism suggests that depressed persons are realistic compared to
      their nondepressed controls. However, evidence supporting depressive realism
      predominantly comes from judgment comparisons between controls and nonclinical
      dysphoric samples when the controls showed overconfident bias. This study aimed
      to test the validity of the two accounts in clinical depression and dysphoria.
      METHODS: Sixty-eight participants, including healthy controls (n = 32), patients
      with DSM-IV major depression (n = 20), and dysphoric participants with CDC
      defined chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 16) performed an adjective recognition task
      and reported their item-by-item confidence judgments and post-test performance
      estimate (PTPE). RESULTS: Compared to realistic PTPE made by the controls,
      patients with major depression showed significant underconfidence. The PTPE of
      the dysphoric participants was relatively accurate. Both the depressed and
      dysphoric participants displayed less item-by-item overconfidence as opposed to
      significant item-by-item overconfidence shown by the controls. LIMITATIONS: The
      judgment-accuracy patterns of the three groups need to be replicated with larger
      samples using non-memory task domains. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms
      depressive realism in dysphoric individuals. However, toward a more severe
      depressive emotional state, the findings did not support depressive realism but
      are in line with the prediction of the negativity hypothesis. It is not possible
      to determine the validity of the two hypotheses when the controls are
      overconfident. Dissociation between item-by-item and retrospective confidence
      judgments is discussed.

PMID- 22071006
TI  - Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in household and stray cats in
      Lanzhou, northwest China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan parasite infecting humans
      and almost all warm-blooded animals. As the only definitive host, cats play a
      crucial role in the transmission of T. gondii infection by shedding parasite
      oocysts in their feces. However, little information on T. gondii infection in
      cats was available in Lanzhou, northwest China. This study was performed to
      determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in household and stray cats
      in Lanzhou, northwest China. RESULTS: A total of 221 (179 households and 42
      strays) blood samples were collected from clinically healthy cats admitted to
      several pet hospitals located in Lanzhou City, between November 2010 and July
      2011 for the serological detection of T. gondii infection. The majority (207) of
      these cats represented Chinese Lihua cats. 47 of 221 (21.3%) examined cats were
      seropositive for T. gondii infection using the modified agglutination test (MAT)
      at the cut-off of 1:25. The seroprevalence in household and stray cats was
      assessed to be 15.6% and 45.2%, respectively, and the difference was
      statistically significant (P <0.05). The seroprevalence ranged from 15.1% to
      25.8% among different age groups, but the differences were not statistically
      significant (P >0.05). Studies showed that there was no relationship between
      seroprevalence and the gender (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey
      indicated the high seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in Lanzhou, northwest
      China, which poses a threat to animal and human health. Therefore, measures
      should be taken to control and prevent toxoplasmosis of cats in this area.

PMID- 22071005
TI  - Global transcriptome analysis of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 in response to silver
      nitrate stress.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Bacillus cereus strains.
      Earlier, we had synthesized monodispersive crystalline silver nanoparticles using
      B. cereus PGN1 and ATCC14579 strains. These strains have showed high level of
      resistance to silver nitrate (1 mM) but their global transcriptomic response has
      not been studied earlier. In this study, we investigated the cellular and
      metabolic response of B. cereus ATCC14579 treated with 1 mM silver nitrate for 30
      & 60 min. Global expression profiling using genomic DNA microarray indicated that
      10% (n = 524) of the total genes (n = 5234) represented on the microarray were up
      regulated in the cells treated with silver nitrate. The majority of genes
      encoding for chaperones (GroEL), nutrient transporters, DNA replication, membrane
      proteins, etc. were up-regulated. A substantial number of the genes encoding
      chemotaxis and flagellar proteins were observed to be down-regulated. Motility
      assay of the silver nitrate treated cells revealed reduction in their chemotactic
      activity compared to the control cells. In addition, 14 distinct transcripts
      overexpressed from the 'empty' intergenic regions were also identified and
      proposed as stress-responsive non-coding small RNAs.

PMID- 22071007
TI  - A seasonal survey of gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild impala antelope
      on a game facility south of Lusaka, Zambia.
AB  - Faecal samples (n = 1947) from captive wild impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus)
      were examined over a period of 14 months to determine quantitative seasonal
      helminth egg excretion patterns and qualitative protozoan oocyst excretion
      patterns. Geometric mean monthly faecal egg counts (FECs) ranged from 20 to 575
      and coprocultures revealed three parasite genera, namely Trichostrongylus,
      Haemonchus and Strongyloides. Larvae of the Trichostrongylus spp. were most
      predominant from faecal cultures. No trematode eggs or lungworms were detected
      and eggs of the cestode Monezia were only seen in two samples during the entire
      study period. The nematode FECs showed a marked seasonal variation, being higher
      during the rainy season, moderate during the cool dry season and low during the
      hot dry season. The rainy season had significantly higher FECs than the dry
      season (P < 0.01). The percentage of helminth-egg positive faecal samples ranged
      from 90.6 to 100% in the rainy season and 72.4 to 85.6% in the dry season.
      Overall mean FECs in unpelleted faeces were significantly higher than in pelleted
      faeces (P < 0.01). However, the FECs were not significantly different among
      seasons in unpelleted faeces (P>0.05), but were significantly higher in pelleted
      faeces in the rainy season than the dry season (P < 0.05). Pellet size had a
      significant effect on FEC, with smaller pellets having higher FEC (P < 0.05).
      Strongyloides eggs and coccidia oocysts were only seen during the rainy season.
      This represents the first documentation of seasonal parasitic infestation in
      captive wild antelopes in Zambia. Treatment and control strategies for helminths
      in these captive wild impala are also suggested based on the findings from this
      study.

PMID- 22071008
TI  - Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the modification of erythrocyte membrane fatty
      acid content including oleic acid in peritoneal dialysis patients.
AB  - Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids (FA), such as oleic acid, are related to acute
      coronary syndrome. There is no report about the effect of omega-3 FA on oleic
      acid in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We hypothesized that omega-3 FA can
      modify erythrocyte membrane FA, including oleic acid, in PD patients. In a double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 18 patients who were treated with PD
      for at least 6 months were randomized to treatment for 12 weeks with omega-3 FA
      or placebo. Erythrocyte membrane FA content was measured by gas chromatography at
      baseline and after 12 weeks. The erythrocyte membrane content of eicosapentaenoic
      acid and docosahexaenoic acid was significantly increased and saturated FA and
      oleic acid were significantly decreased in the omega-3 FA supplementation group
      after 12 weeks compared to baseline. In conclusion, erythrocyte membrane FA
      content, including oleic acid, was significantly modified by omega-3 FA
      supplementation for 12 weeks in PD patients.

PMID- 22071010
TI  - In defence of our research on competition in England's National Health Service.

PMID- 22071009
TI  - Ethnic differences in glucose disposal, hepatic insulin sensitivity, and
      endogenous glucose production among African American and European American women.
AB  - Intravenous glucose tolerance tests have demonstrated lower whole-body insulin
      sensitivity (S(I)) among African Americans (AA) compared with European Americans
      (EA). Whole-body S(I) represents both insulin-stimulated glucose disposal,
      primarily by skeletal muscle, and insulin's suppression of endogenous glucose
      production (EGP) by liver. A mathematical model was recently introduced that
      allows for distinction between disposal and hepatic S(I). The purpose of this
      study was to examine specific indexes of S(I) among AA and EA women to determine
      whether lower whole-body S(I) in AA may be attributed to insulin action at
      muscle, liver, or both. Participants were 53 nondiabetic, premenopausal AA and EA
      women. Profiles of EGP and indexes of Disposal S(I) and Hepatic S(I) were
      calculated by mathematical modeling and incorporation of a stable isotope tracer
      ([6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose) into the intravenous glucose tolerance test. Body
      composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After adjustment
      for percentage fat, both Disposal S(I) and Hepatic S(I) were lower among AA (P =
      .009 for both). Time profiles for serum insulin and EGP revealed higher peak
      insulin response and corresponding lower EGP among AA women compared with EA.
      Indexes from a recently introduced mathematical model suggest that lower whole
      body S(I) among nondiabetic AA women is due to both hepatic and peripheral
      components. Despite lower Hepatic S(I), AA displayed lower EGP, resulting from
      higher postchallenge insulin levels. Future research is needed to determine the
      physiological basis of lower insulin sensitivity among AA and its implications
      for type 2 diabetes mellitus risk.

PMID- 22071011
TI  - Effects of two different levels of computerized decision support on blood glucose
      regulation in critically ill patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although the use of computerized decision support systems (CDSS) in
      glucose control in the ICU has been reported, little is known about the effect of
      the systems' operating modes on the quality of glucose control. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the effect of providing patient-specific and patient
      non-specific computerized advice on timing of blood glucose level (BGL)
      measurements. Our hypothesis was that both levels of support would be effective
      for improving the quality of glucose regulation and safety, with patient specific
      advice being the most effective strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective
      study was performed in a 30-bed mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU)
      of a university hospital. In phase 1 the CDSS provided non-specific advice and
      thereafter, in phase 2, the system provided specific advice on timing of BGL
      measurements. The primary outcome measure was delay in BGL measurements before
      and after the two levels of support. Secondary endpoints were sampling frequency,
      mean BGL, BGL within pre-defined targets, time to capture target, incidences of
      severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. These indicators were analyzed over the
      course of time using Statistical Control Charts. The analysis was restricted to
      patients with at least two blood glucose measurements. RESULTS: Data of 3934
      patient admissions were evaluated, which corresponded to 119,116 BGL
      measurements. The BGL sampling interval, delays in BG sampling, and percentage of
      hypoglycemia all decreased after introducing either of the two levels of decision
      support. The effect was however larger for the patient specific CDSS. Mean BGL,
      time to capture target, hyperglycemia index, percentage of hyperglycemia events
      and "in range" measurements remained unchanged and stable after introducing both
      patient non-specific and patient specific decision support. CONCLUSION: Adherence
      to protocol sampling rules increased by using decision support with a larger
      effect at the patient specific level. This led to a decrease in the percentage of
      hypoglycemia events and improved safety. The use of the CDSS at both levels,
      however, did not improve the quality of glucose control as measured by our
      indicators. More research is needed to investigate whether other socio-technical
      factors are in play.

PMID- 22071012
TI  - Do hospital physicians' attitudes change during PACS implementation? A cross
      sectional acceptance study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to gain a better insight into the reasons
      why hospital physicians accept and use a Picture Archiving and Communication
      System (PACS). Two research questions are put forward, pertaining to (1) factors
      that contribute to physicians' acceptance of PACS, and (2) whether these factors
      change as physicians gain experience in using PACS. METHODS: Questionnaires were
      administered at three moments in time during the PACS implementation process in a
      private hospital: just before its introduction (T1), four months later (T2), and
      about fifteen months after the introduction of PACS (T3). The Unified Theory of
      Acceptance and Use of Technology was chosen as the theoretical framework for this
      study. Hence, the following scales were measured: performance expectancy, effort
      expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention, and
      self-reported frequency of use. RESULTS: Forty-six usable responses were obtained
      at T1, 52 at T2 and 61 at T3. Three variables directly influenced PACS acceptance
      (measured as behavioral intention and use of PACS): effort expectancy,
      performance expectancy, and social influence; and their influence evolved over
      time. Effort expectancy was of particular importance at T1, whereas performance
      expectancy influenced acceptance at T2 and T3; social influence was the only
      consistent predictor of PACS acceptance at all times. Variance explained in
      behavioral intention ranged from .26 at T1 to .58 at T3. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      setting, the main motivation for physicians to start using PACS is effort
      expectancy, whereas performance expectancy only becomes important after the
      physicians started using PACS. It is also very important that physicians perceive
      that their social environment encourages the use of PACS.

PMID- 22071013
TI  - Factors affecting trajectory patterns of self-rated health (SRH) in an older
      population--a community-based longitudinal study.
AB  - Self-rated health (SRH) is considered a relevant and important predictor for
      major health outcomes in the older population. SRH status may interact with
      certain factors and change over a person's lifetime. In this study, we sought to
      characterize profiles of older people over time by constructing prototypical
      trajectories of the variable of interest, namely SRH. The underlying assumption
      was that the collection of observed individual trajectories could be efficiently
      summarized by a smaller set of latent clusters of those trajectories. Data was
      obtained from the Longitudinal Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly
      in Taiwan, which was conducted between 1989 and 2003 and included five separate
      waves of survey. A total of 3937 subjects aged 60 or older (2251 males and 1686
      females) comprised the major analytic cohort. Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA)
      was used to identify developmental classes of trajectory patterns in SRH. The
      results showed that during a 14-year period, SRH developed five major
      longitudinal trajectories. Less than one-third of the older population was able
      to maintain their formerly good or moderate health status; when change occurred,
      decline was more likely than improvement. In addition, LCGA indicated that many
      demographic characteristics, as well as physical and psychological propensities,
      were associated with poor SRH in the older population. Specifically, these
      factors played a role in involving baseline SRH level and its trend toward
      deterioration in later life. Health care professionals must understand the
      various longitudinal patterns and factors affecting SRH trajectories if they are
      to develop programs aimed at maintaining the older population's health and well
      being.

PMID- 22071014
TI  - Elevated levels of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein breakdown products in
      mild and moderate traumatic brain injury are associated with intracranial lesions
      and neurosurgical intervention.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether serum levels of glial fibrillary
      acidic protein breakdown products (GFAP-BDP) are elevated in patients with mild
      and moderate traumatic brain injury compared with controls and whether they are
      associated with traumatic intracranial lesions on computed tomography (CT) scan
      (positive CT result) and with having a neurosurgical intervention. METHODS: This
      prospective cohort study enrolled adult patients presenting to 3 Level I trauma
      centers after blunt head trauma with loss of consciousness, amnesia, or
      disorientation and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 9 to 15. Control groups
      included normal uninjured controls and trauma controls presenting to the
      emergency department with orthopedic injuries or a motor vehicle crash without
      traumatic brain injury. Blood samples were obtained in all patients within 4
      hours of injury and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for GFAP-BDP
      (nanograms/milliliter). RESULTS: Of the 307 patients enrolled, 108 were patients
      with traumatic brain injury (97 with GCS score 13 to 15 and 11 with GCS score 9
      to 12) and 199 were controls (176 normal controls and 16 motor vehicle crash
      controls and 7 orthopedic controls). Receiver operating characteristic curves
      demonstrated that early GFAP-BDP levels were able to distinguish patients with
      traumatic brain injury from uninjured controls with an area under the curve of
      0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86 to 0.94) and differentiated traumatic
      brain injury with a GCS score of 15 with an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI
      0.82 to 0.93). Thirty-two patients with traumatic brain injury (30%) had lesions
      on CT. The area under these curves for discriminating patients with CT lesions
      versus those without CT lesions was 0.79 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.89). Moreover, the
      receiver operating characteristic curve for distinguishing neurosurgical
      intervention from no neurosurgical intervention yielded an area under the curve
      of 0.87 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.96). CONCLUSION: GFAP-BDP is detectable in serum within
      an hour of injury and is associated with measures of injury severity, including
      the GCS score, CT lesions, and neurosurgical intervention. Further study is
      required to validate these findings before clinical application.

PMID- 22071015
TI  - [Role of medical treatment for symptomatic leiomyoma management in premenopausal
      women].
AB  - The most frequent symptom with leiomyoma is menometrorrhagia. However, it can be
      responsible of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea or urinary and digestive compression
      when it is particularly voluminous. These recommandations were made in order to
      review medical management of fibroids. If no therapy is able to have them
      disappear, various drugs may reduce their related symptoms. Tranexamic acid, non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and high dose of oestrogen may be useful in the
      management of acute hemorrhagic disorders. Progestin, such as lynestrenol induces
      small reduction in leiomyoma volume and moderate increase in hemoglobin level
      before surgery. Pregnane and nor-pregnane may improve menstrual bleeding in short
      or mild delays. The use of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonists can
      reduce menstrual bleeding with hemoglobin recovery. Add-back therapy using
      tibolone seems interesting since secondary effects encountered with GnRH agonists
      may be reduced. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is proven to reduce
      increased menstrual bleeding and restore hemoglobin level. Aminoglutethimide and
      fadrozole have been underevaluated to conclude when letrozole seems as efficient
      as GnRH agonists to reduce leiomyoma volume and provide less hot flushes.
      Anastrozol is associated with reduction in leiomyomata volume, pain and menstrual
      bleeding. Mifepristone reduces the size of uterine leiomyomata, improves
      symptomatology, but could be associated with development of endometrial
      hyperplasia. SPRM evaluated in females have shown to improve leiomyoma related
      symptomatology. Danazol could be useful to reduce leiomyoma related symptoms in
      short terms. Tamoxifen and raloxifen show modest overall benefit. Because of
      insufficient data concerning fulvestrant, pirfenidone or interferon, their
      prescription cannot be recommended in patients with leiomyomata.

PMID- 22071016
TI  - ["Postpartum psychosis": did you check blood ammonia level?].

PMID- 22071017
TI  - [Assessment of the benefit-harm balance depending on gestationnal age to induce
      delivery for post-term pregnancies].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To attempt to determine for post-term pregnancies the optimal
      gestational age when the benefit-harm balance is in favor of induction labor in
      comparison with an expectative management including close monitoring. METHODS:
      Articles were searched using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library. RESULTS:
      Current literature data are insufficient to demonstrate that routine labor
      induction is superior, inferior or equivalent to an expectant management to
      reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity (EL2). Although it is
      impossible to determine certainly a gestational age for which the benefit-harm
      balance is in favor of induction labor, epidemiological data regarding the
      perinatal mortality suggest that an expectant management is an unreasonable
      option after 42 completed weeks (EL3). Current data are insufficient to state
      positively or negatively that routine labor induction is associated significantly
      to a lower rate of cesarean delivery in comparison with an expectant management
      (EL2). There is no evidence of a statistically significant difference in the risk
      of cesarean section between the two policies for women with favorable cervices
      (Bishop score >= 5) (EL2). CONCLUSIONS: Induction of labor at 41(+0) to
      42(+6)weeks should be proposed to women with uncomplicated post-term pregnancies
      (EL2). The optimal age gestionnal for induction will depend mainly on maternal
      characteristics (EL4), but also on women's preferences and organization of
      maternity cares, after having delivered information regarding the benefits and
      harms of both labor induction and expectant management (expert opinion). After
      42(+0)weeks, expectant management is a possible option (expert opinion).
      Nevertheless, it may be associated with an increase of risks for the fetus, that
      must be explained to the patient and be weighed against the possible
      disadvantages of an induction of labor (expert opinion).

PMID- 22071018
TI  - [Laparoscopic colorectal resection for deep pelvic endometriosis: Evaluation of
      post-operative outcome].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of mid-term functional results and the quality of life
      after laparoscopic colorectal resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three
      consecutive patients were included in a retrospective monocentric study.
      Postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      median follow-up after colorectal resection was of 24+/-15.7 months (6-72). Major
      complications occurred in three cases (12,9%) including one anastomotic stenosis,
      one digestive and one bladder fistula. A significant improvement in pelvic pain
      symptoms was observed. De novo constipation and pain on defecation occurred in
      respectively 23% and 42% of the cases. Transient de novo dysuria occurred in 18%
      of the cases. The quality of life has been significantly improved. CONCLUSION:
      Laparoscopic colorectal resection is associated with unfavourable postoperative
      digestive and urological outcomes, such as bladder and rectal dysfunction.
      Radical treatment should be limited to selected patients.

PMID- 22071019
TI  - Screening and identification of a renal carcinoma specific peptide from a phage
      display peptide library.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Specific peptide ligands to cell surface receptors have been
      extensively used in tumor research and clinical applications. Phage display
      technology is a powerful tool for the isolation of cell-specific peptide ligands.
      To screen and identify novel markers for renal cell carcinoma, we evaluated a
      peptide that had been identified by phage display technology. METHODS: A renal
      carcinoma cell line A498 and a normal renal cell line HK-2 were used to carry out
      subtractive screening in vitro with a phage display peptide library. After three
      rounds of panning, there was an obvious enrichment for the phages specifically
      binding to the A498 cells, and the output/input ratio of phages increased about
      100 fold. A group of peptides capable of binding specifically to the renal
      carcinoma cells were obtained, and the affinity of these peptides to the
      targeting cells and tissues was studied. RESULTS: Through a cell-based ELISA,
      immunocytochemical staining, immunohistochemical staining, and
      immunofluorescence, the Phage ZT-2 and synthetic peptide ZT-2 were shown to
      specifically bind to the tumor cell surfaces of A498 and incision specimens, but
      not to normal renal tissue samples. CONCLUSION: A peptide ZT-2, which binds
      specifically to the renal carcinoma cell line A498 was selected from phage
      display peptide libraries. Therefore, it provides a potential tool for early
      diagnosis of renal carcinoma or targeted drug delivery in chemotherapy.

PMID- 22071021
TI  - Children and drug law reform.

PMID- 22071020
TI  - High tie versus low tie of the inferior mesenteric artery: a protocol for a
      systematic review.
AB  - In anterior resection of rectum, the section level of inferior mesenteric artery
      is still subject of controversy between the advocates of high and low tie. The
      low tie is the division and ligation to the branching of the left colic artery
      and the high tie is the division and ligation at its origin at the aorta. We
      intend to assess current scientific evidence in literature and to establish the
      differences comparing technique, anatomy and physiology. The aim of this protocol
      is to achieve a meta-analysis that tests safety and feasibility of the two
      procedures with several types of outcome measures.

PMID- 22071022
TI  - The development of PCR methodology for the identification of species of the
      tapeworm Moniezia from cattle, goats and sheep in central Vietnam.
AB  - The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of Moniezia spp. in
      domestic ruminants in central Vietnam and to develop a polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) technique to distinguish M. expansa from M. benedeni. Among 2040 examined
      domestic animals (540 cattle, 800 goats, 700 sheep) Moniezia was recovered from
      5.4% of cattle, 16.4% of sheep and 20.6% of goats. A set of primers for PCR was
      designed to classify M. expansa and M. benedeni based on the amplification of DNA
      corresponding to the internal transcribed spacer of 5.8S rRNA. The 457 specimens
      (75 from cattle, 162 from goats, 150 from sheep, 30 from horses, 30 from chickens
      and 10 from dogs) were subjected to PCR for classification of Moniezia spp. PCR
      products with the expected sizes were amplified from bovine, ovine and caprine
      specimens. No specific PCR products were found for specimens from horses,
      chickens and dogs. Of the 75 specimens from cattle, nine were classified as M.
      expansa and 66 were M. benedeni. Among 162 caprine specimens, 138 were M. expansa
      and 24 were M. benedeni. The distribution of M. expansa and M. benedeni in 150
      ovine specimens was 132 and 18, respectively. These results show that M. expansa
      is dominant in goats and sheep, whereas M. benedeni is more common in cattle; PCR
      can be used for classification of these two species.

PMID- 22071023
TI  - Evaluation of the bone status in high-level cyclists.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone status in highly trained
      professional cyclists subjected to regular training and tough competitions. Bone
      mineral density (BMD) was measured at different regions of interest by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry, and main biological parameters related to bone
      metabolism were obtained in 29 cyclists. Lumbar BMD was 0.94 +/- 0.01g/cm(2) (Z
      score=-1.28 +/- 0.07), and 1 cyclist out of 4 had an abnormally low value (Z
      score <-2). The mean Z-score at the total femoral site was -1.22 +/- 0.21, and
      45% of athletes had an Z-score of <-2. All femoral neck BMD values were within
      normal boundaries. The lowest BMD Z-score was measured at the midradius or 1/3
      proximal site with a mean Z-score of -1.77 +/- 0.78, but only 3 cyclists (15%)
      had Z-scores <-2. Biochemical parameters of bone formation (serum osteocalcin and
      alkaline phosphatase) were normal. Three cyclists had low 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      levels. Blood testosterone and thyroid stimulating hormone were in the normal
      range. Insulin-like growth factor 1 levels were in the normal range; however, a
      significant inverse correlation was found with lumbar BMD (r=0.495; p=0.003). We
      confirm that cycling has no positive effect on BMD, BMD being often lower than in
      normal controls at the lumbar site; femoral BMD is less concerned. The absence of
      beneficial changes at the spine can be explained by biomechanical conditions
      related to the cyclists' position, reducing loading strains. It is necessary to
      pay greater attention to the bone status of high-level athletes to prevent an
      increased risk of fractures.

PMID- 22071024
TI  - Predictors of bone mineral density testing in patients at high risk of
      osteoporosis: secondary analyses from the OSTEOPHARM randomized trial.
AB  - In a randomized trial, we demonstrated that a community pharmacist osteoporosis
      screening intervention doubled the rates of bone mineral density (BMD) testing in
      high-risk patients. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the
      potentially modifiable factors associated with BMD testing. From 2005 to 2007, 15
      pharmacies randomized 262 patients to intervention (education, pamphlets, point
      of-care quantitative heel ultrasound [QUS]) or usual care. The main outcome was
      BMD testing within 4mo. Multivariate regression was used to determine independent
      correlates of BMD testing. The median age of the cohort was 62yr, 65% were women,
      and 49% (n=129) were randomized to intervention. Compared with patients who were
      not tested, those with BMD were more likely to be women (p=0.007) and have
      excellent or very good health (p<0.001). Postrandomization correlates of BMD test
      were intervention (p=0.017), greater osteoporosis knowledge (p=0.004), and
      osteoporosis-specific physician visits (p<0.001). In adjusted analyses, only
      female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3
      7.4) and osteoporosis-specific visits (aOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-7.8) were
      independently associated with BMD testing. In analyses restricted to intervention
      patients, abnormal QUS (aOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4-9.1) was the only independent
      predictor of BMD test. Future interventions should incorporate the finding that
      osteoporosis-specific visits and abnormal QUS results were strongly associated
      with getting a BMD testing and should give greater attention to men.

PMID- 22071025
TI  - Association between vascular calcification and osteoporosis in men with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - Atherosclerotic vascular disease is common in diabetes, and some data support a
      link with bone loss. This study evaluates the association between osteoporosis
      and clinical and metabolic factors and chronic complications of diabetes. We
      studied 59 diabetic men aged 50-80 yr who were assessed with bone densitometry
      (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Of them, 10.2% of the patients were found to
      have osteoporosis in the lumbar spine and 45.8% osteopenia, whereas in the
      femoral neck, 11.8% had osteoporosis and 49% had osteopenia. There was a
      significant association of osteoporosis in the lumbar spine L1-L4 (p=0.004) and
      in the femoral neck (p=0.036) with iliac artery calcification. In addition, there
      was no association with any other metabolic factors, clinical factors, or chronic
      complications of diabetes evaluated, except for an association between a previous
      personal history of fractures (p=0.016) and low bone mineral density in the
      femoral neck. In conclusion, we found a positive association between the iliac
      artery calcification and osteoporosis in type 2 diabetic male patients.

PMID- 22071026
TI  - Hip strength in adults with type 1 diabetes is associated with age at onset of
      diabetes.
AB  - We investigated the association of age at onset of type 1 diabetes with areal
      bone mineral density (aBMD), estimates of bone strength, and outer diameter.
      Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), aBMD, axial strength (cross
      sectional area [CSA]), bending strength (section modulus [SM]), and outer
      diameter at the narrow neck, intertrochanter, and shaft of the proximal femur
      were determined for 60 adults. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to
      determine if the DXA-based measures of bone were related to age at onset and if
      this relationship differed by gender. Age at onset, gender, and the interaction
      of age at onset by gender were included in the ANCOVA models along with current
      age, duration, height, lean soft tissue mass, and hemoglobin A1c as covariates.
      In the adjusted models with CSA, SM, or outer diameter as the dependent variable,
      age at onset (p<0.01) and gender (p<0.0001) were significant with no interaction.
      For shaft aBMD, there was a significant age at onset by gender interaction
      (p=0.0285), where an earlier onset was associated with lower aBMD in the femoral
      shaft of females but not males. The findings suggest that an earlier onset of
      type 1 diabetes is associated with lower measures of bone strength and outer
      diameter.

PMID- 22071027
TI  - Influence of different DXA acquisition modes on monitoring the changes in bone
      mineral density after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.
AB  - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a technique enabling the measurement of
      bone mineral density (BMD) around prostheses after hip resurfacing arthroplasty
      (HRA). In this study, we evaluated the consistency of different DXA acquisition
      modes with 33 patients who had undergone HRA. Patients were scanned with DXA
      immediately after surgery and at 3-, 6-, and 12-mo time points. All the patients
      were scanned with dual femur and orthopedic hip acquisition modes and analyzed
      using 10-region ROI model. With both acquisition modes, a statistically
      significant decrease (p<0.05, Wilcoxon's test) in BMD at 3mo was revealed in 3
      ROIs, located to upper and lateral upper femur. Both acquisition modes detected
      similarly (p<0.01) preservation of the femoral bone stock within 12mo in all but
      1 ROI. The applied acquisition protocols involved the use of different footplates
      for hip fixation. Because the differences between acquisition modes ranged
      between +1.6% and -7.1% and the reproducibility of BMD values can vary by as much
      as 28% due to hip rotation, it is proposed that both dual femur and orthopedic
      hip acquisition modes can be used to monitor the changes in BMD after HRA.
      However, the same hip rotation is recommended for all DXA measurements.

PMID- 22071028
TI  - Validation of diagnostic codes for subtrochanteric, diaphyseal, and atypical
      femoral fractures using administrative claims data.
AB  - Administrative claims databases have large samples and high generalizability.
      They have been used to evaluate associations of atypical femoral fractures with
      bisphosphonates. We developed and assessed accuracy of claims-based algorithms
      with hospital and physician diagnosis codes for these fractures. Medical records
      and radiology reports of all adults admitted at University of Alabama at
      Birmingham Health System from 2004 to 2008 with International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision hospital discharges and surgeons' fracture repair codes
      for subtrochanteric femoral fractures and random sample of other femoral
      fractures were reviewed. We identified 137 persons with suspected subtrochanteric
      femoral fractures and randomly selected 50 persons with either suspected
      diaphyseal femoral fractures or hip fractures other than subtrochanteric and
      diaphyseal femoral fractures (typical hip fractures). Eleven patients had
      radiographic features indicative of atypical femoral fractures. The positive
      predictive value (PPV) of claims-based algorithms varied with primary or
      secondary positions on discharge diagnoses and the sources of diagnosis codes.
      The PPV for fractures ranged 69-89% for subtrochanteric femoral, 89-98% for
      diaphyseal femoral, and 85-98% for typical hip fractures. The PPV of
      administrative codes for defining a femoral fracture as atypical was low and
      imprecise. Claims-based algorithms combining hospital discharges with surgeon's
      diagnosis codes had high PPV to identify the site of subtrochanteric or
      diaphyseal femoral fractures vs typical hip fractures. However, claims-based data
      were not accurate in identifying atypical femoral fractures. These claims
      algorithms will be useful in future population-based observational studies to
      evaluate associations between osteoporosis medications and subtrochanteric and
      diaphyseal femoral fractures.

PMID- 22071029
TI  - BMD measurement and precision: a comparison of GE Lunar Prodigy and iDXA
      densitometers.
AB  - This study assessed bone mineral density (BMD) comparability and precision using
      Lunar Prodigy and iDXA densitometers (GE Healthcare, Madison, WI) in adults.
      Additionally, the utility of supine forearm measurement with iDXA was
      investigated. Lumbar spine and bilateral proximal femur measurements were
      obtained in routine clinical manner in 345 volunteers, 202 women and 143 men of
      mean age 52.5 (range: 20.1-91.6)yr. Seated and supine distal forearm scans were
      obtained in a subset (n=50). Lumbar spine and proximal femur precision
      assessments were performed on each instrument following International Society for
      Clinical Densitometry recommendations in 30 postmenopausal women. BMD at the L1
      L4 spine, total proximal femur, and femoral neck was very highly correlated
      (r(2)>=0.98) between densitometers, as was the one-third radius site (r(2)=0.96).
      Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated no clinically significant bias at all
      evaluated sites. BMD precision was similar between instruments at the L1-L4
      spine, mean total proximal femur, and femoral neck. Finally, one-third radius BMD
      measurements in the supine vs seated position on the iDXA were highly correlated
      (r(2)=0.96). In conclusion, there is excellent BMD correlation between iDXA and
      Prodigy densitometers. Similarly, BMD precision is comparable with these two
      instruments.

PMID- 22071030
TI  - Impact of a new sarco-osteopenia definition on health-related quality of life in
      a population-based cohort in Northern Europe.
AB  - Sarcopenia has been shown to be a marker of falling; therefore, combining
      osteopenia and sarcopenia could identify a frailer, higher-fracture-risk
      population. We aimed to define sarco-osteopenia (SOP) in a population-based
      healthy young sample using both muscle functional and quantitative parameters and
      assessing the impact of this definition on health-related quality of life. A
      population sample of 304 patients aged 25-70 yr was analyzed with a Lunar DPX-IQ
      dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry machine (GE Healthcare, Pollards Wood, UK), and
      their health-related quality of life was assessed with the Short-Form-36 (SF-36)
      questionnaire. SOP was defined as bone mineral density (BMD) -1 standard
      deviation (SD) and height-adjusted appendicular muscle mass -2 SD and/or grip
      strength -2 SD less than the mean values of 77 young individuals in the
      population sample (age: 25-39 yr). Our proposed SOP definition identifies 3-9% of
      the population older than 40 yr as sarco-osteopenic. These individuals also show
      markedly lower scores in the role-physical (p=0.01), vitality (p=0.03), and role
      emotional (p=0.02) subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire. No difference in the
      quality of life was observed between osteopenic individuals and those with normal
      BMD. The new definition identifies a population with significant decrements in
      health-related quality of life.

PMID- 22071032
TI  - Morphometric endoscopic study of the pharynx in patients with sleep apnea.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to measure endoscopically the retrolingual
      pharynx during wakefulness and sleep before and after maxillomandibular
      advancement surgery and to quantify the changes observed. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Eighteen patients with mild to severe grade obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea were
      evaluated during wakefulness while sitting and lying down and during induced
      sleep in dorsal decubitus while breathing naturally. Images of the retrolingual
      region of the pharynx were captured with a nasofibroscope and recorded on a DVD
      using the Sony Vegas 8.0 software (Sony Creative Software, Madison, WI). The
      images captured in greater and smaller aperture were measured with the Image J
      software (produced by Wayne Rasband, United States National Institutes of Health,
      Bethesda, MD) in linear anteroposterior and linear laterolateral areas. A
      correction factor was then applied to equalize the size of the images and thus
      compare them to one another. RESULTS: The postoperative dimensions of the pharynx
      always increased significantly in all measurements compared with the preoperative
      ones. During induced sleep in dorsal decubitus, there was a greater gain in the
      area of smaller aperture (201.33%). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method showed that
      the dimensions of the pharynx always increased significantly after surgery for
      maxillomandibular advancement, although the gain was not homogeneous in all
      dimensions and also varied according to state of consciousness. The greatest gain
      was observed in the area of smaller aperture with the patient in induced sleep,
      thus reducing the collapse of the pharynx.

PMID- 22071031
TI  - Genetic diversity of influenza A(H1N1)2009 virus circulating during the season
      2010-2011 in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic diversity of influenza A(H1N1)2009 viruses has been reported
      since the pandemic virus emerged in April 2009. Different genetic clades have
      been identified and defined based on amino acid substitutions found in the
      haemagglutinin (HA) protein sequences. In Spain, circulating influenza viruses
      are monitored each season by the regional laboratories enrolled in the Spanish
      Influenza Surveillance System (SISS). The analysis of the HA gene sequence helps
      to detect the genetic diversity and viral evolution. OBJECTIVES: To perform an
      analysis of the genetic diversity of influenza A(H1N1)2009 viruses circulating in
      Spain during the season 2010-2011 based on analysis of the HA sequence gene.
      STUDY DESIGN: Phylogenetic analysis based on the HA1 subunit of the
      haemagglutinin gene was carried out on 220 influenza A(H1N1)2009 viruses
      circulating during the season 2010-2011. RESULTS: Six different genetic groups
      were identified among circulating A(H1N1)2009 viruses, five of them were
      previously reported during season 2010-2011. A new group, characterized by E172K
      and K308E changes and a proline at position 83, was observed in 12.27% of the
      Spanish viruses. CONCLUSION: Co-circulation of six different genetic groups of
      influenza A(H1N1)2009 viruses was identified in Spain during the season 2010
      2011. Nevertheless, at this stage, none of the groups identified to date have
      resulted in significant antigenic changes according to data collected by World
      Health Organization Collaborating Centres for influenza surveillance.

PMID- 22071033
TI  - Clinical manifestations and prognosis of patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome have a poorer prognosis than those
      with Bell palsy despite the use of various treatment modalities. We compared the
      clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes in patients with Ramsay
      Hunt syndrome and Bell palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with Ramsay Hunt
      syndrome were compared with patients with Bell palsy treated using oral steroids
      and with those treated with both steroids and an antiviral agent. Functional
      recovery of the facial nerve was scored according to the House-Brackmann grading
      system. Patients were followed up until recovery or for 3 months. Recovery rates
      in each group were assessed by age, sex, and initial and last House-Brackmann
      grade. RESULTS: Compared with patients with Bell palsy, those with Ramsay Hunt
      syndrome were generally younger, had initially more severe facial palsy, and a
      lower recovery rate. Various factors including initial House-Brackmann grade,
      starting time to treatment, age, comorbid disease, electroneurography, and
      electromyography showed some correlations with prognosis in all groups. The
      addition of antiviral agents to an oral steroid regimen did not improve the
      recovery rate of patients with Bell palsy. CONCLUSION: Patients with Ramsay Hunt
      syndrome have a poorer prognosis than do those with Bell palsy.

PMID- 22071034
TI  - Climate change and health: indoor heat exposure in vulnerable populations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Climate change is increasing the frequency of heat waves and hot
      weather in many urban environments. Older people are more vulnerable to heat
      exposure but spend most of their time indoors. Few published studies have
      addressed indoor heat exposure in residences occupied by an elderly population.
      The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between outdoor and
      indoor temperatures in homes occupied by the elderly and determine other
      predictors of indoor temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected hourly
      indoor temperature measurements of 30 different homes; outdoor temperature,
      dewpoint temperature, and solar radiation data during summer 2009 in Detroit, MI.
      We used mixed linear regression to model indoor temperatures' responsiveness to
      weather, housing and environmental characteristics, and evaluated our ability to
      predict indoor heat exposures based on outdoor conditions. RESULTS: Average
      maximum indoor temperature for all locations was 34.85 degrees C, 13.8 degrees C
      higher than average maximum outdoor temperature. Indoor temperatures of single
      family homes constructed of vinyl paneling or wood siding were more sensitive
      than brick homes to outdoor temperature changes and internal heat gains. Outdoor
      temperature, solar radiation, and dewpoint temperature predicted 38% of the
      variability of indoor temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: Indoor exposures to heat in
      Detroit exceed the comfort range among elderly occupants, and can be predicted
      using outdoor temperatures, characteristics of the housing stock and surroundings
      to improve heat exposure assessment for epidemiological investigations.
      Weatherizing homes and modifying home surroundings could mitigate indoor heat
      exposure among the elderly.

PMID- 22071035
TI  - Acute air pollution effects on heart rate variability are modified by SNPs
      involved in cardiac rhythm in individuals with diabetes or impaired glucose
      tolerance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown associations between particulate
      matter (PM) and heart rate variability (HRV). OBJECTIVES: We investigated the
      effects of air pollution on the root mean square of successive differences
      (RMSSD) and the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and
      effect modifications by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). METHODS: Between
      March 2007 and December 2008 207 ECG recordings comprising 1153 1 h-intervals
      were measured in 61 individuals with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose
      tolerance (IGT) from Augsburg, Germany. Associations between 1 h-averages of air
      pollutants (PM, sulphate, black carbon, and ultrafine particles) and ECG
      parameters were analyzed using additive mixed models. Genotypes of 139 SNPs
      supposed to be involved in cardiac rhythm were identified in the literature.
      Using regression trees for longitudinal data, SNPs associated with ECG parameters
      were determined and included as potential air pollution effect modifiers.
      RESULTS: We observed concurrent and lagged decreases in SDNN by about 2-5% in
      association with all air pollutants, especially in participants with at least one
      minor allele of rs332229. Increases in PM<2.5 MUm (PM(2.5)) were associated with
      4 h-lagged decreases of -6.6% [95%-confidence interval:-10.6;-2.6%] and -13.0% [
      20.7;-5.1%] in SDNN in individuals with one or two minor alleles. We observed a 
      7.2% [-12.2;-1.8%] reduction in RMSSD associated with concurrent increases in
      PM(2.5.) Individuals with at least one minor allele of rs2096767 or at most one
      minor allele of rs2745967 exhibited stronger PM(2.5) effects. CONCLUSIONS: We
      identified a genetic predisposition in persons with diabetes or IGT making them
      potentially more susceptible to air pollutants with regard to changes in HRV.

PMID- 22071037
TI  - An unusual cause of myocardial ischaemia.

PMID- 22071036
TI  - Pre-implantation psychological functioning preserved in majority of implantable
      cardioverter defibrillator patients 12 months post implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of ICD therapy on patient well being has typically focused
      on mean differences between groups, thereby neglecting changes within
      individuals. Using an intra-individual approach, we examined (i) the prevalence
      of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients maintaining their pre
      implantation level of psychological functioning at 12 months, and (ii) factors
      associated with deterioration in functioning. METHODS: Consecutively implanted
      ICD patients (n=332) completed a set of standardized and validated patient
      reported measures at baseline and at 12 months post implantation. RESULTS: The
      majority of patients (72.8% to 81.7%) preserved their pre implantation level of
      psychological functioning 12 months post implantation. In adjusted analysis, ICD
      shock (all ps<.001) and Type D personality (all ps<.05) were independent
      predictors of deterioration in psychological functioning at 12 months across all
      domains, while baseline psychological status was associated with an improvement
      (all ps<.05). Patients with a primary prevention indication experienced a
      decrease in ICD concerns (p=.03) and anxiety (p=.006), and older patients (p=.04)
      a decrease in anxiety symptoms during the follow-up period. By contrast, patients
      with left ventricular dysfunction (p=.007) and atrial fibrillation (p=.02) were
      more likely to experience an increase in anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of
      ICD patients maintained their pre implantation level of psychological functioning
      at 12 months. A subset of patients was at risk of poor psychological adaptation,
      attributable to ICD shocks, Type D personality, atrial fibrillation, and left
      ventricular dysfunction, while primary prevention indication and older age had a
      protective effect against deterioration in functioning.

PMID- 22071038
TI  - Might diabetes-related increased iron stores erase the female advantage in the
      development of coronary heart disease?

PMID- 22071039
TI  - Layer-specific strain-encoded MRI for the evaluation of left ventricular function
      and infarct transmurality in patients with chronic coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate whether layer-specific myocardial
      deformation imaging performed by strain-encoded imaging (SENC) allows
      quantification of regional left ventricular function and is related to scar
      transmurality defined by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (ceMRI) in
      patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: 50 patients (mean
      age 62 +/- 10 years) with CAD underwent ceMRI. Regional myocardial function was
      evaluated semi-quantitatively from steady-state free-precession cine sequences.
      Layer-specific peak circumferential strain was measured from long-axis views and
      peak longitudinal strain was evaluated from short-axis views in a 16-segment
      model. The extent of myocardial infarction was determined semiautomatically for
      each segment as relative amount of hyperenhancement by ceMRI. Wall motion and the
      degree of hyperenhancement were related to layer-specific myocardial strain.
      RESULTS: A total of 589 of 600 segments (98%) were analysed. Endocardial and
      epicardial circumferential as well as longitudinal strain showed significant
      differences between visually defined segmental function states and differed also
      significantly between the degree of infarct transmurality (all p<0.001). A cutoff
      peak circumferential endocardial strain value of -15% differentiated
      nontransmural from transmural infarcted myocardium with a sensitivity of 100% and
      a specificity of 86% (area under the curve (AUC) 0.94). Distinction of
      nontransmural infarcted myocardium from transmural infarcted myocardium was done
      more accurately using circumferential endocardial strain compared to longitudinal
      endocardial strain (AUC 0.94 vs. AUC 0.76, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative
      analysis of segmental deformation by layer-specific SENC allows accurate
      discrimination between different transmurality states of myocardial infarction in
      patients with chronic CAD. Circumferential endocardial strain showed the best
      distinction between the different degrees of infarct transmurality.

PMID- 22071040
TI  - Metallic taste after coronary artery stent implantation.

PMID- 22071041
TI  - Keshan to Kansas.

PMID- 22071042
TI  - Patients admitted to hospital with chest pain--changes in a 20-year perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the differences in characteristics and outcome between
      two consecutive series of patients admitted to hospital with chest pain in a 20
      year perspective. Particular emphasis is placed on changes in outcome in relation
      to the initial electrocardiogram (ECG). SUBJECTS: In the two periods, 1986-1987
      and 2008, all patients with chest pain admitted to the study hospitals in
      Gothenburg, Sweden, were included. RESULTS: Five thousand and sixteen patients
      were registered in a period of 21 months in 1986-1987 and 2287 patients were
      registered during 3 months in 2008. In a comparison of the two time periods, the
      age of chest pain patients was not significantly different (mean age 60.1 +/-
      17.8 years in 1986-1987 and 59.8 +/- 19.1 years in 2008, p=0.50). There was a
      lower prevalence of previous angina pectoris, congestive heart failure and
      current smoking in the second period, whereas a history of acute myocardial
      infarction, hypertension and diabetes mellitus had become more prevalent. The use
      of cardio-protective drugs increased and ECG changes indicating acute myocardial
      ischemia on admission to hospital decreased. Length of hospitalisation was
      reduced from a median of 5 days to 3 days (p<0.0001). A significant decrease in
      30-day and 1-year mortality was found (3.8% in 1986-1987 vs 2.0% in 2008 and 9.9%
      vs 6.3% respectively, p<0.0001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: During a
      period of 20 years, the characteristics and outcome of patients admitted to
      hospital with chest pain changed. The most important changes were a lower
      prevalence of ECG signs indicating acute myocardial ischemia on admission,
      shorter hospitalisation time and a lower 30-day and 1-year mortality.

PMID- 22071043
TI  - Commotio cordis as a result of neutralization shot with the Flash Ball less
      lethal weapon.

PMID- 22071047
TI  - How to develop an effective obstetric checklist.
AB  - Checklists to guide critical procedures are becoming an increasingly important
      part of medical practice. These tools have proved effective in improving outcome
      in a variety of medical settings, including obstetrics. In this review, we
      outline essential principles of successful checklist creation and implementation
      and review our experience with checklist development in a worldwide, multi
      institutional health care delivery system.

PMID- 22071049
TI  - Evaluation and management of severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks' gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to review the risks and benefits of expectant management of
      severe preeclampsia remote from term, and to provide recommendations for
      expectant management, maternal and fetal evaluation, treatment, and indications
      for delivery. METHODS: Studies were identified through a search of the MEDLINE
      database for relevant peer-reviewed articles published in the English language
      from January 1980 through December 2010. Additionally, the Cochrane Library,
      guidelines by organizations, and studies identified through review of the above
      documents and review articles were utilized to identify relevant articles. Where
      reliable data were not available, opinions of respected authorities were used.
      RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Published randomized trials and observational
      studies regarding management of severe preeclampsia occurring <34 weeks of
      gestation suggest that expectant management of selected patients can improve
      neonatal outcomes but that delivery is often required for worsening maternal or
      fetal condition. Patients who are not candidates for expectant management include
      women with eclampsia, pulmonary edema, disseminated intravascular coagulation,
      renal insufficiency, abruptio placentae, abnormal fetal testing, HELLP syndrome,
      or persistent symptoms of severe preeclampsia. For women with severe preeclampsia
      before the limit of viability, expectant management has been associated with
      frequent maternal morbidity with minimal or no benefits to the newborn. Expectant
      management of a select group of women with severe preeclampsia occurring <34
      weeks' gestation may improve newborn outcomes but requires careful in-hospital
      maternal and fetal surveillance.

PMID- 22071051
TI  - Improved performance of maternal-fetal medicine staff after maternal cardiac
      arrest simulation-based training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of simulation-based maternal cardiac arrest
      training on performance, knowledge, and confidence among Maternal-Fetal Medicine
      staff. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff (n = 19) participated in a
      maternal arrest simulation program. Based on evaluation of performance during
      initial simulations, an intervention was designed including: basic life support
      course, advanced cardiac life support pregnancy modification lecture, and
      simulation practice. Postintervention evaluative simulations were performed. All
      simulations included a knowledge test, confidence survey, and debriefing. A
      checklist with 9 pregnancy modification (maternal) and 16 critical care (25
      total) tasks was used for scoring. RESULTS: Postintervention scores reflected
      statistically significant improvement. Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff demonstrated
      statistically significant improvement in timely initiation of cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation (120 vs 32 seconds, P = .042) and cesarean delivery (240 vs 159
      seconds, P = .017). CONCLUSION: Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation
      and pregnancy modifications application are critical in maternal and fetal
      survival during cardiac arrest. Simulation is a useful tool for Maternal-Fetal
      Medicine staff to improve skills, knowledge, and confidence in the management of
      this catastrophic event.

PMID- 22071052
TI  - Perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by isolated oligohydramnios
      diagnosed before 37 weeks of gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze pregnancy outcome in cases of isolated oligohydramnios at
      preterm. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies diagnosed
      with isolated oligohydramnios at preterm (n = 108). Pregnancy outcome was
      compared with a matched control group of low-risk preterm pregnancies with normal
      levels of amniotic fluid in a 3:1 ratio (n = 324). RESULTS: Pregnancies
      complicated by isolated oligohydramnios were characterized by a higher rate of
      preterm deliveries (26.9% vs 12.3%, P < .001), most of which were iatrogenic, and
      a higher rate of labor induction and cesarean delivery. Neonates with isolated
      oligohydramnios were characterized by a lower birthweight and a higher rate of
      neonatal morbidity. These differences were eliminated when the analysis was
      limited to the subgroup of pregnancies with isolated oligohydramnios that were
      managed expectantly and delivered spontaneously at term. CONCLUSION: Adverse
      pregnancy outcome in cases of isolated oligohydramnios diagnosed at <37 weeks
      appears to be related to a considerable degree to iatrogenic prematurity.

PMID- 22071048
TI  - Treatment of abnormal vaginal flora in early pregnancy with clindamycin for the
      prevention of spontaneous preterm birth: a systematic review and metaanalysis.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of
      clindamycin to women with abnormal vaginal flora at <22 weeks of gestation
      reduces the risk of preterm birth and late miscarriage. We conducted a systematic
      review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials of the early
      administration of clindamycin to women with abnormal vaginal flora at <22 weeks
      of gestation. Five trials that comprised 2346 women were included. Clindamycin
      that was administered at <22 weeks of gestation was associated with a
      significantly reduced risk of preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation and late
      miscarriage. There were no overall differences in the risk of preterm birth at
      <33 weeks of gestation, low birthweight, very low birthweight, admission to
      neonatal intensive care unit, stillbirth, peripartum infection, and adverse
      effects. Clindamycin in early pregnancy in women with abnormal vaginal flora
      reduces the risk of spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation and late
      miscarriage. There is evidence to justify further randomized controlled trials of
      clindamycin for the prevention of preterm birth. However, a deeper understanding
      of the vaginal microbiome, mucosal immunity, and the biology of BV will be needed
      to inform the design of such trials.

PMID- 22071053
TI  - National Diabetes Data Group vs Carpenter-Coustan criteria to diagnose
      gestational diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare perinatal outcomes among
      women diagnosed with gestational diabetes by the National Diabetes Data Group
      (NDDG) criteria with women meeting only Carpenter-Coustan criteria. STUDY DESIGN:
      This was a 14 year retrospective cohort. Women who screened positive with 1 hour
      glucose load 140 mg/dL or greater underwent a diagnostic 3 hour oral glucose
      tolerance test. We report adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) of perinatal outcome
      risk. RESULTS: Of the 4659 screen-positive women with diagnostic testing, 1082
      (3.3%, of 33,179) met NDDG criteria; 1542 (4.6%, of 33,179), or 460 more, met
      Carpenter-Coustan criteria. These 460 untreated women had greater risk of
      preeclampsia than women diagnosed by NDDG criteria (aPR, 1.70; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.23-2.35). They had a greater risk of cesarean delivery (aPR,
      1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.30) and infants greater than 4000 g (aPR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01
      1.56) than women not meeting either diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSION: The 42.5%
      additional women diagnosed only by Carpenter-Coustan criteria are at greater risk
      for some adverse outcomes. Cost-effectiveness of a change remains to be
      determined.

PMID- 22071054
TI  - Ultrasound assessment of intrauterine growth restriction: relationship to
      neonatal body composition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare prenatal ultrasound
      parameters for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with newborn percent body
      fat (%BF). STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study of 87 pregnancies followed
      with ultrasound. Subjects were categorized into 3 groups: estimated fetal weight
      (EFW) less than the 10th percentile, abdominal circumference (AC) less than the
      fifth percentile, and normal biometry. Neonatal %BF by air displacement
      plethysmography was compared between each group using multivariable analyses.
      RESULTS: The %BF in the EFW less than the 10th percentile group (5.1 +/- 2.9%)
      was significantly lower than either AC less than the fifth percentile (9.5 +/-
      3.3%) or normal groups (11.6 +/- 5.6%). EFW less than the 10th percentile best
      predicted %BF by regression model. Neonatal morbidity was not significantly
      higher in the EFW less than the 10th percentile group. CONCLUSION: Newborn %BF
      was significantly lower in infants with EFW less than the 10th percentile
      compared with AC less than the fifth percentile, an intermediate finding. An AC
      less than the fifth percentile on ultrasound does not reflect the same severity
      of IUGR as EFW less than the 10th percentile.

PMID- 22071055
TI  - Effect of gestational weight gain on perinatal outcomes in women with type 2
      diabetes mellitus using the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine associations between gestational weight gain
      according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and perinatal
      outcomes in overweight/obese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). STUDY
      DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 2310 women with T2DM enrolled in
      the California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program. Gestational weight gain was
      categorized by 2009 IOM guidelines. Perinatal outcomes were assessed using the
      chi(2) test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: With
      excessive gestational weight gain, the odds of having large-for-gestational age
      (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-3.00) or
      macrosomic (aOR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.56-4.30) neonates and cesarean delivery (aOR,
      1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10) was higher. Women with excessive gestational weight gain
      per week had increased odds of preterm delivery (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.11-2.20).
      CONCLUSION: In overweight or obese women with T2DM, gestational weight gain
      greater than the revised IOM guidelines was associated with higher odds of
      perinatal morbidity, suggesting these guidelines are applicable to a diabetic
      population.

PMID- 22071056
TI  - Obstetrical and perinatal outcomes among women with gestational hypertension,
      mild preeclampsia, and mild chronic hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal
      outcomes of women with gestational hypertension (GHTN), mild chronic hypertension
      (CHTN), and mild preeclampsia at delivery. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter database
      that contained 228,668 deliveries was used to extract data on gravid women with
      GHTN, preeclampsia, and CHTN and on women without hypertensive disease (control
      group). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.
      RESULTS: There were 4918 women with GHTN, 5274 women with preeclampsia, 2531
      women with CHTN, and 15,221 control subjects. Women with GHTN had the greatest
      risk for blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.6; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 3.4-6.3), intensive care unit admission (aOR, 25.7; 95% CI, 9.8
      67.3), and lowest risk for stillbirth (aOR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04-0.4); women with
      preeclampsia had the greatest risk for postpartum hypertension (aOR, 9.6; 95% CI,
      7.2-12.9). Neonates with GHTN had the greatest risk for ventilator requirements
      (aOR, 7.5; 95% CI, 4.6-12.4). CONCLUSION: Women with gestational hypertension and
      their neonates had significant risks for morbidity, compared with women with mild
      chronic hypertension and those with mild preeclampsia.

PMID- 22071057
TI  - Impact of multiple cesarean deliveries on maternal morbidity: a systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of increasing
      numbers of cesarean deliveries on maternal morbidity. This study was performed
      for the 2010 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on
      Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: New Insights. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a
      systematic review and metaanalysis of observational studies. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      studies (2,282,922 deliveries) were included. The rate of hysterectomy, blood
      transfusions, adhesions, and surgical injury all increased with increasing number
      of cesarean deliveries. The incidence of placenta previa increased from 10/1000
      deliveries with 1 previous cesarean delivery to 28/1000 with >=3 cesarean
      deliveries. Compared with women with previa and no previous cesarean delivery,
      women with previa and >=3 cesarean deliveries had a statistically significant
      increased risk of accreta (3.3-4% vs 50-67%), hysterectomy (0.7-4% vs 50-67%),
      and composite maternal morbidity (15% vs 83%; odds ratio, 33.6; 95% confidence
      interval, 14.6-77.4). CONCLUSION: Serious maternal morbidity progressively
      increased as the number of previous cesarean deliveries increased.

PMID- 22071058
TI  - Molecular phenotype of monocytes at the maternal-fetal interface.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the pathways that
      are associated with inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. This study
      examined the molecular characteristics of monocytes that were derived from the
      maternal circulation and the placenta of obese women. STUDY DESIGN: Mononuclear
      cells were isolated from placenta, venous maternal, and umbilical cord blood at
      term delivery; activated monocytes were separated with CD14 immunoselection. The
      genotype and expression pattern of the monocytes were analyzed by microarray and
      real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The
      transcriptome of the maternal blood and placental CD14 monocytes exhibited 73%
      homology, with 10% (1800 common genes) differentially expressed. Genes for immune
      sensing and regulation, matrix remodeling, and lipid metabolism were enhanced 2
      2006 fold in placenta, compared with maternal monocytes. The CD14 placental
      monocytes exhibited a maternal genotype (9% DYS14 expression) as opposed to the
      fetal genotype (90% DYS14 expression) of the trophoblast cells. CONCLUSION: CD14
      monocytes from the maternal blood and the placenta share strong phenotypic and
      genotypic similarities with an enhanced inflammatory pattern in the placenta. The
      functional traits of the CD14 blood and placental monocytes suggest that they
      both contribute to propagation of inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface.

PMID- 22071059
TI  - Supplemental oxygen for the prevention of postcesarean infectious morbidity: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether supplemental
      oxygen during and for 2 hours after cesarean delivery reduces the incidence of
      postcesarean infectious morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized,
      controlled trial from 2008-2010. Women who underwent cesarean delivery were
      randomly assigned to receive either 2 L of oxygen by nasal cannula during
      cesarean delivery only (standard care) or 10 L of oxygen by nonrebreather mask
      (intervention group) during and for 2 hours after cesarean delivery. Women who
      underwent scheduled or intrapartum cesarean delivery were eligible and were
      observed for 1 month after the procedure. The primary composite outcome was
      maternal infectious morbidity, which included endometritis and wound infection.
      RESULTS: Five hundred eighty-five women were included in the final analysis.
      Infectious morbidity occurred in 8.8% of patients in the standard care group and
      in 12.2% of patients in the supplemental oxygen group. There was no significant
      difference in the rate of infectious morbidity between the standard care and
      intervention groups (relative risk, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-2.3).
      CONCLUSION: Supplemental oxygen does not reduce the rate of postcesarean delivery
      infectious morbidity, including endometritis and wound infection.

PMID- 22071060
TI  - 17-alphahydroxyprogesterone caproate in women with previous spontaneous preterm
      delivery: does a previous term delivery affect the rate of recurrence?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of previous term
      delivery on the rate of recurrent preterm birth in women with previous
      spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) who receive 17-alphahydroxyprogesterone
      caproate (17P) therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Women with singleton gestations who were
      receiving 17P therapy were studied. Rates of recurrent SPTD were compared for 1
      or >=2 SPTD with and without a previous term delivery. RESULTS: Five thousand one
      hundred two women had 1 previous SPTD, and 2217 women had >=2 SPTDs. In women
      with 1 previous SPTD, a previous term delivery had lower rates of SPTD at <35
      weeks (8.4% vs 11.2%; P = .002) and preterm delivery at <32 weeks (4.7% vs 6.2%;
      P = .027) compared with those women with no such history. No differences were
      found for SPTD at <35 weeks with >=2 SPTDs. CONCLUSION: In patients who received
      17P therapy with 1 previous SPTD, a previous term delivery confers a reduction in
      risk of preterm delivery at <37, <35, and <32 weeks' gestation; such reduction is
      not evident with >=2 previous SPTDs.

PMID- 22071061
TI  - Obstetric outcomes and maternal satisfaction in nulliparous women using patient
      controlled epidural analgesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare obstetric outcomes and
      maternal satisfaction in nulliparous women in spontaneous labor who used patient
      controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) vs continuous epidural infusion (CEI). STUDY
      DESIGN: We conducted a double-masked trial of 270 nulliparous women who were
      assigned randomly to 3 groups (with a concentration 0.1% bupivacaine and 2 MUg/mL
      fentanyl): group I, CEI-only (10 mL/h); group II, CEI + PCEA (CEI 10 mL/h plus
      PCEA 10 mL, at 20 minutes); group III, PCEA-only (10 mL, at 20 minutes). A PCEA
      bolus button was given to each subject. The primary outcome was the dosage of
      local anesthetic that was used. RESULTS: The total milligrams of bupivacaine that
      were used was less in the PCEA-only group compared with CEI: group I. 74.8 +/- 36
      mg; group II, 97.3 +/- 53 mg; group III, 52.4 +/- 42 mg (P < .001). Pain with
      pushing, however, was worse in the PCEA-only group. Median satisfaction scores
      were similar (scale, 0 [best] to 100 [worst]: group I, 0; group II, 0; group III,
      0 (P = .23). CONCLUSION: PCEA results in less anesthetic used, and maternal
      satisfaction remains high without a continuous infusion. Pain with pushing,
      however, was worse with the PCEA alone.

PMID- 22071062
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes in women who have undergone an atrial switch repair for
      congenital d-transposition of the great arteries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Women who underwent an atrial switch procedure (Senning or Mustard)
      for repair of d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) are now of
      reproductive age. We sought to assess their ability for a successful pregnancy.
      STUDY DESIGN: Clinical data were reviewed for all women of reproductive age who
      carried a diagnosis of d-TGA and atrial switch procedure who were observed at 2
      tertiary care centers over 10 years. RESULTS: Among 25 women who were identified,
      there were 21 pregnancies that resulted in 14 live births. The preterm birth rate
      was 50%. Pregnancy complications occurred in 5 women. There were no deaths.
      Serial echocardiographic data demonstrated a fall in right ventricular function
      during pregnancy, with some improvement postpartum. Intracardiac baffle
      obstruction that required postpartum stenting occurred in 36% of the completed
      pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Women who have undergone an atrial switch procedure for
      d-TGA have high rates of pregnancy and cardiac complications and should be
      counseled accordingly.

PMID- 22071063
TI  - Influence of gestational age and reason for prior preterm birth on rates of
      recurrent preterm delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare rates of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth
      (SPTB) in women receiving 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) with prior
      SPTB due to preterm labor (PTL) vs preterm premature rupture of membranes
      (PPROM). STUDY DESIGN: Women with singleton gestation having 1 prior SPTB
      enrolled at 16-24.9 weeks' gestation for weekly outpatient 17P administration
      were identified from a database. Rates of recurrent SPTB were compared between
      those with prior SPTB due to PTL or PPROM overall and by gestational age at prior
      SPTB. RESULTS: Records from 2123 women were analyzed. The prior PTL group vs the
      prior PPROM group experienced higher rates of recurrent SPTB at <37 weeks (29.7%
      vs 22.9%, P = .004), <35 weeks (14.0% vs 9.1%, P = .004), and <32 weeks (5.9% vs
      3.3%, P = .024), respectively. CONCLUSION: Reason and gestational age of prior
      SPTB influence the likelihood of recurrent SPTB in women receiving 17P
      prophylaxis.

PMID- 22071064
TI  - Homing of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells after perinatal intracerebral
      transplantation in a rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess early homing of placenta-derived
      stem cells after perinatal intracerebral transplantation in rats. STUDY DESIGN:
      Neonatal Wistar rats (2-4 days old) were anesthetized, and 250,000 human placenta
      derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) injected into the lateral ventricle or the
      paraventricular white matter using a stereotactic frame. Donor MSC were detected
      by immunohistochemistry using an antihuman HLA-ABC antibody. RESULTS: In all, 84%
      of the animals survived the transplantation. Donor cells were detected in the
      brain ventricle 1-2 hours posttransplantation. After 4 hours, donor cells
      migrated throughout the ventricular system. At 1-4 weeks after transplantation,
      some cells had migrated into the periventricular white matter. CONCLUSION: Human
      placenta-derived MSC were successfully transplanted into the lateral ventricles
      of neonatal rats. Donor cells survived, homed, and migrated in the recipient
      brains. Proliferation and differentiation analysis and functional tests will
      assess the therapeutic effects of stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 22071065
TI  - Treating mild gestational diabetes mellitus: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of treating mild
      gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). STUDY DESIGN: A decision analytic model was
      built to compare treating vs not treating mild GDM. The primary outcome was the
      incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). All probabilities, costs,
      and benefits were derived from the literature. Base case, sensitivity analyses,
      and a Monte Carlo simulation were performed. RESULTS: Treating mild GDM was more
      expensive, more effective, and cost-effective at $20,412 per QALY. Treatment
      remained cost-effective when the incremental cost to treat GDM was less than
      $3555 or if treatment met at least 49% of its reported efficacy at the baseline
      cost to treat of $1786. CONCLUSION: Treating mild GDM is cost-effective in terms
      of improving maternal and neonatal outcomes including decreased rates of
      preeclampsia, cesarean sections, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, permanent and
      transient brachial plexus injury, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal
      hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.

PMID- 22071066
TI  - Fetal omphalocele ratios predict outcomes in prenatally diagnosed omphalocele.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate whether ratios considering
      omphalocele diameter relative to fetal biometric measurements perform better than
      giant omphalocele designation at predicting inability to achieve neonatal primary
      surgical closure. STUDY DESIGN: Cases of fetal omphalocele that underwent
      evaluation between May 2003 and July 2010 were identified. Inclusion was
      restricted to live births with plan for postnatal repair. Omphalocele diameter
      upon antenatal ultrasound was compared with abdominal circumference, femur
      length, and head circumference, yielding the respective omphalocele (O)/abdominal
      circumference (AC), O/femur length (FL), and O/head circumference (HC) ratios.
      The absolute measurements were used to classify giant lesions. Omphalocele ratios
      and giant omphalocele designations were evaluated as predictors of inability to
      achieve primary repair. RESULTS: Among 25 included cases, staged or delayed
      closure occurred in 52%. With an optimal cutoff of 0.21 or greater, O/HC best
      predicted the primary outcome (sensitivity, 84.6%; specificity, 58.3%; odds
      ratio, 7.7). The O/HC of 0.21 or greater outperformed giant designations.
      CONCLUSION: The O/HC of 0.21 or greater best predicted staged or delayed
      omphalocele closure. Giant omphalocele designation, regardless of definition,
      poorly predicted outcome.

PMID- 22071067
TI  - An initial miscarriage is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in the
      following pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether 1 previous
      miscarriage is associated with an increased rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in
      the following pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Second pregnancies of women with and
      without a miscarriage in their initial pregnancy were compared. Multivariable
      logistic regression models were constructed to control for confounders. RESULTS:
      Of 35,125 singleton deliveries in the second pregnancy, 5777 (16.4%) were of
      patients with an initial miscarriage. Multivariable analysis showed a significant
      association between a previous miscarriage and the following adverse pregnancy
      outcomes including premature rupture of membranes (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.01-2.44), preterm delivery (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.21
      1.48), intrauterine growth restriction (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47),
      hypertensive disorders (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.07-1.85), preeclampsia (OR, 1.63; 95%
      CI, 1.22-2.18), and cesarean delivery (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.46-1.73). Perinatal
      mortality was significantly higher among women with an initial miscarriage (1.6%
      vs 1.0%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: An initial miscarriage is independently
      associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

PMID- 22071068
TI  - Assessment of the concordance among 2-tier, 3-tier, and 5-tier fetal heart rate
      classification systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2008, a National Institute of Child Health and Human
      Development/Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine-sponsored workshop on electronic
      fetal monitoring recommended a new fetal heart tracing interpretation system.
      Comparison of this 3-tier system with other systems is lacking. Our purpose was
      to determine the relationships between fetal heart rate categories for the 3
      existing systems. METHODS: Three Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists reviewed 120
      fetal heart rates. All tracings were from term, singleton pregnancies with known
      umbilical artery pH. The fetal heart rates were classified by a 2-tier, 3-tier,
      and 5-tier system. RESULTS: Each Maternal-Fetal Medicine examiner reviewed 120
      fetal heart rate segments. When compared with the 2-tier system, 0%, 54%, and
      100% tracings in categories 1, 2, and 3 were "nonreassuring." There was strong
      concordance between category 1 and "green" as well as category 3 and "red"
      tracings. CONCLUSION: The 3-tier and 5-tier systems were similar in fetal heart
      rate interpretations for tracings that were either very normal or very abnormal.
      Whether one system is superior to the others in predicting fetal acidemia remains
      unknown.

PMID- 22071069
TI  - A faster nonsurgical solution very large fibroid tumors yielded to a new ablation
      strategy.

PMID- 22071070
TI  - Discussion: 'bariatric surgery and obstetric outcomes' by Josefsson et al.

PMID- 22071072
TI  - Maternal treatment with opioid analgesics and risk for birth defects.

PMID- 22071073
TI  - Opioid exposure and birth defects.

PMID- 22071074
TI  - Validation of HbA1c of 6.5% for diagnosing diabetes mellitus via the use of
      taxometric analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous studies in which authors examined the internal and external
      validity of a glycemic cut-point for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus have provided
      mixed results. The purpose of the current study was to test the internal validity
      of the HbA1c 6.5% cut-point with taxometric analysis. METHODS: Data on 14,798
      participants were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey, years 1999-2008. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were submitted to the
      taxometric procedures MAMBAC (mean above minus below a cut) and MAXSLOPE (MAXimum
      SLOPE). The comparison curve fit index was the outcome measure, with values less
      than 0.40 and greater than 0.60 indicative of dimensional and categorical
      solutions, respectively. RESULTS: In the full sample, MAXSLOPE and MAMBAC
      procedures yielded CCFIs of 0.778 and 0.872, respectively. Analyses were repeated
      in subgroups by age, sex, fasting insulin level, ethnicity, and year; the lowest
      comparison curve fit index measurement from any analysis was 0.706. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results support a categorical overdimensional model of diabetes, consistent
      with the new HbA1c cut-point recommendation.

PMID- 22071075
TI  - The effect of Cu2+ on interaction between flavonoids with different C-ring
      substituents and bovine serum albumin: structure-affinity relationship aspect.
AB  - Four flavonoids quercetin (QU), luteolin (LU), taxifolin (TA) and (+)-catechin
      (CA) with the same A- and B-rings but different C-ring substituents have been
      investigated for their binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the absence and
      presence of Cu(2+) by means of various spectroscopic methods such as
      fluorescence, UV-visible and circular dichroism (CD). The results indicated that
      hydroxyl group at 3-position increased the binding affinities between flavonoids
      and BSA. The values of the binding affinities were in the order: QU>CA>TA>LU. The
      presence of Cu(2+) affected the interactions of flavonoids with BSA
      significantly. The binding affinities of QU and TA for BSA were decreased about
      6.7% and 13.2%. However, the binding affinities of LU and CA for BSA were
      increased about 43.0% and 20.7%. The formation of Cu(2+)-flavonoid complex and
      steric hindrance together influenced the binding affinities of QU, LU and TA for
      BSA, while the conformational change of BSA may be the main reason for the
      increased binding affinity of CA for BSA. However, the quenching mechanism for
      QU, LU, TA and CA to BSA was based on static quenching combined with non
      radiative energy transfer irrespective of the absence or presence of Cu(2+). The
      UV-visible results showed the change in BSA conformation and the formation of
      flavonoid-Cu(2+) complex. The CD results also explained the conformational
      changes of BSA on binding with flavonoids.

PMID- 22071076
TI  - Influence of the geometry around the manganese ion on the peroxidase and catalase
      activities of Mn(III)-Schiff base complexes.
AB  - The peroxidase and catalase activities of eighteen manganese-Schiff base
      complexes have been studied. A correlation between the structure of the complexes
      and their catalytic activity is discussed on the basis of the variety of systems
      studied. Complexes 1-18 have the general formulae
      [MnL(n)(D)(2)](X)(H(2)O/CH(3)OH)(m), where L(n)=L(1)-L(13); D=H(2)O, CH(3)OH or
      Cl; m=0-2.5 and X=NO(3)(-), Cl(-), ClO(4)(-), CH(3)COO(-), C(2)H(5)COO(-) or
      C(5)H(11)COO(-). The dianionic tetradentate Schiff base ligands H(2)L(n) are the
      result of the condensation of different substituted (OMe-, OEt-, Br-, Cl-)
      hydroxybenzaldehyde with diverse diamines (1,2-diaminoethane for H(2)L(1)
      H(2)L(2); 1,2-diamino-2-methylethane for H(2)L(3)-H(2)L(4); 1,2-diamino-2,2
      dimethylethane for H(2)L(5); 1,2-diphenylenediamine for H(2)L(6)-H(2)L(7); 1,3
      diaminopropane for H(2)L(8)-H(2)L(11); 1,3-diamino-2,2-dimethylpropane for
      H(2)L(12)-H(2)L(13)). The new Mn(III) complexes [MnL(1)(H(2)O)Cl](H(2)O)(2.5)
      (2), [MnL(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(H(2)O) (4),
      [MnL(6)(H(2)O)(2)][MnL(6)(CH(3)OH)(H(2)O)](NO(3))(2)(CH(3)OH) (8),
      [MnL(6)(H(2)O)(OAc)](H(2)O) (9) and [MnL(7)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(CH(3)OH)(2) (12)
      were isolated and characterised by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility
      and conductivity measurements, redox studies, ESI spectrometry and UV, IR,
      paramagnetic (1)H NMR, and EPR spectroscopies. X-ray crystallographic studies of
      these complexes and of the ligand H(2)L(6) are also reported. The crystal
      structures of the rest of the complexes have been previously published and herein
      we have only revised their study by those techniques still not reported (EPR and
      (1)H NMR for some of these compounds) and which help to establish their
      structures in solution. Complexes 1-12 behave as more efficient mimics of
      peroxidase or catalase in contrast with 13-18. The analysis between the catalytic
      activity and the structure of the compounds emphasises the significance of the
      existence of a vacant or a labile position in the coordination sphere of the
      catalyst.

PMID- 22071077
TI  - The in vitro glycation of human serum albumin in the presence of Zn(II).
AB  - Amino groups of human serum albumin (HSA) can react non-enzymatically with
      carbonyl groups of reducing sugars to form advanced glycation end products
      (AGEs). These AGEs contribute to many of the chronic complications of diabetes
      including atherosclerosis, cataract formation and renal failure. The current
      study focused on in vitro non-enzymatic reactivity of glyceraldehyde (GA) and
      methylglyoxal (MG) with HSA and evaluated the rate and extent of AGE formation in
      the presence of varied concentrations of Zn(II). At normal physiological
      conditions, GA and MG readily react with HSA. The presence of Zn(II) in HSA-GA or
      HSA-MG incubation mixtures reduced AGE formation. This finding was confirmed by
      UV and fluorescence spectrometry, HPLC techniques, and matrix assisted laser
      desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). HPLC studies revealed
      decreased adduct formation of the glycated protein in the presence of Zn(II). The
      inhibition of AGE formation was intense at elevated Zn(II) concentrations. The
      results of this study suggest that Zn(II) may prove to be a potent agent in
      reducing AGE formation.

PMID- 22071078
TI  - Kinetic studies of oxygen atom transfer reactions from trans-dioxoruthenium(VI)
      porphyrins to sulfides.
AB  - The kinetics of the reactions of three trans-dioxoruthenium(VI) porphyrin
      derivatives with organic sulfides were measured. The dioxo systems studied were
      5,10,15,20-tetramesityl porphyrin-dioxoruthenium(VI) (2a), 5,10,15,20
      tetraphenylporphyrin-dioxoruthenium(VI) (2b), and 5,10,15,20
      tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin-dioxoruthenium(VI) (2c). Species 2 were
      competent oxidants and reacted rapidly with thioanisoles to generate the
      corresponding sulfoxides. Typical second-order rate constants determined from
      pseudo-first-order kinetic studies for sulfoxidation reactions are 8-60 M(-1)s(
      1), which are 3 orders of magnitude larger in comparison with those of well
      studied alkene epoxidations and activated C-H bond oxidations by the same dioxo
      species. For a given sulfide substrate, the reactivity order for the
      dioxoruthenium(VI) species was 2a<2b<2c, which is in agreement with expectation
      on the basis of the electron-withdrawing and steric effects of the porphyrin
      macrocycles. Various para-substituted thioanisoles react in a narrow kinetic
      range with the same dioxo species. The kinetic results obtained in this study
      indicate a concerted oxygen atom transfer and/or electron transfer followed by
      oxygen transfer mechanism from oxidant to sulfide. Competition kinetic reactions
      with a catalytic amount of porphyrin ruthenium(II) species and a terminal oxidant
      give relative rate constants for sulfoxidations of competing substrates that are
      somewhat smaller than the ratios of absolute rate constants, implying a multiple
      oxidant model for sulfoxidation reactions.

PMID- 22071079
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of palladium(II) salicylaldiminato
      thiosemicarbazone complexes against Trichomonas vaginalis.
AB  - Eight mononuclear Pd(II) complexes containing salicylaldiminato
      thiosemicarbazones (saltsc-R; where R=H (1), 3-OMe (2), 3-(t)Bu (3) and 5-Cl (4))
      as dinegative tridentate ligands were prepared by the reaction of the
      corresponding thiosemicarbazone with the precursor Pd(L)(2)Cl(2)
      (L=phosphatriazaadamantane or 4-picoline) in the presence of a weak base. These
      complexes (9-16) were characterised by a range of spectroscopic and analytical
      techniques including NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. These complexes
      along with four other Pd(II) analogues (5-8) were screened for activity in vitro
      against the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. Preliminary results show that the
      type of ancillary ligand as well as the substituents on the aromatic ring of the
      salicylaldiminato thiosemicarbazone ligand influences the antiparasitic activity
      of these complexes.

PMID- 22071080
TI  - Non-intercalative binding mode of bridged binuclear chiral Ru(II) complexes to
      native duplex DNA.
AB  - A pair of chiral binuclear ruthenium(II) complexes were prepared and their
      binding affinities towards double stranded native DNA were assessed by observing
      isotropic absorption, polarized light spectra - circular and linear dichroism (CD
      and LD), fluorescence quenching and DNA thermal denaturation. Upon binding to
      DNA, the complexes produced LD signals consisting of positive and negative
      signals in the absorption region, although they exhibited red shift and
      hypochromism in the absorption spectrum. These contrasting observations indicated
      that the binding modes of the complexes are largely deviated from classical
      intercalative binding. Groove binding of the complexes to DNA was found to be
      more likely than intercalative binding. The small increase of DNA melting
      temperature in the presence of the complexes indicated a predominance of DNA
      groove binding. The absence of "molecular light switch effect" further supported
      non-intercalative binding. The groove binding propensity of complexes was also
      supported by comparison of the resulting data with the [Ru(phen)(2)(dppz)](2+).

PMID- 22071081
TI  - Selected gold compounds cause pronounced inhibition of Falcipain 2 and
      effectively block P. falciparum growth in vitro.
AB  - A number of structurally diverse gold compounds were evaluated as possible
      inhibitors of Falcipain 2 (Fp2), a cysteine protease from P. falciparum that is a
      validated target for the development of novel antimalarial drugs. Remarkably,
      most tested compounds caused pronounced but reversible inhibition of Fp2 with
      K(i) values falling in the micromolar range. Enzyme inhibition is basically
      ascribed to gold binding to catalytic active site cysteine. The same gold
      compounds were then tested for their ability to inhibit P. falciparum growth in
      vitro; important parasite growth inhibition was indeed observed. However, careful
      analysis of the two sets of data failed to establish any direct correlation
      between enzyme inhibition and reduction of P. falciparum growth suggesting that
      Fp2 inhibition represents just one of the various mechanisms through which gold
      compounds effectively antagonize P. falciparum replication.

PMID- 22071082
TI  - Effects of terbium chelate structure on dipicolinate ligation and the detection
      of Bacillus spores.
AB  - Terbium-sensitized luminescence and its applicability towards the detection of
      Bacillus spores such as anthrax are of significant interest to research in
      biodefense and medical diagnostics. Accordingly, we have measured the effects of
      terbium chelation upon the parameters associated with dipicolinate ligation and
      spore detection. Namely, the dissociation constants, intrinsic brightness,
      luminescent lifetimes, and biological stabilities for several
      Tb(chelate)(dipicolinate)(x) complexes were determined using linear, cyclic, and
      aromatic chelators of differing structure and coordination number. This included
      the chelator array of NTA, BisTris, EGTA, EDTA, BAPTA, DO2A, DTPA, DO3A, and DOTA
      (respectively, 2,2',2"-nitrilotriacetic acid; 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2',2"
      nitrilotriethanol; ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic
      acid; ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane
      N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid;
      diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentaacetic acid; 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane
      1,4,7-triacetic acid; and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic
      acid). Our study has revealed that the thermodynamic and temporal emission
      stabilities of the Tb(chelate)(dipicolinate)(x) complexes are directly related to
      chelate rigidity and a ligand stoichiometry of x=1, and that chelators possessing
      either aromaticity or low coordination numbers are destabilizing to the complexes
      when in extracts of an extremotolerant Bacillus spore. Together, our results
      demonstrate that both Tb(EDTA) and Tb(DO2A) are chemically and biochemically
      stable and thus applicable as respectively low and high-cost luminescent
      reporters for spore detection, and thereby of significance to institutions with
      developing biodefense programs.

PMID- 22071083
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of the europium(III) and zinc(II) complexes as
      luminescent bioprobes in high content cell-imaging analysis.
AB  - Novel phenanthroline derivatives and their europium(III) and zinc(II) complexes
      have been prepared in up to 92%. In contrast to the stable zinc complexes, the
      europium compounds exhibit a strong luminescence in THF solution. However,
      quenching of the emission is observed in DMSO indicating complete dissociation of
      the complexes back to free ligands in this solvent. (1)H NMR studies of the
      Eu(III)-complexes 5 and 6 also confirmed the existence of different states
      depending on the solvent used. Moreover, it was found that compound 5 is stable
      in EtOH-PBS solutions; here a strong signal in the emission spectra corresponding
      to the europium ion was detected. No spectral changes were observed for the
      zinc(II) complexes, they were shown to be stable in the media. These metal
      complexes can be used as fluorescence markers for the diagnosis of oesophageal
      squamous carcinoma (OE21) cells at low concentrations. Cell images were acquired
      using the compounds 5, 7-9 as luminescent agents. The first images were taken
      already after 20 min incubation time at a very low concentration range (0.7-1.6
      MUM).

PMID- 22071084
TI  - Low-lying electronic states of the ferrous high-spin (S=2) heme in deoxy-Mb and
      deoxy-Hb studied by highly-sensitive multi-frequency EPR.
AB  - The low-lying electronic states of the ferrous high-spin heme in deoxy-myoglobin
      (deoxy-Mb) and deoxy-hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) were probed by multi-frequency
      electron paramagnetic resonance (MFEPR) spectroscopy. An unexpected broad EPR
      signal was measured at the zero magnetic field using cavity resonators at 34-122
      GHz that could not be simulated using any parameter sets for the S=2 spin
      Hamiltonian assuming spin quintet states in the (5)B(2) ground state.
      Furthermore, we have observed novel, broad EPR signals measured at 70-220 GHz and
      1.5K using a single pass transmission probe. These signals are attributed to the
      ferrous high-spin heme in deoxy-Mb and deoxy-Hb. The resonant peaks shifted to a
      higher magnetic field with increasing frequency. The energy level separation
      between the ground singlet and the first excited state at the zero magnetic field
      was directly estimated to be 3.5 cm(-1) for deoxy-Hb. For deoxy-Mb, the first two
      excited singlet states are separated by 3.3 cm(-1) and 6.5 cm(-1), respectively,
      from the ground state. The energy gap at the zero magnetic field is directly
      derived from our MFEPR for deoxy-Mb and deoxy-Hb and strongly supports the
      theoretical analyses based on the Mossbauer and magnetic circular dichroism
      experiments.

PMID- 22071085
TI  - Synthesis, structure, DNA binding and cleavage properties of ternary amino acid
      Schiff base-phen/bipy Cu(II) complexes.
AB  - Ternary Cu(II) complexes [Cu(II)(saltrp)(B)] (1,2), (saltrp=salicylidene
      tryptophan, B=1,10 phenathroline (1) or 2,2' bipyridine (2)) were synthesized and
      characterized. Complex 2 was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray
      crystallography. The molecular structure shows a distorted square pyramidal
      coordination geometry (CuN(3)O(2)) in which the ONO donor Schiff base is bonded
      to the Cu(II) in the basal plane. The N,N donor heterocyclic base displays an
      axial-equatorial binding mode. CT-DNA binding studies revealed that the complexes
      show good binding propensity (Intrinsic binding constant, K(b)=3.32*10(5) M(-1)
      for 1 and K(b)=3.10*10(5) M(-1) for 2). The catalytic role of these complexes in
      the oxidative and hydrolytic cleavage of DNA was studied in detail. Complex 1
      binds and cleaves DNA more efficiently as compared to 2. From the kinetic
      experiments, rate constants for the hydrolysis of phosphodiester bond of DNA
      backbone were determined as 1.94 h(-1) and 1.05 h(-1) for 1 and 2 respectively.
      It amounts to (2.93-5.41)*10(7) fold rate enhancement compared to uncatalyzed
      double stranded DNA, which is impressive as compared to related Cu(II) Schiff
      base complexes.

PMID- 22071086
TI  - 3,5-diacetyl-1,2,4-triazol bis(4N-substituted thiosemicarbazone) palladium(II)
      complexes: synthesis, structure, antiproliferative activity and low toxicity on
      normal kidney cells.
AB  - Treatment of (4)N-monosubstituted bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligands of 3,5-diacetyl
      1,2,4-triazol series with lithium tetrachloridopalladate gave the dinuclear
      complexes of general formula [Pd(MU-H(3)L(1-5))](2), but using
      dichloridobistriphenylphosphinepalladium(II) salt, the first mononuclear
      bis(thiosemicarbazone)-palladium-triphenylphosphine complexes of the 3,5-diacetyl
      1,2,4-triazol series, [Pd(H(3)L(1-5))PPh(3)], have been obtained. All the
      compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis and by IR and NMR
      spectroscopy, and the crystal and molecular structures of dinuclear complexes
      [Pd(MU-H(3)L(3))](2) and [Pd(MU-H(3)L(5))](2) as well as mononuclear complexes
      [Pd(H(3)L(1))PPh(3)], [Pd(H(3)L(2))PPh(3)], [Pd(H(3)L(3))PPh(3)] and
      [Pd(H(3)L(4))PPh(3)] have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The new
      compounds synthesized have been evaluated for antiproliferative activity in vitro
      against NCI-H460, A2780 and A2780cisR human cancer cell lines. Subsequent
      toxicity study, on normal renal LLC-PK1 cells, shows that all compounds
      investigated exhibit very low toxicity on kidney cells with respect to cisplatin.

PMID- 22071087
TI  - Synthesis and biological studies of 4', 7, 8-trihydroxy-isoflavone metal
      complexes.
AB  - A new series of complexes of a ligand 4', 7, 8-trihydroxy-isoflavone with
      transition metal (zinc, copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt) and selenium have been
      synthesized and characterized with the aid of elemental analysis, IR, electron
      ionization mass spectrum (EI-MS) and (1)H NMR spectrometric techniques. The
      compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activities and
      antitumor properties. The metal complexes were found to be more active than the
      free ligand. Investigation on the interaction between the complexes and calf
      thymus DNA (CT DNA) showed that the absorbance of CT DNA increased and the
      maximum peak (lambda(max)=260 nm) red-shifted, while the intensity of
      fluorescence spectra of Epstein-Bart DNA (EB-DNA) gradually weakened, which
      indicated that all of these metal complexes tightly combined with CT DNA.

PMID- 22071088
TI  - Lipophilic Pt(II) complexes with selective efficacy against cisplatin-resistant
      testicular cancer cells.
AB  - A series of dichloridoplatinum(II) complexes with selective and high cytotoxicity
      [IC(90)(96h)<=3 MUM] against cisplatin-resistant 1411HP testicular cancer cells
      were identified. They bear stationary 6-aminomethylnicotinate or 2,4
      diaminobutyrate ligands esterified with lipophilic terpenyl residues, i.e., (
      )/(+)-menthyl, (+)-cedrenyl, (-)-menthoxypropyl, or with a decyl-tethered 1,1,2
      triphenylethene. They accumulated to a larger extent in 1411HP cells than in
      cells of the cisplatin-sensitive H12.1 germ cell tumour. Their mechanism of
      apoptosis induction differed from that of cisplatin by being independent of p53
      and of caspase-3 activation and by an early loss of the mitochondrial membrane
      potential. The new complexes are promising candidates for the treatment of
      cisplatin-resistant testicular tumours.

PMID- 22071089
TI  - Replacement of the axial copper ligand methionine with lysine in amicyanin
      converts it to a zinc-binding protein that no longer binds copper.
AB  - The mutation of the axial ligand of the type I copper protein amicyanin from Met
      to Lys results in a protein that is spectroscopically invisible and redox
      inactive. M98K amicyanin acts as a competitive inhibitor in the reaction of
      native amicyanin with methylamine dehydrogenase indicating that the M98K mutation
      has not affected the affinity for its natural electron donor. The crystal
      structure of M98K amicyanin reveals that its overall structure is very similar to
      native amicyanin but that the type I binding site is occupied by zinc. Anomalous
      difference Fourier maps calculated using the data collected around the absorption
      edges of copper and zinc confirm the presence of Zn(2+) at the type I site. The
      Lys98 NZ donates a hydrogen bond to a well-ordered water molecule at the type I
      site which enhances the ability of Lys98 to provide a ligand for Zn(2+). Attempts
      to reconstitute M98K apoamicyanin with copper resulted in precipitation of the
      protein. The fact that the M98K mutation generated such a selective zinc-binding
      protein was surprising as ligation of zinc by Lys is rare and this ligand set is
      unique for zinc.

PMID- 22071090
TI  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal interacting with Cu(II).
      Structure and biological features.
AB  - Copper(II) complexes with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal in
      the presence of N,N-dimethylformamide or nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligands
      (pyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyridine or 2,2'-bipyridylamine) have been
      synthesized and characterized. The deprotonated diflunisal ligands are
      coordinated to Cu(II) ion through carboxylato oxygen atoms. The crystal
      structures of [tetrakis(diflunisal)bis(N,N-dimethylformamide)dicopper(II)] 1 and
      [bis(diflunisal)bis(pyridine)copper(II)], 2 have been determined by X-ray
      crystallography and are the first reported crystal structures of diflunisal
      complexes. UV study of the interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT
      DNA) suggests binding of the complexes to CT DNA with the dinuclear
      [tetrakis(diflunisal)bis(N,N-dimethylformamide)dicopper(II)] compound exhibiting
      the highest binding constant, K(b). Intercalative binding mode may also be
      concluded using cyclic voltammetry and solution viscosity measurements of the
      complexes in the presence of CT DNA. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide
      (EB) indicate that the complexes can displace the DNA-bound EB suggesting
      competition with EB. Diflunisal and its complexes exhibit good binding propensity
      to human or bovine serum albumin protein showing relatively high binding constant
      values.

PMID- 22071091
TI  - A novel approach for the selective determination of tryptophan in blood serum in
      the presence of tyrosine based on the electrochemical reduction of oxidation
      product of tryptophan formed in situ on graphite electrode.
AB  - In this study, a novel method was proposed for the selective determination of
      tryptophan (TRP) in blood serum in the presence of tyrosine. This method is based
      on the electrochemical reduction of 2-amino-3-(5-oxo-3,5-dihydro-2H-indol-3-yl)
      propionic acid (5-O-3,5DH-TRP) formed by the oxidation of TRP on the
      electrochemically treated pencil graphite (ETPG) electrode surface at a suitable
      potential value. The parameters affecting the TRP determination were deeply
      investigated. The optimal pH value was determined as 3. The highest reduction
      current intensity was obtained at the accumulation potential and time values of
      +0.95 V and 120 s, respectively. The reduction peak current values of 5-O-3,5DH
      TRP versus TRP concentration at the ETPG electrode showed linearity in the range
      from 0.5 MUM to 50.0 MUM (R(2)=0.9962) with a detection limit of 0.05 MUM
      (S/N=3). The reduction peak intensity of 5-O-3,5DH-TRP on the ETPG electrode
      showed no significant change in the presence of different interfering substances.
      The analytical application of the proposed novel method was successfully tested
      by using human blood serum samples.

PMID- 22071092
TI  - The role of microRNAs in neural stem cell-supported endothelial morphogenesis.
AB  - Functional signaling between neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) and brain
      endothelial cells (ECs) is essential to the coordination of organized responses
      during initial embryonic development and also during tissue repair, which occurs
      following brain injury. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms
      underlying this functional signaling, using primary mouse brain ECs and NSPCs
      from embryonic mouse brain. EC/NSPC co-culture experiments have revealed that
      neural progenitors secrete factors supporting angiogenesis, which induce
      noticeable changes in endothelial morphology. We demonstrate that NSPCs influence
      the expression of mTOR and TGF-beta signaling pathway components implicated in
      the regulation of angiogenesis. Endothelial morphogenesis, an essential component
      of vascular development, is a complex process involving gene activation and the
      upregulation of specific cell signaling pathways. Recently identified small
      molecules, called microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate the expression of genes and
      proteins in many tissues, including brain and vasculature. We found that NSPCs
      induced considerable changes in the expression of at least 24 miRNAs and 13 genes
      in ECs. Three NSPC-regulated EC miRNAs were identified as the potential primary
      mediators of this NSPC/EC interaction. We found that the specific inhibition, or
      overexpression, of miRNAs miR-155, miR-100, and miR-let-7i subsequently altered
      the expression of major components of the mTOR, TGF-beta and IGF-1R signaling
      pathways in ECs. Overexpression of these miRNAs in ECs suppressed, while
      inhibition activated, the in vitro formation of capillary-like structures, a
      process representative of EC morphogenesis. In addition, we demonstrate that
      inhibition of FGF, VEGF, and TGF-beta receptor signaling abolished NSPC-promoted
      changes in the endothelial miRNA profiles. Our findings demonstrate that NSPCs
      induce changes in the miRNA expression of ECs, which are capable of activating
      angiogenesis by modulating distinct cell signaling pathways.

PMID- 22071093
TI  - Occurrence, characteristics, and impact of chronic pain in formerly abused women.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to describe the occurrence of chronic pain and to
      evaluate for differences in pain characteristics and intimate partner violence
      between women who reported mild compared with moderate to severe chronic pain. A
      convenience sample of community-based women (N = 84) was recruited. The 77% of
      women who reported chronic pain were dichotomized into two groups. Women with
      moderate to severe pain (n = 49) were significantly more likely to be unemployed,
      to be in the abusive relationship longer, to report more minor injuries and
      threats of violence, and to report pain in multiple locations that significantly
      interfered with every aspect of their lives.

PMID- 22071094
TI  - From the voices of women: facilitating survivor access to IPV services.
AB  - This mixed-method study investigated perceptions women domestic violence
      survivors/victims have about why women do not seek help from formal support
      structures and actions domestic helping agencies can take to facilitate survivor
      access to services. Congruent with previous research, quantitative analysis
      identified 17 reasons women do not seek help from formal support structures.
      Expanding current knowledge, concept mapping revealed six ways family violence
      programs can better reach women in abusive relationships, including (1) remove
      barriers to services, (2) improve comfort with services, (3) "talk about it," (4)
      improve community awareness, (5) victim-targeted marketing, and (6) "I honestly
      don't know."

PMID- 22071095
TI  - Legislating gender inequalities: the nature and patterns of domestic violence
      experienced by South Asian women with insecure immigration status in the United
      Kingdom.
AB  - Research on domestic violence documents the particular vulnerability of immigrant
      women due to reasons including social isolation, language barriers, lack of
      awareness about services, and racism on the part of services. Based on
      qualitative interviews with 30 South Asian women with insecure immigration status
      residing in Yorkshire and Northwest England, this article explores how
      inequalities created by culture, gender, class, and race intersect with state
      immigration and welfare policies in the United Kingdom, thereby exacerbating
      structures of patriarchy within minority communities. It is within these contexts
      that South Asian women with insecure immigration status experience intensified
      forms and specific patterns of abuse.

PMID- 22071096
TI  - Tanzanian lessons in using non-physician clinicians to scale up comprehensive
      emergency obstetric care in remote and rural areas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With 15-30% met need for comprehensive emergency obstetrical care
      (CEmOC) and a 3% caesarean section rate, Tanzania needs to expand the number of
      facilities providing these services in more remote areas. Considering severe
      shortage of human resources for health in the country, currently operating at 32%
      of the required skilled workforce, an intensive three-month course was developed
      to train non-physician clinicians for remote health centres. METHODS: Competency
      based curricula for assistant medical officers' (AMOs) training in CEmOC, and for
      nurses, midwives and clinical officers in anaesthesia and operation theatre
      etiquette were developed and implemented in Ifakara, Tanzania. The required key
      competencies were identified, taught and objectively assessed. The training
      involved hands-on sessions, lectures and discussions. Participants were purposely
      selected in teams from remote health centres where CEmOC services were planned.
      Monthly supportive supervision after graduation was carried out in the upgraded
      health centres RESULTS: A total of 43 care providers from 12 health centres
      located in 11 rural districts in Tanzania and 2 from Somalia were trained from
      June 2009 to April 2010. Of these 14 were AMOs trained in CEmOC and 31 nurse
      midwives and clinical officers trained in anaesthesia. During training,
      participants performed 278 major obstetric surgeries, 141 manual removal of
      placenta and evacuation of incomplete and septic abortions, and 1161 anaesthetic
      procedures under supervision. The first 8 months after introduction of CEmOC
      services in 3 health centres resulted in 179 caesarean sections, a remarkable
      increase of institutional deliveries by up to 300%, decreased fresh stillbirth
      rate (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1-1.7) and reduced obstetric referrals (OR: 0.2; 95% CI:
      0.1-0.4)). There were two maternal deaths, both arriving in a moribund condition.
      CONCLUSIONS: Tanzanian AMOs, clinical officers, and nurse-midwives can be trained
      as a team, in a three-month course, to provide effective CEmOC and anaesthesia in
      remote health centres.

PMID- 22071097
TI  - Intracellular pathways and nuclear localization signal peptide-mediated gene
      transfection by cationic polymeric nanovectors.
AB  - Polyethylenimine (PEI) - based polymers are promising cationic nanovectors. A
      good understanding of the mechanism by which cationic polymers/DNA complexes are
      internalized and delivered to nuclei helps to identify which transport steps may
      be manipulated in order to improve the transfection efficiency. In this work,
      cell internalization and trafficking of PEI-CyD (PC) composed of beta
      cyclodextrin (beta-CyD) and polyethylenimine (PEI, Mw 600) are studied. The
      results show that the PC transfected DNA is internalized by binding membrane
      associated proteoglycans. The endocytic pathway of the PC particles is caveolae-
      and clathrin-dependent with both pathways converging to the lysosome. The
      intracellular fate of the PC provides visual evidence that it can escape from the
      lysosome. Lysosomal inhibition with chloroquine has no effect on PC mediated
      transfection implying that blocking the lysosomal traffic does not improve
      transfection. To improve the nuclear delivery of PC transfected DNA, nuclear
      localization signal (NLS) peptides are chosen to conjugate and combine with the
      PC. Compared to PC/pDNA, PC-NLS/pDNA, and PC/pDNA/NLS can effectively improve
      gene transfection in dividing and non-dividing cells.

PMID- 22071098
TI  - The CD44/integrins interplay and the significance of receptor binding and re
      presentation in the uptake of RGD-functionalized hyaluronic acid.
AB  - We have studied the interplay between two endocytic receptors for a carrier
      structure bearing two complementary ligands. Hyaluronic acid (HA; three different
      molecular weights) was functionalized with an RGD-containing peptide; this
      ancillary ligand allows the macromolecule to bind to alpha(v) integrins in
      addition to the classical HA internalization receptor (CD44). The uptake of HA
      RGD and of native HA was assessed in a phagocytic cell model (J774.2 murine
      macrophages), studying the kinetics of internalization and its mechanistic
      details. Indications of a synergic binding to integrins and CD44 emerged for HA
      RGD; possibly, a first binding to integrins allows for a pre-concentration of the
      macromolecule on the cell surface, which is then followed by its binding to CD44.
      The endocytic mechanism and kinetics appeared then dominated by CD44, which has a
      much slower turnover than integrins. In this study we have demonstrated that the
      knowledge of the rate-determining steps of the internalization of a carrier is
      necessary for assessing its performance. In this case, the presence of multiple
      ligands on a carrier was beneficial in some respect (e.g. in improved
      binding/targeting), but may not be sufficient to overcome penetration barriers
      that arise from slow receptor re-presentation.

PMID- 22071099
TI  - Modulation of the migration and differentiation potential of adult bone marrow
      stromal stem cells by nitric oxide.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible free radical, which serves as a pluripotent
      intracellular messenger in numerous cell systems. NO has been demonstrated to
      regulate actin dependent cellular functions and functions as a putative inductive
      agent in directing stem cells differentiation. In this study, we investigated the
      effect of exogenous NO on the kinetics of movement and morphological changes in
      adult bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in a wound healing model of cellular
      migration. Cellular migration and morphological changes were determined by
      measurement of changes in the area and fractal dimension of BMSCs monolayer as a
      function of time in the presence of an NO donor (S-Nitroso-N-Acetyl-D,L
      Penicillamine, SNAP) compared to untreated BMSCs. Response of the BMSCs' actin
      cytoskeleton and desmin to NO was assessed by determining changes in their
      integrated optical density (IOD) and fractal dimension at 24 h and 7 days. NO
      suppressed BMSCs' migration accompanied by a reduction in cell size, with
      maintenance of their stellate to polygonal morphology. In response to NO, the
      actin cytoskeleton expressed an increase in randomness but maintained a constant
      amount of F-actin relative to the cell size. The presence of NO also induced an
      increase in randomly organized cytoplasmic desmin. These data suggest that NO has
      an apparent inductive effect on adult BMSCs and is capable of initiating
      phenotypic change at the gross cellular, cytoskeletal and molecular levels. It is
      apparent, however, that additional factors or conditions are required to further
      drive the differentiation of adult BMSCs into specific phenotypes, such as
      cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 22071100
TI  - Three-dimensional cancer-bone metastasis model using ex-vivo co-cultures of live
      calvarial bones and cancer cells.
AB  - One of the major limitations of studying cancer-bone metastasis has been the lack
      of an appropriate ex-vivo model which can be used under defined conditions that
      simulates closely the in vivo live bone microenvironment in response to cancer
      bone interactions. We have developed and utilized a three-dimensional (3D) cancer
      bone metastasis model using free-floating live mouse calvarial bone organs in the
      presence of cancer cells in a roller tube system. In such co-cultures under
      hypoxia and a specifically defined bone remodeling stage, viz., resorption
      system, cancer cells showed a remarkable affinity and specificity for the
      "endosteal side" of the bone where they colonize and proliferate. This was
      concurrent with differentiation of resident stem/progenitor cells to osteoclasts
      and bone resorption. In contrast, under bone formation conditions this model
      revealed different pathophysiology where the breast cancer cells continued to
      induce osteoclastic bone resorption whereas prostate cancer cells led to
      osteoblastic bone formation. The current 3D model was used to demonstrate its
      application to studies involving chemical and biochemical perturbations in the
      absence and presence of cancer cells and cellular responses. We describe proof-of
      principle with examples of the broad versatility and multi-faceted application of
      this model that adds another dimension to the ongoing studies in the cancer-bone
      metastasis arena.

PMID- 22071101
TI  - Seven up acts as a temporal factor during two different stages of neuroblast 5-6
      development.
AB  - Drosophila embryonic neuroblasts generate different cell types at different time
      points. This is controlled by a temporal cascade of Hb->Kr->Pdm->Cas->Grh, which
      acts to dictate distinct competence windows sequentially. In addition, Seven up
      (Svp), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family, acts early in the
      temporal cascade, to ensure the transition from Hb to Kr, and has been referred
      to as a 'switching factor'. However, Svp is also expressed in a second wave
      within the developing CNS, but here, the possible role of Svp has not been
      previously addressed. In a genetic screen for mutants affecting the last-born
      cell in the embryonic NB5-6T lineage, the Ap4/FMRFamide neuron, we have isolated
      a novel allele of svp. Expression analysis shows that Svp is expressed in two
      distinct pulses in NB5-6T, and mutant analysis reveals that svp plays two
      distinct roles. In the first pulse, svp acts to ensure proper downregulation of
      Hb. In the second pulse, which occurs in a Cas/Grh double-positive window, svp
      acts to ensure proper sub-division of this window. These studies show that a
      temporal factor may play dual roles, acting at two different stages during the
      development of one neural lineage.

PMID- 22071102
TI  - The extracellular matrix molecule tenascin C modulates expression levels and
      territories of key patterning genes during spinal cord astrocyte specification.
AB  - The generation of astrocytes during the development of the mammalian spinal cord
      is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the
      extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin C regulates the expression of key
      patterning genes during late embryonic spinal cord development, leading to a
      timely maturation of gliogenic neural precursor cells. We first show that
      tenascin C is expressed by gliogenic neural precursor cells during late embryonic
      development. The loss of tenascin C leads to a sustained generation and delayed
      migration of Fgfr3-expressing immature astrocytes in vivo. Consistent with an
      increased generation of astroglial cells, we documented an increased number of
      GFAP-positive astrocytes at later stages. Mechanistically, we could demonstrate
      an upregulation and domain shift of the patterning genes Nkx6.1 and Nkx2.2 in
      vivo. In addition, sulfatase 1, a known downstream target of Nkx2.2 in the
      ventral spinal cord, was also upregulated. Sulfatase 1 regulates growth factor
      signalling by cleaving sulphate residues from heparan sulphate proteoglycans.
      Consistent with this function, we observed changes in both FGF2 and EGF
      responsiveness of spinal cord neural precursor cells. Taken together, our data
      implicate Tnc in the regulation of proliferation and lineage progression of
      astroglial progenitors in specific domains of the developing spinal cord.

PMID- 22071103
TI  - Pitx1 is necessary for normal initiation of hindlimb outgrowth through regulation
      of Tbx4 expression and shapes hindlimb morphologies via targeted growth control.
AB  - The forelimbs and hindlimbs of vertebrates are morphologically distinct. Pitx1,
      expressed in the hindlimb bud mesenchyme, is required for the formation of
      hindlimb characteristics and produces hindlimb-like morphologies when
      misexpressed in forelimbs. Pitx1 is also necessary for normal expression of Tbx4,
      a transcription factor required for normal hindlimb development. Despite the
      importance of this protein in these processes, little is known about its
      mechanism of action. Using a transgenic gene replacement strategy in a Pitx1
      mutant mouse, we have uncoupled two discrete functions of Pitx1. We show that,
      firstly, this protein influences hindlimb outgrowth by regulating Tbx4 expression
      levels and that, subsequently, it shapes hindlimb bone and soft tissue morphology
      independently of Tbx4. We provide the first description of how Pitx1 sculpts the
      forming hindlimb skeleton by localised modulation of the growth rate of discrete
      elements.

PMID- 22071104
TI  - Eph/ephrin interactions modulate muscle satellite cell motility and patterning.
AB  - During development and regeneration, directed migration of cells, including
      neural crest cells, endothelial cells, axonal growth cones and many types of
      adult stem cells, to specific areas distant from their origin is necessary for
      their function. We have recently shown that adult skeletal muscle stem cells
      (satellite cells), once activated by isolation or injury, are a highly motile
      population with the potential to respond to multiple guidance cues, based on
      their expression of classical guidance receptors. We show here that, in vivo,
      differentiated and regenerating myofibers dynamically express a subset of ephrin
      guidance ligands, as well as Eph receptors. This expression has previously only
      been examined in the context of muscle-nerve interactions; however, we propose
      that it might also play a role in satellite cell-mediated muscle repair.
      Therefore, we investigated whether Eph-ephrin signaling would produce changes in
      satellite cell directional motility. Using a classical ephrin 'stripe' assay, we
      found that satellite cells respond to a subset of ephrins with repulsive behavior
      in vitro; patterning of differentiating myotubes is also parallel to ephrin
      stripes. This behavior can be replicated in a heterologous in vivo system, the
      hindbrain of the developing quail, in which neural crest cells are directed in
      streams to the branchial arches and to the forelimb of the developing quail,
      where presumptive limb myoblasts emigrate from the somite. We hypothesize that
      guidance signaling might impact multiple steps in muscle regeneration, including
      escape from the niche, directed migration to sites of injury, cell-cell
      interactions among satellite cell progeny, and differentiation and patterning of
      regenerated muscle.

PMID- 22071106
TI  - Novel functions of Noggin proteins: inhibition of Activin/Nodal and Wnt
      signaling.
AB  - The secreted protein Noggin1 is an embryonic inducer that can sequester TGFbeta
      cytokines of the BMP family with extremely high affinity. Owing to this function,
      ectopic Noggin1 can induce formation of the headless secondary body axis in
      Xenopus embryos. Here, we show that Noggin1 and its homolog Noggin2 can also
      bind, albeit less effectively, to ActivinB, Nodal/Xnrs and XWnt8, inactivation of
      which, together with BMP, is essential for the head induction. In support of
      this, we show that both Noggin proteins, if ectopically produced in sufficient
      concentrations in Xenopus embryo, can induce a secondary head, including the
      forebrain. During normal development, however, Noggin1 mRNA is translated in the
      presumptive forebrain with low efficiency, which provides the sufficient protein
      concentration for only its BMP-antagonizing function. By contrast, Noggin2, which
      is produced in cells of the anterior margin of the neural plate at a higher
      concentration, also protects the developing forebrain from inhibition by ActivinB
      and XWnt8 signaling. Thus, besides revealing of novel functions of Noggin
      proteins, our findings demonstrate that specification of the forebrain requires
      isolation of its cells from BMP, Activin/Nodal and Wnt signaling not only during
      gastrulation but also at post-gastrulation stages.

PMID- 22071105
TI  - The peripheral nervous system supports blood cell homing and survival in the
      Drosophila larva.
AB  - Interactions of hematopoietic cells with their microenvironment control blood
      cell colonization, homing and hematopoiesis. Here, we introduce larval
      hematopoiesis as the first Drosophila model for hematopoietic colonization and
      the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) as a microenvironment in
      hematopoiesis. The Drosophila larval hematopoietic system is founded by
      differentiated hemocytes of the embryo, which colonize segmentally repeated
      epidermal-muscular pockets and proliferate in these locations. Importantly, we
      show that these resident hemocytes tightly colocalize with peripheral neurons and
      we demonstrate that larval hemocytes depend on the PNS as an attractive and
      trophic microenvironment. atonal (ato) mutant or genetically ablated larvae,
      which are deficient for subsets of peripheral neurons, show a progressive
      apoptotic decline in hemocytes and an incomplete resident hemocyte pattern,
      whereas supernumerary peripheral neurons induced by ectopic expression of the
      proneural gene scute (sc) misdirect hemocytes to these ectopic locations. This
      PNS-hematopoietic connection in Drosophila parallels the emerging role of the PNS
      in hematopoiesis and immune functions in vertebrates, and provides the basis for
      the systematic genetic dissection of the PNS-hematopoietic axis in the future.

PMID- 22071108
TI  - Msx1 and Msx2 promote meiosis initiation.
AB  - The mechanisms regulating germ line sex determination and meiosis initiation are
      poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of homeobox Msx
      transcription factors in foetal meiosis initiation in mammalian germ cells. Upon
      meiosis initiation, Msx1 and Msx2 genes are strongly expressed in the foetal
      ovary, possibly stimulated by soluble factors found there: bone morphogenetic
      proteins Bmp2 and Bmp4, and retinoic acid. Analysis of Msx1/Msx2 double mutant
      embryos revealed a majority of undifferentiated germ cells remaining in the ovary
      and, importantly, a decrease in the number of meiotic cells. In vivo, the
      Msx1/Msx2 double-null mutation prevented full activation of Stra8, a gene
      required for meiosis. In F9 cells, Msx1 can bind to Stra8 regulatory sequences
      and Msx1 overexpression stimulates Stra8 transcription. Collectively, our data
      demonstrate for the first time that some homeobox genes are required for meiosis
      initiation in the female germ line.

PMID- 22071107
TI  - Rho GTPase controls Drosophila salivary gland lumen size through regulation of
      the actin cytoskeleton and Moesin.
AB  - Generation and maintenance of proper lumen size is important for tubular organ
      function. We report on a novel role for the Drosophila Rho1 GTPase in control of
      salivary gland lumen size through regulation of cell rearrangement, apical domain
      elongation and cell shape change. We show that Rho1 controls cell rearrangement
      and apical domain elongation by promoting actin polymerization and regulating F
      actin distribution at the apical and basolateral membranes through Rho kinase.
      Loss of Rho1 resulted in reduction of F-actin at the basolateral membrane and
      enrichment of apical F-actin, the latter accompanied by enrichment of apical
      phosphorylated Moesin. Reducing cofilin levels in Rho1 mutant salivary gland
      cells restored proper distribution of F-actin and phosphorylated Moesin and
      rescued the cell rearrangement and apical domain elongation defects of Rho1
      mutant glands. In support of a role for Rho1-dependent actin polymerization in
      regulation of gland lumen size, loss of profilin phenocopied the Rho1 lumen size
      defects to a large extent. We also show that Ribbon, a BTB domain-containing
      transcription factor functions with Rho1 in limiting apical phosphorylated Moesin
      for apical domain elongation. Our studies reveal a novel mechanism for
      controlling salivary gland lumen size, namely through Rho1-dependent actin
      polymerization and distribution and downregulation of apical phosphorylated
      Moesin.

PMID- 22071109
TI  - Molecular basis for Flk1 expression in hemato-cardiovascular progenitors in the
      mouse.
AB  - The mouse Flk1 gene is expressed in various mesodermal progenitor cells of
      developing embryos. Recent studies have shown that Flk1 expression marks
      multipotent mesodermal progenitors, giving rise to various hemato-cardiovascular
      cell lineages during development. Flk1 expression also marks hemato
      cardiovascular cell lineages in differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells, which
      may be used in transplantation decisions to treat cardiovascular diseases.
      Despite its developmental and clinical importance in cardiovascular tissues, the
      transcriptional regulatory system of Flk1 has remained unclear. Here, we report a
      novel enhancer of the mouse Flk1 gene directing early mesodermal expression
      during development as well as ES differentiation. The enhancer enriches various
      mesodermal progenitors, such as primitive erythropoietic progenitors,
      hemangioblast (BL-CFC) and cardiovascular progenitors (CV-CFC). The enhancer is
      activated by Bmp, Wnt and Fgf, and it contains Gata-, Cdx-, Tcf/Lef-, ER71/Etv2-
      and Fox-binding sites, some of which are bound specifically by each of these
      transcription factors. As these transcription factors are known to act under the
      control of the Bmp, Wnt and Fgf families, early Flk1 expression may be induced by
      cooperative interactions between Gata, Tcf/Lef, Cdx and ER71/Etv2 under the
      control of Bmp, Wnt and Fgf signaling. The enhancer is required for early Flk1
      expression and for hemangioblast development during ES differentiation.

PMID- 22071111
TI  - Sexual and reproductive health status and related knowledge among female migrant
      workers in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the current sexual and
      reproductive health (SRH) status including SRH-related knowledge and associated
      factors, self-reported symptoms of reproductive tract infection (RTI), medical
      assistance seeking behavior, sexual experience and contraceptive use,
      reproductive information approach and reproductive service utilization among
      female migrant workers in Huangpu district, Guangzhou city, China. STUDY DESIGN:
      A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 in eight factories, which were
      selected randomly from 32 eligible factories in the Huangpu district in
      Guangzhou. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the SRH status of migrant
      workers. Factors associated with the level of SRH knowledge were determined by a
      logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of 1346 female migrant workers, 831(61.7%)
      were unmarried and 515 (38.3%) were married. 27.2% of the unmarried respondents
      and 40.2% of the married respondents had suffered self-reported RTI symptoms.
      Among unmarried respondents, the median knowledge score was 5 points, compared to
      8 points for the married. For unmarried migrant workers, factors associated with
      the knowledge level were age, education level, access to SRH information and
      service, sexual experiences and RTI symptoms. For married migrant workers,
      factors associated with the knowledge level were age, education level, access to
      SRH services and RTI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of self-reported
      RTI symptoms and a low knowledge level were found among young female migrant
      workers. Unmarried migrant workers are more vulnerable to SRH problems. Those
      findings demand more specific interventions targeting female migrants and in
      particular the unmarried.

PMID- 22071110
TI  - Six3 is required for ependymal cell maturation.
AB  - Ependymal cells are part of the neurogenic niche in the adult subventricular zone
      of the lateral ventricles, where they regulate neurogenesis and neuroblast
      migration. Ependymal cells are generated from radial glia cells during embryonic
      brain development and acquire their final characteristics postnatally. The
      homeobox gene Six3 is expressed in ependymal cells during the formation of the
      lateral wall of the lateral ventricles in the brain. Here, we show that Six3 is
      necessary for ependymal cell maturation during postnatal stages of brain
      development. In its absence, ependymal cells fail to suppress radial glia
      characteristics, resulting in a defective lateral wall, abnormal neuroblast
      migration and differentiation, and hydrocephaly.

PMID- 22071112
TI  - Evaluation of glycemic and oxidative/antioxidative status in the estradiol
      valerate-induced PCOS model of rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show glycemic and oxidative/antioxidative
      status (GOAS) in rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovarian
      syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty mature female rats were randomly allocated to EV
      induced PCOS, sham and control groups. Malondialdehyde, catalase and fasting
      blood glucose levels were determined in order to evaluate GOAS. RESULTS: There
      was a statistically significant difference between PCOS and control groups
      (p<0.001) for hemolysate MDA while no difference was determined for either
      catalase or fasting blood glucose levels. On histopathological examination, the
      EV-induced PCOS group revealed disease-characteristic ovarian morphology.
      CONCLUSION: There was an increased compensation for oxidative stress by
      antioxidative biologic mechanisms in EV-induced PCOS rats. Interestingly, the
      sole result derived from this limited study is that the sesame oil+EV combination
      is not appropriate for the evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant status and also
      glycemic condition in PCOS. This study demonstrates the need for better designed
      experimental studies to elucidate the aetiopathogenesis of PCOS via novel
      techniques.

PMID- 22071113
TI  - Gene expression patterns of insulin-like growth factor 1, 2 (IGF-1, IGF-2) and
      insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in human placenta from
      preterm deliveries: influence of additional factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare patterns of human placental gene expression of IGF from
      pregnancies that ended with preterm delivery vs. full term pregnancies as
      controls. STUDY DESIGN: Real-time PCR was used to assess gene expression of IGF
      in human placental samples from 104 preterm and 140 full term pregnancies.
      RESULTS: In the preterm delivery group, the proportion of smokers was
      significantly higher than in the control group. A history of preterm delivery was
      more common in the preterm delivery group compared to the control group. In the
      preterm delivery group, placental samples showed an underexpression of the IGF-1
      gene compared to controls. In cases of male fetal gender an overexpression of
      both the IGF-2 and the IGFBP-3 genes was observed. CONCLUSION: Among
      environmental factors influencing preterm delivery, smoking was the most
      significant in our study. In the majority of cases, preterm delivery was induced
      by intrauterine infection leading to a decreased activity of the IGF system. This
      mechanism may also play a role in the development of neurological sequelae and in
      decreased tolerance to fetal distress. The overexpression of the IGF-2 gene
      observed in the placenta with male fetal gender can be explained by its
      physiological role in the development of the male phenotype.

PMID- 22071114
TI  - Increased CXCL12 expression in the placentae of women with pre-eclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression pattern of CXC chemokine ligand-12
      (CXCL12) in the placentae of normal and pre-eclamptic women. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty
      five women with severe pre-eclampsia and 30 normotensive women, matched for
      gestational age, were enrolled in the study. Placental tissue from each woman was
      collected following delivery by caesarean section. Quantitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis and
      immunohistochemical staining were performed for mRNA expression, quantification
      and tissue localization of CXCL12 in each placenta. RESULTS: CXCL12 expression
      was greater in pre-eclamptic placentae compared with normal placentae. CXCL12 was
      detected in most placental tissue cells by immunohistochemical staining. CXCL12
      immunoreactivity was significantly greater in syncytiotrophoblasts of pre
      eclamptic placentae compared with normal placentae. However, there was no
      significant difference in CXCL12 immunoreactivity in other tissues between the
      two groups. CONCLUSION: CXCL12 expression is significantly greater in the
      placentae of pre-eclamptic women compared with normal women. This may represent
      part of a compensatory mechanism for pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 22071115
TI  - Differential expression of Axin1, Cdc25c and Cdkn2d mRNA in 2-cell stage mouse
      blastomeres.
AB  - There is increasing evidence to show that 2-cell stage mouse blastomeres have
      differing developmental properties. Additionally, it has been suggested that such
      a difference might be due to their distribution of mRNA and/or protein asymmetry.
      However, to date, the exact genes that are involved in the orientation and order
      of blastomere division are not known. In this study, some differentially
      expressed transcripts were identified. Axin1, cell division cycle 25 homolog C
      (Cdc25c) and cyclin-dependent inhibitor 2D (Cdkn2d) were selected for validation
      by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on published data. Our real
      time PCR results demonstrated that Axin1, Cdc25c and Cdkn2d genes had different
      levels of expression among blastomeres of the mouse 2-cell embryo i.e. the level
      of Axin1 mRNA was significantly higher in one blastomere when compared with the
      other blastomeres of the 2-cell embryo (p < 0.05). The variation in Cdc25c (p <
      0.05) and Cdkn2d (p < 0.01) mRNA expression followed a similar trend to that of
      Axin1. In addition, the highest levels of expression of these three genes were
      detected in the same blastomere in the 2-cell embryo. We confirmed that there was
      an asymmetrical distribution pattern for Axin1, Cdc25c and Cdkn2d transcripts in
      2-cell embryos. In conclusion, this study demonstrated clearly that there is
      embryonic asymmetry at the 2-cell stage and that these differentially expressed
      genes may result in differentiation in expression in embryo development.

PMID- 22071116
TI  - Examining the link between collision involvement and cocaine use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cocaine is one of the more commonly found illicit drugs in injured
      drivers. In this work, we examine the association between self-reported past year
      cocaine use and past year collision involvement in a large representative sample
      of adult drivers in Ontario. METHODS: Data are based on the CAMH Monitor, an
      ongoing cross-sectional telephone survey of Ontario adults aged 18 and older.
      Five years of data (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008) were merged for this study
      (N=8107) due to survey item availability. Logistic regression analysis was
      performed to identify the risk of self-reported collision involvement within the
      past 12 months associated with past year use of cocaine, while controlling for
      sociodemographic, driving exposure and drinking-driving (as a function of
      drinking status) factors. Due to listwise deletion, the logistic regression model
      was based on a reduced sample (N=7284). RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported
      collision involvement within the past year was 18.9% among those who used cocaine
      in the past year compared to 7.4% of non-users. Logistic regression analysis,
      controlling for the potential confounding effects of age, gender, income, driving
      exposure and drinking-driving measures, found the odds of collision involvement
      in the preceding year among cocaine users was over twice that of non-users
      (OR=2.11, 95% CI=1.06-4.18). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that cocaine users
      are significantly more likely to report collision involvement in the past year.
      Additional work to confirm these observations, and to assess possible causal
      pathways, is needed.

PMID- 22071117
TI  - Motivators and barriers influencing willingness to participate in candidate HCV
      vaccine trials: perspectives of people who inject drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A safe and efficacious vaccine may be the most efficient and cost
      effective strategy for controlling the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic among
      people who inject drugs (PWID) and several candidates are in development.
      However, little is known about the factors that influence willingness to
      participate (WTP) in candidate HCV vaccine trials among this group. METHODS: HCV
      seronegative PWID recruited between 2008 and 2010 as part of a prospective
      observational cohort study in Sydney, Australia were asked whether they would be
      willing to participate in a future candidate hepatitis C vaccine trial and to
      provide reasons to explain their decision. RESULTS: Of 113 participants, 74%
      indicated WTP, 15% were unwilling to participate and 11% reported WTP that was
      contingent on vaccine characteristics and trial design issues. The most commonly
      reported motivator for hypothetical trial participation was altruism, followed by
      potential health benefits, financial remuneration, and knowledge gain. Barriers
      to hypothetical participation included fears about possible harms to health, such
      as concerns about vaccine safety, side effects, and acquiring HCV from the
      vaccine; other barriers included mistrust of biomedical research and time
      constraints. CONCLUSIONS: These results may be useful in designing strategies to
      enhance HCV vaccine trial recruitment and retention and have ethical implications
      for developing informed consent processes and standards of care.

PMID- 22071118
TI  - Ethnic-specific meta-analyses of association between the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism
      and alcohol dependence among Asians and Caucasians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the association between the OPRM1
      A118G polymorphism (rs1799971) and alcohol dependence, but the results were
      inconsistent. To better understand this relationship, ethnicity-specific meta
      analyses were conducted. METHODS: We retrieved all eligible studies published up
      to April 12, 2011 from the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science
      databases. Ethnicity-specific meta-analyses were performed using either fixed- or
      random-effect models as appropriate. RESULTS: Twelve independent studies with
      1900 cases and 2382 controls were included. Five studies were conducted in Asians
      and seven in Caucasians. Ethnicity-specific meta-analyses revealed that the A118G
      polymorphism was significantly associated with alcohol dependence risk in Asians
      (GA vs. AA: odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-2.25; GA+GG
      vs. AA: OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.22-2.02), but not in Caucasians (GA vs. AA: OR, 1.05;
      95% CI, 0.75-1.49; GA+GG vs. AA: OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.79-1.55). CONCLUSIONS: The
      OPRM1 A118G polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility of alcohol
      dependence in Asians but not in Caucasians.

PMID- 22071119
TI  - Piperazine compounds as drugs of abuse.
AB  - Synthetic drugs are among the most commonly abused drugs in the world. This abuse
      is widespread among young people, especially in the dance club and rave scenes.
      Over the last several years, piperazine derived drugs have appeared, mainly
      available via the internet, and sold as ecstasy pills or under the names of
      "Frenzy", "Bliss", "Charge", "Herbal ecstasy", "A2", "Legal X" and "Legal E".
      Although in the market piperazine designer drugs have the reputation of being
      safe, several experimental and epidemiological studies indicate risks for humans.
      Piperazine designer drugs can be divided into two classes, the benzylpiperazines
      such as N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and its methylenedioxy analogue 1-(3,4
      methylenedioxybenzyl)piperazine (MDBP), and the phenylpiperazines such as 1-(3
      chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP), 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP),
      and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (MeOPP). Toxicokinetic properties, including
      metabolic pathways, actions and effects in animals and humans, with some
      hypothesis of mechanism of action, and analytical approaches for the
      identification of these drugs are summarized in this review.

PMID- 22071120
TI  - Individual-level syringe coverage among Needle and Syringe Program attendees in
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Harm associated with injecting drug use is a significant public
      health issue and a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with global estimates
      of 3 million injectors infected with HIV and 8 million living with chronic
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Estimates of program coverage are widely used
      in the context of HIV prevention and are critical in determining the
      effectiveness of interventions such as Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs).
      METHODS: Data from a national cross-sectional study of NSP attendees in Australia
      were used to estimate individual-level syringe coverage as a proportion of
      monthly injections covered by a new syringe. Univariate and multivariate logistic
      regressions modelled associations between demographics, injecting risk, anti-HIV
      and HCV prevalence and syringe coverage. The median number of syringes retained
      per NSP attendee per annum was also estimated. RESULTS: Twenty percent of
      participants had insufficient new syringes for all injections. Syringe reuse
      (including reuse of one's own syringe) was independently associated with syringe
      coverage of <100%. Conversely, procurement of syringes from an NSP was
      independently associated with syringe coverage >=100%, with a greater protective
      effect occurring when NSP utilisation was combined with current engagement in
      opiate substitution therapy. The median number of syringes retained per
      participant per annum was 720, equivalent to 2 per day. CONCLUSIONS: While
      Australian NSP attendees report high syringe coverage by international standards,
      prevention efforts could be scaled up. Syringe reuse was associated with syringe
      coverage of <100%, suggesting the utility of reuse as a proxy for individual
      level syringe coverage.

PMID- 22071121
TI  - Patient satisfaction with methadone maintenance treatment: the relevance of
      participation in treatment and social functioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients' satisfaction with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is
      a key measure of treatment quality. The main objective of the present study is to
      identify independent factors that contribute significantly to satisfaction with
      MMT. METHOD: Participants were a representative sample of methadone-maintained
      patients (n=123) from the region of La Rioja. Satisfaction with MMT was assessed
      with the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale for Methadone Treatment (VSSS-MT), and
      mental health status with the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28).
      Multivariate linear- and logistic-regression analyses were performed to identify
      variables independently associated with satisfaction with MMT. RESULTS: Multiple
      linear regression analysis revealed that the variables independently associated
      with VSSS-MT total score were number of hours per week that the centre dispensed
      methadone (beta=0.193), number of patients per centre (beta=0.233), perceived
      frequency of receiving information about methadone dose changes (beta=0.246),
      perceived influence on these changes (beta=0.194), and Social Dysfunction
      subscale of GHQ-28 (beta=-0.179). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed
      that the variables independently associated with the likelihood of being
      satisfied with MMT were number of years of education completed (OR=0.835), number
      of patients per centre (OR=1.009), perceived frequency of receiving information
      about methadone dose changes (OR=1.571), and Social Dysfunction subscale of GHQ
      28 (OR=0.748). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from larger centres, who perceive themselves
      as participating to some extent in treatment decisions, and showing lower
      deterioration in social functioning are more likely to be satisfied with MMT.

PMID- 22071122
TI  - The relevance of age at first alcohol and nicotine use for initiation of cannabis
      use and progression to cannabis use disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A younger age at onset of use of a specific substance is a well
      documented risk-factor for a substance use disorder (SUD) related to that
      specific substance. However, the cross-substance relationship between a younger
      age at onset of alcohol use (AU) and nicotine use (NU) and the risk of cannabis
      use disorders (CUD) in adolescence and early adulthood remains unclear. AIMS: To
      identify the sequence of and latency between initial AU/NU and initial cannabis
      use (CU). To investigate whether younger age at AU- and NU-onset is associated
      with any and earlier CU-onset and a higher risk of transition from first CU to
      CUD, taking into account externalizing disorders (ED) and parental substance use
      disorders as putative influential factors. METHODS: Prospective-longitudinal
      community study with N=3021 subjects (baseline age 14-24) and up to four
      assessment waves over up to ten years with additional direct parental and family
      history information. Substance use and CUD were assessed with the DSM-IV/M-CIDI.
      RESULTS: Most subjects with CU reported AU (99%) and NU (94%). Among users of
      both substances, 93% reported AU prior to CU (87% for NU). After adjustment for
      ED and parental substance use disorders younger age at AU-onset was associated
      with any CU. Younger age at NU-onset was associated with earlier CU initiation.
      Younger age at AU- and NU-onset was not associated with a higher risk of CUD.
      CONCLUSIONS: The cross-substance relevance of younger age at first AU and NU for
      the risk of CUD is limited to early CU involvement.

PMID- 22071123
TI  - Steroid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cognitive decline, and
      dementia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of anti-inflammatory intake on
      cognitive function in 7234 community-dwelling elderly persons. Cognitive
      performance, clinical diagnosis of dementia, and anti-inflammatory use were
      evaluated at baseline, and 2, 4, and 7 years later. Multivariate logistic
      regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, physical,
      mental health variables, and genetic vulnerability (apolipoprotein E epsilon4).
      Elderly women taking inhaled corticosteroids were at increased risk for cognitive
      decline over 7 years in executive functioning (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.14-2.71; p = 0.04); the effect being increased after continuous use
      (odds ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-7.68; p = 0.01) and not found
      after discontinuation of treatment. In men, no significant associations were
      observed. Corticosteroid use was not significantly associated with an increase
      risk of incident dementia over 7 years. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
      was not significantly associated with either dementia incidence or cognitive
      decline in both sexes. The association may be related to hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal corticotropic axis dysfunctioning rather than a direct anti-inflammatory
      mechanism. Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may constitute a form of
      reversible cognitive disorder in elderly women. Physicians should check this
      possibility before assuming neurodegenerative changes.

PMID- 22071124
TI  - The age-related deficit in LTP is associated with changes in perfusion and blood
      brain barrier permeability.
AB  - In view of the increase in the aging population and the unavoidable parallel
      increase in the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, a key
      challenge in neuroscience is the identification of clinical signatures which
      change with age and impact on neuronal and cognitive function. Early diagnosis
      offers the possibility of early therapeutic intervention, thus magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) is potentially a powerful diagnostic tool. We evaluated age-related
      changes in relaxometry, blood flow, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in
      the rat by magnetic resonance imaging and assessed these changes in the context
      of the age-related decrease in synaptic plasticity. We report that T2 relaxation
      time was decreased with age; this was coupled with a decrease in gray matter
      perfusion, suggesting that the observed microglial activation, as identified by
      increased expression of CD11b, MHCII, and CD68 by immunohistochemistry, flow
      cytometry, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), might be a downstream consequence
      of these changes. Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier was observed
      in the perivascular area and the hippocampus of aged, compared with young, rats.
      Similarly there was an age-related increase in CD45-positive cells by flow
      cytometry, which are most likely infiltrating macrophages, with a parallel
      increase in the messenger mRNA expression of chemokines IP-10 and MCP-1. These
      combined changes may contribute to the deficit in long-term potentiation (LTP) in
      perforant path-granule cell synapses of aged animals.

PMID- 22071125
TI  - [Imported malaria and HIV infection in Madrid. Clinical and epidemiological
      features].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Few data are available in Spain data on human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) patients coinfected with malaria. This study has aimed to determine
      the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of imported malaria in patients
      coinfected with HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-series retrospective study was
      performed using the patient's medical records. The study population consisted on
      patients diagnosed with malaria attended in our center from january 1, 2002 to
      december 31, 2007. RESULTS: A total of 484 episodes of malaria, 398 of which were
      included in this study, were identified. Co-infection with HIV was described in
      32 cases. All of them occurred in individuals presumably with some degree of semi
      immunity. In the coinfected group, there were 13 cases (40.6%) asymptomatic,
      whereas this event occurred in 99 cases of patients not coinfected (37.2%)
      (P=0.707). The greater presence of anemia in co-infected patients (62.5% vs 32.3%
      in non-coinfected [P=0.001]) stands out. CONCLUSIONS: In present study, the
      clinical presentation forms were similar, regardless of the presence or absence
      of HIV infection. Although the study population does not reflect all possible
      scenarios of malaria and HIV coinfection, our results indicate the reality of
      patients attended in the Autonomous Community of Madrid.

PMID- 22071126
TI  - Performance of immunochromatographic and ELISA tests for detecting fallow deer
      infected with Mycobacterium bovis.
AB  - Fallow deer (Dama dama) are widely distributed as natural or naturalised
      populations, as well as in game parks and deer farms. We used 157 fallow deer
      sampled in populations considered to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC)
      free and 73 Mycobacterium bovis-infected fallow deer confirmed postmortem by
      culture to evaluate the diagnostic performance of two tests for the detection of
      anti-mycobacterial antibodies: the dual path platform (DPP) VetTB assay and the
      bovine purified protein derivative (bPPD) ELISA. We also compared their
      sensitivity with that of the skin test, analyzed the effect of haemolysis degree
      on the antibody detection and described the relationship between the test
      readings and presence/absence of gross tuberculosis (TB) compatible lesions.
      Sensitivity of bPPD ELISA was 51% at a specificity of 96%. Depending on the cut
      off value selected, the sensitivity of DPP VetTB ranged from 62 to 71%, while its
      specificity was 88-95%. In the subgroup of M. bovis-infected deer for which the
      skin test data were available (33 of 73); this method detected 76% of culture
      positive animals, although the specificity of the intradermal test was not
      determined in this study. When the DPP VetTB and skin test data were combined,
      the resulting sensitivity obtained in this sub-group of M. bovis-infected deer
      increased to 97%. Gross pathology identified TB compatible lesions (TBL) in 89%
      culture-confirmed fallow deer. The infected animals with visible lesions had
      significantly higher readings in the DPP VetTB, but not in the bPPD ELISA. Only
      high levels of haemolysis decreased antibody test sensitivity and this effect was
      more evident for the bPPD ELISA. The results allowed inferring a number of
      management recommendations for rapid detection of MTC infection in live fallow
      deer and in surveys on hunter-harvested cervids.

PMID- 22071127
TI  - Toxicity of hydroxylated alkyl-phenanthrenes to the early life stages of Japanese
      medaka (Oryzias latipes).
AB  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are hydrophobic environmental contaminants
      with petrogenic, biogenic, and pyrogenic sources. Alkylated PAH predominate in
      crude oils, are found in sediment downstream of pulp and paper mills, and can be
      more toxic than their non-alkylated homologues. The enzymatic metabolism of alkyl
      phenanthrenes generates ring and chain hydroxylated derivatives. The main
      objective of this research was to estimate the potential role of hydroxylation in
      PAH toxicity and secondly to better understand the relative risk of different PAH
      in complex mixtures. This project assessed the toxicity of ring and chain
      hydroxylated 1-methylphenanthrenes to the early life stages of Japanese medaka
      (Oryzias latipes). Phenols were more toxic than benzylic alcohols, and some
      phenols were more than four times more toxic than their non-hydroxylated
      counterpart. Ring hydroxylation can increase PAH toxicity, and metabolism may
      enhance alkyl-PAH toxicity through the generation of such metabolites. This paper
      is the first to describe the relative toxicity of a suite of hydroxylated alkyl
      PAH to the early life stages of fish, proposing an association between the
      preferential formation of para-quinones and enhanced toxicity.

PMID- 22071128
TI  - Marine n-3 fatty acids alter the proteomic response to methylmercury in Atlantic
      salmon kidney (ASK) cells.
AB  - Fish based diets have been linked to the amelioration of methylmercury (MeHg)
      induced symptoms in several epidemiological studies, particularly due to their
      contents of marine n-3 fatty acids. It has been suggested that n-3 fatty acids
      may mask the detrimental effects of MeHg due to their beneficial effect on the
      same biological functions which are negatively affected by MeHg. However, in
      vitro studies have implied that there may be direct interactions between the
      marine n-3 FAs and MeHg, which ameliorates MeHg toxicity through interactions at
      a biological level. To understand how marine n-3 FAs and MeHg interact in fish as
      a biological system, we wanted to investigate molecular interaction in a fish
      cell system. Atlantic salmon kidney (ASK) cells were pre-incubated with the
      marine n-3 FAs docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid
      (20:5n-3, EPA) before exposing them to MeHg. Modulating effects of the marine FAs
      on MeHg toxicity were subsequently assessed using the exploratory technique of
      proteomics, in a factorial design. Thirty-four differentially regulated proteins
      were identified. From these; twenty-seven were shown to be differentially
      regulated by MeHg, twelve were regulated by the fatty acids, and another eight
      showed interaction effects between MeHg and the FAs. Several of the proteins were
      concomitantly affected by MeHg- and FA-main effects, as well as interaction
      effects. Functional annotations and pathway analysis of the proteins revealed
      that marine n-3 FAs and MeHg concurrently affected the abundance of protein
      markers relating to such molecular mechanisms as: cell signaling, calcium
      homeostasis, structural integrity, apoptosis, and energy metabolism. In
      conclusion, both marine n-3 FAs and MeHg can differentially affect the abundances
      of the same proteins, indicating modulating effects of EPA and DHA on MeHg
      metabolism, and possibly on its toxicity.

PMID- 22071129
TI  - Amyloid imaging in the differential diagnosis of dementia: review and potential
      clinical applications.
AB  - In the past decade, positron emission tomography (PET) with carbon-11-labeled
      Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB) has revolutionized the neuroimaging of aging and
      dementia by enabling in vivo detection of amyloid plaques, a core pathologic
      feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies suggest that PIB-PET is sensitive
      for AD pathology, can distinguish AD from non-AD dementia (for example,
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration), and can help determine whether mild cognitive
      impairment is due to AD. Although the short half-life of the carbon-11 radiolabel
      has thus far limited the use of PIB to research, a second generation of tracers
      labeled with fluorine-18 has made it possible for amyloid PET to enter the
      clinical era. In the present review, we summarize the literature on amyloid
      imaging in a range of neurodegenerative conditions. We focus on potential
      clinical applications of amyloid PET and its role in the differential diagnosis
      of dementia. We suggest that amyloid imaging will be particularly useful in the
      evaluation of mildly affected, clinically atypical or early age-at-onset
      patients, and illustrate this with case vignettes from our practice. We emphasize
      that amyloid imaging should supplement (not replace) a detailed clinical
      evaluation. We caution against screening asymptomatic individuals, and discuss
      the limited positive predictive value in older populations. Finally, we review
      limitations and unresolved questions related to this exciting new technique.

PMID- 22071130
TI  - Edible oil adulterants, argemone oil and butter yellow, as aetiological factors
      for gall bladder cancer.
AB  - Carcinogenic potential of argemone oil (AO) and butter yellow (BY), the
      adulterants encountered in edible oil, in gall bladder of Swiss albino mice was
      undertaken to investigate the potential aetiological factors of gall bladder
      carcinoma (GBC) in the Indo-Gangetic basin. Twice weekly intraperitoneal (ip)
      administration of AO (5 ml/kg body wt) and BY (25 mg/kg body wt) to Swiss albino
      male and female mice for 30 and 60 days indicated that females were more
      vulnerable to these adulterants in terms of responses to inflammatory markers.
      Subsequent experiments with dietary exposure of AO (1%) and BY (0.06%) for 6
      months in female mice showed symptoms related to cachexia, jaundice and anaemia.
      High levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), TG, bilirubin
      and low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) as well as gallstone formation
      was shown by AO exposure only, leading to the development of adenocarcinoma. BY
      exposure resulted in adenoma and hyperplasia without stone formation. The
      cyclooxygenase (COX-2) overexpression was found to be related to prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) production in AO treated mice but not in BY exposed animals, thereby
      indicating a differential pathway specific carcinogenicity. PGE2 stimulates the
      secretion of secreted mucins (MUC5AC), which is involved in stone formation
      following AO exposure. Enhanced secretion of membrane bound mucins (MUC4) in BY
      and AO exposed mice resulted in the activation of ErbB2 and downstream signalling
      such as p-AKT, p-ERK and p-JNK, which ultimately affects the target proteins, p53
      and p21 leading to adenoma and adenocarcinoma, respectively. The study suggests
      that AO and BY are responsible for producing GBC in mice along with stone
      formation in the AO exposed animals.

PMID- 22071131
TI  - The differential impact of microsatellite instability as a marker of prognosis
      and tumour response between colon cancer and rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a distinct molecular phenotype of
      colorectal cancer related to prognosis and tumour response to 5-fluorouracil (5
      FU)-based chemotherapy. We investigated the differential impact of MSI between
      colon and rectal cancers as a marker of prognosis and chemotherapeutic response.
      METHODS: PCR-based MSI assay was performed on 1125 patients. Six hundred and
      sixty patients (58.7%) had colon cancer and 465 patients (41.3%) had rectal
      cancer. RESULTS: Among 1125 patients, 106 (9.4%) had high-frequency MSI (MSI-H)
      tumours. MSI-H colon cancers (13%) had distinct phenotypes including young age at
      diagnosis, family history of colorectal cancer, early Tumor, Node, Metastasis
      (TNM) stage, proximal location, poor differentiation, and high level of baseline
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), while MSI-H rectal cancers (4.3%) showed similar
      clinicopathological characteristics to MSS/MSI-L tumours except for family
      history of colorectal cancer. MSI-H tumours were strongly correlated with longer
      disease free survival (DFS) (P=0.005) and overall survival (OS) (P=0.009) than
      MSS/MSI-L tumours in colon cancer, while these positive correlations were not
      observed in rectal cancers. The patients with MSS/MSI-L tumours receiving 5-FU
      based chemotherapy showed good prognosis (P=0.013), but this positive association
      was not observed in MSI-H (P=0.104). CONCLUSION: These results support the use of
      MSI status as a marker of prognosis and response to 5-FU-based chemotherapy in
      patients with colon cancers. Further study is mandatory to evaluate the precise
      role of MSI in patients with rectal cancers and the effect of 5-FU-based
      chemotherapy in MSI-H tumours.

PMID- 22071132
TI  - Association of galectin-3 expression with melanoma progression and prognosis.
AB  - AIMS: Galectin-3 plays an important role in adhesion, proliferation,
      differentiation, angiogenesis and metastasis in multiple tumours. To investigate
      the role of galectin-3 in melanoma pathogenesis we examined the expression of
      galectin-3 in melanocytic lesions and analysed the correlation between galectin-3
      expression and clinicopathologic factors including patient survival and BRAF
      mutation status. METHODS: We evaluated the expression of galectin-3 in 53 cases
      of benign naevi, 31 cases of dysplastic naevi, 59 in-situ melanomas, 314 cases of
      primary melanoma and 69 metastatic melanomas using tissue microarray and
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Marked differences in expression of galectin-3
      were seen between different categories of melanocytic lesions (ANOVA p<0.0001).
      An increase in expression of galectin-3 between benign naevi and thin primary
      melanomas and a progressive decrease in expression between thin primary melanomas
      and thicker melanomas or metastatic melanomas was seen. Strong galectin-3
      expression was associated with improved overall survival (p=0.002 and p=0.0002
      for cytoplasmic and nuclear expression, respectively) and melanoma-specific
      survival (p=0.017 and p=0.003 for cytoplasmic and nuclear expression,
      respectively). A multifactorial Cox regression analysis suggested that galectin-3
      expression was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival in melanoma
      (risk ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.547-0.970, p=0.031 for cytoplasmic expression and risk
      ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.587-0.985, p=0.036 for nuclear expression). No association
      between galectin-3 expression and BRAF mutation status was observed. CONCLUSION:
      This study suggests that galectin-3 is a marker of progression in melanocytic
      lesions and a novel prognostic marker in primary melanoma.

PMID- 22071133
TI  - An algorithm to assess methodological quality of nutrition and mortality cross
      sectional surveys: development and application to surveys conducted in Darfur,
      Sudan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutrition and mortality surveys are the main tools whereby evidence
      on the health status of populations affected by disasters and armed conflict is
      quantified and monitored over time. Several reviews have consistently revealed a
      lack of rigor in many surveys. We describe an algorithm for analyzing nutritional
      and mortality survey reports to identify a comprehensive range of errors that may
      result in sampling, response, or measurement biases and score quality. We apply
      the algorithm to surveys conducted in Darfur, Sudan. METHODS: We developed an
      algorithm based on internationally agreed upon methods and best practices.
      Penalties are attributed for a list of errors, and an overall score is built from
      the summation of penalties accrued by the survey as a whole. To test the
      algorithm reproducibility, it was independently applied by three raters on 30
      randomly selected survey reports. The algorithm was further applied to more than
      100 surveys conducted in Darfur, Sudan. RESULTS: The Intra Class Correlation
      coefficient was 0.79 for mortality surveys and 0.78 for nutrition surveys. The
      overall median quality score and range of about 100 surveys conducted in Darfur
      were 0.60 (0.12-0.93) and 0.675 (0.23-0.86) for mortality and nutrition surveys,
      respectively. They varied between the organizations conducting the surveys, with
      no major trend over time. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that it is possible to
      systematically assess quality of surveys and reveals considerable problems with
      the quality of nutritional and particularly mortality surveys conducted in the
      Darfur crisis.

PMID- 22071134
TI  - Changes in free and bound fractions of aroma compounds of four Vitis vinifera
      cultivars at the last ripening stages.
AB  - The volatile composition of white Agudelo, Blancolexitimo, Godello and red
      Serradelo cultivars (NW Spain) harvested at two different stages of ripening have
      been evaluated. C(6)-compounds, alcohols, volatile fatty acids, monoterpenes,
      C(13)-norisoprenoids, volatile phenols and carbonyl compounds were identified and
      quantified in free and glycosidically bound forms by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS). The total volatile concentration showed a significant
      increase between the two ripening stages studied for all cultivars. The free
      volatile composition increased during maturity for Godello and Serradelo
      cultivars; however the glycosidically bound concentration increases for all
      cultivars with exception of B. lexitimo. Free C(6)-compounds ((E)-2-hexanal, 1
      hexanol and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol) and bound alcohols (benzyl alcohol and 2
      phenylethanol) showed the highest concentrations of volatile compounds for all
      grape cultivars in the two dates studied. Godello cultivar showed the highest
      change of volatile concentration between two ripening dates because of the high
      value of free C(6)-compounds. B. lexitimo was the most terpene-rich cultivar at
      the last ripening stage due to linalool; however C(13)-norisoprenoids in free
      form were detected in low concentrations for all cultivars but not in Godello and
      B. lexitimo cultivars at the last ripening stage. Free hexanoic acid increased
      during ripening in all cultivars. The evolution of volatiles during ripening of
      grape juice from the cultivars studied was not proportional to the changes in
      sugar content, which shows that the technological and aromatic maturities did not
      occur at the same time in these cultivars. The results also showed the cultivar *
      ripening date interaction for all, free and bound, groups of compounds.

PMID- 22071135
TI  - Cymatherelactone and cymatherols A-C, polycyclic oxylipins from the marine brown
      alga Cymathere triplicata.
AB  - An investigation of the oxylipin chemistry of the temperate brown alga Cymathere
      triplicata led to the isolation of several secondary metabolites,
      cymatherelactone (1) and cymatherols A-C (2-4), the latter as their methyl ester
      derivatives (5-7), which contained cyclopentyl, cyclopropyl, epoxide and lactone
      rings. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic
      techniques and synthetic chemistry. Cymatherelactone (1), as well as R- and S
      Mosher's esters of its seco acid, exhibited moderate sodium channel blocking
      activity.

PMID- 22071136
TI  - Chemical modifications of algal mannans and xylomannans: effects on antiviral
      activity.
AB  - The structures of two sulfated xylomannans extracted from the red alga Nemalion
      helminthoides were determined. These two fractions plus a sulfated mannan,
      isolated from the same alga and whose structure was previously reported, were
      subjected to chemical modification. The mannan was oversulfated with SO(3)
      pyridine in dimethyl sulfoxide at 60  degrees C during two and three hours and
      the xylomannans were subjected to Smith degradation in order to eliminate xylose
      side-chains. Structural analysis of all derivatives was carried out by
      methylation analysis and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Antiviral activity against
      herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, and dengue virus type 2 of native and modified
      mannans and xylomannans was estimated. Anticoagulant effect of the active
      fractions was also determined.

PMID- 22071138
TI  - Versatility and nuances of the architecture of haematopoiesis - Implications for
      the nature of leukaemia.
AB  - For many years there was a widely accepted picture of how a haematopoietic stem
      cell (HSC) gives rise to the multiple types of blood and immune cells. This
      described the general nature of stem and progenitor cells and the pathways of
      cell development. Recent years have seen many attempts to re-draw the map of
      haematopoiesis. These have become increasingly complex, and they often envisage
      multiples routes to some cell types. The 'established' view that self-renewal in
      haematopoiesis only occurs in HSCs has been challenged by the recognition of self
      renewing HSC-derived progenitor cells that display at least some fate
      restriction. This evolution of how normal haematopoiesis is viewed has inevitable
      implications for understanding the origins, disease progression and
      classification of the leukaemias. In essence, some progenitor cells are now seen
      as possessing a larger repertoire of routes to end-fates than was previously
      thought. This leads one to ask whether leukaemia stem cells are equally or less
      versatile than their normal counterparts?

PMID- 22071137
TI  - Comparative molecular analysis of therapy-related and de novo acute promyelocytic
      leukemia.
AB  - Therapy-related acute promyelocytic leukemia (t-APL) has been reported as a late
      complication of exposure to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapeutic agents targeting
      DNA topoisomerase II. We have analyzed in t-APL novel gene mutations recently
      associated with myeloid disorders. Unlike previous reports in acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML), our results showed neither IDHs nor TET2 mutations in t-APL.
      However we found an R882H mutation in the DNMT3A gene in a patient with t-APL
      suggesting a possible role of this alteration in the pathogenesis of t-APL.

PMID- 22071139
TI  - Older patients with normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia have a higher rate of
      genomic changes compared to young patients as determined by SNP array analysis.
AB  - Older patients with AML have a worse outcome compared to young patients. To study
      for potential contributors to their poor prognosis, we compared two NK-AML
      cohorts, young (< 60 years old) and old (>= 60 years old), via high density SNP
      array analysis. Older patients had more genomic changes (1.83 +/- 0.23 vs. 1.16
      +/- 0.2, p=0.037) and a trend for a higher number of copy number neutral loss of
      heterozygosity (0.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.08, p=0.088) compared to young
      patients. We speculate that complex genomic changes in NK-AML may be a sign of an
      increase in genomic instability and an indicator of a worse prognosis.

PMID- 22071140
TI  - Unrelated cord blood transplantation in adolescent and young adults with
      hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 22071143
TI  - Chondrogenesis and cartilage tissue engineering: the longer road to technology
      development.
AB  - Joint injury and disease are painful and debilitating conditions affecting a
      substantial proportion of the population. The idea that damaged cartilage in
      articulating joints might be replaced seamlessly with tissue-engineered cartilage
      is of obvious commercial interest because the market for such treatments is
      large. Recently, a wealth of new information about the complex biology of
      chondrogenesis and cartilage has emerged from stem cell research, including
      increasing evidence of the role of physical stimuli in directing differentiation.
      The challenge for the next generation of tissue engineers is to identify the key
      elements in this new body of knowledge that can be applied to overcome current
      limitations affecting cartilage synthesis in vitro. Here we review the status of
      cartilage tissue engineering and examine the contribution of stem cell research
      to technology development for cartilage production.

PMID- 22071144
TI  - Effect of membranes with various hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties on lipase
      immobilized activity and stability.
AB  - In this study, three membranes: regenerated cellulose (RC), glass fiber (GF) and
      polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), were grafted with 1,4-diaminobutane (DA) and
      activated with glutaraldehyde (GA) for lipase covalent immobilization. The
      efficiencies of lipases immobilized on these membranes with different
      hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties were compared. The lipase immobilized on
      hydrophobic PVDF-DA-GA membrane exhibited more than an 11-fold increase in
      activity compared to its immobilization on a hydrophilic RC-DA-GA membrane. The
      relationship between surface hydrophobicity and immobilized efficiencies was
      investigated using hydrophobic/hydrophilic GF membranes which were prepared by
      grafting a different ratio of n-butylamine/1,4-diaminobutane (BA/DA). The
      immobilized lipase activity on the GF membrane increased with the increased BA/DA
      ratio. This means that lipase activity was exhibited more on the hydrophobic
      surface. Moreover, the modified PVDF-DA membrane was grafted with GA,
      epichlorohydrin (EPI) and cyanuric chloride (CC), respectively. The lipase
      immobilized on the PVDF-DA-EPI membrane displayed the highest specific activity
      compared to other membranes. This immobilized lipase exhibited more significant
      stability on pH, thermal, reuse, and storage than did the free enzyme. The
      results exhibited that the EPI modified PVDF is a promising support for lipase
      immobilization.

PMID- 22071145
TI  - Breast cancer: current state and future promise.

PMID- 22071146
TI  - DNA polymerase MU is a global player in the repair of non-homologous end-joining
      substrates.
AB  - The specialized DNA polymerase MU (pol MU) intervenes in the repair mechanism non
      homologous end-joining (NHEJ) as an end-processing factor but its role has not
      been fully elucidated. Pol MU has been shown to participate in DNA synthesis at
      junctions in vitro, including on unpaired substrates, and to promote annealing.
      However, the phenotypes observed in vivo poorly recapitulate the functions of pol
      MU reported in vitro. We analysed the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)
      in a cellular context using improved NHEJ substrates. These substrates do not
      replicate in mammalian cells, thereby result in clonal repair events, which
      allows the measure of the efficiency of repair. We validated this paradigm by
      comparing the repair of NHEJ substrates to the repair reported for chromosome
      DSBs in mouse cells. Molecular analysis and, in most cases sequencing of more
      than 1500 repair events on a variety of NHEJ substrates in wild type and pol MU(
      /-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts shows that, unexpectedly, the absence of pol MU
      decreases the efficiency of joining of all types of DSBs, including those that do
      not undergo end-processing. Importantly, by reducing the efficiency of accurate
      events, lack of pol MU also affects the overall fidelity of the repair process.
      We also show that, although pol MU does not help protect DNA ends from resection,
      the efficiency of repair of resected ends is reduced in the absence of pol MU.
      Interestingly, the DNA synthesis activity of pol MU, including on non-aligned
      substrates, appears negligible at least in a cellular context. Our data point to
      a critical role for pol MU as a global repair player that increases the
      efficiency and the fidelity of NHEJ.

PMID- 22071148
TI  - DNA damage research in China.

PMID- 22071147
TI  - The kinetochore protein Bub1 participates in the DNA damage response.
AB  - The DNA damage response (DDR) and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) are two
      critical mechanisms by which mammalian cells maintain genome stability. There is
      a growing body of evidence that DDR elements and SAC components crosstalk. Here
      we report that Bub1 (budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1), one of the
      critical kinetochore proteins essential for SAC, is required for optimal DDRs. We
      found that knocking-down Bub1 resulted in prolonged H2AX foci and comet tail
      formation as well as hypersensitivity in response to ionizing radiation (IR).
      Further, we found that Bub1-mediated Histone H2A Threonine 121 phosphorylation
      was induced after IR in an ATM-dependent manner. We demonstrated that ATM
      phosphorylated Bub1 on serine 314 in response to DNA damage in vivo. Finally, we
      showed that ATM-mediated Bub1 serine 314 phosphorylation was required for IR
      induced Bub1 activation and for the optimal DDR. Together, we elucidate the
      molecular mechanism of DNA damage-induced Bub1 activation and highlight a
      critical role of Bub1 in DDR.

PMID- 22071149
TI  - Defects in DNA degradation revealed in crystal structures of TREX1 exonuclease
      mutations linked to autoimmune disease.
AB  - Mutations within the human TREX1 3' exonuclease are associated with Aicardi
      Goutieres Syndrome (AGS) and familial chilblain lupus (FCL). Both AGS and FCL are
      autoimmune diseases that result in increased levels of interferon alpha and
      circulating antibodies to DNA. TREX1 is a member of the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER)-associated SET complex and participates in granzyme A-mediated cell death to
      degrade nicked genomic DNA. The loss of TREX1 activity may result in the
      accumulation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) degradation intermediates that
      trigger autoimmune activation. The X-ray crystal structures of the TREX1 wt
      apoprotein, the dominant D200H, D200N and D18N homodimer mutants derived from AGS
      and FCL patients, as well as the recessive V201D homodimer mutant have been
      determined. The structures of the D200H and D200N mutant proteins reveal the
      enzyme has lost coordination of one of the active site metals, and the catalytic
      histidine (H195) is trapped in a conformation pointing away from the active site.
      The TREX1 D18N and V201D mutants are able to bind both metals in the active site,
      but with inter-metal distances that are larger than optimal for catalysis.
      Additionally, all of the mutant structures reveal a reduced mobility in the
      catalytic histidine, providing further explanation for the loss of catalytic
      activity. The structures of the mutant TREX1 proteins provide insight into the
      dysfunction relating to human disease. Additionally, the TREX1 apoprotein
      structure together with the previously determined wild type substrate and product
      structures allow us to propose a distinct mechanism for the TREX1 exonuclease.

PMID- 22071150
TI  - Reversibility of replicative senescence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effect of
      homologous recombination and cell cycle checkpoints.
AB  - Primary human somatic cells grown in culture divide a finite number of times,
      exhibiting progressive changes in metabolism and morphology before cessation of
      cycling. This telomere-initiated cellular senescence occurs because cells have
      halted production of telomerase, a DNA polymerase required for stabilization of
      chromosome ends. Telomerase-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells undergo a
      similar process, with most cells arresting growth after approximately 60
      generations. In the current study we demonstrate that senescence is largely
      reversible. Reactivation of telomerase (EST2) expression in the growth-arrested
      cells led to resumption of cycling and reversal of senescent cell
      characteristics. Rescue was also observed after mating of senescent haploid cells
      with telomerase-proficient cells to form stable diploids. Although senescence was
      reversible in DNA damage checkpoint response mutants (mec3 and/or rad24 cells),
      survival of recombination-defective rad52 mutants remained low after telomerase
      reactivation. Telomere lengths in rescued est2 cells were initially half those of
      wildtype cells, but could be restored to normal by propagation for ~70
      generations in the presence of telomerase. These results place limitations on
      possible models for senescence and indicate that most cells, despite gross
      morphological changes and short, resected telomeres, do not experience lethal DNA
      damage and become irreversibly committed to death.

PMID- 22071151
TI  - [Jugal swelling revealing acute lymphoblastic leukemia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematologic
      malignancy in children. The clinical presentation at diagnosis is due to bone
      marrow infiltration or extra-medullary involvement. Maxillofacial localization is
      very rare in ALL. We report a case of T-ALL revealed by right cheek swelling in a
      14-year-old boy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old boy had presented with a 6 cm
      right cheek swelling for two months, complicated by pyrexia, cervical adenopathy,
      and splenomegaly. CT scan revealed a 3*7*8 cm swelling surrounded by voluminous
      sub chin, subclavicular, mediastinal, and paratracheal bilateral adenopathies.
      The biological analyses revealed normocytic anemia, hyperleukocytosis with 83.6%
      blast cells, neutropenia, and thrombopenia. The biopsy histology and the immuno
      histochemical analysis suggested a diffuse small-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
      The myelogram identified a type 1 ALL and immunophenotyping on bone marrow cells
      suggested phenotype T ALL. The patient was treated according to the MARALL-06
      protocol and died on the 17th day of induction, in septic shock. DISCUSSION:
      Despite their rare occurrence, ALL should be included in the differential
      diagnosis of jugal swelling. The evident hematological context should suggest the
      diagnosis and a myelogram should be performed as soon as possible because the
      outcome is rapidly fatal.

PMID- 22071152
TI  - Paramedic electrocardiogram and rhythm identification: a convenient training
      device.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A common reason for utilizing local paramedics and the emergency
      medical services is for the recognition and immediate treatment of chest pain, a
      complaint that has multiple possible etiologies. While many of those complaining
      of disease processes responsible for chest pain are benign, some will be life
      threatening and will require immediate identification and treatment. The ability
      of paramedics to not only perform field electrocardiograms (ECGs), but to
      accurately diagnose various unstable cardiac rhythms has shown significant
      reduction in time to specific treatments. Increasing the overall accuracy of ECG
      interpretation by paramedics has the potential to facilitate early and
      appropriate treatment and decrease patient morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A
      convenient training device (flip book) on ambulances and in common areas in the
      fire station could improve field interpretation of certain cardiac rhythms. This
      training device consists of illustrated sample ECG tracings and their associated
      diagnostic criteria. The goal was to enhance the recognition and interpretation
      of ECGs, and thereby, reduce delays in the initiation of treatment and potential
      complications associated with misinterpretation.This study was a prospective,
      observational study using a matched pre-test/post-test design. The study period
      was from November 2008 to December 2008. A total of 136 paramedics were
      approached to participate in this study. A pre-test consisting of 15 12-lead ECGs
      was given to all paramedics who agreed to participate in the study. Once the pre
      tests were completed, the flip books were placed in common areas. Approximately
      one month after the flip books were made available to the paramedics, a post-test
      was administered.Statistical comparisons were made between the pre- and post-test
      scores for both the global test and each type of rhythm. RESULTS: Using these
      data, there were no statistically significant improvements in the global ECG
      interpretation or on individual rhythm interpretations. CONCLUSIONS: A flip book
      with multiple ECG rhythms and definitions without the benefit of any outside
      support was not effective in improving paramedic identification of ECG rhythms on
      a post-test. Suggestions for further research include repeating the study with a
      larger sample size; utilizing a lecturer to explain how to use the flip book in
      the most efficient manner; reiterating how to read and interpret ECGs; and
      answering questions. Comparing test scores of paramedic students, and newly
      certified paramedics as opposed to veteran paramedics also may indicate that the
      flip books are more suited for one group over another.

PMID- 22071153
TI  - The role of co-activation in strength and force modulation in the elbow of
      children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
AB  - To study the role of coactivation in strength and force modulation in the elbow
      joint of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), we investigated the
      affected and contralateral arm of 21 persons (age 8-18) with spastic unilateral
      CP in three tasks: maximal voluntary isokinetic concentric contraction and
      passive isokinetic movement during elbow flexion and extension, and sub-maximal
      isometric force tracing during elbow flexion. Elbow flexion-extension torque and
      surface electromyography (EMG) of the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii
      (TB) muscles were recorded. During the maximal contractions, the affected arm was
      weaker, had decreased agonist and similar antagonist EMG amplitudes, and thus
      increased antagonist co-activation (% of maximal activity as agonist) during both
      elbow flexion and extension, with higher coactivation levels of the TB than the
      BB. During passive elbow extension, the BB of the affected arm showed increased
      resistance torque and indication of reflex, and thus spastic, activity. No
      difference between the two arms was found in the ability to modulate force,
      despite increased TB coactivation in the affected arm. The results indicate that
      coactivation plays a minor role in muscle weakness in CP, and does not limit
      force modulation. Moreover, spasticity seems particularly to increase
      coactivation in the muscle antagonistic to the spastic one, possibly in order to
      increase stability.

PMID- 22071154
TI  - Glucoprivation in the ventrolateral medulla decreases brown adipose tissue
      sympathetic nerve activity by decreasing the activity of neurons in raphe
      pallidus.
AB  - In urethane/alpha-chloralose anesthetized rats, cold exposure increased brown
      adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity (BAT SNA: +699 +/- 104% control).
      Intravenous administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG; 200 mg.ml(-1).kg(-1))
      reversed the cold-evoked activation of BAT SNA (nadir: 139 +/- 36% of control)
      and decreased BAT temperature (-1.1 +/- 0.2 degrees C), expired CO(2) (-0.4 +/-
      0.1%), and core temperature (-0.5 +/- 0.0). Similarly, unilateral nanoinjection
      of the glucoprivic agent 5-thioglucose (5-TG; 12 MUg/100 nl) in the ventrolateral
      medulla (VLM) completely reversed the cold-evoked increase in BAT SNA (nadir: 104
      +/- 7% of control), and decreased T(BAT) (-1.4 +/- 0.3 degrees C), expired CO(2)
      (-0.2 +/- 0.0%), and heart rate (-35 +/- 10 beats/min). The percentage of rostral
      raphe pallidus (RPa)-projecting neurons in the dorsal hypothalamic
      area/dorsomedial hypothalamus that expressed Fos in response to cold exposure
      (ambient temperature: 4-10 degrees C) did not differ between saline (28 +/- 6%)
      and 2-DG (30 +/- 5%) pretreated rats, whereas the percentage of spinally
      projecting neurons in the RPa/raphe magnus that expressed Fos in response to cold
      exposure was lower in 2-DG- compared with saline-pretreated rats (22 +/- 6% vs.
      42 +/- 5%, respectively). The increases in BAT SNA evoked by nanoinjection of
      bicuculline in the RPa or by transection of the neuraxis at the pontomedullary
      border were resistant to inhibition by glucoprivation. These results suggest that
      neurons within the VLM play a role in the glucoprivic inhibition of BAT SNA and
      metabolism, that this inhibition requires neural structures rostral to the
      pontomedullary border, and that this inhibition is mediated by a GABAergic input
      to the RPa.

PMID- 22071155
TI  - L-arginine supplementation abolishes the blood pressure and endothelin response
      to chronic increases in plasma sFlt-1 in pregnant rats.
AB  - While soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) have
      been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE), the mechanisms whereby
      increased sFlt-1 leads to enhanced ET-1 production and hypertension remain
      unclear. It is well documented that nitric oxide (NO) production is reduced in
      PE; however, whether a reduction in NO synthesis plays a role in increasing ET-1
      and blood pressure in response to chronic increases in plasma sFlt-1 remains
      unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of reduced NO
      synthesis in the increase in blood pressure and ET-1 in response to sFlt-1 in
      pregnant rats. sFlt-1 was infused into normal pregnant (NP) Sprague-Dawley rats
      (3.7 MUg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 6 days beginning on day 13 of gestation) treated with
      the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 mg/l for 4
      days) or supplemented with 2% L-Arg (in drinking water for 6 days beginning on
      day 15 of gestation). Infusion of sFlt-1 into NP rats significantly elevated mean
      arterial pressure compared with control NP rats: 116 +/- 2 vs. 103 +/- 1 mmHg (P
      < 0.05). NO synthase inhibition had no effect on the blood pressure response in
      sFlt-1 hypertensive pregnant rats (121 +/- 3 vs. 116 +/- 2 mmHg), while it
      significantly increased mean arterial pressure in NP rats (128 +/- 4 mmHg, P <
      0.05). In addition, NO production was reduced ~70% in isolated glomeruli from
      sFlt-1 hypertensive pregnant rats compared with NP rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore,
      prepro-ET-1 in the renal cortex was increased ~3.5-fold in sFlt-1 hypertensive
      pregnant rats compared with NP rats. Supplementation with L-Arg decreased the
      sFlt-1 hypertension (109 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) but had no effect on the blood
      pressure response in NP rats (109 +/- 3 mmHg) and abolished the enhanced sFlt-1
      induced renal cortical prepro-ET expression. In conclusion, a reduction in NO
      synthesis may play an important role in the enhanced ET-1 production in response
      to sFlt-1 hypertension in pregnant rats.

PMID- 22071156
TI  - The physiology and pathophysiology of the neural control of the counterregulatory
      response.
AB  - Despite significant technological and pharmacological advancements, insulin
      replacement therapy fails to adequately replicate beta-cell function, and so
      glucose control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is frequently erratic, leading
      to periods of hypoglycemia. Moreover, the counterregulatory response (CRR) to
      falling blood glucose is impaired in diabetes, leading to an increased risk of
      severe hypoglycemia. It is now clear that the brain plays a significant role in
      the development of defective glucose counterregulation and impaired hypoglycemia
      awareness in diabetes. In this review, the basic intracellular glucose-sensing
      mechanisms are discussed, as well as the neural networks that respond to and
      coordinate the body's response to a hypoglycemic challenge. Subsequently, we
      discuss how the body responds to repeated hypoglycemia and how these adaptations
      may explain, at least in part, the development of impaired glucose
      counterregulation in diabetes.

PMID- 22071157
TI  - Interdigestive migrating contractions are coregulated by ghrelin and motilin in
      conscious dogs.
AB  - During fasting, gastrointestinal (GI) motility is characterized by cyclical motor
      contractions. These contractions have been referred to as interdigestive
      migrating contractions (IMCs). In dogs and humans, IMCs are known to be regulated
      by motilin. However, in rats and mice, IMCs are regulated by ghrelin. It is not
      clear how these peptides influence each other in vivo. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the relationship between ghrelin and motilin in
      conscious dogs. Twenty healthy beagles were used in this study. Force transducers
      were implanted in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum to monitor GI motility.
      Subsequent GI motility was recorded and quantified by calculating the motility
      index. In examination 1, blood samples were collected in the interdigestive
      state, and levels of plasma ghrelin and motilin were measured. Plasma motilin
      peaks were observed during every gastric phase III, and plasma ghrelin peaks
      occurred in nearly every early phase I. Plasma motilin and ghrelin levels
      increased and decreased cyclically with the interdigestive states. In examination
      2, saline or canine ghrelin was administered intravenously during phase II and
      phase III. After injection of ghrelin, plasma motilin levels were measured.
      Ghrelin injection during phases II and III inhibited phase III contractions and
      decreased plasma motilin levels. In examination 3, ghrelin was infused in the
      presence of the growth hormone secretagogue receptors antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6.
      Continuous ghrelin infusion suppressed motilin release, an effect abrogated by
      the infusion of [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6. Examination 4 was performed to evaluate the
      plasma ghrelin response to motilin administration. Motilin infusion immediately
      decreased ghrelin levels. In this study, we demonstrated that motilin and ghrelin
      cooperatively control the function of gastric IMCs in conscious dogs. Our
      findings suggest that ghrelin regulates the function and release of motilin and
      that motilin may also regulate ghrelin.

PMID- 22071159
TI  - Biological and analytical variation of the human sweating response: implications
      for study design and analysis.
AB  - Appropriate quantification of analytical and biological variation of
      thermoregulatory sweating has important practical utility for research design and
      statistical analysis. We sought to examine contributors to variability in local
      forearm sweating rate (SR) and sweating onset (SO) and to evaluate the potential
      for using bilateral measurements. Two women and eight men (26 +/- 9 yr; 79 +/- 12
      kg) completed 5 days of heat acclimation and walked (1.8 l/min VO(2)) on three
      occasions for 30 min in 40 degrees C, 20% RH, while local SR and SO were
      measured. Local SR measures among days were not different (2.14 +/- 0.72 vs. 2.02
      +/- 0.79 vs. 2.31 +/- 0.72 mg.cm(2).min(-1), P = 0.19) nor was SO (10.47 +/- 2.54
      vs. 10.04 +/- 2.97 vs. 9.87 +/- 3.44 min P = 0.82). Bilateral SR (2.14 +/- 0.72
      vs. 2.16 +/- 0.71 mg.cm(2).min(-1), P = 0.56) and SO (10.47 +/- 2.54 vs. 10.83 +/
      2.48 min, P = 0.09) were similar and differences were <= 1 SD of day-to-day
      differences for a single forearm. Analytical imprecision (CV(a)), within (CV(i))
      , and between (CV(g))-subjects' coefficient of variation for local SR were 2.4%,
      22.3%, and 56.4%, respectively, and were 0%, 9.6%, and 41%, respectively, for SO.
      We conclude: 1) technologically, sweat capsules contribute negligibly to sweat
      measurement variation; 2) bilateral measures of SR and SO appear interchangeable;
      3) when studying potential factors affecting sweating, changes in SO afford a
      more favorable signal-to-noise ratio vs. changes in SR. These findings provide a
      quantitative basis for study design and optimization of power/sample size
      analysis in the evaluation of thermoregulatory sweating.

PMID- 22071158
TI  - Heme oxygenase, a novel target for the treatment of hypertension and obesity?
AB  - Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of heme
      releasing bioactive molecules carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and iron, each
      with beneficial cardiovascular actions. Biliverdin is rapidly reduced to
      bilirubin, a potent antioxidant, by the enzyme biliverdin reductase, and iron is
      rapidly sequestered by ferritin in the cell. Several studies have demonstrated
      that HO-1 induction can attenuate the development of hypertension as well as
      lower blood pressure in established hypertension in both genetic and experimental
      models. HO-1 induction can also reduce target organ injury and can be beneficial
      in cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Recent studies have
      also identified a beneficial role for HO-1 in the regulation of body weight and
      metabolism in diabetes and obesity. Chronic HO-1 induction lowers body weight and
      corrects hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Chronic HO-1 induction also modifies
      the phenotype of adipocytes in obesity from one of large, cytokine producing to
      smaller, adiponectin producing. Finally, chronic induction of HO-1 increases
      oxygen consumption, CO(2), and heat production and activity in obese mice. This
      review will discuss the current understanding of the actions of the HO system to
      lower blood pressure and body weight and how HO or its metabolites may be ideal
      candidates for the development of drugs that can both reduce blood pressure and
      lower body weight.

PMID- 22071160
TI  - Adipocyte-specific deficiency of angiotensinogen decreases plasma angiotensinogen
      concentration and systolic blood pressure in mice.
AB  - Previous studies demonstrated that overexpression of angiotensinogen (AGT) in
      adipose tissue increased blood pressure. However, the contribution of endogenous
      AGT in adipocytes to the systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and blood
      pressure control is undefined. To define a role of adipocyte-derived AGT, mice
      with loxP sites flanking exon 2 of the AGT gene (Agt(fl/fl)) were bred to
      transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of an adipocyte
      fatty acid-binding protein 4 promoter (aP2) promoter to generate mice with
      adipocyte AGT deficiency (Agt(aP2)). AGT mRNA abundance in adipose tissue and AGT
      secretion from adipocytes were reduced markedly in adipose tissues of Agt(aP2)
      mice. To determine the contribution of adipocyte-derived AGT to the systemic RAS
      and blood pressure control, mice were fed normal laboratory diet for 2 or 12 mo.
      In males and females of each genotype, body weight and fat mass increased with
      age. However, there was no effect of adipocyte AGT deficiency on body weight, fat
      mass, or adipocyte size. At 2 and 12 mo of age, mice with deficiency of AGT in
      adipocytes had reduced plasma concentrations of AGT (by 24-28%) compared with
      controls. Moreover, mice lacking AGT in adipocytes exhibited reduced systolic
      blood pressures compared with controls (Agt(fl/fl), 117 +/- 2; Agt(aP2), 110 +/-
      2 mmHg; P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that adipocyte-derived AGT
      contributes to the systemic RAS and blood pressure control.

PMID- 22071161
TI  - Clenbuterol, a beta2-adrenergic agonist, reciprocally alters PGC-1 alpha and
      RIP140 and reduces fatty acid and pyruvate oxidation in rat skeletal muscle.
AB  - Clenbuterol, a beta2-adrenergic agonist, reduces mitochondrial content and enzyme
      activities in skeletal muscle, but the mechanism involved has yet to be
      identified. We examined whether clenbuterol-induced changes in the muscles'
      metabolic profile and the intrinsic capacity of mitochondria to oxidize
      substrates are associated with reductions in the nuclear receptor coactivator PGC
      1 alpha and/or an increase in the nuclear corepressor RIP140. In rats,
      clenbuterol was provided in the drinking water (30 mg/l). In 3 wk, this increased
      body (8%) and muscle weights (12-17%). In red (R) and white (W) muscles,
      clenbuterol induced reductions in mitochondrial content (citrate synthase: R,
      27%; W, 52%; cytochrome-c oxidase: R, 24%; W, 34%), proteins involved in fatty
      acid transport (fatty acid translocase/CD36: R, 36%; W, 35%) and oxidation [beta
      hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (beta-HAD): R, 33%; W, 62%], glucose transport
      (GLUT4: R, 8%; W, 13%), lactate transport monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1: R,
      61%; W, 37%), and pyruvate oxidation (PDHE1alpha, R, 18%; W, 12%). Concurrently,
      only red muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity (25%) and MCT4 (31%) were
      increased. Palmitate oxidation was reduced in subsarcolemmal (SS) (R, 30%; W,
      52%) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria (R, 17%; W, 44%) along with
      reductions in beta-HAD activity (SS: R, 17%; W, 51%; IMF: R, 20%; W, 57%).
      Pyruvate oxidation was only reduced in SS mitochondria (R, 20%; W, 28%), but this
      was not attributable solely to PDHE1alpha, which was reduced in both SS (R, 21%;
      W, 20%) and IMF mitochondria (R, 15%; W, 43%). These extensive metabolic changes
      induced by clenbuterol were associated with reductions in PGC-1alpha (R, 37%; W,
      32%) and increases in RIP140 (R, 23%; W, 21%). This is the first evidence that
      clenbuterol appears to exert its metabolic effects via simultaneous and
      reciprocal changes in the nuclear receptor coactivator PGC-1alpha and the nuclear
      corepressor RIP140.

PMID- 22071162
TI  - Experimental mild renal insufficiency mediates early cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis,
      and diastolic dysfunction: a kidney-heart connection.
AB  - Impaired renal function with loss of nephron number in chronic renal disease
      (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
      However, the structural and functional cardiac response to early and mild
      reduction in renal mass is poorly defined. We hypothesized that mild renal
      impairment produced by unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) would result in early cardiac
      fibrosis and impaired diastolic function, which would progress to a more global
      left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Cardiorenal function and structure were
      assessed in rats at 4 and 16 wk following UNX or sham operation (Sham); (n = 10
      per group). At 4 wk, blood pressure (BP), aldosterone, glomerular filtration rate
      (GFR), proteinuria, and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were not altered
      by UNX, representing a model of mild early CKD. However, UNX was associated with
      significantly greater LV myocardial fibrosis compared with Sham. Importantly,
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining
      revealed increased apoptosis in the LV myocardium. Further, diastolic
      dysfunction, assessed by strain echocardiography, but with preserved LVEF, was
      observed. Changes in genes related to the TGF-beta and apoptosis pathways in the
      LV myocardium were also observed. At 16 wk post-UNX, we observed persistent LV
      fibrosis and impairment in LV diastolic function. In addition, LV mass
      significantly increased, as did LVEDd, while there was a reduction in LVEF.
      Aldosterone, BNP, and proteinuria were increased, while GFR was decreased. The
      myocardial, structural, and functional alterations were associated with
      persistent changes in the TGF-beta pathway and even more widespread changes in
      the LV apoptotic pathway. These studies demonstrate that mild renal insufficiency
      in the rat results in early cardiac fibrosis and impaired diastolic function,
      which progresses to more global LV remodeling and dysfunction. Thus, these
      studies importantly advance the concept of a kidney-heart connection in the
      control of myocardial structure and function.

PMID- 22071163
TI  - Editorial focus: A fat contribution to RAS activation and blood pressure control:
      evidence from angiotensinogen conditional null mice. Focus on: "Adipocyte
      specific deficiency of angiotensinogen decreases plasma angiotensinogen
      concentration and systolic blood pressure in mice.".

PMID- 22071164
TI  - Validation of the Symptom and Problem Checklist of the German Hospice and
      Palliative Care Evaluation (HOPE).
AB  - CONTEXT: The German Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation (HOPE) is a national,
      long-term quality assurance project. Every year, German hospice and palliative
      care institutions document a core data set for their patients for a period of
      three months. OBJECTIVES: To validate the multidimensional symptom and problem
      checklist (HOPE-SP-CL) of the core data set and report details on reliability and
      validity. METHODS: Data from yearly evaluation periods between 2002 and 2009 were
      used to calculate construct and convergent validity, internal consistency, test
      retest reliability, and documentation discipline and acceptance of the core
      documentation system. RESULTS: The HOPE-SP-CL includes items on physical,
      nursing, psychological, and social symptoms and problems. Factor analysis
      extracted four low to moderately intercorrelating factors with eigenvalues
      greater than 1.0 explaining 56% of the total variance. Discriminant validity of
      the HOPE-SP-CL showed good properties in detecting patient groups with different
      symptom intensities and overall symptom burden using the Eastern Cooperative
      Oncology Group performance status and primary cancer diagnosis as external
      validation criteria. The global sum score of the HOPE-SP-CL correlated most
      closely with the Palliative Outcome Scale staff version (r=0.750). Internal
      consistencies ranged between alpha=0.768-0.801 at three different times of
      assessment. Test-retest coefficients showed moderate to high correlations at one
      week intervals. CONCLUSION: Analyses of reliability and validity of the HOPE-SP
      CL showed satisfactory to good psychometric properties; therefore, the HOPE-SP-CL
      can be recommended for standard implementation in German hospice and palliative
      care institutions.

PMID- 22071165
TI  - Self-compassion in patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain: relationship of
      self-compassion to adjustment to persistent pain.
AB  - CONTEXT: Self-compassion entails qualities such as kindness and understanding
      toward oneself in difficult circumstances and may influence adjustment to
      persistent pain. Self-compassion may be a particularly influential factor in pain
      adjustment for obese individuals who suffer from persistent pain, as they often
      experience heightened levels of pain and lower levels of psychological
      functioning. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to examine the
      relationship of self-compassion to pain, psychological functioning, pain coping,
      and disability among patients who have persistent musculoskeletal pain and who
      are obese. METHODS: Eighty-eight obese patients with persistent pain completed a
      paper-and-pencil self-report assessment measure before or after their appointment
      with their anesthesiologist. RESULTS: Hierarchical linear regression analyses
      demonstrated that even after controlling for important demographic variables,
      self-compassion was a significant predictor of negative affect (beta=-0.48,
      P<0.001), positive affect (beta=0.29, P=0.01), pain catastrophizing (beta=-0.32,
      P=0.003), and pain disability (beta=-0.24, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of
      this study indicate that self-compassion may be important in explaining the
      variability in pain adjustment among patients who have persistent musculoskeletal
      pain and are obese.

PMID- 22071166
TI  - Impact of infections on the survival of hospitalized advanced cancer patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Advanced cancer patients remain highly susceptible to infections,
      leading to significant morbidity and mortality. A lack of consensus on the
      management of infections in this population stems from the heterogeneity of the
      patient group, divergent goals of care, and unknown prognosis with antibiotic
      treatment. OBJECTIVES: This prospective single cohort study examined the impact
      of infection and its treatment on the survival of hospitalized advanced cancer
      patients compared with a similar cohort without infection. METHODS: A total of
      441 patients were referred to the palliative care (PC) consult service in a
      tertiary hospital over a 12-month period. The occurrence of sepsis, organ-related
      infection, and antibiotic use were recorded on initial PC consult. Survival was
      calculated from the point of PC consult to the date of death. RESULTS: Of these
      patients, 16.6% suffered a recent episode of sepsis (with or without an
      identifiable organ-related infection) and 23.4% had a recent episode of organ
      related infection without clinically evident sepsis. Among the patients with
      sepsis, organ-related infection, or both, 89.7% received antibiotics
      (intravenous, oral, or both). Median survival of septic and nonseptic patients
      was 15 and 42 days, respectively. Septic patients who responded poorly to
      treatment (nonresponders) had a median survival of five days vs. 142 days in good
      responders. This equates with a hazard ratio of 9.74 for death in antibiotic
      nonresponders (P<0.05). Median survival for patients with an untreated organ
      related infection (no sepsis) was 27 days compared with 48 days in a similar
      cohort receiving antibiotic therapy. Among patients on IV antibiotics,
      nonresponders had a median survival of six days vs. 108 days in responders. For
      patients on oral antibiotics, nonresponders had a median survival of six days vs.
      70 days in responders. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a recent episode
      of sepsis and/or organ-related infection significantly reduces overall patient
      survival. Favorable antibiotic response is associated with an increase in median
      survival. These findings suggest that antibiotic treatment may prolong survival,
      and a time-limited trial may be indicated contingent on goals of care.

PMID- 22071168
TI  - Elevated levels of Dickkopf-related protein 3 in seminal plasma of prostate
      cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expression of Dkk-3, a secreted putative tumor suppressor, is altered
      in age-related proliferative disorders of the human prostate. We now investigated
      the suitability of Dkk-3 as a diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) in
      seminal plasma (SP). METHODS: SP samples were obtained from 81 patients prior to
      TRUS-guided prostate biopsies on the basis of elevated serum prostate-specific
      antigen (PSA; > 4 ng/mL) levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. A
      sensitive indirect immunoenzymometric assay for Dkk-3 was developed and
      characterized in detail. SP Dkk-3 and PSA levels were determined and normalized
      to total SP protein. The diagnostic accuracies of single markers including serum
      PSA and multivariate models to discriminate patients with positive (N = 40) and
      negative (N = 41) biopsy findings were investigated. RESULTS: Biopsy-confirmed
      PCa showed significantly higher SP Dkk-3 levels (100.9 +/- 12.3 vs. 69.2 +/- 9.4
      fmol/mg; p = 0.026). Diagnostic accuracy (AUC) of SP Dkk-3 levels (0.633) was
      enhanced in multivariate models by including serum PSA (model A; AUC 0.658) or
      both, serum and SP PSA levels (model B; AUC 0.710). In a subpopulation with
      clinical follow-up > 3 years post-biopsy to ensure veracity of negative biopsy
      status (positive biopsy N = 21; negative biopsy N = 25) AUCs for SP Dkk-3, model
      A and B increased to 0.667, 0.724 and 0.777, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In
      multivariate models to detect PCa, inclusion of SP Dkk-3 levels, which were
      significantly elevated in biopsy-confirmed PCa patients, improved the diagnostic
      performance compared with serum PSA only.

PMID- 22071169
TI  - Boosting runtime-performance of photon pencil beam algorithms for radiotherapy
      treatment planning.
AB  - Pencil beam algorithms are still considered as standard photon dose calculation
      methods in Radiotherapy treatment planning for many clinical applications.
      Despite their established role in radiotherapy planning their performance and
      clinical applicability has to be continuously adapted to evolving complex
      treatment techniques such as adaptive radiation therapy (ART). We herewith report
      on a new highly efficient version of a well-established pencil beam convolution
      algorithm which relies purely on measured input data. A method was developed that
      improves raytracing efficiency by exploiting the capability of modern CPU
      architecture for a runtime reduction. Since most of the current desktop computers
      provide more than one calculation unit we used symmetric multiprocessing
      extensively to parallelize the workload and thus decreasing the algorithmic
      runtime. To maximize the advantage of code parallelization, we present two
      implementation strategies - one for the dose calculation in inverse planning
      software, and one for traditional forward planning. As a result, we could achieve
      on a 16-core personal computer with AMD processors a superlinear speedup factor
      of approx. 18 for calculating the dose distribution of typical forward IMRT
      treatment plans.

PMID- 22071167
TI  - Development of a prognostic model for six-month mortality in older adults with
      declining health.
AB  - CONTEXT: Estimation of six-month prognosis is essential in hospice referral
      decisions, but accurate, evidence-based tools to assist in this task are lacking.
      OBJECTIVES: To develop a new prognostic model, the Patient-Reported Outcome
      Mortality Prediction Tool (PROMPT), for six-month mortality in community-dwelling
      elderly patients. METHODS: We used data from the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey
      linked to vital status information. Respondents were 65 years old or older, with
      self-reported declining health over the past year (n=21,870), identified from
      four Medicare Health Outcomes Survey cohorts (1998-2000, 1999-2001, 2000-2002,
      and 2001-2003). A logistic regression model was derived to predict six-month
      mortality, using sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and health
      related quality of life (HRQOL), ascertained by measures of activities of daily
      living and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey; k-fold cross
      validation was used to evaluate model performance, which was compared with
      existing prognostic tools. RESULTS: The PROMPT incorporated 11 variables,
      including four HRQOL domains: general health perceptions, activities of daily
      living, social functioning, and energy/fatigue. The model demonstrated good
      discrimination (c-statistic=0.75) and calibration. Overall diagnostic accuracy
      was superior to existing tools. At cut points of 10%-70%, estimated six-month
      mortality risk sensitivity and specificity ranged from 0.8% to 83.4% and 51.1% to
      99.9%, respectively, and positive likelihood ratios at all mortality risk cut
      points >=40% exceeded 5.0. Corresponding positive and negative predictive values
      were 23.1%-64.1% and 85.3%-94.5%. Over 50% of patients with estimated six-month
      mortality risk >=30% died within 12 months. CONCLUSION: The PROMPT, a new
      prognostic model incorporating HRQOL, demonstrates promising performance and
      potential value for hospice referral decisions. More work is needed to evaluate
      the model.

PMID- 22071170
TI  - UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A9-overexpressing HeLa cells is an appropriate
      tool to delineate the kinetic interplay between breast cancer resistance protein
      (BRCP) and UGT and to rapidly identify the glucuronide substrates of BCRP.
AB  - The interplay between phase II enzymes and efflux transporters leads to extensive
      metabolism and low bioavailability for flavonoids. To investigate the simplest
      interplay between one UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoform and one efflux
      transporter in flavonoid disposition, engineered HeLa cells stably overexpressing
      UGT1A9 were developed, characterized, and further applied to investigate the
      metabolism of two model flavonoids (genistein and apigenin) and excretion of
      their glucuronides. The results indicated that the engineered HeLa cells
      overexpressing UGT1A9 rapidly excreted the glucuronides of genistein and
      apigenin. The kinetic characteristics of genistein or apigenin glucuronidation
      were similar with the use of UGT1A9 overexpressed in HeLa cells or the
      commercially available UGT1A9. Small interfering (siRNA)-mediated UGT1A9
      silencing resulted in a substantial decrease in glucuronide excretion (>75%, p <
      0.01). Furthermore, a potent inhibitor of breast cancer resistance protein
      (BCRP), 3-(6-isobutyl-9-methoxy-1,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12a
      octahydropyrazino[1',2':1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-3-yl)-propionic acid tert-butyl
      ester (Ko143), caused, in a dose-dependent manner, a substantial and marked
      reduction of the clearance (74-94%, p < 0.01), and a substantial increase in the
      intracellular glucuronide levels (4-8-fold, p < 0.01), resulting in a moderate
      decrease in glucuronide excretion (19-59%, p < 0.01). In addition, a significant,
      albeit moderate, reduction in the fraction of genistein metabolized (f(met)) in
      the presence of Ko143 was observed. In contrast, leukotriene C4 and siRNA against
      multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 2 and MRP3 did not affect excretion of
      flavonoid glucuronides. In conclusion, the engineered HeLa cells overexpressing
      UGT1A9 is an appropriate model to study the kinetic interplay between UGT1A9 and
      BCRP in the phase II disposition of flavonoids. This simple cell model should
      also be very useful to rapidly identify whether a phase II metabolite is the
      substrate of BCRP.

PMID- 22071171
TI  - Methylation of catechins and procyanidins by rat and human catechol-O
      methyltransferase: metabolite profiling and molecular modeling studies.
AB  - Catechins and procyanidins are major polyphenols in plant-derived foods. Despite
      intensive studies in recent years, neither their biochemical nor their
      toxicological properties have been clarified sufficiently. This study aimed to
      compare the methylation of catechins and procyanidins by the enzyme catechol-O
      methyltransferase (COMT) in vitro. We conducted incubations with rat liver
      cytosol and human placental cytosol including S-adenosyl-l-methionine. The set of
      substrates comprised the catechins (-)-epicatechin (EC) and (+)-catechin (CAT),
      the procyanidin dimers B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B7 as well as procyanidin trimer
      C1. After extraction, metabolites were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography
      electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-atmospheric
      pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry. EC and CAT were converted to two
      monomethylated metabolites each by human and rat COMT, with the 3'-O-methyl
      derivatives being consistently the main metabolites. Furthermore, the flavanyl
      units of procyanidins were methylated consecutively, leading to monomethylated
      and dimethylated dimeric metabolites as well as monomethylated, dimethylated, and
      trimethylated C1 metabolites. The methylation status of each flavanyl unit was
      determined by means of mass spectrometric quinone-methide fragmentation patterns.
      In addition, molecular modeling studies were performed with the aim to predict
      the preferred site of methylation and to verify the experimental data. In
      conclusion, our results indicate that the degree and position of methylation
      depend clearly on the three-dimensional structure of the entire substrate
      molecule.

PMID- 22071172
TI  - Enzymatic characterization and elucidation of the catalytic mechanism of a
      recombinant bovine glycine N-acyltransferase.
AB  - Glycine conjugation, a phase II detoxification process, is catalyzed by glycine N
      acyltransferase (GLYAT; E.C. 2.3.1.13). GLYAT detoxifies various xenobiotics,
      such as benzoic acid, and endogenous organic acids, such as isovaleric acid,
      which makes GLYAT important in the management of organic acidemias in humans. We
      cloned the open reading frame encoding the bovine ortholog of GLYAT from bovine
      liver mRNA into the bacterial expression vector pColdIII. The recombinant enzyme
      was expressed, partially purified, and enzymatically characterized. Protein
      modeling was used to predict Glu226 of bovine GLYAT to be catalytically
      important. This was assessed by constructing an E226Q mutant and comparing its
      enzyme kinetics to that of the wild-type recombinant bovine GLYAT. The Michaelis
      constants for benzoyl-CoA and glycine were determined and were similar for wild
      type recombinant GLYAT, E226Q recombinant GLYAT, and GLYAT present in bovine
      liver. At pH 8.0, the E226Q mutant GLYAT had decreased activity, which could be
      compensated for by increasing the reaction pH. This suggested a catalytic
      mechanism in which Glu226 functions to deprotonate glycine, facilitating
      nucleophilic attack on the acyl-CoA. The recombinant bovine GLYAT enzyme,
      combined with this new understanding of its active site and reaction mechanism,
      could be a powerful tool to investigate the functional significance of GLYAT
      sequence variations. Eventually, this should facilitate investigations into the
      impact of known and novel sequence variations in the human GLYAT gene.

PMID- 22071174
TI  - Fluidized-bed gasification of dairy manure by Box-Behnken design.
AB  - Application of excessive animal manure to the land may cause some environmental
      problems such as eutrophication of surface waters, degradation of ground water
      quality, and threats to human health. This paper reports an experimental study on
      the technology of biomass gasification to treat animal waste by analysing the
      effects of key operating parameters on gasification. In this research, dairy
      manure from the University of Nebraska dairy farm was first collected and dried,
      and then gasified in a fluidized-bed, laboratory-scale gasifier to generate
      syngas. The effects of three parameters, namely temperature, steam to biomass
      ratio (SBR) and the equivalence ratio (ER), on the gasification were described by
      a Box-Behnken design (BBD). Results showed that increasing the temperature
      favoured the formation of all three combustible gases, but the composition of
      each gas behaved differently according to the changing parameters. The lower
      heating value of the syngas varied from 2.0 to 4.7 MJ m(-3), indicating
      gasification could be used as a waste management option to produce bioenergy, and
      potentially reduce problems associated with the disposal of animal waste.

PMID- 22071175
TI  - Can hazardous waste become a raw material? The case study of an aluminium
      residue: a review.
AB  - The huge number of research studies carried out during recent decades focused on
      finding an effective solution for the waste treatment, have allowed some of these
      residues to become new raw materials for many industries. Achieving this ensures
      a reduction in energy and natural resources consumption, diminishing of the
      negative environmental impacts and creating secondary and tertiary industries. A
      good example is provided by the metallurgical industry, in general, and the
      aluminium industry in this particular case. The aluminium recycling industry is a
      beneficial activity for the environment, since it recovers resources from primary
      industry, manufacturing and post-consumer waste. Slag and scrap which were
      previously considered as waste, are nowadays the raw material for some highly
      profitable secondary and tertiary industries. The most recent European Directive
      on waste establishes that if waste is used as a common product and fulfils the
      existing legislation for this product, then this waste can be defined as 'end-of
      waste'. The review presented here, attempts to show several proposals for making
      added-value materials using an aluminium residue which is still considered as a
      hazardous waste, and accordingly, disposed of in secure storage. The present
      proposal includes the use of this waste to manufacture glass, glass-ceramic,
      boehmite and calcium aluminate. Thus the waste might effectively be recovered as
      a secondary source material for various industries.

PMID- 22071176
TI  - A field study to estimate the vertical gas diffusivity and permeability of
      compacted MSW using a barometric pumping analytical model.
AB  - The measurement of vertical gas diffusivity and permeability of compacted
      municipal solid waste (MSW) using an analytical gas flow and transport model was
      evaluated. A series of pressure transducers were buried in a MSW landfill and in
      situ pressures were modelled using an algorithm that predicts soil-gas pressures
      based on field-measured barometric pressure data and vertical diffusivity. The
      vertical gas diffusivity that represented the best-fit of the measured pressures
      was estimated at 20 locations and ranged from 0.002 to 0.052 m2 s(-1). The
      vertical gas permeability ranged from 3.3 * 10(-14) to 4.5 * 10(-12) m2 for the
      upper-most 3 to 6 m of compacted MSW. The shortfalls of applying this method to
      landfill conditions are also discussed.

PMID- 22071177
TI  - A review of the current options for the treatment and safe disposal of drill
      cuttings.
AB  - Drilling for the exploration and extraction of oil requires the use of drilling
      fluids which are continuously pumped down and returned carrying the rock phase
      that is extracted from the well. The potential environmental impacts of
      contaminated fluids from drilling operations have attracted increasing community
      awareness and scrutiny. This review article highlights current advances in the
      treatment of drill cuttings and compares the technologies in terms of cost, time
      and space requirements. Traditionally, a range of non-biological methods have
      been employed for the disposal of drill cuttings including burial pits, landfills
      and re-injection, chemical stabilization and solidification and thermal
      treatments such as incineration and thermal desorption. More recently,
      bioremediation has been successfully applied as a treatment process for cuttings.
      This review provides a current comparison of bioremediation technologies and non
      biological technologies for the treatment of contaminated drill cuttings
      providing information on a number of factors that need to be taken into account
      when choosing the best technology for drilling waste management including the
      environmental risks associated with disposal of drilling wastes.

PMID- 22071178
TI  - Estimation of cost reduction and increase for the final disposal associated with
      the categorization of inert waste landfills in Japan.
AB  - This study estimates the overall cost savings that have been realized due to
      disposal of inert wastes in Japan because this material has been deposited in
      inert waste landfills (IWLs) that are designed exclusively for this purpose,
      instead of being co-dipsosed with organic wastes in more costly in sanitary
      landfills (SLs). The total realized cost savings were based on the disposed
      volume of inert waste and the actual disposal fees for IWLs and SLs for the
      period 1977-2006. The estimated reduction in expense is 4748 billion JPY for the
      period. On the other hand, if organic wastes had been deposited in IWLs along
      with inert wastes, costs would be incurred to clean up the sites because the
      surrounding environment may be polluted by the decomposition of the non-inert
      wastes and considerable efforts probably would be required to restore the
      polluted environment to its normal condition (this is because IWLs typically do
      not have a barrier system.) The potential cleanup cost was estimated to be 616 to
      1226 billion JPY. These estimated costs were compared and it was found that the
      net reduction in expense was 3522 billion to 4122 billion JPY. Although the
      expense was reduced substantially, it was noted that a considerable cleanup cost
      would be generated. In particular, it was found that the increase in cleanup
      costs becomes most significant after the late 1990s.

PMID- 22071179
TI  - Invasion of canine erythrocytes by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii.
AB  - Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is a recognized cause of endocarditis in
      dogs and human patients and has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias,
      myocarditis, granulomatous lymphadenitis, polyarthritis, and granulomatous
      rhinitis in dogs. Little is known regarding the mode of transmission or cellular
      localization of this bacteria following infection of a canine host. The aim of
      the current study was to determine whether erythrocytes may serve as a site of
      infection by B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. In the study, we successfully
      demonstrate the invasion of canine erythrocytes by a B. vinsonii subsp.
      berkhoffii genotype III strain using an in vitro model system. Dog erythrocytes
      were incubated with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii after which tubes were treated
      with gentamicin at 12, 24, and 48 h post-inoculation. After gentamicin
      elimination of extracellular bacteria, there was a gradual increase in intra
      erythrocytic bacteria, as assessed by colony forming units per ml, at each
      collection time point. The largest recovery of intracellular bacteria occurred at
      48 h post-infection. These results suggest that canine erythrocytes may serve in
      the maintenance of bacteremia due to B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii within an
      infected host.

PMID- 22071180
TI  - Associative learning between odorants and mechanosensory punishment in larval
      Drosophila.
AB  - We tested whether Drosophila larvae can associate odours with a mechanosensory
      disturbance as a punishment, using substrate vibration conveyed by a loudspeaker
      (buzz:). One odour (A) was presented with the buzz, while another odour (B) was
      presented without the buzz (A/B training). Then, animals were offered the choice
      between A and B. After reciprocal training (A/B), a second experimental group was
      tested in the same way. We found that larvae show conditioned escape from the
      previously punished odour. We further report an increase of associative
      performance scores with the number of punishments, and an increase according to
      the number of training cycles. Within the range tested (between 50 and 200 Hz),
      however, the pitch of the buzz does not apparently impact associative success.
      Last, but not least, we characterized odour-buzz memories with regard to the
      conditions under which they are behaviourally expressed--or not. In accordance
      with what has previously been found for associative learning between odours and
      bad taste (such as high concentration salt or quinine), we report that
      conditioned escape after odour-buzz learning is disabled if escape is not
      warranted, i.e. if no punishment to escape from is present during testing.
      Together with the already established paradigms for the association of odour and
      bad taste, the present assay offers the prospect of analysing how a relatively
      simple brain orchestrates memory and behaviour with regard to different kinds of
      'bad' events.

PMID- 22071181
TI  - Changes in cardiac performance during hypoxic exposure in the grass shrimp
      Palaemonetes pugio.
AB  - In hearts of higher invertebrates as well as vertebrates, the work performed by
      the ventricle is a function of both rate and contractility. Decapod crustaceans
      experience a hypoxia-induced bradycardia that is thought to result in an overall
      reduction in cardiac work; however, this hypothesis has not yet been tested and
      is the primary purpose of this study. In the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio,
      cardiac pressure and area data were obtained simultaneously, and in vivo, under
      normoxic (20.2 kPa O(2)) and hypoxic (6.8 or 2.2 kPa O(2)) conditions and
      integrated to generate pressure-area (P-A) loops. The area enclosed by the P-A
      loop provides a measure of stroke work and, when multiplied by the heart rate,
      provides an estimate of both cardiac work and myocardial O(2) consumption.
      Changes in intra-cardiac pressure (dp/dt) are correlated to the isovolemic
      contraction phase and provide an indication of stroke work. At both levels of
      hypoxic exposure, intra-cardiac pressure, dp/dt, stroke work and cardiac work
      fell significantly. The significant decrease in intra-cardiac pressure provides
      the primary mechanism for the decrease in stroke work, and, when coupled with the
      hypoxia-induced bradycardia, it contributes to an overall fall in cardiac work.
      Compared with normoxic P-A loops, hypoxic P-A loops (at both levels of hypoxia)
      become curvilinear, indicating a fall in peripheral resistance (which might
      account for the reduction in intra-cardiac pressure), which would reduce both
      stroke work and cardiac work and ultimately would serve to reduce myocardial O(2)
      consumption. This is the most direct evidence to date indicating that the hypoxia
      induced bradycardia observed in many decapod crustaceans reduces cardiac work and
      is therefore energetically favorable during acute exposure to conditions of low
      oxygen.

PMID- 22071182
TI  - The effect of work cycle frequency on the potentiation of dynamic force in mouse
      fast twitch skeletal muscle.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the potentiation of
      concentric twitch force during work cycles is dependent upon both the speed and
      direction of length change. Concentric and eccentric forces were elicited by
      stimulating muscles during the shortening and lengthening phases, respectively,
      of work cycles. Work cycle frequency was varied in order to vary the speed of
      muscle shortening and/or lengthening; all forces were measured as the muscle
      passed though optimal length (L(o)). Both concentric and eccentric force were
      assessed before (unpotentiated control) and after (potentiated) the application
      of a tetanic conditioning protocol known to potentiate twitch force output. The
      influence of the conditioning protocol on relative concentric force was speed
      dependent, with forces increased to 1.19+/-0.01, 1.25+/-0.01 and 1.30+/-0.01 of
      controls at 1.5, 3.3 and 6.9 Hz, respectively (all data N=9-10 with P<0.05). In
      contrast, the conditioning protocol had only a limited effect on eccentric force
      at these frequencies (range: 1.06+/-0.01 to 0.96+/-0.03). The effect of the
      conditioning protocol on concentric work (force * distance) was also speed
      dependent, being decreased at 1.5 Hz (0.84+/-0.01) and increased at 3.3 and 6.9
      Hz (1.05+/-0.01 and 1.39+/-0.01, respectively). In contrast, eccentric work was
      not increased at any frequency (range: 0.88+/-0.02 to 0.99+/-0.01). Thus, our
      results reveal a hysteresis-like influence of activity-dependent potentiation
      such that concentric force and/or work were increased but eccentric force and/or
      work were not. These outcomes may have implications for skeletal muscle locomotor
      function in vivo.

PMID- 22071183
TI  - Neuronal correlates of a preference for leading signals in the synchronizing
      bushcricket Mecopoda elongata (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae).
AB  - Acoustically interacting males of the tropical katydid Mecopoda elongata
      synchronize their chirps imperfectly, so that one male calls consistently earlier
      in time than the other. In choice situations, females prefer the leader signal,
      and it has been suggested that a neuronal mechanism based on directional hearing
      may be responsible for the asymmetric, stronger representation of the leader
      signal in receivers. Here, we investigated the potential mechanism in a pair of
      interneurons (TN1 neuron) of the afferent auditory pathway, known for its
      contralateral inhibitory input in directional hearing. In this interneuron,
      conspecific signals are reliably encoded under natural conditions, despite high
      background noise levels. Unilateral presentations of a conspecific chirp elicited
      a TN1 response where each suprathreshold syllable in the chirp was reliably
      copied in a phase-locked fashion. Two identical chirps broadcast with a 180 deg
      spatial separation resulted in a strong suppression of the response to the
      follower signal, when the time delay was 20 ms or more. Muting the ear on the
      leader side fully restored the response to the follower signal compared with
      unilateral controls. Time-intensity trading experiments, in which the
      disadvantage of the follower signal was traded against higher sound pressure
      levels, demonstrated the dominating influence of signal timing on the TN1
      response, and this was especially pronounced at higher sound levels of the
      leader. These results support the hypothesis that the female preference for
      leader signals in M. elongata is the outcome of a sensory mechanism that
      originally evolved for directional hearing.

PMID- 22071184
TI  - Changes in wingstroke kinematics associated with a change in swimming speed in a
      pteropod mollusk, Clione limacina.
AB  - In pteropod mollusks, the gastropod foot has evolved into two broad, wing-like
      structures that are rhythmically waved through the water for propulsion. The
      flexibility of the wings lends a tremendous range of motion, an advantage that
      could be exploited when changing locomotory speed. Here, we investigated the
      kinematic changes that take place during an increase in swimming speed in the
      pteropod mollusk Clione limacina. Clione demonstrates two distinct swim speeds: a
      nearly constant slow swimming behavior and a fast swimming behavior used for
      escape and hunting. The neural control of Clione's swimming is well documented,
      as are the neuromuscular changes that bring about Clione's fast swimming. This
      study examined the kinematics of this swimming behavior at the two speeds. High
      speed filming was used to obtain 3D data from individuals during both slow and
      fast swimming. Clione's swimming operates at a low Reynolds number, typically
      under 200. Within a given swimming speed, we found that wing kinematics are
      highly consistent from wingbeat to wingbeat, but differ between speeds. The
      transition to fast swimming sees a significant increase in wing velocity and
      angle of attack, and range of motion increases as the wings bend more during fast
      swimming. Clione likely uses a combination of drag-based and unsteady mechanisms
      for force production at both speeds. The neuromuscular control of Clione's speed
      change points to a two-gaited swimming behavior, and we consider the kinematic
      evidence for Clione's swim speeds being discrete gaits.

PMID- 22071185
TI  - Developmental trajectories of gene expression reveal candidates for diapause
      termination: a key life-history transition in the apple maggot fly Rhagoletis
      pomonella.
AB  - The timing of dormancy is a rapidly evolving life-history trait playing a crucial
      role in the synchronization of seasonal life cycles and adaptation to
      environmental change. But the physiological mechanisms regulating dormancy in
      animals remain poorly understood. In insects, dormancy (diapause) is a
      developmentally dynamic state, and the mechanisms that control diapause
      transitions affect seasonal timing. Here we used microarrays to examine patterns
      of gene expression during dormancy termination: a crucial life-history transition
      in the apple maggot fly Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh). This species is a model
      system for host race formation and ecological speciation via changes in diapause
      regulation of seasonality. Our goal was to pinpoint the timing of the transition
      from diapause to post-diapause development and to identify candidate genes and
      pathways for regulation of diapause termination. Samples were taken at six
      metabolically defined developmental landmarks, and time-series analysis suggests
      that release from metabolic depression coincides with preparation for or
      resumption of active cell cycling and morphogenesis, defining the 'end' of
      diapause. However, marked changes in expression, including members of pathways
      such as Wnt and TOR signaling, also occur prior to the metabolic rate increase,
      electing these pathways as candidates for early regulation of diapause
      termination. We discuss these results with respect to generalities in insect
      diapause physiology and to our long-term goal of identifying mechanisms of
      diapause adaptation in the Rhagoletis system.

PMID- 22071186
TI  - Kingfisher feathers--colouration by pigments, spongy nanostructures and thin
      films.
AB  - The colours of the common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, reside in the barbs of the
      three main types of feather: the orange breast feathers, the cyan back feathers
      and the blue tail feathers. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the orange
      barbs contain small pigment granules. The cyan and blue barbs contain spongy
      nanostructures with slightly different dimensions, causing different reflectance
      spectra. Imaging scatterometry showed that the pigmented barbs create a diffuse
      orange scattering and the spongy barb structures create iridescence. The extent
      of the angle-dependent light scattering increases with decreasing wavelength. All
      barbs have a cortical envelope with a thickness of a few micrometres. The
      reflectance spectra of the cortex of the barbs show oscillations when measured
      from small areas, but when measured from larger areas the spectra become
      wavelength independent. This can be directly understood with thin film modelling,
      assuming a somewhat variable cortex thickness. The cortex reflectance appears to
      be small but not negligible with respect to the pigmentary and structural barb
      reflectance.

PMID- 22071187
TI  - Flea infestation does not cause a long-term increase in energy metabolism in
      Gerbillus nanus.
AB  - Fleas can increase the metabolic rate of their hosts. It has been suggested that
      a constitutive response, in which the host constantly maintains a relatively high
      level of energy metabolism to combat the parasite, is advantageous for hosts with
      high parasite infestation, while an induced response, in which the host increases
      energy metabolism in response to a parasite attack, is advantageous with low
      parasite infestation. As free-living Gerbillus nanus show a relatively low flea
      infestation, we hypothesized that this host uses an induced strategy and,
      consequently, flea infestation would not impose a long-term effect on energy
      metabolism. In a previous study in spring, higher field metabolic rate (FMR) was
      found in free-living parasitized than in non-parasitized G. nanus. In this study,
      G. nanus were captured at Hazeva in spring; some had fleas (N=14) and some did
      not (N=10). We brought them to the laboratory, removed the fleas from those that
      were infested and, after 3 weeks, measured average daily metabolic rate (ADMR) of
      all rodents. ADMR averaged 8.68+/-0.95 kJ g(-0.54) day(-1) for all rodents and
      was similar between previously parasitized and non-parasitized G. nanus while
      free living. Thus, the hypothesis that flea infestation does not have a long-term
      effect on energy metabolism was supported, as was the idea of an induced over a
      constitutive immune response by G. nanus in combating parasites.

PMID- 22071188
TI  - Locomotor activity during the frenzy swim: analysing early swimming behaviour in
      hatchling sea turtles.
AB  - Swimming effort of hatchling sea turtles varies across species. In this study we
      analysed how swim thrust is produced in terms of power stroke rate, mean maximum
      thrust per power stroke and percentage of time spent power stroking throughout
      the first 18 h of swimming after entering the water, in both loggerhead and
      flatback turtle hatchlings and compared this with previous data from green turtle
      hatchlings. Loggerhead and green turtle hatchlings had similar power stroke rates
      and percentage of time spent power stroking throughout the trial, although mean
      maximum thrust was always significantly higher in green hatchlings, making them
      the most vigorous swimmers in our three-species comparison. Flatback hatchlings,
      however, were different from the other two species, with overall lower values in
      all three swimming variables. Their swimming effort dropped significantly during
      the first 2 h and kept decreasing significantly until the end of the trial at 18
      h. These results support the hypothesis that ecological factors mould the
      swimming behaviour of hatchling sea turtles, with predator pressure being
      important in determining the strategy used to swim offshore. Loggerhead and green
      turtle hatchlings seem to adopt an intensely vigorous and energetically costly
      frenzy swim that would quickly take them offshore into the open ocean in order to
      reduce their exposure to near-shore aquatic predators. Flatback hatchlings,
      however, are restricted in geographic distribution and remain within the
      continental shelf region where predator pressure is probably relatively constant.
      For this reason, flatback hatchlings might use only part of their energy reserves
      during a less vigorous frenzy phase, with lower overall energy expenditure during
      the first day compared with loggerhead and green turtle hatchlings.

PMID- 22071190
TI  - Urotensin II and its receptor in the killifish gill: regulators of NaCl
      extrusion.
AB  - The peptide urotensin II (UII) and its receptor (UT) mediate cardiovascular and
      renal effects in both mammals and fishes. In both groups, vasopressor and
      diuretic responses predominate, although, in mammals, some secondary
      vasodilatation is found, mediated by secondary release of nitric oxide or
      prostacyclin. In fishes, gill extrusion of NaCl is inhibited by UII, but a single
      study has determined that UT is expressed in gill vasculature, not on the
      epithelium that mediates the transport. To begin to clarify the pathways involved
      in UII inhibition of gill transport, we have cloned the cDNA encoding UII and UT
      from the euryhaline killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus L.) gill and spinal cord,
      quantified UT mRNA expression in various tissues and measured relative expression
      in gill tissue from fish acclimated to seawater (SW) vs fresh water (FW). We have
      also localized UT in the gill epithelium, and measured the effect of UII on ion
      transport across the opercular epithelium. We found that both UII and UT are
      synthesized in the gill of F. heteroclitus and that gill UT mRNA levels are ~80%
      higher in SW- vs FW-acclimated individuals. In addition, UII inhibits NaCl
      transport across the opercular epithelium in a concentration-dependent manner,
      and this inhibition is at least partially mediated by both nitric oxide and a
      prostanoid.

PMID- 22071189
TI  - IRS and TOR nutrient-signaling pathways act via juvenile hormone to influence
      honey bee caste fate.
AB  - Regardless of genetic makeup, a female honey bee becomes a queen or worker
      depending on the food she receives as a larva. For decades, it has been known
      that nutrition and juvenile hormone (JH) signaling determine the caste fate of
      the individual bee. However, it is still largely unclear how these factors are
      connected. To address this question, we suppressed nutrient sensing by RNA
      interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown of IRS (insulin receptor substrate)
      and TOR (target of rapamycin) in larvae reared on queen diet. The treatments
      affected several layers of organismal organization that could play a role in the
      response to differential nutrition between castes. These include transcript
      profiles, proteomic patterns, lipid levels, DNA methylation response and
      morphological features. Most importantly, gene knockdown abolished a JH peak that
      signals queen development and resulted in a worker phenotype. Application of JH
      rescued the queen phenotype in either knockdown, which demonstrates that the
      larval response to JH remains intact and can drive normal developmental
      plasticity even when IRS or TOR transcript levels are reduced. We discuss our
      results in the context of other recent findings on honey bee caste and
      development and propose that IRS is an alternative substrate for the Egfr
      (epidermal growth factor receptor) in honey bees. Overall, our study describes
      how the interplay of nutritional and hormonal signals affects many levels of
      organismal organization to build different phenotypes from identical genotypes.

PMID- 22071191
TI  - Pharmacological characterisation of apical Na+ and Cl- transport mechanisms of
      the anal papillae in the larval mosquito Aedes aegypti.
AB  - The anal papillae of freshwater mosquito larvae are important sites of NaCl
      uptake, thereby acting to offset the dilution of the hemolymph by the dilute
      habitat. The ion-transport mechanisms in the anal papillae are not well
      understood. In this study, the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET)
      was utilized to measure ion fluxes at the anal papillae, and pharmacological
      inhibitors of ion transport were utilized to identify ion-transport mechanisms.
      Na(+) uptake by the anal papillae was inhibited by bafilomycin and phenamil but
      not by HMA. Cl(-) uptake was inhibited by methazolamide, SITS and DIDS but not by
      bafilomycin. H(+) secretion was inhibited by bafilomycin and methazolamide.
      Ouabain and bumetanide had no effect on NaCl uptake or H(+) secretion. Together,
      the results suggest that Na(+) uptake at the apical membrane occurs through a
      Na(+) channel that is driven by a V-type H(+)-ATPase and that Cl(-) uptake occurs
      through a Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger, with carbonic anhydrase providing H(+) and
      HCO(3)(-) to the V-type H(+)-ATPase and exchanger, respectively.

PMID- 22071192
TI  - Rapid contrast gain reduction following motion adaptation.
AB  - Neural and sensory systems adapt to prolonged stimulation to allow signaling
      across broader input ranges than otherwise possible with the limited bandwidth of
      single neurons and receptors. In the visual system, adaptation takes place at
      every stage of processing, from the photoreceptors that adapt to prevailing
      luminance conditions, to higher-order motion-sensitive neurons that adapt to
      prolonged exposure to motion. Recent experiments using dynamic, fluctuating
      visual stimuli indicate that adaptation operates on a time scale similar to that
      of the response itself. Further work from our own laboratory has highlighted the
      role for rapid motion adaptation in reliable encoding of natural image motion.
      Physiologically, motion adaptation can be broken down into four separate
      components. It is not clear from the previous studies which of these motion
      adaptation components are involved in the fast and dynamic response changes. To
      investigate the adapted response in more detail, we therefore analyzed the effect
      of motion adaptation using a test-adapt-test protocol with adapting durations
      ranging from 20 ms to 20 s. Our results underscore the very rapid rate of motion
      adaptation, suggesting that under free flight, visual motion-sensitive neurons
      continuously adapt to the changing scenery. This might help explain recent
      observations of strong invariance in the response to natural scenes with highly
      variable contrast and image structure.

PMID- 22071193
TI  - Energy expenditure of freely swimming adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and
      its link with body acceleration.
AB  - Marine turtles are globally threatened. Crucial for the conservation of these
      large ectotherms is a detailed knowledge of their energy relationships,
      especially their at-sea metabolic rates, which will ultimately define population
      structure and size. Measuring metabolic rates in free-ranging aquatic animals,
      however, remains a challenge. Hence, it is not surprising that for most marine
      turtle species we know little about the energetic requirements of adults at sea.
      Recently, accelerometry has emerged as a promising tool for estimating activity
      specific metabolic rates of animals in the field. Accelerometry allows
      quantification of the movement of animals (ODBA/PDBA, overall/partial dynamic
      body acceleration), which, after calibration, might serve as a proxy for
      metabolic rate. We measured oxygen consumption rates (V(O(2))) of adult green
      turtles (Chelonia mydas; 142.1+/-26.9 kg) at rest and when swimming within a 13 m
      long swim channel, using flow-through respirometry. We investigated the effect of
      water temperature (T(w)) on turtle and tested the hypothesis that turtle body
      acceleration can be used as a proxy for V(O(2)). Mean mass-specific V(O(2))
      (sV(O(2))) of six turtles when resting at a T(w) of 25.8+/-1.0 degrees C was
      0.50+/-0.09 ml min(-1) kg(-0.83). sV(O(2))increased significantly with T(w) and
      activity level. Changes in sV(O(2)) were paralleled by changes in respiratory
      frequency (f(R)). Deploying bi-axial accelerometers in conjunction with
      respirometry, we found a significant positive relationship between sV(O(2)) and
      PDBA that was modified by T(w). The resulting predictive equation was highly
      significant (r(2)=0.83, P<0.0001) and associated error estimates were small (mean
      algebraic error 3.3%), indicating that body acceleration is a good predictor of
      V(O(2)) in green turtles. Our results suggest that accelerometry is a suitable
      method to investigate marine turtle energetics at sea.

PMID- 22071194
TI  - Divergent transcriptomic responses to repeated and single cold exposures in
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Insects in the field are exposed to multiple bouts of cold, and there is
      increasing evidence that the fitness consequences of repeated cold exposure
      differ from the impacts of a single cold exposure. We tested the hypothesis that
      different kinds of cold exposure (in this case, single short, prolonged and
      repeated cold exposure) would result in differential gene expression. We exposed
      3 day old adult female wild-type Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
      to -0.5 degrees C for a single 2 h exposure, a single 10 h exposure, or five 2 h
      exposures on consecutive days, and extracted RNA after 6 h of recovery. Global
      gene expression was quantified using an oligonucleotide microarray and validated
      with real-time PCR using different biological replicates. We identified 76 genes
      upregulated in response to multiple cold exposure, 69 in response to prolonged
      cold exposure and 20 genes upregulated in response to a single short cold
      exposure, with a small amount of overlap between treatments. Three genes-
      Turandot A, Hephaestus and CG11374--were upregulated in response to all three
      cold exposure treatments. Key functional groups upregulated include genes
      associated with muscle structure and function, the immune response, stress
      response, carbohydrate metabolism and egg production. We conclude that cold
      exposure has wide-ranging effects on gene expression in D. melanogaster and that
      increased duration or frequency of cold exposure has impacts different to those
      of a single short cold exposure. This has important implications for
      extrapolating laboratory studies of insect overwintering that are based on only a
      single cold exposure.

PMID- 22071196
TI  - Black wildebeest skeletal muscle exhibits high oxidative capacity and a high
      proportion of type IIx fibres.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the skeletal muscle characteristics of
      black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) in terms of fibre type and metabolism.
      Samples were obtained post mortem from the vastus lateralis and longissimus
      lumborum muscles and analysed for myosin heavy chain (MHC) content. Citrate
      synthase (CS), 3-hydroxyacyl co A dehydrogenase (3HAD), phosphofructokinase
      (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities were
      measured spectrophotometrically to represent the major metabolic pathways in
      these muscles. Both muscles had less than 20% MHC I, whereas MHC IIa and MHC IIx
      were expressed in excess of 50% in the vastus lateralis and longissimus lumborum
      muscles, respectively. Overall fibre size was 2675+/-1034 MUm(2), which is small
      compared with other species. Oxidative capacity (CS and 3HAD) in both muscles was
      high and did not differ from one another, but the longissimus lumborum had
      significantly (P<0.05) higher PFK, LDH and CK activities. No relationships were
      observed between fibre type and the oxidative and oxygen-independent metabolic
      capacity as measured by specific enzyme activities. This study confirms the
      presence of both fast-twitch fibres and high oxidative capacity in black
      wildebeest, indicating an animal that can run very fast but is also fatigue
      resistant.

PMID- 22071195
TI  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hypoxia inhibit salmonid gastrointestinal motility:
      evidence for H2S as an oxygen sensor.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been shown to affect gastrointestinal (GI) motility
      and signaling in mammals and O(2)-dependent H(2)S metabolism has been proposed to
      serve as an O(2) 'sensor' that couples hypoxic stimuli to effector responses in a
      variety of other O(2)-sensing tissues. The low P(O2) values and high H(2)S
      concentrations routinely encountered in the GI tract suggest that H(2)S might
      also be involved in hypoxic responses in these tissues. In the present study we
      examined the effect of H(2)S on stomach, esophagus, gallbladder and intestinal
      motility in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus
      kisutch) and we evaluated the potential for H(2)S in oxygen sensing by examining
      GI responses to hypoxia in the presence of known inhibitors of H(2)S biosynthesis
      and by adding the sulfide donor cysteine (Cys). We also measured H(2)S production
      by intestinal tissue in real time and in the presence and absence of oxygen. In
      tissues exhibiting spontaneous contractions, H(2)S inhibited contraction
      magnitude (area under the curve and amplitude) and frequency, and in all tissues
      it reduced baseline tension in a concentration-dependent relationship.
      Longitudinal intestinal smooth muscle was significantly more sensitive to H(2)S
      than other tissues, exhibiting significant inhibitory responses at 1-10 MUmol l(
      1) H(2)S. The effects of hypoxia were essentially identical to those of H(2)S in
      longitudinal and circular intestinal smooth muscle; of special note was a unique
      transient stimulatory effect upon application of both hypoxia and H(2)S.
      Inhibitors of enzymes implicated in H(2)S biosynthesis (cystathionine beta
      synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase) partially inhibited the effects of
      hypoxia whereas the hypoxic effects were augmented by the sulfide donor Cys.
      Furthermore, tissue production of H(2)S was inversely related to O(2); addition
      of Cys to intestinal tissue homogenate stimulated H(2)S production when the
      tissue was gassed with 100% nitrogen (~0% O(2)), whereas addition of oxygen (~10%
      O(2)) reversed this to net H(2)S consumption. This study shows that the
      inhibitory effects of H(2)S on the GI tract of a non-mammalian vertebrate are
      identical to those reported in mammals and they provide further evidence that
      H(2)S is a key mediator of the hypoxic response in a variety of O(2)-sensitive
      tissues.

PMID- 22071197
TI  - The inotropic effects of ammonia on isolated perfused rat hearts and the
      mechanisms involved.
AB  - Ammonia (NH(3)) is a common exogenous gas in the atmosphere, as well as an
      endogenous chemical produced by amino acid catabolism and other pathways in vivo.
      Physiological and pathophysiological roles of NH(3) in the nervous system have
      been studied. Recently, endogenous NH(3) has been suggested to be a gas
      transmitter. However, so far the role of NH(3) in cardiovascular functions has
      not been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the inotropic
      effects of NH(3) on isolated perfused rat hearts and the possible mechanisms
      involved in these effects. The results showed that NH(3) had a positive inotropic
      effect in a concentration-dependent manner and produced a higher positive effect
      than NaOH and NH(4)Cl. At low concentrations, the effect of NH(3) on cardiac
      function was caused by NH(3) molecules; at high concentrations, the effect of
      NH(3) on hearts may be partly correlated with a change of pH value, but was
      mainly caused by NH(3) molecules. The mechanisms involved in the NH(3)-induced
      positive inotropic effect may be related to the ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP))
      channel and the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling pathway. In
      addition, at a concentration of 1.5 mmol l(-1), NH(3) significantly increased the
      activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the coronary
      perfusate and decreased the activity of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+),Mg(2+)
      ATPase in the hearts. These results indicate that NH(3) at physiological or low
      concentrations may play a modulatory role in heart function, but at high
      concentrations had a damaging effect on isolated rat hearts.

PMID- 22071198
TI  - The recruiter's excitement--features of thoracic vibrations during the honey
      bee's waggle dance related to food source profitability.
AB  - The honey bee's waggle dance constitutes a remarkable example of an efficient
      code allowing social exploitation of available feeding sites. In addition to
      indicating the position (distance, direction) of a food patch, both the
      occurrence and frequency of the dances depend on the profitability of the
      exploited resource (sugar concentration, solution flow rate). During the waggle
      dance, successful foragers generate pulsed thoracic vibrations that putatively
      serve as a source of different kinds of information for hive bees, who cannot
      visually decode dances in the darkness of the hive. In the present study, we
      asked whether these vibrations are a reliable estimator of the excitement of the
      dancer when food profitability changes in terms of both sugar concentration and
      solution flow rate. The probability of producing thoracic vibrations as well as
      several features related to their intensity during the waggle phase (pulse
      duration, velocity amplitude, duty cycle) increased with both these profitability
      variables. The number of vibratory pulses, however, was independent of sugar
      concentration and reward rate exploited. Thus, pulse number could indeed be used
      by dance followers as reliable information about food source distance, as
      suggested in previous studies. The variability of the dancer's thoracic
      vibrations in relation to changes in food profitability suggests their role as an
      indicator of the recruiter's motivational state. Hence, the vibrations could make
      an important contribution to forager reactivation and, consequently, to the
      organisation of collective foraging processes in honey bees.

PMID- 22071199
TI  - [Randomised controlled trial: the role of diet and exercise in women with
      metabolic syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a program of nutritional recommendations and exercise in
      women with metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: Multicentre randomised controlled trial.
      LOCATION: Primary Health Care, Holguin, Cuba. PARTICIPANTS: A cluster sample of
      150 obese women with metabolic syndrome without glucose disturbances, were
      randomly assigned to a control (n=70) or experimental (n=80) group. A total of 62
      women in the control group and 60 in the intervention group completed the study
      (June 2008-July 2009). INTERVENTIONS: Low calorie diets and a program of
      exercises in the experimental group. Usual care in the control group.
      MEASUREMENTS: Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure,
      blood glucose and lipid profile. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, after
      one year, the experimental group had a lower, diastolic blood pressure (78+/-0.9
      vs 91+/-1.1mm Hg), total cholesterol (4.7+/-0.1 vs 6.0 +/-0.1mmol/L),
      triglycerides (1.9+/-0.0 vs 2.9+/-0.1mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (2.5+/-0.0 vs
      3.5+/-0.1mmol/L), and a higher HDL-cholesterol (1.2+/-0.0 vs 1.1+/-0.0mmol/L).
      There were no appreciable changes in weight, body mass index, waist
      circumference, systolic blood pressure and blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention program on blood pressure and
      blood lipid profile.

PMID- 22071200
TI  - Percutaneous closure of an aortic prosthetic paravalvar leak: an Australian
      first.
AB  - Percutaneous intervention is becoming an increasingly recognised modality for the
      management of prosthetic paravalvar leaks (PVLs) with particular utility in
      severely symptomatic non-surgical candidates. To date, application of this
      intervention has predominantly involved closure of mitral valve PVLs.
      Consequently, current literature on its application to aortic PVLs is limited.
      This article describes what we believe to be the first percutaneous closure of an
      aortic prosthetic PVL in Australia.

PMID- 22071202
TI  - Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis mimicking neurosarcoidosis.

PMID- 22071201
TI  - Right minithoracotomy versus full sternotomy for the aortic valve replacement:
      preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for aortic valve replacement (AVR)
      is going to increase with different techniques described so far. We hereby report
      the results of AVR through a right minithoracotomy (RM) compared to a median
      sternotomy (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients operated for
      isolated AVR by the same surgeon (chief of the department) were enrolled and
      allocated to: MS (group A, 50 patients, 26 females, mean age 69.9 +/- 12.4
      years). RM (group B, 50 patients, 27 females, mean age 71.6 +/- 11.2 years). Mean
      logistic Euroscores were, respectively, 6.5 +/- 4.0 and 8.0 +/- 5.9 (p=ns).
      RESULTS: Mean duration of cardiopulmonary by-pass (CPB) was 62.8 +/- 18.3 min in
      group A and 101.4 +/- 35.2 min in group B (p<0.05); cross-clamp was 44.8 +/- 13.4
      min in group A and 74.6 +/- 26.7 min in group B (p<0.05). Thirty-day mortality
      was 2 (4%) in group A and 0 in group B (p=ns). ICU stay and hospital stay did not
      significantly differ amongst two groups. The incidence of bleeding was lower in
      group B, showing a slight reduction of blood transfusions and re-explorations
      (p=ns). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows that RM offers a good 30-day survival
      and a lower incidence of mediastinitis or osteomyelitis. The risk of insufficient
      vision or sudden complications is safely managed by enlarging the surgical
      incision through a transverse sternotomy.

PMID- 22071203
TI  - Atypical central neurocytoma of fourth ventricle with hemorrhagic complication
      during surgery in a child.

PMID- 22071204
TI  - Pseudo-Foster Kennedy syndrome in a young woman with meningioma infiltrating the
      superior sagittal sinus.

PMID- 22071205
TI  - Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures referred to a tertiary epilepsy
      centre: patient characteristics in relation to diagnostic delay.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This clinical study examines patient and seizure characteristics of
      patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in a tertiary epilepsy
      centre. The main focus was whether a new subgroup of PNES patients emerged with a
      relatively short referral time and possible specific characteristics. METHODS:
      All PNES patients referred to a specialist program in our centre between mid 2007
      and mid 2009 were consecutively included. This yielded a study cohort of 90
      patients. RESULTS: The majority of the patients have a patient history with many
      medical symptoms and they were or had been in treatment by a medical specialist.
      Furthermore diffuse psychological/psychiatric symptoms and subsequent treatments
      are also remarkably common, in general without a clear psychological diagnosis.
      The average time between seizure onset and referral to an epilepsy centre is
      remarkably low (4.29 years). About 50% of the patients were referred within 2
      years of seizure onset. This 'active high speed referral group' had significantly
      more previous psychological complaints, significantly more previous
      psychological/psychiatric treatments and a trend towards more previous medical
      investigations. CONCLUSION: There seems to be a new subgroup of PNES patients
      with a short referral time, characterized by a more active attitude towards
      examination of the symptoms in combination with an active attitude to apply for
      treatment. However, the PNES cohort as a whole is characterized by having
      somatoform symptoms based on a process of somatization.

PMID- 22071206
TI  - Spindle cell oncocytoma of the adenohypophysis: report of a rare case and review
      of literature.

PMID- 22071207
TI  - Severity of community-acquired pneumonia treated with low-dose adjunctive
      corticosteroid.

PMID- 22071209
TI  - Association of catalytic iron with cardiovascular disease.
AB  - The ability of iron to cycle reversibly between its ferrous and ferric oxidation
      states is essential for the biological functions of iron but may contribute to
      vascular injury through the generation of powerful oxidant species. We examined
      the association between chemical forms of iron that can participate in redox
      cycling, often referred to as "catalytic" or "labile" iron, and cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). In our cross-sectional study of 496 participants, 85 had CVD.
      Serum catalytic iron was measured using the bleomycin-detectable iron assay that
      detects biologically active iron. The odds of existing CVD for subjects in the
      upper third of catalytic iron were 10 times that of subjects with lower catalytic
      iron in unadjusted analyses. The association was decreased by 1/2 by age
      adjustment, but little additional attenuation occurred after adjusting for age,
      Framingham Risk Score, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension status,
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure, with the
      association remaining strong and significant (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence
      interval 1.4 to 10.1). In conclusion, we provide preliminary evidence for a
      strong detrimental association between high serum catalytic iron and CVD even
      after adjusting for several co-morbid conditions; however, broader prospective
      studies are needed to confirm these findings, which would support therapeutic
      trials to assess the beneficial effects of iron chelators on CVD.

PMID- 22071208
TI  - Association of frontal QRS-T angle--age risk score on admission electrocardiogram
      with mortality in patients admitted with an acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - Risk assessment is central to the management of acute coronary syndromes. Often,
      however, assessment is not complete until the troponin concentration is
      available. Using 2 multicenter prospective observational studies (Evaluation of
      Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events [EMMACE] 2, test cohort, 1,843
      patients; and EMMACE-1, validation cohort, 550 patients) of unselected patients
      with acute coronary syndromes, a point-of-admission risk stratification tool
      using frontal QRS-T angle derived from automated measurements and age for the
      prediction of 30-day and 2-year mortality was evaluated. Two-year mortality was
      lowest in patients with frontal QRS-T angles <38 degrees  and highest in patients
      with frontal QRS-T angles >104 degrees  (44.7% vs 14.8%, p <0.001). Increasing
      frontal QRS-T angle-age risk (FAAR) scores were associated with increasing 30-day
      and 2-year mortality (for 2-year mortality, score 0 = 3.7%, score 4 = 57%; p
      <0.001). The FAAR score was a good discriminator of mortality (C statistics 0.74
      [95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.78] at 30 days and 0.77 [95% confidence
      interval 0.75 to 0.79] at 2 years), maintained its performance in the EMMACE-1
      cohort at 30 days (C statistics 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.8] at 30
      days and 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.75 to 0.83] at 2 years), in men and
      women, in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction, and compared favorably with the Global Registry of Acute
      Coronary Events (GRACE) score. The integrated discrimination improvement (age to
      FAAR score at 30 days and at 2 years in EMMACE-1 and EMMACE-2) was p <0.001. In
      conclusion, the FAAR score is a point-of-admission risk tool that predicts 30-day
      and 2-year mortality from 2 variables across a spectrum of patients with acute
      coronary syndromes. It does not require the results of biomarker assays or rely
      on the subjective interpretation of electrocardiograms.

PMID- 22071210
TI  - Impact of plaque burden in the left main coronary artery determined by
      intravascular ultrasound on cardiovascular events in a Japanese population
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - The left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a particularly important target of
      atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      connection between subclinical plaque burden in the LMCA measured by
      intravascular ultrasound and future cardiovascular events. Two hundred eighteen
      consecutive patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for the left
      anterior descending coronary artery or the left circumflex coronary artery under
      intravascular ultrasound guidance. Plaque burden in the LMCA was analyzed for
      these patients, and major adverse cardiac events were also evaluated. Data were
      analyzed by grouping the patients into tertiles according to plaque burden
      values; tertile 1, <32% area stenosis; tertile 2, 32% to 45% area stenosis; and
      tertile 3, >45% area stenosis. During a 3-year follow-up period (average 16.1
      months), 12% of tertile 1, 18% of tertile 2, and 40% of tertile 3 experienced
      major adverse cardiac events, mostly due to repeat revascularization (p <0.001).
      On Cox multivariate analysis, plaque burden in the LMCA (per percentage) detected
      by intravascular ultrasound remained an independent significant predictor of
      major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to
      1.07) and future revascularization (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval
      1.02 to 1.07) (p <0.001). In conclusion, plaque burden in the LMCA is useful as
      an indicator of coronary atherosclerosis and may be a significant predictor of
      cardiovascular events, especially revascularization.

PMID- 22071211
TI  - Familial restrictive cardiomyopathy with 12 affected family members.

PMID- 22071212
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency and supplementation and relation to cardiovascular health.
AB  - Recent evidence supports an association between vitamin D deficiency and
      hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome,
      coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The effect of vitamin D
      supplementation, however, has not been well studied. We examined the associations
      between vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation, and patient outcomes in
      a large cohort. Serum vitamin D measurements for 5 years and 8 months from a
      large academic institution were matched to patient demographic, physiologic, and
      disease variables. The vitamin D levels were analyzed as a continuous variable
      and as normal (>=30 ng/ml) or deficient (<30 ng/ml). Descriptive statistics,
      univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, survival analysis, and Cox
      proportional hazard modeling were performed. Of 10,899 patients, the mean age was
      58 +/- 15 years, 71% were women (n = 7,758), and the average body mass index was
      30 +/- 8 kg/m(2). The mean serum vitamin D level was 24.1 +/- 13.6 ng/ml. Of the
      10,899 patients, 3,294 (29.7%) were in the normal vitamin D range and 7,665
      (70.3%) were deficient. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with several
      cardiovascular-related diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease,
      cardiomyopathy, and diabetes (all p <0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was a strong
      independent predictor of all-cause death (odds ratios 2.64, 95% confidence
      interval 1.901 to 3.662, p <0.0001) after adjusting for multiple clinical
      variables. Vitamin D supplementation conferred substantial survival benefit (odds
      ratio for death 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.277 to 0.534, p <0.0001). In
      conclusion, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a significant risk of
      cardiovascular disease and reduced survival. Vitamin D supplementation was
      significantly associated with better survival, specifically in patients with
      documented deficiency.

PMID- 22071213
TI  - Comparison of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension with versus without
      right-sided mechanical alternans.
AB  - The clinical implications of mechanical alternans in patients with pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH) remain unknown. In this study, the prevalence,
      characteristics, and prognostic implications of mechanical alternans in patients
      with PAH were investigated. Thirty-two consecutive patients with PAH confirmed by
      cardiac catheterization from 2000 to 2010 were included in this cohort study.
      During cardiac catheterization, 8 patients (25%) showed mechanical alternans at
      rest. All alternans were detected in the right ventricle and pulmonary trunk.
      Serum level of brain natriuretic peptide (584 +/- 177 vs 238 +/- 252 pg/ml, p =
      0.001), World Health Organization functional class (3.5 +/- 0.5 vs 2.9 +/- 0.4, p
      = 0.02), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (59 +/- 10 vs 47 +/- 18 mm Hg, p =
      0.03), mean right atrial pressure (10 +/- 4 vs 5 +/- 4 mm Hg, p = 0.01), right
      ventricular end-diastolic pressure (15 +/- 5 vs 9 +/- 5 mm Hg, p = 0.01), and
      heart rate at catheterization (96 +/- 17 vs 70 +/- 11 beats/min, p = 0.003) were
      significantly higher in patients with alternans than in those without. Twelve
      month mortality of patients with alternans was higher than in patients without
      alternans (p = 0.03): the 12-month survival rate after cardiac catheterization
      was 37% for the alternans group and 75% for the group without alternans. In
      conclusion, isolated right-sided mechanical alternans is not an uncommon event in
      patients with PAH. The existence of alternans is associated with the severity of
      PAH and right ventricular dysfunction and implies a poor prognosis in the short
      term.

PMID- 22071214
TI  - Disruption of atherosclerotic neointima as a cause of very late stent thrombosis
      after bare metal stent implantation.
AB  - A male who were implanted bare metal stent 11 years ago were admitted for acute
      coronay syndrome. Optical coherence tomography showed a neointimal disruption and
      integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound revealed a lipid pool around the
      disrupted neointima, suggesting newly formed atherosclerotic neointima developed
      after bare metal stent implantation. The disruption of atherosclerotic neointima
      may represent a new potential mechanism of very late stent thrombosis after bare
      metal stent implantation.

PMID- 22071215
TI  - Inflammatory and growth factor response to continuous and intermittent exercise
      in youth with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) tend to suffer from chronic
      systemic inflammation and may have impaired growth associated with muscle
      catabolism. Therefore, investigating which type of exercise can elicit an
      anabolic response with minimal inflammation is of clinical value. METHODS: Twelve
      children with CF (mean+/-SD; age: 14.7+/-2.3 years, predicted FEV(1): 90.0+/
      21.6%) and biological age-matched controls (age: 13.9+/-2.1 years) completed
      moderate-intensity, continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity, intermittent
      exercise (HIIE) on separate days. During each exercise, blood was drawn at
      various time points and analyzed for immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and
      growth mediators. RESULTS: At rest, children with CF had higher concentrations of
      neutrophils and IL-6 compared with controls. In children with CF, HIIE did not
      affect immune cell subsets or cytokines: TNF-alpha, IL-6, and tumor necrosis
      factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK). All immune cell subsets and IL-6
      increased significantly with MICE in both groups. Growth hormone (GH) increased
      with both types of exercise, with a greater change from rest during MICE.
      CONCLUSIONS: HIIE was a sufficient stimulus to increase GH in children with CF,
      without affecting systemic inflammation.

PMID- 22071216
TI  - Type VI collagen deficiency induces osteopenia with distortion of osteoblastic
      cell morphology.
AB  - Bone consists of type I collagen as a major protein with minor various matrix
      proteins. Type VI collagen is one of bone matrix proteins but its function is not
      known. We therefore examined the effects of type VI collagen deficiency on bone.
      3D-MUCT analysis revealed that type VI collagen deficiency reduced cancellous
      bone mass. Cortical bone mass was not affected. Type VI collagen deficiency
      distorted the shape of osteoblasts both in the cancellous bone and in the cambium
      layer of periosteal region. Furthermore, type VI collagen deficiency disorganized
      collagen arrangement. These data indicate that type VI collagen contributes to
      maintain bone mass.

PMID- 22071217
TI  - Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments and fish
      from freshwater cultured fish ponds in different agricultural contexts in north
      eastern France.
AB  - Organochlorine pesticides (HCB, HCH with alpha-, beta-, and gamma isomers,
      heptachlor, cis-heptachlor epoxyde, trans-heptachlor epoxyde, endosulfan with
      alpha- and beta isomers, sulfate endosulfan, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDE, p,p'
      DDE, o,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDD, chlorothalonil, alachlor, aldrin, dieldrin,
      methoxychlor, oxychlordane, chlordane with alpha- and gamma isomers, p,p'-dicofol
      and o,p'-dicofol) and indicators PCBs (IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and
      180) were studied both in sediments and muscles of farmed fish species (Cyprinus
      carpio and Perca fluviatilis). Samples were collected from fish ponds located in
      the hydrographic basin of the Moselle River (Lorraine Region, France). OCPs and
      PCBs were present at low concentrations both in sediments and fish muscles.
      Concerning sediments, ?DDTs revealed concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.30 ng
      g(-1) dw and ?PCBs ranged from 0.3 to 3.5 ng g(-1) dw. Concerning fish muscles,
      the highest concentrations in OCPs were those of p,p'-DDE, with average
      concentrations of 0.57+/-0.44 ng g(-1) ww for carp and 0.58+/-0.29 ng g(-1) ww
      for perch. The contamination profiles proved to be different depending on the
      fish species. Indeed, HCH-isomers, HCB, and dieldrin were detected only for the
      carp and always at low concentrations. For example, the highest concentration of
      HCHs was observed for beta-HCH with a mean value of 0.64+/-0.15 ng g(-1) ww for
      carp. As for PCBs, the levels of ?PCBs ranged from 0.3 to 6.4 ng g(-1) ww in carp
      muscles and from 0.90 to 5.60 ng g(-1) ww in perch muscles.

PMID- 22071218
TI  - Identification of sperm subpopulations with defined motility characteristics in
      ejaculates from Ile de France rams.
AB  - The aims of this study were to identify different motile sperm subpopulations in
      fresh ejaculates from six Ile de France rams, by using a computer-assisted sperm
      motility analysis (CASA) system, and to evaluate the effects of individual ram
      and season on population distribution. Overall sperm motility and individual
      kinematic parameters of motile spermatozoa were evaluated for 125,312
      spermatozoa, defined by curvilinear velocity (VCL), linear velocity (VSL),
      average path velocity (VAP), linearity coefficient (LIN), straightness
      coefficient (STR), wobble coefficient (WOB), mean amplitude of lateral head
      displacement (ALH) and frequency of head displacement (BCF). A multivariate
      cluster analysis was carried out to classify these spermatozoa into a reduced
      number of subpopulations according to their movement patterns. The statistical
      analysis clustered the whole motile sperm population into five separate groups:
      subpopulation 1, constituted by rapid, progressive and non sinuous spermatozoa
      (VCL=126.41 MUm/s, STR=92.87% and LIN=86.47%); subpopulation 2, characterized by
      progressive spermatozoa with moderate velocity (VCL=74.74 MUm/s and STR=84.03%);
      subpopulation 3, represented by rapid, progressive and sinuous spermatozoa
      (VCL=130.45 MUm/s, STR=76.02% and LIN=47.68%); subpopulation 4 represents rapid
      nonprogressive spermatozoa (VCL=128.69 MUm/s and STR=44.09%); subpopulation 5
      includes poorly motile, nonprogressive spermatozoa with a very irregular
      trajectory (VCL=36.81 MUm/s and STR=47.04%). Our results show the existence of
      five subpopulations of motile spermatozoa in ram ejaculates. The frequency
      distribution of spermatozoa within subpopulations was quite similar for the six
      rams, and the five subpopulations turned out to be very stable along seasons.

PMID- 22071219
TI  - Phosphate content of beverages in addition to food phosphate additives: real and
      insidious danger for renal patients.

PMID- 22071220
TI  - Gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional status in women and men on maintenance
      hemodialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to investigate whether the prevalences of
      nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite varied by gender in maintenance
      hemodialysis (MHD) patients. We also evaluated whether these symptoms explain
      female-male difference in nutritional status. DESIGN: Cross section of baseline
      data of the Prospective Study of the Prognosis in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients.
      SETTING: Dialysis units in the city of Salvador, Brazil. PATIENTS: Three hundred
      ninety-seven men and 287 women with more than three months on MHD. PREDICTOR
      VARIABLE: Gender. OUTCOME MEASURES: The patient's self-reported nausea, vomiting,
      diarrhea, and reduced appetite. The malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) was
      used to assess nutritional status. RESULTS: The prevalence of symptoms was 24.3%
      for reduced appetite, 19.7% for nausea, 12.3% for vomiting, and 3.5% for
      diarrhea. In a logistic regression model with adjustments for age, diabetes,
      congestive heart failure, hemoglobin, albumin, Kt/V, and years on dialysis, women
      were found to have significantly higher odds of reduced appetite (odds ratio [OR]
      = 1.97), nausea (OR = 1.90), and vomiting (OR = 2.21). MIS was 5.41 +/- 3.18 for
      women and 4.66 +/- 3.28 for men (P = .002) corresponding to a percentage
      difference of 13.86%. The female-male difference reduced by more than half after
      excluding the gastrointestinal symptoms component and by approximately 65% after
      excluding both the gastrointestinal symptoms and the dietary intake components
      from the MIS. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the prevalences of nausea,
      vomiting, and reduced appetite are higher in women than in men on MHD. These
      gastrointestinal symptoms and perhaps their detrimental effects on dietary intake
      may partially explain a poorer nutritional status in MHD women.

PMID- 22071221
TI  - Do patients with pN0 gastric cancer benefit from prophylactic extended
      lymphadenectomy?
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of prophylactic extended lymphadenectomy on
      survival for patients with node-negative (pN0) advanced gastric cancer according
      to the extent of lymph node dissection. METHODS: This study retrospectively
      investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcomes of
      458 patients who had pN0 advanced gastric cancer between 1995 and 2001.
      Postoperative survival was compared in patients who underwent different extents
      of prophylactic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: The overall 5-year and 10-year survival
      rates were 62.01% (284/458) and 40.83% (187/458), respectively. The survival
      rates differed significantly in patients who underwent a different extent of
      prophylactic lymphadenectomy (<=D1+ versus D2 versus D3 versus >=D3) (X(2) =
      8.59, P = 0.035). Survival in patients who received less than D1+ dissection,
      however, were not significantly better than patients who received D2 dissection
      (X(2) = 0.907, P = 0.341). Survival in patients who received D2 dissection was
      significantly better than survival in patients who received D3 dissection (X(2) =
      5.685, P = 0.017). No differences in postoperative survival rates were observed
      between patients who received D3 dissection and those received more than D3
      dissection (X(2) = 2.468, P = 0.116). Patients who were older than 60 years and
      receive more than D2 dissection experienced significantly worse postoperative
      survival than those who received less than D2 dissection (X(2) = 14.885, P =
      0.001). The extent of prophylactic lymphadenectomy did not significantly affect
      local tumor recurrence in patients with node-negative advanced gastric cancer
      (X(2) = 0.458, P = 0.928). CONCLUSIONS: D2 prophylactic lymphadenectomy is
      appropriate for pN0 patients who were less than 60 years old, and less than D2
      dissection was suitable for the older cases.

PMID- 22071222
TI  - Multiple double cross-section transmission electron microscope sample preparation
      of specific sub-10 nm diameter Si nanowire devices.
AB  - The ability to prepare multiple cross-section transmission electron microscope
      (XTEM) samples from one XTEM sample of specific sub-10 nm features was
      demonstrated. Sub-10 nm diameter Si nanowire (NW) devices were initially cross
      sectioned using a dual-beam focused ion beam system in a direction running
      parallel to the device channel. From this XTEM sample, both low- and high
      resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) images were obtained from six
      separate, specific site Si NW devices. The XTEM sample was then re-sectioned in
      four separate locations in a direction perpendicular to the device channel: 90
      degrees  from the original XTEM sample direction. Three of the four XTEM samples
      were successfully sectioned in the gate region of the device. From these three
      samples, low- and high-resolution TEM images of the Si NW were taken and
      measurements of the NW diameters were obtained. This technique demonstrated the
      ability to obtain high-resolution TEM images in directions 90 degrees  from one
      another of multiple, specific sub-10 nm features that were spaced 1.1 MUm apart.

PMID- 22071223
TI  - Nanoliposome-mediated FL/TRAIL double-gene therapy for colon cancer: in vitro and
      in vivo evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of cationic nanoliposome
      mediated gene therapy combined with immunotherapy for colon cancer treatment.
      METHODS: Recombinant plasmids containing green and red fluorescent protein
      reporter genes were constructed using gene cloning methods. Gene-carrying
      cationic nanoliposomes were prepared based on the electrostatic adherence
      principle and then transfected into dendritic cells (DC), which were transplanted
      into colon cancer cells. RESULTS: Recombinant plasmids containing green or red
      fluorescent protein reporter genes were successfully constructed by gene cloning
      and confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. Gene-carrying
      cationic nanoliposomes were transfected into colon cancer cells, and good gene
      expression was detected. A better level of apoptosis was observed in the combined
      group of tyrosine kinase receptor 3 ligand (FL) and tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), while the lowest level was detected in the
      control group. The parameters in the FL and TRAIL groups were between the above
      mentioned combined group. CONCLUSION: Cationic nanoliposomes have the advantage
      of being gene carriers. The joint therapeutic effects of the two genes are
      superior to those of a single gene. Gene therapy combined with immunotherapy has
      significant implications for cancer treatment.

PMID- 22071224
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor-D promotes growth, lymphangiogenesis and
      lymphatic metastasis in gallbladder cancer.
AB  - Lymph node metastasis is a major prognostic factor for patients with gallbladder
      cancer (GBC), and greater understanding of the molecule mechanism of lymph node
      metastasis in GBC is needed to improve prognosis. VEGF-D has been implicated in
      the control of lymphangiogenesis in many carcinomas, but the biological function
      of VEGF-D in human GBC remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the role of
      the VEGF-D in human GBC cells and addressed the functional role of VEGF-D using a
      xenograft mouse model. We examined the expression of VEGF-D in three human
      gallbladder cancer cell lines. A lentivirus-based effective VEGF-D siRNA vector
      was infected into GBC NOZ cells. The effect of VEGF-D siRNA on GBC NOZ cells was
      investigated by cell proliferation assay and invasion assay. Furthermore, we
      examined the role of VEGF-D-SiRNA on GBC NOZ cells in the mice of subcutaneous
      and orthotopic xenograft tumor. Our results are as follows: VEGF-D mRNA and
      protein were expressed in all three GBC cell lines (GBC-SD, NOZ, and SGC-996). We
      successfully selected D-3/siRNA as the most effective siRNA to silence VEGF-D
      expression after four VEGF-D siRNA plasmid transfection in NOZ cells. VEGF-D mRNA
      and protein expression were suppressed by lentivirus-mediated D-3/siRNA. D-3-RNAi
      LV inhibited NOZ cells proliferation and invasion ability in vitro. D-3-RNAi-LV
      inhibited tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis in the NOZ cell subcutaneous
      xenograft model. D-3-RNAi-LV inhibited lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis
      in the NOZ cell orthotopic xenograft model. Furthermore, D-3-RNAi-LV inhibited
      tumor ascites and hepatic invasion in the NOZ cell orthotopic xenograft model. In
      conclusion, VEGF-D is involved and plays an important role in GBC progression,
      suggesting that VEGF-D may be a potential molecular target in the treatment of
      GBC.

PMID- 22071225
TI  - Massive bleeding: Are we doing our best?
AB  - Massive bleeding accounts for more than 50% of all trauma-related deaths within
      the first 48h following hospital admission and it can significantly raise the
      mortality rate of any kind of surgery. Despite this great clinical relevance,
      evidence on the management of massive bleeding is surprisingly scarce, and its
      treatment is often based on empirical grounds. Successful treatment of massive
      haemorrhage depends on better understanding of the associated physiological
      changes as well as on good team work among the different specialists involved in
      the management of such a complex condition.

PMID- 22071226
TI  - Plasma in Poland: Production, use and safety.

PMID- 22071227
TI  - Low prevalence of occult HBV infection among HIV-infected patients in Southern
      Spain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of occult HBV
      infection in HIV-positive patients in a centre in Southern Spain. METHODS: The
      HBV serological markers were investigated in all the patients and the presence of
      HBV-DNA was tested by PCR in patients with isolated anti-HBc. RESULTS: An
      isolated anti-HBc pattern was detected in 144/520 (27.7%) patients. HBV-DNA was
      detected in one of these patients (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In Southern Spain, there
      is a low prevalence of occult HBV infection among HIV-infected patients, despite
      increasing immigration from endemic countries.

PMID- 22071228
TI  - Effects of gait pattern and arm swing on intergirdle coordination.
AB  - Mature locomotion in humans is characterized by an anti-phase coordination
      (moving in opposite directions) between the pelvic and the scapular girdles. This
      pattern involves a specific relationship between the arm and leg motion is deemed
      to be most flexible and dynamically efficient. Still, when the arms are involved
      in another task, like a field player running with a ball in the hands, locomotion
      is still possible. In order to probe the flexibility of the locomotor synergy,
      the present study aimed to determine the persistence and the strength of the
      coordination patterns between the pelvic and scapular girdles when no arm swing
      was allowed during walking and running. Relative phase, the time difference
      between the girdle rotations, measured the ongoing inter-girdle coordination of
      eight healthy participants asked to walk and run with or without arm swing.
      Results showed that an absence of arm swing led to a change from an anti-phase to
      in-phase pattern (girdles moving in the same direction) and that an increase in
      velocity strengthened the adopted pattern. Moreover, the frequency distribution
      of relative phase for all gait patterns with arm swing proved to be bimodal,
      indicating that the prevailing anti-phase pattern was always mixed with a
      noticeable proportion of in-phase coordination. The presence of the in-phase
      pattern in the easy, natural locomotion with arm swing manifests its persistence
      and its stability, perhaps pertaining to its prevalence in earlier times in
      ontogeny or evolution.

PMID- 22071229
TI  - Severity of pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in Asian eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe and evaluate the severity of pediatric
      blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in Asia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS:
      Clinical records of patients diagnosed with pediatric
      blepharokeratoconjunctivitis at a tertiary referral center in Singapore from 1991
      through 2010 were reviewed. Patients were graded as having mild (corneal
      involvement without scarring), moderate (corneal scarring), or severe (corneal
      scarring with thinning or perforation) disease based on recorded clinical
      findings. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with pediatric
      blepharokeratoconjunctivitis. The mean age at presentation was 10.2 +/- 3.6
      years, most patients were female (80.4%), and the mean duration of follow-up was
      58.9 +/- 44.0 months. Chinese (56.9%) subjects made up most of the cases. Most
      subjects had moderate (56.9%), followed by severe (37.4%) and mild (5.9%),
      disease. Four patients (7.9%) had an associated dermatologic disease. All
      patients were treated with topical antibiotics, and 98% were treated with topical
      steroids. Nineteen (37.3%) patients received systemic antibiotic therapy, and 1
      received systemic steroid therapy. Three patients required deep lamellar
      keratoplasty (2 tectonic and 1 optical), and 2 underwent cornea gluing alone; all
      5 of them were Chinese. Patients graded as having severe disease were more likely
      to undergo surgical intervention (26.3%) than patients who were graded as having
      moderate (0%) and mild (0%) disease (P < .05). The main complication of treatment
      was raised intraocular pressure in 7 (13.7%) patients requiring medical therapy.
      Overall, best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.10 logarithm of the minimal
      angle of resolution units (P < .001) after appropriate medical and surgical
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis patients in
      Asia seem to have a more severe clinical presentation and course. Early and
      adequate management can arrest the disease process and can minimize visual
      morbidity.

PMID- 22071230
TI  - Determinants of fixation in eyes with neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration treated with intravitreal ranibizumab.
AB  - PURPOSE: To correlate the anatomic features of the macula with functional
      parameters like location and stability of fixation in patients with neovascular
      age-related macular degeneration treated with intravitreal ranibizumab
      injections. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. METHODS: The location and stability
      of fixation were determined in 41 eyes of 41 patients treated with ranibizumab
      for neovascular age-related macular degeneration for at least 12 months. All
      patients underwent 3 injections of ranibizumab 1 month apart and were retreated
      according to predefined criteria. The fixation parameters measured with
      microperimetry were correlated to visual acuity, qualitative measures on optical
      coherence tomography, and patterns of autofluorescence. RESULTS: The location of
      fixation was predominantly central in 68.29%, poor central in 2.4%, and
      predominantly eccentric in 29.27%. The fixation was stable in 80.5%, relatively
      unstable in 7.3%, and unstable in 12.2%. The factors that determined central and
      stable location of fixation were better visual acuity (P = .004), absence of
      subretinal thickening (P = .003), intact subfoveal third hyperreflective band (P
      = .006), and intact external limiting membrane (P = .036). Autofluorescence
      pattern within the 4-degree circle of fovea did not correlate with fixation
      characteristics. However, complete absence of autofluorescence in this area was a
      poor prognostic indicator for central fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic
      characteristics of the macula determine fixation patterns in patients with
      neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with intravitreal
      ranibizumab injections. Further studies focused on eyes with complete absence of
      autofluorescence in the central 4-degree circle of fovea may help to define the
      disease characteristics in this group.

PMID- 22071231
TI  - Incomplete posterior vitreous detachment: prevalence and clinical relevance.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and clinical relevance of incomplete
      posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort
      study. METHODS:  SETTING: Institutional. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients without
      previous ocular history who were diagnosed with acute uncomplicated PVD.
      OBSERVATIONS: Baseline kinetic ultrasound evaluation differentiated posterior
      vitreous separation as complete or incomplete. Prospective follow-up searched for
      complications related to PVD. Multivariate analysis evaluated associations of
      baseline demographic and clinical characteristics to incomplete PVD. A Kaplan
      Meier analysis evaluated the probability and its standard error of experiencing
      an adverse outcome. The log-rank test determined whether incomplete PVD modifies
      the natural history of PVD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of incomplete PVD
      and the estimated incidence of late adverse outcomes such as new retinal tears,
      epimacular membranes, or both. RESULTS: A total of 54 of 207 patients had
      incomplete PVD (prevalence, 26.1%). Younger age and lattice degeneration were
      associated independently with incomplete PVD. After a mean follow-up of 5 years
      (range, 4 to 8 years), 16 patients (9.7%) experienced some adverse outcome. In 5
      patients (2.7%), new retinal tears and 1 retinal detachment developed. In 12
      patients (7.6%), epimacular membranes developed. Patients with incomplete PVD at
      baseline experienced significantly more adverse outcomes than patients with
      complete PVD (Kaplan-Meier estimated probability and standard error, 19.2% and
      0.061 vs 5.4% and 0.02; P = .01, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Up to one fourth of
      symptomatic, acute, and uncomplicated PVDs show incomplete posterior vitreous
      separation. Delayed complications related to PVD, like retinal tears and
      epimacular membranes, develop more frequently in patients showing incomplete PVD.

PMID- 22071232
TI  - Classification of early dry-type myopic maculopathy with macular choroidal
      thickness.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the macular choroidal thickness in 2 types of early dry-type
      myopic maculopathy. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, comparative study.
      METHODS: Patients with a refractive error of less than -8 diopters were included
      and were classified into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 24 eyes with a
      tessellated fundus, and group 2 consisted of 33 eyes with diffuse chorioretinal
      atrophy, but not to the extent of patchy chorioretinal atrophy. These 2 groups
      were compared with regard to their clinical characteristics, refractive error,
      axial length, macular choroidal thickness, and best-corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA). Linear regression was used to evaluate the explanatory variables in terms
      of macular choroidal thickness and BCVA. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 were
      significantly younger and had better BCVA, less myopia, shorter axial length, and
      less staphyloma than those in group 2. Refractive error, axial length, and BCVA
      correlated significantly with macular choroidal thickness in group 2. However, no
      such significant correlations were observed in group 1. Multiple linear
      regression analysis showed that age and macular choroidal thickness were the
      variables that associated most strongly with BCVA, whereas neither refractive
      error nor axial length was a significant predictor of BCVA. In group 2, eyes with
      lacquer cracks showed worse BCVA and thinner macular choroidal thickness than
      eyes without lacquer cracks. CONCLUSIONS: Macular choroidal thickness is an
      important factor in myopic maculopathy and can be a better indicator of its
      severity. These findings suggest that BCVA reduction in eyes with dry-type myopic
      maculopathy can be related to a thinner macular choroidal thickness and to the
      development of lacquer cracks.

PMID- 22071233
TI  - Malabsorption and nutritional balance in the ICU: fecal weight as a biomarker: a
      prospective observational pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malabsorption, which is frequently underdiagnosed in critically ill
      patients, is clinically relevant with regard to nutritional balance and
      nutritional management. We aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of fecal
      weight as a biomarker for fecal loss and additionally to assess fecal
      macronutrient contents and intestinal absorption capacity in ICU patients.
      METHODS: This was an observational pilot study in a tertiary mixed medical
      surgical ICU in hemodynamically stable adult ICU patients, without clinically
      evident gastrointestinal malfunction. Fecal weight (grams/day), fecal energy (by
      bomb calorimetry in kcal/day), and macronutrient content (fat, protein, and
      carbohydrate in grams/day) were measured. Diagnostic accuracy expressed in terms
      of test sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value
      (NPV), and receiver operator curves (ROCs) were calculated for fecal weight as a
      marker for energy malabsorption. Malabsorption was a priori defined as < 85%
      intestinal absorption capacity. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (63 +/- 15 years;
      58% men) receiving full enteral feeding were included. A cut-off fecal production
      of > 350 g/day (that is, diarrhea) was linked to the optimal ROC (0.879), showing
      a sensitivity and PPV of 80%, respectively. Specificity and NPV were both 96%.
      Fecal weight (grams/day) and intestinal energy-absorption capacity were inversely
      correlated (r = -0.69; P < 0.001). Patients with > 350 g feces/day had a
      significantly more-negative energy balance compared with patients with < 350 g
      feces/day (loss of 627 kcal/day versus neutral balance; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS:
      A fecal weight > 350 g/day in ICU patients is a biomarker applicable in daily
      practice, which can act as a surrogate for fecal energy loss and intestinal
      energy absorption. Daily measurement of fecal weight is a feasible means of
      monitoring the nutritional status of critically ill patients and, in those
      identified as having malabsorption, can monitor responses to changes in dietary
      management.

PMID- 22071234
TI  - The use of routinely collected patient data for research: a critical review.
AB  - Over recent years in the UK there has been growing interest in the potential for
      routinely collected NHS (National Health Service) patient data to be used for
      secondary purposes, facilitated by the potential of increasingly sophisticated
      electronic databases. This article is based on a critically reflective literature
      review which analyses the key debates pertaining to this issue. The work arose in
      the context of a programme of research concerning routine patient data use in
      neonatal care. The article includes analysis of commentary (opinion and ethical
      inquiry) as well as empirically derived claims. It aims to deconstruct the
      knowledge assumptions on which relevant research studies have been based or are
      proposed and it also incorporates ontological position and moral argument.
      Results are presented according to three predominant debates: the prevailing
      claim that all health research benefits civic society; the varieties of informed
      consent and choices open to patients regarding secondary uses of their data; and
      the 'rights and responsibilities' of patients when it comes to their data being
      used for research purposes. It examines the relevance of these themes
      specifically to the neonatal context and the implications for our own research,
      concluding that employing an alternative ethical model to the traditional
      professional one might be useful in order to provide a further perspective on the
      issue.

PMID- 22071235
TI  - Is elevation of the serum beta-d-glucan level a paradoxical sign for trichosporon
      fungemia in patients with hematologic disorders?
AB  - The detection of serum 1,3-beta-d-glucan (BDG) has been reported to be useful for
      the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of various invasive fungal infections.
      Although Trichosporon fungemia is increasingly recognized as a fatal mycosis in
      immunocompromised patients, the utility of this assay for Trichosporon fungemia
      is still unknown. In our experience (28 cases), the level of BDG rose in about
      half of the patients with hematologic disorders who developed Trichosporon
      fungemia. Among them, early death from this infection was more frequently seen in
      BDG-negative patients than in BDG-positive patients. In addition, overall
      survival was also significantly worse in BDG-negative patients than in BDG
      positive patients. There were no significant differences between these two
      patient groups in terms of clinical background. Unlike for other invasive fungal
      infections, elevation of BDG level may indicate a paradoxical sign for
      Trichosporon fungemia in patients with hematologic disorders.

PMID- 22071236
TI  - Tolerability of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral glucose-lowering agents are used to treat patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Most patients require multiple agents to maintain
      glycemic targets. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are administered as
      monotherapy and in combination therapy for the treatment of T2DM. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this article was to provide a thorough review of published tolerability
      data on 5 DPP-4 inhibitors. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science were searched for
      English-language clinical trials published from January 2000 to June 2001, using
      the following key words: dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin,
      alogliptin, sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, safety, tolerability,
      efficacy, effect, AE, and adverse effect. Studies were considered for inclusion
      if they were randomized, double-blind trials performed in patients >=18 years of
      age with T2DM and with a hemoglobin A(1c) of >=6.5%; included >=1 arm that
      received monotherapy with DPP-4; and reported adverse events (AEs). Studies in
      patients with a history of type 1 or secondary forms of diabetes, significant
      diabetic complications or cardiovascular disease within the 6 months before the
      start of the study, hepatic disease or abnormalities, and/or renal abnormalities
      were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 45 clinical trials, 5 pharmacokinetic studies,
      and 28 meta-analyses or reviews were included. The duration of studies ranged
      from 7 days to 104 weeks. The most commonly reported AEs were nasopharyngitis,
      upper respiratory infections, all-cause infections, headache, gastrointestinal
      symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain. Based on the findings from the studies, the
      DPP-4 inhibitors had minimal impact on weight and were not associated with an
      increased risk for hypoglycemia relative to placebo. Rates of nasopharyngitis
      were higher with the DDP-4 inhibitors than with placebo. Pancreatitis was
      reported at lower rates with the DPP-4 inhibitors compared with other oral
      antihyperglycemic agents. Cardiovascular events were limited, and postmarketing
      studies are ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: The tolerability of DPP-4 inhibitors is
      supported by published clinical trials. The rates of weight gain,
      gastrointestinal AEs, and hypoglycemia were minimal with the DPP-4 inhibitors
      studied.

PMID- 22071237
TI  - The economic impact and cost-effectiveness of urinary neutrophil gelatinase
      associated lipocalin after cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after cardiac surgery, and
      expeditious recognition with specific biomarkers may help improve outcome.
      OBJECTIVE: Because the economic impact of a biomarker-based diagnostic strategy
      is unknown, we assessed the cost-effectiveness of using urinary neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) for the diagnosis of AKI after cardiac
      surgery compared with current diagnostic methods. METHODS: A decision analysis
      model was developed using the societal perspective to evaluate the cost
      effectiveness of NGAL. Cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was determined
      for NGAL and standard strategies. The base case was a 67-year-old male patient
      undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the United Kingdom. Multiple
      sensitivity analyses were performed to determine how cost-effectiveness would
      vary with changes in the underlying clinical and economic variables. RESULTS: The
      base case yielded expected costs of L4244 and 11.86 QALYs for the NGAL strategy
      compared with L4672 and 11.79 QALYs for the standard therapy. The cost
      effectiveness ratio for the NGAL strategy was L358/QALY compared with L396/QALY
      for the standard regimen. Cost-effectiveness increased as the treatment effect
      defined as the ability to prevent progression of established AKI (kidney injury
      or failure)-for the therapy triggered by an elevated NGAL level rose. Sensitivity
      analysis demonstrated that the model was most responsive to the probability of
      developing AKI and least sensitive to the test cost for NGAL. Probabilistic
      sensitivity analysis supported the NGAL strategy as the most cost-effective
      option. Because this study was a decision analysis model incorporating a
      nonspecific treatment for AKI (as opposed to an observational study or controlled
      trial), model structural assumptions may therefore have underestimated mortality
      and the likelihood of developing AKI, although these were tested in multiple
      sensitivity analyses. Indirect costs were also not explicitly factored.
      CONCLUSION: The use of urinary NGAL after cardiac surgery appears to be cost
      effective in the early diagnosis of AKI.

PMID- 22071238
TI  - Azilsartan medoxomil: a new Angiotensin receptor blocker.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Azilsartan medoxomil is an angiotensin receptor blocker, approved on
      February 25, 2011 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hypertension
      management. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the pharmacology,
      pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety profile, and role of azilsartan for
      hypertension management. METHODS: Peer-reviewed clinical trials, review articles,
      and relevant treatment guidelines were identified from MEDLINE and Current
      Contents (both 1966 to August 31, 2011) using the search terms azilsartan, TAK
      491, TAK-536, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
      pharmacoeconomics, and cost-effectiveness. The FDA Web site and manufacturer
      prescribing information were also reviewed to identify other relevant
      information. RESULTS: Compared with olmesartan 40 mg daily, azilsartan 80 mg
      reduced mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) by an additional 2.1 mm Hg (P =
      0.038), whereas azilsartan 40 mg was noninferior to olmesartan 40 mg. Azilsartan
      40 mg or 80 mg added to chlorthalidone 25 mg daily significantly reduced SBP to a
      greater extent than did chlorthalidone alone (P < 0.05), but there was no
      difference between azilsartan 40 mg and 80 mg (40 mg: -31.72 mm Hg; 80 mg: -31.3
      mm Hg [P > 0.05]). When coadministered with amlodipine 5 mg daily, both
      azilsartan 40 mg and 80 mg + amlodipine decreased SBP significantly more than
      amlodipine alone (amlodipine: -13.6 mm Hg; with azilsartan 40 mg: -24.79 mm Hg;
      with azilsartan 80 mg: -24.51 mm Hg [P < 0.05]). Compared with ramipril 10 mg
      daily, both azilsartan 40 mg and 80 mg resulted in significantly (P < 0.001)
      greater reductions in mean SBP (-20.63 and -21.24 mm Hg, respectively; ramipril: 
      12.22 mm Hg). The most common adverse events reported were dizziness (4%),
      dyslipidemia (3.3%), and diarrhea (2%). CONCLUSIONS: At the recommended dose of
      80 mg once daily, azilsartan is reported to be an efficacious BP-lowering agent.
      With once-daily dosing and a favorable side-effect profile, azilsartan is an
      attractive option for the treatment of hypertension. There is a lack of data
      supporting the use of azilsartan for improvement in cardiovascular outcomes;
      therefore, azilsartan is not approved for indications other than the treatment of
      hypertension.

PMID- 22071239
TI  - Markers of extracellular matrix turnover and the development of right ventricular
      failure after ventricular assist device implantation in patients with advanced
      heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and metabolically
      active collagenous network that responds to mechanical strain. The association
      between ECM turnover and right ventricular failure (RVF) development after left
      ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in patients with advanced heart
      failure (HF) was investigated. METHODS: Circulating levels of osteopontin,
      metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MPP-9, and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 and
      TIMP-4 were measured in 61 patients at LVAD implantation and explantation and in
      10 control subjects. RVF was defined as the need for RVAD, nitric oxide
      inhalation > 48 hours and/or inotropic support > 14 days. RESULTS: All ECM
      markers were elevated in patients with HF compared with controls (all p < 0.05).
      RVF developed in 23 patients (37.7%) on LVAD support. All ECM markers decreased
      on LVAD support in patients without RVF (all p < 0.05), but serum MMP-2, TIMP-1,
      TIMP-4, and osteopontin remained elevated in RVF patients. Multivariate analysis
      identified that right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI), circulating B-type
      natriuretic peptide, and osteopontin were associated with RVF (all p < 0.05).
      Osteopontin correlated inversely with RVSWI (r = -0.44, p < 0.001). Osteopontin
      levels > 260 ng/ml discriminate patients who develop RVF from those without RVF
      (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 82%). CONCLUSIONS: Marked elevation of
      osteopontin levels before LVAD placement is associated with RVF development.
      Persistent elevation of circulating ECM markers after LVAD implantation
      characterizes patients who develop RVF. These novel biomarkers would have a
      potential role in the prediction of RVF development in patients undergoing LVAD
      implantation.

PMID- 22071240
TI  - Relationship of right- and left-sided filling pressures in patients with advanced
      heart failure: a 14-year multi-institutional analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Jugular venous pressure (JVP) is assessed to estimate volume status
      in patients with heart failure because right atrial pressure (RAP) reflects
      pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). In a large cohort of heart failure
      patients spanning 14 years, we sought to further characterize the relationship
      between RAP and PCWP, including identifying temporal trends, to optimize
      estimates of PCWP by JVP. We also sought to determine whether the RAP to PCWP
      relationship impacts post-transplant mortality. METHODS: Hemodynamic data were
      obtained from 4,079 patients before cardiac transplantation. Elevated RAP was
      defined as >=10 mm Hg and elevated PCWP >=22 mm Hg. Hemodynamics were
      "concordant" when both RAP and PCWP were elevated or when both were not elevated.
      The frequency of concordant hemodynamics was assessed over 3 eras (1993 to 1997,
      1998 to 2002, 2003 to 2007). Baseline characteristics were compared among
      quartiles of the ratio (RAP+1)/PCWP. The association of (RAP+1)/PCWP with 2-year
      mortality after cardiac transplantation was assessed using multivariate models.
      RESULTS: The frequency of concordant hemodynamics over time was stable (74%, 72%,
      73%; p = 0.4). Increasing (RAP+1)/PCWP was associated with the following
      variables: female gender; cardiomyopathy etiology besides ischemic or non
      ischemic; prior sternotomies; and lower creatinine clearance (p < 0.01 for all).
      Elevated (RAP+1)/PCWP was associated with post-transplant mortality (relative
      risk 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.37, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS:
      [corrected] RAP and PCWP remain concordant in most heart failure patients,
      supporting the ongoing use of JVP to estimate PCWP. Easily identifiable patient
      characteristics were associated with an increased RAP/PCWP ratio, and their
      presence should alert clinicians that PCWP may be overestimated by JVP
      assessment. A higher RAP/PCWP ratio was an adverse risk factor for post-cardiac
      transplant survival.

PMID- 22071241
TI  - Denitrification capacity of a landfilled refuse in response to the variations of
      COD/NO3--N in the injected leachate.
AB  - Effects of different chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrate concentration ratios
      in the injected leachate on the denitrification capacity of landfilled municipal
      solid waste were evaluated. Results showed that the 6-year-old refuse possessed
      high denitrification capacity. The nitrate reduction rate increased with the
      increasing COD concentration in the injected leachate. When the initial COD
      concentration increased to 6500 mg l(-1), nitrate reduction rate could reach up
      to 6.85 mg NO3--N l(-1) h(-1). At the initial biodegradable COD/NO3--N ratio
      lower than the stoichiometric ratio of heterotrophic denitrification, autotrophic
      bacteria was the dominant microbial communities for denitrification. With the
      increase of COD/NO3--N ratio, the primary functional denitrifier would shift from
      autotrophic Thiobacillus denitrificans to heterotrophic Azoarcus tolulyticus.
      These results suggested that the initial biodegradable COD/NO3--N ratio in the
      injected leachate should be adjusted to higher than 6.0 for rapid in situ
      denitrification of 500 mg NO3--Nl(-1).

PMID- 22071242
TI  - Exploiting metagenomic diversity for novel polyhydroxyalkanoate synthases:
      production of a terpolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate-co-3
      hydroxyoctanoate) with a recombinant Pseudomonas putida strain.
AB  - A metagenomic library of 2.1*10(6) clones was constructed using oil-contaminated
      soil from Gujarat (India). One of the fosmid clones, 40N22, encodes a
      polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase showing 76% identity with an Alcaligenes sp.
      synthase. The corresponding gene was expressed in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
      DeltaphaC1 which is impaired in PHA production. The gene conferred the
      recombinant strain PpKT-40N22 with the ability to produce copolymers with up to
      21% in medium-chain-length content. Thus, 37% and 45% of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate
      co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate-co-3
      hydroxyoctanoate), respectively were obtained when using sodium heptanoate and
      oleic acid as carbon sources. These 3-hydroxybutyrate-(3HB)-based polymers are of
      interest since they incorporate the properties of medium chain length polymers
      and thus increase the range of applications of PHAs.

PMID- 22071243
TI  - Treatment of tetracycline antibiotics by laccase in the presence of 1
      hydroxybenzotriazole.
AB  - Tetracycline antibiotics are widely used in human and veterinary medicine;
      however, residual amounts of these antibiotics in the environment are of concern
      since they could contribute to selection of resistant bacteria. In this study,
      tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC), doxycycline (DC) and oxytetracycline
      (OTC) were treated with laccase from the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor in
      the presence of the redox mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT). High performance
      liquid chromatography demonstrated that DC and CTC were completely eliminated
      after 15 min, while TC and CTC were eliminated after 1 h. This system also
      resulted in a complete loss of inhibition of growth of Escherichia coli and
      Bacillus subtilis and the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata with
      decreasing tetracycline antibiotic concentration. These results suggest that the
      laccase-HBT system is effective in eliminating tetracycline antibiotics and
      removing their ecotoxicity.

PMID- 22071244
TI  - Effects of initial lactic acid concentration, HRTs, and OLRs on bio-hydrogen
      production from lactate-type fermentation.
AB  - A batch test and continuous operation were performed to identify the effect of
      lactate on hydrogen production at pH 4.5. When the initial lactic acid
      concentration was increased from 0 to 8 g/L in the batch test, the hydrogen yield
      also increased from 1.41 to 1.72 mol-H2/mol-glucose. The system exhibited a long
      lag time and an insignificant hydrogen yield with 16 g-lactic acid/L. A
      continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was operated at different organic loading
      rates (OLRs: 10, 15, 20 and 40 g/L/day) and hydraulic retention times (HRTs: 6,
      12 and 24 h). At an OLR of 20 g-glucose/L/day and 12 h of HRT, the hydrogen yield
      was 1.2 mol-H2/mol-glucose. The yield decreased with a 24 h HRT. Even though
      lactate was one of the major constituents of volatile fatty acids (VFAs),
      hydrogen production was feasible throughout the operation. Clostridium sp. was
      the dominant hydrogen-producing bacteria in the system.

PMID- 22071245
TI  - In the arms of Morpheus.

PMID- 22071246
TI  - The betaine-GABA transporter (BGT1, slc6a12) is predominantly expressed in the
      liver and at lower levels in the kidneys and at the brain surface.
AB  - The Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent GABA-betaine transporter (BGT1) has received
      attention mostly as a protector against osmolarity changes in the kidney and as a
      potential controller of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Nevertheless, the
      cellular distribution of BGT1, and its physiological importance, is not fully
      understood. Here we have quantified mRNA levels using TaqMan real-time PCR,
      produced a number of BGT1 antibodies, and used these to study BGT1 distribution
      in mice. BGT1 (protein and mRNA) is predominantly expressed in the liver
      (sinusoidal hepatocyte plasma membranes) and not in the endothelium. BGT1 is also
      present in the renal medulla, where it localizes to the basolateral membranes of
      collecting ducts (particularly at the papilla tip) and the thick ascending limbs
      of Henle. There is some BGT1 in the leptomeninges, but brain parenchyma, brain
      blood vessels, ependymal cells, the renal cortex, and the intestine are virtually
      BGT1 deficient in 1- to 3-mo-old mice. Labeling specificity was assured by
      processing tissue from BGT1-deficient littermates in parallel as negative
      controls. Addition of 2.5% sodium chloride to the drinking water for 48 h induced
      a two- to threefold upregulation of BGT1, tonicity-responsive enhancer binding
      protein, and sodium-myo-inositol cotransporter 1 (slc5a3) in the renal medulla,
      but not in the brain and barely in the liver. BGT1-deficient and wild-type mice
      appeared to tolerate the salt treatment equally well, possibly because betaine is
      one of several osmolytes. In conclusion, this study suggests that BGT1 plays its
      main role in the liver, thereby complementing other betaine-transporting carrier
      proteins (e.g., slc6a20) that are predominantly expressed in the small intestine
      or kidney rather than the liver.

PMID- 22071247
TI  - A preclinical assessment of d.l-govadine as a potential antipsychotic and
      cognitive enhancer.
AB  - Tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPBs) are compounds derived from traditional Chinese
      medicine and increasing preclinical evidence suggests efficacy in treatment of a
      wide range of symptoms observed in schizophrenia. A receptor-binding profile of
      the THPB, d.l-govadine (d.l-Gov), reveals high affinity for dopamine and
      noradrenaline receptors, efficacy as a D2 receptor antagonist, brain penetrance
      in the 10-300 ng/g range, and thus motivated an assessment of the antipsychotic
      and pro-cognitive properties of this compound in the rat. Increased dopamine
      efflux in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, measured by microdialysis,
      is observed following subcutaneous injection of the drug. d.l-Gov inhibits both
      conditioned avoidance responding (CAR) and amphetamine-induced locomotion (AIL)
      at lower doses than clozapine (CAR ED50: d.l-Gov 0.72 vs. clozapine 7.70 mg/kg;
      AIL ED50: d.l-Gov 1.70 vs. clozapine 4.27 mg/kg). Catalepsy is not detectable at
      low biologically relevant doses, but is observed at higher doses. Consistent with
      previous reports, acute d-amphetamine disrupts latent inhibition (LI) while a
      novel finding of enhanced LI is observed in sensitized animals. Treatment with
      d.l-Gov prior to conditioned stimulus (CS) pre-exposure restores LI to levels
      observed in controls in both sensitized animals and those treated acutely with d
      amphetamine. Finally, possible pro-cognitive properties of d.l-Gov are assessed
      with the spatial delayed win-shift task. Subcutaneous injection of 1.0 mg/kg d.l
      Gov failed to affect errors at a 30-min delay, but decreased errors observed at a
      12-h delay. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence that d.l-Gov may
      have antipsychotic properties in conjunction with pro-cognitive effects, lending
      further support to the hypothesis that THPBs are a class of compounds which merit
      serious consideration as novel treatments for schizophrenia.

PMID- 22071248
TI  - Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of first BCG vaccination against
      tuberculosis in school-age children without previous tuberculin test (BCG-REVAC
      trial): a cluster-randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal BCG vaccination is part of routine vaccination schedules in
      many developing countries; vaccination at school age has not been assessed in
      trials in low-income and middle-income countries. Catch-up BCG vaccination of
      school-age children who missed neonatal BCG vaccination could be indicated if it
      confers protection and is cost-effective. We did a cluster-randomised trial (BCG
      REVAC) to estimate the effectiveness (efficacy given in routine settings) of
      school-age vaccination. METHODS: We assessed the effectiveness of BCG vaccination
      in school-age children (aged 7-14 years) with unknown tuberculin status who did
      not receive neonatal BCG vaccination (subpopulation of the BCG REVAC cluster
      randomised trial), between July, 1997, and June, 2006, in Salvador, Brazil, and
      between January, 1999, and December, 2007, in Manaus, Brazil. 763 schools were
      randomly assigned into BCG vaccination group or a not-vaccinated control group.
      Neither allocation nor intervention was concealed. Incidence of tuberculosis was
      the primary outcome. Cases were identified via the Brazilian Tuberculosis Control
      Programme. Study staff were masked to vaccination status when identified cases
      were linked to the study population. We estimated cost-effectiveness in Salvador
      by comparison of the cost for vaccination to prevent one case of tuberculosis
      (censored at 9 years) with the average cost of treating one case of tuberculosis.
      Analysis of all included children was by intention to treat. For calculation of
      the incidence rate we used generalised estimating equations and correlated
      observations over time. FINDINGS: We randomly assigned 20,622 children from 385
      schools to the BCG vaccination group and 18,507 children from 365 schools to the
      control group. The crude incidence of tuberculosis was 54.9 (95% CI 45.3-66.7)
      per 100,000 person-years in the BCG vaccination group and 72.7 (62.8-86.8) per
      100,000 person-years in the control group. The overall vaccine effectiveness of a
      first BCG vaccination at school age was 25% (3-43%). In Salvador, where vaccine
      effectiveness was 34% (8-53%), vaccination of 381 children would prevent one case
      of tuberculosis and was cheaper than treatment. The frequency of adverse events
      was very low with only one axillary lymphadenitis and one ulcer greater than 1 cm
      in 11,980 BCG vaccinations. INTERPRETATION: Vaccination of school-age children
      without previous tuberculin testing can reduce the incidence of tuberculosis and
      could reduce the costs of tuberculosis control. Restriction of BCG vaccination to
      the first year of life is not in the best interests of the public nor of
      programmes for tuberculosis control. FUNDING: UK Department for International
      Development, National Health Foundation.

PMID- 22071249
TI  - Immunogenicity of supplemental doses of poliovirus vaccine for children aged 6-9
      months in Moradabad, India: a community-based, randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The continued presence of polio in northern India poses challenges to
      the interruption of wild poliovirus transmission and the management of poliovirus
      risks in the post-eradication era. We aimed to assess the current immunity
      profile after routine doses of trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and
      numerous supplemental doses of type-1 monovalent OPV (mOPV1), and compared the
      effect of five vaccine formulations and dosages on residual immunity gaps.
      METHODS: We did a community-based, randomised controlled trial of healthy infants
      aged 6-9 months at ten sites in Moradabad, India. Serum neutralising antibody was
      measured before infants were randomly assigned to a study group and given
      standard-potency or higher-potency mOPV1, intradermal fractional-dose inactivated
      poliovirus vaccine (IPV, GlaxoSmithKline), or intramuscular full-dose IPV from
      two different manufacturers (GlaxoSmithKline or Panacea). Follow-up sera were
      taken at days 7 and 28. Our primary endpoint was an increase of more than four
      times in antibody titres. We did analyses by per-protocol in children with a
      blood sample available before, and 28 days after, receiving study vaccine (or who
      completed study procedures). This trial is registered with Current Controlled
      Trials, number ISRCTN90744784. FINDINGS: Of 1002 children enrolled, 869 (87%)
      completed study procedures (ie, blood sample available at day 0 and day 28). At
      baseline, 862 (99%), 625 (72%), and 418 (48%) had detectable antibodies to
      poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In children who were type-1
      seropositive, an increase of more than four times in antibody titre was detected
      28 days after they were given standard-potency mOPV1 (5/13 [38%]), higher-potency
      mOPV1 (6/21 [29%]), intradermal IPV (9/16 [56%]), GlaxoSmithKline intramuscular
      IPV (19/22 [86%]), and Panacea intramuscular IPV (11/13 [85%]). In those who were
      type-2 seronegative, 42 (100%) of 42 seroconverted after GlaxoSmithKline
      intramuscular IPV, and 24 (59%) of 41 after intradermal IPV (p<0.0001). 87 (90%)
      of 97 infants who were type-3 seronegative seroconverted after intramuscular IPV,
      and 21 (36%) of 49 after intradermal IPV (p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION: Supplemental
      mOPV1 resulted in almost total seroprevalence against poliovirus type 1, which is
      consistent with recent absence of poliomyelitis cases; whereas seroprevalence
      against types 2 and 3 was expected for routine vaccination histories. The
      immunogenicity of IPV produced in India (Panacea) was similar to that of an
      internationally manufactured IPV (GSK). Intradermal IPV was less immunogenic.

PMID- 22071250
TI  - Inactivated polio vaccine and global polio eradication.

PMID- 22071251
TI  - New studies of BCG: implications for tuberculosis vaccines.

PMID- 22071252
TI  - An effort to discover the preferred conformation of the potent AMG3 cannabinoid
      analog when reaching the active sites of the cannabinoid receptors.
AB  - Most of current 3D-QSAR algorithms use alignments of compounds at the training
      set based on reference active ligands in the first step of the construction of
      the pharamacophore modeling. This first step mostly defines the success of
      constructed pharmacophore models. In this step, it is essential to find the
      bioactive conformation for solid and reliable 3D-QSAR models. Therefore, we have
      proceeded through different approaches for revealing the preferred conformations
      of Delta(8)-THC derivative AMG-3 at CB1 and CB2 receptors. In the first approach,
      we have applied conformational search methods in gas and in solvent phases for
      the ligand. The derived low energy conformers using these methodologies have been
      modeled through 3D-QSAR studies (first generation model). In the second approach,
      the low energy conformers derived from molecular docking studies have been used
      as input for 3D-QSAR studies (second generation model). In the current study, a
      new approach using MD calculations in a simulated biological environment, thus
      the CB receptors surrounded by a lipid bilayer environment has been used (third
      generation). The obtained results for different environments were compared and
      the approach deriving the highest statistic results was used for the generation
      of the novel AMG3 analogs for optimal and selective binding affinities at CB1 and
      CB2 receptors by the de novo drug design modeling.

PMID- 22071253
TI  - Synthesis, crystal structure and pharmacological evaluation of two new Cu(II)
      complexes of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde (benzoyl) hydrazone: a
      comparative investigation.
AB  - Two new copper(II) complexes have been synthesized by reacting 2-oxo-1,2
      dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde (benzoyl) hydrazone (H(2)L) with CuCl(2).2H(2)O
      or Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O. The structures of the complexes have been determined by
      single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Results obtained using spectroscopic
      methods strongly suggested that the ligand and its Cu(II) complexes could
      interact with calf thymus DNA through intercalation. In the case of protein
      binding, the obtained results indicated that all the three compounds could quench
      the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin through static quenching
      process. In addition, antioxidant activity tests showed that H(2)L and its
      copper(II) complexes possess significant scavenging effect against free radicals.
      Further, the two copper(II) complexes exhibited effective cytotoxic activity
      against a panel of human cancer cell lines.

PMID- 22071254
TI  - Synthesis, anti-inflammatory activity and molecular docking studies of 2,5
      diarylfuran amino acid derivatives.
AB  - A series of 2,5-diaryl substituted furans functionalized with several amino acids
      were synthesized and evaluated as the cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes
      inhibitors. The proline-substituted compound inhibited PGE(2) secretion by LPS
      stimulated neutrophils, suggesting selectivity for COX-2. Molecular docking
      studies in the binding site of COX-2 were performed.

PMID- 22071256
TI  - 1,2,3-Triazole tethered beta-lactam-chalcone bifunctional hybrids: synthesis and
      anticancer evaluation.
AB  - The manuscript describes the synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazole tethered beta
      lactam-chalcone bifunctional hybrids via click chemistry approach utilizing azide
      alkyne cycloaddition reactions and their evaluation as anticancer agents against
      four human cancer cell lines. The presence of a cyclohexyl substituent at N-1 of
      beta-lactam ring and methoxy substituents, preferably ortho on ring A and para on
      ring B on chalcones markedly improved the anticancer profiles of the synthesized
      scaffolds with the most potent of the test compound exhibiting an IC(50) value of
      <1, 67.1, <1 and 6.37 MUM against A-549(lung), PC-3(prostate), THP-1(leukemia),
      and Caco-2(colon) cell lines, respectively.

PMID- 22071255
TI  - Molecular mechanism of serotonin transporter inhibition elucidated by a new
      flexible docking protocol.
AB  - The two main groups of antidepressant drugs, the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
      and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as well as several other
      compounds, act by inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT). However, the
      binding mode and molecular mechanism of inhibition in SERT are not fully
      understood. In this study, five classes of SERT inhibitors were docked into an
      outward-facing SERT homology model using a new 4D ensemble docking protocol.
      Unlike other docking protocols, where protein flexibility is not considered or is
      highly dependent on the ligand structure, flexibility was here obtained by side
      chain sampling of the amino acids of the binding pocket using biased probability
      Monte Carlo (BPMC) prior to docking. This resulted in the generation of multiple
      binding pocket conformations that the ligands were docked into. The docking
      results showed that the inhibitors were stacked between the aromatic amino acids
      of the extracellular gate (Y176, F335) presumably preventing its closure. The
      inhibitors interacted with amino acids in both the putative substrate binding
      site and more extracellular regions of the protein. A general structure-docking
      based pharmacophore model was generated to explain binding of all studied classes
      of SERT inhibitors. Docking of a test set of actives and decoys furthermore
      showed that the outward-facing ensemble SERT homology model consistently and
      selectively scored the majority of active compounds above decoys, which indicates
      its usefulness in virtual screening.

PMID- 22071257
TI  - Novel octahedral Pt(IV) complex with di-n-propyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2
      (3-cyclohexyl)propanoato ligand exerts potent immunomodulatory effects.
AB  - We have recently reported that a novel octahedral Pt(IV) complex with di-n-propyl
      (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoato ligand has a potent
      cytotoxic effect on glioma, melanoma and fibrosarcoma cell lines. In this work,
      we investigated the influence of the Pt(IV) compound on immune cells. We
      determined its effect on the viability of spleen cells and lymph node cells and
      on their capability to produce interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-17.
      Also, we researched the compound's impact on peritoneal macrophages and
      generation of NO in these cells. Our results show that the complex has limited
      influence on cell viability of immune cells, but profound inhibitory effect on
      the production of examined immune mediators. These results are valuable as they
      show that the novel Pt(IV) complex applied in concentrations which are effective
      against tumor cells do not affect immune cell viability. Moreover, they also
      imply that the complex has immunomodulatory properties.

PMID- 22071258
TI  - Effect of inorganic and organic ligands on the sorption/desorption of arsenate
      on/from Al-Mg and Fe-Mg layered double hydroxides.
AB  - This paper describes the sorption of arsenate on Al-Mg and Fe-Mg layered double
      hydroxides as affected by pH and varying concentrations of inorganic and organic
      ligands, and the effect of residence time on the desorption of arsenate by
      ligands. The capacity of ligands to inhibit the fixation of arsenate followed the
      sequence: nitrate<nitrite<sulphate<selenite<tartrate<oxalate?phosphate on Al-Mg
      LDH and nitrate<sulphate~nitrite<tartrate<oxalate<selenite? phosphate on Fe-Mg
      LDH. The inhibition of arsenate sorption increased by increasing the initial
      ligand concentration and was greater on Al-Mg-LDH than on Fe-Mg-LDH. The longer
      the arsenate residence time on the LDH surfaces the less effective the competing
      ligands were in desorbing arsenate from sorbents. A greater percentage of
      arsenate was removed by phosphate from Al-Mg-LDH than from Fe-Mg-LDH, due to the
      higher affinity of arsenate for iron than aluminum.

PMID- 22071259
TI  - Use of specific gene analysis to assess the effectiveness of surfactant-enhanced
      trichloroethylene cometabolism.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of in situ
      bioremediation of trichloroethylene (TCE)-contaminated groundwater using specific
      gene analyses under the following conditions: (1) pretreatment with biodegradable
      surfactants [Simple GreenTM (SG) and soya lecithin (SL)] to enhance TCE
      desorption and dissolution, and (2) supplementation with SG, SL, and cane
      molasses as primary substrates to enhance the aerobic cometabolism of TCE.
      Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE),
      and nucleotide sequence analysis were applied to monitor the variations in
      specific activity-dependent enzymes and dominant microorganisms. Results show
      that TCE-degrading enzymes, including toluene monooxygenase, toluene dioxygenase,
      and phenol monooxygenase, were identified from sediment samples collected from a
      TCE-spill site. Results from the microcosm study show that addition of SG, SL, or
      cane molasses can enhance the aerobic cometabolism of TCE. The TCE degradation
      rates were highest in microcosms with added SL, the second highest in microcosms
      containing SG, and lowest in microcosms containing cane molasses. This indicates
      that SG and SL can serve as TCE dissolution agents and act as primary substrates
      for indigenous microorganisms. Four dominant microorganisms (Rhodobacter sp.,
      Methyloversatilis sp., Beta proteobacterium sp., and Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava)
      observed in microcosms might be able to produce TCE-degrading enzymes for TCE
      cometabolic processes.

PMID- 22071260
TI  - Bioremediation of the heavy metal complex dye Isolan Dark Blue 2SGL-01 by white
      rot fungus Irpex lacteus.
AB  - The present study was conducted to evaluate the decolorization and degradation of
      the chromium metal complex dye Isolan Dark Blue 2SGL-01 by Irpex lacteus, a white
      rot lignolytic fungus. I. lacteus effectively decolorized the sulphonated
      reactive dye at a high concentration of 250 mg/l over a wide range of pH values
      of 5-9 and temperatures between 20 and 35 degrees C. Complete (100%)
      decolorization occurred within 96h, and I. lacteus demonstrated resistance to the
      metallic dye. UV-vis spectroscopy, HPLC, GC-MS, and FT-IR analyses of the
      extracted metabolites confirmed that the decolorization process occurred due to
      degradation of the dye and not merely by adsorption. GC-MS analysis indicated the
      formation of 1(2H)-naphthalenone, 3,4-dihydro- and 2-naphthalenol as the main
      metabolite. ICP analysis demonstrated the removal of 13.49% chromium, and
      phytotoxicity studies using germinated seeds of Vigna radiata and Brassica juncea
      demonstrated the nontoxic nature of the metabolites formed during the degradation
      of Isolan Dark Blue 2SGL-01 dye.

PMID- 22071261
TI  - Influence of oxygen functionalities on the environmental impact of imidazolium
      based ionic liquids.
AB  - Several physico-chemical properties relevant to determine the environmental
      impact of ionic liquids - aqueous solubility, octanol-water partition coefficient
      and diffusion coefficients in water at infinite dilution - together with toxicity
      and biodegradability of ionic liquids based on 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium
      cations with or without different oxygenated functional groups (hydroxyl, ester
      and ether) are studied in this work. The presence of oxygen groups on the
      imidazolium cation reduces the toxicity of ionic liquids 1-alkyl-3
      methylimidazolium with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or octylsulfate anions
      and simultaneously decreases the value of their octanol-water partition
      coefficient. The presence of ester functions renders the ionic liquids more
      easily biodegradable, especially for long alkyl side-chains in the cation but
      leads to hydrolysis with the formation of reaction products that accumulate. The
      imidazolium ring is resistant to biodegradability and to abiotic degradation. The
      oxygen functionalised ionic liquids are more soluble in water and, diffuse more
      slowly in this medium.

PMID- 22071262
TI  - Haploinsufficiency of the genes encoding the tumor suppressor Pten predisposes
      zebrafish to hemangiosarcoma.
AB  - PTEN is an essential tumor suppressor that antagonizes Akt/PKB signaling. The
      zebrafish genome encodes two Pten genes, ptena and ptenb. Here, we report that
      zebrafish mutants that retain a single wild-type copy of ptena or ptenb (ptena(+/
      )ptenb(-/-) or ptena(-/-)ptenb(+/-)) are viable and fertile. ptena(+/-)ptenb(-/-)
      fish develop tumors at a relatively high incidence (10.2%) and most tumors
      developed close to the eye (26/30). Histopathologically, the tumor masses were
      associated with the retrobulbar vascular network and diagnosed as
      hemangiosarcomas. A single tumor was identified in 42 ptena(-/-)ptenb(+/-) fish
      and was also diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry indicated that
      the tumor cells in ptena(+/-)ptenb(-/-) and ptena(-/-)ptenb(+/-) fish
      proliferated rapidly and were of endothelial origin. Akt/PKB signaling was
      activated in the tumors, whereas Ptena was still detected in tumor tissue from
      ptena(+/-)ptenb(-/-) zebrafish. We conclude that haploinsufficiency of the genes
      encoding Pten predisposes to hemangiosarcoma in zebrafish.

PMID- 22071263
TI  - Combined aldosterone and cortisol secretion by adrenal incidentaloma.
AB  - A 70-year-old woman was referred to the authors' unit following hospitalization
      for cardiac failure, high urinary free cortisol concentrations and severe
      hypokaliemia. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed an adrenal
      adenoma. The 24-hour urinary free cortisol values were high and plasma cortisol
      levels failed to suppress following 1 mg dexamethasone test. Aldosterone to
      plasma renin activity ratio was also pathologic, confirmed by saline load. She
      showed no symptoms of glucocorticoid excess. She was diagnosed with combined
      primary hyperaldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome. Cases of adrenal
      incidentalomas co-secreting cortisol and aldosterone are rare; they should be
      addressed in patients undergoing adrenal surgery for Conn's syndrome to avoid
      adrenal insufficiency after removal of the tumor.

PMID- 22071264
TI  - Metabolic specialization of mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are endowed with four unusual properties. They
      are exceedingly small, exhibiting an intracellular volume two to three orders of
      magnitude smaller than that of normal mammalian cells. Their rate of cell
      division, wherein cell doubling takes place in only 4-5 h, is more rapid than
      even the fastest growing cancer cell lines. They do not senesce. Finally, mouse
      ES cells retain pluripotency adequate to give rise to all cell types present in
      either gender of adult mice. We have investigated whether some or all of these
      unusual features might relate to the possibility that mouse ES cells exist in a
      specialized metabolic state. By evaluating the abundance of common metabolites as
      a function of the conversion of mouse ES cells into differentiated embryoid
      bodies, it was observed that the most radical changes in metabolite abundance
      related to cellular building blocks associated with one carbon metabolism. These
      observations led to the discovery that mouse ES cells use the threonine
      dehydrogenase (TDH) enzyme to convert threonine into acetyl-coenzyme A and
      glycine, thereby facilitating consumption of threonine as a metabolic fuel. Here
      we describe the results of a combination of nutritional and pharmacological
      studies, providing evidence that mouse ES cells are critically dependent on both
      threonine and the TDH enzyme for growth and viability.

PMID- 22071265
TI  - Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase: a central regulator of
      metabolism with roles in diabetes, cancer, and viral infection.
AB  - Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy
      sensor activated by metabolic stresses that inhibit catabolic ATP production or
      accelerate ATP consumption. Once activated, AMPK switches on catabolic pathways,
      generating ATP, while inhibiting cell growth and proliferation, thus promoting
      energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated by the antidiabetic drug metformin, and by
      many natural products including "nutraceuticals" and compounds used in
      traditional medicines. Most of these xenobiotics activate AMPK by inhibiting
      mitochondrial ATP production. AMPK activation by metabolic stress requires the
      upstream kinase, LKB1, whose tumor suppressor effects may be largely mediated by
      AMPK. However, many tumor cells appear to have developed mechanisms to reduce
      AMPK activation and thus escape its growth-restraining effects. A similar
      phenomenon occurs during viral infection. If we can establish how down-regulation
      occurs in tumors and virus-infected cells, there may be therapeutic avenues to
      reverse these effects.

PMID- 22071266
TI  - A rice orthologue of the ABA receptor, OsPYL/RCAR5, is a positive regulator of
      the ABA signal transduction pathway in seed germination and early seedling
      growth.
AB  - Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone that positively regulates seed dormancy and
      stress tolerance. PYL/RCARs were identified an intracellular ABA receptors
      regulating ABA-dependent gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, their
      function in monocot species has not been characterized yet. Herein, it is
      demonstrated that PYL/RCAR orthologues in Oryza sativa function as a positive
      regulator of the ABA signal transduction pathway. Transgenic rice plants
      expressing OsPYL/RCAR5, a PYL/RCAR orthologue of rice, were found to be
      hypersensitive to ABA during seed germination and early seedling growth. A rice
      ABA signalling unit composed of OsPYL/RCAR5, OsPP2C30, SAPK2, and OREB1 for ABA
      dependent gene regulation was further identified, via interaction assays and a
      transient gene expression assay. Thus, a core signalling unit for ABA-responsive
      gene expression modulating seed germination and early seedling growth in rice has
      been unravelled. This study provides substantial contributions toward
      understanding the ABA signal transduction pathway in rice.

PMID- 22071267
TI  - Conservation and divergence of four kiwifruit SVP-like MADS-box genes suggest
      distinct roles in kiwifruit bud dormancy and flowering.
AB  - MADS-box genes similar to Arabidopsis SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) have been
      implicated in the regulation of flowering in annual species and bud dormancy in
      perennial species. Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) are woody perennial vines where bud
      dormancy and out-growth affect flower development. To determine the role of SVP
      like genes in dormancy and flowering of kiwifruit, four MADS-box genes with
      homology to Arabidopsis SVP, designated SVP1, SVP2, SVP3, and SVP4, have been
      identified and analysed in kiwifruit and functionally characterized in
      Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis indicate that these genes fall into different
      sub-clades within the SVP-like gene group, suggesting distinct functions.
      Expression was generally confined to vegetative tissues, and increased transcript
      accumulation in shoot buds over the winter period suggests a role for these genes
      in bud dormancy. Down-regulation before flower differentiation indicate possible
      roles as floral repressors. Over-expression and complementation studies in
      Arabidopsis resulted in a range of floral reversion phenotypes arising from
      interactions with Arabidopsis MADS-box proteins, but only SVP1 and SVP3 were able
      to complement the svp mutant. These results suggest that the kiwifruit SVP-like
      genes may have distinct roles during bud dormancy and flowering.

PMID- 22071268
TI  - Ultrasonic characterization of a fluid layer using a broadband transducer.
AB  - A measurement method is proposed for the ultrasonic characterization of a fluid
      layer, corresponding to the resin transfer molding (RTM) manufacturing process.
      The ultrasonic velocity and attenuation of the silicone oil are measured in three
      samples having different viscosities. The measurement method is established on
      the basis of the attenuation of ultrasonic waves in fluids. A correction of the
      beam diffraction is implemented to improve measurement precision. A single
      element transducer with central frequency of 15 MHz is used. The tested fluids
      simulate the industrial resin used to manufacture composite materials. When
      injecting this resin, its viscosity increases until it reaches a critical state
      of polymerization. In this paper we focus on ultrasonic characterization of three
      fluids representing three intermediate cases of fluid resin during its injection
      before reaching the polymerization state.

PMID- 22071269
TI  - A signal detection theoretic approach for estimating metacognitive sensitivity
      from confidence ratings.
AB  - How should we measure metacognitive ("type 2") sensitivity, i.e. the efficacy
      with which observers' confidence ratings discriminate between their own correct
      and incorrect stimulus classifications? We argue that currently available methods
      are inadequate because they are influenced by factors such as response bias and
      type 1 sensitivity (i.e. ability to distinguish stimuli). Extending the signal
      detection theory (SDT) approach of Galvin, Podd, Drga, and Whitmore (2003), we
      propose a method of measuring type 2 sensitivity that is free from these
      confounds. We call our measure meta-d', which reflects how much information, in
      signal-to-noise units, is available for metacognition. Applying this novel method
      in a 2-interval forced choice visual task, we found that subjects' metacognitive
      sensitivity was close to, but significantly below, optimality. We discuss the
      theoretical implications of these findings, as well as related computational
      issues of the method. We also provide free Matlab code for implementing the
      analysis.

PMID- 22071270
TI  - Simultaneous determination of tectorigenin, irigenin and irisflorentin in rat
      plasma and urine by UHPLC-MS/MS: application to pharmacokinetics.
AB  - A sensitive and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography
      electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) has been
      developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of three active
      components, i.e., tectorigenin, irigenin and irisflorentin, in rat plasma and
      urine after oral administration of Rhizoma Belamcandae extract. Chromatographic
      separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB-C(18) column (50 mm * 2.1 mm, 1.8 MUm;
      Agilent, USA) with gradient elution using a mobile phase that consisted of
      acetonitrile - 0.1% formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Detection
      was performed by a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in multiple
      reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via polarity switching between the negative (for
      tectorigenin and irigenin) and positive (for irisflorentin) ionization modes. The
      calibration curve was linear over a range of 50-50,000 ng/mL for tectorigenin, 10
      5000 ng/mL for irigenin and 0.1-200 ng/mL for irisflorentin, respectively. The
      intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD %) were within 11.3% for all analytes,
      whereas the deviation of assay accuracies ranged from -8.7 to +11.1%. All
      analytes were proven to be stable during all sample storage and analysis
      procedures. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of
      the three isoflavones after oral administration of Rhizoma Belamcandae extract to
      rats.

PMID- 22071271
TI  - A balanced neural tree for pattern classification.
AB  - This paper proposes a new neural tree (NT) architecture, balanced neural tree
      (BNT), to reduce tree size and improve classification with respect to classical
      NTs. To achieve this result, two main innovations have been introduced: (a)
      perceptron substitution and (b) pattern removal. The first innovation aims to
      balance the structure of the tree. If the last-trained perceptron largely
      misclassifies the given training set into a reduced number of classes, then this
      perceptron is substituted with a new perceptron. The second novelty consists of
      the introduction of a new criterion for the removal of tough training patterns
      that generate the problem of over-fitting. Finally, a new error function based on
      the depth of the tree is introduced to reduce perceptron training time. The
      proposed BNT has been tested on various synthetic and real datasets. The
      experimental results show that the proposed BNT leads to satisfactory results in
      terms of both tree depth reduction and classification accuracy.

PMID- 22071272
TI  - Implications of multiple-choice testing in nursing education.
AB  - The evaluation of knowledge/competence is understood as an essential component of
      nursing education and practice. As such, nurse educators have a plethora of
      existing evaluation strategies from which to choose. A common written evaluative
      format used across all higher education settings is multiple-choice testing. This
      evaluation approach is accepted as a 'user-friendly' strategy to assess
      knowledge. Researchers from the disciplines of psychology and education have long
      been concerned with the consequences of multiple-choice testing on learning
      outcomes, a discussion that is essentially absent from the nursing literature.
      The purpose of this paper is to address the professional implications of multiple
      choice testing in nursing. The potential knowledge consequences for nurse
      learners, and by extension the provision of care to healthcare recipients,
      resultant from use of this testing modality are addressed within the context of
      the implementation of best practice guidelines in a long-term care home in a mid
      sized rural and northern Canadian community with both regulated and non-regulated
      care providers.

PMID- 22071273
TI  - The concept of reflection in nursing: qualitative findings on student and teacher
      perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study sought to increase the understanding of the
      concept of reflection within nursing. The research focused on the social
      construction of reflection through a post-registration, palliative care programme
      in the United Kingdom (UK). DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: An interpretive ethnographic
      approach was used to study reflection from the perspective of students and
      teachers, whilst paying attention to local organisational, contextual and
      cultural issues. METHODS: Data collection included: observations of teaching and
      learning interactions, interviews, extracts from programme documentation and
      student reflective learning contracts (RLCs). FINDINGS: Findings identified a
      learning culture committed to reflection as a valuable way of helping nurses make
      sense of their practice. Similar to Barnett's (1997) concept of 'critical being',
      students and teachers described reflection as a way of 'being' rather than simply
      'thinking' or 'doing', since reflection intertwined propositional, affective and
      active elements. This process of reflective 'being' was connected with a
      humanistic approach to nursing, which emphasises the importance of actively using
      and expressing oneself in order to care for people. CONCLUSION: This paper
      contributes empirical knowledge on the meaning of reflection in nursing
      regarding: teachers' and students' perspectives, reflection as a way to make
      sense of practice, and reflection as a way of 'being' and its association with
      humanistic nursing.

PMID- 22071274
TI  - Perceptions of "caring" in nursing education by Pakistani nursing students: an
      exploratory study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Caring is considered to be a highly abstract concept. Nurturing a
      caring attitude in nursing education is important as this is the first place for
      students to learn about the most significant values and essence of their
      profession. AIM: The aim of the study was to describe the concept of caring from
      the perspective of nursing students. METHODOLOGY: An exploratory research design
      was utilised for this study. Eight senior nursing students from one government
      institute (College of Nursing) in X country were recruited as study participants.
      Data was generated through in-depth one-to-one interviews and analysed using
      Creswell's six-step guide for qualitative data analysis. The interviews were tape
      recorded and a "member check" technique was used. FINDINGS: The study results
      found the themes of caring as a mothering relationship, helping attitude, limit
      setting, communication, and a source of empowerment and development. CONCLUSION:
      The implications of the findings for nursing education, faculty development, and
      research are described in the study.

PMID- 22071275
TI  - Vaccination competence of graduating public health nurse students and nurses.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the vaccination competence of
      graduating public health nurse students (PHN students) compared with public
      health nurses (PHNs). METHODS: Structured instruments were developed for this
      study: a self-assessment (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) of vaccination competence
      and a knowledge test. The data were collected through purposive sampling of
      graduating PHN students (n=129) from Finnish polytechnics representing the main
      geographical areas of Finland and PHNs (n=405), drawn from health centers in the
      same areas. RESULTS: PHNs assessed themselves to have higher vaccination
      competence than the PHN students, and also did better on the knowledge test. In
      multivariate analysis, when all common background variables were taken into
      account, there was no significant difference between the students and PHNs in the
      self-assessment, though the PHNs outperformed students on the knowledge test.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both basic and continuing education could be improved. The knowledge
      test developed for this study could be used at polytechnics and workplaces to
      test vaccination knowledge, and self-assessment could be discussed as part of
      employee development discussions. Future research might focus on developing the
      existing instruments, observing vaccination situations, and on interviewing
      clients.

PMID- 22071276
TI  - Why should we bother with assessment moderation?
AB  - Assessment moderation is a significant component of a quality education system.
      How this practice is conceptualised, applied to the assessment process and
      embedded in teaching and learning, influence the quality of nurse education
      programmes. This paper challenges the traditional view that moderation is
      confined to what happens at the time of assessment which is evident in the use of
      language such as pre-moderation and post-moderation practice. It critiques
      traditional moderation practices such as double marking, applying assessment
      criteria and standards and assigning marks and grades and argues that these
      practices don't do justice to the complexity of assessment. It calls for a whole
      of course approach to moderation based on a set of principles which encompass
      constructive alignment, a community of practice group, the subjective nature of
      assessment and a reflective quality improvement cycle.

PMID- 22071277
TI  - 'Tech' versus 'talk': a comparison study of two different lecture styles within a
      Master of Science nurse practitioner course.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generation Y students have a strong preference for technology that
      has caused educators to re-evaluate their instructional techniques. Limited
      published literature exists evaluating the benefits of electronic lecture
      delivery to students enrolled within nursing degree programs, with no
      publications to date comparing traditional to blended learning modalities.
      OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively compare student outcomes, including overall course
      grade and individual examination scores, between two cohorts of students
      utilizing two distinctly different methods of lecture delivery, traditional and
      blended. METHODS: IRB approval was granted to retrospectively compare student
      outcomes from fifty-two students enrolled within Northeastern University's Master
      of Science Nurse Practitioner degree program. A total of 23 students were
      enrolled in the traditional section taught in 2010 and 29 students were enrolled
      in the blended section taught in 2011. Student'st-test was used to compare
      studied outcomes between each section. A p-value of <=0.05 was considered to be
      statistically significant. RESULTS: The students enrolled within blended course
      scored statistically significantly higher than their counterparts within the
      traditional course for three of the four studied outcomes, including overall
      course score. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that nursing students enrolled
      within a more technologically advanced course may have improved performance over
      students enrolled in courses with traditional lecture styles given their
      generational preferences for learning.

PMID- 22071278
TI  - Pridopidine in treatment of Huntington's disease: beyond chorea?

PMID- 22071279
TI  - Pridopidine for the treatment of motor function in patients with Huntington's
      disease (MermaiHD): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder,
      characterised by motor, cognitive, and behavioural deficits. Pridopidine belongs
      to a new class of compounds known as dopaminergic stabilisers, and results from a
      small phase 2 study in patients with Huntington's disease suggested that this
      drug might improve voluntary motor function. We aimed to assess further the
      effects of pridopidine in patients with Huntington's disease. METHODS: We
      undertook a 6 month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess
      the efficacy of pridopidine in the treatment of motor deficits in patients with
      Huntington's disease. Our primary endpoint was change in the modified motor score
      (mMS; derived from the unified Huntington's disease rating scale) at 26 weeks. We
      recruited patients with Huntington's disease from 32 European centres; patients
      were aged 30 years or older and had an mMS of 10 points or greater at baseline.
      Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive placebo, 45 mg per day
      pridopidine, or 90 mg per day pridopidine by use of centralised computer
      generated codes. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment.
      We also assessed the safety and tolerability profile of pridopidine. For our
      primary analysis, all patients were eligible for inclusion in our full analysis
      set, in which we used the last observation carried forward method for missing
      values. We used an analysis of covariance model and the Bonferroni method to
      adjust for multiple comparisons. We used a prespecified per-protocol population
      as our sensitivity analysis. The alpha level was 0.025 for our primary analysis
      and 0.05 overall. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number
      NCT00665223. FINDINGS: At 26 weeks, in our full analysis set the difference in
      mean mMS was -0.99 points (97.5% CI -2.08 to 0.10, p=0.042) in patients who
      received 90 mg per day pridopidine (n=145) versus those who received placebo
      (n=144), and -0.36 points (-1.44 to 0.72, p=0.456) in those who received 45 mg
      per day pridopidine (n=148) versus those who received placebo. At the 90 mg per
      day dose, in our per-protocol population (n=114), the reduction in the mMS was of
      -1.29 points (-2.47 to -0.12; p=0.014) compared with placebo (n=120). We did not
      identify any changes in non-motor endpoints at either dose. Pridopidine was well
      tolerated and had an adverse event profile similar to that of placebo.
      INTERPRETATION: This study did not provide evidence of efficacy as measured by
      the mMS, but a potential effect of pridopidine on the motor phenotype of
      Huntington's disease merits further investigation. Pridopidine up to 90 mg per
      day was well tolerated in patients with Huntington's disease. FUNDING:
      NeuroSearch A/S.

PMID- 22071280
TI  - Recognition and understanding of goals and roles: The key internal features of
      mental health court teams.
AB  - The increasing involvement of people with mental illness in the criminal justice
      system has led to the formation of specialty programs such as mental health
      courts (hereafter MHCs). We discuss MHCs and the teams serving these courts.
      Specifically, we examine team members' perceptions of MHC goals and their own and
      others' roles on the MHC team. Using a semi-structured interview instrument, we
      conducted 59 face-to-face interviews with criminal justice and mental health
      treatment personnel representing 11 Ohio MHCs. Findings from our qualitative data
      analyses reveal that MHC personnel understand individuals' roles within the
      teams, recognize and appreciate the importance of different roles, and share
      common goals. MHCs could foster this level of understanding and agreement by
      working to recruit and retain individuals with experience in or willingness to
      learn about both the criminal justice and mental health systems. Future research
      should explore the impact of MHC team functioning on client outcomes.

PMID- 22071281
TI  - The metabolic syndrome, incidence of diabetes and mortality among the elderly:
      the Italian Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether or not the metabolic syndrome (MetS) can predict the
      incidence of diabetes and all-cause mortality among elderly subjects. METHODS:
      Analyses were based on data collected by the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging
      (ILSA) that, between 1992 and 1996, enrolled 5632 participants aged 65 to 84
      years. The analyses included 3081 participants for whom complete data were
      available. Logistic-regression models were designed to study the influence of the
      MetS on the incidence of diabetes, adjusting for individual MetS components and
      possible confounders. Data on mortality collected between baseline and the 1996
      follow-up were also considered, and Cox's proportional hazards models were used
      to determine the death risk attributable to the synergistic relationship between
      the MetS and diabetes. RESULTS: The MetS was strongly associated with an
      increased risk of diabetes (OR: 5.53, 95% CI: 2.89-10.60). After adjusting for
      its individual components and possible confounders, the MetS maintained an
      important role in predicting the incidence of diabetes (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 0.97
      7.24) together with the fasting glucose component (OR: 5.89, 95% CI: 2.89-11.98).
      Over the 4-year follow-up, participants with diabetes, but without the MetS, and
      subjects with the MetS, but without diabetes, had no significant risk of death
      compared with the reference group. Elderly subjects who had both the MetS and
      diabetes had almost double the risk of death vs the reference group (HR: 1.80,
      95% CI: 1.04-3.12). CONCLUSION: The MetS is associated with the incidence of
      diabetes, and the synergy between the MetS and diabetes is an important risk
      factor for all-cause mortality in elderly subjects.

PMID- 22071282
TI  - Squatting, a posture test for studying cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in
      diabetes.
AB  - Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a frequent complication of diabetes
      mellitus, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It involves
      both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, and may be diagnosed by
      classical dynamic tests with measurements of heart rate (HR) and/or arterial
      blood pressure (BP). An original squat test (1-min standing, 1-min squatting, 1
      min standing) was used with continuous monitoring of HR and BP, using a
      Finapres((r)) device. This active test imposes greater postural stress than the
      passive head-up tilt test, and provokes large changes in BP and HR that can be
      analyzed to derive indices of CAN. In healthy subjects, squatting is associated
      with BP increases and HR decreases (abolished by atropine: SqTv index), whereas
      the squat-stand transition is accompanied by a deep but transient drop in BP
      associated with sympathetic-driven tachycardia (abolished by propranolol: SqTs
      index). In diabetic patients with CAN, BP increases are accentuated during
      squatting whereas reflex bradycardia is reduced. When standing from squatting
      position, the fall in BP tends to be more pronounced and orthostatic hypotension
      more prolonged, while reflex tachycardia is markedly dampened. The baroreflex
      gain, similar to that calculated during pharmacological testing with
      vasodilator/vasopressor agents, can be derived by plotting pulse intervals (R-R)
      against systolic BP levels during the biphasic response following the squat-stand
      transition. The slope, which represents baroreflex sensitivity, is significantly
      reduced in patients with CAN. This discriminatory index allows study of the
      natural history of CAN in a large cohort of diabetic patients.

PMID- 22071283
TI  - Closed-loop insulin delivery for treatment of type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common endocrine problems in childhood and
      adolescence, and remains a serious chronic disorder with increased morbidity and
      mortality, and reduced quality of life. Technological innovations positively
      affect the management of type 1 diabetes. Closed-loop insulin delivery
      (artificial pancreas) is a recent medical innovation, aiming to reduce the risk
      of hypoglycemia while achieving tight control of glucose. Characterized by real
      time glucose-responsive insulin administration, closed-loop systems combine
      glucose-sensing and insulin-delivery components. In the most viable and
      researched configuration, a disposable sensor measures interstitial glucose
      levels, which are fed into a control algorithm controlling delivery of a rapid
      acting insulin analog into the subcutaneous tissue by an insulin pump. Research
      progress builds on an increasing use of insulin pumps and availability of glucose
      monitors. We review the current status of insulin delivery, focusing on clinical
      evaluations of closed-loop systems. Future goals are outlined, and benefits and
      limitations of closed-loop therapy contrasted. The clinical utility of these
      systems is constrained by inaccuracies in glucose sensing, inter- and intra
      patient variability, and delays due to absorption of insulin from the
      subcutaneous tissue, all of which are being gradually addressed.

PMID- 22071284
TI  - Sequential therapy of vacuum sealing drainage and free-flap transplantation for
      children with extensive soft-tissue defects below the knee in the extremities.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the surgical technique and clinical
      significance of the sequential therapy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and free
      flap transplantation for children with extensive soft-tissue defects below the
      knee in the extremities. METHODS: Twenty-two children (aged from 3 to 10 years)
      received sequential therapy of VSD and free-flap transplantation. All cases
      suffered from extensive area soft-tissue defects and exposure or partial defects
      of bones, tendons and other deep tissues. The wound sizes varied from 10 cm * 6
      cm to 30 cm * 22 cm. Amongst 22 cases, 12 cases had fresh wounds and the
      remaining 10 children had necrotising infection. After complete debridement, the
      wounds were covered by VSD. External fixation or Kirschner-wire fixation should
      be performed for the cases complicated by unsteady fractures. After the removal
      of negative pressure VSD devices, free-flap transplantations were performed in 8
      cases after debridement, and 14 cases received combined therapy of free-flap
      transplantation and skin grafting depending upon the severity of soft-tissue and
      deep-tissue defects. The flap survival and wound healing were followed up
      postoperatively. RESULTS: After VSD treatment, the infection of deep-tissue
      exposure was effectively prevented, and granulation tissues surrounding the
      exposed areas of tendons and bones grew well. All patients who received free-flap
      transplantation at the second stage survived without the occurrence of vascular
      crisis, infection or sinus formation. During follow-up ranging from 6 to 24
      months, all the patients were satisfied with the morphological appearance and
      functional recovery of the affected limbs. CONCLUSION: Sequential therapy of VSD
      and free-flap transplantation can serve as a reliable option for children with
      extensive soft-tissue defects below the knee in the extremities and exposed deep
      tissues, after complete debridement, which significantly shortens remedy period,
      enhances success rate for surgery and achieves maximal restoration of limb
      function.

PMID- 22071285
TI  - Aggressive fresh frozen plasma (FFP) with massive blood transfusion in the
      absence of acute traumatic coagulopathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A high ratio of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to packed red blood cells
      (PRBC) is currently recognised as the standard of care in some centres during
      massive transfusion post trauma. The aim of this study was to test whether the
      presumption of benefit held true for severely injured patients who received a
      massive transfusion, but did not present with acute traumatic coagulopathy.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data collected in The Alfred Trauma Registry over a 6 year
      period were reviewed. Included patients were sub-grouped by a high FFP:PRBC ratio
      (>=1:2) in the first 4 h and compared to patients receiving a lower ratio.
      Outcomes studied were associations with mortality, hours in the intensive care
      unit and hours of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Of 4164 eligible patients, 374
      received a massive transfusion and 179 (49.7%) patients who did not have
      coagulopathy were included for analysis. There were 66 patients who received a
      high ratio of FFP:PRBC, and were similar in demographics and presentation to 113
      patients who received a lower ratio. There was no significant difference in
      mortality between the two groups (p=0.80), and the FFP:PRBC ratio was not
      significantly associated with mortality, ICU length of stay or mechanically
      ventilated hours. CONCLUSIONS: A small proportion of major trauma patients
      received a massive blood transfusion in the absence of acute traumatic
      coagulopathy. Aggressive FFP transfusion in this group of patients was not
      associated with significantly improved outcomes. FFP transfusion carries inherent
      risks with substantial costs and the population most likely to benefit from a
      high FFP:PRBC ratio needs to be clearly defined.

PMID- 22071286
TI  - The potential of biodetoxification activity as a probiotic property of
      Lactobacillus reuteri.
AB  - Previous work on the metabolism of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 anticipated a
      variability in the use of organic electron acceptors as a means to relieve
      metabolic redox problems. Therefore, investigations focusing on this unique
      metabolism of L. reuteri may reveal a basis for new probiotic properties. For
      instance, L. reuteri may use reactive aldehydes and ketones as electron acceptors
      to balance their redox metabolism, which opens the possibility to exploit this
      bacterium for in vivo bioreduction of deleterious compounds in the
      gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Herein we demonstrate that L. reuteri ATCC 55730
      cultures on glucose are able to use furfural (1g/L), and hydroxymethylfurfural
      (HMF) (0.5g/L), as electron acceptors. The former enhances the growth rate by
      about 25% and biomass yield by 15%, whereas the latter is inhibitory. Furfural is
      stoichiometrically reduced to furfuryl alcohol by the culture. The conversion of
      furfural had no effect on the flux distribution between the simultaneously
      operating phosphoketolase and Embden-Meyerhof pathways, but initiated a flux to
      acetate production. In addition to furfural and HMF, cellular extracts showed
      potential to reoxidize NADH and/or NADPH with acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and
      diacetyl, indicating that conversion reactions take place intracellularly,
      however, utilization mechanisms for the latter compounds may not be present in
      this strain. The strain did not reduce other GIT-related reactive compounds,
      including acrylamide, glyoxal, and furan.

PMID- 22071287
TI  - A rapid procedure for the detection and isolation of enterohaemorrhagic
      Escherichia coli (EHEC) serogroup O26, O103, O111, O118, O121, O145 and O157
      strains and the aggregative EHEC O104:H4 strain from ready-to-eat vegetables.
AB  - Human infections with Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains (EHEC) as
      agents of Haemorrhagic Colitis (HC) and Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) are
      frequently associated with the consumption of EHEC contaminated foodstuffs of
      different origins. EHEC O26, O103, O111, O118, O121, O145 and O157 strains are
      responsible for the majority of HC and HUS cases worldwide. In May 2011, the
      emerging aggregative EHEC O104:H4 strain caused a large outbreak with high HUS
      incidence in northern Germany. Contaminated sprouted seeds were suspected to be
      the vehicles of transmission. The examination of vegetables retailed for raw
      consumption revealed low numbers of E. coli (<100 cfu/g) together with high
      titres of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas (approx. 5.6 * 107 cfu/g). Specific
      methods of EHEC detection adapted to vegetables are not yet published. Therefore,
      we have developed a rapid and sensitive method for detecting low EHEC
      contamination in vegetables (1-10 cfu/25 g) with artificially EHEC contaminated
      ready-to-eat salads. A 6-hour enrichment period in BRILA-broth was sufficient to
      detect 1-10 EHEC from spiked samples after plating 0.1 ml portions of enrichment
      culture on selective TBX-agar and CHROMagar STEC plates that were incubated at 44
      degrees C overnight. Unlike EHEC strains, the growth of bacteria of the plant
      flora was substantially inhibited at 44  degrees C. DNA for real-time PCR
      detection of EHEC characteristic genes (stx(1), stx(2), eae, ehxA, and O-antigen
      associated) was prepared with bacteria grown on TBX-agar plates. The storage of
      EHEC inoculated salad samples for 72 h at 6  degrees C resulted in a significant
      reduction (mean value 14.6%) of detectable EHEC, suggesting interference of EHEC
      with the resident plant microflora. CHROMagar STEC was evaluated as a selective
      medium for the detection of EHEC strains. Growth on CHROMagar STEC was closely
      associated with EHEC O26:[H11], O111:[H8], O118:H16, O121:[H19], O145:[H28],
      O157:[H7] and aggregative EHEC O104:H4 strains and with the presence of the terB
      gene (tellurite resistance). TerB sequences were found in 87.2% of 235 EHEC but
      only in only 12.5% of 567 non-EHEC strains. EHEC strains which did not grow on
      CHROMagar STEC were negative for terB as frequently observed with EHEC O103:H2
      (52.9%) and sorbitol-fermenting O157:NM strains (100%). The enrichment and
      detection method was applied in the examination of sprouted seeds incriminated as
      vehicles in the EHEC O104:H4 outbreak in Germany. Aggregative EHEC O104:H4 could
      be detected and isolated from a sample of sprouted seeds which was suspected as
      vector of transmission of EHEC O104 to humans.

PMID- 22071288
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance and resistance genes in Escherichia coli strains
      isolated from commercial fish and seafood.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance and to
      characterize the implicated genes in Escherichia coli isolated from commercial
      fish and seafood. Fish and seafood samples (n=2663) were collected from wholesale
      and retail markets in Seoul, Korea between 2005 and 2008. A total of 179 E. coli
      isolates (6.7%) from those samples were tested for resistance to a range of
      antimicrobial agents. High rates of resistance to the following drugs were
      observed: tetracycline (30.7%), streptomycin (12.8%), cephalothin (11.7%),
      ampicillin (6.7%) and ticarcillin (6.1%). No resistances to amikacin,
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefoxitin were observed. Seventy out of 179
      isolates which were resistant to one or more drugs were investigated by PCR for
      the presence of 3 classes of antimicrobial resistance genes (tetracycline,
      aminoglycosides and beta-lactams), class 1, 2 and 3 integrons. Gene cassettes of
      classes 1 and 2 integrons were further characterized by amplicon sequencing. The
      tetracycline resistance genes tetB and tetD were found in 29 (41.4%) isolates and
      14 (20%) isolates, respectively. The beta-lactam resistance gene, bla(TEM) was
      found in 15 (21.4%) isolates. The aminoglycoside resistance gene, aadA was found
      in 18 (25.7%) isolates. Class 1 integron was detected in 41.4% (n=29) of the
      isolates, while only 2.9% (n=2) of the isolates were positive for the presence of
      class 2 integron. Two different gene cassettes arrangements were identified in
      class 1 integron-positive isolates: dfrA12-aadA2 (1.8 kb, five isolates) and aadB
      aadA2 (1.6 kb, four isolates). One isolate containing class 2 integron presented
      the dfrA1-sat-aadA1 gene cassette array. These data suggest that commercial fish
      and seafood may act as the reservoir for multi-resistant bacteria and facilitate
      the dissemination of the resistance genes.

PMID- 22071289
TI  - Sub-nanosecond switching of a tantalum oxide memristor.
AB  - We report sub-nanosecond switching of a metal-oxide-metal memristor utilizing a
      broadband 20 GHz experimental setup developed to observe fast switching dynamics.
      Set and reset operations were successfully performed in the tantalum oxide
      memristor using pulses with durations of 105 and 120 ps, respectively.
      Reproducibility of the sub-nanosecond switching was also confirmed as the device
      switched over consecutive cycles.

PMID- 22071290
TI  - Oral nutritional support in malnourished elderly decreases functional limitations
      with no extra costs.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Older people are vulnerable to malnutrition which leads to
      increased health care costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost
      effectiveness of nutritional supplementation from a societal perspective. DESIGN:
      This randomized controlled trial included hospital admitted malnourished elderly
      (>= 60 y) patients. Patients in the intervention group received nutritional
      supplementation (energy and protein enriched diet, oral nutritional support,
      calcium-vitamin D supplement, telephone counselling by a dietician) until three
      months after discharge from hospital. Patients in the control group received
      usual care (control). Primary outcomes were Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs),
      physical activities and functional limitations. Measurements were performed at
      hospital admission and three months after discharge. Data were analyzed according
      to the intention-to-treat principle and multiple imputation was used to impute
      missing data. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated and
      bootstrapping was applied to evaluate cost-effectiveness. Cost-effectiveness was
      expressed by cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability
      curves. RESULTS: 210 patients were included, 105 in each group. After three
      months, no statistically significant differences in quality of life and physical
      activities were observed between groups. Functional limitations decreased
      significantly more in the intervention group (mean difference -0.72, 95% CI-1.15;
      -0.28). There were no differences in costs between groups. Cost-effectiveness for
      QALYs and physical activities could not be demonstrated. For functional
      limitations we found a 0.95 probability that the intervention is cost-effective
      in comparison with usual care for ceiling ratios > ?6500. CONCLUSIONS: A multi
      component nutritional intervention to malnourished elderly patients for three
      months after hospital discharge leads to significant improvement in functional
      limitations and is neutral in costs. A follow-up of three months is probably too
      short to detect changes in QALYs or physical activities.

PMID- 22071291
TI  - Prediction of all-cause mortality by B group vitamin status in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Little is known about the direct relationship of B vitamins to
      mortality in the elderly. All-cause mortality by vitamin B status, using dietary
      (B-1, B-2, niacin, B-6) or biochemical data (erythrocyte transketolase reductase,
      erythrocyte glutathione reductase, plasma pyridoxal-phosphate, folate and serum B
      12) was evaluated. METHODS: The Taiwanese Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey
      (1999-2000) provided 1747 participants 65 years and over. Dietary and biochemical
      data were collected at baseline. Survivorship was determined until December 31,
      2008. RESULTS: Survivors had higher vitamin B-1 and niacin intakes and pyridoxal
      phosphate and folate concentrations. Controlled for confounders, and relative to
      the lowest tertile of vitamin B-1 or B-6 intakes, the hazard ratios (95%
      confidence interval) for tertile 3 were 0.74 (0.58-0.95) and 0.74 (0.57-0.97);
      both p for trend values were <0.05. Further adjustment for dietary diversity led
      to insignificant findings. For pyridoxal-phosphate, compared to those with
      deficiency levels, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence
      interval) for adequacy was 0.52 (0.38-0.71) with p for trend <0.0001 and
      unchanged with dietary diversity adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Higher vitamin B-1 and
      B-6 intakes and plasma pyridoxal-phosphate were associated with lower risk of
      mortality up to 10 years and could be achieved by increased dietary diversity.

PMID- 22071292
TI  - Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in a series of 98 primary cutaneous
      lymphomas.
AB  - Borrelia burgdorferi has been variably associated with different forms of primary
      cutaneous lymphoma. Differences in prevalence rates among reported studies could
      be a result of geographic variability or heterogeneity in the molecular
      approaches that have been employed. In the present study, we investigated the
      prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in diagnostic tissue samples
      from fresh cutaneous biopsies of 98 primary cutaneous lymphomas and 19 normal
      skin controls. Three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols
      targeting the hbb, flagellin, and Osp-A genes were used. Direct sequencing of
      both sense and antisense strands of purified PCR products confirmed the
      specificity of the amplified fragments. Sequence specificity was assessed using
      the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and MultAlin software was used to
      investigate the heterogeneity of target gene sequences across the different
      samples. Borrelia DNA was not detected in 19 controls, 23 cases of follicular
      lymphoma, 31 cases of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, or 30 cases of mycosis
      fungoides. A single case of 14 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases was positive
      for B. burgdorferi. This study does not support a pathogenic role of B.
      burgdorferi in primary cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas from areas nonendemic
      for this microorganism and the consequent rationale for the adoption of
      antibiotic therapy in these patients.

PMID- 22071293
TI  - [Editorial comment: Theme issue on diabetology].

PMID- 22071294
TI  - [Prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus: initial results and
      recent prospects].
AB  - Epidemiological studies indicate that the incidence and prevalence of type 1
      diabetes mellitus is rising worldwide. The increase in incidence has been most
      prominent in the youngest age group of childhood. Prediction of type 1a
      autoimmune diabetes can be established by a positive family history or by
      genetic, immunological or metabolic markers. Prevention of type 1 diabetes can be
      implemented at three different levels of pathogenesis: primary prevention in
      individuals without any sign of beta-cell damage, secondary prevention in
      individuals with signs of beta-cell destruction and tertiary prevention in
      patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. In recent years our knowledge of
      the disease pathogenesis has grown quickly, and several new prevention trials
      have been initiated worldwide. Immunologic intervention for type 1 diabetes will
      prove to be probably the most effective.

PMID- 22071296
TI  - [Patient education: an indispensable element of care of patients with diabetes
      mellitus].
AB  - Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disorder that impacts upon almost every
      aspect of life. The number of people with diabetes is continuously growing and
      diabetes is associated with a high mortality rate. Diabetes education is a
      critical element of care of people with diabetes in order to improve clinical
      outcomes. The therapeutic patient education is a planned and structured program
      that is comprehensive in scope, flexible in content, responsive to an
      individual's clinical and psychological needs, and adaptable to patients'
      educational and cultural background. The diabetes educator should control the
      implementation of education and should evaluate the patient's knowledge. The
      educator should be trained for care of patients with chronic diseases and for
      education of patients with diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22071297
TI  - [The Bible--through the eyes of the physician II. ].

PMID- 22071295
TI  - [Incretin-based therapy for treating patients with type 2 diabetes].
AB  - In the last couple of years, a new class of antidiabetic drugs became available
      for the clinical practice. Due to the intensive research, several new drugs
      reached the market. Among the incretinmimetics both the GLP-1 (glucagon like
      peptide-1)-receptor agonist exenatide and the GLP-1-analogue liraglutide can be
      used for treatment. As for incretin enhancers (dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 [DPP-4]
      inhibitors), sitagliptin, vildagliptin and saxagliptin are available in Hungary,
      linagliptin will be introduced to the market in the near future. In clinical
      practice, any incretin-based new drugs can be used for treating patients with
      type 2 diabetes, preferably in combination with metformin. The clinical
      experiences with these new drugs are reviewed focusing on both the benefits and
      the potential side-effects of the particular compounds.

PMID- 22071299
TI  - Inhibitory activity of novel kojic acid derivative containing trolox moiety on
      melanogenesis.
AB  - A novel kojic acid derivative containing a trolox moiety, (+/-)-5-hydroxy-4-oxo
      4H-pyran-2-yl methyl 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylate (3a), was
      synthesized. The two biologically active compounds, namely, kojic acid and
      trolox, were conjugated via an ester bond as they are expected to behave
      synergistically. The antioxidant activity and the tyrosinase inhibitory activity
      of this novel kojic acid derivative on melanogenesis were evaluated. Compound 3a
      exhibited potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity and radical scavenging activity.
      Limited structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations indicated that the
      tyrosinase inhibitory activities may originate from the kojic acid moiety, and
      the radical scavenging activity may be due to the phenolic hydroxyl group of
      trolox. Compound 3a also exhibited potent depigmenting activity in a cell-based
      assay. The limited SAR investigations revealed that the depigmenting activity of
      3a may be due to the synergistic activities of kojic acid and its trolox moiety.

PMID- 22071300
TI  - Design and synthesis of pyridone inhibitors of non-nucleoside reverse
      transcriptase.
AB  - Next generation NNRTIs are sought which possess both broad spectrum antiviral
      activity against key mutant strains and a high genetic barrier to the selection
      of new mutant viral strains. Pyridones were evaluated as an acyclic
      conformational constraint to replace the aryl ether core of MK-4965 (1) and the
      more rigid indazole constraint of MK-6186 (2). The resulting pyridone compounds
      are potent inhibitors of HIV RT and have antiviral activity in cell culture that
      is superior to other next generation NNRTI's.

PMID- 22071301
TI  - Renin inhibitors for the treatment of hypertension: design and optimization of a
      novel series of spirocyclic piperidines.
AB  - The discovery and SAR of a novel series of spirocyclic renin inhibitors are
      described herein. It was found that by restricting the northern aromatic plate to
      the bioactive conformation through spirocyclization, increase in renin potency
      and decrease in hERG affinity could both be realized. When early members of this
      series were found to be potent time-dependent CYP3A4 inhibitors, two distinct
      strategies to address this liability were explored and this effort culminated in
      the identification of compound 31 as an optimized renin inhibitor.

PMID- 22071302
TI  - A new antifungal briarane diterpenoid from the gorgonian Junceella juncea Pallas.
AB  - A new 8-hydroxy briarane diterpenoid (compound 1) with antifungal activity was
      isolated along with known compounds (2-5) from the gorgonian coral
      Junceellajuncea. On the basis of spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, MS), the
      structure of the compound 1 was established as (1S,2S,8S,9S,10S,11R,12R,14S,17R)
      11,20-epoxy-14-(3-methylbutanoyl)-2,9,12-triacetoxy-8-hydroxybriar-5(16)-en-18,7
      olide. Compound 1 exhibited significant activity against fungi (Aspergillus
      niger, Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum) but the other compounds (2-5)
      did not exhibit the activity against fungi.

PMID- 22071303
TI  - Molecular properties prediction and synthesis of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole analogues
      as potent antimicrobial and antitubercular agents.
AB  - In the present investigation, a series of 1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-{[(5-aryl-1,3,4
      oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl]amino}-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one were subjected to
      molecular properties prediction, drug-likeness by Molinspiration (Molinspiration,
      2008) and MolSoft (MolSoft, 2007) software, lipophilicity and solubility
      parameters using ALOGPS 2.1 program. The compounds followed the Lipinski 'Rule of
      five' were synthesized for antimicrobial and antitubercular screening as oral
      bioavailable drugs/leads. Maximum drug-likeness model score (0.95) was found for
      compound, 4a. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR and
      mass spectral analysis followed by antimicrobial and antimycobacterial screening.
      Among the title compounds, compound 4d showed pronounced activity against
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv and isoniazid resistant M. tuberculosis (INHR
      TB) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) 0.78MUM and 1.52 MUM,
      respectively. The compound, 4a showed maximum activity against all bacterial
      strains with MIC 4-8 MUg/mL comparable to standard drug ciprofloxacin, while the
      compounds, 4e and 4k showed maximum antifungal activity with MIC 8-16 MUg/mL less
      active than standard drug fluconazole.

PMID- 22071304
TI  - Chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium and their
      inhibitory effect on the pro-inflammatory cytokines production LPS-stimulated in
      bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.
AB  - The rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium have been used for the treatment of
      inflammation, skin diseases, headache, and sharp pain due to rheumatism in
      traditional medicine. From this plant, three new labdane-type diterpenes 1-3,
      named coronarins G-I as well as seven known 4-10, coronarin D, coronarin D methyl
      ether, hedyforrestin C, (E)-nerolidol, beta-sitosterol, daucosterol, and
      stigmasterol were isolated. Their chemical structures were elucidated by mass, 1D
      and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. They were evaluated for
      inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Among of them,
      compounds 1, 2, and 6 were significant inhibitors of LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL
      6, and IL-12 p40 productions with IC(50) ranging from 0.19+/-0.11 to 10.38+/-2.34
      MUM. The remains of compounds showed inactivity or due to cytotoxicity. These
      results warrant further studies concerning the potential anti-inflammatory
      benefits of labdane-type diterpenes from H. coronarium.

PMID- 22071305
TI  - Rational design and synthesis of aminopiperazinones as beta-secretase (BACE)
      inhibitors.
AB  - Aminopiperazinone inhibitors of BACE were identified by rational design.
      Structure based design guided idea prioritization and initial racemic hit 18a
      showed good activity. Modification in decoration and chiral separation resulted
      in the 40 nM inhibitor, (-)-37, which showed in vivo reduction of amyloid beta
      peptides. The crystal structure of 18a showed a binding mode driven by
      interaction with the catalytic aspartate dyad and distribution of the biaryl
      amide decoration towards S1 and S3 pockets.

PMID- 22071306
TI  - Cytological screening for cervical cancer prevention.
AB  - Historically, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer has declined in
      countries that have instituted and sustained mass-organised cytology-based
      screening programmes. These programmes, however, required frequent repeats of the
      screening tests. They also require a functioning healthcare infrastructure, with
      laboratories for smear processing and interpretation, mechanisms for quality
      control, referral for colposcopy, treatment of precursors, and follow-up to
      detect failures of treatment. Although this approach has been successful in
      preventing cervical cancer where implemented correctly, it has proved
      inordinately complex and expensive for developing countries. Consequently, no
      successful screening programmes have been established in poor countries, and
      cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women in developing
      countries, despite the existence of cytology and the knowledge of cervical cancer
      prevention. New technologies, specifically the development of liquid-based
      cytology, have improved the performance of cytology as a screening test, but do
      not obviate the infrastructural challenges posed to health systems by cytology
      based screening programmes. In this chapter, the history of cytological screening
      and the challenges posed by secondary prevention strategies are reviewed.

PMID- 22071308
TI  - Comment on "Musculoskeletal stress marker (MSM) differences in the modern
      American upper limb and pectoral girdle in relation to activity level and body
      mass index (BMI)" by K. Godde and R. Wilson Taylor.

PMID- 22071307
TI  - Mitral regurgitation in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation using the Edwards Sapien prosthesis: mechanisms and early
      postprocedural changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to
      conventional surgery in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), but
      data regarding mitral regurgitation (MR) characteristics and changes after TAVI
      are sparse. METHODS: A total of 254 patients with severe AS referred for TAVI
      were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed at
      baseline and at 7 days and 1 month in patients who underwent TAVI. MR was
      semiquantitatively graded from 0 to 4. Overlap of the anterior mitral leaflet and
      the device was measured using transesophageal echocardiography immediately after
      TAVI. RESULTS: At screening, MR was absent in 26%, grade 1 in 44%, grade 2 in
      25%, and grade >=3 in 5% and was organic in 68% and functional in 32%. TAVI was
      finally performed using the Edwards Sapien valve in 119 patients, including four
      with MR grade >= 3. MR grade significantly decreased at 7 days (P = .003) but
      remained unchanged at 1 month (P = .55), whereas reverse remodeling occurred only
      at 1 month (improvements in left ventricular [LV] end-systolic diameter and
      ejection fraction; P < .05 for both). MR changes over time significantly differed
      according to ejection fraction and LV diameters (all P values for interaction <
      .005) but not according to aortic mean gradient, MR etiology, or overlap of the
      anterior mitral leaflet and the device (all P values for interaction > .15).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for TAVI, MR is common, mainly organic, and
      rarely severe. After TAVI, MR improved within 7 days in both organic and
      functional MR, was not influenced by overlap of the anterior mitral leaflet and
      the device, but was associated with improvement in LV ejection fraction. Possible
      MR improvement should be taken into account in patient selection for TAVI
      especially, in cases of LV dysfunction or enlargement and MR of borderline
      severity.

PMID- 22071309
TI  - The discrimination potential of diffuse-reflectance ultraviolet-visible-near
      infrared spectrophotometry for the forensic analysis of paper.
AB  - The application of diffuse reflectance UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy is proposed to
      differentiate 20 office paper samples, which had been deemed similar by a
      preliminary visual examination under several different lighting sources. The
      samples were firstly screened on the basis of the qualitative appearance of their
      spectra. A further discrimination was obtained by taking into account three
      parameters: the average reflectivity of the paper samples in the range 680-900nm,
      and the integrated intensity of the absorption peak in the UV range at 272nm and
      at 360nm. The homogeneity of these parameters on both sides of the paper sheets
      was assessed, detecting a very uniform distribution of the optical brighteners. A
      special focus was posed on the determination of the discriminative power, in
      order to give a quantitative parameter on the proposed procedure, which is
      important when reporting results to the Court. The remarkable achievement of
      differentiating all the examined samples was obtained by UV-VIS spectroscopy, a
      very less expensive technique which is readily available in practically all
      forensic laboratories.

PMID- 22071310
TI  - Comparison of extraction procedures for benzodiazepines determination in hair by
      LC-MS/MS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of a LC-MS/MS system for benzodiazepines detection
      remarkably increased the analytical sensitivity of these drugs in biological
      matrices, in particular in non-conventional ones such as hair. Since the amount
      of hair sample available for the analysis is frequently limited and, moreover, it
      needs to be checked for many other drugs and compounds of forensic interest, it
      is important to develop a sample preparation procedure able to detect either
      benzodiazepines and as many as possible other substances. The aim of this study
      was to compare the sensitivity of two different hair sample preparation
      procedures for benzodiazepines detection in hair. METHODS: About 20mg hair,
      previously washed with organic solvent and cut into small pieces, were
      ultrasonicated with a phosphate buffer (pH 8.4) up to 1h and then extracted with
      dichloromethane/diethyl ether. The organic solvent was then dried under nitrogen
      flow and samples were reconstituted with 60MUl methanol. Finally a 5MUl aliquot
      was injected in the LC-MS/MS system. The second procedure consisted of an
      ultrasonication of hair samples in 700MUl of methanol. Samples were then directly
      analyzed. Both the methods were fully validated. RESULTS: Thirty-five compounds
      among benzodiazepines and their metabolites were screened using both the
      procedures. The methods fulfilled all the validation parameters and were applied
      on either spiked blank hair and real positive samples. While phosphate extraction
      allowed to reach a LOQ for almost all the substances ranging from 0.1 to 5pg/mg,
      thus guaranteeing to evaluate even a single dose administration (as confirmed by
      real positive cases) the sensitivity of the methanol extraction showed a LOQ
      ranging from 1 to 20pg/mg, still enough to assess a therapeutic use of almost all
      the benzodiazepines; yet the methanolic incubation allows a simple and rapid
      analytical procedure due to the direct injection of the extraction solvent.
      CONCLUSION: Even though a methanol extraction procedure for benzodiazepines
      determination is useful for forensic toxicological purposes also when a wider
      range of substances is needed and in case of a small amount of hair available, it
      is advisable to prefer a phosphate extraction when detection of a single dose
      administration is required.

PMID- 22071311
TI  - Cognitive performance after postoperative pituitary radiotherapy: a dosimetric
      study of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are important for memory
      and executive functioning and are known to be sensitive to radiotherapy (RT).
      Radiation dosimetry relates radiation exposure to specific brain areas. The
      effects of various pituitary RT techniques were studied by relating detailed
      dosimetry of the hippocampus and PFC to cognitive performance. METHODS: In this
      cross-sectional design, 75 non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFA) patients
      (61+/-10 years) participated and were divided into irradiated (RT+, n=30) and non
      irradiated (RT-, n=45) groups. The RT+ group (who all received 25 fractions of
      1.8 Gy; total dose: 45 Gy) consisted of three RT technique groups: three-field
      technique, n=10; four-field technique, n=15; and five-field technique, n=5.
      Memory and executive functioning were assessed by standardized neuropsychological
      tests. A reconstruction of the dose distributions for the three RT techniques was
      made. The RT doses on 30, 50, and 70% of the volume of the left and right
      hippocampus and PFC were calculated. RESULTS: Cognitive test performance was not
      different between the four groups, despite differences in radiation doses applied
      to the hippocampi and PFC. Age at RT, time since RT, and the use of thyroid
      hormone varied significantly between the groups; however, they were not related
      to cognitive performance. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there were no
      significant differences on cognitive performance between the three-, four-, and
      five-field RT groups and the non-irradiated patient group. A dose-response
      relationship could not be established, even with a radiation dose that was higher
      on most of the volume of the hippocampus and PFC in case of a four-field RT
      technique compared with the three- and five-field RT techniques.

PMID- 22071312
TI  - Quantitative trait loci for biofortification traits in maize grain.
AB  - Detecting genes that influence biofortification traits in cereal grain could help
      increase the concentrations of bioavailable mineral elements in crops to solve
      the global mineral malnutrition problem. The aims of this study were to detect
      the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and
      magnesium (Mg) concentrations in maize grain in a mapping population, as well as
      QTLs for bioavailable Fe, Zn, and Mg, by precalculating their respective ratios
      with P. Elemental analysis of grain samples was done by coupled plasma-optical
      emission spectrometry in 294 F(4) lines of a biparental population taken from
      field trials of over 3 years. The population was mapped using sets of 121
      polymorphic markers. QTL analysis revealed 32 significant QTLs detected for 7
      traits, of which some were colocalized. The Additive-dominant model revealed
      highly significant additive effects, suggesting that biofortification traits in
      maize are generally controlled by numerous small-effect QTLs. Three QTLs for
      Fe/P, Zn/P, and Mg/P were colocalized on chromosome 3, coinciding with simple
      sequence repeats marker bnlg1456, which resides in close proximity to previously
      identified phytase genes (ZM phys1 and phys2). Thus, we recommend the ratios as
      bioavailability traits in biofortification research.

PMID- 22071313
TI  - Population genetics and morphological comparisons of migratory European (Hirundo
      rustica rustica) and sedentary East-Mediterranean (Hirundo rustica transitiva)
      barn swallows.
AB  - Speciation processes are largely determined by the relative strength of divergent
      selection versus the magnitude of gene flow. The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
      has a broad geographic distribution that encompasses substantial geographic
      variation in morphology and behavior. The European (H. r. rustica) and East
      Mediterranean (H. r. transitiva) subspecies are closely related, despite
      differing in morphological and life-history traits. To explore patterns of
      genetic differentiation and gene flow, we compared morphological and genetic
      variation among the nonmigratory breeding population of H. r. transitiva from
      Israel and the migratory population of H. r. rustica that passes through Israel
      and compared it with the genetic differentiation between H. r. transitiva from
      Israel and a breeding population of H. r. rustica from the United Kingdom that
      uses a different migratory flyway. Mitochondrial haplotype network analysis
      suggests that the European and East-Mediterranean populations are intermixed,
      although there was low but significant genetic differentiation between the
      subspecies based on both mitochondrial (F(ST) = 0.025-0.033) and microsatellite
      (F(ST) = 0.009-0.014) loci. Coalescent-based analyses suggest recent divergence
      and substantial gene flow between these populations despite their differences in
      morphological and behavioral traits. The results suggest that these subspecies
      are undergoing a differentiation process in the face of gene flow, with selection
      possibly operating on sexually selected traits.

PMID- 22071314
TI  - Multiple domains of MASP-2, an initiating complement protease, are required for
      interaction with its substrate C4.
AB  - The complement system is fundamental to both innate and adaptive immunity and can
      be initiated via the classical, lectin or alternative pathways. Cleavage of C4 by
      MASP-2, the initiating protease of the lectin pathway, is a crucial event in the
      activation of this pathway, preceding the eventual formation of the C3 convertase
      (C4bC2a) complex on the pathogen surface. Interactions required for the cleavage
      of C4 by MASP-2 are likely to be facilitated by the initial binding of C4 to an
      exosite on the protease. We have shown that both proteolytically active and
      catalytically inactive CCP1-CCP2-serine protease (CCP1-CCP2-SP) forms bind C4
      with similar affinity. Interestingly, proteins containing the CCP1-CCP2 domains
      or the SP domain alone bound C4 with much lower affinity than the CCP1-CCP2-SP
      protein, suggesting that the CCP domains cooperate positively with the active
      site to mediate efficient binding and cleavage of C4. In addition, mutation of
      residue K342 to alanine in the CCP1 domain abolished binding to both C4 and C4b
      in its CCP1-CCP2 form, suggesting a key electrostatic role for this amino acid.
      The presented data indicates that all of the domains are required in order to
      mediate high affinity interaction with C4.

PMID- 22071315
TI  - Treatment of neurogenic diabetes insipidus.
AB  - Central or neurogenic diabetes insipidus results from a deficiency in
      antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or arginine-vasopressin (AVP). Treatment is based on
      replacement therapy with the hormone analog desmopressin (d-DAVP). d-DAVP can be
      administered subcutaneously to infants or patients with postoperative or
      posttraumatic brain injury being monitored for transient diabetes insipidus.
      Intranasal and oral forms are also available. The recently introduced
      lyophilisate, which melts under the tongue, has replaced the tablet form
      (recently withdrawn from the market in France) and provides better
      bioavailability. Irrespective of the mode of administration, it is usually the
      patient who finds the effective minimal dose necessary for a normal life, i.e.
      without excessive polyuria, particularly at night. Patient education is necessary
      to avoid the risk of water intoxication and hyponatremia.

PMID- 22071316
TI  - Potential benefits of using cardiac gated images to reduce the dose to the left
      anterior descending coronary during radiotherapy of left breast and internal
      mammary nodes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the benefits of using cardiac gated images for treatment
      planning of breast and internal mammary nodes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Inspiration
      breath hold computed tomography (CT) series acquired at prospectively gated
      diastolic phase were used for planning. Three different techniques were compared.
      Technique A used tangents and an internal mammary nodes field covering the three
      first inter-rib spaces; technique B used an extended internal mammary nodes
      including part of the medial breast in junction with tangential fields; the 3(rd)
      technique used helical tomotherapy. For each technique, two treatment plans were
      performed: one plan (plan-01) where mean dose and V(25) to the heart were
      considered for plan evaluation and a second plan (plan-02) where the irradiation
      of the left anterior descending artery was minimized. RESULTS: V(25) to the heart
      was found to be less than 5% for all six plans. Mean doses to the heart were
      within 4.8 to 7.2 Gy. By attempting to lower the dose to the left anterior
      descending artery, heart D(mean) was decreased by 20-30% for the two techniques A
      and B while being unchanged for tomotherapy. Regarding target coverage, there was
      no marked difference between plans where only heart dose was considered (plans
      01) and plans where the left anterior descending artery dose was minimized (plans
      02). When the left anterior descending artery dose was part of plan evaluation,
      D(mean) to the left anterior descending artery could be decreased by 24, 19 and
      9% for techniques A, B and tomotherapy respectively. The three techniques exposed
      segments of the left coronary to different levels of dose. CONCLUSION: This study
      showed that evaluation of the dose to the left anterior descending artery
      coronary may change the treatment strategy. Cardiac gated images without IV
      contrast permitted a good visualization of the coronaries in order to optimize
      the dose on these structures. In addition to heart V(25,) the dose to the
      coronaries should be included in prospective studies on radiotherapy related
      heart toxicity in association with all additional risk factors.

PMID- 22071317
TI  - Does age matter in song bird vocal interactions? Results from interactive
      playback experiments.
AB  - The song of oscines provides an extensively studied model of age-dependent
      behaviour changes. Male and female receivers might use song characteristics to
      obtain information about the age of a signaller, which is often related to its
      quality. Whereas most of the age-dependent song changes have been studied in solo
      singing, the role of age in vocal interactions is less well understood. We
      addressed this issue in a playback study with common nightingales (Luscinia
      megarhynchos). Previous studies showed that male nightingales had smaller
      repertoires in their first year than older males and males adjusted their
      repertoire towards the most common songs in the breeding population. We now
      compared vocal interaction patterns in a playback study in 12 one year old and 12
      older nightingales (cross-sectional approach). Five of these males were tested
      both in their first and second breeding season (longitudinal approach). Song
      duration and latency to respond did not differ between males of different ages in
      either approach. In the cross-sectional approach, one year old nightingales
      matched song types twice as often as did older birds. Similarly, in the
      longitudinal approach all except one bird reduced the number of song type matches
      in their second season. Individuals tended to overlap songs at higher rates in
      their second breeding season than in their first. The higher levels of song type
      matches in the first year and song overlapping by birds in their second year
      suggest that these are communicative strategies to establish relationships with
      competing males and/or choosy females.

PMID- 22071318
TI  - Unpacking the burden: understanding the relationships between chronic pain and
      comorbidity in the general population.
AB  - We investigated the association of chronic pain with physical and mental
      comorbidity in the New Zealand population by measuring chronic pain status
      separate from comorbid conditions. Models of allostatic load provided a
      conceptual basis for considering multi-morbidity as accumulated comorbid load and
      for using both discrete conditions and cumulative measures in analyses. The
      nationally representative cross-sectional survey data included self-reported
      doctor-diagnosed chronic physical and mental health conditions, Kessler 10-item
      scale scores, an independent measure of chronic pain, and sociodemographic
      characteristics. The population prevalence of chronic pain is 16.9%, and a
      quarter (26%) of the population report 2 or more comorbid physical conditions
      statistically associated with chronic pain (unadjusted P<0.01). Results indicate
      that accumulated comorbid load is independently associated with chronic pain. Six
      physical conditions independently associated with chronic pain (adjusted odds
      range from 1.4 to 3.9) increase the risk of chronic pain in an additive manner,
      and residual accumulated load further increases risk for 2 or more conditions
      (adjusted odds 1.6). Anxiety/depression interacts synergistically with arthritis
      and neck/back disorders to increase the odds of reporting chronic pain beyond an
      additive model. This synergistic effect is not apparent for other conditions or
      for additional comorbid load. Results imply that measurement of chronic pain
      independent of comorbid conditions and adjustment for comorbid conditions is
      important for more accurate prevalence estimates and understanding relationships
      between conditions. Future epidemiological research might usefully incorporate
      independent measurement of chronic pain alongside adjustment for specific
      physical and mental health conditions as well as accumulated comorbid load.

PMID- 22071319
TI  - Galpha(q/11) signaling tonically modulates nociceptor function and contributes to
      activity-dependent sensitization.
AB  - Peripheral injury or inflammation leads to a release of mediators capable of
      binding to a variety of ion channels and receptors. Among these are the 7
      transmembrane receptors (G protein-coupled receptors) coupling to G(s), G(i/o),
      G12/13, or G(q/11) G proteins. Each of the G protein-coupled receptor pathways is
      involved in nociceptive modulation and pain processing, but the relative
      contribution of individual signaling pathways in vivo has not yet been worked
      out. The G(q)/G11 signaling branch is of particular interest because it leads to
      the activation of phospholipase C-beta, protein kinase C, the release of calcium
      from intracellular stores, and it modulates extracellular regulated kinases. To
      investigate the contribution of the entire G(q/11)-signaling pathway in
      nociceptors towards regulation of pain, we generated double-deficient mice
      lacking G(q/11) selectively in nociceptors using a conditional gene-targeting
      approach. We observed that nociceptor-specific loss of G(q) and G11 results in
      reduced pain hypersensitivity following paw inflammation or spared nerve injury.
      Surprisingly, our behavioral and electrophysiological experiments also indicated
      defects in basal mechanical sensitivity in G(q/11) mutant mice, suggesting a
      novel function for G(q/11) in tonic modulation of acute nociception. Patch-clamp
      recordings revealed changes in voltage-dependent tetrodotoxin-resistant and
      tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels in nociceptors upon a loss of G(q/11),
      whereas potassium currents remained unchanged. Our results indicate that the
      functional role of the G(q)/G11 branch of G-protein signaling in nociceptors in
      vivo not only spans sensitization mechanisms in pathological pain states, but is
      also operational in tonic modulation of basal nociception and acute pain.

PMID- 22071321
TI  - Ge-Si-O phase separation and Ge nanocrystal growth in Ge:SiO(x)/SiO(2)
      multilayers--a new dc magnetron approach.
AB  - Ge:SiO(x)/SiO(2)  multilayers are fabricated using a new reactive dc magnetron
      sputtering approach. The influence of the multilayer stoichiometry on the ternary
      Ge-Si-O phase separation and the subsequent size-controlled Ge nanocrystal
      formation is explored by means of x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray
      diffraction, electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The ternary system Ge-Si
      O reveals complete Ge-O phase separation at 400  degrees C  which does not differ
      significantly to the binary Ge-O system. Ge nanocrystals of < 5 nm size are
      generated after subsequent annealing below 700  degrees C. It is shown that Ge
      oxides contained in the as-deposited multilayers are reduced by a surrounding
      unsaturated silica matrix. A stoichiometric regime was found where almost no
      GeO(2)  is present after annealing. Thus, the Ge nanocrystals become completely
      embedded in a stoichiometric silica matrix favouring the use for photovoltaic
      applications.

PMID- 22071320
TI  - Aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulation of estrogen receptor alpha-mediated gene
      regulation by a multimeric chromatin complex involving the two receptors and the
      coregulator RIP140.
AB  - Although crosstalk between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and estrogen receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) is well established, the mechanistic basis and involvement of
      other proteins in this process are not known. Because we observed an enrichment
      of AhR-binding motifs in ERalpha-binding sites of many estradiol (E2)-regulated
      genes, we investigated how AhR might modulate ERalpha-mediated gene transcription
      in breast cancer cells. Gene regulations were categorized based on their pattern
      of stimulation by E2 and/or dioxin and were denoted E2-responsive, dioxin
      responsive, or responsive to either ligand. ERalpha, AhR, aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor translocator, and receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) were
      recruited to gene regulatory regions in a gene-specific and E2/dioxin ligand
      specific manner. Knockdown of AhR markedly increased the expression of ERalpha
      mediated genes upon E2 treatment. This was not attributable to a change in
      ERalpha level, or recruitment of ERalpha, phosphoSer5-RNA Pol II, or several
      coregulators but rather was associated with greatly diminished recruitment of the
      coregulator RIP140 to gene regulatory sites. Changing the cellular level of
      RIP140 revealed coactivator or corepressor roles for this coregulator in E2- and
      dioxin-mediated gene regulation, the choice of which was determined by the
      presence or absence of ERalpha at gene regulatory sites. Coimmunoprecipitation
      and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-reChIP studies documented that E2- or
      dioxin-promoted formation of a multimeric complex of ERalpha, AhR, and RIP140 at
      ERalpha-binding sites of genes regulated by either E2 or dioxin. Our findings
      highlight the importance of cross-regulation between AhR and ERalpha and a novel
      mechanism by which AhR controls, through modulating the recruitment of RIP140 to
      ERalpha-binding sites, the kinetics and magnitude of ERalpha-mediated gene
      stimulation.

PMID- 22071322
TI  - Modeling the cultural evolution of language.
AB  - The paper surveys recent research on language evolution, focusing in particular
      on models of cultural evolution and how they are being developed and tested using
      agent-based computational simulations and robotic experiments. The key challenges
      for evolutionary theories of language are outlined and some example results are
      discussed, highlighting models explaining how linguistic conventions get shared,
      how conceptual frameworks get coordinated through language, and how hierarchical
      structure could emerge. The main conclusion of the paper is that cultural
      evolution is a much more powerful process that usually assumed, implying that
      less innate structures or biases are required and consequently that human
      language evolution has to rely less on genetic evolution.

PMID- 22071323
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation of pore blocking phenomena in cross-flow microfiltration.
AB  - An off-lattice Monte Carlo method was developed to examine the pore blocking
      phenomena in cross-flow microfiltration. Membranes were generated by randomly
      distributed pores with a given pore size distribution on a two-dimensional plane.
      The permeability of particles through the membrane pores was calculated, and the
      effects of crucial factors on the reduction of permeability were discussed.
      Reasonable fouling rules for simulations were examined and selected. At the
      initial stage the flux decreases sharply as the filtration time increases and
      then a steady state is reached. The results fit the pore blocking mechanism well.
      The simulation model developed in this study can be effectively used for
      analyzing a number of factors influencing physical fouling of membranes.

PMID- 22071324
TI  - Relationships between sand and water quality at recreational beaches.
AB  - Enterococci are used to assess the risk of negative human health impacts from
      recreational waters. Studies have shown sustained populations of enterococci
      within sediments of beaches but comprehensive surveys of multiple tidal zones on
      beaches in a regional area and their relationship to beach management decisions
      are limited. We sampled three tidal zones on eight South Florida beaches in Miami
      Dade and Broward counties and found that enterococci were ubiquitous within South
      Florida beach sands although their levels varied greatly both among the beaches
      and between the supratidal, intertidal and subtidal zones. The supratidal sands
      consistently had significantly higher (p < 0.003) levels of enterococci (average
      40 CFU/g dry sand) than the other two zones. Levels of enterococci within the
      subtidal sand correlated with the average level of enterococci in the water
      (CFU/100mL) for the season during which samples were collected (r(s) = 0.73). The
      average sand enterococci content over all the zones on each beach correlated with
      the average water enterococci levels of the year prior to sand samplings (r(s) =
      0.64) as well as the average water enterococci levels for the month after sand
      samplings (r(s) = 0.54). Results indicate a connection between levels of
      enterococci in beach water and sands throughout South Florida's beaches and
      suggest that the sands are one of the predominant reservoirs of enterococci
      impacting beach water quality. As a result, beaches with lower levels of
      enterococci in the sand had fewer exceedences relative to beaches with higher
      levels of sand enterococci. More research should focus on evaluating beach sand
      quality as a means to predict and regulate marine recreational water quality.

PMID- 22071325
TI  - Transformation of arsenic in offshore sediment under the impact of anaerobic
      microbial activities.
AB  - Sediment bound arsenic usually undergoes phase transformation processes when it
      is transported and buried in deeper settings. This work investigated anaerobic
      microbial mediated speciation change of the arsenic in offshore sediment and
      monitored the transformation process of oxyhydroxide associated arsenate to
      sulfide associated forms. The fate of arsenic and possible pathways of
      transformation were discussed based on quantitative analysis of aqueous and solid
      arsenic and iron, and qualitative characterization using X-ray absorption near
      edge spectroscopy (XANES). Arsenic was released and reduced upon development of
      anoxic conditions but was resequestered by authigenic minerals later. Most of the
      arsenic in the sediment was converted to orpiment-like material. Sulfide may have
      played double roles in arsenic redistribution process, i.e. promoting arsenic
      release from host oxyhydroxides in early stage and removal of arsenite from
      solution in the form of arsenic sulfide in later stage. The findings have
      implications about the pathways of arsenic transformation when arsenate is
      transported and buried below redox boundaries in offshore sediment.

PMID- 22071326
TI  - Diesel exhaust exposure and nasal response to attenuated influenza in normal and
      allergic volunteers.
AB  - RATIONALE: Diesel exhaust enhances allergic inflammation, and pollutants are
      associated with heightened susceptibility to viral respiratory infections. The
      effects of combined diesel and virus exposure in humans are unknown. OBJECTIVES:
      Test whether acute exposure to diesel modifies inflammatory responses to
      influenza virus in normal humans and those with allergies. METHODS: We conducted
      a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of nasal responses to live
      attenuated influenza virus in normal volunteers and those with allergic rhinitis
      exposed to diesel (100 MUg/m(3)) or clean air for 2 hours, followed by standard
      dose of virus and serial nasal lavages. Endpoints were inflammatory mediators
      (ELISA) and virus quantity (quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction). To test for exposure effect, we used multiple regression with exposure
      group (diesel vs. air) as the main explanatory variable and allergic status as an
      additional factor. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Baseline levels of mediators
      did not differ among groups. For most postvirus nasal cytokine responses, there
      was no significant diesel effect, and no significant interaction with allergy.
      However, diesel was associated with significantly increased IFN-gamma responses
      (P = 0.02), with no interaction with allergy in the regression model. Eotaxin-1
      (P = 0.01), eosinophil cationic protein (P < 0.01), and influenza RNA sequences
      in nasal cells (P = 0.03) were significantly increased with diesel exposure,
      linked to allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust leads to
      increased eosinophil activation and increased virus quantity after virus
      inoculation in those with allergic rhinitis. This is consistent with previous
      literature suggesting a diesel "adjuvant" effect promoting allergic inflammation,
      and our data further suggest this change may be associated with reduced virus
      clearance.Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00617110).

PMID- 22071327
TI  - Acquisition and processing of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial
      needle aspiration specimens in the era of targeted lung cancer chemotherapy.
AB  - Recent advances in therapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma have shown that a
      personalized approach to treatment has the potential to significantly reduce lung
      cancer mortality. Concurrently, endoscopic ultrasound transbronchial needle
      aspiration has emerged as an accurate and sensitive tool for the diagnosis and
      staging of this disease. As knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that drive lung
      cancer progression increases, the amount of information that must be derived from
      a tumor specimen will also increase. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated
      that small specimens acquired by endoscopic ultrasound transbronchial needle
      aspiration are sufficient for molecular testing if specimen acquisition and
      processing are done with these needs in mind. Optimum use of this procedure
      requires a coordinated effort between the bronchoscopist and the cytopathologist
      to collect and triage specimens for diagnostic testing. When feasible, rapid
      onsite evaluation should be performed to assess the specimen for both diagnostic
      quality and quantity and to allocate the specimen for cell-block and possible
      immunohistochemistry and molecular studies. It is necessary for pulmonologists
      and bronchoscopists to understand the rationale for histologic and molecular
      testing of lung cancer diagnostic specimens and to ensure that specimens are
      acquired and processed in a fashion that provides information from small
      cytologic specimens that is sufficient to guide treatment in this era of targeted
      therapy.

PMID- 22071328
TI  - Alveolarization continues during childhood and adolescence: new evidence from
      helium-3 magnetic resonance.
AB  - RATIONALE: The current hypothesis that human pulmonary alveolarization is
      complete by 3 years is contradicted by new evidence of alveolarization throughout
      adolescence in mammals. OBJECTIVES: We reexamined the current hypothesis using
      helium-3 ((3)He) magnetic resonance (MR) to assess alveolar size noninvasively
      between 7 and 21 years, during which lung volume nearly quadruples. If new
      alveolarization does not occur, alveolar size should increase to the same extent.
      METHODS: Lung volumes were measured by spirometry and plethysmography in 109
      healthy subjects aged 7-21 years. Using (3)HeMR we determined two independent
      measures of peripheral airspace dimensions: apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      of (3)He at FRC (n = 109), and average diffusion distance of helium (X(rms)) by q
      space analysis (n = 46). We compared the change in these parameters with lung
      growth against a model of lung expansion with no new alveolarization.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: ADC increased by 0.19% for every 1% increment in
      FRC (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.25), whereas the expected change in the
      absence of neoalveolarization is 0.41% (95% CI, 0.31-0.52). Similarly, increase
      of (X(rms)) with FRC was significantly less than the predicted increase in the
      absence of neoalveolarization. The number of alveoli is estimated to increase
      1.94-fold (95% CI, 1.64-2.30) across the age range studied. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      observations are best explained by postulating that the lungs grow partly by
      neoalveolarization throughout childhood and adolescence. This has important
      implications: developing lungs have the potential to recover from early life
      insults and respond to emerging alveolar therapies. Conversely, drugs, diseases,
      or environmental exposures could adversely affect alveolarization throughout
      childhood.

PMID- 22071330
TI  - Physiological risk factors for severe high-altitude illness: a prospective cohort
      study.
AB  - RATIONALE: An increasing number of persons, exposed to high altitude for leisure,
      sport, or work, may suffer from severe high-altitude illness. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess, in a large cohort of subjects, the association between physiological
      parameters and the risk of altitude illness and their discrimination ability in a
      risk prediction model. METHODS: A total of 1,326 persons went through a hypoxic
      exercise test before a sojourn above 4,000 m. They were then monitored up at high
      altitude and classified as suffering from severe high-altitude illness (SHAI) or
      not. Analysis was stratified according to acetazolamide use. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Severe acute mountain sickness occurred in 314 (23.7%), high
      altitude pulmonary edema in 22 (1.7%), and high-altitude cerebral edema in 13
      (0.98%) patients. Among nonacetazolamide users (n = 917), main factors
      independently associated with SHAI were previous history of SHAI (adjusted odds
      ratios [aOR], 12.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.95-23.66; P < 0.001), ascent
      greater than 400 m/day (aOR, 5.89; 95% CI, 3.78-9.16; P < 0.001), history of
      migraine (aOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.28-4.07; P = 0.005), ventilatory response to
      hypoxia at exercise less than 0.78 L/minute/kg (aOR, 6.68; 95% CI, 3.83-11.63; P
      < 0.001), and desaturation at exercise in hypoxia equal to or greater than 22%
      (aOR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.52-4.11; P < 0.001). The last two parameters improved
      substantially the discrimination ability of the multivariate prediction model (C
      statistic rose from 0.81 to 0.88; P < 0.001). Preventive use of acetazolamide
      reduced the relative risk of SHAI by 44%. CONCLUSIONS: In a large population of
      altitude visitors, chemosensitivity parameters (high desaturation and low
      ventilatory response to hypoxia at exercise) were independent predictors of
      severe high-altitude illness. They improved the discrimination ability of a risk
      prediction model.

PMID- 22071329
TI  - CD8+ T cells provide an immunologic signature of tuberculosis in young children.
AB  - RATIONALE: The immunologic events surrounding primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      infection and development of tuberculosis remain controversial. Young children
      who develop tuberculosis do so quickly after first exposure, thus permitting
      study of immune response to primary infection and disease. We hypothesized that
      M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) T cells are generated in response to high
      bacillary loads occurring during tuberculosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine if M.
      tuberculosis-specific T cells are generated among healthy children exposed to M.
      tuberculosis and children with tuberculosis. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      spot assays were used to measure IFN-gamma production in response to M.
      tuberculosis-specific proteins ESAT-6/CFP-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells and CD8(+) T cells isolated from Ugandan children hospitalized with
      tuberculosis (n = 96) or healthy tuberculosis contacts (n = 62). MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: The proportion of positive CD8(+) T-cell assays and magnitude of
      CD8(+) T-cell responses were significantly greater among young (<5 yr)
      tuberculosis cases compared with young contacts (P = 0.02, Fisher exact test, P =
      0.01, Wilcoxon rank-sum, respectively). M. tuberculosis-specific T-cell responses
      measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were equivalent between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among young children, M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) T cells
      develop in response to high bacillary loads, as occurs during tuberculosis, and
      are unlikely to be found after M. tuberculosis exposure. T-cell responses
      measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are generated after M.
      tuberculosis exposure alone, and thus cannot distinguish exposure from disease.
      In young children, IFN-gamma-producing M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) T cells
      provide an immunologic signature of primary M. tuberculosis infection resulting
      in disease.

PMID- 22071331
TI  - Overexpression of miR-125b, a novel regulator of innate immunity, in eosinophilic
      chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
AB  - RATIONALE: Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
      represents a hard-to-treat subtype of CRS. OBJECTIVES: To determine the pattern
      of expression and biologic role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in CRS, particularly in
      eosinophilic CRSwNP. METHODS: Global miRNA expression in sinonasal mucosa from
      controls, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and patients with eosinophilic
      CRSwNP was compared using miRNA microarrays. MiR-125b expression was detected by
      means of quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The
      cellular localization of miR-125b was determined by in situ hybridization. MiR
      125b functional assays were performed on airway epithelial cells and mice. MiR
      125b expression regulation was studied by tissue and cell culture. MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: CRSsNP and eosinophilic CRSwNP exhibited distinct miRNA
      expression profiles. MiR-125b was specifically up-regulated in eosinophilic
      CRSwNP. MiR-125b was mainly expressed by sinonasal and bronchial epithelial
      cells. EIF4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) was identified as a direct target of miR
      125b. MiR-125b mimic or inhibitor enhanced or decreased IFN-alpha/beta production
      elicited by dsRNA in vitro or in vivo, respectively. 4E-BP1 expression was
      decreased, whereas IFN regulatory factor-7 and IFN-beta expression was increased,
      in eosinophilic CRSwNP. IFN-beta mRNA levels positively correlated with IL-5 mRNA
      levels and eosinophil infiltration in sinonasal mucosa. IFN-beta stimulated B
      cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family production in airway
      epithelial cells. miR-125b could be induced by lipopolysaccharide, dsRNA, and IL
      10. CONCLUSIONS: The up-regulated expression of miR-125b may enhance type I IFN
      expression through suppressing 4E-BP1 protein expression in airway epithelial
      cells, which potentially contributes to mucosal eosinophilia in eosinophilic
      CRSwNP.

PMID- 22071332
TI  - Blood glutathione decrease in subjects carrying lamin A/C gene mutations is an
      early marker of cardiac involvement.
AB  - Dominant inherited Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular
      dystrophy type 1B are due to mutations in the LMNA gene encoding lamin A/C and
      present similar life-threatening cardiac disease, the early diagnosis of which
      lacks reliable biomarkers. Glutathione depletion characterizes subjects with
      cardiac diseases of non-genetic aetiology. We examined blood glutathione in 22
      LMNA-mutated subjects without altered left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF>40%) measured by conventional echocardiography. Left and right ventricular
      (LV/RV) contractility was evaluated using echocardiography implemented with
      tissue-Doppler echography. Blood glutathione was positively correlated with LV
      and RV contractility (p<0.05), and was decreased by 23% in subjects with reduced
      LV/RV contractility compared to subjects with normal contractility. ROC analysis
      showed that blood glutathione reliably detected reduced LV/RV contractility (AUC
      95% CI: 0.90 [0.76-1.04]; p=0.01). Blood glutathione decrease may allow the
      detection of reduced contractility in muscular dystrophic LMNA-mutated patients
      with still preserved LVEF.

PMID- 22071333
TI  - A critical smn threshold in mice dictates onset of an intermediate spinal
      muscular atrophy phenotype associated with a distinct neuromuscular junction
      pathology.
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutations/deletions within the SMN1
      gene and characterized by loss of lower motor neurons and skeletal muscle
      atrophy. SMA is clinically heterogeneous, with disease ranging from severe to
      mild. Here, we identify a critical threshold of Smn that dictates onset of SMA in
      the intermediate Smn(2B/-) mouse model. With about 15% normal level of Smn
      protein, Smn(2B/-) mice display reduced body weight, motor neuron loss and motor
      defects. Importantly, these mice are phenotype-free until P10 with a median life
      expectancy of 28 days. They show neuromuscular junction (NMJ) pathology with an
      inter-muscular differential vulnerability and an association between pre- and
      post-synaptic defects. Our work suggests that increasing Smn protein levels only
      minimally could be of significant benefit since Smn(2B/2B) mice are
      phenotypically normal. Further, the finding that NMJ pathology varies between
      severe and intermediate SMA mouse models, suggests that future therapies be
      adapted to the severity of SMA.

PMID- 22071335
TI  - Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, TomoTherapy:  gadgets or useful tools?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides information and an update on stereotactic
      radiosurgery (SRS) equipment, with a focus on intracranial lesions and brain
      neoplasms. RECENT FINDINGS: Gamma Knife radiosurgery represents the gold standard
      for intracranial radiosurgery, using a dedicated equipment, and has recently
      evolved with a newly designed technology, Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion. Linear
      accelerator-based radiosurgery is more recent, and originally based on existing
      systems, either adapted or dedicated to radiosurgery. Equipment incorporating
      specific technologies, such as the robotic CyberKnife system, has been developed.
      Novel concepts in radiation therapy delivery techniques, such as intensity
      modulated radiotherapy, were also developed; their integration with computed
      tomography imaging and helical delivery has led to the TomoTherapy system. Recent
      data on the management of intracranial tumors with radiosurgery illustrate the
      trend toward a larger use and acceptance of this therapeutic modality. SUMMARY:
      SRS has become an important alternative treatment for a variety of lesions. Each
      radiosurgery system has its advantages and limitations. The 'perfect' and
      ubiquitous system does not exist. The choice of a radiosurgery system may vary
      with the strategy and needs of specific radiosurgery programs. No center can
      afford to acquire every technology, and strategic choices have to be made.
      Institutions with large neurosurgery and radiation oncology programs usually have
      more than one system, allowing optimization of the management of patients with a
      choice of open neurosurgery, radiosurgery, and radiotherapy. Given its minimally
      invasive nature and increasing clinical acceptance, SRS will continue to progress
      and offer new advances as a therapeutic tool in neurosurgery and radiotherapy.

PMID- 22071336
TI  - Bibliography. Degenerative and cognitive diseases. Current world literature.

PMID- 22071334
TI  - Evolution of the diagnostic criteria for degenerative and cognitive disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the evolution of the clinical criteria
      for Alzheimer's disease over the past 25 years, with special emphasis on those
      recently published that have incorporated the use of biomarkers. RECENT FINDINGS:
      One of the most important advances in the knowledge of Alzheimer's disease was
      the development of cerebrospinal fluid, PET and MRI biomarkers. These have shown
      that the Alzheimer's disease is present in cognitively normal individuals,
      suggesting that there is a long incubation process that precedes the onset of the
      symptoms. Although there are diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease, the
      National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association has proposed a set of
      diagnostic criteria oriented to provide a unified vision of the pathological
      process from preclinical, to mild cognitive impairment, and to full-blown
      dementia. These new criteria take advantage of different biomarkers to support
      the clinical diagnosis of the different stages of the disease. SUMMARY: The new
      guidelines provide a definition of the dementia syndrome and core diagnostic
      features to be used in research and clinical practice, although they caution
      about the use of biomarkers, since they still require validation, and the
      longitudinal interaction and dynamics of these biomarkers in relationship to the
      manifestation of the symptoms are not fully understood.

PMID- 22071338
TI  - Does the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) measure what it intends to measure?
      Validation of a Dutch version of the eHEALS in two adult populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Internet increases the availability of health information, which
      consequently expands the amount of skills that health care consumers must have to
      obtain and evaluate health information. Norman and Skinner in 2006 developed an 8
      item self-report eHealth literacy scale to measure these skills: the eHealth
      Literacy Scale (eHEALS). This instrument has been available only in English and
      there are no data on its validity. OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to
      assess the internal consistency and the construct and predictive validity of a
      Dutch translation of the eHEALS in two populations. METHODS: We examined the
      translated scale in a sample of patients with rheumatic diseases (n = 189; study
      1) and in a stratified sample of the Dutch population (n = 88; study 2). We
      determined Cronbach alpha coefficients and analyzed the principal components.
      Convergent validity was determined by studying correlations with age, education,
      and current (health-related) Internet use. Furthermore, in study 2 we assessed
      the predictive validity of the instrument by comparing scores on the eHEALS with
      an actual performance test. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the scale was
      sufficient: alpha = .93 in study 1 and alpha = .92 in study 2. In both studies
      the 8 items loaded on 1 single component (respectively 67% and 63% of variance).
      Correlations between eHEALS and age and education were not found. Significant,
      though weak, correlations were found between the eHEALS and quantity of Internet
      use (r = .24, P = .001 and r = .24, P = .02, respectively). Contrary to
      expectations, correlations between the eHEALS and successfully completed tasks on
      a performance test were weak and nonsignificant: r = .18 (P = .09). The t tests
      showed no significant differences in scores on the eHEALS between participants
      who scored below and above median scores of the performance test. CONCLUSIONS:
      The eHEALS was assessed as unidimensional in a principal component analysis and
      the internal consistency of the scale was high, which makes the reliability
      adequate. However, findings suggest that the validity of the eHEALS instrument
      requires further study, since the relationship with Internet use was weak and
      expected relationships with age, education, and actual performance were not
      significant. Further research to develop a self-report instrument with high
      correlations with people's actual eHealth literacy skills is warranted.

PMID- 22071339
TI  - Correlation of histologic grade with other clinicopathological parameters,
      intrinsic subtype, and patients' clinical outcome in Taiwanese women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the relationships between histologic grade
      and other clinicopathologic parameters including intrinsic subtype in Taiwanese
      women with breast cancer. METHODS: There were 1302 women diagnosed with breast
      cancer recruited for this study. Histologic grade was scored according to the
      Nottingham-modified Bloom-Richardson grading system. RESULTS: Higher tumor grade
      was associated with larger tumor size (P = 0.021), a larger number of lymph node
      metastases (P = 0.001), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.010), higher human
      epithelial growth receptor-2 positivity (P < 0.001), negative estrogen receptor
      and progesterone receptor (P < 0.0001) status. Triple negative breast cancer
      (56.6%) and human epithelial growth receptor-2 (44.3%) subtypes were associated
      with more Grade III breast cancer in contrast to luminal A (22.3%) and B (29.9%)
      breast cancer. In multivariate Cox regression analysis for cancer-specific
      survival, histologic grade (hazard ratio = 1.78) was a significant prognostic
      factor. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that histologic grade is highly
      correlated with some valuable biomarkers and confirmed the significance of
      histologic grade in Taiwanese female breast cancers.

PMID- 22071340
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of MRI in adults with suspect brachial plexus lesions: a
      multicentre retrospective study with surgical findings and clinical follow-up as
      reference standard.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate brachial plexus MRI accuracy with surgical findings and
      clinical follow-up as reference standard in a large multicentre study. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The research was approved by the Institutional Review Boards, and
      all patients provided their written informed consent. A multicentre retrospective
      trial that included three centres was performed between March 2006 and April
      2011. A total of 157 patients (men/women: 81/76; age range, 18-84 years) were
      evaluated: surgical findings and clinical follow-up of at least 12 months were
      used as the reference standard. MR imaging was performed with different equipment
      at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. The patient group was divided in five subgroups: mass lesion,
      traumatic injury, entrapment syndromes, post-treatment evaluation, and other.
      Sensitivity, specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), positive predictive
      value (PPV), pre-test-probability (the prevalence), negative predictive value
      (NPV), pre- and post-test odds (OR), likelihood ratio for positive results (LH+),
      likelihood ratio for negative results (LH-), accuracy and post-test probability
      (post-P) were reported on a per-patient basis. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity
      and specificity with 95% CIs were: 0.810/0.914; (0.697-0.904). Overall PPV, pre
      test probability, NPV, LH+, LH-, and accuracy: 0.823, 0.331, 0.905, 9.432, 0.210,
      0.878. CONCLUSIONS: The overall diagnostic accuracy of brachial plexus MRI
      calculated on a per-patient base is relatively high. The specificity of brachial
      plexus MRI in patients suspected of having a space-occupying mass is very high.
      The sensitivity is also high, but there are false-positive interpretations as
      well.

PMID- 22071341
TI  - Combining longitudinal studies showed prevalence of disease differed throughout
      older adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Disease prevalence rates are often generalized across the older adult
      age range. By pooling self-reported health data from five Australian longitudinal
      studies of aging, we were able to present disease prevalence rates by 5-year age
      bands and sex. We also investigated the influence of education on prevalence at
      each age range and compared our observed prevalence rates with those from the
      2001 National Health Survey (NHS) to see if existing data could be used to
      augment national estimates. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We used data on 12,718
      adults between 60 and 105 years of age from the Dynamic Analyses to Optimise
      Ageing (DYNOPTA) project. RESULTS: Hypertension and arthritis were the most
      prevalent diseases, with approximately 30% of males and 45% of females having
      either condition. Nearly all diseases were most prevalent amongst older adults in
      their 70s and lower for individuals in their 60s, and 80s and older. The effect
      of education varied by disease and older age group. Prevalence rates from DYNOPTA
      were generally similar to those reported by the NHS. CONCLUSION: Disease
      prevalence is not consistent across older adulthood. Combining longitudinal
      studies provided a sufficient sample to estimate precise age divisions and can be
      used to supplement national estimates for specific populations.

PMID- 22071342
TI  - Medical journal editors lacked familiarity with scientific publication issues
      despite training and regular exposure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize medical editors by determining their demographics,
      training, potential sources of conflict of interest (COI), and familiarity with
      ethical standards. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We selected editors of clinical
      medical journals with the highest annual citation rates. One hundred eighty-three
      editors were electronically surveyed (response rate, 52%) on demographics and
      experiences with editorial training, publication ethics, industry, and scientific
      publication organizations. RESULTS: Editors reported formal (76%) and informal
      (89%) training in medical editing topics. Most editors saw publication ethics
      issues (e.g., authorship, COIs) at least once a year. When presented with four
      questions about editorial issues discussed in commonly cited authoritative policy
      sources, performance was poor on topics of authorship (30% answered correctly),
      COI (15%), peer review (16%), and plagiarism (17%). Despite this, confidence
      level in editorial skills on a Likert scale from the beginning to the end of the
      survey dropped only slightly from 4.2 to 3.9 (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study
      presents a current look at editors of major clinical medical journals. Most
      editors reported training in medical editing topics, saw ethical issues
      regularly, and were aware of scientific publication organizations, but their
      knowledge of four common and well-disseminated publication ethics topics appears
      poor.

PMID- 22071343
TI  - Methanogenic archaea are globally ubiquitous in aerated soils and become active
      under wet anoxic conditions.
AB  - The prototypical representatives of the Euryarchaeota--the methanogens--are
      oxygen sensitive and are thought to occur only in highly reduced, anoxic
      environments. However, we found methanogens of the genera Methanosarcina and
      Methanocella to be present in many types of upland soils (including dryland
      soils) sampled globally. These methanogens could be readily activated by
      incubating the soils as slurry under anoxic conditions, as seen by rapid methane
      production within a few weeks, without any additional carbon source. Analysis of
      the archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA gene community profile in the incubated samples
      through terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and quantification
      through quantitative PCR indicated dominance of Methanosarcina, whose gene copy
      numbers also correlated with methane production rates. Analysis of the delta(13)C
      of the methane further supported this, as the dominant methanogenic pathway was
      in most cases aceticlastic, which Methanocella cannot perform. Sequences of the
      key methanogenic enzyme methyl coenzyme M reductase retrieved from the soil
      samples before incubation confirmed that Methanosarcina and Methanocella are the
      dominant methanogens, though some sequences of Methanobrevibacter and
      Methanobacterium were also detected. The global occurrence of only two active
      methanogenic archaea supports the hypothesis that these are autochthonous members
      of the upland soil biome and are well adapted to their environment.

PMID- 22071344
TI  - Spotlight on the Thaumarchaeota.

PMID- 22071345
TI  - The Western English Channel contains a persistent microbial seed bank.
AB  - Robust seasonal dynamics in microbial community composition have previously been
      observed in the English Channel L4 marine observatory. These could be explained
      either by seasonal changes in the taxa present at the L4 site, or by the
      continuous modulation of abundance of taxa within a persistent microbial
      community. To test these competing hypotheses, deep sequencing of 16S rRNA from
      one randomly selected time point to a depth of 10,729,927 reads was compared with
      an existing taxonomic survey data covering 6 years. When compared against the 6
      year survey of 72 shallow sequenced time points, the deep sequenced time point
      maintained 95.4% of the combined shallow OTUs. Additionally, on average, 99.75%+/
      0.06 (mean+/-s.d.) of the operational taxonomic units found in each shallow
      sequenced sample were also found in the single deep sequenced sample. This
      suggests that the vast majority of taxa identified in this ecosystem are always
      present, but just in different proportions that are predictable. Thus observed
      changes in community composition are actually variations in the relative
      abundance of taxa, not, as was previously believed, demonstrating extinction and
      recolonization of taxa in the ecosystem through time.

PMID- 22071346
TI  - Analysis of the community structure of abyssal kinetoplastids revealed similar
      communities at larger spatial scales.
AB  - Knowledge of the spatial scales of diversity is necessary to evaluate the
      mechanisms driving biodiversity and biogeography in the vast but poorly
      understood deep sea. The community structure of kinetoplastids, an important
      group of microbial eukaryotes belonging to the Euglenozoa, from all abyssal
      plains of the South Atlantic and two areas of the eastern Mediterranean was
      studied using partial small subunit ribosomal DNA gene clone libraries. A total
      of 1364 clones from 10 different regions were retrieved. The analysis revealed
      statistically not distinguishable communities from both the South-East Atlantic
      (Angola and Guinea Basin) and the South-West Atlantic (Angola and Brazil Basin)
      at spatial scales of 1000-3000 km, whereas all other communities were
      significantly differentiated from one another. It seems likely that multiple
      processes operate at the same time to shape communities of deep-sea
      kinetoplastids. Nevertheless, constant and homogenous environmental conditions
      over large spatial scales at abyssal depths, together with high dispersal
      capabilities of microbial eukaryotes, maintain best the results of statistically
      indistinguishable communities at larger spatial scales.

PMID- 22071347
TI  - The energy-diversity relationship of complex bacterial communities in Arctic deep
      sea sediments.
AB  - The availability of nutrients and energy is a main driver of biodiversity for
      plant and animal communities in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, but we are
      only beginning to understand whether and how energy-diversity relationships may
      be extended to complex natural bacterial communities. Here, we analyzed the link
      between phytodetritus input, diversity and activity of bacterial communities of
      the Siberian continental margin (37-3427 m water depth). Community structure and
      functions, such as enzymatic activity, oxygen consumption and carbon
      remineralization rates, were highly related to each other, and with energy
      availability. Bacterial richness substantially increased with increasing sediment
      pigment content, suggesting a positive energy-diversity relationship in
      oligotrophic regions. Richness leveled off, forming a plateau, when mesotrophic
      sites were included, suggesting that bacterial communities and other benthic
      fauna may be structured by similar mechanisms. Dominant bacterial taxa showed
      strong positive or negative relationships with phytodetritus input and allowed us
      to identify candidate bioindicator taxa. Contrasting responses of individual taxa
      to changes in phytodetritus input also suggest varying ecological strategies
      among bacterial groups along the energy gradient. Our results imply that
      environmental changes affecting primary productivity and particle export from the
      surface ocean will not only affect bacterial community structure but also
      bacterial functions in Arctic deep-sea sediment, and that sediment bacterial
      communities can record shifts in the whole ocean ecosystem functioning.

PMID- 22071348
TI  - Fabrication and material properties of fibrous PHBV scaffolds depending on the
      cross-ply angle for tissue engineering.
AB  - Fibrous PHBV cross-ply scaffolds were fabricated using the electrospinning
      technique. The electrospun fibers were arranged depending on angles of alignment,
      which were 180 degrees , 90 degrees , 60 degrees , and 45 degrees . The stress
      and strain values of the fibrous PHBV cross-ply scaffolds increased as the cross
      ply angle increased. At 180 degrees , the strength and strain values of the
      fibers depended on tensile loading directions. At an alignment of 90 degrees ,
      the PHBV scaffolds had a stress value of 3.5 MPa, which was more than two times
      higher than the random structure. The cell morphology and proliferation of L-929
      cells was strongly dependant on the fiber alignment and the best results were
      observed when the angle alignment was high. The results of this study showed that
      the cross-ply structure of the PHBV scaffold affected not only the cell adhesion
      and spreading properties but also dictated the mechanical properties, which were
      dependent on the angles of alignment.

PMID- 22071349
TI  - Alveolar bone regeneration using poly-(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid-co-epsilon
      caprolactone) porous membrane with collagen sponge containing basic fibroblast
      growth factor: an experimental study in the dog.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combining porous poly-lactic
      acid-co-glycolic acid-co-epsilon-caprolactone (PLGC) as a barrier membrane and
      collagen sponge containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to promote bone
      regeneration in the canine mandible. In six beagle dogs, two lateral bone defects
      per side were created in the mandible. The lateral bone defects on the left side
      were treated with a PLGC membrane plus a collagen sponge containing bFGF. In half
      of these, the collagen sponge contained 50 ug of bFGF. In the other half, it
      contained 250 ug of bFGF. As a control, we treated the right-side bone defects in
      each animal with the same PLGC membrane but with a collagen sponge containing
      phosphate buffered saline. Computed tomography (CT) images were recorded at 3 and
      6 months post-op to evaluate regeneration of the bone defects. After a healing
      period of 6 months, whole mandibles were removed for micro-CT and histological
      analyses. The post-op CT images showed that more bone had formed at all
      experimental sites than at control sites. At 3 months post-op, the volume of bone
      at defect sites covered with PLGC membrane plus 250 ug of bFGF was significantly
      greater than it was at defect sites covered with PLGC membrane plus 50 ug of
      bFGF. At 6 months post-op, however, this difference was smaller and not
      statistically significant. Micro-CT measurement showed that the volume of new
      bone regenerated at bone-defect sites, covered with PLGC membrane plus bFGF, was
      significantly greater than that of control sites. However, the presence or
      absence of bFGF in the collagen sponge did not significantly affect the bone
      density of new bone. These results suggest that the macroporous bioresorbable
      PLGC membrane plus collagen sponge containing bFGF effectively facilitates
      healing in GBR procedures.

PMID- 22071350
TI  - Fabrication and biocompatibility of novel bilayer scaffold for skin tissue
      engineering applications.
AB  - In this study, a novel bilayer scaffold composed of electrospun polycaprolactone
      and poly(lacto-co-glycolic acid) (PCL/PLGA) membrane and glutaraldehyde (3.5%
      v/v) cross-linked chitosan/gelatin hydrogel was fabricated using two methods:
      electrospinning of the membrane onto the lyophilized hydrogel (BS-1) and membrane
      underlaying and casting method (BS-2). The morphology of the fabricated scaffolds
      was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical strength,
      porosity, swelling capacity, and biodegradation rates of the scaffolds were also
      characterized. The in vitro biocompatibility of the materials was investigated by
      assessing cytotoxicity and cell proliferation on the material was measured using
      MTT assay. In addition, cell adhesion on the material was investigated by SEM.
      The BS-2 was grafted in Sprague-Dawley rats to determine its in vivo behavior and
      biocompatibility. The experimental results showed that the addition of the
      membrane layer to the hydrogel decreased swelling and degradation rates and
      provided ease of handling during implantation. Grafted BS-2 showed normal wound
      healing and no major inflammatory reaction was observed.

PMID- 22071351
TI  - Effect of ionic products of dicalcium silicate coating on osteoblast
      differentiation and collagen production via TGF-beta1 pathway.
AB  - In this work, the medium containing ionic products of dicalcium silicates
      (Ca(2)SiO(4)) for culturing MG63 cells was prepared by immersing a titanium alloy
      plate with the plasma sprayed Ca(2)SiO(4) coatings in DMEM solution. The effect
      of the ionic products on cellular differentiation, collagen production, and local
      growth factors (prostaglandin E(2) [PGE(2)] and transforming growth factor-beta
      [TGF-beta1]) of osteoblast-like MG63 cells were investigated. The normal DMEM was
      also used to culture MG63 cells as the control group. Differentiation of cell was
      evaluated by detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC)
      synthesis as well as their gene expression. Collagen production was analyzed by
      Sircol assay. The levels of PGE(2) and TGF-beta1 in culture medium were measured
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The gene expressions of TGF-beta
      receptors (TGF-beta RI and TGF-beta RII) were also measured by real-time PCR
      technology. MG63 cells cultured in DMEM containing ionic products of Ca(2)SiO(4)
      coating showed enhanced differentiation and increased collagen production. The
      results obtained from ELISA showed that the levels of PGE(2) and TGF-beta1 in
      experimental group were higher than that in control. The gene expression of TGF
      beta receptors was upregulated, indicating that more TGF-beta1 bonded to their
      receptors which produce more effects on the osteoblastic activity, leading to
      enhanced differentiation and synthetic activity of osteoblast. It is concluded
      that ionic products of Ca(2)SiO(4) coating may enhance cellular differentiation
      and collagen production by influencing TGF-beta1 pathway.

PMID- 22071353
TI  - Cytotoxicity of release products from magnetic nanocomposites in targeted drug
      delivery.
AB  - The efficacy of chemotherapy can be significantly improved if the therapeutic
      agent remains localized at the afflicted area and released at controlled rates.
      Such a targeted drug delivery can be achieved using magnetic nanocomposite (MNC),
      which incorporates drug and magnetic nanoparticles in biodegradable polymer
      microspheres. Reported here are results from an in vitro study on drug release
      rate and cytotoxicity of other release products from MNC. The model system
      contains an anti-cancer chemotherapy agent 5-flurouracil (5-FU) and
      (Co(0.5)Zn(0.5))Fe(2)O(4) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrix produced
      by an oil/oil emulsion technique. Cell proliferation data indicate a sustained
      release of 5-FU for mouse macrophage cell eradication, whereas other microsphere
      components of magnetic nanoparticles and PLGA have little cytotoxic effects.

PMID- 22071352
TI  - Composite PLA scaffolds reinforced with PDO fibers for tissue engineering.
AB  - Novel composite scaffolds were produced using long continuous bidirectional
      fibers embedded in an electrospun matrix, with the aim of using them in soft
      tissue engineering applications. The fibers are of polydioxanone and the matrix
      of polylactic acid. The novel manufacturing method consists of direct
      electrospinning performed on both sides of a collector that supports the already
      arranged fibers. The scaffolds were tested in vitro using 3T3 mouse fibroblasts
      as-obtained or functionalized with biotin or poly (dopamine). Functionalization
      did not significantly affect cells attachment, metabolic activity, or
      proliferation, but poly (dopamine) was proven to be effective in inducing
      hydrophilicity to the surface.

PMID- 22071355
TI  - Experimental antibacterial and mineralizing calcium phosphate-based treatment for
      dentin surfaces.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of experimental calcium
      phosphate-based solutions (sCaP) containing fluoride (F), with and without zinc
      (Zn) ions on reducing susceptibility to acid dissolution and Streptococcus mutans
      (S. mutans) colonization of dentin surfaces. METHODS: Dentin sections were
      treated with double distilled water (control) and with sCaP solutions differing
      in pH and in F(-) and/or Zn(2+) ion concentrations. Solutions A (pH 7); B, C, and
      D (pH 5.5); solution C, twice Zn(2+) and F(-) ion concentration compared to B;
      solution D is similar to C but without Zn(2+). The dentin surfaces were
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction, and
      Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Dissolution was determined in acidic
      buffer. Bacterial (S. mutans) attachment and growth were evaluated using SEM and
      Bioquant. Statistical analyses applied analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's
      multiple Range test. RESULTS: Compared to control, dentin surfaces treated with
      sCaP solutions showed: (a) occluded dentin tubules; (b)reduced susceptibility to
      acid dissolution; and (c) Zn(2+) ions were more effective than F(-) ions in
      inhibiting bacterial colonization. SIGNIFICANCE: Acidic sCaP containing both F
      and Zn ions have mineralizing, acid resistance, and antibacterial effects and may
      be potentially useful as a strategy against dentin caries formation and
      progression.

PMID- 22071354
TI  - Effects of biodegradable Mg-6Zn alloy extracts on cell cycle of intestinal
      epithelial cells.
AB  - In this study, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC)-6 were cultured in different
      concentration extracts of Mg-6Zn alloys for different time periods. We studied
      the indirect effects of Mg-6Zn alloys on cell cycle of IEC-6 cells. The cell
      cycle of IEC-6 cells was measured using flow cytometry. And, the cell cycle of
      IEC-6 cells was evaluated by investigating the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, and
      P21 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting tests.
      It was found that the IEC-6 cells displayed better cell functions in 20% extract
      of the Mg-6Zn alloy extracts, compared to the 100% or 60% extract. The in vitro
      results indicated that the conspicuous alkaline environment that is a result of
      rapid corrosion of Mg-6Zn alloys is disadvantageous to cell cycle of IEC-6 cells.

PMID- 22071356
TI  - The impact of optimality on maternal sensitivity in mothers with substance abuse
      and psychiatric problems and their infants at 3 months.
AB  - The main aim of this study was to investigate the predictive validity of four
      different optimality indexes, as well as infant perinatal status, in relation to
      maternal sensitivity in interaction at 3 months. The four optimality indexes
      comprised items related to substance abuse, psychiatric condition, relational
      experience and socioeconomic status (SES). Maternal sensitivity in mother-infant
      interaction was assessed in two different groups of mothers. One group consisted
      of mothers with substance abuse and psychiatric problems who underwent treatment
      during pregnancy. The other group of mothers had neither substance abuse nor
      psychiatric problems. The expectant mothers were interviewed in the third
      trimester of pregnancy. Medical records and meconium were obtained from the
      infants at birth. Three months after birth, maternal sensitivity in mother-infant
      interaction was assessed. Altogether 79 mother-infant dyads participated in the
      study. The mothers' optimality associated with relational experiences, as well as
      the infants' perinatal status were found to predict maternal sensitivity in
      mother-infant interaction at 3 months. The SES index was also significantly
      related to maternal sensitivity. The relation between group and maternal
      sensitivity was mediated by the mothers' optimality associated with relational
      experiences. This study points to the importance of addressing the mothers' own
      relational experiences and their current representations of motherhood during
      treatment, in order to support and enhance maternal sensitivity.

PMID- 22071357
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency and endothelial dysfunction in non-dialysis chronic kidney
      disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular (CV) events are common in patients with chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) but inadequately explained by traditional risk factors. Vitamin D
      deficiency is highly prevalent in CKD and has been proposed to be a non
      traditional risk factor, but its relationship with vascular function is unknown.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship
      between vitamin D levels and endothelial function in non-diabetes patients with
      mild to moderate CKD. Endothelial function was measured non-invasively using
      brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD). 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels were
      measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. In 50 CKD patients (age 56+/
      11 years, BMI 25+/-4kg/m(2), 46% females, 14% smokers, 86% hypertensives, 52%
      with dyslipidaemia) the mean vitamin D level was 53+/-33nmol/L (21+/-13ng/L). The
      mean FMD was 3.8+/-2.4%. Decreasing 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels were associated
      with decreasing FMD [r=0.44, p=0.001]. In multivariate analysis the association
      remained independent after adjustment with traditional risk factors (adjusted
      beta 0.451; t=3.46; p<0.002). Patients with low vitamin D (<=37.5nmol/L)
      demonstrated low FMD compared to patients with vitamin D values >37.5nmol/L
      (4.4+/-2.5% vs. 2.5+/-1.6%; p=0.007); however the traditional risk factors were
      similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first demonstration of an
      association of vitamin D deficiency with abnormal vascular endothelial function
      in non-dialysis CKD patients. Further studies with intervention and exploration
      of the mechanism are needed to establish a cause effect relationship.

PMID- 22071358
TI  - Lipid rafts: a signalling platform linking lipoprotein metabolism to
      atherogenesis.
AB  - Lipid rafts are microdomains of the plasma membrane which are enriched in
      cholesterol and sphingolipids. They serve as a platform for signal transduction,
      in particular during immune and inflammatory responses. As hypercholesterolemia
      and inflammation are two key elements of atherogenesis, it is conceivable that
      the cholesterol and cholesterol oxide content of lipid rafts might influence the
      inflammatory signalling pathways, thus modulating the development of
      atherosclerosis. In support of this emerging view, lipid rafts have been shown to
      be involved in several key steps of atherogenesis, such as the oxysterol-mediated
      apoptosis of vascular cells, the blunted ability of high density lipoproteins
      (HDL) to exert anti-inflammatory effects, and the exacerbated secretion of pro
      inflammatory cytokines by immune cells. Additional studies are now required to
      address the relative contribution of lipid raft abnormalities to the
      pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22071359
TI  - Association between cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphism and clinical outcomes in
      Chinese patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C19 is expressed in vascular endothelium and
      metabolizes arachidonic acid to biologically active epoxyeicosatrienoic acids,
      which play a key role in regulating vascular tone. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether the genetic functional variant 681G>A (*2) of cytochrome
      CYP2C19 is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in Chinese patients
      with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Between July 2008 and September
      2009, 654 consecutive patients with CAD were enrolled in this study. All
      participants underwent CYP2C19 genotyping. The primary study endpoint was a
      composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal
      stroke. Secondary endpoints included the components of the primary endpoint,
      death from any cause, and recurrent revascularization. RESULTS: The baseline
      characteristics were well-balanced between carriers (heterozygous *1/*2, n=291;
      homozygous *2/*2, n=57) and non-carriers (n=306) of the CYP2C19*2 variant. During
      the follow-up period (11.42+/-4.23 months), the primary endpoint occurred more
      frequently in homozygous *2/*2 than in non-carriers (n=306) of CYP2C19*2 variant
      (12.28% versus 3.27%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=5.191; 95% confidence interval
      [CI]=1.936-13.917; P=0.001); however, no such increase was evident in
      heterozygous *1/*2 patients (4.12% versus 3.27%; adjusted HR=1.208; 95% CI 0.517
      2.822; P=0.662). CONCLUSIONS: The homozygous CYP2C19*2/*2 genotype is an
      independent determinant of adverse vascular events in Chinese patients with CAD.

PMID- 22071360
TI  - Interaction of apolipoprotein E genotype with smoking and physical inactivity on
      coronary heart disease risk in men and women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein E genotype (APOE) polymorphism affects lipid levels and
      coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. However, these associations may be modified by
      lifestyle factors. Therefore, we studied whether smoking, physical inactivity or
      overweight interact with APOE on cholesterol levels and CHD risk. METHODS:
      Combining two Swedish case-control studies yielded 1735 CHD cases and 4654
      population controls (3747 men, 2642 women). Self-reported questionnaire lifestyle
      data included smoking (ever [current or former regular] or never) and physical
      inactivity (mainly sitting leisure time). We obtained LDL cholesterol levels and
      APOE genotypes. CHD risk was modelled using logistic regression to obtain odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for relevant
      covariates. RESULTS: Smoking interacted with APOE on CHD risk; adjusted ORs for
      ever versus never smoking were 1.45 (95% CI 1.00-2.10) in E2 carriers, 2.25 (95%
      CI 1.90-2.68) in E3 homozygotes and 2.37 (95% CI 1.85-3.04) in E4 carriers.
      Female E4 carriers had OR 3.62 (95% CI 2.32-5.63). The adjusted ORs for physical
      inactivity were 1.09 (95% CI 0.73-1.61), 1.34 (95% CI 1.12-1.61), and 1.79 (95%
      CI 1.38-2.30) in E2, E3E3 and E4 groups, respectively. No interaction was seen
      between overweight and APOE for CHD risk, or between any lifestyle factor and
      APOE for LDL cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: The APOE E2 allele counteracted CHD
      risk from smoking in both genders, while the E4 allele was seen to potentiate
      this risk mainly in women. Similar E2 protection and E4 potentiation was
      suggested for CHD risk from physical inactivity.

PMID- 22071361
TI  - Evaluation of the online-presence (homepage) of burn units/burn centers in
      Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
AB  - PURPOSE: A successful online presence is an important key factor in the
      competition among hospitals today. However, little is known about the internet
      presence and the quality of websites of burn units on the World Wide Web. The aim
      was to assess the online presence of hospitals provided by specialized burn units
      in German speaking countries with a focus on the rate and the performance of
      actively run websites. METHODS: A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional
      study was performed over a period of 1.5 month (October-December 2010). Forty
      four burn units were assessed by using a previously generated criteria list. The
      list included 36 criteria with following topics: "research and teaching";
      "patient care"; "clinical emphases", "general information"; "information
      brokerage". RESULTS: Overall, the websites examined offered a good overview about
      their different online services with many multimedia-based elements included. All
      websites consisted of hyperlinks, general multimedia-based elements and
      information on means of communication with the hospital, respectively. In
      contrast, the quality of specific information for burn patients was relatively
      poor. With regard to the need of elderly people, the usability and the layout,
      the different websites offer a lot of options for future improvements.
      CONCLUSION: Burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland already consider the
      World Wide Web as an important tool for self-promotion and communication. The
      potential of burn center websites to function as a knowledge base for first aid
      as well as preventive measurements should be considered and realized in future
      web site designs.

PMID- 22071362
TI  - Distribution of oceanic 137Cs from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant
      simulated numerically by a regional ocean model.
AB  - Radioactive materials were released to the environment from the Fukushima Dai
      ichi Nuclear Power Plant as a result of the reactor accident after the Tohoku
      earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011. The measured (137)Cs concentration in a
      seawater sample near the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant site reached 68
      kBq L(-1) (6.8 * 10(4)Bq L(-1)) on 6 April. The two major likely pathways from
      the accident site to the ocean existed: direct release of high radioactive liquid
      wastes to the ocean and the deposition of airborne radioactivity to the ocean
      surface. By analysis of the (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratio, we determined that
      direct release from the site contributed more to the measured (137)Cs
      concentration than atmospheric deposition did. We then used a regional ocean
      model to simulate the (137)Cs concentrations resulting from the direct release to
      the ocean off Fukushima and found that from March 26 to the end of May the total
      amount of (137)Cs directly released was 3.5 +/- 0.7 PBq ((3.5 +/- 0.7) *
      10(15)Bq). The simulated temporal change in (137)Cs concentrations near the
      Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant site agreed well with observations. Our
      simulation results showed that (1) the released (137)Cs advected southward along
      the coast during the simulation period; (2) the eastward-flowing Kuroshio and its
      extension transported (137)C during May 2011; and (3) (137)Cs concentrations
      decreased to less than 10 BqL(-1) by the end of May 2011 in the whole simulation
      domain as a result of oceanic advection and diffusion. We compared the total
      amount and concentration of (137)Cs released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi reactors
      to the ocean with the (137)Cs released to the ocean by global fallout. Even
      though the measured (137)Cs concentration from the Fukushima accident was the
      highest recorded, the total released amount of (137)Cs was not very large.
      Therefore, the effect of (137)Cs released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi reactors on
      concentration in the whole North Pacific was smaller than that of past release
      events such as global fallout, and the amount of (137)Cs expected to reach other
      oceanic basins is negligible comparing with the past radioactive input.

PMID- 22071364
TI  - Men's experiences of gynaecomastia and corrective surgery: a qualitative report.

PMID- 22071363
TI  - Monitoring of aerosols in Tsukuba after Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant incident in
      2011.
AB  - Artificial radionuclides were released into the atmosphere by the Fukushima Dai
      ichi Nuclear Power Plant incident after a strong earthquake on 11 March 2011.
      Aerosol monitoring at the Geological Survey of Japan, Tsukuba, was started 20 d
      after the incident. Radionuclides such as (99)Mo/(99m)Tc, (132)Te/(132)I, (129
      m)Te/(129)Te, (131)I, (137)Cs, (136)Cs, (134)Cs, (140)Ba/(140)La, (110 m)Ag, and
      (95)Nb were observed and, with the exception of (137)Cs and (134)Cs, these
      radionuclides decreased to below the limit of detection in the middle of June.
      The activity ratio of atmospheric (134)Cs/(137)Cs in aerosols decreased over time
      almost following physical decays. Therefore, the (134)Cs/(137)Cs activity ratio
      in the averaged air mass in this study could be regarded as homogeneous although
      those of several reactors in the Nuclear Power Plant were not ascertained. A
      further research on the released (137)Cs and (134)Cs would be necessary for the
      sedimentology of lake sediment.

PMID- 22071365
TI  - Six-fold hexagonal symmetric nanostructures with various periodic shapes on GaAs
      substrates for efficient antireflection and hydrophobic properties.
AB  - We fabricated various periodic nanostructures with a six-fold hexagonal symmetry
      on gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates using simple process steps, together with a
      theoretical analysis of their antireflective properties. Elliptical photoresist
      (PR) nanopillars, which are inevitably generated by the asymmetric intensity
      distribution of the laser interference, were converted to rounded lens-like
      patterns by a thermal reflow process without any additional complex optic
      systems, thus leading to an exact six-fold hexagonal symmetry. Various shaped
      periodic nanostructures including nanorods, cones, truncated cones, and even
      parabolic patterns were obtained under different etching conditions using the
      rounded lens-like PR patterns formed by the reflow process. For the parabolic
      structure, the calculated lowest average reflectance of ~ 2.3%  was obtained. To
      achieve better antireflection characteristics, an aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO)
      film was deposited on the GaAs parabolas, which forms an AZO/GaAs parabolic
      nanostructure. The structure exhibited a low average reflectance of ~ 1.2%  over
      a wide wavelength region of 350-1800 nm and a hydrophobic surface with a water
      contact angle of theta(c) ~ 115 degrees . The calculated reflectances were
      reasonably consistent with the measured results.

PMID- 22071367
TI  - The interruptive effect of pain in a multitask environment: an experimental
      investigation.
AB  - Daily life is characterized by the need to stop, start, repeat, and switch
      between multiple tasks. Here, we experimentally investigate the effects of pain,
      and its anticipation, in a multitask environment. Using a task-switching
      paradigm, participants repeated and switched between 3 tasks, of which 1
      predicted the possible occurrence of pain. Half of the participants received low
      intensity pain (N = 30), and half high intensity pain (N = 30). Results showed
      that pain interferes with the performance of a simultaneous task, independent of
      the pain intensity. Furthermore, pain interferes with the performance on a
      subsequent task. These effects are stronger with high intensity pain than with
      low intensity pain. Finally, and of particular importance in this study,
      interference of pain on a subsequent task was larger when participants switched
      to another task than when participants repeated the same task. PERSPECTIVE: This
      article is concerned with the interruptive effect of pain on people's task
      performance by using an adapted task-switching paradigm. This adapted paradigm
      may offer unique possibilities to investigate how pain interferes with task
      performance while people repeat and switch between multiple tasks in a multitask
      environment.

PMID- 22071366
TI  - Individual differences in the effects of music engagement on responses to painful
      stimulation.
AB  - Engaged attention, including music listening, has shown mixed results when used
      as a method for reducing pain. Applying the framework of constructivism, we
      extend the concept of engagement beyond attention/distraction to include all
      cognitive and emotional/motivational processes that may be recruited in order to
      construct an alternative experience to pain and thus reduce pain. Using a music
      listening task varying in task demand, we collected stimulus-evoked potentials,
      pupil dilation, and skin conductance responses to noxious electrocutaneous
      stimulations as indicators of central and peripheral arousal, respectively. Trait
      anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and absorption (Tellegen
      Absorption Scale) provided indicators of individual differences. One hundred and
      fifty-three healthy, normal volunteers participated in a test session in which
      they received 3 stimulus intensity levels while listening to background tones (No
      Task) or performing a music-listening task. Linear slopes indicating net
      engagement (change in stimulus arousal relative to task performance) decreased
      with increasing task demand and stimulus level for stimulus-evoked potentials.
      Slopes for pupil dilation response and skin conductance response varied with task
      demand, anxiety, and absorption, with the largest engagement effect occurring for
      high anxiety/high absorption participants. Music engagement reduces pain
      responses, but personality factors like anxiety and absorption modulate the
      magnitude of effect. PERSPECTIVE: Engaging in music listening can reduce
      responses to pain, depending on the person: people who are anxious and can become
      absorbed in activities easily may find music listening especially effective for
      relieving pain. Clinicians should consider patients' personality characteristics
      when recommending behavioral interventions like music listening for pain relief.

PMID- 22071368
TI  - On the role of thermal activation in selective photochemistry: mechanistic
      insight into the oxidation of propene on the V4O11- cluster.
AB  - An experimental methodology for a mechanistic analysis of gas phase chemical
      reactions is presented in the context of structure-reactivity relationships of
      metal oxide clusters relevant to photocatalysis. The spectroscopic approach is
      demonstrated with the investigation of the photoinduced oxygenation of propene on
      the V(4)O(11)(-) cluster, where the thermal activation and subsequent
      photoreaction are deduced with the information from (i) the temperature
      dependency of the aggregation kinetics in the propene-seeded helium atmosphere of
      an ion-trap reactor; (ii) the fluence dependency in the yield of different
      product channels of the photoreaction and (iii) the intensity dependency in the
      fragmentation of neutral reaction products that are probed via in situ multi
      photon ionization. For the thermal reaction, selective hydrogen abstraction from
      the allylic position of propene accompanied by the linkage to the cluster at the
      dioxo moiety is postulated as the mechanism in the aggregation of propene on the
      V(4)O(11)(-) cluster. In accordance with an insightful neutralization
      reionization study (Schroder et al., J. Mass. Spectrom., 2010, 301, 84), the
      subsequent photoinduced reaction is defined by an allylic oxidation in the
      formation of acrolein from the initial allyloxy radical photoproduct. The
      relevance of the observed selectivity is discussed in view of the electronic
      structure and bond motifs offered by high valence oxide systems such as the
      V(4)O(11)(-) cluster.

PMID- 22071369
TI  - Mercury levels and trends (1993-2009) in bream (Abramis brama L.) and zebra
      mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from German surface waters.
AB  - Mercury concentrations have been analysed in bream (Abramis brama L.) and zebra
      mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) collected at 17 freshwater sites in Germany from
      1993-2009 and 1994-2009, respectively, within the German Environmental Specimen
      programme. Mercury concentrations in bream ranged from 21 to 881 ng g(-1) wet
      weight with lowest concentrations found at the reference site Lake Belau and
      highest in fish from the river Elbe and its tributaries. Statistical analysis
      revealed site-specific differences and significant decreasing temporal trends in
      mercury concentrations at most of the sampling sites. The decrease in mercury
      levels in bream was most pronounced in fish from the river Elbe and its tributary
      Mulde, while in fish from the river Saale mercury levels increased. Temporal
      trends seem to level off in recent years. Mercury concentrations in zebra mussels
      were much lower than those in bream according to their lower trophic position and
      varied by one order of magnitude from 4.1 to 42 ng g(-1) wet weight (33-336 ng g(
      1) dry weight). For zebra mussels, trend analyses were performed for seven
      sampling sites at the rivers Saar and Elbe of which three showed significant
      downward trends. There was a significant correlation of the geometric mean
      concentrations in bream and zebra mussel over the entire study period at each
      sampling site (Pearson's correlation coefficient=0.892, p=0.00002). A comparison
      of the concentrations in bream with the environmental quality standard (EQS) of
      20 ng g(-1) wet weight set for mercury in biota by the EU showed that not a
      single result was in compliance with this limit value, not even those from the
      reference site. Current mercury levels in bream from German rivers exceed the EQS
      by a factor 4.5-20. Thus, piscivorous top predators are still at risk of
      secondary poisoning by mercury exposure via the food chain. It was suggested
      focusing monitoring of mercury in forage fish (trophic level 3 or 4) for
      compliance checking with the EQS for biota and considering the age dependency of
      mercury concentrations in fish in the monitoring strategy.

PMID- 22071370
TI  - Electrochemical oxidation of nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds at boron-doped
      diamond electrode.
AB  - Nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) are toxic and bio-refractory contaminants
      widely spread in environment. This study investigated electrochemical degradation
      of NHCs at boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode with particular attention to the
      effect of different number and position of nitrogen atoms in molecular structure.
      Five classical NHCs with similar structures including indole (ID), quinoline
      (QL), isoquinoline (IQL), benzotriazole (BT) and benzimidazole (BM) were selected
      as the target compounds. Results of bulk electrolysis showed that degradation of
      all NHCs was fit to a pseudo first-order equation. The five compounds were
      degraded with the following sequence: ID>QL>IQL>BT>BM in terms of their rates of
      oxidation. Quantum chemical calculation was combined with experimental results to
      describe the degradation character of NHCs at BDD anode. A linear relationship
      between degradation rate and delocalization energy was observed, which
      demonstrated that electronic charge was redistributed through the conjugation
      system and accumulated at the active sites under the attack of hydroxyl radicals
      produced at BDD anode. Moreover, atom charge was calculated by semi empirical PM3
      method and active sites of NHCs were identified respectively. Analysis of
      intermediates by GC-MS showed agreement with calculation results.

PMID- 22071371
TI  - Genotoxicity assessment of water soluble fractions of biodiesel and its diesel
      blends using the Salmonella assay and the in vitro MicroFlow(r) kit (Litron)
      assay.
AB  - The designation of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly alternative to diesel
      oil has improved its commercialization and use. However, most biodiesel
      environmental safety studies refer to air pollution and so far there have been
      very few literature data about its impacts upon other biotic systems, e.g. water,
      and exposed organisms. Spill simulations in water were carried out with neat
      diesel and biodiesel and their blends aiming at assessing their genotoxic
      potentials should there be contaminations of water systems. The water soluble
      fractions (WSF) from the spill simulations were submitted to solid phase
      extraction with C-18 cartridge and the extracts obtained were evaluated carrying
      out genotoxic and mutagenic bioassays [the Salmonella assay and the in vitro
      MicroFlow(r) kit (Litron) assay]. Mutagenic and genotoxic effects were observed,
      respectively, in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay and the in vitro MN
      test carried out with the biodiesel WSF. This interesting result may be related
      to the presence of pollutants in biodiesel derived from the raw material source
      used in its production chain. The data showed that care while using biodiesel
      should be taken to avoid harmful effects on living organisms in cases of water
      pollution.

PMID- 22071372
TI  - Transcriptional effects of perfluorinated compounds in rat hepatoma cells.
AB  - Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is the terminal degradation product of many
      commercially used perfluorinated compounds, and most of the toxicity testing to
      date has focused on its potential biological effects. While PFOS has been
      extensively studied, other PFCs including replacement chemicals such as
      perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) and perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA), have not been
      well characterized. Despite the relative lack of data available on these other
      PFCs it has been assumed that they will cause similar or lesser effects than
      PFOS. This study compared the effects of 10 PFCs routinely found in the
      environment on mRNA abundance of 7 genes related to processes known to be
      affected by PFOS, such as fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and thyroid
      development. Rat H4IIE hepatoma cells were exposed and changes in mRNA abundance
      were quantified by real-time PCR. Significant changes in mRNA abundance were
      observed. The effects caused by the shorter chain replacement chemicals differed
      significantly from those caused by PFOS or PFOA. Furthermore, not all of the PFCs
      caused the same effects, and changes could not simply be attributed to chain
      length or functional group. These differences could mean that these replacement
      chemicals do not act through the same mechanisms as the more studied PFOS and
      PFOA.

PMID- 22071373
TI  - Henry's law constants of chlorinated solvents at elevated temperatures.
AB  - Henry's law constants for 12 chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) were
      measured as a function of temperature ranging from 8 to 93 degrees C, using the
      modified equilibrium partitioning in closed system (EPICS) method. The
      chlorinated compounds include tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, cis-1,2
      dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2
      dichloroethane, chloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane,
      and chloromethane. The variation in Henry's constants for these compounds as a
      function of temperature ranged from around 3-fold (chloroethane) to 30-fold (1,2
      dichloroethane). Aqueous solubilities of the pure compounds were measured over
      the temperature range of 8-75 degrees C. The temperature dependence of Henry's
      constant was predicted using the ratio of pure vapor pressure to aqueous
      solubility, both of which are functions of temperature. The calculated Henry's
      constants are in a reasonable agreement with the measured results. With the
      improved data on Henry's law constants at high temperatures measured in this
      study, it will be possible to more accurately model subsurface remediation
      processes that operate near the boiling point of water.

PMID- 22071374
TI  - House crickets can accumulate polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) directly
      from polyurethane foam common in consumer products.
AB  - Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are added at percent levels
      to many polymers and textiles abundant in human spaces and vehicles, wherein they
      have been long assumed to be tightly sequestered. However, the mgkg(-1) burdens
      recently detected in indoor dust testify to substantial releases. The bulk of
      released PBDEs remain in the terrestrial environment, yet comparatively little
      research focuses on this compartment. There, insects/arthropods, such as
      crickets, are the most abundant invertebrate organisms and facilitate the trophic
      transfer of contaminants by breaking down complex organic matter (including
      discarded polymers) and serving as food for other organisms. Our experiments
      revealed that house crickets (Acheta domesticus) provided uncontaminated food and
      free access to PUF containing Penta-BDE (8.7%drywt) for 28 d accumulated
      substantial PBDE body burdens. Crickets allowed to depurate gut contents
      exhibited whole body burdens of up to 13.4 mg kg(-1) lipid SigmaPenta-BDE, 1000
      fold higher than typically reported in humans. Non-depurated crickets and molted
      exoskeletons incurred even higher SigmaPenta-BDE, up to 80.6 and 63.3 mg kg(-1)
      lipid, respectively. Congener patterns of whole crickets and molts resembled
      those of PUF and the commercial Penta-BDE formulation, DE-71, indicative of
      minimal discrimination or biotransformation. Accumulation factor (AF)
      calculations were hampered by uncertainties in determining actual PUF ingestion.
      However, estimated AFs were low, in the range of 10(-4)-10(-3), suggesting that
      polymer-PBDE interactions limited uptake. Nonetheless, results indicate that
      substantial PBDE burdens may be incurred by insects in contact with current-use
      and derelict treated polymers within human spaces and solid waste disposal sites
      (e.g. landfills, automotive dumps, etc.). Once ingested, even burdens not
      absorbed across the gut wall may be dispersed within proximate terrestrial food
      webs via the insect's movements and/or predation.

PMID- 22071375
TI  - Measurement of pyrene in the gills of exposed fish using synchronous fluorescence
      spectroscopy.
AB  - A synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) method was developed for
      determination of pyrene in the gills of exposed fish. The wavelength differences
      (Deltalambda) of 50 nm was maintained between excitation and emission wavelengths
      and it was found to be suitable for the effective determination of pyrene in fish
      gills; the peak were observed at lambda(ex) 334.5 nm. Linear relationships
      between SFS intensity and the concentration of pyrene in n-hexane solution were
      established. It was demonstrated that the SFS method was effective, simple, and
      less expensive, providing an attractive alternative for the rapid analysis of
      pyrene in fish gills.

PMID- 22071376
TI  - Molecular-targeted nanotherapies in cancer: enabling treatment specificity.
AB  - Chemotherapy represents a mainstay and powerful adjuvant therapy in the treatment
      of cancer. The field has evolved from drugs possessing all-encompassing cell
      killing effects to those with highly targeted, specific mechanisms of action; a
      direct byproduct of enhanced understanding of tumorigenic processes. However,
      advances regarding development of agents that target key molecules and
      dysregulated pathways have had only modest impacts on patient survival. Several
      biological barriers preclude adequate delivery of drugs to tumors, and remain a
      formidable challenge to overcome in chemotherapy. Currently, the field of
      nanomedicine is enabling the delivery of chemotherapeutics, including
      repositioned drugs and siRNAs, by giving rise to carriers that provide for
      protection from degradation, prolonged circulation times, and increased tumor
      accumulation, all the while resulting in reduced patient morbidity. This review
      aims to highlight several innovative, nanoparticle-based platforms with the
      potential of providing clinical translation of several novel chemotherapeutic
      agents. We will also summarize work regarding the development of a multistage
      drug delivery strategy, a robust carrier platform designed to overcome several
      biological barriers while en route to tumors.

PMID- 22071377
TI  - Predictors of suicidal ideation with sub-optimal health status and anxiety
      symptom among Chinese adolescents.
AB  - Evidences in respect to the predictors of suicide ideation are uncertain and most
      associations only have been identified in cross-sectional studies. More
      information is needed to identify whether these predictors are true risk factors
      and can predict the development of suicidal ideation independently. Using the
      data from a prospective, longitudinal study (n = 2348), we examined the
      predictors of suicide ideation with demographic variety and psychological well
      being of adolescents. Positive items of sub-optimal health status and anxiety
      symptom at baseline could strongly predict the incidence of self-reported
      suicidal ideation on a 1-year follow-up study. These results have implications
      for programs aimed at identifying school students at risk for suicide.

PMID- 22071378
TI  - Association of the CHRNA5-A3-B4 gene cluster with heaviness of smoking: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Variation in the CHRNA5-A3-B4 gene cluster is a promising candidate
      region for smoking behavior and has been linked to multiple smoking-related
      phenotypes (e.g., nicotine dependence) and diseases (e.g., lung cancer). Two
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs16969968 in CHRNA5 and rs1051730 in
      CHRNA3, have generated particular interest. METHODS: We evaluated the published
      evidence for association between rs16969968 (k = 27 samples) and rs1051730 (k =
      44 samples) SNPs with heaviness of smoking using meta-analytic techniques. We
      explored which SNP provided a stronger genetic signal and investigated study
      level characteristics (i.e., ancestry, disease state) to establish whether the
      strength of association differed across populations. We additionally tested for
      small study bias and explored the impact of year of publication. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis indicated compelling evidence of an association
      between the rs1051730/rs16966968 variants and daily cigarette consumption (fixed
      effects: B = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.77, 1.06, p < .001; random effects: B = 1.01, 95%
      CI = 0.81, 1.22, p < .001), equivalent to a per-allele effect of approximately 1
      cigarette/day. SNP rs1051730 was found to provide a stronger signal than
      rs16966968 in stratified analyses (p(diff) = .028), although this difference was
      only qualitatively observed in the subset of samples that provided data on both
      SNPs. While the functional relevance of rs1051730 is unknown, it may be a strong
      tagging SNP for functional haplotypes in this region.

PMID- 22071380
TI  - Long-term follow-up of DDD and VDD pacing: a prospective non-randomized single
      centre comparison of patients with symptomatic atrioventricular block.
AB  - AIMS: This prospective non-randomized single-centre registry compared clinical
      outcome, pacing parameters, and long-term survival in patients receiving VDD or
      DDD pacemaker (PMs) for symptomatic atrioventricular (AV) block. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Single-lead VDD (n= 166) and DDD (n= 254) PMs were implanted in 420
      successive patients with isolated AV block between January 2001 and December
      2009. At the end of the follow-up period [median 25 (1-141) months], there was no
      difference in the incidence of atrial fibrillation [11.2% in the VDD group; 11.4%
      in the DDD group (P= 0.95)], myocardial infarction [31.1% in the VDD group; 25.2%
      in the DDD group (P= 0.20)], or dilated cardiomyopathy [9.9% in the VDD group;
      8.9% in the DDD group (P= 0.74)]. At last follow-up, 65.9% of the VDD PMs and
      89.3% of the DDD PMs were still programmed in their original mode with good
      atrial sensing. Due to permanent atrial fibrillation, 7.9% patients out of the
      VDD group had been switched to VVIR mode and 8.7% patients out of the DDD group
      to VVIR or DDIR mode. The P-wave amplitude was poor (sensed P-wave <0.5 mV) in
      19.1% of the VDD PM and 1.6% of the DDD PM (P< 0.001) and 7.1% of the VDD
      patients and 0.4% of the DDD patients had been switched to VVIR pacing mode due
      to P-wave undersensing and AV dissociation (P= 0.003). Symptomatic atrial
      undersensing requiring upgrading was similar in both groups. The overall
      survival, adjusted for age, was not significantly different in the VDD and the
      DDD group (log rank: 0.26). Moreover, Cox survival analysis excluded the pacing
      mode as a significant predictor of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.79,
      confidence interval (CI) (0.46-1.35), P= 0.39]. CONCLUSION: Comparing VDD and DDD
      pacing, a significantly larger number of VDD-paced patients developed poor atrial
      signal detection without clinical impact. However, atrial under sensing did not
      influence the incidence of atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, dilated
      cardiomyopathy, or mortality.

PMID- 22071381
TI  - Unusual failure of left ventricular lead implantation diagnosed by multidetector
      computed tomography.

PMID- 22071382
TI  - Women and minorities are less likely to receive an implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) improve survival in
      patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). We investigated
      whether women and minorities are as likely as white men to receive an ICD for
      primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed the
      electronic medical records of patients with cardiomyopathy by nuclear single
      photon emission computed tomography imaging (EF <= 35%), who had no prior history
      of sustained ventricular arrhythmias. Clinical and demographic data were
      collected and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was calculated for each
      patient. A total of 233 non-selected patients (age = 68 +/- 12 years, 29% women,
      21% black, EF 24 +/- 6%, CCI 6.62 +/- 2.9) were included in this analysis of whom
      111 (48%) received an ICD. In univariate analysis, ICD recipients were more
      likely to be Caucasian men compared with black men or women from all races. After
      adjusting for race, gender, EF, and the CCI in a multivariate logistic regression
      model, women were 61% less likely than men [odds ratio (OR) = 0.39, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.74, P= 0.004] and blacks were 72% less likely
      than whites (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.59, P= 0.001) to receive an ICD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Even after adjusting for comorbid conditions, gender, and racial
      discrepancies in the implantation of ICDs for the primary prevention of sudden
      cardiac death exist. Further investigations into the root causes of these
      discrepancies are needed before any corrective measures can be adopted.

PMID- 22071383
TI  - Implantable loop recorders are cost-effective when used to investigate transient
      loss of consciousness which is either suspected to be arrhythmic or remains
      unexplained.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the cost-effectiveness of implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in
      people with transient loss of consciousness (TLoC), which, after initial
      assessment and specialist cardiovascular assessment, is either suspected to be
      arrhythmic in origin or remains unexplained. This analysis was conducted to
      inform clinical guideline recommendations made by the National Institute for
      Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the management of TLoC. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Decision analytic modelling was used to estimate the costs and benefits
      of using ILRs compared with a strategy of no further diagnostic testing.
      Diagnostic outcomes were estimated from a systematic review and used to populate
      a decision tree model. To capture the main consequences of diagnosis, the costs
      and benefits of treatment for several clinically significant arrhythmias were
      estimated within the model. We used a cost-utility approach, in which benefits
      are measured using quality adjusted life years (QALYs), and took a UK National
      Health Service (NHS) and personal social services perspective. The cost per QALY
      was L17,400 in patients with unexplained syncope and L16,400 in patients with
      suspected arrhythmic syncope. Sensitivity analysis found that the cost
      effectiveness estimates are fairly robust despite the areas of uncertainty
      identified in the evidence and assumptions used to inform the model. CONCLUSIONS:
      Implantable loop recorder monitoring is likely to be a cost-effective strategy in
      people presenting to the UK NHS who are experiencing infrequent episodes of TLoC
      which either remain unexplained or are suspected to be arrhythmic after initial
      assessment and specialist cardiovascular assessment. Implantable loop recorder
      monitoring has been recommended by NICE for these populations.

PMID- 22071384
TI  - The influence of bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine strain on the immune response
      against tuberculosis: a randomized trial.
AB  - RATIONALE: Approximately 100 million doses of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG)
      vaccine are given each year to protect against tuberculosis (TB). More than 20
      genetically distinct BCG vaccine strains are in use worldwide. Previous studies
      suggest that BCG vaccine strain influences the immune response and protection
      against TB. Current data on which BCG vaccine strain induces the optimal immune
      response in humans are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: To compare the immune response
      to three different BCG vaccine strains given to infants at birth. METHODS:
      Newborn infants in a tertiary women's hospital were immunized at birth with one
      of three BCG vaccine strains. A stratified randomization according to the
      mother's region of birth was used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The presence of
      mycobacterial-specific polyfunctional CD4 T cells measured by flow cytometry 10
      weeks after immunization. Of the 209 infants immunized, data from 164 infants
      were included in the final analysis (BCG-Denmark, n = 54; BCG-Japan, n = 54; BCG
      Russia, n = 57). The proportion of polyfunctional CD4 T cells was significantly
      higher in infants immunized with BCG-Denmark (0.013%) or BCG-Japan (0.016%) than
      with BCG-Russia (0.007%) (P = 0.018 and P = 0.003, respectively). Infants
      immunized with BCG-Japan had higher concentrations of secreted Th1 cytokines;
      infants immunized with BCG-Denmark had higher proportions of CD107-expressing
      cytotoxic CD4 T cells. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in the
      immune response induced by different BCG vaccine strains in newborn infants.
      Immunization with BCG-Denmark or BCG-Japan induced higher frequencies of
      mycobacterial-specific polyfunctional and cytotoxic T cells and higher
      concentrations of Th1 cytokines. These findings have potentially important
      implications for global antituberculosis immunization policies and future
      tuberculosis vaccine trials.

PMID- 22071386
TI  - Empyema necessitatis due to Actinomyces israelii.

PMID- 22071385
TI  - A mediation model linking body weight, cognition, and sleep-disordered breathing.
AB  - RATIONALE: Academic success involves the ability to use cognitive skills in a
      school environment. Poor academic performance has been linked to disrupted sleep
      associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). In parallel, poor sleep is
      associated with increased risk for obesity, and weight management problems have
      been linked to executive dysfunction, suggesting that interactions may be
      operational between SDB and obesity to adversely affect neurocognitive outcomes.
      OBJECTIVES: To test whether mediator relationships exist between body weight,
      SDB, and cognition. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was conducted on data
      from 351 children in a community-based cohort assessed with the core subtests of
      the Differential Abilities Scales after an overnight polysomnogram. Body mass
      index, apnea-hypopnea index, and cognitive abilities were modeled as latent
      constructs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In a sample of predominantly white
      children 6 to 10 years of age, SDB amplified the adverse cognitive and weight
      outcomes by 0.55- to 0.46-fold, respectively. Weight amplified the risk by 0.39-
      to 0.40-fold for SDB and cognitive outcomes, respectively. Poor ability to
      perform complex mental processing functions increased the risk of adverse weight
      and SDB outcomes by 2.9- and 7.9-fold, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive
      functioning in children is adversely affected by frequent health-related
      problems, such as obesity and SDB. Furthermore, poorer integrative mental
      processing may place a child at a bigger risk for adverse health outcomes.

PMID- 22071387
TI  - ACSM Clinician Profile.

PMID- 22071388
TI  - Placebos, expectations, and the power of words.

PMID- 22071390
TI  - Sport physicians should practice the full gamut of their profession: moving from
      sports medicine to sports and exercise medicine.

PMID- 22071391
TI  - Sideline acupuncture for acute pain control: a case series.

PMID- 22071392
TI  - Head injuries, heading, and the use of headgear in soccer.
AB  - Soccer has more than 265 million players around the world and is the only contact
      sport with purposeful use of the head for controlling and advancing the ball.
      Head contact in soccer has the potential to cause acute traumatic brain injury
      including concussion or, potentially, a pattern of chronic brain injury. Although
      early retrospective research on the effects of soccer heading seemed to suggest
      that purposeful heading may contribute to long-term cognitive impairment,
      prospective controlled studies do not support this and, in fact, suggest that
      purposeful heading may not be a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Headgear
      has not been shown to be effective in reducing ball impact but may be helpful in
      reducing the force of non-ball-related impacts to the head. There are concerns
      that universal use of headgear may cause more aggressive heading and head
      challenges, leading to increased risk of injury.

PMID- 22071393
TI  - Nutrition update for the ultraendurance athlete.
AB  - Participation in ultraendurance events has been increasing. Appropriate nutrition
      in training and fueling while racing within the confines of gastrointestinal
      tolerability is essential for optimal performance. Unfortunately, there has been
      a paucity of studies looking at this special population of athletes. Recent field
      studies have helped to clarify appropriate fluid intake and dispel the myth that
      moderate dehydration while racing is detrimental. Additional current nutrition
      research has looked at the role of carbohydrate manipulation during training and
      its effect on macronutrient metabolism, as well as of the benefits of the
      coingestion of multiple types of carbohydrates for race fueling. The use of
      caffeine and sodium ingestion while racing is common with ultraendurance
      athletes, but more research is needed on their effect on performance. This
      article will provide the clinician and the athlete with the latest nutritional
      information for the ultraendurance athlete.

PMID- 22071394
TI  - Snowboarding injuries.
AB  - Snowboarding has gained immense popularity during the past 30 years and continues
      to appeal to many young participants. Injury patterns and characteristics of
      injuries seen commonly in snowboarders have rapidly evolved during this time.
      Risk factors have emerged, and various methods of reducing injuries to
      snowboarders have been investigated. It is important that medical providers are
      knowledgeable about this growing sport and are prepared to adequately evaluate
      and treat snowboarding injuries. This article will review the issues and discuss
      diagnostic and treatment principles regarding injuries seen commonly in
      snowboarders. Injury prevention should be emphasized, particularly with young
      riders and beginners.

PMID- 22071395
TI  - Review and role of plyometrics and core rehabilitation in competitive sport.
AB  - Core stability and plyometric training have become common elements of training
      programs in competitive athletes. Core stability allows stabilization of the
      spine and trunk of the body in order to allow maximal translation of force to the
      extremities. Plyometric training is more dynamic and involves explosive-strength
      training. Integration of these exercises theoretically begins with core
      stabilization using more static exercises, allowing safe and effective transition
      to plyometric exercises. Both core strengthening and plyometric training have
      demonstrated mixed but generally positive results on injury prevention
      rehabilitation of certain types of injuries. Improvement in performance compared
      to other types of exercise is unclear at this time. This article discusses the
      theory and strategy behind core stability and plyometric training; reviews the
      literature on injury prevention, rehabilitation of injury, and performance
      enhancement with these modalities; and discusses the evaluation and
      rehabilitation of core stability.

PMID- 22071396
TI  - Physical activity prescription for childhood cancer survivors.
AB  - Physical activity can play a vital role in the treatment and prevention of many
      of the long-term effects of childhood cancer and cancer therapy. Specifically,
      physical activity may attenuate the long-term risk for adverse cardiovascular
      effects, low bone density, obesity, and poor quality-of-life measures. Physicians
      caring for long-term survivors of cancer should be prepared to evaluate the
      survivor's risk for long-term effects and provide accurate advice regarding the
      prescription of physical activity for the management and prevention of these
      problems. Knowing when physical activity prescription can help mitigate the late
      effects of childhood cancer and cancer therapy, and the barriers to physical
      activity for survivors, will help physicians provide quality care to childhood
      cancer survivors.

PMID- 22071397
TI  - Do youth sports prevent pediatric obesity? A systematic review and commentary.
AB  - Sport is a promising setting for obesity prevention among youth, but little is
      known about whether it prevents obesity. We reviewed research comparing sport
      participants with nonparticipants on weight status, physical activity, and diet.
      Among 19 studies, we found no clear pattern of association between body weight
      and sport participation. Among 17 studies, we found that sport participants are
      more physically active than those who do not participate. We found seven studies
      that compared the diet of sport participants with non-participants. These studies
      reported that youth involved in sport were more likely to consume fruits,
      vegetables, and milk, and also more likely to eat fast food and drink sugar
      sweetened beverages and consume more calories overall. It is unclear from these
      results whether sports programs, as currently offered, protect youth from
      becoming overweight or obese. Additional research may foster understanding about
      how sport, and youth sport settings, can help promote energy balance and healthy
      body weight.

PMID- 22071398
TI  - Posterior ankle impingement in the dancer.
AB  - Dancers spend a lot of time in the releve position in demi-pointe and en pointe
      in their training and their careers. Pain from both osseous and soft tissue
      causes may start to occur in the posterior aspect of their ankle. This article
      reviews the potential causes of posterior ankle impingement in dancers. It will
      discuss the clinical evaluation of a dancer and the appropriate workup and
      radiographic studies needed to further evaluate a dancer with suspected posterior
      ankle impingement.

PMID- 22071399
TI  - Cardiovascular risk factors in football players.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Football
      players represent a subpopulation that may have a unique risk profile pattern.
      Studies have suggested that football players may be at increased risk for
      cardiovascular disease. Paradoxically, there may be a cardioprotective effect
      associated with activity in general and, specifically, participation at higher
      levels of football. Our review will attempt to outline the pertinent evidence in
      regards to cardiovascular risk factors in football players. Specifically,
      hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle will be
      considered. In addition, we will discuss potential risk factors for investigation
      including C-reactive protein, homocysteine, insulin resistance, and sleep
      disordered breathing. Studies at all levels of competition will be considered,
      including retired players whose findings may represent lifelong changes that
      occur as a result of participation in football. Further investigation will be
      needed to help clarify the relationship between football participation and
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22071400
TI  - Consortium for Health and Military Performance and American College of Sports
      Medicine consensus paper on extreme conditioning programs in military personnel.
AB  - A potential emerging problem associated with increasingly popularized extreme
      conditioning programs (ECPs) has been identified by the military and civilian
      communities. That is, there is an apparent disproportionate musculoskeletal
      injury risk from these demanding programs, particularly for novice participants,
      resulting in lost duty time, medical treatment, and extensive rehabilitation.
      This is a significant and costly concern for the military with regard to
      effectively maintaining operational readiness of the Force. While there are
      certain recognized positive aspects of ECPs that address a perceived and/or
      actual unfulfilled conditioning need for many individuals and military units,
      these programs have limitations and should be considered carefully. Moreover,
      certain distinctive characteristics of ECPs appear to violate recognized accepted
      standards for safely and appropriately developing muscular fitness and are not
      uniformly aligned with established and accepted training doctrine. Accordingly,
      practical solutions to improve ECP prescription and implementation and reduce
      injury risk are of paramount importance.

PMID- 22071401
TI  - Glycogen replenishment with chocolate milk consumption.

PMID- 22071402
TI  - Response to the article on baseline neuropsychological testing: throwing away
      clinical gold with the statistical bathwater.

PMID- 22071408
TI  - Muscle strength and soccer practice as major determinants of bone mineral density
      in adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse the relationship between isokinetic strength of the lower
      limb muscles and bone mineral density and content (BMD, BMC) of adolescent male
      soccer players and age-matched controls not involved in sport (12-15 years).
      METHODS: A random sample of 151 young males was divided into soccer players (SG;
      n=117) and control subjects (CG; n=34). Peak torque of knee extensors (PTE) and
      flexors (PTF) was measured during isokinetic knee joint movement (90 degrees /s)
      of the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. BMD and BMC of the whole-body,
      lumbar spine, dominant/non-dominant lower limb were determined by dual-energy X
      ray absorptiometry. Physical activity was monitored with accelerometers during 5
      days. Estimated maturity offset was used as an indicator of biological maturity
      status. RESULTS: Whole-body BMD (1.03+/-0.01 vs. 0.98+/-0.01 g/cm2, P=0.003) and
      dominant (1.09+/-0.01 vs. 1.02+/-0.01 g/cm2, P<0.001) and non-dominant (1.09+/
      0.01 vs. 1.01+/-0.01 g/cm2, P<0.001) lower limb BMD was greater in SG compared to
      CG. No significant differences were found for BMC. Compared to CG, SG performed
      better in the YY-IE2 test (780+/-40 vs. 625+/-31 m), exhibited higher PTE
      (dominant limb: 155.2+/-30.3 vs. 123.4+/-37.0N m; non-dominant limb: 156.2+/-36.1
      vs. 120.4+/-41.1 N m) and PTF muscles (dominant limb: 79.0+/-25.3 vs. 57.1+/-25.3
      Nm; non-dominant limb: 73.3+/-20.7 vs. 57.0+/-24.2N m). Moreover, the PTE, soccer
      participation and maturity status were positively associated with the BMD at all
      body sites (r2=0.57-0.73, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength of knee extensors
      is associated with BMD and BMC at all body sites. Muscle-skeletal structures
      respond positively to the weight-bearing and impact-loading imposed by soccer
      practice. Soccer seemed to be a multilateral balanced sport activity.

PMID- 22071409
TI  - An analysis of the pharmacokinetic parameter ratios in DCE-MRI using the
      reference region model.
AB  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is performed by
      obtaining sequential MRI images, before, during and after the injection of a
      contrast agent. It is usually used to observe the exchange of contrast agent
      between the vascular space and extravascular extracellular space (EES), and
      provide information about blood volume and microvascular permeability. To
      estimate the kinetic parameters derived from the pharmacokinetic model, accurate
      knowledge of the arterial input function (AIF) is very important. However, the
      AIF is usually unknown, and it remains very difficult to obtain such information
      noninvasively. In this article, without knowledge of the AIF, we applied a
      reference region (RR) model to analyze the kinetic parameters. The RR model
      usually depends on kinetic parameters found in previous studies of a reference
      region. However, both the assignment of reference region parameters (intersubject
      variation) and the selection of the reference region itself (intrasubject
      variation) may confound the results obtained by RR methods. Instead of using
      literature values for those pharmacokinetic parameters of the reference region,
      we proposed to use two pharmacokinetic parameter ratios between the tissue of
      interest (TOI) and the reference region. Specifically, one parameter K(R) is
      calculated as the ratio between the volume transfer constant K(trans) of the TOI
      and RR. Similarly, another parameter V(R) is calculated as the ratio between the
      extravascular extracellular volume fraction v(e) of the TOI and RR. To
      investigate the consistency of the two ratios, the K(trans) of the RR was varied
      ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 min(-1), covering the cited literature values. A
      simulated dataset with different levels of Gaussian noises and an in vivo dataset
      acquired from five canine brains with spontaneous occurring brain tumors were
      used to study the proposed ratios. It is shown from both datasets that these
      ratios are independent of K(trans) of the RR, implying that there is potentially
      no need to obtain information about literature values from the reference region
      for future pharmacokinetic modeling and analysis.

PMID- 22071410
TI  - Automatic segmentation of brain white matter and white matter lesions in normal
      aging: comparison of five multispectral techniques.
AB  - White matter loss, ventricular enlargement and white matter lesions are common
      findings on brain scans of older subjects. Accurate assessment of these different
      features is therefore essential for normal aging research. Recently, we developed
      a novel unsupervised classification method, named 'Multispectral Coloring
      Modulation and Variance Identification' (MCMxxxVI), that fuses two different
      structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in red/green color space
      and uses Minimum Variance Quantization (MVQ) as the clustering technique to
      segment different tissue types. Here we investigate how this method performs
      compared with several commonly used supervised image classifiers in segmenting
      normal-appearing white matter, white matter lesions and cerebrospinal fluid in
      the brains of 20 older subjects with a wide range of white matter lesion load and
      brain atrophy. The three tissue classes were segmented from T(1)-, T(2)-, T(2)*-
      and fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR)-weighted structural MRI data
      using MCMxxxVI and the four supervised multispectral classifiers available in the
      Analyze package, namely, Back-Propagated Neural Networks, Gaussian classifier,
      Nearest Neighbor and Parzen Windows. Bland-Altman analysis and Jaccard index
      values indicated that, in general, MCMxxxVI performed better than the supervised
      multispectral classifiers in identifying the three tissue classes, although final
      manual editing was still required to deliver radiologically acceptable results.
      These analyses show that MVQ, as implemented in MCMxxxVI, has the potential to
      provide quick and accurate white matter segmentations in the aging brain,
      although further methodological developments are still required to automate fully
      this technique.

PMID- 22071411
TI  - Imaging longitudinal changes in articular cartilage and bone following
      doxycycline treatment in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection model of
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The development of osteoarthritis following traumatic anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is well established. However, few reliable
      indicators of early osteoarthritic changes have been established, which has
      limited the development of effective therapies. T(1rho) and T(2) mapping
      techniques have the ability to provide highly accurate and quantitative
      measurements of articular cartilage degeneration in vivo. Relating these
      cartilaginous changes to high-resolution bone-densitometric evaluations of the
      late-stage osteoarthritic bone is crucial in elucidating the mechanisms of
      development of traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) and potential therapies for early-
      or late-stage intervention. METHODS: Twelve rabbits were monitored with in vivo
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans following ACL transection surgery with a
      contralateral leg sham operation. Six of the rabbits were treated with oral
      doxycycline for the duration of the experiment. At 12 weeks, the excised knees
      from three animals from each group (n=6 overall) were subjected to micro-computed
      tomography (CT) analysis. RESULTS: Consistent with previous studies, initial
      elevations in T(1rho) and T(2) values in ACL-transected animals were observed
      with relative normalization towards values see in sham-operated legs over the 12
      week study. This biphasic pattern could hold diagnostic potential to
      differentiate osteoarthritic cartilage by tracking the relative proportions of
      T(1rho) and T(2) values as they rise with inflammation then fall as collagen and
      proteoglycan loss leads to further dehydration. The addition of doxycycline
      resulted in inconclusive, yet potentially interesting, cartilaginous changes in
      several compartments of the rabbit legs. Micro-CT studies demonstrated decreased
      bone densitometrics in ACL-transected knees. Correlation studies suggest that the
      cartilaginous changes may be associated with some aspects of bony change and the
      development of OA. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there are definite relationships
      between cartilaginous changes as seen on MRI and late-stage microstructural bony
      changes after traumatic ACL injury in rabbits. In addition, doxycycline may show
      promise in mitigating early-stage cartilage damage that may serve to lessen late
      stage osteoarthritic changes. This study demonstrates the ability to track OA
      progression and therapeutic efficacy with imaging modalities in vivo.

PMID- 22071412
TI  - Quantitative measurement of radial head fracture location.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common location of a displaced fracture of part of the
      radial head is often described as the anterior lateral aspect of the radial head
      with the forearm in neutral position, based on observation rather than precise
      measurements. The purpose of our study was to measure the exact location of
      fractures involving part of the radial head using quantitative 3-dimensional
      computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the fracture lines
      with respect to the biceps tuberosity in 24 patients with a displaced articular
      fracture of part of the radial head (Mason type 2). Two observers preformed each
      measurement twice. Reliability was measured using the concordance correlation
      coefficient according to Lin. RESULTS: The average start of the fracture was 97
      degrees  (standard deviation [SD]) 48.3 degrees ; range 31 degrees -254 degrees )
      clockwise from the biceps tuberosity, the average end of the fracture was 241.6
      degrees  (SD, 61.0; range 19 degrees -330 degrees ), and the average fracture
      subtends was 170 degrees  (SD, 32.8 degrees ; range 99 degrees -252 degrees ).
      The fracture was through the anterolateral quadrant of the radial head in 22 of
      the 24 patients and through the posteromedial quadrant in 2 patients. CONCLUSION:
      This quantitative analysis of CT scans of displaced articular fractures of part
      of the radial head (Mason type 2) confirms that the most common location is the
      anterolateral quadrant with the forearm in neutral rotation. Given the important
      role of the radial head in elbow stability, more accurate characterization of
      incomplete radial head fractures may improve our understanding of treatment and
      outcome of these fractures.

PMID- 22071413
TI  - Genetic variations in the CYP17A1 and NT5C2 genes are associated with a reduction
      in visceral and subcutaneous fat areas in Japanese women.
AB  - Visceral fat accumulation has an important role in increasing the morbidity and
      mortality rates, by increasing the risk of developing several metabolic
      disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. New genetic
      loci that are associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures
      have been identified by genome-wide association studies in Caucasian populations.
      This study investigates whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that
      confer susceptibility to high blood pressure are also associated with visceral
      fat obesity. We genotyped 1279 Japanese subjects (556 men and 723 women) who
      underwent computed tomography for measuring the visceral fat area (VFA) and
      subcutaneous fat area (SFA) at the following SNPs: FGF5 rs16998073, CACNB2
      rs11014166, C10orf107 rs1530440, CYP17A1 rs1004467, NT5C2 rs11191548, PLEKHA7
      rs381815, ATP2B1 rs2681472 and rs2681492, ARID3B rs6495112, CSK rs1378942, PLCD3
      rs12946454, and ZNF652 rs16948048. In an additive model, risk alleles of the
      CYP17A1 rs1004467 and NT5C2 rs11191548 were found to be significantly associated
      with reduced SFA (P=0.00011 and 0.0016, respectively). When the analysis was
      performed separately in men and women, significant associations of rs1004467
      (additive model) and rs11191548 (recessive model) with reduced VFA (P=0.0018 and
      0.0022, respectively) and SFA (P=0.00039 and 0.00059, respectively) were observed
      in women, but not in men. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the CYP17A1
      and NT5C2 genes influence a reduction in both visceral and subcutaneous fat mass
      in Japanese women.

PMID- 22071414
TI  - In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity of permanent prosthetic materials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess qualitative and quantitative cytotoxicity effect on
      permanent prosthetic materials to human gingival fibroblasts. METHODS: Human
      gingival tissues were collected (with informed consent) from patients undergoing
      periodontal surgical procedures and fibroblasts were cultured in vitro. Cell type
      was determined by performing proteomic analysis. Selected prosthetic materials
      including titanium, feldspathic ceramic, gold and chrome-cobalt alloy specimens
      (5*2 mm) were fabricated. The toxicity of prepared specimens was tested by
      exposing them to cell culture medium for 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours at 37 degrees C
      under sterile conditions. Cell viability was estimated using MTT (3-[4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The data concerning
      cell viability were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA test and Tukey
      multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Results obtained after 48 hours showed no
      toxic effect of titanium compared to control group. Cytotoxic effect was observed
      in gold alloy and feldspathic ceramic, however, it was not significant compared
      to control group. Chrome-cobalt alloy significantly reduced cell viability
      compared to control group (p<=0.001). Cytotoxicity diminished with increasing
      incubation time of specimens. After 120 hours of incubation all tested materials,
      except chrome-cobalt alloy, had no cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium proved to
      be non-toxic. Gold alloy and feldspathic ceramic had short-term cytotoxic effect.
      Chrome-cobalt alloy had highest cytotoxic effect on fibroblast cells.

PMID- 22071415
TI  - Specific signaling molecule expressions in the interradicular septum in different
      age groups.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic teeth movement is accompanied by the remodeling of
      alveolar bone, including the interradicular septum. Bone contains three cell
      types, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts that are in direct contact with
      all of the cellular elements in the bone marrow. Marrow is the source of both
      bone-building osteoblasts and bone destroying osteoclasts, and the turnover of
      bone occurs throughout life. Bone signalling molecules have important functions
      during osteogenesis, and they are active in the bone remodelling process.
      Patients involved in orthodontic treatment belong to different age groups:
      therefore age must be considered as a contributing factor compromising the
      osteogenetic potential of bone. The aim of the current study was to investigate
      the specific expression of signalling molecules in the interradicular septum in
      different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 17 patients
      to whom the extraction of teeth was recommended as part of further orthodontic
      treatment. Patients (9 males and 8 females) - were divided into 3 groups 1st
      group - 12-14 years old); 2nd group - 15-22 years old; 3rd group - 23 years old
      or older. Expression of BMP 2/4, TGF-alpha, IL-1, IL-8, OPG, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8,
      MMP-9, MMP-13, NGFR, NKpB 105, osteocalcin, and osteopontin in interradicular
      septum tissues was examined. TUNEL staining was also completed. The distribution
      of these factors was evaluated semi quantitalively. RESULTS: In the
      interradicular septum bone structure, the expression levels of osteocalcin,
      osteoprotegerin, matrix metalloproteinases 8 and 9, and nuclear factor kappa B
      were determined in all samples. TUNEL staining was also done. Age related
      decreases in the mean values of signalling factors and the number of apoptotic
      cells were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Specific to interradicular
      septum osteoblasts and osteoclasts factors include osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin,
      matrix metalloproteinase 8, matrix metallproteniase 9, and nuclear factors kappa
      B. The mean expression levels of these proteins and the mean TUNEL staining
      statistically significantly decreased with age. This is preliminary study and
      more patients are necessary for more precise statistical analysis in the future.

PMID- 22071416
TI  - Soft tissue thickness changes after correcting Class III malocclusion with
      bimaxillar surgery.
AB  - THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was to evaluate and analyse soft tissue thickness changes
      after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty three
      consecutive patients (54 males and 29 females) with Class III malocclusion
      operated with bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were enrolled in this study.
      Standardized lateral cephalograms of adequate quality were analysed. RESULTS: The
      mean upper lip thickness decreased as a result of the surgery and statistically
      significant differences were recorded (p<0.01). The statistically significant
      difference in the post surgical tissue thickness of the lower lip also was
      recorded (p<0.05). Subjects with thick upper lips compared to patients with thin
      upper lips demonstrated greater (0.7 mm) and statistically significant (p<0.01)
      increase of vertical nasal projection. Vertical growth pattern had an influence
      only on B point to lower lip distance, which exhibited greater (2.2 mm; p<0.01)
      decrease during observation period. CONCLUSION: It was found differences in the
      soft tissue responses between patients with thick or thin soft tissues after
      bimaxillary surgery and it should be taken into account while planning operation.

PMID- 22071417
TI  - Postmenopausal osteoporosis and tooth loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine relation between tooth loss and
      general body bone mineral density in postmenopausal female who were seeking for
      prosthetic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were included 79 women in this
      study (age from 49-81 years, mean age 62.9 years) with partial tooth loss. For
      all patients bone mineral density measurements for lumbar spine and both femoral
      necks by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunar DEXA DPX-NT, GE Medical Systems)
      were performed. Based on DEXA results patients were divided into 3 groups: normal
      bone density (T-score >=-1.0), osteopenia (T-score from -1.0 till -2.5) and
      osteoporosis (T-score <=-2.5). Dental investigation was performed to detect
      existing teeth. ANOVA analysis of variance was used to determine relationship
      between different variables by group. To test correlation between different
      values Pearson correlation was used. RESULTS: The number of teeth in different
      bone mineral density groups is almost similar. There are no statistically
      significant differences between groups according the number of the all teeth
      present and according the number of teeth in maxilla and mandible. There is no
      significant correlation between the number of the teeth and DEXA readings, except
      there is weak correlation between the number of maxillary posterior teeth and
      bone mineral density in femoral neck. CONCLUSION: There is no correlation between
      number of the teeth and general bone mineral density.

PMID- 22071418
TI  - Growth factors, genes, bone proteins and apoptosis in the temporomandibular joint
      (TMJ) of children with ankylosis and during disease recurrence.
AB  - AIM OF STUDY was complex detection of appearance and distribution of growth
      factors, facial bone growth stimulating genes, ground substance proteins and
      apoptosis in bone of ankylotic TMJ in primary and repeatedly operated children.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ankylotic tissue was obtained during the arthroplastic
      surgery from two 6 years old children (boy and girl) with osseous type of
      disease. The girl underwent the repeated surgery in TMJ due to the same diagnosis
      in age of 12 years. Ankylotic tissue was proceeded for detection of BMP2/4,
      TGFbeta, Msx2, osteopontin, osteocalcin immunohistochemically, and apoptosis.
      RESULTS demonstrated massive bone formation intermixed by neochondrogenesis the
      lack of BMP 2/4, but abundant number of TGFbeta-containing cells in bone of all
      tested cases. Despite rich osteopontin positive structures in bone obtained from
      both - primary and repeated surgery, osteocalcin demonstrated variable appearance
      in 6 years aged children, but was abundant in joint 5 years later during disease
      recurrence. Expression of Msx2 varied widely before, but with tendency to
      decrease stabilized until few positive cells in bone of 12 years old girl.
      Apoptosis practically was not detected in primarily operated TMJ, but massively
      affected the supportive tissue in girl with recurrent ankylosis. CONCLUSIONS: The
      lack of BMP2/4 expression in ankylotic bone proves the disorders in cellular
      differentiation with simultaneous compensatory intensification of cellular
      proliferation and/or growth by rich expression of TGFbeta leading to the
      remodelling of TMJ. Mainly rich distribution of osteocalcin and osteopontin
      indicate the intensive mineralization processes of ankylotic bone. Persistent
      Msx2 expression is characteristic for the supportive tissue of recurrent
      ankylosis of TMJ and indicates the persistent stimulation of bone growth
      compensatory limitated by massive increase of programmed cell death.

PMID- 22071419
TI  - Focal epithelial hyperplasia: Case report.
AB  - The purpose of the present article is to present a 15 year-old patient with focal
      epithelial hyperplasia and to review the references on the subject-related
      etiological, pathological, diagnostic and treatment aspects. Focal epithelial
      hyperplasia is a rare human papilloma virus (HPV) related to oral lesion with
      very low frequency within our population. Surgical treatment with a biopsy was
      performed, acanthosis and parakeratosis are consistent histopathological
      features, since the patient had no history of sexual contact and HIV infection,
      the virus was probably acquired from environmental sources.

PMID- 22071420
TI  - Effect of ZnCl2 on plaque growth and biofilm vitality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ZnCl(2) on plaque
      growth and vitality pattern of dental biofilm and to determine the optimum zinc
      concentration for the inhibition of plaque formation. DESIGN: Data were collected
      from nine volunteers for whom a special-designed acrylic appliance was prescribed
      after a careful dental check up. The volunteers rinsed twice daily for 2min with
      ZnCl(2) of 2.5, 5, 10, 20mM as treatment and double distilled water (DDW) as
      control in respective assigned test weeks. The plaque index (PI) was assessed
      after 48h of appliance wearing. The glass discs with the adhered biofilm were
      removed from the splints and stained with two fluorescent dyes. The biofilm
      thickness (BT) and bacterial vitality of the whole biofilm as well as the mean
      bacterial vitality (BV) of the inner, middle and outer layers of biofilm were
      evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). RESULTS: PI, BT and BV
      of biofilms treated by various concentrations of ZnCl(2) were reduced
      significantly when compared with the DDW group (p<0.05). PI, BT and BV of the
      2.5mM ZnCl(2) group was significantly higher than groups of 5, 10, 20mM ZnCl(2)
      (p<0.05). The mean BV of the 3 layers (inner, middle and outer layers) showed
      that 2.5mM ZnCl(2) was the lowest concentration to inhibit BV in the outer layer,
      5mM was the lowest concentration to extend this inhibition of BV to the middle
      layer, and none of the concentrations investigated in this study has shown any
      effect on bacteria inhibition in the inner layer. CONCLUSION: Zinc ions exhibited
      possible inhibitory effects on plaque formation, and have a promising potential
      to be used as an antibacterial agent in future dentifrices and mouthrinses.

PMID- 22071421
TI  - Editorial on "Capillary and microchip electrophoresis: challenging the common
      conceptions" by M.C. Breadmore.

PMID- 22071422
TI  - Generalized and rapid supramolecular solvent-based sample treatment for the
      determination of annatto in food.
AB  - A supramolecular solvent (SUPRA) made up of octanoic acid aggregates is proposed
      for the microextraction of bixin and norbixin, the two major components of the
      natural food colouring annatto, in food. The procedure involved the extraction of
      sub-gram quantities (200mg) of homogenized food with 0.8mL of the supramolecular
      solvent. The overall sample treatment took about 20 min, and several samples
      could be simultaneously treated using conventional lab equipment. No clean-up or
      solvent evaporation were required. Extraction efficiencies mainly depended on the
      major components making up the SUPRAS (i.e. octanoic acid and tetrahydrofuran)
      and were not affected by the pH or the temperature in the ranges studied (1-4 and
      10-80 degrees C, respectively). Bixin and norbixin in the extracts were
      quantified by liquid chromatography (LC) and diode array detection (DAD). They
      were separated in a Hypersil C18 column using a mobile phase consisting of 5%
      acetic acid and methanol (15:85, v/v). The retention times for norbixin and bixin
      standards were 5.1 and 8.6 min, respectively. Recoveries in samples ranged
      between about 78% and 113%. The precision of the method, expressed as relative
      standard deviation, was about 1.5% and the quantitation limits for bixin and
      norbixin were 0.19 and 0.23 mg kg(-1), respectively, which were far below the
      maximum limits permitted by the European Union for the level of addition to food.
      Concentration of norbixin in samples belonging to the five major groups of food
      commodities defined in the literature, ranged between 3.75 and 43.8 mg kg(-1)
      whereas bixin was only found in one snack sample (6.6 mg kg(-1)). The method is
      simple and rapid, while delivering accurate and precise results, and can be used
      for the routine determination of annatto in food for the control of the
      compliance of current legislation.

PMID- 22071423
TI  - Technology trends in antibody purification.
AB  - This article reviews technology trends in antibody purification. Section 1
      discusses non-chromatography methods, including precipitation, liquid-liquid
      extraction, and high performance tangential flow filtration. The second addresses
      chromatography methods. It begins with discussion of fluidized and fixed bed
      formats. It continues with stationary phase architecture: diffusive particles,
      perfusive particles, membranes and monoliths. The remainder of the section
      reviews recent innovations in size exclusion, anion exchange, cation exchange,
      hydrophobic interaction, immobilized metal affinity, mixed-mode, and bioaffinity
      chromatography. Section 3 addresses an emerging trend of formulating process
      buffers to prevent or correct anomalies in the antibodies being purified. Methods
      are discussed for preventing aggregate formation, dissociating antibody
      contaminant complexes, restoring native antibody from aggregates, and conserving
      or restoring native disulfide pairing.

PMID- 22071424
TI  - Effervescence-assisted dispersive micro-solid phase extraction.
AB  - Extraction techniques are surface dependent processes since their kinetic
      directly depends on the contact area between the sample and the extractant phase.
      The dispersion of the extractant (liquid or solid) increases this area improving
      the extraction efficiency. In this article, the dispersion of the sorbent at the
      very low milligram level is achieved by effervescence thanks to the in situ
      generation of carbon dioxide. For this purpose a special tablet containing the
      effervescence precursors (sodium carbonate as carbon dioxide source and sodium
      dihydrogen phosphate as proton donor) and the sorbent (OASIS-HLB) is fabricated.
      All the microextraction process takes place in a 10 mL-glass syringe and the
      solid, enriched with the extracted analytes, is recovered by filtration.
      Acetonitrile was selected to elute the retained analytes. The extraction mode is
      characterized and optimized using the determination of five nitroaromatic
      compounds in water. The absolute recoveries of the analytes were in the range 61
      85% while relative recoveries close to 100% in all cases, which demonstrates the
      absence of matrix effect on the extraction. These values permit the determination
      of these analytes at the microgram per liter range with good precision (relative
      standard deviations lower than 6.1%) using ultra performance liquid
      chromatography (UPLC) combined with ultraviolet (UV) detection as instrumental
      technique.

PMID- 22071425
TI  - Liquid phase chromatography on microchips.
AB  - Over the past twenty years, the field of microfluidics has emerged providing one
      of the main enabling technologies to realize miniaturized chemical analysis
      systems, often referred to as micro-Total Analysis Systems (uTAS), or, more
      generally, Lab-on-a-Chip Systems (LOC) [1,2]. While microfluidics was driven
      forward a lot from the engineering side, especially with respect to ink jet and
      dispensing technology, the initial push and interest from the analytical
      chemistry community was through the desire to develop miniaturized sensors,
      detectors, and, very early on, separation systems. The initial almost explosive
      development of, in particular, chromatographic separation systems on microchips,
      has, however, slowed down in recent years. This review takes a closer, critical
      look at how liquid phase chromatography has been implemented in miniaturized
      formats over the past several years, what is important to keep in mind when
      developing or working with separations in a miniaturized format, and what
      challenges and pitfalls remain.

PMID- 22071427
TI  - Biomechanical analysis of pedicle screw thread differential design in an
      osteoporotic cadaver model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pedicle screw fixation, the standard surgical care for posterior
      stabilization in the thoraco-lumbar spine has a high rate of failure in
      osteoporotic individuals. Screw design factors and insertion techniques have been
      shown to influence the biomechanical performance of pedicle screws. Our objective
      was to investigate the biomechanical characteristics of pedicle screw fixation in
      osteoporotic bone by comparing standard screws with newly designed differential
      crest thickness dual lead screws. METHODS: An in-vitro spinal-level paired
      factorial study design was used to examine thoraco-lumbar spine biomechanical
      outcomes for differential pedicle screw thread designs. Six cadaveric human
      spines (T8-L5) were tested for six groups (n=20) consisting of 2 different crest
      thickness and 3 different insertion techniques. Bone mineral density was assessed
      and peak insertion torque measured while placing one screw of new design and
      control on the contralateral side. Screw pullout properties were measured from
      classical American Society for Testing and Materials protocols. FINDINGS: The
      screws designed specifically for osteoporotic bone showed significantly larger
      insertion torque compared with the standard screw design irrespective of
      insertion technique. Much of the variability in pullout failure and stiffness was
      explained by bone mineral density. The osteoporotic screws of different crest
      thickness were statistically similar to each other in all outcome measures.
      INTERPRETATION: Compared with standard pedicle screws, the dual lead osteoporotic
      specific pedicle screws demonstrated significantly larger insertion torques and
      similar pullout properties. Non-significant increased biomechanical strength was
      observed for thin crest compared to thick crest dual lead pedicle screws
      indicating their enhanced purchase in osteoporotic bone.

PMID- 22071426
TI  - Proximal and distal kinematics in female runners with patellofemoral pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female runners have a high incidence of developing patellofemoral
      pain. Abnormal mechanics are thought to be an important contributing factor to
      patellofemoral pain. However, the contribution of abnormal trunk, hip, and foot
      mechanics to the development of patellofemoral pain within this cohort remains
      elusive. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine if significant
      differences during running exist in hip, trunk and foot kinematics between
      females with and without patellofemoral pain. METHODS: 32 female runners (16
      patellofemoral pain, 16 healthy control) participated in this study. All
      individuals underwent an instrumented gait analysis. Between-group comparisons
      were made for hip adduction, hip internal rotation, contra-lateral pelvic drop,
      contra-lateral trunk lean, rearfoot eversion, tibial internal rotation, as well
      as forefoot dorsiflexion and abduction FINDINGS: The patellofemoral pain group
      had significantly greater peak hip adduction and hip internal rotation. No
      differences in contra-lateral pelvic drop were found. A trend towards reduced
      contra-lateral trunk lean was found in the patellofemoral pain group. No
      significant differences were found in any of the rearfoot or forefoot variables
      but significantly greater shank internal rotation was found in the patellofemoral
      pain group. INTERPRETATION: We found greater hip adduction, hip internal rotation
      and shank internal rotation in female runners with patellofemoral pain. We also
      found less contra-lateral trunk lean in the patellofemoral pain group. This may
      be a potential compensatory mechanism for the poor hip control seen.
      Rehabilitation programs that correct abnormal hip and shank kinematics are
      warranted in this population.

PMID- 22071428
TI  - Cortical bone drilling and thermal osteonecrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone drilling is a common step in operative fracture treatment and
      reconstructive surgery. During drilling elevated bone temperature is generated.
      Temperatures above 47 degrees C cause thermal osteonecrosis which contributes to
      screw loosening and subsequently implant failures and refractures. METHODS: The
      current literature on bone drilling and thermal osteonecrosis is reviewed. The
      methodologies involved in the experimental and clinical studies are described and
      compared. FINDINGS: Areas which require further investigation are highlighted and
      the potential use of more precise experimental setup and future technologies are
      addressed. INTERPRETATION: Important drill and drilling parameters that could
      cause increase in bone temperature and hence thermal osteonecrosis are reviewed
      and discussed: drilling speed, drill feed rate, cooling, drill diameter, drill
      point angle, drill material and wearing, drilling depth, pre-drilling, drill
      geometry and bone cortical thickness. Experimental methods of temperature
      measurement during bone drilling are defined and thermal osteonecrosis is
      discussed with its pathophysiology, significance in bone surgery and methods for
      its minimization.

PMID- 22071429
TI  - Are the kinematics of the knee joint altered during the loading response phase of
      gait in individuals with concurrent knee osteoarthritis and complaints of joint
      instability? A dynamic stereo X-ray study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Joint instability has been suggested as a risk factor for knee
      osteoarthritis and a cause of significant functional decline in those with
      symptomatic disease. However, the relationship between altered knee joint
      mechanics and self-reports of instability in individuals with knee osteoarthritis
      remains unclear. METHODS: Fourteen subjects with knee osteoarthritis and
      complaints of joint instability and 12 control volunteers with no history of knee
      disease were recruited for this study. Dynamic stereo X-ray technology was used
      to assess the three-dimensional kinematics of the knee joint during the loading
      response phase of gait. FINDINGS: Individuals with concurrent knee osteoarthritis
      and joint instability demonstrated significantly reduced flexion and
      internal/external rotation knee motion excursions during the loading response
      phase of gait (P<0.01), while the total abduction/adduction range of motion was
      increased (P<0.05). In addition, the coronal and transverse plane alignment of
      the knee joint at initial contact was significantly different (P<0.05) for
      individuals with concurrent knee osteoarthritis and joint instability. However,
      the anteroposterior and mediolateral tibiofemoral joint positions at initial
      contact and the corresponding total joint translations were similar between
      groups during the loading phase of gait. INTERPRETATIONS: The rotational patterns
      of tibiofemoral joint motion and joint alignments reported for individuals with
      concurrent knee osteoarthritis and joint instability are consistent with those
      previously established for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the
      findings of similar translatory tibiofemoral motion between groups suggest that
      self-reports of episodic joint instability in individuals with knee
      osteoarthritis may not necessarily be associated with adaptive alterations in
      joint arthrokinematics.

PMID- 22071430
TI  - Simulated effect of reaction force redirection on the upper extremity mechanical
      demand imposed during manual wheelchair propulsion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Manual wheelchair propulsion is associated with overuse injuries of
      the shoulder. Reaction force redirection relative to upper extremity segments was
      hypothesized as a means to redistribute mechanical load imposed on the upper
      extremity without decrements in wheelchair propulsion performance. METHODS: Two
      individuals performed wheelchair propulsion under simulated inclined (graded)
      conditions using self-selected control strategies. Upper extremity kinematics and
      reaction forces applied to the wheel were quantified and used as input into an
      experiment-based multi-link inverse dynamics model that incorporates participant
      specific experimental results. Reaction force direction was systematically
      modified to determine the mechanical demand imposed on the upper extremity (elbow
      and shoulder net joint moments and net joint forces) during wheelchair
      propulsion. Results were presented as solution spaces to examine the upper
      extremity load distribution characteristics within and between participants
      across a range of reaction force directions. FINDINGS: Redirection of the
      reaction force relative to the upper extremity segments provides multiple
      solutions for redistributing mechanical demand across the elbow and shoulder
      without decrements in manual wheelchair propulsion performance. The distribution
      of load across RF directions was participant specific and was found to vary with
      time during the push phase. INTERPRETATION: Solution spaces provide a mechanical
      basis for individualized interventions that aim to maintain function and
      redistribute load away from structures at risk for injury (e.g. reduce demand
      imposed on shoulder flexors (reduce shoulder net joint moment) or reduce
      potential for impingement (reduce shoulder net joint force).

PMID- 22071431
TI  - Type 2 diabetes control and complications in specialised diabetes care centres of
      six sub-Saharan African countries: the Diabcare Africa study.
AB  - AIM: The Diabcare Africa project was carried out across six sub-Saharan African
      countries to collect standardised and comparable information for the evaluation
      of diabetes control, management and late complications in diabetic populations at
      specialist clinics. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of 2352 type-2
      diabetes patients who were treated at specialist clinics for at least 12 months
      prior to the study. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53.0+/-16.0 years and
      had 8.0+/-6.0 years known duration of diabetes. 47% had their HbA1c assessed in
      the past year (mean 8.2+/-2.4%) with 29% achieving a level <6.5%. 21% had BP
      within 130/80 mmHg and 65% were treated for hypertension. Fasting lipids were
      assessed in 45% of the patients with mean cholesterol level of 4.9+/-1.2 mmol/L,
      HDL-cholesterol of 1.3+/-0.7 mmol/L and triglycerides of 1.2+/-0.7 mmol/L. 13% of
      the patients were treated for hyperlipidaemia, mostly with statins. Background
      retinopathy (18%) and cataract (14%) were the most common eye complications.
      Macrovascular disease was rare, and 48% had neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the
      patients benefitted from standard care, and a third had appropriate glycaemic
      control - attributed to access to, rather than quality of care. This study
      provided evidence to support appropriate interventions to diabetic populations of
      sub-Saharan origin.

PMID- 22071432
TI  - Self-rated diabetes control in a Canadian population with type 2 diabetes:
      associations with health behaviours and outcomes.
AB  - AIMS: Diabetes control is a multifaceted process involving successful adherence
      to a self-care regimen as indicated by improved health outcomes. The aim of this
      study was to ascertain the construct validity of self-reported diabetes control
      in a population-based survey. METHODS: This study assessed 1848 participants with
      type 2 diabetes who took part in the Montreal Diabetes Health and Wellbeing Study
      in Quebec, Canada. Participants were administered the diabetes complications
      index as well as sociodemographic and health questions. RESULTS: Fair/poor
      diabetes control was associated with being less likely to check blood glucose
      weekly, being less likely to drink alcohol, being more likely to report being
      physically inactive, reporting fair/poor eating habits, being obese and having 1
      or more diabetes complications. When all variables were included in a regression
      model the two variables most strongly associated with poor fair/poor diabetes
      control were reporting fair/poor eating habits (odds ratio 1.36, 95% CI 1.00
      1.85) and having 2 or more diabetes complications (odds ratio 1.60, 95% CI 1.06
      2.40). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate that self-rated diabetes
      control has associations with diabetes-specific self-care behaviours and
      outcomes, and is a general indicator of self-care and diabetes-related
      complications in a population-based survey.

PMID- 22071433
TI  - Carotid intima-media thickness, but not visceral fat area or adiponectin,
      correlates with intracoronary stenosis detected by multislice computed tomography
      in people with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between intracoronary stenosis detected by
      multislice computed tomography and various clinical parameters in type 2 diabetic
      patients with hypertension treated with candesartan (n=42). The results showed
      that carotid intima-media thickness, but not visceral fat area or adiponectin,
      correlated significantly with intracoronary stenosis (p<0.05).

PMID- 22071434
TI  - Usefulness of hemoglobin A1c as a criterion of dysglycemia in the definition of
      metabolic syndrome in Koreans.
AB  - To explore the utility of the HbA1c criterion in the definition of metabolic
      syndrome (MS) in Koreans, we cross-sectionally analyzed clinical and laboratory
      data on 11,293 non-diabetic Korean adults (aged 20-89 years, 34% women) collected
      during regular health checkups. Dysglycemia was defined as either fasting plasma
      glucose (FPG) >= 5.6 mmol/l or HbA1c >= 5.7%. The prevalence of MS as judged by
      the HbA1c criterion alone (17.8%) was significantly less than that determined by
      FPG level alone (24.5%). Use of a combination of both criteria slightly increased
      the prevalence of MS (26.0%). Among the 2953 subjects categorized as having MS
      using the combined criteria, 929 (31%) were diagnosed by the FPG criterion alone,
      177 (6%) by the HbA1c criterion alone, and 1847 (63%) using both criteria. The
      group diagnosed using FPG values alone had significantly higher BMI, waist
      circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma insulin levels, and insulin
      resistance index compared with those in the group diagnosed using HbA1c levels
      alone. In men, the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was significantly higher
      and the HDL-cholesterol level was lower in the HbA1c-alone group. Therefore,
      employment of the HbA1c criterion may be useful to define MS in subjects at
      increased risk for atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22071435
TI  - One-step synthesis of cubic FeS2 and flower-like FeSe2 particles by a
      solvothermal reduction process.
AB  - In this paper, for the first time a simple batch process was utilized for the
      facile synthesis of cubic FeS(2) and flower-like FeSe(2). By adjusting the amount
      of solvents and surfactants added, pure pyrite FeS(2) with a defined crystalline
      structure was obtained. It was found that the reaction temperatures and iron
      sources had significant influence on the purities and morphologies of FeS(2) and
      FeSe(2) particles. Raman spectra of the FeS(2) and FeSe(2) samples presented
      characteristic peaks of S-S and Se-Se active modes at 337, 372 cm(-1), and 180,
      217, 254 cm(-1), respectively. The absorption properties of the FeS(2) and
      FeSe(2) samples were also investigated and the results demonstrated that these
      samples had broad optical absorption in NIR. Moreover, the synthetic approach
      demonstrated here may be of great potential for the controlled synthesis of other
      metal chalcogenides.

PMID- 22071436
TI  - Effects of localised and global convection on thermal explosion in a parallel
      plate geometry.
AB  - During an exothermic reaction in a fluid, convection may ensue on a local scale
      and then develop to the scale of the entire vessel. In this work, we study the
      effects of both localised and global convection on thermal explosions occurring
      between parallel plates. Analytical relations are derived for the various
      transitions in regimes of convective and thermal behaviours. We show that these
      relations agree well with previous numerical work and with new simulations in the
      present investigation. We also determine analytically the time for onset of
      convection, as well as the temperature increase at that time, for stable and
      explosive systems. The effects of the Prandtl number of the fluid on the
      transitions between regimes are noted.

PMID- 22071437
TI  - Does magnetoreception mediate biological effects of power-frequency magnetic
      fields?
AB  - The question of possible biological effects of power-frequency magnetic fields
      (PF-MF) remains controversial, notably because no valid mechanism of interaction
      could be proposed so far for intensities relevant to human and animal exposure
      (e.g. such as near high-tension power lines). In rodents, however, a few
      consistent effects of weak PF-MF have been reported. These are, notably,
      influence on spatial memory and partial inhibition of melatonin secretion under
      long-lasting exposure. Recent developments in study of magnetoreception in
      mammals justify reviving the hypothesis previously proposed of the intervention
      of the magnetic sense in melatonin disruption by PF-MF. We revisit this
      hypothesis and revise and extend it with respect to current knowledge and,
      particularly, with respect to reported effects on spatial memory. Proposals are
      made for experimental testing of the hypothesis. We argue that these tests may
      provide further insight into mechanisms of biological interactions of PF-MF and
      also, into mechanisms of magnetoreception per se.

PMID- 22071438
TI  - Transport behavior and rice uptake of radiostrontium and radiocesium in flooded
      paddy soils contaminated in two contrasting ways.
AB  - In order to investigate the transport behavior and rice uptake of radiostrontium
      and radiocesium in flooded rice fields, lysimeter experiments with two paddy
      soils were performed in a greenhouse. A solution containing (85)Sr and (137)Cs
      was applied in two different ways - being mixed with the top soil 27 d before
      transplanting or being dropped to the surface water 1d after transplanting. Rice
      uptake was quantified with two kinds of transfer factor - TF(m) (dimensionless)
      and TF(a) (m(2)kg(-1)-dry) for the pre- and post-transplanting depositions,
      respectively. For brown rice, the TF(m) values of (85)Sr and (137)Cs differed
      between the soils by factors of 2 (1.6*10(-2) and 2.5*10(-2)) and 7 (2.2*10(-2)
      and 1.5*10(-1)), respectively. Corresponding factors by the TF(a) values were 2
      (2.5*10(-4) and 4.4*10(-4)) for (85)Sr and 3 (1.1*10(-3) and 2.9*10(-3)) for
      (137)Cs. Straws had several times higher TF(m) and TF(a) values of (85)Sr than of
      (137)Cs. The surface-water concentrations were substantially higher for the TF(a)
      than for the TF(m), indicating the possibility of a much higher plant-base uptake
      for the TF(a). In the TF(a) soils, (137)Cs and, to a lesser degree, (85)Sr were
      severely localized towards the soil surface, probably leading to an increased
      root uptake. The activity loss due to plant uptake and water percolation was
      generally inconsiderable. Time-dependent K(d) values of (85)Sr measured in a
      parallel experiment ranged from 20 to 170, whereas (137)Cs had much higher K(d)
      values. The use of TF(a) values instead of TF(m) values turned out to be a
      reasonable approach to the evaluation of a vegetation-period deposition.

PMID- 22071439
TI  - Survival following lung transplantation for silicosis and other occupational lung
      diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information is scant assessing outcomes in lung transplantation (LT)
      in advanced occupational lung diseases (OLD). AIMS: To analyse survival after LT
      for OLD. METHODS: Using data from the US Organ Procurement and Transplantation
      Network Registry (OPTN-R), we identified subjects aged >= 18 years transplanted
      for OLD from 2005 to 2010. OPTN-R selected referents of corresponding age, sex
      and body mass index (BMI) who underwent LT for other diagnoses were also
      identified. Post-LT survival time was estimated with Cox proportional hazard
      models. Baseline age, BMI, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, creatinine, lung
      allocation score, donor age, donor lung ischaemic time and transplant type
      (single versus bilateral) were included as covariates. Time-dependent covariates
      were used to model differences in relative risk over time. RESULTS: Thirty-seven
      males underwent LT for silicosis (n = 19) or other OLD (n = 18) during the
      analytic period (0.5% of all LTs). For non-silicotic OLD, 6-month and 1- and 3
      year survival estimates were 66, 55 and 55%, compared with the silicotic group
      (86, 86 and 76%) and referent group (89, 84 and 67%). During the first year post
      transplant, those with OLD (silicosis and others combined) manifested an overall
      2-fold increased mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.4; P < 0.05]
      compared to referents. In stratified analysis, this increased risk of death was
      restricted to those with non-silicotic OLD (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.6; P < 0.01).
      Poorer survival was limited to the first year post-LT. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects
      undergoing LT for OLD other than silicosis may be at increased risk of death in
      the first year post-transplantation.

PMID- 22071440
TI  - [Long-term results of surgical treatment of scaphoid non union: influence of the
      correction of dorsal intercalated segment instability].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The publications dealing with scaphoid non-union emphasize importance
      of correction of the Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability (DISI) to achieve
      good functional results and to prevent osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study
      was to assess, over 10 years follow-up, the functional outcomes of 25 patients
      with scaphoid non-union surgery. X-ray and DISI deformity were assessed. METHODS:
      Between 1994 and 1998, 53 patients underwent surgery for scaphoid non-union. Over
      10 years follow-up, functional evaluation based on pain, QuickDASH and Mayo Wrist
      Score was performed, and a physical examination including mobility, strength and
      pain on the region of the scaphoid. Outcomes on X-rays were assessed by searching
      osteoarthritis damages and by measuring carpal height index and intracarpal
      angles. RESULTS: Eight patients had pain on the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint
      without degenerative lesions on radiography. Compared to other patients, they had
      worse functional results, decrease of scapholunate angle, decrease of the DISI
      and increase of carpal height. CONCLUSIONS: The correction of the DISI is not
      always associated with good functional results. Although there were no
      osteoarthritic changes on the radiography, residual pain may be related to
      affection of the scapho-trapezo-trapezoidal joint. Surgical treatment with
      osteotomy of the scaphoid seems to be dangerous because of the moderate impact on
      function for these patients.

PMID- 22071441
TI  - Support for self-management of cardiovascular disease by people with learning
      disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the second most common cause of death
      among people with learning disabilities (LD), and lifestyle has been linked to
      risk factors. With a shift towards illness prevention and self-management
      support, it is important to know how people with LD can be involved in this
      process. OBJECTIVE: To elicit the perceptions of people with LD, carers and
      health professionals regarding supported self-management of CVD. METHODS: A
      qualitative approach used in-depth semi-structured interviews based on vignettes
      with accompanying pictures. Fourteen people with LD, 11 carers/care staff and 11
      health professionals were recruited and interviewed. Thematic framework analysis
      was used to analyse interview data. RESULTS: In total, 11 men and 25 women were
      interviewed. All respondents contributed views of self-management with a wide
      range of opinions expressed within each participant group. Four key themes
      encompassed: strategies for self-management; understanding the prerequisites for
      self-management support; preferred supporters and challenges for self-management
      implementation. Facilitated service user involvement in self-management decision
      making was highly valued in all groups. Service users wished for co-ordinated
      incremental support from across agencies and individuals. CONCLUSIONS: People
      with LD can be effectively consulted regarding health management and their views
      can inform service development. Promoting joined-up support across health and
      social care and families will require investment in resources, education and
      dismantling of professional barriers.

PMID- 22071442
TI  - Evaluation of laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) coupled with tandem mass
      spectrometry (MS/MS) for support of in vitro drug discovery assays: increasing
      scope, robustness and throughput of the LDTD technique for use with chemically
      diverse compound libraries.
AB  - Within the drug discovery environment, the key process in optimising the
      chemistry of a structural series toward a potential drug candidate is the design,
      make and test cycle, in which the primary screens consist of a number of in vitro
      assays, including metabolic stability, cytochrome P450 inhibition, and time
      dependent inhibition assays. These assays are often carried out using multiple
      drug compounds with chemically diverse structural features, often in a 96 well
      plate format for maximum time-efficiency, and are supported using rapid liquid
      chromatographic (LC) sample introduction with a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
      selected reaction monitoring (SRM) endpoint, taking around 6.5 h per plate. To
      provide a faster time-to-decision at this critical point, there exists a
      requirement for higher sample throughput and a robust, well-characterized
      analytical alternative. This paper presents a detailed evaluation of laser diode
      thermal desorption (LDTD), a relatively new ambient sample ionization technique,
      for compound screening assays. By systematic modification of typical LDTD
      instrumentation and workflow, and providing deeper understanding around
      overcoming a number of key issues, this work establishes LDTD as a practical,
      rapid alternative to conventional LC-MS/MS in drug discovery, without need for
      extensive sample preparation or expensive, scope-limiting internal standards.
      Analysis of both the five and three cytochrome P450 competitive inhibition assay
      samples by LDTD gave improved sample throughput (0.75 h per plate) and provided
      comparable data quality as the IC50 values obtained were within 3 fold of those
      calculated from the LC-MS/MS data. Additionally when applied generically to a
      chemically diverse library of over 250 proprietary compounds from the AstraZeneca
      design, make and test cycle, LDTD demonstrated a success rate of 98%.

PMID- 22071443
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of polymethoxylated flavones and coumarins in Fructus
      aurantii and Fructus aurantii immaturus using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.
AB  - The major lipid-soluble constituents in Fructus aurantii (zhiqiao) and Fructus
      aurantii immaturus (zhishi) are polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) and coumarins.
      In the present study, a high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray
      ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify PMFs
      (nobiletin, tangeretin, 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxyflavone, and natsudaidai)
      and coumarins (marmin, meranzin hydrate, and auraptene) simultaneously. PMFs and
      coumarins were detected by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in
      positive ion mode and quantified with multiple reaction monitor. Samples were
      separated on a Diamonsil C18 (150 mm * 4.6 mm, 5 MUm) column using acetonitrile
      and formic acid-water solution as a mobile phase in gradient mode with a flow
      rate at 0.5 mL/min. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9977)
      within the test ranges. Variations of the intraday and interday precisions were
      less than 4.07%. The recoveries of the components were within the range of 95.79%
      105.04% and the relative standard deviations were less than 3.82%. The method
      developed was validated with acceptable accuracy, precision, and extraction
      recoveries and can be applied for the identification and quantification of four
      PMFs and three coumarins in citrus herbs.

PMID- 22071444
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in Chinese
      medicinal preparation Guan-Xin-Ning injection by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n).
AB  - Guan-Xin-Ning (GXN) injection, a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation
      consisting of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza and Rhizoma Ligusticum chuanxiong, has
      been used to treat coronary heart disease and angina pectoris in China for
      decades. In this paper, a HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS(n) method was successfully developed
      for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the active components in GXN
      injection for the first time. 28 compounds were identified by comparison of their
      retention times and MS spectra (HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS(n)) with those elucidated
      standards or recorded literature. 19 of them (danshensu, furoic acid, 3-O
      caffeoylquinic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic
      acid, caffeic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, vanillin, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid,
      4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H,
      isosalvianolic acid A, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid A
      and isosalvianolic acid C) were simultaneously determined by HPLC-DAD
      quantitatively. The analytical method was validated and successfully applied for
      simultaneous determination of major components in GXN injections from seven
      different production batches, indicating that the proposed approach was
      applicable for the routine analysis and quality control of GXN injection.

PMID- 22071445
TI  - Development and validation of reversed phase high performance liquid
      chromatographic method for determination of moxonidine in the presence of its
      impurities.
AB  - A simple, rapid, isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic
      method was developed and validated for the analysis of moxonidine and its
      impurities in tablet formulations. The chromatographic separation was achieved on
      a Symmetry shield C18 column (250 mm * 4.6 mm, 5 MUm) by employing a mobile phase
      consisting of methanol-potassium phosphate buffer (0.05 M) mixture (15:85, v/v)
      (pH 3.5) at a flow rate of 1 ml min-1; detection at 255 nm. Central composite
      design technique and response surface method were used to evaluate the effects of
      variations of selected factors (buffer pH value, column temperature, methanol
      content) in order to achieve the best isocratic separation within short analysis
      time (less than 10 min), as well as for robustness test considerations. The
      method fulfilled the validation criteria: specificity, linearity, accuracy,
      precision, limit of detection and limit of quantitation. The method was
      successfully applied for the analysis of commercial moxonidine tablets.

PMID- 22071446
TI  - Antimicrobial prospect of newly synthesized 1,3-thiazole derivatives.
AB  - A new series of 1,3-thiazole and benzo[d]thiazole derivatives 10-15 has been
      developed, characterized, and evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity at
      concentrations of 25-200 MUg/mL against Gram+ve organisms such as methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Gram-ve organisms such as Escherichia
      coli (E. coli), and the fungal strain Aspergillus niger (A. niger) by the cup
      plate method. Ofloxacin and ketoconazole (10 MUg/mL) were used as reference
      standards for antibacterial and antifungal activity, respectively. Compounds 11
      and 12 showed notable antibacterial and antifungal activities at higher
      concentrations (125-200 MUg/mL), whereas benzo[d]thiazole derivatives 13 and 14
      were found to display significant antibacterial or antifungal activity (50-75
      MUg/mL) against the Gram+ve, Gram-ve bacteria, or fungal cells used in the
      present study. In addition, a correlation between calculated and determined
      partition coefficient (log P) was established which allows future development of
      compounds within this series to be carried out based on calculated log P values.
      Moreover, compounds 13 and 14 show that the optimum logarithm of partition
      coefficient (log P) should be around 4.

PMID- 22071447
TI  - Chemical constituents of the Mexican mistletoe (Psittacanthus calyculatus).
AB  - A phytochemical study of the methanol-soluble fraction of an aqueous extract of a
      sample of Psittacanthus calyculatus collected from the host plant Prosopsis
      laevigata (Smooth Mesquite) using several techniques, including co-chromatography
      coupled with UV detection, chromatographic purifications and IR, NMR and MS
      studies, resulted in the identification of gallic acid, two flavonol-3-biosides
      and the nonprotein amino acid N-methyl-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline.

PMID- 22071448
TI  - Home versus ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the diagnosis of clinic
      resistant and true resistant hypertension.
AB  - Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring is recommended as a standard method
      for the evaluation of resistant hypertension (RH). This study assessed the
      diagnostic value of home blood pressure (HBP) monitoring in RH. Subjects on
      stable treatment with >=3 antihypertensive drugs were included. Clinic RH (CRH)
      was defined as elevated clinic blood pressure and true RH (TRH) as elevated ABP.
      The diagnosis of CRH was verified by ABP and HBP monitoring. The diagnostic value
      of HBP was assessed by taking ABP as reference method. Threshold for hypertension
      diagnosis was >=135/85 mm Hg (systolic and/or diastolic) for HBP and awake ABP
      and >=140/90 mm Hg for clinic blood pressure. Among 73 subjects on >=3
      antihypertensive drugs, 44 (60%) had CRH and 40 (55%) TRH. There was agreement
      between ABP and HBP in diagnosing CRH in 82% of the cases (26 subjects (59%) with
      CRH and 10 (23%) without CRH; kappa 0.59). Regarding the diagnosis of TRH, there
      was agreement between ABP and HBP in 74% of the cases (36 subjects (49%) with TRH
      and 18 (25%) without TRH; kappa 0.46). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive
      and negative predictive values of HBP in detecting CRH were 93%, 63%, and 81% and
      83%, respectively, and TRH were 90%, 55%, and 71%, and 82%, respectively (ABP
      taken as reference method). These data suggest that HBP is a reliable alternative
      to ABP in the evaluation of RH. These methods are necessary in both uncontrolled
      and controlled subjects on triple therapy to detect the white coat phenomenon and
      also masked RH.

PMID- 22071449
TI  - Planar chiral (eta6-arene)Cr(CO)3 containing carboxylic acid derivatives:
      synthesis and use in the preparation of organometallic analogues of the
      antibiotic platensimycin.
AB  - With more and more organometallic compounds receiving attention for applications
      in medicinal organometallic chemistry, the need arises for stereoselective
      syntheses of more complicated structures containing organometallic moieties, for
      example as isosteric substitutes for organic drug candidates. Herein, the
      synthesis and characterization of both diastereomers of a planar chiral (eta(6)
      arene)Cr(CO)(3) containing carboxylic acid derivative, namely, 3-{eta(6)-(1, 2,
      3, 4-tetrahydro-1-endo/exo-methyl-2-oxonaphthalen-1-yl)
      tricarbonylchromium(0)}propanoic acid (7 and 8) is reported. The molecular
      structures of both were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The degree
      of diastereoselectivity in Cr(CO)(3) complexation with methyl/tert-butyl-3
      (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-methyl-2-oxonaphthalen-1-yl)propanoate (4a/4b) vs. the
      Michael addition of methyl/tert-butyl acrylate to (eta(6)-1-methyl-2
      tetralone)Cr(CO)(3) (9) was also examined. In the latter case the alkylation was
      found to be completely diastereoselective and gave methyl/tert-butyl-3-{eta(6)
      (1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-1-endo-methyl-2-oxonaphthalen-1-yl)-tricarbonylchromium
      (0)}propanoate (5a and 5b) in excellent yield. Both the carboxylic acids 7 and 8
      were coupled with the aminoresorcyclic acid core to achieve diastereomeric
      bioorganometallics 15a and 15b based on the naturally occurring antibiotic
      platensimycin lead structure (1a, see Fig. 1). The newly synthesized
      bioorganometallics were tested against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacterial strains but show no promising antibacterial activity.

PMID- 22071450
TI  - Ventricular septal necrosis after blunt chest trauma.
AB  - Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) after blunt chest trauma is a very rare traumatic
      affection. We report here a case of blunt chest injury-related VSD and
      pseudoaneurysm.    A 30-year old male truck driver was referred from a trauma
      center to our hospital seven days after a blunt chest trauma and rib fracture.
      The patient had severe pulmonary edema and echocardiography showed large VSD.
      Several mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of this affection including
      an acute compression of the heart muscle between the sternum and the spine,
      leading to excessive changes in the intrathoracic and most likely the
      intracardiac pressure after blunt chest injury. Traumatical patients with the
      same symptoms may be at risk of sudden death. Therefore, a high grade of
      suspicion is mandatory even without solid evidence of myocardial damage on the
      initial evaluation. In continue some hidden angles of this case was discussed.
      Given the prognostic implications of traumatic VSD with associated
      pseudoaneurysm, its detection has critical value for preventing its clinical
      sequelae.

PMID- 22071451
TI  - Cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis: a critical review.
AB  - Head and neck cancer represents one of the main oncological problems. Its
      treatment, radiotherapy and chemotherapy leads to mucositis, and other side
      effects. The authors reviewed high-quality evidence published over the last 25
      years on the treatment of cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis. A Medline
      search for double blind randomized controlled clinical trials between 1985 and
      2010 was carried out. The keywords were oral mucositis, radiotherapy,
      chemotherapy, and head and neck. The different therapeutic approaches found for
      cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis included: intensive oral hygiene care;
      use of topical antiseptics and antimicrobial agents; use of anti-inflammatory
      agents; cytokines and growth factors; locally applied non-pharmacological
      methods; antioxidants; immune modulators; and homoeopathic agents. To date, no
      intervention has been able to prevent and treat oral mucositis on its own. It is
      necessary to combine interventions that act on the different phases of mucositis.
      It is still unclear which strategies reduce oral mucositis, as there is not
      enough evidence that describes a treatment with a proven efficiency and is
      superior to the other treatments for this condition.

PMID- 22071452
TI  - Pituitary volume mediates the relationship between pubertal timing and depressive
      symptoms during adolescence.
AB  - Early timing of puberty (i.e., advanced pubertal maturation relative to peers)
      has been linked to the onset of depressive symptoms during the early adolescent
      phase. However, the precise neurobiological mechanisms linking early pubertal
      timing to adolescent depressive symptoms are not clear. We investigated whether
      the volume of the pituitary gland, a key component of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes, mediated the
      relationship between pubertal timing and depressive symptoms in 155 adolescents
      (72 females) both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. At baseline (M age 12.7,
      SD 0.5 years), early pubertal timing predicted larger pituitary gland volume and
      higher depressive symptoms (especially for girls), but there was no mediation
      effect. Longitudinally, however, larger pituitary gland volume at baseline was
      found to mediate the relationship between early pubertal timing and increased
      depressive symptoms over time (M follow-up period=2.57 years, SD=0.26) for both
      boys and girls. Our findings suggest that neurobiological mechanisms are partly
      responsible for the link between early pubertal timing and depressive symptoms in
      adolescents. We speculate that an enlarged pituitary gland in adolescents with
      early pubertal timing might be associated with hyperactivation of the hormonal
      stress response, leading to increased susceptibility to environmental stressors,
      and subsequent development of depressive symptoms. Given the well-established
      relationship between increasing depressive symptoms in adolescence and later
      disorder, these findings have implications for targeted prevention and early
      intervention strategies for depressive disorders in adolescence.

PMID- 22071453
TI  - Subtle regulation of the micro- and nanostructures of electrospun polystyrene
      fibers and their application in oil absorption.
AB  - In this study, we conducted a subtle regulation of micro- and nanostructures of
      electrospun polystyrene (PS) fibers via tuning the molecular weights of the
      polymers with different sources, solvent compositions, and solution
      concentration. The surface morphology and porous structures of as-prepared PS
      fibers were characterized, and a full and intuitive observation of the porous
      structures as well as a tentative account of the formation of porous structures
      was presented. Additionally, the porous PS fibrous mats showed much higher oil
      absorption capacities than those of commercial polypropylene fibers in the form
      of a non-woven fabric, which displays a bight future for oil spill cleanups. We
      believe that such regulation of micro- and nanostructures of the PS fibers will
      widen the range of their applications in self-cleaning materials, ultra-high
      sensitivity sensors, tissue engineering, ion exchange materials, etc.

PMID- 22071454
TI  - Integrated care for chronic conditions: the contribution of the ICCC Framework.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to highlight the current relevance of the
      Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions (ICCC) Framework, as a model for change in
      health systems towards better care for chronic conditions, as well as to assess
      its impact on health policy development and healthcare redesign to date. METHODS:
      The authors reviewed the literature to identify initiatives designed and
      implemented following the ICCC Framework. They also reviewed the evidence on the
      effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of the ICCC and the earlier
      Chronic Care Model (CCM) that inspired it. RESULTS: The ICCC Framework has
      inspired a wide range of types of intervention and has been applied in a number
      of countries with diverse healthcare systems and socioeconomic contexts. The
      available evidence supports the effectiveness of this framework's components,
      although no study explicitly assessing its comprehensive implementation at a
      health system level has been found. CONCLUSIONS: As awareness of the need to
      reorient health systems towards better care for chronic patients grows, there is
      great potential for the ICCC Framework to serve as a road map for transformation,
      with its special emphasis on integration, and on the role of the community and of
      a positive political environment.

PMID- 22071455
TI  - Equity and equality in the use of GP services for elderly people: the Spanish
      case.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To present new evidence both on the horizontal inequity in the
      delivery of primary health care and on the factors driving inequalities in the
      use of GP services for Spanish population aged 50 years and over. METHODS: Cross
      sectional study based on the Spanish sample of the Survey of Health, Aging and
      Retirement in Europe (SHARE) for 2006-07. We use the index proposed by Wagstaff
      and van Doorslaer (HI(WV)) to compute health care inequity. The concentration
      index measuring income related inequality in health care use is decomposed into
      the contribution of each determinant. RESULTS: Our results show the presence of
      pro-poor inequality in both the access and the frequency of use for GP services,
      which is mainly explained by unequal distribution of need factors. The
      contribution of non-need factors to income related inequality is quite higher for
      the conditional number of GP visits (48.13%) than for the probability of positive
      use (17.55%). We have also found significant pro-poor inequity in the probability
      of access to a GP and in the conditional number of visits for elderly people.
      CONCLUSIONS: The relevance of social determinants of health is confirmed, and
      hence the need for wide-scoped public policies to reduce health inequalities. At
      equal levels of need, rich and poor elderly people are not treated equally. As
      much as appropriateness of care provided is unknown, we cannot conclude that
      inequity in GP services really favours the lower income individuals in terms of
      health gains.

PMID- 22071456
TI  - Postauricular fascial flap and suture otoplasty: a prospective outcome study of
      227 patients.
AB  - The anterior scoring technique is criticised for a higher risk of haematoma
      related complications while the suture techniques for suture-extrusion and
      recurrence. Horlock et. al. described a suture otoplasty with addition of a
      postauricular fascial flap to reduce suture extrusion and noted recurrence rates
      of 8%. We report the senior author's experience with this technique in 227
      consecutive cases. All cases were done by or under supervision of the senior
      author and the data collected prospectively. Complications, recurrence, revision
      rate and results as recorded were analysed. A total of 10 (7 early 3 late)
      complications were recorded (4.4%). Suture extrusion (n = 6, 2.64%), Keloids (n =
      3, 1.32%), Infection, anterior skin necrosis (n = 1 each, 0.44%). A total of 6
      unilateral and 5 bilateral cases had a recurrence (3.67% total ears) and 97% of
      recorded outcomes were reported as good or excellent results. The low
      complication rate seems to support the hypothesis that the fascial flap prevents
      suture extrusion and reduces risk of recurrence. Lack of Anterior dissection
      avoids risks of bleeding and haematoma.

PMID- 22071457
TI  - A novel distraction technique to facilitate daycase paediatric surgery under
      local anaesthesia.

PMID- 22071458
TI  - Treatment of pectoralis major flap myospasms with botulinum toxin type A in head
      and neck reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment options for muscle spasm complications of the pectoralis
      major (PM) flap in head and neck reconstruction have hardly been investigated.
      The authors report their experience using botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injections as a
      treatment of PM flap myospasm complications in head and neck reconstruction.
      METHODS: From January 2005 to May 2009, 83 patients underwent PM flap
      reconstruction. Eleven of them reported muscle twitching as a post-operative
      complication and are therefore included in this study. As all 11 patients refused
      a second surgery, they were offered BTX-A injections. This group of patients was
      followed up at regular intervals with clinical examinations, digital photography,
      range of motion (ROM) of the neck in different vectors, and neck disability
      system (NDS) questionnaires. RESULTS: After the first BTX-A infiltration, muscle
      twitching decreased, the ROM values increased and, according to the NDS,
      patients' discomfort progressively decreased. Only two of the 11 patients
      required two additional BTX-A sessions. CONCLUSION: BTX-A infiltration is an
      effective non-invasive procedure that significantly reduces the PM muscular
      contraction in head and neck reconstruction.

PMID- 22071459
TI  - Primary restoration of elbow flexion in adult post-traumatic plexopathy patients.
AB  - Restoration of elbow flexion is one of the priorities in brachial plexus palsy,
      as this function brings the hand to the mouth. This study analyses the results of
      musculocutaneous nerve reconstruction in 194 patients with devastating paralysis.
      Results were analyzed in relation to denervation time, severity score, length of
      nerve grafts, and donor nerves used. Between 1978 and 2006, 194 post-traumatic
      plexopathy patients underwent musculocutaneous nerve reconstruction. 298 motor
      donors were used in 175 patients while 19 patients had microneurolysis. There
      were 104 intraplexus motor donors; 124 intercostal nerves were transferred in 39
      patients; direct coaptation was performed in 31 patients and three or more
      intercostals were transferred in 33 patients; 16 patients underwent
      musculocutaneous to musculocutaneous repair. 144 patients had interposition nerve
      grafts. The mean follow-up was 4.48 +/- 2.78 years. Results were good or
      excellent (>=M3+) in 52.53% of patients with more than 70 degrees  of elbow
      flexion. Patients, who were operated on less than 4 months from injury, with high
      severity score, attained significant better results than late cases with multiple
      root avulsions. Intraplexus donors have direct influence on biceps recovery,
      achieving significant better results than extraplexus donors. Intercostal nerves
      are an alternative source in avulsion injuries. The use of 3 intercostals with
      direct coaptation yielded optimal elbow flexion. Musculocutaneous nerve
      reconstruction is one of the priorities in upper limb reanimation. Functional
      outcomes are influenced by the age of the patient, severity of plexus lesion,
      denervation time, and type of reconstruction. Early surgery is recommended.

PMID- 22071460
TI  - Levetiracetam-induced interstitial nephritis in a patient with glioma.
AB  - A 45-year-old man with a new diagnosis of low grade glioma was started on an
      escalating dose of levetiracetam (Lev) for seizure management. He gradually
      developed intractable nausea/vomiting and a high creatinine concentration due to
      acute renal failure which was attributed to Lev-induced interstitial nephritis.
      The medication was changed and his renal function rapidly improved to his
      baseline.

PMID- 22071461
TI  - The impact of changing intracranial aneurysm practice on the education of
      cerebrovascular neurosurgeons.
AB  - Endovascular repair of intracranial aneurysms has transformed the practice of
      cerebrovascular surgery. We reviewed the National Hospital Morbidity Database in
      Australia for the years 2000 to 2008 and investigated the changing trends of
      aneurysm practice. During this period 7,503 craniotomies for aneurysm repair and
      7,863 endovascular coiling procedures were performed. The number of aneurysm
      procedures performed surgically reduced from 9 cases per neurosurgeon per year to
      4.2 cases, a reduction of 53.3%. The number of endovascular treatments increased
      2.1 fold, from 3.6 aneurysms per neurosurgeon in 2000 to 7.5 in 2008. The
      implications of reduced numbers of surgically treated aneurysms were considered
      for the education of cerebrovascular neurosurgeons in Australia.

PMID- 22071462
TI  - Diagnosis and management of optic nerve glioma.
AB  - Optic nerve gliomas are highly variable tumours with an unpredictable clinical
      course. Consequently, the diagnosis and management of these tumours remains
      complex and a standardised management strategy does not exist. In this paper we
      describe a patient with optic nerve glioma treated at our institution and then
      review recent advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumours over
      the past 10 years. Our aim is to clarify current best practice in the management
      of optic nerve gliomas.

PMID- 22071463
TI  - Biologics in relapsing polychondritis: a literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no standardized therapeutic protocol for relapsing
      polychondritis (RP). Emergence of biologics holds much hope in the management of
      this connective tissue disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety
      of biologics in patients with active RP. METHODS: A systematic review of the
      literature using PubMed was performed through December 2010. MeSH terms and
      keywords were used relating to RP and biologics. All papers reporting the
      efficacy and/or safety of biologics in RP were selected. Reference lists of
      included papers were also searched. RESULTS: All publications relate to case
      series or isolated case reports. No randomized controlled trial has been
      performed. Thirty papers that included 62 patients were published. These patients
      were treated with TNFalpha blockers (n = 43), rituximab (n = 11), anakinra (n =
      5), tocilizumab (n = 2), and abatacept (n = 1). The endpoint of treatment differs
      from 1 publication to the other and therefore makes the comparison of efficacy
      among the various biologics difficult. Biologics were effective in 27 patients,
      partially effective in 5 patients, and not effective in 29 patients. Safety
      appeared to be good. However, 4 deaths were recorded (2 sepsis, 1 postoperatively
      after aortic aneurysm surgery, and 1 after accidental dislocation of the
      tracheostomy device). CONCLUSIONS: The experience with biologics in RP is very
      limited and their real efficacy and indications need to be better defined.
      Randomized controlled trials, although difficult to perform because of the rarity
      of RP, are needed to determine the place of biologics in the treatment strategy
      of this orphan disease.

PMID- 22071464
TI  - Electron transfer processes in potassium collisions with 5-fluorouracil and 5
      chlorouracil.
AB  - Electron transfer to uracil (U), 5-chlorouracil (5-ClU) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
      yielding anion formation has been investigated in 30-100 eV potassium-molecule
      collisions. The rich fragmentation patterns of all three molecules suggest that
      electron transfer in collisions with electronegative neutrals may cause efficient
      damage to RNA. The main ring fragment anion in all the mass spectra was NCO(-)
      while the production of X(-) (X = F, Cl) was a strong decomposition of the
      halouracil temporary negative ions. Cl(-) was the most intense fragment anion in
      the 5-chlorouracil measurements, whereas NCO(-) production dominated in the U and
      5-FU data. Arguments based on energetics and vibrational dynamics have been
      proposed to explain these differences. Electronic coupling between dipole- and
      valence-bound states may play a particularly important role in the fragmentation
      pathways of the 5-ClU parent anion. The stabilizing influence of the potassium
      cation following electron transfer (ionic scattering) on the observed
      fragmentation patterns is discussed, notably in the context of comparisons with
      free electron attachment processes.

PMID- 22071465
TI  - High intrafamilial variability in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis
      ectodermal dystrophy: a case study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy- candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy
      syndrome (APECED) is a monogenic disease whose phenotype may reveal wide
      heterogeneity. The reasons of this variability still remain obscure. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Two APECED siblings with identical genotype and extremely different
      phenotype were compared with regard to exposure to infectious triggers,
      autoantibodies' profile, mechanisms of peripheral tolerance, and human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA) haplotype. The following infectious markers were evaluated:
      rubella, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma, varicella zoster virus,
      parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus, and parainfluenza virus. APECED-related
      autoantibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence or complement
      fixation or enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay. Resistance to
      Fas-induced apoptosis was evaluated on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
      activated with phytohemoagglutinin, the number of TCD4+CD25+ regulatory cells
      (Treg) was evaluated through flow-cytometry and natural killer (NK) activity
      through Wallac method. Perforin (PRF1) was amplified by PCR and sequenced.
      RESULTS: No difference was observed between the siblings in common infectious
      triggers, extent of Fas-induced apoptosis, NK-cell activity and PRF1 sequence,
      the number of Tregs and HLA haplotypes. CONCLUSION: Although APECED is a
      monogenic disease, its expressivity may be extremely different even in the same
      family. This variability cannot be explained by common triggering infectious
      agents or functional alterations of mechanisms governing peripheral tolerance.

PMID- 22071468
TI  - Cannulation of the right axillary artery for extracorporeal circulation in aortic
      surgery through a left thoracotomy: a novel technique.
AB  - Extensive aortic disease, such as atherosclerosis with aneurysms or dissections
      that involve the ascending aorta, can complicate the choice of a cannulation site
      for cardiopulmonary bypass. Antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through the
      right axillary artery has proved to be a reliable and valuable method for
      cerebral protection in aortic surgery. In the supine position it is an artery
      straightforward to access, it is more complicated in the right thoracoabdominal
      position. We present an innovative method of axillary artery cannulation for
      patients requiring surgery through a left thoracotomy.

PMID- 22071470
TI  - Timing of gangrene tissue debridement after autologous bone marrow cell
      implantation in patients with superficial femoral arterial occlusion: preliminary
      experiences.
AB  - AIM: Although implantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMI) was shown to
      improve outcomes in patients with severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease
      (PAOD), little experience has been reported in patients with an arterial
      occlusion level above the knee, ischemic gangrene, and high cardiovascular risk.
      This study sought to investigate the timing of gangrene tissue debridement and
      the safety of BMI in these patients. METHODS: Six "no-option" PAOD patients were
      enrolled with an arterial occlusion level above the knee, ischemic gangrene, and
      3 systemic diseases related to a high cardiovascular risk. The ischemic status
      was evaluated by measuring the ankle-brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous oxygen
      pressure (TcPO2), and wound healing after BMI. RESULTS: All patients safely
      underwent the procedures with intravenous general anesthesia by titrating
      propofol. Major lower extremity amputation, minor debridement amputation, and
      debridement surgery were performed in 2 (33.3%), 1 (16.7%), and 2 (33.3%)
      patients, respectively, 3.1 2.8 months after BMI. Compared to the amputation
      group (N=3), the salvage group (N=3) had a significantly higher baseline ABI
      (P=0.02) and a shorter distance between the gangrene site and arterial occlusion
      site (P=0.01). In the 3 patients who underwent debridement, ABI and TcPO2
      significantly improved 1 month after BMI, and gangrenous tissues were debrided
      3.8 +/- 3.6 (range, 1~8) months after BMI with complete healing within 1 month.
      CONCLUSION: Autologous BMI therapy is safe in patients at high cardiovascular
      risk with an arterial occlusion level above the knee and ischemic gangrene.
      Effective predictors of BMI include the baseline ABI and distance to the
      ischemia. Gangrene tissue should be debrided at least 1 month after BMI.

PMID- 22071471
TI  - BRAVISSIMO study: 12-month results from the TASC A/B subgroup.
AB  - AIM: The BRAVISSIMO study is a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter,
      multinational, monitored trial, conducted at 12 hospitals in Belgium and 11
      hospitals in Italy. This manuscript reports on the BRAVISSIMO TASC A&B iliac
      lesion cohort, based on data collected up to the 13-month time point. The primary
      endpoint of the study is primary patency at 12 months, defined as a target lesion
      without a hemodynamically significant stenosis on duplex ultrasound (>50%,
      systolic velocity ratio no greater than 2.0) and without Target Lesion
      Revascularization (TLR) within 12 months. METHODS: Between July 2009 and February
      2010, a total of 190 patients who presented with TASC A or TASC B aorto-iliac
      lesions were included, of which 140 patients were enrolled in Belgium and 50 in
      Italy. RESULTS: The demographic data were comparable for the TASC A and TASC B
      patients groups. The number of occlusions, the average degree of stenosis, the
      average lesion length was significantly higher in the group of TASC B lesions,
      which is congruent with the TASC lesions definitions. Similarly, there were
      significantly more unilateral lesions in the TASC A group, compared to the TASC B
      group. The 12-month primary patency rate was 94.0% for TASC A lesions and 96.5%
      for TASC B lesions, which is not statistically significant. The 12-month primary
      patency rate was 92.9% in lesions treated with the Omnilink Elite stent, 97.1% in
      lesions treated with the Absolute Pro stent groups, and 100% in lesions treated
      with both stents. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that endovascular therapy, and
      more specifically primary stenting, is the preferred treatment for patients with
      TASC A/B aortoiliac lesions. Currently, we are collecting the 12-month data for
      the TASC C/D subgroup in the BRAVISSIMO study. Upon release of the results from
      this subgroup, we will be able to compare the results from both arms of this
      large-scale international study.

PMID- 22071472
TI  - Supramolecular isomerism and solvatomorphism in a novel coordination compound.
AB  - Three different crystal forms were obtained from the crystallisation of a
      flexible imidazole based ligand and CdBr(2) under different conditions.
      Structural analysis reveals that the correlation between the three metallocyclic
      compounds can be described in terms of isostructurality, solvatomorphism and
      supramolecular isomerism.

PMID- 22071473
TI  - Intragenic copy number variation within filaggrin contributes to the risk of
      atopic dermatitis with a dose-dependent effect.
AB  - Loss-of-function variants within the filaggrin gene (FLG) increase the risk of
      atopic dermatitis. FLG also demonstrates intragenic copy number variation (CNV),
      with alleles encoding 10, 11, or 12 filaggrin monomers; hence, CNV may affect the
      amount of filaggrin expressed in the epidermis. A total of 876 Irish pediatric
      atopic dermatitis cases were compared with 928 population controls to test the
      hypothesis that CNV within FLG affects the risk of atopic dermatitis
      independently of FLG-null mutations. Cases and controls were screened for CNV and
      common FLG-null mutations. In this population the 11-repeat allele was most
      prevalent (allele frequency 51.5%); the 10-repeat allele frequency was 33.9% and
      the 12-repeat allele frequency was 14.6%. Having excluded FLG mutation carriers,
      the control group had a significantly higher number of repeats than cases (chi(2)
      P=0.043), and the odds ratio of disease was reduced by a factor of 0.88 (95%
      confidence interval 0.78-0.98, P=0.025) for each additional unit of copy number.
      Breakdown products of filaggrin were quantified in tape-stripped stratum corneum
      from 31 atopic dermatitis patients and urocanic acid showed a positive
      correlation with total copy number. CNV within FLG makes a significant, dose
      dependent contribution to atopic dermatitis risk, and therefore treatments to
      increase filaggrin expression may have therapeutic utility.

PMID- 22071474
TI  - The contribution of health services research to improved dermatologic care.
AB  - To translate scientific discovery into improved health, we must study health care
      itself; i.e., how people access health care, costs or other barriers to the
      provision of good care, and what happens to patients as a result of this care.
      Health services research (HSR) is the interdisciplinary field that studies health
      care and its effects. This paper reviews different types of HSR and highlights
      some dermatologic examples that have resulted in improved health-care systems or
      have helped us understand access to existing systems. The paper also addresses
      some of the political and systematic challenges for health services research
      overall, and for individual investigators and program leaders.

PMID- 22071475
TI  - High soluble CD30, CD25, and IL-6 may identify patients with worse survival in
      CD30+ cutaneous lymphomas and early mycosis fungoides.
AB  - Histopathology alone cannot predict the outcome of patients with CD30+ primary
      cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30CLPD) and early mycosis fungoides
      (MF). To test the hypothesis that serum cytokines/cytokine receptors provide
      prognostic information in these disorders, we measured soluble CD30 (sCD30),
      sCD25, and selected cytokines in cell cultures and sera of 116 patients with
      CD30CLPD and 96 patients with early MF followed up to 20 years. Significant
      positive correlation was found between sCD30 levels and sCD25, CD40L, IL-6, and
      IL-8, suggesting that CD30+ neoplastic cells secrete these cytokines, but not Th2
      cytokines. In vitro studies confirmed that sCD30, sCD25, IL-6, and IL-8 are
      secreted by CD30CLPD-derived cell lines. CD30CLPD patients with above normal
      sCD30 and sCD25 levels had worse overall and disease-related survivals, but only
      sCD30 retained significance in Cox models that included advanced age. High sCD30
      also identified patients with worse survival in early MF. Increased IL-6 and IL-8
      levels correlated with poor disease-related survival in CD30CLPD patients. We
      conclude that (1) neoplastic cells of some CD30CLPD patients do not resemble Th2
      cells, and that (2) high serum sCD30, sCD25, IL-6, and perhaps IL-8 levels may
      provide prognostic information useful for patient management.

PMID- 22071476
TI  - Lymphatic dysfunction impairs antigen-specific immunization, but augments tissue
      swelling following contact with allergens.
AB  - The lymph transports tissue-resident dendritic cells (DCs) to regional lymph
      nodes (LNs), having important roles in immune function. The biological effects on
      tissue inflammation following lymphatic flow obstruction in vivo, however, are
      not fully known. In this study, we investigated the role of the lymphatic system
      in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses using k-cyclin transgenic (kCYC(+/-))
      mice, which demonstrate severe lymphatic dysfunction. kCYC(+/-) mice showed
      enhanced ear swelling to both DNFB and FITC, as well as stronger irritant
      responses to croton oil compared with wild-type littermates. Consistently,
      challenged ears of kCYC(+/-) mice exhibited massive infiltrates of inflammatory
      cells. In contrast, DC migration to regional LNs, drainage of cell-free antigen
      to LNs, antigen-specific IFN-gamma production, and lymphocyte proliferation were
      impaired during the sensitization phase of CHS in kCYC(+/-) mice. Transfer
      experiments using lymphocytes from sensitized mice and real-time PCR analysis of
      cytokine expression using challenged ear revealed that ear swelling was enhanced
      because of impaired lymphatic flow. Collectively, we conclude that insufficient
      lymphatic drainage augments apparent inflammation to topically applied allergens
      and irritants. The findings add insight into the clinical problem of allergic and
      irritant contact dermatitis that commonly occurs in humans with peripheral edema
      of the lower legs.

PMID- 22071478
TI  - Development of lentigines in German and Japanese women correlates with variants
      in the SLC45A2 gene.

PMID- 22071477
TI  - A subset of methylated CpG sites differentiate psoriatic from normal skin.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder affecting the skin
      and other organs including joints. Over 1,300 transcripts are altered in
      psoriatic involved skin compared with normal skin. However, to our knowledge,
      global epigenetic profiling of psoriatic skin is previously unreported. Here, we
      describe a genome-wide study of altered CpG methylation in psoriatic skin. We
      determined the methylation levels at 27,578 CpG sites in skin samples from
      individuals with psoriasis (12 involved, 8 uninvolved) and 10 unaffected
      individuals. CpG methylation of involved skin differed from normal skin at 1,108
      sites. Twelve mapped to the epidermal differentiation complex, upstream or within
      genes that are highly upregulated in psoriasis. Hierarchical clustering of 50 of
      the top differentially methylated (DM) sites separated psoriatic from normal skin
      samples with uninvolved skin exhibiting intermediate methylation. CpG sites where
      methylation was correlated with gene expression are reported. Sites with inverse
      correlations between methylation and nearby gene expression include those of
      KYNU, OAS2, S100A12, and SERPINB3, whose strong transcriptional upregulation is
      an important discriminator of psoriasis. Pyrosequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA
      from skin biopsies at three DM loci confirmed earlier findings and revealed
      reversion of methylation levels toward the non-psoriatic state after 1 month of
      anti-TNF-alpha therapy.

PMID- 22071479
TI  - Complex roles for VEGF in dermal wound healing.

PMID- 22071481
TI  - A magnetically separable photocatalyst based on nest-like gamma-Fe2O3/ZnO double
      shelled hollow structures with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
AB  - Magnetic nest-like gamma-Fe(2)O(3)/ZnO double-shelled hollow nanostructures have
      been successfully synthesized via a multi-step process. The materials have been
      thoroughly characterized by different techniques. These interesting nest-like
      hollow nanostructures are composed of ZnO nanoflakes grown on the surface of
      gamma-Fe(2)O(3) hollow spheres. Importantly, these magnetic hollow nanostructures
      show very high visible-light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of
      different organic dyes including methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine-B (RhB), and
      methyl orange (MO). It is further demonstrated that these gamma-Fe(2)O(3)/ZnO
      hybrid photocatalysts are highly stable and can be used repeatedly.

PMID- 22071480
TI  - Sleep and immune function.
AB  - Sleep and the circadian system exert a strong regulatory influence on immune
      functions. Investigations of the normal sleep-wake cycle showed that immune
      parameters like numbers of undifferentiated naive T cells and the production of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines exhibit peaks during early nocturnal sleep whereas
      circulating numbers of immune cells with immediate effector functions, like
      cytotoxic natural killer cells, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine activity
      peak during daytime wakefulness. Although it is difficult to entirely dissect the
      influence of sleep from that of the circadian rhythm, comparisons of the effects
      of nocturnal sleep with those of 24-h periods of wakefulness suggest that sleep
      facilitates the extravasation of T cells and their possible redistribution to
      lymph nodes. Moreover, such studies revealed a selectively enhancing influence of
      sleep on cytokines promoting the interaction between antigen presenting cells and
      T helper cells, like interleukin-12. Sleep on the night after experimental
      vaccinations against hepatitis A produced a strong and persistent increase in the
      number of antigen-specific Th cells and antibody titres. Together these findings
      indicate a specific role of sleep in the formation of immunological memory. This
      role appears to be associated in particular with the stage of slow wave sleep and
      the accompanying pro-inflammatory endocrine milieu that is hallmarked by high
      growth hormone and prolactin levels and low cortisol and catecholamine
      concentrations.

PMID- 22071482
TI  - Determinants of progression of aortic valve stenosis and outcome of adverse
      events in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) is an important risk factor for progression of
      aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, there are varying degrees of disease
      progression among patients with AS on HD. The aim of this study was to find
      determinants of rapid progression of AS in patients on HD. METHODS: We enrolled
      30 patients with AS on HD with a mean follow-up period of 4 years. The peak
      pressure gradient (PPG) between the initial echocardiography and the last
      echocardiography at least 3 months interval (DeltaPPG) was adopted as the
      indicator of AS progression. We divided the patients into two groups according to
      DeltaPPG per year [rapid progression (DeltaPPG>4.5 mmHg/year), slow progression
      (DeltaPPG<4.5 mmHg/year)] and compared the clinical characteristics between the
      two groups. RESULTS: Overall mean DeltaPPG was 4.5 mmHg/year. Systolic blood
      pressure (SBP), serum calcium, and calcium-phosphate product were significantly
      higher in rapid progression group compared with slow progression group (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: High systolic blood pressure, serum calcium, and calcium-phosphate
      product were associated with rapid progression of AS in patients on chronic HD.

PMID- 22071483
TI  - The effect of growth hormone deficiency on size-corrected bone mineral measures
      in pre-pubertal children.
AB  - Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children has been frequently perceived to be a
      cause of low bone mass accrual. The confounding effects of poor growth limit the
      interpretation of prior studies of bone health in GHD. We studied size-corrected
      bone mineral measures in 30 pre-pubertal GHD children and 75 healthy controls.
      Our study shows that size-corrected whole-body bone mineral content of GHD
      children were comparable with controls. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study
      is to evaluate the effects of GHD on size-corrected bone measures at the lumbar
      spine (LS) and the whole body (WB). METHODS: LS bone area (BA), LS bone mineral
      content (BMC), WB BA, WB BMC, and lean body mass (LBM) were measured in 30 pre
      pubertal GHD children and 75 controls by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
      Multiple linear regressions were used to calculate size-corrected (Sc) LS BA(Sc),
      LS BMC(Sc), WB BA(Sc), and WB BMC(Sc) from control subjects using height and age
      as independent variables. Furthermore, the relationship between muscle and bone
      was studied by first assessing LBM for height (LBM(Ht)) and then determining WB
      BMC for LBM (WB BMC(LBM)). All values were converted to Z-scores and compared
      with the control. RESULTS: At diagnosis, WB BMC(Sc) Z-score of GHD children was
      not significantly different from controls. However, mean Z-scores of LS BA(Sc) (
      0.89 +/- 0.84, p < 0.0001), LS BMC(Sc) (-0.70 +/- 1.1, p < 0.001), WB BA(Sc) (
      0.65 +/- 1.0, p < 0.006), and LBM(Ht) (-0.66 +/- 1.7, p < 0.01) were
      significantly reduced, and WB BMC(Lbm) (0.78 +/- 1.5, p < 0.003) was
      significantly higher in GHD children than controls. CONCLUSION: Size-corrected WB
      BMC of GHD children were comparable with controls, and bones were normally
      adapted for muscle mass. Determinants of bone strength which may primarily be
      affected by GHD are muscle mass, bone size, and geometry rather than bone mass.

PMID- 22071484
TI  - Assessing attentional systems in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
      Disorder.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and interactions of
      attentional systems in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
      (ADHD) by considering the effects of reinforcement and auditory warning on each
      component of attention. Thirty-six drug-naive children (18 children with ADHD/18
      typically developing children) performed two revised versions of the Attentional
      Network Test, which assess the efficiency of alerting, orienting, and executive
      systems. In feedback trials, children received feedback about their accuracy,
      whereas in the no-feedback trials, feedback was not given. In both conditions,
      children with ADHD performed more slowly than did typically developing children.
      They also showed impairments in the ability to disengage attention and in
      executive functioning, which improved when alertness was increased by
      administering the auditory warning. The performance of the attentional networks
      appeared to be modulated by the absence or the presence of reinforcement. We
      suggest that the observed executive system deficit in children with ADHD could
      depend on their low level of arousal rather than being an independent disorder.

PMID- 22071485
TI  - [Hospital emergencies and the prison population].

PMID- 22071486
TI  - [Assessment of health benefits from a nutrition program aimed at inmates with
      cardiovascular risk factors at Huelva Prison].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diet and lifestyle are important factors in improving cardiovascular
      health and preventing chronic diseases. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of changes brought
      about in cardiovascular risk (CVR) and metabolic syndrome (MS) after inclusion in
      a nutritional program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intervention, nonrandomized
      prospective cohort study carried out at Huelva prison in a one year period.
      Information about quarterly and bi-annual anthropometric and blood biochemical
      variables was obtained to assess changes in diet. A descriptive analysis with LC
      95% and pre-post study was also completed, using T-Student quantitative variables
      and Wilcoxon test averages. Qualitative testing was performed using the Chi
      square test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 139 subjects, 44 patients were lost
      in the follow-up study and 95 completed the program. Diet modification took place
      in 86.3% of the cases. We obtained significant improvements in weight, body mass,
      fat mass, abdominal perimeter and diastolic blood pressure rate index variables
      (Table 3). We see a reduction in high and low CVR vs. medium CVR according to
      features of Framingham and REGICOR (without significance), remaining stable in
      the SCORE model (Table 4). CONCLUSIONS: Health education and proper diet improved
      anthropometric and biochemical parameters in these patients. This may imply a new
      tool in the health care repertoire that can be applied to other centres.

PMID- 22071487
TI  - [Infection by human papilloma virus amongst female inmates in a social re
      adaptation centre in South-West Mexico].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work is describe the epidemiology of HVP amongst
      female inmates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 82 women were studied in a cross
      sectional study. Epidemiological data were collected through a direct interview.
      Samples of cervical cells were taken. HPV and genotypes were identified by
      molecular test. RESULTS: Global HPV prevalence was 20.7%. Fifteen different
      genotypes were identified 60% low risk HPV, 26.7% high risk HPV and 13.3% were
      not classified in any of the two groups. Types 6/11 were the most common. 23.5%
      (04/17) of HPV positives samples had multiple infections, 3 with 2 genotypes and
      one with 3. Association between infection with HPV and smoking was found, p=
      0.0258, OR 3.79 IC 95% (1.01-15.58).

PMID- 22071488
TI  - [Psychologica well-being, perceived organizational support and job satisfaction
      amongst Chilean prison employees].
AB  - This research aims to identify the relationship between job satisfaction,
      psychological well-being and Perceived Organizational Support amongst prison
      officials. 190 officials working in one state prison and one privately-run prison
      were evaluated using the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire1, Psychological Well
      being Scale2 and Scale of Perceived Organizational Support3. The main results
      show a significant positive correlation between job satisfaction, psychological
      well-being and perceived organizational support, so that those who are satisfied
      with their jobs tend to feel better psychologically and perceive that they
      receive support from their organizations. Furthermore the study variables showed
      no significant differences between officials at both prisons. As regards socio
      demographic figures, gender differences were found in terms of job satisfaction
      and psychological well-being, while no differences were found according to unit.

PMID- 22071489
TI  - [Health care strategies for mental health problems in the prison environment, the
      Spanish case in a European context].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A review was carried out of scientific literature on health care
      strategies for mental health problems in the prison environment. Data is given
      about the main activities put into practice by prison administrations as a
      response to the worrying information that has come to light in recent
      epidemiological studies on mental disorders in prison, with figures that, when
      compared to the general population, give results of double the number of cases of
      Common Mental Illness (CMI) and four times the number of cases of Severe Mental
      Illness (SMI) amongst prison inmates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review was made of
      the most important bibliographical databases containing health care policies for
      mental health problems in prison published by prison administrations in the last
      10 years. This information was completed with other data obtained from an
      analysis of the indicators available in Health Care Coordination on its health
      care strategies for mental health in centres run by the Secretary General of
      Prisons, in Spain. RESULTS: There is little in the way of scientific literature
      that clearly states health care policies for mental illness in the prison
      environment. Those that do tend to agree with a number of affirmations that
      include the obligation to offer a therapeutic response of equal quality to that
      received by patients in the community, the need for a multi-disciplinary team
      responsible for caring for this type of patient, along with a coordinated effort
      between the medical, social, legal and prison administrations that at a given
      time have to care for them.

PMID- 22071490
TI  - [Giant hairy congenital pigmented nevus].

PMID- 22071491
TI  - [Letter to the director from D. Julio Garcia-Guerrero and d. Enrique J. Vera
      Remartinez].

PMID- 22071492
TI  - [Integration of prison health care].

PMID- 22071495
TI  - Quantitative force and dissipation measurements in liquids using piezo-excited
      atomic force microscopy: a unifying theory.
AB  - The use of a piezoelectric element (acoustic excitation) to vibrate the base of
      microcantilevers is a popular method for dynamic atomic force microscopy. In air
      or vacuum, the base motion is so small (relative to tip motion) that it can be
      neglected. However, in liquid environments the base motion can be large and
      cannot be neglected. Yet it cannot be directly observed in most AFMs. Therefore,
      in liquids, quantitative force and energy dissipation spectroscopy with acoustic
      AFM relies on theoretical formulae and models to estimate the magnitude of the
      base motion. However, such formulae can be inaccurate due to several effects. For
      example, a significant component of the piezo excitation does not mechanically
      excite the cantilever but rather transmits acoustic waves through the surrounding
      liquid, which in turn indirectly excites the cantilever. Moreover, resonances of
      the piezo, chip and holder can obscure the true cantilever dynamics even in well
      designed liquid cells. Although some groups have tried to overcome these
      limitations (either by theory modification or better design of piezos and liquid
      cells), it is generally accepted that acoustic excitation is unsuitable for
      quantitative force and dissipation spectroscopy in liquids. In this paper the
      authors present a careful study of the base motion and excitation forces and
      propose a method by which quantitative analysis is in fact possible, thus opening
      this popular method for quantitative force and dissipation spectroscopy using
      dynamic AFM in liquids. This method is validated by experiments in water on mica
      using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer, which can measure the actual base
      motion. Finally, the method is demonstrated by using small-amplitude dynamic AFM
      to extract the force gradients and dissipation on solvation shells of
      octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS) molecules on mica.

PMID- 22071496
TI  - Clinical recommendation for treatment planning of sinus augmentation procedures
      by using presurgical CAT scan images: a preliminary report.
AB  - PURPOSE: To propose a clinical recommendation based on anatomy of maxillary sinus
      before sinus augmentation procedure using presurgical computerized axial
      tomography (CAT) scan images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CAT scan images were
      randomly selected from previous completed implant cases. Proposed area for the
      lateral window osteotomy was outlined on the panorex image of the CAT scan.
      Sagittal section on the CAT scan that was in the center of the outlined window
      was selected for sinus measurement analysis. On CAT scan, 2 lines were drawn to
      measure the dimensions of sinus. One line measured the horizontal width and the
      other line measured the vertical height. RESULTS: Based on the measurement data,
      a classification of the maxillary sinus anatomy was proposed. Narrow sinus cavity
      indicates favorable type anatomy in terms of bone regeneration healing and wide
      sinus cavity as less favorable anatomy for patient treatment planning.
      CONCLUSION: A narrow sinus and greater exposure to the blood supply should
      require shorter healing times after grafting. Conversely, wider sinus cavities
      and less exposure to the blood supply would require a longer healing time before
      implant placement.

PMID- 22071497
TI  - Bone-added osteotome technique versus lateral approach for sinus floor elevation:
      a comparative radiographic study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the radiographic
      results of bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation (BAOSFE) and lateral
      approach sinus floor elevation techniques. METHODS: The 43 patients who had
      undergone implant procedure with either BAOSFE or lateral approach method on
      their maxillary molar edentulous area were included. Their dental records were
      confirmative and the radiographic-changes using orthopantomographs were
      consistently checked up during 2 years after the procedure (immediately after
      procedure and 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after implant placement).
      RESULTS: The radiographic evaluation after 2 years of implantation with sinus
      elevation showed the significant amount of bone formation (6.75 mm for BAOSFE and
      11.36 mm for lateral approach method). Largest amount of grafted height loss
      occurred during the first 6 months (62.8% of total amount of bone loss), but the
      resorption was minimal (1.35 mm for BAOSFE and 1.36 mm for lateral approach
      method) for overall 24 months. CONCLUSION: Long-term stability of graft height
      was achieved using both BAOSFE and lateral approach sinus floor elevation.
      Overall, graft height decreased gradually during 2 years after procedures, but
      the changes were minimal.

PMID- 22071498
TI  - Treatment of severe sinus infection after sinus lift procedure: a case report.
AB  - Maxillary sinus floor augmentation may have a variety of postoperative
      complications including infection, sequestration of bone, and maxillary
      sinusitis. Complications can also occur due to a preexisting sinus condition
      called ostium stenosis. This case report presents a complication after sinus lift
      and grafting procedure due to an unrecognized ostium stenosis. CASE REPORT: A 50
      year-old male patient had sinus augmentation on his right side. However,
      postoperatively, his symptoms were protracted. A CT scan showed thickening of the
      Schneiderian membrane and scattered graft material. Management included
      endoscopic nasal examination and ostium enlargement, antibiotic coverage, and
      full enucleation of the graft and diseased tissue. CONCLUSION: Patency of the
      sinus ostium should be carefully evaluated before sinus lift/grafting procedure
      using CT technology. Radiology and otolaryngology consultations may be necessary
      to rule out ostium stenosis before surgery.

PMID- 22071500
TI  - The association of plasma free amino acids with liver enzymes in Type 2 diabetic
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) could predict the risk of Type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the
      reason for their elevation was unclear. GGT and ALT mediated the metabolism of
      many amino acids (AA). Up to now, it was not investigated whether abnormal AA
      concentration was associated with elevated liver enzymes. AIM: This study was to
      investigate the status of AA in T2D and their relationship with liver enzymes.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 132 T2D patients and 137 healthy controls were
      recruited. Plasma free AA were measured by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. The contribution of individual AA to liver enzymes was assessed
      by stepwise linear regression. RESULTS: a) The levels of alanine, valine,
      leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, methionine, glutamate, and lysine
      were higher while the level of glycine was lower in T2D than in controls (all
      p<0.01). b) Glutamate contributed to GGT in T2D, and its contribution was even
      greater than that of waist circumference. Leucine, lysine, and glutamate
      contributed to ALT. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in plasma AA
      profile between T2D and controls. Abnormal AA might contribute to elevated liver
      enzymes. The interaction between AA, liver enzymes, and the risk of T2D should be
      further investigated by prospective studies.

PMID- 22071501
TI  - Conservative treatment with spontaneous stabilization of Grade II isthmic
      spondylolisthesis L5/S1 in a forty-four-year old woman, with a six-year follow
      up: a case report.
AB  - Spondylolisthesis is a pathological condition caused by the slipping of a
      vertebral body, compared to the underlying structure, following structural and/or
      degenerative changes to the spine. Studies have attempted evidence to the
      connection between the natural history of spondylolisthesis, the degree and
      progression of the slip factor, as well as the pain and disability. Studies have
      reported a high level of heterogeneity of these factors in different patients as
      well as difficulty in predicting behaviour. It has been suggested that vertebral
      instability, independent of the slip factor, could be considered the most
      important factor to be treated conservatively or surgically. Furthermore, it
      appears that some patients may manifest complete disk degeneration over time,
      with vertebral bodies shifting closer and spontaneous stabilisation. This case
      study reports a forty-four-year old woman, with isthmic spondylolisthesis, where
      the spine surgeon recommended physiotherapy for conservative treatment, with a
      prognosis of possible spontaneous stabilization. The case was followed for six
      years, both clinically and radiologically. Treatment was based on a specific
      stabilising training program (motor control), immediately aimed to improve the
      disability and pain factors while waiting for a possible spontaneous
      stabilisation, that the latest radiological exams revealed with an attempt of
      arthrodesis. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Roland Morris Disability
      Questionnaire (RMDQ) to measure disability, and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to
      measure pain, were carried out at the beginning, during and at the end of
      treatment. They were compared with the radiographic material documenting the
      evolution of the spondylolisthesis over time. This case study appears to confirm
      that the hypothesis that a specific aimed approach of rehabilitation may improve
      the disability and pain levels without compromising the process of spontaneous
      arthrodesis. The evolution was documented radiographically and clinically over a
      six-year period.

PMID- 22071502
TI  - The effect of variable practice on wheelchair propulsive efficiency and
      propulsive timing.
AB  - AIM: The net mechanical efficiency of wheelchair propulsion is very low,
      approximately 13%. It is necessary to look for effective practice methods to
      obtain greater output with less energy expenditure during wheelchair propulsions.
      Literature indicates that variable practice (VP) is more effective than constant
      practice (CP) in motor-skill learning. However, it is unknown if VP is more
      effective than CP in improving wheelchair propulsive efficiency. The purpose of
      the study was to determine how propulsive efficiency and propulsive timing were
      affected by variable practice and constant practice. DESIGN: This was an
      observational and experimental study. SETTING: The experiment was conducted in a
      well-controlled university research laboratory. POPULATION: A total of 33 able
      bodied subjects participated in this study. METHODS: Participants were randomly
      placed into one of the three training groups, two constant practice groups and
      one variable practice group. One constant group practiced wheelchair propulsion
      on a roller system with a single speed, 30% of the maximum speed, while the other
      constant group practiced using 55% of the maximum speed. The variable group
      practiced with both speeds. Three dependent variables, propulsive efficiency,
      timing, and intercycle variability of the timing, were measured. RESULTS: All
      groups improved the three dependent variables significantly after the training,
      and in general the VP group had greater improvement than the others in improving
      the propulsive efficiency. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate the
      advantage of the VP over the CP in improving the propulsive efficiency. CLINICAL
      REHABILITATION IMPACT: This finding has great implication for paraplegics because
      they require greater workloads for upper-extremity activities.

PMID- 22071504
TI  - The importance of surface morphology in controlling the selectivity of
      polycrystalline copper for CO2 electroreduction.
AB  - This communication examines the effect of the surface morphology of
      polycrystalline copper on electroreduction of CO(2). We find that a copper
      nanoparticle covered electrode shows better selectivity towards hydrocarbons
      compared with the two other studied surfaces, an electropolished copper electrode
      and an argon sputtered copper electrode. Density functional theory calculations
      provide insight into the surface morphology effect.

PMID- 22071503
TI  - Combined therapeutic application of botulinum toxin type A, low-frequency rTMS,
      and intensive occupational therapy for post-stroke spastic upper limb
      hemiparesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For spastic upper limb hemiparesis after stroke, we developed triple
      element protocol of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) injection, low-frequency
      repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS), and intensive
      occupational therapy (OT). Aim. To investigate the safety and feasibility of the
      protocol. Design. A preliminary study. Setting. At a university hospital.
      Population. Fourteen post-stroke patients with spastic upper limb hemiparesis
      (mean age: 54.9+/-9.2 years, time after onset: 87.1+/-48.2 months, +/-SD).
      METHODS: In all patients, BoNTA was injected into spastic muscles of the affected
      upper limb (maximum total dose: 240 units). Four weeks later, they were
      hospitalized to receive 22 sessions of 20-min LF-rTMS and 120-min intensive OT
      daily over 15 days. Motor function of the affected upper limb was evaluated
      mainly using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), motor
      activity log (MAL), and the severity of spasticity was measured with modified
      Ashworth scale (MAS) at BoNTA injection, discharge and four weeks post-discharge.
      RESULTS: All patients completed the protocol without any adverse effects. The FMA
      score and MAL scores, but not WMFT performance time, improved significantly at
      discharge. The MAS score of all examined muscles decreased significantly between
      BoNTA and discharge. The beneficial effect of the protocol on motor function and
      spasticity was almost maintained until four weeks after discharge. CONCLUSION:
      The protocol is safe and feasible, although further larger studies are needed to
      confirm its efficacy. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The protocol is a
      potentially useful neurorehabilitative approach for this patient population.

PMID- 22071505
TI  - Toxic effects of amyloid fibrils on cell membranes: the importance of ganglioside
      GM1.
AB  - The interaction of amyloid aggregates with the cell plasma membrane is currently
      considered among the basic mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in amyloid
      neurodegeneration. We used amyloid oligomers and fibrils grown from the yeast
      prion Sup35p, responsible for the specific prion trait [PSI(+)], to investigate
      how membrane lipids modulate fibril interaction with the membranes of cultured H
      END cells and cytotoxicity. Sup35p shares no homology with endogenous mammalian
      polypeptide chains. Thus, the generic toxicity of amyloids and the molecular
      events underlying cell degeneration can be investigated without interference with
      analogous polypeptides encoded by the cell genome. Sup35 fibrils bound to the
      cell membrane without increasing its permeability to Ca(2+). Fibril binding
      resulted in structural reorganization and aggregation of membrane rafts, with GM1
      clustering and alteration of its mobility. Sup35 fibril binding was affected by
      GM1 or its sialic acid moiety, but not by cholesterol membrane content, with
      complete inhibition after treatment with fumonisin B1 or neuraminidase. Finally,
      cell impairment resulted from caspase-8 activation after Fas receptor
      translocation on fibril binding to the plasma membrane. Our observations suggest
      that amyloid fibrils induce abnormal accumulation and overstabilization of raft
      domains in the cell membrane and provide a reasonable, although not unique,
      mechanistic and molecular explanation for fibril toxicity.

PMID- 22071506
TI  - Detection of allosteric signal transmission by information-theoretic analysis of
      protein dynamics.
AB  - Allostery offers a highly specific way to modulate protein function. Therefore,
      understanding this mechanism is of increasing interest for protein science and
      drug discovery. However, allosteric signal transmission is difficult to detect
      experimentally and to model because it is often mediated by local structural
      changes propagating along multiple pathways. To address this, we developed a
      method to identify communication pathways by an information-theoretical analysis
      of molecular dynamics simulations. Signal propagation was described as
      information exchange through a network of correlated local motions, modeled as
      transitions between canonical states of protein fragments. The method was used to
      describe allostery in two-component regulatory systems. In particular, the
      transmission from the allosteric site to the signaling surface of the receiver
      domain NtrC was shown to be mediated by a layer of hub residues. The location of
      hubs preferentially connected to the allosteric site was found in close agreement
      with key residues experimentally identified as involved in the signal
      transmission. The comparison with the networks of the homologues CheY and FixJ
      highlighted similarities in their dynamics. In particular, we showed that a
      preorganized network of fragment connections between the allosteric and
      functional sites exists already in the inactive state of all three proteins.

PMID- 22071507
TI  - Gender differences in cancer screening beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to
      participate: implications for health promotion.
AB  - Men have higher cancer mortality rates for all sites combined compared with
      women. Cancer screening (CS) participation is important for the early detection
      of cancer. This study explores gender differences in CS beliefs, behaviors, and
      willingness to participate. The data were collected from a stratified, random
      digit dial survey of adults living in New York, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. Chi
      square tests and logistic regressions were computed to analyze gender
      associations among CS beliefs, behaviors, and willingness variables. Men and
      women believed that CSs were effective, though a higher percentage of men had
      never had a past CS. Men were less willing to participate in a CS at the present
      time and in a skin cancer exam; however, when given descriptions of screening
      conditions, men indicated more willingness to participate. These gender
      differences highlight the need for health professionals to examine their efforts
      in providing enhanced CS promotion and education among men.

PMID- 22071508
TI  - The effect of sex and severity of aggression on formal and informal social
      agents' involvement in partner violence.
AB  - Involvement by formal and informal social agents plays a major role in coping
      with the problem of partner violence. Based on data from the First National
      Israeli Survey of Family Violence, the present study attempted to answer whether
      the sex of the aggressor and the severity of his or her aggression affect formal
      and informal social involvement in partner violence. Data were obtained from a
      stratified probability sample of 2,544 women drawn from the general population in
      Israel. Findings show that the severity of aggression by both sexes affects
      informal social involvement similarly. But in regard to formal involvement,
      gender is of top importance, and only the severity of men's aggression influences
      formal social involvement. The findings indicate society's perceptions of partner
      violence and how it copes with the problem. These perceptions and their
      theoretical and practical implications are discussed. The discussion focuses on
      examining the factors that promote social construction of partner violence as
      identified in this study and the implications of this construction on dealing
      with the problem.

PMID- 22071509
TI  - Examining the cross-reactivity and neutralization mechanisms of a panel of mAbs
      against adeno-associated virus serotypes 1 and 5.
AB  - Neutralizing antibodies play a central role in the prevention and clearance of
      viral infections, but can be detrimental to the use of viral capsids for gene
      delivery. Antibodies present a major hurdle for ongoing clinical trials using
      adeno-associated viruses (AAVs); however, relatively little is known about the
      antigenic epitopes of most AAV serotypes or the mechanism(s) of antibody-mediated
      neutralization. We developed panels of AAV mAbs by repeatedly immunizing mice
      with AAV serotype 1 (AAV1) capsids, or by sequentially immunizing with AAV1
      followed by AAV5 capsids, in order to examine the efficiency and mechanisms of
      antibody-mediated neutralization. The antibodies were not cross-reactive between
      heterologous AAV serotypes except for a low level of recognition of AAV1 capsids
      by the AAV5 antibodies, probably due to the initial immunization with AAV1. The
      neutralization efficiency of different IgGs varied and Fab fragments derived from
      these antibodies were generally poorly neutralizing. The antibodies appeared to
      display various alternative mechanisms of neutralization, which included
      inhibition of receptor-binding and interference with a post-attachment step.

PMID- 22071510
TI  - Generation of T-cell receptors targeting a genetically stable and immunodominant
      cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitope within hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 3.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of severe liver disease, and one major
      contributing factor is thought to involve a dysfunction of virus-specific T
      cells. T-cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy with HCV-specific TCRs would increase
      the number of effector T-cells to promote virus clearance. We therefore took
      advantage of HLA-A2 transgenic mice to generate multiple TCR candidates against
      HCV using DNA vaccination followed by generation of stable T-cell-BW (T-BW)
      tumour hybrid cells. Using this approach, large numbers of non-structural protein
      3 (NS3)-specific functional T-BW hybrids can be generated efficiently. These
      predominantly target the genetically stable HCV genotype 1 NS3(1073-1081) CTL
      epitope, frequently associated with clearance of HCV in humans. These T-BW hybrid
      clones recognized the NS3(1073) peptide with a high avidity. The hybridoma
      effectively recognized virus variants and targeted cells with low HLA-A2
      expression, which has not been reported previously. Importantly, high-avidity
      murine TCRs effectively redirected human non-HCV-specific T-lymphocytes to
      recognize human hepatoma cells with HCV RNA replication driven by a subgenomic
      HCV replicon. Taken together, TCR candidates with a range of functional
      avidities, which can be used to study immune recognition of HCV-positive targets,
      have been generated. This has implications for TCR-related immunotherapy against
      HCV.

PMID- 22071511
TI  - Diversity of murine norovirus in wild-rodent populations: species-specific
      associations suggest an ancient divergence.
AB  - A survey of wild-rodent populations has revealed that murine norovirus (MNV) is
      present and diverse in wild-house mice Mus musculus. This virus is genetically
      similar to MNV infecting show mice and previously described variants circulating
      in laboratory mice. The detection of MNV in wild-mouse populations suggests that
      MNV infection of laboratory mice and show mice (from which laboratory mice are
      derived) derives from contact with or their origins from wild-mouse progenitors.
      The survey additionally identified frequent infection of wood mice (Apodemus
      sylvaticus) with genetically divergent variants of MNV. These viruses are
      distinct from previously described MNV variants, differing by 22-23 % over the
      complete genome sequence compared with a maximum of 13 % between M. musculus
      derived strains. Comparison with other noroviruses reveals that the Apodemus MNV
      groups with MNV in genogroup V and shares the same overall genome organization,
      predicted lengths of proteins encoded by ORFs 1-3 and the existence of a
      conserved alternative reading frame in VP1 encoding a homologue of the MNV ORF4.
      Different Apodemus MNV isolates were as variable as MNV isolates and showed
      evidence for inter-isolate recombination. Our observation of species-specific
      associations of MNV variants in wild populations suggests that murine noroviruses
      have an ancient origin, a feature that they may share with other norovirus
      genogroups.

PMID- 22071512
TI  - JC virus promoter/enhancers contain TATA box-associated Spi-B-binding sites that
      support early viral gene expression in primary astrocytes.
AB  - JC virus (JCV) is the aetiological agent of the demyelinating disease progressive
      multifocal leukoencephalopathy, an AIDS defining illness and serious complication
      of mAb therapies. Initial infection probably occurs in childhood. In the working
      model of dissemination, virus persists in the kidney and lymphoid tissues until
      immune suppression/modulation causes reactivation and trafficking to the brain
      where JCV replicates in oligodendrocytes. JCV infection is regulated through
      binding of host factors such as Spi-B to, and sequence variation in the non
      coding control region (NCCR). Although NCCR sequences differ between sites of
      persistence and pathogenesis, evidence suggests that the virus that initiates
      infection in the brain disseminates via B-cells derived from latently infected
      haematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow. Spi-B binds adjacent to TATA boxes
      in the promoter/enhancer of the PML-associated JCV Mad-1 and Mad-4 viruses but
      not the non-pathogenic, kidney-associated archetype. The Spi-B-binding site of
      Mad-1/Mad-4 differs from that of archetype by a single nucleotide, AAAAGGGAAGGGA
      to AAAAGGGAAGGTA. Point mutation of the Mad-1 Spi-B site reduced early viral
      protein large T-antigen expression by up to fourfold. Strikingly, the reverse
      mutation in the archetype NCCR increased large T-antigen expression by 10-fold.
      Interestingly, Spi-B protein binds the NCCR sequence flanking the viral
      promoter/enhancer, but these sites are not essential for early viral gene
      expression. The effect of mutating Spi-B-binding sites within the JCV
      promoter/enhancer on early viral gene expression strongly suggests a role for Spi
      B binding to the viral promoter/enhancer in the activation of early viral gene
      expression.

PMID- 22071513
TI  - The evolutionary rate of citrus tristeza virus ranks among the rates of the
      slowest RNA viruses.
AB  - Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) has been studied intensively at the molecular level.
      However, knowledge regarding the dynamics of its evolution is practically non
      existent. In the past, diverse authors have referred to CTV as a highly variable
      virus, implying rapid evolution. Others have, in recent times, referred to CTV as
      an exceptionally slowly evolving virus. In this work, we used the capsid protein
      (CP) gene to estimate the rate of evolution. This was obtained from a large set
      of heterochronous CP gene sequences using a bayesian coalescent approach. The
      best-fitting evolutionary and population models pointed to an evolutionary rate
      of 1.58*10(-4) nt per site year(-1) (95 % highest posterior density, 1.73*10(-5)
      3.16*10(-4) nt per site year(-1)). For an unbiased comparison with other plant
      and animal viruses, the evolutionary rate of synonymous substitutions was
      considered. In a series of 88 synonymous evolutionary rates, ranging from 5.2*10(
      6) to 6.2*10(-2) nt per site year(-1), CTV ranks in the 10th percentile, embedded
      among the slowest animal RNA viruses. At the time of citrus dissemination to
      Europe and the New World, the major clades that led to the current phylogenetic
      groups were already defined, which may explain the absence nowadays of
      geographical speciation.

PMID- 22071514
TI  - Identification of a novel single-stranded, circular DNA virus from bovine stool.
AB  - We report the identification of a novel single-stranded, circular DNA virus
      isolated from bovine stool. The virus, named bovine stool-associated circular DNA
      virus (BoSCV), has a genome comprising 2600 bases of circular ssDNA, with two
      putative ORFs encoding replicase and capsid proteins, arranged inversely. The
      stem-loop structure was located between the 3' ends of the two putative ORFs, as
      in chimpanzee stool-associated circular virus (ChimpSCV) and unlike other
      circular DNA viruses, including members of the families Circoviridae, Nanoviridae
      and Geminiviridae. BoSCV was also genetically similar to ChimpSCV, with
      approximately 30 % identity in the replicase and capsid proteins. A phylogenetic
      analysis based on the replicase protein showed that BoSCV and ChimpSCV are in the
      same clade. A field survey using BoSCV-specific PCRs targeting ORF1 detected
      BoSCV and BoSCV-like sequences in bovine and porcine stool samples. BoSCV appears
      to belong to a new genus of circular DNA viruses.

PMID- 22071515
TI  - Tax1-expressing feline 8C cells are useful to monitor the life cycle of human T
      cell leukemia virus type I.
AB  - Extremely low infectivity has hampered direct (cell-free) infection studies of
      human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). In order to break through this
      barrier, we examined the susceptibility of many kinds of cells to HTLV-I and
      found a feline kidney cell line, 8C, that is highly susceptible to HTLV-I and
      produced remarkable amounts of infectious progeny viruses. Tax1 protein encoded
      by HTLV-I is known as a transcription activator for viral and cellular genes. We
      found that the 8C cells expressing the Tax1 protein (8C/TaxWT cells) can produce
      more progeny viruses than 8C cells when the cells were exposed to cell-free HTLV
      I. A large number of syncytia were also induced in these cells. Here, we propose
      8C/TaxWT cells as a useful tool to study the cell-free HTLV-I infection.

PMID- 22071516
TI  - Synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of Au/Pt bimetallic nanodendrites for
      ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium.
AB  - Gold/Platinum (Au/Pt) bimetallic nanodendrites were successfully synthesized
      through seeded growth method using preformed Au nanodendrites as seeds and
      ascorbic acid as reductant. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of a series of Au/Pt
      nanodendrites modified electrodes in 1M KOH solution containing 1M ethanol showed
      that the electrocatalyst with a molar ratio (Au:Pt) of 3 exhibited the highest
      peak current density and the lowest onset potential. The peak current density of
      ethanol electro-oxidation on the Au(3)Pt(1) nanodendrites modified glassy carbon
      electrode (Au(3)Pt(1) electrode) is about 16, 12.5, and 4.5 times higher than
      those on the polycrystalline Pt electrode, polycrystalline Au electrode, and Au
      nanodendrites modified glassy carbon electrode (Au dendrites electrode),
      respectively. The oxidation peak potential of ethanol electro-oxidation on the
      Au(3)Pt(1) electrode is about 299 and 276 mV lower than those on the
      polycrystalline Au electrode and Au dendrites electrode, respectively. These
      results demonstrated that the Au/Pt bimetallic nanodendrites may find potential
      application in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFCs).

PMID- 22071517
TI  - Enhancement of DNA compaction by negatively charged nanoparticles: effect of
      nanoparticle size and surfactant chain length.
AB  - We study the compaction of genomic DNA by a series of alkyltrimethylammonium
      bromide surfactants having different hydrocarbon chain lengths n: dodecyl-(DTAB,
      n=12), tetradecyl-(TTAB, n=14) and hexadecyl-(CTAB, n=16), in the absence and in
      the presence of negatively charged silica nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter in
      the range 15-100 nm. We show that NPs greatly enhance the ability of all cationic
      surfactants to induce DNA compaction and that this enhancement increases with an
      increase in NP diameter. In the absence of NP, the ability of cationic
      surfactants to induce DNA compaction increases with an increase in n. Conversely,
      in the presence of NPs, the enhancement of DNA compaction increases with a
      decrease in n. Therefore, although CTAB is the most efficient surfactant to
      compact DNA, maximal enhancement by NPs is obtained for the largest NP diameter
      (here, 100 nm) and the smallest surfactant chain length (here, DTAB). We suggest
      a mechanism where the preaggregation of surfactants on NP surface mediated by
      electrostatic interactions promotes cooperative binding to DNA and thus enhances
      the ability of surfactants to compact DNA. We show that the amplitude of
      enhancement is correlated with the difference between the surfactant
      concentration corresponding to aggregation on DNA alone and that corresponding to
      the onset of adsorption on nanoparticles.

PMID- 22071518
TI  - Transparent polymeric hybrid film of ZnO nanoparticle quantum dots and PMMA with
      high luminescence and tunable emission color.
AB  - ZnO nanoparticle quantum dots (QDs)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites
      are synthesized by conventional radical polymerization in the presence of 3
      (trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (TPM)-modified ZnO nanoparticle QDs. Although
      unmodified ZnO nanoparticle QDs were precipitated in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and
      show only weak emissions under UV irradiation, ZnO nanoparticle QDs/PMMA
      composite is well dispersed in THF and shows high emissions. TPM acts as the
      stabilizer and promotes the compatibility between the ZnO nanoparticle QDs and
      the PMMA matrix. After evaporation of THF from the ZnO nanoparticle QDs/PMMA
      composite solution, transparent polymeric hybrid films of ZnO nanoparticle QDs
      and PMMA are obtained. These polymeric hybrid films are characterized by
      photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)
      spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric
      analysis. The hybrid film exhibited a high quantum yield and PL emission under
      ultraviolet excitation. PL emission has been successfully tuned from blue to
      yellow.

PMID- 22071519
TI  - Squaramide-catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to
      chalcones.
AB  - A highly enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to chalcones
      catalyzed by a chiral quinine-derived squaramide catalyst has been developed.
      This organocatalytic reaction at a very low catalyst loading (0.5 mol%) led to
      chiral gamma-cyano carbonyl compounds in good yields with high
      enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee) under mild reaction conditions.

PMID- 22071520
TI  - Cosmomycin C inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)
      pathways in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell.
AB  - The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively
      activated in cancer cells. Therefore, blocking the aberrant activity of STAT3 in
      tumor cells is a validated therapeutic strategy. To discover novel inhibitors of
      STAT3 activity, we screened against microbial natural products using a dual
      luciferase assay. Using the microbial metabolome library, we identified
      cosmomycin C (CosC), which was isolated from the mycelium extract of Streptomyces
      sp. KCTC19769, as a STAT3 pathway inhibitor. CosC inhibited STAT3 (Tyr705)
      phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer
      cells. CosC-mediated inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway was confirmed by
      suppressed expression of STAT3 downstream target proteins including cyclin D1,
      Bcl-xL, survivin, Mcl-1, and VEGF in CosC-treated MDA-MB-468 cells. Flow
      cytometry showed that CosC caused accumulation in the G(0)-G(1) phase of the cell
      cycle and induced apoptosis via PARP cleavage and caspase-3 activation. Based on
      these findings, CosC may be a potential candidate for modulation of STAT3
      pathway.

PMID- 22071521
TI  - Camptothecin (CPT) directly binds to human heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) and inhibits the hnRNP A1/topoisomerase I
      interaction.
AB  - Camptothecin (CPT) is an anti-tumor natural product that forms a ternary complex
      with topoisomerase I (top I) and DNA (CPT-top I-DNA). In this study, we
      identified the direct interaction between CPT and human heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) using the T7 phage display technology. On an
      avidin-agarose bead pull down assay, hnRNP A1 protein was selectively pulled down
      in the presence of C20-biotinylated CPT derivative (CPT-20-B) both in vitro and
      in vivo. The interaction was also confirmed by an analysis on a quartz-crystal
      microbalance (QCM) device, yielding a K(D) value of 82.7 nM. A surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) analysis revealed that CPT inhibits the binding of hnRNP A1 to
      top I (K(D): 260 nM) in a non-competitive manner. Moreover, an in vivo drug
      evaluation assay using Drosophila melanogaster showed that the knockout of the
      hnRNP A1 homolog Hrb87F gene showed high susceptibility against 5-50 MUM of CPT
      as compared to a wild-type strain. Such susceptibility was specific for CPT and
      not observed after treatment with other cytotoxic drugs. Collectively, our data
      suggests that CPT directly binds to hnRNP A1 and non-competitively inhibits the
      hnRNP A1/top I interaction in vivo. The knockout strain loses the hnRNP A1
      homolog as a both CPT-binding partner and naive brakes of top I, which enhances
      the formation of the CPT-top I-DNA ternary complexes and subsequently sensitizes
      the growth inhibitory effect of CPT in D. melanogaster.

PMID- 22071522
TI  - Aza vinyl sulfones: synthesis and evaluation as antiplasmodial agents.
AB  - A series of novel aza vinyl sulfones were designed, synthesized in good yields
      and evaluated as antiplasmodial agents. Tested compounds did not show activity
      against papain or the Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2.
      However, a number of the new compounds effectively inhibited the in vitro
      development of P. falciparum. Compounds containing a squaramide group were the
      most active, with IC(50) values between 0.95 and 4.5 MUM, suggesting that these
      are potential lead compounds for the development of new antimalarial agents.

PMID- 22071523
TI  - Triterpenoids as inhibitors of erythrocytic and liver stages of Plasmodium
      infections.
AB  - Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of Momordica balsamina led
      to the isolation of two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, balsaminol F (1) and
      balsaminoside B (2), along with the known glycosylated cucurbitacins, cucurbita
      5,24-diene-3beta,23(R)-diol-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and kuguaglycoside A
      (4). Compound 1 was acylated yielding two new triesters, triacetylbalsaminol F
      (5) and tribenzoylbalsaminol F (6). The structures were elucidated based on
      spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR experiments (COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY).
      Compounds 1-6, were evaluated for their antimalarial activity against the
      erythrocytic stages of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive strain 3D7
      and the chloroquine-resistant clone Dd2. Assessment of compounds (1-3 and 5, 6)
      activity against the liver stage of Plasmodium berghei was also performed,
      measuring the luminescence intensity in Huh-7 cells infected with a firefly
      luciferase-expressing P. berghei line, PbGFP-Luc(con). Active compounds were
      shown to inhibit the parasite's intracellular development rather than its ability
      to invade hepatic cells. Toxicity of compounds (1-3 and 5, 6) was assessed on the
      same cell line and on mouse primary hepatocytes through the fluorescence
      measurement of cell confluency. Furthermore, toxicity of compounds 1-6 towards
      human cells was also investigated in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, showing
      that they were not toxic or exhibited weak toxicity. In blood stages of P.
      falciparum, compounds 1-5 displayed antimalarial activity, revealing
      triacetylbalsaminol F (5) the highest antiplasmodial effects (IC(50) values:
      0.4MUM, 3D7; 0.2MUM, Dd2). The highest antiplasmodial activity against the liver
      stages of P.berghei was also displayed by compound 5, with high inhibitory
      activity and no toxicity.

PMID- 22071524
TI  - Molecular insights into human monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition by 1,4
      naphthoquinone: evidences for menadione (vitamin K3) acting as a competitive and
      reversible inhibitor of MAO.
AB  - Monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of biogenic and
      exogenous amines and its inhibitors have therapeutic value for several conditions
      including affective disorders, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and aging. The
      discovery of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (TMN) as a nonselective and
      reversible inhibitor of MAO, has suggested 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NQ) as a
      potential scaffold for designing new MAO inhibitors. Combining molecular modeling
      tools and biochemical assays we evaluate the kinetic and molecular details of the
      inhibition of human MAO by 1,4-NQ, comparing it with TMN and menadione. Menadione
      (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a multitarget drug that acts as a precursor of
      vitamin K and an inducer of mitochondrial permeability transition. Herein we show
      that MAO-B was inhibited competitively by 1,4-NQ (K(i)=1.4 MUM) whereas MAO-A was
      inhibited by non-competitive mechanism (K(i)=7.7 MUM). Contrasting with TMN and
      1,4-NQ, menadione exhibited a 60-fold selectivity for MAO-B (K(i)=0.4 MUM) in
      comparison with MAO-A (K(i)=26 MUM), which makes it as selective as rasagiline.
      Fluorescence and molecular modeling data indicated that these inhibitors interact
      with the flavin moiety at the active site of the enzyme. Additionally, docking
      studies suggest the phenyl side groups of Tyr407 and Tyr444 (for MAO-A) or Tyr398
      and Tyr435 (for MAO-B) play an important role in the interaction of the enzyme
      with 1,4-NQ scaffold through forces of dispersion as verified for menadione, TMN
      and 1,4-NQ. Taken together, our findings reveal the molecular details of MAO
      inhibition by 1,4-NQ scaffold and show for the first time that menadione acts as
      a competitive and reversible inhibitor of human MAO.

PMID- 22071525
TI  - Recent advances in the biology and chemistry of the flavaglines.
AB  - The flavaglines are a family of plant natural products that induce potent
      anticancer and neuroprotective activities. This review summarizes recent
      synthetic approaches to flavaglines and the current status of their
      pharmacological properties.

PMID- 22071526
TI  - Design and synthesis of simplified taxol analogs based on the T-Taxol bioactive
      conformation.
AB  - A series of compounds designed to adopt a conformation similar to the tubulin
      binding T-Taxol conformation of the anticancer drug paclitaxel has been
      synthesized. Both the internally bridged analogs 37-39, 41 and the open-chain
      analogs 27-29 and 43 were prepared. The bridged analogs 37-39 and 41 were
      synthesized by Grubbs' metatheses of compounds 30-32 and 33, which, in turn, were
      prepared by coupling beta-lactams 24-26 with alcohols 22 and 23. Both the bridged
      and the open-chain analogs showed moderate to good cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22071527
TI  - Synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and mechanism of action of anti-HIV
      1 lamellarin alpha 20-sulfate analogues.
AB  - Lamellarin alpha and six different types of lamellarin alpha 20-sulfate analogues
      were synthesized and their structure-activity relationships were investigated
      using a single round HIV-1 vector infection assay. All lamellarin sulfates having
      pentacyclic lamellarin core exhibited anti-HIV-1 activity at a 10 MUM
      concentration range regardless of the number and position of the sulfate group.
      On the other hand, non-sulfated lamellarin alpha and ring-opened lamellarin
      sulfate analogues did not affect HIV-1 vector infection in similar
      concentrations. The lamellarin sulfates utilized in this study did not exhibit
      unfavorable cytotoxic effect under the concentrations tested (IC(50)>100 MUM).
      Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis indicated that hydrophilic
      lamellarin sulfates were hardly incorporated in the cell. HIV-1 Env-mediated cell
      cell fusion was suppressed by lamellarin sulfates. These results suggested that
      lamellarin sulfates have a novel anti-HIV-1 activity besides the previously
      reported integrase activity inhibition, possibly at a viral entry step of HIV-1
      replication.

PMID- 22071528
TI  - The impact of electronic health records on care of heart failure patients in the
      emergency room.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if electronic health records (EHR) have observable effects
      on care outcomes, we examined quality and efficiency measures for patients
      presenting to emergency departments (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective study of 5166 adults with heart failure in three metropolitan EDs.
      Patients were termed internal if prior information was in the EHR upon ED
      presentation, otherwise external. Associations of internality with
      hospitalization, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and numbers of tests,
      procedures, and medications ordered in the ED were examined after adjusting for
      age, gender, race, marital status, comorbidities and hospitalization as a proxy
      for acuity level where appropriate. RESULTS: At two EDs internals had lower odds
      of mortality if hospitalized (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.81 and 0.45; 0.21 to
      0.96), fewer laboratory tests during the ED visit (-4.6%; -8.9% to -0.1% and 
      14.0%; -19.5% to -8.1%) as well as fewer medications (-33.6%; -38.4% to -28.4%
      and -21.3%; -33.2% to -7.3%). At one of these two EDs, internals had lower odds
      of hospitalization (0.37; 0.22 to 0.60). At the third ED, internal patients only
      experienced a prolonged ED LOS (32.3%; 6.3% to 64.8%) but no other differences.
      There was no association with hospital LOS or number of procedures ordered.
      DISCUSSION: EHR availability was associated with salutary outcomes in two of
      three ED settings and prolongation of ED LOS at a third, but evidence was mixed
      and causality remains to be determined. CONCLUSIONS: An EHR may have the
      potential to be a valuable adjunct in the care of heart failure patients.

PMID- 22071529
TI  - Detecting pregnancy use of non-hormonal category X medications in electronic
      medical records.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a rule-based algorithm applied to an outpatient
      electronic medical record (EMR) can identify patients who are pregnant and
      prescribed medications proved to cause birth defects. DESIGN: A descriptive study
      using the University of Pennsylvania Health System outpatient EMR to simulate a
      prospective algorithm to identify exposures during pregnancy to category X
      medications, soon enough to intervene and potentially prevent the exposure. A
      subsequent post-hoc algorithm was also tested, working backwards from pregnancy
      endpoints, to search for possible exposures that should have been detected.
      MEASUREMENTS: Category X medications prescribed to pregnant patients. RESULTS:
      The alert simulation identified 2201 pregnancies with 16,969 pregnancy months
      (excluding abortions and ectopic pregnancies). Of these, 30 appeared to have an
      order for a non-hormone category X medication during pregnancy. However, none of
      the 30 'exposed pregnancies' were confirmed as true exposures in medical records
      review. The post-hoc algorithm identified 5841 pregnancies with 64 exposed
      pregnancies in 52,569 risk months, only one of which was a confirmed case.
      CONCLUSIONS: Category X medications may indeed be used in pregnancy, although
      rarely. However, most patients identified by the algorithm as exposed in
      pregnancy were not truly exposed. Therefore, implementing an electronic warning
      without evaluation would have inconvenienced prescribers, possibly hurting some
      patients (leading to non-use of needed drugs), with no benefit. These data
      demonstrate that computerized physician order entry interventions should be
      selected and evaluated carefully even before their use, using alert simulations
      such as that performed here, rather than just taken off the shelf and accepted as
      credible without formal evaluation.

PMID- 22071530
TI  - Patient reported barriers to enrolling in a patient portal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies of patient portals have found low rates of
      enrollment and significant disparities in enrollment by race and ethnicity. As
      the reasons for these findings are unclear, we sought to identify patient
      reported barriers to enrollment in a patient portal. METHODS: We conducted a
      telephone survey of patients in one urban general internal medicine clinic.
      Patients were eligible if they did not enroll within 30 days of receiving an
      electronic order inviting participation. Our primary outcomes were: (a) reasons
      for not enrolling in the patient portal; (b) reasons for not attempting
      enrollment; and (c) perceived benefits of the portal. RESULTS: Participants'
      (N=159) mean age was 51 years, 48% were black, 72% female, and 70% had a college
      degree or greater. 63% of respondents not enrolling reported never attempting
      enrollment despite remembering receiving an order. Most of these 63% did not
      attempt enrollment because of lack of information or motivation. Smaller
      proportions reported not attempting enrollment because of negative attitudes
      toward the portal (30%) or computer related obstacles (8%). Overall, respondents
      favorably viewed most patient portal features, however black respondents were
      less likely than white respondents to consider features assisting self-management
      such as getting test results (69% vs 86%; p<0.05) as important. Adjusting for
      age, gender, education, and chronic disease did not substantially change results.
      CONCLUSION: Strategies to increase enrollment in patient portals need to ensure
      patients understand patient portal features and receive follow-up reminders.
      Interventions to reduce racial disparities in enrollment must address attitudinal
      barriers and not focus solely on improving access.

PMID- 22071531
TI  - The Hub Population Health System: distributed ad hoc queries and alerts.
AB  - The Hub Population Health System enables the creation and distribution of queries
      for aggregate count information, clinical decision support alerts at the point-of
      care for patients who meet specified conditions, and secure messages sent
      directly to provider electronic health record (EHR) inboxes. Using a
      metronidazole medication recall, the New York City Department of Health was able
      to determine the number of affected patients and message providers, and
      distribute an alert to participating practices. As of September 2011, the system
      is live in 400 practices and within a year will have over 532 practices with 2500
      providers, representing over 2.5 million New Yorkers. The Hub can help public
      health experts to evaluate population health and quality improvement activities
      throughout the ambulatory care network. Multiple EHR vendors are building these
      features in partnership with the department's regional extension center in
      anticipation of new meaningful use requirements.

PMID- 22071532
TI  - What is the real effect of 1-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on
      hallucinations? Controlling for publication bias in neuromodulation trials.

PMID- 22071533
TI  - Ifenprodil for the treatment of flashbacks in female posttraumatic stress
      disorder patients with a history of childhood sexual abuse.

PMID- 22071534
TI  - Clinical snippets.

PMID- 22071537
TI  - Local actions of thyrotropin-releasing hormone regulate hair color.

PMID- 22071538
TI  - Toward the isolation and culture of melanocyte stem cells.
AB  - A new level of understanding of pigment cell biology and pathology will require
      the ability to culture and manipulate melanocyte stem cells (MCSCs) in vitro. In
      this issue, Nishikawa-Torikai et al. report progress toward this end. MCSCs
      isolated from mouse hair follicles can be expanded in vitro in a feeder-layer
      culture system. Application to human systems can be expected.

PMID- 22071539
TI  - Axl of evil?
AB  - Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play key roles in the initiation and progression
      of human skin cancers, yet the importance of some RTKs remains poorly understood.
      In this issue, Sensi et al. provide new insights into the expression and function
      of the RTK, Axl, in melanoma. The investigators show that Axl is frequently
      expressed in melanoma cell lines, particularly mutant NRAS-harboring lines, and
      that Axl activation by its ligand, Gas6, probably occurs via both autocrine and
      paracrine mechanisms. Gene signatures from Axl-expressing cell lines are similar
      to published signatures from poorly differentiated tumors displaying high
      metastatic potential. Functionally, Axl was required for the invasive and
      migratory properties of Axl-expressing melanoma cell lines. These data emphasize
      that targeting the Gas6-Axl signaling axis should be investigated as a strategy
      to inhibit prometastatic properties in poorly differentiated melanomas.

PMID- 22071540
TI  - Infantile hemangioma research: looking backward and forward.
AB  - This is a remarkable time to be a student of infantile hemangiomas (IHs). IH is a
      common tumor, estimated to occur in approximately 4% of infants. Studied for many
      decades, the acquisition of knowledge and pace of IH research are accelerating.
      The article by Greenberger et al. in this issue is a welcome addition to the
      literature. It examines rapamycin as a possible treatment for IH that could
      potentially be curative because suppression of self-renewal of stem cells might
      deplete hemangiomas of the stem cells from which they originate. However, before
      we get too enthusiastic about using rapamycin for IHs, it is important to reflect
      on lessons learned from previous hemangioma therapies.

PMID- 22071543
TI  - Mn monolayer modified Rh for syngas-to-ethanol conversion: a first-principles
      study.
AB  - Rh is unique in its ability to convert syngas to ethanol with the help of
      promoters. We performed systematic first-principles computations to examine the
      catalytic performance of pure and Mn modified Rh(100) surfaces for ethanol
      formation from syngas. CO dissociation on the surface as well as CO insertion
      between the chemisorbed CH(3) and the surface are the two key steps. The CO
      dissociation barrier on the Mn monolayer modified Rh(100) surface is remarkably
      lowered by ~1.5 eV compared to that on Rh(100). Moreover, the reaction barrier of
      CO insertion into the chemisorbed CH(3) group on the Mn monolayer modified
      Rh(100) surface is 0.34 eV lower than that of methane formation. Thus the present
      work provides new mechanistic insight into the role of Mn promoters in improving
      Rh's selectivity to convert syngas to ethanol.

PMID- 22071550
TI  - Transition to seizure in photosensitive epilepsy.
AB  - Photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) offers a highly reproducible model to investigate
      whether changes in neuronal activity preceding the transition to an epileptic
      photoparoxysmal response (PPR) may be detected. We investigated this possibility
      in patients with idiopathic PSE using MEG, as well as normal controls and non
      photosensitive epileptic patients of the same age group. Spectral analysis of the
      MEG signals recorded during intermittent light stimulation revealed relevant
      information in the phase spectrum. To quantify this effect, we introduced a
      second order response feature of the stimulus-triggered visual response preceding
      the PPR: the phase clustering index, which measures how close the phases of
      successive periods are grouped for each frequency component for all periods of
      the stimuli applied. We found that an enhancement of phase synchrony in the gamma
      band (30-120Hz), harmonically related to the frequency of stimulation, preceded
      the stimulation trials that evolved into PPRs, and differed significantly from
      that encountered in trials not followed by PPR or in control subjects. Thus this
      index can be considered a valuable index of the pro-ictal transition to seizures
      in photosensitive epilepsy.

PMID- 22071549
TI  - Zinc and human health: an update.
AB  - The importance of micronutrients in health and nutrition is undisputable, and
      among them, zinc is an essential element whose significance to health is
      increasingly appreciated and whose deficiency may play an important role in the
      appearance of diseases. Zinc is one of the most important trace elements in the
      organism, with three major biological roles, as catalyst, structural, and
      regulatory ion. Zinc-binding motifs are found in many proteins encoded by the
      human genome physiologically, and free zinc is mainly regulated at the single
      cell level. Zinc has critical effect in homeostasis, in immune function, in
      oxidative stress, in apoptosis, and in aging, and significant disorders of great
      public health interest are associated with zinc deficiency. In many chronic
      diseases, including atherosclerosis, several malignancies, neurological
      disorders, autoimmune diseases, aging, age-related degenerative diseases, and
      Wilson's disease, the concurrent zinc deficiency may complicate the clinical
      features, affect adversely immunological status, increase oxidative stress, and
      lead to the generation of inflammatory cytokines. In these diseases, oxidative
      stress and chronic inflammation may play important causative roles. It is
      therefore important that status of zinc is assessed in any case and zinc
      deficiency is corrected, since the unique properties of zinc may have significant
      therapeutic benefits in these diseases. In the present paper, we review the zinc
      as a multipurpose trace element, its biological role in homeostasis,
      proliferation and apoptosis and its role in immunity and in chronic diseases,
      such as cancer, diabetes, depression, Wilson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and
      other age-related diseases.

PMID- 22071551
TI  - Genetic linkage analysis of a large family with photoparoxysmal response.
AB  - In this study, we report the results of a genetic linkage analysis of a large
      family with photoparoxysmal response, defined by the presence of a
      photoparoxysmal response (PPR) on EEG. The participants were genotyped using an 8
      cM whole genome wide scan, and both parametric and non-parametric linkage
      analysis were carried out. The parametric analysis by MLINK did not identify any
      definite conclusion but a region of interest on chromosome 1 near marker D1S2865;
      and non-parametric linkage analysis found a locus of interest on chromosome 16,
      near marker D16S2621. The possible confounding factors for, and pathogenic
      implication of, and the results are discussed.

PMID- 22071552
TI  - Localization of ictal onset zones in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) based on
      information theoretical time delay analysis of intracranial
      electroencephalography (iEEG).
AB  - Precise localization of ictal onset zones is of great clinical importance for
      successful surgery in patients with intractable drug-resistant epilepsy. Time
      delay analysis has been one of the most reliable and most widely used
      computational electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis methods for localizing ictal
      onset zones. However, the majority of previous studies have only been applied to
      the localization of ictal onset zones in focal epilepsy. In the present study, we
      analyzed intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings acquired from patients with Lennox
      Gaustaut syndrome (LGS), which is a type of intractable, pediatric, secondary
      generalized epilepsies with bilaterally synchronous ictal epileptiform
      discharges. To estimate the ictal onset zones from ictal iEEG recordings, we
      estimated time delays among iEEG signals based on the information theoretical
      approach. The results of the time delay analysis applied to the iEEG data of four
      successfully treated LGS patients corresponded well with the surgical resection
      areas identified by experienced epileptologists and multiple neuroimaging
      modalities, suggesting that the time delay analysis may provide useful
      information on the precise locations of ictal onset zones prior to epilepsy
      surgery in LGS patients.

PMID- 22071553
TI  - Ligand based pharmacophore model development for the identification of novel
      antiepileptic compound.
AB  - Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder throughout the world which is
      characterized by recurrent unprovoked epileptic seizures. A need exists for the
      development of new antiseizure drugs with improved efficacy and tolerability, as
      several of the currently available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been
      associated with severe side effects. A ligand based pharmacophore approach has
      been generated for 44 new antiepileptic compounds with emphasis on the
      development of new drugs by using LigandScout software and distance estimation
      using Jmol. The pharmacophore of the compounds contained three features
      hydrophobic unit, hydrogen bonding domain and electron donor. The pharmacophore
      models derived were then filtered using the Lipinski's rule of five criteria and
      orally bio-available compounds were obtained. Thus, this approach was able to
      reclaim few leads which had projected inhibitory activity alike to most active
      compounds with suitable calculated drug-like properties and therefore they could
      be recommended for further studies.

PMID- 22071554
TI  - Effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation parameters on its anticonvulsant
      action during rapid perforant path kindling in rat.
AB  - Low frequency stimulation (LFS) may be considered as a new potential therapy for
      drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the relation between LFS parameters and its
      anticonvulsant effects is not completely determined. In this study, the effect of
      some LFS parameters on its anticonvulsant action was investigated in rats. In all
      animals, stimulating and recording electrodes were implanted into the perforant
      path and dentate gyrus, respectively. In one group of animals, kindling
      stimulations were applied until rats achieved a fully kindled state. In other
      groups, different patterns of LFS were applied at the end of kindling
      stimulations during twenty consecutive days. In the first experiment the effect
      of LFS pulse numbers was investigated on its anticonvulsant action. Animals were
      divided randomly into three groups and 1, 4, and 8 packages of LFS (each pack
      contains 200 pulses, 0.1 ms pulse duration at 1 Hz) were applied five minutes
      after termination of kindling stimulations. Obtained results showed that 4
      packages of LFS had the strongest anticonvulsant effects. Therefore, this pattern
      (4 packages) was used in the next experiment. In the second experiment, 4
      packages of LFS were applied at intervals of 30 s and 30 min after termination of
      kindling stimulations. The strongest anticonvulsant effect was observed in the
      group received LFS at the interval of 30 s. Therefore, this pattern was selected
      for the third experiment. In the third experiment the effect of LFS at
      frequencies of 0.25 Hz and 5 Hz was investigated. The group of animals which
      received LFS at the frequency of 0.25 Hz showed somehow stronger anticonvulsant
      effect. The results indicate that different parameters of LFS have important role
      in induction of LFS anticonvulsant effects. Regarding this view, it seems that
      the slower LFS frequency and the shorter interval between LFS and kindling
      stimulations, the stronger anticonvulsant effect will be observed. But there is
      no direct relation between number of pulses and the magnitude of anticonvulsant
      effect of LFS.

PMID- 22071555
TI  - Early clinical features in Dravet syndrome patients with and without SCN1A
      mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SCN1A is the most clinically relevant epilepsy gene, most mutations
      causing Dravet syndrome (also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy or
      SMEI). We evaluated clinical differences, if any, between young patients with and
      without a SCN1A mutations and a definite clinical diagnosis of Dravet syndrome.
      METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome (7 males, 18
      females; mean age at inclusion: 10.3; median: 9+/-7; range: 18 months-30 years)
      were retrospectively studied. A clinical and genetic study focusing on SCN1A was
      performed, using DHPLC, gene sequencing and MLPA to detect genomic
      deletions/duplications. A formal cognitive and behavioral assessment was
      available for all patients. RESULTS: Analysis revealed SCN1A mutations comprising
      missense, truncating mutations and genomic deletions/duplications in eighteen
      patients and no mutation in seven. The phenotype of mutation positive patients
      was characterized by a higher number of seizures/month in the first year of life,
      an earlier seizure onset and a higher frequency of episodes of status
      epilepticus. The cognitive and behavioral profile was slightly worst in mutation
      positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm that SCN1A gene mutations
      are strongly associated to a more severe phenotype in patients with Dravet
      syndrome.

PMID- 22071556
TI  - Transformation of Solanum tuberosum plastids allows high expression levels of
      beta-glucuronidase both in leaves and microtubers developed in vitro.
AB  - Plastid genome transformation offers an attractive methodology for transgene
      expression in plants, but for potato, only expression of gfp transgene (besides
      the selective gene aadA) has been published. We report here successful expression
      of beta-glucuronidase in transplastomic Solanum tuberosum (var. Desiree) plants,
      with accumulation levels for the recombinant protein of up to 41% of total
      soluble protein in mature leaves. To our knowledge, this is the highest
      expression level reported for a heterologous protein in S. tuberosum.
      Accumulation of the recombinant protein in soil-grown minitubers was very low, as
      described in previous reports. Interestingly, microtubers developed in vitro
      showed higher accumulation of beta-glucuronidase. As light exposure during their
      development could be the trigger for this high accumulation, we analyzed the
      effect of light on beta-glucuronidase accumulation in transplastomic tubers.
      Exposure to light for 8 days increased beta-glucuronidase accumulation in soil
      grown tubers, acting as a light-inducible expression system for recombinant
      protein accumulation in tuber plastids. In this paper we show that plastid
      transformation in potato allows the highest recombinant protein accumulation in
      foliar tissue described so far for this food crop. We also demonstrate that in
      tubers high accumulation is possible and depends on light exposure. Because
      tubers have many advantages as protein storage organs, these results could lead
      to new recombinant protein production schemes based on potato.

PMID- 22071557
TI  - Pattern electroretinogram progression in glaucoma suspects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To prospectively monitor progressive changes of retinal ganglion cell
      function in early glaucoma using the pattern electroretinogram (PERG). METHODS:
      Fifty-nine patients enrolled as glaucoma suspects were observed untreated over an
      average of 5.7+/-1.4 years, during which they were tested with PERG (PERGLA
      paradigm) and standard automated perimetry (SAP) 2 times per year. PERG amplitude
      and phase were normalized for physiological age-related changes, and linear
      regressions fitted to the data to calculate progression slopes (signal), slope SE
      (noise), and corresponding signal-to-noise ratios (SNR=slope/SE). Linear
      regressions were also used to fit SAP global indices mean deviation (MD) and
      pattern standard deviation (PSD). RESULTS: On average, progression slopes of PERG
      amplitude/phase were skewed toward negative values, their mean being
      significantly (P<0.01) different from zero. In contrast, mean slopes of SAP-MD
      and PSD were not significantly different from zero. SNRs were higher for PERG
      than SAP (P<0.01). A substantial number of eyes displayed significant (P<0.05)
      progression of PERG amplitude (15% to 20%) or PERG phase (16% to 25%). Fewer eyes
      displayed significant progression of SAP-MD (0% to 2%) or SAP-PSD (4% to 8%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The PERG displayed clear longitudinal loss of signal (diminished
      amplitude, phase delay, or both) in a substantial number of eyes of patients,
      indicating progressive deterioration of retinal ganglion cell function.
      Progression of SAP global indices MD and PSD was found in a relatively smaller
      number of eyes. It remains to be established whether PERG progression has
      predictive value for developing visual dysfunction.

PMID- 22071558
TI  - Occurrence of infection by Platynosomum illiciens (Braun, 1901) in captive
      neotropical primates.
AB  - Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda, Plagiorchida) is a trematode parasite reported
      in felids and falconiforms. It was identified in the gall bladder of eight
      captive neotropical necropsied primates from the National Primate Center (CENP),
      Ananindeua, State of Para, Brazil. This is the first description of Platynosomum
      illiciens as a parasite of primates.

PMID- 22071562
TI  - Deep tissue bio-imaging using two-photon excited CdTe fluorescent quantum dots
      working within the biological window.
AB  - A new approach to deep tissue imaging is presented based on 8 nm CdTe
      semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). The characteristic 800 nm emission was found to
      be efficiently excited via two-photon absorption of 900 nm photons. The fact that
      both excitation and emission wavelengths lie within the "biological window"
      allows for high resolution fluorescence imaging at depths close to 2 mm. These
      penetration depths have been used to obtain the first deep tissue multiphoton
      excited fluorescence image based on CdTe-QDs. Due to the large thermal
      sensitivity of CdTe-QDs, one may envisage, in the near future, their use in high
      resolution deep-tissue thermal imaging.

PMID- 22071563
TI  - Functional expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the rabbit retinal
      ganglion cells.
AB  - It has been known that retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with distinct morphologies
      have different physiological properties. It was hypothesized that different
      functions of RGCs may in part result from various expressions of N-methyl-d
      aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propinoic acid
      (AMPA), and kainic acid (KA) receptors on their dendrites. In the present study,
      we aimed to characterize the functional expression of AMPA and NMDA receptors of
      morphologically identified RGCs in the wholemount rabbit retina. The agmatine
      (AGB) activation assay was used to reveal functional expression of ionotropic
      glutamate receptors after the RGCs were targeted by injecting Neurobiotin. To
      examine the excitability of these glutamate receptors in an agonist specific
      manner, the lower concentrations of AMPA (2 MUM) and NMDA (100 MUM) were chosen
      to examine G7 (ON-OFF direction selective ganglion cells) and G11 (alpha ganglion
      cells) types of RGCs. We found that less than 40% of G7 type RGCs had salient AGB
      activation when incubated with 2 MUM AMPA or 100 MUM NMDA. The G11 type RGCs also
      showed similar activation frequencies, except that all of the OFF subtype
      examined had no AGB permeation under the same AMPA concentration. These results
      suggest that RGCs with large somata (G7 and G11 types) may express various
      heterogeneous functional ionotropic glutamate receptors, thus in part rendering
      their functional diversity.

PMID- 22071564
TI  - Integration and transmission of distributed deterministic neural activity in feed
      forward networks.
AB  - A ten layer feed-forward network characterized by diverging/converging patterns
      of projection between successive layers of regular spiking (RS) neurons is
      activated by an external spatiotemporal input pattern fed to Layer 1 in presence
      of stochastic background activities fed to all layers. We used three dynamical
      systems to derive the external input spike trains including the temporal
      information, and three types of neuron models for the network, i.e. either a
      network formed either by neurons modeled by exponential integrate-and-fire
      dynamics (RS-EIF, Fourcaud-Trocme et al., 2003), or by simple spiking neurons (RS
      IZH, Izhikevich, 2004) or by multiple-timescale adaptive threshold neurons (RS
      MAT, Kobayashi et al., 2009), given five intensities for the background activity.
      The assessment of the temporal structure embedded in the output spike trains was
      carried out by detecting the preferred firing sequences for the reconstruction of
      de-noised spike trains (Asai and Villa, 2008). We confirmed that the RS-MAT model
      is likely to be more efficient in integrating and transmitting the temporal
      structure embedded in the external input. We observed that this structure could
      be propagated not only up to the 10th layer but in some cases it was retained
      better beyond the 4th downstream layers. This study suggests that
      diverging/converging network structures, by the propagation of synfire activity,
      could play a key role in the transmission of complex temporal patterns of
      discharges associated to deterministic nonlinear activity. This article is part
      of a Special Issue entitled Neural Coding.

PMID- 22071565
TI  - Undirected thought: neural determinants and correlates.
AB  - While goal-directed thinking has received the lion's share of neuroscientific
      attention, its counterpart--the undirected thought flow that comes to mind
      unbidden and without effort--has remained largely on the sidelines of scientific
      research. Such undirected thought, however, forms a large part of our mental
      experience. The last decade of neuroscientific investigations marked a resurgence
      of interest and work into the neural basis of undirected thought. This article
      reviews the current status of the field and examines the research on the three
      most frequently discussed categories of undirected thought: spontaneous thought,
      stimulus-independent thought, and mind wandering. The terminology and paradigms
      for investigating undirected thought are still being developed, while research is
      gradually moving beyond strictly task- and rest-based paradigms and towards
      incorporating introspective first-person reports in order to better understand
      this phenomenon. It is impossible to say at this point that undirected thinking
      is preferentially linked to any one particular brain system. Although its
      connection to the default network has been disproportionately emphasized in the
      literature, other brain networks such as the executive system and the temporal
      lobe memory network appear to be equally involved. In addition to reviewing the
      literature, this article also presents novel findings regarding the functional
      connectivity between large-scale brain networks during mind wandering. These
      findings reveal the presence of positive functional connectivity between regions
      of the default and executive networks and negative functional connectivity
      between the default network and primary sensory cortices. Thus, the default and
      executive networks can closely cooperate in supporting undirected thought
      processes, and seem to do so at times when the primary sensory cortices are not
      busy with the processing of perceptual information from the external environment.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Cognitive Neuroscience of
      Thought.

PMID- 22071566
TI  - Clinical use of the STOP-BANG questionnaire in patients undergoing sedation for
      endoscopic procedures.

PMID- 22071567
TI  - Trends in life jacket wear among recreational boaters: a dozen years (1999-2010)
      of US observational data.
AB  - We report results from 12 years of US observational data on life jacket use among
      recreational boaters based on more than 480,000 boaters in 175,000 boats between
      1999 and 2010. The overall wear rate was 21.7 per cent, with sharp differences by
      age and boat types. We found strong increasing trends in wear rates among youth
      boaters, but among adults, the only increase was on sailboats. The increasing
      trend among youth is probably due to a combination of expanding laws for
      mandatory life jacket use among this age group, and targeted educational
      campaigns promoting life jacket use for children. Future efforts to increase the
      prevalence of life jacket wear should target groups with low wear rates and
      boaters on boats most likely to capsize. Policymakers should give serious
      consideration to regulations requiring adult boaters to wear life jackets while
      boating.

PMID- 22071568
TI  - Laboratory equipment maintenance: a critical bottleneck for strengthening health
      systems in sub-Saharan Africa?
AB  - Properly functioning laboratory equipment is a critical component for
      strengthening health systems in developing countries. The laboratory can be an
      entry point to improve population health and care of individuals for targeted
      diseases - prevention, care, and treatment of TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria, plus
      maternal and neonatal health - as well as those lacking specific attention and
      funding. We review the benefits and persistent challenges associated with
      sustaining laboratory equipment maintenance. We propose equipment management
      policies as well as a comprehensive equipment maintenance strategy that would
      involve equipment manufacturers and strengthen local capacity through pre-service
      training of biomedical engineers. Strong country leadership and commitment are
      needed to assure development and sustained implementation of policies and
      strategies for standardization of equipment, and regulation of its procurement,
      donation, disposal, and replacement.

PMID- 22071569
TI  - Dietary L-tryptophan alters aggression in juvenile matrinxa Brycon amazonicus.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with L: -tryptophan (L
      TRP), a serotonin precursor, on the aggressiveness of juvenile matrinxa Brycon
      amazonicus. Fish were kept in individual aquaria for 7 days receiving the diets:
      D1 (control: 0.47% of TRP), D2 (0.94% of TRP), D3 (1.88% of TRP), and D4 (3.76%
      of TRP). After this, they were grouped with an intruder fish to establish a
      resident-intruder relationship during periods of 20 min. Blood cortisol, glucose,
      chloride, sodium and calcium; hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count and
      volume; liver glycogen and lipids were measured. Territoriality had significant
      effect on the aggressiveness of matrinxa (the residents were more aggressive than
      intruders, P < 0.001) and tryptophan significantly affected their behavior. Fish
      fed with the D2 diet presented a longer latency until the first attack (P =
      0.0069) and bit the intruder fewer times (P = 0.0136) during the period of
      observation, compared to the control group. The frequency of bites and chases
      after the first attack was not affected by the dietary supplementation of TRP.
      Physiological variables were not significantly affected by the diet, except for a
      moderate increase in cortisol level in fish fed with D2 diet after the fight,
      indicating slight activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis. The
      results show that juvenile matrinxa have aggressive and territorial behavior and
      that a diet containing 9.4 g TRP kg(-1) alter their aggressiveness, without
      affecting the stress-related physiological parameters.

PMID- 22071571
TI  - Optical absorption and excitonic coupling in azobenzenes forming self-assembled
      monolayers: a study based on density functional theory.
AB  - Based on the analysis of optical absorption spectra, it has recently been
      speculated that the excitonic coupling between individual azobenzene
      functionalized alkanethiols arranged in a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a
      gold surface could be strong enough to hinder collective trans-cis isomerization
      on top of steric hindrance [Gahl et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 1831].
      Using models of SAMs of increasing complexity (dimer, linear N-mers, and two
      dimensionally arranged N-mers) and density functional theory on the (TD-) B3LYP/6
      31G* level, we determine optical absorption spectra, the nature and magnitude of
      excitonic couplings, and the corresponding spectral shifts. It is found that at
      inter-monomer distances of about 20 A and above, TD-B3LYP excitation frequencies
      (and signal intensities) can be well described by the frequently used point
      dipole approximation. Further, calculated blue shifts in optical absorption
      spectra account for the experimental observations made for azobenzene/gold SAMs,
      and hint to the fact that they can indeed be responsible for reduced switching
      probability in densely packed self-assembled structures.

PMID- 22071570
TI  - Clinical significance of metabolic tumor volume by PET/CT in stages II and III of
      diffuse large B cell lymphoma without extranodal site involvement.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate whether metabolic tumor volume
      (MTV) by positron emission tomography (PET) can be a potential prognostic tool
      when compared with Ann Arbor stage, in stages II and III nodal diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We evaluated 169 patients with nodal stages II and III
      DLBCL who underwent measurements with PET prior to rituximab combined with
      cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Cutoff point
      of MTV was measured using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
      During a median period of 36 months, stage II was 59.2% and III was 40.8%. Using
      the ROC curve, the MTV of 220 cm(3) was the cutoff value. The low MTV group (<220
      cm(3)) had longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS),
      compared with the high MTV group (>=220 cm(3)) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Stage II
      patients had longer survival than those in stage III (PFS, p = 0.011; OS, p =
      0.001). The high MTV group had lower PFS and OS patterns, regardless of stage,
      compared with the low MTV group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis
      revealed an association of the high MTV group with lower PFS and OS (PFS, hazard
      ratio (HR) = 5.300, p < 0.001; OS, HR = 7.009, p < 0.001), but not stage III
      (PFS, p = 0.187; OS, p = 0.054). Assessment of MTV by PET had more potential
      predictive power than Ann Arbor stage in the patients that received R-CHOP.

PMID- 22071572
TI  - Gas nanosensor design packages based on tungsten oxide: mesocages, hollow
      spheres, and nanowires.
AB  - Achieving proper designs of nanosensors for highly sensitive and selective
      detection of toxic environmental gases is one of the crucial issues in the field
      of gas sensor technology, because such designs can lead to the enhancement of gas
      sensor performance and expansion of their applications. Different geometrical
      designs of porous tungsten oxide nanostructures, including the mesocages, hollow
      spheres and nanowires, are synthesized for toxic gas sensor applications.
      Nanosensor designs with small crystalline size, large specific surface area, and
      superior physical characteristics enable the highly sensitive and selective
      detection of low concentration (ppm levels), highly toxic NO(2)  among CO, as
      well as volatile organic compound gases, such as acetone, benzene, and ethanol.
      The experimental results showed that the sensor response was not only dependent
      on the specific surface area, but also on the geometries and crystal size of
      materials. Among the designed nanosensors, the nanowires showed the highest
      sensitivity, followed by the mesocages and hollow spheres-despite the fact that
      mesocages had the largest specific surface area of 80.9 m(2) g( - 1), followed by
      nanowires (69.4 m(2) g( - 1)), and hollow spheres (6.5 m(2) g( - 1)). The
      nanowire sensors had a moderate specific surface area (69.4 m(2) g( - 1)) but
      they exhibited the highest sensitivity because of their small diameter (~5 nm),
      which approximates the Debye length of WO(3). This led to the depletion of the
      entire volume of the nanowires upon exposure to NO(2), resulting in an enormous
      increase in sensor resistance.

PMID- 22071573
TI  - Palliative care for the terminally ill in America: the consideration of QALYs,
      costs, and ethical issues.
AB  - The drive for cost-effective use of medical interventions has advantages, but can
      also be challenging in the context of end-of-life palliative treatments. A
      quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) provides a common currency to assess the extent
      of the benefits gained from a variety of interventions in terms of health-related
      quality of life and survival for the patient. However, since it is in the nature
      of end-of-life palliative care that the benefits it brings to its patients are of
      short duration, it fares poorly under a policy of QALY-maximization.
      Nevertheless, we argue that the goals of palliative care and QALY are not
      incompatible, and optimal integration of palliative care into the calculation of
      QALY may reveal a mechanism to modify considerations of how optimal quality of
      life can be achieved, even in the face of terminal illness. The use of QALYs in
      resource allocation means that palliative care will always compete with
      alternative uses of the same money. More research should be conducted to evaluate
      choices between palliative care and more aggressive therapies for the terminally
      ill. However, current limited data show that investing in palliative care makes
      more sense not only ethically, but also financially.

PMID- 22071575
TI  - The end of health.

PMID- 22071574
TI  - High-dose rapamycin induces apoptosis in human cancer cells by dissociating mTOR
      complex 1 and suppressing phosphorylation of 4E-BP1.
AB  - mTOR, the mammalian target of rapamycin, has been widely implicated in signals
      that promote cell cycle progression and survival in cancer cells. Rapamycin,
      which inhibits mTOR with high specificity, has consequently attracted much
      attention as an anti-cancer therapeutic. Rapamycin suppresses phosphorylation of
      S6 kinase at nano-molar concentrations, however at higher micro-molar doses,
      rapamycin induces apoptosis in several human cancer cell lines. While much is
      known about the effect of low dose rapamycin treatment, the mechanistic basis for
      the apoptotic effects of high-dose rapamycin treatment is not understood. We
      report here that the apoptotic effects of high-dose rapamycin treatment correlate
      with suppressing phosphorylation of the mTOR complex 1 substrate, eukaryotic
      initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein-1 (4E-BP1). Consistent with this
      observation, ablation of eIF4E also resulted in apoptorsis in MDA-MB 231 breast
      cancer cells. We also provide evidence that the differential dose effects of
      rapamycin are correlated with partial and complete dissociation of Raptor from
      mTORC1 at low and high doses, respectively. In contrast with MDA-MB-231 cells,
      MCF-7 breast cancer cells survived rapamycin-induced suppression of 4E-BP1
      phosphorylation. We show that survival correlated with a hyper-phosphorylation of
      Akt at S473 at high rapamycin doses, the suppression of which conferred rapamycin
      sensitivity. This study reveals that the apoptotic effect of rapamycin requires
      doses that completely dissociate Raptor from mTORC1 and suppress that
      phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and inhibit eIF4E.

PMID- 22071576
TI  - Commercially available antibodies against human and murine histamine H4-receptor
      lack specificity.
AB  - Antibodies are important tools to detect expression and localization of proteins
      within the living cell. However, for a series of commercially available
      antibodies which are supposed to recognize G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR),
      lack of specificity has been described. In recent publications, antisera against
      the histamine H4-receptor (H4R), which is a member of the GPCR family, have been
      used to demonstrate receptor expression. However, a comprehensive
      characterization of these antisera has not been performed yet. Therefore, the
      purpose of our study was to evaluate the specificity of three commercially
      available H4R antibodies. Sf9 insect cells and HEK293 cells expressing
      recombinant murine and human H4R, spleen cells obtained from H4-/- and from wild
      type mice, and human CD20+ and CD20- peripheral blood cells were analyzed by flow
      cytometry and Western blot using three commercially available H4R antibodies. Our
      results show that all tested H4R antibodies bind to virtually all cells,
      independently of the expression of H4R, thus in an unspecific fashion. Also in
      Western blot, the H4R antibodies do not bind to the specified protein. Our data
      underscore the importance of stringent evaluation of antibodies using valid
      controls, such as cells of H4R-/- mice, to show true receptor expression and
      antigen specificity. Improved validation of commercially available antibodies
      prior to release to the market would avoid time-consuming and expensive
      validation assays by the user.

PMID- 22071578
TI  - A comparison of InVivoStat with other statistical software packages for analysis
      of data generated from animal experiments.
AB  - InVivoStat is a free-to-use statistical software package for analysis of data
      generated from animal experiments. The package is designed specifically for
      researchers in the behavioural sciences, where exploiting the experimental design
      is crucial for reliable statistical analyses. This paper compares the analysis of
      three experiments conducted using InVivoStat with other widely used statistical
      packages: SPSS (V19), PRISM (V5), UniStat (V5.6) and Statistica (V9). We show
      that InVivoStat provides results that are similar to those from the other
      packages and, in some cases, are more advanced. This investigation provides
      evidence of further validation of InVivoStat and should strengthen users'
      confidence in this new software package.

PMID- 22071577
TI  - Enalapril reduces germ cell toxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat:
      investigation on possible mechanisms.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus, a state of persistent hyperglycemia, is a major cause of micro
      and macrovascular diseases. It affects nearly every system in the body including
      the reproductive system. Abnormalities in spermatogenesis and sexual function
      have been documented in animal models for both types of diabetes. The purpose of
      the present study is to determine the possible protective effects of enalapril
      against the germ cell toxicity in diabetic rat. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided
      into four groups: (1) control, (2) control + enalapril, (3) diabetic, and (4)
      diabetic + enalapril. Enalapril was administered per orally for 4 and 8 weeks
      continuously. After the treatment, animals were sacrificed and blood glucose
      level, sperm count, sperm DNA damage, apoptotic cell death, immunohistochemistry
      of 8-oxo- 7,8-dihydro- 2'-deoxyguanosine, and the cellular toxicity were
      performed. Furthermore, western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression
      of NFkappaB and COX-2 in testes. The results of the present study indicate that
      intervention of enalapril ameliorates the sperm DNA damage, reduces the oxidative
      stress, and down-regulates the expression of NFkappaB and COX-2 expression in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

PMID- 22071579
TI  - TLE1 is expressed in the majority of primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcomas.
AB  - Pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma (PPSS) is a rare entity, similar to synovial
      sarcoma of soft tissue (STSS). There are 120 published cases of PPSS, but no
      studies have explored the expression of TLE1. In soft tissues, it has been proven
      a useful marker, but in tumors of other sites, its expression has not been
      explored. The main objective was to study the expression and diagnostic
      sensitivity and specificity of TLE1 in a group of PPSS, of which the diagnosis
      was corroborated by fluorescence in situ hybridization confirming t(X;18) in a
      tissue microarray. Immunohistochemistry including TLE1, vimentin, CD99, CD56, bcl
      2, AE1-AE3, EMA, CD34, CK7, CK19, calponin, and S-100 was performed on all PPSS
      and on 25 control cases (five carcinomas, ten mesotheliomas, and ten thoracic
      sarcomas). TLE1 was positive in 11 cases (73.3%); bcl-2 and vimentin in 100%;
      calponin and CD56 in 26.6%; CD99, CK AE1-AE3, CK19, CK7, and EMA in 80%; and S100
      negative in all. The only biphasic PPSS was positive for epithelial markers only
      in the epithelial component. TLE1 was negative in all control cases. TLE1 is
      expressed in 73% of PPSS, a value inferior to that reported in STSS, but is
      highly specific for PPSS. TLE1 may therefore be of value in the differential
      diagnosis of PPSS, but should be used in a panel of antibodies.

PMID- 22071580
TI  - Blood longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation time constants at 11.7
      Tesla.
AB  - OBJECT: The goal of the study was to determine blood T(1) and T(2) values as
      functions of oxygen saturation (Y), temperature (Temp) and hematocrit (Hct) at an
      ultrahigh MR field (11.7 T) and explore their impacts on physiological
      measurements, including cerebral blood flow (CBF), blood volume (CBV) and
      oxygenation determination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T(1) and T(2) were
      simultaneously measured. Temperature was adjusted from 25 to 40 degrees C to
      determine Temp dependence; Hct of 0.17-0.51 to evaluate Hct dependence at 25 and
      37 degrees C; and Y of 40-100% to evaluate Y dependence at 25 and 37 degrees C.
      Comparisons were made with published data obtained at different magnetic field
      strengths (B(0)). RESULTS: T(1) was positively correlated with Temp, independent
      of Y, and negatively correlated with Hct. T(2) was negatively correlated with
      Temp and Hct, but positively correlated with Y, in a non-linear fashion. T(1)
      increased linearly with B(0), whereas T(2) decreased exponentially with B(0).
      CONCLUSION: This study reported blood T(1) and T(2) measurements at 11.7 T for
      the first time. These blood relaxation data could have implications in numerous
      functional and physiological MRI studies at 11.7 T.

PMID- 22071581
TI  - Orientational dependent sensitivities of T2 and T1rho towards trypsin degradation
      and Gd-DTPA2- presence in bovine nasal cartilage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the orientational dependencies of T(2) and T(1rho) in native
      and trypsin-degraded bovine nasal cartilage, with and without the presence of 1
      mM Gd-DTPA(2-). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen specimens were prepared in two
      orthogonal fibril directions (parallel and perpendicular), treated using
      different protocols (native, Gd treated, trypsin-treated, and combination), and
      imaged using MUMRI at 0 degrees  and 55 degrees  (the magic angle) fibril
      orientations with respect to the magnetic field B(0). Two-dimensional (2D) T(2)
      and T(1rho) images were then calculated quantitatively. RESULTS: Without Gd,
      native perpendicular tissues demonstrated significant T(1rho) dispersion
      (including T(2) at the zero spin-lock field) at 0 degrees  and less dispersion at
      55 degrees , while native parallel specimens exhibited smaller T(1rho) dispersion
      at both 0 degrees  and 55 degrees . Trypsin degradation caused a minimum 50%
      increase in T(1rho). With Gd, trypsin degradation caused significant reduction in
      T(1rho) values up to 60%. CONCLUSION: The collagen orientation in nasal cartilage
      can influence T(2) and T(1rho) MRI of cartilage. Without Gd, T(1rho) was
      sensitive to the proteoglycan content and its sensitivity was nearly constant
      regardless of fibril orientation. In comparison, the T(2) sensitivity to
      proteoglycan was dependant upon fibril orientation, i.e., more sensitive at 55
      degrees  than 0 degrees . When Gd ions were present, both T(2) and T(1rho) became
      insensitive to the proteoglycan content.

PMID- 22071582
TI  - A correction method for streak artifacts in gradient-echo EPI using spin-echo EPI
      reference data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the streak artifacts in a gradient-echo echo planar imaging
      (GE-EPI) sequence and to propose a correction method for the Nyquist ghost
      artifacts that does not cause streak artifacts in the GE-EPI imaging. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Several GE-EPI imaging experiments with various reference scans,
      using both GE-EPI and SE-EPI scan data, were performed to analyze the streak
      artifacts and to investigate the spin dephasing phenomena of the GE-EPI reference
      scan. In addition, the analysis based on the spin dephasing was undertaken in
      order to demonstrate that the SE-EPI reference data can be used for the
      correction of the GE-EPI main scan data. RESULTS: The experimental results
      confirmed that the improvement of the reference data using either signal
      averaging or a large flip angle cannot guarantee perfect correction of the streak
      artifact if the noise is not completely removed. Due to the main field
      inhomogeneity, the spins of the GE-EPI reference data were dephased in multiple
      echo signals. The proposed correction method, which uses a SE-EPI reference scan
      for the GE-EPI images, eliminates the N/2 ghost artifacts without producing
      streak artifacts. CONCLUSION: It is believed that the proposed phase error
      correction scheme can improve the EPI performance in high field MRIs with higher
      magnetic field inhomogeneities.

PMID- 22071583
TI  - Recent changes to UK newborn resuscitation guidelines.

PMID- 22071584
TI  - Depression and cognitive deficits in geriatric schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Past reports have found patients with comorbid depression and
      schizophrenia spectrum disorders exhibit greater deficits in memory and attention
      compared to schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients without depressive symptoms.
      However, in contrast to younger schizophrenia patients, the few past studies
      using cognitive screens to examine the relationship between depression and
      cognition in inpatient geriatric schizophrenia have found that depressive
      symptomatology was associated with relatively enhanced cognitive performance. In
      the current study we examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and
      cognitive deficits in geriatric schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients (n=71;
      mean age=63.7) on an acute psychiatric inpatient service. METHOD: Patients
      completed a battery of cognitive tests assessing memory, attention and global
      cognition. Symptom severity was assessed via the PANSS and Calgary Depression
      Scale for Schizophrenia. RESULTS: Results revealed that geriatric patients'
      depression severity predicted enhancement of their attentional and verbal memory
      performance. Patients' global cognitive functioning and adaptive functioning were
      not associated with their depression severity. CONCLUSION: Contrary to patterns
      typically seen in younger patients and non-patient groups, increasing depression
      severity is associated with enhancement of memory and attention in geriatric
      schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients. Also, diverging from younger samples,
      depression severity was unassociated with patients adaptive and global cognitive
      functioning.

PMID- 22071585
TI  - Social mixing patterns within a South African township community: implications
      for respiratory disease transmission and control.
AB  - A prospective survey of social mixing patterns relevant to respiratory disease
      transmission by large droplets (e.g., influenza) or small droplet nuclei (e.g.,
      tuberculosis) was performed in a South African township in 2010. A total of 571
      randomly selected participants recorded the numbers, times, and locations of
      close contacts (physical/nonphysical) and indoor casual contacts met daily. The
      median number of physical contacts was 12 (interquartile range (IQR), 7-18), the
      median number of close contacts was 20 (IQR, 13-29), and the total number of
      indoor contacts was 30 (IQR, 12-54). Physical and close contacts were most
      frequent and age-associative in youths aged 5-19 years. Numbers of close contacts
      were 40% higher than in corresponding populations in industrialized countries (P
      < 0.001). This may put township communities at higher risk for epidemics of acute
      respiratory illnesses. Simulations of an acute influenza epidemic predominantly
      involved adolescents and young adults, indicating that control strategies should
      be directed toward these age groups. Of all contacts, 86.2% occurred indoors with
      potential exposure to respiratory droplet nuclei, of which 27.2%, 20.1%, 20.0%,
      and 8.0% were in transport, own household, creche/school, and work locations,
      respectively. Indoor contact time was long in households and short during
      transport. High numbers of indoor contacts and intergenerational mixing in
      households and transport may contribute to exceptionally high rates of
      tuberculosis transmission reported in the community.

PMID- 22071586
TI  - Birth size and childhood growth as determinants of physical functioning in older
      age: the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study.
AB  - The study reports on the associations of infant and childhood anthropometric
      measurements, early growth, and the combined effect of birth weight and childhood
      body mass index with older age physical functioning among 1,999 individuals born
      in 1934-1944 and belonging to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Physical
      functioning was assessed by the Short Form 36 scale. Anthropometric data from
      infancy and childhood were retrieved from medical records. The risk of lower
      Short Form 36 physical functioning at the mean age of 61.6 years was increased
      for those with birth weight less than 2.5 kg compared with those weighing 3.0-3.5
      kg at birth (odds ratio (OR) = 2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57, 4.72).
      The gain in weight from birth to age 2 years was associated with decreased risk
      of lower physical functioning for a 1-standard deviation increase (OR = 0.84, 95%
      CI: 0.75, 0.94). The risk of lower physical functioning was highest for
      individuals with birth weight in the lowest third and body mass index at 11 years
      of age in the highest third compared with those whose birth weight was in the
      middle third and body mass index at age 11 years was in the highest third (OR =
      3.08, 95% CI: 1.83, 5.19). The increasing prevalence of obesity at all ages and
      the aging of populations warrant closer investigation of the role of weight
      trajectories in old age functional decline.

PMID- 22071587
TI  - Childhood and adult socioeconomic position, cumulative lead levels, and pessimism
      in later life: the VA Normative Aging Study.
AB  - Pessimism, a general tendency toward negative expectancies, is a risk factor for
      depression and also heart disease, stroke, and reduced cancer survival. There is
      evidence that individuals with higher lead exposure have poorer health. However,
      low socioeconomic status (SES) is linked with higher lead levels and greater
      pessimism, and it is unclear whether lead influences psychological functioning
      independently of other social factors. The authors considered interrelations
      among childhood and adult SES, lead levels, and psychological functioning in data
      collected on 412 Boston area men between 1991 and 2002 in a subgroup of the VA
      Normative Aging Study. Pessimism was measured by using the Life Orientation Test.
      Cumulative (tibia) lead was measured by x-ray fluorescence. Structural equation
      modeling was used to quantify the relations as mediated by childhood and adult
      SES, controlling for age, health behaviors, and health status. An interquartile
      range increase in lead quartile was associated with a 0.37 increase in pessimism
      score (P < 0.05). Low childhood and adult SES were related to higher tibia lead
      levels, and both were also independently associated with higher pessimism. Lead
      maintained an independent association with pessimism even after childhood and
      adult SES were considered. Results demonstrate an interrelated role of lead
      burden and SES over the life course in relation to psychological functioning in
      older age.

PMID- 22071589
TI  - Quitting smoking among adults--United States, 2001-2010.
AB  - Quitting smoking is beneficial to health at any age, and cigarette smokers who
      quit before age 35 years have mortality rates similar to those who never smoked.
      From 1965 to 2010, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults in the United
      States decreased from 42.4% to 19.3%, in part because of an increase in the
      number who quit smoking. Since 2002, the number of former U.S. smokers has
      exceeded the number of current smokers. Mass media campaigns, increases in the
      prices of tobacco products, and smoke-free policies have been shown to increase
      smoking cessation. In addition, brief cessation advice by health-care providers;
      individual, group, and telephone counseling; and cessation medications are
      effective cessation treatments. To determine the prevalence of 1) current
      interest in quitting smoking, 2) successful recent smoking cessation, 3) recent
      use of cessation treatments, and 4) trends in quit attempts over a 10-year
      period, CDC analyzed data from the 2001--2010 National Health Interview Surveys
      (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which found that, in
      2010, 68.8% of adult smokers wanted to stop smoking, 52.4% had made a quit
      attempt in the past year, 6.2% had recently quit, 48.3% had been advised by a
      health professional to quit, and 31.7% had used counseling and/or medications
      when they tried to quit. The prevalence of quit attempts increased during 2001-
      2010 among smokers aged 25--64 years, but not among other age groups. Health-care
      providers should identify smokers and offer them brief cessation advice at each
      visit; counseling and medication should be offered to patients willing to make a
      quit attempt.

PMID- 22071590
TI  - Global routine vaccination coverage, 2010.
AB  - The Expanded Program on Immunization was established by the World Health
      Organization (WHO) in 1974 to ensure universal access to routinely recommended
      childhood vaccines. Six vaccine-preventable diseases initially were targeted:
      tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles. In
      1974, fewer than 5% of the world's infants were fully immunized; by 2005, global
      coverage with the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine (DTP3)
      was 79%, but many children, especially those living in poorer countries, still
      were not being reached. That year, WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund
      (UNICEF) developed the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS), with the
      aim of decreasing vaccine-preventable disease--related morbidity and mortality by
      improving national immunization programs. One goal of GIVS was for all countries
      to achieve 90% national DTP3 coverage by 2010. This report summarizes the status
      of vaccination coverage globally and regionally in 2010 and progress toward
      meeting the GIVS goal. In 2010, 130 (67%) countries had achieved 90% DTP3
      coverage, and an estimated 85% of infants worldwide had received at least 3 doses
      of DTP vaccine. However, 19.3 million children were not fully vaccinated and
      remained at risk for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and other vaccine
      preventable causes of morbidity and mortality; approximately 50% of these
      children live in India, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite
      the overall improvement in vaccination coverage during the past 37 years, routine
      vaccination programs need to be strengthened globally, especially in countries
      with the greatest numbers of unvaccinated children.

PMID- 22071588
TI  - The Nox family of NADPH oxidases: friend or foe of the vascular system?
AB  - NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidases are important
      sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the vascular system, ROS can have
      both beneficial and detrimental effects. Under physiologic conditions, ROS are
      involved in signaling pathways that regulate vascular tone as well as cellular
      processes like proliferation, migration and differentiation. However, high doses
      of ROS, which are produced after induction or activation of NADPH oxidases in
      response to cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation, contribute to the
      development of endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. In vascular cells,
      the NADPH oxidase isoforms Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, and Nox5 are expressed, which differ
      in their activity, response to stimuli, and the type of ROS released. This review
      focuses on the specific role of different NADPH oxidase isoforms in vascular
      physiology and their potential contributions to vascular diseases.

PMID- 22071591
TI  - Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--Afghanistan and Pakistan, January 2010
      September 2011.
AB  - Indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) has never been interrupted in
      Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nigeria. Among those countries, Afghanistan and
      Pakistan represent a common epidemiologic reservoir. This report updates previous
      reports (1,4) and describes polio eradication activities and progress in
      Afghanistan and Pakistan during January 2010--September 2011, as of October 31,
      2011, and planned activities during 2011--2012 to address challenges to polio
      eradication. In Afghanistan, WPV transmission during 2010--2011 predominantly
      occurred in the conflict-affected South Region and the adjacent Farah Province of
      the West Region. During 2010, 25 WPV cases were confirmed in Afghanistan,
      compared with 38 in 2009; 42 WPV cases were confirmed during January--September
      2011, compared with 19 for the same period in 2010. In Pakistan, WPV transmission
      during 2010--2011occurred both in conflict-affected, inaccessible areas along the
      common border with Afghanistan and in accessible areas; 144 WPV cases were
      confirmed in 2010, compared with 89 in 2009, and 120 WPV cases were confirmed
      during January--September 2011, compared with 93 during the same period in 2010.
      In Pakistan, the president launched a National Emergency Action Plan for polio
      eradication in January 2011, emphasizing the key role and responsibility of
      political and health-care leaders at the district and subdistrict (union council)
      levels. Enhanced commitment, management, and oversight by provincial and district
      authorities will be needed to achieve further progress toward interruption of WPV
      transmission in Pakistan. Continued efforts also will be needed to enhance the
      safety of vaccination teams within insecure areas of both countries.

PMID- 22071592
TI  - Update on herpes zoster vaccine: licensure for persons aged 50 through 59 years.
AB  - Herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax, Merck & Co., Inc.) was licensed and recommended
      in 2006 for prevention of herpes zoster among adults aged 60 years and older. In
      March 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Zostavax
      in adults aged 50 through 59 years. In June 2011, the Advisory Committee on
      Immunization Practices (ACIP) declined to recommend the vaccine for adults aged
      50 through 59 years and reaffirmed its current recommendation that herpes zoster
      vaccine be routinely recommended for adults aged 60 years and older.

PMID- 22071595
TI  - Excited-state dynamics of phenol-pyridinium biaryl.
AB  - The excited-state dynamics of a donor-acceptor phenol-pyridinium biaryl cation
      was investigated in various solvents by femtosecond transient absorption
      spectroscopy and temperature dependent steady-state emission measurements. After
      excitation to a near-planar Franck-Condon delocalized excited S(1)(DE) state with
      mesomeric character, three fast relaxation processes are well resolved:
      solvation, intramolecular rearrangement leading to a twisted charge-shift (CSh)
      S(1) state with localized character, and excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) to
      the solvent leading to the phenoxide-pyridinium zwitterion. The proton transfer
      kinetics depends on the proton accepting character of the solvent whereas the
      interring torsional kinetics depends on the solvent polarity and viscosity. In
      nitriles, ESPT does not occur and interring twisting arises with no significant
      intrinsic barrier, but still slower than solvation. The CSh state is notably
      fluorescent. In alcohols and water, ESPT is faster than the solvation and DE ->
      CSh relaxation processes and yields the zwitterion hot ground state, which
      strongly quenches the fluorescence. In THF, solvation and interring twisting
      occur first, leading to the fully relaxed, weakly fluorescent CSh state, followed
      by slow ESPT towards the zwitterion. At low temperature (77 K), the large viscous
      barrier of the solvent inhibits the torsional relaxation but ESPT still arises to
      some extent. Strong emission from the DE geometry and planar zwitterion is thus
      observed. Finally, quantum chemical calculations were performed on the ground and
      excited state of model phenol-pyridinium and phenoxide-pyridinium compounds.
      Strong S(1) state energy stabilization is predicted upon twisting in both cases,
      consistent with a fast relaxation towards the perpendicular geometry. A
      substantial S(0)-S(1) energy gap is still present for the twisted cationic
      species, which can explain the long-lived emission of the CSh state in nitriles.
      A quite different situation arises with the zwitterion for which the S(0)-S(1)
      energy gap predicted at the twisted geometry is very small. This suggests a close
      lying conical intersection and can account for the strong fluorescence quenching
      observed in solvents where the zwitterion is produced by ESPT.

PMID- 22071594
TI  - Aristolactam-DNA adducts are a biomarker of environmental exposure to
      aristolochic acid.
AB  - Endemic (Balkan) nephropathy is a chronic tubulointerstitial disease frequently
      accompanied by urothelial cell carcinomas of the upper urinary tract. This
      disorder has recently been linked to exposure to aristolochic acid, a powerful
      nephrotoxin and human carcinogen. Following metabolic activation, aristolochic
      acid reacts with genomic DNA to form aristolactam-DNA adducts that generate a
      unique TP53 mutational spectrum in the urothelium. The aristolactam-DNA adducts
      are concentrated in the renal cortex, thus serving as biomarkers of internal
      exposure to aristolochic acid. Here, we present molecular epidemiologic evidence
      relating carcinomas of the upper urinary tract to dietary exposure to
      aristolochic acid. DNA was extracted from the renal cortex and urothelial tumor
      tissue of 67 patients that underwent nephroureterectomy for carcinomas of the
      upper urinary tract and resided in regions of known endemic nephropathy. Ten
      patients from nonendemic regions with carcinomas of the upper urinary tract
      served as controls. Aristolactam-DNA adducts were quantified by (32)P
      postlabeling, the adduct was confirmed by mass spectrometry, and TP53 mutations
      in tumor tissues were identified by chip sequencing. Adducts were present in 70%
      of the endemic cohort and in 94% of patients with specific A:T to T:A mutations
      in TP53. In contrast, neither aristolactam-DNA adducts nor specific mutations
      were detected in tissues of patients residing in nonendemic regions. Thus, in
      genetically susceptible individuals, dietary exposure to aristolochic acid is
      causally related to endemic nephropathy and carcinomas of the upper urinary
      tract.

PMID- 22071596
TI  - Phase I study of continuous afatinib (BIBW 2992) in patients with advanced non
      small cell lung cancer after prior chemotherapy/erlotinib/gefitinib (LUX-Lung 4).
AB  - PURPOSE: This Phase I study determined the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of
      afatinib (Afatinib is an investigational compound and its safety and efficacy
      have not yet been established) (BIBW 2992; trade name not yet approved by FDA),
      an irreversible inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/human
      epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)1 and 2, up to a dose of 50 mg/day in
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), to establish the recommended dose
      for Phase II. METHODS: Patients with advanced NSCLC who had received prior
      platinum-doublet chemotherapy and/or erlotinib/gefitinib therapy, or who were
      ineligible for, or not amenable to, treatment with established therapies,
      received oral afatinib once daily. The MTD was determined based on dose-limiting
      toxicities (DLTs); other assessments included safety, pharmacokinetic profile,
      antitumour activity according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumours
      and EGFR/HER1 mutation analysis where possible. RESULTS: Twelve evaluable
      patients were treated at doses of 20-50 mg/day. One DLT was observed at 50 mg/day
      in Course 1 (Grade 3 mucositis). The most frequent drug-related adverse events
      were diarrhoea, dry skin, stomatitis, rash, paronychia and anorexia; most were
      Grade 1 or 2. Six out of 12 patients had tumour size reductions; durable stable
      disease was achieved in three patients including one with EGFR/HER1 exon 19 and
      T790 M mutations. Peak plasma concentrations of afatinib were reached 3-4 h after
      administration and declined with a half-life of 30-40 h. Afatinib 50 mg/day was
      well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile during Phase I. CONCLUSION:
      Recommended dose for Phase II was defined as 50 mg/day for Japanese patients; the
      same as for non-Japanese patients.

PMID- 22071597
TI  - Sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma according to Child-Pugh class of liver
      function.

PMID- 22071599
TI  - SERS assisted ultra-fast peptidic screening: a new tool for drug discovery.
AB  - Herein we present a direct label-free ultra-fast method for the identification
      and classification of the active members of a combinatorial library directly on
      the solid support used for their synthesis. The method is based on the
      appropriate functionalization of polyethylene glycol grafted polystyrene
      (TentaGel(r)) microbeads with Au@Ag nanoparticles, the use of these materials
      directly as solid-phase supports for the synthesis of combinatorial libraries of
      peptides and the subsequent SERS analysis for identification of each peptide on
      each bead.

PMID- 22071600
TI  - Image-quality assessment method for digital phase-contrast imaging based on two
      dimensional power spectral analysis.
AB  - With use of the phase shift of X-rays that occurs when they pass through an
      object, phase-contrast imaging (herein referred to as "phase imaging") can
      produce images different from those of conventional contact imaging (herein
      referred to as "conventional imaging"). For this reason, assessment of the image
      quality based on noise-equivalent quanta (NEQ) and detective quantum efficiency
      (DQE) which does not include object-based information may not be appropriate for
      comparison of image quality between phase and conventional images. As an
      alternative method, we conceived a new image-quality assessment method with
      images that contain information about an object. First, we constructed images
      with an object and without an object under the same imaging parameters; then, we
      obtained two-dimensional power spectra by Fourier transform of those images.
      Second, we calculated the radial direction distribution function with the power
      spectra, and the distribution of signal intensity, which we defined as a signal
      intensity distribution function (SIDF). In this way, differences in image quality
      were evaluated relatively based on the SIDF of the imaged object. In our study,
      we first confirmed that phase-imaging evaluation was not appropriate by comparing
      NEQ and DQE of conventional, magnification, and phase imaging. Further, comparing
      the image quality of projected plant seeds by employing conventional,
      magnification, and phase imaging, we found that the phase-imaging method provided
      a higher image quality regarding edge sharpness than did conventional and
      magnification imaging. Therefore, based on these results, our image assessment
      method is considered useful for evaluation of images which include object-based
      information.

PMID- 22071601
TI  - Outcomes of infants exposed to multiple antidepressants during pregnancy: results
      of a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A single study has been published documenting an increased risk for
      adverse pregnancy outcomes following use of more than one antidepressant during
      pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether multiple antidepressant use is
      associated with increased rates of major malformations, spontaneous abortions
      (SA), therapeutic abortions (TA), stillbirths, preterm birth, low birth weight,
      small for gestational age (SGA) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit
      (NICU). METHODS: Information from the Motherisk Program's prospectively collected
      database of 1243 women with gestational exposure to antidepressants. We compared
      pregnancy outcomes of 89 women exposed to >1 antidepressants, 89 taking one
      antidepressant, and 89 women not exposed to antidepressants (n= 267). Women were
      matched for maternal age, smoking and alcohol use. Groups were compared using
      odds ratios and ANOVA. RESULTS: 11/89 (12%) took 3 and 78 (88%) took 2
      antidepressants. There were no statistically significant differences in any of
      the outcomes analyzed among the 3 groups except for a lower mean gestational age
      at birth in the multi-antidepressant group (0.9 week, P=0.036). There were 9
      admissions to NICU from the antidepressant groups and 3 from the non-exposed
      group; but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      small risk of preterm delivery that is associated with exposure to antidepressant
      therapy, although the clinical relevance remains to be determined.

PMID- 22071602
TI  - Creation of stable molecular junctions with a custom-designed scanning tunneling
      microscope.
AB  - The scanning tunneling microscope break junction (STMBJ) technique is a powerful
      approach for creating single-molecule junctions and studying electrical transport
      in them. However, junctions created using the STMBJ technique are usually
      mechanically stable for relatively short times (<1 s), impeding detailed studies
      of their charge transport characteristics. Here, we report a custom-designed
      scanning tunneling microscope that enables the creation of metal-single molecule
      metal junctions that are mechanically stable for more than 1 minute at room
      temperature. This stability is achieved by a design that minimizes thermal drift
      as well as the effect of environmental perturbations. The utility of this
      instrument is demonstrated by performing transition voltage spectroscopy-at the
      single-molecule level-on Au-hexanedithiol-Au, Au-octanedithiol-Au and Au
      decanedithiol-Au junctions.

PMID- 22071604
TI  - Experiences as visiting professor at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 22071603
TI  - Up-regulation of microRNA-155 promotes cancer cell invasion and predicts poor
      survival of hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: MicroRNAs play important roles in cancer development, progression, and
      metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine whether altered microRNA-155
      expression is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and
      prognosis following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: Tissue
      specimens from 100 HCC patients following OLT were recruited. MicroRNA-155
      expression levels were detected using quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional regression
      analyses were utilized to determine the association of microRNA-155 expression
      with survival of patients. MicroRNA-155 expression levels of two HCC cell lines
      (HepG2 and SMMC-7721) and normal liver tissue were quantified using qRT-PCR. The
      potential function of miR-155 on invasiveness was evaluated in the above HCC cell
      lines. RESULTS: We found that microRNA-155 expression levels were high in tumor
      tissues in patients with post-OLT HCC recurrence (n = 45) compared with those in
      patients with non-recurrence (n = 55) (P = 0.001) and correlated with micro
      vascular invasion of HCC tissue samples (P = 0.001). Patients with higher miR-155
      expression had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS, log rank P <
      0.001) and overall survival (OS, log rank P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis
      revealed that high miR-155 expression was an independent predictor of poor
      prognosis (HR 2.748, P = 0.001 for RFS; HR 5.752, P < 0.001 for OS). In addition,
      the invasiveness of HCC cells was significantly increased by higher microRNA-155
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-155 is a candidate oncogenic microRNA and plays
      an important role in promoting HCC cells invasion. Our findings suggest that
      microRNA-155 may serve as a novel biomarker for tumor recurrence and survival of
      HCC patients following OLT.

PMID- 22071605
TI  - Comprehensive study of proteins that interact with microcystin-LR.
AB  - We carried out a comprehensive study of proteins that exhibit specific
      interactions with a naturally occurring toxin, microcystin (MC)-LR, in order to
      gain insight into the unknown underlying mechanism of MC virulence. This
      audacious study employed a simple affinity test that used MC-LR immobilized on an
      original ethylene oxide based monolithic solid phase (Moli-gel), and swine liver
      lysate. Some of the proteins that interacted with MC-LR on this original affinity
      resin were separated by SDS-PAGE, measured by nano-LC/MS/MS after trypsin
      digestion, and identified using a Mascot database search. Protein sequence
      analyses revealed that glutathione S-transferase (GST) was one of the candidate
      target proteins for MC-LR. This protein was confirmed as a target protein for MC
      LR based on the results of for the inhibition of an enzymatic reaction by Dhb-MC
      LR. Moreover, L-3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HDHA) was shown to be one
      of the proteins that specifically interacts with MC-LR. Our results demonstrated
      that our analytical systems based on an original affinity resin and nano-LC/MS/MS
      were effective for target protein research.

PMID- 22071606
TI  - Raman-spectroscopy-based noninvasive microanalysis of native lignin structure.
AB  - A new robust, noninvasive, Raman microspectroscopic method is introduced to
      analyze the structure of native lignin. Lignin spectra of poplar, Arabidopsis,
      and Miscanthus were recovered and structural differences were unambiguously
      detected. Compositional analysis of 4-coumarate-CoA ligase suppressed transgenic
      poplar showed that the syringyl-to-guaiacyl ratio decreased by 35% upon the
      mutation. A cell-specific compositional analysis of basal stems of Arabidopsis
      showed similar distributions of S and G monolignols in xylary fiber cells and
      interfascicular cells.

PMID- 22071607
TI  - Determination of perfluorinated chemicals in food and drinking water using high
      flow solid-phase extraction and ultra-high performance liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - For this study, we developed methods of determining ten perfluorinated chemicals
      in drinking water, milk, fish, beef, and pig liver using high-flow automated
      solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra-high performance liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The analytes were separated on a core
      shell Kinetex C18 column. The mobile phase was composed of methanol and 10-mM N
      methylmorpholine. Milk was digested with 0.5 N potassium hydroxide in Milli-Q
      water, and was extracted with an Atlantic HLB disk to perform automated SPE at a
      flow rate ranged from 70 to 86 mL/min. Drinking water was directly extracted by
      the SPE. Solid food samples were digested in alkaline methanol and their
      supernatants were diluted and also processed by SPE. The disks were washed with
      40% methanol/60% water and then eluted with 0.1% ammonium hydroxide in methanol.
      Suppression of signal intensity of most analytes by matrixes was lower than 50%;
      it was generally lower in fish and drinking water but higher in liver. Most
      quantitative biases and relative standard deviations were lower than 15%. The
      limits of detection for most analytes were sub-nanograms per liter for drinking
      water and sub-nanograms per gram for solid food samples. This method greatly
      shortened the time and labor needed for digestion, SPE, and liquid
      chromatography. This method has been applied to analyze 14 types of food samples.
      Perfluorooctanoic acid was found to be the highest among the analytes (median at
      3.2-64 ng/g wet weight), followed by perfluorodecanoic acid (0.7-25 ng/g) and
      perfluorododecanoic acid (0.6-15 ng/g).

PMID- 22071608
TI  - Development of a multiplex DNA-based traceability tool for crop plant materials.
AB  - The authenticity of food is of increasing importance for producers, retailers and
      consumers. All groups benefit from the correct labelling of the contents of food
      products. Producers and retailers want to guarantee the origin of their products
      and check for adulteration with cheaper or inferior ingredients. Consumers are
      also more demanding about the origin of their food for various socioeconomic
      reasons. In contrast to this increasing demand, correct labelling has become much
      more complex because of global transportation networks of raw materials and
      processed food products. Within the European integrated research project 'Tracing
      the origin of food' (TRACE), a DNA-based multiplex detection tool was developed
      the padlock probe ligation and microarray detection (PPLMD) tool. In this paper,
      this method is extended to a 15-plex traceability tool with a focus on products
      of commercial importance such as the emmer wheat Farro della Garfagnana (FdG) and
      Basmati rice. The specificity of 14 plant-related padlock probes was determined
      and initially validated in mixtures comprising seven or nine plant
      species/varieties. One nucleotide difference in target sequence was sufficient
      for the distinction between the presence or absence of a specific target. At
      least 5% FdG or Basmati rice was detected in mixtures with cheaper bread wheat or
      non-fragrant rice, respectively. The results suggested that even lower levels of
      (un-)intentional adulteration could be detected. PPLMD has been shown to be a
      useful tool for the detection of fraudulent/intentional admixtures in premium
      foods and is ready for the monitoring of correct labelling of premium foods
      worldwide.

PMID- 22071609
TI  - Last issue for the 25th anniversary year for the Journal of Perinatal and
      Neonatal Nursing.

PMID- 22071610
TI  - "Pit to distress": is this an evidence-based strategy?

PMID- 22071611
TI  - Strategies for increasing parent participation in the neonatal intensive care
      unit.

PMID- 22071612
TI  - Social media: friend and foe.

PMID- 22071613
TI  - Internet resources.

PMID- 22071614
TI  - Periodontal disease in pregnancy: review of the evidence and prevention
      strategies.
AB  - This article reviews the current research on periodontal disease and treatment
      and its potential impact on maternal and newborn outcomes and provides
      recommendations for care management and prevention. These guidelines will be
      helpful for nurse professionals who are in a unique position to counsel pregnant
      women to improve the oral health of expectant mothers.

PMID- 22071615
TI  - African American women's infant feeding choices: prenatal breast-feeding self
      efficacy and narratives from a black feminist perspective.
AB  - PURPOSE: Examining prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy and infant feeding
      decisions among African American women using a mixed-method approach. A black
      feminist philosophy was used to keep women's experiences as the central research
      focus. METHOD: The Prenatal Breast-feeding Self-efficacy Scale was used to
      determine differences between intended breast-feeders and formula users among 59
      women. Seventeen narrative interviews were conducted to analyze postpartum
      accounts of actual feeding practices. RESULTS: Both groups (intended breast- or
      formula-feeders) demonstrated confidence in their ability to breast-feed. Women
      planning to breast-feed (M = 82.59, SD = 12.53) scored significantly higher than
      anticipated formula users (M = 70, SD = 15.45), P = .001 (2-tailed). Four of the
      six themes emerging from narrative analysis were similar to categories of self
      efficacy: performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasions,
      and physiological reactions. In addition, themes of social embarrassment and
      feelings of regret were identified. CONCLUSION: Although African American women
      in this study rated themselves overall as confident with breast-feeding, several
      narratives about actual feeding choices indicated ambivalence. Women planning to
      breast-feed need continued support from their healthcare providers throughout the
      childbearing year. Furthermore, prenatal and immediate postpartum opportunities
      may exist for nurses to encourage breast-feeding among individuals who initially
      plan formula use.

PMID- 22071617
TI  - Developing a bereavement program in the newborn intensive care unit.
AB  - The mortality rate for newborns in the United States is 4.56 per 1000 live
      births. Newborn intensive care unit staff is an integral part in helping families
      deal with bereavement over the loss of their child. This article describes how
      one newborn intensive care unit worked through the process to develop a
      comprehensive program to help families in their time of grief. On the basis of
      personal experiences shared by families and staff, the current practice was
      updated. Presented also will be 2 case studies and photos of the bereavement
      materials used.

PMID- 22071618
TI  - O father, where art thou? Parental NICU visiting patterns during the first 28
      days of life of very low-birth-weight infants.
AB  - To study the frequency and duration of parental visits to neonatal intensive care
      units (NICU) during the first 28 days of life of preterm infants in relation to
      medical variables, sociodemographic factors, and subsequent outpatient follow-up
      examinations. Retrospective chart review of 127 infants with a birth weight less
      than 1500 g born between Jan 1, 2009, and Dec 31, 2009, at 2 tertiary NICUs. The
      average frequency of parental visits during the first 28 days of life declined
      significantly over time (P < .05) while the duration of visits remained constant.
      Average frequency and duration of visits per day were consistently lower in
      fathers than in mothers (median [interquartile range]: 0.6 [0.4-1.0] per day vs
      1.1 [0.9-1.4] per day, 72.5 [32.1-108.9 [min/d vs 133.4 [75.4-174.3] min/d).
      While a history of treatment for infertility was correlated with significantly
      more frequent and longer parental NICU visits in the first 2 weeks, having older
      children at home was correlated with shorter visits during the first week.
      Visiting patterns showed no relation to attendance at follow-up examinations at 6
      months corrected age. Mothers spend more time with their preterm infants in NICUs
      than fathers. We suggest measures to increase paternal involvement with
      hospitalized preterm infants.

PMID- 22071619
TI  - Supporting oral feeding in fragile infants: an evidence-based method for quality
      bottle-feedings of preterm, ill, and fragile infants.
AB  - Successful oral feeding of preterm and other ill and fragile infants is an
      interactive process that requires (1) sensitive, ongoing assessment of an
      infant's physiology and behavior, (2) knowledgeable decisions that support
      immediate and long-term enjoyment of food, and (3) competent skill in feeding.
      Caregivers can support feeding success by using the infant's biological and
      behavioral channels of communication to inform their feeding decisions and
      actions. The Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants (SOFFI) Method is
      described here with text, algorithms, and reference guides. Two of the algorithms
      and the reference guides are published separately as Philbin, Ross. SOFFI
      Reference Guides: Text, Algorithms, and Appendices (in review). The information
      in all of these materials is drawn from sound research findings and, rarely, when
      such findings are not available, from expert, commonly accepted clinical
      practice. If the quality of a feeding takes priority over the quantity ingested,
      feeding skill develops pleasurably and at the infant's own pace. Once physiologic
      organization and behavioral skills are established, an affinity for feeding and
      the ingestion of sufficient quantity occur naturally, often rapidly, and at
      approximately the same postmenstrual age as volume-focused feedings. Nurses,
      therapists, and parents alike can use the SOFFI Method to increase the likelihood
      of feeding success in the population of infants at risk for feeding problems that
      emerge in infancy and extend into the preschool years.

PMID- 22071622
TI  - After 25 years of JPNN: are we facing the same old-same old?

PMID- 22071621
TI  - The SOFFI Reference Guide: text, algorithms, and appendices: a manualized method
      for quality bottle-feedings.
AB  - The Support of Oral Feeding for Fragile Infants (SOFFI) method of bottle-feeding
      rests on quality evidence along with implementation details drawn from clinical
      experience. To be clear, the SOFFI Method is not focused on the amount of food
      taken in but on the conduct of the feeding and the development of competent
      infant feeding behavior that, consequently, assures the intake of food necessary
      for growth. The unique contribution of the SOFFI method is the systematic
      organization of scientific findings into clinically valid and reliable, easily
      followed algorithms, and a manualized Reference Guide for the assessments,
      decisions, and actions of a quality feeding.A quality feeding is recognized by a
      stable, self-regulated infant and a caregiver who sensitively (responsively)
      adjusts to the infant's physiology and behavior to realize an individualized
      feeding experience in which the infant remains comfortable and competent using
      his nascent abilities to ingest a comfortable amount of milk/formula. The SOFFI
      Reference Guide and Algorithms begin with prefeeding adjustments of the
      environment and follow step by step through a feeding with observations of
      specific infant behavior, decisions based on that behavior, and specific actions
      to safeguard emerging abilities and the quality of the experience. An important
      aspect the SOFFI Reference Guide and Algorithms is the clarity about pausing and
      stopping the feeding on the basis of the infant's physiology and behavior rather
      than on the basis of the amount ingested. The specificity of each observation,
      decision, and action enables nurses at all levels of experience to provide
      quality, highly individualized, holistic feedings. Throughout the course of
      feeding in the NICU, the nurse conveys to parents the integrated details
      (observations, decisions, and actions) particular to their infant, thus passing
      on the means for parents to become competent in quality feeding, to enjoy feeding
      time into the future, and to gain in confidence as they watch their infants grow.

PMID- 22071623
TI  - Gender, educational and age differences in meanings that underlie global self
      rated health.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The single-item question on self-rated health has been widely used in
      surveys. This study aims to explore which frames of reference are used by
      respondents when answering this question, to describe differences in the used
      frame of reference according to gender, educational background and age, and to
      determine whether subgroup differences can be explained by differences in prior
      health experiences. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted in a sample
      of 310 adults who were asked to rate their health using a single-item question
      with closed-ended answering categories and to explain the reasons for the rating
      they gave with open-ended probes. Different indicators of prior health
      experiences were taken into account. RESULTS: Physical health problems were the
      most utilized referents. However, participants also mentioned reasons that go
      beyond the physical dimension of health. Subgroup differences were found. Prior
      health experiences partly explained subgroup differences for some referents, but
      not for others. CONCLUSIONS: Investigators using the single question on self
      rated health for comparing health across different population groups should be
      aware that the meaning of the question varies across different socio-demographic
      groups.

PMID- 22071624
TI  - The disposable soma theory revisited: time as a resource in the theories of
      aging.
AB  - All life processes are subject to time constraints. At the cellular level, damage
      repair and cell cycle arrest are interrelated, allowing sufficient time for
      repair prior to cell cycle progression. Organisms have evolved so that
      developmental timing is linked to environmental conditions, such as nutrient
      availability and predation. Recent results in mammals regarding species-specific
      differences in cell cycle arrest and DNA damage suggest that a stable cell cycle
      arrest is a feature of longer-lived species. The implication of these results is
      that longer-lived species delay cell cycle progression to a greater degree than
      shorter-lived species, allowing for higher fidelity repair. We suggest that the
      ability to devote longer periods of time to repair and maintenance is a key
      feature of longer-lived species, and that evolutionary pressure to complete
      repair and resume cell division is a determinant of species lifespan. Thus, time
      is a resource that must be managed by the organism to attempt to maximize the
      fidelity of repair while completing development and reproduction in the limited
      window of opportunity afforded by environmental pressures. This viewpoint on time
      as a resource has implications for theories regarding the aging process and the
      development of species lifespan.

PMID- 22071625
TI  - MET-dependent cancer invasion may be preprogrammed by early alterations of p53
      regulated feedforward loop and triggered by stromal cell-derived HGF.
AB  - MET, a receptor protein tyrosine kinase activated by hepatocyte growth factor
      (HGF), is a crucial determinant of metastatic progression. Recently, we have
      identified p53 as an important regulator of MET-dependent cell motility and
      invasion. This regulation occurs via feedforward loop suppressing MET expression
      by miR-34-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Here, by using Dicer conditional
      knockout, we provide further evidence for microRNA-independent MET regulation by
      p53. Furthermore, we show that while MET levels increase immediately after p53
      inactivation, mutant cells do not contain active phosphorylated MET and remain
      non-invasive for a long latency period at contrary to cell culture observations.
      Evaluation of mouse models of ovarian and prostate carcinogenesis indicates that
      formation of desmoplastic stroma, associated production of HGF by stromal cells
      and coinciding MET phosphorylation precede cancer invasion. Thus, initiation
      mutation of p53 is sufficient for preprogramming motile and invasive properties
      of epithelial cells, but the stromal reaction may represent a critical step for
      their manifestation during cancer progression.

PMID- 22071626
TI  - The centrosome and bipolar spindle assembly: does one have anything to do with
      the other?
AB  - In vertebrate somatic cells the centrosome functions as the major microtubule
      organizing center (MTOC), which splits and separates to form the poles of the
      mitotic spindle. However, the role of the centriole-containing centrosome in the
      formation of bipolar mitotic spindles continues to be controversial. Cells
      normally containing centrosomes are still able to build bipolar spindles after
      their centrioles have been removed or ablated. In naturally occurring cellular
      systems that lack centrioles - such as plant cells and many oocytes - bipolar
      spindles form in the complete absence of canonical centrosomes. These
      observations have led to the notion that centrosomes play no role during mitosis.
      However, recent work has re-examined spindle assembly in the absence of
      centrosomes, both in cells that naturally lack them, and those that have had them
      experimentally removed. The results of these studies suggest that an appreciation
      of microtubule network organization- both before and after nuclear envelope
      breakdown (NEB) - is the key to understanding the mechanisms that regulate
      spindle assembly and the generation of bipolarity.

PMID- 22071627
TI  - Ceramide triggers metacaspase-independent mitochondrial cell death in yeast.
AB  - The activation of ceramide-generating enzymes, the blockade of ceramide
      degradation, or the addition of ceramide analogues can trigger apoptosis or
      necrosis in human cancer cells. Moreover, endogenous ceramide plays a decisive
      role in the killing of neoplastic cells by conventional anticancer
      chemotherapeutics. Here, we explored the possibility that membrane-permeable C2
      ceramide might kill budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells under
      fermentative conditions, where they exhibit rapid proliferation and a Warburg
      like metabolism that is reminiscent of cancer cells. C2-ceramide efficiently
      induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as apoptotic and
      necrotic cell death, and this effect was not influenced by deletion of the sole
      yeast metacaspase. However, C2-ceramide largely failed to cause ROS
      hypergeneration and cell death upon deletion of the mitochondrial genome. Thus,
      mitochondrial function is strictly required for C2-ceramide-induced yeast
      lethality. Accordingly, mitochondria from C2-ceramide-treated yeast cells
      exhibited major morphological alterations including organelle fragmentation and
      aggregation. Altogether, our results point to a pivotal role of mitochondria in
      ceramide-induced yeast cell death.

PMID- 22071628
TI  - Proteasome inhibitors suppress expression of NPM and ARF proteins.
AB  - Proteasome inhibitors stabilize numerous proteins by inhibiting their
      degradation. Previously we have demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors
      thiostrepton, MG132 and bortezomib paradoxically inhibit transcriptional activity
      and mRNA/protein expression of FOXM1. Here we demonstrate that, in addition to
      FOXM1, the same proteasome inhibitors also decrease mRNA and protein expression
      of NPM and ARF genes. These data suggest that proteasome inhibitors may suppress
      gene expression by stabilizing their transcriptional inhibitors.

PMID- 22071629
TI  - Developmental relationships between B-1 and B-2 progenitors.

PMID- 22071630
TI  - Neural correlates of giving support to a loved one.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Social support may benefit mental and physical well-being, but most
      research has focused on the receipt, rather than the provision, of social
      support. We explored the potentially beneficial effects of support giving by
      examining the neural substrates of giving support to a loved one. We focused on a
      priori regions of interest in the ventral striatum and septal area (SA) because
      of their role in maternal caregiving behavior in animals. METHODS: Twenty
      romantic couples completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging session in
      which the female partner underwent a scan while her partner stood just outside
      the scanner and received unpleasant electric shocks. RESULTS: Support giving
      (holding a partner's arm while they experienced physical pain), compared with
      other control conditions, led to significantly more activity in the ventral
      striatum, a reward-related region also involved in maternal behavior (p values <
      .05). Similar effects were observed for the SA, a region involved in both
      maternal behavior and fear attenuation. Greater activity in each of these regions
      during support giving was associated with greater self-reported support giving
      effectiveness and social connection (r values = 0.55-0.64, p values < .05). In
      addition, in line with the SA's role in fear attenuation (presumably to
      facilitate caregiving during stress), increased SA activity during support giving
      was associated with reduced left (r = -0.44, p < .05) and right (r = -0.42, p <
      .05) amygdala activity. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that support giving may be
      beneficial not only for the receiver but also for the giver. Implications for the
      possible stress-reducing effects of support giving are discussed.

PMID- 22071631
TI  - Physiological regulation of MMPs and tPA/PAI in the arterial wall of rats by
      noradrenergic tone and angiotensin II.
AB  - The interactions between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and angiotensin II
      (ANG II), and their direct effects in vitro on the enzymes involved in vascular
      extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, were examined. Rats were treated with
      guanethidine, losartan or the combined treatments. mRNA, protein and activity of
      matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and mRNA of tissue plasminogen
      activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) were quantified in
      abdominal aorta (AA) and femoral artery (FA). Norepinephrine (NE) or ANG II with
      adrenergic (beta, alpha1 and alpha2) or losartan antagonists was tested for MMP
      mRNA response in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Combined
      treatment enhances the inhibition of MMP-2 mRNA and protein level induced by
      simple treatment in AA. However MMP-9 in AA and MMP mRNA in FA were reduced in
      the same order by treatments. MMP activities were not affected by treatments. The
      t-PA/PAI-1 ratio, which reflects the fibrinolytic balance, remained higher after
      treatments. In cultured VSMCs, NE induced stimulation of MMP mRNA via alpha2 and
      beta adrenergic receptors and MMP-2 activity via beta adrenergic receptors, while
      ANG II-induced stimulation was abrogated by losartan. Overall, there is a
      synergic inhibition of both systems on the level of MMP-2 in AA.

PMID- 22071632
TI  - Mcl-1 levels need not be lowered for cells to be sensitized for ABT-263/737
      induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22071636
TI  - Structures of medium sized tin cluster anions.
AB  - The structures of medium sized tin cluster anions Sn(n)(-) (n = 16-29) were
      determined by a combination of density functional theory, trapped ion electron
      diffraction and collision induced dissociation (CID). Mostly prolate structures
      were found with a structural motif based on only three repeatedly appearing
      subunit clusters, the Sn(7) pentagonal bipyramid, the Sn(9) tricapped trigonal
      prism and the Sn(10) bicapped tetragonal antiprism. Sn(16)(-) and Sn(17)(-) are
      composed of two face connected subunits. In Sn(18)(-)-Sn(20)(-) the subunits form
      cluster dimers. For Sn(21)(-)-Sn(23)(-) additional tin atoms are inserted between
      the building blocks. Sn(24)(-) and Sn(25)(-) are composed of a Sn(9) or Sn(10)
      connected to a Sn(15) subunit, which closely resembles the ground state of
      Sn(15)(-). Finally, in the larger clusters Sn(26)(-)-Sn(29)(-) additional
      bridging atoms again connect the building blocks. The CID experiments reveal
      fission as the main fragmentation channel for all investigated cluster sizes.
      This rather unexpected "pearl-chain" cluster growth mode is rationalized by the
      extraordinary stability of the building blocks.

PMID- 22071634
TI  - Labdane diterpenes protect against anoxia/reperfusion injury in cardiomyocytes:
      involvement of AKT activation.
AB  - Several labdane diterpenes exert anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions;
      therefore, we have investigated whether these molecules protect cardiomyocytes in
      an anoxia/reperfusion (A/R) model, establishing the molecular mechanisms involved
      in the process. The cardioprotective activity of three diterpenes (T1, T2 and T3)
      was studied in the H9c2 cell line and in isolated rat cardiomyocyte subjected to
      A/R injury. In both cases, treatment with diterpenes T1 and T2 protected from A/R
      induced apoptosis, as deduced by a decrease in the percentage of apoptotic and
      caspase-3 active positive cells, a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and an
      increase in the expression of antiapoptotic proteins. Analysis of cell survival
      signaling pathways showed that diterpenes T1 and T2 added after A/R increased
      phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK 1/2 levels. These cardioprotective effects were lost
      when AKT activity was pharmacologically inhibited. Moreover, the labdane-induced
      cardioprotection involves activation of AMPK, suggesting a role for energy
      homeostasis in their mechanism of action. Labdane diterpenes (T1 and T2) also
      exerted cardioprotective effects against A/R-induced injury in isolated
      cardiomyocytes and the mechanisms involved activation of specific survival
      signals (PI3K/AKT pathways, ERK1/2 and AMPK) and inhibition of apoptosis.

PMID- 22071633
TI  - Neurodegenerative processes in Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is a complex and severe disorder characterized by the
      gradual and the progressive loss of neurons, predominantly in the striatum, which
      leads to the typical motor and cognitive impairments associated with this
      pathology. HD is caused by a highly polymorphic CAG trinucleotide repeat
      expansion in the exon-1 of the gene encoding for huntingtin protein. Since the
      first discovery of the huntingtin gene, investigations with a consistent number
      of in-vitro and in-vivo models have provided insights into the toxic events
      related to the expression of the mutant protein. In this review, we will
      summarize the progress made in characterizing the signaling pathways that
      contribute to neuronal degeneration in HD. We will highlight the age-dependent
      loss of proteostasis that is primarily responsible for the formation of
      aggregates observed in HD patients. The most promising molecular targets for the
      development of pharmacological interventions will also be discussed.

PMID- 22071637
TI  - Antidiabetic plants of Iran.
AB  - To identify the antidiabetic plants of Iran, a systematic review of the published
      literature on the efficacy of Iranian medicinal plant for glucose control in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted. We performed an electronic
      literature search of MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, Proquest, Ebsco,
      Googlescholar, SID, Cochrane Library Database, from 1966 up to June 2010. The
      search terms were complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), diabetes
      mellitus, plant (herb), Iran, patient, glycemic control, clinical trial, RCT,
      natural or herbal medicine, hypoglycemic plants, and individual herb names from
      popular sources, or combination of these key words. Available Randomized
      Controlled Trials (RCT) published in English or Persian language examined effects
      of an herb (limited to Iran) on glycemic indexes in type 2 diabetic patients were
      included. Among all of the articles identified in the initial database search, 23
      trials were RCT, examining herbs as potential therapy for type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. The key outcome for antidiabetic effect was changes in blood glucose or
      HbA(1) c, as well as improves in insulin sensitivity or resistance. Available
      data suggest that several antidiabetic plants of Iran need further study. Among
      the RCT studies, the best evidence in glycemic control was found in Citrullus
      colocynthus, Ipomoea betatas, Silybum marianum and Trigonella foenum graecum.

PMID- 22071638
TI  - Effects of continuous and interrupted forces on gene transcription in periodontal
      ligament cells in vitro.
AB  - The biological mechanisms of tooth movement are based on the response of
      periodontal tissues to mechanical forces. The final result of these responses is
      remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Tissue reactions may vary depending upon
      the type, magnitude and duration of the applied forces. The purpose of the
      present study was to analyze the effects of centrifugal force on the
      transcription of collagen type-I (Col-I), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and
      tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase- 1 (TIMP-1) genes in human periodontal
      ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. Human fibroblasts obtained from the PDL were cultured
      and subjected to centrifugal forces (36.3 g/cm(2)) for 30, 60 and 90 min
      continuously. This was also carried out interruptedly, three times for 30 min and
      six times for 15 min. The mRNAs encoding for Col-I, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 were
      quantified using RT-PCR. The mRNA levels of Col-I and MMP-1 were increased when
      continuous force was applied for 30 min and 60 min respectively. The interrupted
      force had almost no effect on Col-I, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 genes. These results
      indicate that continuous forces may have a greater effect in inducing gene
      expression during the remodeling process of PDL compared to interrupted forces
      with short rest periods.

PMID- 22071639
TI  - Comparison of the results of Cox proportional hazards model and parametric models
      in the study of length of stay in a tertiary teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - Survival analysis is a set of methods used for analysis of the data which exist
      until the occurrence of an event. This study aimed to compare the results of the
      use of the semi-parametric Cox model with parametric models to determine the
      factors influencing the length of stay of patients in the inpatient units of
      Women Hospital in Tehran, Iran. In this historical cohort study all 3421 charts
      of the patients admitted to Obstetrics, Surgery and Oncology units in 2008 were
      reviewed and the required patient data such as medical insurance coverage types,
      admission months, days and times, inpatient units, final diagnoses, the number of
      diagnostic tests, admission types were collected. The patient length of stay in
      hospital 'leading to recovery' was considered as a survival variable. To compare
      the semi-parametric Cox model and parametric (including exponential, Weibull,
      Gompertz, log-normal, log-logistic and gamma) models and find the best model
      fitted to studied data, Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Cox-Snell
      residual were used. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. AIC and
      Cox-Snell residual graph showed that the gamma model had the lowest AIC
      (4288.598) and the closest graph to the bisector. The results of the gamma model
      showed that factors affecting the patient length of stay were admission day,
      inpatient unit, related physician specialty, emergent admission, final diagnosis
      and the number of laboratory tests, radiographies and sonographies (P<0.05). The
      results showed that the gamma model provided a better fit to the studied data
      than the Cox proportional hazards model. Therefore, it is better for researchers
      of healthcare field to consider this model in their researches about the patient
      length of stay (LOS) if the assumption of proportional hazards is not fulfilled.

PMID- 22071640
TI  - Renal power Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of children with acute
      pyelonephritis.
AB  - Urinary tract infections are common in children. The available gold standard
      method for diagnosis, Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scan is expensive and
      exposes patients to considerable amount of radiation. This study was performed to
      compare and assess the efficacy of Power Doppler Ultrasound versus Tc-99m DMSA
      scan for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. A quasi experimental study was
      conducted on 34 children with mean age of 2.8 +/- 2.7 years who were hospitalized
      with their first episode of febrile urinary tract infection. All children were
      evaluated in the first 3 days of admission by Doppler Ultrasound and Tc-99m DMSA
      scan. Patients with congenital structural anomalies were excluded. Each kidney
      was divided into three zones. The comparison between efficacy of Doppler
      Ultrasound and DMSA scan was carried out based on number of patients and on
      classified renal units. Based on the number of patients enrolled; the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of
      Doppler Ultrasound were 89%, 53%, 70%, 80% and 74%, respectively but based on the
      renal units, it was 66%, 81%, 46%, 91% and 79% , respectively. Although Doppler
      Ultrasound has the potential for identifying acute pyelonephritis in children,
      but it is still soon to replace DMSA scan.

PMID- 22071641
TI  - Role of liver function enzymes in diagnosis of choledocholithiasis in biliary
      colic patients.
AB  - Liver functional tests due to inflammatory process which induced by cholecystitis
      might changed and some clinicians suggested that these changes might help us to
      stone prediction in common bile ducts and decrease hazards of performing ERCP and
      other invasive procedures. Present study was performed for assessment of role of
      liver functional test in diagnosis of common bile duct stone in patients with
      cholecystitis and help in their management. Present prospective study was
      performed between April 2010 and March 2011 on 350 patients who come to our
      hospital with cholecystitis or biliary colic diagnosis. Patients with
      cholesistitis diagnosis were underwent operation for removing gall bladder stone
      and retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed for patients with
      suspicious to biliary colic and common bile duct (CBD) stones. Ultrasonography,
      aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) and direct and total serum bilirubin were measured for all of
      participated patients. Mean of AST. ALT, ALP and total and direct bilirubin were
      had no significant differences between two study groups. In logistic regression
      analysis, after entering into the model only CBD diameter (OR: 20; P=0.00) and
      elevated serum level of ALT (OR: 2; P=0.04) were remained into the model and were
      known as independent predictor of cholelithiasis. Elevated level of liver enzymes
      had not main role in CBD diagnosis and ERCP had no to perform for suspicious CBD
      stone only with elevated liver enzyme and even with normal ultrasonography
      findings. Endosonography as non invasive procedure recommend for patients before
      ERCP.

PMID- 22071643
TI  - Characterization of anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and
      chemical compositions of Peperomia pellucida leaf extract.
AB  - Peperomia pellucida leaf extract was characterized for its anticancer,
      antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, and chemical compositions. Anticancer
      activity of P. pellucida leaf extract was determined through Colorimetric MTT
      (tetrazolium) assay against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line and the
      antimicrobial property of the plant extract was revealed by using two-fold broth
      micro-dilution method against 10 bacterial isolates. Antioxidant activity of the
      plant extract was then characterized using alpha, alpha-diphenyl-beta
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and the chemical compositions
      were screened and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
      The results of present study indicated that P. pellucida leaf extract possessed
      anticancer activities with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 10.4
      +/- 0.06 ug/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were ranged
      from 31.25 to 125 mg/l in which the plant extract was found to inhibit the growth
      of Edwardsiella tarda, Escherichia coli, Flavobacterium sp., Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae at 31.25 mg/l; Klebsiella sp., Aeromonas
      hydrophila and Vibrio alginolyticus at 62.5 mg/l; and it was able to control the
      growth of Salmonella sp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at 125 mg/l. At the
      concentration of 0.625 ppt, the plant extract was found to inhibit 30% of DPPH,
      free radical. Phytol (37.88%) was the major compound in the plant extract
      followed by 2-Naphthalenol, decahydro- (26.20%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester
      (18.31%) and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (17.61%). Findings
      from this study indicated that methanol extract of P. pellucida leaf possessed
      vast potential as medicinal drug especially in breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 22071642
TI  - Determination of trace elements in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major liver disease worldwide and
      its clinical manifestations are linked to immune response. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the relationship between selenium, copper, and zinc in
      comparison with transaminase level in chronic HBV patients. Serum samples of the
      HBV infected patients were obtained from Tooba medical center, Sari, Iran. Sixty
      patients were enrolled in this study (36 men and 24 women), mean age: 39.6 +/-
      12.2 years. The concentration of zinc, selenium, copper and transaminases were
      determined using an autoanalyzer system. Concentrations of selenium (0.273 +/-
      0.056 MUg/dl) and zinc (2.1 +/- 0.037) was elevated in patients with low
      transaminase levels as were significantly different in comparison with patients
      with high transaminase level (P<0.05). Serum copper concentration was similar in
      two groups of patients. Elevated levels of transaminase concentrations were
      independently associated with low zinc and selenium concentrations in chronic HBV
      patients. It is concluded that serum zinc and selenium levels are associated with
      less hepatic damage in chronic HBV patients and might have a protective role
      during liver injury.

PMID- 22071644
TI  - Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from burned patients
      hospitalized in a major burn center in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important life-threatening nosocomial pathogen and
      plays a prominent role in serious infections in burned patients. The current
      study was undertaken to characterize P. aeruginosa strains isolated from burned
      patients in Tehran, Iran. The study was conducted in a major burn center in
      Tehran, Iran in 2007. A total of seventy specimens obtained from different
      clinical origin with positive culture results for P. aeruginosa were included in
      the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed according to the
      standard CLSI guideline. The relationship between the strains was also determined
      using antimicrobial drug resistance pattern analysis and plasmid profiling. All
      strains were multi drug resistant. The percentage of resistance to tested
      antibiotics was: imipenem 97.5%, amikacin 90%, piperacillin 87.5%, ceftizoxime
      72.7%, gentamicin 67.5%, ciprofloxacin 65%, ceftriaxone 60%, and ceftazidime
      57.5%. Thirteen resistant phenotypes were recognized, R3 (TET, IPM, AMK, CIP,
      PIP, GM, CAZ, CRO, CT) was the predominant resistance pattern seen in 27.5% of
      isolates. Results obtained from E-test showed that 100% of P. aeruginosa strains
      were resistant to cefoxitin, 97% to cefotetan, 93% to ticarcillin, 89% to
      ticarcillin/clav, 76% to gentamicin and imipenem, 63% to piperacillin, 49% to
      tetracycline, and 20% to meropenem. Nine different plasmid profiles were observed
      among the strains. The current study showed an increase rate of resistance for
      some antibiotics tested among P. aeruginosa strains isolated from burned patients
      in Tehran. A combination of antibiotic susceptibility testing and profile plasmid
      analysis, which are relatively cheap and available methods, showed to be useful
      to characterize the clinical strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from burned
      patients in Iran.

PMID- 22071645
TI  - Prevalence rates of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and psychiatric comorbidity
      among adolescents in Iran.
AB  - Recent epidemiological studies show that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and
      its comorbidity with psychiatric problems is more prevalent among children and
      adolescents than was previously believed. The primary aim of the current study is
      to investigate the point-prevalence rate of obsessive compulsive symptoms in a
      sample of adolescent high school student in Iran. A two-stage epidemiological
      study was carried out through a clustered random sampling method. All
      participants went through a two-stage assessment procedure, in the first
      screening phase, the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) was
      administered to 909 randomly selected students (in the age range 14-18 years).
      Participants were considered possible sub-clinical or clinical OCD cases, if they
      obtained a score of MOCI>=15. In the second stage, the Symptoms Checklist -90
      revised (SCL-90-R) was administered to student who fulfilled the screening
      criteria. The prevalence of OC symptoms was found to be 11.2 percent for the
      total sample. The most prevalent comorbid conditions were depression and anxiety
      with prevalence rates of 91.2 and 78.4 percent respectively. Gender, age, birth
      order, parent's education and family income had no statistically significant
      association with OC symptoms. Further research in this area is warranted in order
      to establish a set of comprehensive global assessment and measurement tools,
      which would allow cross-cultural studies in the field of OCD.

PMID- 22071646
TI  - A bulking agent may lead to adrenal insufficiency crisis: a case report.
AB  - Adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening disorder which must be treated with
      glucocorticoid replacement and needs permanent dose adjustment during patient's
      different somatic situations. Insufficient glucocorticoid doses result in adrenal
      crisis and must be treated with intravenous hydrocortisone. The patient was known
      with Adrenal insufficiency and was treated optimally with fludrocortisone and
      prednisolone since seven years with no history of adrenal crisis. The patient was
      admitted with abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue and nausea developed 3-4 days
      after taking psyllium, a bulking agent, prescribed by a surgeon to diagnose anal
      fissure. Detailed medical history, physical examinations, laboratory and imaging
      examinations did not approve any other cause of adrenal crisis. Psyllium may
      interfere with gastrointestinal absorption of prednisolone and/or fludrocortisone
      and trigger acute adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

PMID- 22071647
TI  - Large omental cyst: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Omental cysts occur rarely. Patients with omental cysts usually present with
      abdominal distention and a painless abdominal mass. In children it may present as
      an acute abdomen due to intestinal obstruction. The most common physical finding
      of an omental cyst is a freely movable abdominal mass, which should be considered
      in differential diagnosis of these cases. The diagnostic procedures include
      ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scans. Complete excision of the cyst
      is considered as the treatment of choice. Recurrence and malignant deterioration
      of omental cysts are rare. We describe a 32- year-old female who presented with
      complaints of vague abdominal pain and distension. The patient underwent
      laparotomy with preoperative diagnosis of the ovarian cyst. The diagnosis of
      omental cyst was established by intraoperative findings. Thus, complete excision
      of the cyst was performed. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological
      examination.

PMID- 22071648
TI  - Primary bilateral intrapelvic hydatid cyst presenting with adnexal cystic mass: a
      case report.
AB  - Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a common parasitic
      infection of the liver. Disseminated intra-abdominal hydatid disease may occur
      with the rupture of the hydatid cyst into the peritoneal cavity, producing
      secondary echinococcosis. But primary hydatid cyst in the pelvis is rare. We
      report a case of bilateral hydatid cyst of the pelvis in a 53 years old woman
      presented with adnexal cystic mass.

PMID- 22071649
TI  - Lumbar vertebral hemangioma with extradural extension, causing neurogenic
      claudication: a case report.
AB  - The authors present a rare case of lumbar vertebral hemangioma extending to the
      epidural space with a bisected appearance and impinging on thecal sac. This 52
      year-old lady presented with one year history of low back pain and bilateral leg
      radiation. Plain radiography showed vertical linear streaks at L2 vertebral body
      and axial computed tomography (CT) scan revealed small "polka dot" appearance
      within the vertebral body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed low signal
      intensity on T1-weighted images in L2 vertebral body which was not characteristic
      for hemangioma. The patient underwent an L2 laminectomy, spinal canal
      decompression and posterior spinal instrumentation. This study indicates that
      lumbar vertebral hemangioma can extend to the epidural space and cause neurologic
      symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging may not show diagnostic features, especially
      in active lesions and plain radiography and CT scan may be helpful.

PMID- 22071650
TI  - Implementing multiplexed genotyping of non-small-cell lung cancers into routine
      clinical practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Personalizing non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy toward
      oncogene addicted pathway inhibition is effective. Hence, the ability to
      determine a more comprehensive genotype for each case is becoming essential to
      optimal cancer care. METHODS: We developed a multiplexed PCR-based assay
      (SNaPshot) to simultaneously identify >50 mutations in several key NSCLC genes.
      SNaPshot and FISH for ALK translocations were integrated into routine practice as
      Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified tests. Here, we present
      analyses of the first 589 patients referred for genotyping. RESULTS: Pathologic
      prescreening identified 552 (95%) tumors with sufficient tissue for SNaPshot; 51%
      had >=1 mutation identified, most commonly in KRAS (24%), EGFR (13%), PIK3CA (4%)
      and translocations involving ALK (5%). Unanticipated mutations were observed at
      lower frequencies in IDH and beta-catenin. We observed several associations
      between genotypes and clinical characteristics, including increased PIK3CA
      mutations in squamous cell cancers. Genotyping distinguished multiple primary
      cancers from metastatic disease and steered 78 (22%) of the 353 patients with
      advanced disease toward a genotype-directed targeted therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Broad
      genotyping can be efficiently incorporated into an NSCLC clinic and has great
      utility in influencing treatment decisions and directing patients toward relevant
      clinical trials. As more targeted therapies are developed, such multiplexed
      molecular testing will become a standard part of practice.

PMID- 22071651
TI  - A new method for choosing the computational cell in stochastic reaction-diffusion
      systems.
AB  - How to choose the computational compartment or cell size for the stochastic
      simulation of a reaction-diffusion system is still an open problem, and a number
      of criteria have been suggested. A generalized measure of the noise for finite
      dimensional systems based on the largest eigenvalue of the covariance matrix of
      the number of molecules of all species has been suggested as a measure of the
      overall fluctuations in a multivariate system, and we apply it here to a
      discretized reaction-diffusion system. We show that for a broad class of first
      order reaction networks this measure converges to the square root of the
      reciprocal of the smallest mean species number in a compartment at the steady
      state. We show that a suitably re-normalized measure stabilizes as the volume of
      a cell approaches zero, which leads to a criterion for the maximum volume of the
      compartments in a computational grid. We then derive a new criterion based on the
      sensitivity of the entire network, not just of the fastest step, that predicts a
      grid size that assures that the concentrations of all species converge to a
      spatially-uniform solution. This criterion applies for all orders of reactions
      and for reaction rate functions derived from singular perturbation or other
      reduction methods, and encompasses both diffusing and non-diffusing species. We
      show that this predicts the maximal allowable volume found in a linear problem,
      and we illustrate our results with an example motivated by anterior-posterior
      pattern formation in Drosophila, and with several other examples.

PMID- 22071653
TI  - A finite-element model for healing of cutaneous wounds combining contraction,
      angiogenesis and closure.
AB  - A simplified finite-element model for wound healing is proposed. The model takes
      into account the sequential steps of dermal regeneration, wound contraction,
      angiogenesis and wound closure. An innovation in the present study is the
      combination of the aforementioned partially overlapping processes, which can be
      used to deliver novel insights into the process of wound healing, such as
      geometry related influences, as well as the influence of coupling between the
      various existing subprocesses on the actual healing behavior. The model confirms
      the clinical observation that epidermal closure proceeds by a crawling and
      climbing mechanism at the early stages, and by a stratification process in layers
      parallel to the skin surface at the later stages. The local epidermal oxygen
      content may play an important role here. The model can also be used to
      investigate the influence of local injection of hormones that stimulate partial
      processes occurring during wound healing. These insights can be used to improve
      wound healing treatments.

PMID- 22071654
TI  - The hydra effect, bubbles, and chaos in a simple discrete population model with
      constant effort harvesting.
AB  - We analyze the effects of a strategy of constant effort harvesting in the global
      dynamics of a one-dimensional discrete population model that includes density
      independent survivorship of adults and overcompensating density dependence. We
      discuss the phenomenon of bubbling (which indicates that harvesting can magnify
      fluctuations in population abundance) and the hydra effect, which means that the
      stock size gets larger as harvesting rate increases. Moreover, we show that the
      system displays chaotic behaviour under the combination of high per capita
      recruitment and small survivorship rates.

PMID- 22071655
TI  - An interaction stress analysis of nanoscale elastic asperity contacts.
AB  - A new contact mechanics model is presented and experimentally examined at the
      nanoscale. The current work addresses the well-established field of contact
      mechanics, but at the nanoscale where interaction stresses seem to be effective.
      The new model combines the classic Hertz theory with the new interaction stress
      concept to provide the stress field in contact bodies with adhesion. Hence, it
      benefits from the simplicity of non-adhesive models, while offering the same
      applicability as more complicated models. In order to examine the model, a set of
      atomic force microscopy experiments were performed on substrates made from single
      walled carbon nanotube buckypaper. The stress field in the substrate was obtained
      by superposition of the Hertzian stress field and the interaction stress field,
      and then compared to other contact models. Finally, the effect of indentation
      depth on the stress field was studied for the interaction model as well as for
      the Hertz, Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov, and Johnson-Kendall-Roberts models. Thus,
      the amount of error introduced by using the Hertz theory to model contacts with
      adhesion was found for different indentation depths. It was observed that in the
      absence of interaction stress data, the Hertz theory predictions led to smaller
      errors compared to other contact-with-adhesion models.

PMID- 22071660
TI  - Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of the stem bark of
      Allanblackia gabonensis (Guttiferae).
AB  - Allanblackia gabonensis (Guttiferae) is a plant used in the African traditional
      medicine as remedies against pain, rheumatism, inflammations. In the present
      work, the analgesic effect of aqueous extract has been evaluated using acetic
      acid, formalin, hot-plate test, tail immersion and paw-pressure test. The anti
      inflammatory effect of this extract was also investigated on carrageenan,
      histamine or serotonin induced by paw oedema. Aqueous extract of stem bark of A.
      gabonensis administrated p.o. showed significant activity against paw oedema
      induced by carrageenan, with a maximum percentage of inhibition reaching the
      74.01% at the preventive test at a dose of 200 mg/kg. A. gabonensis exhibited a
      significant reduction of paw oedema induced by both histamine and serotonin with
      a maximal inhibition of 56.94% (200 mg/kg) and 40.83% (100 mg/kg), respectively.
      It showed significant protective effects against chemical stimuli (acetic acid
      and formalin) in the mouse. Administered orally at the doses of 100-400 mg/kg,
      exhibited protective effect of at least 69.78% on the pain induced by acetic acid
      and also reduced first (67.18% at 200 mg/kg) and second (83.87% at 400 mg/kg)
      phase of pain-induced par formalin. It also produced a significant increase of
      the threshold of sensitivity to pressure and hot plate-induced pain in the rats.
      These results suggest a peripheral and central analgesic activities as well as an
      anti-inflammatory effect of the stem bark of A. gabonensis.

PMID- 22071661
TI  - Are Th17 cells in the gut pathogenic or protective?
AB  - Th17 cells are abundant in multiple chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
      Clinical trials with antibodies to interleukin (IL)-17A, one of the Th17-cell
      signature cytokines, have recently reported therapeutic benefit in multiple
      patient populations; however, in Crohn's disease the role of Th17 cells and IL
      17A appears to be more complicated. The development of different subsets of Th17
      cells and their relative pathogenic activities with a focus on the gut
      environment will be discussed.

PMID- 22071662
TI  - Voriconazole, combined with amphotericin B, in the treatment for pulmonary
      cryptococcosis caused by C. neoformans (serotype A) in mice with severe combined
      immunodeficiency (SCID).
AB  - Cryptococcosis is a subacute or chronic systemic mycosis with a cosmopolitan
      nature, caused by yeast of the genus Cryptococcus neoformans. The model of
      systemic cryptococcosis in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is
      useful for immunological and therapeutic study of the disease in immunodeficient
      hosts. Amphotericin B, fluconazole and flucytosine are the drugs most commonly
      used to treat cryptococcosis. Voriconazole is a triazole with high
      bioavailability, large distribution volume, and excellent penetration of the
      central nervous system. The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment
      with amphotericin B (AMB), voriconazole (VRC), and AMB, used in combination with
      VRC, of experimental pulmonary cryptococcosis in a murine model (SCID). The
      animals were inoculated intravenously (iv) with a solution containing 3.0 * 10(5)
      viable cells of C. neoformans ATCC 90112, (serotype A). Treatments were performed
      with amphotericin B (1.5 mg/kg/day), voriconazole (40.0 mg/kg/day) and AMB (1.5
      mg/kg/day) combined with VRC (40.0 mg/kg/day); began 1 day after the initial
      infection; were daily; and lasted 15 days. Evaluations were performed using
      analysis of the survival curve and isolation of yeast in the lung tissue. There
      was a significant increase in survival in groups treated with AMB combined with
      VRC, compared with the untreated group and groups receiving other treatments (P <
      0.05). In the group treated only with VRC and AMB combined with VRC, there was a
      significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the isolation of C. neoformans in lung
      tissue. Amphotericin B combined with voriconazole may be an effective alternative
      to increasing survival and may reduce yeast in the lung tissue of mice with
      pulmonary cryptococcosis and SCID.

PMID- 22071663
TI  - Extra-scalp black dot ringworm caused by Trichophyton tonsurans among contact
      sports players.
AB  - We describe here two patients with tinea corporis exhibiting black dot ringworm
      (BDR). A cluster of black dots was observed on the extensor surfaces of the
      extremities of two rather hairy male patients, a 15-year-old judo practitioner
      and a 26-year-old combined martial arts fighter, during treatment of tinea
      corporis with topical antimycotics. Direct KOH examination showed that the black
      dots were composed of degenerated hair with numerous arthroconidia and were
      indistinguishable from BDR of tinea capitis. Trichophyton tonsurans was isolated
      from the dots of both patients. Although they were diagnosed with tinea corporis,
      they required 2-3 months of treatment with oral terbinafine. Dermatologists
      should be aware that BDR can appear on areas of the skin other than the scalp.

PMID- 22071665
TI  - Preliminary assessment of ecological exposure of adult residents in Fukushima
      Prefecture to radioactive cesium through ingestion and inhalation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the ecological exposure of adult residents
      of Fukushima Prefecture to 134cesium (Cs) and 137Cs through ingestion and
      inhalation between July 2 and July 8, 2011. METHODS: Fifty-five sets of meals
      with tap water, each representing one person's daily intake, were purchased in
      local towns in Fukushima Prefecture. Locally produced cow's milk (21 samples) and
      vegetables (43 samples) were also purchased. In parallel, air sampling was
      conducted at 12 different sites using a high-volume sampler. Nineteen sets of
      control meals were collected in Kyoto in July 2011. 134Cs and 137Cs levels in the
      samples were measured using a germanium detector. RESULTS: Radioactivity was
      detected in 36 of the 55 sample meals from Fukushima, compared with one of 19
      controls from Kyoto. The median estimated dose level (MUSv/year) was 3.0, ranging
      from not detectable to 83.1. None of the cow's milk (21) or vegetable (49)
      samples showed levels of contamination above the current recommended limits
      (Bq/kg) of 200 for milk and 500 for vegetables. The total effective dose levels
      by inhalation were estimated to be <3 MUSv/year at nine locations, but samples at
      three other locations close to the edge of the 20-km radius from the crippled
      nuclear power plant showed higher levels of contamination (MUSv/year): 14.7 at
      Iitate, 76.9 at Namie, and 27.7 at Katsurao. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of exposure to
      134Cs and 137Cs in Fukushima by ingestion and inhalation are discernible, but
      generally within recommended limits.

PMID- 22071666
TI  - [Quality indicators of drug therapy at hospital admission among elderly
      patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Increased morbidity and higher prevalence of medication use commonly
      coexists among the elderly. When managed appropriately, older patients can
      benefit from drug therapy. However, drug related problems are more frequent and
      more serious in the elderly. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of
      medication use in older people at hospital admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      retrospective medical record review was performed for patients 70 years and older
      who had an unplanned admission to the internal medicine and geriatric units at
      Landspitali University Hospital in 2007. Among the sampled medical records, 913
      met inclusion criteria. Assessment was carried out using 15 drug-specific quality
      indicators. RESULTS: Mean age was 80.9 years and 54.5% were women. Mean number of
      drugs at admission was 7.0 for women and 6.5 for men (p=0.047). The prevalence of
      having one or more quality indicators on admission was 48.4%. Women were more
      likely to have a quality indicator than men (women 56.2%, men 39.9%). The
      probability also increased with increasing age and number of drugs. CONCLUSIONS:
      The quality of drug therapy among older patients at hospital admission appears to
      be suboptimal. A more accurate estimate of the problem could be obtained through
      a prospective study where drug regimens are correlated with symptoms and reason
      for admission. Additional studies are also needed in the outpatient setting. Such
      studies could provide more accurate evidence and assist policy making towards
      improved quality of drug prescribing for a growing number of older patients.
      KEYWORDS: elderly, quality indicators, hospitalization, drugs, inappropriate
      prescribing.

PMID- 22071667
TI  - [Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of mood and anxiety
      disorders in adults].
AB  - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) represents that form of psychotherapy which
      has most research data to build on in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders
      for adults. In this review we will introduce CBT and present the results of
      pertinent outcome research. Efficacy at the end of treatment is discussed, as
      well as long term effectiveness and the efficacy of combined treatment with
      medication and CBT. In addition, we discuss the pros and cons of group CBT
      compared to CBT in individual format, and comorbidity of mental disorders.
      According to this review CBT is efficacious for major depressive disorder,
      generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder,
      obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia and specific phobia. Efficacy of CBT
      is equal to or better than efficacy of drugs in the treatment of the above
      disorders, but there is less access to CBT. Longterm effectiveness of CBT appears
      to be good, but research on combined treatment is yet in its infancy and
      conclusions are premature on its place in treatment. Key words: Cognitive
      behavioral therapy, psychotropic treatment, efficacy, long-term effects, combined
      treatment, mental disorders, adults.

PMID- 22071668
TI  - [Landspitali, national university hospital, cuts or rationalization?].

PMID- 22071669
TI  - [The United Nations and non-communicable diseases].

PMID- 22071670
TI  - [Aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in Iceland 2002-2006: Long term
      complications and survival].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term complications and survival following aortic
      valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) in Iceland.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Included were 156 patients (average age 71.7 yrs, 64.7%
      males) that underwent AVR for AS at Landspitali between 2002 and 2006. A
      mechanical prosthesis was used in 29 patients (18.6%) and a bioprosthesis in 127.
      Long-term complications and operation-related admissions were registered from
      hospital and outpatient records until April 1, 2010. Overall survival was
      estimated and compared with the Icelandic population of the same age and gender.
      RESULTS: The mean preop. EuroSCORE(st) was 6.9%, the max. transvalvular pressure
      gradient 74.1 mmHg and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (57.2%). At
      six months following AVR the maximal pressure gradient was 19.8 mmHg (range; 2.5
      38). Echocardiography results were not available for 23.6% of the patients 6
      months postoperatively. In the follow-up period one in four patients was admitted
      due to valve-related problems. Re-admission rate was 6.0/100 patient-years (pt
      y); most commonly due to cardiac failure (1.7/100 pt-y), emboli (1.6/100 pt-y),
      hemorrhage (1.6/100 pt-y), endocarditis (0.7/100 pt-y) and myocardial infarction
      (0.4/100 pt-y). Survival at 1 and 5 year was 89.7% and 78.2%, respectively,
      making survival comparable to the estimated survival of Icelanders of the same
      age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of long-term complications following AVR in
      Iceland is in line with other studies. The same applies to long-term survival,
      which was similar to that of the Icelandic population of the same age and gender.
      Key words: Aortic valve replacement, aortic stenosis, heart surgery, results,
      long-term complication, survival.

PMID- 22071671
TI  - [Health-related quality of life during a clinical behavior weight loss
      intervention therapy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a
      multidisciplinary, behavioural obesity treatment program on weight management,
      physical improvements and health-related quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The participants counted 47 women aged 20-60 years. The measurement period was
      from October 2007-July 2009 and a median time between measurements was six
      months. MEASUREMENTS: height (cm), weight (kg), body mass index (BMI), waist
      circumference (WC), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), cycle ergometer
      fitness test (w/kg), electrocardiogram, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), blood
      pressure (mmHg) and heart rate (bpm). Different dimensions of mental and physical
      health were assessed using validated questionnaires: SF-36v2TM of health-related
      quality of life, OP scale of psychosocial functioning in the obese, BAI anxiety
      inventory scale and BDI-II depression inventory scale. RESULTS: BMI decreased on
      average by 3.9 kg/m2 (p<0.001). The total maximum output (watts) during the
      fitness test increased on average by 12% (p<0.001), fitness (w/kg) increased by
      21% (p<0.001) and VO2max (ml/kg/min) by 18% (p<0.001). A decrease was noted in
      blood pressure as well as resting heart rate (p<0.05) at the end of the program.
      The results from the questionnaires showed improvements in quality of life and
      psychological well being (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the
      importance of comprehensive weight management and emphasize the importance of
      permanent lifestyle changes for the patients. KEYWORDS: Obesity, women, behavior
      therapy, ergometric.

PMID- 22071672
TI  - Maternal inheritance of plastids and mitochondria in Cycas L. (Cycadaceae).
AB  - Cycas is often considered a living fossil, thereby providing a unique model for
      revealing the evolution of spermatophytes. To date, the genetic inheritance of
      these archaic plants is not fully understood. The present study seeks to document
      the process of organelle inheritance in an interspecific cross of Cycas species.
      Extranuclear organelle DNA from chloroplasts and mitochondria was analyzed using
      both polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis
      and microscopy. Here, we show that the chloroplasts and mitochondria in the
      progeny of interspecific crosses between Cycas taitungensis and Cycas ferruginea
      were exclusively inherited from the female parent. Epifluorescence microscopic
      analyses of the pollen cells from Cycas elongata indicated that there was a
      significant degradation of organelle DNA in male reproductive cells following
      maturation; the DNA fluorescent signals were only seen after pollen mitosis two,
      but not detectable at mature stage. Lack of organelle DNA fluorescent signal in
      prothallial cells was confirmed by the absence of plastids and mitochondria in
      electronic microscopic images. In conclusion, these data suggest that the
      maternal plastid and mitochondrial inheritance in Cycas, native to the old world,
      are the same as seen in seed plants.

PMID- 22071674
TI  - Accuracy of non-ECG-gated computed tomography angiography of the chest in
      assessment of left-sided cardiac chamber enlargement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether measurement of left ventricular (LV) and left
      atrial (LA) diameters on nongated computed tomography angiography (CTA) can
      detect left atrial and left ventricular enlargement (LAE and LVE) with high
      specificity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who had undergone both
      nongated CTA of the chest and echocardiography within 1 week constituted the
      pilot group. On CTA, LA and LV diameters were measured in the axial plane and on
      a 3-chamber-view multiplanar reconstruction. These measurements were compared
      with echocardiography results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves
      were then generated to determine optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of LAE and
      LVE. These thresholds were applied to a validation group (n = 203), and
      sensitivities and specificities for cutoff values were determined. Simple kappa
      coefficients were calculated for interobserver agreement. RESULTS: In the pilot
      group, axial measurements of the LA and LV diameters were superior to multiplanar
      reconstruction measurements based on areas under the ROC (LV: 0.82 vs. 0.76, LA:
      0.87 vs. 0.82). Using the ROC results, cutoff values of 5.5 and 4.5 cm were
      chosen for LVE and LAE, respectively. These thresholds were applied to the
      validation group, achieving an average sensitivity and specificity for LAE of 53%
      [confidence interval (CI): 37%-71% and 94% (89%-97%)], respectively. Average
      sensitivity and specificity for LVE were 41% (CI: 23%-59%) and 99% (CI: 96%
      100%), respectively. Kappa coefficients for diagnosis of LAE and LVE were 0.70
      and 0.81, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thresholds for LA and LV diameter on nongated
      CTA can be chosen to provide specific, but not sensitive, detection of LAE and
      LVE.

PMID- 22071673
TI  - Differential contributions of impaired corneal sensitivity and reduced tear
      secretion to corneal epithelial disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the possible roles of impaired corneal sensitivity
      and reduced tear secretion in various types of corneal epithelial disorders.
      METHODS: A total of 99 patients (179 eyes) with corneal epithelial disorders
      classified as persistent epithelial defects (PED), corneal erosion, or
      superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) and 115 individuals (230 eyes) without
      apparent ocular surface disorders (controls) were enrolled in a prospective
      study. Corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, and
      tear secretion was measured by the Schirmer test in each subject. RESULTS:
      Corneal sensitivity of eyes in the PED and corneal erosion groups was
      significantly lower than that in the control group. Schirmer test values for eyes
      in the SPK group were significantly reduced compared with those in the control
      group. CONCLUSION: A loss of corneal sensitivity may contribute to the
      development of PED and corneal erosion, whereas reduced tear secretion may be a
      contributing factor for SPK. Both results indicate the importance of corneal
      sensory innervation to the maintenance of corneal integrity.

PMID- 22071675
TI  - Limited, fast magnetic resonance imaging as an alternative for preoperative
      evaluation of pectus excavatum: a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability,
      feasibility, and image quality of a limited, fast magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) protocol for preoperative evaluation of pectus excavatum in a pediatric
      population referred for presurgical imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47
      patients, median age 14 years, referred for preoperative imaging of pectus
      excavatum, underwent axial balanced steady-state free precession MRI of the
      chest, with a limited patient charge. Two pediatric radiologists independently
      conducted a blinded retrospective study. The Haller and asymmetry indices were
      calculated at the level of greatest anterior-posterior chest narrowing. In
      addition, right heart compression and image quality were subjectively assessed,
      and scan duration was determined. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient
      reliability was between 0.85 and 0.98, indicating almost perfect agreement for
      quantitative measurements. Subjective evaluation of right heart compression and
      image quality showed moderate interreader agreement. Image quality was graded as
      good or excellent by both readers for all studies. No difference in the Haller
      index was observed between modalities in 3 patients on both computed tomographic
      scan and MRI (P = 0.2697). The median scan duration was 8 minutes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Limited MRI is a reliable and cost-effective alternative for preoperative
      assessment of pectus excavatum. It is fast, free of ionizing radiation, and there
      is excellent interreader reliability for measurements of chest wall deformity.

PMID- 22071676
TI  - Angiomyolipomas of the mediastinum and the lung.
AB  - Angiomyolipomas are benign neoplasms composed of various tissues, including
      components of fat, abnormal blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells. They most
      commonly occur in the kidney, but on rare occasions they occur in extrarenal
      sites. We present a case of angiomyolipomas in the mediastinum and lung, possibly
      associated with lymphangioleiomyomatosis and tuberous sclerosis complex.

PMID- 22071677
TI  - High-resolution computed tomography findings in a case of severe leptospira
      infection (Weil disease) complicated with Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.
AB  - In this report, we describe a case of Weil disease. Chest x-ray and computed
      tomography (CT) findings showed temporary deterioration 1 day after the
      initiation of antibiotic treatment, and high-resolution CT findings with the
      patient's physical findings made us suspect pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage (PAH).
      We believed that the PAH had been induced by Weil disease and subsequently caused
      Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. We confirmed the patient's contact history with
      mice, and symptoms improved immediately after starting appropriate treatments.
      Leptospirosis is a relatively rare cause of PAH. Therefore, the possibility of
      this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially when
      high-resolution CT findings indicate PAH, and the imaging findings deteriorate
      rapidly after antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 22071678
TI  - Witnessed pulmonary vein arrest-endoscopically observed conversion of atrial
      fibrillation into sinus rhythm by laser balloon ablation.
AB  - The endoscopic laser balloon ablation system affords a unique view of the beating
      heart for visual guidance in pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. A 66-year-old patient
      was admitted for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). While encircling
      the left superior PV, AF terminated into sinus rhythm, which was diagnosed by
      observing sudden regularization of previously rapidly fibrillating atrial tissue
      demonstrating the unique endoscopic video function.

PMID- 22071679
TI  - Aneurysmatic disease in patients with Takayasu disease: a case review.
AB  - Takayasu disease is a non-specific inflammatory disease of the arterial system.
      Although various etiopathogenetic hypotheses have been formulated, its etiology
      remains unknown. The aorta and its main branches are predominantly involved in
      the disease, which is a form of panarteritis, starting with inflammation of the
      adventitia followed by involvement of the media and intima. It has been more
      frequently described in young oriental female patients. However, a worldwide
      distribution is being recognized. Arterial stenosis represents the most
      frequently diagnosed manifestation. Progression of the flogistic process may lead
      to stenosis of the aorta and supraaortic vessels, compromising arterial
      circulation to the brain and upper limbs. Aneurysm presentation may also rarely
      occur. Based on a recently treated case, the authors report on the clinical
      presentation, concomitant inflammatory diseases, current diagnostic methods, and
      management of this disease.

PMID- 22071680
TI  - Modeling electrical conductivities of nanocomposites with aligned carbon
      nanotubes.
AB  - We have developed an improved three-dimensional (3D) percolation model to
      investigate the effect of the alignment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the
      electrical conductivity of nanocomposites. In this model, both intrinsic and
      contact resistances are considered, and a new method of resistor network
      recognition that employs periodically connective paths is developed. This method
      leads to a reduction in the size effect of the representative cuboid in our Monte
      Carlo simulations. With this new technique, we were able to effectively analyze
      the effects of the CNT alignment upon the electrical conductivity of
      nanocomposites. Our model predicted that the peak value of the conductivity
      occurs for partially aligned rather than perfectly aligned CNTs. It has also
      identified the value of the peak and the corresponding alignment for different
      volume fractions of CNTs. Our model works well for both multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs)
      and single-wall CNTs (SWCNTs), and the numerical results show a quantitative
      agreement with existing experimental observations.

PMID- 22071682
TI  - Hypofractionated radiation therapy in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer.
AB  - Hypofractionated radiation refers to the use of fewer, larger-dose radiation
      treatments that are usually given over a shorter time period compared to
      conventional radiation fraction sizes. Randomized trials of hypofractionated
      whole breast irradiation (WBI) have demonstrated comparable outcomes as
      conventional fractionation. For a higher-risk population for local recurrence, a
      phase 3 trial by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) is currently
      studying hypofractionated WBI with a concurrent tumor bed boost over 3 weeks.
      Accelerated partial breast irradiation limits radiation to the region of the
      tumor bed for 1-3 weeks and is the subject of an ongoing randomized trial by the
      National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project and RTOG. Questions remain for
      hypofractionation about optimal patient selection, radiation techniques, and the
      risk of late toxicity. But results from current trials could make
      hypofractionation more widely accepted for patients with early-stage breast
      cancer.

PMID- 22071681
TI  - Management of brain metastasis: past lessons, modern management, and future
      considerations.
AB  - Brain metastasis is a major challenge for patients, physicians, and the broader
      health care system, with approximately 170,000 new cases per year. After a
      diagnosis of brain metastasis, patients have a poor prognosis, but modern
      management has made significant advances in the past two decades to improve
      palliative efficacy and patient survival through a multidisciplinary approach. A
      number of factors must be taken into consideration in the treatment approach,
      including the number of intracranial lesions, the control of extracranial
      disease, and the patient's overall health, while weighing the benefits of
      treatment against the toxicities, both acute and chronic. With quality of life as
      an emphasis, emerging concepts for modern management of brain metastasis have
      sought to minimize long-term toxicities. The economic impact of such strategies
      for patients and the health care system has been demonstrated in some studies,
      but has not been a consistent area of focus. Each of these strategies, as well as
      novel therapeutics, has embraced the concept of personalized treatment. This
      review will discuss the current knowledge of modern multidisciplinary management
      of brain metastasis and look forward to emerging concepts.

PMID- 22071683
TI  - An intracranial event-related potential study on transformational apparent
      motion. Does its neural processing differ from real motion?
AB  - How the brain processes visual stimuli has been extensively studied using scalp
      surface electrodes and magnetic resonance imaging. Using these and other methods,
      complex gratings have been shown to activate the ventral visual stream, whereas
      moving stimuli preferentially activate the dorsal stream. In the current study, a
      first experiment assessed brain activations evoked by complex gratings using
      intracranial electroencephalography in 10 epileptic patients implanted with
      subdural electrodes. These stimuli of intermediate levels of complexity were
      presented in such a way that transformational apparent motion (TAM) was
      perceived. Responses from both the ventral and the dorsal pathways were obtained.
      The response characteristics of visual area 4 and the fusiform cortex were of
      similar amplitudes, suggesting that both ventral areas are recruited for the
      processing of complex gratings. On the other hand, TAM-induced responses of
      dorsal pathway areas were relatively noisier and of lower amplitudes, suggesting
      that TAM does not activate motion-specific structures to the same extent as does
      real motion. To test this hypothesis, we examined the activity evoked by TAM in
      comparison to the one produced by real motion in a patient implanted with the
      same subdural electrodes. Findings demonstrated that neural response to real
      motion was much stronger than that evoked by TAM, in both the primary visual
      cortex (V1) and other motion-sensitive areas within the dorsal pathway. These
      results support the conclusion that apparent motion, even if perceptually similar
      to real motion, is not processed in a similar manner.

PMID- 22071684
TI  - Static prehension of a horizontally oriented object in three dimensions.
AB  - We studied static prehension of a horizontally oriented object. Specific
      hypotheses were explored addressing such issues as the sharing patterns of the
      total moment of force across the digits, presence of mechanically unnecessary
      digit forces, and trade-off between multi-digit synergies at the two levels of
      the assumed control hierarchy. Within the assumed hierarchy, at the upper level,
      the task is shared between the thumb and virtual finger (an imagined finger
      producing a wrench equal to the sum of the wrenches of individual fingers). At
      the lower level, action of the virtual finger is shared among the four actual
      fingers. The subjects held statically a horizontally oriented handle instrumented
      with six-component force/torque sensors with different loads and torques acting
      about the long axis of the handle. The thumb acted from above while the four
      fingers supported the weight of the object. When the external torque was zero,
      the thumb produced mechanically unnecessary force of about 2.8 N, which did not
      depend on the external load magnitude. When the external torque was not zero,
      tangential forces produced over 80% of the total moment of force. The normal
      forces by the middle and ring fingers produced consistent moments against the
      external torque, while the normal forces of the index and little fingers did not.
      Force and moment variables at both hierarchical levels were stabilized by
      covaried across trials adjustments of forces/moments produced by individual
      digits with the exception of the normal force analyzed at the lower level of the
      hierarchy. There was a trade-off between synergy indices computed at the two
      levels of the hierarchy for the three components of the total force vector, but
      not for the moment of force components. Overall, the results have shown that task
      mechanics are only one factor that defines forces produced by individual digits.
      Other factors, such as loading sensory receptors may lead to mechanically
      unnecessary forces. There seems to be no single rule (for example, ensuring
      similar safety margin values) that would describe sharing of the normal and
      tangential forces and be valid across tasks. Fingers that are traditionally
      viewed as less accurate (e.g., the ring finger) may perform more consistently in
      certain tasks. The observations of the trade-off between the synergy indices
      computed at two levels for the force variables but not for the moment of force
      variables suggest that the degree of redundancy (the number of excessive
      elemental variables) at the higher level is an important factor.

PMID- 22071686
TI  - Nucleation reaction dynamics of Pt nanoparticles observed by the heterodyne
      transient grating method.
AB  - The nucleation reaction dynamics of platinum nanoparticles in the photoreduction
      process of H(2)Pt(IV)Cl(6) solution were investigated by the heterodyne transient
      grating (HD-TG) method. The formation mechanism of platinum nanoparticles was
      considered, supported by information obtained from UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy
      during the reaction and SEM images of the generated nanoparticles. In particular,
      the roles of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a protective polymer and
      ethanol as a solvent were studied. The chemical species involved in the reaction
      can be identified from the diffusion coefficients obtained from HD-TG
      measurements; the species observed by UV pulse irradiation were assigned to
      H(2)Pt(IV)Cl(6) as a reactant species and H(2)Pt(II)Cl(4) and Pt nuclei as
      product species. It was observed that the amounts of the reactant and product
      species increased, and many homogeneous nanoparticles were generated, by an
      increase in PVP concentration. The addition of ethanol to the solvent showed a
      larger effect on the enhancement of the reduction of H(2)Pt(IV)Cl(6) than that of
      PVP; however, it did not lead to Pt nuclei formation in the order of seconds.
      Nevertheless, because nanoparticle formation was confirmed by UV/VIS absorption
      spectroscopy and SEM images, the formation of nanoparticles following nuclei
      formation must have proceeded via a slow reaction. Therefore, nucleation and
      nanoparticle formation are considered to occur on a longer time scale than 10 s
      in water/ethanol solvent.

PMID- 22071685
TI  - Suppression of proprioceptive feedback control in movement sequences through
      intermediate targets.
AB  - Simple movements can be seen as building blocks for complex action sequences, and
      neural control of an action sequence can be expected to preserve some control
      features of its constituent blocks. It was previously found that during single
      joint elbow movements to a single target, the proprioceptive feedback control is
      initially suppressed, and we tested this feedback suppression in a two-segment
      sequence during which subjects momentarily slowed down at an intermediate target
      at a 30 degrees  distance (first segment) and then immediately moved another 30
      degrees  to the final target (second segment). Either the first or second segment
      was unexpectedly perturbed; the latency of the earliest response to the
      perturbation in the muscle surface electromyogram was analyzed. The perturbations
      were delivered either at the onset of each segment or about 0.1 s later. We found
      that in both segments, the response latency to the late perturbation was shorter
      than the latency to the early perturbation, which suggests that the
      proprioceptive feedback control is suppressed in the beginning of each segment.
      Next, we determined the latency of the response to unexpected perturbations in 30
      degrees  movements to a single target. We found that the response latency was not
      significantly different in the movement to a single target and in each segment in
      the sequence. This result suggests that the initial suppression of the
      proprioceptive feedback control in movements to single targets is preserved in
      movements through intermediate targets and supports the idea of modular
      organization of neural control of movement sequences.

PMID- 22071687
TI  - Exhaustive oxidation of a nickel dithiolate complex: some mechanistic insights en
      route to sulfate formation.
AB  - A study of the step-wise oxidation of a Ni(II) diaminodithiolate complex through
      the formation of sulfate, the ultimate sulfur oxygenate, is reported. Controlled
      oxygenations or peroxidations of a neutral, planar, tetracoordinate, low-spin
      Ni(II) complex of a N(2)S(2)-donor ligand, (N,N'-dimethyl-N-N'-bis(2
      mecaptoethyl)-1,3-propanediaminato) nickel(ii) (1), led to a series of sulfur
      oxygenates that have been isolated and characterized by ESI-MS and single-crystal
      X-ray diffraction. A monosulfenate complex (2) was detected by ESI-MS as a
      product of oxidation with one equivalent of H(2)O(2). However, this complex
      proved too unstable to isolate. Reaction of the dithiolate (1) with two
      equivalents of H(2)O(2) or one O(2) molecule leads to the formation of a
      monosulfinate complex (3), which was isolated and fully characterized by
      crystallography. The oxidation product of the monosulfinate (3) produced with
      either O(2) or H(2)O(2) is an interesting dimeric complex containing both
      sulfonate and thiolate ligands (4), this complex was fully characterized by
      crystallography, details of which were reported earlier by us. A disulfonate
      complex (7) is produced by reaction of 1 in the presence of O(2) or by reaction
      with exactly six equivalents of H(2)O(2). This complex was isolated and also
      fully characterized by crystallography. Possible intermediates in the conversion
      of the monosulfinate complex (3) to the disulfonate complex (7) include complexes
      with mixed sulfonate/sulfenate (5) or sulfonate/sulfinate (6) ligands. Complex 5,
      a four-oxygen adduct of 1, was not detected, but the sulfonate/sulfinate complex
      (6) was isolated and characterized. The oxidation chemistry of 1 is very
      different from that reported for other planar cis-N(2)S(2) Ni(ii) complexes
      including N,N'-dimethyl-N-N'-bis(2-mecaptoethyl)-1,3-ethylenediaminato)
      nickel(II), (8), and N,N'-bis(mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane nickel(II). To
      address the structural aspects of the reactivity differences, the crystal
      structure of 8 was also determined. A comparison of the structures of planar
      Ni(II) complexes containing cis-dithiolate ligands, strongly suggests that the
      differences in reactivity are determined in part by the degree of flexibility
      that is allowed by the NN' chelate ring.

PMID- 22071688
TI  - Assessment of quality of life and depression in spouses of patients with
      ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - The objective of this study is to investigate the quality of life and the rates
      of depression in spouses/partners of patients with AS compared with
      spouses/partners of healthy controls". Twenty-five persons with AS and their 25
      spouses (21 women and 4 men) and 25 healthy controls were recruited
      consecutively. All the subjects completed 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF
      36) questionnaire forms and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17).
      Mean age was 35 +/- 6.47 years in spouse group (SG) and 36.26 +/- 5.93 in control
      group (CG). In SG and CG, the SF-36 subscale scores were compared using Mann
      Whitney U test. Social functioning, mental health, emotional role, and general
      health were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in SG compared with CG. The average
      score of social functioning was found to be 65.41 in spouses of patients compared
      with healthy controls (90.75). Depression scores were significantly (P < 0.001)
      higher in SG compared with CG. Among SF-36 subgroups in spouses, general health
      perception had a negatively significant correlation with depression scores (P <
      0.05) and duration of ankylosing spondylitis (P < 0.05). A positively significant
      correlation has been identified between bodily pain and depression scores in
      spouses (P < 0.05). Therefore, female partners of male patients were found to be
      more depressive. Being a spouse of a patient with AS significantly interferes
      with quality of life and increases the depression frequency.

PMID- 22071689
TI  - Hysterical paralysis after spinal surgery.
AB  - This letter is to report and discuss two cases of psychogenic paralysis after
      spinal surgery in order to increase the vigilance and assist in the diagnosis and
      treatment of this uncommon disorder. The medical records for two middle-aged men
      who presented complete loss of extremities function after spinal surgery were
      reviewed retrospectively. None had a history of a previous hysterical seizure.
      Both of the patients' symptoms and signs differ from the correct anatomic pattern
      of a neurological deficit. Both of them spontaneously recovered and discharged
      from the hospital uneventful eventually. The orthopedic surgeons must recognize
      hysterical paralysis to avoid unnecessary surgery. A heightened awareness of a
      nonanatomic functional deficit on physical examination could help to reduce
      frustration and delay in diagnosis associated with this disorder. Rapid recovery
      should be expected, but the surgeon should administrate proper treatment.

PMID- 22071690
TI  - Function of the origin recognition complex 1 (ORC1) outside DNA replication in
      Drosophila.
AB  - The origin recognition complex (ORC) is an essential component of the pre
      replicative complex (pre-RC) that binds to replication origins for licensing.
      Levels of the largest ORC subunit, ORC1, oscillate during the mitotic cell cycle
      and regulate origin usage. In Drosophila, ORC1 levels increase at the G(1)/S
      transition following E2F-dependent transcriptional activation, remain high until
      the end of M phase and then decrease at the M/G(1) transition when ORC1 is
      targeted for proteolysis by the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). A function, if
      any, for Drosophila ORC1 after S phase has not been described. Here, we
      determined the role of ORC1 at stages outside S phase by generating ORC1
      derivatives with a modified ORC1 degradation box (the O-box) and examining the
      effects in vivo. These modifications either stabilized ORC1 by mutating the O-box
      (ORC1(Omut)) so that it is no longer targeted by APC or changed its degradation
      profile by replacing the O-box with the D-box of human cyclin B (ORC1(O->D)), so
      that degradation would occur earlier. We determined the distribution and tested
      the function of these ORC1 derivatives in an orc1 mutant background so that only
      the mutated protein was expressed. Stable version of ORC1, ORC1 (Omut), showed no
      effects on cell cycle progression; however, ORC1(O->D), which is degraded early
      at the G(2)/M transition, led to a higher frequency of M-phase cells but not S
      phase cells. Taken together, our results indicate the timing of ORC1 degradation
      is required for timely progression in M phase.

PMID- 22071692
TI  - Phosphorylation of von Hippel-Lindau protein by checkpoint kinase 2 regulates p53
      transactivation.
AB  - von-Hippel Lindau protein (pVHL) suppresses tumorigenesis in the kidney, in part
      through regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF alpha). However, HIF
      has been proposed to be necessary but insufficient for renal tumorigenesis. p53
      was implicated as a transcription factor that is regulated by pVHL, but the
      molecular mechanism by which pVHL regulates p53 on DNA damage is unknown. We
      demonstrated that checkpoint kinase-2 (Chk2) binds to the beta-domain of pVHL and
      phosphorylates Ser 111 on DNA damage. Notably, this modification enhances pVHL
      mediated transactivation of p53 by recruiting p300 and Tip60 to the chromatin of
      p53 target gene. Further, the naturally occurring pVHL mutants pVHL-S111R and
      pVHL-S111C showed diminished binding to coactivators, ultimately retarding p53
      mediated growth arrest and apoptosis. In this study, we determined the molecular
      mechanism by which pVHL transactivates p53 on DNA damage and demonstrated that
      p53-related pVHL subtype mutants regulate tumorigenecity in VHL diseases.

PMID- 22071693
TI  - Nuclear import of a lipid-modified transcription factor: mobilization of NFAT5
      isoform a by osmotic stress.
AB  - Lipid-modified transcription factors (TFs) are biomolecular oddities since their
      reduced mobility and membrane attachment appear to contradict nuclear import
      required for their gene-regulatory function. NFAT5 isoform a (selected from an in
      silico screen for predicted lipid-modified TFs) is shown to contribute about half
      of all endogenous expression of human NFAT5 isoforms in the isotonic state. Wild
      type NFAT5a protein is indeed myristoylated and palmitoylated on its transport to
      the plasmalemma via the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi. In contrast, its
      lipid anchor-deficient mutants as well as isoforms NFAT5b/c are diffusely
      localized in the cytoplasm without preference to vesicular structures.
      Quantitative/live microscopy shows the plasmamembrane-bound fraction of NFAT5a
      moving into the nucleus upon osmotic stress despite the lipid anchoring. The
      mobilization mechanism is not based on proteolytic processing of the lipid
      anchored N-terminus but appears to involve reversible palmitoylation. Thus,
      NFAT5a is an example of TFs immobilized with lipid anchors at cyotoplasmic
      membranes in the resting state and that, nevertheless, can translocate into the
      nucleus upon signal induction.

PMID- 22071694
TI  - Cyclin B1 interacts with the BH3-only protein Bim and mediates its
      phosphorylation by Cdk1 during mitosis.
AB  - Protracted mitotic arrest leads to cell death; however, the molecular signals
      that link these distinct processes remain poorly understood. Here we report that
      the pro-apoptotic BH3-only family member Bim undergoes phosphorylation in K562
      cells following treatment with the microtubule targeting agents Taxol and
      Nocodazole. The phosphorylation of two Bim isoforms, BimEL and BimL, at the
      mitochondria correlates with mitotic arrest and precedes cell death induced by
      Taxol. It was also found that Bim undergoes transient phosphorylation during
      normal mitosis in K562 cells. In addition, siRNA silencing of Bim reduces
      sensitivity to Taxol-induced cell death. The transition of K562 cells from
      mitosis to G1 results in the loss of BimEL and BimL phosphorylation and
      correlates with the degradation of cyclin B1. The Cdk1 inhibitors, RO-3306 and
      Purvalanol A, block Bim phosphorylation in mitotically arrested cells.
      Importantly, it was found that cyclin B1 co-immunoprecipitates with endogenous
      Bim in mitotic extracts. Furthermore, active recombinant Cdk1/cyclin B1
      phosphorylates BimEL and BimL in vitro and Serine 44 on BimL has been identified
      as a Cdk1 phosphorylation site. Collectively, these results suggest that
      Cdk1/cyclin B1-dependent hyper-phosphorylation of Bim during prolonged mitotic
      arrest is an important cell death signal.

PMID- 22071691
TI  - Phospho-DeltaNp63alpha/miR-885-3p axis in tumor cell life and cell death upon
      cisplatin exposure.
AB  - The cisplatin-induced ATM-dependent phosphorylated (p)-DeltaNp63alpha plays an
      important role in transcriptional regulation of specific genes encoding mRNAs and
      microRNAs (miRs) implicated in cell death, cell survival, and chemoresistance.
      The p-DeltaNp63alpha-induced miR-885-3p functions as a critical regulator of
      MDM4, ATK1, BCL2, ATG16L2, ULK2, CASP2, and CASP3 mRNAs via pairing with their
      respective 'recognition' sequences. Cisplatin exposure modulated the levels of
      target proteins (reduced BCL2, AKT1, ATG16L2, and ULK2, while activated MDM4) in
      cisplatin-sensitive wild type DeltaNp63alpha cells leading to distinct changes in
      cell viability. Finally, miR-885-3p modulated the cisplatin-induced TP53
      dependent mitochondrial apoptosis by up regulation of MDM4 levels and down
      regulation of BCL2 levels in mitochondria. Altogether, our results support the
      notion that miR-885-3p might contribute in regulation of cell viability,
      apoptosis and/or autophagy in squamous cell carcinoma cells upon cisplatin
      exposure.

PMID- 22071695
TI  - Mitotic chromosome size scaling in Xenopus.
AB  - As rapid divisions without growth generate progressively smaller cells within an
      embryo, mitotic chromosomes must also decrease in size to permit their proper
      segregation, but this scaling phenomenon is poorly understood. We demonstrated
      previously that nuclear and spindle size scale between egg extracts of the
      related frog species Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis, but show here that
      dimensions of isolated mitotic sperm chromosomes do not differ. This is
      consistent with the hypothesis that chromosome scaling does not occur in early
      embryonic development when cell and spindles sizes are large and anaphase B
      segregates chromosomes long distances. To recapitulate chromosome scaling during
      development, we combined nuclei isolated from different stage Xenopus laevis
      embryos with metaphase-arrested egg extracts. Mitotic chromosomes derived from
      nuclei of cleaving embryos through the blastula stage were similar in size to
      replicated sperm chromosomes, but decreased in area approximately 50% by the
      neurula stage, reproducing the trend in size changes observed in fixed embryos.
      Allowing G2 nuclei to swell in interphase prior to mitotic condensation did not
      increase mitotic chromosome size, but progression through a full cell cycle in
      egg extract did, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms determining chromosome
      size can be altered during DNA replication. Comparison of different sized mitotic
      chromosomes assembled in vitro provides a tractable system to elucidate
      underlying molecular mechanisms.

PMID- 22071696
TI  - Pharmacology of the new treatments for lower gastrointestinal motility disorders
      and irritable bowel syndrome.

PMID- 22071697
TI  - NANOG priming before full reprogramming may generate germ cell tumours.
AB  - Reprogramming somatic cells into a pluripotent state brings patient-tailored,
      ethical controversy-free cellular therapy closer to reality. However, stem cells
      and cancer cells share many common characteristics; therefore, it is crucial to
      be able to discriminate between them. We generated two induced pluripotent stem
      cell (iPSC) lines, with NANOG pre-transduction followed by OCT3/4, SOX2, and
      LIN28 overexpression. One of the cell lines, CHiPS W, showed normal pluripotent
      stem cell characteristics, while the other, CHiPS A, though expressing
      pluripotency markers, failed to differentiate and gave rise to germ cell-like
      tumours in vivo. Comparative genomic hybridisation analysis of the generated iPS
      lines revealed that they were genetically more stable than human embryonic stem
      cell counterparts. This analysis proved to be predictive for the differentiation
      potential of analysed cells. Moreover, the CHiPS A line expressed a lower ratio
      of p53/p21 when compared to CHiPS W. NANOG pre-induction followed by OCT3/4,
      SOX2, MYC, and KLF4 induction resulted in the same tumour-inducing phenotype.
      These results underline the importance of a re-examination of the role of NANOG
      during reprogramming. Moreover, this reprogramming method may provide insights
      into primordial cell tumour formation and cancer stem cell transformation.

PMID- 22071698
TI  - Transplantatation of scaffold-free spheroids composed of synovium-derived cells
      and chondrocytes for the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee.
AB  - Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is the treatment of choice for
      osteoarthritis. However, to regenerate articular cartilage using this method, the
      procedure paradoxically demands that the cell source of the articular
      chondrocytes (ACs) for ex vivo expansion be from the patient's own healthy
      cartilage, which can result in donor site morbidity. Accordingly, it is essential
      to develop a substitute for AC. In the present study, we investigated whether
      synovium-derived cells (SYs) could be used as a partial replacement for ACs in
      ACI. ACs and SYs from the knees of rabbits were isolated and cultured, and the
      growth rates of the cells were compared. To manufacture the cellular transplants,
      we developed a high-density suspension-shaking culture method (HDSS), which
      circulates the cells in culture media, promoting self-assembly of scaffold-free
      cellular aggregates. ACs and SYs were mixed in various ratios using HDSS.
      Injectable cellular transplants were harvested and transplanted into full
      thickness osteochondral defects. Simultaneously, histological evaluations were
      conducted with toluidine blue and safranin O, and immunohistochemistry of
      collagen type I and II was conducted. Gene expression to evaluate chondrocyte
      specific differentiation was also performed. We successfully prepared a large
      quantity of spheroids (spheroidal cell aggregates) in a short time using mixed
      ACs and SYs, for all cellular composition ratios. Our data showed that the
      minimal therapeutic unit for the transplants contributed to in situ regeneration
      of cartilage. In summary, SYs can be used as a replacement for ACs in clinical
      cases of ACI in patients with broad areas of osteoarthritic lesions.

PMID- 22071699
TI  - Continuous glucose monitoring to assess the ecologic validity of dietary glycemic
      index and glycemic load.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The circumstances under which the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic
      load (GL) are derived do not reflect real-world eating behavior. Thus, the
      ecologic validity of these constructs is incompletely known. OBJECTIVE: This
      study examined the relation of dietary intake to glycemic response when foods are
      consumed under free-living conditions. DESIGN: Participants were 26 overweight or
      obese adults with type 2 diabetes who participated in a randomized trial of
      lifestyle modification. The current study includes baseline data, before
      initiation of the intervention. Participants wore a continuous glucose monitor
      and simultaneously kept a food diary for 3 d. The dietary variables included GI,
      GL, and intakes of energy, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugars, and fiber. The
      glycemic response variables included AUC, mean and SD of continuous glucose
      monitoring (CGM) values, percentage of CGM values in euglycemic and hyperglycemic
      ranges, and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions. Relations between daily
      dietary intake and glycemic outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Data were available
      from 41 d of monitoring. Partial correlations, controlled for energy intake,
      indicated that GI or GL was significantly associated with each glycemic response
      outcome. In multivariate analyses, dietary GI accounted for 10% to 18% of the
      variance in each glycemic variable, independent of energy and carbohydrate
      intakes (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The data support the ecologic validity of the GI
      and GL constructs in free-living obese adults with type 2 diabetes. GI was the
      strongest and most consistent independent predictor of glycemic stability and
      variability.

PMID- 22071700
TI  - Palm oil and LDL cholesterol.

PMID- 22071701
TI  - Effects of iron supplementation on serum hepcidin and serum erythropoietin in low
      birth-weight infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin has not been studied in infants,
      who experience large physiologic changes in iron status. OBJECTIVE: The objective
      was to study hepcidin and erythropoietin and their correlation with iron status
      in iron-replete and iron-deficient low-birth-weight (LBW) infants-a group at
      particular risk of iron deficiency (ID). DESIGN: We randomly assigned 285
      otherwise healthy LBW infants to receive, from 6 wk to 6 mo of age, 3 doses of
      iron supplements: 0 (placebo), 1, or 2 mg/kg daily. Hepcidin, erythropoietin,
      hemoglobin, and variables of iron status were analyzed. RESULTS: Serum hepcidin
      did not change over time in the placebo group, despite a rapid decrease in serum
      ferritin. In iron-supplemented infants, hepcidin increased significantly,
      reaching a mean (+/-SD) concentration of 19.2 +/- 2.5 ng/mL in the 2-mg/kg group
      compared with 13.0 +/- 2.6 ng/mL in the placebo group at age 6 mo (P < 0.001).
      The difference was even larger between iron-deficient and iron-replete infants.
      Hepcidin was independently positively correlated with ferritin at all ages and
      was negatively correlated with the transferrin receptor concentration at age 6 wk
      and with transferrin at age 6 mo. Erythropoietin was initially similar between
      groups but decreased significantly in iron-supplemented infants. In addition to
      being negatively correlated with hemoglobin, it was also independently negatively
      correlated with indicators of iron status. CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin is closely
      associated with iron status and may be a useful indicator of iron stores and ID
      in infants. Erythropoietin is negatively correlated with iron status, which
      suggests a feedback mechanism that needs further study. This trial is registered
      at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00558454.

PMID- 22071702
TI  - Prospective associations between appetitive traits and weight gain in infancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differences in appetitive traits such as food-cue or satiety
      responsiveness have been hypothesized to contribute to variability in weight
      gain. However, existing data were largely cross-sectional and could not exclude
      the possibility that differences in appetitive traits were consequences of
      differences in weight. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether prospective associations
      between appetitive traits and subsequent weight were stronger than associations
      between weight and subsequent appetitive traits. DESIGN: Data were from Gemini,
      which is a population-based cohort of 2402 families with twins. Parents completed
      a Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire to assess 4 appetitive traits for each twin
      at ages 3 and 15 mo. We obtained infant weights at 3, 9, and 15 mo from records
      of health professionals. Weight SD scores were calculated by using UK 1990
      reference data. A path analysis was used to examine prospective associations in
      each direction over sequential 6-mo intervals and over the same 12-mo period,
      with the significance of differences between the 2 paths established with
      bootstrapping. RESULTS: Path analyses included 2213 infants. For each appetitive
      trait, the path to subsequent weight (standardized coefficients: 0.17-0.33) was
      significantly larger than the path from weight to subsequent appetite
      (coefficients: 0.07-0.13). Results were confirmed when both associations were
      analyzed by using changes from 3 to 15 mo. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal analyses
      showed that associations between appetitive traits and subsequent weight were
      stronger than between weight and subsequent appetite, which supports the idea
      that differences in appetitive traits, in conjunction with environmental
      opportunities to overeat, influence weight gain in early childhood.

PMID- 22071703
TI  - Nutrient requirements to optimize neonatal growth.

PMID- 22071704
TI  - Mediterranean-style diet and risk of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and
      vascular death: the Northern Manhattan Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A dietary pattern common in regions near the Mediterranean appears to
      reduce risk of all-cause mortality and ischemic heart disease. Data on blacks and
      Hispanics in the United States are lacking, and to our knowledge only one study
      has examined a Mediterranean-style diet (MeDi) in relation to stroke. OBJECTIVE:
      In this study, we examined an MeDi in relation to vascular events. DESIGN: The
      Northern Manhattan Study is a population-based cohort to determine stroke
      incidence and risk factors (mean +/- SD age of participants: 69 +/- 10 y; 64%
      women; 55% Hispanic, 21% white, and 24% black). Diet was assessed at baseline by
      using a food-frequency questionnaire in 2568 participants. A higher score on a 0
      9 scale represented increased adherence to an MeDi. The relation between the MeDi
      score and risk of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and vascular death
      was assessed with Cox models, with control for sociodemographic and vascular risk
      factors. RESULTS: The MeDi-score distribution was as follows: 0-2 (14%), 3 (17%),
      4 (22%), 5 (22%), and 6-9 (25%). Over a mean follow-up of 9 y, 518 vascular
      events accrued (171 ischemic strokes, 133 MIs, and 314 vascular deaths). The MeDi
      score was inversely associated with risk of the composite outcome of ischemic
      stroke, MI, or vascular death (P-trend = 0.04) and with vascular death
      specifically (P-trend = 0.02). Moderate and high MeDi scores were marginally
      associated with decreased risk of MI. There was no association with ischemic
      stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Higher consumption of an MeDi was associated with decreased
      risk of vascular events. Results support the role of a diet rich in fruit,
      vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil in the promotion of ideal
      cardiovascular health.

PMID- 22071705
TI  - Intake of fruit, vegetables, and carotenoids in relation to risk of uterine
      leiomyomata.
AB  - BACKGROUND: US black women have higher rates of uterine leiomyomata (UL) and
      lower intakes of fruit and vegetables than do white women. Whether fruit and
      vegetable intake is associated with UL in black women has not been studied.
      OBJECTIVE: We assessed the association of dietary intake of fruit, vegetables,
      carotenoids, folate, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and E with UL in the Black Women's
      Health Study. DESIGN: In this prospective cohort study, we followed 22,583
      premenopausal women for incident UL (1997-2009). Diet was estimated by using food
      frequency questionnaires in 1995 and 2001. Cox regression was used to derive
      incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs for the association between each dietary
      variable (in quintiles) and UL. RESULTS: There were 6627 incident cases of UL
      diagnosed by ultrasonography (n = 4346) or surgery (n = 2281). Fruit and
      vegetable intake was inversely associated with UL (>=4 compared with <1
      serving/d; IRR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.98; P-trend = 0.03). The association was
      stronger for fruit (>=2 servings/d compared with <2 servings/wk; IRR: 0.89; 95%
      CI: 0.81, 0.98; P-trend = 0.07) than for vegetables (>=2 servings/d compared with
      <4 servings/wk: IRR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.05; P-trend = 0.51). Citrus fruit
      intake was inversely associated with UL (>=3 servings/wk compared with <1
      serving/mo: IRR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.00; P-trend = 0.01). The inverse
      association for dietary vitamin A (upper compared with lower quintiles: IRR:
      0.89; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.97; P-trend = 0.01) appeared to be driven by preformed
      vitamin A (animal sources), not provitamin A (fruit and vegetable sources). UL
      was not materially associated with dietary intake of vitamins C and E, folate,
      fiber, or any of the carotenoids, including lycopene. CONCLUSION: These data
      suggest a reduced risk of UL among women with a greater dietary intake of fruit
      and preformed vitamin A.

PMID- 22071706
TI  - The relation of dietary choline to cognitive performance and white-matter
      hyperintensity in the Framingham Offspring Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Choline is the precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Loss
      of cholinergic neurons is associated with impaired cognitive function,
      particularly memory loss and Alzheimer disease (AD). Brain atrophy and white
      matter hyperintensity (WMH) are also associated with impaired cognitive function
      and AD. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether a relation exists
      between dietary choline intake, cognitive function, and brain morphology in a
      large, nondemented community-based cohort. DESIGN: A dementia-free cohort of 1391
      subjects (744 women, 647 men; age range: 36-83 y; mean +/- SD age: 60.9 +/- 9.29
      y) from the Framingham Offspring population completed a food-frequency
      questionnaire administered from 1991 to 1995 (exam 5; remote intake) and from
      1998 to 2001 (exam 7; concurrent intake). Participants underwent
      neuropsychological evaluation and brain MRI at exam 7. Four neuropsychological
      factors were constructed: verbal memory (VM), visual memory (VsM), verbal
      learning, and executive function. MRI measures included WMH volume (WMHV).
      RESULTS: Performance on the VM and VsM factors was better with higher concurrent
      choline intake in multivariable-adjusted models for VM (average change in
      neuropsychological factor per 1-unit change in choline = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.29,
      0.91; P < 0.01) and VsM (0.66; 95% CI: 0.19, 1.13; P < 0.01). Remote choline
      intake was inversely related to log-transformed WMHV (average change in log WMHV
      per 1-unit change in choline = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.10, -0.01; P = 0.02).
      Furthermore, an inverse association was observed between remote higher choline
      intake and presence of large WMVH (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.92; P = 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: In this community-based population of nondemented individuals, higher
      concurrent choline intake was related to better cognitive performance, whereas
      higher remote choline intake was associated with little to no WMHV.

PMID- 22071707
TI  - Biomarker-calibrated dietary energy and protein intake associations with diabetes
      risk among postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-report of dietary energy and protein intakes has been shown to
      be systematically and differentially underreported. OBJECTIVE: We assessed and
      compared the association of diabetes among postmenopausal women with biomarker
      calibrated and uncalibrated dietary energy and protein intakes from food
      frequency questionnaires (FFQs). DESIGN: The analyses were performed for 74,155
      participants of various race-ethnicities from the Women's Health Initiative.
      Uncalibrated and calibrated energy and protein intakes from FFQs were assessed
      for associations with incident diabetes by using HR estimates based on Cox
      regression. RESULTS: A 20% increment in uncalibrated energy consumption was
      associated with increased diabetes risk (HR) of 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.05), 2.41
      (95% CI: 2.06, 2.82) with biomarker calibration, and 1.30 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.76)
      after adjustment for BMI. A 20% increment in uncalibrated protein (g/d) resulted
      in an HR of 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.07), 1.82 (95% CI: 1.56, 2.12) with
      calibration, and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.28) with adjustment for BMI. A 20%
      increment in uncalibrated protein density (% of energy from protein) resulted in
      an HR of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.17), 1.01 (95% CI: 0.75, 1.37) with calibration,
      and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.32) with adjustment for BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Higher
      protein and total energy intakes (calibrated) appear to be associated with a
      substantially increased diabetes risk that may be mediated by an increase in body
      mass over time. Diet-disease associations without correction of self-reported
      measurement error should be viewed with caution. This trial is registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00000611.

PMID- 22071708
TI  - Effect of fatty acid status in cord blood serum on children's behavioral
      difficulties at 10 y of age: results from the LISAplus Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effect of fatty acid (FA) concentrations in
      cord blood on long-term behavioral outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of
      FAs in cord blood serum on children's behavioral difficulties at the age of 10 y.
      DESIGN: A longitudinal study of 416 children from the population-based Influences
      of Lifestyle-Related Factors on the Immune System and the Development of
      Allergies in Childhood (LISAplus) birth cohort from Munich was conducted.
      Individual glycerophospholipid FAs in blood were analyzed in venous cord blood.
      Data on children's behavior were collected with a parent-reported Strength and
      Difficulties Questionnaire at 10 y of age. Zero-inflated Poisson regression
      models were applied and adjusted for sex, parental income, smoking during
      pregnancy, and dietary intake of arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA at 10 y. RESULTS:
      A 1% increase in DHA in cord blood serum was found to decrease total difficulties
      by (exp)beta(adj) = 0.93 (SE = 0.02, P < 0.0001) and hyperactivity or inattention
      by (exp)beta(adj) = 0.94 (SE = 0.03, P < 0.04). Higher long-chain (LC) PUFA
      concentrations in cord blood serum were associated with fewer emotional symptoms
      [(exp)beta(adj) = 0.95, SE = 0.03, P = 0.01], and similarly higher AA
      concentrations were associated with fewer emotional symptoms [(exp)beta(adj) =
      0.94, SE = 0.03, P = 0.03]. CONCLUSION: Increased concentrations of DHA, LC
      PUFAs, and AA in cord blood serum were associated with lower scores on a parent
      completed behavioral screen. An appropriate FA supply to the developing fetus may
      be essential for optimal long-term behavioral outcomes in children.

PMID- 22071709
TI  - The role of leptin in human lipid and glucose metabolism: the effects of acute
      recombinant human leptin infusion in young healthy males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obese and lean humans treated with leptin have not experienced
      convincing weight-loss results compared with the dramatic weight losses observed
      in obese rodents. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of acutely
      elevating leptin to concentrations observed in obese individuals on muscle and
      adipose tissue metabolism and muscle signaling in healthy lean males. DESIGN:
      Healthy, lean, postabsorptive males were infused with either recombinant human
      leptin (rhleptin; n = 8) or saline (control; n = 8) for 4 h, which elicited
      leptin concentrations of ~ 20 and ~ 1 ng/mL, respectively. Systemic, skeletal
      muscle, and adipose tissue fat and glucose metabolism in vivo were assessed
      before, during, and 2 h after cessation of the infusion. Skeletal muscle biopsy
      specimens were obtained to quantify changes in signal transducers and activators
      of transcription-5'AMP-activated protein kinase (STAT-AMPK) signaling. RESULTS:
      During the infusion of rhleptin, no differences in either systemic, skeletal
      muscle, or adipose tissue glucose or fat metabolism were observed. These
      observations were made despite increased activation of STAT (~ 17-fold) and AMPK
      (1.43-fold) after 1 h of rhleptin infusion. After the rhleptin infusion, an
      increase in systemic palmitate and fat oxidation was observed (P < 0.0003), which
      likely was caused by a concomitant increase in skeletal muscle palmitate
      oxidation (P < 0.02). This was observed despite lowered leptin concentrations and
      basal skeletal muscle STAT-AMPK signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Elevating circulating
      leptin concentrations to concentrations comparable with those of obese
      individuals increases human in vivo skeletal muscle signaling through the AMPK
      pathway and causes an increase in skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation. Abdominal
      adipose tissue was unaffected by the acute physiologic increase in leptin
      concentrations.

PMID- 22071710
TI  - Maternal vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation and risk of bacterial
      vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial in rural Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy is linked to preterm birth, but
      its risk factors are not well understood. Micronutrient deficiencies may be
      associated with an increased risk of this condition. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the
      effect of weekly vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation during pregnancy
      until 3 mo postpartum on BV risk in rural northeastern Bangladesh. DESIGN: In
      this cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 33 clusters (n = 33) were
      randomly assigned to 3 groups. Women (n = 1812) were examined for BV by using
      self-administered swabs and the Nugent scoring method in early pregnancy, at 32
      wk of gestation, and at 3 mo postpartum. RESULTS: The prevalence of BV in early
      pregnancy, before supplementation, was 7.6% (95% CI: 6.3%, 9.1%) overall. Neither
      the prevalence nor the incidence of BV in the third trimester differed by
      supplement group. However, the prevalence (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.98) and
      incidence (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.81) of BV at 3 mo postpartum was lower among
      women in the vitamin A group (9.1% and 6.7%, respectively) than in the placebo
      group (12.4% and 11.8%, respectively), but not in the beta-carotene group. Both
      vitamin A and beta-carotene reduced the prevalence and incidence of BV at both
      time points (ie, third trimester and 3 mo postpartum) by 30-40% compared with
      placebo (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Weekly vitamin A supplementation reduced the
      risk of maternal BV in this rural Bangladeshi population. Enhancement of vitamin
      A status before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of BV in areas with
      vitamin A deficiency. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT00198822.

PMID- 22071711
TI  - Palm olein increases plasma cholesterol moderately compared with olive oil in
      healthy individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the high content of palmitic acid, palm olein has been shown
      to have a neutral effect on plasma cholesterol concentrations when compared with
      olive oil, which is suggested to be attributable to palmitic acid in the sn-1 and
      sn-3 position. In contrast, palmitic acid is in the sn-2 position in lard.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the effects of a diet rich in palm
      olein, fractionated palm oil, olive oil, and lard on plasma blood lipids,
      inflammatory markers, glucose, and insulin. DESIGN: A controlled double-blinded,
      randomized 3 * 3 wk crossover dietary intervention study included 32 healthy men
      who daily replaced part of their habitual dietary fat intake with ~ 17% of energy
      from palm olein, olive oil, or lard, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with intake
      of olive oil, palm olein and lard increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
      (P < 0.0001). Palm olein resulted in a lower plasma triacylglycerol concentration
      than did olive oil (P < 0.01). No difference in effects was observed in plasma
      HDL-cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator-1,
      insulin, and glucose concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The current study did not
      support the previous finding that the effect of palm olein on total plasma
      cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in healthy individuals with normal plasma
      cholesterol concentrations is neutral compared with that of olive oil. Thus, sn
      positioning was not confirmed to be important with regard to the effect on plasma
      cholesterol. The relatively lower plasma triacylglycerol concentration after the
      palm olein diet than after the olive oil diet was unexpected. This trial is
      registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00743301.

PMID- 22071712
TI  - Soy intake is associated with lower lung cancer risk: results from a meta
      analysis of epidemiologic studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several in vitro and animal in vivo studies have suggested
      that soy or soy isoflavones may exert inhibitory effects on lung carcinogenesis,
      epidemiologic studies have reported inconclusive results on the association
      between soy intake and lung cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis was
      to investigate whether an association exists between soy and lung cancer in
      epidemiologic studies. DESIGN: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane
      Library from their inception to February 2011 for both case-control and cohort
      studies that assessed soy consumption and lung cancer risk. Study-specific risk
      estimates were combined by using fixed-effect or random-effect models. RESULTS: A
      total of 11 epidemiologic studies that consisted of 8 case-control and 3
      prospective cohort studies were included. A significantly inverse association was
      shown between soy intake and lung cancer with an overall RR of 0.77 (95% CI:
      0.65, 0.92). Findings were slightly different when analyses were restricted to 5
      high-quality studies (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.99). In a subgroup meta-analysis,
      a statistically significant protective effect of soy consumption was observed in
      women (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.93), never smokers (RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.51,
      0.76), and Asian populations (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that the consumption of soy food is associated with lower lung
      cancer risk. Because of different methods used to assess soy consumption across
      studies, more well-designed cohort studies or intervention studies that use
      unified measures of soy intake are needed to fully characterize such an
      association.

PMID- 22071713
TI  - Changes in genetic and environmental effects on growth during infancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accelerated infant growth is a possible explanation for the relation
      between birth weight and adult diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      estimate the heritability of infant growth and to examine whether the genetic
      contribution changes with increasing or decreasing birth weight and gestational
      age. DESIGN: Growth (change in weight z score) was analyzed in 522 infants from
      the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey for age windows of 0-1, 1-6, 6-12, and
      12-24 mo. Structural equation modeling was performed to estimate the relative
      importance of additive genetic, shared environmental, and unique environmental
      sources of variance. RESULTS: We showed no genetic contribution to growth in the
      0-1-mo growth period. However, at later ages, the heritability of growth was high
      at 94% (95% CI: 90%, 96%) from 1 to 6 mo, 85% (95% CI: 80%, 89%) from 6 to 12 mo,
      and 86% (95% CI: 77%, 91%) in the 12-24-mo growth period. Nevertheless, in the
      last age window, a model without genetic factors was also statistically
      plausible. From 0 to 1 mo, the genetic contribution to growth was low in the
      average birth weight range but higher at both extremes of birth weight. The
      genetic contribution from 0 to 1 mo increased with increasing gestational age
      from 36 wk of gestation onward. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that genetic
      factors are not important in early infant growth (0-1 mo), whereas heritability
      is high after 1 mo. Because many (nutritional) interventions are aimed at
      influencing early postnatal growth, to target long-term health, these
      interventions may be most successful if implemented in the first month of
      postnatal growth.

PMID- 22071714
TI  - Low-grade adipose tissue inflammation in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-grade systemic inflammation is common in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD), but its source remains unclear. Adipose tissue is a
      potent producer of inflammatory mediators and may contribute to systemic
      inflammation in COPD, possibly via hypoxia. OBJECTIVE: We studied the influence
      of COPD and exercise-induced oxygen desaturation on adipose tissue inflammation
      (ATI) and its contribution to systemic inflammation. DESIGN: Subcutaneous adipose
      tissue biopsies were investigated in 28 clinically stable COPD patients [forced
      expiratory volume in 1 s: 58 +/- 16% predicted; BMI (in kg/m(2)): 24.9 +/- 2.9]
      and 15 age-, sex-, and body composition-matched healthy control subjects. Fat
      mass was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Patients were
      prestratified by oxygen desaturation assessed by incremental cycle ergometry. The
      adipocyte size and adipose tissue expression of 19 inflammatory and hypoxia
      related genes were measured, and adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) were
      histologically quantified. Systemic inflammatory markers included C-reactive
      protein (CRP) and a panel of 20 adipokines. RESULTS: COPD patients had comparable
      fat mass but higher CRP and HOMA-IR than did control subjects. COPD patients and
      control subjects had comparable adipose tissue gene expression, adipocyte size,
      ATM infiltration, and systemic adipokine concentrations. Desaturating COPD
      patients had no different ATI status than did nondesaturating COPD patients. COPD
      patients with high CRP had significantly greater ATM infiltration than did
      patients with low CRP, which was independent of BMI and fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: In
      COPD patients, mild-to-moderate COPD, per se, does not enhance ATI or its
      contribution to systemic inflammation compared with in well-matched healthy
      control subjects. However, to our knowledge, our study provides a first
      indication for a possible role of ATMs in the systemic inflammatory response in
      COPD that requires additional investigation. This trial was registered at
      www.trialregister.nl as NTR1402.

PMID- 22071715
TI  - Adolescent and mid-life diet: risk of colorectal cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and
      Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer has a natural history of several decades;
      therefore, the diet consumed decades before diagnosis may aid in understanding
      this malignancy. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate diet during
      adolescence and 10 y before baseline (ages 40-61 y) in relation to colorectal
      cancer. DESIGN: Participants in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study (n = 292,797)
      completed a 124-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) about diet in the past 12
      mo and two 37-item FFQs about diet at ages 12-13 y and 10 y previously. Cox
      regression was used to estimate multivariate HRs and 95% CIs for colon (n = 2794)
      and rectal (n = 979) cancers within quintiles of exposures. RESULTS: Colon cancer
      risk was lower in the highest than in the lowest quintile of vitamin A (HR: 0.82;
      95% CI: 0.72, 0.92) and vegetable (HR: 0.81, 0.70, 0.92) intakes during
      adolescence. Those in the highest intake category 10 y previously for calcium
      (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.94), vitamin A (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.92), vitamin
      C (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.95), fruit (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.97), and milk
      (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.90) had a lower risk of colon cancer, but a higher
      risk was observed for total fat (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.30), red meat (HR:
      1.31; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.53), and processed meat (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.45). For
      rectal cancer, milk was inversely associated (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.96) with
      risk. CONCLUSION: Adolescent and midlife diet may play a role in colorectal
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22071716
TI  - Surgical repair of scrolled descemet's membrane detachment with intracameral
      injection of 1.8% sodium hyaluronate.
AB  - We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with scrolled Descemet's membrane
      detachment (DMD) that was successfully treated by an intracameral injection of
      1.8% sodium hyaluronate. During phacoemulsification cataract surgery, an
      undulating DMD involving the central cornea was observed and air tamponade into
      the anterior chamber was performed. The patient underwent surgical repair 2 weeks
      after the unsuccessful intracameral air injection. To increase the tamponade
      pressure and surface tension on the scrolled flap, viscoelastic material was
      injected into the air-filled anterior chamber. Corneal edema started subsiding
      clinically after the injection of sodium hyaluronate. Descemetopexy with sodium
      hyaluronate can successfully repair scrolled DMD and injection of viscoelastic
      material into the air-filled anterior chamber facilitates unfolding of the
      scrolled flap of DMD.

PMID- 22071717
TI  - Improving sexual risk communication with adolescents using event history
      calendars.
AB  - This study was conducted to explore the effects of an event history calendar
      (EHC) approach on adolescent sexual risk communication and sexual activity.
      Adolescent school-linked health clinic patients (n = 30) who reported sexual
      activity self-administered the EHC that was used by nurse practitioners (NPs; n =
      2) during a clinic visit. Immediately pre- and post-visit, and at 1 and 3 months,
      adolescents reported sexual risk behaviors and perceptions about EHC
      communication on questionnaires and by interview. NPs reported their perceptions
      of EHCs by questionnaire after the visit and poststudy interview. The EHC
      approach facilitated communication and adolescent awareness of their risk
      behaviors. Scores increased on Amount of Communication, t(29) = 8.174, p < .001;
      Satisfaction with Communication, t(29) = 3.112, p = .004; Client Involvement in
      Decision Making, t(29) = 3.901, p = .001, and Client Satisfaction with
      Interpersonal Style, t(29) = 3.763, p = .001. Adolescents reported decreased
      sexual intercourse at 1 month, p = .031. School nurses could use the EHC approach
      to facilitate adolescent communication and tailoring of interventions.

PMID- 22071718
TI  - Effect of surface pressurization on the growth of alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructures.
AB  - By suitably pressurizing iron substrates under different conditions, the
      resulting alpha-Fe(2)O(3) nanostructures, formed by its direct thermal oxidation,
      can gradually change in succession from nanowires to nanoleaves and to
      micropillars as the pressure is increased. The inter-relation between the
      pressure conditions and the resulting nanostructure is studied by density
      functional calculations using ultrasoft pseudopotentials with a plane-wave basis
      method and with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). It is shown that
      the shape of the formed nanostructures is primarily determined by the anisotropic
      activation energy and, as the latter is lowered, there is a shape change from
      wire to pillar. A simulation model of diffusion using the Monte Carlo method is
      applied in the 3-D (dimensional) case to show how the anisotropic activation
      energy influences the growth process of the alpha-Fe(2)O(3) nanostructure. The
      present study provides a way to control the shape of the nanostructures grown by
      the thermal-oxidation method.

PMID- 22071719
TI  - Land use and wetland spatial position jointly determine amphibian parasite
      communities.
AB  - Land use change is one of the most commonly cited contributing factors to
      infectious disease emergence, yet the mechanisms responsible for such changes and
      the spatial scales at which they operate are rarely identified. The distributions
      of parasites with complex life cycles depend on interactions between multiple
      host species, suggesting the net effects of land use on infection patterns may be
      difficult to predict a priori. Here, we used an information-theoretic approach to
      evaluate the importance of land use and spatial scale (local, watershed, and
      regional) in determining the presence and abundance of multi-host trematodes of
      amphibians. Among 40 wetlands and 160 hosts sampled, trematode abundance, species
      richness, and the presence and abundance of pathogenic species were strongly
      influenced by variables at the watershed and regional scales. Based on model
      averaging results, overall parasite richness and abundance were higher in
      forested wetlands than in agricultural areas; however, this pattern was
      influenced by a wetland's proximity to the Mississippi Flyway at the regional
      scale. These patterns likely reflect the activity of trematode definitive hosts,
      such as mammals and especially birds, such that infections decreased with
      increasing distance from the Mississippi River. Interestingly, despite lower mean
      infections, agricultural wetlands had higher variances and maximum infections. At
      the wetland scale, phosphorus concentrations and the abundances of intermediate
      hosts, such as snails and larval amphibians, positively affected parasite
      distributions. Taken together, these results contribute to our understanding of
      how altered landscapes affect parasite communities and inform further research on
      the environmental drivers of amphibian parasite infections.

PMID- 22071721
TI  - Innovative vision.

PMID- 22071720
TI  - Phylogeny, life history, and ecology contribute to differences in amphibian
      susceptibility to ranaviruses.
AB  - Research that identifies the potential host range of generalist pathogens as well
      as variation in host susceptibility is critical for understanding and predicting
      the dynamics of infectious diseases within ecological communities. Ranaviruses
      have been linked to amphibian die-off events worldwide with the greatest number
      of reported mortality events occurring in the United States. While reports of
      ranavirus-associated mortality events continue to accumulate, few data exist
      comparing the relative susceptibility of different species. Using a series of
      laboratory exposure experiments and comparative phylogenetics, we compared the
      susceptibilities of 19 amphibian species from two salamander families and five
      anurans families for two ranavirus isolates: frog virus 3 (FV3) and an FV3-like
      isolate from an American bullfrog culture facility. We discovered that
      ranaviruses were capable of infecting 17 of the 19 larval amphibian species
      tested with mortality ranging from 0 to 100%. Phylogenetic comparative methods
      demonstrated that species within the anuran family Ranidae were generally more
      susceptible to ranavirus infection compared to species from the other five
      families. We also found that susceptibility to infection was associated with
      species that breed in semi-permanent ponds, develop rapidly as larvae, and have
      limited range sizes. Collectively, these results suggest that phylogeny, life
      history characteristics, and habitat associations of amphibians have the
      potential to impact susceptibility to ranaviruses.

PMID- 22071722
TI  - Academic freedom.

PMID- 22071723
TI  - Hubble cleared.

PMID- 22071724
TI  - The road to fraud starts with a single step.

PMID- 22071738
TI  - Time is running out for the leap second.

PMID- 22071737
TI  - Fresh dispute about MMR 'fraud'.

PMID- 22071739
TI  - Palestinian membership puts UN projects at risk.

PMID- 22071740
TI  - A struggle for power.

PMID- 22071742
TI  - Aid organizations tap into social-science expertise.

PMID- 22071743
TI  - The pollinator crisis: What's best for bees.

PMID- 22071744
TI  - Seth Stein: The quake killer.

PMID- 22071745
TI  - Lost in translation: Mystery of the missing text solved.

PMID- 22071750
TI  - Tropical forests: Still vital when degraded.

PMID- 22071751
TI  - Nobels: Fundamental biology misses out.

PMID- 22071752
TI  - Nobels: Maintaining Israel's record.

PMID- 22071753
TI  - Nobels: Toll pioneers deserve recognition.

PMID- 22071754
TI  - Tropical forests: Include Congo basin.

PMID- 22071755
TI  - Tropical forests: Try holistic conservation.

PMID- 22071756
TI  - Scientists as capitalists: More than one fund for US entrepreneurs.

PMID- 22071757
TI  - HPV vaccination: Clarifying the use of 'prepubescent'.

PMID- 22071758
TI  - Evolutionary biology: The path to sociality.

PMID- 22071759
TI  - Planetary science: Ancient lunar dynamo.

PMID- 22071760
TI  - Animal behaviour: Why promiscuity pays.

PMID- 22071762
TI  - Ageing: Old cells under attack.

PMID- 22071763
TI  - Nanotechnology: A molecular four-wheel drive.

PMID- 22071764
TI  - Two types of luminescence blinking revealed by spectroelectrochemistry of single
      quantum dots.
AB  - Photoluminescence blinking--random switching between states of high (ON) and low
      (OFF) emissivities--is a universal property of molecular emitters found in dyes,
      polymers, biological molecules and artificial nanostructures such as nanocrystal
      quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and nanowires. For the past 15 years, colloidal
      nanocrystals have been used as a model system to study this phenomenon. The
      occurrence of OFF periods in nanocrystal emission has been commonly attributed to
      the presence of an additional charge, which leads to photoluminescence quenching
      by non-radiative recombination (the Auger mechanism). However, this 'charging'
      model was recently challenged in several reports. Here we report time-resolved
      photoluminescence studies of individual nanocrystal quantum dots performed while
      electrochemically controlling the degree of their charging, with the goal of
      clarifying the role of charging in blinking. We find that two distinct types of
      blinking are possible: conventional (A-type) blinking due to charging and
      discharging of the nanocrystal core, in which lower photoluminescence intensities
      correlate with shorter photoluminescence lifetimes; and a second sort (B-type),
      in which large changes in the emission intensity are not accompanied by
      significant changes in emission dynamics. We attribute B-type blinking to charge
      fluctuations in the electron-accepting surface sites. When unoccupied, these
      sites intercept 'hot' electrons before they relax into emitting core states. Both
      blinking mechanisms can be electrochemically controlled and completely suppressed
      by application of an appropriate potential.

PMID- 22071765
TI  - Electrically driven directional motion of a four-wheeled molecule on a metal
      surface.
AB  - Propelling single molecules in a controlled manner along an unmodified surface
      remains extremely challenging because it requires molecules that can use light,
      chemical or electrical energy to modulate their interaction with the surface in a
      way that generates motion. Nature's motor proteins have mastered the art of
      converting conformational changes into directed motion, and have inspired the
      design of artificial systems such as DNA walkers and light- and redox-driven
      molecular motors. But although controlled movement of single molecules along a
      surface has been reported, the molecules in these examples act as passive
      elements that either diffuse along a preferential direction with equal
      probability for forward and backward movement or are dragged by an STM tip. Here
      we present a molecule with four functional units--our previously reported rotary
      motors--that undergo continuous and defined conformational changes upon
      sequential electronic and vibrational excitation. Scanning tunnelling microscopy
      confirms that activation of the conformational changes of the rotors through
      inelastic electron tunnelling propels the molecule unidirectionally across a
      Cu(111) surface. The system can be adapted to follow either linear or random
      surface trajectories or to remain stationary, by tuning the chirality of the
      individual motor units. Our design provides a starting point for the exploration
      of more sophisticated molecular mechanical systems with directionally controlled
      motion.

PMID- 22071766
TI  - A long-lived lunar dynamo driven by continuous mechanical stirring.
AB  - Lunar rocks contain a record of an ancient magnetic field that seems to have
      persisted for more than 400 million years and which has been attributed to a
      lunar dynamo. Models of conventional dynamos driven by thermal or compositional
      convection have had difficulty reproducing the existence and apparently long
      duration of the lunar dynamo. Here we investigate an alternative mechanism of
      dynamo generation: continuous mechanical stirring arising from the differential
      motion, due to Earth-driven precession of the lunar spin axis, between the solid
      silicate mantle and the liquid core beneath. We show that the fluid motions and
      the power required to drive a dynamo operating continuously for more than one
      billion years and generating a magnetic field that had an intensity of more than
      one microtesla 4.2 billion years ago are readily obtained by mechanical stirring.
      The magnetic field is predicted to decrease with time and to shut off naturally
      when the Moon recedes far enough from Earth that the dissipated power is
      insufficient to drive a dynamo; in our nominal model, this occurred at about 48
      Earth radii (2.7 billion years ago). Thus, lunar palaeomagnetic measurements may
      be able to constrain the poorly known early orbital evolution of the Moon. This
      mechanism may also be applicable to dynamos in other bodies, such as large
      asteroids.

PMID- 22071767
TI  - An impact-driven dynamo for the early Moon.
AB  - The origin of lunar magnetic anomalies remains unresolved after their discovery
      more than four decades ago. A commonly invoked hypothesis is that the Moon might
      once have possessed a thermally driven core dynamo, but this theory is
      problematical given the small size of the core and the required surface magnetic
      field strengths. An alternative hypothesis is that impact events might have
      amplified ambient fields near the antipodes of the largest basins, but many
      magnetic anomalies exist that are not associated with basin antipodes. Here we
      propose a new model for magnetic field generation, in which dynamo action comes
      from impact-induced changes in the Moon's rotation rate. Basin-forming impact
      events are energetic enough to have unlocked the Moon from synchronous rotation,
      and we demonstrate that the subsequent large-scale fluid flows in the core,
      excited by the tidal distortion of the core-mantle boundary, could have powered a
      lunar dynamo. Predicted surface magnetic field strengths are on the order of
      several microteslas, consistent with palaeomagnetic measurements, and the
      duration of these fields is sufficient to explain the central magnetic anomalies
      associated with several large impact basins.

PMID- 22071770
TI  - Antarctic accumulation seasonality.
AB  - The resemblance of the orbitally filtered isotope signal from the past 340 kyr in
      Antarctic ice cores to Northern Hemisphere summer insolation intensity has been
      used to suggest that the northern hemisphere may drive orbital-scale global
      climate changes. A recent Letter by Laepple et al. suggests that, contrary to
      this interpretation, this semblance may instead be explained by weighting the
      orbitally controlled Antarctic seasonal insolation cycle with a static (present
      day) estimate of the seasonal cycle of accumulation. We suggest, however, that
      both time variability in accumulation seasonality and alternative stable
      seasonality can markedly alter the weighted insolation signal. This indicates
      that, if the last 340 kyr of Antarctic accumulation has not always looked like
      the estimate of precipitation and accumulation seasonality made by Laepple et
      al., this particular accumulation weighting explanation of the Antarctic orbital
      scale isotopic signal might not be robust.

PMID- 22071768
TI  - Stepwise evolution of stable sociality in primates.
AB  - Although much attention has been focused on explaining and describing the
      diversity of social grouping patterns among primates, less effort has been
      devoted to understanding the evolutionary history of social living. This is
      partly because social behaviours do not fossilize, making it difficult to infer
      changes over evolutionary time. However, primate social behaviour shows strong
      evidence for phylogenetic inertia, permitting the use of Bayesian comparative
      methods to infer changes in social behaviour through time, thereby allowing us to
      evaluate alternative models of social evolution. Here we present a model of
      primate social evolution, whereby sociality progresses from solitary foraging
      individuals directly to large multi-male/multi-female aggregations (approximately
      52 million years (Myr) ago), with pair-living (approximately 16 Myr ago) or
      single-male harem systems (approximately 16 Myr ago) derivative from this second
      stage. This model fits the data significantly better than the two widely accepted
      alternatives (an unstructured model implied by the socioecological hypothesis or
      a model that allows linear stepwise changes in social complexity through time).
      We also find strong support for the co-evolution of social living with a change
      from nocturnal to diurnal activity patterns, but not with sex-biased dispersal.
      This supports suggestions that social living may arise because of increased
      predation risk associated with diurnal activity. Sociality based on loose
      aggregation is followed by a second shift to stable or bonded groups. This
      structuring facilitates the evolution of cooperative behaviours and may provide
      the scaffold for other distinctive anthropoid traits including coalition
      formation, cooperative resource defence and large brains.

PMID- 22071772
TI  - Redox imbalance of red blood cells impacts T lymphocyte homeostasis: implication
      in carotid atherosclerosis.
AB  - Oxidative stress and immune/inflammatory responses are key pathogenetic factors
      of atherosclerotic disease. In this contest, mechanisms that regulate survival
      and death of immune cells may be relevant. Previous studies have demonstrated
      that red blood cells (RBCs) are physiologically able to inhibit apoptosis and to
      promote proliferation of activated T lymphocytes from healthy subjects. The aim
      of the present study was to evaluate whether RBCs from patients with carotid
      atherosclerosis maintain their property to modulate T cell homeostasis.
      Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) obtained from healthy subjects were activated
      in vitro  by phytohemagglutinin in the presence/absence of RBCs from patients
      with carotid atherosclerosis or of  in vitro  oxidised RBCs from healthy
      subjects. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aging markers of RBCs as
      well as susceptibility to apoptosis of PBLs were evaluated by flow cytometry. PBL
      proliferation was evaluated by 3H-methyl-thymidine incorporation assay whereas
      secretion of cytokines, analysed in view of their key role in T cell function,
      was assessed by ELISA. Levels of ROS and phosphatidyl-serine externalisation, a
      sign of RBC aging, resulted significantly higher in RBCs from patients than in
      those from healthy subjects, whereas surface glycophorin A expression and reduced
      glutathione content did the opposite. Unlike RBCs obtained from healthy subjects,
      RBCs from patients and  in vitro  oxidised RBCs did not protect activated T
      lymphocytes from apoptosis. Hence, RBCs from patients with carotid
      atherosclerosis, probably due to their oxidative imbalance, impact T cell
      integrity and function. Our results suggest a new regulatory role for RBCs in
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22071773
TI  - The application of statistical methods using VOCs to identify patients with lung
      cancer.
AB  - In this work, an attempt was made to determine a group of lung cancer biomarkers.
      For this study, breath samples collected from 137 patients with confirmed lung
      cancer were analyzed by the SPME-GC/MS method. As a reference group, exhaled air
      from 143 healthy volunteers with different smoking habits (active smokers,
      passive smokers and nonsmokers) was applied. Statistical methods such as
      discriminant analysis (DA) and the CHAID model tree were used for data processing
      and evaluation. In the breath of patients with lung cancer, increased
      concentration of ethanol, acetone, butane, dimethyl sulfide, isoprene, propanal,
      1-propanol, 2-pentanone, furan, o-xylene and ethylbenzene was observed in
      comparison to healthy nonsmokers. Furthermore, pentanal, hexanal and nonane were
      identified only in the breath of people who suffered from cancer. DA confirmed
      the importance of these compounds and allowed us to identify patients with lung
      cancer from healthy volunteers. In the exhaled air of healthy smokers (passive
      and active), a higher concentration of acetonitrile, benzene and furan
      derivatives was observed than in nonsmokers. DA revealed that in order to
      recognize healthy volunteers with different smoking habits by breath analysis,
      butyrolactone, carbon disulfide and dimethyl sulfide have to be considered.

PMID- 22071774
TI  - Association of variants in BAT1-LTA-TNF-BTNL2 genes within 6p21.3 region show
      graded risk to leprosy in unrelated cohorts of Indian population.
AB  - Host immune response against Mycobacterium leprae plays an important role in
      providing resistance to infection and disease progression. Genome-wide linkage
      and association studies suggest the possibility of multiple risk loci within HLA
      (6p21.3) region. Any systematic study of relevance within the histocompatibility
      complex of importance in host immune response would be pertinent because of non
      replication of the known loci and unavailable information on some of the
      unexplored genes and regions. A systematic scan was performed of the selected
      region involving LTA-TNF-LTB genes within 6p21.3 with a resolution of 1SNP/127
      bp; and the SNPs in flanking BAT1, NFKBIL and BTNL2-DRA genes on the basis of
      their tag status or their presence in promoter/exonic regions with MAF of >5%.
      Nine SNPs located in BAT1, LTA, TNF genes and BTNL2-DRA interval showed strong
      association with leprosy susceptibility in two independent sets of North Indian
      population which was replicated in a geographically distinct East Indian
      population. Conditional logistic regression showed at least one functional SNP
      remaining significant in each gene, suggesting an independent role of each of the
      disease associated SNPs. In vitro reporter assay revealed that two SNPs located
      at BAT1 promoter and 13 kb upstream to LTA gene affected the transcription factor
      binding site, hence the gene expression. We unravel the role of unexplored
      immunologically important genes, BAT1 and BTNL2, in addition to known LTA and TNF
      genes, and the haplotypes of the significantly associated SNPs therein, to
      understand susceptibility to the disease, leprosy and its differential severity.

PMID- 22071775
TI  - Comment on: Stenting versus aggressive medical therapy for intracranial arterial
      stenosis : Chimowitz MI, Lynn MJ, Derdeyn CP, et al. N Engl J Med. 2011;365:993
      1003.

PMID- 22071776
TI  - Percutaneous stereotactic radiofrequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of patients with colorectal liver metastasis
      (CRLM) treated with stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA). METHODS:
      Following IRB approval, a retrospective evaluation of 98 SRFA treatment sessions
      of 189 CRLMs in 63 consecutive patients was performed. Local recurrence rate
      (LR), overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analysed.
      RESULTS: LR was identified in 16% of the tumours (31/189), with no significant
      differences (P = 0.635) when comparing tumour sizes <3 cm (17.7%), 3-5 cm (11.1%)
      and >5 cm (17.4%). The median OS from SRFA treatment was 33.2 months after a mean
      follow-up of 25 months (range 2-66); the corresponding 1-, 3- and 5- year
      survival rates were 87%, 44% and 27%. The median OS was significantly different
      when comparing unresectable and resectable patients (27 vs. 58 months, P = 0.002)
      with OS rates of 92%, 66% and 48% at 1, 3 and 5 years in resectable patients.
      Tumour size did not affect OS and DFS. CONCLUSION: Due to the favourable outcome,
      SRFA challenges resection as first-line local treatment of patients with CRLM. As
      long as randomised studies are pending, we recommend entering an individual
      decision-making process with every patient. KEY POINTS: Large colorectal liver
      metastases can be effectively treated by stereotactic radiofrequency ablation
      (SRFA). Using SRFA the overall survival is not affected by tumour size. SRFA
      achieves similar overall and disease-free survival rates as surgical resection.
      SRFA challenges surgical resection as the first-line treatment for colorectal
      liver metastases.

PMID- 22071778
TI  - Increase in perceived case suspiciousness due to local contrast optimisation in
      digital screening mammography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of local contrast optimisation on
      diagnostic accuracy and perceived suspiciousness of digital screening mammograms.
      METHODS: Data were collected from a screening region in the Netherlands and
      consisted of 263 digital screening cases (153 recalled,110 normal). Each case was
      available twice, once processed with a tissue equalisation (TE) algorithm and
      once with local contrast optimisation (PV). All cases had digitised previous
      mammograms. For both algorithms, the probability of malignancy of each finding
      was scored independently by six screening radiologists. Perceived case
      suspiciousness was defined as the highest probability of malignancy of all
      findings of a radiologist within a case. Differences in diagnostic accuracy of
      the processing algorithms were analysed by comparing the areas under the receiver
      operating characteristic curves (A(z)). Differences in perceived case
      suspiciousness were analysed using sign tests. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in A(z) (TE: 0.909, PV 0.917, P = 0.46). For all radiologists,
      perceived case suspiciousness using PV was higher than using TE more often than
      vice versa (ratio: 1.14-2.12). This was significant (P <0.0083) for four
      radiologists. CONCLUSIONS: Optimisation of local contrast by image processing may
      increase perceived case suspiciousness, while diagnostic accuracy may remain
      similar. KEY POINTS: Variations among different image processing algorithms for
      digital screening mammography are large. Current algorithms still aim for optimal
      local contrast with a low dynamic range. Although optimisation of contrast may
      increase sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy is probably unchanged. Increased local
      contrast may render both normal and abnormal structures more conspicuous.

PMID- 22071777
TI  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced micro-CT on mice with mammary carcinoma for the
      assessment of antiangiogenic therapy response.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of in vivo dynamic contrast-enhanced micro
      computed tomography (DCE micro-CT) for the assessment of antiangiogenic drug
      therapy response of mice with mammary carcinoma. METHODS: 20 female mice with
      implanted MCF7 tumours were split into control group and therapy group treated
      with a known effective antiangiogenic drug. All mice underwent DCE micro-CT for
      the 3D analysis of functional parameters (relative blood volume [rBV], vascular
      permeability [K], area under the time-enhancement curve [AUC]) and morphology.
      All parameters were determined for total, peripheral and central tumour volumes
      of interest (VOIs). Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterise tumour
      vascularisation. 3D dose distributions were determined. RESULTS: The mean AUCs
      were significantly lower in therapy with P values of 0.012, 0.007 and 0.023 for
      total, peripheral and central tumour VOIs. K and rBV showed significant
      differences for the peripheral (P(per)(K) = 0.032, P(per) (rBV) = 0.029), but not
      for the total and central tumour VOIs (P(total)(K) = 0.108, P(central)(K) =
      0.246, P(total) (rBV) = 0.093, P(central) (rBV) = 0.136). Mean tumour volume was
      significantly smaller in therapy (P (in vivo) = 0.001, P (ex vivo) = 0.005).
      Histology revealed greater vascularisation in the controls and central tumour
      necrosis. Doses ranged from 150 to 300 mGy. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the
      great potential of DCE micro-CT for early in vivo assessment of antiangiogenic
      drug therapy response. KEY POINTS: Dynamic contrast enhanced micro-CT (computed
      tomography) is a new experimental laboratory technique. DCE micro-CT allows early
      in vivo assessment of antiangiogenic drug therapy response. Pharmaceutical drugs
      can be tested before translation to clinical practice. Both morphological and
      functional parameters can be obtained using DCE micro-CT. Antiangiogenic effects
      can be visualised with DCE micro-CT.

PMID- 22071779
TI  - Switching of +/- 360 degrees   domain wall states in a nanoring by an azimuthal
      Oersted field.
AB  - We demonstrate magnetic switching between two 360 degrees   domain wall vortex
      states in cobalt nanorings, which are candidate magnetic states for robust and
      low power magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) devices. These 360 degrees
      domain wall (DW) or 'twisted onion' states can have clockwise or
      counterclockwise circulation, the two states for data storage. Reliable switching
      between the states is necessary for any realistic device. We accomplish this
      switching by applying a circular Oersted field created by passing current through
      a metal atomic force microscope tip placed at the center of the ring. After
      initializing in an onion state, we rotate the DWs to one side of the ring by
      passing a current through the center, and can switch between the two twisted
      states by reversing the current, causing the DWs to split and meet again on the
      opposite side of the ring. A larger current will annihilate the DWs and create a
      perfect vortex state in the rings.

PMID- 22071781
TI  - Lung adenocarcinomas with HER2-activating mutations are associated with distinct
      clinical features and HER2/EGFR copy number gains.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A fraction of lung adenocarcinomas harbor activating mutations in
      the HER2 kinase domain. HER2-targeted therapies have shown minimal benefit in
      molecularly unselected patients. We investigated clinical and potential molecular
      factors associated with HER2-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 224
      lung adenocarcinoma samples were examined for activating mutations in epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR; exons 18-22), V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS;
      exons 2 and 3), and HER2 (exons 18-21) by direct sequencing. Gene copy number and
      protein expression of both EGFR and HER2 were further explored in samples
      harboring HER2 mutations using fluorescence in situ hybridization and
      immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: The mutation rates of EGFR, KRAS,
      HER2 were 63.39% (142/224), 4.46% (10/224), and 3.57% (8/224), respectively. All
      mutations were mutually exclusive. All eight HER2 mutations occurred in never
      smokers and seven were in women. The HER2 mutation rate in samples without EGFR
      and KRAS mutations was 11.11% (8/72). Seven of eight HER2-mutated tumors showed
      HER2 copy number gains (CNGs) and five showed EGFR CNGs. All of the HER2-mutated
      samples showed either HER2 or EGFR CNGs. Gene amplification of HER2 and EGFR was
      mutually exclusive in HER2-mutated samples. CONCLUSION: HER2 mutations in lung
      adenocarcinoma predominantly occurred in women and never smokers. Most HER2
      mutated tumors showed HER2 CNGs. As all of the samples with HER2 mutation showed
      either HER2 or EGFR CNGs, these patients could potentially benefit from novel
      EGFR/HER2 dual or pan-erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 22071780
TI  - Exhaled breath analysis with a colorimetric sensor array for the identification
      and characterization of lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pattern of exhaled breath volatile organic compounds represents
      a metabolic biosignature with the potential to identify and characterize lung
      cancer. Breath biosignature-based classification of homogeneous subgroups of lung
      cancer may be more accurate than a global breath signature. Combining breath
      biosignatures with clinical risk factors may improve the accuracy of the
      signature. OBJECTIVES: To develop an exhaled breath biosignature of lung cancer
      using a colorimetric sensor array and to determine the accuracy of breath
      biosignatures of lung cancer characteristics with and without the inclusion of
      clinical risk factors. METHODS: The exhaled breath of 229 study subjects, 92 with
      lung cancer and 137 controls, was drawn across a colorimetric sensor array.
      Logistic prediction models were developed and statistically validated based on
      the color changes of the sensor. Age, sex, smoking history, and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease were incorporated in the prediction models.
      RESULTS: The validated prediction model of the combined breath and clinical
      biosignature was moderately accurate at distinguishing lung cancer from control
      subjects (C-statistic 0.811). The accuracy improved when the model focused on
      only one histology (C-statistic 0.825-0.890). Individuals with different
      histologies could be accurately distinguished from one another (C-statistic 0.864
      for adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma). Moderate accuracies were
      noted for validated breath biosignatures of stage and survival (C-statistic 0.785
      and 0.693, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A colorimetric sensor array is capable of
      identifying exhaled breath biosignatures of lung cancer. The accuracy of breath
      biosignatures can be optimized by evaluating specific histologies and
      incorporating clinical risk factors.

PMID- 22071783
TI  - Modest improvements of survival for patients with small cell lung cancer aged 45
      to 59 years only, diagnosed in the Netherlands, 1989 to 2008.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer was a major epidemic in the last decades; 10 to 15% of
      lung cancer consists of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Several changes in the
      diagnostic and treatment procedures took place during the last 20 years. This
      article focuses on trends in incidence, treatment, and survival of SCLC observed
      since the 1990 s. METHODS: All cases with SCLC diagnosed in 1989 to 2009 in the
      Netherlands were included (n = 34,100). Follow-up was complete until January 1,
      2010. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with extensive disease increased from
      47 to 63%. The proportion of patients with limited disease receiving
      chemoradiation increased from 22% in 1989 to 2003 to 72% in 2004 to 2009 among
      those younger than 45 to 59 years, from 15 to 58% among those aged 60 to 74
      years, and from 7 to 27% among those 75 years or older. Among patients with
      extensive disease, the proportion receiving chemotherapy remained stable over
      time (84, 75, and almost 50% for the above mentioned age groups, respectively).
      Significant improvements in 1-year relative survival occurred for patients aged
      45 to 59 years, but not for the other age groups. Relative survival has
      significantly increased for both stage groups. CONCLUSION: Improved staging
      resulted in improved survival for both stage groups, whereas survival of the
      total group has only significantly improved for patients aged 45 to 59 years. The
      latter is possibly related with improved treatment strategies. As survival is
      still very poor, prevention of lung cancer remains important.

PMID- 22071782
TI  - Results of a multicentric in silico clinical trial (ROCOCO): comparing
      radiotherapy with photons and protons for non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This multicentric in silico trial compares photon and proton
      radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients. The hypothesis is that
      proton radiotherapy decreases the dose and the volume of irradiated normal
      tissues even when escalating to the maximum tolerable dose of one or more of the
      organs at risk (OAR). METHODS: Twenty-five patients, stage IA-IIIB, were
      prospectively included. On 4D F18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission
      tomography-computed tomography scans, the gross tumor, clinical and planning
      target volumes, and OAR were delineated. Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy
      (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) photon and passive scattered
      conformal proton therapy (PSPT) plans were created to give 70 Gy to the tumor in
      35 fractions. Dose (de-)escalation was performed by rescaling to the maximum
      tolerable dose. RESULTS: Protons resulted in the lowest dose to the OAR, while
      keeping the dose to the target at 70 Gy. The integral dose (ID) was higher for
      3DCRT (59%) and IMRT (43%) than for PSPT. The mean lung dose reduced from 18.9 Gy
      for 3DCRT and 16.4 Gy for IMRT to 13.5 Gy for PSPT. For 10 patients, escalation
      to 87 Gy was possible for all 3 modalities. The mean lung dose and ID were 40 and
      65% higher for photons than for protons, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment
      planning results of the Radiation Oncology Collaborative Comparison trial show a
      reduction of ID and the dose to the OAR when treating with protons instead of
      photons, even with dose escalation. This shows that PSPT is able to give a high
      tumor dose, while keeping the OAR dose lower than with the photon modalities.

PMID- 22071784
TI  - Dual IHC and FISH testing for ALK gene rearrangement in lung adenocarcinomas in a
      routine practice: a French study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 2011, the French National Cancer Institute recommended ALK
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing in all EGFR/KRAS-negative
      adenocarcinomas by all the hospital molecular genetics platforms of cancers;
      however, this technique remains time and cost consuming and not suitable for a
      large-scale screening, in contrast to immunohistochemistry (IHC). METHODS: To
      evaluate IHC as a prescreening tool, 441 specimens, including small biopsies and
      surgical specimens, were analyzed prospectively on the Grenoble molecular
      genetics platform. EGFR and KRAS mutation analyses and ALK IHC, using the 5A4 mAb
      on an automated staining module, were performed on all specimens; 100 were tested
      by both ALK IHC and FISH (break-apart probe). RESULTS: Twenty-seven cases out of
      441 were strongly positive (3+ intensity in more than 60% of cells) with ALK mAb,
      two additional cases exhibited a faint staining (1+) in less than 30% of the
      cells. Among the 100 cases analyzed by IHC and FISH, 19 were not interpretable by
      FISH, but 21 were positive with both techniques. Sensitivity and specificity of
      IHC when compared with FISH were 95 and 100%, respectively. Eleven patients were
      included in crizotinib trials. Among the 352 analyzable specimens for mutations,
      7% were EGFR and 29% were KRAS mutated. CONCLUSIONS: Our IHC protocol, using a
      commercially available antibody and an amplification step on an automated
      staining module, led to intense cytoplasmic staining in 6.5% of the
      adenocarcinomas screened. Our results favor ALK IHC prescreening on a daily
      routine on surgical specimens and on small biopsies before FISH testing.

PMID- 22071786
TI  - DeltaNp63 (p40) and thyroid transcription factor-1 immunoreactivity on small
      biopsies or cellblocks for typing non-small cell lung cancer: a novel two-hit,
      sparing-material approach.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer on biopsy/cellblock samples
      by morphology may be demanding. As sparing material for molecular testing is
      mandatory, a minimalist immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based diagnostic approach is
      warranted by means of novel, reliable, and easy-to-assess biomarkers. METHODS:
      Forty-six consecutive biopsy/cellblock samples and the corresponding resection
      specimens (as the gold standard for morphology and IHC) from 30 adenocarcinomas
      (AD), 10 squamous carcinomas (SQC), 5 adenosquamous carcinomas (ADSQC), and 1
      sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) were IHC-evaluated for p40 [corresponding to
      nontransactivating DeltaNp63 isoforms] and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1)
      by semiquantitative assessment. For p40, also immunodecoration intensity was
      taken into account and dichotomized as strong or low. RESULTS: Nonrandom and
      overlapping distributions of the relevant markers were found in biopsy/cellblock
      and surgical specimens, which closely correlated with each other and the diverse
      tumor categories, with no differences in area under curve-receiver-operating
      characteristic curves for each marker between any two samples, including p40 and
      p63. Diagnostic combinations were p40-/TTF1+ or TTF1- for AD (where p40 was
      negative, apart from 5/30 AD showing at the best 1-2% tumor cells with low
      intensity); p40+/TTF1- (p40 strong and by far higher than 50%) for SQC; and
      p40+/TTF1+ or p40+/TTF1- (p40 strong and less than 50%) for ADSQC. The single SC
      case was p40-/TTF1-, suggesting glandular lineage. Practically, 41/46 (89%)
      tumors were correctly classified by IHC on small samples, including 30 AD, 10
      SQC, 1/5 ADSQC, and no SC. Underdiagnosis of ADSQC was actually because of
      sampling error of biopsies/cellblocks rather than insufficient biomarker
      robustness, whereas underdiagnosis of SC was really because of the failure of
      either marker to highlight epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSIONS: This
      minimalist IHC-based model of p40 and TTF1 on biopsy/cellblock samples was
      effective to correctly subtype most cases of lung cancer.

PMID- 22071785
TI  - Phase I clinical study of the angiogenesis inhibitor TSU-68 combined with
      carboplatin and paclitaxel in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: TSU-68 is an oral small-molecule inhibitor that targets vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor 2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor
      beta, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1. An open-label, single-arm, phase I
      study was performed to evaluate escalating doses of TSU-68 in combination with
      standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
      METHODS: Eligible patients received TSU-68 at 200 or 400 mg twice daily and
      continuously in combination with carboplatin (area under the curve, 6 mg .
      min/mL) plus paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) on day 1 every 21 days. RESULTS: Thirty-seven
      patients were enrolled at the two dose levels of TSU-68. No dose-limiting
      toxicities were observed with TSU-68 at the 200 mg twice a day dose level. At 400
      mg twice a day, one of six patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity
      (anorexia of grade 3) during the first cycle. The 400 mg twice a day dose level
      was determined to be the recommended dose, and a total of 34 patients were
      treated at this dose. Overall, adverse events were mild to moderate in severity,
      with the most frequently observed such events being myelosuppression, neuropathy,
      and gastrointestinal disorders. No drug-related bleeding was observed. The
      objective response rate was 39.4% (95% confidence interval, 22.9-57.9%), and
      median progression-free survival was 5.6 months (95% confidence interval, 3.6-7.2
      months). Coadministration of TSU-68, carboplatin, and paclitaxel had no
      substantial impact on the pharmacokinetics of these drugs. CONCLUSIONS: TSU-68
      can be safely combined with standard doses of carboplatin-paclitaxel, with the
      combination manifesting promising antitumor activity.

PMID- 22071787
TI  - Urine utilisation by microbial fuel cells; energy fuel for the future.
AB  - This communication reports for the first time the direct utilisation of urine in
      MFCs for the production of electricity. Different conversion efficiencies were
      recorded, depending on the amount treated. Elements such as N, P, K can be locked
      into new biomass, thus removed from solution, resulting in recycling without
      environmental pollution.

PMID- 22071788
TI  - Behavioral and physiological responses to child-directed speech of children with
      autism spectrum disorders or typical development.
AB  - Young boys with autism were compared to typically developing boys on responses to
      nonsocial and child-directed speech (CDS) stimuli. Behavioral (looking) and
      physiological (heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia) measures were
      collected. Boys with autism looked equally as much as chronological age-matched
      peers at nonsocial stimuli, but less at CDS stimuli. Boys with autism and
      language age-matched peers differed in patterns of looking at live versus
      videotaped CDS stimuli. Boys with autism demonstrated faster heart rates than
      chronological age-matched peers, but did not differ significantly on respiratory
      sinus arrhythmia. Reduced attention during CDS may restrict language-learning
      opportunities for children with autism. The heart rate findings suggest that
      young children with autism have a nonspecific elevated arousal level.

PMID- 22071789
TI  - Negative correlation between expression level and evolutionary rate of long
      intergenic noncoding RNAs.
AB  - Mammalian genomes contain numerous genes for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The
      functions of the lncRNAs remain largely unknown but their evolution appears to be
      constrained by purifying selection, albeit relatively weakly. To gain insights
      into the mode of evolution and the functional range of the lncRNA, they can be
      compared with much better characterized protein-coding genes. The evolutionary
      rate of the protein-coding genes shows a universal negative correlation with
      expression: highly expressed genes are on average more conserved during evolution
      than the genes with lower expression levels. This correlation was conceptualized
      in the misfolding-driven protein evolution hypothesis according to which
      misfolding is the principal cost incurred by protein expression. We sought to
      determine whether long intergenic ncRNAs (lincRNAs) follow the same evolutionary
      trend and indeed detected a moderate but statistically significant negative
      correlation between the evolutionary rate and expression level of human and mouse
      lincRNA genes. The magnitude of the correlation for the lincRNAs is similar to
      that for equal-sized sets of protein-coding genes with similar levels of sequence
      conservation. Additionally, the expression level of the lincRNAs is significantly
      and positively correlated with the predicted extent of lincRNA molecule folding
      (base-pairing), however, the contributions of evolutionary rates and folding to
      the expression level are independent. Thus, the anticorrelation between
      evolutionary rate and expression level appears to be a general feature of gene
      evolution that might be caused by similar deleterious effects of protein and RNA
      misfolding and/or other factors, for example, the number of interacting partners
      of the gene product.

PMID- 22071790
TI  - A model for the effect of homologous recombination on microbial diversification.
AB  - The effect of homologous recombination (HR) on the evolution of microbial genomes
      remains contentious as competing hypotheses seek to explain the evolutionary
      dynamics of microbial species. Evidence for HR between microbial genomes is
      widespread, and this process has been proposed to act as a cohesive force that
      can constrain the diversification of microbial lineages. We seek to characterize
      the evolutionary dynamics of sympatric populations to explore the impact of HR on
      microbial speciation. We describe a simple equation for quantifying the cohesive
      effect of HR on microbial populations as a function of their nucleotide
      divergence, MU/rho=pig10(-20 pig). The model was verified using a forward-time
      microbial population simulator that can explore the evolutionary dynamics of
      sympatric populations in nonoverlapping niche space. The model was also evaluated
      using multilocus sequence data from a range of microbial species, providing
      criteria for dividing them into either cohesively recombining or clonally
      diverging lineages. We conclude that models of microbial diversification that
      appear contradictory can be explained in a unified manner as the natural and
      predictable consequence of variation in a small number of population parameters.

PMID- 22071791
TI  - Multifocal presentation of medulloblastoma in adulthood.
AB  - Medulloblastoma in adulthood is uncommon but not rare; annual incidence is 2
      20/1,000,000. Some peculiarities characterize medulloblastoma in adult patients
      compared with the child type: lateral cerebellar location, heterogeneous signal
      intensity on magnetic resonance imaging, desmoplastic histological variant, and
      more favourable prognosis. Preoperative diagnosis is crucial for correct
      management of these patients. However, because of the low incidence of
      medulloblastoma in the adult population, preoperative diagnosis remains
      challenging and prognostic factors and best treatment options are still
      controversial. In this setting, some unusual findings, for example multifocal
      presentation and extra-axial location, can confound diagnosis and make treatment
      difficult. We present a short case-illustrated review on these remarkable issues.

PMID- 22071792
TI  - Combined gene expression and protein interaction analysis of dynamic modularity
      in glioma prognosis.
AB  - Because of the variety of factors affecting glioma prognosis, prediction of
      patient survival is particularly difficult. Protein-protein interaction (PPI)
      networks have been considered with regard to how their spatial characteristics
      relate to glioma. However, the dynamic nature of PPIs in vivo makes them
      temporally and spatially complex events. Integration of prognosis-specific co
      expression information adds further dynamic features to these networks. Although
      some biomarkers for glioma prognosis have been identified, none is sufficient for
      accurate prediction of either prognosis or improved survival. We have established
      co-expressed protein-interaction networks that integrate protein-protein
      interactions with glioma gene-expression profiles related to different survival
      times. Biomarkers related to glioma prognosis were identified by comparative
      analysis of the dynamic features of the glioma prognosis network, particularly
      subnetworks. Four significantly differently expressed genes (SDEGs) are
      upregulated and ten SDEGs downregulated as lifetime is extended. In addition, 97
      enhanced differently co-expressed protein interactions (DCPIs) and 99 weakened
      DCPIs were associated with glioma patient lifetime extension. We propose a method
      for estimating glioma prognosis on the basis of the construction of a dynamic
      modular network. We have used this method to identify dynamic genes and
      interactions related to glioma prognosis. Among these, enhanced MYC expression
      was related to lifetime extension, as were interactions between E2F1 and RB1 and
      between EGFR and p38. This method is a novel means of studying the molecular
      mechanisms determining prognosis in glioma.

PMID- 22071793
TI  - "Visual sensory trick" in patient with cervical dystonia.
AB  - Sensory tricks are clinical maneuvers that may partially relieve dystonic
      contractions. Any clinical maneuver that modulates afferent sensory and efferent
      motor pathways could be used as a sensory trick in patients with cervical
      dystonia. Although various sensory tricks have been described to reduce cervical
      dystonia, little is known about the exact mechanisms by which they operate. We
      report a case of cervical dystonia that was alleviated through the use of a
      visual-sensory trick. Our findings suggest that visual stimulation might be an
      effective sensory trick in cervical dystonia by compensating for a defective
      sensory system, or because visual pathways might be also affected by sensory
      interactions in cervical dystonia.

PMID- 22071794
TI  - Concordance between severity of disease, prevalence of nonmotor symptoms, patient
      reported quality of life and disability and use of medication in Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - The aim of this study was to test the concordance between disease severity,
      prevalence of nonmotor symptoms, age, health-related quality of life (HRQoL),
      disability and medication use in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Severity
      was classified with the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale and Levodopa Equivalent Daily
      Dose (LEDD) calculated. HRQoL was evaluated with the SF-36, disability with the
      WHO-DAS II and nonmotor symptoms with the NMSQuest. Patients were clustered using
      SF-36 and WHO-DAS II into three groups covering the continuum from low disability
      and HRQoL, to severe disability and HRQoL decrement. Contingency Coefficient were
      used to verify the relationships between clusters and HY stage; ANOVA to evaluate
      differences in NMS, age and LEDD between clusters; odds ratio to test the
      likelihood of taking levodopa or dopamine agonist and being member of the three
      clusters; t test to evaluate differences in LEDD between patients with HY >=3 or
      <=2. Eighty-six patients were clustered: 48 had low disability and HRQoL
      decrement, 18 intermediate disability and HRQoL decrement and 20 high disability
      and HRQoL decrement. A significant relationship was found between PD severity
      groups, HRQoL and disability profiles. No differences for age and LEDD were
      observed in the three groups, and those with more disability and lower HRQoL
      reported a higher number of nonmotor symptoms; patients in HY >=3 were prescribed
      higher doses of drugs. In conclusion, we found a substantial concordance between
      PD staging, prevalence of nonmotor symptoms and patient-reported HRQoL and
      disability measures. In our opinion, the SF-36 and the WHO-DAS II can be used for
      profiling patients.

PMID- 22071795
TI  - Whole-gland salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy for localized
      prostate cancer recurrence after external beam radiation therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whole-gland high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been used as
      salvage therapy for local recurrence following external beam radiation therapy
      for decades. This article describes the use of the Sonablate 500 HIFU system in
      the salvage setting. METHODS: An evaluation was performed of a consecutive group
      of men with biochemical failure after external beam radiation therapy with
      histologically proven local recurrence and bone-scan and pelvic magnetic
      resonance imaging to exclude macroscopic metastases, and who chose to have whole
      gland salvage HIFU (Sonablate 500) at 2 centers (3 expert HIFU surgeons at each
      center). The modified Clavien system was used to categorize adverse events and
      validated questionnaires for functional outcomes. Progression following HIFU
      treatment was defined as ASTRO-Phoenix criteria (prostate serum antigen [PSA]
      >nadir+2 ng/mL) and/or a positive biopsy and/or start of hormone therapy.
      RESULTS: Eighty-four men underwent whole-gland salvage HIFU (2004-2009). Median
      age, pretreatment serum PSA, and biopsy Gleason score was 68 years (range, 64-72
      years), 4.3 ng/mL (range, 1.9-7.9 ng/mL), and 7 (range, 6-7), respectively. Mean
      follow-up was 19.8 months (range, 3.0-35.1 months). After salvage HIFU, 62% of
      the men were pad-free and leak-free. Mean International Index of Erectile
      Function-5 point score fell from 8.8 to 4.7 (P < .001). International Prostate
      Symptoms Score and RAND-SF36 scores were not affected. Two men developed
      rectourethral fistulae after 1 salvage procedure. A further 2 fistulae occurred
      in the 6 men undergoing a second salvage HIFU. Intervention for bladder outlet
      obstruction was needed in 20% (17 of 84 patients). If PSA nonresponders were
      included, 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 59% (50 of 84
      patients) and 43% (36 of 84 patients), respectively. If PSA nonresponders were
      excluded, 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 62% (48 of 77
      patients) and 48% (37 of 77 patients), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage whole
      gland HIFU is a high-risk procedure. Although its use in early cancer control is
      promising, strategies to better identify metastatic disease prior to salvage
      therapy and reduce local toxicity are needed to improve on this.

PMID- 22071796
TI  - Homocysteine and the risk of nursing home admission and mortality in older
      persons.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate whether higher
      homocysteine and lower vitamin B12 concentrations increase the risk of future
      nursing home (NH) admission and all-cause mortality in independently living older
      persons. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In total, 1117 independently living participants (mean
      age=75.1, s.d.=6.4) were included in this prospective sub-study of the
      Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. EDTA plasma samples, collected in 1995-1996,
      were analysed for total homocysteine (MUmol/l). Time to NH admission was assessed
      using a follow-up until 2002-2003. In addition, we studied mortality until 1 June
      2007. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association
      between homocysteine in quartiles and risk of NH admission and mortality.
      RESULTS: During follow-up, 126 persons (11.3%) were admitted to NHs, and 513
      persons (45.9%) deceased. In men, no significant associations were observed. In
      women, after adjustment for confounding, the highest quartile of homocysteine was
      associated with a significantly higher risk of NH admission compared with the
      first quartile (hazard ratio (HR)=2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.36-6.49).
      Both women in the third and the fourth quartile of homocysteine had a
      significantly higher mortality risk (HR=1.70, 95% CI=1.08-2.65 and HR=1.91, 95%
      CI=1.22-3.00, respectively) compared with the first quartile. Vitamin B12 was not
      related to an increased risk of NH admission and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated
      plasma homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of NH admission and
      mortality in older women, but not in older men.

PMID- 22071797
TI  - Calcium channel blockers for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia and related disorders affect a sizable proportion of
      any population. Neuroleptic (antipsychotic) medications are the primary treatment
      for these disorders. Neuroleptic medications are associated with a variety of
      side effects including tardive dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is a disfiguring movement
      disorder of the orofacial region that can be tardive (having a slow or belated
      onset). Tardive dyskinesia is difficult to treat, despite experimentation with
      several treatments. Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nifedipine, nimodipine,
      verapamil) have been among these experimental treatments. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the effects of calcium-channel blocker drugs (diltiazem, nifedipine,
      nimodipine, verapamil) for treatment of neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia in
      people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or other chronic mental
      illnesses. SEARCH STRATEGY: We updated previous searches in May 2010 by searching
      the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Register using the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group
      search strategy. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials comparing calcium
      channel blockers with placebo, no intervention or any other intervention for
      people with both tardive dyskinesia and schizophrenia or serious mental illness.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We planned to extract and analyse data on an
      intention-to-treat (ITT) basis. We intended to calculate the relative risk (RR)
      and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of homogeneous dichotomous data using a random
      effects model, and, where possible, calculate the number needed to treat. We
      planned to calculate mean differences (MD) for continuous data. MAIN RESULTS: We
      did not include any trials in this review. We excluded 15 studies; eight were not
      randomised, one did not use calcium channel blockers, five small, randomised,
      studies reported no usable data and one did not include people with both tardive
      dyskinesia and schizophrenia. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The effects of calcium
      channel blockers for antipsychotic induced tardive dyskinesia are unknown. Their
      use is experimental and should only be given in the context of well designed
      randomised clinical trials.

PMID- 22071798
TI  - Low versus high haemoglobin concentration threshold for blood transfusion for
      preventing morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants of very low birth weight often receive multiple transfusions
      of red blood cells, usually in response to predetermined haemoglobin or
      haematocrit thresholds. In the absence of better indices, haemoglobin levels are
      imperfect but necessary guides to the need for transfusion. Chronic anaemia in
      premature infants may, if severe, cause apnoea, poor neurodevelopmental outcomes
      or poor weight gain.On the other hand, red blood cell transfusion may result in
      transmission of infections, circulatory or iron overload, or dysfunctional oxygen
      carriage and delivery. OBJECTIVES: To determine if erythrocyte transfusion
      administered to maintain low as compared to high haemoglobin thresholds reduces
      mortality or morbidity in very low birth weight infants enrolled within three
      days of birth. SEARCH METHODS: Two review authors independently searched the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library) ,
      MEDLINE,EMBASE, and conference proceedings through June 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of early
      versus late, or restrictive versus liberal erythrocyte transfusion regimes in low
      birth weight infants applied within three days of birth, with mortality or major
      morbidity as outcomes.

PMID- 22071799
TI  - Human albumin solution for resuscitation and volume expansion in critically ill
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human albumin solutions are used for a range of medical and surgical
      problems. Licensed indications are the emergency treatment of shock and other
      conditions where restoration of blood volume is urgent, such as in burns and
      hypoproteinaemia. Human albumin solutions are more expensive than other colloids
      and crystalloids. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effect on mortality of human
      albumin and plasma protein fraction (PPF) administration in the management of
      critically ill patients. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group
      Specialised Register (searched 31 May 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE (Ovid)
      (1948 to week 3 May 2011), EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to Week 21 2011), CINAHL (EBSCO)
      (1982 to May 2011), ISI Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI
      EXPANDED) (1970 to May 2011), ISI Web of Science: Conference Proceedings Citation
      Index - Science (CPCI-S) (1990 to May 2011), PubMed
      (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/) (searched 10 June 2011, limit: last 60
      days). Reference lists of trials and review articles were checked, and authors of
      identified trials were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled
      trials comparing albumin or PPF with no albumin or PPF or with a crystalloid
      solution in critically ill patients with hypovolaemia, burns or hypoalbuminaemia.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We collected data on the participants, albumin
      solution used, mortality at the end of follow up, and quality of allocation
      concealment. Analysis was stratified according to patient type. MAIN RESULTS: We
      found 38 trials meeting the inclusion criteria and reporting death as an outcome.
      There were 1,958 deaths among 10,842 trial participants.For hypovolaemia, the
      relative risk of death following albumin administration was 1.02 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.13). This estimate was heavily influenced by the results
      of the SAFE trial, which contributed 75.2% of the information (based on the
      weights in the meta-analysis). For burns, the relative risk was 2.93 (95% CI 1.28
      to 6.72) and for hypoalbuminaemia the relative risk was 1.26 (95% CI 0.84 to
      1.88). There was no substantial heterogeneity between the trials in the various
      categories (Chi(2) = 26.66, df = 31, P = 0.69). The pooled relative risk of death
      with albumin administration was 1.05 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.16). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      For patients with hypovolaemia, there is no evidence that albumin reduces
      mortality when compared with cheaper alternatives such as saline. There is no
      evidence that albumin reduces mortality in critically ill patients with burns and
      hypoalbuminaemia. The possibility that there may be highly selected populations
      of critically ill patients in which albumin may be indicated remains open to
      question. However, in view of the absence of evidence of a mortality benefit from
      albumin and the increased cost of albumin compared to alternatives such as
      saline, it would seem reasonable that albumin should only be used within the
      context of well concealed and adequately powered randomised controlled trials.

PMID- 22071800
TI  - Teaching critical appraisal skills in healthcare settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical appraisal is the process of assessing and interpreting
      evidence by systematically considering its validity, results and relevance to an
      individual's work. Within the last decade critical appraisal has been added as a
      topic to many medical school and UK Royal College curricula, and several
      continuing professional development ventures have been funded to provide further
      training. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of teaching critical appraisal skills to health
      professionals on the process of care, patient outcomes and knowledge of health
      professionals. SEARCH METHODS. We updated the search (see Appendix 1 for search
      strategies by database) and used those search strategies to search the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (1997 to June 2011) and MEDLINE (from 1997
      to June 2011). We also searched EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO (up to January 2010).
      We searched LISA (up to January 2010), ERIC (up to January 2010), SIGLE (up to
      January 2010) and Web of Knowledge (up to January 2010). We also searched the
      Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Database of Abstracts of Reviews
      of Effects (DARE) and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care
      (EPOC) Group Specialised Register up to January 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after
      studies and interrupted time series analyses that examined the effectiveness of
      educational interventions teaching critical appraisal to health professionals.
      The outcomes included process of care, patient mortality, morbidity, quality of
      life and satisfaction. We included studies reporting on health professional
      knowledge/awareness only when based upon objective, standardised, validated
      instruments. We did not consider studies involving students. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of
      bias. We contacted authors of included studies to obtain missing data. MAIN
      RESULTS: In total, we reviewed a total of 11,057 titles and abstracts, of which
      148 appeared potentially relevant to the review. We included three studies
      involving 272 people in this review. None of the included studies evaluated
      process of care or patient outcomes. Statistically significant improvements in
      participants' knowledge were reported in domains of critical appraisal (variable
      approaches across studies) in two of the three studies. We determined risk of
      bias to be 'unclear' and as such considered this to be 'plausible bias that
      raises some doubt about the results'. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity
      critical appraisal teaching interventions in healthcare populations may result in
      modest gains. Improvements to research examining the effectiveness of
      interventions in healthcare populations are required; specifically rigorous
      randomised trials employing interventions using appropriate adult learning
      theories.

PMID- 22071801
TI  - Antiplatelet agents for intermittent claudication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common and is a marker of
      systemic atherosclerosis. Patients with symptoms of intermittent claudication
      (IC) are at increased risk of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction (MI)
      and stroke) and of both cardiovascular and all cause mortality. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the effectiveness of antiplatelet agents in reducing mortality (all
      cause and cardiovascular) and cardiovascular events in patients with intermittent
      claudication. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases group
      searched their Specialised Register (last searched April 2011) and CENTRAL (2011,
      Issue 2) for publications on antiplatelet agents and IC. In addition reference
      lists of relevant articles were also searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Double-blind
      randomised controlled trials comparing oral antiplatelet agents versus placebo,
      or versus other antiplatelet agents in patients with stable intermittent
      claudication were included. Patients with asymptomatic PAD (stage I Fontaine),
      stage III and IV Fontaine PAD, and those undergoing or awaiting endovascular or
      surgical intervention were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data on
      methodological quality, participants, interventions and outcomes including all
      cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular events, adverse events,
      pain free walking distance, need for revascularisation, limb amputation and ankle
      brachial pressure indices were collected. For each outcome, the pooled risk ratio
      (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated.
      MAIN RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with a combined total of 12,168 patients were
      included in this review. Antiplatelet agents reduced all cause (RR 0.76, 95% CI
      0.60 to 0.98) and cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.93) in
      patients with IC compared with placebo. A reduction in total cardiovascular
      events was not statistically significant (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.01). Data
      from two trials (which tested clopidogrel and picotamide respectively against
      aspirin) showed a significantly lower risk of all cause mortality (RR 0.73, 95%
      CI 0.58 to 0.93) and cardiovascular events (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98) with
      antiplatelets other than aspirin compared with aspirin. Antiplatelet therapy was
      associated with a higher risk of adverse events, including gastrointestinal
      symptoms (dyspepsia) (RR 2.11, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.61) and adverse events leading to
      cessation of therapy (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.75) compared with placebo; data
      on major bleeding (RR 1.73, 95% CI 0.51, 5.83) and on adverse events in trials of
      aspirin versus alternative antiplatelet were limited. Risk of limb deterioration
      leading to revascularisation was significantly reduced by antiplatelet treatment
      compared with placebo (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Antiplatelet agents have a beneficial effect in reducing all cause mortality and
      fatal cardiovascular events in patients with IC. Treatment with antiplatelet
      agents in this patient group however is associated with an increase in adverse
      effects, including GI symptoms, and healthcare professionals and patients need to
      be aware of the potential harm as well as the benefit of therapy; more data are
      required on the effect of antiplatelets on major bleeding. Evidence on the
      effectiveness of aspirin versus either placebo or an alternative antiplatelet
      agent is lacking. Evidence for thienopyridine antiplatelet agents was
      particularly compelling and there is an urgent need for multicentre trials to
      compare the effects of aspirin against thienopyridines.

PMID- 22071802
TI  - Continuous nasogastric milk feeding versus intermittent bolus milk feeding for
      premature infants less than 1500 grams.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Milk feedings can be given via nasogastric tube either
      intermittently, typically over 10 to 20 minutes every two or three hours, or
      continuously, using an infusion pump. Although theoretical benefits and risks of
      each method have been proposed, effects on clinically important outcomes remain
      uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of
      continuous versus intermittent bolus nasogastric milk feeding in premature
      infants less than 1500 grams. SEARCH METHODS: Searches were performed of the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library,
      Issue 3, 2011), MEDLINE, CINAHL and HealthSTAR up to July 2011. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised clinical trials comparing continuous
      versus intermittent bolus nasogastric milk feeding in premature infants less than
      1500 grams. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      assessed all trials for relevance and methodologic quality. The standard methods
      of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group were used to extract data. MAIN RESULTS:
      Overall, the seven included trials, involving 511 infants, found no differences
      in time to achieve full enteral feeds between feeding methods (weighted mean
      difference (WMD) 2 days; 95% CI -0.3 to 3.9) . In the subgroup analysis of those
      studies comparing continuous nasogastric versus intermittent bolus nasogastric
      milk feedings the findings remained unchanged (WMD 2 days, 95% CI -0.4 to 4.1).
      There was no significant difference in somatic growth and incidence of NEC
      between feeding methods irrespective of tube placement. One study noted a trend
      toward more apneas during the study period in infants fed by the continuous tube
      feeding method compared to those fed by intermittent feedings delivered
      predominantly by orogastric tube placements [mean difference (MD) 14.0 apneas
      during study period; 95% CI -0.2 to 28.2]. In subgroup analysis based on weight
      groups, one study suggested that infants less than 1000 grams and 1000 to 1250
      grams birth weight gained weight faster when fed by the continuous nasogastric
      tube feeding method compared to intermittent nasogastric tube feeding method (MD
      2.0 g/day; 95% CI 0.5 to 3.5; MD 2.0 g/day; 95% CI 0.2 to 3.8, respectively). A
      trend toward earlier discharge for infants less than 1000 grams birth weight fed
      by the continuous tube feeding method compared to intermittent nasogastric tube
      feeding method (MD -11 days; 95% CI -21.8 to -0.2). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Small
      sample sizes, methodologic limitations, inconsistencies in controlling variables
      that may affect outcomes, and conflicting results of the studies to date make it
      difficult to make universal recommendations regarding the best tube feeding
      method for premature infants less than 1500 grams. The clinical benefits and
      risks of continuous versus intermittent nasogastric tube milk feeding cannot be
      reliably discerned from the limited information available from randomised trials
      to date.

PMID- 22071803
TI  - Operative procedures for fissure in ano.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports of direct comparisons between operative techniques for anal
      fissure are variable in their results. These reports are either subject to
      selection bias (in non-randomized studies) or observer bias (in all studies) or
      have inadequate numbers of patients enrolled to answer the question of efficacy.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the best technique for fissure surgery. SEARCH METHODS:
      The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE (1965-2011),
      Medline (Pubmed) and Embase were searched March to 2011. The list of cited
      references in all included reports and several study authors also were helpful in
      finding additional comparative studies.A total of four new trials were included
      in this update of the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: All reports in which there was
      a direct comparison between at least two operative techniques were reviewed and
      when more than one report existed for any given pair, that report was included.
      All studies must also be randomised. If crude data were not presented in the
      report, the authors were contacted and crude data obtained. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: The two most commonly used end points in all reported studies were
      treatment failure and post-operative incontinence both to flatus and faeces.
      These are the only two endpoints included in the meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS:
      Four trials, encompassing 406 patients were included in this update, with now a
      total of 2056 patients in the review from 27 studies that describe and analyze 13
      different operative procedures. These operative techniques used by these studies
      include closed lateral sphincterotomy, open lateral internal sphincterotomy, anal
      stretch, balloon dilation, wound closure, perineoplasty, length of sphincterotomy
      and fissurectomy. Two new procedures in the update, similar to anal stretch were
      described- sphincterolysis and controlled intermittent anal dilatation. A new
      comparison was described, comparing the effects of unilateral internal
      sphincterotomy and bilateral internal sphincterotomy.Manual Anal stretch has a
      higher risk of fissure persistence than internal sphincterotomy and also a
      significantly higher risk of minor incontinence than sphincterotomy. The combined
      analyses of open versus closed partial lateral internal sphincterotomy show
      little difference between the two procedures both in fissure persistence and risk
      of incontinence Unilateral internal sphincterotomy was shown to be more likely to
      result in treatment failure compared to bilateral internal sphincterotomy, but
      there is no significant difference in the risk of incontinence.Sphincterotomy was
      less likely to result in treatment failure when compared to fissurectomy, but
      there was no significant difference when considering post-operative
      incontinence.When comparing sphincterotomy to sphincterolysis, there was no
      significant difference between the two procedures both in treatment failure and
      risk of incontinence; the same is the case when comparing sphincterotomy with
      controlled anal dilation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Manual anal stretch should
      probably be abandoned in the treatment of chronic anal fissure in adults. For
      those patients requiring surgery for anal fissure, open and closed partial
      lateral internal sphincterotomy appear to be equally efficacious. More data are
      needed to assess the effectiveness of posterior internal sphincterotomy, anterior
      levatorplasty, wound suture or papilla excision. Bilateral internal
      sphincterotomy shows promise, but needs further research into its efficacy.

PMID- 22071804
TI  - Medical methods for first trimester abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical abortion by vacuum aspiration or dilatation and curettage
      has been the method of choice for early pregnancy termination since the 1960s.
      Medical abortion became an alternative method of first trimester pregnancy
      termination with the availability of prostaglandins in the early 1970s and anti
      progesterones in the 1980s. The most widely researched drugs are prostaglandins
      (PGs) alone, mifepristone alone, methotrexate alone, mifepristone with
      prostaglandins and methotrexate with prostaglandins. OBJECTIVES: To compare
      different medical methods for first trimester abortion. SEARCH METHODS: The
      Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE and Popline were systematically
      searched. Reference lists of retrieved papers were also searched. Experts in
      WHO/HRP were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Types of studies Randomised
      controlled trials comparing different medical methods for abortion during first
      trimester (e.g. single drug, combination) were considered. Trials were assessed
      and included if they had adequate concealment of allocation, randomisation
      procedure and follow-up. Women, pregnant during the first trimester, undergoing
      medical abortion were the participants. The outcomes were mortality, failure to
      achieve complete abortion, surgical evacuation, ongoing pregnancy at follow-up,
      time until passing of conceptus, blood transfusion, side effects and women's
      dissatisfaction with the procedure. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers
      independently selected trials for inclusion from the results of the search
      strategy described previously.The selection of trials for inclusion in the review
      was performed independently by two reviewers after employing the search strategy
      described previously. Trials under consideration were evaluated for
      appropriateness for inclusion and methodological quality without consideration of
      their results. Data were processed using Revman software. MAIN RESULTS: Fifty
      eight trials were included in the review. The effectiveness outcomes below refer
      to 'failure to achieve complete abortion' with the intended method unless
      otherwise stated. 1) Combined regimen mifepristone/prostaglandin: Mifepristone
      600 mg compared to 200 mg shows similar effectiveness in achieving complete
      abortion (4 trials, RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.32). Misoprostol administered
      orally is less effective (more failures) than the vaginal route (RR 3.00, 95% CI
      1.44 to 6.24) and may be associated with more frequent side effects such as
      nausea and diarrhoea. Sublingual and buccal routes were similarly effective
      compared to the vaginal route, but had higher rates of side effects. 2)
      Mifepristone alone is less effective when compared to the combined regimen
      mifepristone/prostaglandin (RR 3.76 95% CI 2.30 to 6.15). 3) Five trials compared
      prostaglandin alone to the combined regimen (mifepristone/prostaglandin). All but
      one reported higher effectiveness with the combined regimen. The results of these
      studies could not be combined but the RR of failure with prostaglandin alone is
      reportedly between 1.4 to 3.75 with the 95% confidence intervals indicating
      statistical significance. 4) In one trial comparing gemeprost 0.5 mg with
      misoprostol 800 mcg, misoprostol was more effective (failure with gemeprost: RR
      2.86, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.18). 5) There was no difference in effectiveness with use
      of a divided dose compared to a single dose of prostaglandin. 6) Combined regimen
      methotrexate/prostaglandin demonstrates similar rates of failure to complete
      abortion when comparing intramuscular to oral methotrexate administration (RR
      2.04, 95% CI 0.51 to 8.07). Similarly, day 3 vs. day 5 administration of
      prostaglandin following methotrexate administration showed no significant
      differences (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.43). One trial compared the effect of
      tamoxifen vs. methotrexate and no statistically significant differences were
      observed in effectiveness between the groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Safe and
      effective medical abortion methods are available. Combined regimens are more
      effective than single agents. In the combined regimen, the dose of mifepristone
      can be lowered to 200 mg without significantly decreasing the method
      effectiveness. Vaginal misoprostol is more effective than oral administration,
      and has less side effects than sublingual or buccal. Some results are limited by
      the small numbers of participants on which they are based. Almost all trials were
      conducted in settings with good access to emergency services, which may limit the
      generalizability of these results.

PMID- 22071805
TI  - Opioid therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
      pain control is often inadequate even when inflammation is well controlled.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of opioid analgesics for treating
      pain in patients with RA. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE and
      EMBASE for studies to May 2010. We also searched the 2008 to 2009 American
      College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League against Rheumatism (EULAR)
      abstracts and performed a handsearch of the reference lists of articles.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies were included if they were randomized or quasi
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs or CCTs) which compared opioid therapy to
      another therapy (active or placebo) for pain in patients with RA. Outcomes of
      interest were pain, adverse effects, function and quality of life. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected the studies
      for inclusion, extracted the data, and performed a risk of bias assessment. MAIN
      RESULTS: Eleven studies (672 participants) were included in the review. Four
      studies assessed the efficacy of single doses of various opioid and non-opioid
      analgesics; a pooled analysis of these studies was not performed but in each
      study opioids reduced pain more than placebo. There were no differences between
      analgesic drugs in these studies.Seven studies were between one and six weeks in
      duration and assessed six different oral opioids (dextropropoxyphene, codeine,
      tramadol, tilidine, pentazocine, morphine), either alone or combined with non
      opioid analgesics. The only strong opioid investigated was controlled-release
      morphine sulphate, in a single study with 20 participants. Six studies compared
      an opioid to placebo. Opioids were superior to placebo in patient-reported global
      impression of change (3 studies, 324 participants: relative risk (RR) 1.44, 95%
      CI 1.03 to 2.03) but not for the number of withdrawals due to inadequate
      analgesia (4 studies, 345 participants: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.0). Adverse
      events (most commonly nausea, vomiting, dizziness and constipation) were more
      frequent in patients receiving opioids compared to placebo (4 studies, 371
      participants: odds ratio 3.90, 95% CI 2.31 to 6.56); the pooled risk ratio for
      withdrawal due to adverse events was 2.67 (3 studies, 331 participants: 95% CI
      0.52 to 13.75). One study compared an opioid (codeine with paracetamol) to an
      NSAID (diclofenac) and found no difference in efficacy or safety between
      interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence that weak oral
      opioids may be effective analgesics for some patients with RA, but adverse
      effects are common and may offset the benefits of this class of medications.
      There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding the use of weak
      opioids for longer than six weeks, or the role of strong opioids.

PMID- 22071806
TI  - Physical fitness training for stroke patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levels of physical fitness are low after stroke. It is unknown
      whether improving physical fitness after stroke reduces disability. OBJECTIVES:
      To determine whether fitness training after stroke reduces death, dependence, and
      disability. The secondary aims were to determine the effects of training on
      physical fitness, mobility, physical function, quality of life, mood, and
      incidence of adverse events. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke
      Group Trials Register (last searched April 2010), the Cochrane Central Register
      of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, July 2010), MEDLINE (1966
      to March 2010), EMBASE (1980 to March 2010), CINAHL (1982 to March 2010),
      SPORTDiscus (1949 to March 2010), and five additional databases (March 2010). We
      also searched ongoing trials registers, handsearched relevant journals and
      conference proceedings, screened reference lists, and contacted experts in the
      field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing either cardiorespiratory
      training or resistance training, or both, with no intervention, a non-exercise
      intervention, or usual care in stroke survivors. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed quality, and extracted
      data. We analysed data using random-effects meta-analyses. Diverse outcome
      measures limited the intended analyses. MAIN RESULTS: We included 32 trials,
      involving 1414 participants, which comprised cardiorespiratory (14 trials, 651
      participants), resistance (seven trials, 246 participants), and mixed training
      interventions (11 trials, 517 participants). Five deaths were reported at the end
      of the intervention and nine at the end of follow-up. No dependence data were
      reported. Diverse outcome measures made data pooling difficult. The majority of
      the estimates of effect were not significant. Cardiorespiratory training
      involving walking improved maximum walking speed (mean difference (MD) 8.66
      metres per minute, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98 to 14.34), preferred gait
      speed (MD 4.68 metres per minute, 95% CI 1.40 to 7.96) and walking capacity (MD
      47.13 metres per six minutes, 95% CI 19.39 to 74.88) at the end of the
      intervention. These training effects were retained at the end of follow-up. Mixed
      training, involving walking, increased preferred walking speed (MD 2.93 metres
      per minute, 95% CI 0.02 to 5.84) and walking capacity (MD 30.59 metres per six
      minutes, 95% CI 8.90 to 52.28) but effects were smaller and there was
      heterogeneity amongst the trial results. There were insufficient data to assess
      the effects of resistance training. The variability in the quality of included
      trials hampered the reliability and generalizability of the observed results.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The effects of training on death, dependence, and
      disability after stroke are unclear. There is sufficient evidence to incorporate
      cardiorespiratory training involving walking within post-stroke rehabilitation
      programmes to improve speed, tolerance, and independence during walking. Further
      well-designed trials are needed to determine the optimal exercise prescription
      and identify long-term benefits.

PMID- 22071807
TI  - Triphasic versus monophasic oral contraceptives for contraception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Side effects of oral contraceptive (OC) pills discourage adherence to
      and continuation of OC regimens. Strategies to decrease adverse effects led to
      the introduction of the triphasic OC in the 1980s. Whether triphasic OCs have
      higher accidental pregnancy rates than monophasic pills is unknown. Nor is it
      known if triphasic pills give better cycle control and fewer side effects than
      the monophasic pills. OBJECTIVES: To compare triphasic OCs with monophasic OCs in
      terms of efficacy, cycle control, and discontinuation due to side effects. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched the computerized databases of the Cochrane Central Register
      of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, POPLINE, EMBASE,
      and LILACS, as well as clinical trials databases (ClinicalTrials.gov and the
      World Health Organization Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)) in May 2011.
      Additionally, we searched the reference lists of relevant articles. We also
      contacted researchers and pharmaceutical companies to identify other trials not
      found in our search. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) comparing any triphasic OC with any monophasic pill used to prevent
      pregnancy. Interventions had to include at least three treatment cycles. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We assessed the studies found in the literature searches
      for possible inclusion and for their methodological quality. We contacted the
      authors of all included studies and of possibly randomized trials for
      supplemental information about the methods used and outcomes studied. We entered
      the data into RevMan and calculated odds ratios for the outcome measures of
      efficacy, breakthrough bleeding, spotting, withdrawal bleeding and
      discontinuation. MAIN RESULTS: Of 23 trials included, 19 examined contraceptive
      effectiveness. The triphasic and monophasic preparations did not differ
      significantly. Several trials reported favorable bleeding patterns, that is less
      spotting, breakthrough bleeding or amenorrhea, in triphasic versus monophasic OC
      users. However, meta-analysis was generally not possible due to differences in
      measuring and reporting the cycle disturbance data as well as differences in
      progestogen type and hormone dosages. No significant differences were found in
      the numbers of women who discontinued due to medical reasons, cycle disturbances,
      intermenstrual bleeding or adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available
      evidence is insufficient to determine whether triphasic OCs differ from
      monophasic OCs in effectiveness, bleeding patterns or discontinuation rates.
      Therefore, we recommend monophasic pills as a first choice for women starting OC
      use. Large, high-quality RCTs that compare triphasic and monophasic OCs with
      identical progestogens are needed to determine whether triphasic pills differ
      from monophasic OCs. Future studies should follow the recommendations of Belsey
      or Mishell on recording menstrual bleeding patterns and the CONSORT reporting
      guidelines.

PMID- 22071808
TI  - Oral immunoglobulin for the prevention of rotavirus infection in low birth weight
      infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is a common neonatal nosocomial viral infection and
      epidemics with the newer P(6)G9 strains have been reported. Local mucosal
      immunity in the intestine to rotavirus is important in the resolution of
      infection and protection against subsequent infections. Oral administration of
      anti-rotaviral immunoglobulin preparations might be a useful strategy in
      preventing rotaviral infections, especially in low birth weight babies.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of oral immunoglobulin
      preparations for the prevention of rotavirus infection in hospitalized low
      birthweight infants (birthweight < 2500 g) SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, biological Abstracts (BIOSIS), Science Citation Index for articles citing
      Barnes 1982 and the proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Societies from 1991
      onwards were searched in July 2011. Ongoing trials were also searched at
      clinicaltrials.gov and controlled-trials.com SELECTION CRITERIA: The criteria
      used to select studies for inclusion were: 1) design: randomized or quasi
      randomized controlled trials; 2) participants: hospitalized low birthweight
      infants; 3) intervention: oral immunoglobulin preparations for prevention of
      rotavirus infection compared to placebo OR no intervention; 4) at least one of
      the following outcomes were reported: all cause mortality during hospital stay,
      mortality due to rotavirus infection during hospital stay, rotavirus infection ,
      duration of diarrhea, need for rehydration, duration of viral excretion, duration
      of infection control measures, length of hospital stay in days, recurrent
      diarrhea or chronic diarrhea. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The two review
      authors independently abstracted data from the included trials. MAIN RESULTS: One
      published study (Barnes 1982) was eligible for inclusion in this review. Barnes
      1982 found no significant difference in the rates of rotavirus infection after
      oral gammaglobulin versus placebo in hospitalized low birthweight babies [RR 1.27
      (95% CI 0.65 to 2.37)]. In the subset of infants who became infected with
      rotavirus after receiving gammaglobulin or placebo for prevention of rotavirus
      infection, there was no significant difference in the duration of rotavirus
      excretion between the group who had gammaglobulin (mean 2 days, range 1 to 4
      days) and the group who had placebo (mean 3 days, range 1 to 6 days). Barnes 1982
      reported no adverse effects after administration of oral immunoglobulin
      preparations. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support the use of
      oral immunoglobulin preparations to prevent rotavirus infection in low
      birthweight infants. Researchers are encouraged to conduct well-designed neonatal
      trials using the newer preparations of anti-rotaviral immunoglobulins (colostrum,
      egg yolk immunoglobulins) and include cost effectiveness evaluations.

PMID- 22071809
TI  - Gauze and tape and transparent polyurethane dressings for central venous
      catheters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) facilitate venous access, allowing
      the intravenous administration of complex drug treatments, blood products and
      nutritional support, without the trauma associated with repeated venepuncture.
      However, CVCs are associated with a risk of infection. Some studies have
      indicated that the type of dressing used with them may affect the risk of
      infection. Gauze and tape, transparent polyurethane film dressings such as
      Tegaderm(r) and Opsite(r), and highly vapour-permeable transparent polyurethane
      film dressings such as Opsite IV3000(r), are the most common types of dressing
      used to secure CVCs. Currently, it is not clear which type of dressing is the
      most appropriate. OBJECTIVES: To compare gauze and tape with transparent
      polyurethane CVC dressings in terms of catheter-related infection, catheter
      security, tolerance to dressing material and dressing condition in hospitalised
      adults and children. SEARCH METHODS: For this third update, we searched The
      Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (10 May 2011); The Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), Ovid
      MEDLINE (1950 to April Week 4 2011); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed
      Citations, May 11, 2011); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2011 Week 18); and EBSCO CINAHL
      (1982 to 6 May 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      evaluating the effects of dressing type (e.g. gauze and tape versus transparent
      polyurethane dressings) on CVC-related infection, catheter security, tolerance to
      dressing material and dressing condition in hospitalised patients. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality
      and extracted data. We contacted study authors for missing information. MAIN
      RESULTS: Six studies were included in earlier versions of the review. In this
      update two of the previously included papers have been excluded and two new
      trials have been added. Of these six trials, four compared gauze and tape with
      transparent polyurethane dressings (total participants = 337) and two compared
      different transparent polyurethane dressings (total participants = 126). Catheter
      related bloodstream infection was higher in the transparent polyurethane group
      when compared with gauze and tape; OR 4.19 (95%CI 1.02 to 17.23) however these
      small trials were at risk of bias so this evidence is graded low quality. There
      was no evidence of a difference between highly permeable polyurethane dressings
      and other polyurethane dressings in the prevention of catheter-related
      bloodstream infection (low quality evidence). No other significant differences
      were found. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found a four-fold increase in the rate of
      catheter related blood stream infection when a polyurethane dressing was used to
      secure the central venous catheter however this research was at risk of bias and
      the confidence intervals were wide indicating high uncertainty around this
      estimate; so the true effect could be as small as 2% or as high as 17-fold. More,
      better quality research is needed regarding the relative effects of gauze and
      tape versus polyurethane dressings for central venous catheter sites.

PMID- 22071810
TI  - Non-legislative interventions for the promotion of cycle helmet wearing by
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helmets reduce bicycle-related head injuries, particularly in single
      vehicle crashes and those where the head strikes the ground. We aimed to identify
      non-legislative interventions for promoting helmet use among children, so future
      interventions can be designed on a firm evidence base. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      effectiveness of non-legislative interventions in increasing helmet use among
      children; to identify possible reasons for differences in effectiveness of
      interventions; to evaluate effectiveness with respect to social group; to
      identify adverse consequences of interventions. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      following databases: Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register; the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; PsycINFO
      (Ovid); PsycEXTRA (Ovid); CINAHL (EBSCO); ISI Web of Science: Science Citation
      Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI); Conference
      Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S); and PubMed from inception to April
      2009; TRANSPORT to 2007; and manually searched other sources of data. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: We included RCTs and CBAs. Studies included participants aged 0 to 18
      years, described interventions promoting helmet use not requiring enactment of
      legislation and reported observed helmet wearing, self reported helmet ownership
      or self reported helmet wearing. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two independent
      review authors selected studies for inclusion and extracted data. We used random
      effects models to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) (with 95% confidence interval
      (CI)). We explored heterogeneity with subgroup analyses. MAIN RESULTS: We
      included 29 studies in the review, 21 of which were included in at least one meta
      analysis. Non-legislative interventions increased observed helmet wearing (11
      studies: OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.34). The effect was most marked amongst
      community-based interventions (four studies: OR 4.30, 95% 2.24 to 8.25) and those
      providing free helmets (two studies: OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.13 to 8.89). Significant
      effects were also found amongst school-based interventions (eight studies: OR
      1.73, CI 95% 1.03 to 2.91), with a smaller effect found for interventions
      providing education only (three studies: OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.88). No
      significant effect was found for providing subsidised helmets (seven studies: OR
      2.02, 95% CI 0.98 to 4.17). Interventions provided to younger children (aged
      under 12) may be more effective (five studies: OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.17 to 5.37) than
      those provided to children of all ages (five studies: OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.98 to
      3.42).Interventions were only effective in increasing self reported helmet
      ownership where they provided free helmets (three studies: OR 11.63, 95% CI 2.14
      to 63.16).Interventions were effective in increasing self reported helmet wearing
      (nine studies: OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.56 to 6.87), including those undertaken in
      schools (six studies: OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.06 to 16.74), providing free helmets
      (three studies: OR 7.27, 95% CI 1.28 to 41.44), providing education only (seven
      studies: OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.63) and in healthcare settings (two studies:
      OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.61). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Non-legislative
      interventions appear to be effective in increasing observed helmet use,
      particularly community-based interventions and those providing free helmets.
      Those set in schools appear to be effective but possibly less so than community
      based interventions. Interventions providing education only are less effective
      than those providing free helmets. There is insufficient evidence to recommend
      providing subsidised helmets at present. Interventions may be more effective if
      provided to younger rather than older children. There is evidence that
      interventions offered in healthcare settings can increase self reported helmet
      wearing.Further high-quality studies are needed to explore whether non
      legislative interventions increase helmet wearing, and particularly the effect of
      providing subsided as opposed to free helmets, and of providing interventions in
      healthcare settings as opposed to in schools or communities. Alternative
      interventions (e.g. those including peer educators, those aimed at developing
      safety skills including skills in decision making and resisting peer pressure or
      those aimed at improving self esteem or self efficacy) need developing and
      testing, particularly for 11 to 18 year olds. The effect of interventions in
      countries with existing cycle helmet legislation and in low and middle-income
      countries also requires investigation.

PMID- 22071811
TI  - Effects of low sodium diet versus high sodium diet on blood pressure, renin,
      aldosterone, catecholamines, cholesterol, and triglyceride.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In spite of more than 100 years of investigations the question of
      reduced sodium intake as a health prophylaxis initiative is still unsolved.
      OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effects of low sodium versus high sodium intake on
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), plasma or serum levels of
      renin, aldosterone, catecholamines, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL),
      low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides. SEARCH METHODS: PUBMED, EMBASE
      and Cochrane Central and reference lists of relevant articles were searched from
      1950 to July 2011. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies randomizing persons to low sodium
      and high sodium diets were included if they evaluated at least one of the above
      outcome parameters. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently
      collected data, which were analysed with Review Manager 5.1. MAIN RESULTS: A
      total of 167 studies were included in this 2011 update.The effect of sodium
      reduction in normotensive Caucasians was SBP -1.27 mmHg (95% CI: -1.88, -0.66;
      p=0.0001), DBP -0.05 mmHg (95% CI: -0.51, 0.42; p=0.85). The effect of sodium
      reduction in normotensive Blacks was SBP -4.02 mmHg (95% CI:-7.37, -0.68;
      p=0.002), DBP -2.01 mmHg (95% CI:-4.37, 0.35; p=0.09). The effect of sodium
      reduction in normotensive Asians was SBP -1.27 mmHg (95% CI: -3.07, 0.54;
      p=0.17), DBP -1.68 mmHg (95% CI:-3.29, -0.06; p=0.04). The effect of sodium
      reduction in hypertensive Caucasians was SBP -5.48 mmHg (95% CI: -6.53, -4.43;
      p<0.00001), DBP -2.75 mmHg (95% CI: -3.34, -2.17; p<0.00001). The effect of
      sodium reduction in hypertensive Blacks was SBP -6.44 mmHg (95% CI:-8.85, -4.03;
      p=0.00001), DBP -2.40 mmHg (95% CI:-4.68, -0.12; p=0.04). The effect of sodium
      reduction in hypertensive Asians was SBP -10.21 mmHg (95% CI:-16.98, -3.44;
      p=0.003), DBP -2.60 mmHg (95% CI: -4.03, -1.16; p=0.0004).In plasma or serum
      there was a significant increase in renin (p<0.00001), aldosterone (p<0.00001),
      noradrenaline (p<0.00001), adrenaline (p<0.0002), cholesterol (p<0.001) and
      triglyceride (p<0.0008) with low sodium intake as compared with high sodium
      intake. In general the results were similar in studies with a duration of at
      least 2 weeks. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Sodium reduction resulted in a 1% decrease
      in blood pressure in normotensives, a 3.5% decrease in hypertensives, a
      significant increase in plasma renin, plasma aldosterone, plasma adrenaline and
      plasma noradrenaline, a 2.5% increase in cholesterol, and a 7% increase in
      triglyceride. In general, these effects were stable in studies lasting for 2
      weeks or more.

PMID- 22071812
TI  - Preoperative hair removal to reduce surgical site infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although preparation of people for surgery has traditionally included
      removal of hair from the incision site, some studies claim that preoperative hair
      removal is harmful, causes surgical site infections (SSIs), and should be
      avoided. OBJECTIVES: To determine if routine pre-operative hair removal (compared
      with no removal) and the timing or method of hair removal influence rates of
      SSI.. SEARCH METHODS: For this second update we searched the Cochrane Wounds
      Group Specialised Register (searched 12 August 2011); The Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 3);
      Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to August Week 1 2011); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non
      Indexed Citations August 11, 2010); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2011 Week 31) and EBSCO
      CINAHL (1982 to 11August 2011). No date or language restrictions were applied.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi randomised
      trials (QRCTs) that compared:1) hair removal with no hair removal; 2) different
      methods of hair removal; 3) hair removal at different times before surgery; and,
      4) hair removal in different settings (e.g. ward, anaesthetic room). DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three authors independently assessed relevance and
      quality of each trial. Data were extracted independently by two authors and cross
      checked. MAIN RESULTS: We included 14 trials (17 comparisons) in the review;
      three trials involved multiple comparisons. Six trials, two of which had three
      comparison arms, (972 participants) compared hair removal (shaving, clipping, or
      depilatory cream) with no hair removal and found no statistically significant
      difference in SSI rates however the comparison is underpowered. Three trials
      (1343 participants) that compared shaving with clipping showed significantly more
      SSIs associated with shaving (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.80). Seven trials (1213
      participants) found no significant difference in SSI rates when hair removal by
      shaving was compared with depilatory cream (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.73 to 3.21),
      however this comparison is also underpowered. One trial compared two groups that
      shaved or clipped hair on the day of surgery compared with the day before
      surgery; there was no statistically significant difference in the number of SSIs
      between groups however this comparison was also underpowered.We identified no
      trials that compared clipping with depilatory cream; or investigated application
      of depilatory cream at different pre-operative time points, or hair removal in
      different settings (e.g. ward, anaesthetic room). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Whilst
      this review found no statistically significant effect on SSI rates of hair
      removal insufficient numbers of people have been involved in this research to
      allow confidence in a conclusion. When it is necessary to remove hair, the
      existing evidence suggests that clippers are associated with fewer SSIs than
      razors. There was no significant difference in SSI rates between depilatory
      creams and shaving, or between shaving or clipping the day before surgery or on
      the day of surgery however studies were small and more research is needed.

PMID- 22071813
TI  - Public release of performance data in changing the behaviour of healthcare
      consumers, professionals or organisations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is becoming increasingly common to release information about the
      performance of hospitals, health professionals or providers, and healthcare
      organisations into the public domain. However, we do not know how this
      information is used and to what extent such reporting leads to quality
      improvement by changing the behaviour of healthcare consumers, providers and
      purchasers, or to what extent the performance of professionals and providers can
      be affected. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of the public release of
      performance data in changing the behaviour of healthcare consumers, professionals
      and organisations. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care
      (EPOC) Trials Register, MEDLINE Ovid (from 1966), EMBASE Ovid (from 1979),
      CINAHL, PsycINFO Ovid (from 1806) and DARE up to 2011. SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      searched for randomised or quasi-randomised trials, interrupted time series and
      controlled before-after studies of the effects of publicly releasing data
      regarding any aspect of the performance of healthcare organisations or
      individuals. The papers had to report at least one main outcome related to
      selecting or changing care. Other outcome measures were awareness, attitude,
      views and knowledge of performance data and costs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility and extracted
      data. For each study, we extracted data about the target groups (healthcare
      consumers, healthcare providers and healthcare purchasers), performance data,
      main outcomes (choice of healthcare provider and improvement by means of changes
      in care) and other outcomes (awareness, attitude, views, knowledge of performance
      data and costs). MAIN RESULTS: We included four studies containing more than
      35,000 consumers, and 1560 hospitals. Three studies were conducted in the USA and
      examined consumer behaviour after the public release of performance data. Two
      studies found no effect of Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and
      Systems information on health plan choice in a Medicaid population. One
      interrupted time series study found a small positive effect of the publishing of
      data on patient volumes for coronary bypass surgery and low-complication outliers
      for lumbar discectomy, but these effects did not persist longer than two months
      after each public release. No effects on patient volumes for acute myocardial
      infarction were found.One cluster-randomised controlled trial, conducted in
      Canada, studied improvement changes in care after the public release of
      performance data for patients with acute myocardial infarction and congestive
      heart failure. No effects for the composite process-of-care indicators for either
      condition were found, but there were some improvements in the individual process
      of-care indicators. There was an effect on the mortality rates for acute
      myocardial infarction. More quality improvement activities were initiated in
      response to the publicly-released report cards. No secondary outcomes were
      reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The small body of evidence available provides no
      consistent evidence that the public release of performance data changes consumer
      behaviour or improves care. Evidence that the public release of performance data
      may have an impact on the behaviour of healthcare professionals or organisations
      is lacking.

PMID- 22071814
TI  - Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotics alter the microbial balance within the gastrointestinal
      tract. Probiotics may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) via
      restoration of the gut microflora. Antibiotics are prescribed frequently in
      children and AAD is common in this population. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives
      were to assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics (any specified strain or
      dose) used for the prevention of AAD in children. SEARCH METHODS: MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, AMED, and the Web of Science (inception to May 2010)
      were searched along with specialized registers including the Cochrane IBD/FBD
      review group, CISCOM (Centralized Information Service for Complementary
      Medicine), NHS Evidence, the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary
      Supplements as well as trial registries. Letters were sent to authors of included
      trials, nutra/pharmaceutical companies, and experts in the field requesting
      additional information on ongoing or unpublished trials. Conference proceedings,
      dissertation abstracts, and reference lists from included and relevant articles
      were also searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized, parallel, controlled trials
      in children (0 to 18 years) receiving antibiotics, that compare probiotics to
      placebo, active alternative prophylaxis, or no treatment and measure the
      incidence of diarrhea secondary to antibiotic use were considered for inclusion.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection, data extraction as well as
      methodological quality assessment using the risk of bias instrument was conducted
      independently and in duplicate by two authors. Dichotomous data (incidence of
      diarrhea, adverse events) were combined using a pooled relative risk and risk
      difference (adverse events), and continuous data (mean duration of diarrhea, mean
      daily stool frequency) as weighted mean differences, along with their
      corresponding 95% confidence intervals. For overall pooled results on the
      incidence of diarrhea, sensitivity analyses included available case versus
      extreme-plausible analyses and random- versus fixed-effect models. To explore
      possible explanations for heterogeneity, a priori subgroup analysis were
      conducted on probiotic strain, dose, definition of antibiotic-associated
      diarrhea, antibiotic agent as well as risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen studies
      (3432 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Trials included treatment with
      either Bacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacilli spp., Lactococcus spp.,
      Leuconostoc cremoris, Saccharomyces spp., or Streptococcus spp., alone or in
      combination. Nine studies used a single strain probiotic agent, four combined two
      probiotic strains, one combined three probiotic strains, one product included ten
      probiotic agents, and one study included two probiotic arms that used three and
      two strains respectively. The risk of bias was determined to be high in 8 studies
      and low in 8 studies. Available case (patients who did not complete the studies
      were not included in the analysis) results from 15/16 trials reporting on the
      incidence of diarrhea show a large, precise benefit from probiotics compared to
      active, placebo or no treatment control. The incidence of AAD in the probiotic
      group was 9% compared to 18% in the control group (2874 participants; RR 0.52;
      95% CI 0.38 to 0.72; I(2) = 56%). This benefit was not statistically significant
      in an extreme plausible (60% of children loss to follow-up in probiotic group and
      20% loss to follow-up in the control group had diarrhea) intention to treat (ITT)
      sensitivity analysis. The incidence of AAD in the probiotic group was 16%
      compared to 18% in the control group (3392 participants; RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.63 to
      1.04; I(2) = 59%). An a priori available case subgroup analysis exploring
      heterogeneity indicated that high dose (>=5 billion CFUs/day) is more effective
      than low probiotic dose (< 5 billion CFUs/day), interaction P value = 0.010. For
      the high dose studies the incidence of AAD in the probiotic group was 8% compared
      to 22% in the control group (1474 participants; RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.55).
      For the low dose studies the incidence of AAD in the probiotic group was 8%
      compared to 11% in the control group (1382 participants; RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.53 to
      1.21). An extreme plausible ITT subgroup analysis was marginally significant for
      high dose probiotics. For the high dose studies the incidence of AAD in the
      probiotic group was 17% compared to 22% in the control group (1776 participants;
      RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.99; I(2) = 58%). None of the 11 trials (n = 1583) that
      reported on adverse events documented any serious adverse events. Meta-analysis
      excluded all but an extremely small non-significant difference in adverse events
      between treatment and control (RD 0.00; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.02). AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite heterogeneity in probiotic strain, dose, and duration, as
      well as in study quality, the overall evidence suggests a protective effect of
      probiotics in preventing AAD. Using 11 criteria to evaluate the credibility of
      the subgroup analysis on probiotic dose, the results indicate that the subgroup
      effect based on dose (>=5 billion CFU/day) was credible. Based on high-dose
      probiotics, the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of diarrhea is
      seven (NNT 7; 95% CI 6 to 10). However, a GRADE analysis indicated that the
      overall quality of the evidence for the primary endpoint (incidence of diarrhea)
      was low due to issues with risk of bias (due to high loss to follow-up) and
      imprecision (sparse data, 225 events). The benefit for high dose probiotics
      (Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Saccharomyces boulardii) needs to be confirmed by a
      large well-designed randomized trial. More refined trials are also needed that
      test strain specific probiotics and evaluate the efficacy (e.g. incidence and
      duration of diarrhea) and safety of probiotics with limited losses to follow-up.
      It is premature to draw conclusions about the efficacy and safety of other
      probiotic agents for pediatric AAD. Future trials would benefit from a standard
      and valid outcomes to measure AAD.

PMID- 22071815
TI  - Risk scoring systems for predicting preterm birth with the aim of reducing
      associated adverse outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of pregnancies that are higher risk than average is
      important to allow the possibility of interventions aimed at preventing adverse
      outcomes like preterm birth. Many scoring systems designed to classify the risk
      of a number of poor pregnancy outcomes (e.g. perinatal mortality, low
      birthweight, and preterm birth) have been developed, but they have usually been
      introduced without evaluation of their utility and validity. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine whether the use of a risk-screening tool designed to predict preterm
      birth (in combination with appropriate consequent interventions) reduces the
      incidence of preterm birth and very preterm birth, and associated adverse
      outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth
      Group's Trials Register (December 2010), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2010,
      Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to 17 December 2010), EMBASE (1974 to 17 December 2010),
      and CINAHL (1982 to 17 December 2010). SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or
      quasi-randomised (including cluster-randomised) or controlled clinical trials
      that compared the incidence of preterm birth between groups that used a risk
      scoring instrument to predict preterm birth with those who used an alternative
      instrument, or no instrument; or that compared the use of the same instrument at
      different gestations. The reports may have been published in peer reviewed or non
      peer reviewed publications, or not published, and written in any language. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All review authors planned to independently assess for
      inclusion all the potential studies we identified as a result of the search
      strategy. However, we identified no eligible studies. MAIN RESULTS: Extensive
      searching revealed no trials of the use of risk scoring systems to prevent
      preterm birth. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The role of risk scoring systems in the
      prevention of preterm birth is unknown.There is a need for prospective studies
      that evaluate the use of a risk-screening tool designed to predict preterm birth
      (in combination with appropriate consequent interventions) to prevent preterm
      birth, including qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation of their impact on
      women's well-being. If these prove promising, they should be followed by an
      adequately powered, well-designed randomised controlled trial.

PMID- 22071816
TI  - Hydralazine for essential hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of stroke,
      myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. Hydralazine is a direct
      acting vasodilator which has been used for the treatment of hypertension since
      the 1950's. Although it has largely been replaced by newer antihypertensive drugs
      with more acceptable tolerability profiles, hydralazine is still widely used in
      developing countries due to its lower cost. A review of its relative
      effectiveness compared to placebo on surrogate and clinical outcomes is
      justified. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effect of hydralazine compared to placebo
      in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on all cause mortality, cardiovascular
      mortality, serious adverse events, myocardial infarctions, strokes, withdrawals
      due to adverse effects and blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (2011, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1948-August 2011), International
      Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-June 2009) and EMBASE (1980-August 2011).
      Bibliographic citations from retrieved studies were also reviewed. No language
      restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected RCTs studying the
      effect of oral hydralazine compared to oral placebo in patients with primary
      hypertension. We excluded studies of patients with secondary hypertension or
      gestational hypertension. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers
      independently extracted data and assessed trial quality using the risk of bias
      tool. Data synthesis and analysis was performed using RevMan 5. MAIN RESULTS: The
      search strategy did not yield any randomized controlled trials comparing
      hydralazine to placebo for inclusion in this review. There is insufficient
      evidence to conclude on the effects of hydralazine versus placebo on mortality,
      morbidity, withdrawals due to adverse effects, serious adverse events, or
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Some of the adverse effects related to
      hydralazine that have been reported in the literature include reflex tachycardia,
      hemolytic anemia, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and a lupus-like syndrome.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Hydralazine may reduce blood pressure when compared to
      placebo in patients with primary hypertension, however this data is based on
      before and after studies, not RCTs. Furthermore, its effect on clinical outcomes
      remains uncertain.

PMID- 22071817
TI  - Exercise for improving balance in older people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In older adults, diminished balance is associated with reduced
      physical functioning and an increased risk of falling. This is an update of a
      Cochrane review first published in 2007. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of
      exercise interventions on balance in older people, aged 60 and over, living in
      the community or in institutional care. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane
      Library 2011, Issue 1), MEDLINE and EMBASE (to February 2011). SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised controlled studies testing the effects of exercise
      interventions on balance in older people. The primary outcomes of the review were
      clinical measures of balance. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pairs of review
      authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data from studies. Data
      were pooled where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS: This update included 94 studies (62
      new) with 9,917 participants. Most participants were women living in their own
      home.Most trials were judged at unclear risk of selection bias, generally
      reflecting inadequate reporting of the randomisation methods, but at high risk of
      performance bias relating to lack of participant blinding, which is largely
      unavoidable for these trials. Most studies only reported outcome up to the end of
      the exercise programme.There were eight categories of exercise programmes. These
      are listed below together with primary measures of balance for which there was
      some evidence of a statistically significant effect at the end of the exercise
      programme. Some trials tested more than one type of exercise. Crucially, the
      evidence for each outcome was generally from only a few of the trials for each
      exercise category. 1. Gait, balance, co-ordination and functional tasks (19
      studies of which 10 provided primary outcome data): Timed Up & Go test (mean
      difference (MD) -0.82 s; 95% CI -1.56 to -0.08 s, 114 participants, 4 studies);
      walking speed (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.43; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.75, 156
      participants, 4 studies), and the Berg Balance Scale (MD 3.48 points; 95% CI 2.01
      to 4.95 points, 145 participants, 4 studies).2. Strengthening exercise (including
      resistance or power training) (21 studies of which 11 provided primary outcome
      data): Timed Up & Go Test (MD -4.30 s; 95% CI -7.60 to -1.00 s, 71 participants,
      3 studies); standing on one leg for as long as possible with eyes closed (MD 1.64
      s; 95% CI 0.97 to 2.31 s, 120 participants, 3 studies); and walking speed (SMD
      0.25; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.46, 375 participants, 8 studies).3. 3D (3 dimensional)
      exercise (including Tai Chi, qi gong, dance, yoga) (15 studies of which seven
      provided primary outcome data): Timed Up & Go Test (MD -1.30 s; 95% CI -2.40 to 
      0.20 s, 44 participants, 1 study); standing on one leg for as long as possible
      with eyes open (MD 9.60 s; 95% CI 6.64 to 12.56 s, 47 participants, 1 study), and
      with eyes closed (MD 2.21 s; 95% CI 0.69 to 3.73 s, 48 participants, 1 study);
      and the Berg Balance Scale (MD 1.06 points; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.76 points, 150
      participants, 2 studies).4. General physical activity (walking) (seven studies of
      which five provided primary outcome data). 5. General physical activity (cycling)
      (one study which provided data for walking speed). 6. Computerised balance
      training using visual feedback (two studies, neither of which provided primary
      outcome data). 7. Vibration platform used as intervention (three studies of which
      one provided primary outcome data).8. Multiple exercise types (combinations of
      the above) (43 studies of which 29 provided data for one or more primary
      outcomes): Timed Up & Go Test (MD -1.63 s; 95% CI -2.28 to -0.98 s, 635
      participants, 12 studies); standing on one leg for as long as possible with eyes
      open (MD 5.03 s; 95% CI 1.19 to 8.87 s, 545 participants, 9 studies), and with
      eyes closed ((MD 1.60 s; 95% CI -0.01 to 3.20 s, 176 participants, 2 studies);
      walking speed (SMD 0.04; 95% CI -0.10 to 0.17, 818 participants, 15 studies); and
      the Berg Balance Scale ((MD 1.84 points; 95% CI 0.71 to 2.97 points, 80
      participants, 2 studies).Few adverse events were reported but most studies did
      not monitor or report adverse events.In general, the more effective programmes
      ran three times a week for three months and involved dynamic exercise in
      standing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is weak evidence that some types of
      exercise (gait, balance, co-ordination and functional tasks; strengthening
      exercise; 3D exercise and multiple exercise types) are moderately effective,
      immediately post intervention, in improving clinical balance outcomes in older
      people. Such interventions are probably safe. There is either no or insufficient
      evidence to draw any conclusions for general physical activity (walking or
      cycling) and exercise involving computerised balance programmes or vibration
      plates. Further high methodological quality research using core outcome measures
      and adequate surveillance is required.

PMID- 22071818
TI  - One dose per day compared to multiple doses per day of gentamicin for treatment
      of suspected or proven sepsis in neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal studies and trials in older children and adults suggest that a
      one dose per day regimen of gentamicin is superior to a multiple doses per day
      regimen. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of one dose per day
      compared to multiple doses per day of gentamicin in suspected or proven sepsis in
      neonates. SEARCH METHODS: Eligible studies were identified by searching the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library,
      April 2011), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2011), EMBASE 1980 to April 2011, and CINAHL
      (December 1982 to April 2011). Abstracts of the Society for Pediatric Research
      were searched from 1980 to 2010 inclusive. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or
      quasi randomised controlled trials comparing one dose per day ( 'once a day')
      compared to multiple doses per day ( 'multiple doses a day') of gentamicin to
      newborn infants < 28 days of life. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data collection
      and analysis was performed according to the standards of the Cochrane Neonatal
      Review Group. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven studies were included (N = 574) and nineteen
      excluded. All infants in both 'once a day' as well as 'multiple doses a day'
      regimen showed adequate clearance of sepsis [typical RD 0.00 (95% CI - 0.19 to
      0.19); 3 trials; N = 36]. For the other primary outcome measures relating to
      gentamicin pharmacokinetics 'once a day' dosing of gentamicin was superior. 'Once
      a day' gentamicin regimen was associated with less failures to attain peak level
      of at least 5 ug/ml [typical RR 0.22 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.47); 9 trials; N = 422]
      and less failures to achieve trough levels of < 2 ug/ml [typical RR 0.38 (95% CI
      0.27 to 0.55); 11 trials N = 503] compared to 'multiple doses a day'
      regimen.Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity were not noted with either of the
      treatment regimens. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence from the
      currently available RCTs to conclude whether 'once a day' or 'multiple doses a
      day' regimen of gentamicin is superior in treating proven neonatal sepsis.
      However, data suggests that pharmacokinetic properties of 'once a day' gentamicin
      regimen are superior to 'multiple doses a day' regimen in that it achieves higher
      peak levels while avoiding toxic trough levels. There is no change in
      nephrotoxicity or auditory toxicity. Based on this assessment of
      pharmacokinetics, 'once a day regimen' may be superior in treating neonatal
      sepsis in neonates greater than 32 weeks gestation.

PMID- 22071819
TI  - Creatine and creatine analogues in hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The creatine kinase system, the central regulatory system of cellular
      energy metabolism, provides ATP in situ at ATP-ases involved in ion transport and
      muscle contraction. Furthermore, the enzyme system provides relative protection
      from tissue ischaemia and acidosis. The system could therefore be a target for
      pharmacologic intervention. OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate evidence
      regarding the effectiveness of interventions directly targeting the creatine
      kinase system as compared to placebo control in adult patients with essential
      hypertension or cardiovascular disease. SEARCH METHODS: Electronic databases
      searched: Medline (1950 - Feb 2011), Embase (up to Feb 2011), the Cochrane
      Controlled Trials Register (issue 3, Aug 2009), Latin-American/Caribbean databank
      Lilacs; references from textbooks and reviews; contact with experts and
      pharmaceutical companies; and searching the Internet. There was no language
      restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing creatine,
      creatine phosphate, or cyclocreatine (any route, dose or duration of treatment)
      with placebo; in adult patients with essential hypertension, heart failure, or
      myocardial infarction. We did not include papers on the short-term use of
      creatine during cardiac surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The outcomes
      assessed were death, total myocardial infarction (fatal or non-fatal),
      hospitalizations for congestive heart failure, change in ejection fraction, and
      changes in diastolic and systolic blood pressure in mm Hg or as percent change.
      MAIN RESULTS: Full reports or abstracts from 1164 papers were reviewed, yielding
      11 trials considering treatment with creatine or creatine analogues in 1474
      patients with heart failure, ischemic heart disease or myocardial infarction. No
      trial in patients with hypertension was identified. Eleven trials (1474 patients,
      35 years or older) comparing add-on therapy of the creatine-based drug on
      standard treatment to placebo control in patients with heart failure (6 trials in
      1226 / 1474 patients ), or acute myocardial infarction (4 trials in 220 / 1474
      patients) or 1 in ischemic heart disease (28 / 1474 patients) were identified.
      The drugs used were either creatine, creatine phosphate (orally, intravenously,
      or intramuscular) or phosphocreatinine. In the trials considering heart failure
      all three different compounds were studied; creatine orally (Gordon 1995, Kuethe
      2006), creatine phosphate via intravenous infusion (Ferraro 1996, Grazioli 1992),
      and phosphocreatinine orally (Carmenini 1994, Maggi 1990). In contrast, the acute
      myocardial infarction trials studied intravenous creatine phosphate only. In the
      ischemic heart disease trial (Pedone 1984) creatine phosphate was given twice
      daily through an intramuscular injection to outpatients and through an
      intravenous infusion to inpatients. The duration of the study intervention was
      shorter for the acute patients, from a two hour intravenous infusion of creatine
      phosphate in acute myocardial infarction (Ruda 1988, Samarenko 1987), to six
      months in patients with heart failure on oral phosphocreatinine therapy
      (Carmenini 1994). In the acute myocardial infarction patients the follow-up
      period varied from the acute treatment period (Ruda 1988) to 28 days after start
      of the symptoms (Samarenko 1987) or end of the hospitalization period (Zochowski
      1994). In the other trials there was no follow-up after discontinuation of
      treatment, except for Gordon 1995 which followed the patients until four days
      after stopping the intervention.Only two out of four trials in patients with
      acute myocardial infarction reported mortality outcomes, with no significant
      effect of creatine or creatine analogues (RR 0.73, CI: 0.22 - 2.45). In addition,
      there was no significance on the progression of myocardial infarction or
      improvement on ejection fraction. The main effect of the interventions seems to
      be on improvement of dysrhythmia. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found
      inconclusive evidence to decide on the use of creatine analogues in clinical
      practice. In particular, it is not clear whether there is an effect on mortality,
      progression of myocardial infarction and ejection fraction, while there is some
      evidence that dysrhythmia and dyspnoea might improve. However, it is not clear
      which analogue, dose, route of administration, and duration of therapy is most
      effective. Moreover, given the small sample size of the discussed trials and the
      heterogeneity of the population included in these reports, larger clinical
      studies are needed to confirm these observations.

PMID- 22071820
TI  - Ultrasound use for the placement of haemodialysis catheters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients starting dialysis do so with a
      temporary or tunnelled haemodialysis catheter. Insertion of these catheters can
      be achieved either by using the anatomical landmarks for the veins into which
      they are inserted or using ultrasound guidance. It has been suggested that the
      use of ultrasound guidance reduces the immediate complications of haemodialysis
      catheter insertions such as pneumothorax or arterial puncture. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of the review was to compare the use of real-time 2-dimensional (2-D) Doppler
      ultrasound venous imaging in the insertion of percutaneous central venous
      catheters for dialysis versus the traditional "blind" landmark method. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Reference lists
      of identified studies and relevant narrative reviews were also screened. Search
      date: January 2011. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      and quasi-RCTs evaluating ultrasound guidance in the percutaneous insertion of
      central venous catheters for dialysis (both cuffed and uncuffed) against the
      traditional blind landmark method. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors
      assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Statistical analyses were performed
      using the random effects model and the results expressed as risk ratios (RR) for
      dichotomous outcomes or mean difference (MD) for continuous data with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We identified seven studies enrolling
      767 patients and with 830 catheter insertions. Three of seven studies described
      the method of random sequence generation, none described allocation concealment,
      and blinding of participants and personnel was not possible. Real-time ultrasound
      guidance was found to significantly reduce the risk of catheter placement failure
      on the first attempt (5 studies, 595 catheters): RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.52),
      significantly reduce the risk of arterial puncture (6 studies, 535 catheters: RR
      0.13, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.37) and haematomas (4 studies, 323 catheters: RR 0.22, 95%
      CI 0.06 to 0.81) when compared to the landmark method. The time taken for
      successful cannulation was significantly lower with the use of real-time
      ultrasound guidance (1 study, 73 catheters: MD -1.40 min, 95% CI -2.17 to -0.63)
      and there were less attempts/catheter insertion (1 study, 110 catheters: -0.35,
      95% CI -0.54 to -0.16). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Use of real-time 2-D Doppler
      ultrasound guidance has significant benefits with respect to the number if
      catheters successfully inserted on the first attempt, reduction in the risk of
      arterial puncture and haematomas and the time taken for successful vein puncture.

PMID- 22071821
TI  - Cognitive reframing for carers of people with dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The balance of evidence about whether psychosocial interventions for
      caregivers of people with dementia could reduce carers' psychological morbidity
      and delay their relatives' institutionalisation is now widely regarded as
      moderately positive (Brodaty 2003; Spijker 2008). Multi-component, tailor-made
      psychosocial interventions are considered to be particularly promising (Brodaty
      2003; Spijker 2008). These interventions involve multiple mechanisms of action.
      In this review we focused solely on the effectiveness of one element within
      psychosocial interventions, cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing is a
      component of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In dementia care, cognitive
      reframing interventions focus on family carers' maladaptive, self-defeating or
      distressing cognitions about their relatives' behaviors and about their own
      performance in the caring role. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to
      evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive reframing interventions for family carers
      of people with dementia on their psychological morbidity and stress. SEARCH
      METHODS: The trials were identified by searching (5 April 2009) the Cochrane
      Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group Specialized Register, which contains
      records from major healthcare databases: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS, ongoing trial databases and grey literature sources.
      For more detailed information on what the Group's specialized register contains
      and to view the search strategies see the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive
      Improvement Group methods used in reviews.The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS and a number of trial registers and grey literature
      sources were also searched separately on 5 April 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised controlled trials of cognitive reframing interventions for family
      carers of people with dementia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three assessors
      (MVD, ID, JmC) independently judged whether the intervention being studied was
      documented in a trial; two assessors assessed trial quality. MAIN RESULTS: Pooled
      data indicated a beneficial effect of cognitive reframing interventions on
      carers' psychological morbidity, specifically anxiety (standardised mean
      difference (SMD) -0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.39 to -0.04), depression
      (SMD -0.66; 95% CI -1.27 to -0.05), and subjective stress (SMD -0.23; 95% CI 
      0.43 to -0.04). No effects were found for carers' coping, appraisal of the
      burden, reactions to their relatives' behaviors, or institutionalization of the
      person with dementia. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive reframing for family carers
      of people with dementia seems to reduce psychological morbidity and subjective
      stress but without altering appraisals of coping or burden. The results suggest
      that it may be an effective component of individualised, multi-component
      interventions for carers. Identifying studies with relevant interventions was a
      challenge for this review. The impact of cognitive reframing might be higher when
      used alongside other interventions because this offers better opportunities to
      tailor cognitive reframing to actual everyday carer problems.

PMID- 22071822
TI  - Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the initial management of primary epithelial
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer tends to be chemosensitive and confine itself to the
      surface of the peritoneal cavity for much of its natural history. These features
      have made it an obvious target for intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy.
      Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is usually given as an intravenous (IV) infusion
      repeatedly over five to eight cycles. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is given by
      infusion of the chemotherapeutic agent directly into the peritoneal cavity. There
      are biological reasons why this might increase the anticancer effect and reduce
      some systemic adverse effects in comparison to IV therapy. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine if adding a component of the chemotherapy regime into the peritoneal
      cavity affects overall survival, progression-free survival, quality of life (QOL)
      and toxicity in the primary treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched the Gynaecological Cancer Review Group's Specialised
      Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Issue 2,
      2011, MEDLINE (1951 to May 2011) and EMBASE (1974 to May 2011). We updated these
      searches in February 2007, August 2010 and May 2011. In addition, we handsearched
      and cascade searched the major gynaecological oncology journals. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: The analysis was restricted to randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      assessing women with a new diagnosis of primary epithelial ovarian cancer, of any
      FIGO stage, following primary cytoreductive surgery. Standard IV chemotherapy was
      compared with chemotherapy that included a component of IP administration. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted data on overall survival, disease-free
      survival, adverse events and QOL and performed meta-analyses of hazard ratios
      (HR) for time-to-event variables and relative risks (RR) for dichotomous outcomes
      using RevMan software. MAIN RESULTS: Nine randomised trials studied 2119 women
      receiving primary treatment for ovarian cancer. We considered six trials to be of
      high quality. Women were less likely to die if they received an IP component to
      chemotherapy (eight studies, 2026 women; HR = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI):
      0.72 to 0.90). Intraperitoneal component chemotherapy prolonged the disease-free
      interval (five studies, 1311 women; HR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.86). There was
      greater serious toxicity with regard to gastrointestinal effects, pain, fever and
      infection but less ototoxicity with the IP than the IV route. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases overall survival and
      progression-free survival from advanced ovarian cancer. The results of this meta
      analysis provide the most reliable estimates of the relative survival benefits of
      IP over IV therapy and should be used as part of the decision making process.
      However, the potential for catheter related complications and toxicity needs to
      be considered when deciding on the most appropriate treatment for each individual
      woman. The optimal dose, timing and mechanism of administration cannot be
      addressed from this meta-analysis. This needs to be addressed in the next phase
      of clinical trials.

PMID- 22071823
TI  - Interventions to reduce haemorrhage during myomectomy for fibroids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterine myomas (fibroids) are benign tumours of the uterus.
      Myomectomy, the surgical removal of myomas, can be associated with life
      threatening bleeding and prolonged postoperative stay. Knowledge of the
      effectiveness of the interventions to reduce bleeding during myomectomy is
      essential to enable evidence-based clinical decisions. This is an update of the
      review published in The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2009. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and costs of interventions to reduce blood
      loss during myomectomy. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searches were undertaken in
      the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library
      2011, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1950 to February 2011), EMBASE (1980 to February 2011),
      CINAHL (1982 to February 2011), and PsycINFO (1801 to February 2011). SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of
      interventions to reduce blood loss during myomectomy to placebo or no treatment
      were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The two authors independently
      selected RCTs for inclusion, assessed the methodological quality of trials, and
      extracted data. We expressed study results as mean differences (MD) for
      continuous data and odds ratios for dichotomous data, with 95% confidence
      intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Twelve RCTs with 674 participants met our inclusion
      criteria. The interventions were intramyometrial vasopressin (two RCTs),
      intravenous oxytocin (two RCTs), peri-cervical tourniquet (two RCTs), and one RCT
      each for vaginal misoprostol, gelatin thrombin matrix, chemical dissection with
      sodium-2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (mesna), intramyometrial bupivacaine plus
      epinephrine, tranexamic acid, and myoma enucleation by morcellation. We found
      significant reductions in blood loss with misoprostol (MD -149.00 ml, 95% CI 
      229.24 to -68.76), vasopressin (MD -298.72 ml, 95% CI -593.10 to -4.34; I(2) =
      99%), bupivacaine plus epinephrine (MD -68.60 ml, 95% CI -93.69 to - 43.51),
      tranexamic acid (MD -243 ml, 95% CI -460 to -25.98), peri-cervical tourniquet (MD
      -289.44, 95% CI -406.55 to -172.32; I(2) = 95%), and gelatin-thrombin matrix (MD 
      545.00 ml, 95% CI -593.26 to -496.74). There was no evidence of an effect on
      blood loss with oxytocin or morcellation. None of the interventions significantly
      increased myomectomy-related complications. The trials did not assess the costs
      of the different interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence
      that misoprostol, vasopressin, bupivacaine plus epinephrine, tranexamic acid,
      gelatin thrombin matrix, peri-cervical tourniquet, and mesna may reduce bleeding
      during myomectomy. Bupivacaine plus epinephrine has limited clinical importance
      compared with other interventions as the clinical impact was small. There is no
      evidence that oxytocin and morcellation reduce blood loss. Further well designed
      studies are required to establish effectiveness, safety and the costs of
      different interventions for reducing blood loss during myomectomy.

PMID- 22071824
TI  - Laetrile treatment for cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laetrile is the name for a semi-synthetic compound which is
      chemically related to amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside from the kernels of
      apricots and various other species of the genus Prunus. Laetrile and amygdalin
      are promoted under various names for the treatment of cancer although there is no
      evidence for its efficacy. Due to possible cyanide poisoning, laetrile can be
      dangerous. OBJECTIVES: To assess the alleged anti-cancer effect and possible
      adverse effects of laetrile and amygdalin. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      following databases: CENTRAL (2011, Issue 1); MEDLINE (1951-2011); EMBASE (1980
      2011); AMED; Scirus; CancerLit; CINAHL (all from 1982-2011); CAMbase (from 1998
      2011); the MetaRegister; the National Research Register; and our own files. We
      examined reference lists of included studies and review articles and we contacted
      experts in the field for knowledge of additional studies. We did not impose any
      restrictions of timer or language. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We searched eight
      databases and two registers for studies testing laetrile or amygdalin for the
      treatment of cancer. Two review authors screened and assessed articles for
      inclusion criteria. MAIN RESULTS: We located over 200 references, 63 were
      evaluated in the original review and an additional 6 in this update. However, we
      did not identify any studies that met our inclusion criteria. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: The claims that laetrile or amygdalin have beneficial effects for
      cancer patients are not currently supported by sound clinical data. There is a
      considerable risk of serious adverse effects from cyanide poisoning after
      laetrile or amygdalin, especially after oral ingestion. The risk-benefit balance
      of laetrile or amygdalin as a treatment for cancer is therefore unambiguously
      negative.

PMID- 22071825
TI  - Chinese medicinal herbs for measles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measles is an infectious disease caused by the Morbillivirus. Chinese
      physicians believe that medicinal herbs are effective in alleviating symptoms and
      preventing complications. Chinese herbal medicines are dispensed according to the
      particular symptoms. This is the second update of a Cochrane Review first
      published in 2006. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and possible adverse
      effects of Chinese medicinal herbs for measles. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL Issue 1, 2011)
      which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised
      Register, MEDLINE (1966 to March week 5, 2011), EMBASE (1980 to April 2011), Web
      of Science (2005 to 30 April 2011), AMED (1985 to 30 April 2011), Chinese
      Biomedical Database (1976 to 30 June 2011), VIP Information (1989 to 30 June
      2011), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (1976 to 30 June 2011),
      Chinese Journals full-article database (1994 to 30 June 2011) and the
      metaRegister of Controlled Trials for ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese medicinal herbs in patients with
      measles (without complications). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      (SC, TW) independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We telephone
      interviewed the trial authors for missing information regarding participant
      allocation. Some trials allocated participants according to the sequence they
      were admitted to the trials, that is to say, by using a pseudo-random allocation
      method. None of the trials concealed the allocation or used blinding methods.
      MAIN RESULTS: We did not identify any suitable trials for inclusion. In this
      updated review we identified 80 trials which claimed to use random allocation. We
      contacted 32 trial authors by telephone and learned that the allocation methods
      used were not randomised. We excluded 34 studies because the participants
      experienced complications such as pneumonia. We excluded 10 trials because of non
      random allocation and complications experienced by the participants. We were
      unable to contact the remaining four trials' authors, so they require further
      assessment and have been allocated to the 'Studies awaiting classification'
      section. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no RCT evidence for or against Chinese
      medicinal herbs as a treatment for measles. We hope high-quality, robust RCTs in
      this field will be conducted in the future.

PMID- 22071826
TI  - Prostaglandins for adult liver transplanted patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostaglandins may reduce ischaemic injury after liver
      transplantation. Several small randomised trials have evaluated the effects of
      prostaglandins in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Results of these
      trials are inconsistent, and none has enough power to reliably exclude effects of
      prostaglandins. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of prostaglandin E1
      or E2 in adult liver-transplanted patients. SEARCH METHODS: We searched The
      Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Science Citation Index Expanded, and LILACS (search on 20 April 2011). In
      addition, we perused the reference lists of the identified studies and contacted
      trials investigators, and national and international experts in order to identify
      more trials for the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised clinical
      trials evaluating prostaglandin E1 or E2 initiated in the perioperative period
      versus placebo or standard treatment for adult patients undergoing liver
      transplantation. We did not apply any language or publication status
      restrictions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently evaluated
      methodological quality, ie, risk of bias of the included trials, and extracted
      data using standardised data extraction forms. We contacted trial investigators
      in attempt to retrieve information not available in the original manuscripts. We
      used random-effects model meta-analyses and fixed-effect model meta-analyses to
      estimate the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We
      included ten trials in which 652 patients were randomised. The risk of bias was
      considered high in most trials. There was no significant effect of prostaglandins
      on all-cause mortality (37/298[12.4%] in prostaglandin group versus 47/312[15.1%]
      in control group; OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.37; I(2) = 0%), on primary non
      function of the allograft (8/238 [3.4%] versus. 16/250[6.4%] ;OR 0.55, 95% CI
      0.23 to 1.33; I(2) = 0%), and on liver re-transplantation (12/161[7.5%] versus
      14/171[8.2%]; OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.25; I(2) = 0%). Prostaglandins seemed to
      significantly decrease the risk of acute kidney failure requiring dialysis
      (13/158[8.2%] versus 34/171[9.9%]; OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.75; I(2) = 0%).
      There was no significant increase in the risk of adverse events with
      prostaglandins. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that the
      administration of prostaglandins to liver transplanted patients reduces the risk
      of death, primary non-function of the allograft, or liver re-transplantation.
      Prostaglandins might reduce the risk of acute kidney failure requiring dialysis,
      but the quality of the evidence is considered only moderate due to high risk of
      bias in most of the included trials. Moreover, there are risks of outcome measure
      reporting bias and random errors. Therefore, further randomised, placebo
      controlled trials are deemed necessary.

PMID- 22071827
TI  - Patient isolation measures for infants with candida colonization or infection for
      preventing or reducing transmission of candida in neonatal units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candida is a common nosocomial infection and is associated with
      increased healthcare costs. In neonates, candida infection is associated with
      high mortality and morbidity and is transmitted by direct and indirect contact.
      Patient isolation measures, i.e. single room isolation or cohorting, are usually
      recommended for infections that spread by contact. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      effect of patient isolation measures (single room isolation and/or cohorting) for
      infants with candida colonization or infection as an adjunct to routine infection
      control measures on the transmission of candida to other infants in the neonatal
      unit. SEARCH METHODS: Relevant trials in any language were searched in the
      following databases in July 2011: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2011), MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE
      and CINAHL. Proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Societies (from 1987) and
      ongoing trials were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Types of studies: Cluster
      randomized trials (where clusters may be defined by hospital, ward, or other
      subunits of the hospital). TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS: Neonatal units caring for
      infants colonized or infected with Candida. Types of interventions: A policy of
      patient isolation measures (single room isolation or cohorting of infants with
      Candida colonization or infection) compared to routine isolation measures. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review
      Group (CNRG) were used to identify studies and to assess the methodological
      quality of eligible cluster-randomized trials. Infection rates and colonization
      rates were to be expressed as rate ratios for each trial and if appropriate for
      meta-analysis, the generic inverse variance method in RevMan was to be used. MAIN
      RESULTS: No eligible trials were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review
      found no evidence to either support or refute the use of patient isolation
      measures (single room isolation or cohorting) in neonates with candida
      colonization or infection.Despite the evidence for transmission of candida by
      contact and evidence of cross-infection by health care workers, no standard
      policy of patient isolation measures beyond routine infection control measures
      exists in the neonatal unit. There is an urgent need to research the role of
      patient isolation measures for preventing transmission of candida in the neonatal
      unit. Well designed trials randomizing clusters of units or hospitals to a type
      of patient isolation method intervention are needed.

PMID- 22071828
TI  - Nutritional supplements for people being treated for active tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis and malnutrition are linked in a complex relationship.
      The infection may cause undernutrition through increased metabolic demands and
      decreased intake, and nutritional deficiencies may worsen the disease, or delay
      recovery by depressing important immune functions. At present, there are no
      evidence-based nutritional guidance for adults and children being treated for
      tuberculosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of oral nutritional supplements
      (food, protein/energy supplements or micronutrients) on tuberculosis treatment
      outcomes and recovery in people on antituberculous drug therapy for active
      tuberculosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group
      Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS,
      mRCT, and the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis to July 2011, and checked the
      reference lists of all included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized
      controlled trials comparing any oral nutritional supplement given for at least
      four weeks with no nutritional intervention, placebo, or dietary advice only for
      people being treated for active tuberculosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of
      bias. Results are presented as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous variables, and
      mean differences (MD) for continuous variables, with 95% confidence intervals
      (CI). Where appropriate, data from trials with similar interventions and outcomes
      have been pooled. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methods.
      MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-three trials, with 6842 participants, were included.
      Macronutrient supplementation Five trials assessed the provision of free food, or
      high energy supplements, although none were shown to provide a total daily
      kilocalorie intake above the current daily recommended intake for the non
      infected population.The available trials were too small to reliably prove or
      exclude clinically important benefits on mortality, cure, or treatment
      completion. One small trial from India did find a statistically significant
      benefit on treatment completion, and clearance of the bacteria from the sputum,
      but these findings have not been confirmed in larger trials elsewhere (VERY LOW
      quality evidence).The provision of free food or high-energy nutritional products
      probably does produce a modest increase in weight gain during treatment for
      active tuberculosis (MODERATE quality evidence). Two small studies provide some
      evidence that physical function and quality of life may also be improved but the
      trials were too small to have much confidence in the result (LOW quality
      evidence). These effects were not seen in the one trial which included only human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.Micronutrient supplementation Five
      trials assessed multi-micronutrient supplementation in doses up to ten times the
      dietary reference intake, and 12 trials assessed single or dual micronutrient
      supplementation.There is insufficient evidence to judge whether multi
      micronutrients have a beneficial effect on mortality in HIV- negative patients
      with tuberculosis (VERY LOW quality evidence), but the available studies show
      that multi-micronutrients probably have little or no effect on mortality in HIV
      positive patients with tuberculosis (MODERATE quality evidence). No studies have
      assessed the effects of multi-micronutrients on cure, or treatment
      completion.Multi-micronutrient supplements may have little or no effect on the
      proportion of tuberculosis patients remaining sputum positive during the first
      eight weeks (LOW quality evidence), and probably have no effect on weight gain
      during treatment (MODERATE quality evidence). No studies have assessed quality of
      life.Plasma levels of vitamin A appear to increase following initiation of
      tuberculosis treatment regardless of supplementation. In contrast, plasma levels
      of zinc, vitamin D and E, and selenium may be improved by supplementation during
      the early stages of tuberculosis treatment, but a consistent benefit on
      tuberculosis treatment outcomes or nutritional recovery has not been
      demonstrated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient research to know
      whether routinely providing free food or energy supplements results in better
      tuberculosis treatment outcomes, or improved quality of life. Further trials,
      particularly from food insecure settings, should have adequate sample sizes to
      identify, or exclude, clinically important benefits.Although blood levels of some
      vitamins may be low in patients starting treatment for active tuberculosis, there
      is currently no reliable evidence that routinely supplementing at or above
      recommended daily amounts has clinical benefits.

PMID- 22071829
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open nephrectomy for live kidney donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Waiting lists for kidney transplantation continue to grow and live
      organ donation has become more important as the number of brain stem dead
      cadaveric organ donors continues to fall. The major disincentive to potential
      kidney donors is the pain and morbidity associated with open surgery. OBJECTIVES:
      To identify the benefits and harms of using laparoscopic compared to open
      nephrectomy techniques to recover kidneys from live organ donors. SEARCH METHODS:
      We searched the online databases CENTRAL (in The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2),
      MEDLINE (January 1966 to January 2010) and EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2010)
      and handsearched textbooks and reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised
      controlled trials comparing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) with open donor
      nephrectomy (ODN). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      screened titles and abstracts for eligibility, assessed study quality, and
      extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information where
      necessary. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies were identified that randomised 596 live
      kidney donors to either LDN or ODN arms. All studies were assessed as having low
      or unclear risk of bias for selection bias, allocation bias, incomplete outcome
      data and selective reporting bias. Four of six studies had high risk of bias for
      blinding. Various different combinations of techniques were used in each study,
      resulting in heterogeneity in the results. The conversion rate from LDN to ODN
      ranged from 1% to 1.8%. LDN was generally found to be associated with reduced
      analgesia use, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal physical
      functioning. The extracted kidney was exposed to longer warm ischaemia periods (2
      to 17 minutes) with no associated short-term consequences. ODN was associated
      with shorter duration of procedure. For those outcomes that could be meta
      analysed there were no significant differences between LDN or ODN for
      perioperative complications (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.47 to 4.59), reoperations (RR
      0.57, 95% CI 0.09 to 3.64), early graft loss (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.48),
      delayed graft function (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.30), acute rejection (RR 1.41,
      95 % CI 0.87 to 2.27), ureteric complications (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.69 to 3.31),
      kidney function at one year (SMD 0.15, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.41) or graft loss at one
      year (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.15 to 3.85). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: LDN is associated with
      less pain compared with open surgery; however, there are equivalent numbers of
      complications and occurrences of perioperative events that require further
      intervention. Kidneys obtained using LDN procedures were exposed to longer warm
      ischaemia periods than ODN-acquired grafts, although this has not been reported
      as being associated with short-term consequences.

PMID- 22071830
TI  - Antenatal breastfeeding education for increasing breastfeeding duration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding (BF) is well recognised as the best food for infants.
      The impact of antenatal BF education on the duration of BF has not been
      evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal BF education
      for increasing BF initiation and duration. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (21 April 2010),
      CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2010) and
      SCOPUS (January 1985 to April 2010). We contacted experts and searched reference
      lists of retrieved articles. We updated the search of the Pregnancy and
      Childbirth Group's Trials Register on 28 September 2011 and added the results to
      the awaiting classification section of the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: All
      identified published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      assessing the effect of formal antenatal BF education or comparing two different
      methods of formal antenatal BF education, on duration of BF. We excluded RCTs
      that also included intrapartum or postpartum BF education. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: We assessed all potential studies identified as a result of the search
      strategy. Two review authors extracted data from each included study using the
      agreed form and assessed risk of bias. We resolved discrepancies through
      discussion. MAIN RESULTS: We included 17 studies with 7131 women in the review
      and 14 studies involving 6932 women contributed data to the analyses. We did not
      do any meta-analysis because there was only one study for each comparison.Five
      studies compared a single method of BF education with routine care. Peer
      counselling significantly increased BF initiation.Three studies compared one form
      of BF education versus another. No intervention was significantly more effective
      than another intervention in increasing initiation or duration of BF.Seven
      studies compared multiple methods versus a single method of BF education.
      Combined BF educational interventions were not significantly better than a single
      intervention in initiating or increasing BF duration. However, in one trial a
      combined BF education significantly reduced nipple pain and trauma.One study
      compared different combinations of interventions. There was a marginally
      significant increase in exclusive BF at six months in women receiving a booklet
      plus video plus lactation consultation (LC) compared with the booklet plus video
      only.Two studies compared multiple methods of BF education versus routine care.
      The combination of BF booklet plus video plus LC was significantly better than
      routine care for exclusive BF at three months. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Because
      there were significant methodological limitations and the observed effect sizes
      were small, it is not appropriate to recommend any antenatal BF education.There
      is an urgent need to conduct RCTs study with adequate power to evaluate the
      effectiveness of antenatal BF education.

PMID- 22071831
TI  - The effects of anaesthetic agents on cortical mapping during neurosurgical
      procedures involving eloquent areas of the brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients presenting for surgical resection of lesions involving,
      or adjacent to, the functionally important eloquent cortical areas, it is vital
      to achieve complete or near complete resection of the pathology without damaging
      the healthy surrounding tissues.The eloquent areas that the surgeons are
      concerned with are the primary motor, premotor cortex, supplementary motor cortex
      and speech areas. If the lesions are within these regions surgeons could either
      take a biopsy or do a intracapsular decompression without damaging the mentioned
      areas to avoid postoperative dysfunction. If the lesions are adjacent to the
      above mentioned areas, the normal anatomy would get distorted. However, proper
      identification of the above mentioned areas would enable the surgeon to radically
      remove the tumours. Intraoperative mapping of the cortex with stimulating and
      recording electrodes is termed as electrophysiological (EP) mapping.The EP
      mapping of motor, sensory and language cortex is widely employed in the resection
      of lesions involving or adjacent to the eloquent areas. Both intravenous and
      inhalational agents are known to affect these EP mapping techniques. OBJECTIVES:
      The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of anaesthetic agents on intra
      operative EP mapping in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures involving,
      or adjacent to, the functional areas of the cortex under general anaesthesia.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register (7
      March 2011), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL issue 1
      of 4, The Cochrane Library 2011), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1948 to February week 4, 2011),
      PsycINFO (EBSCOhost, 7 March 2011), and the National Research Register Archive
      and UK Clinical Research Network (7 March 2011). We also contacted other
      researchers in the field in an attempt to ascertain unpublished studies.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to include randomised and quasi randomised
      controlled trials irrespective of blinding in patients of any age or gender
      undergoing neurosurgery under general anaesthesia where cortical mapping was
      attempted to identify eloquent areas using either somatosensory evoked potentials
      (SSEPs), or direct cortical stimulation (DCS) triggered muscle motor evoked
      potentials (mMEPs), or both. We excluded patients from trials where the
      anaesthetic effects were evaluated during spinal cord surgery or where MEPs were
      recorded from modes other than direct cortical stimulation such as transcranial
      electrical stimulation (TcMEPs), MEPs derived from epidural electrodes (D waves)
      and magnetic stimulation and trials involving awake craniotomies or the asleep
      awake-asleep technique during cortical mapping. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      review authors planned to independently apply the inclusion criteria and extract
      data. MAIN RESULTS: No RCTs were found for this study population. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the need for well-designed randomised
      controlled trials to assess the effect of anaesthetic agents on cortical mapping
      during neurosurgical procedures involving eloquent areas of the brain.

PMID- 22071832
TI  - Methods of decreasing infection to improve outcomes after liver resections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infections cause both morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing
      liver resection. Various methods have been advocated to decrease the infectious
      complications after liver resection. We do not know if they are of any benefit to
      the patient or the health-care funder. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefits and
      harms of different interventions in decreasing the infectious complications and
      improving the outcomes after liver resection. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library,
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until August 2011. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: We included all randomised clinical trials that were performed to
      compare interventions aimed at decreasing the infectious complications after
      liver resection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently
      identified the trials and extracted the data. We analysed the data with both the
      fixed-effect and the random-effects model using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome
      we calculated the risk ratio (RR), rate ratio, or mean difference (MD) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) based on available patient data analysis. MAIN RESULTS:
      We included seven trials including 521 patients for this review. The sample size
      in the trials varied from 12 to 180 patients. All the trials were of high risks
      of systematic errors and of random errors. Four trials included patients who
      underwent liver resection only. In the remaining three trials, patients underwent
      combined liver resection with extrahepatic biliary resection resulting in a
      biliary enteric anastomosis. Four trials included only major liver resection. The
      remaining three trials included a mixture of major and minor liver resections. It
      appears that the proportion of cirrhotic patients in the trials was very low. The
      comparisons performed included whether antibiotics are necessary routinely during
      the peri-operative period of liver resection, the duration of antibiotics, the
      use of prebiotics and probiotics in the perioperative period, use of recombinant
      bactericidal-permeability increasing protein 21 (rBPI21), and the use of topical
      povidone iodine gel at the time of wound closure. Only one or two trials were
      included under each comparison. There was no significant differences in mortality
      or severe morbidity in any of the comparisons. Quality of life was not reported
      in any of the trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no evidence to
      support or refute the use of any treatment to reduce infectious complications
      after liver resections. Further well designed trials with low risk of systematic
      error and low risk of random errors are necessary.

PMID- 22071833
TI  - Xylitol for preventing acute otitis media in children up to 12 years of age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common bacterial infection among
      young children in the United States with limitations and concerns over its
      treatment with antibiotics and surgery. Therefore, effective preventative
      measures are attractive. A potential preventative measure is xylitol, a natural
      sugar substitute that reduces the risk for dental decay. Xylitol can reduce the
      adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Haemophilus influenzae
      (H. influenzae) to nasopharyngeal cells in vitro. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      efficacy and safety of xylitol to prevent AOM in children up to 12 years old.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 3) which contains the Cochrane Acute
      Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1950 to August Week
      1, 2011), EMBASE (1974 to August 2011), CINAHL (1982 to August 2011), Health and
      Psychosocial Instruments (1985 to August 2011), Healthstar (OVID) (1966 to August
      2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (2000 to August 2011). SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of children aged 12
      years or younger where xylitol supplementation was compared to placebo or no
      treatment to prevent AOM. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      independently selected trials from search results, assessed and rated study
      quality and extracted relevant data for inclusion in the review. We contacted
      trial authors to request missing data. We noted data on any adverse events of
      xylitol. We extracted data on relevant outcomes and estimated the effect size by
      calculating risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) and associated 95% confidence
      intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We identified four studies of adequate
      methodological quality that met our eligibility criteria. In three RCTs with a
      total of 1826 healthy Finnish children attending day care, there was a reduced
      risk of occurrence of AOM in the xylitol group (in any form) compared to the
      control group (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.88). The fourth RCT included 1277
      Finnish day care children with a respiratory infection and found no effect of
      xylitol on reducing the occurrence of AOM (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.53). Xylitol
      chewing gum was superior to xylitol syrup in preventing AOM among healthy
      children (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.89) but not during respiratory infection (RR
      0.68; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.07). There was no difference between xylitol lozenges and
      xylitol syrups in preventing AOM among healthy children (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.53 to
      1.11) or among children during respiratory infection (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.47 to
      1.14). Similarly, no difference was noted between xylitol chewing gum and xylitol
      lozenges in preventing AOM among healthy children (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.13)
      or among children during respiratory infection (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.59 to 1.46).
      Among the reasons for drop-outs, there were no significant differences in
      abdominal discomfort and rash between the xylitol and the control groups.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is fair evidence that the prophylactic administration
      of xylitol among healthy children attending day care centres reduces the
      occurrence of AOM by 25%. This meta-analysis is limited since the data arise from
      a small number of studies, mainly from the same research group.

PMID- 22071834
TI  - Lasers or light sources for treating port-wine stains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Port-wine stains are birthmarks caused by malformations of blood
      vessels in the skin. Port-wine stains manifest themselves in infancy as a flat,
      red mark and do not regress spontaneously but may, if untreated, become darker
      and thicker in adult life. The profusion of various lasers and light sources
      makes it difficult to decide which equipment is the best for treating port-wine
      stains. OBJECTIVES: To study participant satisfaction, clinical efficacy, and
      adverse effects of the treatment of port-wine stains by lasers and light sources.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to April 2010: the
      Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (Clinical Trials) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 2005),
      EMBASE (from 2007), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science
      Information database, from 1982), and reference lists of articles. We also
      searched online trials registries for ongoing trials and contacted trial authors
      where appropriate. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of
      lasers or light sources for the treatment of port-wine stains. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Our outcomes of interest were participant satisfaction, reduction
      in redness of the port-wine stain as determined by clinical evaluation, and short
      and long-term adverse effects of the treatments. Three authors independently
      extracted data and assessed trial quality. MAIN RESULTS: We included 5 RCTs
      involving a total of 103 participants; all of the trials used a within
      participant design. The interventions and outcomes were too varied to be combined
      statistically. All trials used the pulsed dye laser for comparisons.None of the
      studies focused on participant satisfaction, which was one of our primary
      outcomes, but participant preference was evaluated in three of five studies.
      Participants preferred the pulsed dye laser to intense pulsed light based on the
      clinical effect. They marginally preferred the Neodymium:YAG (yttrium-aluminium
      garnet) (Nd:YAG) laser to the pulsed dye laser due to shorter lasting purpura,
      and pulsed dye laser in conjunction with cooling was preferred to treatment with
      pulsed dye laser alone.All trials examined short-term efficacy of less than six
      months after treatments with the pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light, and
      Nd:YAG laser. The pulsed dye laser was evaluated in all five trials. Depending
      upon the setting of the pulsed dye laser, this resulted in more than 25%
      reduction in redness. This was after 1 to 3 treatments for up to 4 to 6 months
      postoperatively in 50% to 100% of the participants. There was only one study each
      of intense pulsed light and Nd:YAG laser.Two trials had no occurrence of long
      term adverse effects, i.e. six months after treatment. Three trials reported
      pigmentary alterations in 3% to 24% of the participants, with the highest
      percentage occurring in Chinese participants with darker skin types. In one study
      one participant experienced scarring of the skin caused by a too-high dose of the
      laser used. Short-term side-effects included pain, crusting, and blistering in
      the first two weeks after treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The pulsed dye laser
      leads to clinically relevant clearance of port-wine stains. A limited number of
      RCTs evaluated the efficacy from intense pulsed light and other laser types. High
      quality RCTs are needed to assess individual efficacy from different lasers and
      light sources, as well as participant satisfaction.

PMID- 22071835
TI  - Colorectal stents for the management of malignant colonic obstructions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer in the western
      world. Acute colonic obstruction is one of the common presentations of colon
      cancer. Emergency surgical decompression is the traditional treatment of choice
      but is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years colonic
      stents have been used to relieve the obstruction. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to
      compare the colonic stenting versus emergency surgical decompression with regards
      to benefits and risks. SEARCH METHODS: Searches were carried out May 2010 in the
      Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and Ovid CINAHL. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised clinical trials comparing colonic stenting versus surgical
      decompression for obstructing colorectal cancers were considered for inclusion.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data on the characteristics of the trial,
      methodological quality of the trials, mortality, morbidity, technical and
      clinical success rate, operating time, hospital stay and other measured secondary
      outcomes from each trial were collected. And the data were analysed with both the
      fixed-effect and the random-effects models using RevMan Analysis. For each
      outcome, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on available
      data analysis was calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Five randomised trials were
      identified with a total of 207 participants, 102 to colorectal stenting and 105
      to emergency surgery. There was statistically significant higher clinical success
      rate in the emergency surgery group. The average time of clinical relief of
      obstruction was 0.66 day in the colonic stent group and was 3.55 days in the
      emergency surgery group. The stent insertion was successful in 86.02% of
      attempted stent placements. There was no statistically significant difference in
      the 30-day mortality between two groups. The 30 day mortality rate was similar,
      2.3% in both groups. The stent related perforation rate was 5.88%. The stent
      migration rate was 2.13%. The stent obstruction rate was 2.13%. There was no
      statistically significant difference in overall complication rate in both groups.
      The complication rate was 39.22% in the colonic stent group and was 45.71% in the
      emergency surgery group. The mean hospital stay was 11.53 days in the colonic
      stent group and was 17.15 days in the emergency surgery group. The mean
      procedure/operating time was 113.93 minutes in the colonic stent group compared
      to 143.85 minutes in the emergency surgery group. The median blood loss was 50 ml
      in the colonic stent group and 350 ml in the emergency surgery group. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of colonic stent in malignant colorectal obstruction seems
      to have no advantage over emergency surgery. The clinical success rate was
      statistically higher in emergency surgery group. However, use of colorectal
      stents seems to be as safe in the malignant colorectal obstruction as the
      emergency surgery with no statistically significant difference in the mortality
      and morbidity. Colorectal stents are associated with acceptable stent
      perforation, migration and obstruction rates. The advantages of colorectal stent
      includes shorter hospital stay and procedure time and less blood loss. However,
      due to the variability in the sample size and trial designs in the included
      studies, further randomised trials with bigger sample size and well defined trial
      design are needed to achieve the robust evidence.

PMID- 22071836
TI  - Mentoring adolescents to prevent drug and alcohol use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many adolescents receive mentoring. There is no systematic review if
      mentoring prevents alcohol and drug use. OBJECTIVES: Assess effectiveness of
      mentoring to prevent adolescent alcohol/drug use. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane
      CENTRAL (issue 4), MEDLINE (1950-to July 2011), EMBASE (1980-to July 2011), 5
      other electronic and 11 Grey literature electronic databases, 10 websites,
      reference lists, experts in addictions and mentoring. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of mentoring in adolescents to prevent
      alcohol/drug use. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We identified 2,113 abstracts,
      independently assessed 233 full-text articles, 4 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Two
      reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risks of bias. We contacted
      investigators for missing information. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 4 RCTs (1,194
      adolescents). No RCT reported enough detail to assess whether a strong
      randomisation method was used or allocation was concealed. Blinding was not
      possible as the intervention was mentoring. Three RCTs provided complete data. No
      selective reporting.Three RCTs provided evidence about mentoring and preventing
      alcohol use. We pooled two RCTs (RR for mentoring compared to no intervention =
      0.71 (95% CI = 0.57 to 0.90, P value = 0.005). A third RCT found no significant
      differences.Three RCTs provided evidence about mentoring and preventing drug use,
      but could not be pooled. One found significantly less use of "illegal" drugs,"
      one did not, and one assessed only marijuana use and found no significant
      differences.One RCT measured "substance use" without separating alcohol and
      drugs, and found no difference for mentoring. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: All four RCTs
      were in the US, and included "deprived" and mostly minority adolescents.
      Participants were young (in two studies age 12, and in two others 9-16). All
      students at baseline were non-users of alcohol and drugs. Two RCTs found
      mentoring reduced the rate of initiation of alcohol, and one of drug usage. The
      ability of the interventions to be effective was limited by the low rates of
      commencing alcohol and drug use during the intervention period in two studies
      (the use of marijuana in one study increased to 1% in the experimental and to
      1.6% in the control group, and in another study drug usage rose to 6% in the
      experimental and 11% in the control group). However, in a third study there was
      scope for the intervention to have an effect as alcohol use rose to 19% in the
      experimental and 27% in the control group. The studies assessed structured
      programmes and not informal mentors.

PMID- 22071837
TI  - Active versus expectant management for women in the third stage of labour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a
      prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping and controlled cord traction to
      deliver the placenta. With expectant management, signs of placental separation
      are awaited and the placenta is delivered spontaneously. Active management was
      introduced to try to reduce haemorrhage, a major contributor to maternal
      mortality in low-income countries. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of
      active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour. SEARCH METHODS:
      We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (15
      February 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled
      trials comparing active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed the
      studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction.
      MAIN RESULTS: We included seven studies (involving 8247 women), all undertaken in
      hospitals, six in high-income countries and one in a low-income country. Four
      studies compared active versus expectant management, and three compared active
      versus a mixture of managements. We used random-effects in the analyses because
      of clinical heterogeneity. There was an absence of high quality evidence for our
      primary outcomes. The evidence suggested that for women at mixed levels of risk
      of bleeding, active management showed a reduction in the average risk of maternal
      primary haemorrhage at time of birth (more than 1000 mL) (average risk ratio (RR)
      0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.87, three studies, 4636 women) and
      of maternal haemoglobin (Hb) less than 9 g/dL following birth (average RR 0.50,
      95% CI 0.30 to 0.83, two studies, 1572 women). We also found no difference in the
      incidence in admission of infants to neonatal units (average RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60
      to 1.11, two studies, 3207 women) nor in the incidence of infant jaundice
      requiring treatment (0.96, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.68, two studies, 3142 women). There
      were no data on our other primary outcomes of very severe postpartum haemorrhage
      (PPH) at the time of birth (more than 2500 mL), maternal mortality, or neonatal
      polycythaemia needing treatment.Active management also showed a significant
      decrease in primary blood loss greater than 500 mL, and mean maternal blood loss
      at birth, maternal blood transfusion and therapeutic uterotonics during the third
      stage or within the first 24 hours, or both and significant increases in maternal
      diastolic blood pressure, vomiting after birth, after-pains, use of analgesia
      from birth up to discharge from the labour ward and more women returning to
      hospital with bleeding (outcome not pre-specified). There was also a decrease in
      the baby's birthweight with active management, reflecting the lower blood volume
      from interference with placental transfusion.In the subgroup of women at low risk
      of excessive bleeding, there were similar findings, except there was no
      significant difference identified between groups for severe haemorrhage or
      maternal Hb less than 9 g/dL (at 24 to 72 hours).Hypertension and interference
      with placental transfusion might be avoided by using modifications to the active
      management package, e.g. omitting ergot and deferring cord clamping, but we have
      no direct evidence of this here. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a lack
      of high quality evidence, active management of the third stage reduced the risk
      of haemorrhage greater than 1000 mL at the time of birth in a population of women
      at mixed risk of excessive bleeding, but adverse effects were identified. Women
      should be given information on the benefits and harms of both methods to support
      informed choice. Given the concerns about early cord clamping and the potential
      adverse effects of some uterotonics, it is critical now to look at the individual
      components of third-stage management. Data are also required from low-income
      countries.

PMID- 22071838
TI  - Surgical interventions for diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna in
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diaphyseal forearm fractures in children are a common injury usually
      resulting from a fall. The treatment options include non-surgical intervention
      (manipulation and application of cast) and surgical options such as internal
      fixation with intramedullary nails or with plate and screws. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the effects (benefits and harms) of a) surgical versus non-surgical
      interventions, and b) different surgical interventions for the fixation of
      diaphyseal fractures of the forearm bones in children. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register
      (March 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane
      Library, 2011 Issue 1), MEDLINE (1948 to February week 4 2011), EMBASE (1980 to
      2011 week 09), trial registers and reference lists of articles. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared surgical
      with non-surgical intervention, or different types of surgical intervention for
      the fixation of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: All review authors independently examined the search results to
      identify trials for inclusion. MAIN RESULTS: After screening of 163 citations, we
      identified 15 potentially eligible studies of which 14 were excluded and one is
      an ongoing trial. There were thus no studies suitable for inclusion in this
      review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of evidence from randomised
      controlled trials to inform on when surgery is required and what type of surgery
      is best for treating children with fractures of the shafts of the radius, ulna or
      both bones.

PMID- 22071839
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that impairments associated with autism
      spectrum disorders (ASD) may be partially explained by deficits of omega-3 fatty
      acids, and that supplementation of these essential fatty acids may lead to
      improvement of symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To review the efficacy of omega-3 fatty
      acids for improving core features of ASD (for example, social interaction,
      communication, and stereotypies) and associated symptoms. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the following databases on 2 June 2010: CENTRAL (2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE
      (1950 to May Week 3 2010), EMBASE (1980 to 2010 Week 21), PsycINFO (1806 to
      current), BIOSIS (1985 to current), CINAHL (1982 to current), Science Citation
      Index (1970 to current), Social Science Citation Index (1970 to current),
      metaRegister of Controlled Trials (20 November 2008) and ClinicalTrials.gov (10
      December 2010). Dissertation Abstracts International was searched on 10 December
      2008, but was no longer available to the authors or editorial base in 2010.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids
      supplementation compared to placebo in individuals with ASD. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Three authors independently selected studies, assessed them for risk of
      bias and extracted relevant data. We conducted meta-analysis of the included
      studies for three primary outcomes (social interaction, communication, and
      stereotypy) and one secondary outcome (hyperactivity). MAIN RESULTS: We included
      two trials with a total of 37 children diagnosed with ASD who were randomised
      into groups that received either omega-3 fatty acids supplementation or a
      placebo. We excluded six trials because they were either non-randomised
      controlled trials, did not contain a control group, or the control group did not
      receive a placebo. Overall, there was no evidence that omega-3 supplements had an
      effect on social interaction (mean difference (MD) 0.82, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) -2.84 to 4.48, I(2) = 0%), communication (MD 0.62, 95% CI -0.89 to 2.14,
      I(2) = 0%), stereotypy (MD 0.77, 95% CI -0.69 to 2.22, I(2) = 8%), or
      hyperactivity (MD 3.46, 95% CI -0.79 to 7.70, I(2) = 0%). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      To date there is no high quality evidence that omega-3 fatty acids
      supplementation is effective for improving core and associated symptoms of ASD.
      Given the paucity of rigorous studies in this area, there is a need for large
      well-conducted randomised controlled trials that examine both high and low
      functioning individuals with ASD, and that have longer follow-up periods.

PMID- 22071840
TI  - Lycopene for the prevention of prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a common cause of death in developed countries,
      yet the benefits of screening for prostate cancer still remain controversial. A
      prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test result greater than 4 ng/mL
      (nanograms/millilitre) has commonly been used as the cut-off level for seeking
      further tests to diagnose the presence (or absence) of prostate cancer. An
      increase in PSA levels may not necessarily be associated with an increased risk
      of prostate cancer, as PSA levels may also be increased in men with benign
      prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. Despite the uncertainty of the net benefit
      of early detection and treatment, safe and effective methods to prevent prostate
      cancer are of value. Consumers, seeking greater involvement in their healthcare,
      are increasingly turning to lifestyle modification and complementary and
      alternative medicines (CAMs) to maintain their health and prevent disease.
      Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family, which is found abundantly in
      tomatoes, tomato-based products, strawberries, and watermelon. It has been
      hypothesised that lycopene is a strong antioxidant, which may lower the risk of
      cancer (including prostate cancer) in people who have diets rich in lycopene.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine whether lycopene reduces the incidence of prostate
      cancer and prostate cancer-specific mortality. Secondary objectives include
      changes in PSA levels, prostate symptoms and the nature of adverse events
      associated with lycopene use. SEARCH METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted
      across MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL) databases. No language or other limitations were imposed. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the use of
      lycopene for the prevention of prostate cancer were eligible for inclusion in
      this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A search of electronic databases,
      performed in August 2011, identified 64 citations. All articles were selected for
      full-text review. From these citations, three studies were identified as meeting
      the inclusion criteria. Handsearching did not provide any additional studies.
      MAIN RESULTS: Three RCTs, with a total of 154 participants were included in this
      review. None of the studies reported data on prostate cancer mortality. All of
      the included studies differed with respect to design, participants included and
      allocation of lycopene. This clinical heterogeneity limits the value on the
      pooled estimated of the meta-analyses. The methodological quality of two of the
      three included studies was assessed as posing a 'high' risk of bias. Meta
      analysis indicated no statistical difference in PSA levels between men randomised
      to receive lycopene and the comparison group (MD (mean difference) -0.34, 95% CI
      (confidence interval) -2.01, 1.32). Only one study reported incidence of prostate
      cancer (10% in the lycopene group versus 30% in control group). The level of
      lycopene was also not statistically different in men randomised to receive
      lycopene and the comparison group (MD 0.39 ug/mL (micrograms/millilitre), 95% CI 
      0.19, 0.98). No other meta-analyses were possible since other outcomes assessed
      only had one study contributing data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given that only three
      RCTs were included in this systematic review, and the high risk of bias in two of
      the three studies, there is insufficient evidence to either support, or refute,
      the use of lycopene for the prevention of prostate cancer. Similarly, there is no
      robust evidence from RCTs to identify the impact of lycopene consumption upon the
      incidence of prostate cancer, prostate symptoms, PSA levels or adverse events.

PMID- 22071841
TI  - Optimal intensity and type of leg exercise training for people with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensity of exercise is considered a key determinant of training
      response, however, no systematic review has investigated the effects of different
      levels of training intensity on exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity
      and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). As type of training (continuous or interval) may also
      affect training response, the effects of the type of training in COPD also
      require investigation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of training intensity
      (higher versus lower) or type (continuous versus interval training) on primary
      outcomes in exercise capacity and secondary outcomes in symptoms and HRQoL for
      people with COPD. SEARCH METHODS: We searched for studies in any language from
      the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO and PubMed. Searches were current as of June 2011.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials comparing higher
      training intensity to lower training intensity or comparing continuous training
      to interval training in people with COPD. We excluded studies that compared
      exercise training with no exercise training. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We
      pooled results of comparable groups of studies and calculated the treatment
      effect and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. We made
      two separate comparisons of effects between: 1) higher and lower training
      intensity; 2) continuous and interval training. We contacted authors of missing
      data. MAIN RESULTS: We analysed three included studies (231 participants) for
      comparisons between higher and lower-intensity training and eight included
      studies (367 participants) for comparisons between continuous and interval
      training. Primary outcomes were outcomes at peak exercise (peak work rate, peak
      oxygen consumption, peak minute ventilation and lactate threshold), at isowork or
      isotime, endurance time on a constant work rate test and functional exercise
      capacity (six-minute walk distance). When comparing higher versus lower-intensity
      training, the pooled primary outcomes were endurance time and six-minute walk
      distance. There were no significant differences in endurance time improvement
      (mean difference (MD) 1.07 minutes; 95% CI -1.53 to 3.67) and six-minute walk
      distance improvement (MD 2.8 metres; 95% CI -10.1 to 15.6) following higher or
      lower-intensity training. However, heterogeneity of the endurance time results
      between studies was significant. When comparing continuous and interval training,
      there were no significant differences in any of the primary outcomes, except for
      oxygen consumption at isotime (MD 0.08; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16) but the treatment
      effect was not considered clinically important. According to the GRADE system,
      studies were of low to moderate quality. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Comparisons
      between the higher and lower training intensity were limited due to the small
      number of included studies and participants. Consequently, there are insufficient
      data to draw any conclusions on exercise capacity, symptoms and HRQoL for this
      comparison. For comparisons between continuous and interval training, both appear
      to be equally effective in improving exercise capacity, symptoms and HRQoL.

PMID- 22071842
TI  - Adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for the prevention of
      chemotherapy induced premature ovarian failure in premenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy has significantly improved prognosis for patients with
      malignant and some non-malignant conditions. This treatment, however, is
      associated with ovarian toxicity and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
      analogues may have a protective effect on the ovaries. The mechanism of action of
      GnRH is based on suppression of the gonadotropin levels to simulate pre-pubertal
      hormonal milieu and decrease utero-ovarian perfusion. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      efficacy and safety of GnRH analogues given before or in parallel to chemotherapy
      to prevent chemotherapy-related ovarian damage in premenopausal women with
      malignant or non-malignant conditions. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Gynaecological Cancer Group Specialized Register (up to July 2011), the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2,
      2011); MEDLINE (1950 to July 2011); EMBASE (1980 to July 2011); and the Chinese
      Biomedicine Database (CBM) (1976 to July 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs), in all languages, which examined the effect of GnRH
      analogues for chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure in premenopausal women, were
      eligible for inclusion in the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review
      authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality using the
      Cochrane risk of bias tool. We analyzed binary data using risk ratios (RRs) with
      95% confidence intervals (CI) and for continuous data, we used the standardized
      mean difference (SMD) to combine trials. As there was substantial difference in
      the types of chemotherapy used, we applied the random-effects model in our
      analyses. We contacted study authors for additional information. MAIN RESULTS:
      Included studies in this review showed that intramuscular/subcutaneous
      administration of GnRH agonists was effective in protecting menstruation and
      ovulation after chemotherapy (resumed menses: RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.79;
      amenorrhoea: RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.58; ovulation: RR 2.70, 95% CI 1.52 to
      4.79), whereas intranasal administration of GnRH agonists had no protective
      effect on ovaries (resumed menses: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.72; ovulation: RR
      1.13, 95% CI 0.20 to 6.24). Pregnancy rates were not significantly different
      between groups (intramuscular/subcutaneous GnRH agonist: RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.01 to
      4.09; intranasal GnRH agonist: RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.02 to 8.84). Ultrasound antral
      follicular count (AFC) was not significantly different between groups (SMD 1.11,
      95% CI 0.32 to 1.90). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The use of GnRH agonists should be
      considered in women of reproductive age receiving chemotherapy. Intramuscular or
      subcutaneous GnRH analogues seem to be effective in protecting ovaries during
      chemotherapy and should be given before or during treatment, although no
      significant difference in pregnancy rates was seen.

PMID- 22071843
TI  - Mechanical dilatation of the cervix at non-labour caesarean section for reducing
      postoperative morbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During non-labour caesarean, some obstetricians routinely dilate the
      cervix from above--using finger, sponge forceps or other instruments because they
      believe that the cervix of women without labour pain is undilated and may cause
      obstruction of blood or lochia drainage. However, mechanical cervical dilatation
      using sponge forceps or a finger during caesarean section may result in
      contamination by vaginal micro-organisms during dilatation, and increase the risk
      of infection or cervical trauma. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of
      mechanical dilatation of the cervix during elective/non-labour caesarean section
      on postoperative morbidity. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy
      and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: All
      randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing intraoperative
      cervical dilatation using a finger, sponge forceps or other instrument during non
      labour caesarean section versus no mechanical dilatation. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion,
      assessed the risk of bias of each included study and extracted data. MAIN
      RESULTS: We included three trials with a total of 735 women undergoing elective
      caesarean section. Of these women, 338 underwent intraoperative cervical
      dilatation with a double-gloved index digit inserted into the cervical canal to
      dilate, and 397 did not undergo intraoperative cervical dilatation. Three
      included trials had moderate-to-high risk of bias. None of the three trials
      reported our primary outcome of postpartum haemorrhage. In one study of 400
      women, blood loss was significantly lower in the cervical dilatation group
      compared with the no dilatation group (mean difference (MD) -48.49 ml, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) -88.75 to -8.23). The incidence of febrile morbidity and
      haemoglobin concentrations in the postoperative period in women undergoing
      intraoperative cervical dilatation was not significantly different from those who
      did not receive cervical dilatation (risk ratio (RR) 1.07, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.21
      (three trials, 735 women) and MD -0.05 g/dl, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.06 (two trials,
      552 women), respectively. There were no significant differences in wound
      infection, change of haemoglobin level, hematocrit level at postoperative period,
      endometritis, infectious morbidity, or urinary tract infection. There was a
      significant difference in operative time, which was reduced in cervical
      dilatation group (MD -1.84 mins, 95% CI -2.21 to -1.47 (one study, 400 women),
      but this is of doubtful clinical significance. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was
      insufficient evidence of mechanical dilatation of the cervix at non-labour
      caesarean section for reducing postoperative morbidity. Further randomised
      controlled trials with adequate methodological quality comparing intraoperative
      cervical dilatation using a finger, sponge forceps or other instrument during non
      labour caesarean section versus no mechanical dilatation for reducing
      postoperative morbidity are needed.

PMID- 22071844
TI  - Surgical versus non-surgical interventions for treating patellar dislocation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patellar dislocation occurs when the patella disengages completely
      from the trochlear (femoral) groove. Following reduction of the dislocation,
      conservative rehabilitation with physiotherapy may be used. Since recurrence of
      dislocation is common, some surgeons have advocated surgical intervention in
      addition to rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review was to assess
      the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical, compared with non-surgical,
      interventions for treating people with primary or recurrent patellar dislocation.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group's
      Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The
      Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, ZETOC, Physiotherapy Evidence
      Database (PEDro), and a variety of other literature databases and trial
      registries. Corresponding authors were contacted to identify additional studies.
      Date searched: August 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA: Eligible for inclusion were
      randomised and quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials evaluating surgical
      versus non-surgical interventions for treating lateral patellar dislocation. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently examined titles and
      abstracts of each identified study to assess study eligibility, extract data and
      assess risk of bias. Primary outcomes assessed were the frequency of recurrent
      dislocation, and validated patient-rated knee or physical function scores. When
      appropriate, data were pooled. Risk ratios were calculated for dichotomous
      outcomes, and mean differences for continuous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: Five
      studies (339 participants) were included. All studies had methodological
      shortcomings, especially the two quasi-randomised trials that presented a high
      risk for selection bias. Follow-up was a minimum of two years in two studies and
      between five and seven years in three studies. There was no significant
      difference between surgical and non-surgical management of primary (first-time)
      patellar dislocation in the risk of recurrent dislocation (47/182 versus 53/157;
      risk ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.56 to 1.17; 5 trials), Kujala
      patellofemoral disorder scores (mean difference 3.13, 95% confidence interval 
      7.34 to 13.59; 5 trials) nor the requirement for subsequent surgery (risk ratio
      1.09, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.65; 3 trials). Adverse events were reported by one trial,
      citing four major complications that occurred in the surgical group. No
      randomised controlled trials have assessed populations with recurrent patellar
      dislocation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient high quality evidence to
      confirm any significant difference in outcome between surgical or non-surgical
      initial management of people following primary patellar dislocation, and none
      examining this comparison in people with recurrent patellar dislocation.
      Adequately powered randomised, multi-centre controlled trials, conducted and
      reported to contemporary standards are recommended.

PMID- 22071845
TI  - Enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase for mucopolysaccharidosis type II
      (Hunter syndrome).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis II, also known as Hunter syndrome, is a rare, X
      linked disease caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2
      sulfatase, which catalyses a step in the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. The
      glycosaminoglycans accumulate within tissues affecting multiple organs and
      physiologic systems. The clinical manifestations include neurologic involvement,
      severe airways obstruction, skeletal deformities and cardiomyopathy. The disease
      has a variable age of onset and variable rate of progression. In those with
      severe disease, death usually occurs in the second decade of life, whereas those
      patients with less severe disease may survive into adulthood. Enzyme replacement
      therapy with intravenous infusions of idursulfase has emerged as a new treatment
      for mucopolysaccharidosis type II. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and
      safety of enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase compared to other
      interventions, placebo or no intervention, for treating mucopolysaccharidosis
      type II. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic
      Disorders Group's Trials Register (date of last search 01 September 2011).We also
      searched EMBASE, PubMed and the Literature Latino-Americana e do Caribe em
      Ciencias da Saude (LILACS) (date of last search October 2009). SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of enzyme replacement
      therapy with idursulfase compared to no intervention, placebo or other options
      (e.g. behavioral strategies, transplantation). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      authors independently screened the trials identified, appraised quality of papers
      and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: One study (96 patients) met the inclusion
      criteria, although the primary outcome of this review - z score for height and
      weight, was not assessed in the study. Following 53 weeks of treatment, patients
      in the weekly idursulfase 0.5 mg/kg group demonstrated a significant improvement
      rate compared with placebo for the primary outcome: distance walked in six
      minutes on the basis of the sum of ranks of change from baseline, mean difference
      37.00 (95% confidence interval 6.52 to 67.48). The every-other-week idursulfase
      0.5 mg/kg group also showed an improvement, which was not significant compared
      with placebo, mean difference 23.00 (95% confidence interval -4.49 to 50.49).
      After 53 weeks, there was no statistical significance difference in per cent
      predicted forced vital capacity between the three groups and absolute forced
      vital capacity was significantly increased from baseline in the weekly dosing
      group compared to placebo, mean difference 0.16 (95% confidence interval CI 0.05
      to 0.27). No difference was observed between the every-other-week idursulfase 0.5
      mg/kg group and placebo.In addition, liver and spleen volumes and urine
      glycosaminoglycan excretion were significantly reduced from baseline by both
      idursulfase dosing regimens. Idursulfase was generally well tolerated, but
      infusion reactions did occur. Idursulfase antibodies were detected in 31.7% of
      patients at the end of the study and they were related to a smaller reduction in
      urine glycosaminoglycan levels. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence is
      limited. While the randomised clinical trial identified was considered to be of
      good quality, it failed to describe important outcomes. It has been demonstrated
      that enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase is effective in relation to
      functional capacity (distance walked in six minutes and forced vital capacity),
      liver and spleen volumes and urine glycosaminoglycan excretion in patients with
      mucopolysaccharidosis type II compared with placebo. There is no available
      evidence in the included study and in the literature on outcomes such as
      improvement in growth, sleep apnoea, cardiac function, quality of life and
      mortality. More studies are needed to obtain more information on the long-term
      effectiveness and safety of enzyme replacement therapy.

PMID- 22071846
TI  - Appendectomy versus antibiotic treatment for acute appendicitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute
      abdominal pain. Present day treatment of choice for acute appendicitis is
      appendectomy, however complications are inherent to operative treatment. Though
      surgical appendectomy remains the standard treatment, several investigators have
      investigated conservative antibiotic treatment of acute appendicitis and reported
      good results. OBJECTIVES: Is antibiotic treatment as effective as surgical
      appendectomy (laparoscopic or open) in patients with acute appendicitis on
      recovery within two weeks, without major complications (including recurrence)
      within one year? SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 6, 2011); MEDLINE (until June
      2011); EMBASE (until June 2011); Prospective Trial Registers (June 2011) and
      reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised
      clinical trials (RCT and qRCT) comparing antibiotic treatment with appendectomy
      in patients with suspected appendicitis were included. Excluded were studies
      which primarily focused on the complications of acute appendicitis. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and
      extracted data. The review authors contacted the trial authors for additional
      information if required. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review
      Manager and MetaAnalyst. A non-inferiority analysis was performed, comparing
      antibiotic treatment (ABT) to the gold standard (appendectomy). By consensus, a
      20% margin of non-inferiority was considered clinically relevant. MAIN RESULTS:
      Five RCT's (901 patients) were assessed. In total 73.4% (95% CI 62.7 to 81.9) of
      patients who were treated with antibiotics and 97.4 (95% CI 94.4 to 98.8)
      patients who directly got an appendectomy were cured within two weeks without
      major complications (including recurrence) within one year. The lower 95% CI was
      15.2% below the 20% margin for the primary outcome. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The
      upper bound of the 95% CI of ABT for cure within two weeks without major
      complications crosses the 20% margin of appendectomy, so the outcome is
      inconclusive. Also the quality of the studies was low to moderate, for that
      reason the results should be interpret with caution and definite conclusions
      cannot be made. Therefore we conclude that appendectomy remains the standard
      treatment for acute appendicitis. Antibiotic treatment might be used as an
      alternative treatment in a good quality RCT or in specific patients or conditions
      were surgery is contraindicated.

PMID- 22071847
TI  - Helicobacter pylori eradication for Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levodopa is the mainstay of treatment for alleviating the motor
      symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. However, patients often experience
      fluctuations in their symptoms over time and 'wearing off' which may be partly
      related to variable absorption of the drug. There is some evidence that treatment
      of the common gastrointestinal infection Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) with
      antibiotics may improve levodopa absorption in the gut and hence improve
      symptoms. OBJECTIVES: 1) What is the prevalence of H pylori in Parkinson's
      disease patients? 2) Does treatment of H pylori infection with antibiotics
      improve symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients? Is this effect dependent on
      improvements in the absorption of levodopa? SEARCH METHODS: We searched
      electronic databases (including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL)
      and trial registers, handsearched conference proceedings and carried out citation
      searching on key articles. All searching was updated in August 2009. We contacted
      authors to provide additional information where necessary. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Clinical trials in patients with a well-defined definition of Parkinson's disease
      and who were H pylori-positive. Two people independently selected studies for
      inclusion using predetermined criteria. We used recruitment figures from clinical
      trials and other studies identified from the searching to determine the
      prevalence of H pylori in Parkinson's disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      authors abstracted data from the source papers and assessed methodological
      quality independently. We presented results descriptively. MAIN RESULTS: Two
      completed and one ongoing clinical trial met the inclusion criteria. One trial
      (34 patients randomised) examined the effects of H pylori eradication on levodopa
      absorption and motor symptoms and found significant improvements in both. The
      ongoing trial has similar objectives and aims to recruit 100 patients. The other
      completed trial (20 patients analysed) sought to find a causal link between
      infection with H pylori and Parkinsonism and was non-contributory. A worsening of
      symptoms was noted with eradication failure.The prevalence of H pylori in
      Parkinson's disease was reported in four studies and ranged from 37% to 59% which
      is similar to that of the general population. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is
      currently a lack of evidence on the effects of screening and treating H pylori in
      patients with Parkinson's disease. There is limited evidence to suggest that H
      Pylori eradication improves the absorption of levodopa and improves motor
      symptoms. Results from an ongoing trial will inform the evidence base and will be
      incorporated in an update of this review. There is a need for well-conducted
      randomised controlled trials with standard outcome measures for motor symptoms
      and incorporating the costs of screening and treatment.

PMID- 22071848
TI  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as disease-modifying agents for Parkinson's
      disease: evidence from observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation may play a key role in the neurodegeneration
      associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) may be beneficial in the primary and secondary prevention of PD.
      OBJECTIVES: 1) Do NSAIDs prevent the onset of PD?2) Are NSAIDs neuroprotective in
      PD - do they slow the progression of disease once PD is established?3) What are
      the adverse effects of taking NSAIDs in PD? SEARCH METHODS: We searched
      electronic databases, including trial registers, complemented with handsearching
      of conference proceedings and citation searching on key articles. All searching
      was updated in May 2011. We contacted authors to provide additional information
      where necessary. SELECTION CRITERIA: For the primary prevention review, we sought
      primary prevention trials and observational studies (cohort and case-control
      studies). Participants were free of PD when exposure to NSAIDs was assessed. For
      the secondary prevention review, we sought clinical trials in patients with a
      well-defined definition of PD. Two people independently selected studies for
      inclusion using predetermined criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review
      authors abstracted data from the source papers and assessed methodological
      quality independently. No studies met the inclusion criteria for the secondary
      prevention review. For the primary prevention review only observational studies
      were found. We combined data where appropriate using the inverse variance method.
      We assessed methodological quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scales and by
      examining the period of exposure assessed prior to PD onset (or the index date in
      controls). MAIN RESULTS: Fourteen observational studies met the inclusion
      criteria for the primary prevention review (five cohort, nine case-control
      studies). Exposure to any NSAIDs or aspirin had no effect on the risk of
      developing PD. Exposure to non-aspirin NSAIDs reduced the risk of developing PD
      by 13% (effect estimate 0.87 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.04 - random-effects model), but
      this did not reach statistical significance. We found similar results for the
      most robust studies. Ibuprofen in isolation was examined in four studies and was
      associated with a 27% reduction in risk (effect estimate 0.73, 95% CI 0.63 to
      0.85). There was a lack of information on adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      There is currently no evidence for the use of NSAIDs in the secondary prevention
      of PD. Non-aspirin NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, may reduce the risk of
      developing PD. However, little is known of the effects of other individual drugs
      and at present no recommendations can be made regarding their use in primary
      prevention.

PMID- 22071849
TI  - Psychosocial interventions for the management of chronic orofacial pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors have a role in the onset of chronic orofacial
      pain. However, current management involves invasive therapies like occlusal
      adjustments and splints which lack an evidence base. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      efficacy of non-pharmacologic psychosocial interventions for chronic orofacial
      pain. SEARCH METHODS: The following electronic databases were searched: the
      Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 25 October 2010), the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue
      4), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 25 October 2010), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 25
      October 2010) and PsycINFO via OVID (1950 to 25 October 2010). There were no
      restrictions regarding language or date of publication. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised controlled trials which included non-pharmacological psychosocial
      interventions for adults with chronic orofacial pain compared with any other form
      of treatment (e.g. usual care like intraoral splints, pharmacological treatment
      and/or physiotherapy). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were independently
      extracted in duplicate. Trial authors were contacted for details of randomisation
      and loss to follow-up, and also to provide means and standard deviations for
      outcome measures where these were not available. Risk of bias was assessed and
      disagreements between review authors were discussed and another review author
      involved where necessary. MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen trials were eligible for
      inclusion into the review. Psychosocial interventions improved long-term pain
      intensity (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      -0.50 to -0.18) and depression (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.54 to -0.16). However, the
      risk of bias was high for almost all studies. A subgroup analysis revealed that
      cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) either alone or in combination with
      biofeedback improved long-term pain intensity, activity interference and
      depression. However the studies pooled had high risk of bias and were few in
      number. The pooled trials were all related to temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is weak evidence to support the use of psychosocial
      interventions for chronic orofacial pain. Although significant effects were
      observed for outcome measures where pooling was possible, the studies were few in
      number and had high risk of bias. However, given the non-invasive nature of such
      interventions they should be used in preference to other invasive and
      irreversible treatments which also have limited or no efficacy. Further high
      quality trials are needed to explore the effects of psychosocial interventions on
      chronic orofacial pain.

PMID- 22071850
TI  - Melatonin for non-respiratory sleep disorders in visually impaired children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exogenous melatonin helps in regulating the circadian rhythm and is
      widely used for the management of sleep disorders in visually impaired children.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of the review was to assess melatonin therapy for treatment
      of non-respiratory sleep disorders in visually impaired children, with regard to
      improvement in sleep habit, sleep scheduling and sleep maintenance, when compared
      with placebo or no treatment. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases
      between February 2011 and July 2011: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials (CENTRAL) 2011(1) searched on 4th February 2011; MEDLINE (1950 to June
      Week 3, 2011) searched on 20th June 2011; EMBASE (1980 to June Week 4, 2011)
      searched on 7th July 2011; CINAHL (1937 to 21 September 2011); the metaRegister
      of Controlled Trials (this includes ClinicalTrial.gov) searched 20 July 2011, and
      reference lists of papers identified after initial screening. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs,
      including cross-over studies. Treatment would be exogenous melatonin. Control
      groups could be placebo, other medication for sleep disorders or no treatment.
      Outcomes sought were improved sleep with regard to timing and duration, quality
      of life and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors
      independently assessed trials for inclusion in the review. MAIN RESULTS: We did
      not find any studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, therefore no outcome data
      are reported.We identified nine studies after initial screening and, after
      further evaluation, we excluded these. The excluded studies involved a total of
      163 individuals aged two years to 18 years. We excluded studies for three main
      reasons: they were non-randomized or case series studies, they were studies of
      people over 18 years of age or even where the study was randomised, the study
      population was mixed and results pertaining to the visually impaired cohort could
      not be independently evaluated. No significant adverse effects of melatonin were
      reported in these excluded studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no
      high quality data to support or refute the use of melatonin for sleep disorders
      in visually impaired children. Placebo-controlled trials examining important
      clinical outcomes such as sleep quality, sleep latency, duration of sleep and
      night-time awakenings are needed. As the numbers of children meeting study
      inclusion criteria are likely to be low at individual sites, multicentre
      collaboration between developmental paediatricians, sleep physicians and other
      health care professionals is essential to achieve sufficient sample size for
      controlled studies. Such collaboration would help facilitate local recruitment at
      multiple sites, with study oversight being provided by paediatricians with
      expertise in sleep disorders. Participation of collaborators with experience in
      evidence-based practice research is also desirable due to the lack of protocols
      on melatonin therapy in the target population.

PMID- 22071851
TI  - Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of anxiety disorders in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterised by
      inflammation of the airways and destruction of pulmonary tissue with post
      bronchodilator FEV1/FVC of <0.70 (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced
      vital capacity). Evidence indicates an increased prevalence of anxiety disorders
      in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as compared with
      the general population and persons suffering from many other chronic illnesses.
      Anxiety in people with COPD has been shown to increase disability and impair
      functional status, resulting in an overall reduction in quality of life. As such,
      pharmacological interventions are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders in
      patients with COPD. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of pharmacological
      interventions on anxiety disorders in people with COPD, in terms of improvement
      of anxiety symptoms, quality of life, exercise tolerance, reduction in length of
      hospital stay and FEV1. We also evaluated adverse drug reactions. SEARCH METHODS:
      Two Cochrane Review Group Specialised Registers were searched (up to the 1st of
      June 2011) to identify trials for this review. Complementary searches of PsycINFO
      and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were also
      carried out. We did not apply any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      considered all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster randomised trials and
      cross-over trials of pharmacological interventions for patients (age > 40 years)
      with COPD and co-existing anxiety disorders (as confirmed by recognised
      diagnostic criteria or a validated measurement scale) for the review. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two of the three review authors individually evaluated
      each article and extracted data. Any conflicts that arose were resolved through
      discussion with a third party, if necessary. Trial investigators were contacted
      to obtain missing/raw data. Meta-analyses of continuous outcomes were performed
      using the random-effect model. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies met all of the
      inclusion criteria (with a total of 40 participants). Three subclasses of anxiety
      medications were used including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
      tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and azapirones. Although two studies used SSRIs
      as the intervention (total of 21 participants), we were unable to meta-analyse
      the anxiety outcomes as one study had a standard deviation of zero for the
      control group. Included studies had relatively poor quality including small
      sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Due to the small number of included
      studies, we were unable to meta-analyse all the subclasses of medications.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Due to the sub-optimal quality of the trials and
      statistically non-significant results, it is not possible to draw any conclusions
      for treatment. This review highlights the paucity of data in this area. As such,
      there is a need for scientifically rigorous research trials to evaluate the role
      of pharmacological interventions for anxiety disorders in patients with COPD,
      using a sample size large enough to demonstrate meaningful clinical significance.

PMID- 22071852
TI  - Anti-hypertensive drugs as disease-modifying agents for Parkinson's disease:
      evidence from observational studies and clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) is focused on
      relieving symptoms, at present there is nothing that is widely accepted to halt
      or slow disease progression. Potential neuroprotective or disease modifying
      agents have been identified from preclinical studies. One such group of compounds
      are anti-hypertensive drugs. OBJECTIVES: 1) Do anti-hypertensive drugs prevent
      the onset of PD? (primary prevention)2) Are anti-hypertensive drugs disease
      modifying agents in PD, do they slow the progression of disease once PD is
      established? (secondary prevention)3) What are the adverse effects of taking anti
      hypertensive drugs for patients with PD? SEARCH METHODS: Electronic databases
      including trial registers were searched, complemented with handsearching of
      conference proceedings and searching the citations of key articles (updated May
      2011). Authors were contacted, to provide additional information, where
      necessary. SELECTION CRITERIA: For the primary prevention review, primary
      prevention trials and observational studies (cohort and case control studies)
      were sought. Participants were free of PD when exposure to anti-hypertensive
      drugs was assessed. For the secondary prevention review, clinical trials in
      patients with well defined PD were sought. Two people independently selected
      studies for inclusion using predetermined criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Data were abstracted from the source papers and methodological quality was
      assessed independently by two review authors. Results for both reviews were dealt
      with descriptively. MAIN RESULTS: Two cohort studies and four case control
      studies met the inclusion criteria for the primary prevention review. The two
      cohort studies found no effect of exposure to calcium channel blockers on the
      risk of developing PD. Three case control studies looked at the effects of
      exposure to calcium channel blockers and beta blockers on the risk of developing
      PD but the assessment periods of exposure were markedly different prior to PD
      onset, and different subclasses of drugs were examined, so results were not
      comparable. A protective effect of centrally acting calcium channel blockers was
      found in one study.Two trials and one ongoing trial met the inclusion criteria
      for the secondary prevention review. Each completed trial examined a different
      class of anti-hypertensive drug. The ongoing trial is examining the effects of
      the calcium channel blocker isradipine on motor symptoms and disease progression.
      It follows an earlier tolerability study. The results are due in the year
      2012.Adverse effects were noted in all included trials and included
      intolerability to the drugs and worsening PD symptoms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      There is currently a lack of evidence for the use of antihypertensive drugs for
      either the primary or secondary prevention of PD. More observational studies are
      required to identify potential drugs to go forward for safety and tolerability
      studies in people with early PD. The results of the ongoing trial will help
      inform further research.

PMID- 22071853
TI  - Sargramostim (GM-CSF) for induction of remission in Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition of the gut, thought to
      involve an overactive immune response to gut flora. A novel theory postulates
      possible immunodeficiency as a cause, and aims to use sargramostim (granulocyte
      macrophage colony stimulating factor, GM-CSF) to boost the immune system in an
      effort to test this hypothesis. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to
      determine the efficacy and safety of sargramostim for induction of remission in
      patients with clinically active Crohn's disease. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic
      search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was conducted from inception to April
      2011. Reference lists of relevant review articles were also searched. Trial
      registries and abstract databases including Digestive Diseases Week (1980-2010)
      and United European Gastroenterology Week (2005-2009) were searched to identify
      studies published in abstract form. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled
      trials of sargramostim for the treatment of patients with active Crohn's disease
      were considered for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data from selected
      articles were extracted and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool applied independently
      by two authors. The primary outcome was induction of clinical remission as
      defined by a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) of < 150 at the end of
      treatment. Secondary outcomes included clinical responses measures on the CDAI
      and safety outcomes. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)
      were calculated for dichotomous outcomes, in most cases using a random effects
      model due to high heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS: Three studies were identified, 2
      published as full papers and one in abstract form (537 patients). The risk of
      bias was low for the 3 included studies. There was no statistically significant
      difference in the proportion of patients (GM-CSF 25.3% versus placebo 17.5%) who
      achieved clinical remission (RR 1.67; 95% CI 0.80 to 3.50; P = 0.17; 3 studies;
      537 patients). There was no statistically significant difference in the
      proportion of patients (GM-CSF 38.3% versus placebo 24.8%) who achieved a 100
      point clinical response (RR 1.71 95% CI 0.98 to 2.97; P = 0.06; 3 studies; 537
      patients). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of
      patients (GM-CSF 54.3% versus placebo 44.2%) who achieved a 70 point clinical
      response (RR 1.23; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.82; P = 0.30; 1 study; 124 patients). There
      was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients (GM-CSF
      95.8% versus placebo 89.3%) who experienced at least one adverse event (RR 1.07;
      95% CI 0.99 to 1.16; P = 0.08; 2 studies; 251 patients), or serious adverse
      events (GM-CSF 12.0% versus placebo 4.8%; RR 2.21; 95% CI 0.84 to 5.81; P = 0.11;
      2 studies; 251 patients). The incidence of bone pain, musculoskeletal chest pain,
      and dyspnea were higher in patients treated with sargramostim compared to
      placebo. Other adverse events commonly associated with sargramostim such as
      pulmonary capillary leak syndrome, pulmonary edema, heart failure, fever, and
      neurotoxicity were not reported in these studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Sargramostim does not appear to be more effective than placebo for induction of
      clinical remission or clinical improvement in patients with active Crohn's
      disease. However, the GRADE analysis indicates that the overall quality of the
      evidence for the primary (clinical remission) and secondary outcomes (clinical
      response) was low indicating that further research is likely to have an impact on
      the effect estimates.

PMID- 22071854
TI  - Analgesia for amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Besides risks of miscarriage, pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis
      or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are also concerned about pain associated with
      these procedures. Currently, approaches to analgesia can be categorised in two
      broad categories - non-pharmacological and pharmacological agents. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate whether different methods of analgesia have any impact on pain reduction
      during amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August
      2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised trials comparing different method of
      analgesia for amniocentesis or CVS. We also include trials with quasi-randomised
      designs, but analyse and report their results separately. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Both review authors assessed eligibility and trial quality and
      performed data extraction. MAIN RESULTS: We included a total of five randomised
      studies (involving 805 women) evaluating different methods of analgesia for
      amniocentesis; there were no studies in women undergoing CVS.One RCT (N = 203)
      and one quasi-randomised study (N = 220) compared infiltrative local anaesthesia
      with no anaesthesia and found no statistical difference in experienced pain on
      the visual analogue scale (VAS) (mean differences (MD) -2.50 and 1.20; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) -6.98 to 1.98 and -2.67 to 5.07).One study (N = 200)
      compared light leg rubbing versus no intervention during amniocentesis and found
      no change in experienced anxiety (MD 0.2; 95% CI -0.63 to 1.03) or VAS pain score
      (MD 0.3; 95% CI -0.35 to 0.95) during amniocentesis.Another study with 62
      patients did not find any benefit of using subfreezing temperature needle during
      amniocentesis in terms of decreased VAS pain score (MD -0.8; 95% CI -1.8 to 0.2).
      In addition, there was no difference between anticipated and actual pain (MD 0.4;
      95% CI -0.82 to 1.62) (before/after comparison).There was also no difference in
      VAS pain scores in the study with 120 participants comparing lidocaine-prilocaine
      analgesic cream to placebo cream before amniocentesis (MD -0.6; 95% CI -1.44 to
      0.24). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In general, women who undergo amniocentesis could be
      informed that pain during procedure is minor and that there is currently
      insufficient evidence to support the use of local anaesthetics, leg rubbing or
      subfreezing the needle for pain reduction during procedure.

PMID- 22071855
TI  - Probiotics for patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy is a disorder of brain function as a result of
      liver failure and/or portosystemic shunt. Both hepatic encephalopathy (clinically
      overt) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (not clinically overt) significantly
      impair patient's quality of life and daily functioning and represent a
      significant burden on health care resources. Probiotics are live microorganisms,
      which when administered in adequate amounts may confer a health benefit on the
      host. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the beneficial and harmful effects of any probiotic
      in any dosage, compared with placebo or no intervention, or with any other
      treatment for patients with any grade of acute or chronic hepatic encephalopathy
      as assessed from randomised trials. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the The Cochrane
      Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science
      Citation Index Expanded, conference proceedings, reference lists of included
      trials and the WHO international clinical trials registry until April 2011
      registry platform to identify new and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      included randomised trials that compared probiotics in any dosage with placebo or
      no intervention, or with any other treatment in patients with hepatic
      encephalopathy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three authors independently
      assessed the risk of bias of the included trials and extracted data on relevant
      outcomes, with differences resolved by consensus. We conducted random-effects
      model meta-analysis due to obvious heterogeneity of patients and interventions. A
      P value of 0.05 or less was defined as significant. Dichotomous outcomes are
      expressed as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes as mean difference (MD) with
      95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We included seven trials of which
      550 participants were randomised. Four of the seven trials compared a probiotic
      with placebo or no treatment in 245 participants, another trial compared a
      probiotic with lactulose in 40 participants , and the remaining two trials
      compared a probiotic with both placebo and lactulose in 265 participants. Each
      trial used different types of probiotics. Duration of administration of the
      experimental intervention varied from 10 days to 180 days. Two trials were
      industry funded, and five were unclear about origin of funding. All trials had
      high risk of bias. When probiotics were compared with no treatment, there was no
      significant difference in all-cause mortality (2 trials, 105 participants; 1/57
      (2%) versus 1/48 (2%): RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.08 to 6.60), lack of recovery (4 trials,
      206 participants; 54/107 (50%) versus 68/99 (69%): RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.05),
      adverse events (3 trials, 145 participants; 2/77 (3%) versus 6/68 (9%): RR 0.34;
      95% CI 0.08 to 1.42), quality of life (1 trial, 20 participants contributed to
      the physical quality of life measurement, 20 participants contributed to the
      mental quality of life: MD Physical 0.00; 95% CI -5.47 to 5.47; MD Mental 4.00;
      95% CI -1.82 to 9.82), or change of/or withdrawal from treatment (3 trials, 175
      participants; 11/92 (12%) versus 7/83 (8%): RR 1.28; 95% CI 0.52 to 3.19). No
      trial reported sepsis or duration of hospital stay as an outcome. Plasma ammonia
      concentration was significantly lower for participants treated with probiotic at
      one month (3 trials, 226 participants: MD -2.99 MUmol/L; 95% CI -5.70 to -0.29)
      but not at two months (3 trials, 181 participants: MD -1.82 MUmol/L; 95% CI 
      14.04 to 10.41). Plasma ammonia decreased the most in the participants treated
      with probiotic at three months (1 trial, 73 participants: MD -6.79 MUmol/L; 95%
      CI -10.39 to -3.19). When probiotics were compared with lactulose no trial
      reported all-cause mortality, quality of life, duration of hospital stay, or
      septicaemia. There were no significant differences in lack of recovery (3 trials,
      173 participants; 47/87 (54%) versus 44/86 (51%): RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.47),
      adverse events (2 trials, 111 participants; 3/56 (5%) versus 6/55 (11%): RR 0.57;
      95% CI 0.06 to 5.74), change of/or withdrawal from treatment at one month (3
      trials, 190 participants; 8/95 (8%) versus 7/95 (7%): RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.40 to
      3.03), plasma ammonia concentration (2 trials, 93 participants: MD -6.61 MUmol/L;
      95% CI -30.05 to 16.84), or change in plasma ammonia concentration (1 trial, 77
      participants: MD 1.16 MUmol/L; 95% CI -1.96 to 4.28). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The
      trials we located suffered from a high risk of systematic errors ('bias') and
      high risk of random errors ('play of chance'). While probiotics appear to reduce
      plasma ammonia concentration when compared with placebo or no intervention, we
      are unable to conclude that probiotics are efficacious in altering clinically
      relevant outcomes. Demonstration of unequivocal efficacy is needed before
      probiotics can be endorsed as effective therapy for hepatic encephalopathy.
      Further randomised clinical trials are needed.

PMID- 22071856
TI  - Oral health advice for people with serious mental illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with serious mental illness experience an erosion of
      functioning in day-to-day life over a protracted period of time. There is also
      evidence to suggest that people with serious mental illness have a greater risk
      of experiencing oral disease and have greater oral treatment needs than the
      general population. However, oral health has never been seen as a priority in
      people suffering with serious mental illness. Poor oral health has a serious
      impact on quality of life, everyday functioning, social inclusion and self
      esteem. We feel that oral healthcare advice could have a positive impact on this
      disadvantaged population. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of oral health
      advice in reducing morbidity, mortality and preserving the quality of life in
      people with serious mental illness. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (October 2009) which is based on regular
      searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      planned to include all randomised clinical trials focusing on oral health advice
      versus standard care or comparing oral health advice with other more focused
      methods of delivering care or information. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The
      review authors (GT, AC, WK) independently screened search results and did not
      identify any studies that fulfilled the review's criteria. MAIN RESULTS: We did
      not identify any studies that met our inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Healthcare professionals should be more proactive in liaising with oral health
      professionals in developing novel ways to cater for the needs of people with
      serious mental illness.

PMID- 22071857
TI  - Compression stockings for the initial treatment of varicose veins in patients
      without venous ulceration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compression hosiery or stockings are often the first line of
      treatment for varicose veins in people without either healed or active venous
      ulceration. Evidence is required to determine whether the use of compression
      stockings can effectively manage and treat varicose veins in the early stages.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of compression stockings for the initial
      treatment of varicose veins in patients without healed or active venous
      ulceration. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Disease Group
      searched their Specialised Register (last searched 31 May 2011) and CENTRAL
      (2011, Issue 2). In addition, the reference lists of relevant articles were
      searched. Authors of ongoing and current trials were contacted. There were no
      language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      were included if they involved participants diagnosed with primary trunk varicose
      veins without healed or active venous ulceration (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy,
      Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification C2 to C4). Included trials assessed
      compression stockings versus no treatment, compression versus placebo stockings,
      or compression stockings + drug intervention versus drug intervention alone.
      Trials comparing different lengths and pressures of stockings were also included.
      Trials involving other types of treatment for varicose veins (either as a
      comparator to stockings or as an initial non-randomised treatment), including
      sclerotherapy and surgery, were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      authors assessed the trials for inclusion and quality (SS and LR). SS extracted
      the data, which were checked by LR. Attempts were made to contact trial authors
      where missing or unclear data were present. MAIN RESULTS: Seven studies involving
      356 participants with varicose veins without healed or active venous ulceration
      were included. Different levels of pressure were exerted by the stockings in the
      studies, ranging from 10 to 50 mmHg. One study assessed compression hosiery
      versus no compression hosiery. The other six compared different types or
      pressures of stockings. The methodological quality of all included trials was
      unclear, mainly because of inadequate reporting.The symptoms subjectively
      improved with the wearing of stockings across trials that assessed this outcome,
      but these assessments were not made by comparing one randomised arm of a trial
      with a control arm and are therefore subject to bias.Meta-analyses were not
      undertaken due to inadequate reporting and actual or suspected high levels of
      heterogeneity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient, high quality evidence
      to determine whether or not compression stockings are effective as the sole and
      initial treatment of varicose veins in people without healed or active venous
      ulceration, or whether any type of stocking is superior to any other type. Future
      research should consist of a large RCT of participants with trunk varices either
      wearing or not wearing compression stockings to assess the efficacy of this
      intervention. If compression stockings are found to be beneficial, further
      studies assessing which length and pressure is the most efficacious could then
      take place.

PMID- 22071858
TI  - Safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and
      paracetamol (acetaminophen) in people receiving methotrexate for inflammatory
      arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis,
      other spondyloarthritis).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methotrexate is routinely used in the treatment of inflammatory
      arthritis. There have been concerns regarding the safety of using concurrent non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, or paracetamol
      (acetaminophen), or both, in these people. OBJECTIVES: To systematically appraise
      and summarise the scientific evidence on the safety of using NSAIDs, including
      aspirin, or paracetamol, or both, with methotrexate in inflammatory arthritis;
      and to identify gaps in the current evidence, assess the implications of those
      gaps and to make recommendations for future research to address these
      deficiencies. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, second quarter 2010); MEDLINE
      (from 1950); EMBASE (from 1980); the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
      (CDSR) and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE). We also
      handsearched the conference proceedings for the American College of Rheumatology
      (ACR) and European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) (2008 to 2009) and checked
      the websites of regulatory agencies for reported adverse events, labels and
      warnings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised
      studies comparing the safety of methotrexate alone to methotrexate with
      concurrent NSAIDs, including aspirin, or paracetamol, or both, in people with
      inflammatory arthritis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently
      assessed the search results, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the
      included studies. MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen publications out of 8681 identified
      studies were included in the review, all of which included people with rheumatoid
      arthritis using various NSAIDs, including aspirin. There were no identified
      studies for other forms of inflammatory arthritis.For NSAIDs, 13 studies were
      included that used concurrent NSAIDs, of which nine studies examined unspecified
      NSAIDs. The mean number of participants was 150.4 (range 19 to 315), mean
      duration 2182.9 (range 183 to 5490) days, although the study duration was not
      always clearly defined, and the studies were mainly of low to moderate quality.
      Two of these studies reported no evidence for increased risk of methotrexate
      induced pulmonary disease; one study assessed the effect of concurrent NSAIDs on
      renal function and found no adverse effect; one study identified no adverse
      effect on liver function; three studies demonstrated no increase in methotrexate
      withdrawal; and one study showed no increase in all adverse events, including
      major toxic reactions. However, transient thrombocytopenia was demonstrated in
      one study, specifically when NSAIDs were taken on the same week day as
      methotrexate. This study was a retrospective review that involved small numbers
      only and was of moderate quality; these finding have not been replicated
      since.Four studies looked at specific NSAIDs (etodolac, piroxicam, celecoxib and
      etoricoxib), with a mean number of participants of 25.8 (range 14 to 50) and mean
      study duration of 16.8 (range 14 to 23) days. These studies were mainly of
      moderate quality. The studies were primarily pharmacokinetic studies but also
      reported adverse events as secondary outcomes. There were no clinically
      significant adverse effects with concomitant piroxicam or etodolac; and only mild
      adverse events with celecoxib or etoricoxib, such as nausea and vomiting, and
      headaches.For aspirin, seven studies provided data on adverse events with the use
      of aspirin and methotrexate. These studies included a mean number of participants
      of 100 (range 11 to 232), had a mean duration of 1325 (range 8 to 2928) days and
      were mainly of low to moderate quality. Two of the studies reported no evidence
      for increased risk of methotrexate-induced pulmonary disease and two studies
      showed no increase in all adverse events including major toxic reactions;
      however, none of these studies specified the dose of aspirin that was used. One
      study demonstrated that concurrent aspirin adversely affected liver function at a
      mean dose of 6.84 tablets of aspirin per day, which is a possible daily dose of
      2.1 g presuming that 300 mg aspirin tablets were given. A further study described
      a partially reversible decline in renal function with 2 g daily of aspirin. One
      study reported no increase in adverse events with 975 g aspirin daily, however
      the study duration was only one week.For paracetamol, no studies were identified
      for inclusion. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In the management of rheumatoid arthritis,
      the concurrent use of NSAIDs with methotrexate appears to be safe provided
      appropriate monitoring is performed. The use of anti-inflammatory doses of
      aspirin should be avoided.

PMID- 22071859
TI  - Antidepressants for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain management is a high priority for patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). Antidepressants are sometimes used as adjuvant agents to enhance
      pain relief, help with sleep and reduce depression. Such antidepressants include
      tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake
      inhibitors (SNRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs). However, the
      prescription of antidepressants in this population remains controversial because
      of conflicting scientific evidence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to
      determine the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in pain management in
      patients with RA. SEARCH METHODS: We performed a computer assisted search of the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library
      2010, 4th quarter); MEDLINE (1950 to November Week 1, 2010); EMBASE (2010 Week
      44); and PsycINFO (1806 to November Week 2, 2010). We also searched the 2008-2009
      American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism
      (EULAR) abstracts and performed a handsearch of reference lists of articles.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which
      compared an antidepressant therapy to another therapy (active or placebo,
      including non-pharmacological therapies) in adult patients with RA who had at
      least one clinically relevant outcome measure. Outcomes of interest were pain,
      adverse effects, function, sleep, depression and quality of life. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Two blinded review authors independently extracted data and
      assessed the risk of bias in the trials. We conducted meta-analyses to examine
      the efficacy of antidepressants on pain, depression and function, as well as
      their safety. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight RCTs (652 participants) in this
      review. All trials evaluated TCAs and two trials evaluated a SSRI as a
      comparator. Seven of the eight trials had high risk of bias. There was
      insufficient data for a number needed to treat for an additional beneficial
      outcome (NNTB) to be calculated for the primary outcome measure of pain. The
      qualitative analyses found no evidence of an effect of antidepressants on pain
      intensity or depression in the short-term (less than one week), and conflicting
      evidence of a medium- (one to six weeks) or long-term (more than six weeks)
      benefit. There were significantly more minor adverse events in patients receiving
      TCAs compared with those receiving a placebo (risk ratio (RR) 2.27, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 4.42), but there was no significant increase in
      withdrawals due to an adverse event (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.42). AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to support the routine
      prescription of antidepressants as analgesics in patients with RA as no reliable
      conclusions about their efficacy can be drawn from eight placebo RCTs. The use of
      these agents may be associated with adverse events which are generally mild and
      do not lead to cessation of treatment. More high quality trials are needed in
      this area.

PMID- 22071860
TI  - Interventions designed to prevent healthcare bed-related injuries in patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Every patient in residential healthcare has a bed. Falling out of bed
      is associated with preventable patient harm. Various interventions to prevent
      injury are available. Bed rails are the most common intervention designed to
      prevent patients falling out of bed; however, their effectiveness is uncertain
      and bed rail entrapment can also result in injuries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent patient injuries and falls
      from their beds. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group
      Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials 2010, Issue
      2 (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), ISOI Web
      of Science and Web-based trials registers (all to December 2010) as well as
      reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of
      interventions designed to prevent patient injuries from their beds which were
      conducted in hospitals, nursing care facilities or rehabilitation units were
      eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included
      studies. Authors contacted investigators to obtain missing information. MAIN
      RESULTS: Two studies met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 22,106
      participants. One study tested low height beds and the other tested bed exit
      alarms. Both studies used standard care for their control group and both studies
      were conducted in hospitals. No study investigating bed rails met the inclusion
      criteria. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of the interventions in the included
      studies pooling of data and meta-analysis was inappropriate, and so the results
      of the studies are described.A single cluster randomised trial of low height beds
      in 18 hospital wards, including 22,036 participants, found no significant
      reduction in the frequency of patient injuries due to their beds (there were no
      injuries in either group), patient falls in the bedroom (rate ratio 0.69, 95% CI
      0.35 to 1.34), all falls (rate ratio 1.26, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.90) or patient
      injuries due to all falls (rate ratio 1.35, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.68).One randomised
      controlled trial of bed exit alarms in one hospital geriatric ward, involving 70
      participants, found no significant reduction in the frequency of patient injuries
      due to their beds (there were no injuries in either group), patient falls out of
      bed (rate ratio 0.25, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.24), all falls (rate ratio 0.42, 95% CI
      0.15 to 1.18) or patient injuries due to all falls (no injuries in either group).
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent
      patient injuries from their beds (including bed rails, low height beds and bed
      exit alarms) remains uncertain. The available evidence shows no significant
      increase or decrease in the rate of injuries with the use of low height beds and
      bed exit alarms. Limitations of the two included studies include lack of blinding
      and insufficient power. No randomised controlled trials of bed rails were
      identified. Future reports should fully describe the standard care received by
      the control group.

PMID- 22071861
TI  - Effectiveness of external inspection of compliance with standards in improving
      healthcare organisation behaviour, healthcare professional behaviour or patient
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inspection systems are used in health care to promote quality
      improvements, i.e. to achieve changes in organisational structures or processes,
      healthcare provider behaviour and patient outcomes. These systems are based on
      the assumption that externally promoted adherence to evidence-based standards
      (through inspection/assessment) will result in higher quality of health care.
      However, the benefits of external inspection in terms of organisational, provider
      and patient level outcomes are not clear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the
      effectiveness of external inspection of compliance with standards in improving
      healthcare organisation behaviour, healthcare professional behaviour and patient
      outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases for
      studies: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of
      Reviews of Effectiveness, Scopus, HMIC, Index to Theses and Intute from their
      inception dates up to May 2011. There was no language restriction and studies
      were included regardless of publication status. We searched the reference lists
      of included studies and contacted authors of relevant papers, accreditation
      bodies and the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO), regarding
      any further published or unpublished work. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs),
      interrupted time-series (ITSs) and controlled before and after studies (CBAs)
      evaluating the effect of external inspection against external standards on
      healthcare organisation change, healthcare professional behaviour or patient
      outcomes in hospitals, primary healthcare organisations and other community-based
      healthcare organisations. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      independently applied eligibility criteria, extracted data and assessed the risk
      of bias of each included study. Since meta-analysis was not possible, we produced
      a narrative results summary. MAIN RESULTS: We identified one cluster-RCT
      involving 20 South African public hospitals (Salmon 2003) and one ITS involving
      all acute trusts in England (OPM 2009) for inclusion in this review.Salmon and
      colleagues (Salmon 2003) showed mixed effects of a hospital accreditation system
      on the compliance with COHSASA (the Council for Health Services Accreditation for
      South Africa) accreditation standards and eight indicators of hospital quality.
      Significantly improved total mean compliance score with COHSASA accreditation
      standards was found for 21/28 service elements: mean intervention effect (95%
      confidence interval (CI)) was 30% (23% to 57%) (P < 0.001). The score increased
      from 48% to 78% in intervention hospitals, while remaining the same in control
      hospitals (43%). A sub-analysis of 424 a priori identified critical criteria (19
      service elements) showed significantly improved compliance with the critical
      standards (P < 0.001). The score increased from 41% (21% to 46%) to 75% (55% to
      96%) in intervention hospitals, but was unchanged in control hospitals (37%).
      Only one of the nine intervention hospitals gained full accreditation status at
      the end of the study period, with two others reached pre-accreditation status.The
      median intervention effect (range) for the indicators of hospital quality of care
      was 2.4 (-1.9 to +11.8) and only one of the eight indicators: 'nurses perception
      of clinical quality, participation and teamwork' was significantly improved (mean
      intervention effect 5.7, P = 0.03).Re-analysis of the MRSA (methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus) data showed statistically non-significant effects of the
      Healthcare Commissions Infection Inspection programme. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We
      only identified two studies for inclusion in this review, which highlights the
      paucity of high-quality controlled evaluations of the effectiveness of external
      inspection systems. No firm conclusions could therefore be drawn about the
      effectiveness of external inspection on compliance with standards.

PMID- 22071862
TI  - Quadriphasic versus monophasic oral contraceptives for contraception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quadriphasic oral contraceptives have been developed to reduce the
      adverse effects of oral contraceptives and are presented as more physiological
      since they mimic the natural cycle. However, suggested disadvantages of
      quadriphasic oral contraceptives include a possible increased risk of pill-taking
      errors caused by the array of different color pills, complicated directions for
      catching up when a pill is missed, the higher price and potential inferiority in
      terms of side effects. OBJECTIVES: To compare the contraceptive effectiveness,
      bleeding pattern, minor side effects and acceptability of quadriphasic
      contraceptive pills versus monophasic contraceptive pills. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP for
      trials comparing quadriphasic pills with monophasic pills. We contacted
      researchers and manufacturers of quadriphasic oral contraceptives to identify
      additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      comparing quadriphasic with monophasic oral contraceptives . Trials had to report
      on contraceptive effectiveness, bleeding patterns, minor side effects, ease of
      use or trial discontinuation. We excluded studies where the intervention was
      primarily used as a treatment for disorders or was administered for fewer than
      three consecutive cycles. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: T wo authors abstracted
      and entered data into RevMan. We critically appraised the methodological quality
      of the included trials. For continuous variables, we computed the mean difference
      with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. For dichotomous
      variables, we calculated the risk ratio with 95% CI using the random-effects
      model. MAIN RESULTS: We included one double-blind, double-dummy RCT comparing a
      quadriphasic oral contraceptive composed of dienogest and estradiol valerate with
      a monophasic oral contraceptive composed of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.
      Contraceptive effectiveness, intracyclic bleeding and discontinuation due to side
      effects were similar for quadriphasic and monophasic pills. The number of women
      experiencing withdrawal bleeding was higher in the monophasic group compared to
      the quadriphasic group. Users of quadriphasic pills reported fewer
      bleeding/spotting days and fewer bleeding/spotting episodes than users of
      monophasic pills but the report did not specify whether the bleeding/spotting was
      scheduled or unscheduled. More women using quadriphasic oral contraceptives
      reported breast pain compared to women using monophasic oral contraceptives.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence is insufficient to determine whether
      quadriphasic differ from monophasic oral contraceptives in contraceptive
      effectiveness, bleeding pattern, minor side effects and acceptability. Studies
      that compare quadriphasic and monophasic oral contraceptives with an identical
      progestogen and estrogen type are needed to determine whether the quadriphasic
      approach differs from the monophasic approach. Studies that compare quadriphasic
      pills with monophasic pills containing 30 MUg ethinylestradiol are indicated to
      determine whether quadriphasic oral contraceptives have an advantage over the
      current, first choice oral contraceptive . Until then, we recommend monophasic
      pills containing 30 MUg estrogen as the first choice for women starting oral
      contraceptive use.

PMID- 22071863
TI  - Neuropsychological rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits are a common manifestation in multiple sclerosis
      (MS) and have a wide effect on the patient's quality of life. Alleviation of the
      harmful effects caused by these deficits should be a major goal of MS research
      and practice. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of
      neuropsychological/cognitive rehabilitation in MS by conducting a systematic
      review. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out on reports
      drawn from Cochrane MS Group Specialised Register (To October 2010), Evidence
      based medicine (EBM) reviews (To September 2010), MEDLINE (January 1950 to
      September 2010), EMBASE (1974 to September 2010), PsycINFO (January 1806 to
      September 2010), WEB OF SCIENCE (WOS) (January 1986 to September 2010), CINAHL
      (1982 to September 2010), and identified from the references in these reports.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised
      trials evaluating the effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS compared
      to other interventions or no intervention at all and employing neuropsychological
      rehabilitation methods and outcome measures were included. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors individually judged the relevance, risk of bias, and
      content of the included studies. Results were combined quantitatively with meta
      analyses according to the intervention type: 1) Cognitive training and 2)
      Cognitive training combined with other neuropsychological rehabilitation methods.
      In addition, narrative presentation was used in reporting the results of those
      studies which were inappropriate to be included in the meta-analysis. MAIN
      RESULTS: Fourteen studies (770 MS patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. On
      the basis of these studies, low level evidence was found that neuropsychological
      rehabilitation reduces cognitive symptoms in MS. Cognitive training was found to
      improve memory span (standardised mean difference 0.54 (95% confidence interval
      0.2 to 0.88, P = 0.002)), working memory (standardised mean difference 0.33 (95%
      confidence interval 0.09 to 0.57, P = 0.006)), and immediate visual memory
      (standardised mean difference 0.32 (95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.6, P =
      0.02)). There was no evidence of an effect of cognitive training combined with
      other neuropsychological rehabilitation methods on cognitive or emotional
      functions. The overall quality as well as the comparability of the included
      studies were relatively low due to methodological limitations and heterogeneity
      of outcome measures. Although most of the pooled results in the meta-analyses
      yielded no significant findings, twelve of the fourteen studies showed some
      evidence of positive effects when the studies were individually analysed.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review indicates low level evidence for the positive
      effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS. Interventions included in the
      review were heterogeneous. Consequently, clinical inferences can basically be
      drawn from single studies. Therefore, new trials may change the strength and
      direction of the evidence. To further strengthen the evidence, well-designed high
      quality studies are needed. In this systematic review, recommendations are given
      for improving the quality of future studies on the effects of neuropsychological
      rehabilitation in MS.

PMID- 22071864
TI  - Blunt versus sharp suture needles for preventing percutaneous exposure incidents
      in surgical staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgeons and their assistants are especially at risk of exposure to
      blood due to glove perforations and needle stick injuries during operations. The
      use of blunt needles can reduce this risk because they don't penetrate skin
      easily but still perform sufficiently in other tissues. OBJECTIVES: To determine
      the effectiveness of blunt needles compared to sharp needles for preventing
      percutaneous exposure incidents among surgical staff. SEARCH METHODS: We searched
      MEDLINE and EMBASE (until May 2011), CENTRAL, NHSEED, Science Citation Index
      Expanded, CINAHL, Nioshtic, CISdoc, PsycINFO, and LILACS (until September 2010).
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of blunt versus sharp
      suture needles for preventing needle stick injuries among surgical staff measured
      as glove perforations or self-reported needle stick injuries. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and risk of bias
      in trials and extracted data. We synthesized study results with a fixed-effect
      model meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We located 10 RCTs involving 2961
      participating surgeons performing an operation in which the use of blunt needles
      was compared to the use of sharp needles. Four studies focused on abdominal
      closure, two on caesarean section, two on vaginal repair and two on hip
      replacement. On average, a surgeon that used sharp needles sustained one glove
      perforation in three operations. The use of blunt needles reduced the risk of
      glove perforations with a relative risk (RR) of 0.46 (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.38 to 0.54) compared to sharp needles. The use of blunt needles will thus
      prevent one glove perforation in every six operations.In four studies, the use of
      blunt needles reduced the number of self-reported needle stick injuries with a RR
      of 0.31 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.68). Because the force needed for the blunt needles is
      higher, their use was rated as more difficult but still acceptable in five out of
      six studies.The quality of the evidence was rated as high. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      There is high quality evidence that the use of blunt needles appreciably reduces
      the risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids for surgeons and their assistants
      over a range of operations. It is unlikely that future research will change this
      conclusion.

PMID- 22071865
TI  - Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for perioperative
      thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The choice of the appropriate perioperative thromboprophylaxis in
      patients with cancer depends on the relative benefits and harms of low molecular
      weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH). OBJECTIVES: To
      systematically review the evidence for the relative efficacy and safety of LMWH
      and UFH for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer. SEARCH
      METHODS: A comprehensive search for trials of anticoagulation in cancer patients
      including a February 2010 electronic search of: the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled cancer patients
      undergoing a surgical intervention and compared the effects of LMWH to UFH on
      mortality, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding
      outcomes, and thrombocytopenia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      used a standardized form to independently extract in duplicate data on risk of
      bias, participants, interventions and outcomes of interest. Where possible, we
      conducted meta-analyses using the random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS: Of 8187
      identified citations, we included 16 RCTs with 11,847 patients in the meta
      analyses, all using preoperative prophylactic anticoagulation. The overall
      quality of evidence was moderate. The meta-analysis did not conclusively rule out
      either a beneficial or harmful effect of LMWH compared to UFH for the following
      outcomes: mortality (RR = 0.90; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.10), symptomatic DVT (RR = 0.73;
      95% CI 0.23 to 2.28), PE (RR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.25 to1.41), minor bleeding (RR =
      0.88; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.66) and major bleeding (RR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.36).
      LMWH was associated with lower incidence of wound hematoma (RR = 0.60; 95% CI
      0.43, 0.84) while UFH was associated with higher incidence of intra-operative
      transfusion (RR = 1.16; 95% CI 0.69,1.62). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found no
      difference between perioperative thromboprophylaxis with LMWH verus UFH in their
      effects on mortality and embolic outcomes in patients with cancer. Further trials
      are needed to more carefully evaluate the benefits and harms of different heparin
      thromboprophylaxis strategies in this population.

PMID- 22071866
TI  - Methods for obtaining unpublished data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to minimise publication bias, authors of systematic reviews
      often spend considerable time trying to obtain unpublished data. These include
      data from studies conducted but not published (unpublished data), as either an
      abstract or full-text paper, as well as missing data (data available to original
      researchers but not reported) in published abstracts or full-text publications.
      The effectiveness of different methods used to obtain unpublished or missing data
      has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of
      different methods for obtaining unpublished studies (data) and missing data from
      studies to be included in systematic reviews. SEARCH METHODS: We identified
      primary studies comparing different methods of obtaining unpublished studies
      (data) or missing data by searching the Cochrane Methodology Register (Issue 1,
      2010), MEDLINE and EMBASE (1980 to 28 April 2010). We also checked references in
      relevant reports and contacted researchers who were known or who were thought
      likely to have carried out relevant studies. We used the Science Citation Index
      and PubMed 'related articles' feature to identify any additional studies
      identified by other sources (19 June 2009). SELECTION CRITERIA: Primary studies
      comparing different methods of obtaining unpublished studies (data) or missing
      data in the healthcare setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome
      measure was the proportion of unpublished studies (data) or missing data
      obtained, as defined and reported by the authors of the included studies. Two
      authors independently assessed the search results, extracted data and assessed
      risk of bias using a standardised data extraction form. We resolved any
      disagreements by discussion. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion
      criteria; two were randomised studies and four were observational comparative
      studies evaluating different methods for obtaining missing data.Methods to obtain
      missing dataFive studies, two randomised studies and three observational
      comparative studies, assessed methods for obtaining missing data (i.e. data
      available to the original researchers but not reported in the published
      study).Two studies found that correspondence with study authors by e-mail
      resulted in the greatest response rate with the fewest attempts and shortest time
      to respond. The difference between the effect of a single request for missing
      information (by e-mail or surface mail) versus a multistage approach (pre
      notification, request for missing information and active follow-up) was not
      significant for response rate and completeness of information retrieved (one
      study). Requests for clarification of methods (one study) resulted in a greater
      response than requests for missing data. A well-known signatory had no
      significant effect on the likelihood of authors responding to a request for
      unpublished information (one study). One study assessed the number of attempts
      made to obtain missing data and found that the number of items requested did not
      influence the probability of response. In addition, multiple attempts using the
      same methods did not increase the likelihood of response. METHODS TO OBTAIN
      UNPUBLISHED STUDIES: One observational comparative study assessed methods to
      obtain unpublished studies (i.e. data for studies that have never been
      published). Identifying unpublished studies ahead of time and then asking the
      drug industry to provide further specific detail proved to be more fruitful than
      sending of a non-specific request. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Those carrying out
      systematic reviews should continue to contact authors for missing data,
      recognising that this might not always be successful, particularly for older
      studies. Contacting authors by e-mail results in the greatest response rate with
      the fewest number of attempts and the shortest time to respond.

PMID- 22071867
TI  - Prognostic value of putative circulating cancer stem cells in patients undergoing
      hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although surgery is the gold standard treatment of hepatic metastasis
      from colorectal cancer (CRC), many patients ultimately die of their disease. We
      tested the hypothesis that the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) might
      identify patients at high risk of dying of disease recurrence after apparently
      radical liver surgery. METHODS: We considered 50 patients undergoing radical
      surgery for liver-confined hepatic metastasis from CRC. The expression of a panel
      of cancer-related genes, as assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, was used to
      detect CTC in the peripheral blood of these patients immediately before surgery.
      Survival analysis was performed by the Cox regression model. RESULTS: Univariate
      analysis of the expression levels of CD133 (a marker of colon cancer stem cells)
      and survivin (an antiapoptotic factor) resulted in statistically significant
      association with patient survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.9-3.7, P < 0.0001; and hazard ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.2, P < 0.0001,
      respectively]. Remarkably, multivariate analysis found that only the
      transcriptional amount of CD133 resulted in statistical significance (HR 2.6, 95%
      CI 1.9-3.6, P < 0.0001), indicating that this biomarker can independently predict
      the survival of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: CD133-positive CTC may represent a
      suitable prognostic marker to stratify the risk of patients who undergo liver
      resection for CRC metastasis, which opens the avenue to identifying and
      potentially monitoring the patients who are most likely to benefit from adjuvant
      treatments.

PMID- 22071868
TI  - Nanoporous palladium with sub-10 nm dendrites by electrodeposition for ethanol
      and ethylene glycol oxidation.
AB  - High surface area Pd foams with roughness factors of more than 1000 and a
      specific surface area of 60 m(2) g(-1) are obtained by electrodeposition. The
      foams are composed of dendrites with branches on the 10 nm scale. The resulting
      electrodes show high activity towards the oxidation of C(2) alcohols.

PMID- 22071869
TI  - Presumptive primary intraocular lymphoma presented as an intraocular mass
      involving the optic nerve head.

PMID- 22071870
TI  - Screening for emphysema via exhaled volatile organic compounds.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema risk groups are well
      defined and screening allows for early identification of disease. The capability
      of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to detect emphysema, as found by
      computed tomography (CT) in current and former heavy smokers participating in a
      lung cancer screening trial, was investigated. CT scans, pulmonary function tests
      and breath sample collections were obtained from 204 subjects. Breath samples
      were analyzed with a proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) to
      obtain VOC profiles listed as ions at various mass-to-charge ratios (m/z). Using
      bootstrapped stepwise forward logistic regression, we identified specific breath
      profiles as a potential tool for the diagnosis of emphysema, of airflow
      limitation or gas-exchange impairment. A marker for emphysema was found at m/z 87
      (tentatively attributed to 2-methylbutanal). The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve (ROC) of this marker to diagnose emphysema was
      0.588 (95% CI 0.453-0.662). Mass-to-charge ratios m/z 52 (most likely chloramine)
      and m/z 135 (alkyl benzene) were linked to obstructive disease and m/z 122 (most
      probably alkyl homologs) to an impaired diffusion capacity. ROC areas were 0.646
      (95% CI 0.562-0.730) and 0.671 (95% CI 0.524-0.710), respectively. In the
      screening setting, exhaled VOCs measured by PTR-MS constitute weak markers for
      emphysema, pulmonary obstruction and impaired diffusion capacity.

PMID- 22071871
TI  - Interleukin-1beta: a new regulator of the kynurenine pathway affecting human
      hippocampal neurogenesis.
AB  - Increased inflammation and reduced neurogenesis have been associated with the
      pathophysiology of major depression. Here, we show for the first time how IL
      1beta, a pro-inflammatory cytokine shown to be increased in depressed patients,
      decreases neurogenesis in human hippocampal progenitor cells. IL-1beta was
      detrimental to neurogenesis, as shown by a decrease in the number of doublecortin
      positive neuroblasts (-28%), and mature, microtubule-associated protein-2
      positive neurons (-36%). Analysis of the enzymes that regulate the kynurenine
      pathway showed that IL-1beta induced an upregulation of transcripts for
      indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), and
      kynureninase (42-, 12- and 30-fold increase, respectively, under differentiating
      conditions), the enzymes involved in the neurotoxic arm of the kynurenine
      pathway. Moreover, treatment with IL-1beta resulted in an increase in kynurenine,
      the catabolic product of IDO-induced tryptophan metabolism. Interestingly, co
      treatment with the KMO inhibitor Ro 61-8048 reversed the detrimental effects of
      IL-1beta on neurogenesis. These observations indicate that IL-1beta has a
      critical role in regulating neurogenesis whereas affecting the availability of
      tryptophan and the production of enzymes conducive to toxic metabolites. Our
      results suggest that inhibition of the kynurenine pathway may provide a new
      therapy to revert inflammatory-induced reduction in neurogenesis.

PMID- 22071873
TI  - Thinking outside the synapse: pharmacokinetic-based medications for cocaine
      addiction.

PMID- 22071872
TI  - Altered learning and Arc-regulated consolidation of learning in striatum by
      methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.
AB  - Methamphetamine (METH) causes partial depletion of central monoamine systems and
      cognitive dysfunction in rats and humans. We have previously shown and now
      further show that the positive correlation between expression of the immediate
      early gene Arc (activity-regulated, cytoskeleton-associated) in the dorsomedial
      (DM) striatum and learning on a response reversal task is lost in rats with METH
      induced striatal dopamine loss, despite normal behavioral performance and
      unaltered N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitatory post-synaptic
      currents, suggesting intact excitatory transmission. This discrepancy suggests
      that METH-pretreated rats may no longer be using the dorsal striatum to solve the
      reversal task. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated
      with a neurotoxic regimen of METH or saline. Guide cannulae were surgically
      implanted bilaterally into the DM striatum. Three weeks after METH treatment,
      rats were trained on a motor response version of a T-maze task, and then
      underwent reversal training. Before reversal training, the NMDA receptor
      antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) or an Arc antisense
      oligonucleotide was infused into the DM striatum. Acute disruption of DM striatal
      function by infusion of AP5 impaired reversal learning in saline-, but not METH-,
      pretreated rats. Likewise, acute disruption of Arc, which is implicated in
      consolidation of long-term memory, disrupted retention of reversal learning 24 h
      later in saline-, but not METH-, pretreated rats. These results highlight the
      critical importance of Arc in the striatum in consolidation of basal ganglia
      mediated learning and suggest that long-term toxicity induced by METH alters the
      cognitive strategies/neural circuits used to solve tasks normally mediated by
      dorsal striatal function.

PMID- 22071874
TI  - [Burnout in anesthesiology and intensive care : is there a problem in Germany?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the demands faced by anesthetists and intensive care physicians
      apparently increasing continuously in Germany, the increased risk of burnout in
      comparison with the general working population is discussed. This debate has
      previously been merely speculative because of the lack of studies comparing the
      burn-out risk of the German working population with anesthetists. Accordingly it
      was not certain whether anesthetists really are at greater risk of developing
      burnout as has often been suggested. Moreover, age, gender, function, workplace
      environment, e.g. working at a hospital compared to a general practitioner (GP)
      surgery, may influence the risk of burnout. Therefore, this study examined
      whether the risk for anesthetists in Germany suffering from burnout really is
      greater than in other occupations. In addition, factors influencing the burnout
      risks of anesthetists were analyzed. METHOD: A total of 3,541 questionnaires
      completed by German aaesthetists for a study on work satisfaction by the CBI
      (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, part of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire,
      COPSOQ) were analyzed. Apart from calculating the number of participants with a
      high risk of developing burnout syndrome, the data were used to calculate a
      generalized burnout score for all participants. The score was compared with data
      from both a random sample representing a wide variety of occupations from among
      the general population in Germany (n = 4,709) and a random sample of German
      hospital doctors (n = 616). In addition, subgroups were formed by gender,
      function (senior consultant, senior physician, specialist, junior doctor) and
      type and place of work (university hospital, public hospital, private clinic, GP
      surgery, freelance work) and the proportion of each group with a high risk of
      burnout syndrome was calculated. In addition, general burnout scores were
      compared statistically for differences among the various groups. RESULTS: The
      proportion of study participants with a high risk of burnout was 40.1%.
      Differences were found to exist between genders (male 37.2% versus female 46%),
      qualifications (senior consultant 28.9%, senior physician 38%, specialist 41.5%,
      junior doctor 46.7%) and working in a hospital (41.3%) compared to a GP surgery
      (33.2%). The random sample of hospital doctors (n = 616) showed a burnout score
      of 49 +/- 19 (mean +/- standard deviation), compared to 44 +/- 19 for a random
      sample of the German population (n = 4,709) and 42 +/- 19 for anesthetists (p <
      0.01). Of the subgroups formed, the highest score (49.1 +/- 19) was recorded for
      female junior doctors working in anesthesia. The type of hospital did not
      influence the burnout score (university hospital 43.8 +/- 19.8 versus public
      hospital 42.9 +/- 19.1 versus private hospital 42.4 +/- 18.7, p > 0.05). Working
      in a hospital was found to result in higher burnout scores than in a GP surgery
      or freelance work (43 +/- 19.2 versus 38.1 +/- 20.5; t(3531) = 5.0, p < 0.001)
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite 40.1% of anesthetists being at high risk of burnout,
      generally speaking the risk of burnout among anesthetists was not higher than in
      other occupational groups in Germany. However, burnout risks for specific groups,
      such as female junior doctors in anesthesia, were higher and the possibility of
      providing social support in the workplace should be considered.

PMID- 22071875
TI  - [Update: studies in intensive care medicine. Results of the last 12 months].
AB  - Intensive care medicine plays an important role in the medical care of patients
      as well as the economic success of hospitals. Knowledge and implementation of
      recent relevant scientific evidence are prerequisites for high quality care in
      intensive care medicine. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the
      most important publications in intensive care medicine published in 2010 and the
      first half of the year 2011 and to comment on their attributable clinical
      relevance for intensive care practitioners. In 2010 and up to June 2011 many
      studies with high patient numbers have been published. The main topics were the
      treatment of respiratory failure, sepsis and investigations to improve
      analgosedation.

PMID- 22071876
TI  - [Outpatient anesthesia for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: results of a
      national survey].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Germany there is currently no national standard for the management
      of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The object of this
      survey was to obtain information on the treatment concept for patients with OSAS
      and to report on the current practice in Germany. METHODS: Data collection was
      obtained through an online questionnaire. A total of 12,113 members of the
      supporting anesthesia societies from all over Germany were invited to participate
      via e-mail. Additionally an announcement was made in a professional journal.
      RESULTS: A total of 1,671 questionnaires were analyzed. The average age of the
      respondents was 45 years, 64% were male and 36% were female. The average work
      experience was 16 years and 85% of the respondents were consultants. In total 85%
      of anesthesiologists were predominantly working in inpatient care and 12% were
      predominantly active in outpatient care. Of the respondents 63% preferred
      regional anesthesia, 20% preferred general anesthesia for patients with OSAS and
      17% did not have a preference for a specific anesthesia procedure. Outpatient
      surgery for patients with OSAS was performed by 72% of the respondents using
      regional anesthesia and by 55% of the respondents using local anesthesia with
      sedation. Of the anesthesiologists 49% consented to outpatient surgery using
      general anesthesia and 14% to interventions involving the airways. Compared to
      anesthesiologists working predominantly in inpatient departments, those working
      predominantly in outpatient departments treated patients with OSAS more
      frequently on an outpatient basis, used general anesthesia significantly more
      often, discharged those patients significantly earlier and observed less
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: This survey shows that outpatient surgery for
      patients with sleep apnea is common practice in Germany. It is also performed
      when patients have moderate or severe OSAS and for respiratory tract surgery.
      This means that the management is not conform to the guidelines of the American
      Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

PMID- 22071877
TI  - [Intubation of children with or without relaxants?].

PMID- 22071878
TI  - First-order metal-insulator transition and infrared identification of shape
      controlled magnetite nanocrystals.
AB  - The first-order metal-insulator transition (MIT) in magnetite has been known for
      a long time but is still controversial in its nature. In this study, well-defined
      magnetite nanocrystals (NCs) with controllable size, shape and terminated surface
      are first employed to elucidate this important issue, and new discoveries such as
      a highly suppressed phase transition temperature are identified by monitoring the
      variable-temperature electric resistance and infrared spectroscopy.
      Significantly, by carefully comparing the infrared vibrational bands of the as
      prepared magnetite NCs with octahedral and cubic shapes, respectively, we found
      that these two forms of magnetite NCs exhibited different transmittance changes
      and frequency shifts of the infrared characteristics, presumably due to the
      differences in the lattice distortions on the corresponding {001} and {111} 
      terminal surfaces. This result produced evidence in support of the charge
      ordering of Fe atoms along the low dimensionality at octahedral B sites
      undergoing the MIT. Taken together, infrared identification was proposed to be an
      available characterization strategy for MIT, which can reflect more information
      on the elusive lattice distortion of crystallographic structure or exposed
      surfaces.

PMID- 22071879
TI  - DNA testing and domestic dogs.
AB  - There are currently about 80 different DNA tests available for mutations that are
      associated with inherited disease in the domestic dog, and as the tools available
      with which to dissect the canine genome become increasingly sophisticated, this
      number can be expected to rise dramatically over the next few years. With
      unrelenting media pressure focused firmly on the health of the purebred domestic
      dog, veterinarians and dog breeders are turning increasingly to DNA tests to
      ensure the health of their dogs. It is ultimately the responsibility of the
      scientists who identify disease-associated genetic variants to make sensible
      choices about which discoveries are appropriate to develop into commercially
      available DNA tests for the lay dog breeder, who needs to balance the need to
      improve the genetic health of their breed with the need to maintain genetic
      diversity. This review discusses some of the factors that should be considered
      along the route from mutation discovery to DNA test and some representative
      examples of DNA tests currently available.

PMID- 22071880
TI  - A comparative study of prothrombin complex concentrates and fresh-frozen plasma
      for warfarin reversal under static and flow conditions.
AB  - Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) have been
      clinically used for acute warfarin reversal. The recovery of prothrombin time
      (PT) or international normalised ratio (INR) is often reported as an endpoint,
      but haemostatic efficacies of PCCs and FFP may not be fully reflected in static
      clotting test in platelet-poor plasma. Using various in vitro assays, we compared
      the effects of two PCC preparations (3-factor PCC; Bebulin and 4-factor PCC;
      Beriplex) and FFP on warfarin reversal under static and flow conditions. First,
      we added an aliquot of either PCC (0.3 or 0.72 U/ml) or 20% FFP (v/v) to
      commercial warfarin plasma (INR 3.2, or 10.3), and then measured PT, factor II,
      factor VII, and thrombin generation. Subsequently, we collected whole blood
      samples from six consented warfarin-treated patients with mean INR 3.0 +/- 0.5
      (range 2.5-3.7), and compared clot formation under flow conditions at 280 s-1
      before and after addition of either PCC preparation (0.3 and 0.6 U/ml) or 20% of
      FFP (v/v). PT/INR were restored by either PCC in plasma with INR 3.0, but they
      were more effectively corrected by 4-factor PCC than 3-factor PCC in plasma with
      INR 10.3. Effects of FFP were similar to 0.3 U/ml of PCCs in terms of PT, but FFP
      was less efficacious than PCCs in recovering thrombin generation or factor II
      levels. In flow experiments, the onset of thrombus formation was shortened by
      either PCC, but not by FFP, contrary to shortened PT values. For warfarin
      reversal 20% volume replacement with FFP is inferior to PCCs.

PMID- 22071882
TI  - Placebo-controlled study of the effects of fingolimod on cardiac rate and rhythm
      and pulmonary function in healthy volunteers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fingolimod (FTY720) is a sphingosine-1 phosphate-receptor (S1PR)
      modulator recently approved as a once-daily oral therapy for relapsing multiple
      sclerosis (MS) in many countries. As S1PRs are widely expressed, including in
      heart and lung tissues, this study investigated the possible effects of
      fingolimod on heart-rate circadian rhythm and pulmonary function. METHODS:
      Healthy volunteers (n = 39) were randomized to receive fingolimod 0.5 mg, 1.25
      mg, or placebo for 14 days. Heart rate and measures of cardiac and pulmonary
      function were assessed during the study. RESULTS: Mean heart rate for the first
      12 h postdose was lower for both fingolimod than for placebo groups (p < 0.001)
      and remained 10-15 bpm lower than placebo until day 14 (p < 0.05). Heart rate
      circadian rhythm, cardiac output, stroke volume, and systemic vascular resistance
      were similar among treatment groups throughout the study. There was no evidence
      of an effect of fingolimod on pulmonary function. Absolute lymphocyte counts
      decreased by approximately 70% from baseline in both fingolimod groups (day 14)
      and began to increase within 14 days of stopping treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In
      healthy volunteers treated for 14 days, once-daily fingolimod doses of 0.5 mg and
      1.25 mg had no effect on cardiac or pulmonary function beyond a transient
      decrease in heart rate at treatment initiation.

PMID- 22071881
TI  - Factor VII R353Q genetic polymorphism is associated with altered warfarin
      sensitivity among CYP2C9 *1/*1 carriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Warfarin responsiveness is characterized by marked interindividual
      variability. A major portion of this variability is attributed to CYP2C9 and
      VKORC1 polymorphisms, but almost 50% is still unaccounted for. This paper reports
      the first prospective study on the association between factor VII R353Q
      polymorphism and warfarin responsiveness during induction. METHODS: Genotyping
      for factor VII R353Q and 323D/I polymorphisms was performed in a cohort
      consisting of 374 patients (198 CYP2C9*1/*1) treated with warfarin who were
      prospectively followed from warfarin initiation. RESULTS: Compared with *1/*1-R/R
      and *1/*1-R/Q genotype carriers, *1/*1-Q/Q homozygotes achieved higher
      International Normalized Ratio (INR) values while consuming lower warfarin doses.
      The greater sensitivity was illustrated by 82.1% higher Warfarin Sensitivity
      Index During Induction (WSIDI) (0.14 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.50 mg-1 Mann
      Whitney, P = 0.043). Multiple regression analysis consisting of both genetic and
      nongenetic factors explained 26% of WSIDI variability, with R353Q genetic
      polymorphism having a modest yet significant effect and accounting for 1.7% of
      the overall variability. Moreover, the incidence of overanticoagulation (i.e.,
      INR > 4) was 6.94-fold higher among *1/*1-Q/Q vs. *1/*1-R/R&R/Q carriers during
      warfarin induction (Pearson chi-square, P = 0.005). These findings were not
      accounted for by a chance difference in the distribution of VKORC1 genotypes.
      Analysis of these parameters among the entire cohort, including CYP2C9*2 and
      CYP2C9*3 variant allele carriers, did not reach statistical significance.
      Warfarin responsiveness during induction was unrelated to factor VII 323D/I
      genetic polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: The response to warfarin during induction is
      influenced by factor VII R353Q polymorphism. The prospective use of this
      polymorphism, along with CYP2C9 and VKORC1, may enhance the accuracy of warfarin
      loading. However, the impact of R353Q polymorphism on overall warfarin response
      is subtle, and it is therefore unlikely that its use would be of clinical
      importance.

PMID- 22071884
TI  - Endocrine disruptor & nutritional effects of heavy metals in ovarian
      hyperstimulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is increasing concern that environmental chemicals have a direct
      effect on fertility. Heavy metals such as mercury have been shown to affect
      various organ systems in humans including nervous system and skin, however they
      could also act as endocrine disrupting chemicals adversely affecting fertility.
      Metals such as zinc and selenium are essential micronutrients with diverse
      functions that may be important for reproductive outcomes. We measured mercury,
      zinc and selenium levels in the hair, a reliable reflection of long term
      environmental exposure and dietary status, to correlate with the outcome of
      ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. METHODS: We
      analysed the hair of 30 subfertile women for mercury, zinc and selenium using
      inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Each woman underwent one cycle of IVF
      treatment. Correlation between the levels of these trace metals and treatment
      outcomes was investigated. RESULTS: Thirty women were recruited with mean (+/-SD)
      age of 32.7(4.4) years and BMI of 25.4(5.0)kg/m(2). Hair mercury concentration
      showed a negative correlation with oocyte yield (p < 0.05,betacoefficient 0.38)
      and follicle number (p = 0.03,beta coefficient0.19) after ovarian stimulation.
      Zinc and selenium levels in hair correlated positively with oocyte yield after
      ovarian stimulation (p < 0.05,beta coefficient0.15) and (p = 0.03,beta
      coefficient0.21) respectively. Selenium levels in hair correlated significantly
      with follicle number following stimulation (p = 0.04, betacoefficient0.22). There
      was no correlation between mercury, zinc and selenium in hair and their
      corresponding serum levels. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that mercury had a
      deleterious effect whilst there was a positive effect for zinc and selenium in
      the ovarian response to gonadotrophin therapy for IVF. Hair analysis offers a
      novel method of investigating the impact of long-term exposure to endocrine
      disruptors and nutritional status on reproductive outcomes.

PMID- 22071885
TI  - Xq;autosome translocation in POF: Xq27.2 deletion resulting in haploinsufficiency
      for SPANX.

PMID- 22071886
TI  - Distorted cubic tetranuclear vanadium(IV) phosphonate cages: double-four-ring
      (D4R) containing transition metal ion phosphonate cages.
AB  - The reaction of VCl(3) with 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (3,5-Me(2)PzH) and
      trichloromethylphosphonic/tert-butylphosphonic acid in the presence of
      triethylamine as a hydrogen chloride scavenger afforded the tetranuclear V(IV)
      assemblies, [(VO)(4)(3,5-Me(2)PzH)(8)(CCl(3)PO(3))(4)] (1) and [(VO)(4)(3,5
      Me(2)PzH)(4)(t-BuPO(3))(4)] (2). Both of these compounds possess a distorted
      cubic framework structures containing V(IV) ions and phosphorus atoms in the
      alternate corners of the cube. The edges of the cube contain oxygen atoms derived
      from the phosphonate ligand. The phosphonate ligand in both of these compounds is
      dianionic and helps to bind to three V(IV) centers. The faces of the cubic
      ensembles contain puckered V(2)P(2)O(4) eight-membered rings. The V(IV) center in
      1 is six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral geometry while in 2 it is five
      coordinate in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. Magnetic studies carried out
      on 1 and 2 reveal that the V(IV) centers are anti-ferromagnetically coupled to
      each other, albeit weakly, through the mediation of the phosphonate ligands.

PMID- 22071887
TI  - Copy number detection in discordant monozygotic twins of Congenital Diaphragmatic
      Hernia (CDH) and Esophageal Atresia (EA) cohorts.
AB  - The occurrence of phenotypic differences between monozygotic (MZ) twins is
      commonly attributed to environmental factors, assuming that MZ twins have a
      complete identical genetic make-up. Yet, recently several lines of evidence
      showed that both genetic and epigenetic factors could have a role in phenotypic
      discordance after all. A high occurrence of copy number variation (CNV)
      differences was observed within MZ twin pairs discordant for Parkinson's disease,
      thereby stressing on the importance of post-zygotic mutations as disease
      predisposing events. In this study, the prevalence of discrepant CNVs was
      analyzed in discordant MZ twins of the Esophageal Atresia (EA) and Congenital
      Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) cohort in the Netherlands. Blood-derived DNA from 11
      pairs (7 EA and 4 CDH) was screened using high-resolution SNP arrays. Results
      showed an identical copy number profile in each twin pair. Mosaic chromosome gain
      or losses could not be detected either with a detection threshold of 20%. Some of
      the germ-line structural events demonstrated in five out of eleven twin pairs
      could function as a susceptible genetic background. For example, the 177-Kb loss
      of chromosome 10q26 in CDH pair-3 harbors the TCF7L2 gene (Tcf4 protein), which
      is implicated in the regulation of muscle fiber type development and maturation.
      In conclusion, discrepant CNVs are not a common cause of twin discordancy in
      these investigated congenital anomaly cohorts.

PMID- 22071888
TI  - Health-care providers' views on pursuing reproductive benefit through newborn
      screening: the case of sickle cell disorders.
AB  - Newborn screening (NBS) programs aim to identify affected infants before the
      onset of treatable disorders. Historically, benefits to the family and society
      were considered secondary to this clinical benefit; yet, recent discourse
      defending expanded NBS has argued that screening can in part be justified by
      secondary benefits, such as learning reproductive risk information to support
      family planning ('reproductive benefit'). Despite increased attention to these
      secondary benefits of NBS, stakeholders' values remain unknown. We report a mixed
      methods study that included an examination of providers' views toward the pursuit
      of reproductive risk information through NBS, using sickle cell disorder carrier
      status as an example. We surveyed a stratified random sample of 1615 providers in
      Ontario, and interviewed 42 providers across 7 disciplines. A majority endorsed
      the identification of reproductive risks as a goal of NBS (74-77%). Providers'
      dominant rationale was that knowledge of carrier status is an important and
      inherent benefit of NBS as it allows people to make reproductive choices, which
      is consistent with the goals of disease prevention. However, some challenged its
      appropriateness, questioning its logic, timing and impact on disease prevention.
      Others were sensitive to intruding on individuals' choices or children's
      independent rights. While the dominant view is consistent with discourse
      defending expanded NBS, it deviates from the traditional screening principles
      that underpin most public health interventions. Broader discussion of the balance
      between benefits to screened individuals and those to families and societies, in
      the context of public health programs, is needed.

PMID- 22071889
TI  - Underexpression and abnormal localization of ATM products in ataxia
      telangiectasia patients bearing ATM missense mutations.
AB  - Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized
      by progressive cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immune defects
      and predisposition to malignancies. A-T is caused by biallelic inactivation of
      the ATM gene, in most cases by frameshift or nonsense mutations. More rarely, ATM
      missense mutations with unknown consequences on ATM function are found, making
      definitive diagnosis more challenging. In this study, a series of 15 missense
      mutations, including 11 not previously reported, were identified in 16 patients
      with clinical diagnosis of A-T belonging to 14 families and 1 patient with
      atypical clinical features. ATM function was evaluated in patient lymphoblastoid
      cell lines by measuring H2AX and KAP1 phosphorylation in response to ionizing
      radiation, confirming the A-T diagnosis for 16 cases. In accordance with previous
      studies, we showed that missense mutations associated with A-T often lead to ATM
      protein underexpression (15 out of 16 cases). In addition, we demonstrated that
      most missense mutations lead to an abnormal cytoplasmic localization of ATM,
      correlated with its decreased expression. This new finding highlights ATM
      mislocalization as a new mechanism of ATM dysfunction, which may lead to
      therapeutic strategies for missense mutation associated A-T.

PMID- 22071890
TI  - ALK germline mutations in patients with neuroblastoma: a rare and weakly
      penetrant syndrome.
AB  - Neuroblastic tumours may occur in a predisposition context. Two main genes are
      involved: PHOX2B, observed in familial cases and frequently associated with other
      neurocristopathies (Ondine's and Hirschsprung's disease); and ALK, mostly in
      familial tumours. We have assessed the frequency of mutations of these two genes
      in patients with a presumable higher risk of predisposition. We sequenced both
      genes in 26 perinatal cases (prebirth and <1 month of age, among which 10 were
      multifocal), 16 multifocal postnatal (>1 month) cases, 3 pairs of affected
      relatives and 8 patients with multiple malignancies. The whole coding sequences
      of the two genes were analysed in tumour and/or constitutional DNAs. We found
      three ALK germline mutations, all in a context of multifocal tumours. Two
      mutations (T1151R and R1192P) were inherited and shared by several unaffected
      patients, thus illustrating an incomplete penetrance. Younger age at tumour onset
      did not seem to offer a relevant selection criterion for ALK analyses.
      Conversely, multifocal tumours might be the most to benefit from the genetic
      screening. Finally, no PHOX2B germline mutation was found in this series. In
      conclusion, ALK deleterious mutations are rare events in patients with a high
      probability of predisposition. Other predisposing genes remain to be discovered.

PMID- 22071891
TI  - A multi-exon deletion within WWOX is associated with a 46,XY disorder of sex
      development.
AB  - Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions where chromosomal,
      gonad or genital development is atypical. In a significant proportion of 46,XY
      DSD cases it is not possible to identify a causative mutation, making genetic
      counseling difficult and potentially hindering optimal treatment. Here, we
      describe the analysis of a 46,XY DSD patient that presented at birth with
      ambiguous genitalia. Histological analysis of the surgically removed gonads
      showed bilateral undifferentiated gonadal tissue and immature testis, both
      containing malignant germ cells. We screened genomic DNA from this patient for
      deletions and duplications using an Illumina whole-genome SNP microarray. This
      analysis revealed a heterozygous deletion within the WWOX gene on chromosome 16,
      removing exons 6-8. Analysis of parental DNA showed that the deletion was
      inherited from the mother. cDNA analysis confirmed that the deletion maintained
      the reading frame, with exon 5 being spliced directly onto exon 9. This deletion
      is the first description of a germline rearrangement affecting the coding
      sequence of WWOX in humans. Previously described Wwox knockout mouse models
      showed gonadal abnormalities, supporting a role for WWOX in human gonad
      development.

PMID- 22071892
TI  - Newborn screening for sickle cell disease: whose reproductive benefit?

PMID- 22071894
TI  - Clinical utility gene card for: adrenoleukodystrophy.

PMID- 22071893
TI  - Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in female and male carriers of reciprocal
      translocations: clinical outcome until delivery of 312 cycles.
AB  - Carriers of reciprocal translocations (rcp) are known to be at risk for
      reproductive difficulties. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is one of the
      options these carriers have to try in order to fulfil their desire to have a
      child. In the present study, we retrospectively looked at the results of 11 years
      (1997-2007) of PGD for rcp in our center to improve the reproductive counseling
      of these carriers. During this period 312 cycles were performed for 69 male and
      73 female carriers. The mean female age was 32.8 years, the mean male age 35.8
      years. Most carriers were diagnosed with a translocation because of fertility
      problems or recurrent miscarriages, and most of them opted for PGD to avoid these
      problems. In 150 of the 312 cycles, embryo transfer (ET) was feasible and 40
      women had a successful singleton or twin pregnancy. This gives a live birth
      delivery rate of 12.8% per started cycle and of 26.7% per cycle with ET. Owing to
      the large number of abnormal embryos, PGD cycles for rcp often lead to
      cancellation of ET, explaining the low success rate when expressed per cycle with
      oocyte pick-up. Once ET was feasible, the live birth delivery rate was similar to
      that of PGD in general at our center. PGD is therefore an established option for
      specific reciprocal translocation carriers.

PMID- 22071895
TI  - Identification of the first PAR1 deletion encompassing upstream SHOX enhancers in
      a family with idiopathic short stature.
AB  - Short stature homeobox-containing gene, MIM 312865 (SHOX) is located within the
      pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) of the sex chromosomes. Mutations in SHOX or its
      downstream transcriptional regulatory elements represent the underlying molecular
      defect in ~60% of Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and ~5-15% of idiopathic
      short stature (ISS) patients. Recently, three novel enhancer elements have been
      identified upstream of SHOX but to date, no PAR1 deletions upstream of SHOX have
      been observed that only encompass these enhancers in LWD or ISS patients. We set
      out to search for genetic alterations of the upstream SHOX regulatory elements in
      63 LWD and 100 ISS patients with no known alteration in SHOX or the downstream
      enhancer regions using a specifically designed MLPA assay, which covers the PAR1
      upstream of SHOX. An upstream SHOX deletion was identified in an ISS proband and
      her affected father. The deletion was confirmed and delimited by array-CGH, to
      extend ~286 kb. The deletion included two of the upstream SHOX enhancers without
      affecting SHOX. The 13.3-year-old proband had proportionate short stature with
      normal GH and IGF-I levels. In conclusion, we have identified the first PAR1
      deletion encompassing only the upstream SHOX transcription regulatory elements in
      a family with ISS. The loss of these elements may result in SHOX
      haploinsufficiency because of decreased SHOX transcription. Therefore, this
      upstream region should be included in the routine analysis of PAR1 in patients
      with LWD, LMD and ISS.

PMID- 22071896
TI  - Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Huntington's disease: the experience
      of three European centres.
AB  - This study provides an overview of 13 years of experience of preimplantation
      genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Huntington's disease (HD) at three European PGD
      centres in Brussels, Maastricht and Strasbourg. Information on all 331 PGD
      intakes for HD, couples' reproductive history, PGD approach, treatment cycles and
      outcomes between 1995 and 2008 were collected prospectively. Of 331 couples for
      intake, 68% requested direct testing and 32% exclusion testing (with a
      preponderance of French couples). At the time of PGD intake, 39% of women had
      experienced one or more pregnancies. A history of pregnancy termination after
      prenatal diagnosis was observed more frequently in the direct testing group (25%)
      than in the exclusion group (10%; P=0.0027). PGD workup was based on two
      approaches: (1) direct testing of the CAG-triplet repeat and (2) linkage analysis
      using intragenic or flanking microsatellite markers of the HTT gene. In total,
      257 couples had started workup and 174 couples (70% direct testing, 30% exclusion
      testing) completed at least one PGD cycle. In total, 389 cycles continued to
      oocyte retrieval (OR). The delivery rates per OR were 19.8%, and per embryo
      transfer 24.8%, resulting in 77 deliveries and the birth of 90 children. We
      conclude that PGD is a valuable and safe reproductive option for HD carriers and
      couples at risk of transmitting HD.

PMID- 22071897
TI  - Variations in maternal behavior--oxytocin and reward pathways--peripheral
      measures matter?!

PMID- 22071908
TI  - SCH58261 the selective adenosine A(2A) receptor blocker modulates ischemia
      reperfusion injury following bilateral carotid occlusion: role of inflammatory
      mediators.
AB  - In the present study, the effects of SCH58261, a selective adenosine A(2A)
      receptor antagonist that crosses the blood brain barrier (BBB) and 8-(4
      sulfophenyl) theophylline (8-SPT), a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist
      that acts peripherally, were investigated on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury
      (IR). Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into four groups: (1) sham
      operated (SO), IR pretreated with either (2) vehicle (DMSO); (3) SCH58261 (0.01
      mg/kg); (4) 8-SPT (2.5 mg/kg). Animals were anesthetized and submitted to
      occlusion of both carotid arteries for 45 min. All treatments were administered
      intraperitoneally (i.p.) post carotid occlusion prior to exposure to a 24 h
      reperfusion period. Ischemic rats showed increased infarct size compared to their
      control counterparts that corroborated with histopathological changes as well as
      increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the hippocampus. Moreover,
      ischemic animals showed habituation deficit, increased anxiety and locomotor
      activity. IR increased hippocampal glutamate (Glu), GABA, glycine (Gly) and
      aspartate (ASP). SCH58261 significantly reversed these effects while 8-SPT
      elicited minimal change. IR raised myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accompanied by a
      decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10), effects that were again reversed by SCH58261,
      but 8-SPT elicited less changes. Results from the present study point towards the
      importance of central blockade of adenosine A(2A) receptor in ameliorating
      hippocampal damage following IR injury by halting inflammatory cascades as well
      as modulating excitotoxicity.

PMID- 22071909
TI  - 6-Hydroxyindole-based borondipyrromethene: synthesis and spectroscopic studies.
AB  - A 6-hydroxyindole-based BODIPY, named BODIPY-OH, with distinct spectroscopic
      characteristics is reported. Through a systematic study of the spectroscopic
      characteristics of BODIPY-OH and BODIPY-O(-) in various solvents containing an
      organic base, we found that the light-color of the fluorophore can be tuned over
      a wide range by changing the polarity of solvent/base combinations. The
      absorption color of the solution can be tuned over a range of 100 nm and the
      emission color within a wide range from 571 to 681 nm by simply converting the
      phenol form of BODIPY-OH to the phenolate form. Fluorescence of BODIPY-O(-) with
      high quantum yield shows relatively large Stokes shift in solvent/base
      combinations, which are ascribed to the excited state deprotonation from (BODIPY
      OH)* to (BODIPY-O(-))*, followed by emission from the ion form.

PMID- 22071910
TI  - Yersinia enterocolitica strains associated with human infections in Switzerland
      2001-2010.
AB  - Yersinia enterocolitica infections are common in humans. However, very scarce
      data are available on the different biotypes and virulence factors of human
      strains, which has proved to be problematic to assess the clinical significance
      of the isolated strains. In this study, the presence of the ail gene and
      distribution of different bio- and serotypes among human Y. enterocolitica
      strains and their possible relation to the genotype and antimicrobial resistance
      were studied. In total, 128 Y. enterocolitica strains isolated from human
      clinical samples in Switzerland during 2001-2010 were characterised. Most (75 out
      of 128) of the Y. enterocolitica strains belonged to biotypes 2, 3 or 4 and
      carried the ail gene. One of the 51 strains that belonged to biotype 1A was also
      ail positive. Most of the ail-positive strains belonged to bioserotype 4/O:3 (47
      out of 76) followed by 2/O:9 (22 out of 76). Strains of bioserotype 4/O:3 were
      dominant among patients between 20 and 40 years old and strains of biotype 1A
      dominate in patients over 40 years. Strains belonging to biotypes 2, 3 and 4,
      which all carried the ail gene, exhibited a high homogeneity with PFGE typing. Y.
      enterocolitica 2/O:5,27 and 2/O:9 strains showed resistance to
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefoxitin, but Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 strains
      did not.

PMID- 22071911
TI  - The general environment fit scale: a factor analysis and test of convergent
      construct validity.
AB  - Person-environment fit (P-E fit) was initially espoused as an important construct
      in the field of community psychology; however, most of the theoretical and
      empirical development of the construct has been conducted by the
      industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists and business management fields. In
      the current study, the GEFS-a P-E fit measure that was developed from
      organizational perspectives on fit-was administered to 246 attendees of an annual
      convention for residents and alumni of Oxford House, a network of over 1,400
      mutual-help addiction recovery homes. The authors conducted confirmatory factor
      and convergent construct validity analyses with the GEFS. The results suggested
      that the theoretical factor structure of the measure adequately fit the data and
      provided limited support for the measure's validity. Sufficient supply of
      resident needs by the Oxford House and similarity between residents and their
      housemates predicted satisfaction with the recovery home, but only perceived
      similarity to housemates predicted how long residents intended to stay in the
      Oxford Houses.

PMID- 22071912
TI  - [Therapeutic management of malaria].
AB  - Plasmodium falciparum and to some extent malaria caused by other species of
      Plasmodia can quickly lead to cerebral malaria, acute renal failure, or acute
      respiratory distress syndrome. The mortality rate for patients with severe
      malaria lies around 10%. Malaria must be given priority in the differential
      diagnosis of travelers returning febrile from endemic areas. Treatment requires
      prompt administration of safe and fast-acting antimalarials, which in severe
      malaria is treatment with quinine or artesunate. Hospitals must be prepared to
      diagnose and treat malaria patients-or have a standard operating procedure for
      transferring the patient to a specialized center.

PMID- 22071913
TI  - [Current treatment options in acute myeloid leukemia].
AB  - Genetic aberrations form the basis for diagnostic classification of patients with
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
      classification. Moreover, these aberrations predict response to induction
      chemotherapy, relapse-free survival, and overall survival of patients with AML.
      Understanding the pathogenetic role of cytogenetic and molecular changes has led
      to the development of targeted treatment strategies that require rapid diagnostic
      assessment of the genetic profile of each patient to select the best treatment
      available.

PMID- 22071914
TI  - Optimal positioning for emergent needle thoracostomy: a cadaver-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Needle thoracostomy is an emergent procedure designed to relieve
      tension pneumothorax. High failure rates because of the needle not penetrating
      into the thoracic cavity have been reported. Advanced Trauma Life Support
      guidelines recommend placement in the second intercostal space, midclavicular
      line using a 5-cm needle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate placement in
      the fifth intercostal space, midaxillary line, where tube thoracostomy is
      routinely performed. We hypothesized that this would result in a higher
      successful placement rate. METHODS: Twenty randomly selected unpreserved adult
      cadavers were evaluated. A standard 14-gauge 5-cm needle was placed in both the
      fifth intercostal space at the midaxillary line and the traditional second
      intercostal space at the midclavicular line in both the right and left chest
      walls. The needles were secured and thoracotomy was then performed to assess
      penetration into the pleural cavity. The right and left sides were analyzed
      separately acting as their own controls for a total of 80 needles inserted into
      20 cadavers. The thickness of the chest wall at the site of penetration was then
      measured for each entry position. RESULTS: A total of 14 male and 6 female
      cadavers were studied. Overall, 100% (40 of 40) of needles placed in the fifth
      intercostal space and 57.5% (23 of 40) of the needles placed in the second
      intercostal space entered the chest cavity (p < 0.001); right chest: 100% versus
      60.0% (p = 0.003) and left chest: 100% versus 55.0% (p = 0.001). Overall, the
      thickness of the chest wall was 3.5 cm +/- 0.9 cm at the fifth intercostal space
      and 4.5 cm +/- 1.1 cm at the second intercostal space (p < 0.001). Both right and
      left chest wall thicknesses were similar (right, 3.6 cm +/- 1.0 cm vs. 4.5 cm +/-
      1.1 cm, p = 0.007; left, 3.5 +/- 0.9 cm vs. 4.4 cm +/- 1.1 cm, p = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: In a cadaveric model, needle thoracostomy was successfully placed in
      100% of attempts at the fifth intercostal space but in only 58% at the
      traditional second intercostal position. On average, the chest wall was 1 cm
      thinner at this position and may improve successful needle placement. Live
      patient validation of these results is warranted.

PMID- 22071915
TI  - Two-year experience of using pigtail catheters to treat traumatic pneumothorax: a
      changing trend.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The traditional treatment of patients with traumatic hemopneumothorax
      has been an insertion of a chest tube (CT). But CT, because of its large caliber
      and significant trauma during an insertion, can cause pain, prevent full lung
      expansion, and worsen pulmonary outcome. Pigtail catheters (PCs) are smaller and
      less invasive; they have worked well in patients with nontraumatic pneumothorax
      (PTX). The purpose of this study was to review our early experience of PC use in
      trauma patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of trauma
      patients who required CT or PC placement over a 2-year period (January 2008
      through December 2009) at a Level I trauma center. The PCs were 14-French (14-F)
      Cook catheters placed by the trauma team, using a Seldinger technique. We
      compared outcome for the subgroups that had CT or PC placed for a PTX. For our
      statistical analysis, we used the unpaired Student t-test, chi(2) test, and
      Wilcoxon rank-sum test; we considered a p value < 0.05 as significant. RESULTS:
      Of 9,624 trauma patients evaluated, 94 were treated with PC and 386 with CT. Of
      the PC patients, 89% was inserted for PTX. When comparing patients with PC and CT
      inserted for PTX, demographics, tube days, need for mechanical ventilation, and
      insertion-related complications were similar. The tube failure rate, defined by a
      requirement for an additional tube or by recurrence that needed intervention, was
      higher in PC (11%) than in CT (4%) (p = 0.06), but the difference was not
      statistically significant. We observed a trend of increased PC use over time.
      CONCLUSION: PC is safe and can be performed at the bedside. It has a comparable
      efficacy to CT in patients with PTX. A prospective study is needed to determine
      the precise role of PC placement, including its indication, the associated tube
      site pain, and any significant clinical advantages.

PMID- 22071916
TI  - Finding the sweet spot: identification of optimal glucose levels in critically
      injured patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting data exist regarding optimal glycemic control in
      critically ill trauma patients. We therefore compared glucose parameters and
      outcomes among three different glycemic control regimens in a single trauma
      intensive care unit (ICU), hypothesizing that a moderate regimen would yield
      optimal avoidance of hyper- and hypoglycemia with equivalent outcomes when
      compared with a more aggressive approach. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      1,422 trauma patients with at least 3-day ICU stay and five glucose measurements
      from May 2001 to January 2010, spanning three nonoverlapping, sequential glucose
      control protocols: "relaxed," "aggressive," and "moderate." For each, we
      extracted mean blood glucose, hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic event frequency, and
      glucose variability and investigated their association with outcomes. RESULTS:
      Mortality was associated with elevated mean glucose (135.6 mg/dL vs. 126.2
      mg/dL), more frequent hypoglycemic (2.67 +/- 7 vs. 1.28 +/- 5) and hyperglycemic
      (30.6 +/- 28 vs. 16.0 +/- 22 per 100 patient-ICU days) events, and higher glucose
      variability (37.1 +/- 20 vs. 29.4 +/- 20; all p < 0.001). Regression identified
      hyperglycemic episodes (p < 0.05) as an independent predictor of mortality. The
      "moderate" regimen had rare hyperglycemia, low glucose variability, and
      intermediate mean blood glucose range and frequency of hypoglycemia. Multiorgan
      failure and mortality did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemic
      events (glucose >180 mg/dL) most strongly predicted mortality. Of glucose control
      protocols analyzed, the "moderate" protocol had fewest hyperglycemic events. As
      outcomes were otherwise equivalent between "moderate" and "aggressive" protocols,
      we conclude that hyperglycemia can be safely avoided using a moderate glycemic
      control protocol without inducing hypoglycemia.

PMID- 22071917
TI  - Aged plasma transfusion increases mortality in a rat model of uncontrolled
      hemorrhage.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent data have associated improved survival after hemorrhagic
      shock with the early use of plasma-based resuscitation. Our laboratory has shown
      that FFP5 has decreased hemostatic potential compared with freshly thawed plasma
      (FFP0). We hypothesized that FFP5 would increase bleeding and mortality compared
      with FFP0 in a rodent bioassay model of uncontrolled liver hemorrhage. METHODS:
      Hemostatic potential of plasma was assessed with the Calibrated Automated
      Thrombogram (CAT) assay. Rats underwent isovolemic hemodilution by 15% of blood
      volume with the two human plasma groups (FFP0 and FFP5) and two controls (sham
      and lactated Ringers). A liver injury was created by excising a portion of liver
      resulting in uncontrolled hemorrhage. Rats that lived for 30 minutes after liver
      injury were resuscitated to their baseline blood pressure and followed for 6
      hours. Hemostasis was assessed by thromboelastography. RESULTS: Hemostatic
      potential of FFP5 decreased significantly in all areas measured in the CAT assay
      as compared with FFP0 (p < 0.01). In the FFP5 group, overall survival was 54%,
      compared with 100% in the FFP0 and sham group (p = 0.03). For animals that
      survived 30 minutes and were resuscitated, there was no difference in bleeding
      and/or coagulopathy between groups. Irrespective of treatment, animals that died
      after resuscitation demonstrated increased intraperitoneal fluid volume (14.85 mL
      +/- 1.9 mL vs. 7.02 mL +/- 0.3 mL, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this model of mild
      preinjury hemodilution with plasma, rats that received FFP5 had decreased
      survival after uncontrolled hemorrhage from hepatic injury. There were no
      differences in coagulation function or intraperitoneal fluid volume between the
      two plasma groups.

PMID- 22071918
TI  - An assessment of patient satisfaction with nonoperative management of clavicular
      fractures using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand outcome measure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clavicle fractures historically have been managed without internal
      fixation. Current literature is raising questions regarding this management as
      opposed to offering operative fixation in some instances. This study addresses
      the use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcomes measure
      to identify those that have the least satisfaction with nonoperative care of the
      clavicle fracture based upon clavicular deformity and variation in fracture
      location based upon Allman Classification. METHODS: Patients having suffered
      clavicle fractures were mailed the DASH Outcomes Questionnaire to be completed
      and returned. A total of 113 surveys were returned completed with 92 being of
      value for evaluation. Patient chest or clavicle radiographs were evaluated, and
      measurements were made of the clavicle fractures for amount of separation or
      shortening and grade according to Allman Classification. Statistical evaluation
      compared DASH Scores (patient satisfaction as outcome measure) to the Allman
      Classification and the degree of separation or shortening. Comparison of
      categorical variables was performed using Fisher's exact test. Comparison of
      continuous variables was preformed using Student's t test. Statistical
      significance was demonstrated by a p value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: Patients
      with clavicular shortening of greater than 2 cm were found to have the highest
      DASH score indicating dissatisfaction and disability with their outcome
      postinjury (p = 0.0001). Separation or lengthening seemed to be associated with
      lower DASH Scores. Patients with Allmen Classification I (midshaft clavicle)
      fractures had higher DASH score than other fracture locations (p = 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with midshaft clavicle fractures with shortening of greater
      than 2 cm may be good candidates for operative repair given the degree of
      dissatisfaction with nonoperative management of these fractures as assessed by
      long-term outcome measures of disability.

PMID- 22071919
TI  - Je le pansay ... (I bound his wound ...).

PMID- 22071920
TI  - Cardiac changes after simulated behind armor blunt trauma or impact of nonlethal
      kinetic projectile ammunition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac-related injuries caused by blunt chest trauma remain a severe
      problem. The aim of this study was to investigate pathophysiological changes in
      the heart that might arise after behind armor blunt trauma or impacts of
      nonlethal projectiles. METHODS: Sixteen pigs were shot directly at the sternum
      with "Sponge Round eXact I Mpact" (nonlethal ammunition; diameter 40 mm and
      weight 28 g) or hard-plastic ammunition (diameter 65 mm and weight 58 g) to
      simulate behind armor blunt trauma. To evaluate the influence of the shot
      location, seven additional pigs where exposed to an oblique heart shot.
      Physiologic parameters, electrocardiography, echocardiogram, the biochemical
      marker troponin I (TnI), and myocardial injuries were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Nonlethal kinetic projectiles (101-108 m/s; 143-163 J) did not cause significant
      pathophysiological changes. Five of 18 pigs shot with 65-mm plastic projectiles
      (99-133 m/s; 284-513 J) to the front or side of the thorax died directly after
      the shot. No major physiologic changes could be observed in surviving animals.
      Animals shot with an oblique heart shot (99-106 m/s; 284-326 J) demonstrated a
      small, but significant decrease in saturation. Energy levels over 300 J caused
      increased TnI and myocardial damages in most of the pigs. CONCLUSION: This study
      indicates that nonlethal kinetic projectiles "eXact iMpact" does not cause heart
      related damage under the examined conditions. On impact, sudden heart arrest may
      occur independently from the cardiac's electrical cycle. The cardiac enzyme, TnI,
      can be used as a reliable diagnostic marker to detect heart tissue damages after
      blunt chest trauma.

PMID- 22071921
TI  - Blood component ratios in massively transfused, blunt trauma patients--a time
      dependent covariate analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated critical thresholds for fresh frozen plasma
      (FFP) and platelet (PLT) to packed red blood cell (PRBC) ratios and determined
      the impact of high FFP:PRBC and PLT:PRBC ratios on outcomes in patients requiring
      massive transfusion (MT). METHODS: Retrospective review of a cohort of massively
      transfused blunt trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center. MT was
      defined as transfusion of >=10 units of PRBC within 24 hours of admission.
      Critical thresholds for FFP:PRBC and PLT:PRBC ratios associated with mortality
      were identified using Cox regression with time-dependent variables. Impacts of
      high blood component ratios on 12-hour and 24-hour survival were evaluated.
      RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, a total of 229 blunt trauma patients
      required a MT. At 12 hours and 24 hours after admission, a FFP:PRBC ratio
      threshold of 1:1.5 was found to have the strongest association with mortality. At
      12 hours, 58 patients (25.4%) received a low (<1:1.5) and 171 patients (74.6%) a
      high (>=1:1.5) FFP:PRBC ratio. Patients in the low ratio group had a
      significantly higher mortality compared with those in the high ratio group (51.7%
      vs. 9.4%; adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.18 [1.04-1.34];
      adjusted p = 0.008). A similar statistically significant difference was found at
      24 hours after admission. For PLTs, a PLT:PRBC ratio of 1:3 was identified as the
      best cut-off associated with both 12-hour and 24-hour survival. At 12 hours, 79
      patients (34.5%) received a low (<1:3) and 150 patients (65.5%) a high (>=1:3)
      PLT:PRBC ratio. After adjusting for differences between the ratio groups, no
      statistically significant survival advantage associated with a high PLT:PRBC
      ratio was found (40.5% vs. 9.3%; adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]
      = 1.11 [0.99-1.26]; adjusted p = 0.082). CONCLUSION: For massively transfused
      blunt trauma patients, a plasma to PRBC ratio of >=1:1.5 was associated with
      improved survival at 12 hours and 24 hours after hospital admission. However, for
      PLTs, no statistically significant survival benefit with increasing ratio was
      observed. The results of this analysis highlight the need for prospective studies
      to evaluate the clinical significance of high blood component ratios on outcome.

PMID- 22071922
TI  - Using the abbreviated injury severity and Glasgow Coma Scale scores to predict 2
      week mortality after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediction of outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains
      elusive. We tested the use of a single hospital Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score,
      GCS Motor Score, and the Head component of the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)
      Score to predict 2-week cumulative mortality in a large cohort of TBI patients
      admitted to the eight U.S. Level I trauma centers in the TBI Clinical Trials
      Network. METHODS: Data on 2,808 TBI patients were entered into a centralized
      database. These TBI patients were categorized as severe (GCS score, 3-8),
      moderate (9-12), or complicated mild (13-15 with positive computed tomography
      findings). Intubation and chemical paralysis were recorded. The cumulative
      incidence of mortality in the first 2 weeks after head injury was calculated
      using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was
      used to estimate the magnitude of the risk for 2-week mortality. RESULTS: Two
      week cumulative mortality was independently predicted by GCS, GCS Motor Score,
      and Head AIS. GCS Severity Category and GCS Motor Score were stronger predictors
      of 2-week mortality than Head AIS. There was also an independent effect of age
      (<60 vs. >=60) on mortality after controlling for both GCS and Head AIS Scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic and physiologic scales are useful in the prediction of
      mortality after TBI. We did not demonstrate any added benefit to combining the
      total GCS or GCS Motor Scores with the Head AIS Score in the short-term
      prediction of death after TBI.

PMID- 22071924
TI  - Population-based study of the risk of in-hospital death after traumatic brain
      injury: the role of sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for the largest proportion of
      injury-related deaths and disability in the United States. The proportion of TBI
      related deaths that occur after admission in a hospital remains high despite
      improvement in medical technology. We provide findings on the risk factors of in
      hospital death and demonstrate the risk associated with sepsis occurring in the
      hospital environment. METHODS: Population-based retrospective cohort study of
      41,395 patients with TBI from all nonfederal hospitals in South Carolina, 1998 to
      2009. TBI was ascertained by International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev.
      Clinical Modification codes of 800 to 801, 803 to 804, 850 to 854, and 959.01.
      Observation was censored at the 120th day. Days elapsing from the date of injury
      to date of death established the survival time (T). Cox regression was used to
      examine the risk of death, whereas Kaplan-Meier survival curves compared survival
      probabilities across time. RESULTS: Sepsis was independently associated with risk
      of in-hospital death with hazard ratio of 1.34 (p < 0.001). Severity of TBI was
      the strongest risk factor with hazard ratio of 4.97 (p < 0.001). Nearly 90% of
      patients with sepsis were identified with one of the nosocomial etiologies
      included in the analyses compared with 7% of patients without sepsis (p < 0.001).
      The survival probabilities were significantly lower for persons with sepsis
      compared with those without (log-rank test p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sepsis
      occurring in the hospital environment and associated with nosocomial etiologies
      is a strong risk factor for in-hospital death after TBI. Reducing the risk of
      infections and subsequent sepsis through adherence with infection control
      measures is a critical step to reduce in-hospital deaths among patients with TBI.

PMID- 22071923
TI  - Effect of the modified Glasgow Coma Scale score criteria for mild traumatic brain
      injury on mortality prediction: comparing classic and modified Glasgow Coma Scale
      score model scores of 13.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) classifies traumatic brain injuries
      (TBIs) as mild (14-15), moderate (9-13), or severe (3-8). The Advanced Trauma
      Life Support modified this classification so that a GCS score of 13 is
      categorized as mild TBI. We investigated the effect of this modification on
      mortality prediction, comparing patients with a GCS score of 13 classified as
      moderate TBI (classic model) to patients with GCS score of 13 classified as mild
      TBI (modified model). METHODS: We selected adult TBI patients from the
      Pennsylvania Outcome Study database. Logistic regressions adjusting for age, sex,
      cause, severity, trauma center level, comorbidities, and isolated TBI were
      performed. A second evaluation included the time trend of mortality. A third
      evaluation also included hypothermia, hypotension, mechanical ventilation,
      screening for drugs, and severity of TBI. Discrimination of the models was
      evaluated using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
      Calibration was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemershow goodness of fit test.
      RESULTS: In the first evaluation, the AUCs were 0.922 (95% CI, 0.917-0.926) and
      0.908 (95% CI, 0.903-0.912) for classic and modified models, respectively. Both
      models showed poor calibration (p < 0.001). In the third evaluation, the AUCs
      were 0.946 (95% CI, 0.943-0.949) and 0.938 (95% CI, 0.934-0.940) for the classic
      and modified models, respectively, with improvements in calibration (p = 0.30 and
      p = 0.02 for the classic and modified models, respectively). CONCLUSION: The lack
      of overlap between receiver operating characteristic curves of both models
      reveals a statistically significant difference in their ability to predict
      mortality. The classic model demonstrated better goodness of fit than the
      modified model. A GCS score of 13 classified as moderate TBI in a multivariate
      logistic regression model performed better than a GCS score of 13 classified as
      mild.

PMID- 22071925
TI  - Risk of venous thromboembolism after spinal cord injury: not all levels are the
      same.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a diagnosis that includes both deep
      vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a well-recognized complication
      following injury. Previous studies have identified multiple risk factors
      including spinal cord injury (SCI). We hypothesized that the level of SCI also
      influences the likelihood of VTE. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank was
      queried to identify all patients with SCI admitted in 2007 and 2008. Rates of
      VTE, demographics, admitting comorbidities, in-hospital complications, level of
      SCI (divided by National Trauma Data Bank into five groups), associated injuries,
      and outcome variables were abstracted. Multiple regression was used to identify
      independent risk factors for VTE. RESULTS: During the 2-year period, 18,302
      patients were admitted with SCI. The overall rate of VTE was 4.3% but varied
      significantly depending on the level of SCI injury (chi(2), 44.8; p < 0.05).
      Patients with high cervical spine (C1-4) injury had a rate VTE of 3.4%, whereas
      patients with high thoracic spine (T1-6) injury had the highest rate of VTE at
      6.3%. The lowest rate of VTE was in patients with lumbar injury (3.2%). There
      were no significant differences in the preexisting comorbidities or in-hospital
      complications among the five SCI groups with the exception of pneumonia. In a
      multiple logistic regression model, the level of SCI was an independent risk
      factor for VTE as was increasing age, increasing Injury Severity Score, male
      gender, traumatic brain injury, and chest trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of VTE
      differs with various SCI levels. Patients with high thoracic (T1-6) injury seem
      to be at the highest risk and patients with high cervical (C1-4) injury at one of
      the lowest. A higher index of suspicion for VTE should therefore be maintained in
      patients with a high thoracic SCI. Further studies are required to elucidate the
      underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 22071926
TI  - Identification of motor and sensory fascicles in peripheral nerve trunk using
      immunohistochemistry and micro-Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore a time-efficient method of identifying motor and sensory
      fascicles in peripheral nerve trunk. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were selected to
      obtain whole spine. The spinal dorsal roots and ventral roots, and sciatic nerve
      were harvested as sensor, motor, and mixed samples, annexin V and agrin
      specificities were observed with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A total
      of 32 New Zealand rabbits were selected and killed. The roots of spinal nerves
      were exposed under an operating microscope, and the ventral and dorsal roots, ~3
      mm to 5 mm, were dissociated, and frozen as transverse sections of 30-MUm
      thickness. The sections were examined by micro-Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: The
      annexin V and agrin were special substances of sensory and motor nerves,
      respectively, and can act as specific antigens for identifying different nerve
      fascicles. Sections of the same type of nerve fascicles showed reproducibility
      with similar spectral features. Significant differences in the spectral
      properties, such as the intensity and breadth of the peak, were found between
      motor and sensory fascicles in the frequency regions of 1,088 cm(-1), 1,276 cm(
      1), 1,439 cm(-1), 1,579 cm(-1), and 1,659 cm(-1). With the peak intensity ratio
      of 1.06 (I(1276)/I(1439)) as a standard, we could identify motor fascicles with a
      sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 94%, positive predictive value of 93%, and
      negative predictive value of 88%. In the range of 2,700 cm(-1) to 3,500 cm(-1),
      the half-peak width of the motor fascicles was narrow and sharp, whereas that of
      the sensory fascicles was relatively wider. A total of 91% of the peak features
      were in accordance with the identification standard. CONCLUSION: Motor and
      sensory fascicles exhibit different characteristics in Raman spectra, which are
      constant and reliable. Therefore, it is more effective than immunohistochemistry
      method in identifying different nerve fascicles according to the specific
      spectrum, and it possesses feasibility for clinical application.

PMID- 22071927
TI  - Alcohol use by pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles: how drinking
      influences behaviors, medical management, and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injuries to pedestrians struck by motor vehicles represent a
      significant public health hazard in large cities. The purpose of this study is to
      investigate the demographics of alcohol users who are struck by motor vehicles
      and to assess the effects of alcohol on pedestrian crossing patterns, medical
      management, and outcomes. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected between
      December 2008 to September 2010 on all pedestrians who presented to a Level I
      trauma center after being struck by a motor vehicle. Variables were obtained by
      interviewing patients, scene witnesses, first responders, and medical records.
      RESULTS: Pedestrians who used alcohol were less likely to cross the street in the
      crosswalk with the signal (22.6% vs. 64.7%) and more likely to cross either in
      the crosswalk against the signal (22.6% vs. 12.4%) or midblock (54.8% vs. 22.8%).
      Alcohol use was associated with more initial computed tomography imaging studies
      compared with no alcohol involvement. Alcohol use was associated with a higher
      Injury Severity Score (8.82 vs. 4.85; p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay
      (3.89 days vs. 1.82 days; p < 0.001) compared with those with no alcohol
      involvement. Patients who used alcohol had a lower average Glasgow Coma Scale
      score (13.80 vs. 14.76; p < 0.001) and a higher rate of head and neck, face,
      chest, abdomen, and extremity/pelvic girdle injuries (based on Abbreviated Injury
      Scale) than those with no alcohol involvement. CONCLUSION: Alcohol use is a
      significant risk factor for pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles. These
      patients are more likely to cross the street in an unsafe manner and sustain more
      serious injuries. Traffic safety and injury prevention programs must address
      irresponsible alcohol use by pedestrians.

PMID- 22071928
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia cardioprotection in murine hemorrhagic
      shock/resuscitation differentially affects p38alpha/p38gamma, Akt, and HspB1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has demonstrated great potential for
      forestalling cardiovascular collapse and improving outcomes in the setting of
      severe hemorrhagic shock (HS). We used an established mouse model of severe HS to
      study the response of interrelated cardiac-signaling proteins p38, HspB1, and Akt
      to shock, resuscitation, and cardioprotective TH. METHODS: Adult female C57BL6/J
      mice were bled and maintained at a mean arterial pressure of 35 mm Hg. After 30
      minutes, mice were randomized to 120 minutes of TH (33 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees
      C) or continued normothermia at 37 degrees C. After 90 minutes, animals were
      resuscitated and monitored for 180 minutes. Cardiac p38, Akt, and HspB1
      phosphorylation (p-p38, p-Akt, and p-HspB1), expression, and Akt/HspB1
      interactions were measured at serial time points during HS and resuscitation.
      Markers of mitochondrial damage (plasma cytochrome c), inflammation
      (myeloperoxidase), and apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated
      deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling) were analyzed. RESULTS: By 15
      minutes HS, p-p38 and p-HspB1 significantly increased while p-Akt(T308) decreased
      (p < 0.05). TH attenuated phosphorylation of the p38alpha isoform during HS and
      increased phosphorylation of the p38gamma isoform during both HS and early
      resuscitation (p < 0.05). TH increased Akt/HspB1 coimmunoprecipitation during
      early resuscitation and increased p-Akt and HspB1 expression during late
      resuscitation (p < 0.05). Finally, TH attenuated the myocardial myeloperoxidase
      and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick
      end labeling staining and plasma cytochrome c during late resuscitation.
      CONCLUSIONS: TH increases phosphorylation of p38gamma during both HS and early
      resuscitation, but attenuates phosphorylation of p38alpha, increases Akt/HspB1
      interaction, and modulates Akt phosphorylation during HS and resuscitation. Such
      TH-related signaling events are associated with reduced cardiac inflammation,
      apoptosis, and mitochondrial injury.

PMID- 22071929
TI  - Direct vascular control results in less physiologic derangement than proximal
      aortic clamping in a porcine model of noncompressible extrathoracic torso
      hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal method of vascular control and resuscitation in patients
      with life-threatening, extrathoracic torso hemorrhage remains debated. Guidelines
      recommend emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) with aortic clamping, although
      transabdominal aortic clamping followed by vascular control and direct vascular
      control (DVC) without aortic clamping are alternatives. The objective of this
      study is to compare the effectiveness of three approaches to extrathoracic torso
      hemorrhage in a large animal model. METHODS: Adolescent swine (Sus Scrofa) (mean
      weight = 80.9 kg) were randomized into three groups all of which had class IV
      shock established by hemorrhage from an iliac artery injury. Group 1: EDT with
      thoracic aortic clamping (N = 6); group 2: transabdominal supraceliac aortic
      clamping (SCC; N = 6); and group 3: DVC of bleeding site without aortic clamping
      (N = 6). After hemorrhage, EDT or SCC was performed in groups 1 and 2,
      respectively, with subsequent exploration of the bleeding site and placement of a
      temporary vascular shunt (TVS). Group 3 (DVC) underwent direct exploration of the
      injury and placement of a TVS. All groups were resuscitated to predefined
      physiologic endpoints over 6 hours with repeated measures of central and cerebral
      perfusion and end-organ function at standardized time points. Postmortem tissue
      analysis was performed to quantify injury to critical tissue beds. RESULTS: There
      was no difference in mortality among the groups and no TVS failures. Central
      aortic pressure, carotid flow, and partial pressure brain tissue oximetry, all
      demonstrated increases in EDT and SCC after application of the aortic clamp
      relative to DVC (p < 0.05). During resuscitation, serum lactate levels were
      higher in EDT compared with SCC and DVC (6.85 vs. 3.08 and 2.15, respectively; p
      < 0.05) and serum pH in EDT reflected greater acidosis than SCC and DVC (7.24 vs.
      7.36 and 7.39, respectively; p < 0.05). EDT and SCC required more intravenous
      fluid than DVC (2,166 mL and 2,166 mL vs. 667 mL, respectively; p < 0.05) and
      more vasopressors were used in EDT and SCC compared with DVC (52.1 MUg and 43.5
      MUg vs. 12.4 MUg, respectively; p < 0.05). Brain and myocardial tissue stains
      demonstrated the same degree of acute ischemic changes in all groups. CONCLUSION:
      Although aortic clamping increases central and cerebral perfusion, DVC results in
      less physiologic derangement. The optimal method of aortic control would
      incorporate the benefits of maintained central pressure with less associated
      morbidity. Clinical studies evaluating DVC are warranted.

PMID- 22071930
TI  - Burn injury dampens erythroid cell production through reprioritizing bone marrow
      hematopoietic response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia in burn patients is due to surgical blood loss and anemia of
      critical illness. Because the commitment paradigm of common bone marrow
      progenitors dictates the production of erythroid, myeloid, and lymphoid cells, we
      hypothesized that skewed bone marrow lineage commitment decreases red cell
      production and causes anemia after a burn injury. METHODS: After anesthesia,
      B(6)D(2)F(1) mice received a 15% total body surface area dorsal scald burn. The
      sham group did not receive scald burn. Femoral bone marrow was harvested on 2, 5,
      7, 14, and 21 postburn days (PBD). Total bone marrow cells were labeled with
      specific antibodies to erythroid (CD71/Ter119), myeloid (CD11b), and lymphoid
      (CD19) lineages and analyzed by flow cytometry. To test whether erythropoietin
      (EPO) could increase red blood cell production, EPO was administered to sham and
      burn animals and their reticulocyte response was measured on PBD 2 and PBD 7.
      RESULTS: Burn injury reduced the erythroid cells of the bone marrow from 35% in
      sham to 17% by PBD 5 and remained at similar level until PBD 21. Myeloid cells,
      however, increased from 42% in sham to 60% on PBD 5 and 77% on PBD 21. Burn
      injury reduced reticulocyte counts on PBD 2 and PBD 7 indicating that the
      erythroid compartment is severely depleted. This depleted compartment, however,
      responded to EPO but was not sufficient to change red cell production.
      CONCLUSION: Burn injury skews the bone marrow hematopoietic commitment away from
      erythroid and toward myeloid cells. Shrinkage of the erythroid compartment
      contributes to resistance to EPO and the anemia of critical illness.

PMID- 22071931
TI  - Open versus closed abdomen treatment on liver function in rats with sepsis and
      abdominal compartment syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of sepsis and
      abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and of improvements in their management, the
      mortality rates from these conditions remain high. Few studies have compared
      liver injuries in patients undergoing open and closed abdomen treatment. The aim
      of this study was to compare the effects of open versus conservative abdominal
      closure approaches upon liver function using a controlled and randomized model of
      intra-abdominal hypertension and sepsis in a rat model. METHODS: Healthy Sprague
      Dawley rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture to induce sepsis, followed by
      intraperitoneal injection of air to induce intra-abdominal hypertension. Twenty
      four hours later, the rats were randomly divided into two groups, one (n = 36)
      undergoing abdominal closure and the other (n = 36) undergoing open abdomen. Rats
      were killed after 1 hour, 6 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days. Liver
      injury was evaluated by Hepatic Injury Severity Scoring. The levels of expression
      of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6,
      signaling transducer and activator of transcription 3 mRNA, and suppressor of
      cytokine signaling 3 mRNA were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and
      signaling transducer and activator of transcription 3 mRNA were higher, and those
      of TLR4 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 mRNA were lower, in the open than
      in the closed group (p < 0.05 each). Serum concentrations of aspartate
      aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were also lower in the open group
      (p < 0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Open abdominal management may improve liver
      regeneration soon after surgery, as well as reducing inflammatory responses, by
      reducing TLR4 expression.

PMID- 22071932
TI  - Limited transthoracic echocardiogram: so easy any trauma attending can do it.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited transthoracic echocardiogram (LTTE) represents an attractive
      alternative to formal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), because it does not
      require an echocardiogram machine. Our hypothesis is that trauma attendings can
      learn LTTE effectively with minimal training. METHODS: Seven attendings at a
      Level I trauma center received didactic and hands-on training in LTTE and
      performed this test on hypotensive patients to evaluate for contractility, fluid
      status, and pericardial effusion. Therapy to improve perfusion (administration of
      fluids, ionotropes, or vasopressors) was guided by LTTE findings. Perfusion
      status was determined by serum lactate level before and 6 hours after LTTE.
      Findings were compared with cardiology-performed TTE. RESULTS: Range of
      postresidency training was 1 year to 29 years. LTTE teaching entailed 70 minutes
      of didactics and 25 minutes of hands-on. In all, 52 LTTEs were performed; two
      patients were excluded due to blunt trauma arrest. Age ranged from 22 years to 89
      years with an average of 55 years. Admission diagnosis was blunt trauma (n = 34),
      penetrating trauma (n = 3), and intra-abdominal sepsis (n = 13). Average time for
      LTTE was 4 minutes 38 seconds. Cardiology-performed TTE was obtained in all
      patients, and correlation with LTTE was 100%. A total of 37 patients received
      intravenous fluid, 9 received vasopressors, and 4 received ionotropes as guided
      by LTTE findings, with lactate reduction in all patients (p < 0.00001).
      Attendings scored a mean of 88% in a written test after training. CONCLUSIONS:
      Trauma attendings can successfully learn LTTE with minimal training and use the
      technique as a resuscitation tool in the hypotensive patient.

PMID- 22071933
TI  - Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound as a useful adjuvant during distraction
      osteogenesis: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) was proven to have a positive
      impact on bone healing in animal and clinical studies. METHODS: In this
      prospective, randomized controlled trial the effect of LIPUS during distraction
      osteogenesis was investigated. Thirty-six patients who underwent distraction
      osteogenesis (>2 cm) were enrolled. Sixteen patients in the treatment group
      received LIPUS, and 20 patients as control group did not. Ultrasound treatment
      device was transcutaneously applied at the distraction gap for 20 minutes daily
      (frequency 1.5 MHz, signal burst with 200 MUs, signal repetition frequency 1.0
      kHz, intensity 30 mW/cm(2)). Evaluation of patients was performed by standard
      radiographs every 3 weeks to 4 weeks. RESULTS: Average transport distance was 7.0
      cm in the ultrasound group and 6.3 cm in the control group. Mean Paley index for
      the ultrasound group was 1.09 mo/cm and 1.49 mo/cm for the control group. Mean
      distraction consolidation index for the ultrasound group was 32.8 d/cm and 44.6
      d/cm for the control group. The calculated indices indicated no significant
      statistical difference between the two groups (p < 0.116) but the fixator
      gestation period could be decreased for 43.6 days in the treatment group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic application of LIPUS during callus distraction
      constitutes a useful adjuvant treatment during distraction osteogenesis and has a
      positive effect on healing time with no negative effects.

PMID- 22071934
TI  - Are certain fractures at increased risk for compartment syndrome after civilian
      ballistic injury?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compartment syndrome after ballistic fracture is uncommon but
      potentially devastating. Few data are available to help guide clinicians
      regarding risk factors for developing compartment syndrome after ballistic
      fractures. Our primary hypothesis was that ballistic fractures of certain bones
      would be at higher risk for development of compartment syndrome. METHODS: A
      retrospective review at a Level I trauma center from 2001 through 2007 yielded
      650 patients with 938 fractures resulting from gunshots. We reviewed all
      operative notes, clinic notes, discharge summaries, and data from our prospective
      trauma database. Cases in which the attending orthopedic surgeon diagnosed
      compartment syndrome and performed fasciotomy were considered cases with
      compartment syndrome. We excluded all prophylactic fasciotomies. Univariate
      analyses were conducted to identify risk factors associated with development of
      compartment syndrome. RESULTS: Twenty-six (2.8%) of the 938 fractures were
      associated with compartment syndrome. Only fibular (11.6%) and tibial (11.4%)
      fractures had incidence significantly higher than baseline for all ballistic
      fractures (p < 0.001). Fractures of the proximal third of the fibula were more
      likely to result in compartment syndrome than fractures of the middle or distal
      third (p = 0.03), as were fractures of the proximal third of the tibia (p =
      0.01). No other demographic or injury parameters were associated with compartment
      syndrome. CONCLUSION: Ballistic fractures of the fibula and tibia are at
      increased risk for development of compartment syndrome over other ballistic
      fractures. We recommend increased vigilance when treating these injuries,
      particularly if the fracture is in the proximal aspect of the bone or is
      associated with vascular injury.

PMID- 22071935
TI  - Nontrauma emergency surgery: optimal case mix for general surgery and acute care
      surgery training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the case mix and patient characteristics and outcomes of
      the nontrauma emergency (NTE) service in an academic Division of Acute Care
      Surgery. METHODS: An NTE service (attending, chief resident, postgraduate year-3
      and postgraduate year-2 residents, and two physician assistants) was created in
      July 2005 for all urgent and emergent inpatient and emergency department general
      surgery patient consults and admissions. An NTE database was created with
      prospective data collection of all NTE admissions initiated from November 1,
      2007. Prospective data were collected by a dedicated trauma registrar and Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-intensive care unit (ICU) coordinator
      daily. NTE case mix and ICU characteristics were reviewed for the 2-year time
      period January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009. During the same time period,
      trauma operative cases and procedures were examined and compared with the NTE
      case mix. RESULTS: Thousand seven hundred eight patients were admitted to the NTE
      service during this time period (789 in 2008 and 910 in 2009). Surgical
      intervention was required in 70% of patients admitted to the NTE service.
      Exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy was performed in 449 NTE patients,
      comprising 37% of all surgical procedures. In comparison, only 118 trauma
      patients (5.9% of admissions) required a major laparotomy or thoracotomy during
      the same time period. Acuity of illness of NTE patients was high, with a
      significant portion (13%) of NTE patients requiring ICU admission. NTE patients
      had higher admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III scores
      [61.2 vs. 58.8 (2008); 58.2 vs. 55.8 (2009)], increased mortality [(9.71% vs.
      4.89% (2008); 6.78% vs. 5.16% (2009)], and increased readmission rates (15.5% vs.
      7.4%) compared with the total surgical ICU (SICU) admissions. CONCLUSION: In an
      era of declining operative caseload in trauma, the NTE service provides ample
      opportunity for complex general surgery decision making and operative procedures
      for surgical residency education, including advanced surgical critical care
      management. In addition, creation of an NTE service provides an optimal general
      surgery case mix, including major abdominal operations, that can augment
      declining trauma surgery caseloads, maintain acute care faculty surgical skills,
      and support general and acute care surgery residency training.

PMID- 22071936
TI  - American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma Performance Improvement and
      Patient Safety program: maximal impact in a mature trauma center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the impact of an ongoing comprehensive performance
      improvement and patient safety (PIPS) program implemented in 2005 on mortality
      outcomes for trauma patients at an established American College of Surgeons (ACS)
      verified Level I Trauma Center. METHODS: The primary outcome measure was in
      hospital mortality. Age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and intensive care unit
      admissions were used as stratifying variables to examine outcomes over a 5-year
      period (2004-2008). Institution mortality rates were compared with the National
      Trauma Data Bank mortality rates stratified by ISS score. Enhancements to our
      comprehensive PIPS program included revision of trauma activation criteria,
      development of standardized protocols for initial resuscitation, massive
      transfusion, avoidance of over-resuscitation, tourniquet use, pelvic fracture
      management, emphasis on timely angiographic and surgical intervention, prompt
      spine clearance, reduction in time to computed tomography imaging, reduced dwell
      time in emergency department, evidence-based traumatic brain injury management,
      and multidisciplinary efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
      RESULTS: In 2004 (baseline data), the in-hospital mortality rate for the most
      severely injured trauma patients (ISS >24) at our trauma center was 30%,
      consistent with the reported mortality rate from the National Trauma Data Bank
      for patients with this severity of injury. Over 5 years, our mortality rate
      decreased significantly for severely injured patients with an ISS >24, from 30.1%
      (2004) to 18.3% (2008), representing a 12% absolute reduction in mortality (p =
      0.011). During the same 5-year time period, the proportion of elderly patients
      (age >65 years) cared for at our trauma center increased from 23.5% in 2004 to
      30.6% in 2008 (p = 0.0002). Class I trauma activations increased significantly
      from 5.5% in 2004 to 15.5% in 2008 based on our reclassification. A greater
      percentage of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (25.8% in 2004 to
      37.3% in 2007 and 30.4% in 2008). No difference was identified in the rate of
      blunt (95%) or penetrating (5%) mechanism of injury in our patients over this
      time period. Trauma Quality Improvement Program confirmed improved trauma
      outcomes with observed-to-expected ratio and 95% confidence intervals of 0.64
      (0.42-0.86) for all patients, 0.54 (0.15-0.91) for blunt single-system patients,
      and 0.78 (0.51-1.06) for blunt multisystem patients. CONCLUSION: Implementation
      of a multifaceted trauma PIPS program aimed at improving trauma care
      significantly reduced in-hospital mortality in a mature ACS Level I trauma
      center. Optimal care of the injured patient requires uncompromising commitment to
      PIPS.

PMID- 22071937
TI  - Initial treatment of ocular exposure and associated complications in severe
      periorbital thermal injuries.

PMID- 22071938
TI  - Efficacy and safety of intensive insulin therapy for critically ill neurologic
      patients: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether intensive insulin therapy (IIT) may improve clinical outcomes
      for patients admitted to intensive care units, especially critically ill
      neurologic patients, is still debated. In the present study, we performed a meta
      analysis of literature comparing the efficacy and safety of IIT and conventional
      insulin therapy (CIT) for critically ill neurologic patients in terms of
      mortality, infection rate, neurologic outcome, and hypoglycemia. METHODS: We
      searched for published reports of studies of randomized control trials (up to
      March 10, 2011) of patients admitted to neurologic intensive care units and
      investigated an IIT (target of blood glucose control <120 mg/dL) with a control
      of CIT. Data were abstracted by a standardized protocol. RESULTS: We retrieved
      reports of five studies involving 924 patients. The risk of mortality, infection
      rate, and neurologic outcome did not differ with IIT or CIT. However, the
      incidence of hypoglycemic episodes was significantly higher with IIT than CIT
      (78.8% vs. 48.9%), with a relative risk of 2.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]:
      1.07-6.43; p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: As compared with CIT, IIT may not benefit
      critically ill neurologic patients in terms of mortality, infection rate, or
      neurologic outcome and in fact may be associated with increased hypoglycemic
      complications. Therefore, IIT cannot be recommended over conventional control for
      critical neurologic disease, but further study is warranted.

PMID- 22071939
TI  - A systematic review of an emerging consciousness population: focus on program
      evolution.

PMID- 22071940
TI  - Indirect colonic injury after military wounding: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colonic trauma in wartime most commonly results from direct injury
      along the path of a penetrating missile. Rarely, the colon may be injured by
      primary blast effect or by propagation of energy by the missile, remote from the
      track of the projectile. METHODS/RESULTS: This article describes the clinical
      presentation and operative findings in five patients who sustained high energy
      transfer gunshot wounds (GSWs) or fragmentation injuries from blast who were
      found to have sustained colonic injuries anatomically remote from the missile
      track/s. CONCLUSIONS: Military surgeons should be aware of the phenomenon of
      indirect injury to the colon after high-energy transfer GSW and blast injury. A
      high index of suspicion should be maintained and cross-sectional imaging used
      where feasible. Primary colonic reconstruction was used safely in these patients
      with indirect colonic injuries.

PMID- 22071941
TI  - Complete thoracic tracheal transection caused by blunt trauma.

PMID- 22071942
TI  - Left pulmonary artery transection after penetrating thoracic trauma.

PMID- 22071943
TI  - Sew it up! A Western Trauma Association multiinstitutional study of enteric
      injury management in the postinjury open abdomen.

PMID- 22071944
TI  - Platelet activation accounts for excessive angiopoietin-1 levels in patients'
      sera.

PMID- 22071946
TI  - Repair of blunt thoracic outlet arterial injuries: an evolution from open to
      endovascular approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet artery injuries due to blunt trauma are uncommon.
      Exposure of these arteries is associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality. An endovascular approach is a less invasive alternative approach for
      these technically challenging injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of
      patients who presented with blunt traumatic injuries to the innominate,
      subclavian, and axillary arteries between 1998 and 2009 was performed.
      Demographic data, concomitant injuries, preoperative workup, treatment, and
      outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 34 patients (80% men)
      meeting selection criteria were admitted (11 innominate, 16 subclavian, and 7
      axillary). Management was nonoperative in 6, open in 16, and endovascular in 12
      patients. In the latter group, eight patients had successful stent-graft
      insertions. These were approached in an antegrade femoral or retrograde brachial
      fashion. In three cases of complete artery transaction, both methods were used.
      Shorter operative time (149 minutes vs. 230 minutes; p = 0.03) and less blood
      loss (50 mL vs. 1,225 mL; p = 0.03) were seen in the endovascular group compared
      with the open repair group. There was a trend for less blood transfusion, but it
      was not significant (0 median units vs. 4.5 median units; p = 0.3). Hospital
      length of stay was shorter (19 days vs. 29 days; p = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Covered
      stents are a feasible alternative to open repair in the multiply injured blunt
      trauma patients with thoracic outlet arterial injuries. This can be used in the
      damage control setting as it offers shorter operative time, less blood loss, and
      overall less morbidity to the patient. Long-term follow-up is needed.

PMID- 22071947
TI  - Late iatrogenic coronary artery stenosis after penetrating cardiac trauma repair.

PMID- 22071948
TI  - Daily functioning and health status in patients with hand osteoarthritis: Fewer
      differences between women and men than expected.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore and describe potential differences between women and men in
      functioning, health status and socio-economic variables in hand OA. METHODS:
      Unselected patients of an Austrian outpatient clinic meeting the ACR criteria for
      hand OA were consecutively included and assessed once. Descriptive statistics and
      subgroup analyses were performed for differences between women and men. By
      regression analysis, we explored whether the variables sex, practice of sports,
      manual activities, aesthetic changes and functioning in daily life predict the
      levels of pain and vitality. RESULTS: 223 (88.1%) women and 30 (11.9%) men were
      included in the study. Significant differences between women and men were found
      in involvement in housework, aesthetic changes and own net income. Sex did not
      contribute significantly to any of the regression models, while e.g. involvement
      in sports was a strong individual contributor to self-reported vitality -
      irrespective of sex. Total X-ray scores of both hands as well as the involvement
      of CMCI joints did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: Our study showed
      significant differences between women and men with hand OA in socio-economic
      variables and aesthetic changes. In contrast to our expectations, no other
      differences between women and men were found in functioning and health status.

PMID- 22071953
TI  - Local temperature measurements on nanoscale materials using a movable
      nanothermocouple assembled in a transmission electron microscope.
AB  - A nanoscale thermocouple consisting of merged Cu and Cu-Ni tips is developed for
      local temperature measurements on advanced nanomaterials by using a probing
      technique in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) equipped
      with a double probe scanning tunneling microcopy (STM) unit. The fabricated
      nanothermocouple works as the so-called T-type thermocouple and displays a quick
      response and high spatial and thermal resolutions. A generated
      thermoelectromotive force which reflects rapid temperature changes controlled by
      electron beam intensity alternations on a metal nanoelectrode proves the
      technique's usefulness for high-precision local temperature measurements. The
      developed method demonstrates the effectiveness while also measuring temperature
      changes in Joule heated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and in a modeled
      electrical conductive composite nanosystem.

PMID- 22071954
TI  - The clinical value of single photon emission computed tomography myocardial
      perfusion imaging in cardiac risk stratification of very elderly patients (>=80
      years) with suspected coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of single photon emission computed tomography myocardial
      perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI) in cardiac evaluation of the very elderly patients
      is unclear. We investigated the clinical value of SPECT MPI in very elderly
      patients (>=80 years) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as in
      comparison to younger patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of
      prospectively collected data from 8,864 patients [1,093 patients >=80 years (very
      elderly), 3,369 patients 65-79 years (elderly), and 4,402 patients 50-64 years
      (middle-aged)] with suspected CAD who underwent exercise and/or pharmacologic
      stress testing with SPECT MPI between 1996 and 2005 was performed. Clinical and
      SPECT MPI characteristics, cardiac event rates, early (<=60 days) cardiac
      catheterization and revascularization rates of very elderly patients were
      compared to that of younger patients. Mean follow-up for cardiac events (cardiac
      death or non-fatal myocardial infarction) was 1.9 +/- 0.9 years. Very elderly
      patients with moderate to severely abnormal SSS had a significantly higher
      annualized cardiac event rate than those with mildly abnormal or normal study
      (9.6% vs 3.4% and 2.5% respectively, P < .001). Across all categories of SSS,
      very elderly patients had a significantly higher cardiac event rate as compared
      to younger patients (P < .001). Early cardiac catheterization and
      revascularization referrals in very elderly patients increased as a function of
      severity of ischemia on SPECT MPI (P < .001), although these referral rates were
      significantly lower in very elderly patients with mild to moderate and severe
      ischemia as compared to younger patients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In very elderly
      patients (>=80 years) with suspected CAD, SPECT MPI has prognostic and
      incremental value in the noninvasive cardiovascular assessment for risk
      stratification and may influence medical decisions.

PMID- 22071955
TI  - Highlights of the 2011 Scientific Session of the American Society of Nuclear
      Cardiology: Denver, Colorado, September 8-11, 2011.

PMID- 22071956
TI  - Contemporary insights into painful diabetic neuropathy and treatment with spinal
      cord stimulation.
AB  - A substantial body of literature is available on the natural history of diabetes,
      but much less is understood of the natural history of painful diabetic peripheral
      neuropathy (PDPN), a pervasive and costly complication of diabetes mellitus.
      Multiple mechanisms have been proposed, including polyol pathway activation,
      advanced glycosylation end-product formation, and vasculopathic changes.
      Nevertheless, specific treatment modalities addressing these basic issues are
      still lacking. The mainstay of treatment includes pharmacological management with
      antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, but these drugs are often limited
      by unfavorable side-effect profiles. For over 30 years, spinal cord stimulation
      (SCS) has been used extensively for the management of various chronic neuropathic
      pain states. In the past decade, interest in the use of SCS for treatment of PDPN
      has increased. This article reviews pathophysiological mechanisms of PDPN,
      proposed mechanisms of SCS, and the role of SCS for the treatment of PDPN.

PMID- 22071957
TI  - Measurement of isoprene solubility in water, human blood and plasma by multiple
      headspace extraction gas chromatography coupled with solid phase microextraction.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the solubility (liquid-to-air ratios) of
      isoprene in water, human blood and plasma. To this end, an experimental setup
      combining multiple headspace extraction, solid phase microextraction and gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied. The water:air partition
      coefficients of isoprene were determined for the temperature range 4.5-37 
      degrees C and amounted to 1.171-0.277 (g mL(l)(-1)) (g mL(a)(-1))(-1). On the
      basis of these data, the enthalpy of volatilization was calculated as 29.46 +/-
      2.83 kJ mol(-1). The blood:air partition coefficients at 37  degrees C were
      determined for ten normal healthy volunteers spread around a median value of 0.95
      +/- 0.09 (g mL(l)(-1)) (g mL(a)(-1))(-1) and were approximately 16% lower than
      the plasma:air partition coefficients (1.11 +/- 0.2). The applied methodology can
      be particularly attractive for solubility studies targeting species at very low
      concentrations in the solution, i.e. when headspace sample enrichment is
      necessary to provide sufficient measurement sensitivity and reliability. This can
      be especially helpful if environmental or physiological solute levels have to be
      considered.

PMID- 22071958
TI  - Role of newly formed platelets in thrombus formation in rat after clopidogrel
      treatment: comparison to the reversible binding P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor.
AB  - Platelet P2Y12 receptors play an important role in arterial thrombosis by
      stimulating thrombus growth. Both irreversibly (clopidogrel) and reversibly
      binding (ticagrelor, AZD6140) P2Y12 antagonists are clinically used for
      restricted periods, but possible differences in platelet function recovery after
      drug cessation have not been investigated. We treated WKY rats with a single,
      high dose of 200 mg/kg clopidogrel or 40 mg/kg ticagrelor. Blood was collected at
      different time points after treatment. Flow cytometry confirmed full platelet
      protection against ADP-induced alphaIIbbeta3 activation shortly after clopidogrel
      or ticagrelor treatment. At later time points after clopidogrel treatment, a
      subpopulation of juvenile platelets appeared that was fully responsive to ADP.
      Addition of ticagrelor to clopidogrel-treated blood reduced alphaIIbbeta3
      activation of the unprotected platelets. In contrast, at later time points after
      ticagrelor treatment, all platelets gradually lost their protection against ADP
      activation. Perfusion experiments showed abolishment of thrombus formation
      shortly after clopidogrel or ticagrelor treatment. Thrombus formation on collagen
      was determined under high shear flow conditions. At later time points, large
      thrombi formed in the clopidogrel but not in the ticagrelor group, and
      unprotected, juvenile platelets preferentially incorporated into the formed
      thrombi. However, platelets from both groups were still similarly reduced in
      assays of whole blood aggregation. Conclusively, recovery of rat platelet
      function after ticagrelor differs mechanistically from that after clopidogrel.
      This difference is masked by conventional platelet aggregation methods, but is
      revealed by thrombus formation measurement under flow. Juvenile platelets formed
      at later time points after clopidogrel treatment promoted thrombus formation.

PMID- 22071959
TI  - Discoidin domain receptor 2 deficiency predisposes hepatic tissue to colon
      carcinoma metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into
      myofibroblasts is a major mechanism for stroma development in hepatic metastasis,
      but their regulatory pathways remain unclear. Transdifferentiated HSCs from
      fibrotic liver express high levels of the fibrillar collagen receptor discoidin
      domain receptor 2 (DDR2), but it is unclear if DDR2 plays a direct profibrogenic
      role in the tumour microenvironment. AIM: To assess the impact of DDR2 on the
      prometastatic role of HSC-derived myofibroblasts. METHODS: Hepatic metastases
      were induced in DDR2(-/-) and DDR2(+/+) mice by intrasplenic injection of MCA38
      colon carcinoma cells, and their growth and features were characterised.
      Stromagenic, angiogenic and cancer cell proliferation responses were quantified
      in metastases by immunohistochemistry. The adhesion-, migration- and
      proliferation-stimulating activities of supernatants from primary cultured DDR2(
      /-) and DDR2(+/+) HSCs, incubated in MCA38 cell-conditioned medium, were
      evaluated in primary cultured liver sinusoidal endothelium cells (LSECs) and
      MCA38 cells. Gene expression signatures from freshly isolated DDR2(-/-) and
      DDR2(+/+) HSCs were compared and DDR2-regulated genes were studied by RT-PCR
      under basal conditions and after stimulation with MCA38 tumour-conditioned media.
      RESULTS: Metastases were increased three fold in DDR2(-/-) livers, and contained
      a higher density of alpha-smooth muscle actin-expressing myofibroblasts, CD31
      expressing microvessels and Ki67-expressing MCA38 cells than metastases in
      DDR2(+/+) livers. Media conditioned by MCA38-activated DDR2(-/-) HSCs
      significantly increased adhesion, migration and proliferation of LSECs and MCA38
      cells, compared with DDR2(+/+) HSCs. DDR2 deficiency in HSCs led to decreased
      gene expression of interferon gamma-inducing factor interleukin (IL)-18 and
      insulin-like growth factor-I; and increased gene expression of prometastatic
      factors IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)beta and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenetic protein-7 and syndecan-1. MC38 tumour
      conditioned media further exacerbated expression changes in DDR2-dependent IL-10,
      TGFbeta and VEGF genes. CONCLUSION: DDR2 deficiency fosters the myofibroblast
      transdifferentiation of tumour-activated HSCs, generating a prometastatic
      microenvironment in the liver via HSC-derived factors. These findings underscore
      the role of stromal cells in conditioning the hepatic microenvironment for
      metastases through altered receptor-stroma interactions.

PMID- 22071961
TI  - Multiple giant prostatic urethral stones with an ureteral stone in a young
      patient.
AB  - Giant prostatic urethral stones have been reported as a very rare entity, and the
      etiology of these stones is not clear. We report a case of a 40-year-old man with
      giant multiple prostatic urethral stones whereby the entire gland was replaced,
      and a big ureteral stone presented with voiding difficulty and recurrent urinary
      tract infections. In the literature, to our knowledge, this is the youngest case
      wherein giant prostatic urethral stones coexisted with a big ureteral stone. Many
      different-sized stones were observed endoscopically, some protruding into the
      urethra, and some filling different cavities on the prostate. Following
      cystoscopy, multiple giant prostatic stones weighing a total of 151 g were
      removed by the open retropubic route. We treated the big ureteral stone
      endoscopically.

PMID- 22071962
TI  - Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and myocardial infarction in ventricular
      fibrillation arrest: a case of two one-eyed tigers.

PMID- 22071963
TI  - Pseudomembranous necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis.

PMID- 22071960
TI  - Trigeminal artery: a review of normal and pathological features.
AB  - OBJECTS: Carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses-the trigeminal, otic, hypoglossal,
      and proatlantal intersegmental arteries-serve as transitory channels between
      primitive internal carotid arteries and bilateral longitudinal neural arterial
      plexus, which is the precursor of future basilar artery, when the human embryo
      reaches about 4-mm length. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Normal and/or abnormal
      morphofunctional aspects of the prenatal and postnatal forms of the trigeminal
      artery are described according to personal and literature data. Many arteries of
      similar origin and course are also noted in the differential diagnosis of the
      trigeminal artery. CONCLUSIONS: The persistent primitive trigeminal artery, as
      the most commonly carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomosis, has a reported incidence
      of 0.03-2.2% in the literature. There is female sex predilection, and it may be
      discovered in patients of any age, on either side, and in association with many
      vascular variants. Although the significance of persistent primitive trigeminal
      artery regarding the development of an aneurysm or association with another
      pathological condition may not be clear, its (ab)normal morphology is the
      inspiration for anatomists, especially for neurosurgeons, before planning
      diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

PMID- 22071964
TI  - Back to basics: ankle reflex in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in type 2
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ankle reflex is a simple screening tool frequently used in the
      detection of peripheral neuropathy. AIM: The purpose of this study is to assess
      the performance characteristics of ankle reflex in detecting diabetic peripheral
      neuropathy (DPN) by evaluating the sensitivity, specificity and the predictive
      ability of the ankle reflex, a component of Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS)
      with reference to Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS). METHODS: A total of 151
      patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed (47 males, 104 females). Grading of
      neuropathy was done using Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), NDS and NCS. Patients
      were divided into two groups, those with abnormal NCS (Group 1) and those with
      normal NCS (Group 2). Demographic characteristics, biochemistry, NSS and NDS were
      assessed between the two groups. Taking NCS as the gold standard, sensitivity,
      specificity and predictive ability of the ankle reflex were calculated and
      compared with other tests included in NDS, namely vibration sense, superficial
      pain and temperature sensation. RESULTS: There were 59 (39.1%) patients in Group
      1 and 92 (60.9%) in Group 2. NSS and NDS demonstrated strong positive association
      with NCS. Taking NCS as the gold standard, ankle reflex yielded the highest
      sensitivity and specificity (91.5 and 67.4%, respectively), closely followed by
      that of vibration sense. CONCLUSION: Ankle reflex is a powerful screening tool
      with high sensitivity and negative predictive value, but a combination of ankle
      reflex and vibration sense has superior sensitivity and specificity compared with
      either of them done alone for the detection of DPN in clinical settings.

PMID- 22071965
TI  - The prognostic variables predictive of mortality in patients with an exacerbation
      of COPD admitted to the ICU: an integrative review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) frequently presents
      with an acute exacerbation (AECOPD). Debate exists as to whether these patients
      should be admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). An integrative review was
      performed to determine whether clinical variables available at the time of ICU
      admission are predictive of the intermediate-term mortality of patients with an
      AECOPD. METHODS: An integrative review was structured to incorporate a five-stage
      review framework to facilitate data extraction, analysis and presentation. The
      quality of the studies contributing to the integrative review was assessed with a
      novel scoring system developed from previously published data and adapted to this
      setting. RESULTS: The integrative review search strategy identified 28 studies
      assessing prognostic variables in this setting. Prognostic variables associated
      with intermediate-term mortality were low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission
      to ICU, cardio-respiratory arrest prior to ICU admission, cardiac dysrhythmia
      prior to ICU admission, length of hospital stay prior to ICU admission and higher
      values of acute physiology scoring systems. Premorbid variables such as age,
      functional capacity, pulmonary function tests, prior hospital or ICU admissions,
      body mass index and long-term oxygen therapy were not found to be associated with
      intermediate-term mortality nor was the diagnosis attributed to the cause of the
      AECOPD. DISCUSSION: Variables associated with intermediate-term mortality after
      AECOPD requiring ICU admission are those variables, which reflect underlying
      severity of acute illness. Premorbid and diagnostic data have not been shown to
      be predictive of outcome. A scoring system is proposed to assess studies of
      prognosis in AECOPD.

PMID- 22071966
TI  - Interferon-beta efficiently inhibited endothelial progenitor cell-induced tumor
      angiogenesis.
AB  - Neovascularization has a critical role in the growth and metastatic spread of
      tumors, and involves recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells
      (EPCs) from bone marrow. In this study, we examined whether EPCs could promote
      tumor angiogenesis, and found that the tumor growth was enhanced by the
      administration of EPCs. To test the hypothesis that genetically modified bone
      marrow-derived EPCs can be effective carriers of therapeutic agents to tumor
      sites, we conducted human interferon-beta (HuIFN-beta) gene transfection of EPCs
      with a virus vector in vitro. When HuIFN-beta was applied in the ex vivo culture
      of EPCs, HuIFN-beta-transduced EPCs achieved efficient killing of the total
      population of SPC-A1 cells, indicating a bystander effect was elicited by HuIFN
      beta-transduced EPCs in vitro. When SCP-A1 cancer cells were coimplanted along
      with ex vivo cultivated EPCs subcutaneous injection in nude mice, the tumor
      growth was increased. However, the anti-tumor effect of interferon-beta (IFN
      beta) offset the tumor-progressive character of EPCs and the tumor growth, and
      the vascular density of tumor tissues increased by coimplanted EPCs were
      decreased upon IFN-beta treatment. In addition, overall expression levels of
      vascular endothelial growth factor in tumor tissues were decreased upon IFN-beta
      treatment. Therefore, our results suggest that gene-transfected EPCs could be
      useful as a tumor-specific drug delivery system.

PMID- 22071967
TI  - Cross-presentation of tumour antigens by human induced pluripotent stem cell
      derived CD141(+)XCR1+ dendritic cells.
AB  - Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) have been widely used in cancer
      immunotherapy but show significant donor-to-donor variability and low capacity
      for the cross-presentation of tumour-associated antigens (TAA) to CD8(+) T cells,
      greatly limiting the success of this approach. Given recent developments in
      induced pluripotency and the relative ease with which induced pluripotent stem
      (iPS) cell lines may be generated from individuals, we have succeeded in
      differentiating dendritic cells (DC) from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      A(*)0201(+) iPS cells (iPS cell-derived DC (ipDC)), using protocols compliant
      with their subsequent clinical application. Unlike moDC, a subset of ipDC was
      found to coexpress CD141 and XCR1 that have been shown previously to define the
      human equivalent of mouse CD8alpha(+) DC, in which the capacity for cross
      presentation has been shown to reside. Accordingly, ipDC were able to cross
      present the TAA, Melan A, to a CD8(+) T-cell clone and stimulate primary Melan A
      specific responses among naive T cells from an HLA-A(*)0201(+) donor. Given that
      CD141(+)XCR1(+) DC are present in peripheral blood in trace numbers that preclude
      their clinical application, the ability to generate a potentially unlimited
      source from iPS cells offers the possibility of harnessing their capacity for
      cross-priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes for the induction of tumour-specific
      immune responses.

PMID- 22071968
TI  - Non-myeloablative transplantation of bone marrow expressing self-antigen
      establishes peripheral tolerance and completely prevents autoimmunity in mice.
AB  - Myeloablative transplantation of bone marrow (BM) engineered to express myelin
      oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) establishes central intrathymic tolerance and
      completely prevents MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)
      in mice. Here we asked whether non-myeloablative transplantation of MOG
      expressing BM (pMOG-bone marrow transplantation (BMT)) can also provide the same
      protection. Using stepwise reduction of irradiation doses, 275 cGy irradiation
      with pMOG-BMT protected 100% of mice from EAE development even with two
      subsequent re-challenge with MOG. Irradiation doses <275 cGy produced dose
      dependent partial protection with significant disease protection still evident at
      50 cGy. Splenocytes from 275 cGy recipients proliferated to MOG stimulation in
      vitro, indicating that MOG-reactive cells are present in the periphery but failed
      to induce disease. MOG-stimulated splenocytes produced little or no interleukin
      17, interferon-gamma, granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha compared with EAE control. Adoptive transfer of CD4 T cells
      from EAE-resistant mice into Rag2(-/-) mice devoid of MOG expression resulted in
      MOG-induced EAE in ~74% of mice. Treatment of EAE-resistant mice with anti
      programmed death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody-induced EAE in 67% of mice. We
      conclude that non-myeloablative transplantation of self-antigen expressing BM
      induces robust peripheral tolerance that completely prevented EAE development.
      Our findings implicate clonal anergy and the PD-1 pathway in the maintenance of
      peripheral tolerance.

PMID- 22071969
TI  - Targeted cancer immunotherapy with oncolytic adenovirus coding for a fully human
      monoclonal antibody specific for CTLA-4.
AB  - Promising clinical results have been achieved with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
      such as ipilimumab and tremelimumab that block cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated
      antigen-4 (CTLA-4, CD152). However, systemic administration of these agents also
      has the potential for severe immune-related adverse events. Thus, local
      production might allow higher concentrations at the target while reducing
      systemic side effects. We generated a transductionally and transcriptionally
      targeted oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-Delta24aCTLA4 expressing complete human mAb
      specific for CTLA-4 and tested it in vitro, in vivo and in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of normal donors and patients with advanced solid
      tumors. mAb expression was confirmed by western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry. Biological functionality was determined in a T-cell line
      and in PBMCs from cancer patients. T cells of patients, but not those of healthy
      donors, were activated by an anti-CTLA4mAb produced by Ad5/3-Delta24aCTLA4. In
      addition to immunological effects, a direct anti-CTLA-4-mediated pro-apoptotic
      effect was observed in vitro and in vivo. Local production resulted in 43-fold
      higher (P<0.05) tumor versus plasma anti-CTLA4mAb concentration. Plasma levels in
      mice remained below what has been reported safe in humans. Replication-competent
      Ad5/3-Delta24aCTLA4 resulted in 81-fold higher (P<0.05) tumor mAb levels as
      compared with a replication-deficient control. This is the first report of an
      oncolytic adenovirus producing a full-length human mAb. High mAb concentrations
      were seen at tumors with lower systemic levels. Stimulation of T cells of cancer
      patients by Ad5/3-Delta24aCTLA4 suggests feasibility of testing the approach in
      clinical trials.

PMID- 22071970
TI  - In utero administration of Ad5 and AAV pseudotypes to the fetal brain leads to
      efficient, widespread and long-term gene expression.
AB  - The efficient delivery of genetic material to the developing fetal brain
      represents a powerful research tool and a means to supply therapy in a number of
      neonatal lethal neurological disorders. In this study, we have delivered vectors
      based upon adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) and adeno-associated virus (AAV)
      pseudotypes 2/5, 2/8 and 2/9 expressing green fluorescent protein to the E16
      fetal mouse brain. One month post injection, widespread caudal to rostral
      transduction of neural cells was observed. In discrete areas of the brain these
      vectors produced differential transduction patterns. AAV2/8 and 2/9 produced the
      most extensive gene delivery and had similar transduction profiles. All AAV
      pseudotypes preferentially transduced neurons whereas Ad5 transduced both neurons
      and glial cells. None of the vectors elicited any significant microglia-mediated
      immune response when compared with control uninjected mice. Whole-body imaging
      and immunohistological evaluation of brains 9 months post injection revealed long
      term expression using these non-integrating vectors. These data will be useful in
      targeting genetic material to discrete or widespread areas of the fetal brain
      with the purpose of devising therapies for early neonatal lethal
      neurodegenerative disease and for studying brain development.

PMID- 22071971
TI  - Physiological regulation of transgene expression by a lentiviral vector
      containing the A2UCOE linked to a myeloid promoter.
AB  - Protection against epigenetic silencing is a desirable feature of future gene
      therapy vectors, in particular for those applications in which transgene
      expression will not confer growth advantage to gene-transduced cells. The
      ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) consisting of the methylation-free
      CpG island encompassing the dual divergently transcribed promoters of the human
      HNRPA2B1-CBX3 housekeeping genes (A2UCOE) has been shown to shield constitutive
      active heterologous promoters from epigenetic modifications and chromosomal
      position effects. However, it is unclear if this element can be used to improve
      expression from tissue-specific enhancer/promoters, while maintaining tissue
      specificity in hematopoietic cells. Here, we evaluated the potential of the
      A2UCOE in combination with the myeloid-specific myeloid related protein 8 (MRP8)
      promoter to target transgene expression specifically to myeloid cells in vitro
      and in vivo from a self-inactivating lentiviral vector. The inclusion of the
      A2UCOE did not interfere with specific upregulation of MRP8 promoter activity
      during myeloid differentiation and mediated sustained and vector copy-dependent
      expression in myeloid cells. Notably, the A2UCOE did not protect the MRP8
      promoter from methylation in the P19 embryonal carcinoma cell line, suggesting
      that this element maintains the inherent epigenetic state and transcriptional
      activity of cellular promoters in their native configuration. Thus, the A2UCOE
      could represent a useful protective genetic element in gene therapy vectors,
      ensuring physiological transcriptional regulation of tissue-specific promoters
      independent of the chromosomal integration site.

PMID- 22071972
TI  - Effect of topical interferon-gamma gene therapy using gemini nanoparticles on
      pathophysiological markers of cutaneous scleroderma in Tsk/+ mice.
AB  - Scleroderma is a chronic disorder manifested by excessive synthesis and
      deposition of collagen in skin and connective tissue, vascular abnormalities, and
      autoimmunity. Using microarray and real-time PCR data, we show that intradermally
      expressed interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), generated after intradermal injection of
      IFN-gamma-coding plasmid, and non-invasive topical nanoparticle (TNP) treatment
      with IFN-gamma-coding plasmid, decreased collagen synthesis (via the Jak/Stat 1
      pathway), upregulated Th1 cytokine levels, and downregulated the profibrotic
      cytokine Transforming growth factor beta and the Smad pathways in the Tsk/+
      (tight-skin scleroderma) mouse model. The TNP gene delivery system was
      constructed from gemini surfactant 16-3-16 and IFN-gamma-coding plasmid. Topical
      administration of IFN-gamma-coding plasmid in TNPs was effective in expressing
      IFN-gamma levels after a 20-day treatment regimen without increased TLR4, CCL2,
      CCL11 and CCR2 mRNA levels that were observed in injected animals, signs
      considered to be innate responses to injury. The more uniform transgene IFN-gamma
      expression caused significant (70-72%) collagen reduction, as assessed by reverse
      transcription real-time PCR. These results demonstrate efficient in vivo
      transfection using a gemini surfactant-based TNP delivery system able to modulate
      excessive collagen synthesis in scleroderma-affected skin.

PMID- 22071973
TI  - Gene transfer for ocular neovascularization and macular edema.
AB  - Diseases complicated by abnormal growth of vessels or excessive leakage are the
      most prevalent cause of moderate or severe vision loss in developed countries.
      Recent progress unraveling the molecular pathogenesis of several of these disease
      processes has led to new drug therapies that have provided major benefits to
      patients. However, those treatments often require frequent intraocular
      injections, and despite monthly injections, some patients have a suboptimal
      response. Gene transfer of antiangiogenic proteins is an alternative approach
      that has the potential to provide long-term suppression of neovascularization
      (NV) and/or excessive vascular leakage in the eye. Studies in animal models of
      ocular NV have demonstrated impressive results with a number of transgenes, and a
      clinical trial in patients with advanced neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration has provided proof-of-concept. Two ongoing clinical trials, one
      using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to express a vascular endothelial
      growth factor-binding protein and another using a lentiviral vector to express
      endostatin and angiostatin, will provide valuable information that should help to
      inform future trials and provide a foundation on which to build.

PMID- 22071974
TI  - Preclinical safety evaluation of subretinal AAV2.sFlt-1 in non-human primates.
AB  - We report on the long-term safety of AAV2.sFlt-1 (a recombinant adeno-associated
      virus serotype 2 carrying the soluble form of the Flt-1 receptor) injection into
      the subretinal space of non-human primates. Levels of sFlt-1 protein were
      significantly higher (P<0.05) in the vitreous of four out of five AAV2.sFlt-1
      injected eyes. There was no evidence of damage to the eyes of animals that
      received subretinal injections of AAV2.sFlt-1; ocular examination showed no
      anterior chamber flare, normal fundus and electroretinography responses
      equivalent to those observed before treatment. Notably, immunological analysis
      demonstrated that gene therapy involving subretinal injection of AAV2.sFlt-1 does
      not elicit cell-mediated immunity. Biodistribution analysis showed that AAV2.sFlt
      1 could be detected only in the eye and not in the other organs tested. These
      data indicate that gene therapy with subretinal AAV2.sFlt-1 is safe and well
      tolerated, and therefore promising for the long-term treatment of neovascular
      diseases of the eye.

PMID- 22071976
TI  - Gene expression profiles in peripheral blood as a biomarker in cancer patients
      receiving peptide vaccination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because only a subset of patients show clinical responses to peptide
      based cancer vaccination, it is critical to identify biomarkers for selecting
      patients who would most likely benefit from this treatment. METHODS: The authors
      characterized the gene expression profiles in peripheral blood of vaccinated
      patients to identify biomarkers to predict patient prognosis. Peripheral blood
      was obtained from advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer patients, who
      survived for >900 days (long-term survivors, n = 20) or died within 300 days
      (short-term survivors, n = 20) after treatment with personalized peptide
      vaccination. Gene expression profiles in prevaccination and postvaccination
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assessed by DNA microarray.
      RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical or
      pathological features between the 2 groups. Microarray analysis of prevaccination
      PBMCs identified 19 genes that were differentially expressed between the short
      term and long-term survivors. Among the 15 up-regulated genes in the short-term
      survivors, 13 genes, which were also differentially expressed in postvaccination
      PBMCs, were associated with gene signatures of granulocytes. When a set of 4
      differentially expressed genes were selected as the best combination to determine
      patient survival, prognosis was correctly predicted in 12 of 13 patients in a
      validation set (accuracy, 92%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that
      abnormal granulocytes present in the PBMC faction may contribute to poor
      prognosis in advanced prostate cancer patients receiving personalized peptide
      vaccination. Gene expression profiling in peripheral blood might thus be
      informative for devising better therapeutic strategies by predicting patient
      prognosis after cancer vaccines.

PMID- 22071978
TI  - Therapeutics. Another tool in the BCR-ABL kit?

PMID- 22071977
TI  - An intermittent approach for cancer chemoprevention.
AB  - Cancer chemoprevention approaches generally use long-term, continuous treatment,
      which can produce major preventive effects but which can also have unexpected
      serious adverse events. This raises the question of whether intermittent dosing
      schedules might reduce toxicity while retaining benefit, a concept that we call
      short-term intermittent therapy to eliminate premalignancy (SITEP). Recent
      preclinical studies support a novel SITEP approach whereby short-term,
      intermittent therapy eliminates premalignant cells via apoptosis that is induced
      by synthetic lethal interactions. Synthetic lethality allows personalized,
      selective elimination of premalignant clones without harming normal cells. This
      Opinion article provides a detailed discussion of the principle, method and
      future development of the SITEP approach.

PMID- 22071979
TI  - Kidney tumours. 'NRF said.

PMID- 22071980
TI  - Synthesis of luminescent homo-dinuclear cationic lanthanide cyclen complexes
      bearing amide pendant arms through the use of copper catalysed (1,3-Huisgen,
      CuAAC) click chemistry.
AB  - The design and synthesis of dinuclear-lanthanide complexes possessing triazole
      based bridges, formed by using copper catalysed 1,3-cycloaddition reactions
      between heptadentate alkyne functionalised cyclen europium or terbium complexes
      and di-azides (CuAAC reactions), are described. While this click reaction worked
      well for the formation of the homo-Eu(III) and Tb(III) bis-tri-arm cyclen N,N
      dimethyl acetamide complexes, 2Eu and 2Tb, and for the homo-Eu(III) chiral N
      methylnaphthalene based complexes 3Eu (S,S,S) and 4Eu (R,R,R), the formation of
      the Eu(III) complex of the primary amide analogue of 2, namely 1Eu, was not
      successful, clearly demonstrating the effect that the nature of the pendant arms
      has on this reaction. Furthermore, the click reactions between the free alkyne
      cyclen bis-derivatives (5-8) and the di-azide were unsuccessful, most likely due
      to the high affinity of the cyclen macrocycles for Cu(II). The Eu(III) complexes
      of 2-4 and 2Tb all gave rise to sensitised metal ion centred emission upon
      excitation of the triazole or the naphthalene antennae in methanol solution, and
      their hydration states were determined, which showed that while the Eu(III) mono
      nuclear complexes had q ~ 2, the click products all had q ~ 1. In the case of 3Eu
      (S,S,S) and 4Eu (R,R,R), the circular polarised emission (CPL) was also observed
      for both, demonstrating the chiral environment of the lanthanide centres.

PMID- 22071982
TI  - The effect of span length of flexural testing on properties of short fiber
      reinforced composite.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different span lengths of
      flexural testing on some properties of test specimens made of experimental short
      fiber reinforced composite resin (FC). Bar shaped specimens with different
      lengths were made from experimental FC composite with an average fiber length of
      3 mm and particulate filler composite (PFC, control: Z250). The specimens (n = 8)
      were polymerized with a hand light-curing unit for 40 s and dry stored in a room
      temperature for 24 h before testing. Three-point flexural test for determination
      of ultimate flexural strength, toughness and flexural modulus of specimens was
      made with different span lengths (20, 15, 10, 7, 6, 5 mm) with a speed of 1.0
      mm/min until fracture. By shortening the span length for specimens made of FC or
      PFC, the flexural modulus decreased (from ca. 11 to 4 GPa) and flexural toughness
      increased (from ca. 0.25 to 2.25 MPa). Reduction in flexural strength by
      shortening the span length was found with PFC (from 170 to 125 MPa) but not with
      FC, which showed reduction by span lengths from 20 to 7 mm and considerable
      increase of flexural strength by further shortening the span length from 7 to 5
      mm. Shortening of span length of flexural testing showed linear reduction of the
      measured and calculated flexural properties of PFC and some properties of FC, but
      flexural strength values for FC were non-linearly related to the span length: the
      highest values were obtained with the longest and the shortest span lengths. In
      reporting the flexural values of composites, the span length-specimen dimension
      ratio, and the length of the reinforcement need to be taken into consideration.

PMID- 22071981
TI  - Immortalized gingival fibroblasts as a cytotoxicity test model for dental
      materials.
AB  - In vitro cytotoxicity test is an initial step to identify the harmful effects of
      new dental materials. Aim of this study was to develop a stable human cell line
      derived from normal gingival fibroblasts (hNOF) and to assess its feasibility in
      in vitro cytotoxicity testing. Immortalized human gingival fibroblasts (hTERT
      hNOF) were successfully established with human telomerase reverse transcriptase
      gene transfection, preserving its phenotypical characteristics, replicative
      potential and biological properties. Utilizing standard cytotoxicity test
      modeling and dental materials, hTERT-hNOF were evaluated for their feasibility in
      cytotoxicity testing, compared with hNOF and L929 cells. Similar pattern of
      cytotoxic response was observed among hNOF, hTERT-hNOF and L929 cells.
      Cytotoxicity response of hTERT-hNOF was significantly similar to hNOF, moreover
      hTERT-hNOF and hNOF were found to be more sensitive towards the tested dental
      materials compared to L929 cells. This study suggested that hTERT-hNOF is an
      effective cytotoxic test model for dental materials.

PMID- 22071983
TI  - An innovative multi-component variate that reveals hierarchy and evolution of
      structural damage in a solid: application to acrylic bone cement.
AB  - A major limitation of solid mechanics is the inability to take into account the
      influence of hierarchy and evolution of the inherent microscopic structure on
      evaluating the performance of materials. Irreversible damage and fracture in
      solids, studied commonly as cracks, flaws, and conventional material properties,
      are by no means descriptive of the subsequent responses of the microstructures to
      the applied load. In this work, we addressed this limitation through the use of a
      novel multi-component variate. The essence of this variate is that it allows the
      presentation of the random damage in the amplitude spectrum, probability space,
      and probabilistic entropy. Its uniqueness is that it reveals the evolution and
      hierarchy of random damage in multi- and trans-scales, and, in addition, it
      includes the correlations among the various damage features. To better understand
      the evolution and hierarchy of random damage, we conducted a series of
      experiments designed to test three variants of a poly (methyl methacrylate)
      (PMMA) bone cement, distinguished by the methods used to sterilize the cement
      powder. While analysis of results from conventional tension tests and scanning
      electron microscopy failed to pinpoint differences among these cement variants,
      our multi-component variate allowed quantification of the multi- and trans-scale
      random damage events that occurred in the loading process. We tested the
      statistical significance of damage states to differentiate the responses at the
      various loading stages and compared the damage states among the groups. We also
      interpreted the hierarchical and evolutional damage in terms of the probabilistic
      entropy (s), the applied stress (sigma), and the trajectory of damage state. We
      found that the cement powder sterilization method has a strong influence on the
      evolution of damage states in the cured cement specimens when subjected to stress
      in controlled mechanical tests. We have shown that in PMMA bone cements, our
      damage state variate has the unique ability to quantify and discern the history
      and evolution of microstructural damage.

PMID- 22071984
TI  - Compatibility of different polymers for cord blood-derived hematopoietic
      progenitor cells.
AB  - The low yield of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) present in cord blood
      grafts limits their application in clinics. A reliable strategy for ex vivo
      expansion of functional HPC is a present goal in regenerative medicine. Here we
      evaluate the capacity of several two-dimensional polymers to support HPC
      proliferation. Basic compatibility was tested by measuring cell viability,
      cytotoxicity and apoptosis of CD34(+) progenitors that were short and long-term
      exposed to sixteen bio and synthetic polymers. Resomer((r)) RG503, PCL and Fibrin
      might be good alternatives to tissue culture plastic for culture of CB-derived
      CD34(+) progenitors. Further, these polymers will be produced in three
      dimensional structures and tested for their cytocompatibility.

PMID- 22071986
TI  - Synthesis of nucleoside mono- and triphosphates bearing oligopyridine ligands,
      their incorporation into DNA and complexation with transition metals.
AB  - Modified nucleoside mono- (dA(R)MPs and dC(R)MPs) and triphosphates (dA(R)TPs and
      dC(R)TPs) bearing bipyridine or terpyridine ligands attached via acetylene linker
      were prepared by single-step aqueous-phase Sonogashira cross-coupling of 7-iodo-7
      deaza-dAMP or -dATP, and 5-iodo-dCMP or -dCTP with the corresponding bipyridine-
      or terpyridine-linked acetylenes. The modified dN(R)TPs were successfully
      incorporated into the oligonucleotides by primer extension experiment (PEX) using
      different DNA polymerases and the PEX products were used for post-synthetic
      complexation with Fe(2+).

PMID- 22071985
TI  - Characterization of bionanocomposite scaffolds comprised of mercaptoethylamine
      functionalized gold nanoparticles crosslinked to acellular porcine tissue.
AB  - Bionanocomposite scaffolds comprised of nanomaterials and the extracellular
      matrix (ECM) of porcine diaphragm tissue capitalizes on the benefits of utilizing
      a natural ECM material, while also potentially enhancing physicomechanical
      properties and biocompatibility through nanomaterials. Gold nanoparticle (AuNP)
      bionanocomposite scaffolds were subjected to a number of characterization
      techniques to determine whether the fabrication process negatively impacted the
      properties of the porcine diaphragm tissue and whether the AuNP improved the
      properties of the tissue. Tensile testing and differential scanning calorimetry
      demonstrated that the bionanocomposite possessed improved tensile strength and
      thermal stability relative to natural tissue. The collagenase assay and Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy additionally confirmed that denaturation of the
      collagen of the ECM did not occur. The novel bionanocomposite scaffold possessed
      properties similar to commercially available scaffolds and will be further
      developed for soft tissue applications such as hernia repair through in vivo
      studies in an animal model.

PMID- 22071987
TI  - The Twister laser fiber degradation and tissue ablation capability during 980-nm
      high-power diode laser ablation of the prostate. A randomized study versus the
      standard side-firing fiber.
AB  - The objective of this work is to test the ablation capability and fiber
      degradation of the novel Twister fibers (TW), in both the large (LTW) and the
      standard (STW) sizes, against the standard side-firing (SF) fiber in a clinical
      setting during the treatment of BPH patients using the 980-nm high-power diode
      laser (HPDL). One hundred and twenty BPH patients treated with HPDL (Ceralase300,
      Biolitec AG, Jena, Germany) were randomized to receive treatment by one of the
      three fibers. Operative time corrected to tissue volume, laser treatment time,
      and laser energy were measured. Ablation rate was calculated as follows: the
      decrease of the prostate volume after 6 months/laser time. The fibers' resistance
      to degradation was defined by the laser energy needed to degrade the fiber
      completely. Preoperative prostate volume of 76 +/- 38, 70 +/- 39, and 88 +/- 49
      cc decreased by 49 +/- 16, 51 +/- 20, and 63 +/- 16% for the SF, STW, and LTW
      fibers, respectively. This difference was highly significant when the LTW was
      compared to the other two fibers (p < 0.001). Prostate volume reduction post
      operatively within each group as compared to the pre-operative volume was highly
      significant (p < 0.001). The ablation rate was highest in LTW, being 1.31 +/-
      0.59, 1.09 +/- 0.51, and 1.54 +/- 0.44 cc/min for the SF, STW, and LTW fibers,
      respectively. The LTW fiber resisted degradation more than the other fibers and
      the STW more than the SF fiber (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates the higher
      ablation efficiency and resistance to degradation of the LTW fiber as compared to
      the STW and SF fibers. The STW fiber has a similar ablation rate of the SF fiber
      but resists degradation better.

PMID- 22071988
TI  - Body integrity identity disorder: from a psychological to a neurological
      syndrome.
AB  - Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is a condition in which individuals
      experience an intense desire for amputation of an healthy limb. Recently, McGeoch
      and colleagues provided the first direct evidence that this syndrome may be
      neurological rather than psychological in its origin. However, before including
      BIID in body ownership disorders, several concerns should be clarified, exploring
      other components of body representation and not only somatosensory perception.

PMID- 22071989
TI  - Rapamycin inhibits osteoclast formation in giant cell tumor of bone through the
      C/EBPbeta - MafB axis.
AB  - Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a benign type of tumor, but the presence of
      hyperactive multinucleated giant osteoclasts cause local osteolytic lesions,
      increasing morbidity in patients. To specifically target hyperactive
      multinucleated giant osteoclasts in GCTs, one would envisage the usage of
      osteoclast inhibitors or genetic modulation of osteoclastogenesis. Recently, we
      have found that the translationally regulated balance between the transcription
      factor C/EBPbeta long (LAP) and short (LIP) protein isoforms regulates osteoclast
      differentiation. Here, we report that GCTs express high levels of the LIP
      C/EBPbeta isoform, which in mice cause giant osteoclast formation. In mice,
      inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin decreased osteoclast differentiation by
      shifting the alternative translation initiation of C/EBPbeta isoforms towards
      LAP. Similarly, rapamycin treatment of GCT cell cultures derived from seven
      different patients strongly reduced formation of giant osteoclasts and bone
      resorption. This was accompanied by an increase in MafB, previously shown to be
      the mediator of the effect of rapamycin on osteoclast differentiation in mice.
      These data suggest that C/EBPbeta is a determinant of giant osteoclast formation
      in GCT and that pharmacological adjustment of the C/EBPbeta isoform ratio could
      serve as a potential novel therapeutic approach.

PMID- 22071991
TI  - [Viennese Clinical Weekly: foreword].

PMID- 22071993
TI  - Introduction to the Canadian Forces operational medicine supplement.

PMID- 22071994
TI  - Surgical experience at the Canadian-led Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in
      Kandahar, Afghanistan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to document the surgical experience
      of the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit (R3MMU) at Kandahar Airfield Base while
      Canada was the lead nation for the facility. This study will help inform on
      future staffing, training, and deployment issues of field hospitals on military
      missions. METHODS: From February 2, 2006, to October 15, 2009, the Canadian
      Forces Health Services served as the lead nation for the R3MMU. We
      retrospectively reviewed the electronic and the actual operative database during
      this timeframe to assess surgical workload, types of surgical procedures
      performed, and the involved anatomic regions of the surgical procedures. RESULTS:
      During this timeframe, there were 6,735 operative procedures performed on 4,434
      patients. The majority of our patients were Afghan nationals, with Afghan
      civilians representing 34.8%, Afghan National Security Forces 31.6%, and North
      Atlantic Treaty Organization forces 25.3%. The number of operative procedures by
      specialty were 3,329 in orthopedic surgery (49.4%), 2,053 general surgery
      (30.5%), 930 oral maxillofacial surgery (13.8%), and 272 neurosurgery (6%). The
      most frequently operated on body region was the soft tissue, followed by the
      extremities and then the abdomen. Thoracic operations were very infrequent.
      CONCLUSION: Our operative data were slightly different from historical controls.
      Hopefully, this data will help with planning for future deployments of field
      hospitals on military missions.

PMID- 22071995
TI  - Causes of death in Canadian Forces members deployed to Afghanistan and
      implications on tactical combat casualty care provision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As part of its contribution to the Global War on Terror and North
      Atlantic Treaty Organization's International Security Assistance Force, the
      Canadian Forces deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2006. We have studied the
      causes of deaths sustained by the Canadian Forces during the first 28 months of
      this mission. The purpose of this study was to identify potential areas for
      improving battlefield trauma care. METHODS: We analyzed autopsy reports of
      Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan between January 2006 and April 2008.
      Demographic characteristics, injury data, location of death within the chain of
      evacuation, and cause of death were determined. We also determined whether the
      death was potentially preventable using both explicit review and implicit review
      by a panel of trauma surgeons. RESULTS: During the study period, 73 Canadian
      Forces members died in Afghanistan. Their mean age was 29 (+/-7) years and 98%
      were male. The predominant mechanism of injury was explosive blast, resulting in
      81% of overall deaths during the study period. Gunshot wounds and nonblast
      related motor vehicle collisions were the second and third leading mechanisms of
      injury causing death. The mean Injury Severity Score was 57 (+/-24) for the 63
      study patients analyzed. The most common cause of death was hemorrhage (38%),
      followed by neurologic injury (33%) and blast injuries (16%). Three deaths were
      deemed potentially preventable on explicit review, but implicit review only
      categorized two deaths as being potentially preventable. CONCLUSIONS: The
      majority of combat-related deaths occurred in the field (92%). Very few deaths
      were potentially preventable with current Tactical Combat Casualty interventions.
      Our panel review identified several interventions that are not currently part of
      Tactical Combat Casualty that may prevent future battlefield deaths.

PMID- 22071996
TI  - Needle decompression for tension pneumothorax in Tactical Combat Casualty Care:
      do catheters placed in the midaxillary line kink more often than those in the
      midclavicular line?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is a system of prehospital
      trauma care designed for the combat environment. Needle decompression (ND) is a
      critical TCCC intervention, because previous data suggest that up to 33% of all
      preventable deaths on the battlefield result from tension pneumothoraces. There
      has recently been increased interest in performing ND at the fifth intercostal
      space in the midaxillary line to prevent complications associated with
      landmarking second intercostal space in the midclavicular line site. We developed
      a model to assess whether catheters placed in the midaxillary line for
      decompressing tension pneumothoraces are more prone to kinking than those placed
      in the midclavicular line because of adducted arms during military transport.
      METHODS: To simulate ND, we secured segments of porcine chest walls over
      volunteer soldiers' chests and placed 14-gauge, 1.5-inch angiocatheters through
      the porcine wall segments which were affixed to either the midaxillary or
      midclavicular location on the volunteers. We then assessed for occlusion and
      kinking by flow of normal saline (NS) through the angiocatheter in situ. The
      angiocatheter was then transduced using standard arterial line manometry, and the
      opening pressures required to initiate flow through the catheters were measured.
      The opening pressures were then converted to mm Hg. We also assessed for catheter
      occlusion after the physical manipulation of the patient, by simulated patient
      transport. RESULTS: We observed that there was a significant pressure difference
      required to achieve free flow through the in situ angiocatheter between the fifth
      intercostal space midaxillary line versus the second intercostal space
      midclavicular line site (13.1 +/- 3.6 mm Hg vs. 7.9 +/- 1.8 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests that the 14-gauge, 1.5-inch angiocatheter used for ND in the
      midaxillary line may partially and temporarily occlude in patients who will be
      transported on military stretchers. The pressure of 12.8 mm Hg has been
      documented in animal models as the pressure at which hemodynamic instability
      develops. This may contribute to the reaccumulation of tension pneumothoraces and
      ultimate patient deterioration in military transport.

PMID- 22071997
TI  - Spinal injuries after improvised explosive device incidents: implications for
      Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tactical Combat Casualty Care aims to treat preventable causes of
      death on the battlefield but deemphasizes the importance of spinal immobilization
      in the prehospital tactical setting. However, improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
      now cause the majority of injuries to Canadian Forces (CF) members serving in
      Afghanistan. We hypothesize that IEDs are more frequently associated with spinal
      injuries than non-IED injuries and that spinal precautions are not being
      routinely employed on the battlefield. METHODS: We examined retrospectively a
      database of all CF soldiers who were wounded and arrived alive at the Role 3
      Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from February 7, 2006, to
      October 14, 2009. We collected data on demographics, injury mechanism, anatomic
      injury descriptions, physiologic data on presentation, and prehospital
      interventions performed. Outcomes were incidence of any spinal injuries. RESULTS:
      Three hundred seventy-two CF soldiers were injured during the study period and
      met study criteria. Twenty-nine (8%) had spinal fractures identified. Of these,
      41% (n = 12) were unstable, 31% (n = 9) stable, and 28% indeterminate. Most
      patients were injured by IEDs (n = 212, 57%). Patients injured by IEDs were more
      likely to have spinal injuries than those injured by non-IED-related mechanisms
      (10.4% vs. 2.3%; p < 0.01). IED victims were even more likely to have spinal
      injuries than patients suffering blunt trauma (10.4% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.02).
      Prehospital providers were less likely to immobilize the spine in IED victims
      compared with blunt trauma patients (10% [22 of 212] vs. 23.0% [17 of 74]; p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IEDs are a common cause of stable and unstable spinal
      injuries in the Afghanistan conflict. Spinal immobilization is an underutilized
      intervention in the battlefield care of casualties in the conflict in
      Afghanistan. This may be a result of tactical limitations; however, current
      protocols should continue to emphasize the judicious use of immobilization in
      these patients.

PMID- 22071998
TI  - Design and preliminary results of a pilot randomized controlled trial on a 1:1:1
      transfusion strategy: the trauma formula-driven versus laboratory-guided study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retrospective reviews have recently shown an survival benefit for
      adopting a resuscitation strategy that transfuses plasma and platelets at a near
      1:1 ratio with red blood cells (RBCs). However, a randomized controlled trial on
      the topic is lacking. We report on the design and preliminary results of our
      ongoing randomized control pilot trial (ClinicalTrial.gov NCT00945542). METHODS:
      This is a 2-year feasibility randomized control trial at a single tertiary trauma
      center. Bleeding trauma patients were randomized to either a laboratory-driven or
      a formula-driven (1 plasma:1 platelet:1 RBC) transfusion protocols. Feasibility
      was assessed by analyzing for ability to enroll patients, appropriate activation
      of transfusion protocols, time to transfusion of each type of blood product,
      laboratory turnaround time, ratio of blood products transfused, and wastage of
      blood products. RESULTS: From July 6, 2009, to May 31, 2010, n = 18 patients were
      randomized and included in the study. Issues that we noted were the need to do
      postrandomization exclusions, the need to have rapid and accurate predictors of
      massive bleeding to enroll patients quickly, and the need to have waived consent
      for study participation. As well, we noted that the logistics of administering
      1:1:1 were formidable and required rapid access to thawed plasma. Similarly,
      challenges in the control arm of such a study included the turnaround time for
      obtaining laboratory results. CONCLUSION: Despite major challenges, our initial
      experience suggests that with an organized system, it is possible to
      prospectively randomize massively bleeding trauma patients. The accomplishment of
      high ratios of plasma to RBCs is challenging with current thawing methods and
      unavailability of thawed plasma in Canada. Longer shelf-life for plasma and
      faster plasma thawing microwaves should overcome some of these obstacles. For a
      laboratory-guided transfusion protocol, massive transfusion protocols should be
      in place with faster turnaround time for coagulation tests. Finally, further
      research on predictors of massive transfusion is needed.

PMID- 22072000
TI  - Hypoperfusion in severely injured trauma patients is associated with reduced
      coagulation factor activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that acute traumatic coagulopathy is
      associated with hypoperfusion, increased plasma levels of soluble thrombomodulin,
      and decreased levels of protein C but with no change in factor VII activity.
      These findings led to the hypothesis that acute traumatic coagulopathy is
      primarily due to systemic anticoagulation, by activated protein C, rather than
      decreases in serine protease activity. This study was designed to examine the
      effect of hypoperfusion secondary to traumatic injury on the activity of
      coagulation factors. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data
      on severely injured adult trauma patients presenting to a single trauma center
      within 120 minutes of injury. Venous blood was analyzed for activity of factors
      II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI. Base deficit from arterial blood samples was
      used as a marker of hypoperfusion. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were identified.
      The activity of factors II, V, VII, IX, X, and XI correlated negatively with base
      deficit, and after stratification into three groups, based on the severity of
      hypoperfusion, a statistically significant dose-related reduction in the activity
      of factors II, VII, IX, X, and XI was observed. Hypoperfusion is also associated
      with marked reductions in factor V activity levels, but these appear to be
      relatively independent of the degree of hypoperfusion. The activity of factor
      VIII did not correlate with base deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoperfusion in trauma
      patients is associated with a moderate, dose-dependent reduction in the activity
      of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X, and XI, and a more marked reduction in
      factor V activity, which is relatively independent of the severity of shock.
      These findings suggest that the mechanisms underlying decreased factor V activity
      -which could be due to activated protein C mediated cleavage, thus providing a
      possible link between the proposed thrombomodulin/thrombin-APC pathway and the
      serine proteases of the coagulation cascade--and the reductions in factors II,
      VII, IX, X, and XI may differ. Preservation of coagulation factor activity in the
      majority of normally and moderately hypoperfused patients suggests that
      aggressive administration of plasma is probably only indicated in severely
      hypoperfused patients. Markers of hypoperfusion, such as base deficit, might be
      better and more readily available predictors of who require coagulation support
      than international normalized ratio or activated partial thromboplastin time.

PMID- 22071999
TI  - Clotting factor deficiency in early trauma-associated coagulopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coagulopathic bleeding is a leading cause of in-hospital death after
      injury. A recently proposed transfusion strategy calls for early and aggressive
      frozen plasma transfusion to bleeding trauma patients, thus addressing trauma
      associated coagulopathy (TAC) by transfusing clotting factors (CFs). This
      strategy may dramatically improve survival of bleeding trauma patients. However,
      other studies suggest that early TAC occurs by protein C activation and is
      independent of CF deficiency. This study investigated whether CF deficiency is
      associated with early TAC. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort
      study of severely traumatized patients (Injury Severity Score >= 16) admitted
      shortly after injury, receiving minimal fluids and no prehospital blood. Blood
      was assayed for CF levels, thromboelastography, and routine coagulation tests.
      Critical CF deficiency was defined as <= 30% activity of any CF. RESULTS: Of 110
      patients, 22 (20%) had critical CF deficiency: critically low factor V level was
      evident in all these patients. International normalized ratio, activated
      prothrombin time, and, thromboelastography were abnormal in 32%, 36%, and 35%,
      respectively, of patients with any critically low CF. Patients with critical CF
      deficiency suffered more severe injuries, were more acidotic, received more blood
      transfusions, and showed a trend toward higher mortality (32% vs. 18%, p = 0.23).
      Computational modeling showed coagulopathic patients had pronounced delays and
      quantitative deficits in generating thrombin. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty percent of all
      severely injured patients had critical CF deficiency on admission, particularly
      of factor V. The observed factor V deficit aligns with current understanding of
      the mechanisms underlying early TAC. Critical deficiency of factor V impairs
      thrombin generation and profoundly affects hemostasis.

PMID- 22072001
TI  - Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in the first 24 hours after trauma: the
      association between ISTH score and anatomopathologic evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies questioned "classical" concepts in trauma care,
      including whether disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs in trauma.
      The knowledge on trauma DIC is limited to few studies built on diagnosing DIC
      with laboratory-based scores. This study explores whether DIC diagnosed by the
      well-established ISTH (International Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis) score
      is corroborated by anatomopathologic findings. METHODS: Prospective observational
      cohort study of severely injured (ISS >= 16) patients. DIC was diagnosed by the
      ISTH score throughout the first 24 hours after trauma. All organs surgically
      removed within 24 hours of trauma were reviewed by two independent pathologists.
      All autopsy reports were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 423 patients enrolled, ~11% had
      "overt DIC" and 85% had "suggestive of non-overt DIC" scores throughout the 24
      hours after trauma. "Overt DIC" patients had higher mortality and worse bleeding,
      receiving more blood and plasma transfusions. One hundred and sixteen patients
      underwent surgery within 24 hours of trauma, and all 40 excised organs were
      reviewed by two pathologists. Twenty-seven autopsies reports were reviewed. No
      anatomopathologic evidence of DIC was identified in the first 24 hours, even
      after additional histochemical staining. d-dimer was universally elevated after
      trauma. Common DIC features: platelet count, fibrinogen, clotting time, and
      factor VIII drop were mostly absent. CONCLUSIONS: d-dimer has a disproportional
      participation in trauma DIC scores. Within 24 hours of trauma, most severely
      injured patients have DIC scores "suggestive for" or of "overt DIC" but no
      anatomopathologic evidence of DIC. Considering pathologic findings as the gold
      standard diagnosis, then DIC is exceptionally uncommon and the ISTH score should
      not be used for trauma.

PMID- 22072002
TI  - The natural history of trauma-related coagulopathy: implications for treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is a leading cause of death in trauma patients and
      coagulopathy is a significant contributor. Although the exact mechanisms of
      trauma-associated coagulopathy (TAC) are incompletely understood, hemostatic
      resuscitation strategies have been developed to treat TAC. Our study sought to
      identify which trauma patients develop TAC and the factors associated with its
      development, to describe the natural history of TAC, and to identify patients
      with TAC who may not require hemostatic resuscitation. METHODS: Patients with
      early coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio >1.3) who were admitted
      directly from the scene within 1 hour of injury were identified in our
      institutional trauma registry. We analyzed these data for the presence of TAC,
      predictors of early and delayed TAC, and evolution of TAC during the first 24
      hours of admission. RESULTS: Of 2,473 patients, 290 (12%) had early TAC
      (International Normalized Ratio >1.3) and 271 (11%) developed delayed TAC.
      Multivariate analysis identified female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.25 [1.11
      1.41]), lower pH (OR 0.08 [0.015-0.47]), lower hemoglobin (OR 0.96 [0.95-0.97]),
      lower temperature (OR 0.82 [0.70-0.95]), and blunt mechanism (OR 0.49 [0.33
      0.71]) as factors significantly associated with development of early TAC.
      Progression of early TAC occurred in 64%, and these patients had more severe
      abdominal injury and received more emergency room crystalloid. Of patients with
      early TAC who did not receive fresh frozen plasma, only 49% developed worsening
      coagulopathy. Patients with isolated intracranial hemorrhage had higher rates of
      bleeding progression (75% vs. 20%, p < 0.005) in the presence of early TAC.
      CONCLUSIONS: TAC may appear in an early or delayed form and its presence and
      progression are associated with a number of identifiable factors. Although TAC
      commonly progresses, it also resolves spontaneously in many patients. Further
      research is required to identify which patients with TAC require hemostatic
      treatment, although those with intracranial hemorrhages seem to warrant
      aggressive therapy.

PMID- 22072003
TI  - Recombinant human erythropoietin improves gut barrier function in a hemorrhagic
      shock and resuscitation rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gut injury and bacterial translocation develop and persist after
      limited periods of hemorrhagic shock. Erythropoietin (EPO) can exert hemodynamic,
      anti-inflammatory, and tissue protective effects. We tested the hypothesis that
      EPO given at the time of resuscitation with saline will reduce functional ileal
      injury 24 hours after shock. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6 per group) were
      randomized to sham surgery or hemorrhagic shock maintained at mean arterial
      pressure 40 mm Hg for 60 minutes and then treated with either saline
      resuscitation (three times the volume of shed blood) or saline + recombinant
      human EPO (rHuEPO) resuscitation. Intravenous rHuEPO (1,000 U/kg) was given at
      the start of saline resuscitation, and at 24 hours ileal function was evaluated
      using quantitative cultures of mesenteric lymph nodes to assess for bacterial
      translocation (colony-forming units per gram of tissue [CFU/g]), determination of
      portal vein plasma endotoxin levels and histopathological evaluation using semi
      thin plastic sections of the distal ileum. In a second series of animals,
      fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4000 (FD-4) was used to assess mucosal
      permeability of the distal ileum to macromolecules. RESULTS: At 24 hours, the
      saline group had morphologic evidence of intestinal injury when compared with the
      sham group, and the degree of mucosal injury was less in the saline + rHuEPO when
      compared with the saline group, which demonstrated significantly reduced
      bacterial translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes (383 CFU/g +/- 111 CFU/g
      vs. 1130 CFU/g +/- 297 CFU/g; p < 0.05) and decreased terminal ileum permeability
      to FD-4 (3.08 MUg/mL +/- 0.31 MUg/mL vs. 5.14 MUg/mL +/- 0.88 MUg/mL; p < 0.05).
      No significant difference was found in the portal vein endotoxin levels between
      the two groups. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated a trend for decreased
      enterocyte disarray or disruption and vacuolization in the saline + rHuEPO versus
      saline group. CONCLUSION: Using rHuEPO at time of saline resuscitation resulted
      in decreased bacterial translocation and permeability to macromolecules 24 hours
      after shock. These observations suggest that rHuEPO can mediate a protective
      effect on intestinal mucosal barrier function during ischemic injury.

PMID- 22072004
TI  - Erythropoietin improves skeletal muscle microcirculation through the activation
      of eNOS in a mouse sepsis model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sepsis and septic shock remain the major causes of morbidity and
      mortality in intensive care units. One mechanism that leads to organ failure is
      microcirculatory dysfunction. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein produced by
      the kidney that primarily regulates erythropoiesis, but it also can exert
      hemodynamic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue protective effects. We previously
      reported that administration of EPO to septic mice improves mouse skeletal muscle
      capillary perfusion and tissue bioenergetics. The objective of this study was to
      explore the potential mechanism(s) involved. METHODS: Sepsis was induced by
      intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a fecal suspension (12.5 g in 0.5
      saline/mouse) in mice. At 18 hours after sepsis induction, a single dose of
      rHuEPO (400 U/kg) was given to the mice. Mouse capillary perfusion density and
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence in skeletal muscle were
      observed using intravital microscopy. Endothelial cells derived from the skeletal
      muscle were treated with rHuEPO (5 U/mL) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      (eNOS) activation and activity were assessed. RESULTS: Septic mice had decreased
      capillary perfusion density and increased tissue NADH fluorescence indicating
      impaired tissue bioenergetics, whereas animals treated with rHuEPO demonstrated
      an improvement in capillary perfusion density and decreased skeletal muscle NADH
      fluorescence. The beneficial effect of rHuEPO did not occur in septic mice
      treated with l-NAME (an NOS inhibitor, 20 mg/kg) or mice genetically deficient in
      eNOS. Treatment of endothelial cells with rHuEPO resulted in activation of eNOS
      as indicated by increased eNOS phosphorylation and NO production. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that eNOS plays an important role in mediating the beneficial
      effect of rHuEPO on microcirculation in this septic mouse model.

PMID- 22072005
TI  - The use of the radiographic appearance of the azygos vein to assess volume status
      in trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The assessment of hypovolemia in victims of trauma is a critical
      aspect of resuscitation and care in the initial presentation of a patient. This
      study attempted to validate the use of the appearance of the azygos vein (AV) on
      initial chest radiographs as a parameter that may add to this initial assessment.
      METHODS: The design involved a blinded independent assessment of serial chest
      radiographs from consecutive trauma cases from January 21, 2008, until September
      13, 2008, by a trained Radiologist and a Trauma Team Leader (TTL) and then
      comparing this assessment to mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate
      estimates of volume status in serial severe trauma patients. This is an
      insensitive but specific measure of volume status. RESULTS: In this population
      with high prevalence of hypovolemia, the presence of an AV <= 0.5 cm yielded a
      sensitivity of 4.9% and 9.8% for the TTL and Radiologist, respectively, in
      patients with a mean arterial pressure <70 and heart rate >100. The specificity
      was 98.8% and 91.6%, which translates into a positive likelihood ratio of 4.08
      and 1.17 for the TTL and Radiologist, respectively. The Kappa score for agreement
      between the two readers was 0.4. CONCLUSION: When a small AV can be seen by the
      TTL, it may be a useful adjunct to the assessment of volume status.

PMID- 22072006
TI  - Controlled blast exposure during forced explosive entry training and mild
      traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the pathophysiology and short-
      and long-term neurologic consequences of primary blast injury in humans. The
      purpose of this investigation was to test the feasibility of implementing a
      research protocol in the context of a forced explosive entry training course.
      METHODS: Instructors (n = 4) and students (n = 10) completing the Police
      Explosives Technicians-Forced Entry Instructors course were recruited to
      participate in the study. Participants underwent a physical examination, tests of
      postural stability and vestibular ataxia, and a neurocognitive battery 1 day
      before and 10 days following practical forced explosive entry exercises. RESULTS:
      The instructors reported significantly more blast exposures in their careers than
      the students (p < 0.05). Seventy-five percent of the instructors and 50% of the
      students reported a history of trauma to the head. A minority of the participants
      had deficits on cranial nerve, vestibular ataxia, and neurocognitive tests which
      did not change significantly postexposure. All the instructors and most of the
      students (90%) demonstrated postural stability deficits at baseline which did not
      change significantly postexposure. CONCLUSIONS: Studying the effects of blast
      exposure on the human brain in a controlled experimental setting is not possible.
      Forced explosive entry training courses afford an opportunity to begin examining
      this issue in real time in a controlled setting. This study underscores the
      importance of baseline testing of troops, of the consideration of subclinical
      implications of blast exposure, and of continued studies of the effects of blast
      exposures, including repeated exposures on the human brain.

PMID- 22072007
TI  - The value of serum biomarkers in prediction models of outcome after mild
      traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine, using a civilian model of mild traumatic brain injury
      (TBI), the added value of biomarker sampling upon prognostication of outcome at 1
      week and 6 weeks postinjury. METHODS: The Galveston Orientation and Amnesia test
      was administered, and blood samples for serum protein S100B and neuron-specific
      enolase (NSE) were collected from 141 emergency department patients within 4
      hours of a suspected mild TBI (mTBI). The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms
      Questionnaire (RPQ) was administered via telephone 3 days postinjury. Patients
      were assessed by a physician at 1 week (n = 113; 80%) and 6 weeks (n = 95; 67%)
      postinjury. Neurocognitive and postural stability measures were also administered
      at these follow-ups. RESULTS: Levels of S100B and NSE were found to be abnormally
      elevated in 49% and 65% of patients with TBI, respectively. Sixty-eight percent
      and 38% of the patients were considered impaired at 1 week and 6 weeks
      postinjury, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression modeling identified
      admission Galveston Orientation and Amnesia test score, S100B level, and RPQ
      score at day 3 postinjury to be predictive of poor outcome at 1 week postinjury
      (c-statistic 0.877); female gender, loss of consciousness, NSE level, and RPQ
      score at day 3 postinjury were predictive of poor outcome at 6 weeks postinjury
      (c-statistic 0.895). The discriminative power of the biomarkers alone was
      limited. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers, in conjunction with other readily available
      determinants of outcome assessed in the acute period after injury, add value in
      the early prognostication of patients with mTBI. Our findings are consistent with
      the notion that S100B and NSE point to biological mechanisms underlying poor
      outcome after mTBI.

PMID- 22072009
TI  - Aeromobile modular critical care, resuscitation, and surgical suites for
      operational medicine.

PMID- 22072008
TI  - A predeployment trauma team training course creates confidence in teamwork and
      clinical skills: a post-Afghanistan deployment validation study of Canadian
      Forces healthcare personnel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 10-day Intensive Trauma Team Training Course (ITTTC) was
      developed by the Canadian Forces (CFs) to teach teamwork and clinical trauma
      skills to military healthcare personnel before deploying to Afghanistan. This
      article attempts to validate the impact of the ITTTC by surveying participants
      postdeployment. METHODS: A survey consisting of Likert-type multiple-choice
      questions was created and sent to all previous ITTTC participants. The survey
      asked respondents to rate their confidence in applying teamwork skills and
      clinical skills learned in the ITTTC. It explored the relevancy of objectives and
      participants' prior familiarity with the objectives. The impact of different
      training modalities was also surveyed. RESULTS: The survey showed that on average
      84.29% of participants were "confident" or "very confident" in applying teamwork
      skills to their subsequent clinical experience and 52.10% were "confident" or
      "very confident" in applying clinical knowledge and skills. On average 43.74% of
      participants were "familiar" or "very familiar" with the clinical topics before
      the course, indicating the importance of training these skills. Participants
      found that clinical shadowing was significantly less valuable in training
      clinical skills than either animal laboratory experience or experience in human
      patient simulators; 68.57% respondents thought that ITTTC was "important" or
      "very important" in their training. CONCLUSIONS: The ITTTC created lasting self
      reported confidence in CFs healthcare personnel surveyed upon return from
      Afghanistan. This validates the importance of the course for the training of CFs
      healthcare personnel and supports the value of team training in other areas of
      trauma and medicine.

PMID- 22072010
TI  - Tranexamic acid autoinjector for prehospital care of noncompressible hemorrhage.

PMID- 22072011
TI  - Highly conductive carbon nanotube buckypapers with improved doping stability via
      conjugational cross-linking.
AB  - Carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets or buckypapers have demonstrated promising
      electrical conductivity and mechanical performance. However, their electrical
      conductivity is still far below the requirements for engineering applications,
      such as using as a substitute for copper mesh, which is currently used in
      composite aircraft structures for lightning strike protection. In this study,
      different CNT buckypapers were stretched to increase their alignment, and then
      subjected to conjugational cross-linking via chemical functionalization. The
      conjugationally cross-linked buckypapers (CCL-BPs) demonstrated higher electrical
      conductivity of up to 6200 S cm( - 1), which is more than one order increase
      compared to the pristine buckypapers. The CCL-BPs also showed excellent doping
      stability in over 300 h in atmosphere and were resistant to degradation at
      elevated temperatures. The tensile strength of the stretched CCL-BPs reached 220
      MPa, which is about three times that of pristine buckypapers. We attribute these
      property improvements to the effective and stable conjugational cross-links of
      CNTs, which can simultaneously improve the electrical conductivity, doping
      stability and mechanical properties. Specifically, the electrical conductivity
      increase resulted from improving the CNT alignment and inter-tube electron
      transport capability. The conjugational cross-links provide effective 3D
      conductive paths to increase the mobility of electrons among individual
      nanotubes. The stable covalent bonding also enhances the thermal stability and
      load transfer. The significant electrical and mechanical property improvement
      renders buckypaper a multifunctional material for various applications, such as
      conducting composites, battery electrodes, capacitors, etc.

PMID- 22072012
TI  - Increased secretion of Gas6 by smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerotic
      carotid plaques.
AB  - Vitamin K-dependent protein Gas6 (growth-arrest specific gene 6) plays a role in
      vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) survival and migration, as well as in
      endothelium and leukocyte activation, and could therefore be involved in
      atherosclerosis. However, the study of mouse models has led to contradictory
      results regarding the pro- or anti-atherogenic properties of Gas6, and relatively
      few data are available in human pathophysiology. To better understand the
      implication of Gas6 in human atherosclerosis, we studied Gas6 expression and
      secretion in vitro  in human VSMC, and analysed the effect of Gas6 on
      inflammatory gene expression in these cells. We show that Gas6 secretion in VSMC
      is strongly induced by the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor
      (TGF)beta, and that VSMC stimulation by recombinant Gas6 decreases the expression
      of inflammatory genes tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and intracellular
      adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. The study of Gas6 expression in human carotid
      endarterectomy samples revealed that Gas6 is mainly expressed by VSMC at all
      stages of human atherosclerosis, but is not detected in normal vessel wall.
      Analysis of plaque secretomes showed that Gas6 secretion is markedly higher in
      non-complicated plaques than in complicated plaques, and that TGFbeta secretion
      pattern mirrors that of Gas6. We conclude that Gas6 is secreted in human
      atherosclerotic plaques by VSMC following stimulation by TGFbeta, and that Gas6
      secretion decreases with plaque complication. Therefore, we propose that Gas6
      acts as a protective factor, in part by reducing the pro-inflammatory phenotype
      of VSMC.

PMID- 22072013
TI  - Rituximab abrogates joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting
      osteoclastogenesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how rituximab may result in the inhibition of joint
      destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients
      with active RA were treated with rituximab. Radiographs of hands and feet before
      and 1 year after therapy were assessed using the Sharp-van der Heijde score
      (SHS). Expression of bone destruction markers was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of synovial biopsies obtained before
      and 16 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Serum levels of osteoprotegerin,
      receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL), osteocalcin and cross
      linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx) were measured by ELISA before and
      16 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: After 1 year, the mean (SD) change in total SHS
      was 1.4 (10.0). Sixteen weeks after treatment there was a decrease of 99% in
      receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB-positive osteoclast precursors
      (p=0.02) and a decrease of 37% (p=0.016) in RANKL expression in the synovium and
      a trend towards reduced synovial osteoprotegerin expression (25%, p=0.07). In
      serum, both osteoprotegerin (20%, p=0.001) and RANKL (40%, p<0.0001) levels were
      significantly reduced 16 weeks after treatment, but the osteoprotegerin/RANKL
      ratio increased (157%, p=0.006). A trend was found towards an increase of
      osteocalcin levels (p=0.053), while NTx concentrations did not change.
      CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab treatment is associated with a decrease in synovial
      osteoclast precursors and RANKL expression and an increase in the
      osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio in serum. These observations may partly explain the
      protective effect of rituximab on the progression of joint destruction in RA.

PMID- 22072014
TI  - Incidence of cancer in a nationwide population cohort of 7852 patients with
      primary Sjogren's syndrome in Taiwan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) are at a higher risk
      of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, little is known with regard
      to the risk of developing cancers other than NHL. The authors aimed in this study
      to compare the incidence of cancer in various sites among patients with pSS with
      the general population of Taiwan. METHODS: The authors used National Health
      Insurance claims data to establish a nationwide population cohort of 7852
      patients with pSS from 2000 to 2008 who did not have cancer prior to diagnosis of
      pSS. Incidence and standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for cancer in various
      sites were calculated. RESULTS: Among patients with pSS, 277 (2.9%) developed
      cancer. The SIR for cancer was 1.04 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.18) among patients of all
      ages with pSS and was 2.19 (95% CI 1.43 to 3.21) for patients aged 25-44 years.
      Female patients with pSS had a higher risk of NHL (SIR 7.1, 95% CI 4.3 to 10.3),
      multiple myeloma (SIR 6.1, 95% CI 2.0 to 14.2) and thyroid gland cancer (SIR 2.6,
      95% CI 1.4 to 4.3) and a lower risk of colon cancer (SIR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 to
      0.65). In contrast, male patients with pSS were not at a higher risk of
      developing cancer in particular sites. CONCLUSION: Patients with pSS, overall,
      did not have higher risk of cancer, and only patients aged 25-44 years were at an
      increased risk of cancer compared with their counterparts in the general
      population. Cancer screening for patients with pSS, especially female patients,
      should focus on NHL and multiple myeloma and thyroid gland cancer.

PMID- 22072015
TI  - A tool to identify recent or present rheumatoid arthritis flare from both patient
      and physician perspectives: the 'FLARE' instrument.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of consensus about the definition of flare of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a measurement tool. OBJECTIVES: To develop a self
      administered tool integrating the perspectives of the patient and the
      rheumatologist, enabling the detection of present or recent-past RA flare.
      METHODS: The patient perspective was explored by semistructured individual
      interviews of patients with RA. Two health psychologists conducted a content
      analysis to extract items best describing flare from the interviews. The
      physician's perspective was explored through a Delphi exercise conducted among a
      panel of 13 rheumatologists. A comprehensive list of items produced in the first
      round was reduced in a four-round Delphi process to select items cited by at
      least 75% of the respondents. The identified elements were assembled in domains
      each converted into a statement-to constitute the final self-administered Flare
      Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (FLARE) questionnaire. RESULTS: The content of
      99 patient interviews was analysed, and 10 domains were identified: joint
      swelling or pain, night pain, fatigue and different emotional consequences, as
      well as analgesic intake. The Delphi process for physicians identified eight
      domains related to objective RA symptoms and drug intake, of which only four were
      common to domains for patients. Finally, 13 domains were retained in the FLARE
      questionnaire, formulated as 13 statements with a Likert-scale response modality
      of six answers ranging from 'absolutely true' to 'completely untrue'. CONCLUSION:
      Two different methods, for patient and physician perspectives, were used to
      develop the FLARE self-administered questionnaire, which can identify past or
      present RA flare.

PMID- 22072016
TI  - Leptin produced by joint white adipose tissue induces cartilage degradation via
      upregulation and activation of matrix metalloproteinases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of leptin on cartilage destruction.
      METHODS: Collagen release was assessed in bovine cartilage explant cultures,
      while collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activities in culture supernatants were
      determined by bioassay and gelatin zymography. The expression of matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMP) was analysed by real-time RT-PCR. Signalling pathway
      activation was studied by immunoblotting. Leptin levels in cultured
      osteoarthritic joint infrapatellar fat pad or peri-enthesal deposit supernatants
      were measured by immunoassay. RESULTS: Leptin, either alone or in synergy with IL
      1, significantly induced collagen release from bovine cartilage by upregulating
      collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity. In chondrocytes, leptin induced MMP1
      and MMP13 expression with a concomitant activation of STAT1, STAT3, STAT5, MAPK
      (JNK, Erk, p38), Akt and NF-kappaB signalling pathways. Selective inhibitor
      blockade of PI3K, p38, Erk and Akt pathways significantly reduced MMP1 and MMP13
      expression in chondrocytes, and reduced cartilage collagen release induced by
      leptin or leptin plus IL-1. JNK inhibition had no effect on leptin-induced MMP13
      expression or leptin plus IL-1-induced cartilage collagen release. Conditioned
      media from cultured white adipose tissue (WAT) from osteoarthritis knee joint fat
      pads contained leptin, induced cartilage collagen release and increased MMP1 and
      MMP13 expression in chondrocytes; the latter being partly blocked with an anti
      leptin antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin acts as a pro-inflammatory adipokine with a
      catabolic role on cartilage metabolism via the upregulation of proteolytic
      enzymes and acts synergistically with other pro-inflammatory stimuli. This
      suggests that the infrapatellar fat pad and other WAT in arthritic joints are
      local producers of leptin, which may contribute to the inflammatory and
      degenerative processes in cartilage catabolism, providing a mechanistic link
      between obesity and osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22072017
TI  - Articular inflammation is controlled by myeloid cell-derived interleukin 1
      receptor antagonist during the acute phase of arthritis in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To define the cell type (myeloid vs other cells) specific effect of
      interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) deficiency on the acute
      inflammatory phase of arthritis. METHODS: Arthritis was induced by K/BxN serum
      transfer in wild-type (WT), IL-1Ra-deficient (IL-1Ra(-/-)) and conditional
      knockout mice. In the latter, IL-1Ra production was specifically targeted in
      myeloid cells (IL-1Ra(DeltaM)) or in both hepatocytes and myeloid cells (IL
      1Ra(DeltaH+M)). Arthritis severity was clinically evaluated and ankle sections
      were scored for synovial inflammation and cartilage erosion. Quantitative RT-PCR,
      western blot and immunohistochemical analyses measured expression, localisation
      and cellular sources of the different IL-1Ra isoforms in arthritic joints.
      RESULTS: Total and myeloid cell-specific IL-1Ra deficiency was associated with
      increased arthritis severity, although disease incidence was similar to that of
      WT mice. Increased clinical scores were associated with exacerbated synovial
      inflammation. All IL-1Ra isoforms, except for intracellular (ic)IL-1Ra2, were
      expressed in arthritic joints of WT mice. In contrast, production of secreted
      (s)IL-1Ra and icIL-1Ra3 isoforms was markedly decreased in arthritic joints of
      both IL-1Ra(DeltaM) and IL-1Ra(DeltaH+M) mice. Immunohistochemical and western
      blot analyses suggested that the icIL-1Ra1 isoform is produced primarily by
      synovial fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Myeloid cell-derived IL-1Ra, including both sIL
      1Ra and icIL-1Ra3 isoforms, controls articular inflammation during the acute
      phase of K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis.

PMID- 22072018
TI  - Beginning at the bottom: evidence-based care of diaper dermatitis.
AB  - Diaper dermatitis (DD), an acute inflammatory reaction of skin in the perineal
      area, is an extremely common pediatric condition. Nurses' practice of preventing
      and treating DD is inconsistent and often not evidence-based. In addition, a 2008
      Skin Injury Prevalence Study at our hospital revealed that 24% of inpatients had
      DD. The authors developed a project to determine a consistent and evidence-based
      approach to DD prevention and treatment including the availability of products. A
      complete literature review was conducted in addition to benchmarking with other
      pediatric hospitals, consultation with topic experts, and evaluation of current
      nursing practice prior to revising the existing perineal skin care nursing
      standard. The evidence supports frequent diaper changes, use of super absorbent
      diapers, and protection of perineal skin with a product containing petrolatum
      and/or zinc oxide. As supported by the literature, we revised the standard to
      include improvements in practice as well as product updates for prevention and
      treatment. Hospital-wide implementation of the revised standard included training
      "Skin Care Champions" to educate staff and support practice improvements. Ongoing
      education and monitoring by the Skin Care Champions is necessary to further
      improve the prevention and treatment of DD for our patients.

PMID- 22072019
TI  - Women's perceptions of centeringpregnancy: a focus group study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: CenteringPregnancy, a model of group prenatal care, provides
      healthcare assessment, education, and support to women. The current study was
      designed to determine women's perceptions of the CenteringPregnancy program.
      METHODS: Twenty-one women participating in CenteringPregnancy, as part of a
      larger study, shared their thoughts related to the strengths and weaknesses of
      their healthcare, thoughts on improvement, and how the care impacted their health
      and health behaviors. A thematic and iterative analysis process, assisted by
      Ethnograph 6.0, allowed for the emersion of important themes that were validated
      in a member check process. RESULTS: The focus group participants provided rich
      insights into their prenatal experiences in CenteringPregnancy. Four substantive
      themes emerged from the data: It's about respect, Knowledge is Power, I'm a
      better mother, and Supporting each other. CONCLUSIONS: CenteringPregnancy was
      well-received by urban, low-income women during their pregnancy and may have
      value with select populations. Themes, exemplar quotes, and participant
      observations may assist others interested in implementing the CenteringPregnancy
      model of care.

PMID- 22072020
TI  - Time-dependency, predictors and clinical impact of infarct transmurality assessed
      by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      reperfused by primary coronary percutaneous intervention.
AB  - Previous studies analyzing the relation between time-to-reperfusion, infarct
      size, microvascular obstruction (MO) and infarct transmurality in patients with
      ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) reperfused by primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) reported inconsistent results. Furthermore, it
      remains unclear, if transmural infarction is associated with adverse clinical
      outcome. The present study included STEMI patients reperfused by primary PCI (n =
      322) within 720 min after symptom-onset undergoing contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (CMR) at a median of 3 days after the index event
      [interquartile range (IQR) 2-4]. Patients were subcategorized into tertiles
      according to time-to-reperfusion. Infarct size and MO were assessed approximately
      15 min after gadolinium-injection. Infarct transmurality was assessed by a score
      with late-enhancement grading as <25, 25-50, 51-75 and >75% transmurality
      analyzing all 17 left ventricular segments. Clinical follow-up was performed
      after 20 months (IQR 13;29). The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of
      death and congestive heart failure. The median time-to-reperfusion was 230 min
      (IQR 153;390). Infarct size and MO did not increase significantly with longer
      time-to-reperfusion (p = 0.16 and p = 0.44, respectively). In contrast to infarct
      size and MO, the infarct transmurality score progressed significantly with
      increasing ischemic time (p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression
      analysis, time-to-reperfusion was identified as an independent predictor for
      transmural infarction (p = 0.03). However, transmural infarction was not
      predictive of the primary composite clinical endpoint (p = 0.22). In conclusion,
      in STEMI patients reperfused by primary PCI, time-to-reperfusion was an
      independent predictor for transmural infarction but not for infarct size and MO.
      However, transmural infarction was not predictive of death and congestive heart
      failure.

PMID- 22072021
TI  - Completion of and early response to chemoradiation among human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative patients with locally advanced cervical
      carcinoma in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very few published studies have dealt with the management of locally
      advanced cervix carcinoma among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive
      patients. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical
      characteristics, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and outcomes in a cohort
      of HIV-positive and HIV-negative women with cervical cancer. METHODS: The authors
      reviewed the charts of 59 HIV-positive patients and 324 HIV-negative patients who
      had stage IB1 to IIIB cervical carcinoma and who received radiation therapy.
      Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared at the time of diagnosis;
      and radiation doses, chemotherapy cycles, and responses were compared at the time
      of brachytherapy and at 6-week follow-up. Logistic regression models of response
      to treatment were developed. RESULTS: Forty-nine HIV-positive patients (88.1%)
      but only 213 HIV-negative patients (65.7%) presented with stage IIIB disease (P =
      .009). Forty-seven HIV-positive patients (79.7%) and 291 HIV-negative patients
      (89.8%) completed the equivalent dose of 68 Grays (Gy) external-beam radiation
      and high-dose-rate brachytherapy. (P = .03). Of the 333 patients who commenced
      concurrent chemotherapy, 26 HIV-positive patients (53.1%) and 212 HIV-negative
      patients (74.6%) completed >=4 weekly cycles of platinum-based treatment. Follow
      up was censured at 6 weeks. In models that included age, disease stage, HIV
      status, and treatment, a poor response at 6 weeks was associated only with stage
      IIIB disease (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-3.96) and receiving
      an equivalent radiation dose in 2-Gy fractions of <68 Gy (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.24
      7.94). CONCLUSIONS: HIV-positive patients fared worse than HIV-negative patients
      because of later presentation and a decreased likelihood of completing treatment.
      The current findings emphasize the importance of completing irradiation therapy.
      Further studies will address the association of these variables with survival.

PMID- 22072022
TI  - Coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis: a case report
      and review of the literature.

PMID- 22072023
TI  - Cystatin C is associated with inflammation but not atherosclerosis in systemic
      lupus erythematosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Even mild renal impairment is associated with increased
      atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. Cystatin C, a novel measure of
      renal function, is more sensitive than conventional creatinine-based measures for
      the detection of subtle renal impairment. Increased cystatin concentrations are
      also associated with cardiovascular risk, independently of conventional measures
      of renal function. This study examined the hypothesis that cystatin C is elevated
      in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with coronary
      atherosclerosis. METHODS: Serum cystatin C, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, coronary artery calcium score (CACS), Framingham
      risk score (FRS), Modified Diet in Renal Disease estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (MDRD-eGFR), and other clinical parameters were measured in 118 patients
      with SLE and 83 control subjects. The independent association between
      concentrations of cystatin C and SLE was evaluated using multivariable linear
      regression models, and the relationship between renal measures and coronary
      calcium was assessed with multivariable proportional odds logistic regression
      models. RESULTS: Cystatin C, but not other measures of renal function, was
      significantly higher in patients with SLE than in controls (1.09 [interquartile
      range, IQR: 0.85-1.28] mg/l vs. 0.89 [IQR: 0.76-0.99] mg/l; p < 0.001 after
      adjustment for age, race, sex and MDRD-eGFR). Cystatin C was significantly
      associated with SLICC (p = 0.04), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p =
      0.02), TNF-alpha (p = 0.008) and IL-6 (p = 0.01) after adjustment for age, race,
      and sex. Cystatin C was not significantly correlated with coronary calcium score
      in SLE (rho=0.096, p = 0.31) and the association remained non-significant after
      adjustment for age, race, sex, and Framingham risk score (p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS:
      Cystatin C was higher in patients with SLE than in control subjects even after
      adjustment for conventional measures of renal function. Cystatin C was
      significantly correlated with several markers of inflammation in SLE but was not
      associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Subtle renal dysfunction does not
      appear to be directly associated with accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE.

PMID- 22072024
TI  - Current state of evidence on 'off-label' therapeutic options for systemic lupus
      erythematosus, including biological immunosuppressive agents, in Germany, Austria
      and Switzerland--a consensus report.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be a severe and potentially life
      threatening disease that often represents a therapeutic challenge because of its
      heterogeneous organ manifestations. Only glucocorticoids, chloroquine and
      hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and very recently belimumab
      have been approved for SLE therapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
      Dependence on glucocorticoids and resistance to the approved therapeutic agents,
      as well as substantial toxicity, are frequent. Therefore, treatment
      considerations will include 'off-label' use of medication approved for other
      indications. In this consensus approach, an effort has been undertaken to
      delineate the limits of the current evidence on therapeutic options for SLE organ
      disease, and to agree on common practice. This has been based on the best
      available evidence obtained by a rigorous literature review and the authors' own
      experience with available drugs derived under very similar health care
      conditions. Preparation of this consensus document included an initial meeting to
      agree upon the core agenda, a systematic literature review with subsequent
      formulation of a consensus and determination of the evidence level followed by
      collecting the level of agreement from the panel members. In addition to
      overarching principles, the panel have focused on the treatment of major SLE
      organ manifestations (lupus nephritis, arthritis, lung disease, neuropsychiatric
      and haematological manifestations, antiphospholipid syndrome and serositis). This
      consensus report is intended to support clinicians involved in the care of
      patients with difficult courses of SLE not responding to standard therapies by
      providing up-to-date information on the best available evidence.

PMID- 22072025
TI  - Decreased serum levels of TGF-beta1 are associated with renal damage in female
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) has a large role in
      the control of autoimmunity. TGF-beta1 production by lymphocytes is reduced in
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Decreased levels of TGF-beta1 might associate
      to disease susceptibility, activity and organ damage in SLE. However, the
      correlation between TGF-beta1 levels and severity of renal damage in SLE has not
      been examined. METHODS: The present study was undertaken to assess the serum
      levels of total and active TGF-beta1 in 150 female patients with SLE and 31
      healthy women. Simple and multiple regression analyses between TGF-beta1 levels
      and the diseases-related variables were performed in patients with SLE. RESULTS:
      Serum levels of both total and active TGF-beta1 were significantly reduced in
      patients with SLE compared with levels in healthy controls (p < 0.01). Total TGF
      beta1 levels correlated positively with white blood cell, platelet counts,
      calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and active TGF-beta1 level, and
      inversely with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In multiple regression
      analysis, ESR and platelet counts remained determinants of total TGF-beta1. Total
      TGF-beta1 levels were lower in patients with high disease activity (SLEDAI > 10)
      and severe organ damage (SLICC > 3). Significantly lower levels of total TGF
      beta1 were found in patients with severe renal damage, i.e. lower TGF-beta1 in
      patients with 24-h urine protein over 3.5 g than in those with below 3.5 g (p <
      0.05); lower TGF-beta1 in patients with GFR less than 50 ml/min than in those
      with over 50 ml/min (p < 0.05). In contrast, active TGF-beta1 only correlated
      with platelet counts. There was no association between renal damage and the
      levels of active TGF-beta1. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates significantly
      reduced serum levels of both total and active TGF-beta1 in women with SLE
      compared with healthy women. Total TGF-beta1 levels are correlated negatively
      with ESR and positively with blood platelets. Total TGF-beta1 levels were lower
      in SLE patients with high disease activity and severe organ damage. Importantly,
      the severity of the renal damage was associated with decreased serum levels of
      total TGF-beta1, suggesting that TGF-beta1 might be involved in pathogenesis of
      renal damage caused by lupus nephritis.

PMID- 22072026
TI  - BPH: perioperative advantages of laser treatment.

PMID- 22072027
TI  - Prostate cancer: who will win the CRPC drug race?

PMID- 22072032
TI  - Tyrosine nitration affects thymidylate synthase properties.
AB  - Highly purified preparations of thymidylate synthase, isolated from calf thymus,
      and L1210 parental and FdUrd-resistant cells, were found to be nitrated, as
      indicated by a specific reaction with anti-nitro-tyrosine antibodies, suggesting
      this modification to appear endogenously in normal and tumor tissues. Each human,
      mouse and Ceanorhabditis elegans recombinant TS preparation, incubated in vitro
      in the presence of NaHCO(3), NaNO(2) and H(2)O(2) at pH 7.5, underwent tyrosine
      nitration, leading to a V(max)(app) 2-fold lower following nitration of 1 (with
      human or C. elegans TS) or 2 (with mouse TS) tyrosine residues per monomer.
      Enzyme interactions with dUMP, meTHF or 5-fluoro-dUMP were not distinctly
      influenced. Nitration under the same conditions of model tripeptides of a general
      formula H(2)N-Gly-X-Gly-COOH (X = Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, Arg, His, Ser, Thr, Cys,
      Gly), monitored by NMR spectroscopy, showed formation of nitro-species only for H
      Gly-Tyr-Gly-OH and H-Gly-Phe-Gly-OH peptides, the chemical shifts for nitrated H
      Gly-Tyr-Gly-OH peptide being in a very good agreement with the strongest peak
      found in (15)N-(1)H HMBC spectrum of nitrated protein. MS analysis of nitrated
      human and C. elegans proteins revealed several thymidylate synthase-derived
      peptides containing nitro-tyrosine (at positions 33, 65, 135, 213, 230, 258 and
      301 in the human enzyme) and oxidized cysteine (human protein Cys(210), with
      catalytically critical Cys(195) remaining apparently unmodified) residues.

PMID- 22072033
TI  - How to introduce virtual microscopy (VM) in routine diagnostic pathology:
      constraints, ideas, and solutions.
AB  - CONTEXT: Virtual microscopy which is the diagnostic work with digitized
      microscopic images in tissue - based diagnosis is in its childhood in being
      implemented in routine diagnosis. Until today, only a few pathology institutions
      take use of this new technology, although it is available since several years.
      Why? DESIGN: Virtual microscopy requires a new workflow organisation in the
      pathologist's diagnostic procedure. At a first view, the laboratory workflow
      seems to remain untouched to a high degree. However, the used laboratory
      information system (LIS), which is commonly built in a hierarchic order, has to
      be adjusted at its highest levels, i.e., diagnosis statement, quality evaluation,
      submission to the clinician (hospital information system), and feedback to the
      laboratory. Therefore, the laboratory's workflow is involved at all levels too,
      and the LIS has to be changed or adjusted to the requirements of VM. VM systems
      are usually equipped with a viewer that mimics the viewing of a conventional
      microscope, and do not offer access to sensitive nodes of the LIS. Similar, LIS
      are usually closed and fixed systems because of data security and certification
      demands. Thus, VM systems have to possess communication access at different LIS
      levels together with steering commands for the LIS in close association with the
      diagnostic quality and efficiency (for example demands for additional stains,
      immunohistochemical or quantitative image methods, etc.), as well as expert
      consultation, or panel discussion. OUTCOME: An implementation of an open and
      active LIS - VM management system could significantly promote the introduction of
      VM into routine diagnostic surgical pathology. The management system has to
      coordinate and translate the demands of VM to LIS (and vice versa), and to assure
      the communication with HIS. Mandatory features include streaming of the
      laboratory workflow, feedback commands to LIS, as well as regulation of temporary
      priority levels. CONCLUSION: A successful implementation of VM systems in routine
      tissue-based diagnosis requires communicative management systems as long as VM is
      considered to be a "stand alone system" that just mimics a conventional
      microscope.

PMID- 22072034
TI  - Injury Free Coalition Annual Supplement: editor's foreword.

PMID- 22072035
TI  - Welcome to the proceedings of the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Injury Free
      Coalition for Kids.

PMID- 22072036
TI  - On the road with injury prevention--an analysis of the efficacy of a mobile
      injury prevention exhibit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of a mobile injury prevention vehicle
      (mobile safety street [MSS]) with a hands-on curriculum on instruction and
      retention of safety knowledge compared with traditional classroom safety
      curriculum among grade 5 elementary school children. METHODS: Grade 5 students (n
      = 1,692) were asked to participate in the study as either the intervention group
      (MSS experience) or the comparison group (traditional classroom safety
      curriculum). Each student in the intervention group was asked to complete a
      series of three surveys. The first survey was given before the MSS visit (Fall
      2009), the second immediately following the MSS visit (Fall 2009), and a third
      given 6 months after the MSS visit (Spring 2010) to measure knowledge retention.
      Students in the comparison group were asked to complete two surveys. The first
      survey was given at the same time as the intervention group (Fall 2009) and the
      second was given after the completion of the traditional classroom safety
      curriculum (Spring 2010). RESULTS: Students scored on average 5.67 of 10 (5.56
      5.80) before any safety instruction was given. After MSS instruction, mean scores
      showed a significant increase to 7.43 of 10 (7.16-7.71). Such increase was still
      measurable 6 months after the intervention 7.34 (7.04-7.66). The comparison group
      saw a significant increase in their mean scores 6.48 (6.10-6.89), but the
      increase was much smaller than the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Community
      based injury prevention programs are essential to reducing preventable injury and
      deaths from trauma. This study demonstrates that a hands-on program is more
      effective than traditional methods for providing safety knowledge.

PMID- 22072037
TI  - Targeting pediatric pedestrian injury prevention efforts: teasing the information
      through spatial analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric pedestrian injuries remain a major cause of childhood
      death, hospitalization, and disability. To target injury prevention efforts, it
      is imperative to identify those children at risk. Racial disparities have been
      noted in the rates of pediatric pedestrian injury and death. Children from low
      income families living in dense, urban residential neighborhoods have a higher
      risk of sustaining pedestrian injury. Geographic information systems (GIS)
      analysis of associated community factors such as child population density and
      median income may offer insights into prevention. METHODS: Using trauma registry
      E-codes for pedestrian motor vehicle crashes, children younger than 16 years were
      identified, who received acute care and were hospitalized at the University of
      Chicago Medical Center, a Level I pediatric trauma center, after being struck by
      a motor vehicle from 2002 to 2009. By retrospective chart review and review of
      the Emergency Medical Services run sheets, demographic data and details of the
      crash site were collected. Crash sites were aggregated on a block by block basis.
      A "hot spot" analysis was performed to localize clusters of injury events. Using
      Gi* statistical method, spatial clusters were identified at different confidence
      intervals using a fixed distance band of 400 m (~ 1/4 mile). Maps were generated
      using GIS with 2000 census data to evaluate race, employment, income, density of
      public and private schools, and density of children living in the neighborhoods
      surrounding our medical center where crash sites were identified. Spatial
      correlation is used to identify statistically significant locations. RESULTS:
      There were 3,521 children admitted to the University of Chicago Medical Center
      for traumatic injuries from 2002 to 2009; 27.7% (974) of these children sustained
      injuries in pedestrian motor vehicle injuries. From 2002 to 2009, there were a
      total of 106 traumatic deaths, of which 29 (27.4%) were due to pedestrian motor
      vehicle crashes. Pediatric pedestrian motor vehicle crash sites occurred
      predominantly within low-income, predominantly African-American neighborhoods. A
      lower prevalence of crash sites was observed in the predominantly higher income,
      non-African-American neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis using GIS
      identified associations between pediatric pedestrian motor vehicle crash sites
      and the neighborhoods served by our pediatric trauma center. Pediatric pedestrian
      motor vehicle crash sites occurred predominantly within low-income, African
      American neighborhoods. The disparity in prevalence of crash sites is somewhat
      attributable to the lower density of children living in the predominantly higher
      income, non-African-American neighborhoods, including the community immediately
      around our hospital. Traffic volume patterns, as a denominator of these injury
      events, remain to be studied.

PMID- 22072038
TI  - Restraint use law enforcement intervention in Latino communities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. Latinos
      aged 1 to 35 years. Restraint use is an effective means of prevention of motor
      vehicle crash injury. Effective interventions to raise restraint use include the
      following: legislation, law enforcement, education, and equipment distribution.
      The effects of law enforcement interventions in Latino immigrant communities are
      understudied. We measured the community-level effect of a combined intervention
      that included warnings and citations phase enforcement in Latino communities.
      METHODS: We designed and implemented in two of three Latino-majority communities
      a multicomponent intervention consisting of a community awareness campaign,
      restraint use education with equipment distribution, and a two-staged law
      enforcement intervention. Restraint use observations were conducted in all three
      communities at baseline, after the warnings phase and again after the citations
      phase of the intervention were completed. RESULTS: The combined intervention of
      community awareness, education, child passenger restraint distribution, and law
      enforcement focused on educational traffic stops with incentives and warnings was
      associated with a significant increase in both driver and child passenger
      restraint use in one intervention community, but only driver restraint increased
      to a level of significance in the other intervention community; significant
      increase was also noted among nonintervention drivers. The citations phase of the
      intervention did not result in a significant increase in restraint use and was
      complicated by interruptions due to unlicensed drivers. CONCLUSION: The combined
      effort of community awareness, education, equipment distribution and law
      enforcement intervention that included incentives and warnings may be effective
      at increasing seat belt use in Latino communities without the need for citations.

PMID- 22072039
TI  - Under the influence with a child in the car: implications for child safety and
      caregiver intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injury is the leading cause of death for those aged 1 year to 44
      years in the United States, with motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) the leading
      cause of injury-related deaths. Little data exist on the relationship between
      caregiver alcohol and drug use at the time of MVC and child passenger outcomes.
      We examined the relationship between caregiver substance use in MVCs and a number
      of demographic, crash severity, and medical outcomes for caregivers and children.
      METHODS: We identified family groups treated in the emergency department of a
      regional Level II trauma center after an MVC in a 1-year period from July 1,
      2005, to June 30, 2006. The distribution and means of characteristics for
      substance and nonsubstance users were compared using chi analysis and Student's t
      tests, respectively. RESULTS: One in 10 vehicles contained an intoxicated
      caregiver at the time of MVC. In 363 identified caregivers, intoxication was
      associated with being male (p < 0.001), lack of safety device use (p = 0.003),
      rollover (p = 0.008), and ejection (p = 0.016). In the 278 family groups,
      intoxicated caregivers were related to child ejection (p = 0.009), the need for
      child hospital admission (p < 0.001), and driver intoxication was related to
      child lack of restraint (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a
      substantial number of child MVC victims arrive at the emergency room after riding
      with an intoxicated caregiver. Findings support the need for prevention programs
      focusing on substance use and driving for male caregivers, and further
      investigation on the need for screening and intervention for caregivers' risky
      alcohol and drug use after a child's MVC.

PMID- 22072040
TI  - Impact of Connecticut's graduated driver licensing system on teenage motor
      vehicle crash rates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In response to high rates of teen motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) many
      states have enacted graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems. GDL delays full
      licensure and allows beginners to obtain experience under lower risk conditions.
      The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact over the past 10 years to
      determine its effect on teen MVCs. METHODS: Connecticut MVC data from 1999 to
      2008 were analyzed. Percent change (1999 vs. 2008) in MVC rates per 10,000
      registered drivers was calculated by age, gender, during the night restriction
      (11:00 pm and 5:00 am), and MVCs with passengers. Linear regression analysis
      estimated the decrease of MVC rates each year. RESULTS: The MVC rate decreased by
      40% for 16-year-old and 30% for 17-year-old drivers. In comparison, rates among
      18-year-old, 19-year-old, 25- to 29-year-old, and 30- to 59-year-old drivers were
      reduced by 16%, 7%, 8%, and 11%, respectively. The MVC rate for 20- to 24-year
      old drivers increased by 1%. During nighttime restricted driving times, MVC rates
      decreased by 54% among 16-year-old and 49% among 17-year-old drivers. The MVC
      rate with passengers decreased by 65% for 16-year-old and 53% for 17-year-old
      drivers. In comparison, rates of nighttime and with passenger MVCs among older
      drivers were significantly less. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of Connecticut's GDL
      system has resulted in significant reductions in MVC rates among novice drivers.
      This analysis provides a method for other states to examine the impact of their
      GDL system.

PMID- 22072041
TI  - "Non-bite dog-related" injuries: an overlooked injury mechanism in the pediatric
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Each year, approximately 4.7 million Americans sustain dog bites, the
      majority of which occur in children. In response to this alarming trend, injury
      prevention programs across the country have focused efforts on preventing dog
      bites in children. However, little attention has been given to non-bite dog
      related injuries, and to date, no data have been presented on this type of injury
      in the western literature. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval
      (IRB No. 07100185) was obtained, data from the trauma registry for all children
      (ages, 0-20 years) admitted to our Level I pediatric trauma center were evaluated
      from 2001 to 2007. Information regarding dog-related injuries was obtained. Data
      were divided into injuries related to bites and non-bites. Demographics, injury
      pattern, and outcome were evaluated. Descriptive statistics, Student's t test,
      and Fisher's exact/chi analyses were preformed. RESULTS: Over the 6-year period
      reviewed, 191 (2%) children were admitted to the Benedum Trauma Program for dog
      related injuries. Thirty-four (18%) children sustained non-bite-related injuries
      while the remainder sustained bite/scratch injuries. Twenty-six (76%) of the
      children sustained injuries directly due to contact with dogs; four (12%) of them
      were injured after falling while being carried by adults who either tripped over
      a dog or were pushed by a dog. The remaining four (12%) children sustained
      injuries while colliding with dogs while on motorized and/or nonmotorized
      vehicles. Abrasions/lacerations and head injury occurred most frequently,
      followed by extremity fractures, particularly of the femur. Children injured by
      non-bite-related mechanisms were more severely injured than those sustained a
      bite, although the Injury Severity Score in both groups was low. CONCLUSION: Dog
      bites have been recognized around the world as a substantial public health
      problem particularly in children. In our experience, we have seen that non-bite
      related injuries should not be ignored. The injuries seen in this subset of
      children are the result of being struck or pushed, resulting in multiple,
      potentially severe injuries. These data underscore the unpredictable nature of
      animals and the need for adult supervision when animals and children interact.

PMID- 22072042
TI  - Behaviors of young children around microwave ovens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scald burn injuries are the leading cause of burn-related emergency
      room visits and hospitalizations for young children. A portion of these injuries
      occur when children are removing items from microwave ovens. This study assessed
      the ability of typically developing children aged 15 months to 5 years to
      operate, open, and remove the contents from a microwave oven. METHODS: The Denver
      Developmental Screening Test II was administered to confirm typical development
      of the 40 subjects recruited. All children recruited and enrolled in this study
      showed no developmental delays in any domain in the Denver Developmental
      Screening Test II. Children were observed for the ability to open both a push and
      pull microwave oven door, to start the microwave oven, and to remove a cup from
      the microwave oven. RESULTS: All children aged 4 years were able to open the
      microwaves, turn on the microwave, and remove the contents. Of the children aged
      3 years, 87.5% were able to perform all study tasks. For children aged 2 years,
      90% were able to open both microwaves, turn on the microwave, and remove the
      contents. In this study, children as young as 17 months could start a microwave
      oven, open the door, and remove the contents putting them at significant risk for
      scald burn injury. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention efforts to improve supervision and
      caregiver education have not lead to a significant reduction in scald injuries in
      young children. A redesign of microwave ovens might prevent young children from
      being able to open them thereby reducing risk of scald injury by this mechanism.

PMID- 22072043
TI  - Goods for Guns--the use of a gun buyback as an injury prevention/community
      education tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: US children aged between 5 years and 14 years have a rate of gun
      related homicide 17 times higher and a rate of gun-related suicide and
      unintentional firearm injury 10 times higher than other developed countries. Gun
      buyback programs have been criticized as ineffective interventions in decreasing
      violence. The Injury Free Coalition for Kids-Worcester (IFCK-W) Goods for Guns
      buyback is a multipronged approach to address these concerns and to reduce the
      number of firearms in the community. METHODS: The IFCK-W buyback program is
      funded by corporate sponsors, grants, and individual donations. Citizens are
      instructed to transport guns, ammunition, and weapons safely to police
      headquarters on two Saturdays in December. Participants are guaranteed anonymity
      by the District Attorney's office and receive gift certificates for operable
      guns. Trained volunteers administer an anonymous survey to willing participants.
      Individuals who disclose having unsafely stored guns remaining at home receive
      educational counseling and trigger locks. Guns and ammunition are destroyed at a
      later time in a gun crushing ceremony. RESULTS: Since 2002, 1,861 guns (444
      rifle/shotgun, 738 pistol/revolver, and 679 automatic/semiautomatic) have been
      collected at a cost of $99,250 (average, $53/gun). Seven hundred ten people have
      surrendered firearms, 534 surveys have been administered, and ~ 75 trigger locks
      have been distributed per year. CONCLUSIONS: IFCK-W Goods for Guns is a
      relatively inexpensive injury prevention model program that removes unwanted
      firearms from homes, raises community awareness about gun safety, and provides
      high-risk individuals with trigger locks and educational counseling.

PMID- 22072044
TI  - Epidemiology of bone fracture across the age span in blacks and whites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gender and racial disparities in injury mortality have been well
      established, but less is known regarding differences in fracture-related
      hospitalizations across the age span. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of annual
      incident fracture hospital admissions used statewide acute care hospital
      discharge data (Statewide Program and Research Cooperative System) for non
      Hispanic White (n = 138,763) and non-Hispanic Black (n = 19,588) residents of New
      York State between 2000 and 2002. US census data with intercensal estimates were
      used to ascertain the population at risk. Gender- and race-specific incident
      fracture was calculated in 5-year age intervals. The chi test was used to analyze
      categorical variables. RESULTS: Mechanisms of injury vary by race and gender in
      their relative contribution to injury-related fractures across the age span.
      Black males exhibited higher fracture incidence until approximately age 62, while
      incidence in women diverged around age 45. Total motor vehicle traffic-related
      fracture hospitalization is bimodal in Whites but not in Blacks. Over the life
      span, all groups exhibited bimodal pedestrian fractures with pedestrian fractures
      accounting for 8.8% and 2.5% of all fractures in Blacks and Whites, respectively.
      Racial disparities were present from preschool through age 70. Violence-related
      fractures were 10 times higher in Blacks, accounting for 18.2% of
      hospitalizations. Black males exhibit higher fracture incidence due to violence
      by age 5 and higher gun violence by age 10; both remain elevated through age 75.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite historical studies demonstrating higher bone density in
      Blacks, this study found racial disparities with increased fracture risk in both
      Black children and adults across most nonfall-related injury mechanisms examined.

PMID- 22072045
TI  - The pediatric hospital incident command system: an innovative approach to
      hospital emergency management.

PMID- 22072046
TI  - Comparative study of polysaccharides from reproductive and sterile tissues of
      five brown seaweeds.
AB  - Sterile and reproductive tissues of five brown algae (Sargassum pallidum,
      Silvetia babingtonii, Fucus evanescens, Saccharina japonica, and Alaria
      ochotensis) from Russian Far East seas were compared for the content and
      monosaccharide composition of fucoidans as well as the content of laminarans and
      alginic acids. It was proved that reproduction has an apparent effect on fucoidan
      content and its monosaccharide composition. Fucoidan content in fertile tissues
      was shown to be 1.3-1.5 times as high as in sterile ones. Based on the present
      and previously reported data, we believe that fucoidan accumulation during the
      development of reproductive structure is a general trend for brown seaweeds.
      Reproduction also caused changes in the monosaccharide composition. As a result,
      fertile plants synthesized fucoidan with less heterogeneous monosaccharide
      composition in comparison with sterile ones. Structural changes of this
      polysaccharide are species-specific and perhaps depend on the type of the
      synthesized polysaccharide. The fertile plants of S. babingtonii yielded the
      highest fucoidan content [25% dry weight (dw)] among the tested species, whereas
      the maximum alginic acid content was found for the sterile tissues of S. japonica
      up to 43% dw. There was no general trend in alginic acid content variation during
      sporulation. The alginic acid content was much higher in the sterile tissues of
      S. japonica in comparison with the fertile ones. On the contrary, the fertile
      tissues of A. ochotensis contained more alginic acid than the sterile ones.

PMID- 22072047
TI  - Molecular characterization of a nonfibrillar collagen from the marine sponge
      Chondrosia reniformis Nardo 1847 and positive effects of soluble silicates on its
      expression.
AB  - We report here the complete cDNA sequence of a nonfibrillar collagen (COLch)
      isolated from the marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis, Nardo 1847 using a PCR
      approach. COLch cDNA consists of 2,563 nucleotides and includes a 5' untranslated
      region (UTR) of 136 nucleotides, a 3' UTR of 198 nucleotides, and an open reading
      frame encoding for a protein of 743 amino acids with an estimated M (r) of 72.12
      kDa. The phylogenetic analysis on the deduced amino acid sequence of C-terminal
      end shows that the isolated sequence belongs to the short-chain spongin-like
      collagen subfamily, a nonfibrillar group of invertebrate collagens similar to
      type IV collagen. In situ hybridization analysis shows higher expression of COLch
      mRNA in the cortical part than in the inner part of the sponge. Therefore, COLch
      seems to be involved in the formation of C. reniformis ectosome, where it could
      play a key role in the attachment to the rocky substrata and in the selective
      sediment incorporation typical of these organisms. qPCR analysis of COLch mRNA
      level, performed on C. reniformis tissue culture models (fragmorphs), also
      demonstrates that this matrix protein is directly involved in sponge healing
      processes and that soluble silicates positively regulate its expression. These
      findings confirm the essential role of silicon in the fibrogenesis process also
      in lower invertebrates, and they should give a tool for a sustainable production
      of marine collagen in sponge mariculture.

PMID- 22072048
TI  - Preliminary development of a lymphedema symptom assessment scale for patients
      with head and neck cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently, no instruments are available to assess symptoms secondary to
      lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The study aim was to
      develop and conduct preliminary tests of such an instrument. METHODS: A
      preliminary item pool was generated from a literature review, previous work in
      breast cancer-related lymphedema, and an observational study. The item pool was
      revised based on an expert panel's suggestions and feedback from 18 patients with
      HNC. The current questionnaire, the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress
      Survey-Head and Neck (LSIDS-H&N), was then pilot tested in 30 patients with HNC.
      RESULTS: Preliminary testing (1) demonstrated feasibility, readability, and ease
      of use of the LSIDS-H&N and (2) identified that there was a considerable level of
      symptom burden in the cohort of patients in the piloting sample. CONCLUSION:
      Content validity of the LSIDS-H&N was supported by the expert panel during
      development of the LSIDS-H&N. Further testing is ongoing.

PMID- 22072049
TI  - What are the perceived needs and challenges of informal caregivers in home cancer
      palliative care? Qualitative data to construct a feasible psycho-educational
      intervention.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tailored and specific interventions for informal caregivers in
      palliative care are rare. We aimed to generate evidence to inform a subsequent
      appropriate intervention based on caregivers' experiences. METHOD: Single, semi
      structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 informal cancer
      caregivers of home cancer palliative care. RESULTS: Carers reported the need to
      be prepared for their caring role, to be visible to professionals, to receive
      clear and specific information about the patient's condition, and to be
      emotionally supported. They described challenges as uncertainty, distress at
      witnessing disease progression and the daily struggle with financial issues,
      personal time, own health and sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the time
      pressures and restricted caregiver time, the intervention should be brief and
      should aim to enhance their visibility as service recipients, patient-specific
      information giving, preparation for their role, and emotional support.

PMID- 22072050
TI  - Thyroid cancer patients' involvement in adjuvant radioactive iodine treatment
      decision-making and decision regret: an exploratory study.
AB  - PURPOSE: We explored regret in thyroid cancer patients, relating to the decision
      to accept or reject adjuvant radioactive iodine treatment. METHODS: We studied
      patients with a recent diagnosis of early stage papillary thyroid carcinoma, in
      whom treatment decisions on adjuvant radioactive iodine had been finalized.
      Participants completed a Decision Regret Scale questionnaire. We asked the
      participants to identify who made the final decision about radioactive iodine
      treatment. We explored the relationship between decision regret and a) degree of
      patient involvement in decision-making and b) receipt of radioactive iodine
      treatment. RESULTS: We included 44 individuals, more than half of whom received
      adjuvant radioactive iodine treatment (26/44). Decision regret was generally low
      (mean 22.1, standard deviation [SD] 13.0). Participants reported that the final
      treatment decision was made by the following: patient and doctor (52.3%, 23/44),
      completely the patient (27.3%, 12/44), or completely the physician (20.5%, 9/44).
      Decision regret significantly differed according to who made the final decision:
      the patient (mean 19.0, SD 11.3), patient and doctor (mean 19.5, SD 7.4), and the
      doctor (mean 32.9, SD 20.37) (F = 4.569; degrees of freedom = 2, 41; p = 0.016).
      There was no significant difference in decision regret between patients who
      received radioactive iodine and those who did not (mean difference -2.5; 95%
      confidence interval -10.6, 5.6; p = 0.540). CONCLUSION: Thyroid cancer patients
      who reported being involved in the final treatment decision on adjuvant
      radioactive iodine had less regret than those who did not.

PMID- 22072051
TI  - A novel approach to paraneoplastic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
AB  - Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) are uncommon, affecting fewer than 1 in
      10,000 patients with cancer. PNS, while rare, can cause significant morbidity and
      impose enormous socio-economic costs, besides severely affecting quality of life.
      PNS can involve any part of the nervous system and can present as limbic
      encephalitis, subacute cerebellar ataxias, opsoclonus-myoclonus, retinopathies,
      chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), sensory neuronopathy, Lambert-Eaton
      myasthenic syndrome, stiff-person syndrome, and encephalomyelitis. The standard
      of care for CIPO includes the use of promotility and anti-secretory agents and
      the resection of the non-functioning gut segment; all of which can cause
      significant compromise in the quality of life. There is significant evidence that
      paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes are associated with antibodies directed
      against certain nerve antigens. We successfully treated a patient with CIPO in
      the setting of small cell lung cancer with a combination of rituximab and
      cyclophosphamide. The patient, who had failed to respond to prokinetic agents,
      anti-secretory therapy, and multiple resections, responded to the
      immunomodulatory therapy, with minimal residuals with PEG tube feeding and
      sustained ostomy output. The use of rituximab and cyclophosphamide should
      therefore be considered in patients with CIPO, especially if it can avoid
      complicated surgical procedures.

PMID- 22072052
TI  - Sterically stabilized liposomes incorporating the novel anticancer agent phospho
      ibuprofen (MDC-917): preparation, characterization, and in vitro/in vivo
      evaluation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To incorporate phospho-ibuprofen (P-I), a lipophilic, water insoluble
      novel anti-cancer agent, into pegylated liposomes and upon formulation
      optimization to evaluate its antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: P
      I loaded liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, and
      characterized for size, zeta potential, drug content and drug release. We
      examined their physical stability by particle size changes; their lyophilization
      ability in the presence of cryoprotectants; and their antitumor activity in vitro
      in human cancer cell lines and in vivo in a xenograft murine model. RESULTS: P-I
      was successfully loaded into liposomes consisting of soy-PC and PEG(2000)-PE.
      These liposomes were <150 nm in diameter; exhibited prolonged stability in
      suspension and can be lyophilized using sucrose as cryoprotectant. P-I liposomes
      inhibited the growth of human cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo of xenograft
      in nude mice to a greater extent than free P-I. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of P-I
      can be incorporated into liposomes which can be lyophilized in the presence of
      sucrose and showed good stability upon storage. Moreover, these drug
      incorporating liposomes were capable of inhibiting the growth of xenografted
      tumors in mice more effectively than free P-I. These results justify further
      development of the P-I liposomes.

PMID- 22072054
TI  - Haplotypes and haplotype-pairs of IL-1 beta and IL-6 genes and risk of non fatal
      myocardial infarction in the Western New York Acute MI Study.

PMID- 22072053
TI  - Polymeric nanoparticles affect the intracellular delivery, antiretroviral
      activity and cytotoxicity of the microbicide drug candidate dapivirine.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the intracellular delivery, antiretroviral activity and
      cytotoxicity of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles containing the
      antiretroviral drug dapivirine. METHODS: Dapivirine-loaded nanoparticles with
      different surface properties were produced using three surface modifiers:
      poloxamer 338 NF (PEO), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and cetyl trimethylammonium
      bromide (CTAB). The ability of nanoparticles to promote intracellular drug
      delivery was assessed in different cell types relevant for vaginal HIV
      transmission/microbicide development. Also, antiretroviral activity of
      nanoparticles was determined in different cell models, as well as their
      cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Dapivirine-loaded nanoparticles were readily taken up by
      different cells, with particular kinetics depending on the cell type and
      nanoparticles, resulting in enhanced intracellular drug delivery in phagocytic
      cells. Different nanoparticles showed similar or improved antiviral activity
      compared to free drug. There was a correlation between increased antiviral
      activity and increased intracellular drug delivery, particularly when cell models
      were submitted to a single initial short-course treatment. PEO-PCL and SLS-PCL
      nanoparticles consistently showed higher selectivity index values than free drug,
      contrasting with high cytotoxicity of CTAB-PCL. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      provide evidence on the potential of PCL nanoparticles to affect in vitro
      toxicity and activity of dapivirine, depending on surface engineering. Thus, this
      formulation approach may be a promising strategy for the development of next
      generation microbicides.

PMID- 22072055
TI  - Menstrual migraine: update on pathophysiology and approach to therapy and
      management.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Menstrual migraine (MM) is often reported to be more severe
      and more resistant to treatment than other migraines. Nevertheless, initial
      treatment should be the same as for any migraine. When results of acute therapy
      are incomplete or unsatisfactory, preventive strategies are warranted, including
      both pharmacologic preventives and careful adherence to lifestyle modifications.
      Where MM differs from other attacks is in its predictable timing and discrete
      precipitants. These differences allow for unique preventive strategies that
      target either the timing of the attacks or their hormonal precipitants.
      Nonspecific MM strategies-those that do not address the hormonal mechanism
      include scheduled dosing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or
      triptans throughout the menstrual window. NSAIDs are a good choice when there is
      comorbid dysmenorrhea and allow for treatment of breakthrough headaches with
      triptans. Both strategies require that the timing of MM is highly predictable.
      Specific strategies for MM are those that reduce or eliminate the premenstrual
      decline in estradiol that predictably precipitates attacks. These include
      continuous or extended-cycle dosing of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). A
      number of common gynecologic comorbidities argue for early adoption of these
      treatments, as CHCs effectively treat dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, ovarian cysts,
      endometriosis, and irregular cycles. In the author's experience, hormonal
      preventives are the best approach for most women whose menstrual attacks are
      resistant to acute therapy. They afford the greatest therapeutic benefit in
      prevention while treating common comorbidities and allowing for acute treatment
      with triptans when needed.

PMID- 22072056
TI  - Treatment of nystagmus.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Patients with congenital and acquired forms of nystagmus are
      commonly encountered in clinical practice. Many report visual symptoms, such as
      oscillopsia and blurred vision, which can be alleviated if the nystagmus can be
      suppressed. Pharmacologic, optical, and surgical treatments are available, with
      the choice of treatment depending on the characteristics of the nystagmus and the
      severity of the associated visual symptoms. Downbeat nystagmus can be treated
      with 4-aminopyridine, 3,4-diaminopyridine, or clonazepam. Upbeat nystagmus can be
      reduced with memantine, 4-aminopyridine, or baclofen. Torsional nystagmus may
      respond to gabapentin. Acquired pendular nystagmus in patients with multiple
      sclerosis is often partially suppressed by gabapentin or memantine. Acquired
      pendular nystagmus in patients with oculopalatal tremor can respond to
      gabapentin, memantine, or trihexyphenidyl. Although acquired periodic alternating
      nystagmus is often completely suppressed by baclofen, memantine can be effective
      in refractory cases. Seesaw nystagmus can be reduced with alcohol, clonazepam, or
      memantine. Infantile nystagmus may not cause significant visual symptoms if
      "foveation periods" are well developed, but the nystagmus can be treated in
      symptomatic patients with gabapentin, memantine, acetazolamide, topical
      brinzolamide, contact lenses, or base-out prisms to induce convergence. Several
      surgical therapies have also been reported to improve infantile nystagmus
      syndrome (INS), but selection of the appropriate therapy requires preoperative
      evaluation of visual acuity and nystagmus intensity in different gaze positions.
      Other treatment options for nystagmus include botulinum toxin injections into the
      extraocular muscles or retrobulbar space. Electro-optical devices are currently
      being developed, in order to noninvasively negate the visual consequences of
      nystagmus.

PMID- 22072057
TI  - Hypnic headache: clinical course and treatment.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Thus far, no data from randomized placebo-controlled clinical
      trials are available for hypnic headache, so current treatment recommendations
      are based on single case reports and smaller open case series. In the
      predominantly elderly patient population affected by this disease, tolerability
      of the substances used is at least as important as their efficacy. Caffeine is
      the preferable first-line therapy for both acute treatment (i.e., a cup of strong
      coffee when awaking with headache) and prophylaxis (a cup of strong coffee before
      going to bed). Sleep problems should be considered as substantial side effects of
      this therapy, although they seem to occur far less than expected. For acute
      treatment, analgesics containing caffeine are also effective, but they may carry
      the risk of medication-overuse headache. Treatments that not effective for acute
      pain relief include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, 100%
      oxygen, and acetaminophen Triptans may be effective in single cases. For
      prophylaxis, lithium should be tried as a second treatment option if caffeine
      intake is not effective or tolerated. Lithium has been reported to be effective
      in many patients, but it was often discontinued because of side effects.
      Indomethacin may be a viable option for third-line prophylactic therapy.

PMID- 22072058
TI  - [Stability of volar fixed-angle plating for distal radius fractures. Failure
      modes in osteoporotic bone].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures continue to show significant complication
      rates after operative treatment with locked plating. Failure occurs by screw
      loosening or screw penetration in the distal fragment. Placement of additional
      screws may enhance the stiffness of fracture fixation. The aim of this study was
      to determine the fatigue properties of different screw configurations in distal
      radius plate osteosynthesis with biomechanical tests and finite element analysis
      (FEA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Unstable distal radius fractures were created in 12
      human cadaveric bone specimens and were fixed with volar locking plates. Group
      4SC was fixed with four screws in the distal row and group 6SC with two
      additional screws the row below. Dynamic loading was applied physiologically. The
      radial shortening, the angulation of the distal fragment and the failure
      mechanism were determined by experimental tests and were further elucidated by
      FEA. RESULTS: Group 6SC showed a significantly lower radial shortening and
      inclination. Breakage of the screws within the plate was noted in group 4SC,
      while moderate screw penetration was observed in group 6SC. FEA confirmed the
      biomechanical tests. In group 4SC elevated von Mises strain in the locking
      mechanism explained the inclination of the screws and the distal fragment. The
      elastic strain in group 6SC was increased at the screw-bone interface which
      explained the resulting screw penetration. CONCLUSION: The failure mechanism in
      volar plating of distal radius fractures depended on the number of screws and
      their configuration. Using two more screws increases construct stiffness and
      angular stability under dynamic loading. However, increased stiffness also
      promoted screw penetration mainly in osteoporotic bone. Compared to screw
      penetration, loss of reposition and inclination of the distal fragment observed
      in the 4SC configuration is more likely to result in clinical complications.

PMID- 22072059
TI  - Airway exchange catheters: appropriate use and gas embolism.

PMID- 22072060
TI  - Unexplained fever after bilateral superficial cervical block in children
      undergoing cochlear implantation: an observational study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In an effort to decrease postoperative opioid requirements,
      intraoperative bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) was recently
      adopted for all our children undergoing general anesthesia for bilateral
      simultaneous cochlear implantation (BSiCI). Several cases of early postoperative
      fever were noted after the adoption of BSCPB. Our aim was to determine if an
      association exists between BSCPB and early postoperative fever in children
      undergoing BSiCI. As a secondary outcome, we studied the efficacy of BSCPB in
      altering postoperative analgesic requirements. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study of 91 consecutive children who underwent BSiCI. The
      series included 34 patients who received BSCPB (Block Group) and 57 patients who
      did not receive BSCPB (No-block Group). RESULTS: The median age (range) was 15.4
      months (eight months - 15 yr). A significant association was found between BSCPB
      and postoperative fever (P = 0.006). Eighteen (19.7%) children developed fever in
      the first 24 hr after surgery (Block Group: 12/34 [35%]; No-block Group: 6/57
      [11%]; P = 0.006). The Block Group was 4.8 times more likely to develop early
      postoperative fever after adjusting for other variables (P = 0.004). The Block
      Group spent more days in hospital after surgery compared with the No-block Group
      (P = 0.043). Other vital signs showed no major deviation from the normal ranges,
      and daily physical examinations revealed no obvious source of infection in
      children who developed postoperative fever. CONCLUSION: Bilateral superficial
      cervical plexus block may increase the risk of postoperative fever in children
      undergoing BSiCI. In this series, BSCPB was associated with a longer hospital
      admission. The etiology of the fever is undetermined, although it can be
      hypothesized that BSCPB resulted in unintended block of the phrenic nerves
      leading to diaphragmatic paralysis, atelectasis, and early postoperative fever in
      young children.

PMID- 22072061
TI  - Edaphic factors affecting the vertical distribution of radionuclides in the
      different soil types of Belgrade, Serbia.
AB  - The specific activities of natural radionuclides ((40)K, (226)Ra and (232)Th) and
      Chernobyl-derived (137)Cs were measured in soil profiles representing typical
      soil types of Belgrade (Serbia): chernozems, fluvisols, humic gleysols, eutric
      cambisols, vertisols and gleyic fluvisols. The influence of soil properties and
      content of stable elements on radionuclide distribution down the soil profiles
      (at 5 cm intervals up to 50 cm depth) was analysed. Correlation analysis
      identified associations of (40)K, (226)Ra and (137)Cs with fine-grained soil
      fractions. Significant positive correlations were found between (137)Cs specific
      activity and both organic matter content and cation exchange capacity. Saturated
      hydraulic conductivity and specific electrical conductivity were also positively
      correlated with the specific activity of (137)Cs. The strong positive
      correlations between (226)Ra and (232)Th specific activities and Fe and Mn
      indicate an association with oxides of these elements in soil. The correlations
      observed between (40)K and Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn and also between (137)Cs and Cd, Cr,
      Pb and Zn could be attributed to their common affinity for clay minerals. These
      results provide insight into the main factors that affect radionuclide migration
      in the soil, which contributes to knowledge about radionuclide behaviour in the
      environment and factors governing their mobility within terrestrial ecosystems.

PMID- 22072063
TI  - New 2011 survey of patients with complex care needs in eleven countries finds
      that care is often poorly coordinated.
AB  - Around the world, adults with serious illnesses or chronic conditions account for
      a disproportionate share of national health care spending. We surveyed patients
      with complex care needs in eleven countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany,
      the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom,
      and the United States) and found that in all of them, care is often poorly
      coordinated. However, adults seen at primary practices with attributes of a
      patient-centered medical home--where clinicians are accessible, know patients'
      medical history, and help coordinate care--gave higher ratings to the care they
      received and were less likely to experience coordination gaps or report medical
      errors. Throughout the survey, patients in Switzerland and the United Kingdom
      reported significantly more positive experiences than did patients in the other
      countries surveyed. Reported improvements in the United Kingdom tracked with
      recent reforms there in health care delivery. Patients in the United States
      reported difficulty paying medical bills and forgoing care because of costs. Our
      study indicates a need for improvement in all countries through redesigning
      primary care, developing care teams accountable across sites of care, and
      managing transitions and medications well. The United States in particular has
      opportunities to learn from diverse payment innovations and care redesign efforts
      under way in the other study countries.

PMID- 22072062
TI  - ER stress sensitizes cells to TRAIL through down-regulation of FLIP and Mcl-1 and
      PERK-dependent up-regulation of TRAIL-R2.
AB  - Despite recent evidences suggesting that agents inducing endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) stress could be exploited as potential antitumor drugs in combination with
      tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), the mechanisms
      of this anticancer action are not fully understood. Moreover, the effects of ER
      stress and TRAIL in nontransformed cells remain to be investigated. In this study
      we report that ER stress-inducing agents sensitizes both transformed and
      nontransformed cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In addition, glucose-regulated
      protein of 78 kDa (GRP78) knockdown by RNA interference induces ER stress and
      facilitates apoptosis by TRAIL. We demonstrate that TRAIL death-inducing
      signaling complex (DISC) formation and early signaling are enhanced in ER
      stressed cells. ER stress alters the cellular levels of different apoptosis
      related proteins including a decline in the levels of FLIP and Mcl-1 and the up
      regulation of TRAIL-R2. Up-regulation of TRAIL-R2 following ER stress is
      dependent on the expression of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and independent of
      CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and Ire1alpha. Silencing
      of TRAIL-R2 expression by siRNA blocks the ER stress-mediated sensitization to
      TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, simultaneous silencing of cFLIP and Mcl-1
      expression by RNA interference results in a marked sensitization to TRAIL-induced
      apoptosis. Finally, in FLIP-overexpressing cells ER stress-induced sensitization
      to TRAIL-activated apoptosis is markedly reduced. In summary, our data reveal a
      pleiotropic mechanism involving both apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins for
      the sensitizing effect of ER stress on the regulation of TRAIL receptor-mediated
      apoptosis in both transformed and nontransformed cells.

PMID- 22072064
TI  - Interplay between gold nanoparticle biosynthesis and metabolic activity of
      cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

PMID- 22072065
TI  - Predicting the risk of chemotherapy toxicity in older patients: the Chemotherapy
      Risk Assessment Scale for High-Age Patients (CRASH) score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tools are lacking to assess the individual risk of severe toxicity
      from chemotherapy. Such tools would be especially useful for older patients, who
      vary considerably in terms of health status and functional reserve. METHODS: The
      authors conducted a prospective, multicentric study of patients aged >=70 years
      who were starting chemotherapy. Grade 4 hematologic (H) or grade 3/4
      nonhematologic (NH) toxicity according to version 3.0 of the Common Terminology
      Criteria for Adverse Events was defined as severe. Twenty-four parameters were
      assessed. Toxicity of the regimen (Chemotox) was adjusted using an index to
      estimate the average per-patient risk of chemotherapy toxicity (the MAX2 index).
      In total, 562 patients were accrued, and 518 patients were evaluable and were
      split randomly (2:1 ratio) into a derivation cohort and a validation cohort.
      RESULTS: Severe toxicity was observed in 64% of patients. The Chemotherapy Risk
      Assessment Scale for High-Age Patients (CRASH) score was constructed along 2
      subscores: H toxicity and NH toxicity. Predictors of H toxicity were lymphocytes,
      aspartate aminotransferase level, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living score,
      lactate dehydrogenase level, diastolic blood pressure, and Chemotox. The best
      model included the 4 latter predictors (risk categories: low, 7%; medium-low,
      23%; medium-high, 54%; and high, 100%, respectively; P(trend) < .001). Predictors
      of NH toxicity were hemoglobin, creatinine clearance, albumin, self-rated health,
      Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance, Mini-Mental Status score, Mini
      Nutritional Assessment score, and Chemotox. The 4 latter predictors provided the
      best model (risk categories: 33%, 46%, 67%, and 93%, respectively; P(trend) <
      .001). The combined risk categories were 50%, 58%, 77%, and 79%, respectively;
      P(trend) < .001). Bootstrap internal validation and independent sample validation
      demonstrated stable risk categorization and P(trend) < .001. CONCLUSIONS: The
      CRASH score distinguished several risk levels of severe toxicity. The split score
      discriminated better than the combined score. To the authors' knowledge, this is
      the first score systematically integrating both chemotherapy and patient risk for
      older patients and has a potential for future clinical application.

PMID- 22072066
TI  - Iatrogenic psychological harm.
AB  - While prevention of iatrogenic harm is a sufficient priority to determine service
      structures and practice, the concept of harm is largely restricted to the
      physical. Psychological harm has received scant attention despite its importance,
      particularly for children and adolescents. A professional climate increasingly
      reliant on measurement and evidence and coloured by fear of litigation
      contributes to perpetuating the anomaly. The aim of this paper is to consider how
      and why iatrogenic psychological harm may happen, why i-dt matters, how it may be
      manifest and how it may be prevented. Prevention of psychological harm should be
      as great a priority as that of physical harm.

PMID- 22072067
TI  - In vitro and in vivo assessment of the glycemic index of bakery products:
      influence of the reformulation of ingredients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the modification of ingredients of two bakery
      products, muffins and bread, reduces their glycemic index, by means of in vitro
      and in vivo procedures. METHODS: In vitro and in vivo glycemic index were
      evaluated for two types of bread and two types of muffins including one standard
      product for each category. For the in vitro determination, kinetics of starch
      digestion method was used. For the in vivo procedure, postprandial glucose
      measured as IAUC was obtained in a group of eighteen healthy volunteers (ten did
      the test with muffins and eight with breads). RESULTS: In in vitro, a reduction
      in the expected glycemic index regarding the control muffin was achieved with the
      partial substitution of wheat flour by a mixture of resistant starch, dextrin and
      lentil flour. In breads, with the partial substitution of wheat flour by a
      mixture of resistant starch and dextrins, a decrease in the expected glycemic
      index was also observed. In in vivo, a reduction in GI was also achieved both in
      muffin and in bread. All the obtained GI was higher in in vitro method.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that in vitro overestimate in vivo method, the
      trend in the reduction in GI seems to be similar in both methods. With the
      substitution assayed, a reduction in the expected glycemic index and the glycemic
      index were obtained both in muffins and in breads.

PMID- 22072068
TI  - The recombination landscape in Arabidopsis thaliana F2 populations.
AB  - Recombination during meiosis shapes the complement of alleles segregating in the
      progeny of hybrids, and has important consequences for phenotypic variation. We
      examined allele frequencies, as well as crossover (XO) locations and frequencies
      in over 7000 plants from 17 F(2) populations derived from crosses between 18
      Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. We observed segregation distortion between
      parental alleles in over half of our populations. The potential causes of
      distortion include variation in seed dormancy and lethal epistatic interactions.
      Such a high occurrence of distortion was only detected here because of the large
      sample size of each population and the number of populations characterized. Most
      plants carry only one or two XOs per chromosome pair, and therefore inherit very
      large, non-recombined genomic fragments from each parent. Recombination
      frequencies vary between populations but consistently increase adjacent to the
      centromeres. Importantly, recombination rates do not correlate with whole-genome
      sequence differences between parental accessions, suggesting that sequence
      diversity within A. thaliana does not normally reach levels that are high enough
      to exert a major influence on the formation of XOs. A global knowledge of the
      patterns of recombination in F(2) populations is crucial to better understand the
      segregation of phenotypic traits in hybrids, in the laboratory or in the wild.

PMID- 22072069
TI  - Genetic correlations and the evolution of photoperiodic time measurement within a
      local population of the pitcher-plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii.
AB  - The genetic relationship between the daily circadian clock and the seasonal
      photoperiodic timer remains a subject of intense controversy. In Wyeomyia
      smithii, the critical photoperiod (an overt expression of the photoperiodic
      timer) evolves independently of the rhythmic response to the Nanda-Hamner
      protocol (an overt expression of the daily circadian clock) over a wide
      geographical range in North America. Herein, we focus on these two processes
      within a single local population in which there is a negative genetic correlation
      between them. We show that antagonistic selection against this genetic
      correlation rapidly breaks it down and, in fact, reverses its sign, showing that
      the genetic correlation is due primarily to linkage and not to pleiotropy. This
      rapid reversal of the genetic correlation within a small, single population means
      that it is difficult to argue that circadian rhythmicity forms the necessary,
      causal basis for the adaptive divergence of photoperiodic time measurement within
      populations or for the evolution of photoperiodic time measurement among
      populations over a broad geographical gradient of seasonal selection.

PMID- 22072071
TI  - Non-contrast MRA using an inflow-enhanced, inversion recovery SSFP technique in
      pediatric abdominal imaging.
AB  - Abdominal contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) is routinely performed in
      children. CE-MRA is challenging in children because of patient motion, difficulty
      in obtaining intravenous access, and the inability of young patients to perform a
      breath-hold during imaging. The combination of pediatric-specific difficulties in
      imaging and the safety concerns regarding the risk of gadolinium-based contrast
      agents in patients with impaired renal function has renewed interest in the use
      of non-contrast (NC) MRA techniques. At our institution, we have optimized 3-D NC
      MRA techniques for abdominal imaging. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate
      the utility of an inflow-enhanced, inversion recovery balanced steady-state free
      precession-based (b-SSFP) NC-MRA technique.

PMID- 22072070
TI  - Making a long story short: noncoding RNAs and chromosome change.
AB  - As important as the events that influence selection for specific chromosome types
      in the derivation of novel karyotypes, are the events that initiate the changes
      in chromosome number and structure between species, and likewise polymorphisms,
      variants and disease states within species. Although once thought of as
      transcriptional 'noise', noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are now recognized as important
      mediators of epigenetic regulation and chromosome stability. Here we highlight
      recent work that illustrates the influence short and long ncRNAs have as
      participants in the function and stability of chromosome regions such as
      centromeres, telomeres, evolutionary breakpoints and fragile sites. We summarize
      recent evidence that ncRNAs can facilitate chromosome change and present
      mechanisms by which ncRNAs create DNA breaks. Finally, we present hypotheses on
      how they may create novel karyotypes and thus affect chromosome evolution.

PMID- 22072072
TI  - Complex cloacal malformations: use of rotational fluoroscopy and 3-D
      reconstruction in diagnosis and surgical planning.
AB  - A cloacal malformation is a congenital malformation in which the urinary tract,
      gynecological system and distal rectum fail to separate and form a common channel
      with a single perineal opening. Precise anatomical information is required to
      plan surgery and predict prognosis for children with this abnormality.
      Conventional fluoroscopic studies provide limited information, primarily due to
      the overlap of structures and inability to make accurate measurements. Rotational
      fluoroscopy and 3-D reconstruction help clarify overlapping structures and allow
      for precise measurement of the common channel, thereby helping to predict the
      complexity of the surgical case as well as the long-term prognosis regarding
      bowel, bladder and sexual function.

PMID- 22072073
TI  - Mitochondrial dysfunction in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - A growing body of evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunctions play a
      crucial role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders,
      including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease
      affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. Although ALS is predominantly a
      sporadic disease, approximately 10% of cases are familial. The most frequent
      familial form is caused by mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide
      dismutase 1 (SOD1). A dominant toxic gain of function of mutant SOD1 has been
      considered as the cause of the disease and mitochondria are thought to be key
      players in the pathogenesis. However, the exact nature of the link between mutant
      SOD1 and mitochondrial dysfunctions remains to be established. Here, we briefly
      review the evidence for mitochondrial dysfunctions in familial ALS and discuss a
      possible link between mutant SOD1 and mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 22072074
TI  - Site-specific protein double labeling by expressed protein ligation: applications
      to repeat proteins.
AB  - In the last few years, the use of labeled proteins has significantly expanded in
      the life sciences. Now, labeled proteins are indispensable tools for a wide
      spectrum of biophysical and chemical biology applications. In particular, the
      quest for more sophisticated experimental setups requires the development of new
      synthetic methodology, especially for multiple site-specific labeling. In this
      paper, we describe a synthetic strategy based on expressed protein ligation to
      prepare proteins in high purity and homogeneity, in which two different molecular
      probes are incorporated specifically at any desired position. Proteins are
      sequentially labeled in solution, with the advantage that a large excess of
      probes is not required and the labeled fragments are not restricted to peptide
      synthesis length limitations. This strategy was applied to selectively label a
      repeat protein with a fluorophores pair in different positions along the protein
      sequence. The doubly labeled proteins were prepared at high purity and
      homogeneity, as required for single molecule FRET studies. Remarkably, this
      approach can be adapted to the introduction of more than two molecular probes.

PMID- 22072075
TI  - Age, genotype and sex effects on growth performance of local chickens kept under
      improved management in Ghana.
AB  - Characterisation of animal genetic resources has been recognised globally as an
      important step towards their sustainable use. Body weight data of local chickens
      (213 forest and 160 savannah chickens) and 183 French free-ranging SASSO T44
      chickens kept under improved management were collected from hatch to 40 weeks of
      age and analysed to determine the effects of age, genotype and sex on their
      growth performance. At all ages, SASSO T44 chickens had significantly (P<0.05)
      higher weights (2.6-3.2 kg at 28 weeks) than the local chickens (1.2-1.7 kg at 28
      weeks). The rate of growth at the earlier ages in the local genotypes (5.57-7.80
      g/day) was lower than the range of 13.81-15.42 in SASSO T44 chickens. Except at
      hatch, savannah chickens were significantly heavier (P<0.05) than the forest
      chickens at all ages. Male chickens had significantly (P<0.05) superior growth
      rates than females across all genotypes except from the 20th to the 28th week.
      Growth trends in both sexes depicted linear increase in body weights; however,
      the rate of increase in body weights was higher in males as compared to females,
      thus showing clear sexual dimorphism. There were no significant (P>0.05)
      differences in the growth rates of SASSO T44 chickens and local genotypes at the
      later ages (20-28 weeks). Local chickens from the savannah zone had better growth
      rate than forest chickens. The significant effect of ecozone on the growth
      potential of local chickens is an indication that their productive potential
      could be improved through interventions in the environment such as provision of
      feed and some veterinary care.

PMID- 22072076
TI  - Effect of carbohydrate sources and cotton seed meal in the concentrate: II. Feed
      intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein
      synthesis in beef cattle.
AB  - Four, rumen fistulated crossbred (Brahman * native) beef cattle steers were
      randomly assigned to receive four dietary treatments according to a 2 * 2
      factorial arrangement in a 4 * 4 Latin square design. Factor A was carbohydrate
      source; cassava chip (CC) or CC + rice bran at a ratio 3:1 (CR3:1) and Factor B
      was cotton seed meal level (CM); and 109 g CP/kg (LCM) and 328 g CP/kg (HCM) at
      similar overall CP levels (490 g CP/kg). The animals were fed 5 g concentrate/kg
      BW, and urea-treated rice straw (UTS) (50 g urea/kg DM) was fed ad libitum.
      Carbohydrate source did not affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, blood
      urea nitrogen, rumen fermentation, or microbial protein synthesis; however,
      animals fed with CC had a higher population of total viable bacteria than the
      CR3:1 treatment (P<0.05). Animals that received HCM had a lower total feed intake
      while ruminal pH was higher than the LCM fed treatment (P<0.05). The population
      of total viable and cellulolytic bacteria in animals that received HCM were lower
      than the LCM fed treatment (P<0.05). Moreover, use of HCM in beef cattle diets
      resulted in lower microbial protein synthesis when compared with the LCM fed
      treatment (P<0.05) although efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was
      nonsignificantly different among treatments. Therefore, cassava chip combined
      with rice bran can be used in a concentrate diet for beef cattle. It is also
      noted that a high level of cotton seed meal in the concentrate may impact rumen
      fermentation and animal performance.

PMID- 22072077
TI  - Effects of double transport and season on sensorial aspects of lamb's meat
      quality in dry climates.
AB  - The objective of the current study was to analyse the effects of double transport
      and season on sensorial aspects of lamb's meat quality in dry climates. A total
      of 144 lambs were sampled in a 3 * 2 * 2 factorial design, testing three types of
      double transport along the residence time at a pre-slaughter classification
      centre or CC (0, 7 and 28 days) and two seasons (summer and winter), with two
      replicates in each season. Meat from the M. longissimus was analysed in terms of
      pH and WHC and tasted by a trained sensory panel in terms of lamb odour
      intensity, tenderness, juiciness, lamb flavour intensity, fat flavour intensity,
      liver flavour intensity, metallic flavour intensity and overall liking. Meat
      sensorial quality traits were not significantly affected by double transport.
      Season had a significant (P<0.001) effect on all variables analysed, except for
      lamb flavour intensity and overall liking. Interactions between the fixed effects
      were not significant, with the exception of tenderness. Season significantly
      affects several sensorial variables, and they seem to be independent of double
      transport, with the exception of tenderness.

PMID- 22072078
TI  - FEM assisted evaluation of PMMA and Ti6Al4V as materials for cranioplasty
      resulting mechanical behaviour and the neurocranial protection.
AB  - Recent advances in Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing techniques (CAD/CAM)
      have facilitated the rapid and precise construction of customized implants used
      for craniofacial reconstruction. Data of the patients' trauma, acquired through
      Computer Topographies (CT), provide sufficient information with regard to the
      defect contour profile, thus allowing a thorough preoperative evaluation whilst
      ensuring excellent implant precision. During the selection, however, of a
      suitable implant material for the specific trauma, the mechanical aspects of the
      implant have to be considered. This investigation aims to assess the mechanical
      strength, the shock resistance and the critical deflection of cranial implants
      manufactured with two commonly used materials, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and
      Ti6Al4V. Even though the strength properties of Ti-alloys are far superior to
      those of PMMA, there are several aspects that may act in advantage of PMMA, e.g.,
      it is known that discontinuities in the elastic modulus of adjoined parts (bone
      implant) lead to bone resorption thus loosening the fixation of the implant over
      time.The implant design and fixation was the same in both cases allowing a direct
      comparison of the implant behavior for various loads. Finite Element Methods
      (FEM) assisted procedures were employed, providing a valuable insight to the
      neurocranial protection granted by these implants.

PMID- 22072079
TI  - Nano-vibration effect on cell adhesion and its shape.
AB  - Extracellular physical features of underlying the adhesive substrate affect cell
      adhesion to it substrate. In this study, the effects of vibration, a type of
      artificial physical stimulation, on the adhesion of mouse L929 cells, mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), HeLa cells and human umbilical vein endothelial
      cells (HUVECs) are reported. A nano-vibration system was designed to produce
      nanometer-scale vibration. When L929 cells, HeLa cells, and HUVECs were subjected
      to vibration at 100 Hz and 1 kHz, they were not affected. On the other hand, in
      MEFs, the adherent cells were increased and changed their shape remarkably in
      response to 1 kHz vibration. To investigate the MEFs' sensitivity to vibration in
      detail, the cells shape was classified into four types; round, stellate,
      filopodia-formed and lamellipodia-formed. In serum addition culture, 1 kHz
      vibration increased the number of filopodia-formed cells but decreased
      lamellipodia cells. Furthermore, the preliminary cDNA microarray experiments
      showed that expression of genes which regulate cytoskeleton were changed by
      vibration stimulation. These results suggest that vibration could affect cell
      adhesion and the determination cell shape.

PMID- 22072080
TI  - Effect of calcium alginate concentration on viability and proliferation of
      encapsulated fibroblasts.
AB  - Alginate hydrogels have been used widely in tissue engineering for cell
      encapsulation for several reasons: low toxicity, the ability to gel under gentle
      condition and compatibility with cells. In this study, we determined the effect
      of different concentrations of alginate on encapsulation of 3T3 fibroblast cells
      at two different cell seeding densities. Live/dead staining and MTT assay were
      performed at regular intervals up to 4 weeks. A Hoechst 33258 assay was done to
      validate the MTT results. There were more dead cells on day 1 for the higher
      concentrations of alginate while at, the lower concentration of alginate, cell
      proliferation and spheroid formation occurred more quickly. Furthermore, at low
      cell seeding density, cell proliferation was prolonged compared to the
      intermediate seeding density. In conclusion, by altering both alginate
      concentration and cell seeding density, proliferation and spheroid formation can
      be controlled.

PMID- 22072081
TI  - Frequency response of blood vessel wall with atherosclerosis and aneurysm.
AB  - This research was conducted to investigate frequency response of blood vessel
      wall. The principal frequency of blood vessel wall, f1 was found to decrease with
      progression of atherosclerosis and irregularity of the vibration trajectory of
      blood vessel wall was found to increase. When an aneurysm appeared, a new
      vibration wave was found to appear in the high frequency region, f2. When the
      aneurysm wall has enough strength, intensity of high frequency wave was found to
      increase. However, it decreases with decrease in the strength of aneurysm wall.
      The visco-elastic deterioration of blood vessel wall was found to well correlate
      with the changing characteristics of f1. A two-dimensional representation of f1
      and f2 was conducted which tracks the progression of atherosclerosis and
      aneurysm. It will enable us to diagnose the introduction period of operation of
      blood vessel wall of atherosclerosis with an aneurysm.

PMID- 22072082
TI  - Characterization of a hydroxyapatite sputtered film subject to hydrothermal
      treatment using FE-SEM and STEM.
AB  - Hydroxyapatite (HA) was coated onto a titanium substrate using radio frequency
      magnetron sputtering. The sputtered film was crystallized using a hydrothermal
      treatment. The films were observed using X-ray diffractometry, field emission
      scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and scanning transmission electron
      microscopy (STEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).It was
      observed that the surface of the hydrothermally-treated film was covered with
      globular particles. The FE-SEM observations indicated that these particles were
      composed of columnar grains with a grain size of 20-50 nm. In the STEM cross
      sectional observation of the HA-Ti interface, HA crystalline phase regions were
      observed, in part, in the non-crystalline phase layer of the as-sputtered film.
      After the hydrothermal treatment, the HA layer crystallized; the HA
      crystallization proceeded to a distance of 30 nm above the titanium surface. From
      an EDX line scan analysis, the titanium oxide layer was not observed at the HA-Ti
      interface of the as-sputtered film; however, in the hydrothermally-treated film,
      the titanium oxide layer, with a 15 nm thickness, was observed between the mixing
      layer and the titanium substrate. The formation of titanium oxide at the HA-Ti
      interface would contribute to the adhesion improvement of the sputtered film
      following the hydrothermal treatment.

PMID- 22072084
TI  - Construct validity and reliability of ultrasound disease activity score in
      assessing joint inflammation in RA: comparison with DAS-28.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the construct validity and reliability of US DAS
      compared with 28-joint DAS (DAS-28) in assessing joint inflammation and in
      prediction of structural damage in patients with RA. METHODS: Ninety patients
      with active RA were prospectively recruited and followed up during the 6 months
      of treatment. The patients underwent clinical, laboratory and X-ray assessment,
      along with blinded power Doppler US (PDUS) and grey-scale (GS) US (GSUS)
      examination at baseline and 6 months. A subgroup of 25/90 randomly assigned
      patients underwent MRI examination of their hands at baseline. A PDUS examination
      of 22 joints and GSUS examination for effusion/hypertrophy (E/H) of 28 joints
      were performed by two independent examiners, blinded to clinical findings. E/H
      was qualitatively assessed as absent or present, and PD signal was semi
      quantitatively graded from 0 to 3. PDUS score for synovitis in 22 joints and GS
      score for E/H in 28 joints were included in US DAS calculation. Clinical scoring,
      PDUS and GSUS inter-observer reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: Strong
      correlation was found between US DAS and standard assessment of disease activity
      such as the DAS-28, ESR and CRP levels. Correlation between US DAS and patients'
      and physicians' visual analogue scale of activity was moderate, whereas
      correlations of US DAS with Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index
      (HAQ-DI) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were weak to moderate. US DAS
      correlated with X-ray, MRI and US parameters and rates of joint damage.
      CONCLUSION: US DAS better anticipated future joint damage than standard DAS-28.

PMID- 22072085
TI  - Investigation of prognostic factors for skin sclerosis and lung function in
      Japanese patients with early systemic sclerosis: a multicentre prospective
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the clinical course of SSc in Japanese patients with early
      onset disease. It is well known that ethnic variations exist in the clinical
      features and severity of SSc. However, neither the clinical course nor prognostic
      factors have been thoroughly investigated in the Japanese population. METHODS:
      Ninety-three Japanese patients of early-onset SSc (disease duration: <3 years)
      with diffuse skin sclerosis and/or interstitial lung disease were registered in a
      multi-centre observational study. All patients had a physical examination with
      laboratory tests at their first visit and at each of the three subsequent years.
      Factors that could predict the severity of skin sclerosis and lung involvement
      were examined statistically by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Two
      patients died from SSc-related myocardial involvement and four patients died from
      other complications during the 3-year study. Among various clinical data
      assessed, the initial modified Rodnan total skin thickness score (MRSS) and
      maximal oral aperture were associated positively and negatively with MRSS at Year
      3, respectively. Additionally, initial ESR tended to be associated with final
      MRSS. Pulmonary vital capacity (VC) in the third year was significantly
      associated with initial %VC. Furthermore, patients with anti-topo I antibody
      tended to show reduced %VC at Year 3. CONCLUSIONS: Several possible prognostic
      factors for skin sclerosis and lung function were detected in Japanese patients
      with early SSc. Further longitudinal studies of larger populations will be needed
      to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22072086
TI  - Negative predictive value of intravenous contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen for
      patients presenting to the emergency department with undifferentiated upper
      abdominal pain.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to calculate the negative predictive value (NPV) CT
      of the abdomen in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with
      undifferentiated upper abdominal pain. Approved by the hospital research ethics
      board, this retrospective study examined consecutive patients presenting to the
      ED with undifferentiated upper abdominal pain whose intravenous contrast-enhanced
      CT of the abdomen was reported as "normal" from June 2006-August 2010. Exclusion
      criteria included active malignancy, trauma, and known inflammatory bowel
      disease. True-negative (TN) vs. false-negative (FN) cases were categorized by
      consensus opinion of radiologist and emergency physician using a composite
      reference standard including clinical, laboratory, imaging, surgery, pathology,
      and patient self-reporting via phone questionnaire. The NPV was calculated with
      confidence intervals of 95%. The TN and FN groups were compared based on gender,
      age, site of pain, oral contrast use, and laboratory values. One hundred twenty
      seven patients were included for analysis. The NPV was 64% (95% CI 55-72). The FN
      group had a higher proportion of patients with epigastric pain (p = 0.02) and a
      lower proportion of patients with left upper quadrant pain (p = 0.02). The WBC,
      lipase, and ALT were all higher in the FN group compared with the TN group. The
      most commonly missed pathologies were inflammatory conditions of the biliary
      tract and upper gastrointestinal systems. The NPV of CT for evaluation of
      undifferentiated upper abdominal pain in the ED was low at 64%. Physicians should
      consider this limitation and the commonly missed pathology when discharging
      patients with a "normal" CT report.

PMID- 22072087
TI  - Imaging of acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain: differential diagnoses
      beyond appendicitis.
AB  - Evaluation of acute right lower quadrant pain remains a common and challenging
      clinical scenario for emergency medicine physicians due to frequent nonspecific
      signs, symptoms, and physical examination findings. Therefore, imaging has
      evolved to play a pivotal role in the emergency setting. While appendicitis is a
      common cause for acute pain, there are numerous other important differential
      considerations with which the radiologist must be aware. The purpose of this
      review is to list an anatomy-based, encompassing differential diagnosis in
      addition to acute appendicitis for right lower quadrant pain; demonstrate the key
      imaging findings of numerous differential considerations; and describe helpful
      imaging and clinical features useful in narrowing the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22072088
TI  - Prognostic importance of preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in patients
      undergoing cardiac surgery. A systematic review.
AB  - It was the objective of this study to obtain best estimates of the prevalence of
      anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in patients not suspected to have clinical heparin
      induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) prior to undergoing cardiac surgery and to
      determine whether preoperative antibody status and antibody class is predictive
      of postoperative thromboembolic outcomes, non-thromboembolic outcomes, length of
      stay, and mortality. PubMed and EMBASE online databases were searched up to July
      2011, and we included studies involving adults undergoing cardiac surgery
      examining the relationship between preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies
      (ELISA) and postoperative clinical outcomes. Five studies involving a combined
      total of 2,332 patients met our inclusion criteria. Preoperative anti-PF4/heparin
      antibodies were detected in 5-22% of patients. No study demonstrated an
      association between preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and postoperative
      thromboembolic outcomes or mortality. Three studies demonstrated a statistically
      significant association between preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and
      length of stay while two showed an association with non-thromboembolic
      complications. In the one study that examined outcomes by anti-PF4/heparin
      antibody class, IgM antibodies predicted non-thromboembolic complications and
      length-of-stay. None of the studies reported prior heparin exposure, and most
      studies did not examine the relationship of the absolute value of antibody titres
      (ELISA OD) and risk, nor the incidence of true/clinical HIT in preoperative
      positive or negative patients. In conclusion, pre-formed anti-PF4/heparin
      antibodies are common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but the available
      literature does not support that they predict postoperative thromboembolic
      complications or death. There does appear to be an association between anti
      PF4/heparin antibodies and non-thromboembolic adverse events, but a causal
      relationship is unlikely.

PMID- 22072089
TI  - The EXCITE Trial: analysis of "noncompleted" Wolf Motor Function Test items.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This is the first study to examine Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT)
      tasks among EXCITE Trial participants that could not be completed at baseline or
      2 weeks later. METHODS: Data were collected from participants who received
      constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) immediately at the time of
      randomization (CIMT-I, n = 106) and from those for whom there was a delay of 1
      year in receiving this intervention (CIMT-D, n = 116). Data were collected at
      baseline and at a 2-week time point, during which the CIMT-I group received the
      CIMT intervention and the CIMT-D group did not. Generalized estimating equation
      (GEE) analyses were used to examine repeated binary data and count values. Group
      and visit interactions were assessed, adjusting for functional level, affected
      side, dominant side, age, and gender covariates. RESULTS: In CIMT-I participants,
      there was an increase in the proportion of completed tasks at posttest compared
      with CIMT-D participants, particularly with respect to those tasks requiring
      dexterity with small objects and total incompletes (P < .0033). Compared with
      baseline, 120 tasks governing distal limb use for CIMT-I and 58 tasks dispersed
      across the WMFT for CIMT-D could be completed after 2 weeks. Common movement
      components that may have contributed to incomplete tasks include shoulder
      stabilization and flexion, elbow flexion and extension, wrist pronation,
      supination and ulnar deviation, and pincer grip. CONCLUSION: CIMT training should
      emphasize therapy for those specific movement components in patients who meet the
      EXCITE criteria for baseline motor control.

PMID- 22072090
TI  - Case files of the Emory University Medical Toxicology Fellowship: inhalational
      mercury toxicity from a traditional Vietnamese product.

PMID- 22072091
TI  - Advanced molecular biologic techniques in toxicologic disease.
AB  - The advancement of molecular biologic techniques and their capabilities to answer
      questions pertaining to mechanisms of pathophysiologic events have greatly
      expanded over the past few years. In particular, these opportunities have
      provided researchers and clinicians alike the framework from with which to answer
      clinical questions not amenable for elucidation using previous, more antiquated
      methods. Utilizing extremely small molecules, namely microRNA, DNA, protein, and
      nanoparticles, we discuss the background and utility of these approaches to the
      progressive, practicing physician. Finally, we consider the application of these
      tools employed as future bedside point of care tests, aiding in the ultimate goal
      of unsurpassed patient care.

PMID- 22072092
TI  - Orthopaedic case of the month: lower leg pain in a 41-year-old woman.

PMID- 22072094
TI  - Drug and device trials: should we ask more.

PMID- 22072093
TI  - Is a positive clinical outcome after exercise therapy for chronic non-specific
      low back pain contingent upon a corresponding improvement in the targeted
      aspect(s) of performance? A systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The effect size for exercise therapy in the treatment of chronic
      non-specific low back pain (cLBP) is only modest. This review aims to analyse the
      specificity of the effect by examining the relationship between the changes in
      clinical outcome (pain, disability) and the changes in the targeted aspects of
      physical function (muscle strength, mobility, muscular endurance) after exercise
      therapy. METHODS: We searched for exercise therapy trials for cLBP published up
      to 15 April 2010 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cinahl, and PEDro. Two
      independent reviewers selected studies according to the inclusion criteria. DATA
      EXTRACTION: one author extracted the data of the articles. RESULTS:  DATA
      SYNTHESIS: 16 studies with a total of 1,476 participants met the inclusion
      criteria. There was little evidence supporting a relationship between the changes
      in pain or physical function and the changes in performance for the following
      measures: mobility (no correlation in 9 studies, weak correlation in 1 study),
      trunk extension strength (7 and 2, respectively), trunk flexion strength (4 and
      1, respectively) and back muscle endurance (7 and 0, respectively). Changes in
      disability showed no correlation with changes in mobility in three studies and a
      weak correlation in two; for strength, the numbers were four (no correlation) and
      two (weak correlation), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support
      the notion that the treatment effects of exercise therapy in cLBP are directly
      attributable to changes in the musculoskeletal system. Future research aimed at
      increasing the effectiveness of exercise therapy in cLBP should explore the
      coincidental factors influencing symptom improvement.

PMID- 22072096
TI  - The impact of comorbidities on stroke prophylaxis strategies in atrial
      fibrillation patients.
AB  - Arial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly occurring sustained arrhythmia in
      the United States and is associated with increased mortality. AF is a risk factor
      for ischemic stroke, and risk factors for AF include comorbid conditions such as
      congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, older age, hypertension, diabetes,
      pulmonary disease, and history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or heart
      failure. Risk stratification for ischemic stroke in AF patients is based on
      scoring a group of risk factors that allows for the appropriate tailoring of
      antithrombotic therapy. The vitamin K antagonists are effective at reducing
      ischemic stroke rates in medium-risk to high-risk patients and are therefore
      generally recommended for this group. However, a large proportion of these
      patients are not treated with vitamin K antagonists because of the potential for
      adverse outcomes, particularly in elderly patients. New direct thrombin
      inhibitors and direct Factor Xa inhibitors in development offer the possibility
      of simplifying treatment and management although offering similar or better
      efficacy and safety profiles to warfarin. In light of these potential new
      treatments, the importance and improvement of risk stratification methods and the
      resulting recommendations in thromboprophylaxis become even more paramount as
      they make it more likely that medium-risk to high-risk patients can be treated
      safely.

PMID- 22072097
TI  - Characteristics of surface ozone at an urban site of Xi'an in Northwest China.
AB  - Surface ozone concentrations in Xi'an, China were monitored from March 23, 2008
      to January 12, 2009 using the Model ML/EC9810 ozone analyzer. The daily average
      O(3) ranged from <1 ppb to 64.2 ppbv with an annual average of 16.0 ppbv. The
      seasonal average of O(3) in summer (32.5 ppbv) was more than 10 times higher than
      that in winter (3.0 ppbv). A significant positive correlation was found between
      ozone concentration and ambient temperature, indicating that the intensity of
      solar radiation was one of the several major factors controlling surface ozone
      production. Using the NOAA HYSPLIT 4 trajectory model, the three longest O(3)
      pollution episodes were found to be associated with the high biogenic volatile
      organic carbon (BVOC) emissions from the vegetation of Qinling Mountains. No
      significant weekday and weekend difference in O(3) levels was detected due to the
      non-significant change in NO(x) emissions. O(3) depletion by NO emission directly
      emitted from vehicles, low oxygenated VOC concentrations, and low-level solar
      radiation caused by high aerosol loading all contributed to the low levels of
      O(3) found in Xi'an compared to other cities and rural areas.

PMID- 22072098
TI  - Polarization dependent solar cell conversion efficiency at oblique incident
      angles and the corresponding improvement using surface nanoparticle coating.
AB  - Despite tremendous efforts on improving the solar cell conversion efficiency at
      normal incidence, improvement at oblique angles has not been widely addressed,
      not to mention the corresponding light absorption behaviors at different
      polarizations. Here we report the characterization of the solar cell conversion
      efficiency and the spectra of photoresponsivity at various tilted angles. The
      results show that TM (transverse magnetic) polarized light possesses higher
      photoresponsivity than TE (transverse electric) polarized light and the
      difference becomes larger with the incidence angle. To address the issue, a
      monolayer of silica nanoparticles on the solar cell surface was employed to
      improve the light absorption. Even though both TE and TM waves show a decrease in
      the surface reflectivity with the presence of nanoparticles, the interaction
      between the silica particles and the TE wave is more significant. The improvement
      of the conversion efficiency for obliquely incident light is explained from the
      refractive index difference of the nanoparticles for the TE and TM polarizations.

PMID- 22072099
TI  - Therapeutic efficacy of combination therapy with intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil
      and systemic pegylated interferon alpha-2b for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
      with portal venous invasion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains
      poor, particularly among patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). This
      study evaluated the efficacy of combined 5-fluorouracil and pegylated interferon
      (PEG-IFN) alpha-2b in patients with advanced HCC. METHODS: Subjects comprised 59
      HCC patients with PVTT treated using subcutaneous administration of PEG-IFNalpha
      2b (50-100 MUg on day 1 of each week for 4 weeks) and intra-arterial infusion of
      5-fluorouracil (250 mg/d for 5 hours on days 1-5 of each week for 4 weeks). One
      treatment cycle lasted 4 weeks. The current therapy was discontinued in patients
      with progressive disease (PD). For responses other than PD, treatment was
      repeated for >=1 cycle. The primary efficacy endpoint was the objective early
      response rate. Secondary efficacy endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS)
      and overall survival. RESULTS: Objective early response rate was 73.0%.
      Cumulative PFS rates were 67.4% at 6 months, 30.2% at 12 months, 25.9% at 18
      months, and 20.7% at 24 months. Median PFS was 9.7 months. Cumulative survival
      rates were 82.4% at 6 months, 73.6% at 12 months, 52.8% at 24 months, and 44.0%
      at 36 months. Median survival time was 29.9 months. All adverse reactions were
      controllable by temporary suspension of treatment. Serious complications and
      treatment-related deaths were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although a prospective
      randomized controlled trial using a larger population of patients with advanced
      HCC is needed to evaluate combination therapy with 5-fluorouracil and PEG
      IFNalpha-2b, this new combination therapy may be useful for patients with
      advanced HCC.

PMID- 22072100
TI  - An integrated genetic linkage map of cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
      constructed from two RIL populations.
AB  - Construction and improvement of a genetic map for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
      continues to be an important task in order to facilitate quantitative trait locus
      (QTL) analysis and the development of tools for marker-assisted breeding. The
      objective of this study was to develop a comparative integrated map from two
      cultivated * cultivated recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping populations and to
      apply in mapping Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistance trait in peanut. A
      total of 4,576 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from three sources: published
      SSR markers, newly developed SSR markers from expressed sequence tags (EST) and
      from bacterial artificial chromosome end-sequences were used for screening
      polymorphisms. Two cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers were also
      included to differentiate ahFAD2A alleles and ahFAD2B alleles. A total of 324
      markers were anchored on this integrated map covering 1,352.1 cM with 21 linkage
      groups (LGs). Combining information from duplicated loci between LGs and
      comparing with published diploid maps, seven homoeologous groups were defined and
      17 LGs (A1-A10, B1-B4, B7, B8, and B9) were aligned to corresponding A-subgenome
      or B-subgenome of diploid progenitors. One reciprocal translocation was confirmed
      in the tetraploid-cultivated peanut genome. Several chromosomal rearrangements
      were observed by comparing with published cultivated peanut maps. High
      consistency with cultivated peanut maps derived from different populations may
      support this integrated map as a reliable reference map for peanut whole genome
      sequencing assembling. Further two major QTLs for TSWV resistance were identified
      for each RILs, which illustrated the application of this map.

PMID- 22072101
TI  - Quantitative trait loci involved in regulating seed oil composition in
      Arabidopsis thaliana and their evolutionary implications.
AB  - Fatty acid composition is an important determinant of seed oil quality. Overall,
      72 QTL for 12 fatty acid traits that control seed oil composition were identified
      in four recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations (Ler-0 * Sha, Ler-0 * Col-4,
      Ler-2 * Cvi, Ler-0 * No-0) of Arabidopsis thaliana. The identified QTL explained
      3.2-79.8% of the phenotypic variance; 33 of the 59 QTL identified in the Ler-0 *
      Sha and the Ler-0 * Col RIL populations co-located with several a priori
      candidate genes for seed oil composition. QTL for fatty acids 18:1, 18:2, 22:1,
      and fatty acids synthesized in plastids was identified in both Ler-0 * Sha and
      Ler-0 * Col-4 RIL populations, and QTL for 16:0 was identified in the Ler-0 * Sha
      and Ler-0 * No-0 RIL populations providing strong support for the importance of
      these QTL in determining seed oil composition. We identified melting point QTL in
      three RIL populations, and fatty acid QTL collocated with two of them, suggesting
      that the loci could be under selection for altering the melting point of seed
      oils to enhance adaptation and could be useful for breeding purposes. Nuclear
      cytoplasmic interactions and epistasis were rare. Analysis of the genetic
      correlations between these loci and other fatty acids indicated that these
      correlations would tend to strongly enhance selection for desirable fatty acids.

PMID- 22072103
TI  - Antihypertensive effects and mechanisms of chlorogenic acids.
AB  - Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are potent antioxidants found in certain foods and
      drinks, most notably in coffee. In recent years, basic and clinical
      investigations have implied that the consumption of chlorogenic acid can have an
      anti-hypertension effect. Mechanistically, the metabolites of CGAs attenuate
      oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species), which leads to the benefit of blood
      pressure reduction through improved endothelial function and nitric oxide
      bioavailability in the arterial vasculature. This review article highlights the
      physiological and biochemical findings on this subject and highlights some
      remaining issues that merit further scientific and clinical exploration. In the
      framework of lifestyle modification for the management of cardiovascular risk
      factors, the dietary consumption of CGAs may hold promise for providing a non
      pharmacological approach for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.

PMID- 22072104
TI  - Enhanced expression of bone morphogenetic protein system in aldosterone-treated
      mouse kidneys.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly
      BMP-7, have an inhibitory role in the development of various renal diseases. We
      previously reported antagonistic effects of BMPs on renal mesangial cell
      proliferation induced by aldosterone (Aldo) in vitro. In the present study, we
      investigated in vivo roles of BMPs in Aldo-induced renal glomerular injury.
      BALB/c mice aged 6 weeks were treated with Aldo injection (5 MUg per day,
      intraperitoneally) and/or oral administration of high-salt (2%) water for 9
      weeks. Systemic blood pressure, body weight, kidney weight and daily proteinuria
      were not significantly changed by Aldo and/or high-salt treatment. However, renal
      histological examination revealed increases in glomerular cellularity and
      glomerular diameter in the groups treated with Aldo injection and high-salt
      administration. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of BMP-4 and -7 in
      the glomerular mesangial region. Aldo causes renal glomerular damage by
      stimulating mesangial cell proliferation and increasing extracellular matrix via
      the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). MR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the
      renal cortex was transiently increased by 3-week treatment with Aldo and high
      salt intake, but was decreased by 9-week treatment. Furthermore, the expression
      levels of BMP-4 and -7 mRNA were enhanced in the renal cortex treated with Aldo
      and high-salt administration. These findings suggest that the renal BMP system is
      activated by Aldo under the condition of high-salt exposure, which may have a key
      role in antagonizing glomerular damage in vivo.

PMID- 22072105
TI  - Angiotensin II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro is TAK1-dependent and
      Smad2/3-independent.
AB  - Cardiac hypertrophy occurs as an adaptation to hypertension but a sustained
      hypertrophic response can ultimately lead to heart failure. Angiotensin-II (Ang
      II) is released following hemodynamic overload and stimulates a cardiac
      hypertrophic response. AngII also increases expression of the regulatory
      cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), which is also implicated
      in the cardiac hypertrophic response and can stimulate activation of Smad2/3 as
      well as TGFbeta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) signaling mediators. To better
      understand the downstream signaling events in cardiac hypertrophy, we therefore
      investigated activation of Smad2/3 and TAK1 signaling pathways in response to Ang
      II and TGFbeta1 using primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to model cardiac
      hypertrophic responses. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of Smad 2/3 or
      TAK1 protein or addition of the TGFbeta type I receptor inhibitor, SB431542, were
      used to investigate the role of downstream mediators of TGFbeta signaling in the
      hypertrophic response. Our data revealed that TGFbeta1 stimulation leads to
      cardiomyocyte hypertrophic phenotypes that were indistinguishable from those
      occurring in response to Ang II. In addition, inhibition of the TGFbeta1 type
      receptor abolished Ang II-induced hypertrophic changes. Furthermore, the
      hypertrophic response was also prevented following siRNA knockdown of TAK1
      protein, but was unaffected by knockdown of Smad2/3 proteins. We conclude that
      Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro occurs in a TAK1-dependent, but
      Smad-independent, manner.

PMID- 22072106
TI  - Azelnidipine attenuates glomerular damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats by
      suppressing sympathetic nerve activity.
AB  - Dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blockers (CCBs) exert potent
      antihypertensive effects. The CCB azelnidipine decreases heart rate by
      suppressing sympathetic nerve activity, which affects afferent and efferent
      arterioles in the glomeruli. We examined whether azelnidipine can improve
      progressive glomerular injury in comparison with amlodipine by suppressing renal
      sympathetic nerve activity in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Glomerular circulation in
      Dahl salt-sensitive rats was monitored with a charge-coupled device camera before
      and after administration of amlodipine (0.5 mg kg(-1), bolus injection) or
      azelnidipine (0.1 mg kg(-1), bolus injection). Systemic sympathetic nerve
      activity was also compared by analysis of heart rate variability with a telemetry
      blood pressure monitoring system after crossover administration of amlodipine
      (1.0 mg kg(-1) per day) and azelnidipine (3.0 mg kg(-1) per day) for 1 week. To
      investigate renoprotective effects, rats were treated with amlodipine (1.0 mg kg(
      1) per day) or azelnidipine (3.0 mg kg(-1) per day) for 3 weeks with or without
      renal denervation. The efferent arteriole contracted in response to acute
      amlodipine but not azelnidipine treatment. The low frequency/high frequency
      ratio, an index of parasympathetic nerve activity, decreased in response to
      azelnidipine but not amlodipine treatment. In response to chronic treatment,
      proteinuria and glomerular injury improved to a greater extent with azelnidipine
      compared with amlodipine. The renoprotective effects of azelnidipine were
      diminished by renal denervation. Azelnidipine decreased glomerular damage in Dahl
      salt-sensitive rats to a greater extent than amlodipine. Azelnidipine appeared to
      decrease intraglomerular pressure by suppressing sympathetic nerve activity.

PMID- 22072107
TI  - Arterial stiffness: using simple surrogate measures to make sense of a
      biologically complex phenomenon.

PMID- 22072108
TI  - Hypothalamic gene expression in omega-3 PUFA-deficient male rats before, and
      following, development of hypertension.
AB  - Dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 DEF) produces hypertension in
      later life. This study examined the effect of omega-3 DEF on blood pressure and
      hypothalamic gene expression in young rats, before the development of
      hypertension, and in older rats following the onset of hypertension. Animals were
      fed experimental diets that were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, sufficient in
      short-chain omega-3 fatty acids or sufficient in short- and long-chain omega-3
      fatty acids, from the prenatal period until 10 or 36 weeks-of-age. There was no
      difference in blood pressure between groups at 10 weeks-of-age; however, at 36
      weeks-of-age omega-3 DEF animals were hypertensive in relation to sufficient
      groups. At 10 weeks, expression of angiotensin-II(1A) receptors and dopamine D(3)
      receptors were significantly increased in the hypothalamic tissue of omega-3 DEF
      animals. In contrast, at 36 weeks, alpha(2a) and beta(1) adrenergic receptor
      expression was significantly reduced in the omega-3 DEF group. Brain
      docosahexaenoic acid was significantly lower in omega-3 DEF group compared with
      sufficient groups. This study demonstrates that dietary omega-3 DEF causes
      changes both in the expression of key genes involved in central blood pressure
      regulation and in blood pressure. The data may indicate that hypertension
      resulting from omega-3 DEF is mediated by the central adrenergic system.

PMID- 22072109
TI  - Tetrahydrocurcumin alleviates hypertension, aortic stiffening and oxidative
      stress in rats with nitric oxide deficiency.
AB  - Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major metabolite of curcumin, possesses strong
      antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. However, the activities of THC in
      hypertension and its associated complications remain unknown. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the effect of THC on hemodynamic status, aortic
      elasticity and oxidative stress in rats with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L
      NAME)-induced hypertension. Hypertension was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats
      by administration of L-NAME (50 mg kg(-1) body weight) in drinking water for 5
      weeks. THC at a dose of 50 or 100 mg kg(-1) per day was administered daily during
      the fourth and fifth weeks when the hypertensive state had been established. The
      effects of THC on hemodynamics, aortic elasticity, endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase (eNOS) protein expression and oxidative stress markers were assessed.
      Marked increases in blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, aortic
      stiffness and oxidative stress were found in rats after L-NAME administration.
      THC significantly reversed these deleterious effects by reducing aortic wall
      thickness and stiffness. These effects were associated with increased aortic eNOS
      expression, elevated plasma nitrate/nitrite, decreased oxidative stress with
      reduced superoxide production and enhanced blood glutathione. Our results provide
      the first evidence that THC attenuates the detrimental effect of L-NAME by
      improving the hemodynamic status and aortic elasticity concomitant with reduction
      of oxidative stress. The present study suggests that THC might be used as a
      dietary supplement to protect against cardiovascular alterations under nitric
      oxide-deficient conditions.

PMID- 22072111
TI  - Eosinophil count is positively correlated with coronary artery calcification.
AB  - Recent studies suggested that allergic disorders and increased eosinophil count
      were associated with atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the
      relationship between eosinophil count and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We
      performed a cross-sectional study in 1363 consecutive participants with clinical
      suspicion of coronary heart disease (CHD). We evaluated the relationships between
      CAC score determined by multislice CT and peripheral eosinophil count as well as
      major cardiovascular risk factors, including age, body mass index, smoking
      status, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Sex (P=0.0004),
      hypertension (P=0.0002), dyslipidemia (P=0.0004) and DM (P=0.0061) were
      associated with log(CAC+1), respectively. Positive correlations were found
      between log(CAC+1), and age (r=0.325, P<0.0001) and eosinophil count (r=0.165,
      P<0.0001). Negative correlations were found between log(CAC+1) and eGFR (r=
      0.166, P<0.0001). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that age
      (beta=0.314, P<0.0001), sex (beta=0.124, P<0.0001), hypertension (beta=0.084,
      P=0.0008), DM (beta=0.108, P<0.0001), eGFR (beta=-0.079, P=0.0021) and eosinophil
      count (beta=0.147, P<0.0001) were independent determinants of log(CAC+1). In
      conclusion, eosinophil count correlated positively with CAC in participants with
      clinical suspicion of CHD.

PMID- 22072110
TI  - Modulation of renal superoxide dismutase by telmisartan therapy in C57BL/6
      Ins2(Akita) diabetic mice.
AB  - Renal superoxide excess, which is induced by an imbalance of the superoxide
      producing enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase and the superoxide-scavenging enzyme superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) under hyperglycemia, increases oxidative stress and contributes
      to the development of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we treated non-obese
      and hypoinsulinemic C57BL/6-Ins2(Akita) (C57BL/6-Akita) diabetic mice with
      telmisartan (5 mg kg(-1) per day), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, or
      amlodipine (5 mg kg(-1) per day), a calcium channel blocker, for 4 weeks and
      compared the effects of these two anti-hypertensive drugs on renal NAD(P)H
      oxidase, SOD and transcription factor Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2), which is
      known to upregulate several antioxidant enzymes including SOD. Vehicle-treated
      C57BL/6-Akita mice exhibited higher renal NAD(P)H oxidase and lower renal SOD
      activity with increased levels of renal superoxide than the C57BL/6-wild-type non
      diabetic mice. Interestingly, telmisartan treatment not only reduced NAD(P)H
      oxidase activity but also enhanced SOD activity in C57BL/6-Akita mouse kidneys,
      leading to a reduction of renal superoxide levels. Furthermore, telmisartan
      treated C57BL/6-Akita mice increased the renal protein expression of SOD and
      Nrf2. In parallel with the reduction of renal superoxide levels, a reduction of
      urinary albumin levels and a normalization of elevated glomerular filtration rate
      were observed in telmisartan-treated C57BL/6-Akita mice. In contrast, treatment
      with amlodipine failed to modulate renal NAD(P)H oxidase, SOD and Nrf2. Finally,
      treatment of C57BL/6-Akita mice with apocynin, an NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, also
      increased the renal protein expression of SOD and Nrf2. Collectively, our data
      suggest that NAD(P)H oxidase negatively regulates renal SOD, possibly by
      downregulation of Nrf2, and that telmisartan could upregulate renal SOD by the
      suppression of NAD(P)H oxidase and subsequent upregulation of Nrf2, leading to
      the amelioration of renal oxidative stress and diabetic renal changes.

PMID- 22072112
TI  - NIRF, a novel ubiquitin ligase, interacts with hepatitis B virus core protein and
      promotes its degradation.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) is a major component of viral
      nucleocapsid and a multifunctional protein involved in viral maturation and
      release. It is unstable and present in cells at low level because of K96 lysine
      residue, which is a ubiquitin acceptor site. Np95/ICBP90-like RING finger protein
      (NIRF) has auto-ubiquitination activity which is the hallmark of a ubiquitin
      ligase. In the present study, ubiquitin ligase, NIRF, binds to HBc and leads to
      the proteasome-mediated degradation of HBc in vivo. NIRF down-regulates HBc
      protein level, resulting in the decrease of the amount of HBV particles in
      supernatant of HepG2.2.15 cells. However knockdown of NIRF significantly
      increases endogenous HBc protein level, leading to HBV release. The results
      reveal that NIRF interacts with HBc and promotes the degradation of HBc in vivo.
      The pathway of NIRF-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome affects the release of HBV
      particles by controlling the amounts of HBc. It indicates that NIRF may
      participate in the maturation of HBV.

PMID- 22072113
TI  - Preparation of encapsulated alliinase in alginate microparticles.
AB  - Alliinase (alkylsulphenate lyase, EC 4.4.1.4), which catalyses the production of
      allicin, was immobilized in alginate microparticles. Addition of pyridoxal 5'
      phosphate to the microparticles enhanced alliinase activity. Encapsulated
      alliinase were significantly higher (30 and 22%, respectively) than those of non
      encapsulated alliinase at 60 degrees C and at pH 2. Therefore, microencapsulation
      of alliinase with alginate can offer an effective way of sustaining enzyme
      activity during oral administration and passage through the stomach.

PMID- 22072114
TI  - G-CSF therapy reduces myocardial repolarization reserve in the presence of
      increased arteriogenesis, angiogenesis and connexin 43 expression in an
      experimental model of pacing-induced heart failure.
AB  - G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) treatment has been shown to cause
      beneficial effects including a reduction of inducible arrhythmias in rodent
      models of ischemic cardiomyopathy. The aim of the present study was to test
      whether these effects do also apply to pacing-induced non-ischemic heart failure.
      In 24 female rabbits, heart failure was induced by rapid ventricular pacing. 24
      rabbits were sham operated. The paced rabbits developed a significant decrease of
      ejection fraction. 11 heart failure rabbits (CHF) and 11 sham-operated (S)
      rabbits served as controls, whereas 13 sham (S-G-CSF) and 13 heart failure
      rabbits (CHF-G-CSF) were treated with 10 MUg/kg G-CSF s.c. over 17 +/- 4 days. G
      CSF treatment caused a ~25% increased arterial and capillary density and a ~60%
      increased connexin 43 expression in failing hearts. In isolated, Langendorff
      perfused rabbit hearts eight monophasic action potential recordings showed
      prolongation of repolarization in CHF as compared with controls in the presence
      of the QT prolonging agent erythromycin (+33 +/- 12 ms; p < 0.01). Moreover, a
      significant increase in dispersion of repolarization contributed to a
      significantly higher rate of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in CHF. G-CSF-pre
      treated hearts showed a further increase in prolongation of repolarization as
      compared with S and CHF. The further increase in dispersion of repolarization [S
      G-CSF: +23 +/- 9 ms (spatial), +13 +/- 7 ms (temporal); CHF-G-CSF: +38 +/- 14 ms
      (spatial), +10 +/- 4 ms (temporal); p < 0.05 as compared with S and CHF],
      increased the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In summary, chronic G
      CSF treatment has moderate beneficial effects on parameters potentially related
      to hemodynamic function in the non-ischemic rabbit CHF model. However, a
      significant reduction of repolarization reserve might seriously challenge its
      suitability as a therapeutic agent for chronic CHF therapy.

PMID- 22072115
TI  - Second generation automated anti-CCP test better predicts the clinical diagnosis
      of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune diseases.
      The presence of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) is better at
      discriminating RA patients and is also associated with significantly more disease
      activity compared to serum rheumatoid factor. In this study, we assessed two new
      automated second generation tests to detect the presence of anti-CCP antibodies
      in 226 serum samples submitted to the Clinical Immunology Laboratory for anti-CCP
      antibody testing. We compared CCP antibody results on these samples obtained
      using the ImmunoCAP 250 (Phadia) and the Architect i2000SR (Abbott Laboratories)
      instruments to our currently used CCP IgG third generation manual ELISA (Inova
      Diagnostics). One hundred and fifty-four samples were negative while 52 were
      positive by all three tests. Eighteen samples were negative by the automated
      tests but weakly/moderately positive by manual ELISA yielding an overall
      concordance of 79%. When we compared the discordant test results to patient
      diagnosis, we observed a better correlation with clinical RA diagnosis for the
      new automated tests compared to the manual ELISA. These two new anti-CCP antibody
      tests have the benefit of automation and may have better positive predictive
      value for the diagnosis of RA than our current manual ELISA.

PMID- 22072116
TI  - Difference in survival and prognostic factors between smokers and never-smokers
      with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aims were to investigate whether the association between smoking
      and survival is significant when adjusted for prognostic factors including use of
      epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the Glasgow Prognostic
      Score, an established score for inflammation, and to explore prognostic factors.
      METHODS: We analyzed 244 patients with stage IIIB or IV non-small-cell lung
      cancer in a registry, including only chemotherapy-receiving outpatients with
      performance status zero. RESULTS: Of 244 patients, 170 had died and the median
      follow-up time for the 74 surviving patients was 12.0 months. In multivariate Cox
      regression, smoker (hazard ratio compared to never-smoker: 1.67, P < 0.01), stage
      IV (hazard ratio compared to IIIB: 1.72, P < 0.01), and elevated C-reactive
      protein level (hazard ratio per 1 mg/dL increase: 1.08, P < 0.01) were
      significantly associated with shorter survival. The association between survival
      and smoking was significant, even after adjustment for the Glasgow Prognostic
      Score and regimens of chemotherapy (hazard ratio: 1.72, P = 0.02). In never
      smokers, increased neutrophils were a major determinant of shorter survival and
      the interaction test between smoking and neutrophils was significant (hazard
      ratio per 1,000/mm(3) increase for smokers: 1.01; hazard ratio per 1,000/mm(3)
      increase for never-smokers: 1.44, P for interaction <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Known
      factors including treatment response or inflammatory process are not responsible
      for the fact that advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients without any
      history of smoking have better survival than those who have smoked.

PMID- 22072117
TI  - Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii exudate-Cu complexes: impact on copper dynamics
      and bioavailability in an aquatic food chain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The increasing contamination of aquatic environments motivates
      studies on the interactions among natural dissolved organic matter, metals, and
      the biota. This investigation focused on the organic exudates of the toxic
      cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii as a Cu carrier through a three
      level aquatic trophic chain (bacteria, protozoa, and copepod). DISCUSSION: The
      effects of bacteria activity and growth on the metal-organic complexes were
      evaluated through changes in free Cu(2+) ions, total dissolved, and total
      particulate Cu. To be sure that the added copper would be complexed to the
      exudates, its complexing properties were previously determined. The cyanobacteria
      exudate-Cu complexes were furnished to bacteria that were further used as a food
      source to the protozoan Paramercium caudatum. This was then furnished as food to
      the copepod Mesocyclops sp. The results showed that, in general, the
      cyanobacterial exudates decreased Cu bioavailability and toxicity to the first
      trophic level (bacteria), but because the heterotrophic bacteria accumulated Cu,
      they were responsible for the transference for the otherwise low availability
      metal form. Both the bacteria and protozoan organisms accumulated Cu, but no
      metal accumulation was detected in the copepods.

PMID- 22072118
TI  - Highly efficient degradation of ofloxacin by UV/Oxone/Co2+ oxidation process.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, UV/Oxone/Co(2+) oxidation process was applied to
      degradation of ofloxacin (OFL) in the presence of Co(2+) as the catalytic and
      Oxone as the oxidant. The operation parameters including pH, temperature, dosages
      of reagents, and reaction time were studied in detail. RESULTS: The results
      showed that the optimum conditions for the UV/Oxone/Co(2+) processes were
      determined as follows: temperature = 25 degrees C, pH = 5.0, [Oxone] = 0.6
      mmol/L, [Oxone]/[Co(2+)] = 1,000, and reaction time = 60 min. Under these
      conditions, 100% of the OFL degraded. The kinetics was also studied, and
      degradation of OFL by the UV/Oxone/Co(2+) process could be described by first
      order kinetics. CONCLUSIONS: Mineralization of the process was investigated by
      measuring the total organic carbon (TOC), and the TOC decreased by 87.0% after 60
      min. This process could be used as a pretreatment method for wastewater
      containing ofloxacin.

PMID- 22072119
TI  - CIP2A expression is elevated in cervical cancer.
AB  - Early detection of cervical cancer is critical for a favorable prognosis.
      Standard cytological detection methods, such as Pap smear, are highly subjective
      and HPV detection is not a reliable marker for predicting the malignancy
      potential of cervical lesions. As a result, there is a demand for a diagnostic
      assay capable of sensitive and specific detection of cervical cancer. In this
      preclinical exploratory study, qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to assess
      expression levels of CIP2A and p16INK4a in cervical tissue samples (n(normal
      adjacent) = 23, n(tumor) = 29). CIP2A was abundantly expressed in cervical cancer
      cell lines and was not expressed in normal epithelial cells. CIP2A mRNA levels
      were higher in cervical tumor tissues in comparison to the level of CIP2A mRNA in
      normal adjacent tissue from cervical cancer patients. CIP2A protein was
      specifically expressed in cervical tumor tissues at different cancer grades and
      stages, and was not observed in normal adjacent tissue. Elevated CIP2A mRNA
      levels in cervical tissues had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 91% and
      CIP2A protein expression detection had a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of
      100%, similar to that of p16INK4a, with no correlation of CIP2A expression with
      HPV infection, age, race, or other patient characteristics. However the number of
      samples analyzed in this preliminary study is limited and a large prospective
      cohort study is necessary to further evaluate CIP2A as a biomarker for cervical
      cancer.

PMID- 22072120
TI  - Potential hydrophobic protein markers of breast cancer in Malaysian Chinese,
      Malay and Indian patients.
AB  - Breast cancer is a leading cause of worldwide mortality in females. In Malaysia,
      breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Of these, the
      Chinese had the most number of breast cancer cases, followed by the Indian and
      the Malay. The most common type of breast cancer is infiltrating ductal carcinoma
      (IDC). A proteomic approach was used to identify protein profile changes in
      cancerous tissues compared with the normal tissues, the tissues were collected
      from patients of three different ethnicities, i.e. Chinese, Malay and Indian. Ten
      differentially expressed hydrophobic proteins were identified. We had evaluated
      the potential of these proteins as biomarker for infiltrating ducal carcinoma
      (IDC) and the ethnic-specific expression of these proteins was also determined.
      The data showed that peroxiredoxin-2, heat shock protein 60, protein disulfide
      isomerase and calreticulin may serve as ethnic-related potential markers for
      either one or combination of Chinese, Malay and Indian cohorts as their
      expression levels were significantly high in the cancerous tissues compared to
      the normal tissues in the ethnic group tested.

PMID- 22072121
TI  - KRAS mutation detection in Tunisian sporadic coloractal cancer patients with
      direct sequencing, high resolution melting and denaturating high performance
      liquid chromatography.
AB  - The Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) oncogene has been introduced recently as a genetic
      biomarker for metastatic sporadic colorectal cancer prior to anti-EGFR treatment.
      Identifying patients with KRAS mutations that not respond to EGFR targeted
      therapies require sensitive, rapid and efficacious routine technique. We have
      attempted to evaluate the efficiency of three conventional methods: direct
      sequencing, HRM and DHPLC, to detect mutations in codon 12 and 13 of the KRAS
      exon2 gene. For this first Tunisian study on KRAS, we detected 45.83% of altered
      KRAS gene among 48 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sporadic colorectal
      adenocarcinoma patients. The use of HRM-sequencing allowed as enlarging the
      detected KRAS exon 2 mutations (22/48) in comparison with direct sequencing
      (17/48). DHPLC was used to confirm results when consensus was not observed
      between HRM and direct sequencing. This study brings an interesting data
      concerning an inter-method validation between sequencing and HRM in the
      investigation of sporadic colorectal cancer biomarker. It also shows that KRAS
      mutations occur at similar frequencies in Tunisian patients as in other
      populations; and suggests that the same genes are at play in sporadic CRC cancer,
      despite ethnic, geographical and environmental differences between countries.

PMID- 22072122
TI  - Nuclear co-expression of p14ARF and p16INK4A in uterine cervical cancer-derived
      cell lines containing HPV.
AB  - The Papanicolaou test (Pap) has been responsible for a significant reduction of
      cervical cancer-related morbimortality. In order to increase its sensitivity and
      specificity new markers have been studied and incorporated to cytological and
      histological methods for diagnosis for cervical cancer, such as p16INK4A that has
      been considered the immunocytochemical marker of choice for detection of HPV
      related cancers. We considered that p14ARF could be a complementary marker in
      order to improve the accuracy of cytological diagnosis because its genetic
      proximity to p16INK4A. We performed a systematic analysis of several putative
      cervical cancer markers in order to evaluate their performance in the detection
      of malignancy, in comparison with p16INK4A and p14ARF, using immunocytochemistry
      (ICC), immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot analyses. Most markers were non
      specific and could not discriminate HPV infected cancer cell lines from other non
      HPV malignant. In contrast, nuclear co-expression of p16INK4A and p14ARF was
      observed only in HPV-transformed cancer cell lines. Notably, in C-33A cervical
      cancer cells (HPV negative), p14ARF was present in the nucleoli, but p16INK4A was
      conspicuously absent from the nuclei of these cells. We conclude that both
      markers; p16INK4A and p14ARF are complementary and should be evaluated jointly in
      order to improve the accuracy of cytological diagnosis of cervical cancer.

PMID- 22072123
TI  - Polymorphism in cytochrome P450 1A2 and their interaction with risk factors in
      determining risk of squamous cell lung carcinoma in men.
AB  - The present case-control study was carried out to investigate the association of
      functionally important polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) involved in
      the metabolic activation of tobacco derived procarcinogens with squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) of lung in North Indian men. The study consisted of 200 male
      cases with SCC of lung and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy
      controls. Our data showed that variant genotype of CYP1A2*1D and CYP1A2*1F were
      significantly associated with increased susceptibility to SCC of lung. Likewise,
      GSTM1 null genotype was found to be over represented in patients when compared to
      controls. Haplotype analysis revealed that haplotype, G-Tdel-T-C was
      significantly associated with risk to SCC of lung. Moreover, a significant
      increase in the risk to SCC of lung in the cases carrying combination of variant
      genotype of CYP1A2 with either CYP1A1 or GSTM1 have shown that gene-gene
      interactions may play an important role in squamous cell lung cancer risk. Our
      data also revealed that smokers or tobacco chewers carrying variant alleles of
      either CYP1A2*1D or CYP1A2*1F were at increased risk to SCC of lung, further
      demonstrating that CYP1A2 genotypes interact with environmental risk factors in
      enhancing the risk to squamous cell lung carcinoma.

PMID- 22072125
TI  - Urban women's preferences for learning of their mammogram result: a qualitative
      study.
AB  - Research suggests that communication of mammogram results is flawed for many low
      income ethnic minority women. This study conducted four focus groups with low
      income inner-city minority women (n = 34). The goals of our project were: (1) to
      elucidate women's experiences learning of their result; (2) to elicit their
      preferences as to how this communication could be improved; and (3) to gather
      information to help inform the development of a new tool for communicating
      mammogram results. Salient themes included dissatisfaction with result
      communication; difficulty elucidating the meaning of a typical results
      notification letter; a preference for direct verbal communication of results and
      for print materials that included pictures, testimonials, and an action plan
      including a hotline to call with questions; and a strong interest in advance
      education about the likelihood of having to return for additional follow up.
      Video and other programs to inform patients before the test about what happens
      after may improve patient satisfaction and enhance women's understanding of their
      personal result and follow up plan.

PMID- 22072124
TI  - Growth of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in cattle manure compost under
      various temperatures and ammonia concentrations.
AB  - A recent study showed that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing
      archaea (AOA) coexist in the process of cattle manure composting. To investigate
      their physiological characteristics, liquid cultures seeded with fermenting
      cattle manure compost were incubated at various temperatures (37 degrees C, 46
      degrees C, or 60 degrees C) and ammonium concentrations (0.5, 1, 4, or 10 mM NH
      (4) (+) -N). The growth rates of the AOB and AOA were monitored using real-time
      polymerase chain reaction analysis targeting the bacterial and archaeal ammonia
      monooxygenase subunit A genes. AOB grew at 37 degrees C and 4 or 10 mM NH (4) (+)
      -N, whereas AOA grew at 46 degrees C and 10 mM NH (4) (+) -N. Incubation with
      allylthiourea indicated that the AOB and AOA grew by oxidizing ammonia.
      Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and subsequent sequencing analyses
      revealed that a bacterium related to Nitrosomonas halophila and an archaeon
      related to Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis were the predominant AOB and AOA,
      respectively, in the seed compost and in cultures after incubation. This is the
      first report to demonstrate that the predominant AOA in cattle manure compost can
      grow and can probably oxidize ammonia under moderately thermophilic conditions.

PMID- 22072126
TI  - A pilot program in collaboration with African American churches successfully
      increases awareness of the importance of cancer research and participation in
      cancer translational research studies among African Americans.
AB  - African Americans are underrepresented in cancer research. We evaluate whether
      collaboration with African American churches can improve cancer awareness and
      increase participation in translational research protocols among African
      Americans. From February to April 2010, the Mayo Clinic partnered with African
      American Jacksonville churches to provide educational programs focused on cancer
      research and healthy behaviors. Education on multiple myeloma and on-site access
      to a translational cancer research pilot project evaluating the prevalence of
      monoclonal gammopathies and t(14,18) in African Americans was offered. Seventy
      four percent, 236 out of 318 participants, returned the questionnaires. The
      majority of participants had never received information on multiple myeloma
      (67%), had never received clinical research study information (57%), and were
      enrolled in the translational research studies (55%). Partnerships with African
      American churches in community education projects that bring research to church
      venues are effective in improving cancer awareness and in increasing research
      participation among African Americans.

PMID- 22072127
TI  - Direct lateral approach to pathology at the craniocervical junction:  a technical
      note.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approaches to the foramen magnum and upper cervical spine
      traditionally include the posterior midline, far lateral, and endoscopic
      endonasal approaches. The far lateral approach is a well-established technique
      for the removal of pathology ventrolateral to the brainstem and the
      craniocervical junction, but it may be too extensive for lesions limited to areas
      far from the midline. OBJECTIVE: To present an alternative to the commonly used
      approaches to the foramen magnum and upper cervical. METHODS: We used an approach
      directly overlying ventral or lateral pathology. RESULTS: Two cases are presented
      in which the direct lateral approach followed by an occipitocervical fusion was
      successfully performed. CONCLUSION: This approach can be considered for patients
      in whom a ventral decompression is necessary but an endoscopic endonasal approach
      is undesirable or when a ventral, lateral, and ventrolateral resection of tumor,
      pannus, or infection is required.

PMID- 22072128
TI  - Transcortical venous approach for direct embolization of a cavernous sinus dural
      arteriovenous fistula:  technical case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) represent 10% to
      15% of all intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Most often, embolization is
      accomplished with transfemoral catheter techniques. We present a case in which
      embolization of a cavernous sinus dAVF was made possible through transcranial
      cannulation of a cortical draining vein. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old
      woman presented with diplopia, left sixth cranial nerve palsy, intraocular
      hypertension, and bilateral chemosis. Angiography revealed a complex cavernous
      dAVF with cortical venous reflux, supplied by both external carotid arteries and
      the left meningohypophyseal trunk. Percutaneous transvenous access failed, and
      only partial occlusion was achieved by transarterial embolization. A
      frontotemporal craniotomy was performed to access the superficial middle cerebral
      vein in the left sylvian fissure. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a microcatheter
      was advanced through this vein to the floor of the middle cranial fossa and into
      the dAVF, permitting coil occlusion. CONCLUSION: This transcranial vein technique
      may be a useful adjunct in dAVF therapy when percutaneous transarterial or
      transvenous approaches fail or are not possible.

PMID- 22072129
TI  - Image-guided transcranial Doppler ultrasound.

PMID- 22072130
TI  - Treatment of Harlequin syndrome.

PMID- 22072131
TI  - Cerebral compromise and multimodality monitoring after SAH.

PMID- 22072132
TI  - Manucher Javid, urea, and the rise of osmotic therapy for intracranial pressure.
AB  - Therapy with hypertonic solutions is one of the mainstays of neurosurgical
      treatment for all types of neurological injury. Although the initial research
      with hypertonic agents in the early decades of the 20th century showed great
      promise for these agents to lower intracranial pressure, this research also
      showed a considerable rate of adverse effects and complications. By the 1940s and
      1950s, hypertonic therapy had been discounted as unsafe and was rarely used in
      neurosurgery. In the late 1950s, Manucher J. Javid and Paul Settlage at the
      University of Wisconsin began experimenting with infusions of urea as an agent to
      control intracranial pressure. Their experiments were wildly successful, and urea
      became a drug of major importance to neurosurgeons worldwide in only a few years.
      This article chronicles the work of Javid and Settlage, including a discussion of
      the early research on hypertonic agents, the initial difficulty the Wisconsin
      researchers had in disseminating their results, the widespread acceptance that
      followed, and the impact that these discoveries had on the neurosurgical
      community. The prominent place that hypertonic agents now hold in the
      armamentarium of neurosurgeons is owed to the work of Dr Javid, as illustrated in
      this historical analysis.

PMID- 22072133
TI  - Achille Louis Foville's atlas of brain anatomy and the Defoville syndrome.
AB  - Achille Louis Foville's atlas of brain anatomy (1844) is one of the most artistic
      and detailed works on neuroanatomy in the medical literature. The outstanding
      drawings by the 2 artists, Emile Beau and Frederic-Michel Bion, highlight all the
      philosophy, ability, and sensibility of A.L. Foville in carefully dissecting the
      superficial and deep structures of the brain and spinal cord. Several plates show
      true brain fiber dissections of high artistic and academic value. As a result of
      an early misrecognition in the medical literature, "inferior Foville syndrome"
      has been wrongly attributed to Achille Louis Foville rather than his son, Achille
      Louis Francois Foville (1832-1887), also called Defoville. Therefore, we suggest
      that Defoville, who actually described the pontine syndrome for the first time in
      the neurological literature, deserves to be credited for this syndrome and that
      the syndrome should be called the Defoville syndrome. Through analyzing the
      political and scientific events in France in the 19th century, we highlight the
      invaluable contributions of A.L. Foville and his son to the history of
      neuroanatomy and neurology.

PMID- 22072134
TI  - Improvement of secondary fixed dystonia of the upper limb after chronic
      extradural motor cortex stimulation in 10 patients:  first reported series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fixed dystonic postures secondary to ischemic, traumatic, or
      postsurgical lesions located in the basal ganglia and brainstem constitute a
      major therapeutic challenge and limit motor rehabilitation efficacy. They are
      often refractory to conservative treatment. Aberrant cerebral plasticity
      developed after deep brain lesions is thought to lead to abnormal cortical
      representation of the affected part of the body and then to pathological fixed
      postures. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of motor cortex stimulation in
      patients with upper limb fixed dystonia. METHODS: Ten patients were submitted to
      computer-assisted and electromyography-monitored implantation of intracranial
      epidural electrodes over the central cortical sulcus contralateral to the
      affected limb. Patients were followed up from 1 to 9 years (9 patients), except
      for patient 10, whose follow-up was limited to 4 months. RESULTS: Seven of 7
      patients showed > 30% improvement in the Disability of Shoulder, Arm, and Hand
      Scale and an overall 70% increase in the score of the Short Form-36 Physical
      Activity subscale with significant and stable improvement of quality of life
      during stimulation. The partial recovery of hand dexterity observed in most of
      the treated patients additionally contributed to a significant improvement of
      their quality of life. CONCLUSION: Although the pathophysiology of fixed dystonia
      is unknown, our results suggest a major role of the motor cortex in this
      condition and reinforce the hypothesis that postlesional delayed cortical
      rearrangements might take place in these forms and be the target of effective
      therapeutic neuromodulation.

PMID- 22072135
TI  - Partial ipsilateral C7 transfer to the upper trunk for C5-C6 avulsion of the
      brachial plexus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral whole C7 root transfer has been reported in treating C5
      C6 avulsion. To minimize donor deficits, partial ipsilateral C7 (PIC7) transfer
      was developed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term results of PIC7 transfer
      to the upper trunk in treating C5-C6 avulsion of the brachial plexus. METHODS: We
      prospectively studied 8 young adults with C5-C6 avulsion. Five patients (group A)
      who also had spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury underwent PIC7 transfer to the
      upper trunk. The other 3 patients (group B) without SAN injury underwent a
      combination of PIC7 to the upper trunk and the SAN to the suprascapular nerve
      (SSN). Postsurgical evaluations including donor deficits, functional recovery,
      and co-contraction of the muscles were performed 1 week later and then at
      intervals of 3 months. RESULTS: After a mean period of 39.2 months, all subjects
      were found to have gained elbow flexion of 110 to 150 degrees  with muscle
      strength of M4-5. The patients in group B achieved external rotation of 60 to 70
      degrees  at M3-4, and 2 achieved shoulder abductions approaching 180 degrees  at
      M4. The patients in group A showed no active external rotation and shoulder
      abduction of 25 to 50 degrees  at M2-3. The temporary deficits caused by PIC7
      transfer disappeared in all subjects within the first 3 months. Co-contraction of
      the latissimus dorsi against the deltoid was recorded in group A but not in group
      B. CONCLUSION: PIC7 transfer, when combined with SAN transfer to SSN as a novel
      approach, is a safe, easy, and efficacious surgical procedure for patients with
      simple C5-C6 avulsion.

PMID- 22072136
TI  - Neisseria meningitidis induces platelet inhibition and increases vascular
      endothelial permeability via nitric oxide regulated pathways.
AB  - Despite antibiotic therapy, infections with  Neisseria meningitidis  still
      demonstrate a high rate of morbidity and mortality even in developed countries.
      The fulminant septicaemic course, named Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, with
      massive haemorrhage into the adrenal glands and widespread petechial bleeding
      suggest pathophysiological inhibition of platelet function. Our data show that 
      N. meningitidis  produces the important physiological platelet inhibitor and
      cardiovascular signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO), also known as endothelium
      derived relaxing factor (EDRF).  N. meningitidis -derived NO inhibited ADP
      induced platelet aggregation through the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase
      (sGC) followed by an increase in platelet cyclic nucleotide levels and subsequent
      activation of platelet cGMP- and cAMP- dependent protein kinases (PKG and PKA).
      Furthermore, direct measurement of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) passage through a
      vascular endothelial cell monolayer revealed that  N. meningitidis  significantly
      increased endothelial monolayer permeability. Immunfluorescence analysis
      demonstrated NO dependent disturbances in the structure of endothelial adherens
      junctions after co-incubation with  N. meningitidis . In contrast to platelet
      inhibition, the NO effects on HBMEC were not mediated by cyclic nucleotides. Our
      study provides evidence that NO plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of
      septicaemic meningococcal infection.

PMID- 22072137
TI  - Urban health educators' perspectives and practices regarding school nutrition
      education policies.
AB  - Although nutrition-related health education policies exist at national, state and
      local levels, the degree to which those policies affect the everyday practices of
      health education teachers who are charged with executing them in schools is often
      unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the nutrition-related health
      education policy matrix that affected one urban school district, the health
      education teachers' awareness of those policies, the impact of nutrition policies
      on teachers' instruction and challenges teachers perceived in executing
      comprehensive nutrition education. The study used interpretive ethnography to
      examine the educational contexts and perspectives of 27 health educators from 24
      middle schools in one urban district in the Midwestern United States. Data were
      collected through school observations, interviews with key personnel and document
      collection. We found that a network of nutrition-related education policies
      governed health education teachers' instruction, but that teachers were uniformly
      unaware of those policies. Without institutional coherence and clear directives,
      health education teachers taught little nutrition content, primarily due to poor
      training, professional development, instructional resources and administrative
      accountability. The results are discussed in light of the enormous challenges in
      many urban schools and the need for nutrition education professional development.

PMID- 22072138
TI  - Optimization of culture conditions for 1,3-propanediol production from glycerol
      using a mutant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - In the present work, mutant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae with deletions of
      the als gene encoding acetolactate synthase involved in synthesis of 2,3
      butanediol, the ldhA gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase required for lactate
      synthesis, or both genes, were prepared. Production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD)
      from glycerol was enhanced in the ldhA mutant strain (DeltaldhA), but lower in
      Deltaals or Deltaals DeltaldhA mutant strains compared to the parent strain,
      concomitant with a reduction in the glycerol consumption rate, indicating that
      deletion of ldhA alone was useful to improve 1,3-PD production. Fed-batch
      fermentation analysis revealed that, in the DeltaldhA mutant strain, 1,3-PD
      production was higher at low pH than at neutral pH; the reverse was true for the
      parent strain. Further optimization of culture conditions, by variation of
      aeration and glycerol feed rates, dramatically improved the production of 1,3-PD
      by the mutant strain. The maximum level attained was 102.7 g l(-1) of 1,3-PD from
      glycerol.

PMID- 22072139
TI  - Characterization and enhanced production of prodigiosin from the spoiled coconut.
AB  - Many bacterial secondary products are bioactive substances that play an important
      role in biotechnology and pharmacology (e.g., as antibiotics or antitumor
      agents). Over the past few years interest in prodigiosin has been increased due
      to its promising anti-cancer activity. Prodigiosin is also of potential clinical
      interest because it is reported to have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti
      protozoal/anti-malarial, and immunosuppressive activity. Thus there is a need to
      develop a high-throughput and cost-effective bioprocess for the production of
      prodigiosin. In the present study, Serratia rubidaea was isolated from colored
      portion of a spoiled coconut and further it was authenticated by MTCC, India. The
      various parameters like temperature, pH, salt concentration, and precursors were
      optimized for the production of prodigiosin. We now report that the pigment
      production was higher in our isolated strain than S. marcescens. It was observed
      that prodigiosin binds with plastic, paper, and fibers and thus in near future,
      it can also be used as a natural dye.

PMID- 22072140
TI  - In silico characterization of alkaline proteases from different species of
      Aspergillus.
AB  - A total of 49 protein sequences of alkaline proteases retrieved from GenBank
      representing different species of Aspergillus have been characterized for various
      physiochemical properties, homology search, multiple sequence alignment, motif,
      and super family search and phylogenetic tree construction. The sequence level
      homology was obtained among different groups of alkaline protease enzymes, viz
      alkaline serine protease, oryzin, calpain-like protease, serine protease,
      subtilisin-like alkaline proteases. Multiple sequence alignment of alkaline
      protease protein sequence of different Aspergillus species revealed a stretch of
      conserved region for amino acid residues from 69 to 110 and 130-204. The
      phylogenetic tree constructed indicated several Aspergillus species-specific
      clusters for alkaline proteases namely Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger,
      Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus clavatus. The distributions of ten commonly
      observed motifs were analyzed among these proteases. Motif 1 with a signature
      amino acid sequence of 50 amino acids, i.e.,
      ASFSNYGKVVDIFAPGQDILSCWIGSTTATNTISGTSMATPHIVGLSCYL, was uniformly observed in
      proteases protein sequences indicating its involvement with the structure and
      enzymatic function. Motif analysis of acidic proteases of Aspergillus and
      bacterial alkaline proteases has revealed different signature amino acid
      sequences. The superfamily search for these proteases revealed the presence of
      subtilases, serine-carboxyl proteinase, calpain large subunit, and thermolysin
      like superfamilies with 45 representing the subtilases superfamily.

PMID- 22072141
TI  - Xylanase and beta-xylosidase production by Aspergillus ochraceus: new
      perspectives for the application of wheat straw autohydrolysis liquor.
AB  - The xylanase biosynthesis is induced by its substrate-xylan. The high xylan
      content in some wastes such as wheat residues (wheat bran and wheat straw) makes
      them accessible and cheap sources of inducers to be mainly applied in great
      volumes of fermentation, such as those of industrial bioreactors. Thus, in this
      work, the main proposal was incorporated in the nutrient medium wheat straw
      particles decomposed to soluble compounds (liquor) through treatment of
      lignocellulosic materials in autohydrolysis process, as a strategy to increase
      and undervalue xylanase production by Aspergillus ochraceus. The wheat straw
      autohydrolysis liquor produced in several conditions was used as a sole carbon
      source or with wheat bran. The best conditions for xylanase and beta-xylosidase
      production were observed when A. ochraceus was cultivated with 1% wheat bran
      added of 10% wheat straw liquor (produced after 15 min of hydrothermal treatment)
      as carbon source. This substrate was more favorable when compared with xylan,
      wheat bran, and wheat straw autohydrolysis liquor used separately. The
      application of this substrate mixture in a stirred tank bioreactor indicated the
      possibility of scaling up the process to commercial production.

PMID- 22072142
TI  - Isolation and characterization of a novel plasma membrane intrinsic protein gene,
      LcPIP1, in Leymus chinensis that enhances salt stress tolerance in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - A novel plasma membrane intrinsic, LcPIP1, was isolated from Leymus chinensis
      using RACE method. The LcPIP1 has 288 amino acids with an estimated molecular
      mass of 30.6 kDa. Semi RT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression level of
      LcPIP1 was obviously higher in leaf than root. The LcPIP1 was also found to be
      induced by salt stress. In addition, transformed with the LcPIP1, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae could increase tolerance to salt stress. These results indicate that
      the LcPIP1 gene seems to play a role in resistance against salt stress.

PMID- 22072143
TI  - Overview of fungal lipase: a review.
AB  - Lipases (triacylglycerolacyl hydrolases, EC3.1.1.3) are class of enzymes which
      catalyze the hydrolysis of long-chain triglycerides. In this review paper, an
      overview regarding the fungal lipase production, purification, and application is
      discussed. The review describes various industrial applications of lipase in pulp
      and paper, food, detergent, and textile industries. Some important lipase
      producing fungal genera include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Candida, etc.
      Current fermentation process techniques such as batch, fed-batch, and continuous
      mode of lipase production in submerged and solid-state fermentations are
      discussed in details. The purification of lipase by hydrophobic interaction
      chromatography is also discussed. The development of mathematical models applied
      to lipase production is discussed with special emphasis on lipase engineering.

PMID- 22072144
TI  - Composition and source apportionment of PAHs in sediments at river mouths and
      channel in Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan.
AB  - Fifty-eight sediment samples were collected in 2009 from the bottom of river
      mouths near Kaohsiung Harbor (Taiwan) and the harbor channel for the analyses of
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS). Concentrations of total PAHs varied from 39 to 30,521 ng g(
      1) (dry weight); samples collected from the mouths of Love River, Canon River,
      Jen-Gen River, and Salt River showed the highest PAHs concentrations. This
      indicates that the major sources of sediment PAHs come from those polluted urban
      rivers and the harbor channel. In samples collected from the Salt River mouth,
      approximately 43% of the PAHs are identified as PAHs with 2 or 3 rings. However,
      samples collected from other locations contain predominantly PAHs with 4 rings
      (32 to 42%) or 5 and 6 rings (36 to 44%). Emissions from traffic-related sources
      and waste incineration contribute to the majority of PAHs found in most channel
      and river mouth sediments. However, coal/oil combustion is the main cause of high
      concentrations of PAHs observed in the Salt River mouth sediments. Principal
      component analyses with multivariate linear regression (PCA/MLR) have been used
      to further quantify the source contributions, and the results show that the
      contributions of coal/oil combustion, traffic-related and waste incineration are
      37%, 33% and 30%, respectively.

PMID- 22072145
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase-2 polymorphisms and clinical outcome of Chinese patients
      with nonsmall cell lung cancer treated with first-line, platinum-based
      chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is well known for its critical
      role in cell survival and cancer development. It also plays an important role in
      hematopoietic recovery after chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. In this
      study, the authors investigated the association of MMP-2 polymorphisms with
      treatment efficacy and the occurrence of severe toxicity in patients with
      nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were receiving first-line, platinum-based
      chemotherapy. METHODS: A pharmacogenetic association study was performed in 663
      Chinese patients who had inoperable stage III/IV NSCLC and were receiving first
      line, platinum-based regimens. Information about objective response, progression
      free survival, overall survival, grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal toxicity
      (nausea/vomiting), and hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, anemia,
      thrombocytopenia) was available. Sixteen tag single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) of MMP-2 were assessed. RESULTS: In 7 polymorphisms, significant
      associations were observed with the incidence of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. The
      variant homozygotes of reference SNP rs12934241 exhibited the most significant
      effect on the risk of neutropenia, leading to an incidence rate that increased
      from 12.3% (for the C/C genotype) to 50% (for the T/T genotype; odds ratio, 8.33;
      P = 8.8 * 10(-5)). Stratified analyses indicated that rs12934241 exhibited a much
      stronger influence in the cisplatin-gemcitabine regimen subgroup than subgroups
      that received other regimens (P(interaction) = .003). Further haplotype analyses
      produced results that were consistent with results from single-SNP analyses.
      However, no significant association was observed between MMP-2 polymorphisms and
      treatment efficacy, including response rate, clinical benefit, progression-free
      survival, and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this
      study provides the first evidence for a predictive role of MMP-2 polymorphisms in
      the variability of severe chemotherapy-related neutropenia among Chinese patients
      with platinum-treated, advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 22072146
TI  - Side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty for chronic ischemic enteritis:
      report of a case.
AB  - Chronic ischemic enteritis can cause intestinal strictures, but extensive
      resection of the small intestine may leave patients with short bowel syndrome.
      Thus, the importance of preserving diseased small bowel is now recognized. We
      report a case of successful side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty (SSIS),
      performed to prevent short bowel syndrome, in a patient with ischemic enteritis
      caused by strangulated intestinal obstruction. SSIS is useful for preserving the
      intestinal absorptive function in patients with a long narrowed bowel loop caused
      by ischemic change. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful
      treatment of a long stricture resulting from ischemic enteritis, achieved by
      performing SSIS.

PMID- 22072147
TI  - Total resection of the right hepatic vein drainage area with the aid of three
      dimensional computed tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: We analyzed the feasibility and safety of our preliminary surgical
      approach for total hepatic resection of the right hepatic vein drainage area (THR
      RHV) with the aid of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) guidance.
      METHODS: Clinical findings and 3D-CT volumetry results were investigated in five
      patients who underwent THR-RHV for a hepatic malignant tumor close to the right
      hepatic vein (RHV). RESULTS: The mean estimated remnant liver volume after a
      conventional right lobectomy was 474 ml, whereas that after THR-RHV was 614 ml,
      indicating that 140 ml (13.8%) of additional liver volume had been preserved by
      performing THR-RHV. The median operative time, mean ischemic time, and mean blood
      loss during surgery were 406 min, 51 min, and 587 ml, respectively. Histological
      examinations confirmed a negative surgical margin in all five patients. The mean
      liver volume estimated by 3D-CT was 458 ml, whereas the mean actual resected
      liver volume was 468 g, resulting in a mean error ratio of 3.1%. CONCLUSIONS: THR
      RHV allowed for a higher remnant liver volume than that after conventional right
      lobectomy of the liver, and proved feasible with acceptable perioperative
      results. This technique thus promotes both safety and curability for patients
      with a tumor close to the RHV.

PMID- 22072148
TI  - Prognostic significance of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) gene expression in
      rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most cancer cells exhibit increased glycolysis. The elevated glucose
      transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression has been reported to be associated with
      resistance to therapeutic agents and a poor prognosis. We wondered whether GLUT1
      expression was associated with the clinical outcome in rectal cancer after
      preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and whether glycolysis inhibition could
      represent a novel anticancer treatment. METHODS: We obtained total RNA from
      residual cancer cells using microdissection from a total of 52 rectal cancer
      specimens from patients who underwent preoperative CRT. We performed
      transcriptional analyzes, and studied the association of the GLUT1 gene
      expression levels with the clinical outcomes. In addition, we examined each
      proliferative response of three selected colorectal cancer cell lines to a
      glycolysis inhibitor, 3-bromopyruvic acid (3-BrPA), with regard to their
      expression of the GLUT1 gene. RESULTS: An elevated GLUT1 gene expression was
      associated with a high postoperative stage, the presence of lymph node
      metastasis, and distant recurrence. Moreover, elevated GLUT1 gene expression
      independently predicted both the recurrence-free and overall survival. In the in
      vitro studies, we observed that 3-BrPA significantly suppressed the proliferation
      of colon cancer cells with high GLUT1 gene expression, compared with those with
      low expression. CONCLUSION: An elevated GLUT1 expression may be a useful
      predictor of distant recurrence and poor prognosis in rectal cancer patients
      after preoperative CRT.

PMID- 22072149
TI  - Clinical implications of the margin cytology findings and margin/tumor size ratio
      in patients who underwent pulmonary excision for peripheral non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: A pulmonary wedge resection is useful for the treatment of peripheral
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The margin/tumor size ratio (M/T) is a
      predictor of positive margin cytology findings in these procedures, although the
      long-term clinical implications remain unclear. This relationship was
      investigated in this study. METHODS: Thirty-seven cases with a high surgical risk
      without additional pulmonary resection were selected from those accrued in a
      multicenter prospective study of optimal margin distance for pulmonary excision
      of peripheral NSCLC and followed for more than 5 years (range 5.3-14 years).
      RESULTS: Both the M/T and margin cytology findings were indicators of cancer
      recurrence and survival. All seven cases of surgical margin recurrence had a
      cytology-positive surgical margin. The 5-year survival rate was 54.2% (n = 24)
      for M/T < 1 and 84.6% for M/T >= 1 (n = 13, P = 0.05), while it was 38.5% for
      positive margin (n = 13) and 79.2% for negative margin (n = 24) cases (P =
      0.001). In addition, the margin cytology findings were an independent prognostic
      factor. CONCLUSION: A pulmonary wedge resection for peripheral NSCLC should
      result in a negative malignant margin, which might be obtained from a sufficient
      tumor margin ratio of M/T >= 1.

PMID- 22072150
TI  - Successful surgical treatment of advanced follicular thyroid carcinoma with tumor
      thrombus infiltrating the superior vena cava: report of a case.
AB  - We report a case of advanced follicular thyroid carcinoma with massive
      involvement of the great veins of the cervix and mediastinum, and extensive tumor
      thrombus growing intraluminally into the superior vena cava. The patient, a 70
      year-old Japanese woman, was treated successfully by a cooperative surgical team
      of endocrine and cardiovascular surgeons. Total thyroidectomy with thrombectomy
      was performed via a minimum phlebotomy in the right brachiocephalic vein,
      sacrificing only the right internal jugular vein, achieving complete primary
      tumor resection. She recovered quickly without any complications, and received
      (131)I radioisotope ablation for her multiple lung metastases. At the time of
      writing, more than 12 months after surgery, she was well. These treatments thus
      achieved progression-free survival without impairing her quality of life.
      Following the case report, we discuss the surgical indications for locally
      advanced thyroid carcinoma involving the great veins of the mediastinum by
      reviewing previous reports.

PMID- 22072151
TI  - Off-the-job training for VATS employing anatomically correct lung models.
AB  - We evaluated our simulated major lung resection employing anatomically correct
      lung models as "off-the-job training" for video-assisted thoracic surgery
      trainees. A total of 76 surgeons voluntarily participated in our study. They
      performed video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy employing anatomically
      correct lung models, which are made of sponges so that vessels and bronchi can be
      cut using usual surgical techniques with typical forceps. After the simulation
      surgery, participants answered questionnaires on a visual analogue scale, in
      terms of their level of interest and the reality of our training method as off
      the-job training for trainees. We considered that the closer a score was to 10,
      the more useful our method would be for training new surgeons. Regarding the
      appeal or level of interest in this simulation surgery, the mean score was 8.3 of
      10, and regarding reality, it was 7.0. The participants could feel some of the
      real sensations of the surgery and seemed to be satisfied to perform the
      simulation lobectomy. Our training method is considered to be suitable as an
      appropriate type of surgical off-the-job training.

PMID- 22072152
TI  - Cost disparity between open repair and endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal
      aortic aneurysm: a single-institute experience in Japan.
AB  - PURPOSE: We conducted this study to compare the cost of open surgical repair (OR)
      with that of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
      (AAA). METHODS: Between January 2007 and November 2008, 70 patients underwent
      open repair and 57 patients underwent EVAR. We evaluated the total cost,
      including that of the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC), that of the surgical
      procedure, that of materials such as grafts and guide wires, and that of the
      anesthesia. RESULTS: The mean costs for OR versus EVAR were as follows: DPC,
      Y632,370 versus Y490,050, respectively, which was significant; anesthesia,
      Y123,540 versus Y86,220, respectively (P < 0.05); and materials, Y257,770 versus
      Y2,113,280, respectively (P < 0.05). Thus, the mean total cost was Y1,825,830
      versus Y3,159,270 for open repair and EVAR, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      New technologies should not only be clinically effective, but also cost
      effective. EVAR is less invasive clinically, but the cost of endovascular
      prostheses and other materials remains high.

PMID- 22072153
TI  - Poor sleep quality, stress status, and sympathetic nervous system activation in
      nondipping hypertension.

PMID- 22072154
TI  - Dielectrophoretic chip with multilayer electrodes and micro-cavity array for
      trapping and programmably releasing single cells.
AB  - Cell characterization analysis usually involves a sequence of steps such as
      culture, separation, trapping, examination and recollection. In general, it is
      difficult to recover the identified cells and achieve a multi-run examination on
      a single chip for clinical samples. In the present study, a dielectrophoresis
      (DEP) micro-device was developed for multi-step manipulations of cells at the
      single-cell level. The structure of the DEP chip consisted of an indium tin oxide
      (ITO) top electrode, a flow chamber, a middle electrode on an SU-8 surface, a
      micro-cavity array of SU-8 and distributed electrodes at the bottom of the micro
      cavities. The purpose of the three-layer-electrode design was threefold. First,
      cells could be trapped into the micro-cavities by negative DEP between the top
      and middle electrodes. After cells were trapped, cell analysis at the single-cell
      level could potentially be performed. This could include, for example, drug
      treatment or biomedical sensing on the chip without applying voltage. Once
      identified, the target cells could be individually released by controlling the
      bottom distributed electrodes. Finally, the rest of the trapped cells could be
      pulled out by a positive DEP force between the top and middle electrodes and
      flushed away for the next run of cell analysis. The multi-step manipulations of
      human bladder cancer cells (TSGH8301) were successfully demonstrated and
      discussed, providing an excellent platform technology for a lab-on-a-chip (LOC).

PMID- 22072155
TI  - The addition of amides to group 14 (di)-metallenes.
AB  - The addition of a series of primary and secondary amides to the group 14
      (di)metallenes Mes(2)Si=SiMes(2), Mes(2)Ge=GeMes(2) and
      (Me(3)Si)(2)Si=C(OSiMe(3))R, where R = t-Bu or R = 1-Ad, was examined. In
      general, the addition of primary and N-methyl amides gave amide adducts whereas
      the addition of N-phenyl amides gave imidate adducts. The regiochemistry of the
      additions was highly dependent upon the substituent bonded to the amide nitrogen.
      We propose that the formation of the adducts proceeds by way of a zwitterionic
      intermediate. The reactivity of tetramesityldigermene towards amides is used to
      predict the structure of the amide adducts formed on the Ge(100)-2 * 1 surface.

PMID- 22072156
TI  - 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase associates with poor prognosis in breast
      cancer, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and promotes cell migration in
      cultured breast cancer cells.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related
      deaths in women worldwide. The prognosis of breast cancer is tightly correlated
      with the degree of spread beyond the primary tumour. Arachidonic acid (AA) and
      prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) are known to regulate tumour metastasis enabling
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the detailed role of 15
      hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD), the key enzyme degrading prostaglandin
      E(2) , remains unclear in breast cancer. Here, we show that HPGD mRNA is
      overexpressed in a subset of clinical breast cancers compared to normal breast
      tissue samples and that high HPGD mRNA expression associates with poor prognosis.
      Immunohistochemical staining of primary breast cancer and lymph node metastasis
      tissue samples confirmed high HPGD protein expression in 20% of the samples, as
      well as associated HPGD expression with aggressive characteristics, such as
      increased risk of disease relapse and shorter disease-free survival. Results from
      cultured cells indicated abundant HPGD expression in highly metastatic breast
      cancer cells, and impairment of HPGD expression using RNA interference led to a
      significant decrease in transforming growth factor-beta signalling, in cellular
      arachidonic acid levels as well as in cell migration. Furthermore, gene
      expression microarray analysis followed by quantitative RT-PCR validation showed
      that HPGD silencing decreased aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling and induced
      mesenchymal-epithelial transition. In conclusion, our results indicate that HPGD
      is highly expressed in metastatic and aggressive breast cancer and promotes EMT
      and migration in breast cancer cells.

PMID- 22072157
TI  - Reversible severe deterioration of glycaemic control after withdrawal of
      metformin treatment.

PMID- 22072159
TI  - New Zealand is not an island when it comes to global health policy engagement.

PMID- 22072160
TI  - Sudden unexpected infant death--no more "stunned amazement"!

PMID- 22072158
TI  - Reduction of both beta cell death and alpha cell proliferation by dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 inhibition in a streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Incretins stimulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent
      manner but also promote pancreatic beta cell protection. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4
      (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new glucose-lowering treatment that blocks incretin
      degradation by DPP-4. We assessed whether DPP-4 inhibition suppresses the
      progression to hyperglycaemia in a low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic
      mouse model, and then investigated how DPP-4 inhibition affects islet function
      and morphology. METHODS: The DPP-4 inhibitor, des-fluoro-sitagliptin (SITA), was
      administered to mice during and after STZ injections, and in some mice also
      before STZ. RESULTS: In control mice, STZ resulted in hyperglycaemia associated
      with impaired insulin secretion and excess glucagon secretion. In SITA-treated
      STZ mice, these metabolic abnormalities were improved, particularly when SITA
      administration was initiated before STZ injections. We observed beta cell loss
      and dramatic alpha cell expansion associated with decreased insulin content and
      increased glucagon content after STZ administration. In SITA-treated mice, islet
      architecture and insulin content were preserved, and no significant increase in
      glucagon content was observed. After STZ exposure, beta cell apoptosis increased
      before hyperglycaemia, and SITA treatment reduced the number of apoptotic beta
      cells. Interestingly, alpha cell proliferation was observed in non-treated mice
      after STZ injection, but the proliferation was not observed in SITA-treated mice.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results suggest that the ability of DPP-4
      inhibition to suppress the progression to STZ-induced hyperglycaemia involves
      both alleviation of beta cell death and alpha cell proliferation.

PMID- 22072161
TI  - Revised status of PSA testing in the early detection and treatment of prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 22072162
TI  - Temporal trends and clinical characteristics of spontaneous intracerebral
      haemorrhage in the Waikato region of New Zealand: a hospital-based analysis.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the incidence, and any change in incidence, of spontaneous
      intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) detected in the hospitals of the Waikato region
      of New Zealand (NZ) between 1999 and 2008. To analyse clinical and patient
      parameters, and to correlate these with outcome. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis was performed on patients presenting to Waikato and Thames Hospitals
      with ICH during the study period. Radiology reports, blood tests and the
      electronic clinical record were reviewed for each patient. RESULTS: 653 episodes
      of ICH were identified. The average annual incidence per 100,000 per year was
      17.4 (16.1-18.7, 95% confidence interval). This increased from an average of 14.4
      (13.7-15.1) between 1999-2001 to 21.4 (20.6-22.2) between 2006-2008 (rate ratio
      1.49, p<0.0001). 249 (38.1%) patients died within 30 days of their sentinel
      bleed. The presence of intraventricular extension of bleed on neuroimaging (Odds
      Ratio (OR) 6.18, p<0.001), warfarin use (OR 1.11, p=0.76), warfarin use and
      intraventricular extension of bleed (OR 23.8, p=0.014), lobar location of bleed
      (OR 1.88, p=0.001) and age (OR 1.16 for every 10-year increase in age, p=0.02)
      increased the likelihood of death within 30 days. CONCLUSION: Observed ICH has
      increased in incidence in our hospitals over the past 10 years. Increasing
      availability of neuroimaging, increasing numbers of elderly, and increasing
      warfarin associated ICH were likely contributors to this observed increase.
      Radiological evidence of extension of intraventricular bleed, warfarin use, lobar
      location of bleed, and increasing age correlated with poorer survival. This data
      will be available for comparison with future studies to assess trends in
      incidence, patient characteristics and outcome in ICH.

PMID- 22072163
TI  - Secondary prevention of vertebral fractures in a large New Zealand District
      Health Board.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: International data suggests osteoporotic vertebral fractures are
      undertreated. The aim of this audit was to identify treatment gaps in patients
      with known vertebral fractures at Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB).
      METHODS: Retrospective review of patients admitted to WDHB from July 2006 to June
      2007. Inclusion criteria were age over 65 years, admission to any service with a
      primary or secondary diagnosis of vertebral fracture. Exclusion criteria were
      fractures related to malignancy. Demographic data, details of vertebral fracture,
      and history of prior fractures were documented. Osteoporotic medications at
      admission and discharge were collected. RESULTS: We analysed 154 patients. The
      mean age was 81.5 years and 101 (66%) were women. At discharge, 42 (27%) of
      patients were on no treatment and 51 (33%) were treated with calcium, vitamin D
      and a bisphosphonate. Men were significantly more likely to be on no treatment
      (p<0.05). Lack of treatment did not appear to be associated with age or frailty.
      Subgroups studied included patients with prior non-vertebral fractures, primary
      diagnosis of vertebral fracture and patients on corticosteroids with rates of no
      treatment of 20%, 21% and 16% respectively. CONCLUSION: Secondary treatment of
      vertebral fractures in patients admitted to WDHB is suboptimal. Men were
      particularly affected.

PMID- 22072164
TI  - Emergency peripartum hysterectomy: a 10-year review in a tertiary obstetric
      hospital.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the incidence, indications and complications associated with
      emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) performed at Christchurch Women's
      Hospital, New Zealand. METHODS: A retrospective case series analysis of EPH from
      2000-2009. Cases were identified using the hospital's computerised database.
      Those medical records were reviewed. EPH was defined as one performed for major
      postpartum haemorrhage unresponsive to other treatment within 24 hours of
      delivery. RESULTS: Nineteen EPH cases were identified among 47,520 deliveries,
      giving an incidence of 0.4 per 1000 deliveries. The indications were invasive
      placental adhesion--accreta, increta, percreta (63%), uterine atony (16%),
      placenta praevia (10.5%) and uterine tear with atony (10.5%). All cases of
      abnormal placentation in this study had previous caesareans or curettages. A
      significant association between previous uterine surgery and abnormal
      placentation was shown (p=0.02), especially those with previous caesarean
      (p=0.003). No maternal or perinatal mortality was recorded. Maternal morbidity
      was prevalent, including eight disseminated intravascular coagulopathies, seven
      intensive care, three bladder injuries, two re-explorations, one respiratory
      failure and one pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: Invasive placental adhesion is
      the major indication for EPH. This study demonstrates an association between the
      presence of scarred uteri as a result of previous uterine surgery, and abnormal
      placentation.

PMID- 22072165
TI  - Outcomes of patients with untreated severe aortic stenosis in real-world
      practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement remains the gold standard of the
      treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis but is often not considered due
      to excessive risk factors and comorbidities especially in elderly patients. We
      describe the burden of untreated severe aortic stenosis at a tertiary care
      hospital in New Zealand. METHOD: Consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis
      presented between January-December, 2005 were studied retrospectively. Outcome
      assessment included mortality, hospital stay and on going symptoms (angina >CCS
      class II, dyspnoea >NYHA class II and syncope). RESULTS: A total of 105 patients
      with severe aortic stenosis were identified (mean age 76 plus or minus 13 years,
      51% men). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the management
      strategy. (Group 1: Not referred for surgery as asymptomatic (n=25), Group 2:
      Declined for surgery (n=41), Group 3: Accepted for surgery (n=39)). Median follow
      up was 34 months (interquartile range: 16-36 months). All-cause mortality in
      Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 were 36%, 73% and 18% respectively while hospital
      days per 100 patient-years were 3.5, 10.1 and 6.4 and symptoms on last follow-up
      were 0%, 64% and 0% respectively. Almost half of symptomatic patients (Group 2
      versus 3) were denied valve surgery due to comorbidities. Symptomatic patients
      had a significant mortality (p<0.0001) benefit with less hospitalisations
      (p<0.0001) post surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Untreated symptomatic severe aortic
      stenosis is associated with a poor prognosis and significant morbidity. For
      symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who are denied surgery,
      alternative therapies such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation could be a
      viable option.

PMID- 22072166
TI  - Review of 100 consecutive microvascular free flaps.
AB  - AIM: To analyse the outcome of microvascular free flap reconstructions in
      Middlemore Hospital (South Auckland, New Zealand). METHOD: 100 consecutive free
      flap reconstructions from January 2004 to April 2010 were identified from the
      Middlemore Hospital Theatre Coding List. Basic patient demographics and
      indication for surgery along with free flap types were recorded and outcomes were
      analysed. RESULTS: The free flap success rate was 96%. There were 21 short term
      complications without any perioperative mortality. The most common complication
      was flap infection (7/21) followed by vascular thrombosis (6/21 venous and 1/21
      arterial). Other complications included partial ischaemic flap (3/21), haematoma
      (2/21), venous congestion (1/21) and partial wound dehiscence (1/21).  Fourteen
      flaps needed salvage procedures in the operating theatre including eight cases
      for re-anastomosis of vessels. The overall successful salvage rate was 71%
      resulting in four failures. The successful salvage rate following re-anastomosis
      of vessels was 63%. CONCLUSION: Overall success and salvage rates for free flap
      reconstructions at our plastics and reconstruction centre are comparable to that
      of international literature. Diligent postoperative monitoring and early return
      to theatre for re-exploration is the key to ensuring maximal free flap success.

PMID- 22072167
TI  - Colonic self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in acute large bowel obstruction.
AB  - AIM: Colonic SEMS are increasing used in the management of acute large bowel
      obstruction, both as a bridge to surgery and as a definitive palliative measure
      in patients unfit for surgery. We describe our experience from a New Zealand
      hospital and compare our data with that already published in literature. METHODS:
      In this retrospective 4-year study, data was collected from the case notes of 28
      consecutive patients with acute large bowel obstruction referred for colonic
      SEMS. Uncovered Boston Scientific colonic SEMS were placed endoscopically under
      fluoroscopic guidance. Technical success was considered as correct placement of
      stent after deployment and clinical success as the passage of flatus and faeces
      after stent insertion. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS:
      Our technical and clinical success rates were 90% and 88% respectively. The
      procedure was palliative in 15 patients and as a bridge to elective surgery in 13
      cases. Procedure-related mortality was 7%. It was because of one early and one
      late perforation. The average length of stay post procedure was 2 days. Mean
      survival post stent insertion in the palliative group was 2.4 months and for
      those with a bridge to surgery was 14 months. CONCLUSION: n Our results support
      the data published from international centres in terms of deployment of SEMS in
      patients with acute large bowel obstruction, both as a bridge to surgery and as a
      definitive palliative measure.

PMID- 22072168
TI  - "Punching above its weight": why New Zealand must maintain leadership in global
      health.
AB  - As a small island nation, with a population of only 4.4 million, and
      geographically isolated from the centres of global power, New Zealand could be
      seen as of marginal relevance to the global health agenda. This paper argues that
      New Zealand has been and should remain a player in global health, even if current
      fiscal constraints may suggest otherwise. Involvement fits with our
      responsibilities and commitments in the Pacific region and our wider interests,
      including ethical international trade, security, global alliances and the
      fundamental protection of health.

PMID- 22072169
TI  - Hypnosedative access and risk of harm.
AB  - AIM: To review PHARMAC's decision, effective 1 September 2010, to remove the 1
      month restriction on funded prescription of hypnotics and anxiolytics. METHOD: We
      consider the evidence for an association between access to these medicines and
      risk of harm. RESULTS: Prescription volumes and reported harms have both
      increased over the last decade in New Zealand; available studies and clinical
      experience suggest a causal link. Preliminary data collected since PHARMAC's
      funding change suggest an exacerbation of the problem. CONCLUSION: The decision
      to relax funding restrictions on hypnosedatives is expected to increase drug
      related harms in a sub-population of users. Improved pharmacovigilance could
      inform policy regarding these agents.

PMID- 22072170
TI  - Colonoscopy--a rare cause of pancreatitis.

PMID- 22072171
TI  - Incarceration of an inguinal hernia post urinary catheterisation.

PMID- 22072172
TI  - Medical image. Chilaiditi syndrome.

PMID- 22072173
TI  - Medical image. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

PMID- 22072174
TI  - Potential social and psychological consequences of the Rena incident: lessons
      from an international perspective.

PMID- 22072175
TI  - End-of-term review of the New Zealand Government's response to climate change: a
      public health perspective.

PMID- 22072176
TI  - Banning pharmaceutical sponsorship: is ethical apartheid the right road ahead?

PMID- 22072177
TI  - Not for resuscitation orders--clarification is needed.

PMID- 22072178
TI  - Thames hospital.

PMID- 22072179
TI  - Playing with 'the public health'.

PMID- 22072180
TI  - Improving emergency department performance at Christchurch Hospital: an update.

PMID- 22072181
TI  - Eliminating tobacco point of sale displays: removing the retail detail from the
      devil.

PMID- 22072183
TI  - Consensus statement on the role of the doctor in New Zealand.

PMID- 22072182
TI  - Binge drinking is patterned by demographic and socioeconomic position in New
      Zealand: largest national survey to date.

PMID- 22072184
TI  - Oleoresin chemistry mediates oviposition behavior and fecundity of a tree-killing
      bark beetle.
AB  - Many herbivores are sensitive to the secondary chemistry of their host plants.
      However, the influence of pine secondary chemicals (monoterpenes) on bark beetle
      fitness is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that the monoterpene
      composition of the phloem oleoresin of ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa var
      scopulorum, mediates rates of host acceptance, oviposition behavior, and
      fecundity of the western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis. We performed
      reciprocal rearing experiments, controlling for the monoterpene composition
      (chemotype) of host material. We tested the effects of two geographically
      interspersed host chemotypes on beetles with unknown (wild) and known (reared
      F(1)) chemical histories. Host chemotype and insect chemical history did not
      affect rates of acceptance of host material by female beetles. Insect chemical
      history affected egg gallery construction, and beetles constructed egg galleries
      that were on average 24.3% longer when reared in host material that was
      chemically similar to their natal host material. However, mean egg gallery
      lengths did not differ between host chemotypes. Insect chemical history also
      influenced fecundity: F(1) beetles produced 52.7% more offspring on average when
      reared in host material that was chemically similar to their natal host. Our
      experiments demonstrate that the chemical history of bark beetles mediates egg
      gallery construction and fecundity, but not host acceptance. This implicates
      chemical history as a more important factor than host chemotype in the
      oviposition behavior and fecundity of D. brevicomis.

PMID- 22072185
TI  - The use of mass isotopomer distribution analysis to quantify synthetic rates of
      sex pheromone in the moth Heliothis virescens.
AB  - Although there has been much investigation of the steps involved in sex pheromone
      biosynthesis in moths, little is known about the kinetics of biosynthesis in
      vivo, primarily because there are few techniques suitable for studying the small
      amounts of pheromone produced without perturbing a female moth's normal
      physiology. In this paper, female Heliothis virescens moths fed on U-(13)C
      glucose were subjected to mass isotopomer distribution analysis, enabling
      calculation of fractional (FSR) and absolute (ASR) synthetic rates of the main
      pheromone component, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, at two different photoperiodic times:
      during the scotophase (when adults are sexually active) and during the photophase
      (when adults do not engage in mating behavior). FSRs differed substantially at
      the two times with, as expected, the greater rate occurring during the
      scotophase. After determining Z11-16:Ald pool sizes, ASR through the scotophase
      was calculated to be roughly 20 times greater than ASR in the photophase. These
      differences are consistent with the release/non-release of the pheromone
      biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide. This approach should facilitate
      determination of more quantitative measures of semiochemical production in moths
      and other sugar-feeding insects that synthesize semiochemicals from glycolytic
      metabolites.

PMID- 22072186
TI  - The influence of receptor-mediated interactions on reaction-diffusion mechanisms
      of cellular self-organisation.
AB  - Understanding the mechanisms governing and regulating self-organisation in the
      developing embryo is a key challenge that has puzzled and fascinated scientists
      for decades. Since its conception in 1952 the Turing model has been a paradigm
      for pattern formation, motivating numerous theoretical and experimental studies,
      though its verification at the molecular level in biological systems has remained
      elusive. In this work, we consider the influence of receptor-mediated dynamics
      within the framework of Turing models, showing how non-diffusing species impact
      the conditions for the emergence of self-organisation. We illustrate our results
      within the framework of hair follicle pre-patterning, showing how receptor
      interaction structures can be constrained by the requirement for patterning,
      without the need for detailed knowledge of the network dynamics. Finally, in the
      light of our results, we discuss the ability of such systems to pattern outside
      the classical limits of the Turing model, and the inherent dangers involved in
      model reduction.

PMID- 22072187
TI  - Gene polymorphisms contributing to hypertension in immunoglobulin A nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension, which is affected by genetic and environmental factors,
      is one of the major risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Identification of
      the genetic factor contributing to hypertension in patients with chronic kidney
      disease may potentially refine a therapeutic strategy. METHODS: In the present
      multicenter cross-sectional study, 240 patients were eligible (aged 15-50 years
      with urinary protein >=0.25 g/day) out of 429 patients who were diagnosed as
      having immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy (IgAN) by renal biopsy between 1990 and
      2005 and enrolled in our previous study, PREDICT-IgAN. The outcome was
      hypertension defined as >=140 and/or >=90 mmHg of systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure and/or use of antihypertensives at renal biopsy. We assessed
      associations between hypertension and 28 polymorphisms with the frequency of
      minor genotype >=10% among 100 atherosclerosis-related polymorphisms using the
      Chi-squared test in dominant and recessive models. We identified polymorphisms
      associated with hypertension in multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS:
      Baseline characteristics: hypertension 36.3%. Among 28 polymorphisms, the Chi
      squared test revealed that CD14 (-159CC vs CT/TT, P = 0.03) and ACE (DD vs DI/II,
      P = 0.03) were significantly associated with hypertension after Bonferroni
      correction. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that CD14 -159CC [vs
      CT/TT, odds ratio (OR) 3.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66-7.63)] and ACE DD
      [vs DI/II, OR 4.41 (95% CI 1.80-10.8), P = 0.001] were independently associated
      with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: CD14 C-159T and ACE I/D contributed to
      hypertension in patients with IgAN.

PMID- 22072188
TI  - Scavenger receptor expressions in the kidneys of mice with lipoprotein
      glomerulopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To clarify whether dysfunction of the scavenger receptor (SR)
      participates in the development of lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) in
      immunoglobulin F(c) receptor gamma chain (F(c)Rgamma)-deficient mice [F(c)Rgamma
      knock-out (KO) mice] with induced chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD).
      METHOD: In wild-type (WT) and F(c)Rgamma KO C57BL/6 mice, cGVHD was induced by
      injection of lymphoid cells from donor Bm12 mice. At 6 months after injection,
      the mice were sacrificed and histologically examined. Total RNA was extracted
      from the kidneys and cytokine, chemokine, and SR transcript expressions were
      evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Three of 4
      female cGVHD(+)/F(c)Rgamma KO mice presented LPG in >60% of glomeruli. cGVHD(-)
      and cGVHD(+)/WT mice did not show LPG. The SRs CD36, CD68, and CXCL16 showed a
      significant difference in the values of their transcripts between cGVHD(+)/WT and
      cGVHD(+)/F(c)Rgamma KO mice. Among them, only CD36 showed a drastic decline of
      mRNA expressions in cGVHD(+)/F(c)Rgamma KO mice. CONCLUSION: CD36 may play a
      crucial role in the development of LPG in F(c)Rgamma KO mice with cGVHD. In
      addition to the apolipoprotein E mutation, dysfunction of lipid clearance in the
      kidney might be one of the factors for the development of LPG.

PMID- 22072189
TI  - Indolizinones as synthetic scaffolds: fundamental reactivity and the relay of
      stereochemical information.
AB  - Indolizinones are under-explored N-heterocycles that react with exquisite chemo-
      and stereoselectivity. An exploration of the fundamental reactivity of these
      azabicycles demonstrates the potential to relay stereochemical information from
      the ring-fusion to newly formed stereocenters on the bicyclic core. The
      indolizinone diene undergoes selective hydrogenation and readily participates in
      Diels-Alder cycloadditions as well as ene reactions. The vinylogous amide
      embedded in the five-membered ring is resistant to reaction when the diene is in
      place. However, removal of the diene allows for diastereoselective hydrogenation
      of, and 1,4-additions to, the vinylogous amide. These fundamental reactions with
      indolizinones have provided a structurally diverse array of products that hold
      promise in the context of natural product synthesis.

PMID- 22072190
TI  - Compliance to service standards for congenital upper limb deficiency: the
      Northern Ireland experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2003, the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM)
      published guidelines on amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation, including those
      with congenital limb deficiency. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate
      the service provided by the Regional Disablement Service (RDS) to children with
      congenital upper limb deficiency, against BSRM guidelines. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Chart review. RESULTS: Analysis of the group
      (n = 44) showed 52% were male, with 61% of children affected on the left side,
      and 73% having a transverse deficiency. Compliance to individual aspects of the
      guidelines varied considerably. Only 14 (32%) of children had met with the
      multidisciplinary team by the recommended age of six months. Analysis of referral
      sources and timings suggested that children were initially seen elsewhere and
      later referred to RDS after consultation with a surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: RDS
      compliance with the BSRM guidelines was variable. Particularly disappointing was
      the low rate of children and families meeting the multidisciplinary team at an
      early age (< 6 months). The low rate of early referral prompted us to contact all
      paediatricians in Northern Ireland highlighting the guidelines, the benefits of
      early contact with RDS and encouraging referral on diagnosis.

PMID- 22072191
TI  - Persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after treatment of triquetral dorsal chip
      fracture: six cases related to triangular fibrocartilage complex injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after treatment of triquetral
      dorsal chip fracture even after union is a matter of concern. There could be
      various reasons for this persistent pain like arthritis, instability, fractures
      and non-union. We correlate our findings of physical examination and wrist
      arthroscopy as triangular fibrocartilage complex injury to be one of the causes
      of this persistent pain. PATIENTS: Six subjects who had persistent ulnocarpal
      joint pain and tenderness after triquetral dorsal chip fracture, despite 2 months
      of conservative treatment, were subjected to physical tests. If the physical
      examination yields positive results, then magnetic resonance imaging followed by
      arthroscopic treatment was performed. The six patients were then evaluated using
      the visual analogue scale, the Mayo modified wrist score, and the grip strength
      test. RESULTS: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury was observed in
      all six cases and partial TFCC resection and synovectomy were performed. Analysis
      of the visual analogue scale, Mayo modified wrist score, and grip strength test
      data revealed statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In
      addition to several causes reported in the published literature, TFCC injury can
      be a cause of persistent ulnar pain after treatment of triquetral dorsal chip
      fracture. Arthroscopic partial TFCC resection can be considered to be a suitable
      treatment for such cases.

PMID- 22072192
TI  - Advances on the Masquelet technique using a cage and nail construct.
AB  - Traumatic, cancerous or infectious loss of bone is treated by either amputation
      or reconstruction. With limb salvage always preferable, surgeons rely on already
      established techniques such as grafting and distraction osteogenesis to avoid
      amputation, and ideally restore structure and thus function. The Masquelet
      technique is an effective method of bone reconstruction and limb salvage which is
      underreported in the English literature, and we report a case with advances using
      a cage and nail construct, resulting in successful eradication of methicillin
      resistant staphylococcus aureus infection and reconstitution of a 17 cm
      diaphyseal defect in the tibia.

PMID- 22072193
TI  - Precision of Ci-navigated extension and flexion gap balancing in total knee
      arthroplasty and analysis of potential predictive variables.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of final limb
      alignment and flexion-extension and medial-lateral gap balancing in computer
      navigated total knee arthroplasty and to analyze various possible predictive
      variables that may affect the gaps in computer navigated knee arthroplasty.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DePuy Ci system, a nonimage-based passive optical
      computer navigation system, was used in 225 patients with knee osteoarthritis to
      assist for the total knee arthroplasty. From the raw data the Ci-verified pre-
      and postoperative leg axis in extension, angle of tibia and femur resection, the
      flexion and extension angle, the medial and lateral extension and flexion gaps
      were extracted; and differences in gaps were calculated and subjected to
      statistical analysis. Leg alignment and implant position were determined only by
      the navigation system. Preoperative variables were evaluated for their impact on
      the final flexion/extension and medial/lateral gaps achieved. RESULTS: Though the
      preoperative femoro-tibial coronal alignment had a large variance,
      postoperatively 98.22% of the knee was found to be between -3 degrees  and +3
      degrees  in the coronal limb alignment axis. The Ci-verified femoral and tibial
      cuts in the coronal plane showed a good accuracy. The sagittal alignment of the
      femoral cut ranged from 8.20 degrees  flexion to 3.20 degrees  of extension.
      Rectangular extension and flexion gaps were achieved with <=3 mm of difference in
      gaps on medial and lateral sides in 98 and 93% of knees, respectively. Difference
      between extension and flexion gaps on the medial side was <=3 mm in 83% and on
      the lateral side in 84% of the knees. Of all the possible predictive variables
      analyzed, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis showed significant
      correlation only between the medial-lateral gap difference in extension and the
      Ci-verified femoral cut, tibial cut and limb axis, all in the coronal plane.
      CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted navigated total knee replacement allows for
      accurate gap balancing that is not dependent on the various pre- and
      intraoperative factors mentioned, including age, sex, Range of motion
      preoperative deformity and grade of osteoarthritis. The Ci-calculated and
      verified tibial, and femoral cuts are the only possible factors affecting the
      extension gap.

PMID- 22072194
TI  - Shuttling happens: soluble flavin mediators of extracellular electron transfer in
      Shewanella.
AB  - The genus Shewanella contains Gram negative gamma-proteobacteria capable of
      reducing a wide range of substrates, including insoluble metals and carbon
      electrodes. The utilization of insoluble respiratory substrates by bacteria
      requires a strategy that is quite different from a traditional respiratory
      strategy because the cell cannot take up the substrate. Electrons generated by
      cellular metabolism instead must be transported outside the cell, and perhaps
      beyond, in order to reduce an insoluble substrate. The primary focus of research
      in model organisms such as Shewanella has been the mechanisms underlying
      respiration of insoluble substrates. Electrons travel from the menaquinone pool
      in the cytoplasmic membrane to the surface of the bacterial cell through a series
      of proteins collectively described as the Mtr pathway. This review will focus on
      respiratory electron transfer from the surface of the bacterial cell to
      extracellular substrates. Shewanella sp. secrete redox-active flavin compounds
      able to transfer electrons between the cell surface and substrate in a cyclic
      fashion-a process termed electron shuttling. The production and secretion of
      flavins as well as the mechanisms of cell-mediated reduction will be discussed
      with emphasis on the experimental evidence for a shuttle-based mechanism. The
      ability to reduce extracellular substrates has sparked interest in using
      Shewanella sp. for applications in bioremediation, bioenergy, and synthetic
      biology.

PMID- 22072196
TI  - Reactivation characteristics of stored aerobic granular sludge using different
      operational strategies.
AB  - Aerobic granules after 6 months storage were employed in identical sequencing
      batch reactors (SBRs) using synthetic wastewater to investigate the impacts of
      different operational strategies on granules' reactivation process. The SBRs were
      operated under three operational strategies for reactivation of (a) different
      organic loading rate (OLR); (b) different ammonia concentration; and (c)
      different shear force (a superficial upflow air velocity). The results indicated
      that granules after long-term storage could be successfully recovered after 7
      days of operation, and the excellent granule reactivation performance was closely
      related to the operational strategies, since inappropriate operational strategies
      could cause the outgrowth of filamentous bacteria and granule disintegration.
      Based on comprehensive comparison of reactivation performance under different
      operational strategies, the optimal operation strategy for granule reactivation
      was suggested at OLR of 0.8 kg COD/m(3)/day, ammonia concentration of 15-20 mg/L,
      and a superficial upflow air velocity of 2.6 cm/s. After 7 days operation under
      the optimal strategy, the dark brown granules (12 months storage) restored their
      bioactivities to previous state, in terms of COD removal efficiency (97.44%) and
      specific oxygen uptake rate (40.63 mg O(2)/g SS h(-1)). The results shed light on
      the future practical application of stored aerobic granules as bioseed for
      reactor fast start-up.

PMID- 22072197
TI  - Relapsed multiple myeloma presenting as an orbital plasmacytoma.

PMID- 22072198
TI  - Augmented kinetic observational proptometry: an improved technique for clinical
      assessment of proptosis and enophthalmos.

PMID- 22072199
TI  - Occult orbital organic foreign body.

PMID- 22072200
TI  - Re: "Isolated cavernous hemangioma of conjunctiva".

PMID- 22072202
TI  - Re: "Transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy: scarless surgery without endoscope
      and laser assistance".

PMID- 22072204
TI  - Re: "Orbital dissemination of Lemierre syndrome from gram-positive septic
      emboli".

PMID- 22072206
TI  - Re: "Comparison of free tarsoconjunctival grafts and Hughes tarsoconjunctival
      grafts for lower eyelid reconstruction".

PMID- 22072208
TI  - Re: "Indications for orbital imaging by the oculoplastic surgeon".

PMID- 22072210
TI  - Cosmetic botulinum toxin type A induced ptosis presenting as myasthenia.

PMID- 22072211
TI  - Ocular adnexal lymphoma of the extraocular muscles: case series from the
      University of Iowa and review of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review and statistically analyze the data of patients with discrete
      involvement of the extraocular muscles with ocular adnexal lymphoma from the
      tumor registry at the University of Iowa and to compile with current cases in the
      literature. METHODS: The records of patients with biopsy-proven orbital lymphoma
      at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Ophthalmology and
      the Tumor Registry of the University of Iowa were reviewed. A review of the
      literature and meta-analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Eleven patients were
      identified with biopsy-proven ocular adnexal lymphoma with discrete involvement
      of the extraocular muscles at the University of Iowa. Additionally, 46 patients
      were identified in the literature with clinical and radiographic involvement of
      the extraocular muscles, 31 (67%) with biopsy-proven involvement. In the combined
      group of 57 patients, 16 (35%) of 45 patients with histopathologic documentation
      had lymphomas classified as extranodal marginal zone lymphomas. Twenty-five (67%)
      of the 37 patients with tumor-staging documentation had no extraorbital
      involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular adnexal lymphoma with discrete extraocular
      muscle involvement is rare. Most lymphomas found in this area of the orbit are
      subtypes of B-cell lymphoma. This disease should be included in the differential
      diagnosis of enlarged extraocular muscles.

PMID- 22072212
TI  - Alteration in miRNA gene expression pattern in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell
      induced by arsenic trioxide: a possible mechanism to explain arsenic multi-target
      action.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in cancer pathogenesis, apoptosis, and cell
      growth, and these miRNAs are thought to be functional as oncogenes and/or tumor
      suppressors in the gene regulatory networks. We studied the potential
      contribution of miRNAs in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell NB4 during the
      apoptosis induction by arsenic trioxide (ATO). The apoptotic effects of ATO on
      the NB4 cell line at a pharmacological dose (2 MUM) was verified using cell
      growth and viability assays, MTT assay, BrdU cell proliferation assay, flow
      cytometric analysis, and caspase-3 activity assay. miRNAs from untreated and 2
      MUM ATO-treated NB4 cell line were extracted, purified, and converted to
      complementary DNAs. Differential expressions of 88 cancer-related miRNAs were
      analyzed by real-time reverse transcription PCR using miRNA PCR cancer-array
      system. After normalizing to the average Ct value of three housekeeping genes in
      the array (U6, SNORD47, and SNORD48), the fold change of miRNAs was calculated in
      the ATO-treated cells as compared to untreated. Among the 88 cancer-focused
      miRNAs, 51 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed more than 2-fold
      after ATO treatment. Of these, 48 miRNAs were upregulated up to 21.65-fold
      changes, while three miRNAs were downregulated up to 5.19-fold changes. By
      screening the literature, a majority of these upregulated miRNAs were found to
      have tumor and/or metastatic suppressors' functions associated with cell cycle
      arrest and apoptosis, as well as inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion, and
      metastasis. Our results demonstrate that ATO, at the relevant concentration,
      modulate a substantial number of cancer-related miRNAs in APL cell line; most of
      these are known to function as a tumor and/or metastatic suppressors and have
      confirmed targets involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The results of
      this study support the hypothesis that miRNAs may play a mediatory role in
      eliciting the multi-target and pleiotropic action of ATO.

PMID- 22072213
TI  - The progranulin (GRN) Cys157LysfsX97 mutation is associated with nonfluent
      variant of primary progressive aphasia clinical phenotype.
AB  - The progranulin gene (GRN) g.10325_10331delCTGCTGT (relative to nt1 in
      NG_007886.1), alias Cys157LysfsX97, has been so far reported only once in a
      patient with frontotemporal dementia. Here, we describe a 63-year old patient
      carrying the same mutation, presenting with a 3-year history of language
      disorder, and diagnosed clinically with nonfluent variant of primary progressive
      aphasia according to current criteria. This patient's description expands the
      spectrum of clinical presentations of frontotemporal lobar degeneration caused by
      the GRN Cys157LysfsX97 mutation.

PMID- 22072214
TI  - A canine model to evaluate efficacy and safety of gamma-secretase inhibitors and
      modulators.
AB  - Gamma-secretase, a membrane bound protease which cleaves the transmembrane
      protein amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP), is a therapeutic target for
      Alzheimer's disease. Gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and modulators (GSMs) are
      being investigated as potential disease-modifying agents. Preclinical in vivo
      models to monitor the activity on gamma-secretase are described in different
      species such as mouse, rat, and guinea pigs. All these models have their value in
      testing compounds with amyloid lowering properties, however, compound
      characteristics and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as other species
      characteristics such as limited sampling volumes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF),
      recommended the use of a larger, non-rodent animal species. For this purpose, a
      screening model in dogs was developed for testing GSIs and GSMs. We showed that
      GSIs and GSMs had a dose- and time-dependent effect on Abeta(37), Abeta(38),
      Abeta(40), and Abeta(42) in CSF. Changes in liver function were evidenced by a
      transient increase in bilirubin with the GSMs and incidental increases in alanine
      aminotransferase for GSMs as well as GSIs. Microarray analysis of liver biopsies
      enabled to elucidate potential mechanisms behind the liver function changes. The
      relevance of the liver findings should be further evaluated in chronic pre
      clinical safety studies and in humans. Based on our data, we can conclude that
      the dog is a very appropriate species to assess efficacy and safety of compounds
      which have an effect on AbetaPP processing such as GSMs, GSIs, and BACE
      inhibitors.

PMID- 22072215
TI  - Different characteristics and prognostic impact of deep-vein thrombosis /
      pulmonary embolism and intraabdominal venous thrombosis in colorectal cancer
      patients.
AB  - This study was performed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic
      implications of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian patients with colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Differences in clinical characteristics and prognostic impact
      between extremity venous thrombosis (or deep-vein thrombosis; DVT)/pulmonary
      embolism (PE) and intra-abdominal venous thrombosis (IVT) were also evaluated.
      For this study, consecutive CRC patients (N = 2,006) were enrolled and analyses
      were conducted retrospectively. VTEs were classified into two categories (DVT/PE
      and IVT). Significant predictors of developing VTEs were advanced stage and an
      increased number of co-morbidities. The two-year cumulative incidence of DVT/PE
      was 0.3%, 0.9% and 1.4% in stages 0~1, 2 and 3, respectively; this incidence
      range of DVT/PE in Asian patients with loco-regional CRC was lower than in
      Western patients. However, the two-year incidence (6.4%) of DVT/PE in Asian
      patients with distant metastases was not lower than in Western patients. Although
      65.2% of patients with DVT/PE were symptomatic, only 15.7% of patients with IVT
      were symptomatic. During chemotherapy, DVT/PE developed more frequently than IVT.
      Only DVT/PE had a negative effect on survival; IVT had no prognostic
      significance. In conclusion, despite the low incidence of DVT/PE in Asian
      patients with loco-regional CRC, the protective effect of Asian ethnicity on VTE
      development disappears as tumour stage increases in patients with distant
      metastases. Considering different clinical characteristics and prognostic
      influences between DVT/PE and IVT, the treatment approach should be also
      different.

PMID- 22072216
TI  - Characteristics of the three ligaments of human spring ligament complex from a
      viewpoint of elements.
AB  - To elucidate characteristics of the three ligaments constituting the spring
      ligament complex from a viewpoint of elements, the authors investigated age
      related changes of elements, relationships among their elements, relationships
      among ligaments in the elements, and gender differences in the three ligaments of
      the spring ligament complex, the superomedial calcaneonavicular (SMCN),
      inferoplantar longitudinal calcaneonavicular (ICN), and third or medioplantar
      oblique calcaneonavicular (TCN) ligaments. After ordinary dissection at Nara
      Medical University was finished, the SMCN, ICN, and TCN ligaments of the spring
      ligament complex were removed from the subjects. The subjects consisted of 10 men
      and 12 women, ranging in age from 62 to 99 years (average age = 80.5 +/- 9.7
      years). After incineration with nitric acid and perchloric acid, the element
      contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission
      spectrometry. It was found that although the Ca and P content hardly changed in
      the SMCN ligament with aging, the Ca and P content in the ICN ligament increased
      to about three and five times higher in the 80s in comparison with the 60s,
      respectively, whereas in the TCN ligament, it increased about 40% and 90% higher
      in the 80s compared with the 60s, respectively. Regarding the relationships among
      elements, significant direct correlations were found among the contents of Ca, P,
      and Mg in all the three ligaments of the spring ligament complex. This finding
      was in agreement with the previous finding obtained with the three ligaments of
      the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, and ligamentum
      capitis femoris. Whether there were significant correlations among the three
      ligaments of the spring ligament complex with regard to the Ca, P, S, Mg, Zn, and
      Fe contents was examined using Pearson's correlation. It was found that there
      were significant direct correlations between the SMCN and TCN ligaments in all
      the Ca, P, Mg, and Zn contents and also between the SMCN and ICN ligaments in
      both the Mg and Fe contents but not between the TCN and ICN ligaments in the six
      element contents. Regarding the gender difference in elements, a significant
      gender difference was found only in the Mg content of the SMCN ligament, being
      significantly higher in men than in women.

PMID- 22072217
TI  - Mothers' responses to children's negative emotions and child emotion regulation:
      the moderating role of vagal suppression.
AB  - The current study examined the moderating effect of children's cardiac vagal
      suppression on the association between maternal socialization of negative
      emotions (supportive and nonsupportive responses) and children's emotion
      regulation behaviors. One hundred and ninety-seven 4-year-olds and their mothers
      participated. Mothers reported on their reactions to children's negative emotions
      and children's regulatory behaviors. Observed distraction, an adaptive self
      regulatory strategy, and vagal suppression were assessed during a laboratory task
      designed to elicit frustration. Results indicated that children's vagal
      suppression moderated the association between mothers' nonsupportive emotion
      socialization and children's emotion regulation behaviors such that nonsupportive
      reactions to negative emotions predicted lower observed distraction and lower
      reported emotion regulation behaviors when children displayed lower levels of
      vagal suppression. No interaction was found between supportive maternal emotion
      socialization and vagal suppression for children's emotion regulation behaviors.
      Results suggest physiological regulation may serve as a buffer against
      nonsupportive emotion socialization.

PMID- 22072218
TI  - Advantages of intra-capsular micro-enucleation of schwannoma arising from
      extremities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schwannoma is the most common tumor of the peripheral nerves, with
      surgical enucleation being the established treatment modality. However, some
      schwannomas cannot be easily enucleated and this sometimes results in iatrogenic
      nerve injury even with atraumatic procedures. Here we present a retrospective
      review of the management of schwannoma in the extremities and compare clinical
      outcomes from the two techniques of extra-capsular and intra-capsular
      enucleation. METHODS: We reviewed 36 schwannomas from 35 patients who underwent
      surgical excision of schwannomas arising from the extremities. Twenty had
      undergone extra-capsular resection and 16 had undergone enucleation using the
      intra-capsular technique. The post-operative neurological deficits were graded as
      minor, major, and transient. The duration of symptoms, maximum tumor diameter and
      site of occurrence were compared between patients with the three grades of
      deficit. RESULTS: In total, 22 patients developed no sensory changes following
      enucleation of schwannoma or only temporary and minor changes that had fully
      resolved within 6 months. Ten patients developed new neurological deficits
      following surgery that took longer than 6 months to resolve. Four patients
      experienced new motor deficits or paresthesia following operation that had still
      not recovered at the final follow-up, all of whom underwent enucleation using the
      extra-capsular technique. Neurological deficit after enucleation was
      significantly lower using the intra-capsular compared with the extra-capsular
      technique. Patient age, duration of symptoms, maximum diameter of the tumor and
      site of occurrence did not influence the neurological deficit following
      enucleation of schwannoma. CONCLUSION: These results support intra-capsular micro
      enucleation as a safe and reliable treatment for every type of schwannoma. To
      minimize the risk of nerve injury, en bloc resection should not be used because
      the main purpose of schwannoma surgery is the relief of symptoms, not tumor
      resection. Thorough pre-operative counseling of patients to inform them of the
      potential occurrence of neurological deficit is important.

PMID- 22072219
TI  - Authors' response to the Schaller's comment, "how eloquent is eloquent?".

PMID- 22072220
TI  - Assessment of sorbent impregnated PUF disks (SIPs) for long-term sampling of
      legacy POPs.
AB  - Two field studies were conducted for one year using sorbent-impregnated
      polyurethane foam (SIP) disks for PCB and PBDE air sampling. SIP disks were
      introduced by Shoeib et al. (2008) as an alternative passive air sampling medium
      to the polyurethane foam (PUF) disk and have the advantage of a higher holding
      capacity for organic chemicals. The first study on SIP disks confirmed their
      application for measuring volatile perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and their
      ability to maintain time-integrated (linear) air sampling. In this study, the
      suitability of the SIP disks for long-term sampling of polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was
      assessed. SIP disks were deployed at a rural site in the UK and harvested after
      periods ranging from 35-350 days. Atmospheric POP concentrations were monitored
      with a high-volume air sampler during the deployment period. Linear uptake was
      observed for all monitored PCBs and PBDEs over the full exposure time. Air
      sampler equilibrium was observed for HCB after 6 months. In a second field study,
      SIP disks were deployed for one year at 10 sites on a latitudinal transect in the
      UK and Norway, at which air sampling has been undertaken previously with
      different passive air sampling media since 1994. The estimated concentrations and
      spatial distributions derived from the SIP disks were largely in agreement with
      previously reported data.

PMID- 22072221
TI  - Why mammography screening has not lived up to expectations from the randomised
      trials.
AB  - We analysed the relation between tumour sizes and stages and the reported effects
      on breast cancer mortality with and without screening in trials and observational
      studies. The average tumour sizes in all the trials suggest only a 12% reduction
      in breast cancer mortality, which agrees with the 10% reported in the most
      reliable trials. Recent studies of tumour sizes and tumour stages show that
      screening has not lowered the rate of advanced cancers. In agreement with this,
      recent observational studies of breast cancer mortality have failed to find an
      effect of screening. In contrast, screening leads to serious harms in healthy
      women through overdiagnosis with subsequent overtreatment and false-positive
      mammograms. We suggest that the rationale for breast screening be urgently
      reassessed by policy-makers. The observed decline in breast cancer mortality in
      many countries seems to be caused by improved adjuvant therapy and breast cancer
      awareness, not screening. We also believe it is more important to reduce the
      incidence of cancer than to detect it 'early.' Avoiding getting screening
      mammograms reduces the risk of becoming a breast cancer patient by one-third.

PMID- 22072222
TI  - Preparation of a Highly Fluorophilic Phosphonium Salt and its Use in a Fluorous
      Anion-Exchanger Membrane with High Selectivity for Perfluorinated Acids.
AB  - Fluorous solvents are the most nonpolar, nonpolarizable phases known, whereas
      ions are inherently polar. This makes it difficult to create salts that are
      soluble in a fluorous solvent. Here we present the synthesis and characterization
      of a new fluorophilic phosphonium salt, tris{3,5
      bis[(perfluorooctyl)propyl]phenyl}methylphosphonium methyl sulfate. The salt has
      a solubility of at least 14 mM in perfluoro(perhydrophenanthrene),
      perfluoro(methylcyclohexane), and perfluorohexanes. It also shows immediate
      potential for use as a phase-transfer catalyst in fluorous biphasic catalysis,
      but in this work it is used as an anion exchanger site in the first
      potentiometric fluorous-membrane anion-selective electrode. The membrane sensor
      exhibited the exceptional selectivity of 3.9 * 10(10) to 1 for
      perfluorooctanesulfonate over chloride, and of 2.5 * 10(7) to 1 for
      perfluorooctanoate over chloride. With improvements to the sensor's detection
      limit and lifetime, it has the potential to be an attractive alternative to the
      expensive, time-consuming methods currently employed for measurement of
      perfluorinated acids.

PMID- 22072223
TI  - Posttraumatic stress and tendency to panic in the aftermath of the chlorine gas
      disaster in Graniteville, South Carolina.
AB  - PURPOSE: Relatively little is known about psychological effects of environmental
      hazard disasters. This study examines the development of posttraumatic stress
      (PTS) and tendency to limited panic attack after a large chlorine spill in a
      community. METHODS: In January 2005, a large chlorine spill occurred in
      Graniteville, SC. Acute injuries were quantified on an ordinal severity scale.
      Eight to ten months later, participating victims completed the Short Screening
      Scale for PTSD (n = 225) and the Holden Psychological Screening Inventory (HPSI)
      (n = 193) as part of a public health intervention. Forced expiratory volume in 1
      s (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity were likewise measured via spirometry. Two
      sets of univariate logistic regression models were fit to detect independent
      effects of each potential covariate and risk factor on PTS score and tendency to
      panic. A supplemental analysis examined whether poor lung function may be a
      confounder and/or effect modifier of the effect of acute injury on PTS score and
      panic. RESULTS: Of those who completed psychological screening, 36.9% exhibited
      PTS symptoms. FEV(1), acute injury, and the HPSI psychiatric subscale were
      independently associated with increased PTS score. Acute injury severity scale
      and female sex were associated with tendency to panic. Immediate acute injury
      severity and poor lung function later were independently associated with PTS
      symptomotology. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of PTS and endorsement of
      tendency to panic within our sample show a need for mental health treatment after
      a chemical hazard disaster. Mental health personnel should be considerate of
      those with serious physical injuries.

PMID- 22072224
TI  - Civil commitment law, mental health services, and US homicide rates.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study considers whether involuntary civil comment (ICC) statute
      provisions are associated with homicide rates. Do statutes based solely upon
      dangerousness criteria versus broader ICC-criteria-i.e. "need for treatment,"
      "protection of health and safety," and family protection-have differential
      associations related to their goal of reducing the frequency of homicide? METHOD:
      State-level data were obtained from online data bases and key-informant surveys.
      Ordinary-least-squares and Poisson regression were used to evaluate the
      association between statute characteristics, mental health system
      characteristics, and 2004 Homicide Rates after controlling for firearm-control
      law restrictiveness and social-economic-demographic-geographic-and-political
      indicators historically related to homicide rate variation. RESULTS: Poisson and
      OLS models, respectively, were significant: likelihood ratio chi(2) = 108.47, df
      = 10; p < 0.000 and Adj. R (2) = 0.72; df = 10, 25; F = 10.21; p < 0.000. Poisson
      results indicate that social-economic-demographic-geographic-and-political
      indicators had the strongest association with state homicide rates (p < 0.000).
      Lower rates were associated with: broader ICC-criteria (p <= 0.01), fewer
      inpatient-bed access problems (p <= 0.03), and better mental health system
      ratings (p <= 0.04). OLS results indicate that social-economic-demographic
      geographic-and-political indicators accounted for 25% of homicide rate variation.
      Broader ICC-criteria were associated with 1.42 less homicides per 100,000. Less
      access to psychiatric inpatient-beds and more poorly rated mental health systems
      were associated with increases in the homicide rates of 1.08 and 0.26 per
      100,000, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While social-economic-demographic-geographic
      and-political indicators show the strongest association with homicide rate
      variation, the results show the importance and potentially preventive utility of
      broader ICC criteria, increased psychiatric inpatient-bed access, and better
      performing mental health systems as factors contributing to homicide rate
      variation.

PMID- 22072225
TI  - Successful management of severe blunt hepatic trauma by angiographic
      embolization.
AB  - We present the case of an 18-year-old female with severe liver trauma after a
      motorcycle accident. Due to initial hemodynamic instability, fluid resuscitation
      and transfusion of two units of red packed cells was required. After
      stabilization, a CT scan was performed, showing grade V liver injuries according
      to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading system. Angiography
      revealed multiple extravasations during the early arterial phase, as well as
      active extravasation from the proximal left hepatic artery in the late arterial
      phase. The patient was successfully treated by arterial embolization using metal
      microcoils, after which no further need for blood transfusion ensued. This report
      highlights that, in carefully selected cases, arterial embolization can improve
      the clinical condition of patients, reduce the need for blood transfusion and
      lessen the possibility of an operation, even if severe liver trauma has ensued.

PMID- 22072226
TI  - Development of germinoma during the treatment of systemic-onset juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis with infliximab.
AB  - We report a 19-year-old patient with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis
      (JIA) who developed a mediastinal germinoma during treatment with infliximab.
      Although the cancer risk of infliximab is controversial, this agent may have
      accelerated the growth of the germinoma. We conclude that the indications for
      tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors should be strictly decided and that a
      nationwide cohort study is necessary to assess the risk of cancer in patients
      with JIA exposed to biologics.

PMID- 22072227
TI  - Development of novel nanocarrier-based near-infrared optical probes for in vivo
      tumor imaging.
AB  - Optical imaging with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes is a useful
      diagnostic technology for in vivo tumor detection. Our plan was to develop novel
      NIR fluorophore-micelle complex probes. IC7-1 and IC7-2 were synthesized as novel
      lipophilic NIR fluorophores, which were encapsulated in an amphiphilic
      polydepsipeptide micelle "lactosome". The fluorophore-micelle complexes IC7-1
      lactosome and IC7-2 lactosome were evaluated as NIR fluorescent probes for in
      vivo tumor imaging. IC7-1 and IC7-2 were synthesized and then encapsulated in
      lactosomes. The optical properties of IC7-1, IC7-2, IC7-1 lactosome and IC7-2
      lactosome were measured. IC7-1 lactosome and IC7-2 lactosome were administered to
      tumor-bearing mice, and fluorescence images were acquired for 48 h. IC7-1 and IC7
      2 were successfully synthesized in 12% and 6.3% overall yield, and maximum
      emission wavelengths in chloroform were observed at 858 nm and 897 nm,
      respectively. Aqueous buffered solutions of IC7-1 lactosome and IC7-2 lactosome
      showed similar fluorescence spectra in chloroform and higher or comparable
      quantum yields and higher photostability compared with ICG. Both lactosome probes
      specifically visualized tumor tissue 6 h post-administration. IC7-1 lactosome and
      IC7-2 lactosome could be promising NIR probes for in vivo tumor imaging.

PMID- 22072228
TI  - Probing the interior of self-assembled caffeine dimer at various temperatures.
AB  - The self-assembly of non-toxic well-consumed small caffeine molecules into well
      defined structures has important implications for future medical applications
      seeking to target the transport of small drugs in human body. Particularly, the
      solvation of the microenvironments of the self assembly ultimately dictates the
      interaction with the drug molecules and their therapeutic efficacy. We present
      femtosecond-resolved studies of the dynamics of aqueous solvation within self
      assembled dimeric structure of caffeine molecules. We have placed small
      hydrophobic probes 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl) 4H
      pyran (DCM), coumarin 500 (C500) into the caffeine dimer to enable spectroscopic
      examinations of the interior. While molecular modeling and NMR studies of the
      probes in the caffeine dimers reveal a well-defined location (stacked in between
      two caffeine molecules), dynamical light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform
      infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, densimetric and sonometric experiments explore the
      structural evolution of the dimer upon complexation with the probes. We have
      extended our studies in various temperatures in order to explore structural
      evolution of the self assembled structure and consequently the dynamics of
      solvation in the interior of the dimer. Picoseconds/femtosecond resolved dynamics
      and the polarization gated spectroscopic studies unravel the hydration and
      energetics associated with activated viscous flow of the confined probes. Our
      studies indicate that the interior of the caffeine dimer is well-solvated;
      however, the dynamics of solvation is retarted significantly compared to that in
      bulk water, clearly revealing the dimers maintain some ordered water molecules.
      We have also explored the consequence of the retarded dynamics of solvation on
      the photo-induced electron transfer (ET) reaction of a model probe, 2-(p
      toluidino) naphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) encapsulated in the dimer.

PMID- 22072229
TI  - Elevated soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product levels in patients
      with acute coronary syndrome and positive cardiac troponin I.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products
      (sRAGE) have been shown to have an atheroprotective role; however, no data are
      available on this molecule in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We evaluated sRAGE
      levels in patients with non-ST segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) or with chronic
      stable angina. METHODS: We studied 265 patients, 190 of whom had NSTE-ACS and 75
      had chronic stable angina. RESULTS: Plasma sRAGE values were comparable in the
      two groups (P=0.19). However, in the patients with NSTE-ACS, sRAGE levels were
      significantly higher in patients with cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) of more than or
      equal to 0.04 ug/l compared with those with cTnI of less than 0.04 ug/l [758 (493
      1536 ) pg/ml vs. 454 (167-899) pg/ml; P=0.0037]. A significant correlation
      (r=0.323, P=0.0045) was found between sRAGE and cTnI levels in patients with NSTE
      ACS. CONCLUSION: Plasma sRAGE levels are elevated in patients with NSTE-ACS with
      positive cTnI, suggesting that they could be related to myocardial cell damage.

PMID- 22072230
TI  - Bibliography-editors' selection of current world literature.

PMID- 22072231
TI  - The structure-function relationship of activated protein C. Lessons from natural
      and engineered mutations.
AB  - Protein C is the central enzyme of the natural anticoagulant pathway and its
      activated form APC (activated protein C) is able to proteolyse non-active as well
      as active coagulation factors V and VIII. Proteolysis renders these cofactors
      inactive, resulting in an attenuation of thrombin formation and overall down
      regulation of coagulation. Presences of the APC cofactor, protein S,
      thrombomodulin, endothelial protein C receptor and a phospholipid surface are
      important for the expression of anticoagulant APC activity. Notably, APC also has
      direct cytoprotective effects on cells: APC is able to protect the endothelial
      barrier function and expresses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.
      Exact molecular mechanisms have thus far not been completely described but it has
      been shown that both the protease activated receptor 1 and EPCR are essential for
      the cytoprotective activity of APC. Recently it was shown that also other
      receptors like sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 1, Cd11b/CD18 and tyrosine kinase
      with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains 2 are likewise important for APC
      signalling. Mutagenesis studies are being performed to map the various APC
      functions and interactions onto its 3D structure and to dissect anticoagulant and
      cytoprotective properties. The results of these studies have provided a wealth of
      structure-function information. With this review we describe the state-of-the-art
      of the intricate structure-function relationships of APC, a protein that harbours
      several important functions for the maintenance of both humoral and tissue
      homeostasis.

PMID- 22072232
TI  - Lifestyle and metabolic approaches to maximizing erectile and vascular health.
AB  - Oxidative stress and inflammation, which disrupt nitric oxide (NO) production
      directly or by causing resistance to insulin, are central determinants of
      vascular diseases including ED. Decreased vascular NO has been linked to
      abdominal obesity, smoking and high intakes of fat and sugar, which all cause
      oxidative stress. Men with ED have decreased vascular NO and circulating and
      cellular antioxidants. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers are increased in
      men with ED, and all increase with age. Exercise increases vascular NO, and more
      frequent erections are correlated with decreased ED, both in part due to
      stimulation of endothelial NO production by shear stress. Exercise and weight
      loss increase insulin sensitivity and endothelial NO production. Potent
      antioxidants or high doses of weaker antioxidants increase vascular NO and
      improve vascular and erectile function. Antioxidants may be particularly
      important in men with ED who smoke, are obese or have diabetes. Omega-3 fatty
      acids reduce inflammatory markers, decrease cardiac death and increase
      endothelial NO production, and are therefore critical for men with ED who are
      under age 60 years, and/or have diabetes, hypertension or coronary artery
      disease, who are at increased risk of serious or even fatal cardiac events.
      Phosphodiesterase inhibitors have recently been shown to improve antioxidant
      status and NO production and allow more frequent and sustained penile exercise.
      Some angiotensin II receptor blockers decrease oxidative stress and improve
      vascular and erectile function and are therefore preferred choices for lowering
      blood pressure in men with ED. Lifestyle modifications, including physical and
      penile-specific exercise, weight loss, omega-3 and folic acid supplements,
      reduced intakes of fat and sugar, and improved antioxidant status through diet
      and/or supplements should be integrated into any comprehensive approach to
      maximizing erectile function, resulting in greater overall success and patient
      satisfaction, as well as improved vascular health and longevity.

PMID- 22072233
TI  - Long-term effects of differential early rearing in rhesus macaques: behavioral
      reactivity in adulthood.
AB  - Adverse early experiences are associated with a range of deleterious health
      outcomes in humans, including higher risk for affective disorders. Studies using
      a long-standing model of nonhuman primate model of early adversity have
      demonstrated that nursery-reared (NR) monkeys exhibit alterations in multiple
      aspects of biobehavioral development; however, few studies have evaluated the
      persistence of socioaffective behavioral changes through adulthood. We evaluated
      the effects of early rearing experience on adult animals' response to a well
      validated assessment of anxiety-like behavior, the human intruder paradigm (HIP).
      We tested 22 rhesus monkeys who were either nursery-reared (NR) or reared with
      their mothers (mother-reared; MR). NR monkeys were inhibited in their behavior
      compared to MR monkeys, with reduced locomotion and exploratory behaviors. NR
      animals showed a marginal increase in freezing. Together these findings
      demonstrate that the consequences of differential infant rearing experience on
      socioaffective behavior persist into adulthood, with evidence of greater
      inhibition in NR monkeys.

PMID- 22072234
TI  - Tissue repair driven by two different mechanisms of growth factor plasmids VEGF
      and NGF in mice auricular cartilage: regeneration mediated by administering
      growth factor plasmids.
AB  - The focus of this study was to compare the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the regeneration of experimental
      skin and cartilage trauma. The role of VEGF in this process is known since
      decade; the NGF participation on this process has been first discussed within the
      spinal cord injury repair. We hypothesized that both VEGF and NGF induce
      angiogenesis and take part on the repair process. The angiogenesis response and
      the cartilage regeneration after phVEGF(165) plasmid and rat pcNGF plasmid
      administration were investigated using BALB/c mice. PhVEGF(165) and pcNFG were
      injected into the right mice ear and plain vector injection into the left ear the
      day before trauma. The next day, all mice were ear-punched, resulting in 2-mm
      diameter puncture through the center of both pinnae. In BALB/c mouse strain, a
      significantly faster cartilage repair was observed after phVEGF(165) and pcNGF
      injection into punched ear area in comparison to the control group. It has been
      shown that the healing process is after VEGF and NGF injection driven
      differentially. In case of VEGF is the cartilage wound repaired by induction of
      new chondrocytes differentiation. In the case of NGF, the regeneration is
      supported by immature leukocytes attracted into the punched area. The leukocytes
      induct angiogenesis so far indirectly by inflammation. The NGF-induced
      inflammation environment may be a part of mosaic creating the complete picture of
      regeneration.

PMID- 22072236
TI  - Engineering stem cells for treatment of osteochondral defects.

PMID- 22072235
TI  - Caveolin-1 overexpression is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma
      tumourigenesis and metastasis.
AB  - Caveolin-1 (Cav1) has been implicated in diverse human cancers, yet its role in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumourigenesis and metastasis remains elusive. In
      the current study, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding regarding the
      functional role of Cav1 in HCC tumourigenesis and metastasis. Cav1 expression was
      examined in a panel of human HCC cell lines using western blotting analysis and
      quantitative RT-PCR and human tissues by immunohistochemistry. Cav1 was not
      detected in normal liver cell line and all non-tumourous liver tissues but
      exclusively expressed in HCC cell lines and tissues. Dramatic expression of Cav1
      was found in metastatic HCC cell lines and tumours, indicating a progressive
      increase of Cav1 expression along disease progression. Cav1 overexpression was
      significantly correlated with venous invasion (p = 0.036). To investigate the
      functions of Cav1 in HCC, Cav1 overexpressing and knockdown stable clones were
      established in HCC cells and their tumourigenicity and metastatic potential were
      examined. Overexpression of Cav1 promoted HCC cell growth, motility, and
      invasiveness, as well as tumourigenicity in vivo. Conversely, knockdown of Cav1
      in metastatic HCC cells inhibited the motility and invasiveness and markedly
      suppressed the tumour growth and metastatic potential in vivo. Collectively, our
      findings have shown the exclusive expression of Cav1 in HCC cell lines and
      clinical samples and revealed an up-regulation of Cav1 along HCC progression. The
      definitive role of Cav1 in promoting HCC tumourigenesis was demonstrated, and we
      have shown for the first time in a mouse model that Cav1 promotes HCC metastasis.

PMID- 22072237
TI  - Radiographically occult femoral and pelvic fractures are not mutually exclusive:
      a review of fractures detected by MRI following low-energy trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to review the MRI examinations of a
      large group of low-energy trauma patients in whom pelvic MRI had detected
      radiographically occult fractures, in order to characterize prevailing fracture
      patterns and determine how often co-existing proximal femoral and pelvic
      fractures were observed. METHODS: All patients having pelvic MRI over 5 years
      were identified. Word-search software selected 269 MRI reports containing the
      term 'fracture'. Further scrutiny identified 168 with diagnosis of fracture. MRI
      request and imaging record review identified 102 low-energy trauma cases that had
      MRI for clinical suspicion of fracture despite normal radiographs. Sixty-six
      cases were excluded for the following reasons: no expressed clinical suspicion of
      occult fracture; history suggesting high-energy trauma;skeletal co-morbidity
      hindering acute fracture identification;interval more than 2 weeks between
      radiographs and MRI. The 102 study MRI examinations, which employed a limited two
      sequence protocol, were reviewed. Any fracture that had not been appreciated on
      radiographs was recorded and characterized as femoral, pelvic, or co-existing
      femoral and pelvic fractures. RESULTS: The 102 study cases had a median age of 82
      years.The median interval between pelvic radiographs and MRI was 3 days. MRI
      showed undiagnosed femoral fracture in 48/102 cases (47.1%), sacral fracture in
      41/102 (40.2%),and pubic fracture in 55/102 (53.9%). In 11/102 cases(10.8%), MRI
      showed undiagnosed fractures of both proximal femur and pelvic ring (seven
      sacral, six pubic bone, two other site fractures). In 10/11 cases with coexisting
      femoral and pelvic fractures, the femoral fracture was incomplete. CONCLUSIONS:
      Limited pelvic MRI found a high prevalence of radiographically occult femoral and
      pelvic fractures in low-energy trauma patients, with clinical suspicion of
      fracture despite normal radiographs. Co-existing occult femoral and pelvic ring
      fractures were commonly observed, and in such cases, the femoral fracture was
      likely to be incomplete and multiple pelvic fractures were typically present.

PMID- 22072238
TI  - A 14-year-old with lateral knee pain and locking.

PMID- 22072239
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT in patients with Ewing sarcoma
      family tumours: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyse literature data on the
      diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission
      tomography (PET) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in
      patients with Ewing sarcoma family tumours (ESFT). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases were searched for articles that
      evaluated FDG-PET and PET/CT in patients with ESFT from inception to 31 May 2011.
      Studies that fulfilled the three following criteria were included in the
      systematic review: FDG-PET or PET/CT performed in patients with ESFT; articles
      about the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET and PET/CT; sample size of at least 10
      patients with ESFT were included. Studies in which there were sufficient data to
      reassess sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET or PET/CT in ESFT were included
      in the meta-analysis, excluding duplicate publications. Finally, pooled
      sensitivity, pooled specificity and area under the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve of FDG-PET or PET/CT in ESFT were calculated. RESULTS:
      We found 13 studies comprising a total of 342 patients with ESFT. The main
      findings of the studies included are presented. The meta-analysis of five
      selected studies provided these results about FDG-PET and PET/CT in ESFT: pooled
      sensitivity: 96% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91-99%); pooled specificity: 92%
      (95% CI 87-96%); area under the ROC curve: 0.97. CONCLUSION: With regard to the
      staging and restaging of patients with ESFT, the sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy of FDG-PET and PET/CT are high; the combination of FDG-PET or PET/CT
      with conventional imaging is a valuable tool for the staging and restaging of
      ESFT and has a relevant impact on the treatment strategy plan.

PMID- 22072240
TI  - Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of primary intraosseous spinal glomus tumor.
AB  - The glomus tumor is a rare, benign, but painful vascular neoplasm arising from
      the neuromyoarterial glomus. Primary intraosseous glomus tumor is even rarer,
      with only about 20 cases reported in the literature so far, 5 of which involved
      the spine. Surgical resection is currently considered the treatment of choice. We
      herewith present an uncommon case of primary intraosseous spinal glomus tumor
      involving the right pedicle of the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11). To our
      knowledge, this is the first case of primary intraosseous spinal glomus tumor
      successfully treated by percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

PMID- 22072241
TI  - Fuel cell-powered microfluidic platform for lab-on-a-chip applications.
AB  - The achievement of a higher degree of integration of components--especially
      micropumps and power sources--is a challenge currently being pursued to obtain
      portable and totally autonomous microfluidic devices. This paper presents the
      integration of a micro direct methanol fuel cell (MUDMFC) in a microfluidic
      platform as a smart solution to provide both electrical and pumping power to a
      Lab-on-a-Chip system. In this system the electric power produced by the fuel cell
      is available to enable most of the functionalites required by the microfluidic
      chip, while the generated CO(2) from the electrochemical reaction produces a
      pressure capable of pumping a liquid volume through a microchannel. The control
      of the fuel cell operating conditions allows regulation of the flow rate of a
      liquid sample through a microfluidic network. The relation between sample flow
      rate and the current generated by the fuel cell is practically linear, achieving
      values in the range of 4-18 MUL min(-1) while having an available power between 1
      4 mW. This permits adjusting the desired flow rate for a given application by
      controlling the fuel cell output conditions and foresees a fully autonomous
      analytical Lab-on-a-Chip in which the same device would provide the electrical
      power to a detection module and at the same time use the CO(2) pumping action to
      flow the required analytes through a particular microfluidic design.

PMID- 22072242
TI  - Message from the President of ASCI. Preface.

PMID- 22072243
TI  - Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging findings in non-ST-segment elevation
      versus ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing early
      invasive intervention.
AB  - To define causes and pathological mechanisms underlying differences in clinical
      outcomes, we compared the findings of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging (CE-MRI) between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and
      non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In 168 patients
      undergoing early invasive intervention for STEMI (n = 113) and NSTEMI (n = 55),
      CE-MRI was performed a median of 6 days after the index event. Infarct size was
      measured on delayed-enhancement imaging, and area at risk (AAR) was quantified on
      T2-weighted images. The median infarct size was significantly smaller in the
      NSTEMI group than in the STEMI group (10.7% [5.6-18.1] vs. 19.2% [10.3-30.7], P <
      0.001). Although there was a trend toward a greater myocardial salvage index
      ([AAR - infarct size] * 100/AAR) in the NSTEMI group compared to the STEMI group
      (48.2 [30.4-66.8] vs. 40.5 [24.8-53.5], P = 0.056), myocardial salvage index was
      similar between the groups in patients with anterior infarction (39.6 [20.0-54.9]
      vs. 35.5 [23.2-53.4], P = 0.96). The NSTEMI group also had a significantly lower
      extent of microvascular obstruction and a smaller number of segments with >75% of
      infarct transmurality relative to the STEMI group (0% [0-0.6] vs. 0.9% [0-2.3], P
      < 0.001 and 3.0 +/- 2.3 vs. 4.6 +/- 2.9, P = 0.001, respectively). Myocardial
      hemorrhage was detected less frequently in the NSTEMI group than the STEMI group
      (22.6% vs. 43.8%, P = 0.029). In the multivariate analysis, baseline Thrombolysis
      In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3 and hemorrhagic infarction were closely
      associated with ST-segment elevation (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.81, P = 0.017; OR
      5.66, 95% CI 1.77-18.12, P = 0.003, respectively). In conclusion, in vivo
      pathophysiological differences revealed by CE-MRI assessment include more
      favorable infarct size, AAR, myocardial salvage and reperfusion injury in
      patients with NSTEMI compared to those with STEMI undergoing early invasive
      intervention.

PMID- 22072244
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging of the pancreas: spectrum of diseases.
AB  - Since the introduction of integrated positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET/CT), it has a great impact on the field of oncology. Comparing to
      other conventional scanners, only PET/CT is capable of providing important
      information on accurate detecting, staging/restaging, and post-therapeutic
      monitoring of many cancers. Many studies have demonstrated that PET/CT changes
      the management in approximately 30% of all cancer patients. Because 2-((18)F)
      fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is a nonspecific tracer, understanding the PET/CT
      limitations and pitfalls for various pancreatic conditions can lead to more
      accurate interpretation of PET/CT images, which ultimately would impact patient
      care. As a result, it is important for radiologists and other clinicians to
      familiarize themselves with a wide spectrum of pancreatic PET/CT findings
      simulating cancer from benign entities.

PMID- 22072245
TI  - Pancreatic peptides in young and elderly Zucker type 2 diabetic fatty rats.
AB  - CONTEXT: The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and in particular type 2
      diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate. Risk factors for development
      of diabetes include obesity and advancing age. OBJECTIVES: The distribution of
      insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide in the pancreatic
      islets has been investigated in young and elderly type 2 Zucker diabetic fatty
      (ZDF) rats and age-matched Zucker lean (ZL) controls. METHODS: Experiments were
      performed in male animals aged either 9-13 weeks or 30-34 weeks.
      Immunohistochemistry was used to label insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and
      pancreatic polypeptide in islet cells. RESULTS: The percentage of insulin
      positive cells was unaltered in young but decreased in elderly ZDF (35.5 +/-
      2.5%) rats compared to ZL controls (57.9 +/- 1.8%). The percentage of glucagon
      positive cells was increased in young ZDF (58.7 +/- 3.4%) compared to ZL controls
      (23.4 +/- 2.1%). However, in elderly rats the percentage of glucagon-positive
      cells declined in ZDF rats and was no longer different from ZL controls. The
      percentage of somatostatin-positive cells was unaltered in young and elderly ZDF
      rats compared to ZL controls. The percentage of pancreatic polypeptide-positive
      cells was unaltered in young but increased in elderly ZDF (22.0 +/- 2.5%) rats
      compared to ZL controls (13.8 +/- 1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of
      pancreatic hormones is altered to varying extents in the ZDF rat and during the
      normal aging process.

PMID- 22072246
TI  - The use of nasojejunal nutrition in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Abdominal pain, malabsorption and diabetes all contribute to a negative
      impact upon nutritional status in chronic pancreatitis and no validated standard
      for the nutritional management of patients exists. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      effect of nasojejunal nutrition in chronic pancreatitis patients. DESIGN: All
      consecutive chronic pancreatitis patients fed via the nasojejunal route between
      January 2004 and December 2007 were included in the study. Patients were assessed
      via retrospective review of case notes. RESULTS: Fifty-eight chronic pancreatitis
      patients (35 males, 23 females; median age 46 years) were included. Patients were
      discharged after a median of 14 days and nasojejunal nutrition continued for a
      median of 47 days. Forty-six patients (79.3%) reported resolution of their
      abdominal pain and cessation of opioid analgesia intake over the study period and
      median weight gain at 6 weeks following nutritional cessation was +1 kg (range 
      24 to +27 kg; P=0.454). Twelve (20.7%) patients reported recurrence of their pain
      during the follow-up period and complications were both minor and infrequent.
      Significant improvements were noted in most blood parameters measured, including:
      sodium (from 134.8 to 138.1 mEq/L; P<0.001); urea (from 3.4 to 5.1 mmol/L;
      P<0.001); creatinine (from 58.3 to 60.3 umol/L; P<0.001); corrected calcium (from
      2.24 to 2.35 mmol/L; P=0.018); albumin (from 34.5 to 38.7 g/L; P=0.002); CRP
      (from 73.0 to 25.5 mg/L; P=0.006); and haemoglobin (from 11.8 to 12.4 g/dL;
      P=0.036). CONCLUSION: Nasojejunal nutrition, commenced in hospital and continued
      at home, is safe, efficacious and well tolerated in patients with severe chronic
      pancreatitis and is effective in helping to relieve pain and diminish analgesic
      requirements.

PMID- 22072247
TI  - Drug-induced acute pancreatitis in a cohort of 328 patients. A single-centre
      experience from Australia.
AB  - CONTEXT: Acute pancreatitis is associated with risk of morbidity and even
      mortality. Routine prescription drugs have been linked to the causation of acute
      pancreatitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, presentation, course and
      outcome of drug-induced acute pancreatitis amongst patients admitted to a public
      hospital. DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective analysis of patients presenting with
      acute pancreatitis to the Modbury Hospital, South Australia from January 2006 to
      April 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Each admission was reviewed within the
      electronic database for patient details as well as to determine the aetiological
      factor. In patients with drug-induced acute pancreatitis, the WHO Probability
      Scale was used to evaluate causality relationship. RESULTS: Three-hundreds and 28
      patients were treated for acute pancreatitis during the study period. Biliary and
      alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis accounted for 80.8% of cases. Eleven patients
      (2 male and 9 female patients; median age: 59 years) were diagnosed with drug
      induced acute pancreatitis. These included 5 cases of codeine-, 2 cases of
      azathioprine-, and 1 case each of chlorothiazide-, valproic acid-, oestradiol-
      and simvastatin-induced acute pancreatitis. Nine patients had a mild disease
      while 2 patients had severe acute pancreatitis with a median hospital stay of 4
      days. Withdrawal of the drug resulted in cessation of the attacks in all patients
      over a median follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Routine prescription drugs, as
      an aetiological factor, accounted for 3.4% of cases of acute pancreatitis. The
      disease appeared to be more common in middle-aged women. It is likely that the
      overall incidence of this entity is under-reported owing to the stringent
      criteria needed to conclusively determine a causal relationship.

PMID- 22072248
TI  - The impact of body mass index on pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy
      in Asian patients on the basis of Asia-Pacific perspective of body mass index.
AB  - CONTEXT: Several surgical complications are related to obesity. OBJECTIVE: This
      study evaluated the impact of obesity on pancreatic fistula after
      pancreaticoduodenectomy. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records
      of 159 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between October 2002 and
      December 2008. SETTING: The patients were divided according to the body mass
      index as obese (body mass index equal to, or greater than, 25 kg/m(2)), or normal
      (body mass index less than 25 kg/m(2)). METHODS: Univariate and multivariate
      analyses were applied. Two-tailed P values less than 0.05 were considered as
      significant. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (28.9%) were obese and 113 patients
      (71.1%) were normal-weight. Obese group had a significantly higher incidence of
      pancreatic fistula and a greater amount of intraoperative blood loss. Other
      surgical complications were not significantly different between the two groups.
      Multivariate analysis found obesity, small pancreatic duct size (less than, or
      equal to, 3 mm), intraoperative blood loss, and combined resection as significant
      factors affecting pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients have an
      increased risk for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PMID- 22072249
TI  - Acute recurrent pancreatitis: a possible clinical manifestation of ampullary
      cancer.
AB  - CONTEXT: Acute recurrent pancreatitis still poses diagnostic difficulties. The
      coexistence or moreover the causative relationship of carcinoma of the ampulla of
      Vater and acute recurrent pancreatitis is fairly rare. CASE REPORT: We present a
      case of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater that presented with acute recurrent
      necrotizing pancreatitis complicated with pseudocysts. A diagnosis of malignancy
      in the ampulla was only made after several ERCP attempts due to residual
      inflammation at the periampullary area. CONCLUSION: Malignancy at the ampulla of
      Vater causing recurrent episodes of pancreatitis represents a realistic risk and
      attempts to diagnose the underlying cause should always take into account the
      possibility of cancer.

PMID- 22072250
TI  - Pancreatic carcinoma masquerading as groove pancreatitis: case report and review
      of literature.
AB  - CONTEXT: Groove pancreatitis is a distinct form of chronic pancreatitis affecting
      the space surrounded by the pancreatic head, duodenum and common bile duct. It is
      an uncommon pancreatic disease with challenging imaging diagnosis that can lead
      to surgical dilemmas. The purpose of this study is to report a case and review
      the current clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of groove
      pancreatic carcinoma and groove pancreatitis. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old man,
      with a history of alcohol excess, presented with a 4 month history of upper
      abdominal pain associated with weight loss and vomiting. Failed duodenal
      dilatation led to gastroenterostomy with biopsies showing chronic inflammation.
      Further presentation with jaundice and pancreatic groove mass led to a Whipple's
      pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histopathology report demonstrated cystic areas in both
      medial and lateral walls of his duodenum microscopically consistent with groove
      pancreatitis and a moderate to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION:
      Several studies have been attempted to clarify the points of differentiation
      between carcinoma and pancreatitis in the groove area. This discrimination has
      been proved to be difficult; frequently the definitive diagnosis is only obtained
      after surgical intervention. This condition should be considered when making the
      differential diagnosis in pancreatic groove pathology and duodenal stenosis.

PMID- 22072251
TI  - Intrapancreatic accessory spleen: investigative dilemmas and role of EUS-guided
      FNA for diagnostic confirmation.
AB  - CONTEXT: We submit a case of intrapancreatic accessory spleen. CASE REPORT: A 33
      year-old patient with history of dyspepsia underwent imaging studies suggestive
      of a neuroendocrine tumor. After referral to our institute, endoscopic ultrasound
      guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) confirmed diagnosis as intrapancreatic
      accessory spleen. DISCUSSION: An accessory spleen may develop from estranged
      mesenchymal cells due to fusion failure of the splenic anlage. The prevalence of
      an accessory spleen is 10-30% with 80% of them present at the splenic hilum and
      17% in the pancreatic tail. Intrapancreatic accessory spleen is commonly
      misdiagnosed as a pancreatic tumor. Since, the differential diagnosis includes
      pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, additional investigation with EUS-FNA should be
      considered when radiological diagnosis is not definitive. CONCLUSION: For
      diagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen, radiographic imaging is useful,
      but lacks specificity without tissue diagnosis. Diagnosis can be safely and
      reliably established with EUS-FNA, leading to a benign prognosis and avoidance of
      unnecessary surgical intervention.

PMID- 22072252
TI  - Ectopic pancreas presenting as periampullary tumor with obstructive jaundice and
      pruritus is a rare diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. A case report.
AB  - CONTEXT: Ectopic pancreatic rest is an uncommon condition resulting in diverse
      clinical and pathological presentation. It results from altered development of
      two primitive pancreatic buds that fuse to form the uncinate-head and body-tail
      of normal gland. Ectopic pancreas is an anomaly where an ectopic rest develops at
      a place away from the normal site. CASE REPORT: We describe a 48-year-old male
      patient who presented with progressive jaundice and pruritus. He was established
      to have a periampullary mass highly suggestive of malignancy, for which he
      undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, histology showed ectopic pancreatic
      tissue in the periampullary region. CONCLUSION: This case highlights importance
      of preoperative histological diagnosis of periampullary tumors to avoid morbid
      surgical procedure in the form pancreaticoduodenectomy. Ectopic pancreas should
      include differential diagnosis of periampullary tumors.

PMID- 22072253
TI  - EUS-guided antegrade transhepatic placement of a self-expandable metal stent in
      hepatico-jejunal anastomosis.
AB  - CONTEXT: To demonstrate an EUS-guided biliary drainage in patient with
      gastrointestinal tract modified surgically. CASE REPORT: An EUS guided access to
      the left intra hepatic duct, followed by an antegrade passage of a partially self
      expandable metal stent that was removed by using an enteroscope, in one patient
      with hepatico-jejunal anastomosis. There were no early or delayed complications
      and the procedure was effective in relieving jaundice until the self-expandable
      metal stent was removed, 3 months later. A cholangiogram was obtained via
      enteroscopy, after removal of self-expandable metal stent, and found to be
      normal. The patient had an uneventful evaluation afterwards. CONCLUSION: The
      indication of these procedures must be made under a multidisciplinary view while
      sharing information with the patient or legal guardian. EUS-guided biliary
      drainage is feasible when performed by professionals with expertise in
      biliopancreatic endoscopy and advanced echo-endoscopy and should be performed
      currently under rigorous protocol in educational institutions.

PMID- 22072254
TI  - Lack of an association between autoimmune pancreatitis and Varicella Zoster
      Virus.

PMID- 22072255
TI  - Total pancreatectomy and quality of life.

PMID- 22072256
TI  - A one-pot catalysis: the strategic classification with some recent examples.
AB  - In this "Emerging Area", the strategic classification of one-pot catalysis, i.e.
      cooperative, relay and sequential catalysis, is described. In order to illustrate
      this classification, we take the readers through a series of recent examples
      which utilize either metal-metal, metal-organo and organo-organo catalysts. The
      compilation clearly demonstrates the explosive growth and power of this field,
      which has become, in the last few years, an important technique particularly in
      the case of enantioselective catalysis.

PMID- 22072257
TI  - Association between endolymphatic hydrops as revealed by magnetic resonance
      imaging and caloric response.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the degree of endolymphatic
      hydrops (EH) revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a caloric response
      in the ear. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic study. SETTING: University
      hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with hearing loss and/or vertigo, who
      underwent MRI 1 day after an intratympanic gadolinium injection. INTERVENTION:
      MRI after intratympanic gadolinium injection and caloric testing with cool air
      stimulation (15 degrees C, 6 l/min, 60 s). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Association
      between the degree of EH and caloric responses. The degree of EH in the
      vestibule, in the cochlea, and in the ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal
      (LSC) was evaluated using MRI. The ratio of the diameter of the endolymphatic
      space to the diameter of the perilymphatic space was measured in the LSC ampulla.
      RESULTS: Canal paresis (CP, >25%) was present in 15 patients and absent (CP,
      <25%) in 9 patients. There was no significant difference between caloric response
      and the degree of EH in the vestibule, the cochlea, or the LSC ampulla. The
      period between the onset of clinical symptoms and examination tended to be longer
      in the group with CP compared with the group without CP. CONCLUSION: There was no
      significant association between the degree of EH and caloric response.

PMID- 22072258
TI  - Preoperative embolization of the inferior petrosal sinus in surgery for glomus
      jugulare tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of surgery for glomus tumors involving the
      jugular foramen with and without preoperative venous embolization of the inferior
      petrosal sinus (IPS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary
      referral center. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with paragangliomas involving the
      jugular foramen treated between 1995 and 2008. INTERVENTION: All patients
      underwent surgical resection after receiving preoperative angioembolization with
      or without venous embolization of the IPS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total operative
      duration, estimated blood loss, intensive care unit and total hospital days, and
      novel postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits were recorded, and appropriate
      statistical analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients met inclusion
      criteria. Fourteen of these patients underwent preoperative embolization of the
      IPS in addition to angioembolization. The group that did not undergo embolization
      of the IPS was used as the control group (n = 10). These groups were compared
      with regard to the above outcome measures. Blood loss and new lower cranial nerve
      deficits were reduced in the venous embolization group, although neither measure
      reached statistical significance. Tumor size correlated with increased
      intraoperative hypotensive events and longer total hospital stay, and these
      correlations were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Preoperative
      embolization of the IPS is possible in many patients undergoing surgery of the
      jugular foramen. The addition of venous embolization to the traditional arterial
      embolization of glomus jugulare tumors adds little additional time or expense to
      the procedure and facilitates control of bleeding once the jugular bulb has been
      opened.

PMID- 22072259
TI  - Experience with vibroplasty couplers at the stapes head and footplate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report on experiences with implanting the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB)
      coupled to the stapes head using a new Clip-Coupler or to the stapes footplate
      using a new OW-Coupler (CliP- or OW-Coupler Vibroplasty). STUDY DESIGN: Single
      subject, repeated measures. SETTING: Two university hospital ENT departments.
      PATIENTS: Fourteen German-speaking patients from 2 European study sites were
      implanted with either a CliP-Coupler or OW-Coupler attached to a VSB floating
      mass transducer (FMT). They were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for
      bone and air conduction thresholds with and without the implant, as well as
      speech perception tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measuring the efficacy and safety
      of OW- and CliP-Coupler-Vibroplasty as a method to treat mixed hearing loss.
      RESULTS: Bone conduction thresholds remained stable preoperatively and
      postoperatively. The patients' average speech perception performances at 65/80 dB
      (HL) increased from 0.8/13.8% to 63/82%. The pure tone audiograms showed an
      average improvement in air conduction thresholds after implantation with the VSB
      of 25 dB at 0.5 kHz to 50 dB at 4 kHz. CONCLUSION: OW- or Clip-Coupler
      Vibroplasty using couplers was found to be a straightforward procedure, which
      produced good results in this group of patients.

PMID- 22072260
TI  - Surgical trauma after sequential insertion of intracochlear catheters and
      electrode arrays (a histologic study).
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate histologically the risk of trauma to intracochlear
      structures after sequential insertion of an intracochlear catheter and an
      electrode array. BACKGROUND: A previous computed tomographic scan-based study
      demonstrated that introduction of a flexible disposable intracochlear catheter
      for drug delivery to a distance of up to 15 mm was feasible and showed no
      radiologic evidence of basilar membrane trauma. METHODS: Fifteen fresh human
      temporal bones were prepared for cochlear implantation. We sequentially performed
      the introduction of the catheter, the injection of 15 ul of an iodine solution
      into the scala tympani via the catheter, and the removal of the catheter in 14
      temporal bones, and finally, 2 types of electrode array (Flex EAS and Flex Soft)
      from MED-EL, were inserted into 10 temporal bones. The bones were fixed and
      embedded in methylmethacrylate to cut the undecalcified temporal bones parallel
      to the modiolus axis with the electrode array in place, and each histologic
      section was photographed to document the location and extent of trauma in the
      cochlea. RESULTS: No specific damage (Grade 0 trauma) to cochlear structures
      occurred in 12 temporal bones, and elevation of basilar membrane (Grade 1 trauma)
      occurred in 2 cases. The electrode array was positioned in the scala tympani
      under the basilar membrane in all temporal bones, with one exception, in which
      the Flex Soft electrode array deviated behind the spiral ligament and into the
      scala vestibuli apically (Grade 3 trauma). CONCLUSION: The infusion of an iodine
      solution within an intracochlear catheter and the subsequent insertion of an
      electrode array was shown to be feasible and often atraumatic.

PMID- 22072261
TI  - Accuracy of computed tomography detection of superior canal dehiscence.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: High-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (CT) may
      erroneously demonstrate a superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) where
      none exists and inaccurately display the size of a dehiscence. BACKGROUND: CT is
      an integral component of the diagnosis of SSCD. The prevalence of dehiscence as
      measured on computed tomographic scan is approximately eightfold higher than that
      on histologic studies, suggesting that CT may have a relatively low specificity
      for identifying canal dehiscence. This, in turn, can lead to an inappropriate
      diagnosis and treatment plan. METHODS: We quantified the accuracy of CT in
      identifying a dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal in a cadaver model
      using microCT as a gold standard. The superior canals of 11 cadaver heads were
      blue lined. Twelve of the 22 ears were further drilled to create fenestrations of
      varying sizes. Heads were imaged using medical CT, followed by microCT scans of
      the temporal bones at 18-um resolution. Diagnosis of dehiscence and measurements
      of dehiscence size were performed on clinical CT and compared with that of
      microCT. RESULTS: Clinical CT identified 7 of 8 intact canals as dehiscent and
      tended to overestimate the size of smaller fenestrations, particularly those
      surrounded by thin bone. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm that medical CT
      cannot be used as the exclusive gold standard for SSCD and that, particularly for
      small dehiscences on CT, clinical symptoms must be clearly indicative of a
      dehiscence before surgical treatment is undertaken. Preoperative counseling for
      small dehiscences may need to include the possibility that no dehiscence may be
      found despite radiologic evidence for it.

PMID- 22072262
TI  - Response to "Simultaneous true stapes fixation and bilateral bony dehiscence
      between the internal carotid artery and the apex of the cochlea: the ultimate
      pitfall".

PMID- 22072263
TI  - Electrocochleography as a diagnostic and intraoperative adjunct in superior
      semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the electrocochleographic characteristics of ears with
      superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) and to examine its use for
      intraoperative monitoring in canal occlusion procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Case
      series. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Thirty-three patients (45
      ears) had clinical and computed tomographic evidence of SSCD; 8 patients
      underwent intraoperative electrocochleography (ECoG) during superior canal
      occlusion; 9 patients underwent postoperative ECoG after SSCD occlusion.
      INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic, intraoperative, and postoperative extratympanic ECoG;
      middle fossa or transmastoid occlusion of the superior semicircular canal. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: Summating potential (SP) to action potential (AP) ratio, as
      measured by ECoG, and alterations in SP/AP during canal exposure and occlusion.
      RESULTS: Using computed tomography as the standard, elevation of SP/AP on ECoG
      demonstrated 89% sensitivity and 70% specificity for SSCD. The mean SP/AP ratio
      among ears with SSCD was significantly higher than that among unaffected ears
      (0.62 versus 0.29, p < 0.0001). During occlusion procedures, SP/AP increased on
      exposure of the canal lumen (mean change +/- standard deviation, 0.48 +/- 0.30).
      After occlusion, SP/AP dropped below the intraoperative baseline in most cases
      (mean change, -0.23 +/- 0.52). All patients experienced symptomatic improvement.
      All patients who underwent postoperative ECoG 1 to 3 months after SSCD repair
      maintained SP/AP of 0.4 or lesser. CONCLUSION: These findings expand the
      differential diagnosis of abnormal ECoG. In conjunction with clinical findings,
      ECoG may support a clinical diagnosis of SSCD. Intraoperative ECoG facilitates
      dehiscence documentation and allows the surgeon to confirm satisfactory canal
      occlusion.

PMID- 22072264
TI  - Profound high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss treatment with a totally
      implantable hearing system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to assess the efficacy of the Envoy Esteem totally
      implantable hearing device in treating profound high-frequency sensorineural
      hearing loss. PATIENTS: Five patients with profound high-frequency hearing loss
      participating in a prospective, multi-center, nonrandomized Food and Drug
      Administration clinical trial. INTERVENTION: Implantation with Esteem totally
      implantable hearing device and comparison to baseline unaided and aided
      conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Speech reception threshold and word recognition
      scores (WRS) at 50 dB HL presentation level. RESULTS: Preoperative speech
      reception threshold improved from an unaided 65 dB and aided 48 dB average to 26
      dB with the Esteem at 12 months. WRS at 50 dB scores improved from an unaided 10%
      and aided 23% average to 78% postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The Esteem totally
      implantable middle ear hearing device provides appreciable functional gain and
      improvement in WRS to rehabilitate hearing in patients with a profound high
      frequency sensorineural hearing loss.

PMID- 22072265
TI  - Histopathologic markers of hearing loss in intralabyrinthine schwannomas: 
      implications for management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the clinical history and management of
      patients with intralabyrinthine schwannomas and evaluate the histopathologic
      features of these tumors. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case review of 24
      patients and 7 temporal bone specimens. SETTING: An otologic tertiary referral
      private practice. PATIENTS: Patients with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed
      intralabyrinthine schwannoma diagnosed after 1995 and non-Neurofibromatosis type
      2 temporal bone specimens with schwannomas confined to the bony labyrinth. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical data including history, imaging and audiometry were
      evaluated. The histopathologic features of temporal bone specimens including
      tumor location and degenerative changes were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      intralabyrinthine location of the tumor does not predict the degree or time to
      progression of hearing loss. Both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss can
      occur. Mechanisms of hearing loss include hair cell, spiral ganglion, and stria
      vascularis degeneration in addition to mechanical obstruction. CONCLUSION:
      Hearing loss is the most common symptom with intralabyrinthine schwannomas.
      Histopathology reveals that multiple mechanisms of degeneration may occur within
      the labyrinth to induce hearing loss. Observation provides the most reliable
      hearing preservation strategy.

PMID- 22072266
TI  - Keyhole cochlear implantation:  current status.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Past cochlear implantation (CI) techniques have included a variety
      of soft tissue and bony trauma to place and stabilize the implant body. Despite
      minimalist approaches, the surgery invites further refinement. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A restricted access "keyhole" CI technique was developed through a
      series of 547 cases undertaken from 1997. The surgery used a 20-mm-diameter mini
      C-incision on the rear of the auricle and avoided the use of a bony retention
      well or suture fixation. Initial body migration rates were successfully countered
      using small titanium mesh "bridges." The series was free from other problems
      specific to the technique. DISCUSSION: The study demonstrates that CI can be
      performed with only restricted exposure, disposing of well and suture fixation
      methods, and without a wound that may be adjacent to the implant body or
      electrode arrays. CONCLUSION: The keyhole approach proved atraumatic and brief.
      It is particularly suited to simultaneous bilateral implantation in the infant
      and proved adaptable to all ages.

PMID- 22072267
TI  - Changes in Listing plane thickness caused by vestibular schwannoma: a parameter
      for evaluating the accuracy of the gravity-oriented internal model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional analysis of video-oculograms can be used to
      calculate Listing plane for patients and experimental subjects. Listing plane
      reflects the head's orientation with respect to gravity, which suggests that the
      plane is derived from otolithic vestibular input, itself, or from a gravity
      oriented internal model constructed through integration of visual, vestibular,
      and proprioceptive sensory inputs. The goal of this study was to determine
      whether the Listing plane can serve as a parameter for evaluating static
      (peripheral or central) vestibular function. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study.
      SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Healthy subjects and patients with
      unilateral vestibular schwannoma without any previous treatment. INTERVENTION:
      Diagnostic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Video-oculograms were recorded from healthy
      subjects (aged 36.8 +/- 6.3 yr) and from patients (aged 60.3 +/- 7.5 yr) during
      voluntary gaze with the head in an upright or each-side-down orientation, and the
      thicknesses of the calculated Listing planes were then compared. RESULTS: Results
      revealed thickening of the Listing plane in patients only when the head was in an
      impaired-side-down orientation (1.250 +/- 0.795 and 1.074 +/- 0.759 degrees in
      the right- and left-side-down head orientations in healthy subjects versus 2.222
      +/- 1.237 degrees in the impaired-side-down orientation in patients), and this
      thickening correlated with caloric weakness. By contrast, neither the sensation
      of postural instability nor postural disturbance in force platform recordings
      contributed to the thickness of Listing plane. CONCLUSION: The thickness of the
      Listing plane could be a novel parameter for quantitatively evaluating static
      vestibular (otolithic) function, although central compensation might exist.

PMID- 22072268
TI  - The controversial beginnings of neurotology: William F. House's struggles as a
      medical innovator.

PMID- 22072269
TI  - Misdiagnosis of acute peripheral vestibulopathy in central nervous ischemic
      infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vertigo is a very common symptom at otorhinolaryngology (ENT),
      neurological, and emergency units, but often, it is difficult to distinguish
      between vertigo of peripheral and central origin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective analysis of a hospital database, including all patients
      admitted to the ENT University Hospital Graz after neurological examination, with
      a diagnosis of peripheral vestibular vertigo and subsequent diagnosis of central
      nervous infarction as the actual cause for the vertigo. Twelve patients were
      included in this study. RESULTS: All patients with acute spinning vertigo after a
      thorough neurological examination and with uneventful computed tomographic scans
      were referred to our ENT department. Nine of them presented with horizontal
      nystagmus. Only 1 woman experienced additional hearing loss. The mean diagnostic
      delay to the definite diagnosis of a central infarction through magnetic
      resonance imaging was 4 days (SD, 2.3 d). CONCLUSION: A careful otologic and
      neurological examination, including the head impulse test and caloric testing, is
      mandatory. Because ischemic events cannot be diagnosed in computed tomographic
      scans at an early stage, we strongly recommend to perform cranial magnetic
      resonance imaging within 48 hours from admission if vertigo has not improved
      under conservative treatment.

PMID- 22072270
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies 5q21 and 9p24.1 (KDM4C) loci associated
      with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
AB  - Several genome-wide association (GWA) studies of alcohol dependence (AD) and
      alcohol-related phenotypes have been conducted; however, little is known about
      genetic variants influencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS). We conducted the
      first GWA study of AWS using 461 cases of AD with AWS and 408 controls in
      Caucasian population in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism
      (COGA) sample. Logistic regression analysis of AWS as a binary trait, adjusted
      for age and sex, was performed using PLINK. We identified 51 SNPs associated with
      AWS with p < 10(-4). The first best signal was rs770182 (p = 3.65 * 10(-6)) at
      5q21 near EFNA5 gene which was replicated in the Australian twin-family study of
      273 families (p = 0.0172). Furthermore, three SNPs (rs10975990, rs10758821 and
      rs1407862) within KDM4C gene at 9p24.1 showed p < 10(-4) (p = 7.15 * 10(-6), 2.79
      * 10(-5) and 4.93 * 10(-5), respectively) in the COGA sample while one SNP
      rs12001158 within KDM4C with p = 1.97 * 10(-4) in the COGA sample was replicated
      in the family sample (p = 0.01). Haplotype analysis further supported the
      associations of single-marker analyses of KDM4C in the COGA sample. Moreover, two
      SNPs (rs2046593 and rs10497668) near FSIP2 at 2q32.1 with moderate associations
      with AWS in the COGA sample (p = 2.66 * 10(-4) and 9.48 * 10(-5), respectively)
      were replicated in the family sample (p = 0.0013 and 0.0162, respectively). In
      addition, several SNPs in GABRA1, GABRG1, and GABRG3 were associated with AWS (p
      < 10(-2)) in the COGA sample. In conclusion, we identified several loci
      associated with AWS. These findings offer the potential for new insights into the
      pathogenesis of AD and AWS.

PMID- 22072271
TI  - Follicular-patterned tumors of the thyroid: the battle of benign vs. malignant
      vs. so-called uncertain.
AB  - This article will review the controversial area of follicular-patterned thyroid
      tumors. The literature is discussed with emphasis on pathologic diagnosis and the
      criteria for malignancy. In addition, the current state of knowledge regarding
      molecular markers and their utility in diagnosing benign from malignant nodules
      is described. Finally, the apparent lack of consistency with regard to results of
      certain immunohistochemical markers is included.

PMID- 22072272
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for prevention of radiation-induced
      xerostomia among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Xerostomia (dry mouth) after head/neck radiation is a common problem
      among cancer patients, and available treatments are of little benefit. The
      objective of this trial was to determine whether acupuncture can prevent
      xerostomia among head/neck patients undergoing radiotherapy. METHODS: A
      randomized, controlled trial among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was
      conducted comparing acupuncture to standard care. Participants were treated at
      Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China. Forty patients were
      randomized to acupuncture treatment and 46 to standard care. Patients were
      treated 3*/wk on the same days they received radiotherapy. Subjective measures
      included the Xerostomia Questionnaire and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and
      Neck (MDASI-HN). Objective measures were unstimulated and stimulated whole
      salivary flow rates. Patients were followed for 6 months after the end of
      radiotherapy. RESULTS: Xerostomia Questionnaire scores for acupuncture were
      statistically significantly lower than for controls starting in week 3 through
      the 6 months (P = .003 at week 3, all other P < .0001), with clinically
      significant differences as follows: week 11, relative risk (RR) 0.63 (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.87); 6 months, RR 0.38 (95% CI, 0.19-0.76).
      Similar findings were seen for MDASI-HN scores. Group differences emerged as
      early as 3 weeks into treatment for saliva (unstimulated whole salivary flow
      rate, P = .0004), with greater saliva flow in the acupuncture group at week 7
      (unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, P < .0001; stimulated whole salivary flow
      rate, P = .002) and 11 (unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, P < .02;
      stimulated whole salivary flow rate, P < .03) and at 6 months (stimulated whole
      salivary flow rate, P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture given concurrently with
      radiotherapy significantly reduced xerostomia and improved quality of life.

PMID- 22072273
TI  - Mass size distribution and chemical composition of the surface layer of summer
      and winter airborne particles in Zabrze, Poland.
AB  - Mass size distributions of ambient aerosol were measured in Zabrze, a heavily
      industrialized city of Poland, during a summer and a winter season. The chemical
      analyses of the surface layer of PM(10), PM(2.5) and PM(1) in this area were also
      performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results suggested that the
      influence of an atmospheric aerosol on the health condition of Zabrze residents
      can be distinctly stronger in winter than in summer because of both: higher
      concentration level of particulate matter (PM) and higher contribution of fine
      particles in winter season compared to summer. In Zabrze in June (summer) PM(10)
      and PM(2.5) reached about 20 and 14 MUg/m(3), respectively, while in December
      (winter) 57 and 51 MUg/m(3), respectively. The XPS analysis showed that elemental
      carbon is the major surface component of studied airborne particles representing
      about 78%-80% (atomic mass) of all detected elements.

PMID- 22072274
TI  - Comparative and evolutionary analysis of new variants of omega-gliadin genes from
      three A-genome diploid wheats.
AB  - A genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning strategy was applied to isolate
      omega-gliadin sequences from three A-genome diploid wheats (Triticum monococcum,
      T. boeoticum and T. urartu). Amplicon lengths varied from 744 and 1,044 bp, and
      those of the corresponding deduced mature proteins from 248 to 348 residues. The
      primary structure of the deduced polypeptides comprised a short N- and C-terminal
      conserved domain, and a long, variable repetitive domain. A phylogenetic analysis
      recognised several clades: the first consisted of three T. aestivum sequences;
      the second and the third two T. boeoticum and six T. monococcum sequences; and
      the rest four T. urartu and three T. aestivum sequences. Among the functional
      (non-pseudogene) ARQ/E-type omega-gliadin sequences, two were derived from T.
      boeoticum and three from T. monococcum; one of the latter sequences appeared to
      be a chimera originating via illegitimate recombination between the other two T.
      monococcum sequences. None of the 12 intact omega-gliadin sequences contained any
      cysteine or methionine residues. We discussed the variation and evolution of A
      genome omega-gliadin genes.

PMID- 22072275
TI  - Genetics of migraine in the age of genome-wide association studies.
AB  - Genetic factors importantly contribute to migraine. However, unlike for rare
      monogenic forms of migraine, approaches to identify genes for common forms of
      migraine have been of limited success. Candidate gene association studies were
      often negative and positive results were often not replicated or replication
      failed. Further, the significance of positive results from linkage studies
      remains unclear owing to the inability to pinpoint the genes under the peaks that
      may be involved in migraine. Problems hampering these studies include limited
      sample sizes, methods of migraine ascertainment, and the heterogeneous clinical
      phenotype. Three genome-wide association studies are available now and have
      successfully identified four new genetic variants associated with migraine. One
      new variant (rs1835740) modulates glutamate homeostasis, thus integrates well
      with current concepts of neurotransmitter disturbances. This variant may be more
      specific for severe forms of migraine such as migraine with aura than migraine
      without aura. Another variant (rs11172113) implicates the lipoprotein receptor
      LRP1, which may interact with neuronal glutamate receptors, thus also providing a
      link to the glutamate pathway. In contrast, rs10166942 is in close proximity to
      TRPM8, which codes for a cold and pain sensor. For the first time this links a
      gene explicitly implicated in pain related pathways to migraine. The potential
      function of the fourth variant rs2651899 (PRDM16) in migraine is unclear. All
      these variants only confer a small to moderate change in risk for migraine, which
      concurs with migraine being a heterogeneous disorder. Ongoing large international
      collaborations will likely identify additional gene variants for migraine.

PMID- 22072276
TI  - The development of fear learning and generalization in 8-13 year-olds.
AB  - The current study examined developmental changes in fear learning and
      generalization in 40 healthy 8-13 year-olds using an aversive conditioning
      paradigm adapted from Lau et al. [Lau et al. [2008] Journal of the American
      Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 47:94-102]. In this task, the
      conditioned stimuli (CS+/CS-) are two neutral female faces, and the unconditioned
      stimulus is a fearful, screaming face. The second phase of the study also
      included a generalization stimulus (GS): a 50% blend of the CS+/- faces. The eye
      blink startle reflex was utilized to measure defensive responding. Patterns of
      fear learning and generalization were qualified by child age. Older children
      demonstrated greater fear learning (i.e., larger startle during CS+ than CS-)
      than younger children. In addition, older children exhibited the typical pattern
      of generalization observed in adults, whereas younger children did not. Finally,
      fear learning also related to contingency awareness; only children who correctly
      identified the CS+ demonstrated fear-potentiated startle to the CS+. Clinical
      implications and future directions are discussed.

PMID- 22072277
TI  - A simulation study to improve performance in the preparation and delivery of
      antineoplastic medications at a community hospital.
AB  - In this paper, we introduce a simulation study to improve the antineoplastic
      medication preparation and delivery performance at a pharmacy department in a
      large community hospital. The goal of this work is to help pharmacy reduce
      patients' average waiting time when receiving chemotherapy. This will be achieved
      by simulating and analyzing the preparation and delivery procedures to identify
      process bottlenecks, carry out what-if analysis, predict the impact of
      improvement effort, and provide recommendations to hospital leadership. Using the
      simulation model, we discover that by introducing early preparation for the
      returning patients and dedicating an infusion staff member for medication
      delivery, patients' waiting time for antineoplastic medications can be reduced
      substantially. Such improvements do not require additional floor space or
      significant investment. The recommendation has been accepted by hospital
      management and implemented in the pharmacy department. The preliminary results
      have verified the simulation output with the desired improvement predicted by the
      model.

PMID- 22072278
TI  - Deployment of RFID in healthcare facilities-experimental design in MRI
      department.
AB  - Patient safety has become an important issue due to medical errors. Some health
      care systems use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to identify patients
      during medical procedures. However, the RFID data readability especially depends
      upon the environment, an investigation of data reliability and signal loss is
      essential to making an effective deployment plan. The operation of Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the major source of electromagnetic interference in
      the hospital. Therefore, this research conducts an experimental design of reading
      performance considering various notable factors in the MRI department. In
      addition to the readability experiment, this paper also measures the efficiency
      and reliability of implementing RFID technology in the MRI department using a
      simulation approach and helps hospitals by providing the measured outcomes.

PMID- 22072279
TI  - Use and satisfaction with electronic health record by primary care physicians in
      a health district in Brazil.
AB  - It is believed that Electronic Health Records (EHR) improve not only quality of
      care but also patient safety and health care savings. This seems to be true for
      developed countries but not necessarily in emerging economies. This paper
      examined the primary care physicians' satisfaction with a specific EHR in a
      health district of a major city in Brazil and describes how they are using it as
      well as its specific functions. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey with all
      physicians from all Community Health Centers of the 6th health district of the
      City of Fortaleza that were using HER was conducted. From the 111 subjects
      (100%), a total of 99 physicians answered the survey (89% response rate). For
      overall satisfaction with the EHR, 2 (2%) were satisfied, 50 (50.5%) were
      satisfied in part and 47 (47.5%) were not satisfied. For the functionalities, a
      proportion of correct answers (PCA) and an index of functionality usage (IFU)
      were developed. PCA and IFU were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). Inverse
      and weak correlations were found between PCA and age (p < 0.001), years since
      medical school and years of work (p < 0.01). For usage (IFU), there was inverse
      correlation with "years working in Family Health Strategy" (p < 0.05). High IFU
      was associated with physicians who stated to use easily Internet and Email; who
      saw less patients per half-day; who were women (p < 0.05), younger (p < 0.05), in
      training (p < 0.05) and not satisfied with the EHR (p < 0.05).The use of EHR was
      associated with being young, female, still in training and seeing less than 16
      patients per half-day. Structural issues (e.g. network and system support) seemed
      to be major barriers in this setting. Lack of classical functionalities such as
      problem list and clinical reminders could have contributed to exacerbate
      misperceptions about what EHRs can do in improving work processes and patient
      care.

PMID- 22072280
TI  - Automated classification of liver disorders using ultrasound images.
AB  - This paper presents a novel approach for detection of Fatty liver disease (FLD)
      and Heterogeneous liver using textural analysis of liver ultrasound images. The
      proposed system is able to automatically assign a representative region of
      interest (ROI) in a liver ultrasound which is subsequently used for diagnosis.
      This ROI is analyzed using Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT) and a number of
      statistical features are obtained. A multi-class linear support vector machine
      (SVM) is then used for classification. The proposed system gives an overall
      accuracy of ~95% which clearly illustrates the efficacy of the system.

PMID- 22072281
TI  - Adaptive significance of permanent female mimicry in a bird of prey.
AB  - Permanent female mimicry, in which adult males express a female phenotype, is
      known only from two bird species. A likely benefit of female mimicry is reduced
      intrasexual competition, allowing female-like males to access breeding resources
      while avoiding costly fights with typical territorial males. We tested this
      hypothesis in a population of marsh harriers Circus aeruginosus in which
      approximately 40 per cent of sexually mature males exhibit a permanent, i.e.
      lifelong, female plumage phenotype. Using simulated territorial intrusions, we
      measured aggressive responses of breeding males towards conspecific decoys of
      females, female-like males and typical males. We show that aggressive responses
      varied with both the type of decoys and the type of defending male. Typical males
      were aggressive towards typical male decoys more than they were towards female
      like male decoys; female-like male decoys were attacked at a rate similar to that
      of female decoys. By contrast, female-like males tolerated male decoys (both
      typical and female-like) and directed their aggression towards female decoys.
      Thus, agonistic responses were intrasexual in typical males but intersexual in
      female-like males, indicating that the latter not only look like females but also
      behave like them when defending breeding resources. When intrasexual aggression
      is high, permanent female mimicry is arguably adaptive and could be seen as a
      permanent 'non-aggression pact' with other males.

PMID- 22072282
TI  - Taylor's Law holds in experimental bacterial populations but competition does not
      influence the slope.
AB  - Populations vary in time and in space, and temporal variation may differ from
      spatial variation. Yet, in the past half century, field data have confirmed both
      the temporal and spatial forms of Taylor's power Law, a linear relationship
      between log(variance) and log(mean) of population size. Recent theory predicted
      that competitive species interactions should reduce the slope of the temporal
      version of Taylor's Law. We tested whether this prediction applied to the spatial
      version of Taylor's Law using simple, well-controlled laboratory populations of
      two species of bacteria that were cultured either separately or together for 24 h
      in media of widely varying nutrient richness. Experimentally, the spatial form of
      Taylor's Law with a slope of 2 held for these simple bacterial communities, but
      competitive interactions between the two species did not reduce the spatial
      Taylor's Law slope. These results contribute to the widespread usefulness of
      Taylor's Law in population ecology, epidemiology and pest control.

PMID- 22072283
TI  - A minute fossil phoretic mite recovered by phase-contrast X-ray computed
      tomography.
AB  - High-resolution phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography (CT) reveals the
      phoretic deutonymph of a fossil astigmatid mite (Acariformes: Astigmata) attached
      to a spider's carapace (Araneae: Dysderidae) in Eocene (44-49 Myr ago) Baltic
      amber. Details of appendages and a sucker plate were resolved, and the resulting
      three-dimensional model demonstrates the potential of tomography to recover
      morphological characters of systematic significance from even the tiniest amber
      inclusions without the need for a synchrotron. Astigmatids have an extremely
      sparse palaeontological record. We confirm one of the few convincing fossils,
      potentially the oldest record of Histiostomatidae. At 176 um long, we believe
      this to be the smallest arthropod in amber to be CT-scanned as a complete body
      fossil, extending the boundaries for what can be recovered using this technique.
      We also demonstrate a minimum age for the evolution of phoretic behaviour among
      their deutonymphs, an ecological trait used by extant species to disperse into
      favourable environments. The occurrence of the fossil on a spider is noteworthy,
      as modern histiostomatids tend to favour other arthropods as carriers.

PMID- 22072284
TI  - Plasticity of preferred body temperatures as means of coping with climate change?
AB  - Thermoregulatory behaviour represents an important component of ectotherm non
      genetic adaptive capacity that mitigates the impact of ongoing climate change.
      The buffering role of behavioural thermoregulation has been attributed solely to
      the ability to maintain near optimal body temperature for sufficiently extended
      periods under altered thermal conditions. The widespread occurrence of plastic
      modification of target temperatures that an ectotherm aims to achieve (preferred
      body temperatures) has been largely overlooked. I argue that plasticity of target
      temperatures may significantly contribute to an ectotherm's adaptive capacity.
      Its contribution to population persistence depends on both the effectiveness of
      acute thermoregulatory adjustments (reactivity) in buffering selection pressures
      in a changing thermal environment, and the total costs of thermoregulation (i.e.
      reactivity and plasticity) in a given environment. The direction and magnitude of
      plastic shifts in preferred body temperatures can be incorporated into
      mechanistic models, to improve predictions of the impact of global climate change
      on ectotherm populations.

PMID- 22072285
TI  - The impact of 18F-FDG PET on the management of patients with suspected large
      vessel vasculitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the impact of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron
      emission tomography (PET) on the management of patients with suspected large
      vessel vasculitis. METHODS: An international expert panel determined diagnoses
      and clinical management in patients with suspected large vessel vasculitis, with
      and without the results of (18)F-FDG PET, respectively. The accuracy of the
      clinical diagnosis and the resulting clinical management with and without the
      (18)F-FDG PET results were compared using logistic regression models. RESULTS:
      The analysis included 30 patients referred to a tertiary care centre with large
      vessel vasculitis and 31 controls. (18)F-FDG PET had an overall sensitivity of
      73.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 54.1-87.7%], a specificity of 83.9% (95% CI
      66.3-94.5%), a positive predictive value of 81.5% (95% CI 61.9-93.7%) and a
      negative predictive value of 76.5% (95% CI 58.8-89.3%). The diagnostic accuracy
      of (18)F-FDG PET was higher in patients not receiving immunosuppressive drugs
      (93.3 vs 64.5%, p = 0.006). Taken in context with other available diagnostic
      modalities, the addition of (18)F-FDG PET increased the clinical diagnostic
      accuracy from 54.1 to 70.5% (p = 0.04). The addition of (18)F-FDG PET increased
      the number of indicated biopsies from 22 of 61 patients (36.1%) to 25 of 61
      patients (41.0%) and changed the treatment recommendation in 8 of 30 patients
      (26.7%) not receiving immunosuppressive medication and in 7 of 31 patients
      (22.6%) receiving immunosuppressive medication. CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG PET is a
      sensitive and specific imaging tool for large vessel vasculitis, especially when
      performed in patients not receiving immunosuppressive drugs. It increases the
      overall diagnostic accuracy and has an impact on the clinical management in a
      significant proportion of patients.

PMID- 22072286
TI  - Measurement of SUVmax plus ADCmin of the primary tumour is a predictor of
      prognosis in patients with cervical cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to determine if measurements of the
      maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) by positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient
      (ADCmin) by magnetic resonance imaging are correlated with the clinical
      characteristics and prognosis of primary cervical cancer. METHODS: The
      correlations between biological parameters and prognosis and SUVmax and ADCmin of
      the primary tumour were determined in 66 patients with cervical cancer before
      radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: There were significant
      correlations between SUVmax of the primary tumour and FIGO stage (p = 0.036),
      tumour maximum size (p = 0.018) and pelvic lymph node metastasis (p = 0.044). The
      median durations of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were
      16.1 and 19.2 months, respectively. The DFS and OS of patients exhibiting high
      SUVmax of the primary tumour were significantly lower than those of patients
      exhibiting low SUVmax of the primary tumour (p = 0.0171 and p = 0.0367). The OS
      of patients exhibiting low ADCmin of the primary tumour was significantly lower
      than that of patients exhibiting high ADCmin of the primary tumour (p = 0.0376).
      The DFS and OS of patients exhibiting high SUVmax together with low ADCmin of the
      primary tumour were significantly lower (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001). Multivariate
      analyses showed that high SUVmax together with low ADCmin of the primary tumour
      was an independent prognostic factor for both DFS (p = 0.0030) and OS (p =
      0.0036). CONCLUSION: High SUVmax together with low ADCmin of the primary tumour
      is an important predictive factor for identifying patients with cervical cancer
      who have a poor prognosis.

PMID- 22072287
TI  - Mild kidney disease as a risk factor for major bleeding in patients with atrial
      fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary stenting.
AB  - Bleeding risk is increased in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and moderate
      to severe kidney disease (KD); however, the implication of mild KD on bleeding
      remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of
      mild KD increases risk for major bleeding (MB) in patients with AF undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation (PCI-S). Two hundred
      eighty-five patients were included. Patients were classified into three kidney
      function groups: moderate to severe KD (n=91; <60 ml/min/1.73 m2), mild KD
      (n=139; 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m2) and non-KD (n=55; >=90 ml/min/1.73 m2). Estimated
      glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the simplified Modification of
      Diet in Renal Disease equation. Patients were followed for one year, and the
      occurrence of MB was obtained in all. A total of 28 patients (9.8%) presented MB.
      MB complications examined as a function of KD groups revealed that there was a
      graded increase in MB with worsening renal function (non KD=1.8%, mild KD=7.9%,
      moderate to severe KD=17.6%; p <0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis
      showed that mild KD was associated with nearly a 2.5-fold (2.43 95% confidence
      interval 1.11-5.34, p=0.039) increase in the risk of MB as compared with non-KD
      patients. Other independent predictors of MB were moderate-severe KD, anaemia and
      triple antithrombotic therapy after PCI-S (C-index=0.76). In this population,
      mild KD confers a significantly increase in the risk for MB complications. Future
      studies should assess the potential role of incorporating mild KD into the
      bleeding risk scales to improve the stratification of these patients.

PMID- 22072288
TI  - Ensembles of engineered cardiac tissues for physiological and pharmacological
      study: heart on a chip.
AB  - Traditionally, muscle physiology experiments require multiple tissue samples to
      obtain morphometric, electrophysiological, and contractility data. Furthermore,
      these experiments are commonly completed one at a time on cover slips of single
      cells, isotropic monolayers, or in isolated muscle strips. In all of these cases,
      variability of the samples hinders quantitative comparisons among experimental
      groups. Here, we report the design of a "heart on a chip" that exploits muscular
      thin film technology--biohybrid constructs of an engineered, anisotropic
      ventricular myocardium on an elastomeric thin film--to measure contractility,
      combined with a quantification of action potential propagation, and cytoskeletal
      architecture in multiple tissues in the same experiment. We report techniques for
      real-time data collection and analysis during pharmacological intervention. The
      chip is an efficient means of measuring structure-function relationships in
      constructs that replicate the hierarchical tissue architectures of laminar
      cardiac muscle.

PMID- 22072289
TI  - TGFbeta1-Endo180-dependent collagen deposition is dysregulated at the tumour
      stromal interface in bone metastasis.
AB  - Cellular niches in adult tissue can harbour dysregulated microenvironments that
      become the driving force behind disease progression. The major environmental
      change when metastatic cells arrive in the bone is the destruction of mineralized
      type I collagen matrix. Once metastatic niches establish in bone, the invading
      tumour cells initiate a vicious cycle of osteolytic lesion formation via the
      dysregulation of paracrine signals and uncoupling of normal bone resorption and
      production. Here we report that the collagen receptor Endo180 (CD280, MRC2,
      uPARAP) participates in collagen deposition by primary human osteoblasts during
      de novo osteoid formation. This newly recognized function of Endo180 was
      suppressed in osteoblasts following heterotypic direct cell-cell contact in co
      culture with prostate tumour cells. Reciprocal Endo180 up-regulation in
      osteolytic prostate tumour cells (PC3 and DU145) followed their direct contact
      with osteoblasts and promoted de novo collagen internalization, which is a
      previously characterized function of the constitutively recycling Endo180
      receptor. The osteoblastic suppression and tumour cell-associated enhancement of
      Endo180 expression were equally sustained in these direct co-cultures. These
      findings are the first to demonstrate that increased tumour cell participation in
      collagen degradation and decreased collagen formation by osteoblasts in the
      osteolytic microenvironment are linked to the divergent regulation of a collagen
      binding receptor. Immunohistochemical analysis of core biopsies from bone
      metastasis revealed higher levels of Endo180 expression in tumour cell foci than
      cells in the surrounding stroma. Additional experiments in prostate cell
      osteoblast co-cultures indicate that divergent regulation of Endo180 is the
      result of dysregulated TGFbeta1 signalling. The findings of this study provide a
      rationale for targeting collagen remodelling by Endo180 in bone metastases and
      other collagen matrix pathologies.

PMID- 22072290
TI  - Imaging indexes of activity and severity for Crohn's disease: current status and
      future trends.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional imaging techniques, including ultrasonography (US),
      computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly
      used for evaluation of Crohn's disease (CD). AIM: To review the accuracy of cross
      sectional imaging indexes for measurement of disease activity and severity in
      patients with CD, and to evaluate its applicability on daily clinical practice
      and research. METHODS: Relevant publications were identified by literature
      search, and selected based on predefined quality parameters, including a sample
      size and reference standard. Nineteen publications were chosen. RESULTS: The US
      based indexes of activity showed high correlation with reference standard
      indexes. There is a good or very good agreement between the MR-based indexes and
      the reference standard when the comparison is limited to small segments of
      intestine. Significant discrepancies have been found between indexes that
      evaluate the colon. Only one CT-based index was included. The main strengths and
      weaknesses of the indexes, according to its design, are discussed. CONCLUSION:
      Standardization of image acquisition protocols and patient preparation should be
      procured, especially for MRI. In daily practice, a simple, semi-quantitative
      index providing relevant information on disease activity and severity is
      preferable. For research purposes, a precise and reproducible index should be
      mandatory.

PMID- 22072293
TI  - The combination of four different clinical decision rules and an age-adjusted D
      dimer cut-off increases the number of patients in whom acute pulmonary embolism
      can safely be excluded.
AB  - Four clinical decision rules (CDRs) (Wells score, Revised Geneva Score (RGS),
      simplified Wells score and simplified RGS) safely exclude pulmonary embolism
      (PE), when combined with a normal D-dimer test. Recently, an age-adjusted cut-off
      of the D-dimer (patient's age x 10 MUg/l) safely increased the number of patients
      above 50 years in whom PE could safely be excluded. We validated the age-adjusted
      D-dimer test and assessed its performance in combination with the four CDRs in
      patients with suspected PE. A total of 414 consecutive patients with suspected PE
      who were older than 50 years were included. The proportion of patients in whom PE
      could be excluded with an 'unlikely' clinical probability combined with a normal
      age-adjusted D-dimer test was calculated and compared with the proportion using
      the conventional D-dimer cut-off. We assessed venous thromboembolism (VTE)
      failure rates during three months follow-up. In patients above 50 years, a normal
      age-adjusted D-dimer level in combination with an 'unlikely' CDR substantially
      increased the number of patients in whom PE could be safely excluded: from 13-14%
      to 19-22% in all CDRs similarly. In patients over 70 years, the number of
      exclusions was nearly four-fold higher, and the original Wells score excluded
      most patients, with an increase from 6% to 21% combined with the conventional and
      age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off, respectively. The number of VTE failures was also
      comparable in all CDRs. In conclusion, irrespective of which CDR is used, the age
      adjusted D-dimer substantially increases the number of patients above 50 years in
      whom PE can be safely excluded.

PMID- 22072294
TI  - The role of the syllable in the segmentation of Cairene spoken Arabic.
AB  - The syllable as a perceptual unit has been investigated cross linguistically. In
      Cairene Arabic syllables fall into three categories, light CV, heavy CVC/CVV and
      superheavy CVCC/CVVC. However, heavy syllables in Cariene Arabic have varied
      weight depending on their position in a word, whether internal or final. The
      present paper investigates the role of the syllable in the segmentation of
      Cariene Arabic. It reports a psycholinguistic study; syllable monitoring that was
      conducted on 32 Egyptian Arabic native speakers to examine the perceptual role of
      the syllable in spoken connected language. Theoretical phonological studies have
      identified Cairene Arabic as a stress-timed language; however, psycholinguistic
      studies providing evidence for this theoretical finding are scarce. The present
      study which is a cross modal (visual and auditory) counterbalanced design, gives
      evidence for the role of the (CVC) syllable in the segmentation of Cairene spoken
      language.

PMID- 22072291
TI  - The role of MOF in the ionizing radiation response is conserved in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - In Drosophila, males absent on the first (MOF) acetylates histone H4 at lysine 16
      (H4K16ac). This acetylation mark is highly enriched on the male X chromosome and
      is required for dosage compensation in Drosophila but not utilized for such in
      mammals. Recently, we and others reported that mammalian MOF, through H4K16ac,
      has a critical role at multiple stages in the DNA damage response (DDR) and
      double-strand break repair pathways. The goal of this study was to test whether
      mof is similarly required for the response to ionizing radiation (IR) in
      Drosophila. We report that Drosophila mof mutations in males and females, as well
      as mof knockdown in SL-2 cells, reduce post-irradiation survival. MOF depletion
      in SL-2 cells also results in an elevated frequency of metaphases with
      chromosomal aberrations, suggesting that MOF is involved in DDR. Mutation in
      Drosophila mof also results in a defective mitotic checkpoint, enhanced
      apoptosis, and a defective p53 response post-irradiation. In addition, IR
      exposure enhanced H4K16ac levels in Drosophila as it also does in mammals. These
      results are the first to demonstrate a requirement for MOF in the whole animal IR
      response and suggest that the role of MOF in the response to IR is conserved
      between Drosophila and mammals.

PMID- 22072295
TI  - Current world literature.

PMID- 22072297
TI  - SCOUT: A Fast Monte-Carlo Modeling Tool of Scintillation Camera Output.
AB  - We have developed a Monte-Carlo photon-tracking and readout simulator called
      SCOUT to study the stochastic behavior of signals output from a simplified
      rectangular scintillation-camera design. SCOUT models the salient processes
      affecting signal generation, transport, and readout. Presently, we compare output
      signal statistics from SCOUT to experimental results for both a discrete and a
      monolithic camera. We also benchmark the speed of this simulation tool and
      compare it to existing simulation tools. We find this modeling tool to be
      relatively fast and predictive of experimental results. Depending on the modeled
      camera geometry, we found SCOUT to be 4 to 140 times faster than other modeling
      tools.

PMID- 22072298
TI  - Lateral cavity acoustic transducer as an on-chip cell/particle microfluidic
      switch.
AB  - A novel on-chip microfluidic switch is demonstrated that utilizes the acoustic
      microstreaming generated by an oscillating air-liquid interface to switch
      cells/particles into bifurcating microchannels. The air-liquid interface of the
      Lateral Cavity Acoustic Transducers (LCATs) can be actuated by an external
      acoustic energy source causing the interface to oscillate. The oscillating
      interface results in the generation of vortex-like microstreaming flow within a
      localized region of the surrounding liquid. This streaming was utilized here to
      deflect cells/particles into a collection outlet. It was demonstrated that the
      switching zone could be controlled by varying the actuation time of the LCAT. An
      LCAT based microfluidic switch is capable of achieving theoretical switching
      rates of 800 cells/particles per second. It was also demonstrated that K562 cells
      could be switched into a collection channel with cell viability comparable to
      that of controls as determined by Trypan blue exclusion assay.

PMID- 22072299
TI  - The open-chain triphosphanes RMe2SiCH2P(PR'2)2 (R = Me, Ph; R' = SiMe3, Cy, Ph).
AB  - The triphosphanes RMe(2)SiCH(2)P(PR'(2))(2) (R = Me, Ph; R' = SiMe(3), Cy) are
      synthesised in good yield via metathesis of organodichlorophosphanes and
      LiPR'(2), while for R' = Ph a propensity to form (Ph(2)P)(2) precludes isolation
      of the in situ characterised triphosphanes. Where R = Me and R' = SiMe(3) the
      triphosphane has also been characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and
      exhibits a single geometric conformer in the solid state, though solution-phase
      NMR spectra are indicative of facile conformational exchange across a wide
      temperature range. All of the described triphosphanes exhibit comparable
      behaviour, with their respective (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectra manifesting anomalous
      'second-order' characteristics, which are considered using full spin-Hamiltonian
      simulation. Preliminary studies of coordination chemistry and ancillary
      reactivity of the triphosphanes are described.

PMID- 22072300
TI  - Use of brain natriuretic peptide to detect previously unknown left ventricular
      dysfunction in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) simultaneously suffer from often-unrecognised chronic heart failure (HF).
      Their timely identification is challenging as both conditions share similar
      clinical presentations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of BNP in detecting
      left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with no history of HF admitted
      for acute exacerbation of COPD in a regional second-care hospital. METHODS:
      Retrospective medical records analysis of all patients hospitalised between
      January 2003 and May 2009 with the final diagnosis of acute exacerbation of COPD,
      and who had undergone BNP dosage at admission followed by an echocardiography.
      RESULTS: Among the 57 patients included, 13 had left ventricular systolic
      dysfunction. There was a statistically significant difference of mean BNP values
      between patients with or without systolic dysfunction (mean 689 pg/ml vs. 340
      pg/ml, p = 0.007). For the detection of systolic dysfunction, a BNP level
      inferior to 100 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 92% and a negative predictive
      value of 91%, whereas BNP higher than 500 yielded a sensitivity of 80% and a
      positive predictive value of 47%. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis,
      a BNP value >=500 (odds ratio 8.5, 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 38.2, p =
      0.005) and history of coronary heart disease (odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence
      interval 1.01 to 34.7, p = 0.048) remained as independent and mutually adjusted
      predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      confirms that BNP can help physicians in identifying heart failure in patients
      suffering from an acute exacerbation of COPD.

PMID- 22072301
TI  - [Update hip surgery :  New trends and current operation techniques].

PMID- 22072302
TI  - Genetic deletion of 5-lipoxygenase increases tumor-infiltrating macrophages in
      Apc(Delta468) mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The role of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in colon cancer is unknown. Tumor
      infiltrating macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells have been shown to play
      important roles in colon tumorigenesis and are dependent on 5-LO for function.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: Utilizing the APC(Delta468) polyposis model, we performed
      5-LO gene knockouts and evaluated the subsequent changes in macrophage,
      neutrophil, and mast cell density at the tumor site. The proliferative and
      degranulation capacities of 5-LO-deficient mast cells were also measured,
      quantifying thymidine incorporation and beta-hexosaminidase release,
      respectively. RESULTS: APC(Delta468)/5LO(-/-) mice displayed increased tumor
      infiltrating macrophages and decreased neutrophils at the polyp site. In vitro,
      mast cells deficient for 5-LO proliferated at a diminished rate while mast cell
      degranulation was unchanged. DISCUSSION: We provide evidence suggesting that 5-LO
      deficiency has differential effects on the infiltration of macrophages and
      neutrophils in adenomatous polyps, increasing and decreasing infiltration of
      these cells, respectively. Our observations are consistent with a protective role
      for tumor-infiltrating macrophages in the initiation of polyp formation. The
      mechanisms through which 5-LO deficiency negatively affects these cells are under
      investigation. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that 5-LO plays an
      important role in tumorigenesis and further indicate that 5-LO-selective
      inhibitors can be investigated as potential therapeutic agents for colorectal
      polyposis and cancer.

PMID- 22072303
TI  - High expression of CCL20 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) plays an important role in the
      carcinogenesis, invasion, and progression of malignancies. This study aimed to
      investigate the prognostic significance of CCL20 in patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. METHODS: Expression of CCL20 was
      evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissue from 125 patients who underwent
      curative resection of HCC. The relationship between CCL20 expression and
      clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses
      were performed to evaluate its predictive value for tumor recurrence and survival
      of HCC patients. RESULTS: CCL20 expression was verified in all tumor specimens.
      CCL20 expression was associated with tumor size (P = 0.002), tumor number (P =
      0.031), vascular invasion (P = 0.003), tumor differentiation (P = 0.024), and
      tumor recurrence (P < 0.001). Patients with high CCL20 expression had poorer
      recurrence-free survival and overall survival (both P < 0.001) than those with
      low CCL20 expression. Multivariate analysis showed CCL20 expression was an
      independent predictor of tumor recurrence (Hazard ratio 3.934, P = 0.002),
      recurrence-free survival (Hazard ratio 2.573, P = 0.001), and overall survival
      (Hazard ratio 2.930, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: CCL20 expression was associated with
      tumor recurrence and survival of HCC patients. It may be used to predict
      prognosis of patients with HCC and may be a new target of postoperative adjuvant
      therapy.

PMID- 22072305
TI  - Development of an ELISA to detect the secreted prostate cancer biomarker AGR2 in
      voided urine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparative transcriptomics between sorted cells identified AGR2 as
      one of the highest up-regulated genes in cancer. Overexpression in primary tumors
      was verified by tissue microarray analysis. AGR2 encodes a 19-kDa secreted
      protein that might be found in urine. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies were
      generated against AGR2. One antibody pair, P1G4 (IgG1) to capture and P3A5
      (IgG2a) to detect, showed good performance characteristics in a sandwich ELISA.
      This assay could detect AGR2 at sub ng/ml quantities. RESULTS: AGR2 was detected
      in tissue digestion media of tumor specimens and culture media of AGR2-secreting
      prostate cancer cell lines. Additional testings involved frozen section
      immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and Western blot analysis. Voided
      urine samples were collected from pre-operative cancer patients, and urinary
      protein was desalted and concentrated by filtration. The amount of AGR2 detected
      was scored as pg/100 ug total protein, and then converted to pg/ml urine. The
      developed ELISA detected AGR2 protein, ranging from 3.6 to 181 pg/ml, in an
      initial cohort of samples. AGR2 was not detected in the urine of non-cancer and a
      bladder cancer patient. CONCLUSIONS: For prostate cancer, an AGR2 urine test
      could be used for diagnosis. The data, although derived from a small number of
      samples assayed, showed that developing such a test for clinical application is
      viable because AGR2 is specific to cancer cells, and apparently secreted into
      urine.

PMID- 22072304
TI  - Mobile laminar air flow screen for additional operating room ventilation:
      reduction of intraoperative bacterial contamination during total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections are important complications in orthopedic
      surgery. A mobile laminar air flow (LAF) screen could represent a useful addition
      to an operating room (OR) with conventional turbulent air ventilation (12.5 air
      changes/h), as it could decrease the bacterial count near the operating field.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate LAF efficacy at reducing bacterial
      contamination in the surgical area during 34 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The additional unit was used in 17 operations; the LAF was
      positioned beside the operating table between two of the surgeons, with the air
      flow directed towards the surgical area (wound). The whole team wore conventional
      OR clothing and the correct hygiene procedures and rituals were used. Bacterial
      air contamination (CFU/m(3)) was evaluated in the wound area in 17 operations
      with the LAF unit and 17 without the LAF unit. RESULTS: The LAF unit reduced the
      mean bacterial count in the wound area from 23.5 CFU/m(3) without the LAF to 3.5
      CFU/m(3) with the LAF (P < 0.0001), which is below the suggested limit for an OR
      with ultraclean laminar ventilation. There were no significant differences in the
      mean bacterial count in the instrument table area: 28.6 CFU/m(3) were recorded
      with the LAF (N = 6) unit and 30.8 CFU/m(3) (N = 6) without the LAF unit (P =
      0.631). During six operations with LAF and six without LAF, particle counts were
      performed and the number of 0.5 MUm particles was analyzed. The particle counts
      decreased significantly when the LAF unit was used (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: When
      a mobile LAF unit was added to the standard OR ventilation, bacterial
      contamination of the wound area significantly decreased to below the accepted
      level for an ultraclean OR, preventing SSI infections.

PMID- 22072306
TI  - Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the internal auditory canal.
AB  - Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as Masson's
      tumor, is a rare vascular lesion characterized by intravascular proliferation of
      endothelial-lined papillae and a propensity for manifestation in the head and
      neck. Signs and symptoms associated with IPEH generally occur due to compressive
      effects of the lesion on adjacent structures. A rare instance of IPEH occurring
      in the internal auditory canal is presented herein. Clinical presentation,
      radiographic and pathologic findings, and management strategies are discussed.

PMID- 22072307
TI  - A multicenter, randomized, phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of combination docetaxel and carboplatin and sequential therapy with
      docetaxel then carboplatin in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the
      efficacy and safety of combination (cDC) and sequential (sDC) weekly docetaxel
      and carboplatin in women with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC). METHODS: Participants were randomized to either weekly docetaxel 30
      mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) = 6 on day 1,
      every 3 weeks or docetaxel 30 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
      followed by carboplatin AUC = 6 on day 1, every 3 weeks for 6 cycles or until
      disease progression. The primary endpoint was measurable progression-free
      survival (PFS). RESULTS: Between January 2004 and March 2007, 150 participants
      were enrolled. The response rate was 55.4% and 43.2% for those treated with cDC
      and sDC, respectively. The median PFS was 13.7 months (95% confidence interval
      [CI], 9.9-16.8) for cDC and 8.4 months (95% CI, 7.1-11.0) for sDC. On the basis
      of an exploratory analysis, patients treated with sDC were at a 62% increased
      risk of disease progression compared to those treated with cDC (hazard ratio =
      1.62; 95% CI, 1.08-2.45; P = .02). The median overall survival time was similar
      in both groups (33.2 and 30.1 months, P = .2). The incidence of grade 2 or 3
      neurotoxicity and grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was higher with cDC than with sDC
      (11.7% vs 8.5%; 36.8% vs 11.3%). The sDC group demonstrated significant
      improvements in the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-Ovarian, Quality of
      Life Trial Outcome Index scores compared with the combination cohort (P = .013).
      CONCLUSIONS: Both cDC and sDC regimens have activity in recurrent platinum
      sensitive EOC with acceptable toxicity profiles. The cDC regimen may provide a
      PFS advantage over sDC.

PMID- 22072308
TI  - Leishmanicidal and antitumoral activities of endophytic fungi associated with the
      Antarctic angiosperms Deschampsia antarctica Desv. and Colobanthus quitensis
      (Kunth) Bartl.
AB  - A total of 564 isolates of endophytic fungi were recovered from the plants
      Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis collected from Antarctica. The
      isolates were screened against parasites Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma
      cruzi and against the human tumour cell lines. Of the 313 fungal isolates
      obtained from D. antarctica and 251 from C. quitensis, 25 displayed biological
      activity. Nineteen extracts displayed leishmanicidal activity, and six inhibited
      the growth of at least one tumour cell line. These fungi belong to 19 taxa of the
      genera Alternaria, Antarctomyces, Cadophora, Davidiella, Helgardia, Herpotrichia,
      Microdochium, Oculimacula, Phaeosphaeria and one unidentified fungus. Extracts of
      12 fungal isolates inhibited the proliferation of L. amazonesis at a low IC(50)
      of between 0.2 and 12.5 MUg ml(-1). The fungus Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides
      displayed only leishmanicidal activity with an IC(50) of 0.2 MUg ml(-1), which is
      equivalent to the inhibitory value of amphotericin B. The extract of Microdochium
      phragmitis displayed specific cytotoxic activity against the UACC-62 cell line
      with an IC(50) value of 12.5 MUg ml(-1). Our results indicate that the unique
      angiosperms living in Antarctica shelter an interesting bioactive fungal
      community that is able to produce antiprotozoal and antitumoral molecules. These
      molecules may be used to develop new leishmanicidal and anticancer drugs.

PMID- 22072310
TI  - Mutation rate estimates for 13 STR loci in a large population from Rio Grande do
      Sul, Southern Brazil.
AB  - Short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms have been extensively used in forensic
      genetics analysis. Knowledge about the locus-specific mutation rates of STRs
      improves forensic probability calculations and interpretations of diversity data.
      To incorporate single-locus diversity information into autosomal STR mutation
      rate estimations, 13 STR loci were studied during 2007-2009 in 10,959 paternity
      investigation cases from Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil,
      covering an overall number of 284,934 allelic transfers. A total of 355 mutations
      were identified; 348 repeats were gains or losses of one step, three were gains
      or losses of two steps, and four were gains or losses of not stepwise mutation.
      The mutation rates ranged from 4.6 * 10(-5) to 2.3 * 10(-3), and the overall
      mutation rate estimate was 1.2 * 10(-3). The average of the paternal mutation
      rate (1.8 * 10(-3)) was five times higher than the maternal rate (0.36 * 10(-3)).
      The observed mutational features for STRs have important consequences for
      forensic applications, including the definition of criteria for exclusion in
      paternity testing and the interpretation of DNA profiles in identification
      analysis.

PMID- 22072309
TI  - Human age estimation combining third molar and skeletal development.
AB  - The wide prediction intervals obtained with age estimation methods based on third
      molar development could be reduced by combining these dental observations with
      age-related skeletal information. Therefore, on cephalometric radiographs, the
      most accurate age-estimating skeletal variable and related registration method
      were searched and added to a regression model, with age as response and third
      molar stages as explanatory variable. In a pilot set up on a dataset of 496 (283
      M; 213 F) cephalometric radiographs, the techniques of Baccetti et al. (2005)
      (BA), Seedat et al. (2005) (SE), Caldas et al. (2007) and Rai et al. (2008) (RA)
      were verified. In the main study, data from 460 (208 F, 224 M) individuals in an
      age range between 3 and 26 years, for which at the same day an orthopantogram and
      a cephalogram were taken, were collected. On the orthopantomograms, the left
      third molar development was registered using the scoring system described by
      Gleiser and Hunt (1955) and modified by Kohler (1994) (GH). On the cephalograms,
      cervical vertebrae development was registered according to the BA and SE
      techniques. A regression model, with age as response and the GH scores as
      explanatory variable, was fitted to the data. Next, information of BA, SE and BA
      + SE was, respectively, added to this model. From all obtained models, the
      determination coefficients and the root mean squared errors were calculated.
      Inclusion of information from cephalograms based on the BA, as well as the SE,
      technique improved the amount of explained variance in age acquired from
      panoramic radiographs using the GH technique with 48%. Inclusion of cephalometric
      BA + SE information marginally improved the previous result (+1%). The RMSE
      decreased with 1.93, 1.85 and 2.03 years by adding, respectively, BA, SE and BA +
      SE information to the GH model. The SE technique allows clinically the fastest
      and easiest registration of the degree of development of the cervical vertebrae.
      Therefore, the choice of technique to classify cervical vertebrae development in
      addition to third molar development is preferably the SE technique.

PMID- 22072311
TI  - Pulmonary embolisation of bone fragments from penetrating cranial gunshot wounds.
AB  - Bone embolism is a very rare event that usually occurs in trauma-induced septic
      bone lesions, after bone surgery or after bone marrow transplantation, and
      normally remains silent. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of bone
      embolism after a gunshot to the head. We describe a case of pulmonary embolism
      associated with bone fragments after a gunshot to the head in which bone
      fragments surrounded by leukocytes, interstitial and intra-alveolar oedema and
      haemorrhage around the embolised vessels, leukostasis and fat and bone marrow
      embolism suggest that the survival time from the gunshot was sufficiently long to
      allow changes in lung microcirculation and lung tissue.

PMID- 22072312
TI  - GFAP-independent inflammatory competence and trophic functions of astrocytes
      generated from murine embryonic stem cells.
AB  - The directed generation of pure astrocyte cultures from pluripotent stem cells
      has proven difficult. Generation of defined pluripotent-stem-cell derived
      astrocytes would allow new approaches to the investigation of plasticity and
      heterogeneity of astrocytes. We here describe a two-step differentiation scheme
      resulting in the generation of murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) derived
      astrocytes (MEDA), as characterized by the upregulation of 19 astrocyte
      associated mRNAs, and positive staining of most cells for GFAP (glial fibrillary
      acidic protein), aquaporin-4 or glutamine synthetase. The MEDA cultures could be
      cryopreserved, and they neither contained neuronal, nor microglial cells. They
      also did not react to the microglial stimulus lipopolysaccharide, while
      inflammatory activation by a complete cytokine mix (CCM) or its individual
      components (TNF-alpha, IL1-beta, IFN-gamma) was readily observed. MEDA,
      stimulated by CCM, became susceptible to CD95 ligand-induced apoptosis and
      produced NO and IL-6. This was preceded by NF-kB activation, and up-regulation of
      relevant mRNAs. Also GFAP-negative astrocytes were fully inflammation-competent.
      Neurotrophic support by MEDA was found to be independent of GFAP expression. In
      summary, we described here the generation and functional characterization of
      microglia-free murine astrocytes, displaying phenotypic heterogeneity as is
      commonly observed in brain astrocytes.

PMID- 22072313
TI  - Enhancement of DNA hybridization under acoustic streaming with three
      piezoelectric-transducer system.
AB  - Recently, we have demonstrated that DNA hybridization using acoustic streaming
      induced by two piezoelectric transducers provides higher DNA hybridization
      efficiency than the conventional method. In this work, we refine acoustic
      streaming system for DNA hybridization by inserting an additional piezoelectric
      transducer and redesigning the locations of the transducers. The Comsol(r)
      Multiphysics was used to design and simulate the velocity field generated by the
      piezoelectric agitation. The simulated velocity vector followed a spiral vortex
      flow field with an average direction outward from the center of the transducers.
      These vortices caused the lower signal intensity in the middle of the microarray
      for the two-piezoelectric disk design. On the contrary, the problem almost
      disappeared in the three-piezoelectric-disk system. The optimum condition for
      controlling the piezoelectric was obtained from the dye experiments with
      different activation settings for the transducers. The best setting was to
      activate the side disks and middle disk alternatively with 1 second activating
      time and 3 second non-activating time for both sets of transducers. DNA
      hybridization using microarrays for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
      from the optimized process yielded a three-fold enhancement of the signal
      compared to the conventional method. Moreover, a greater number of spots passed
      quality control in the optimized device, which could greatly improve biological
      interpretation of DNA hybridization data.

PMID- 22072314
TI  - Non-crossbridge calcium-dependent stiffness in slow and fast skeletal fibres from
      mouse muscle.
AB  - We showed previously that force development in frog and FDB mouse skeletal muscle
      fibres is preceded by an increase of fibre stiffness occurring well before
      crossbridge attachment and force generation. This stiffness increase, referred to
      as static stiffness, is due to a Ca(2+)-dependent stiffening of a non-crossbridge
      sarcomere structure which we suggested could be attributed to the titin
      filaments. To investigate further the role of titin in static stiffness, we
      measured static stiffness properties at 24 and 35 degrees C in soleus and EDL
      mouse muscle fibres which are known to express different titin isoforms. We found
      that static stiffness was present in both soleus and EDL fibres, however, its
      value was about five times greater in EDL than in soleus fibres. The rate of
      development of static stiffness on stimulation increased with temperature and was
      slightly faster in EDL than in soleus in agreement with previously published data
      on the time course of the intracellular Ca(2+) transients in these muscles. The
      present results show that the presence of a non-crossbridge Ca(2+)-dependent
      stiffening of the muscle fibre is a physiological general characteristic of
      skeletal muscle. Static stiffness depends on fibre type, being greater and
      developing faster in fast than in slow fibres. Our observations are consistent
      with the idea that titin stiffening on contraction improves the sarcomere
      structure stability. Such an action in fact seems to be more important in EDL
      fast fibre than in soleus slow fibres.

PMID- 22072315
TI  - Incidence, disease phenotype at diagnosis, and early disease course in
      inflammatory bowel diseases in Western Hungary, 2002-2006.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent trends indicate a change in the epidemiology of inflammatory
      bowel diseases (IBD), with previously low incidence areas now reporting a
      progressive rise in the incidence. Our aim was to analyze the incidence and
      disease phenotype at diagnosis in IBD in the population-based Veszprem Province
      database, which included incident patients diagnosed between January 1, 2002 and
      December 31, 2006. METHODS: Data of 393 incident patients were analyzed
      (ulcerative colitis [UC]: 220, age-at-diagnosis: 40.5 years; Crohn's disease
      [CD]: 163, age-at-diagnosis: 32.5 years; and indeterminate colitis [IC]: 10).
      Both hospital and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed.
      RESULTS: Adjusted mean incidence rates were 8.9/10(5) person-years for CD and
      11.9/10(5) person-years in UC. Peak onset age in both CD and UC patients was 21
      30 years old. Location at diagnosis in UC was proctitis in 26.8%, left-sided
      colitis in 50.9%, and pancolitis in 22.3%. The probability of proximal extension
      and colectomy after 5 years was 12.7% and 2.8%. The disease location in CD was
      ileal in 20.2%, colonic in 35.6%, ileocolonic in 44.2%, and upper
      gastrointestinal in four patients. Behavior at diagnosis was
      stenosing/penetrating in 35.6% and perianal in 11.1%. Patients with colonic
      disease were older at diagnosis compared to patients with ileal or ileocolonic
      disease. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, probability of surgical resection was 9.8%,
      18.5%, and 21.3% after 1, 3, and 5 years of disease duration, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IBD in Veszprem Province in the last decade was
      high, equal to that in high-incidence areas in Western European countries. Early
      disease course is milder compared to data reported in the literature.

PMID- 22072317
TI  - Genome-wide differential genetic profiling characterizes colorectal cancers with
      genetic instability and specific routes to HLA class I loss and immune escape.
AB  - AIM: We compared the expression of genes related to inflammatory and cytotoxic
      functions between MSI and MSS (HLA-class I-negative and HLA-class I-positive)
      colorectal cancers (CRCs), seeking evidence of differences in inflammatory
      mediators and cytotoxic T-cell responses. Twenty-two CRCs were divided into three
      study groups as a function of HLA class I expression and MSI phenotype: 8 MSI
      tumours, 6 MSS/HLA- tumours and 6 MSS/HLA+ tumours (controls). FINDINGS: A first
      comparison between eight MSI and six MSS/HLA-positive (control) cancers, based on
      microarray analysis on an Affymetrix((r)) HG-U133-Plus-PM plate, identified 1974
      differentially expressed genes (P < 0.05). We grouped genes in Gene Ontology
      functional categories: apoptotic programme (72 genes, P = 5.5.10(-3)), leucocyte
      activation (43 genes, P = 1.8.10(-5)), T-cell activation (24 genes, P = 6.3.10(
      4)), inflammatory response (40 genes, 2.3.10(-2)) and cytokine production (10
      genes, P = 1.9.10(-2)). Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical evaluation were
      used to validate the data, finding that increased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines and cytotoxic mediators were associated with greater infiltration by
      CD8+T lymphocytes in the MSI group (P < 0.001). Finally, HLA-class I-negative
      tumours were not grouped together but rather in accordance with features of the
      gene expression profile of MSI or MSS tumours. As expected, genes associated with
      antigen processing machinery and MHC class I molecules (TAP2, B2m) were
      downregulated in MSS/HLA-class I-negative CRCs (n = 6) in comparison to controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, microarray and immunohistochemical data may be useful
      to comprehensively assess tumour-host interactions and differentiate MSI from MSS
      cancers. The two types of tumour, MSI/HLA-class I-negative and MSS/HLA-class I
      negative, showed marked differences in the composition and intensity of
      infiltrating leucocytes, suggesting that their immune escape strategies involve
      distinct pathways.

PMID- 22072316
TI  - DHPLC/SURVEYOR nuclease: a sensitive, rapid and affordable method to analyze
      BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in breast cancer families.
AB  - Hereditary breast cancer accounts for about 10% of all breast cancers and BRCA1
      and BRCA2 genes have been identified as validated susceptibility genes for this
      pathology. Testing for BRCA gene mutations is usually based on a pre-screening
      approach, such as the partial denaturation DHPLC method, and capillary direct
      sequencing. However, this approach is time consuming due to the large size of
      BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Recently, a new low cost and time saving DHPLC protocol
      has been developed to analyze gene mutations by using SURVEYOR((r)) Nuclease
      digestion and DHPLC analysis. A subset of 90 patients, enrolled in the Genetic
      Counseling Program of the National Cancer Centre of Bari (Italy), was performed
      to validate this approach. Previous retrospective analysis showed that 9/90
      patients (10%) were mutated in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and these data were
      confirmed by the present approach. DNA samples underwent touchdown PCR and,
      subsequently, SURVEYOR((r)) nuclease digestion. BRCA1 and BRCA2 amplicons were
      divided into groups depending on amplicon size to allow multiamplicon digestion.
      The product of this reaction were analyzed on Transgenomic WAVE Nucleic Acid High
      Sensitivity Fragment Analysis System. The operator who performed the DHPLC
      surveyor approach did not know the sequencing results at that time. The
      SURVEYOR((r)) Nuclease DHPLC approach was able to detect all alterations with a
      sensitivity of 95%. Furthermore, in order to save time and reagents, a
      multiamplicon setting preparation was validated.

PMID- 22072318
TI  - Co-culturing mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and periosteum enhances
      osteogenesis and neovascularization of tissue-engineered bone.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from bone marrow and periosteum are often
      used as cellular sources for bone tissue engineering. This study showed that co
      cultured human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) and periosteal-derived stem cells
      (hPCs) resulted in a synergistic effect on osteogenic differentiation both in
      vitro and in vivo. Compared to hBMSCs and hPCs, co-culturing MSCs showed abundant
      mineralization, robust calcium deposition, steadily increasing ALP activity, and
      upgraded mRNA expression of osteogenic specific genes (COL1A1, BMP-2,
      osteopontin, osteocalcin) in vitro. Eight weeks after implantation of cellular
      beta-TCP scaffolds in immunodeficient mice, similar synergistic effects were
      confirmed during in vivo evaluation of total new bone formation, mature bone
      formation, and neovascularization. Based on these findings, the use of co
      cultured hBMSCs and hPCs can be recommended as a promising new approach for bone
      tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 22072320
TI  - Does participation in clinical trials influence the costs of future management of
      patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: An earlier study showed that from a societal perspective it was less
      expensive to encourage patients to self-regulate their medication for GERD
      (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) by treating patients on-demand. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective was to investigate whether physician involvement in a clinical trial
      financed by the pharmaceutical industry subsequently results in higher health
      care costs. STUDY DESIGN: An open, observational, multicenter study compared
      direct medical costs and total costs for three groups of patients with different
      exposure to the clinical trial; (1) Dual exposed, where both the patients and the
      GP participated in the former clinical trial, (2) GP exposed, where only the GP
      participated in the former clinical trial and (3) nonexposed, where neither the
      patients nor the GP participated in the former clinical trial. RESULTS: We did
      not find any statistically significant differences in neither direct medical nor
      total costs. However, we did observe a numerical difference in direct medical
      costs of 24% higher in the dual exposed group compared to the nonexposed group
      mainly due to a higher consumption of prescribed medication. The higher direct
      medical cost in the dual exposed group was however counterbalanced by lower
      observed direct nonmedical and indirect costs. CONCLUSION: Although we did not
      find any statistical significant differences in health care costs, we did observe
      a higher consumption of prescribed medication and lower costs of work hours lost
      if both patient and GPs participated in a former clinical trial. The results may
      be limited due to a lower number of patients included than expected.

PMID- 22072321
TI  - Trends in social class inequalities in the use of health care services within the
      Spanish National Health System, 1993-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the trends and socio-economic
      inequalities in the use of health care services in Spain between 1993 and 2006.
      METHODS: A study of trends was performed using data from six Spanish National
      Health Surveys (1993, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2006). Sample sizes were 21,061;
      6,396; 6,396; 21,066; 21,650 and 29,478, respectively. The following dependent
      variables were analysed: having visited a general practitioner (GP) or specialist
      in the previous 2 weeks, having visited a dentist within the previous 3 months
      and having visited a gynaecologist, having used the emergency services or having
      been hospitalised in the previous year. The main independent variable was social
      class, classified as manual or non-manual occupation. For each service, age
      standardised proportions of use were calculated by survey year, sex and social
      class, and indices of relative (RII) and absolute (SII) inequality were computed.
      Trend tests were applied. RESULTS: An increase in the proportion of use was
      observed for all services, particularly emergency services. Individuals from
      manual classes were more likely to visit the GP and emergency services than those
      from non-manual classes. Conversely, those from non-manual classes were more
      likely to use specialised services. This trend was most notable for dentist
      visits. Social inequalities did not change significantly during the study period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in the use of health care services, the
      relationship between social class and the use of these services has remained
      stable throughout the study period. Achieving equity in the use of specialised
      care services is still a challenge for universal health care systems.

PMID- 22072322
TI  - High tibial osteotomy in medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity
      using the Taylor spatial frame: early results.
AB  - We report the early results of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in medial compartment
      osteoarthritis (OA) and varus deformity using the Taylor spatial frame (TSF).
      Between October 2005 and April 2007, 9 patients with medial compartment OA and
      varus deformity underwent TSF application and medial opening wedge HTO. Pre- and
      post-operative Oxford knee scores, SF-12 and visual analogue pain scores were
      recorded along with radiographic outcomes. Median follow-up was 19 months (range
      15-35). Mean age at operation was 49 years (range 37-59). The median time spent
      in the frame was 18 weeks (range 12-37). The mean preoperative Oxford knee score
      was 28.7. This improved to a mean of 35.4 post-operatively (P = 0.0142). 6 (67%)
      patients had a documented pin-site infection. With TKR as an end point, the
      survival rate of HTOs was 88.9% at a median of 19 months follow-up. This study
      demonstrates that in selected patients the TSF provides a viable treatment option
      for performing HTO in medial compartment OA with varus deformity.

PMID- 22072323
TI  - Transarticular drilling for stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the
      medial femoral condyle.
AB  - PURPOSE: Drilling is the most common operative treatment for stable juvenile
      osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee. However, prognostic factors remain
      unclear because of lack of precise radiographic and histopathologic
      investigations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results
      and prognostic factor of the arthroscopic drilling for juvenile OCD lesions at
      the medial femoral condyle (MFC), using computed tomography (CT) images. METHODS:
      Eighteen skeletally immature patients (boys, n = 16; girls, n = 2, mean age, 12
      years) underwent arthroscopic antegrade transarticular drilling for a total of 19
      OCD lesions of MFC. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Lysholm score at
      follow-up (mean, 30 months). Preoperative osteochondral condition and
      postoperative healing were evaluated by CT images. RESULTS: All 18 patients
      returned to their previous level of sports activity and showed excellent
      functional outcomes (mean Lysholm score, 77.2 +/- 9.4 preoperative vs. 99.5 +/-
      1.6 postoperative). There were 10 osteochondral lesions and 9 subchondral bone
      defect lesions under preoperative CT examination. Postoperatively, 15 of 19
      lesions healed completely at a mean of 6 months; however, the remaining four
      lesions (all osteochondral types) did not achieve complete radiographic healing
      after 2 years. CONCLUSION: Transarticular drilling for stable juvenile OCD
      produced excellent functional outcomes. However, the osteochondral type may
      influence radiographic outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

PMID- 22072324
TI  - Long-term survival analysis of posterior cruciate-retaining total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Clinical factors related to cruciate-retaining knee arthroplasty failure
      in a long-term follow-up are yet unclear. The study was designed to evaluate the
      long-term survival rate of cruciate-retaining arthroplasty and clinical factors
      that may contribute to its failure. METHODS: A total of 162 patients (188 knees)
      who received cruciate-retaining press-fit condylar arthroplasty from June 1993 to
      May 1994 were followed up. All patients were assessed clinically and
      radiographically. Revision for any reason was regarded as failure of
      arthroplasty. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (138 knees) were successfully
      followed up. Survivorship over 17 years was 92.5%. Fourteen knees were revised.
      Tibial varus angle of the operated knee in the unrevised patient group was
      greater than in revised group. There was statistical difference between these two
      groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term survivorship of cruciate-retaining
      arthroplasty was fair. Varus and valgus deformity of the unoperated contralateral
      knee and tibial varus deformity of the operated knee could be important factors
      related to arthroplasty failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This long-term follow-up
      result of Press-Fit Condylar cruciate-retaining arthroplasty was good considering
      it was an old design. The alignment of the operated knee and deformity of the
      unoperated contralateral knee are important clinical factors that should be paid
      attention to avoid unexpected arthroplasty failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22072325
TI  - A comparative study of two methods for treating type III tibial eminence avulsion
      fracture in adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Suture fixation is mostly used in arthroscopic treatment of tibial
      eminence avulsion fractures. However, no clinical studies of metal cable fixation
      have been reported. We hypothesised that cable fixation can provide equal
      stability and clinical outcome compared with Ethibond sutures. METHODS: Between
      2007 and 2008, we treated 42 patients of adult type III tibial eminence avulsion
      fractures. Twenty-three patients were male, and 19 were female. All patients were
      confirmed by radiographs, MRI, and arthroscopy during surgery. Ligament injury
      and meniscus tears were excluded from this study. Twenty-two patients were
      treated with No. 2 Ethibond suture fixation (group I), and 20 were treated with
      cable fixation under arthroscopy (group II). Follow-up assessments included
      imaging evaluation, Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation
      Committee (IKDC) classification, and the Lachman test. RESULTS: Bone union was
      found in radiographic evaluation in all patients within 3 months. At the last
      follow-up, there was neither extension nor flexion limitation in any patient.
      There were no significant differences in the Lysholm score between the two groups
      at follow-up. All 42 patients were classified by the IKDC as normal or nearly
      normal. Stability based on the Lachman test showed two patients of grade II
      laxity in group I. At the final follow-up, all 42 patients had returned to their
      pre-injury activities. CONCLUSIONS: Cable fixation to treat type III tibial
      eminence avulsion fracture can provide a clinical outcome equal to that of
      Ethibond sutures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22072326
TI  - Transfusion drains versus suction drains in total knee replacement: meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of autologous blood transfusion drains in orthopaedic surgery
      has been the subject of debate for several years. The aim of this meta-analysis
      was to review the use of autologous blood transfusion drains in total knee
      replacement. METHODS: The primary outcomes were as follows: the number of
      patients requiring homologous blood transfusion, pre-operative haemoglobin and
      post-operative haemoglobin days 5-7. The secondary outcome measures for the meta
      analysis were drainage volume, length of hospital stay, average number of units
      transfused per patient, post-operative wound infection, and deep vein thrombosis.
      RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were
      included in this analysis. Autologous transfusion drains were associated with a
      decrease in the number of patients requiring post-operative blood transfusion
      (pooled odds ratio = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.15-0.85, P = 0.02), the number of units
      transfused per patient (weighted mean difference = -0.84 (95% CI = -1.13 to 
      0.56), P < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference = -0.25
      (95% CI = -0.48 to -0.01), P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The results of our study
      highlight both likely clinical and economic benefits within total knee
      replacement surgery. The clinical benefits of autologous transfusion drains in
      the total knee replacement surgery suggested by this meta-analysis include a
      reduced requirement for post-operative blood transfusion and a shorter length of
      hospital stay. However, further large-scale high-powered randomized controlled
      trials are recommended to further elucidate subtle effects of autologous drains
      on post-operative outcome following total knee replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      II.

PMID- 22072328
TI  - Genome-wide expression and copy number analysis identifies driver genes in
      gingivobuccal cancers.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms contributing to the development and progression of
      gingivobuccal complex (GBC) cancers-a sub-site of oral cancer, comprising the
      buccal mucosa, the gingivobuccal sulcus, the lower gingival region, and the
      retromolar trigone-remain poorly understood. Identifying the GBC cancer-related
      gene expression signature and the driver genes residing on the altered
      chromosomal regions is critical for understanding the molecular basis of its
      pathogenesis. Genome-wide expression profiling of 27 GBC cancers with known
      chromosomal alterations was performed to reveal differentially expressed genes.
      Putative driver genes were identified by integrating copy number and gene
      expression data. A total of 315 genes were found differentially expressed (P <=
      0.05, logFC > 2.0) of which 11 genes were validated by real-time quantitative
      reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) in tumors (n = 57) and normal GBC tissues (n
      = 18). Overexpression of LY6K, in chromosome band 8q24.3, was validated by
      immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. We found that 78.5% (2,417/3,079) of the
      genes located in regions of recurrent chromosomal alterations show copy number
      dependent expression indicating that copy number alteration has a direct effect
      on global gene expression. The integrative analysis revealed BIRC3 in 11q22.2 as
      a candidate driver gene associated with poor clinical outcome. Our study
      identified previously unreported differentially expressed genes in a homogeneous
      subtype of oral cancer and the candidate driver genes that may contribute to the
      development and progression of the disease. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 22072329
TI  - Contrasting DNA damage checkpoint responses in epithelium of the human seminal
      vesicle and prostate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate and seminal vesicle are two similar hormone responsive human
      organs that differ dramatically in their cancer incidence. DNA damage response
      (DDR) is required for maintenance of genomic integrity. METHODS: In this study we
      investigated the DDR and cell cycle checkpoint activation of these organs using
      orthotopic cultures of human surgery-derived tissues and primary cultures of
      isolated prostate and seminal vesicle cells. RESULTS: We find that the activation
      of ATM signaling pathway by ionizing radiation (IR) was comparable in both
      tissues. Previously, we have shown that the prostate secretory cells express low
      levels of histone variant H2AX and phosphorylated H2AX (gammaH2AX) after IR. Here
      we demonstrate that H2AX levels are low also in the secretory seminal vesicle
      cells suggesting that this is a common phenotype of postmitotic cells. We
      consequently established primary epithelial cell cultures from both organs to
      compare their DDR. Interestingly, contrary to human prostate epithelial cells
      (HPEC), primary seminal vesicle epithelial cells (HSVEC) displayed effective cell
      cycle checkpoints after IR and expressed higher levels of Wee1A checkpoint
      kinase. Furthermore, HSVEC but not HPEC cells were able to activate p53 and to
      induce p21 cell cycle inhibitor. DISCUSSION: Our results show that during
      replication, the checkpoint enforcement is more proficient in the seminal vesicle
      than in the prostate epithelium cells. This indicates a more stringent
      enforcement of DDR in replicating seminal vesicle epithelial cells, and suggests
      that epithelial regeneration combined with sub-optimal checkpoint responses may
      contribute to high frequency of genetic lesions in the prostate epithelium.

PMID- 22072330
TI  - Sentinel node biopsy in head and neck desmoplastic melanoma: an analysis of 244
      cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Desmoplastic melanoma's low rate of sentinel lymph node
      (SLN) positivity and predilection for the head and neck region have led some to
      question the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with this rare
      histologic variant. Given desmoplastic melanoma's sarcoma-like histology and
      aberrant clinical behavior, we hypothesized that SLN status may not be indicative
      of outcomes in desmoplastic melanoma of the head neck. The objective of this
      study was to compare melanoma-specific survival among patients with head and neck
      desmoplastic melanoma based on SLN status. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis
      of patient data and outcomes using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results
      (SEER) database METHODS: The SEER database was queried for patients who were
      diagnosed with desmoplastic melanoma and underwent SLNB. Clinicopathologic data
      and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared among patients with
      positive and negative SLNs. RESULTS: We identified 244 patients with desmoplastic
      melanoma of the head and neck who underwent SLNB. Of these, only nine had
      positive SLNs (3.69%). Among the SLN-positive patients, five (55.6%) had
      scalp/neck tumors, three (33.3%) had ulcerated tumors, and tumor thickness ranged
      from 1.7 to 8.5 mm (mean, 4.8 mm). On univariable and multivariable analysis, SLN
      positivity did not significantly affect DSS in head and neck desmoplastic
      melanoma (P=.19 and P=.48, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide
      further evidence against routine SLNB in head and neck desmoplastic melanoma by
      demonstrating a lack of prognostic significance related to the procedure, and by
      confirming a significantly low rate of SLN positivity as well.

PMID- 22072331
TI  - Which is the best foot to put forward in recurrent ovarian cancer?

PMID- 22072332
TI  - Asymmetric alpha-2-tosylethenylation of N,N-dialkyl-L-amino acid esters via the
      formation of non-racemic ammonium enolates.
AB  - Asymmetric alpha-2-tosylethenylation of (S)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanoic acid
      esters was shown to produce good yields with high enantioselectivities. The
      reaction proceeds via the formation of a non-racemic ammonium enolate without an
      external source of chirality.

PMID- 22072333
TI  - [Nutricion Hospitalaria, certified "excellent"].

PMID- 22072335
TI  - Acanthosis nigricans as an indicator of insulin resistance in Chilean adult
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with a higher risk of multiple
      diseases and its early detection would allow to minimize the associated risk; the
      presence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) it's associated to the presence of IR.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensibility and specificity of AN to diagnose IR in a
      group of Chilean patients. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional study and it
      was included subjects that were attended at the Center for the Attention of
      Metabolic Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. Sixty
      subjects (18-60 years age) were included. It was determined BMI and diagnosed AN
      and skin phototype; blood samples were taken and calculated the HOMA-IR. The
      normality of the variables where analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. There were
      used chi2 and the diagnostic concordance between AN and IR was determined using
      the Kappa index and Pearson's correlation. Sensibility, specificity, positive and
      negative predictive value were calculated and accepted p<0.05. RESULTS: The IR
      diagnose was 67% and AN was 43%. The major proportion of subjects diagnosed as
      positive for IR were also positive for AN (84.6%). The sensibility of AN to find
      IR was an 84% and specificity was 100%. Positive and negative predictive values
      were 100% and 89% respectively. It was observed a positive association between
      BMI and HOMA-IR (r=0.674; r2=0.454; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: To detect acanthosis
      nigricans in Chilean population may be effective for the early diagnose of
      insulin resistance and, therefore, reduce the associated cost of the late
      treatment of glucose metabolic disturbances.

PMID- 22072334
TI  - [Monitoring of a protocol for the adequacy of the pharmaceutical form of the oral
      medication to the degree of dysphagia in patients hospitalized in an internal
      medicine service].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The oral route is the most convenient way of administering
      medication, although it may not be safe. Dysphagia is one of the factors
      rendering difficult a proper feeding and administration of medication.
      OBJECTIVES: to improve the administration of oral medication in patients with
      dysphagia by changing the pharmaceutical formulation of the principles prescribed
      to tolerable textures. METHODS: Pilot project for the application of a dysphagia
      protocol that included the patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Unit at Los
      Montalvos Center for 4 months. After detecting the suspicion of dysphagia, a
      dysphagia-viscosity test was applied to know the tolerated textures. Then, the
      pharmaceutical formulations were adapted and the manipulation instructions for
      the drugs were indicated for their proper administration. RESULTS: 23 out of 627
      admitted patients were included, with a mean age of 85 years (sigma+/-7.4). The
      pathologies implicated in dysphagia were: dementia (65.2%); cerebrovascular
      disease (30.4%), and Parkinson's disease (4.4%). The best texture for drug intake
      was a "pudding" in 48.0%. 43 active ingredients were reviewed and 134
      interventions were performed: in 41% of the cases, swallowing was made easier by
      mixing the drug with the food and in 59% water and a thickener were used. 94% of
      the recommendations were considered to be appropriate. CONCLUSION: the adaptation
      of the pharmaceutical formulations to the degree of dysphagia impacts on the
      improvement of healthcare quality by implementing safety in drug prescription and
      administration processes.

PMID- 22072336
TI  - Low levels of vitamin D in professional basketball players after wintertime:
      relationship with dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although vitamin D deficiency has a high worldwide prevalence among
      the general population, very little is known about vitamin status in athletes.
      AIM: To investigate serum vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels after wintertime in male
      elite basketball players, and to relate these levels to the dietary intake of
      vitamin D and calcium. METHODS: Subjects were 21 players from the same
      professional Spanish team. Blood samples to assess 25(OH)D levels were collected
      after wintertime during the 2008/2009 (April) and 2009/2010 (March) seasons. In
      addition, athletes completed 4-day dietary records to estimate energy consumption
      and a food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary vitamin D and calcium
      intake. Serum 25(OH)D levels were 47.8+/-21.8 nmol/L, with twelve subjects (57%)
      being vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L). RESULTS: Vitamin D intake was 139+/-78
      IU/day and calcium intake was 948+/-419 mg/day. Serum 25(OH)D levels correlated
      with the daily dietary intake of vitamin D (r=0.65; P=0.001) and calcium (r=0.82;
      P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Professional basketball players are at higher risk of
      hypovitaminosis D after wintertime. Adequate intake of dietary calcium and
      vitamin D is required if athletes are to avoid low serum 25(OH)D levels when
      exposure to sunlight is limited.

PMID- 22072337
TI  - Breakfast quality and its relationship to the prevalence of overweight and
      obesity in adolescents in Guadalajara (Spain).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many young people today skip the first meal of the day in order to
      lose weight. OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of breakfast quality and skipping
      breakfast on the BMI and on the prevalence of overweight and obesity. METHOD: A
      nutritional study was carried out on a population of 467 secondary school
      students (12-17 years of age) in Guadalajara, Spain based on seven-day food
      journal and food frequency questionnaires. Sociodemographic data were also
      collected. Anthropometric measurements of weight and adiposity (BMI, percentage
      body fat) were also taken. RESULTS: Boys aged 15-17 ate the highest proportion of
      full breakfasts (18.18%), compared with 4.34% for girls the same age. Inverse
      relationships were recorded between breakfast energy intake and the BMI (-0.1132)
      and between the BMI and calcium, fibre, dairy product, and cereal intake. There
      was practically no correlation between protein intake and the BMI. Subjects who
      did not eat dairy products and those who ate cooked breakfasts had the highest
      BMIs. CONCLUSIONS: Skipping breakfast was not an effective way to lose weight,
      and weight was inversely related to breakfast quality.

PMID- 22072338
TI  - Relation between dietary and circulating lipids in lacto-ovo vegetarians.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As factors that have a positive influence on health and
      specifically on serum lipids and blood pressure, the nature and composition of
      vegetarian diets is one of the most speculated issues in nutrition. AIMS: The aim
      of the present study was to compare diet, lipid profile and blood pressure levels
      in Brazilian lacto-ovo vegetarians and non-vegetarians. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was carried out involving 87 male and female adult volunteers (29
      lactoovo vegetarians and 58 non-vegetarians). Two non-vegetarians were selected
      for each vegetarian (paired for age and gender) in order to enhance the power of
      the statistical tests. Mean age was 40 (13) years; 58.6% were males. RESULTS: No
      differences were found regarding nutritional status based on the BMI. This
      similarity may be explained by the similar energy intake and degrees of physical
      activity in both groups. Regarding blood pressure, the only difference between
      groups was systolic arterial pressure, which was higher among the non
      vegetarians. Among the intake parameters analysed, only energy intake and the
      intake of polyunsaturated fat were similar between groups. Mean total cholesterol
      and LDL were higher among non-vegetarians. Mean serum TG was higher among the
      vegetarians. The greater consumption of carbohydrates among the vegetarians was
      reflected in the higher serum triglyceride levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although all
      products of animal origin have a greater amount of protein, fat and saturated
      fatty acids, the absence of meat from the diet may have accounted for the better
      lipid profile among the lacto-ovo vegetarians may also stem from the high intake
      of fibre and antioxidants.

PMID- 22072339
TI  - [An inadequate intake of manganese may favour insulin resistance in girls].
AB  - AIM: to study the relationship between an adequate manganese (Mn) intake and
      glucose, insulin levels and insulin resistance among healthy children from Madrid
      (Spain). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 573 schoolchildren between 8 and 13 years old
      were studied. Energy and nutrients intake (especially Mn) was calculated with a
      "3-day diet record". Mn intake was compared to Adequate Intakes (AI) for this
      mineral. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated.
      Fasting glucose and insulin were determined and the HOMA index was calculated to
      establish the presence of insulin resistance in children. RESULTS: Girls with and
      inadequate intake (below the 100% of the AI value) had higher insulin and HOMA
      values than girls with adequate AI values (equal or higher to 100% of AI). Having
      in mind confounding factors (energy, carbohydrates and lipids intake, BMI and
      age), a significant positive correlation was found between the contribution of Mn
      intake to AI and HOMA levels in girls. CONCLUSION: It seems important to ensure
      an adequate Mn intake in girls in order to prevent insulin resistance and
      diabetes type 2 in the future.

PMID- 22072340
TI  - Central adiposity in children born small and large for gestational age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate body composition differences between children that were
      born small (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) compared with their
      counterparts born adequate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS: Body composition
      was assessed in 124 healthy Caucasian children (50% girls) aged 6-10, classified
      according to their birth weight for gestational age as AGA, SGA and LGA. Fat mass
      (FM), percentage of FM, lean mass (LM), bone mineral content (BMC) and bone
      mineral density were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the
      whole body and at different body regions. RESULTS: LM (adjusted for age and sex)
      and total BMC (adjusted for age, sex and weight) were both significantly higher
      in LGA children and lower in SGA when compared with those born AGA. After
      adjustments for height, LM and BMC differences between groups were not
      significant. In SGA children, truncal (P<0.05) and abdominal fatness (P<0.01)
      were higher when compared with both AGA and LGA children, after adjustments for
      age, sex and height. There were no differences in the percentage of total and
      central FM between children born LGA and AGA. CONCLUSIONS: During childhood,
      children born SGA had higher central adiposity regardless of their body size.
      Children born LGA seem to have a higher body size but with harmonic body
      composition and adequate body fat distribution. Small size for gestational age at
      birth could programme excess abdominal fat deposition in children, which is a
      major factor for the clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors defining
      the metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22072341
TI  - Using of WHO guidelines for the management of severe malnutrition to cases of
      marasmus and kwashiorkor in a Colombia children's hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2007, the Hospital Infantil Los Angeles (HILA) in Colombia
      implemented a slightly-modified version of the WHO guidelines for the diagnosis
      and management of malnutrition during childhood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      efficacy of the WHO-HILA protocol in children hospitalized with severe, chronic
      marasmus and kwashiorkor malnutrition (MS-KWK) in 2007 and 2008. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In this descriptive retrospective study the records of 100 children
      hospitalized with MSKWK were initially evaluated. Of these, 30 fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria: children of both sexes with a primary diagnosis of MS-KWK.
      Patients with any chronic disease liable to cause malnutrition were excluded.
      Anthropometric parameters, clinical signs and biochemical indicators of
      malnutrition were assessed upon admission and again at discharge following
      application of the WHO guidelines. Univariate analysis was performed for each
      study variable; serum hemoglobin and albumin levels on admission and at discharge
      were compared, and data were subjected to bivariate analysis. RESULTS: Marasmus
      was diagnosed in 23.3% of children, kwashiorkor in 73.3% and marasmic kwashiorkor
      in 3.3%. The major clinical findings were: edema (70%), emaciation (40%), "flag
      sign" hair (42.86%), low serum albumin (93%) and anemia (80%). Thirteen children
      following the WHO-HILA protocol showed a significant nutritional status
      improvement (p<0.05), whereas no improvement was noted in the 17 children not
      treated according to the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the WHO-HILA
      protocol was associated with reduced morbimortality in children with marasmus
      kwashiorkor malnutrition. Implementation of this protocol should therefore be
      considered in all children's hospitals in countries where this disease is
      prevalent.

PMID- 22072342
TI  - Benefits of blackberry nectar (Rubus spp.) relative to hypercholesterolemia and
      lipid peroxidation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In humans, the normal metabolic activity produces free radicals
      that constantly, along with other risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia
      may be responsible for the onset of degenerative diseases. Some bioactive
      compounds present in blackberry (Rubus spp.) have the ability to act as natural
      antioxidants can make the food to minimize effects on the body caused by reactive
      oxygen species. OBJECTIVE: This study verified the benefits of blackberry nectar
      through the quantification of triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol HDL
      (high density lipoprotein) and LDL-cholesterol (low density lipoprotein), blood
      glucose and lipid peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. METHODS: Two
      groups were treated with hypercholesterolemic diets (0.1% cholesterol), one of
      them receiving an additional 5 mL of nectar daily, and a third (control group)
      treated only with a standard diet. In the blood the quantification of lipids,
      blood glucose and lipid peroxidation was performed. In the brain, liver and small
      intestine the lipid peroxidation was determined and in other organs,
      histopathological evaluations were carried out. RESULTS: The blackberry nectar
      reduced the triglycerides serum levels, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in
      hypercholesterolemic hamsters, without influencing the HDL and blood glucose
      concentrations. A decrease in the initiation of lipid peroxidation reactions in
      the blood, brain and small intestine was also observed. Only the liver showed
      histopathological changes (steatosis), due to excess cholesterol, with no
      positive influence from the nectar.

PMID- 22072343
TI  - Influence of omega-3 fatty acids from the flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on the
      brain development of newborn rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The importance of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega-3
      family, in the central nervous system development of newborns is well documented.
      The flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the best vegetable
      sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The influence of omega-3 fatty acids from
      flaxseed on the brain development of newborn rats was evaluated. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Pups of the F1 generation were obtained from 18 female Wistar rats
      divided in 3 groups (n=6), FG: fed with diet based on Flaxseed added with casein,
      CG: Casein, and MCG: Modified Casein supplemented with fibers and soybean oil.
      Newborn pups were weighted and submitted to euthanasia; brains were collected for
      evaluation of weight and lipid profile through gaseous chromatography. RESULTS:
      Significant increase in brain weight (39%) and relative brain weight (37%) was
      verified in pups from mothers fed with flaxseed diet. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty
      acids from the flaxseed were found in abundance in the diet made with this
      oleaginous and also significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (38%), as
      well as in total of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (62%). CONCLUSION: Maternal diet of
      flaxseed during pregnancy influences the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acid in
      the composition of brain tissue, assuring a good development of this organ in
      newborn rats.

PMID- 22072344
TI  - The combination of resveratrol and CLA does not increase the delipidating effect
      of each molecule in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and resveratrol
      have been shown to reduce TG content in cultured 3T3-L1 adipocyte acting on
      different pathways. In recent years, the method of simultaneously targeting
      several signal transduction pathways with multiple natural products in order to
      achieve additive or synergistic effects has been tested. However, the combined
      effect of both molecules on lipid metabolism has not been described before.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work was to analyze the effect of the
      combination of trans-10, cis-12 CLA and resveratrol on TG accumulation as well as
      on FAS, HSL and ATGL expression in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes, in order to assess a
      potential interaction between both molecules. METHODS: For this purpose, 3T3-L1
      mature adipocytes were treated with the two molecules, both separately and
      combined, in 10 and 100 MUM for 20 hours. TG content and FAS, ATGL and HSL
      expression were measured by spectrophotometry and Real Time RT-PCR respectively.
      RESULTS: Both doses of CLA and 100 M resveratrol decreased TG content in mature
      adipocytes. The combination of both molecules reduced TG accumulation to the same
      extent as each one separately. No change in FAS and HSL mRNA levels after CLA and
      resveratrol treatment was observed. ATGL was not modified by CLA but it was
      increased by resveratrol and by the combination. This combination did not
      increase the effect caused by resveratrol on its own. CONCLUSION: Lipolysis
      increase via ATGL is involved in the TG reduction induced by resveratrol and the
      combination of both molecules. The combination of these two molecules does not
      increase the efficacy of each molecule separately in mature adipocytes and thus
      it does not represent an advantage for obesity treatment or prevention.

PMID- 22072345
TI  - [Prevalence of nutritional overweight and obesity and hypertension as well as
      their relationship with anthropometric indicators in a population of students in
      Granada and its provinces].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several authors have found correlations between anthropometric
      parameters and blood pressure levels in overweight and obese subjects. This paper
      is an update on the potential of these parameters as a tool for predicting
      cardiovascular risk. AIMS: to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
      Second verify the existence of a significant correlation between the main
      anthropometric indicators and the blood pressure levels. SAMPLE: The population
      consisted of 977 children and adolescents between 9 and 17 years of age belonging
      to 13 schools in the province of Granada and city. METHODOLOGY: anthropometric
      evaluation in which they were assessed six skinfolds, waist circumference, hip
      and determination of blood pressure in three consecutive occasions. The
      anthropometric assessment phase began in March 2008 lasted until April 2009.
      RESULTS: We found that the prevalence of overweight in girls varied between 18.3%
      and 32.2%. For its part, the prevalence among boys was between 10.9% and 26.1%.
      Regarding the prevalence of obesity, the girls had similar rates between 4.5% and
      15.1%. Among boys the prevalence of obesity was similar, and found rates between
      4.7% and 12.6%. Of all the parameters measured, body mass index and waist
      circumference were the anthropometric indicators that showed a better correlation
      to blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: BMI and WC are useful anthropometric indicators
      to predict cardiovascular risk in non adults.

PMID- 22072346
TI  - [Blood pressure variability in 24 hours in obese and non-obese adolescents with
      breast development 4 and 5 of Tanner's criteria].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the blood pressure variability
      during 24 h by using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in a group of
      obese and non-obese female adolescents with breast development status 4 and 5 of
      Tanner's criteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the
      Cardiovascular Research Institute, Mexico. All subjects underwent 24 h non
      invasive ABPM recording device. Pubertal status was determined by breast
      development. MEASUREMENTS: office systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood
      pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist
      and hip circumferences, arm circumference, waist to hip ratio (W/H), and skinfold
      thickness measurements: triceps, subscapular, abdominal and supraspinal. RESULTS:
      Fifty-nine adolescents 13-16 years old; 29 obese (BMI 31.2+/-4.0), and 30 non-
      obese (BMI 21.2+/-2.2). Obese vs. non-obese: Office SBP 116.9 vs. 105.9+/-9.3
      mmHg (p<0.001); ABPM in 24 h: SBP 113.8+/-6.3 vs. 107.6+/-5.7 mmHg (p<0.001);
      diurnal SBP 117.3 mmHg vs. 111.2 mmHg (p<0.001); nocturnal SBP 105.5+/-8 vs. 99.4
      mmHg; absolute variability in 24 h DBP 10.0+/-1.8 vs. 8.7+/-1.5 (p<0.003);
      coefficient of variation 24 h DBP 17.3+/-3 vs. 15.4+/-2.6% (p<0.05); systolic non
      dipper 16 (55.2%) vs. 9 (30%) (p<0.05); pulse pressure 24 h 49.3+/-8 vs. 43.5+/-9
      mmHg (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Obese adolescents are presenting changes in BP
      variability during 24-h in comparison with nonobese adolescents; it also includes
      higher pulse pressure. Thus, these can be early indicators for the development of
      hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases in the adult life.

PMID- 22072347
TI  - [Benefits of cognitive behavior therapy and acupressure therapy in obese
      patients: a randomized clinical trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze change of lifestyle in obese
      patients with cognitive behavior therapy and acupressure. METHODS: An
      experimental study was performed with placebo control group. Forty patients were
      randomly assigned to intervention group (cognitive behaviour therapy +
      acupressure) and control group (information session). Outcome measure was a
      questionnaire for the assessment and quantification of obesity related
      lifestyles. Measures were performed at baseline and, after 3-months intervention.
      RESULTS: After 3 months of treatment, the intervention group showed significant
      differences (p<0.05) in weight loss, diet and physical activity. CONCLUSION: In
      the obese patient, cognitive behavior therapy and acupressure, it has lost at
      least three kilograms over three months and has changed lifestyles related to
      obesity.

PMID- 22072348
TI  - Biochemical and functional indices of malnutrition in patients with operable, non
      microcelullar lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess non-microcellular lung cancer
      patients' nutritional status impact on psychomotor performance, muscle strength
      and functional activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 60 consecutive
      patients admitted to the clinic for surgical treatment due to histologically
      verified non-microcellular lung cancer. The patients were divided, depending on
      the stage of weight loss, into two groups: relatively well-nourished--29 patients
      and those with malnutrition--31 patients. History, physical examination,
      anthropometric data, biochemical parameters as well as functional tests were
      carefully noted. RESULTS: Patients qualified for particular groups differed
      significantly in age, p<0.002. Mean values of albumin, transferrin and total
      protein for the well nourished patients ranged within proper values. In the
      malnourished patients they were respectively: 34.05+/-0.27 g/l, 1.764+/-0.27 g/l,
      68.90+/-6.39 g/l and the differences were statistically significant. Total loss
      of urea nitrogen was significantly higher in malnourished patients 13.32+/-2.92
      g/l (p<0.005). The average percentage weight loss in both groups differed
      significantly 0.111+/-0.044 vs. 0.031+/-0.028 at p<0.0005. In the group of
      malnourished patients the right hand average strength was 26.52+/-8.06 kg and the
      left one amounted to 25.35+/-6.04 kg, The values were significantly lower than
      the results recorded in well nourished patients: 34.93+/-11.27 kg, 32,37+/-11.72
      kg, p<0.001. The tapping test average time of the right hand was 19.24+/-4.04 vs.
      16.72+/-3.06 and of the left one 19.69+/-3.59 kg vs. 17.48+/-2.79 kg and were
      significantly longer in patients suffering from malnutrition (p<0.01). Simple
      reaction times for dominating hand were longer in the group of patients with
      malnutrition, for the visual stimulus 0.50+/-0.08 s vs. 0.45+/-0.087 s, (p<0.05)
      and for auditory one 0.43+/-0.08 vs. 0.39+/-0.08 s (non significant).
      CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition in the course of non-microcellular lung cancer
      significantly reduces psychomotor function assessed by reaction time to visual
      and acoustic stimuli as well as efficiency of the functional tests evaluated by
      tapping test and muscle strength measurement.

PMID- 22072350
TI  - [Weight monitoring in parenteral nutrition: from theory to practice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of establishing a routine gravimetric as
      quality assurance after the development of parenteral nutrition (PN) with a
      gravimetric error less than +/- 5%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study in
      which 5 to 8 large volume PN were weighed daily during 2 months and for 4 months
      all small volume PN, considering this the real weight. The theoretical weight was
      calculated taking into account the densities, volumes of all products used in
      processing and the weight of the bags used. The gravimetric error was calculated
      as a percentage compared to the theoretical weight. RESULTS: 168 large volume PN
      and 42 small volume were weighed, gravimetric errors measures were 1.42%
      (SD=1.31) and 1.26% (SD=0.64), with a gravimetric error less than 5% in 98,8% and
      100% respectively. CONCLUSION: Establishing a routine gravimetric control is an
      useful strategy that can help to guarantee the quality of the PN development.

PMID- 22072349
TI  - [Meat and fish consumption in a high cardiovascular risk Spanish Mediterranean
      population].
AB  - BACKGROUND: High saturated fat consumption, mostly from red meat and sausage meat
      has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk (CVR) in contrast to
      the effect of high fish consumption. OBJECTIVE: To get to know the frequency of
      meat and fish consumption in an elderly high Mediterranean population, their
      correlations with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and their association
      with intermediate CVR phenotypes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried
      out on 945 people (67.4+/-6.2 years old) with high CVR recruited in primary care
      centres of Valencia, and participating in the PREDIMED study. The frequency of
      meat and fish consumption was determined through a validated questionnaire. We
      analyzed clinical, biochemical and anthropometric variables using standard
      methods. RESULTS: Mean red meat consumption was high (7.4+/-4.7 times/week),
      being higher in men than in women (P=0.031) and was associated with greater
      weight (P=0.001) and prevalence of obesity (P=0.025). Fish consumption was also
      high (4.5+/-2.6 time/week) and was associated with lower concentrations of
      fasting plasma glucose (P=0.016) as well as with lower prevalence of diabetes
      (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: Red meat consumption in this high CVR population is very
      high and far from the recommendations of MD, needing, therefore, to be reduced.
      Fish consumption is closer to the recommendations and should be maintained.

PMID- 22072351
TI  - [Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, disability and oral health in a community
      dwelling elderly population].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is involved in important
      activities of the stomatognathic system for nutrition, such as chewing or
      swallowing. If the physiological tolerance of its components is exceeded, it can
      trigger symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). OBJECTIVES: To assess
      and relate the symptoms of TMD, functional limitations and estimates of self
      perceived oral health and general geriatric population in a communitydwelling
      elderly population. METHODS: An observational study was performed. Ninetyfour
      persons belonging to units of Granada Geriatric Day were assessed symptoms of TMD
      (Helkimo Simplified Index), pain (VAS scale), functional limitation of
      stomatognathic system (research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular
      disorders CDI/TTM), jaw opening index, general health index (1-5) and oral health
      (geriatric oral health assessment). RESULTS: In the total sample, 42.7% had at
      least one symptom of TMD. The most common symptoms were muscular fatigue (26.6%),
      noise (21.3%) and TMD pain (14.9%). The most common non-specific symptoms in the
      symptomatic group were neck pain and nervousness. A 48.9% of the sample had
      functional limitation in orofacial activities. Also, there was a statistically
      significant association (p<0.05) between the jaw opening index and symptomatic
      and asymptomatic groups with TMD. CONCLUSIONS: In the group with symptoms of TMD
      were more common temporomandibular joint departures and pain, and they presented
      lower values in oral and general health self-perception.

PMID- 22072352
TI  - [Effect of dietary fiber in the quantitative expression of butyrate receptor
      GPR43 in rats colon].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate and butyrate are
      the major anions produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber (DF) in
      colon. Recently, butyrate has been recently studied because is important to
      maintain colonic functions and because it has been related with a protective
      effect in colorectal cancer, which is mainly, explained by its potential to
      regulate gene expression by inhibiting enzyme histonedeacetylase (HDAC). Several
      investigationsshown that SCFAreceptor GPR43 is involved insignal transduction
      mechanisms once they bind to ligands such as butyrate to generate different
      physiological effects in colonocytes. OBJECTIVE: Determine if dietary fiber
      consumption from nopal (Opuntia ficus I.) containing a ratio of soluble-insoluble
      fiber 40/60, has a direct influence on the quantitative expression of butyrate
      specific receptor GPR43. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed with four different diets
      formulated at different concentrations of dietary fiber of 0, 5, 15 and 25% of
      dietary fiber from opuntia, respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results
      shown an increase in the expression of GPR43 (93.1%) when rats was fed with a 5%
      fiber diet, using beta-actin as a reference gene. The results of this
      investigation will contribute to determinate the relation of diet with intestinal
      health for the purpose of expanding the knowledge of butyric acid on colonic
      functions.

PMID- 22072353
TI  - Nutritional status of intellectual disabled persons with Down syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the nutritional status in young adults with Down syndrome
      (DS). METHODS: 38 persons, 15 (39.5%) women and 23 (60.5%) men (age range 16-38
      years) with DS. Body composition was analyzed from anthropometric parameters
      according to standard protocols, levels of physical activity and nutrient intake
      was determined using validated questionnaires: a 72 h recall and consumption food
      frequency questionnaire (recorded by the tutors of the participants). The
      following biochemical parameters were estimated: blood lipids profile (total
      cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose, uric
      acid, proteins (ferritin and transferrin), minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg and Se) and
      vitamins (B12, B9, E, C and beta-carotene). The data were statistically analysed
      with Student t tests. RESULTS: From the 38 participants, 36.8% were overweight
      (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m2) and 36.8% were obese (BMI>=30 kg/m2). The BMI differed from
      women to men (P<0.001) (29.1+/-4.3 and 27.9+/-4.6 kg/m2, respectively). The
      average values of the biochemical parameters, except for uric acid, both in women
      and men were within normal ranges. The average energy intake was 1,909+/-337 and
      2,260+/-284 kcal/day for women and men, respectively. The contribution of
      proteins to total caloric intake was 18.8 and 16.3% for women and men,
      respectively, while carbohydrates contributed 43.3 and 45.6%, and lipids 37.9 and
      38.1%. All participants were sedentary. CONCLUSION: In this group presented a
      high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Further research is required in the
      development and evaluation of appropriate intervention programs to improve their
      nutritional status and quality of life.

PMID- 22072354
TI  - [Weight estimation in Mexican elderly outpatients from antropometric measures
      from the SABE Study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The weight is an anthropometric parameter routinely used in
      ambulatory and hospital settings, and takes its importance, because often there
      are clinical conditions that impede it's taking in a traditional scale. There are
      equations to estimate weight. However, they have not been designed for Mexican
      ambulatory patients. OBJECTIVE: To develop an equation to estimate weight in
      Mexican ambulatory patients from the Study of Health, Well Being and Aging,
      corresponding to Mexico city an surrounded area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      database of the Study of Health, Well Being and Aging of Mexico City was used,
      and adults of 60 years and older, who completed the anthropometric measures were
      included. Two groups of datasets were crated though random numbers, one for the
      design and the other for the validation of the equation. The equation was
      obtained from the first database and cross-validated in the second. RESULTS: The
      equations obtained were: (0.67)* (Knee height)+(0.46)* (Mid-arm
      circumference)+(0.60)* (waist circumference)+(0.38)* (hip circumference)+(0.53)*
      (calf circumference)-(0.17)* (Age in years)-80.01 and (0.69)* (Knee
      height)+(0.61)* (Mid-arm circumference)+(0.17)* (waist circumference)+(0.45)*
      (hip circumference)+(0.58)* (calf circumference)-(0.24)* (Age in years)-55.9 in
      men and women respectively. The correlation coefficients were 0.94 y 0.92
      (p<0.001 for both). The differences between the real and estimated values were
      not significant. CONCLUSION: The equations developed in our analysis were
      confident and can be employed to estimate weight in ambulatory elderly. It is
      needed to test its validity in clinical scenarios were it is not possible to
      weight patients directly in the rest of the Mexican republic and adjust to
      specific populations.

PMID- 22072355
TI  - [Evaluation of perioperative nutritional therapy in patients with
      gastrointestinal tract neoplasms].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cancer is usually associated to an important level of desnutrition
      together with a postoperative morbidity and mortality increase. The purpose of
      this study was evaluating its efficacy perioperative nutritional support to
      reduce surgical complications, stances and mortality significantly in patients
      undergoing higher digestive tract procedures. METHOD: A prospective, randomized
      trial was done among a sample of neoplasic patients undergoing higher intestinal
      tract resective surgery during a period of 4 years. After a nutritional
      assessment, a perioperative immune-enhancing formula was randomly assigned to a
      group of patients who presented malnourished preoperatively (DS) while well
      nourished and the rest of malnourished patients (DNS) received pre-surgical
      dietetic guidance and intravenous fluids after surgery until the reintroduction
      of normal diet. The variables studied were: age, sex, tumor stage and length of
      hospital stay. Nutritional status at admission and discharge, mortality, outcome
      from surgery and gastrointestinal side effects (tolerability, diarrhoea, vomits
      or distension) were also collected. Statistical analyses were performed with the
      with the chi2 for qualitative variables, ANOVA and the Turkey post-hoc tests for
      the quantitative ones, with a significance of 95%. RESULTS: Sample conformed by
      50 patients in 3 groups that were compared for all baseline and surgical
      characteristics. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of
      gastrointestinal and infectius complications with better progress in DS group. It
      was obtained a reduction in the length of hospital stay in 12.29 days in DS group
      in contrast to DNS group (P=0.224). CONCLUSIONS: Significant benefit from
      perioperative nutritional support has been demonstrated in severely malnourished
      patients undergoing major surgery. A statistically significant decrease in the
      incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, a reduction in the length
      of hospital stay and less morbidity occurred on the group that received
      perioperative nutrition.

PMID- 22072356
TI  - [Assessment of the nutritional status of a group of people older than 50 years by
      means of dietary and body composition parameters].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of elder adults by means of dietary
      and body composition parameters. METHODOLOGY: The sample comprised 49 adults,
      older than 50 years (23 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 54.84+/-4.56 years,
      working at a private university. The body composition was analyzed by using
      anthropometric parameters. The energy and nutrients intake was gathered by means
      of a registry of all the foods and beverages consumed during 3 days that was
      filled-up by each (previously instructed) participant and estimating the amounts
      through photographic models. Total energy requirements were estimated by the
      Harris-Benedict and FAO/WHO calculations. RESULTS: The body mass index was
      similar (p=0.018) in both men and women (26.1+/-1.9 and 24.4+/-2.8 kg/m2). The
      percentage of fat obtained by anthropometrics was 29.6+/-3.6 and 36.8+/-3.1%
      (p=0.000) in men and women, respectively. The level of physical activity was very
      light to light. Daily energy intake was appropriate for total energy demands when
      these were calculated by the calculations proposed by FAO/WHO. The caloric
      profile indicated an unbalance with high proteins and lipids and low
      carbohydrates intake. As for the micronutrients, the diets assessed indicated a
      deficient intake of folic acid and vitamins D and E, in both genders, and zinc
      and selenium also in women. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: We have found
      overweight problems according to the BMI and the waist circumference, and obesity
      according to the body fat percentage, with the potential risk for the development
      of an associated complication. It would be advisable to improve the quality of
      the diets consumed by increasing the amount of some micronutrients and fiber, and
      by promoting an increase in the physical activity.

PMID- 22072357
TI  - Hematologic and immunological indicators are altered by chronic intake of
      flaxseed in Wistar rats.
AB  - This work sought to evaluate the effects of chronic intake of flaxseed upon
      hematologic parameters and immunological findings on body development of Wistar
      rats. Female Wistar rats were used after gestation. They were randomly assigned
      into two groups during lactation period: Control group (CG), fed with casein
      based diet, made up of 17% protein and flaxseed group (FG), fed with casein based
      diet with the addition of 25% flaxseed. At weaning, 12 male pups of each group
      continued to receive the experimental diets of their mothers (with only 10% of
      protein) until adult age, when they were killed at 250 days of life aiming at
      blood collection. At 250 days old FG presented significant reduction in body mass
      (p<0.000) and higher levels of hemoglobin (p=0.019) and albumin (p=0.030) than
      CG. It was observed smaller percentage of segmented lymphocytes (p=0.016) in rats
      from FG and bigger percentage of segmented leucocytes (p=0.023) when compared to
      CG. The chronic consumption of flaxseed altered hematologic and immunological
      indicators in adult Wistar rats. Supplementation with flaxseed seems to be
      beneficial to maintenance or reduction of body mass.

PMID- 22072358
TI  - [Impact of consumption of corn flour with low level enrichment in children of
      rural zones].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Corn has been from the prehispanic era, the most important feeding
      plant in the Mexican population, particularly in the most important sectors and
      in marginal areas. In this setting, enriching the product as flour implies an
      increase in its nutritional quality, especially because corn is the basic food.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the consumption of corn flour enriched with 3%
      soybean, vitamins, and minerals on the growth and development of infants and
      preschool children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: experimental study lasting 10 months.
      The experimental group (n=195) received enriched corn flour whereas the control
      group (n=200) received non-enriched flour. The indicators were: nutritional
      status, mental and psychomotor development, and blood hemoglobin levels. RESULTS:
      in the total sample, there were no differences between the experimental group and
      the control group. However, there were improvements in the weight-to-height and
      weight-to-age indexes in the children consuming enriched flour and in children
      older than one year, who were the babies of indigenous women living in marginal
      areas. CONCLUSIONS: enriched corn flour appears to be an alternative benefitting
      the children population with higher nutritional deficiencies. However, a longer
      intervention is necessary to obtain better results.

PMID- 22072359
TI  - Influence of physical activity and dietary habits on lipid profile, blood
      pressure and BMI in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was determined the influence of physical activity
      and dietary habits on lipid profile, blood pressure (BP) and body mass index
      (BMI) in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). AIMS: Identify the relationship
      between physical activity and proper nutrition and the probability of suffering
      from myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Hundred chronically ill with MS who
      were active and followed a healthy diet were classified as compliant, while the
      remaining subjects were classified as non-compliant. RESULTS: The compliant
      subjects show lower BMI values (30.8+/-4.9 vs 32.5+/-4.6), as well as lower
      levels of triacylglycerol (130.4+/-48.2 vs 242.1+/-90.1), total cholesterol
      (193.5+/-39 vs 220.2+/-52.3) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (105.2+/
      38.3 vs 139.2+/-45). They show higher values in terms of high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol levels (62.2+/-20.1 vs 36.6+/-15.3), with statistically significant
      differences. In terms of both systolic and diastolic pressure, no differences
      were revealed between the groups; however, those who maintain proper dietary
      habits show lower systolic blood pressure levels than the inactive subjects. The
      probability of suffering from MI greatly increases among the group of non
      compliant subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate how performing aerobic
      physical activity and following an individualized, Mediterranean diet
      significantly reduces MS indicators and the chances of suffering from MI.

PMID- 22072360
TI  - Influence of fat intake on body composition, lipemia and glycemia of type 1
      diabetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic
      hyperglycemia and body composition is important in the disease control. The
      nutritional intervention has relevance in the improvement of glycemia and lipemia
      in diabetic patients. AIM: Evaluate the influence of fat intake on body
      composition, lipemia and glycemia on patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
      METHODS: 19 patients were evaluated by anthropometric (body mass index and waist
      circumference), body composition (fat mass, lean body mass and total body water
      by bioelectrical impedance) and biochemical variables, after 8 hours of fasting.
      Dietary assessment was performed using the dietary records for 3 days, analyzed
      for nutritional software DietPro 5i. The groups were formed according to the
      usual intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (G1<10% of total energy expenditure
      (TEE) of SFA and G2>=10% of TEE of SFA). Statistical analysis was performed in
      SPSS 16.0, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no difference in anthropometric
      and biochemical variables between groups, but G1 presented higher fat mass (FM)
      and G2 high SFA and adequate mounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) intake. The lipemia
      and glycemia were not affected by high SFA intake, but adequate MUFA intake may
      have influenced the results of these variables. No found relation between type of
      fat ingested and biochemistry variables. CONCLUSION: Body composition can be
      influenced by type of fat ingested. Lipemia and glycemia were not influenced by
      high SFA intake, perhaps due to MUFA intake adequate.

PMID- 22072361
TI  - Inflammatory mediators and immune response in Mexican adolescents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Low-grade inflammation and increased immunity related to
      cardiovascular diseases have been described in children and adults, however,
      studies in Mexican adolescents are being done at present. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      inflammatory proteins and indicators of immunity in adolescents by gender and
      body mass index. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 115 Mexican adolescents, 15-18 years old
      (36 men), were divided into non-overweight, risk of overweight and overweight by
      CDC pediatric criteria by body mass index. Serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin,
      C3 and C4 were quantified by nephelometry; IL-6 and TNF-alpha from stimulated
      supernatant were analyzed with Human Th1-Th2 cytokine CBA II kit (BD Biosciences
      Pharmigen, San Diego, CA), and detected by flow cytometry. Data were analysed by
      Mann-Whitney U. RESULTS: Gender differences were found in C3 (men: median 118.8,
      mean rank: 41.0; women: median: 143.9, mean rank: 65.7, p=0.001) and
      ceruloplasmin (men: median: 31.01, mean rank: 47.06; women: median: 31.0, mean
      rank: 62.9, p=0.015). Differences by BMI were found in C3 (women non-overweight:
      median: 137.00 mena rank: 36.52; women with risk of overweight/overweight:
      median: 175.80, mean rank: 57.69, p=0.002) and C4 (men non-overweight: median:
      23.40, mean rank: 16.60; men with risk of overweight/overweight: median: 26.40,
      mean rank: 26.36, p=0.028; women non-overweight: median: 24.25, mean rank: 37.16
      and women with risk of overweight/overweight: median: 32.80, mean rank: 54.42,
      p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Inflammatory proteins are increased in adolescents with
      risk of overweight and overweight, particularly in women.

PMID- 22072362
TI  - Enteral or parenteral nutrition in traumatic brain injury: a prospective
      randomised trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Few studies have evaluated the route of nutritional therapy in
      patients with head trauma. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at investigating whether early
      enteral (EN) or parenteral nutrition (TPN) may differ in protein/ calorie supply,
      serum glucose modifications, and acute phase response in patients with traumatic
      brain injury (TBI). METHODS: Twenty two patients with moderate TBI (Glasgow score
      between 9-12) were randomized to receive isocaloric and isonitrogeneous either EN
      (n=12) or TPN (n=10). The daily amount of calories and nitrogen (N) supplied, the
      nitrogen balance, and the daily serum level of glucose, C-reactive protein, and
      albumin were collected for 5 consecutive days. Clinical endpoints as length of
      stay and mortality were also compared. RESULTS: Mortality was 9.1% (two cases)
      with one case in each group. A progressive caloric deficit occurred in both
      groups (p=0.001) without difference between them. The mean serum glucose level in
      TNP patients (134.4, 95% CI=122.6 to 146.2 mg/dl) was significantly higher than
      in the EN group (102,4; 95% CI 91.6 to 113.2 mg/dL) (p<0.001). There was a trend
      (p=0.06) of 24 h urinary N loss to be greater in TPN group which received higher
      amounts of N than the NE group (p<0.05). However, nitrogen balance was similar in
      the two groups. There was no difference in either the clinical outcome variables
      or the acute phase response. CONCLUSION: Both routes were able to supply
      increasing provision of calories to brain injured patients. TPN provided
      significantly greater amount of nitrogen but losses were also greater. Nitrogen
      balance was similar with both types of therapy. Parenteral compared to enteral
      nutrition lead to greater hyperglycemia. There was no influence of the route in
      both the early inflammatory response and clinical outcome.

PMID- 22072363
TI  - Sagital abdominal diameter, but not waist circumference is strongly associated
      with glycemia, triacilglycerols and HDL-C levels in overweight adults.
AB  - AIM: To correlate the sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and waist circumference
      (WC) with metabolic syndrome-associated abnormalities in adults. METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study included onehundred twelve adults (M=27, F=85) aging 54.0+/
      11.2 yrs and average body mass index (BMI) of 30.5+/-9.0 kg/m2. The assessment
      included blood pressure, plasma and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: In both
      men and female, SAD and WC were associated positively with body fat% (r=0.53 vs
      r=0.55), uric acid (r=0.45 vs r=0.45), us-PCR (r=0.50 vs r=0.44), insulin (r=0.89
      vs r=0.75), insulin resistance HOMA-IR (r=0.86 vs r=0.65), LDL-ox (r=0.51 vs
      r=0.28), GGT (r=0.70 vs r=0.61), and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.35 vs r=0.33),
      and negatively with insulin sensibility QUICKI (r=-0.89 vs r=-0.82) and total
      cholesterol/TG ratio (r=-0.40 vs r=-0.22). Glycemia, TG, and HDL-c were
      associated significantly only with SAD (r=0.31; r = 39, r=-0.43, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Though the SAD and WC were associated with numerous metabolic
      abnormalities, only SAD correlated with dyslipidemia (TG and HDL-c) and
      hyperglycemia (glycemia).

PMID- 22072364
TI  - [Study of the serum levels of leptin, ceruloplasmin and lipoprotein (a) as
      indicators of cardiovascular risk in a population of adolescents in Granada
      (Spain)].
AB  - Numerous studies have focused on establishing a relation between the serum values
      of biomolecules such as leptin, ceruloplasmin, and lipoprotein (a), and the
      nutritional state and levels of diastolic and systolic blood pressure in subjects
      with problems of overweight or obesity. However, in many cases, the results
      obtained have not been conclusive. The results of our study confirm the existence
      of a statistically significant association between the serum levels of these
      biomolecules, the nutritional state of the subjects, and levels of diastolic and
      systolic blood pressure. For the population of overweight and obese adolescents
      studied, the evaluation of the serum concentrations of these biomolecules was
      found to be an important instrument that could be used to identify those subjects
      with an elevated risk of suffering cardiovascular disorders basically derived
      from a hypertensive status.

PMID- 22072365
TI  - [Prevalence of malnutrition and influence of oral nutritional supplementation on
      nutritional status in institutionalized elderly].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutritional supplementation might be an effective strategy for
      improving the nutritional status and the quality of life of institutionalized
      fragile elderly. OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of malnutrition and its relation with
      disease, and the influence of dietary supplementation by means of oral formulas
      on the nutritional status of elderly nursing home residents were assessed.
      METHODS: Two studies were carried out, one a cross-sectional survey in 31
      subjects and the other a longitudinal-sectional survey in 19 subjects, both
      groups living in a public nursing home in the city of Murcia (SE Spain). Body
      mass index (BMI), serum albumin concentration (ALB) and geriatric nutritional
      risk index (GNRI) were assessed as markers of potential malnutrition. Illnesses
      were ascertained from medical records. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The prevalence of
      malnutrition of the total collective was high (39%), and especially in the
      fragile subjects (50%). The administration of oral nutritional supplements in the
      usual diet for 12 months significantly increased ALB and GNRI, and had no effect
      on body weigh and BMI. Jointly, these effects decreased the in the number of
      subjects at high nutritional risk and increased the number of subjects with a low
      or zero risk of malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The administration of oral nutritional
      supplements in the usual diet of this elderly collective is an effective clinical
      strategy in nutritional therapy.

PMID- 22072366
TI  - Altered membrane lipid dynamics and chemoprevention by non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs during colon carcinogenesis.
AB  - The present work focuses on the anti-neoplastic role of non steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in modulating the biophysical parameters of the
      colonic membranes in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) induced
      carcinogenesis. The steady-state fluorescence polarization technique was applied
      to assess membrane fluidity, membrane polarity and lipid phase states. The
      decline in cholesterol content, biosynthesis and cholesterol: phospholipids ratio
      with DMH treatment indicates more fluidity associated with carcinogenesis. The
      DMH group had shown lower order parameter indicating more fluidity whereas NSAIDs
      resulted in increasing the membrane lipid order. The converging effects of these
      changes were more in membrane phase separations and membrane phase state. In DMH
      treatment membrane shows lesser phase separation or high polarity, and more
      liquid crystalline state while for NSAID groups membranes have higher phase
      separations or low polarity, and more of the gel phase. Further, NSAIDs induced
      anti-proliferative effects were evidently observed by apoptosis in the
      colonocytes by using acridine orange-ethidium bromide fluorescent staining and
      Terminal de-oxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The
      results suggest that NSAIDs induced alteration in the membrane biophysical
      parameters may be an important initiating event for the chemopreventive action.

PMID- 22072367
TI  - Impact of two low-calorie meals with and without bread on the sensation of
      hunger, satiety and amount of food consumed.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the differences in feelings of hunger and
      satiety in a group of overweight/obese women after eating a test meal with or
      without bread. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 122 women (BMI>=25<40
      kg/m2) who were randomly assigned to consume one of the following test meals: NO
      BREAD meal (2.40 MJ, 46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fat; which included rice
      or pasta) and BREAD meal (2.39 MJ, with equal caloric distribution and the same
      foods except with bread instead of rice or pasta). A visual analogue scale (VAS)
      was used, with 5 questions to be answered at different times: 1) just before
      eating, 2) just after eating and exactly 3) 60 and 4) 90 minutes after eating the
      test meal. The test was performed at the start and after 16 weeks of following a
      lifestyle modification program based on a low-calorie diet (with or without
      bread). RESULTS: 104 women completed the study (48.4+/-9.0 years) with a baseline
      BMI of 29.8+/-3.5 kg/m2. At the start of the study there were no significant
      differences in any of the VAS parameters measured between the groups. After 16
      weeks, BREAD group obtained higher scores in question 3 (referring to the
      sensation of satiety) that were significant at time 3 (7 versus 5; p<0.05) and
      time 4 (8 versus 4; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of bread in a low-calorie
      meal may result in a greater sensation of satiety after eating. These results
      contradict the recommendation to exclude bread from a food plan aimed at weight
      loss.

PMID- 22072368
TI  - [Performance of nutritional education programmes to prevent obesity in children
      through a pilot study in Soria].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spain has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe.
      The Spanish authorities of health have launched some strategies, which among
      others, includes activities to develop healthier dietary habits in children.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study has been to assess the effectiveness of
      the nutritional education programmes undertaken to prevent obesity in children
      through a pilot study in Soria. This has been evaluated through the comparative
      study of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and anthropometric parameters
      between two samples of same age schoolchildren at an interval of 10 years.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and BMI was evaluated
      in two occasional samples of pupils aged between 6 and 9 years, who were attended
      to 5 public Schools in Soria, during two academic years 1998/ 99 (n=119) and
      2008/09 (n=231). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated by the KidMed
      index. RESULTS: There were no differences in KidMed score between sexes within
      the same sample. However, there were a significant differences (p<0.0001) in
      total KidMed socore between the 2008/09 and 1998/99 schoolchildren. The mean BMIs
      were similar for the boys and girls of the same course, while it was
      significantly lower (p<0.05) in 2008/09 school children. The Kidmed score was
      negatively associated with BMI (r=-0.133, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of
      childhood that showed an upper-middle degree of adherence to the Mediterranean
      diet patterns was higher among 2008-09 pupils. These results suggests that
      activities coordinated from different agencies in Spain, may be a useful tool for
      promotion of healthy eating habits in children.

PMID- 22072369
TI  - Prevalence of protein supplement use at gyms.
AB  - At the present time, the abuse of all class of sport nutritional supplements (NS)
      has extended the people who go regularly to gymnasiums. Between these substances
      there are the Protein Powder Supplements (PPS). The purpose of this study is to
      examine the consumption of PPS in 415 individuals from Seville fitness centers.
      All individuals were evaluated with anthropometric measurements and completed a
      questionnaire previously reviewed, evaluating the validity of the content,
      application, structure and presentation. 28% of the individuals were using or
      used PPS. Of the total, 42.7% of male individuals compared to 3.2% of the
      females. The use of PPS was higher than what has been reported in previous
      studies about supplement use in fitness center, 28% vs 10-14% aprox. The SPP use
      is associated with sex, age, and time of sport practiced. More than a 25% of the
      total individuals that attend a gym use PPS. The total individuals that attend a
      gym and use PPS far exceed the RDA of protein for general population and/or
      athletes, being able to cause problems of health.

PMID- 22072370
TI  - Food habits and nutritional status of elderly people living in a Spanish
      Mediterranean city.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the food habits and nutritional status
      of free-living, non-institutionalised, elderly people of Torrevieja, a Spanish
      city located in the Mediterranean coast. METHODS: Anthropometric and dietary
      survey (two 24 hour recalls) were assessed in 200 (83 men and 117 women) free
      living elderly people (average age 72.3+/-6.6 years). RESULTS: Just married women
      accomplished the recommended energy intake. The contribution of macronutrients to
      the total energy intake was different from the Recommended Intake for the
      elderly, since it was too derived from proteins, fats, SFA and sugars, but in
      only small amounts was derived from complex carbohydrates. High percentages of
      elderly persons showed inadequate intake of calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium,
      copper, iodine, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and riboflavin. Men
      showed lower micronutrient intake than women. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in dietary
      complex carbohydrate, and a decrease in protein and fats, especially SFA, is
      recommended. It would be desirable to increase the consumption of fruits,
      vegetables, whole cereals, fish and skimmed dairy products.

PMID- 22072371
TI  - [Nutritional profile of foods offered and dietary intake in school canteens in
      Biscay].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nowadays the school canteen occupies a central place in the supply
      and in the nutritional education of the children in school age. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the nutritional adequacy of the school menus and the food intake of the
      children. METHODS: 1,500 trays were selected in six school dining rooms of
      Biscay. Dietary intake was evaluated by means of the technique of double weighed
      and visual estimation of the residues. RESULTS: Evaluation of the menus:
      Macronutrients: carbohydrates 48%, proteins 20%, lipids 32%. Weekly offer: The
      first plate: vegetables 1.1; legumes 1.8; potatoes 0.4; pasta-rice 1.7. The
      second plate: meat 2.5; fish 1.4; eggs 0.6; precooked fried food 0.5. Garnish:
      potatoes 0.5; sauces 0.8; lettuce 1.7; cooked vegetables 1; no garnish 1.
      Dessert: fruit 2.8; dairy product 2; other 0.2. Significant changes have been
      observed in 4% of the menus. The vegetable garnish is not served in 40% of the
      occasions. 70% do not eat the vegetable garnish. CONCLUSIONS: Though the
      theoretical offer of vegetables is appropriate, due to the fact that frequently
      the vegetables are not served in garnish and to that when they are served
      children do not eat them, their final intake is poor. The protein contribution to
      the diet is higher than the recommended. Meaningful changes take place often in
      the composition of the menus.

PMID- 22072372
TI  - Fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in South Spanish and North Moroccan
      women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We studied the differences on physical fitness, fatness and
      cardiovascular profile in Spanish and Moroccan women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study comprised 63 and 58 women aged 45-65 years from South of Spain and North of
      Morocco, respectively. We assessed fitness and body composition using standard
      procedures. We also assessed resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, fasting
      glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Moroccan women had a better performance in the main
      health-related physical fitness components, i.e. higher levels of
      cardiorespiratory fitness (P=0.01) and (lower-body) muscular strength (P<0.001).
      Diastolic blood pressure (P=0.004), RHR and total cholesterol (both P=0.04) were
      lower in Moroccan women. No differences were observed in the prevalence of
      metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The women from Morocco had a healthier fitness
      and cardiovascular profile than the women from Spain. Further research on
      physical fitness and other health indicators in understudied populations is
      needed.

PMID- 22072373
TI  - [What do people know and perceive about salt consumption and its impact on
      health?].

PMID- 22072374
TI  - Assessment of actual food portions sizes in a sample of adolescents from
      Cochabamba (Bolivia).

PMID- 22072375
TI  - [Final report on evaluation of scientific journals].

PMID- 22072376
TI  - Expression of Stat3 and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase in cornea keratocytes as
      factor of ocular immune privilege.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ocular immune privilege is a multifactorial phenomenon evolutionally
      selected to prevent immunogenic inflammation from disrupting the visual axis and
      causing blindness. Here, we investigated the role of signal transducers and
      activators of transcription (Stat3) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in
      ocular immune privilege in corneal stromal cells. METHODS: Human keratocytes were
      isolated and cultured in vitro, and Stat3 and IDO expression on keratocytes was
      investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The
      active form of Stat3 was detected by flow-cytometry, and IDO enzyme activity
      following IFN-gamma stimulation of keratocytes was measured by tryptophan to
      kynurenine conversion with photometric determination of kynurenine concentration
      in the supernatant. RESULTS: Stat3 was constitutively expressed in cultured
      keratocytes and up-regulated following IFN-gamma stimulation. The active form of
      Stat3 was also up-regulated following IFN-gamma stimulation. IDO expression and
      enzyme activity was markedly induced following IFN-gamma stimulation, but this
      induction was prevented by the IDO specific inhibitor, 1-methyl tryptophan (1
      MT). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study, Stat3 and IDO may act as a factor
      of ocular immune privilege in corneal keratocytes. Thus, focus on these
      inhibitory molecules should be considered in studies aimed at developing
      therapeutic agents for controlling ocular inflammatory or immune diseases.

PMID- 22072377
TI  - Intravitreal treatment with antisense oligonucleotides targeting tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha in murine herpes simplex virus type 1 retinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine
      known to participate in intraocular inflammatory disease. This study investigated
      whether treatment with intravitreal antisense-oligonucleotides (ASON) targeting
      TNF-alpha mRNA affects the progression of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
      retinitis in mice. METHODS: The in vivo uptake of the oligonucleotid after
      intravitreal injection was determined with FITC-labeled TNF-alpha ASON. HSV
      retinitis was induced on day 0 by the injection of HSV-1 (KOS strain) into the
      anterior chamber (AC) of the right eyes of BALB/c mice (von Szily model). The
      left contralateral eyes were injected intravitreally on day 7 with TNF-alpha
      ASON, sequence-unspecific control ASON (CON), or buffer. The clinical course of
      retinitis, ocular inflammatory cell-infiltration, TNF-alpha expression in the eye
      by ELISA, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, virus-neutralizing
      antibody titers in the serum, uptake of [3H]thymidine from regional lymph node
      (rln) cells, and viral content in the eyes were determined. RESULTS: In vivo,
      strong fluorescence of FITC- TNF-alpha ASON was detected in the choroid and
      retina up to 3 days after intravitreal injection, but none in the rln. After
      treatment of eyes with ASON, decreased expression of TNF-alpha in the eye, and
      reduced incidence and severity of retinitis on day 10 after infection (P < 0.05)
      could be found. The other parameters were not significantly influenced after TNF
      alpha ASON treatment. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-alpha participates in the pathology of HSV
      1 retinitis. Local inhibition of TNF-alpha mRNA by intraocular TNF-alpha ASON
      injection did not influence the systemic HSV-specific immune response or the
      antiviral response in the eye, but reduced ocular inflammatory bystander damage.

PMID- 22072379
TI  - Conformational and stereoelectronic investigation of tryptamine. An AIM/NBO
      study.
AB  - Due to the free radical scavenger properties of Tryptamine (TRA), as well as of
      others indole derivatives, it is in our interest to explore deeply the
      stereoelectronic aspects that would be relevant in their stabilization and
      antioxidant activity. In this work the conformational space of TRA was scanned
      using molecular dynamics complemented with functional density calculations at
      B3LYP/6-31 + G** level. Twenty one conformers of lowest energy were obtained,
      their electronic distributions were analyzed at a higher calculation level, thus
      improving the basis set (B3LYP/6-311++G**). A topological study based on Bader's
      theory ( AIM: atoms in molecules) and natural bond orbital (NBO) framework was
      performed. The study was enriched by a deep analysis of maps of molecular
      electrostatic potential (MEP) through a coordinated NBO/AIM analysis. The
      conformational preferences were explained by hyperconjugative interactions, which
      were revealed by NBO data. Because radical scavenging by indolic compounds is
      strongly modulated by their functional residues our study was related to similar
      analysis done previously on Indole and 1H-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Therefore,
      the conformational space of TRA was studied from a new perspective focusing on a
      deep analysis of the geometric and electronic properties of TRA conformers. The
      changes of the electronic distribution introduced by the substituent and the
      conformational flexibility of the side chain were addressed. The results reported
      contribute to the understanding of the structure, stability and reactivity of TRA
      and others indole derivatives.

PMID- 22072378
TI  - Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocity.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported that astaxanthin (AXT) has antioxidative
      and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to its ability to shorten blood transit
      times. As laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) can noninvasively visualize the
      hemodynamics of the choroidal circulation, we used the technique to evaluate
      whether continuous ingestion of 12 mg of AXT per day could increase quantitative
      blood flow velocity. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study, we examined 20 healthy volunteers who ingested 12 mg AXT or
      placebo capsules over a 4-week period. LSFG was measured in the right eyes of all
      subjects at pre-ingestion, and at 2 and 4 weeks after the treatment of AXT. LSFG
      values were used to calculate the square blur rate (SBR), which is a quantitative
      index of relative blood flow velocity. RESULTS: A significant increase of the
      macular SBR was seen 4 weeks after AXT ingestion when compared to the pre
      ingestion values (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.018). In contrast, no
      statistical difference in the macular SBR was detected in the placebo group
      (Friedman test, P = 0.598). No subjective or objective adverse events were found
      after the 12-mg AXT ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that administration
      of AXT over a 4-week period can elevate the choroidal blood flow velocity without
      any adverse effects.

PMID- 22072380
TI  - [MRSA & Co.: Spread of new "superbugs"].

PMID- 22072381
TI  - Identification of a microglia phenotype supportive of remyelination.
AB  - In multiple sclerosis, endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) attempt
      to remyelinate areas of myelin damage. During disease progression, however, these
      attempts fail. It has been suggested that modulating the inflammatory environment
      of the lesion might provide a promising therapeutic approach to promote
      endogenous remyelination. Microglia are known to play a central role in
      neuroinflammatory processes. To investigate the microglia phenotype that supports
      remyelination, we performed genome-wide gene expression analysis of microglia
      from the corpus callosum during demyelination and remyelination in the mouse
      cuprizone model, in which remyelination spontaneously occurs after an episode of
      toxin-induced primary demyelination. We provide evidence for the existence of a
      microglia phenotype that supports remyelination already at the onset of
      demyelination and persists throughout the remyelination process. Our data show
      that microglia are involved in the phagocytosis of myelin debris and apoptotic
      cells during demyelination. Furthermore, they express a cytokine and chemokine
      repertoire enabling them to activate and recruit endogenous OPCs to the lesion
      site and deliver trophic support during remyelination. This study not only
      provides a detailed transcriptomic analysis of the remyelination-supportive
      microglia phenotype but also reinforces the notion that the primary function of
      microglia is the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and the support of
      regeneration already at the earliest stages in the development of demyelinating
      lesions.

PMID- 22072383
TI  - NARWHAL, a primary analysis pipeline for NGS data.
AB  - The NARWHAL software pipeline has been developed to automate the primary analysis
      of Illumina sequencing data. This pipeline combines a new and flexible de
      multiplexing tool with open-source aligners and automated quality assessment. The
      entire pipeline can be run using only one simple sample-sheet for diverse
      sequencing applications. NARWHAL creates a sample-oriented data structure and
      outperforms existing tools in speed. AVAILABILITY: https://trac.nbic.nl/narwhal/.

PMID- 22072382
TI  - Epigenetic priors for identifying active transcription factor binding sites.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Accurate knowledge of the genome-wide binding of transcription
      factors in a particular cell type or under a particular condition is necessary
      for understanding transcriptional regulation. Using epigenetic data such as
      histone modification and DNase I, accessibility data has been shown to improve
      motif-based in silico methods for predicting such binding, but this approach has
      not yet been fully explored. RESULTS: We describe a probabilistic method for
      combining one or more tracks of epigenetic data with a standard DNA sequence
      motif model to improve our ability to identify active transcription factor
      binding sites (TFBSs). We convert each data type into a position-specific
      probabilistic prior and combine these priors with a traditional probabilistic
      motif model to compute a log-posterior odds score. Our experiments, using histone
      modifications H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K9ac and H3K27ac, as well as DNase I
      sensitivity, show conclusively that the log-posterior odds score consistently
      outperforms a simple binary filter based on the same data. We also show that our
      approach performs competitively with a more complex method, CENTIPEDE, and
      suggest that the relative simplicity of the log-posterior odds scoring method
      makes it an appealing and very general method for identifying functional TFBSs on
      the basis of DNA and epigenetic evidence. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: FIMO,
      part of the MEME Suite software toolkit, now supports log-posterior odds scoring
      using position-specific priors for motif search. A web server and source code are
      available at http://meme.nbcr.net. Utilities for creating priors are at
      http://research.imb.uq.edu.au/t.bailey/SD/Cuellar2011. CONTACT:
      t.bailey@uq.edu.au SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at
      Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22072384
TI  - Using Poisson mixed-effects model to quantify transcript-level gene expression in
      RNA-Seq.
AB  - MOTIVATION: RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a powerful new technology for mapping and
      quantifying transcriptomes using ultra high-throughput next-generation sequencing
      technologies. Using deep sequencing, gene expression levels of all transcripts
      including novel ones can be quantified digitally. Although extremely promising,
      the massive amounts of data generated by RNA-Seq, substantial biases and
      uncertainty in short read alignment pose challenges for data analysis. In
      particular, large base-specific variation and between-base dependence make simple
      approaches, such as those that use averaging to normalize RNA-Seq data and
      quantify gene expressions, ineffective. RESULTS: In this study, we propose a
      Poisson mixed-effects (POME) model to characterize base-level read coverage
      within each transcript. The underlying expression level is included as a key
      parameter in this model. Since the proposed model is capable of incorporating
      base-specific variation as well as between-base dependence that affect read
      coverage profile throughout the transcript, it can lead to improved
      quantification of the true underlying expression level. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: POME can be freely downloaded at
      http://www.stat.purdue.edu/~yuzhu/pome.html. CONTACT: yuzhu@purdue.edu;
      zhaohui.qin@emory.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available
      at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22072385
TI  - MR-Tandem: parallel X!Tandem using Hadoop MapReduce on Amazon Web Services.
AB  - SUMMARY: MR-Tandem adapts the popular X!Tandem peptide search engine to work with
      Hadoop MapReduce for reliable parallel execution of large searches. MR-Tandem
      runs on any Hadoop cluster but offers special support for Amazon Web Services for
      creating inexpensive on-demand Hadoop clusters, enabling search volumes that
      might not otherwise be feasible with the compute resources a researcher has at
      hand. MR-Tandem is designed to drop in wherever X!Tandem is already in use and
      requires no modification to existing X!Tandem parameter files, and only minimal
      modification to X!Tandem-based workflows. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: MR
      Tandem is implemented as a lightly modified X!Tandem C++ executable and a Python
      script that drives Hadoop clusters including Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic
      Map Reduce (EMR), using the modified X!Tandem program as a Hadoop Streaming
      mapper and reducer. The modified X!Tandem C++ source code is Artistic licensed,
      supports pluggable scoring, and is available as part of the Sashimi project at
      http://sashimi.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/sashimi/trunk/trans_proteomic_pipeline/
      xtern/xtandem/. The MR-Tandem Python script is Apache licensed and available as
      part of the Insilicos Cloud Army project at
      http://ica.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/ica/trunk/mr-tandem/. Full documentation
      and a windows installer that configures MR-Tandem, Python and all necessary
      packages are available at this same URL. CONTACT: brian.pratt@insilicos.com

PMID- 22072386
TI  - Wavelet-based image fusion in multi-view three-dimensional microscopy.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Multi-view microscopy techniques such as Light-Sheet Fluorescence
      Microscopy (LSFM) are powerful tools for 3D + time studies of live embryos in
      developmental biology. The sample is imaged from several points of view,
      acquiring a set of 3D views that are then combined or fused in order to overcome
      their individual limitations. Views fusion is still an open problem despite
      recent contributions in the field. RESULTS: We developed a wavelet-based multi
      view fusion method that, due to wavelet decomposition properties, is able to
      combine the complementary directional information from all available views into a
      single volume. Our method is demonstrated on LSFM acquisitions from live sea
      urchin and zebrafish embryos. The fusion results show improved overall contrast
      and details when compared with any of the acquired volumes. The proposed method
      does not need knowledge of the system's point spread function (PSF) and performs
      better than other existing PSF independent fusion methods. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: The described method was implemented in Matlab (The Mathworks,
      Inc., USA) and a graphic user interface was developed in Java. The software,
      together with two sample datasets, is available at
      http://www.die.upm.es/im/software/SPIMFusionGUI.zip A public release, free of
      charge for non-commercial use, is planned after the publication of this article.

PMID- 22072387
TI  - Fast computation of minimum hybridization networks.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Hybridization events in evolution may lead to incongruent gene trees.
      One approach to determining possible interspecific hybridization events is to
      compute a hybridization network that attempts to reconcile incongruent gene trees
      using a minimum number of hybridization events. RESULTS: We describe how to
      compute a representative set of minimum hybridization networks for two given
      bifurcating input trees, using a parallel algorithm and provide a user-friendly
      implementation. A simulation study suggests that our program performs
      significantly better than existing software on biologically relevant data.
      Finally, we demonstrate the application of such methods in the context of the
      evolution of the Aegilops/Triticum genera. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The
      algorithm is implemented in the program Dendroscope 3, which is freely available
      from www.dendroscope.org and runs on all three major operating systems.

PMID- 22072388
TI  - Decompositions of large-scale biological systems based on dynamical properties.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Given a large-scale biological network represented as an influence
      graph, in this article we investigate possible decompositions of the network
      aimed at highlighting specific dynamical properties. RESULTS: The first
      decomposition we study consists in finding a maximal directed acyclic subgraph of
      the network, which dynamically corresponds to searching for a maximal open-loop
      subsystem of the given system. Another dynamical property investigated is strong
      monotonicity. We propose two methods to deal with this property, both aimed at
      decomposing the system into strongly monotone subsystems, but with different
      structural characteristics: one method tends to produce a single large strongly
      monotone component, while the other typically generates a set of smaller disjoint
      strongly monotone subsystems. AVAILABILITY: Original heuristics for the methods
      investigated are described in the article. CONTACT: altafini@sissa.it

PMID- 22072390
TI  - The X-linked retinitis pigmentosa protein RP2 facilitates G protein traffic.
AB  - The X-linked retinitis pigmentosa protein RP2 is a GTPase activating protein
      (GAP) for the small GTPase Arl3 and both proteins are implicated in the traffic
      of proteins to the primary cilia. Here, we show that RP2 can facilitate the
      traffic of the Gbeta subunit of transducin (Gbeta1). Glutathione S-transferase
      (GST)-RP2 pulled down Gbeta from retinal lysates and the interaction was specific
      to Gbeta1, as Gbeta3 or Gbeta5L did not bind RP2. RP2 did not appear to interact
      with the Gbeta:Ggamma heterodimer, in contrast Ggamma1 competed with RP2 for
      Gbeta binding. Overexpression of Gbeta1 in SK-N-SH cells led to a cytoplasmic
      accumulation of Gbeta1, while co-expression of RP2 or Ggamma1 with Gbeta1
      restored membrane association of Gbeta1. Furthermore, RP2 small interfering RNA
      in ARPE19 cells resulted in a reduction in Gbeta1 membrane association that was
      rescued by Ggamma1 overexpression. The interaction of RP2 with Gbeta1 required
      RP2 N-terminal myristolyation and the co-factor C (TBCC) homology domain. The
      interaction was also disrupted by the pathogenic mutation R118H, which blocks
      Arl3 GAP activity. Interestingly, Arl3-Q71L competed with Gbeta1 for RP2 binding,
      suggesting that Arl3-GTP binding by RP2 would release Gbeta1. RP2 also stimulated
      the association of Gbeta1 with Rab11 vesicles. Collectively, the data support a
      role for RP2 in facilitating the membrane association and traffic of Gbeta1,
      potentially prior to the formation of the obligate Gbeta:Ggamma heterodimer.
      Combined with other recent evidence, this suggests that RP2 may co-operate with
      Arl3 and its effectors in the cilia-associated traffic of G proteins.

PMID- 22072391
TI  - The BH4 domain of Bcl-X(L) rescues astrocyte degeneration in amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis by modulating intracellular calcium signals.
AB  - Collective evidence indicates that motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS) is non-cell-autonomous and requires the interaction with
      the neighboring astrocytes. Recently, we reported that a subpopulation of spinal
      cord astrocytes degenerates in the microenvironment of motor neurons in the
      hSOD1(G93A) mouse model of ALS. Mechanistic studies in vitro identified a role
      for the excitatory amino acid glutamate in the gliodegenerative process via the
      activation of its inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3))-generating metabotropic
      receptor 5 (mGluR5). Since non-physiological formation of IP(3) can prompt IP(3)
      receptor (IP(3)R)-mediated Ca(2+) release from the intracellular stores and
      trigger various forms of cell death, here we investigated the intracellular
      Ca(2+) signaling that occurs downstream of mGluR5 in hSOD1(G93A)-expressing
      astrocytes. Contrary to wild-type cells, stimulation of mGluR5 causes aberrant
      and persistent elevations of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) in
      the absence of spontaneous oscillations. The interaction of IP(3)Rs with the anti
      apoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) was previously described to prevent cell death by
      modulating intracellular Ca(2+) signals. In mutant SOD1-expressing astrocytes, we
      found that the sole BH4 domain of Bcl-X(L), fused to the protein transduction
      domain of the HIV-1 TAT protein (TAT-BH4), is sufficient to restore sustained
      Ca(2+) oscillations and cell death resistance. Furthermore, chronic treatment of
      hSOD1(G93A) mice with the TAT-BH4 peptide reduces focal degeneration of
      astrocytes, slightly delays the onset of the disease and improves both motor
      performance and animal lifespan. Our results point at TAT-BH4 as a novel
      glioprotective agent with a therapeutic potential for ALS.

PMID- 22072392
TI  - A novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor restores chondrocyte differentiation and
      promotes bone growth in a gain-of-function Fgfr3 mouse model.
AB  - Activating germline fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) mutations cause
      achondroplasia (ACH), the most common form of human dwarfism and a spectrum of
      skeletal dysplasias. FGFR3 is a tyrosine kinase receptor and constitutive FGFR3
      activation impairs endochondral ossification and triggers severe disorganization
      of the cartilage with shortening of long bones. To decipher the role of FGFR3 in
      endochondral ossification, we analyzed the impact of a novel tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor (TKI), A31, on both human and mouse mutant FGFR3-expressing cells and
      on the skeleton of Fgfr3(Y367C/+) dwarf mice. We found that A31 inhibited
      constitutive FGFR3 phosphorylation and restored the size of embryonic dwarf
      femurs using an ex vivo culture system. The increase in length of the treated
      mutant femurs was 2.6 times more than for the wild-type. Premature cell cycle
      exit and defective chondrocyte differentiation were observed in the
      Fgfr3(Y367C/+) growth plate. A31 restored normal expression of cell cycle
      regulators (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, KI67, cyclin D1 and p57) and
      allowed pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes to properly differentiate into hypertrophic
      chondocytes. Our data reveal a specific role for FGFR3 in the cell cycle and
      chondrocyte differentiation and support the development of TKIs for the treatment
      of FGFR3-related chondrodysplasias.

PMID- 22072394
TI  - Abstracts of the 2011 Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Crohn's & Colitis
      Foundation's National Clinical & Research Conference. December 1-3, 2011.
      Hollywood, Florida, USA.

PMID- 22072395
TI  - Platinum nanoparticle-facilitated reflective surfaces for non-contact temperature
      control in microfluidic devices for PCR amplification.
AB  - The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is critical for amplification of target
      sequences of DNA or RNA that have clinical, biological or forensic relevance.
      While extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry (EFPI) has been shown to be adequate
      for non-contact temperature sensing, the difficulty in defining a reflective
      surface that is semi-reflective, non-reactive for PCR compatibility and adherent
      for thermal bonding has limited its exploitation. Through the incorporation of a
      reflective surface fabricated using a thermally driven self-assembly of a
      platinum nanoparticle monolayer on the surface of the microfluidic chamber, an
      enhanced EFPI signal results, allowing for non-contact microfluidic temperature
      control instrumentation that uses infrared-mediated heating, convective forced
      air cooling, and interferometic temperature sensing. The interferometer is
      originally calibrated with a miniature copper-constantan thermocouple in the PCR
      chamber resulting in temperature sensitivities of -22.0 to -32.8 nm. degrees C(
      1), depending on the chamber depth. This universal calibration enables accurate
      temperature control in any device with arbitrary dimensions, thereby allowing
      versatility in various applications. Uniquely, this non-contact temperature
      control for PCR thermocycling is applied to the amplification of STR loci for
      human genetic profiling, where nine STR loci are successfully amplified for human
      identification using the EFPI-based non-contact thermocycling.

PMID- 22072393
TI  - Gene-gene interactions in breast cancer susceptibility.
AB  - There have been few definitive examples of gene-gene interactions in humans.
      Through mutational analyses in 7325 individuals, we report four interactions
      (defined as departures from a multiplicative model) between mutations in the
      breast cancer susceptibility genes ATM and CHEK2 with BRCA1 and BRCA2 (case-only
      interaction between ATM and BRCA1/BRCA2 combined, P = 5.9 * 10(-4); ATM and
      BRCA1, P= 0.01; ATM and BRCA2, P= 0.02; CHEK2 and BRCA1/BRCA2 combined, P = 2.1 *
      10(-4); CHEK2 and BRCA1, P= 0.01; CHEK2 and BRCA2, P= 0.01). The interactions are
      such that the resultant risk of breast cancer is lower than the multiplicative
      product of the constituent risks, and plausibly reflect the functional
      relationships of the encoded proteins in DNA repair. These findings have
      important implications for models of disease predisposition and clinical
      translation.

PMID- 22072397
TI  - Reduced cortical bone compositional heterogeneity with bisphosphonate treatment
      in postmenopausal women with intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures.
AB  - Reduction of bone turnover with bisphosphonate treatment alters bone mineral and
      matrix properties. Our objective was to investigate the effect of bisphosphonate
      treatment on bone tissue properties near fragility fracture sites in the proximal
      femur in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The mineral and collagen
      properties of corticocancellous biopsies from the proximal femur were compared in
      bisphosphonate-naive (-BIS, n = 20) and bisphosphonate-treated (+BIS, n = 20,
      duration 7 +/- 5 years) patients with intertrochanteric (IT) and subtrochanteric
      (ST) fractures using Fourier transform infrared imaging (FTIRI). The mean values
      of the FTIRI parameter distributions were similar across groups, but the widths
      of the parameter distributions tended to be reduced in the +BIS group relative to
      the -BIS group. Specifically, the widths of the cortical collagen maturity and
      crystallinity were reduced in the +BIS group relative to those of the -BIS group
      by 28% (+BIS 0.45 +/- 0.18 versus -BIS 0.63 +/- 0.28, p = 0.03) and 17% (+BIS
      0.087 +/- 0.012 versus -BIS 0.104 +/- 0.036, p = 0.05), respectively. When the
      tissue properties were examined as a function of fracture morphology within the
      +BIS group, the FTIR parameters were generally similar regardless of fracture
      morphology. However, the cortical mineral:matrix ratio was 8% greater in tissue
      from patients with atypical ST fractures (n = 6) than that of patients with
      typical (IT or spiral ST) fractures (n = 14) (Atypical 5.6 +/- 0.3 versus Typical
      5.2 +/- 0.5, p = 0.03). Thus, although the mean values of the FTIR properties
      were similar in both groups, the tissue in bisphosphonate-treated patients had a
      more uniform composition than that of bisphosphonate-naive patients. The observed
      reductions in mineral and matrix heterogeneity may diminish tissue-level
      toughening mechanisms.

PMID- 22072398
TI  - Hydrogels in acellular and cellular strategies for intervertebral disc
      regeneration.
AB  - Low back pain is an extremely common illness syndrome that causes patient
      suffering and disability and requires urgent solutions to improve the quality of
      life of these patients. Treatment options aimed to regenerate the intervertebral
      disc (IVD) are still under development. The cellular complexity of IVD, and
      consequently its fine regulatory system, makes it a challenge to the scientific
      community. Biomaterials-based therapies are the most interesting solutions to
      date, whereby tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TE&RM) strategies are
      included. By using such strategies, i.e., combining biomaterials, cells, and
      biomolecules, the ultimate goal of reaching a complete integration between native
      and neo-tissue can be achieved. Hydrogels are promising materials for restoring
      IVD, mainly nucleus pulposus (NP). This study presents an overview of the use of
      hydrogels in acellular and cellular strategies for intervertebral disc
      regeneration. To better understand IVD and its functioning, this study will focus
      on several aspects: anatomy, pathophysiology, cellular and biomolecular
      performance, intrinsic healing processes, and current therapies. In addition, the
      application of hydrogels as NP substitutes will be addressed due to their
      similarities to NP mechanical properties and extracellular matrix. These
      hydrogels can be used in cellular strategies when combined with cells from
      different sources, or in acellular strategies by performing the functionalization
      of the hydrogels with biomolecules. In addition, a brief summary of therapies
      based on simple injection for primary biological repair will be examined.
      Finally, special emphasis will focus on reviewing original studies reporting on
      the use of autologous cells and biomolecules such as platelet-rich plasma and
      their potential clinical applications.

PMID- 22072399
TI  - Phase I clinical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic study of KOS-862
      (Epothilone D) in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose and safety of the epothilone,
      KOS-862, in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients were treated weekly for 3 out of 4 weeks (Schedule A) or 2 out
      of 3 weeks (Schedule B) with KOS-862 (16-120 mg/m(2)). Pharmacokinetic (PK)
      sampling was performed during cycles 1 and 2; pharmacodynamic (PD) assessment for
      microtubule bundle formation (MTBF) was performed after the 1st dose, only at or
      above 100 mg/m(2). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled, and twenty-nine
      completed >=1 cycle of therapy. Dose limiting toxicity [DLT] was observed at 120
      mg/m(2). PK data were linear from 16 to 100 mg/m(2), with proportional increases
      in mean C(max) and AUC(tot) as a function of dose. Full PK analysis (mean +/- SD)
      at 100 mg/m(2) revealed the following: half-life (t (1/2)) = 9.1 +/- 2.2 h;
      volume of distribution (V(z)) = 119 +/- 41 L/m(2); clearance (CL) = 9.3 +/- 3.2
      L/h/m(2). MTBF (n = 9) was seen in 40% of PBMCs within 1 h and in 15% of PBMC at
      24-hours post infusion at 100 mg/m(2). Tumor shrinkage (n = 2, lymphoma), stable
      disease >3 months (n = 5, renal, prostate, oropharynx, cholangiocarcinoma, and
      Hodgkin lymphoma), and tumor marker reductions (n = 1, colorectal cancer/CEA)
      were observed. CONCLUSION: KOS-862 was well tolerated with manageable toxicity,
      favorable PK profile, and the suggestion of clinical activity. The maximum
      tolerated dose was determined to be 100 mg/m(2) weekly 3-on/1-off. MTBF can be
      demonstrated in PBMCs of patients exposed to KOS-862.

PMID- 22072400
TI  - Paracetamol overdose: the liver unit perspective.
AB  - Liver failure resulting from deliberate or accidental paracetamol overdose
      continues to be an important reason for referral to liver transplant centres.
      Severe hepatic dysfunction often appears 72-96 h after overdose. Liver injury can
      be prevented by timely administration of the specific antidote, N-acetylcysteine.
      Unfortunately, administration of N-acetylcysteine is frequently delayed due to
      late presentation or late administration. While N-acetylcysteine works best if
      given within 8 h of overdose, it is beneficial at any time period and should
      always be given if there is concern about significant overdose, irrespective of
      interval from time of ingestion. Early discussion with liver transplant unit is
      suggested if there is any doubt or evidence of liver failure.

PMID- 22072396
TI  - Inhibitory synaptic regulation of motoneurons: a new target of disease mechanisms
      in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common adult-onset
      neurodegenerative disease. It causes the degeneration of motoneurons and is fatal
      due to paralysis, particularly of respiratory muscles. ALS can be inherited, and
      specific disease-causing genes have been identified, but the mechanisms causing
      motoneuron death in ALS are not understood. No effective treatments exist for
      ALS. One well-studied theory of ALS pathogenesis involves faulty RNA editing and
      abnormal activation of specific glutamate receptors as well as failure of
      glutamate transport resulting in glutamate excitotoxicity; however, the
      excitotoxicity theory is challenged by the inability of anti-glutamate drugs to
      have major disease-modifying effects clinically. Nevertheless, hyperexcitability
      of upper and lower motoneurons is a feature of human ALS and transgenic (tg)
      mouse models of ALS. Motoneuron excitability is strongly modulated by synaptic
      inhibition mediated by presynaptic glycinergic and GABAergic innervations and
      postsynaptic glycine receptors (GlyR) and GABA(A) receptors; yet, the integrity
      of inhibitory systems regulating motoneurons has been understudied in
      experimental models, despite findings in human ALS suggesting that they may be
      affected. We have found in tg mice expressing a mutant form of human superoxide
      dismutase-1 (hSOD1) with a Gly93 -> Ala substitution (G93A-hSOD1), causing
      familial ALS, that subsets of spinal interneurons degenerate. Inhibitory
      glycinergic innervation of spinal motoneurons becomes deficient before motoneuron
      degeneration is evident in G93A-hSOD1 mice. Motoneurons in these ALS mice also
      have insufficient synaptic inhibition as reflected by smaller GlyR currents,
      smaller GlyR clusters on their plasma membrane, and lower expression of
      GlyR1alpha mRNA compared to wild-type motoneurons. In contrast, GABAergic
      innervation of ALS mouse motoneurons and GABA(A) receptor function appear normal.
      Abnormal synaptic inhibition resulting from dysfunction of interneurons and
      motoneuron GlyRs is a new direction for unveiling mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis
      that could be relevant to new therapies for ALS.

PMID- 22072401
TI  - Instrumented circumferential fusion for tuberculosis of the dorso-lumbar spine. A
      single or double stage procedure?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present our experience in treating
      dorso-lumbar tuberculosis by one-stage posterior circumferential fusion and to
      compare this group with a historical group treated by anterior debridement
      followed by postero-lateral fusion and stabilization. METHODS: Between 2003 and
      2008, 32 patients with active spinal tuberculosis were treated by one-stage
      posterior circumferential fusion and prospectively followed for a minimum of two
      years. Pain severity was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Neurological
      assessment was done using the Frankel scale. The operative data, clinical,
      radiological, and functional outcomes were also compared to a similar group of 25
      patients treated with anterior debridement and fusion, followed 10-14 days later
      by posterior stabilization and postero-lateral fusion. RESULTS: The mean
      operative time and duration of hospital stay were significantly longer in the two
      stage group. The mean estimated blood loss was also larger, though
      insignificantly, in the two-stage group. The incidence of complications was
      significantly lower in the one-stage group. At final follow-up, all 34 patients
      with pre-operative neurological deficits showed at least one Frankel grade of
      neurological improvement, all 57 patients showed significant improvement of their
      VAS back pain score, the mean kyphotic angle has significantly improved, all
      patients achieved solid fusion and 43 (75.4%) patients returned to their pre
      disease activity level or work. CONCLUSION: Instrumented circumferential fusion,
      whether in one or two stages, is an effective treatment for dorso-lumbar
      tuberculosis. One-stage surgery, however, is advantageous because it has lower
      complication rate, shorter hospital stay, less operative time and blood loss.

PMID- 22072402
TI  - High frequency of BTG1 deletions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children with
      down syndrome.
AB  - Previous cytogenetic studies of myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemias in
      children with Down syndrome (ML-DS and DS-ALL) have revealed significant
      differences in abnormality patterns between such cases and acute leukemias in
      general. Also, certain molecular genetic aberrations characterize DS-related
      leukemias, such as GATA1 mutations in ML-DS and deregulation of the CRLF2 gene in
      DS-ALL. Whether microdeletions/microduplications also vary between DS and non-DS
      cases is presently unclear. To address this issue, we performed single nucleotide
      polymorphism array analyses of eight pediatric ML-DS and 17 B-cell precursor DS
      ALL. In the ML-DS cases, a total of 29 imbalances (20 gains and nine losses) and
      two partial uniparental isodisomies (pUPDs) were detected. None of the 11 small
      (defined as <10 Mb) imbalances were recurrent, nor were the pUPDs, whereas of the
      18 large aberrations, three were recurrent-dup(1q), +8 and +21. In contrast,
      several frequent changes were identified in the DS-ALL cases, which harbored 82
      imbalances (30 gains and 52 losses) and four pUPDs. Of the 40 large changes, 28
      were gains and 12 losses, with +X, dup(Xq), dup(1q), del(7p), dup(8q), del(9p),
      dup(9p), del(12p), dup(17q), and +21 being recurrent. Of the 40 microdeletions
      identified, several targeted specific genes, with the following being repeatedly
      deleted: BTG1 and CDKN2A/B (29% of cases), ETV6, IKZF1, PAX5 and SERP2 (18%), and
      BTLA, INPP4B, P2RY8, and RB1 (12%). Loss of the SERP2 and INPP4B genes, encoding
      the stress-associated endoplasmic reticulum protein family member 2 and the
      inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase-II, respectively, has previously never been
      implicated in leukemia. Although deletions of the other genes have been
      associated with ALL, the high frequency of BTG1 loss is a novel finding. Such
      deletions may characterize a clinical subgroup of DS-ALL, comprising mainly boys
      with a high median age. In conclusion, ML-DS and DS-ALL are genetically distinct,
      with mainly gains in ML-DS and deletions in DS-ALL. Furthermore, DS-ALL is
      characterized by several recurrent gene deletions, with BTG1 loss being
      particularly frequent.

PMID- 22072403
TI  - Critical appraisal of the provisional DSM-5 criteria for anorexia nervosa and an
      alternative proposal.
AB  - DSM-V will be highly influential in shaping conceptions and perceptions of eating
      disorders by the lay public, patients, and health care providers over the next 10
      15 years. DSM not only influences how medical and mental health care
      professionals diagnose and treat patients but also impacts health insurance
      policies, research funding, and clinical trials. Revisions to diagnostic criteria
      must be carefully considered, empirically based, and consistent with current
      thinking both within the field and across relevant fields. Resultant criteria
      should be descriptive and non-judgmental and based on empirical findings without
      recourse to assumed etiologies. In this forum, we review problems with the
      current DSM IV diagnostic criteria, concerns with the proposed DSM-5 diagnostic
      criteria, and present an alternative classification scheme for anorexia nervosa
      (AN), which more accurately captures the phenomenology of the disorder and is
      congruent in terminology with other fields of biomedicine.

PMID- 22072404
TI  - An investigation of the joint longitudinal trajectories of low body weight, binge
      eating, and purging in women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the longitudinal course of three core eating disorder
      symptoms-low body weight, binge eating, and purging-in women with anorexia
      nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) using a novel statistical approach. METHOD:
      Treatment-seeking women with AN (n = 136) or BN (n = 110) completed the Eating
      Disorders Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation interview every 6 months,
      yielding weekly eating disorder symptom data for a 5-year period. Semiparametric
      mixture modeling was used to identify longitudinal trajectories for the three
      core symptoms. RESULTS: Four individual trajectories were identified for each
      eating disorder symptom. The number and general shape of the individual
      trajectories was similar across symptoms, with each model including trajectories
      depicting stable absence and stable presence of symptoms as well as one or more
      trajectories depicting the declining presence of symptoms. Unique trajectories
      were found for low body weight (fluctuating presence) and purging (increasing
      presence). Conjunction analyses yielded the following joint trajectories: low
      body weight and binge eating, low body weight and purging, and binge eating and
      purging. DISCUSSION: The course of individual eating disorder symptoms among
      patients with AN and BN is highly variable. Future research identifying clinical
      predictors of trajectory membership may inform treatment and nosological
      research.

PMID- 22072405
TI  - Therapeutic factors affecting the cognitive behavioral treatment of bulimia
      nervosa via telemedicine versus face-to-face delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recently, Mitchell et al. (Behav Res Ther, 46, 581-592, 2008)
      conducted a randomized controlled trial of an empirically supported treatment for
      bulimia nervosa (BN) delivered face-to-face (FTF-CBT) or via telemedicine (TV
      CBT). Results suggested that the TV-CBT and FTF-CBT were generally equivalent in
      effectiveness. The objective of the current study was to examine ratings of
      therapeutic alliance factors in TV-CBT and FTF-CBT. METHOD: Data obtained from
      116 adults who met criteria for BN or eating disorder-not otherwise specified
      with binge eating or purging weekly and six doctoral-level psychologists who
      delivered the therapy were used in the analyses. RESULTS: Therapists generally
      endorsed greater differences between the treatment delivery methods than
      patients. Patients tended to make significantly higher ratings of therapeutic
      factors than therapists. DISCUSSION: TV-CBT is an acceptable method for the
      delivery of BN treatment compared to FTF-CBT, and TV-CBT is more easily accepted
      as a treatment delivery method by patients than therapists.

PMID- 22072406
TI  - Eating disorders in youth: diagnostic variability and predictive validity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to examine the utility of DSM-IV criteria in
      predicting treatment outcome in a sample of adolescents with eating disorders.
      METHOD: We (a) descriptively compared the baseline rates of anorexia nervosa (AN)
      and bulimia nervosa (BN) across multiple reference points for diagnostic
      criteria, (b) using ROC curve analyses, assessed the sensitivity and specificity
      of each diagnostic criterion in predicting clinical outcome, and (c) with
      logistic regression analyses, examined the incremental predictive value of each
      criterion. RESULTS: Results show a high degree of variability in the baseline
      diagnostic profiles as a function of the information used to inform each DSM-IV
      criterion. For AN, Criterion A yielded the best predictive validity, with
      Criteria B-D providing no significant incremental value. For BN, none of the
      measures had a significant AUC, and results from logistic regression analyses
      showed that none of the indicators were robust in predicting outcome. DISCUSSION:
      For AN, the existing Criterion A is appropriate for children and adolescents, and
      is sufficient to predict outcome in the context of active refusal to maintain a
      normal weight as well as multiple informants and behavioral indicators of the
      psychological aspects of AN. For BN, predictive validity could not be
      established.

PMID- 22072407
TI  - Consent to treatment in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the ability of adolescents with anorexia nervosa
      (AN) to make treatment decisions. METHOD: The MacArthur Competence Assessment
      Tool-Treatment (MacCAT-T) was used to compare the decision making abilities of 35
      adolescents with AN who were receiving inpatient treatment with that of 40
      healthy, community-based adolescents. Vignettes of both a medical and psychiatric
      illness were provided, requiring participants to work through the process of
      making a hypothetical treatment decision. The MacCAT-T was also administered to
      participants with AN to examine decision-making about their own illness, which
      allowed for comparison of competencies across contexts. RESULTS: Group
      differences were found, with the community group showing superior reasoning
      skills to the adolescents with AN. DISCUSSION: The results provide evidence to
      suggest that adolescents with AN tend toward a thinking disposition that is
      concrete and lacking in abstract reasoning and reflection, which may negatively
      affect their ability to reason about treatment options.

PMID- 22072408
TI  - An off-line pilot evaluation of a web-based systemic cognitive-behavioral
      intervention for carers of people with anorexia nervosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel systemic
      cognitive behavior therapy-based intervention for carers of people with anorexia
      nervosa (AN). The intervention provides information and promotes skills
      development in managing the illness. Carers were also offered professional
      support. METHOD: Twenty-seven carers were recruited. Outcomes measuring carer
      distress, experience of care-giving, level of expressed emotion and problem
      solving were measured pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up. Carers also
      gave feedback. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in carers' anxiety and
      depression, negative experiences of caregiving and expressed emotion and a
      significant increase in positive experiences in caregiving after the
      intervention. Most improvements were maintained at follow-up. The intervention
      was well received. DISCUSSION: The results of this pilot study indicate that the
      intervention is acceptable to carers and may have a positive impact on carers'
      mental health and experience of care-giving. Further investigation of the
      intervention is warranted.

PMID- 22072409
TI  - Emotion contagion moderates the relationship between emotionally-negative
      families and abnormal eating behavior.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reconcile empirical inconsistencies in the relationship between
      emotionally-negative families and daughters' abnormal eating, we hypothesized a
      critical moderating variable: daughters' vulnerability to emotion contagion.
      METHOD: A nonclinical sample of undergraduate females (N = 92) was recruited via
      an advertisement and completed self-report measures validated for assessing:
      families' expressive negativity, daughters' susceptibility to emotion contagion,
      dietary restraint, and disinhibition, eating attitudes, and several control
      variables (interpersonal orientation, alexithymia, and the big five personality
      traits: extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, neuroticism, and
      agreeableness). RESULTS: All variables and interactions were entered as
      predictors in a multistep multiple regression equation. Only an emotion contagion
      by family expressivity interaction term significantly predicted unhealthy eating
      attitudes (beta = .29, p = .02) and dietary restraint (beta = .27, p = .03).
      Negatively expressive families significantly induced unhealthy eating and
      restraint but only among young women susceptible to emotion contagion (ps < .05).
      DISCUSSION: Young women susceptible to emotion contagion may be at increased risk
      for eating disorders.

PMID- 22072410
TI  - Dissatisfaction versus over-evaluation in a general population sample of women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compared levels of eating disorder psychopathology, general
      psychological distress and impairment in role functioning among subgroups of
      women, recruited from a large, general population sample, who reported
      dissatisfaction with weight or shape but not over-evaluation of weight or shape
      (n = 482) or over-evaluation but not dissatisfaction (n = 105). METHOD: Self
      report questionnaires that included measures of each outcome, as well as height
      and weight and socio-demographic information, were completed by all participants.
      RESULTS: Participants who reported dissatisfaction but not over-evaluation were
      older, heavier and had higher levels of weight or shape concerns, higher levels
      of general psychological distress, and poorer physical health than those who
      reported over-evaluation but not dissatisfaction. However, only differences with
      respect to weight or shape concerns remained significant after age and BMI were
      statistically controlled. In multivariable analysis, dissatisfaction with weight
      or shape made a stronger contribution to variance in all three outcomes-eating
      disorder psychopathology, general psychological distress and functional
      impairment-than over-evaluation. DISCUSSION: Although the findings are consistent
      with the view that over-evaluation and dissatisfaction are distinct constructs,
      there was no evidence to support the premise that overevaluation is more
      "pathological" than dissatisfaction among women in the general population.

PMID- 22072411
TI  - Parental expressed emotion of adolescents with anorexia nervosa: outcome in
      family-based treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between
      expressed emotion (EE) and outcome in family-based treatment (FBT) for anorexia
      nervosa (AN). METHOD: Eighty-six adolescents with AN participated in an RCT
      comparing two doses of FBT. Seventy-nine of these patients and their parents
      participated in a structured interview, from which EE ratings were made at
      baseline. Parents were compared on five subscales of EE as well as overall level
      of EE (high vs. low). RESULTS: Overall EE levels were low with 32.9% of families
      presenting as High EE at baseline. Ratings of baseline warmth for both mothers (p
      = .014) and fathers (p = .037) were related to good outcome at end-of-treatment.
      DISCUSSION: EE in parents of adolescents with AN is remarkably low.
      Notwithstanding, parental warmth may be a predictor of good outcome.

PMID- 22072412
TI  - Do eating attitudes predict early change in eating behaviors among women with
      bulimic disorders who are treated with cognitive behavioral therapy?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the eating attitudes that are associated with a
      reduction in bulimic behaviors during the key early stage of cognitive behavioral
      therapy (CBT). METHOD: A case series of 41 patients with bulimia nervosa (full or
      partial syndrome) took part. They were drawn from the case loads of CBT
      therapists working in an outpatient specialist eating disorders team. Each
      patient completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire and recorded the
      frequency of objective binges, the frequency of vomiting and the number of
      laxatives taken between Sessions 1 and 6. RESULTS: The participants' reduction in
      behaviors suggested that the early part of CBT was effective. Correlational
      analyses showed that those with poorer eating attitudes at the outset of therapy
      were likely to show the greatest behavioral change by Session 6, in keeping with
      findings relating to the full duration of CBT. DISCUSSION: Patients with
      relatively unhealthy eating attitudes are more likely to show positive behavioral
      change in the early part of course of CBT. Clinicians might need to encourage
      patients with bulimic disorders to work harder on behavioral change when the
      individual has less pathological eating attitudes at the outset.

PMID- 22072413
TI  - Tampon use in patients with anorexia nervosa can cause persistent vaginal
      bleeding: a case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the phenomenon of persistent vaginal bleeding in two
      patients with severe anorexia nervosa. METHOD: We report two cases of young women
      with severe anorexia nervosa reporting vaginal bleeding that persisted for months
      despite trials of topical and systemic conjugated estrogen therapy. RESULT: A
      speculum exam by a gynecologist ultimately revealed the source of the bleeding to
      be tampon-induced vaginal ulcers. These resolved, along with the vaginal
      bleeding, with vaginal estrogen cream and cessation of tampon use. DISCUSSION:
      Most patients with anorexia nervosa are amenorrheic due to reversion of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis to a prepubertal state. Vaginal bleeding in
      patients with anorexia nervosa may trigger needless systemic hormonal treatments,
      radiographic studies, and multiple physician visits. A careful exam is warranted
      to evaluate for the presence of tampon-induced vaginal ulcer in patients with
      anorexia nervosa who have persistent vaginal bleeding.

PMID- 22072414
TI  - Metabolic and neurologic sequelae in a patient with long-standing anorexia
      nervosa who presented with septic shock and deep hypoglycemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a 48-year female with chronic remitting anorexia
      nervosa who was found comatose at home and admitted to our hospital with a deep
      hypoglycemia (glucose level 0.6 mmol/L; 11 mg/dL) and septic shock secondary to a
      bilateral pneumonia. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: After admission to the
      critical care unit, she further displayed a number of pronounced complications
      known to be associated with anorexia, including hypophosphatemia, disturbed liver
      functions and depression of all three hematological cell lines. The neurological
      recovery of the patient was complicated by encephalopathy and transient
      tetraparesis. With initial deep hypoglycemia at presentation and persisting coma,
      magnetic resonance imaging performed 5 days later did not demonstrate
      characteristic post-hypoglycemic abnormalities. Neuroradiological examination did
      however reveal the presence of extensive calcifications in the basal ganglia
      known as Fahr's syndrome. DISCUSSION: The potential relation between anorexia
      nervosa and Fahr syndrome has not been described before. The fact that this
      patient survived a glucose level that is usually associated with a very poor
      outcome is probably related to its special origin.

PMID- 22072415
TI  - Stereoselective inhibitory effect of flurbiprofen, ibuprofen and naproxen on
      human organic anion transporters hOAT1 and hOAT3.
AB  - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) delay the renal excretion of
      antifolate methotrexate by inhibiting human organic anion transporters hOAT1
      (SLC22A6) and hOAT3 (SLC22A8). In this study, uptake experiments were performed
      using Xenopus laevis oocytes to assess stereoselectivity in the inhibitory
      characteristics of flurbiprofen, ibuprofen and naproxen against hOAT1 and hOAT3.
      Uptake of p-aminohippurate by hOAT1 was inhibited by each enantiomer of the three
      NSAIDs, and the inhibitory effect was superior in each (S)-enantiomer around 10
      uM. The apparent 50% inhibitory concentrations were estimated to be 0.615 uM for
      (S)-flurbiprofen, 2.84 uM for (S)-ibuprofen and 1.93 uM for (S)-naproxen, and
      these values were significantly lower than those of the respective (R)
      enantiomers [(R)-flurbiprofen: 2.35 uM, (R)-ibuprofen: 6.14 uM, (R)-naproxen:
      5.26 uM]. Furthermore, the (S)-NSAIDs at 3 uM reduced methotrexate accumulation
      in hOAT1-expressing oocytes more strongly than the corresponding (R)-enantiomers.
      All enantiomers inhibited hOAT3-mediated transport of estrone sulfate and
      methotrexate, but there was no difference between both enantiomers of each NSAID
      in the inhibitory potencies. Eadie-Hofstee plot analysis showed that (S)
      flurbiprofen and (R)-flurbiprofen inhibited hOAT1 and hOAT3 in a competitive
      manner. These findings represent the stereoselective inhibitory potencies of
      flurbiprofen, ibuprofen and naproxen on hOAT1, and the (S)-enantiomers are
      greater. In contrast, stereoselectivity was not recognized in their inhibitory
      effect on hOAT3.

PMID- 22072416
TI  - Natural orifice vaginal sacrocolpopexy (NOVaS): a cadaver feasibility study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The primary objective was to determine the
      feasibility of a vaginal approach to sacrocolpopexy using a cadaver model.
      Secondary objectives were to measure the distance from the vaginal introitus to
      the sacrum and distances of the sacral fixation elements to other vital
      structures. METHODS: Fourteen fresh-frozen cadavers were used. Specialized
      instruments were developed to optimize visualization and facilitate performance
      of the procedure. RESULTS: Five cadavers had a transperineal approach (an
      approach found unfeasible), and eight of the remaining nine had complete or
      partial completion of the transvaginal approach. The mean distance from the
      introitus to the promontory was 14.6 cm (12-16.5 cm). The mean distance from the
      sacral fixation elements to the aorta was 5.2 cm; common iliac artery, 3.5 cm;
      internal iliac artery, 3.25 cm; middle sacral artery, 1.75 cm, and ureters, 3.5
      cm. The position of the sacral fixation elements was consistently at the level of
      S1-2. CONCLUSION: Vaginal sacrocolpopexy is feasible in a cadaver model.

PMID- 22072417
TI  - Quantifying vaginal tissue elasticity under normal and prolapse conditions by
      tactile imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) is based on principles
      similar to those of manual palpation. The objective of this study is to assess
      the clinical suitability of new approach for imaging and tissue elasticity
      quantification under normal and prolapse conditions. METHODS: The study subjects
      included 31 women with normal and prolapse conditions. The tissue elasticity
      (Young's modulus) was calculated from spatial gradients in the resulting 3-D
      tactile images. RESULTS: Average values for tissue elasticity for the anterior
      and posterior compartments for normal conditions were 7.4 +/- 4.3 kPa and 6.2 +/-
      3.1 kPa respectively. For Stage III prolapse the average values for tissue
      elasticity for anterior and posterior compartments were 1.8 +/- 0.7 kPa and 1.8
      +/- 0.5 kPa respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VTI may serve as a means for 3-D imaging
      of the vagina and a quantitative assessment of vaginal tissue elasticity,
      providing important information for furthering our understanding of pelvic organ
      prolapse and surgical treatment.

PMID- 22072418
TI  - Reclassification of serous ovarian carcinoma by a 2-tier system: a Gynecologic
      Oncology Group Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to use the 2-tier system to reclassify the
      grade of serous ovarian tumors previously classified using the International
      Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 3-tier system and determine the
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients treated on
      Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Protocol 158. METHODS: The authors
      retrospectively reviewed demographic, pathologic, and survival data of 290
      patients with stage III serous ovarian carcinoma treated with surgery and
      chemotherapy on GOG Protocol 158, a cooperative multicenter group trial. A
      blinded pathology review was performed by a panel of 6 gynecologic pathologists
      to verify histology and regrade tumors using the 2-tier system. The association
      of tumor grade with PFS and OS was assessed. RESULTS: Of 241 cases, both systems
      demonstrated substantial agreement when combining FIGO grades 2 and 3 (overall
      agreement, 95%; kappa statistic, 0.68). By using the 2-tier system, patients with
      low-grade versus high-grade tumors had significantly longer PFS (45.0 vs 19.8
      months, respectively; P = .01). By using FIGO criteria, median PFS for patients
      with grade 1, 2, and 3 tumors was 37.5, 19.8, and 20.1 months, respectively (P =
      .07). There was no difference in clinical outcome in patients with grade 2 or 3
      tumors in multivariate analysis. Woman with high-grade versus low-grade tumors
      demonstrated significantly higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.17-5.04; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Women with high-grade
      versus low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary are 2 distinct patient
      populations. Adoption of the 2-tier grading system provides a simple yet precise
      framework for predicting clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22072420
TI  - MiR-200b is involved in Tgf-beta signaling to regulate mammalian palate
      development.
AB  - Various cellular and molecular events are involved in palatogenesis, including
      apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell proliferation, and cell
      migration. Smad2 and Snail, which are well-known key mediators of the
      transforming growth factor beta (Tgf-beta) pathway, play a crucial role in the
      regulation of palate development. Regulatory effects of microRNA 200b (miR-200b)
      on Smad2 and Snail in palatogenesis have not yet been elucidated. The aim of this
      study is to determine the relationship between palate development regulators miR
      200b and Tgf-beta-mediated genes. Expression of miR-200b, E-cadherin, Smad2, and
      Snail was detected in the mesenchyme of the mouse palate, while miR-200b was
      expressed in the medial edge epithelium (MEE) and palatal mesenchyme. After the
      contact of palatal shelves, miR-200b was no longer expressed in the mesenchyme
      around the fusion region. The binding activity of miR-200b to both Smad2 and
      Snail was examined using a luciferase assay. MiR-200b directly targeted Smad2 and
      Snail at both cellular and molecular levels. The function of miR-200b was
      determined by overexpression via a lentiviral vector in the palatal shelves.
      Ectopic expression of miR-200b resulted in suppression of these Tgf-beta-mediated
      regulators and changes of apoptosis and cell proliferation in the palatal fusion
      region. These results suggest that miR-200b plays a crucial role in regulating
      the Smad2, Snail, and in apoptosis during palatogenesis by acting as a direct non
      coding, influencing factor. Furthermore, the molecular interactions between miR
      200b and Tgf-beta signaling are important for proper palatogenesis and especially
      for palate fusion. Elucidating the mechanism of palatogenesis may aid the design
      of effective gene-based therapies for the treatment of congenital cleft palate.

PMID- 22072419
TI  - Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT)--a cyst to a tumour.
AB  - PURPOSE: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified 'odontogenic
      keratocyst' (OKC) to 'keratocystic odontogenic tumour' (KCOT) in 2005. Currently,
      this tumour is classified as a benign neoplasm of odontogenic origin and not as a
      cyst. This article reviews and discusses history, classification scheme,
      aetiology and pathogenesis, molecular and genetic basis, incidence, epidemiology
      and site, clinical features, imaging, histopathology, immunohistochemistry,
      treatment options, prognosis, recurrence and malignant transformation of KCOT,
      with emphasis on understanding the basis of reclassification as 'keratocystic
      odontogenic tumour'. METHODS: A systematic search and review of the literature
      was carried out in the online database of the United States National Library of
      Medicine to identify eligible titles for the study. RESULTS: Current evidence
      suggests that the scientific community still continues to use the term
      'odontogenic keratocyst' more favourably than 'keratocystic odontogenic tumour'.
      CONCLUSION: The online database search indicates that the scientific community
      still continues to use the term 'odontogenic keratocyst' more favourably than
      'keratocystic odontogenic tumour'. At this juncture, where the terminology has
      changed from a cyst to a tumour, a thorough review of literature on KCOT is
      presented.

PMID- 22072421
TI  - Role of CD44 in the organization of keratinocyte pericellular hyaluronan.
AB  - CD44 is a ubiquitous cell surface glycoprotein, involved in important cellular
      functions including cell adhesion, migration, and modulation of signals from cell
      surface receptors. While most of these CD44 functions are supposed to involve
      hyaluronan, relatively little is known about the contribution of CD44 to
      hyaluronan maintenance and organization on cell surface, and the role of CD44 in
      hyaluronan synthesis and catabolism. Blocking hyaluronan binding either by CD44
      antibodies, CD44-siRNA or hyaluronan decasaccharides (but not hexasaccharides)
      removed most of the hyaluronan from the surfaces of both human (HaCaT) and mouse
      keratinocytes, resembling results on cells from CD44-/- animals. In vitro,
      compromising CD44 function led to reduced and increased amounts, respectively, of
      intracellular and culture medium hyaluronan, and specific accumulation below the
      cells. In vivo, CD44-deficiency caused no marked differences in hyaluronan
      staining intensity or localization in the fetal skin or in adult ear skin, while
      tail epidermis showed a slight reduction in epidermal hyaluronan staining
      intensity. However, CD44-deficient tail skin challenged with retinoic acid or
      tape stripping revealed diffuse accumulation of hyaluronan in the superficial
      epidermal layers, normally negative for hyaluronan. Our data indicate that CD44
      retains hyaluronan in the keratinocyte pericellular matrix, a fact that has not
      been shown unambiguously before, and that hyaluronan abundance in the absence of
      CD44 can result in hyaluronan trapping in abnormal locations possibly interfering
      there with normal differentiation and epidermal barrier function.

PMID- 22072424
TI  - Two-temperature hybridization for microarray detection of label-free microRNAs
      with attomole detection and superior specificity.
AB  - Two is better than one: Two short locked nucleic acid based probes were used to
      collectively capture and detect microRNAs by a simple two-temperature
      hybridization process. Intact microRNAs were directly measured down to attomolar
      concentrations with a high specificity and nearly four orders of magnitude of
      dynamic range. Single base mismatches in the microRNAs were potently
      discriminated from the perfectly matched targets.

PMID- 22072423
TI  - Regulation of proton-coupled folate transporter in retinal Muller cells by the
      antipsoriatic drug monomethylfumarate.
AB  - Fumaric acid esters are used to treat psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease
      characterized by keratinocyte proliferation. Inflammation and proliferation are
      hallmarks of retinal disease; hence, fumaric acid esters may have therapeutic
      value in retinal pathology. In diseased retinas, Muller glial cells (MCs) undergo
      reactive gliosis, a hyperproliferative state. MCs take up folate, a vitamin
      necessary for cell proliferation, via the proton-coupled folate transporter
      (PCFT). Here we examined the effect of monomethylfumarate (MMF), the active
      metabolite of fumaric acid esters, on expression and function of PCFT in MCs.
      Primary MCs, isolated from neonatal mouse retinas, were treated with MMF, and
      PCFT function was monitored by measuring uptake of radiolabeled
      methyltetrahydrofolate (MTF) at pH 5.5. Dose-response and time-course analyses
      were performed to identify optimal conditions for maximal effect. The influence
      of MMF treatment on kinetic parameters of PCFT was studied, and PCFT expression
      was analyzed at the mRNA and protein level. MTF uptake in MCs decreased by ~50%
      following 18 h treatment with 1 mM MMF. This effect was specific to fumaric acid
      esters. MMF treatment decreased the maximal velocity of the transporter without
      altering substrate affinity. The decrease in PCFT function following MMF
      treatment was accompanied by attenuated PCFT expression. This is the first report
      that an antipsoriatic compound can regulate folate transport in MCs and may have
      potential for the treatment of reactive gliosis in retinal disease.

PMID- 22072426
TI  - Quantitative multispectral imaging of Herovici's polychrome for the assessment of
      collagen content and tissue remodelling.
AB  - Bioprosthetic devices, constructed from a variety of materials, are routinely
      implanted in a variety of anatomical locations. Essential to their success is the
      formation of a non-destructive interface with the host tissue and appropriate
      tissue remodelling. Traditionally, the main method of assessing the host-material
      interface has been qualitative histological evaluation, using pattern recognition
      and comparative assessment to identify changes in the normal tissue architecture
      that are characteristic of scar tissue. In the present study, the recently
      developed technique of multispectral imaging was used to revisit a little
      described histological stain, Herovici's polychrome, which is capable of
      distinguishing between types I and III collagen. Combined, these techniques
      allowed quantification of collagen content and distribution of collagen types
      within a tissue sample. Samples of rat tail and human scar tissue were used to
      optimize the staining, while comparison with immunolabelled samples was used to
      develop a reproducible quantification system, based on the specific colour
      profiles for types I and III collagen. Finally the remodelling of rat abdominal
      wall defects repaired with crosslinked or non-crosslinked extracellular matrix
      scaffolds derived from porcine urinary bladder was assessed with this technique.
      Compared to standard histological assessment, the combination of multispectral
      imaging and Herovici's polychrome staining presents a quick, simple, reliable
      technique that can provide accurate quantification of tissue remodelling and
      specifically identify the expression and distribution of types I and III
      collagen.

PMID- 22072425
TI  - Interactions between extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 MAP kinase
      pathways in the control of RUNX2 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity.
AB  - RUNX2, a key transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation, is regulated by
      ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase-mediated phosphorylation. However, the specific
      contribution of each kinase to RUNX2-dependent transcription is not known. Here
      we investigate ERK and p38 regulation of RUNX2 using a unique P-RUNX2-specific
      antibody. Both MAP kinases stimulated RUNX2 Ser319 phosphorylation and
      transcriptional activity. However, a clear preference for ERK1 versus
      p38alpha/beta was found when the ability of these MAPKs to phosphorylate and
      activate RUNX2 was compared. Similarly, ERK1 preferentially bound to a consensus
      MAPK binding site on RUNX2 that was essential for the activity of either kinase.
      To assess the relative contribution of ERK1/2 and p38 to osteoblast gene
      expression, MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells were grown in control or ascorbic acid
      (AA)-containing medium +/- BMP2/7. AA-induced gene expression, which requires
      collagen matrix synthesis, was associated with parallel increases in P-ERK and
      RUNX2-S319-P in the absence of any changes in P-p38. This response was blocked by
      ERK, but not p38, inhibition. Significantly, in the presence of AA, BMP2/7
      synergistically stimulated RUNX2 S319 phosphorylation and transcriptional
      activity without affecting total RUNX2 and this response was totally dependent on
      ERK/MAPK activity. In contrast, although p38 inhibition partially blocked BMP
      dependent transcription, it did not affect RUNX2 S319 phosphorylation, suggesting
      the involvement of other phosphorylation sites and/or transcription factors in
      this response. Based on this work, we conclude that extracellular matrix and BMP
      regulation of RUNX2 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity in osteoblasts
      is predominantly mediated by ERK rather than p38 MAPKs.

PMID- 22072427
TI  - Contribution of hyperammonemia and inflammatory factors to cognitive impairment
      in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - To assess the contribution of hyperammonemia and inflammation to induction of
      mild cognitive impairment (or MHE). We analyzed the presence of mild cognitive
      impairment (CI) by using the PHES battery of psychometric tests and measured the
      levels of ammonia and of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-18 in blood of
      patients with different types of liver or dermatological diseases resulting in
      different grades of hyperammonemia and/or inflammation. The study included
      patients with 1) liver cirrhosis, showing hyperammonemia and inflammation; 2) non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) showing inflammation but not
      hyperammonemia; 3) non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) showing inflammation and
      very mild hyperammonemia; 4) psoriasis, showing inflammation but not
      hyperammonemia; 5) keloids, showing both inflammation and hyperammonemia and 6)
      controls without inflammation or hyperammonemia. The data reported show that in
      patients with liver diseases, cognitive impairment may appear before progression
      to cirrhosis if hyperammonemia and inflammation are high enough. Five out of 11
      patients with NASH, without liver cirrhosis, showed cognitive impairment
      associated with hyperammonemia and inflammation. Patients with keloids showed
      cognitive impairment associated with hyperammonemia and inflammation, in the
      absence of liver disease. Hyperammonemia or inflammation alone did not induce CI
      but the combination of certain levels of hyperammonemia and inflammation is
      enough to induce CI, even without liver disease.

PMID- 22072428
TI  - Evaluating the ameliorative effect of natural dissolved organic matter (DOM)
      quality on copper toxicity to Daphnia magna: improving the BLM.
AB  - Various quality predictors of seven different natural dissolved organic matter
      (DOM) and humic substances were evaluated for their influence on protection of
      Daphnia magna neonates against copper (Cu) toxicity. Protection was examined at 3
      and 6 mg l(-1) of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of each DOM isolate added to
      moderately hard, dechlorinated water. Other water chemistry parameters (pH,
      concentrations of DOC, calcium, magnesium and sodium) were kept relatively
      constant. Predictors included absorbance ratios Abs(254/365) (index of molecular
      weight) and Abs-octanol(254)/Abs-water(254) (index of lipophilicity), specific
      absorption coefficient (SAC(340); index of aromaticity), and fluorescence index
      (FI; index of source). In addition, the fluorescent components (humic-like,
      fulvic-like, tryptophan-like, and tyrosine-like) of the isolates were quantified
      by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Up to 4-fold source-dependent differences
      in protection were observed amongst the different DOMs. Significant correlations
      in toxicity amelioration were found with Abs(254/365), Abs-octanol(254)/Abs
      water(254), SAC(340), and with the humic-like fluorescent component. The
      relationships with FI were not significant and there were no relationships with
      the tryptophan-like or tyrosine-like fluorescent components at 3 mg C l(-1),
      whereas a negative correlation was seen with the fulvic-like component. In
      general, the results indicate that larger, optically dark, more lipophilic, more
      aromatic DOMs of terrigenous origin, with higher humic-like content, are more
      protective against Cu toxicity. A method for incorporating SAC(340) as a DOM
      quality indicator into the Biotic Ligand Model is presented; this may increase
      the accuracy for predicting Cu toxicity in natural waters.

PMID- 22072429
TI  - Lack of association of cadherin expression and histopathologic type, metastasis,
      or patient outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a tissue microarray
      study.
AB  - Altered cadherin expression is important for metastasis in many carcinomas
      including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We evaluated E- and N
      cadherin expression specifically in oropharyngeal SCC and correlated this with
      clinical and pathologic features. Oropharyngeal SCC patients with clinical follow
      up information were identified from clinician databases from 1996 through 2007
      and tissue microarrays created. Tumors had been previously typed
      histopathologically as keratinizing, non-keratinizing, or non-keratinizing with
      maturation, and had known p16 and human papillomavirus status, respectively.
      Immunohistochemistry was performed on the microarrays, and staining was evaluated
      for presence and intensity (0 = negative, 1 = weak, 2 = moderate, 3 = strong)
      both visually and also with digital image analysis software. Of 154 cases, E
      cadherin was expressed in 152 (98.7%) and N-cadherin in 17 (11.5%). Neither E-
      nor N-cadherin expression was statistically significantly associated with
      histopathologic type (P = 0.082 and P = 0.228, respectively). E-cadherin staining
      intensity was not statistically significantly associated with nodal or distant
      metastasis, either visually or by image analysis, (P = 0.098 and P = 0.963
      respectively) nor was N-cadherin (P = 0.228 and P = 0.935 respectively). Neither
      E- nor N-cadherin expression was associated with death from disease (P = 0.995; P
      = 0.964, respectively). E-cadherin is extensively expressed by oropharyngeal SCC,
      even the non-keratinizing type. Our results suggest that cadherin expression may
      not be a predictor for nodal or distant metastasis in these tumors. Mechanisms
      independent of cadherin expression may be important for metastases in
      oropharyngeal SCC.

PMID- 22072431
TI  - Bridging the gap with an ileocolonic graft after extensive colorectal resections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ileocecal interposition (ICI) for first-line reconstruction after low
      anterior colorectal resection was introduced by von Flue and Harder in 1994 (Dis
      Colon Rectum 37:1160-1162, 1994). We report our experience using this technique
      to bridge colonic gaps after significant loss of bowel length. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Between 1999 and 2009 the left-sided colon was too short for traditional
      isoperistaltic reconstruction in six patients treated in our hospital. Reasons
      for extensive bowel loss were a deficient (n = 3) or torn (n = 1) marginal artery
      with ischemia or repeat colorectal resections (n = 2). An ICI was done to bridge
      the gap and enable restoration of intestinal continuity. RESULTS: No patient
      died. Whenever performing a coloanal anastomosis (4/6) a loop ileostomy was
      raised. One patient with colonic diversion experienced graft-related
      complications: ischemic colitis of the interposed colonic segment, anastomotic
      stenosis, and a presacral sinus were observed and managed nonoperatively.
      Subsequent closure of the stoma was possible in all cases. A median Vaizey
      incontinence score of 9 (range: 4-14) was recorded in the patient with coloanal
      anastomosis. The average number of bowel movements per day was 1.5 (range: 0.5
      6). CONCLUSIONS: When the descending colon does not reach the rectal stump or
      anal canal in reoperative cases or after vascular complication, ICI is a useful
      salvage procedure resulting in good bowel function.

PMID- 22072430
TI  - Ghrelin agonist TZP-101/ulimorelin accelerates gastrointestinal recovery
      independently of opioid use and surgery type: covariate analysis of phase 2 data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) motility is a common
      complication following surgery. TZP-101/ulimorelin is a macrocyclic
      peptidomimetic ghrelin receptor agonist with GI promotility effects that
      significantly accelerates time to recovery of GI motility compared to placebo
      following partial colectomy. It is also well tolerated. The objectives of this
      analysis were to identify predictors of GI motility recovery in patients
      undergoing partial colectomy and to evaluate whether these factors affect
      ulimorelin acceleration of GI recovery. METHODS: Covariate analysis assessed the
      effect of eight variables-age, sex, body mass index, type of surgery (right
      colectomy, left colectomy, other), duration of surgery, blood loss, total opioid
      consumption, country-on recovery of GI motility in 236 patients randomized to
      ulimorelin (n = 168) or placebo (n = 68). The primary endpoint was the recovery
      of GI function (time from the end of surgery to first bowel movement). Stepwise
      regression identified a parsimonious model of the smallest subset of variables
      best predicting GI recovery. RESULTS: Recovery was shorter for segmental/subtotal
      colectomies vs. right colectomies (P = 0.016) and longer with increased total
      opioid use (P = 0.037). The remaining variables had no statistically significant
      effect on GI recovery. Effects of ulimorelin 480 MUg/kg (the most effective dose)
      on time to GI tract recovery remained statistically and clinically significant
      (hazard ratio = 1.81, P = 0.014) when adjusted for surgery type and/or total
      opioid use. CONCLUSIONS: Two factors, type of surgery and total opioid use,
      independently modified times to recovery of GI motility following partial large
      bowel resection surgery. Acceleration of recovery of GI motility by ulimorelin
      was independent of these factors.

PMID- 22072432
TI  - Identification of novel GH-regulated genes in C2C12 cells.
AB  - Growth hormone (GH) is the main regulator of longitudinal growth before puberty,
      and treatment with human recombinant (rh) GH can increase muscle strength.
      Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms responsible remain mostly unknown. Many
      physiological effects of GH require hormone-mediated changes in gene expression.
      In an attempt to gain insight into the mechanism of GH action in muscle cells we
      evaluated the effects of rhGH on gene expression profile in a murine skeletal
      muscle cell line C2C12. The objective of the work was to identify changes in gene
      expression in the murine skeletal muscle cell line C2C12 after rGH treatment
      using microarray assays. C2C12 murine skeletal muscle cell cultures were
      differentiated during 4 days. After 16 h growing in serum-free medium, C2C12
      myotubes were stimulated during 6 h with 500 ng/ml rhGH. Four independent sets of
      experiments were performed to identify GH-regulated genes. Total RNA was isolated
      and subjected to analysis. To validate changes candidate genes were analyzed by
      real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and fifty-four
      differentially expressed genes were identified; 90 upregulated and 64
      downregulated. Many had not been previously identified as GH-responsive. Real
      time PCR in biological replicates confirmed the effect of rGH on 15 genes: Cish,
      Serpina3g, Socs2, Bmp4, Tnfrsf11b, Rgs2, Tgfbr3, Ugdh, Npy1r, Gbp6, Tgfbi, Tgtp,
      Btc, Clec3b, and Bcl6. This study shows modifications in the gene expression
      profile of the C2C12 cell line after rhGH exposure. In vitro and gene function
      analysis revealed genes involved in skeletal and muscle system as well as
      cardiovascular system development and function.

PMID- 22072433
TI  - A weekly administered sustained-release growth hormone reduces visceral fat and
      waist circumference in abdominal obesity.
AB  - Administration of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in obesity has been
      known to lead to a decrease in visceral adiposity and an increase in lean body
      mass. Most studies have used supraphysiological doses of rhGH, which were
      administered daily or every other day. We aimed to evaluate whether weekly
      administered low dose of sustained-release rhGH (SR-rhGH) could play a
      therapeutic role in the treatment of abdominal obesity. Prospective, single-arm,
      open-label, multicenter pilot study was carried out. Participants were 26 adults
      aged 40-65 years old with abdominal obesity (male: waist circumference >90 cm,
      female: waist circumference >85 cm). The subjects were given 3 mg of SR-rhGH,
      administered subcutaneously, weekly for 26 weeks. SR-rhGH treatment for 26 weeks
      increased the IGF-1 level by 56.53+/-76.09 MUg/l (SDS 0.77+/-1.12) compared to
      the baseline (p=0.0022). After 26 weeks, SR-rhGH treatment reduced abdominal
      visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (140.35+/-75.97 to 128.43+/-73.85 cm2, p=0.0038).
      Average waist circumference decreased from 96.25+/-6.41 to 91.93+/-6.13 cm
      (p<0.0001) after treatment. However, body weight or lean body mass did not show
      any significant change. In conclusion, SR-rhGH treatment for 26 weeks reduced
      abdominal visceral fat and waist circumference without severe adverse events.
      Further studies may be considered on the role of weekly administered SR-rhGH as a
      treatment for abdominal obesity.

PMID- 22072434
TI  - Sequential microfluidic droplet processing for rapid DNA extraction.
AB  - This work describes a novel droplet-based microfluidic device, which enables
      sequential droplet processing for rapid DNA extraction. The microdevice consists
      of a droplet generation unit, two reagent addition units and three droplet
      splitting units. The loading/washing/elution steps required for DNA extraction
      were carried out by sequential microfluidic droplet processing. The movement of
      superparamagnetic beads, which were used as extraction supports, was controlled
      with magnetic field. The microdevice could generate about 100 droplets per min,
      and it took about 1 min for each droplet to perform the whole extraction process.
      The extraction efficiency was measured to be 46% for lambda-DNA, and the
      extracted DNA could be used in subsequent genetic analysis such as PCR,
      demonstrating the potential of the device for fast DNA extraction.

PMID- 22072435
TI  - Production of multiple extracellular enzyme activities by novel submerged culture
      of Aspergillus kawachii for ethanol production from raw cassava flour.
AB  - Cassava is a starch-containing root crop that is widely used as a raw material in
      a variety of industrial applications, most recently in the  production of fuel
      ethanol. In the present study, ethanol production from raw (uncooked) cassava
      flour by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using a preparation
      consisting of multiple enzyme activities from Aspergillus kawachii FS005 was
      investigated. The multi-activity preparation was obtained from a novel submerged
      fermentation broth of A. kawachii FS005 grown on unmilled crude barley as a
      carbon source. The preparation was found to consist of glucoamylase, acid-stable
      alpha-amylase, acid carboxypeptidase, acid protease, cellulase and xylanase
      activities, and exhibited glucose and free amino nitrogen (FAN) production rates
      of 37.7 and 118.7 mg/l/h, respectively, during A. kawachii FS005-mediated
      saccharification of uncooked raw cassava flour. Ethanol production from 18.2%
      (w/v) dry uncooked solids of raw cassava flour by SSF with the multi-activity
      enzyme preparation yielded 9.0% (v/v) of ethanol and 92.3% fermentation
      efficiency. A feasibility study for ethanol production by SSF with a two-step
      mash using raw cassava flour and the multi-activity enzyme preparation
      manufactured on-site was verified on a pilot plant scale. The enzyme preparation
      obtained from the A. kawachii FS005 culture broth exhibited glucose and FAN
      production rates of 41.1 and 135.5 mg/l/h, respectively. SSF performed in a mash
      volume of about 1,612 l containing 20.6% (w/v) dry raw cassava solids and 106 l
      of on-site manufactured A. kawachii FS005 culture broth yielded 10.3% (v/v)
      ethanol and a fermentation efficiency of 92.7%.

PMID- 22072436
TI  - Characterization of alginate lyase gene using a metagenomic library constructed
      from the gut microflora of abalone.
AB  - A metagenomic fosmid library was constructed using a genomic DNA mixture
      extracted from the gut microflora of abalone. The library gave an alginate lyase
      positive clone (AlyDW) harboring a 31.7-kbp insert. The AlyDW insert consisted of
      22 open reading frames (ORFs). The deduced amino acid sequences of ORFs 11-13
      were similar to those of known alginate lyase genes, which are found adjacent in
      the genome of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. aerogenes, Vibrio splendidus, and
      Vibrio sp. belonging to the phylum Gammaproteobacteria. Among the three
      recombinant proteins expressed from the three ORFs, alginate lyase activity was
      only observed in the recombinant protein (AlyDW11) coded by ORF 11. The expressed
      protein (AlyDW11) had the highest alginate lyase activity at pH 7.0 and 45
      degrees C in the presence of 1 mM AgNO(3). The alginate lyase activity of ORF 11
      was confirmed to be endolytic by thin-layer chromatography. AlyDW11 preferred
      poly(beta-D: -mannuronate) as a substrate over poly(alpha-L: -guluronate).
      AlyDW11 contained three highly conserved regions, RSEL, QIH, and YFKAGVYNQ, which
      may act to stabilize the three-dimensional conformation and function of the
      alginate lyase.

PMID- 22072437
TI  - Alginate production and alg8 gene expression by Azotobacter vinelandii in
      continuous cultures.
AB  - Alginates are polysaccharides that are used as thickening agents, stabilizers,
      and emulsifiers in various industries. These biopolymers are produced by
      fermentation with a limited understanding of the processes occurring at the
      cellular level. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of
      agitation rate and inlet sucrose concentrations (ISC) on alginate production and
      the expression of the genes encoding for alginate-lyases (algL) and the catalytic
      subunit of the alginate polymerase complex (alg8) in chemostat cultures of
      Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 9046. Increased alginate production (2.4 g l-1) and a
      higher specific alginate production rate (0.1 g g-1 h-1) were obtained at an ISC
      of 15 g l-1. Carbon recovery of about 100% was obtained at an ISC of 10 g l-1,
      whereas it was close to 50% at higher ISCs, suggesting that cells growing at
      lower sucrose feed rates utilize the carbon source more efficiently. In each of
      the steady states evaluated, an increase in algL gene expression was not related
      to a decrease in alginate molecular weight, whereas an increase in the molecular
      weight of alginate was linked to higher alg8 gene expression, demonstrating a
      relationship between the alg8 gene and alginate polymerization in A. vinelandii
      for the first time. The results obtained provide a possible explanation for
      changes observed in the molecular weight of alginate synthesized and this
      knowledge can be used to build a recombinant strain able to overexpress alg8 in
      order to produce alginates with higher molecular weights.

PMID- 22072438
TI  - Prognostic implications of genetic aberrations in acute myelogenous leukemia with
      normal cytogenetics.
AB  - Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease in which
      somatic mutations, that disturb cellular growth, proliferation, and
      differentiation, accumulate in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cytogenetic
      findings, at diagnosis, have been proven to be one of the most important
      prognostic indicators in AML. About half of the patients with AML are found to
      have "normal" cytogenetic analysis by standard culture techniques. These patients
      are considered as an intermediate risk group. Cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML)
      is the largest cytogenetic risk group, and the variation in clinical outcome of
      patients in this group is greater than in any other cytogenetic group. Besides
      mutation testing, age and presenting white blood cell count are important
      predictors of overall survival, suggesting that other factors independent of
      cytogenetic abnormalities, contribute to the outcome of patients with AML. The
      expanding knowledge at the genetic and molecular levels is helping define several
      subgroups of patients with CN-AML with variable prognosis. In this review, we
      describe the clinical and prognostic characteristics of CN-AML patients as a
      group, as well as the various molecular and genetic aberrations detected in these
      patients and their clinical and prognostic implications.

PMID- 22072440
TI  - Instrumental variables in epidemiological research: an assessment of the adoption
      rate and future trends.

PMID- 22072439
TI  - High prevalence of CIC fusion with double-homeobox (DUX4) transcription factors
      in EWSR1-negative undifferentiated small blue round cell sarcomas.
AB  - Primitive round cell sarcomas of childhood and young adults have been problematic
      to diagnose and classify. Our goal was to investigate the pathologic and
      molecular characteristics of small blue round cell tumors (SBRCT) that remained
      unclassified after exhaustive immunohistochemistry and molecular screening to
      exclude known sarcoma-related translocations. As rare examples of EWSR1-negative
      SBRCT have been shown to carry rearrangements for FUS and CIC genes, we undertook
      a systematic screening for these two genes. CIC rearrangements by FISH were
      detected in 15/22 (68%), while none showed FUS abnormalities. RACE, RT-PCR,
      and/or long-range DNA PCR performed in two cases with frozen material showed that
      CIC was fused to copies of the DUX4 gene on either 4q35 or 10q26.3. Subsequent
      FISH analysis confirmed fused signals of CIC with either 4q35 or 10q26.3 region
      in six cases each. Tumors positive for CIC-DUX4 fusion occurred mainly in male
      young adult patients (median age: 29 years), with the extremities being the most
      frequent location. Microscopically, tumors displayed a primitive, round to oval
      cell morphology with prominent nucleoli, high mitotic count, and areas of
      necrosis. O13 expression was variable, being either diffuse or patchy and tumors
      mostly lacked other markers of differentiation. Although CIC-DUX4 resulting in a
      t(4;19) translocation has been previously described in primitive sarcomas, this
      is the first report implicating the related DUX4 on 10q26 in oncogenesis. These
      results suggest the possibility of a newly defined subgroup of primitive round
      cell sarcomas characterized by CIC rearrangements, distinct from Ewing sarcoma
      family of tumors.

PMID- 22072442
TI  - Cardiovascular responses to water ingestion at rest and during isometric handgrip
      exercise.
AB  - Water drinking activates sympathetic vasoconstriction in healthy young adults;
      however, this is not accompanied by a concomitant increase in resting blood
      pressure. It is not known whether the water pressor effect is unmasked by a
      physiological condition such as exercise. Therefore, we examined the effect of
      water ingestion (50 vs. 500 mL) on the cardiovascular and autonomic responses to
      isometric handgrip in 17 healthy participants (9 men, 8 women, aged 28.4 +/- 9.7
      years). Beat-to-beat blood pressure and R-R intervals were recorded in both
      conditions at rest (pre- and post-ingestion) and during handgrip at 30% of
      maximal voluntary contraction. R-R series were spectrally decomposed using an
      autoregressive approach. Water ingestion did not interact with the increase in
      mean arterial pressure (MAP) from rest to exercise, which was similar between
      conditions. In contrast, there was an overall bradycardic effect of water and
      this was accompanied by increased high frequency power (condition main effect, p
      < 0.05). When the differences in high frequency power between conditions were
      controlled for, MAP was significantly higher after drinking 500 mL of water
      (condition main effect, p < 0.05). In addition, water ingestion attenuated the
      increase in the low to high frequency power ratio from rest to handgrip
      (interaction effect, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the rise in blood pressure post
      water ingestion is prevented both at rest and during isometric handgrip.
      Interestingly, this is not sustained after controlling for the enhanced vagal
      drive caused by water ingestion. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying this
      response most likely depend on reflex bradycardia of vagal origin.

PMID- 22072443
TI  - Increased p75 neurotrophin receptor expression in the canine distemper virus
      model of multiple sclerosis identifies aldynoglial Schwann cells that emerge in
      response to axonal damage.
AB  - Gliogenesis under pathophysiological conditions is of particular clinical
      relevance since it may provide regeneration-promoting cells recruitable for
      therapeutic purposes. There is accumulating evidence that aldynoglial cells with
      Schwann cell-like growth-promoting properties emerge in the lesioned CNS.
      However, the characterization of these cells and the signals triggering their in
      situ generation have remained enigmatic. In the present study, we used the p75
      neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR) ) as a marker for Schwann cells to study
      gliogenesis in the well-defined canine distemper virus (CDV)-induced
      demyelination model. White matter lesions of CDV-infected dogs contained bi- to
      multipolar, p75(NTR) -expressing cells that neither expressed MBP, GFAP, BS-1, or
      P0 identifying oligodendroglia, astrocytes, microglia, and myelinating Schwann
      cells nor CDV antigen. Interestingly, p75(NTR) -expression became apparent prior
      to the onset of demyelination in parallel to the expression of beta-amyloid
      precursor protein (beta-APP), nonphosphorylated neurofilament (n-NF), BS-1, and
      CD3, and peaked in subacute lesions with inflammation. To study the role of
      infiltrating immune cells during differentiation of Schwann cell-like glia,
      organotypic slice cultures from the normal olfactory bulb were established.
      Despite the absence of infiltrating lymphocytes and macrophages, a massive
      appearance of p75(NTR) -positive Schwann-like cells and BS-1-positive microglia
      was noticed at 10 days in vitro. It is concluded that axonal damage as an early
      signal triggers the differentiation of tissue-resident precursor cells into
      p75(NTR) -expressing aldynoglial Schwann cells that retain an immature pre-myelin
      state. Further studies have to address the role of microglia during this process
      and the regenerative potential of aldynoglial cells in CDV infection and other
      demyelinating diseases.

PMID- 22072441
TI  - Racial disparities in receipt and comparative effectiveness of oxaliplatin for
      stage III colon cancer in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: African Americans in the United States have higher rates of colon
      cancer mortality than other races. This study examines the use of oxaliplatin, a
      novel chemotherapeutic agent approved in 2004, among African American and
      Caucasian American patients with stage III colon cancer to determine whether
      differential receipt or differential effectiveness of the drug may explain the
      racial disparity in colon cancer mortality. METHODS: The authors conducted a
      population-based retrospective cohort study of stage III colon cancer patients
      aged 65 years and older treated from 2004 through 2006 who initiated chemotherapy
      within 90 days of surgical resection (N = 1162) using Surveillance, Epidemiology
      and End Results-Medicare data. Patients receiving oxaliplatin (n = 477) were
      compared with those receiving 5-fluorouracil without oxaliplatin (n = 685). The
      authors estimated prevalence ratios and hazard ratios (HRs) using multivariate
      binomial regression and Cox models to evaluate racial differences in oxaliplatin
      receipt and survival. RESULTS: African Americans were as likely as Caucasian
      Americans to receive oxaliplatin (40.5 vs 41.1%; prevalence ratio, 0.90; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.13). Oxaliplatin was associated with lower
      mortality compared with 5-fluorouracil (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.58-1.00). This
      benefit appeared stronger among African Americans (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.09-1.05)
      than Caucasian Americans (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: In Medicare
      insured patients receiving chemotherapy, the authors observed no meaningful
      racial disparities in receipt of oxaliplatin and, among those receiving it,
      potentially better survival among African Americans. Differential receipt and
      effectiveness of oxaliplatin-containing regimens does not appear to contribute to
      the previously documented racial disparities in colon cancer survival.
      Understanding reasons for potentially enhanced effectiveness among African
      Americans may inform efforts to resolve racial disparities in colon cancer
      outcomes.

PMID- 22072444
TI  - Molecular engineering of zinc phthalocyanines with phosphinic acid anchoring
      groups.

PMID- 22072445
TI  - Assessment of the interactive effects of ambient O3 and NPK levels on two
      tropical mustard varieties (Brassica campestris L.) using open-top chambers.
AB  - Rising O(3) concentrations in agricultural areas have been identified as a
      significant threat to crop production in Asia including India. The present work
      reports the results of a field study conducted to assess the usefulness of higher
      than recommended NPK dose in modifying the physiological, growth, yield, and seed
      quality responses of two mustard (Brassica campestris L. var. Vardan and
      Aashirwad) varieties under ambient ozone level at a rural site of India, using
      open-top chambers. Twelve hourly mean O(3) concentrations ranged between 27.7 and
      59.04 ppb during the growth period. Plants in nonfiltered chambers (NFCs) showed
      reductions in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and growth parameters
      compared to the plants in filtered chambers (FCs), but reductions were of lower
      magnitude at 1.5 times recommended dose of NPK (1.5 RNPK) compared to recommended
      (RNPK). Yield and seed quality reduced significantly in plants of NFCs compared
      to FCs at RNPK, but no significant differences were recorded at 1.5 RNPK. There
      were higher N uptake and N uptake efficiency of plants in FCs compared to NFCs.
      Nitrogen utilization efficiency increased in Vardan, but decreased in Aashirwad
      in NFCs compared to FCs suggesting higher capability of N acquisition and
      utilization under ambient O(3), which led to a less pronounced reduction in the
      yield of the former than the latter variety. The differential nitrogen
      utilization efficiency in these varieties may be potentially used as measure of
      sensitivity characteristics in breeding programs for yield improvement in mustard
      under the present trend of increase in O(3) concentrations.

PMID- 22072446
TI  - Individual trabecula segmentation (ITS)-based morphological analyses and
      microfinite element analysis of HR-pQCT images discriminate postmenopausal
      fragility fractures independent of DXA measurements.
AB  - Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
      measurements of areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Emerging technologies, such as
      high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), may
      increase the diagnostic accuracy of DXA and enhance our mechanistic understanding
      of decreased bone strength in osteoporosis. Women with (n = 68) and without (n =
      101) a history of postmenopausal fragility fracture had aBMD measured by DXA,
      trabecular plate and rod microarchitecture measured by HR-pQCT image-based
      individual trabecula segmentation (ITS) analysis, and whole bone and trabecular
      bone stiffness by microfinite element analysis (uFEA) of HR-pQCT images at the
      radius and tibia. DXA T-scores were similar in women with and without fractures
      at the spine, hip, and 1/3 radius, but lower in fracture subjects at the
      ultradistal radius. Trabecular microarchitecture of fracture subjects was
      characterized by preferential reductions in trabecular plate bone volume, number,
      and connectivity over rod trabecular parameters, loss of axially aligned
      trabeculae, and a more rod-like trabecular network. In addition, decreased
      thickness and size of trabecular plates were observed at the tibia. The
      differences between groups were greater at the radius than the tibia for plate
      number, rod bone volume fraction and number, and plate-rod and rod-rod junction
      densities. Most differences between groups remained after adjustment for T-score
      by DXA. At a fixed bone volume fraction, trabecular plate volume, number, and
      connectivity were directly associated with bone stiffness. In contrast, rod
      volume, number, and connectivity were inversely associated with bone stiffness.
      In summary, HR-pQCT-based ITS and uFEA measurements discriminate fracture status
      in postmenopausal women independent of DXA measurements. Moreover, these results
      suggest that preferential loss of plate-like trabeculae contribute to lower
      trabecular bone and whole bone stiffness in women with fractures. We conclude
      that HR-pQCT-based ITS and uFEA measurements increase our understanding of the
      microstructural pathogenesis of fragility fracture in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22072447
TI  - Aerial shaking performance of wet Anna's hummingbirds.
AB  - External wetting poses problems of immediate heat loss and long-term pathogen
      growth for vertebrates. Beyond these risks, the locomotor ability of smaller
      animals, and particularly of fliers, may be impaired by water adhering to the
      body. Here, we report on the remarkable ability of hummingbirds to perform rapid
      shakes in order to expel water from their plumage even while in flight. Kinematic
      performance of aerial versus non-aerial shakes (i.e. those performed while
      perching) was compared. Oscillation frequencies of the head, body and tail were
      lower in aerial shakes. Tangential speeds and accelerations of the trunk and tail
      were roughly similar in aerial and non-aerial shakes, but values for head motions
      while perching were twice as high when compared with aerial shakes [corrected] .
      Azimuthal angular amplitudes for both aerial and non-aerial shakes reached values
      greater than 180 degrees  for the head, greater than 45 degrees  for the body
      trunk and slightly greater than 90 degrees  for the tail and wings. Using a
      feather on an oscillating disc to mimic shaking motions, we found that bending
      increased average speeds by up to 36 per cent and accelerations of the feather
      tip up to fourfold relative to a hypothetical rigid feather. Feather flexibility
      may help to enhance shedding of water and reduce body oscillations during
      shaking.

PMID- 22072449
TI  - How to identify water from thickener aqueous solutions by touch.
AB  - Water detection is one of the most crucial psychological processes for many
      animals. However, nobody knows the perception mechanism of water through our
      tactile sense. In the present study, we found that a characteristic frictional
      stimulus with large acceleration is one of the cues to differentiate water from
      water contaminated with thickener. When subjects applied small amounts of water
      to a glass plate, strong stick-slip phenomena with a friction force of 0.46 +/-
      0.30 N and a vertical force of 0.57 +/- 0.36 N were observed at the skin surface,
      as shown in previous studies. Surprisingly, periodic shears with acceleration
      seven times greater than gravitational acceleration occurred during the
      application process. Finite-element analyses predicted that these strong stimuli
      could activate tactile receptors: Meissner's corpuscle and Pacinians. When such
      stimuli were applied to the fingertips by an ultrasonic vibrator, a water-like
      tactile texture was perceived by some subjects, even though no liquid was present
      between the fingertip and the vibrator surface. These findings could potentially
      be applied in the following areas: materials science, information technology,
      medical treatment and entertainment.

PMID- 22072450
TI  - Population structure in the Neisseria, and the biological significance of fuzzy
      species.
AB  - Phenotypic and genetic variation in bacteria can take bewilderingly complex forms
      even within a single genus. One of the most intriguing examples of this is the
      genus Neisseria, which comprises both pathogens and commensals colonizing a
      variety of body sites and host species, and causing a range of disease. Complex
      relatedness among both named species and previously identified lineages of
      Neisseria makes it challenging to study their evolution. Using the largest
      publicly available collection of bacterial sequence data in combination with a
      population genetic analysis and experiment, we probe the contribution of inter
      species recombination to neisserial population structure, and specifically
      whether it is more common in some strains than others. We identify hybrid groups
      of strains containing sequences typical of more than one species. These groups of
      strains, typical of a fuzzy species, appear to have experienced elevated rates of
      inter-species recombination estimated by population genetic analysis and further
      supported by transformation experiments. In particular, strains of the pathogen
      Neisseria meningitidis in the fuzzy species boundary appear to follow a different
      lifestyle, which may have considerable biological implications concerning
      distribution of novel resistance elements and meningococcal vaccine development.
      Despite the strong evidence for negligible geographical barriers to gene flow
      within the population, exchange of genetic material still shows directionality
      among named species in a non-uniform manner.

PMID- 22072452
TI  - Operation of the alula as an indicator of gear change in hoverflies.
AB  - The alula is a hinged flap found at the base of the wings of most brachyceran
      Diptera. The alula accounts for up to 10 per cent of the total wing area in
      hoverflies (Syrphidae), and its hinged arrangement allows the wings to be swept
      back over the thorax and abdomen at rest. The alula is actuated via the third
      axillary sclerite, which is a component of the wing hinge that is involved in
      wing retraction and control. The third axillary sclerite has also been implicated
      in the gear change mechanism of flies. This mechanism allows rapid switching
      between different modes of wing kinematics, by imposing or removing contact with
      a mechanical stop limiting movement of the wing during the lower half of the
      downstroke. The alula operates in two distinct states during flight-flipped or
      flat-and we hypothesize that its state indicates switching between different
      flight modes. We used high-speed digital video of free-flying hoverflies
      (Eristalis tenax and Eristalis pertinax) to investigate whether flipping of the
      alula was associated with changes in wing and body kinematics. We found that
      alula state was associated with different distributions of multiple wing
      kinematic parameters, including stroke amplitude, stroke deviation angle,
      downstroke angle of incidence and timing of supination. Changes in all of these
      parameters have previously been linked to gear change in flies. Symmetric
      flipping of the alulae was associated with changes in the symmetric linear
      acceleration of the body, while asymmetric flipping of the alulae was associated
      with asymmetric angular acceleration of the body. We conclude that the wings
      produce less aerodynamic force when the alula is flipped, largely as a result of
      the accompanying changes in wing kinematics. The alula changes state at mid
      downstroke, which is the point at which the gear change mechanism is known to
      come into effect. This transition is accompanied by changes in the other wing
      kinematic parameters. We therefore find that the state of the alula is linked to
      the same parameters as are affected by the gear change mechanism. We conclude
      that the state of the alula does indeed indicate the operation of different
      flight modes in Eristalis, and infer that a likely mechanism for these changes in
      flight mode is the gear change mechanism.

PMID- 22072453
TI  - Ultrasonographic findings in cubital tunnel syndrome caused by a cubitus varus
      deformity.
AB  - We have retrospectively reviewed the clinical, preoperative ultrasonographic, and
      operative findings of eight patients who had tardy ulnar nerve palsy caused by a
      cubitus varus deformity. The mean varus angle on the affected side was 23 degrees
      . With preoperative ultrasonography, the anterior dislocation of the ulnar nerve
      from the medial epicondyle was detected in dynamic scanning of short-axis images,
      and long-axis images revealed nerve compression and kinking in the proximal
      border of the flexor carpi ulnaris. Operative findings revealed compression of
      the ulnar nerve by a fibrous band, which was released in all cases. The cause of
      the tardy ulnar nerve palsy in this series of patients was constriction by a
      fibrous band and kinking in the proximal border of the flexor carpi ulnaris due
      to ulnar nerve dislocation from compression resulting from the forward movement
      of the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle.

PMID- 22072451
TI  - Predicting the effect of climate change on African trypanosomiasis: integrating
      epidemiology with parasite and vector biology.
AB  - Climate warming over the next century is expected to have a large impact on the
      interactions between pathogens and their animal and human hosts. Vector-borne
      diseases are particularly sensitive to warming because temperature changes can
      alter vector development rates, shift their geographical distribution and alter
      transmission dynamics. For this reason, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping
      sickness), a vector-borne disease of humans and animals, was recently identified
      as one of the 12 infectious diseases likely to spread owing to climate change. We
      combine a variety of direct effects of temperature on vector ecology, vector
      biology and vector-parasite interactions via a disease transmission model and
      extrapolate the potential compounding effects of projected warming on the
      epidemiology of African trypanosomiasis. The model predicts that epidemics can
      occur when mean temperatures are between 20.7 degrees C and 26.1 degrees C. Our
      model does not predict a large-range expansion, but rather a large shift of up to
      60 per cent in the geographical extent of the range. The model also predicts that
      46-77 million additional people may be at risk of exposure by 2090. Future
      research could expand our analysis to include other environmental factors that
      influence tsetse populations and disease transmission such as humidity, as well
      as changes to human, livestock and wildlife distributions. The modelling approach
      presented here provides a framework for using the climate-sensitive aspects of
      vector and pathogen biology to predict changes in disease prevalence and risk
      owing to climate change.

PMID- 22072454
TI  - Continuous peripheral nerve block in forearm for severe hand trauma.
AB  - We studied the use of a continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) in the distal
      forearm and wrist immediately after emergent surgery for severe hand trauma in 22
      hands. After emergent surgery, a 2-3 cm longitudinal incision was made at the
      distal forearm and an 18-gauge catheter was inserted along the peripheral nerves.
      All patients received postoperative analgesia by continuous infusion of 0.2%
      ropivacaine at 2 ml/h for seven to 21 days. Pain score remained low during
      postoperative period and only a small number of analgesic rescues were needed.
      There were no major complications related to the CPNB and one patient showed mild
      superficial infection at the insertion site that immediately recovered after
      catheter removal. This method provides good postoperative analgesia without loss
      of motor function in extrinsic hand muscles and should be considered as a
      postoperative pain management for severe hand trauma.

PMID- 22072455
TI  - The flexor carpi radialisbrevis muscle - an anomaly in forearm musculature: a
      review article.
AB  - The volar approach to the distal radius is an increasingly popular method of
      exposing fractures of the distal radius for purposes of reduction and internal
      fixation. We present five clinical cases and one cadaveric case of an incidental
      finding of an aberrant flexor of the forearm. A literature review undertaken
      showed few previous case reports of this relatively uncommon anatomic variant.
      The possibility of seeing the flexor carpi radialis brevis muscle during a volar
      approach to the distal radius should be made known to all orthopedic and hand
      surgeons.

PMID- 22072456
TI  - Wrist denervation in isolation: a prospective outcome study with patient
      selection by wrist blockade.
AB  - Surgical wrist denervation involves division of the anterior and posterior
      interosseous nerves and articular branches of the superficial radial nerve. In
      this outcome study, 37 patients were individually assessed and deemed suitable
      for denervation surgery due to appreciable symptom resolution following a local
      anesthetic wrist block. At a mean of 18 months following denervation surgery,
      median activity pain scores had decreased by 60% (p < 0.001) from initial
      assessment levels, and more than three quarters (30/37) of patients reported
      continued improvement in their activity pain (p < 0.001). More than two thirds of
      patients had a satisfaction VAS of greater than 50, with less postoperative
      resting pain and a greater reduction in postoperative activity pain as the
      important predictors of patient satisfaction. Thirty-one out of the 37 patients
      had not represented to our department for revision wrist surgery by a mean of
      10.3 years follow-up. We have found this procedure useful in ameliorating
      symptoms for some patients who would conventionally have required partial or
      total wrist fusions with greater residual functional limitation.

PMID- 22072457
TI  - Accurate radiographic measurement of the distal radial tilt.
AB  - Both wrists in 189 patients who had been treated for dorsally displaced distal
      radius fracture were X-rayed with both right angle and 15 degrees  tilted lateral
      views. Two investigators measured the radial tilt. The mean difference in the
      angles recorded by the two investigators was 2.5 degrees  for the tilted and 3.7
      degrees  for the right angle projections (p = 4.7 * 10(-8)). The precision of the
      method was 2.6 degrees  for the tilted and 3.5 degrees  for right angle
      projection. The mean angle measured on the tilted views was 3 degrees  more
      dorsal than on the right angle views for wrists with a volar tilt between 10
      degrees  and 15 degrees , and 0 degrees  to 2 degrees  for wrists with less volar
      tilt or dorsal displacement. Lateral projections tilted 15 degrees  allow more
      precise measurements than right angle views. Correction is not necessary when
      comparing to right angle views, as long as there is displacement in a dorsal
      direction of the distal fragment.

PMID- 22072458
TI  - Locking palmar plate fixation for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal
      radius: a preliminary report.
AB  - We reviewed a series of 62 consecutive patients with dorsally displaced fractures
      of the distal radius, including 20 extra-articular and 42 intra-articular
      fractures. All patients were treated with palmar locking plate systems at our
      institution between 2002 and 2006. After a minimum follow-up time of 12 weeks,
      the fractures had healed with satisfactory radiographic and functional results.
      According to the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley, 35 patients were
      rated excellent, 26 good, and one fair. In the good and fair groups, the demerit
      points were almost all for ulnar wrist pain. Our results suggest that palmar
      locking plate systems enable early functional mobilization with good reproducible
      radiographic and clinical outcomes. Since nine out of 62 patients had residual
      ulnar wrist pain at the final follow-up evaluation, further investigation of the
      pathogenesis of ulnar wrist pain is necessary to obtain better functional
      outcomes.

PMID- 22072459
TI  - Prevention of flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after volar plate fixation of
      distal radius fractures.
AB  - We evaluated the presence of "tendon irritation" of flexor pollicis longus (FPL)
      for cases of distal radius fracture treated with volar plates to prevent FPL
      tendon rupture. This report details cases of 24 patients. The presence of pain or
      a sense of incompatibility and subdermal crepitus around the wrist with an active
      thumb motion were defined as symptoms of FPL tendon irritation. Twelve of 24
      patients complained of FPL tendon irritation. The plates were removed in nine of
      these 12 patients, while tendon injury was found in three cases. The other 12
      patients did not complain of FPL tendon irritation. Four of these 12 patients
      underwent plate removal, and tendon injury was not detected. The results of this
      study indicate that FPL tendon irritation is likely to appear before tendon
      rupture. Therefore, FPL tendon rupture might be prevented by plate removal in
      patients who complained of tendon irritation.

PMID- 22072460
TI  - Clinical outcomes of excision arthroplasty for Kienbock's disease.
AB  - We have carried out a replacement of the lunate in 12 patients with advanced
      Kienbock's disease, with excision of the lunate and insertion of an iliac bone
      flap wrapped into palmaris longus. The aims of this study were to determine the
      effect of this procedure for advanced Kienbock's disease. At a mean follow-up
      period of 45.3 months, the mean clinical score was excellent in all cases.
      Radiographically, progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the radiocarpal joint was
      found in two patients. At follow-up, the X-ray findings indicated a reduced of
      osseous core in four patients. On the other hand, carpal height ratio showed no
      significant change at follow-up. Excision arthroplasty using a tendon ball with
      osseous core for advanced Kienbock's disease leads to OA progression in some
      cases. However, clinical results were excellent in all cases. Therefore, this
      current study provides effective therapeutic procedure for advanced Kienbock's
      disease.

PMID- 22072461
TI  - Macromastia: a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome?
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a cohort
      of women with macromastia and to assess the evolution of the CTS signs and
      symptoms after breast surgery. POPULATION: A series of 123 women was evaluated.
      CTS was defined by co-existence of symptoms, two physical findings and
      electrophysiological evaluation. One year after reduction mammaplasty, the 22
      patients who had been diagnosed CTS were re-evaluated. RESULTS: CTS group of
      women had a mean age of 38.8 years, mean body mass index of 28.5 kg/m(2) and mean
      breast size of 35.9 cm. Age and nipple-to-sternal notch distance were
      statistically significantly associated with CTS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001,
      respectively). A year after surgery 15 patients were re-assessed: nine patients
      reported absence or improvement of CTS symptoms while six patients reported
      symptoms persistence or worsening. CONCLUSION: Age, breast size, but not body
      mass index, have a positive correlation with the CTS.

PMID- 22072462
TI  - High definition ultrasound as diagnostic adjunct for incomplete carpal tunnel
      release.
AB  - Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment in the upper limb and
      carpal tunnel release (CTR) provides the most predictable outcome and relief of
      symptoms. Incomplete carpal tunnel releases are uncommon, however, in the event
      of incomplete surgical releases, symptoms following such incomplete releases tend
      to be more severe than the symptoms presented at the initial complaint. We
      present our experience in utilizing high definition ultrasound to reliably and
      accurately localize the anatomical cause to aid focused revision CTR.

PMID- 22072463
TI  - Opponoplasty without postoperative immobilization.
AB  - Opponoplasty using tendon transfer is a useful reconstructive procedure that
      restores lost thenar muscle function. Tendon transfers, however, require
      postoperative immobilization periods of up to four weeks before the sutured
      tendons reach required strength. We developed an opponoplasty procedure using
      alpha-TCP (alpha-tricalcium phosphate) cement that does not require postoperative
      immobilization and was applied to nine hands out of nine cases. The procedure is
      performed under local anesthesia without a pneumatic tourniquet and on an
      outpatient basis. In this procedure, the flexor digitorum superficialis of the
      ring finger is used as the donor tendon and the palmaris longus tendon is used as
      a dynamic pulley. The distal end of the transferred tendon is anchored to the
      inside of a newly formed bone hole in the thumb's proximal phalanx using alpha
      TCP cement. Our opponoplasty procedure was uneventful postoperatively and
      produced satisfactory results in all nine cases. The alpha-TCP cement procedure
      shows potential for other tendon transfer applications.

PMID- 22072464
TI  - Outcomes of silastic trapezium replacements.
AB  - Trapezio-metacarpal joint arthritis is common, affecting 7% of men and 15% of
      women. Numerous surgical techniques are described for this condition but it is
      not clear which is best. Eighty-six silicone trapezium replacements were assessed
      at an average of 46 months (six to 156 months) postoperatively for patient
      satisfaction, pain, key and power grip strength, range of motion, complications
      and disability with DASH score. Patient satisfaction was 92%. There was excellent
      pain reduction from 4.2 to 0.6 on a scale of 0 to 5. Strength was 72% and 84% of
      age-sex-matched normal data for key and power grips, respectively. The
      complication rate was low, with two cases of persistent pain. One resolved
      spontaneously, the other resolved following revision of the silicone implant. The
      average DASH score was 30. Silicone trapezium replacement is an effective
      operation that offers the patient good pain relief, strength and good function
      with few complications.

PMID- 22072465
TI  - Hand infection in diabetic patients.
AB  - The diabetic hand infection is less reported in the literature. Therefore, it is
      easily ignored and underestimated resulting in increased morbidity among the
      diabetic population. Diabetic hand is a rapid in progression, extensive and
      severe tissue destruction. We analyze the clinical course and outcome of hand
      infection in diabetic patients. We reviewed all the admissions with hand
      infection from January 2006-April 2010. Thirty-seven patients were found with
      associated diabetes mellitus. The demographic data, culture report, number of
      operations and management, hospital stay and outcome-like amputation were
      recorded. The average age was 62 years. Pain and swelling were the chief
      complaints. The cause of infection was varied. The infection was superficial in
      13 and deep in 24 patients. Forty-one percent of culture report revealed
      polymicrobial organism. The increased length of hospital stay, reoperations and
      amputation were associated with deep infection and polymicrobial organism. Prompt
      medical and surgical attentions are the most important factors. A proper glycemic
      control, elevation of the affected extremity, thorough and adequate surgical
      debridement and appropriate antibiotics are the important considerations when
      dealing with diabetic hand infection.

PMID- 22072466
TI  - Proximal phalanx injection for trigger finger: randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Trigger finger is one of the most common upper extremity problems in the
      outpatient department. Conservative treatment is the mainstay for management of
      trigger digits especially steroid injection with highly satisfactory outcome and
      minimal complication. Conventional injection technique (CI) that approaches
      flexor tendon sheath over metacarpal head directly causes pain for most patients.
      The proximal phalanx injection technique (P1I) at palmar surface of midproximal
      phalanx is simple and less painful for the patients. We compared pain result and
      effectiveness between these two methods. Forty patients with primary trigger
      fingers were placed in a prospective randomized study to receive steroid
      injection with either the CI or P1I techniques. Demographic data were recorded.
      Immediately after the injection, pain score was recorded for each patient using
      the pain visual analog scale. The patients were followed every month for three
      months to determine recurrent symptoms. Student's t-test, chi-square and Fisher's
      exact test were used for data analysis. The mean pain VAS scores immediately post
      injection were 7.3 +/- 1.3 and 3.2 +/- 2.2 in the CI and P1I techniques,
      respectively. The P1I technique group had a significantly lower pain score than
      CI technique group (p < 0.001). The recurrence rate was 15% in the CI technique
      when compared to 25% in the P1I technique which was not significant (p = 0.685).
      We concluded that the P1I technique is less painful than the CI technique without
      any significant difference in recurrence rate between the two groups at three
      months follow-up.

PMID- 22072467
TI  - Suppurative arthritis involving the synchondrosis of an os acromiale.
AB  - Os acromiale is an unfused epiphysis of the anterior part of the acromion
      occurring in approximately 8% of the population. Infection of this joint has not
      been previously described in the literature. We report such a case in a 59-year
      old woman presenting with shoulder pain. A high index of clinical suspicion, with
      early imaging of the shoulder leading to prompt and definitive diagnosis, can
      lead to appropriate treatment and produce a favorable outcome.

PMID- 22072468
TI  - Intramedullary nailing for pathological fractures of the ulna.
AB  - Pathological lesions of long bones increase the morbidity of many common cancers.
      The orthopedic management of metastatic skeletal lesions can be challenging. The
      ultimate aim is to provide patients with a painless, functional limb. We present
      a report of two cases were a novel minimally invasive long bone nailing technique
      has been utilized to achieve skeletal stability and alleviation of symptoms.

PMID- 22072469
TI  - Remodeling of distal ulna after excision arthroplasty for acute comminuted distal
      ulnar fracture: a case report.
AB  - Bone adaptation after excision arthroplasty of distal radioulnar joint in an
      acute traumatic distal ulna fracture has never been reported. A case of
      irreparable and comminuted distal ulnar head fracture was managed by excising the
      ulna head and repairing the fovea (deep ligament) attachments of distal
      radioulnar ligaments, and then an unexpected remodeling of the distal ulna with
      the shape of pole and seat was noted. The anatomy of deep fibers of distal
      radioulnar ligament is important not only in biomechanics about the stability of
      distal radioulnar joint but it is also possible in the morphology about the shape
      of the distal radioulnar joint.

PMID- 22072470
TI  - Double plate fixation for correction of the malunited distal ulna fracture: a
      case report.
AB  - A 62-year-old woman visited our hospital one year after a motor vehicle accident
      complaining of ulnar wrist pain and restricted pronation and supination.
      Radiographs showed a 35 degrees  angular deformity at the ulnar neck. Closing
      wedge osteotomy was performed using two plates for stabilization. Twenty-four
      months postoperatively, the osteotomy site united without correction loss and the
      patient gained adequate pronation and supination. To the best of our knowledge,
      this represents the first report of corrective osteotomy for the treatment of
      malunited ulnar neck fracture. Although salvage operations such as ulnar head
      resection and the Sauve-Kapandji procedure may provide reasonable results,
      anatomical repair can be considered as an option.

PMID- 22072471
TI  - Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by a ganglion in the carpal tunnel with an atypical
      type of palsy: a case report.
AB  - Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by a ganglion is a rare condition. We report a case
      which presented with a rapidly progressive onset of symptoms and subsequent
      thenar palsy.

PMID- 22072472
TI  - Median nerve palsy: a complication of brachial artery cardiac catheterization.
AB  - The patient, an 83-year-old male with ischemic cardiac disease, was examined
      using a periodical left brachial artery cardiac catheterization. Six hours after
      the examination, complete median nerve palsy appeared. Four months later, the
      median nerve was explored and found to be compressed by a hematoma in the
      brachial artery. The location of the hematoma was at 6 cm proximal to the
      puncturing point, because the catheter may have penetrated the brachial artery
      from the lumen. The median nerve was released and the hematoma removed. One year
      after surgery, the median nerve palsy had disappeared.

PMID- 22072473
TI  - Closed radial wedge osteotomy for Preiser's disease: a report of four cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcome of closed radial wedge osteotomy
      (CRWO) for Preiser's disease. METHODS: CRWO was performed for four patients with
      Preiser's disease between 2000 and 2005. All patients were diagnosed by X-ray and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Separation gaps in the radioscaphoid
      joint were observed to evaluate the decompression in the area. Clinical
      evaluation was performed using Cooney's scoring system. RESULTS: Although wrist
      pain persisted in patients with radioscaphoid arthritis change, marked mitigation
      of wrist pain was confirmed in three patients. The average clinical score was 66,
      with good in one, fair in two, and poor in one. Restriction of wrist movement by
      CRWO caused lower clinical scores. No patients had wrist arthrodesis at the last
      follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term observation showed disappointing
      clinical results; however, for relief of wrist pain, this method is a potential
      surgical procedure for Preiser's disease under limited conditions.

PMID- 22072474
TI  - Isolated complete volar dislocation of the capitate: a case report.
AB  - Total dislocation of the capitate is an extremely rare event. We report on one
      such unusual case. The complete expulsion of the capitate from its physiological
      position is difficult to diagnose. Standard parameters of the antero-posterior
      and lateral radiological do not head to a definite diagnosis. In our patient, the
      only real diagnostic tool was the clinical assessment and the Gilula arches
      alteration to the standard antero-posterior projection. In the period following
      trauma, the patient reported a very high level of pain in the wrist. Since this
      could not be correlated to the lesions that had been diagnosed, we hypothesized
      the presence of any carpal bones damage. A definite diagnosis was obtained at CT
      scan, which also revealed the absence of any fractures.

PMID- 22072475
TI  - Free fibular graft reconstruction following resection of chondrosarcoma in the
      first metacarpal.
AB  - Chondrosarcoma is most frequently present in the pelvis and long bones and rarely
      seen in the bones of the hand. Traditionally the treatment of choice for
      involvment of the hand is ray amputation, however this causes significant
      functional deficit if there is thumb involvement. There are limited cases in
      literature of resection of thumb chondrosarcoma with restoration of function. We
      present a case of high grade chondrosarcoma of the first metacarpal treated with
      resection and free fibular graft reconstruction. We report excellent functional
      outcome with this procedure.

PMID- 22072476
TI  - Reconstruction of the thumb with a modified wrap-around flap in a patient
      suffering from beta-thalassemia minor.
AB  - Thalassemia is a congenital hemolytic disorder caused by a partial or complete
      deficiency of alpha- or beta-globin chain synthesis. It has been seen that
      thalassemic patients exhibit an increased frequency of thrombotic events. The
      article presents the first case of thumb reconstruction with a modified wrap
      around flap in a patient suffering from beta-thalassemia minor.

PMID- 22072477
TI  - Multiple localized giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) affecting a
      single tendon: a very rare case report and review of recent cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) are very common.
      More recently, a small number of case reports have identified the presence of
      multifocal GCTTS in the hand. These case reports have identified the presence of
      a maximum of two simultaneous lesions of a giant cell tumor affecting the same
      tendon sheath. We present an exceptionally rare case of simultaneous multiple
      localized GCTTS in which five lesions were identified on a single tendon
      simultaneously. This number of lesions on a single tendon has never been
      previously reported. CASE: A 37-year-old tree surgeon initially complained of
      pain in the region of the base of the ring and little fingers. A month later, he
      developed multiple soft tissue swellings at these sites and a soft tissue mass in
      the center of the palm relating to the left ring finger. A magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) scan suggested multiple GCTTS. These masses were excised completely
      without MRI evidence of a recurrence. Multiple GCTTS should be a differential
      diagnosis of multiple soft tissue swellings in the hand with an MRI scan and
      complete excision being the appropriate imaging and treatment modality
      respectively.

PMID- 22072478
TI  - Closed traumatic rupture of both extensor tendons of the index finger in zone VI:
      a case report.
AB  - The patient with closed traumatic rupture of both extensor tendons of the index
      finger in zone VI was described.

PMID- 22072479
TI  - Distal phalangeal reconstruction for recurrent intraosseous epidermoid cyst of
      the finger - a case report.
AB  - Intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the finger phalanx is rare. We report a case of
      postoperative recurrent intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the distal phalanx of the
      ring finger. To prevent further recurrence while maintaining morphology and
      function, the distal half of the distal phalanx that included the epidermoid cyst
      was resected to completely remove the lesion. The distal phalanx was then
      reconstructed by grafting corticocancellous bone from the ilium and shaped into a
      distal phalanx. The operation was performed using a through-the-nail approach,
      temporarily removing the nail and placing a longitudinal incision in the nail bed
      to approach the phalanx. Postoperatively, bone fusion was achieved without
      recurrence and the shape of the distal phalanx was normal. Distal phalangeal
      hypertrophy and nail plate deformity also normalized and excellent results were
      obtained.

PMID- 22072480
TI  - The "local dorsal adipofascial flap" for volar digital defects: a case report.
AB  - The coverage of volar digital defects can be achieved by a variety of surgical
      options. Although frequently used and reliable, these procedures entail the need
      for a second stage for flap release, meticulous dissection, sacrifice of a
      digital artery of the uninvolved digit, or delayed mobilization resulting in
      digital stiffness. The ideal surgical procedure for such defects should be a
      simple, single-stage surgery that allows early mobilization and return to
      function and at the same time avoiding unnecessary donor site morbidity from an
      uninvolved digit. The "local dorsal adipofascial flap" is a simple procedure that
      does not need a secondary procedure for flap release and affords early range of
      motion and return to function. We used this new flap technique in two digits with
      volar defects in a single patient. At ten months after flap coverage, the fingers
      were fully functional with good healing of the "local dorsal adipofascial flap."

PMID- 22072481
TI  - Nail hypertrophy after elective surgery on the little finger: a case report.
AB  - The authors present a case that developed acute painful nail hypertrophy of the
      ipsilateral four fingers which resembled finger clubbing after undergoing
      elective hand surgery on the little finger. The patient was diagnosed as having
      complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and the nail hypertrophy subsided
      gradually on pain control, and completely normalized one year after onset.
      Recognizing this phenomenon may help initiate early treatment for CRPS and avoid
      unnecessary antibiotic or antifungal medications for postoperative infection.

PMID- 22072482
TI  - Triangular flaps: a modified technique for the correction of congenital
      constriction ring syndrome.
AB  - Congenital constriction ring syndrome (CCRS) is a congenital anomaly with a wide
      spectrum of clinical presentation. The accepted method of correcting a circular
      constriction is to excise the deep part of the constriction, and break the line
      of the circular scar with multiple Z- or W-plasties. Specific correction of soft
      tissue is recommended concurrently, to better correct the "sandglass" deformity.
      Here we describe a new technique using triangular advancement flaps to correct
      the deformity in eight patients with constriction ring syndrome, involving either
      the upper or lower limbs. In this technique, triangular flaps can be introduced
      either proximal or distal to the ring, depending on the limb circumference, to
      correct the contour deformity. In all eight patients, a normal extremity contour
      was obtained, with complete elimination of the deformity caused by the
      constriction ring. A mean follow-up of 43 months revealed an aesthetically
      acceptable scar, with no case of recurrence. Triangular flaps designed either
      proximal or distal to the constriction ring is able to correct the contour
      deformity of the limbs with great versatility and acceptable aesthetic results.

PMID- 22072483
TI  - Digital artery perforator flap for reconstruction of fingertip after resection of
      melanoma in situ.
AB  - A case of 40-year-old female with melanoma in situ on her left index finger is
      presented. When treating melanoma in situ, it is recommended to have 3 mm margin
      and to include subcutaneous fat layer for resection of the tumor. To reconstruct
      the fingertip with the exposed distal phalanx, we used digital artery perforator
      flap. Since the resection of melanoma in situ in the appropriate manner would
      result in low risk of recurrence of the tumor, unlike melanoma of more deeply
      infiltrating types, it is important to use flaps which are easy to raise,
      functionally superior, and cosmetically excellent, The drawbacks of using digital
      artery perforator flap is that the operator is not able to tell if the flap
      includes the perforator until the flap is raised, since there is a risk of
      damaging the perforator when trying to expose it to visually confirm that it is
      included in the flap.

PMID- 22072484
TI  - Consenting for the application of tourniquet in young female patients with hand
      and wrist injuries who have a contraceptive implant.

PMID- 22072485
TI  - Prognostication in primary myelofibrosis.
AB  - Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic
      myeloproliferative neoplasm usually affecting elderly people. Median survival
      currently approaches 6 years, with a few patients surviving more than 20 years
      but others dying soon after diagnosis. In 10% to 20% of patients, PMF evolves
      into acute leukemia. Conventional treatment is merely palliative and does not
      prolong survival. The only chance for cure is allogeneic hemopoietic stem-cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT), which is associated with high morbidity and
      mortality. Introduction of less aggressive forms of allo-HSCT and the prospect of
      molecular-targeted therapies has renewed interest in prognostication in PMF. The
      most important prognostic factors are anemia, age over 65 years, constitutional
      symptoms, leukocytosis, blood blasts, and some cytogenetic abnormalities. These
      factors have recently been systematized into an International Prognostic Scoring
      System (IPSS) and further refined in a dynamic IPSS (DIPSS), useful at any time
      over the disease course, as well as a DIPSS-plus model including karyotypic
      information.

PMID- 22072486
TI  - Development of a double-layer microfluidic chip with flow medium for chemotherapy
      resistance analysis of lung cancer.
AB  - Integration and miniaturization are main advantages of microchip-based systems.
      Vertical integration of the multiple operations within a multiple-layer chip is
      expected to satisfy the urgent demand for high-throughput and large-scale
      applications. This study aimed at establishing a double-layer chip to integrate
      the operations including the cell culture, the identification of the protein and
      the detection of the cell viability onto a platform systematically and supplied
      with flow fresh medium continuously via a syringe pump to mimic the
      microenvironment in vivo. With this device, human non-small cell lung cancer cell
      line (SPCA-1) was cultured well; the expression and the activity of multidrug
      resistance-associated protein (MRP1) were detected by immunofluorescence assay
      for the cells pretreated with or without MK-571, a known inhibitor of MRP1;
      apoptosis percentages were assayed for the cells after being treated by the
      anticancer drug etoposide (VP-16). The results demonstrated that the function of
      the MRP1 was inhibited by MK-571, and the percentage of apoptotic for the cells
      pretreated with MK-571 was higher than that of the control (38.2+/-2.5% versus
      12.3+/-0.85%, p<0.005). All these indicated that the new device could provide a
      suitable condition for cell culture and functional analysis in biomedical
      research, and MK-571 is an effective inhibitor of MRP1 associated with the
      viability of SPCA-1 cell line treated by VP-16.

PMID- 22072487
TI  - [How to better understand magnetic resonance tomography, recognise risks for
      blindness, evaluate contrast vision and correct a glaucoma myth].

PMID- 22072488
TI  - [Magnetic resonance imaging in neuro-ophthalmological diagnostics].
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging has become the most important tomographic imaging
      technique in neuro-ophthalmological diagnostics. A short introduction to the
      basic physical principles of MRI followed by a glossary summarising the relevant
      sequences used in neuro-ophthalmologic diagnostics provides an insight into this
      complex method. Differences and specific diagnostic values of every sequence are
      demonstrated with the help of sample images.

PMID- 22072489
TI  - [Experience in contrast vision testing].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since July 2011 driving licensing in Germany requires contrast
      vision to be tested. Recommendations are available for testing under mesopic
      conditions only. This study is aimed to provide recommendations for photopic
      testing. METHOD: 169 persons were tested both under mesopic (Mesotest) and
      photopic (Optovist) conditions. RESULTS: With the Mesotest the setting without
      glare and the requirement to recognize contrast 1:5 or with glare contrast 1:23
      proved to be suitable. With the Optovist visual acuity size 0.4 without and 0.25
      with glare proved to be adequate, if the requirement is to recognize the limit of
      5 %. DISCUSSION: Not unexpectedly, there is no perfect congruence between the
      tests. We therefore recommend that the screening methods used in industrial
      medicine need to be sufficiently sensitive and specific, unfortunately this is
      met only by some of the conditions supplied with the instruments.

PMID- 22072490
TI  - [Tongue necrosis as first clinical manifestation of Horton giant cell arteritis].

PMID- 22072491
TI  - Neoplastic MiR-17~92 deregulation at a DNA fragility motif (SIDD).
AB  - Chromosomal or mutational activation of BCL6 (at 3q27) typifies diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma (DLBCL) which in the germinal center subtype may be accompanied by
      focal amplification of chromosome band 13q31 effecting upregulation of miR-17~92.
      Using long distance inverse-polymerase chain reaction, we mapped and sequenced
      six breakpoints of a complex BCL6 rearrangement t(3;13)(q27;q31)t(12;13)(p11;q31)
      in DLBCL cells, which places miR-17~92 antisense within the resulting ITPR2-BCL6
      chimeric fusion gene rearrangement. MiR-17~92 members were upregulated ~15-fold
      over controls in a copy number independent manner consistent with structural
      deregulation. MIR17HG and ITPR2-BCL6 were, despite their close configuration,
      independently expressed, discounting antisense regulation. MIR17HG in
      t(3;13)t(12;13) cells proved highly responsive to treatment with histone
      deacetylase inhibitors implicating epigenetic deregulation, consistent with which
      increased histone-H3 acetylation was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation
      near the upstream MIR17HG breakpoint. Remarkably, 5/6 DNA breaks in the
      t(3;13)t(12;13) precisely cut at stress-induced DNA duplex destabilization (SIDD)
      peaks reminiscent of chromosomal fragile sites, while the sixth lay 150 bp
      distant. Extended SIDD profiling showed that additional oncomiRs also map to SIDD
      peaks. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that 11 of 52 (21%)
      leukemia-lymphoma (L-L) cell lines with 13q31 involvement bore structural
      rearrangements at/near MIR17HG associated with upregulation. As well as fueling
      genome instability, SIDD peaks mark regulatory nuclear-scaffold matrix attachment
      regions open to nucleosomal acetylation. Collectively, our data indict a specific
      DNA instability motif (SIDD) in chromosome rearrangement, specifically
      alterations activating miR-17~92 epigenetically via promoter hyperacetylation,
      and supply a model for the clustering of oncomiRs near cancer breakpoints.

PMID- 22072492
TI  - Phase II study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) in
      patients with low or intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndrome.

PMID- 22072493
TI  - Dietary total antioxidant capacity and gastric cancer risk in the European
      prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition study.
AB  - A high intake of dietary antioxidant compounds has been hypothesized to be an
      appropriate strategy to reduce gastric cancer (GC) development. We investigated
      the effect of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in relation to GC in the
      European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) study including 23 centers
      in 10 European countries. A total of 521,457 subjects (153,447 men) aged mostly
      35-70 years old, were recruited largely between 1992 and 1998. Ferric reducing
      antioxidant potential (FRAP) and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter
      (TRAP), measuring reducing and chain-breaking antioxidant capacity were used to
      measure dietary TAC from plant foods. Dietary antioxidant intake is associated
      with a reduction in the risk of GC for both FRAP (adjusted HR 0.66; 95%CI (0.46
      0.95) and TRAP (adjusted HR 0.61; 95%CI (0.43-0.87) (highest vs. lowest
      quintile). The association was observed for both cardia and noncardia cancers. A
      clear effect was observed in smokers with a significant reduction in GC risk for
      the fifth quintile of intake for both assays (highest vs. lowest quintile:
      adjusted HR 0.41; 95%CI (0.22-0.76) p for trend <0.001 for FRAP; adjusted HR
      0.52; 95%CI (0.28-0.97) p for trend <0.001 for TRAP) but not in nonsmokers. In
      former smokers, the association with FRAP intake was statistically significant
      (highest vs. lowest quintile: adjusted HR 0.4; 95%CI (0.21-0.75) p < 0.05); no
      association was observed for TRAP. Dietary antioxidant capacity intake from
      different sources of plant foods is associated with a reduction in the risk of
      GC.

PMID- 22072495
TI  - (E)- and (Z)-beta-borylallylsilanes by alkyne silaboration followed by regio- and
      stereoselective double-bond migration.
AB  - Double take: beta-Borylallylsilanes have been synthesized by the regioselective
      silaboration of terminal alkynes followed by palladium-catalyzed double-bond
      migration of the resulting beta-borylalkenylsilanes. The stereoselectivity of the
      double-bond migration can be controlled by additives, thus leading to the
      stereocomplementary synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-beta-borylallylsilanes.

PMID- 22072494
TI  - Androgen deprivation and thromboembolic events in men with prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves prostate cancer outcomes
      in specific clinical settings, but is associated with adverse effects, including
      cardiac complications and possibly thromboembolic complications. The objective of
      this study was to estimate the impact of ADT on thromboembolic events (TEs) in a
      population-based cohort. METHODS: In the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and
      End Results-Medicare database, we identified men older than 65 who were diagnosed
      with nonmetastatic prostate cancer between 1999 and 2005. Medical or surgical ADT
      was identified by Medicare claims for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or
      bilateral orchiectomy at any time following diagnosis. TEs included deep venous
      thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial embolism. The impact of ADT on the
      risk of any TE and on total number of events was estimated, controlling for
      patient and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Of 154,611 patients with prostate
      cancer, 58,466 (38%) received ADT. During a median follow-up of 52 months, 15,950
      men had at least 1 TE, including 8829 (55%) who had ADT and 7121 (45%) with no
      ADT. ADT was associated with increased risk of a TE (adjusted hazard ratio =
      1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-1.61; P < .0001), and duration of ADT was
      associated with the total number of events (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      population-based cohort, ADT was associated with increased risk of a TE, and
      longer durations of ADT were associated with more TEs. Men with intermediate- and
      low-risk prostate cancer should be assessed for TE risk factors before starting
      ADT and counseled regarding the risks and benefits of this therapy.

PMID- 22072496
TI  - Nanoparticle cages for enzyme catalysis in organic media.
AB  - Encapsulation of enzymes in Pickering emulsions results in a large interfacial
      area of the enzyme-containing aqueous phase for biocatalysis in organic media.
      This immobilization technique minimizes enzyme inactivation through stabilizing
      immiscible liquids by particles, facilitates separation processes, and
      significantly increases catalytic performance of both stable and vulnerable
      enzymes. Thus, a broad technical applicability can be envisioned.

PMID- 22072497
TI  - Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates of the international clonal complex
      11 carrying the blaPER-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene in Greece.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) PER-1 initially
      disseminated among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Turkey. Despite reports from
      other European countries, such strains have not been detected in Greece until
      now. We describe the first bla(PER-1)-positive P. aeruginosa isolates from Greece
      and their genetic environment. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2009, 287
      consecutive non-duplicate P. aeruginosa isolates with reduced susceptibility or
      resistance to ceftazidime (MIC >8 mg/L) were screened for ESBL production with a
      modified boronic acid-based double-disc synergy test. Phenotypically ESBL
      positive isolates were subjected to agar dilution, PFGE and multilocus sequence
      typing (MLST). Broad-spectrum bla genes were identified by PCR and sequencing.
      Plasmid analysis and conjugation experiments were performed. The location of the
      bla(PER-1) gene was detected by Southern blotting and its genetic environment was
      characterized using inverse PCR. RESULTS: Five isolates were phenotypically
      positive for ESBL production, exhibited resistance to cefepime, ceftazidime,
      aztreonam and meropenem, and carried the bla(PER-1) gene. MLST showed that they
      belonged to sequence type (ST) 235, which belongs to the international clonal
      complex 11. Four isolates had the same PFGE pattern. Southern blotting revealed
      the chromosomal location of the bla(PER-1) gene. Analysis of the bla(PER-1)
      flanking regions showed identity to transposon Tn1213 downstream and 1406 bp
      upstream of bla(PER-1). Further upstream, an orfA gene and ISPa12 were
      identified; both were truncated by the insertion of IS6100. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study confirmed the presence of PER-1-producing P. aeruginosa strains in Greece.
      The chromosomal location of bla(PER-1), as part of a truncated transposon,
      suggests clonal expansion rather than horizontal gene transfer.

PMID- 22072499
TI  - [Pediatric hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma diabeticum: diagnostic evaluation and
      therapeutic concept].
AB  - Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma diabeticum (HHS) is a rare phenomenon in
      pediatric patients. It causes major morbidity and significant mortality. It is
      characterized by the trias of hyperglycemia, hyperosmolality and absent or mild
      metabolic acidosis. Major complications include cerebral edema and
      rhabdomyolysis. Evidence based guidelines for HHS in children are lacking. Based
      on a literature review we discuss treatment options in pediatric HHS und suggest
      a therapeutic concept. Appropriate treatment consists of adequate fluid
      administration and a cautious lowering of the serum glucose level. Patients
      should be treated on an intensive care unit and monitored closely to avoid
      complications. Low-dose and late insulin administration seems to be favourable.

PMID- 22072498
TI  - Genome-wide association of an integrated osteoporosis-related phenotype: is there
      evidence for pleiotropic genes?
AB  - Multiple musculoskeletal traits assessed by various methods at different skeletal
      sites serve as surrogates for osteoporosis risk. However, it is a challenge to
      select the most relevant phenotypes for genetic study of fractures. Principal
      component analyses (PCA) were conducted in participants of the Framingham
      Osteoporosis Study on 17 measures including bond mineral density (BMD) (hip and
      spine), heel ultrasound, leg lean mass (LLM), and hip geometric indices,
      adjusting for covariates (age, height, body mass index [BMI]), in a combined
      sample of 1180 men and 1758 women, as well as in each sex. Four principal
      components (PCs) jointly explained ~69% of the total variability of
      musculoskeletal traits. PC1, explaining ~33% of the total variance, was referred
      to as the component of "Bone strength," because it included the hip and spine BMD
      as well as several hip cross-sectional properties. PC2 (20.5% variance) was
      labeled as "Femoral cross-sectional geometry;" PC3 (~8% variance) captured only
      ultrasound measures; PC4, explaining ~7% variance, was correlated with LLM and
      hip geometry. We then evaluated ~2.5 mil SNPs for association with PCs 1, 2, and
      4. There were genome-wide significant associations (p < 5 * 10-8) between PC2 and
      HTR1E (that codes for one of the serotonin receptors) and PC4 with COL4A2 in
      women. In the sexes-combined sample, AKAP6 was associated with PC2 (p = 1.40 * 10
      7). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in HTR1E was also associated with the
      risk of nonvertebral fractures in women (p = 0.005). Functions of top associated
      genes were enriched for the skeletal and muscular system development (p < 0.05).
      In conclusion, multivariate combination provides genetic associations not
      identified in the analysis of primary phenotypes. Genome-wide screening for the
      linear combinations of multiple osteoporosis-related phenotypes suggests that
      there are variants with potentially pleiotropic effects in established and novel
      pathways to be followed up to provide further evidence of their functions.

PMID- 22072500
TI  - Unsteady electroosmosis in a microchannel with Poisson-Boltzmann charge
      distribution.
AB  - The present study is concerned with unsteady electroosmotic flow (EOF) in a
      microchannel with the electric charge distribution described by the Poisson
      Boltzmann (PB) equation. The nonlinear PB equation is solved by a systematic
      perturbation with respect to the parameter lambda which measures the strength of
      the wall zeta potential relative to the thermal potential. In the small lambda
      limits (lambda<<1), we recover the linearized PB equation - the Debye-Huckel
      approximation. The solutions obtained by using only three terms in the
      perturbation series are shown to be accurate with errors <1% for lambda up to 2.
      The accurate solution to the PB equation is then used to solve the electrokinetic
      fluid transport equation for two types of unsteady flow: transient flow driven by
      a suddenly applied voltage and oscillatory flow driven by a time-harmonic
      voltage. The solution for the transient flow has important implications on EOF as
      an effective means for transporting electrolytes in microchannels with various
      electrokinetic widths. On the other hand, the solution for the oscillatory flow
      is shown to have important physical implications on EOF in mixing electrolytes in
      terms of the amplitude and phase of the resulting time-harmonic EOF rate, which
      depends on the applied frequency and the electrokinetic width of the microchannel
      as well as on the parameter lambda.

PMID- 22072501
TI  - Expression profiles of carcinosarcoma of the uterine corpus-are these similar to
      carcinoma or sarcoma?
AB  - Uterine carcinosarcoma (CS) is usually classified as uterine endometrial
      carcinoma (EC). However, CS is more aggressive even compared with high grade EC.
      CS is also reported to undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In
      this study, we compared the gene expression profiles of CS, EC, and uterine
      sarcoma (US) and evaluated the role of EMT and chromosomal aberrations in CS
      tumor formation. Frozen tissues of 46 patients (14 CS, 24 EC, and 8 US) were
      included. The similarity was examined by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA),
      Fisher's exact test, and clustering using "intrinsic gene set". We examined the
      expression of 39 EMT-related genes and evaluated TGF-beta signaling by phospho
      SMAD2/3 (p-SMAD2/3) staining. Chromosomal regions differing between CS and EC
      were identified by chromosomal GSEA and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)
      microarrays. Three statistical methods confirmed that CS resembled US rather than
      EC. Acquired markers of EMT were upregulated and attenuated markers of EMT were
      downregulated in CS. Immunohistochemistry showed that carcinomatous region of CS
      have higher expression of p-SMAD2/3 than EC (P = 0.008). Chromosomal GSEA showed
      that genes located at 19q13 had higher expression in CS. Furthermore, CGH
      microarray indicated that the TGFB1 locus at 19q13.1 was amplified in 4 of 7
      samples. Based on the expression profile, CS resembles US rather than EC. TGF
      beta signaling is activated in CS and chromosomal gains at 19q13, which includes
      the TGFB1 locus, suggest that this may contribute to high expression of TGF-beta
      and thereby EMT phenotype of CS.

PMID- 22072502
TI  - Salvage therapy with endostatin, low-dose homoharringtonine, and cytarabine in
      combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for elderly patients with
      primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 22072503
TI  - In vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel Hedgehog signaling antagonist in
      human glioblastoma cell lines.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is composed of heterogeneous and genetically
      different cells, which are highly invasive and motile. The standard
      chemotherapeutic agent, temozolomide, affects GBM cell proliferation but is
      generally unable to prevent tumor recurrence. Hedgehog pathway activation has
      been reported to be relevant in GBM and different pharmacological pathway
      modulators have been identified. We report that by growing a commercially
      available recurrent GBM cell line (DBTRG-05MG) without serum and in the presence
      of defined growth factors; we obtained a less differentiated cell population,
      growing in suspension as neurospheres, in which the Hedgehog pathway is
      activated. Furthermore, the expression profile of Hedgehog pathway components
      found in DBTRG-05MG neurospheres is similar to primary stem-like cells derived
      from recurrent GBM patients. We report the effect of our novel specific
      Smoothened receptor antagonist (SEN450) on neurosphere growing cells and compared
      its effect to that of well known benchmark compounds. Finally, we showed that
      SEN450 is both antiproliferative on its own and further reduces tumor volume
      after temozolomide pretreatment in a mouse xenograft model using DBTRG-05MG
      neurosphere cells. Altogether our data indicate that the Hedgehog pathway is not
      irreversibly switched off in adherent cells but can be reactivated when exposed
      to well-defined culture conditions, thus restoring the condition observed in
      primary tumor-derived material, and that pharmacological modulation of this
      pathway can have profound influences on tumor proliferation. Therefore,
      pharmacological inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway is a potentially useful
      therapeutic approach in GBM.

PMID- 22072504
TI  - Androgen deprivation for prostate cancer: the case for "first, do no harm".

PMID- 22072505
TI  - Glutamate transporter dysfunction associated with nerve injury-induced pain in
      mice.
AB  - Dysfunction at glutamatergic synapses has been proposed as a mechanism in the
      development of neuropathic pain. Here we sought to determine whether peripheral
      nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain results in functional changes to primary
      afferent synapses. Signs of neuropathic pain as well as an induction of glial
      fibrillary acidic protein in immunostained spinal cord sections 4 days after
      partial ligation of the sciatic nerve indicated the induction of neuropathic
      pain. We found that following nerve injury, no discernable change to kinetics of
      dl-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) or N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents
      (eEPSCs) could be observed in dorsal horn (lamina I/II) neurons compared with
      those of naive mice. However, we did find that nerve injury was accompanied by
      slowed decay of the early phase of eEPSCs in the presence of glutamate
      transporter inhibition by the competitive nontransportable inhibitor dl-threo
      beta-benzyloxyaspartic acid (TBOA). Concomitantly, expression patterns for the
      two major glutamate transporters in the spinal cord, excitatory amino acid
      transporters (EAAT) 1 and EAAT2, were found to be reduced at this time (4 days
      postinjury). We then sought to directly determine whether nerve injury results in
      glutamate spillover to NMDARs at dorsal horn synapses. By employing the use
      dependent NMDAR blocker (+/-)MK-801 to block subsynaptic receptors, we found that
      although TBOA-induced spillover to extrasynaptic receptors trended to increased
      activation of these receptors after nerve injury, this was not significant
      compared with naive mice. Together, these results suggest the development of
      neuropathic pain involves subtle changes to glutamate transporter expression and
      function that could contribute to neuropathic pain during excessive synaptic
      activity.

PMID- 22072506
TI  - Single-neuron recordings from unanesthetized mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus.
AB  - Because of the availability of disease and genetic models, the mouse has become a
      valuable species for auditory neuroscience that will facilitate long-term goals
      of understanding neuronal mechanisms underlying the perception and processing of
      sounds. The goal of this study was to define the basic sound-evoked response
      properties of single neurons in the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Neurons
      producing complex spikes were distinguished as cartwheel cells (CWCs), and other
      neurons were classified according to the response map scheme previously developed
      in DCN. Similar to observations in other rodent species, neurons of the mouse DCN
      exhibit relatively little sound-driven inhibition. As a result, type III was the
      most commonly observed response. Our findings are generally consistent with the
      model of DCN function that has been developed in the cat and the gerbil,
      suggesting that this in vivo mouse preparation will be a useful tool for future
      studies of auditory physiology.

PMID- 22072508
TI  - Neural mechanisms of intermuscular coherence: implications for the rectification
      of surface electromyography.
AB  - Oscillatory activity plays a crucial role in corticospinal control of muscle
      synergies and is widely investigated using corticospinal and intermuscular
      synchronization. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms that translate these
      rhythmic patterns into surface electromyography (EMG) are not well understood.
      This is underscored by the ongoing debate on the rectification of surface EMG
      before spectral analysis. Whereas empirical studies commonly rectify surface EMG,
      computational approaches have argued against it. In the present study, we employ
      a computational model to investigate the role of the motor unit action potential
      (MAUP) on the translation of oscillatory activity. That is, diverse MUAP shapes
      may distort the transfer of common input into surface EMG. We test this in a
      computational model consisting of two motor unit pools receiving common input and
      compare it to empirical results of intermuscular coherence between bilateral leg
      muscles. The shape of the MUAP was parametrically varied, and power and coherence
      spectra were investigated with and without rectification. The model shows that
      the effect of EMG rectification depends on the uniformity of MUAP shapes. When
      output spikes of different motor units are convolved with identical MUAPs,
      oscillatory input is evident in both rectified and nonrectified EMG. In contrast,
      a heterogeneous MAUP distribution distorts common input and oscillatory
      components are only manifest as periodic amplitude modulations, i.e., in
      rectified EMG. The experimental data showed that intermuscular coherence was
      mainly discernable in rectified EMG, hence providing empirical support for a
      heterogeneous distribution of MUAPs. These findings implicate that the shape of
      MUAPs is an essential parameter to reconcile experimental and computational
      approaches.

PMID- 22072507
TI  - Mitochondria-derived superoxide and voltage-gated sodium channels in baroreceptor
      neurons from chronic heart-failure rats.
AB  - Our previous study has shown that chronic heart failure (CHF) reduces expression
      and activation of voltage-gated sodium (Na(v)) channels in baroreceptor neurons,
      which are involved in the blunted baroreceptor neuron excitability and contribute
      to the impairment of baroreflex in the CHF state. The present study examined the
      role of mitochondria-derived superoxide in the reduced Na(v) channel function in
      coronary artery ligation-induced CHF rats. CHF decreased the protein expression
      and activity of mitochondrial complex enzymes and manganese SOD (MnSOD) and
      elevated the mitochondria-derived superoxide level in the nodose neurons compared
      with those in sham nodose neurons. Adenoviral MnSOD (Ad.MnSOD) gene transfection
      (50 multiplicity of infection) into the nodose neurons normalized the MnSOD
      expression and reduced the elevation of mitochondrial superoxide in the nodose
      neurons from CHF rats. Ad.MnSOD also partially reversed the reduced protein
      expression and current density of the Na(v) channels and the suppressed cell
      excitability (the number of action potential and the current threshold for
      inducing action potential) in aortic baroreceptor neurons from CHF rats. Data
      from the present study indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction, including
      decreased protein expression and activity of mitochondrial complex enzymes and
      MnSOD and elevated mitochondria-derived superoxide, contributes to the reduced
      Na(v) channel activation and cell excitability in the aortic baroreceptor neurons
      in CHF rats.

PMID- 22072509
TI  - Parameterization of transcranial magnetic stimulation.
AB  - A recent study (Di Lazzaro et al. J Neurophysiol 105: 2150-2156, 2011) describes
      the findings from a rigorous comparison on the effects of several popular
      variations of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols. The results
      demonstrate that excitatory and inhibitory neural networks may be independently
      modulated based on TMS protocol selection. Moreover, the within-group replication
      of multiple between-group experiments suggests that independent evaluations of
      TMS parameters will continue to inform and guide future TMS research.

PMID- 22072511
TI  - Spiking and LFP activity in PRR during symbolically instructed reaches.
AB  - The spiking activity in the parietal reach region (PRR) represents the spatial
      goal of an impending reach when the reach is directed toward or away from a
      visual object. The local field potentials (LFPs) in this region also represent
      the reach goal when the reach is directed to a visual object. Thus PRR is a
      candidate area for reading out a patient's intended reach goals for neural
      prosthetic applications. For natural behaviors, reach goals are not always based
      on the location of a visual object, e.g., playing the piano following sheet music
      or moving following verbal directions. So far it has not been directly tested
      whether and how PRR represents reach goals in such cognitive, nonlocational
      conditions, and knowing the encoding properties in various task conditions would
      help in designing a reach goal decoder for prosthetic applications. To address
      this issue, we examined the macaque PRR under two reach conditions: reach goal
      determined by the stimulus location (direct) or shape (symbolic). For the same
      goal, the spiking activity near reach onset was indistinguishable between the two
      tasks, and thus a reach goal decoder trained with spiking activity in one task
      performed perfectly in the other. In contrast, the LFP activity at 20-40 Hz
      showed small but significantly enhanced reach goal tuning in the symbolic task,
      but its spatial preference remained the same. Consequently, a decoder trained
      with LFP activity performed worse in the other task than in the same task. These
      results suggest that LFP decoders in PRR should take into account the task
      context (e.g., locational vs. nonlocational) to be accurate, while spike decoders
      can robustly provide reach goal information regardless of the task context in
      various prosthetic applications.

PMID- 22072510
TI  - A critical window of CAG repeat-length correlates with phenotype severity in the
      R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - The R6/2 mouse is the most frequently used model for experimental and preclinical
      drug trials in Huntington's disease (HD). When the R6/2 mouse was first
      developed, it carried exon 1 of the huntingtin gene with ~150 cytosine-adenine
      guanine (CAG) repeats. The model presented with a rapid and aggressive phenotype
      that shared many features with the human condition and was particularly similar
      to juvenile HD. However, instability in the CAG repeat length due to different
      breeding practices has led to both decreases and increases in average CAG repeat
      lengths among colonies. Given the inverse relationship in human HD between CAG
      repeat length and age at onset and to a degree, the direct relationship with
      severity of disease, we have investigated the effect of altered CAG repeat
      length. Four lines, carrying ~110, ~160, ~210, and ~310 CAG repeats, were
      examined using a battery of tests designed to assess the basic R6/2 phenotype.
      These included electrophysiological properties of striatal medium-sized spiny
      neurons, motor activity, inclusion formation, and protein expression. The results
      showed an unpredicted, inverted "U-shaped" relationship between CAG repeat length
      and phenotype; increasing the CAG repeat length from 110 to 160 exacerbated the
      R6/2 phenotype, whereas further increases to 210 and 310 CAG repeats greatly
      ameliorated the phenotype. These findings demonstrate that the expected
      relationship between CAG repeat length and disease severity observed in humans is
      lost in the R6/2 mouse model and highlight the importance of CAG repeat-length
      determination in preclinical drug trials that use this model.

PMID- 22072512
TI  - Frequency dependence of vestibuloocular reflex thresholds.
AB  - How the brain processes signals in the presence of noise impacts much of
      behavioral neuroscience. Thresholds provide one way to assay noise. While
      perceptual thresholds have been widely investigated, vestibuloocular reflex (VOR)
      thresholds have seldom been studied and VOR threshold dynamics have never, to our
      knowledge, been reported. Therefore, we assessed VOR thresholds as a function of
      frequency. Specifically, we measured horizontal VOR thresholds evoked by yaw
      rotation in rhesus monkeys, using standard signal detection approaches like those
      used in earlier human vestibular perceptual threshold studies. We measured VOR
      thresholds ranging between 0.21 and 0.76 degrees /s; the VOR thresholds increased
      slightly with frequency across the measured frequency range (0.2-3 Hz). These
      results do not mimic the frequency response of human perceptual thresholds that
      have been shown to increase substantially as frequency decreases below 0.5 Hz.
      These reported VOR threshold findings could indicate a qualitative difference
      between vestibular responses of humans and nonhuman primates, but a more likely
      explanation is an additional dynamic neural mechanism that does not influence the
      VOR but, rather, influences perceptual thresholds via a decision-making process
      included in direction recognition tasks.

PMID- 22072513
TI  - TRPC1 contributes to light-touch sensation and mechanical responses in low
      threshold cutaneous sensory neurons.
AB  - The cellular proteins that underlie mechanosensation remain largely enigmatic in
      mammalian systems. Mechanically sensitive ion channels are thought to distinguish
      pressure, stretch, and other types of tactile signals in skin. Transient receptor
      potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) is a candidate mechanically sensitive channel that
      is expressed in primary afferent sensory neurons. However, its role in the
      mechanical sensitivity of these neurons is unclear. Here, we investigated TRPC1
      dependent responses to both innocuous and noxious mechanical force. Mechanically
      evoked action potentials in cutaneous myelinated A-fiber and unmyelinated C-fiber
      neurons were quantified using the ex vivo skin-nerve preparation to record from
      the saphenous nerve, which terminates in the dorsal hairy skin of the hindpaw.
      Our data reveal that in TRPC1-deficient mice, mechanically evoked action
      potentials were decreased by nearly 50% in slowly adapting Abeta-fibers, which
      largely innervate Merkel cells, and in rapidly adapting Adelta-Down-hair afferent
      fibers compared with wild-type controls. In contrast, differences were not found
      in slowly adapting Adelta-mechanoreceptors or unmyelinated C-fibers, which
      primarily respond to nociceptive stimuli. These results suggest that TRPC1 may be
      important in the detection of innocuous mechanical force. We concurrently
      investigated the role of TRPC1 in behavioral responses to mechanical force to the
      plantar hindpaw skin. For innocuous stimuli, we developed a novel light stroke
      assay using a "puffed out" cotton swab. Additionally, we used repeated light,
      presumably innocuous punctate stimuli with a low threshold von Frey filament
      (0.68 mN). In agreement with our electrophysiological data in light-touch
      afferents, TRPC1-deficient mice exhibited nearly a 50% decrease in behavioral
      responses to both the light-stroke and light punctate mechanical assays when
      compared with wild-type controls. In contrast, TRPC1-deficient mice exhibited
      normal paw withdrawal response to more intense mechanical stimuli that are
      typically considered measures of nociceptive behavior.

PMID- 22072514
TI  - Task-dependent coordination of rapid bimanual motor responses.
AB  - Optimal feedback control postulates that feedback responses depend on the task
      relevance of any perturbations. We test this prediction in a bimanual task,
      conceptually similar to balancing a laden tray, in which each hand could be
      perturbed up or down. Single-limb mechanical perturbations produced long-latency
      reflex responses ("rapid motor responses") in the contralateral limb of
      appropriate direction and magnitude to maintain the tray horizontal. During
      bimanual perturbations, rapid motor responses modulated appropriately depending
      on the extent to which perturbations affected tray orientation. Specifically,
      despite receiving the same mechanical perturbation causing muscle stretch, the
      strongest responses were produced when the contralateral arm was perturbed in the
      opposite direction (large tray tilt) rather than in the same direction or not
      perturbed at all. Rapid responses from shortening extensors depended on a
      nonlinear summation of the sensory information from the arms, with the response
      to a bimanual same-direction perturbation (orientation maintained) being less
      than the sum of the component unimanual perturbations (task relevant). We
      conclude that task-dependent tuning of reflexes can be modulated online within a
      single trial based on a complex interaction across the arms.

PMID- 22072515
TI  - Impact of cortical plasticity on patterns of suprathreshold activity in the
      cerebral cortex.
AB  - There are many cellular and synaptic mechanisms of plasticity in the vertebrate
      cortex. How the patterns of suprathreshold spiking activity in a population of
      neurons change because of this plasticity, however, has hardly been subjected to
      experimental studies. Here, we measured how evoked patterns of suprathreshold
      spiking activity in a cortical network were modified by cortical plasticity with
      single-cell and single-spike resolution. To record patterns of activity in the
      rodent barrel cortex, we used optical methods to detect suprathreshold activity
      from up to 40 neurons simultaneously. Pairing of two inputs resulted in a long
      lasting modification of the cortical responses evoked by one of the inputs. The
      results indicate that plasticity rules on the network level inherit properties
      from synaptic plasticity rules but are also determined by the functional synaptic
      architecture, as well as the computations carried out in cortical networks. The
      largest determinants of the modified cortical responses were those observed when
      inducing changes by pairing the two inputs. On the single-neuron level, the
      modified responses only weakly reflected those observed when pairing the two
      inputs for induction of plasticity. Despite the weak reflection on the cellular
      level, however, the modified patterns reflected the pairing patterns to the
      degree that a simple decoding mechanism-a linear separator-correctly
      discriminated the modified responses from other patterns of activity.

PMID- 22072516
TI  - A new synthesis of triarylsilylium ions and their application in dihydrogen
      activation.
AB  - Well-shuffled: An unexpected substituent distribution reaction via
      alkyldiarylsilylium ions leads to a distribution of substituents. Starting from
      alkyldiaryl silanes, this reaction provides a facile synthetic approach to
      sterically highly hindered triarylsilylium ions. These silylium ions can be
      applied in dihydrogen activation reactions.

PMID- 22072517
TI  - Blind, one-eyed, or eagle-eyed? pKa calculations during blind predictions with
      staphylococcal nuclease.
AB  - In the current contribution, the performance of Poisson-Boltzmann-based pK(a)
      calculations of SNase mutants as part of a blind prediction exercise facilitated
      by the pK(a) cooperative ("pK(a) _coop") is described. A one parameter setting
      ("quick&dirty" approach) is used to provide an industry perspective where strong
      time constraints are frequently encountered. On the one hand, results are
      analyzed in terms of root mean square deviation performance. Furthermore, the
      pK(a) calculations are assessed for their ability to properly assign protonation
      state. For this purpose, a new measure called BIPS (binary protonation state at
      physiological pH) is introduced. Significant differences were found with both
      comparison measures based on the class of residues examined. In addition, the
      performance of PROPKA3 as well as the NULL model is examined on the same data
      set. Finally, pK(a) calculations on SNase mutants with available structural
      information have been performed and provide support for our calculation methods.
      The performance on this subset is better than on the pK(a) cooperative mutation
      data. In the pK(a) _coop data, no structural information on the generated mutants
      is available. This suggests the occurrence of a substantial structural
      rearrangement on the insertion of additional charged groups into SNase, which
      leads to improved prediction quality.

PMID- 22072518
TI  - Protein electrostatics and pKa blind predictions; contribution from empirical
      predictions of internal ionizable residues.
AB  - In this study, we validate and probe the description of electrostatic
      interactions within proteins by predicting and comparing pK(a) values of
      ionizable groups in a series of mutated staphylococcal nuclease variants with
      experiments. This set of pK(a) values is found to be the most challenging pK(a)
      data to date, because ionizable residues have been introduced in hydrophobic
      patches in the protein interior and are therefore significantly shifted from
      their reference solvated values. We find that using PROPKA2 (Li et al., Proteins
      2005;61:704-721) results in an rmsd value close to 2 for true blind predictions
      (1.6 if we reassign the tightly coupled Asp19/21 pair) and close to 1 for
      postpredictions with the newly developed PROPKA3 (Olsson et al., J. Chem. Theor.
      Comp. 2011;7:525-537). We also use the performance of the Null-model, predictions
      made with the reference value only, to provide a better description of the
      expected errors in pK(a) predictions and to compare submissions made using
      different subsets of the pK(a) data more consistently.

PMID- 22072519
TI  - Exploring conformational changes coupled to ionization states using a hybrid
      Rosetta-MCCE protocol.
AB  - A hybrid protocol combining Rosetta fullatom refinement and Multi-Conformation
      Continuum Electrostatics (MCCE) to estimate pK(a) is applied to the blind
      prediction of 94 mutated residues in Staphylococcal nuclease (SNase), as part of
      the pK(a)-cooperative benchmark test. The standard MCCE method is limited to
      sidechain conformational changes. The Rosetta refinement protocol is used to add
      the backbone conformational changes in pK(a) calculations. The non-electrostatic
      energy component from Rosetta and the electrostatic energy from MCCE are combined
      to weight the calculated ionization states. Of 63 measured pK(a)s, the root mean
      squared deviation (RMSD) between the calculated pK(a)s and the measured values is
      4.3, showing an improvement compared to the RMSD of 6.6 in the standard MCCE
      calculations, using a low protein dielectric constant of 4. The breakdown of
      pK(a) shift from the solution values (DeltapK(a)) shows that the desolvation
      energy contributes the most in the standard MCCE calculations. Lowering
      desolvation penalties and optimizing electrostatic interactions with the
      Rosetta/MCCE protocol reduces the DeltapK(a) to favor the charged states.
      Analysis also showed that the Rosetta/MCCE protocol samples conformations with
      pK(a)s close to the solution values. The question remains whether the correct
      conformational changes coupled to the ionization changes are found here.
      Nevertheless, a challenge emerges to accurately estimate the reorganization
      energy, which is not directly measured from the electrostatic environment of the
      site of interest. Possible improvements to the protocol are also discussed.

PMID- 22072520
TI  - Measuring the successes and deficiencies of constant pH molecular dynamics: a
      blind prediction study.
AB  - A constant pH molecular dynamics method has been used in the blind prediction of
      pK(a) values of titratable residues in wild type and mutated structures of the
      Staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) protein. The predicted values have been
      subsequently compared to experimental values provided by the laboratory of Garcia
      Moreno. CpHMD performs well in predicting the pK(a) of solvent-exposed residues.
      For residues in the protein interior, the CpHMD method encounters some
      difficulties in reaching convergence and predicting the pK(a) values for residues
      having strong interactions with neighboring residues. These results show the need
      to accurately and sufficiently sample conformational space in order to obtain
      pK(a) values consistent with experimental results.

PMID- 22072521
TI  - Histidine in continuum electrostatics protonation state calculations.
AB  - A modification to the standard continuum electrostatics approach to calculate
      protein pK(a)s, which allows for the decoupling of histidine tautomers within a
      two-state model, is presented. Histidine with four intrinsically coupled
      protonation states cannot be easily incorporated into a two-state formalism,
      because the interaction between the two protonatable sites of the imidazole ring
      is not purely electrostatic. The presented treatment, based on a single
      approximation of the interrelation between histidine's charge states, allows for
      a natural separation of the two protonatable sites associated with the imidazole
      ring as well as the inclusion of all protonation states within the calculation.

PMID- 22072522
TI  - Is the prediction of pKa values by constant-pH molecular dynamics being hindered
      by inherited problems?
AB  - In this study, we investigate two factors that can hinder the performance of
      constant-pH molecular dynamics methods in predicting protein pK(a) values, using
      hen egg white lysozyme as a test system. The first factor is related to the
      molecular definition and pK(a) value of model compounds in the Poisson-Boltzmann
      framework. We address this by defining the model compound as a molecular fragment
      with an associated pK(a) value that is calibrated against experimental data,
      which results in a decrease of 0.12 units in pK(a) errors. The second addressed
      factor is the possibility that detrimental structural distortions are being
      introduced in the simulations by the underlying molecular mechanics force field.
      This issue is investigated by analyzing how the gradual structural rearrangements
      affect the predicted pK(a) values. The two GROMOS force fields studied here (43A1
      and 53A6) yield good pK(a) predictions, although a time-dependent performance is
      observed: 43A1 performs better after a few nanoseconds of structural
      reorganization (pK(a) errors of ~0.45), while 53A6 gives the best prediction
      right at the first nanosecond (pK(a) errors of 0.42). These results suggest that
      the good performance of constant-pH molecular dynamics methods could be further
      improved if these force field limitations were overcome.

PMID- 22072523
TI  - Energetics of charge-charge interactions between residues adjacent in sequence.
AB  - Statistical analysis of the residue separation between a pair of ionizable side
      chains within 4 A of each other was performed on a set of 1560 non-homologous PDB
      structures. We found that the frequency of pairs of like charges (i.e., pairs
      consisting of acidic residues Asp and Glu or pairs consisting of basic residues
      Arg and Lys) is two orders of magnitude lower than the pairs of oppositely
      charged residues (salt-bridges). We also found that for pairs of like charges the
      distribution is skewed dramatically towards short residue separation (<3). On the
      basis of these observations, we hypothesize that at short residue separation the
      repulsion between charges does not contribute much to the protein stability and
      the effects are largely dominated by the long range charge-charge interactions
      with other ionizable groups in the protein molecule. To test this hypothesis, we
      incorporated various pairs of charged residues at position 63 and 64 of ubiquitin
      and compared the stabilities of these variants. We also performed calculations of
      the expected changes in the charge-charge interactions. A very good correlation
      between experimental changes in the stability of ubiquitin variants, and changes
      in the energy of charge-charge interactions provides support for the hypothesis
      that a pair of ionizable residues next to each other in sequence modulates
      protein stability via long range charge-charge interactions with the rest of the
      protein.

PMID- 22072524
TI  - Photodynamic therapy of Pheophorbide a inhibits the proliferation of human breast
      tumour via both caspase-dependent and -independent apoptotic pathways in in vitro
      and in vivo models.
AB  - Breast cancer is conventionally treated by surgery and radiotherapy, with
      adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonotherapy as supplementary treatments. However,
      such treatments are associated with adverse side effects and drug resistance. In
      this study, Pheophorbide a (Pa), a photosensitizer isolated from Scutelleria
      barbata, was analysed for its antiproliferative effect on human breast tumour
      cells. The IC (inhibitory concentration)(50) of the combined treatment of Pa and
      photodynamic therapy (Pa-PDT) on human breast tumour MCF-7 cells was 0.5 um.
      Mechanistic studies in MCF-7 cells demonstrated that Pa was localized in the
      mitochondria, and reactive oxygen species were found to be released after Pa-PDT.
      Apoptosis was the major mechanism responsible for the tumour cell death, and
      mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cytochrome c release highlighted the
      role of mitochondria in the apoptotic mechanism. Up-regulation of tumour
      suppressor protein p53, cleavage of caspase-9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase
      suggested that the caspase-dependent pathway was induced, while the release of
      apoptosis-inducing factors demonstrated that the apoptosis was also mediated by
      the caspase-independent mechanism. In vivo study using the mouse xenograft model
      showed a significant inhibition of MCF-7 tumour growth by Pa-PDT. Together, the
      results of this study provide a basis for understanding and developing Pa-PDT as
      a cure for breast cancer.

PMID- 22072525
TI  - A simple elastic membrane-based microfluidic chip for the proliferation and
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells under tensile stress.
AB  - This work presents a simple membrane-based microfluidic chip for the
      investigation of proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs) under mechanical stimuli. The cyclic tensile stress was generated by the
      deformation of elastic PDMS membrane sandwiched between the two layer
      microfluidic chip via actuated negative pressure, and the cultured MSCs on
      membrane were subjected to different orders of tensile stress. The results
      suggest that mechanical stimuli are attributed to the different phenomena of MSCs
      in cell proliferation and differentiation. The higher tensile stress (>3.5)
      promoted obvious proliferation, osteogenesis and reduced adipogenesis in MSCs,
      indicating the possible regulative role of tensile stress in modifying the
      osteogenesis/adipogenesis balance in the development of tissue organ.

PMID- 22072526
TI  - Casitas B lymphoma mutations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) proteins are RING finger ubiquitin E3 ligases
      that attenuate the signaling of receptor tyrosine kinases and are mutated in a
      number of myeloid disorders. In this study, mutational screening of the linker
      RING domains of CBL and CBLB was performed by denaturing high performance liquid
      chromatography in a cohort of diagnostic (n = 180) or relapse (n = 46) samples
      from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Somatic mutations were
      identified in three children, giving an overall incidence of 1.7% and involved
      small deletions affecting the intron/exon boundaries of exon 8, leading to
      skipping of exon 8 and abolishing E3 ligase function. Mutated primary samples
      were associated with constitutive activation of the RAS pathway and sensitivity
      to MEK inhibitors was shown. Thus, mutation of CBL is an alternative route to
      activate the RAS pathway and may identify children who are candidates for MEK
      inhibitor clinical trials.

PMID- 22072527
TI  - Toxic erythema of chemotherapy.

PMID- 22072528
TI  - Struggling and enduring with God, religious support, and recovery from severe
      mental illness.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: People with severe mental illnesses may achieve varying degrees of
      recovery, including symptom reduction and community integration. Research also
      indicates that religiosity facilitates coping with psychological disorders. In
      this study, we assessed the relationship between religiosity and recovery from
      severe mental illnesses. DESIGN: Self-report data were collected from 81
      participants with severe mental illnesses. We measured recovery, religious
      support, and participants' struggle or endurance with faith. RESULTS: Religious
      support and enduring with faith were positively associated with recovery.
      Struggling was negatively associated with recovery, and that relationship was
      mediated by religious support. CONCLUSIONS: Religious variables, including
      religious support and spiritual struggle, might affect recovery from severe
      mental illnesses.

PMID- 22072529
TI  - Recurrence after complete resection and selective use of adjuvant therapy for
      stage I through III Merkel cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine
      neoplasm whose natural history is poorly understood. Here, the authors describe
      their experience with a large cohort of patients who were treated at a single
      institution to describe patterns of recurrence after curative therapy. METHODS:
      Review of a prospective database was performed. Patient-related, tumor-related,
      and treatment-related variables were recorded, and the site and timing of initial
      recurrence were recorded. Factors associated with receipt of adjuvant therapy and
      recurrence were determined. RESULTS: In total, 364 patients with stage I through
      III MCC who underwent complete resection were identified. Adjuvant local
      radiation therapy (RT), lymph node RT, and chemotherapy were received selectively
      by 23%, 23%, and 15% of patients, respectively. Factors associated with the
      receipt of adjuvant therapy included younger age, primary tumor features (larger
      size, lymphovascular invasion [LVI], positive margin excision), and increasing
      pathologic stage. With median follow-up of 3.6 years, 108 patients (30%)
      developed a recurrence, including 11 local recurrences (3%), 12 in-transit
      recurrences (3%), 43 lymph node recurrences (12%), and 42 distant recurrences
      (12%). Clinically involved lymph nodes, primary tumor LVI, and a history of
      leukemia/lymphoma were predictive of recurrence. The majority of recurrences
      (80%) occurred in patients who had clinically involved lymph nodes or patients
      who did not undergo pathologic lymph node evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: A low
      recurrence rate in patients with clinically lymph node-negative MCC was achieved
      with adequate surgery (including sentinel lymph node biopsy) and the selective
      use of adjuvant RT for high-risk tumors. In contrast, patients with clinically
      lymph node-positive MCC had significantly higher rates of recurrence, especially
      distant recurrence. The authors concluded that contemporary natural history
      studies are critical in designing treatment pathways and clinical trials for MCC.

PMID- 22072530
TI  - Tips and tricks to prevent prolapse of the Amplatzer septal occluder through
      large atrial septal defects.
AB  - We report on a new technique "using a partially inflated balloon through the
      atrial septal defect" to prevent prolapse of the left atrial disk of the
      Amplatzer septal occulder in large atrial septal defects (ASDs). Two patients
      underwent successful closure of their ASDs using this new technique.

PMID- 22072531
TI  - SIDEpro: a novel machine learning approach for the fast and accurate prediction
      of side-chain conformations.
AB  - Accurate protein side-chain conformation prediction is crucial for protein
      modeling and existing methods for the task are widely used; however, faster and
      more accurate methods are still required. Here we present a new machine learning
      approach to the problem where an energy function for each rotamer in a structure
      is computed additively over pairs of contacting atoms. A family of 156 neural
      networks indexed by amino acid and contacting atom types is used to compute these
      rotamer energies as a function of atomic contact distances. Although direct
      energy targets are not available for training, the neural networks can still be
      optimized by converting the energies to probabilities and optimizing these
      probabilities using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. The resulting predictor
      SIDEpro makes predictions by initially setting the rotamer probabilities for each
      residue from a backbone-dependent rotamer library, then iteratively updating
      these probabilities using the trained neural networks. After convergences of the
      probabilities, the side-chains are set to the highest probability rotamer.
      Finally, a post processing clash reduction step is applied to the models. SIDEpro
      represents a significant improvement in speed and a modest, but statistically
      significant, improvement in accuracy when compared with the state-of-the-art for
      rapid side-chain prediction method SCWRL4 on the following datasets: (1) 379
      protein test set of SCWRL4; (2) 94 proteins from CASP9; (3) a set of seven large
      protein-only complexes; and (4) a ribosome with and without the RNA. Using the
      SCWRL4 test set, SIDEpro's accuracy (chi(1) 86.14%, chi(1+2) 74.15%) is slightly
      better than SCWRL4-FRM (chi(1) 85.43%, chi(1+2) 73.47%) and it is 7.0 times
      faster. On the same test set SIDEpro is clearly more accurate than SCWRL4-rigid
      rotamer model (RRM) (chi(1) 84.15%, chi(1+2) 71.24%) and 2.4 times faster.
      Evaluation on the additional test sets yield similar accuracy results with
      SIDEpro being slightly more accurate than SCWRL4-flexible rotamer model (FRM) and
      clearly more accurate than SCWRL4-RRM; however, the gap in CPU time is much more
      significant when the methods are applied to large protein complexes. SIDEpro is
      part of the SCRATCH suite of predictors and available from:
      http://scratch.proteomics.ics.uci.edu/.

PMID- 22072532
TI  - The role of capillarisin from Artemisia capillaris on penile erection.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and mechanism of
      capillarisin from Artemisia capillaris (A. capillaris) on rabbit penile corpus
      cavernosum (PCC). The pre-contracted New Zealand White rabbit (2.5-3.0 kg) penis
      with phenylephrine (Phe; 10-5  M) was treated with various concentrations of
      ethanol extract of A. capillaris (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL) and capillarisin, the
      active component of A. capillaris (10-7, 10-6, 10-5 and 10-4  M). Capillarisin
      was also applied to PCC tissues contracted with Phe, which were pre-incubated
      with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 Is). Cyclic nucleotides in the
      perfusate were measured by radioimmunoassay. The tissues were pre-incubated with
      Nomega nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME, 10-3  M) and 1H
      [1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10-5  M) to block nitric oxide
      (NO) synthase and guanylate cyclase, respectively. Capillarisin induced penile
      relaxation and enhanced PDE5 Is-induced relaxation. Capillarisin increased cGMP
      and cAMP in the perfusate. The application of capillarisin on PCC pre-treated
      with L-NAME and ODQ significantly inhibited the relaxation. Capillarisin exerts
      the relaxing effect on PCC by activating the NO-cGMP and adenylyl cAMP signaling
      pathways and may become an alternative medicine for patients who want to use
      natural products to improve erectile function or do not completely respond to
      PDE5 Is.

PMID- 22072533
TI  - A SERS-active microfluidic device with tunable surface plasmon resonances.
AB  - A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active microfluidic device with
      tunable surface plasmon resonances is presented here. It is constructed by silver
      grating substrates prepared by two-beam laser interference of photoresists and
      subsequent metal evaporation coating, as well as PDMS microchannel derived from
      soft lithography. By varying the period of gratings from 200 to 550 nm, surface
      plasmon resonances (SPRs) from the metal gratings could be tuned in a certain
      range. When the SPRs match with the Raman excitation line, the highest
      enhancement factor of 2*10(7) is achieved in the SERS detection. The SERS-active
      microchannel with tunable SPRs exhibits both high enhancement factor and
      reproducibility of SERS signals, and thus holds great promise for applications of
      on-chip SERS detection.

PMID- 22072534
TI  - Personalities of adults with traumatic childhood separations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined personality characteristics and identified
      personality subtypes of adults with childhood histories of traumatic separations
      from a parent. Previous work from attachment theory and developmental
      psychopathology suggests that distinct developmental trajectories might lead to
      different styles of personality adaptation after an attachment disruption.
      design: Randomly selected psychologists and psychiatrists provided data on 203
      adults with histories of traumatic separations using a personality pathology
      instrument designed for use by clinically experienced observers, the Shedler
      Westen Assessment Procedure (SWAP-II). RESULTS: Using a Q-factor analysis, 5
      distinct personality subtypes were identified: internalizing/avoidant,
      psychopathic, emotionally dysregulated, hostile/paranoid, and resilient. Initial
      support for the validity of the subtypes was established, based on Axis I and
      Axis II pathology, adaptive functioning, developmental history, and family
      history variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both therapeutic interventions and case
      formulation might be strengthened by considering an individual's personality
      features and match to one of the identified subtypes.

PMID- 22072535
TI  - Fractionated doses of gemtuzumab ozogamicin with escalated doses of daunorubicin
      and cytarabine as first acute myeloid leukemia salvage in patients aged 50-70
      year old: a phase 1/2 study of the acute leukemia French association.
AB  - This Phase 1/2 study aimed to determine optimal doses of daunorubicin (DNR;
      mg/m(2)) and cytarabine (mg/m(2)) to be combined with fractionated doses of
      gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO, Mylotarg((r)); 3 mg/m(2) on day 1, 4, and 7)
      satisfying safety requirements. Three dose levels of DNR/AraC were investigated
      namely (45, 100), (60, 100), and (60, 200). Patients included were acute myeloid
      leukemia in first relapse, aged 50-70 years. Hematological recovery was 31 days
      for neutrophil and 32 days for platelet counts. A documented infectious episode >
      Grade 2 occurred in 11/20 patients (55%). None of the 20 patients had signs of
      veno-occlusive disease. Overall, eleven patients reached complete remission (CR),
      two CR with incomplete platelets recovery. The results showed that combination of
      fractionated GO doses with DNR at 60 mg/m(2)/d for 3 days and cytarabine at 200
      mg/m(2)/d for 7 days is tolerable and could be further investigated in the front
      line therapy.

PMID- 22072536
TI  - Reasons for underuse of recommended therapies for colorectal and lung cancer in
      the Veterans Health Administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have documented low rates of effective cancer therapies,
      particularly in older or minority populations. However, little is known about why
      effective therapies are underused in these populations. METHODS: The authors
      examined medical records of 584 patients with cancer diagnosed or treated in
      Department of Veterans Affairs facilities to assess reasons for lack of 1)
      surgery for stage I/II nonsmall cell lung cancer, 2) surgery for stage I/II/III
      rectal cancer, 3) adjuvant radiation therapy for stage II/III rectal cancer, and
      4) adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer. They also assessed
      differences in reasons for underuse by patient age and race. RESULTS: Across the
      4 guideline-recommended treatments, 92% to 99% of eligible patients were referred
      to the appropriate cancer specialist; however, therapy was recommended in only
      74% to 92% of eligible cases. Poor health was cited in the medical record as the
      reason for lack of therapy in 15% to 61% of underuse cases; patient refusal
      explained 26% to 58% of underuse cases. African American patients were more
      likely to refuse surgery. Older patients were more likely to refuse treatments.
      CONCLUSIONS: Recommendation against therapy was a primary factor in underuse of
      effective therapies in older and sicker patients. Patients' refusal of therapy
      contributed to age and racial disparities in care. Improved data on the
      effectiveness of cancer therapies in community populations and interventions
      aimed at improved communication of known risks and benefits of therapy to cancer
      patients could be effective tools to reduce underuse and lingering disparities in
      care.

PMID- 22072537
TI  - Validity and variability in visual assessment of stenosis severity in phantom
      bifurcation lesions: a survey in experts during the fifth meeting of the European
      Bifurcation Club.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the adequacy of visual estimate regarding the percent
      diameter stenosis (DS) in bifurcation lesions. BACKGROUND: Quantitative coronary
      angiography (QCA) is more accurate and precise compared to visual estimate in
      assessing stenosis severity in single-vessel lesions. METHODS: Thirty-six experts
      in the field of bifurcation PCI visually assessed the DS in cine images of five
      precision manufactured phantom bifurcation lesions, experts being blinded to the
      true values. Expert DS estimates were compared with the true values and they were
      also used to define the Medina class of each individual bifurcation. Results were
      pooled together both for proximal main vessel (PMV), distal main vessel (DMV) and
      side-branch (SB) segments and for vessel segments with similar DS values.
      RESULTS: Individual performance was highly variable among observers; pooled
      values and range of accuracy and precision were 2.79% (-6.67% to 17.33%) and
      8.69% (4.31-16.25%), respectively. On average, DS was underestimated in the PMV (
      1.08%, P = 0.10) and overestimated in the DMV (3.86% P < 0.01) and SB segments
      (5.58%, P < 0.01). Variability in visual estimates was significantly larger in
      lesions of medium severity compared to the clearly obstructive ones (P < 0.01);
      the latter were consistently overestimated. Inter-observer agreement was moderate
      (kappa = 0.55) over the entire number of estimates. However, if the segments with
      true DS = 0% were excluded, agreement was diminished (kappa = 0.27). Inter
      observer agreement in Medina class was rather low (kappa = 0.21). True
      bifurcation lesions were misclassified as non-true ones in 14/180 estimates.
      CONCLUSIONS: Visual assessment by experts is more variable and less precise in
      the analysis of bifurcation lesions compared to bifurcation QCA software.

PMID- 22072538
TI  - Solution structure of gp17 from the Siphoviridae bacteriophage SPP1: insights
      into its role in virion assembly.

PMID- 22072539
TI  - Molecular targets of the antiinflammatory Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's
      claw): inhibition of TNFalpha and COX-2 gene expression by preventing activation
      of AP-1.
AB  - Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp) is often used in the supportive treatment of
      inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the skeletal system. Although the
      clinical efficacy in osteoarthritis has been demonstrated in clinical trials, the
      molecular target(s) of Hp are unclear. This study quantified the effects of the
      ethanol Hp extract (60% v/v ethanol, sole active ingredient of Pascoe(r)-Agil),
      on the expression and release of the major pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS
      stimulated human monocytes and the intracellular signalling pathways involved in
      inflammation. The Hp extract dose-dependently inhibited the release of TNFalpha
      as well as that of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The
      Hp prevented TNFalpha and IL-6 mRNA expression in human monocytes and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the Hp extract
      inhibited LPS-stimulated AP-1-mediated gene transcription activity and binding to
      the AP-1 response elements. The extract had no effect on the LPS-induced binding
      of nuclear factor-kappaB in RAW 264.7 cells, on LPS-induced degradation of
      IkappaBalpha or on LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases
      (MAPK), p38MAPK and JNK in human monocytes. The data indicate that a standardized
      ethanol Hp extract inhibits induction of pro-inflammatory gene expression,
      possibly by blocking the AP-1 pathway. This is novel evidence of a possible
      mechanism of action of this antiinflammatory drug.

PMID- 22072540
TI  - Gene expression of BAALC, CDKN1B, ERG, and MN1 adds independent prognostic
      information to cytogenetics and molecular mutations in adult acute myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - Expression of BAALC, ERG, and MN1 is associated with outcome in normal karyotype
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, the expression of these markers and
      of EVI1 and CDKN1B was determined using oligonucleotide microarrays in 286 AML
      comprising all cytogenetic groups. Higher expression of each gene was associated
      with an inferior outcome: CDKN1B, median overall survival (mOS): 14.9 months vs.
      not reached (nr), P = 0.005, median event-free survival (mEFS): 9.7 vs. 31.0
      months, P = 0.013; BAALC, no impact on OS, mEFS: 6.2 vs. 13.0 months, P = 0.03;
      ERG: mOS: 12.5 months vs. nr, P = 0.002, mEFS: 8.1 vs. 15.7 months, P = 0.001;
      MN1: mOS: 12.3 months vs. nr, P = 0.004, mEFS: 8.1 vs. 16.7 months, P = 0.001. A
      multivariate analysis revealed an independent impact on OS for CDKN1B, ERG, and
      MN1 expression. A novel score based on BAALC, CDKN1B, ERG, and MN1 expression had
      an impact on OS and EFS independent of cytogenetics and age. A score taking into
      account gene expression and karyotype allowed the separation of four prognostic
      groups with significant differences in OS and EFS (OS at 2 years: 90.4%, 56.4%,
      34.0%, 12.6%; mEFS: n.r., 18.1 months, 8.7 months, 2.5 months). The impact on
      outcome of this score was independent of NPM1mut/FLT3-ITD- status, MLL-PTD, and
      age.

PMID- 22072541
TI  - A prototypic system of parallel electrophoresis in multiple capillaries coupled
      with microwell arrays.
AB  - We present a microfluidic system that can be directly coupled with microwell
      array and perform parallel electrophoresis in multiple capillaries
      simultaneously. The system is based on an array of glass capillaries, fixed in a
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic scaffold, with one end open for
      interfacing with microwells. In this capillary array, every two adjacent
      capillaries act as a pair to be coupled with one microwell; samples in the
      microwells are introduced and separated by simply applying voltage between two
      electrodes that are placed at the other ends of capillaries; thus no complicated
      circuit design is required. We evaluate the performance of this system and
      perform multiple CE with direct sample introduction from microwell array. Also
      with this system, we demonstrate the analysis of cellular contents of cells lysed
      in a microwell array. Our results show that this prototypic system is a promising
      platform for high-throughput analysis of samples in microwell arrays.

PMID- 22072542
TI  - Concurrent CIC mutations, IDH mutations, and 1p/19q loss distinguish
      oligodendrogliomas from other cancers.
AB  - Oligodendroglioma is characterized by unique clinical, pathological, and genetic
      features. Recurrent losses of chromosomes 1p and 19q are strongly associated with
      this brain cancer but knowledge of the identity and function of the genes
      affected by these alterations is limited. We performed exome sequencing on a
      discovery set of 16 oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q co-deletion to identify new
      molecular features at base-pair resolution. As anticipated, there was a high rate
      of IDH mutations: all cases had mutations in either IDH1 (14/16) or IDH2 (2/16).
      In addition, we discovered somatic mutations and insertions/deletions in the CIC
      gene on chromosome 19q13.2 in 13/16 tumours. These discovery set mutations were
      validated by deep sequencing of 13 additional tumours, which revealed seven
      others with CIC mutations, thus bringing the overall mutation rate in
      oligodendrogliomas in this study to 20/29 (69%). In contrast, deep sequencing of
      astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas without 1p/19q loss revealed that CIC
      alterations were otherwise rare (1/60; 2%). Of the 21 non-synonymous somatic
      mutations in 20 CIC-mutant oligodendrogliomas, nine were in exon 5 within an
      annotated DNA-interacting domain and three were in exon 20 within an annotated
      protein-interacting domain. The remaining nine were found in other exons and
      frequently included truncations. CIC mutations were highly associated with
      oligodendroglioma histology, 1p/19q co-deletion, and IDH1/2 mutation (p < 0.001).
      Although we observed no differences in the clinical outcomes of CIC mutant versus
      wild-type tumours, in a background of 1p/19q co-deletion, hemizygous CIC
      mutations are likely important. We hypothesize that the mutant CIC on the single
      retained 19q allele is linked to the pathogenesis of oligodendrogliomas with IDH
      mutation. Our detailed study of genetic aberrations in oligodendroglioma suggests
      a functional interaction between CIC mutation, IDH1/2 mutation, and 1p/19q co
      deletion.

PMID- 22072543
TI  - The Italian Registry of Therapeutic Apheresis: granulocyte-monocyte apheresis in
      the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. A multicentric study.
AB  - Leukocytes are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory bowel diseases; granulocyte-monocyte adsorptive (GMA) apheresis, an
      extracorporeal technique aimed at removing activated circulating leukocytes from
      the blood, may represent a safe and effective therapeutic tool in these patients.
      The Italian Registry of Therapeutic Apheresis performed an observational,
      multicentric study involving 24 Gastroenterology Units. In this study, laboratory
      data and clinical outcomes of 230 patients (148 males, mean age 43.5 years)
      affected with ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 194) or Crohn's disease (CD, n = 36)
      who underwent one or more cycles of GMA were analyzed. Each cycle consisted of
      five GMA treatments. The patients were followed up for a mean of 8.7 (min. 3 to
      max. 12) months. At 3 months, positive outcome was achieved in 77.7% of UC
      patients (72.0% remission, 5.7% clinical response) and 61.3% of CD patients
      (54.8% remission, 6.5% clinical response). The cumulative proportion of positive
      outcome at 12 months was 87.1% for UC patients (83.7% remission, 3.4% clinical
      response) and 77.4% for CD patients (74.2% remission, 3.2% clinical response). No
      single clinical or laboratory parameter among those analyzed (age, sex, disease
      characteristics, history of smoking, medication history, baseline values of
      clinical activity index (CAI)/Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), hemoglobin,
      white blood cells count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) was independently
      associated with clinical outcome. The procedure was well tolerated with no
      significant adverse effects registered.

PMID- 22072544
TI  - Surface-histogram: a new shape descriptor for protein-protein docking.
AB  - Determining the structure of protein-protein complexes remains a difficult and
      lengthy process, either by NMR or by X-ray crystallography. Several computational
      methods based on docking have been developed to support and even serve as
      possible alternatives to these experimental methods. In this article, we
      introduce a new protein-protein docking algorithm, shDock, based on shape
      complementarity. We characterize the local geometry on each protein surface with
      a new shape descriptor, the surface-histogram. We measure the complementarity
      between two surface-histograms, one on each protein, using a modified Manhattan
      distance. When a match is found between two local protein surfaces, a model is
      generated for the protein complex, which is then scored by checking for collision
      between the two proteins. We have tested our algorithm on Version 3 of the ZDOCK
      protein-protein docking benchmark. We found that for 110 out of the 124 test
      cases of bound docking in the benchmark, our algorithm was able to generate a
      model in the top 3600 candidates for the protein complex within an root-mean
      square deviation of 2.5 A from its native structure. For unbound docking
      predictions, we found a model within 2.5 A in the top 3600 models in 54 out of
      124 test cases. A comparison with other shape-based docking algorithms
      demonstrates that our approach gives significantly improved performance for both
      bound and unbound docking test cases.

PMID- 22072545
TI  - Reduction of inflammatory hyperplasia in the intestine in colon cancer-prone mice
      by water-extract of Cistanche deserticola.
AB  - Cistanche deserticola has commonly been used in traditional Chinese medicine to
      treat many health problems including irritable bowel syndrome or constipation.
      This study was designed to test the efficacy of a water-extract of C. deserticola
      in the prevention of colorectal cancer in a mouse model. Polysaccharide-rich
      water-extract of C. deserticola was prepared by boiling its stem powder in
      distilled water. Tgfb1Rag2 null mice were used as an experimental model. Here we
      showed that feeding of water-extract of C. deserticola significantly reduced the
      number of mucosal hyperplasia and intestinal helicobacter infection in mice. This
      beneficial effect correlated with significant stimulation of the immune system,
      evidenced by the enlargement of the spleens with increased number of splenic
      macrophage and natural killer cells, and with more potent cytotoxicity of
      splenocytes. In vitro water-extract of C. deserticola enhanced the cytotoxicity
      of naive splenocytes against a human colon cancer cell line, and in macrophage
      cultures up-regulated nitric oxide synthase II expression and stimulated
      phagocytosis. In conclusion, our data indicate that oral administration of C.
      deserticola extract reduces inflammatory hyperplastic polyps and helicobacter
      infection in mice by its immune-stimulatory activity, suggesting that C.
      deserticola extract may have potential in preventing intestinal inflammation
      disorders including colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22072546
TI  - Associations between variants in KITLG, SPRY4, BAK1, and DMRT1 and pediatric germ
      cell tumors.
AB  - Recent genome wide association studies have identified susceptibility loci for
      adult testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) near KITLG, SPRY4, BAK1, and DMRT1. We
      evaluated variants in these four genes to determine whether these are also
      susceptibility loci for pediatric GCTs. DNA was isolated from 52 pediatric GCTs
      (ages 0-21 years) obtained from the Cooperative Human Tissue Network. Control DNA
      was isolated from de-identified dried blood spots from 141 white newborns.
      Genotyping was conducted using TaqMan assays (rs4474514) or by PCR and sequencing
      (rs4324715, rs210138, and rs755383). Associations between variants and GCT were
      evaluated using logistic regression with adjustment for sex. We also evaluated
      whether the associations differed by age at GCT diagnosis (0-9 years, 10-21
      years), sex, and tumor location (gonadal, non-gonadal). We observed a significant
      association for rs210138 (BAK1) and pediatric GCT overall (odds ratio (OR) =
      1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-2.95, P = 0.02) with non-significant
      associations similar in magnitude in both the pediatric (P = 0.09) and adolescent
      (P = 0.06) age groups. The KITLG (rs4474514) and SPRY4 (rs4324715) variants were
      significantly associated with GCT only in the adolescent age group (rs4474514: OR
      = 2.28, 95% CI 1.09-4.79, P = 0.03 and rs4324715: OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.19-4.83, P
      = 0.01). Associations were mostly similar when stratified by sex. This is the
      first study to suggest that these loci may also be important in susceptibility to
      GCTs in the adolescent (KITLG, SPRY4, and BAK1) and pediatric (BAK1) age groups.

PMID- 22072547
TI  - A simultaneous space sampling method for DNA fraction collection using a comb
      structure in microfluidic devices.
AB  - Fraction collection of selected components from a complex mixture plays a
      critical role in biomedical research, environmental analysis, and biotechnology.
      Here, we introduce a novel electrophoretic chip device based on a signal
      processing theorem that allows simultaneous space sampling for fractionation of
      ssDNA target fragments. Ten parallel extraction channels, which covered 1.5-mm
      long sampling ranges, were used to facilitate the capturing of fast-moving
      fragments. Furthermore, the space sampling extraction made it possible to acquire
      pure collection, even from partly overlapping fragments that had been
      insufficiently separated after a short electrophoretic run. Fragments of 180,
      181, and 182 bases were simultaneously collected, and then the recovered DNA was
      PCR amplified and assessed by CE analysis. The 181-base target was shown to be
      isolated in a 70-mm-long separation length within 10 min, in contrast to the >50
      min required for the 300-mm-long separation channel in our previous study. This
      method provides effective combination of time and space, which is a breakthrough
      in the traditional concept of fraction collection on a chip.

PMID- 22072548
TI  - Lenograstim with or without dexamethasone for neutrophil mobilization in healthy
      donors: short-term kinetics of white blood cells and effects of granulocyte
      apheresis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the optimal time schedule for neutrophil collection
      after single mobilization with glycosylated recombinant granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF, lenograstim) with or without dexamethasone (DXM).
      DONORS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial, 26 healthy volunteers
      were randomly assigned to a single subcutaneous dose of lenograstim 6 MUg/kg plus
      8-mg DXM (G-CSF/DXM, n = 13) or placebo (G-CSF/placebo, n = 13). Hematological
      and biochemical parameters were analyzed before and 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 29,
      36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 h and 7 and 30 days after mobilization. Six G-CSF/DXM
      subjects underwent standard neutrophil apheresis (NA) 12 and 36 h after
      mobilization. RESULTS: Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts 12 and 21 h
      after mobilization were 22.7 (16.6-32.8) * 10(9) /L and 22.4 (18.6-30.6) * 10(9)
      /L for G-CSF/placebo versus 33.1 (24.2-44.9) * 10(9) /L and 32.5 (17.4-39.6) *
      10(9) /L for G-CSF/DXM. This mobilization plateau was followed by slow
      normalization at 72-84 h. The six NA subjects had median PMN yields of 62 (47
      101) * 10(9) and 39 (23-42) * 10(9) per therapeutic unit. After the first
      apheresis, PMN counts sharply decreased to 21.1 (14.8-26.3) * 10(9) /L and then
      temporarily recovered to 25.9 (18.9-36.5) * 10(9) /L (P <= 0.001) over the next 8
      h. CONCLUSIONS: Single doses of lenograstim with or without DXM induced a PMN
      plateau that lasted 9 h (12-21 h after mobilization), with PMN counts suitable
      for neutrophil collection. Lenograstim plus DXM made it possible to perform NA
      twice, 12 and 36 h after mobilization.

PMID- 22072549
TI  - On the molecular structure of human neuroserpin polymers.
AB  - The polymerization of serpins is at the root of a large class of diseases; the
      molecular structure of serpin polymers has been recently debated. In this work,
      we study the polymerization kinetics of human neuroserpin by Fourier Transform
      Infra Red spectroscopy and by time-lapse Size Exclusion Chromatography. First, we
      show that two distinct neuroserpin polymers, formed at 45 and 85 degrees C,
      display the same isosbestic points in the Amide I' band, and therefore share
      common secondary structure features. We also find a concentration independent
      polymerization rate at 45 degrees C suggesting that the polymerization rate
      limiting step is the formation of an activated monomeric species. The polymer
      structures are consistent with a model that predicts the bare insertion of
      portions of the reactive center loop into the A beta-sheet of neighboring serpin
      molecule, although with different extents at 45 and 85 degrees C.

PMID- 22072550
TI  - Frequency-dependent electrophysiological remodeling of the AV node by
      hydroalcohol extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) during experimental atrial
      fibrillation: the role of endogenous nitric oxide.
AB  - The study assessed the hydroalcohol extract effects of Crocus sativus L.
      (saffron) on (i) the basic and rate-dependent electrophysiological properties of
      the AV node, (ii) remodeling of the AV node during experimental atrial
      fibrillation (AF) and (iii) the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the effects of
      saffron on the AV node. Stimulation protocols in isolated AV node were used to
      quantify AV nodal recovery, facilitation and fatigue in four groups of rabbits (n
      = 8-16 per group). In addition, the nodal response to AF was evaluated at
      multiple cycle lengths and during AF. Saffron had a depressant effect on AV nodal
      rate-dependent properties; further, it increased Wenckebach block cycle length,
      functional refractory period, facilitation and fatigue (p < 0.05). A NO-synthase
      inhibitor (L-NAME) prevented the depressant effects of saffron on the AV node (p
      < 0.05). Saffron increased the zone of concealment in experimental AF (p < 0.05).
      The present research showed, for the first time, established electrophysiological
      remodeling of the AV node during AF by saffron. Saffron increased the AV nodal
      refractoriness and zone of concealment. These depressant effects of saffron were
      mediated by endogenous NO.

PMID- 22072551
TI  - Solvent bonding of poly(methyl methacrylate) microfluidic chip using phase
      changing agar hydrogel as a sacrificial layer.
AB  - In this report, a solvent bonding method based on phase-changing agar hydrogel
      has been developed for the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)
      microfluidic chips. Prior to bonding, the channels and the reservoir ports on
      PMMA channel plates were filled with molten agar hydrogel that could gelate to
      form solid sacrificial layers at room temperature. Subsequently, PMMA cover
      sheets were covered on the channeled plates and 1,2-dichlororethane was applied
      to the interspaces between them. The agar hydrogel in the channels could prevent
      the bonding solvent and the softened surface of the PMMA cover sheets from
      filling in the channels. After solvent bonding, the agar hydrogel in the channels
      and the reservoir ports was melted and removed under pressure. The sealed
      channels in the complete microchips had been examined by an optical microscope
      and a scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that high-quality
      bonding was achieved at room temperature. The prepared microfluidic microchips
      have been successfully employed in the electrophoresis separation and detection
      of three cations in combination with contactless conductivity detection.

PMID- 22072552
TI  - Requirement of phospholipase C and protein kinase C in cholecystokinin-mediated
      facilitation of NMDA channel function and anxiety-like behavior.
AB  - Although cholecystokinin (CCK) has long been known to exert anxiogenic effects in
      both animal anxiety models and humans, the underlying cellular and molecular
      mechanisms are ill-defined. CCK interacts with CCK-1 and CCK-2 receptors
      resulting in up-regulation of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC).
      However, the roles of PLC and PKC in CCK-mediated anxiogenic effects have not
      been determined. We have shown previously that CCK facilitates glutamate release
      in the hippocampus especially at the synapses formed by the perforant path and
      dentate gyrus granule cells via activations of PLC and PKC. Here we further
      demonstrated that CCK enhanced NMDA receptor function in dentate gyrus granule
      cells via activation of PLC and PKC pathway. At the single-channel level, CCK
      increased NMDA single-channel open probability and mean open time, reduced the
      mean close time, and had no effects on the conductance of NMDA channels. Because
      elevation of glutamatergic functions results in anxiety, we explored the roles of
      PLC and PKC in CCK-induced anxiogenic actions using the Vogel Conflict Test
      (VCT). Our results from both pharmacological approach and knockout mice
      demonstrated that microinjection of CCK into the dentate gyrus concentration
      dependently increased anxiety-like behavior via activation of PLC and PKC. Our
      results provide a novel unidentified signaling mechanism whereby CCK increases
      anxiety.

PMID- 22072553
TI  - Identification and characterization of Hoxa9 binding sites in hematopoietic
      cells.
AB  - The clustered homeobox proteins play crucial roles in development, hematopoiesis,
      and leukemia, yet the targets they regulate and their mechanisms of action are
      poorly understood. Here, we identified the binding sites for Hoxa9 and the Hox
      cofactor Meis1 on a genome-wide level and profiled their associated epigenetic
      modifications and transcriptional targets. Hoxa9 and the Hox cofactor Meis1
      cobind at hundreds of highly evolutionarily conserved sites, most of which are
      distant from transcription start sites. These sites show high levels of histone
      H3K4 monomethylation and CBP/P300 binding characteristic of enhancers.
      Furthermore, a subset of these sites shows enhancer activity in transient
      transfection assays. Many Hoxa9 and Meis1 binding sites are also bound by PU.1
      and other lineage-restricted transcription factors previously implicated in
      establishment of myeloid enhancers. Conditional Hoxa9 activation is associated
      with CBP/P300 recruitment, histone acetylation, and transcriptional activation of
      a network of proto-oncogenes, including Erg, Flt3, Lmo2, Myb, and Sox4.
      Collectively, this work suggests that Hoxa9 regulates transcription by
      interacting with enhancers of genes important for hematopoiesis and leukemia.

PMID- 22072554
TI  - NF-Y is necessary for hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and survival.
AB  - HSC function depends on the tight control of proliferation and the balance
      between self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we report that the trimeric
      transcription factor NF-Y is critical for the survival of cycling, but not
      quiescent HSCs. With the use of a conditional knockout mouse model, we
      demonstrate that NF-Ya deletion creates an accumulation of HSCs in G(2)/M and
      prompts apoptosis, causing hematopoietic failure and death of the animal. These
      defects are accompanied by the dysregulation of multiple genes that influence
      cell cycle control (cyclin b1 and p21), apoptosis (Bcl-2), and self-renewal
      (HoxB4, Notch1, Bmi-1) and are independent of p53. Our results identify NF-Y as a
      pivotal upstream participant in a regulatory network necessary for the
      preservation of cycling HSCs.

PMID- 22072555
TI  - Distinct graft-versus-leukemic stem cell effects of early or delayed donor
      leukocyte infusions in a mouse chronic myeloid leukemia model.
AB  - Among hematologic neoplasms, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is exquisitely
      sensitive to graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) because patients relapsing after
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT) can be cured by
      donor leukocyte infusion (DLI); however, the cellular mechanisms and strategies
      to separate GVL from GVHD are unclear. We used a BCR-ABL1
      transduction/transplantation mouse model to study the mechanisms of DLI in MHC
      matched, minor histocompatibility antigen-mismatched allogeneic chimeras with CML
      like leukemia, in which DLI can be administered at the time of transplantation
      (early) or after recovery of hematopoiesis (delayed). After early DLI, CML-like
      leukemia cannot be transferred into immunocompetent secondary recipients as soon
      as 4 days after primary transplantation, demonstrating that cotransplantation of
      T lymphocytes blocks the engraftment of BCR-ABL1-transduced stem cells. In
      contrast, in allogeneic chimeras with established CML-like leukemia, combined
      treatment with delayed DLI and the kinase inhibitor imatinib eradicates leukemia
      with minimal GVHD. The GVL effect is directed against minor histocompatibility
      antigens shared by normal and leukemic stem cells, and is mediated predominantly
      by CD8+ T cells, with minor contributions from CD5- splenocytes, including
      natural killer cells. These results define a physiologic model of adoptive
      immunotherapy of CML that will be useful for investigating the cellular and
      molecular mechanisms of GVL.

PMID- 22072556
TI  - Donor B-cell alloantibody deposition and germinal center formation are required
      for the development of murine chronic GVHD and bronchiolitis obliterans.
AB  - Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) poses a significant risk for HSCT patients. Preclinical
      development of new therapeutic modalities has been hindered by models with
      pathologic findings that may not simulate the development of human cGVHD.
      Previously, we have demonstrated that cGVHD induced by allogeneic HSCT after a
      conditioning regimen of cyclophosphamide and total-body radiation results in
      pulmonary dysfunction and airway obliteration, which leads to bronchiolitis
      obliterans (BO), which is pathognomonic for cGVHD of the lung. We now report
      cGVHD manifestations in a wide spectrum of target organs, including those with
      mucosal surfaces. Fibrosis was demonstrated in the lung and liver and was
      associated with CD4(+) T cells and B220(+) B-cell infiltration and alloantibody
      deposition. Donor bone marrow obtained from mice incapable of secreting IgG
      alloantibody resulted in less BO and cGVHD. Robust germinal center reactions were
      present at the time of cGVHD disease initiation. Blockade of germinal center
      formation with a lymphotoxin-receptor-immunoglobulin fusion protein suppressed
      cGVHD and BO. We conclude that cGVHD is caused in part by alloantibody secretion,
      which is associated with fibrosis and cGVHD manifestations including BO, and that
      treatment with a lymphotoxin-beta receptor-immunoglobulin fusion protein could be
      beneficial for cGVHD prevention and therapy.

PMID- 22072557
TI  - The BRAF V600E mutation in hairy cell leukemia and other mature B-cell neoplasms.
AB  - The somatically acquired V600E mutation of the BRAF gene has been recently
      described as a molecular marker of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). We developed an
      allele-specific PCR for this mutation and studied 62 patients with HCL, 1 with
      HCL variant, 91 with splenic marginal zone lymphoma, 29 with Waldenstrom
      macroglobulinemia, and 57 with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. The
      BRAF V600E mutation was detected in all HCL cases and in only 2 of the remaining
      178 patients. These 2 subjects had B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders
      that did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for HCL. Despite the positive PCR
      finding, the mutation could not be detected by Sanger sequencing in these 2
      cases, suggesting that it was associated with a small subclone. We conclude that
      the BRAF V600E mutation is present in all patients with HCL and that, in
      combination with clinical and morphologic features, represents a reliable
      molecular marker for this condition.

PMID- 22072558
TI  - An intermediate-risk multiple myeloma subgroup is defined by sIL-6r: levels
      synergistically increase with incidence of SNP rs2228145 and 1q21 amplification.
AB  - IL-6 signaling can be enhanced through transsignaling by the soluble IL-6
      receptor (sIL-6r), allowing for the pleiotropic cytokine to affect cells it would
      not ordinarily have an effect on. Serum levels of sIL-6r can be used as an
      independent prognostic indicator and further stratify the GEP 70-gene low-risk
      group to identify an intermediate-risk group in multiple myeloma (MM). By
      analyzing more than 600 MM patients with ELISA, genotyping, and gene expression
      profiling tools, we show how the combination of 2 independent molecular genetic
      events is related to synergistic increases in sIL-6r levels. We also show that
      the rs2228145 minor allele is related to increased expression levels of an IL-6r
      splice variant that purportedly codes exclusively for a sIL-6r isoform. Together,
      the SNP rs2228145 minor allele C and amplification of chromosome 1q21 are
      significantly correlated to an increase in sIL-6r levels, which are associated
      with lower overall survival in 70-gene low-risk disease, and aid in
      identification of the intermediate-risk MM group.

PMID- 22072559
TI  - Emergence of NK-cell progenitors and functionally competent NK-cell lineage
      subsets in the early mouse embryo.
AB  - The earliest stages of natural killer (NK)-cell development are not well
      characterized. In this study, we investigated in different fetal hematopoietic
      tissues how NK-cell progenitors and their mature NK-cell progeny emerge and
      expand during fetal development. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that
      the counterpart of adult BM Lin(-)CD122(+)NK1.1(-)DX5(-) NK-cell progenitor (NKP)
      emerges in the fetal liver at E13.5. After NKP expansion, immature NK cells
      emerge at E14.5 in the liver and E15.5 in the spleen. Thymic NK cells arise at
      E15.5, whereas functionally competent cytotoxic NK cells were present in the
      liver and spleen at E16.5 and E17.5, respectively. Fetal NKPs failed to produce B
      and myeloid cells but sustained combined NK- and T-lineage potential at the
      single-cell level. NKPs were also found in the fetal blood, spleen, and thymus.
      These findings show the emergence and expansion of bipotent NK/T-cell progenitor
      during fetal and adult lymphopoiesis, further supporting that NK/T-lineage
      restriction is taking place prethymically. Uncovering the earliest NK-cell
      developmental stages will provide important clues, helping to understand the
      origin of diverse NK-cell subsets, their progenitors, and key regulators.

PMID- 22072560
TI  - Three-dimensional repositioning tasks show differences in joint position sense
      between active and passive shoulder motion.
AB  - Proprioception is important in maintaining shoulder joint stability. Previous
      studies investigated the effects of unconstrained multiplanar motion, with
      subjects able to move freely in space, on repositioning tasks for active shoulder
      motion but not passive motion. We sought to further explore joint position sense
      with 3D passive, robot-guided motions. We hypothesized that target repositioning
      error would be greater in the case of passively placed targets than for actively
      placed targets. To investigate, 15 healthy individuals participated (8 female, 7
      male), who were at most 6 ft (183 cm) tall to accommodate the equipment, and who
      had no history of shoulder injury, surgery, or significant participation in
      throwing sports. Target orientations were centered at 44 degrees  of elevation
      and 32 degrees  of horizontal rotation from the frontal plane. Two sets of 10
      trials were performed. The first set involved active placement followed by active
      replacement, and the second set involved passive, robot-guided, placement
      followed by active replacement. Repositioning error was greater following passive
      placement than active placement (p < 0.001). These results further our
      understanding of the differences between active and passive joint position sense
      at the shoulder.

PMID- 22072561
TI  - Interstitial fluid pressure correlates with intravoxel incoherent motion imaging
      metrics in a mouse mammary carcinoma model.
AB  - The effective delivery of a therapeutic drug to the core of a tumor is often
      impeded by physiological barriers, such as the interstitial fluid pressure (IFP).
      There are a number of therapies that can decrease IFP and induce tumor vascular
      normalization. However, a lack of a noninvasive means to measure IFP hinders the
      utilization of such a window of opportunity for the maximization of the treatment
      response. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of
      using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion parameters as noninvasive
      imaging biomarkers for IFP. Mice bearing the 4T1 mammary carcinoma model were
      studied using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), immediately followed by wick-in
      needle IFP measurement. Voxelwise analysis was conducted with a conventional
      monoexponential diffusion model, as well as a biexponential model taking IVIM
      into account. There was no significant correlation of IFP with either the median
      apparent diffusion coefficient from the monoexponential model (r = 0.11, p =
      0.78) or the median tissue diffusivity from the biexponential model (r = 0.30, p
      = 0.44). However, IFP was correlated with the median pseudo-diffusivity (D(p)) of
      apparent vascular voxels (r = 0.76, p = 0.02) and with the median product of the
      perfusion fraction and pseudo-diffusivity (f(p)D(p)) of apparent vascular voxels
      (r = 0.77, p = 0.02). Although the effect of IVIM in tumors has been reported
      previously, to our knowledge, this study represents the first direct comparison
      of IVIM metrics with IFP, with the results supporting the feasibility of the use
      of IVIM DWI metrics as noninvasive biomarkers for tumor IFP.

PMID- 22072562
TI  - Staging of multivessel percutaneous coronary interventions: an expert consensus
      statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.
AB  - Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) to treat multivessel coronary artery
      disease (MVCAD) may involve single-vessel or multivessel interventions, performed
      in one or more stages. This consensus statement reviews factors that may
      influence choice of strategy and includes six recommendations to guide decisions
      regarding staging of PCI. Every patient who undergoes PCI should receive optimal
      therapy for coronary disease, ideally before starting the procedure. Multivessel
      PCI at the time of diagnostic catheterization should be considered only if
      informed consent included the risks and benefits of multivessel PCI and the risks
      and benefits of alternative treatments. When considering multivessel PCI, the
      interventionist should develop a strategy regarding which stenoses to treat or
      evaluate, and their order, method, and timing. This strategy should maximize
      patient benefits, minimize patient risk, and consider the factors described in
      this article. For planned multivessel PCI, additional vessel(s) should be treated
      only if the first vessel is treated successfully and if anticipated contrast and
      radiation doses and patient and operator conditions are favorable. After the
      first stage of the planned multistage PCI, the need for subsequent PCI should be
      reviewed before it is performed. Third party payers and quality auditors should
      recognize that multistage PCI for MVCAD is neither an indication of poor quality
      nor an attempt to increase reimbursement when performed according to
      recommendations in this article.

PMID- 22072563
TI  - Tryptophan side chain conformers monitored by NMR and time-resolved fluorescence
      spectroscopies.
AB  - We have inserted a tryptophan (F77W) in the core of the regulatory domain of
      cardiac troponin C (cNTnC), and previously determined the structure of this
      mutant with and without the cosolvent trifluoroethanol (TFE). Interestingly, the
      orientations of the indole side chain of the Trp are in opposite directions in
      the two structures (Julien et al., Protein Sci 2009; 18:1165-1174). Fluorescence
      decay experiments for single Trp-containing proteins often show several
      lifetimes, which have been interpreted as reflecting conformational heterogeneity
      of the Trp side chain resulting from different rotamers. To test this
      interpretation, we monitored the effect of TFE on wild type, F77W and F77W-V82A
      calcium-saturated cNTnC using 2D (13)C-HSQC NMR and time-correlated single photon
      counting fluorescence spectroscopies. The time dependence of the Trp fluorescence
      decay was fit with three lifetimes. Addition of TFE caused a gradual, but limited
      decrease of the lifetimes due to dynamic quenching. For F77W cNTnC, the amplitude
      fractions of the lifetimes also changed upon addition of TFE-the long lifetime
      increased from 13 to 29%, while the middle lifetime decreased from 63 to 50% and
      the short lifetime remained relatively unchanged. For F77W-V82A cNTnC, comparable
      NMR changes are observed, confirming the switch in rotamer conformation, but only
      much smaller changes in fluorescence decay parameters were detected. These data
      indicate that the balance between the rotamer states can be changed without
      changing the lifetime amplitude fractions appreciably, and suggest that the
      environment(s) of the indole ring, responsible for the different lifetimes, can
      result from factors other than the intrinsic rotamer state of the tryptophan.

PMID- 22072564
TI  - Developmental profile of SK2 channel expression and function in CA1 neurons.
AB  - We investigated the temporal and spatial expression of SK2 in the developing
      mouse hippocampus using molecular and biochemical techniques, quantitative
      immunogold electron microscopy, and electrophysiology. The mRNA encoding SK2 was
      expressed in the developing and adult hippocampus. Western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry showed that SK2 protein increased with age. This was
      accompanied by a shift in subcellular localization. Early in development (P5),
      SK2 was predominantly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in the pyramidal
      cell layer. But by P30 SK2 was almost exclusively expressed in the dendrites and
      spines. The level of SK2 at the postsynaptic density (PSD) also increased during
      development. In the adult, SK2 expression on the spine plasma membrane showed a
      proximal-to-distal gradient. Consistent with this redistribution and gradient of
      SK2, the selective SK channel blocker apamin increased evoked excitatory
      postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) only in CA1 pyramidal neurons from mice older
      than P15. However, the effect of apamin on EPSPs was not different between
      synapses in proximal or distal stratum radiatum or stratum lacunosum-moleculare
      in adult. These results show a developmental increase and gradient in SK2
      containing channel surface expression that underlie their influence on
      neurotransmission, and that may contribute to increased memory acquisition during
      early development.

PMID- 22072565
TI  - A possible overestimation of the effect of acetylation on lysine residues in KQ
      mutant analysis.
AB  - Acetylation of lysine residues, one of the most common protein post
      transcriptional modifications, is thought to regulate protein affinity with other
      proteins or nucleotides. Experimentally, the effects of acetylation have been
      studied using recombinant mutants in which lysine residues (K) are substituted
      with glutamine (Q) as a mimic of acetyl lysine (KQ mutant), or with arginine (R)
      as a mimic of nonacetylated lysine (KR mutant). These substitutions, however,
      have not been properly validated. The effects lysine acetylation on Ku, a
      multifunctional protein that has been primarily implicated in DNA repair and cell
      survival, are characterized herein using a series of computer simulations. The
      binding free energy was reduced in the KQ mutant, while the KR mutant had no
      effect, which is consistent with previous experimental results. Unexpectedly, the
      binding energy between Ku and DNA was maintained at almost the same level as in
      the wild type protein despite full acetylation of the lysine residues. These
      results suggest that the effects of acetylation may be overestimated when the KQ
      mutant is used as a mimic of the acetylated protein.

PMID- 22072566
TI  - Global characterization of the SRC-1 transcriptome identifies ADAM22 as an ER
      independent mediator of endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
AB  - The development of breast cancer resistance to endocrine therapy results from an
      increase in cellular plasticity that permits the emergence of a hormone
      independent tumor. The steroid coactivator protein SRC-1, through interactions
      with developmental proteins and other nonsteroidal transcription factors, drives
      this tumor adaptability. In this discovery study, we identified ADAM22, a non
      protease member of the ADAM family of disintegrins, as a direct estrogen receptor
      (ER)-independent target of SRC-1. We confirmed SRC-1 as a regulator of ADAM22 by
      molecular, cellular, and in vivo studies. ADAM22 functioned in cellular migration
      and differentiation, and its levels were increased in endocrine resistant-tumors
      compared with endocrine-sensitive tumors in mouse xenograft models of human
      breast cancer. Clinically, ADAM22 was found to serve as an independent predictor
      of poor disease-free survival. Taken together, our findings suggest that SRC-1
      switches steroid-responsive tumors to a steroid-resistant state in which the SRC
      1 target gene ADAM22 has a critical role, suggesting this molecule as a
      prognostic and therapeutic drug target that could help improve the treatment of
      endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

PMID- 22072568
TI  - Rigid-CLL: avoiding constant-distance computations in cell linked-lists
      algorithms.
AB  - Many of the existing molecular simulation tools require the efficient
      identification of the set of nonbonded interacting atoms. This is necessary, for
      instance, to compute the energy values or the steric contacts between atoms. Cell
      linked-lists can be used to determine the pairs of atoms closer than a given
      cutoff distance in asymptotically optimal time. Despite this long-term
      optimality, many spurious distances are anyway computed with this method.
      Therefore, several improvements have been proposed, most of them aiming to refine
      the volume of influence for each atom. Here, we suggest a different improvement
      strategy based on avoiding to fill cells with those atoms that are always at a
      constant distance of a given atom. This technique is particularly effective when
      large groups of the particles in the simulation behave as rigid bodies as it is
      the case in simplified models considering only few of the degrees of freedom of
      the molecule. In these cases, the proposed technique can reduce the number of
      distance computations by more than one order of magnitude, as compared with the
      standard cell linked-list technique. The benefits of this technique are obtained
      without incurring in additional computation costs, because it carries out the
      same operations as the standard cell linked-list algorithm, although in a
      different order. Since the focus of the technique is the order of the operations,
      it might be combined with existing improvements based on bounding the volume of
      influence for each atom.

PMID- 22072567
TI  - Radiosensitization of human pancreatic cancer cells by MLN4924, an
      investigational NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor.
AB  - Radiotherapy is used in locally advanced pancreatic cancers in which it can
      improve survival in combination with gemcitabine. However, prognosis is still
      poor in this setting in which more effective therapies remain needed. MLN4924 is
      an investigational small molecule currently in phase I clinical trials. MLN4924
      inhibits NAE (NEDD8 Activating Enzyme), a pivotal regulator of the E3 ubiquitin
      ligase SCF (SKP1, Cullins, and F-box protein), that has been implicated recently
      in DNA damage and repair. In this study, we provide evidence that MLN4924 can be
      used as an effective radiosensitizer in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, MLN4924
      (20-100 nmol/L) effectively inhibited cullin neddylation and sensitized
      pancreatic cancer cells to ionizing radiation in vitro with a sensitivity
      enhancement ratio of approximately 1.5. Mechanistically, MLN4924 treatment
      stimulated an accumulation of several SCF substrates, including CDT1, WEE1, and
      NOXA, in parallel with an enhancement of radiation-induced DNA damage,
      aneuploidy, G(2)/M phase cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. RNAi-mediated
      knockdown of CDT1 and WEE1 partially abrogated MLN4924-induced aneuploidy, G(2)/M
      arrest, and radiosensitization, indicating a causal effect. Furthermore, MLN4924
      was an effective radiosensitizer in a mouse xenograft model of human pancreatic
      cancer. Our findings offer proof-of-concept for use of MLN4924 as a novel class
      of radiosensitizer for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22072569
TI  - Public preferences for responsibility versus public preferences for reducing
      inequalities.
AB  - In cost-utility analysis, the numbers of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)
      gained are aggregated by placing the same weight on each QALY. Deviations from
      this rubric have been proposed on a number of grounds, including the degree to
      which persons might be deemed responsible for the illness faced, and inequality
      in lifetime health between groups. Most research has looked at these factors in
      isolation. This paper analyses public preferences about the relative importance
      of these factors. Over 500 members of the general public in the UK are
      interviewed in their homes. Where "blameworthy" groups experience a moderate drop
      in quality of life due to their behaviour, they appear to receive higher priority
      than an otherwise "trustworthy" group if they also experience poorer health
      prospects because the latter is weighted more heavily than the former.

PMID- 22072570
TI  - Effect of partial meniscectomy at the medial posterior horn on tibiofemoral
      contact mechanics and meniscal hoop strains in human knees.
AB  - We examined the influence of partial meniscectomy of 10 mm width on 10 human
      cadaveric knee joints, as it is performed during the treatment of radial tears in
      the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, on maximum contact pressure, contact
      area (CA), and meniscal hoop strain in the lateral and medial knee compartments.
      In case of 0 degrees  and 30 degrees  flexion angle, 20% and 50% partial
      meniscectomy did not influence maximum contact pressure and area. Only in case of
      60 degrees  knee flexion, 50% partial resection increased medial maximum contact
      pressure and decreased the medial CA statistically significant. However, 100%
      partial resection increased maximum contact pressure and decreased CA
      significantly in the meniscectomized medial knee compartment in all tested knee
      positions. No significant differences were noted for meniscal hoop strain. From a
      biomechanical point of view, our in vitro study suggests that the medial joint
      compartment is not in danger of accelerated cartilage degeneration up to a
      resection limit of 20% meniscal depth and 10 mm width. Contact mechanics are
      likely to be more sensitive to partial meniscectomy at higher flexion angles,
      which has to be further investigated.

PMID- 22072571
TI  - Polymorphisms of stress-related genes and the risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with
      or without cleft palate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NCL/P) is a
      common structural malformation with a complex and multifactorial etiology. It has
      been shown that maternal psychological stress in the periconceptional period can
      contribute to an increase in the risk of NCL/P affecting pregnancy. METHODS:
      Twenty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms of 11 stress-related genes (COMT,
      CRHR1, FKBP5, GABRA6, HSD11beta2, MAOA, NPY, NR3C1, SERPINA6, SLC6A4, and TPH2)
      were investigated in 220 healthy mothers of children with facial clefts and 210
      matched controls using restriction fragment-length polymorphism and high
      resolution melting analysis. RESULTS: We found that polymorphisms in SLC6A4,
      TPH2, and SERPINA6 appear to be maternal factors increasing the risk of having a
      child with facial clefts. The closest correlations with NCL/P were found for the
      SLC6A4 rs2020942 and TPH2 rs10879357 gene variants (odds ratio [OR], 1.720; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.158-2.553; p = 0.0069; p(trend) = 0.0036; and OR,
      1.837; 95% CI, 1.226-2.753, p = 0.0030, p(trend) = 0.0057; respectively).
      Moreover, haplotype analysis revealed that several combinations of markers in
      SLC6A4, TPH2, and SERPINA6 might be significantly associated with the risk of
      NCL/P affected pregnancies. However, these associations were not statistically
      significant after correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that nucleotide variants of genes encoding components of the
      hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and serotoninergic system have a role in the
      etiology of NCL/P in the Polish population. SLC6A4, TPH2, and SERPINA6 might be
      novel candidate genes for this common congenital anomaly.

PMID- 22072572
TI  - Carbidopa enhances antitumoral activity of bicalutamide on the androgen receptor
      axis in castration-resistant prostate tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Response to bicalutamide after castration failure is not durable and
      treatment options at this stage are limited. Carbidopa, an L-dopa decarboxylase
      (AR-coactivator) inhibitor, has been shown to retard prostate tumor growth/PSA
      production in xenografts. Here, we hypothesize that pharmacological targeting of
      the AR-axis by combination treatment with bicalutamide plus carbidopa
      significantly enhances antitumoral activity in vitro and in vivo compared to
      monotherapy with either drug. METHODS: Carbidopa was tested for its ability to
      enhance the effects of bicalutamide on cell viability, apoptosis and PSA
      transactivation in LNCaP and C4-2 cells. The castration-resistant prostate cancer
      (CRPC) LNCaP xenograft tumor model was used in vivo. After CRPC progression, mice
      were treated with carbidopa (50 mg/kg) and bicalutamide (50 mg/kg) as monotherapy
      or in combination. Tumor volume and serum PSA were evaluated weekly. RESULTS:
      Combination treatment of carbidopa plus bicalutamide significantly inhibited cell
      viability in both cell lines and induced apoptosis. The combination treatment
      also decreased androgen-induced PSA transactivation by 62.6% in LNCaP cells and
      by 55.6% in C4-2 cells compared to control, while bicalutamide monotherapy
      reduced PSA levels by 27.5% and 29.1% in LNCaP and C4-2 cells. In vivo,
      bicalutamide monotherapy delayed LNCaP CRPC tumor growth rate by 72.2%, while
      combination treatment reduced tumor growth by 84.4% compared to control. Serum
      PSA was also reduced 70.6% with bicalutamide monotherapy, while combination
      therapy reduced PSA levels by 76.7% compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates preclinical proof-of-principle that pharmacological targeting of
      prostate tumors by combination treatment of bicalutamide plus carbidopa
      significantly reduces AR activity, and thereby delays CRPC tumor progression in
      vivo.

PMID- 22072573
TI  - Structural and mechanical effects of in vivo fatigue damage induction on murine
      tendon.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an in vivo mouse model of
      tendon fatigue and use this model to investigate and quantify the physical
      manifestations of fatigue damage in mouse tendon. Patellar tendons of C57BL/6J
      mice were fatigue loaded at 2 Hz to three endpoints (4 N peak force per cycle for
      1 h, 6 N for 1 h, and 4 N for 2 h), during which hysteresis, tangent stiffness,
      and peak strain of each cycle were measured. Damage accumulation was then
      quantified using in situ histology, and each tendon was loaded monotonically to
      failure. Histological damage increased significantly in all three groups (>=2
      fold), and monotonic stiffness decreased significantly in the 6 N, 1 h and 4 N, 2
      h groups (~25%), suggesting that damage initially manifests as changes to the
      collagen structure of the tendon and subsequently as changes to the function. For
      the fatigue loading protocols used in this study, none of the evaluated real-time
      parameters from fatigue loading correlated with damage area fraction measured
      structural damage or monotonic stiffness, suggesting that they are not suited to
      serve as proxies for damage accumulation. In future studies, this model will be
      used to compare the biological response of mouse tendon to fatigue damage across
      genetic strains.

PMID- 22072574
TI  - Tbx5 overexpression favors a first heart field lineage in murine embryonic stem
      cells and in Xenopus laevis embryos.
AB  - The T-box transcription factor Tbx5 is involved in several developmental
      processes including cardiogenesis. Early steps of cardiac development are
      characterised by the formation of two cardiogenic lineages, the first (FHF) and
      the second heart field (SHF) lineage, which arise from a common cardiac
      progenitor cell population. To further investigate the function of Tbx5 during
      cardiogenesis, we generated a murine embryonic stem cell line constitutively
      overexpressing Tbx5. Differentiation of these cells is characterised by an
      earlier and increased appearance of contracting cardiomyocytes that beat with a
      higher frequency than control cells. In semi-quantitative and quantitative RT-PCR
      analyses, we observed an up-regulation of cardiac marker genes such as Troponin
      T, endogenous Tbx5, and Nkx2.5 and a down-regulation of others like BMP4 and
      Hand2. Similar data were gained in Xenopus laevis arguing for a conserved
      function of Tbx5. Furthermore, markers of the conduction system and atrial
      cardiomyocytes were increased.

PMID- 22072575
TI  - Deficiency in Crumbs homolog 2 (Crb2) affects gastrulation and results in
      embryonic lethality in mice.
AB  - The Crumbs family of transmembrane proteins has an important role in the
      differentiation of the apical membrane domain in various cell types, regulating
      such processes as epithelial cell polarization. The mammalian Crumbs protein
      family is composed of three members. Here, we inactivated the mouse Crb2 gene
      with gene-targeting techniques and found that the protein is crucial for early
      embryonic development with severe abnormalities appearing in Crb2-deficient
      embryos at late-gastrulation. Our findings indicate that the primary defect in
      the mutant embryos is disturbed polarity of the epiblast cells at the primitive
      streak, which affects epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) during
      gastrulation, resulting in impaired mesoderm and endoderm formation, and
      embryonic lethality by embryonic day 12.5. These findings therefore indicate a
      novel role for the Crumbs family of proteins.

PMID- 22072576
TI  - Two promoters with distinct activities in different tissues drive the expression
      of heparanase in Xenopus.
AB  - In Xenopus laevis embryos, heparanase, the enzyme that degrades heparan sulfate,
      is synthesized as a preproheparanase (XHpaL) and processed to become
      enzymatically active (XHpa active). A short nonenzymatic heparanase splice
      variant (XHpaS) is also expressed. Using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and
      heparanase promoter analysis, we studied the dynamic developmental expression of
      the three heparanases. Our results indicate that (1) all three isoforms are
      maternally expressed; (2) XHpaS is a developmental variant; (3) in the early
      embryo, heparanase is localized to both the plasma membrane and the nucleus; (4)
      several tissues express heparanase, but expression in the developing nervous
      system is most evident; (5) two promoters with distinct activities in different
      tissues drive heparanase expression; (6) Oct binding transcription factors may
      modulate heparanase promoter activity in the early embryo. These data argue that
      heparanase is expressed widely during development, but localization and levels
      are finely regulated.

PMID- 22072577
TI  - Primer and interviews: advances in targeted gene modification. Interview by Julie
      C. Kiefer.
AB  - Gene targeting in mice, first reported 25 years ago, has led to monumental
      advances in the understanding of basic biology and human disease. The ability to
      employ a similarly straightforward method for gene manipulation in other
      experimental organisms would make their already significant contributions all the
      more powerful. Here, we briefly outline the strengths and weaknesses of reverse
      genetics techniques in non-murine model organisms, ending with a more detailed
      description of two that promise to bring targeted gene modification to the
      masses: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector
      nucleases (TALENs). Dana Caroll, a forefather of zinc finger technology, and Bo
      Zhang, among the first to introduce TALEN-targeted mutagenesis to zebrafish,
      discuss their experience with these techniques, and speculate about the future of
      the field.

PMID- 22072581
TI  - Controlled ambipolar-to-unipolar conversion in graphene field-effect transistors
      through surface coating with poly(ethylene imine)/poly(ethylene glycol) films.
AB  - A controlled ambipolar-to-unipolar (n-type) conversion, along with a maximum
      fourfold increase in the electron mobility, in graphene field-effect transistors
      (FETs) is achieved by coating the surface of graphene with a layer of a mixed
      polymer system, poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The
      PEG serves as a physisorption adhesion agent for the PEI. Both unipolar and
      ambipolar n-type doping can be realized by adjusting the thickness of PEI films
      atop the graphene channel. The observed phenomena are attributed to the
      doping/dedoping effects of the external PEI film. The study provides a guide to
      engineering graphene transport properties through chemical modifications.

PMID- 22072583
TI  - Remote real-time monitoring of free flaps via smartphone photography and 3G
      wireless Internet: a prospective study evidencing diagnostic accuracy.
AB  - This prospective study was designed to compare the accuracy rate between remote
      smartphone photographic assessments and in-person examinations for free flap
      monitoring. One hundred and three consecutive free flaps were monitored with in
      person examinations and assessed remotely by three surgeons (Team A) via
      photographs transmitted over smartphone. Four other surgeons used the traditional
      in-person examinations as Team B. The response time to re-exploration was defined
      as the interval between when a flap was evaluated as compromised by the
      nurse/house officer and when the decision was made for re-exploration. The
      accuracy rate was 98.7% and 94.2% for in-person and smartphone photographic
      assessments, respectively. The response time of 8 +/- 3 min in Team A was
      statistically shorter than the 180 +/- 104 min in Team B (P = 0.01 by the Mann
      Whitney test). The remote smartphone photography assessment has a comparable
      accuracy rate and shorter response time compared with in-person examination for
      free flap monitoring.

PMID- 22072582
TI  - Inverse association between glutathione peroxidase activity and both selenium
      binding protein 1 levels and Gleason score in human prostate tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data from human epidemiological studies, cultured mammalian cells,
      and animal models have supported a potentially beneficial role of selenium (Se)
      in prostate cancer prevention. In addition, Se-containing proteins including
      members of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family and Selenium-Binding Protein 1
      (SBP1) have been linked to either cancer risk or development. For example, SBP1
      levels are typically reduced in tumors compared to non-cancerous tissue, with the
      degree of reduction associated with increasingly poor clinical outcome. METHODS:
      In order to investigate inter-relationships between blood and tissue Se levels
      and GPx activity, tissue SBP1 levels, and disease aggressiveness using the
      Gleason score, we measured levels of selenium and selected selenoproteins in
      fasting serum and histologically normal prostate tissues obtained from 24 men
      undergoing radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.
      RESULTS: GPx enzyme activity was inversely correlated with SBP1 levels in
      prostate tissue as determined by densitometry of Western blots obtained using
      anti-SBP1 antibodies [partial Spearman's correlation coefficients and
      corresponding P-values overall and in African-Americans = -0.42 (0.08) and -0.53
      (0.10), respectively], which is consistent with previous observations in cultured
      cells and mice. Of particular interest was the positive correlation between
      tissue GPx activity and Gleason score, with this relationship achieving
      statistical significance among African-Americans (r = 0.67, P = 0.02).
      CONCLUSION: These studies support the continued investigation of the role of Se
      and selenoproteins in prostate cancer prevention, development, and prognosis.

PMID- 22072584
TI  - Peripheral nerve reconstruction with collagen tubes filled with denatured
      autologous muscle tissue in the rat model.
AB  - Conventional nerve conduits lack cellular and extracellular guidance structures
      critical for bridging larger defects. In this study, an exogenous matrix for
      axonal regeneration was provided by pretreated muscle tissue. In 24 rats, 14-mm
      sciatic nerve segments were resected and surgically reconstructed using one of
      the following methods: autograft (AG); bovine type I collagen conduit; (MDM)
      collagen tube filled with modified denatured autologous muscle tissue. For 8
      weeks, functional regeneration was evaluated by footprint and video gait
      analysis. Evaluation was complemented by electrophysiology, as well as
      qualitative and quantitative structural assessment of nerves and target muscles.
      Group AG was superior both structurally and functionally, showing higher axon
      counts, a more normal gait pattern, and less severe muscle atrophy. Fiber quality
      (fiber size and myelin thickness) was highest in group MDM, possibly related to
      the myelin-producing effect of muscular laminin. However, axon count was lowest
      in this group, and ultrastructural analysis of the denatured muscle tissue showed
      areas of incomplete denaturation that had acted as a mechanical barrier for
      regenerating axons. In light of these results, the often advocated use of
      muscular exogenous matrix for peripheral nerve reconstruction is reviewed in the
      literature, and its clinical application is critically discussed. In conclusion,
      combined muscle tubes may have a positive influence on nerve fiber maturation.
      However, muscle pretreatment is not without risks, and denaturation processes
      need to be further refined.

PMID- 22072585
TI  - Probing diffusion of single nanoparticles at water-oil interfaces.
AB  - The diffusion of nanoparticles at a water-alkane interface is studied using
      fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic quantum dots
      of 5, 8, and 11 nm radius are used. A slow-down of nanoparticle diffusion at the
      liquid-liquid interface is observed. The effect is most evident when the
      viscosities of both liquid phases are similar, here, at the water-decane
      interface. In this case, the interfacial diffusion coefficients of the
      hydrophilic particles are 1.5 times and those of the hydrophobic particles 2
      times lower than the corresponding bulk values.

PMID- 22072586
TI  - Cassettes for PCR-mediated gene tagging in Candida albicans utilizing
      nourseothricin resistance.
AB  - In recent years a number of molecular tools have been reported for use in the
      human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, including PCR-mediated approaches for
      gene disruption, conditional expression and epitope tagging. Traditionally these
      methods have utilized auxotrophic markers; however, the availability of
      auxotrophic markers can be limiting and in some instances their use may also
      impact on the interpretation of results. As a result, the use of positive
      selection markers has now become more commonplace. Here we report the development
      and validation of a set of cassettes for PCR-mediated gene tagging and
      overexpression studies utilizing the nourseothricin resistance (CaNAT1) positive
      selection marker. In particular we have produced cassettes containing yeast
      enhanced GFP, YFP, CFP, RFP and a combined V5-6xHis epitope tag. The cassettes
      are engineered for use in PCR-mediated gene tagging strategies where insertion is
      targeted to the 3' end of the gene of interest. In addition, to facilitate
      protein functional analysis and genetic suppression studies through the use of
      overexpression, we have also constructed a promoter replacement cassette
      containing the ENO1 promoter which is known to be expressed at a high level.
      These cassettes expand on the range of molecular tools available for working with
      C. albicans and may also be used in other Candida species that display
      sensitivity to nourseothricin.

PMID- 22072587
TI  - Posttranscriptional upregulation by microRNAs.
AB  - MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA guide molecules that regulate gene expression
      via association with effector complexes and sequence-specific recognition of
      target sites on other RNAs; misregulated microRNA expression and functions are
      linked to a variety of tumors, developmental disorders, and immune disease.
      MicroRNAs have primarily been demonstrated to mediate posttranscriptional
      downregulation of expression; translational repression, and deadenylation
      dependent decay of messages through partially complementary microRNA target sites
      in mRNA untranslated regions (UTRs). However, an emerging assortment of studies,
      discussed in this review, reveal that microRNAs and their associated protein
      complexes (microribonucleoproteins or microRNPs) can additionally function to
      posttranscriptionally stimulate gene expression by direct and indirect
      mechanisms. These reports indicate that microRNA-mediated effects can be
      selective, regulated by the RNA sequence context, and associated with RNP factors
      and cellular conditions. Like repression, translation upregulation by microRNAs
      has been observed to range from fine-tuning effects to significant alterations in
      expression. These studies uncover remarkable, new abilities of microRNAs and
      associated microRNPs in gene expression control and underscore the importance of
      regulation, in cis and trans, in directing appropriate microRNP responses.

PMID- 22072590
TI  - Height loss predicts subsequent hip fracture in men and women of the Framingham
      Study.
AB  - Although height is a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture, current risk
      assessments do not consider height loss. Height loss may be a simple measurement
      that clinicians could use to predict fracture or need for further testing. The
      objective was to examine height loss and subsequent hip fracture, evaluating both
      long-term adult height loss and recent height loss. Prospective cohort of 3081
      adults from the Framingham Heart Study. Height was measured biennially since
      1948, and cohort followed for hip fracture through 2005. Adult height loss from
      middle-age years across 24 years and recent height loss in elderly years were
      considered. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate association
      between height loss and risk of hip fracture. Of 1297 men and 1784 women, mean
      baseline age was 66 years (SD = 7.8). Average height loss for men was 1.06 inches
      (0.76), and for women was 1.12 inches (0.84). A total of 11% of men and 15% of
      women lost >=2 inches of height. Mean follow-up was 17 years, during which 71 men
      and 278 women had incident hip fractures. For each 1-inch of height loss, hazard
      ratio (HR) = 1.4 in men [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.99], and 1.04 in
      women (95% CI: 0.88, 1.23). Men and women who lost >=2 inches of height had
      increased fracture risk (compared with 0 to <2 inches) of borderline
      significance: men HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 0.86, 3.61; women HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.90,
      1.76. Recent height loss in elders significantly increased the risk of hip
      fracture, 54% in men and 21% in women (95% CI: 1.14, 2.09; 1.03, 1.42,
      respectively). Adult height loss predicted hip fracture risk in men in our study.
      Recent height loss in elderly men and women predicted risk of hip fracture.

PMID- 22072591
TI  - Next-generation sequencing in molecular diagnosis: NUBPL mutations highlight the
      challenges of variant detection and interpretation.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is transitioning from being a research tool to
      being used in routine genetic diagnostics, where a major challenge is
      distinguishing which of many sequence variants in an individual are truly
      pathogenic. We describe some limitations of in silico analyses of NGS data that
      emphasize the need for experimental confirmation. Using NGS, we recently
      identified an apparently homozygous missense mutation in NUBPL in a patient with
      mitochondrial complex I deficiency. Causality was established via lentiviral
      correction studies with wild-type NUBPL cDNA. NGS data, however, provided an
      incomplete understanding of the genetic abnormality. We show that the maternal
      allele carries an unbalanced inversion, while the paternal allele carries a
      branch-site mutation in addition to the missense mutation. We demonstrate that
      the branch-site mutation, which is present in approximately one of 120 control
      chromosomes, likely contributes to pathogenicity and may be one of the most
      common autosomal mutations causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Had these analyses
      not been performed following NGS, the original missense mutation may be
      incorrectly annotated as pathogenic and a potentially common pathogenic variant
      not detected. It is important that locus-specific databases contain accurate
      information on pathogenic variation. NGS data, therefore, require rigorous
      experimental follow-up to confirm mutation pathogenicity.

PMID- 22072592
TI  - Cyclic RGD-polyethylene glycol-polyethylenimine for intracranial glioblastoma
      targeted gene delivery.
AB  - Even though the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is compromised for angiogenesis,
      therapeutic agents for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are particularly inefficient
      due to the existence of a blood-tumor barrier (BTB), which hampers tumor
      accumulation and uptake. Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) is overexpressed on
      glioblastoma U87 cells and neovasculture, thus making its ligands such as the RGD
      motif target glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. In the present work, we have
      designed a modified polyethylene glycol-polyethylenimine (PEG-PEI) gene carrier
      by conjugating it with a cyclic RGD sequence, c(RGDyK) (cyclic arginine-glycine
      aspartic acid-D-tyrosine-lysine). When complexed with plasmid DNA, this gene
      carrier, termed RGD-PEG-PEI, formed homogenous nanoparticles with a mean diameter
      of 73 nm. These nanoparticles had a high binding affinity with U87 cells and
      facilitated targeted gene delivery against intracranial glioblastoma in vivo,
      thereby leading to a higher gene transfer efficiency compared to the PEG-PEI gene
      carrier without RGD decoration. This intracranial glioblastoma-targeted gene
      carrier also enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of pORF-hTRAIL, as evidenced by a
      significantly prolonged survival of intracranial glioblastoma-bearing nude mice.
      Considering the contribution of glioblastoma neovasculature to the BBB under
      angiogenic conditions, our results demonstrated the therapeutic feasibility of
      treating a brain tumor through mediation of integrin alpha(v)beta(3), as well as
      the potential of using RGD-PEG-PEI as a targeted gene carrier in the treatment of
      intracranial glioblastoma.

PMID- 22072593
TI  - Height loss in older women: risk of hip fracture and mortality independent of
      vertebral fractures.
AB  - We examined if height loss in older women predicts risk of hip fractures, other
      nonspine fractures, and mortality, and whether this risk is independent of both
      vertebral fractures (VFx) and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry. Among 3124 women age 65 and older in the Study of Osteoporotic
      Fractures, we assessed the association with measured height change between year 0
      (1986-1988) and year 15 (2002-2004) and subsequent risk of radiologically
      confirmed hip fractures, other nonspine fractures, and mortality assessed via
      death certificates. Follow-up occurred every 4 months for fractures and vital
      status (>95% contacts complete). Cox proportional hazards models assessed risk of
      hip fracture, nonspine fracture, and mortality over a mean of 5 years after
      height change was assessed (ie, after final height measurement). After adjustment
      for VFx, BMD, and other potential covariates, height loss >5 cm was associated
      with a marked increased risk of hip fracture [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.06, 2.12], nonspine fracture (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.20,
      1.83), and mortality (1.45; 95% CI 1.21, 1.73). Although primary analyses were a
      subset of 3124 survivors healthy enough to return for a year 15 height
      measurement, a sensitivity analysis in the entire cohort (n = 9677) using initial
      height in earlier adulthood [self-reported height at age 25 (-40 years) to
      measured height age >65 years (Year 0)] demonstrated consistent results. Height
      loss >5 cm (2") in older women was associated with a nearly 50% increased risk of
      hip fracture, nonspine fracture, and mortality-independent of incident VFx and
      BMD.

PMID- 22072594
TI  - Oligomerization of SLC4A11 protein and the severity of FECD and CHED2 corneal
      dystrophies caused by SLC4A11 mutations.
AB  - Mutations in the SLC4A11 gene, which encodes a plasma membrane borate
      transporter, cause recessive congenital hereditary endothelial corneal dystrophy
      type 2 (CHED2), corneal dystrophy and perceptive deafness (Harboyan syndrome),
      and dominant late-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). We analyzed
      missense SLC4A11 mutations identified in FECD and CHED2 patients and expressed in
      transfected HEK 293 cells. Chemical cross-linking and migration in nondenaturing
      gels showed that SLC4A11 exists as a dimer. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation
      of epitope-tagged proteins revealed heteromeric interactions between wild-type
      (WT) and mutant SLC4A11 proteins. When expressed alone, FECD- and CHED2-causing
      mutant SLC4A11 proteins are primarily retained intracellularly. Co-expression
      with WT SLC4A11 partially rescued the cell surface trafficking of CHED2 mutants,
      but not FECD mutants. CHED2 alleles of SLC4A11 did not affect cell surface
      processing of WT SLC4A11. In contrast, FECD mutants reduced WT cell surface
      processing efficiency, consistent with dominant inheritance of FECD. The
      reduction in movement of WT protein to the cell surface caused by FECD SLC4A11
      helps to explain the dominant inheritance of this disorder. Similarly, the
      failure of CHED2 mutant SLC4A11 to affect the processing of WT protein, explains
      the lack of symptoms found in CHED2 carriers and the recessive inheritance of the
      disorder.

PMID- 22072595
TI  - Ca-rich Ca-Al-oxide, high-temperature-stable sorbents prepared from hydrotalcite
      precursors: synthesis, characterization, and CO2 capture capacity.
AB  - We present the design and synthesis of Ca-rich Ca-Al-O oxides, with Ca(2+)/Al(3+)
      ratios of 1:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 7:1, which were prepared by hydrothermal
      decomposition of coprecipitated hydrotalcite-like Ca-Al-CO(3) precursors, for
      high-temperature CO(2) adsorption at 500-700  degrees C. In situ X-ray
      diffraction measurements indicate that the coprecipitated, Ca-rich, hydrotalcite
      like powders with Ca(2+)/Al(3+) ratios of 5:1 and 7:1 contained Ca(OH)(2) and
      layered double hydroxide (LDH) phases. Upon annealing, LDH was first destroyed at
      approximately 200  degrees C to form an amorphous matrix, and then at 450-550 
      degrees C, the Ca(OH)(2) phase was converted into a CaO matrix with incorporated
      Al(3+) to form a homogeneous solid solution without a disrupted lattice
      structure. CaO nanocrystals were grown by thermal treatment of the weakly
      crystalline Ca-Al-O oxide matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that a
      CO(2) adsorption capacity of approximately 51 wt. % can be obtained from Ca-rich
      Ca-Al-O oxides prepared by calcination of 7:1 Ca-Al-CO(3) LDH phases at 600-700 
      degrees C. Furthermore, a relatively high CO(2) capture capability can be
      achieved, even with gas flows containing very low CO(2) concentrations
      (CO(2)/N(2) = 10 %). Approximately 95.6 % of the initial CO(2) adsorption
      capacity of the adsorbent is retained after 30 cycles of carbonation-calcination.
      TEM analysis indicates that carbonation-promoted CaCO(3) formation in the Ca-Al-O
      oxide matrix at 600  degrees C, but a subsequent desorption in N(2) at 700 
      degrees C, caused the formation CaO nanocrystals of approximately 10 nm. The CaO
      nanocrystals are widely distributed in the weakly crystalline Ca-Al-O oxide
      matrix and are present during the carbonation-calcination cycles. This
      demonstrates that Ca-Al-O sorbents that developed through the synthesis and
      calcination of Ca-rich Ca-Al LDH phases are suitable for long-term cyclic
      operation in severe temperature environments.

PMID- 22072596
TI  - Extension of the modified Poisson regression model to prospective studies with
      correlated binary data.
AB  - The Poisson regression model using a sandwich variance estimator has become a
      viable alternative to the logistic regression model for the analysis of
      prospective studies with independent binary outcomes. The primary advantage of
      this approach is that it readily provides covariate-adjusted risk ratios and
      associated standard errors. In this article, the model is extended to studies
      with correlated binary outcomes as arise in longitudinal or cluster randomization
      studies. The key step involves a cluster-level grouping strategy for the
      computation of the middle term in the sandwich estimator. For a single binary
      exposure variable without covariate adjustment, this approach results in risk
      ratio estimates and standard errors that are identical to those found in the
      survey sampling literature. Simulation results suggest that it is reliable for
      studies with correlated binary data, provided the total number of clusters is at
      least 50. Data from observational and cluster randomized studies are used to
      illustrate the methods. 

PMID- 22072597
TI  - Protein-protein interaction sites are hot spots for disease-associated
      nonsynonymous SNPs.
AB  - Many nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) are disease causing
      due to effects at protein-protein interfaces. We have integrated a database of
      the three-dimensional (3D) structures of human protein/protein complexes and the
      humsavar database of nsSNPs. We analyzed the location of nsSNPS in terms of their
      location in the protein core, at protein-protein interfaces, and on the surface
      when not at an interface. Disease-causing nsSNPs that do not occur in the protein
      core are preferentially located at protein-protein interfaces rather than surface
      noninterface regions when compared to random segregation. The disruption of the
      protein-protein interaction can be explained by a range of structural effects
      including the loss of an electrostatic salt bridge, the destabilization due to
      reduction of the hydrophobic effect, the formation of a steric clash, and the
      introduction of a proline altering the main-chain conformation.

PMID- 22072598
TI  - Investigation of different cell types and gel carriers for cell-based
      intervertebral disc therapy, in vitro and in vivo studies.
AB  - Biological treatment options for the repair of intervertebral disc damage have
      been suggested for patients with chronic low back pain. The aim of this study was
      to investigate possible cell types and gel carriers for use in the regenerative
      treatment of degenerative intervertebral discs (IVD). In vitro: human mesenchymal
      cells (hMSCs), IVD cells (hDCs), and chondrocytes (hCs) were cultivated in three
      gel types: hyaluronan gel (Durolane(r)), hydrogel (Puramatrix(r)), and tissue
      glue gel (TISSEEL(r)) in chondrogenic differentiation media for 9 days. Cell
      proliferation and proteoglycan accumulation were evaluated with microscopy and
      histology. In vivo: hMSCs or hCs and hyaluronan gel were co-injected into injured
      IVDs of six minipigs. Animals were sacrificed at 3 or 6 months. Transplanted
      cells were traced with anti-human antibodies. IVD appearance was visualized by
      MRI, immunohistochemistry, and histology. Hyaluronan gel induced the highest cell
      proliferation in vitro for all cell types. Xenotransplanted hMSCs and hCs
      survived in porcine IVDs for 6 months and produced collagen II in all six
      animals. Six months after transplantation of cell/gel, pronounced endplate
      changes indicating severe IVD degeneration were observed at MRI in 1/3 hC/gel,
      1/3 hMSCs/gel and 1/3 gel only injected IVDs at MRI and 1/3 hMSC/gel, 3/3 hC/gel,
      2/3 gel and 1/3 injured IVDs showed positive staining for bone mineralization. In
      1 of 3 discs receiving hC/gel, in 1 of 3 receiving hMSCs/gel, and in 1 of 3 discs
      receiving gel alone. Injected IVDs on MRI results in 1 of 3 hMSC/gel, in 3 of 3
      hC/gel, in 2 of 3 gel, and in 1 of 3 injured IVDs animals showed positive
      staining for bone mineralization. The investigated hyaluronan gel carrier is not
      suitable for use in cell therapy of injured/degenerated IVDs. The high cell
      proliferation observed in vitro in the hyaluronan could have been a negative
      factor in vivo, since most cell/gel transplanted IVDs showed degenerative changes
      at MRI and positive bone mineralization staining. However, this
      xenotransplantation model is valuable for evaluating possible cell therapy
      strategies for human degenerated IVDs.

PMID- 22072599
TI  - Problems hearing in noise in older adults: a review of spatial processing
      disorder.
AB  - Difficulty understanding speech in background noise, even with amplification to
      restore audibility, is a common problem for hearing-impaired individuals and is
      especially frequent in older adults. Despite the debilitating nature of the
      problem the cause is not yet completely clear. This review considers the role of
      spatial processing ability in understanding speech in noise, highlights the
      potential impact of disordered spatial processing, and attempts to establish if
      aging leads to reduced spatial processing ability. Evidence supporting and
      opposing the hypothesis that spatial processing is disordered among the aging
      population is presented. With a few notable exceptions, spatial processing
      ability was shown to be reduced in an older population in comparison to young
      adults, leading to poorer speech understanding in noise. However, it is argued
      that to conclude aging negatively effects spatial processing ability may be
      oversimplified or even premature given potentially confounding factors such as
      cognitive ability and hearing impairment. Further research is required to
      determine the effect of aging and hearing impairment on spatial processing and to
      investigate possible remediation options for spatial processing disorder.

PMID- 22072600
TI  - Predicting flexible loop regions that interact with ligands: the challenge of
      accurate scoring.
AB  - Flexible loop regions play a critical role in the biological function of many
      proteins and have been shown to be involved in ligand binding. In the context of
      structure-based drug design, using or predicting an incorrect loop configuration
      can be detrimental to the study if the loop is capable of interacting with the
      ligand. Three protein systems, each with at least one flexible loop region in
      close proximity to the known binding site, were selected for loop prediction
      using the CorLps program; a six residue loop region from
      phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (GART), two nine residue loop regions
      from cytochrome P450 (CYP) 119, and an 11 residue loop region from enolase were
      selected for loop prediction. The results of this study indicate that the
      statistically based DFIRE scoring function implemented in the CorLps program did
      not accurately rank native-like predicted loop configurations in any protein
      system. In an attempt to improve the ranking of the native-like predicted loop
      configurations, the MM/GBSA and the optimized MM/GBSA-dsr scoring functions were
      used to re-rank the predicted loops with and without bound ligand. In general,
      single snapshot MM/GBSA scoring provided the best ranking of native-like loop
      configurations. Based on the scoring function analyses presented, the optimal
      ranking of native-like loop configurations is still a difficult challenge and the
      choice of the "best" scoring function appears to be system dependent.

PMID- 22072601
TI  - Evaluation of the minimum energy hypothesis and other potential optimality
      criteria for human running.
AB  - A popular hypothesis for human running is that gait mechanics and muscular
      activity are optimized in order to minimize the cost of transport (CoT). Humans
      running at any particular speed appear to naturally select a stride length that
      maintains a low CoT when compared with other possible stride lengths. However, it
      is unknown if the nervous system prioritizes the CoT itself for minimization, or
      if some other quantity is minimized and a low CoT is a consequential effect. To
      address this question, we generated predictive computer simulations of running
      using an anatomically inspired musculoskeletal model and compared the results
      with data collected from human runners. Three simulations were generated by
      minimizing the CoT, the total muscle activation or the total muscle stress,
      respectively. While all the simulations qualitatively resembled real human
      running, minimizing activation predicted the most realistic joint angles and
      timing of muscular activity. While minimizing the CoT naturally predicted the
      lowest CoT, minimizing activation predicted a more realistic CoT in comparison
      with the experimental mean. The results suggest a potential control strategy
      centred on muscle activation for economical running.

PMID- 22072602
TI  - Fitness consequences of plants growing with siblings: reconciling kin selection,
      niche partitioning and competitive ability.
AB  - Plant studies that have investigated the fitness consequences of growing with
      siblings have found conflicting evidence that can support different theoretical
      frameworks. Depending on whether siblings or strangers have higher fitness in
      competition, kin selection, niche partitioning and competitive ability have been
      invoked. Here, we bring together these processes in a conceptual synthesis and
      argue that they can be co-occurring. We propose that these processes can be
      reconciled and argue for a trait-based approach of measuring natural selection
      instead of the fitness-based approach to the study of sibling competition. This
      review will improve the understanding of how plants interact socially under
      competitive situations, and provide a framework for future studies.

PMID- 22072603
TI  - Plant establishment and invasions: an increase in a seed disperser combined with
      land abandonment causes an invasion of the non-native walnut in Europe.
AB  - Successful invasive species often are established for a long time period before
      increasing exponentially in abundance. This lag phase is one of the least
      understood phenomena of biological invasions. Plant invasions depend on three
      factors: a seed source, suitable habitat and a seed disperser. The non-native
      walnut, Juglans regia, has been planted for centuries in Central Europe but,
      until recently, has not spread beyond planted areas. However, in the past 20
      years, we have observed a rapid increase in walnut abundance, specifically in
      abandoned agricultural fields. The dominant walnut disperser is the rook, Corvus
      frugilegus. During the past 50 years, rooks have increased in abundance and now
      commonly inhabit human settlements, where walnut trees are planted. Central
      Europe has, in the past few decades, experienced large-scale land abandonment.
      Walnut seeds dispersed into ploughed fields do not survive, but when cached into
      ploughed and then abandoned fields, they successfully establish. Rooks
      preferentially cache seeds in ploughed fields. Thus, land-use change combined
      with disperser changes can cause rapid increase of a non-native species, allowing
      it to become invasive. This may have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.
      Thus, species that are non-native and not invasive can become invasive as
      habitats and dispersers change.

PMID- 22072604
TI  - Old World monkeys are more similar to humans than New World monkeys when playing
      a coordination game.
AB  - There is much debate about how humans' decision-making compares with that of
      other primates. One way to explore this is to compare species' performance using
      identical methodologies in games with strategical interactions. We presented a
      computerized Assurance Game, which was either functionally simultaneous or
      sequential, to investigate how humans, rhesus monkeys and capuchin monkeys used
      information in decision-making. All species coordinated via sequential play on
      the payoff-dominant Nash equilibrium, indicating that information about the
      partner's choice improved decisions. Furthermore, some humans and rhesus monkeys
      found the payoff-dominant Nash equilibrium in the simultaneous game, even when it
      was the first condition presented. Thus, Old World primates solved the task
      without any external cues to their partner's choice. Finally, when not explicitly
      prohibited, humans spontaneously used language to coordinate on the payoff
      dominant Nash equilibrium, indicating an alternative mechanism for converting a
      simultaneous move game into a sequential move game. This phylogenetic
      distribution implies that no single mechanism drives coordination decisions
      across the primates, while humans' ability to spontaneously use language to
      change the structure of the game emphasizes that multiple mechanisms may be used
      even within the same species. These results provide insight into the evolution of
      decision-making strategies across the primates.

PMID- 22072605
TI  - Skimming the surface with Burgess Shale arthropod locomotion.
AB  - The first arthropod trackways are described from the Middle Cambrian Burgess
      Shale Formation of Canada. Trace fossils, including trackways, provide a rich
      source of biological and ecological information, including direct evidence of
      behaviour not commonly available from body fossils alone. The discovery of large
      arthropod trackways is unique for Burgess Shale-type deposits. Trackway
      dimensions and the requisite number of limbs are matched with the body plan of a
      tegopeltid arthropod. Tegopelte, one of the rarest Burgess Shale animals, is over
      twice the size of all other benthic arthropods known from this locality, and only
      its sister taxon, Saperion, from the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang biota of China,
      approaches a similar size. Biomechanical trackway analysis demonstrates that
      tegopeltids were capable of rapidly skimming across the seafloor and, in
      conjunction with the identification of gut diverticulae in Tegopelte, supports
      previous hypotheses on the locomotory capabilities and carnivorous mode of life
      of such arthropods. The trackways occur in the oldest part (Kicking Horse Shale
      Member) of the Burgess Shale Formation, which is also known for its scarce
      assemblage of soft-bodied organisms, and indicate at least intermittent
      oxygenated bottom waters and low sedimentation rates.

PMID- 22072606
TI  - The structure of cross-cultural musical diversity.
AB  - Human cultural traits, such as languages, musics, rituals and material objects,
      vary widely across cultures. However, the majority of comparative analyses of
      human cultural diversity focus on between-culture variation without consideration
      for within-culture variation. In contrast, biological approaches to genetic
      diversity, such as the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) framework,
      partition genetic diversity into both within- and between-population components.
      We attempt here for the first time to quantify both components of cultural
      diversity by applying the AMOVA model to music. By employing this approach with
      421 traditional songs from 16 Austronesian-speaking populations, we show that the
      vast majority of musical variability is due to differences within populations
      rather than differences between. This demonstrates a striking parallel to the
      structure of genetic diversity in humans. A neighbour-net analysis of pairwise
      population musical divergence shows a large amount of reticulation, indicating
      the pervasive occurrence of borrowing and/or convergent evolution of musical
      features across populations.

PMID- 22072607
TI  - Embryonic exposure to corticosterone modifies the juvenile stress response,
      oxidative stress and telomere length.
AB  - Early embryonic exposure to maternal glucocorticoids can broadly impact
      physiology and behaviour across phylogenetically diverse taxa. The transfer of
      maternal glucocorticoids to offspring may be an inevitable cost associated with
      poor environmental conditions, or serve as a maternal effect that alters
      offspring phenotype in preparation for a stressful environment. Regardless,
      maternal glucocorticoids are likely to have both costs and benefits that are paid
      and collected over different developmental time periods. We manipulated yolk
      corticosterone (cort) in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) to examine the
      potential impacts of embryonic exposure to maternal stress on the juvenile stress
      response and cellular ageing. Here, we report that juveniles exposed to
      experimentally increased cort in ovo had a protracted decline in cort during the
      recovery phase of the stress response. All birds, regardless of treatment group,
      shifted to oxidative stress during an acute stress response. In addition,
      embryonic exposure to cort resulted in higher levels of reactive oxygen
      metabolites and an over-representation of short telomeres compared with the
      control birds. In many species, individuals with higher levels of oxidative
      stress and shorter telomeres have the poorest survival prospects. Given this,
      long-term costs of glucocorticoid-induced phenotypes may include accelerated
      ageing and increased mortality.

PMID- 22072608
TI  - Novel methods reveal shifts in migration phenology of barn swallows in South
      Africa.
AB  - Many migratory bird species, including the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), have
      advanced their arrival date at Northern Hemisphere breeding grounds, showing a
      clear biotic response to recent climate change. Earlier arrival helps maintain
      their synchrony with earlier springs, but little is known about the associated
      changes in phenology at their non-breeding grounds. Here, we examine the
      phenology of barn swallows in South Africa, where a large proportion of the
      northern European breeding population spends its non-breeding season. Using novel
      analytical methods based on bird atlas data, we show that swallows first arrive
      in the northern parts of the country and gradually appear further south. On their
      north-bound journey, they leave South Africa rapidly, resulting in mean stopover
      durations of 140 days in the south and 180 days in the north. We found that
      swallows are now leaving northern parts of South Africa 8 days earlier than they
      did 20 years ago, and so shortened their stay in areas where they previously
      stayed the longest. By contrast, they did not shorten their stopover in other
      parts of South Africa, leading to a more synchronized departure across the
      country. Departure was related to environmental variability, measured through the
      Southern Oscillation Index. Our results suggest that these birds gain their
      extended breeding season in Europe partly by leaving South Africa earlier, and
      thus add to scarce evidence for phenology shifts in the Southern Hemisphere.

PMID- 22072609
TI  - Evolution of reproductive life histories in island birds worldwide.
AB  - Island environments typically share characteristics such as impoverished biotas
      and less-seasonal climates, which should be conducive to specific adaptations by
      organisms. However, with the exception of morphological studies, broad-scale
      tests of patterns of adaptation on islands are rare. Here, I examine reproductive
      patterns in island birds worldwide. Reproductive life histories are influenced by
      latitude, which could affect the response to insularity; therefore, I
      additionally test this hypothesis. Island colonizers showed mostly bi-parental
      care, but there was a significant increase in cooperative breeding on islands.
      Additionally, I found support for previous suggestions of reduced fecundity,
      longer developmental periods and increased investment in young on islands.
      However, clutch size increased with latitude at a rate nearly five times faster
      on the mainland than on the islands revealing a substantially stronger effect of
      insularity at higher latitudes. Latitude and insularity may also interact to
      determine egg volume and incubation periods, but these effects were less clear.
      Analyses of reproductive success did not support an effect of reduced nest
      predation as a driver of reproductive change, but this requires further study.
      The effect of latitude detected here suggests that the evolutionary changes
      associated with insularity relate to environmental stability and improved adult
      survival.

PMID- 22072610
TI  - Arctic plant diversity in the Early Eocene greenhouse.
AB  - For the majority of the Early Caenozoic, a remarkable expanse of humid,
      mesothermal to temperate forests spread across Northern Polar regions that now
      contain specialized plant and animal communities adapted to life in extreme
      environments. Little is known on the taxonomic diversity of Arctic floras during
      greenhouse periods of the Caenozoic. We show for the first time that plant
      richness in the globally warm Early Eocene (approx. 55-52 Myr) in the Canadian
      High Arctic (76 degrees  N) is comparable with that approximately 3500 km further
      south at mid-latitudes in the US western interior (44-47 degrees  N). Arctic
      Eocene pollen floras are most comparable in richness with today's forests in the
      southeastern United States, some 5000 km further south of the Arctic. Nearly half
      of the Eocene, Arctic plant taxa are endemic and the richness of pollen floras
      implies significant patchiness to the vegetation type and clear regional richness
      of angiosperms. The reduced latitudinal diversity gradient in Early Eocene North
      American plant species demonstrates that extreme photoperiod in the Arctic did
      not limit taxonomic diversity of plants.

PMID- 22072611
TI  - Sexual conflict over parental investment in repeated bouts: negotiation reduces
      overall care.
AB  - Understanding the evolution of parental care is complicated by the occurrence of
      evolutionary conflicts of interest within the family, variation in the quality
      and state of family members, and repeated bouts of investment in a family of
      offspring. As a result, family members are expected to negotiate over care. We
      present a model for the resolution of sexual conflict in which parents negotiate
      over repeated bouts of care. Negotiation is mediated by parents deciding at the
      start of each bout how much care to give on the basis of the state (mass) of
      offspring, which reflects the amount of care previously received. The
      evolutionarily stable pattern of care depends on whether the parents care
      together for the whole family, or each cares alone for part of the divided
      family. When they care together, they provide less care in the first bout, more
      in the last bout, and less care overall, resulting in lower parental and
      offspring fitness. Our results emphasize that negotiation over parental care may
      occur as a means of avoiding exploitation owing to sexual conflict, even in the
      absence of variation in the quality of either sex of parent, and lead to a
      reduction in fitness.

PMID- 22072612
TI  - Structural insight into mechanism and diverse substrate selection strategy of L
      ribulokinase.
AB  - The araBAD operon encodes three different enzymes required for catabolism of L
      arabinose, which is one of the most abundant monosaccharides in nature. L
      ribulokinase, encoded by the araB gene, catalyzes conversion of L-ribulose to L
      ribulose-5-phosphate, the second step in the catabolic pathway. Unlike other
      kinases, ribulokinase exhibits diversity in substrate selectivity and catalyzes
      phosphorylation of all four 2-ketopentose sugars with comparable k(cat) values.
      To understand ribulokinase recognition and phosphorylation of a diverse set of
      substrates, we have determined the X-ray structure of ribulokinase from Bacillus
      halodurans bound to L-ribulose and investigated its substrate and ATP co-factor
      binding properties. The polypeptide chain is folded into two domains, one small
      and the other large, with a deep cleft in between. By analogy with related sugar
      kinases, we identified (447)GGLPQK(452) as the ATP-binding motif within the
      smaller domain. L-ribulose binds in the cleft between the two domains via
      hydrogen bonds with the side chains of highly conserved Trp126, Lys208, Asp274,
      and Glu329 and the main chain nitrogen of Ala96. The interaction of L
      ribulokinase with L-ribulose reveals versatile structural features that help
      explain recognition of various 2-ketopentose substrates and competitive
      inhibition by L-erythrulose. Comparison of our structure to that of the
      structures of other sugar kinases revealed conformational variations that suggest
      domain-domain closure movements are responsible for establishing the observed
      active site environment.

PMID- 22072613
TI  - RhoA/ROCK may involve in cardiac hypertrophy induced by experimental
      hyperthyroidism.
AB  - In this study, the role of the RhoA/Rho-kinase (RhoA/ROCK)-signaling pathway in
      cardiovascular dysfunction associated with hyperthyroidism was examined with the
      use of fasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were treated
      with l-thyroxine (T(4)) alone, T(4) + low-dose fasudil (2 mg/kg/day) or T(4) +
      high-dose fasudil (10 mg/kg/day) and compared with control animals. Rats in the
      T(4) group showed an increase in the ratio of heart weight to body weight, which
      was ameliorated by fasudil at both low and high doses. Morphometric and
      hemodynamic parameters were also evaluated and confirmed that fasudil attenuated
      the cardiac hypertrophy induced by T(4). The extent of phosphorylation of the
      myosin phosphatase targeting subunit was quantified by Western blotting to
      evaluate the activity of Rho-kinase in the heart tissue. Both Western blotting
      and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed enhancement
      of Rho-kinase and activator protein 1 activity and reduction of c-FLIP(L)
      expression in the T(4) group, and this response was inhibited by fasudil in a
      dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, fasudil inhibited apoptosis induced by T(4)
      as evidenced by the detection of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick
      end labeling-positive cells and the expressions of bax and bcl-2. These results
      suggested that the RhoA/ROCK pathway is involved in the cardiac hypertrophy
      induced by experimental hyperthyroidism. The antagonism of this pathway may thus
      be useful as an alternative target in the treatment of hyperthyroid heart
      disease.

PMID- 22072614
TI  - Regulation of pancreatic cancer by neuropsychological stress responses: a novel
      target for intervention.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and is associated with high levels of
      psychological stress that may adversely affect clinical outcomes. However, the
      potential influence of neuropsychological factors on pancreatic cancer has not
      been investigated to date. Using a mouse model of social stress, we have tested
      the hypothesis that psychological stress promotes the progression of pancreatic
      cancer xenografts via neurotransmitter-induced activation of multiple pathways
      and that the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA) inhibits
      these responses. Sytemic and xenograft levels of noradrenalin, adrenalin, GABA,
      cortisol, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclic adenosine 3', 5'
      monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by immunoassays. Xenograft expression of
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and
      alpha7 and beta-adrenergic receptors 1 and 2 were assessed by real-time PCR and
      western blots. Expression of glutamate decarboxylases GAD65 and GAD67 and
      phosphorylated and unphosphorylated signaling proteins of relevance to pancreatic
      cancer were determined in tumor tissue by western blots. Psychological stress
      significantly promoted xenograft growth and increased systemic and tumor levels
      of noradrenalin, adrenalin, cortisol, VEGF and cAMP while GABA and GAD were
      suppressed. Stress upregulated nAChR proteins but not RNAs and induced
      phosphorylated ERK, CREB, Src and AKT in xenografts. Reduction of cAMP by
      treatment with GABA prevented tumor progression and activation of signaling
      proteins. Our findings suggest that neurotransmitter responses to psychological
      stress negatively impact clinical outcomes of pancreatic cancer via the
      activation of multiple pathways and that replacement of the suppressed inhibitory
      neurotransmitter GABA prevents these effects.

PMID- 22072615
TI  - microRNA-365, down-regulated in colon cancer, inhibits cell cycle progression and
      promotes apoptosis of colon cancer cells by probably targeting Cyclin D1 and Bcl
      2.
AB  - Deregulated microRNAs participate in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, but
      their roles in cancer development remain unclear. In this study, miR-365
      expression was found to be downregulated in human colon cancer tissues as
      compared with that in matched non-neoplastic mucosa tissues, and its
      downregulation was correlated with cancer progression and poor survival in colon
      cancer patients. Functional studies revealed that restoration of miR-365
      expression inhibited cell cycle progression, promoted 5-fluorouracil-induced
      apoptosis and repressed tumorigenicity in colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore,
      bioinformatic prediction and experimental validation were used to identify miR
      365 target genes and indicated that the antitumor effects of miR-365 were
      probably mediated by its targeting and repression of Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2
      expression, thus inhibiting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis. These
      results suggest that downregulation of miR-365 in colon cancer may have potential
      applications in prognosis prediction and gene therapy in colon cancer patients.

PMID- 22072617
TI  - Cell signaling pathways associated with a reduction in mammary cancer burden by
      dietary common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
AB  - Emerging evidence indicates that common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is
      associated with reduced cancer risk in human populations and rodent
      carcinogenesis models. This study sought to identify cancer-associated molecular
      targets that mediate the effects of bean on cancer burden in a chemically induced
      rat model for breast cancer. Initial experiments were conducted using a high
      dietary concentration of bean (60% wt/wt) where carcinoma burden in bean-fed rats
      was reduced 62.2% (P < 0.001) and histological and western blot analyses revealed
      that the dominant cellular process associated with reduced burden was induction
      of apoptosis. Further analysis of mammary carcinomas revealed changes in the
      phosphorylation states of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) substrates (4E
      binding protein 1 and p70S6 kinase) and mTOR regulators adenosine monophosphate
      activated protein kinase and protein kinase B (Akt) (P < 0.001). Effects on mTOR
      signaling in carcinomas were also found at lower dietary concentrations of bean
      (7.5-30% wt/wt). Liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry analysis
      of plasma provided evidence of altered lipid metabolism consistent with reduced
      mTOR network activity in the liver (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of insulin
      and insulin-like growth factor-1 were reduced by 36.3 and 38.9%, respectively, (P
      < 0.001), identifying a link to Akt regulation. Plasma C-reactive protein, a
      prognostic marker for long-term survival in breast cancer patients, was reduced
      by 23% (P < 0.001) in bean-fed rats. Identification of a role for the mTOR
      signaling network in the reduction of cancer burden by dietary bean is highly
      relevant given that this pathway is deregulated in the majority of human breast
      cancers.

PMID- 22072616
TI  - DNA adducts of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and 4
      aminobiphenyl are infrequently detected in human mammary tissue by liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Some epidemiological investigations have revealed that frequent consumption of
      well-done cooked meats and tobacco smoking are risk factors for breast cancer in
      women. 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a heterocyclic
      aromatic amine that is formed in well-done cooked meat, and 4-aminobiphenyl (4
      ABP) is an aromatic amine that arises in tobacco smoke and occurs as a
      contaminant in the atmosphere. Both compounds are rodent mammary carcinogens, and
      putative DNA adducts of PhIP and 4-ABP have been frequently detected, by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) or (32)P-post-labeling methods, in mammary tissue of
      USA women. Because of these findings, PhIP and 4-ABP have been implicated as
      causal agents of human breast cancer. However, the biomarker data are
      controversial: both IHC and (32)P-post-labeling are non-selective screening
      methods and fail to provide confirmatory spectral data. Consequently, the
      identities of the lesions are equivocal. We employed a specific and sensitive
      liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) method, to screen tumor-adjacent
      normal mammary tissue for DNA adducts of PhIP and 4-ABP. Only 1 of 70 biopsy
      samples obtained from Minneapolis, Minnesota breast cancer patients contained a
      PhIP-DNA adduct. The level was three adducts per 10(9) nucleotides, a level that
      is 100-fold lower than the mean level of PhIP adducts reported by IHC or (32)P
      post-labeling methods. The occurrence of 4-ABP-DNA adducts was nil in those same
      breast tissues. Our findings, derived from a specific mass spectrometry method,
      signify that PhIP and 4-ABP are not major DNA-damaging agents in mammary tissue
      of USA women and raise questions about the roles of these chemicals in breast
      cancer.

PMID- 22072618
TI  - Functional FEN1 genetic variants contribute to risk of hepatocellular carcinoma,
      esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.
AB  - As a DNA repair protein, Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) plays crucial parts in
      preventing carcinogenesis. Two functional germ line variants (-69G > A and 4150G
      > T) in the FEN1 gene have been associated with DNA damage levels in coke oven
      workers and lung cancer risk in general populations. However, the role of these
      genetic variants on gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility is unknown. Therefore,
      we evaluated the association between these polymorphisms and gastrointestinal
      cancer risk in two independent case-control cohorts consisted of a total of 1850
      gastrointestinal cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gastric
      cancer and colorectal cancer) patients and 2222 healthy controls. The impact of
      these variations on FEN1 expression was also examined using liver, esophagus,
      stomach and colon normal tissues. It was found that the FEN1 -69GG genotypes were
      significantly correlated to increased risk for developing gastrointestinal cancer
      compared with the -69AA genotype in both cohorts [Jinan cohort: odds ratios (OR)
      = 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47-2.80, P = 1.0 * 10(-)(6); Huaian
      cohort: OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.37-2.50, P = 0.5 * 10(-6)]. Similar results were
      observed for 4150G > T polymorphism. In the combined meta-analyses, OR for -69GG
      or 4150GG genotype was 2.02 (95% CI = 1.59-2.45) or 1.86 (95% CI = 1.45-2.28)
      compared with -69AA or 4150TT genotype. In vivo FEN1 messenger RNA expression
      analyses showed that the -69G or 4150G allele carriers had ~2-fold decreased FEN1
      expression in gastrointestinal tissues compared with -69A or 4150T carriers,
      indicating that lower FEN1 expression may lead to higher risk for malignant
      transformation of gastrointestinal cells. Our results highlight FEN1 as an
      important gene in human gastrointestinal oncogenesis and genetic polymorphisms in
      FEN1 confer susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers.

PMID- 22072619
TI  - Telomere length variation in normal epithelial cells adjacent to tumor: potential
      biomarker for breast cancer local recurrence.
AB  - A better understanding of the risk of local recurrence (LR) will facilitate
      therapeutic decision making in the management of early breast cancers. In the
      present study, we investigated whether telomere length in the normal breast
      epithelial cells surrounding the tumor is predictive of breast cancer LR; 152
      women who were diagnosed with breast cancer at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer
      Center were included in this nested case-control study. Cases (patients had LR)
      and controls (patients had no LR) were matched on year of surgery, age at
      diagnosis and type of surgery. Telomere fluorescent in situ hybridization was
      used to determine the telomere length using formalin fixed paraffin-embedded
      breast tissues. Small telomere length variation (TLV), defined as the coefficient
      variation of telomere lengths among examined cells, in normal epithelial cells
      adjacent to the tumor was significantly associated with a 5-fold (95% confidence
      interval = 1.2-22.2) increased risk of breast cancer LR. When the subjects were
      categorized into quartiles, a significant inverse dose-response relationship was
      observed with lowest versus highest quartile odds ratio of 15.3 (P(trend) =
      0.012). Patients who had large TLV had significantly better 10 year recurrence
      free survival rate compared with patients who had small TLV (80 versus 33%). The
      present study revealed that TLV in normal epithelial cells adjacent to tumor is a
      strong predictor of breast cancer LR. If confirmed by future studies, TLV in
      normal epithelial cells adjacent to tumor has the potential to become a promising
      biomarker for predicting breast cancer LR after breast conserving surgery.

PMID- 22072620
TI  - Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), isolated from Plumbago
      zeylanica, inhibits ultraviolet radiation-induced development of squamous cell
      carcinomas.
AB  - Plumbagin (PL) (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-napthoquinone), a medicinal plant-derived
      naphthoquinone, was isolated from the roots of the Plumbago zeylanica L. (also
      known as Chitrak). The roots of P. zeylanica L. have been used in Indian medicine
      for >2500 years as an anti-atherogenic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective and
      neuroprotective agent. We present here that topical application of non-toxic
      doses (100-500 nmol) of PL to skin elicits dose-dependent inhibition of
      ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced development of squamous cell carcinomas
      (SCC). In this experiment, FVB/N mice were exposed to UVR (2 kJ/m(2)) three times
      weekly from a bank of six Kodacel-filtered FS40 sunlamps (~ 60% UVB and 40% UVA).
      Carcinoma incidence in mice treated with vehicle, 100, 200 or 500 nmol PL, at 44
      weeks post-UVR, were 86, 80 (P = 0.67), 53 (P = 0.12) and 7% (P = 0.0075),
      respectively. Both vehicle and PL-treated mice gained weight and did not exhibit
      any signs of toxicity during the entire period of the experiment. Molecular
      mechanisms associated with inhibition of UVR-induced development of SCC involved
      induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Specific findings
      are that PL treatment (i) inhibited UVR-induced DNA binding of activating protein
      1, nuclear factor-kappaB, Stat3 transcription factors and Stat3-regulated
      molecules (cdc25A and Survivin); (ii) inhibited protein levels of pERK1/2,
      PI3K85, pAKTSer473, Bcl(2), BclxL, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cell
      cycle inhibitory proteins p27 and p21 and (iii) increased UVR-induced Fas
      associated death domain expression, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein cleavage
      and Bax/Bcl(2) ratio. Taken together, our findings suggest that PL may be a novel
      agent for the prevention of skin cancer.

PMID- 22072621
TI  - Induction of NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 by antioxidants in female ACI rats
      is associated with decrease in oxidative DNA damage and inhibition of estrogen
      induced breast cancer.
AB  - Exact mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of estrogen-related
      cancers are not clear. Literature, evidence and our studies strongly support the
      role of estrogen metabolism-mediated oxidative stress in estrogen-induced breast
      carcinogenesis. We have recently demonstrated that antioxidants vitamin C and
      butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or estrogen metabolism inhibitor alpha
      naphthoflavone (ANF) inhibit 17beta-estradiol (E2)-induced mammary tumorigenesis
      in female ACI rats. The objective of the current study was to identify the
      mechanism of antioxidant-mediated protection against E2-induced DNA damage and
      mammary tumorigenesis. Female ACI rats were treated with E2 in the presence or
      absence of vitamin C or BHA or ANF for up to 240 days. Nuclear factor erythroid 2
      related factor 2 (NRF2) and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were
      suppressed in E2-exposed mammary tissue and in mammary tumors after treatment of
      rats with E2 for 240 days. This suppression was overcome by co-treatment of rats
      with E2 and vitamin C or BHA. Time course studies indicate that NQO1 levels tend
      to increase after 4 months of E2 treatment but decrease on chronic exposure to E2
      for 8 months. Vitamin C and BHA significantly increased NQO1 levels after 120
      days. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were higher in E2-exposed mammary
      tissue and in mammary tumors compared with age-matched controls. Vitamin C or BHA
      treatment significantly decreased E2-mediated increase in 8-OHdG levels in the
      mammary tissue. In vitro studies using silencer RNA confirmed the role of NQO1 in
      prevention of oxidative DNA damage. Our studies further demonstrate that NQO1
      upregulation by antioxidants is mediated through NRF2.

PMID- 22072622
TI  - MicroRNA-21 induces stemness by downregulating transforming growth factor beta
      receptor 2 (TGFbetaR2) in colon cancer cells.
AB  - Although microRNA-21 (miR-21) is emerging as an oncogene and has been shown to
      target several tumor suppressor genes, including programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4),
      its precise mechanism of action on cancer stem cells (CSCs) is unclear. Herein,
      we report that FOLFOX-resistant HCT-116 and HT-29 cells that are enriched in CSCs
      show a 3- to 7-fold upregulation of pre- and mature miR-21 and downregulation of
      PDCD4. Likewise, overexpression of miR-21 in HCT-116 cells, achieved through
      stable transfection, led to the downregulation of PDCD4 and transforming growth
      factor beta receptor 2 (TGFbetaR2). In contrast, the levels of beta-catenin,
      TCF/LEF activity and the expression of c-Myc, Cyclin-D, which are increased in
      CSCs, are also augmented in miR-21 overexpressing colon cancer cells, accompanied
      by an increased sphere forming ability in vitro and tumor formation in SCID mice.
      Downregulation of TGFbetaR2 could be attributed to decreased expression of the
      receptor as evidenced by reduction in the activity of the luciferase gene
      construct comprising TGFbetaR2-3' untranslated region (UTR) sequence that binds
      to miR-21. Moreover, we observed that downregulation of miR-21 enhances
      luciferase-TGFbetaR2-3' UTR activity suggesting TGFbetaR2 as being one of the
      direct targets of miR-21. Further support is provided by the observation that
      transfection of TGFbetaR2 in HCT-116 cells attenuates TCF/LEF luciferase
      activity, accompanied by decreased expression of beta-catenin, c-Myc and Cyclin
      D1. Our current data suggest that miR-21 plays an important role in regulating
      stemness by modulating TGFbetaR2 signaling in colon cancer cells.

PMID- 22072623
TI  - Allosteric regulation of PKCtheta: understanding multistep phosphorylation and
      priming by ligands in AGC kinases.
AB  - Protein kinases play critical roles in cellular activation and differentiation,
      and are involved in numerous pathophysiological processes. As a critical
      component of the regulatory circuitry of the cell, the kinase domain has the
      ability to integrate multiple signals, yielding a predetermined output. In PKC
      and other protein kinases of the AGC family, several phosphorylation sites
      control the activity, but these are in turn influenced by the presence of ligands
      in the binding pocket, which promotes phosphorylation. Here, we take PKC-theta as
      a prototypical member of the family and use molecular dynamics simulations to
      investigate the cross-talk that exists between regulatory and functional sites.
      We first show how the apo-unphosphorylated form of the kinase is populating a
      conformational space in which access to the ATP binding site and to the
      activation loop (AL) are simultaneously hindered. This could explain why the
      inactive state is not only catalytically incompetent but also resistant to
      activation. AL phosphorylation induces ATP binding site opening, which can then
      readily accept the cofactor. But the signal transmission mechanism works both
      ways, and if ligand binding to the unphosphorylated form occurs first, the AL is
      de-protected and becomes exposed to phosphorylation, thus providing an
      explanation for the paradoxical activation of PKCs by their inhibitors.

PMID- 22072624
TI  - Physiological and behavioural stress responses in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca
      fascicularis) to noise associated with construction work.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavioural and physiological
      responses to environmental disturbances (live and recorded dynamite explosions)
      in laboratory non-human primates in preparation for a future tunnel construction
      underneath our animal facility. In a pilot study (A) on 20 female Macaca
      fascicularis, a day of test blasts resulted in an increase in faecal cortisol and
      immunoreactive cortisol metabolites (CICM), and the animals reacted behaviourally
      with vertical flight and vocalizations. In a follow-up study (B), we assessed the
      impact of 10 days of exposure to recorded detonations on the behaviour and CICM
      in 16 M. fascicularis. In the latter study we introduced a predictive signal,
      serving as a conditional stimulus, to half of the animals. We found no
      significant effects of the noise in the Signal group; while the Control groups'
      CICM values were affected. The behaviour was largely unaffected in the two
      groups. It was decided not to introduce a research moratorium on biomedical
      research planned to be conducted during the future tunnel construction, and that
      a conditional stimulus ('warning signal') will be used.

PMID- 22072625
TI  - Severe hypoxaemia with a left ventricular assist device in a minipig model with
      an undiagnosed congenital cardiac disease.
AB  - We describe the placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in a pig
      with spontaneously occurring atrial septal defect (ASD) (incidental finding) that
      created a right-left cardiac shunt, with subsequent severe hypoxaemia. Early
      diagnosis was critical in order to prevent end-organ damage due to hypoxaemia.
      Adequate monitoring alerted us to the deterioration in oxygenation, haemodynamics
      and cerebral oxygen metabolism. This forced us to change the level of assistance
      provided by the pump, and thus dramatically correct this impairment. Necropsy
      revealed an ostium secundum ASD. In conclusion, if hypoxaemia presents after
      implementation of an LVAD, the presence of a right-left shunt must be ruled out.
      The first step must be a judicious reduction in assist device flow to minimize
      intracardiac shunting. Subsequently, atrial septal closure of the defect should
      be considered. We report an experimental model of severe hypoxaemia after
      placement of an LVAD as part of a larger research project.

PMID- 22072626
TI  - Computational studies of LXR molecular interactions reveal an allosteric
      communication pathway.
AB  - The liver X receptor, LXRalpha, is an important regulator of genes involved in
      metabolism and inflammation. The mechanism of communication between the cofactor
      peptide and the ligand in the ligand-binding pocket is a crucial and often
      discussed issue for the nuclear receptors (NRs), but such allosteric signaling
      pathways are difficult to detect and the transmission mechanism remains elusive.
      Here, we apply the anisotropic thermal diffusion method to the LXRalpha with
      bound coactivator and ligand. We detected a possible communication pathway
      between the coactivator peptide and the ligand. The signal is transmitted both
      through the receptor backbone and side chains. A key signaling residue is the
      first leucine in the cofactor peptide recognition motif LXXLL, which is conserved
      within the NR cofactors, suggesting a general mechanism for allosteric signaling.
      Furthermore, we studied the LXR receptor and cofactor molecular interactions in
      detail using molecular dynamics simulations. The protein-protein interaction
      patterns in the complexes of nine different cofactor peptides and holo-LXRalpha
      were characterized, revealing the importance of the receptor-cofactor charge
      clamp interaction. Specific, but infrequently occurring interactions were
      observed toward the cofactor peptide C-terminal residues. Thus, additional
      specificity between LXRalpha and its cofactors is likely to be found in molecular
      interactions outside the cofactor peptide or in other biological factors.

PMID- 22072627
TI  - Minimally invasive childhood and adult circumcision.
AB  - Using the Gomco circumcision clamp and sealing the wound with tissue adhesive
      results in a minimally invasive circumcision suitable for all age groups beyond
      the neonatal period. It is easy to perform and can be performed by generalists
      with local anaesthetic and standard instruments.

PMID- 22072628
TI  - Structural characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance of the impact of
      phosphorylation in the proline-rich region of the disordered Tau protein.
AB  - Phosphorylation of the neuronal Tau protein is implicated in both the regulation
      of its physiological function of microtubule stabilization and its pathological
      propensity to aggregate into the fibers that characterize Alzheimer's diseased
      neurons. However, how specific phosphorylation events influence both aspects of
      Tau biology remains largely unknown. In this study, we address the structural
      impact of phosphorylation of the Tau protein by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
      spectroscopy on a functional fragment of Tau (Tau[Ser208-Ser324] = TauF4). TauF4
      was phosphorylated by the proline-directed CDK2/CycA3 kinase on Thr231
      (generating the AT180 epitope), Ser235, and equally on Thr212 and Thr217 in the
      Proline-rich region (Tau[Ser208-Gln244] or PRR). These modifications strongly
      decrease the capacity of TauF4 to polymerize tubulin into microtubules. While all
      the NMR parameters are consistent with a globally disordered Tau protein
      fragment, local clusters of structuration can be defined. The most salient result
      of our NMR analysis is that phosphorylation in the PRR stabilizes a short alpha
      helix that runs from pSer235 till the very beginning of the microtubule-binding
      region (Tau[Thr245-Ser324] or MTBR of TauF4). Phosphorylation of Thr231/Ser235
      creates a N-cap with helix stabilizing role while phosphorylation of
      Thr212/Thr217 does not induce modification of the local transient secondary
      structure, showing that the stabilizing effect is sequence specific. Using
      paramagnetic relaxation experiments, we additionally show a transient interaction
      between the PRR and the MTBR, observed in both TauF4 and phospho-TauF4.

PMID- 22072629
TI  - Modulated nicking endonuclease function by the N-terminal extended region of the
      smr domain in human Bcl-3 binding protein.

PMID- 22072630
TI  - Roles of human sulfotransferases in genotoxicity of carcinogens using genetically
      engineered umu test strains.
AB  - Human sulfotransferase (SULT) 1A1, 1A2, and 1A3 cDNA genes were subcloned
      separately into the pTrc99A(KM) vector. The generated plasmids were introduced
      into the Salmonella typhimurium O-acetyltransferase-deficient strain NM6000
      (TA1538/1,8-DNP/pSK1002), resulting in the new strains NM7001, NM7002, and
      NM7003. We compared the sensitivities of these three strains with the parental
      strain NM7000 against 51 chemicals including aromatic amines, nitroarenes,
      alkenylbenzenes, estrogens-like chemicals, and other compounds with and without
      S9 mix by making use of the umu test system that is based on the bacterial SOS
      induction. 2-Amino-6-methyl-dipyrido[1,2-alpha:3',2'-d]imidazole, 3-methoxy-4
      aminoazobenzene, 3-nitrobenzanthrone, 5-nitroacenaphthene, and 3,9
      dinitrofluoranthene caused high genotoxicity in the NM7001 strain. The genotoxic
      effects of 2-aminofluorene, 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-amino-1-methyl-6
      phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, 2-nitrofluorene, 1-nitropyrene, and 2-nitropropane
      were stronger in the NM7002 strain compared with the NM7001 and NM7003 strains.
      Among the tested benzylic and allylic compounds, 1-hydroxymethylpyrene was
      detected in the NM7001 strain with the highest sensitivity. Estragole and 1'
      hydroxysafrole exhibited strong genotoxicity in the NM7003 strain. The estrogen
      like chemicals such as bisphenol A, genistein, p,n-nonylphenol, and 4
      hydroxytamoxifen were not detected as genotoxins in any strain used.
      Collectively, the present results suggest that the generated test strains are
      valuable tools in order to elucidate the role of SULT enzymes in the
      bioactivation of chemicals to environmental carcinogens.

PMID- 22072632
TI  - Novel techniques and targets in cardiovascular microRNA research.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, tiny (~22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs
      that have emerged as potent regulators of mRNA translation. miRNAs exhibit fine
      tuning of the control of proteins involved in cell signalling (AE) pathways and
      in vital cellular and developmental processes. miRNAs are expressed in
      cardiovascular tissues, and multiple functional aspects of miRNAs underscore
      their key role in cardiovascular (patho)physiology. The development and
      increasing use of novel molecular biology tools have contributed to the recent
      success in miRNA research. In the present review, we discuss current updates on
      important and novel miRNA techniques, including: (i) miRNA screening tools; (ii)
      bioanalytical target prediction tools; (iii) target validation tools; and (iv)
      manipulative miRNA expression tools. We also present an update about recently
      identified miRNA targets that play a key role in cardiovascular development and
      disorders.

PMID- 22072631
TI  - N-terminal domain of soluble epoxide hydrolase negatively regulates the VEGF
      mediated activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.
AB  - AIMS: The mammalian soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has both an epoxide hydrolase
      and a phosphatase domain. The role of sEH hydrolase activity in the metabolism of
      epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and the activation of endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells (ECs) has been well defined. However, far
      less is known about the role of sEH phosphatase activity in eNOS activation. In
      the present study, we investigated whether the phosphatase domain of sEH was
      involved in the eNOS activation in ECs. METHODS AND RESULTS: The level of eNOS
      phosphorylation in aortas is higher in the sEH knockout (sEH(-/-)) mice than in
      wild-type mice. In ECs, pharmacological inhibition of sEH phosphatase or
      overexpressing sEH with an inactive phosphatase domain enhanced vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced NO production and eNOS phosphorylation.
      In contrast, overexpressing the phosphatase domain of sEH prevented the VEGF
      mediated NO production and eNOS phosphorylation at Ser617, Ser635, and Ser1179.
      Additionally, treatment with VEGF induced a c-Src kinase-dependent increase in
      transient tyrosine phosphorylation of sEH and the formation of a sEH-eNOS
      complex, which was abolished by treatment with a c-Src kinase inhibitor, PP1, or
      the c-Src dominant-negative mutant K298M. We also demonstrated that the
      phosphatase domain of sEH played a key role in VEGF-induced angiogenesis by
      detecting the tube formation in ECs and neovascularization in Matrigel plugs in
      mice. CONCLUSION: In addition to epoxide hydrolase activity, phosphatase activity
      of sEH plays a pivotal role in the regulation of eNOS activity and NO-mediated EC
      functions.

PMID- 22072633
TI  - Conduction block in micropatterned cardiomyocyte cultures replicating the
      structure of ventricular cross-sections.
AB  - AIMS: Structural and functional heterogeneities in cardiac tissue have been
      implicated in conduction block and arrhythmogenesis. However, the propensity of
      specific sites within the heart to initiate conduction block has not been
      systematically explored. We utilized cardiomyocyte cultures replicating the
      realistic, magnetic resonance imaging-measured tissue boundaries and fibre
      directions of ventricular cross-sections to investigate their roles in the
      development of conduction block. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Sprague-Dawley neonatal
      rat cardiomyocytes were micropatterned to obtain cultures with realistic
      ventricular tissue boundaries and either random or realistic fibre directions.
      Rapid pacing was applied at multiple sites, with action potential propagation
      optically mapped. Excitation either failed at the stimulus site or conduction
      block developed remotely, often initiating reentry. The incidence of conduction
      block in isotropic monolayers (0% of cultures) increased with the inclusion of
      realistic tissue boundaries (17%) and further with realistic fibre directions
      (34%). Conduction block incidence was stimulus site-dependent and highest (77%)
      with rapid pacing from the right ventricular (RV) free wall. Furthermore,
      conduction block occurred exclusively at the insertion of the RV free wall into
      the septum, where structure-mediated current source-load mismatches acutely
      reduced wavefront and waveback velocity. Tissue boundaries and sharp gradients in
      fibre direction uniquely determined the evolution, shape, and position of
      conduction block lines. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that specific micro- and
      macrostructural features of the ventricle determine the incidence and
      spatiotemporal characteristics of conduction block, independent of spatial
      heterogeneities in ion channel expression.

PMID- 22072634
TI  - The mPTP and its regulatory proteins: final common targets of signalling pathways
      for protection against necrosis.
AB  - The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is a non-selective, large
      conductance channel that is closed under physiological conditions. Opening of the
      mPTP, leading to abolition of mitochondrial functions, is a major mechanism of
      myocyte necrosis by ischaemia/reperfusion, and direct inhibition of mPTP opening
      by use of pharmacological or genetic manipulations limits infarct size in vivo.
      Multiple pro-survival signal pathways commonly target the mPTP and inhibit its
      opening. Although the molecular structure of the mPTP has not been established,
      recent studies have characterized roles of each mPTP subunit and functions of
      several proteins directly interacting with the mPTP. This article briefly
      describes the understanding of mPTP regulation and interaction of the mPTP with
      four proteins (hexokinase II, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, signal transducer
      and activator of transcription 3, and sirtuin 3) that are downstream of signal
      pathways relevant to protection from ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

PMID- 22072635
TI  - C-path: a Watson-like visit to the pathology lab.
AB  - Computer-based quantification of tumor morphology has arguably solved the problem
      of standardized tumor grading (Beck et al., this issue).

PMID- 22072636
TI  - Harmonization of immune biomarker assays for clinical studies.
AB  - Assays that measure a patient's immune response play an increasingly important
      role in the development of immunotherapies. The inherent complexity of these
      assays and independent protocol development between laboratories result in high
      data variability and poor reproducibility. Quality control through harmonization-
      based on integration of laboratory-specific protocols with standard operating
      procedures and assay performance benchmarks--is one way to overcome these
      limitations. Harmonization guidelines can be widely implemented to address assay
      performance variables. This process enables objective interpretation and
      comparison of data across clinical trial sites and also facilitates the
      identification of relevant immune biomarkers, guiding the development of new
      therapies.

PMID- 22072637
TI  - A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin
      resistance in obese monkeys.
AB  - Obesity, defined as body mass index greater than 30, is a leading cause of
      morbidity and mortality and a financial burden worldwide. Despite significant
      efforts in the past decade, very few drugs have been successfully developed for
      the treatment of obese patients. Biological differences between rodents and
      primates are a major hurdle for translation of anti-obesity strategies either
      discovered or developed in rodents into effective human therapeutics. Here, we
      evaluate the ligand-directed peptidomimetic CKGGRAKDC-GG-(D)(KLAKLAK)(2)
      (henceforth termed adipotide) in obese Old World monkeys. Treatment with
      adipotide induced targeted apoptosis within blood vessels of white adipose tissue
      and resulted in rapid weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese
      monkeys. Magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
      confirmed a marked reduction in white adipose tissue. At experimentally
      determined optimal doses, monkeys from three different species displayed
      predictable and reversible changes in renal proximal tubule function. Together,
      these data in primates establish adipotide as a prototype in a new class of
      candidate drugs that may be useful for treating obesity in humans.

PMID- 22072638
TI  - Systematic analysis of breast cancer morphology uncovers stromal features
      associated with survival.
AB  - The morphological interpretation of histologic sections forms the basis of
      diagnosis and prognostication for cancer. In the diagnosis of carcinomas,
      pathologists perform a semiquantitative analysis of a small set of morphological
      features to determine the cancer's histologic grade. Physicians use histologic
      grade to inform their assessment of a carcinoma's aggressiveness and a patient's
      prognosis. Nevertheless, the determination of grade in breast cancer examines
      only a small set of morphological features of breast cancer epithelial cells,
      which has been largely unchanged since the 1920s. A comprehensive analysis of
      automatically quantitated morphological features could identify characteristics
      of prognostic relevance and provide an accurate and reproducible means for
      assessing prognosis from microscopic image data. We developed the C-Path
      (Computational Pathologist) system to measure a rich quantitative feature set
      from the breast cancer epithelium and stroma (6642 features), including both
      standard morphometric descriptors of image objects and higher-level contextual,
      relational, and global image features. These measurements were used to construct
      a prognostic model. We applied the C-Path system to microscopic images from two
      independent cohorts of breast cancer patients [from the Netherlands Cancer
      Institute (NKI) cohort, n = 248, and the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) cohort,
      n = 328]. The prognostic model score generated by our system was strongly
      associated with overall survival in both the NKI and the VGH cohorts (both log
      rank P <= 0.001). This association was independent of clinical, pathological, and
      molecular factors. Three stromal features were significantly associated with
      survival, and this association was stronger than the association of survival with
      epithelial characteristics in the model. These findings implicate stromal
      morphologic structure as a previously unrecognized prognostic determinant for
      breast cancer.

PMID- 22072640
TI  - Predictive factors of hospice use among Blacks: applying Andersen's Behavioral
      Model.
AB  - The purpose of this prospective, correlational study was to examine the
      differential ability of demographic variables, beliefs, and values about end-of
      life, spirituality, and social relationships to predict hospice use among blacks.
      The framework for this study was the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use.
      Data were collected from 104 terminally ill black men and women recruited from 6
      inpatient and outpatient settings. Only 34% of the individuals participated in
      hospice services. Chi-square, sequential, and stepwise logistic regressions
      revealed that the best predictive model consisted of presence of a caregiver,
      having a religious affiliation, and male gender. Together these factors predicted
      13.7% to 19% of hospice use among blacks. Health care providers can use these
      findings in planning care for patients early in their disease trajectory.

PMID- 22072641
TI  - CYP8A1 gene polymorphisms and left main coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left main (LM) disease is rare but the most hazardous phenotype of
      coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, early detection of participants at high risk
      of developing left main coronary heart disease (LM-CAD) is crucial. The aim of
      this study was to identify gene polymorphisms which could distinguish
      participants who are at high risk of developing LM-CAD. Such a candidate can be
      the prostaglandin I(2) or prostacyclin (PGI(2)) gene. METHODS: The DNA of 254
      participants (151 participants with angiographically documented LM-CAD and 103
      healthy controls) was analyzed for the frequency of C1117A polymorphism in the
      gene coding CYP8A1. RESULTS: The genotype distribution was different between the
      LM-CAD and the control group. Particularly, the CC genotype of CYP8A1 was
      commoner in the LM-CAD than in the healthy group (P < .001). Allele frequencies
      were also differently distributed between the 2 groups. C allele frequency was
      higher in LM-CAD group (P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: The CC genotype of C1117A
      polymorphism is associated with higher risk of LM-CAD, which prospectively may
      have potential importance in screening high-risk populations. However, further
      investigations in larger populations are required to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22072639
TI  - Differential inhibitor sensitivity of anaplastic lymphoma kinase variants found
      in neuroblastoma.
AB  - Activating mutations in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene were recently
      discovered in neuroblastoma, a cancer of the developing autonomic nervous system
      that is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the first year of life. The
      most frequent ALK mutations in neuroblastoma cause amino acid substitutions
      (F1174L and R1275Q) in the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the intact ALK
      receptor. Identification of ALK as an oncogenic driver in neuroblastoma suggests
      that crizotinib (PF-02341066), a dual-specific inhibitor of the ALK and Met
      tyrosine kinases, will be useful in treating this malignancy. Here, we assessed
      the ability of crizotinib to inhibit proliferation of neuroblastoma cell lines
      and xenografts expressing mutated or wild-type ALK. Crizotinib inhibited
      proliferation of cell lines expressing either R1275Q-mutated ALK or amplified
      wild-type ALK. In contrast, cell lines harboring F1174L-mutated ALK were
      relatively resistant to crizotinib. Biochemical analyses revealed that this
      reduced susceptibility of F1174L-mutated ALK to crizotinib inhibition resulted
      from an increased adenosine triphosphate-binding affinity (as also seen in
      acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors). Thus, this
      effect should be surmountable with higher doses of crizotinib and/or with higher
      affinity inhibitors.

PMID- 22072642
TI  - Moderate intensities of leisure-time physical activity are associated with lower
      levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in healthy middle-aged men.
AB  - Circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), reflective of systemic chronic low-grade
      inflammation, is a marker associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). One of
      the mechanisms through which physical activity might promote cardiovascular
      health is by preventing changes in inflammation biomarkers, such as CRP. The
      present study examined the association of self-reported physical activity with an
      inflammation biomarker, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), in a population-based
      cohort of clinically healthy 58-year-old men. Compared with a sedentary lifestyle
      both moderate (1.81 [0.94-3.69] vs 1.28 [0.55-2.90] mg/L; P < .05) and vigorous
      physical activity (1.81 [0.94-3.69] vs 0.88 [0.42-1.81] mg/L; P < .001) were
      associated with decrease in hs-CRP levels. In summary, we identified an
      association between self-reported leisure time physical activity and hs-CRP in a
      cross-sectional study of healthy 58-year-old men, with decreased levels of CRP by
      increased intensities of physical activity.

PMID- 22072643
TI  - Serum bilirubin level is negatively correlated with disease progression of
      peripheral arterial disease: an observational cohort study.
AB  - We determined whether low bilirubin level is a risk factor for peripheral
      arterial disease (PAD). We recruited 318 patients with PAD and 100 healthy
      volunteers. Patients were divided into 4 groups by the Fontaine classification
      for PAD, namely, group 1 (grade 1, n = 4); group 2 (grade 2, n = 114), group 3
      (grade 3, n = 164), and group 4 (grade 4, n = 36). Total bilirubin (T-BIL),
      direct bilirubin (D-BIL), and indirect bilirubin (I-BIL) levels were compared
      using stepwise multiple regressions adjusted for selected factors. After
      adjusting for gender, age, smoking, and diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of
      T-BIL, D-BIL, and I-BIL were significantly lower in the PAD group (P < .05).
      Patients with grade 4 PAD showed significantly (P < .05) lower levels of T-BIL
      when compared with grade 2 patients. We concluded that serum bilirubin levels are
      negatively correlated with the severity and progression of PAD.

PMID- 22072644
TI  - Complete genome sequence of the animal pathogen Listeria ivanovii, which provides
      insights into host specificities and evolution of the genus Listeria.
AB  - We report the complete and annotated genome sequence of the animal pathogen
      Listeria ivanovii subsp. ivanovii strain PAM 55 (serotype 5), isolated in 1997 in
      Spain from an outbreak of abortion in sheep. The sequence and its analysis are
      available at an interactive genome browser at the Institut Pasteur
      (http://genolist.pasteur.fr/LivaList/).

PMID- 22072645
TI  - Genome sequence of Pseudomonas putida strain B6-2, a superdegrader of polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin-like compounds.
AB  - Pseudomonas putida strain B6-2 can efficiently degrade environmental
      pollutants/toxicants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin-like
      compounds, and has unique tolerance to organic solvents. Here, we present a 6.24
      Mb draft genome sequence of B6-2, which could provide further insights into the
      biodegradative mechanisms of a diverse range of chemical compounds.

PMID- 22072646
TI  - Draft genome sequence of Dietzia alimentaria 72T, belonging to the family
      Dietziaceae, isolated from a traditional Korean food.
AB  - Actinobacterial strain 72(T), named Dietzia alimentaria, which belongs to the
      family Dietziaceae, was isolated from a traditional Korean food made from clams.
      The draft genome sequence of D. alimentaria 72(T) contains 3,352,817 bp, with a
      G+C content of 67.34%.

PMID- 22072647
TI  - Genome sequence of clinical isolate Mycobacterium tuberculosis NCGM2209.
AB  - We report the annotated genome sequence of a clinical isolate, Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis strain NCGM2209, which belongs to the "Beijing family" and was
      isolated in Japan.

PMID- 22072648
TI  - Genome sequence of Desulfovibrio sp. A2, a highly copper resistant, sulfate
      reducing bacterium isolated from effluents of a zinc smelter at the Urals.
AB  - Desulfovibrio sp. A2 is an anaerobic gram-negative sulfate-reducing bacterium
      with remarkable tolerance to copper. It was isolated from wastewater effluents of
      a zinc smelter at the Urals. Here, we report the 4.2-Mb draft genome sequence of
      Desulfovibrio sp. A2 and identify potential copper resistance mechanisms.

PMID- 22072649
TI  - Draft genome sequence of the biocontrol bacterium Pseudomonas putida B001, an
      oligotrophic bacterium that induces systemic resistance to plant diseases.
AB  - Pseudomonas putida B001 is a rhizobacterium that was isolated on the basis of its
      abilities to grow under low-nutrient conditions and induce systemic resistance
      against bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases of plants. Here we report the draft
      genome sequence and automatic annotation of strain B001. Comparison of this
      sequence to the sequenced genome of P. putida KT2440 points to a subset of gene
      functions that may be related to the defense-inducing functions of B001.

PMID- 22072650
TI  - Draft genome sequence of Bizionia argentinensis, isolated from Antarctic surface
      water.
AB  - A psychrotolerant marine bacterial strain, designated JUB59(T), was isolated from
      Antarctic surface seawater and classified as a new species of the genus Bizionia.
      Here, we present the first draft genome sequence for this genus, which suggests
      interesting features such as UV resistance, hydrolytic exoenzymes, and nitrogen
      metabolism.

PMID- 22072651
TI  - Genome sequence of Bifidobacterium breve DPC 6330, a strain isolated from the
      human intestine.
AB  - The draft genome of Bifidobacterium breve DPC 6330, isolated from an elderly
      patient, was determined. B. breve DPC 6330 was previously identified to
      synthesize the beneficial metabolite conjugated linoleic acid from free linoleic
      acid. The sequence will allow identification and characterization of the genetic
      determinants of its putative beneficial properties.

PMID- 22072652
TI  - Draft genome sequence of Bacteroides faecis MAJ27T, a strain isolated from human
      feces.
AB  - Despite the ecological importance of the dominant gut bacteria Bacteroides, few
      genomes have been defined. The Gram-negative, strictly anaerobic intestinal
      bacterium Bacteroides faecis MAJ27(T) was isolated from the feces of a healthy
      adult. Here, the draft genome sequence of the type strain B. faecis MAJ27 (6.11
      Mbp) is reported.

PMID- 22072653
TI  - Draft genome sequence of the biocontrol bacterium Chromobacterium sp. strain C
      61.
AB  - Chromobacterium sp. strain C-61 is a plant-associated bacterium with proven
      capacities to suppress plant diseases. Here, we report the draft genome sequence
      and automatic annotation of strain C-61. A comparison of this sequence to the
      sequenced genome of Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 indicates the novelty of
      C-61 and a subset of gene functions that may be related to its biocontrol
      activities.

PMID- 22072654
TI  - From synapse to nucleus and back again--communication over distance within
      neurons.
AB  - How do neurons integrate intracellular communication from synapse to nucleus and
      back? Here we briefly summarize aspects of this topic covered by a symposium at
      Neuroscience 2011. A rich repertoire of signaling mechanisms link both dendritic
      terminals and axon tips with neuronal soma and nucleus, using motor-dependent
      transport machineries to traverse the long intracellular distances along neuronal
      processes. Activation mechanisms at terminals include localized translation of
      dendritic or axonal RNA, proteolytic cleavage of receptors or second messengers,
      and differential phosphorylation of signaling moieties. Signaling complexes may
      be transported in endosomes, or as non-endosomal complexes associated with
      importins and dynein. Anterograde transport of RNA granules from the soma to
      neuronal processes, coupled with retrograde transport of proteins translated
      locally at terminals or within processes, may fuel ongoing bidirectional
      communication between soma and synapse to modulate synaptic plasticity as well as
      neuronal growth and survival decisions.

PMID- 22072655
TI  - Short- and long-term plasticity at the axon initial segment.
AB  - The axon initial segment (AIS) is a highly specialized neuronal subregion that is
      the site of action potential initiation and the boundary between axonal and
      somatodendritic compartments. In recent years, our understanding of the molecular
      structure of the AIS, its maturation, and its multiple fundamental roles in
      neuronal function has seen major advances. We are beginning to appreciate that
      the AIS is dynamically regulated, both over short timescales via adaptations in
      ion channel function, and long timescales via activity-dependent structural
      reorganization. Here, we review results from this emerging field highlighting how
      structural and functional plasticity relate to the development of the initial
      segment, and to neuronal disorders linked to AIS dysfunction.

PMID- 22072657
TI  - The role of microglia in the healthy brain.
AB  - Microglia were recently shown to play unexpected roles in normal brain
      development and adult physiology. This has begun to dramatically change our view
      of these resident "immune" cells. Here, we briefly review topics covered in our
      2011 Society for Neuroscience minisymposium "The Role of Microglia in the Healthy
      Brain." This summary is not meant to be a comprehensive review of microglia
      physiology, but rather to share new results and stimulate further research into
      the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which microglia influence postnatal
      development, adult neuronal plasticity, and circuit function.

PMID- 22072656
TI  - Rapid estrogen signaling in the brain: implications for the fine-tuning of
      neuronal circuitry.
AB  - Rapid actions of estrogens were first described >40 years ago. However, the
      importance of rapid estrogen-mediated actions in the CNS is only now becoming
      apparent. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that rapid estrogen-mediated
      signaling elicits potent effects on molecular and cellular events, resulting in
      the "fine-tuning" of neuronal circuitry. At an ultrastructural level, the details
      of estrogen receptor localization and how these are regulated by the circulating
      hormone and age are now becoming evident. Furthermore, the mechanisms that allow
      membrane-associated estrogen receptors to couple with intracellular signaling
      pathways are also now being revealed. Elucidation of complex actions of rapid
      estrogen-mediated signaling on synaptic proteins, connectivity, and synaptic
      function in pyramidal neurons has demonstrated that this neurosteroid engages
      specific mechanisms in different areas of the brain. The regulation of synaptic
      properties most likely underlies the fine-tuning of neuronal circuitry. This in
      turn may influence how learned behaviors are encoded by different circuitry in
      male and female subjects. Importantly, as estrogens have been suggested as
      potential treatments of a number of disorders of the CNS, advancements in our
      understanding of rapid estrogen signaling in the brain will serve to aid in the
      development of potential novel estrogen-based treatments.

PMID- 22072658
TI  - Cellular reprogramming: recent advances in modeling neurological diseases.
AB  - The remarkable advances in cellular reprogramming have made it possible to
      generate a renewable source of human neurons from fibroblasts obtained from skin
      samples of neonates and adults. As a result, we can now investigate the etiology
      of neurological diseases at the cellular level using neuronal populations derived
      from patients, which harbor the same genetic mutations thought to be relevant to
      the risk for pathology. Therapeutic implications include the ability to establish
      new humanized disease models for understanding mechanisms, conduct high
      throughput screening for novel biogenic compounds to reverse or prevent the
      disease phenotype, identify and engineer genetic rescue of causal mutations, and
      develop patient-specific cellular replacement strategies. Although this field
      offers enormous potential for understanding and treating neurological disease,
      there are still many issues that must be addressed before we can fully exploit
      this technology. Here we summarize several recent studies presented at a
      symposium at the 2011 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, which
      highlight innovative approaches to cellular reprogramming and how this
      revolutionary technique is being refined to model neurodevelopmental and
      neurodegenerative diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia,
      familial dysautonomia, and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22072659
TI  - The neurophysiology and pathology of brain zinc.
AB  - Our understanding of the roles played by zinc in the physiological and
      pathological functioning of the brain is rapidly expanding. The increased
      availability of genetically modified animal models, selective zinc-sensitive
      fluorescent probes, and novel chelators is producing a remarkable body of
      exciting new data that clearly establishes this metal ion as a key modulator of
      intracellular and intercellular neuronal signaling. In this Mini-Symposium, we
      will review and discuss the most recent findings that link zinc to synaptic
      function as well as the injurious effects of zinc dyshomeostasis within the
      context of neuronal death associated with major human neurological disorders,
      including stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22072660
TI  - Local RNA translation at the synapse and in disease.
AB  - Local regulation of protein synthesis in neurons has emerged as a leading
      research focus because of its importance in synaptic plasticity and neurological
      diseases. The complexity of neuronal subcellular domains and their distance from
      the soma demand local spatial and temporal control of protein synthesis.
      Synthesis of many synaptic proteins, such as GluR and PSD-95, is under local
      control. mRNA binding proteins (RBPs), such as FMRP, function as key regulators
      of local RNA translation, and the mTORC1 pathway acts as a primary signaling
      cascade for regulation of these proteins. Much of the regulation occurs through
      structures termed RNA granules, which are based on reversible aggregation of the
      RBPs, some of which have aggregation prone domains with sequence features similar
      to yeast prion proteins. Mutations in many of these RBPs are associated with
      neurological diseases, including FMRP in fragile X syndrome; TDP-43, FUS (fused
      in sarcoma), angiogenin, and ataxin-2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ataxin-2
      in spinocerebellar ataxia; and SMN (survival of motor neuron protein) in spinal
      muscular atrophy.

PMID- 22072661
TI  - Melanopsin-positive intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells: from
      form to function.
AB  - Melanopsin imparts an intrinsic photosensitivity to a subclass of retinal
      ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Generally thought of as irradiance detectors, ipRGCs
      target numerous brain regions involved in non-image-forming vision. ipRGCs
      integrate their intrinsic, melanopsin-mediated light information with rod/cone
      signals relayed via synaptic connections to influence light-dependent behaviors.
      Early observations indicated diversity among these cells and recently several
      specific subtypes have been identified. These subtypes differ in morphological
      and physiological form, controlling separate functions that range from biological
      rhythm via circadian photoentrainment, to protective behavioral responses
      including pupil constriction and light avoidance, and even image-forming vision.
      In this Mini-Symposium review, we will discuss some recent findings that
      highlight the diversity in both form and function of these recently discovered
      atypical photoreceptors.

PMID- 22072662
TI  - Thalamic contributions to Basal Ganglia-related behavioral switching and
      reinforcement.
AB  - Although the existence of prominent connections between the intralaminar thalamic
      nuclei and the basal ganglia has long been established, the limited knowledge of
      the functional relevance of this network has considerably hampered progress in
      our understanding of the neural mechanisms by which the thalamostriatal system
      integrates and regulates the basal ganglia circuitry. In this brief commentary,
      we will address this gap of knowledge through a discussion of the key points of a
      symposium entitled "Thalamic Contributions to Basal Ganglia-Related Behavioral
      Switching and Reinforcement" that will be presented at the 2011 Society for
      Neuroscience meeting. Recent anatomical and physiological data that support the
      role of the thalamostriatal system in action selection, attentional shifting, and
      reinforcement will be discussed. We will also address the possibility that
      degeneration of the thalamostriatal system could underlie some of the deficits in
      redirection of attention in response to salient stimuli seen in Parkinson's
      disease.

PMID- 22072663
TI  - Sleep, rhythms, and the endocrine brain: influence of sex and gonadal hormones.
AB  - While much is known about the mechanisms that underlie sleep and circadian
      rhythms, the investigation into sex differences and gonadal steroid modulation of
      sleep and biological rhythms is in its infancy. There is a growing recognition of
      sex disparities in sleep and rhythm disorders. Understanding how neuroendocrine
      mediators and sex differences influence sleep and biological rhythms is central
      to advancing our understanding of sleep-related disorders. While it is known that
      ovarian steroids affect circadian rhythms in rodents, the role of androgen is
      less understood. Surprising findings that androgens, acting via androgen
      receptors in the master "circadian clock" within the suprachiasmatic nucleus,
      modulate photic effects on activity in males point to novel mechanisms of
      circadian control. Work in aromatase-deficient mice suggests that some sex
      differences in photic responsiveness are independent of gonadal hormone effects
      during development. In parallel, aspects of sex differences in sleep are also
      reported to be independent of gonadal steroids and may involve sex chromosome
      complement. This a summary of recent work illustrating how sex differences and
      gonadal hormones influence sleep and circadian rhythms that was presented at a
      Mini-Symposium at the 2011 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

PMID- 22072664
TI  - The placebo effect: advances from different methodological approaches.
AB  - There is accumulating evidence from different methodological approaches that the
      placebo effect is a neurobiological phenomenon. Behavioral, psychophysiological,
      and neuroimaging results have largely contributed to accepting the placebo
      response as real. A major aspect of recent and future advances in placebo
      research is to demonstrate linkages between behavior, brain, and bodily
      responses. This article provides an overview of the processes involved in the
      formation of placebo responses by combining research findings from behavioral,
      psychophysiological, and neuroimaging methods. The integration of these different
      methodological approaches is a key objective, motivating our scientific pursuits
      toward a placebo research that can inform and guide important future scientific
      knowledge.

PMID- 22072666
TI  - Toward a neurobiological model of cue-induced self-control in decision making:
      relevance to addiction and obesity.

PMID- 22072665
TI  - Large-scale automated histology in the pursuit of connectomes.
AB  - How does the brain compute? Answering this question necessitates neuronal
      connectomes, annotated graphs of all synaptic connections within defined brain
      areas. Further, understanding the energetics of the brain's computations requires
      vascular graphs. The assembly of a connectome requires sensitive hardware tools
      to measure neuronal and neurovascular features in all three dimensions, as well
      as software and machine learning for data analysis and visualization. We present
      the state of the art on the reconstruction of circuits and vasculature that link
      brain anatomy and function. Analysis at the scale of tens of nanometers yields
      connections between identified neurons, while analysis at the micrometer scale
      yields probabilistic rules of connection between neurons and exact vascular
      connectivity.

PMID- 22072667
TI  - Dendritic spine dynamics regulate the long-term stability of synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Long-term synaptic plasticity requires postsynaptic influx of Ca2+ and is
      accompanied by changes in dendritic spine size. Unless Ca2+ influx mechanisms and
      spine volume scale proportionally, changes in spine size will modify spine Ca2+
      concentrations during subsequent synaptic activation. We show that the
      relationship between Ca2+ influx and spine volume is a fundamental determinant of
      synaptic stability. If Ca2+ influx is undercompensated for increases in spine
      size, then strong synapses are stabilized and synaptic strength distributions
      have a single peak. In contrast, overcompensation of Ca2+ influx leads to binary,
      persistent synaptic strengths with double-peaked distributions. Biophysical
      simulations predict that CA1 pyramidal neuron spines are undercompensating. This
      unifies experimental findings that weak synapses are more plastic than strong
      synapses, that synaptic strengths are unimodally distributed, and that
      potentiation saturates for a given stimulus strength. We conclude that structural
      plasticity provides a simple, local, and general mechanism that allows dendritic
      spines to foster both rapid memory formation and persistent memory storage.

PMID- 22072669
TI  - Integrins modulate relapse to cocaine-seeking.
AB  - Relapse to cocaine-seeking involves impairments in plasticity at glutamatergic
      synapses in the nucleus accumbens. Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that
      bind to the extracellular matrix and regulate aspects of synaptic plasticity,
      including glutamate receptor trafficking. To determine a role for integrins in
      cocaine-seeking, rats were trained to self-administer cocaine, the operant
      response extinguished, and cocaine-seeking induced by a conditioned cue or
      noncontingent cocaine injection. This cocaine self-administration protocol
      reduced the content of the beta3 integrin subunit in postsynaptic density of the
      accumbens core at 24 h after the last self-administration session. However, after
      3 weeks of forced abstinence plus extinction training, the level of beta3 was
      elevated and was further regulated over 120 min during cocaine-induced drug
      seeking. A small peptide ligand [arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)] that mimics
      extracellular matrix protein binding to integrins was microinjected into the
      accumbens core during self-administration or extinction training, or just before
      cocaine-reinstated drug seeking. The daily RGD injections during self
      administration or just before a reinstatement session inhibited cocaine-induced
      drug-seeking, while RGD microinjection during extinction training was without
      consequence on reinstated cocaine-seeking. Daily RGD during self-administration
      also prevented the enduring changes in beta3 levels. Finally, reduced surface
      expression of the GluR2 subunit of the AMPA receptor is associated with cocaine
      seeking, and daily RGD microinjections during self-administration training
      normalized the surface expression of GluR2. Together, these data indicate that
      the regulation integrins may contribute to cocaine-reinstated drug-seeking, in
      part by promoting reduced GluR2 surface expression.

PMID- 22072668
TI  - Cosine directional tuning of theta cell burst frequencies: evidence for spatial
      coding by oscillatory interference.
AB  - The rodent septohippocampal system contains "theta cells," which burst
      rhythmically at 4-12 Hz, but the functional significance of this rhythm remains
      poorly understood (Buzsaki, 2006). Theta rhythm commonly modulates the spike
      trains of spatially tuned neurons such as place (O'Keefe and Dostrovsky, 1971),
      head direction (Tsanov et al., 2011a), grid (Hafting et al., 2005), and border
      cells (Savelli et al., 2008; Solstad et al., 2008). An "oscillatory interference"
      theory has hypothesized that some of these spatially tuned neurons may derive
      their positional firing from phase interference among theta oscillations with
      frequencies that are modulated by the speed and direction of translational
      movements (Burgess et al., 2005, 2007). This theory is supported by studies
      reporting modulation of theta frequency by movement speed (Rivas et al., 1996;
      Geisler et al., 2007; Jeewajee et al., 2008a), but modulation of theta frequency
      by movement direction has never been observed. Here we recorded theta cells from
      hippocampus, medial septum, and anterior thalamus of freely behaving rats. Theta
      cell burst frequencies varied as the cosine of the rat's movement direction, and
      this directional tuning was influenced by landmark cues, in agreement with
      predictions of the oscillatory interference theory. Computer simulations and
      mathematical analysis demonstrated how a postsynaptic neuron can detect location
      dependent synchrony among inputs from such theta cells, and thereby mimic the
      spatial tuning properties of place, grid, or border cells. These results suggest
      that theta cells may serve a high-level computational function by encoding a
      basis set of oscillatory signals that interfere with one another to synthesize
      spatial memory representations.

PMID- 22072670
TI  - Optimal control of natural eye-head movements minimizes the impact of noise.
AB  - When shifting gaze to foveate a new target, humans mostly choose a unique set of
      eye and head movements from an infinite number of possible combinations. This
      stereotypy suggests that a general principle governs the movement choice. Here,
      we show that minimizing the impact of uncertainty, i.e., noise affecting motor
      performance, can account for the choice of combined eye-head movements. This
      optimization criterion predicts all major features of natural eye-head movements
      including the part where gaze is already on target and the eye counter-rotates
      such as movement durations, relative eye-head contributions, velocity profiles,
      and the dependency of gaze shifts on initial eye position. As a critical test of
      this principle, we show that it also correctly predicts changes in eye and head
      movement imposed by an experimental increase in the head moment of inertia. This
      suggests that minimizing the impact of noise is a simple and powerful principle
      that explains the choice of a unique set of movement profiles and segment
      coordination in goal-directed action.

PMID- 22072671
TI  - Deletion of densin-180 results in abnormal behaviors associated with mental
      illness and reduces mGluR5 and DISC1 in the postsynaptic density fraction.
AB  - Densin is an abundant scaffold protein in the postsynaptic density (PSD) that
      forms a high-affinity complex with alphaCaMKII and alpha-actinin. To assess the
      function of densin, we created a mouse line with a null mutation in the gene
      encoding it (LRRC7). Homozygous knock-out mice display a wide variety of abnormal
      behaviors that are often considered endophenotypes of schizophrenia and autism
      spectrum disorders. At the cellular level, loss of densin results in reduced
      levels of alpha-actinin in the brain and selective reduction in the localization
      of mGluR5 and DISC1 in the PSD fraction, whereas the amounts of ionotropic
      glutamate receptors and other prominent PSD proteins are unchanged. In addition,
      deletion of densin results in impairment of mGluR- and NMDA receptor-dependent
      forms of long-term depression, alters the early dynamics of regulation of CaMKII
      by NMDA-type glutamate receptors, and produces a change in spine morphology.
      These results indicate that densin influences the function of mGluRs and CaMKII
      at synapses and contributes to localization of mGluR5 and DISC1 in the PSD
      fraction. They are consistent with the hypothesis that mutations that disrupt the
      organization and/or dynamics of postsynaptic signaling complexes in excitatory
      synapses can cause behavioral endophenotypes of mental illness.

PMID- 22072672
TI  - Adaptation to conflict via context-driven anticipatory signals in the dorsomedial
      prefrontal cortex.
AB  - Behavioral interference elicited by competing response tendencies adapts to
      contextual changes. Recent nonhuman primate research suggests a key mnemonic role
      of distinct prefrontal cells in supporting such context-driven behavioral
      adjustments by maintaining conflict information across trials, but corresponding
      prefrontal functions have yet to be probed in humans. Using event-related
      functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the human neural
      substrates of contextual adaptations to conflict. We found that a neural system
      comprising the rostral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and portions of the
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex specifically encodes the history of previously
      experienced conflict and influences subsequent adaptation to conflict on a trial
      by-trial basis. This neural system became active in anticipation of stimulus
      onsets during preparatory periods and interacted with a second neural system
      engaged during the processing of conflict. Our findings suggest that a dynamic
      interaction between a system that represents conflict history and a system that
      resolves conflict underlies the contextual adaptation to conflict.

PMID- 22072673
TI  - On the distribution of firing rates in networks of cortical neurons.
AB  - The distribution of in vivo average firing rates within local cortical networks
      has been reported to be highly skewed and long tailed. The distribution of
      average single-cell inputs, conversely, is expected to be Gaussian by the central
      limit theorem. This raises the issue of how a skewed distribution of firing rates
      might result from a symmetric distribution of inputs. We argue that skewed rate
      distributions are a signature of the nonlinearity of the in vivo f-I curve.
      During in vivo conditions, ongoing synaptic activity produces significant
      fluctuations in the membrane potential of neurons, resulting in an expansive
      nonlinearity of the f-I curve for low and moderate inputs. Here, we investigate
      the effects of single-cell and network parameters on the shape of the f-I curve
      and, by extension, on the distribution of firing rates in randomly connected
      networks.

PMID- 22072674
TI  - Morphine protects against intracellular amyloid toxicity by inducing estradiol
      release and upregulation of Hsp70.
AB  - Certain experimental models support morphine can play a beneficial role against
      damage in the neuronal system. In this study, we find morphine as well as
      endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 can protect against intracellular amyloid beta
      (iAbeta) toxicity in human and rat primary neuronal cultures and in rat brains in
      vivo. Morphine reverses the electrophysiological changes induced by iAbeta,
      including current density, resting membrane potential and capacitance. Also
      morphine improves the spatial memory performance in rats infected by iAbeta
      packaged virus and in APP/PS1 mice in Morris water maze tests. Morphine
      protection is mediated through inducing estradiol release in hippocampal neurons
      measured by ELISA and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, possibly by
      increasing P450 cytochrome aromatase activity. Released estradiol induces
      upregulation of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). Hsp70 protects against
      intracellular amyloid toxicity by rescuing proteasomal activity which is impaired
      by iAbeta. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that induction of estradiol
      release in hippocampal neurons by morphine is reported. Our data may contribute
      to both Alzheimer's disease therapy and pain clinics where morphine is widely
      used.

PMID- 22072675
TI  - CX3CR1 deficiency leads to impairment of hippocampal cognitive function and
      synaptic plasticity.
AB  - The protective/neurotoxic role of fractalkine (CX3CL1) and its receptor CX3C
      chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) signaling in neurodegenerative disease is an
      intricate and highly debated research topic and it is becoming even more
      complicated as new studies reveal discordant results. It appears that the
      CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis plays a direct role in neurodegeneration and/or
      neuroprotection depending on the CNS insult. However, all the above studies
      focused on the role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling in pathological conditions,
      ignoring the relevance of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling under physiological conditions.
      No approach to date has been taken to decipher the significance of defects in
      CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling in physiological condition. In the present study we used
      CX3CR1-/-, CX3CR1+/-, and wild-type mice to investigate the physiological role of
      CX3CR1 receptor in cognition and synaptic plasticity. Our results demonstrate for
      the first time that mice lacking the CX3CR1 receptor show contextual fear
      conditioning and Morris water maze deficits. CX3CR1 deficiency also affects motor
      learning. Importantly, mice lacking the receptor have a significant impairment in
      long-term potentiation (LTP). Infusion with IL-1beta receptor antagonist
      significantly reversed the deficit in cognitive function and impairment in LTP.
      Our results reveal that under physiological conditions, disruption in CX3CL1
      signaling will lead to impairment in cognitive function and synaptic plasticity
      via increased action of IL-1beta.

PMID- 22072676
TI  - Segregation and pathfinding of callosal axons through EphA3 signaling.
AB  - The corpus callosum, composed of callosal axons, is the largest structure among
      commissural connections in eutherian animals. Axon pathfinding of callosal
      neurons has been shown to be guided by intermediate targets, such as midline
      glial structures. However, it has not yet been understood completely how axon
      axon interactions, another major mechanism for axon pathfinding, are involved in
      the pathfinding of callosal neurons. Here, we show that callosal axons from the
      medial and lateral regions of the mouse cerebral cortex pass through the dorsal
      and ventral parts, respectively, of the corpus callosum. Using an explant culture
      system, we observed that the axons from the medial and lateral cortices were
      segregated from each other in vitro, and that this segregation was attenuated by
      inhibition of EphA3 signaling. We also found that knockdown of EphA3, which is
      preferentially expressed in the lateral cortex, resulted in disorganized
      segregation of the callosal axons and disrupted axon pathfinding in vivo. These
      results together suggest the role of axonal segregation in the corpus callosum,
      mediated at least in part by EphA3, in correct pathfinding of callosal neurons.

PMID- 22072677
TI  - The Liprin homology domain is essential for the homomeric interaction of SYD
      2/Liprin-alpha protein in presynaptic assembly.
AB  - Synapses are asymmetric structures that are specialized for neuronal signal
      transduction. A unique set of proteins is present at the presynaptic active zone,
      which is a core structure essential for neurotransmitter release. In
      Caenorhabditis elegans HSN neurons, SYD-2, a Liprin-alpha family protein, acts
      together with a GAP protein SYD-1 to promote presynaptic assembly. Previous
      studies have shown that elevating the activity of syd-2 can bypass the
      requirement of syd-1. Liprin-alpha proteins are composed of coiled-coil-rich
      regions in the N-terminal half, which mediate interactions with adapter proteins
      at the presynaptic active zone, and three SAM domains in the C terminus, which
      bind proteins such as LAR receptor tyrosine phosphatase. To address the molecular
      mechanism by which SYD-2 activity is regulated, we performed structure-function
      studies. By monitoring the ability of SYD-2 transgenes to rescue syd-2(lf) and to
      suppress syd-1(lf) phenotypes in HSN neuron synapses, we identified the N
      terminal half of SYD-2 as minimally required for rescuing syd-2(lf) phenotypes. A
      highly conserved short coiled-coil segment named Liprin Homology 1 (LH1) domain
      is both necessary and sufficient to suppress syd-1(lf) defects. We show that the
      LH1 domain forms a dimer and promotes further oligomerization and/or complex
      formation of SYD-2/Liprin-alpha proteins. The role of the LH1 domain in
      presynaptic assembly can be partially complemented by artificial dimerization.
      These findings suggest a model by which the self-assembly of SYD-2/Liprin-alpha
      proteins mediated by the coiled-coil LH1 domain is one of the key steps to the
      accumulation of presynaptic components at nascent synaptic junctions.

PMID- 22072678
TI  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 cerebellar disease requires the coordinated action
      of mutant ataxin-7 in neurons and glia, and displays non-cell-autonomous bergmann
      glia degeneration.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a dominantly inherited disorder
      characterized by cerebellum and brainstem neurodegeneration. SCA7 is caused by a
      CAG/polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat expansion in the ataxin-7 gene. We previously
      reported that directed expression of polyQ-ataxin-7 in Bergmann glia (BG) in
      transgenic mice leads to ataxia and non-cell-autonomous Purkinje cell (PC)
      degeneration. To further define the cellular basis of SCA7, we derived a
      conditional inactivation mouse model by inserting a loxP-flanked ataxin-7 cDNA
      with 92 repeats into the translational start site of the murine prion protein
      (PrP) gene in a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). The PrP-floxed-SCA7-92Q
      BAC mice developed neurological disease, and exhibited cerebellar degeneration
      and BG process loss. To inactivate polyQ-ataxin-7 expression in specific
      cerebellar cell types, we crossed PrP-floxed-SCA7-92Q BAC mice with Gfa2-Cre
      transgenic mice (to direct Cre to BG) or Pcp2-Cre transgenic mice (which yields
      Cre in PCs and inferior olive). Excision of ataxin-7 from BG partially rescued
      the behavioral phenotype, but did not prevent BG process loss or molecular layer
      thinning, while excision of ataxin-7 from PCs and inferior olive provided
      significantly greater rescue and prevented both pathological changes, revealing a
      non-cell-autonomous basis for BG pathology. When we prevented expression of
      mutant ataxin-7 in BG, PCs, and inferior olive by deriving Gfa2-Cre;Pcp2-Cre;PrP
      floxed-SCA7-92Q BAC triple transgenic mice, we noted a dramatic improvement in
      SCA7 disease phenotypes. These findings indicate that SCA7 disease pathogenesis
      involves a convergence of alterations in a variety of different cell types to
      fully recapitulate the cerebellar degeneration.

PMID- 22072679
TI  - Hippocampal GluA1-containing AMPA receptors mediate context-dependent
      sensitization to morphine.
AB  - Glutamatergic systems, including AMPA receptors (AMPARs), are involved in opiate
      induced neuronal and behavioral plasticity, although the mechanisms underlying
      these effects are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the
      effects of repeated morphine administration on AMPAR expression, synaptic
      plasticity, and context-dependent behavioral sensitization to morphine. We found
      that morphine treatment produced changes of synaptic AMPAR expression in the
      hippocampus, a brain area that is critically involved in learning and memory.
      These changes could be observed 1 week after the treatment, but only when mice
      developed context-dependent behavioral sensitization to morphine in which
      morphine treatment was associated with drug administration environment. Context
      dependent behavioral sensitization to morphine was also associated with increased
      basal synaptic transmission and disrupted hippocampal long-term potentiation
      (LTP), whereas these effects were less robust when morphine administration was
      not paired with the drug administration environment. Interestingly, some effects
      may be related to the prior history of morphine exposure in the drug-associated
      environment, since alterations of AMPAR expression, basal synaptic transmission,
      and LTP were observed in mice that received a saline challenge 1 week after
      discontinuation of morphine treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrated that
      phosphorylation of GluA1 AMPAR subunit plays a critical role in the acquisition
      and expression of context-dependent behavioral sensitization, as this behavior is
      blocked by a viral vector that disrupts GluA1 phosphorylation. These data provide
      evidence that glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus plays an important role
      in context-dependent sensitization to morphine and supports further investigation
      of glutamate-based strategies for treating opiate addiction.

PMID- 22072680
TI  - Abeta inhibition of ionic conductance in mouse basal forebrain neurons is
      dependent upon the cellular prion protein PrPC.
AB  - Current therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) address a loss of cholinergic
      neurons, while accumulation of neurotoxic amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide assemblies
      is thought central to molecular pathogenesis. Overlaps may exist between
      prionopathies and AD wherein Abeta oligomers bind to the cellular prion protein
      PrP(C) and inhibit synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus (Lauren et al., 2009).
      Here we applied oligomeric Abeta to neurons with different PrP (Prnp) gene
      dosage. Whole-cell recordings were obtained from dissociated neurons of the
      diagonal band of Broca (DBB), a cholinergic basal forebrain nucleus. In wild-type
      (wt) mice, Abeta1-42 evoked a concentration-dependent reduction of whole-cell
      outward currents in a voltage range between -30 and +30 mV; reduction occurred
      through a combined modulation of a suite of potassium conductances including the
      delayed rectifier (I(K)), the transient outward (I(A)), and the iberiotoxin
      sensitive (calcium-activated potassium, I(C)) currents. Inhibition was not seen
      with Abeta42-1 peptide, while Abeta1-42-induced responses were reduced by
      application of anti-PrP antibody, attenuated in cells from Prnp0/+ hemizygotes,
      and absent in Prnp0/0 homozygotes. Similarly, amyloidogenic amylin peptide
      depressed DBB whole-cell currents in DBB cells from wt mice, but not Prnp0/0
      homozygotes. While prior studies give broad support for a neuroprotective
      function for PrP(C), our data define a latent pro-pathogenic role in the presence
      of amyloid assemblies.

PMID- 22072681
TI  - Inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent K+ channel, KCNN4/KCa3.1, improves tissue
      protection and locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers inflammatory responses that involve
      neutrophils, macrophages/microglia and astrocytes and molecules that potentially
      cause secondary tissue damage and functional impairment. Here, we assessed the
      contribution of the calcium-dependent K+ channel KCNN4 (KCa3.1, IK1, SK4) to
      secondary damage after moderate contusion lesions in the lower thoracic spinal
      cord of adult mice. Changes in KCNN4 mRNA levels (RT-PCR), KCa3.1 protein
      expression (Western blots), and cellular expression (immunofluorescence) in the
      mouse spinal cord were monitored between 1 and 28 d after SCI. KCNN4 mRNA and
      KCa3.1 protein rapidly increased after SCI; double labeling identified astrocytes
      as the main cellular source accounting for this upregulation. Locomotor function
      after SCI, evaluated for 28 d in an open-field test using the Basso Mouse Scale,
      was improved in a dose-dependent manner by treating mice with a selective
      inhibitor of KCa3.1 channels, TRAM-34 (triarylmethane-34). Improved locomotor
      function was accompanied by reduced tissue loss at 28 d and increased neuron and
      axon sparing. The rescue of tissue by TRAM-34 treatment was preceded by reduced
      expression of the proinflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and
      interleukin-1beta in spinal cord tissue at 12 h after injury, and reduced
      expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase at 7 d after SCI. In astrocytes in
      vitro, TRAM-34 inhibited Ca2+ signaling in response to metabotropic purinergic
      receptor stimulation. These results suggest that blocking the KCa3.1 channel
      could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating secondary damage after
      spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22072682
TI  - Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback for treatment of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Self-regulation of brain activity in humans based on real-time feedback of
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal is emerging as a potentially
      powerful, new technique. Here, we assessed whether patients with Parkinson's
      disease (PD) are able to alter local brain activity to improve motor function.
      Five patients learned to increase activity in the supplementary motor complex
      over two fMRI sessions using motor imagery. They attained as much activation in
      this target brain region as during a localizer procedure with overt movements.
      Concomitantly, they showed an improvement in motor speed (finger tapping) and
      clinical ratings of motor symptoms (37% improvement of the motor scale of the
      Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale). Activation during neurofeedback was
      also observed in other cortical motor areas and the basal ganglia, including the
      subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus, which are connected to the supplementary
      motor area (SMA) and crucial nodes in the pathophysiology of PD. A PD control
      group of five patients, matched for clinical severity and medication, underwent
      the same procedure but did not receive feedback about their SMA activity. This
      group attained no control of SMA activation and showed no motor improvement.
      These findings demonstrate that self-modulation of cortico-subcortical motor
      circuits can be achieved by PD patients through neurofeedback and may result in
      clinical benefits that are not attainable by motor imagery alone.

PMID- 22072683
TI  - Ca2+ influx slows single synaptic vesicle endocytosis.
AB  - Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle recycling is critical for maintenance of
      neurotransmission. However, uncoupling the roles of Ca2+ in synaptic vesicle
      fusion and retrieval has been difficult, as studies probing the role of Ca2+ in
      endocytosis relied on measurements of bulk synaptic vesicle retrieval. Here, to
      dissect the role of Ca2+ in these processes, we used a low signal-to-noise
      pHluorin-tagged vesicular probe to monitor single synaptic vesicle recycling in
      rat hippocampal neurons. We show that Ca2+ increases synaptic vesicle fusion
      probability in the classical sense, but surprisingly decreases the rate of
      synaptic vesicle retrieval. This negative regulation of synaptic vesicle
      retrieval is blocked by the Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, as well as FK506, a specific
      inhibitor of Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. The slow time
      course of aggregate synaptic vesicle retrieval detected during repetitive
      activity could be explained by a progressive decrease in the rate of synaptic
      vesicle retrieval during the stimulation train. These results indicate that Ca2+
      entry during single action potentials slows the pace of subsequent synaptic
      vesicle recycling.

PMID- 22072684
TI  - CX3CL1 is neuroprotective in permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rodents.
AB  - The chemokine CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 are constitutively expressed in the
      nervous system. In this study, we used in vivo murine models of permanent middle
      cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) to investigate the protective potential of
      CX3CL1. We report that exogenous CX3CL1 reduced ischemia-induced cerebral infarct
      size, neurological deficits, and caspase-3 activation. CX3CL1-induced
      neuroprotective effects were long lasting, being observed up to 50 d after pMCAO
      in rats. The neuroprotective action of CX3CL1 in different models of brain
      injuries is mediated by its inhibitory activity on microglia and, in vitro,
      requires the activation of adenosine receptor 1 (A1R). We show that, in the
      presence of the A1R antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine and in A1R-/-
      mice, the neuroprotective effect of CX3CL1 on pMCAO was abolished, indicating the
      critical importance of the adenosine system in CX3CL1 protection also in vivo. In
      apparent contrast with the above reported data but in agreement with previous
      findings, cx3cl1-/- and cx3cr1(GFP/GFP) mice, respectively, deficient in CX3CL1
      or CX3CR1, had less severe brain injury on pMCAO, and the administration of
      exogenous CX3CL1 increased brain damage in cx3cl1-/- ischemic mice. We also
      report that CX3CL1 induced a different phagocytic activity in wild type and
      cx3cl1-/- microglia in vitro during cotreatment with the medium conditioned by
      neurons damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation. Together, these data suggest that
      acute administration of CX3CL1 reduces ischemic damage via an adenosine-dependent
      mechanism and that the absence of constitutive CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling changes
      the outcome of microglia-mediated effects during CX3CL1 administration to
      ischemic brain.

PMID- 22072685
TI  - Perirhinal cortex removal dissociates two memory systems in matching-to-sample
      performance in rhesus monkeys.
AB  - Dissociations of memory systems are typically made using independent cognitive
      tests. For example, in monkeys habits have been inferred from performance in
      object discrimination tests, while non-matching-to-sample tests are thought to
      measure familiarity resulting from single exposures. Such tests cannot measure
      individual memory processes accurately when more than one memory process
      contributes to performance. In process dissociation procedures (PDPs), two memory
      processes cooperate and compete in the performance of a single cognitive task,
      allowing quantitative estimates of the contributions of each process. We used PDP
      to measure the contributions of habits and one-trial memory to visual matching-to
      sample performance. Sets of test images were shown only once in each daily
      testing session but were repeated day after day. To produce habits, high
      frequency images were correct more frequently than other images across days.
      Habits were manifest in the extent to which choices in the test phase of matching
      to-sample trials were made to the high-frequency images, regardless of which
      image had been presented as the sample. One-trial memory was measured by the
      extent to which choices at test were made to the image that had appeared as the
      sample on that trial, regardless of habit. Perirhinal cortex removal reduced the
      contribution of one-trial memory to matching performance, but left both habits
      and the ability to discriminate images intact. PDP can be applied in monkeys in a
      way that parallels its use in humans, providing a new tool for investigating the
      neurobiology of memory in nonhuman animals and for comparing memory across
      species.

PMID- 22072686
TI  - Brain activity during ankle proprioceptive stimulation predicts balance
      performance in young and older adults.
AB  - Proprioceptive information from the foot/ankle provides important information
      regarding body sway for balance control, especially in situations where visual
      information is degraded or absent. Given known increases in catastrophic injury
      due to falls with older age, understanding the neural basis of proprioceptive
      processing for balance control is particularly important for older adults. In the
      present study, we linked neural activity in response to stimulation of key foot
      proprioceptors (i.e., muscle spindles) with balance ability across the lifespan.
      Twenty young and 20 older human adults underwent proprioceptive mapping; foot
      tendon vibration was compared with vibration of a nearby bone in an fMRI
      environment to determine regions of the brain that were active in response to
      muscle spindle stimulation. Several body sway metrics were also calculated for
      the same participants on an eyes-closed balance task. Based on regression
      analyses, multiple clusters of voxels were identified showing a significant
      relationship between muscle spindle stimulation-induced neural activity and
      maximum center of pressure excursion in the anterior-posterior direction. In this
      case, increased activation was associated with greater balance performance in
      parietal, frontal, and insular cortical areas, as well as structures within the
      basal ganglia. These correlated regions were age- and foot-stimulation side
      independent and largely localized to right-sided areas of the brain thought to be
      involved in monitoring stimulus-driven shifts of attention. These findings
      support the notion that, beyond fundamental peripheral reflex mechanisms, central
      processing of proprioceptive signals from the foot is critical for balance
      control.

PMID- 22072687
TI  - Two distinct modes of forebrain circuit dynamics underlie temporal patterning in
      the vocalizations of young songbirds.
AB  - Accurate timing is a critical aspect of motor control, yet the temporal structure
      of many mature behaviors emerges during learning from highly variable exploratory
      actions. How does a developing brain acquire the precise control of timing in
      behavioral sequences? To investigate the development of timing, we analyzed the
      songs of young juvenile zebra finches. These highly variable vocalizations, akin
      to human babbling, gradually develop into temporally stereotyped adult songs. We
      find that the durations of syllables and silences in juvenile singing are formed
      by a mixture of two distinct modes of timing: a random mode producing broadly
      distributed durations early in development, and a stereotyped mode underlying the
      gradual emergence of stereotyped durations. Using lesions, inactivations, and
      localized brain cooling, we investigated the roles of neural dynamics within two
      premotor cortical areas in the production of these temporal modes. We find that
      LMAN (lateral magnocellular nucleus of the nidopallium) is required specifically
      for the generation of the random mode of timing and that mild cooling of LMAN
      causes an increase in the durations produced by this mode. On the contrary, HVC
      (used as a proper name) is required specifically for producing the stereotyped
      mode of timing, and its cooling causes a slowing of all stereotyped components.
      These results show that two neural pathways contribute to the timing of juvenile
      songs and suggest an interesting organization in the forebrain, whereby different
      brain areas are specialized for the production of distinct forms of neural
      dynamics.

PMID- 22072688
TI  - Quantitative and integrative proteome analysis of peripheral nerve myelin
      identifies novel myelin proteins and candidate neuropathy loci.
AB  - Peripheral nerve myelin facilitates rapid impulse conduction and normal motor and
      sensory functions. Many aspects of myelin biogenesis, glia-axonal interactions,
      and nerve homeostasis are poorly understood at the molecular level. We therefore
      hypothesized that only a fraction of all relevant myelin proteins has been
      identified so far. Combining gel-based and gel-free proteomic approaches, we
      identified 545 proteins in purified mouse sciatic nerve myelin, including 36
      previously known myelin constituents. By mass spectrometric quantification, the
      predominant P0, periaxin, and myelin basic protein constitute 21, 16, and 8% of
      the total myelin protein, respectively, suggesting that their relative abundance
      was previously misestimated due to technical limitations regarding protein
      separation and visualization. Focusing on tetraspan-transmembrane proteins, we
      validated novel myelin constituents using immuno-based methods. Bioinformatic
      comparison with mRNA-abundance profiles allowed the categorization in functional
      groups coregulated during myelin biogenesis and maturation. By differential
      myelin proteome analysis, we found that the abundance of septin 9, the protein
      affected in hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy, is strongly increased in a novel
      mouse model of demyelinating neuropathy caused by the loss of prion protein.
      Finally, the systematic comparison of our compendium with the positions of human
      disease loci allowed us to identify several candidate genes for hereditary
      demyelinating neuropathies. These results illustrate how the integration of
      unbiased proteome, transcriptome, and genome data can contribute to a molecular
      dissection of the biogenesis, cell biology, metabolism, and pathology of myelin.

PMID- 22072689
TI  - Tonic nanomolar dopamine enables an activity-dependent phase recovery mechanism
      that persistently alters the maximal conductance of the hyperpolarization
      activated current in a rhythmically active neuron.
AB  - The phases at which network neurons fire in rhythmic motor outputs are critically
      important for the proper generation of motor behaviors. The pyloric network in
      the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion generates a rhythmic motor output wherein
      neuronal phase relationships are remarkably invariant across individuals and
      throughout lifetimes. The mechanisms for maintaining these robust phase
      relationships over the long-term are not well described. Here we show that tonic
      nanomolar dopamine (DA) acts at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) to enable an activity
      dependent mechanism that can contribute to phase maintenance in the lateral
      pyloric (LP) neuron. The LP displays continuous rhythmic bursting. The activity
      dependent mechanism was triggered by a prolonged decrease in LP burst duration,
      and it generated a persistent increase in the maximal conductance (G(max)) of the
      LP hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)), but only in the presence of steady
      state DA. Interestingly, micromolar DA produces an LP phase advance accompanied
      by a decrease in LP burst duration that abolishes normal LP network function.
      During a 1 h application of micromolar DA, LP phase recovered over tens of
      minutes because, the activity-dependent mechanism enabled by steady-state DA was
      triggered by the micromolar DA-induced decrease in LP burst duration. Presumably,
      this mechanism restored normal LP network function. These data suggest steady
      state DA may enable homeostatic mechanisms that maintain motor network output
      during protracted neuromodulation. This DA-enabled, activity-dependent mechanism
      to preserve phase may be broadly relevant, as diminished dopaminergic tone has
      recently been shown to reduce I(h) in rhythmically active neurons in the
      mammalian brain.

PMID- 22072690
TI  - Measuring the quality of neuronal identification in ensemble recordings.
AB  - Technological advances in electrode construction and digital signal processing
      now allow recording simultaneous extracellular action potential discharges from
      many single neurons, with the potential to revolutionize understanding of the
      neural codes for sensory, motor, and cognitive variables. Such studies have
      revealed the importance of ensemble neural codes, encoding information in the
      dynamic relationships among the action potential spike trains of multiple single
      neurons. Although the success of this research depends on the accurate
      classification of extracellular action potentials to individual neurons, there
      are no widely used quantitative methods for assessing the quality of the
      classifications. Here we describe information theoretic measures of action
      potential waveform isolation applicable to any dataset that have an intuitive,
      universal interpretation, that are not dependent on the methods or choice of
      parameters for single-unit isolation, and that have been validated using a
      dataset of simultaneous intracellular and extracellular neuronal recordings from
      Sprague Dawley rats.

PMID- 22072691
TI  - Phox2b-expressing neurons of the parafacial region regulate breathing rate,
      inspiration, and expiration in conscious rats.
AB  - The retrotrapezoid nucleus contains Phox2b-expressing glutamatergic neurons (RTN
      Phox2b neurons) that regulate breathing in a CO2-dependent manner. Here we use
      channelrhodopsin-based optogenetics to explore how these neurons control
      breathing in conscious and anesthetized adult rats. Respiratory entrainment
      (pacing) of breathing frequency (fR) was produced over 57% (anesthetized) and 28%
      (conscious) of the natural frequency range by burst activation of RTN-Phox2b
      neurons (3-8 * 0.5-20 ms pulses at 20 Hz). In conscious rats, pacing under
      normocapnic conditions increased tidal volume (V(T)) and each inspiration was
      preceded by active expiration, denoting abdominal muscle contraction. During long
      term pacing V(T) returned to prestimulation levels, suggesting that central
      chemoreceptors such as RTN-Phox2b neurons regulate V(T) partly independently of
      their effect on fR. Randomly applied light trains reset the respiratory rhythm
      and shortened the expiratory phase when the stimulus coincided with late
      inspiration or early-expiration. Importantly, continuous (20 Hz) photostimulation
      of the RTN-Phox2b neurons and a saturating CO2 concentration produced similar
      effects on breathing that were much larger than those elicited by phasic RTN
      stimulation. In sum, consistent with their anatomical projections, RTN-Phox2b
      neurons regulate lung ventilation by controlling breathing frequency,
      inspiration, and active expiration. Adult RTN-Phox2b neurons can entrain the
      respiratory rhythm if their discharge is artificially synchronized, but
      continuous activation of these neurons is much more effective at increasing lung
      ventilation. These results suggest that RTN-Phox2b neurons are no longer
      rhythmogenic in adulthood and that their average discharge rate may be far more
      important than their discharge pattern in driving lung ventilation.

PMID- 22072692
TI  - The anticonvulsant response to valproate in kindled rats is correlated with its
      effect on neuronal firing in the substantia nigra pars reticulata: a new
      mechanism of pharmacoresistance.
AB  - Resistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a major problem in epilepsy
      treatment. However, mechanisms of resistance are only incompletely understood. We
      have recently shown that repeated administration of the AED phenytoin allows
      selecting resistant and responsive rats from the amygdala kindling model of
      epilepsy, providing a tool to study mechanisms of AED resistance. We now tested
      whether individual amygdala-kindled rats also differ in their anticonvulsant
      response to the major AED valproate (VPA) and which mechanism may underlie the
      different response to VPA. VPA has been proposed to act, at least in part, by
      reducing spontaneous activity in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), a
      main basal ganglia output structure involved in seizure propagation, seizure
      control, and epilepsy-induced neuroplasticity. Thus, we evaluated whether poor
      anticonvulsant response to VPA is correlated with low efficacy of VPA on SNr
      firing rate and pattern in kindled rats. We found (1) that good and poor VPA
      responders can be selected in kindled rats by repeatedly determining the effect
      of VPA on the electrographic seizure threshold, and (2) a significant correlation
      between the anticonvulsant response to VPA in kindled rats and its effect on SNr
      firing rate and pattern. The less VPA was able to raise seizure threshold, the
      lower was the VPA-induced reduction of SNr firing rate and the VPA-induced
      regularity of SNr firing. The data demonstrate for the first time an involvement
      of the SNr in pharmacoresistant experimental epilepsy and emphasize the relevance
      of the basal ganglia as target structures for new treatment options.

PMID- 22072693
TI  - Glutamate spillover promotes the generation of NMDA spikes.
AB  - NMDA spikes are prominent in the basal dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons
      and greatly expand their ability to integrate synaptic inputs. Calcium (Ca)
      signals during these spikes are important for synaptic plasticity and
      fundamentally depend on activation of NMDA receptors. However, the factors that
      shape the activation of these receptors and the initiation of NMDA spikes remain
      unclear. Here we examine the properties of NMDA spikes in the basal dendrites of
      layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Using two-photon
      imaging, we demonstrate that NMDA spikes evoke large Ca signals in both
      postsynaptic spines and nearby dendrites. We find that the dendrite Ca signals
      depend on NMDA and AMPA receptors but not sodium (Na) or Ca channels. Using
      voltage-clamp recordings, we show that activation of dendrite NMDA receptors is
      enhanced by concerted synaptic activity. Blocking glutamate reuptake further
      increases activation of these receptors and promotes the initiation of NMDA
      spikes. We conclude that glutamate spillover and recruitment of extrasynaptic
      receptors contribute to the initiation of NMDA spikes. These results have
      important implications for how synaptic activity generates both electrical and
      biochemical signals in dendrites and spines.

PMID- 22072694
TI  - Overexpression of CREB in the nucleus accumbens shell increases cocaine
      reinforcement in self-administering rats.
AB  - Chronic exposure to addictive drugs enhances cAMP response element binding
      protein (CREB)-regulated gene expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc), and these
      effects are thought to reduce the positive hedonic effects of passive cocaine
      administration. Here, we used viral-mediated gene transfer to produce short- and
      long-term regulation of CREB activity in NAc shell of rats engaging in volitional
      cocaine self-administration. Increasing CREB expression in NAc shell markedly
      enhanced cocaine reinforcement of self-administration behavior, as indicated by
      leftward (long-term) and upward (short-term) shifts in fixed ratio dose-response
      curves. CREB also increased the effort exerted by rats to obtain cocaine on more
      demanding progressive ratio schedules, an effect highly correlated with viral
      induced modulation of BDNF protein in the NAc shell. CREB enhanced cocaine
      reinforcement when expressed either throughout acquisition of self-administration
      or when expression was limited to postacquisition tests, indicating a direct
      effect of CREB independent of reinforcement-related learning. Downregulating
      endogenous CREB in NAc shell by expressing a short hairpin RNA reduced cocaine
      reinforcement in similar tests, while overexpression of a dominant-negative
      CREB(S133A) mutant had no significant effect on cocaine self-administration.
      Finally, increasing CREB expression after withdrawal from self-administration
      enhanced cocaine-primed relapse, while reducing CREB levels facilitated
      extinction of cocaine seeking, but neither altered relapse induced by cocaine
      cues or footshock stress. Together, these findings indicate that CREB activity in
      NAc shell increases the motivation for cocaine during active self-administration
      or after withdrawal from cocaine. Our results also highlight that volitional and
      passive drug administration can lead to substantially different behavioral
      outcomes.

PMID- 22072695
TI  - Plasticity of prefrontal attention circuitry: upregulated muscarinic excitability
      in response to decreased nicotinic signaling following deletion of alpha5 or
      beta2 subunits.
AB  - Attention depends on cholinergic stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex. Pyramidal neurons in
      layer VI of this region express cholinergic receptors of both families and play
      an important role in attention through their feedback projections to the
      thalamus. Here, we investigate how nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors
      affect the excitability of these neurons using whole-cell recordings in acute
      brain slices of prefrontal cortex. Since attention deficits have been documented
      in both rodents and humans having genetic abnormalities in nicotinic receptors,
      we focus in particular on how the cholinergic excitation of layer VI neurons is
      altered by genetic deletion of either of two key nicotinic receptor subunits, the
      accessory alpha5 subunit or the ligand-binding beta2 subunit. We find that the
      cholinergic excitation of layer VI neurons is dominated by nicotinic receptors in
      wild-type mice and that the reduction or loss of this nicotinic stimulation is
      accompanied by a surprising degree of plasticity in excitatory muscarinic
      receptors. These findings suggest that disrupting nicotinic receptors
      fundamentally alters the mechanisms and timing of excitation in prefrontal
      attentional circuitry.

PMID- 22072696
TI  - Increase in cortical pyramidal cell excitability accompanies depression-like
      behavior in mice: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study.
AB  - Clinical evidence suggests that cortical excitability is increased in
      depressives. We investigated its cellular basis in a mouse model of depression.
      In a modified version of forced swimming (FS), mice were initially forced to swim
      for 5 consecutive days and then were treated daily with repetitive transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or sham treatment for the following 4 weeks without
      swimming. On day 2 through day 5, the mice manifested depression-like behaviors.
      The next and last FS was performed 4 weeks later, which revealed a 4 week
      maintenance of depression-like behavior in the sham mice. In slices from the sham
      controls, excitability in cingulate cortex pyramidal cells was elevated in terms
      of membrane potential and frequencies of spikes evoked by current injection.
      Depolarized resting potential was shown to depend on suppression of large
      conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels. This BK channel
      suppression was confirmed by measuring spike width, which depends on BK channels.
      Chronic rTMS treatment during the 4 week period significantly reduced the
      depression-like behavior. In slices obtained from the rTMS mice, normal
      excitability and BK channel activity were recovered. Expression of a scaffold
      protein Homer1a was reduced by the FS and reversed by rTMS in the cingulate
      cortex. Similar recovery in the same behavioral, electrophysiological, and
      biochemical features was observed after chronic imipramine treatment. The present
      study demonstrated that manifestation and disappearance of depression-like
      behavior are in parallel with increase and decrease in cortical neuronal
      excitability in mice and suggested that regulation of BK channels by Homer1a is
      involved in this parallelism.

PMID- 22072697
TI  - Concurrent exposure to methamphetamine and sexual behavior enhances subsequent
      drug reward and causes compulsive sexual behavior in male rats.
AB  - Methamphetamine (Meth) users report having heightened sexual pleasure, numerous
      sexual partners, and engaging in unprotected sex due to loss of inhibitory
      control. This compulsive sexual behavior contributes to increased prevalence of
      sexually transmitted infections, but the neural basis for this is unknown. We
      previously established a paradigm for compulsive sexual behavior in male rats in
      which visceral illness induced by lithium chloride was paired with sexual
      behavior (Davis et al., 2010; Frohmader et al., 2010a). The current study
      examined the effects of repeated Meth administration on sexual performance,
      compulsive sexual behavior, and sex or Meth reward. First, results demonstrated
      that seven daily administrations of 2 mg/kg, but not 1 mg/kg, Meth increased
      latencies to initiate mating. This impairment was evident 30 min after last Meth
      administration, but dissipated after 1 or 7 d of subsequent drug abstinence.
      Repeated 1 mg/kg Meth exposure resulted in compulsive sex-seeking behavior 2
      weeks following last Meth administration. This effect was dependent on Meth
      administration being concurrent with sexual experience and was not observed in
      sexually experienced animals that received Meth alone. Moreover, concurrent Meth
      and sexual experience enhanced conditioned place preference (CPP) for Meth, and
      for concurrent Meth and mating compared with Meth or mating alone. In contrast,
      CPP for mating alone was decreased. Together, these data indicate that the
      association between drug use and mating may be required for expression of
      compulsive sexual behavior and is correlated with increased reward seeking for
      concurrent Meth exposure and mating.

PMID- 22072698
TI  - Focal manipulations of formant trajectories reveal a role of auditory feedback in
      the online control of both within-syllable and between-syllable speech timing.
AB  - Within the human motor repertoire, speech production has a uniquely high level of
      spatiotemporal complexity. The production of running speech comprises the
      traversing of spatial positions with precisely coordinated articulator movements
      to produce 10-15 sounds/s. How does the brain use auditory feedback, namely the
      self-perception of produced speech sounds, in the online control of spatial and
      temporal parameters of multisyllabic articulation? This question has important
      bearings on the organizational principles of sequential actions, yet its answer
      remains controversial due to the long latency of the auditory feedback pathway
      and technical challenges involved in manipulating auditory feedback in precisely
      controlled ways during running speech. In this study, we developed a novel
      technique for introducing time-varying, focal perturbations in the auditory
      feedback during multisyllabic, connected speech. Manipulations of spatial and
      temporal parameters of the formant trajectory were tested separately on two
      groups of subjects as they uttered "I owe you a yo-yo." Under these
      perturbations, significant and specific changes were observed in both the spatial
      and temporal parameters of the produced formant trajectories. Compensations to
      spatial perturbations were bidirectional and opposed the perturbations.
      Furthermore, under perturbations that manipulated the timing of auditory feedback
      trajectory (slow-down or speed-up), significant adjustments in syllable timing
      were observed in the subjects' productions. These results highlight the
      systematic roles of auditory feedback in the online control of a highly over
      learned action as connected speech articulation and provide a first look at the
      properties of this type of sensorimotor interaction in sequential movements.

PMID- 22072699
TI  - Validation of a method for accurate and highly reproducible quantification of
      brain dopamine transporter SPECT studies.
AB  - In nuclear medicine brain imaging, it is important to delineate regions of
      interest (ROIs) so that the outcome is both accurate and reproducible. The
      purpose of this study was to validate a new time-saving algorithm (DATquan) for
      accurate and reproducible quantification of the striatal dopamine transporter
      (DAT) with appropriate radioligands and SPECT and without the need for structural
      brain scanning. METHODS: In a reconstructed DAT SPECT image, DATquan
      automatically calculated the ratio at steady state of specifically bound
      radioligand to nondisplaceable radioligand in tissue (BP(ND)) within striatal
      ROIs that were delineated by use of a semiautomatic template-based alignment
      approach. DATquan was tested with (123)I-N-(3-iodoprop-2E-enyl)-2-beta
      carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-methylphenyl) SPECT images from 15 patients. In each image,
      ROIs were first manually delineated, and then corresponding BP(ND) values were
      derived by an experienced physician. Afterward, 2 independent novice operators
      used DATquan to analyze the same 15 images. The resulting DATquan-derived BP(ND)
      data were compared with the data retrieved by manual delineation to assess the
      accuracy and reproducibility of DATquan. Also, the operational aspects of DATquan
      were assessed on the basis of measurements of the mean running time of the
      algorithm as well as on the basis of quantification of the overlap of the DATquan
      delineated ROIs obtained by the 2 operators. RESULTS: The mean algorithm running
      time was 3 min, and the operators' striatal ROIs had a mean overlap of more than
      82%. DATquan-derived BP(ND) values obtained by the 2 operators showed high
      agreement (the mean difference was 0.00 [SD, 0.05] in the striatum, 0.02 [SD,
      0.26] in the putamen, and 0.03 [SD, 0.43] in the caudate nucleus). The
      interoperator variability was 2.2% (SD, 1.3%) in the striatum, 11.7% (SD, 9.9%)
      in the putamen, and 12.9% (SD, 4.0%) in the caudate nucleus. DATquan-derived
      BP(ND) values showed high agreement with the values manually derived by the
      experienced delineator. CONCLUSION: DATquan is a freely available, accurate, and
      highly reproducible method for quantification of DAT binding in the brain by
      SPECT. Once implemented in clinics, DATquan will serve as a useful and time
      saving tool.

PMID- 22072700
TI  - Experiences with citrate rather than heparin as an anticoagulant for 18F-FDG
      labeling of leukocytes.
AB  - In all reported clinical studies with (18)F-FDG-labeled leukocytes, heparin was
      used as an anticoagulant during labeling. Theoretically, the substitution of
      heparin with citrate should be advantageous. METHODS: Blood from healthy controls
      was sampled in duplicate, anticoagulated with citrate or heparin, and labeled
      with (18)F-FDG, and the labeling yield was measured. Viability was checked with
      the trypan blue exclusion technique. Moreover, 4 in vivo PET/CT studies were
      performed after the reinjection of leukocytes labeled after citrate
      anticoagulation. RESULTS: The labeling yields obtained with citrate and heparin
      were not significantly different (P = 0.447). Viability was greater than or equal
      to 99%. The quality of the PET/CT studies was excellent. In the in vivo studies,
      the mean labeling yield was 78%-better than or equal to that reported with
      heparin as an anticoagulant. CONCLUSION: Citrate is at least as effective as
      heparin as an anticoagulant, does not (unlike heparin) increase granulocyte
      activation, and should be the preferred anticoagulant for (18)F-FDG labeling of
      leukocytes.

PMID- 22072701
TI  - Cardiovascular fitness as a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
      indirect evidence from record linkage study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appears to be a sporadic disorder
      in 95% of cases. Although few personal characteristics associated with developing
      ALS are known, identification of those at risk is essential to any vision of
      early intervention. There is persistent anecdotal observation that those with ALS
      are premorbidly physically 'fitter', although such observations are susceptible
      to bias. Hospital admission for coronary heart disease (CHD) might serve as an
      objective marker of reduced cardiovascular fitness. METHODS: A record linkage
      study of two large databases of hospital admissions, the Oxford Record Linkage
      Study (ORLS) and an English national record linkage dataset of Hospital Episode
      Statistics was undertaken. The ratio of the rate of ALS in people without a
      record of CHD to that in those with a record of CHD was calculated, factoring out
      premature death in both cohorts. Similar analysis for Parkinson's disease (PD)
      and multiple sclerosis (MS) was undertaken. RESULTS: In the English population,
      the rate ratio for ALS in the non-CHD cohort, compared with the CHD cohort, was
      1.14 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.22); for PD it was 0.95 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.98); and for MS
      0.95 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.04). The ORLS data yielded similar findings. CONCLUSIONS:
      Those without a record of CHD were at modestly higher risk of ALS, but not for PD
      or MS. This lends support to the assertion that ALS arises within a population
      who may have relatively higher levels of cardiovascular fitness.

PMID- 22072702
TI  - Impaired vasoreactivity in mildly disabled CADASIL patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with
      subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is a rare genetic disease caused by
      NOTCH3 gene mutations. A dysfunction in vasoreactivity has been proposed as an
      early event in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to
      verify whether endothelium dependent and/or independent function is altered in
      CADASIL patients with respect to controls. METHODS: Vasoreactivity was studied by
      a non-invasive pletismographic method in 49 mildly disabled CADASIL patients (30
      65 years, 58% male, Rankin scale <=2) and 25 controls. Endothelium dependent
      vasodilatation was assessed by reactive hyperaemia (flow mediated dilation
      peripheral arterial tone (FMD-PAT)) and endothelium independent vasoreactivity by
      glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) administration (GTN-PAT). RESULTS: Patients and
      controls showed comparable age, gender and cardiovascular risk factor
      distribution. GTN-PAT values were significantly lower in CADASIL patients (1.54
      (1.01 to 2.25)) than in controls (1.89 (1.61 to 2.59); p=0.041). FMD-PAT scores
      did not differ between patients and controls (1.88 (1.57 to 2.43) vs 2.08 (1.81
      to 2.58); p=0.126) but 17 CADASIL patients (35%) had FMD-PAT scores below the
      fifth percentile of controls. FMD-PAT and GTN-PAT values correlated both in
      controls (rho=0.648, p<0.001) and CADASIL patients (rho=0.563, p<0.001). By
      multivariable logistic regression for clinical and laboratory variables, only GTN
      PAT (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.97; p=0.044) was independently associated with FMD
      PAT below the fifth percentile in CADASIL patients. CONCLUSIONS: The impaired
      vasoreactivity observed in CADASIL patients highlights the fact that both
      endothelial and smooth muscle functional alterations may already be present in
      mildly disabled subjects. The improvement in vascular function could be a new
      target for pharmacological trials in CADASIL patients.

PMID- 22072703
TI  - Cortical folding influences migraine aura symptoms in CADASIL.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Migraine with aura is a hallmark of cerebral autosomal dominant
      arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). In
      contrast with the majority of CADASIL patients, some affected subjects never
      experience visual symptoms during their attacks of migraine with aura. The aim of
      this study was to determine whether specific morphology of the primary visual
      cortex is associated with the absence of visual symptoms during migraine aura in
      CADASIL. METHODS: Patients from a large cohort of CADASIL patients, aged <45
      years, and with a modified Rankin's scale <=1 were included in the study. Width
      and depth of the calcarine sulcus in the primary visual cortex as well as
      cortical thickness in its neighbourhood were compared between patients with
      visual and those with non-visual migraine auras. RESULTS: 31 patients had visual
      symptoms (VA group) while nine reported only non-visual symptoms (NVA group)
      during their migraine auras. Asymmetry index of the calcarine sulcal depth
      largely differed between the NVA group and the VA group (0.22+/-0.1 vs -0.004+/
      0.2; p=1.7*10(-6)). The width of the right calcarine sulcus was significantly
      lower in the VA group (p=0.04) and cortical thickness was larger in the NVA group
      (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The absence of visual symptoms during migraine auras was
      associated with a profound asymmetry of the primary visual cortex. Aura symptoms
      seem to be linked to the morphology of the primary visual cortex in CADASIL. This
      finding potentially reflects more general relationships between spreading
      depression and cortex morphology in migraine with aura.

PMID- 22072704
TI  - 68Ga-DOTATOC versus 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in functional imaging of neuroendocrine
      tumors.
AB  - Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs represent valuable tools for both in vivo
      diagnosis and therapy of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) because of the frequent
      tumoral overexpression of somatostatin receptors (sst). The 2 compounds most
      often used in functional imaging with PET are (68)Ga-DOTATATE and (68)Ga-DOTATOC.
      Both ligands share a quite similar sst binding profile. However, the in vitro
      affinity of (68)Ga-DOTATATE in binding the sst subtype 2 (sst2) is approximately
      10-fold higher than that of (68)Ga-DOTATOC. This difference may affect their
      efficiency in the detection of NET lesions because it is the sst2 that is
      predominantly overexpressed in NET. We thus compared the diagnostic value of
      PET/CT with both radiolabeled somatostatin analogs ((68)Ga-DOTATATE and (68)Ga
      DOTATOC) in the same NET patients. METHODS: Forty patients with metastatic NETs
      underwent (68)Ga-DOTATOC and (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT as part of the work-up before
      prospective peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. The performance of both
      imaging methods was analyzed and compared for the detection of individual lesions
      per patient and for 8 defined body regions. A region was regarded positive if at
      least 1 lesion was detected in that region. In addition, radiopeptide uptake in
      terms of the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was compared for
      concordant lesions and renal parenchyma. RESULTS: Seventy-eight regions were
      found positive with (68)Ga-DOTATATE versus 79 regions with (68)Ga-DOTATOC (not
      significant). Overall, however, significantly fewer lesions were detected with
      (68)Ga-DOTATATE than with (68)Ga-DOTATOC (254 vs. 262, P < 0.05). Mean (68)Ga
      DOTATATE SUVmax across all lesions was significantly lower than (68)Ga-DOTATOC
      (16.0 +/- 10.8 vs. 20.4 +/- 14.7, P < 0.01). Mean SUVmax for renal parenchyma was
      not significantly different between (68)Ga-DOTATATE and (68)Ga-DOTATOC (12.7 +/-
      3.0 vs. 13.2 +/- 3.3). CONCLUSION: (68)Ga-DOTATOC and (68)Ga-DOTATATE possess a
      comparable diagnostic accuracy for the detection of NET lesions, with (68)Ga
      DOTATOC having a potential advantage. The approximately 10-fold higher affinity
      for the sst2 of (68)Ga-DOTATATE does not prove to be clinically relevant. Quite
      unexpectedly, SUVmax of (68)Ga-DOTATOC scans tended to be higher than their
      (68)Ga-DOTATATE counterparts.

PMID- 22072705
TI  - PET of aromatase in gastric parietal cells using 11C-vorozole.
AB  - Aromatase is a rate-limiting enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis and has been
      implicated in pathophysiological states of various diseases via estrogen
      production. This enzyme is known to be widely distributed in extragonadal and
      gonadal tissues including the stomach. In contrast to circulating estrogen, the
      functional role of gastric aromatase/estrogen has not been elucidated in detail,
      because there is no efficient methodology to investigate spatiotemporal changes
      of gastric aromatase/estrogen in vivo. Recently, (S)-(11)C-6-[(4-chlorophenyl)(1H
      1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzotriazole ((11)C-labeled vorozole),
      based on a potent nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, has been developed as a
      tracer to investigate aromatase distribution in living animals and humans using a
      noninvasive PET technique. In the present study, we investigated gastric
      aromatase expression by means of PET with (11)C-vorozole. METHODS: After bolus
      injection of (11)C-vorozole into the tail vein, emission scans were obtained for
      90 min on male and female rats under isoflurane anesthesia. Displacement studies
      with unlabeled vorozole and autoradiographic analysis were conducted for
      demonstration of specific binding. Immunohistochemistry was performed to confirm
      aromatase expression. RESULTS: PET scans revealed that (11)C-vorozole highly
      accumulated in the stomach and adrenal glands. Displacement studies and
      autoradiography demonstrated that aromatase was expressed in the stomach but that
      the accumulation of (11)C-vorozole in the adrenal glands might be through
      nonspecific binding. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that aromatase is
      expressed in gastric parietal cells but not in adrenal glands. Moreover, the
      accumulation of (11)C-vorozole in the stomach was significantly increased in
      fatigued rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the (11)C-vorozole PET
      technique is a useful tool for evaluation of gastric aromatase dynamics in vivo,
      which may provide important information for understanding the molecular
      mechanisms of gastric aromatase/estrogen-related pathophysiological processes and
      for the development of new drugs.

PMID- 22072706
TI  - PET with the 89Zr-labeled transforming growth factor-beta antibody fresolimumab
      in tumor models.
AB  - Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) promotes cancer invasion and
      metastasis and is therefore a potential drug target for cancer treatment.
      Fresolimumab, which neutralizes all mammalian active isoforms of TGF-beta, was
      radiolabeled with (89)Zr for PET to analyze TGF-beta expression, antibody tumor
      uptake, and organ distribution. METHODS: (89)Zr was conjugated to fresolimumab
      using the chelator N-succinyldesferrioxamine-B-tetrafluorphenol. (89)Zr
      fresolimumab was analyzed for conjugation ratio, aggregation, radiochemical
      purity, stability, and immunoreactivity. (89)Zr-fresolimumab tumor uptake and
      organ distribution were assessed using 3 protein doses (10, 50, and 100 MUg) and
      compared with (111)In-IgG in a human TGF-beta-transfected Chinese hamster ovary
      xenograft model, human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 xenograft, and metastatic model.
      Latent and active TGF-beta1 expression was analyzed in tissue homogenates with
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: (89)Zr was labeled to fresolimumab
      with high specific activity (>1 GBq/mg), high yield, and high purity. In vitro
      validation of (89)Zr-fresolimumab showed a fully preserved immunoreactivity and
      long (>1 wk) stability in solution and in human serum. In vivo validation showed
      an (89)Zr-fresolimumab distribution similar to IgG in most organs, except for a
      higher uptake in the liver in all mice and higher kidney uptake in the 10-MUg
      group. (89)Zr-fresolimumab induced no toxicity in mice; it accumulated in primary
      tumors and metastases in a manner similar to IgG. Both latent and active TGF-beta
      was detected in tumor homogenates, whereas only latent TGF-beta could be detected
      in liver homogenates. Remarkably high (89)Zr-fresolimumab uptake was seen in
      sites of tumor ulceration and in scar tissue, processes in which TGF-beta is
      known to be highly active. CONCLUSION: Fresolimumab tumor uptake and organ
      distribution can be visualized and quantified with (89)Zr-fresolimumab PET. This
      technique will be used to guide further clinical development of fresolimumab and
      could possibly identify patients most likely to benefit.

PMID- 22072707
TI  - Oxidized LDL promotes the mitogenic actions of Chlamydia pneumoniae in vascular
      smooth muscle cells.
AB  - AIMS: The atherogenic actions of Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), a common
      respiratory pathogen, are dependent upon a high-cholesterol environment in vivo.
      It is possible that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is responsible for
      promoting the atherogenic effects of C. pneumoniae through a stimulation of cell
      proliferation. This study determined whether oxLDL can enhance the mitogenic
      action of C. pneumoniae in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the
      involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and heat shock
      protein 60 (HSP60) in these mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Primary rabbit VSMCs
      were treated with live C. pneumoniae, heat-inactivated C. pneumoniae or infection
      medium, and subsequently incubated for up to 48 h in the presence or absence of
      oxLDL. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection alone stimulated cell proliferation and the
      addition of oxLDL significantly amplified this proliferative effect. This
      proliferation was accompanied by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and -2
      (ERK1/2) activation and an up-regulation of HSP60 expression. Changes in
      proliferation and HSP60 expression were attenuated by the inhibition of ERK1/2.
      CONCLUSION: These results indicate a novel role for oxLDL in promoting the
      mitogenic actions of C. pneumoniae in the vasculature. ERK1/2 is an important
      factor in the stress-mediated response and HSP60 up-regulation in VSMC. These
      data provide mechanistic evidence that C. pneumoniae may stimulate atherogenesis.

PMID- 22072708
TI  - Terminal amino acids disturb xylanase thermostability and activity.
AB  - Protein structure is composed of regular secondary structural elements (alpha
      helix and beta-strand) and non-regular region. Unlike the helix and strand, the
      non-regular region consists of an amino acid defined as a disordered residue
      (DR). When compared with the effect of the helix and strand, the effect of the DR
      on enzyme structure and function is elusive. An Aspergillus niger GH10 xylanase
      (Xyn) was selected as a model molecule of (beta/alpha)(8) because the general
      structure consists of ~10% enzymes. The Xyn has five N-terminal DRs and one C
      terminal DR, respectively, which were deleted to construct three mutants,
      XynDeltaN, XynDeltaC, and XynDeltaNC. Each mutant was ~2-, 3-, or 4-fold more
      thermostable and 7-, 4-, or 4-fold more active than the Xyn. The N-terminal
      deletion decreased the xylanase temperature optimum for activity (T(opt)) 6 
      degrees C, but the C-terminal deletion increased its T(opt) 6  degrees C. The N-
      and C-terminal deletions had opposing effects on the enzyme T(opt) but had
      additive effects on its thermostability. The five N-terminal DR deletions had
      more effect on the enzyme kinetics but less effect on its thermo property than
      the one C-terminal DR deletion. CD data showed that the terminal DR deletions
      increased regular secondary structural contents, and hence, led to slow decreased
      Gibbs free energy changes (DeltaG(0)) in the thermal denaturation process, which
      ultimately enhanced enzyme thermostabilities.

PMID- 22072709
TI  - Quality control of fungus-specific glucosylceramide in Cryptococcus neoformans by
      endoglycoceramidase-related protein 1 (EGCrP1).
AB  - A fungus-specific glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which contains a unique sphingoid
      base possessing two double bonds and a methyl substitution, is essential for
      pathogenicity in fungi. Although the biosynthetic pathway of the GlcCer has been
      well elucidated, little is known about GlcCer catabolism because a GlcCer
      degrading enzyme (glucocerebrosidase) has yet to be identified in fungi. We found
      a homologue of endoglycoceramidase tentatively designated endoglycoceramidase
      related protein 1 (EGCrP1) in several fungal genomic databases. The recombinant
      EGCrP1 hydrolyzed GlcCer but not other glycosphingolipids, whereas
      endoglycoceramidase hydrolyzed oligosaccharide-linked glycosphingolipids but not
      GlcCer. Disruption of egcrp1 in Cryptococcus neoformans, a typical pathogenic
      fungus causing cryptococcosis, resulted in the accumulation of fungus-specific
      GlcCer and immature GlcCer that possess sphingoid bases without a methyl
      substitution concomitant with a dysfunction of polysaccharide capsule formation.
      These results indicated that EGCrP1 participates in the catabolism of GlcCer and
      especially functions to eliminate immature GlcCer in vivo that are generated as
      by-products due to the broad specificity of GlcCer synthase. We conclude that
      EGCrP1, a glucocerebrosidase identified for the first time in fungi, controls the
      quality of GlcCer by eliminating immature GlcCer incorrectly generated in C.
      neoformans, leading to accurate processing of fungus-specific GlcCer.

PMID- 22072710
TI  - HIV-1 Vpu protein antagonizes innate restriction factor BST-2 via lipid-embedded
      helix-helix interactions.
AB  - The Vpu protein of HIV-1 antagonizes BST-2 (tetherin), a broad spectrum effector
      of the innate immune response to viral infection, by an intermolecular
      interaction that maps genetically to the alpha-helical transmembrane domains
      (TMDs) of each protein. Here we utilize NMR spectroscopy to describe key features
      of the helix-helix pairing that underlies this interaction. The antagonism of BST
      2 involves a sequence of three alanines and a tryptophan spaced at four residue
      intervals within the Vpu TMD helix. Responsiveness to Vpu involves bulky
      hydrophobic residues in the C-terminal region of the BST-2 TMD helix that likely
      fit between the alanines on the interactive face of Vpu. These aspects of Vpu and
      BST-2 form an anti-parallel, lipid-embedded helix-helix interface. Changes in
      human BST-2 that mimic sequences found in nonhuman primate orthologs unresponsive
      to Vpu change the tilt angle of the TMD in the lipid bilayer without abrogating
      its intrinsic ability to interact with Vpu. These data explain the mechanism by
      which HIV-1 evades a key aspect of innate immunity and the species specificity of
      Vpu using an anti-parallel helix-helix packing model.

PMID- 22072711
TI  - Polarity-regulating kinase partitioning-defective 1b (PAR1b) phosphorylates
      guanine nucleotide exchange factor H1 (GEF-H1) to regulate RhoA-dependent actin
      cytoskeletal reorganization.
AB  - Partitioning-defective 1b (PAR1b), also known as microtubule affinity-regulating
      kinase 2 (MARK2), is a member of evolutionally conserved PAR1/MARK
      serine/threonine kinase family, which plays a key role in the establishment and
      maintenance of cell polarity at least partly by phosphorylating microtubule
      associated proteins (MAPs) that regulate microtubule stability. PAR1b has also
      been reported to influence actin cytoskeletal organization, raising the
      possibility that PAR1b functionally interacts with the Rho family of small
      GTPases, central regulators of the actin cytoskeletal system. Consistent with
      this notion, PAR1 was recently found to be physically associated with a RhoA
      specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor H1 (GEF-H1). This observation
      suggests a functional link between PAR1b and GEF-H1. Here we show that PAR1b
      induces phosphorylation of GEF-H1 on serine 885 and serine 959. We also show that
      PAR1b-induced serine 885/serine 959 phosphorylation inhibits RhoA-specific GEF
      activity of GEF-H1. As a consequence, GEF-H1 phosphorylated on both of the serine
      residues loses the ability to stimulate RhoA and thereby fails to induce RhoA
      dependent stress fiber formation. These findings indicate that PAR1b not only
      regulates microtubule stability through phosphorylation of MAPs but also
      influences actin stress fiber formation by inducing GEF-H1 phosphorylation. The
      dual function of PAR1b in the microtubule-based cytoskeletal system and the actin
      based cytoskeletal system in the coordinated regulation of cell polarity, cell
      morphology, and cell movement.

PMID- 22072712
TI  - Unifying concept of serotonin transporter-associated currents.
AB  - Serotonin (5-HT) uptake by the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) is driven by
      ion gradients. The stoichiometry of transported 5-HT and ions is predicted to
      result in electroneutral charge movement. However, hSERT mediates a current when
      challenged with 5-HT. This discrepancy can be accounted for by an uncoupled ion
      flux. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of the uncoupled currents and
      its relation to the conformational cycle of hSERT. Our observations support the
      conclusion that the conducting state underlying the uncoupled ion flux is in
      equilibrium with an inward facing state of the transporter with K+ bound. We
      identified conditions associated with accumulation of the transporter in inward
      facing conformations. Manipulations that increased the abundance of inward facing
      states resulted in enhanced steady-state currents. We present a comprehensive
      kinetic model of the transport cycle, which recapitulates salient features of the
      recorded currents. This study provides a framework for exploring transporter
      associated currents.

PMID- 22072714
TI  - Loss of the methyl lysine effector protein PHF20 impacts the expression of genes
      regulated by the lysine acetyltransferase MOF.
AB  - In epigenetic signaling pathways, histone tails are heavily modified, resulting
      in the recruitment of effector molecules that can influence transcription. One
      such molecule, plant homeodomain finger protein 20 (PHF20), uses a Tudor domain
      to read dimethyl lysine residues and is a known component of the MOF (male absent
      on the first) histone acetyltransferase protein complex, suggesting it plays a
      role in the cross-talk between lysine methylation and histone acetylation. We
      sought to investigate the biological role of PHF20 by generating a knockout
      mouse. Without PHF20, mice die shortly after birth and display a wide variety of
      phenotypes within the skeletal and hematopoietic systems. Mechanistically, PHF20
      is not required for maintaining the global H4K16 acetylation levels or locus
      specific histone acetylation but instead works downstream in transcriptional
      regulation of MOF target genes.

PMID- 22072713
TI  - SOD1 (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase) deficiency drives amyloid beta protein
      oligomerization and memory loss in mouse model of Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Oxidative stress is closely linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration.
      Soluble amyloid beta (Abeta) oligomers cause cognitive impairment and synaptic
      dysfunction in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the relationship between
      oligomers, oxidative stress, and their localization during disease progression is
      uncertain. Our previous study demonstrated that mice deficient in cytoplasmic
      copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD, SOD1) have features of drusen
      formation, a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration (Imamura, Y., Noda, S.,
      Hashizume, K., Shinoda, K., Yamaguchi, M., Uchiyama, S., Shimizu, T., Mizushima,
      Y., Shirasawa, T., and Tsubota, K. (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103,
      11282-11287). Amyloid assembly has been implicated as a common mechanism of
      plaque and drusen formation. Here, we show that Sod1 deficiency in an amyloid
      precursor protein-overexpressing mouse model (AD mouse, Tg2576) accelerated Abeta
      oligomerization and memory impairment as compared with control AD mouse and that
      these phenomena were basically mediated by oxidative damage. The increased plaque
      and neuronal inflammation were accompanied by the generation of N(epsilon)
      carboxymethyl lysine in advanced glycation end products, a rapid marker of
      oxidative damage, induced by Sod1 gene-dependent reduction. The Sod1 deletion
      also caused Tau phosphorylation and the lower levels of synaptophysin.
      Furthermore, the levels of SOD1 were significantly decreased in human AD patients
      rather than non-AD age-matched individuals, but mitochondrial SOD (Mn-SOD, SOD2)
      and extracellular SOD (CuZn-SOD, SOD3) were not. These findings suggest that
      cytoplasmic superoxide radical plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD.
      Activation of Sod1 may be a therapeutic strategy for the inhibition of AD
      progression.

PMID- 22072715
TI  - PPARdelta coordinates angiotensin II-induced senescence in vascular smooth muscle
      cells through PTEN-mediated inhibition of superoxide generation.
AB  - Cellular senescence-associated changes in blood vessels have been implicated in
      aging and age-related cardiovascular disorders. Here, we demonstrate that
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) delta coordinates angiotensin
      (Ang) II-induced senescence of human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
      Activation of PPARdelta by GW501516, a specific ligand for PPARdelta,
      significantly attenuated Ang II-induced generation of superoxides and suppressed
      senescence of VSMCs. A marked increase in the levels of p53 and p21 induced by
      Ang II was blunted by the treatment with GW501516. Ligand-activated PPARdelta up
      regulated expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10
      (PTEN) and suppressed the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway.
      Knockdown of PTEN with siRNA abrogated the effects of PPARdelta on cellular
      senescence, on PI3K/Akt signaling, and on generation of ROS in VSMCs treated with
      Ang II. Finally, administration of GW501516 to apoE-deficient mice treated with
      Ang II significantly reduced the number of senescent cells in the aorta, where up
      regulation of PTEN with reduced levels of phosphorylated Akt and ROS was
      demonstrated. Thus, ligand-activated PPARdelta confers resistance to Ang II
      induced senescence by up-regulation of PTEN and ensuing modulation of the
      PI3K/Akt signaling to reduce ROS generation in vascular cells.

PMID- 22072716
TI  - Protein-linked ubiquitin chain structure restricts activity of deubiquitinating
      enzymes.
AB  - The attachment of lysine 48 (Lys(48))-linked polyubiquitin chains to proteins is
      a universal signal for degradation by the proteasome. Here, we report that long
      Lys(48)-linked chains are resistant to many deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs).
      Representative enzymes from this group, Ubp15 from yeast and its human ortholog
      USP7, rapidly remove mono- and diubiquitin from substrates but are slow to remove
      longer Lys(48)-linked chains. This resistance is lost if the structure of Lys(48)
      linked chains is disrupted by mutation of ubiquitin or if chains are linked
      through Lys(63). In contrast to Ubp15 and USP7, Ubp12 readily cleaves the ends of
      long chains, regardless of chain structure. We propose that the resistance to
      many DUBs of long, substrate-attached Lys(48)-linked chains helps ensure that
      proteins are maintained free from ubiquitin until a threshold of ubiquitin ligase
      activity enables degradation.

PMID- 22072717
TI  - Pharmacologic uncoupling of angiogenesis and inflammation during initiation of
      pathological corneal neovascularization.
AB  - Pathological neovascularization occurs when a balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic
      factors is disrupted, accompanied by an amplifying inflammatory cascade. However,
      the interdependence of these responses and the mechanism triggering the initial
      angiogenic switch have remained unclear. We present data from an epithelial
      debridement model of corneal neovascularization describing an initial 3-day
      period when a substantial component of neovascular growth occurs. Administration
      of selective inhibitors shows that this initial growth requires signaling through
      VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2), independent of the
      accompanying inflammatory response. Instead, increased VEGF production is found
      prominently in repair epithelial cells and is increased prior to recruitment of
      neutrophil/granulocytes and macrophage/monocytes. Consequently, early granulocyte
      and monocyte depletion has little effect on corneal neovascularization outgrowth.
      These data indicate that it is possible to pharmacologically uncouple these
      mechanisms during early injury-driven neovascularization in the cornea and
      suggest that initial tissue responses are coordinated by repair epithelial cells.

PMID- 22072718
TI  - Inhibitor of Nrf2 (INrf2 or Keap1) protein degrades Bcl-xL via phosphoglycerate
      mutase 5 and controls cellular apoptosis.
AB  - INrf2 (Keap1) is an adaptor protein that facilitates INrf2-Cul3-Rbx1-mediated
      ubiquitination/degradation of Nrf2, a master regulator of cytoprotective gene
      expression. Here, we present evidence that members of the phosphoglycerate mutase
      family 5 (PGAM5) proteins are involved in the INrf2-mediated
      ubiquitination/degradation of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-xL. Mass spectrometry and
      co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that INrf2, through its DGR domain,
      interacts with PGAM5, which in turn interacts with anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein.
      INrf2-Cul3-Rbx1 complex facilitates ubiquitination and degradation of both PGAM5
      and Bcl-xL. Overexpression of PGAM5 protein increased INrf2-mediated degradation
      of Bcl-xL, whereas knocking down PGAM5 by siRNA decreased INrf2 degradation of
      Bcl-xL, resulting in increased stability of Bcl-xL. Mutation of PGMA5-E79A/S80A
      abolished INrf2/PGAM5/Bcl-xL interaction. Therefore, PGAM5 protein acts as a
      bridge between INrf2 and Bcl-xL interaction. Further studies showed that
      overexpression of INrf2 enhanced degradation of PGAM5-Bcl-xL complex, led to
      etoposide-mediated accumulation of Bax, increased release of cytochrome c from
      mitochondria, activated caspase-3/7, and enhanced DNA fragmentation and
      apoptosis. In addition, antioxidant (tert-butylhydroquinone) treatment
      destabilized the Nrf2-INrf2-PGAM5-Bcl-xL complex, which resulted in release of
      Nrf2 in cytosol and mitochondria, release of Bcl-xL in mitochondria, increase in
      Bcl-xL heterodimerization with Bax in mitochondria, and reduced cellular
      apoptosis. These data provide the first evidence that INrf2 controls Bcl-xL via
      PGAM5 and controls cellular apoptosis.

PMID- 22072719
TI  - Phosphorylation of PhoP protein plays direct regulatory role in lipid
      biosynthesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis PhoP is essential for virulence and intracellular
      growth of the tubercle bacilli. Genetic evidence suggests that PhoP regulates
      complex lipid biosynthesis, and absence of some of these lipid molecules in a
      phoP mutant partly accounts for its attenuated growth in macrophages and/or mice.
      To investigate the mechanism of regulation, here we demonstrate the essentiality
      of phosphorylation of PhoP in the regulation of complex lipid biosynthesis. We
      show that phosphorylated PhoP activates transcription of pks2 and msl3, gene(s)
      encoding polyketide beta-ketoacyl synthases through direct DNA binding at the
      upstream regulatory region(s) of the target genes. Our results identify the
      genetic determinants recognized by PhoP and show that activation of target genes
      requires interaction(s) of the phosphorylated regulator at the cognate binding
      sites. The fact that these sites within the regulatory region of respective genes
      do not bind in vitro with either unphosphorylated or phosphorylation-deficient
      PhoP protein is consistent with phosphorylation-dependent assembly of the
      transcription initiation complex leading to in vivo transcriptional activation.
      Together, these results reveal so far unknown molecular mechanisms of how PhoP
      contributes to M. tuberculosis cell wall composition by regulating complex lipid
      biosynthesis.

PMID- 22072721
TI  - Long-term antibody and immune memory response induced by pulmonary delivery of
      the influenza Iscomatrix vaccine.
AB  - Pulmonary delivery of an influenza Iscomatrix adjuvant vaccine induces a strong
      systemic and mucosal antibody response. Since an influenza vaccine needs to
      induce immunological memory that lasts at least 1 year for utility in humans, we
      examined the longevity of the immune response induced by such a pulmonary
      vaccination, with and without antigen challenge. Sheep were vaccinated in the
      deep lung with an influenza Iscomatrix vaccine, and serum and lung antibody
      levels were quantified for up to 1 year. The immune memory response to these
      vaccinations was determined following antigen challenge via lung delivery of
      influenza antigen at 6 months and 1 year postvaccination. Pulmonary vaccination
      of sheep with the influenza Iscomatrix vaccine induced antigen-specific
      antibodies in both sera and lungs that were detectable until 6 months
      postimmunization. Importantly, a memory recall response following antigenic
      challenge was detected at 12 months post-lung vaccination, including the
      induction of functional antibodies with hemagglutination inhibition activity.
      Pulmonary delivery of an influenza Iscomatrix vaccine induces a long-lived
      influenza virus-specific antibody and memory response of suitable length for
      annual vaccination against influenza.

PMID- 22072720
TI  - Vaccines displaying mycobacterial proteins on biopolyester beads stimulate
      cellular immunity and induce protection against tuberculosis.
AB  - New improved vaccines are needed for control of both bovine and human
      tuberculosis. Tuberculosis protein vaccines have advantages with regard to safety
      and ease of manufacture, but efficacy against tuberculosis has been difficult to
      achieve. Protective cellular immune responses can be preferentially induced when
      antigens are displayed on small particles. In this study, Escherichia coli and
      Lactococcus lactis were engineered to produce spherical polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)
      inclusions which displayed a fusion protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
      antigen 85A (Ag85A)-early secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein (ESAT-6). L.
      lactis was chosen as a possible production host due its extensive use in the food
      industry and reduced risk of lipopolysaccharide contamination. Mice were
      vaccinated with PHB bead vaccines with or without displaying Ag85A-ESAT-6,
      recombinant Ag85A-ESAT-6, or M. bovis BCG. Separate groups of mice were used to
      measure immune responses and assess protection against an aerosol M. bovis
      challenge. Increased amounts of antigen-specific gamma interferon, interleukin
      17A (IL-17A), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were produced from
      splenocytes postvaccination, but no or minimal IL-4, IL-5, or IL-10 was produced,
      indicating Th1- and Th17-biased T cell responses. Decreased lung bacterial counts
      and less extensive foci of inflammation were observed in lungs of mice receiving
      BCG or PHB bead vaccines displaying Ag85A-ESAT-6 produced in either E. coli or L.
      lactis compared to those observed in the lungs of phosphate-buffered saline
      treated control mice. No differences between those receiving wild-type PHB beads
      and those receiving recombinant Ag85A-ESAT-6 were observed. This versatile
      particulate vaccine delivery system incorporates a relatively simple production
      process using safe bacteria, and the results show that it is an effective
      delivery system for a tuberculosis protein vaccine.

PMID- 22072722
TI  - Persistence and titer changes of rubella virus antibodies in primiparous women
      who had been vaccinated with strain RA 27/3 in junior high school.
AB  - Taiwan's rubella vaccination program was launched in 1986; each schoolgirl in the
      third grade of junior high school received one dose of rubella (RA 27/3) vaccine.
      We reviewed the results of 14,090 prenatal rubella tests for primiparas from
      three areas of Taiwan during 2002 to 2008 to investigate seronegativity rates and
      titer changes. In all primiparous women, the average rubella virus seronegativity
      rate was 6.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 6.1 to 6.9%), and the average
      rubella virus antibody titer was 65.9 IU/ml (95% CI, 64.7 to 67.1 IU/ml). There
      were 1,220 women (8.7%) with weakly positive antibody titers (10 to 20 IU/ml).
      The rubella virus seronegativity rates, which ranged from 5.4 to 9.7%, did not
      exhibit a linear trend from 9 to 22 years after vaccination (P = 0.201); in
      contrast, a significant trend appeared in the average rubella virus IgG titer (P
      = 0.003), dropping from 69.9 IU/ml in the 9th year after vaccination to 54.8
      IU/ml in the 22nd year. The mean annual antibody decay rate was -0.77 IU/ml. This
      study reveals that the level of rubella virus antibodies declined slowly in women
      of childbearing age who were vaccinated with RA 27/3 at junior high school age.
      The number of women who were seronegative or had weakly positive antibody titers
      was still high (15.2%). Therefore, in countries that implement a single-dose
      regimen in children or teenagers, it should remain an important policy to
      encourage voluntary immunization in seronegative women and to immunize all
      postpartum women who are susceptible to rubella virus infection before they leave
      the hospital.

PMID- 22072723
TI  - The nonstructural protein NSs induces a variable antibody response in domestic
      ruminants naturally infected with Rift Valley fever virus.
AB  - Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonosis in Africa which has spread to
      Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and Comoros. RVF virus (RVFV)
      (Bunyaviridae family, Phlebovirus genus) causes a wide range of symptoms in
      humans, from benign fever to fatal hemorrhagic fever. Ruminants are severely
      affected by the disease, which leads to a high rate of mortality in young animals
      and to abortions and teratogenesis in pregnant females. Diagnostic tests include
      virus isolation and genome or antibody detection. During RVFV infection, the
      nucleoprotein encapsidating the tripartite RNA genome is expressed in large
      amounts and raises a robust antibody response, while the envelope glycoproteins
      elicit neutralizing antibodies which play a major role in protection. Much less
      is known about the antigenicity/immunogenicity of the nonstructural protein NSs,
      which is a major virulence factor. Here we have developed a competitive enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) enabling detection of low levels of NSs
      specific antibodies in naturally infected or vaccinated ruminants. Detection of
      the NSs antibodies was validated by Western blotting. Altogether, our data showed
      that the NSs antibodies were detected in only 55% of animals naturally infected
      by RVFV, indicating that NSs does not induce a consistently high immune response.
      These results are discussed in light of differentiation between infected and
      vaccinated animals (DIVA) tests distinguishing naturally infected animals and
      those vaccinated with NSs-defective vaccines.

PMID- 22072724
TI  - Association of serotype-specific antibody concentrations and functional antibody
      titers with subsequent pneumococcal carriage in toddlers immunized with a 9
      valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
AB  - Association of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage with the concentration and
      opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) of serum serotype-specific antibodies was
      determined for toddlers 1 month after immunization with a 9-valent pneumococcal
      conjugate vaccine. Higher anti-serotype 14 and anti-serotype 19F IgG and anti
      serotype 14 IgM correlated with a lowered probability of pneumococcal
      acquisition. Postvaccination OPA did not correlate with pneumococcal carriage.

PMID- 22072726
TI  - Eye- and feature-based modulation of onset rivalry caused by the preceding
      stimulus.
AB  - Pre-exposure to a stimulus can modulate initial perceptual dominance experienced
      in binocular rivalry with brief test stimuli (onset rivalry). This study
      investigated this modulating effect using both color and pattern stimuli. We
      confirmed separate contributions of eye- and feature-based suppressions and
      showed that their relative strength varied with temporal parameters. Eye-based
      suppression was stronger with a short test duration (10 ms) and shorter ISIs
      between the preceding and test stimuli. On the other hand, feature-based
      suppression grew with ISI and was more pronounced with a longer test duration
      (200 ms). We also investigated the nature of the modulating effect associated
      with feature-based suppression using chromatic gratings of high luminance
      contrast. Results revealed that different features of the preceding stimulus
      (i.e., color and orientation) exerted nearly independent effects on onset
      rivalry. However, different features shared their fate in competitive
      interactions for perceptual dominance; when one feature became dominant, the
      other also dominated. These findings suggest that competitive interactions for
      perceptual dominance and the modulation of these interactions are mediated at
      least partially by different mechanisms. Overall, the present findings are
      consistent with a theoretical view that initial dominance is established through
      competitive interactions at multiple levels of processing.

PMID- 22072727
TI  - Attention alters decision criteria but not appearance: a reanalysis of Anton
      Erxleben, Abrams, and Carrasco (2010).
AB  - Paying attention to a stimulus affords it many behavioral advantages, but whether
      attention also changes its subjective appearance is controversial. K. A.
      Schneider and M. Komlos (2008) demonstrated that the results of previous studies
      suggesting that attention increased perceived contrast could also be explained by
      a biased decision mechanism. This bias could be neutralized by altering the
      methodology to ask subjects whether two stimuli were equal in contrast or not
      rather than which had the higher contrast. K. Anton-Erxleben, J. Abrams, and M.
      Carrasco (2010) claimed that, even using this equality judgment, attention could
      still be shown to increase perceived contrast. In this reply, we analyze their
      data and conclude that the effects that they reported resulted from fitting
      symmetric functions that poorly characterized the individual subject data, which
      exhibited significant asymmetries between the high- and low-contrast tails. The
      strength of the effect attributed to attentional enhancement in each subject was
      strongly correlated with this skew. By refitting the data with a response model
      that included a non-zero asymptotic response in the low-contrast regime, we show
      that the reported attentional effects are better explained as changes in
      subjective criteria. Thus, the conclusion of Schneider and Komlos that attention
      biases the decision mechanism but does not alter appearance is still valid and is
      in fact supported by the data from Anton-Erxleben et al.

PMID- 22072728
TI  - Equality judgments cannot distinguish between attention effects on appearance and
      criterion: a reply to Schneider (2011).
AB  - Whether attention modulates the appearance of stimulus features is debated.
      Whereas many previous studies using a comparative judgment have found evidence
      for such an effect, two recent studies using an equality judgment have not.
      Critically, these studies have relied on the assumption that the equality
      paradigm yields bias-free PSE estimates and is as sensitive as the comparative
      judgment, without testing these assumptions. Anton-Erxleben, Abrams, and Carrasco
      (2010) compared comparative judgments and equality judgments with and without the
      manipulation of attention. They demonstrated that the equality paradigm is less
      sensitive than the comparative judgment and also bias-prone. Furthermore, they
      reported an effect of attention on the PSE using both paradigms. Schneider (2011)
      questions the validity of the latter finding, stating that the data in the
      equality experiment are corrupted because of skew in the response distributions.
      Notably, this argument supports the original conclusion by Anton-Erxleben et al.:
      that the equality paradigm is bias-prone. Additionally, the necessary analyses to
      show that the attention effect observed in Anton-Erxleben et al. was due to skew
      in the data were not conducted. Here, we provide these analyses and show that
      although the equality judgment is bias-prone, the effects we observe are
      consistent with an increase of apparent contrast by attention.

PMID- 22072729
TI  - Race-specific norms for coding face identity and a functional role for norms.
AB  - Models of face perception often adopt a framework in which faces are represented
      as points or vectors in a multidimensional space, relative to the average face
      that serves as a norm for encoding. Since faces are very similar in their
      configuration and share many visual properties, they could be encoded in one
      common space against one norm. However, certain face properties may result in
      grouping and "subclassification" of similar faces. We studied the processing of
      faces of different races, using high-level aftereffects, where exposure to one
      face systematically distorts the perception of a subsequently viewed face toward
      the "opposite" identity in face space. We measured identity aftereffects for
      adapt-test pairs that were opposite relative to race-specific (Asian and
      Caucasian) averages and pairs that were opposite relative to a "generic" average
      (both races morphed together). Aftereffects were larger for race-specific
      compared to mixed-race adapt-test pairs. These results suggest that race-specific
      norms are used to code identity because aftereffects are generally larger for
      adapt-test pairs drawn from trajectories passing through the norm (opposite
      pairs) than for those that do not. We also found that identification thresholds
      were lower when targets were distributed around race-specific averages than
      around the mixed-race average, suggesting that norm-based face encoding may play
      a functional role in facilitating identity discrimination.

PMID- 22072730
TI  - Unseen complex motion is modulated by attention and generates a visible
      aftereffect.
AB  - The relationship between attention and awareness and the processing of visual
      information outside of attention and awareness remain controversial issues. We
      employed the motion aftereffect (MAE) illusion and continuous flash suppression
      (CFS) to study the behavioral effects of unseen and unattended visual motion. The
      main finding was that either withdrawal of attention or the lack of visual
      awareness on the adaptors did not eliminate the formation of translational MAEs,
      spiral MAEs, or the interocular transfer of the MAE. However, no spiral MAE was
      generated when attention was diverted from the unseen spiral adaptors.
      Interestingly, all MAEs that arose in the absence of awareness or in the absence
      of attention were reduced in size. The pattern of results is consistent with
      suggestions that the magnitude of visual motion adaptation depends on both
      attention and awareness.

PMID- 22072731
TI  - Competitive inhibition of the luminal efflux by multidrug and toxin extrusions,
      but not basolateral uptake by organic cation transporter 2, is the likely
      mechanism underlying the pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions caused by
      cimetidine in the kidney.
AB  - Cimetidine, an H2 receptor antagonist, has been used to investigate the tubular
      secretion of organic cations in human kidney. We report a systematic
      comprehensive analysis of the inhibition potency of cimetidine for the influx and
      efflux transporters of organic cations [human organic cation transporter 1
      (hOCT1) and hOCT2 and human multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (hMATE1) and hMATE2
      K, respectively]. Inhibition constants (K(i)) of cimetidine were determined by
      using five substrates [tetraethylammonium (TEA), metformin, 1-methyl-4
      phenylpyridinium, 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium, and m
      iodobenzylguanidine]. They were 95 to 146 MUM for hOCT2, providing at most 10%
      inhibition based on its clinically reported plasma unbound concentrations (3.6
      7.8 MUM). In contrast, cimetidine is a potent inhibitor of MATE1 and MATE2-K with
      K(i) values (MUM) of 1.1 to 3.8 and 2.1 to 6.9, respectively. The same tendency
      was observed for mouse Oct1 (mOct1), mOct2, and mouse Mate1. Cimetidine showed a
      negligible effect on the uptake of metformin by mouse kidney slices at 20 MUM.
      Cimetidine was administered to mice by a constant infusion to achieve a plasma
      unbound concentration of 21.6 MUM to examine its effect on the renal disposition
      of Mate1 probes (metformin, TEA, and cephalexin) in vivo. The kidney- and liver
      to-plasma ratios of metformin both were increased 2.4-fold by cimetidine, whereas
      the renal clearance was not changed. Cimetidine also increased the kidney-to
      plasma ratio of TEA and cephalexin 8.0- and 3.3-fold compared with a control and
      decreased the renal clearance from 49 to 23 and 11 to 6.6 ml/min/kg,
      respectively. These results suggest that the inhibition of MATEs, but not OCT2,
      is a likely mechanism underlying the drug-drug interactions with cimetidine in
      renal elimination.

PMID- 22072732
TI  - The TM2 6' position of GABA(A) receptors mediates alcohol inhibition.
AB  - Ionotropic GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs), which mediate inhibitory
      neurotransmission in the central nervous system, are implicated in the behavioral
      effects of alcohol and alcoholism. Site-directed mutagenesis studies support the
      presence of discrete molecular sites involved in alcohol enhancement and, more
      recently, inhibition of GABA(A)Rs. We used Xenopus laevis oocytes to investigate
      the 6' position in the second transmembrane region of GABA(A)Rs as a site
      influencing alcohol inhibition. We asked whether modification of the 6' position
      by substitution with larger residues or methanethiol labeling [using methyl
      methanethiosulfonate (MMTS)] of a substituted cysteine, reduced GABA action
      and/or blocked further inhibition by alcohols. Labeling of the 6' position in
      either alpha2 or beta2 subunits reduced responses to GABA. In addition, methanol
      and ethanol potentiation increased after MMTS labeling or substitution with
      tryptophan or methionine, consistent with elimination of an inhibitory site for
      these alcohols. Specific alcohols, but not the anesthetic etomidate, competed
      with MMTS labeling at the 6' position. We verified a role for the 6' position in
      previously tested alpha2beta2 as well as more physiologically relevant
      alpha2beta2gamma2s GABA(A)Rs. Finally, we built a novel molecular model based on
      the invertebrate glutamate-gated chloride channel receptor, a GABA(A)R homolog,
      revealing that the 6' position residue faces the channel pore, and modification
      of this residue alters volume and polarity of the pore-facing cavity in this
      region. These results indicate that the 6' positions in both alpha2 and beta2
      GABA(A)R subunits mediate inhibition by short-chain alcohols, which is consistent
      with the presence of multiple counteracting sites of action for alcohols on
      ligand-gated ion channels.

PMID- 22072733
TI  - Leflunomide induces apoptosis in fludarabine-resistant and clinically refractory
      CLL cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Environmental conditions in lymph node proliferation centers protect
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells from apoptotic triggers. This situation
      can be mimicked by in vitro stimulation with CD40 ligand (CD40L) and interleukin
      4 (IL-4). Our study investigates the impact of the drug leflunomide to overcome
      apoptosis resistance of CLL cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: CLL cells were stimulated
      with CD40L and IL-4 and treated with fludarabine and the leflunomide metabolite
      A771726. RESULTS: Resistance to fludarabine-mediated apoptosis was induced by
      CD40 activation alone stimulating high levels of BCL-XL and MCL1 protein
      expression. Apoptosis resistance was further enhanced by a complementary Janus
      activated kinase (JAK)/STAT signal induced by IL-4. In contrast, CLL
      proliferation required both a CD40 and a JAK/STAT signal and could be completely
      blocked by pan-JAK inhibition. Leflunomide (A771726) antagonized CD40L/IL-4
      induced proliferation at very low concentrations (3 MUg/mL) reported to inhibit
      dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. At a concentration of 10 MUg/mL, A771726
      additionally attenuated STAT3/6 phosphorylation, whereas apoptosis of CD40L/IL-4
      activated ("resistant") CLL cells was achieved with higher concentrations
      (IC(50): 80 MUg/mL). Apoptosis was also effectively induced by A771726 in
      clinically refractory CLL cells with and without a defective p53 pathway.
      Induction of apoptosis involved inhibition of NF-kappaB activity and loss of BCL
      XL and MCL1 expression. In combination with fludarabine, A771726 synergistically
      induced apoptosis (IC(50): 56 MUg/mL). CONCLUSION: We thus show that A771726
      overcomes CD40L/IL-4-mediated resistance to fludarabine in CLL cells of untreated
      as well as clinically refractory CLL cells. We present a possible novel
      therapeutic principle for attacking chemoresistant CLL cells.

PMID- 22072734
TI  - The importance of doing trials right while doing the right trials.
AB  - Effort is being expended in investigating efficiency measures (i.e., doing trials
      right) through achievement of accrual and endpoint goals for clinical trials. It
      is time to assess the impact of such trials on meeting the critical needs of
      cancer patients by establishing effectiveness measures (i.e., doing the right
      trials).

PMID- 22072736
TI  - Increased activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway compromises decidualization of
      stromal cells from endometriosis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women in the United States
      and causes pain and infertility. Decidualization of endometrial stromal cells
      from women with endometriosis is aberrant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study
      was to investigate a potential mechanism for the inadequate decidual response in
      stromal cells from ovarian endometriomas. DESIGN: Stromal cells of the
      endometrium from women without endometriosis (HSC) or from ovarian endometriomas
      (OsisSC) were grown in culture and treated with 10 MUm LY294002 or 250 nm MK2206,
      100 nm medroxyprogesterone acetate (M), and 0.5 mm dibutyryl cAMP (A) or
      infection with 100 multiplicity of infection adenoviral constructs containing
      wild-type Forkhead box O1 or triple-mutant FOXO1. Real-time PCR was used to
      measure the expression of FOXO1, IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP1), and prolactin
      (PRL) mRNA, and Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect
      the levels of progesterone receptor (PR), FOXO1, AKT, and p(Ser473)-AKT protein
      in vitro or in vivo. RESULTS: Expression of the decidua-specific genes, IGFBP1
      and PRL, were significantly lower in OsisSC compared with normal HSC in response
      to M+A treatment. Basal expression levels of PRA, PRB, and FOXO1 proteins were
      dramatically lower in OsisSC. Overexpression of triple-mutant FOXO1 increased
      mRNA levels of IGFBP1 and PRL in OsisSC in the presence of M+A, whereas the
      overexpression of wild-type FOXO1 had no effect. AKT was highly phosphorylated in
      OsisSC compared with HSC and inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, with
      LY294002, increased levels of FOXO1 protein as well as IGFBP1 mRNA in the
      presence of M+A. Moreover, inhibition of AKT with MK2206, an allosteric AKT
      inhibitor, dramatically increased the accumulation of nuclear FOXO1 as well as
      expression of IGFBP1. Finally, immunohistochemical staining demonstrated higher
      p(Ser473)-AKT and lower FOXO1 levels in endometriosis tissues, compared with
      normal endometrial tissues. CONCLUSIONS: In endometriotic stromal cells,
      overactivation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway
      contributes to the reduced expression of the decidua-specific gene, IGFBP1,
      potentially through reduced levels of nuclear FOXO1.

PMID- 22072737
TI  - The syndrome of 17,20 lyase deficiency.
AB  - CONTEXT: Disorders of steroidogenesis have been instrumental in delineating human
      steroidogenic pathways. Each genetic disorder seemed to correspond to a different
      steroidogenic activity, helping to identify several enzymes. Beginning in 1972,
      several patients have been reported as having "17,20 lyase deficiency," but there
      have been inconsistent genetic findings. OBJECTIVE: This manuscript reviews the
      biochemistry, genetics, and clinical disorders of 17,20 lyase activity, which
      converts 21-carbon precursors of glucocorticoids to 19-carbon precursors of sex
      steroids. FINDINGS: A single enzyme, cytochrome P450c17, catalyzes both 17alpha
      hydroxylase activity and 17,20 lyase activity. The 17,20 lyase activity is
      especially sensitive to the activities of the accessory proteins P450
      oxidoreductase and cytochrome b(5). The first cases of genetically and
      biochemically proven 17,20 lyase deficiency were reported in 1997, in which
      specific P450c17 mutations were identified that lost 17,20 lyase activity but not
      17alpha-hydroxylase activity when assayed in vitro. Subsequent work identified
      other P450c17 mutations and mutations in the genes encoding P450 oxidoreductase
      and cytochrome b(5). Recently, the initially reported cases from 1972 were found
      to carry mutations in two aldo-keto reductases, AKR1C2 and AKR1C4. These AKR1C
      isozymes catalyze 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the so-called
      "backdoor pathway" by which the fetal testis produces dihydrotestosterone without
      the intermediacy of testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: 17,20 Lyase deficiency should be
      considered a syndrome with multiple causes, and not a single disease. Study of
      this very rare disorder has substantially advanced our understanding of the
      pathways, mechanisms, and control of androgen synthesis. Mutations in other, as
      yet unidentified genes may also cause this phenotype.

PMID- 22072738
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency in obese children and its relationship to glucose
      homeostasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of vitamin D
      deficiency in obese and non-overweight children in North Texas, to examine
      relationships between dietary habits and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level in
      obese children, and to examine the relationship between 25(OH)D level and markers
      of abnormal glucose metabolism and blood pressure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a
      cross-sectional design, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dietary
      information, serum 25(OH)D, fasting glucose and insulin, 2-h glucose from oral
      glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1c, and homeostasis model assessment of
      insulin resistance were recorded for 411 obese subjects (6-16 yr old) at an
      obesity referral clinic. 25(OH)D was also obtained from 87 control non-overweight
      subjects (6-16 yr old). RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of obese subjects had a
      25(OH)D level below 75 nmol/liter, and 50% were below 50 nmol/liter. Among non
      overweight subjects, these frequencies were 68 and 22%, respectively (both P <
      0.01 compared with obese subjects). 25(OH)D was negatively associated with soda
      intake (P < 0.001), juice intake (P = 0.009), and skipping breakfast (P < 0.001).
      25(OH)D was negatively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin
      resistance (r = -0.19; P = 0.001) and 2-h glucose (r = -0.12; P = 0.04) after
      adjustment for body mass index and age but was not correlated with hemoglobin
      A1c, systolic blood pressure Z score, or diastolic blood pressure Z score.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children in this southern United
      States location and is significantly more prevalent in obese children. Lower
      25(OH)D level is associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes in obese
      children.

PMID- 22072739
TI  - Diabetes and femoral neck strength: findings from the Hip Strength Across the
      Menopausal Transition Study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased hip fracture risk,
      despite being associated with higher bone mineral density in the femoral neck.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that composite
      indices of femoral neck strength, which integrate dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry derived femoral neck size, femoral neck areal bone mineral
      density, and body size and are inversely associated with hip fracture risk, would
      be lower in diabetics than in nondiabetics and be inversely related to insulin
      resistance, the primary pathology in type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: This was a cross
      sectional analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study consisted of a multisite,
      multiethnic, community-dwelling sample of 1887 women in pre- or early
      perimenopause. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Composite indices for femoral neck strength
      in different failure modes (axial compression, bending, and impact) were
      measured. RESULTS: Adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, menopausal stage, body mass
      index, smoking, physical activity, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and
      study site, diabetic women had higher femoral neck areal bone mineral density
      [+0.25 sd, 95% confidence interval (CI) (+0.06, +0.44) sd] but lower composite
      strength indices [-0.20 sd, 95% CI (-0.38, -0.03) sd for compression, -0.19 sd,
      95% CI (-0.38, -0.003) sd for bending, -0.19 sd, 95% CI (-0.37, -0.02) sd for
      impact] than nondiabetic women. There were graded inverse relationships between
      homeostasis model-assessed insulin resistance and all three strength indices,
      adjusted for the same covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having higher bone
      density, diabetic women have lower indices of femoral neck strength relative to
      load, consistent with their documented higher fracture risk. Insulin resistance
      appears to play an important role in bone strength reduction in diabetes.

PMID- 22072740
TI  - Olfactory phenotypic spectrum in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism:
      pathophysiological and genetic implications.
AB  - CONTEXT: The olfactory phenotype in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic
      hypogonadism (IHH) ranges from complete anosmia (Kallmann syndrome) to normosmia
      (normosmic IHH). However, the true prevalence of intermediary olfactory
      phenotypes (hyposmia) in IHH patients has not yet been assessed, and systematic
      correlations with anatomical and genetic abnormalities have not been reported.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate olfactory function in a
      large IHH cohort and correlate these findings with olfactory magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) and underlying genetic etiology. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a
      cross-sectional case-control study at an academic referral center. PATIENTS: A
      total of 286 IHH patients (201 males and 85 females) and 2183 healthy historic
      controls (1011 males and 1172 females) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We
      measured olfactory function using the University of Pennsylvania Smell
      Identification Test; in 208 subjects, the genetic etiology of IHH was ascertained
      by DNA sequencing; in a minor subset [39 of 286 subjects (13%)], olfactory
      structures were determined by MRI. RESULTS: In the IHH cohort, 31.5% were
      anosmic, 33.6% were hyposmic, and 34.9% were normosmic. Most hyposmic (seven of
      11) subjects with MRI data exhibited olfactory structure abnormalities. Of
      hyposmic subjects, 39.5% harbored mutations in genes involved in either GnRH
      neuronal migration or GnRH secretion. CONCLUSIONS: IHH subjects display a broad
      spectrum of olfactory function, with a significant hyposmic phenotype in nearly
      one third of subjects. The hyposmic subjects harbor mutations in genes affecting
      GnRH neuronal migration and its secretion, suggesting a pathophysiological
      overlap between Kallmann syndrome and normosmic IHH. Accurate olfactory
      phenotyping in IHH subjects will inform the pathophysiology of this condition and
      guide genetic testing.

PMID- 22072741
TI  - Low-dose zoledronate in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Annual iv administration of 5 mg zoledronate decreases fracture risk.
      The skeletal effects of annual treatment with doses of zoledronate under 4 mg
      have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the skeletal
      effects of single doses of zoledronate of 5 mg or less. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial over
      1 yr at an academic research center in 180 postmenopausal women with osteopenia.
      INTERVENTION: Intervention was a single baseline administration of iv zoledronate
      in doses of 1, 2.5, or 5 mg, or placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary
      endpoint was change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine. Secondary
      endpoints were change in BMD at the proximal femur and total body and changes in
      biochemical markers of bone turnover. RESULTS: After 12 months, change in spine
      BMD was greater in each of the zoledronate groups than in the placebo group [mean
      (95% confidence interval) difference vs. placebo was 3.5% (2.2-4.8%) for 1 mg,
      4.0% (2.7-5.3%) for 2.5 mg, and 3.6% (2.3-4.9%) for 5 mg zoledronate, P < 0.001
      for each dose]. Change in BMD at the total hip was greater in each of the
      zoledronate groups than the placebo group [mean (95% confidence interval)
      difference vs. placebo was 2.7% (1.9-3.5%) for 1 mg, 3.6% (2.8-4.4%) for 2.5 mg,
      and 3.6% (2.8-4.4%) for 5 mg zoledronate, P < 0.001 for each dose]. Each of the
      bone turnover markers, beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and
      procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, was lower by at least 40% in each of
      the zoledronate groups than the placebo group throughout the trial (P < 0.001 vs.
      placebo for each marker for each dose). There was evidence for a dose-dependent
      effect of zoledronate on each of the markers (P for trend <0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Annual administration of doses of iv zoledronate lower than 5 mg produces
      substantial antiresorptive effects. Trials assessing the antifracture efficacy of
      low doses of zoledronate are justified.

PMID- 22072742
TI  - Pioglitazone-mediated changes in lipoprotein particle composition are predicted
      by changes in adiponectin level in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - CONTEXT: In animal and observational studies, adiponectin is associated with
      lipoprotein risk factors for cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed data
      from a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the relationship between changes in
      adiponectin to changes in lipoprotein risk factors after an intervention that
      alters adiponectin levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Adiponectin levels were measured
      at baseline and follow-up, as were lipoprotein risk factors for cardiovascular
      disease, at academic medical centers and ambulatory care centers. PATIENTS AND
      OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 361 men and women with type 2 diabetes.
      INTERVENTION: Intervention included randomization to treatment with glimepiride
      or pioglitazone for 72 wk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The relationship of treatment
      related differences in adiponectin level to treatment-related differences in
      lipoprotein cardiovascular risk factors at 72 wk was evaluated. RESULTS:
      Pioglitazone led to an increase in adiponectin compared with glimepiride.
      Compared with baseline, pioglitazone treatment at 72 wk led to an increase in low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size and a
      decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle size and LDL particle
      number. Glimepiride treatment more modestly decreased LDL particle number and
      increased LDL particle size. At 72 wk, there were significant treatment group
      differences for HDL, LDL, and VLDL particle size, and triglyceride and HDL
      cholesterol level. The increase in adiponectin predicted treatment-related
      improvement for triglyceride and HDL cholesterol level and LDL and HDL particle
      size. CONCLUSION: Increased adiponectin contributed to treatment-related benefit
      in lipoprotein cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese diabetic subjects
      treated with pioglitazone. These results provide support for a model that
      mechanistically links changes in adiponectin level to changes in lipoprotein
      composition in humans.

PMID- 22072743
TI  - BAG3 down-modulation reduces anaplastic thyroid tumor growth by enhancing
      proteasome-mediated degradation of BRAF protein.
AB  - CONTEXT: Anaplastic thyroid tumors (ATC) express high levels of BAG3, a member of
      the BAG family of cochaperone proteins that is involved in regulating cell
      apoptosis through multiple mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was
      the investigation of the influence of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated athanogene 3
      (BAG3) on ATC growth. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: We investigated the effects of BAG3
      down-modulation, obtained by using a specific small interfering RNA, on in vitro
      and in vivo growth of the human ATC cell line 8505C. Because BRAF protein plays
      an important role in ATC cell growth, we analyzed the effects of BAG3 down
      modulation on BRAF protein levels. Furthermore, by using a proteasome inhibitor,
      we verified whether BAG3-mediated regulation of BRAF levels involved a proteasome
      dependent mechanism. RESULTS: BAG3 down-modulation significantly inhibits ATC
      growth in vitro and in vivo. BAG3 coimmunoprecipitates with BRAF protein, and its
      down-modulation results in a significant reduction of BRAF protein levels, which
      can be reverted by incubation with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. CONCLUSION:
      BAG3 protein sustains ATC growth in vitro and in vivo. The underlying molecular
      mechanism appears to rely on BAG3 binding to BRAF, thus protecting it from
      proteasome-dependent degradation. These results are in line with the reported
      ability of BAG3 to interfere with the proteasomal delivery of a number of other
      client proteins.

PMID- 22072744
TI  - For protection from HIV-1 infection, more might not be better: a systematic
      analysis of HIV Gag epitopes of two alleles associated with different outcomes of
      HIV-1 infection.
AB  - A subset of women in the Pumwani Sex Worker Cohort, established in 1985 in
      Nairobi, Kenya, remains uninfected despite repeated high-risk exposure (HIV
      exposed, seronegative [HESN]) through active sex work. This HESN phenotype is
      associated with several alleles of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and specific
      CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell responses to HIV-1. The associations of HLA alleles with
      differential HIV-1 infection are most likely due to their different abilities to
      present antigen and the different immune responses they induce. The
      characteristics of epitopes of HLA alleles associated with different outcomes of
      HIV-1 infection might therefore point to a vital clue for developing an effective
      vaccine. In this study, we systematically analyzed HIV-1 clade A and D Gag CD8(+)
      T cell epitopes of two HLA class I alleles associated with different outcomes of
      HIV-1 infection. Binding affinity and off-rates of the identified epitopes were
      determined. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot)
      assays with patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) validated the
      epitopes. Epitope-specific CD8(+) T cells were further phenotyped for memory
      markers with tetramer staining. Our study showed that the protective allele
      A*01:01 recognizes only three Gag epitopes. By contrast, B*07:02, the allele
      associated with susceptibility, binds 30 epitope variants. These two alleles
      differ most importantly in the spectrum of Gag epitopes they can present and not
      in affinity, off-rates, the location of the epitopes, or epitope-specific Tem/Tcm
      frequencies. The binding of more epitopes and strong IFN-gamma ELISpot responses
      are associated with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, while more focused antigen
      recognition of multiple subtypes is protective. Rational vaccine design should
      take these observations into account.

PMID- 22072745
TI  - Direct interaction of baculovirus capsid proteins VP39 and EXON0 with kinesin-1
      in insect cells determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer-fluorescence
      lifetime imaging microscopy.
AB  - Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) replicates in the
      nucleus of insect cells to produce nucleocapsids, which are transported from the
      nucleus to the plasma membrane for budding through GP64-enriched areas to form
      budded viruses. However, little is known about the anterograde trafficking of
      baculovirus nucleocapsids in insect cells. Preliminary confocal scanning laser
      microscopy studies showed that enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged
      nucleocapsids and capsid proteins aligned and colocalized with the peripheral
      microtubules of virus-infected insect cells. A colchicine inhibition assay of
      virus-infected insect cells showed a significant reduction in budded virus
      production, providing further evidence for the involvement of microtubules and
      suggesting a possible role of kinesin in baculovirus anterograde trafficking. We
      investigated the interaction between AcMNPV nucleocapsids and kinesin-1 with
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
      (FRET-FLIM) and show for the first time that AcMNPV capsid proteins VP39 and
      EXON0, but not Orf1629, interact with the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain
      of kinesin. The excited-state fluorescence lifetime of EGFP fused to VP39 or
      EXON0 was quenched from 2.4 +/- 1 ns to 2.1 +/- 1 ns by monomeric fluorescent
      protein (mDsRed) fused to TPR (mDsRed-TPR). However, the excited-state
      fluorescence lifetime of an EGFP fusion of Orf1629 remained unquenched by mDsRed
      TPR. These data indicate that kinesin-1 plays an important role in the
      anterograde trafficking of baculovirus in insect cells.

PMID- 22072746
TI  - Adenovirus serotype 5-specific neutralizing antibodies target multiple hexon
      hypervariable regions.
AB  - The immunogenicity of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors has been shown to be
      suppressed by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) directed primarily against the hexon
      hypervariable regions (HVRs). We previously reported that replacing all seven
      HVRs with those from the rare serotype virus Ad48 resulted in a chimeric
      Ad5HVR48(1-7) vector that largely evaded preexisting Ad5 immunity in mice and
      rhesus monkeys. In this study, we evaluated the extent to which Ad5-specific NAbs
      are directed against various HVRs. We constructed partial HVR-chimeric Ad5
      vectors with only a subset of HVRs exchanged, and we utilized these vectors in
      both NAb assays and murine immunogenicity studies with and without baseline Ad5
      immunity. Our results demonstrate that Ad5-specific NAbs target multiple HVRs,
      suggesting that replacing all HVRs is required to optimize evasion of anti-Ad5
      immunity. These data have important implications for the development of novel
      vectors for both vaccines and gene therapy.

PMID- 22072747
TI  - Cross-species transmission of simian foamy virus to humans in rural Gabon,
      Central Africa.
AB  - In order to characterize simian foamy retroviruses (SFVs) in wild-born nonhuman
      primates (NHPs) in Gabon and to investigate cross-species transmission to humans,
      we obtained 497 NHP samples, composed of 286 blood and 211 tissue (bush meat)
      samples. Anti-SFV antibodies were found in 31 of 286 plasma samples (10.5%). The
      integrase gene sequence was found in 38/497 samples, including both blood and
      tissue samples, with novel SFVs in several Cercopithecus species. Of the 78
      humans, mostly hunters, who had been bitten or scratched by NHPs, 19 were SFV
      seropositive, with 15 cases confirmed by PCR. All but one were infected with ape
      SFV. We thus found novel SFV strains in NHPs in Gabon and high cross-species
      transmission of SFVs from gorilla bites.

PMID- 22072748
TI  - Measles virus C protein interferes with Beta interferon transcription in the
      nucleus.
AB  - Transcriptional induction of beta interferon (IFN-beta) through pattern
      recognition receptors is a key event in the host defense against invading
      viruses. Infection of cells by paramyxoviruses, like measles virus (MV) (genus
      Morbillivirus), is sensed predominantly by the ubiquitous cytoplasmic helicase
      RIG-I, recognizing viral 5'-triphosphate RNAs, and to some degree by MDA5. While
      MDA5 activation is effectively prevented by the MV V protein, the viral
      mechanisms for inhibition of MDA5-independent induction of IFN-beta remained
      obscure. Here, we identify the 186-amino-acid MV C protein, which shuttles
      between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, as a major viral inhibitor of IFN-beta
      transcription in human cells. Activation of the transcription factor IRF3 by
      upstream kinases and nuclear import of activated IRF3 were not affected in the
      presence of C protein, suggesting a nuclear target. Notably, C proteins of wild
      type MV isolates, which are poor IFN-beta inducers, were found to comprise a
      canonical nuclear localization signal (NLS), whereas the NLSs of all vaccine
      strains, irrespective of their origins, were mutated. Site-directed mutagenesis
      of the C proteins from an MV wild-type isolate and from the vaccine virus strain
      Schwarz confirmed a correlation of nuclear localization and inhibition of IFN
      beta transcription. A functional NLS and efficient nuclear accumulation are
      therefore critical for MV C to retain its potential to downregulate IFN-beta
      induction. We suggest that a defect in efficient nuclear import of C protein
      contributes to attenuation of MV vaccine strains.

PMID- 22072749
TI  - Evidence against extracellular exposure of a highly immunogenic region in the C
      terminal domain of the simian immunodeficiency virus gp41 transmembrane protein.
AB  - The generally accepted model for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)
      envelope glycoprotein topology includes a single membrane-spanning domain. An
      alternate model has been proposed which features multiple membrane-spanning
      domains. Consistent with the alternate model, a high percentage of HIV-1-infected
      individuals produce unusually robust antibody responses to a region of envelope,
      the so-called "Kennedy epitope," that in the conventional model should be in the
      cytoplasm. Here we show analogous, robust antibody responses in simian
      immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques to a region of
      SIVmac239 envelope located in the C-terminal domain, which in the conventional
      model should be inside the cell. Sera from SIV-infected rhesus macaques
      consistently reacted with overlapping oligopeptides corresponding to a region
      located within the cytoplasmic domain of gp41 by the generally accepted model, at
      intensities comparable to those observed for immunodominant areas of the surface
      component gp120. Rabbit serum raised against this highly immunogenic region (HIR)
      reacted with SIV envelope in cell surface-staining experiments, as did monoclonal
      anti-HIR antibodies isolated from an SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaque. However,
      control experiments demonstrated that this surface staining could be explained in
      whole or in part by the release of envelope protein from expressing cells into
      the supernatant and the subsequent attachment to the surfaces of cells in the
      culture. Serum and monoclonal antibodies directed against the HIR failed to
      neutralize even the highly neutralization-sensitive strain SIVmac316.
      Furthermore, a potential N-linked glycosylation site located close to the HIR and
      postulated to be outside the cell in the alternate model was not glycosylated. An
      artificially introduced glycosylation site within the HIR was also not utilized
      for glycosylation. Together, these data support the conventional model of SIV
      envelope as a type Ia transmembrane protein with a single membrane-spanning
      domain and without any extracellular loops.

PMID- 22072750
TI  - Covariation of major and minor viral capsid proteins in norovirus genogroup II
      genotype 4 strains.
AB  - We report sequence hypervariability in the viral protein 1 (VP1) interaction
      domain of VP2 in the norovirus (NoV) genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) lineage on 3
      levels: (i) the global evolution of pandemic/epidemic strains from the mid-1970s
      through post-2006, (ii) the local emergence of an epidemic strain, and (iii) an
      immunocompromised patient chronically shedding NoV. When a quantitative yeast two
      hybrid assay was used, VP2 was found to interact with VP1 in a time-ordered,
      strain-dependent manner among 3 NoV GII.4 strains. Our findings suggest that VP1
      and VP2 may covary in virus evolution and that sequence hypervariability of VP2
      may be functionally driven. Further investigations are warranted.

PMID- 22072751
TI  - IkappaB kinase epsilon-dependent phosphorylation and degradation of X-linked
      inhibitor of apoptosis sensitizes cells to virus-induced apoptosis.
AB  - X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is a potent antagonist of caspase 3-, 7-,
      and 9-dependent apoptotic activities that functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase,
      and it targets caspases for degradation. In this study, we demonstrate that
      Sendai virus (SeV) infection results in the IKKepsilon- or TBK1-mediated
      phosphorylation of XIAP in vivo at Ser430, resulting in Lys(48)-linked
      autoubiquitination at Lys322/328 residues, followed by the subsequent proteasomal
      degradation of XIAP. Interestingly, IKKepsilon expression and XIAP turnover
      increases SeV-triggered mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis via the release of
      caspase 3, whereas TBK1 expression does not increase apoptosis. Interestingly,
      phosphorylation also regulates XIAP interaction with the transcription factor
      IRF3, suggesting a role in IRF3-Bax-mediated apoptosis. Our findings reveal a
      novel function of IKKepsilon as a regulator of the virus-induced triggering of
      apoptosis via the phosphorylation-dependent turnover of XIAP.

PMID- 22072752
TI  - Combination of PB2 271A and SR polymorphism at positions 590/591 is critical for
      viral replication and virulence of swine influenza virus in cultured cells and in
      vivo.
AB  - Triple reassortant swine influenza viruses (SIVs) and 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1)
      virus contain an avian-origin PB2 with 271A, 590S, 591R, and 627E. To evaluate
      the role of PB2 271A, 590S, and 591R in the replication and virulence of SIV,
      single (1930-TX98-PB2-271T)-, double (1930-TX98-PB2-590A591A)-, and triple (1930
      TX98-PB2-271T590A591A)-mutated viruses were generated in the background of the
      H1N1 A/swine/Iowa/15/30 (1930) virus with an avian-origin PB2 from the triple
      reassortant A/swine/Texas/4199-2/98 (TX98) virus, called the parental 1930-TX98
      PB2. Compared to parental virus and single- and double-mutated viruses, the
      triple-mutated virus replicated less efficiently in cell cultures and was
      attenuated in mice. These results suggest that a combination of 271A with the
      590/591 SR polymorphism is critical for pH1N1 and triple-reassortant SIVs for
      efficient replication and adaptation in mammals.

PMID- 22072753
TI  - Polyfunctional T cells accumulate in large human cytomegalovirus-specific T cell
      responses.
AB  - Large cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD8 T-cell responses are observed in both
      young and, somewhat more often, old people. Frequent CMV reactivation is thought
      to exhaust these cells and render them dysfunctional so that larger numbers of
      them are needed to control CMV. Expansions of CMV-specific CD4 T cells are also
      seen but are less well studied. In this study, we examined the T-cell response to
      the dominant CMV pp65 and IE-1 antigens in healthy CMV-infected people across a
      wide age range (20 to 84 years) by using multicolor flow cytometry. CMV-specific
      T cells were characterized by the activation markers CD40 ligand (CD40L),
      interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and gamma
      interferon (IFN-gamma) and the memory markers CD27 and CD45RA. The proportions of
      effector memory T cells increased in large responses, as did the proportions of
      polyfunctional CD8 (IFN-gamma(+) IL-2(+/-) TNF-alpha(+)) and CD4 (CD40L(+/-) IFN
      gamma(+) IL-2(+) TNF-alpha(+)) T-cell subsets, while the proportion of naive T
      cells decreased. The bigger the CD4 or CD8 T-cell response to pp65, the larger
      was the proportion of T cells with an advanced memory phenotype in the entire
      (including non-CMV-specific) T-cell compartment. In addition, the number of
      activation markers per cell correlated with the degree of T-cell receptor
      downregulation, suggesting increased antigen sensitivity in polyfunctional cells.
      In summary, our findings show that polyfunctional CMV-specific T cells were not
      superseded by dysfunctional cells, even in very large responses. At the same
      time, however, the memory subset composition of the entire T-cell compartment
      correlated with the size of the T-cell response to CMV pp65, confirming a strong
      effect of CMV infection on the immune systems of some, but not all, infected
      people.

PMID- 22072754
TI  - Structural map of a microRNA-122: hepatitis C virus complex.
AB  - MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) enhances hepatitis C virus (HCV) fitness via targeting two
      sites in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of HCV. We used selective 2'-hydroxyl
      acylation analyzed by primer extension to resolve the HCV 5'-UTR's RNA secondary
      structure in the presence of miR-122. Nearly all nucleotides in miR-122 are
      involved in targeting the second site, beyond classic seed base pairings. These
      additional interactions enhance HCV replication in cell culture. To our
      knowledge, this is the first biophysical study of this complex to reveal the
      importance of 'tail' miR-122 nucleotide interactions.

PMID- 22072755
TI  - Viral adaptation to host immune responses occurs in chronic hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) infection, and adaptation is greatest in HBV e antigen-negative disease.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-cell responses are important in the natural
      history of HBV infection. The number of known HBV-specific T-cell epitopes is
      limited, and it is not clear whether viral evolution occurs in chronic HBV
      infection. We aimed to identify novel HBV T-cell epitopes by examining the
      relationship between HBV sequence variation and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      type in a large prospective clinic-based cohort of Asian patients with chronic
      HBV infection recruited in Australia and China (n = 119). High-resolution 4-digit
      HLA class I and II typing and full-length HBV sequencing were undertaken for
      treatment-naive individuals (52% with genotype B, 48% with genotype C, 63% HBV e
      antigen [HBeAg] positive). Statistically significant associations between HLA
      types and HBV sequence variation were identified (n = 49) at 41 sites in the HBV
      genome. Using prediction programs, we determined scores for binding between
      peptides containing these polymorphisms and associated HLA types. Among the
      regions that could be tested, HLA binding was predicted for 14/18 (78%). We
      identified several HLA-associated polymorphisms involving likely known anchor
      residues that resulted in altered predicted binding scores. Some HLA-associated
      polymorphisms fell within known T-cell epitopes with matching HLA restriction.
      Enhanced viral adaptation (defined as the presence of the relevant HLA and the
      escaped amino acid) was independently associated with HBeAg-negative disease (P =
      0.003). Thus, HBV appears to be under immune pressure in chronic HBV infection,
      particularly in HBeAg-negative disease.

PMID- 22072756
TI  - Chicken cells sense influenza A virus infection through MDA5 and CARDIF signaling
      involving LGP2.
AB  - Avian influenza viruses (AIV) raise worldwide veterinary and public health
      concerns due to their potential for zoonotic transmission. While infection with
      highly pathogenic AIV results in high mortality in chickens, this is not
      necessarily the case in wild birds and ducks. It is known that innate immune
      factors can contribute to the outcome of infection. In this context, retinoic
      acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is the main cytosolic pattern recognition receptor
      known for detecting influenza A virus infection in mammalian cells. Chickens,
      unlike ducks, lack RIG-I, yet chicken cells do produce type I interferon (IFN) in
      response to AIV infection. Consequently, we sought to identify the cytosolic
      recognition elements in chicken cells. Chicken mRNA encoding the putative chicken
      analogs of CARDIF and LGP2 (chCARDIF and chLGP2, respectively) were identified.
      HT7-tagged chCARDIF was observed to associate with mitochondria in chicken DF-1
      fibroblasts. The exogenous expression of chCARDIF, as well as of the caspase
      activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) of the chicken melanoma
      differentiation-associated protein 5 (chMDA5), strongly activated the chicken IFN
      beta (chIFN-beta) promoter. The silencing of chMDA5, chCARDIF, and chIRF3 reduced
      chIFN-beta levels induced by AIV, indicating their involvement in AIV sensing. As
      with mammalian cells, chLGP2 had opposing effects. While overexpression decreased
      the activation of the chIFN-beta promoter, the silencing of endogenous chLGP2
      reduced chIFN-beta induced by AIV. We finally demonstrate that the chMDA5
      signaling pathway is inhibited by the viral nonstructural protein 1. In
      conclusion, chicken cells, including DF-1 fibroblasts and HD-11 macrophage-like
      cells, employ chMDA5 for sensing AIV.

PMID- 22072757
TI  - Activation of NF-kappaB in CD8+ dendritic cells Ex Vivo by the gamma134.5 null
      mutant correlates with immunity against herpes simplex virus 1.
AB  - The gamma(1)34.5 protein of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) is essential for
      virulence. Accordingly, an HSV mutant lacking gamma(1)34.5 is attenuated in vivo.
      Despite its vaccine potential, the mechanism by which the gamma(1)34.5 null
      mutant triggers protective immunity is unknown. In this report we show that
      vaccination with the gamma(1)34.5 null mutant protects against lethal challenge
      from wild-type virus via IkappaB kinase in dendritic cells (DCs), which sense
      virus-associated molecular patterns. Unlike mock-treated DCs, DCs primed with the
      gamma(1)34.5 null mutant ex vivo mediate resistance to wild-type HSV after
      adoptive transfer into naive mice. Furthermore, the gamma(1)34.5 null mutant
      activates IkappaB kinase, which facilitates p65/RelA phosphorylation and nuclear
      translocation, resulting in DC maturation. While unable to produce infectious
      virus in DCs, this mutant virus expresses early and late genes. In its abortive
      infection, the gamma(1)34.5 null mutant induces protective immunity more
      effectively in CD8(+) DCs than in CD8(-) DCs. This is mirrored by a higher level
      of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12 secretion by CD8(+) DCs than CD8(-) DCs.
      Remarkably, inhibition of p65/RelA phosphorylation or nuclear translocation in
      CD8(+) DCs disrupts protective immunity. These results suggest that engagement of
      the gamma(1)34.5 null mutant with CD8(+) DCs elicits innate immunity to activate
      NF-kappaB, which translates into protective immunity.

PMID- 22072759
TI  - Escape from a dominant HLA-B*15-restricted CD8+ T cell response against hepatitis
      C virus requires compensatory mutations outside the epitope.
AB  - Antiviral CD8(+) T cells are a key component of the adaptive immune system
      against hepatitis C virus (HCV). For the development of immune therapies, it is
      essential to understand how CD8(+) T cells contribute to clearance of infection
      and why they fail so often. A mechanism for secondary failure is mutational
      escape of the virus. However, some substitutions in viral epitopes are associated
      with fitness costs and often require compensatory mutations. We hypothesized that
      compensatory mutations may point toward epitopes under particularly strong
      selection pressure that may be beneficial for vaccine design because of a higher
      genetic barrier to escape. We previously identified two HLA-B*15-restricted
      CD8(+) epitopes in NS5B (LLRHHNMVY(2450-2458) and SQRQKKVTF(2466-2474)), based on
      sequence analysis of a large HCV genotype 1b outbreak. Both epitopes are targeted
      in about 70% of HLA-B*15-positive individuals exposed to HCV. Reproducible
      selection of escape mutations was confirmed in an independent multicenter cohort
      in the present study. Interestingly, mutations were also selected in the epitope
      flanking region, suggesting that compensatory evolution may play a role.
      Covariation analysis of sequences from the database confirmed a significant
      association between escape mutations inside one of the epitopes (H2454R and
      M2456L) and substitutions in the epitope flanking region (S2439T and K2440Q).
      Functional analysis with the subgenomic replicon Con1 confirmed that the primary
      escape mutations impaired viral replication, while fitness was restored by the
      additional substitutions in the epitope flanking region. We concluded that
      selection of escape mutations inside an HLA-B*15 epitope requires secondary
      substitutions in the epitope flanking region that compensate for fitness costs.

PMID- 22072758
TI  - Potent autologous and heterologous neutralizing antibody responses occur in HIV-2
      infection across a broad range of infection outcomes.
AB  - Few studies have explored the role of neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses in
      controlling HIV-2 viremia and disease progression. Using a TZM-bl neutralization
      assay, we assessed heterologous and autologous NAb responses from a community
      cohort of HIV-2-infected individuals with a broad range of disease outcomes in
      rural Guinea-Bissau. All subjects (n = 40) displayed exceptionally high
      heterologous NAb titers (50% inhibitory plasma dilution or 50% inhibitory
      concentration [IC(50)], 1:7,000 to 1:1,000,000) against 5 novel primary HIV-2
      envelopes and HIV-2 7312A, whereas ROD A and 3 primary envelopes were relatively
      resistant to neutralization. Most individuals also showed high autologous NAb
      against contemporaneous envelopes (78% of plasma-envelope combinations in 69
      envelopes from 21 subjects), with IC(50)s above 1:10,000. No association between
      heterologous or autologous NAb titer and greater control of HIV-2 was found. A
      subset of envelopes was found to be more resistant to neutralization (by plasma
      and HIV-2 monoclonal antibodies). These envelopes were isolated from individuals
      with greater intrapatient sequence diversity and were associated with changes in
      potential N-linked glycosylation sites but not CD4 independence or CXCR4 use.
      Plasma collected from up to 15 years previously was able to potently neutralize
      recent autologous envelopes, suggesting a lack of escape from NAb and the
      persistence of neutralization-sensitive variants over time, despite significant
      NAb pressure. We conclude that despite the presence of broad and potent NAb
      responses in HIV-2-infected individuals, these are not the primary forces behind
      the dichotomous outcomes observed but reveal a limited capacity for adaptive
      selection and escape from host immunity in HIV-2 infection.

PMID- 22072760
TI  - Conserved glycine 33 residue in flexible domain I of hepatitis C virus core
      protein is critical for virus infectivity.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus core protein forms the viral nucleocapsid and plays a critical
      role in the formation of infectious particles. In this study, we demonstrate that
      the highly conserved residue G33, located within domain 1 of the core protein, is
      important for the production of cell culture-infectious virus (HCVcc). Alanine
      substitution at this position in the JFH1 genome did not alter viral RNA
      replication but reduced infectivity by ~2 logs. Virus production by this core
      mutant could be rescued by compensatory mutations located immediately upstream
      and downstream of the original G33A mutation. The examination of the helix-loop
      helix motif observed in the core protein structure (residues 15 to 41; Protein
      Data Bank entry 1CWX) indicated that the residues G33 and F24 are in close
      contact with each other, and that the G33A mutation induces a steric clash with
      F24. Molecular simulations revealed that the compensatory mutations increase the
      helix-loop-helix flexibility, allowing rescue of the core active conformation
      required for efficient virus production. Taken together, these data highlight the
      plasticity of core domain 1 conformation and illustrate the relationship between
      its structural tolerance to mutations and virus infectivity.

PMID- 22072761
TI  - Crystallographic analysis reveals octamerization of viroplasm matrix protein P9-1
      of Rice black streaked dwarf virus.
AB  - The P9-1 protein of Rice black streaked dwarf virus accumulates in viroplasm
      inclusions, which are structures that appear to play an important role in viral
      morphogenesis and are commonly found in viruses in the family Reoviridae.
      Crystallographic analysis of P9-1 revealed structural features that allow the
      protein to form dimers via hydrophobic interactions. Each dimer has carboxy
      terminal regions, resembling arms, that extend to neighboring dimers, thereby
      uniting sets of four dimers via lateral hydrophobic interactions, to yield
      cylindrical octamers. The importance of these regions for the formation of
      viroplasm-like inclusions was confirmed by the absence of such inclusions when P9
      1 was expressed without its carboxy-terminal arm. The octamers are vertically
      elongated cylinders resembling the structures formed by NSP2 of rotavirus, even
      though there are no significant similarities between the respective primary and
      secondary structures of the two proteins. Our results suggest that an octameric
      structure with an internal pore might be important for the functioning of the
      respective proteins in the events that occur in the viroplasm, which might
      include viral morphogenesis.

PMID- 22072762
TI  - Uncoupling cis-Acting RNA elements from coding sequences revealed a requirement
      of the N-terminal region of dengue virus capsid protein in virus particle
      formation.
AB  - Little is known about the mechanism of flavivirus genome encapsidation. Here,
      functional elements of the dengue virus (DENV) capsid (C) protein were
      investigated. Study of the N-terminal region of DENV C has been limited by the
      presence of overlapping cis-acting RNA elements within the protein-coding region.
      To dissociate these two functions, we used a recombinant DENV RNA with a
      duplication of essential RNA structures outside the C coding sequence. By the use
      of this system, the highly conserved amino acids FNML, which are encoded in the
      RNA cyclization sequence 5'CS, were found to be dispensable for C function. In
      contrast, deletion of the N-terminal 18 amino acids of C impaired DENV particle
      formation. Two clusters of basic residues (R5-K6-K7-R9 and K17-R18-R20-R22) were
      identified as important. A systematic mutational analysis indicated that a high
      density of positive charges, rather than particular residues at specific
      positions, was necessary. Furthermore, a differential requirement of N-terminal
      sequences of C for viral particle assembly was observed in mosquito and human
      cells. While no viral particles were observed in human cells with a virus lacking
      the first 18 residues of C, DENV propagation was detected in mosquito cells,
      although to a level about 50-fold less than that observed for a wild-type (WT)
      virus. We conclude that basic residues at the N terminus of C are necessary for
      efficient particle formation in mosquito cells but that they are crucial for
      propagation in human cells. This is the first report demonstrating that the N
      terminus of C plays a role in DENV particle formation. In addition, our results
      suggest that this function of C is differentially modulated in different host
      cells.

PMID- 22072763
TI  - Role of multiple hosts in the cross-species transmission and emergence of a
      pandemic parvovirus.
AB  - Understanding the mechanisms of cross-species virus transmission is critical to
      anticipating emerging infectious diseases. Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2)
      emerged as a variant of a feline parvovirus when it acquired mutations that
      allowed binding to the canine transferrin receptor type 1 (TfR). However, CPV-2
      was soon replaced by a variant virus (CPV-2a) that differed in antigenicity and
      receptor binding. Here we show that the emergence of CPV involved an additional
      host range variant virus that has circulated undetected in raccoons for at least
      24 years, with transfers to and from dogs. Raccoon virus capsids showed little
      binding to the canine TfR, showed little infection of canine cells, and had
      altered antigenic structures. Remarkably, in capsid protein (VP2) phylogenies,
      most raccoon viruses fell as evolutionary intermediates between the CPV-2 and CPV
      2a strains, suggesting that passage through raccoons assisted in the evolution of
      CPV-2a. This highlights the potential role of alternative hosts in viral
      emergence.

PMID- 22072764
TI  - Genetic inactivation of COPI coatomer separately inhibits vesicular stomatitis
      virus entry and gene expression.
AB  - Viruses coopt cellular membrane transport to invade cells, establish
      intracellular sites of replication, and release progeny virions. Recent genome
      wide RNA interference (RNAi) screens revealed that genetically divergent viruses
      require biosynthetic membrane transport by the COPI coatomer complex for
      efficient replication. Here we found that disrupting COPI function by RNAi
      inhibited an early stage of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) replication. To
      dissect which replication stage(s) was affected by coatomer inactivation, we used
      visual and biochemical assays to independently measure the efficiency of viral
      entry and gene expression in hamster (ldlF) cells depleted of the temperature
      sensitive epsilon-COP subunit. We show that epsilon-COP depletion for 12 h caused
      a primary block to virus internalization and a secondary defect in viral gene
      expression. Using brefeldin A (BFA), a chemical inhibitor of COPI function, we
      demonstrate that short-term (1-h) BFA treatments inhibit VSV gene expression,
      while only long-term (12-h) treatments block virus entry. We conclude that
      prolonged coatomer inactivation perturbs cellular endocytic transport and thereby
      indirectly impairs VSV entry. Our results offer an explanation of why COPI
      coatomer is frequently identified in screens for cellular factors that support
      cell invasion by microbial pathogens.

PMID- 22072765
TI  - Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells support productive replication of
      highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses: possible involvement in the
      pathogenesis of human H5N1 virus infection.
AB  - Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses continue to cause sporadic
      human infections with a high fatality rate. Respiratory failure due to acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complication among hospitalized
      patients. Since progressive pulmonary endothelial damage is the hallmark of ARDS,
      we investigated host responses following HPAI virus infection of human pulmonary
      microvascular endothelial cells. Evaluation of these cells for the presence of
      receptors preferred by influenza virus demonstrated that avian-like (alpha2-3
      linked) receptors were more abundant than human-like (alpha2-6-linked) receptors.
      To test the permissiveness of pulmonary endothelial cells to virus infection, we
      compared the replication of selected seasonal, pandemic (2009 H1N1 and 1918), and
      potentially pandemic (H5N1) influenza virus strains. We observed that these cells
      support productive replication only of HPAI H5N1 viruses, which preferentially
      enter through and are released from the apical surface of polarized human
      endothelial monolayers. Furthermore, A/Thailand/16/2004 and A/Vietnam/1203/2004
      (VN/1203) H5N1 viruses, which exhibit heightened virulence in mammalian models,
      replicated to higher titers than less virulent H5N1 strains. VN/1203 infection
      caused a significant decrease in endothelial cell proliferation compared to other
      subtype viruses. VN/1203 virus was also found to be a potent inducer of cytokines
      and adhesion molecules known to regulate inflammation during acute lung injury.
      Deletion of the H5 hemagglutinin (HA) multibasic cleavage site did not affect
      virus infectivity but resulted in decreased virus replication in endothelial
      cells. Our results highlight remarkable tropism and infectivity of the H5N1
      viruses for human pulmonary endothelial cells, resulting in the potent induction
      of host inflammatory responses.

PMID- 22072766
TI  - Durable protection from vaginal simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection in
      macaques by tenofovir gel and its relationship to drug levels in tissue.
AB  - A vaginal gel containing 1% tenofovir (TFV) was found to be safe and effective in
      reducing HIV infection in women when used pericoitally. Because of the long
      intracellular half-life of TFV and high drug exposure in vaginal tissues, we
      hypothesized that a vaginal gel containing TFV may provide long-lasting
      protection. Here, we performed delayed-challenge experiments and showed that
      vaginal 1% TFV gel protected 4/6 macaques against vaginal simian-human
      immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) exposures occurring 3 days after gel application,
      demonstrating long-lasting protection. Despite continued gel dosing
      postinfection, neither breakthrough infection had evidence of drug resistance by
      ultrasensitive testing of SHIV in plasma and vaginal lavage. Analysis of the
      active intracellular tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in vaginal lymphocytes
      collected 4 h to 3 days after gel dosing persistently showed high TFV-DP levels
      (median, 1,810 fmol/10(6) cells) between 4 and 24 h that exceed the 95%
      inhibitory concentration (IC(95)), reflecting rapid accumulation and long
      persistence. In contrast to those in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
      following oral dosing, TFV-DP levels in vaginal lymphocytes decreased
      approximately 7-fold by 3 days, exhibiting a much higher rate of decay. We
      observed a strong correlation between intracellular TFV-DP in vaginal
      lymphocytes, in vitro antiviral activity, and in vivo protection, suggesting that
      TFV-DP above the in vitro IC(95) in vaginal lymphocytes is a good predictor of
      high efficacy. Data from this model reveal an extended window of protection by
      TFV gel that supports coitus-independent use. The identification of protective
      TFV-DP concentrations in vaginal lymphocytes may facilitate the evaluation of
      improved delivery methods of topical TFV and inform clinical studies.

PMID- 22072767
TI  - Proteomic profiling of the human cytomegalovirus UL35 gene products reveals a
      role for UL35 in the DNA repair response.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus infections involve the extensive modification of host cell
      pathways, including cell cycle control, the regulation of the DNA damage
      response, and averting promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-mediated antiviral responses.
      The UL35 gene from human cytomegalovirus is important for viral gene expression
      and efficient replication and encodes two proteins, UL35 and UL35a, whose
      mechanism of action is not well understood. Here, affinity purification coupled
      with mass spectrometry was used to identify previously unknown human cellular
      targets of UL35 and UL35a. We demonstrate that both viral proteins interact with
      the ubiquitin-specific protease USP7, and that UL35 expression can alter USP7
      subcellular localization. In addition, UL35 (but not UL35a) was found to
      associate with three components of the Cul4(DCAF1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex
      (DCAF1, DDB1, and DDA1) previously shown to be targeted by the HIV-1 Vpr protein.
      The coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence microscopy of DCAF1 mutants
      revealed that the C-terminal region of DCAF1 is required for association with
      UL35 and mediates the dramatic relocalization of DCAF1 to UL35 nuclear bodies,
      which also contain conjugated ubiquitin. As previously reported for the Vpr-DCAF1
      interaction, UL35 (but not UL35a) expression resulted in the accumulation of
      cells in the G(2) phase of the cell cycle, which is typical of a DNA damage
      response, and activated the G(2) checkpoint in a DCAF1-dependent manner. In
      addition, UL35 (but not UL35a) induced gamma-H2AX and 53BP1 foci, indicating the
      activation of DNA damage and repair responses. Therefore, the identified
      interactions suggest that UL35 can contribute to viral replication through the
      manipulation of host responses.

PMID- 22072768
TI  - RNA interference against animal viruses: how morbilliviruses generate extended
      diversity to escape small interfering RNA control.
AB  - Viruses are serious threats to human and animal health. Vaccines can prevent
      viral diseases, but few antiviral treatments are available to control evolving
      infections. Among new antiviral therapies, RNA interference (RNAi) has been the
      focus of intensive research. However, along with the development of efficient
      RNAi-based therapeutics comes the risk of emergence of resistant viruses. In this
      study, we challenged the in vitro propensity of a morbillivirus (peste des petits
      ruminants virus), a stable RNA virus, to escape the inhibition conferred by
      single or multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against conserved regions of
      the N gene. Except with the combination of three different siRNAs, the virus
      systematically escaped RNAi after 3 to 20 consecutive passages. The genetic
      modifications involved consisted of single or multiple point nucleotide mutations
      and a deletion of a stretch of six nucleotides, illustrating that this virus has
      an unusual genomic malleability.

PMID- 22072769
TI  - HIV latency in the humanized BLT mouse.
AB  - Even after extended treatment with powerful antiretroviral drugs, HIV is not
      completely eliminated from infected individuals. Latently infected CD4(+) T cells
      constitute one reservoir of replication-competent HIV that needs to be eliminated
      to completely purge virus from antiretroviral drug-treated patients. However, a
      major limitation in the development of therapies to eliminate this latent
      reservoir is the lack of relevant in vivo models that can be used to test purging
      strategies. Here, we show that the humanized BLT (bone marrow-liver-thymus) mouse
      can be used as both an abundant source of primary latently infected cells for ex
      vivo latency analysis and also as an in vivo system for the study of latency. We
      demonstrate that over 2% of human cells recovered from the spleens of HIV
      infected BLT mice can be latently infected and that this virus is integrated,
      activation inducible, and replication competent. The non-tumor-inducing phorbol
      esters prostratin and 12-deoxyphorbol-13-phenylacetate can each induce HIV ex
      vivo from these latently infected cells, indicating that this model can be used
      as a source of primary cells for testing latency activators. Finally, we show
      activation-inducible virus is still present following suppression of plasma viral
      loads to undetectable levels by using the antiretroviral drugs zidovudine,
      indinavir sulfate, and didanosine, demonstrating that this model can also be used
      to assess the in vivo efficacy of latency-purging strategies. Therefore, the HIV
      infected BLT mouse should provide a useful model for assessment of HIV latency
      activators and approaches to eliminate persistent in vivo HIV reservoirs.

PMID- 22072770
TI  - Contributions of CTCF and DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3B to Epstein-Barr
      virus restricted latency.
AB  - Establishment of persistent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection requires
      transition from a program of full viral latency gene expression (latency III) to
      one that is highly restricted (latency I and 0) within memory B lymphocytes. It
      is well established that DNA methylation plays a critical role in EBV gene
      silencing, and recently the chromatin boundary protein CTCF has been implicated
      as a pivotal regulator of latency via its binding to several loci within the EBV
      genome. One notable site is upstream of the common EBNA gene promoter Cp, at
      which CTCF may act as an enhancer-blocking factor to initiate and maintain
      silencing of EBNA gene transcription. It was previously suggested that increased
      expression of CTCF may underlie its potential to promote restricted latency, and
      here we also noted elevated levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3B
      associated with latency I. Within B-cell lines that maintain latency I, however,
      stable knockdown of CTCF, DNMT1, or DNMT3B or of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in combination
      did not result in activation of latency III protein expression or EBNA gene
      transcription, nor did knockdown of DNMTs significantly alter CpG methylation
      within Cp. Thus, differential expression of CTCF and DNMT1 and -3B is not
      critical for maintenance of restricted latency. Finally, mutant EBV lacking the
      Cp CTCF binding site exhibited sustained Cp activity relative to wild-type EBV in
      a recently developed B-cell superinfection model but ultimately was able to
      transition to latency I, suggesting that CTCF contributes to but is not
      necessarily essential for the establishment of restricted latency.

PMID- 22072771
TI  - Requirements for mouse mammary tumor virus Rem signal peptide processing and
      function.
AB  - Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) encodes a Rev-like protein, Rem, which is
      involved in the nuclear export and expression of viral RNA. Previous data have
      shown that all Rev-like functions are localized to the 98-amino-acid signal
      peptide (SP) at the N terminus of MMTV Rem or envelope proteins. MMTV-SP uses
      endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) for protein trafficking. Rem
      cleavage by signal peptidase in the ER is necessary for MMTV-SP function in a
      reporter assay, but many requirements for trafficking are not known. To allow
      detection and localization of both MMTV-SP and the C-terminal cleavage product,
      we prepared plasmids expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) tags. N-terminal
      Rem tagging led to protein accumulation relative to untagged Rem and allowed
      signal peptidase cleavage but reduced its specific activity. C-terminal tagging
      also led to Rem accumulation yet dramatically reduced cleavage, GFP fluorescence,
      and activity relative to N-terminally tagged Rem (GFPRem). Substitutions of an
      invariant leucine at position 71 between the known RNA-binding and nuclear export
      sequences interfered with GFPRem accumulation and activity but not cleavage.
      Similarly, deletion of 100 or 150 C-terminal amino acids from GFPRem dramatically
      reduced both Rem and MMTV-SP levels and function. Removal of the entire C
      terminus (203 amino acids) restored both protein levels and activity of MMTV-SP.
      Only C-terminal GFP tagging, and not other modifications, appeared to trap Rem in
      the ER membrane. Thus, Rem conformation in both the ER lumen and cytoplasm
      determines cleavage, retrotranslocation, and MMTV-SP function. These mutants
      further characterize intermediates in Rem trafficking and have implications for
      all proteins affected by ERAD.

PMID- 22072772
TI  - Impact of host proteases on reovirus infection in the respiratory tract.
AB  - Virion uncoating is an essential early event in reovirus infection. In natural
      enteric infections, rapid proteolytic uncoating of virions is mediated by
      pancreatic serine proteases. The proteases that promote reovirus disassembly and
      cell entry in the respiratory tract remain unknown. In this report, we show that
      endogenous respiratory and inflammatory proteases can promote reovirus infection
      in vitro and that preexisting inflammation augments in vivo infection in the
      murine respiratory tract.

PMID- 22072773
TI  - Ex vivo and in vivo inhibition of human rhinovirus replication by a new
      pseudosubstrate of viral 2A protease.
AB  - Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) remain a significant public health problem as they are
      the major cause of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
      Unfortunately, to date no vaccine or antiviral against these pathogens is
      available. Here, using a high-throughput yeast two-hybrid screening, we
      identified a 6-amino-acid hit peptide, LVLQTM, which acted as a pseudosubstrate
      of the viral 2A cysteine protease (2A(pro)) and inhibited its activity. This
      peptide was chemically modified with a reactive electrophilic fluoromethylketone
      group to form a covalent linkage with the nucleophilic active-site thiol of the
      enzyme. Ex vivo and in vivo experiments showed that thus converted, LVLQTM was a
      strong inhibitor of HRV replication in both A549 cells and mice. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report validating a compound against HRV infection
      in a mouse model.

PMID- 22072774
TI  - Arterivirus and nairovirus ovarian tumor domain-containing Deubiquitinases target
      activated RIG-I to control innate immune signaling.
AB  - The innate immune response constitutes the first line of defense against viral
      infection and is extensively regulated through ubiquitination. The removal of
      ubiquitin from innate immunity signaling factors by deubiquitinating enzymes
      (DUBs) therefore provides a potential opportunity for viruses to evade this host
      defense system. It was previously found that specific proteases encoded by the
      unrelated arteri- and nairoviruses resemble the ovarian tumor domain-containing
      (OTU) family of DUBs. In arteriviruses, this domain has been characterized before
      as a papain-like protease (PLP2) that is also involved in replicase polyprotein
      processing. In nairoviruses, the DUB resides in the polymerase protein but is not
      essential for RNA replication. Using both in vitro and cell-based assays, we now
      show that PLP2 DUB activity is conserved in all members of the arterivirus family
      and that both arteri- and nairovirus DUBs inhibit RIG-I-mediated innate immune
      signaling when overexpressed. The potential relevance of RIG-I-like receptor
      (RLR) signaling for the innate immune response against arterivirus infection is
      supported by our finding that in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, the production of
      beta interferon primarily depends on the recognition of arterivirus RNA by the
      pattern-recognition receptor MDA5. Interestingly, we also found that both arteri-
      and nairovirus DUBs inhibit RIG-I ubiquitination upon overexpression, suggesting
      that both MDA5 and RIG-I have a role in countering infection by arteriviruses.
      Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that arteri- and nairoviruses
      employ their deubiquitinating potential to inactivate cellular proteins involved
      in RLR-mediated innate immune signaling, as exemplified by the deubiquitination
      of RIG-I.

PMID- 22072776
TI  - Adenovirus serotype 5 neutralizing antibodies target both hexon and fiber
      following vaccination and natural infection.
AB  - The immunogenicity of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors has been shown to be
      suppressed by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) directed primarily against the hexon
      hypervariable regions (HVRs). However, the role of NAbs directed against other
      capsid components, particularly the adenovirus fiber, remains unclear. Here we
      show that Ad5 NAbs target both hexon and fiber following vaccination and natural
      infection. Utilizing neutralization assays with capsid chimeric vectors, we
      observed that NAb responses to hexon appeared dominant and NAb responses against
      fiber were subdominant in sera from vaccinated mice, vaccinated humans, and
      naturally exposed humans. A novel chimeric Ad5 vector in which both the hexon
      HVRs and the fiber knob were exchanged nearly completely evaded Ad5-specific NAbs
      both in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22072775
TI  - Cellular VPS4 is required for efficient entry and egress of budded virions of
      Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus.
AB  - Membrane budding is essential for the egress of many enveloped viruses, and this
      process shares similarities with the biogenesis of multivesicular bodies (MVBs).
      In eukaryotic cells, the budding of intraluminal vesicles (IVLs) is mediated by
      the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery and some
      viruses require ESCRT machinery components or functions to bud from host cells.
      Baculoviruses, such as Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus
      (AcMNPV), enter host cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Viral DNA
      replication and nucleocapsid assembly occur within the nucleus. Some progeny
      nucleocapsids are subsequently trafficked to, and bud from, the plasma membrane,
      forming budded virions (BV). To determine whether the host ESCRT machinery is
      important or necessary for AcMNPV replication, we cloned a cDNA of Spodoptera
      frugiperda VPS4, a key regulator for disassembly and recycling of ESCRT III. We
      then examined viral infection and budding in the presence of wild-type (WT) or
      dominant negative (DN) forms of VPS4. First, we used a viral complementation
      system, in combination with fluorescent tags, to examine the effects of
      transiently expressed WT or DN VPS4 on viral entry. We found that dominant
      negative VPS4 substantially inhibited virus entry. Entering virus was observed
      within aberrant compartments containing the DN VPS4 protein. We next used
      recombinant bacmids expressing WT or DN VPS4 proteins to examine virus egress. We
      found that production of infectious AcMNPV BV was substantially reduced by
      expression of DN VPS4 but not by WT VPS4. Together, these results indicate that a
      functional VPS4 is necessary for efficient AcMNPV BV entry into, and egress from,
      insect cells.

PMID- 22072777
TI  - Deltagamma1134.5 herpes simplex viruses encoding human cytomegalovirus IRS1 or
      TRS1 induce interferon regulatory factor 3 phosphorylation and an interferon
      stimulated gene response.
AB  - The chimeric herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are Deltagamma134.5 vectors encoding
      the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IRS1 or TRS1 genes. They are capable of late
      viral protein synthesis and are superior to Deltagamma134.5 HSVs in oncolytic
      activity. The interferon (IFN) response limits efficient HSV gene expression and
      replication. HCMV TRS1 and IRS1 restore one gamma134.5 gene function: evasion of
      IFN-inducible protein kinase R, allowing late viral protein synthesis. Here we
      show that, unlike wild-type HSV, the chimeric HSV do not restore another
      gamma134.5 function, the suppression of early IFN signaling mediated by IFN
      regulatory factor 3 (IRF3).

PMID- 22072778
TI  - Recent mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations: no evidence of immune escape.
AB  - Recently, numerous large-scale mumps outbreaks have occurred in vaccinated
      populations. Clinical isolates sequenced from these outbreaks have invariably
      been of genotypes distinct from those of vaccine viruses, raising concern that
      certain mumps virus strains may escape vaccine-induced immunity. To investigate
      this concern, sera obtained from children 6 weeks after receipt of measles,
      mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine were tested for the ability to neutralize a
      carefully selected group of genetically diverse mumps virus strains. Although the
      geometric mean neutralizing antibody titer of the sera was lower against some
      virus strains than others, all viruses were readily neutralized, arguing against
      immune escape.

PMID- 22072779
TI  - A pH-sensitive heparin-binding sequence from Baculovirus gp64 protein is
      important for binding to mammalian cells but not to Sf9 insect cells.
AB  - Binding to heparan sulfate is essential for baculovirus transduction of mammalian
      cells. Our previous study shows that gp64, the major glycoprotein on the virus
      surface, binds to heparin in a pH-dependent way, with a stronger binding at pH
      6.2 than at 7.4. Using fluorescently labeled peptides, we mapped the pH-dependent
      heparin-binding sequence of gp64 to a 22-amino-acid region between residues 271
      and 292. Binding of this region to the cell surface was also pH dependent, and
      peptides containing this sequence could efficiently inhibit baculovirus
      transduction of mammalian cells at pH 6.2. When the heparin-binding peptide was
      immobilized onto the bead surface to mimic the high local concentration of gp64
      on the virus surface, the peptide-coated magnetic beads could efficiently pull
      down cells expressing heparan sulfate but not cells pretreated with heparinase or
      cells not expressing heparan sulfate. Interestingly, although this heparin
      binding function is essential for baculovirus transduction of mammalian cells, it
      is dispensable for infection of Sf9 insect cells. Virus infectivity on Sf9 cells
      was not reduced by the presence of heparin or the identified heparin-binding
      peptide, even though the peptide could bind to Sf9 cell surface and be
      efficiently internalized. Thus, our data suggest that, depending on the
      availability of the target molecules on the cell surface, baculoviruses can use
      two different methods, electrostatic interaction with heparan sulfate and more
      specific receptor binding, for cell attachment.

PMID- 22072780
TI  - Complex dynamic development of poliovirus membranous replication complexes.
AB  - Replication of all positive-strand RNA viruses is intimately associated with
      membranes. Here we utilize electron tomography and other methods to investigate
      the remodeling of membranes in poliovirus-infected cells. We found that the viral
      replication structures previously described as "vesicles" are in fact convoluted,
      branching chambers with complex and dynamic morphology. They are likely to
      originate from cis-Golgi membranes and are represented during the early stages of
      infection by single-walled connecting and branching tubular compartments. These
      early viral organelles gradually transform into double-membrane structures by
      extension of membranous walls and/or collapsing of the luminal cavity of the
      single-membrane structures. As the double-membrane regions develop, they enclose
      cytoplasmic material. At this stage, a continuous membranous structure may have
      double- and single-walled membrane morphology at adjacent cross-sections. In the
      late stages of the replication cycle, the structures are represented mostly by
      double-membrane vesicles. Viral replication proteins, double-stranded RNA
      species, and actively replicating RNA are associated with both double- and single
      membrane structures. However, the exponential phase of viral RNA synthesis occurs
      when single-membrane formations are predominant in the cell. It has been shown
      previously that replication complexes of some other positive-strand RNA viruses
      form on membrane invaginations, which result from negative membrane curvature.
      Our data show that the remodeling of cellular membranes in poliovirus-infected
      cells produces structures with positive curvature of membranes. Thus, it is
      likely that there is a fundamental divergence in the requirements for the
      supporting cellular membrane-shaping machinery among different groups of positive
      strand RNA viruses.

PMID- 22072781
TI  - The toll-like receptor 3-mediated antiviral response is important for protection
      against poliovirus infection in poliovirus receptor transgenic mice.
AB  - RIG-I-like receptors and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in the
      recognition of viral infections. However, how these molecules contribute to the
      defense against poliovirus (PV) infection remains unclear. We characterized the
      roles of these sensors in PV infection in transgenic mice expressing the PV
      receptor. We observed that alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) production in
      response to PV infection occurred in an MDA5-dependent but RIG-I-independent
      manner in primary cultured kidney cells in vitro. These results suggest that,
      similar to the RNA of other picornaviruses, PV RNA is recognized by MDA5.
      However, serum IFN-alpha levels, the viral load in nonneural tissues, and
      mortality rates did not differ significantly between MDA5-deficient mice and wild
      type mice. In contrast, we observed that serum IFN production was abrogated and
      that the viral load in nonneural tissues and mortality rates were both markedly
      higher in TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-beta (TRIF)-deficient and
      TLR3-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. The mortality rate of MyD88-deficient
      mice was slightly higher than that of wild-type mice. These results suggest that
      multiple pathways are involved in the antiviral response in mice and that the
      TLR3-TRIF-mediated signaling pathway plays an essential role in the antiviral
      response against PV infection.

PMID- 22072782
TI  - Potent intratype neutralizing activity distinguishes human immunodeficiency virus
      type 2 (HIV-2) from HIV-1.
AB  - HIV-2 has a lower pathogenicity and transmission rate than HIV-1. Neutralizing
      antibodies could be contributing to these observations. Here we explored side by
      side the potency and breadth of intratype and intertype neutralizing activity
      (NAc) in plasma of 20 HIV-1-, 20 HIV-2-, and 11 dually HIV-1/2 (HIV-D)
      seropositive individuals from Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Panels of primary
      isolates, five HIV-1 and five HIV-2 isolates, were tested in a plaque reduction
      assay using U87.CD4-CCR5 cells as targets. Intratype NAc in HIV-2 plasma was
      found to be considerably more potent and also broader than intratype NAc in HIV-1
      plasma. This indicates that HIV-2-infected individuals display potent type
      specific neutralizing antibodies, whereas such strong type-specific antibodies
      are absent in HIV-1 infection. Furthermore, the potency of intratype NAc was
      positively associated with the viral load of HIV-1 but not HIV-2, suggesting that
      NAc in HIV-1 infection is more antigen stimulation dependent than in HIV-2
      infection, where plasma viral loads typically are at least 10-fold lower than in
      HIV-1 infection. Intertype NAc of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections was, instead,
      of low potency. HIV-D subjects had NAc to HIV-2 with similar high potency as
      singly HIV-2-infected individuals, whereas neutralization of HIV-1 remained poor,
      indicating that the difference in NAc between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections depends
      on the virus itself. We suggest that immunogenicity and/or antigenicity, meaning
      the neutralization phenotype, of HIV-2 is distinct from that of HIV-1 and that
      HIV-2 may display structures that favor triggering of potent neutralizing
      antibody responses.

PMID- 22072783
TI  - Epigenetic changes mediated by microRNA miR29 activate cyclooxygenase 2 and
      lambda-1 interferon production during viral infection.
AB  - Lambda-1 interferon (IFN-lambda1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were reported to
      play an important role in host antiviral defense. However, the mechanism by which
      IFN-lambda1 and COX2 are activated and modulated during viral infection remains
      unclear. In this study, we found that expression of both circulating IFN-lambda1
      and COX2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was coordinately elevated in a cohort of
      influenza patients compared to healthy individuals. Expression of IFN-lambda1 was
      blocked by a selective COX2 inhibitor during influenza A virus infection in A549
      human lung epithelial cells but enhanced by overexpression of COX2, indicating
      that the production of IFN-lambda1 is COX2 dependent. COX2 was able to increase
      IFN-lambda1 expression by promoting NF-kappaB binding to the enhancer in the IFN
      lambda1 promoter. We found that epigenetic changes activate COX2 expression and
      PGE2 accumulation during viral infection. The expression of DNA methyltransferase
      3a (DNMT3a) and DNMT3b, but not that of DNMT1, was downregulated following
      influenza A virus infection in both A549 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs). We showed that microRNA miR29 suppresses DNMT activity and thus
      induces expression of COX2 and PGE2. Furthermore, miR29 expression was elevated
      50-fold in virally infected A549 cells and 10-fold in PBMCs from influenza
      patients, compared to expression after mock infection of A549 cells or in healthy
      individuals, respectively. Activation of the protein kinase A signaling pathway
      and phosphorylation of CREB1 also contributed to COX2 expression. Collectively,
      our work defines a novel proinflammatory cascade in the control of influenza A
      virus infection.

PMID- 22072784
TI  - Impact of vaccination on cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunodominance and cooperation
      against simian immunodeficiency virus replication in rhesus macaques.
AB  - Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses play a central role in viral suppression
      in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Prophylactic vaccination
      resulting in effective CTL responses after viral exposure would contribute to HIV
      control. It is important to know how CTL memory induction by vaccination affects
      postexposure CTL responses. We previously showed vaccine-based control of a
      simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenge in a group of Burmese rhesus
      macaques sharing a major histocompatibility complex class I haplotype. Gag(206
      216) and Gag(241-249) epitope-specific CTL responses were responsible for this
      control. In the present study, we show the impact of individual epitope-specific
      CTL induction by prophylactic vaccination on postexposure CTL responses. In the
      acute phase after SIV challenge, dominant Gag(206-216)-specific CTL responses
      with delayed, naive-derived Gag(241-249)-specific CTL induction were observed in
      Gag(206-216) epitope-vaccinated animals with prophylactic induction of single
      Gag(206-216) epitope-specific CTL memory, and vice versa in Gag(241-249) epitope
      vaccinated animals with single Gag(241-249) epitope-specific CTL induction.
      Animals with Gag(206-216)-specific CTL induction by vaccination selected for a
      Gag(206-216)-specific CTL escape mutation by week 5 and showed significantly less
      decline of plasma viral loads from week 3 to week 5 than in Gag(241-249) epitope
      vaccinated animals without escape mutations. Our results present evidence
      indicating significant influence of prophylactic vaccination on postexposure CTL
      immunodominance and cooperation of vaccine antigen-specific and non-vaccine
      antigen-specific CTL responses, which affects virus control. These findings
      provide great insights into antigen design for CTL-inducing AIDS vaccines.

PMID- 22072785
TI  - Structural characterization of the hemagglutinin receptor specificity from the
      2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
AB  - Influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) is the viral envelope protein that mediates
      viral attachment to host cells and elicits membrane fusion. The HA receptor
      binding specificity is a key determinant for the host range and transmissibility
      of influenza viruses. In human pandemics of the 20th century, the HA normally has
      acquired specificity for human-like receptors before widespread infection.
      Crystal structures of the H1 HA from the 2009 human pandemic
      (A/California/04/2009 [CA04]) in complex with human and avian receptor analogs
      reveal conserved recognition of the terminal sialic acid of the glycan ligands.
      However, favorable interactions beyond the sialic acid are found only for alpha2
      6-linked glycans and are mediated by Asp190 and Asp225, which hydrogen bond with
      Gal-2 and GlcNAc-3. For alpha2-3-linked glycan receptors, no specific
      interactions beyond the terminal sialic acid are observed. Our structural and
      glycan microarray analyses, in the context of other high-resolution HA structures
      with alpha2-6- and alpha2-3-linked glycans, now elucidate the structural basis of
      receptor-binding specificity for H1 HAs in human and avian viruses and provide a
      structural explanation for the preference for alpha2-6 siaylated glycan receptors
      for the 2009 pandemic swine flu virus.

PMID- 22072787
TI  - Molecular determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
      pathogenesis and virulence in young and aged mouse models of human disease.
AB  - SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) causes severe acute respiratory tract disease
      characterized by diffuse alveolar damage and hyaline membrane formation. This
      pathology often progresses to acute respiratory distress (such as acute
      respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS]) and atypical pneumonia in humans, with
      characteristic age-related mortality rates approaching 50% or more in
      immunosenescent populations. The molecular basis for the extreme virulence of
      SARS-CoV remains elusive. Since young and aged (1-year-old) mice do not develop
      severe clinical disease following infection with wild-type SARS-CoV, a mouse
      adapted strain of SARS-CoV (called MA15) was developed and was shown to cause
      lethal infection in these animals. To understand the genetic contributions to the
      increased pathogenesis of MA15 in rodents, we used reverse genetics and evaluated
      the virulence of panels of derivative viruses encoding various combinations of
      mouse-adapted mutations. We found that mutations in the viral spike (S)
      glycoprotein and, to a much less rigorous extent, in the nsp9 nonstructural
      protein, were primarily associated with the acquisition of virulence in young
      animals. The mutations in S likely increase recognition of the mouse angiotensin
      converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor not only in MA15 but also in two additional,
      independently isolated mouse-adapted SARS-CoVs. In contrast to the findings for
      young animals, mutations to revert to the wild-type sequence in nsp9 and the S
      glycoprotein were not sufficient to significantly attenuate the virus compared to
      other combinations of mouse-adapted mutations in 12-month-old mice. This panel of
      SARS-CoVs provides novel reagents that we have used to further our understanding
      of differential, age-related pathogenic mechanisms in mouse models of human
      disease.

PMID- 22072788
TI  - Recruitment of OCRL and Inpp5B to phagosomes by Rab5 and APPL1 depletes
      phosphoinositides and attenuates Akt signaling.
AB  - Sealing of phagosomes is accompanied by the disappearance of phosphatidylinositol
      (4,5)-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) from their cytoplasmic leaflet. Elimination
      of PtdIns(4,5)P(2), which is required for actin remodeling during phagosome
      formation, has been attributed to hydrolysis by phospholipase C and
      phosphorylation by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. We found that two inositol 5
      phosphatases, OCRL and Inpp5B, become associated with nascent phagosomes. Both
      phosphatases, which are Rab5 effectors, associate with the adaptor protein APPL1,
      which is recruited to the phagosomes by active Rab5. Knockdown of APPL1 or
      inhibition of Rab5 impairs association of OCRL and Inpp5B with phagosomes and
      prolongs the presence of PtdIns(4,5)P(2) and actin on their membranes. Even
      though APPL1 can serve as an anchor for Akt, its depletion accentuated the
      activation of the kinase, likely by increasing the amount of PtdIns(4,5)P(2)
      available to generate phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate. Thus, inositol
      5-phosphatases are important contributors to the phosphoinositide remodeling and
      signaling that are pivotal for phagocytosis.

PMID- 22072786
TI  - Human pathogens and the host cell SUMOylation system.
AB  - Since posttranslational modification (PTM) by the small ubiquitin-related
      modifiers (SUMOs) was discovered over a decade ago, a huge number of cellular
      proteins have been found to be reversibly modified, resulting in alteration of
      differential cellular pathways. Although the molecular consequences of SUMO
      attachment are difficult to predict, the underlying principle of SUMOylation is
      altering inter- and/or intramolecular interactions of the modified substrate,
      changing localization, stability, and/or activity. Unsurprisingly, many different
      pathogens have evolved to exploit the cellular SUMO modification system due to
      its functional flexibility and far-reaching functional downstream consequences.
      Although the extensive knowledge gained so far is impressive, a definitive
      conclusion about the role of SUMO modification during virus infection in general
      remains elusive and is still restricted to a few, yet promising concepts. Based
      on the available data, this review aims, first, to provide a detailed overview of
      the current state of knowledge and, second, to evaluate the currently known
      common principles/molecular mechanisms of how human pathogenic microbes,
      especially viruses and their regulatory proteins, exploit the host cell SUMO
      modification system.

PMID- 22072790
TI  - The kinase activity of human Rio1 is required for final steps of cytoplasmic
      maturation of 40S subunits.
AB  - RIO proteins form a conserved family of atypical protein kinases. Humans possess
      three distinct RIO kinases-hRio1, hRio2, and hRio3, of which only hRio2 has been
      characterized with respect to its role in ribosomal biogenesis. Here we show that
      both hRio1 and hRio3, like hRio2, are associated with precursors of 40S ribosomal
      subunits in human cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that depletion of hRio1 by
      RNA interference affects the last step of 18S rRNA maturation and causes defects
      in the recycling of several trans-acting factors (hEnp1, hRio2, hLtv1,
      hDim2/PNO1, and hNob1) from pre-40S subunits in the cytoplasm. Although the
      effects of hRio1 and hRio2 depletion are similar, we show that the two kinases
      are not fully interchangeable. Moreover, rescue experiments with a kinase-dead
      mutant of hRio1 revealed that the kinase activity of hRio1 is essential for the
      recycling of the endonuclease hNob1 and its binding partner hDim2 from
      cytoplasmic pre-40S. Kinase-dead hRio1 is trapped on pre-40S particles containing
      hDim2 and hNob1 but devoid of hEnp1, hLtv1, and hRio2. These data reveal a role
      of hRio1 in the final stages of cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation.

PMID- 22072789
TI  - Yeast mRNA cap-binding protein Cbc1/Sto1 is necessary for the rapid reprogramming
      of translation after hyperosmotic shock.
AB  - In response to osmotic stress, global translation is inhibited, but the mRNAs
      encoding stress-protective proteins are selectively translated to allow cell
      survival. To date, the mechanisms and factors involved in the specific
      translation of osmostress-responsive genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are
      unknown. We find that the mRNA cap-binding protein Cbc1 is important for yeast
      survival under osmotic stress. Our results provide new evidence supporting a role
      of Cbc1 in translation initiation. Cbc1 associates with polysomes, while the
      deletion of the CBC1 gene causes hypersensitivity to the translation inhibitor
      cycloheximide and yields synthetic "sickness" in cells with limiting amounts of
      translation initiator factor eIF4E. In cbc1Delta mutants, translation drops
      sharply under osmotic stress, the subsequent reinitiation of translation is
      retarded, and "processing bodies" containing untranslating mRNAs remain for long
      periods. Furthermore, osmostress-responsive mRNAs are transcriptionally induced
      after osmotic stress in cbc1Delta cells, but their rapid association with
      polysomes is delayed. However, in cells containing a thermosensitive eIF4E
      allele, their inability to grow at 37oC is suppressed by hyperosmosis, and Cbc1
      relocalizes from nucleus to cytoplasm. These data support a model in which eIF4E
      translation could be stress-sensitive, while Cbc1-mediated translation is
      necessary for the rapid translation of osmostress-protective proteins under
      osmotic stress.

PMID- 22072791
TI  - FAT10 is a proteasomal degradation signal that is itself regulated by
      ubiquitination.
AB  - FAT10 is a ubiquitin-like protein modifier that is induced in vertebrates
      following certain inflammatory stimuli. Its functions and the repertoire of its
      target substrates have remained elusive. In contrast to ubiquitin, its cellular
      abundance is tightly controlled by both transcriptional and posttranslational
      regulation, and it was reported to be rapidly degraded by the proteasome. Here we
      provide data to indicate that the degradation of FAT10 requires ubiquitination:
      degradation was inhibited in cells expressing a ubiquitin mutant that cannot be
      polymerized and in a mutant cell harboring a thermolabile ubiquitin-activating
      enzyme, E1. Of importance, FAT10 can serve as a degradation signal for otherwise
      stable proteins, and in this case, too, the targeting to the proteasome requires
      ubiquitination. Degradation of FAT10 is accelerated after induction of apoptosis,
      suggesting that it plays a role in prosurvival pathways.

PMID- 22072792
TI  - Three-dimensional structure of the radial spokes reveals heterogeneity and
      interactions with dyneins in Chlamydomonas flagella.
AB  - Radial spokes (RSs) play an essential role in the regulation of axonemal dynein
      activity and thus of ciliary and flagellar motility. However, few details are
      known about the complexes involved. Using cryo-electron tomography and
      subtomogram averaging, we visualized the three-dimensional structure of the
      radial spokes in Chlamydomonas flagella in unprecedented detail. Unlike many
      other species, Chlamydomonas has only two spokes per axonemal repeat, RS1 and
      RS2. Our data revealed previously uncharacterized features, including two-pronged
      spoke bases that facilitate docking to the doublet microtubules, and that inner
      dyneins connect directly to the spokes. Structures of wild type and the headless
      spoke mutant pf17 were compared to define the morphology and boundaries of the
      head, including a direct RS1-to-RS2 interaction. Although the overall structures
      of the spokes are very similar, we also observed some differences, corroborating
      recent findings about heterogeneity in the docking of RS1 and RS2. In place of a
      third radial spoke we found an uncharacterized, shorter electron density named
      "radial spoke 3 stand-in," which structurally bears no resemblance to RS1 and RS2
      and is unaltered in the pf17 mutant. These findings demonstrate that radial
      spokes are heterogeneous in structure and may play functionally distinct roles in
      axoneme regulation.

PMID- 22072793
TI  - Connecdenn 3/DENND1C binds actin linking Rab35 activation to the actin
      cytoskeleton.
AB  - The small GTPase Rab35 regulates endosomal membrane trafficking but also recruits
      effectors that modulate actin assembly and organization. Differentially expressed
      in normal and neoplastic cells (DENN)-domain proteins are a newly identified
      class of Rab guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that are grouped into
      eight families, each activating a common Rab. The members of one family,
      connecdenn 1-3/DENND1A-C, are all GEFs for Rab35. Why Rab35 requires multiple
      GEFs is unknown. We demonstrate that connecdenn 3 uses a unique C-terminal motif,
      a feature not found in connecdenn 1 or 2, to directly bind actin. This
      interaction couples Rab35 activation to the actin cytoskeleton, resulting in
      dramatic changes in cell shape, notably the formation of protrusive membrane
      extensions. These alterations are specific to Rab35 activated by connecdenn 3 and
      require both the actin-binding motif and N-terminal DENN domain, which harbors
      the GEF activity. It was previously demonstrated that activated Rab35 recruits
      the actin-bundling protein fascin to actin, but the relevant GEF for this
      activity was unknown. We demonstrate that connecdenn 3 and Rab35 colocalize with
      fascin and actin filaments, suggesting that connecdenn 3 is the relevant GEF.
      Thus, whereas connecdenn 1 and 2 activate Rab35 for endosomal trafficking,
      connecdenn 3 uniquely activates Rab35 for its role in actin regulation.

PMID- 22072794
TI  - Dependence of Chs2 ER export on dephosphorylation by cytoplasmic Cdc14 ensures
      that septum formation follows mitosis.
AB  - Cytokinesis, which leads to the physical separation of two dividing cells, is
      normally restrained until after nuclear division. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
      chitin synthase 2 (Chs2), which lays down the primary septum at the mother
      daughter neck, also ensures proper actomyosin ring constriction during
      cytokinesis. During the metaphase-to-anaphase transition, phosphorylation of Chs2
      by the mitotic cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk1) retains Chs2 at the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER), thereby preventing its translocation to the neck. Upon Cdk1
      inactivation at the end of mitosis, Chs2 is exported from the ER and targeted to
      the neck. The mechanism for triggering Chs2 ER export thus far is unknown. We
      show here that Chs2 ER export requires the direct reversal of the inhibitory Cdk1
      phosphorylation sites by Cdc14 phosphatase, the ultimate effector of the mitotic
      exit network (MEN). We further show that only Cdc14 liberated by the MEN after
      completion of chromosome segregation, and not Cdc14 released in early anaphase by
      the Cdc fourteen early anaphase release pathway, triggers Chs2 ER exit.
      Presumably, the reduced Cdk1 activity in late mitosis further favors
      dephosphorylation of Chs2 by Cdc14. Thus, by requiring declining Cdk1 activity
      and Cdc14 nuclear release for Chs2 ER export, cells ensure that septum formation
      is contingent upon chromosome separation and exit from mitosis.

PMID- 22072795
TI  - miR-503 represses CUG-binding protein 1 translation by recruiting CUGBP1 mRNA to
      processing bodies.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) jointly regulate gene
      expression at the posttranscriptional level and are involved in many aspects of
      cellular functions. The RBP CUG-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) destabilizes and
      represses the translation of several target mRNAs, but the exact mechanism that
      regulates CUGBP1 abundance remains elusive. In this paper, we show that miR-503,
      computationally predicted to associate with three sites of the CUGBP1 mRNA,
      represses CUGBP1 expression. Overexpression of an miR-503 precursor (pre-miR-503)
      reduced the de novo synthesis of CUGBP1 protein, whereas inhibiting miR-503 by
      using an antisense RNA (antagomir) enhanced CUGBP1 biosynthesis and elevated its
      abundance; neither intervention changed total CUGBP1 mRNA levels. Studies using
      heterologous reporter constructs revealed a greater repressive effect of miR-503
      through the CUGBP1 coding region sites than through the single CUGBP1 3'
      untranslated region target site. CUGBP1 mRNA levels in processing bodies (P
      bodies) increased in cells transfected with pre-miR-503, while silencing P-body
      resident proteins Ago2, RCK, or LSm4 decreased miR-503-mediated repression of
      CUGBP1 expression. Decreasing the levels of cellular polyamines reduced
      endogenous miR-503 levels and promoted CUGBP1 expression, an effect that was
      prevented by ectopic miR-503 overexpression. Repression of CUGBP1 by miR-503 in
      turn altered the expression of CUGBP1 target mRNAs and thus increased the
      sensitivity of intestinal epithelial cells to apoptosis. These findings identify
      miR-503 as both a novel regulator of CUGBP1 expression and a modulator of
      intestinal epithelial homoeostasis.

PMID- 22072798
TI  - The patient impact factor.

PMID- 22072796
TI  - UHRF1 phosphorylation by cyclin A2/cyclin-dependent kinase 2 is required for
      zebrafish embryogenesis.
AB  - Ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (uhrf1) is regulated at
      the transcriptional level during the cell cycle and in developing zebrafish
      embryos. We identify phosphorylation as a novel means of regulating UHRF1 and
      demonstrate that Uhrf1 phosphorylation is required for gastrulation in zebrafish.
      Human UHRF1 contains a conserved cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) phosphorylation
      site at Ser-661 that is phosphorylated in vitro by CDK2 partnered with cyclin A2
      (CCNA2), but not cyclin E. An antibody specific for phospho-Ser-661 recognizes
      UHRF1 in both mammalian cancer cells and in nontransformed zebrafish cells, but
      not in zebrafish bearing a mutation in ccna2. Depleting Uhrf1 from zebrafish
      embryos by morpholino injection causes arrest before gastrulation and early
      embryonic death. This phenotype is rescued by wild-type UHRF1, but not by UHRF1
      in which the phospho-acceptor site is mutated, demonstrating that UHRF1
      phosphorylation is essential for embryogenesis. UHRF1 was detected in the nucleus
      and cytoplasm, whereas nonphosphorylatable UHRF1 is unable to localize to the
      cytoplasm, suggesting the importance of localization in UHRF1 function. Together,
      these data point to an essential role for UHRF1 phosphorylation by CDK/CCNA2
      during early vertebrate development.

PMID- 22072799
TI  - Shining the light on aurora-a kinase as a drug target in pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22072800
TI  - First report of functional Chk1 siRNA studies applied to drug discovery.

PMID- 22072801
TI  - The discovery and development of SU14813, a next-generation multitargeted
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of human malignancies.

PMID- 22072802
TI  - PI3K inhibitors for cancer treatment: five years of preclinical and clinical
      research after BEZ235.

PMID- 22072803
TI  - Discovering and developing PI3 kinase inhibitors for cancer: rapid progress
      through academic-biotech-pharma interactions.

PMID- 22072804
TI  - The discovery of lapatinib (GW572016).

PMID- 22072805
TI  - Methylation profiling of lung cancer: a decade of progress.

PMID- 22072806
TI  - MicroRNAs in cancer pharmacology and therapeutics: exploiting a natural synergy
      between '-omic' and hypothesis-driven research.

PMID- 22072807
TI  - Development of the first generation c-met kinase inhibitors: beginning of a path
      to a new treatment for cancer.

PMID- 22072808
TI  - Proof of principle for crizotinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive
      malignancies was achieved in ALK-positive nonclinical models.

PMID- 22072809
TI  - Lapatinib: functional genomics study leads to insights into mechanism of action.

PMID- 22072810
TI  - Bench to bedside and back again: personalizing treatment for patients with GIST.

PMID- 22072811
TI  - The importance of PK/PD data-key biological answers needed to evaluate the
      success of potential cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 22072812
TI  - Bortezomib: understanding the mechanism of action.

PMID- 22072813
TI  - Starting with the ABCs: Akt in breast cancer.

PMID- 22072814
TI  - Cell line models identify different sensitivity of mutant forms of c-KIT to
      kinase inhibitory drugs and predict the response of patients to therapy.

PMID- 22072815
TI  - Mechanism of action of proteasome inhibitors and deacetylase inhibitors and the
      biological basis of synergy in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Novel agents, including the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, have significantly
      improved the response and survival of patients with multiple myeloma over the
      last decade. Despite these advances, many patients relapse or do not benefit from
      the currently available therapies; thus, multiple myeloma remains an incurable
      disease. Deacetylase inhibitors (DACi), including panobinostat and vorinostat,
      have recently emerged as novel agents being evaluated in the treatment of
      multiple myeloma. Deacetylases are a group of enzymes with effects on various
      intracellular proteins, including histones, transcription factors, and molecular
      chaperones. Although DACi inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in multiple
      myeloma cells as a single agent, synergistic activity has been observed when they
      were used in combination with bortezomib. The mechanistic basis of synergy is
      multifactorial and includes disruption of protein degradation and inhibition of
      the interaction of multiple myeloma cells with the tumor microenvironment. This
      review summarizes recent advancements in the understanding of the mechanism of
      action of proteasome inhibitors and DACi in multiple myeloma and examines the
      biological basis of their synergistic effects. Data from the studies summarized
      here have been used as the rationale for the implementation of phase II and III
      clinical trials of DACi, alone and combined with bortezomib, in relapsed and
      refractory multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22072816
TI  - Microarray analysis of the primate luteal transcriptome during chorionic
      gonadotrophin administration simulating early pregnancy.
AB  - To explore chorionic gonadotrophin (CG)-regulated gene expression in the primate
      corpus luteum (CL), adult female rhesus macaques were treated in a model of
      simulated early pregnancy (SEP). Total RNA was isolated from individual CL after
      specific intervals of exposure (1, 3, 6 and 9 days) to recombinant hCG in vivo
      and hybridized to AffymetrixTM GeneChip Rhesus Macaque Genome Arrays. The mRNA
      levels of 1192 transcripts changed >=2-fold [one-way ANOVA, false discovery rate
      (FDR) correction; P< 0.05] during SEP when compared with Day 10 untreated
      controls. Real-time PCR validation indicated that 15 of 17 genes matched in
      expression pattern between PCR and microarray. Protein levels of three genes
      identified as CG-sensitive, CYP19A1 (aromatase), PGRMC1 (progestin-binding
      protein) and STAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) were quantified by
      western blot analysis. To further analyze global changes in gene expression
      induced by CG exposure, luteal gene expression was compared between SEP (rescued)
      and regressing CL, utilizing previously banked GeneChip data from the luteal
      phase of the menstrual cycle. Expression patterns and mRNA levels were analyzed
      between time-matched intervals. Transcripts for 7677 mRNAs differed in expression
      patterns >=2-fold (one-way ANOVA, FDR correction; P< 0.05) between the hCG
      exposed (SEP) CL and regressing CL. Regressed CL (at menses) were most unlike all
      other CL. Pathway analysis of significantly affected transcripts was performed;
      the pathway most impacted by CG exposure was steroid biosynthesis. Further
      comparisons of the genome-wide changes in luteal gene expression during CG rescue
      and luteolysis in the natural menstrual cycle should identify additional key
      regulatory pathways promoting primate fertility.

PMID- 22072817
TI  - The novel antipsychotic drug lurasidone enhances N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      mediated synaptic responses.
AB  - N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction has been postulated to
      contribute to the cognitive deficit of schizophrenia. In this study, we examined
      the effect of lurasidone (Latuda; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd., Tokyo,
      Japan), a newly approved atypical antipsychotic drug (APD), on NMDAR synaptic
      function in rat frontal cortical pyramidal neurons. In vivo administration of
      lurasidone produced a significant and selective enhancement of NMDAR-mediated
      synaptic responses and surface expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits. Lurasidone
      has high affinity for serotonin 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), and 5-HT(7) receptors and
      dopamine D(2) receptors. In vivo administration of the 5-HT(7) receptor
      antagonist (2R)-1-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-2 -(2-(4-methyl-1
      piperidinyl)ethyl)pyrrolidine (SB-269970) mimicked the enhancing effect of
      lurasidone on NMDAR responses, whereas the D(2) receptor antagonist haloperidol
      failed to do so. Previous studies have found that short-term administration of
      lurasidone reverses the cognitive impairment induced by subchronic administration
      of phencyclidine (PCP), an NMDAR noncompetitive antagonist. In this study, we
      found that lurasidone, as well as the prototypical atypical APD clozapine,
      restored NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses to normal levels in the PCP model of
      schizophrenia. These results suggest that NMDAR is the potential key molecular
      target of lurasidone, possibility via antagonizing 5-HT(7) receptors, which is
      consistent with evidence that 5-HT(7) receptor antagonism contributes to
      cognitive enhancement by atypical APDs in patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22072818
TI  - Allosteric interactions between delta and kappa opioid receptors in peripheral
      sensory neurons.
AB  - The peripheral delta opioid receptor (DOR) is an attractive target for analgesic
      drug development. There is evidence that DOR can form heteromers with the kappa
      opioid receptor (KOR). As drug targets, heteromeric receptors offer an additional
      level of selectivity and, because of allosteric interactions between protomers,
      functionality. Here we report that selective KOR antagonists differentially
      altered the potency and/or efficacy of DOR agonists in primary cultures of adult
      rat peripheral sensory neurons and in a rat behavioral model of thermal
      allodynia. In vitro, the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) enhanced
      the potency of [D-Pen(2,5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE), decreased the potency of [D
      Ala(2),D-Leu(5)]-enkephalin (DADLE), and decreased the potency and efficacy of 4
      [(R)-[(2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl](3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-N,N
      diethylbenzamide (SNC80) to inhibit prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-stimulated
      adenylyl cyclase activity. In vivo, nor-BNI enhanced the effect of DPDPE and
      decreased the effect of SNC80 to inhibit PGE(2)-stimulated thermal allodynia. In
      contrast to nor-BNI, the KOR antagonist 5'-guanidinonaltrindole (5'-GNTI) reduced
      the response of DPDPE both in cultured neurons and in vivo. Evidence for DOR-KOR
      heteromers in peripheral sensory neurons included coimmunoprecipitation of DOR
      with KOR, a DOR-KOR heteromer selective antibody augmented the antinociceptive
      effect of DPDPE in vivo, and the DOR-KOR heteromer agonist 6'-GNTI inhibited
      adenylyl cyclase activity in vitro as well as PGE(2)-stimulated thermal allodynia
      in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that DOR-KOR heteromers exist in rat
      primary sensory neurons and that KOR antagonists can act as modulators of DOR
      agonist responses most likely through allosteric interactions between the
      protomers of the DOR-KOR heteromer.

PMID- 22072819
TI  - Development and clinical evaluation of a rapid serodiagnostic test for
      toxoplasmosis of cats using recombinant SAG1 antigen.
AB  - Rapid serodiagnostic methods for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats are urgently
      needed for effective control of transmission routes toward human infections. In
      this work, 4 recombinant T. gondii antigens (SAG1, SAG2, GRA3, and GRA6) were
      produced and tested for the development of rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The
      proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, affinity-purified, and applied onto
      the nitrocellulose membrane of the test strip. The recombinant SAG1 (rSAG1)
      showed the strongest antigenic activity and highest specificity among them. We
      also performed clinical evaluation of the rSAG1-loaded RDT in 182 cat sera (55
      household and 127 stray cats). The kit showed 0.88 of kappa value comparing with
      a commercialized ELISA kit, which indicated a significant correlation between
      rSAG1-loaded RDT and the ELISA kit. The overall sensitivity and specificity of
      the RDT were 100% (23/23) and 99.4% (158/159), respectively. The rSAG1-loaded RDT
      is rapid, easy to use, and highly accurate. Thus, it would be a suitable
      diagnostic tool for rapid detection of antibodies in T. gondii-infected cats
      under field conditions.

PMID- 22072820
TI  - Changing patterns of acute phase proteins and inflammatory mediators in
      experimental caprine coccidiosis.
AB  - This experiment was conducted to assess the changing patterns and relative values
      of acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines in experimental caprine
      coccidiosis. Eighteen newborn kids were allocated to 3 equal groups. Two groups,
      A and B, were inoculated with a single dose of 1*10(3) and1*10(5) sporulated
      oocysts of Eimeria arloingi, respectively. The third group, C, received distilled
      water as the control. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each
      kid in both groups before inoculation and at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 post
      inoculation (PI), and the levels of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), TNF
      alpha, and IFN-gamma were measured. For histopathological examinations, 2 kids
      were selected from each group, euthanized, and necropsied on day 42 PI. Mean Hp
      concentrations in groups A and B (0.34 and 0.68 g/L) at day 7 PI were 3.2 and 6.3
      times higher than the levels before inoculation. The mean SAA concentrations in
      groups A and B (25.6 and 83.5 ug/ml) at day 7 PI were 4.2 and 13.7 times higher
      than the levels before inoculation. The magnitude and duration of the Hp and SAA
      responses correlated well with the inoculation doses and the severity of the
      clinical signs and diarrhea in kids. These results were consistent with the
      histopathological features, which showed advanced widespread lesions in group B.
      In both groups, significant correlations were observed for TNF-alpha and IFN
      gamma with SAA and Hp, respectively. In conclusion, Hp and SAA can be useful non
      specific diagnostic indicators in caprine coccidiosis.

PMID- 22072821
TI  - Expressed sequence tag analysis of the erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium berghei.
AB  - Rodent malaria parasites, such as Plasmodium berghei, are practical and useful
      model organisms for human malaria research because of their analogies to the
      human malaria in terms of structure, physiology, and life cycle. Exploiting the
      available genetic sequence information, we constructed a cDNA library from the
      erythrocytic stages of P. berghei and analyzed the expressed sequence tag (EST).
      A total of 10,040 ESTs were generated and assembled into 2,462 clusters. These
      EST clusters were compared against public protein databases and 48 putative new
      transcripts, most of which were hypothetical proteins with unknown function, were
      identified. Genes encoding ribosomal or membrane proteins and purine nucleotide
      phosphorylases were highly abundant clusters in P. berghei. Protein domain
      analyses and the Gene Ontology functional categorization revealed
      translation/protein folding, metabolism, protein degradation, and multiple family
      of variant antigens to be mainly prevalent. The presently-collected ESTs and its
      bioinformatic analysis will be useful resources to identify for drug target and
      vaccine candidates and validate gene predictions of P. berghei.

PMID- 22072822
TI  - Non-specific defensive factors of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas against
      infection with Marteilioides chungmuensis: a flow-cytometric study.
AB  - In order to assess changes in the activity of immunecompetency present in
      Crassostrea gigas infected with Marteilioides chungmuensis (Protozoa), the total
      hemocyte counts (THC), hemocyte populations, hemocyte viability, and phagocytosis
      rate were measured in oysters using flow cytometry. THC were increased
      significantly in oysters infected with M. chungmuensis relative to the healthy
      appearing oysters (HAO) (P<0.05). Among the total hemocyte composition,
      granulocyte levels were significantly increased in infected oysters as compared
      with HAO (P<0.05). In addition, the hyalinocyte was reduced significantly
      (P<0.05). The hemocyte viability did not differ between infected oysters and HAO.
      However, the phagocytosis rate was significantly higher in infected oysters
      relative to HAO (P<0.05). The measurement of alterations in the activity of
      immunecompetency in oysters, which was conducted via flow cytometry in this
      study, might be a useful biomarker of the defense system for evaluating the
      effects of ovarian parasites of C. gigas.

PMID- 22072823
TI  - Protease-activated receptor 2 is involved in Th2 responses against Trichinella
      spiralis infection.
AB  - In order to get a better understanding of the role of protease-activated receptor
      2 (PAR2) in type 2 helper T (Th2) cell responses against Trichinella spiralis
      infection, we analyzed Th2 responses in T. spiralis-infected PAR2 knockout (KO)
      mice. The levels of the Th2 cell-secreted cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were
      markedly reduced in the PAR2 KO mice as compared to the wild type mice following
      infection with T. spiralis. The serum levels of parasite-specific IgE increased
      significantly in the wild type mice as the result of T. spiralis infection, but
      this level was not significantly increased in PAR2 KO mice. The expression level
      of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-25, and eotaxin gene (the genes were recently
      known as Th2 response initiators) of mouse intestinal epithelial cells were
      increased as the result of treatment with T. spiralis excretory-secretory
      proteins. However, the expression of these chemokine genes was inhibited by
      protease inhibitor treatments. In conclusion, PAR2 might involve in Th2 responses
      against T. spiralis infection.

PMID- 22072824
TI  - Parasitic helminth cystatin inhibits DSS-induced intestinal inflammation via IL
      10(+)F4/80(+) macrophage recruitment.
AB  - Many immune down-regulatory molecules have been isolated from parasites,
      including cystatin (cystain protease inhibitor). In a previous study, we isolated
      and characterized Type I cystatin (CsStefin-1) of the liver fluke, Clonorchis
      sinensis. To investigate whether the CsStefin-1 might be a new host immune
      modulator, we induced intestinal inflammation in mice by dextran sodium sulfate
      (DSS) and treated them with recombinant CsStefin-1 (rCsStefin-1). The disease
      activity index (DAI) increased in DSS only-treated mice. In contrast, the DAI
      value was significantly reduced in rCsStefin-1-treated mice than DSS only-treated
      mice. In addition, the colon length of DSS only-treated mice was shorter than
      that of rCsStefin-1 treated mice. The secretion levels of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha
      in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were significantly increased by
      DSS treatment, but the level of TNF-alpha in MLNs was significantly decreased by
      rCsStefin-1 treatment. IL-10 production in both spleen and MLNs was significantly
      increased, and IL-10(+)F4/80(+) macrophage cells were significantly increased in
      the spleen and MLNs of rCsStefin-1 treated mice after DSS treatment. In
      conclusion, rCsStefin-1 could reduce the intestinal inflammation occurring after
      DSS treatment, these effects might be related with recruitment of IL-10 secreting
      macrophages.

PMID- 22072825
TI  - In vitro effects of some herbs used in Egyptian traditional medicine on viability
      of protoscolices of hydatid cysts.
AB  - The present work evaluated the effects of alcoholic extracts of salvia (Salvia
      officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and 2 pure compounds (thymol and menthol)
      on the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in vitro. Four
      different concentrations of each extract (2,500, 1,500, 1,000, and 500 ug/ml) and
      3 different concentrations each of thymol and menthol (50, 10, and 1 ug/ml) were
      used. Concentration of 2,500 ug/ml of both extracts showed a significant
      protoscolicidal activity on the 6th day. Complete loss of viability of
      protoscolices occurred with 500 ug/ml concentration of both extracts at day 6 and
      day 7 post-treatment (PT), respectively. Pure compounds, i.e., menthol and
      thymol, showed potent effects with 50 ug/ml concentration at day 2 and day 5 PT,
      respectively. These effects were compared with those of albendazole sulfoxide
      (800 ug/ml), a commonly used treatment drug for hydatidosis. Krebs-Ringer
      solution and the hydatid cystic fluid at a ratio of 4:1 was a good preservative
      solution which kept the protoscolices viable for 15 days.

PMID- 22072826
TI  - Two cases of human thelaziasis and brief review of Korean cases.
AB  - The present study was performed to describe 2 cases of human thelaziasis (HT)
      which occurred in Gyeongsangnam- do and to briefly review the previously reported
      Korean cases. A 58-year old woman, residing in Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, came
      to Gyeongsang National University Hospital (GNUH) complaining of foreign body
      sensation and itching of the right eye in March 2000. Total 6 adult nematodes of
      Thelazia callipaeda (2 males and 4 females) were detected in her right eye. A 80
      year old man, residing in Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, came to GNUH complaining of
      foreign body sensation, itching, and pain of the right eye in December 2007. A
      total of 5 worms (4 females and 1 degenerated) were removed from his right eye.
      We analyzed characteristics of the total 39 Korean HT cases reported to date,
      including the present 2 cases. Most of the cases (71.8%) occurred in Seoul and
      Gyeonggi-do before 2000, and 21 cases (53.8%) were males and 18 (46.2%) were
      females. The prevalence was higher in younger ages below 30 years (48.7%) than 31
      60 years (41.0%) and over 61 years (10.3%). The seasonal prevalence showed a
      higher incidence in autumn (43.6%) than in other seasons. Most of the cases
      (94.9%) were conjunctival sac infections and only 2 (5.1%) were intraocular
      cases. The present 2 HT cases are the first reported cases in Gyeongsangnam-do.
      Some characteristics of Korean HT cases were analyzed.

PMID- 22072827
TI  - Hypersensitive reaction to praziquantel in a clonorchiasis patient.
AB  - Praziquantel is the drug of choice for clonorchiasis. Since clonorchiasis is
      endemic in most river basins, praziquantel has been widely used for 30 years in
      Korea. A 54-year-old Korean woman suffered from hypersensitive reactions, such as
      nausea, dyspnea, rash, and urticaria after taking the first dose of praziquantel
      to treat clonorchiasis. She ingested one dose again and the same symptoms
      appeared, and she was treated at a clinic with anti-histamines. She tried one
      more dose with anti-histamines but found the same symptoms. Later, she was found
      to pass eggs of Clonorchis sinensis and medicated with flubendazole. The
      hypersensitive reaction to praziquantel is rare but occurs. This is the 5th case
      report in the world.

PMID- 22072828
TI  - Cystic echinococcosis of the pelvic bone with recurrences: a case report.
AB  - Hydatid cysts commonly affect the liver and the lung. However, they rarely
      involve bones with vertebral column. We hereby report a case of a female patient
      with cystic echinococcosis of the hip bone and ilium. She presented with a long
      history of frequent recurrences highlighting the dismal prognosis at this rare
      site. Resection of the hydatid cyst from the sacroiliac region was done with
      allograft and autograft (rib graft) with lumbosacroiliac fixation. Follow-up of
      the patient at 6 months showed no detectable abnormality on radiology and the
      patient was doing well.

PMID- 22072829
TI  - PCR diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica cysts in stool samples.
AB  - Amebiasis is a protozoan disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica and a potential
      health threat in areas where sanitation and hygiene are inappropriate. Highly
      sensitive PCR methods for detection of E. histolytica in clinical and
      environmental samples are extremely useful to control amebiasis and to promote
      public health. The present study compared several primer sets for small subunit
      (SSU) rDNA and histone genes of E. histolytica cysts. A 246 bp of the SSU rDNA
      gene of pure cysts contained in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and in stool
      samples was successfully amplified by nested PCR, using the 1,147-246 bp primer
      set, of the primary PCR products which were pre-amplified using the 1,147 bp
      primer as the template. The detection limit of the nested PCR using the 1,147-246
      primer set was 10 cysts in both groups (PBS and stool samples). The PCR to detect
      histone gene showed negative results. We propose that the nested PCR technique to
      detect SSU rDNA can be used as a highly sensitive genetic method to detect E.
      histolytica cysts in stool samples.

PMID- 22072830
TI  - Naegleria fowleri lysate induces strong cytopathic effects and pro-inflammatory
      cytokine release in rat microglial cells.
AB  - Naegleria fowleri, a ubiquitous free-living ameba, causes fatal primary amebic
      meningoencephalitis in humans. N. fowleri trophozoites are known to induce
      cytopathic changes upon contact with microglial cells, including necrotic and
      apoptotic cell death and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. In this study, we
      treated rat microglial cells with amebic lysate to probe contact-independent
      mechanisms for cytotoxicity, determining through a combination of light
      microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy whether N. fowleri
      lysate could effect on both necrosis and apoptosis on microglia in a time- as
      well as dose-dependent fashion. A (51)Cr release assay demonstrated pronounced
      lysate induction of cytotoxicity (71.5%) toward microglial cells by 24 hr after
      its addition to cultures. In an assay of pro-inflammatory cytokine release,
      microglial cells treated with N. fowleri lysate produced TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL
      1beta, though generation of the former 2 cytokines was reduced with time, and
      that of the last increased throughout the experimental period. In summary, N.
      fowleri lysate exerted strong cytopathic effects on microglial cells, and
      elicited pro-inflammatory cytokine release as a primary immune response.

PMID- 22072831
TI  - NF-kappaB and CREB are involved in IL-8 production of human neutrophils induced
      by Trichomonas vaginalis-derived secretory products.
AB  - Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated lumen-dwelling extracellular protozoan
      parasite that causes human trichomoniasis via sexual intercourse. Human
      neutrophils play a crucial role in acute tissue inflammatory responses in T.
      vaginalis infection. In this study, we investigated the signaling mechanism of
      neutrophil responses when stimulated with T. vaginalis-derived secretory products
      (TvSP), which were collected from 1*10(7) live trichomonads. Incubation of human
      neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood with TvSP induced up-regulation of IL
      8 protein secretion. In addition, stimulation with TvSP induced phosphorylation
      of NF-kappaB and CREB in neutrophils. Moreover, TvSP-induced IL-8 production was
      also significantly inhibited by pretreatment of neutrophils with ikappaB
      inhibitor or CREB inhibitor. These results suggest that transcription factors NF
      kappaB and CREB are involved in IL-8 production in human neutrophils induced by
      stimulation with T. vaginalis infection.

PMID- 22072832
TI  - Lactobacillus acidophilus contributes to a healthy environment for vaginal
      epithelial cells.
AB  - Lactobacillus species in the female genital tract are thought to act as a barrier
      to infection. Several studies have demonstrated that lactobacilli can adhere to
      vaginal epithelial cells. However, little is known about how the adherence of
      lactobacilli to vaginal epithelial cells affects the acidity, cell viability, or
      proliferation of the lactobacilli themselves or those of vaginal epithelial
      cells. Lactobacillus acidophilus was co-cultured with immortalized human vaginal
      epithelial cells (MS74 cell line), and the growth of L. acidophilus and the
      acidity of the culture medium were measured. MS74 cell density and viability were
      also assessed by counting cell numbers and observing the cell attachment state.
      L. acidophilus showed exponential growth for the first 6 hr until 9 hr, and the
      pH was maintained close to 4.0-5.0 at 24 hr after culture, consistent with
      previous studies. The growth curve of L. acidophilus or the pH values were
      relatively unaffected by co-culture with MS74 cells, confirming that L.
      acidophilus maintains a low pH in the presence of MS74 cells. This co-culture
      model could therefore potentially be used to mimic vaginal conditions for future
      in vitro studies. On the other hand, MS74 cells co-cultured with L. acidophilus
      more firmly attached to the culture plate, and a higher number of cells were
      present compared to cells cultured in the absence of L. acidophilus. These
      results indicate that L. acidophilus increases MS74 cell proliferation and
      viability, suggesting that lactobacilli may contribute to the healthy environment
      for vaginal epithelial cells.

PMID- 22072833
TI  - Effects of simple and disposable chicken cages for experimental Eimeria
      infections.
AB  - During experimental Eimeria infections in chickens, facilities are often
      contaminated by fecal oocysts known to be highly resistant to both chemical and
      enzymatic treatments. Thus, studies using experimental Eimeria infections have
      been limited due to the difficulty of complete elimination of residual oocysts
      from both cages and facilities. To overcome this limitation, simple, inexpensive,
      and disposable cages were constructed from cardboard boxes and tested during
      experimental Eimeria maxima infections. The cages were used in animal rooms with
      only a 1.7% evidence of coccidia contamination between adjacent cages. No
      significant differences in fecal oocyst output and body weight gain were noted
      between animals housed in disposable cages and animals housed in wire control
      cages. This cage design is a useful means for preventing oocyst contamination
      during experimental conditions, suggesting that this disposable cage design could
      be used for other avian infectious disease studies.

PMID- 22072834
TI  - Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice treated with silk protein by
      enhanced immune responses.
AB  - This study investigated whether elevated host immune capacity can inhibit T.
      gondii infection. For this purpose, we used silk protein extracted from Bombyx
      mori cocoons as a natural supplement to augment immune capacity. After silk
      protein administration to BALB/c mice for 6 weeks, ratios of T lymphocytes
      (CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells) and splenocyte proliferative capacities in response
      to Con A or T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA) were increased. Of various cytokines,
      which regulate immune systems, Th1 cytokines, such as IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-12,
      were obviously increased in splenocyte primary cell cultures. Furthermore, the
      survival of T. gondii (RH strain)-infected mice increased from 2 days to 5 or
      more days. In a state of immunosuppression induced by methylprednisolone acetate,
      silk protein-administered mice were resistant to reduction in T-lymphocyte
      (CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells) numbers and the splenocyte proliferative capacity
      induced by Con A or TLA with a statistical significance. Taken together, our
      results suggest that silk protein augments immune capacity in mice and the
      increased cellular immunity by silk protein administration increases host
      protection against acute T. gondii infection.

PMID- 22072835
TI  - Maintained seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the residents of Jeju island,
      Korea.
AB  - Seroepidemiological status of toxoplasmosis among the residents of Jeju island
      was surveyed and evaluated by ELISA with crude extract of Toxoplasma gondii. The
      sera of 2,348 residents (male 1,157 and female 1,191) were collected and checked
      for the IgG antibody titers, which showed 13.2% positive rate (309 sera). The
      positive rates were increasing gradually according to the age from 4.3% in
      teenage to 20.6% in seventies. The positive rates were significantly different
      between the sex by 16.2% for male and 10.2% for female (P<0.05). This positive
      rate of toxoplasmosis in Jeju island residents is regarded relatively higher than
      any other regions of Korea. And the high positive rate may be maintained
      continuously among Jeju island residents without any clear reasons until now but
      due to some parts peculiar socio-cultural tradition of Jeju island. Therefore, it
      is necessary to study further the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis of Jeju island.

PMID- 22072836
TI  - Mosquito species composition and Plasmodium vivax infection rates on Baengnyeong
      do (island), Republic of Korea.
AB  - Vivax malaria is a significant military and civilian health threat in the north
      of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The island of Baengnyeong-do is the westernmost
      point of the ROK and is located close to the southwestern coast of the Democratic
      People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Mosquitoes were collected using a black light
      trap on Baengnyeong-do, and Anopheles spp. were assayed by PCR, to identify the
      species, and screened for sporozoites of Plasmodium vivax. Of a subsample of 257
      mosquitoes, Anopheles lesteri was the most frequently collected (49.8%), followed
      by Anopheles sinensis (22.6%), Anopheles pullus (18.7%), Anopheles kleini (7.8%),
      and Anopheles belenrae (1.2%). The overall sporozoite rate was 3.1%, with the
      highest rates observed in An. kleini (15.0%), An. sinensis (5.2%), and An.
      lesteri (1.6%). No sporozoite positive An. pullus or An. belenrae were observed.
      The results extend our knowledge of the distribution and potential role in
      malaria transmission of An. kleini, An. lesteri, and An. sinensis, for an area
      previously considered to be at a low risk for contracting vivax malaria.

PMID- 22072837
TI  - The Jeju weasel, Mustela sibilica quelpartis, a new definitive host for
      Gnathostoma nipponicum Yamaguti, 1941.
AB  - Adult gnathostomes were discovered in the stomach of the Jeju weasel, Mustela
      sibilica quelpartis, road-killed in Jeju-do (Province). Their morphological
      characters were examined to identify the species. Total 50 gnathostome adults
      were collected from 6 out of 10 weasels examined. In infected weasels, 4-6 worms
      were grouped and embedded in each granulomatous gastric tumor, except 1 weasel.
      Male worms were 25.0*1.4 mm in average size, and had a tail with pedunculate
      papillae, a spicule, and minute tegumental spines. Females were 40.0*2.5 mm in
      average size, and had a tail without tegumental spines. Pointed and posteriorly
      curved hooklets were arranged in 8-10 rows on the head bulb. Tegumental spines
      were distributed from behind the head bulb to the middle portion of the body. The
      spines were different in size and shape by the distribution level of the body
      surface. Fertilized eggs were 65.5*38.9 um in average size, and had a mucoid plug
      at 1 pole. These gnathostomes from Jeju weasels were identified as Gnathostoma
      nipponicum Yamaguti, 1941. By the present study, it was confirmed for the first
      time that G. nipponicum is distributed in Jeju-do, the Republic of Korea, and the
      Jeju weasel, M. sibilica quelpartis, plays a crucial role for its definitive
      host.

PMID- 22072838
TI  - Enterobius vermicularis eggs discovered in coprolites from a medieval Korean
      mummy.
AB  - While the presence of pinworm eggs in archaeological samples has been reported by
      many researchers in the New World, those have been detected very scarcely in the
      Old World, especially in East Asian countries. In fact, many parasite species
      were recovered from the archeological remains in Korea, eggs of Enterobius
      vermicularis had not been found. Recently, a female mummy buried in the 17th
      century was discovered in the Joseon tomb from Dangjin-gun, Chungcheongnam-do,
      Korea. After rehydration process for 12 days, investigations were carried on the
      luminal surface of the colon. From them, 3 eggs of E. vermicularis were
      recovered. They were elliptical, transparent with a thin egg shell, 50.3+/-5.2 um
      (length) and 28.2+/-3.9 um (width) in size. This is the first discovery of E.
      vermicularis eggs in East Asia.

PMID- 22072839
TI  - Discovery of taeniid eggs from a 17th century tomb in Korea.
AB  - Even though Taenia spp. eggs are occasionally discovered from archeological
      remains around the world, these eggs have never been discovered in ancient
      samples from Korea. When we attempted to re-examine the archeological samples
      maintained in our collection, the eggs of Taenia spp., 5 in total number, were
      recovered from a tomb of Gongju-si. The eggs had radially striated embryophore,
      and 37.5-40.0 um*37.5 um in size. This is the first report on taeniid eggs from
      ancient samples of Korea, and it is suggested that intensive examination of
      voluminous archeological samples should be needed for identification of Taenia
      spp.

PMID- 22072840
TI  - Ticks collected from selected mammalian hosts surveyed in the Republic of Korea
      during 2008-2009.
AB  - A tick survey was conducted to determine the relative abundance and distribution
      of ticks associated with selected mammals in the Republic of Korea (ROK) during
      2008-2009. A total of 918 ticks were collected from 76 mammals (6 families, 9
      species) captured at 6 provinces and 3 Metropolitan Cities in ROK. Haemaphysalis
      longicornis (54.4%) was the most frequently collected tick, followed by
      Haemaphysalis flava (28.5%), Ixodes nipponensis (7.6%), Ixodes pomerantzevi
      (4.8%), Ixodes persulcatus (4.6%), and Haemaphysalis japonica (0.1%). Adults
      (57.0%) and nymphs (28.7%) of Ixodes and Haemaphysalis spp. were collected most
      frequently from medium or large mammals in this survey, while few larvae (14.3%)
      were collected. Hydropotes inermis was the most frequently captured mammal
      (52.6%), with a 16.4 tick index and 5 of 6 species of ticks collected during this
      survey. H. longicornis (69.7%) was the predominant tick collected from H.
      inermis, followed by H. flava (22.2%), I. persulcatus (6.1%), I. nipponensis
      (1.8%), and H. japonica (0.2%).

PMID- 22072841
TI  - Predicting overt and covert antisocial behaviors: parents, peers, and
      homelessness.
AB  - Parental deviance, parental monitoring, and deviant peers were examined as
      predictors of overt and covert antisocial behaviors. Homeless (N=231) and housed
      (N=143) adolescents were assessed in adolescence and again in early adulthood.
      Homelessness predicted both types of antisocial behaviors, and effects persisted
      in young adulthood. Parental deviance predicted only overt antisocial behaviors
      in adolescence, and was fully mediated by parental monitoring. Parental
      monitoring predicted both types of antisocial behaviors in adolescence, and was
      partially mediated by peer deviance. Parenting and peer influences did not
      consistently predict antisocial behaviors in adulthood.

PMID- 22072842
TI  - Engagement in Adulthood: Perceptions and Participation in Daily Activities.
AB  - The present research explores how older adults experience daily activities
      through an application of the Day Reconstruction Method (Kahneman, Kreuger,
      Schakade, Schwartz, & Stone, 2004). Over the course of the day, individuals (N =
      192, M = 72 years) spent an average of 14.50 hours engaged in a variety of
      activities. Individual differences in activity patterns could be partly explained
      by age and educational attainment. The oldest individuals (81-92 years) perceived
      lower levels of competence when engaging in daily activities. Regardless of age,
      however, individuals with greater educational attainment allocated more time and
      felt more intellectually challenged in their daily experiences.

PMID- 22072843
TI  - Challenges to Aging in Place: Understanding Home Maintenance Difficulties.
AB  - Age-related declines in capabilities may compromise older adults' ability to
      maintain their homes thus threatening successful aging in place. Structured
      interviews were conducted with forty-four independently living older adults
      (M(age) = 76.1, SD = 4.7) to discuss difficult home maintenance tasks and how
      they managed those tasks. Solutions to managing difficulties were categorized as
      person-related or environment-related. The majority (85%) of responses were
      person-related solutions. An understanding of the specific challenges that older
      adults face in maintaining their homes can guide redesign efforts and
      interventions to effectively support older adults' desire to age in place.

PMID- 22072844
TI  - Posttraumatic Stress and Alcohol Use Motives: A Test of the Incremental and
      Mediating Role of Distress Tolerance.
AB  - This investigation first examined the incremental validity of distress tolerance
      in terms of alcohol use coping motives within a trauma-exposed community sample
      of adults, beyond the variance contributed by posttraumatic stress symptom
      severity, difficulties in emotion regulation, alcohol consumption, and other
      (noncriterion) alcohol use motives. Secondly, the potential mediating role of
      distress tolerance in the association between posttraumatic stress symptom
      severity and alcohol use coping motives was tested. Participants were 83
      community-recruited individuals (63.8% women; M(age) = 22.98, SD = 9.24) who
      endorsed exposure to at least one traumatic life event and past-month alcohol
      use. Participants were assessed using structured diagnostic interviews and a
      series of self-report inventories. Results were consistent with hypotheses,
      because distress tolerance was significantly and incrementally associated with
      alcohol use coping motives; and distress tolerance at least partially mediated
      the association between posttraumatic stress and alcohol use coping motives.
      Theoretical and clinical implications as well as future directions regarding the
      association between distress tolerance and alcohol use motives among trauma
      exposed persons are discussed.

PMID- 22072845
TI  - Selection criteria for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy in gastric cancer.
AB  - Peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer is associated with a dismal
      prognosis. Systemic chemotherapy is not effective because of the existence of a
      blood-peritoneal barrier. Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy
      can improve survival and quality of life in selected patients. Patient selection
      for this multimodal approach is one of the most critical issues, and calls for
      interdisciplinary evaluation by radiologists, medical and surgical oncologists,
      and anaesthetists. This article sets forth criteria for selection of gastric
      cancer patients suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis.

PMID- 22072846
TI  - Distinct colonoscopy findings of microscopic colitis: not so microscopic after
      all?
AB  - Microscopic colitis (MC) is considered an "umbrella term", comprising two
      subtypes, i.e., collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). They are
      classically associated with normal or unremarkable colonoscopy. In the last few
      years, reports have been published revealing findings that are thought to be
      characteristic or pathognomonic of MC, especially CC. A systematic electronic and
      manual search of PubMed and EMBASE (to December 2010), for publications on
      distinct endoscopic findings in MC, resulted in 42 relevant reports for inclusion
      in this review. Eighty eight patients with collagenous colitis were presented.
      Only one publication describing a distinct endoscopic pattern in LC was found.
      Typical findings in CC are alteration of the vascular mucosal pattern, mucosal
      nodularity, a sequence of change from mucosal defects to mucosal cicatricial
      lesions, and perhaps (although of doubtful relevance) mucosal pseudomembranes. A
      causal connection of mucosal defects with the use of lansoprazole seems to exist.
      Adoption of the proposed lesion description herein is recommended in order to
      improve homogeneity of future reports.

PMID- 22072847
TI  - Optimizing 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine therapy in the management of
      inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - The thiopurine drugs, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and azathioprine, are efficacious
      in the arsenal of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy. Previous reports
      indicate that 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) levels correlate with therapeutic
      efficacy, whereas high 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) levels are associated with
      hepatotoxicity and myelotoxicity. Due to their complex metabolism, there is wide
      individual variation in patient response therein, both in achieving therapeutic
      drug levels as well as in developing adverse reactions. Several strategies to
      optimize 6-TGN while minimizing 6-MMP levels have been adopted to administer the
      thiopurine class of drugs to patients who otherwise would not tolerate these
      drugs due to side-effects. In this report, we will review different approaches to
      administer the thiopurine medications, including the administration of 6
      mercaptopurine in those unsuccessfully treated with azathioprine; co
      administration of thiopurine with allopurinol; co-administration of thiopurine
      with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha; 6-TGN administration; desensitization
      trials; and split dosing of 6-MP.

PMID- 22072849
TI  - Hepatic steatosis prevents heme oxygenase-1 induction by isoflurane in the rat
      liver.
AB  - AIM: To characterize the inductive effects of isoflurane (ISO) on hepatic heme
      oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in an animal model of hepatic steatosis. METHODS: Lean (LEAN)
      and obese (FAT) Zucker rats were randomized into 4 groups: 1: LEAN +
      pentobarbital sodium (PEN); 2: LEAN + ISO; 3: FAT + PEN; 4: FAT + ISO. The
      animals were mechanically ventilated for 6 h. In vitro analyses of liver tissue
      included determination of HO-1 mRNA and protein expression as well as measurement
      of HO enzyme activity and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Compared to PEN
      treatment, ISO administration profoundly induced hepatic HO-1 mRNA and protein
      expression and significantly increased HO enzyme activity in lean Zucker rats. In
      contrast, no difference in HO-1 gene expression was observed after ISO or PEN
      anesthesia in obese Zucker rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that
      ISO is an inducer of hepatic HO-1 gene expression in non-steatotic organs but
      failed to upregulate HO-1 in steatotic livers.

PMID- 22072848
TI  - Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia: focus on current treatment
      options.
AB  - High-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the critical step
      before invasive esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although its natural history remains
      unclear, an aggressive therapeutic approach is usually indicated. Esophagectomy
      represents the only treatment able to reliably eradicate the neoplastic
      epithelium. In healthy patients with reasonable life expectancy, vagal-sparing
      esophagectomy, with associated low mortality and low early and late postoperative
      morbidity, is considered the treatment of choice for BE with HGD. Patients unfit
      for surgery should be managed in a less aggressive manner, using endoscopic
      ablation or endoscopic mucosal resection of the entire BE segment, followed by
      lifelong surveillance. Patients eligible for surgery who present with a long BE
      segment, multifocal dysplastic lesions, severe reflux symptoms, a large fixed
      hiatal hernia or dysphagia comprise a challenging group with regard to the
      appropriate treatment, either surgical or endoscopic.

PMID- 22072850
TI  - Decreased accumulation of ultrasound contrast in the liver of nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis rat model.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using
      contrast ultrasonography in the NASH rat model. METHODS: The liver in methionine
      choline-deficient diet (MCDD) rats, a NASH model constructed by feeding an MCDD,
      was examined by contrast ultrasonography at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16, with late
      phase images of contrast ultrasonography (Kupffer imaging) in which contrast
      enhancement was achieved by incorporation of a contrast agent by Kupffer cells
      (KCs), and images were compared to those in rats taking a regular chow. RESULTS:
      Decrease in contrast enhancement was observed first in MCDD rats at week 2. KCs
      were counted based on immunohistochemistry, but their numbers were not reduced
      and it was assumed that attenuation of contrast enhancement was attributable to
      reduced phagocytic activity of the KCs. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that clinical
      application of contrast ultrasonography may be valuable for non-invasive
      diagnosis of NASH.

PMID- 22072851
TI  - Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the
      treatment of defecation disorders.
AB  - AIM: To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal
      resection (STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment, and whether
      preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can
      predict the outcome of STARR. METHODS: Thirty patients (Female, 28; age: 51 +/- 9
      years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception, a defecation disorder, and
      functional constipation were submitted for STARR. Thirty comparable patients
      (Female, 30; age 53 +/- 13 years), who presented with symptoms of rectocele or
      rectal intussusception and were treated with macrogol, were assessed. Patients
      were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire at study enrollment and 38 +/-
      18 mo after the STARR procedure or during macrogol treatment. A responder was
      defined as an absence of the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional
      constipation. Defecography and rectoanal manometry were performed before and
      after the STARR procedure in 16 and 12 patients, respectively. RESULTS: After
      STARR, 53% of patients were responders; during conservative treatment, 75% were
      responders. After STARR, 30% of the patients reported the use of laxatives, 17%
      had intermittent anal pain, 13% had anal leakage, 13% required digital
      facilitation, 6% experienced defecatory urgency, 6% experienced fecal
      incontinence, and 6% required re-intervention. During macrogol therapy, 23% of
      the patients complained of abdominal bloating and 13% of borborygmi, and 3%
      required digital facilitation. No preoperative symptom, defecographic, or
      manometric finding predicted the outcome of STARR. Post-operative defecography
      showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the rectal diameter
      and rectocele. The post-operative anorectal manometry showed that anal pressure
      and rectal sensitivity were not significantly modified, and that rectal
      compliance was reduced (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: STARR is not better and is less
      safe than macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders. It could be
      considered as an alternative therapy in patients unresponsive to macrogol.

PMID- 22072852
TI  - Comparison of Milan and UCSF criteria for liver transplantation to treat
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: To assess the validity of the Milan and University of California San
      Francisco (UCSF) criteria and examine the long-term outcome of orthotopic liver
      transplantation (OLT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a single
      center study. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of prospectively
      collected data. Between 1998 and 2009, 56 of 356 OLTs were performed in patients
      with HCC. Based on pathological examination of liver explants, patients were
      retrospectively categorized into 3 grou-ps: Milan + (n = 34), Milan -/UCSF + (n =
      7) and UCSF - (n = 14). RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 39.5 (1-124) mo. The
      5-year overall survival rates in the Milan +, Milan -/UCSF + and UCSF-groups were
      87.7%, 53.6% and 33.3%, respectively (P < 0.000). Within these groups, tumor
      recurrence was determined in 5.8%, 14.3% and 40% of patients, respectively (P <
      0.011). Additionally, the presence of microvascular invasion within the explanted
      liver had a negative effect on the 5-year disease free survival (74.7% vs. 46.7%,
      P < 0.044). CONCLUSION: The Milan criteria are reliable in the selection of
      suitable candidates for OLT for the treatment of HCC. For cases of OLT involving
      living donors, the UCSF criteria may be applied.

PMID- 22072853
TI  - Efficacy of premedication with activated Dimethicone or N-acetylcysteine in
      improving visibility during upper endoscopy.
AB  - AIM: To assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and activated Dimethicone
      in improving endoscopic mucosal visibility. METHODS: A total of 148 patients were
      randomly allocated into four groups to receive one of the following
      premedications: group A: 100 mL water alone; group B: activated Dimethicone plus
      water (up to 100 mL); group C: NAC plus water (up to 100 mL); and group D:
      activated Dimethicone and NAC plus water (up to 100 mL). A single endoscopist
      blinded to the patients group assessed the gastric mucosal visibility scores
      (range 1-4) at four sites. The sum of the scores from the four sites was
      considered as the total mucosal visibility score (TMVS). RESULTS: The patients in
      group B showed a significantly lower TMVS than those of groups A and C (P <
      0.001). The TMVS in patients of group D was significantly lower than that of
      groups A and C (P < 0.001). The TMVS did not significantly differ between groups
      B and D (P > 0.05). The difference between TMVS of groups C and A was not
      significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Premedication with activated Dimethicone 20
      min prior to the upper endoscopy leads to the best visibility. NAC does not
      improve visualization by itself.

PMID- 22072854
TI  - Usefulness of fecal lactoferrin in predicting and monitoring the clinical
      severity of infectious diarrhea.
AB  - AIM: To explore the value of fecal lactoferrin in predicting and monitoring the
      clinical severity of infectious diarrhea. METHODS: Patients with acute infectious
      diarrhea ranging from 3 mo to 10 years in age were enrolled, and one to three
      stool samples from each subject were collected. Certain parameters, including
      white blood cells /differential count, C-reactive protein, fecal mucus, fecal pus
      cells, duration of fever, vomiting, diarrhea and severity (indicated by Clark and
      Vesikari scores), were recorded and analyzed. Fecal lactoferrin was determined by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared in different pathogen and disease
      activity. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were also used for analysis.
      RESULTS: Data included 226 evaluations for 117 individuals across three different
      time points. Fecal lactoferrin was higher in patients with Salmonella (11.17
      MUg/g +/- 2.73 MUg/g) or Campylobacter (10.32 MUg/g +/- 2.94 MUg/g) infections
      and lower in patients with rotavirus (2.82 MUg/g +/- 1.27 MUg/g) or norovirus
      (3.16 MUg/g +/- 1.18 MUg/g) infections. Concentrations of fecal lactoferrin were
      significantly elevated in patients with severe (11.32 MUg/g +/- 3.29 MUg/g) or
      moderate (3.77 MUg/g +/- 2.08 MUg/g) disease activity compared with subjects with
      mild (1.51 MUg/g +/- 1.36 MUg/g) disease activity (P < 0.05). GEE analysis
      suggests that this marker could be used to monitor the severity and course of
      gastrointestinal infections and may provide information for disease management.
      CONCLUSION: Fecal lactoferrin increased during bacterial infection and with
      greater disease severity and may be a good marker for predicting and monitoring
      intestinal inflammation in children with infectious diarrhea.

PMID- 22072855
TI  - Aberrant methylation of the 3q25 tumor suppressor gene PTX3 in human esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: To identify the novel methylation-silenced gene pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: PTX3 mRNA expression was
      examined in six human ESCC cell lines, one human immortalized normal esophageal
      epithelial cell line, primary ESCC tumor tissue, and paired adjacent nontumor
      tissue using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Semi
      quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to examine cellular localisation and
      protein levels. Methylation specific PCR and bisulphite genomic sequencing were
      employed to investigate the methylation of the candidate gene. RESULTS: In the
      majority of ESCC cell lines, we found that PTX3 expression was down-regulated due
      to gene promoter hypermethylation, which was further confirmed by bisulphite
      genomic sequencing. Demethylation treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored
      PTX3 mRNA expression in ESCC cell lines. Methylation was more common in tumor
      tissues (85%) than in adjacent nontumor tissues (25%) (P < 0 .01). CONCLUSION:
      PTX3 is down-regulated through promoter hypermethylation in ESCC, and could
      potentially serve as a biomarker of ESCC.

PMID- 22072856
TI  - Role of Kasai procedure in surgery of hilar bile duct strictures.
AB  - AIM: To assess the application of the Kasai procedure in the surgical management
      of hilar bile duct strictures. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients between 2005 and
      2011 with hilar bile duct strictures who underwent the Kasai procedure were
      retrospectively analyzed. Kasai portoenterostomy with the placement of biliary
      stents was performed in all patients. Clinical characteristics, postoperative
      complications, and long-term outcomes were analyzed. All patients were followed
      up for 2-60 mo postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients were classified according to
      the Bismuth classification of biliary strictures. There were two Bismuth III and
      eight Bismuth IV lesions. Six lesions were benign and four were malignant. Of the
      benign lesions, three were due to post-cholecystectomy injury, one to trauma, one
      to inflammation, and one to inflammatory pseudotumor. Of the malignant lesions,
      four were due to hilar cholangiocarcinoma. All patients underwent Kasai
      portoenterostomy with the placement of biliary stents. There were no
      perioperative deaths. One patient experienced anastomotic leak and was managed
      conservatively. No other complications occurred perioperatively. During the
      follow-up period, all patients reported a good quality of life. CONCLUSION: The
      Kasai procedure combined with biliary stents may be appropriate for patients with
      hilar biliary stricture that cannot be managed by standard surgical methods.

PMID- 22072857
TI  - Three initial diets for management of mild acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: To compare non-liquid and clear-liquid diets, and to assess whether the
      latter is the optimal treatment for mild acute pancreatitis. METHODS: The
      Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, EBM review databases, Science Citation Index
      Expanded, and several Chinese databases were searched up to March 2011.
      Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared non-liquid with clear-liquid
      diets in patients with mild acute pancreatitis were included. A meta-analysis was
      performed using available evidence from RCTs. RESULTS: Three RCTs of adequate
      quality involving a total of 362 participants were included in the final
      analysis. Compared to liquid diet, non-liquid diet significantly decreased the
      length of hospitalization [mean difference (MD): 1.18, 95% CI: 0.82-1.55;
      P<0.00001] and total length of hospitalization (MD: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.45-2.17; P =
      0.003). The subgroup analysis showed solid diet was more favorable than clear
      liquid diet in the length of hospitalization, with a pooled MD being -1.05 (95%
      CI: -1.43 to -0.66; P<0.00001). However, compared with clear liquid diet, both
      soft and solid diets did not show any significant differences for recurrence of
      pain after re-feeding, either alone [relative risk (RR): 0.95; 95% CI: 0.51-1.87;
      P = 0.88] and (RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.69-2.16; P = 0.49), respectively, or analyzed
      together as non-liquid diet (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.47-1.36; P = 0.41). CONCLUSION:
      The non-liquid soft or solid diet did not increase pain recurrence after re
      feeding, compared with the clear-liquid diet. The non-liquid diet reduced
      hospitalization.

PMID- 22072859
TI  - Johanson-Blizzard syndrome.
AB  - Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease
      characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hypoplastic or aplastic nasal
      alae, cutis aplasia on the scalp, and other features including developmental
      delay, failure to thrive, hearing loss, mental retardation, hypothyroidism,
      dental abnormalities, and anomalies in cardiac and genitourinary systems. More
      than 60 cases of this syndrome have been reported to date. We describe the case
      of a male infant with typical symptoms of JBS. In addition, a new clinical
      feature which has not previously been documented, that is anemia requiring
      frequent blood transfusions and mild to moderate thrombocytopenia was observed. A
      molecular study was performed which revealed a novel homozygous UBR1 mutation.
      Possible explanations for this new association are discussed.

PMID- 22072858
TI  - Integration of human papillomavirus 18 DNA in esophageal carcinoma 109 cells.
AB  - AIM: To detect human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in esophageal carcinoma (EC) 109
      cells and investigate the relationship between HPV and EC. METHODS: Genomic DNA
      and total RNA from EC109 cells were isolated. HPV DNA was detected by polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) with the general primer sets of My09/11 and GP5 +/6 + for
      the HPV L1 gene and type-specific primer sets for HPV18 E6 and HPV18 E6-E7.
      Reverse transcription (RT) of mRNA isolated from EC109 cells was performed to
      produce a cDNA. And then a PCR-based protocol for the amplification of
      papillomavirus oncogene transcripts was used to analyze HPV18 DNA and integrated
      transcripts of HPV18 in the chromosomes of EC109 cells. The final nested PCR
      products were cloned into a pMD-18T vector and sequenced to analyze the
      chromosomal location of HPV integration. RESULTS: HPV18 DNA was detected in EC109
      cells by PCR using the general primer sets of My09/11 and GP5 +/6 + for HPV L1
      and the type-specific primer sets for HPV18 E6 and E6-E7 to generate products of
      450 bp, 150 bp, 335 bp and 944 bp, respectively. Approximately 600 bp of
      integrated HPV18-specific transcript was identified. The final nested PCR product
      of integrated HPV18 DNA was cloned into a pMD-18T vector and sequenced to analyze
      the chromosomal location of HPV integration. Sequence alignment showed that the
      HPV18 sequence from EC109 cells was identical to that of the encoded early
      protein E7-E1 of the standard HPV18 strain X05015, and another partial gene
      sequence was identical to a partial sequence of human chromosome 8. CONCLUSION:
      Integration of the HPV genome into the host cell chromosome suggests that
      persistent HPV infection is vital for malignant cell transformation and
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22072860
TI  - Count-Rate Performance of the Discovery STE PET Scanner Using Partial
      Collimation.
AB  - We investigated the use of partial collimation on a clinical PET scanner by
      removing septa from conventional 2D collimators. The goal is to improve noise
      equivalent count-rates (NEC) compared to 2D and 3D scans for clinically relevant
      activity concentrations. We evaluated two cases: removing half of the septa
      (2.5D); and removing two-thirds of the septa (2.7D). System performance was first
      modeled using the SimSET simulation package, and then measured with the NEMA NU2
      2001 count-rate cylinder (20 cm dia., 70 cm long), and 27 cm and 35 cm diameter
      cylinders of the same length. An image quality phantom was also imaged with the
      2.7D collimator. SimSET predicted the relative NEC curves very well, as confirmed
      by measurements, with 2.5D and 2.7D NEC greater than 2D and 3D NEC in the range
      of ~5-20 mCi in the phantom. We successfully reconstructed images of the image
      quality phantom from measured 2.7D data using custom 2.7D normalization. Partial
      collimation shows promise for optimized clinical imaging in a fixed-collimator
      system.

PMID- 22072861
TI  - Simulations of the Effect of Collimation on Count Rates of an LSO PET System.
AB  - We present a simulation study of the effect of different degrees of collimation
      on countrate performance of a hypothetical PET scanner with LSO crystals. The
      simulated scanner is loosely based on the geometry of the Siemens Biograph Hi-Rez
      scanner.System behavior is studied with a photon tracking simulation package
      (SimSET).We investigate the NEMA NU2-2001 count rate and scatter fraction
      behavior for systems with different amounts of collimation, which is achieved by
      adding septa to the fully-3D system as in clinical use. We study systems with 2,
      5, 11, and 40 septa. The effect of collimation is studied for three patient
      thicknesses.The resulting count rate curves for true, scattered, and random
      coincidences as well as noise equivalent count rates are compared for the
      different collimation cases. Improved countrate performance with partial
      collimation is seen. However, except for the largest diameter phantom, the NEC
      rate increase is seen at higher activities than those used clinically.The NEC
      countrate versus activity curves for the LSO systems are also compared to those
      from a BGO system where partial collimation increases NEC countrate over a
      clinically relevant activity range.

PMID- 22072862
TI  - Design and Implementation of a Block Detector Simulation in SimSET.
AB  - SimSET (a Simulation System for Emission Tomography) is being modified to more
      accurately simulate typical PET block detector tomographs. A new detector module
      that models the detector system as a collection of rectangular boxes is being
      added to the software. The new model is sufficiently general to allow many more
      imaginative or speculative detector systems to be simulated.

PMID- 22072863
TI  - Phase I dose escalation safety study of nanoparticulate paclitaxel (CTI 52010) in
      normal dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is highly effective in the treatment of many cancers in
      humans, but cannot be routinely used in dogs as currently formulated due to the
      exquisite sensitivity of this species to surfactant-solubilizing agents. CTI
      52010 is a formulation of nanoparticulate paclitaxel consisting of drug and
      normal saline. Our objectives were to determine the maximally tolerated dose,
      dose-limiting toxicities, and pharmacokinetics of CTI 52010 administered
      intravenously to normal dogs. METHODS: Three normal adult hound dogs were
      evaluated by physical examination, complete blood count, chemistry profile, and
      urinalysis. Dogs were treated with staggered escalating dosages of CTI 52010 with
      a 28-day washout. All dogs were treated with a starting dosage of 40 mg/m(2), and
      subsequent dosages were escalated at 50% (dog 1), 100% (dog 2), or 200% (dog 3)
      with each cycle, to a maximum of 240 mg/m(2). Dogs were monitored by daily
      physical assessment and weekly laboratory evaluation. Standard criteria were used
      to grade adverse events. Plasma was collected at regular intervals to determine
      pharmacokinetics. Dogs were euthanized humanely, and necropsy was performed one
      week after the last treatment. RESULTS: The dose-limiting toxicity was grade 4
      neutropenia and the maximum tolerated dosage was 120 mg/m(2). Grade 1-2
      gastrointestinal toxicity was noted at higher dosages. Upon post mortem
      evaluation, no evidence of organ (liver, kidney, spleen) toxicity was noted.
      CONCLUSION: CTI 52010 was well tolerated when administered intravenously to
      normal dogs. A starting dosage for a Phase I/II trial in tumor-bearing dogs is 80
      mg/m(2).

PMID- 22072864
TI  - Quantum dot-based quantitative immunofluorescence detection and spectrum analysis
      of epidermal growth factor receptor in breast cancer tissue arrays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a promising
      therapeutic target in cancer, but its clinical value in breast cancer remains
      controversial. Our previous studies have found that quantitative analysis of
      biomarkers with quantum dot-based nanotechnology had better detection performance
      than conventional immunohistochemistry. The present study was undertaken to
      investigate the prognostic value of EGFR in breast cancer using quantum dot-based
      quantitative spectral analysis. METHODS: EGFR expression in 65 breast cancer
      specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantum dot
      immunohistochemistry, and comparisons were made between the two methods. EGFR
      expression in tissue microarrays of 240 breast cancer patients was then detected
      by quantum dot-immunohistochemistry and spectral analysis. The prognostic value
      of EGFR immunofluorescence area (EGFR area) for five-year recurrence-free
      survival was investigated. RESULTS: The same antigen localization, high
      correlation of staining rates (r = 0.914), and high agreement of measurement
      (kappa = 0.848) of EGFR expression in breast cancer were found by quantum dot
      immunohistochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The EGFR area showed significant
      differences by tumor grade, lymph node status, HER2 status, and hormone receptor
      status (all P < 0.05). Patients in the large EGFR area (>= 30.51) group had a
      significantly higher five-year recurrence rate (47.2% versus 27.4%, P = 0.002)
      and worse five-year recurrence-free survival (log-rank test, P = 0.0015) than
      those in the small EGFR area (<30.51) group. In the subgroups, EGFR area was an
      independent prognosticator in the HER2-positive and lymph node-positive
      subgroups. CONCLUSION: Quantum dot-based quantitative detection demonstrates the
      prognostic value of EGFR area in the HER2-positive and lymph node-positive
      subgroups of invasive breast cancer.

PMID- 22072865
TI  - Preparation, characterization, and efficient transfection of cationic liposomes
      and nanomagnetic cationic liposomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cationic liposomes (CLs) are composed of phospholipid bilayers. One of
      the most important applications of these particles is in drug and gene delivery.
      However, using CLs to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids and drugs to target
      organs has some problems, including low transfection efficiency in vivo. The aim
      of this study was to develop novel CLs containing magnetite to overcome the
      deficiencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CLs and magnetic cationic liposomes (MCLs)
      were prepared using the freeze-dried empty liposome method. Luciferase-harboring
      vectors (pGL3) were transferred into liposomes and the transfection efficiencies
      were determined by luciferase assay. Firefly luciferase is one of most popular
      reporter genes often used to measure the efficiency of gene transfer in vivo and
      in vitro. Different formulations of liposomes have been used for delivery of
      different kinds of gene reporters. Lipoplex (liposome-plasmid DNA complexes)
      formation was monitored by gel retardation assay. Size and charge of lipoplexes
      were determined using particle size analysis. Chinese hamster ovary cells were
      transfected by lipoplexes (liposome-pGL3); transfection efficiency and gene
      expression level was evaluated by luciferase assay. RESULTS: High transfection
      efficiency of plasmid by CLs and novel nanomagnetic CLs was achieved. Moreover,
      lipoplexes showed less cytotoxicity than polyethyleneimine and Lipofectamine.
      CONCLUSION: Novel liposome compositions (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine [DPPC]/dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide [DOAB] and
      DPPC/cholesterol/DOAB) with high transfection efficiency can be useful in gene
      delivery in vitro. MCLs can also be used for targeted gene delivery, due to
      magnetic characteristic for conduction of genes or drugs to target organs.

PMID- 22072866
TI  - Novel formulation of a methotrexate derivative with a lipid nanoemulsion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipid nanoemulsions that bind to low-density lipoprotein receptors
      can concentrate chemotherapeutic agents in tissues with low-density lipoprotein
      receptor overexpression and decrease the toxicity of the treatment. The aim of
      this study was to develop a new formulation using a lipophilic derivative of
      methotrexate, ie, didodecyl methotrexate (ddMTX), associated with a lipid
      nanoemulsion (ddMTX-LDE). METHODS: ddMTX was synthesized by an esterification
      reaction between methotrexate and dodecyl bromide. The lipid nanoemulsion was
      prepared by four hours of ultrasonication of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine,
      triolein, and cholesteryloleate. Association of ddMTX with the lipid nanoemulsion
      was performed by additional cosonication of ddMTX with the previously prepared
      lipid nanoemulsion. Formulation stability was evaluated, and cell uptake,
      cytotoxicity, and acute animal toxicity studies were performed. RESULTS: The
      yield of ddMTX incorporation was 98% and the particle size of LDE-ddMTX was 60
      nm. After 48 hours of incubation with plasma, approximately 28% ddMTX was
      released from the lipid nanoemulsion. The formulation remained stable for at
      least 45 days at 4 degrees C. Cytotoxicity of LDE-ddMTX against K562 and HL60
      neoplastic cells was higher than for methotrexate (50% inhibitory concentration
      [IC(50)] 1.6 versus 18.2 mM and 0.2 versus 26 mM, respectively), and cellular
      uptake of LDE-ddMTX was 90-fold higher than that of methotrexate in K562 cells
      and 75-fold in HL60 cells. Toxicity of LDE-ddMTX, administered at escalating
      doses, was higher than for methotrexate (LD(50) 115 mg/kg versus 470 mg/kg;
      maximum tolerated dose 47 mg/kg versus 94 mg/kg) in mice. However, the
      hematological toxicity of LDE-ddMTX was lower than for methotrexate. CONCLUSION:
      LDE-ddMTX was stable, and uptake of the formulation by neoplastic cells was
      remarkably greater than of methotrexate, which resulted in markedly greater
      cytotoxicity. LDE-ddMTX is thus a promising formulation to be tested in future
      animal models of cancer or rheumatic disease, wherein methotrexate is widely
      used.

PMID- 22072867
TI  - Reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits treated with etoposide associated
      with cholesterol-rich nanoemulsions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cholesterol-rich nanoemulsions (LDE) bind to low-density lipoprotein
      (LDL) receptors and after injection into the bloodstream concentrate in aortas of
      atherosclerotic rabbits. Association of paclitaxel with LDE markedly reduces the
      lesions. In previous studies, treatment of refractory cancer patients with
      etoposide associated with LDE had been shown devoid of toxicity. In this study,
      the ability of etoposide to reduce lesions and inflammatory factors in
      atherosclerotic rabbits was investigated. METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand rabbits
      were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 60 days. Starting from day 30, nine animals
      were treated with four weekly intravenous injections of etoposide oleate (6
      mg/kg) associated with LDE, and nine control animals were treated with saline
      solution injections. RESULTS: LDE-etoposide reduced the lesion areas of
      cholesterol-fed animals by 85% and intima width by 50% and impaired macrophage
      and smooth muscle cell invasion of the intima. Treatment also markedly reduced
      the protein expression of lipoprotein receptors (LDL receptor, LDL-related
      protein-1, cluster of differentiation 36, and scavenger receptor class B member
      1), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha),
      matrix metallopeptidase-9, and cell proliferation markers (topoisomerase IIalpha
      and tubulin). CONCLUSION: The ability of LDE-etoposide to strongly reduce the
      lesion area and the inflammatory process warrants the great therapeutic potential
      of this novel preparation to target the inflammatory-proliferative basic
      mechanisms of the disease.

PMID- 22072868
TI  - Fungus-mediated biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles: potential in
      detection of liver cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nanomaterials are considered to be the pre-eminent component of the
      rapidly advancing field of nanotechnology. However, developments in the
      biologically inspired synthesis of nanoparticles are still in their infancy and
      consequently attracting the attention of material scientists throughout the
      world. Keeping in mind the fact that microorganism-assisted synthesis of
      nanoparticles is a safe and economically viable prospect, in the current study we
      report Candida albicans-mediated biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy,
      and various spectrophotometric analyses were performed to characterize the gold
      nanoparticles. The morphology of the synthesized gold particles depended on the
      abundance of C. albicans cytosolic extract. Transmission electron microscopy,
      nanophox particle analysis, and atomic force microscopy revealed the size of
      spherical gold nanoparticles to be in the range of 20-40 nm and nonspherical gold
      particles were found to be 60-80 nm. We also evaluated the potential of biogenic
      gold nanoparticles to probe liver cancer cells by conjugating them with liver
      cancer cell surface-specific antibodies. The antibody-conjugated gold particles
      were found to bind specifically to the surface antigens of the cancer cells.
      CONCLUSION: The antibody-conjugated gold particles synthesized in this study
      could successfully differentiate normal cell populations from cancerous cells.

PMID- 22072869
TI  - Anticancer efficacy enhancement and attenuation of side effects of doxorubicin
      with titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin has a broad spectrum of anticancer activity, but its
      clinical application is limited due to serious side effects. The aim of this
      study was to explore a novel drug delivery system based on titanium dioxide
      (TiO(2)) nanoparticles for its potential role in enhancing the anticancer
      efficacy of doxorubicin while reducing its side effects. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Doxorubicin was loaded into TiO(2) nanoparticles by forming complexes with the
      transition metal, titanium, to construct doxorubicin-titanium dioxide (DOX
      TiO(2)) nanocomposites as a drug delivery system. The anticancer activity of the
      DOX-TiO(2) nanocomposites was demonstrated by MTT assay, and the possible
      signaling pathway was explored by Western blot. In human SMMC-7721
      hepatocarcinoma cells, our observations demonstrated that this drug delivery
      system markedly increased the efficiency of drug per dosage and decreased the
      IC(50), resulting in anticancer efficacy enhancement and side effect attenuation.
      CONCLUSION: Such a doxorubicin delivery strategy is promising in cancer therapy.
      Apoptosis may contribute to the mechanism, due to protein expression of Bcl-2
      being downregulated and that of Bax and caspase 3 being upregulated.

PMID- 22072870
TI  - Intratracheal instillation of cerium oxide nanoparticles induces hepatic toxicity
      in male Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerium oxide (CeO(2)) nanoparticles have been posited to have both
      beneficial and toxic effects on biological systems. Herein, we examine if a
      single intratracheal instillation of CeO(2) nanoparticles is associated with
      systemic toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Compared with
      control animals, CeO(2) nanoparticle exposure was associated with increased liver
      ceria levels, elevations in serum alanine transaminase levels, reduced albumin
      levels, a diminished sodium-potassium ratio, and decreased serum triglyceride
      levels (P < 0.05). Consistent with these data, rats exposed to CeO(2)
      nanoparticles also exhibited reductions in liver weight (P < 0.05) and dose
      dependent hydropic degeneration, hepatocyte enlargement, sinusoidal dilatation,
      and accumulation of granular material. No histopathological alterations were
      observed in the kidney, spleen, and heart. Analysis of serum biomarkers suggested
      an elevation of acute phase reactants and markers of hepatocyte injury in the
      rats exposed to CeO(2) nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these data
      suggest that intratracheal instillation of CeO(2) nanoparticles can result in
      liver damage.

PMID- 22072871
TI  - Multifunctional dendrimer/combretastatin A4 inclusion complexes enable in vitro
      targeted cancer therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report here a unique approach to using multifunctional
      dendrimer/combretastatin A4 (CA4) inclusion complexes for targeted cancer
      therapeutics. METHODS: Amine-terminated generation 5 polyamidoamine dendrimers
      were first partially acetylated to neutralize a significant portion of the
      terminal amines, and then the remaining dendrimer terminal amines were
      sequentially modified with fluorescein isothiocyanate as an imaging agent and
      folic acid as a targeting ligand. The multifunctional dendrimers formed (G5.NHAc
      FI-FA) were utilized to encapsulate the anticancer drug, CA4, for targeted
      delivery into cancer cells overexpressing folic acid receptors. RESULTS: The
      inclusion complexes of G5.NHAc-FI-FA/CA4 formed were stable and are able to
      significantly improve the water solubility of CA4 from 11.8 to 240 MUg/mL. In
      vitro release studies showed that the multifunctional dendrimers complexed with
      CA4 could be released in a sustained manner. Both 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay and morphological cell
      observation showed that the inhibitory effect of the G5.NHAc-FI-FA/CA4 complexes
      was similar to that of free CA4 at the same selected drug concentration. More
      importantly, the complexes were able to target selectively and display specific
      therapeutic efficacy to cancer cells overexpressing high-affinity folic acid
      receptors. CONCLUSION: Multifunctional dendrimers may serve as a valuable carrier
      to form stable inclusion complexes with various hydrophobic anticancer drugs with
      improved water solubility, for targeting chemotherapy to different types of
      cancer.

PMID- 22072873
TI  - Solid lipid nanoparticle suspension enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of
      praziquantel against tapeworm.
AB  - Hydatid disease caused by tapeworm is an increasing public health and
      socioeconomic concern. In order to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of
      praziquantel (PZQ) against tapeworm, PZQ-loaded hydrogenated castor oil solid
      lipid nanoparticle (PZQ-HCO-SLN) suspension was prepared by a hot homogenization
      and ultrasonication method. The stability of the suspension at 4 degrees C and
      room temperature was evaluated by the physicochemical characteristics of the
      nanoparticles and in-vitro release pattern of the suspension. Pharmacokinetics
      was studied after subcutaneous administration of the suspension in dogs. The
      therapeutic effect of the novel formulation was evaluated in dogs naturally
      infected with Echinococcus granulosus. The results showed that the drug recovery
      of the suspension was 97.59% +/- 7.56%. Nanoparticle diameter, polydispersivity
      index, and zeta potential were 263.00 +/- 11.15 nm, 0.34 +/- 0.06, and -11.57 +/-
      1.12 mV, respectively and showed no significant changes after 4 months of storage
      at both 4 degrees C and room temperature. The stored suspensions displayed
      similar in-vitro release patterns as that of the newly prepared one. SLNs
      increased the bioavailability of PZQ 5.67-fold and extended the mean residence
      time of the drug from 56.71 to 280.38 hours. Single subcutaneous administration
      of PZQ-HCO-SLN suspension obtained enhanced therapeutic efficacy against tapeworm
      in infected dogs. At the dose of 5 mg/kg, the stool-ova reduction and negative
      conversion rates and tapeworm removal rate of the suspension were 100%, while the
      native PZQ were 91.55%, 87.5%, and 66.7%. When the dose reduced to 0.5 mg/kg, the
      native drug showed no effect, but the suspension still got the same therapeutic
      efficacy as that of the 5 mg/kg native PZQ. These results demonstrate that the
      PZQ-HCO-SLN suspension is a promising formulation to enhance the therapeutic
      efficacy of PZQ.

PMID- 22072872
TI  - Rehydrated sterically stabilized phospholipid nanomicelles of budesonide for
      nebulization: physicochemical characterization and in vitro, in vivo evaluations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids provide unique systems for local treatment of
      asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the use of poorly
      soluble drugs for nebulization has been inadequate, and many patients rely on
      large doses to achieve optimal control of their disease. Theoretically,
      nanotechnology with a sustained-release formulation may provide a favorable
      therapeutic index. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of
      using sterically stabilized phospholipid nanomicelles of budesonide for pulmonary
      delivery via nebulization. METHODS: PEG(5000)-DSPE polymeric micelles containing
      budesonide (BUD-SSMs) were prepared by the coprecipitation and reconstitution
      method, and the physicochemical and pharmacodynamic characteristics of BUD-SSMs
      were investigated. RESULTS: The optimal concentration of solubilized budesonide
      at 5 mM PEG(5000)-DSPE was 605.71 +/- 6.38 MUg/mL, with a single-sized peak
      population determined by photon correlation spectroscopy and a particle size
      distribution of 21.51 +/- 1.5 nm. The zeta potential of BUD-SSMs was -28.43 +/-
      1.98 mV. The percent entrapment efficiency, percent yield, and percent drug
      loading of the lyophilized formulations were 100.13% +/- 1.09%, 97.98% +/- 1.95%,
      and 2.01% +/- 0.02%, respectively. Budesonide was found to be amorphous by
      differential scanning calorimetry, and had no chemical interaction with PEGylated
      polymer according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Transmission
      electron microscopic images of BUD-SSMs revealed spherical nanoparticles. BUD
      SSMs exhibited prolonged dissolution behavior compared with Pulmicort Respules (P
      < 0.05). Aerodynamic characteristics indicated significantly higher deposition in
      the lungs compared with Pulmicort Respules. The mass median aerodynamic,
      geometric standard deviation, percent emitted dose, and the fine particle
      fraction were 2.83 +/- 0.08 MUm, 2.33 +/- 0.04 MUm, 59.13% +/- 0.19%, and 52.31%
      +/- 0.25%, respectively. Intratracheal administration of BUD-SSMs 23 hours before
      challenge (1 mg/kg) in an asthmatic/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rat
      model led to a significant reduction in inflammatory cell counts (76.94 +/- 5.11)
      in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with administration of Pulmicort
      Respules (25.06 +/- 6.91). CONCLUSION: The BUD-SSMs system might be advantageous
      for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other inflammatory airway
      diseases.

PMID- 22072874
TI  - Manufacturing of biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds based on polycaprolactone
      using a phase separation method: physical properties and in vitro assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biodegradable polyurethanes have found widespread use in soft tissue
      engineering due to their suitable mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
      METHODS: In this study, polyurethane samples were synthesized from
      polycaprolactone, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and a copolymer of 1,4-butanediol
      as a chain extender. Polyurethane scaffolds were fabricated by a combination of
      liquid-liquid phase separation and salt leaching techniques. The effect of the
      NCO:OH ratio on porosity content and pore morphology was investigated. RESULTS:
      Scanning electron micrographs demonstrated that the scaffolds had a regular
      distribution of interconnected pores, with pore diameters of 50-300 MUm, and
      porosities of 64%-83%. It was observed that, by increasing the NCO:OH ratio, the
      average pore size, compressive strength, and compressive modulus increased. L929
      fibroblast and chondrocytes were cultured on the scaffolds, and all samples
      exhibited suitable cell attachment and growth, with a high level of
      biocompatibility. CONCLUSION: These biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds
      demonstrate potential for soft tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 22072875
TI  - Molecular network topology and reliability for multipurpose diagnosis.
AB  - This investigation proposes the use of molecular network topology for drug
      delivery and diagnosis network design. Three modules of molecular network
      topologies, such as bus, star, and ring networks, are designed and manipulated
      based on a micro- and nanoring resonator system. The transportation of the
      trapping molecules by light in the network is described and the theoretical
      background is reviewed. The quality of the network is analyzed and calculated in
      terms of signal transmission (ie, signal to noise ratio and crosstalk effects).
      Results obtained show that a bus network has advantages over star and ring
      networks, where the use of mesh networks is possible. In application, a thin film
      network can be fabricated in the form of a waveguide and embedded in artificial
      bone, which can be connected to the required drug targets. The particular
      drug/nutrient can be transported to the required targets via the particular
      network used.

PMID- 22072876
TI  - The comparison of protein-entrapped liposomes and lipoparticles: preparation,
      characterization, and efficacy of cellular uptake.
AB  - Fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA)-loaded
      polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes and lipoparticles with high protein
      entrapment were developed. The lipid formula of the liposomes contained PEGylated
      lipids and unsaturated fatty acids for enhancing membrane fluidity and effective
      delivery into cells. The preparation techniques, lipid content, and PEG-modified
      lipoparticle ratios were evaluated. The PEG-modified lipoparticles prepared by
      ethanol injection extrusion (100 nm pore size) achieve a population of blank
      liposomes with a mean size of 125 +/- 2.3 nm and a zeta potential of -12.4 +/-
      1.5 mV. The average particle size of the PEG-modified lipoparticles was 133.7 +/-
      8.6 nm with a zeta potential of +13.3 mV. Lipoparticle conformation was
      determined using transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning
      electron microscopy. The FITC-BSA encapsulation efficiency was dramatically
      increased from 19.0% for liposomes to 59.7% for lipoparticles. Sodium dodecyl
      sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results confirmed the
      preparation process, and an 8-hour leaching test did not harm the protein
      structure. Once prepared, the physical and chemical stability of the PEG-modified
      lipoparticle formulations was satisfactory over 90 days. In vitro retention tests
      indicated that the 50% retention time for the protein-containing lipoparticles
      was 7.9 hours, substantially longer than the liposomes at 3.3 hours. A Caco-2
      cell model was used for evaluating the cytotoxicity and cell uptake efficiency of
      the PEG-modified lipoparticles. At a lipid content below 0.25 mM, neither the
      liposomes nor the lipoparticles caused significant cellular cytotoxicity (P <
      0.01) and FITC-BSA was significantly taken up into cells within 60 minutes (P <
      0.01).

PMID- 22072877
TI  - Gene therapy for C-26 colon cancer using heparin-polyethyleneimine nanoparticle
      mediated survivin T34A.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene therapy provides a novel method for the prevention and treatment
      of cancer, but the clinical application of gene therapy is restricted, mainly
      because of the absence of an efficient and safe gene delivery system. Recently,
      we developed a novel nonviral gene carrier, ie, heparin-polyethyleneimine (HPEI)
      nanoparticles for this purpose. METHODS AND RESULTS: HPEI nanoparticles were used
      to deliver plasmid-expressing mouse survivin-T34A (ms-T34A) to treat C-26
      carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. According to the in vitro studies, HPEI
      nanoparticles could efficiently transfect the pGFP report gene into C-26 cells,
      with a transfection efficiency of 30.5% +/- 2%. Moreover, HPEI nanoparticle
      mediated ms-T34A could efficiently inhibit the proliferation of C-26 cells by
      induction of apoptosis in vitro. Based on the in vivo studies, HPEI nanoparticles
      could transfect the Lac-Z report gene into C-26 cells in vivo. Intratumoral
      injection of HPEI nanoparticle-mediated ms-T34A significantly inhibited growth of
      subcutaneous C-26 carcinoma in vivo by induction of apoptosis and inhibition of
      angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: This research suggests that HPEI nanoparticle-mediated
      ms-T34A may have a promising role in C-26 colon carcinoma therapy.

PMID- 22072878
TI  - Eudragit nanoparticles containing genistein: formulation, development, and
      bioavailability assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genistein, one of the major isoflavones, has received great attention
      as a phytoestrogen and potential cancer chemoprevention agent. However, the
      dissolution and bioavailability of genistein from solid oral preparations is low
      due to its poor water solubility. METHODS: In order to improve the oral
      bioavailability of genistein, genistein nanoparticles were prepared by the
      nanoprecipitation technique using Eudragit((r)) E100 as carriers and an optimized
      formulation of mass ratio (genistein:Eudragit E100, 1:10). The mean particle size
      of genistein nanoparticles was approximately 120 nm when diluted 100 times with
      distilled water. The drug-loaded nanoparticles were spherical on observation by
      transmission electric microscopy. RESULTS: Encapsulation efficiency and drug
      loading of the genistein nanoparticles were approximately 50.61% and 5.02%,
      respectively. Release of drug from the genistein nanoparticles was two times
      greater than that from the conventional capsules. After administration of
      genistein suspension or genistein nanoparticles at a single dose of 100 mg/kg to
      fasted rats, the relative bioavailability of genistein from the nanoparticles
      compared with the reference suspension was 241.8%. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggested that a nanoparticle system is a potentially promising formulation for
      the efficient delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs by oral administration.

PMID- 22072879
TI  - Quantum dots affect expression of CD133 surface antigen in melanoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In novel treatment approaches, therapeutics should be designed to
      target cancer stem cells (CSCs). Quantum dots (QDs) are a promising new tool in
      fighting against cancer. However, little is known about accumulation and
      cytotoxicity of QDs in CSCs. METHODS: Accumulation and cytotoxicity of CdTe-MPA
      (mercaptopropionic acid) QDs in CSCs were assessed using flow cytometry and
      fluorescence-activated cell sorting techniques as well as a colorimetric cell
      viability assay. RESULTS: We investigated the expression of two cell surface
      associated glycoproteins, CD44 and CD133, in four different cancer cell lines
      (glioblastoma, melanoma, pancreatic, and prostate adenocarcinoma). Only the
      melanoma cells were positive to both markers of CD44 and CD133, whereas the other
      cells were only CD44-positive. The QDs accumulated to a similar extent in all
      subpopulations of the melanoma cells. The phenotypical response after QD
      treatment was compared with the response after ionizing radiation treatment. The
      percentage of the CD44(high-)CD133(high) subpopulation decreased from 72% to 55%
      58% for both treatments. The stem-like subpopulation CD44(high)CD133(low/-)
      increased from 26%-28% in the untreated melanoma cells to 36%-40% for both
      treatments. CONCLUSION: Treatment of melanoma cells with QDs results in an
      increase of stem-like cell subpopulations. The changes in phenotype distribution
      of the melanoma cells after the treatment with QDs are comparable with the
      changes after ionizing radiation.

PMID- 22072880
TI  - In situ formation of nanocrystals from a self-microemulsifying drug delivery
      system to enhance oral bioavailability of fenofibrate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In situ formation of nanocrystals and dissolution profiles of
      fenofibrate (FFB) from a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) were
      characterized. METHODS: SMEDDS formulated with Myritol and surfactant mixture
      (Smix) of D-alpha-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and either
      Tween 20 (A, C, E, G, M, S, N, T, O) or Tween 80 (B, D, F, H, P, U, Q, V, R) at
      various oil/Smix ratios (Group I: A and B of 0.42, C and D of 0.25, E and F of
      0.11; Group II: G and H of 1.38, M and P of 1.11, S and U of 0.9, N and Q of
      0.73, T and V of 0.58, and O and R of 0.46) and water contents (1: 9.5%, 2: 5.0%,
      3: 0.0%, G-V: 4.5%). Their dissolutions were conducted at different rotation
      speeds. Two optimal SMEDDSs containing Tween 80(B2) or a higher oil/Smix ratio(Q)
      and B2(solution) were selected for pharmacokinetic study. RESULTS: FFB particles
      formed within the nanosize range from Group I gradually increased with time but
      decreased with increasing stirring rates. However, the mean size of FFB formed by
      B series was as low as 200 nm, which was smaller than that of A series at three
      stirring rates. The release rate from both groups obviously increased with
      increasing stirring rate. However, incomplete release was observed for S and N in
      Tween 20 series, whereas a faster release rate and complete release were observed
      for Tween 80 series with an insignificant difference among them. Results of
      pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the highest-ranked area under the curve
      and Cmax values were for Q(SMEDDS) and B2(solution), respectively. The relative
      bioavailability of Q(SMEDDS) with respect to Tricor was enhanced by about 1.14
      1.22-fold. CONCLUSION: SMEDDS, consisting of Myritol 318 and TPGS combined with
      Tween 80 at 4:1, was able to enhance the oral bioavailability of FFB.

PMID- 22072881
TI  - Tat peptide-admixed elastic liposomal formulation of hirsutenone for the
      treatment of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to enhance a topical delivery of
      hirsutenone (HST), a naturally occuring immunomodulator, employing Tat peptide
      admixed elastic liposomes (EL/T). METHODS: HST-loaded EL, consisting of
      phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80 (85:15 w/w%), were prepared using thin film
      hydration method. By adding Tat peptide to EL (0.16 w/w%), EL/T were formulated.
      The in vitro skin permeation of HST was examined using a Franz diffusion cell
      mounted with depilated mouse skin. Lesions for atopic dermatitis (AD) were
      induced by a topical application of diphenylcyclopropenone to NC/Nga mice.
      Therapeutic improvements of AD were evaluated by clinical skin severity scores.
      Immunological analyses on inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2
      levels in the skin and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E, and
      eosinophil levels in the blood were also performed. RESULTS: EL systems were
      superior to conventional cream, revealing greater flux values in a permeation
      study. The addition of Tat peptide further increased the skin permeation of HST.
      In an efficacy study with AD-induced NC/Nga mice, an HST-containing EL/T
      formulation brought a significant improvement in both skin severity score and
      immune-related responses for the levels of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase
      2, IL-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E, and eosinophils. CONCLUSION: A novel EL/T
      formulation was successfully developed for topical delivery of HST to treat AD.

PMID- 22072882
TI  - Enhanced transdermal delivery of evodiamine and rutaecarpine using microemulsion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to improve skin permeation of evodiamine
      and rutaecarpine for transdermal delivery with microemulsion as vehicle and
      investigate real-time cutaneous absorption of the drugs via in vivo
      microdialysis. METHODS: Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to evaluate
      microemulsion regions with various surfactants and cosurfactants. Nine
      formulations of oil in water microemulsions were selected as vehicles for
      assessing skin permeation of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in ex vivo transdermal
      experiments. With a microdialysis hollow fiber membrane implanted in the skin
      beneath the site of topical drug administration, dialysis sampling was maintained
      for 10 hours and the samples were detected directly by high performance liquid
      chromatography. Real-time concentrations of the drugs in rat skin were
      investigated and compared with those of conventional formulations, such as
      ointment and tincture. Furthermore, the drugs were applied to various regions of
      the skin using microemulsion as vehicle. RESULTS: In ex vivo transdermal
      experiments, cutaneous fluxes of evodiamine and rutaecarpine microemulsions were
      2.55-fold to 11.36-fold and 1.17-fold to 6.33-fold higher, respectively, than
      those of aqueous suspensions. Different drug loadings, microemulsion water
      content, and transdermal enhancers markedly influenced the permeation of
      evodiamine and rutaecarpine. In microemulsion application with in vivo
      microdialysis, the maximum concentration of the drugs (evodiamine: 18.23 +/- 1.54
      ng/mL; rutaecarpine: 16.04 +/- 0.69 ng/mL) were the highest, and the area under
      the curve(0-t) of evodiamine and rutaecarpine was 1.52-fold and 2.27-fold higher
      than ointment and 3.06-fold and 4.23-fold higher than tincture, respectively. A
      greater amount of drugs penetrated through and was absorbed by rat abdominal skin
      than shoulder and chest, and a reservoir in the skin was found to supply drugs
      even after the microemulsion was withdrawn. CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional
      formulations, higher cutaneous fluxes of evodiamine and rutaecarpine were
      achieved with microemulsion. Based on this novel transdermal delivery, the
      transdermal route was effective for the administration of the two active
      alkaloids.

PMID- 22072883
TI  - Skeletal myotube formation enhanced by electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotube
      scaffolds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of electrically conductive materials
      made from electrospun single- or multiwalled carbon nanotubes with polyurethane
      to promote myoblast differentiation into myotubes in the presence and absence of
      electrical stimulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: After electrical stimulation, the
      number of multinucleated myotubes on the electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotube
      scaffolds was significantly larger than that on nonconductive electrospun
      polyurethane scaffolds (5% and 10% w/v polyurethane). In the absence of
      electrical stimulation, myoblasts also differentiated on the electrospun
      polyurethane carbon nanotube scaffolds, as evidenced by expression of Myf-5 and
      myosin heavy chains. The myotube number and length were significantly greater on
      the electrospun carbon nanotubes with 10% w/v polyurethane than on those with 5%
      w/v polyurethane. The results suggest that, in the absence of electrical
      stimulation, skeletal myotube formation is dependent on the morphology of the
      electrospun scaffolds, while with electrical stimulation it is dependent on the
      electrical conductivity of the scaffolds. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that
      electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotubes can be used to modulate skeletal
      myotube formation with or without application of electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22072884
TI  - Formulation and in vitro release evaluation of newly synthesized palm kernel oil
      esters-based nanoemulsion delivery system for 30% ethanolic dried extract derived
      from local Phyllanthus urinaria for skin antiaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a remarkable surge of interest about natural
      products and their applications in the cosmetic industry. Topical delivery of
      antioxidants from natural sources is one of the approaches used to reverse signs
      of skin aging. The aim of this research was to develop a nanoemulsion cream for
      topical delivery of 30% ethanolic extract derived from local Phyllanthus urinaria
      (P. urinaria) for skin antiaging. METHODS: Palm kernel oil esters (PKOEs)-based
      nanoemulsions were loaded with P. urinaria extract using a spontaneous method and
      characterized with respect to particle size, zeta potential, and rheological
      properties. The release profile of the extract was evaluated using in vitro Franz
      diffusion cells from an artificial membrane and the antioxidant activity of the
      extract released was evaluated using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
      method. RESULTS: Formulation F12 consisted of wt/wt, 0.05% P. urinaria extract,
      1% cetyl alcohol, 0.5% glyceryl monostearate, 12% PKOEs, and 27% Tween 80/Span 80
      (9/1) with a hydrophilic lipophilic balance of 13.9, and a 59.5% phosphate buffer
      system at pH 7.4. Formulation F36 was comprised of 0.05% P. urinaria extract, 1%
      cetyl alcohol, 1% glyceryl monostearate, 14% PKOEs, 28% Tween 80/Span 80 (9/1)
      with a hydrophilic lipophilic balance of 13.9, and 56% phosphate buffer system at
      pH 7.4 with shear thinning and thixotropy. The droplet size of F12 and F36 was
      30.74 nm and 35.71 nm, respectively, and their nanosizes were confirmed by
      transmission electron microscopy images. Thereafter, 51.30% and 51.02% of the
      loaded extract was released from F12 and F36 through an artificial cellulose
      membrane, scavenging 29.89% and 30.05% of DPPH radical activity, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The P. urinaria extract was successfully incorporated into a PKOEs
      based nanoemulsion delivery system. In vitro release of the extract from the
      formulations showed DPPH radical scavenging activity. These formulations can
      neutralize reactive oxygen species and counteract oxidative injury induced by
      ultraviolet radiation and thereby ameliorate skin aging.

PMID- 22072885
TI  - Folate receptor-targeted fluorescent paramagnetic bimodal liposomes for tumor
      imaging.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Receptor-targeted delivery of imaging and therapeutic
      agents can lead to enhanced efficacy for both. Multimodality imaging offers
      unique advantages over traditional single modality imaging. Tumor marker folate
      receptor (FR)-targeted fluorescent paramagnetic bimodal liposomes were
      synthesized to co-deliver paramagnetic and fluorescence agents for magnetic
      resonance (MR) and optical bimodal imaging contrast enhancement. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fluorescent and paramagnetic bimodal liposomes were synthesized with a
      mean diameter of 136 nm and a low polydispersity index. The liposomes
      incorporated folate-PEG(3350)-CHEMS for FR targeting, Gd(III)[N,N-Bis
      stearylamidomethyl-N'-amidomethyl]diethylenetriamine tetraacetic acid (Gd-DTPA
      BSA) for MR contrast, and calcein for fluorescence. To determine the specificity
      and efficiency of delivery, the liposomes were evaluated in FR-positive KB and
      HeLa cells and FR-negative A549 cells, which were analyzed by fluorescence
      microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS:
      FR-specific and efficient cellular uptake of the FR-targeted bimodal liposomes
      was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and by FCM. The mean fluorescence
      intensity (MFI) of KB cells treated with FR-targeted liposomes was 45* that of
      cells treated with nontargeted liposomes, and 18* that of cells treated with FR
      targeted liposomes and excess folic acid (FA). The MFI of HeLa cells treated with
      targeted liposomes was 33* that of nontargeted liposomes, and was 16* that of the
      mixture of targeted liposomes and free FA. In contrast, the MFI of A549 cells
      treated with FR-targeted liposomes was nearly the same as those treated with
      nontargeted liposomes. The T(1)-weighted MR images of HeLa and KB cells incubated
      with FR-targeted liposomes had much higher signal intensity than those treated
      with nontargeted liposomes or free Gd-DTPA. Furthermore, the FR-targeting effect
      could be blocked by excess free FA. CONCLUSION: FR-targeted fluorescent
      paramagnetic bimodal liposomes provided a novel platform for bimodal tumor
      imaging and theranostic delivery.

PMID- 22072886
TI  - Biomimetic component coating on 3D scaffolds using high bioactivity of mesoporous
      bioactive ceramics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) are very attractive materials for
      use in bone tissue regeneration because of their extraordinarily high bone
      forming bioactivity in vitro. That is, MBGs may induce the rapid formation of
      hydroxy apatite (HA) in simulated body fluid (SBF), which is a major inorganic
      component of bone extracellular matrix (ECM) and comes with both good
      osteoconductivity and high affinity to adsorb proteins. Meanwhile, the high
      bioactivity of MBGs may lead to an abrupt initial local pH variation during the
      initial Ca ion-leaching from MBGs at the initial transplant stage, which may
      induce unexpected negative effects on using them in in vivo application. In this
      study we suggest a new way of using MBGs in bone tissue regeneration that can
      improve the strength and make up for the weakness of MBGs. We applied the
      outstanding bone-forming bioactivity of MBG to coat the main ECM components HA
      and collagen on the MBG-polycarplolactone (PCL) composite scaffolds for improving
      their function as bone scaffolds in tissue regeneration. This precoating process
      can also expect to reduce initial local pH variation of MBGs. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: The MBG-PCL scaffolds were immersed in the mixed solution of the
      collagen and SBF at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The coating of ECM components on
      the MBG-PCL scaffolds and the effect of ECM coating on in vitro cell behaviors
      were confirmed. RESULTS: The ECM components were fully coated on MBG-PCL
      scaffolds after immersing in SBF containing dilute collagen-I solution only for
      24 hours due to the high bone-forming bioactivity of MBG. Both cell affinity and
      osteoconductivity of MBG-PCL scaffolds were dramatically enhanced by this
      precoating process. CONCLUSION: The precoating process of ECM components on MBG
      PCL scaffold using a high bioactivity of MBG was not only effective in enhancing
      the functionality of scaffolds but also effective in eliminating the unexpected
      side effect. The MBG-PCL scaffold-coated ECM components ideally satisfied the
      required conditions of scaffold in tissue engineering, including 3D well
      interconnected pore structures with high porosity, good bioactivity, enhanced
      cell affinity, biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and sufficient mechanical
      properties, and promise excellent potential application in the field of
      biomaterials.

PMID- 22072887
TI  - PLLA-PEG-TCH-labeled bioactive molecule nanofibers for tissue engineering.
AB  - By mimicking the native extracellular matrix, electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds
      (ENSs) can provide both chemical and physical cues to modulate cell adherence and
      differentiation and to promote tissue regeneration while retaining bioresorbable
      and biocompatible properties. In this study, ENSs were developed to deliver
      multiple biomolecules by loading them into the core-sheath structure and/or by
      conjugating them to the nanofiber surfaces. In this work, poly(L-lactide)
      poly(ethylene glycol)-NH(2) and poly(L-lactide) were emulsion electrospun into
      nanofibers with a core-sheath structure. A model drug, tetracycline
      hydrochloride, was loaded within the nanofibers. Amino and carboxyl reactive
      groups were then activated on the fiber surfaces using saturated water vapor
      exposure and base hydrolysis, respectively. These reactive groups allowed the
      surface of the ENS to be functionalized with two other bioactive molecules,
      fluorescein isothiocyanate- and rhodamine-labeled bovine serum albumins, which
      were used as model proteins. The ENSs were shown to retain their antimicrobial
      capacity after two functionalization reactions, indicating that multifunctional
      nanofibers can potentially be developed into functional wound dressings or
      periodontal membranes or used in more complicated tissue systems where multiple
      growth factors and anti-infection precautions are critical for the successful
      implantation and regeneration of tissues.

PMID- 22072889
TI  - Development and optimization of oil-filled lipid nanoparticles containing
      docetaxel conjugates designed to control the drug release rate in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - THREE DOCETAXEL (DX) LIPID CONJUGATES: 2'-lauroyl-docetaxel (C12-DX), 2'-stearoyl
      docetaxel (C18-DX), and 2'-behenoyl-docetaxel (C22-DX) were synthesized to
      enhance drug loading, entrapment, and retention in liquid oil-filled lipid
      nanoparticles (NPs). The three conjugates showed ten-fold higher solubility in
      the liquid oil phase Miglyol 808 than DX. To further increase the drug entrapment
      efficiency in NPs, orthogonal design was performed. The optimized formulation was
      composed of Miglyol 808, Brij 78, and Vitamin E tocopheryl polyethylene glycol
      succinate (TPGS). The conjugates were successfully entrapped in the reduced
      surfactant NPs with entrapment efficiencies of about 50%-60% as measured by gel
      permeation chromatography (GPC) at a final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. All three
      conjugates showed 45% initial burst release in 100% mouse plasma. Whereas C12-DX
      showed another 40% release over the next 8 hours, C18-DX and C22-DX in NPs showed
      no additional release after the initial burst of drug. All conjugates showed
      significantly lower cytotoxicity than DX in human DU-145 prostate cancer cells.
      The half maximal inhibitory concentration values (IC(50)) of free conjugates and
      conjugate NPs were comparable except for C22-DX, which was nontoxic in the tested
      concentration range and showed only vehicle toxicity when entrapped in NPs. In
      vivo, the total area under the curve (AUC(0-infinity)) values of all DX conjugate
      NPs were significantly greater than that of Taxotere, demonstrating prolonged
      retention of drug in the blood. The AUC(0-infinity) value of DX in Taxotere was
      8.3-fold, 358.0-fold, and 454.5-fold lower than that of NP-formulated C12-DX, C18
      DX, and C22-DX, respectively. The results of these studies strongly support the
      idea that the physical/chemical properties of DX conjugates may be fine-tuned to
      influence the affinity and retention of DX in oil-filled lipid NPs, which leads
      to very different pharmacokinetic profiles and blood exposure of an otherwise
      potent chemo-therapeutic agent. These studies and methodologies may allow for
      improved and more potent nanoparticle-based formulations.

PMID- 22072890
TI  - Physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of a polymer-paclitaxel conjugate
      for cancer treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poly(L-gamma-glutamylglutamine) paclitaxel (PGG-PTX) conjugate is a
      non-diblock polymeric drug nanoparticle intended to improve the therapeutic index
      of paclitaxel. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate further the
      physicochemical properties of PGG-PTX in order to proceed with its clinical
      development. METHODS AND RESULTS: PGG-PTX was designed by integration of a
      hydrophobic paclitaxel conjugate through an added hydrophilic glutamic acid onto
      poly(L-glutamic acid). The addition of a flexible glutamic linker between PGA and
      paclitaxel resulted in spontaneous self-assembly of a PGG-PTX conjugate into
      nanoparticles. The PGG-PTX conjugate was stable as a lyophilized solid form. An
      in vitro viability experiment showed that PGG-PTX was effective after a longer
      incubation period, the same trend as Taxol. In vitro studies using NCI-H460 and
      B16F0 cancer cells demonstrated significantly high cellular uptake after 30
      minutes of incubation. The in vivo biocompatibility of PGG-PTX conjugate was
      evaluated in the NCI-H460 tumor model, the assessment of tissue seemed to be
      normal after 21 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: These results are encouraging for
      further development of non-block polymeric paclitaxel nanoparticles for treatment
      of cancer.

PMID- 22072891
TI  - Consistent group selection in high-dimensional linear regression.
AB  - In regression problems where covariates can be naturally grouped, the group Lasso
      is an attractive method for variable selection since it respects the grouping
      structure in the data. We study the selection and estimation properties of the
      group Lasso in high-dimensional settings when the number of groups exceeds the
      sample size. We provide sufficient conditions under which the group Lasso selects
      a model whose dimension is comparable with the underlying model with high
      probability and is estimation consistent. However, the group Lasso is, in
      general, not selection consistent and also tends to select groups that are not
      important in the model. To improve the selection results, we propose an adaptive
      group Lasso method which is a generalization of the adaptive Lasso and requires
      an initial estimator. We show that the adaptive group Lasso is consistent in
      group selection under certain conditions if the group Lasso is used as the
      initial estimator.

PMID- 22072892
TI  - Antioxidant properties of the edible Basidiomycete Armillaria mellea in submerged
      cultures.
AB  - Antioxidant components, ascorbic acid, total flavonoids and total phenols are
      produced effectively by Armillaria mellea submerged cultures. Dried mycelia and
      mycelia-free broths obtained by A. mellea submerged cultures are extracted with
      methanol and hot water and investigated for antioxidant properties. Methanolic
      extracts from dried mycelia (MEM) and mycelia-free broth (MEB) and hot water
      extracts from dried mycelia (HWEM) by A. mellea submerged cultures show good
      antioxidant properties as evidenced by low EC(50) values (<10 mg/mL). Total
      flavonoid is mainly found in hot water extracts; however, total phenol is rich in
      methanol and hot water extracts from mycelia. Ascorbic acid and total phenol
      contents are well correlated with the reducing power and the scavenging effect on
      superoxide anions. Total flavonoid content is dependent on the antioxidant
      activity and the chelating effect on ferrous ions. Total antioxidant component
      contents are closely related to the antioxidant activity and the scavenging
      superoxide anion ability. Results confirm that extracts with good antioxidant
      properties from fermenting products by A. mellea are potential good substitutes
      for synthetic antioxidants and can be applied to antioxidant-related functional
      food and pharmaceutical industries.

PMID- 22072893
TI  - Assessment of Tamarindus indica extracts for antibacterial activity.
AB  - Ethanolic and aqueous (hot and cold) extracts of the fruit pulp, stem bark and
      leaves of Tamarindus indica were evaluated for antibacterial activity, in vitro,
      against 13 Gram negative and 5 Gram positive bacterial strains using agar well
      diffusion and macro broth dilution techniques, simultaneously. The fruit pulp
      extracts exhibited a wide spectrum of activity; the cold water extract against
      95.5% of the test bacterial strains; and the hot water and ethanolic extracts
      against 90.9% and 86.4%, respectively. In contrast the cold water extract of the
      leaves and stem bark, each was active against 16.7%; while the ethanolic extract
      of each was active against 75% of the test strains. The minimum inhibitory
      concentrations (MIC) ranged from 7.81 mg/mL against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051
      to 31.25 mg/mL against Escherichia coli ATCC 11775; and the minimum bactericidal
      concentration (MBC) ranged from 125 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC
      10145 to 250 mg/mL against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051.

PMID- 22072894
TI  - Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction study of Fe-labeled
      tetrachloroferrate(III)-based magnetic ionic liquids.
AB  - Four (57)Fe-labeled tetrachloroferrates(III) of organic cations (1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-methyl-1-propylpyrrolidinium,
      tetraphenylphosphonium) were examined by temperature-dependent Mossbauer
      spectroscopy. The hyperfine and dynamic parameters of the iron(III) site were
      determined. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data of [Ph(4)P][FeCl(4)] were
      collected at four temperatures (295, 223, 173, and 123 K), and the dynamics of
      the iron atom inferred from the Mossbauer data and the single crystal U(i,j)
      parameters have been compared.

PMID- 22072895
TI  - Effect of Celluclast 1.5L on the physicochemical characterization of gold
      kiwifruit pectin.
AB  - The effects of Celluclast 1.5L concentration on the physicochemical
      characterization of gold kiwifruit pectin was evaluated. Varying the enzyme
      concentration affected the pectin yield and pectin physicochemical properties.
      The viscosity of extracted pectin was largely dependent on the enzyme
      concentration. Celluclast 1.5L with medium concentration exhibited the highest
      viscosity. Varying the enzyme concentration also influenced the molecular weight
      distribution. High molecular weight (M(w)) pectin (1.65 * 10(6) g/mol) was
      obtained when the medium concentration was used. Overall, the study clearly
      reflects the importance of taking into consideration the amount of cellulytic
      enzyme added in order to determine the final quality of pectin.

PMID- 22072896
TI  - Genetic variation of the Nile soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx triunguis).
AB  - We studied the genetic structure of Trionyx triunguis populations from the
      Mediterranean and African continent based on mtDNA D-loop (776 bp) and nine
      microsatellite loci. A total of 102 polymorphic sites and 13 mtDNA haplotypes
      were described. Nucleotide diversity and haplotypes diversity were 0.047 and
      0.974 respectively. Both mtDNA and nDNA supported the existence of two main
      management units as the Mediterranean and Africa. Based on the mtDNA results, the
      Mediterranean can be divided into two subunits; western Turkey and the eastern
      Mediterranean.

PMID- 22072897
TI  - Antibacterial activity of new dibenzoxepinone oximes with fluorine and
      trifluoromethyl group substituents.
AB  - In this paper we present the antimicrobial activity of some newly synthesized
      dibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives bearing the oximino moiety, and fluorine (F) and
      trifluoromethyl (CF(3)) group substituents. The chemical structure and purity of
      the new compounds were assessed by using elemental analysis, NMR and FTIR
      spectroscopy. The new compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity
      towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, by qualitative and quantitative
      assays. Our results demonstrated that the CF(3) and F disubstituted compounds
      could be considered for the further development of novel antimicrobial drugs.

PMID- 22072898
TI  - A determination of potential alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Azuki Beans (Vigna
      angularis).
AB  - A 70% ethanol extract from azuki beans (Vigna angularis) 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. The EtOAc-soluble
      fractions showed the highest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Two pure
      flavonoid compounds, vitexin and isovitexin, were isolated (using the enzyme
      assay-guide fractionation method) from the EtOAc-soluble fractions. We further
      evaluated the interaction between the flavonoid compounds and alpha-glucosidase
      by fluorescence spectroscopy. Vitexin and isovitexin showed high inhibitory
      activities, with IC(50) values of 0.4 mg.mL(-1) and 4.8 mg.mL(-1), respectively.
      This is the first study of the active compositions of azuki beans against alpha
      glucosidase.

PMID- 22072899
TI  - Betalain, Acid ascorbic, phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of purple,
      red, yellow and white cactus pears.
AB  - Commercialization of cactus pears based on their antioxidant properties can
      generate competitive advantages, and these can turn into business opportunities
      and the development of new products and a high-value ingredient for the food
      industry. This work evaluated the antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2
      picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, protection against oxidation of a beta
      carotene-linoleic acid emulsion, and iron (II) chelation), the content of total
      phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, betacyanin, betaxanthin and the stability of
      betacyanin pigments in presence of Cu (II)-dependent hydroxyl radicals (OH*), in
      18 cultivars of purple, red, yellow and white cactus pear from six Mexican
      states. Our results indicated that the antiradical activities from yellow and
      white cactus pear cultivars were not significantly different (p < 0.05) and were
      lower than the average antiradical activities in red and purple cultivars. The
      red cactus pear from the state of Zacatecas showed the highest antioxidant
      activity. The free radical scavenging activity for red cactus pears was
      significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to the concentration of total phenolic
      compounds (R(2) = 0.90) and ascorbic acid (R(2) = 0.86). All 18 cultivars of
      cactus pears studied showed significant chelating activity of ferrous ions. The
      red and purple cactus pears showed a great stability when exposed to OH*.

PMID- 22072901
TI  - 3D-QSAR studies on thiazolidin-4-one S1P1receptor agonists by CoMFA and CoMSIA.
AB  - Selective S1P(1) receptor agonists have therapeutic potential to treat a variety
      of immune-mediated diseases. A series of 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives
      displaying potent S1P(1) receptor agonistic activity were selected to establish
      3D-QSAR models using CoMFA and CoMSIA methods. Internal and external cross
      validation techniques were investigated as well as some measures including region
      focusing, progressive scrambling, bootstraping and leave-group-out. The
      satisfactory CoMFA model predicted a q(2) value of 0.751 and an r(2) value of
      0.973, indicating that electrostatic and steric properties play a significant
      role in potency. The best CoMSIA model, based on a combination of steric,
      electrostatic, hydrophobic and H-bond donor descriptors, predicted a q(2) value
      of 0.739 and an r(2) value of 0.923. The models were graphically interpreted
      using contour plots which gave more insight into the structural requirements for
      increasing the activity of a compound, providing a solid basis for future
      rational design of more active S1P(1) receptor agonists.

PMID- 22072900
TI  - Metabolomics of oxidative stress in recent studies of endogenous and exogenously
      administered intermediate metabolites.
AB  - Aerobic metabolism occurs in a background of oxygen radicals and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) that originate from the incomplete reduction of molecular oxygen in
      electron transfer reactions. The essential role of aerobic metabolism, the
      generation and consumption of ATP and other high energy phosphates, sustains a
      balance of approximately 3000 essential human metabolites that serve not only as
      nutrients, but also as antioxidants, neurotransmitters, osmolytes, and
      participants in ligand-based and other cellular signaling. In hypoxia, ischemia,
      and oxidative stress, where pathological circumstances cause oxygen radicals to
      form at a rate greater than is possible for their consumption, changes in the
      composition of metabolite ensembles, or metabolomes, can be associated with
      physiological changes. Metabolomics and metabonomics are a scientific disciplines
      that focuse on quantifying dynamic metabolome responses, using multivariate
      analytical approaches derived from methods within genomics, a discipline that
      consolidated innovative analysis techniques for situations where the number of
      biomarkers (metabolites in our case) greatly exceeds the number of subjects. This
      review focuses on the behavior of cytosolic, mitochondrial, and redox metabolites
      in ameliorating or exacerbating oxidative stress. After reviewing work regarding
      a small number of metabolites-pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, and fructose-1,6
      bisphosphate-whose exogenous administration was found to ameliorate oxidative
      stress, a subsequent section reviews basic multivariate statistical methods
      common in metabolomics research, and their application in human and preclinical
      studies emphasizing oxidative stress. Particular attention is paid to new NMR
      spectroscopy methods in metabolomics and metabonomics. Because complex
      relationships connect oxidative stress to so many physiological processes,
      studies from different disciplines were reviewed. All, however, shared the common
      goal of ultimately developing "omics"-based, diagnostic tests to help influence
      therapies.

PMID- 22072902
TI  - Characterization of terpenoids from the root of Ceriops tagal with antifouling
      activity.
AB  - One new dimeric diterpenoid, 8(14)-enyl-pimar-2'(3')-en-4'(18')-en-15'(16')
      endolabr- 16,15,2',3'-oxoan-16-one (1) and five known terpenoids: Tagalsin C (2),
      Tagalsin I (3), lup-20(29)-ene-3beta,28-diol (4), 3-oxolup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid
      (5) and 28-hydroxylup- 20(29)-en-3-one (6) were isolated from the roots of the
      mangrove plant Ceriops tagal. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were
      elucidated by means of extensive NMR, IR and MS analysis. The antifouling
      activity against larval settlement of the barnacle Balanus albicostatus were
      evaluated using capsaicin as a positive control. All these terpenoids exhibited
      antifouling activity against cyprid larvae of the barnacle without significant
      toxicity. The structure-activity relationship results demonstrated that the order
      of antifouling activity was diterpenoid (Compound 2) > triterpenoid (Compounds 4,
      5 and 6) > dimeric diterpenoid (Compounds 1 and 3). The functional groups on the
      C-28 position of lupane triterpenoid significantly affect the antifouling
      activity. The diterpenoid dimmer with two identical diterpenoid subunits might
      display more potent antifouling activity than one with two different diterpenoid
      subunits. The stability test showed that Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 6 remained stable
      over 2-month exposure under filtered seawater.

PMID- 22072903
TI  - Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of licorice extract against CCl4-induced
      oxidative damage in rats.
AB  - Licorice has been used in Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of various
      disorders. Licorice has the biological capabilities of detoxication,
      antioxidation, and antiinfection. In this study, we evaluated the antihepatotoxic
      effect of licorice aqueous extract (LE) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))
      induced liver injury in a rat model. Hepatic damage, as reveled by histology and
      the increased activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and decreased
      levels of serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and globulin (G) were induced
      in rats by an administration of CCl(4) at 3 mL/kg b.w. (1:1 in groundnut oil).
      Licorice extract significantly inhibited the elevated AST, ALP and ALT activities
      and the decreased TP, Alb and G levels caused by CCl(4) intoxication. It also
      enhanced liver super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione
      peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), Glutathione S-transferase (GST)
      activities and glutathione (GSH) level, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level.
      Licorice extract still markedly reverses the increased liver hydroxyproline and
      serum TNF-alpha levels induced by CCl(4) intoxication. The data of this study
      support a chemopreventive potential of licorice extract against liver oxidative
      injury.

PMID- 22072904
TI  - ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors and their roles in affecting
      nucleosome fiber composition.
AB  - ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors of the SNF2 family are key components
      of the cellular machineries that shape and regulate chromatin structure and
      function. Members of this group of proteins have broad and heterogeneous
      functions ranging from controlling gene activity, facilitating DNA damage repair,
      promoting homologous recombination to maintaining genomic stability. Several
      chromatin remodeling factors are critical components of nucleosome assembly
      processes, and recent reports have identified specific functions of distinct
      chromatin remodeling factors in the assembly of variant histones into chromatin.
      In this review we will discuss the specific roles of ATP-dependent chromatin
      remodeling factors in determining nucleosome composition and, thus, chromatin
      fiber properties.

PMID- 22072906
TI  - Crystallization study and comparative in vitro-in vivo hydrolysis of PLA
      reinforcement ligament.
AB  - In the present work, the crystallization behavior and in vitro-in vivo hydrolysis
      rates of PLA absorbable reinforcement ligaments used in orthopaedics for the
      repair and reinforcement of articulation instabilities were studied. Tensile
      strength tests showed that this reinforcement ligament has similar mechanical
      properties to Fascia Latta, which is an allograft sourced from the ilio-tibial
      band of the human body. The PLA reinforcement ligament is a semicrystalline
      material with a glass transition temperature around 61  degrees C and a melting
      point of ~178  degrees C. Dynamic crystallization revealed that, although the
      crystallization rates of the material are slow, they are faster than the often
      reported PLA crystallization rates. Mass loss and molecular weight reduction
      measurements showed that in vitro hydrolysis at 50  degrees C initially takes
      place at a slow rate, which gets progressively higher after 30-40 days. As found
      from SEM micrographs, deterioration of the PLA fibers begins during this time.
      Furthermore, as found from in vivo hydrolysis in the human body, the PLA
      reinforcement ligament is fully biocompatible and after 6 months of implantation
      is completely covered with flesh. However, the observed hydrolysis rate from in
      vivo studies was slow due to high molecular weight and degree of crystallinity.

PMID- 22072905
TI  - The potential of antimicrobial peptides as biocides.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides constitute a diverse class of naturally occurring
      antimicrobial molecules which have activity against a wide range of pathogenic
      microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides are exciting leads in the development of
      novel biocidal agents at a time when classical antibiotics are under intense
      pressure from emerging resistance, and the global industry in antibiotic research
      and development stagnates. This review will examine the potential of
      antimicrobial peptides, both natural and synthetic, as novel biocidal agents in
      the battle against multi-drug resistant pathogen infections.

PMID- 22072907
TI  - Modulation of human serotonin transporter expression by 5-HTTLPR in colon cells.
AB  - Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter and plays important roles in
      several of the human body's systems. Known as a primary target for psychoactive
      drug development, the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT, SERT) plays a critical role in the
      regulation of serotonergic function by reuptaking 5-HT. The allelic variation of
      5-HTT expression is caused by functional gene promoter polymorphism with two
      principal variant alleles, 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR). It
      has been demonstrated that 5-HTTLPR is associated with numerous neuropsychiatric
      disorders. The functional roles of 5-HTTLPR have been reported in human
      choriocarcinoma (JAR), lymphoblast and raphe cells. To date, the significance of
      5-HTTLPR in gastrointestinal tract-derived cells has never been elucidated. Thus,
      the impact of 5-HTTLPR on 5-HTT transcription was studied in SW480 human colon
      carcinoma cells, which were shown to express 5-HTT. We found 42-bp fragment in
      long (L) allele as compared to short (S) allele, and this allelic difference
      resulted in 2-fold higher transcriptional efficiency of L allele (P < 0.05) as
      demonstrated using a functional reporter gene assay. Nevertheless, the
      transcriptional effect of estrogen and glucocorticoid on 5-HTT expression via 5
      HTTLPR was not found in this cell line. Our study was the first to demonstrate
      the molecular role of this allelic variation in gastrointestinal tract cells.

PMID- 22072908
TI  - Quantitative comparative analysis of the bio-active and toxic constituents of
      leaves and spikes of Schizonepeta tenuifolia at different harvesting times.
AB  - A GC-MS-Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) detection method was developed for
      simultaneous determination of four monoterpenes: (-)-menthone, (+)-pulegone, (-)
      limonene and (+)-menthofuran as the main bio-active and toxic constituents, and
      four other main compounds in the volatile oils of Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST)
      leaves and spikes at different harvesting times. The results showed that the
      method was simple, sensitive and reproducible, and that harvesting time was a
      possible key factor in influencing the quality of ST leaves, but not its spikes.
      The research might be helpful for determining the harvesting time of ST samples
      and establishing a validated method for the quality control of ST volatile oil
      and other relative products.

PMID- 22072909
TI  - Expression of elongation factor (EF)-Tu is correlated with prognosis of gastric
      adenocarcinomas.
AB  - Altered expressions of mitochondria elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) have been
      observed in certain types of cancers, including gastric cancer cell lines, but
      the impact of the alterations in gastric adenocarcinoma remains unclear. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of EF-Tu in gastric
      adenocarcinoma and to assess its clinical significance. A total of 104 paired
      resected gastric adenocarcinoma and corresponding normal specimens were collected
      in this study. EF-Tu expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The
      correlation of EF-Tu expression and patients' clinicopathological parameters was
      statically evaluated and the prognostic significance of EF-Tu expression was
      assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Forty-nine out of 104 (47.1%)
      gastric adenocarcinoma specimens showed high expression of EF-Tu, while the
      remaining 55 specimens showed weak or negative expression of EF-Tu. In contrast,
      EF-Tu high expression was detected in 62.5% (65 of 104) normal tissues. Down
      regulation of EF-Tu was associated with serosal invasion (P = 0.042) and node
      involvement (P = 0.005), and down-regulation of EF-Tu was correlated with poor
      overall survival (P = 0.020). In curative resection (R0) patients, there were
      also significant differences (P = 0.043). In the multivariate analysis, the EF-Tu
      expression remained a significant independent prognostic factor (P = 0.038). Our
      results indicate that EF-Tu is expressed in both gastric adenocarcinoma and
      corresponding normal tissues. Down-regulation of EF-Tu expression is associated
      with advanced disease stage and EF-Tu expression maybe served as an independent
      prognostic factor.

PMID- 22072910
TI  - Molecular quantum spintronics: supramolecular spin valves based on single
      molecule magnets and carbon nanotubes.
AB  - We built new hybrid devices consisting of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown
      carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors, decorated with TbPc(2) (Pc = phthalocyanine)
      rare-earth based single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The drafting was achieved by
      tailoring supramolecular pi-pi interactions between CNTs and SMMs. The
      magnetoresistance hysteresis loop measurements revealed steep steps, which we can
      relate to the magnetization reversal of individual SMMs. Indeed, we established
      that the electronic transport properties of these devices depend strongly on the
      relative magnetization orientations of the grafted SMMs. The SMMs are playing the
      role of localized spin polarizer and analyzer on the CNT electronic conducting
      channel. As a result, we measured magneto-resistance ratios up to several hundred
      percent. We used this spin valve effect to confirm the strong uniaxial anisotropy
      and the superparamagnetic blocking temperature (T(B) ~ 1 K) of isolated TbPc(2)
      SMMs. For the first time, the strength of exchange interaction between the
      different SMMs of the molecular spin valve geometry could be determined. Our
      results introduce a new design for operable molecular spintronic devices using
      the quantum effects of individual SMMs.

PMID- 22072911
TI  - Principal component analysis coupled with artificial neural networks--a combined
      technique classifying small molecular structures using a concatenated spectral
      database.
AB  - In this paper we present several expert systems that predict the class identity
      of the modeled compounds, based on a preprocessed spectral database. The expert
      systems were built using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and are designed to
      predict if an unknown compound has the toxicological activity of amphetamines
      (stimulant and hallucinogen), or whether it is a nonamphetamine. In attempts to
      circumvent the laws controlling drugs of abuse, new chemical structures are very
      frequently introduced on the black market. They are obtained by slightly
      modifying the controlled molecular structures by adding or changing substituents
      at various positions on the banned molecules. As a result, no substance similar
      to those forming a prohibited class may be used nowadays, even if it has not been
      specifically listed. Therefore, reliable, fast and accessible systems capable of
      modeling and then identifying similarities at molecular level, are highly needed
      for epidemiological, clinical, and forensic purposes. In order to obtain the
      expert systems, we have preprocessed a concatenated spectral database,
      representing the GC-FTIR (gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared
      spectrometry) and GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) spectra of 103
      forensic compounds. The database was used as input for a Principal Component
      Analysis (PCA). The scores of the forensic compounds on the main principal
      components (PCs) were then used as inputs for the ANN systems. We have built
      eight PC-ANN systems (principal component analysis coupled with artificial neural
      network) with a different number of input variables: 15 PCs, 16 PCs, 17 PCs, 18
      PCs, 19 PCs, 20 PCs, 21 PCs and 22 PCs. The best expert system was found to be
      the ANN network built with 18 PCs, which accounts for an explained variance of
      77%. This expert system has the best sensitivity (a rate of classification C =
      100% and a rate of true positives TP = 100%), as well as a good selectivity (a
      rate of true negatives TN = 92.77%). A comparative analysis of the validation
      results of all expert systems is presented, and the input variables with the
      highest discrimination power are discussed.

PMID- 22072912
TI  - Effect of peptide size on antioxidant properties of African yam bean seed
      (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) protein hydrolysate fractions.
AB  - Enzymatic hydrolysate of African yam bean seed protein isolate was prepared by
      treatment with alcalase. The hydrolysate was further fractionated into peptide
      sizes of <1, 1-3, 3-5 and 5-10 kDa using membrane ultrafiltration. The protein
      hydrolysate (APH) and its membrane ultrafiltration fractions were assayed for in
      vitro antioxidant activities. The <1 kDa peptides exhibited significantly better
      (p < 0.05) ferric reducing power, diphenyl-1-picryhydradzyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl
      radical scavenging activities when compared to peptide fractions of higher
      molecular weights. The high activity of <1 kDa peptides in these antioxidant
      assay systems may be related to the high levels of total hydrophobic and aromatic
      amino acids. In comparison to glutathione (GSH), the APH and its membrane
      fractions had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ability to chelate metal ions. In
      contrast, GSH had significantly greater (p < 0.05) ferric reducing power and free
      radical scavenging activities than APH and its membrane fractions. The APH and
      its membrane fractions effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation, results that
      were concentration dependent. The activity of APH and its membrane fractions
      against linoleic acid oxidation was higher when compared to that of GSH but lower
      than that of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT). The results show potential use of
      APH and its membrane fractions as antioxidants in the management of oxidative
      stress-related metabolic disorders and in the prevention of lipid oxidation in
      food products.

PMID- 22072913
TI  - Comparative kinetic study and microwaves non-thermal effects on the formation of
      poly(amic acid) 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and
      4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(p-phenyleneoxy)dianiline (BAPHF). Reaction
      activated by microwave, ultrasound and conventional heating.
AB  - Green chemistry is the design of chemical processes that reduce or eliminate
      negative environmental impacts. The use and production of chemicals involve the
      reduction of waste products, non-toxic components, and improved efficiency. Green
      chemistry applies innovative scientific solutions in the use of new reagents,
      catalysts and non-classical modes of activation such as ultrasounds or
      microwaves. Kinetic behavior and non-thermal effect of poly(amic acid)
      synthesized from (6FDA) dianhydride and (BAPHF) diamine in a low microwave
      absorbing p-dioxane solvent at low temperature of 30, 50, 70  degrees C were
      studied, under conventional heating (CH), microwave (MW) and ultrasound
      irradiation (US). Results show that the polycondensation rate decreases (MW > US
      > CH) and that the increased rates observed with US and MW are due to decreased
      activation energies of the Arrhenius equation. Rate constant for a chemical
      process activated by conventional heating declines proportionally as the
      induction time increases, however, this behavior is not observed under microwave
      and ultrasound activation. We can say that in addition to the thermal microwave
      effect, a non-thermal microwave effect is present in the system.

PMID- 22072914
TI  - Molecular identification of Fusarium species in Gibberella fujikuroi species
      complex from rice, sugarcane and maize from Peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify Fusarium species in the Gibberella
      fujikuroi species complex from rice, sugarcane and maize as most of the Fusarium
      species in the species complex are found on the three crops. Isolates used were
      collected from the field and obtained from culture collection. The Fusarium
      isolates were initially sorted based on morphology and identifications confirmed
      based on the DNA sequence of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF
      1alpha) gene. Based on the closest match of BLAST analysis, five species were
      recovered, namely, F. sacchari, F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. andiyazi and F.
      verticillioides. This is the first report regarding F. andiyazi from rice in
      Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The phylogenetic tree generated by using the
      neighbor joining method showed that isolates from the same species were grouped
      in the same clade. The present study indicated that Fusarium species in the G.
      fujikuroi species complex are widespread in rice, sugarcane and maize in
      Peninsular Malaysia. The findings also suggest that the use of morphological
      characters for identification of Fusarium species in the G. fujikuroi species
      complex from the three crops will lead to incorrect species designation.

PMID- 22072916
TI  - A set of novel microsatellite markers developed for a distylous species Luculia
      gratissima (Rubiaceae).
AB  - Luculia gratissima (Wall.) Sweet (Rubiaceae) is a perennial shrub distributed in
      the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau in southwest China and adjacent
      region of Nepal and Myanmar. The plant is a distylous species with reciprocally
      placed stigmas and anthers in each floral morph. By using the Fast Isolation by
      Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) of Sequences Containing (FIASCO)
      repeats protocol, 19 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. Of
      these primers, 10 displayed polymorphisms and nine were monomorphic. The number
      of alleles per locus ranged from two to five, values for observed and expected
      heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.289 to 0.760, with
      averages of 0.303 and 0.555, respectively. These microsatellite loci will
      facilitate further studies on breeding system, gene flow patterns, and population
      structure of L. gratissima and its allied species.

PMID- 22072915
TI  - The role of microRNAs in the biology of rare diseases.
AB  - Rare diseases (RD) are characterized by low prevalence and affect not more than
      five individuals per 10,000 in the European population; they are a large and
      heterogeneous group of disorders including more than 7,000 conditions and often
      involve all organs and tissues, with several clinical subtypes within the same
      disease. Very often information concerning either diagnosis and/or prognosis on
      many RD is insufficient. microRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that
      regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by either degrading or
      blocking translation of messenger RNA targets. Recently, microRNA expression
      patterns of body fluids underscored their potential as noninvasive biomarkers for
      various diseases. The role of microRNAs as potential biomarkers has become
      particularly attractive. The identification of disease-related microRNAs is
      essential for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases at the molecular level,
      and is critical for designing specific molecular tools for diagnosis, treatment
      and prevention. Computational analysis of microRNA-disease associations is an
      important complementary means for prioritizing microRNAs for further experimental
      examination. In this article, we explored the added value of miRs as biomarkers
      in a selected panel of RD hitting different tissues/systems at different life
      stages, but sharing the need of better biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic
      purposes.

PMID- 22072917
TI  - Hyaluronan and fibrin biomaterial as scaffolds for neuronal differentiation of
      adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue and skin.
AB  - Recently, we have described a simple protocol to obtain an enriched culture of
      adult stem cells organized in neurospheres from two post-natal tissues: skin and
      adipose tissue. Due to their possible application in neuronal tissue
      regeneration, here we tested two kinds of scaffold well known in tissue
      engineering application: hyaluronan based membranes and fibrin-glue meshes.
      Neurospheres from skin and adipose tissue were seeded onto two scaffold types:
      hyaluronan based membrane and fibrin-glue meshes. Neurospheres were then induced
      to acquire a glial and neuronal-like phenotype. Gene expression, morphological
      feature and chromosomal imbalance (kariotype) were analyzed and compared. Adipose
      and skin derived neurospheres are able to grow well and to differentiate into
      glial/neuron cells without any chromosomal imbalance in both scaffolds. Adult
      cells are able to express typical cell surface markers such as S100; GFAP;
      nestin; betaIII tubulin; CNPase. In summary, we have demonstrated that
      neurospheres isolated from skin and adipose tissues are able to differentiate in
      glial/neuron-like cells, without any chromosomal imbalance in two scaffold types,
      useful for tissue engineering application: hyaluronan based membrane and fibrin
      glue meshes.

PMID- 22072918
TI  - A novel cold-adapted lipase from Sorangium cellulosum strain So0157-2: gene
      cloning, expression, and enzymatic characterization.
AB  - Genome sequencing of cellulolytic myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum reveals many
      open-reading frames (ORFs) encoding various degradation enzymes with low sequence
      similarity to those reported, but none of them has been characterized. In this
      paper, a predicted lipase gene (lipA) was cloned from S. cellulosum strain So0157
      2 and characterized. lipA is 981-bp in size, encoding a polypeptide of 326 amino
      acids that contains the pentapeptide (GHSMG) and catalytic triad residues
      (Ser114, Asp250 and His284). Searching in the GenBank database shows that the
      LipA protein has only the 30% maximal identity to a human monoglyceride lipase.
      The novel lipA gene was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and the recombinant
      protein (r-LipA) was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The enzyme
      hydrolyzed the p-nitrophenyl (pNP) esters of short or medium chain fatty acids
      (<=C(10)), and the maximal activity was on pNP acetate. The r- LipA is a cold
      adapted lipase, with high enzymatic activity in a wide range of temperature and
      pH values. At 4  degrees C and 30  degrees C, the K(m) values of r-LipA on pNP
      acetate are 0.037 +/- 0.001 and 0.174 +/- 0.006 mM, respectively. Higher pH and
      temperature conditions promoted hydrolytic activity toward the pNP esters with
      longer chain fatty acids. Remarkably, this lipase retained much of its activity
      in the presence of commercial detergents and organic solvents. The results
      suggest that the r-LipA protein has some new characteristics potentially
      promising for industrial applications and S. cellulosum is an intriguing resource
      for lipase screening.

PMID- 22072919
TI  - The stimulation of IGF-1R expression by Lewis(y) antigen provides a powerful
      development mechanism of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure and correlate the expression of insulin
      like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R) and the Lewis(y) antigen in ovarian cancer
      cell lines and tissue samples. METHODS: Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR),
      Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, and
      immunofluorescence double-labeling techniques were applied to detect and measure
      the expression of Lewis(y) and IGF-1R. RESULTS: In alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase
      (alpha1,2-FT)-transfected cells, IGF-1R expression was significantly upregulated
      compared with cells that do not overexpress alpha1,2-FT (P < 0.05). The amount of
      Lewis(y) expressed on IGF-1R increased 1.81-fold in alpha1,2-FT-overexpressing
      cells (P < 0.05), but the ratio of Lewis(y) expressed on IGF-1R to total IGF-1R
      was unaltered between two cells (P > 0.05). In malignant epithelial ovarian
      tumors, the positivity rates of Lewis(y) and IGF-1R detection were 88.3% and
      93.33%, respectively, which is higher than the positivity rates in marginal
      (60.00% and 63.33%, all P < 0.05), benign (33.00% and 53.33%, all P < 0.01), and
      normal (0% and 40%, all P < 0.01) ovarian samples. No correlations were detected
      in positivity rates of Lewis(y) or IGF-1R expression with respect to
      clinicopathological parameters in ovarian cancers (all P > 0.05). Both IGF-1R and
      Lewis(y) were highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues, and their expression
      levels were positively correlated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overexpression of
      Lewis(y) results in overexpression of IGF-1R. Both IGF-1R and Lewis(y) are
      associated with the occurrence and development of ovarian cancers.

PMID- 22072920
TI  - Nuclear markers of Danube Sturgeons hybridization.
AB  - Acipenseriformes are composed of 25 sturgeon species and two paddlefish species
      distributed exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The Danube River and the
      Black Sea were originally inhabited by six sturgeon species but two are extinct
      and only four are still reproducing currently in the Lower Danube: Huso huso,
      Acipenser stellatus, A. gueldenstaedtii and A. ruthenus. Sturgeon species
      hybridize more easily than other fish and the determination of pure species or
      hybrid status is important for conservation and for breeding in fish farms. This
      survey demonstrated that morphological determination of this status is not
      reliable and a molecular tool, based on eight microsatellites genotypes is
      proposed. This method, based on three successive statistical analyses including
      Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA), Structure assignation and NewHybrids
      status determination, showed a high efficiency in discriminating pure species
      specimens from F1, F2 and two kinds of backcross individuals involving three of
      the four reproducing Lower Danube sturgeon species.

PMID- 22072921
TI  - Far from equilibrium percolation, stochastic and shape resonances in the physics
      of life.
AB  - Key physical concepts, relevant for the cross-fertilization between condensed
      matter physics and the physics of life seen as a collective phenomenon in a
      system out-of-equilibrium, are discussed. The onset of life can be driven by: (a)
      the critical fluctuations at the protonic percolation threshold in membrane
      transport; (b) the stochastic resonance in biological systems, a mechanism that
      can exploit external and self-generated noise in order to gain efficiency in
      signal processing; and (c) the shape resonance (or Fano resonance or Feshbach
      resonance) in the association and dissociation processes of bio-molecules (a
      quantum mechanism that could play a key role to establish a macroscopic quantum
      coherence in the cell).

PMID- 22072922
TI  - Nuclei of Tsuga canadensis: role of flavanols in chromatin organization.
AB  - Needle primordia of Tsuga canadensis (hemlock) arising from flank meristems of a
      shoot apex, form cell lineages consisting of four or eight cells. Within a
      recently established lineage there is striking uniformity in the pattern of
      nuclear flavanols. This fact points to an identical transcriptional expression of
      these flavanols during cell cycling. However two lineages, even if located close
      together within the same meristem, can be very different in the expression of
      both cell shape and nuclear flavanol pattern, indicating that epigenetic
      positional signals are operating in a collective specification of cell lineage
      development. There is a wide range of nuclear flavanol patterning from a mosaic
      like distribution in an activated cell type to a homogenous appearance in
      silenced cell types. Single cells deriving from lineages are desynchronized
      because they underlie a signaling network at a higher tissue level which results
      in stronger epigenetic modifications of their nuclear flavanols. As an extreme
      case of epigenetic modulation, transient drought conditions caused a drastic
      reduction of nuclear flavanols. Upon treatment with sucrose or cytokinin, these
      nuclear flavanols could be fully restored. Analytical determination of the
      flavanols revealed 3.4 mg/g DW for newly sprouting needles and 19.6 mg/g DW for
      anthers during meiosis. The roughly 6-fold difference in flavanols is apparently
      a reflection of the highly diverging organogenetic processes. Collectively, the
      studies provide strong evidence for combinatorial interplay between cell fate and
      nuclear flavanols.

PMID- 22072923
TI  - Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of bioactive compounds from Ampelopsis
      grossedentata stems: process optimization and antioxidant activity.
AB  - Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) extraction of bioactive compounds
      including flavonoids and phenolics from Ampelopsis grossedentata stems was
      carried out. Extraction parameters such as pressure, temperature, dynamic time
      and modifier, were optimized using an orthogonal array design of L(9) (3(4)), and
      antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and ferrous ion chelating
      (FIC) assay. The best conditions obtained for SC-CO(2) extraction of flavonoids
      was 250 bar, 40  degrees C, 50 min, and with a modifier of methanol/ethanol (1:3,
      v/v), and that for phenolics extraction was 250 bar, 40  degrees C, 50 min, and
      with a modifier of methanol/ethanol (1:1, v/v). Meantime, flavonoids and
      phenolics were found to be mainly responsible for the DPPH scavenging activity of
      the extracts, but not for the chelating activity on ferrous ion according to
      Pearson correlation analysis. Furthermore, several unreported flavonoids such as
      apigenin, vitexin, luteolin, etc., have been detected in the extracts from A.
      grossedentata stems.

PMID- 22072924
TI  - Assessing molecular signature for some potential date (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
      cultivars from Saudi Arabia, based on chloroplast DNA sequences rpoB and psbA
      trnH.
AB  - Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm), being economically very important, is widely
      cultivated in the Middle East and North Africa, having about 400 different
      cultivars. Assessment of date cultivars under trading and farming is a widely
      accepted problem owing to lack of a unique molecular signature for specific date
      cultivars. In the present study, eight different cultivars of dates viz., Khodry,
      Khalas, Ruthana, Sukkari, Sefri, Segae, Ajwa and Hilali were sequenced for rpoB
      and psbA-trnH genes and analyzed using bioinformatics tools to establish a
      cultivar-specific molecular signature. The combined aligned data matrix was of
      1147 characters, of which invariable and variable sites were found to be 958 and
      173, respectively. The analysis clearly reveals three major groups of these
      cultivars: (i) Khodary, Sefri, Ajwa, Ruthana and Hilali (58% BS); (ii) Sukkari
      and Khalas (64% BS); and (iii) Segae. The economically most important cultivar
      Ajwa showed similarity with Khodary and Sefri (67% BS).The sequences of the date
      cultivars generated in the present study showed bootstrap values between 38% and
      70% so these sequences could be carefully used as molecular signature for
      potential date cultivars under trading and selection of genuine cultivars at the
      seedling stage for farming.

PMID- 22072927
TI  - Evaluation of antioxidant compounds and total sugar content in a nectarine
      [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] progeny.
AB  - Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of fruit rich in phenolic
      compounds is associated with health-protective effects due to their antioxidant
      properties. For these reasons quality evaluation has become an important issue in
      fruit industry and in breeding programs. Phytochemical traits such as total
      phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, L-ascorbic acid, sugar content and relative
      antioxidant capacity (RAC) were analyzed over four years in flesh fruit of an F1
      population "Venus" * "Big Top" nectarines. Other traits such as harvesting date,
      yield, fruit weight, firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), pH, titratable
      acidity (TA) and ripening index (RI) were also determined in the progeny. Results
      showed high variability among genotypes for all analyzed traits. Total phenolics
      and flavonoids showed significant positive correlations with RAC implying that
      both are important antioxidant bioactive compounds in peaches. We found genotypes
      with enhanced antioxidant capacity and a better performance than progenitors, and
      in consequence the best marketability.

PMID- 22072926
TI  - Metal-induced oxidative stress and plant mitochondria.
AB  - A general status of oxidative stress in plants caused by exposure to elevated
      metal concentrations in the environment coincides with a constraint on
      mitochondrial electron transport, which enhances ROS accumulation at the
      mitochondrial level. As mitochondria are suggested to be involved in redox
      signaling under environmental stress conditions, mitochondrial ROS can initiate a
      signaling cascade mediating the overall stress response, i.e., damage versus
      adaptation. This review highlights our current understanding of metal-induced
      responses in plants, with focus on the production and detoxification of
      mitochondrial ROS. In addition, the potential involvement of retrograde signaling
      in these processes will be discussed.

PMID- 22072925
TI  - Malignant catarrhal fever: understanding molecular diagnostics in context of
      epidemiology.
AB  - Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a frequently fatal disease, primarily of
      ruminants, caused by a group of gammaherpesviruses. Due to complexities of
      pathogenesis and epidemiology in various species, which are either clinically
      susceptible or reservoir hosts, veterinary clinicians face significant challenges
      in laboratory diagnostics. The recent development of specific assays for viral
      DNA and antibodies has expanded and improved the inventory of laboratory tests
      and opened new opportunities for use of MCF diagnostics. Issues related to
      understanding and implementing appropriate assays for specific diagnostic needs
      must be addressed in order to take advantage of molecular diagnostics in the
      laboratory.

PMID- 22072928
TI  - N-acetylcysteine reduces markers of differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetes,
      hypertension and atherosclerosis. Some authors reported that fat accumulation
      correlates to systemic oxidative stress in humans and mice, but the relationship
      of lipid production and oxidative metabolism is still unclear. In our laboratory
      we used 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, which are able to differentiate into mature
      adipocytes and accumulate lipids, as obesity model. We showed that intracellular
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities increased in parallel with fat
      accumulation. Meanwhile N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well known antioxidant and
      Glutathione (GSH) precursor, inhibited ROS levels as well as fat accumulation in
      a concentration-dependent manner. NAC also inhibited both adipogenic
      transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBP beta) and
      peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) expression; we
      suggested that intracellular GSH content could be responsible for these effects.

PMID- 22072929
TI  - In vitro anti-listerial activities of crude n-hexane and aqueous extracts of
      Garcinia kola (heckel) seeds.
AB  - We assessed the anti-Listerial activities of crude n-hexane and aqueous extracts
      of Garcinia kola seeds against a panel of 42 Listeria isolates previously
      isolated from wastewater effluents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
      and belonging to Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria grayi and Listeria ivanovii
      species. The n-hexane fraction was active against 45% of the test bacteria with
      zones of inhibition ranging between 8-17 mm, while the aqueous fraction was
      active against 29% with zones of inhibition ranging between 8-11 mm. The minimum
      inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were within the ranges of 0.079-0.625 mg/mL for
      the n-hexane extract and 10 to >10 mg/mL for the aqueous extract. The rate of
      kill experiment carried out for the n-hexane extract only, revealed complete
      elimination of the initial bacterial population for L. grayi (LAL 15) at 3* and
      4* MIC after 90 and 60 min; L. monocytogenes (LAL 8) at 3* and 4* MIC after 60
      and 15 min; L. ivanovii (LEL 18) at 3* and 4* MIC after 120 and 15 min; L.
      ivanovii (LEL 30) at 2, 3 and 4* MIC values after 105, 90 and 15 min exposure
      time respectively. The rate of kill activities were time- and concentration
      dependant and the extract proved to be bactericidal as it achieved a more than
      3log(10) decrease in viable cell counts after 2 h exposure time for all of the
      four test organisms at 3* and 4* MIC values. The results therefore show the
      potential presence of anti-Listerial compounds in Garcinia kola seeds that can be
      exploited in effective anti-Listerial chemotherapy.

PMID- 22072930
TI  - Environmental dependence of artifact CD peaks of chiral Schiff base 3d-4f
      complexes in soft mater PMMA matrix.
AB  - Four chiral Schiff base binuclear 3d-4f complexes (NdNi, NdCu, GdNi, and GdCu)
      have been prepared and characterized by means of electronic and CD spectra, IR
      spectra, magnetic measurements, and X-ray crystallography (NdNi). A so-called
      artifact peak of solid state CD spectra, which was characteristic of oriented
      molecules without free molecular rotation, appeared at about 470 nm. Magnetic
      data of the complexes in the solid state (powder) and in PMMA cast films or
      solutions indicated that only GdCu preserved molecular structures in various
      matrixes of soft maters. For the first time, we have used the changes of
      intensity of artifact CD peaks to detect properties of environmental (media solid
      state (KBr pellets), PMMA cast films, concentration dependence of PMMA in acetone
      solutions, and pure acetone solution) for chiral 3d-4f complexes (GdCu). Rigid
      matrix keeping anisotropic orientation exhibited a decrease in the intensity of
      the artifact CD peak toward negative values. The present results suggest that
      solid state artifact CD peaks can be affected by environmental viscosity of a
      soft mater matrix.

PMID- 22072932
TI  - Structural determinants of CX-4945 derivatives as protein kinase CK2 inhibitors:
      a computational study.
AB  - Protein kinase CK2, also known as casein kinase-2, is involved in a broad range
      of physiological events including cell growth, proliferation and suppression of
      apoptosis which are related to human cancers. A series of compounds were
      identified as CK2 inhibitors and their inhibitory activities varied depending on
      their structures. In order to explore the structure-activity correlation of CX
      4945 derivatives as inhibitors of CK2, in the present study, a set of ligand- and
      receptor-based 3D-QSAR models were developed employing Comparative Molecular
      Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative Molecular Similarity Index Analysis
      (CoMSIA). The optimum CoMFA (R(cv) (2) = 0.618, R(pred) (2) = 0.892) and CoMSIA
      (R(cv) (2) = 0.681, R(pred) (2) = 0.843) models exhibited reasonable statistical
      characteristics for CX-4945 derivatives. The results indicated that electrostatic
      effects contributed the most to both CoMFA and CoMSIA models. The combination of
      docking analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation showed that Leu45, Lys68,
      Glu81, Val116, Asp175 and Trp176 of CK2 which formed several direct or water
      bridged H-bonds with CX-4945 are crucial for CX-4945 derivatives recognition to
      CK2. These results can offer useful theoretical references for designing more
      potent CK2 inhibitors.

PMID- 22072933
TI  - Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative Molecular Similarity
      Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) studies on alpha(1A)-adrenergic receptor antagonists
      based on pharmacophore molecular alignment.
AB  - The alpha(1A)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1A)-AR) antagonist is useful in treating
      benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms, and cardiac
      arrhythmia. Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D
      QSAR) studies were performed on a set of alpha(1A)-AR antagonists of N-aryl and N
      nitrogen class. Statistically significant models constructed from comparative
      molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices
      analysis (CoMSIA) were established based on a training set of 32 ligands using
      pharmacophore-based molecular alignment. The leave-oneout cross-validation
      correlation coefficients were q(2) (CoMFA) = 0.840 and q(2) (CoMSIA) = 0.840. The
      high correlation between the cross-validated/predicted and experimental
      activities of a test set of 12 ligands revealed that the CoMFA and CoMSIA models
      were robust (r(2) (pred) (/CoMFA) = 0.694; r(2) (pred) (/CoMSIA) = 0.671). The
      generated models suggested that electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding
      interactions play important roles between ligands and receptors in the active
      site. Our study serves as a guide for further experimental investigations on the
      synthesis of new compounds. Structural modifications based on the present 3D-QSAR
      results may lead to the discovery of other alpha(1A)-AR antagonists.

PMID- 22072931
TI  - Protein misdirection inside and outside motor neurons in Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis (ALS): a possible clue for therapeutic strategies.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease
      characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness with no effective cure.
      Emerging evidence supports the notion that the abnormal conformations of ALS
      linked proteins play a central role in triggering the motor neuron degeneration.
      In particular, mutant types of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and TAR DNA binding
      protein 43kDa (TDP-43) are key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of familial
      and sporadic ALS, respectively. The commonalities of the two proteins include a
      propensity to aggregate and acquire detrimental conformations through
      oligomerization, fragmentation, or post-translational modification that may drive
      abnormal subcellular localizations. Although SOD1 is a major cytosolic protein,
      mutated SOD1 has been localized to mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and even
      the extracellular space. The nuclear exclusion of TDP-43 is a pathological
      hallmark for ALS, although the pathogenic priority remains elusive. Nevertheless,
      these abnormal behaviors based on the protein misfolding are believed to induce
      diverse intracellular and extracellular events that may be tightly linked to non
      cell-autonomous motor neuron death. The generation of mutant- or misfolded
      protein-specific antibodies would help to uncover the distribution and
      propagation of the ALS-linked proteins, and to design a therapeutic strategy to
      clear such species. Herein we review the literature regarding the mislocalization
      of ALS-linked proteins, especially mutant SOD1 and TDP-43 species, and discuss
      the rationale of molecular targeting strategies including immunotherapy.

PMID- 22072934
TI  - Candida colonization index in patients admitted to an ICU.
AB  - Multiple-site colonization with Candida spp. is commonly recognized as a risk
      factor for invasive fungal infection in critically ill patients. We carried out a
      study to determine the relationship between Candida colonization and invasive
      infection in neurological patients admitted to an ICU. At admission (T0) and
      every three days for two weeks, different samples (pharynx swab, tracheal
      secretions, stomach contents, etc.) were collected for mycological surveillance.
      Candida mannan antigen and Candida anti-mannan antibodies were assayed. The
      Colonization Index (CI) and Corrected Colonization Index were calculated for each
      time point. Of all patients 70% was already colonized by Candida spp. at T0 and
      six of them had CI >= 0.5. Three patients developed candidemia; they had CI >=
      0.5 before infection. Positive values of Candida mannan antigen and anti-mannan
      antibodies were found only in the patients with candidemia. The sensitivity and
      specificity of the Candida mannan test were 66.6% and 100%, respectively, while
      the sensitivity and specificity of the anti-mannan antibody test were 100%. In
      accordance with other authors, we find the surveillance cultures are useful to
      monitor the Candida colonization in ICU patients. In addition, the sequential
      observation of anti-mannan antibodies could contribute to early diagnosis of
      candidiasis more than Candida mannan antigen in immunocompetent patients.

PMID- 22072935
TI  - Biological potential of sixteen legumes in China.
AB  - Phenolic acids have been identified in a variety of legumes including lima bean,
      broad bean, common bean, pea, jack bean, goa bean, adzuki bean, hyacinth bean,
      chicking vetch, garbanzo bean, dral, cow bean, rice bean, mung bean and soybean.
      The present study was carried out with the following aims: (1) to identify and
      quantify the individual phenolic acid and determine the total phenolic content
      (TPC); (2) to assess their antioxidant activity, inhibition activities of alpha
      glucosidase, tyrosinase, and formation of advanced glycation endproducts; and (3)
      to investigate correlations among the phytochemicals and biological activity.
      Common bean possesses the highest antioxidant activity and advanced glycation
      endproducts formation inhibition activity. Adzuki bean has the highest alpha
      glucosidase inhibition activity, and mung bean has the highest tyrosinase
      inhibition activity. There are significant differences in phytochemical content
      and functional activities among the bean species investigated. Selecting beans
      can help treat diseases such as dermatological hyperpigmentation illness, type 2
      diabetes and associated cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22072936
TI  - Anti-UVC irradiation and metal chelation properties of 6-benzoyl-5,7-dihydroxy-4
      phenyl-chromen-2-one: an implications for anti-cataract agent.
AB  - Coumarin derivative 1, 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(3-methyl-1-butyryl)-4-phenyl-chromen- 2
      one, has been reported to possess radical scavenging activity and DNA protection.
      We have synthesized a series of coumarins with structural modifications at
      positions C4, C5, C6 and C7 and evaluated them for their anti-UVC properties.
      Coumarin 7, 6-benzoyl-5,6-dihydroxy-4-phenyl-chromen-2-one, was found to have the
      most potent activity in protecting porcine gamma-crystallin against UVC insults.
      Results of fluorescence assays indicated that compound 7 was capable of
      decreasing the loss of intensity while lens crystallins and DNA PUC19 were
      irradiated with UVC. Presence of compound 7 decreased hydroxyl radical levels
      determined by probe 1b and the free iron concentrations determined by Ferrozine
      reagent. The chelation assay showed that compound 7 was chelated to metal via 6
      CO and 5-OH on the benzopyrone ring. The observed protective effects of compound
      7 towards crystallins from insults of UVC and free radicals may be due to its
      iron-chelating activity and its peak absorption at 254 nm.

PMID- 22072937
TI  - Biomarkers in tumor angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy.
AB  - Tumor angiogenesis has been identified to play a critical role in tumor growth
      and tumor progression, and is regulated by a balance of angiogenic and anti
      angiogenic cytokines. Among them VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and
      its signaling through its receptors are of crucial relevance. Inhibition of VEGF
      signaling by monoclonal antibodies or small molecules (kinase inhibitors) has
      already been successfully established for the treatment of different cancer
      entities and multiple new drugs are being tested in clinical trials. However not
      all patients are likely to respond to these therapies, but to date there are no
      reliable biomarkers available to predict therapy response. Many studies
      integrated biomarker programs in their study protocols, thus several potential
      biomarkers have been identified which are currently under clinical investigation
      in prospective randomized studies. This review intends to give an overview of the
      described potential biomarkers as well as different imaging techniques such as
      ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging that can indicate benefit, resistance
      and toxicity to anti-angiogenic therapies.

PMID- 22072938
TI  - Cardioprotective effects of glycyrrhizic acid against isoproterenol-induced
      myocardial ischemia in rats.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to look into the possible protective effects of
      glycyrrhizic acid (GA) against isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction
      in Sprague-Dawley rats. The effect of three doses of glycyrrhizic acid in
      response to isoproterenol (ISO)-induced changes in 8-isoprostane, lipid
      hydroperoxides, super oxide dismutase and total glutathione were evaluated. Male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, ISO-control, glycyrrhizic acid
      alone (in three doses-5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW) and ISO with glycyrrhizic acid (in
      three doses) groups. ISO was administered at 85 mg/kg BW at two consecutive days
      and glycyrrhizic acid was administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. There was a
      significant increase in 8-isoprostane (IP) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) level in
      ISO-control group. A significant decrease in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
      total glutathione (GSH) was seen with ISO-induced acute myocardial infarction.
      Treatment with GA significantly increased SOD and GSH levels and decreased
      myocardial LPO and IP levels. Histopathologically, severe myocardial necrosis and
      nuclear pyknosis and hypertrophy were seen in ISO-control group, which was
      significantly reduced with GA treatment. Gycyrrhizic acid treatment proved to be
      effective against isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction in rats and
      GA acts as a powerful antioxidant and reduces the myocardial lipid hydroperoxide
      and 8-isoprostane level.

PMID- 22072941
TI  - Metal complexes of diisopropylthiourea: synthesis, characterization and
      antibacterial studies.
AB  - Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III) complexes of diisopropylthiourea have been
      synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, magnetic
      susceptibility, FTIR and electronic spectroscopy. The compounds are non
      electrolytes in solution and spectroscopic data of the complexes are consistent
      with 4-coordinate geometry for the metal(II) complexes and six coordinate
      octahedral for Fe(III) complex. The complexes were screened for their
      antibacterial activities against six bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas
      auriginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and
      Bacillus pumilus. The complexes showed varied antibacterial activities and their
      minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined.

PMID- 22072940
TI  - Mitochondrial peroxiredoxin III is a potential target for cancer therapy.
AB  - Mitochondria are involved either directly or indirectly in oncogenesis and the
      alteration of metabolism in cancer cells. Cancer cells contain large numbers of
      abnormal mitochondria and produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of ROS and the
      antioxidant capacity of the cell. Several cancer therapies, such as
      chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation, disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis and
      release cytochrome c, leading to apoptosome formation, which activates the
      intrinsic pathway. This is modulated by the extent of mitochondrial oxidative
      stress. The peroxiredoxin (Prx) system is a cellular defense system against
      oxidative stress, and mitochondria in cancer cells are known to contain high
      levels of Prx III. Here, we review accumulating evidence suggesting that
      mitochondrial oxidative stress is involved in cancer, and discuss the role of the
      mitochondrial Prx III antioxidant system as a potential target for cancer
      therapy. We hope that this review will provide the basis for new strategic
      approaches in the development of effective cancer treatments.

PMID- 22072942
TI  - Roles of oxidative stress, apoptosis, PGC-1alpha and mitochondrial biogenesis in
      cerebral ischemia.
AB  - The primary physiological function of mitochondria is to generate adenosine
      triphosphate through oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain.
      Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts generated from
      mitochondria have been implicated in acute brain injuries such as stroke from
      cerebral ischemia. It was well-documented that mitochondria-dependent apoptotic
      pathway involves pro- and anti-apoptotic protein binding, release of cytochrome
      c, leading ultimately to neuronal death. On the other hand, mitochondria also
      play a role to counteract the detrimental effects elicited by excessive oxidative
      stress. Recent studies have revealed that oxidative stress and the redox state of
      ischemic neurons are also implicated in the signaling pathway that involves
      peroxisome proliferative activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) co-activator 1alpha
      (PGC1-alpha). PGC1-alpha is a master regulator of ROS scavenging enzymes
      including manganese superoxide dismutase 2 and the uncoupling protein 2, both are
      mitochondrial proteins, and may contribute to neuronal survival. PGC1-alpha is
      also involved in mitochondrial biogenesis that is vital for cell survival.
      Experimental evidence supports the roles of mitochondrial dysfunction and
      oxidative stress as determinants of neuronal death as well as endogenous
      protective mechanisms after stroke. This review aims to summarize the current
      knowledge focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral ischemia
      involving ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, mitochondrial proteins
      capable of ROS scavenging, and mitochondrial biogenesis.

PMID- 22072943
TI  - Optimal production and biochemical properties of a lipase from Candida albicans.
AB  - Lipases from microorganisms have multi-faceted properties and play an important
      role in ever-growing modern biotechnology and, consequently, it is of great
      significance to develop new ones. In the present work, a lipase gene from Candida
      albicans (CaLIP10) was cloned and two non-unusual CUG serine codons were mutated
      into universal codons, and its expression in Pichia pastoris performed optimally,
      as shown by response surface methodology. Optimal conditions were: initial pH of
      culture 6.86, temperature 25.53  degrees C, 3.48% of glucose and 1.32% of yeast
      extract. The corresponding maximal lipolytic activity of CaLIP10 was 8.06 U/mL.
      The purified CaLIP10 showed maximal activity at pH 8.0 and 25  degrees C, and a
      good resistance to non-ionic surfactants and polar organic solvent was noticed.
      CaLIP10 could effectively hydrolyze coconut oil, but exhibited no obvious
      preference to the fatty acids with different carbon length, and diacylglycerol
      was accumulated in the reaction products, suggesting that CaLIP10 is a potential
      lipase for the oil industry.

PMID- 22072944
TI  - Use of oligonucleotides carrying photolabile groups for the control of the
      deposition of nanoparticles in surfaces and nanoparticle association.
AB  - An oligodeoxynucleotide hairpin containing a photolabile 2-nitrobenzyl group in
      the loop and terminated with a thiol function was prepared. The photocleavage of
      such a hairpin on gold yields a surface activated with a single stranded
      oligonucleotide which can be utilised to direct the assembly of nanoparticles
      conjugated with a complementary strand. Analysis of photocleaved surfaces gives
      nanoparticle coverage one order of magnitude higher than nonphotocleaved
      surfaces. This illustrates the ability of photocleavable hairpins to direct the
      assembly of nanomaterials on conducting materials. The conjugation of the
      photocleavable hairpin to a gold nanoparticle allows the observation of
      intermolecular interactions between hairpins linked in different nanoparticles,
      by comparing the thermal dissociations of a hairpin-nanoparticle conjugates at
      260 nm and 520 nm. We have also shown that it is possible to permanently alter
      the physiochemical properties of DNA-nanoparticles by the introduction of a
      photocleavable group. Indeed for the first time it has been shown that by
      exposure to UV light the disassembly of nanoparticle aggregates can be induced.

PMID- 22072939
TI  - Manganese superoxide dismutase: guardian of the powerhouse.
AB  - The mitochondrion is vital for many metabolic pathways in the cell, contributing
      all or important constituent enzymes for diverse functions such as beta-oxidation
      of fatty acids, the urea cycle, the citric acid cycle, and ATP synthesis. The
      mitochondrion is also a major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in
      the cell. Aberrant production of mitochondrial ROS can have dramatic effects on
      cellular function, in part, due to oxidative modification of key metabolic
      proteins localized in the mitochondrion. The cell is equipped with myriad
      antioxidant enzyme systems to combat deleterious ROS production in mitochondria,
      with the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)
      acting as the chief ROS scavenging enzyme in the cell. Factors that affect the
      expression and/or the activity of MnSOD, resulting in diminished antioxidant
      capacity of the cell, can have extraordinary consequences on the overall health
      of the cell by altering mitochondrial metabolic function, leading to the
      development and progression of numerous diseases. A better understanding of the
      mechanisms by which MnSOD protects cells from the harmful effects of
      overproduction of ROS, in particular, the effects of ROS on mitochondrial
      metabolic enzymes, may contribute to the development of novel treatments for
      various diseases in which ROS are an important component.

PMID- 22072945
TI  - Estimating the octanol/water partition coefficient for aliphatic organic
      compounds using semi-empirical electrotopological index.
AB  - A new possibility for estimating the octanol/water coefficient (log P) was
      investigated using only one descriptor, the semi-empirical electrotopological
      index (I(SET)). The predictability of four octanol/water partition coefficient
      (log P) calculation models was compared using a set of 131 aliphatic organic
      compounds from five different classes. Log P values were calculated employing
      atomic-contribution methods, as in the Ghose/Crippen approach and its later
      refinement, AlogP; using fragmental methods through the ClogP method; and
      employing an approach considering the whole molecule using topological indices
      with the MlogP method. The efficiency and the applicability of the I(SET) in
      terms of calculating log P were demonstrated through good statistical quality (r
      > 0.99; s < 0.18), high internal stability and good predictive ability for an
      external group of compounds in the same order as the widely used models based on
      the fragmental method, ClogP, and the atomic contribution method, AlogP, which
      are among the most used methods of predicting log P.

PMID- 22072946
TI  - Isolation and characterization of 11 new microsatellite loci in Erigeron
      breviscapus (Asteraceae), an important Chinese traditional herb.
AB  - Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. (Asteraceae) is a species endemic to
      southwestern China and an important traditional Chinese herb for cardiovascular
      and cerebral vessel diseases. Applying a modified biotin-streptavidin capture
      method, 11 microsatellite loci were discovered. Polymorphism of each locus was
      assessed in 24 individuals collected from five wild populations. The number of
      alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, with an average of 4.273. The observed (HO)
      and expected (HE) heterozygosities varied from 0.250 to 0.958 and from 0.337 to
      0.786, respectively. Over half of these loci were successfully amplified in two
      congeneric species. The developed microsatellite markers will be useful for
      future population genetics and conservation studies, as well as accurate
      identification of different varieties.

PMID- 22072947
TI  - Eighteen years of molecular genotyping the hemophilia inversion hotspot: from
      southern blot to inverse shifting-PCR.
AB  - The factor VIII gene (F8) intron 22 inversion (Inv22) is a paradigmatic duplicon
      mediated rearrangement, found in about one half of patients with severe
      hemophilia A worldwide. The identification of this prevalent cause of hemophilia
      was delayed for nine years after the F8 characterization in 1984. The aim of this
      review is to present the wide diversity of practical approaches that have been
      developed for genotyping the Inv22 (and related int22h rearrangements) since
      discovery in 1993. The sequence- Southern blot, long distance-PCR and inverse
      shifting-PCR-for Inv22 genotyping is an interesting example of scientific
      ingenuity and evolution in order to resolve challenging molecular diagnostic
      problems.

PMID- 22072948
TI  - Dynamics of Word Comprehension in Infancy: Developments in Timing, Accuracy, and
      Resistance to Acoustic Degradation.
AB  - Online comprehension of naturally spoken and perceptually degraded words was
      assessed in 95 children ages 12 to 31 months. The time course of word recognition
      was measured by monitoring eye movements as children looked at pictures while
      listening to familiar target words presented in unaltered, time-compressed, and
      low-pass-filtered forms. Success in word recognition varied with age and level of
      vocabulary development, and with the perceptual integrity of the word.
      Recognition was best overall for unaltered words, lower for time-compressed
      words, and significantly lower in low-pass-filtered words. Reaction times were
      fastest in compressed, followed by unaltered and filtered words. Results showed
      that children were able to recognize familiar words in challenging conditions and
      that productive vocabulary size was more sensitive than chronological age as a
      predictor of children's accuracy and speed in word recognition.

PMID- 22072950
TI  - Transcriptomic coordination in the human metabolic network reveals links between
      n-3 fat intake, adipose tissue gene expression and metabolic health.
AB  - Understanding the molecular link between diet and health is a key goal in
      nutritional systems biology. As an alternative to pathway analysis, we have
      developed a joint multivariate and network-based approach to analysis of a
      dataset of habitual dietary records, adipose tissue transcriptomics and
      comprehensive plasma marker profiles from human volunteers with the Metabolic
      Syndrome. With this approach we identified prominent co-expressed sub-networks in
      the global metabolic network, which showed correlated expression with habitual n
      3 PUFA intake and urinary levels of the oxidative stress marker 8-iso
      PGF(2alpha). These sub-networks illustrated inherent cross-talk between distinct
      metabolic pathways, such as between triglyceride metabolism and production of
      lipid signalling molecules. In a parallel promoter analysis, we identified
      several adipogenic transcription factors as potential transcriptional regulators
      associated with habitual n-3 PUFA intake. Our results illustrate advantages of
      network-based analysis, and generate novel hypotheses on the transcriptomic link
      between habitual n-3 PUFA intake, adipose tissue function and oxidative stress.

PMID- 22072951
TI  - How landscape heterogeneity frames optimal diffusivity in searching processes.
AB  - Theoretical and empirical investigations of search strategies typically have
      failed to distinguish the distinct roles played by density versus patchiness of
      resources. It is well known that motility and diffusivity of organisms often
      increase in environments with low density of resources, but thus far there has
      been little progress in understanding the specific role of landscape
      heterogeneity and disorder on random, non-oriented motility. Here we address the
      general question of how the landscape heterogeneity affects the efficiency of
      encounter interactions under global constant density of scarce resources. We
      unveil the key mechanism coupling the landscape structure with optimal search
      diffusivity. In particular, our main result leads to an empirically testable
      prediction: enhanced diffusivity (including superdiffusive searches), with shift
      in the diffusion exponent, favors the success of target encounters in
      heterogeneous landscapes.

PMID- 22072952
TI  - High degree of heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease progression patterns.
AB  - There have been several reports on the varying rates of progression among
      Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients; however, there has been no quantitative study
      of the amount of heterogeneity in AD. Obtaining a reliable quantitative measure
      of AD progression rates and their variances among the patients for each stage of
      AD is essential for evaluating results of any clinical study. The Global
      Deterioration Scale (GDS) and Functional Assessment Staging procedure (FAST)
      characterize seven stages in the course of AD from normal aging to severe
      dementia. Each GDS/FAST stage has a published mean duration, but the variance is
      unknown. We use statistical analysis to reconstruct GDS/FAST stage durations in a
      cohort of 648 AD patients with an average follow-up time of 4.78 years.
      Calculations for GDS/FAST stages 4-6 reveal that the standard deviations for
      stage durations are comparable with their mean values, indicating the presence of
      large variations in the AD progression among patients. Such amount of
      heterogeneity in the course of progression of AD is consistent with the existence
      of several sub-groups of AD patients, which differ by their patterns of decline.

PMID- 22072953
TI  - Learning the optimal control of coordinated eye and head movements.
AB  - Various optimality principles have been proposed to explain the characteristics
      of coordinated eye and head movements during visual orienting behavior. At the
      same time, researchers have suggested several neural models to underly the
      generation of saccades, but these do not include online learning as a mechanism
      of optimization. Here, we suggest an open-loop neural controller with a local
      adaptation mechanism that minimizes a proposed cost function. Simulations show
      that the characteristics of coordinated eye and head movements generated by this
      model match the experimental data in many aspects, including the relationship
      between amplitude, duration and peak velocity in head-restrained and the relative
      contribution of eye and head to the total gaze shift in head-free conditions. Our
      model is a first step towards bringing together an optimality principle and an
      incremental local learning mechanism into a unified control scheme for
      coordinated eye and head movements.

PMID- 22072954
TI  - The statistics of bulk segregant analysis using next generation sequencing.
AB  - We describe a statistical framework for QTL mapping using bulk segregant analysis
      (BSA) based on high throughput, short-read sequencing. Our proposed approach is
      based on a smoothed version of the standard G statistic, and takes into account
      variation in allele frequency estimates due to sampling of segregants to form
      bulks as well as variation introduced during the sequencing of bulks. Using
      simulation, we explore the impact of key experimental variables such as bulk size
      and sequencing coverage on the ability to detect QTLs. Counterintuitively, we
      find that relatively large bulks maximize the power to detect QTLs even though
      this implies weaker selection and less extreme allele frequency differences. Our
      simulation studies suggest that with large bulks and sufficient sequencing depth,
      the methods we propose can be used to detect even weak effect QTLs and we
      demonstrate the utility of this framework by application to a BSA experiment in
      the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PMID- 22072955
TI  - Interspecies translation of disease networks increases robustness and predictive
      accuracy.
AB  - Gene regulatory networks give important insights into the mechanisms underlying
      physiology and pathophysiology. The derivation of gene regulatory networks from
      high-throughput expression data via machine learning strategies is problematic as
      the reliability of these models is often compromised by limited and highly
      variable samples, heterogeneity in transcript isoforms, noise, and other
      artifacts. Here, we develop a novel algorithm, dubbed Dandelion, in which we
      construct and train intraspecies Bayesian networks that are translated and
      assessed on independent test sets from other species in a reiterative procedure.
      The interspecies disease networks are subjected to multi-layers of analysis and
      evaluation, leading to the identification of the most consistent relationships
      within the network structure. In this study, we demonstrate the performance of
      our algorithms on datasets from animal models of oculopharyngeal muscular
      dystrophy (OPMD) and patient materials. We show that the interspecies network of
      genes coding for the proteasome provide highly accurate predictions on gene
      expression levels and disease phenotype. Moreover, the cross-species translation
      increases the stability and robustness of these networks. Unlike existing
      modeling approaches, our algorithms do not require assumptions on notoriously
      difficult one-to-one mapping of protein orthologues or alternative transcripts
      and can deal with missing data. We show that the identified key components of the
      OPMD disease network can be confirmed in an unseen and independent disease model.
      This study presents a state-of-the-art strategy in constructing interspecies
      disease networks that provide crucial information on regulatory relationships
      among genes, leading to better understanding of the disease molecular mechanisms.

PMID- 22072956
TI  - Stability properties of underdominance in finite subdivided populations.
AB  - IN ISOLATED populations underdominance leads to bistable evolutionary dynamics:
      below a certain mutant allele frequency the wildtype succeeds. Above this point,
      the potentially underdominant mutant allele fixes. In subdivided populations with
      gene flow there can be stable states with coexistence of wildtypes and mutants:
      polymorphism can be maintained because of a migration-selection equilibrium,
      i.e., selection against rare recent immigrant alleles that tend to be
      heterozygous. We focus on the stochastic evolutionary dynamics of systems where
      demographic fluctuations in the coupled populations are the main source of
      internal noise. We discuss the influence of fitness, migration rate, and the
      relative sizes of two interacting populations on the mean extinction times of a
      group of potentially underdominant mutant alleles. We classify realistic initial
      conditions according to their impact on the stochastic extinction process. Even
      in small populations, where demographic fluctuations are large, stability
      properties predicted from deterministic dynamics show remarkable robustness.
      Fixation of the mutant allele becomes unlikely but the time to its extinction can
      be long.

PMID- 22072958
TI  - Simple rapid near-patient diagnostics for tuberculosis remain elusive--is a
      "treat-to-test" strategy more realistic?

PMID- 22072959
TI  - SAG101 forms a ternary complex with EDS1 and PAD4 and is required for resistance
      signaling against turnip crinkle virus.
AB  - EDS1, PAD4, and SAG101 are common regulators of plant immunity against many
      pathogens. EDS1 interacts with both PAD4 and SAG101 but direct interaction
      between PAD4 and SAG101 has not been detected, leading to the suggestion that the
      EDS1-PAD4 and EDS1-SAG101 complexes are distinct. We show that EDS1, PAD4, and
      SAG101 are present in a single complex in planta. While this complex is
      preferentially nuclear localized, it can be redirected to the cytoplasm in the
      presence of an extranuclear form of EDS1. PAD4 and SAG101 can in turn, regulate
      the subcellular localization of EDS1. We also show that the Arabidopsis genome
      encodes two functionally redundant isoforms of EDS1, either of which can form
      ternary complexes with PAD4 and SAG101. Simultaneous mutations in both EDS1
      isoforms are essential to abrogate resistance (R) protein-mediated defense
      against turnip crinkle virus (TCV) as well as avrRps4 expressing Pseudomonas
      syringae. Interestingly, unlike its function as a PAD4 substitute in bacterial
      resistance, SAG101 is required for R-mediated resistance to TCV, thus implicating
      a role for the ternary complex in this defense response. However, only EDS1 is
      required for HRT-mediated HR to TCV, while only PAD4 is required for SA-dependent
      induction of HRT. Together, these results suggest that EDS1, PAD4 and SAG101 also
      perform independent functions in HRT-mediated resistance.

PMID- 22072960
TI  - Assessing predicted HIV-1 replicative capacity in a clinical setting.
AB  - HIV-1 replicative capacity (RC) provides a measure of within-host fitness and is
      determined in the context of phenotypic drug resistance testing. However it is
      unclear how these in-vitro measurements relate to in-vivo processes. Here we
      assess RCs in a clinical setting by combining a previously published machine
      learning tool, which predicts RC values from partial pol sequences with genotypic
      and clinical data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. The machine-learning tool is
      based on a training set consisting of 65000 RC measurements paired with their
      corresponding partial pol sequences. We find that predicted RC values (pRCs)
      correlate significantly with the virus load measured in 2073 infected but drug
      naive individuals. Furthermore, we find that, for 53 pairs of sequences, each
      pair sampled in the same infected individual, the pRC was significantly higher
      for the sequence sampled later in the infection and that the increase in pRC was
      also significantly correlated with the increase in plasma viral load and with the
      length of the time-interval between the sampling points. These findings indicate
      that selection within a patient favors the evolution of higher replicative
      capacities and that these in-vitro fitness measures are indicative of in-vivo HIV
      virus load.

PMID- 22072961
TI  - BST2/Tetherin enhances entry of human cytomegalovirus.
AB  - Interferon-induced BST2/Tetherin prevents budding of vpu-deficient HIV-1 by
      tethering mature viral particles to the plasma membrane. BST2 also inhibits
      release of other enveloped viruses including Ebola virus and Kaposi's sarcoma
      associated herpesvirus (KSHV), indicating that BST2 is a broadly acting antiviral
      host protein. Unexpectedly however, recovery of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) from
      supernatants of BST2-expressing human fibroblasts was increased rather than
      decreased. Furthermore, BST2 seemed to enhance viral entry into cells since more
      virion proteins were released into BST2-expressing cells and subsequent viral
      gene expression was elevated. A significant increase in viral entry was also
      observed upon induction of endogenous BST2 during differentiation of the pro
      monocytic cell line THP-1. Moreover, treatment of primary human monocytes with
      siRNA to BST2 reduced HCMV infection, suggesting that BST2 facilitates entry of
      HCMV into cells expressing high levels of BST2 either constitutively or in
      response to exogenous stimuli. Since BST2 is present in HCMV particles we propose
      that HCMV entry is enhanced via a reverse-tethering mechanism with BST2 in the
      viral envelope interacting with BST2 in the target cell membrane. Our data
      suggest that HCMV not only counteracts the well-established function of BST2 as
      inhibitor of viral egress but also employs this anti-viral protein to gain entry
      into BST2-expressing hematopoietic cells, a process that might play a role in
      hematogenous dissemination of HCMV.

PMID- 22072962
TI  - Genomic transition to pathogenicity in chytrid fungi.
AB  - Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogen emergence is central to
      mitigating the impacts of novel infectious disease agents. The chytrid fungus
      Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is an emerging pathogen of amphibians that
      has been implicated in amphibian declines worldwide. Bd is the only member of its
      clade known to attack vertebrates. However, little is known about the molecular
      determinants of - or evolutionary transition to - pathogenicity in Bd. Here we
      sequence the genome of Bd's closest known relative - a non-pathogenic chytrid
      Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza (Hp). We first describe the genome of Hp, which is
      comparable to other chytrid genomes in size and number of predicted proteins. We
      then compare the genomes of Hp, Bd, and 19 additional fungal genomes to identify
      unique or recent evolutionary elements in the Bd genome. We identified 1,974 Bd
      specific genes, a gene set that is enriched for protease, lipase, and microbial
      effector Gene Ontology terms. We describe significant lineage-specific expansions
      in three Bd protease families (metallo-, serine-type, and aspartyl proteases). We
      show that these protease gene family expansions occurred after the divergence of
      Bd and Hp from their common ancestor and thus are localized to the Bd branch.
      Finally, we demonstrate that the timing of the protease gene family expansions
      predates the emergence of Bd as a globally important amphibian pathogen.

PMID- 22072963
TI  - The critical role of Notch ligand Delta-like 1 in the pathogenesis of influenza A
      virus (H1N1) infection.
AB  - Influenza A viral infections have been identified as the etiologic agents for
      historic pandemics, and contribute to the annual mortality associated with acute
      viral pneumonia. While both innate and acquired immunity are important in
      combating influenza virus infection, the mechanism connecting these arms of the
      immune system remains unknown. Recent data have indicated that the Notch system
      is an important bridge between antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T cell
      communication circuits and plays a central role in driving the immune system to
      overcome disease. In the present study, we examine the role of Notch signaling
      during influenza H1N1 virus infection, focusing on APCs. We demonstrate here that
      macrophages, but not dendritic cells (DCs), increased Notch ligand Delta-like 1
      (Dll1) expression following influenza virus challenge. Dll1 expression on
      macrophages was dependent on retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) induced type
      I IFN pathway, and not on the TLR3-TRIF pathway. We also found that IFNalpha
      Receptor knockout mice failed to induce Dll1 expression on lung macrophages and
      had enhanced mortality during influenza virus infection. Our results further
      showed that specific neutralization of Dll1 during influenza virus challenge
      induced higher mortality, impaired viral clearance, and decreased levels of IFN
      gamma. In addition, we blocked Notch signaling by using gamma-secretase inhibitor
      (GSI), a Notch signaling inhibitor. Intranasal administration of GSI during
      influenza infection also led to higher mortality, and higher virus load with
      excessive inflammation and an impaired production of IFN-gamma in lungs.
      Moreover, Dll1 expression on macrophages specifically regulates IFN-gamma levels
      from CD4(+)and CD8(+)T cells, which are important for anti-viral immunity.
      Together, the results of this study show that Dll1 positively influences the
      development of anti-viral immunity, and may provide mechanistic approaches for
      modifying and controlling the immune response against influenza H1N1 virus
      infection.

PMID- 22072964
TI  - Sequence-based analysis uncovers an abundance of non-coding RNA in the total
      transcriptome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - RNA sequencing provides a new perspective on the genome of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis by revealing an extensive presence of non-coding RNA, including long
      5' and 3' untranslated regions, antisense transcripts, and intergenic small RNA
      (sRNA) molecules. More than a quarter of all sequence reads mapping outside of
      ribosomal RNA genes represent non-coding RNA, and the density of reads mapping to
      intergenic regions was more than two-fold higher than that mapping to annotated
      coding sequences. Selected sRNAs were found at increased abundance in stationary
      phase cultures and accumulated to remarkably high levels in the lungs of
      chronically infected mice, indicating a potential contribution to pathogenesis.
      The ability of tubercle bacilli to adapt to changing environments within the host
      is critical to their ability to cause disease and to persist during drug
      treatment; it is likely that novel post-transcriptional regulatory networks will
      play an important role in these adaptive responses.

PMID- 22072965
TI  - Unique type I interferon responses determine the functional fate of migratory
      lung dendritic cells during influenza virus infection.
AB  - Migratory lung dendritic cells (DCs) transport viral antigen from the lungs to
      the draining mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs) during influenza virus infection to
      initiate the adaptive immune response. Two major migratory DC subsets, CD103(+)
      DCs and CD11b(high) DCs participate in this function and it is not clear if these
      antigen presenting cell (APC) populations become directly infected and if so
      whether their activity is influenced by the infection. In these experiments we
      show that both subpopulations can become infected and migrate to the draining MLN
      but a difference in their response to type I interferon (I-IFN) signaling
      dictates the capacity of the virus to replicate. CD103(+) DCs allow the virus to
      replicate to significantly higher levels than do the CD11b(high) DCs, and they
      release infectious virus in the MLNs and when cultured ex-vivo. Virus replication
      in CD11b(high) DCs is inhibited by I-IFNs, since ablation of the I-IFN receptor
      (IFNAR) signaling permits virus to replicate vigorously and productively in this
      subset. Interestingly, CD103(+) DCs are less sensitive to I-IFNs upregulating
      interferon-induced genes to a lesser extent than CD11b(high) DCs. The attenuated
      IFNAR signaling by CD103(+) DCs correlates with their described superior antigen
      presentation capacity for naive CD8(+) T cells when compared to CD11b(high) DCs.
      Indeed ablation of IFNAR signaling equalizes the competency of the antigen
      presenting function for the two subpopulations. Thus, antigen presentation by
      lung DCs is proportional to virus replication and this is tightly constrained by
      I-IFN. The "interferon-resistant" CD103(+) DCs may have evolved to ensure the
      presentation of viral antigens to T cells in I-IFN rich environments. Conversely,
      this trait may be exploitable by viral pathogens as a mechanism for systemic
      dissemination.

PMID- 22072966
TI  - Rab7A is required for efficient production of infectious HIV-1.
AB  - Retroviruses take advantage of cellular trafficking machineries to assemble and
      release new infectious particles. Rab proteins regulate specific steps in
      intracellular membrane trafficking by recruiting tethering, docking and fusion
      factors, as well as the actin- and microtubule-based motor proteins that
      facilitate vesicle traffic. Using virological tests and RNA interference
      targeting Rab proteins, we demonstrate that the late endosome-associated Rab7A is
      required for HIV-1 propagation. Analysis of the late steps of the HIV infection
      cycle shows that Rab7A regulates Env processing, the incorporation of mature Env
      glycoproteins into viral particles and HIV-1 infectivity. We also show that siRNA
      mediated Rab7A depletion induces a BST2/Tetherin phenotype on HIV-1 release.
      BST2/Tetherin is a restriction factor that impedes HIV-1 release by tethering
      mature virus particles to the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that Rab7A
      contributes to the mechanism by which Vpu counteracts the restriction factor
      BST2/Tetherin and rescues HIV-1 release. Altogether, our results highlight new
      roles for a major regulator of the late endocytic pathway, Rab7A, in the late
      stages of the HIV-1 replication cycle.

PMID- 22072968
TI  - Fatal prion disease in a mouse model of genetic E200K Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
AB  - Genetic prion diseases are late onset fatal neurodegenerative disorders linked to
      pathogenic mutations in the prion protein-encoding gene, PRNP. The most prevalent
      of these is the substitution of Glutamate for Lysine at codon 200 (E200K),
      causing genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (gCJD) in several clusters, including
      Jews of Libyan origin. Investigating the pathogenesis of genetic CJD, as well as
      developing prophylactic treatments for young asymptomatic carriers of this and
      other PrP mutations, may well depend upon the availability of appropriate animal
      models in which long term treatments can be evaluated for efficacy and toxicity.
      Here we present the first effective mouse model for E200KCJD, which expresses
      chimeric mouse/human (TgMHu2M) E199KPrP on both a null and a wt PrP background,
      as is the case for heterozygous patients and carriers. Mice from both lines
      suffered from distinct neurological symptoms as early as 5-6 month of age and
      deteriorated to death several months thereafter. Histopathological examination of
      the brain and spinal cord revealed early gliosis and age-related intraneuronal
      deposition of disease-associated PrP similarly to human E200K gCJD. Concomitantly
      we detected aggregated, proteinase K resistant, truncated and oxidized PrP forms
      on immunoblots. Inoculation of brain extracts from TgMHu2ME199K mice readily
      induced, the first time for any mutant prion transgenic model, a distinct fatal
      prion disease in wt mice. We believe that these mice may serve as an ideal
      platform for the investigation of the pathogenesis of genetic prion disease and
      thus for the monitoring of anti-prion treatments.

PMID- 22072967
TI  - Multiple candidate effectors from the oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora
      arabidopsidis suppress host plant immunity.
AB  - Oomycete pathogens cause diverse plant diseases. To successfully colonize their
      hosts, they deliver a suite of effector proteins that can attenuate plant
      defenses. In the oomycete downy mildews, effectors carry a signal peptide and an
      RxLR motif. Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) causes downy mildew on the model
      plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). We investigated if candidate effectors
      predicted in the genome sequence of Hpa isolate Emoy2 (HaRxLs) were able to
      manipulate host defenses in different Arabidopsis accessions. We developed a
      rapid and sensitive screening method to test HaRxLs by delivering them via the
      bacterial type-three secretion system (TTSS) of Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato
      DC3000-LUX (Pst-LUX) and assessing changes in Pst-LUX growth in planta on 12
      Arabidopsis accessions. The majority (~70%) of the 64 candidates tested
      positively contributed to Pst-LUX growth on more than one accession indicating
      that Hpa virulence likely involves multiple effectors with weak accession
      specific effects. Further screening with a Pst mutant (DeltaCEL) showed that
      HaRxLs that allow enhanced Pst-LUX growth usually suppress callose deposition, a
      hallmark of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity
      (PTI). We found that HaRxLs are rarely strong avirulence determinants. Although
      some decreased Pst-LUX growth in particular accessions, none activated
      macroscopic cell death. Fewer HaRxLs conferred enhanced Pst growth on turnip, a
      non-host for Hpa, while several reduced it, consistent with the idea that
      turnip's non-host resistance against Hpa could involve a combination of
      recognized HaRxLs and ineffective HaRxLs. We verified our results by
      constitutively expressing in Arabidopsis a sub-set of HaRxLs. Several transgenic
      lines showed increased susceptibility to Hpa and attenuation of Arabidopsis PTI
      responses, confirming the HaRxLs' role in Hpa virulence. This study shows TTSS
      screening system provides a useful tool to test whether candidate effectors from
      eukaryotic pathogens can suppress/trigger plant defense mechanisms and to rank
      their effectiveness prior to subsequent mechanistic investigation.

PMID- 22072969
TI  - Anti-filarial activity of antibiotic therapy is due to extensive apoptosis after
      Wolbachia depletion from filarial nematodes.
AB  - Filarial nematodes maintain a mutualistic relationship with the endosymbiont
      Wolbachia. Depletion of Wolbachia produces profound defects in nematode
      development, fertility and viability and thus has great promise as a novel
      approach for treating filarial diseases. However, little is known concerning the
      basis for this mutualistic relationship. Here we demonstrate using whole mount
      confocal microscopy that an immediate response to Wolbachia depletion is
      extensive apoptosis in the adult germline, and in the somatic cells of the
      embryos, microfilariae and fourth-stage larvae (L4). Surprisingly, apoptosis
      occurs in the majority of embryonic cells that had not been infected prior to
      antibiotic treatment. In addition, no apoptosis occurs in the hypodermal chords,
      which are populated with large numbers of Wolbachia, although disruption of the
      hypodermal cytoskeleton occurs following their depletion. Thus, the induction of
      apoptosis upon Wolbachia depletion is non-cell autonomous and suggests the
      involvement of factors originating from Wolbachia in the hypodermal chords. The
      pattern of apoptosis correlates closely with the nematode tissues and processes
      initially perturbed following depletion of Wolbachia, embryogenesis and long-term
      sterilization, which are sustained for several months until the premature death
      of the adult worms. Our observations provide a cellular mechanism to account for
      the sustained reductions in microfilarial loads and interruption of transmission
      that occurs prior to macrofilaricidal activity following antibiotic therapy of
      filarial nematodes.

PMID- 22072970
TI  - The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O mediates a novel entry pathway of L.
      monocytogenes into human hepatocytes.
AB  - Intracellular pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade and survive
      within host cells. Among the most studied facultative intracellular pathogens,
      Listeria monocytogenes is known to express two invasins-InlA and InlB-that induce
      bacterial internalization into nonphagocytic cells. The pore-forming toxin
      listeriolysin O (LLO) facilitates bacterial escape from the internalization
      vesicle into the cytoplasm, where bacteria divide and undergo cell-to-cell
      spreading via actin-based motility. In the present study we demonstrate that in
      addition to InlA and InlB, LLO is required for efficient internalization of L.
      monocytogenes into human hepatocytes (HepG2). Surprisingly, LLO is an invasion
      factor sufficient to induce the internalization of noninvasive Listeria innocua
      or polystyrene beads into host cells in a dose-dependent fashion and at the
      concentrations produced by L. monocytogenes. To elucidate the mechanisms
      underlying LLO-induced bacterial entry, we constructed novel LLO derivatives
      locked at different stages of the toxin assembly on host membranes. We found that
      LLO-induced bacterial or bead entry only occurs upon LLO pore formation. Scanning
      electron and fluorescence microscopy studies show that LLO-coated beads stimulate
      the formation of membrane extensions that ingest the beads into an early
      endosomal compartment. This LLO-induced internalization pathway is dynamin-and F
      actin-dependent, and clathrin-independent. Interestingly, further linking pore
      formation to bacteria/bead uptake, LLO induces F-actin polymerization in a
      tyrosine kinase-and pore-dependent fashion. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the
      first time that a bacterial pathogen perforates the host cell plasma membrane as
      a strategy to activate the endocytic machinery and gain entry into the host cell.

PMID- 22072971
TI  - A molecular mechanism for bacterial susceptibility to zinc.
AB  - Transition row metal ions are both essential and toxic to microorganisms. Zinc in
      excess has significant toxicity to bacteria, and host release of Zn(II) at
      mucosal surfaces is an important innate defence mechanism. However, the molecular
      mechanisms by which Zn(II) affords protection have not been defined. We show that
      in Streptococcus pneumoniae extracellular Zn(II) inhibits the acquisition of the
      essential metal Mn(II) by competing for binding to the solute binding protein
      PsaA. We show that, although Mn(II) is the high-affinity substrate for PsaA,
      Zn(II) can still bind, albeit with a difference in affinity of nearly two orders
      of magnitude. Despite the difference in metal ion affinities, high-resolution
      structures of PsaA in complex with Mn(II) or Zn(II) showed almost no difference.
      However, Zn(II)-PsaA is significantly more thermally stable than Mn(II)-PsaA,
      suggesting that Zn(II) binding may be irreversible. In vitro growth analyses show
      that extracellular Zn(II) is able to inhibit Mn(II) intracellular accumulation
      with little effect on intracellular Zn(II). The phenotype of S. pneumoniae grown
      at high Zn(II):Mn(II) ratios, i.e. induced Mn(II) starvation, closely mimicked a
      DeltapsaA mutant, which is unable to accumulate Mn(II). S. pneumoniae infection
      in vivo elicits massive elevation of the Zn(II):Mn(II) ratio and, in vitro, these
      Zn(II):Mn(II) ratios inhibited growth due to Mn(II) starvation, resulting in
      heightened sensitivity to oxidative stress and polymorphonuclear leucocyte
      killing. These results demonstrate that microbial susceptibility to Zn(II)
      toxicity is mediated by extracellular cation competition and that this can be
      harnessed by the innate immune response.

PMID- 22072972
TI  - ChemR23 dampens lung inflammation and enhances anti-viral immunity in a mouse
      model of acute viral pneumonia.
AB  - Viral diseases of the respiratory tract, which include influenza pandemic,
      children acute bronchiolitis, and viral pneumonia of the elderly, represent major
      health problems. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells play an important role in anti
      viral immunity, and these cells were recently shown to express ChemR23, the
      receptor for the chemoattractant protein chemerin, which is expressed by
      epithelial cells in the lung. Our aim was to determine the role played by the
      chemerin/ChemR23 system in the physiopathology of viral pneumonia, using the
      pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) as a model. Wild-type and ChemR23 knock-out mice
      were infected by PVM and followed for functional and inflammatory parameters.
      ChemR23(-/-) mice displayed higher mortality/morbidity, alteration of lung
      function, delayed viral clearance and increased neutrophilic infiltration. We
      demonstrated in these mice a lower recruitment of plasmacytoid dendritic cells
      and a reduction in type I interferon production. The role of plasmacytoid
      dendritic cells was further addressed by performing depletion and adoptive
      transfer experiments as well as by the generation of chimeric mice, demonstrating
      two opposite effects of the chemerin/ChemR23 system. First, the ChemR23-dependent
      recruitment of plasmacytoid dendritic cells contributes to adaptive immune
      responses and viral clearance, but also enhances the inflammatory response.
      Second, increased morbidity/mortality in ChemR23(-/-) mice is not due to
      defective plasmacytoid dendritic cells recruitment, but rather to the loss of an
      anti-inflammatory pathway involving ChemR23 expressed by non-leukocytic cells.
      The chemerin/ChemR23 system plays important roles in the physiopathology of viral
      pneumonia, and might therefore be considered as a therapeutic target for anti
      viral and anti-inflammatory therapies.

PMID- 22072973
TI  - Sap transporter mediated import and subsequent degradation of antimicrobial
      peptides in Haemophilus.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) contribute to host innate immune defense and are a
      critical component to control bacterial infection. Nontypeable Haemophilus
      influenzae (NTHI) is a commensal inhabitant of the human nasopharyngeal mucosa,
      yet is commonly associated with opportunistic infections of the upper and lower
      respiratory tracts. An important aspect of NTHI virulence is the ability to avert
      bactericidal effects of host-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The Sap
      (sensitivity to antimicrobial peptides) ABC transporter equips NTHI to resist
      AMPs, although the mechanism of this resistance has remained undefined. We
      previously determined that the periplasmic binding protein SapA bound AMPs and
      was required for NTHI virulence in vivo. We now demonstrate, by antibody-mediated
      neutralization of AMP in vivo, that SapA functions to directly counter AMP
      lethality during NTHI infection. We hypothesized that SapA would deliver AMPs to
      the Sap inner membrane complex for transport into the bacterial cytoplasm. We
      observed that AMPs localize to the bacterial cytoplasm of the parental NTHI
      strain and were susceptible to cytoplasmic peptidase activity. In striking
      contrast, AMPs accumulated in the periplasm of bacteria lacking a functional Sap
      permease complex. These data support a mechanism of Sap mediated import of AMPs,
      a novel strategy to reduce periplasmic and inner membrane accumulation of these
      host defense peptides.

PMID- 22072974
TI  - Single molecule analysis of replicated DNA reveals the usage of multiple KSHV
      genome regions for latent replication.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), an etiologic agent of Kaposi's
      sarcoma, Body Cavity Based Lymphoma and Multicentric Castleman's Disease,
      establishes lifelong latency in infected cells. The KSHV genome tethers to the
      host chromosome with the help of a latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA).
      Additionally, LANA supports replication of the latent origins within the terminal
      repeats by recruiting cellular factors. Our previous studies identified and
      characterized another latent origin, which supported the replication of plasmids
      ex-vivo without LANA expression in trans. Therefore identification of an
      additional origin site prompted us to analyze the entire KSHV genome for
      replication initiation sites using single molecule analysis of replicated DNA
      (SMARD). Our results showed that replication of DNA can initiate throughout the
      KSHV genome and the usage of these regions is not conserved in two different KSHV
      strains investigated. SMARD also showed that the utilization of multiple
      replication initiation sites occurs across large regions of the genome rather
      than a specified sequence. The replication origin of the terminal repeats showed
      only a slight preference for their usage indicating that LANA dependent origin at
      the terminal repeats (TR) plays only a limited role in genome duplication.
      Furthermore, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation for ORC2 and MCM3, which
      are part of the pre-replication initiation complex to determine the genomic sites
      where these proteins accumulate, to provide further characterization of potential
      replication initiation sites on the KSHV genome. The ChIP data confirmed
      accumulation of these pre-RC proteins at multiple genomic sites in a cell cycle
      dependent manner. Our data also show that both the frequency and the sites of
      replication initiation vary within the two KSHV genomes studied here, suggesting
      that initiation of replication is likely to be affected by the genomic context
      rather than the DNA sequences.

PMID- 22072975
TI  - A LysM and SH3-domain containing region of the Listeria monocytogenes p60 protein
      stimulates accessory cells to promote activation of host NK cells.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection induces rapid and robust activation of host
      natural killer (NK) cells. Here we define a region of the abundantly secreted Lm
      endopeptidase, p60, that potently but indirectly stimulates NK cell activation in
      vitro and in vivo. Lm expression of p60 resulted in increased IFNgamma production
      by naive NK cells co-cultured with treated dendritic cells (DCs). Moreover,
      recombinant p60 protein stimulated activation of naive NK cells when co-cultured
      with TLR or cytokine primed DCs in the absence of Lm. Intact p60 protein weakly
      digested bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN), but neither muropeptide recognition by
      RIP2 nor the catalytic activity of p60 was required for NK cell activation.
      Rather, the immune stimulating activity mapped to an N-terminal region of p60,
      termed L1S. Treatment of DCs with a recombinant L1S polypeptide stimulated them
      to activate naive NK cells in a cell culture model. Further, L1S treatment
      activated NK cells in vivo and increased host resistance to infection with
      Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). These studies demonstrate an
      immune stimulating function for a bacterial LysM domain-containing polypeptide
      and suggest that recombinant versions of L1S or other p60 derivatives can be used
      to promote NK cell activation in therapeutic contexts.

PMID- 22072977
TI  - Drosophila duplication hotspots are associated with late-replicating regions of
      the genome.
AB  - Duplications play a significant role in both extremes of the phenotypic spectrum
      of newly arising mutations: they can have severe deleterious effects (e.g.
      duplications underlie a variety of diseases) but can also be highly advantageous.
      The phenotypic potential of newly arisen duplications has stimulated wide
      interest in both the mutational and selective processes shaping these variants in
      the genome. Here we take advantage of the Drosophila simulans-Drosophila
      melanogaster genetic system to further our understanding of both processes.
      Regarding mutational processes, the study of two closely related species allows
      investigation of the potential existence of shared duplication hotspots, and the
      similarities and differences between the two genomes can be used to dissect its
      underlying causes. Regarding selection, the difference in the effective
      population size between the two species can be leveraged to ask questions about
      the strength of selection acting on different classes of duplications. In this
      study, we conducted a survey of duplication polymorphisms in 14 different lines
      of D. simulans using tiling microarrays and combined it with an analogous survey
      for the D. melanogaster genome. By integrating the two datasets, we identified
      duplication hotspots conserved between the two species. However, unlike the
      duplication hotspots identified in mammalian genomes, Drosophila duplication
      hotspots are not associated with sequences of high sequence identity capable of
      mediating non-allelic homologous recombination. Instead, Drosophila duplication
      hotspots are associated with late-replicating regions of the genome, suggesting a
      link between DNA replication and duplication rates. We also found evidence
      supporting a higher effectiveness of selection on duplications in D. simulans
      than in D. melanogaster. This is also true for duplications segregating at high
      frequency, where we find evidence in D. simulans that a sizeable fraction of
      these mutations is being driven to fixation by positive selection.

PMID- 22072978
TI  - Over-expression of DSCAM and COL6A2 cooperatively generates congenital heart
      defects.
AB  - A significant current challenge in human genetics is the identification of
      interacting genetic loci mediating complex polygenic disorders. One of the best
      characterized polygenic diseases is Down syndrome (DS), which results from an
      extra copy of part or all of chromosome 21. A short interval near the distal tip
      of chromosome 21 contributes to congenital heart defects (CHD), and a variety of
      indirect genetic evidence suggests that multiple candidate genes in this region
      may contribute to this phenotype. We devised a tiered genetic approach to
      identify interacting CHD candidate genes. We first used the well vetted
      Drosophila heart as an assay to identify interacting CHD candidate genes by
      expressing them alone and in all possible pairwise combinations and testing for
      effects on rhythmicity or heart failure following stress. This comprehensive
      analysis identified DSCAM and COL6A2 as the most strongly interacting pair of
      genes. We then over-expressed these two genes alone or in combination in the
      mouse heart. While over-expression of either gene alone did not affect viability
      and had little or no effect on heart physiology or morphology, co-expression of
      the two genes resulted in ~50% mortality and severe physiological and
      morphological defects, including atrial septal defects and cardiac hypertrophy.
      Cooperative interactions between DSCAM and COL6A2 were also observed in the H9C2
      cardiac cell line and transcriptional analysis of this interaction points to
      genes involved in adhesion and cardiac hypertrophy. Our success in defining a
      cooperative interaction between DSCAM and COL6A2 suggests that the multi-tiered
      genetic approach we have taken involving human mapping data, comprehensive
      combinatorial screening in Drosophila, and validation in vivo in mice and in
      mammalian cells lines should be applicable to identifying specific loci mediating
      a broad variety of other polygenic disorders.

PMID- 22072979
TI  - Foxn1 regulates lineage progression in cortical and medullary thymic epithelial
      cells but is dispensable for medullary sublineage divergence.
AB  - The forkhead transcription factor Foxn1 is indispensable for thymus development,
      but the mechanisms by which it mediates thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development
      are poorly understood. To examine the cellular and molecular basis of Foxn1
      function, we generated a novel and revertible hypomorphic allele of Foxn1. By
      varying levels of its expression, we identified a number of features of the Foxn1
      system. Here we show that Foxn1 is a powerful regulator of TEC differentiation
      that is required at multiple intermediate stages of TE lineage development in the
      fetal and adult thymus. We find no evidence for a role for Foxn1 in TEC fate
      choice. Rather, we show it is required for stable entry into both the cortical
      and medullary TEC differentiation programmes and subsequently is needed at
      increasing dosage for progression through successive differentiation states in
      both cortical and medullary TEC. We further demonstrate regulation by Foxn1 of a
      suite of genes with diverse roles in thymus development and/or function,
      suggesting it acts as a master regulator of the core thymic epithelial programme
      rather than regulating a particular aspect of TEC biology. Overall, our data
      establish a genetics-based model of cellular hierarchies in the TE lineage and
      provide mechanistic insight relating titration of a single transcription factor
      to control of lineage progression. Our novel revertible hypomorph system may be
      similarly applied to analyzing other regulators of development.

PMID- 22072980
TI  - Attenuation of the sensing capabilities of PhoQ in transition to obligate insect
      bacterial association.
AB  - Sodalis glossinidius, a maternally inherited endosymbiont of the tsetse fly,
      maintains genes encoding homologues of the PhoP-PhoQ two-component regulatory
      system. This two-component system has been extensively studied in facultative
      bacterial pathogens and is known to serve as an environmental magnesium sensor
      and a regulator of key virulence determinants. In the current study, we show that
      the inactivation of the response regulator, phoP, renders S. glossinidius
      sensitive to insect derived cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The resulting
      mutant strain displays reduced expression of genes involved in the structural
      modification of lipid A that facilitates resistance to AMPs. In addition, the
      inactivation of phoP alters the expression of type-III secretion system (TTSS)
      genes encoded within three distinct chromosomal regions, indicating that PhoP
      PhoQ also serves as a master regulator of TTSS gene expression. In the absence of
      phoP, S. glossinidius is unable to superinfect either its natural tsetse fly host
      or a closely related hippoboscid louse fly. Furthermore, we show that the S.
      glossinidius PhoQ sensor kinase has undergone functional adaptations that result
      in a substantially diminished ability to sense ancestral signals. The loss of
      PhoQ's sensory capability is predicted to represent a novel adaptation to the
      static symbiotic lifestyle, allowing S. glossinidius to constitutively express
      genes that facilitate resistance to host derived AMPs.

PMID- 22072981
TI  - Pch2 acts through Xrs2 and Tel1/ATM to modulate interhomolog bias and checkpoint
      function during meiosis.
AB  - Proper segregation of chromosomes during meiosis requires the formation and
      repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) to form crossovers. Repair is biased toward
      using the homolog as a substrate rather than the sister chromatid. Pch2 is a
      conserved member of the AAA(+)-ATPase family of proteins and is implicated in a
      wide range of meiosis-specific processes including the recombination checkpoint,
      maturation of the chromosome axis, crossover control, and synapsis. We
      demonstrate a role for Pch2 in promoting and regulating interhomolog bias and the
      meiotic recombination checkpoint in response to unprocessed DSBs through the
      activation of axial proteins Hop1 and Mek1 in budding yeast. We show that Pch2
      physically interacts with the putative BRCT repeats in the N-terminal region of
      Xrs2, a member of the MRX complex that acts at sites of unprocessed DSBs. Pch2,
      Xrs2, and the ATM ortholog Tel1 function in the same pathway leading to the
      phosphorylation of Hop1, independent of Rad17 and the ATR ortholog Mec1, which
      respond to the presence of single-stranded DNA. An N-terminal deletion of Xrs2
      recapitulates the pch2Delta phenotypes for signaling unresected breaks. We
      propose that interaction with Xrs2 may enable Pch2 to remodel chromosome
      structure adjacent to the site of a DSB and thereby promote accessibility of Hop1
      to the Tel1 kinase. In addition, Xrs2, like Pch2, is required for checkpoint
      mediated delay conferred by the failure to synapse chromosomes.

PMID- 22072982
TI  - Recessive antimorphic alleles overcome functionally redundant loci to reveal TSO1
      function in Arabidopsis flowers and meristems.
AB  - Arabidopsis TSO1 encodes a protein with conserved CXC domains known to bind DNA
      and is homologous to animal proteins that function in chromatin complexes. tso1
      mutants fall into two classes due to their distinct phenotypes. Class I,
      represented by two different missense mutations in the CXC domain, leads to
      failure in floral organ development, sterility, and fasciated inflorescence
      meristems. Class II, represented by a nonsense mutation and a T-DNA insertion
      line, develops wild-type-like flowers and inflorescences but shows severely
      reduced fertility. The phenotypic variability of tso1 alleles presents challenges
      in determining the true function of TSO1. In this study, we use artificial
      microRNA, double mutant analysis, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation
      assay to investigate the molecular basis underlying these two distinct classes of
      phenotypes. We show that the class I mutants could be converted into class II by
      artificial microRNA knockdown of the tso1 mutant transcript, suggesting that
      class I alleles produce antimorphic mutant proteins that interfere with
      functionally redundant loci. We identified one such redundant factor coded by the
      closely related TSO1 homolog SOL2. We show that the class I phenotype can be
      mimicked by knocking out both TSO1 and its homolog SOL2 in double mutants. Such
      antimorphic alleles targeting redundant factors are likely prevalent in
      Arabidopsis and maybe common in organisms with many sets of paralogous genes such
      as human. Our data challenge the conventional view that recessive alleles are
      always hypomorphic or null and that antimorphic alleles are always dominant. This
      study shows that recessive alleles can also be antimorphic and can produce a
      phenotype more severe than null by interfering with the function of related loci.
      This finding adds a new paradigm to classical genetic concepts, with important
      implications for future genetic studies both in basic research as well as in
      agriculture and medicine.

PMID- 22072983
TI  - Genome-wide crossover distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana meiosis reveals sex
      specific patterns along chromosomes.
AB  - In most species, crossovers (COs) are essential for the accurate segregation of
      homologous chromosomes at the first meiotic division. Their number and location
      are tightly regulated. Here, we report a detailed, genome-wide characterization
      of the rate and localization of COs in Arabidopsis thaliana, in male and female
      meiosis. We observed dramatic differences between male and female meiosis which
      included: (i) genetic map length; 575 cM versus 332 cM respectively; (ii) CO
      distribution patterns: male CO rates were very high at both ends of each
      chromosome, whereas female CO rates were very low; (iii) correlations between CO
      rates and various chromosome features: female CO rates correlated strongly and
      negatively with GC content and gene density but positively with transposable
      elements (TEs) density, whereas male CO rates correlated positively with the CpG
      ratio. However, except for CpG, the correlations could be explained by the
      unequal repartition of these sequences along the Arabidopsis chromosome. For both
      male and female meiosis, the number of COs per chromosome correlates with
      chromosome size expressed either in base pairs or as synaptonemal complex length.
      Finally, we show that interference modulates the CO distribution both in male and
      female meiosis.

PMID- 22072984
TI  - Signatures of environmental genetic adaptation pinpoint pathogens as the main
      selective pressure through human evolution.
AB  - Previous genome-wide scans of positive natural selection in humans have
      identified a number of non-neutrally evolving genes that play important roles in
      skin pigmentation, metabolism, or immune function. Recent studies have also shown
      that a genome-wide pattern of local adaptation can be detected by identifying
      correlations between patterns of allele frequencies and environmental variables.
      Despite these observations, the degree to which natural selection is primarily
      driven by adaptation to local environments, and the role of pathogens or other
      ecological factors as selective agents, is still under debate. To address this
      issue, we correlated the spatial allele frequency distribution of a large sample
      of SNPs from 55 distinct human populations to a set of environmental factors that
      describe local geographical features such as climate, diet regimes, and pathogen
      loads. In concordance with previous studies, we detected a significant enrichment
      of genic SNPs, and particularly non-synonymous SNPs associated with local
      adaptation. Furthermore, we show that the diversity of the local pathogenic
      environment is the predominant driver of local adaptation, and that climate, at
      least as measured here, only plays a relatively minor role. While background
      demography by far makes the strongest contribution in explaining the genetic
      variance among populations, we detected about 100 genes which show an
      unexpectedly strong correlation between allele frequencies and pathogenic
      environment, after correcting for demography. Conversely, for diet regimes and
      climatic conditions, no genes show a similar correlation between the
      environmental factor and allele frequencies. This result is validated using low
      coverage sequencing data for multiple populations. Among the loci targeted by
      pathogen-driven selection, we found an enrichment of genes associated to
      autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and multiples
      sclerosis, which lends credence to the hypothesis that some susceptibility
      alleles for autoimmune diseases may be maintained in human population due to past
      selective processes.

PMID- 22072985
TI  - SOX9 governs differentiation stage-specific gene expression in growth plate
      chondrocytes via direct concomitant transactivation and repression.
AB  - Cartilage and endochondral bone development require SOX9 activity to regulate
      chondrogenesis, chondrocyte proliferation, and transition to a non-mitotic
      hypertrophic state. The restricted and reciprocal expression of the collagen X
      gene, Col10a1, in hypertrophic chondrocytes and Sox9 in immature chondrocytes
      epitomise the precise spatiotemporal control of gene expression as chondrocytes
      progress through phases of differentiation, but how this is achieved is not
      clear. Here, we have identified a regulatory element upstream of Col10a1 that
      enhances its expression in hypertrophic chondrocytes in vivo. In immature
      chondrocytes, where Col10a1 is not expressed, SOX9 interacts with a conserved
      sequence within this element that is analogous to that within the intronic
      enhancer of the collagen II gene Col2a1, the known transactivation target of
      SOX9. By analysing a series of Col10a1 reporter genes in transgenic mice, we show
      that the SOX9 binding consensus in this element is required to repress expression
      of the transgene in non-hypertrophic chondrocytes. Forced ectopic Sox9 expression
      in hypertrophic chondrocytes in vitro and in mice resulted in down-regulation of
      Col10a1. Mutation of a binding consensus motif for GLI transcription factors,
      which are the effectors of Indian hedgehog signaling, close to the SOX9 site in
      the Col10a1 regulatory element, also derepressed transgene expression in non
      hypertrophic chondrocytes. GLI2 and GLI3 bound to the Col10a1 regulatory element
      but not to the enhancer of Col2a1. In addition to Col10a1, paired SOX9-GLI
      binding motifs are present in the conserved non-coding regions of several genes
      that are preferentially expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes and the occurrence
      of pairing is unlikely to be by chance. We propose a regulatory paradigm whereby
      direct concomitant positive and negative transcriptional control by SOX9 ensures
      differentiation phase-specific gene expression in chondrocytes. Discrimination
      between these opposing modes of transcriptional control by SOX9 may be mediated
      by cooperation with different partners such as GLI factors.

PMID- 22072986
TI  - A novel protein LZTFL1 regulates ciliary trafficking of the BBSome and
      Smoothened.
AB  - Many signaling proteins including G protein-coupled receptors localize to primary
      cilia, regulating cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation,
      organogenesis, and tumorigenesis. Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) proteins are
      involved in maintaining ciliary function by mediating protein trafficking to the
      cilia. However, the mechanisms governing ciliary trafficking by BBS proteins are
      not well understood. Here, we show that a novel protein, Leucine-zipper
      transcription factor-like 1 (LZTFL1), interacts with a BBS protein complex known
      as the BBSome and regulates ciliary trafficking of this complex. We also show
      that all BBSome subunits and BBS3 (also known as ARL6) are required for BBSome
      ciliary entry and that reduction of LZTFL1 restores BBSome trafficking to cilia
      in BBS3 and BBS5 depleted cells. Finally, we found that BBS proteins and LZTFL1
      regulate ciliary trafficking of hedgehog signal transducer, Smoothened. Our
      findings suggest that LZTFL1 is an important regulator of BBSome ciliary
      trafficking and hedgehog signaling.

PMID- 22072988
TI  - Short day-mediated cessation of growth requires the downregulation of
      AINTEGUMENTALIKE1 transcription factor in hybrid aspen.
AB  - Day length is a key environmental cue regulating the timing of major
      developmental transitions in plants. For example, in perennial plants such as the
      long-lived trees of the boreal forest, exposure to short days (SD) leads to the
      termination of meristem activity and bud set (referred to as growth cessation).
      The mechanism underlying SD-mediated induction of growth cessation is poorly
      understood. Here we show that the AIL1-AIL4 (AINTEGUMENTALIKE) transcription
      factors of the AP2 family are the downstream targets of the SD signal in the
      regulation of growth cessation response in hybrid aspen trees. AIL1 is expressed
      in the shoot apical meristem and leaf primordia, and exposure to SD signal
      downregulates AIL1 expression. Downregulation of AIL gene expression by SDs is
      altered in transgenic hybrid aspen plants that are defective in SD perception
      and/or response, e.g. PHYA or FT overexpressors. Importantly, SD-mediated
      regulation of growth cessation response is also affected by overexpression or
      downregulation of AIL gene expression. AIL1 protein can interact with the
      promoter of the key cell cycle genes, e.g. CYCD3.2, and downregulation of the
      expression of D-type cyclins after SD treatment is prevented by AIL1
      overexpression. These data reveal that execution of SD-mediated growth cessation
      response requires the downregulation of AIL gene expression. Thus, while early
      acting components like PHYA and the CO/FT regulon are conserved in day-length
      regulation of flowering time and growth cessation between annual and perennial
      plants, signaling pathways downstream of SD perception diverge, with AIL
      transcription factors being novel targets of the CO/FT regulon connecting the
      perception of SD signal to the regulation of meristem activity.

PMID- 22072987
TI  - Activation of Bmp2-Smad1 signal and its regulation by coordinated alteration of
      H3K27 trimethylation in Ras-induced senescence.
AB  - Cellular senescence involves epigenetic alteration, e.g. loss of H3K27me3 in
      Ink4a-Arf locus. Using mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF), we here analyzed
      transcription and epigenetic alteration during Ras-induced senescence on genome
      wide scale by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing and microarray.
      Bmp2 was the most activated secreted factor with H3K4me3 gain and H3K27me3 loss,
      whereas H3K4me3 loss and de novo formation of H3K27me3 occurred inversely in
      repression of nine genes, including two BMP-SMAD inhibitors Smad6 and Noggin. DNA
      methylation alteration unlikely occurred. Ras-activated cells senesced with
      nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8. Senescence was bypassed in Ras
      activated cells when Bmp2/Smad1 signal was blocked by Bmp2 knockdown, Smad6
      induction, or Noggin induction. Senescence was induced when recombinant BMP2
      protein was added to Bmp2-knocked-down Ras-activated cells. Downstream Bmp2-Smad1
      target genes were then analyzed genome-wide by ChIP-sequencing using anti-Smad1
      antibody in MEF that was exposed to BMP2. Smad1 target sites were enriched nearby
      transcription start sites of genes, which significantly correlated to
      upregulation by BMP2 stimulation. While Smad6 was one of Smad1 target genes to be
      upregulated by BMP2 exposure, Smad6 repression in Ras-activated cells with
      increased enrichment of Ezh2 and gain of H3K27me3 suggested epigenetic disruption
      of negative feedback by Polycomb. Among Smad1 target genes that were upregulated
      in Ras-activated cells without increased repressive mark, Parvb was found to
      contribute to growth inhibition as Parvb knockdown lead to escape from
      senescence. It was revealed through genome-wide analyses in this study that Bmp2
      Smad1 signal and its regulation by harmonized epigenomic alteration play an
      important role in Ras-induced senescence.

PMID- 22072990
TI  - Legitimacy and fairness in priority setting in Tanzania.

PMID- 22072989
TI  - PcG complexes set the stage for epigenetic inheritance of gene silencing in early
      S phase before replication.
AB  - Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are part of a conserved cell memory system that
      conveys epigenetic inheritance of silenced transcriptional states through cell
      division. Despite the considerable amount of information about PcG mechanisms
      controlling gene silencing, how PcG proteins maintain repressive chromatin during
      epigenome duplication is still unclear. Here we identified a specific time
      window, the early S phase, in which PcG proteins are recruited at BX-C PRE target
      sites in concomitance with H3K27me3 repressive mark deposition. Notably, these
      events precede and are uncoupled from PRE replication timing, which occurs in
      late S phase when most epigenetic signatures are reduced. These findings shed
      light on one of the key mechanisms for PcG-mediated epigenetic inheritance during
      S phase, suggesting a conserved model in which the PcG-dependent H3K27me3 mark is
      inherited by dilution and not by de novo methylation occurring at the time of
      replication.

PMID- 22072991
TI  - Strengthening fairness, transparency and accountability in health care priority
      setting at district level in Tanzania.
AB  - Health care systems are faced with the challenge of resource scarcity and have
      insufficient resources to respond to all health problems and target groups
      simultaneously. Hence, priority setting is an inevitable aspect of every health
      system. However, priority setting is complex and difficult because the process is
      frequently influenced by political, institutional and managerial factors that are
      not considered by conventional priority-setting tools. In a five-year EU
      supported project, which started in 2006, ways of strengthening fairness and
      accountability in priority setting in district health management were studied.
      This review is based on a PhD thesis that aimed to analyse health care
      organisation and management systems, and explore the potential and challenges of
      implementing Accountability for Reasonableness (A4R) approach to priority setting
      in Tanzania. A qualitative case study in Mbarali district formed the basis of
      exploring the sociopolitical and institutional contexts within which health care
      decision making takes place. The study also explores how the A4R intervention was
      shaped, enabled and constrained by the contexts. Key informant interviews were
      conducted. Relevant documents were also gathered and group priority-setting
      processes in the district were observed. The study revealed that, despite the
      obvious national rhetoric on decentralisation, actual practice in the district
      involved little community participation. The assumption that devolution to local
      government promotes transparency, accountability and community participation, is
      far from reality. The study also found that while the A4R approach was perceived
      to be helpful in strengthening transparency, accountability and stakeholder
      engagement, integrating the innovation into the district health system was
      challenging. This study underscores the idea that greater involvement and
      accountability among local actors may increase the legitimacy and fairness of
      priority-setting decisions. A broader and more detailed analysis of health system
      elements, and socio-cultural context is imperative in fostering sustainability.
      Additionally, the study stresses the need to deal with power asymmetries among
      various actors in priority-setting contexts.

PMID- 22072992
TI  - New tetromycin derivatives with anti-trypanosomal and protease inhibitory
      activities.
AB  - Four new tetromycin derivatives, tetromycins 1-4 and a previously known one,
      tetromycin B (5) were isolated from Streptomyces axinellae Pol001(T) cultivated
      from the Mediterranean sponge Axinella polypoides. Structures were assigned using
      extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as HRESIMS analysis. The compounds
      were tested for antiparasitic activities against Leishmania major and Trypanosoma
      brucei, and for protease inhibition against several cysteine proteases such as
      falcipain, rhodesain, cathepsin L, cathepsin B, and viral proteases SARS-CoV
      M(pro), and PL(pro). The compounds showed antiparasitic activities against T.
      brucei and time-dependent inhibition of cathepsin L-like proteases with K(i)
      values in the low micromolar range.

PMID- 22072993
TI  - Design of new alpha-conotoxins: from computer modeling to synthesis of potent
      cholinergic compounds.
AB  - A series of 14 new analogs of alpha-conotoxin PnIA Conus pennaceus was
      synthesized and tested for binding to the human alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor (nAChR) and acetylcholine-binding proteins (AChBP) Lymnaea stagnalis and
      Aplysia californica. Based on computer modeling and the X-ray structure of the A.
      californica AChBP complex with the PnIA[A10L, D14K] analog, single and multiple
      amino acid substitutions were introduced in alpha-conotoxin PnIA aimed at
      compounds of higher affinity and selectivity. Three analogs, PnIA[L5H],
      PnIA[A10L, D14K] and PnIA[L5R, A10L, D14R], have high affinities for AChBPs or
      alpha7 nAChR, as found in competition with radioiodinated alpha-bungarotoxin.
      That is why we prepared radioiodinated derivatives of these alpha-conotoxins,
      demonstrated their specific binding and found that among the tested synthetic
      analogs, most had almost 10-fold higher affinity in competition with radioactive
      alpha-conotoxins as compared to competition with radioactive alpha-bungarotoxin.
      Thus, radioiodinated alpha-conotoxins are a more sensitive tool for checking the
      activity of novel alpha-conotoxins and other compounds quickly dissociating from
      the receptor complexes.

PMID- 22072994
TI  - Seasonal dynamics of Microcystis spp. and their toxigenicity as assessed by qPCR
      in a temperate reservoir.
AB  - Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria are becoming increasingly frequent, mainly due to
      water quality degradation. This work applied qPCR as a tool for early warning of
      microcystin(MC)-producer cyanobacteria and risk assessment of water supplies.
      Specific marker genes for cyanobacteria, Microcystis and MC-producing
      Microcystis, were quantified to determine the genotypic composition of the
      natural Microcystis population. Correlations between limnological parameters, pH,
      water temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity and MC concentrations as
      well as Microcystis abundance were assessed. A negative significant correlation
      was observed between toxic (with mcy genes) to non-toxic (without mcy genes)
      genotypes ratio and the overall Microcystis density. The highest proportions of
      toxic Microcystis genotypes were found 4-6 weeks before and 8-10 weeks after the
      peak of the bloom, with the lowest being observed at its peak. These results
      suggest positive selection of non-toxic genotypes under favorable environmental
      growth conditions. Significant positive correlations could be found between
      quantity of toxic genotypes and MC concentration, suggesting that the method
      applied can be useful to predict potential MC toxicity risk. No significant
      correlation was found between the limnological parameters measured and MC
      concentrations or toxic genotypes proportions indicating that other abiotic and
      biotic factors should be governing MC production and toxic genotypes dynamics.
      The qPCR method here applied is useful to rapidly estimate the potential toxicity
      of environmental samples and so, it may contribute to the more efficient
      management of water use in eutrophic systems.

PMID- 22072995
TI  - Therapies from fucoidan; multifunctional marine polymers.
AB  - Published research on fucoidans increased three fold between 2000 and 2010. These
      algal derived marine carbohydrate polymers present numerous valuable
      bioactivities. This review discusses the role for fucoidan in the control of
      acute and chronic inflammation via selectin blockade, enzyme inhibition and
      inhibiting the complement cascade. The recent data on toxicology and uptake of
      fucoidan is detailed together with a discussion on the comparative activities of
      fractions of fucoidan from different sources. Recent in vivo, in vitro and
      clinical research related to diverse clinical needs is discussed. Targets include
      osteoarthritis, kidney and liver disease, neglected infectious diseases,
      hemopoietic stem cell modulation, protection from radiation damage and treatments
      for snake envenomation. In recent years, the production of well characterized
      reproducible fucoidan fractions on a commercial scale has become possible making
      therapies from fucoidan a realizable goal.

PMID- 22072996
TI  - High-value components and bioactives from sea cucumbers for functional foods--a
      review.
AB  - Sea cucumbers, belonging to the class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates,
      habitually found in the benthic areas and deep seas across the world. They have
      high commercial value coupled with increasing global production and trade. Sea
      cucumbers, informally named as beche-de-mer, or gamat, have long been used for
      food and folk medicine in the communities of Asia and Middle East. Nutritionally,
      sea cucumbers have an impressive profile of valuable nutrients such as Vitamin A,
      Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), and
      minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. A number of unique
      biological and pharmacological activities including anti-angiogenic, anticancer,
      anticoagulant, anti-hypertension, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant,
      antithrombotic, antitumor and wound healing have been ascribed to various species
      of sea cucumbers. Therapeutic properties and medicinal benefits of sea cucumbers
      can be linked to the presence of a wide array of bioactives especially triterpene
      glycosides (saponins), chondroitin sulfates, glycosaminoglycan (GAGs), sulfated
      polysaccharides, sterols (glycosides and sulfates), phenolics, cerberosides,
      lectins, peptides, glycoprotein, glycosphingolipids and essential fatty acids.
      This review is mainly designed to cover the high-value components and bioactives
      as well as the multiple biological and therapeutic properties of sea cucumbers
      with regard to exploring their potential uses for functional foods and
      nutraceuticals.

PMID- 22072997
TI  - Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid present in brown seaweeds and diatoms:
      metabolism and bioactivities relevant to human health.
AB  - The marine carotenoid fucoxanthin can be found in marine brown seaweeds, the
      macroalgae, and diatoms, the microalgae, and has remarkable biological
      properties. Numerous studies have shown that fucoxanthin has considerable
      potential and promising applications in human health. In this article, we review
      the current available scientific literature regarding the metabolism, safety, and
      bioactivities of fucoxanthin, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
      anticancer, anti-obese, antidiabetic, antiangiogenic and antimalarial activities,
      and its protective effects on the liver, blood vessels of the brain, bones, skin,
      and eyes. Although some studies have shown the bioavailability of fucoxanthin in
      brown seaweeds to be low in humans, many studies have suggested that a dietary
      combination of fucoxanthin and edible oil or lipid could increase the absorption
      rate of fucoxanthin, and thus it might be a promising marine drug.

PMID- 22072998
TI  - Polyhydroxylated steroids from the bamboo coral Isis hippuris.
AB  - In previous studies on the secondary metabolites of the Taiwanese octocoral Isis
      hippuris, specimens have always been collected at Green Island. In the course of
      our studies on bioactive compounds from marine organisms, the acetone-solubles of
      the Taiwanese octocoral I. hippuris collected at Orchid Island have led to the
      isolation of five new polyoxygenated steroids: hipposterone M-O (1-3),
      hipposterol G (4) and hippuristeroketal A (5). The structures of these compounds
      were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic and physical data. The anti
      HCMV (human cytomegalovirus) activity of 1-5 and their cytotoxicity against
      selected cell lines were evaluated. Compound 2 exhibited inhibitory activity
      against HCMV, with an EC(50) value of 6.0 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22073001
TI  - Studies on synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of derivatives of
      a new natural product from marine fungi as inhibitors of influenza virus
      neuraminidase.
AB  - Based on the natural isoprenyl phenyl ether from a mangrove-derived fungus, 32
      analogues were synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against
      influenza H1N1 neuraminidase. Compound 15 (3-(allyloxy)-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde)
      exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, with IC(50) values of 26.96 MUM
      for A/GuangdongSB/01/2009 (H1N1), 27.73 MUM for A/Guangdong/03/2009 (H1N1), and
      25.13 MUM for A/Guangdong/ 05/2009 (H1N1), respectively, which is stronger than
      the benzoic acid derivatives (~mM level). These are a new kind of non-nitrogenous
      aromatic ether Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors. Their structures are simple and the
      synthesis routes are not complex. The structure-activity relationship (SAR)
      analysis revealed that the aryl aldehyde and unsubstituted hydroxyl were
      important to NA inhibitory activities. Molecular docking studies were carried out
      to explain the SAR of the compounds, and provided valuable information for
      further structure modification.

PMID- 22073000
TI  - Cnidarians as a source of new marine bioactive compounds--an overview of the last
      decade and future steps for bioprospecting.
AB  - Marine invertebrates are rich sources of bioactive compounds and their
      biotechnological potential attracts scientific and economic interest worldwide.
      Although sponges are the foremost providers of marine bioactive compounds,
      cnidarians are also being studied with promising results. This diverse group of
      marine invertebrates includes over 11,000 species, 7500 of them belonging to the
      class Anthozoa. We present an overview of some of the most promising marine
      bioactive compounds from a therapeutic point of view isolated from cnidarians in
      the first decade of the 21st century. Anthozoan orders Alcyonacea and Gorgonacea
      exhibit by far the highest number of species yielding promising compounds.
      Antitumor activity has been the major area of interest in the screening of
      cnidarian compounds, the most promising ones being terpenoids (monoterpenoids,
      diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids). We also discuss the future of bioprospecting for
      new marine bioactive compounds produced by cnidarians.

PMID- 22072999
TI  - Antitumor peptides from marine organisms.
AB  - The biodiversity of the marine environment and the associated chemical diversity
      constitute a practically unlimited resource of new antitumor agents in the field
      of the development of marine bioactive substances. In this review, the progress
      on studies of antitumor peptides from marine sources is provided. The biological
      properties and mechanisms of action of different marine peptides are described;
      information about their molecular diversity is also presented. Novel peptides
      that induce apoptosis signal pathway, affect the tubulin-microtubule equilibrium
      and inhibit angiogenesis are presented in association with their pharmacological
      properties. It is intended to provide useful information for further research in
      the fields of marine antitumor peptides.

PMID- 22073002
TI  - Antiparasitic bromotyrosine derivatives from the marine sponge Verongula rigida.
AB  - Nine bromotyrosine-derived compounds were isolated from the Caribbean marine
      sponge Verongula rigida. Two of them, aeroplysinin-1 (1) and dihydroxyaerothionin
      (2), are known compounds for this species, and the other seven are unknown
      compounds for this species, namely: 3,5-dibromo-N,N,N-trimethyltyraminium (3),
      3,5-dibromo-N,N,N, O-tetramethyltyraminium (4), purealidin R (5), 19
      deoxyfistularin 3 (6), purealidin B (7), 11-hydroxyaerothionin (8) and fistularin
      3 (9). Structural determination of the isolated compounds was performed using one
      and two-dimensional NMR, MS and other spectroscopy data. All isolated compounds
      were screened for their in vitro activity against three parasitic protozoa:
      Leishmania panamensis, Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma cruzi. Compounds 7
      and 8 showed selective antiparasitic activity at 10 and 5 MUM against Leishmania
      and Plasmodium parasites, respectively. Cytotoxicity of these compounds on a
      human promonocytic cell line was also assessed.

PMID- 22073004
TI  - Bioactive cembranoids from the soft coral Sinularia crassa.
AB  - Eight new cembranoids, crassarines A-H (1-8) were isolated from the Formosan soft
      coral Sinularia crassa. Compounds 1-3 represent the rare cembranoids with a 1,12
      oxa-bridged tetrahydrofuran ring, while 4 and 5 are the firstly discovered 1,11
      oxa-bridged tetrahydropyranocembranoids. The absolute configuration of 6 was
      determined using the Mosher's method. Compounds 6 and 8 were found to
      significantly inhibit the expression of both pro-inflammatory iNOS and COX-2
      proteins at 10 MUM, respectively, while compounds 4-8 were found to be non
      cytotoxic toward the selected human liver cancer cells.

PMID- 22073005
TI  - Inducible ASABF-type antimicrobial peptide from the sponge Suberites domuncula:
      microbicidal and hemolytic activity in vitro and toxic effect on molluscs in
      vivo.
AB  - Since sponges, as typical filter-feeders, are exposed to a high load of attacking
      prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, they are armed with a wide arsenal of
      antimicrobial/cytostatic low-molecular-weight, non-proteinaceous bioactive
      compounds. Here we present the first sponge agent belonging to the group of ASABF
      type antimicrobial peptides. The ASABF gene was identified and cloned from the
      demosponge Suberites domuncula. The mature peptide, with a length of 64 aa
      residues has a predicted pI of 9.24, and comprises the characteristic CSalpha
      beta structural motif. Consequently, the S. domuncula ASABF shares high
      similarity with the nematode ASABFs; it is distantly related to the defensins.
      The recombinant peptide was found to display besides microbicidal activity, anti
      fungal activity. In addition, the peptide lyses human erythrocytes. The
      expression of ASABF is upregulated after exposure to the apoptosis-inducing agent
      2,2'-dipyridyl. During the process of apoptosis of surface tissue of S.
      domuncula, grazing gastropods (Bittium sp.) are attracted by quinolinic acid
      which is synthesized through the kynurenine pathway by the enzyme 3
      hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (HAD). Finally, the gastropods are repelled
      from the sponge tissue by the ASABF. It is shown that the effector peptide ASABF
      is sequentially expressed after the induction of the HAD gene and a caspase, as a
      central enzyme executing apoptosis.

PMID- 22073003
TI  - The structural diversity of carbohydrate antigens of selected gram-negative
      marine bacteria.
AB  - Marine microorganisms have evolved for millions of years to survive in the
      environments characterized by one or more extreme physical or chemical
      parameters, e.g., high pressure, low temperature or high salinity. Marine
      bacteria have the ability to produce a range of biologically active molecules,
      such as antibiotics, toxins and antitoxins, antitumor and antimicrobial agents,
      and as a result, they have been a topic of research interest for many years.
      Among these biologically active molecules, the carbohydrate antigens,
      lipopolysaccharides (LPSs, O-antigens) found in cell walls of gram-negative
      marine bacteria, show great potential as candidates in the development of drugs
      to prevent septic shock due to their low virulence. The structural diversity of
      LPSs is thought to be a reflection of the ability for these bacteria to adapt to
      an array of habitats, protecting the cell from being compromised by exposure to
      harsh environmental stress factors. Over the last few years, the variety of
      structures of core oligosaccharides and O-specific polysaccharides from LPSs of
      marine microrganisms has been discovered. In this review, we discuss the most
      recently encountered structures that have been identified from bacteria belonging
      to the genera Aeromonas, Alteromonas, Idiomarina, Microbulbifer,
      Pseudoalteromonas, Plesiomonas and Shewanella of the Gammaproteobacteria phylum;
      Sulfitobacter and Loktanella of the Alphaproteobactera phylum and to the genera
      Arenibacter, Cellulophaga, Chryseobacterium, Flavobacterium, Flexibacter of the
      Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides phylum. Particular attention is paid to the
      particular chemical features of the LPSs, such as the monosaccharide type, non
      sugar substituents and phosphate groups, together with some of the typifying
      traits of LPSs obtained from marine bacteria. A possible correlation is then made
      between such features and the environmental adaptations undertaken by marine
      bacteria.

PMID- 22073006
TI  - Pardaxin, an antimicrobial peptide, triggers caspase-dependent and ROS-mediated
      apoptosis in HT-1080 cells.
AB  - Pardaxin is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that was first isolated from
      secretions of the Red Sea Moses sole. The role of pardaxin in inducing apoptosis
      for preventing cancer has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we
      examined the antitumor activity of pardaxin against human fibrosarcoma HT-1080
      cells; pardaxin inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, as
      demonstrated by an increase in the externalization of plasma membrane
      phosphatidylserine and the presence of chromatin condensation. Additionally,
      pardaxin-treated cells showed elevation of caspase-3/7 activities, disruption of
      the mitochondrial membrane potential, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) production. Inhibition of ROS production and caspase-3/7 activities reduced
      pardaxin-induced effects. Taken together, these findings suggest that pardaxin
      may be a potential anticancer agent for selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer
      cells.

PMID- 22073008
TI  - Bioactive eunicellin-based diterpenoids from the soft coral Cladiella krempfi.
AB  - Four new eunicellin-based diterpenoids, krempfielins A-D (1-4), along with two
      known compounds (5 and 6) have been isolated from a soft coral Cladiella krempfi.
      The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic
      analysis and by comparison with spectroscopic data of related known compounds.
      Compounds 5 and 6 were shown to exhibit cytotoxicity against a limited panel of
      cancer cell lines. Furthermore, compounds 2, 3, 5 and 6 were shown to exert
      significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-stimulated RAW264.7
      macrophage cells.

PMID- 22073007
TI  - Anti-biofilm compounds derived from marine sponges.
AB  - Bacterial biofilms are surface-attached communities of microorganisms that are
      protected by an extracellular matrix of biomolecules. In the biofilm state,
      bacteria are significantly more resistant to external assault, including attack
      by antibiotics. In their native environment, bacterial biofilms underpin costly
      biofouling that wreaks havoc on shipping, utilities, and offshore industry.
      Within a host environment, they are insensitive to antiseptics and basic host
      immune responses. It is estimated that up to 80% of all microbial infections are
      biofilm-based. Biofilm infections of indwelling medical devices are of particular
      concern, since once the device is colonized, infection is almost impossible to
      eliminate. Given the prominence of biofilms in infectious diseases, there is a
      notable effort towards developing small, synthetically available molecules that
      will modulate bacterial biofilm development and maintenance. Here, we highlight
      the development of small molecules that inhibit and/or disperse bacterial
      biofilms specifically through non-microbicidal mechanisms. Importantly, we
      discuss several sets of compounds derived from marine sponges that we are
      developing in our labs to address the persistent biofilm problem. We will
      discuss: discovery/synthesis of natural products and their analogues-including
      our marine sponge-derived compounds and initial adjuvant activity and
      toxicological screening of our novel anti-biofilm compounds.

PMID- 22073009
TI  - The chemical synthesis of tetrodoxin: an ongoing quest.
AB  - This contribution reviews all the synthetic work on tetrodotoxin that has
      appeared in the literature through June 2011.

PMID- 22073010
TI  - Vasorelaxation, induced by Dictyota pulchella (Dictyotaceae), a brown alga, is
      mediated via inhibition of calcium influx in rats.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effects elicited by Dictyota
      pulchella, a brown alga, using in vivo and in vitro approaches. In normotensive
      conscious rats, CH(2)Cl(2)/MeOH Extract (CME, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) from
      Dictyota pulchella produced dose-dependent hypotension (-4 +/- 1; -8 +/- 2; -53
      +/- 8 and -63 +/- 3 mmHg) and bradycardia (-8 +/- 6; -17 +/- 11; -257 +/- 36 and 
      285 +/- 27 b.p.m.). In addition, CME and Hexane/EtOAc Phase (HEP) (0.01-300
      MUg/mL) from Dictyota pulchella induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in
      phenylephrine (Phe, 1 MUM)-pre-contracted mesenteric artery rings. The
      vasorelaxant effect was not modified by the removal of the vascular endothelium
      or pre-incubation with KCl (20 mM), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 3 mM) or tromboxane
      A(2) agonist U-46619 (100 nM). Furthermore, CME and HEP reversed CaCl(2)-induced
      vascular contractions. These results suggest that both CME and HEP act on the
      voltage-operated calcium channel in order to produce vasorelaxation. In addition,
      CME induced vasodilatation after the vessels have been pre-contracted with L-type
      Ca(2+) channel agonist (Bay K 8644, 200 nM). Taken together, our data show that
      CME induces hypotension and bradycardia in vivo and that both CME and HEP induce
      endothelium-independent vasodilatation in vitro that seems to involve the
      inhibition of the Ca(2+) influx through blockade of voltage-operated calcium
      channels.

PMID- 22073011
TI  - Antibacterial activity of marine and black band disease cyanobacteria against
      coral-associated bacteria.
AB  - Black band disease (BBD) of corals is a cyanobacteria-dominated polymicrobial
      disease that contains diverse populations of heterotrophic bacteria. It is one of
      the most destructive of coral diseases and is found globally on tropical and sub
      tropical reefs. We assessed ten strains of BBD cyanobacteria, and ten strains of
      cyanobacteria isolated from other marine sources, for their antibacterial effect
      on growth of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from BBD, from the surface
      mucopolysaccharide layer (SML) of healthy corals, and three known bacterial coral
      pathogens. Assays were conducted using two methods: co-cultivation of
      cyanobacterial and bacterial isolates, and exposure of test bacteria to
      (hydrophilic and lipophilic) cyanobacterial cell extracts. During co-cultivation,
      15 of the 20 cyanobacterial strains tested had antibacterial activity against at
      least one of the test bacterial strains. Inhibition was significantly higher for
      BBD cyanobacteria when compared to other marine cyanobacteria. Lipophilic
      extracts were more active than co-cultivation (extracts of 18 of the 20 strains
      were active) while hydrophilic extracts had very limited activity. In some cases
      co-cultivation resulted in stimulation of BBD and SML bacterial growth. Our
      results suggest that BBD cyanobacteria are involved in structuring the complex
      polymicrobial BBD microbial community by production of antimicrobial compounds.

PMID- 22073012
TI  - Important determinants for fucoidan bioactivity: a critical review of structure
      function relations and extraction methods for fucose-containing sulfated
      polysaccharides from brown seaweeds.
AB  - Seaweeds--or marine macroalgae--notably brown seaweeds in the class Phaeophyceae,
      contain fucoidan. Fucoidan designates a group of certain fucose-containing
      sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs) that have a backbone built of (1->3)-linked
      alpha-L-fucopyranosyl or of alternating (1->3)- and (1->4)-linked alpha-L
      fucopyranosyl residues, but also include sulfated galactofucans with backbones
      built of (1->6)-beta-D-galacto- and/or (1->2)-beta-D-mannopyranosyl units with
      fucose or fuco-oligosaccharide branching, and/or glucuronic acid, xylose or
      glucose substitutions. These FCSPs offer several potentially beneficial bioactive
      functions for humans. The bioactive properties may vary depending on the source
      of seaweed, the compositional and structural traits, the content (charge
      density), distribution, and bonding of the sulfate substitutions, and the purity
      of the FCSP product. The preservation of the structural integrity of the FCSP
      molecules essentially depends on the extraction methodology which has a crucial,
      but partly overlooked, significance for obtaining the relevant structural
      features required for specific biological activities and for elucidating
      structure-function relations. The aim of this review is to provide information on
      the most recent developments in the chemistry of fucoidan/FCSPs emphasizing the
      significance of different extraction techniques for the structural composition
      and biological activity with particular focus on sulfate groups.

PMID- 22073013
TI  - Kinase inhibitors from marine sponges.
AB  - Protein kinases play a critical role in cell regulation and their deregulation is
      a contributing factor in an increasing list of diseases including cancer. Marine
      sponges have yielded over 70 novel compounds to date that exhibit significant
      inhibitory activity towards a range of protein kinases. These compounds, which
      belong to diverse structural classes, are reviewed herein, and ordered based upon
      the kinase that they inhibit. Relevant synthetic studies on the marine natural
      product kinase inhibitors have also been included.

PMID- 22073014
TI  - Oleic acid produced by a marine Vibrio spp. acts as an anti-Vibrio
      parahaemolyticus agent.
AB  - It is known that some strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus are responsible for
      gastroenteric diseases caused by the ingestion of marine organisms contaminated
      with these bacterial strains. Organic products that show inhibitory activity on
      the growth of the pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus were extracted from a Vibrio
      native in the north of Chile. The inhibitory organic products were isolated by
      reverse phase chromatography and permeation by Sephadex LH20, and were
      characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The results showed
      that the prevailing active product is oleic acid, which was compared with
      standards by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC). These active products might be useful for controlling the proliferation
      of pathogenic clones of V. parahaemolyticus.

PMID- 22073015
TI  - Identification of occupational cancer risks in British Columbia, Canada: a
      population-based case-control study of 1,155 cases of colon cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cancer has been recognized to have environmental origin, but
      occupational cancer risk studies have not been fully documented. The objective of
      this paper was to identify occupations and industries with elevated colon cancer
      risk based on lifetime occupational histories collected from 15,463 incident
      cancer cases. METHOD: A group matched case-control design was used. All cases
      were diagnosed with histologically proven colon cancers, with cancer controls
      being all other cancer sites, excluding rectum, lung and unknown primary,
      diagnosed at the same period of time from the British Columbia Cancer Registry.
      Data analyses were done on all 597 Canadian standard occupation titles and 1,104
      standard industry titles using conditional logistic regression for matched data
      sets and the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: Excess colon cancer risks was
      observed in a number of occupations and industries, particularly those with low
      physical activity and those involving exposure to asbestos, wood dusts, engine
      exhaust and diesel engine emissions, and ammonia. DISCUSSION: The results of our
      study are in line with those from the literature and further suggest that
      exposure to wood dusts and to ammonia may carry an increased occupational risk of
      colon cancer.

PMID- 22073016
TI  - Detection of pesticides in active and depopulated beehives in Uruguay.
AB  - The influence of insecticides commonly used for agricultural purposes on beehive
      depopulation in Uruguay was investigated. Honeycombs, bees, honey and propolis
      from depopulated hives were analyzed for pesticide residues, whereas from active
      beehives only honey and propolis were evaluated. A total of 37 samples were
      analyzed, representing 14,800 beehives. In depopulated beehives only imidacloprid
      and fipronil were detected and in active beehives endosulfan, coumaphos,
      cypermethrin, ethion and chlorpyrifos were found. Coumaphos was present in the
      highest concentrations, around 1,000 MUg/kg, in all the propolis samples from
      active beehives. Regarding depopulated beehives, the mean levels of imidacloprid
      found in honeycomb (377 MUg/kg, Standard Deviation: 118) and propolis (60 MUg/kg,
      Standard Deviation: 57) are higher than those described to produce bee
      disorientation and fipronil levels detected in bees (150 and 170 MUg/kg) are
      toxic per se. The other insecticides found can affect the global fitness of the
      bees causing weakness and a decrease in their overall productivity. These
      preliminary results suggest that bees exposed to pesticides or its residues can
      lead them in different ways to the beehive.

PMID- 22073017
TI  - Overweight and obesity and associated factors among school-aged adolescents in
      Ghana and Uganda.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess overweight and obesity and associated factors
      in school-going adolescents in low income African countries (Ghana, Uganda). The
      total sample included 5,613 school children aged 13 to 15 years from nationally
      representative samples from two African countries. Bivariate and multivariable
      analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between dietary behavior,
      substance use, physical activity, psychosocial factors and overweight or obesity.
      The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined based on self-reported
      height and weight and the international child body mass index standards. Results
      indicate a prevalence of overweight or obesity of 10.4% among girls and 3.2%
      among boys, and 0.9% and 0.5% obesity only among girls and boys, respectively.
      Among girls smoking cigarettes and loneliness and among boys smoking cigarettes
      were found to be associated with overweight or obesity in multivariable analysis.
      Overweight status was not associated with the intake of fruits, vegetables, and
      sedentary behavior. Low prevalence rates of overweight or obesity were found in
      Ghana and Uganda. Smoking cessation and social programs could be integrated into
      strategies to prevent and treat overweight and obesity in youth.

PMID- 22073018
TI  - Quit attempt correlates among smokers by race/ethnicity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature
      deaths in the U.S., accounting for approximately 443,000 deaths annually.
      Although smoking prevalence in recent decades has declined substantially among
      all racial/ethnic groups, disparities in smoking-related behaviors among
      racial/ethnic groups continue to exist. Two of the goals of Healthy People 2020
      are to reduce smoking prevalence among adults to 12% or less and to increase
      smoking cessation attempts by adult smokers from 41% to 80%. Our study assesses
      whether correlates of quit attempts vary by race/ethnicity among adult (>= 18
      years) smokers in the U.S. Understanding racial/ethnic differences in how both
      internal and external factors affect quit attempts is important for targeting
      smoking-cessation interventions to decrease tobacco-use disparities. METHODS: We
      used 2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS) data from
      16,213 adults to examine whether the relationship between demographic
      characteristics, smoking behaviors, smoking policies and having made a quit
      attempt in the past year varied by race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Hispanics and persons
      of multiple races were more likely to have made a quit attempt than whites.
      Overall, younger individuals and those with >high school education, who smoked
      fewer cigarettes per day and had smoked for fewer years were more likely to have
      made a quit attempt. Having a smoke-free home, receiving a doctor's advice to
      quit, smoking menthol cigarettes and having a greater time to when you smoked
      your first cigarette of the day were also associated with having made a quit
      attempt. The relationship between these four variables and quit attempts varied
      by race/ethnicity; most notably receiving a doctor's advice was not related to
      quit attempts among Asian American/Pacific Islanders and menthol use among whites
      was associated with a lower prevalence of quit attempts while black menthol users
      were more likely to have made a quit attempt than white non-menthol users.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most correlates of quit attempts were similar across all
      racial/ethnic groups. Therefore population-based comprehensive tobacco control
      programs that increase quit attempts and successful cessation among all
      racial/ethnic groups should be continued and expanded. Additional strategies may
      be needed to encourage quit attempts among less educated, older, and more
      addicted smokers.

PMID- 22073020
TI  - Family dysfunction differentially affects alcohol and methamphetamine dependence:
      a view from the Addiction Severity Index in Japan.
AB  - We investigated the differential influence of family dysfunction on alcohol and
      methamphetamine dependence in Japan using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), a
      useful instrument that multilaterally measures the severity of substance
      dependence. The participants in this study were 321 male patients with alcohol
      dependence and 68 male patients with methamphetamine dependence. We conducted
      semi-structured interviews with each patient using the ASI, which is designed to
      assess problem severity in seven functional domains: Medical, Employment/Support,
      Alcohol use, Drug use, Legal, Family/Social relationships, and Psychiatric. In
      patients with alcohol dependence, bad relationships with parents, brothers and
      sisters, and friends in their lives were related to current severe psychiatric
      problems. Bad relationships with brothers and sisters and partners in their lives
      were related to current severe employment/support problems, and bad relationships
      with partners in their lives were related to current severe family/social
      problems. The current severity of psychiatric problems was related to the current
      severity of drug use and family/social problems in patients with alcohol
      dependence. Patients with methamphetamine dependence had difficulty developing
      good relationships with their father. Furthermore, the current severity of
      psychiatric problems was related to the current severity of medical,
      employment/support, and family/social problems in patients with methamphetamine
      dependence. The results of this study suggest that family dysfunction
      differentially affects alcohol and methamphetamine dependence. Additionally,
      family relationships may be particularly related to psychiatric problems in these
      patients, although the ASI was developed to independently evaluate each of seven
      problem areas.

PMID- 22073019
TI  - Is neurodegenerative disease a long-latency response to early-life genotoxin
      exposure?
AB  - Western Pacific amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia complex,
      a disappearing neurodegenerative disease linked to use of the neurotoxic cycad
      plant for food and/or medicine, is intensively studied because the neuropathology
      (tauopathy) is similar to that of Alzheimer's disease. Cycads contain neurotoxic
      and genotoxic principles, notably cycasin and methylazoxymethanol, the latter
      sharing chemical relations with nitrosamines, which are derived from nitrates and
      nitrites in preserved meats and fertilizers, and also used in the rubber and
      leather industries. This review includes new data that influence understanding of
      the neurobiological actions of cycad and related genotoxins and the putative
      mechanisms by which they might trigger neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 22073021
TI  - Internet pathways in suicidality: a review of the evidence.
AB  - The general aim of this study was to review the scientific literature concerning
      the Internet and suicidality and to examine the different pathways by which
      suicidal risks and prevention efforts are facilitated through the Internet. An
      online literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE and Google Scholar
      databases. The main themes that were investigated included pathological Internet
      use and suicidality, pro-suicide websites, suicide pacts on the Internet, and
      suicide prevention via the Internet. Articles were screened based on the titles
      and abstracts reporting on the themes of interest. Thereafter, articles were
      selected based on scientific relevance of the study, and included for full text
      assessment. The results illustrated that specific Internet pathways increased the
      risk for suicidal behaviours, particularly in adolescents and young people.
      Several studies found significant correlations between pathological Internet use
      and suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury. Pro-suicide websites and
      online suicide pacts were observed as high-risk factors for facilitating suicidal
      behaviours, particularly among isolated and susceptible individuals. Conversely,
      the evidence also showed that the Internet could be an effective tool for suicide
      prevention, especially for socially-isolated and vulnerable individuals, who
      might otherwise be unreachable. It is this paradox that accentuates the need for
      further research in this field.

PMID- 22073022
TI  - A multilevel analysis of neighbourhood built and social environments and adult
      self-reported physical activity and body mass index in Ottawa, Canada.
AB  - Canadian research examining the combined effects of social and built environments
      on physical activity (PA) and obesity is limited. The purpose of this study was
      to determine the relationships among built and social environments and PA and
      overweight/obesity in 85 Ottawa neighbourhoods. Self-reported PA, height and
      weight were collected from 3,883 adults using the International PA Questionnaire
      from the 2003-2007 samples of the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System. Data on
      neighbourhood characteristics were obtained from the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study;
      a large study of neighbourhoods and health in Ottawa. Two-level binomial logistic
      regression models stratified by sex were used to examine the relationships of
      environmental and individual variables with PA and overweight/obesity while using
      survey weights. Results identified that approximately half of the adults were
      insufficiently active or overweight/obese. Multilevel models identified that for
      every additional convenience store, men were two times more likely to be
      physically active (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.43) and with every additional
      specialty food store women were almost two times more likely to be overweight or
      obese (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.20). Higher green space was associated with a
      reduced likelihood of PA (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.99) and increased odds of
      overweight and obesity in men (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.19), and decreased odds
      of overweight/obesity in women (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.89). In men,
      neighbourhood socioeconomic scores, voting rates and sense of community belonging
      were all significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Intraclass
      coefficients were low, but identified that the majority of neighbourhood
      variation in outcomes was explained by the models. Findings identified that green
      space, food landscapes and social cohesiveness may play different roles on PA and
      overweight/obesity in men and women and future prospective studies are needed.

PMID- 22073024
TI  - Patterns of and motivations for concurrent use of video games and substances.
AB  - "Behavioral addictions" share biological mechanisms with substance dependence,
      and "drug interactions" have been observed between certain substances and self
      reinforcing behaviors. This study examines correlates of patterns of and
      motivations for playing video games while using or feeling the effects of a
      substance (concurrent use). Data were drawn from a nationally-representative
      survey of adult Americans who "regularly" or "occasionally" played video games
      and had played for at least one hour in the past seven days (n = 3,380). Only
      recent concurrent users' data were included in analyses (n = 1,196). Independent
      variables included demographics, substance use frequency and problems, game genre
      of concurrent use (identified by looking titles up in an industry database), and
      general game playing variables including problem video game play (PVP), consumer
      involvement, enjoyment, duration, and frequency of play. Exploratory factor
      analysis identified the following dimensions underlying patterns of and
      motivations for concurrent use: pass time or regulate negative emotion, enhance
      an already enjoyable or positive experience, and use of video games and
      substances to remediate each other's undesirable effects. Multivariate regression
      analyses indicated PVP and hours/day of video game play were associated with most
      patterns/motivations, as were caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and
      painkiller use problems. This suggests that concurrent use with some regular
      situational pattern or effect-seeking motivation is part of the addictive process
      underlying both PVP and substance dependence. Various demographic, game playing,
      game genre of concurrent use, and substance use variables were associated with
      specific motivations/patterns, indicating that all are important in understanding
      concurrent use.

PMID- 22073023
TI  - Playing video games while using or feeling the effects of substances:
      associations with substance use problems.
AB  - This study tested the hypothesis that playing video games while using or feeling
      the effects of a substance--referred to herein as "concurrent use"-is related to
      substance use problems after controlling for substance use frequency, video
      gaming as an enthusiastic hobby, and demographic factors. Data were drawn from a
      nationally representative online survey of adult video gamers conducted by
      Knowledge Networks, valid n = 2,885. Problem video game playing behavior was
      operationalized using Tejeiro Salguero and Bersabe Moran's 2002 problem video
      game play (PVP) measure, and measures for substance use problems were taken from
      the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Separate structural equation
      modeling analyses were conducted for users of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and
      marijuana. In all four models, concurrent use was directly associated with
      substance use problems, but not with PVP. Video gaming as an enthusiastic hobby
      was associated with substance use problems via two indirect paths: through PVP
      for all substances, and through concurrent use for caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
      only. Results illustrate the potential for "drug interaction" between self
      reinforcing behaviors and addictive substances, with implications for the
      development of problem use.

PMID- 22073025
TI  - The lag structure and the general effect of ozone exposure on pediatric
      respiratory morbidity.
AB  - Up to now no study has investigated the lag structure of children's respiratory
      morbidity due to surface ozone. In the present study, we investigate the lag
      structure and the general effect of surface ozone exposure on children and
      adolescents' respiratory morbidity using data from a particularly well suited
      area in southern Europe to assess the health effects of surface ozone. The
      effects of surface ozone are estimated using the recently developed distributed
      lag non-linear models, allowing for a relatively long timescale, while
      controlling for weather effects, a range of other air pollutants, and long and
      short term patterns. The public health significance of the estimated effects is
      higher than has been previously reported in the literature, providing evidence
      contrary to the conjecture that the surface ozone-morbidity association is mainly
      due to short-term harvesting. In fact, our data analysis reveals that the effects
      of surface ozone at medium and long timescales (harvesting-resistant) are
      substantially larger than the effects at shorter timescales (harvesting-prone), a
      finding that is consistent with all children and adolescents being affected by
      high surface ozone concentrations, and not just the very frail.

PMID- 22073027
TI  - Farmer health and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change and
      variability. Part 1: Health as a contributor to adaptive capacity and as an
      outcome from pressures coping with climate related adversities.
AB  - This paper examines the role farmers' health plays as an element of adaptive
      capacity. The study examines which of twenty aspects of adaptation may be related
      to overall health outcomes, controlling for demographic and on-farm-factors in
      health problems. The analysis is based on 3,993 farmers' responses to a national
      survey of climate risk and adaptation. Hierarchical linear regression modelling
      was used examine the extent to which, in a multivariate analysis, the use of
      adaptive practices was predictively associated with self-assessed health, taking
      into account the farmer's rating of whether their health was a barrier to
      undertaking farm work. We present two models, one excluding pre-existing health
      (model 1) and one including pre-existing health (model 2). The first model
      accounted for 21% of the variance. In this model better health was most strongly
      predicted by an absence of on-farm risk, greater financial viability, greater
      debt pressures, younger age and a desire to continue farming. Social capital
      (trust and reciprocity) was moderately associated with health as was the
      intention to adopt more sustainable practices. The second model (including the
      farmers' health as a barrier to undertaking farm work) accounted for 43% of the
      variance. Better health outcomes were most strongly explained, in order of
      magnitude, by the absence of pre-existing health problems, greater access to
      social support, greater financial viability, greater debt pressures, a desire to
      continue farming and the condition of on-farm resources. Model 2 was a more
      parsimonious model (only nine predictors, compared with 15 in model 1), and
      explained twice as much variance in health outcomes. These results suggest that
      (i) pre-existing health problems are a very important factor to consider when
      designing adaptation programs and policies and (ii) these problems may mediate or
      modify the relationship between adaptation and health.

PMID- 22073026
TI  - Considering the definition of addiction.
AB  - The definition of addiction is explored. Elements of addiction derived from a
      literature search that uncovered 52 studies include: (a) engagement in the
      behavior to achieve appetitive effects, (b) preoccupation with the behavior, (c)
      temporary satiation, (d) loss of control, and (e) suffering negative
      consequences. Differences from compulsions are suggested. While there is some
      debate on what is intended by the elements of addictive behavior, we conclude
      that these five constituents provide a reasonable understanding of what is
      intended by the concept. Conceptual challenges for future research are mentioned.

PMID- 22073028
TI  - Farmer health and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change and
      variability. Part 2: Contexts, personal attributes and behaviors.
AB  - This study extends the emerging body of research on farmer adaptation to climate
      change, by segmenting farmers on the basis of specific attributes (health,
      values, belief about climate change, sense of responsibility for climate change,
      desire to change, social, human and financial capitals and farmer demographics)
      and considering such attributes as critical social aspects of the contextualized
      capacity to adapt. The segmental analysis was based on a nationally
      representative sample of 3,993 farmers concerned with farmer adaptation of
      climate risks. The resulting data were subjected to two-step cluster analysis to
      identify homogenous groups of farmers based on factors related to climate change
      adaptation. A three-cluster solution was identified wherein farmers were
      distinguishable on the basis of belief in climate change, desire for financial
      assistance and advice, social connectedness, information seeking, and adverse
      farm conditions. The largest group (Cluster 1: 55%) was characterized by farmers
      who recognized being affected by drought and drying and who were actively engaged
      in adaptive practices, despite the fact that they had little income and poor farm
      resources. One third of these farmers reported that their health was a barrier to
      sustained activity in farming. Cluster 2 (26%) was characterized by farmers not
      readily affected by drying, who enjoyed good incomes, good health and better
      farming conditions. They expressed little desire to adapt. The smallest cluster
      (Cluster 3: 19%) was also characterized by farmers who recognized that they were
      affected by drying. However, despite a desire to adapt, they had very little
      means to do so. They reported the poorest natural resources and the poorest
      health, despite being younger. The findings suggest that it is the intent to
      adapt, starting from where people are at, which is a more important indicator of
      the capacity to work towards sustainable practices than assets tests alone.

PMID- 22073029
TI  - Clarifying exercise addiction: differential diagnosis, co-occurring disorders,
      and phases of addiction.
AB  - This paper sets out to clarify the unique features of exercise addiction. It
      begins by examining how this addiction can be distinguished from compulsions and
      impulse control disorders both of which, like an addiction, involve excessive
      behavior that creates adverse effects. Assessment of exercise addiction also
      requires that clinicians be attuned to other forms of excessive behavior,
      especially eating disorders that can co-occur with exercise. Finally in an effort
      to clarify exercise addiction, this paper uses the four phases of addiction to
      examine the attributes of exercise that define it as a healthy habit distinct
      from an addiction. The paper ends with a discussion of the implications of these
      topics for effective assessment and treatment.

PMID- 22073030
TI  - Prospective power calculations for the Four Lab study of a multigenerational
      reproductive/developmental toxicity rodent bioassay using a complex mixture of
      disinfection by-products in the low-response region.
AB  - In complex mixture toxicology, there is growing emphasis on testing
      environmentally representative doses that improve the relevance of results for
      health risk assessment, but are typically much lower than those used in
      traditional toxicology studies. Traditional experimental designs with typical
      sample sizes may have insufficient statistical power to detect effects caused by
      environmentally relevant doses. Proper study design, with adequate statistical
      power, is critical to ensuring that experimental results are useful for
      environmental health risk assessment. Studies with environmentally realistic
      complex mixtures have practical constraints on sample concentration factor and
      sample volume as well as the number of animals that can be accommodated. This
      article describes methodology for calculation of statistical power for non
      independent observations for a multigenerational rodent
      reproductive/developmental bioassay. The use of the methodology is illustrated
      using the U.S. EPA's Four Lab study in which rodents were exposed to chlorinated
      water concentrates containing complex mixtures of drinking water disinfection by
      products. Possible experimental designs included two single-block designs and a
      two-block design. Considering the possible study designs and constraints, a
      design of two blocks of 100 females with a 40:60 ratio of control:treated animals
      and a significance level of 0.05 yielded maximum prospective power (~90%) to
      detect pup weight decreases, while providing the most power to detect increased
      prenatal loss.

PMID- 22073031
TI  - Improving public health through access to and utilization of medication assisted
      treatment.
AB  - Providing access to and utilization of medication assisted treatment (MAT) for
      the treatment of opioid abuse and dependence provides an important opportunity to
      improve public health. Access to health services comprising MAT in the community
      is fundamental to achieve broad service coverage. The type and placement of the
      health services comprising MAT and integration with primary medical care
      including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, care and treatment
      services are optimal for addressing both substance abuse and co-occurring
      infectious diseases. As an HIV prevention intervention, integrated (same medical
      record for HIV services and MAT services) MAT with HIV prevention, care and
      treatment programs provides the best "one stop shopping" approach for health
      service utilization. Alternatively, MAT, medical and HIV services can be
      separately managed but co-located to allow convenient utilization of primary
      care, MAT and HIV services. A third approach is coordinated care and treatment,
      where primary care, MAT and HIV services are provided at distinct locations and
      case managers, peer facilitators, or others promote direct service utilization at
      the various locations. Developing a continuum of care for patients with opioid
      dependence throughout the stages MAT enhances the public health and Recovery from
      opioid dependence. As a stigmatized and medical disenfranchised population with
      multiple medical, psychological and social needs, people who inject drugs and are
      opioid dependent have difficulty accessing services and navigating medical
      systems of coordinated care. MAT programs that offer comprehensive services and
      medical care options can best contribute to improving the health of these
      individuals thereby enhancing the health of the community.

PMID- 22073032
TI  - Taste learning and memory: a window on the study of brain aging.
AB  - Taste aversion learning exhibits advantages for research on memory brain systems
      and its reorganization throughout life. A review of the effects of aging on taste
      memory abilities offers a complex picture showing preserved, impaired, and
      enhanced functions. Some of the age-related changes in taste memory seem to be
      associated with an altered temporal processing. Longer taste-illness delays can
      be introduced for acquisition of conditioned taste aversions and the modulation
      of taste learning by the temporal context is absent in naive old rats. It is
      suggested that an altered hippocampal function is involved in the peculiar
      performance of these rats. Evidence is also presented which suggests that
      hippocampal-dependent taste memory can be reactivated by previous learning
      experiences in old rats. Results obtained after reversible inactivation of the
      dorsal Hippocampus by tetrodotoxin (TTX) in old rats support such a view.
      Therefore, the interaction between the previous experience and acute brain
      interventions should be taken into account when studying the effect of aging on
      taste memory.

PMID- 22073034
TI  - Viral-Reactivated Pneumonia during Mechanical Ventilation: Is There Need for
      Antiviral Treatment?
AB  - Respiratory viruses are not a common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia
      (VAP). Herpesviridae [Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV)] are
      detected frequently in the lower respiratory tract of ventilated patients. HSV is
      detected between days 7 and 14 of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV); presence
      of the virus does not necessarily imply pathogenicity, but the association with
      adverse clinical outcomes supports the hypothesis of a pathogenic role in a
      variable percentage of patients. Bronchopneumonitis associated with HSV should be
      considered in patients with prolonged IMV, reactivation with herpetic
      mucocutaneous lesions and those belonging to a risk population with burn injuries
      or acute lung injury. Reactivation of CMV is common in critically ill patients
      and usually occurs between days 14 and 21 in patients with defined risk factors.
      The potential pathogenic role of CMV seems clear in patients with acute lung
      injury and persistent respiratory failure in whom there is no isolation of
      bacterial agent as a cause of VAP. The best diagnostic test is not defined
      although lung biopsies should be considered in addition to the usual methods
      before starting specific treatment. The role of mimivirus is uncertain and is yet
      to be defined, but the serologic evidence of this new virus in the context of VAP
      appears to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22073033
TI  - Dysregulated mTORC1-Dependent Translational Control: From Brain Disorders to
      Psychoactive Drugs.
AB  - In the last decade, a plethora of studies utilizing pharmacological, biochemical,
      and genetic approaches have shown that precise translational control is required
      for long-lasting synaptic plasticity and the formation of long-term memory.
      Moreover, more recent studies indicate that alterations in translational control
      are a common pathophysiological feature of human neurological disorders,
      including developmental disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, and
      neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, translational control mechanisms are
      susceptible to modification by psychoactive drugs. Taken together, these findings
      point to a central role for translational control in the regulation of synaptic
      function and behavior.

PMID- 22073035
TI  - Colour-grapheme synesthesia affects binocular vision.
AB  - In colour-grapheme synesthesia, non-coloured graphemes are perceived as being
      inherently coloured. In recent years, it is debated whether visual processing of
      synesthesia-inducing achromatic graphemes is similar to that of chromatic
      graphemes. Here, we exploit the phenomenon of binocular rivalry in which
      incompatible images presented dichoptically compete for conscious expression.
      Importantly, the competition only arises if the two images are sufficiently
      different; if the difference between the images is small, the images will fuse
      into a single mixed percept. We show that achromatic digits that induce
      synesthetic colour percepts increase the incidence of binocular rivalry compared
      to achromatic non-digits that do not evoke such percepts. That is, compared to
      achromatically perceived non-digits, synesthesia-inducing digits increase the
      predominance of binocular rivalry over binocular fusion. This finding shows that
      the synesthetic colour experience can provide the conditions for promoting
      binocular rivalry, much like stimulus features that induce rivalry in normal
      vision.

PMID- 22073036
TI  - Preschoolers' novel noun extensions: shape in spite of knowing better.
AB  - We examined the puzzling research findings that when extending novel nouns,
      preschoolers rely on shape similarity (rather than categorical relations) while
      in other task contexts (e.g., property induction) they rely on categorical
      relations. Taking into account research on children's word learning,
      categorization, and inductive inference we assume that preschoolers have both a
      shape-based and a category-based word extension strategy available and can switch
      between these two depending on which information is easily available. To this
      end, we tested preschoolers on two versions of a novel-noun label extension task.
      First, we paralleled the standard extension task commonly used by previous
      research. In this case, as expected, preschoolers predominantly selected same
      shape items. Second, we supported preschoolers' retrieval of item-related
      information from memory by asking them simple questions about each item prior to
      the label extension task. Here, they switched to a category-based strategy, thus,
      predominantly selecting same-category items. Finally, we revealed that this shape
      to-category shift is specific to the word learning context as we did not find it
      in a non-lexical classification task. These findings support our assumption that
      preschoolers' decision about word extension change in accordance with the
      availability of information (from task context or by memory retrieval). We
      conclude by suggesting that preschoolers' noun extensions can be conceptualized
      within the framework of heuristic decision-making. This provides an ecologically
      plausible processing account with respect to which information is selected and
      how this information is integrated to act as a guideline for decision-making when
      novel words have to be generalized.

PMID- 22073037
TI  - Variability in proactive and reactive cognitive control processes across the
      adult lifespan.
AB  - Task-switching paradigms produce a highly consistent age-related increase in
      mixing cost [longer response time (RT) on repeat trials in mixed-task than single
      task blocks] but a less consistent age effect on switch cost (longer RT on switch
      than repeat trials in mixed-task blocks). We use two approaches to examine the
      adult lifespan trajectory of control processes contributing to mixing cost and
      switch cost: latent variables derived from an evidence accumulation model of
      choice, and event-related potentials (ERP) that temporally differentiate
      proactive (cue-driven) and reactive (target-driven) control processes. Under
      highly practiced and prepared task conditions, aging was associated with
      increasing RT mixing cost but reducing RT switch cost. Both effects were largely
      due to the same cause: an age effect for mixed-repeat trials. In terms of latent
      variables, increasing age was associated with slower non-decision processes,
      slower rate of evidence accumulation about the target, and higher response
      criterion. Age effects on mixing costs were evident only on response criterion,
      the amount of evidence required to trigger a decision, whereas age effects on
      switch cost were present for all three latent variables. ERPs showed age-related
      increases in preparation for mixed-repeat trials, anticipatory attention, and
      post-target interference. Cue-locked ERPs that are linked to proactive control
      were associated with early emergence of age differences in response criterion.
      These results are consistent with age effects on strategic processes controlling
      decision caution. Consistent with an age-related decline in cognitive
      flexibility, younger adults flexibly adjusted response criterion from trial-to
      trial on mixed-task blocks, whereas older adults maintained a high criterion for
      all trials.

PMID- 22073038
TI  - Single-trial analyses: why bother?

PMID- 22073039
TI  - Short-time scale dynamics in the responses to multiple stimuli in visual cortex.
AB  - Many previous studies have used the presentation of multiple stimuli in the
      receptive fields (RFs) of visual cortical neurons to explore how neurons might
      operate on multiple inputs. Most of these experiments have used two fixed
      stimulus locations within the RF of each neuron. Here the effects of using
      different positions within the RF of a neuron were explored. The stimuli were
      presented singly at one of six locations, and also at 15 pair-wise combinations,
      for 24 V2 cortical neurons in two macaque monkeys. There was considerable
      variability in how pairs of stimuli interacted within the receptive field of any
      given neuron: changing the position of the stimuli could result in enhancement,
      winner-take-all, or suppression relative to the strongest response to a stimulus
      presented by itself. Across the population of neurons there was no correlation
      between response strength and response latency. However, for many stimulus pairs
      the response latency was tightly locked to the shortest response latency of any
      single stimulus presented by itself independent of changes in response magnitude.
      In other words, a stimulus that by itself elicited a relatively long latency
      response, would often affect the magnitude of the response to a pair of stimuli,
      but not change the latency. These results may provide constraints on the
      development of models of cortical information processing.

PMID- 22073040
TI  - ClubSub-P: Cluster-Based Subcellular Localization Prediction for Gram-Negative
      Bacteria and Archaea.
AB  - The subcellular localization (SCL) of proteins provides important clues to their
      function in a cell. In our efforts to predict useful vaccine targets against Gram
      negative bacteria, we noticed that misannotated start codons frequently lead to
      wrongly assigned SCLs. This and other problems in SCL prediction, such as the
      relatively high false-positive and false-negative rates of some tools, can be
      avoided by applying multiple prediction tools to groups of homologous proteins.
      Here we present ClubSub-P, an online database that combines existing SCL
      prediction tools into a consensus pipeline from more than 600 proteomes of fully
      sequenced microorganisms. On top of the consensus prediction at the level of
      single sequences, the tool uses clusters of homologous proteins from Gram
      negative bacteria and from Archaea to eliminate false-positive and false-negative
      predictions. ClubSub-P can assign the SCL of proteins from Gram-negative bacteria
      and Archaea with high precision. The database is searchable, and can easily be
      expanded using either new bacterial genomes or new prediction tools as they
      become available. This will further improve the performance of the SCL
      prediction, as well as the detection of misannotated start codons and other
      annotation errors. ClubSub-P is available online at
      http://toolkit.tuebingen.mpg.de/clubsubp/

PMID- 22073042
TI  - A qualitative engineering analysis of occlusion effects on mandibular fracture
      repair mechanics.
AB  - Objectives. The purpose of this analytical study was to examine and critique the
      engineering foundations of commonly accepted biomechanical principles of mandible
      fracture repair. Materials and Methods. Basic principles of static equilibrium
      were applied to intact and plated mandibles, but instead of the traditional lever
      forces, the mandibles were subjected to more realistic occlusal forces. Results.
      These loading conditions produced stress distributions within the intact mandible
      that were very different and more complex than the customary lever-based
      gradient. The analyses also demonstrated the entirely different mechanical
      environments within intact and plated mandibles. Conclusions. Because the loading
      and geometry of the lever-idealized mandible is incomplete, the associated widely
      accepted bone stress distribution (tension on top and compression on the bottom)
      should not be assumed. Furthermore, the stress gradients within the bone of an
      intact mandible should not be extrapolated to the mechanical environment within
      the plated regions of a fractured mandible.

PMID- 22073041
TI  - Calpain mediates epithelial cell microvillar effacement by enterohemorrhagic
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - A member of the attaching and effacing (AE) family of pathogens,
      enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) induces dramatic changes to the
      intestinal cell cytoskeleton, including effacement of microvilli. Effacement by
      the related pathogen enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) requires the activity of the
      Ca(+2)-dependent host protease, calpain, which participates in a variety of
      cellular processes, including cell adhesion and motility. We found that EHEC
      infection results in an increase in epithelial (CaCo-2a) cell calpain activity
      and that EHEC-induced microvillar effacement was blocked by ectopic expression of
      calpastatin, an endogenous calpain inhibitor, or by pretreatment of intestinal
      cells with a cell-penetrating version of calpastatin. In addition, ezrin, a known
      calpain substrate that links the plasma membrane to axial actin filaments in
      microvilli, was cleaved in a calpain-dependent manner during EHEC infection and
      lost from its normal locale within microvilli. Calpain may be a central conduit
      through which EHEC and other AE pathogens induce enterocyte cytoskeletal
      remodeling and exert their pathogenic effects.

PMID- 22073043
TI  - Environmental and occupational health disorders.

PMID- 22073045
TI  - Toxicological assessment of noxious inhalants.
AB  - In the past centuries mankind has been exposed to various forms of air pollution
      not only at his occupational but also in his social environment. He mainly gets
      exposed with these pollutants through the respiratory organs and partially
      absorbs them into the body. Many of these airborne substances can be harmful for
      humans and some of them may account for tumorigenic effects.The following essay
      describes the main features of toxicological assessment of inhalative
      environmental and workplace xenobiotics. The essay also explains relevant
      characteristics and limit values of noxious compounds and gases and depicts
      modern testing methods. To this end, emphasis is given on methods characterizing
      the different stages of tumorigenic processes. Various test systems have been
      developed which can be used in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro. They are to a great
      part based on the evidence of changes in DNA or particular genes of cells. Among
      others they have highlighted the impact of interindividual variability on
      enzymatic activation of xenobiotics and on susceptibility of the host to tumor
      diseases.Unfortunately, for many inhalative environmental noxious agents no
      sufficient risk profiles have been developed. The completion of these profiles
      should be the goal of toxicological assessment in order to allow reasonable
      socioeconomic or individual-based risk reduction.

PMID- 22073044
TI  - Cellular and molecular mechanisms in environmental and occupational inhalation
      toxicology.
AB  - The central issue of this review are inflammatory changes that take place in the
      mucous membranes of the respiratory tract as a result of inhaled pollutants. Of
      particular relevance are dusts, SO(2), ozone, aldehydes und volatile organic
      compounds. Bioorganic pollutants, especially fragments of bacteria and fungi,
      occur predominantly in indoor dusts. They activate the toll-like/IL-1 receptor
      and lead to the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB for the release
      of numerous proinflammatory cytokines. Metals are predominant in ambient air dust
      particles. They induce the release of reactive oxygen species that cause damage
      to lipids, proteins and the DNA of the cell. As well as NF-kappaB, transcription
      factors that foster proliferation are activated via stress activated protein
      kinases. Organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitroso
      compounds of incomplete combustion processes activate additional via the
      cytosolic arylhydrocarbon receptor for detoxification enzymes. Sulphur dioxide
      leads to acid stress, and ozone to oxidative stress of the cell. This is
      accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines via stress activated
      protein kinases. Aldehydes and volatile organic compounds activate the vanilloid
      receptor of trigeminal nerve fibres and induce a hyperreactivity of the mucous
      membrane via the release of nerve growth factors. The mechanisms described work
      synergistically and lead to a chronic inflammatory reaction of the mucous
      membranes of the upper respiratory tract that is regularly demonstrable in
      inhabitants of western industrial nations. It is unclear whether we are dealing
      here with a physiological inflammation or with an at least partially avoidable
      result of chronic pollutant exposure.

PMID- 22073047
TI  - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) - Scientific and Public-Health Aspects.
AB  - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a phenomenon which the ENT-doctor should
      be familiar with. It has its roots in the description of a syndrome in 1987. A
      worker spilled chemicals at his workplace and from then on he reacted highly
      sensitive to chemicals. Today, there are many people who explain their complaints
      with self-suspected MCS. Various pathopysiological models have been proposed,
      including toxicological, immunological or behaviorial models. But no-one could be
      proved so far. Since controlled provocation tests have also provided unclear
      results, an increasing number of doctors assumes today, that MCS reflects a
      psychic condition. In 1996, an expert team of the WHO has suggested the renaming
      of MCS to "idiopathic environmental illness" (IEI). However, other doctors still
      assume a chemical cause. Since there are neither straightforward diagnostic
      methods to proof MCS, nor reliable therapeutic concepts, treatment of MCS
      patients is usually difficult. The MCS-debate (somatic vs psychic causes) seems
      to reflect the dilemma of the medical profession today, that somatic disorders of
      known origin can be well treated, whereas the increasing number of psychosomatic/
      somatoform disorders is often resistant to medical help. The ENT-doctor should
      pay attention to changes of the nasal mucous membrane, nasal resistance and the
      sense of smell. Moreover he should know about the peculiarities of MCS-patients.
      The manuscript describes the present knowledge and state of discussion with
      special regard to the situation in Germany.

PMID- 22073046
TI  - Actual therapeutic management of allergic and hyperreactive nasal disorders.
AB  - Allergic rhinitis (AR) and hyperractive disorders of the upper airways, depending
      upon the type of releasing stimuli, are defined as nasal hyperreactivity, for
      example in the case of AR, or as non-specific nasal hyperreactivity and as
      idiopathic rhinitis (IR) (synonyms frequently used in the past: non-specific
      nasal hyperreactivity; vasomotor rhinitis) in the case of non-characterised
      stimuli.An early and professional therapy of allergic disorders of the upper
      airways is of immense importance as allergic rhinitis is detected in
      comorbidities such as asthma and rhino sinusitis. The therapeutic concept is
      influenced by new and further developments in pharmacological substance classes
      such as antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids. Specific immune therapy, the
      only causal therapy for AR, has been reviewed over the past few years in respect
      of the type and pattern of application. However, to date no firm recommendations
      on oral, sublingual and /or nasal immune therapy have yet been drawn up based on
      investigations of these modifications.Therapeutic management of IR is aimed at a
      symptom-oriented therapy of nasal hyperactivity as etiological factors relating
      to this form of rhinitis are not yet sufficiently known. Drug groups such as mast
      cell stabilizers, systemic and topic antihistamines, topic and systemic
      glucocorticosteroids, ipatroium bromide and alpha symphatomimetics belong to the
      spectrum of the therapeutics employed.

PMID- 22073048
TI  - Current aspects of hearing loss from occupational and leisure noise.
AB  - Hearing loss from occupational and leisure noise numbers amongst the most
      frequent causes of an acquired sensorineural hearing loss. Here we present a
      review of up-to-date findings on the pathophysiology of acoustic injury to the
      inner ear, with special attention being paid to its molecular-biological and
      genetic aspects. Epidemiological aspects shall also be dealt with, as shall the
      roles of lacking recovery from occupational noise due to additional exposure by
      leisure noise and the combined exposure of noise and chemicals. Based on the
      epidemiological and pathophysiological findings and against the background of
      published animal-experimental, pre-clinical and clinical findings, the various
      approaches for prevention, protection and therapeutic intervention with acoustic
      trauma are discussed. Pharmacological strategies involving anti-oxidative, anti
      excitotoxic and anti-apoptotic substances as well as non-pharmacological
      strategies like "sound conditioning" are given attention. Furthermore, systemic
      and local substance application as well as the therapy of acute acoustic trauma
      and chronic hearing problems (including modern therapy forms for comorbidities
      such as tinnitus) shall be delved into.

PMID- 22073050
TI  - Reconstructive methods in hearing disorders - surgical methods.
AB  - Restoration of hearing is associated in many cases with resocialisation of those
      affected and therefore occupies an important place in a society where
      communication is becoming ever faster. Not all problems can be solved surgically.
      Even 50 years after the introduction of tympanoplasty, the hearing results are
      unsatisfactory and often do not reach the threshold for social hearing. The cause
      of this can in most cases be regarded as incomplete restoration of the mucosal
      function of the middle ear and tube, which leads to ventilation disorders of the
      ear and does not allow real vibration of the reconstructed middle ear. However, a
      few are also caused by the biomechanics of the reconstructed ossicular chain.
      There has been progress in reconstructive middle ear surgery, which applies
      particularly to the development of implants. Implants made of titanium, which are
      distinguished by outstanding biocompatibility, delicate design and by
      biomechanical possibilities in the reconstruction of chain function, can be
      regarded as a new generation. Metal implants for the first time allow a
      controlled close fit with the remainder of the chain and integration of
      micromechanical functions in the implant. Moreover, there has also been progress
      in microsurgery itself. This applies particularly to the operative procedures for
      auditory canal atresia, the restoration of the tympanic membrane and the coupling
      of implants. This paper gives a summary of the current state of reconstructive
      microsurgery paying attention to the acousto-mechanical rules.

PMID- 22073051
TI  - Restoration of hearing by hearing aids: conventional hearing aids - implantable
      hearing aids - cochlear implants - auditory brainstem implants.
AB  - Aim of this report is to explain the current concept of hearing restoration using
      hearing aids. At present the main issues of conventional hearing aids are the
      relative benefits of analogue versus digital devices and different strategies for
      the improvement of hearing in noise. Implantable hearing aids provide a better
      sound quality and less distortion. The lack of directional microphones is the
      major disadvantage of the partially implantable hearing aids commercially
      available. Two different clinical studies about fully implantable hearing aids
      have been started in 2004. One of the most-promising developments seems to be the
      electric-acoustic stimulation.

PMID- 22073049
TI  - Therapy of hearing disorders - conservative procedures.
AB  - A wide range of therapeutic strategies are available for the therapy of hearing
      disorders including pharmaceutical, acoustic, electrical, surgical, radiological,
      cognitive-behavioural and so-called "alternative" strategies. This review focuses
      on general conservative strategies and specific therapeutic approaches mainly for
      inner ear disorders, whereas surgical and device-based therapies including
      hearing aids and cochlear implants are described in other chapters in this
      volume.In addition to the systemic medication-based therapies for the treatment
      of hearing disorders, the rapidly growing field of local drug delivery to the
      inner ear as a promising therapeutic strategy is discussed on the background of
      unresolved issues. After description of non-drug-based therapeutic procedures,
      the conservative therapy of specific diseases and syndromes is reviewed.In
      general, there is a major discrepancy between promising animal studies up to
      regeneration and stem-cell transplantation, and uncontrolled experimental studies
      in humans on the one hand and the shortage of randomized controlled clinical
      trials with a high level of evidence on the other hand. Therefore, the review and
      comments on published clinical studies should assist the reader in making his/her
      own decision about the effectiveness of various, especially pharmaceutical
      treatments. From a critical analysis - particularly of the clinical studies
      presented - conclusions are drawn for the therapy of hearing disorders in the
      future.

PMID- 22073052
TI  - Technical devices for hearing-impaired individuals: cochlear implants and brain
      stem implants - developments of the last decade.
AB  - Over the past two decades, the fascinating possibilities of cochlear implants for
      congenitally deaf or deafened children and adults developed tremendously and
      created a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field.The main
      advancements of cochlear implantation in the past decade are marked by
      significant improvement of hearing and speech understanding in CI users. These
      improvements are attributed to the enhancement of speech coding strategies.The
      Implantation of more (and increasingly younger) children as well as the
      possibilities of the restoration of binaural hearing abilities with cochlear
      implants reflect the high standards reached by this development. Despite this
      progress, modern cochlear implants do not yet enable normal speech understanding,
      not even for the best patients. In particular speech understanding in noise
      remains problematic [1]. Until the mid 1990ies research concentrated on
      unilateral implantation. Remarkable and effective improvements have been made
      with bilateral implantation since 1996. Nowadays an increasing numbers of
      patients enjoy these benefits.

PMID- 22073054
TI  - Re-establishment of olfactory and taste functions.
AB  - The incidence of olfactory disorders is appoximately 1-2% and they can seriously
      impact on the quality of life. Quantitative disorders (hyposmia, anosmia) are
      distinguished from qualitative disorders (parosmia, phantosmia). Olfactory
      disorders are classified according to the etiology and therapy is planned
      according to the underlying pathophysiology. In ENT patients olfactory disorders
      caused by sinonasal diseases are the most common ones, followed by postviral
      disorders. Therapy consists of topical and systemic steroids, whereas systemic
      application seems to be of greater value. It is very difficult to predict the
      improvement of olfactory function using surgery, moreover, the long term -
      success in surgery is questionable. Isolated taste disorders are rare and in most
      often caused by underlying diseases or side effects of medications. A meticulous
      history is necessary and helps to choose effective treatment. In selected cases
      zinc might be useful.

PMID- 22073053
TI  - Procedures for restoring vestibular disorders.
AB  - This paper will discuss therapeutic possibilities for disorders of the vestibular
      organs and the neurons involved, which confront ENT clinicians in everyday
      practice. Treatment of such disorders can be tackled either symptomatically or
      causally. The possible strategies for restoring the body's vestibular sense,
      visual function and co-ordination include medication, as well as physical and
      surgical procedures. Prophylactic or preventive measures are possible in some
      disorders which involve vertigo (bilateral vestibulopathy, kinetosis, height
      vertigo, vestibular disorders when diving (Tables 1 (Tab. 1) and 2 (Tab. 2)).
      Glucocorticoid and training therapy encourage the compensation of unilateral
      vestibular loss. In the case of a bilateral vestibular loss, it is important to
      treat the underlying disease (e.g. Cogan's disease). Although balance training
      does improve the patient's sense of balance, it will not restore it completely.In
      the case of Meniere's disease, there are a number of medications available to
      either treat bouts or to act as a prophylactic (e.g. dimenhydrinate or
      betahistine). In addition, there are non-ablative (sacculotomy) as well as
      ablative surgical procedures (e.g. labyrinthectomy, neurectomy of the vestibular
      nerve). In everyday practice, it has become common to proceed with low risk
      therapies initially. The physical treatment of mild postural vertigo can be
      carried out quickly and easily in outpatients (repositioning or liberatory
      maneuvers). In very rare cases it may be necessary to carry out a semicircular
      canal occlusion.Isolated disturbances of the otolith function or an involvement
      of the otolith can be found in roughly 50% of labyrinth disturbances. A specific
      surgical procedure to selectively block the otolith organs is currently being
      studied. When an external perilymph fistula involving loss of perilymph is
      suspected, an exploratory tympanotomy involving also the round and oval window
      niches must be carried out. A traumatic rupture of the round window membrane can,
      for example, also be caused by an implosive inner ear barotrauma during the
      decompression phase of diving. Dehiscence of the anterior semicircular canal, a
      relatively rare disorder, can be treated conservatively (avoiding stimuli which
      cause dizziness), by non-ablative "resurfacing" or by "plugging" the semicircular
      canal. A perilymph fistula can cause a Tullio-phenomenon resulting from a
      traumatic dislocation or hypermobility of the stapes, which can be surgically
      corrected. Vestibular disorders can also result from otosurgical therapy. When
      balance disorders persist following stapedectomy it is necessary to carry out a
      revision operation in order to either exclude a perilymph fistula or shorten the
      piston. Surgically reducing the size of open mastoid cavities (using for example
      porous hydroxylapatite or cartilage) can result in a reduction of vertiginous
      symptoms while nursing or during exposure to ambient air. Vestibular disturbances
      can occur both before and after vestibular nerve surgery (acoustic neuroma).
      Initially, good vestibular compensation can be expected after surgically removing
      the acoustic neuroma. An aberrant regeneration of nerve fibers of the
      vestibulocochlear nerve has been suggested as a cause for secondary worsening.
      Episodes of vertigo can be caused by an irritation of the vestibular nerve
      (vascular loop). Neurovascular decompression is generally regarded as the best
      surgical therapy. In the elderly, vestibular disturbances can severely limit
      quality of life and are often aggravated by multiple comorbidities.
      Antivertiginous drugs (e.g. dimenhydrinate) in combination with movement training
      can significantly reduce symptoms. Administering antivertiginous drugs over
      varying periods of time (e.g. transdermal scopolamine application via patches) as
      well as kinetosis training can be used as both prophylactically and as a therapy
      for kinetosis. Exposure training should be used as a prophylactic for height
      vertigo.

PMID- 22073058
TI  - Surgical and conservative methods for restoring impaired motor function - facial
      nerve, spinal accessory nerve, hypoglossal nerve (not including vagal nerve or
      swallowing).
AB  - The present review gives a survey of rehabilitative measures for disorders of the
      motor function of the mimetic muscles (facial nerve), and muscles innervated by
      the spinal accessory and hypoglossal nerves. The dysfunction can present either
      as paralysis or hyperkinesis (hyperkinesia). Conservative and surgical treatment
      options aimed at restoring normal motor function and correcting the movement
      disorders are described. Static reanimation techniques are not dealt with. The
      final section describes the use of botulinum toxin in the therapy of dysphagia.

PMID- 22073055
TI  - Restorative procedures in disturbed function of the upper airways - nasal
      breathing.
AB  - These days, functional rhinosurgery is almost always taken to mean the
      improvement of nasal airflow. However, air should not only pass through the nose
      without obstruction. It needs to be warmed, moistened and filtered. This requires
      sufficient air/mucous membrane contact by spreading airflow over the entire
      turbinate region, as well as regulation of nasal airway resistance and the degree
      of turbulence within the nasal cycle. These factors are not considered enough in
      the concept of functional rhinosurgery.There cannot be a rigid concept for
      functional/aesthetic rhinosurgery, the surgical procedure must be adapted to the
      individual anatomy and pathology. In spite of this, it must be clear (based on
      evidence) which surgical steps can solve a functional problem of the nose in the
      long term. This paper cannot explain evidence-based treatment strategies to
      restore nasal respiratory function because in all branches of rhinosurgery, there
      are no prospective studies available with a sufficiently high sample size and
      long-term results objectivized by functional diagnosis. Studies available on
      septal surgery show better results for SP after Cottle than for SMR after
      Killian. However, the success rate of a 70 to 80% improvement in nasal breathing
      is not satisfactory. The incidence of postoperative, dry nasal mucosa is also too
      high. The task of rhinology is to stress the functional side of rhinosurgery
      more. This includes preoperative analysis of the causes of disturbed respiratory
      function using the functional diagnosis methods available, the use of evidence
      based surgical techniques and postoperative, objectivized quality control. More
      research needs to be done on the physiology and pathophysiology of nasal airflow
      as well as on the effect of rhinosurgery on airflow. Numerical flow simulation
      can contribute greatly to this because the effects of shape changes on the flow
      can be visualized. Methods need to be developed which can be used for routine,
      diagnostic recording of warming, moistening and filtering of the respiratory air.

PMID- 22073056
TI  - Reconstructive procedures for disturbed functions within the upper airway:
      pharyngeal breathing/snoring.
AB  - Breathing disorders which have their origin within the pharynx mainly occur
      during sleep. These so-called obstructive sleep-related breathing disorders
      include three different disturbances which have to be distinguished properly:
      simple snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA). Each disturbance requires a different treatment.Simple snoring does
      not affect the physical health of the snorer himself, but often leads to social
      problems due to the annoying character of the breathing sounds. Appropriate
      treatment modalities are oral devices and transcutaneous or ttransmucosal
      electrical stimulation of the muscles of the floor of the mouth via surface
      electrodes. As reconstructive surgical procedures adenotomies, tonsillectomies,
      tonsillotomies, or adenotonsillectomies are successfully used in children.
      Moreover, in adults radiofrequency treatments of the tonsils, the soft palate and
      of the base of tongue, as well as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), laser
      assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and palatal implants are adequate treatments
      for simple snoring.Adequate therapies for UARS and mild OSA (less than 20
      breathing events per hour of sleep) are oral appliances. Nasal continuos positive
      airway pressure (NCPAP) ventilation is a very successful treatment modality, but
      shows low compliance in these patients, as daytime symptoms like excessive
      sleepiness or or impaired cognitive functions are often unincisive in patients
      with mild OSA. Reconstructive procedures like UPPP, radiofrequency surgery of the
      tonsils or the base of tongue, hyoid suspension, mandibular osteotomy with
      genioglossus advancement (MO) are successful treatment options either as isolated
      procedures or in combination within so-called multi-level surgery
      concepts.Goldstandard for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA is the nCPAP
      ventilation. All patients should at least try this treatment modality. Only in
      the rare cases of nCPAP failure (2%) and in the relatively frequent cases of
      nCPAP incompliance (30%) reconstructive surgical procedures become necessary as
      second choice treatments. These are adenectomies, tonsillectomies, tonsillotomies
      in children and hyoid suspension, MO, multi-level surgery concepts, or
      maxillomandibular advancement osteotomies in adults.

PMID- 22073060
TI  - Rehabilitation of the trigeminal nerve.
AB  - When it comes to restoring impaired neural function by means of surgical
      reconstruction, sensory nerves have always been in the role of the neglected
      child when compared with motor nerves. Especially in the head and neck area, with
      its either sensory, motor or mixed cranial nerves, an impaired sensory function
      can cause severe medical conditions. When performing surgery in the head and neck
      area, sustaining neural function must not only be highest priority for motor but
      also for sensory nerves. In cases with obvious neural damage to sensory nerves,
      an immediate neural repair, if necessary with neural interposition grafts, is
      desirable. Also in cases with traumatic trigeminal damage, an immediate neural
      repair ought to be considered, especially since reconstructive measures at a
      later time mostly require for interposition grafts.In terms of the trigeminal
      neuralgia, commonly thought to arise from neurovascular brainstem compression, a
      pharmaceutical treatment is considered as the state of the art in terms of
      conservative therapy. A neurovascular decompression of the trigeminal root can be
      an alternative in some cases when surgical treatment is sought after. Besides the
      above mentioned therapeutic options, alternative treatments are available.

PMID- 22073057
TI  - Reconstructive procedures for impaired upper airway function: laryngeal
      respiration.
AB  - The larynx is the "bottleneck" of the human airway. For this reason, the effects
      of stenosing laryngeal pathologies on the vital factor respiratory gas exchange
      are particularly critical.Internal stabilization is a prerequisite for recovery
      of the laryngeal respiratory function in severe forms of inspiratory collapse
      (laryngomalacia). Effective laser surgery techniques have been developed to this
      end in recent years.Glottis-dilating surgery in cases of bilateral vocal cord
      motion impairment is now moving in the direction of endoscopic laser cordotomy or
      cordectomy, whereas arytenoidectomy and open surgical procedures are now used
      only rarely due to higher secondary morbidity rates. In individual cases, in
      particular if functional recovery is expected, temporary laterofixation of a
      vocal cord using an endoscopic suturing technique can be a helpful
      approach.Extensive laryngeal defects can be covered by means of composite grafts
      with mucosal lining, a supporting skeleton and their own vascularization.
      Autologous transplantation of the larynx, with its complex surgical and
      immunological problems, has become a manageable procedure. The problems of post
      transplantation reinnervation and risk assessment of immunosuppression-induced
      recurrence of the tumor are still under consideration.Reanimation of the
      bilaterally paralyzed larynx by means of neurorrhaphy (neurosuture), neural
      grafting and, more recently, functional electrostimulation (pacemaker) represents
      a challenge for the coming years. In most cases of paralysis of the recurrent
      laryngeal nerve, a part of the muscles is maintained by synkinetic reinnervation
      when therapy is carried out, which however also prevents effective vocal cord
      movement due to simultaneous activity of agonists and antagonists. Modulation of
      reinnervation by means of electrostimulation and modern genetic therapy
      approaches justify hopes of better outcomes in the future.

PMID- 22073061
TI  - Conservative approaches to the management of voice disorders.
AB  - The presence of a voice disorder not only affects social interaction but
      potentially also has a major impact on the work environment. The latter is
      becoming more important given the increasing demands employers make in terms of
      competency in both communication skills and adequacy of phonation. The
      development of newer and more precise phono-microsurgical techniques for the
      treatment of an increasing variety of voice disorders has not entirely replaced a
      conservative approach to voice rehabilitation. Nevertheless, conservative methods
      have to demonstrate an higher effectiveness in comparison with the microsurgical
      intervention given the alternative indications. This would be especially true for
      the more specific and systematically a given individual glottic pathophysiology
      could be changed in direction of individual phonatory physiology or supplementary
      phonation mechanism. This desired changing depends not only on the theoretical
      concepts but also on maintaining strict therapeutic principles during their
      clinical application. Conservative management of voice disorders has to be
      intensive and comprehensive, especially in the case of accepting our model of
      Larnygeal Double Phonation Function and the existence of a phonatory feedback
      loop.

PMID- 22073059
TI  - Reconstructive and rehabilitating methods in patients with dysphagia and
      nutritional disturbances.
AB  - As diverse as the causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia can be, as broad is the range
      of potential therapeutical approaches. In the past two decades, methods of
      plastic-reconstructive surgery, in particular microsurgically revascularised
      tissue transfer and minimally invasive, endoscopic techniques of every hue have
      substantially added to the portfolio of reconstructive surgery available for
      rehabilitating deglutition. Numerically, reconstructing the pharyngolaryngeal
      tract following resection of squamous-cell carcinomas in the oral cavity, the
      pharynx and the larynx has been gaining ground, as has functional deglutitive
      therapy performed to treat posttherapeutical sequelae. Dysphagia and malnutrition
      are closely interrelated. Every third patient hospitalised in Germany suffers
      from malnutrition; ENT tumour patients are not excluded. For patients presenting
      with advancing malnutrition, the mortality, the morbidity and the individual
      complication rate have all been observed to increase; also a longer duration of
      stay in hospital has been noted and a lesser individual toleration of treatment,
      diminished immunocompetence, impaired general physical and psychical condition
      and, thus, a less favourable prognosis on the whole. Therefore, in oncological
      patients, the dietotherapy will have to assume a key role in supportive
      treatment. It is just for patients, who are expected to go through a long process
      of deglutitive rehabilitation, that enteral nutrition through percutaneous
      endoscopically controlled gastrostomy (PEG) performed at an early stage can
      provide useful and efficient support to the therapeutic efforts. Nutrition and
      oncology are mutually influencing fields where, sooner or later, a change in
      paradigms will have to take place, i.e. gradually switching from therapy to
      prevention. While cancer causes malnutrition, feasible changes in feeding and
      nutrition-associated habits, including habitual drinking and smoking, might lower
      the incidence of cancer worldwide by 30 to 40% (American Institute of Cancer
      Research 1999).Esse oportet, ut vivas, non vivere ut edas. / Thou shouldst eat to
      live, not live to eat.Cicero 106 - 43 B.C.

PMID- 22073063
TI  - Rehabilitation of impaired speech function (dysarthria, dysglossia).
AB  - Speech disorders can result (1) from sensorimotor impairments of articulatory
      movements = dysarthria, or (2) from structural changes of the speech organs, in
      adults particularly after surgical and radiochemical treatment of tumors =
      dysglossia. The decrease of intelligibility, a reduced vocal stamina, the
      stigmatization of a conspicuous voice and manner of speech, the reduction of
      emotional expressivity all mean greatly diminished quality of life, restricted
      career opportunities and diminished social contacts. Intensive therapy based on
      the pathophysiological facts is absolutely essential: Functional exercise therapy
      plays a central role; according to symptoms and their progression it can be
      complemented with prosthetic and surgical approaches. In severe cases
      communicational aids have to be used. All rehabilitation measures have to take
      account of frequently associated disorders of body motor control and/or
      impairment of cognition and behaviour.

PMID- 22073062
TI  - Surgical procedures for voice restoration.
AB  - Surgical procedures for voice restoration serve to improve oral communication by
      better vocal function. They comprise of phonomicrosurgery, with direct and
      indirect access to the larynx; laryngoplasty; laryngeal injections; and surgical
      laryngeal reinnervation. The basis for modern surgical techniques for voice
      disorders is the knowledge about the ultrastructure of the vocal folds and the
      increasing experience of surgeons in voice surgery, while facing high social and
      professional demands on the voice. Vocal activity limitation and participation
      restriction has become more important in the artistic and social areas. A number
      of surgical methods that have been developed worldwide for this reason, are
      presented in this article. Functional oriented surgery has to meet high
      standards. The diagnostics of vocal function has to be multi-dimensional in order
      to determine the indication and the appropriate surgical intervention.

PMID- 22073065
TI  - Conservative procedures in skin reconstitution.
AB  - Skin exerts a number of essential protective functions ensuring homeostasis of
      the whole body. In the present review barrier function of skin and its expression
      of antimicrobial peptides are discussed. Barrier function is provided by the
      dynamic stratum corneum structure composed of lipids and corneocytes. Stratum
      corneum is a conditio sine qua non for terrestrial life. Impairment of barrier
      function can be due to injury and inflammatory skin diseases. Therapeutic options
      are discussed with special emphasis of radiodermatitis and irritant contact
      dermatitis in patients with hearing device. The use of antimicrobial peptides is
      illustrated by facial inflammatory skin diseases. In wound healing new
      developments include biotechnological developments of matrix- and growth factors
      and tissue-engineered skin substitutes. In everyday wound care of chronic wounds
      the concept of wound bed preparation (TIME) constitutes the base of successful
      treatment.

PMID- 22073064
TI  - Restorative procedures in cases of impaired voice function following complete
      laryngectomy.
AB  - Surgical voice restoration with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula using an
      alloplastic voice prosthesis is the current standard in Germany for patients with
      laryngectomy. With the increasing widespread use of this type of rehabilitation
      new duties emerge, not only for ones colleagues in the hospital but also for
      those in general practice. Care of these patients close to their home must be the
      aim of us all. With the use of voice prostheses on the increase any problems
      arising for the clinician are few and easily treatable; for these a therapy
      concept should be borne in mind. Surgical voice restoration is indicated only in
      individual cases due, among other reasons, to the high operational costs
      involved. If surgical voice restoration is impossible or unsuccessful,
      oesophageal voice replacement and electronic voice support are realistic
      alternatives. Improvements can be expected as regards the durability of voice
      prostheses, methods of replacing them, and speech procedure with finger-free
      tracheostomy closure. Greater use of the artificial larynx without tracheostomy
      is the objective for the distant future.

PMID- 22073067
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic-restorative procedures for masticatory dysfunctions.
AB  - Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or craniomandibular disorders, respectively,
      involve diseases of the teeth and periodontia as well as the masticatory muscles,
      temporomandibular joints and associated structures. It has been shown in recent
      years that psychological, social and general medical influences are of enormous
      importance in the etiology of TMD in addition to anatomical, physiological,
      parafunctional and other biological causes. This signifies that therapists
      confronted with TMD should already include at an early stage other specialists
      such as pain therapists, neurologists, ENT physicians, psychotherapists and
      physiotherapists. Patients need to be referred to dentists specializing in TMD
      when ENT examinations yield no pathological findings. The treatment of TMD is
      subdivided into the following steps that are always related to underlying
      diagnoses: informing patients, self-observation, relaxation therapy, behavioral
      therapy, physiotherapy, drug therapy, therapeutic local anesthesia, splint
      therapy, and, if necessary, prosthetic and/or orthodontic therapy to restore a
      stable occlusion.

PMID- 22073068
TI  - Reconstitution of lost cervical spine function: management strategies.
AB  - The cervical spine (CS) is the most vulnerable part of the whole spine because it
      has least protection. This is due to its high mobility (few bone, but largely
      muscle and joint support) which is associated with a high injury risk. The
      anatomical characteristics are based on evolutionary biological reasons, i.e.
      humans had to be able to freely controlling the surrounding space with their eyes
      and to have permanent postural control by an upright position of the head. The
      cervical spine, its joint and the surrounding muscles are highly interconnected
      (e.g. direct neuronal projections into the brain stem, connections to the TMJ,
      Head's zones with projections to the skin surface). Moreover, the spinal pain
      memory store can lead to a variets of multi-facette clinical pictures. In
      addition to reversible disorders of the cervical spine, posttraumatic disorders
      play a major role. The therapy options available include physiotherapy, drug
      therapy and surgical measures. However, a multidisciplinary approach is most
      favourable.

PMID- 22073066
TI  - Operative treatment of functional facial skin disorders.
AB  - The skin is the principal interface between the body and the surrounding world
      and thus serves as a protective barrier against trauma, temperature extremes and
      radiation. With receptors for pressure, movement, heat and cold, it also acts as
      sensory organ and through sweat secretion plays a role in thermoregulation and
      electrolyte metabolism. Not all of these functions are relevant to facial skin,
      however, cosmetic aspects are of vital importance.Disorders primarily affect the
      protective skin function in defect and scar areas. For operative correction, the
      following principles should be applied: Minimization of scar development by
      adherence to indicated incision lines in the face, preferred use of local skin
      flaps for defect coverage in order to obtain optimal results regarding texture,
      complexion and sensitivity of skin, as well as consideration of aesthetic units.
      Recent developments in this field are tissue culture, occlusive dressings, and
      the use of growth factors. Age-related skin changes with impairment of cosmetic
      function are characterized by the development of creases and looseness of skin.
      Rejuvenation has become an important segment of skin surgery. For surface
      treatment, especially of creases and acne scars, various types of laser treatment
      are employed. Deeper lines can be filled with filler materials. The integration
      of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) into face lift procedures has
      lead to more viable and natural results. Due to protruding tissue, blepharoplasty
      of the upper lid is often carried out in combination with forehead lift and
      eyebrow lift procedures.The optimized use of growth factors and synthetic
      materials, which serve as a matrix, are aimed at skin replacement which mimics
      the quality and functions of skin as closely as possible. On the whole, however,
      the reconstruction of defect through local tissue transfer is still considered as
      the treatment of choice.

PMID- 22073069
TI  - Therapeutic methods for psychosomatic disorders in oto-rhino-laryngology.
AB  - Psychosomatic disorders such as tinnitus, acute hearing loss, attacks of
      dizziness, globus syndrome, dysphagias, voice disorders and many more are quite
      common in ear, nose and throat medicine. They are mostly caused by a number of
      factors, although the bio-psycho-social model does play an important role.
      Initial contact with a psychosomatically ill patient and compiling a first case
      history are important steps to psychosomatic oriented therapy. This contribution
      will sum up the most important otorhinolaryngological diseases with psychosomatic
      comorbidity and scientifically evaluated methods of treatment. The contribution
      will also introduce the reader to important psychosomatic treatment methods from
      psychotherapeutic relaxation techniques to talk therapy. To conclude, the
      contribution will discuss the criteria for outpatient as well as inpatient
      treatment and look at the advantages of psychosomatically oriented therapy, both
      for the patient and for the doctor.

PMID- 22073070
TI  - Respiratory pathophysiology: sleep-related breathing disorders.
AB  - A widespread network of respiratory-related neurons within the brainstem controls
      the regular respiratory cycle, which is dependent upon unspecific and specific
      drives like hypoxia or hypercapnia. This respiratory network and its respiratory
      drives are subjects to typical changes during the transition from wakefulness to
      sleep and within the various sleep states, which favor a destabilization of
      breathing during sleep. There is also a respiratory-related innervation of the
      dilating and stiffening pharyngeal muscles as well as a local reflex control of
      the basic tone of upper airway muscles, both of which are influenced by the
      different states of wakefulness and sleep. These sleep-related changes cause an
      increase in upper airway resistance during sleep. In healthy subjects, however,
      these features during sleep are almost completely compensated and the gas
      exchange is hardly hindered. However, in the case of illness, severe disordered
      breathing, disturbed gas exchange and interrupted sleep may occur. The central
      hypoventilation syndrome, central apnea-hypopnea syndromes, as well as the
      obstructive sleep apnea syndrome belong to these diseases. Because of the intense
      research, we have a detailed picture of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the
      origin and the maintenance of sleep-related breathing disorders.

PMID- 22073072
TI  - The value of oral appliances in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.
AB  - Oral appliances have long been used to treat snoring and mild to moderate
      obstructive sleep apnoea. This kind of treatment is considered an alternative,
      non-invasive treatment option. Mandibular protrusive appliances enlarge and
      stabilise the oro- and hypo-pharyngeal airway space by advancing the mandible,
      and stretching the attached soft tissue, in particular the tongue, soft palate,
      uvula, and the pharyngeal tissues. This article summarises the indications,
      contraindications, and possible side-effects of using oral appliances.
      Therapeutic efficacy is influenced by multiple parameters that are clinically
      difficult to control. One major parameter is the patient's stomatognathic
      situation of the patient. Thus oral appliances are restricted to patients whose
      dental retention is adequate for permanent treatment and who do not suffer from
      temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Regular follow-up sleep studies and dental
      evaluations are necessary to ensure adequate permanent treatment.

PMID- 22073071
TI  - Current diagnostic trends in sleep disordered breathing.
AB  - Over the past two decades, various methods of sophisticated diagnostics of the
      upper airway have been tested in patients with sleep disordered breathing (SDB).
      In this context, endoscopic techniques and pharyngeal pressure recordings are of
      special interest for the otorhinolaryngologist.Whereas the basic
      otorhinolaryngological examination is able to detect anatomical pathologies which
      need to and can be corrected, the Muller-Manoeuvre seems to help exclude patients
      from uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.To a large extent, videoendoscopy during natural
      sleep has been replaced by videoendoscopy under sedation. Despite good
      methodological preparation and impressive presentability of the obstructions,
      there is not sufficent evidence to demonstrate that videoendoscopy under sedation
      improves the success rate of surgery in SDB. However, in assessing the impact of
      the epiglottis on upper airway obstructions in the individual patient,
      videoendoscopy is the only existing option.Multi-channel pressure recordings
      permit analysing the entire sleep period and are well tolerated. They can be used
      to determine the Apnea-Hypopnea-Index as well as to quantify obstructive events
      in the upper and lower pharyngeal segment. On the other hand, obstructions of the
      tongue base cannot be distinguished from obstructions related to the epiglottis.
      According to the data available so far, the benefit of sophisticated diagnostics
      of the upper airway still has to be judged with caution. Therefore, the promising
      approaches of both videoendoscopy under sedation and multi-channel pressure
      recordings deserve further intensive research. According to the personal
      estimation of the author, they will nevertheless become valuable tools for
      otorhinolaryngologists in the near future, thus complementing the basic ENT
      examination and improving the treatment of patients.

PMID- 22073073
TI  - A critical evaluation of surgery for sleep disordered breathing.
AB  - Surgical strategies for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, although
      widespread and frequently used, continue to be a controversial issue. Colleagues
      who primarily focus on conservative treatment options point to the limitations in
      the available data and remind us of serious methodological concerns surrounding
      the current literature for surgical treatment alternatives. In accordance with
      the principles of evidence based medicine the best available evidence should be
      used to assess the efficacy of surgical treatment. While placebo-controlled
      trials are feasible only in selected cases, recent examples of controlled
      clinical trials demonstrate that well designed prospective studies are indeed
      possible in the field of surgical treatment. Aim of the presented review is to
      critically evaluate current knowledge and evidence in this field and to give
      examples for how to overcome methodological issues in the future. Furthermore it
      will be demonstrated that even the "gold standard" of conservative treatment
      still leaves numerous questions open in regard to primary acceptance, long term
      compliance and surveillance. The assessment of treatment strategies is still
      based primarily on the effects seen in respiratory surrogate parameters under
      laboratory conditions. In the future, a broad spectrum of subjective and long
      term objective parameters such as cardiovascular mortality needs to be kept in
      mind when critically evaluating beneficial effects of any kind of treatment for
      sleep disordered breathing. The presented review intends to initiate an open and
      critical discussion on the available treatment options.

PMID- 22073074
TI  - Perioperative risks and their management in patients with sleep-related breathing
      disorders.
AB  - Patients with sleep apnea syndromes pose several challenges to the anaesthetist.
      These are resulting from comorbidity, but mainly from special requirements for
      pre-, intra- and postoperative management.Frequently, the diagnosis is not known
      or not diagnosed adequately, making careful preoperative evaluation of the
      patient by the anaesthetist imperative to identify patients at risk. Besides
      cardiovascular complications, problems with airway maintenance must be expected,
      calling for adequate planning. Several general considerations for
      anaesthesiologic management should be taken into account. The use of short acting
      pharmacologic agents is recommended to reduce the risk of postoperative episodes
      of hypoxia following general anaesthesia.Close cooperation of anaesthesia and the
      surgical specialties involved is the basis for safe management of patients with
      sleep related syndromes.

PMID- 22073076
TI  - Central sleep related breathing disorders - diagnostic and therapeutic features.
AB  - THREE CLASSES OF CENTRAL SRBD ARE DISTINGUISHED: 1. Central sleep apnea (CSA), 2.
      Cheyne-Stokes Respiration as a subgroup of CSA and 3. central hypoventilation
      syndromes. Reduced or completely absent central respiratory drive without upper
      airway obstruction is the common feature of central SRBD. Hypoventilation
      syndromes most often occur secondary in patients with neuromuscular, pulmonary or
      sceletal diseases or in patients with massive obesity. In patients with
      hypoventilation during sleep nocturnal and exertional dyspnea and headaches are
      frequently reported symptoms. Excessive daytime sleepiness is the key symptom in
      patients with central sleep apnea syndrome. Cheyne-Stokes Respiration is frequent
      in heart failure patients but in many cases does not cause symptoms specific for
      the breathing disorder. If there are symptoms or if ambulatory recording of
      breathing during sleep suggests a sleep related breathing disorder,
      polysomnography is then performed to definitively rule out or confirm the
      diagnosis and to initiate treatment, if needed. The indication for treatment in
      asymptomatic patients with central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration may
      be difficult, as there are very little data concerning the long-term benefit in
      these patients. Symptomatic patients and those with severe central sleep apnea
      should be treated. Oxygen and CPAP may be effective in 20-30% of patients each.
      If these treatment options are ineffective, non-invasive pressure support
      ventilaiton can be used. In patients suffering from hypoventilation syndromes the
      treatment of choice is non-invasive pressure support ventilaiton combined with
      supplemental oxygen, if required.

PMID- 22073075
TI  - Selective indication for positive airway pressure (PAP) in sleep-related
      breathing disorders with obstruction.
AB  - Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the therapy of choice for most sleep-related
      breathing disorders (SRBD). A variety of PAP devices using positive airway
      pressure (CPAP, BiPAP, APAP, ASV) must be carefully considered before
      application. This overview aims to provide criteria for choosing the optimal PAP
      device according to severity and type of sleep-related breathing disorder. In
      addition, the range of therapeutic applications, constraints and side effects as
      well as alternative methods to PAP will be discussed. This review is based on an
      analysis of current literature and clinical experience. The data is presented
      from an ENT-sleep-laboratory perspective and is designed to help the ENT
      practitioner initiate treatment and provide support. Different titration methods,
      current devices and possible applications will be described. In addition to
      constant pressure devices (CPAP), most commonly used for symptomatic obstructive
      sleep apnoea (OSA) without complicating conditions, BiPAP models will be
      introduced. These allow two different positive pressure settings and are thus
      especially suitable for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases or patients with
      pressure intolerance, increasing compliance in this subgroup considerably.
      Compliance can also be increased in patients during first night of therapy,
      patients with highly variable pressure demands or position-dependent OSA, by
      using self-regulating Auto-adjust PAP devices (Automatic positive airway
      pressure, APAP). Patients with Cheyne-Stokes breathing, a subtype of central
      sleep apnoea, benefit from adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), which analyzes
      breathing patterns continually and adjusts the actual ventilation pressure
      accordingly. This not only reduces daytime sleepiness, but can also influence
      heart disease positively. Therapy with positive airway pressure is very effective
      in eliminating obstruction-related sleep diseases and symptoms. However, because
      therapy is generally applied for life, the optimal PAP device must be carefully
      selected, taking into account side effects that influence compliance.

PMID- 22073078
TI  - Reconstruction of the auricle.
AB  - Reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the auricle is one of the most
      challenging and diverse tasks in plastic head and neck surgery. Injuries, defects
      and malformations require multiple different techniques, some of which are
      standardized, other situations require huge experience and artistic creativity.
      It is a specialty that will never become monotone.

PMID- 22073077
TI  - Reconstruction of middle ear malformations.
AB  - Malformations of the middle ear are classified as minor and major malformations.
      Minor malformations appear with regular external auditory canal, tympanic
      membrane and aerated middle ear space. The conducting hearing loss is due to
      fixation or interruption of the ossicular chain. The treatment is surgical,
      following the rules of ossiculoplasty and stapes surgery. In major malformations
      (congenital aural atresia) there is no external auditory canal and a deformed or
      missing pinna. The mastoid and the middle ear space may be underdevelopped, the
      ossicular chain is dysplastic. Surgical therapy is possible in patients with good
      aeration of the temporal bone, existing windows, a near normal positioned facial
      nerve and a mobile ossicular chain. Plastic and reconstructive surgery of the
      pinna should proceed the reconstruction of the external auditory canal and middle
      ear. In cases of good prognosis unilateral aural atresia can be approached
      already in childhood. In patients with high risk of surgical failure, bone
      anchored hearing aids are the treatment of choice. Recent reports of implantable
      hearing devices may be discussed as an alternative treatment for selected
      patients.

PMID- 22073079
TI  - Complications of auricular correction.
AB  - The risk of complications of auricular correction is underestimated. There is
      around a 5% risk of early complications (haematoma, infection, fistulae caused by
      stitches and granulomae, allergic reactions, pressure ulcers, feelings of pain
      and asymmetry in side comparison) and a 20% risk of late complications
      (recurrences, telehone ear, excessive edge formation, auricle fitting too
      closely, narrowing of the auditory canal, keloids and complete collapse of the
      ear). Deformities are evaluated less critically by patients than by the surgeons,
      providing they do not concern how the ear is positioned. The causes of
      complications and deformities are, in the vast majority of cases, incorrect
      diagnosis and wrong choice of operating procedure. The choice of operating
      procedure must be adapted to suit the individual ear morphology. Bandaging
      technique and inspections and, if necessary, early revision are of great
      importance for the occurence and progress of early complications, in addition to
      operation techniques. In cases of late complications such as keloids and auricles
      that are too closely fitting, unfixed full-thickness skin flaps have proved to be
      the most successful. Large deformities can often only be corrected to a limited
      degree of satisfaction.

PMID- 22073080
TI  - Otoplasty - techniques, characteristics and risks.
AB  - The protruding ear as a minor ear abnormality is found in approx. 5% of the
      German population and may give rise to serious emotional problems in children and
      also in adults. In general, the procedure used for the surgical correction of
      protruding ears (otoplasty) is a combination of incision, scoring and suture
      techniques. The choice of the surgical procedure is based on the severity of the
      ear abnormality and the individual characteristics of the auricular cartilage. In
      children up to the age of ten years, a soft, elastic or easily pliable auricular
      cartilage is often still present. In this situation, gentle suture techniques,
      such as a suturing technique described by Mustarde, are frequently enough to
      achieve a cosmetically good and lasting result. In adults, the auricular
      cartilage has already become stiff. Therefore, a combination of incision, scoring
      and suture techniques is usually required. Apart from reducing the
      cephaloauricular angle to 15-20 degrees , emphasis on the antihelical fold and a
      smooth rim of the helix without interruption of the contour are desirable
      outcomes of this operation. Occasionally, surgical fixation (lobulopexy) may be
      required to treat protruding lobules or, in rare cases, an additional conchal
      reduction may become necessary in cases of conchal hyperplasia. Since
      postoperative complications can often result in severe auricular deformities, as
      a matter of principle, each ear should be analysed individually regarding its
      problem areas, and the surgical approach that causes the least injury to the
      cartilage should be used.

PMID- 22073081
TI  - Classification and diagnosis of ear malformations.
AB  - In the ENT region 50% of the malformations affect the ear. Malformations of the
      outer and middle ear are predominantly unilateral (ca. 70-90%) and mostly involve
      the right ear. Inner ear malformations can be unilateral or bilateral. The
      incidence of ear malformations is approximately 1 in 3800 newborns. Ear
      malformations may be genetic (associated with syndromes or not, with family
      history, spontaneous mutations) or acquired in nature. Malformations can affect
      the outer ear (pinna and external auditory canal, EAC), middle ear and inner ear,
      not infrequently in combination. Formal classification is advisable in order to
      be able to predict the prognosis and compare treatment schedules. Various
      classifications have been proposed: pinna and EAC malformations according to
      Weerda [1], middle ear malformations according to Kosling [2], and inner ear
      malformations according to Jackler [3], [4], to Marangos [5] and to Sennaroglu
      [6]. Additionally, we describe Altmann's classification of atresia auris
      congenita [7] and the Siegert-Mayer-Weerda score [8] for EAC and middle ear
      malformations, systems of great practicability that are in widespread clinical
      use. The diagnostic steps include clinical examination, audiological testing,
      genetic analysis and, especially, CT and MRI. These imaging methods are most
      usefully employed in combination. Precise description of the malformations by
      means of CT and MRI is indispensable for the planning and successful outcome of
      operative ear reconstruction and rehabilitation procedures, including cochlear
      implantation.

PMID- 22073082
TI  - Implants for reconstructive surgery of the nose and ears.
AB  - Implants shorten reconstruction, reduce trauma for the patients, are, in
      principle, of unlimited availability and can be given definable qualities that
      outnumber those of biological transplants. Lots of sometimes exotic materials
      have already been suggested for facial surgery and most of them have turned out
      to be unsuitable in the short or long term, because they did not satisfactorily
      fulfil the requirements of a "perfect implant". However, transplants obviously
      cannot be regarded as ideal either because they often involve the necessity of a
      second intervention for removal, they are only available to a limited extent and
      some are at risk of postoperative deflection, shrinkage and absorption. This
      article is concerned with current knowledge about implant materials for
      rhinoplasty and ear reconstruction. Autogenous transplants will also be briefly
      discussed. The repetition of known facts should be largely avoided. In relation
      to this reference will be made to earlier papers [1].

PMID- 22073083
TI  - Disorders of the nasal valve area.
AB  - The nasal valve area is not a singular structure, but a complex three-dimensional
      construct consisting of several morphological structures. From the physiologic
      point of view, it is the place of maximum nasal flow resistance ("flow limiting
      segment"). Therefore, according to Poiseuille's law, even minor constrictions of
      this area result in a clinically relevant impairment of nasal breathing for the
      patient. This narrow passage, also called "ostium internum nasi", is formed by
      the mobile lateral nasal wall, the anterior septum with the swell body, the head
      of the inferior turbinate and the osseous piriform aperture. Within the framework
      of aetiology, static and dynamic disorders of the nasal valve area have to be
      distinguished since they result in different therapeutic measures. In the context
      of diagnosis, the exploration of the case history for assessing the patient's
      extent of suffering and the clinical examination are very important. In addition
      to the presentation of the basics of disorders of the nasal valves, this paper
      focuses on the treatment of dynamic disorders that mainly constitute the more
      important therapeutic issue. In this context, we distinguish between
      stabilisation techniques through grafts or implants and stabilising suture
      techniques. Following a thorough analysis, the correction of static nasal valve
      disorders requires various plastic-reconstructive measures using transposition
      grafting and skin or composite grafts.

PMID- 22073084
TI  - Risks and complications in rhinoplasty.
AB  - Rhinoplasty is regarded to be associated with many risks as the expectations of
      patient and physician are not always corresponding. Besides of postoperative
      deformities many other risks and complications have to be considered. Reduction
      rhinoplasty e.g. can cause breathing disturbances which are reported in 70% of
      all revision-rhinoplasty-patients. One has to be aware however that scars and
      loss of mucosal-sensation can also give the feeling of a "blocked nose". The main
      risks of autogenous transplants are dislocation and resorption, while alloplasts
      can cause infection and extrusion. In this respect silicone implants can have a
      complication rate between 5-20%. Less complications are reported with other
      materials like Gore-Tex. Complications of skin and soft tissues can be atrophy,
      fibrosis, numbness, cysts originating from displaced mucosa or subcutaneous
      granulomas caused by ointment material. Postoperative swelling depends mainly on
      the osteotomy technique. Percutaneous osteotomies cause less trauma, but may
      result in visible scars. Infections are rare but sometimes life-threatening
      (toxic-shock-syndrome). The risk is higher, when sinus surgery and rhinoplasty
      are combined. Osteotomies can also cause injuries of the orbital region. Necrosis
      of eye-lids by infections and blindness by central artery occlusion are known.
      There are reports on various other risks like rhinoliquorrhea, brain damage,
      fistulas between sinus-cavernosus and carotid artery, aneurysms and thrombosis of
      the cavernous sinus. Discoloration of incisors are possible by damage of vessels
      and nerves. Rhinoplasty can also become a court-case in dissatisfied patients, a
      situation that may be called a "typical complication of rhinoplasty". It can be
      avoided by proper patient selection and consideration of psychological
      disturbances. Postoperative deformities are considered as main risks of
      rhinoplasty, causing revision surgery in 5% to 15% of the cases. The analysis of
      postoperative deformities allowes the identification of specific risks. The most
      frequent postoperative deformity is the "pollybeak" when a deep naso-frontal
      angle, cartilaginous hump and reduced tip projection are present preoperatively.
      The pollybeak is the indication in about 50% of all revision rhinoplasties. Other
      frequent postoperative deformities are a pendant and wide nasal tip, retractions
      of the columella base or irregularities of the nasal dorsum. These deformities
      are very often combined and caused by a loss of septal support. This is why the
      stability of the caudal septum in septorhinoplasty is the key for a predictable
      result. Maintaining the position of the tip and the columella is one of the main
      issues to avoid typical postoperative deformities. The risks for rhinoplasty
      complications can be reduced with increasing experience. A prerequisite is
      continuing education and an earnest distinction between complication and mistake.

PMID- 22073087
TI  - An update on functional and aesthetic surgery of the nose and ear.

PMID- 22073086
TI  - Surgery of the nasal septum and turbinates.
AB  - The following article presents nasal septum and turbinate surgery. First an
      overview with special consideration of the anatomical and physiological
      background is given followed by indications for surgical procedures. Key steps of
      the gold standard procedure first described by Cottle and common variations are
      presented. Furthermore, some techniques dealing with special problems of the
      septumplasty are discussed followed by an overview on complications and long term
      results. However, it should be mentioned that studies on surgical procedures of
      the nasal septum are still not sufficient as higher evidence levels are very
      rare. Within a separated chapter techniques for closure of septum perforations
      are presented and indications particularly in the background of the standard
      procedure of bridge flaps forwarded by Schultz-Coulon are discussed. The second
      part focusses on turbinate surgery. Accordingly, anatomical and physiological
      basics are presented followed by indications for surgical procedures and the
      surgical steps of different procedures as well as postsurgical treatment and long
      term results.

PMID- 22073085
TI  - Rhinoplasty - indications and techniques.
AB  - Rhinoplasty is considered to be one of the most challenging procedures in
      otolaryngology head and neck surgery. Meticulous planning and excellent surgical
      skills are pre-requisites for reproducible good outcomes. More than 100 years
      after the first rhinoplasty, many controversies regarding indication and
      techniques remain unresolved. The aim of this article is to review current
      concepts and arguments.

PMID- 22073088
TI  - Health economic analysis of screening.
AB  - In this article health economic implications of screening are analysed. First,
      requirements screening programmes should fulfil are derived, and methodical
      standards of health economic evaluation are outlined.Using the example of newborn
      hearing screening, it is then examined if empirical studies meet the methodical
      requirements of health economic evaluation. Some deficits are realised: Health
      economic studies of newborn hearing screening are not randomised, most studies
      are even not controlled. Therefore, most studies do not present incremental, but
      only average cost-effectiveness ratios (i.e. cost per case identified).
      Furthermore, evidence on long-term outcomes of screening and early interventions
      is insufficient. In conclusion, there is a need for controlled trials to examine
      differences in identified cases, but particularly to examine long-term effects.

PMID- 22073089
TI  - Genetic analysis for early diagnosis of otorhinolaryngeal diseases.
AB  - Familiarity with the concepts and methods of human genetics is important in order
      to be able to perform genetic analysis. The grade of predictability of a genetic
      disease is partly given by formal genetics but also depends on the importance of
      the mutated gene for the phenotype.Possibilities for genetic analysis range from
      differential diagnosis to predictive diagnosis to prenatal diagnosis. After
      initial consultation in which the physician fully explains the procedure to the
      patient, it is mandatory that the patient give his full consent.This article
      summarises and evaluates current knowledge about genetic analysis of important
      otorhinolaryngeal diseases, including hereditary hearing disabilities, olfactory
      malfunction, hereditary tumorous diseases, hereditary syndromes and dysplasias.
      In addition, this article discusses genetic diseases that affect voice and
      speech, highlights the relevance of human genetic consultation and discusses the
      importance of embedding genetic analysis in medicine in general.

PMID- 22073090
TI  - Early diagnosis of sleep related breathing disorders.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most frequent sleep related breathing
      disorder results in non-restorative sleep, an increased cardiovascular morbidity
      and mortality as well as an elevated number of accidents. In Germany at least two
      million people have to be expected. If obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed early
      enough then sleep may regain its restorative function, daytime performance may be
      improved and accident risk as well as cardiovascular risk may be normalised. This
      review critically evaluates anamnestic parameters, questionnaires, clinical
      findings and unattended recordings during sleep regarding their diagnostic
      accurracy in recognising OSA. There are numerous tools with insufficient results
      or too few data disqualifying them for screening for OSA. Promising preliminary
      results are published concerning neural network analysis of a high number of
      clinical parameters and non-linear analysis of oximetry itself or in combination
      with heart rate. Nasal pressure recordings can be used for risk estimation even
      without expertise in sleep medicine. More data is needed. Unattended portable
      monitoring used by qualified physicians is the gold standard procedure when
      screening methods for OSA are compared. It has a very high sensitivity and
      specificity well documented by several meta-analyses.

PMID- 22073091
TI  - Early detection of allergic diseases in otorhinolaryngology.
AB  - Asthmatic diseases have been reported since the ancient world. Hay fever for
      instance, was described for the first time in the late 18(th) century, and the
      term "allergy" was introduced about 100 years ago. Today the incidence of
      allergies is rising; almost one third of the Western population suffers from its
      side effects. Allergies are some of the most chronic medical complaints, which
      results in high health expenditures. Therefore, they have a large health and
      political relevance.Caused by genetic and environmental factors, the group of IgE
      mediated allergies is large. It consists of e.g. atopic dermatitis, allergic
      asthma or allergic rhinitis. This paper aims to emphasize the ways of early
      diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) as AR represents the most important
      representative of allergic diseases in ENT.

PMID- 22073092
TI  - Early detection of hearing loss.
AB  - The universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) is currently spreading in Germany,
      as well, even though there can be no talk of a comprehensive establishment. The
      introduction of UNHS in several federal states such as Hamburg, Hessen, and
      Schleswig-Holstein can be ascribed to the personal commitment of individual
      pediatric audiologists. Apart from the procurement of the screening equipment and
      the training of the staff responsible for the examination of the newborns, the
      tracking, i.e. the follow-up on children with conspicuous test results, is of
      utmost importance. This involves significant administration effort and work and
      is subject to data protection laws that can differ substantially between the
      various federal states. Among audiologists, there is consensus that within the
      first three months of a child's life, a hearing loss must be diagnosed and that
      between the age of 3 and 6 months, the supply of a hearing aid must have been
      initiated. For this purpose, screening steps 1 (usually a TEOAE measurement) and
      2 (AABR testing) need to be conducted in the maternity hospital. The follow-up of
      step 1 then comprises the repetition of the TEOAE- and AABR measurement for
      conspicuous children by a specialized physician. The follow-up of step 2
      comprises the confirmatory diagnostics in a pediatric audiological center. This
      always implies BERA diagnostics during spontaneous sleep or under sedation. The
      subsequent early supply of a hearing aid should generally be conducted by a
      (pediatric) acoustician specialized on children.

PMID- 22073094
TI  - Tissue adhesives in otorhinolaryngology.
AB  - The development of medical tissue adhesives has a long history without finding an
      all-purpose tissue adhesive for clinical daily routine. This is caused by the
      specific demands which are made on a tissue adhesive, and the different areas of
      application. In otorhinolaryngology, on the one hand, this is the mucosal
      environment as well as the application on bones, cartilage and periphery nerves.
      On the other hand, there are stressed regions (skin, oral cavity, pharynx,
      oesophagus, trachea) and unstressed regions (middle ear, nose and paranasal
      sinuses, cranial bones). But due to the facts that adhesives can have
      considerable advantages in assuring surgery results, prevention of complications
      and so reduction of medical costs/treatment expenses, the search for new
      adhesives for use in otorhinolaryngology will be continued intensively. In
      parallel, appropriate application systems have to be developed for microscopic
      and endoscopic use.

PMID- 22073093
TI  - Early detection in head and neck cancer - current state and future perspectives.
AB  - Survival and quality of life in head and neck cancer are directly linked to the
      size of the primary tumor at first detection. In order to achieve substantial
      gain at these issues, both, primary prevention and secondary prevention, which is
      early detection of malignant lesions at a small size, have to be improved. So
      far, there is not only a lack in the necessary infrastructure not only in
      Germany, but rather worldwide, but additionally the techniques developed so far
      for early detection have a significance and specificity too low as to warrant
      safe implementation for screening programs. However, the advancements recently
      achieved in endoscopy and in quantitative analysis of hypocellular specimens open
      new perspectives for secondary prevention. Chromoendoscopy and narrow band
      imaging (NBI) pinpoint suspicious lesions more easily, confocal endomicroscopy
      and optical coherence tomography obtain optical sections through those lesions,
      and hyperspectral imaging classifies lesions according to characteristic spectral
      signatures. These techniques therefore obtain optical biopsies. Once a "bloody"
      biopsy has been taken, the plethora of parameters that can be quantified
      objectively has been increased and could be the basis for an objective and
      quantitative classification of epithelial lesions (multiparametric cytometry,
      quantitative histology). Finally, cytomics and proteomics approaches, and lab-on
      the-chip technology might help to identify patients at high-risk. Sensitivity and
      specificity of these approaches have to be validated, yet, and some techniques
      have to be adapted for the specific conditions for early detection of head and
      neck cancer. On this background it has to be stated that it is still a long way
      to go until a population based screening for head and neck cancer is available.
      The recent results of screening for cancer of the prostate and breast highlight
      the difficulties implemented in such a task.

PMID- 22073095
TI  - Nasal packing and stenting.
AB  - Nasal packs are indispensable in ENT practice. This study reviews current
      indications, effectiveness and risks of nasal packs and stents. In endoscopic
      surgery, nasal packs should always have smooth surfaces to minimize mucosal
      damage, improve wound healing and increase patient comfort. Functional endoscopic
      endonasal sinus surgery allows the use of modern nasal packs, since pressure is
      no longer required. So called hemostatic/resorbable materials are a first step in
      this direction. However, they may lead to adhesions and foreign body reactions in
      mucosal membranes. Simple occlusion is an effective method for creating a moist
      milieu for improved wound healing and avoiding dryness. Stenting of the frontal
      sinus is recommended if surgery fails to produce a wide, physiologically shaped
      drainage path that is sufficiently covered by intact tissue.

PMID- 22073097
TI  - Larynx: implants and stents.
AB  - In the human larynx, implants a primarily used for the correction of glottis
      insufficiency. In a broader sense laryngeal stents may be considered as implants
      as well. Laryngeal implants can be differentiated into injectable and solid. The
      most important representatives of both groups are discussed in detail along with
      the respective technique of application. Laryngeal stents are primarily used
      perioperatively. Different types and their use are presented.

PMID- 22073096
TI  - Implant-retained craniofacial prostheses for facial defects.
AB  - Craniofacial prostheses, also known as epistheses, are artificial substitutes for
      facial defects. The breakthrough for rehabilitation of facial defects with
      implant-retained prostheses came with the development of the modern silicones and
      bone anchorage. Following the discovery of the osseointegration of titanium in
      the 1950s, dental implants have been made of titanium in the 1960s. In 1977, the
      first extraoral titanium implant was inserted in a patient. Later, various
      solitary extraoral implant systems were developed. Grouped implant systems have
      also been developed which may be placed more reliably in areas with low bone
      presentation, as in the nasal and orbital region, or the ideally pneumatised
      mastoid process. Today, even large facial prostheses may be securely retained.
      The classical atraumatic surgical technique has remained an unchanged
      prerequisite for successful implantation of any system. This review outlines the
      basic principles of osseointegration as well as the main features of extraoral
      implantology.

PMID- 22073098
TI  - Tracheostomy cannulas and voice prosthesis.
AB  - Cannulas and voice prostheses are mechanical aids for patients who had to undergo
      tracheotomy or laryngectomy for different reasons. For better understanding of
      the function of those artificial devices, first the indications and
      particularities of the previous surgical intervention are described in the
      context of this review. Despite the established procedure of percutaneous
      dilatation tracheotomy e.g. in intensive care units, the application of
      epithelised tracheostomas has its own position, especially when airway
      obstruction is persistent (e.g. caused by traumata, inflammations, or tumors) and
      a longer artificial ventilation or special care of the patient are required. In
      order to keep the airways open after tracheotomy, tracheostomy cannulas of
      different materials with different functions are available. For each patient the
      most appropriate type of cannula must be found. Voice prostheses are meanwhile
      the device of choice for rapid and efficient voice rehabilitation after
      laryngectomy. Individual sizes and materials allow adaptation of the voice
      prostheses to the individual anatomical situation of the patients. The combined
      application of voice prostheses with HME (Head and Moisture Exchanger) allows a
      good vocal as well as pulmonary rehabilitation. Precondition for efficient voice
      prosthesis is the observation of certain surgical principles during laryngectomy.
      The duration of the prosthesis mainly depends on material properties and
      biofilms, mostly consisting of funguses and bacteries. The quality of voice with
      valve prosthesis is clearly superior to esophagus prosthesis or electro-laryngeal
      voice. Whenever possible, tracheostoma valves for free-hand speech should be
      applied. Physicians taking care of patients with speech prostheses after
      laryngectomy should know exactly what to do in case the device fails or gets
      lost.

PMID- 22073099
TI  - Polymeric implant materials for the reconstruction of tracheal and pharyngeal
      mucosal defects in head and neck surgery.
AB  - The existing therapeutical options for the tracheal and pharyngeal reconstruction
      by use of implant materials are described. Inspite of a multitude of options and
      the availability of very different materials none of these methods applied for
      tracheal reconstruction were successfully introduced into the clinical routine.
      Essential problems are insufficiencies of anastomoses, stenoses, lack of
      mucociliary clearance and vascularisation. The advances in Tissue Engineering
      (TE) offer new therapeutical options also in the field of the reconstructive
      surgery of the trachea. In pharyngeal reconstruction far reaching developments
      cannot be recognized at the moment which would allow to give a prognosis of their
      success in clinical application. A new polymeric implant material consisting of
      multiblock copolymers was applied in our own work which was regarded as a
      promising material for the reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract (ADT)
      due to its physicochemical characteristics. In order to test this material for
      applications in the ADT under extreme chemical, enzymatical, bacterial and
      mechanical conditions we applied it for the reconstruction of a complete defect
      of the gastric wall in an animal model. In none of the animals tested either
      gastrointestinal complications or negative systemic events occurred, however,
      there was a multilayered regeneration of the gastric wall implying a regular
      structured mucosa.In future the advanced stem cell technology will allow further
      progress in the reconstruction of different kind of tissues also in the field of
      head and neck surgery following the principles of Tissue Engineering.

PMID- 22073100
TI  - Biomaterials in skull base surgery.
AB  - Reconstruction materials and techniques for the base of the skull have undergone
      rapid developments and differentiation in recent years. While mostly
      autotransplants, collagens or resorbable alloplastic materials are preferred for
      duraplasties, pronounced organ-specific differences can be observed in the
      reconstruction of hard tissues. The use of polymethylmethacryl bone cement, once
      wide-spread, has decreased greatly due to the release of toxic monomers. Bony
      autotransplants are still used primarily for smaller skull-base defects,
      intraoperatively formable titanium nets may be also used for larger fronto- or
      laterobasal reconstructions of bony defects. Defects in visible areas are
      increasingly closed with preformed titanium or ceramic implants, which are
      planned and fitted to the individual patient using preoperative CT imaging. At
      the skull base, this applies especially to reconstructions of the frontal sinus.
      For extensive reconstructions of the orbita, titanium nets and non-resorbable
      plastics have proven valuable; in closing smaller defects especially of the
      orbital floor, resorbable implants based on Polyglactin 901 are also used.

PMID- 22073101
TI  - Biomaterials for craniofacial reconstruction.
AB  - Biomaterials for reconstruction of bony defects of the skull comprise of
      osteosynthetic materials applied after osteotomies or traumatic fractures and
      materials to fill bony defects which result from malformation, trauma or tumor
      resections. Other applications concern functional augmentations for dental
      implants or aesthetic augmentations in the facial region. For ostheosynthesis,
      mini- and microplates made from titanium alloys provide major advantages
      concerning biocompatibility, stability and individual fitting to the implant bed.
      The necessity of removing asymptomatic plates and screws after fracture healing
      is still a controversial issue. Risks and costs of secondary surgery for removal
      face a low rate of complications (due to corrosion products) when the material
      remains in situ. Resorbable osteosynthesis systems have similar mechanical
      stability and are especially useful in the growing skull. The huge variety of
      biomaterials for the reconstruction of bony defects makes it difficult to decide
      which material is adequate for which indication and for which site. The optimal
      biomaterial that meets every requirement (e.g. biocompatibility, stability,
      intraoperative fitting, product safety, low costs etc.) does not exist. The
      different material types are (autogenic) bone and many alloplastics such as
      metals (mainly titanium), ceramics, plastics and composites. Future developments
      aim to improve physical and biological properties, especially regarding surface
      interactions. To date, tissue engineered bone is far from routine clinical
      application.

PMID- 22073102
TI  - Passive and active middle ear implants.
AB  - Besides eradication of chronic middle ear disease, the reconstruction of the
      sound conduction apparatus is a major goal of modern ear microsurgery. The
      material of choice in cases of partial ossicular replacement prosthesis is the
      autogenous ossicle. In the event of more extensive destruction of the ossicular
      chain diverse alloplastic materials, e.g. metals, ceramics, plastics or composits
      are used for total reconstruction. Their specialised role in conducting sound
      energy within a half-open implant bed sets high demands on the biocompatibility
      as well as the acoustic-mechanic properties of the prosthesis. Recently,
      sophisticated titanium middle ear implants allowing individual adaptation to
      anatomical variations are widely used for this procedure. However, despite modern
      developments, hearing restoration with passive implants often faces its
      limitations due to tubal-middle-ear dysfunction. Here, implantable hearing aids,
      successfully used in cases of sensorineural hearing loss, offer a promising
      alternative. This article reviews the actual state of affairs of passive and
      active middle ear implants.

PMID- 22073103
TI  - Biomaterials in cochlear implants.
AB  - The cochlear implant (CI) represents, for almost 25 years now, the gold standard
      in the treatment of children born deaf and for postlingually deafened adults.
      These devices thus constitute the greatest success story in the field of
      'neurobionic' prostheses. Their (now routine) fitting in adults, and especially
      in young children and even babies, places exacting demands on these implants,
      particularly with regard to the biocompatibility of a CI's surface components.
      Furthermore, certain parts of the implant face considerable mechanical
      challenges, such as the need for the electrode array to be flexible and resistant
      to breakage, and for the implant casing to be able to withstand external
      forces.As these implants are in the immediate vicinity of the middle-ear mucosa
      and of the junction to the perilymph of the cochlea, the risk exists - at least
      in principle - that bacteria may spread along the electrode array into the
      cochlea. The wide-ranging requirements made of the CI in terms of
      biocompatibility and the electrode mechanism mean that there is still further
      scope - despite the fact that CIs are already technically highly sophisticated -
      for ongoing improvements to the properties of these implants and their
      constituent materials, thus enhancing the effectiveness of these devices.This
      paper will therefore discuss fundamental material aspects of CIs as well as the
      potential for their future development.

PMID- 22073104
TI  - Current requirements for polymeric biomaterials in otolaryngology.
AB  - In recent years otolaryngology was strongly influenced by newly developed
      implants which are based on both, innovative biomaterials and novel implant
      technologies. Since the biomaterials are integrated into biological systems they
      have to fulfill all technical requirements and accommodate biological
      interactions. Technical functionality relating to implant specific mechanical
      properties, a sufficiently high stability in terms of physiological conditions,
      and good biocompatibility are the demands with regard to suitability of
      biomaterials. The goal in applying biomaterials for implants is to maintain
      biofunctionality over extended periods of time. These general demands to
      biomaterials are equally valid for use in otolaryngology. Different classes of
      materials can be utilized as biomaterials. Metals belong to the oldest
      biomaterials. In addition, alloys, ceramics, inorganic glasses and composites
      have been tested successfully. Furthermore, natural and synthetic polymers are
      widely used materials, which will be in the focus of the current article with
      regard to their properties and usage as cochlear implants, osteosynthesis
      implants, stents, and matrices for tissue engineering. Due to their application
      as permanent or temporary implants materials are differentiated into biostable
      and biodegradable polymers. The here identified general and up to date
      requirements for biomaterials and the illustrated applications in otolaryngology
      emphasize ongoing research efforts in this area and at the same time demonstrate
      the high significance of interdisciplinary cooperation between natural sciences,
      engineering, and medical sciences.

PMID- 22073105
TI  - Structural grafts and suture techniques in functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty.
AB  - Rhinoplasty has undergone important changes. With the advent of the open
      structure approach, requirements for structural grafting and direct manipulation
      of the cartilaginous skeleton through suture techniques have increased
      substantially. The present review analyzes the current literature on frequently
      referenced structural grafts and suture techniques. Individual techniques are
      described and their utility is discussed in light of available studies and data.

PMID- 22073106
TI  - Nasal surgery in patients with systemic disorders.
AB  - Multisystemic disorders represent a heterogenous group of diseases which can
      primarily manifest at the nose and paranasal sinuses as limited disease or
      secondarily as part of systemic involvement. Rhinologists therefore play an
      important role in the diagnostic but also therapeutic process. Although therapy
      of multisystemic disorders is primary systemic, additional rhinosurgery may
      become necessary. The spectrum of procedures consists of sinus surgery, surgery
      of the orbit and lacrimal duct, septorhinoplasty and closure of nasal septal
      perforation. Since the prevalence of most systemic diseases is very rare,
      recommendations are based on the analysis of single case reports and case series
      with a limited number of patients only. Although data is still limited,
      experiences published so far have shown that autologous cartilage or bone grafts
      can be used in nasal reconstruction of deformities caused by tuberculosis,
      leprosy, Wegener's granulomatosis, sarcoidosis and relapsing polychondritis.
      Experiences gained from these diseases support the concept that well-established
      techniques of septorhinoplasty can be used in systemic diseases as well. However,
      a state of remission is an essential condition before considering any
      rhinosurgery in these patients. Even under these circumstances revision surgery
      has to be expected more frequently compared to the typical collective of patients
      undergoing septorhinoplasty. In addition, experiences gained from saddle nose
      reconstruction may in part be of value for the treatment of nasal septal
      perforations since implantation of cartilage grafts often represents an essential
      step in multilayer techniques of closure of nasal septal perforations. Aside from
      the treatment of orbital complications sinus surgery has been proven beneficial
      in reducing nasal symptoms and increasing quality of life in patients refractory
      to systemic treatment.

PMID- 22073107
TI  - Surgery of the turbinates and "empty nose" syndrome.
AB  - Surgical therapy of the inferior and/or middle turbinate is indicated when
      conservative treatment options have failed. The desired goal is a reduction of
      the soft tissue volume of the turbinates regarding the individual anatomic
      findings, whilst simultaneously conserving as much mucosa as possible. As the
      turbinates serve as a functional entity within the nose, they ensure
      climatisation, humidification and cleaning of the inhaled air. Thus free nasal
      breathing means a decent quality of life, as well.Regarding the multitude of
      different surgical techniques, we confirm that no ideal standard technique for
      turbinate reduction has been developed so far. Moreover, there is a lack of
      prospective and comparable long-term studies, which makes it difficult to
      recommend evidence-based surgical techniques. However, the anterior turbinoplasty
      seems to fulfil the preconditions of limited tissue reduction and mucosa
      preservation, and therefore it is the method of choice today.Radical resection of
      the turbinates may lead to severe functional disturbances developing a secondary
      atrophic rhinitis. The "empty nose" syndrome is a specific entity within the
      secondary atrophic rhinitis where intranasal changes in airflow result in
      disturbed climatisation and also interfere with pulmonary function. Results
      deriving from an actual in vivo study of climatisation and airflow in "empty
      nose" patients are presented.

PMID- 22073108
TI  - Interaction between otorhinolaryngology and orthodontics: correlation between the
      nasopharyngeal airway and the craniofacial complex.
AB  - In terms of pathophysiology, an anatomically narrow airway is a predisposing
      factor for obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. The correlation between
      the nasopharyngeal airway and the craniofacial structures is discussed in this
      context. Thus a mutual interaction between the pharynx and the mandibular
      position was demonstrated, whereby the transverse dimension of the nasopharynx
      was significantly larger in patients with prognathism than in patients with
      retrognathism. The influence of chronic obstruction of the nasal airway on
      craniofacial development was also discussed. The form-and-function interaction,
      which ought to explain the causal relationship between nasal obstruction and
      craniofacial growth, appears to be of a multifactorial rather than a one
      dimensional, linear nature. It is not disputed, however, that expanding the
      maxilla improves not only nasal volume and nasal flow, but also the subjective
      sensation of patients, although it is not possible to make a prognostic statement
      about the extent of this improvement because of the differing reactions of
      individuals. Orthodontic appliances for advancing the mandible can also be
      successfully used in the treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This
      treatment method should be considered particularly for patients who are unwilling
      to undergo or cannot tolerate CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
      treatment.

PMID- 22073109
TI  - Rhinosurgery in children: developmental and surgical aspects of the growing nose.
AB  - The anatomy of the nasal skeleton in newborns and adults are not alike. The
      complete cartilaginous framework of the neonatal nose becomes partly and
      gradually ossified during the years of growth and is more vulnerable to trauma in
      that period. Injury in early youth may have large consequences for development
      and may result in a nasal deformity which will increase during growth and reach
      its peak during and after the adolescent growth spurt. To understand more of the
      underlying problems of nasal malformations and their surgical treatment
      (septorhinoplasty) these items became the focus of multiple animal studies in the
      last 40 years. The effects of surgery on the nasal septum varied considerably,
      seemingly depending on which experimental animal was used. In review, however,
      the very different techniques of the experimental surgery might be even more
      influential in this respect. Study of one of the larger series of experiments in
      young rabbits comprised skeletal measurements with statistical analysis, and
      microscopic observations of the tissues. The behaviour of hyaline cartilage of
      the human nose appeared to be comparable to that of other mammals. Cartilage,
      although resilient, can be easily fractured whereas its tendency to integrated
      healing is very low, even when the perichondrium has been saved. Also surgical
      procedures - like in septoplasty - may result in growth disturbances of the nasal
      skeleton like recurrent deviations or duplicature. Loss of cartilage, as might
      occur after a septum abscess, is never completely restored despite some cartilage
      regeneration. In this article experimental studies are reviewed and
      compared.Still there remains a lack of consensus in the literature concerning the
      developmental effects of rhinosurgry in children.Based on their observations in
      animals and a few clinical studies, mostly with small numbers of patients but
      with a long follow-up, the authors have compiled a list of guidelines to be
      considered before starting to perform surgery on the growing midface in children.

PMID- 22073110
TI  - Quality of life before and after septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
AB  - Subjective assessment of quality of life (QOL) as an important aspect of outcomes
      research has received increasing importance during the past decades. QOL is
      measured with standardized questionnaires which had been tested with regard to
      reliability, validity, and sensitivity. Surgical procedures of the nasal septum
      (septoplasty) and the external nose (rhinoplasty) are frequently performed. Since
      many years subjectively assessed results of these operations have been reported
      in the literature. However, validated QOL instruments were applied only for one
      decade. Beforehand, measurements were performed using retrospective assessment of
      satisfaction or visual analogue scales. Prospective application of validated
      disease-specific and general measuring instruments has to be demanded for future
      studies.Most of the septoplasty patients as well as most of the rhinoplasty
      patients evaluate the operation being successful. However, a relevant number of
      patients is not satisfied with the result of surgery. In this context, QOL
      instruments have the potential to identify further factors influencing the
      outcome. Especially in rhinoplasty patients, special attention has to be drawn on
      potential psychosocial effects of the operation.

PMID- 22073112
TI  - Numerical simulation and nasal air-conditioning.
AB  - Heating and humidification of the respiratory air are the main functions of the
      nasal airways in addition to cleansing and olfaction. Optimal nasal air
      conditioning is mandatory for an ideal pulmonary gas exchange in order to avoid
      desiccation and adhesion of the alveolar capillary bed. The complex three
      dimensional anatomical structure of the nose makes it impossible to perform
      detailed in vivo studies on intranasal heating and humidification within the
      entire nasal airways applying various technical set-ups. The main problem of in
      vivo temperature and humidity measurements is a poor spatial and time resolution.
      Therefore, in vivo measurements are feasible only to a restricted extent, solely
      providing single temperature values as the complete nose is not entirely
      accessible. Therefore, data on the overall performance of the nose are only based
      on one single measurement within each nasal segment. In vivo measurements within
      the entire nose are not feasible. These serious technical issues concerning in
      vivo measurements led to a large number of numerical simulation projects in the
      last few years providing novel information about the complex functions of the
      nasal airways. In general, numerical simulations merely calculate predictions in
      a computational model, e.g. a realistic nose model, depending on the setting of
      the boundary conditions. Therefore, numerical simulations achieve only
      approximations of a possible real situation. The aim of this review is the
      synopsis of the technical expertise on the field of in vivo nasal air
      conditioning, the novel information of numerical simulations and the current
      state of knowledge on the influence of nasal and sinus surgery on nasal air
      conditioning.

PMID- 22073117
TI  - Temporal artery flow response during the last minute of a head up tilt test, in
      relation with orthostatic intolerance after a 60 day head-down bedrest.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Check if the Temporal flow response to Tilt could provide early
      hemodynamic pattern in the minutes preceding a syncope during the Tilt test
      performed after a 60-d head down bedrest (HDBR). METHOD: Twenty-one men divided
      into 3 groups [Control (Con), Resistive Vibration (RVE) and Chinese Herb (Herb)]
      underwent a 60 day HDBR. Pre and Post HDBR a 20 min Tilt identified Finishers (F)
      and Non Finishers (NF). Cerebral (MCA), Temporal (TEMP), Femoral (FEM) flow
      velocity, were measured by Doppler during the Tilt. Blood pressure (BP) was
      measured by arm cuff and cardiopress. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Four of the 21
      subjects were NF at the post HDBR Tilt test (Con gr:2, RVE gr: 1, Herb gr: 1). At
      1 min and 10 s before end of Tilt in NF gr, FEM flow decreased less and MCA
      decreased more at post HDBR Tilt compared to pre (p<0.05), while in the F gr they
      changed similarly as pre. In NF gr: TEMP flow decreased more at post HDBR Tilt
      compared to pre, but only at 10 s before the end of Tilt (P<0.05). During the
      last 10 s a negative TEMP diastolic component appeared which induced a drop in
      mean velocity until Tilt arrest. CONCLUSION: The sudden drop in TEMP flow with
      onset of a negative diastolic flow preceding the decrease in MCA flow confirm
      that the TEMP vascular resistance respond more directly than the cerebral one to
      the cardiac output redistribution and that this response occur several seconds
      before syncope.

PMID- 22073118
TI  - A malaria vaccine based on the polymorphic block 2 region of MSP-1 that elicits a
      broad serotype-spanning immune response.
AB  - Polymorphic parasite antigens are known targets of protective immunity to
      malaria, but this antigenic variation poses challenges to vaccine development. A
      synthetic MSP-1 Block 2 construct, based on all polymorphic variants found in
      natural Plasmodium falciparum isolates has been designed, combined with the
      relatively conserved Block 1 sequence of MSP-1 and expressed in E.coli. The MSP-1
      Hybrid antigen has been produced with high yield by fed-batch fermentation and
      purified without the aid of affinity tags resulting in a pure and extremely
      thermostable antigen preparation. MSP-1 hybrid is immunogenic in experimental
      animals using adjuvants suitable for human use, eliciting antibodies against
      epitopes from all three Block 2 serotypes. Human serum antibodies from Africans
      naturally exposed to malaria reacted to the MSP-1 hybrid as strongly as, or
      better than the same serum reactivities to individual MSP-1 Block 2 antigens, and
      these antibody responses showed clear associations with reduced incidence of
      malaria episodes. The MSP-1 hybrid is designed to induce a protective antibody
      response to the highly polymorphic Block 2 region of MSP-1, enhancing the
      repertoire of MSP-1 Block 2 antibody responses found among immune and semi-immune
      individuals in malaria endemic areas. The target population for such a vaccine is
      young children and vulnerable adults, to accelerate the acquisition of a full
      range of malaria protective antibodies against this polymorphic parasite antigen.

PMID- 22073111
TI  - Physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory mucosa of the nose and the
      paranasal sinuses.
AB  - In this review, anatomy and physiology of the respiratory mucosa of nose and
      paranasal sinuses are summarized under the aspect of its clinical significance.
      Basics of endonasal cleaning including mucociliary clearance and nasal reflexes,
      as well as defence mechanisms are explained. Physiological wound healing, aspects
      of endonasal topical medical therapy and typical diagnostic procedures to
      evaluate the respiratory functions are presented. Finally, the pathophysiologies
      of different subtypes of non-allergic rhinitis are outlined together with
      treatment recommendations.

PMID- 22073119
TI  - The practical challenges of evaluating a blanket emergency feeding programme in
      northern Kenya.
AB  - A blanket supplementary feeding programme for young children was implemented for
      four months in five northern districts of Kenya from January 2010 because of
      fears of food insecurity exacerbated by drought. An attempt to evaluate the
      impact of the food on children's anthropometric status was put in place in three
      districts. The main aim of the analysis was to assess the quality of the data on
      the cohort of children studied in the evaluation and to propose methods by which
      it could be improved to evaluate future blanket feeding programmes. Data on the
      name, age, sex, weight and height of a systematic sample of children recruited at
      61 food distribution sites were collected at the first, second and third rounds
      and again at an extra, fifth food distribution, offered only to the evaluation
      subjects. Of the 3,544 children enrolled, 483 (13.63%) did not collect a fifth
      ration. Of the 2,640 children who were considered by their name to be the same at
      the first and fifth food distribution (13% were different), data on only 902
      children (34.17%) were considered acceptable based on their age (an arbitrary +/
      3 months different) and their length or height (between >-1 or <=4 cm different)
      at the two instances they were seen. Data on nearly two thirds of children were
      of questionable quality. The main reasons for the poor quality data were
      inconsistencies in estimating age or because caretakers may have brought
      different children. Recommendations are made about how to improve data quality
      including ensuring that entry to a blanket feeding programme is clearly based on
      height, not age, to avoid misreporting age; careful identification of subjects at
      all contacts; and using well-trained, specialist evaluation staff.

PMID- 22073120
TI  - In vivo systematic analysis of Candida albicans Zn2-Cys6 transcription factors
      mutants for mice organ colonization.
AB  - The incidence of fungal infections in immuno-compromised patients increased
      considerably over the last 30 years. New treatments are therefore needed against
      pathogenic fungi. With Candida albicans as a model, study of host-fungal pathogen
      interactions might reveal new sources of therapies. Transcription factors (TF)
      are of interest since they integrate signals from the host environment and
      participate in an adapted microbial response. TFs of the Zn2-Cys6 class are
      specific to fungi and are important regulators of fungal metabolism. This work
      analyzed the importance of the C. albicans Zn2-Cys6 TF for mice kidney
      colonization. For this purpose, 77 Zn2-Cys6 TF mutants were screened in a
      systemic mice model of infection by pools of 10 mutants. We developed a simple
      barcoding strategy to specifically detect each mutant DNA from mice kidney by
      quantitative PCR. Among the 77 TF mutant strains tested, eight showed a decreased
      colonization including mutants for orf19.3405, orf19.255, orf19.5133, RGT1, UGA3,
      orf19.6182, SEF1 and orf19.2646, and four an increased colonization including
      mutants for orf19.4166, ZFU2, orf19.1685 and UPC2 as compared to the isogenic
      wild type strain. Our approach was validated by comparable results obtained with
      the same animal model using a single mutant and the revertant for an ORF
      (orf19.2646) with still unknown functions. In an attempt to identify putative
      involvement of such TFs in already known C. albicans virulence mechanisms, we
      determined their in vitro susceptibility to pH, heat and oxidative stresses, as
      well as ability to produce hyphae and invade agar. A poor correlation was found
      between in vitro and in vivo assays, thus suggesting that TFs needed for mice
      kidney colonization may involve still unknown mechanisms. This large-scale
      analysis of mice organ colonization by C. albicans can now be extended to other
      mutant libraries since our in vivo screening strategy can be adapted to any
      preexisting mutants.

PMID- 22073121
TI  - A multi-sample based method for identifying common CNVs in normal human genomic
      structure using high-resolution aCGH data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is difficult to identify copy number variations (CNV) in normal
      human genomic data due to noise and non-linear relationships between different
      genomic regions and signal intensity. A high-resolution array comparative genomic
      hybridization (aCGH) containing 42 million probes, which is very large compared
      to previous arrays, was recently published. Most existing CNV detection
      algorithms do not work well because of noise associated with the large amount of
      input data and because most of the current methods were not designed to analyze
      normal human samples. Normal human genome analysis often requires a joint
      approach across multiple samples. However, the majority of existing methods can
      only identify CNVs from a single sample. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We
      developed a multi-sample-based genomic variations detector (MGVD) that uses
      segmentation to identify common breakpoints across multiple samples and a k-means
      based clustering strategy. Unlike previous methods, MGVD simultaneously considers
      multiple samples with different genomic intensities and identifies CNVs and CNV
      zones (CNVZs); CNVZ is a more precise measure of the location of a genomic
      variant than the CNV region (CNVR). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: We designed a
      specialized algorithm to detect common CNVs from extremely high-resolution multi
      sample aCGH data. MGVD showed high sensitivity and a low false discovery rate for
      a simulated data set, and outperformed most current methods when real, high
      resolution HapMap datasets were analyzed. MGVD also had the fastest runtime
      compared to the other algorithms evaluated when actual, high-resolution aCGH data
      were analyzed. The CNVZs identified by MGVD can be used in association studies
      for revealing relationships between phenotypes and genomic aberrations. Our
      algorithm was developed with standard C++ and is available in Linux and MS
      Windows format in the STL library. It is freely available at:
      http://embio.yonsei.ac.kr/~Park/mgvd.php.

PMID- 22073122
TI  - A point mutation in translation initiation factor eIF2B leads to function--and
      time-specific changes in brain gene expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B)
      cause Childhood Ataxia with CNS Hypomyelination (CACH), also known as Vanishing
      White Matter disease (VWM), which is associated with a clinical pathology of
      brain myelin loss upon physiological stress. eIF2B is the guanine nucleotide
      exchange factor (GEF) of eIF2, which delivers the initiator tRNA(Met) to the
      ribosome. We recently reported that a R132H mutation in the catalytic subunit of
      this GEF, causing a 20% reduction in its activity, leads under normal conditions
      to delayed brain development in a mouse model for CACH/VWM. To further explore
      the effect of the mutation on global gene expression in the brain, we conducted a
      wide-scale transcriptome analysis of the first three critical postnatal weeks.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Genome-wide mRNA expression of wild-type and
      mutant mice was profiled at postnatal (P) days 1, 18 and 21 to reflect the early
      proliferative stage prior to white matter establishment (P1) and the peak of
      oligodendrocye differentiation and myelin synthesis (P18 and P21). At each
      developmental stage, between 441 and 818 genes were differentially expressed in
      the mutant brain with minimal overlap, generating unique time point-specific gene
      expression signatures. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that a point
      mutation in eIF2B, a key translation initiation factor, has a massive effect on
      global gene expression in the brain. The overall changes in expression patterns
      reflect multiple layers of indirect effects that accumulate as the brain develops
      and matures. The differentially expressed genes seem to reflect delayed waves of
      gene expression as well as an adaptation process to cope with hypersensitivity to
      cellular stress.

PMID- 22073123
TI  - Structural annotation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteome.
AB  - Of the ~4000 ORFs identified through the genome sequence of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (TB) H37Rv, experimentally determined structures are available for
      312. Since knowledge of protein structures is essential to obtain a high
      resolution understanding of the underlying biology, we seek to obtain a
      structural annotation for the genome, using computational methods. Structural
      models were obtained and validated for ~2877 ORFs, covering ~70% of the genome.
      Functional annotation of each protein was based on fold-based functional
      assignments and a novel binding site based ligand association. New algorithms for
      binding site detection and genome scale binding site comparison at the structural
      level, recently reported from the laboratory, were utilized. Besides these, the
      annotation covers detection of various sequence and sub-structural motifs and
      quaternary structure predictions based on the corresponding templates. The study
      provides an opportunity to obtain a global perspective of the fold distribution
      in the genome. The annotation indicates that cellular metabolism can be achieved
      with only 219 folds. New insights about the folds that predominate in the genome,
      as well as the fold-combinations that make up multi-domain proteins are also
      obtained. 1728 binding pockets have been associated with ligands through binding
      site identification and sub-structure similarity analyses. The resource
      (http://proline.physics.iisc.ernet.in/Tbstructuralannotation), being one of the
      first to be based on structure-derived functional annotations at a genome scale,
      is expected to be useful for better understanding of TB and for application in
      drug discovery. The reported annotation pipeline is fairly generic and can be
      applied to other genomes as well.

PMID- 22073124
TI  - Differential modulation of Beta-adrenergic receptor signaling by trace amine
      associated receptor 1 agonists.
AB  - Trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR) are rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled
      receptors (GPCR). TAAR are involved in modulation of neuronal, cardiac and
      vascular functions and they are potentially linked with neurological disorders
      like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Subtype TAAR1, the best characterized
      TAAR so far, is promiscuous for a wide set of ligands and is activated by trace
      amines tyramine (TYR), phenylethylamine (PEA), octopamine (OA), but also by
      thyronamines, dopamine, and psycho-active drugs. Unfortunately, effects of trace
      amines on signaling of the two homologous beta-adrenergic receptors 1 (ADRB1) and
      2 (ADRB2) have not been clarified yet in detail. We, therefore, tested TAAR1
      agonists TYR, PEA and OA regarding their effects on ADRB1/2 signaling by co
      stimulation studies. Surprisingly, trace amines TYR and PEA are partial
      allosteric antagonists at ADRB1/2, whereas OA is a partial orthosteric ADRB2
      antagonist and ADRB1-agonist. To specify molecular reasons for TAAR1 ligand
      promiscuity and for observed differences in signaling effects on particular
      aminergic receptors we compared TAAR, tyramine (TAR) octopamine (OAR), ADRB1/2
      and dopamine receptors at the structural level. We found especially for TAAR1
      that the remarkable ligand promiscuity is likely based on high amino acid
      similarity in the ligand-binding region compared with further aminergic
      receptors. On the other hand few TAAR specific properties in the ligand-binding
      site might determine differences in ligand-induced effects compared to ADRB1/2.
      Taken together, this study points to molecular details of TAAR1-ligand
      promiscuity and identified specific trace amines as allosteric or orthosteric
      ligands of particular beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes.

PMID- 22073125
TI  - A comprehensive evaluation of colonic mucosal isolates of Sutterella
      wadsworthensis from inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) arises in genetically susceptible individuals as
      a result of an unidentified environmental trigger, possibly a hitherto unknown
      bacterial pathogen. Twenty-six clinical isolates of Sutterella wadsworthensis
      were obtained from 134 adults and 61 pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopy,
      of whom 69 and 29 respectively had IBD. S. wadsworthensis was initially more
      frequently isolated from IBD subjects, hence this comprehensive study was
      undertaken to elucidate its role in IBD. Utilizing these samples, a newly
      designed PCR was developed, to study the prevalence of this bacterium in adult
      patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Sutterella wadsworthensis was detected in
      83.8% of adult patients with UC as opposed to 86.1% of control subjects (p =
      0.64). Selected strains from IBD cases and controls were studied to elicit
      morphological, proteomic, genotypic and pathogenic differences. This study
      reports Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) appearances and characteristic MALDI
      TOF MS protein profiles of S. wadsworthensis for the very first time. SEM showed
      that the bacterium is pleomorphic, existing in predominantly two morphological
      forms, long rods and coccobacilli. No differences were noted in the MALDI-TOF
      mass spectrometry proteomic analysis. There was no distinct clustering of strains
      identified from cases and controls on sequence analysis. Cytokine response after
      monocyte challenge with strains from patients with IBD and controls did not yield
      any significant differences. Our studies indicate that S. wadsworthensis is
      unlikely to play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Strains from cases of IBD
      could not be distinguished from those identified from controls.

PMID- 22073126
TI  - Disturbances in body ownership in schizophrenia: evidence from the rubber hand
      illusion and case study of a spontaneous out-of-body experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A weakened sense of self may contribute to psychotic experiences.
      Body ownership, one component of self-awareness, can be studied with the rubber
      hand illusion (RHI). Watching a rubber hand being stroked while one's unseen hand
      is stroked synchronously can lead to a sense of ownership over the rubber hand, a
      shift in perceived position of the real hand, and a limb-specific drop in
      stimulated hand temperature. We aimed to assess the RHI in schizophrenia using
      quantifiable measures: proprioceptive drift and stimulation-dependent changes in
      hand temperature. METHODS: The RHI was elicited in 24 schizophrenia patients and
      21 matched controls by placing their unseen hand adjacent to a visible rubber
      hand and brushing real and rubber hands synchronously or asynchronously.
      Perceived finger location was measured before and after stimulation. Hand
      temperature was taken before and during stimulation. Subjective strength of the
      illusion was assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Across groups, the RHI was
      stronger during synchronous stimulation, indicated by self-report and
      proprioceptive drift. Patients reported a stronger RHI than controls. Self
      reported strength of RHI was associated with schizotypy in controls
      Proprioceptive drift was larger in patients, but only following synchronous
      stimulation. Further, we observed stimulation-dependent changes in skin
      temperature. During right hand stimulation, temperature dropped in the stimulated
      hand and rose in the unstimulated hand. Interestingly, induction of RHI led to an
      out-of-body experience in one patient, linking body disownership and psychotic
      experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The RHI is quantitatively and qualitatively stronger in
      schizophrenia. These findings suggest that patients have a more flexible body
      representation and weakened sense of self, and potentially indicate abnormalities
      in temporo-parietal networks implicated in body ownership. Further, results
      suggest that these body ownership disturbances might be at the heart of a subset
      of the pathognomonic delusions of passivity.

PMID- 22073127
TI  - Maternal immunization with pneumococcal surface protein A protects against
      pneumococcal infections among derived offspring.
AB  - Pathogen-specific antibody plays an important role in protection against
      pneumococcal carriage and infections. However, neonates and infants exhibit
      impaired innate and adaptive immune responses, which result in their high
      susceptibility to pneumococci. To protect neonates and infants against
      pneumococcal infection it is important to elicit specific protective immune
      responses at very young ages. In this study, we investigated the protective
      immunity against pneumococcal carriage, pneumonia, and sepsis induced by maternal
      immunization with pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA). Mother mice were
      intranasally immunized with recombinant PspA (rPspA) and cholera toxin B subunit
      (CTB) prior to being mated. Anti-PspA specific IgG, predominantly IgG1, was
      present at a high level in the serum and milk of immunized mothers and in the
      sera of their pups. The pneumococcal densities in washed nasal tissues and in
      lung homogenate were significantly reduced in pups delivered from and/or breast
      fed by PspA-immunized mothers. Survival after fatal systemic infections with
      various types of pneumococci was significantly extended in the pups, which had
      received anti-PspA antibody via the placenta or through their milk. The current
      findings strongly suggest that maternal immunization with PspA is an attractive
      strategy against pneumococcal infections during early childhood.

PMID- 22073128
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 is indispensable for transforming growth factor
      beta Induced Smad3 activation in vascular smooth muscle cell.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor type-beta (TGF-beta)/Smad pathway plays an
      essential role in vascular fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation
      also mediates TGF-beta signaling-induced vascular fibrosis, suggesting that some
      sort of interaction exists between Smad and redox pathways. However, the
      underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate
      the influence of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a downstream effector of
      ROS, on TGF-beta signaling transduction through Smad3 pathway in rat vascular
      smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS AND RESULTS: TGF-beta1 treatment promoted
      PARP1 activation through induction of ROS generation in rat VSMCs. TGF-beta1
      induced phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of Smad3 was prevented by
      treatment of cells with PARP inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) or N-(6-oxo-5,6
      dihydrophenanthridin-2-yl)-2-(N,N-dimethylamino)acetami (PJ34), or PARP1 siRNA.
      TGF-beta1 treatment promoted poly(ADP-ribosy)lation of Smad3 via activation of
      PARP1 in the nucleus. Poly(ADP-ribosy)lation enhanced Smad-Smad binding element
      (SBE) complex formation in nuclear extracts and increased DNA binding activity of
      Smad3. Pretreatment with 3AB, PJ34, or PARP1 siRNA prevented TGF-beta1-induced
      Smad3 transactivation and expression of Smad3 target genes, including collagen
      Ialpha1, collagen IIIalpha1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, in rat
      VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS: PARP1 is indispensable for TGF-beta1 induced Smad3 activation
      in rat VSMCs. Targeting PARP1 may be a promising therapeutic approach against
      vascular diseases induced by dysregulation of TGF-beta/Smad3 pathway.

PMID- 22073129
TI  - An epidemiological reappraisal of the familial aggregation of prostate cancer: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Studies on familial aggregation of cancer may suggest an overall contribution of
      inherited genes or a shared environment in the development of malignant disease.
      We performed a meta-analysis on familial clustering of prostate cancer. Out of 74
      studies reporting data on familial aggregation of prostate cancer in unselected
      populations retrieved by a Pubmed search and browsing references, 33 independent
      studies meeting the inclusion criteria were used in the analysis performed with
      the random effects model. The pooled rate ratio (RR) for first-degree family
      history, i.e. affected father or brother, is 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 2.25
      2.74). The incidence rate for men who have a brother who got prostate cancer
      increases 3.14 times (CI:2.37-4.15), and for those with affected father 2.35
      times (CI:2.02-2.72). The pooled estimate of RR for two or more affected first
      degree family members relative to no history in father and in brother is 4.39
      (CI:2.61-7.39). First-degree family history appears to increase the incidence
      rate of prostate cancer more in men under 65 (RR:2.87, CI:2.21-3.74), than in men
      aged 65 and older (RR:1.92, CI:1.49-2.47), p for interaction = 0.002. The
      attributable fraction among those having an affected first-degree relative equals
      to 59.7% (CI:55.6-63.5%) for men at all ages, 65.2% (CI:57.7-71.4%) for men
      younger than 65 and 47.9% (CI:37.1-56.8%) for men aged 65 or older. For those
      with a family history in 2 or more first-degree family members 77.2% (CI:65.4
      85.0%) of prostate cancer incidence can be attributed to the familial clustering.
      Our combined estimates show strong familial clustering and a significant effect
      modification by age meaning that familial aggregation was associated with earlier
      disease onset (before age 65).

PMID- 22073130
TI  - A transgenic mouse line expressing cre recombinase in undifferentiated
      postmitotic mouse retinal bipolar cell precursors.
AB  - Approaches for manipulating cell type-specific gene expression during development
      depend on the identification of novel genetic tools. Here, we report the
      generation of a transgenic mouse line that utilizes Vsx2 upstream sequences to
      direct Cre recombinase to developing retinal bipolar cells. In contrast to the
      endogenous Vsx2 expression pattern, transgene expression was not detected in
      proliferating retinal progenitor cells and was restricted to post-mitotic bipolar
      cells. Cre immunolabeling was detected in rod bipolar cells and a subset of ON
      and OFF cone bipolar cells. Expression was first observed at postnatal day 3 and
      was detectable between 24 hours and 36 hours after the last S-phase of the cell
      cycle. The appearance of Cre-immunolabeled cells preceded the expression of
      bipolar cell type-specific markers such as PKCalpha and Cabp5 suggesting that
      transgene expression is initiated prior to terminal differentiation. In the
      presence of a constitutive conditional reporter transgene, reporter fluorescence
      was detected in Cre-expressing bipolar cells in the mature retina as expected,
      but was also observed in Cre-negative Type 2 bipolar cells and occasionally in
      Cre-negative photoreceptor cells. Together these findings reveal a new transgenic
      tool for directing gene expression to post-mitotic retinal precursors that are
      mostly committed to a bipolar cell fate.

PMID- 22073131
TI  - Antibodies against alpha-synuclein reduce oligomerization in living cells.
AB  - Recent research implicates soluble aggregated forms of alpha-synuclein as
      neurotoxic species with a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
      and related disorders. The pathway by which alpha-synuclein aggregates is
      believed to follow a step-wise pattern, in which dimers and smaller oligomers are
      initially formed. Here, we used H4 neuroglioma cells expressing alpha-synuclein
      fused to hemi:GFP constructs to study the effects of alpha-synuclein monoclonal
      antibodies on the early stages of aggregation, as quantified by Bimolecular
      Fluorescence Complementation assay. Widefield and confocal microscopy revealed
      that cells treated for 48 h with monoclonal antibodies internalized antibodies to
      various degrees. C-terminal and oligomer-selective alpha-synuclein antibodies
      reduced the extent of alpha-synuclein dimerization/oligomerization, as indicated
      by decreased GFP fluorescence signal. Furthermore, ELISA measurements on lysates
      and conditioned media from antibody treated cells displayed lower alpha-synuclein
      levels compared to untreated cells, suggesting increased protein turnover. Taken
      together, our results propose that extracellular administration of monoclonal
      antibodies can modify or inhibit early steps in the aggregation process of alpha
      synuclein, thus providing further support for passive immunization against
      diseases with alpha-synuclein pathology.

PMID- 22073134
TI  - Camphene, a plant-derived monoterpene, reduces plasma cholesterol and
      triglycerides in hyperlipidemic rats independently of HMG-CoA reductase activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central to the pathology of coronary heart disease is the
      accumulation of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides, within the intima of
      arterial blood vessels. The search for drugs to treat dislipidemia, remains a
      major pharmaceutical focus. In this study, we evaluated the hypolipidemic
      properties of the essential oil from Chios mastic gum (MGO).
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The hypolipidemic effect of MGO was investigated
      in naive as well as in rats susceptible to detergent-induced hyperlipidemia.
      Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were determined using commercial kits. HMG
      CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase activity was measured in
      HepG2 cell extracts using a radioactive assay; cellular cholesterol and
      cholesterol esters were assessed using gas chromatography. MGO administration
      into naive rats resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the constitutive
      synthesis of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. In hyperlipidemic rats, MGO
      treatment had also a strong hypolipidemic effect. By testing various components
      of MGO, we show for the first time that the hypolipidemic action is associated
      with camphene. Administration of camphene at a dose of 30 ug/gr of body weight in
      hyperlipidemic rats resulted in a 54.5% reduction of total cholesterol (p<0.001),
      54% of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p<0.001) and 34.5% of
      triglycerides (p<0.001). Treatment of HepG2 cells with camphene led to a decrease
      in cellular cholesterol content to the same extend as mevinolin, a known HMG-CoA
      reductase inhibitor. The hypolipidemic action of camphene is independent of HMG
      CoA reductase activity, suggesting that its hypocholesterolemic and
      hypotriglyceridemic effects are associated with a mechanism of action different
      than that of statins. CONCLUSIONS: Given the critical role that the control of
      hyperlipidemia plays in cardiovascular disease, the results of our study provide
      insights into the use of camphene as an alternative lipid lowering agent and
      merits further evaluation.

PMID- 22073135
TI  - Rumor has it...: relay communication of stress cues in plants.
AB  - Recent evidence demonstrates that plants are able not only to perceive and
      adaptively respond to external information but also to anticipate forthcoming
      hazards and stresses. Here, we tested the hypothesis that unstressed plants are
      able to respond to stress cues emitted from their abiotically-stressed neighbors
      and in turn induce stress responses in additional unstressed plants located
      further away from the stressed plants. Pisum sativum plants were subjected to
      drought while neighboring rows of five unstressed plants on both sides, with
      which they could exchange different cue combinations. On one side, the stressed
      plant and its unstressed neighbors did not share their rooting volumes (UNSHARED)
      and thus were limited to shoot communication. On its other side, the stressed
      plant shared one of its rooting volumes with its nearest unstressed neighbor and
      all plants shared their rooting volumes with their immediate neighbors (SHARED),
      allowing both root and shoot communication. Fifteen minutes following drought
      induction, significant stomatal closure was observed in both the stressed plants
      and their nearest unstressed SHARED neighbors, and within one hour, all SHARED
      neighbors closed their stomata. Stomatal closure was not observed in the UNSHARED
      neighbors. The results demonstrate that unstressed plants are able to perceive
      and respond to stress cues emitted by the roots of their drought-stressed
      neighbors and, via 'relay cuing', elicit stress responses in further unstressed
      plants. Further work is underway to study the underlying mechanisms of this new
      mode of plant communication and its possible adaptive implications for the
      anticipation of forthcoming abiotic stresses by plants.

PMID- 22073136
TI  - Time to recurrence and survival in serous ovarian tumors predicted from
      integrated genomic profiles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serous ovarian cancer (SeOvCa) is an aggressive disease with
      differential and often inadequate therapeutic outcome after standard treatment.
      The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has provided rich molecular and genetic profiles
      from hundreds of primary surgical samples. These profiles confirm mutations of
      TP53 in ~100% of patients and an extraordinarily complex profile of DNA copy
      number changes with considerable patient-to-patient diversity. This raises the
      joint challenge of exploiting all new available datasets and reducing their
      confounding complexity for the purpose of predicting clinical outcomes and
      identifying disease relevant pathway alterations. We therefore set out to use
      multi-data type genomic profiles (mRNA, DNA methylation, DNA copy-number
      alteration and microRNA) available from TCGA to identify prognostic signatures
      for the prediction of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We implemented a multivariate Cox Lasso model and
      median time-to-event prediction algorithm and applied it to two datasets
      integrated from the four genomic data types. We (1) selected features through
      cross-validation; (2) generated a prognostic index for patient risk
      stratification; and (3) directly predicted continuous clinical outcome measures,
      that is, the time to recurrence and survival time. We used Kaplan-Meier p-values,
      hazard ratios (HR), and concordance probability estimates (CPE) to assess
      prediction performance, comparing separate and integrated datasets. Data
      integration resulted in the best PFS signature (withheld data: p-value = 0.008;
      HR = 2.83; CPE = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We provide a prediction tool
      that inputs genomic profiles of primary surgical samples and generates patient
      specific predictions for the time to recurrence and survival, along with outcome
      risk predictions. Using integrated genomic profiles resulted in information gain
      for prediction of outcomes. Pathway analysis provided potential insights into
      functional changes affecting disease progression. The prognostic signatures, if
      prospectively validated, may be useful for interpreting therapeutic outcomes for
      clinical trials that aim to improve the therapy for SeOvCa patients.

PMID- 22073137
TI  - Coverage, adherence and costs of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in
      children employing different delivery strategies in Jasikan, Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in children (IPTc)
      involves the administration of a course of anti-malarial drugs at specified time
      intervals to children at risk of malaria regardless of whether or not they are
      known to be infected. IPTc provides a high level of protection against
      uncomplicated and severe malaria, with monthly sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine plus
      amodiaquine (SP&AQ) and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine plus piperaquine being the
      most efficacious regimens. A key challenge is the identification of a cost
      effective delivery strategy. METHODS: A community randomized trial was undertaken
      in Jasikan district, Ghana to assess IPTc effectiveness and costs using SP&AQ
      delivered in three different ways. Twelve villages were randomly selected to
      receive IPTc from village health workers (VHWs) or facility-based nurses working
      at health centres' outpatient departments (OPD) or EPI outreach clinics. Children
      aged 3 to 59 months-old received one IPT course (three doses) in May, June,
      September and October. Effectiveness was measured in terms of children covered
      and adherent to a course and delivery costs were calculated in financial and
      economic terms using an ingredient approach from the provider perspective.
      RESULTS: The economic cost per child receiving at least the first dose of all 4
      courses was US$4.58 when IPTc was delivered by VHWs, US$4.93 by OPD nurses and
      US$ 5.65 by EPI nurses. The unit economic cost of receiving all 3 doses of all 4
      courses was US$7.56 and US$8.51 when IPTc was delivered by VHWs or facility-based
      nurses respectively. The main cost driver for the VHW delivery was supervision,
      reflecting resources used for travelling to more remote communities rather than
      more intense supervision, and for OPD and EPI delivery, it was the opportunity
      cost of the time spent by nurses in dispensing IPTc. CONCLUSIONS: VHWs achieve
      higher IPTc coverage and adherence at lower costs than facility-based nurses in
      Jasikan district, Ghana. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00119132.

PMID- 22073138
TI  - Protein domain of unknown function 3233 is a translocation domain of
      autotransporter secretory mechanism in gamma proteobacteria.
AB  - Vibrio cholerae, the enteropathogenic gram negative bacteria is one of the main
      causative agents of waterborne diseases like cholera. About 1/3(rd) of the
      organism's genome is uncharacterised with many protein coding genes lacking
      structure and functional information. These proteins form significant fraction of
      the genome and are crucial in understanding the organism's complete functional
      makeup. In this study we report the general structure and function of a family of
      hypothetical proteins, Domain of Unknown Function 3233 (DUF3233), which are
      conserved across gram negative gammaproteobacteria (especially in Vibrio sp. and
      similar bacteria). Profile and HMM based sequence search methods were used to
      screen homologues of DUF3233. The I-TASSER fold recognition method was used to
      build a three dimensional structural model of the domain. The structure resembles
      the transmembrane beta-barrel with an axial N-terminal helix and twelve
      antiparallel beta-strands. Using a combination of amphipathy and discrimination
      analysis we analysed the potential transmembrane beta-barrel forming properties
      of DUF3233. Sequence, structure and phylogenetic analysis of DUF3233 indicates
      that this gram negative bacterial hypothetical protein resembles the beta-barrel
      translocation unit of autotransporter Va secretory mechanism with a gene
      organisation that differs from the conventional Va system.

PMID- 22073139
TI  - The role of muscarinic receptors in the beneficial effects of adenosine against
      myocardial reperfusion injury in rats.
AB  - Adenosine, a catabolite of ATP, displays a wide variety of effects in the heart
      including regulation of cardiac response to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion
      injury. Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of adenosine-induced cardioprotection
      is still elusive. Isolated Sprague-Dawley rat hearts underwent 30 min global
      ischemia and 120 min reperfusion using a Langendorff apparatus. Both adenosine
      and acetylcholine treatment recovered the post-reperfusion cardiac function
      associated with adenosine and muscarinic receptors activation. Simultaneous
      administration of adenosine and acetylcholine failed to exert any additive
      protective effect, suggesting a shared mechanism between the two. Our data
      further revealed a cross-talk between the adenosine and acetylcholine receptor
      signaling in reperfused rat hearts. Interestingly, the selective M(2) muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptor antagonist methoctramine significantly attenuated the
      cardioprotective effect of adenosine. In addition, treatment with adenosine
      upregulated the expression and the maximal binding capacity of muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptor, which were inhibited by the selective A(1) adenosine
      receptor antagonist 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and the nitric
      oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). These
      data suggested a possible functional coupling between the adenosine and
      muscarinic receptors behind the observed cardioprotection. Furthermore, nitric
      oxide was found involved in triggering the response to each of the two receptor
      agonist. In summary, there may be a cross-talk between the adenosine and
      muscarinic receptors in ischemic/reperfused myocardium with nitric oxide synthase
      might serve as the distal converging point. In addition, adenosine contributes to
      the invigorating effect of adenosine on muscarinic receptor thereby prompting to
      regulation of cardiac function. These findings argue for a potentially novel
      mechanism behind the adenosine-mediated cardioprotection.

PMID- 22073140
TI  - Neonatal overfeeding induced by small litter rearing causes altered
      glucocorticoid metabolism in rats.
AB  - Elevated glucocorticoid (GC) activity may be involved in the development of the
      metabolic syndrome. Tissue GC exposure is determined by the tissue-specific GC
      activating enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) and
      the GC-inactivating enzyme 5alpha-reductase type 1 (5alphaR1), as well as 5beta
      reductase (5betaR). Our aim was to study the effects of neonatal overfeeding
      induced by small litter rearing on the expression of GC-regulating enzymes in
      adipose tissue and/or liver and on obesity-related metabolic disturbances during
      development. Male Sprague-Dawley rat pup litters were adjusted to litter sizes of
      three (small litters, SL) or ten (normal litters, NL) on postnatal day 3 and then
      given standard chow from postnatal week 3 onward (W3). Small litter rearing
      induced obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and higher circulating corticosterone in
      adults. 11beta-HSD1 expression and enzyme activity in retroperitoneal, but not in
      epididymal, adipose tissue increased with postnatal time and peaked at W5/W6 in
      both groups before declining. From W8, 11beta-HSD1 expression and enzyme activity
      levels in retroperitoneal fat persisted at significantly higher levels in SL
      compared to NL rats. Hepatic 11beta-HSD1 enzyme activity in SL rats was elevated
      from W3 to W16 compared to NL rats. Hepatic 5alphaR1 and 5betaR expression was
      higher in SL compared to NL rats after weaning until W6, whereupon expression
      decreased in the SL rats and remained similar to that in NL rats. In conclusion,
      small litter rearing in rats induced peripheral tissue-specific alterations in
      11beta-HSD1 expression and activity and 5alphaR1 and 5betaR expression during
      puberty, which could contribute to elevated tissue-specific GC exposure and
      aggravate the development of metabolic dysregulation in adults.

PMID- 22073142
TI  - Frequency and associated factors for care giving among elderly patients visiting
      a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study frequency and associated factors for care giving among
      elderly patients visiting a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY:
      A cross sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Community Health
      Centre (CHC), Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan from
      September to November 2009. All individuals, visiting the CHC and aged 65 years
      or above were interviewed after taking written informed consent. RESULTS: A total
      of 400 elderly completed the interview. Majority were females, 65-69 years age,
      More than half of the individuals ie: 227 (85%) had received Care Giver
      experience for assistance and among these 195(72%) had care provided by an
      immediate family member. A large proportion of them stated that their Care Givers
      managed to provide less than four hours in a day for care giving. Around 37%
      showed substantial improvement in their relationship with the care givers. About
      70% of the respondents stated that the care provided by the Care Giver improved
      their quality of life. CONCLUSION: Elderly care is provided by majority of the
      family members resulting in increased satisfaction level, however small number
      still not satisfied due to unfulfilled need of these older people. This demands
      that efforts should be made to strengthen the family support by increasing
      awareness regarding elderly care and arranging support system by the government.

PMID- 22073141
TI  - Differentiation between vergence and saccadic functional activity within the
      human frontal eye fields and midbrain revealed through fMRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: Eye movement research has traditionally studied solely saccade and/or
      vergence eye movements by isolating these systems within a laboratory setting.
      While the neural correlates of saccadic eye movements are established, few
      studies have quantified the functional activity of vergence eye movements using
      fMRI. This study mapped the neural substrates of vergence eye movements and
      compared them to saccades to elucidate the spatial commonality and
      differentiation between these systems. METHODOLOGY: The stimulus was presented in
      a block design where the 'off' stimulus was a sustained fixation and the 'on'
      stimulus was random vergence or saccadic eye movements. Data were collected with
      a 3T scanner. A general linear model (GLM) was used in conjunction with cluster
      size to determine significantly active regions. A paired t-test of the GLM beta
      weight coefficients was computed between the saccade and vergence functional
      activities to test the hypothesis that vergence and saccadic stimulation would
      have spatial differentiation in addition to shared neural substrates. RESULTS:
      Segregated functional activation was observed within the frontal eye fields where
      a portion of the functional activity from the vergence task was located anterior
      to the saccadic functional activity (z>2.3; p<0.03). An area within the midbrain
      was significantly correlated with the experimental design for the vergence but
      not the saccade data set. Similar functional activation was observed within the
      following regions of interest: the supplementary eye field, dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex, ventral lateral prefrontal cortex, lateral intraparietal area,
      cuneus, precuneus, anterior and posterior cingulates, and cerebellar vermis. The
      functional activity from these regions was not different between the vergence and
      saccade data sets assessed by analyzing the beta weights of the paired t-test
      (p>0.2). CONCLUSION: Functional MRI can elucidate the differences between the
      vergence and saccade neural substrates within the frontal eye fields and
      midbrain.

PMID- 22073144
TI  - Drosophila TRPA channel painless inhibits male-male courtship behavior through
      modulating olfactory sensation.
AB  - The Drosophila melanogaster TRPA family member painless, expressed in a subset of
      multidendritic neurons embeding in the larval epidermis, is necessary for larval
      nociception of noxious heat or mechanical stimuli. However, the function of
      painless in adult flies remains largely unknown. Here we report that mutation of
      painless leads to a defect in male-male courtship behavior and alteration in
      olfaction sensitivity in adult flies. Specific downregulation of the expression
      of the Painless protein in the olfactory projection neurons (PNs) of the antennal
      lobes (ALs) resulted in a phenotype resembling that found in painless mutant
      flies, whereas overexpression of Painless in PNs of painless mutant males
      suppressed male-male courtship behavior. The downregulation of Painless
      exclusively during adulthood also resulted in male-male courtship behavior. In
      addition, mutation of the painless gene in flies caused changes in olfaction,
      suggesting a role for this gene in olfactory processing. These results indicate
      that functions of painless in the adult central nervous system of Drosophila
      include modulation of olfactory processing and inhibition of male-male courtship
      behavior.

PMID- 22073143
TI  - Serine biosynthesis with one carbon catabolism and the glycine cleavage system
      represents a novel pathway for ATP generation.
AB  - Previous experimental evidence indicates that some cancer cells have an
      alternative glycolysis pathway with net zero ATP production, implying that
      upregulation of glycolysis in these cells may not be related to the generation of
      ATP. Here we use a genome-scale model of human cell metabolism to investigate the
      potential metabolic alterations in cells using net zero ATP glycolysis. We
      uncover a novel pathway for ATP generation that involves reactions from serine
      biosynthesis, one-carbon metabolism and the glycine cleavage system, and show
      that the pathway is transcriptionally upregulated in an inducible murine model of
      Myc-driven liver tumorigenesis. This pathway has a predicted two-fold higher flux
      rate in cells using net zero ATP glycolysis than those using standard glycolysis
      and generates twice as much ATP with significantly lower rate of lactate - but
      higher rate of alanine secretion. Thus, in cells using the standard - or the net
      zero ATP glycolysis pathways a significant portion of the glycolysis flux is
      always associated with ATP generation, and the ratio between the flux rates of
      the two pathways determines the rate of ATP generation and lactate and alanine
      secretion during glycolysis.

PMID- 22073145
TI  - Changes in CRH and ACTH synthesis during experimental and human septic shock.
AB  - CONTEXT: The mechanisms of septic shock-associated adrenal insufficiency remain
      unclear. This study aimed at investigating the synthesis of corticotropin
      releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (AVP) by parvocellular neurons and the
      antehypophyseal expression of ACTH in human septic shock and in an experimental
      model of sepsis. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that ACTH secretion is
      decreased secondarily to alteration of CRH or AVP synthesis, we undertook a
      neuropathological study of the antehypophyseal system in patients who had died
      from septic shock and rats with experimental faecal peritonitis. METHODS: Brains
      obtained in 9 septic shock patients were compared to 10 nonseptic patients
      (controls). Parvocellular expression of AVP and CRH mRNA were evaluated by in
      situ hybridization. Antehypophyseal expression of ACTH, vasopressin V1b and CRH
      R1 receptors and parvocellular expression of iNOS in the PVN were evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. The same experiments were carried out in a fecal
      peritonitis-induced model of sepsis. Data from septic rats with (n = 6) or
      without (n = 10) early death were compared to sham-operated (n = 8) animals.
      RESULTS: In patients and rats, septic shock was associated with a decreased
      expression of ACTH, unchanged expression of V1B receptor, CRHR1 and AVP mRNA, and
      increased expression of parvocellular iNOS compared to controls. Septic shock was
      also characterized by an increased expression of CRH mRNA in rats but not in
      patients, who notably had a greater duration of septic shock. CONCLUSION: The
      present study suggests that in humans and in rats, septic shock is associated
      with decreased ACTH synthesis that is not compensated by its two natural
      secretagogues, AVP and CRH. One underlying mechanism might be increased
      expression of iNOS in hypothalamic parvocellular neurons.

PMID- 22073146
TI  - Effects of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive and emotional functioning in
      young adults--a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological research links vitamin D status to various brain
      related outcomes. However, few trials examine whether supplementation can improve
      such outcomes and none have examined effects on cognition. This study examined
      whether Vitamin D supplementation led to improvements in diverse measures of
      cognitive and emotional functioning, and hypothesised that supplementation would
      lead to improvements in these outcomes compared to placebo. METHODS/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Healthy young adults were recruited to a parallel-arm, double-blind
      trial conducted at The University of Queensland. Participants were randomly
      allocated to receive Vitamin D (one capsule daily, containing 5000 IU
      cholecalciferol) or identical placebo capsule for six weeks. All participants and
      outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. Primary outcome measures
      assessed at baseline and 6 weeks were working memory, response inhibition and
      cognitive flexibility. Secondary outcomes were: hallucination-proneness,
      psychotic-like experiences, and ratings of depression, anxiety and anger. 128
      participants were recruited, randomised and included in primary analyses (vitamin
      D n = 63; placebo n = 65). Despite significant increases in vitamin D status in
      the active group, no significant changes were observed in working memory (F =
      1.09; p = 0.30), response inhibition (F = 0.82; p = 0.37), cognitive flexibility
      (F = 1.37; p = 0.24) or secondary outcomes. No serious adverse effects were
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation does
      not influence cognitive or emotional functioning in healthy young adults. Future
      controlled trials in targeted populations of interest are required to determine
      whether supplementation can improve functioning in these domains. Australian and
      New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12610000318088.

PMID- 22073147
TI  - Changes in culture expanded human amniotic epithelial cells: implications for
      potential therapeutic applications.
AB  - Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) isolated from term placenta have stem cell
      like properties, differentiate into tissue specific cells and reduce lung and
      liver inflammation and fibrosis following transplantation into disease models
      established in mice. These features together with their low immunogenicity and
      immunosuppressive properties make hAEC an attractive source of cells for
      potential therapeutic applications. However, generation of large cell numbers
      required for therapies through serial expansion in xenobiotic-free media may be a
      limiting factor. We investigated if hAEC could be expanded in xenobiotic-free
      media and if expansion altered their differentiation capacity, immunophenotype,
      immunosuppressive properties and production of immunomodulatory factors. Serial
      expansion in xenobiotic-free media was limited with cumulative cell numbers and
      population doubling times significantly lower than controls maintained in fetal
      calf serum. The epithelial morphology of primary hAEC changed into mesenchymal
      stromal like cells by passage 4-5 (P4-P5) with down regulation of epithelial
      markers CK7, CD49f, EpCAM and E-cadherin and elevation of mesenchymal-stromal
      markers CD44, CD105, CD146 and vimentin. The P5 hAEC expanded in xenobiotic-free
      medium differentiated into osteocyte and alveolar epithelium-like cells, but not
      chondrocyte, hepatocyte, alpha- and beta-pancreatic-like cells. Expression of HLA
      Class IA, Class II and co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and CD40 remained
      unaltered. The P5 hAEC suppressed mitogen stimulated T cell proliferation, but
      were less suppressive compared with primary hAEC at higher splenocyte ratios.
      Primary and P5 hAEC did not secrete the immunosuppressive factors IL-10 and HGF,
      whereas TGF-beta1 and HLA-G were reduced and IL-6 elevated in P5 hAEC. These
      findings suggest that primary and expanded hAEC may be suitable for different
      cellular therapeutic applications.

PMID- 22073148
TI  - Occupancy classification of position weight matrix-inferred transcription factor
      binding sites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computational prediction of Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBS)
      from sequence data alone is difficult and error-prone. Machine learning
      techniques utilizing additional environmental information about a predicted
      binding site (such as distances from the site to particular chromatin features)
      to determine its occupancy/functionality class show promise as methods to achieve
      more accurate prediction of true TFBS in silico. We evaluate the Bayesian Network
      (BN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) machine learning techniques on four
      distinct TFBS data sets and analyze their performance. We describe the features
      that are most useful for classification and contrast and compare these feature
      sets between the factors. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate good performance of
      classifiers both on TFBS for transcription factors used for initial training and
      for TFBS for other factors in cross-classification experiments. We find that
      distances to chromatin modifications (specifically, histone modification islands)
      as well as distances between such modifications to be effective predictors of
      TFBS occupancy, though the impact of individual predictors is largely TF
      specific. In our experiments, Bayesian network classifiers outperform SVM
      classifiers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate good performance of machine
      learning techniques on the problem of occupancy classification, and demonstrate
      that effective classification can be achieved using distances to chromatin
      features. We additionally demonstrate that cross-classification of TFBS is
      possible, suggesting the possibility of constructing a generalizable occupancy
      classifier capable of handling TFBS for many different transcription factors.

PMID- 22073149
TI  - Quantitative evaluation of scintillation camera imaging characteristics of
      isotopes used in liver radioembolization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scintillation camera imaging is used for treatment planning and post
      treatment dosimetry in liver radioembolization (RE). In yttrium-90 (90Y) RE,
      scintigraphic images of technetium-99m (99mTc) are used for treatment planning,
      while 90Y Bremsstrahlung images are used for post-treatment dosimetry. In holmium
      166 (166Ho) RE, scintigraphic images of 166Ho can be used for both treatment
      planning and post-treatment dosimetry. The aim of this study is to quantitatively
      evaluate and compare the imaging characteristics of these three isotopes, in
      order that imaging protocols can be optimized and RE studies with varying
      isotopes can be compared. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Phantom experiments
      were performed in line with NEMA guidelines to assess the spatial resolution,
      sensitivity, count rate linearity, and contrast recovery of 99mTc, 90Y and 166Ho.
      In addition, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to obtain detailed
      information about the history of detected photons. The results showed that the
      use of a broad energy window and the high-energy collimator gave optimal
      combination of sensitivity, spatial resolution, and primary photon fraction for
      90Y Bremsstrahlung imaging, although differences with the medium-energy
      collimator were small. For 166Ho, the high-energy collimator also slightly
      outperformed the medium-energy collimator. In comparison with 99mTc, the image
      quality of both 90Y and 166Ho is degraded by a lower spatial resolution, a lower
      sensitivity, and larger scatter and collimator penetration fractions.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The quantitative evaluation of the scintillation camera
      characteristics presented in this study helps to optimize acquisition parameters
      and supports future analysis of clinical comparisons between RE studies.

PMID- 22073150
TI  - Stereo-selectivity of human serum albumin to enantiomeric and isoelectronic
      pollutants dissected by spectroscopy, calorimetry and bioinformatics.
AB  - 1-naphthol (1N), 2-naphthol (2N) and 8-quinolinol (8H) are general water
      pollutants. 1N and 2N are the configurational enantiomers and 8H is isoelectronic
      to 1N and 2N. These pollutants when ingested are transported in the blood by
      proteins like human serum albumin (HSA). Binding of these pollutants to HSA has
      been explored to elucidate the specific selectivity of molecular recognition by
      this multiligand binding protein. The association constants (K(b)) of these
      pollutants to HSA were moderate (10(4)-10(5) M(-1)). The proximity of the ligands
      to HSA is also revealed by their average binding distance, r, which is estimated
      to be in the range of 4.39-5.37 nm. The binding free energy (DeltaG) in each case
      remains effectively the same for each site because of enthalpy-entropy
      compensation (EEC). The difference observed between DeltaC(p) (exp) and DeltaC(p)
      (calc) are suggested to be caused by binding-induced flexibility changes in the
      HSA. Efforts are also made to elaborate the differences observed in binding
      isotherms obtained through multiple approaches of calorimetry, spectroscopy and
      bioinformatics. We suggest that difference in dissociation constants of
      pollutants by calorimetry, spectroscopic and computational approaches could
      correspond to occurrence of different set of populations of pollutants having
      different molecular characteristics in ground state and excited state.
      Furthermore, our observation of enhanced binding of pollutants (2N and 8H) in the
      presence of hemin signifies that ligands like hemin may enhance the storage
      period of these pollutants in blood that may even facilitate the ill effects of
      these pollutants.

PMID- 22073151
TI  - Rapid typing of Coxiella burnetii.
AB  - Coxiella burnetii has the potential to cause serious disease and is highly
      prevalent in the environment. Despite this, epidemiological data are sparse and
      isolate collections are typically small, rare, and difficult to share among
      laboratories as this pathogen is governed by select agent rules and fastidious to
      culture. With the advent of whole genome sequencing, some of this knowledge gap
      has been overcome by the development of genotyping schemes, however many of these
      methods are cumbersome and not readily transferable between institutions. As
      comparisons of the few existing collections can dramatically increase our
      knowledge of the evolution and phylogeography of the species, we aimed to
      facilitate such comparisons by extracting SNP signatures from past genotyping
      efforts and then incorporated these signatures into assays that quickly and
      easily define genotypes and phylogenetic groups. We found 91 polymorphisms (SNPs
      and indels) among multispacer sequence typing (MST) loci and designed 14 SNP
      based assays that could be used to type samples based on previously established
      phylogenetic groups. These assays are rapid, inexpensive, real-time PCR assays
      whose results are unambiguous. Data from these assays allowed us to assign 43
      previously untyped isolates to established genotypes and genomic groups.
      Furthermore, genotyping results based on assays from the signatures provided here
      are easily transferred between institutions, readily interpreted phylogenetically
      and simple to adapt to new genotyping technologies.

PMID- 22073152
TI  - Predicting in vivo anti-hepatofibrotic drug efficacy based on in vitro high
      content analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Many anti-fibrotic drugs with high in vitro efficacies fail to
      produce significant effects in vivo. The aim of this work is to use a statistical
      approach to design a numerical predictor that correlates better with in vivo
      outcomes. METHODS: High-content analysis (HCA) was performed with 49 drugs on
      hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) LX-2 stained with 10 fibrotic markers. ~0.3 billion
      feature values from all cells in >150,000 images were quantified to reflect the
      drug effects. A systematic literature search on the in vivo effects of all 49
      drugs on hepatofibrotic rats yields 28 papers with histological scores. The in
      vivo and in vitro datasets were used to compute a single efficacy predictor
      (E(predict)). RESULTS: We used in vivo data from one context (CCl(4) rats with
      drug treatments) to optimize the computation of E(predict). This optimized
      relationship was independently validated using in vivo data from two different
      contexts (treatment of DMN rats and prevention of CCl(4) induction). A linear in
      vitro-in vivo correlation was consistently observed in all the three contexts. We
      used E(predict) values to cluster drugs according to efficacy; and found that
      high-efficacy drugs tended to target proliferation, apoptosis and contractility
      of HSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The E(predict) statistic, based on a prioritized
      combination of in vitro features, provides a better correlation between in vitro
      and in vivo drug response than any of the traditional in vitro markers
      considered.

PMID- 22073153
TI  - A novel small molecule 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-alpha-D-glucopyranose mimics the
      antiplatelet actions of insulin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have shown that 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-alpha-D-glucopyranose
      (alpha-PGG), an orally effective hypoglycemic small molecule, binds to insulin
      receptors and activates insulin-mediated glucose transport. Insulin has been
      shown to bind to its receptors on platelets and inhibit platelet activation. In
      this study we tested our hypothesis that if insulin possesses anti-platelet
      properties then insulin mimetic small molecules should mimic antiplatelet actions
      of insulin. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Incubation of human platelets with insulin or
      alpha-PGG induced phosphorylation of insulin receptors and IRS-1 and blocked ADP
      or collagen induced aggregation. Pre-treatment of platelets with alpha-PGG
      inhibited thrombin-induced release of P-selectin, secretion of ATP and
      aggregation. Addition of ADP or thrombin to platelets significantly decreased the
      basal cyclic AMP levels. Pre-incubation of platelets with alpha-PGG blocked ADP
      or thrombin induced decrease in platelet cyclic AMP levels but did not alter the
      basal or PGE(1) induced increase in cAMP levels. Addition of alpha-PGG to
      platelets blocked agonist induced rise in platelet cytosolic calcium and
      phosphorylation of Akt. Administration of alpha-PGG (20 mg kg(-1)) to wild type
      mice blocked ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by ADP or collagen.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that alpha-PGG inhibits platelet activation, at
      least in part, by inducing phosphorylation of insulin receptors leading to
      inhibition of agonist induced: (a) decrease in cyclic AMP; (b) rise in cytosolic
      calcium; and (c) phosphorylation of Akt. These findings taken together with our
      earlier reports that alpha-PGG mimics insulin signaling suggest that inhibition
      of platelet activation by alpha-PGG mimics antiplatelet actions of insulin.

PMID- 22073155
TI  - Health centre surveys as a potential tool for monitoring malaria epidemiology by
      area and over time.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presently, many malaria control programmes use health facility data
      to evaluate the impact of their interventions. Facility-based malaria data,
      although useful, have problems with completeness, validity and representativeness
      and reliance on routinely collected health facility data might undermine
      demonstration of the magnitude of the impact of the recent scaleups of malaria
      interventions. To determine whether carefully conducted health centre surveys can
      be reliable means of monitoring area specific malaria epidemiology, we have
      compared malaria specific indices obtained from surveys in health centres with
      indices obtained from cross-sectional surveys conducted in their catchment
      communities. METHODS: A series of age stratified, seasonal, cross-sectional
      surveys were conducted during the peak malaria transmission season in 2008 and
      during the following dry season in 2009 in six ecologically diverse areas in The
      Gambia. Participants were patients who attended the health centres plus a
      representative sample from the catchment villages of these health facilities.
      Parasitaemia, anaemia, attributable proportion of fever and anti-MSP1-(19)
      antibody seroprevalence were compared in the health facility attendees and
      community participants. RESULTS: A total of 16,230 subjects completed the study;
      approximately half participated in the health centre surveys and half in the wet
      season surveys. Data from both the health centre and community surveys showed
      that malaria endemicity in The Gambia is now low, heterogeneous and seasonal. In
      the wet season, parasitaemia, seroprevalence and fever prevalence were higher in
      subjects seen in the health centres than in the community surveys. Age patterns
      of parasitaemia, attributable proportions of fever and seroprevalence rates were
      similar in subjects who participated in the community and health centre surveys.
      CONCLUSION: Health centre surveys have potential as a surveillance tool for
      evaluating area specific malaria control activities and for monitoring changes in
      local malaria epidemiology over time.

PMID- 22073154
TI  - Selenium and lung cancer: a systematic review and meta analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selenium is a natural health product widely used in the treatment and
      prevention of lung cancers, but large chemoprevention trials have yielded
      conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review of selenium for lung
      cancers, and assessed potential interactions with conventional therapies. METHODS
      AND FINDINGS: Two independent reviewers searched six databases from inception to
      March 2009 for evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of selenium for
      lung cancers. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched to October 2009 for evidence on
      interactions with chemo- or radiation-therapy. In the efficacy analysis there
      were nine reports of five RCTs and two biomarker-based studies, 29 reports of 26
      observational studies, and 41 preclinical studies. Fifteen human studies, one
      case report, and 36 preclinical studies were included in the interactions
      analysis. Based on available evidence, there appears to be a different
      chemopreventive effect dependent on baseline selenium status, such that selenium
      supplementation may reduce risk of lung cancers in populations with lower
      baseline selenium status (serum<106 ng/mL), but increase risk of lung cancers in
      those with higher selenium (>= 121.6 ng/mL). Pooling data from two trials yielded
      no impact to odds of lung cancer, OR 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.61-1.43);
      other cancers that were the primary endpoints of these trials, OR 1.51 (95%CI
      0.70-3.24); and all-cause-death, OR 0.93 (95%CI 0.79-1.10). In the treatment of
      lung cancers, selenium may reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and side
      effects associated with radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Selenium may be effective
      for lung cancer prevention among individuals with lower selenium status, but at
      present should not be used as a general strategy for lung cancer prevention.
      Although promising, more evidence on the ability of selenium to reduce cisplatin
      and radiation therapy toxicity is required to ensure that therapeutic efficacy is
      maintained before any broad clinical recommendations can be made in this context.

PMID- 22073156
TI  - Association of low level viremia with inflammation and mortality in HIV-infected
      adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether HIV viremia, particularly at low levels is associated with
      inflammation, increased coagulation, and all-cause mortality is unclear. METHODS:
      The associations of HIV RNA level with C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen,
      interleukin (IL)-6 and mortality were evaluated in 1116 HIV-infected participants
      from the Study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV infection. HIV
      RNA level was categorized as undetectable (i.e., "target not detected"), 1-19, 20
      399, 400-9999, and >= 10,000 copies/ml. Covariates included demographics,
      lifestyle, adipose tissue, and HIV-related factors. RESULTS: HIV RNA level had
      little association with CRP. Categories of HIV RNA below 10,000 copies/ml had
      similar levels of IL-6 compared with an undetectable HIV RNA level, while HIV RNA
      >= 10,000 copies/ml was associated with 89% higher IL-6 (p<0.001). This
      association was attenuated by ~50% after adjustment for CD4+ cell count. Higher
      HIV RNA was associated with higher fibrinogen. Compared to an undetectable HIV
      RNA level, fibrinogen was 0.6%, 1.9%, 4.5%, 4.6%, and 9.4% higher across HIV RNA
      categories, respectively, and statistically significant at the highest level (p =
      0.0002 for HIV RNA >= 10,000 copies/ml). Higher HIV RNA was associated with
      mortality during follow-up in unadjusted analysis, but showed little association
      after adjustment for CD4+ cell count and inflammation. CONCLUSION: HIV RNA >=
      10,000 copies/ml was associated with higher IL-6 and fibrinogen, but lower levels
      of viremia appeared similar, and there was little association with CRP. The
      relationship of HIV RNA with IL-6 was strongly affected by CD4 cell depletion.
      After adjustment for CD4+ cell count and inflammation, viremia did not appear to
      be substantially associated with mortality risk over 5 years.

PMID- 22073157
TI  - Empirical models of transitions between coral reef states: effects of region,
      protection, and environmental change.
AB  - There has been substantial recent change in coral reef communities. To date, most
      analyses have focussed on static patterns or changes in single variables such as
      coral cover. However, little is known about how community-level changes occur at
      large spatial scales. Here, we develop Markov models of annual changes in coral
      and macroalgal cover in the Caribbean and Great Barrier Reef (GBR) regions. We
      analyzed reef surveys from the Caribbean and GBR (1996-2006). We defined a set of
      reef states distinguished by coral and macroalgal cover, and obtained Bayesian
      estimates of the annual probabilities of transitions between these states. The
      Caribbean and GBR had different transition probabilities, and therefore different
      rates of change in reef condition. This could be due to differences in species
      composition, management or the nature and extent of disturbances between these
      regions. We then estimated equilibrium probability distributions for reef states,
      and coral and macroalgal cover under constant environmental conditions. In both
      regions, the current distributions are close to equilibrium. In the Caribbean,
      coral cover is much lower and macroalgal cover is higher at equilibrium than in
      the GBR. We found no evidence for differences in transition probabilities between
      the first and second halves of our survey period, or between Caribbean reefs
      inside and outside marine protected areas. However, our power to detect such
      differences may have been low. We also examined the effects of altering
      transition probabilities on the community state equilibrium, along a continuum
      from unfavourable (e.g., increased sea surface temperature) to favourable (e.g.,
      improved management) conditions. Both regions showed similar qualitative
      responses, but different patterns of uncertainty. In the Caribbean, uncertainty
      was greatest about effects of favourable changes, while in the GBR, we are most
      uncertain about effects of unfavourable changes. Our approach could be extended
      to provide risk analysis for management decisions.

PMID- 22073158
TI  - Multiple geographic origins of commensalism and complex dispersal history of
      Black Rats.
AB  - The Black Rat (Rattus rattus) spread out of Asia to become one of the world's
      worst agricultural and urban pests, and a reservoir or vector of numerous
      zoonotic diseases, including the devastating plague. Despite the global scale and
      inestimable cost of their impacts on both human livelihoods and natural
      ecosystems, little is known of the global genetic diversity of Black Rats, the
      timing and directions of their historical dispersals, and the risks associated
      with contemporary movements. We surveyed mitochondrial DNA of Black Rats
      collected across their global range as a first step towards obtaining an
      historical genetic perspective on this socioeconomically important group of
      rodents. We found a strong phylogeographic pattern with well-differentiated
      lineages of Black Rats native to South Asia, the Himalayan region, southern
      Indochina, and northern Indochina to East Asia, and a diversification that
      probably commenced in the early Middle Pleistocene. We also identified two other
      currently recognised species of Rattus as potential derivatives of a paraphyletic
      R. rattus. Three of the four phylogenetic lineage units within R. rattus show
      clear genetic signatures of major population expansion in prehistoric times, and
      the distribution of particular haplogroups mirrors archaeologically and
      historically documented patterns of human dispersal and trade. Commensalism
      clearly arose multiple times in R. rattus and in widely separated geographic
      regions, and this may account for apparent regionalism in their associated
      pathogens. Our findings represent an important step towards deeper understanding
      the complex and influential relationship that has developed between Black Rats
      and humans, and invite a thorough re-examination of host-pathogen associations
      among Black Rats.

PMID- 22073159
TI  - Impact of changing drug treatment and malaria endemicity on the heritability of
      malaria phenotypes in a longitudinal family-based cohort study.
AB  - Despite considerable success of genome wide association (GWA) studies in
      identifying causal variants for many human diseases, their success in unraveling
      the genetic basis to complex diseases has been more mitigated. Pathogen
      population structure may impact upon the infectious phenotype, especially with
      the intense short-term selective pressure that drug treatment exerts on
      pathogens. Rigorous analysis that accounts for repeated measures and disentangles
      the influence of genetic and environmental factors must be performed. Attempts
      should be made to consider whether pathogen diversity will impact upon host
      genetic responses to infection.We analyzed the heritability of two Plasmodium
      falciparum phenotypes, the number of clinical malaria episodes (PFA) and the
      proportion of these episodes positive for gametocytes (Pfgam), in a family-based
      cohort followed for 19 years, during which time there were four successive drug
      treatment regimes, with documented appearance of drug resistance. Repeated
      measures and variance components analyses were performed with fixed
      environmental, additive genetic, intra-individual and maternal effects for each
      drug period. Whilst there was a significant additive genetic effect underlying
      PFA during the first drug period of study, this was lost in subsequent periods.
      There was no additive genetic effect for Pfgam. The intra-individual effect
      increased significantly in the chloroquine period.The loss of an additive genetic
      effect following novel drug treatment may result in significant loss of power to
      detect genes in a GWA study. Prior genetic analysis must be a pre-requisite for
      more detailed GWA studies. The temporal changes in the individual genetic and the
      intra-individual estimates are consistent with those expected if there were
      specific host-parasite interactions. The complex basis to the human response to
      malaria parasite infection likely includes dominance/epistatic genetic effects
      encompassed within the intra-individual variance component. Evaluating their role
      in influencing the outcome of infection through host genotype by parasite
      genotype interactions warrants research effort.

PMID- 22073160
TI  - Evolutionary instability of symbiotic function in Bradyrhizobium japonicum.
AB  - Bacterial mutualists are often acquired from the environment by eukaryotic hosts.
      However, both theory and empirical work suggest that this bacterial lifestyle is
      evolutionarily unstable. Bacterial evolution outside of the host is predicted to
      favor traits that promote an independent lifestyle in the environment at a cost
      to symbiotic function. Consistent with these predictions, environmentally
      acquired bacterial mutualists often lose symbiotic function over evolutionary
      time. Here, we investigate the evolutionary erosion of symbiotic traits in
      Bradyrhizobium japonicum, a nodulating root symbiont of legumes. Building on a
      previous published phylogeny we infer loss events of nodulation capability in a
      natural population of Bradyrhizobium, potentially driven by mutation or deletion
      of symbiosis loci. Subsequently, we experimentally evolved representative strains
      from the symbiont population under host-free in vitro conditions to examine
      potential drivers of these loss events. Among Bradyrhizobium genotypes that
      evolved significant increases in fitness in vitro, two exhibited reduced
      symbiotic quality, but no experimentally evolved strain lost nodulation
      capability or evolved any fixed changes at six sequenced loci. Our results are
      consistent with trade-offs between symbiotic quality and fitness in a host free
      environment. However, the drivers of loss-of-nodulation events in natural
      Bradyrhizobium populations remain unknown.

PMID- 22073161
TI  - Autonomic modulation and health-related quality of life among schizophrenic
      patients treated with non-intensive case management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is associated with autonomic dysfunction and this may
      increase cardiovascular mortality. Past studies on autonomic modulation of
      schizophrenic patients focused on inpatients rather than individuals in a
      community setting, especially those receiving non-intensive case management (non
      ICM). Besides, autonomic modulation and its association with health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) in this population remain unexplored. METHODS: A total of
      25 schizophrenic patients treated by non-ICM and 40 healthy volunteers were
      matched by age, gender and body mass index; smokers were excluded. Between the
      two groups, we compared the individuals' 5 min resting assessments of heart rate
      variability and their HRQoL, which was measured using EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D).
      Patients with schizophrenia were assessed for psychopathology using the Positive
      and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS). We examined the
      relationship between heart rate variability measurements, HRQoL scores, PANSS
      scores, and other clinical variables among the schizophrenic patients treated by
      non-ICM. RESULTS: Compared to the controls, patients with schizophrenia showed a
      significant impairment of autonomic modulation and a worse HRQoL. Cardiovagal
      dysfunction among the schizophrenic patients could be predicted independently
      based on lower educational level and more negative symptoms. Sympathetic
      predominance was directly associated with anticholinergics use and EQ-5D using a
      visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). CONCLUSION: Patients with schizophrenia treated
      by non-ICM show a significant impairment of their autonomic function and HRQoL
      compared to the controls. Since the sympathovagal dysfunction is associated with
      more negative symptoms or higher VAS score, the treatment of the negative
      symptoms as well as the monitoring of HRQoL might help to manage cardiovascular
      risk among these individuals. In addition, EQ-VAS scores must be interpreted more
      cautiously in such a population.

PMID- 22073162
TI  - Xenon pretreatment may prevent early memory decline after isoflurane anesthesia
      and surgery in mice.
AB  - Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a common complication following
      surgery, but its aetiology remains unclear. We hypothesized that xenon
      pretreatment prevents POCD by suppressing the systemic inflammatory response or
      through an associated protective signaling pathway involving heat shock protein
      72 (Hsp72) and PI3-kinase. Twenty-four hours after establishing long-term memory
      using fear conditioning training, C57BL/6 adult male mice (n = 12/group) received
      one of the following treatments: 1) no treatment group (control); 2) 1.8%
      isoflurane anesthesia; 3) 70% xenon anesthesia; 4) 1.8% isoflurane anesthesia
      with surgery of the right hind leg tibia that was pinned and fractured; or 5)
      pretreatment with 70% xenon for 20 minutes followed immediately by 1.8%
      isoflurane anesthesia with the surgery described above. Assessments of
      hippocampal-dependent memory were performed on days 1 and 7 after treatment.
      Hsp72 and PI3-kinase in hippocampus, and plasma IL-1beta, were measured using
      western blotting and ELISA respectively, from different cohorts on day 1 after
      surgery. Isoflurane induced memory deficit after surgery was attenuated by xenon
      pretreatment. Xenon pretreatment prevented the memory deficit typically seen on
      day 1 (P = 0.04) but not on day 7 (P = 0.69) after surgery under isoflurane
      anesthesia, when compared with animals that underwent surgery without
      pretreatment. Xenon pretreatment modulated the expression of Hsp72 (P = 0.054)
      but had no significant effect on PI3-kinase (P = 0.54), when compared to control.
      Xenon pretreatment also reduced the plasma level increase of IL-1beta induced by
      surgery (P = 0.028). Our data indicated that surgery and/or Isoflurane induced
      memory deficit was attenuated by xenon pretreatment. This was associated with a
      reduction in the plasma level of IL-1beta and an upregulation of Hsp72 in the
      hippocampus.

PMID- 22073163
TI  - Designer TGFbeta superfamily ligands with diversified functionality.
AB  - Transforming Growth Factor--beta (TGFbeta) superfamily ligands, including
      Activins, Growth and Differentiation Factors (GDFs), and Bone Morphogenetic
      Proteins (BMPs), are excellent targets for protein-based therapeutics because of
      their pervasiveness in numerous developmental and cellular processes. We
      developed a strategy termed RASCH (Random Assembly of Segmental Chimera and
      Heteromer), to engineer chemically-refoldable TGFbeta superfamily ligands with
      unique signaling properties. One of these engineered ligands, AB208, created from
      Activin-betaA and BMP-2 sequences, exhibits the refolding characteristics of BMP
      2 while possessing Activin-like signaling attributes. Further, we find several
      additional ligands, AB204, AB211, and AB215, which initiate the intracellular
      Smad1-mediated signaling pathways more strongly than BMP-2 but show no
      sensitivity to the natural BMP antagonist Noggin unlike natural BMP-2. In another
      design, incorporation of a short N-terminal segment from BMP-2 was sufficient to
      enable chemical refolding of BMP-9, without which was never produced nor
      refolded. Our studies show that the RASCH strategy enables us to expand the
      functional repertoire of TGFbeta superfamily ligands through development of novel
      chimeric TGFbeta ligands with diverse biological and clinical values.

PMID- 22073164
TI  - Acute overactive endocannabinoid signaling induces glucose intolerance, hepatic
      steatosis, and novel cannabinoid receptor 1 responsive genes.
AB  - Endocannabinoids regulate energy balance and lipid metabolism by stimulating the
      cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). Genetic deletion and pharmacological
      antagonism have shown that CB1 signaling is necessary for the development of
      obesity and related metabolic disturbances. However, the sufficiency of
      endogenously produced endocannabinoids to cause hepatic lipid accumulation and
      insulin resistance, independent of food intake, has not been demonstrated. Here,
      we show that a single administration of isopropyl dodecylfluorophosphonate
      (IDFP), perhaps the most potent pharmacological inhibitor of endocannabinoid
      degradation, increases hepatic triglycerides (TG) and induces insulin resistance
      in mice. These effects involve increased CB1 signaling, as they are mitigated by
      pre-administration of a CB1 antagonist (AM251) and in CB1 knockout mice. Despite
      the strong physiological effects of CB1 on hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism,
      little is known about the downstream targets responsible for these effects. To
      elucidate transcriptional targets of CB1 signaling, we performed microarrays on
      hepatic RNA isolated from DMSO (control), IDFP and AM251/IDFP-treated mice. The
      gene for the secreted glycoprotein lipocalin 2 (lcn2), which has been implicated
      in obesity and insulin resistance, was among those most responsive to alterations
      in CB1 signaling. The expression pattern of IDFP mice segregated from DMSO mice
      in hierarchal cluster analysis and AM251 pre-administration reduced (>50%) the
      majority (303 of 533) of the IDFP induced alterations. Pathway analysis revealed
      that IDFP altered expression of genes involved in lipid, fatty acid and steroid
      metabolism, the acute phase response, and amino acid metabolism in a CB1
      dependent manner. PCR confirmed array results of key target genes in multiple
      independent experiments. Overall, we show that acute IDFP treatment induces
      hepatic TG accumulation and insulin resistance, at least in part through the CB1
      receptor, and identify novel cannabinoid responsive genes.

PMID- 22073165
TI  - The ghosts in the computer: the role of agency and animacy attributions in "ghost
      controls".
AB  - Three studies evaluated the role of 4-year-old children's agency- and animacy
      attributions when learning from a computerized ghost control (GC). In GCs,
      participants observe events occurring without an apparent agent, as if executed
      by a "ghost" or unobserved causal forces. Using a touch-screen, children in
      Experiment 1 responded to three pictures in a specific order under three learning
      conditions: (i) trial-and-error (Baseline), (ii) imitation and (iii) Ghost
      Control. Before testing in the GC, children were read one of three scripts that
      determined agency attributions. Post-test assessments confirmed that all children
      attributed agency to the computer and learned in all GCs. In Experiment 2,
      children were not trained on the computer prior to testing, and no scripts were
      used. Three different GCs, varying in number of agency cues, were used. Children
      failed to learn in these GCs, yet attributed agency and animacy to the computer.
      Experiment 3 evaluated whether children could learn from a human model in the
      absence of training under conditions where the information presented by the model
      and the computer was either consistent or inconsistent. Children evidenced
      learning in both of these conditions. Overall, learning in social conditions
      (Exp. 3) was significantly better than learning in GCs (Exp. 2). These results,
      together with other published research, suggest that children privilege social
      over non-social sources of information and are generally more adept at learning
      novel tasks from a human than from a computer or GC.

PMID- 22073166
TI  - Differential requirement for the CD45 splicing regulator hnRNPLL for accumulation
      of NKT and conventional T cells.
AB  - Natural killer T (NKT) cells represent an important regulatory T cell subset that
      develops in the thymus and contains immature (NK1.1(lo)) and mature (NK1.1(hi))
      cell subsets. Here we show in mice that an inherited mutation in heterogeneous
      ribonucleoprotein L-like protein (hnRNPLL(thunder)), that shortens the survival
      of conventional T cells, has no discernible effect on NKT cell development,
      homeostasis or effector function. Thus, Hnrpll deficiency effectively increases
      the NKT?T cell ratio in the periphery. However, Hnrpll mutation disrupts CD45RA,
      RB and RC exon silencing of the Ptprc mRNA in both NKT and conventional T cells,
      and leads to a comparably dramatic shift to high molecular weight CD45 isoforms.
      In addition, Hnrpll mutation has a cell intrinsic effect on the expression of the
      developmentally regulated cell surface marker NK1.1 on NKT cells in the thymus
      and periphery but does not affect cell numbers. Therefore our results highlight
      both overlapping and divergent roles for hnRNPLL between conventional T cells and
      NKT cells. In both cell subsets it is required as a trans-acting factor to
      regulate alternative splicing of the Ptprc mRNA, but it is only required for
      survival of conventional T cells.

PMID- 22073167
TI  - Computation emerges from adaptive synchronization of networking neurons.
AB  - The activity of networking neurons is largely characterized by the alternation of
      synchronous and asynchronous spiking sequences. One of the most relevant
      challenges that scientists are facing today is, then, relating that evidence with
      the fundamental mechanisms through which the brain computes and processes
      information, as well as with the arousal (or progress) of a number of
      neurological illnesses. In other words, the problem is how to associate an
      organized dynamics of interacting neural assemblies to a computational task. Here
      we show that computation can be seen as a feature emerging from the collective
      dynamics of an ensemble of networking neurons, which interact by means of
      adaptive dynamical connections. Namely, by associating logical states to
      synchronous neuron's dynamics, we show how the usual Boolean logics can be fully
      recovered, and a universal Turing machine can be constructed. Furthermore, we
      show that, besides the static binary gates, a wider class of logical operations
      can be efficiently constructed as the fundamental computational elements interact
      within an adaptive network, each operation being represented by a specific motif.
      Our approach qualitatively differs from the past attempts to encode information
      and compute with complex systems, where computation was instead the consequence
      of the application of control loops enforcing a desired state into the specific
      system's dynamics. Being the result of an emergent process, the computation
      mechanism here described is not limited to a binary Boolean logic, but it can
      involve a much larger number of states. As such, our results can enlighten new
      concepts for the understanding of the real computing processes taking place in
      the brain.

PMID- 22073168
TI  - "Price-quakes" shaking the world's stock exchanges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic risk has received much more awareness after the excessive
      risk taking by major financial instituations pushed the world's financial system
      into what many considered a state of near systemic failure in 2008. The IMF for
      example in its yearly 2009 Global Financial Stability Report acknowledged the
      lack of proper tools and research on the topic. Understanding how disruptions can
      propagate across financial markets is therefore of utmost importance.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, we use empirical data to show that the
      world's markets have a non-linear threshold response to events, consistent with
      the hypothesis that traders exhibit change blindness. Change blindness is the
      tendency of humans to ignore small changes and to react disproportionately to
      large events. As we show, this may be responsible for generating cascading events
      -pricequakes--in the world's markets. We propose a network model of the world's
      stock exchanges that predicts how an individual stock exchange should be priced
      in terms of the performance of the global market of exchanges, but with change
      blindness included in the pricing. The model has a direct correspondence to
      models of earth tectonic plate movements developed in physics to describe the
      slip-stick movement of blocks linked via spring forces. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      We have shown how the price dynamics of the world's stock exchanges follows a
      dynamics of build-up and release of stress, similar to earthquakes. The nonlinear
      response allows us to classify price movements of a given stock index as either
      being generated internally, due to specific economic news for the country in
      question, or externally, by the ensemble of the world's stock exchanges reacting
      together like a complex system. The model may provide new insight into the
      origins and thereby also prevent systemic risks in the global financial network.

PMID- 22073169
TI  - Divergent changes in plant community composition under 3-decade grazing exclusion
      in continental steppe.
AB  - An understanding of the factors controlling plant community composition will
      allow improved prediction of the responses of plant communities to natural and
      anthropogenic environmental change. Using monitoring data from 1980 to 2009, we
      quantified the changes in community composition in Leymus chinensis and Stipa
      grandis dominated grasslands in Inner Mongolia under long-term grazing-exclusion
      and free-grazing conditions, respectively. We demonstrated that the practice of
      long-term grazing exclusion has significant effects on the heterogeneity, the
      dominant species, and the community composition in the two grasslands. The
      community composition of L. chinensis and S. grandis grasslands exhibited
      directional changes with time under long-term grazing exclusion. Under free
      grazing, the L. chinensis community changed directionally with time, but the
      pattern of change was stochastic in the S. grandis community. We attributed the
      divergent responses to long-term grazing exclusion in the S. grandis and L.
      chinensis grasslands to litter accumulation and changes in the microenvironment
      after grazing exclusion, which collectively altered the growth and regeneration
      of the dominant species. The changes in the grazed grasslands were primarily
      determined by the selective feeding of sheep during long-term heavy grazing.
      Overall, the responses of the community composition of the Inner Mongolian
      grasslands to long-term grazing exclusion and heavy grazing were divergent, and
      depended primarily on the grassland type. Our findings provide new insights into
      the role of grazing in the maintenance of community structure and function and
      therefore have important implications for grassland management.

PMID- 22073170
TI  - An essential farnesylated kinesin in Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - Kinesins are a family of motor proteins conserved throughout eukaryotes. In our
      present study we characterize a novel kinesin, Kinesin(CaaX), orthologs of which
      are only found in the kinetoplastids and not other eukaryotes. Kinesin(CaaX) has
      the CVIM amino acids at the C-terminus, and CVIM was previously shown to be an
      ideal signal for protein farnesylation in T. brucei. In this study we show
      Kinesin(CaaX) is farnesylated using radiolabeling studies and that farnesylation
      is dependent on the CVIM motif. Using RNA interference, we show Kinesin(CaaX) is
      essential for T. brucei proliferation. Additionally RNAi Kinesin(CaaX) depleted
      T. brucei are 4 fold more sensitive to the protein farneysltransferase (PFT)
      inhibitor LN-59, suggesting that Kinesin(CaaX) is a target of PFT inhibitors'
      action to block proliferation of T. brucei. Using tetracycline-induced exogenous
      tagged Kinesin(CaaX) and Kinesin(CVIMdeletion) (non-farnesylated Kinesin)
      expression lines in T. brucei, we demonstrate Kinesin(CaaX) is farnesylated in T.
      brucei cells and this farnesylation has functional effects. In cells expressing a
      CaaX-deleted version of Kinesin, the localization is more diffuse which suggests
      correct localization depends on farnesylation. Through our investigation of cell
      cycle, nucleus and kinetoplast quantitation and immunofluorescence assays an
      important role is suggested for Kinesin(CaaX) in the separation of nuclei and
      kinetoplasts during and after they have been replicated. Taken together, our work
      suggests Kinesin(CaaX) is a target of PFT inhibition of T. brucei cell
      proliferation and Kinesin(CaaX) functions through both the motor and farnesyl
      groups.

PMID- 22073171
TI  - Phenotypic pattern-based assay for dynamically monitoring host cellular responses
      to Salmonella infections.
AB  - The interaction between mammalian host cells and bacteria is a dynamic process,
      and the underlying pathologic mechanisms are poorly characterized. Limited
      information describing the host-bacterial interaction is based mainly on studies
      using label-based endpoint assays that detect changes in cell behavior at a given
      time point, yielding incomplete information. In this paper, a novel, label-free,
      real-time cell-detection system based on electronic impedance sensor technology
      was adapted to dynamically monitor the entire process of intestinal epithelial
      cells response to Salmonella infection. Changes in cell morphology and attachment
      were quantitatively and continuously recorded following infection. The resulting
      impedance-based time-dependent cell response profiles (TCRPs) were compared to
      standard assays and showed good correlation and sensitivity. Biochemical assays
      further suggested that TCRPs were correlated with cytoskeleton-associated
      morphological dynamics, which can be largely attenuated by inhibitions of actin
      and microtubule polymerization. Collectively, our data indicate that cell
      electrode impedance measurements not only provide a novel, real-time, label-free
      method for investigating bacterial infection but also help advance our
      understanding of host responses in a more physiological and continuous manner
      that is beyond the scope of current endpoint assays.

PMID- 22073172
TI  - Differences among major taxa in the extent of ecological knowledge across four
      major ecosystems.
AB  - Existing knowledge shapes our understanding of ecosystems and is critical for
      ecosystem-based management of the world's natural resources. Typically this
      knowledge is biased among taxa, with some taxa far better studied than others,
      but the extent of this bias is poorly known. In conjunction with the publically
      available World Registry of Marine Species database (WoRMS) and one of the
      world's premier electronic scientific literature databases (Web of Science(r)), a
      text mining approach is used to examine the distribution of existing ecological
      knowledge among taxa in coral reef, mangrove, seagrass and kelp bed ecosystems.
      We found that for each of these ecosystems, most research has been limited to a
      few groups of organisms. While this bias clearly reflects the perceived
      importance of some taxa as commercially or ecologically valuable, the relative
      lack of research of other taxonomic groups highlights the problem that some key
      taxa and associated ecosystem processes they affect may be poorly understood or
      completely ignored. The approach outlined here could be applied to any type of
      ecosystem for analyzing previous research effort and identifying knowledge gaps
      in order to improve ecosystem-based conservation and management.

PMID- 22073173
TI  - Multiple phenotypes resulting from a mutagenesis screen for pharynx muscle
      mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - We describe a novel screen to isolate pharyngeal cell morphology mutants in
      Caenorhabditis elegans using myo-2::GFP to rapidly identify abnormally shaped
      pharynxes in EMS (Ethyl Methanesulfonate) mutagenized worms. We observed over 83
      C. elegans lines with distinctive pharyngeal phenotypes in worms surviving to the
      L1 larval stage, with phenotypes ranging from short pharynx, unattached pharynx,
      missing cells, asymmetric morphology, and non-adherent pharynx cells. Thirteen of
      these mutations have been chromosomally mapped using Single Nucleotide
      Polymorphisms (SNPs) and deficiency strain complementation. Our studies have
      focused on genetically mapping and functionally testing two phenotypes, the short
      pharynx and the loss of muscle cohesion phenotypes. We have also identified new
      alleles of sma-1, and our screen suggests many genes directing pharynx assembly
      and structure may be either pharynx specific or less critical in other tissues.

PMID- 22073174
TI  - Marital status and mortality among middle age and elderly men and women in urban
      Shanghai.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that marital status is associated
      with mortality, but few studies have been conducted in China where increasing
      aging population and divorce rates may have major impact on health and total
      mortality. METHODS: We examined the association of marital status with mortality
      using data from the Shanghai Women's Health Study (1996-2009) and Shanghai Men's
      Health Study (2002-2009), two population-based cohort studies of 74,942 women
      aged 40-70 years and 61,500 men aged 40-74 years at the study enrollment. Deaths
      were identified by biennial home visits and record linkage with the vital
      statistics registry. Marital status was categorized as married, never married,
      divorced, widowed, and all unmarried categories combined. Cox regression models
      were used to derive hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS:
      Unmarried and widowed women had an increased all-cause HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03,
      1.21 and HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.20 respectively) and cancer (HR = 1.17, 95%
      CI: 1.04, 1.32 and HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.34 respectively) mortality. Never
      married women had excess all-cause mortality (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.09).
      Divorce was associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in
      women (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.13) and elevated all-cause mortality (HR =
      2.45, 95% CI: 1.55, 3.86) in men. Amongst men, not being married was associated
      with excess all-cause (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.88) and CVD (HR = 1.65, 95% CI:
      1.07, 2.54) mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Marriage is associated with decreased all
      cause mortality and CVD mortality, in particular, among both Chinese men and
      women.

PMID- 22073175
TI  - Vaginal microbiome and epithelial gene array in post-menopausal women with
      moderate to severe dryness.
AB  - After menopause, many women experience vaginal dryness and atrophy of tissue,
      often attributed to the loss of estrogen. An understudied aspect of vaginal
      health in women who experience dryness due to atrophy is the role of the resident
      microbes. It is known that the microbiota has an important role in healthy
      vaginal homeostasis, including maintaining the pH balance and excluding
      pathogens. The objectives of this study were twofold: first to identify the
      microbiome of post-menopausal women with and without vaginal dryness and symptoms
      of atrophy; and secondly to examine any differences in epithelial gene expression
      associated with atrophy. The vaginal microbiome of 32 post-menopausal women was
      profiled using Illumina sequencing of the V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Sixteen
      subjects were selected for follow-up sampling every two weeks for 10 weeks. In
      addition, 10 epithelial RNA samples (6 healthy and 4 experiencing vaginal
      dryness) were acquired for gene expression analysis by Affymetrix Human Gene
      array. The microbiota abundance profiles were relatively stable over 10 weeks
      compared to previously published data on premenopausal women. There was an
      inverse correlation between Lactobacillus ratio and dryness and an increased
      bacterial diversity in women experiencing moderate to severe vaginal dryness. In
      healthy participants, Lactobacillus iners and L. crispatus were generally the
      most abundant, countering the long-held view that lactobacilli are absent or
      depleted in menopause. Vaginal dryness and atrophy were associated with down
      regulation of human genes involved in maintenance of epithelial structure and
      barrier function, while those associated with inflammation were up-regulated
      consistent with the adverse clinical presentation.

PMID- 22073176
TI  - Transcriptional profiling of protein expression related genes of Pichia pastoris
      under simulated microgravity.
AB  - The physiological responses and transcription profiling of Pichia pastoris GS115
      to simulated microgravity (SMG) were substantially changed compared with normal
      gravity (NG) control. We previously reported that the recombinant P. pastoris
      grew faster under SMG than NG during methanol induction phase and the
      efficiencies of recombinant enzyme production and secretion were enhanced under
      SMG, which was considered as the consequence of changed transcriptional levels of
      some key genes. In this work, transcriptiome profiling of P. pastoris cultured
      under SMG and NG conditions at exponential and stationary phases were determined
      using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Four categories of 141 genes
      function as methanol utilization, protein chaperone, RNA polymerase and protein
      transportation or secretion classified according to Gene Ontology (GO) were
      chosen to be analyzed on the basis of NGS results. And 80 significantly changed
      genes were weighted and estimated by Cluster 3.0. It was found that most genes of
      methanol metabolism (85% of 20 genes) and protein transportation or secretion
      (82.2% of 45 genes) were significantly up-regulated under SMG. Furthermore the
      quantity and fold change of up-regulated genes in exponential phase of each
      category were higher than those of stationary phase. The results indicate that
      the up-regulated genes of methanol metabolism and protein transportation or
      secretion mainly contribute to enhanced production and secretion of the
      recombinant protein under SMG.

PMID- 22073177
TI  - A novel dimer-tetramer transition captured by the crystal structure of the HIV-1
      Nef.
AB  - HIV-1 Nef modulates disease progression through interactions with over 30 host
      proteins. Individual chains fold into membrane-interacting N-terminal and C
      terminal core (Nef(core)) domains respectively. Nef exists as small oligomers
      near membranes and associates into higher oligomers such as tetramers or
      hexadecamers in the cytoplasm. Earlier structures of the Nef(core) in apo and
      complexed forms with the Fyn-kinase SH3 domain revealed dimeric association
      details and the role of the conserved PXXP recognition motif (residues 72-78) of
      Nef in SH3-domain interactions. The crystal structure of the tetrameric Nef
      reported here corresponds to the elusive cytoplasmic stage. Comparative analyses
      show that subunits of Nef(core) dimers (open conformation) swing out with a
      relative displacement of ~22 A and rotation of ~174 degrees  to form the 'closed'
      tetrameric structure. The changes to the association are around Asp125, a
      conserved residue important for viral replication and the important XR motif
      (residues 107-108). The tetramer associates through C4 symmetry instead of the
      222 symmetry expected when two dimers associate together. This novel dimer
      tetramer transition agrees with earlier solution studies including small angle X
      ray scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic laser light scattering
      and our glutaraldehyde cross-linking experiments. Comparisons with the Nef(core)-
      Fyn-SH3 domain complexes reveal that the PXXP motif that interacts with the SH3
      domain in the dimeric form is sterically occluded in the tetramer. However the
      151-180 loop that is distal to the PXXP motif and contains several protein
      interaction motifs remains accessible. The results suggest how changes to the
      oligomeric state of Nef can help it distinguish between protein partners.

PMID- 22073178
TI  - Characterization of intrinsically disordered prostate associated gene (PAGE5) at
      single residue resolution by NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Cancer-Testis antigens (CTA) are proteins expressed in human germ
      line and certain cancer cells. CTAs form a large gene family, representing 10% of
      X-chromosomal genes. They have high potential for cancer-specific immunotherapy.
      However, their biological functions are currently unknown. Prostate associated
      genes (PAGE) are characterized as CTAs. PAGE5 is one of six proteins belonging to
      this protein family, also called CT16. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this
      study we show, using bioinformatics, chromatographic and solution state NMR
      spectroscopic methods, that PAGE5 is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP).
      CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The study stands out as the first time structural
      characterization of the PAGE family protein and introduces how solution state NMR
      spectroscopy can be effectively utilized for identification of molecular
      recognition regions (MoRF) in IDPs, known often as transiently populated
      secondary structures.

PMID- 22073179
TI  - Interleukin-1 as an injury signal mobilizes retinyl esters in hepatic stellate
      cells through down regulation of lecithin retinol acyltransferase.
AB  - Retinoids are mostly stored as retinyl esters in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)
      through esterification of retinol and fatty acid, catalyzed by lecithin-retinol
      acyltransferase (LRAT). This study is designated to address how retinyl esters
      are mobilized in liver injury for tissue repair and wound healing. Initially, we
      speculated that acute inflammatory cytokines may act as injury signal to mobilize
      retinyl esters by down-regulation of LRAT in HSCs. By examining a panel of
      cytokines we found interleukin-1 (IL-1) can potently down-regulate mRNA and
      protein levels of LRAT, resulting in mobilization of retinyl esters in primary
      rat HSCs. To simulate the microenvironment in the space of Disse, HSCs were
      embedded in three-dimensional extracellular matrix, by which HSCs retaine
      quiescent phenotypes, indicated by up-regulation of LRAT and accumulation of
      lipid droplets. Upon IL-1 stimulation, LRAT expression went down together with
      mobilization of lipid droplets. Secreted factors from Kupffer cells were able to
      suppress LRAT expression in HSCs, which was neutralized by IL-1 receptor
      antagonist. To explore the underlying mechanism we noted that the stability of
      LRAT protein is not significantly regulated by IL-1, indicating the regulation is
      likely at transcriptional level. Indeed, we found that IL-1 failed to down
      regulate recombinant LRAT protein expressed in HSCs by adenovirus, while
      transcription of endogenous LRAT was promptly decreased. Following liver damage,
      IL-1 was promptly elevated in a close pace with down-regulation of LRAT
      transcription, implying their causative relationship. After administration of IL
      1, retinyl ester levels in the liver, as measured by LC/MS/MS, decreased in
      association with down-regulation of LRAT. Likewise, IL-1 receptor knockout mice
      were protected from injury-induced down-regulation of LRAT. In summary, we
      identified IL-1 as an injury signal to mobilize retinyl ester in HSCs through
      down-regulation of LRAT, implying a mechanism governing transition from hepatic
      injury to wound healing.

PMID- 22073180
TI  - Rapid evolution of the mitochondrial genome in Chalcidoid wasps (Hymenoptera:
      Chalcidoidea) driven by parasitic lifestyles.
AB  - Among the Chalcidoids, hymenopteran parasitic wasps that have diversified
      lifestyles, a partial mitochondrial genome has been reported only from Nasonia.
      This genome had many unusual features, especially a dramatic reorganization and a
      high rate of evolution. Comparisons based on more mitochondrial genomic data from
      the same superfamily were required to reveal weather these unusual features are
      peculiar to Nasonia or not. In the present study, we sequenced the nearly
      complete mitochondrial genomes from the species Philotrypesis. pilosa and
      Philotrypesis sp., both of which were associated with Ficus hispida. The acquired
      data included all of the protein-coding genes, rRNAs, and most of the tRNAs, and
      in P. pilosa the control region. High levels of nucleotide divergence separated
      the two species. A comparison of all available hymenopteran mitochondrial genomes
      (including a submitted partial genome from Ceratosolen solmsi) revealed that the
      Chalcidoids had dramatic mitochondrial gene rearrangments, involved not only the
      tRNAs, but also several protein-coding genes. The AT-rich control region was
      translocated and inverted in Philotrypesis. The mitochondrial genomes also
      exhibited rapid rates of evolution involving elevated nonsynonymous mutations.

PMID- 22073181
TI  - A numerical analysis model for interpretation of flow cytometric studies of ex
      vivo phagocytosis.
AB  - The study of ex vivo phagocytosis via flow cytometry requires that one
      distinguish experimentally between uptake and adsorption of fluorescently labeled
      targets by phagocytes. Removal of the latter quantity from the analysis is the
      most common means of analyzing such data. Because the probability of phagocytosis
      is a function of the probability of adsorption, and because partially quenched
      fluorescence after uptake often overlaps with that of negative controls, this
      approach is suboptimal at best. Here, we describe a numerical analysis model
      which overcomes these limitations. We posit that the random adsorption of targets
      to macrophages, and subsequent phagocytosis, is a function of three parameters:
      the ratio of targets to macrophages (m), the mean fluorescence intensity imparted
      to the phagocyte by the internalized target (alpha), and the probability of
      phagocytosis per adsorbed target (p). The potential values of these parameters
      define a parameter space and their values at any point in parameter space can be
      used to predict the fraction of adsorption(+) and [adsorption(-),
      phagocytosis(+)] cells that might be observed experimentally. By systematically
      evaluating the points in parameter space for the latter two values and comparing
      them to experimental data, the model arrives at sets of parameter values that
      optimally predict such data. Using activated THP-1 cells as macrophages and
      platelets as targets, we validate the model by demonstrating that it can
      distinguish between the effects of experimental changes in m, alpha, and p.
      Finally, we use the model to demonstrate that platelets from a congenitally
      thrombocytopenic WAS patient show an increased probability of ex vivo
      phagocytosis. This finding correlates with other evidence that rapid in vivo
      platelet consumption contributes significantly to the thrombocytopenia of WAS.
      Our numerical analysis method represents a useful and innovative approach to
      multivariate analysis.

PMID- 22073182
TI  - Operational challenges in diagnosing multi-drug resistant TB and initiating
      treatment in Andhra Pradesh, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), Andhra Pradesh, India.
      There is limited information on whether MDR-TB suspects are identified, undergo
      diagnostic assessment and are initiated on treatment according to the programme
      guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To assess i) using the programme definition, the number
      and proportion of MDR-TB suspects in a large cohort of TB patients on first-line
      treatment under RNTCP ii) the proportion of these MDR-TB suspects who underwent
      diagnosis for MDR-TB and iii) the number and proportion of those diagnosed as MDR
      TB who were successfully initiated on treatment. METHODS: A retrospective cohort
      analysis, by reviewing RNTCP records and reports, was conducted in four districts
      of Andhra Pradesh, India, among patients registered for first line treatment
      during October 2008 to December 2009. RESULTS: Among 23,999 TB patients
      registered for treatment there were 559 (2%) MDR-TB suspects (according to
      programme definition) of which 307 (55%) underwent diagnosis and amongst these
      169 (55%) were found to be MDR-TB. Of the MDR-TB patients, 112 (66%) were
      successfully initiated on treatment. Amongst those eligible for MDR-TB services,
      significant proportions are lost during the diagnostic and treatment initiation
      pathway due to a variety of operational challenges. The programme needs to
      urgently address these challenges for effective delivery and utilisation of the
      MDR-TB services.

PMID- 22073183
TI  - Visualization of painful experiences believed to trigger the activation of
      affective and emotional brain regions in subjects with low back pain.
AB  - In the management of clinical low back pain (LBP), actual damage to lower back
      areas such as muscles, intervertebral discs etc. are normally targeted for
      therapy. However, LBP may involve not only sensory pain, but also underlying
      affective pain which may also play an important role overall in painful events.
      Therefore we hypothesized that visualization of a painful event may trigger
      painful memories, thus provoking the affective dimension of pain. The present
      study investigated neural correlates of affect processing in subjects with LBP (n
      = 11) and subjects without LBP (n = 11) through the use of virtual LBP stimuli.
      Whole brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for all
      subjects while they were shown a picture of a man carrying luggage in a half
      crouching position. All subjects with LBP reported experiencing discomfort and 7
      LBP subjects reported experiencing pain. In contrast to subjects without LBP,
      subjects with LBP displayed activation of the cortical area related to pain and
      emotions: the insula, supplementary motor area, premotor area, thalamus,
      pulvinar, posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, fusiform, gyrus, and
      cerebellum. These results suggest that the virtual LBP stimuli caused memory
      retrieval of unpleasant experiences and therefore may be associated with
      prolonged chronic LBP conditions.

PMID- 22073184
TI  - PLGA, PLGA-TMC and TMC-TPP nanoparticles differentially modulate the outcome of
      nasal vaccination by inducing tolerance or enhancing humoral immunity.
AB  - Development of vaccines in autoimmune diseases has received wide attention over
      the last decade. However, many vaccines showed limited clinical efficacy. To
      enhance vaccine efficacy in infectious diseases, biocompatible and biodegradable
      polymeric nanoparticles have gained interest as antigen delivery systems. We
      investigated in mice whether antigen-encapsulated PLGA (poly-lactic-co-glycolic
      acid), PLGA-TMC (N-trimethyl chitosan) or TMC-TPP (tri-polyphosphate)
      nanoparticles can also be used to modulate the immunological outcome after nasal
      vaccination. These three nanoparticles enhanced the antigen presentation by
      dendritic cells, as shown by increased in vitro and in vivo CD4(+) T-cell
      proliferation. However, only nasal PLGA nanoparticles were found to induce an
      immunoregulatory response as shown by enhanced Foxp3 expression in the
      nasopharynx associated lymphoid tissue and cervical lymph nodes. Nasal
      administration of OVA-containing PLGA particle resulted in functional suppression
      of an OVA-specific Th-1 mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, while
      TMC-TPP nanoparticles induced humoral immunity, which coincided with the enhanced
      generation of OVA-specific B-cells in the cervical lymph nodes. Intranasal
      treatment with Hsp70-mB29a peptide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles suppressed
      proteoglycan-induced arthritis, leading to a significant reduction of disease. We
      have uncovered a role for PLGA nanoparticles to enhance CD4(+) T-cell mediated
      immunomodulation after nasal application. The exploitation of this differential
      regulation of nanoparticles to modulate nasal immune responses can lead to
      innovative vaccine development for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination in
      infectious or autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22073185
TI  - Estimating gene flow between refuges and crops: a case study of the biological
      control of Eriosoma lanigerum by Aphelinus mali in apple orchards.
AB  - Parasitoid disturbance populations in agroecosystems can be maintained through
      the provision of habitat refuges with host resources. However, specialized
      herbivores that feed on different host plants have been shown to form host
      specialized races. Parasitoids may subsequently specialize on these herbivore
      host races and therefore prefer parasitizing insects from the refuge, avoiding
      foraging on the crop. Evidence is therefore required that parasitoids are able to
      move between the refuge and the crop and that the refuge is a source of
      parasitoids, without being an important source of herbivore pests. A North-South
      transect trough the Chilean Central Valley was sampled, including apple orchards
      and surrounding Pyracantha coccinea (M. Roem) (Rosales: Rosacea) hedges that were
      host of Eriosoma lanigerum (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a globally important aphid
      pest of cultivated apples. At each orchard, aphid colonies were collected and
      taken back to the laboratory to sample the emerging hymenopteran parasitoid
      Aphelinus mali (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Aphid and parasitoid individuals were
      genotyped using species-specific microsatellite loci and genetic variability was
      assessed. By studying genetic variation, natural geographic barriers of the aphid
      pest became evident and some evidence for incipient host-plant specialization was
      found. However, this had no effect on the population-genetic features of its most
      important parasitoid. In conclusion, the lack of genetic differentiation among
      the parasitoids suggests the existence of a single large and panmictic
      population, which could parasite aphids on apple orchards and on P. coccinea
      hedges. The latter could thus comprise a suitable and putative refuge for
      parasitoids, which could be used to increase the effectiveness of biological
      control. Moreover, the strong geographical differentiation of the aphid suggests
      local reinfestations occur mainly from other apple orchards with only low
      reinfestation from P. cocinnea hedges. Finally, we propose that the putative
      refuge could act as a source of parasitoids without being a major source of
      aphids.

PMID- 22073186
TI  - Archaeological soybean (Glycine max) in East Asia: does size matter?
AB  - The recently acquired archaeological record for soybean from Japan, China and
      Korea is shedding light on the context in which this important economic plant
      became associated with people and was domesticated. This paper examines
      archaeological (charred) soybean seed size variation to determine what insight
      can be gained from a comprehensive comparison of 949 specimens from 22 sites.
      Seed length alone appears to represent seed size change through time, although
      the length * width * thickness product has the potential to provide better size
      change resolution. A widespread early association of small seeded soybean is as
      old as 9000-8600 cal BP in northern China and 7000 cal BP in Japan. Direct AMS
      radiocarbon dates on charred soybean seeds indicate selection resulted in large
      seed sizes in Japan by 5000 cal BP (Middle Jomon) and in Korea by 3000 cal BP
      (Early Mumun). Soybean seeds recovered in China from the Shang through Han
      periods are similar in length to the large Korean and Japanese specimens, but the
      overall size of the large Middle and Late Jomon, Early Mumun through Three
      Kingdom seeds is significantly larger than any of the Chinese specimens. The
      archaeological record appears to disconfirm the hypothesis of a single
      domestication of soybean and supports the view informed by recent phyologenetic
      research that soybean was domesticated in several locations in East Asia.

PMID- 22073187
TI  - Context mediates antimicrobial efficacy of kinocidin congener peptide RP-1.
AB  - Structure-mechanism relationships are key determinants of host defense peptide
      efficacy. These relationships are influenced by anatomic, physiologic and
      microbiologic contexts. Structure-mechanism correlates were assessed for the
      synthetic peptide RP-1, modeled on microbicidal domains of platelet kinocidins.
      Antimicrobial efficacies and mechanisms of action against susceptible ((S)) or
      resistant ((R)) Salmonella typhimurium (ST), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and
      Candida albicans (CA) strain pairs were studied at pH 7.5 and 5.5. Although RP-1
      was active against all study organisms, it exhibited greater efficacy against
      bacteria at pH 7.5, but greater efficacy against CA at pH 5.5. RP-1 de-energized
      SA and CA, but caused hyperpolarization of ST in both pH conditions. However, RP
      1 permeabilized ST(S) and CA strains at both pH, whereas permeabilization was
      modest for ST(R) or SA strain at either pH. Biochemical analysis, molecular
      modeling, and FTIR spectroscopy data revealed that RP-1 has indistinguishable net
      charge and backbone trajectories at pH 5.5 and 7.5. Yet, concordant with organism
      specific efficacy, surface plasmon resonance, and FTIR, molecular dynamics
      revealed modest helical order increases but greater RP-1 avidity and penetration
      of bacterial than eukaryotic lipid systems, particularly at pH 7.5. The present
      findings suggest that pH- and target-cell lipid contexts influence selective
      antimicrobial efficacy and mechanisms of RP-1 action. These findings offer new
      insights into selective antimicrobial efficacy and context-specificity of
      antimicrobial peptides in host defense, and support design strategies for potent
      anti-infective peptides with minimal concomitant cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22073188
TI  - RNA sequencing reveals differential expression of mitochondrial and oxidation
      reduction genes in the long-lived naked mole-rat when compared to mice.
AB  - The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a long-lived, cancer resistant
      rodent and there is a great interest in identifying the adaptations responsible
      for these and other of its unique traits. We employed RNA sequencing to compare
      liver gene expression profiles between naked mole-rats and wild-derived mice. Our
      results indicate that genes associated with oxidoreduction and mitochondria were
      expressed at higher relative levels in naked mole-rats. The largest effect is
      nearly 300-fold higher expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Epcam), a
      tumour-associated protein. Also of interest are the protease inhibitor, alpha2
      macroglobulin (A2m), and the mitochondrial complex II subunit Sdhc, both ageing
      related genes found strongly over-expressed in the naked mole-rat. These results
      hint at possible candidates for specifying species differences in ageing and
      cancer, and in particular suggest complex alterations in mitochondrial and
      oxidation reduction pathways in the naked mole-rat. Our differential gene
      expression analysis obviated the need for a reference naked mole-rat genome by
      employing a combination of Illumina/Solexa and 454 platforms for transcriptome
      sequencing and assembling transcriptome contigs of the non-sequenced species.
      Overall, our work provides new research foci and methods for studying the naked
      mole-rat's fascinating characteristics.

PMID- 22073189
TI  - Exome-sequencing confirms DNAJC5 mutations as cause of adult neuronal ceroid
      lipofuscinosis.
AB  - We performed whole-exome sequencing in two autopsy-confirmed cases and an elderly
      unaffected control from a multigenerational family with autosomal dominant
      neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (ANCL). A novel single-nucleotide variation
      (c.344T>G) in the DNAJC5 gene was identified. Mutational screening in an
      independent family with autosomal dominant ANCL found an in-frame single codon
      deletion (c.346_348 delCTC) resulting in a deletion of p.Leu116del. These
      variants fulfill all genetic criteria for disease-causing mutations: they are
      found in unrelated families with the same disease, exhibit complete segregation
      between the mutation and the disease, and are absent in healthy controls. In
      addition, the associated amino acid substitutions are located in evolutionarily
      highly conserved residues and are predicted to functionally affect the encoded
      protein (CSPalpha). The mutations are located in a cysteine-string domain, which
      is required for membrane targeting/binding, palmitoylation, and oligomerization
      of CSPalpha. We performed a comprehensive in silico analysis of the functional
      and structural impact of both mutations on CSPalpha. We found that these
      mutations dramatically decrease the affinity of CSPalpha for the membrane. We did
      not identify any significant effect on palmitoylation status of CSPalpha.
      However, a reduction of CSPalpha membrane affinity may change its palmitoylation
      and affect proper intracellular sorting. We confirm that CSPalpha has a strong
      intrinsic aggregation propensity; however, it is not modified by the mutations. A
      complementary disease-network analysis suggests a potential interaction with
      other NCLs genes/pathways. This is the first replication study of the
      identification of DNAJC5 as the disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant ANCL.
      The identification of the novel gene in ANCL will allow us to gain a better
      understanding of the pathological mechanism of ANCLs and constitutes a great
      advance toward the development of new molecular diagnostic tests and may lead to
      the development of potential therapies.

PMID- 22073190
TI  - Brain biochemistry and personality: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.
AB  - To investigate the biochemical correlates of normal personality we utilized
      proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS). Our sample consisted of 60
      subjects ranging in age from 18 to 32 (27 females). Personality was assessed with
      the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). We measured brain biochemistry within
      the precuneus, the cingulate cortex, and underlying white matter. We hypothesized
      that brain biochemistry within these regions would predict individual differences
      across major domains of personality functioning. Biochemical models were fit for
      all personality domains including Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness,
      Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Our findings involved differing
      concentrations of Choline (Cho), Creatine (Cre), and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in
      regions both within (i.e., posterior cingulate cortex) and white matter
      underlying (i.e., precuneus) the Default Mode Network (DMN). These results add to
      an emerging literature regarding personality neuroscience, and implicate
      biochemical integrity within the default mode network as constraining major
      personality domains within normal human subjects.

PMID- 22073191
TI  - NNAlign: a web-based prediction method allowing non-expert end-user discovery of
      sequence motifs in quantitative peptide data.
AB  - Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have made it possible to generate
      both gene and protein sequence data at an unprecedented rate and scale thereby
      enabling entirely new "omics"-based approaches towards the analysis of complex
      biological processes. However, the amount and complexity of data that even a
      single experiment can produce seriously challenges researchers with limited
      bioinformatics expertise, who need to handle, analyze and interpret the data
      before it can be understood in a biological context. Thus, there is an unmet need
      for tools allowing non-bioinformatics users to interpret large data sets. We have
      recently developed a method, NNAlign, which is generally applicable to any
      biological problem where quantitative peptide data is available. This method
      efficiently identifies underlying sequence patterns by simultaneously aligning
      peptide sequences and identifying motifs associated with quantitative readouts.
      Here, we provide a web-based implementation of NNAlign allowing non-expert end
      users to submit their data (optionally adjusting method parameters), and in
      return receive a trained method (including a visual representation of the
      identified motif) that subsequently can be used as prediction method and applied
      to unknown proteins/peptides. We have successfully applied this method to several
      different data sets including peptide microarray-derived sets containing more
      than 100,000 data points. NNAlign is available online at
      http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/NNAlign.

PMID- 22073192
TI  - Objective measures of emotion related to brand attitude: a new way to quantify
      emotion-related aspects relevant to marketing.
AB  - With this study we wanted to test the hypothesis that individual like and dislike
      as occurring in relation to brand attitude can be objectively assessed. First,
      individuals rated common brands with respect to subjective preference. Then, they
      volunteered in an experiment during which their most liked and disliked brand
      names were visually presented while three different objective measures were
      taken. Participant's eye blinks as responses to acoustic startle probes were
      registered with electromyography (EMG) (i) and their skin conductance (ii) and
      their heart rate (iii) were recorded. We found significantly reduced eye blink
      amplitudes related to liked brand names compared to disliked brand names. This
      finding suggests that visual perception of liked brand names elicits higher
      degrees of pleasantness, more positive emotion and approach-oriented motivation
      than visual perception of disliked brand names. Also, skin conductance and heart
      rate were both reduced in case of liked versus disliked brand names. We conclude
      that all our physiological measures highlight emotion-related differences
      depending on the like and dislike toward individual brands. We suggest that
      objective measures should be used more frequently to quantify emotion-related
      aspects of brand attitude. In particular, there might be potential interest to
      introduce startle reflex modulation to measure emotion-related impact during
      product development, product design and various further fields relevant to
      marketing. Our findings are discussed in relation to the idea that self reported
      measures are most often cognitively polluted.

PMID- 22073193
TI  - Decreasing mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock patients by implementing a
      sepsis bundle in a hospital setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines for the management of
      severe sepsis (SS) and septic shock (SSh) have been recommended to reduce
      morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was
      conducted in a medical-surgical ICU. Multiple interventions to optimize SS and
      SSh shock patients' clinical outcomes were performed by applying sepsis bundles
      (6- and 24-hour) in May 2006. We compared bundle compliance and patient outcomes
      before (July 2005-April 2006) and after (May 2006-December 2009) implementation
      of the interventions. RESULTS: A total of 564 SS and SSh patients were
      identified. Prior to the intervention, compliance with the 6 hour-sepsis
      resuscitation bundle was only 6%. After the intervention, compliance was as
      follows: 8.2% from May to December 2006, 9.3% in 2007, 21.1% in 2008 and 13.7% in
      2009. For the 24 hour-management bundle, baseline compliance was 15.0%. After the
      intervention, compliance was 15.1% from May to December 2006, 21.4% in 2007,
      27.8% in 2008 and 44.4% in 2009. The in-hospital mortality was 54.0% from July
      2005 to April 2006, 41.1% from May to December 2006, 39.3% in 2007, 41.4% in 2008
      and 16.2% in 2009. CONCLUSION: These results suggest reducing SS and SSh patient
      mortality is a complex process that involves multiple performance measures and
      interventions.

PMID- 22073194
TI  - Divalent cations and redox conditions regulate the molecular structure and
      function of visinin-like protein-1.
AB  - The NCS protein Visinin-like Protein 1 (VILIP-1) transduces calcium signals in
      the brain and serves as an effector of the non-retinal receptor guanylyl cyclases
      (GCs) GC-A and GC-B, and nicotinic acetyl choline receptors (nAchR). Analysis of
      the quaternary structure of VILIP-1 in solution reveals the existence of
      monomeric and dimeric species, the relative contents of which are affected but
      not exclusively regulated by divalent metal ions and Redox conditions. Using
      small-angle X-ray scattering, we have investigated the low resolution structure
      of the calcium-bound VILIP-1 dimer under reducing conditions. Scattering profiles
      for samples with high monomeric and dimeric contents have been obtained. The
      dimerization interface involves residues from EF-hand regions EF3 and EF4.Using
      monolayer adsorption experiments, we show that myristoylated and unmyristoylated
      VILIP-1 can bind lipid membranes. The presence of calcium only marginally
      improves binding of the protein to the monolayer, suggesting that charged
      residues at the protein surface may play a role in the binding process.In the
      presence of calcium, VILIP-1 undergoes a conformational re-arrangement, exposing
      previously hidden surfaces for interaction with protein partners. We hypothesise
      a working model where dimeric VILIP-1 interacts with the membrane where it binds
      membrane-bound receptors in a calcium-dependent manner.

PMID- 22073195
TI  - Killing them with kindness? In-hive medications may inhibit xenobiotic efflux
      transporters and endanger honey bees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) have recently experienced higher than
      normal overwintering colony losses. Many factors have been evoked to explain the
      losses, among which are the presence of residues of pesticides and veterinary
      products in hives. Multiple residues are present at the same time, though most
      often in low concentrations so that no single product has yet been associated
      with losses. Involvement of a combination of residues to losses may however not
      be excluded. To understand the impact of an exposure to combined residues on
      honey bees, we propose a mechanism-based strategy, focusing here on Multi-Drug
      Resistance (MDR) transporters as mediators of those interactions.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using whole-animal bioassays, we demonstrate
      through inhibition by verapamil that the widely used organophosphate and
      pyrethroid acaricides coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate, and three neonicotinoid
      insecticides: imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiacloprid are substrates of one or
      more MDR transporters. Among the candidate inhibitors of honey bee MDR
      transporters is the in-hive antibiotic oxytetracycline. Bees prefed
      oxytetracycline were significantly sensitized to the acaricides coumaphos and tau
      fluvalinate, suggesting that the antibiotic may interfere with the normal
      excretion or metabolism of these pesticides. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Many bee
      hives receive regular treatments of oxytetracycline and acaricides for prevention
      and treatment of disease and parasites. Our results suggest that seasonal co
      application of these medicines to bee hives could increase the adverse effects of
      these and perhaps other pesticides. Our results also demonstrate the utility of a
      mechanism-based strategy. By identifying pesticides and apicultural medicines
      that are substrates and inhibitors of xenobiotic transporters we prioritize the
      testing of those chemical combinations most likely to result in adverse
      interactions.

PMID- 22073196
TI  - Methylation of the CpG sites only on the sense strand of the APC gene is specific
      for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hypermethylation of the promoter of the tumor suppressor gene, adenomatous
      polyposis coli (APC), occurs in various malignancies, including hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). However, reports on the specificity of the methylation of the
      APC gene for HCC have varied. To gain insight into how these variations occur,
      bisulfite PCR sequencing was performed to analyze the methylation status of both
      sense and antisense strands of the APC gene in samples of HCC tissue, matched
      adjacent non-HCC liver tissue, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and normal liver tissues.
      DNA derived from fetal liver and 12 nonhepatic normal tissue was also examined.
      These experiments revealed liver-specific, antisense strand-biased CpG
      methylation of the APC gene and suggested that, although methylation of the
      antisense strand of the APC gene exists in normal liver and other non-HCC disease
      liver tissue, methylation of the sense strand of the APC gene occurs
      predominantly in HCC. To determine the effect of the DNA strand on the
      specificity of the methylated APC gene as a biomarker for HCC detection,
      quantitative methylation-specific PCR assays for sense and antisense strand DNA
      were developed and performed on DNA isolated from HCC (n = 58), matched adjacent
      non-HCC (n = 58), cirrhosis (n = 41), and hepatitis (n = 39). Receiver operating
      characteristic curves were constructed. With the cutoff value set at the limit of
      detection, the specificity of sense and antisense strand methylation was 84% and
      43%, respectively, and sensitivity was 67.2% and 72.4%, respectively. This result
      demonstrated that the identity of the methylated DNA strand impacted the
      specificity of APC for HCC detection. Interestingly, methylation of the sense
      strand of APC occurred in 40% of HCCs from patients with serum AFP levels less
      than 20 ng/mL, suggesting a potential role for APC as a biomarker to complement
      AFP in HCC screening.

PMID- 22073197
TI  - Phylogenetic diversity, host-specificity and community profiling of sponge
      associated bacteria in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marine sponges can associate with abundant and diverse consortia of
      microbial symbionts. However, associated bacteria remain unexamined for the
      majority of host sponges and few studies use phylogenetic metrics to quantify
      symbiont community diversity. DNA fingerprinting techniques, such as terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLP), might provide rapid profiling
      of these communities, but have not been explicitly compared to traditional
      methods. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated the bacterial
      communities associated with the marine sponges Hymeniacidon heliophila and
      Haliclona tubifera, a sympatric tunicate, Didemnum sp., and ambient seawater from
      the northern Gulf of Mexico by combining replicated clone libraries with T-RFLP
      analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Clone libraries revealed that bacterial
      communities associated with the two sponges exhibited lower species richness and
      lower species diversity than seawater and tunicate assemblages, with differences
      in species composition among all four source groups. T-RFLP profiles clustered
      microbial communities by source; individual T-RFs were matched to the majority
      (80.6%) of clone library sequences, indicating that T-RFLP analysis can be used
      to rapidly profile these communities. Phylogenetic metrics of community diversity
      indicated that the two sponge-associated bacterial communities include dominant
      and host-specific bacterial lineages that are distinct from bacteria recovered
      from seawater, tunicates, and unrelated sponge hosts. In addition, a large
      proportion of the symbionts associated with H. heliophila were shared with
      distant, conspecific host populations in the southwestern Atlantic (Brazil).
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The low diversity and species-specific nature of
      bacterial communities associated with H. heliophila and H. tubifera represent a
      distinctly different pattern from other, reportedly universal, sponge-associated
      bacterial communities. Our replicated sampling strategy, which included samples
      that reflect the ambient environment, allowed us to differentiate resident
      symbionts from potentially transient or prey bacteria. Pairing replicated clone
      library construction with rapid community profiling via T-RFLP analyses will
      greatly facilitate future studies of sponge-microbe symbioses.

PMID- 22073198
TI  - Optimized mouse model for the imaging of tumor metastasis upon experimental
      therapy.
AB  - Development of new cancer treatments focuses increasingly on the relation of
      cancer tissue with its microenvironment. A major obstacle for the development of
      new anti-cancer therapies has been the lack of relevant animal models that would
      reproduce all the events involved in disease progression from the early-stage
      primary tumor until the development of mature metastatic tissue. To this end, we
      have developed a readily imageable mouse model of colorectal cancer featuring
      highly reproducible formation of spontaneous liver metastases derived from
      intrasplenic primary tumors. We optimized several experimental variables, and
      found that the correct choice of cell line and the genetic background, as well as
      the age of the recipient mice, were critical for establishing a useful model
      system. Among a panel of colorectal cancer cell lines tested, the epithelial
      carcinoma HT29 line was found to be the most suitable in terms of producing
      homogeneous tumor growth and metastases. In our hands, SCID mice at the age of
      125 days or older were the most suitable in supporting consistent HT29 tumor
      growth after splenic implantation followed by reproducible metastasis to the
      liver. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol was optimized for use with
      this mouse model, and demonstrated to be a powerful method for analyzing the
      antitumor effects of an experimental therapy. Specifically, we used this system
      to with success to verify by MRI monitoring the efficacy of an intrasplenically
      administered oncolytic adenovirus therapy in reducing visceral tumor load and
      development of liver metastases. In summary, we have developed a highly optimized
      mouse model for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, which allows detection of
      the tumor load at the whole body level and enables an accurate timing of
      therapeutic interventions to target different stages of cancer progression and
      metastatic development.

PMID- 22073199
TI  - Na+/K+-ATPase is present in scrapie-associated fibrils, modulates PrP misfolding
      in vitro and links PrP function and dysfunction.
AB  - Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterised by widespread
      deposition of fibrillar and/or plaque-like forms of the prion protein. These
      aggregated forms are produced by misfolding of the normal prion protein, PrP(C),
      to the disease-associated form, PrP(Sc), through mechanisms that remain elusive
      but which require either direct or indirect interaction between PrP(C) and
      PrP(Sc) isoforms. A wealth of evidence implicates other non-PrP molecules as
      active participants in the misfolding process, to catalyse and direct the
      conformational conversion of PrP(C) or to provide a scaffold ensuring correct
      alignment of PrP(C) and PrP(Sc) during conversion. Such molecules may be specific
      to different scrapie strains to facilitate differential prion protein misfolding.
      Since molecular cofactors may become integrated into the growing protein fibril
      during prion conversion, we have investigated the proteins contained in prion
      disease-specific deposits by shotgun proteomics of scrapie-associated fibrils
      (SAF) from mice infected with 3 different strains of mouse-passaged scrapie.
      Concomitant use of negative control preparations allowed us to identify and
      discount proteins that are enriched non-specifically by the SAF isolation
      protocol. We found several proteins that co-purified specifically with SAF from
      infected brains but none of these were reproducibly and demonstrably specific for
      particular scrapie strains. The alpha-chain of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was common to
      SAF from all 3 strains and we tested the ability of this protein to modulate in
      vitro misfolding of recombinant PrP. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase enhanced the efficiency of
      disease-specific conversion of recombinant PrP suggesting that it may act as a
      molecular cofactor. Consistent with previous results, the same protein inhibited
      fibrillisation kinetics of recombinant PrP. Since functional interactions between
      PrP(C) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase have previously been reported in astrocytes, our
      data highlight this molecule as a key link between PrP function, dysfunction and
      misfolding.

PMID- 22073200
TI  - Genome-wide scan identifies loci associated with classical BSE occurrence.
AB  - Classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is an acquired prion disease
      that is invariably fatal in cattle and has been implicated as a significant human
      health risk. Sequence variations in the coding region of the prion gene (PRNP)
      have been associated with acquired transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)
      susceptibility in mammals; however, this is not the case in cattle. It has been
      hypothesized that genes, in addition to the prion gene, contribute to genetic
      susceptibility of acquired TSEs. Accordingly, genetic studies of classical BSE in
      cattle identified loci other than PRNP that are associated with disease
      incidence. The objective of this study was to utilize a genome-wide association
      study to test for genetic loci associated with classical BSE. The samples include
      143 BSE affected (case) and 173 unaffected half sib (control) animals collected
      in the mid 1990s in Southern England. The data analysis identifies loci on two
      different chromosomes associated with BSE disease occurrence. Most notable is a
      single nucleotide polymorphism on chromosome 1 at 29.15 Mb that is associated
      with BSE disease (p = 3.09E-05). Additionally, a locus on chromosome 14, within a
      cluster of SNPs showed a trend toward significance (p = 5.24E-05). It is worth
      noting that in a human vCJD study markers on human chromosome 8, a region with
      shared synteny to the region identified on cattle chromosome 14, were associated
      with disease. Further, our candidate genes appear to have plausible biological
      relevance with the known etiology of TSE disease. One of the candidate genes is
      hypothetical gene LOC521010, similar to FK506 binding protein 2 located on
      chromosome 1 at 29.32 Mb. This gene encodes a protein that is a member of the
      immunophilin protein family and is involved in basic cellular processes including
      protein folding. The chromosomal regions identified in this study and candidate
      genes within these regions merit further investigation.

PMID- 22073201
TI  - Neurons controlling voluntary vocalization in the macaque ventral premotor
      cortex.
AB  - The voluntary control of phonation is a crucial achievement in the evolution of
      speech. In humans, ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and Broca's area are known to be
      involved in voluntary phonation. In contrast, no neurophysiological data are
      available about the role of the oro-facial sector of nonhuman primates PMv in
      this function. In order to address this issue, we recorded PMv neurons from two
      monkeys trained to emit coo-calls. Results showed that a population of motor
      neurons specifically fire during vocalization. About two thirds of them
      discharged before sound onset, while the remaining were time-locked with it. The
      response of vocalization-selective neurons was present only during conditioned
      (voluntary) but not spontaneous (emotional) sound emission. These data suggest
      that the control of vocal production exerted by PMv neurons constitutes a newly
      emerging property in the monkey lineage, shedding light on the evolution of
      phonation-based communication from a nonhuman primate species.

PMID- 22073202
TI  - Spontaneous development of full weight-supported stepping after complete spinal
      cord transection in the neonatal opossum, Monodelphis domestica.
AB  - Spinal cord trauma in the adult nervous system usually results in permanent loss
      of function below the injury level. The immature spinal cord has greater capacity
      for repair and can develop considerable functionality by adulthood. This study
      used the marsupial laboratory opossum Monodelphis domestica, which is born at a
      very early stage of neural development. Complete spinal cord transection was made
      in the lower-thoracic region of pups at postnatal-day 7 (P7) or P28, and the
      animals grew to adulthood. Injury at P7 resulted in a dense neuronal tissue
      bridge that connected the two ends of the cord; retrograde neuronal labelling
      indicated that supraspinal and propriospinal innervation spanned the injury site.
      This repair was associated with pronounced behavioural recovery, coordinated gait
      and an ability to use hindlimbs when swimming. Injury at P28 resulted in a cyst
      like cavity encased in scar tissue forming at the injury site. Using retrograde
      labelling, no labelled brainstem or propriospinal neurons were found above the
      lesion, indicating that detectable neuronal connectivity had not spanned the
      injury site. However, these animals could use their hindlimbs to take weight
      supporting steps but could not use their hindlimbs when swimming. White matter,
      demonstrated by Luxol Fast Blue staining, was present in the injury site of P7-
      but not P28-injured animals. Overall, these studies demonstrated that provided
      spinal injury occurs early in development, regrowth of supraspinal innervation is
      possible. This repair appears to lead to improved functional outcomes. At older
      ages, even without detectable axonal growth spanning the injury site, substantial
      development of locomotion was still possible. This outcome is discussed in
      conjunction with preliminary findings of differences in the local propriospinal
      circuits following spinal cord injury (demonstrated with fluororuby labelling),
      which may underlie the weight bearing locomotion observed in the apparent absence
      of axons bridging the lesion site in P28-injured Monodelphis.

PMID- 22073203
TI  - Willingness to share research data is related to the strength of the evidence and
      the quality of reporting of statistical results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The widespread reluctance to share published research data is often
      hypothesized to be due to the authors' fear that reanalysis may expose errors in
      their work or may produce conclusions that contradict their own. However, these
      hypotheses have not previously been studied systematically. METHODS AND FINDINGS:
      We related the reluctance to share research data for reanalysis to 1148
      statistically significant results reported in 49 papers published in two major
      psychology journals. We found the reluctance to share data to be associated with
      weaker evidence (against the null hypothesis of no effect) and a higher
      prevalence of apparent errors in the reporting of statistical results. The
      unwillingness to share data was particularly clear when reporting errors had a
      bearing on statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings on the basis of
      psychological papers suggest that statistical results are particularly hard to
      verify when reanalysis is more likely to lead to contrasting conclusions. This
      highlights the importance of establishing mandatory data archiving policies.

PMID- 22073204
TI  - Identification of controlled-complexity thermal therapy models derived from
      magnetic resonance thermometry images.
AB  - Medical imaging provides information valuable in diagnosis, planning, and control
      of therapies. In this paper, we develop a method that uses a specific type of
      imaging--the magnetic resonance thermometry--to identify accurate and
      computationally efficient site and patient-specific computer models for thermal
      therapies, such as focused ultrasound surgery, hyperthermia, and thermally
      triggered targeted drug delivery. The developed method uses a sequence of
      acquired MR thermometry images to identify a treatment model describing the
      deposition and dissipation of thermal energy in tissues. The proper orthogonal
      decomposition of thermal images is first used to identify a set of empirical
      eigenfunctions, which captures spatial correlations in the thermal response of
      tissues. Using the reduced subset of eigenfunction as a functional basis, low
      dimensional thermal response and the ultrasound specific absorption rate models
      are then identified. Once identified, the treatment models can be used to plan,
      optimize, and control the treatment. The developed approach is validated
      experimentally using the results of MR thermal imaging of a tissue phantom during
      focused ultrasound sonication. The validation demonstrates that our approach
      produces accurate low-dimensional treatment models and provides a convenient tool
      for balancing the accuracy of model predictions and the computational complexity
      of the treatment models.

PMID- 22073205
TI  - Laser-based single-axon transection for high-content axon injury and regeneration
      studies.
AB  - The investigation of the regenerative response of the neurons to axonal injury is
      essential to the development of new axoprotective therapies. Here we study the
      retinal neuronal RGC-5 cell line after laser transection, demonstrating that the
      ability of these cells to initiate a regenerative response correlates with axon
      length and cell motility after injury. We show that low energy picosecond laser
      pulses can achieve transection of unlabeled single axons in vitro and precisely
      induce damage with micron precision. We established the conditions to achieve
      axon transection, and characterized RGC-5 axon regeneration and cell body
      response using time-lapse microscopy. We developed an algorithm to analyze cell
      trajectories and established correlations between cell motility after injury,
      axon length, and the initiation of the regeneration response. The
      characterization of the motile response of axotomized RGC-5 cells showed that
      cells that were capable of repair or regrowth of damaged axons migrated more
      slowly than cells that could not. Moreover, we established that RGC-5 cells with
      long axons could not recover their injured axons, and such cells were much more
      motile. The platform we describe allows highly controlled axonal damage with
      subcellular resolution and the performance of high-content screening in cell
      cultures.

PMID- 22073206
TI  - Determinants of the differential antizyme-binding affinity of ornithine
      decarboxylase.
AB  - Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a ubiquitous enzyme that is conserved in all
      species from bacteria to humans. Mammalian ODC is degraded by the proteasome in a
      ubiquitin-independent manner by direct binding to the antizyme (AZ). In contrast,
      Trypanosoma brucei ODC has a low binding affinity toward AZ. In this study, we
      identified key amino acid residues that govern the differential AZ binding
      affinity of human and Trypanosoma brucei ODC. Multiple sequence alignments of the
      ODC putative AZ-binding site highlights several key amino acid residues that are
      different between the human and Trypanosoma brucei ODC protein sequences,
      including residue 119, 124,125, 129, 136, 137 and 140 (the numbers is for human
      ODC). We generated a septuple human ODC mutant protein where these seven bases
      were mutated to match the Trypanosoma brucei ODC protein sequence. The septuple
      mutant protein was much less sensitive to AZ inhibition compared to the WT
      protein, suggesting that these amino acid residues play a role in human ODC-AZ
      binding. Additional experiments with sextuple mutants suggest that residue 137
      plays a direct role in AZ binding, and residues 119 and 140 play secondary roles
      in AZ binding. The dissociation constants were also calculated to quantify the
      affinity of the ODC-AZ binding interaction. The K(d) value for the wild type ODC
      protein-AZ heterodimer ([ODC_WT]-AZ) is approximately 0.22 MUM, while the K(d)
      value for the septuple mutant-AZ heterodimer ([ODC_7M]-AZ) is approximately 12.4
      MUM. The greater than 50-fold increase in [ODC_7M]-AZ binding affinity shows that
      the ODC-7M enzyme has a much lower binding affinity toward AZ. For the mutant
      proteins ODC_7M(-Q119H) and ODC_7M(-V137D), the K(d) was 1.4 and 1.2 MUM,
      respectively. These affinities are 6-fold higher than the WT_ODC K(d), which
      suggests that residues 119 and 137 play a role in AZ binding.

PMID- 22073208
TI  - Infant and child mortality in India in the last two decades: a geospatial
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies examining the intricate interplay between poverty, female
      literacy, child malnutrition, and child mortality are rare in demographic
      literature. Given the recent focus on Millennium Development Goals 4 (child
      survival) and 5 (maternal health), we explored whether the geographic regions
      that were underprivileged in terms of wealth, female literacy, child nutrition,
      or safe delivery were also grappling with the elevated risk of child mortality;
      whether there were any spatial outliers; whether these relationships have
      undergone any significant change over historical time periods. METHODOLOGY: The
      present paper attempted to investigate these critical questions using data from
      household surveys like NFHS 1992-1993, NFHS 1998-1999 and DLHS 2002-2004. For the
      first time, we employed geo-spatial techniques like Moran's-I, univariate LISA,
      bivariate LISA, spatial error regression, and spatiotemporal regression to
      address the research problem. For carrying out the geospatial analysis, we
      classified India into 76 natural regions based on the agro-climatic scheme
      proposed by Bhat and Zavier (1999) following the Census of India Study and all
      estimates were generated for each of the geographic regions. RESULT/CONCLUSIONS:
      This study brings out the stark intra-state and inter-regional disparities in
      infant and under-five mortality in India over the past two decades. It further
      reveals, for the first time, that geographic regions that were underprivileged in
      child nutrition or wealth or female literacy were also likely to be disadvantaged
      in terms of infant and child survival irrespective of the state to which they
      belong. While the role of economic status in explaining child malnutrition and
      child survival has weakened, the effect of mother's education has actually become
      stronger over time.

PMID- 22073207
TI  - Carbon dynamics, development and stress responses in Arabidopsis: involvement of
      the APL4 subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (starch synthesis).
AB  - An Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA insertional mutant was identified and characterized
      for enhanced tolerance to the singlet-oxygen-generating herbicide atrazine in
      comparison to wild-type. This enhanced atrazine tolerance mutant was shown to be
      affected in the promoter structure and in the regulation of expression of the
      APL4 isoform of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, a key enzyme of the starch
      biosynthesis pathway, thus resulting in decrease of APL4 mRNA levels. The impact
      of this regulatory mutation was confirmed by the analysis of an independent T-DNA
      insertional mutant also affected in the promoter of the APL4 gene. The resulting
      tissue-specific modifications of carbon partitioning in plantlets and the effects
      on plantlet growth and stress tolerance point out to specific and non-redundant
      roles of APL4 in root carbon dynamics, shoot-root relationships and sink
      regulations of photosynthesis. Given the effects of exogenous sugar treatments
      and of endogenous sugar levels on atrazine tolerance in wild-type Arabidopsis
      plantlets, atrazine tolerance of this apl4 mutant is discussed in terms of
      perception of carbon status and of investment of sugar allocation in xenobiotic
      and oxidative stress responses.

PMID- 22073209
TI  - FMRI supports the sensorimotor theory of motor resonance.
AB  - The neural mechanisms mediating the activation of the motor system during action
      observation, also known as motor resonance, are of major interest to the field of
      motor control. It has been proposed that motor resonance develops in infants
      through Hebbian plasticity of pathways connecting sensory and motor regions that
      fire simultaneously during imitation or self movement observation. A fundamental
      problem when testing this theory in adults is that most experimental paradigms
      involve actions that have been overpracticed throughout life. Here, we directly
      tested the sensorimotor theory of motor resonance by creating new visuomotor
      representations using abstract stimuli (motor symbols) and identifying the neural
      networks recruited through fMRI. We predicted that the network recruited during
      action observation and execution would overlap with that recruited during
      observation of new motor symbols. Our results indicate that a network consisting
      of premotor and posterior parietal cortex, the supplementary motor area, the
      inferior frontal gyrus and cerebellum was activated both by new motor symbols and
      by direct observation of the corresponding action. This tight spatial overlap
      underscores the importance of sensorimotor learning for motor resonance and
      further indicates that the physical characteristics of the perceived stimulus are
      irrelevant to the evoked response in the observer.

PMID- 22073210
TI  - Age-corrected beta cell mass following onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus
      correlates with plasma C-peptide in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The inability to produce insulin endogenously precipitates the
      clinical symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, the dynamic trajectory of
      beta cell destruction following onset remains unclear. Using model-based
      inference, the severity of beta cell destruction at onset decreases with age
      where, on average, a 40% reduction in beta cell mass was sufficient to
      precipitate clinical symptoms at 20 years of age. While plasma C-peptide provides
      a surrogate measure of endogenous insulin production post-onset, it is unclear as
      to whether plasma C-peptide represents changes in beta cell mass or beta cell
      function. The objective of this paper was to determine the relationship between
      beta cell mass and endogenous insulin production post-onset. METHODS AND
      FINDINGS: Model-based inference was used to compare direct measures of beta cell
      mass in 102 patients against contemporary measures of plasma C-peptide obtained
      from three studies that collectively followed 834 patients post-onset of clinical
      symptoms. An empirical Bayesian approach was used to establish the level of
      confidence associated with the model prediction. Age-corrected estimates of beta
      cell mass that were inferred from a series of landmark pancreatic autopsy studies
      significantly correlate (p>0.9995) with contemporary measures of plasma C-peptide
      levels following onset. CONCLUSIONS: Given the correlation between beta cell mass
      and plasma C-peptide following onset, plasma C-peptide may provide a surrogate
      measure of beta cell mass in humans. The clinical relevance of this study is that
      therapeutic strategies that provide an increase in plasma C-peptide over the
      predicted value for an individual may actually improve beta cell mass. The model
      predictions may establish a standard historical "control" group - a prior in a
      Bayesian context - for clinical trials.

PMID- 22073211
TI  - High genetic diversity despite the potential for stepping-stone colonizations in
      an invasive species of gecko on Moorea, French Polynesia.
AB  - Invasive species often have reduced genetic diversity, but the opposite can be
      true if there have been multiple introductions and genetic admixture. Reduced
      diversity is most likely soon after establishment, in remote locations, when
      there is lower propagule pressure and with stepping-stone colonizations. The
      common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) was introduced to Moorea, French
      Polynesia in the remote eastern Pacific within the last two decades and
      accordingly is expected to exhibit low diversity. In contrast, we show that H.
      frenatus on Moorea has exceptionally high genetic diversity, similar to that near
      the native range in Asia and much higher than reported for other Pacific island
      reptiles. The high diversity in this recently founded population likely reflects
      extensive genetic admixture in source population(s) and a life history that
      promotes retention of diversity. These observations point to the importance of
      understanding range-wide dynamics of genetic admixture in highly invasive
      species.

PMID- 22073212
TI  - Expression screening of fusion partners from an E. coli genome for soluble
      expression of recombinant proteins in a cell-free protein synthesis system.
AB  - While access to soluble recombinant proteins is essential for a number of
      proteome studies, preparation of purified functional proteins is often limited by
      the protein solubility. In this study, potent solubility-enhancing fusion
      partners were screened from the repertoire of endogenous E. coli proteins. Based
      on the presumed correlation between the intracellular abundance and folding
      efficiency of proteins, PCR-amplified ORFs of a series of highly abundant E. coli
      proteins were fused with aggregation-prone heterologous proteins and then
      directly expressed for quantitative estimation of the expression efficiency of
      soluble translation products. Through two-step screening procedures involving the
      expression of 552 fusion constructs targeted against a series of cytokine
      proteins, we were able to discover a number of endogenous E. coli proteins that
      dramatically enhanced the soluble expression of the target proteins. This
      strategy of cell-free expression screening can be extended to quantitative,
      global analysis of genomic resources for various purposes.

PMID- 22073213
TI  - Cervical remodeling/ripening at term and preterm delivery: the same mechanism
      initiated by different mediators and different effector cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Premature cervical remodeling/ripening is believed to contribute to
      preterm delivery (PTD), the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality.
      Despite considerable research, the causes of term and PTD remain unclear, and
      there is no effective treatment for PTD. We previously demonstrated that
      complement activation plays a causative role in cervical remodeling that leads to
      PTD in mice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we found that complement
      activation is not required for the physiological process that leads to term
      delivery in mice. Neither increased C3 cervical deposition nor increased C3a and
      C5a serum levels were observed at term. In addition, macrophages infiltration was
      found in PTD in contrast to term delivery were no leukocytes were found. Despite
      the different role of complement and different cellular effector cells, PTD and
      term delivery share a common dowsntream pathway characterized by increased
      metalloproteinases (MMPs) release and increased collagen degradation. However,
      different sources of MMPs were identified. Macrophages are the source of MMPs in
      PTD while cervical fibroblasts and columnar epithelial cells synthesize MMPs at
      term delivery. A dramatic diminution in serum progesterone levels precedes
      parturition at term but not in PTD, suggesting that progesterone withdrawal
      initiates cervical remodeling at term. On the other hand, MMPs release in PTD is
      triggered by C5a. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, preterm and term
      cervical remodeling occur through the same mechanism but they are initiated by
      different mediators and effector cells. That complement activation is required
      for PTD but not for the physiological process that leads to term delivery,
      suggests that complement is a potential specific biomarker and selective target
      to prevent PTD and thus avert neonatal mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 22073214
TI  - Asymmetric cell division and Notch signaling specify dopaminergic neurons in
      Drosophila.
AB  - In Drosophila, dopaminergic (DA) neurons can be found from mid embryonic stages
      of development till adulthood. Despite their functional involvement in learning
      and memory, not much is known about the developmental as well as molecular
      mechanisms involved in the events of DA neuronal specification, differentiation
      and maturation. In this report we demonstrate that most larval DA neurons are
      generated during embryonic development. Furthermore, we show that loss of
      function (l-o-f) mutations of genes of the apical complex proteins in the
      asymmetric cell division (ACD) machinery, such as inscuteable and bazooka result
      in supernumerary DA neurons, whereas l-o-f mutations of genes of the basal
      complex proteins such as numb result in loss or reduction of DA neurons. In
      addition, when Notch signaling is reduced or abolished, additional DA neurons are
      formed and conversely, when Notch signaling is activated, less DA neurons are
      generated. Our data demonstrate that both ACD and Notch signaling are crucial
      mechanisms for DA neuronal specification. We propose a model in which ACD results
      in differential Notch activation in direct siblings and in this context Notch
      acts as a repressor for DA neuronal specification in the sibling that receives
      active Notch signaling. Our study provides the first link of ACD and Notch
      signaling in the specification of a neurotransmitter phenotype in Drosophila.
      Given the high degree of conservation between Drosophila and vertebrate systems,
      this study could be of significance to mechanisms of DA neuronal differentiation
      not limited to flies.

PMID- 22073215
TI  - Genome-wide binding map of the HIV-1 Tat protein to the human genome.
AB  - The HIV-1 Trans-Activator of Transcription (Tat) protein binds to multiple host
      cellular factors and greatly enhances the level of transcription of the HIV
      genome. While Tat's control of viral transcription is well-studied, much less is
      known about the interaction of Tat with the human genome. Here, we report the
      genome-wide binding map of Tat to the human genome in Jurkat T cells using
      chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with next-generation sequencing.
      Surprisingly, we found that ~53% of the Tat target regions are within DNA repeat
      elements, greater than half of which are Alu sequences. The remaining target
      regions are located in introns and distal intergenic regions; only ~7% of Tat
      bound regions are near transcription start sites (TSS) at gene promoters.
      Interestingly, Tat binds to promoters of genes that, in Jurkat cells, are bound
      by the ETS1 transcription factor, the CBP histone acetyltransferase and/or are
      enriched for histone H3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) and H3K27me3. Tat
      binding is associated with genes enriched with functions in T cell biology and
      immune response. Our data reveal that Tat's interaction with the host genome is
      more extensive than previously thought, with potentially important implications
      for the viral life cycle.

PMID- 22073216
TI  - Perceptions of conflict of interest disclosures among peer reviewers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disclosure of financial conflicts of interest (COI) is intended to
      help reviewers assess the impact of potential bias on the validity of research
      results; however, there have been no empiric assessments of how reviewers
      understand and use disclosures in article evaluation. We investigate reviewers'
      perceptions of potential bias introduced by particular author disclosures, and
      whether reviewer characteristics are associated with a greater likelihood of
      perceiving bias. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Of the 911 active reviewers from
      the Annals of Emergency Medicine, 410 were randomly selected and invited to
      complete our web-based, 3-part survey. We completed descriptive analysis of all
      survey responses and compared those responses across reviewer characteristics
      using 2 * 2 analyses and the Fisher exact test. We had a response rate of 54%.
      The majority of reviewers surveyed reported a high level of skepticism regarding
      financial relationships between authors and industry without a clear or
      consistent translation of that skepticism into the self-reported actions that
      characterize manuscript assessment. Only 13% of respondents believed physician
      consultants authoring articles based on company data are likely to have unlimited
      data access. 54% believed that bias most likely exists with any honorarium,
      regardless of monetary amount. Between 46% and 64%, depending on the type of
      financial relationship disclosed, reported that their recommendation for
      publication remains unchanged. Respondents reporting personal financial ties to
      industry were less likely to perceive bias in industry relationships and less
      likely to believe that bias exists with any monetary amount of honoraria.
      CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that the monetary amount of all financial relationships
      be reported with manuscript submissions, lead authors certify that they have
      unrestricted access to data, and reviewers disclose any financial ties to
      industry whether or not they are related to the manuscript under review. Further
      research is required to better understand reviewers' perceptions of financial
      relationships between authors and industry in order to develop clear and
      consistent guidelines for incorporating the perception of potential bias into
      manuscript assessments.

PMID- 22073217
TI  - A quorum-sensing factor in vegetative Dictyostelium discoideum cells revealed by
      quantitative migration analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many cells communicate through the production of diffusible signaling
      molecules that accumulate and once a critical concentration has been reached, can
      activate or repress a number of target genes in a process termed quorum sensing
      (QS). In the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, QS plays an important role
      during development. However little is known about its effect on cell migration
      especially in the growth phase. METHODS AND FINDINGS: To investigate the role of
      cell density on cell migration in the growth phase, we use multisite timelapse
      microscopy and automated cell tracking. This analysis reveals a high
      heterogeneity within a given cell population, and the necessity to use large data
      sets to draw reliable conclusions on cell motion. In average, motion is
      persistent for short periods of time (t <= 5 min), but normal diffusive behavior
      is recovered over longer time periods. The persistence times are positively
      correlated with the migrated distances. Interestingly, the migrated distance
      decreases as well with cell density. The adaptation of cell migration to cell
      density highlights the role of a secreted quorum sensing factor (QSF) on cell
      migration. Using a simple model describing the balance between the rate of QSF
      generation and the rate of QSF dilution, we were able to gather all experimental
      results into a single master curve, showing a sharp cell transition between high
      and low motile behaviors with increasing QSF. CONCLUSION: This study
      unambiguously demonstrates the central role played by QSF on amoeboid motion in
      the growth phase.

PMID- 22073218
TI  - GLUT 5 is not over-expressed in breast cancer cells and patient breast cancer
      tissues.
AB  - F18 2-Fluoro 2-deoxyglucose (FDG) has been the gold standard in positron emission
      tomography (PET) oncologic imaging since its introduction into the clinics
      several years ago. Seeking to complement FDG in the diagnosis of breast cancer
      using radio labeled fructose based analogs, we investigated the expression of the
      chief fructose transporter-GLUT 5 in breast cancer cells and human tissues. Our
      results indicate that GLUT 5 is not over-expressed in breast cancer tissues as
      assessed by an extensive immunohistochemistry study. RT-PCR studies showed that
      the GLUT 5 mRNA was present at minimal amounts in breast cancer cell lines.
      Further knocking down the expression of GLUT 5 in breast cancer cells using RNA
      interference did not affect the fructose uptake in these cell lines. Taken
      together these results are consistent with GLUT 5 not being essential for
      fructose uptake in breast cancer cells and tissues.

PMID- 22073219
TI  - Moderate antiproteinuric effect of add-on aldosterone blockade with eplerenone in
      non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. A randomized cross-over study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduction of proteinuria and blood pressure (BP) with blockers of the
      renin-angiotensin system (RAS) impairs the progression of chronic kidney disease
      (CKD). The aldosterone antagonist spironolactone has an antiproteinuric effect,
      but its use is limited by side effects. The present study evaluated the short
      term antiproteinuric effect and safety of the selective aldosterone antagonist
      eplerenone in non-diabetic CKD. STUDY DESIGN: Open randomized cross-over trial.
      SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with non-diabetic CKD and urinary
      albumin excretion greater than 300 mg/24 hours. INTERVENTION: Eight weeks of once
      daily administration of add-on 25-50 mg eplerenone to stable standard
      antihypertensive treatment including RAS-blockade. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: 24
      hour urinary albumin excretion, BP, p-potassium, and creatinine clearance.
      RESULTS: The mean urinary albumin excretion was 22% [CI: 14,28], P < 0.001, lower
      during treatment with eplerenone. Mean systolic BP was 4 mmHg [CI: 2,6], P =
      0.002, diastolic BP was 2 mmHg [CI: 0,4], P = 0.02, creatinine clearance was 5%
      [CI: 2,8], P = 0.005, lower during eplerenone treatment. After correction for BP
      and creatinine clearance differences between the study periods, the mean urinary
      albumin excretion was 14% [CI: 4,24], P = 0.008 lower during treatment. Mean p
      potassium was 0.1 mEq/L [CI: 0.1,0.2] higher during eplerenone treatment,
      P<0.001. Eplerenone was thus well tolerated and no patients were withdrawn due to
      hyperkalaemia. LIMITATIONS: Open label, no wash-out period and a moderate sample
      size. CONCLUSIONS: In non-diabetic CKD patients, the addition of eplerenone to
      standard antihypertensive treatment including RAS-blockade caused a moderate BP
      independent fall in albuminuria, a minor fall in creatinine clearance and a 0.1
      mEq/L increase in p-potassium. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov
      NCT00430924.

PMID- 22073220
TI  - Changes in clinical profile, treatment, and mortality in patients hospitalised
      for acute myocardial infarction between 1985 and 2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify the impact of the implementation of treatment modalities
      into clinical practice since 1985, on outcome of patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS: All consecutive patients admitted for STEMI or
      NSTEMI at the Thoraxcenter between 1985 and 2008 were included. Baseline
      characteristics, pharmacological and invasive treatment modalities, and survival
      status were collected. The study population was categorised in three groups of
      patients: those hospitalised between 1985-1990, 1990-2000, and 2000-2008.
      RESULTS: We identified 14,434 patients hospitalised for myocardial infarction
      (MI). Both STEMI and NSTEMI patients were increasingly treated with the current
      guideline based therapy. In STEMI, at 30 days following admission, cumulative
      mortality rate decreased from 17% in 1985-1990 to 13% in 1990-2000, and to 6% in
      2000-2008. Adjusted 30-day and three-year mortality in the last period was 80%
      and 68% lower than in 1985, respectively. In NSTEMI, at 30 days following
      admission, cumulative mortality rate decreased from 6% in 1985-1990 to 4% in 1990
      2000, and to 2% in 2000-2008. Adjusted 30-day and three-year mortality in the
      last period was 78% and 49% lower than in 1985, respectively. For patients
      admitted between 2000 and 2008, 3 year survival of STEMI and NSTEMI patients was
      87% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate substantial
      improvements in acute- and long-term survival in patients hospitalised for MI,
      related to improved acute- as well as long-term treatment. Early medical
      evaluation in suspected MI and intensive early hospital treatment both remain
      warranted in the future.

PMID- 22073221
TI  - Excess circulating alternatively activated myeloid (M2) cells accelerate ALS
      progression while inhibiting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating immune cells including autoreactive T cells and monocytes
      have been documented as key players in maintaining, protecting and repairing the
      central nervous system (CNS) in health and disease. Here, we hypothesized that
      neurodegenerative diseases might be associated, similarly to tumors, with
      increased levels of circulating peripheral myeloid derived suppressor cells
      (MDSCs), representing a subset of suppressor cells that often expand under
      pathological conditions and inhibit possible recruitment of helper T cells needed
      for fighting off the disease. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We tested this working
      hypothesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its mouse model, which are
      characterized by a rapid progression once clinical symptoms are evident. Adaptive
      transfer of alternatively activated myeloid (M2) cells, which homed to the spleen
      and exhibited immune suppressive activity in G93A mutant superoxide dismutase-1
      (mSOD1) mice at a stage before emergence of disease symptoms, resulted in earlier
      appearance of disease symptoms and shorter life expectancy. The same protocol
      mitigated the inflammation-induced disease model of multiple sclerosis,
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which requires circulating T
      cells for disease induction. Analysis of whole peripheral blood samples obtained
      from 28 patients suffering from sporadic ALS (sALS), revealed a two-fold increase
      in the percentage of circulating MDSCs (LIN(-/Low)HLA-DR(-)CD33(+)) compared to
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results emphasize the distinct
      requirements for fighting the inflammatory neurodegenerative disease, multiple
      sclerosis, and the neurodegenerative disease, ALS, though both share a local
      inflammatory component. Moreover, the increased levels of circulating MDSCs in
      ALS patients indicates the operation of systemic mechanisms that might lead to an
      impairment of T cell reactivity needed to overcome the disease conditions within
      the CNS. This high level of suppressive immune cells might represent a risk
      factor and a novel target for therapeutic intervention in ALS at least at the
      early stage.

PMID- 22073222
TI  - Carnivoran remains from the Malapa hominin site, South Africa.
AB  - Recent discoveries at the new hominin-bearing deposits of Malapa, South Africa,
      have yielded a rich faunal assemblage associated with the newly described hominin
      taxon Australopithecus sediba. Dating of this deposit using U-Pb and
      palaeomagnetic methods has provided an age of 1.977 Ma, being one of the most
      accurately dated, time constrained deposits in the Plio-Pleistocene of southern
      Africa. To date, 81 carnivoran specimens have been identified at this site
      including members of the families Canidae, Viverridae, Herpestidae, Hyaenidae and
      Felidae. Of note is the presence of the extinct taxon Dinofelis cf. D. barlowi
      that may represent the last appearance date for this species. Extant large
      carnivores are represented by specimens of leopard (Panthera pardus) and brown
      hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea). Smaller carnivores are also represented, and include
      the genera Atilax and Genetta, as well as Vulpes cf. V. chama. Malapa may also
      represent the first appearance date for Felis nigripes (Black-footed cat). The
      geochronological age of Malapa and the associated hominin taxa and carnivoran
      remains provide a window of research into mammalian evolution during a relatively
      unknown period in South Africa and elsewhere. In particular, the fauna
      represented at Malapa has the potential to elucidate aspects of the evolution of
      Dinofelis and may help resolve competing hypotheses about faunal exchange between
      East and Southern Africa during the late Pliocene or early Pleistocene.

PMID- 22073223
TI  - Phylogenetic and complementation analysis of a single-stranded DNA binding
      protein family from lactococcal phages indicates a non-bacterial origin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The single-stranded-nucleic acid binding (SSB) protein superfamily
      includes proteins encoded by different organisms from Bacteria and their phages
      to Eukaryotes. SSB proteins share common structural characteristics and have been
      suggested to descend from an ancestor polypeptide. However, as other proteins
      involved in DNA replication, bacterial SSB proteins are clearly different from
      those found in Archaea and Eukaryotes. It was proposed that the corresponding
      genes in the phage genomes were transferred from the bacterial hosts. Recently
      new SSB proteins encoded by the virulent lactococcal bacteriophages (Orf14(bIL67)
      like proteins) have been identified and characterized structurally and
      biochemically. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study focused on the
      determination of phylogenetic relationships between Orf14(bIL67)-like proteins
      and other SSBs. We have performed a large scale phylogenetic analysis and
      pairwise sequence comparisons of SSB proteins from different phyla. The results
      show that, in remarkable contrast to other phage SSBs, the Orf14(bIL67)-like
      proteins form a distinct, self-contained and well supported phylogenetic group
      connected to the archaeal SSBs. Functional studies demonstrated that, despite the
      structural and amino acid sequence differences from bacterial SSBs, Orf14(bIL67)
      protein complements the conditional lethal ssb-1 mutation of Escherichia coli.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Here we identified for the first time a group of phages
      encoded SSBs which are clearly distinct from their bacterial counterparts. All
      methods supported the recognition of these phage proteins as a new family within
      the SSB superfamily. Our findings suggest that unlike other phages, the virulent
      lactococcal phages carry ssb genes that were not acquired from their hosts, but
      transferred from an archaeal genome. This represents a unique example of a
      horizontal gene transfer between Archaea and bacterial phages.

PMID- 22073224
TI  - Male germ cell-specific RNA binding protein RBMY: a new oncogene explaining male
      predominance in liver cancer.
AB  - Male gender is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The RNA binding motif gene on
      the Y chromosome (RBMY), encoding a male germ cell-specific RNA splicing
      regulator during spermatogenesis, is aberrantly activated in human male liver
      cancers. This study investigated the in vitro oncogenic effect and the possible
      mechanism of RBMY in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and its in vivo effect with
      regards to the livers of human and transgenic mice. RBMY expression in HepG2
      cells was knocked down by RNA interference and the cancer cell phenotype was
      characterized by soft-agar colony formation and sensitivity to hydrogen-peroxide
      induced apoptosis. The results revealed that RBMY knockdown reduced the
      transformation and anti-apoptotic efficiency of HepG2 cells. The expression of
      RBMY, androgen receptor (AR) and its inhibitory variant AR45, AR-targeted genes
      insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding
      protein 3 (IGFBP-3) was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Up-regulation of AR45
      variant and reduction of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression was only detected in RBMY
      knockdown cells. Moreover, RBMY positive human male HCC expressed lower level of
      AR45 as compared to RBMY negative HCC tissues. The oncogenic properties of RBMY
      were further assessed in a transgenic mouse model. Liver-specific RBMY transgenic
      mice developed hepatic pre-cancerous lesions, adenoma, and HCC. RBMY also
      accelerated chemical carcinogen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mice.
      Collectively, these findings suggest that Y chromosome-specific RBMY is likely
      involved in the regulation of androgen receptor activity and contributes to male
      predominance of HCC.

PMID- 22073225
TI  - The circadian deadenylase Nocturnin is necessary for stabilization of the iNOS
      mRNA in mice.
AB  - Nocturnin is a member of the CCR4 deadenylase family, and its expression is under
      circadian control with peak levels at night. Because it can remove poly(A) tails
      from mRNAs, it is presumed to play a role in post-transcriptional control of
      circadian gene expression, but its target mRNAs are not known. Here we
      demonstrate that Nocturnin expression is acutely induced by the endotoxin
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Nocturnin
      exhibit normal patterns of acute induction of TNFalpha and iNOS mRNAs during the
      first three hours following LPS treatment, but by 24 hours, while TNFalpha mRNA
      levels are indistinguishable from WT cells, iNOS message is significantly reduced
      20-fold. Accordingly, analysis of the stability of the mRNAs showed that loss of
      Nocturnin causes a significant decrease in the half-life of the iNOS mRNA (t(1/2)
      = 3.3 hours in Nocturnin knockout MEFs vs. 12.4 hours in wild type MEFs), while
      having no effect on the TNFalpha message. Furthermore, mice lacking Nocturnin
      lose the normal nighttime peak of hepatic iNOS mRNA, and have improved survival
      following LPS injection. These data suggest that Nocturnin has a novel
      stabilizing activity that plays an important role in the circadian response to
      inflammatory signals.

PMID- 22073226
TI  - Fasting induces the expression of PGC-1alpha and ERR isoforms in the outer stripe
      of the outer medulla (OSOM) of the mouse kidney.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1alpha
      (PGC-1alpha) is a member of the transcriptional coactivator family that plays a
      central role in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism under various
      physiological stimuli. During fasting, PGC-1alpha is induced in the liver and
      together with estrogen-related receptor a and gamma (ERRalpha and ERRgamma,
      orphan nuclear receptors with no known endogenous ligand, regulate sets of genes
      that participate in the energy balance program. We found that PGC-1alpha,
      ERRalpha and ERRgamma was highly expressed in human kidney HK2 cells and that PGC
      1alpha induced dynamic protein interactions on the ERRalpha chromatin. However,
      the effect of fasting on the expression of endogenous PGC-1alpha, ERRalpha and
      ERRgamma in the kidney is not known. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this
      study, we demonstrated by qPCR that the expression of PGC-1alpha, ERRalpha and
      ERRgamma was increased in the mouse kidney after fasting. By using
      immunohistochemistry (IHC), we showed these three proteins are co-localized in
      the outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM) of the mouse kidney. We were able to
      collect this region from the kidney using the Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM)
      technique. The qPCR data showed significant increase of PGC-1alpha, ERRalpha and
      ERRgamma mRNA in the LCM samples after fasting for 24 hours. Furthermore, the
      known ERRalpha target genes, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation gene COX8H
      and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle gene IDH3A also showed an increase. Taken
      together, our data suggest that fasting activates the energy balance program in
      the OSOM of the kidney.

PMID- 22073227
TI  - Dietary cholesterol-induced post-testicular infertility.
AB  - This work shows that an overload of dietary cholesterol causes complete
      infertility in dyslipidemic male mice (the Liver X Receptor-deficient mouse
      model). Infertility resulted from post-testicular defects affecting the
      fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. Spermatozoa of cholesterol-fed lxr-/-
      animals were found to be dramatically less viable and motile, and highly
      susceptible to undergo a premature acrosome reaction. We also provide evidence,
      that this lipid-induced infertility is associated with the accelerated appearance
      of a highly regionalized epididymal phenotype in segments 1 and 2 of the caput
      epididymidis that was otherwise only observed in aged LXR-deficient males. The
      epididymal epithelial phenotype is characterized by peritubular accumulation of
      cholesteryl ester lipid droplets in smooth muscle cells lining the epididymal
      duct, leading to their transdifferentiation into foam cells that eventually
      migrate through the duct wall, a situation that resembles the inflammatory
      atherosclerotic process. These findings establish the high level of
      susceptibility of epididymal sperm maturation to dietary cholesterol overload and
      could partly explain reproductive failures encountered by young dyslipidemic men
      as well as ageing males wishing to reproduce.

PMID- 22073228
TI  - N-terminal arginines modulate plasma-membrane localization of Kv7.1/KCNE1 channel
      complexes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The slow delayed rectifier current (I(Ks)) is important
      for cardiac action potential termination. The underlying channel is composed of
      Kv7.1 alpha-subunits and KCNE1 beta-subunits. While most evidence suggests a role
      of KCNE1 transmembrane domain and C-terminus for the interaction, the N-terminal
      KCNE1 polymorphism 38G is associated with reduced I(Ks) and atrial fibrillation
      (a human arrhythmia). Structure-function relationship of the KCNE1 N-terminus for
      I(Ks) modulation is poorly understood and was subject of this study. METHODS: We
      studied N-terminal KCNE1 constructs disrupting structurally important positively
      charged amino-acids (arginines) at positions 32, 33, 36 as well as KCNE1
      constructs that modify position 38 including an N-terminal truncation mutation.
      Experimental procedures included molecular cloning, patch-clamp recording,
      protein biochemistry, real-time-PCR and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: All KCNE1
      constructs physically interacted with Kv7.1. I(Ks) resulting from co-expression
      of Kv7.1 with non-atrial fibrillation '38S' was greater than with any other
      construct. Ionic currents resulting from co-transfection of a KCNE1 mutant with
      arginine substitutions ('38G-3xA') were comparable to currents evoked from cells
      transfected with an N-terminally truncated KCNE1-construct ('Delta1-38'). Western
      blots from plasma-membrane preparations and confocal images consistently showed a
      greater amount of Kv7.1 protein at the plasma-membrane in cells co-transfected
      with the non-atrial fibrillation KCNE1-38S than with any other construct.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that N-terminal arginines in
      positions 32, 33, 36 of KCNE1 are important for reconstitution of I(Ks).
      Furthermore, our results hint towards a role of these N-terminal amino-acids in
      membrane representation of the delayed rectifier channel complex.

PMID- 22073229
TI  - Impact of MUC1 mucin downregulation in the phenotypic characteristics of MKN45
      gastric carcinoma cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer-associated
      death worldwide. The high mortality associated with this disease is in part due
      to limited knowledge about gastric carcinogenesis and a lack of available
      therapeutic and prevention strategies. MUC1 is a high molecular weight
      transmembrane mucin protein expressed at the apical surface of most glandular
      epithelial cells and a major component of the mucus layer above gastric mucosa.
      Overexpression of MUC1 is found in approximately 95% of human adenocarcinomas,
      where it is associated with oncogenic activity. The role of MUC1 in gastric
      cancer progression remains to be clarified. METHODOLOGY: We downregulated MUC1
      expression in a gastric carcinoma cell line by RNA interference and studied the
      effects on cellular proliferation (MTT assay), apoptosis (TUNEL assay), migration
      (migration assay), invasion (invasion assay) and aggregation (aggregation assay).
      Global gene expression was evaluated by microarray analysis to identify
      alterations that are regulated by MUC1 expression. In vivo assays were also
      performed in mice, in order to study the tumorigenicity of cells with and without
      MUC1 downregulation in MKN45 gastric carcinoma cell line. RESULTS: Downregulation
      of MUC1 expression increased proliferation and apoptosis as compared to controls,
      whereas cell-cell aggregation was decreased. No significant differences were
      found in terms of migration and invasion between the downregulated clones and the
      controls. Expression of TCN1, KLK6, ADAM29, LGAL4, TSPAN8 and SHPS-1 was found to
      be significantly different between MUC1 downregulated clones and the control
      cells. In vivo assays have shown that mice injected with MUC1 downregulated cells
      develop smaller tumours when compared to mice injected with the control cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that MUC1 downregulation alters the phenotype
      and tumorigenicity of MKN45 gastric carcinoma cells and also the expression of
      several molecules that can be involved in tumorigenic events. Therefore, MUC1
      should be further studied to better clarify its potential as a novel therapeutic
      target for gastric cancer.

PMID- 22073230
TI  - Methionine sulfoxide reductases are essential for virulence of Salmonella
      typhimurium.
AB  - Production of reactive oxygen species represents a fundamental innate defense
      against microbes in a diversity of host organisms. Oxidative stress, amongst
      others, converts peptidyl and free methionine to a mixture of methionine-S- (Met
      S-SO) and methionine-R-sulfoxides (Met-R-SO). To cope with such oxidative damage,
      methionine sulfoxide reductases MsrA and MsrB are known to reduce MetSOs, the
      former being specific for the S-form and the latter being specific for the R
      form. However, at present the role of methionine sulfoxide reductases in the
      pathogenesis of intracellular bacterial pathogens has not been fully detailed.
      Here we show that deletion of msrA in the facultative intracellular pathogen
      Salmonella (S.) enterica serovar Typhimurium increased susceptibility to
      exogenous H(2)O(2), and reduced bacterial replication inside activated
      macrophages, and in mice. In contrast, a DeltamsrB mutant showed the wild type
      phenotype. Recombinant MsrA was active against free and peptidyl Met-S-SO,
      whereas recombinant MsrB was only weakly active and specific for peptidyl Met-R
      SO. This raised the question of whether an additional Met-R-SO reductase could
      play a role in the oxidative stress response of S. Typhimurium. MsrC is a
      methionine sulfoxide reductase previously shown to be specific for free Met-R-SO
      in Escherichia (E.) coli. We tested a DeltamsrC single mutant and a
      DeltamsrBDeltamsrC double mutant under various stress conditions, and found that
      MsrC is essential for survival of S. Typhimurium following exposure to H(2)O(2,)
      as well as for growth in macrophages, and in mice. Hence, this study demonstrates
      that all three methionine sulfoxide reductases, MsrA, MsrB and MsrC, facilitate
      growth of a canonical intracellular pathogen during infection. Interestingly MsrC
      is specific for the repair of free methionine sulfoxide, pointing to an important
      role of this pathway in the oxidative stress response of Salmonella Typhimurium.

PMID- 22073231
TI  - NFX1-LIKE2 (NFXL2) suppresses abscisic acid accumulation and stomatal closure in
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - The NFX1-LIKE1 (NFXL1) and NFXL2 genes were identified as regulators of salt
      stress responses. The NFXL1 protein is a nuclear factor that positively affects
      adaptation to salt stress. The nfxl1-1 loss-of-function mutant displayed reduced
      survival rates under salt and high light stress. In contrast, the nfxl2-1 mutant,
      defective in the NFXL2 gene, and NFXL2-antisense plants exhibited enhanced
      survival under these conditions. We show here that the loss of NFXL2 function
      results in abscisic acid (ABA) overaccumulation, reduced stomatal conductance,
      and enhanced survival under drought stress. The nfxl2-1 mutant displayed reduced
      stomatal aperture under all conditions tested. Fusicoccin treatment, exposition
      to increasing light intensities, and supply of decreasing CO(2) concentrations
      demonstrated full opening capacity of nfxl2-1 stomata. Reduced stomatal opening
      presumably is a consequence of elevated ABA levels. Furthermore, seedling growth,
      root growth, and stomatal closure were hypersensitive to exogenous ABA. The
      enhanced ABA responses may contribute to the improved drought stress resistance
      of the mutant. Three NFXL2 splice variants were cloned and named NFXL2-78, NFXL2
      97, and NFXL2-100 according to the molecular weight of the putative proteins.
      Translational fusions to the green fluorescent protein suggest nuclear
      localisation of the NFXL2 proteins. Stable expression of the NFXL2-78 splice
      variant in nfxl2-1 plants largely complemented the mutant phenotype. Our data
      show that NFXL2 controls ABA levels and suppresses ABA responses. NFXL2 may
      prevent unnecessary and costly stress adaptation under favourable conditions.

PMID- 22073232
TI  - Transcriptomics responses in marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana exposed to
      the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene.
AB  - Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthetic, eukaryotic algae with a ubiquitous
      distribution in water environments and they play an important role in the carbon
      cycle. Molecular or morphological changes in these species under ecological
      stress conditions are expected to serve as early indicators of toxicity and can
      point to a global impact on the entire ecosystem. Thalassiosira pseudonana, a
      marine diatom and the first with a fully sequenced genome has been selected as an
      aquatic model organism for ecotoxicological studies using molecular tools. A
      customized DNA microarray containing probes for the available gene sequences has
      been developed and tested to analyze the effects of a common pollutant,
      benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), at a sub-lethal concentration. This approach in diatoms has
      helped to elucidate pathway/metabolic processes involved in the mode of action of
      this pollutant, including lipid metabolism, silicon metabolism and stress
      response. A dose-response of BaP on diatoms has been made and the effect of this
      compound on the expression of selected genes was assessed by quantitative real
      time-PCR. Up-regulation of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase and the anti
      apoptotic transmembrane Bax inhibitor, as well as down-regulation of silicon
      transporter 1 and a heat shock factor was confirmed at lower concentrations of
      BaP, but not the heat-shock protein 20. The study has allowed the identification
      of molecular biomarkers to BaP to be later on integrated into environmental
      monitoring for water quality assessment.

PMID- 22073233
TI  - Corruption kills: estimating the global impact of corruption on children deaths.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on the global risk factors of children mortality is
      crucial to guide global efforts to improve survival. Corruption has been
      previously shown to significantly impact on child mortality. However no recent
      quantification of its current impact is available. METHODS: The impact of
      corruption was assessed through crude Pearson's correlation, univariate and
      multivariate linear models coupling national under-five mortality rates in 2008
      to the national "perceived level of corruption" (CPI) and a large set of
      adjustment variables measured during the same period. FINDINGS: The final
      multivariable model (adjusted R(2)= 0.89) included the following significant
      variables: percentage of people with improved sanitation (p.value<0.001),
      logarithm of total health expenditure (p.value = 0.006), Corruption Perception
      Index (p.value<0.001), presence of an arid climate on the national territory (p =
      0.006), and the dependency ratio (p.value<0.001). A decrease in CPI of one point
      (i.e. a more important perceived corruption) was associated with an increase in
      the log of national under-five mortality rate of 0.0644. According to this
      result, it could be roughly hypothesized that more than 140000 annual children
      deaths could be indirectly attributed to corruption. INTERPRETATIONS: Global
      response to children mortality must involve a necessary increase in funds
      available to develop water and sanitation access and purchase new methods for
      prevention, management, and treatment of major diseases drawing the global
      pattern of children deaths. However without paying regard to the anti-corruption
      mechanisms needed to ensure their proper use, it will also provide further
      opportunity for corruption. Policies and interventions supported by governments
      and donors must integrate initiatives that recognise how they are inter-related.

PMID- 22073234
TI  - Granulovacuolar degenerations appear in relation to hippocampal phosphorylated
      tau accumulation in various neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) is one of the pathological
      hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it is defined as electron-dense
      granules within double membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles. Several lines of
      evidence have suggested that GVDs appear within hippocampal pyramidal neurons in
      AD when phosphorylated tau begins to aggregate into early-stage neurofibrillary
      tangles. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of GVDs with
      phosphorylated tau pathology to determine whether GVDs and phosphorylated tau
      coexist among different non-AD neurodegenerative disorders. METHODS: An autopsied
      series of 28 patients with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders and 9 control
      patients were evaluated. Standard histological stains along with
      immunohistochemistry using protein markers for GVD and confocal microscopy were
      utilized. RESULTS: The number of neurons with GVDs significantly increased with
      the level of phosphorylated tau accumulation in the hippocampal regions in non-AD
      neurodegenerative disorders. At the cellular level, diffuse staining for
      phosphorylated tau was detected in neurons with GVDs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that GVDs appear in relation to hippocampal phosphorylated tau
      accumulation in various neurodegenerative disorders, while the presence of
      phosphorylated tau in GVD-harbouring neurons in non-AD neurodegenerative
      disorders was indistinguishable from age-related accumulation of phosphorylated
      tau. Although GVDs in non-AD neurodegenerative disorders have not been studied
      thoroughly, our results suggest that they are not incidental findings, but rather
      they appear in relation to phosphorylated tau accumulation, further highlighting
      the role of GVD in the process of phosphorylated tau accumulation.

PMID- 22073236
TI  - Climate change impact on neotropical social wasps.
AB  - Establishing a direct link between climate change and fluctuations in animal
      populations through long-term monitoring is difficult given the paucity of
      baseline data. We hypothesized that social wasps are sensitive to climatic
      variations, and thus studied the impact of ENSO events on social wasp populations
      in French Guiana. We noted that during the 2000 La Nina year there was a 77.1%
      decrease in their nest abundance along ca. 5 km of forest edges, and that 70.5%
      of the species were no longer present. Two simultaneous 13-year surveys (1997
      2009) confirmed the decrease in social wasps during La Nina years (2000 and
      2006), while an increase occurred during the 2009 El Nino year. A 30-year weather
      survey showed that these phenomena corresponded to particularly high levels of
      rainfall, and that temperature, humidity and global solar radiation were
      correlated with rainfall. Using the Self-Organizing Map algorithm, we show that
      heavy rainfall during an entire rainy season has a negative impact on social
      wasps. Strong contrasts in rainfall between the dry season and the short rainy
      season exacerbate this effect. Social wasp populations never recovered to their
      pre-2000 levels. This is probably because these conditions occurred over four
      years; heavy rainfall during the major rainy seasons during four other years also
      had a detrimental effect. On the contrary, low levels of rainfall during the
      major rainy season in 2009 spurred an increase in social wasp populations. We
      conclude that recent climatic changes have likely resulted in fewer social wasp
      colonies because they have lowered the wasps' resistance to parasitoids and
      pathogens. These results imply that Neotropical social wasps can be regarded as
      bio-indicators because they highlight the impact of climatic changes not yet
      perceptible in plants and other animals.

PMID- 22073235
TI  - Differential expression of Wnts after spinal cord contusion injury in adult rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury is a major cause of disability that has no
      clinically accepted treatment. Functional decline following spinal cord injury is
      caused by mechanical damage, secondary cell death, reactive gliosis and a poor
      regenerative capacity of damaged axons. Wnt proteins are a family of secreted
      glycoproteins that play key roles in different developmental processes although
      little is known of the expression patterns and functions of Wnts in the adult
      central nervous system in normal or diseased states. FINDINGS: Using qRT-PCR
      analysis, we demonstrate that mRNA encoding most Wnt ligands and soluble
      inhibitors are constitutively expressed in the healthy adult spinal cord.
      Strikingly, contusion spinal cord injury induced a time-dependent increase in Wnt
      mRNA expression from 6 hours until 28 days post-injury, and a narrow peak in the
      expression of soluble Wnt inhibitors between 1 and 3 days post-injury. These
      results are consistent with the increase in the migration shift, from day 1 to 7,
      of the intracellular Wnt signalling component, Dishevelled-3. Moreover, after an
      initial decrease by 1 day, we also found an increase in phosphorylation of the
      Wnt co-receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6, and an
      increase in active beta-catenin protein, both of which suffer a dramatic change,
      from a homogeneous expression pattern in the grey matter to a disorganized injury
      induced pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a role for Wnts in spinal cord
      homeostasis and injury. We demonstrate that after injury Wnt signalling is
      activated via the Wnt/beta-catenin and possibly other pathways. These findings
      provide an important foundation to further address the function of individual Wnt
      proteins in vivo and the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22073237
TI  - Mangafodipir protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Mangafodipir is a contrast agent used in magnetic resonance
      imaging that concentrates in the liver and displays pleiotropic antioxidant
      properties. Since reactive oxygen species are involved in ischemia-reperfusion
      damages, we hypothesized that the use of mangafodipir could prevent liver lesions
      in a mouse model of hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury. Mangafodipir (MnDPDP)
      was compared to ischemic preconditioning and intermittent inflow occlusion for
      the prevention of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in the mouse. METHODS: Mice
      were subjected to 70% hepatic ischemia (continuous ischemia) for 90 min. Thirty
      minutes before the ischemic period, either mangafodipir (10 mg/kg) or saline was
      injected intraperitoneally. Those experimental groups were compared with one
      group of mice preconditioned by 10 minutes' ischemia followed by 15 minutes'
      reperfusion, and one group with intermittent inflow occlusion. Hepatic ischemia
      reperfusion injury was evaluated by measurement of serum levels of aspartate
      aminotransferase (ASAT) activity, histologic analysis of the livers, and
      determination of hepatocyte apoptosis (cytochrome c release, caspase 3 activity).
      The effect of mangafodipir on the survival rate of mice was studied in a model of
      total hepatic ischemia. RESULTS: Mangafodipir prevented experimental hepatic
      ischemia-reperfusion injuries in the mouse as indicated by a reduction in serum
      ASAT activity (P<0.01), in liver tissue damages, in markers of apoptosis
      (P<0.01), and by higher rates of survival in treated than in untreated animals
      (P<0.001). The level of protection by mangafodipir was similar to that observed
      following intermittent inflow occlusion and higher than after ischemic
      preconditioning. CONCLUSIONS: Mangafodipir is a potential new preventive
      treatment for hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PMID- 22073238
TI  - MiR-223 suppresses cell proliferation by targeting IGF-1R.
AB  - To study the roles of microRNA-223 (miR-223) in regulation of cell growth, we
      established a miR-223 over-expression model in HeLa cells infected with miR-223
      by Lentivirus pLL3.7 system. We observed in this model that miR-223 significantly
      suppressed the proliferation, growth rate, colony formation of HeLa cells in
      vitro, and in vivo tumorigenicity or tumor formation in nude mice. To investigate
      the mechanisms involved, we scanned and examined the potential and putative
      target molecules of miR-223 by informatics, quantitative PCR and Western blot,
      and found that insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was the functional
      target of miR-223 inhibition of cell proliferation. Targeting IGF-1R by miR-223
      was not only seen in HeLa cells, but also in leukemia and hepatoma cells. The
      downstream pathway, Akt/mTOR/p70S6K, to which the signal was mediated by IGF-1R,
      was inhibited as well. The relative luciferase activity of the reporter
      containing wild-type 3'UTR(3'untranslated region) of IGF-1R was significantly
      suppressed, but the mutant not. Silence of IGF-1R expression by vector-based
      short hairpin RNA resulted in the similar inhibition with miR-223. Contrarily,
      rescued IGF-1R expression in the cells that over-expressed miR-223, reversed the
      inhibition caused by miR-223 via introducing IGF-1R cDNA that didn't contain the
      3'UTR. Meanwhile, we also noted that miR-223 targeted Rasa1, but the downstream
      molecules mediated by Rasa1 was neither targeted nor regulated. Therefore we
      believed that IGF-1R was the functional target for miR-223 suppression of cell
      proliferation and its downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway suppressed by miR
      223 was by targeting IGF-1R.

PMID- 22073239
TI  - Modeling the mechanism of action of a DGAT1 inhibitor using a causal reasoning
      platform.
AB  - Triglyceride accumulation is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Genetic
      disruption of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), which catalyzes the final
      reaction of triglyceride synthesis, confers dramatic resistance to high-fat diet
      induced obesity. Hence, DGAT1 is considered a potential therapeutic target for
      treating obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, the molecular events
      shaping the mechanism of action of DGAT1 pharmacological inhibition have not been
      fully explored yet. Here, we investigate the metabolic molecular mechanisms
      induced in response to pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1 using a recently
      developed computational systems biology approach, the Causal Reasoning Engine
      (CRE). The CRE algorithm utilizes microarray transcriptomic data and causal
      statements derived from the biomedical literature to infer upstream molecular
      events driving these transcriptional changes. The inferred upstream events (also
      called hypotheses) are aggregated into biological models using a set of
      analytical tools that allow for evaluation and integration of the hypotheses in
      context of their supporting evidence. In comparison to gene ontology enrichment
      analysis which pointed to high-level changes in metabolic processes, the CRE
      results provide detailed molecular hypotheses to explain the measured
      transcriptional changes. CRE analysis of gene expression changes in high fat
      habituated rats treated with a potent and selective DGAT1 inhibitor demonstrate
      that the majority of transcriptomic changes support a metabolic network
      indicative of reversal of high fat diet effects that includes a number of
      molecular hypotheses such as PPARG, HNF4A and SREBPs. Finally, the CRE-generated
      molecular hypotheses from DGAT1 inhibitor treated rats were found to capture the
      major molecular characteristics of DGAT1 deficient mice, supporting a phenotype
      of decreased lipid and increased insulin sensitivity.

PMID- 22073240
TI  - Suicidal behavior and depression in smoking cessation treatments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two treatments for smoking cessation--varenicline and bupropion-
      carry Boxed Warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about
      suicidal/self-injurious behavior and depression. However, some epidemiological
      studies report an increased risk in smoking or smoking cessation independent of
      treatment, and differences between drugs are unknown. METHODOLOGY: From the FDA's
      Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database from 1998 through September 2010
      we selected domestic, serious case reports for varenicline (n = 9,575), bupropion
      for smoking cessation (n = 1,751), and nicotine replacement products (n = 1,917).
      A composite endpoint of suicidal/self-injurious behavior or depression was
      defined as a case with one or more Preferred Terms in Standardized MedDRA Query
      (SMQ) for those adverse effects. The main outcome measure was the ratio of
      reported suicide/self-injury or depression cases for each drug compared to all
      other serious events for that drug. RESULTS: Overall we identified 3,249 reported
      cases of suicidal/self-injurious behavior or depression, 2,925 (90%) for
      varenicline, 229 (7%) for bupropion, and 95 (3%) for nicotine replacement.
      Compared to nicotine replacement, the disproportionality results (OR (95% CI))
      were varenicline 8.4 (6.8-10.4), and bupropion 2.9 (2.3-3.7). The
      disproportionality persisted after excluding reports indicating concomitant
      therapy with any of 58 drugs with suicidal behavior warnings or precautions in
      the prescribing information. An additional antibiotic comparison group showed
      that adverse event reports of suicidal/self-injurious behavior or depression were
      otherwise rare in a healthy population receiving short-term drug treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Varenicline shows a substantial, statistically significant increased
      risk of reported depression and suicidal/self-injurious behavior. Bupropion for
      smoking cessation had smaller increased risks. The findings for varenicline,
      combined with other problems with its safety profile, render it unsuitable for
      first-line use in smoking cessation.

PMID- 22073241
TI  - The role of speciation in positive Lowenstein-Jensen culture isolates from a high
      tuberculosis burden country.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the need for routine speciation of positive Lowenstein
      Jensen mycobacterial cultures in HIV-infected patients suspected of having
      pulmonary tuberculosis at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: Sputum and
      bronchoalveolar lavage Lowenstein-Jensen mycobacterial culture isolates from
      consecutive, HIV-infected patients admitted to Mulago Hospital with 2 weeks or
      more of cough were subjected to IS6110 PCR and rpoB genetic analysis to determine
      the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and non-tuberculous
      mycobacteria (NTM). RESULTS: Eighty (100%) mycobacterial cultures from 65
      patients were confirmed to be members of MTBC. Subsequent analysis of the
      cultures from 54 patients by PCR and sequence analyses to identify co-infection
      with NTM confirmed the presence of MTBC as well as the presence of Micrococcus
      luteus (n = 4), Janibacter spp. (n = 1) and six cultures had organisms that could
      not be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis on the
      basis of a positive Lowenstein-Jensen culture is sufficient in HIV-infected
      Ugandans suspected of having tuberculosis. Routine molecular confirmation of
      positive Lowenstein-Jensen cultures is unnecessary in this low resource setting.

PMID- 22073242
TI  - Phase I evaluation of STA-1474, a prodrug of the novel HSP90 inhibitor
      ganetespib, in dogs with spontaneous cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The novel water soluble compound STA-1474 is metabolized to
      ganetespib (formerly STA-9090), a potent HSP90 inhibitor previously shown to kill
      canine tumor cell lines in vitro and inhibit tumor growth in the setting of
      murine xenografts. The purpose of the following study was to extend these
      observations and investigate the safety and efficacy of STA-1474 in dogs with
      spontaneous tumors. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This was a Phase 1 trial in which dogs
      with spontaneous tumors received STA-1474 under one of three different dosing
      schemes. Pharmacokinetics, toxicities, biomarker changes, and tumor responses
      were assessed. Twenty-five dogs with a variety of cancers were enrolled.
      Toxicities were primarily gastrointestinal in nature consisting of diarrhea,
      vomiting, inappetence and lethargy. Upregulation of HSP70 protein expression was
      noted in both tumor specimens and PBMCs within 7 hours following drug
      administration. Measurable objective responses were observed in dogs with
      malignant mast cell disease (n = 3), osteosarcoma (n = 1), melanoma (n = 1) and
      thyroid carcinoma (n = 1), for a response rate of 24% (6/25). Stable disease (>10
      weeks) was seen in 3 dogs, for a resultant overall biological activity of 36%
      (9/25). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that STA-1474 exhibits biologic
      activity in a relevant large animal model of cancer. Given the similarities of
      canine and human cancers with respect to tumor biology and HSP90 activation, it
      is likely that STA-1474 and ganetespib will demonstrate comparable anti-cancer
      activity in human patients.

PMID- 22073243
TI  - The two Caenorhabditis elegans UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase
      homologues have distinct biological functions.
AB  - The UDP-Glc:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT) is the sensor of glycoprotein
      conformations in the glycoprotein folding quality control as it exclusively
      glucosylates glycoproteins not displaying their native conformations.
      Monoglucosylated glycoproteins thus formed may interact with the lectin
      chaperones calnexin (CNX) and calreticulin (CRT). This interaction prevents
      premature exit of folding intermediates to the Golgi and enhances folding
      efficiency. Bioinformatic analysis showed that in C. elegans there are two open
      reading frames (F48E3.3 and F26H9.8 to be referred as uggt-1 and uggt-2,
      respectively) coding for UGGT homologues. Expression of both genes in
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutants devoid of UGGT activity showed that uggt-1
      codes for an active UGGT protein (CeUGGT-1). On the other hand, uggt-2 coded for
      a protein (CeUGGT-2) apparently not displaying a canonical UGGT activity. This
      protein was essential for viability, although cnx/crt null worms were viable. We
      constructed transgenic worms carrying the uggt-1 promoter linked to the green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) coding sequence and found that CeUGGT-1 is expressed in
      cells of the nervous system. uggt-1 is upregulated under ER stress through the
      ire-1 arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Real-time PCR analysis showed
      that both uggt-1 and uggt-2 genes are expressed during the entire C. elegans life
      cycle. RNAi-mediated depletion of CeUGGT-1 but not of CeUGGT-2 resulted in a
      reduced lifespan and that of CeUGGT-1 and CeUGGT-2 in a developmental delay. We
      found that both CeUGGT1 and CeUGGT2 play a protective role under ER stress
      conditions, since 10 ug/ml tunicamycin arrested development at the L2/L3 stage of
      both uggt-1(RNAi) and uggt-2(RNAi) but not of control worms. Furthermore, we
      found that the role of CeUGGT-2 but not CeUGGT-1 is significant in relieving low
      ER stress levels in the absence of the ire-1 unfolding protein response signaling
      pathway. Our results indicate that both C. elegans UGGT homologues have distinct
      biological functions.

PMID- 22073244
TI  - Testing the water-energy theory on American palms (Arecaceae) using
      geographically weighted regression.
AB  - Water and energy have emerged as the best contemporary environmental correlates
      of broad-scale species richness patterns. A corollary hypothesis of water-energy
      dynamics theory is that the influence of water decreases and the influence of
      energy increases with absolute latitude. We report the first use of
      geographically weighted regression for testing this hypothesis on a continuous
      species richness gradient that is entirely located within the tropics and
      subtropics. The dataset was divided into northern and southern hemispheric
      portions to test whether predictor shifts are more pronounced in the less oceanic
      northern hemisphere. American palms (Arecaceae, n = 547 spp.), whose species
      richness and distributions are known to respond strongly to water and energy,
      were used as a model group. The ability of water and energy to explain palm
      species richness was quantified locally at different spatial scales and regressed
      on latitude. Clear latitudinal trends in agreement with water-energy dynamics
      theory were found, but the results did not differ qualitatively between
      hemispheres. Strong inherent spatial autocorrelation in local modeling results
      and collinearity of water and energy variables were identified as important
      methodological challenges. We overcame these problems by using simultaneous
      autoregressive models and variation partitioning. Our results show that the
      ability of water and energy to explain species richness changes not only across
      large climatic gradients spanning tropical to temperate or arctic zones but also
      within megathermal climates, at least for strictly tropical taxa such as palms.
      This finding suggests that the predictor shifts are related to gradual
      latitudinal changes in ambient energy (related to solar flux input) rather than
      to abrupt transitions at specific latitudes, such as the occurrence of frost.

PMID- 22073245
TI  - Finding and testing network communities by lumped Markov chains.
AB  - Identifying communities (or clusters), namely groups of nodes with comparatively
      strong internal connectivity, is a fundamental task for deeply understanding the
      structure and function of a network. Yet, there is a lack of formal criteria for
      defining communities and for testing their significance. We propose a sharp
      definition that is based on a quality threshold. By means of a lumped Markov
      chain model of a random walker, a quality measure called "persistence
      probability" is associated to a cluster, which is then defined as an "alpha
      community" if such a probability is not smaller than alpha. Consistently, a
      partition composed of alpha-communities is an "alpha-partition." These
      definitions turn out to be very effective for finding and testing communities. If
      a set of candidate partitions is available, setting the desired alpha-level
      allows one to immediately select the alpha-partition with the finest
      decomposition. Simultaneously, the persistence probabilities quantify the quality
      of each single community. Given its ability in individually assessing each single
      cluster, this approach can also disclose single well-defined communities even in
      networks that overall do not possess a definite clusterized structure.

PMID- 22073246
TI  - Adapted to roar: functional morphology of tiger and lion vocal folds.
AB  - Vocal production requires active control of the respiratory system, larynx and
      vocal tract. Vocal sounds in mammals are produced by flow-induced vocal fold
      oscillation, which requires vocal fold tissue that can sustain the mechanical
      stress during phonation. Our understanding of the relationship between morphology
      and vocal function of vocal folds is very limited. Here we tested the hypothesis
      that vocal fold morphology and viscoelastic properties allow a prediction of
      fundamental frequency range of sounds that can be produced, and minimal lung
      pressure necessary to initiate phonation. We tested the hypothesis in lions and
      tigers who are well-known for producing low frequency and very loud roaring
      sounds that expose vocal folds to large stresses. In histological sections, we
      found that the Panthera vocal fold lamina propria consists of a lateral region
      with adipocytes embedded in a network of collagen and elastin fibers and
      hyaluronan. There is also a medial region that contains only fibrous proteins and
      hyaluronan but no fat cells. Young's moduli range between 10 and 2000 kPa for
      strains up to 60%. Shear moduli ranged between 0.1 and 2 kPa and differed between
      layers. Biomechanical and morphological data were used to make predictions of
      fundamental frequency and subglottal pressure ranges. Such predictions agreed
      well with measurements from natural phonation and phonation of excised larynges,
      respectively. We assume that fat shapes Panthera vocal folds into an advantageous
      geometry for phonation and it protects vocal folds. Its primary function is
      probably not to increase vocal fold mass as suggested previously. The large
      square-shaped Panthera vocal fold eases phonation onset and thereby extends the
      dynamic range of the voice.

PMID- 22073247
TI  - Vision is adapted to the natural level of blur present in the retinal image.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The image formed by the eye's optics is inherently blurred by
      aberrations specific to an individual's eyes. We examined how visual coding is
      adapted to the optical quality of the eye. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We assessed the
      relationship between perceived blur and the retinal image blur resulting from
      high order aberrations in an individual's optics. Observers judged perceptual
      blur in a psychophysical two-alternative forced choice paradigm, on stimuli
      viewed through perfectly corrected optics (using a deformable mirror to
      compensate for the individual's aberrations). Realistic blur of different amounts
      and forms was computer simulated using real aberrations from a population. The
      blur levels perceived as best focused were close to the levels predicted by an
      individual's high order aberrations over a wide range of blur magnitudes, and
      were systematically biased when observers were instead adapted to the blur
      reproduced from a different observer's eye. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide
      strong evidence that spatial vision is calibrated for the specific blur levels
      present in each individual's retinal image and that this adaptation at least
      partly reflects how spatial sensitivity is normalized in the neural coding of
      blur.

PMID- 22073248
TI  - The interaction between regulatory T cells and NKT cells in the liver: a CD1d
      bridge links innate and adaptive immunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer T (NKT) cells are
      two distinct lymphocyte subsets that independently regulate hepatic adaptive and
      innate immunity, respectively. In the current study, we examine the interaction
      between Tregs and NKT cells to understand the mechanisms of cross immune
      regulation by these cells. METHODS: The frequency and function of Tregs were
      evaluated in wild type and NKT cell deficient (CD1dko) mice. In vitro lymphocyte
      proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed with NKT cells co-cultured with
      Tregs. The ability of Tregs to inhibit NKT cells in vivo was examined by adoptive
      transfer of Tregs in a model of NKT cell mediated hepatitis. RESULTS: CD1dko mice
      have a significant reduction in hepatic Tregs. Although, the Tregs from CD1dko
      mice remain functional and can suppress conventional T cells, their ability to
      suppress activation induced NKT cell proliferation and to promote NKT cell
      apoptosis is greatly diminished. These effects are CD1d dependent and require
      cell to cell contact. Adoptive transfer of Tregs inhibits NKT cell-mediated liver
      injury. CONCLUSIONS: NKT cells promote Tregs, and Tregs inhibit NKT cells in a
      CD1d dependent manner requiring cell to cell contact. These cross-talk immune
      regulations provide a linkage between innate and adaptive immunity.

PMID- 22073249
TI  - Up-regulation of MUC2 and IL-1beta expression in human colonic epithelial cells
      by Shigella and its interaction with mucins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The entire gastrointestinal tract is protected by a mucous layer,
      which contains complex glycoproteins called mucins. MUC2 is one such mucin that
      protects the colonic mucosa from invading microbes. The initial interaction
      between microbes and mucins is an important step for microbial pathogenesis.
      Hence, it was of interest to investigate the relationship between host (mucin)
      and pathogen interaction, including Shigella induced expression of MUC2 and IL
      1beta during shigellosis. METHODS: The mucin-Shigella interaction was revealed by
      an in vitro mucin-binding assay. Invasion of Shigella dysenteriae into HT-29
      cells was analyzed by Transmission electron microscopy. Shigella induced mucin
      and IL-1beta expression were analyzed by RT-PCR and Immunofluorescence. RESULTS:
      The clinical isolates of Shigella were found to be virulent by a congo-red
      binding assay. The in vitro mucin-binding assay revealed both Shigella
      dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri have binding affinity in the increasing order
      of: guinea pig small intestinal mucin<guinea pig colonic mucin< Human colonic
      mucin. Invasion of Shigella dysenteriae into HT-29 cells occurs within 2 hours.
      Interestingly, in Shigella dysenteriae infected conditions, significant increases
      in mRNA expression of MUC2 and IL-1beta were observed in a time dependent manner.
      Further, immunofluorescence analysis of MUC2 shows more positive cells in
      Shigella dysenteriae treated cells than untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      concludes that the Shigella species specifically binds to guinea pig colonic
      mucin, but not to guinea pig small intestinal mucin. The guinea pig colonic mucin
      showed a greater binding parameter (R), and more saturable binding, suggesting
      the presence of a finite number of receptor binding sites in the colonic mucin of
      the host. In addition, modification of mucins with TFMS and sodium metaperiodate
      significantly reduced mucin-bacterial binding; suggesting that the mucin-Shigella
      interaction occurs through carbohydrate epitopes on the mucin backbones.
      Overproduction of MUC2 may alter adherence and invasion of Shigella dysenteriae
      into human colonic epithelial cells.

PMID- 22073250
TI  - Optimal antiviral switching to minimize resistance risk in HIV therapy.
AB  - The development of resistant strains of HIV is the most significant barrier to
      effective long-term treatment of HIV infection. The most common causes of
      resistance development are patient noncompliance and pre-existence of resistant
      strains. In this paper, methods of antiviral regimen switching are developed that
      minimize the risk of pre-existing resistant virus emerging during therapy
      switches necessitated by virological failure. Two distinct cases are considered;
      a single previous virological failure and multiple virological failures. These
      methods use optimal control approaches on experimentally verified mathematical
      models of HIV strain competition and statistical models of resistance risk. It is
      shown that, theoretically, order-of-magnitude reduction in risk can be achieved,
      and multiple previous virological failures enable greater success of these
      methods in reducing the risk of subsequent treatment failures.

PMID- 22073251
TI  - Gender-related differences in the dysfunctional resting networks of migraine
      suffers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migraine shows gender-specific incidence and has a higher prevalence
      in females. However, little is known about gender-related differences in
      dysfunctional brain organization, which may account for gender-specific
      vulnerability and characteristics of migraine. In this study, we considered
      gender-related differences in the topological property of resting functional
      networks. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Data was obtained from 38 migraine
      patients (18 males and 20 females) and 38 healthy subjects (18 males and 20
      females). We used the graph theory analysis, which becomes a powerful tool in
      investigating complex brain networks on a whole brain scale and could describe
      functional interactions between brain regions. Using this approach, we compared
      the brain functional networks between these two groups, and several network
      properties were investigated, such as small-worldness, network resilience, nodal
      centrality, and interregional connections. In our findings, these network
      characters were all disrupted in patients suffering from chronic migraine. More
      importantly, these functional damages in the migraine-affected brain had a skewed
      balance between males and females. In female patients, brain functional networks
      showed worse resilience, more regions exhibited decreased nodal centrality, and
      more functional connections revealed abnormalities than in male patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that migraine may have an additional
      influence on females and lead to more dysfunctional organization in their resting
      functional networks.

PMID- 22073253
TI  - Landscape movements of migratory birds and bats reveal an expanded scale of
      stopover.
AB  - Many species of birds and bats undertake seasonal migrations between breeding and
      over-wintering sites. En-route, migrants alternate periods of flight with time
      spent at stopover--the time and space where individuals rest and refuel for
      subsequent flights. We assessed the spatial scale of movements made by migrants
      during stopover by using an array of automated telemetry receivers with multiple
      antennae to track the daily location of individuals over a geographic area ~20 *
      40 km. We tracked the movements of 322 individuals of seven migratory vertebrate
      species (5 passerines, 1 owl and 1 bat) during spring and fall migratory stopover
      on and adjacent to a large lake peninsula. Our results show that many individuals
      leaving their capture site relocate within the same landscape at some point
      during stopover, moving as much as 30 km distant from their site of initial
      capture. We show that many apparent nocturnal departures from stopover sites are
      not a resumption of migration in the strictest sense, but are instead relocations
      that represent continued stopover at a broader spatial scale.

PMID- 22073252
TI  - Resting state functional connectivity in perfusion imaging: correlation maps with
      BOLD connectivity and resting state perfusion.
AB  - Functional connectivity is a property of the resting state that may provide
      biomarkers of brain function and individual differences. Classically,
      connectivity is estimated as the temporal correlation of spontaneous fluctuations
      of BOLD signal. We investigated differences in connectivity estimated from the
      BOLD and CBF signal present in volumes acquired with arterial spin labeling
      technique in a large sample (N = 265) of healthy individuals. Positive
      connectivity was observable in both BOLD and CBF signal, and was present in the
      CBF signal also at frequencies lower than 0.009 Hz, here investigated for the
      first time. Negative connectivity was more variable. The validity of positive
      connectivity was confirmed by the existence of correlation across individuals in
      its intensity estimated from the BOLD and CBF signal. In contrast, there was
      little or no correlation across individuals between intensity of connectivity and
      mean perfusion levels, suggesting that these two biomarkers correspond to
      distinct sources of individual differences.

PMID- 22073254
TI  - Stepwise maturation of lytic granules during differentiation and activation of
      human CD8+ T lymphocytes.
AB  - During differentiation, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) acquire their killing
      potential through the biogenesis and maturation of lytic granules that are
      secreted upon target cell recognition. How lytic granule load in lytic molecules
      evolves during CTL differentiation and which subsets of lytic granules are
      secreted following activation remains to be investigated. We set up a flow
      cytometry approach to analyze single lytic granules isolated from primary human
      CTL according to their size and molecular content. During CTL in vitro
      differentiation, a relatively homogeneous population of lytic granules appeared
      through the progressive loading of Granzyme B, Perforin and Granzyme A within
      LAMP1(+) lysosomes. PMA/ionomycin-induced lytic granule exocytosis was preceded
      by a rapid association of the docking molecule Rab27a to approximately half of
      the lytic granules. Activated CTL were found to limit exocytosis by sparing lytic
      granules including some associated to Rab27a. Our study provides a quantification
      of key steps of lytic granule biogenesis and highlights the potential of flow
      cytometry to study organelle composition and dynamics.

PMID- 22073255
TI  - Local genealogies in a linear mixed model for genome-wide association mapping in
      complex pedigreed populations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The state-of-the-art for dealing with multiple levels of
      relationship among the samples in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is
      unified mixed model analysis (MMA). This approach is very flexible, can be
      applied to both family-based and population-based samples, and can be extended to
      incorporate other effects in a straightforward and rigorous fashion. Here, we
      present a complementary approach, called 'GENMIX (genealogy based mixed model)'
      which combines advantages from two powerful GWAS methods: genealogy-based
      haplotype grouping and MMA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We validated GENMIX using
      genotyping data of Danish Jersey cattle and simulated phenotype and compared to
      the MMA. We simulated scenarios for three levels of heritability (0.21, 0.34, and
      0.64), seven levels of MAF (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45) and
      five levels of QTL effect (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 in phenotypic standard
      deviation unit). Each of these 105 possible combinations (3 h(2) x 7 MAF x 5
      effects) of scenarios was replicated 25 times. RESULTS: GENMIX provides a better
      ranking of markers close to the causative locus' location. GENMIX outperformed
      MMA when the QTL effect was small and the MAF at the QTL was low. In scenarios
      where MAF was high or the QTL affecting the trait had a large effect both GENMIX
      and MMA performed similarly. CONCLUSION: In discovery studies, where high-ranking
      markers are identified and later examined in validation studies, we therefore
      expect GENMIX to enrich candidates brought to follow-up studies with true
      positives over false positives more than the MMA would.

PMID- 22073256
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy, effectiveness and cost for cognitive impairment and dementia
      screening of three short cognitive tests applicable to illiterates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Illiteracy, a universal problem, limits the utilization of the most
      widely used short cognitive tests. Our objective was to assess and compare the
      effectiveness and cost for cognitive impairment (CI) and dementia (DEM) screening
      of three short cognitive tests applicable to illiterates. METHODS: Phase III
      diagnostic test evaluation study was performed during one year in four Primary
      Care centers, prospectively including individuals with suspicion of CI or DEM.
      All underwent the Eurotest, Memory Alteration Test (M@T), and Phototest, applied
      in a balanced manner. Clinical, functional, and cognitive studies were
      independently performed in a blinded fashion in a Cognitive Behavioral Neurology
      Unit, and the gold standard diagnosis was established by consensus of expert
      neurologists on the basis of these results. Effectiveness of tests was assessed
      as the proportion of correct diagnoses (diagnostic accuracy [DA]) and the kappa
      index of concordance (k) with respect to gold standard diagnoses. Costs were
      based on public prices at the time and hospital accounts. RESULTS: The study
      included 139 individuals: 47 with DEM, 36 with CI, and 56 without CI. No
      significant differences in effectiveness were found among the tests. For DEM
      screening: Eurotest (k = 0.71 [0.59-0.83], DA = 0.87 [0.80-0.92]), M@T (k = 0.72
      [0.60-0.84], DA = 0.87 [0.80-0.92]), Phototest (k = 0.70 [0.57-0.82], DA = 0.86
      [0.79-0.91]). For CI screening: Eurotest (k = 0.67 [0.55-0.79]; DA = 0.83 [0.76
      0.89]), M@T (k = 0.52 [0.37-0.67]; DA = 0.80 [0.72-0.86]), Phototest (k = 0.59
      [0.46-0.72]; DA = 0.79 [0.71-0.86]). There were no differences in the cost of DEM
      screening, but the cost of CI screening was significantly higher with M@T (330.7
      +/- 177.1 ?, mean +/- sd) than with Eurotest (294.1 +/- 195.0 ?) or Phototest
      (296.0 +/- 196. 5 ?). Application time was shorter with Phototest (2.8 +/- 0.8
      min) than with Eurotest (7.1 +/- 1.8 min) or M@T (6.8 +/- 2.2 min). CONCLUSIONS:
      Eurotest, M@T, and Phototest are equally effective. Eurotest and Phototest are
      both less expensive options but Phototest is the most efficient, requiring the
      shortest application time.

PMID- 22073257
TI  - Neural stem/progenitor cells from the adult human spinal cord are multipotent and
      self-renewing and differentiate after transplantation.
AB  - Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) transplantation is a promising therapy for
      spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about NSPC from the adult
      human spinal cord as a donor source. We demonstrate for the first time that
      multipotent and self-renewing NSPC can be cultured, passaged and transplanted
      from the adult human spinal cord of organ transplant donors. Adult human spinal
      cord NSPC require an adherent substrate for selection and expansion in EGF
      (epidermal growth factor) and FGF2 (fibroblast growth factor) enriched medium.
      NSPC as an adherent monolayer can be passaged for at least 9 months and form
      neurospheres when plated in suspension culture. In EGF/FGF2 culture, NSPC
      proliferate and primarily express nestin and Sox2, and low levels of markers for
      differentiating cells. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes NSPC
      proliferation and significantly enhances GFAP expression in hypoxia. In
      differentiating conditions in the presence of serum, these NSPC show
      multipotentiality, expressing markers of neurons, astrocytes, and
      oligodendrocytes. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) significantly enhances neuronal
      differentiation. We transplanted the multipotent NSPC into SCI rats and show that
      the xenografts survive, are post-mitotic, and retain the capacity to
      differentiate into neurons and glia.Together, these findings reveal that
      multipotent self-renewing NSPC cultured and passaged from adult human spinal
      cords of organ transplant donors, respond to exogenous factors that promote
      selective differentiation, and survive and differentiate after transplantation
      into the injured spinal cord.

PMID- 22073258
TI  - N-glycosylation of beta4 integrin controls the adhesion and motility of
      keratinocytes.
AB  - alpha6beta4 integrin is an essential component of hemidesmosomes and modulates
      cell migration in wound healing and cancer invasion. To elucidate the role of N
      glycosylation on beta4 integrin, we investigated keratinocyte adhesion and
      migration through the re-expression of wild-type or N-glycosylation-defective
      beta4 integrin (DeltaNbeta4) in beta4 integrin null keratinocytes. N
      glycosylation of beta4 integrin was not essential for the heterodimer formation
      of beta4 integrin with alpha6 integrin and its expression on a cell surface, but
      N-glycosylation was required for integrin-mediated cell adhesion and migration.
      Concomitantly with the reduction of beta4 integrin in the membrane microdomain,
      the intracellular signals of Akt and ERK activation were decreased in cells
      expressing DeltaNbeta4 integrin. Forced cross-linking of beta4 integrin rescued
      the decreased ERK activation in DeltaNbeta4 integrin-expressing cells to a
      similar extent in wild-type beta4 integrin-expressing cells. Surprisingly,
      compared with cells expressing wild-type beta4 integrin, an alternation in N
      glycan structures expressed on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the
      induction of a stronger association between EGFR and beta4 integrin were observed
      in DeltaNbeta4 integrin-expressing cells. These results clearly demonstrated that
      N-glycosylation on beta4 integrin plays an essential role in keratinocyte
      cellular function by allowing the appropriate complex formation on cell surfaces.

PMID- 22073259
TI  - Paired associative stimulation of the auditory system: a proof-of-principle
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paired associative stimulation (PAS) consisting of repeated
      application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses and contingent
      exteroceptive stimuli has been shown to induce neuroplastic effects in the motor
      and somatosensory system. The objective was to investigate whether the auditory
      system can be modulated by PAS. METHODS: Acoustic stimuli (4 kHz) were paired
      with TMS of the auditory cortex with intervals of either 45 ms (PAS(45 ms)) or 10
      ms (PAS(10 ms)). Two-hundred paired stimuli were applied at 0.1 Hz and effects
      were compared with low frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) at 0.1 Hz (200 stimuli)
      and 1 Hz (1000 stimuli) in eleven healthy students. Auditory cortex excitability
      was measured before and after the interventions by long latency auditory evoked
      potentials (AEPs) for the tone (4 kHz) used in the pairing, and a control tone (1
      kHz) in a within subjects design. RESULTS: Amplitudes of the N1-P2 complex were
      reduced for the 4 kHz tone after both PAS(45 ms) and PAS(10 ms), but not after
      the 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz rTMS protocols with more pronounced effects for PAS(45 ms).
      Similar, but less pronounced effects were observed for the 1 kHz control tone.
      CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that paired associative stimulation may
      induce tonotopically specific and also tone unspecific human auditory cortex
      plasticity.

PMID- 22073260
TI  - P50, the small subunit of DNA polymerase delta, is required for mediation of the
      interaction of polymerase delta subassemblies with PCNA.
AB  - Mammalian DNA polymerase delta (pol delta), a four-subunit enzyme, plays a
      crucial and versatile role in DNA replication and various DNA repair processes.
      Its function as a chromosomal DNA polymerase is dependent on the association with
      proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) which functions as a molecular sliding
      clamp. All four of the pol delta subunits (p125, p50, p68, and p12) have been
      reported to bind to PCNA. However, the identity of the subunit of pol delta that
      directly interacts with PCNA and is therefore primarily responsible for the
      processivity of the enzyme still remains controversial. Previous model for the
      network of protein-protein interactions of the pol delta-PCNA complex showed that
      pol delta might be able to interact with a single molecule of PCNA homotrimer
      through its three subunits, p125, p68, and p12 in which the p50 was not included
      in. Here, we have confirmed that the small subunit p50 of human pol delta
      truthfully interacts with PCNA by the use of far-Western analysis, quantitative
      ELISA assay, and subcellular co-localization. P50 is required for mediation of
      the interaction between pol delta subassemblies and PCNA homotrimer. Thus, pol
      delta interacts with PCNA via its four subunits.

PMID- 22073261
TI  - The birth weight lowering C-allele of rs900400 near LEKR1 and CCNL1 associates
      with elevated insulin release following an oral glucose challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The first genome-wide association study on birth weight was
      recently published and the most significant associated birth weight lowering
      variant was the rs900400 C-allele located near LEKR1 and CCNL1. We aimed to
      replicate the association with birth weight in the Danish Inter99 study and
      furthermore to evaluate associations between rs900400 and indices of insulin
      secretion and insulin sensitivity obtained by oral glucose tolerance tests in
      adults from the Danish Inter99 study and the Finnish, Metabolic Syndrome in Men
      (METSIM) sample. METHODS: For 4,744 of 6,784 Inter99 participants, midwife
      journals were traced through the Danish State Archives and association of
      rs900400 with birth weight was examined. Associations between rs900400 and
      fasting serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, insulinogenic index, homeostasis
      model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and disposition index were
      studied in 5,484 Danish and 6,915 Finnish non-diabetic individuals and combined
      in meta-analyses. RESULTS: The C-allele of rs900400 was associated with a 22.1 g
      lower birth weight ([-41.3;-3.0], P = 0.024) per allele. Moreover, in combined
      analyses of the Danish Inter99 study and the Finnish METSIM study we found that
      the birth weight lowering allele was associated with increased insulin release
      measured by the insulinogenic index (beta = 2.25% [0.59; 3.91], P = 0.008) and
      with an increased disposition index (beta = 1.76% [0.04; 3.49], P = 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The birth weight lowering effect of the C-allele of rs900400 located
      near LEKR1 and CCNL1 was replicated in the Danish population. Furthermore the C
      allele was associated with increased insulin response following oral glucose
      stimulation in a meta-analysis based on Danish and Finnish non-diabetic
      individuals.

PMID- 22073262
TI  - Gingival fibroblasts display reduced adhesion and spreading on extracellular
      matrix: a possible basis for scarless tissue repair?
AB  - Unlike skin, oral gingiva do not scar in response to injury. The basis of this
      difference is likely to be revealed by comparing the responses of dermal and
      gingival fibroblasts to fibrogenic stimuli. Previously, we showed that, compared
      to dermal fibroblasts, gingival fibroblasts are less responsive to the potent pro
      fibrotic cytokine TGFbeta, due to a reduced production of endothelin-1 (ET-1). In
      this report, we show that, compared to dermal fibroblasts, human gingival
      fibroblasts show reduced expression of pro-adhesive mRNAs and proteins including
      integrins alpha2 and alpha4 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Consistent with
      these observations, gingival fibroblasts are less able to adhere to and spread on
      both fibronectin and type I collagen. Moreover, the enhanced production of ET-1
      mRNA and protein in dermal fibroblasts is reduced by the FAK/src inhibitor PP2.
      Given our previous observations suggesting that fibrotic fibroblasts display
      elevated adhesive properties, our data suggest that scarring potential may be
      based, at least in part, on differences in adhesive properties among fibroblasts
      resident in connective tissue. Controlling adhesive properties may be of benefit
      in controlling scarring in response to tissue injury.

PMID- 22073263
TI  - Molecular evolution of HIV-1 CRF01_AE Env in Thai patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The envelope glycoproteins (Env), gp120 and gp41, are the most
      variable proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and are the
      major targets of humoral immune responses against HIV-1. A circulating
      recombinant form of HIV-1, CRF01_AE, is prevalent throughout Southeast Asia;
      however, only limited information regarding the immunological characteristics of
      CRF01_AE Env is currently available. In this study, we attempted to examine the
      evolutionary pattern of CRF01_AE Env under the selection pressure of host immune
      responses. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Peripheral blood samples were
      collected periodically over 3 years from 15 HIV-1-infected individuals residing
      in northern Thailand, and amplified env genes from the samples were subjected to
      computational analysis. The V5 region of gp120 showed highest variability in
      several samples over 3 years, whereas the V1/V2 and/or V4 regions of gp120 also
      showed high variability in many samples. In addition, the N-terminal part of the
      C3 region of gp120 showed highest amino acid diversity among the conserved
      regions of gp120. Chronological changes in the numbers of amino acid residues in
      gp120 variable regions and potential N-linked glycosylation (PNLG) sites are
      involved in increasing the variability of Env gp120. Furthermore, the C3 region
      contained several amino acid residues potentially under positive selection, and
      APOBEC3 family protein-mediated G to A mutations were frequently detected in such
      residues. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Several factors, including amino acid
      substitutions particularly in gp120 C3 and V5 regions as well as changes in the
      number of PNLG sites and in the length of gp120 variable regions, were revealed
      to be involved in the molecular evolution of CRF01_AE Env. In addition, a similar
      tendency was observed between CRF01_AE and subtype C Env with regard to the amino
      acid variation of gp120 V3 and C3 regions. These results may provide important
      information for understanding the immunological characteristics of CRF01_AE Env.

PMID- 22073264
TI  - Rapid biodiversity assessment and monitoring method for highly diverse benthic
      communities: a case study of mediterranean coralligenous outcrops.
AB  - Increasing anthropogenic pressures urge enhanced knowledge and understanding of
      the current state of marine biodiversity. This baseline information is pivotal to
      explore present trends, detect future modifications and propose adequate
      management actions for marine ecosystems. Coralligenous outcrops are a highly
      diverse and structurally complex deep-water habitat faced with major threats in
      the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its ecological, aesthetic and economic value,
      coralligenous biodiversity patterns are still poorly understood. There is
      currently no single sampling method that has been demonstrated to be sufficiently
      representative to ensure adequate community assessment and monitoring in this
      habitat. Therefore, we propose a rapid non-destructive protocol for biodiversity
      assessment and monitoring of coralligenous outcrops providing good estimates of
      its structure and species composition, based on photographic sampling and the
      determination of presence/absence of macrobenthic species. We used an extensive
      photographic survey, covering several spatial scales (100s of m to 100s of km)
      within the NW Mediterranean and including 2 different coralligenous assemblages:
      Paramuricea clavata (PCA) and Corallium rubrum assemblage (CRA). This approach
      allowed us to determine the minimal sampling area for each assemblage (5000 cm(2)
      for PCA and 2500 cm(2) for CRA). In addition, we conclude that 3 replicates
      provide an optimal sampling effort in order to maximize the species number and to
      assess the main biodiversity patterns of studied assemblages in variability
      studies requiring replicates. We contend that the proposed sampling approach
      provides a valuable tool for management and conservation planning, monitoring and
      research programs focused on coralligenous outcrops, potentially also applicable
      in other benthic ecosystems.

PMID- 22073265
TI  - A hypothesis-testing framework for studies investigating ontogenetic niche shifts
      using stable isotope ratios.
AB  - Ontogenetic niche shifts occur across diverse taxonomic groups, and can have
      critical implications for population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem
      function. In this study, we provide a hypothesis-testing framework combining
      univariate and multivariate analyses to examine ontogenetic niche shifts using
      stable isotope ratios. This framework is based on three distinct ontogenetic
      niche shift scenarios, i.e., (1) no niche shift, (2) niche expansion/reduction,
      and (3) discrete niche shift between size classes. We developed criteria for
      identifying each scenario, as based on three important resource use
      characteristics, i.e., niche width, niche position, and niche overlap. We provide
      an empirical example for each ontogenetic niche shift scenario, illustrating
      differences in resource use characteristics among different organisms. The
      present framework provides a foundation for future studies on ontogenetic niche
      shifts, and also can be applied to examine resource variability among other
      population sub-groupings (e.g., by sex or phenotype).

PMID- 22073266
TI  - Reading text increases binocular disparity in dyslexic children.
AB  - Children with developmental dyslexia show reading impairment compared to their
      peers, despite being matched on IQ, socio-economic background, and educational
      opportunities. The neurological and cognitive basis of dyslexia remains a highly
      debated topic. Proponents of the magnocellular theory, which postulates
      abnormalities in the M-stream of the visual pathway cause developmental dyslexia,
      claim that children with dyslexia have deficient binocular coordination, and this
      is the underlying cause of developmental dyslexia. We measured binocular
      coordination during reading and a non-linguistic scanning task in three
      participant groups: adults, typically developing children, and children with
      dyslexia. A significant increase in fixation disparity was observed for dyslexic
      children solely when reading. Our study casts serious doubts on the claims of the
      magnocellular theory. The exclusivity of increased fixation disparity in
      dyslexics during reading might be a result of the allocation of inadequate
      attentional and/or cognitive resources to the reading process, or suboptimal
      linguistic processing per se.

PMID- 22073268
TI  - The influence of climatic seasonality on the diversity of different tropical
      pollinator groups.
AB  - Tropical South America is rich in different groups of pollinators, but the biotic
      and abiotic factors determining the geographical distribution of their species
      richness are poorly understood. We analyzed the species richness of three groups
      of pollinators (bees and wasps, butterflies, hummingbirds) in six tropical
      forests in the Bolivian lowlands along a gradient of climatic seasonality and
      precipitation ranging from 410 mm to 6250 mm. At each site, we sampled the three
      pollinator groups and their food plants twice for 16 days in both the dry and
      rainy seasons. The richness of the pollinator groups was related to climatic
      factors by linear regressions. Differences in species numbers between pollinator
      groups were analyzed by Wilcoxon tests for matched pairs and the proportion in
      species numbers between pollinator groups by correlation analyses. Species
      richness of hummingbirds was most closely correlated to the continuous
      availability of food, that of bees and wasps to the number of food plant species
      and flowers, and that of butterflies to air temperature. Only the species number
      of butterflies differed significantly between seasons. We were not able to find
      shifts in the proportion of species numbers of the different groups of
      pollinators along the study gradient. Thus, we conclude that the diversity of
      pollinator guilds is determined by group-specific factors and that the constant
      proportions in species numbers of the different pollinator groups constitute a
      general pattern.

PMID- 22073267
TI  - Calcium-based nanoparticles accelerate skin wound healing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nanoparticles (NPs) are small entities that consist of a
      hydroxyapatite core, which can bind ions, proteins, and other organic molecules
      from the surrounding environment. These small conglomerations can influence
      environmental calcium levels and have the potential to modulate calcium
      homeostasis in vivo. Nanoparticles have been associated with various calcium
      mediated disease processes, such as atherosclerosis and kidney stone formation.
      We hypothesized that nanoparticles could have an effect on other calcium
      regulated processes, such as wound healing. In the present study, we synthesized
      pH-sensitive calcium-based nanoparticles and investigated their ability to
      enhance cutaneous wound repair. METHODS: Different populations of nanoparticles
      were synthesized on collagen-coated plates under various growth conditions.
      Bilateral dorsal cutaneous wounds were made on 8-week-old female Balb/c mice.
      Nanoparticles were then either administered intravenously or applied topically to
      the wound bed. The rate of wound closure was quantified. Intravenously injected
      nanoparticles were tracked using a FLAG detection system. The effect of
      nanoparticles on fibroblast contraction and proliferation was assessed. RESULTS:
      A population of pH-sensitive calcium-based nanoparticles was identified. When
      intravenously administered, these nanoparticles acutely increased the rate of
      wound healing. Intravenously administered nanoparticles were localized to the
      wound site, as evidenced by FLAG staining. Nanoparticles increased fibroblast
      calcium uptake in vitro and caused contracture of a fibroblast populated collagen
      lattice in a dose-dependent manner. Nanoparticles also increased the rate of
      fibroblast proliferation. CONCLUSION: Intravenously administered, calcium-based
      nanoparticles can acutely decrease open wound size via contracture. We
      hypothesize that their contraction effect is mediated by the release of ionized
      calcium into the wound bed, which occurs when the pH-sensitive nanoparticles
      disintegrate in the acidic wound microenvironment. This is the first study to
      demonstrate that calcium-based nanoparticles can have a therapeutic benefit,
      which has important implications for the treatment of wounds.

PMID- 22073269
TI  - Discovery of EST-SSRs in lung cancer: tagged ESTs with SSRs lead to differential
      amino acid and protein expression patterns in cancerous tissues.
AB  - Tandem repeats are found in both coding and non-coding sequences of higher
      organisms. These sequences can be used in cancer genetics and diagnosis to
      unravel the genetic basis of tumor formation and progression. In this study, a
      possible relationship between SSR distributions and lung cancer was studied by
      comparative analysis of EST-SSRs in normal and lung cancerous tissues. While the
      EST-SSR distribution was similar between tumorous tissues, this distribution was
      different between normal and tumorous tissues. Trinucleotides tandem repeats were
      highly different; the number of trinucleotides in ESTs of lung cancer was 3 times
      higher than normal tissue. Significant negative correlation between normal and
      cancerous tissue showed that cancerous tissue generates different types of
      trinucleotides. GGC and CGC were the more frequent expressed trinucleotides in
      cancerous tissue, but these SSRs were not expressed in normal tissue. Similar to
      the EST level, the expression pattern of EST-SSRs-derived amino acids was
      significantly different between normal and cancerous tissues. Arg, Pro, Ser, Gly,
      and Lys were the most abundant amino acids in cancerous tissues, and Leu, Cys,
      Phe, and His were significantly more abundant in normal tissues than in cancerous
      tissues. Next, the putative functions of triplet SSR-containing genes were
      analyzed. In cancerous tissue, EST-SSRs produce different types of proteins.
      Chromodomain helicase DNA binding proteins were one of the major protein products
      of EST-SSRs in the cancerous library, while these proteins were not produced from
      EST-SSRs in normal tissue. For the first time, the findings of this study
      confirmed that EST-SSRs in normal lung tissues are different than in unhealthy
      tissues, and tagged ESTs with SSRs cause remarkable differences in amino acid and
      protein expression patterns in cancerous tissue. We suggest that EST-SSRs and EST
      SSRs differentially expressed in cancerous tissue may be suitable candidate
      markers for lung cancer diagnosis and prediction.

PMID- 22073271
TI  - An evaluation of the performance and acceptability of three LED fluorescent
      microscopes in Zambia: lessons learnt for scale-up.
AB  - The World Health Organization recommends the roll-out of light-emitting diode
      (LED) fluorescent microscopes (FM) as an alternative to light microscopes in
      resource-limited settings. We evaluated the acceptability and performance of
      three LED FMs after a short orientation among laboratory technicians from
      government health centers in Zambia. Sixteen technicians with varied light
      microscopy experience were oriented to FMs and divided into groups; each group
      read a different set of 40 slides on each LED FM (Primo Star iLEDTM, LuminTM,
      FluoLEDTM) and on a reference mercury-vapor FM (Olympus BX41TF). Slide reading
      times were recorded. An experienced FM technician examined each slide on the
      Olympus BX41TF. Sensitivity and specificity compared to TB culture were
      calculated. Misclassification compared to the experienced technician and inter
      rater reliability between trainees was assessed. Trainees rated microscopes on
      technical aspects. Primo Star iLEDTM, FluoLEDTM and Olympus BX41TF had comparable
      sensitivities (67%, 65% and 65% respectively), with the LuminTM significantly
      worse (56%; p<0.05). Specificity was low for trainees on all microscopes (75.9%)
      compared to the experienced technician on Olympus BX41TF (100%). Primo Star
      iLEDTM had significantly less misclassification (21.1% p<0.05) than FluoLEDTM
      (26.5%) and LuminTM (26.8%) and significantly higher inter-rater reliability
      (0.611; p<0.05), compared to FluoLEDTM (0.523) and LuminTM (0.492). Slide reading
      times for LED FMs were slower than the reference, but not significantly different
      from each other. Primo Star iLEDTM rated highest in acceptability measures,
      followed by FluoLEDTM then LuminTM. Primo Star iLEDTM was consistently better
      than FluoLEDTM and LuminTM, and performed comparably to the Olympus BX41TF in all
      analyses, except reading times. The LuminTM compared least favorably and was
      thought unacceptable for use. Specificity and inter-rater reliability were low
      for all microscopes suggesting that a brief orientation was insufficient in this
      setting. These results provide important data for resource-limited settings to
      consider as they scale-up LED FMs.

PMID- 22073270
TI  - Preventive and therapeutic euphol treatment attenuates experimental colitis in
      mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tetracyclic triterpene euphol is the main constituent found in
      the sap of Euphorbia tirucalli. This plant is widely known in Brazilian
      traditional medicine for its use in the treatment of several kinds of cancer,
      including leukaemia, prostate and breast cancers. Here, we investigated the
      effect of euphol on experimental models of colitis and the underlying mechanisms
      involved in its action. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Colitis was induced in
      mice either with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) or with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene
      sulfonic acid (TNBS), and the effect of euphol (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) on colonic
      injury was assessed. Pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines were measured by
      immunohistochemistry, enzyme-Linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), real time
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry. Preventive and therapeutic
      oral administration of euphol attenuated both DSS- and TNBS-induced acute colitis
      as observed by a significant reduction of the disease activity index (DAI),
      histological/microscopic damage score and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in
      colonic tissue. Likewise, euphol treatment also inhibited colon tissue levels and
      expression of IL-1beta, CXCL1/KC, MCP-1, MIP-2, TNF-alpha and IL-6, while
      reducing NOS2, VEGF and Ki67 expression in colonic tissue. This action seems to
      be likely associated with inhibition of activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaB). In addition, euphol decreased LPS-induced MCP-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN
      gamma, but increased IL-10 secretion from bone marrow-derived macrophages in
      vitro. Of note, euphol, at the same schedule of treatment, markedly inhibited
      both selectin (P- and E-selectin) and integrin (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and LFA-1)
      expression in colonic tissue. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Together, these results
      clearly demonstrated that orally-administered euphol, both preventive or
      therapeutic treatment were effective in reducing the severity of colitis in two
      models of chemically-induced mouse colitis and suggest this plant-derived
      compound might be a potential molecule in the management of inflammatory bowel
      diseases.

PMID- 22073272
TI  - Unmasking differential effects of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone in the
      combination treatment with n-3 fatty acids in mice fed a high-fat diet.
AB  - Combining pharmacological treatments and life style interventions is necessary
      for effective therapy of major diseases associated with obesity, which are
      clustered in the metabolic syndrome. Acting via multiple mechanisms, combination
      treatments may reduce dose requirements and, therefore, lower the risk of adverse
      side effects, which are usually associated with long-term pharmacological
      interventions. Our previous study in mice fed high-fat diet indicated additivity
      in preservation of insulin sensitivity and in amelioration of major metabolic
      syndrome phenotypes by the combination treatment using n-3 long-chain
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) and rosiglitazone, i.e. an anti
      diabetic drug of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) family. We investigated here whether
      pioglitazone, a TZD-drug in clinical use, could elicit the additive beneficial
      effects when combined with n-3 LC-PUFA. Adult male mice (C57BL/6N) were fed an
      obesogenic corn oil-based high-fat diet (cHF) for 8 weeks, or randomly assigned
      to various dietary treatments (i) cHF+F, cHF with n-3 LC-PUFA concentrate
      replacing 15% of dietary lipids; (ii) cHF+ROSI, cHF with 10 mg rosiglitazone/kg
      diet; (iii) cHF+F+ROSI; (iv) cHF+PIO, cHF with 50 mg pioglitazone/kg diet; and
      (v) cHF+F+PIO, or chow-fed. Plasma concentrations of 163 metabolites were
      evaluated using a targeted metabolomics approach. Both TZDs preserved glucose
      homeostasis and normal plasma lipid levels while inducing adiponectin, with
      pioglitazone showing better effectiveness. The beneficial effects of TZDs were
      further augmented by the combination treatments. cHF+F+ROSI but not cHF+F+PIO
      counteracted development of obesity, in correlation with inducibility of fatty
      acid beta-oxidation, as revealed by the metabolomic analysis. By contrast, only
      cHF+F+PIO eliminated hepatic steatosis and this treatment also reversed insulin
      resistance in dietary obese mice. Our results reveal differential effects of
      rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, unmasked in the combination treatment with n-3 LC
      PUFA, and support the notion that n-3 LC-PUFA could be used as add-on treatment
      to TZDs in order to improve diabetic patient's therapy.

PMID- 22073273
TI  - GALC deletions increase the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: the role of
      Mendelian variants in complex disease.
AB  - DNA copy number variants (CNVs) have been reported in many human diseases
      including autism and schizophrenia. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a
      complex adult-onset disorder characterized by progressive optic neuropathy and
      vision loss. Previous studies have identified rare CNVs in POAG; however, their
      low frequencies prevented formal association testing. We present here the
      association between POAG risk and a heterozygous deletion in the
      galactosylceramidase gene (GALC). This CNV was initially identified in a dataset
      containing 71 Caucasian POAG cases and 478 ethnically matched controls obtained
      from dbGAP (study accession phs000126.v1.p1.) (p = 0.017, fisher's exact test).
      It was validated with array comparative genomic hybridization (arrayCGH) and
      realtime PCR, and replicated in an independent POAG dataset containing 959 cases
      and 1852 controls (p = 0.021, OR (odds ratio) = 3.5, 95% CI -1.1-12.0). Evidence
      for association was strengthened when the discovery and replication datasets were
      combined (p = 0.002; OR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.6-16.4). Several deletions with different
      endpoints were identified by array CGH of POAG patients. Homozygous deletions
      that eliminate GALC enzymatic activity cause Krabbe disease, a recessive
      Mendelian disorder of childhood displaying bilateral optic neuropathy and vision
      loss. Our findings suggest that heterozygous deletions that reduce GALC activity
      are a novel mechanism increasing risk of POAG. This is the first report of a
      statistically-significant association of a CNV with POAG risk, contributing to a
      growing body of evidence that CNVs play an important role in complex, inherited
      disorders. Our findings suggest an attractive biomarker and potential therapeutic
      target for patients with this form of POAG.

PMID- 22073274
TI  - Hyaluronan signaling during ozone-induced lung injury requires TLR4, MyD88, and
      TIRAP.
AB  - Ozone exposure is associated with exacerbation of reactive airways disease. We
      have previously reported that the damage-associated molecular pattern,
      hyaluronan, is required for the complete biological response to ambient ozone and
      that hyaluronan fragments signal through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In this
      study, we further investigated the role of TLR4 adaptors in ozone-induced airway
      hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and the direct response to hyaluronan fragments (HA).
      Using a murine model of AHR, C57BL/6J, TLR4-/-, MyD88-/-, and TIRAP-/- mice were
      characterized for AHR after exposure to either ozone (1 ppm * 3 h) or HA
      fragments. Animals were characterized for AHR with methacholine challenge,
      cellular inflammation, lung injury, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
      Ozone-exposed C57BL/6J mice developed cellular inflammation, lung injury, pro
      inflammatory cytokines, and AHR, while mice deficient in TLR4, MyD88 or TIRAP
      demonstrated both reduced AHR and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      including TNFalpha, IL-1beta, MCP-1, IL-6 and KC. The level of hyaluronan was
      increased after inhalation of ozone in each strain of mice. Direct challenge of
      mice to hyaluronan resulted in AHR in C57BL/6J mice, but not in TLR4-/-, MyD88-/
      , or TIRAP-/- mice. HA-induced cytokine production in wild-type mice was
      significantly reduced in TLR4-/-, MyD88-/-, or TIRAP-/- mice. In conclusion, our
      findings support that ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness is dependent on
      the HA-TLR4-MyD88-TIRAP signaling pathway.

PMID- 22073275
TI  - Mitogenome phylogenetics: the impact of using single regions and partitioning
      schemes on topology, substitution rate and divergence time estimation.
AB  - The availability of mitochondrial genome sequences is growing as a result of
      recent technological advances in molecular biology. In phylogenetic analyses, the
      complete mitogenome is increasingly becoming the marker of choice, usually
      providing better phylogenetic resolution and precision relative to traditional
      markers such as cytochrome b (CYTB) and the control region (CR). In some cases,
      the differences in phylogenetic estimates between mitogenomic and single-gene
      markers have yielded incongruent conclusions. By comparing phylogenetic estimates
      made from different genes, we identified the most informative mitochondrial
      regions and evaluated the minimum amount of data necessary to reproduce the same
      results as the mitogenome. We compared results among individual genes and the
      mitogenome for recently published complete mitogenome datasets of selected
      delphinids (Delphinidae) and killer whales (genus Orcinus). Using Bayesian
      phylogenetic methods, we investigated differences in estimation of topologies,
      divergence dates, and clock-like behavior among genes for both datasets. Although
      the most informative regions were not the same for each taxonomic group (COX1,
      CYTB, ND3 and ATP6 for Orcinus, and ND1, COX1 and ND4 for Delphinidae), in both
      cases they were equivalent to less than a quarter of the complete mitogenome.
      This suggests that gene information content can vary among groups, but can be
      adequately represented by a portion of the complete sequence. Although our
      results indicate that complete mitogenomes provide the highest phylogenetic
      resolution and most precise date estimates, a minimum amount of data can be
      selected using our approach when the complete sequence is unavailable. Studies
      based on single genes can benefit from the addition of a few more mitochondrial
      markers, producing topologies and date estimates similar to those obtained using
      the entire mitogenome.

PMID- 22073276
TI  - Disordered patterns in clustered Protein Data Bank and in eukaryotic and
      bacterial proteomes.
AB  - We have constructed the clustered Protein Data Bank and obtained clusters of
      chains of different identity inside each cluster,
      http://bioinfo.protres.ru/st_pdb/. We have compiled the largest database of
      disordered patterns (141) from the clustered PDB where identity between chains
      inside of a cluster is larger or equal to 75% (version of 28 June 2010) by using
      simple rules of selection. The results of these analyses would help to further
      our understanding of the physicochemical and structural determinants of
      intrinsically disordered regions that serve as molecular recognition elements. We
      have analyzed the occurrence of the selected patterns in 97 eukaryotic and in 26
      bacterial proteomes. The disordered patterns appear more often in eukaryotic than
      in bacterial proteomes. The matrix of correlation coefficients between numbers of
      proteins where a disordered pattern from the library of 141 disordered patterns
      appears at least once in 9 kingdoms of eukaryota and 5 phyla of bacteria have
      been calculated. As a rule, the correlation coefficients are higher inside of the
      considered kingdom than between them. The patterns with the frequent occurrence
      in proteomes have low complexity (PPPPP, GGGGG, EEEED, HHHH, KKKKK, SSTSS,
      QQQQQP), and the type of patterns vary across different proteomes,
      http://bioinfo.protres.ru/fp/search_new_pattern.html.

PMID- 22073277
TI  - Both pre- and postsynaptic activity of Nsf prevents degeneration of hair-cell
      synapses.
AB  - Vesicle fusion contributes to the maintenance of synapses in the nervous system
      by mediating synaptic transmission, release of neurotrophic factors, and
      trafficking of membrane receptors. N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) is
      indispensible for dissociation of the SNARE-complex following vesicle fusion.
      Although NSF function has been characterized extensively in vitro, the in vivo
      role of NSF in vertebrate synaptogenesis is relatively unexplored. Zebrafish
      possess two nsf genes, nsf and nsfb. Here, we examine the function of either Nsf
      or Nsfb in the pre- and postsynaptic cells of the zebrafish lateral line organ
      and demonstrate that Nsf, but not Nsfb, is required for maintenance of afferent
      synapses in hair cells. In addition to peripheral defects in nsf mutants,
      neurodegeneration of glutamatergic synapses in the central nervous system also
      occurs in the absence of Nsf function. Expression of an nsf transgene in a null
      background indicates that stabilization of synapses requires Nsf function in both
      hair cells and afferent neurons. To identify potential targets of Nsf-mediated
      fusion, we examined the expression of genes implicated in stabilizing synapses
      and found that transcripts for multiple genes including brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (bdnf) were significantly reduced in nsf mutants. With regard
      to trafficking of BDNF, we observed a striking accumulation of BDNF in the
      neurites of nsf mutant afferent neurons. In addition, injection of recombinant
      BDNF protein partially rescued the degeneration of afferent synapses in nsf
      mutants. These results establish a role for Nsf in the maintenance of synaptic
      contacts between hair cells and afferent neurons, mediated in part via the
      secretion of trophic signaling factors.

PMID- 22073278
TI  - Genomic ancestry, self-reported "color" and quantitative measures of skin
      pigmentation in Brazilian admixed siblings.
AB  - A current concern in genetic epidemiology studies in admixed populations is that
      population stratification can lead to spurious results. The Brazilian census
      classifies individuals according to self-reported "color", but several studies
      have demonstrated that stratifying according to "color" is not a useful strategy
      to control for population structure, due to the dissociation between self
      reported "color" and genomic ancestry. We report the results of a study in a
      group of Brazilian siblings in which we measured skin pigmentation using a
      reflectometer, and estimated genomic ancestry using 21 Ancestry Informative
      Markers (AIMs). Self-reported "color", according to the Brazilian census, was
      also available for each participant. This made it possible to evaluate the
      relationship between self-reported "color" and skin pigmentation, self-reported
      "color" and genomic ancestry, and skin pigmentation and genomic ancestry. We
      observed that, although there were significant differences between the three
      "color" groups in genomic ancestry and skin pigmentation, there was considerable
      dispersion within each group and substantial overlap between groups. We also saw
      that there was no good agreement between the "color" categories reported by each
      member of the sibling pair: 30 out of 86 sibling pairs reported different
      "color", and in some cases, the sibling reporting the darker "color" category had
      lighter skin pigmentation. Socioeconomic status was significantly associated with
      self-reported "color" and genomic ancestry in this sample. This and other studies
      show that subjective classifications based on self-reported "color", such as the
      one that is used in the Brazilian census, are inadequate to describe the
      population structure present in recently admixed populations. Finally, we
      observed that one of the AIMs included in the panel (rs1426654), which is located
      in the known pigmentation gene SLC24A5, was strongly associated with skin
      pigmentation in this sample.

PMID- 22073279
TI  - VEGF promotes the transcription of the human PRL-3 gene in HUVEC through
      transcription factor MEF2C.
AB  - Phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) is known to be overexpressed in many
      tumors, and its transcript level is high in the vasculature and endothelial cells
      of malignant tumor tissue. However, the mechanism(s) underlying its enhanced
      expression and its function in endothelial cells remain unknown. Here, we report
      that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can induce PRL-3 transcription in
      human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). An analysis of its 5'UTR revealed
      that PRL-3 transcription is initiated from two distinct sites, which results in
      the formation of the two transcripts, PRL-3-iso1 and PRL-3-iso2, but only the
      latter is up-regulated in HUVEC by VEGF. The PRL-3-iso2 promoter region includes
      two functional MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor2) binding sites. The over-expression
      of the constitutively active form of MEF2C promotes the abundance of the PRL-3
      iso2 transcript in a number of human cell lines. The siRNA-induced knockdown of
      MEF2C abolished the stimulative effect of VEGF on PRL-3 transcript in HUVEC,
      indicating that the VEGF-induced promotion of PRL-3 expression requires the
      presence of MEF2C. Finally, blocking PRL-3 activity or expression suppresses tube
      formation by HUVEC. We suggest that PRL-3 functions downstream of the VEGF/MEF2C
      pathway in endothelial cells and may play an important role in tumor
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 22073280
TI  - The dynamics of honesty: modelling the growth of costly, sexually-selected
      ornaments.
AB  - The handicap principle suggests that individuals of superior quality can more
      easily bear the cost of developing extravagant ornaments. Consequently, ornament
      size should provide reliable information about quality or condition. Previous
      models have largely ignored the process of ornament growth, focusing only on
      final ornament size. We model ornament growth schedules for individuals of
      different qualities, where higher quality individuals experience lower costs of
      carrying energy reserves of a given size, but where all individuals pay a net
      cost of carrying ornaments of a given size. If the costs of ornament production
      ensure that final ornament size reliably signals quality, the information
      conveyed by the signal can change dramatically during growth. Higher quality
      individuals should delay growth until closer to breeding. Taking a snapshot of
      partially developed ornaments prior to breeding would show them to be larger in
      poorer quality individuals. The claim that costly ornaments honestly signal
      quality thus needs to be understood in a dynamic context, and may only hold
      during some phases of growth.

PMID- 22073281
TI  - Rad51 and BRCA2--New molecular targets for sensitizing glioma cells to alkylating
      anticancer drugs.
AB  - First line chemotherapeutics for brain tumors (malignant gliomas) are alkylating
      agents such as temozolomide and nimustine. Despite growing knowledge of how these
      agents work, patients suffering from this malignancy still face a dismal
      prognosis. Alkylating agents target DNA, forming the killing lesion O(6)
      alkylguanine, which is converted into DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that
      trigger apoptosis. Here we assessed whether inhibiting repair of DSBs by
      homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is a
      reasonable strategy for sensitizing glioma cells to alkylating agents. For down
      regulation of HR in glioma cells, we used an interference RNA (iRNA) approach
      targeting Rad51 and BRCA2, and for NHEJ we employed the DNA-PK inhibitor NU7026.
      We also assessed whether inhibition of poly(ADP)ribosyltransferase (PARP) by
      olaparib would enhance the killing effect. The data show that knockdown of Rad51
      or BRCA2 greatly sensitizes cells to DSBs and the induction of cell death
      following temozolomide and nimustine (ACNU). It did not sensitize to ionizing
      radiation (IR). The expression of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)
      abolished all these effects, indicating that O(6)-alkylguanine induced by these
      drugs is the primary lesion responsible for the formation of DSBs and increased
      sensitivity of glioma cells following knockdown of Rad51 and BRCA2. Inhibition of
      DNA-PK only slightly sensitized to temozolomide whereas a significant effect was
      observed with IR. A triple strategy including siRNA and the PARP inhibitor
      olaparib further improved the killing effect of temozolomide. The data provides
      evidence that down-regulation of Rad51 or BRCA2 is a reasonable strategy for
      sensitizing glioma cells to killing by O(6)-alkylating anti-cancer drugs. The
      data also provide proof of principle that a triple strategy involving down
      regulation of HR, PARP inhibition and MGMT depletion may greatly enhance the
      therapeutic effect of temozolomide.

PMID- 22073282
TI  - Asthma length of stay in hospitals in London 2001-2006: demographic, diagnostic
      and temporal factors.
AB  - Asthma is a condition of significant public health concern associated with
      morbidity, mortality and healthcare utilisation. This study identifies key
      determinants of length of stay (LOS) associated with asthma-related hospital
      admissions in London, and further explores their effects on individuals. Subjects
      were primarily diagnosed and admitted for asthma in London between 1(st) January
      2001 and 31(st) December 2006. All repeated admissions were treated uniquely as
      independent cases. Negative binomial regression was used to model the effect(s)
      of demographic, temporal and diagnostic factors on the LOS, taking into account
      the cluster effect of each patient's hospital attendance in London. The median
      and mean asthma LOS over the period of study were 2 and 3 days respectively.
      Admissions increased over the years from 8,308 (2001) to 10,554 (2006), but LOS
      consistently declined within the same period. Younger individuals were more
      likely to be admitted than the elderly, but the latter significantly had higher
      LOS (p<0.001). Respiratory related secondary diagnoses, age, and gender of the
      patient as well as day of the week and year of admission were important
      predictors of LOS. Asthma LOS can be predicted by socio-demographic factors,
      temporal and clinical factors using count models on hospital admission data. The
      procedure can be a useful tool for planning and resource allocation in health
      service provision.

PMID- 22073283
TI  - Characterization of the estradiol-binding site structure of human protein
      disulfide isomerase (PDI).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Earlier studies showed that 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), an endogenous
      female sex hormone, can bind to human protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a
      protein folding catalyst for disulfide bond formation and rearrangement. This
      binding interaction can modulate the intracellular levels of E(2) and its
      biological actions. However, the structure of PDI's E(2)-binding site is still
      unclear at present, which is the focus of this study. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: The E(2)-binding site structure of human PDI was studied by using
      various biochemical approaches coupled with radiometric receptor-binding assays,
      site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular computational modeling. Analysis of
      various PDI protein fragments showed that the [(3)H]E(2)-binding activity is not
      associated with the single b or b' domain but is associated with the b-b' domain
      combination. Computational docking analyses predicted that the E(2)-binding site
      is located in a hydrophobic pocket composed mainly of the b' domain and partially
      of the b domain. A hydrogen bond, formed between the 3-hydroxyl group of E(2) and
      His256 of PDI is critical for the binding interaction. This binding model was
      jointly confirmed by a series of detailed experiments, including site-directed
      mutagenesis of the His256 residue coupled with selective modifications of the
      ligand structures to alter the binding interaction. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The
      results of this study elucidated the structural basis for the PDI-E(2) binding
      interaction and the reservoir role of PDI in modulating the intracellular E(2)
      levels. The identified PDI E(2)-binding site is quite different from its known
      peptide binding sites. Given that PDI is a potential therapeutic target for
      cancer chemotherapy and HIV prevention and that E(2) can inhibit PDI activity in
      vitro, the E(2)-binding site structure of human PDI determined here offers
      structural insights which may aid in the rational design of novel PDI inhibitors.

PMID- 22073284
TI  - Inhibition of striatal soluble guanylyl cyclase-cGMP signaling reverses basal
      ganglia dysfunction and akinesia in experimental parkinsonism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is clearly a necessity to identify novel non-dopaminergic
      mechanisms as new therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease (PD). Among these,
      the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)-cGMP signaling cascade is emerging as a
      promising candidate for second messenger-based therapies for the amelioration of
      PD symptoms. In the present study, we examined the utility of the selective sGC
      inhibitor 1H-[1], [2], [4] oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) for reversing
      basal ganglia dysfunction and akinesia in animal models of PD. METHODS: The
      utility of the selective sGC inhibitor ODQ for reversing biochemical,
      electrophysiological, histochemical, and behavioral correlates of experimental PD
      was performed in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats and mice chronically treated with MPTP.
      RESULTS: We found that one systemic administration of ODQ is sufficient to
      reverse the characteristic elevations in striatal cGMP levels, striatal output
      neuron activity, and metabolic activity in the subthalamic nucleus observed in 6
      OHDA-lesioned rats. The latter outcome was reproduced after intrastriatal
      infusion of ODQ. Systemic administration of ODQ was also effective in improving
      deficits in forelimb akinesia induced by 6-OHDA and MPTP. INTERPRETATION:
      Pharmacological inhibition of the sGC-cGMP signaling pathway is a promising non
      dopaminergic treatment strategy for restoring basal ganglia dysfunction and
      attenuating motor symptoms associated with PD.

PMID- 22073285
TI  - Redox-based inactivation of cysteine cathepsins by compounds containing the 4
      aminophenol moiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Redox cycling compounds have been reported to cause false positive
      inhibition of proteases in drug discovery studies. This kind of false positives
      can lead to unusually high hit rates in high-throughput screening campaigns and
      require further analysis to distinguish true from false positive hits. Such
      follow-up studies are both time and resource consuming. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In
      this study we show that 5-aminoquinoline-8-ol is a time-dependent inactivator of
      cathepsin B with a k(inact)/K(I) of 36.7 +/- 13.6 M(-1) s(-1) using enzyme
      kinetics. 5-Aminoquinoline-8-ol inhibited cathepsins H, L and B in the same
      concentration range, implying a non-specific mechanism of inhibition. Further
      analogues, 4-aminonaphthalene-1-ol and 4-aminophenol, also displayed time
      dependent inhibition of cathepsin B with k(inact)/K(I) values of 406.4 +/- 10.8
      and 36.5 +/- 1.3 M(-1) s(-1). No inactivation occurred in the absence of either
      the amino or the hydroxyl group, suggesting that the 4-aminophenol moiety is a
      prerequisite for enzyme inactivation. Induction of redox oxygen species (ROS) by
      4-aminophenols in various redox environments was determined by the fluorescent
      probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Addition of catalase to the
      assay buffer significantly abrogated the ROS signal, indicating that H(2)O(2) is
      a component of the ROS induced by 4-aminophenols. Furthermore, using mass
      spectrometry, active site probe DCG-04 and isoelectric focusing we show that
      redox inactivation of cysteine cathepsins by 5-aminoquinoline-8-ol is active site
      directed and leads to the formation of sulfinic acid. CONCLUSIONS: In this study
      we report that compounds containing the 4-aminophenol moiety inactivate cysteine
      cathepsins through a redox-based mechanism and are thus likely to cause false
      positive hits in the screening assays for cysteine proteases.

PMID- 22073286
TI  - Use of low-coverage, large-insert, short-read data for rapid and accurate
      generation of enhanced-quality draft Pseudomonas genome sequences.
AB  - Next-generation genomic technology has both greatly accelerated the pace of
      genome research as well as increased our reliance on draft genome sequences.
      While groups such as the Genomics Standards Consortium have made strong efforts
      to promote genome standards there is a still a general lack of uniformity among
      published draft genomes, leading to challenges for downstream comparative
      analyses. This lack of uniformity is a particular problem when using standard
      draft genomes that frequently have large numbers of low-quality sequencing
      tracts. Here we present a proposal for an "enhanced-quality draft" genome that
      identifies at least 95% of the coding sequences, thereby effectively providing a
      full accounting of the genic component of the genome. Enhanced-quality draft
      genomes are easily attainable through a combination of small- and large-insert
      next-generation, paired-end sequencing. We illustrate the generation of an
      enhanced-quality draft genome by re-sequencing the plant pathogenic bacterium
      Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola 1448A (Pph 1448A), which has a published,
      closed genome sequence of 5.93 Mbp. We use a combination of Illumina paired-end
      and mate-pair sequencing, and surprisingly find that de novo assemblies with 100x
      paired-end coverage and mate-pair sequencing with as low as low as 2-5x coverage
      are substantially better than assemblies based on higher coverage. The rapid and
      low-cost generation of large numbers of enhanced-quality draft genome sequences
      will be of particular value for microbial diagnostics and biosecurity, which rely
      on precise discrimination of potentially dangerous clones from closely related
      benign strains.

PMID- 22073287
TI  - Probabilistic methods for verbal autopsy interpretation: InterVA robustness in
      relation to variations in a priori probabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: InterVA is a probabilistic method for interpreting verbal autopsy
      (VA) data. It uses a priori approximations of probabilities relating to diseases
      and symptoms to calculate the probability of specific causes of death given
      reported symptoms recorded in a VA interview. The extent to which InterVA's
      ability to characterise a population's mortality composition might be sensitive
      to variations in these a priori probabilities was investigated. METHODS: A priori
      InterVA probabilities were changed by 1, 2 or 3 steps on the logarithmic scale on
      which the original probabilities were based. These changes were made to a random
      selection of 25% and 50% of the original probabilities, giving six model
      variants. A random sample of 1,000 VAs from South Africa, were used as a basis
      for experimentation and were processed using the original InterVA model and 20
      random instances of each of the six InterVA model variants. Rank order of cause
      of death and cause-specific mortality fractions (CSMFs) from the original InterVA
      model and the mean, maximum and minimum results from the 20 randomly modified
      InterVA models for each of the six variants were compared. RESULTS: CSMFs were
      functionally similar between the original InterVA model and the models with
      modified a priori probabilities such that even the CSMFs based on the InterVA
      model with the greatest degree of variation in the a priori probabilities would
      not lead to substantially different public health conclusions. The rank order of
      causes were also similar between all versions of InterVA. CONCLUSION: InterVA is
      a robust model for interpreting VA data and even relatively large variations in a
      priori probabilities do not affect InterVA-derived results to a great degree. The
      original physician-derived a priori probabilities are likely to be sufficient for
      the global application of InterVA in settings without routine death
      certification.

PMID- 22073288
TI  - Setting the pace: new insights into central pattern generator interactions in box
      jellyfish swimming.
AB  - Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) produce rhythmic behaviour across all animal
      phyla. Cnidarians, which have a radially symmetric nervous system and pacemaker
      centres in multiples of four, provide an interesting comparison to bilaterian
      animals for studying the coordination between CPGs. The box jellyfish Tripedalia
      cystophora is remarkable among cnidarians due to its most elaborate visual
      system. Together with their ability to actively swim and steer, they use their
      visual system for multiple types of behaviour. The four swim CPGs are directly
      regulated by visual input. In this study, we addressed the question of how the
      four pacemaker centres of this radial symmetric cnidarian interact. We based our
      investigation on high speed camera observations of the timing of swim pulses of
      tethered animals (Tripedalia cystophora) with one or four rhopalia, under
      different simple light regimes. Additionally, we developed a numerical model of
      pacemaker interactions based on the inter pulse interval distribution of animals
      with one rhopalium. We showed that the model with fully resetting coupling and
      hyperpolarization of the pacemaker potential below baseline fitted the
      experimental data best. Moreover, the model of four swim pacemakers alone
      underscored the proportion of long inter pulse intervals (IPIs) considerably.
      Both in terms of the long IPIs as well as the overall swim pulse distribution,
      the simulation of two CPGs provided a better fit than that of four. We therefore
      suggest additional sources of pacemaker control than just visual input. We
      provide guidelines for future research on the physiological linkage of the
      cubozoan CPGs and show the insight from bilaterian CPG research, which show that
      pacemakers have to be studied in their bodily and nervous environment to capture
      all their functional features, are also manifest in cnidarians.

PMID- 22073289
TI  - Interaction between cholesteryl ester transfer protein and hepatic lipase
      encoding genes and the risk of type 2 diabetes: results from the Telde study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetic dyslipidaemia is common in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and
      insulin resistance and often precedes the onset of T2D. The Taq1B polymorphism in
      CETP (B1 and B2 alleles) (rs708272) and the G-250A polymorphism in LIPC
      (rs2070895) are associated with changes in enzyme activity and lipid
      concentrations. Our aim was to assess the effects of both polymorphisms on the
      risk of T2D. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a case-control study from the population
      based Telde cohort, both polymorphisms were analysed by PCR-based methods.
      Subjects were classified, according to an oral glucose tolerance test, into
      diabetic (N = 115) and pre-diabetic (N = 116); 226 subjects with normal glucose
      tolerance, matched for age and gender, were included as controls. Chi-square
      (comparison between groups) and logistic regression (identification of
      independent effects) were used for analysis. The B1B1 Taq1B CETP genotype
      frequency increased with worsening glucose metabolism (42.5%, 46.1% and 54.3% in
      control, IGR and diabetic group; p = 0.042). This polymorphism was independently
      associated with an increased risk of diabetes (OR: 1.828; IC 95%: 1.12-2.99; p =
      0.016), even after adjusting by confounding variables, whereas the LIPC
      polymorphism was not. Regarding the interaction between both polymorphisms, in
      the B1B1 genotype carriers, the absence of the minor (A) allele of the LIPC
      polymorphism increased the risk of having diabetes. CONCLUSION: The presence of
      the B1B1 Taq1B CETP genotype contributes to the presence of diabetes,
      independently of age, sex, BMI and waist. However, among carriers of B1B1, the
      presence of GG genotype of the -250 LIPC polymorphism increases this risk
      further.

PMID- 22073290
TI  - Use of a high resolution melting (HRM) assay to compare gag, pol, and env
      diversity in adults with different stages of HIV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional assessment of HIV incidence relies on laboratory
      methods to discriminate between recent and non-recent HIV infection. Because HIV
      diversifies over time in infected individuals, HIV diversity may serve as a
      biomarker for assessing HIV incidence. We used a high resolution melting (HRM)
      diversity assay to compare HIV diversity in adults with different stages of HIV
      infection. This assay provides a single numeric HRM score that reflects the level
      of genetic diversity of HIV in a sample from an infected individual. METHODS: HIV
      diversity was measured in 203 adults: 20 with acute HIV infection (RNA positive,
      antibody negative), 116 with recent HIV infection (tested a median of 189 days
      after a previous negative HIV test, range 14-540 days), and 67 with non-recent
      HIV infection (HIV infected >2 years). HRM scores were generated for two regions
      in gag, one region in pol, and three regions in env. RESULTS: Median HRM scores
      were higher in non-recent infection than in recent infection for all six regions
      tested. In multivariate models, higher HRM scores in three of the six regions
      were independently associated with non-recent HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The HRM
      diversity assay provides a simple, scalable method for measuring HIV diversity.
      HRM scores, which reflect the genetic diversity in a viral population, may be
      useful biomarkers for evaluation of HIV incidence, particularly if multiple
      regions of the HIV genome are examined.

PMID- 22073291
TI  - Helicobacter pylori genotyping from American indigenous groups shows novel
      Amerindian vacA and cagA alleles and Asian, African and European admixture.
AB  - It is valuable to extend genotyping studies of Helicobacter pylori to strains
      from indigenous communities across the world to better define adaption,
      evolution, and associated diseases. We aimed to genetically characterize both
      human individuals and their infecting H. pylori from indigenous communities of
      Mexico, and to compare them with those from other human groups. We studied
      individuals from three indigenous groups, Tarahumaras from the North, Huichols
      from the West and Nahuas from the center of Mexico. Volunteers were sampled at
      their community site, DNA was isolated from white blood cells and mtDNA, Y
      chromosome, and STR alleles were studied. H. pylori was cultured from gastric
      juice, and DNA extracted for genotyping of virulence and housekeeping genes. We
      found Amerindian mtDNA haplogroups (A, B, C, and D), Y-chromosome DYS19T, and
      Amerindian STRs alleles frequent in the three groups, confirming Amerindian
      ancestry in these Mexican groups. Concerning H.pylori cagA phylogenetic analyses,
      although most isolates were of the Western type, a new Amerindian cluster neither
      Western nor Asian, was formed by some indigenous Mexican, Colombian, Peruvian and
      Venezuelan isolates. Similarly, vacA phylogenetic analyses showed the existence
      of a novel Amerindian type in isolates from Alaska, Mexico and Colombia. With
      hspA strains from Mexico and other American groups clustered within the three
      major groups, Asian, African or European. Genotyping of housekeeping genes
      confirmed that Mexican strains formed a novel Asian-related Amerindian group
      together with strains from remote Amazon Aborigines. This study shows that
      Mexican indigenous people with Amerindian markers are colonized with H. pylori
      showing admixture of Asian, European and African strains in genes known to
      interact with the gastric mucosa. We present evidence of novel Amerindian cagA
      and vacA alleles in indigenous groups of North and South America.

PMID- 22073292
TI  - Glycolysis inhibition inactivates ABC transporters to restore drug sensitivity in
      malignant cells.
AB  - Cancer cells eventually acquire drug resistance largely via the aberrant
      expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, ATP-dependent efflux
      pumps. Because cancer cells produce ATP mostly through glycolysis, in the present
      study we explored the effects of inhibiting glycolysis on the ABC transporter
      function and drug sensitivity of malignant cells. Inhibition of glycolysis by 3
      bromopyruvate (3BrPA) suppressed ATP production in malignant cells, and restored
      the retention of daunorubicin or mitoxantrone in ABC transporter-expressing,
      RPMI8226 (ABCG2), KG-1 (ABCB1) and HepG2 cells (ABCB1 and ABCG2). Interestingly,
      although side population (SP) cells isolated from RPMI8226 cells exhibited higher
      levels of glycolysis with an increased expression of genes involved in the
      glycolytic pathway, 3BrPA abolished Hoechst 33342 exclusion in SP cells. 3BrPA
      also disrupted clonogenic capacity in malignant cell lines including RPMI8226, KG
      1, and HepG2. Furthermore, 3BrPA restored cytotoxic effects of daunorubicin and
      doxorubicin on KG-1 and RPMI8226 cells, and markedly suppressed subcutaneous
      tumor growth in combination with doxorubicin in RPMI8226-implanted mice. These
      results collectively suggest that the inhibition of glycolysis is able to
      overcome drug resistance in ABC transporter-expressing malignant cells through
      the inactivation of ABC transporters and impairment of SP cells with enhanced
      glycolysis as well as clonogenic cells.

PMID- 22073293
TI  - Butyrate enhances disease resistance of chickens by inducing antimicrobial host
      defense peptide gene expression.
AB  - Host defense peptides (HDPs) constitute a large group of natural broad-spectrum
      antimicrobials and an important first line of immunity in virtually all forms of
      life. Specific augmentation of synthesis of endogenous HDPs may represent a
      promising antibiotic-alternative approach to disease control. In this study, we
      tested the hypothesis that exogenous administration of butyrate, a major type of
      short-chain fatty acids derived from bacterial fermentation of undigested dietary
      fiber, is capable of inducing HDPs and enhancing disease resistance in chickens.
      We have found that butyrate is a potent inducer of several, but not all, chicken
      HDPs in HD11 macrophages as well as in primary monocytes, bone marrow cells, and
      jejuna and cecal explants. In addition, butyrate treatment enhanced the
      antibacterial activity of chicken monocytes against Salmonella enteritidis, with
      a minimum impact on inflammatory cytokine production, phagocytosis, and oxidative
      burst capacities of the cells. Furthermore, feed supplementation with 0.1%
      butyrate led to a significant increase in HDP gene expression in the intestinal
      tract of chickens. More importantly, such a feeding strategy resulted in a nearly
      10-fold reduction in the bacterial titer in the cecum following experimental
      infections with S. enteritidis. Collectively, the results indicated that butyrate
      induced synthesis of endogenous HDPs is a phylogenetically conserved mechanism of
      innate host defense shared by mammals and aves, and that dietary supplementation
      of butyrate has potential for further development as a convenient antibiotic
      alternative strategy to enhance host innate immunity and disease resistance.

PMID- 22073294
TI  - Profiling of substrate specificities of 3C-like proteases from group 1, 2a, 2b,
      and 3 coronaviruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronaviruses (CoVs) can be classified into alphacoronavirus (group
      1), betacoronavirus (group 2), and gammacoronavirus (group 3) based on diversity
      of the protein sequences. Their 3C-like protease (3CL(pro)), which catalyzes the
      proteolytic processing of the polyproteins for viral replication, is a potential
      target for anti-coronaviral infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, we
      profiled the substrate specificities of 3CL(pro) from human CoV NL63 (group 1),
      human CoV OC43 (group 2a), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS
      CoV) (group 2b) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) (group 3), by measuring
      their activity against a substrate library of 19 * 8 of variants with single
      substitutions at P5 to P3' positions. The results were correlated with structural
      properties like side chain volume, hydrophobicity, and secondary structure
      propensities of substituting residues. All 3CL(pro) prefer Gln at P1 position,
      Leu at P2 position, basic residues at P3 position, small hydrophobic residues at
      P4 position, and small residues at P1' and P2' positions. Despite 3CL(pro) from
      different groups of CoVs share many similarities in substrate specificities,
      differences in substrate specificities were observed at P4 positions, with IBV
      3CL(pro) prefers P4-Pro and SARS-CoV 3CL(pro) prefers P4-Val. By combining the
      most favorable residues at P3 to P5 positions, we identified super-active
      substrate sequences 'VARLQ?SGF' that can be cleaved efficiently by all 3CL(pro)
      with relative activity of 1.7 to 3.2, and 'VPRLQ?SGF' that can be cleaved
      specifically by IBV 3CL(pro) with relative activity of 4.3.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The comprehensive substrate specificities of 3CL(pro)
      from each of the group 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 CoVs have been profiled in this study,
      which may provide insights into a rational design of broad-spectrum
      peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting the proteases.

PMID- 22073295
TI  - Protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii manipulates mate choice in rats by enhancing
      attractiveness of males.
AB  - Females in various species typically avoid males infected with parasites, while
      parasite-free males advertise their status through conspicuous phenotypic traits.
      This process selects for heritable resistance and reduces direct exposure of the
      female to parasites. Coevolving parasites are likely to attempt to circumvent
      this obstacle. In this paper, we demonstrate a case of parasitic manipulation of
      host mate choice. We report that Toxoplasma gondii, a sexually transmitted
      infection of brown rats, enhances sexual attractiveness of infected males. Thus
      under some evolutionary niches, parasites can indeed manipulate host sexual
      signaling to their own advantage.

PMID- 22073296
TI  - Oscillatory protein expression dynamics endows stem cells with robust
      differentiation potential.
AB  - The lack of understanding of stem cell differentiation and proliferation is a
      fundamental problem in developmental biology. Although gene regulatory networks
      (GRNs) for stem cell differentiation have been partially identified, the nature
      of differentiation dynamics and their regulation leading to robust development
      remain unclear. Herein, using a dynamical system modeling cell approach, we
      performed simulations of the developmental process using all possible GRNs with a
      few genes, and screened GRNs that could generate cell type diversity through cell
      cell interactions. We found that model stem cells that both proliferated and
      differentiated always exhibited oscillatory expression dynamics, and the
      differentiation frequency of such stem cells was regulated, resulting in a robust
      number distribution. Moreover, we uncovered the common regulatory motifs for stem
      cell differentiation, in which a combination of regulatory motifs that generated
      oscillatory expression dynamics and stabilized distinct cellular states played an
      essential role. These findings may explain the recently observed heterogeneity
      and dynamic equilibrium in cellular states of stem cells, and can be used to
      predict regulatory networks responsible for differentiation in stem cell systems.

PMID- 22073297
TI  - Generation of micronuclei during interphase by coupling between cytoplasmic
      membrane blebbing and nuclear budding.
AB  - Micronucleation, mediated by interphase nuclear budding, has been repeatedly
      suggested, but the process is still enigmatic. In the present study, we confirmed
      the previous observation that there are lamin B1-negative micronuclei in addition
      to the positive ones. A large cytoplasmic bleb was found to frequently entrap
      lamin B1-negative micronuclei, which were connected to the nucleus by a thin
      chromatin stalk. At the bottom of the stalk, the nuclear lamin B1 structure
      appeared broken. Chromatin extrusion through lamina breaks has been referred to
      as herniation or a blister of the nucleus, and has been observed after the
      expression of viral proteins. A cell line in which extrachromosomal double
      minutes and lamin B1 protein were simultaneously visualized in different colors
      in live cells was established. By using these cells, time-lapse microscopy
      revealed that cytoplasmic membrane blebbing occurred simultaneously with the
      extrusion of nuclear content, which generated lamin B1-negative micronuclei
      during interphase. Furthermore, activation of cytoplasmic membrane blebbing by
      the addition of fresh serum or camptothecin induced nuclear budding within 1 to
      10 minutes, which suggested that blebbing might be the cause of the budding.
      After the induction of blebbing, the frequency of lamin-negative micronuclei
      increased. The budding was most frequent during S phase and more efficiently
      entrapped small extrachromosomal chromatin than the large chromosome arm. Based
      on these results, we suggest a novel mechanism in which cytoplasmic membrane
      dynamics pulls the chromatin out of the nucleus through the lamina break.
      Evidence for such a mechanism was obtained in certain cancer cell lines including
      human COLO 320 and HeLa. The mechanism could significantly perturb the genome and
      influence cancer cell phenotypes.

PMID- 22073298
TI  - Characterization of a novel type of HIV-1 particle assembly inhibitor using a
      quantitative luciferase-Vpr packaging-based assay.
AB  - The HIV-1 auxiliary protein Vpr and Vpr-fusion proteins can be copackaged with
      Gag precursor (Pr55Gag) into virions or membrane-enveloped virus-like particles
      (VLP). Taking advantage of this property, we developed a simple and sensitive
      method to evaluate potential inhibitors of HIV-1 assembly in a living cell
      system. Two proteins were coexpressed in recombinant baculovirus-infected Sf9
      cells, Pr55Gag, which formed the VLP backbone, and luciferase fused to the N
      terminus of Vpr (LucVpr). VLP-encapsidated LucVpr retained the enzymatic activity
      of free luciferase. The levels of luciferase activity present in the pelletable
      fraction recovered from the culture medium correlated with the amounts of
      extracellular VLP released by Sf9 cells assayed by conventional immunological
      methods. Our luciferase-based assay was then applied to the characterization of
      betulinic acid (BA) derivatives that differed from the leader compound PA-457 (or
      DSB) by their substituant on carbon-28. The beta-alanine-conjugated and lysine
      conjugated DSB could not be evaluated for their antiviral potentials due to their
      high cytotoxicity, whereas two other compounds with a lesser cytotoxicity,
      glycine-conjugated and epsilon-NH-Boc-lysine-conjugated DSB, exerted a dose
      dependent negative effect on VLP assembly and budding. A fifth compound with a
      low cytotoxicity, EP-39 (ethylene diamine-conjugated DSB), showed a novel type of
      antiviral effect. EP-39 provoked an aberrant assembly of VLP, resulting in
      nonenveloped, morula-like particles of 100-nm in diameter. Each morula was
      composed of nanoparticle subunits of 20-nm in diameter, which possibly mimicked
      transient intermediates of the HIV-1 Gag assembly process. Chemical cross-linking
      in situ suggested that EP-39 favored the formation or/and persistence of Pr55Gag
      trimers over other oligomeric species. EP-39 showed a novel type of negative
      effect on HIV-1 assembly, targeting the Pr55Gag oligomerisation. The biological
      effect of EP-39 underlined the critical role of the nature of the side chain at
      position 28 of BA derivatives in their anti-HIV-1 activity.

PMID- 22073299
TI  - Altered dark- and photoconversion of phytochrome B mediate extreme light
      sensitivity and loss of photoreversibility of the phyB-401 mutant.
AB  - The phyB-401 mutant is 10(3) fold more sensitive to red light than its wild-type
      analogue and shows loss of photoreversibility of hypocotyl growth inhibition. The
      phyB-401 photoreceptor displays normal spectral properties and shows almost no
      dark reversion when expressed in yeast cells. To gain insight into the molecular
      mechanism underlying this complex phenotype, we generated transgenic lines
      expressing the mutant and wild-type phyB in phyB-9 background. Analysis of these
      transgenic lines demonstrated that the mutant photoreceptor displays a reduced
      rate of dark-reversion but normal P(fr) to P(r) photoconversion in vivo and shows
      an altered pattern of association/dissociation with nuclear bodies compared to
      wild-type phyB. In addition we show (i) an enhanced responsiveness to far-red
      light for hypocotyl growth inhibition and CAB2 expression and (ii) that far-red
      light mediated photoreversibility of red light induced responses, including
      inhibition of hypocotyl growth, formation of nuclear bodies and induction of CAB2
      expression is reduced in these transgenic lines. We hypothesize that the
      incomplete photoreversibility of signalling is due to the fact that far-red light
      induced photoconversion of the chromophore is at least partially uncoupled from
      the P(fr) to P(r) conformation change of the protein. It follows that the phyB
      401 photoreceptor retains a P(fr)-like structure (P(r) (*)) for a few hours after
      the far-red light treatment. The greatly reduced rate of dark reversion and the
      formation of a biologically active P(r) (*) conformer satisfactorily explain the
      complex phenotype of the phyB-401 mutant and suggest that amino acid residues
      surrounding the position 564 G play an important role in fine-tuning phyB
      signalling.

PMID- 22073300
TI  - Shape-induced terminal differentiation of human epidermal stem cells requires p38
      and is regulated by histone acetylation.
AB  - Engineered model substrates are powerful tools for examining interactions between
      stem cells and their microenvironment. Using this approach, we have previously
      shown that restricted cell adhesion promotes terminal differentiation of human
      epidermal stem cells via activation of serum response factor (SRF) and
      transcription of AP-1 genes. Here we investigate the roles of p38 MAPK and
      histone acetylation. Inhibition of p38 activity impaired SRF transcriptional
      activity and shape-induced terminal differentiation of human keratinocytes. In
      addition, inhibiting p38 reduced histone H3 acetylation at the promoters of SRF
      target genes, FOS and JUNB. Although histone acetylation correlated with SRF
      transcriptional activity and target gene expression, treatment with the histone
      de-acetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA) blocked terminal differentiation on
      micro-patterned substrates and in suspension. TSA treatment simultaneously
      maintained expression of LRIG1, TP63, and ITGB1. Therefore, global histone de
      acetylation represses stem cell maintenance genes independent of SRF. Our studies
      establish a novel role for extrinsic physical cues in the regulation of chromatin
      remodeling, transcription, and differentiation of human epidermal stem cells.

PMID- 22073301
TI  - Different susceptibility to neurodegeneration of dorsal and ventral hippocampal
      dentate gyrus: a study with transgenic mice overexpressing GSK3beta.
AB  - Dorsal hippocampal regions are involved in memory and learning processes, while
      ventral areas are related to emotional and anxiety processes. Hippocampal
      dependent memory and behaviour alterations do not always come out in
      neurodegenerative diseases at the same time. In this study we have tested the
      hypothesis that dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus (DG) regions respond in a
      different manner to increased glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) levels in
      GSK3beta transgenic mice, a genetic model of neurodegeneration. Reactive
      astrocytosis indicate tissue stress in dorsal DG, while ventral area does not
      show that marker. These changes occurred with a significant reduction of total
      cell number and with a significantly higher level of cell death in dorsal area
      than in ventral one as measured by fractin-positive cells. Biochemistry analysis
      showed higher levels of phosphorylated GSK3beta in those residues that inactivate
      the enzyme in hippocampal ventral areas compared with dorsal area suggesting that
      the observed susceptibility is in part due to different GSK3 regulation. Previous
      studies carried out with this animal model had demonstrated impairment in Morris
      Water Maze and Object recognition tests point out to dorsal hippocampal atrophy.
      Here, we show that two tests used to evaluate emotional status, the light-dark
      box and the novelty suppressed feeding test, suggest that GSK3beta mice do not
      show any anxiety-related disorder. Thus, our results demonstrate that in vivo
      overexpression of GSK3beta results in dorsal but not ventral hippocampal DG
      neurodegeneration and suggest that both areas do not behave in a similar manner
      in neurodegenerative processes.

PMID- 22073302
TI  - Thermal imaging of the periorbital regions during the presentation of an auditory
      startle stimulus.
AB  - Infrared thermal imaging of the inner canthi of the periorbital regions of the
      face can potentially serve as an input signal modality for an alternative access
      system for individuals with conditions that preclude speech or voluntary
      movement, such as total locked-in syndrome. However, it is unknown if the
      temperature of these regions is affected by the human startle response, as
      changes in the facial temperature of the periorbital regions manifested during
      the startle response could generate false positives in a thermography-based
      access system. This study presents an examination of the temperature
      characteristics of the periorbital regions of 11 able-bodied adult participants
      before and after a 102 dB auditory startle stimulus. The results indicate that
      the startle response has no substantial effect on the mean temperature of the
      periorbital regions. This indicates that thermography-based access solutions
      would be insensitive to startle reactions in their user, an important advantage
      over other modalities being considered in the context of access solutions for
      individuals with a severe motor disability.

PMID- 22073303
TI  - Do food web models reproduce the structure of mutualistic networks?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simple models inspired by processes shaping consumer-resource
      interactions have helped to establish the primary processes underlying the
      organization of food webs, networks of trophic interactions among species.
      Because other ecological interactions such as mutualisms between plants and their
      pollinators and seed dispersers are inherently based in consumer-resource
      relationships we hypothesize that processes shaping food webs should organize
      mutualistic relationships as well. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used a
      likelihood-based model selection approach to compare the performance of food web
      models and that of a model designed for mutualisms, in reproducing the structure
      of networks depicting mutualistic relationships. Our results show that these food
      web models are able to reproduce the structure of most of the mutualistic
      networks and even the simplest among the food web models, the cascade model,
      often reproduce overall structural properties of real mutualistic networks.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Based on our results we hypothesize that processes
      leading to feeding hierarchy, which is a characteristic shared by all food web
      models, might be a fundamental aspect in the assembly of mutualisms. These
      findings suggest that similar underlying ecological processes might be important
      in organizing different types of interactions.

PMID- 22073304
TI  - CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 modulates claudin expression and intestinal barrier
      function in experimental colitis.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by local
      inflammation and impaired epithelial barrier. Previous studies demonstrated that
      CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) antagonists could reduce colonic inflammation
      and mucosal damage in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Whether CXCR4
      antagonist has action on intestinal barrier and the possible mechanism, is
      largely undefined. In the present study, the experimental colitis was induced by
      administration of 5% DSS for 7 days, and CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 was
      administered intraperitoneally once daily during the study period. For in vitro
      study, HT-29/B6 colonic cells were treated with cytokines or AMD3100 for 24 h
      until assay. DSS-induced colitis was characterized by morphologic changes in
      mice. In AMD3100-treated mice, epithelial destruction, inflammatory infiltration,
      and submucosal edema were markedly reduced, and the disease activity index was
      also significantly decreased. Increased intestinal permeability in DSS-induced
      colitis was also significantly reduced by AMD3100. The expressions of colonic
      claudin-1, claudin-3, claudin-5, claudin-7 and claudin-8 were markedly decreased
      after DSS administration, whereas colonic claudin-2 expression was significantly
      decreased. Treatment with AMD3100 prevented all these changes. However, AMD3100
      had no influence on claudin-3, claudin-5, claudin-7 and claudin-8 expression in
      HT-29/B6 cells. Cytokines as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IFN-gamma increased apoptosis
      and monolayer permeability, inhibited the wound-healing and the claudin-3,
      claudin-7 and claudin-8 expression in HT-29/B6 cells. We suggest that AMD3100
      acted on colonic claudin expression and intestinal barrier function, at least
      partly, in a cytokine-dependent pathway.

PMID- 22073305
TI  - LIS1 regulates osteoclast formation and function through its interactions with
      dynein/dynactin and Plekhm1.
AB  - Microtubule organization and lysosomal secretion are both critical for the
      activation and function of osteoclasts, highly specialized polykaryons that are
      responsible for bone resorption and skeletal homeostasis. Here, we have
      identified a novel interaction between microtubule regulator LIS1 and Plekhm1, a
      lysosome-associated protein implicated in osteoclast secretion. Decreasing LIS1
      expression by shRNA dramatically attenuated osteoclast formation and function, as
      shown by a decreased number of mature osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow
      macrophages, diminished resorption pits formation, and reduced level of CTx-I, a
      bone resorption marker. The ablated osteoclast formation in LIS1-depleted
      macrophages was associated with a significant decrease in macrophage
      proliferation, osteoclast survival and differentiation, which were caused by
      reduced activation of ERK and AKT by M-CSF, prolonged RANKL-induced JNK
      activation and declined expression of NFAT-c1, a master transcription factor of
      osteoclast differentiation. Consistent with its critical role in microtubule
      organization and dynein function in other cell types, we found that LIS1 binds to
      and colocalizes with dynein in osteoclasts. Loss of LIS1 led to disorganized
      microtubules and aberrant dynein function. More importantly, the depletion of
      LIS1 in osteoclasts inhibited the secretion of Cathepsin K, a crucial lysosomal
      hydrolase for bone degradation, and reduced the motility of osteoclast
      precursors. These results indicate that LIS1 is a previously unrecognized
      regulator of osteoclast formation, microtubule organization, and lysosomal
      secretion by virtue of its ability to modulate dynein function and Plekhm1.

PMID- 22073306
TI  - Protein replacement therapy partially corrects the cholesterol-storage phenotype
      in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C2 disease.
AB  - Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) disease is a fatal autosomal recessive neurovisceral
      degenerative disorder characterized by late endosomal-lysosomal sequestration of
      low-density lipoprotein derived cholesterol. The breach in intracellular
      cholesterol homeostasis is caused by deficiency of functional NPC2, a soluble
      sterol binding protein targeted to the lysosomes by binding the mannose-6
      phosphate receptor. As currently there is no effective treatment for the
      disorder, we have investigated the efficacy of NPC2 replacement therapy in a
      murine gene-trap model of NPC2-disease generated on the 129P2/OlaHsd genetic
      background. NPC2 was purified from bovine milk and its functional competence
      assured in NPC2-deficient fibroblasts using the specific cholesterol fluorescent
      probe filipin. For evaluation of phenotype correction in vivo, three-week-old
      NPC2(-/-) mice received two weekly intravenous injections of 5 mg/kg NPC2 until
      trial termination 66 days later. Whereas the saline treated NPC2(-/-) mice
      exhibited massive visceral cholesterol storage as compared to their wild-type
      littermates, administration of NPC2 caused a marked reduction in cholesterol
      build up. The histological findings, indicating an amelioration of the disease
      pathology in liver, spleen, and lungs, corroborated the biochemical results.
      Little or no difference in the overall cholesterol levels was observed in the
      kidneys, blood, cerebral cortex and hippocampus when comparing NPC2(-/-) and wild
      type mice. However, cerebellum cholesterol was increased about two fold in NPC2(
      /-) mice compared with wild-type littermates. Weight gain performance was
      slightly improved as a result of the NPC2 treatment but significant motor
      coordination deficits were still observed. Accordingly, ultrastructural
      cerebellar abnormalities were detected in both saline treated and NPC2 treated
      NPC2(-/-) animals 87 days post partum. Our data indicate that protein replacement
      may be a beneficial therapeutic approach in the treatment of the visceral
      manifestations in NPC2 disease and further suggest that neurodegeneration is not
      secondary to visceral dysfunction.

PMID- 22073307
TI  - Attentional demands of movement observation as tested by a dual task approach.
AB  - Movement observation (MO) has been shown to activate the motor cortex of the
      observer as indicated by an increase of corticomotor excitability for muscles
      involved in the observed actions. Moreover, behavioral work has strongly
      suggested that this process occurs in a near-automatic manner. Here we further
      tested this proposal by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) when
      subjects observed how an actor lifted objects of different weights as a single or
      a dual task. The secondary task was either an auditory discrimination task
      (experiment 1) or a visual discrimination task (experiment 2). In experiment 1,
      we found that corticomotor excitability reflected the force requirements
      indicated in the observed movies (i.e. higher responses when the actor had to
      apply higher forces). Interestingly, this effect was found irrespective of
      whether MO was performed as a single or a dual task. By contrast, no such
      systematic modulations of corticomotor excitability were observed in experiment 2
      when visual distracters were present. We conclude that interference effects might
      arise when MO is performed while competing visual stimuli are present. However,
      when a secondary task is situated in a different modality, neural responses are
      in line with the notion that the observers motor system responds in a near
      automatic manner. This suggests that MO is a task with very low cognitive demands
      which might be a valuable supplement for rehabilitation training, particularly,
      in the acute phase after the incident or in patients suffering from attention
      deficits. However, it is important to keep in mind that visual distracters might
      interfere with the neural response in M1.

PMID- 22073308
TI  - beta-AR blockers suppresses ER stress in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) blockade reduces
      mortality in patients with heart failure. Chronic sympathetic hyperactivity in
      heart failure causes sustained beta-AR activation, and this can deplete Ca(2+) in
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and subsequent apoptosis. We
      tested the effect of beta-AR blockers on ER stress pathway in experimental model
      of heart failure. METHODS AND DISCUSSIONS: ER chaperones were markedly increased
      in failing hearts of patients with end-stage heart failure. In Sprague-Dawley
      rats, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure was induced by abdominal aortic
      constriction or isoproterenol subcutaneous injection. Oral beta-AR blockers
      treatment was performed in therapy groups. Cardiac remodeling and left
      ventricular function were analyzed in rats failing hearts. After 4 or 8 weeks of
      banding, rats developed cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Cardiac expression of ER
      chaperones was significantly increased. Similar to the findings above, sustained
      isoproterenol infusion for 2 weeks induced cardiac hypertrophy and failure with
      increased ER chaperones and apoptosis in hearts. beta-AR blockers treatment
      markedly attenuated these pathological changes and reduced ER stress and
      apoptosis in failing hearts. On the other hand, beta-AR agonist isoproterenol
      induced ER stress and apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes. beta-AR blockers
      largely prevented ER stress and protected myocytes against apoptosis. And beta-AR
      blockade significantly suppressed the overactivation of CaMKII in isoproterenol
      stimulated cardiomyocytes and failing hearts in rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      demonstrated that ER stress occurred in failing hearts and this could be reversed
      by beta-AR blockade. Alleviation of ER stress may be an important mechanism
      underlying the therapeutic effect of beta-AR blockers on heart failure.

PMID- 22073309
TI  - Visfatin impairs endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat and human mesenteric
      microvessels through nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase activity.
AB  - Visfatin, also known as extracellular pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF)
      and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), is an adipocytokine whose
      circulating levels are enhanced in metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes
      mellitus and obesity. Circulating visfatin levels have been positively associated
      with vascular damage and endothelial dysfunction. Here, we investigated the
      ability of visfatin to directly impair vascular reactivity in mesenteric
      microvessels from both male Sprague-Dawley rats and patients undergoing non
      urgent, non-septic abdominal surgery. The pre-incubation of rat microvessels with
      visfatin (50 and 100 ng/mL) did not modify the contractile response to
      noradrenaline (1 pmol/L to 30 umol/L), as determined using a small vessel
      myograph. However, visfatin (10 to 100 ng/mL) concentration-dependently impaired
      the relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh; 100 pmol/L to 3 umol/L), without
      interfering with the endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside
      (1 nmol/L to 3 umol/L). In both cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      and rat microvascular preparations, visfatin (50 ng/mL) stimulated nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, as determined by
      lucigenin-derived chemiluminiscence. The relaxation to ACh impaired by visfatin
      was restored by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (10 umol/L). Additionally,
      the Nampt inhibitor APO866 (10 mmol/L to 10 umol/L), but not an insulin receptor
      blocking antibody, also prevented the stimulation of NADPH oxidase and the
      relaxation impairment elicited by visfatin. Accordingly, the product of Nampt
      activity nicotinamide mononucleotide (100 nmol/L to 1 mmol/L) stimulated
      endothelial NADPH oxidase activity and concentration-dependently impaired ACh
      induced vasorelaxation. In human mesenteric microvessels pre-contracted with 35
      mmol/L potassium chloride, the endothelium-dependent vasodilation to bradykinin
      (1 nmol/L to 3 umol/L) was equally impaired by visfatin and restored upon co
      incubation with APO866. In conclusion, visfatin impairs endothelium-dependent
      relaxation through a mechanism involving NADPH oxidase stimulation and relying on
      Nampt enzymatic activity, and therefore arises as a potential new player in the
      development of endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 22073310
TI  - Association of genetic loci with blood lipids in the Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified a number
      of novel genetic determinants of blood lipid concentrations in Europeans.
      However, it is still unclear whether these loci identified in the Caucasian GWA
      studies also exert the same effect on lipid concentrations in the Chinese
      population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a replication study assessing
      associations between SNPs at 15 loci and blood lipid and lipoprotein
      concentrations in two Chinese cohorts, comprising 2533 and 2105 individuals
      respectively. SNPs in APO(A1/C3/A4/A5), TIMD4-HAVCR1, DOCK7, TRIB1, ABCA1, and
      TOMM40-APOE showed strong associations with at least one lipids trait, and
      rs174546 in FADS1/2/3 showed modest association with triglyceride in the Chinese
      population. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully replicated 7 loci associated plasma
      lipid concentrations in the Chinese population. Our study confirmed the
      implication of APO(A1/C3/A4/A5), TOMM40-APOE, ABCA1, DOCK7, TIMD4-HAVCR1, TRIB1
      and FADS1/2 in plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in Chinese population.

PMID- 22073311
TI  - The roles of dimensionality, canopies and complexity in ecosystem monitoring.
AB  - Canopies are common among autotrophs, increasing their access to light and
      thereby increasing competitive abilities. If viewed from above canopies may
      conceal objects beneath them creating a 'canopy effect'. Due to complexities in
      collecting 3-dimensional data, most ecosystem monitoring programmes reduce
      dimensionality when sampling, resorting to planar views. The resultant 'canopy
      effects' may bias data interpretation, particularly following disturbances.
      Canopy effects are especially relevant on coral reefs where coral cover is often
      used to evaluate and communicate ecosystem health. We show that canopies hide
      benthic components including massive corals and algal turfs, and as planar views
      are almost ubiquitously used to monitor disturbances, the loss of vulnerable
      canopy-forming corals may bias findings by presenting pre-existing benthic
      components as an altered system. Our reliance on planar views in monitoring
      ecosystems, especially coral cover on reefs, needs to be reassessed if we are to
      better understand the ecological consequences of ever more frequent disturbances.

PMID- 22073312
TI  - A switch from canonical to noncanonical Wnt signaling mediates drug resistance in
      colon cancer cells.
AB  - Butyrate, a fermentation product of fiber in the colon, acts as a histone
      deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and induces apoptosis in colon cancer (CC) cells in
      vitro. We have reported that the apoptotic effects of butyrate are dependent upon
      the hyperactivation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. However, prolonged exposure
      of CC cells to increasing concentrations of butyrate results in the acquisition
      of resistance to the Wnt/beta-catenin- and apoptosis-inducing effects of this
      agent, as well as cross-resistance to structurally different HDACis. Here we
      report that one mechanism whereby HDACi resistance arises is through the increase
      of beta-catenin-independent (noncanonical) Wnt signaling. Compared to HDACi
      sensitive HCT-116 CC cells, HDACi-resistant HCT-R cells exhibit higher levels of
      AKT/PKB cell survival signaling, which is in part induced by WNT5A and its
      receptor ROR2. The induction of AKT signaling by HDACis is also detected in other
      CC cell lines, albeit to a lesser extent than in the drug-resistant HCT-R cells.
      The observations suggested that the apoptotic effect of butyrate and other HDACis
      in CC cells can be augmented by inhibitors of pAKT. In agreement with the
      hypothesis, the combination of MK2206, a pAKT inhibitor, and a HDACi (butyrate or
      LBH589) induced higher apoptosis in CC cells compared to each agent alone. The
      exposure to both agents also re-sensitized the HCT-R cells to apoptosis. Finally,
      the concept of simultaneously inducing canonical Wnt activity and suppressing AKT
      signaling was translated into a combination of diet-derived agents. Diet-derived
      pAKT inhibitors (caffeic acid phethyl ester, sulforaphane, dilallyl trisulfide)
      suppressed the butyrate-induced levels of pAKT, and increased the apoptotic
      effects of butyrate in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant CC cells.Our
      findings can be translated into (a) CC therapy employing combinations of
      synthetic HDACis and inhibitors of pAKT, as well as (b) CC prevention based upon
      diets that result in sufficient amounts of butyrate and pAKT inhibitors.

PMID- 22073313
TI  - RpkA, a highly conserved GPCR with a lipid kinase domain, has a role in
      phagocytosis and anti-bacterial defense.
AB  - RpkA (Receptor phosphatidylinositol kinase A) is an unusual seven-helix
      transmembrane protein of Dictyostelium discoideum with a G protein coupled
      receptor (GPCR) signature and a C-terminal lipid kinase domain (GPCR-PIPK)
      predicted as a phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase. RpkA-homologs are
      present in all so far sequenced Dictyostelidae as well as in several other lower
      eukaryotes like the oomycete Phytophthora, and in the Legionella host
      Acanthamoeba castellani. Here we show by immunofluorescence that RpkA localizes
      to endosomal membranes and is specifically recruited to phagosomes. RpkA
      interacts with the phagosomal protein complex V-ATPase as proteins of this
      complex co-precipitate with RpkA-GFP as well as with the GST-tagged PIPK domain
      of RpkA. Loss of RpkA leads to a defect in phagocytosis as measured by yeast
      particle uptake. The uptake of the pathogenic bacterium Legionella pneumophila
      was however unaltered whereas its intra-cellular replication was significantly
      enhanced in rpkA(-). The difference between wild type and rpkA(-) was even more
      prominent when L. hackeliae was used. When we investigated the reason for the
      enhanced susceptibility for L. pneumophila of rpkA(-) we could not detect a
      difference in endosomal pH but rpkA(-) showed depletion of phosphoinositides (PIP
      and PIP(2)) when we compared metabolically labeled phosphoinositides from wild
      type and rpkA(-). Furthermore rpkA(-) exhibited reduced nitrogen starvation
      tolerance, an indicator for a reduced autophagy rate. Our results indicate that
      RpkA is a component of the defense system of D. discoideum as well as other lower
      eukaryotes.

PMID- 22073314
TI  - Sweepoviruses cause disease in sweet potato and related Ipomoea spp.: fulfilling
      Koch's postulates for a divergent group in the genus begomovirus.
AB  - Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and related Ipomoea species are frequently
      infected by monopartite begomoviruses (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae),
      known as sweepoviruses. Unlike other geminiviruses, the genomes of sweepoviruses
      have been recalcitrant to rendering infectious clones to date. Thus, Koch's
      postulates have not been fullfilled for any of the viruses in this group. Three
      novel species of sweepoviruses have recently been described in Spain: Sweet
      potato leaf curl Lanzarote virus (SPLCLaV), Sweet potato leaf curl Spain virus
      (SPLCSV) and Sweet potato leaf curl Canary virus (SPLCCaV). Here we describe the
      generation of the first infectious clone of an isolate (ES:MAL:BG30:06) of
      SPLCLaV. The clone consisted of a complete tandem dimeric viral genome in a
      binary vector. Successful infection by agroinoculation of several species of
      Ipomoea (including sweet potato) and Nicotiana benthamiana was confirmed by PCR,
      dot blot and Southern blot hybridization. Symptoms observed in infected plants
      consisted of leaf curl, yellowing, growth reduction and vein yellowing. Two
      varieties of sweet potato, 'Beauregard' and 'Promesa', were infected by
      agroinoculation, and symptoms of leaf curl and interveinal loss of purple
      colouration were observed, respectively. The virus present in agroinfected plants
      was readily transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci to I. setosa plants. The
      progeny virus population present in agroinfected I. setosa and sweet potato
      plants was isolated and identity to the original isolate was confirmed by
      sequencing. Therefore, Koch's postulates were fulfilled for the first time for a
      sweepovirus.

PMID- 22073315
TI  - KIR-HLA genotypes in HIV-infected patients lacking immunological recovery despite
      effective antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In HIV-infected individuals, mechanisms underlying unsatisfactory
      immune recovery during effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) have
      yet to be fully understood. We investigated whether polymorphism of genes
      encoding immune-regulating molecules, such as killer immunoglobulin-like
      receptors (KIR) and their ligands class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA), could
      influence immunological response to cART. METHODS: KIR and HLA frequencies were
      analyzed in 154 HIV-infected and cART-treated patients with undetectable viral
      load divided into two groups: 'immunological non responders' (INR, N = 50, CD4(+)
      T-cell count <200/mm(3)) and full responders (FR, N = 104, CD4(+) T-cell count
      >350/mm(3)). Molecular KIR were typed using polymerase chain reaction-based
      genotyping. Comparisons were adjusted for baseline patient characteristics.
      RESULTS: The frequency of KIR2DL3 allele was significantly higher in FR than in
      INR (83.7% vs. 62%, P = 0.005). The functional compound genotype HLA
      C1(+)/KIR2DL3(+), even at multivariable analysis, when adjusted for nadir CD4(+)
      T-cell count, was associated with reduced risk of INR status: odds ratio (95%
      Confidence Intervals) 0.34 (0.13-0.88), P = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced presence
      of the inhibitory KIR2DL3 genotype detected in INR might provoke an imbalance in
      NK function, possibly leading to increased immune activation, impaired killing of
      latently infected cells, and higher proviral burden. These factors would hinder
      full immune recovery during therapy.

PMID- 22073316
TI  - Restrictions in cell cycle progression of adult vestibular supporting cells in
      response to ectopic cyclin D1 expression.
AB  - Sensory hair cells and supporting cells of the mammalian inner ear are quiescent
      cells, which do not regenerate. In contrast, non-mammalian supporting cells have
      the ability to re-enter the cell cycle and produce replacement hair cells.
      Earlier studies have demonstrated cyclin D1 expression in the developing mouse
      supporting cells and its downregulation along maturation. In explant cultures of
      the mouse utricle, we have here focused on the cell cycle control mechanisms and
      proliferative potential of adult supporting cells. These cells were forced into
      the cell cycle through adenoviral-mediated cyclin D1 overexpression. Ectopic
      cyclin D1 triggered robust cell cycle re-entry of supporting cells, accompanied
      by changes in p27(Kip1) and p21(Cip1) expressions. Main part of cell cycle
      reactivated supporting cells were DNA damaged and arrested at the G2/M boundary.
      Only small numbers of mitotic supporting cells and rare cells with signs of two
      successive replications were found. Ectopic cyclin D1-triggered cell cycle
      reactivation did not lead to hyperplasia of the sensory epithelium. In addition,
      a part of ectopic cyclin D1 was sequestered in the cytoplasm, reflecting its
      ineffective nuclear import. Combined, our data reveal intrinsic barriers that
      limit proliferative capacity of utricular supporting cells.

PMID- 22073317
TI  - Microevolution of cis-regulatory elements: an example from the pair-rule
      segmentation gene fushi tarazu in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup.
AB  - The importance of non-coding DNAs that control transcription is ever noticeable,
      but the characterization and analysis of the evolution of such DNAs presents
      challenges not found in the analysis of coding sequences. In this study of the
      cis-regulatory elements of the pair rule segmentation gene fushi tarazu (ftz) I
      report the DNA sequences of ftz's zebra element (promoter) and a region
      containing the proximal enhancer from a total of 45 fly lines belonging to
      several populations of the species Drosophila melanogaster, D. simulans, D.
      sechellia, D. mauritiana, D. yakuba, D. teissieri, D. orena and D. erecta. Both
      elements evolve at slower rate than ftz synonymous sites, thus reflecting their
      functional importance. The promoter evolves more slowly than the average for
      ftz's coding sequence while, on average, the enhancer evolves more rapidly,
      suggesting more functional constraint and effective purifying selection on the
      former. Comparative analysis of the number and nature of base substitutions
      failed to detect significant evidence for positive/adaptive selection in
      transcription-factor-binding sites. These seem to evolve at similar rates to
      regions not known to bind transcription factors. Although this result reflects
      the evolutionary flexibility of the transcription factor binding sites, it also
      suggests a complex and still not completely understood nature of even the
      characterized cis-regulatory sequences. The latter seem to contain more
      functional parts than those currently identified, some of which probably
      transcription factor binding. This study illustrates ways in which functional
      assignments of sequences within cis-acting sequences can be used in the search
      for adaptive evolution, but also highlights difficulties in how such functional
      assignment and analysis can be carried out.

PMID- 22073318
TI  - Differential susceptibility to fathers' care and involvement: The moderating
      effect of infant reactivity.
AB  - The differential susceptibility hypothesis suggests that children differ in their
      susceptibility to the influence of both positive and negative environmental
      factors. Children with reactive temperaments are hypothesised to be particularly
      susceptible to environmental influences, both for better and for worse. The
      present study sought to investigate whether infant temperament moderates the
      influence of fathers on child prosocial and problem behaviours. In a large
      prospective population study (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children),
      5064 children were followed between the ages of six and 81 months (63/4 years).
      Infant temperament, child behaviours, and fathers' involvement and depression
      were assessed.Although no overall moderating effect of reactive temperament was
      found for father involvement or depression, there was an interaction between
      reactivity, child gender, and father involvement. Girls with reactive
      temperaments were more susceptible to father involvement, showing significantly
      fewer problem behaviours and more prosocial behaviours when fathers were more
      involved, and more problem behaviours and fewer prosocial behaviours with less
      father involvement. The findings provide some support for the differential
      susceptibility hypothesis and extend existing findings to include effects of
      fathers' involvement on positive and negative behavioural outcomes.

PMID- 22073319
TI  - Future applications of contrast ultrasound.
AB  - Contrast agents are currently used during echocardiography for enhancement of
      structure and function, as well as for perfusion imaging. The next frontiers in
      contrast ultrasonography are targeted imaging, and using microbubbles for
      therapeutic purposes. Targeted imaging is the detection of specific components of
      cardiovascular disease in vivo, with microbubbles which may non-specifically
      attach to diseased endothelial cells, or with microbubbles which have been
      specifically designed to detect a pathologic process. Therapeutic applications of
      contrast ultrasonography include the use of microbubbles to enhance delivery of
      agents (like drugs, genes, growth factors, etc.) to the endothelium or
      perivascular cells. This review will discuss differences in contrast agents used
      for current applications versus targeted imaging, technical considerations
      required to achieve site-specific imaging, and potential applications of this
      technology. The potential for contrast ultrasonography to enhance drug and gene
      delivery to tissue will also be discussed.

PMID- 22073320
TI  - Assessment of right ventricular structure and function in pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Right ventricular function plays an important role in determining cardiac
      symptoms and exercise capacity in chronic heart failure. It is known that right
      ventricle has complex anatomy and physiology. The purpose of this review paper is
      to demonstrate the best assessment of the right ventricle with current
      echocardiography. Echocardiography can assess sufficiently right ventricular
      structure and function and also suggest prognosis in pulmonary hypertension
      patients, especially with the use of modern imaging techniques. Finally, the new
      imaging modality of real time three dimensional echocardiography is
      interchangeable to cardiac magnetic resonance in reproducibility and accuracy.

PMID- 22073321
TI  - Aortic root volume and geometry: ready for clinical application?

PMID- 22073322
TI  - Validation of three-dimensional echocardiography for quantification of aortic
      root geometry: comparison with multi-detector computed tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has been reported to be
      valuable for evaluating the geometry of cardiac chambers. We validated the
      accuracy of 3D transthoracic echocardiography for quantifying aortic root
      geometry in comparison with cardiac multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT).
      METHODS: Twenty-three patients who underwent cardiac MDCT and showed normal left
      ventricular ejection fraction (> 55%), as assessed by 2-dimensional transthoracic
      echocardiography, were enrolled (12 male, mean 53 +/- 9 years). We defined the
      aortic root volume as the volume from the aortic annulus to the sinotubular
      junction. The aortic root volume at end-diastole measured by both cardiac MDCT
      and 3D echocardiography was assessed. RESULTS: The cross-sectional area of the
      aortic root was asymmetric. At the annulus level, the cross-sectional area showed
      asymmetric triangle. From the aortic annulus to the most dilated point of the
      sinus of Valsalva, the asymmetric triangular shape was maintained. From the most
      dilated point of the sinus of Valsalva to the sinotubular junction, the cross
      sectional shape of the aortic root changed to oval. The average aortic root
      volumes measured by 3D echocardiography (ARV-3DE) were 13.6 +/- 4.8 mL at end
      diastole and 14.1 +/- 5.3 mL at end-systole, respectively. The average aortic
      root volume measured by MDCT at end-diastole (ARV-CT) was 14.1 +/- 5.7 mL. At end
      diastole, the ARV-3DE correlated well with the ARV-CT (R(2) = 0.926, difference =
      0.5 +/- 1.7 mL), and the two methods were in excellent agreement (the percent
      difference was 0%). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate both the feasibility and
      accuracy of 3D echocardiography for the clinical assessment of the geometry of
      the aortic root.

PMID- 22073324
TI  - Complete Atrioventricular Block due to Infective Endocarditis of Bicuspid Aortic
      Valve.
AB  - A 38-year-old man visited our emergency department presenting with a 6-day
      persistent fever. The man had undergone an orthodontic procedure 7 days prior to
      the visit. He had a fever with a temperature of 38.2C and a diastolic murmur
      (grade III) was detected at the left sternal border. Reddish-brown lines beneath
      the nails were present, and raised lesions which were red and painful were
      detected on the soles of the patient's feet. Laboratory findings showed an
      elevated inflammatory marker. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms,
      showed a bicuspid aortic valve, and moderate aortic regurgitation and vegetation
      were noted. Treatment with antibiotics was given, but 4 days later, a 12 lead
      electrocardiogram revealed complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Immediately, a
      temporary pacemaker was inserted, and the following day an aortic valve
      replacement was performed. Intraoperative findings revealed a fistula around the
      AV node. He has suffered no subsequent cardiac events during the follow-up.

PMID- 22073323
TI  - Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients without
      Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate myocardial function in patients
      with non-hypertensive metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We selected metabolic syndrome
      patients (n = 42) without evidence of hypertension and compared them to age
      matched control individuals (n = 20). All patients were evaluated by two
      dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiography including tissue Doppler derived
      strain and strain rate measurements. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences between the two groups in mitral E and A inflow velocities or the E/A
      ratio. However, systolic and early diastolic myocardial velocities, and strain
      rate were significantly lower in patients with metabolic syndrome than in the
      control group (all p < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analyses revealed that
      age, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure were independently
      associated with peak systolic myocardial velocity. CONCLUSION: These results
      indicate that metabolic syndrome patients without hypertension may have decrease
      of myocardial systolic and early diastolic velocities on tissue Doppler imaging,
      even if they appear to have normal systolic and diastolic function on
      conventional echocardiography.

PMID- 22073325
TI  - Hypertensive heart failure associated with middle aortic syndrome reversed
      dramatically by endovascular management.
AB  - A 42-year-old male patient presented with refractory hypertension and congestive
      heart failure. He had taken hydrochlorthiazide 50 mg, carvedilol 25 mg, diltiazem
      180 mg, and losartan 100 mg per day. Aortogram revealed a severe luminal
      narrowing in the distal thoracic aorta with a peak systolic pressure gradient of
      60 mmHg across the lesion. Endovascular management was performed with 22 * 80 mm
      self-expandable Nitinol-S stent after predilation with 10 * 40 mm balloon. After
      endovascular management, the patient's blood pressure, left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) and dilated LV dimension were remarkably improved.

PMID- 22073326
TI  - Spontaneously healed membranous type ventricular septal defect with malaligned
      interventricular septal wall and double-chambered right ventricle in a 56-year
      old patient.
AB  - A 56-year-old male presented with resting dyspnea and chest discomfort for
      several years. During transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, a
      spontaneously healed membranous type ventricular septal defect (VSD) with
      malaligned interventricular septal wall, aneurysmal changes, a subaortic ridge
      and a double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) was observed. When combined with
      DCRV, VSD with malalignment between the outlet and trabecular septa was
      associated with tetralogy of Fallot. The subaortic ridge was due to turbulent
      flow caused by the malalignment-type VSD. The VSD with malaligned
      interventricular septal wall can be developed after aneurismal changes of a
      perimembranous VSD. We report here in the unusual case of a 56-year-old patient
      who had a pathology complex comprising DCRV, subaortic ridge, spontaneously
      healed membranous type VSD with malaligned interventricular septal wall, and
      survived with surgical treatment.

PMID- 22073327
TI  - Left ventricular thrombus associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a
      cardioembolic cause of cerebral infarction.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy, usually
      occurs in patients with severe emotional or physiologic stress. The prognosis is
      favorable, and the wall motion abnormlities normalize within weeks. However,
      stress-induced cardiomyopathy is rarely assosicated with left ventricular
      thrombus and thromboembolic complications. Here, we report a case of stress
      induced cardiomyopathy with left ventricular thrombus that embolized to cause
      cerebral infarction.

PMID- 22073328
TI  - Prominent crista terminalis in patients with embolic events.
AB  - A prominent crista terminalis is a normal anatomic variant which consist of thick
      muscular bridge within the right atrium. However, it could be often misdiagnosed
      with an abnormal mass on the transthoracic echocardiography. The case report
      presented here, describe the findings of transthoracic echocardiography that
      suggested a right atrial mass in patients with pulmonary embolism. However,
      subsequent transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed
      tomography/magnetic resonance imaging differentiated a true right atrial mass
      from a prominent crista terminalis.

PMID- 22073329
TI  - Transient use of oral bosentan can be an additional option to reduce pulmonary
      arterial hypertension in a patient with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension
      associated with atrial septal defect.
AB  - Atrial septal defect (ASD) with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is
      thought to preclude shunt closure. However, there are several reports that
      vasodilator treatment is associated with good clinical outcome in these patients,
      recently. We report a case of good clinical outcome in a patient with ASD and
      severe PAH successfully treated with operative closure of ASD and subsequent use
      of oral bosentan medication. This case supports that the corrective repair of ASD
      and an oral bosentan treatment can be one of the treatment options in the
      selected patients with severe PAH associated with ASD.

PMID- 22073330
TI  - A case of balanced type double aortic arch diagnosed incidentally by
      transthoracic echocardiography in an asymptomatic adult patient.
AB  - A 36-year-old male patient with no remarkable medical history was admitted to our
      hospital for a health check up. On chest radiography, bilateral aortic notches at
      the level of aortic arch were shown suggesting aortic arch anomaly without any
      clinical symptoms. Two aortic arches were almost same-in-size on suprasternal
      view of transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, multidetector computed
      tomography showed balanced type double aortic arch forming a complete vascular
      ring which encircled the trachea and esophagus. The trachea was slightly
      compressed by the vascular ring whereas the esophagus was intact. Nevertheless,
      the pulmonary function test was normal. The patient was discharged from hospital
      with instructions for periodic follow-up.

PMID- 22073331
TI  - Ball-shaped thrombi in the left ventricular apex.

PMID- 22073332
TI  - Erratum: retained subintimal pellet in a carotid artery.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 105 in vol. 19, PMID: 21860728.].

PMID- 22073355
TI  - Histomorphometric characteristics of immune cells in small intestine of pigs
      perorally immunized with vaccine candidate F18ac nonenterotoxigenic E. coli
      strain.
AB  - Colidiarrhea and colienterotoxemia caused by F4(+) and/or F18(+) enterotoxigenic
      E. coli (ETEC) strains are the most prevalent infections of suckling and weaned
      pigs. Here we tested the immunogenicity and protective effectiveness of
      attenuated F18ac(+) non-ETEC vaccine candidate strain against challenge infection
      with F4ac(+) ETEC strain by quantitative phenotypic analysis of small intestinal
      leukocyte subsets in weaned pigs.We also evaluated levamisole as an immune
      response modifier (IRM) and its adjuvanticity when given in the combination with
      the experimental vaccine. The pigs were parenterally immunized with either
      levamisole (at days -2, -1 and 0) or with levamisole and perorally given F18ac(+)
      non-ETEC strain (at day 0), and challenged with F4ac(+) ETEC strain 7 days
      later.At day 13 the pigs were euthanatized and sampled for
      immunohistological/histomorphometrical analyses. Lymphoid CD3(+), CD45RA(+),
      CD45RC(+), CD21(+), IgA(+) and myeloid SWC3(+) cell subsets were identified in
      jejunal and ileal epithelium, lamina propria and Peyer's patches using the avidin
      biotin complex method, and their numbers were determined by computer-assisted
      histomorphometry. Quantitative immunophenotypic analyses showed that levamisole
      treated pigs had highly increased numbers of jejunal CD3(+), CD45RC(+) and
      SWC3(+) cells (p<0.05) as compared to those recorded in nontreated control
      pigs.In the ileum of these pigs we have recorded that only CD21(+) cells were
      significantly increased (p<0.01). The pigs that were treated with levamisole
      adjuvanted experimental vaccine had significantly increased numbers of all tested
      cell subsets in both segments of the small intestine. It was concluded that
      levamisole adjuvanted F18ac(+) non-ETEC vaccine was a requirement for the
      elicitation of protective gut immunity in this model; nonspecific immunization
      with levamisole was less effective, but confirmed its potential as an IRM.

PMID- 22073356
TI  - Localization of DNA methyltransferase-1 during oocyte differentiation, in vitro
      maturation and early embryonic development in cow.
AB  - DNA methyltransferase-1 (Dnmt1) is involved in the maintenance of DNA methylation
      patterns and is crucial for normal mammalian development. The aim of the present
      study was to assess the localization of Dnmt1 in cow, during the latest phases of
      oocyte differentiation and during the early stages of segmentation. Dnmt1
      expression and localization were assessed in oocytes according to the chromatin
      configuration, which in turn provides an important epigenetic mechanism for the
      control of global gene expression and represents a morphological marker of oocyte
      differentiation. We found that the initial chromatin condensation was accompanied
      by a slight increase in the level of global DNA methylation, as assessed by 5
      methyl-cytosine immunostaining followed by laser scanning confocal microscopy
      analysis (LSCM). RT-PCR confirmed the presence of Dnmt1 transcripts throughout
      this phase of oocyte differentiation. Analogously, Dnmt1 immunodetection and LSCM
      indicated that the protein was always present and localized in the cytoplasm,
      regardless the chromatin configuration and the level of global DNA methylation.
      Moreover, our data indicate that while Dnmt1 is retained in the cytoplasm in
      metaphase II stage oocytes and zygotes, it enters the nuclei of 8-16 cell stage
      embryos. As suggested in mouse, the functional meaning of the presence of Dnmt1
      in the bovine embryo nuclei could be the maintainement of the methylation pattern
      of imprinted genes. In conclusion, the present work provides useful elements for
      the study of Dnmt1 function during the late stage of oocyte differentiation,
      maturation and early embryonic development in mammals.

PMID- 22073357
TI  - p53 and telomerase control rat myocardial tissue response to hypoxia and ageing.
AB  - Cellular senescence implies loss of proliferative and tissue regenerative
      capability. Also hypoxia, producing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), can damage
      cellular components through the oxidation of DNA, proteins and lipids, thus
      influencing the shortening of telomeres.Since ribonucleoprotein Telomerase
      (TERT), catalyzing the replication of the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes,
      promotes cardiac muscle cell proliferation, hypertrophy and survival, here we
      investigated its role in the events regulating apoptosis occurrence and life span
      in hearts deriving from young and old rats exposed to hypoxia.TUNEL (terminal
      deoxinucleotidyl -transferase- mediated dUTP nick end-labeling) analysis reveals
      an increased apoptotic cell number in both samples after hypoxia exposure, mainly
      in the young with respect to the old. TERT expression lowers either in the
      hypoxic young, either in the old in both experimental conditions, with respect to
      the normoxic young. These events are paralleled by p53 and HIF-1 alpha expression
      dramatic increase and by p53/ HIF-1 alpha co-immunoprecipitation in the hypoxic
      young, evidencing the young subject as the most stressed by such challenge. These
      effects could be explained by induction of damage to genomic DNA by ROS that
      accelerates cell senescence through p53 activation. Moreover, by preventing TERT
      enzyme down-regulation, cell cycle exit and apoptosis occurrence could be delayed
      and new possibilities for intervention against cell ageing and hypoxia could be
      opened.

PMID- 22073358
TI  - TRPC1 expression and distribution in rat hearts.
AB  - Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins have been identified as a
      family of plasma membrane calcium-permeable channels. TRPC proteins can be
      activated by various stimuli and act as cellular sensors in mammals. Stretch
      activated ion channels (SACs) have been proposed to underlie cardiac mechano
      electric feedback (MEF), although the molecular entity of SAC remains unknown.
      There is evidence suggesting that transient receptor potential canonical 1
      (TRPC1) is a stretch-activated ion channel. As a non-selective cation channel,
      TRPC1 may cause stretch-induced depolarization and arrhythmia and thus may
      contribute to the MEF of the heart. In this study, we examined the expression
      patterns of TRPC1 in detail at both the mRNA and protein levels in rat hearts. We
      isolated total RNA from the left and right atria, and the left and right
      ventricles, and detected TRPC1 mRNA in these tissues using reverse-transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To study the protein localization and
      targeting, we performed immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence labeling with
      the antibody against TRPC1. TRPC1 was detected in the cardiomyocytes of the
      ventricle and atrium at both the mRNA and protein levels. The cell membrane and T
      tubule showed strong fluorescence labeling in the ventricular myocytes. Purkinje
      cells, the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of the coronary arterioles
      also displayed TRPC1 labeling. No TRPC1 was detected in fibroblasts. In
      conclusion, TRPC1 is widely expressed in the rat heart, including in working
      cells, Purkinje cells and vascular cells, suggesting that it plays an important
      role in the heart. The specific distribution pattern offered a useful insight
      into its function in adult rat ventricular cells. Further investigations are
      needed to clarify the role of TRPC1 in regulating cardiac activity, including
      cardiac MEF.

PMID- 22073359
TI  - Identification of the novel localization of tenascinX in the monkey choroid
      plexus and comparison with the mouse.
AB  - Tenascin-X (Tn-X) belongs to the tenascin family of glycoproteins and has been
      reported to be significantly associated with schizophrenia in a single nucleotide
      polymorphism analysis in humans. This finding indicates an important role of Tn-X
      in the central nervous system (CNS). However, details of Tn-X localization are
      not clear in the primate CNS. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we found
      novel localizations of Tn-X in the interstitial connective tissue and around
      blood vessels in the choroid plexus (CP) in macaque monkeys. To verify the
      reliability of Tn-X localization, we compared the Tn-X localization with the
      tenascin-C (Tn-C) localization in corresponding regions using neighbouring
      sections. Localization of Tn-C was not observed in CP. This result indicated
      consistently restricted localization of Tn-X in CP. Comparative investigations
      using mouse tissues showed equivalent results. Our observations provide possible
      insight into specific roles of Tn-X in CP for mammalian CNS function.

PMID- 22073360
TI  - Aromatase immunoreactivity in fetal ovine neuronal cell cultures exposed to
      oxidative injury.
AB  - A lot of evidence testifies that aromatase is expressed in the central nervous
      system where it has been detected not only in hypothalamic and limbic regions but
      also in the cerebral cortex and spinal cord. In physiological conditions,
      aromatase is expressed exclusively by neurons, where it has been mainly found in
      cell bodies, processes and synaptic terminals. Moreover, primary cultured
      cortical astrocytes from female rats are more resistant to oxidant cell death
      than those from males, suggesting a protective role of estradiol. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate changes in aromatase expression in response to 3-nitro-L
      tyrosine, a marker of oxidative stress, in primary neuronal cell cultures from
      brains of 60-day old sheep fetuses. Cells were identified as neurons by using
      class III beta-tubulin, a marker of neuronal cells. Two morphological types were
      consistently recognizable: i) bipolar cells with an oval cell body; ii)
      multipolar cells whose processes formed a wide net with those of adjacent cells.
      In situ hybridization technique performed on 60-day old fetal neurons revealed
      that in baseline conditions aromatase gene expression occurs. Importantly, cells
      exposed to 360 uM 3-nitro-L-tyrosine were fewer and showed more globular shape
      and shorter cytoplasmic processes in comparison to control cells. The
      immunocytochemical study with anti-aromatase antibody revealed that cells exposed
      to 360 uM 3-nitro-L-tyrosine were significantly more immunoreactive than control
      cells. Thus, it can be postulated that the oxidant effects of the amino acid
      analogue 3-nitro-L-tyrosine could be counterbalanced by an increase in aromatase
      expression that in turn can lead to the formation of neuroprotective estradiol
      via aromatization of testosterone.

PMID- 22073361
TI  - Effects of castration on the expression of the NGF and TrkA in the vas deferens
      and accessory male genital glands of the rat.
AB  - Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophin family. Neurotrophins
      exert their effects by binding to corresponding receptors, which are formed by
      the tyrosine protein kinases TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, and the low affinity p75NTR
      receptor. The role of neurotrophins in the biology of male genital organs is far
      from clear. In particular, little is known about the influence of sex hormones on
      the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors. In the present study, using
      immunohistochemistry and real time RT-PCR, we investigated the expression of NGF
      and TrkA in the vas deferens and accessory male genital glands in normal and
      castrated rats.In normal rats, both NGF- and TrkA-immunoreactivities (IR) were
      localized in the epithelial layer of the vas deferens. NGF-IR was also found in
      the stroma and epithelium of the vesicular gland and prostate. TrkA-IR was
      distributed in the epithelial cells of vesicular and prostate glands. The nerves
      were weakly immunoreactive in all the examined organs. After castration the
      immunoreactivities increased. Real-time RT-PCR experiments indicated that NGF and
      TrkA mRNA levels increased significantly after castration. These results suggest
      that NGF and TrkA are expressed in the internal male genital organs of the rat
      and that their expression is downregulated by androgen hormones. We hypothesize
      NGF and TrkA play a role in the processes that regulate the involution of these
      organs under conditions of androgen deprivation.

PMID- 22073362
TI  - Differential expression of ryanodine receptor in the developing rat cochlea.
AB  - Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are one of the intracellular calcium channels involved
      in regulation of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i). The
      immunolocalization of RyRs was investigated in the developing rat cochlea at
      different postnatal days (PND). The change of [Ca(2+)]i in isolated outer hair
      cells (OHCs) was determined. Morphological results showed low expression of RyRs
      in the Kolliker's organ from the PND 5 group. RyR expression in inner hair cells
      (IHCs) increased as the rats aged, and was mature after PND 14. RyRs in OHCs were
      expressed near the synaptic area of afferent and efferent nerves. RyRs in
      supporting cells were expressed widely and strongly. The application of ACh,
      ryanodine + ACh, and thapsigargin + ACh could induce a significant increase in
      [Ca(2+)]i in OHCs in the presence of extracellular calcium. This increase of
      [Ca(2+)]i induced by ACh was caused by not only the calcium influx through
      surface calcium channels, but also the calciuminduced calcium release (CICR) from
      intracellular RyR-sensitive calcium stores. Morphological and Ca imaging results
      suggested that RyRs expression is related to cochlear maturity, and may play an
      important role in its function.

PMID- 22073363
TI  - Proteomics-based investigation in C2C12 myoblast differentiation.
AB  - Skeletal muscle cell differentiation is a multistage process extensively studied
      over the years. Even if great improvements have been achieved in defining
      biological process underlying myogenesis, many molecular mechanisms need still to
      be clarified.To further highlight this process, we studied cells at
      undifferentiated, intermediate and highly differentiated stages, and we analyzed,
      for each condition, morphological and proteomic changes. We also identified the
      proteins that showed statistical significant changes by a ESI-Q-TOF mass
      spectrometer. This work provides further evidence of the involvement of
      particular proteins in skeletal muscle development. Furthermore, the high level
      of expression of many heat shock proteins, suggests a relationship between
      differentiation and cellular stress. Intriguingly, the discovery of myogenesis
      correlated proteins, known to play a role in apoptosis, suggests a link between
      differentiation and this type of cell death.

PMID- 22073364
TI  - Cytokeratin 20-positive hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
      cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (MCA) may be
      difficult when only based on morphology. For this purpose immunohistochemical
      analyses are often required, utilizing antibodies directed against CK8-18, Hep
      Par1, glypican 3, CK7, CK19, CK20. Here we report a case of a 65-year-old man who
      presented with a clinical picture of decompensated cirrhosis. Ultrasonography
      revealed two nodular areas in the right liver lobe. Liver needle biopsy revealed
      micro-macronodular cirrhosis associated with HCC with trabecular and
      pseudoglandular patterns. Immunohistochemically, tumour cells were diffusely
      positive for CK8-18 and also diffusely immunostained by glypican 3 and Hep-Par1.
      Interestingly, a diffuse and strong staining for CK20 was detected in the vast
      majority of tumor cells, particularly in the areas showing a pseudo-glandular
      pattern. No immunostaining for CK7 and CK19 was found in the tumor cells. The
      tumor behaved aggressively, with a rapid diffusion to the whole liver. The
      patient died from the disease few months after presentation. These findings
      underline that the interpretation of the expression of CK20 alone in the
      differential diagnosis among HCC, CC and MCA should be done with caution because
      a diffuse immunoreactivity for CK20 alone may not rule out the diagnosis of HCC.

PMID- 22073365
TI  - Merkel cell carcinoma with an unusual immunohistochemical profile.
AB  - The clinical and morphological picture of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) may be
      rather challenging; therefore, the immunohistochemical profile plays a relevant
      role in confirming the microscopic diagnosis. A panel of antibodies including
      cytokeratins 20, 7 and epithelial membrane antigen, and neuron-specific enolase
      is used in confirming the morphological diagnosis of MCC. The majority of MCCs
      express CK20 and are CK7-negative. Herein, we present a case of primary cutaneous
      neuroendocrine carcinoma with an atypical immunohistochemical pattern. A 83-years
      old woman presented with a painless plaque, red to violaceous in colour, located
      in the leg. The skin tumor was excided, formalin-fixed and paraffinembedded.
      Tissue sections were immunostained with a panel of antibodies routinely utilized
      in complex primary skin tumors for evidencing epithelial and neuroendocrine
      differentiation of tumor cells. The neuroendocrine differentiation of tumor cells
      was evidenced by their immunoreactivity for synaptophysin, chromograninA and
      neuron-specific enolase. Tumor cells also showed diffuse cytoplasmic staining for
      CK7. No immunoreactivity was detected for CK20 and thyroid transcription factor
      1. Our data, together with previous rare reports of CK20-/CK7+ MCCs, lay stress
      on the importance of routinely utilizing a panel of antibodies in the
      differential diagnosis of complex primary carcinomas of the skin and may have
      important implications in expanding the differential diagnosis of skin tumors. In
      particular, caution should be taken in excluding the diagnosis of MCC only on the
      basis of the absence of reactivity of tumor cells for CK20, favouring the wrong
      diagnosis of less aggressive skin tumors.

PMID- 22073366
TI  - Increased number of intestinal villous M cells in levamisole -pretreated weaned
      pigs experimentally infected with F4ac+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain.
AB  - Immunoprophylaxis of porcine postweaning colibacillosis (PWC) caused by
      enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing F4 fimbriae is an unsolved
      problem. Just as ETEC strains can exploit intestinal microfold (M) cells as the
      entry portal for infection, their high transcytotic ability make them an
      attractive target for mucosally delivered vaccines, adjuvants and therapeutics.
      We have developed a model of parenteral/oral immunization of 4-weeks-old pigs
      with either levamisole or vaccine candidate F4ac(+) non-ETEC strain to study
      their effects on de novo differentiation of antigen-sampling M cells.
      Identification, localization and morphometric quantification of cytokeratin 18
      positive M cells in the ileal mucosa of 6-weeks-old pigs revealed that they were:
      1) exclusively located within villous epithelial layer, 2) significantly numerous
      (P< 0.01) in levamisole pretreated/challenged pigs, and 3) only slightly, but not
      significantly numerous in vaccinated/challenged pigs compared with non
      pretreated/challenged control pigs. The fact that levamisole may affect the M
      cells frequency by increasing their numbers, makes it an interesting adjuvant to
      study development of an effective M cell-targeted vaccine against porcine PWC.

PMID- 22073367
TI  - Expression of lumican and fibromodulin following interleukin-1 beta stimulation
      of disc cells of the human temporomandibular joint.
AB  - Small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans (SLRP) are present in the extracellular
      matrix of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc. Lumican and fibromodulin,
      classified as class 2 SLRPs, play important roles in TMJ assembly, proliferation
      and inflammation. Degenerative change in the TMJ disc gives rise to the process
      of internal derangement (ID). In this study, we immunohistochemically examined
      the expression of lumican and fibromodulin in nine human TMJ specimens and
      examined the gene expression of both proteoglycans in cultured human TMJ disc
      cells under interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-stimulated conditions. An articular
      disc cell line was established by collagenase treatment of a TMJ disc. The
      subcultured cells were then incubated for 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 or 48 h under both
      normal and IL-1 beta (1 ng/mL) conditions. The gene expression of lumican and
      fibromodulin was examined using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR. We demonstrated that the expression of
      lumican significantly differs from that of fibromodulin in the deformed disc and
      that IL-1 beta induces a significant increase in lumican mRNA, but not in
      fibromodulin mRNA, after 24~48 h culture compared to cells cultured in the
      absence of IL-1 beta (P<0.05). These results indicate that lumican and
      fibromodulin display different behaviors and that lumican may promote
      regeneration of the TMJ after degeneration and deformation induced by IL-1 beta.

PMID- 22073368
TI  - Assessment of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and its relationship with
      proinflammatory cytokines and parameters of disease activity in multiple myeloma
      patients.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disease. Several proinflammatory
      cytokines produced by malignant plasma cells and bone marrow (BM) stromal cells
      are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. We evaluated serum levels of the
      proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), Interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      Interleukin-8 (IL-8), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), in MM
      patients before treatment, and determined its significance in tumor progression.
      We also analyzed the correlation between measured parameters with proliferating
      cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Forty-four MM patients and 20 healthy controls were
      studied. Serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas PCNA value in the BM was determined
      by immunohistochemistry staining. The mean concentrations of the measured
      cytokines were significantly different among the three stages of disease, with
      higher values in advanced disease stage. Furthermore, patients with MM had
      significantly higher serum levels of the measured cytokines than in controls. A
      positive correlation was found between IL-6 with IL-1beta, IL-8 and MIP-1alpha.
      Similarly, IL-8 and MIP-1alpha were positively correlated with markers of disease
      activity such as beta2 microglobulin and LDH. The proliferation index, determined
      by PCNA immunostaining, was higher in advanced disease stage. Furthermore PCNA
      value correlated significantly with beta2 microglobulin, LDH and the levels of
      the measured cytokines. Our results showed that the proliferative activity, as
      measured with PCNA, increases in parallel with disease stage. The positive
      correlation between PCNA and other measured mediators supports the involvement of
      these factors in the biology of myeloma cell growth and can be used as markers of
      disease activity and as possible therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22073369
TI  - Influence of surgical and chemical orchidectomy on weight and distribution of
      AChE-nerve fibres in thymuses of adult rats.
AB  - The thymus is a crossroad between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. As such,
      it is innervated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive fibres of the vagus, the
      recurrent laryngeal and the phrenic nerves. It is well know, that the
      innervations density of the thymus increases with age. In our study, adult rats
      were orchidectomized (surgically and chemically by the application of a
      luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone). The density of AChE-positive nerve fibres
      in thymuses, as well as the weight of thymuses was examined. The authors found
      that both surgical and chemical orchidectomy result in macroscopic and
      microscopic regeneration of the atrophied thymuses. In regenerated rat's thymuses
      after orchidectomy the density of AChE-positive nerve fibres was markedly higher
      in comparison with the control animals. The distribution, as well as the density
      of AChE-positive nerve fibres in regenerated thymuses after orchidectomy evokes
      the images of its innervations like in young animals before age-related
      involution. The authors also found a markedly higher weight of thymuses of
      orchidectomized rats in comparison with the control groups. In recent study the
      authors proved that after 8 weeks surgical orchidectomy leads to the regeneration
      of thymic AChE-positive innervation and chemical orchidectomy by administration
      of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone after 4 weeks of adult rats.

PMID- 22073370
TI  - NADPH-diaphorase expression in the rat jejunum after intestinal
      ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      phosphate - diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity in the rat jejunum after a mesenteric
      ischemia/reperfusion injury. Nitric oxide, synthetised from L-arginine by the
      enzyme nitric oxide synthase, is a nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxant
      neurotransmitter of the intestinal smooth muscle. It plays an important role in
      the process of plasticity after the ischemia/reperfusion injury. Experimental
      animals were divided in two groups: the control group and the
      ischemic/reperfusion group, with different period of the reperfusion. The NADPH-d
      histochemical method has been used as a marker for the nitric oxide synthase.
      NADPH-d activity has been rapidly decreased in the neurons of both enteric
      nervous systems in plexuses of the jejunum after 1 h mesenteric ischemia and 1 h
      reperfusion. Differences were predominantly detected in the myenteric plexus;
      they were seen in change of the neuronal shape, in the arrangement of neurons and
      in intensity of their staining. The NADPH-d positivity was absent in the
      intestinal crypts. After 1 h ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, the NADPH-d activity
      was gradually increased, but it was lower in comparison with the control group.
      On the 30th day following the ischemia/reperfusion there were no changes in NADPH
      d positivity compared with the control animals. These results indicated that the
      jejunal ischemia/reperfusion has affected the neurons of the enteric nervous
      system of adult rats and resulted in the early decrease of NADPH-d positivity 1 h
      of the reperfusion insult. The gradual increasing of NADPH-d activity in 24 h
      following the reperfusion could be considered as a result of the plasticity
      process. On the 30(th) day after the ischemia/reperfusion all histochemical
      changes were returned to the control levels.

PMID- 22073371
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of types I and III collagen antibodies in the
      temporomandibular joint disc of human foetuses.
AB  - The objective was to study the morphology of the articular disc and analyse the
      immunohistochemical expression of types I and III collagen markers in the
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc of human foetuses of different gestational
      ages. Twenty TMJ from human foetuses supplied by Universidade Federal de Uberaba
      with gestational ages from 17 to 24 weeks were studied. The gestational age of
      the foetuses was determined by measuring the crown-rump (CR) length.
      Macroscopically, the foetuses were fixed in 10% formalin solution and dissected
      by removing the skin and subcutaneous tissue and exposing the deep structures.
      Immunohistochemical markers of type I and III were used to characterize the
      existence of collagen fibres. Analysis of the immunohistochemical markers of
      types I and III collagen revealed the presence of heterotypical fibril networks.

PMID- 22073372
TI  - Expression pattern of thymosin beta 4 in the adult human liver.
AB  - Thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta4) is a member of beta-thymosins, a family of small
      peptides involved in polymerization of G-actin, and in many critical biological
      processes including apoptosis, cell migration, angiogenesis, and fibrosis.
      Previous studies in the newborn liver did not reveal any significant reactivity
      for Tbeta4 during the intrauterine life. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate by immunohistochemistry Tbeta4 expression in the adult normal liver.
      Thirty-five human liver samples, including 11 needle liver biopsies and 24 liver
      specimens obtained at autopsy, in which no pathological change was detected at
      the histological examination, were immunostained utilizing an anti-Tbeta4
      commercial antibody. Tbeta4 was detected in the hepatocytes of all adult normal
      livers examined. A zonation of Tbeta4 expression was evident in the vast majority
      of cases. Immunostaining was preferentially detected in zone 3, while a minor
      degree of reactivity was detected in periportal hepatocytes (zone 1). At higher
      power, Tbeta4-reactive granules appeared mainly localized at the biliary pole of
      hepatocytes. In cases with a strong immunostaining, even perinuclear areas and
      the sinusoidal pole of hepatocytes appeared interested by immunoreactivity for
      Tbeta4. The current work first evidences a strong diffuse expression of Tbeta4 in
      the adult human liver, and adds hepatocytes to the list of human cells able to
      synthesize large amounts of Tbeta4 in adulthood. Moreover, Tbeta4 should be added
      to the liver proteins characterized by a zonate expression pattern, in a
      descending gradient from the terminal vein to the periportal areas of the liver
      acinus. Identifying the intimate role played by this peptide intracellularly and
      extracellularly, in physiology and in different liver diseases, is a major
      challenge for future research focusing on Tbeta4.

PMID- 22073374
TI  - Expression of progesterone receptor membrane component-1 in bovine reproductive
      system during estrous cycle.
AB  - Several reports suggest the participation of progesterone receptor membrane
      component 1 (PGRMC1) in progesterone signaling in the reproductive system. This
      study aimed at investigating the presence and localization of PGRMC1 in bovine
      ovary, oviduct and uterus, during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous
      cycle. In the ovary, PGRMC1 has been detected in surface germinal epithelium,
      granulosa cells, theca cells and in the germinal vesicle of the oocytes at all
      stages of folliculogenesis. In the corpus luteum the expression of PGRMC1 was
      influenced by the stage of the estrous cycle. In the oviducts and in the uterus
      horns, PGRMC1 was immunolocalized in the luminal epithelium, in the muscle layer
      cells and in the endothelial cells. In the uterus, PGRMC1 was intensely localized
      also in the glandular endometrium. However, in the oviducts and in the uterus
      horns, the localization of PGRMC1 was independent on the stage of the estrous
      cycle and on whether evaluating the ipsilateral or the contralateral organ. In
      conclusion, the present immunohistochemical study showed that PGRMC1 is located
      in various compartments of the bovine female reproductive organs. With the
      exception of the corpora lutea, PGRMC1 localization showed similar pattern during
      different stages of the estrous cycle.

PMID- 22073375
TI  - Constitutive heterochromatin polymorphisms in human chromosomes identified by
      whole comparative genomic hybridization.
AB  - Whole comparative genomic hybridization (W-CGH) is a new technique that reveals
      cryptic differences in highly repetitive DNA sequences, when different genomes
      are compared using metaphase or interphase chromosomes. W-CGH provides a quick
      approach to identify differential expansion of these DNA sequences at the single
      chromosome level in the whole genome. In this study, we have determined the
      frequency of constitutive chromatin polymorphisms in the centromeric regions of
      human chromosomes using a whole-genome in situ cross-hybridization method to
      compare the whole genome of five different unrelated individuals. Results showed
      that the pericentromeric constitutive heterochromatin of chromosome 6 exhibited a
      high incidence of polymorphisms in repetitive DNA families located in
      pericentromeric regions. The constitutive heterochromatin of chromosomes 5 and 9
      was also identified as highly polymorphic. Although further studies are necessary
      to corroborate and assess the overall incidence of these polymorphisms in human
      populations, the use of W-CGH could be pertinent and of clinical relevance to
      assess rapidly, from a chromosomal viewpoint, genome similarities and differences
      in closely related genomes such as those of relatives, or in more specific
      situations such as bone marrow transplantation where chimerism is produced in the
      recipient.

PMID- 22073373
TI  - Cultured myoblasts from patients affected by myotonic dystrophy type 2 exhibit
      senescence-related features: ultrastructural evidence.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by the
      expansion of the tetranucleotidic repeat (CCTG)n in the first intron of the Zinc
      Finger Protein-9 gene. In DM2 tissues, the expanded mutant transcripts accumulate
      in nuclear focal aggregates where splicing factors are sequestered, thus
      affecting mRNA processing. Interestingly, the ultrastructural alterations in the
      splicing machinery observed in the myonuclei of DM2 skeletal muscles are
      reminiscent of the nuclear changes occurring in age-related muscle atrophy. Here,
      we investigated in vitro structural and functional features of satellite cell
      derived myoblasts from biceps brachii, in the attempt to investigate cell
      senescence indices in DM2 patients by ultrastructural cytochemistry. We observed
      that in satellite cell-derived DM2 myoblasts, cell-senescence alterations such as
      cytoplasmic vacuolization, reduction of the proteosynthetic apparatus,
      accumulation of heterochromatin and impairment of the pre-mRNA maturation
      pathways occur earlier than in myoblasts from healthy patients. These results,
      together with preliminary in vitro observations on the early onset of defective
      structural features in DM2 myoblast derived-myotubes, suggest that the
      regeneration capability of DM2 satellite cells may be impaired, thus contributing
      to the muscular dystrophy in DM2 patients.

PMID- 22073376
TI  - Histochemical properties of sialic acids and antimicrobial substances in canine
      anal glands.
AB  - The functional properties of sialic acids appear to be manifold. Additionally,
      antimicrobial substances serve as a non-specific defense against microorganisms.
      In this study, therefore, the localization of sialic acids and antimicrobial
      substances in the anal glands of dog was studied by sialoglycoconjugate
      histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The secretory epithelium, luminal
      secretions and excretory ducts exhibited high levels of sialoglycoconjugates that
      terminated in Siaalpha2-6Gal/GalNAc or Siaalpha2-3Gal1-4GlcNAc. Additionally, O
      acetylated sialic acids were detectable in these glandular structures.
      Antimicrobial substances, such as lysozyme, immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin
      and the peptide group of beta-defensins, were also demonstrated as products of
      the anal glands. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the functional
      significance of the anal glands. These secretory products may create a defensive
      barrier against microbial invasion at the anal mucosa.

PMID- 22073377
TI  - Lubricin is expressed in chondrocytes derived from osteoarthritic cartilage
      encapsulated in poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate scaffold.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by degenerative changes within joints that
      involved quantitative and/or qualitative alterations of cartilage and synovial
      fluid lubricin, a mucinous glycoprotein secreted by synovial fibroblasts and
      chondrocytes. Modern therapeutic methods, including tissue-engineering
      techniques, have been used to treat mechanical damage of the articular cartilage
      but to date there is no specific and effective treatment. This study aimed at
      investigating lubricin immunohistochemical expression in cartilage explant from
      normal and OA patients and in cartilage constructions formed by Poly (ethylene
      glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels (PEG-DA) encapsulated OA chondrocytes. The
      expression levels of lubricin were studied by immunohistochemistry: i) in tissue
      explanted from OA and normal human cartilage; ii) in chondrocytes encapsulated in
      hydrogel PEGDA from OA and normal human cartilage. Moreover, immunocytochemical
      and western blot analysis were performed in monolayer cells from OA and normal
      cartilage. The results showed an increased expression of lubricin in explanted
      tissue and in monolayer cells from normal cartilage, and a decreased expression
      of lubricin in OA cartilage. The chondrocytes from OA cartilage after 5 weeks of
      culture in hydrogels (PEGDA) showed an increased expression of lubricin compared
      with the control cartilage. The present study demonstrated that OA chondrocytes
      encapsulated in PEGDA, grown in the scaffold and were able to restore lubricin
      biosynthesis. Thus our results suggest the possibility of applying autologous
      cell transplantation in conjunction with scaffold materials for repairing
      cartilage lesions in patients with OA to reduce at least the progression of the
      disease.

PMID- 22073378
TI  - Cancer Tissue Engineering: A Novel 3D Polystyrene Scaffold for In Vitro Isolation
      and Amplification of Lymphoma Cancer Cells from Heterogeneous Cell Mixtures.
AB  - Isolation and amplification of primary lymphoma cells in vitro setting is
      technically and biologically challenging task. To optimize culture environment
      and mimic in vivo conditions, lymphoma cell lines were used as a test case and
      were grown in 3-dimension (3D) using a novel 3D tissue culture polystyrene
      scaffold with neonatal stromal cells to represent a lymphoma microenvironment. In
      this model, the cell proliferation was enhanced more than 200-fold or 20,000%
      neoplastic surplus in 7 days when less than 1% lymphoma cells were cocultured
      with 100-fold excess of neonatal stroma cells, representing 3.2-fold higher
      proliferative rate than 2D coculture model. The lymphoma cells grew and
      aggregated to form clusters during 3D coculture and did not maintained the
      parental phenotype to grow in single-cell suspension. The cluster size was over 5
      fold bigger in the 3D coculture by day 4 than 2D coculture system and contained
      less than 0.00001% of neonatal fibroblast trace. This preliminary data indicate
      that novel 3D scaffold geometry and coculturing environment can be customized to
      amplify primary cancer cells from blood or tissues related to hematological
      cancer and subsequently used for personalized drug screening procedures.

PMID- 22073379
TI  - The Chemical and Physical Properties of Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) Scaffolds
      Functionalised with Poly(vinyl phosphonic acid-co-acrylic acid).
AB  - There is a clinical need for a synthetic alternative to bone graft substitute
      (BGS) derived from demineralised bone matrix. We report the electrospinning of
      Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) to form a 3-dimensional scaffold for use as a
      synthetic BGS. Additionally, we have used Poly(vinyl phosphonic acid-co-acrylic
      acid) (PVPA) to improve bone formation. Fibres were formed using a 10% w/v
      PCL/acetone solution. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the electrospinning
      process had no effect on the functional groups present in the resulting
      structure. The electrospun scaffolds were coated with PVPA (PCL/PVPA), and
      characterised. The stability of the PVPA coating after immersion in culture
      medium was assessed over 21 days. There was rapid release of the coating until
      day 2, after which the coating became stable. The wettability of the PCL
      scaffolds improved significantly, from 123.3 +/- 10.8 degrees  to 43.3 +/- 1.2
      degrees  after functionalisation with PVPA. The compressive strength of the
      PCL/PVPA scaffolds (72 MPa) was significantly higher to that of the PCL scaffold
      (14 MPa), and an intermediate between trabecular and cortical bone (7 MPa and 170
      MPa, resp.). The study has demonstrated that the PCL/PVPA scaffold has the
      desired chemical and biomechanical characteristics required for a material
      designed to be used as a BGS.

PMID- 22073380
TI  - Factor structure of manic symptoms in adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the factor structure of manic symptoms in adolescents as
      assessed by the Scale for Manic States (SMS). METHOD: Pattern of symptoms was
      assessed in a group of 100 adolescents with a diagnosis of manic episode as
      defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision -
      Diagnostic Criteria for Research. A principal component analysis of the broad
      range of psychiatric symptoms covered by the SMS was conducted. RESULTS: Seven
      eigenvalues were greater than unity, and parallel analysis revealed 5 factors,
      whereas scree plot was inconclusive. Five-factor solution as obtained by parallel
      analysis was chosen, which described our data appropriately and were clinically
      relevant. The 5 factors were: aggressive overactivity, dysphoria, psychosis,
      hedonia, and thought retardation. These captured 58.14% of the total variance.
      CONCLUSIONS: These 5 factors explain the clinical dimensions in adolescent mania
      similar to those of the adult population. Nevertheless, certain features, such as
      presence of psychosis along with euphoric mood and thought retardation,
      distinguish adolescent from adult mania.

PMID- 22073381
TI  - An open-label trial of acamprosate in the treatment of pathological gambling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and tolerability of acamprosate has been tested in the
      treatment of pathological gambling (PG). Acamprosate is known to reduce alcohol
      craving and use in persons with alcohol dependence, and it has been hypothesized
      that the drug would have a similar effect in individuals with PG. METHODS:
      Participants with DSM-IV criteria for PG received acamprosate in an 8-week, open
      label trial following a 2-week observation. The primary efficacy measure was the
      Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for PG (Y-BOCS-PG). Secondary
      efficacy measures included the Gambling Severity Assessment Scale (GSAS), the
      Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Improvement and Severity Scales, a patient self
      rated global rating, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Sheehan
      Disability Scale (SDS), and the Timeline Follow Back (TLFB). The study was
      conducted at 2 sites. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants (11 men, 15 women) had at
      least 1 post-baseline visit and were included in the analysis. Twenty
      participants (77%) completed the protocol. Significant improvement was observed
      in Y-BOCS-PG and GSAS scores, both CGI scales, a patient self-rated global scale,
      all 3 SDS subscales, and number of gambling episodes. Seventeen participants
      (65%) were considered responders (ie, achieved "much" or "very much"
      improvement). Improvements on the HDRS, in money wagered, and in time spent
      gambling were not significant. Few adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that acamprosate is well tolerated and may be effective in the
      treatment of PG.

PMID- 22073382
TI  - Clinically insubstantial cognitive side effects of bitemporal electroconvulsive
      therapy at 0.5 msec pulse width.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We measured cognitive side effects from bitemporal electroconvulsive
      therapy (ECT) using stimuli of 0.5 msec pulse width 900 milliamperes (mA).
      METHODS: Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for
      Depression (HRSD-21) were rated within 36 hours before and 36 hours after a
      series of 6 bitemporal ECT sessions on 15 patients age >=45. RESULTS: MMSE
      remained high after ECT (pre-ECT mean 29, standard deviation [SD] 1.60, post-ECT
      mean 28.53, SD 1.36) with no significant change. The mean HRSD-21 fell from 27.5
      to 16.3. Post-ECT MMSE was significantly and markedly higher than in previous
      studies of bitemporal ECT; all had used ECT stimuli of pulse width at least 1
      msec. CONCLUSIONS: With stimuli of 0.5 msec pulse width and 900 mA, 6 bitemporal
      ECTs did not decrease MMSE score. This result leaves no opportunity for further
      decrease in basic cognitive side effects, and complements published reports of
      stronger physiological effects with stimuli of 0.5 msec pulse width and 900 mA.
      ECT stimuli of 0.5 msec pulse width and 900 mA are more desirable than wider
      pulse widths. Six bitemporal ECT sessions using these stimuli generally will not
      have more cognitive side effects than treatments with other placements, allowing
      maintenance of full efficacy with clinically insubstantial side effects.

PMID- 22073383
TI  - Psychiatric comorbidity and treatment response in patients with tuberous
      sclerosis complex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychiatric comorbidity are common in tuberous
      sclerosis complex (TSC), but information regarding psychopharmacologic management
      is lacking. METHODS: We reviewed clinical records of patients evaluated over a 20
      month period at a large, quaternary referral center specializing in the
      comprehensive management of patients with TSC. Data were collected regarding
      psychiatric diagnoses, psychopharmacologic medications used to treat these
      disorders, and clinical response to treatment at follow-up. RESULTS: There were
      113 encounters by 62 pediatric and adult patients with TSC, which were included
      in the present analysis. Behavioral and anxiety disorders were most prevalent, as
      were autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
      Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants with mood-stabilizing
      properties were the most often prescribed psychoactive medications and were
      associated with an overall improvement or stabilization of psychiatric symptoms
      65% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric comorbidity, especially behavioral
      disorders, is very common among patients with TSC. Pharmacologic treatment can be
      very effective and should be considered for optimal disease management in
      affected individuals.

PMID- 22073384
TI  - An open-label trial of aripiprazole in the treatment of aggression in male
      adolescents diagnosed with conduct disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adverse effect profiles of typical and atypical antipsychotics
      are problematic because of their extrapyramidal and endocrine adverse effects,
      respectively. METHODS: Ten adolescent male patients diagnosed with conduct
      disorder received aripiprazole in doses of <=20 mg/d in an open-label, intent-to
      treat design to establish and characterize the efficacy of the drug in reducing
      aggressive behavior. RESULTS: Based on clinician and parent observations,
      aripiprazole was effective in reducing aggressive behavior in adolescent boys.
      The change in clinician-observed aggression ratings appears to have been driven
      by a decrease in physical aggression, whereas the change in parent-observed
      aggression ratings appears to have been driven by a decrease in verbal aggression
      and aggression against objects and animals. CONCLUSIONS: Aripiprazole was an
      effective and relatively well-tolerated treatment for overall aggression in
      adolescent males with conduct disorder, in the view of both clinicians and
      parents. Depending on the observer, aripiprazole improved aggression categorized
      as physical aggression, verbal aggression, and aggression against objects and
      animals.

PMID- 22073385
TI  - Treatment of depression associated with age-related macular degeneration: a
      double-blind, randomized, controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is frequently found in patients with age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of
      escitalopram in treating major and minor depression in AMD patients. METHODS: We
      conducted a crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16-week
      study comparing escitalopram with placebo. Inclusion criteria included reduced
      vision from AMD and major or minor depression, with a 17-item Hamilton Rating
      Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) score of >=10. Participants were randomly assigned
      to receive either escitalopram or placebo for 8 weeks and then crossed over to
      the other treatment. The primary outcome was change on the total HAMD-17 score
      with escitalopram treatment compared with placebo. RESULTS: We enrolled 16 AMD
      patients (mean age 79.1), 12 with major depression and 4 with minor depression.
      Mean HAMD-17 score at enrollment was 16.1 +/- 4.2, and mean visual acuity in the
      better eye was 20/70. During escitalopram treatment, participants showed a
      significant reduction in HAMD-17 scores compared with placebo treatment (P =
      .01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest escitalopram may be an effective
      treatment for depressive symptoms associated with major or minor depression in
      AMD patients with vision loss.

PMID- 22073386
TI  - Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder vs depression have comparable health
      care costs: a retrospective claims analysis of Florida Medicaid enrollees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The health care burden of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is
      relatively unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the health care burden of patients with
      OCD vs depression. METHODS: This retrospective claims analysis compared the 2
      year median per-patient health care claims and costs for Florida Medicaid adult
      enrollees (1997 to 2006) newly diagnosed with "pure OCD" (P-OCD; OCD without
      comorbid major depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, organic mental disorder,
      pervasive developmental disorder, nonpsychotic brain damage, developmental delay,
      or mental retardation) with matched patients newly diagnosed with "pure
      depression" (P-D; similar to P-OCD but excluding OCD instead of depression).
      RESULTS: Eighty-five newly diagnosed P-OCD patients were matched with 14,906 P-D
      patients. Although median per-patient total health care costs were comparable
      across groups, patients with P-D incurred significantly higher median outpatient
      medical costs ($1,928 vs $363, P = .003), while those with P-OCD incurred almost
      three-fold greater psychiatric costs ($2,028 vs $759, P < .0001). The latter was
      due primarily to significantly higher costs of psychotropic medications among
      those with P-OCD ($4,307 vs $2,317, P = .0006) rather than to psychiatric
      outpatient care. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with P-D and P-OCD carry a similar burden
      in overall health care costs. However, the burden of those with P-D was largely
      attributable to outpatient medical costs while that of those with P-OCD was due
      to higher costs of psychotropic medications.

PMID- 22073387
TI  - Empirical findings on legal difficulties among practicing psychiatrists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article reviews the published literature on areas of legal
      difficulty among practicing psychiatrists. METHODS: A literature search using
      PubMed identified studies of malpractice lawsuits or medical board discipline of
      psychiatrists between 1990 and 2009. Eight studies of physician discipline in the
      United States and one from the United Kingdom were identified. Information from 3
      insurance companies and 3 sets of aggregated insurance company data also were
      available. One follow-up study of hospitalized psychiatric patients also was
      reviewed. RESULTS: Studies of medical board discipline indicate that, compared
      with other specialties, psychiatrists are at an increased risk of disciplinary
      action. Psychiatrists who were female, board certified, and in practice for a
      short period of time had a lower chance of medical board discipline. Psychiatry
      claims accounted for a very small proportion of overall malpractice claims and
      settlements. The amount of patient disability secondary to alleged malpractice
      was the most important variable predicting insurance payout. CONCLUSIONS:
      Psychiatrists appear to be disciplined by medical boards at an above-average
      frequency compared with other medical specialties. However, few malpractice suits
      reach the courts, and psychiatry represents a very small proportion of overall
      physician malpractice claims and dollars of settlement.

PMID- 22073388
TI  - Differential diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia in an older woman taking
      antipsychotic medication.

PMID- 22073389
TI  - Magnetically immobilized nanoporous giant proteoliposomes as a platform for
      biosensing.
AB  - We report a biosensing method that is based on magnetically immobilized
      functional liposomes. The vesicles encapsulate magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and
      enzymatic sensing reagents. Magnetic attraction between MNP and external magnets
      first immobilizes liposomes onto the surface of a coverglass. With the assistance
      from alpha-hemolysin (aHL), translocations of analytes through a lipid membrane
      trigger intravesicular enzymatic reactions. After 90 s incubation, the product
      from the sensing reactions, resorufin, was probed by laser-induced fluorescence.
      Detection of two analytes, glucose and ethanol, was demonstrated using two types
      of functional vesicles. The effects of MNP-containing vesicles and biotinylated
      vesicles on aHL's translocations of analytes were also compared. Unlike
      biotinylated lipids, MNP facilitate immobilization of liposomes without
      compromising the integrity of membrane and pore-forming activity of aHL.

PMID- 22073390
TI  - Varying molecular interactions by coverage in supramolecular surface chemistry.
AB  - The possibility of modifying the intermolecular interactions of absorbed benzene
      carboxylic acids from coordination to hydrogen bonding by changing their surface
      coverage is demonstrated through a combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy,
      X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.

PMID- 22073391
TI  - Interaction of niobium and tantalum pentahalides with O-donors: coordination
      chemistry and activation reactions.
AB  - The chemistry of niobium and tantalum pentahalides, MX(5), with oxygen compounds
      is reviewed herein. The polynuclear structure of MX(5) is readily broken by
      addition of oxygen-containing organic molecules, L, to give either mononuclear or
      ionic dinuclear coordination adducts. Then activation of the organic ligand may
      take place favoured by several factors, i.e. low M-X bond energy, high
      temperature, presence of more than one oxygen function within L, L/M molar ratio
      >= 2. The activation reactions are often uncommon in the context of metal
      halides; they include the cleavage of C(sp3)-O, C(sp2)-O, C-H and C-C bonds, and
      eventual successive rearrangements proceeding with C-O or C-C couplings. The
      recently elucidated reactivity of MX(5) with limited amounts of oxygen compounds
      will be presented, and possible connections with the relevant MX(5)-directed
      syntheses reported in the literature will be outlined.

PMID- 22073392
TI  - First enantiospecific synthesis of marine sesquiterpene quinol akaol A.
AB  - The first enantiospecific synthesis of akaol A, a marine sesquiterpene quinol,
      has been achieved. Key steps of the synthetic sequence are the oxidative
      degradation of (-)-sclareol to a dinorlabdane ketoester, mediated by the ozone
      lead(IV) acetate system, the diastereoselective alpha-methylation of a
      ketoaldehyde, followed by an intramolecular aldol condensation and the further
      Diels-Alder cycloaddition of a dienol ether.

PMID- 22073393
TI  - Bright blue emissions with temperature-dependent quantum yields from microporous
      metal-organic frameworks.
AB  - Two 2D microporous metal-organic frameworks have been assembled from a
      fluorophore ligand, whose quantum yields of strong blue emissions could vary from
      40.3% to 74.5% and 13.7% to 25.8% with the decreasing temperature.

PMID- 22073394
TI  - (BEDT-TTF)3Cu2(C2O4)3(CH3OH)2: an organic-inorganic hybrid antiferromagnetic
      semiconductor.
AB  - An organic-inorganic hybrid combining a semiconducting BEDT-TTF layer and a Jahn
      Teller distorted oxalato-bridged honeycomb antiferromagnetic layer
      [Cu(2)(C(2)O(4))(3)(2-)](n) was obtained and characterized.

PMID- 22073395
TI  - Extraction of ionic liquids from aqueous solutions by humic acid: an
      environmentally benign, inexpensive and simple procedure.
AB  - A highly effective method for the extraction of ionic liquids from aqueous
      solutions has been successfully developed by the formation of associates of ionic
      liquids with humic acid, resulted mainly from their strong electrostatic
      interactions.

PMID- 22073396
TI  - Development of asymmetric phosphine-promoted annulations of allenes with electron
      deficient olefins and imines.
AB  - Asymmetric annulation of allenes with electron-deficient olefins and imines is
      one of the most important reactions for the synthesis of optically active carbo-
      and heterocycles, which are useful building blocks for the synthesis of natural
      products and medicinally important substances. The use of chiral phosphines as
      enantioselective catalysts can be envisaged for such cyclizations. This article
      focuses on the important developments concerning asymmetric annulations of
      allenes with unsaturated partners in the recent decades and on the perspectives
      that these new developments offer.

PMID- 22073397
TI  - A novel gated photochromic reactivity controlled by complexation/dissociation
      with BF3.
AB  - A photochemically active dithiazolethene BN was designed and synthesized,
      exhibiting a specific gated photochromism. That is, the photochromic reactivity
      of BN is prevented to a great extent by BF(3), showing a "Lock" gate.

PMID- 22073398
TI  - Facile preparation of controllable size monodisperse anatase titania
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Monodisperse anatase titania nanoparticles with controllable sizes (typically 10
      300 nm) can be synthesized using an efficient and straightforward protocol via
      fine tuning of the ionic strength in the devised sol-gel methodology.

PMID- 22073399
TI  - A computational study of organic polyradicals stabilized by chromium atoms.
AB  - Density functional theory has been used to investigate the properties of organic
      high spin molecules. The M05/cc-pVDZ calculations predict a septet ground state
      for the 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydro-1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaoxocoronene-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexayl
      radical (coronene-6O). The computations show further that the formation of
      intermolecular carbon-carbon bonds yields a singlet ground state for the dimer
      rather than a possible tridectet state as expected from the monomer's
      multiplicity. A benzene molecule placed between coronene-6O molecules leads to
      the desired high-spin cluster, but the overall stability of the cluster is low. A
      chromium atom inserted between two peripheral C(6) rings of coronene-6O yields a
      sandwich structure with the expected tridectet ground state and a binding energy
      which is 15 times larger than the corresponding tridectet dimer stabilized by a
      benzene molecule. The presented DFT calculations suggest that a chromium atom can
      effectively link organic polyradicals to larger magnetic units.

PMID- 22073400
TI  - Atmospheric hydrocarbon activation by the hydroxyl radical: a simple yet accurate
      computational protocol for calculating rate coefficients.
AB  - The overall rate coefficient at standard temperature and pressure for the
      hydrogen abstraction reaction by the hydroxyl radical (HO) from common saturated
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is derived theoretically using electronic
      structure calculations and transition state theory (TST). The computational
      approach used is based on relatively efficient methods, and hence is applicable
      to a large number of compounds with only a modest use of computer resources. The
      key methods used are density functional theory (for the calculation of barrier
      heights) and simple transition state theory (TST), including a simple correction
      for tunnelling. All thermally relevant conformers of the reactant and the
      abstraction TS are included in the study. For all compounds in a test set of
      thirty-four, the calculated rate coefficient agrees with the experimental value
      to within better than an order of magnitude, and to within better than a factor
      of three for all but six cases, so that the accuracy is of predictive utility.

PMID- 22073401
TI  - Recovered LiCoO2 as anode materials for Ni/Co power batteries.
AB  - LiCoO(2) material is recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries and investigated
      as anode materials for Ni/Co power batteries for the first time. LiCoO(2)
      electrodes with a small amount of S-doping display excellent electrochemical
      properties. The electrochemical reactions occurring on M0 electrodes during the
      first several cycles and after being activated are proposed, respectively. A
      function mechanism of S powder on M10 electrode is also proposed.

PMID- 22073402
TI  - Sub-100 fs charge transfer in a novel donor-acceptor-donor triad organized in a
      smectic film.
AB  - Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy is performed on a novel donor
      acceptor-donor triad made of two identical bisthiophene derivatives as electron
      donors and a central perylenediimide moiety as electron acceptor. The triad is
      extended at both ends by covalently bound siloxane chains that confer self
      organisation into thin smectic films at ambient temperature. When diluted in
      chloroform, selective excitation of the donor moiety leads to resonance energy
      transfer within 130 fs to the acceptor moiety, followed by the formation of a
      charge transfer (CT) state in ~3 ps. The CT state recombines entirely on a 55 ps
      time scale. In the liquid crystal films, excitonic intermolecular coupling leads
      to significant changes in the dynamics. Most remarkably, ultrafast intra- and
      intermolecular CT state formation occurs in about 60 fs, i.e. on a time scale
      comparable to electronic coherence times. While the intra-molecular CT states
      recombine on the same time scale as in solution or even faster, inter-molecular
      CT states live for about 1 ns. Last, triplet states of the perylenediimide moiety
      dominate the differential absorption after ~1 ns. We anticipate that the fast
      recombination of intra-molecular CT states and the triplet state formation may
      severely limit the photo-current in these materials.

PMID- 22073403
TI  - Determination of gas phase protein ion densities via ion mobility analysis with
      charge reduction.
AB  - We use a charge reduction electrospray (ESI) source and subsequent ion mobility
      analysis with a differential mobility analyzer (DMA, with detection via both a
      Faraday cage electrometer and a condensation particle counter) to infer the
      densities of single and multiprotein ions of cytochrome C, lysozyme, myoglobin,
      ovalbumin, and bovine serum albumin produced from non-denaturing (20 mM aqueous
      ammonium acetate) and denaturing (1 : 49.5 : 49.5, formic acid : methanol :
      water) ESI. Charge reduction is achieved through use of a Po-210 radioactive
      source, which generates roughly equal concentrations of positive and negative
      ions. Ions produced by the source collide with and reduce the charge on ESI
      generated drops, preventing Coulombic fissions, and unlike typical protein ESI,
      leading to gas-phase protein ions with +1 to +3 excess charges. Therefore, charge
      reduction serves to effectively mitigate any role that Coulombic stretching may
      play on the structure of the gas phase ions. Density inference is made via
      determination of the mobility diameter, and correspondingly the spherical
      equivalent protein volume. Through this approach it is found that for both non
      denaturing and denaturing ESI-generated ions, gas-phase protein ions are
      relatively compact, with average densities of 0.97 g cm(-3) and 0.86 g cm(-3),
      respectively. Ions from non-denaturing ESI are found to be slightly more compact
      than predicted from the protein crystal structures, suggesting that low charge
      state protein ions in the gas phase are slightly denser than their solution
      conformations. While a slight difference is detected between the ions produced
      with non-denaturing and denaturing ESI, the denatured ions are found to be much
      more dense than those examined previously by drift tube mobility analysis, in
      which charge reduction was not employed. This indicates that Coulombic stretching
      is typically what leads to non-compact ions in the gas-phase, and suggests that
      for gas phase measurements to be correlated to biomolecular structures in
      solution, low charge state ions should be analyzed. Further, to determine if
      different solution conditions give rise to ions of different structure, ions of
      similar charge state should be compared. Non-denatured protein ion densities are
      found to be in excellent agreement with non-denatured protein ion densities
      inferred from prior DMA and drift tube measurements made without charge reduction
      (all ions with densities in the 0.85-1.10 g cm(-3) range), showing that these
      ions are not strongly influenced by Coulombic stretching nor by analysis method.

PMID- 22073404
TI  - Excited-state proton-relay dynamics of 7-hydroxyquinoline controlled by solvent
      reorganization in room temperature ionic liquids.
AB  - The excited-state triple proton relay of 7-hydroxyquinoline (7HQ) along a
      hydrogen-bonded methanol chain in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been
      investigated using picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The rate
      constant of the proton relay in a methanol-added RTIL is found to be slower by an
      order of magnitude than that in bulk methanol and to have unity in its kinetic
      isotope effect. These suggest that the excited-state tautomerization dynamics of
      7HQ in methanol-added RTILs is mainly controlled by the solvent reorganization
      dynamics to form a cyclically hydrogen-bonded complex of 7HQ.(CH(3)OH)(2) upon
      absorption of a photon due to high viscosity values of RTILs. Because the cyclic
      complex of 7HQ.(CH(3)OH)(2) at the ground state is unstable in RTILs, the
      collision-induced slow formation of the cyclic complex should take place upon
      excitation prior to undergoing subsequent intrinsic proton transfer rapidly.

PMID- 22073405
TI  - Watching over baby: expectant parenthood and the duty to be well.
AB  - In contemporary Western society, individuals are encouraged to adopt a "duty to
      be well ideology" by assuming personal responsibility for health through
      engagement in self-care practices. We explored the duty to be well within the
      contexts of pregnancy, first-time parenthood, and marriage. Analyses were
      informed by Foucault's work on surveillance. In-depth interviews were conducted
      during the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy with 14 married couples expecting their
      first child. The sample was recruited from two U.S. university towns.
      Participants conceptualized the duty to be well as the expectant mother's
      unyielding bodily obligation to her unborn child and the notion that she should
      engage in bodily routines to shape fetal development. Both wives and husbands
      participated in the duty to be well, which included three dimensions: the need to
      feed, the need to take physical care/stay out of harm's way, and the need to
      thwart maternal anxiety. However, findings indicated that efforts to safeguard
      unborn children were sometimes a slippery slope, representing an uneven path
      and/or inciting ambivalence. Further, participants experienced surveillance
      associated with the duty to be well as both caring and controlling, depending
      upon the context of the surveillance and the perceived meaning of the monitoring.

PMID- 22073406
TI  - It's not only for the money: an analysis of adolescent versus adult entry into
      street prostitution.
AB  - Numerous studies examine the causal factors of entrance into prostitution and
      find economic marginalization, substance addiction, and interpersonal networks
      are common reasons women enter the trade. However, we know less about the role
      that age of onset plays in shaping female pathways into prostitution. Here, we
      build from insights into previous research by analyzing not only entry pathways
      but also how age categories are linked to time spent in the trade and whether the
      length of time in prostitution exacts a greater "toll" on women. Drawing from the
      feminist and age of onset literatures, we analyze 40 in-depth interviews with
      female street prostitutes from five U.S. cities. Our results underscore the
      importance of age as an organizing feature of women's pathways into prostitution
      and the potential associated consequences of working in this trade.

PMID- 22073407
TI  - Racetalk and sport: the color consciousness of contemporary discourse on
      basketball.
AB  - This article explores how a sample of college students discursively negotiated
      perceptions of race and ability in the context of mediated sport. A majority of
      respondents expressed acceptance of a link between racial identity and sport
      specific skills. However, rather than articulate this notion overtly and
      directly, rhetorical strategies, such as disclaimers and coded language, were
      used. We analyze these responses as a form of "racetalk" (Bonilla-Silva and
      Forman 2000) to more specifically unpack the significance of discourse within the
      post-Civil Rights Movement era. Although the language used to discuss race in
      this sample, like the contemporary era more generally, appears colorblind and
      progressive on the surface, it is undergirded by a distinct form of color
      consciousness.

PMID- 22073408
TI  - The potato's contribution to population and urbanization: evidence from a
      historical experiment.
AB  - We exploit regional variation in suitability for cultivating potatoes, together
      with time variation arising from their introduction to the Old World from the
      Americas, to estimate the impact of potatoes on Old World population and
      urbanization. Our results show that the introduction of the potato was
      responsible for a significant portion of the increase in population and
      urbanization observed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. According
      to our most conservative estimates, the introduction of the potato accounts for
      approximately one-quarter of the growth in Old World population and urbanization
      between 1700 and 1900. Additional evidence from within-country comparisons of
      city populations and adult heights also confirms the cross-country findings.

PMID- 22073409
TI  - Identity, morals, and taboos: beliefs as assets.
AB  - We develop a theory of moral behavior, individual and collective, based on a
      general model of identity in which people care about "who they are" and infer
      their own values from past choices. The model sheds light on many empirical
      puzzles inconsistent with earlier approaches. Identity investments respond
      nonmonotonically to acts or threats, and taboos on mere thoughts arise to protect
      beliefs about the "priceless" value of certain social assets. High endowments
      trigger escalating commitment and a treadmill effect, while competing identities
      can cause dysfunctional capital destruction. Social interactions induce both
      social and antisocial norms of contribution, sustained by respectively shunning
      free riders or do-gooders.

PMID- 22073410
TI  - Exploring patterns of movement suspension in pedestrian mobility.
AB  - One of the main tasks in analyzing pedestrian movement is to detect places where
      pedestrians stop, as those places usually are associated with specific human
      activities, and they can allow us to understand pedestrian movement behavior.
      Very few approaches have been proposed to detect the locations of stops in
      positioning data sets, and they often are based on selecting the location of
      candidate stops as well as potential spatial and temporal thresholds according to
      different application requirements. However, these approaches are not suitable
      for analyzing the slow movement of pedestrians where the inaccuracy of a
      nondifferential global positioning system commonly used for movement tracking is
      so significant that it can hinder the selection of adequate thresholds. In this
      article, we propose an exploratory statistical approach to detect patterns of
      movement suspension using a local indicator of spatial association (LISA) in a
      vector space representation. Two different positioning data sets are used to
      evaluate our approach in terms of exploring movement suspension patterns that can
      be related to different landscapes: players of an urban outdoor mobile game and
      visitors of a natural park. The results of both experiments show that patterns of
      movement suspension were located at places such as checkpoints in the game and
      different attractions and facilities in the park. Based on these results, we
      conclude that using LISA is a reliable approach for exploring movement suspension
      patterns that represent the places where the movement of pedestrians is
      temporally suspended by physical restrictions (e.g., checkpoints of a mobile game
      and the route choosing points of a park).

PMID- 22073411
TI  - Endotoxin exposure in textile workers, tetrachloroethylene in dry cleaners.

PMID- 22073412
TI  - Localised convulsions from tumour of the brain. By J. Hughlings Jackson MD FRS,
      physician to the Hospital for the Epileptic and Paralysed, and to the London
      Hospital. Brain 1882; 5: 364-74; with On temporary paralysis after epileptiform
      and epileptic seizures; a contribution to the study of dissolution of the nervous
      system. By J. Hughlings Jackson MD FRCP FRS. Brain 1881; 4: 433-51; with A
      contribution to the comparative study of convulsions. By J. Hughlings Jackson, MD
      FRCP FRS. Brain 1886; 9: 1-23.

PMID- 22073414
TI  - Leukemic transformation of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 22073415
TI  - Distal metadiaphyseal tibial fractures.

PMID- 22073416
TI  - A year of hope and heartache: on the road with hospice.

PMID- 22073417
TI  - Late bloomers & baby boomers: success in the second act of life.

PMID- 22073425
TI  - Estimating the effects of cigarette taxes on birth outcomes.
AB  - Employing provincial data from 1979 to 2004 allows us to exploit the significant
      (45 percent to 60 percent) reduction in excise taxes in Eastern Canada enacted in
      February 1994 to estimate the impacts of cigarette taxes on birth outcomes.
      Empirical estimates suggest that an increase in cigarette taxes is significantly
      associated with lower infant mortalities. However, we also find some evidence of
      a counter-intuitive positive correlation between taxes and fetal deaths. Overall,
      conditional on methodology, we find increased lagged per capita health
      expenditures and the number of physicians to be significantly associated with
      improvements in birth outcomes.

PMID- 22073426
TI  - We fall down: the African American experience of coping with the homicide of a
      loved one.
AB  - Rates of homicide among African Americans are much higher than those of other
      racial or ethnic groups. Research has demonstrated that homicide can be
      psychologically debilitating for surviving family members. Yet, exploring the
      experiences of homicide victims' surviving loved ones has received little
      attention. This study examined the coping strategies of African American
      survivors of homicide. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 8 African
      American family members (ages 18-82) of homicide victims. Survivors were
      recruited from the Massachusetts Office of Victim Services and from homicide
      survivor support, school, and community groups throughout the New England area.
      Interviews were conducted using open-ended questions derived from coping, support
      network, grief, and bereavement literatures. Results indicate that the primary
      coping strategies utilized by African American survivors of homicide victims are
      spiritual coping and meaning making, maintaining a connection to the deceased,
      collective coping and caring for others, and concealment. Implications for
      research and practice are discussed.

PMID- 22073427
TI  - Disordered eating in African American and Caucasian women: the role of ethnic
      identity.
AB  - The influential roles of culture and ethnic identity are frequently cited in
      developing disordered eating and body dissatisfaction, constituting both
      protective and risk factors. For African American women, strongly identifying
      with African American cultural beauty ideals may protect against disordered
      eating to lose weight, but may actually increase risk in development of
      disordered eating directed at weight gain, such as binge eating. This study
      compares African American and Caucasian women on disordered eating measures,
      positing that African American women show greater risk for binge eating due to
      the impact of ethnic identity on body dissatisfaction. Findings indicate low
      levels of ethnic identity represent a risk factor for African American women,
      increasing the likelihood of showing greater binge eating and bulimic pathology.
      In Caucasian women, high levels of ethnic identity constitute a risk factor,
      leading to higher levels of both binge eating and global eating pathology.
      Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.

PMID- 22073428
TI  - Non-exercise physical activity in agricultural and urban people.
AB  - With evidence that urbanisation is associated with obesity, diabetes,
      hypertension and cardiovascular disease, this article compares daily physical
      activity between rural and urban dwellers. Specifically, it examines habitual
      daily activity levels, non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and energy
      expenditure in agricultural and urban Jamaicans and urban North Americans.
      Ambulation was 60 per cent greater in rural Jamaicans than in the urban dwellers
      (4675 +/- 2261 versus 2940 +/- 1120 ambulation-attributed arbitrary units
      (AU)/day; P = 0.001). Levels of ambulation in lean urban Jamaicans were similar
      to those in lean urban North Americans, whereas obese urban dwellers walked less
      than their lean urban counterparts (2198 +/- 516 versus 2793 +/- 774 AU/day; P =
      0.01). The data with respect to daily sitting mirrored the walking data; obese
      Americans sat for almost four hours more each day than rural Jamaicans (562 +/-
      78 versus 336 +/- 68 minutes/day; P < 0.001). Urbanisation is associated with low
      levels of daily activity and NEAT.

PMID- 22073429
TI  - Assessing women's understandings of health in rural Papua New Guinea:
      implications for health policy and practice.
AB  - In Papua New Guinea (PNG), women's health is addressed by applying biomedical
      solutions which often ignore the complexity of women's histories, cultural
      contexts and lived experiences. The objective of this study was to examine adult
      and older women's perceptions of health and well-being to identify priority areas
      for public service interventions. Rapid ethnographic assessment was conducted in
      the Wosera district, a rural area of PNG from mid-2005 to early 2006, to examine
      the health concerns of women. Twenty-seven adult women and 10 older women
      participated in the study. Health was not limited to one aspect of a woman's
      life, such as their biology or maternal roles; it was also connected with the
      social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of women's daily existence.
      Participants also identified access to money and supportive interpersonal
      relationships as significant for good health. A disconnect was found to exist
      between women's understandings of good health and socio-political health policies
      in PNG, something likely to be repeated in health service delivery to different
      cultural groups across the Asia Pacific region. Health and development
      practitioners in PNG must become responsive to the complexity of women's social
      relationships and to issues relating to the context of women's empowerment in
      their programmes.

PMID- 22073430
TI  - Decentralization, democratization, and health: the Philippine experiment.
AB  - In 1991, the Philippines joined a growing list of countries that reformed health
      planning through decentralization. Reformers viewed decentralization as a tool
      that would solve multiple problems, leading to more meaningful democracy and more
      effective health planning. Today, nearly two decades after the passage of
      decentralization legislation, questions about the effectiveness of the reforms
      persist. Inadequate financing, inequity, and a lack of meaningful participation
      remain challenges, in many ways mirroring broader weaknesses of Philippine
      democracy. These concerns pose questions regarding the nature of contemporary
      decentralization, democratization, and health planning and whether these three
      strategies are indeed mutually enforcing.

PMID- 22073431
TI  - Images of welfare in law and society: the British welfare state in comparative
      perspective.
AB  - Designed by Beveridge and built by Attlee's post-war Labour government, the
      welfare state was created during the 1940s. Britain has been seen - in domestic
      debates and internationally - as a world first: the place where both the idea and
      the practice of the welfare state were invented. I draw together comparative
      welfare state analysis with law and society scholarship (previously largely
      developed in isolation from one another) - as well as using British political
      cartoons as a source - to develop a revisionist historical critique of this
      conventional wisdom. First, the British welfare state has always been
      comparatively parsimonious. Second, the idea of the welfare state seems to have
      its origins outside the United Kingdom and this terminology was adopted
      relatively late and with some ambivalence in public debate and scholarly
      analysis. Third, a large body of socio-legal scholarship shows that robust
      'welfare rights' were never embedded in the British 'welfare state'.

PMID- 22073432
TI  - iPods, viagra, and the praiseworthy life: epideictic rhetoric in technology and
      medical print advertising.

PMID- 22073433
TI  - Working women households and time-saving consumption: empirical evidence from
      Kerala.
AB  - This article explores the impact of labour force participation of Indian women on
      the consumption expenditure of their households. Field survey data were collected
      from working-wife and non-working wife households in Kerala, the state in India
      with the highest labour market participation of women in the organised sector.
      Differences in time-saving consumption expenditures of working and non-working
      wife households and different variables influencing consumption expenditures were
      researched. The study shows that among the variables which positively affect the
      time-saving consumption expenditure of the households, non-economic factors
      influence the time-saving consumption expenditure of the working-wife households
      more prominently than in non-working wife households.

PMID- 22073434
TI  - Medical science and the military: the Allies' use of amphetamine during World War
      II.
AB  - Although amphetamine was thoroughly tested by leading scientists for its effects
      in boosting or maintaining physical and mental performance in fatigued subjects,
      the results never provided solid grounds for approving the drug's use, and, in
      any case, came too late to be decisive. The grounds on which amphetamine was
      actually adopted by both British and American militaries had less to do with the
      science of fatigue than with the drug's mood-altering effects, as judged by
      military men. It increased confidence and aggression, and elevated "morale."

PMID- 22073435
TI  - Women's fashions in transition: Ottoman borderlands and the Anglo-Ottoman
      exchange of costumes.
AB  - Following the considerable increase in the interactions between Ottomans and
      Europeans, Ottoman port cities, referred to here as "borderlands," became meeting
      places of distinct worlds. Ottoman and British people met, clashed, and grappled
      with each other in the borderlands of the Ottoman Empire. There was unbalanced,
      disparate, and disproportionate, but also mutual and constant interchange between
      the two societies. This article discusses one facet of this interchange: the
      Anglo-Ottoman exchange of women's costumes.

PMID- 22073436
TI  - The "swinish multitude": controversies over hogs in antebellum New York City.
AB  - In the first half of the nineteenth century, New Yorkers fought passionately over
      the presence of hogs on their streets and in their city. New York's filthy
      streets had cultivated an informal economy and a fertile environment for roaming
      creatures. The battles-both physical and legal-reveal a city rife with class
      tensions. After decades of arguments, riots, and petitions, cholera and the fear
      of other public health crises ultimately spelled the end for New York's hogs. New
      York struggled during this period to improve municipal services while adapting to
      a changing economy and rapid population growth. The fights between those for and
      against hogs shaped New York City's landscape and resulted in new rules for using
      public space a new place for nature in the city.

PMID- 22073437
TI  - Unsightly urban menaces and the rescaling of residential segregation in the
      United States.
AB  - In this article, the author uses a slum clearance project in Lexington, Kentucky,
      as a lens through which to examine the spatial dynamics of racial residential
      segregation during the first half of the twentieth century. At the time, urban
      migration and upward socioeconomic mobility on the part of African Americans
      destabilized extant residential segregation patterns. Amid this instability,
      various spatial practices were employed in the interest of maintaining white
      social and economic supremacy. The author argues that such practices were
      indicative of a thoroughgoing reinvention of urban socio-spatial order that in
      turn precipitated the vastly expanded scale of residential segregation still
      found in U.S. cities today. Evidence of this reinvented ordering of urban space
      lies in the rendering of some long-standing African American neighborhoods as
      "out of place" within it and the use of slum clearance to remove the "menace"
      such neighborhoods posed to it.

PMID- 22073438
TI  - "Ready to shoot and do shoot": black working-class self-defense and community
      politics in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s.
AB  - Throughout the first three decades of the twentieth century, black people in New
      York City encountered white violence, especially police brutality in Manhattan.
      The black community used various strategies to curtail white mob violence and
      police brutality, one of which was self-defense. This article examines blacks'
      response to violence, specifically the debate concerning police brutality and
      self-defense in Harlem during the 1920s. While historians have examined race
      riots, blacks' everyday encounters with police violence in the North have
      received inadequate treatment. By approaching everyday violence and black
      responses-self-defense, legal redress, and journalists' remonstrations-as a
      process of political development, this article argues that the systematic
      violence perpetrated by the police both mobilized and politicized blacks
      individually and collectively to defend their community, but also contributed to
      a community consciousness that established police brutality as a legitimate issue
      for black protest.

PMID- 22073439
TI  - Women's employment and changing gender relations in Puerto Rico.
AB  - This article discusses Helen Safa's analyses of the impact of development
      strategies and social policies on gender relations and women headed families in
      the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. The discussion focuses on findings of a research
      project regarding patterns of women's employment, autonomy, marital relations,
      family headship and poverty in Puerto Rico in the decade beginning in the year
      2000, using excerpts from interviews conducted with women workers displaced from
      a clothing and a tuna factory between 2001 and 2002 (Colon et al. 2008), as well
      as data from the Public Use Sample (PUMS) of the U.S. Census Puerto Rico
      Community Survey 2005-2007. It is argued that women's employment has resulted in
      advances in women's autonomy, gender equity, and renegotiations of the provider
      role, but, intensified by men's unstable earnings, it has also led to the
      increase of female family headship even among married women. Women's education
      and employment have been an important means of reducing family poverty both among
      dual earner families and female heads. Yet, the continuing joblessness in the
      Island places even higher educated sectors on the verge of economic
      precariousness.

PMID- 22073440
TI  - Sex and sentiment in Cuban tourism.
AB  - Helen Safa has been a leading program builder and pioneer in research that
      examines the complex intersections of gender, race, class, and nation in Latin
      America and the Caribbean. Her comparative research culminated in her influential
      book, The Myth of the Male Breadwinner: Women and Industrialization in the
      Caribbean (1995), which examined gender, family, and employment across three
      Caribbean societies. Over several decades Safa has inspired scholarship
      throughout the Caribbean and the Americas and her work is exemplary of engaged
      anthropology in the region. Here I present work I conducted in Cuba that was
      guided, like my work in Peru, Nicaragua, and southern Mexico by the writings of
      Safa and others who saw the critical need to bring gender into meaningful
      discussion in the field of Latin American and Caribbean studies. In what follows,
      drawn from my broader research on tourism in four nations, I explore and reflect
      on the contemporary dynamics of sex and romance tourism in Cuba. I suggest that
      the allure of this domain of tourism may be enhanced by Cuba's global political
      identity, and that Cuban women participating in commodified and intimate
      exchanges reveal an ability to get along in a market economy that generally
      excludes them.

PMID- 22073441
TI  - Anthropology in a postcolonial colony: Helen I. Safa's contribution to Puerto
      Rican ethnography.
AB  - This article assesses Helen I. Safa's legacy to anthropological thought in Puerto
      Rico. The first part of the article locates Safa's research on the Island within
      a long tradition of fieldwork by U.S. scholars since the early twentieth century.
      More recent research, conducted mostly by Puerto Rican women anthropologists and
      other social scientists, has expanded upon Safa's insights on gender and work.
      The second part of the essay analyzes Safa's major empirical work, The Urban Poor
      of Puerto Rico: A Study in Development and Inequality. Above all, this book
      helped overcome the theoretical impasse over the culture of poverty that
      characterized much of urban anthropology during the 1960s and 1970s. The article
      concludes with an appraisal of the relevance of Safa's work for the ethnography
      of contemporary Puerto Rico.

PMID- 22073442
TI  - Drawing cure: children's drawings as a psychoanalytic instrument.
AB  - This essay deals with the special case of drawings as psychoanalytical
      instruments. It aims at a theoretical understanding of the specific contribution
      made by children's drawings as a medium of the psychical. In the influential play
      technique developed by Melanie Klein, drawing continuously interacts with other
      symptomatic (play) actions. Nonetheless, specific functions of drawing within the
      play technique can be identified. The essay will discuss four crucial aspects in
      depth: 1) the strengthening of the analysis's recursivity associated with the
      graphic artifact; 2) the opening of the analytic process facilitated by drawing;
      3) the creation of a genuinely graphic mode of producing meaning that allows the
      child to develop a "theory" of the workings of his own psychic apparatus; and 4)
      the new possibilities of symbolization associated with the latter. In contrast to
      classical definitions of the psychological instrument, the child's drawing is a
      weakly structured tool that does not serve to reproduce psychic processes in an
      artificial, controlled setting. The introduction of drawing into the
      psychoanalytic cure is by no means interested in replaying past events, but in
      producing events suited to effecting a transformation of the synchronic
      structures of the unconscious.

PMID- 22073443
TI  - Mexicanas en guerra: World War II and the discourse of Mexican female identity.

PMID- 22073445
TI  - Festschrift for Eugene B. Brody, MD.

PMID- 22073444
TI  - Reporting on the Holocaust: the view from Jim Crow Alabama.
AB  - The press in Alabama covered major events taking place in Germany from the rise
      of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in 1933 through the Nuremberg Trials in 1946.
      Journalists in the state provided extensive coverage, and editors did not
      hesitate to opine on the persecution of the Jews in Europe. Yet, Alabama's white
      run press failed in the end to explain the events as a singularly Jewish tragedy.
      The state's black-run press, for its part, used the news of the mass killings of
      the Jews to warn against the dangers of conceptions of racial superiority-a
      primary concern for black southerners living in the Jim Crow South.

PMID- 22073446
TI  - Proceedings of HVDA-2010, the 6th International Symposium on Hormone and
      Veterinary Drug Residue Analysis. June 1-4, 2010. Gent, Belgium.

PMID- 22073447
TI  - Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Norwegian Neurological Association.
      November 2010. Oslo, Norway.

PMID- 22073448
TI  - Proceedings of the XVIIIth IAAP (International Association for Analytical
      Psychology) Congress. Montreal, Canada. August 22-27, 2010.

PMID- 22073449
TI  - A look back as we move forward.

PMID- 22073450
TI  - [Law enforcement in Polish towns and cities and Polish    society in the 14th
      16th centuries].

PMID- 22073451
TI  - [Manifestations of the Romantic 'taedium vitae:' suicides in Polish territories
      in the years 1815-30].

PMID- 22073452
TI  - "One large secure, solid background": Melanie Klein and the origins of the
      British welfare state.

PMID- 22073453
TI  - [A    case study of child brides during the mid-Qing dynasty].

PMID- 22073454
TI  - The discovery of the child as an object 'sui generis' of cure and research by
      Melanie Klein as reflected in the notes of her first child analyses in Berlin,
      1921-1926.

PMID- 22073455
TI  - Clinical use of lasers in caries diagnosis and therapy.
AB  - Laser technology is now ubiquitous in science, business, the arts, the military,
      industry, telecommunications, entertainment and medicine. It is increasingly
      finding a useful place in dentistry to offer the potential for practical
      solutions to managing difficult clinical problems. Research into the clinical use
      of lasers in diagnostic and therapeutic dental procedures has escalated rapidly
      in recent years. Laser technology has revolutionized the treatment of dental
      caries. This article reviews the role of laser technology in the clinical
      management of caries, early caries diagnosis and treatment planning decision
      making, caries prevention, soft tissue management, fluorescence aided caries
      elimination and fluorescence feedback-controlled selective caries removal. Laser
      technology plays a vital role in enhancing caries diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 22073456
TI  - Clinical evaluation of ceramic implant abutments in anterior restorations.
AB  - The development of new high strength ceramic abutments can enhance the overall
      aesthetic outcome of an implant-supported prosthesis. This study was to compare
      the clinical application of alumina and zirconia ceramic implant abutments in the
      anterior region. Twenty-three consecutive patients requiring single-tooth
      implants in the anterior region were randomized to receive either an alumina
      ceramic abutment (CeraAdapt) or a zirconia ceramic abutment. All-ceramic (IPS
      Empress 2) crowns were then fabricated and cemented over the abutments with
      composite cement. Peri-implant mucosal health and bone levels were evaluated by
      the gingival index and radiographs at 2-week and 1-year follow-up. Aesthetic
      outcomes as well as technical problems with the restorations were evaluated
      during the observation period from 12 to 48 months after functional loading. A
      total of 17 alumina ceramic abutments and 18 zirconia ceramic abutments were
      evaluated. No patients dropped out during the study period. Eighteen out of the
      23 patients maintained good function throughout the study. The median observation
      period was 21 months. Ceramic crown loosening was found in two restorations at 1
      week and 2-years respectively after insertion. One ceramic crown fractured at 1
      week after insertion. At 1-year follow-up, mean marginal bone loss around
      implants was 1.2 +/- 0.5 mm and the peri-implant mucosa in relation to abutment
      or crown was healthy with a mean gingival score of 0.6 +/- 0.2. All patients were
      satisfied with the final aesthetic outcome. However, two alumina abutments
      fractured after two years of loading. In conclusion, both ceramic abutments have
      shown a favourable biological response and aesthetic outcome; however, zirconia
      abutments with their superior mechanical properties might be better for
      supporting single-tooth implant restorations in the aesthetic zone.

PMID- 22073457
TI  - Contemporary concepts in the management of failed full arch restorations.

PMID- 22073458
TI  - Dental caries: where to from here?

PMID- 22073459
TI  - Three dimensional distraction osteogenesis of the midface: orthodontic
      considerations.
AB  - Three-dimensional Le Fort I DO can be used to selectively widen, lengthen, and
      vertically reposition the maxilla, without bone grafts and with a good adaptation
      of the surrounding soft tissues. Therefore DO is a complementary tool for
      conventional orthodontics and orthognathic surgical techniques that address
      maxillary deficiency. It is the technique of choice for patients who require
      significant maxillary repositioning and have significant soft tissue limitations,
      such as scarring secondary to previous surgical procedures. The procedure can be
      performed in children prior to reaching skeletal maturity and also in adult
      patients. Finally, three-dimensional maxillary reconstruction by distraction of
      the Le Fort I segment offers an improved aesthetic outcome and less risk of
      deterioration of speech in comparison with traditional orthognathic techniques.

PMID- 22073460
TI  - Intracanal instrumentation and disinfection.
AB  - Proper root canal instrumentation and disinfection are key objectives in
      endodontic therapy. This paper discusses the current concepts of root canal
      instrumentation from a biological and mechanical perspective including the need
      for an intracanal medication.

PMID- 22073461
TI  - An update on periodontal aetiopathogenesis and clinical implications.
AB  - Periodontal disease is the most commonly occurring yet unusual infection in
      humans. It is initiated by pathogenic plaque biofilm and characterized by
      bacteria-induced inflammatory destruction of tooth-supporting structures and
      alveolar bone. Periodontitis remains the most common cause of tooth loss in
      adults. Currently, periodontal diseases are also recognized as serious infections
      with profound effects on general health. In recent years, new concepts and
      discoveries have been made in further understanding of the nature of periodontal
      disease and its aetiopathogenesis. These can be well reflected in recognition of
      dental plaque as a biofilm; identification and characterization of
      periodontopathogens and their virulence factors; recognition of the importance of
      host-microbe symbiosis in periodontal health; identification of novel innate host
      defence molecules in periodontal tissues; further understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms involved in tissue destruction and alveolar bone resorption;
      appreciation of the crucial role of host susceptibility in periodontal
      pathogenesis; and identification of risk factors and incorporation of risk
      assessment in clinical practice. Committed oral health care professionals should
      therefore keep abreast of these changing concepts in periodontology and updated
      strategies for appropriate evidence-based practice. These views are fundamentally
      important for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases and
      peri-implant infections, as well as for long-term maintenance of periodontal
      health and implant stability. This paper updates the advances in
      aetiopathogenesis of periodontal disease and highlights the relevant clinical
      implications and future perspectives.

PMID- 22073462
TI  - Health behaviour, metabolic control and periodontal status in medically treated
      Chinese with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Relationships between demographic, health behaviour and diabetes
      mellitus (DM) parameters and periodontal status were assessed among a group of
      nonsmoking, low-income, middle-aged to elderly medically treated Hong Kong
      Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 193
      Chinese, dentate, type 2 DM patients (56.5 +/- 9.0 years; recorded DM duration
      7.0 +/- 5.2 years) attending a charity hospital specialist clinic were surveyed.
      Subject demography, periodontal status, Body Mass Index (BMI), DM control, serum
      TNF-alpha level and general health behaviour (GHB) were recorded. RESULTS:
      Periodontitis was prevalent (80.3% of subjects with PPD > or = 5 mm and 65.8%
      subjects with full-mouth mean PAL > 3.0 mm). Mean HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose
      and BMI were 7.6 +/- 1.6%, 8.2 +/- 2.9 mmol/L and 25.4 +/- 3.7 kg/m2
      respectively. Serum TNF-alpha level was similar to the reported Chinese
      population norm. Full-mouth mean clinical attachment level was associated with DM
      duration while full-mouth mean probing pocket depth was associated with GHB (p <
      0.05). The Gingival Index, was greater in men, and associated with higher HbA1c%
      and lower education attainment (p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this group of non
      smoking, predominantly low-education background, overweight, Chinese subjects
      with fairly well-controlled type 2 DM, periodontal attachment loss and
      periodontal disease appeared to be associated with DM duration and health
      behaviour. Health care providers should consider paying more attention to
      improving the GHB of their type 2 DM patients with long DM duration. DM subjects
      with a low educational background, having higher HbA1c% and males are more likely
      to experience gingival inflammation.

PMID- 22073463
TI  - New approaches in parotid gland surgery.
AB  - Various skin incision for access to the parotid region are described by different
      authors, which differ in extension and localization of the scar. Therefore after
      parotidectomy, patients are often left with a retromandibular and cervical
      depression. Maintaining normal facial contour may be difficult in parotidectomy
      defects, but a good symmetry can and should be achieved when reconstructing the
      parotid region with a specific approach. The authors show their experience in
      parotid gland surgery using a new skin incision to improve the aesthetic and
      functional results and three different techniques the reconstruction of the
      parotid region.

PMID- 22073464
TI  - Maxillary and mandibular distraction osteogenesis in growing patients: lessons
      learned after 14 years and update on indications.
AB  - In the past decade, distraction osteogenesis (DO) has become increasingly popular
      and has opened new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of numerous
      congenital and acquired craniofacial skeletal anomalies. However, DO mechanisms
      still remain unclear and different treatment protocols are applied by different
      groups. Here the authors use their 14 years-clinical experience to evaluate DO
      parameters such as maxillary and mandibular DO stability over time, especially in
      growing patients, DO effects on soft tissues and the correlation between the bone
      gain and lengthening capabilities of the device. Based on these data, clinical
      indications and treatment protocols for mandibular and maxillary DO are
      suggested. The application of DO to the membranous bones of the craniofacial
      skeleton has opened a new chapter in the surgical treatment of several congenital
      and acquired craniofacial deformities. Based on this experience, the authors
      recommend DO indications guidelines in selected cases of hemifacial microsomia,
      maxillary hypoplasia and narrow mandible with anterior dental crowding.

PMID- 22073465
TI  - Distraction osteogenesis: role and clinical applications in the maxillofacial
      region.
AB  - Distraction osteogenesis or callostasis is a technique of new bone formation by
      gradual separation of bony fragments. The method was first developed for limb
      lengthening but recently this process was widely applied to the cranio
      maxillofacial bones. The application included unlimited bone lengthening and
      reconstruction of segmental defects. Several designs of extra-oral and intra-oral
      distraction devices were invented to suit different areas of craniofacial bone.
      Nevertheless intraoral distractors have several advantages including minimal
      scarring and being less cumbersome. Clinical cases using distraction osteogenesis
      as an alternative treatment to conventional surgical procedures for maxillo
      mandibular lengthening and reconstruction of alveolar segmental defects after
      tumour resection before implant installation are presented and discussed.

PMID- 22073466
TI  - Distraction or orthognathic surgery for cleft lip and palate patients: which is
      better?
AB  - Maxillary deformities of cleft lip and palate (CLP) can be treated by either
      conventional osteotomies (CO) or distraction osteogenesis (DO). Which one is
      better for CLP patients suffering from a moderate extent of maxillary hypoplasia?
      The aim of the study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of CO and compared
      with DO in correction of moderate maxillary hypoplasia. The results showed that
      CLP patients receiving DO were more anxious and depressed during the first three
      months but became happier in the long-term. The nasalance of DO and CO was found
      to be similar. However, on the skeletal stability, DO was shown to be
      significantly more stable when compared with CO in the horizontal plane within
      the first six months and in vertical plane during the first three months and
      between 1-2 year.

PMID- 22073467
TI  - Management of sinus surgery complications.

PMID- 22073468
TI  - Back and neck care.
AB  - Musculoskeletal disorders account for 29.5% of early retirement among dentists.
      Most work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Dentistry are spinal. Non-specific
      and insidious gradual onset injuries such as prolonged tension and pressure on
      muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and discs in poor posture or alignment
      account for more than 80% of commonly seen musculoskeletal disorders that are
      often regarded as work-related and repetitive strain injuries, arthritis and
      degeneration. Work performance and activities of daily living could be severely
      affected. The source and cause of injuries should be tackled head on with
      specific but simple self-management programme including understanding of the
      cause of symptoms, postural correction and specific exercises.

PMID- 22073469
TI  - Anodization increases early integration of Osstem implants in sheep femurs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spark discharge anodic oxidation forms a porous TiO2 film on the
      surface of titanium oral implants, increasing surface roughness and
      concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions. In this study, anodic-treated oral
      implants were placed in an animal model and analysed using clinical, micro
      computerized tomographic (micro-CT) and histometric techniques. METHODS: Pairs of
      3.5 mm x 8.5 mm long titanium implants (Osstem Implant Co., Ltd. Seoul, Korea),
      with blasted (control) or blasted and oxidized surfaces (test), were placed into
      the right femoral condyles of 10 sheep. Animals were sacrificed after 1 month
      unloaded healing. Resonant frequency analysis (RFA) was measured in implant
      stability quotient (ISQ) using the Mentor II device. Specimens were scanned using
      medium resolution micro-CT (Skyscan 1172). Mean percent bone-to-implant contact
      (%BIC) was calculated from two images per implant by three different operators,
      using Image J software. Inter- and intra-examiner differences were calculated.
      Specimens were then embedded in methacrylate and undemineralized ground sections
      were digitized. Mean %BIC was measured using Image J at x 20 magnification for
      the best-three consecutive threads from the most central section. RESULTS: Mean
      micro-CT %BIC was similar for control and test (57.2 +/- 0.05% versus 56.4 +/-
      0.03%, p = 0.5). There was considerable inter-examiner variability (interclass
      correlation coefficient = 0.44). RFA showed no clinically-detectable difference
      between the two groups (control ISQ: 75.2 +/- 4.2; test ISQ: 76.3 +/- 1.7; p =
      0.48). However, histometric analysis found a marked and highly statistically
      significant difference (%BIC Test 72.5 +/- 8.6%, Control 46.2 +/- 12.1%, p =
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The novel anodic oxidation technique increased early
      ossointegration of rough-surfaced implants by 157%. Neither clinical testing with
      resonant frequency analysis nor radiographic analysis using micro-CT had
      sufficient resolution to detect this improvement. Whether this gain in early bone
      implant contact is clinically significant in the context of early occlusal
      loading is the subject of subsequent experiments.

PMID- 22073470
TI  - Inhibitory effect of quercetin on periodontal pathogens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease and associated bone loss can severely hinder
      orthodontic treatment. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and
      Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) are bacteria which are strongly associated with
      this type of bone loss. Quercetin, a unique flavonoid, which is found in many
      common foods including apples, onions and tea may have a effect against these
      bacteria. AIMS: To study the effect of quercetin on the in vitro growth of
      periodontal pathogens Aa and Pg. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antimicrobial effects
      were determined in vitro using a broth dilution assay. Aa and Pg were grown to a
      density of 10(7) to 10(8) cfu/mL and subsequently incubated with test solutions
      of quercetin at different concentrations (0.025 g/mL, 0.05 g/mL, and 0.1 g/ mL).
      0.2% chlorhexidine was used as the positive control and 0.9% sodium chloride
      (NaCl) as the negative control. Aliquots for the growth assay were taken as soon
      as the solutions were mixed, and after 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours of incubation in an
      anaerobic chamber for Aa and Pg. Colonies appearing on the blood agar plates were
      visually counted after three days for Aa and 5 days for Pg. RESULTS: This study
      demonstrated that quercetin is a potent antimicrobial agent. When Aa and Pg were
      incubated with quercetin, their growth began to be inhibited at 1 hour. Aa, shows
      a transient inhibitory effect for 1 to 12 hours after which the antimicrobial
      effect gradually decreasds. With Pg, the effect increased with time and complete
      inhibition was achieved with concentrations of 0.1 g/mL, 0.05 g/mL and 0.025 g/mL
      by 24 hours. No significant difference was found between the chlorhexidine group
      and the quercetin solution after 24 hours of incubation. CONCLUSION: Quercetin
      has an inhibitory effect on Aa and Pg.

PMID- 22073471
TI  - Sinus lifting: new protocols with nanotechnological implant surfaces.

PMID- 22073472
TI  - Special needs dentistry: the next ten years.
AB  - There is no doubt that in special needs dentistry, Australasia is one of the
      major global players. There is now an accepted scope of practice, accredited
      training programs and specialists registered with their local dental boards.
      These early achievements reflect the tremendous input provided by the primary
      stakeholders, such as the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. But the
      honeymoon is now over. Where will Special Needs Dentistry be in ten years? This
      paper discusses the journey so far and where the discipline will be heading.

PMID- 22073473
TI  - Evidence-based management of dental injury: case presentations.

PMID- 22073474
TI  - Effect of Danshen extract on bone formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treatment of
      cardiac diseases through improving blood circulation. The authors' laboratory
      compared the amount of new bone formed in collagen matrix with Danshen extract
      with that produced by bone graft and collagen matrix alone. METHODS: Eighteen
      bone defects, 5 mm x 10 mm were created in the parietal bone of nine New Zealand
      White rabbits. In the experimental group, six defects were grafted with a
      collagen matrix with Danshen extract. In the control groups, six defects were
      grafted with collagen matrix alone (active control) and six were left empty
      (passive control). The animals were killed on day 14 and the defects were
      dissected and prepared for histological assessment. Serial sections were cut
      across each defect. Quantitative analysis of new bone formation was made on 100
      sections (50 sections for each group) using image analysis. RESULTS: A total of
      five times more new bone was present in defects grafted with Danshen extract in a
      collagen matrix than those grafted with collagen matrix alone. Very little new
      bone was formed in the passive control group. CONCLUSIONS: Danshen extract in
      collagen matrix has the effect of increasing new bone formation locally and can
      be used for bone grafting especially in cases with compromised vascular
      responses.

PMID- 22073475
TI  - Bacteraemia due to flossing: a cohort study.

PMID- 22073476
TI  - A comparison of pain experienced by patients treated with labial and lingual
      orthodontic appliances.
AB  - There has been a paradigm shift within orthodontics in the use of lingual fixed
      appliances compared with the use of labial fixed appliances on the basis of
      perceived benefits and acceptance by patients. METHODS: A matched case-control
      prospective longitudinal study of adult patients treated in the Orthodontic
      Department, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong. Group A consisted of 30
      patients treated with lingual orthodontic appliances. Group B consisted of 30
      patients treated with labial orthodontic appliances. Data were collected at five
      different time points using questionnaire: pre-treatment; one week after the
      placement of the fixed appliance, and then at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months
      thereafter. The questionnaire consisted of 15 items, in which 11 items were rated
      on a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Patients' experience of pain decreased over
      the study period (p < 0.001); Those treated with lingual appliances reported
      significantly greater pain experience than those treated with labial appliances
      with respect to tongue pain (p < 0.001). However, those treated with labial
      appliances reported experiencing significantly more lip pain (p < 0.01), cheek
      pain (p < 0.001), and gum pain (p < 0.05). Patients treated with lingual
      appliances reported experiencing pain earlier on than those treated with labial
      appliances (p < 0.05). Both groups reported the pain level to be the same
      throughout the day (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in reported
      disturbance of sleep or analgesic consumption between the two groups (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Patients treated with both labial and lingual orthodontic appliances
      experienced pain during treatment, but this decreased over the treatment period.
      Patients treated with lingual appliances experienced more tongue pain whereas
      those treated with labial appliances experienced more lip, cheek and gum pain.
      Patients treated with lingual appliance reported experiencing pain earlier on
      than those treated with labial appliances.

PMID- 22073477
TI  - Computer-guided implant rehabilitation of an edentulous patient.
AB  - Computer-guided implant treatment is one of the popular options in the
      rehabilitation of dentitions in the edentulous situation. Patients should benefit
      not only from the advent of precise implant installation, but also the
      possibility of restoration of function and aesthetics immediately after the
      treatment. This poster presentation illustrated, from the view of the
      prosthodontist, the procedures and precautions involved using a clinical case as
      an example.

PMID- 22073478
TI  - Non-surgical periodontal treatment and lipid levels in diabetic patients.

PMID- 22073479
TI  - Nurse advocates: a patient voice.

PMID- 22073480
TI  - Research critique of "Registered nurses' attitudes towards the role of the
      healthcare assistant".

PMID- 22073481
TI  - Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt you.

PMID- 22073482
TI  - Unique opportunity for Kentucky nurses to help children with asthma: the Healthy
      Hoops Kentucky program.

PMID- 22073483
TI  - ANA recognizes emergency nursing as specialty practice.

PMID- 22073484
TI  - Should residents work for free?

PMID- 22073485
TI  - Future interns: just fifth year medical students?

PMID- 22073486
TI  - The economics of medical education: a dismal science with a dismal prognosis.

PMID- 22073487
TI  - Evolving to meet the medical challenges of tomorrow at Saint Louis University.

PMID- 22073488
TI  - Money for drugs: should physicians be paid for pharmaceutical development and
      clinical investigations?

PMID- 22073489
TI  - End of life counseling.

PMID- 22073490
TI  - The changing climate of allergy/immunology disorders.

PMID- 22073491
TI  - Appropriate allergy testing and interpretation.
AB  - In vitro tests for specific IgE allow primary care providers to do allergy
      testing, which can be helpful for allergic patients. Diagnostic testing for
      allergies is used to determine whether symptoms are caused by IgE antibodies and
      exposure to an allergen. The presence of IgE in the absence of symptoms does not
      indicate clinical allergy. Nonselective use of large panels of allergens can lead
      to false positives and misinterpretation of the results, particularly in food
      allergy.

PMID- 22073492
TI  - Food allergy: practical considerations for primary care.
AB  - Food allergy is increasing in frequency and so is the misunderstanding of what
      constitutes a true food allergy. This article will review basic concepts of
      classic IgE reactions to food as well as discuss some that occur through other
      mechanisms. The importance of a detailed history is emphasized. Information is
      provided on optimal evaluation, interpretation of results and treatment of these
      potentially life-threatening reactions. Finally the role an allergist can play in
      co-management is discussed.

PMID- 22073493
TI  - Primary immunodeficiency update and newborn screening.
AB  - Most newborns with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) appear normal.
      Hematopoietic stem cell transplant within the first three months of life
      increases survival and decreases medical costs. Newborn screening measuring T
      cell receptor excision circles (TREC), a by product of T cell maturation, offers
      the opportunity for early diagnosis before infections and failure to thrive
      occur. The Secretary of Health and Human Services recently recommended addition
      of TREC to newborn screening, enabling prompt diagnosis and effective management
      of SCID.

PMID- 22073495
TI  - Approach to patients with eosinophilia.
AB  - Eosinophilia is commonly seen in medical practice and can underlie a variety of
      medical conditions. Eosinophilia, defined as peripheral blood eosinophil counts
      greater than 500 per microliter, may vary from mild-severe. Idiopathic
      hypereosinophilic syndrome has been identified as an unusual cause of moderate to
      severe eosinophilia. Progress in treatment of this condition has accompanied
      greater understanding about the basic biology of eosinophils. This review will
      highlight the approach to patients with eosinophilia, along with associated
      conditions and syndromes.

PMID- 22073494
TI  - Angioedema: an overview and update.
AB  - Angioedema is an increasing cause of hospitalizations in the United States. This
      syndrome presents with non-pitting, asymmetric swelling of the face, lips,
      tongue, larynx, genitalia, and extremities, although any part of the body can be
      involved. Common causes of angioedema include allergic reactions and ACE
      inhibitors. Hereditary angioedema is a rare form of angioedema that can be
      diagnosed by screening with a C4 level. In 2009, three new treatments for
      hereditary angioedema were approved for use in the United States, revolutionizing
      management of this rare disease.

PMID- 22073496
TI  - The impact of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of allergic disease and asthma.
AB  - Personalized medicine includes the application of genomic information in
      predicting disease and therapeutic response to ultimately individualize patient
      care. Pharmacogenetics is key in achieving true personalized care. However, the
      clinical applicability of genetic testing to "everyday medicine" is yet to be
      realized. This paper will discuss areas in allergic/inflammatory disease that
      have been impacted by pharmacogenetic research and how this application may be
      brought from the "bench to the bedside."

PMID- 22073497
TI  - Post traumatic stress disorder: part II.

PMID- 22073498
TI  - Prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in nasal samples from
      preclinical second-year medical students.
AB  - In other studies, around 40% of preclinical medical students were colonized with
      Staphylococcus aureus but none were MRSA. This study was conducted to determine
      the level of S. aureus and MRSA in the nares of second year medical students.
      Over 47% of the student samples contained S. aureus. Five percent of S. aureus
      isolates possessed the mecA gene. Medical students in this study had a higher
      percent colonization with S. aureus and MRSA than previous studies.

PMID- 22073499
TI  - Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone due to multiple myeloma.
AB  - The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) has been
      linked to many malignancies. However, literature noting multiple myeloma as a
      possible cause of SIADH is lacking. Although there is a plethora of literature
      reporting multiple myeloma induced spurious hyponatremia, our review revealed
      only one case report, in 1983, describing multiple myeloma induced SIADH. Here we
      report another case of multiple myeloma induced SIADH, where secondary causes of
      SIADH, including pseudohyponatremia, were ruled out.

PMID- 22073500
TI  - Debt crisis: opportunity for nursing action.

PMID- 22073501
TI  - Targeting memory improvement in assisted living: a pilot study.
AB  - This pilot study tested an intervention designed to improve memory for assisted
      living (AL) residents. Seven residents in one Midwestern AL facility participated
      in a six-session memory program based on qualitative research that identified
      typical memory challenges of residents (e.g., remembering names, schedules, and
      appointments). Scores on memory self-efficacy (the Memory Complaint in Age
      Associated Impairment) and performance (Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test)
      measures were compared before and after the intervention. Self-efficacy improved
      significantly after the program (z = 2.37, p = .018) for remembering names, phone
      numbers, lists of items, and facts. Increases in actual memory performance were
      not statistically significant. However, three out of seven participants (43%)
      improved in recalling first and last names. Ongoing testing on larger samples
      with a control group design is needed to verify effects and determine any effects
      on daily functioning. This study suggests that cognitive interventions targeting
      frail elder populations are feasible to provide to older adults in AL.

PMID- 22073502
TI  - Function-focused care and changes in physical function in Chinese American and
      non-Chinese American hospitalized older adults.
AB  - Function-focused care (FFC) is a rehabilitative philosophy of care with which
      nurses help patients engage in activities of daily living and physical activity
      with the goal of preventing avoidable functional decline. This prospective,
      observational study described the degree of FFC provided by nursing staff to
      Chinese American (n = 32) and non-Chinese American (n = 43) older adults in
      medical-surgical units of an urban hospital. In both groups, only a few ADLs were
      a focus of FFC. Loss of physical function occurred, and physical function did not
      return to baseline by discharge in both groups; however, FFC was associated with
      less decline. Results suggest that hospitalized elders, both Chinese American and
      non-Chinese American, can benefit from nurse-led FFC. FFC may help minimize
      functional decline and decrease the use of postacute care rehabilitation. The
      gerontological rehabilitation nurse can play an essential role, guiding a
      function-focused approach throughout the hospital stay, including with the
      transitional care plan.

PMID- 22073503
TI  - The Mauk Model for Poststroke Recovery: assessing the phases.
AB  - Despite the estimated 795,000 strokes occurring in America annually (American
      Heart Association, 2009), few practical models guide nurses when they provide
      quality care to stroke survivors. The Mauk Model for Poststroke Recovery is a
      theoretical framework concerning six phases of poststroke recovery. The purpose
      of this article is to discuss a pilot study detailing the ways in which nursing
      students used the Mauk model to identify these phases of stroke recovery via
      patient case examples. A sample of 30 volunteer nursing students read five case
      studies and determined the phase of stroke recovery. Descriptive statistics about
      sample characteristics and frequencies were calculated using SPSS 14 for Windows.
      Nearly 57% (n = 17) of the students rated all of the case studies to the correct
      phase. Ways in which the model might be clarified and used as a valuable tool
      when assessing the phase of stroke recovery are described.

PMID- 22073504
TI  - Biomechanics and injury risk assessment of falls onto protective floor mats.
AB  - This study investigated the biomechanics of simulated sideways falls from various
      bed heights onto two types of protective floor mats. This article presents
      biomechanical injury criteria for evaluating the probability of sustaining
      injuries to the head, thorax, and pelvis. A side-impact dummy was raised to drop
      heights of 45.7 cm, 61.0 cm, and 76.2 cm and released. Two types of protective
      floor mats were evaluated and compared with impacts experienced on an unpadded,
      rigid floor. Results of the study demonstrated a high risk (> 50%) for serious
      head injury for falls onto an unpadded, rigid floor at 61.0-cm and 76.2-cm drop
      heights. Falls onto floor mats demonstrated significant reductions in injury risk
      to the head and pelvis for all drop heights. Thoracic injury risk was
      significantly reduced for all but the highest drop height.

PMID- 22073506
TI  - Managing change in today's healthcare world.

PMID- 22073505
TI  - Teaching adults SAFE medication management.
AB  - One in nine visits to the emergency department is the result of a drug-related
      adverse event and is possibly preventable (Zed et al., 2008). The rehabilitation
      nurse has the opportunity to teach adults a comprehensive medication management
      plan that will help reduce medication errors. Most patients have minimal
      medication experience or instruction; this article documents the effectiveness of
      using a S = systematic, A = accurate, F = functional, and E = effective
      instructional methodology to help patients learn about their medications. The
      methodology helps rehabilitation nurses teach the average patient about handling,
      absorbing, and implementing the information. This article presents detailed
      instruction about the salient points of the SAFE instructional program. Several
      figures, a checklist, and pictures demonstrate the techniques utilized.
      Prevention of medication errors is emphasized throughout.

PMID- 22073507
TI  - Defensive medicine: what is it?

PMID- 22073508
TI  - Clarification on new title identification requirement.

PMID- 22073509
TI  - ICD-10/5010: move it or lose it!

PMID- 22073510
TI  - 5010: what your clearinghouse should be doing to prepare.

PMID- 22073511
TI  - Accountable care organizations: a real change, maybe.

PMID- 22073512
TI  - EHR adoption: help is here for your decision-making process.

PMID- 22073513
TI  - EHR update: progress on meaningful use requirements.

PMID- 22073514
TI  - HIT and the future of healthcare.

PMID- 22073515
TI  - Encryption, HIPAA and your practice.

PMID- 22073516
TI  - Mediastinal extragonadal seminoma presenting as severe back pain in a young male.
AB  - Back pain is a common complaint in the outpatient setting. The etiology is most
      often benign but it can be a serious, even life-threatening problem. This report
      describes a 33-year-old Caucasian male who presented with severe upper back pain
      for three weeks that did not respond to symptomatic outpatient treatment. Imaging
      studies revealed a mediastinal mass and lymphadenopathy with superior vena cava
      and tracheal compression. Pathology showed a poorly-differentiated malignant
      neoplasm consistent with seminoma. No evidence of primary testicular tumor was
      found. His atypical presentation of back pain was thus consistent with an
      extragonadal seminoma in the mediastinum.

PMID- 22073517
TI  - Multiple myeloma with hypercalcemia and chloride resistant metabolic alkalosis.
AB  - This report describes a novel presentation of chloride resistant metabolic
      alkalosis in a patient with hypercalcemia related to Multiple Myeloma (MM). A 51
      year-old male with newly diagnosed MM presented with widespread skeletal
      involvement, calcium (Ca(+2)) of 18 mg/dL, phosphorous (PO4) of 6 mg/dL, serum
      bicarbonate (HCO3) of 37 mEq/L, and serum creatinine (Cr) of 2.6 mg/dL Other
      causes of metabolic alkalosis such as vomiting, diuretics, alkali ingestion,
      mineralocorticoid excess and hypokalemia were excluded. Hypercalcemia and
      metabolic alkalosis were only partially corrected after rehydration, calcitonin
      and steroids. Subsequent treatment with zoledronic acid resulted in resolution of
      hypercalcemia and correction of metabolic alkalosis.The chloride resistant
      component of metabolic alkalosis was most likely related to extensive release of
      Ca(+2), carbonate and phosphate from bone by activated osteoclasts with inhibited
      osteoblastic activity. The additional reduction in glomerular filtration rate due
      to MM, contributed to a triad mimicking Calcium-Alkali syndrome.

PMID- 22073518
TI  - Back to basics, medication safety at the bedside: a nursing administrator's
      perspective.

PMID- 22073519
TI  - Making all your professional dreams come true: the Center for Professional
      Excellence at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

PMID- 22073520
TI  - More than a thank you: the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
AB  - The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was established to thank the nursing
      profession. This article describes the DAISY Award and its positive effects on
      retention at an urban hospital in Philadelphia.

PMID- 22073521
TI  - Your environment, your health.

PMID- 22073522
TI  - Pathway to excellence: creating a practice environment that makes a difference.

PMID- 22073523
TI  - We rise....in the face of adversity.

PMID- 22073525
TI  - Empowerment: healthcare professionals' and community members' contributions.
AB  - Healthcare disparities for minorities are well reported and related to
      individual, provider and system characteristics. This paper reports a meta
      synthesis of "empowerment with Hispanic and Latino people. This meta-synthesis
      utilized Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic method (1988) examining seven
      qualitative studies to discover strategies of empowerment by healthcare
      professionals for Hispanic/Latino people. Three themes were disclosed: strategies
      for empowerment, sharing power, and growth of the Hispanic/Latino culture in the
      United States. These themes expand existing conceptualizations of ways in which
      health care professionals and community members can work in a participatory
      research approach to improve healthcare outcomes as well as empowering the
      community.

PMID- 22073524
TI  - Picuriste/injectionist use among Haitian immigrants in Miami-Dade County,
      Florida: implications for HIV-related theory.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We explore the risks reported to picuriste (injectionist) use in a
      non-probability sample of Haitian immigrant residents of Miami-Dade, Florida,
      using a mixed method approach. Picuristes typically have no formal medical
      training, and may use non-sterile needles. METHODS: Face to face semi-structured
      interviews were conducted of picuristes (n = 10) and picuriste users (n = 25). We
      sought to corroborate the qualitative findings by fielding a survey based on the
      interviews in a community-based sample of 205 Haitian immigrants. RESULTS: The
      findings from the interviews indicate picuriste injections do not adhere 100% to
      established standards for safe injections, and may pose health risks that are
      similar to those that exist for injection drug users. Yet, of the survey
      respondents (n = 205), 17.6% reported obtaining picuriste injections. CONCLUSION:
      Our findings shed light on a normally hidden cultural health behavior, enhancing
      our understanding of picuriste practice and use among Haitian immigrant residents
      of Miami-Dade County, Florida. We suggest that medical care must be delivered in
      a culturally competent, culturally sensitive manner, with open dialogue between
      physician and patient regarding health beliefs and practices.

PMID- 22073526
TI  - Academic partnerships and key leaders emerging from communities in the lower
      Mississippi Delta (LMD): a community-based participatory research model.
AB  - Collaboratively, the nutritional health problems of the Lower Mississippi Delta
      (LMD) region were examined and opportunities identified for conducting research
      interventions. To combat the nutritional health problems in the LMD, community
      residents yielded to a more comprehensive and participatory approach known as
      community-based participatory research (CBPR). Community residents partnered with
      academic researchers and other organizational entities to improve the overall
      quality of diet and health in their respective communities using CBPR. The
      collaborative work in the LMD focused on interventions conducted in each of three
      specific communities across three states: Marvell, Arkansas (Marvell NIRI), and
      its surrounding public school district; Franklin Parish in Louisiana (Franklin
      NIRI); and the city of Hollandale, Mississippi (Hollandale NIRI). This paper
      examined some of the research interventions conducted in Franklin, Hollandale,
      and Marvell NIRI respectively, how leadership emerged from each of these
      communities, and lessons learned as a result of the CBPR model.

PMID- 22073527
TI  - Assessing knowledge of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among African American women
      in two Mississippi communities.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the third leading cause of
      Mississippi infant mortality with nonwhite infants dying of SIDS at two to three
      times the rate of white infants. The purpose of this study was to assess the
      level of SIDS related knowledge among African American women in two geographical
      areas of Mississippi and gain insight on improving methods for SIDS education and
      outreach. DESIGN: An African American faculty was contracted to conduct six focus
      groups among African American women (n = 57) in two geographical areas of the
      state. FINDINGS: Themes were common among participants from both the metropolitan
      and rural Delta communities. Participants in both geographical areas were
      familiar with [or at least had previously heard] the term SIDS. Unfortunately,
      there was inconsistency among participants as to the source of information. Given
      the inconsistencies, it is not surprising that overall knowledge related to SIDS
      was incomplete and in some cases inaccurate. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Some
      information regarding SIDS is available in the various communities.
      Unfortunately, the information is not fully understood and is not consistently
      distributed resulting in a lack of knowledge among these women and thus, a
      continued risk for high rates of SIDS events in Mississippi.

PMID- 22073528
TI  - It ain't what you say, it's how you say it: linguistic and cultural diversity in
      the classroom.
AB  - The disparity between the cultural and linguistic diversity of the teaching
      population and the student population continues to grow as teacher education
      programs enroll and graduate primarily white teacher candidates (83.7%). At the
      same time, the diversity of the K-12 student body has increased with 65% of
      public school students being from culturally and linguistically diverse
      backgrounds (National Center for Education Statistics, 2007). This chasm between
      the diversity of the teaching force and student population is of concern as many
      teachers report that they do not have the cultural knowledge and experience of
      working or living in diverse environments, yet will be faced with teaching a very
      diverse student population. Hence, the need for teacher candidates and current
      teachers to be explicitly taught the skills needed to successfully teach diverse
      student populations is urgent. In this article, we explore the following
      phenomena: how linguistic and cultural diversity is regarded in teacher education
      programs, as well as teacher candidates' and current K-12 teachers' dispositions
      towards students who do not share their cultural backgrounds or language
      (including those who vary in their dialects). Finally, we will present strategies
      that teacher educators can use to embrace and empower culturally and
      linguistically diverse (CLD) teacher candidates, as well as prepare teacher
      candidates to teach diverse student populations.

PMID- 22073529
TI  - Spies, vaccines and violence: fake health campaigns and the neutrality of health.

PMID- 22073530
TI  - Keeping a place for health; the role of health professionals.

PMID- 22073531
TI  - The future of Trident.

PMID- 22073532
TI  - Evaluation of medical supplies essential for the care of survivors of sex- and
      gender-based violence in post-conflict Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
AB  - The fundamental concepts set forth in the formal Post-Conflict Needs Assessment
      (PCNA) initiative created by the United Nations Development Group have the
      potential to be adapted to assist local groups in documenting the needs of and
      the provision of health care to survivors of sex- and gender-based violence
      (SGBV) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In partnership with
      Congolese health care providers, we took the first step in advocating for a
      locally-adapted and focused needs assessment through the development and
      administration of surveys to providers in the South Kivu Province, DRC. The
      content of the surveys was largely based on lists of medical supplies deemed
      essential for reproductive health and for the care of survivors by the
      Reproductive Health Response in Crises Consortium. The providers in both urban
      and rural settings considered many of the supplies identified on the surveys
      necessary for the care of survivors (84%; p < 0.05) but considered few accessible
      (26%; p < 0.05) in their particular clinical settings. Providers also felt that
      the existing list of supplies was inadequate to meet the needs of survivors, and
      also that providers needed ongoing training to improve supply procurement and
      management, more knowledge of the needs of male survivors of SGBV, and more
      educational opportunities to improve the quality of care to survivors. Given the
      deficiencies expressed by providers in the surveys, this study demonstrated a
      critical need for a locally-adapted and focused needs assessment to improve
      health services to survivors.

PMID- 22073533
TI  - An agent-vector-host-environment model for controlling small arms and light
      weapons.
AB  - Armed violence is a significant public health problem. It results in fatal and
      non-fatal injuries and disrupts social and economic processes that are essential
      to the health of individuals and communities. We argue that an agent-vector-host
      environment model can be helpful in understanding and describing the availability
      and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Moreover, such a model can assist in
      identifying potential control points and in developing mitigation strategies.
      These concepts have been developed from analogous vector control programs and are
      applied to controlling arms to reduce their misuse. So-called 'denormalization'
      and 'de-legitimization' campaigns that focus on the vector - including the
      industry producing these commodities - can be based on the experience of public
      health in controlling tobacco use and exposure. This model can assist health
      professionals, civil society and governments in developing comprehensive
      strategies to limit the production, distribution and misuse of small arms and
      light weapons.

PMID- 22073534
TI  - [Designer drugs in Finland].
AB  - Designer drugs are synthetic psychotropic drugs which are marketed as "legal
      drugs". Their emergence, rapid spreading and unpredictable effects have
      challenged the health and substance abuse care. The slow process of
      classification of an abusable drug has provided too many possibilities for
      spreading the designer drugs. Once a certain substance receives an illegal drugs
      classification, dealers and users usually move to another, slightly different
      molecule that is still legal. In Finland, the Narcotics Act has been amended to
      the effect that the addition of a new substance to the illegal drug list does not
      require an amendment to the law.

PMID- 22073535
TI  - [First-line bevacizumab in ovarian cancer].
AB  - Based on encouraging Phase II data, two randomized phase III trials (GOG218 and
      ICON7) aimed at showing a progression-free survival (PFS) benefit of bevacizumab
      combined with first-line paclitaxel and carboplatin, followed by maintenance
      bevacizumab, in ovarian cancer. The median PFS increased to four and two months,
      respectively, as compared to chemotherapy alone. However, these two trials left
      important questions like proper patient selection, optimal dose level and length
      of maintenance phase, unanswered. Neither do we know if the quite modest
      progression-free survival benefit will translate into an overall survival
      benefit. Consequently, first-line bevacizumab in ovarian cancer cannot at present
      be recommended.

PMID- 22073536
TI  - [Mechanical support for the heart and circulation in adults].
AB  - In severe, acute or chronic heart failure, the heart and the circulation can be
      mechanically supported, if the patient's life is in danger despite maximal drug
      therapy, and other cardiologic or heart surgery treatment options or a suitable
      heart transplant are not available. Long-term prognosis of those treated with
      mechanical support has improved in the 2000's. This is based on technically
      advanced equipment, improved treatment practices, properly targeted patient
      selection and more accurate timing of therapy.

PMID- 22073537
TI  - [Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (ECMO) in the
      treatment of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome].
AB  - Extracorporeal oxygenator is used in severe respiratory and/or circulatory
      failure that is intractable to other therapies. In ECMO therapy, poorly
      oxygenated blood is pumped through an extracorporeal oxygenator and directed back
      to the patient's circulation. The therapy can be utilized to maintain the
      homeostasis of the organ system during circulatory or respiratory failure
      resulting from a disease. Due to risk of complications, ECMO should be used with
      caution on carefully selected patients. For a severely ill patient ECMO can be
      life-saving when started early.

PMID- 22073538
TI  - [Fruit fly--genetically excellent model animal for research].
AB  - Drosophila melanogaster, i.e., the fruit fly is a familiar nuisance in late
      summer. For those living in a country plagued by myriads of flying insects, it is
      difficult to think any other model animal as an ethically more suitable research
      tool. Due to its genetic manipulability, the fruit fly is an excellent research
      model, but mainly due to lack of experience, has been utilized only to a small
      extent in medical research in Finland. For instance, the readily available
      transgenic RNAi strains have made functional, genome-wide screening possible in a
      complete organism or in a designated tissue.

PMID- 22073539
TI  - [Information retrieval and reading routines in medical students].
AB  - For a physician working as an expert continuous following of scientific
      literature is required. We elucidated the competence of 5th and 6th year students
      for the development of expertise. The mean time spent on reading medical
      literature was seven hours a week. The most important source of information for
      the students were websites with short quidelines and introductions written in
      students' own language. International original articles or English textbooks were
      not so much appreciated and seldom read. The present curricula in our medical
      schools do not encourage the student to search and acquire knowledge wider than
      their patients themselves do.

PMID- 22073540
TI  - [Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in children].
AB  - Thrombocytopenia associated with ITP in children usually returns to normal within
      a couple of months. Drug therapies are required to treat hemorrhages in
      approximately one fifth of the patients. Intravenously infused immunoglobulin is
      effective more rapidly than corticosteroid therapy, but the treatment response is
      mostly temporary. Thrombocytopenia is alleviated by splenectomy in approx. 70% of
      chronic ITP patients. In the absence of primary disease causing thrombocytopenia,
      splenectomy has to be contemplated, if thrombocytopenia impairs the quality of
      life for more than one year. New drug therapies such as rituximab and growth
      factor products increasing thrombopoiesis may decrease the number of
      splenectomies.

PMID- 22073541
TI  - [Treatment of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint with botulinum
      toxin: an alternative approach].
AB  - Repeated injections of botulinum toxin carried out at regular intervals are an
      effective means to treat otherwise treatment-resistant recurrent dislocation of
      the temporomandibular joint. The treatment can be performed simply and safely
      without electromyography (EMG) or imaging control by a specialist having
      expertise in the anatomy of the region. In a patient described by us, a
      previously treatment-resistant condition has been successfully treated in this
      way for three years.

PMID- 22073542
TI  - [Phytosymbiosis of aerobic methylobacteria: New facts and views ].

PMID- 22073543
TI  - [The effect of different heat influences on composition of membrane lipids and
      cytosol carbohydrates in mycelial fungi ].

PMID- 22073544
TI  - Evidence for a sodium-dependent proline and glycine-betaine uptake in the
      cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum.
AB  - The cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum is able to utilized proline and glycine
      betaine as a nitrogen source under unstressed growth conditions. This
      cyanobacterium when grow in modified Chu No. 10 medium (without Na+) unable to
      utilized proline and glycine-betaine as a nitrogen source. Spontaneously
      occurring mutant clones defective in Na+ transport (Na+-R) were isolated and
      analyzed for proline and glycine-betaine utilization. The mutant phenotype showed
      normal heterocyst frequency and nitrogenase activity even in the medium
      containing 1 mM proline or 1 mM glycine-betaine, indicates the role of Na+ for
      proline/glycine-betaine uptake. The Na+-R mutant showed 100% survival at pH 11
      and was simultaneously able to uptake and utilize proline/glycine-betaine at
      higher alkaline pH. This indicates that proline and glycine-betaine uptake
      systems are more efficient at higher alkaline pH. Since, the hypersaline
      environments are rich in Na+ contents and have alkaline pH, therefore it is
      suggested that the origin and evolution of specific compatible solutes may not
      depend only on the osmoregulatory role they play, but also on the other
      ecological factors operating simultaneously in the organism's niche.

PMID- 22073545
TI  - Adhering ability of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is dependent on growth
      conditions.
AB  - The growth conditions are known to influence the bacterial adhesion to different
      kinds of surfaces. In the present study the adhering ability of Stenotrophomonas
      maltophilia, on growth in nutrient rich media (Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB)) and
      minimal media (Luria Bertani (LB)) was checked by viable cell count and
      spectrophotometric method. TSB grown S. maltophilia showed higher adhesion
      compared to bacteria grown in LB broth, to both biotic and abiotic surfaces.
      However, when bacteria were grown in LB broth supplemented with different
      concentrations of glucose, under aerobic conditions, the bacteria grown at lower
      glucose concentration (2 gm/l) showed maximum adhesion to abiotic surfaces
      (polystyrene microtiter plate) compared to biotic surfaces (mouse trachea, mouse
      tracheal mucus and HEp-2 cells line). Maximum adhesion to biotic surfaces was
      seen with cells grown at 4 gm/l of glucose concentration. On the contrary if the
      cell was grown under microaerophilic conditions maximum adhesion to abiotic and
      biotic surfaces was achieved with bacteria grown at 1 gm/l and 2 gm/l of glucose
      concentration respectively. A negative correlation was observed between glucose
      concentrations and pH of media, the latter declined faster under microaerophilic
      conditions as compared to aerobic condition.

PMID- 22073546
TI  - [Resting forms of Sinorhizobium meliloti ].

PMID- 22073547
TI  - Isolation and characterization of some moderately halophilic bacteria with lipase
      activity.
AB  - Lipases are an important class of enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of long
      chain triglycerides and constitute the most prominent group ofbiocatalysts for
      biotechnological applications. There are a number of lipases, produced by some
      halophilic microorganisms. In this study, some lipase producing bacteria from
      Maharlu salt lake located in south of Iran were isolated. All isolates were
      screened for true lipase activity on plates containing olive oil. The lipase
      activity was measured using titrimetric methods. Among thirty three isolates,
      thirteen strains demonstrating orange zone around colonies under UV light, were
      selected for identification using the molecular methods and some morphological
      characteristics. The bacterium Bacillus vallismortis BCCS 007 with 3.41 +/- 0.14
      U/mL lipase activity was selected as the highest lipase producing isolate. This
      is the first report of isolation and molecular identification of lipase producing
      bacteria from Maharlu lake.

PMID- 22073548
TI  - Evaluation of the relative cell surface charge by using microbial adhesion to
      hydrocarbon.
AB  - A simple and rapid method, Microbial adhesion to hexadecane, for estimating the
      cell surface charge is proposed. This method is based on the determination of
      cell affinity to hexadecane at low ionic strength and at high ionic strength. The
      difference between these two affinities can provide the relative cell surface
      charge. The application of this method for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia
      coli show that the profile of surface charge evolution as a function ofpH was
      similar to these obtained by microelectrophoresis method.

PMID- 22073549
TI  - Heterogeneity in the ITS of the ribosomal DNA of Pyrenophora graminea isolates
      differing in xylanase and amylase production.
AB  - Xylanase and amylase have gained increasing interest because of their various
      biotechnology applications. In this research, the restriction of PCR-amplified
      internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was used to confirm
      the genetic variation among 22 isolates of Pyrenophora graminea differing in
      their xylanase and amylase production. The fingerprints generated from the six
      restriction digestions of the rDNA ITS region showed high levels ofintraspecific
      variation within the P. graminea population. Neighbour-Joining diagram, based on
      Nei's genetic distances, showed that isolates formed two phylogenetic groups. No
      apparent association could be observed between xylanase and amylase production
      and genetic diversity among the twenty-two isolates.

PMID- 22073550
TI  - [Role of the snorA gene in nogalamycin biosynthesis by strain Streptomyces
      nogalater Lv65 ].

PMID- 22073552
TI  - [Macrokinetics of microbial growth and decline in soil ].

PMID- 22073551
TI  - [Molecular polymorphism of alpha-galactosidase MEL genes of Saccharomyces yeasts
      ].

PMID- 22073553
TI  - [Outer membrane nanovesicles of gram-negative bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and
      Aeromonas salmonicida ].

PMID- 22073554
TI  - [Fossilization of the cells of natronophilic endoevaporite cyanobacterium
      Euhalothece natronophila in a modelling system ].

PMID- 22073555
TI  - [Novel ultramicrobacteria, strains NF4 and NF5, of the genus Chryseobacterium:
      Facultative epibionts of Bacillus subtilis ].

PMID- 22073556
TI  - [Phylogenetic composition of bacterial communities in small boreal lakes and
      ombrotrophic bogs of the upper Volga basin ].

PMID- 22073557
TI  - Studies on mineral phosphate solubilization by cyanobacteria Westiellopsis and
      Anabaena.
AB  - Two diazotrophic cyanobacteria, Westiellopsis prolifica and Anabaena variabilis
      were evaluated for elucidating the possible mechanism of mineral phosphate
      solubilization. Phosphate starved cyanobacteria evaluated for the presence of
      organic acids, extracellular compounds or enzymes that might have been produced
      and promoted the mineral phosphate solubilization with Mussorie Rock Phosphate
      and Tricalcium Phosphate as substrates. Both the cultures did not reveal
      production of organic acids throughout the incubation period when checked for
      decrease in pH of the media and thin layer chromatography Thin layer
      chromatography of culture filtrates showed the presence of hydrocarbon like
      compound. Further analysis of the culture filtrates with gas liquid
      chromatography, a single peak near to the retention time of 7.6 was observed in
      all extracts of culture filtrates irrespective of phosphate source. UV-visible
      spectra of culture filtrates revealed the absorption maxima of 276 nm. Gas
      Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric analysis of culture filtrates showed most
      intense peak in the electron impact (EI) ionization was at m/z 149 and molecular
      ion peaks at m/z 207 and 167, inferring the presence of phthalic acid. Among the
      mechanisms in mineral phosphate solubilization, it was evident that these
      cyanobacteria used phthalic acid as possible mode of P solubilization.

PMID- 22073558
TI  - [Compositions of microbial communities in sulfide nickel ore waste piles ].

PMID- 22073559
TI  - [Hydrophobic and donor-acceptor properties of the surface of Warnerin-sensitive
      or -resistant staphylococcus cells ].

PMID- 22073560
TI  - [Microbial communities of water column of Lake Radok, East Antarctica, dominated
      by abundant actinobacterium "Candidatus Planktophila limnetica"].

PMID- 22073561
TI  - [Pathophysiology of peripheral airway obstruction underlying COPD].

PMID- 22073562
TI  - [Concept of COPD, from past to the present].
AB  - The clinical concept of COPD initially started in conjunction with American
      Emphysema and British Bronchitis in CIBA Guest Symposium in 1958. JC Hogg, et al.
      recognized the peripheral airways as the major site of airflow obstruction in
      COPD in 1968. Thirty-six years later in 2004, JC Hogg, et al. described the
      pathological nature of small-airway obstruction in COPD. The GOLD project
      provided state-of-the-art information about COPD in 2001, in which it is stated
      that the chronic airflow limitation characteristic of COPD is caused by a mixture
      of small airway disease and parenchymal destruction. Cigarette smoke may
      accelerate the aging of lung or worsen aging-related events in lung by defective
      resolution of inflammation. Accelerated decline in lung function is recognized to
      occur in asthma, especially in those with asthma who smoke. With increasing age,
      there was a greater increase in the proportion of patients with overlapping COPD
      and asthma.

PMID- 22073563
TI  - [Epidemiology of COPD in Japan].
AB  - The prevalence of COPD in Japan is revealed to be 8.6 % which is almost the same
      as foreign countries. However, there are many undiagnosed COPD patients. More
      than half of undiagnosed COPD patients go regularly to medical institution with
      other diseases. Among the patients who are 40 or more and go clinics with non
      respiratory diseases, the prevalence of COPD is 8.6 to 10.3 %. If they have
      smoking history or some respiratory symptoms, the prevalence of COPD is 22 %. In
      Japanese reports, atherosclerosis is detected in 73.8 % of COPD patients, and the
      prevalence of COPD is high in heart failure, ischemic heart failure and liver
      diseases. The effort to decrease the mortality of COPD in Japan is necessary.

PMID- 22073564
TI  - [Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease: 3rd edition].
AB  - The third edition of COPD guidelines of the Japanese Respiratory Society can
      provide clinicians with practically applicable information covering all the main
      points such as definition, stage classification and severity, treatment and
      management, COPD with asthma, and clinical care system. The guidelines are clear
      and useful in the diagnosis and management for COPD as complex disease or
      syndrome.

PMID- 22073565
TI  - [Cigarette smoking is the most important causal factor for developing chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)].
AB  - Cigarette smoking is the most important causal factor for developing chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). On the other hand, a substantial proportion
      of COPD cases suffer from obstructive disorder by other causes than smoking,
      especially among younger persons, females, and residents of developing countries.
      There are evidences that several rare genetic syndromes(such as alpha 1
      antitrypsin deficiency) and occupational exposures as causes of COPD.
      Environmental tobacco smoke, biomass smoke, and dietary factors are likely causes
      of COPD, although their contribution is much less compared to active smoking.
      Smoking during pregnancy may also pose a risk for the fetus, by affecting lung
      growth and development in uterus. The quicker the smoking cessation is achieved,
      the more improvements in the lung functions the COPD patients can obtain. Smoking
      should be avoided as soon as possible in all the COPD subjects and those who are
      at risk for developing COPD.

PMID- 22073566
TI  - [Neutrophils and macrophages related to the pathogenesis and disease development
      of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by the inflammatory reaction].
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic airway disorder
      characterized by obstructive airflow limitation which is not completely
      reversible with treatment. Inflammatory changes in the peripheral airways,
      especially those with the diameter less than 2mm (so-called small airway disease)
      have been speculated to be initial steps of COPD. And so it must be quite clear
      that neutrophils and macrophages play an essential role in the pathogenesis of
      these lesions. Studies with bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated an increase in
      neutrophil numbers and the neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin-8. Recent
      studies demonstrated that neutrophils and macrophages are increased and contain a
      variety of proteases, which are involved in cell infiltration and activation.
      Studies with gene-engineered animals and anti-cytokine treatment will facilitate
      better understanding the role of neutrophils and macrophages, and eventual novel
      therapy.

PMID- 22073567
TI  - [Cytokines and proteases involved in pathogenesis of COPD].
AB  - COPD is characterized by persistence of chronic inflammation in small airways and
      alveoli. Macrophages, neutrophils, and a specialized subset of T lymphocytes
      orchestrate the mild inflammation. This article focuses on humoral factors such
      as cytokines and chemokines that recruit these inflammatory and immune cells to
      the lungs, and proteases/antiproteases that ultimately cause structural
      derangement in the terminal respiratory zones. In addition to the classical
      protease and antiprotease imbalance hypothesis, alveolar homeostasis abnormality
      that comes from imbalance of lung constitutional cell apoptosis and regeneration
      may play a role in emphysema development. Also, autoimmunity to elastin
      degradation products may take part in the disease.

PMID- 22073568
TI  - [Roles of apoptosis, cell senescence, and DNA damage in the pathogenetic
      mechanism of COPD].
AB  - Pulmonary emphysema is a dynamic phenomenon involving not only the gradual
      destruction of extracellular matrix by excess of proteases, but also apoptosis,
      cell proliferation, and senescence. Cellular proliferation compensates for
      enhanced alveolar cell apoptosis whereas cell senescence caused by cigarette
      smoking and increased cell turnover halts cell proliferation, tipping the balance
      toward apoptosis. As a result, alveolar cells gradually disappear and
      emphysematous lesions advance. At the same time, cellular senescence causes
      chronic inflammation through enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines.
      Recent findings suggest that DNA damage (double strand breaks) underlies the
      molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, cell senescence, and chronic inflammation in
      emphysematous lungs.

PMID- 22073569
TI  - [Genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease that results
      from the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Different
      approaches have been used to identify the genetic factors: genome-wide linkage
      study, gene expression profiling, candidate gene association study, and genome
      wide association study. Although many genes responsible for susceptibility to
      COPD have been reported, most of them have not been replicated in other study
      populations. Difficulty in replication is attributed to the genetic and
      phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease as well as the small influence of each
      gene on the development of the disease. A more precise definition is required for
      the characterization of different COPD phenotypes such as emphysema and small
      airway disease. A combination of several approaches using the improved phenotypes
      will lead to detection of novel susceptibility genes and new therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22073570
TI  - [Classification and the staging of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and
      assessment of determinant factors of prognosis].
AB  - Classification of the stage of COPD is based on flow limitation such as post
      bronchodilator FEV1. GOLD guideline and JRS guideline, and other guidelines are
      almost similar standards. But prognosis is not determined only FEV1. COPD is
      recognized not only lung disease but also systemic disease. This is a reason why
      the multidimensional estimation is needed. Prognostic factors are proposed for
      many studies, for example exercise capacity (6MWD, VO2max), BMI, dyspnea score,
      BODE index, and so on. BODE index is a multidimensional index, consist of 4
      categories such as BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity. High
      BODE index means poor prognosis. Exacerbation frequency and fibronectin/CRP ratio
      proposed as prognostic factors too.

PMID- 22073571
TI  - [Clinical findings of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) can show various unique
      clinical findings. Whenever we examine smokers or ex-smokers, especially for
      those with chronic productive cough or dyspnea on effort, we have to pay
      attention to whether they would have clinical manifestations associated with
      COPD. Making physical diagnosis is quick and requires few costs. Rapid physical
      diagnosis of COPD in primary care practice can also lead to earlier actions of
      preventive measures and counseling for patients regarding smoking cessation.
      Furthermore, rapid physical diagnosis of COPD in an emergency department could be
      crucial for timely implementation of potentially lifesaving management specific
      for COPD patients. In this review, we will present an extensive list of clinical
      findings of COPD patients.

PMID- 22073572
TI  - [Comprehensive management for the comorbidities and pulmonary complications in
      COPD].
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been recently recognized not
      only as inflammatory airway disorders, but also as a chronic systemic
      inflammatory syndrome. The systemic inflammation causes a variety of
      abnormalities in the patients. In the end, systemic comorbidities including
      cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and
      psychological disorders are highly prevalent in patients with COPD. These
      disorders and those related pulmonary complications have a great impact on
      quality of life (QOL) and mortality in the patients. For the improving the QOL
      and the mortality, we have to diagnose these comorbidities early and to treat the
      complications properly. This review discusses pathogenic mechanisms of the
      comorbidities and implications for the comprehensive management in patients with
      COPD.

PMID- 22073573
TI  - [Differential diagnosis of COPD from asthma].
AB  - COPD and asthma share common features such as chronic airway inflammation and
      remodeling and chronic airflow obstruction, while they involve numbers of
      differences. The differential diagnosis of these disorders is important, because
      they differ in preferred treatment and prognosis. It is usually easy based on the
      characteristic history and physiological findings, but may sometimes be difficult
      especially in the elderly. The precise understanding of these disorders is
      therefore very essential.

PMID- 22073574
TI  - [Further examination of COPD using spirometry, respiratory function test, and
      impulse oscillometry].
AB  - Spirometry is essential for diagnosis and staging of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). Characteristic of physiological change of small airways
      in COPD is heterogeneous distribution of small airway narrowing, resulting in air
      trapping and nonhomogeneous ventilation. FEF25-75, residual volume/total lung
      capacity, delta N2 in phase III slope of single breath N2 washout test, closing
      volume, static and dynamic compliance, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity
      (transfer factor) are measured for detecting small airways disease. Impulse
      oscillometry is also useful for assessment of small airways disease, especially
      indices of frequent resonance (Fres) and frequent dependent of resistance change
      of R5-R20; resistance at 5 Hz minus resistance at 20 Hz. Impulse oscillometry
      seems to have a complemental role of spirometry in managing COPD.

PMID- 22073575
TI  - [Diagnostic imaging--CT, dynamic CT, and others].
AB  - Technical advances have raised computed tomography(CT) as a strong diagnostic
      tool of clinical imaging. Emphysematous changes can be quantitatively analyzed as
      low attenuation area which correlated with diffusion capacity, quality of life,
      and nutritional states, but not so much with forced expiratory volume in one
      second. With co-analyzing airway wall thickness, those are possibly useful to
      understand phenotypes. Dynamics of airway during breathing can be visualized by
      dynamic CT such as electron-beam CT. Dynamic airway narrowing is a representative
      feature in emphysematous lung.

PMID- 22073576
TI  - [Arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximeter].
AB  - We inspire air and get oxygen, and the storaging conditions of the oxygen in the
      blood are gas and solid (Hb-O2) type. To measure the gas type oxygen in the
      blood, we use blood gas analyzing meters, and we also can measure solid type
      oxygen by this method. From this method, we can get arterial partial pressure of
      oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH, HCO3(-),
      and so on. By the way, pulse oximeter is an equipment to measure percutaneous
      arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Although the PaO2 and SpO2 are essential
      parameters to know the clinical conditions of COPD patients, we should be aware
      of the primary differences between them, and use these parameters effectively.

PMID- 22073577
TI  - [Airway biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). Monitoring of inflammation of the airways has,
      therefore, become a growing are of research and there is particular interest in
      noninvasive approaches which allow frequent monitoring. Induced sputum has
      provided important insights into airway inflammation in COPD. However, induced
      sputum is relatively invasive. This has focused attention on other noninvasive
      methods. Exhaled breath condensate has the potential to measure semi-volatile
      lipid mediators. However, a major problem limiting the usefulness of this
      technique is variable dilution with water vapor and low concentrations of
      mediators. Many volatile organic compounds have been detected in the breath and
      the pattern of molecules can now be characterized with various electronic noses.

PMID- 22073578
TI  - [Exercise test and respiratory muscle function test].
AB  - Dyspnea on exertion is a chief complaint of patients with COPD, and it has a
      major effect on the quality of their lives. Dyspnea is, by definition,
      subjective, but objective approaches are needed for a comprehensive understanding
      of these patients' conditions. Thus, measuring changes in cardiopulmonary
      variables during exercise can be very helpful when evaluating patients with COPD.
      The main purpose of exercise testing is to evaluate exercise tolerance and to
      identify the factors limiting exercise. Although incremental exercise testing is
      ideal for these purposes, simple walking tests such as 6-minute walking test, are
      also useful.

PMID- 22073580
TI  - [Pharmacologic treatments of COPD depending on disease severity].
AB  - Depending on decreases in lung function and severity of symptoms, treatment with
      bronchodilators, including beta2-agonists and anticholinergics, is performed in
      pharmacologic treatments of COPD. Methylxanthines are also frequently used in
      Japan. As-needed use of short-acting bronchodilators is recommended for patients
      with mild COPD for relief of symptoms. Regular treatment with long-acting
      bronchodilators is more effective than treatment with short-acting
      bronchodilators. Inhaled beta2-agonists and anticholinergics in combination are
      more effective than either agent alone. Combining bronchodilators with different
      mechanisms of action may increase the effects of bronchodilation, may improve
      symptoms and quality of life, and reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Inhaled
      corticosteroids reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve symptoms in
      severe COPD.

PMID- 22073579
TI  - [Evidence of pharmacotherapy in COPD--key findings from recently-conducted
      randomized clinical studies].
AB  - The primary aim of pharmachotherapy in COPD is improvement of exertional dyspnea
      and quality of life through its bronchodilator effects. However, there is
      emerging evidence that pharmacotherapy may reduce exacerbations, alleviate annual
      decline of pulmonary function, and even favorably affect mortality, thus changing
      natural history of COPD. The large-scaled randomized clinical trials, such as
      TORCH, UPLIFT, have revealed that combination of long acting beta2 agonist (LABA)
      and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), LABA/ICS, and/or tiotropium alone may have
      such effects. In addition, carbocisteine, which is a mucolytic and anti-oxidant
      agent, has been shown to reduce exacerbations in COPD. Future directions on
      pharmacotherapy are personalized medicine based on phenotyping of the disease and
      development of new agents which may cure airway inflammation in COPD.

PMID- 22073581
TI  - [Novel therapeutics for COPD].
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressing lung disorder
      mainly caused by cigarette smoking. The central pathogeneses are inflammation,
      oxidative stress, apoptosis and excessive proteases which lead to matrix
      degradation and loss of lung cells. The inflammation is somehow perpetuated even
      after quit smoking and is generally refractory to glucocorticoid therapy. It is
      thus hoped to develop novel anti-inflammatory agents for prevention of disease
      progression. As molecular mechanisms of COPD are gradually clarified, numerous
      numbers of molecular targeted agents have been developed for therapeutics. In
      this section, novel agents for COPD targeted at signal transduction molecules,
      cytokines, chemokines and those receptors, adhesion molecules, oxidative stress
      and proteases are discussed.

PMID- 22073582
TI  - [Smoking cessation].
AB  - Smoking has been determined as a cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) in most patients. Smoking cessation should be stressed above everything
      else for COPD patients under all conditions. A smoking habit is determined not as
      a preference but as a dependency on tobacco; therefore, smoking cessation is
      difficult solely based on one's motivation. Smoking cessation therapy is employed
      with cessation aids. Now, we can use nicotine-containing gum, patches, and the
      nicotine-receptor partial agonist varenicline. First, nicotine from tobacco is
      replaced with a nicotin patch, or a nicotine-free condition is induced by
      varenicline. Subsequently, the drugs are gradually reduced. In Japan, smoking
      cessation therapy is covered by public health insurance as definite requirements.

PMID- 22073583
TI  - [Pulmonary rehabilitation: exercise training, nutritional intervention and
      patient education].
AB  - The optimal care of patients with COPD generally requires combining pharmacologic
      and non pharmacologic therapies and the latter provides as pulmonary
      rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes exercise training,
      patient education, psychosocial support, nutritional intervention, and outcome
      assessments. Pulmonary rehabilitation has demonstrated effectiveness over
      multiple outcome areas such as dyspnea, exercise capacity, and health-related
      quality of life compared with other interventions such as pharmacologic therapy.
      However, it is not enough access for pulmonary rehabilitation, so effort should
      be made for easy access of this effective medical care.

PMID- 22073584
TI  - [Long term oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation for patients with COPD].
AB  - Non-drug treatments such as long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and non-invasive
      positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) are thought important for patients with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is reported that LTOT can
      improve the prognosis of patients with COPD, particularly who have severe
      respiratory failure. NPPV attracted attention to avoid endotracheal intubation
      and high efficacy in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. In chronic phase
      of COPD, NPPV may improve the quality of life in patients with hypercapnia,
      selected carefully.

PMID- 22073585
TI  - [Surgical and bronchoscopic treatment for COPD].
AB  - Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has been proved as the safe, effective, and
      durable treatment which improves life-span, exercise tolerance, QOL, and dyspnea
      in patients with severe COPD selected appropriately by distribution of emphysema
      (upper lobe vs non-upper lobe) and exercise capacity(low vs high) through the
      National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) as well as previous or concurrent
      reports of clinical studies. However, this procedure has not always been offered
      to those patients who might benefit from it these years because of significant
      morbidity and mortality during perioperative period and in part because of
      misleading in early results of the trial. On the other hand, nonsurgical
      procedures, such as endobronchial valve to intend collapse of the emphysematous
      lung, extra-anatomical airway bypass to eliminate excessive residual lung volume,
      and remodeling of emphysematous lung with biological adhesives or vapor ablation
      have been proposed as alternative treatments for emphysema recently. However,
      efficacy and duration of these bronchoscopic lung volume reduction procedures are
      less than those of LVRS, and issues to be clarified remain. LVRS should be re
      considered as a promising and practical tool for patients with emphysema
      confronting severe dyspnea during daily activities.

PMID- 22073586
TI  - [Treatment for exacerbation--drug and non-drug therapy, criteria of
      hospitalization and ICU admission].
AB  - It is necessary to evaluate the degree of severity and make a diagnosis of
      exacerbation factor for acute exacerbation of COPD patients. The highest
      frequency exacerbation factors are respiratory infection and aerial pollution, so
      clinical examinations and treatments should be done in consideration of these
      exacerbation factors. In case of respiratory failure, it is preferable to treat a
      patient in the hospital. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate the type of
      respiratory failure, in other words, with or without of hypercapnia. When
      patients have respiratory failure with hypercapnia, ventilatory assisit therapy
      is necessary in addition to oxygen therapy. Moreover, it is very important to
      prevent exacerbation, because patients of COPD exacerbation have poor prognosis
      and QOL.

PMID- 22073587
TI  - [Regenerative approach for COPD].
AB  - No treatment to cure of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
      available. Regenerative medicine is one of promising areas for this intractable
      disease. Several reagents and growth factors are known to promote lung
      regeneration in small animal models. However, regenerative medicines for human
      lungs are not achieved yet. Recent advances in stem cell biology and tissue
      engineering have expanded our understanding of lung endogenous stem cells, and
      this new knowledge provides us with new ideas for future regenerative therapy for
      lung diseases. Although lungs are the most challenging organ for regenerative
      medicine, our cumulative knowledge of lung regeneration and of endogenous
      progenitor cells makes clear the possibilities for regenerative approach to COPD.

PMID- 22073588
TI  - [Current status and future of lung transplantation].
AB  - Lung transplantation has been a widely accepted treatment modality for patients
      with end-stage chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). COPD is the most frequent
      indication for lung transplantation according to the report from International
      Society for Lung and Heart Transplantation. However, it is a minor population in
      Japan. A total of 204 lung transplants have been performed in Japan to date.
      Among them, 10 patients were suffering from severe COPD. Nine of them received
      cadaveric lung transplantation and one received living-donor lobar lung
      transplantation. All are currently alive during follow-up period of 3-87 months.

PMID- 22073589
TI  - [Concept of teamwork and inter- and intra-connection for better management of
      COPD patients].
AB  - The elderly population makes up a majority of the patients with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and more than 90 % of these patients have
      mild or moderate severity of COPD. Furthermore, in general, most severe cases
      receiving occasional long-term oxygen therapy may show a gradual decline in the
      activity of daily living and/or a cognitive impairment during the clinical
      course. These conditions together with the fact that in most cases the medical
      facility is far from patient's home prevent them from regularly visiting chest
      physicians at a large community hospital; therefore, they are possibly managed by
      non-specialists at private clinics. Recently, there have been significant
      advances in COPD management, and evidences of its appropriate pharmaceutical
      treatment are now available. Thus, there is a need for translational research
      with the recent advances in COPD management. This manuscript describes the
      concept of teamwork and inter- and intra-connection for better management of COPD
      patients.

PMID- 22073590
TI  - [Genetic analysis for nicotine dependence].
AB  - Smoking cessation is extremely important to prevent the development of the
      serious diseases, such as COPD and cancers. Absorbed nicotine through smoking
      into the body is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6. On the other,
      the nicotine acts in the brain through neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
      (nAChRs), which regulate the addictive properties of nicotine. Many associated
      studies have implicated genetic backgrounds influence smoking behavior and
      nicotine dependence. In these concepts, we here discuss the genes related to
      nicotine dependence from the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of
      nicotine. Referring to the genome association studies, better understanding the
      molecular mechanisms of nicotine dependence would help to design targeted, more
      effective therapies for the tobacco-related diseases and smoking cessation
      program.

PMID- 22073591
TI  - [Mechanisms of cellular senescence by tumor suppressor p53].
AB  - Cellular senescence is a complexity of ageing and cancer biology. As malignant
      tumors can culminate individuals in life-termination, evolution has provided
      multicellular organisms with an acquisition of distinctive safety device,
      cellular senescence, to circumvent the development. Diploid cells, indeed, sense
      accumulation of hostile stresses such as genomic integrity, metabolic dysfunction
      and oncogene-induced mitotic signals, leading to activation of cell cycle arrest
      and/or programmed cell death. A tumor suppressor, p53, has been reported to
      function as a governing center to defend against these malignant transformations.
      Here we review how p53 cooperate with adverse stresses to drive cellular
      senescence, providing a framework for intricate molecular cross-talks.

PMID- 22073592
TI  - [Current state and measures of NSAIDs induced ulcer].
AB  - In recent years, the incidence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has
      been decreasing and the incidence of peptic ulcer and bleeding ulcer induced by
      NSAIDs, especially low-dose aspirin (LDA), have been increasing. PPI and PG are
      useful for treatment and prevention of ulcers in patients receiving continuous
      administration of NSAIDs and/or LDA. H. pylori eradication is effective if
      performed before the start of NSAIDs administration, but a beneficial effect of
      H. pylori eradication performed during NSAIDs treatment cannot be expected. The
      incidence of ulcers is lower when administering COX-2-selective inhibitor than
      when administering non-selective NSAIDs, but attention must be given to
      cardiovascular events as side effects when administering COX-2-selective
      inhibitor.

PMID- 22073593
TI  - [Clinical investigation of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis --investigation of
      inpatients in the Kyushu region between 2004 and 2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a clinical investigation of patients with multidrug
      resistant (MDR) tuberculosis who received either drug therapy alone or drug
      therapy in combination with surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients
      with MDR tuberculosis who were admitted to hospitals of the National Hospital
      Organization in the Kyushu region between January 2004 and September 2009 and
      received drug therapy either alone or in combination with surgery were
      investigated. RESULTS: As surgery could not be performed in patients with
      advanced age or with bilateral extensive lesions, only 12 patients (21%) were
      able to undergo surgery. Initial drug resistance was seen in 10 patients (23%) in
      the drug therapy group and four patients (33%) in the combination therapy group.
      Underlying diseases included diabetes in 15 patients (34%) in the drug therapy
      group and in 6 patients (50%) in the combination therapy group. Negative
      conversion of the sputum culture result was observed in 43% in the drug therapy
      group and in 75% in the combination therapy group. The death within three years
      was seen in 20 patients (45%) in the drug therapy group and 1 patient (8%) in the
      combination therapy group. In the drug therapy group there were more cases with
      resistance to 5 drugs, resistance to levofloxacin (LVFX), and/or kanamycin (KM)
      in those who died of tuberculosis than in non-tuberculous death cases.
      CONCLUSION: Resistance to 5 drugs, resistance to LVFX, and resistance to KM were
      contributing factors of tuberculous death. Patient's operability was one of the
      factors associated with a good prognosis.

PMID- 22073594
TI  - [A case of pleural tuberculoma with intra-pulmonary invasion during anti
      tuberculosis therapy].
AB  - A 27-year-old woman who had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis with anti
      tuberculosis drugs for three months was admitted to our hospital because of pain
      in the chest and back. Chest CT showed improvement in the pulmonary tuberculosis
      lesions in the right middle lobe and S8, but there was a large pleural mass in
      the right lower lung field. Histopathological findings of the percutaneous biopsy
      showed epithelioid cell granulomas that were negative for acid-fast bacilli. We
      diagnosed the mass as pleural tuberculoma with intrapulmonary invasion. The
      pleural tuberculoma improved without any additional therapy.

PMID- 22073596
TI  - [Problems in the treatment for proliferative vitreoretinopathy].

PMID- 22073595
TI  - [Pulmonary tuberculosis with atypical radiological findings in a patient with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - A 77-year-old-man who had been treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) was referred to our hospital for further examination of a chest X-ray
      abnormality. The chest X-ray showed consolidation in the right upper and middle
      lung field. Chest computed tomography showed an airspace consolidation extending
      subpleurally and nonsegmentally without nodular lesions. The tentative diagnosis
      was cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. However, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was
      positive for acid-fast bacilli on smear and also positive for tuberculosis PCR,
      leading to a diagnosis of tuberculous pneumonia. Tuberculous pneumonia in COPD
      patients can be non-segmental and mimic organizing pneumonia.

PMID- 22073597
TI  - [Determination of causative agents in ocular infection of external adnexa and
      anterior segments--multicenter study of causative agents and drug sensitivity of
      ocular infection by the Japanese Association for Ocular Infection part I].
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the causative agents of ocular infection of external adnexa
      and anterior segments due to selected criteria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between
      September 22, 2007 and August 25, 2008, 890 bacterial strains were collected from
      476 patients in 18 facilities nationwide participating in the Drug Sensitivity
      for Ocular Infection Study Group. Usual aerobic and anaerobic cultures,
      enrichment cultures, smears, and measurements of bacterial quantity were
      performed and the determination of causative agents was made from the results of
      smears and culture, the presence of polymorphonuclear cells and bacterial
      quantity. The selection was divided into two categories, causative agents and
      presumed causative agents. Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella bacilli, Haemophilus
      influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Neisseria
      gonorrhoeae were distinctively considered as specified bacteria. RESULTS: Among
      890 strains, 18.8% were determined to be causative agents, and 15.1% were
      determined to be presumed causative agents. Among the bacteria detected in normal
      flora, 2.0% of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 2.6% of Propionibacterium acnes, and
      38.3% of Corynebacterium spp. were determined to be causative agents. CONCLUSION:
      To determine the causative agents, the results of smears and bacterial quantity
      should be considered together with culture results. Bacteria constituting normal
      flora have the potential of becoming causative agents.

PMID- 22073598
TI  - [Drug sensitivity of causative agents in ocular infection of external adnexa and
      anterior segments--multicenter study of causative agents and drug sensitivity of
      ocular infection by the Japanese Association for Ocular Infection part II].
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the drug sensitivity of causative agents produced by ocular
      infection of external adnexa and anterior segments investigated by the nationwide
      survey conducted by Japanese Association for Ocular Infection between September,
      2007 and August, 2008. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among all strains isolated,
      causative and presumed causative agents were selected according to the criteria
      described, and drug sensitivity tests were conducted by minimum inhibitory
      concentrations (MIC) with 10 kinds of antimicrobial agents including 5
      fluoroquinolones. RESULTS: Among 281 causative isolates, cefmenoxime (CMX) showed
      the highest sensitivity, followed by fluoroquinolones. Staphylococci and
      Streptococci were more sensitive to fluoroquinolones when compared to the others.
      Haemophilus influenzae was very sensitive to all fluoroquinolones.
      Corynebacterium spp. and Propionibacterium acnes were most sensitive to CMX and
      erythromycin respectively. CONCLUSION: CMX and fluoroquinolones showed generally
      good sensitivity among causative pathogens of ocular infection.

PMID- 22073599
TI  - [Cost-effectiveness of ranibizumab, photodynamic therapy and pegaptanib sodium in
      the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Japanese].
AB  - PURPOSE: To perform cost-utility analysis of ranibizumab, photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) and pegaptanib sodium treatment of neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD) with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The analyses were performed on a 75-year old man with the starting
      visual acuity of letter score of 50 on an Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
      Study (ETDRS) chart, with the affected eye having better sight than the
      contralateral eye, for the time horizons of 1 and 11 year (s). Visual acuity data
      from the large controlled studies for ranibizumab, photodynamic therapy and
      pegaptanib sodium, were applied. The results were compared with best supportive
      care (BSC) data. Cost indications included direct medical costs and costs related
      with social blindness. Utility values were estimated from the time trade off
      method. This analysis was performed from a societal perspective. RESULTS: In the
      1-year model, cost of treatment was dominant in the treatment groups, whereas the
      cost of blindness was dominant in the BSC. In the 11-year model, influence of
      cost of blindness resulted in the increasing costs for BSC. Of note, ranibizumab
      and PDT were less costly and showed an increase in utility compared to the BSC.
      Pegaptanib sodium was found to be costly. Sensitivity analysis found that the
      results were robust to changes in various model parameters. CONCLUSION: In the
      current model, ranibizumab and PDT confer quality-adjusted life years (QALY)
      gains and are less costly compared to BSC in the lifetime treatment. In contrast,
      pegaptanib sodium treatment could be considered to be of minimal cost
      effectiveness. Ranibizumab and PDT confer excellent value in the models of the
      lifetime treatment.

PMID- 22073600
TI  - [Comparison of vitrectomy outcomes for eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy
      with and without prior vitrectomy].
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes of vitrectomy for eyes with
      proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) with and without prior vitrectomy. METHODS:
      Eighty-two eyes of 81 patients (35 women and 46 men), who underwent vitrectomy
      for grade C PVR and had at least 6 months of follow-up, were studied
      retrospectively. The mean age of the cases was 50.8 years (range; 8-84 years).
      Twenty-eight eyes had undergone prior vitrectomy (vitrectomized group) and 54
      eyes had no prior vitrectomy (primary vitrectomy group). The intraoperative
      technique of vitreous surgery, number of vitrectomy procedures, surgical success
      rate, visual acuity and intraocular pressure before and 6 months after the
      vitrectomy of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The rate of the anterior
      (type 4 and 5) PVR cases was significantly higher in the vitrectomized group than
      in the primary vitrectomy group (p = 0.028), whereas the rate of the only
      subretinal cases (type 3) PVR was significantly higher in the primary vitrectomy
      group (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the preoperative visual
      acuity and intraocular pressure between the two groups. The rate of the cases who
      underwent retinotomy/retinectomy was significantly higher (p< 0.001)in the
      vitrectomized group than in the primary vitrectomy group. The surgical success
      rate and postoperative visual acuity were significantly better in the primary
      vitrectomy group than in the vitrectomized group (p = 0.040, <0.001,
      respectively). The postoperative intraocular pressure was significantly lower (p
      = 0.017) in the vitrectomized group than in the primary vitrectomy group, and the
      rate of the cases with hypotony of less than 5mmHg was significantly higher
      (p<0.001) in the vitrectomized group than in the primary vitrectomy group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the PVR eyes that had had no prior vitrectomy, the PVR
      eyes that underwent prior vitrectomy had a significantly higher rate of
      complications of anterior PVR and a significantly higher rate of
      retinotomy/retinectomy, leading to a significantly poorer surgical outcomes.

PMID- 22073601
TI  - [Relationship between the frequency of disc hemorrhage and the enlargement of
      nerve fiber layer defects and the deterioration speed of visual field loss in
      normal-tension glaucoma with wedge-shaped nerve fiber layer defects].
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine progressive visual field loss in relation to disc hemorrhage
      (DH) and enlarged nerve fiber layer defects (NFLDs) in normal-tension glaucoma
      (NTG). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: There were 106 eyes of 106 NTG patients (mean follow
      up: 9.1 years) with well-defined NFLD borders and at least 3 years of follow-up.
      Examination was performed on their rate of visual field loss (MD slope and
      hemifield TD slope) and their rate of NFLD angle enlargement. For the NFLD angle,
      we took color fundus photographs and converted color photos into black-white
      photos extracted the blue ingredient. The midpoint between the fovea and the disc
      center was determined. The center was established as the disc, and the distance
      to the midpoint was established as the radius of a circle. The NFLD angle was
      defined as the angle formed by the two points where this circle intersected the
      NFLD and a third point which was the disc center. RESULTS: DH was seen in 51/106
      (48.1%)cases and it occurred 1.28 +/- 1.99 times. In the DH group, the MD slope
      was -0.30 dB/year, indicating a significantly faster rate of visual field loss
      than that of the non-DH group (-0.13 dB/year); the rate of NFLD enlargement was
      1.90 degrees/year, indicating a significantly faster rate than that of the non-DH
      group at 0.64 degrees/year. As the occurrence of DH increased, the TD slope (r = 
      0.263, p = 0.0056) and the rate of NFLD enlargement (r = 0.410, p<0.0001)
      increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Examination was performed on NTG eyes with
      well-defined NFLD borders which were divided into the groups of with and without
      DH. The DH eyes had a faster rate of NFLD enlargement and faster progression of
      visual field loss compared with the non-DH eyes. In addition, the rate of NFLD
      enlargement and progression of visual field loss increased in the cases with
      frequent DHs.

PMID- 22073602
TI  - [Multicenter clinical study of bone-anchored hearing aids in Japan--application
      for congenital auricular atresia].
AB  - The effectiveness of bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) for the patients with
      congenital aural atresia was evaluated by multicenter clinical study in Japan.
      Twenty patients (17 bilateral and 3 hemilateral) of congenital auricular atresia
      were registered for this study and finally, 18 of them (15 bilateral and 3
      unilateral) were subjected to further evaluation. Primary endpoint of this study
      was free sound-field pure-tone audiometory and speech threshold hearing test in
      quiet and noisy circumstances. Secondary endpoint of this study was patient's
      satisfaction based upon APHAB (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit)
      questionnaire survey. These results were compared between before and 12 weeks
      after BAHA surgery. Both hearing level of pure tone and speech threshold
      significantly improved after BAHA surgery. APHAB scores also suggested the
      improvement of the QOL after BAHA usage, except for the scores that concerned
      with unpleasantness of noisy sound. BAHA is one of the useful options for the
      treatment of congenital auricular atresia.

PMID- 22073603
TI  - [A case of Schneiderian middle-ear and sinonasal papilloma with intracranial
      complications].
AB  - Unlike Schneiderian papilloma, a widespread benign epithelial neoplasm arising in
      the sinonasal tract mucosa of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, trachea, and
      larynx, middle-ear Schneiderian papilloma is extremely rare. We report a case of
      recurrent Schneiderian papilloma spreading to the bilateral middle ear and right
      paranasal sinus, and eventually causing cerebellar complications. A-52-year old
      woman seen for episodes of inarticulateness was first, found to have middle right
      ear and right ethmoid papilloma, that occurred thereafter is the middle left ear.
      This bilateral middle-ear papilloma is, to our knowledge, the only case reported
      thus far, and fell into a low-risk malignant formation group based on HPV-DNA
      testing. Given previous cases, we concluded that ours warranted meticulous follow
      up because recurrence and malignancy are more common in multiple-site middle-ear
      papilloma as in our case rather than papilloma of the middle ear alone.

PMID- 22073604
TI  - [Nonspecific IgE potential in nasal discharge for diagnosing allergic rhinitis].
AB  - Given that the nasal discharge of subjects with allergic rhinitis contains IgE,
      we studied nonspecific IgE potential in nasal discharge as a diagnostic marker
      for allergic rhinitis. We divided 38 adults into 2 groups, one with 22 with
      Japanese cedar pollinosis and one with 16 with watery rhinorrhea negative to
      MAST33. The pollinosis group was exposed to Japanese cedar pollen in an
      environmental exposure unit, and eosinophils in nasal discharge, serum total IgE,
      pollen-specific IgE, and local IgE in nasal discharge were examined for the 2
      groups to determine IgE levels in nasal discharge using the Allerwatch rapid
      test. In the pollinosis group, nasal discharge IgE correlated significantly with
      the number of eosinophils. The nasal discharge IgE had higher specificity than
      the eosinophil examination, whereas nasal discharge eosinophils had higher
      sensitivity than the IgE examination. We thus found that measuring IgE and
      eosinophils in nasal discharge is useful for clinically diagnosing allergic
      rhinitis.

PMID- 22073605
TI  - [Analysis of predominant bacterial species and clinical backgrounds in lung
      abscess patients].
AB  - We reviewed the clinicopathological characteristics of lung abscesses
      retrospectively. We analyzed 89 patients hospitalized from July 1984 to May 2009.
      Most were men (76/89). There were large proportions with alcohol consumption
      (29.2%) and dental caries or gingivitis (60.7%). Furthermore, those without other
      diseases accounted for only 13.5%. Predominant infectious species were clear in
      43 cases (48.3%) including identification of bacteria. The identification rate of
      predominant bacteria improved from 38.5% to 56.0% after initiation of the
      introduction of expectoration culture, bronchoscopic specimen collection and
      gingival culture in 2003, facilitating clarification of the predominant bacteria.
      The Streptococcus anginosus group with predominant bacteria being slightly
      aerobic streptococci, anaerobic bacterium, and aerobic bacterium was detected in
      10, 12, and 31 cases, respectively. The improvement in the identification rate of
      predominant bacteria was achieved by carrying out examination with close liaison
      with the staff of our inspection room. In selecting antimicrobials based on
      diagnostic significance, we should focus on positive identification of
      predominant bacteria, a factor which appears to have major clinical significance.

PMID- 22073606
TI  - [The origin of frequency dependence of respiratory resistance: airflow simulation
      study by the use of a 4D pulmonary lobule model].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The origin of frequency dependence of respiratory
      resistance has been explained by ventilation inhomogeneity, however it is unclear
      which components in the respiratory system generate the frequency dependence. The
      author constructed a 4D pulmonary lobule model and analyzed relationships between
      airflow rate, pressure and airway resistance by the use of computational fluid
      dynamics (CFD). METHODS: The lobule model contained bifurcated bronchioles with
      two adjacent acini in which deformable inter-acinar septa and alveolar duct walls
      were designed. Constrictive conditions of respective bronchioles were designed,
      too. 4D finite element models for CFD were generated and airflow simulations were
      performed under moving boundary conditions of the arbitrary Lagrangean-Eulerean
      method. From the simulation results, airway resistances for various conditions
      were calculated. RESULTS: Tissue resistance emerged under the condition of
      different acinar pressures caused by unequal airway resistances. If the inter
      acinar septum was shifted so as to cancel the pressure difference, the acinar
      pressures were equal in spite of unequal airway resistances, and hence, tissue
      resistances did not emerge. Therefore, the tissue resistance in the former case
      is thought to be an index of alveolar pressure inequality (which could be
      canceled by mechanical interaction of lung parenchyma), rather than a material
      property of the tissue itself. CONCLUSIONS: Inequality of alveolar pressure
      decreases as the input oscillatory frequency increases. Therefore, frequency
      dependence of the respiratory resistance should be regarded as a conditional
      index of the alveolar pressure inequality caused by heterogeneous changes in the
      intra-pulmonary airway and/or the lung parenchyma.

PMID- 22073607
TI  - [A case of microscopic polyangiitis with silicosis].
AB  - A 76-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of increasing size of lung
      nodules, while he was under observation for silicosis at another hospital. As the
      result of bronchoscopic biopsy, it was confirmed that they were silicotic
      nodules. However, he was hospitalized again about one month later due to left
      spontaneous pneumothorax. The pneumothorax improved immediately by persistent
      drainage of the thoracic cavity, but he developed a fever on day 9, and ground
      glass opacities in both lungs also became exacerbated in spite of our
      administration of antibiotics. In addition, the level of MPO-ANCA increased
      markedly and multiple 3-10mm sized purpurae was seen on the right thigh on day
      29. Skin biopsy specimens revealed infiltration of histiocytes and lymphocytes
      around medium-sized vessels in lower dermis. We diagnosed microscopic
      polyangiitis, then treated with steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. Fever and
      radiological findings improved significantly from the day after initiation of
      steroid administration. The patient was discharged on day 92 because of the
      improvement of his respiratory condition. We report a case of microscopic
      polyangiitis with silicosis, which markedly improved by steroid and
      immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 22073608
TI  - [A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome with subarachnoid hemorrhage and left phrenic
      nerve paralysis].
AB  - A 60-year-old woman was given a diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) in 2000
      because of peripheral blood eosinophilia, eosinophilic pneumonia, asthma,
      polyarticular pain, and limb numbness. She was treated with prednisolone (PSL),
      and the above symptoms improved but then relapsed on tapering of PSL. In
      September 2009, after 7 days of tapering of PSL to 5mg/day, the patient developed
      a subarachnoid hemorrhage and was admitted. MRA and cerebral angiography revealed
      no aneurysm; the source of bleeding could not be determined, but her symptoms
      indicated a benign course. A chest X-ray 27 days after admission showed left
      diaphragmatic elevation, and left phrenic nerve paralysis was diagnosed by a
      phrenic nerve stimulation test. Peripheral blood eosinophilia had progressed
      gradually during the admission period, and although it is rare for subarachnoid
      hemorrhage and phrenic nerve paralysis to be associated with CSS, we regarded
      these as vasculitis symptoms related to CSS.

PMID- 22073609
TI  - [A Good syndrome associated with pure red cell aplasia].
AB  - A 78-year-old woman was admitted because of persistent cough, fever and sputum
      for one week. She had been treated with radiation therapy for inoperable thymoma
      complicated by severe heart failure and had been suffering from recurrent
      pneumonia and otitis media since then. A chest radiograph on admission showed an
      anterior mediastinal mass shadow and infiltrates in the bilateral lower lung
      fields. Serum gamma globulin was decreased and erythroid cells in the bone marrow
      were markedly decreased. Thymoma with hypogammaglobulinemia is called Good
      syndrome. We reported this very rare case of Good syndrome. After improving the
      infection, cyclosporine A was administered for PRCA and hypo-gamma globulinemia,
      but we discontinued this due to liver dysfunction. We have been currently
      continuing her treatment with red blood cell transfusion and immunoglobulin
      supplement only.

PMID- 22073610
TI  - [A case of Legionnaires' pneumonia accompanied by clinically mild
      encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) with
      transient altered mental status and cerebellar symptoms, which responded to
      treatment by antibiotics and corticosteroid].
AB  - A 60-year-old man was admitted because of fever, headache, and difficulty in
      walking. Respiratory symptoms included only mild cough, but crackles were present
      on auscultation at the right lung base, the chest roentgenogram and computed
      tomography scans showed consolidation in the right lower lobe. Laboratory
      findings revealed hyponatremia, elevated liver function test values and creatine
      phosphokinase, and Legionella pneumophila antigen in urine. Neurological
      examination revealed mild mental status change, dysmetria, dysarthria, and ataxic
      gait. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, performed
      at the time of admission, revealed regions of high intensity in the splenium
      corpus callosum. We diagnosed Legionnaires' pneumonia accompanied by clinically
      mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS), and
      started treatment with ciprofloxacin and methylprednisolone at 1 mg/kg/day.
      Neurological symptoms gradually improved. On day 6 after admission, mild
      dysarthria and ataxic gait remained, a 123-IMP single photon emission computed
      tomography revealed no abnormality. On day 15 after admission, the only
      neurological symptom was mild ataxic gait; the MRI scans showed no abnormalities.
      On day 29 after admission, neurological symptoms were completely resolved. This
      is the first reported case of Legionnaires' pneumonia accompanied by clinically
      mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) was
      treated with not only antibiotics but also corticosteroid.

PMID- 22073611
TI  - [A case of pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma from the uterus].
AB  - We report here a case of pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) from the
      uterus. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of multiple
      pulmonary nodules on the chest radiograph 7 years after total hysterectomy with
      removal of the left ovarium for uterine leiomyoma. A specimen of the lesion
      obtained by a thoracoscopic lung biopsy was consistent with leiomyoma.
      Histological re-evaluation of the uterine myoma showed similar histology as
      compared with the lung tumor. Immunohistological staining for both estrogen and
      progesterone receptors on the lung tissue was positive. Based on these results,
      we diagnosed the pulmonary lesions as BML. The patient received no treatment and
      has shown no evidence of exacerbation of disease during 6 years of follow up.

PMID- 22073612
TI  - [A case of cutaneous vasculitis caused by erlotinib treatment and a review of
      literature].
AB  - Erlotinib is a potent drug used for treating epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) mutation positive lung cancer. In this study, we report a case of
      erlotinib induced cutaneous vasculitis. The patient was a 69-year-old woman with
      a history of left lower lobe resection for lung cancer. Two years after the
      resection, she had metastasis in the adrenal glands for which we initiated
      erlotinib therapy at a dose of 150 mg/day. The patient developed multiple
      purpurae with a partially necrotic region on both lower thighs at 8 weeks after
      initiating therapy. The skin biopsy results revealed cutaneous vasculitis. We
      stopped erlotinib therapy after this diagnosis because of this adverse effect as
      well as because it exacerbated the cancer. The patient's skin manifestation
      disappeared 2 weeks after stopping therapy, with no recurrence of any symptoms of
      systemic vasculitis. We reviewed the literature on drug-induced vasculitis due to
      oral EGFR inhibitors and found 13 such cases. In most cases, the symptoms
      appeared 1-2 months after initiating therapy. In all the cases, the symptoms
      resolved within 2-6 weeks after stopping drug therapy. Erlotinib-induced
      cutaneous vasculitis is rare but may cause fatal systemic vasculitis. Therefore,
      the skin of patients who are undergoing erlotinib therapy should be carefully
      examined at regular intervals during the course of therapy for drug-induced
      adverse effects.

PMID- 22073613
TI  - [Two cases of juvenile-onset and adult-onset recurrent respiratory
      papillomatosis].
AB  - We recently experienced one each of 2 types of recurrent respiratory
      papillomatosis (RRP). Case 1 (juvenile-onset type): A 30-year-old woman
      presenting with bloody sputum and large tumors with cavities on her chest Xray
      film, was referred to our hospital. She had been diagnosed with laryngeal
      papillomatosis when she was three years old. According to our bronchoscopical
      examination biopsy, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in
      addition to papillomatosis of the trachea and bronchus. Although chemotherapy was
      performed, she died 2 years after the diagnosis of lung cancer without any
      distinct treatment efficacy. Case 2 (adult-onset type): A 43 year-old woman
      presenting with fever and dry cough visited our hospital. Chest CT revealed that
      there was narrowing of bilateral main bronchi and hilar lymphadenopathy.
      Bronchoscopic examination revealed diffuse papilloma distributed extensively from
      the trachea to bilateral main bronchi. However, she recovered spontaneously in 6
      months and has remained stable without recurrence. Both cases were diagnosed with
      RRP based on the separation of HPV in case 1 and pathological findings of
      koilocytosis in case 2. Case 1 was complicated with squamous cell carcinoma of
      the lung in the clinical course, presumably due to occurrence of malignant
      conversion of papillomatosis. Since RRP is a rare but refractory disease, novel
      effective treatment is necessary.

PMID- 22073614
TI  - [A case of myocarditis associated with polymyositis preceded by interstitial
      pneumonia].
AB  - A 33-year old man was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on
      the chest radiograph, dry cough, and exertional dyspnea. Chest radiograph and
      high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) on admission showed ground-glass
      opacities and bronchiectasis with volume loss in the bilateral dorsal areas.
      Thoracoscopic lung biopsy specimens showed mainly a pattern of NSIP (nonspecific
      interstitial pneumonia). We considered this case as hypersensitivity pneumonia or
      interstitial pneumonia (IP) associated with collagen disease. Oral prednisolone
      (PSL) was initiated at 55 mg/day (1 mg/kg). However he complained of proximal
      muscle weakness and pain and difficulty of breathing. He had heart failure due to
      the myocarditis. We established a diagnosis of IP associated with polymyositis
      and it was confirmed by his symptoms, muscle biopsy findings and elevation of
      serum CPK. We considered this case as the myocarditis due to polymyositis.

PMID- 22073615
TI  - [Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy responding to chemotherapy].
AB  - A 65-year-old man without a history of cancer presented to our hospital because
      he was suspected of having acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Dyspnea that had
      developed 1 month before admission, had worsened 1-week before admission. Chest
      computed tomography showed faint ground-glass opacities in the lung fields
      without filling defects in the pulmonary arteries. He was transferred to the
      department of respiratory medicine for further investigation. Perfusion
      scintigraphy showed multiple, small perfusion defects throughout both lungs, and
      laboratory data showed increased lactic dehydrogenase value and thrombocytopenia.
      We suspected intravascular lymphoma, and a bone marrow aspiration smear detected
      malignant cells. We started chemotherapy on a diagnosis of intravascular
      lymphoma, which resulted in remarkable improvement of respiratory failure and
      pulmonary hypertension. After that, further evaluation of bone marrow specimen
      with immunostaining, the malignant cells were found not to be lymphoma cells but
      cancer cells. The primary site of the cells was not found by further
      investigation. Because of improvement of oxygenation and pulmonary hypertension,
      we performed transbronchial lung biopsy and diagnosed pulmonary tumor thrombotic
      microangiopathy. Here, we report this case and review previous reports.

PMID- 22073616
TI  - [A case of drug-induced pneumonitis caused by saikokeishikankyoto].
AB  - We report a case of drug-induced pneumonitis caused by saikokeishikankyoto. A 68
      year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of dry cough, fever, and
      dyspnea after taking saikokeishikankyoto for 16 days. A chest radiograph showed
      widespread ground-glass shadows in both lung fields. Chest CT showed ground-glass
      opacities and thickening of the interlobular septum in both lung fields.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and transbronchial lung biopsy specimen showed
      findings consistent with drug-induced pneumonitis, therefore we diagnosed drug
      induced pneumonitis caused by saikokeishikankyoto. Three years previously she had
      suffered from a similar illness after taking hangeshashinto. Ougon is suspected
      to be a causative component for her saikokeishikankyoto-induced pneumonitis,
      because it has been reported to be as a main cause for kampo-induced pneumonitis.

PMID- 22073617
TI  - [A case of pyogenic spondylitis mimicking spinal invasion of lung cancer].
AB  - A 65-year-old man who had suffered from traumatic spinal cord injury had chronic
      lumbar pain. He had exacerbation of lumbar pain and intermittent fever and
      consulted several doctors, but the cause of the lumbar pain was unknown. An
      orthopedic specialist took an MRI. Spinal MRI showed increased signal intensity
      at the level of T10-11 and a mass in his right lower lung field, so he was
      referred to our hospital. Two transbronchial lung biopsy procedures failed to
      obtain malignant cells. CT guided biopsy showed fibrous and hyalinizing tissue
      contained plasma cells and lyphocytes. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from
      the second bronchial lavage fluids of brush and blood cultures, so we began
      administration of ampicillin-sulbactam. Avoiding threatened or actual cord
      compression due to collapse resulting from spinal instability, posterior fusion
      with instrumentation was done through the back of his chest wall. At once, bone
      biopsy was done, and showed no malignant cells. As soon as antibacterial
      treatment was stopped after the operation, he had bloody sputa and fever. The
      antibacterial agent was resumed and the symptoms improved. The mass decreased in
      size and lumbar pain improved gradually, so we concluded the diagnosis was
      pyogenic spondylitis caused by S. aureus. After about 5 months of antibacterial
      treatment, the tumor substantially diminished.

PMID- 22073618
TI  - [A relapse of small-cell lung cancer ten years after concomitant
      chemoradiotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral
      blood stem cell transfusion].
AB  - A 57-year-old man had limited-disease small cell lung cancer in the left lower
      lobe of the lung. He was treated with chemotherapy with concurrent accelerated
      hyperfractionated thoracic radiation, followed by high-dose chemotherapy with
      autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. He had obtained a complete
      response for 10 years until the tumor in the left lower lobe was detected by
      positron emission tomography. Bronchoscopic brushing cytology revealed small cell
      cancer, which was considered to be local relapse by staging work-up. He achieved
      a partial response with chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and irinotecan. The
      progression-free survival rate at 5 years in limited-disease small cell lung
      cancer ranges from 10% to 25%. Although it was difficult to distinguish the
      relapse of lung cancer from second primary lung cancer, we considered this case
      as relapse because the tumor had the same cytology in the same lobe as the
      previous primary tumor. The residual cells refractory to concomitant
      chemoradiotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell
      transplantation had survived and proliferated after 10 years.

PMID- 22073619
TI  - [A case of intractable pneumothorax in a patient with pulmonary adenocarcinoma
      during bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy].
AB  - The patient was a 70-year-old woman. She was admitted to our hospital complaining
      of fever and dyspnea. Chest CT scan showed a 50 x 30-mm tumorous shadow in S6 of
      the left lung and honeycomb lung in both lower lobes. As the result of
      cytodiagnosis with ultrasonic echo, adenocarcinoma was diagnosed. Clinical stage
      was IIIA (T3N2M0). We selected carboplatin and paclitaxel with bevacizumab as
      first-line chemotherapy, but at 7 days after the initiating it, the chest X-ray
      showed left pneumothorax. A chest drainage tube was placed in the left thoracic
      cavity. The patient was treated repeatedly pleurodesis with minocycline and OK
      432. The pneumothorax required 3 weeks to cure. We selected carboplatin and
      paclitaxel without bevacizumab for the second course, and the pneumothorax did
      not recur. Pneumothorax was a serious adverse event associated with bevacizumab
      containing chemotherapy. It is necessary to be aware of the possibility of
      pneumothorax when we treat lung adenocarcinoma with bevacizumab-containing
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 22073620
TI  - [Reversed halo sign in organizing pneumonia secondary to Sjogren syndrome].
AB  - We report a case of a 41-year-old woman admitted to our hospital for dyspnea on
      exertion and nonproductive cough. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
      revealed central ground-glass opacities surrounded by ring-shaped areas of
      consolidation (reversed halo sign), predominantly in the lower lobes.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed an increase of the total number of cells
      (35 x 10(4)/ml), including elevated lymphocyte level (69%) and decreased CD4/CD8
      ratio (0.45). Histopathological examination by transbronchial lung biopsy showed
      polypoid masses of granulation tissue filling the lumens of a respiratory
      bronchiole and alveolar ducts, consistent with organizing pneumonia. After
      admission the patient complained of dry eyes and dry mouth. The serum anti-SS-A
      antibody level was also elevated (65.0 U/ml). Labial salivary gland biopsy
      specimens revealed focal lymphocytic infiltration of more than 50 per 4 mm(2).
      There were no findings of rheumatoid arthritis or other collagen diseases. We
      diagnosed primary Sjogren syndrome with secondary organizing pneumonia with a
      reversed halo sign. She was treated with prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg body weight, 35
      mg/day). After treatment, the chest CT showed improvement through consolidation.

PMID- 22073621
TI  - [A new method for evaluating lung age].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: As part of the enlightenment campaign for COPD and for
      the introduction of an easy method to assess aging phenomena in respiratory
      function, the indicator of lung age has been suggested by the JRS Lung-Age-Spread
      Promotion Secretariat (original method). In this original method, the lung age
      was estimated by counting back the regression formula predicting the reference
      value of FEV1. Since the normal value of FEV1 at a given age is not unique and
      exists within a certain range defined as the 95% confidence limit, the backward
      value of lung age calculated with the original method includes various
      statistical and physiological problems. In the present study, I proposed a novel
      method allowing estimation of lung age, in which the problems related to the
      original method were significantly overcome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Since the
      95% confidence limit of FEV1 was not considered in the original method, the lung
      age of a person with high FEV1 beyond the upper end of the 95% confidence limit
      would result in the subject being classified as remarkably young (sometimes, the
      calculated lung age is below zero), while that of a person with reduced FEV1
      below the lower end of the 95% confidence limit would be estimated as being very
      elderly (sometimes, the calculated age is over 100). On the other hand, the novel
      method reasonably deliberates the 95% confidence limit, leading to the conclusion
      that it could be applied for estimating the lung age of persons having a wide
      range of FEV1.

PMID- 22073622
TI  - [Chronological evaluation of physical, psychological and social health of urban
      elderly dwellers over 6 years and assessment of causal inter-relationships].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to make a chronological evaluation over
      6 years of physical, psychological and social health of urban elderly dwellers.
      METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted with all urban elderly dwellers of
      65 years old or more in A City in September, 2001. Answers were obtained from
      13,195 people (response rate of 80.2%) in the first survey. Then 3 year and 6
      year follow-up surveys of 2,375 members were performed in September 2004 and
      2007. Causal relationships were analyzed using a Structural Equation Model based
      on the Cross-Lagged Effects Variation Model. RESULTS: According to this research,
      a chronological six year trend in ADL (Activities of Daily Living) was found for
      "physical factor" (" " means latent variable) as an observed variable, with a
      shifted from 91.0% to 82.9%. A trend for self-rated health with healthy as an
      observed variable of "psychological factor" was similarly apparent, shifting from
      85.4% to 77.0%. "Social factor" conducted on the follow-up survey in 2007 was
      significantly affected by the "psychological factor" investigated in 2001 and
      "physical factor" in the follow-up survey in 2004, indirectly based on the Cross
      Lagged Effects Variation Model. "Social factor" totals of 25% for men and 19% for
      women were explained by this model with high validity levels (NFI = 0.935, IFI =
      0.950, RMSEA = 0.036). CONCLUSION: It was suggested that social health was
      affected by psychological health directly and physical health indirectly during
      six years follow-up of urban elderly dwellers. Future research is needed to
      encompass other generations and also to improve the external validity of the
      results.

PMID- 22073623
TI  - [Condom use staging and correlations among gay and bisexual men. A questionnaire
      survey of Osaka gay bar customers].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify stages of condom use among gay and
      bisexual men at gay bars in Osaka and to assess relationships between condom use
      stage and attitudes and norms regarding HIV prevention. METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study, a self-administered survey was distributed to gay bar customers
      in Osaka in 2005. Completed surveys were received through the mail. Participants
      were divided into five groups based on condom use with regular and casual
      partners: pre-contemplation; contemplation; preparation; action; and maintenance.
      These five groups were merged into three groups: precontemplation;
      contemplation/preparation; and action/maintenance. Associations between these
      three groups of condom use stage and correlates were assessed. RESULTS: Among the
      601 respondents (response rate, 44.9%), data from 546 men with lifetime sexual
      experience with men were used. Regarding stage distribution, the highest
      percentage of participants was in the pre-contemplation stage with a regular
      partner, and in the maintenance stage with casual partners. Activities of "MASH
      Osaka", a gay non-governmental organization, were widely recognized across all
      stages. The feeling of being unable to tell a partner to use a condom if the
      partner resisted condom use, being in a long-term relationship, difficulty using
      condoms when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and self-efficacy all
      correlated with condom use stages. CONCLUSION: This study clarified condom use
      stages and correlations among gay and bisexual men at gay bars in Osaka. More
      research is needed to assess the reliability and validity of these scale items.
      Monitoring stage distributions and correlations with stages will be useful to
      evaluate HIV prevention activities.

PMID- 22073624
TI  - [Transition of the maternal and child health handbook system and the significance
      of public health administration].

PMID- 22073625
TI  - [Possession rate and comments on a pamphlet containing information on pediatric
      emergencies for parents].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To establish an effective distribution method and necessary content
      for a pamphlet on pediatric emergencies for parents and guardians of
      kindergarteners by studying the possession rate of a pamphlet and impressions and
      opinions about its content. METHODS: The number of subjects was 269. The pamphlet
      was delivered via kindergartens to parents and guardians; two months later, an
      anonymous questionnaire was sent inquiring about their possession rate and
      impressions and opinions about the content of the pamphlet. The A6 20-page all
      color pamphlet (designed by the author) comprised questions regarding their
      decision to take their children to the hospital for 6 symptoms (fever, seizures,
      vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain), knowledge about physical
      assessment methods and homecare methods for children, and the phone numbers and
      URLs of "24-hour emergency lines for children." RESULTS: The number of valid
      responses was 111 (41.3%) (mean age: 36.0 +/- 4.50), with 74 (66.7%) retaining
      the pamphlet. There were significant differences in their experiences of illness
      in their children (P < 0.05) between the possession group and disposed of group,
      the percentage being higher in the former. Among the subjects who retained the
      pamphlet, 67 (90.5%) had read through it. Among them, 51 subjects (76.1%)
      answered that it had useful pages, and 63 subjects (94.0%) answered that they
      would use it in the future. Out of the information provided, including the 6
      symptoms, frequently asked questions, records, and a list of phone numbers and
      URLs, the most useful information according to them was "a list of phone numbers
      and URLs" (28/54.9%), followed by "the decision to take the children to the
      hospital for fever" (24/47.1%) and "frequently asked questions" (21/41.2%). The
      possession rate was significantly higher in subjects who had experienced sudden
      illnesses in CONCLUSION: their children. Therefore, the likelihood of the
      pamphlet being retained and used would be higher if delivered to parents and
      guardians with children of an age more susceptible to sudden illnesses.
      Furthermore, many respondents chose "a list of phone numbers and URLs" as the
      most useful information. Therefore, a pamphlet that demonstrates how necessary
      information can be easily obtained and used may be more practical than one
      containing all the information.

PMID- 22073626
TI  - [Municipal housing support for people with mental disabilities to facilitate
      transition from an institutional to community setting].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the provision of support by municipalities to
      assist people with mental disability securing a dwelling in the community.
      METHODS: In September 2008, a questionnaire was sent to welfare divisions
      concerned with people having mental disabilities in 1,805 municipalities
      nationwide. Responses were returned from 1,141 municipalities (recovery rate:
      63.2%). The survey analyzed housing support, financial aid, understanding of
      transition and housing needs and recognition concerning health and welfare.
      RESULTS: Of those municipalities surveyed: 7.0% had a support system for those
      lacking a guarantor to sign a lease; 17.7% engaged in reducing the burden
      involved in securing a dwelling, mainly by setting up a housing advisory desk;
      and 5.0% worked with real-estate agents and housing providers to advance
      cooperation. Housing benefits were provided in 12.9% of municipalities for those
      living on welfare, with a special allowance equivalent to that for the physically
      challenged. Financial support such as funding to cover the rent and other
      relevant expenses was available in 2.5%. The number of people with mental
      disabilities seeking to make the transition to community living and the actual
      state of transition were not known in 52.9% of the municipalities; however, 64.9%
      considered that the amenities of a dwelling for such people should be comparable
      to those for the single-person household and the general public. Furthermore,
      41.4% took actions to redress the negative images of people with mental
      disabilities held by the community residents. The assessment of policy regarding
      transition and housing support for people with mental disabilities revealed that
      48.6% of municipalities considered a congregate living setting within the
      community, while acknowledgement of an independent living setting within the
      general neighborhood was low at 28.9%. Regarding the state of inter-ministerial
      collaboration between the welfare division for people with disabilities and other
      divisions, 25.5% indicated that support was provided in partnership with agencies
      beyond the immediate scope of health and welfare. CONCLUSION: A framework for the
      provision of municipality-managed transition and housing support for people with
      mental disability has yet to be fully developed on a national scale. A
      comprehensive policy regarding housing support is needed.

PMID- 22073627
TI  - Amplifying the benefits of agroecology by using the right cultivars.
AB  - Tropical soils are particularly vulnerable to fertility losses due to their low
      capacity to retain organic matter and mineral nutrients. This urges the
      development of new agricultural practices to manage mineral nutrients and organic
      matter in a more sustainable way while relying less on fertilizer inputs. Two
      methods pertaining to ecological engineering and agroecology have been tested
      with some success: (1) the addition of biochar to the soil, and (2) the
      maintenance of higher earthworm densities. However, modern crop varieties have
      been selected to be adapted to agricultural practices and to the soil conditions
      they lead to and common cultivars might not be adapted to new practices. Using
      rice as a model plant, we compared the responsiveness to biochar and earthworms
      of five rice cultivars with contrasted selection histories. These cultivars had
      contrasted responsivenesses to earthworms, biochar, and the combination of both.
      The mean relative increase in grain biomass, among all treatments and cultivars,
      was 94% and 32%, respectively, with and without fertilization. Choosing the best
      combination of cultivar and treatment led to a more than fourfold increase in
      this mean benefit (a 437% and a 353% relative increase in grain biomass,
      respectively, with and without fertilization). Besides, the more rustic cultivar,
      a local landrace adapted to diverse and difficult conditions, responded the best
      to earthworms in terms of total biomass, while a modern common cultivar responded
      the best in term of grain biomass. This suggests that cultivars could be selected
      to amplify the benefit of biochar- and earthworm-based practices. Overall,
      selecting new cultivars interacting more closely with soil organisms and soil
      heterogeneity could increase agriculture sustainability, fostering the positive
      feedback loop between soils and plants that has evolved in natural ecosystems.

PMID- 22073628
TI  - Nitrate production and availability in residential soils.
AB  - The rapid increase in residential land area in the United States has raised
      concern about water pollution associated with nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrate (NO3
      ) is the form of reactive N that is most susceptible to leaching and runoff;
      thus, a more thorough understanding of nitrification and NO3(-) availability is
      needed if we are to accurately predict the consequences of residential expansion
      for water quality. In particular, there have been few assessments of how the land
      use history, housing density, and age of residential soils influence NO3(-) pools
      and fluxes, especially at depth. In this study, we used 1 m deep soil cores to
      evaluate potential net nitrification and mineralization, microbial respiration
      and biomass, and soil NO3(-) and NH4+ pools in 32 residential home lawns that
      differed by previous land use and age, but had similar soil types. These were
      compared to eight forested reference sites with similar soils. Our results
      suggest that a change to residential land use has increased pools and production
      of reactive N, which has clear implications for water quality in the region.
      However, the results contradict the common assumption that NO3(-) production and
      availability is dramatically higher in residential soils than in forests in
      general. While net nitrification (128.6 +/- 15.5 mg m(-2) d(-1) vs. 4.7 +/- 2.3
      mg m(-2) d(-1); mean +/- SE) and exchangeable NO3(-) (3.8 +/- 0.5 g/m2 vs. 0.7 +/
      0.3 g/m2) were significantly higher in residential soils than in forest soils in
      this study, these measures of NO3(-) production and availability were still
      notably low, comparable to deciduous forest stands in other studies. A second
      unexpected result was that current homeowner management practices were not
      predictive of NO3(-) availability or production. This may reflect the transient
      availability of inorganic N after fertilizer application. Higher housing density
      and a history of agricultural land use were predictors of greater NO3(-)
      availability in residential soils. If these factors are good predictors across a
      wider range of sites, they may be useful indicators of NO3(-) availability and
      leaching and runoff potential at the landscape scale.

PMID- 22073629
TI  - Changes in hydrology and salinity accompanying a century of agricultural
      conversion in Argentina.
AB  - Conversions of natural woodlands to agriculture can alter the hydrologic balance,
      aquifer recharge, and salinity of soils and groundwater in ways that influence
      productivity and sustainable land use. Using a land-use change chronosequence in
      semiarid woodlands of Argentina's Espinal province, we examined the distribution
      of moisture and solutes and estimated recharge rates on adjacent plots of native
      woodlands and rain-fed agriculture converted 6-90 years previously. Soil coring
      and geoelectrical profiling confirmed the presence of spatially extensive salt
      accumulations in dry woodlands and pervasive salt losses in areas converted to
      agriculture. A 1.1-km-long electrical resistivity transect traversing woodland,
      70-year-old agriculture, and woodland, for instance, revealed a low-resistivity
      (high-salinity) horizon between approximately 3 m and 13 m depth in the woodlands
      that was virtually absent in the agricultural site because of leaching. Nine
      meter-deep soil profiles indicated a 53% increase in soil water storage after 30
      or more years of cultivation. Conservative groundwater-recharge estimates based
      on chloride tracer methods in agricultural plots ranged from approximately 12 to
      45 mm/yr, a substantial increase from the <1 mm/yr recharge in dry woodlands. The
      onset of deep soil moisture drainage and increased recharge led to >95% loss of
      sulfate and chloride ions from the shallow vadose zone in most agriculture plots.
      These losses correspond to over 100 Mg of sulfate and chloride salts potentially
      released to the region's groundwater aquifers through time with each hectare of
      deforestation, including a capacity to increase groundwater salinity to >4000
      mg/L from these ions alone. Similarities between our findings and those of the
      dryland salinity problems of deforested woodlands in Australia suggest an
      important warning about the potential ecohydrological risks brought by the
      current wave of deforestation in the Espinal and other regions of South America
      and the world.

PMID- 22073630
TI  - Potential shifts in dominant forest cover in interior Alaska driven by variations
      in fire severity.
AB  - Large fire years in which >1% of the landscape burns are becoming more frequent
      in the Alaskan (USA) interior, with four large fire years in the past 10 years,
      and 79 000 km2 (17% of the region) burned since 2000. We modeled fire severity
      conditions for the entire area burned in large fires during a large fire year
      (2004) to determine the factors that are most important in estimating severity
      and to identify areas affected by deep-burning fires. In addition to standard
      methods of assessing severity using spectral information, we incorporated
      information regarding topography, spatial pattern of burning, and instantaneous
      characteristics such as fire weather and fire radiative power. Ensemble
      techniques using regression trees as a base learner were able to determine fire
      severity successfully using spectral data in concert with other relevant
      geospatial data. This method was successful in estimating average conditions, but
      it underestimated the range of severity. This new approach was used to identify
      black spruce stands that experienced intermediate- to high-severity fires in 2004
      and are therefore susceptible to a shift in regrowth toward deciduous dominance
      or mixed dominance. Based on the output of the severity model, we estimate that
      39% (approximately 4000 km2) of all burned black spruce stands in 2004 had <10 cm
      of residual organic layer and may be susceptible a postfire shift in plant
      functional type dominance, as well as permafrost loss. If the fraction of area
      susceptible to deciduous regeneration is constant for large fire years, the
      effect of such years in the most recent decade has been to reduce black spruce
      stands by 4.2% and to increase areas dominated or co-dominated by deciduous
      forest stands by 20%. Such disturbance-driven modifications have the potential to
      affect the carbon cycle and climate system at regional to global scales.

PMID- 22073631
TI  - Temporal variability of forest fires in eastern Amazonia.
AB  - Widespread occurrence of fires in Amazonian forests is known to be associated
      with extreme droughts, but historical data on the location and extent of forest
      fires are fundamental to determining the degree to which climate conditions and
      droughts have affected fire occurrence in the region. We used remote sensing to
      derive a 23-year time series of annual landscape-level burn scars in a fragmented
      forest of the eastern Amazon. Our burn scar data set is based on a new routine
      developed for the Carnegie Landsat Analysis System (CLAS), called CLAS-BURN, to
      calculate a physically based burn scar index (BSI) with an overall accuracy of
      93% (Kappa coefficient 0.84). This index uses sub-pixel cover fractions of
      photosynthetic vegetation, non-photosynthetic vegetation, and shade/burn scar
      spectral end members. From 23 consecutive Landsat images processed with the CLAS
      BURN algorithm, we quantified fire frequencies, the variation in fire return
      intervals, and rates of conversion of burned forest to other land uses in a 32
      400 km2 area. From 1983 to 2007, 15% of the forest burned; 38% of these burned
      forests were subsequently deforested, representing 19% of the area cleared during
      the period of observation. While 72% of the fire-affected forest burned only once
      during the 23-year study period, 20% burned twice, 6% burned three times, and 2%
      burned four or more times, with the maximum of seven times. These frequencies
      suggest that the current fire return interval is 5-11 times more frequent than
      the estimated natural fire regime. Our results also quantify the substantial
      influence of climate and extreme droughts caused by a strong El Nino Southern
      Oscillation (ENSO) on the extent and likelihood of returning forest fires mainly
      in fragmented landscapes. These results are an important indication of the role
      of future warmer climate and deforestation in enhancing emissions from more
      frequently burned forests in the Amazon.

PMID- 22073632
TI  - No evidence that chronic nitrogen additions increase photosynthesis in mature
      sugar maple forests.
AB  - Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition can increase forest growth. Because N
      deposition commonly increases foliar N concentrations, it is thought that this
      increase in forest growth is a consequence of enhanced leaf-level photosynthesis.
      However, tests of this mechanism have been infrequent, and increases in
      photosynthesis have not been consistently observed in mature forests subject to
      chronic N deposition. In four mature northern hardwood forests in the north
      central United States, chronic N additions (30 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) as NaNO3 for 14
      years) have increased aboveground growth but have not affected canopy leaf
      biomass or leaf area index. In order to understand the mechanism behind the
      increases in growth, we hypothesized that the NO3(-) additions increased foliar N
      concentrations and leaf-level photosynthesis in the dominant species in these
      forests (sugar maple, Acer saccharum). The NO3(-) additions significantly
      increased foliar N. However, there was no significant difference between the
      ambient and +NO3(-) treatments in two seasons (2006-2007) of instantaneous
      measurements of photosynthesis from either canopy towers or excised branches. In
      measurements on excised branches, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency
      (micromol CO2 s(-1) g(-1) N) was significantly decreased (-13%) by NO3(-)
      additions. Furthermore, we found no consistent NO3(-) effect across all sites in
      either current foliage or leaf litter collected annually throughout the study
      (1993-2007) and analyzed for delta 13C and delta 18O, isotopes that can be used
      together to integrate changes in photosynthesis over time. We observed a small
      but significant NO3(-) effect on the average area and mass of individual leaves
      from the excised branches, but these differences varied by site and were
      countered by changes in leaf number. These photosynthesis and leaf area data
      together suggest that NO3(-) additions have not stimulated photosynthesis. There
      is no evidence that nutrient deficiencies have developed at these sites, so
      unlike other studies of photosynthesis in N-saturated forests, we cannot
      attribute the lack of a stimulation of photosynthesis to nutrient limitations.
      Rather than increases in C assimilation, the observed increases in aboveground
      growth at our study sites are more likely due to shifts in C allocation.

PMID- 22073633
TI  - The influence of land use and climate change on forest biomass and composition in
      Massachusetts, USA.
AB  - Land use and climate change have complex and interacting effects on naturally
      dynamic forest landscapes. To anticipate and adapt to these changes, it is
      necessary to understand their individual and aggregate impacts on forest growth
      and composition. We conducted a simulation experiment to evaluate regional forest
      change in Massachusetts, USA over the next 50 years (2010-2060). Our objective
      was to estimate, assuming a linear continuation of recent trends, the relative
      and interactive influence of continued growth and succession, climate change,
      forest conversion to developed uses, and timber harvest on live aboveground
      biomass (AGB) and tree species composition. We examined 20 years of land use
      records in relation to social and biophysical explanatory variables and used
      regression trees to create "probability-of-conversion" and "probability-of
      harvest" zones. We incorporated this information into a spatially interactive
      forest landscape simulator to examine forest dynamics as they were affected by
      land use and climate change. We conducted simulations in a full-factorial design
      and found that continued forest growth and succession had the largest effect on
      AGB, increasing stores from 181.83 Tg to 309.56 Tg over 50 years. The increase
      varied from 49% to 112% depending on the ecoregion within the state. Compared to
      simulations with no climate or land use, forest conversion reduced gains in AGB
      by 23.18 Tg (or 18%) over 50 years. Timber harvests reduced gains in AGB by 5.23
      Tg (4%). Climate change (temperature and precipitation) increased gains in AGB by
      17.3 Tg (13.5%). Pinus strobus and Acer rubrum were ranked first and second,
      respectively, in terms of total AGB throughout all simulations. Climate change
      reinforced the dominance of those two species. Timber harvest reduced Quercus
      rubra from 10.8% to 9.4% of total AGB, but otherwise had little effect on
      composition. Forest conversion was generally indiscriminate in terms of species
      removal. Under the naive assumption that future land use patterns will resemble
      the recent past, we conclude that continued forest growth and recovery will be
      the dominant mechanism driving forest dynamics over the next 50 years, and that
      while climate change may enhance growth rates, this will be more than offset by
      land use, primarily forest conversion to developed uses.

PMID- 22073634
TI  - Assessing effects of land use on landscape connectivity: loss and fragmentation
      of western U.S. forests.
AB  - Effects of land-use change on the conservation of biodiversity have become a
      concern to conservation scientists and land managers, who have identified loss
      and fragmentation of natural areas as a high-priority issue. Despite urgent calls
      to inform national, regional, and state planning efforts, there remains a
      critical need to develop practical approaches to identify where important lands
      are for landscape connectivity (i.e., linkages), where land use constrains
      connectivity, and which linkages are most important to maintain network-wide
      connectivity extents. Our overall goal in this paper was to develop an approach
      that provides comprehensive, quantitative estimates of the effects of land-use
      change on landscape connectivity and illustrate its use on a broad, regional
      expanse of the western United States. We quantified loss of habitat and landscape
      connectivity for western forested systems due to land uses associated with
      residential development, roads, and highway traffic. We examined how these land
      use changes likely increase the resistance to movement of forest species in non
      forested land cover types and, therefore, reduce the connectivity among forested
      habitat patches. To do so, we applied a graph-theoretic approach that
      incorporates ecological aspects within a geographic representation of a network.
      We found that roughly one-quarter of the forested lands in the western United
      States were integral to a network of forested patches, though the lands outside
      of patches remain critical for habitat and overall connectivity. Using remotely
      sensed land cover data (ca. 2000), we found 1.7 million km2 of forested lands. We
      estimate that land uses associated with residential development, roads, and
      highway traffic have caused roughly a 4.5% loss in area (20 000 km2) of these
      forested patches, and continued expansion of residential land will likely reduce
      forested patches by another 1.2% by 2030. We also identify linkages among forest
      patches that are critical for landscape connectivity. Our approach can be readily
      modified to examine connectivity for other habitats/ecological systems and for
      other geographic areas, as well as to address more specific requirements for
      particular conservation planning applications.

PMID- 22073635
TI  - Transient dynamics of invasive competition: barred owls, spotted owls, habitat,
      and the demons of competition present.
AB  - The recent range expansion of Barred Owls (Strix varia) into the Pacific
      Northwest, where the species now co-occurs with the endemic Northern Spotted Owl
      (Strix occidentalis caurina), resulted in a unique opportunity to investigate
      potential competition between two congeneric, previously allopatric species. The
      primary criticism of early competition research was the use of current species'
      distribution patterns to infer past processes; however, the recent expansion of
      the Barred Owl and the ability to model the processes that result in site
      occupancy (i.e., colonization and extinction) allowed us to address the
      competitive process directly rather than inferring past processes through current
      patterns. The purpose of our study was to determine whether Barred Owls had any
      negative effects on occupancy dynamics of nesting territories by Northern Spotted
      Owls and how these effects were influenced by habitat characteristics of Spotted
      Owl territories. We used single-species, multi-season occupancy models and
      covariates quantifying Barred Owl detections and habitat characteristics to model
      extinction and colonization rates of Spotted Owl pairs in southern Oregon, USA.
      We observed a strong, negative association between Barred Owl detections and
      colonization rates and a strong positive effect of Barred Owl detections on
      extinction rates of Spotted Owls. We observed increased extinction rates in
      response to decreased amounts of old forest at the territory core and higher
      colonization rates when old-forest habitat was less fragmented. Annual site
      occupancy for pairs reflected the strong effects of Barred Owls on occupancy
      dynamics with much lower occupancy rates predicted for territories where Barred
      Owls were detected. The strong Barred Owl and habitat effects on occupancy
      dynamics of Spotted Owls provided evidence of interference competition between
      the species. These effects increase the importance of conserving large amounts of
      contiguous, old-forest habitat to maintain Northern Spotted Owls in the
      landscape.

PMID- 22073636
TI  - When conservation management becomes contraindicated: impact of food
      supplementation on health of endangered wildlife.
AB  - Understanding the conditions that force the implementation of management actions
      and their efficiency is crucial for conservation of endangered species. Wildlife
      managers are widely and increasingly using food supplementation for such species
      because the potentially immediate benefits may translate into rapid conservation
      improvements. Supplementary feeding can also pose risks eventually promoting
      undesired, unexpected, subtle, or indirect, and often unnoticed, effects that are
      generally poorly understood. For two decades, intensive food supplementation has
      been used in attempting to improve the breeding productivity of the Spanish
      Imperial Eagle, Aquila adalberti, one of the most endangered birds of prey in the
      world. Here, we examined the impact of this intensive management action on
      nestling health, including contamination, immunodepression, and acquisition of
      disease agents derived from supplementation techniques and provisioned food.
      Contrary to management expectations, we found that fed individuals were often
      inadvertently "medicated" with pharmaceuticals (antibiotics and antiparasitics)
      contained in supplementary food (domestic rabbits). Individuals fed with
      medicated rabbits showed a depressed immune system and a high prevalence and
      richness of pathogens compared with those with no or safe supplementary feeding
      using non-medicated wild rabbits. A higher presence of antibiotics
      (fluoroquinolones) was found in sick as opposed to healthy individuals among
      eaglets with supplementary feeding, which points directly toward a causal effect
      of these drugs in disease and other health impairments. This study represents a
      telling example of well-meaning management strategies not based on sound
      scientific evidence becoming a "contraindicated" action with detrimental
      repercussions undermining possible beneficial effects by increasing the impact of
      stochastic factors on extinction risk of endangered wildlife.

PMID- 22073637
TI  - Quantifying the importance of patch-specific changes in habitat to metapopulation
      viability of an endangered songbird.
AB  - A growing number of programs seek to facilitate species conservation using
      incentive-based mechanisms. Recently, a market-based incentive program for the
      federally endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) was
      implemented on a trial basis at Fort Hood, an Army training post in Texas, USA.
      Under this program, recovery credits accumulated by Fort Hood through contracts
      with private landowners are used to offset unintentional loss of breeding habitat
      of Golden-cheeked Warblers within the installation. Critical to successful
      implementation of such programs is the ability to value, in terms of changes to
      overall species viability, both habitat loss and habitat restoration or
      protection. In this study, we sought to answer two fundamental questions: Given
      the same amount of change in breeding habitat, does the change in some patches
      have a greater effect on metapopulation persistence than others? And if so, can
      characteristics of a patch (e.g., size or spatial location) be used to predict
      how the metapopulation will respond to these changes? To answer these questions,
      we describe an approach for using sensitivity analysis of a metapopulation
      projection model to predict how changes to specific habitat patches would affect
      species viability. We used a stochastic, discrete-time projection model based on
      stage-specific estimates of survival and fecundity, as well as various
      assumptions about dispersal among populations. To assess a particular patch's
      leverage, we quantified how much metapopulation viability was expected to change
      in response to changing the size of that patch. We then related original patch
      size and distance from the largest patch to each patch's leverage to determine if
      general patch characteristics could be used to develop guidelines for valuing
      changes to patches within a metapopulation. We found that both the characteristic
      that best predicted patch leverage and the magnitude of the relationship changed
      under different model scenarios. Thus, we were unable to find a consistent set of
      relationships, and therefore we emphasize the dangers in relying on general
      guidelines to assess patch value. Instead, we provide an approach that can be
      used to quantitatively evaluate patch value and identify critical needs for
      future research.

PMID- 22073638
TI  - Estimating age from recapture data: integrating incremental growth measures with
      ancillary data to infer age-at-length.
AB  - Estimating the age of individuals in wild populations can be of fundamental
      importance for answering ecological questions, modeling population demographics,
      and managing exploited or threatened species. Significant effort has been devoted
      to determining age through the use of growth annuli, secondary physical
      characteristics related to age, and growth models. Many species, however, either
      do not exhibit physical characteristics useful for independent age validation or
      are too rare to justify sacrificing a large number of individuals to establish
      the relationship between size and age. Length-at-age models are well represented
      in the fisheries and other wildlife management literature. Many of these models
      overlook variation in growth rates of individuals and consider growth parameters
      as population parameters. More recent models have taken advantage of hierarchical
      structuring of parameters and Bayesian inference methods to allow for variation
      among individuals as functions of environmental covariates or individual-specific
      random effects. Here, we describe hierarchical models in which growth curves vary
      as individual-specific stochastic processes, and we show how these models can be
      fit using capture-recapture data for animals of unknown age along with data for
      animals of known age. We combine these independent data sources in a Bayesian
      analysis, distinguishing natural variation (among and within individuals) from
      measurement error. We illustrate using data for African dwarf crocodiles,
      comparing von Bertalanffy and logistic growth models. The analysis provides the
      means of predicting crocodile age, given a single measurement of head length. The
      von Bertalanffy was much better supported than the logistic growth model and
      predicted that dwarf crocodiles grow from 19.4 cm total length at birth to 32.9
      cm in the first year and 45.3 cm by the end of their second year. Based on the
      minimum size of females observed with hatchlings, reproductive maturity was
      estimated to be at nine years. These size benchmarks are believed to represent
      thresholds for important demographic parameters; improved estimates of age,
      therefore, will increase the precision of population projection models. The
      modeling approach that we present can be applied to other species and offers
      significant advantages when multiple sources of data are available and
      traditional aging techniques are not practical.

PMID- 22073639
TI  - Invasive competitor and native seed predators contribute to rarity of the narrow
      endemic Astragalus sinuatus Piper.
AB  - The conservation of rare plant species hinges on our ability to identify the
      underlying mechanisms that limit rare plant populations. Theory on rarity
      suggests that both predispersal seed predation and competition can be important
      mechanisms influencing abundance and/or distribution of rare plant populations.
      Yet few studies have tested these interactions, and those that have evaluated
      each mechanism independently. Astragalus sinuatus Piper (Whited's milkvetch) is a
      narrow endemic plant species restricted to eight populations within a 10-km2 area
      in eastern Washington. We used experimental and observational methods to test the
      effects of native insect predispersal seed predators and an invasive grass
      (Bromus tectorum L. [cheatgrass]) on seed set and population density of A.
      sinuatus. We quantified per capita seed production and pod predation rates across
      four sites and among four years. Seed predation rates were high across four sites
      (66-82%) and all years (65-82%). Experimental reduction of predispersal seed
      predators significantly increased per capita seed set of A. sinuatus (164-345%)
      at two experimental sites. Concurrently, two seed addition experiments
      demonstrated the effect of seed loss and presence of B. tectorum on seedling
      recruitment and establishment of A. sinuatus over four growing seasons. In the
      first seed addition experiment, we found no difference in recruitment and
      establishment between low (40) and high (120) seed addition levels. In the second
      addition experiment (one level of addition; 40 seeds), we found that recruitment
      and survivorship increased 200% in plots where B. tectorum was removed compared
      to plots where B. tectorum was present. Thus, seed addition had no impact in the
      presence of B. tectorum; conversely, in the absence of B. tectorum, seed addition
      was highly effective at increasing population numbers. Results suggest that, in
      areas where B. tectorum is present, recruitment is site limited, and it is seed
      limited when B. tectorum is absent. We recommend that managers reduce B. tectorum
      in an effort to increase population growth of A. sinuatus; in areas where B.
      tectorum is absent, short-term reduction of insect predators should be considered
      as a strategy to increase population growth of this rare species.

PMID- 22073640
TI  - Metapopulation dynamics in the butterfly Hipparchia semele changed decades before
      occupancy declined in The Netherlands.
AB  - The survival of many species in human-dominated, fragmented landscapes depends on
      metapopulation dynamics, i.e., on a dynamic equilibrium of extinctions and
      colonizations in patches of suitable habitat. To understand and predict
      distributional changes, knowledge of these dynamics can be essential, and for
      this, metapopulation studies are preferably based on long-time-series data from
      many sites. Alas, such data are very scarce. An alternative is to use
      opportunistic data (i.e., collected without applying standardized field methods),
      but these data suffer from large variations in field methods and search intensity
      between sites and years. Dynamic site-occupancy models offer a general approach
      to adjust for variable survey effort. These models extend classical
      metapopulation models to account for imperfect detection of species and yield
      estimates of the probabilities of occupancy, colonization, and survival of
      species at sites. By accounting for detection, they fully correct for among-year
      variability in search effort. As an illustration, we fitted a dynamic site
      occupancy model to 60 years of presence-absence data (more precisely, detection
      nondetection) of the heathland butterfly Hipparchia semele in The Netherlands.
      Detection records were obtained from a database containing volunteer-based data
      from 1950-2009, and nondetection records were deduced from database records of
      other butterfly species. Our model revealed that metapopulation dynamics of
      Hipparchia had changed decades before the species' distribution began to
      contract. Colonization probability had already started to decline from 1950
      onward, but this was counterbalanced by an increase in the survival of existing
      populations, the result of which was a stable distribution. Only from 1990 onward
      was survival not sufficient to compensate for the further decrease of
      colonization, and occupancy started to decline. Hence, it appears that factors
      acting many decades ago triggered a change in the metapopulation dynamics of this
      species, which ultimately led to a severe decline in occupancy that only became
      apparent much later. Our study emphasizes the importance of knowledge of changes
      in survival and colonization of species in modern landscapes over a very long
      time scale. It also demonstrates the power of site-occupancy modeling to obtain
      important population dynamics information from databases containing opportunistic
      sighting records.

PMID- 22073641
TI  - Effects of chytrid fungus and a glyphosate-based herbicide on survival and growth
      of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus).
AB  - Anthropogenic-derived stressors in the environment, such as contaminants, are
      increasingly considered important cofactors that may decrease the immune response
      of amphibians to pathogens. Few studies, however, have integrated amphibian
      disease and contaminants to test this multiple-stressor hypothesis for amphibian
      declines. We examined whether exposure to sublethal concentrations of a
      glyphosate-based herbicide and two strains of the pathogenic chytrid fungus,
      Batrachochrytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) could: (1) sublethally affect wood frogs
      (Lithobates sylvaticus) by altering the time to and size at metamorphosis, and
      (2) directly affect survivability of wood frogs after metamorphosis. Neither Bd
      strain nor herbicide exposure alone significantly altered growth or time to
      metamorphosis. The two Bd strains did not differ in their pathogenicity, and both
      caused mortality in post-metamorphic wood frogs. There was no evidence of an
      interaction between treatments, indicating a lack of herbicide-induced
      susceptibility to Bd. However, the trends in our data suggest that exposure of
      wood frogs to a high concentration of glyphosate-based herbicide may reduce Bd
      caused mortality compared to animals exposed to Bd alone. These results exemplify
      the complexities inherent when populations are coping with multiple stressors. In
      this case, the perceived stressor, glyphosate-based herbicide, appeared to affect
      the pathogen more than the host's immune system, relieving the host from disease
      caused effects. This suggests caution when invoking multiple stressors as a cause
      for increased disease susceptibility and indicates that the effects of multiple
      stressors on disease outcome depend on the interrelationships of stressors to
      both the pathogen and the host.

PMID- 22073642
TI  - Predicting breeding habitat for amphibians: a spatiotemporal analysis across
      Yellowstone National Park.
AB  - The ability to predict amphibian breeding across landscapes is important for
      informing land management decisions and helping biologists better understand and
      remediate factors contributing to declines in amphibian populations. We built
      geospatial models of likely breeding habitats for each of four amphibian species
      that breed in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). We used field data collected in
      2000-2002 from 497 sites among 16 basins and predictor variables from geospatial
      models produced from remotely sensed data (e.g., digital elevation model, complex
      topographic index, landform data, wetland probability, and vegetative cover).
      Except for 31 sites in one basin that were surveyed in both 2000 and 2002, all
      sites were surveyed once. We used polytomous regression to build statistical
      models for each species of amphibian from (1) field survey site data only, (2)
      field data combined with data from geospatial models, and (3) data from
      geospatial models only. Based on measures of receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) scores, models of the second type best explained likely breeding habitat
      because they contained the most information (ROC values ranged from 0.70 to
      0.88). However, models of the third type could be applied to the entire YNP
      landscape and produced maps that could be verified with reserve field data.
      Accuracy rates for models built for single years were highly variable, ranging
      from 0.30 to 0.78. Accuracy rates for models built with data combined from
      multiple years were higher and less variable, ranging from 0.60 to 0.80.
      Combining results from the geospatial multiyear models yielded maps of "core"
      breeding areas (areas with high probability values for all three years)
      surrounded by areas that scored high for only one or two years, providing an
      estimate of variability among years. Such information can highlight landscape
      options for amphibian conservation. For example, our models identify alternative
      areas that could be protected for each species, including 6828-10 764 ha for
      tiger salamanders, 971-3017 ha for western toads, 4732-16 696 ha for boreal
      chorus frogs, and 4940-19 690 ha for Columbia spotted frogs.

PMID- 22073643
TI  - Quantitative recommendations for amphibian terrestrial habitat conservation
      derived from habitat selection behavior.
AB  - Conservation scientists have noted that conservation managers rarely use
      scientific information when making decisions. One of the reasons why managers
      rarely use scientific information may be that conservation scientists rarely
      provide their knowledge in a way that can directly be used by conservation
      practitioners. Here we show how quantitative recommendations for conservation can
      be derived. Previous research on terrestrial habitat selection behavior of toads
      (Bufo bufo and Bufo viridis) showed that wood deposits are a key resource in the
      terrestrial habitat. We used habitat-dependence analysis to estimate the amount
      of this key resource, wood deposits, that individual toads require. Based on
      these estimates we then quantify the requirements for wood deposits for a
      population. Additionally, we quantified the area that a population requires.
      Although wood deposits vary strongly in size, we found little evidence for size
      preferences: only one species preferred smallest sizes of wood deposits. We
      report all the estimates in a way that can be directly used by conservation
      managers. Habitat-dependence analysis is a simple and useful tool to quantify
      habitat requirements. Provisioning of wood deposits may improve the quality of
      terrestrial habitat for amphibians. Thereby, managers may increase the carrying
      capacity of terrestrial habitats and support elevated population densities.

PMID- 22073644
TI  - The effects of regional angling effort, angler behavior, and harvesting
      efficiency on landscape patterns of overfishing.
AB  - We used a coupled social-ecological model to study the landscape-scale patterns
      emerging from a mobile population of anglers exploiting a spatially structured
      walleye (Sander vitreus) fishery. We systematically examined how variations in
      angler behaviors (i.e., relative importance of walleye catch rate in guiding
      fishing site choices), harvesting efficiency (as implied by varying degrees of
      inverse density-dependent catchability of walleye), and angler population size
      affected the depletion of walleye stocks across 157 lakes located near Thunder
      Bay (Ontario, Canada). Walleye production biology was calibrated using lake
      specific morphometric and edaphic features, and angler fishing site choices were
      modeled using an empirically grounded multi-attribute utility function. We found
      support for the hypothesis of sequential collapses of walleye stocks across the
      landscape in inverse proportionality of travel cost from the urban residence of
      anglers. This pattern was less pronounced when the regional angler population was
      low, density-dependent catchability was absent or low, and angler choices of
      lakes in the landscape were strongly determined by catch rather than non-catch
      related attributes. Thus, our study revealed a systematic pattern of high catch
      importance reducing overfishing potential at low and aggravating overfishing
      potential at high angler population sizes. The analyses also suggested that
      density-dependent catchability might have more serious consequences for regional
      overfishing states than variations in angler behavior. We found little support
      for the hypotheses of systematic overexploitation of the most productive walleye
      stocks and homogenized catch-related qualities among lakes sharing similar access
      costs to anglers. Therefore, one should not expect anglers to systematically
      exploit the most productive fisheries or to equalize catch rates among lakes
      through their mobility and other behaviors. This study underscores that
      understanding landscape overfishing dynamics involves a careful appreciation of
      angler population size and how it interacts with the attributes that drive angler
      behaviors and depensatory mechanisms such as inverse density-dependent
      catchability. Only when all of these ingredients are considered and understood
      can one derive reasonably predictable patterns of overfishing in the landscape.
      These patterns range from self-regulating systems with low levels of regional
      fishing pressure to sequential collapse of walleye fisheries from the origin of
      angling effort.

PMID- 22073645
TI  - Influence of behavior and mating success on brood-specific contribution to fish
      recruitment in ponds.
AB  - One source of uncertainty in predicting the response of populations to
      exploitation is individual differences within a population in both vulnerability
      to capture and contribution to population renewal. For species with parental
      care, individuals engaged in nesting behavior are often targeted for
      exploitation, but predicting outcomes of this nonrandom vulnerability will depend
      in part on an understanding of how parental traits are related to potential for
      brood contribution to the population. Variation in brood-specific contribution to
      recruitment of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a fish species with
      extended parental care, was quantified to determine if differences in mating
      success, parental care behaviors, and timing of reproduction influenced offspring
      recruitment. Dependence of these relationships on brood predation was tested in
      communities that differed in the presence of bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, an
      important nest predator. Daily snorkel surveys were conducted in experimental
      ponds during spring to monitor male spawning and parental care behaviors in
      populations of largemouth bass. Tissue samples collected from larvae in nests
      were used to develop brood-specific DNA fingerprints for determining nest origins
      of fall recruits. Largemouth bass spawning period in bluegill ponds was longer
      and more variable in duration, with lower, more variable mating success, than in
      ponds without bluegill. In all populations, only one or two broods provided the
      majority of recruits, and these were broods produced during the earliest days of
      spawning by the oldest, largest males. In bluegill ponds, brood contribution from
      earliest nests also increased with brood size. Earliest nesters were the oldest
      males, and recruits from these nests were often above average in body size.
      Offspring needed to be guarded to at least swim-up larval stage to contribute any
      recruits. Termination of parental protection before offspring were free swimming
      mainly occurred with broods guarded by smaller males in ponds with brood
      predators. These age- and size-specific differences in timing of spawning and
      duration of parental care are consistent with influences of residual reproductive
      value and energetic constraints on reproductive behavior. Furthermore, these
      patterns of individual contribution to recruitment imply that fisheries that
      selectively target either nesting individuals or larger, older males could
      potentially decrease recruitment at the population scale.

PMID- 22073646
TI  - Assessing ecosystem vulnerability to invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes
      rusticus).
AB  - Despite the widespread introduction of nonnative species and the heterogeneity of
      ecosystems in their sensitivity to ecological impacts, few studies have assessed
      ecosystem vulnerability to the entire invasion process, from arrival to
      establishment and impacts. Our study addresses this challenge by presenting a
      probabilistic, spatially explicit approach to predicting ecosystem vulnerability
      to species invasions. Using the freshwater-rich landscapes of Wisconsin, USA, we
      model invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) as a function of exposure
      risk (i.e., likelihood of introduction and establishment of O. rusticus based on
      a species distribution model) and the sensitivity of the recipient community
      (i.e., likelihood of impacts on native O. virilis and O. propinquus based on a
      retrospective analysis of population changes). Artificial neural networks
      predicted that approximately 10% of 4200 surveyed lakes (n = 388) and
      approximately 25% of mapped streams (23 523 km total length) are suitable for O.
      rusticus introduction and establishment. A comparison of repeated surveys before
      vs. post-1985 revealed that O. virilis was six times as likely and O. propinquus
      was twice as likely to be extirpated in streams invaded by O. rusticus, compared
      to streams that were not invaded. Similarly, O. virilis was extirpated in over
      three-quarters of lakes invaded by O. rusticus compared to half of the uninvaded
      lakes, whereas no difference was observed for O. propinquus. We identified 115
      lakes (approximately 3% of lakes) and approximately 5000 km of streams
      (approximately 6% of streams) with a 25% chance of introduction, establishment,
      and extirpation by O. rusticus of either native congener. By identifying highly
      vulnerable ecosystems, our study offers an effective strategy for prioritizing on
      the-ground management action and informing decisions about the most efficient
      allocation of resources. Moreover, our results provide the flexibility for
      stakeholders to identify priority sites for prevention efforts given a maximum
      level of acceptable risk or based on budgetary or time restrictions. To this end,
      we incorporate the model predictions into a new online mapping tool with the
      intention of closing the communication gap between academic research and
      stakeholders that requires information on the prospects of future invasions.

PMID- 22073647
TI  - Spatial connectivity in a large river system: resolving the sources and fate of
      dissolved organic matter.
AB  - Large rivers are generally heterogeneous and productive systems that receive
      important inputs of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from terrestrial and in situ
      sources. Thus, they are likely to play a significant role in the biogeochemical
      cycling of the DOM flowing to the oceans. The asymmetric spatial gradient driven
      by directional flow and environmental heterogeneity contributes to the fate of
      DOM flowing downstream. Yet, the relative effects of spatial connectivity and
      environmental heterogeneity on DOM dynamics are poorly understood. For example,
      since environmental variables show spatial heterogeneity, the variation explained
      by environmental and spatial variables may be redundant. We used the St. Lawrence
      River (SLR) as a representative large river to resolve the unique influences of
      environmental heterogeneity and spatial connectivity on DOM dynamics. We used
      three-dimensional fluorescence matrices combined with parallel factor analysis
      (PARAFAC) to characterize the DOM pool in the SLR. Seven fluorophores were
      modeled, of which two were identified to be of terrestrial origin and three from
      algal exudates. We measured a set of environmental variables that are known to
      drive the fate of DOM in aquatic systems. Additionally, we used asymmetric
      eigenvector map (AEM) modeling to take spatial connectivity into account. The
      combination of spatial and environmental models explained 85% of the DOM
      variation. We show that spatial connectivity is an important driver of DOM
      dynamics, as a large fraction of environmental heterogeneity was attributable to
      the asymmetric spatial gradient. Along the longitudinal axis, we noted a rapid
      increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), mostly controlled by terrestrial
      input of DOM originating from the tributaries. Variance partitioning demonstrated
      that freshly produced protein-like DOM was found to be the preferential substrate
      for heterotrophic bacteria undergoing rapid proliferation, while humic-like DOM
      was more correlated to the diffuse attenuation coefficient of UVA radiation.

PMID- 22073648
TI  - Denitrification mitigates N flux through the stream-floodplain complex of a
      desert city.
AB  - The Indian Bend Wash (IBW) flood-control project relies on a greenbelt to carry
      floods through Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. The greenbelt is characterized by a
      chain of shallow artificial lakes in a larger floodplain of irrigated turf, which
      has been protected from encroaching urban development. As such, this urban stream
      floodplain complex can be divided into three subsystems: artificial lakes,
      channelized stream segments, and floodplain. We conducted experiments to evaluate
      which, if any, of these subsystems were important sites of denitrification, and
      to explore factors controlling denitrification rates. Denitrification enzyme
      activity (DEA) bioassays were conducted on sediments from eight lake and six
      stream segments as well as soil samples from eight floodplain transects. Mass
      specific potential denitrification rates were significantly higher in lakes than
      in streams or floodplains. Nutrient limitation bioassays revealed that nitrate
      (NO3-) limited denitrification in lake sediments, a surprising finding given that
      NO3(-)-rich groundwater additions frequently raised lake NO3(-) concentration
      above 1 mg N/L. Experiments on intact lake cores suggested that denitrification
      was limited by the rate NO3(-) diffused into sediments, rather than its
      availability in overlying water. Floodplain denitrification was limited by water
      content, not NO3(-) or C, and irrigation of soils stimulated denitrification. We
      constructed a N budget for the IBW stream-floodplain complex based on our
      experimental results. We found that both lakes and floodplains removed large
      quantities of N, with denitrification removing 261 and 133 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)
      from lake sediments and floodplain soils, respectively, indicating that lakes are
      hotspots for denitrification. Nevertheless, because floodplain area was >4.5
      times that of lakes, floodplain soils removed nearly 2.5 times as much N as lake
      sediments. Given the desert's low annual precipitation, a finding that floodplain
      soils are active sites of denitrification might seem implausible; however,
      irrigation is common in urban landscapes, and it elevated annual denitrification
      in IBW. Based on our results, we conclude that construction of artificial lakes
      created hotspots while application of irrigation water created hot moments for
      denitrification in the stream-floodplain complex, demonstrating that management
      decisions can improve the ability of urban streams to provide critical ecosystem
      services like N retention.

PMID- 22073649
TI  - Ecosystem services and urban heat riskscape moderation: water, green spaces, and
      social inequality in Phoenix, USA.
AB  - Urban ecosystems are subjected to high temperatures--extreme heat events,
      chronically hot weather, or both-through interactions between local and global
      climate processes. Urban vegetation may provide a cooling ecosystem service,
      although many knowledge gaps exist in the biophysical and social dynamics of
      using this service to reduce climate extremes. To better understand patterns of
      urban vegetated cooling, the potential water requirements to supply these
      services, and differential access to these services between residential
      neighborhoods, we evaluated three decades (1970-2000) of land surface
      characteristics and residential segregation by income in the Phoenix, Arizona,
      USA metropolitan region. We developed an ecosystem service trade-offs approach to
      assess the urban heat riskscape, defined as the spatial variation in risk
      exposure and potential human vulnerability to extreme heat. In this region,
      vegetation provided nearly a 25 degrees C surface cooling compared to bare soil
      on low-humidity summer days; the magnitude of this service was strongly coupled
      to air temperature and vapor pressure deficits. To estimate the water loss
      associated with land-surface cooling, we applied a surface energy balance model.
      Our initial estimates suggest 2.7 mm/d of water may be used in supplying cooling
      ecosystem services in the Phoenix region on a summer day. The availability and
      corresponding resource use requirements of these ecosystem services had a
      strongly positive relationship with neighborhood income in the year 2000.
      However, economic stratification in access to services is a recent development:
      no vegetation-income relationship was observed in 1970, and a clear trend of
      increasing correlation was evident through 2000. To alleviate neighborhood
      inequality in risks from extreme heat through increased vegetation and
      evaporative cooling, large increases in regional water use would be required.
      Together, these results suggest the need for a systems evaluation of the
      benefits, costs, spatial structure, and temporal trajectory for the use of
      ecosystem services to moderate climate extremes. Increasing vegetation is one
      strategy for moderating regional climate changes in urban areas and
      simultaneously providing multiple ecosystem services. However, vegetation has
      economic, water, and social equity implications that vary dramatically across
      neighborhoods and need to be managed through informed environmental policies.

PMID- 22073650
TI  - The interplay between environmental conditions and allee effects during the
      recovery of stressed zooplankton communities.
AB  - Many important ecological phenomena depend on the success or failure of small
      introduced populations. Several factors are thought to influence the fate of
      small populations, including resource and habitat availability, dispersal levels,
      interspecific interactions, mate limitation, and demographic stochasticity.
      Recent field studies suggest that Allee effects resulting from mate limitation
      can prevent the reestablishment of sexual zooplankton species following a
      disturbance. In this study, we explore the interplay between Allee effects and
      local environmental conditions in determining the population growth and
      establishment of two acid-sensitive zooplankton species that have been impacted
      by regional anthropogenic acidification. We conducted a factorial design field
      experiment to test the impact of pH and initial organism densities on the per
      capita population growth (r) of the sexual copepod Epischura lacustris and the
      seasonally parthenogenetic cladoceran Daphnia mendotae. In addition, we conducted
      computer simulations using r values obtained from our experiments to determine
      the probability of extinction for small populations of acid-sensitive colonists
      that are in the process of colonizing recovering lakes. The results of our field
      experiment demonstrated that local environmental conditions can moderate the
      impacts of Allee effects for E. lacustris: Populations introduced at low
      densities had a significantly lower r at pH 6 than at pH 7. In contrast, r did
      not differ between pH 6 and 7 environments when E. lacustris populations were
      introduced at high densities. D. mendotae was affected by pH levels, but not by
      initial organism densities. Results from our population growth simulations
      indicated that E. lacustris populations introduced at low densities to pH 6
      conditions had a higher probability of extinction than those introduced at low
      densities to a pH 7 environment. Our study indicates that environmental
      conditions and mate limitation can interact to determine the fate of small
      populations of sexually reproducing zooplankton species. If a more rapid recovery
      of acid-damaged zooplankton communities is desired, augmentation of dispersal
      levels may be needed during the early phases of pH recovery in order to increase
      the probability of establishment for mate-limited zooplankton species.

PMID- 22073652
TI  - Gridded meteorological data as a resource for mechanistic macroecology in coastal
      environments.
AB  - Gridded weather data were evaluated as sources of forcing variables for
      biophysical models of intertidal animal body temperature with model results
      obtained using local weather station data serving as the baseline of comparison.
      The objective of the study was to determine which gridded data are sufficient to
      capture observed patterns of thermal stress. Three coastal sites in western North
      America were included in this analysis: Boiler Bay, Oregon; Bodega Bay,
      California; and Pacific Grove, California. The gridded data with the highest
      spatial resolution, the 32-km North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and the
      38-km Climate Forecasting System Reanalysis (CFSR), predicted daily maximum
      intertidal animal temperature most similarly to the local weather Station data.
      Time step size was important for variables that change rapidly throughout the
      day, such as solar radiation. There were site-based differences in the ability of
      the model to predict daily maximum intertidal animal temperature, with the
      gridded data predictions being the closest to local weather station predictions
      in Boiler Bay, Oregon. In a review of gridded data used as part of ecological
      studies, there was broad use of the data across subject areas and ecosystems so
      the recent improvements in the spatial (from 2 degrees to 32 km) and temporal
      scales (from 6 hours to 1 hour) of gridded data will further add to the
      applicability within the ecological community particularly for mechanistic
      studies.

PMID- 22073651
TI  - Effect of temperature on biogeochemistry of marine organic-enriched systems:
      implications in a global warming scenario.
AB  - Coastal biogeochemical cycles are expected to be affected by global warming. By
      means of a mesocosm experiment, the effect of increased water temperature on the
      biogeochemical cycles of coastal sediments affected by organic-matter enrichment
      was tested, focusing on the carbon, sulfur, and iron cycles. Nereis diversicolor
      was used as a model species to simulate macrofaunal bioirrigation activity in
      natural sediments. Although bioirrigation rates of N. diversicolor were not
      temperature dependent, temperature did have a major effect on the sediment
      metabolism. Under organic-enrichment conditions, the increase in sediment
      metabolism was greater than expected and occurred through the enhancement of
      anaerobic metabolic pathway rates, mainly sulfate reduction. There was a twofold
      increase in sediment metabolism and the accumulation of reduced sulfur. The
      increase in the benthic metabolism was maintained by the supply of electron
      acceptors through bioirrigation and as a result of the availability of iron in
      the sediment. As long as the sediment buffering capacity toward sulfides is not
      surpassed, an increase in temperature might promote the recovery of organic
      enriched sediments by decreasing the time for mineralization of excess organic
      matter.

PMID- 22073653
TI  - Poor-data and data-poor species stock assessment using a Bayesian hierarchical
      approach.
AB  - Appropriate inference for stocks or species with low-quality data (poor data) or
      limited data (data poor) is extremely important. Hierarchical Bayesian methods
      are especially applicable to small-area, small-sample-size estimation problems
      because they allow poor-data species to borrow strength from species with good
      quality data. We used a hammerhead shark complex as an example to investigate the
      advantages of using hierarchical Bayesian models in assessing the status of poor
      data and data-poor exploited species. The hammerhead shark complex (Sphyrna spp.)
      along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the United States is composed of
      three species: the scalloped hammerhead (S. lewini), the great hammerhead (S.
      mokarran), and the smooth hammerhead (S. zygaena) sharks. The scalloped
      hammerhead comprises 70-80% of the catch and has catch and relative abundance
      data of good quality, whereas great and smooth hammerheads have relative
      abundance indices that are both limited and of low quality presumably because of
      low stock density and limited sampling. Four hierarchical Bayesian state-space
      surplus production models were developed to simulate variability in population
      growth rates, carrying capacity, and catchability of the species. The results
      from the hierarchical Bayesian models were considerably more robust than those of
      the nonhierarchical models. The hierarchical Bayesian approach represents an
      intermediate strategy between traditional models that assume different population
      parameters for each species and those that assume all species share identical
      parameters. Use of the hierarchical Bayesian approach is suggested for future
      hammerhead shark stock assessments and for modeling fish complexes with species
      specific data, because the poor-data species can borrow strength from the species
      with good data, making the estimation more stable and robust.

PMID- 22073654
TI  - Estimating cyanobacterial bloom transport by coupling remotely sensed imagery and
      a hydrodynamic model.
AB  - The ability to forecast the transport of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the
      Laurentian Great Lakes is beneficial to natural resource managers concerned with
      public health. This manuscript describes a method that improves the prediction of
      cyanobacterial bloom transport with the use of a preoperational hydrodynamic
      model and high temporal resolution satellite imagery. Two scenarios were examined
      from separate cyanobacterial blooms in western Lake Erie, USA. The first scenario
      modeled bloom position and extent over the span of 13 days. A geographic center,
      or centroid, was calculated and assigned to the bloom from observed satellite
      imagery. The bloom centroid was projected forward in time, and the projected
      position was compared to the final observed bloom centroid. Image pixels flagged
      as cyanobacterial bloom were compared between the initial image and the final
      image, and this was assumed as persistence. The second bloom scenario was modeled
      for a period of 12 days, and the results were framed in an ecological context in
      an effort to gain further understanding of cyanobacterial bloom dynamics. These
      modeling techniques can be incorporated into an operational forecasting system.

PMID- 22073655
TI  - A model-based approach to determine the long-term effects of multiple interacting
      stressors on coral reefs.
AB  - The interaction between multiple stressors on Caribbean coral reefs, namely,
      fishing effort and hurricane impacts, is a key element in the future
      sustainability of reefs. We develop an analytic model of coral-algal interactions
      and explicitly consider grazing by herbivorous reef fish. Further, we consider
      changes in structural complexity, or rugosity, in addition to the direct impacts
      of hurricanes, which are implemented as stochastic jump processes. The model
      simulations consider various levels of fishing effort corresponding to' several
      hurricane frequencies and impact levels dependent on geographic location. We
      focus on relatively short time scales so we do not explicitly include changes in
      ocean temperature, chemistry, or sea level rise. The general features of our
      approach would, however, apply to these other stressors and to the management of
      other systems in the face of multiple stressors. It is determined that the
      appropriate management policy, either local reef restoration or fisheries
      management, greatly depends on hurricane frequency and impact level. For
      sufficiently low hurricane impact and macroalgal growth rate, our results
      indicate that regions with lower-frequency hurricanes require stricter fishing
      regulations, whereas management in regions with higher-frequency hurricanes might
      be less concerned with enhancing grazing and instead consider whether local-scale
      restorative activities to increase vertical structure are cost-effective.

PMID- 22073656
TI  - Spatial surplus production modeling of Atlantic tunas and billfish.
AB  - We formulate and simulation-test a spatial surplus production model that provides
      a basis with which to undertake multispecies, multi-area, stock assessment.
      Movement between areas is parameterized using a simple gravity model that
      includes a "residency" parameter that determines the degree of stock mixing among
      areas. The model is deliberately simple in order to (1) accommodate nontarget
      species that typically have fewer available data and (2) minimize computational
      demand to enable simulation evaluation of spatial management strategies. Using
      this model, we demonstrate that careful consideration of spatial catch and effort
      data can provide the basis for simple yet reliable spatial stock assessments. If
      simple spatial dynamics can be assumed, tagging data are not required to reliably
      estimate spatial distribution and movement. When applied to eight stocks of
      Atlantic tuna and billfish, the model tracks regional catch data relatively well
      by approximating local depletions and exchange among high-abundance areas. We use
      these results to investigate and discuss the implications of using spatially
      aggregated stock assessment for fisheries in which the distribution of both the
      population and fishing vary over time.

PMID- 22073657
TI  - Spatial factors affecting statistical power in testing marine fauna displacement.
AB  - Impacts of offshore wind farms on marine fauna are largely unknown. Therefore,
      one commonly adheres to the precautionary principle, which states that one shall
      take action to avoid potentially damaging impacts on marine ecosystems, even when
      full scientific certainty is lacking. We implement this principle by means of a
      statistical power analysis including spatial factors. Implementation is based on
      geostatistical simulations, accommodating for zero-inflation in species data. We
      investigate scenarios in which an impact assessment still has to be carried out.
      Our results show that the environmental conditions at the time of the survey is
      the most influential factor on power. This is followed by survey effort and
      species abundance in the reference situation. Spatial dependence in species
      numbers at local scales affects power, but its effect is smaller for the
      scenarios investigated. Our findings can be used to improve effectiveness of the
      economical investment for monitoring surveys. In addition, unnecessary extra
      survey effort, and related costs, can be avoided when spatial dependence in
      species abundance is present and no improvement on power is achieved.

PMID- 22073658
TI  - Quantifying secondary pest outbreaks in cotton and their monetary cost with
      causal-inference statistics.
AB  - Secondary pest outbreaks occur when the use of a pesticide to reduce densities of
      an unwanted target pest species triggers subsequent outbreaks of other pest
      species. Although secondary pest outbreaks are thought to be familiar in
      agriculture, their rigorous documentation is made difficult by the challenges of
      performing randomized experiments at suitable scales. Here, we quantify the
      frequency and monetary cost of secondary pest outbreaks elicited by early-season
      applications of broad-spectrum insecticides to control the plant bug Lygus spp.
      (primarily L. hesperus) in cotton grown in the San Joaquin Valley, California,
      USA. We do so by analyzing pest-control management practices for 969 cotton
      fields spanning nine years and 11 private ranches. Our analysis uses statistical
      methods to draw formal causal inferences from nonexperimental data that have
      become popular in public health and economics, but that are not yet widely known
      in ecology or agriculture. We find that, in fields that received an early-season
      broad-spectrum insecticide treatment for Lygus, 20.2% +/- 4.4% (mean +/- SE) of
      late-season pesticide costs were attributable to secondary pest outbreaks
      elicited by the early-season insecticide application for Lygus. In 2010 U.S.
      dollars, this equates to an additional $6.00 +/- $1.30 (mean +/- SE) per acre in
      management costs. To the extent that secondary pest outbreaks may be driven by
      eliminating pests' natural enemies, these figures place a lower bound on the
      monetary value of ecosystem services provided by native communities of arthropod
      predators and parasitoids in this agricultural system.

PMID- 22073659
TI  - Indicators of ecosystem function identify alternate states in the sagebrush
      steppe.
AB  - Models of ecosystem change that incorporate nonlinear dynamics and thresholds,
      such as state-and-transition models (STMs), are increasingly popular tools for
      land management decision-making. However, few models are based on systematic
      collection and documentation of ecological data, and of these, most rely solely
      on structural indicators (species composition) to identify states and
      transitions. As STMs are adopted as an assessment framework throughout the United
      States, finding effective and efficient ways to create data-driven models that
      integrate ecosystem function and structure is vital. This study aims to (1)
      evaluate the utility of functional indicators (indicators of rangeland health,
      IRH) as proxies for more difficult ecosystem function measurements and (2) create
      a data-driven STM for the sagebrush steppe of Colorado, USA, that incorporates
      both ecosystem structure and function. We sampled soils, plant communities, and
      IRH at 41 plots with similar clayey soils but different site histories to
      identify potential states and infer the effects of management practices and
      disturbances on transitions. We found that many IRH were correlated with
      quantitative measures of functional indicators, suggesting that the IRH can be
      used to approximate ecosystem function. In addition to a reference state that
      functions as expected for this soil type, we identified four biotically and
      functionally distinct potential states, consistent with the theoretical concept
      of alternate states. Three potential states were related to management practices
      (chemical and mechanical shrub treatments and seeding history) while one was
      related only to ecosystem processes (erosion). IRH and potential states were also
      related to environmental variation (slope, soil texture), suggesting that there
      are environmental factors within areas with similar soils that affect ecosystem
      dynamics and should be noted within STMs. Our approach generated an objective,
      data-driven model of ecosystem dynamics for rangeland management. Our findings
      suggest that the IRH approximate ecosystem processes and can distinguish between
      alternate states and communities and identify transitions when building data
      driven STMs. Functional indicators are a simple, efficient way to create data
      driven models that are consistent with alternate state theory. Managers can use
      them to improve current model-building methods and thus apply state-and
      transition models more broadly for land management decision-making.

PMID- 22073660
TI  - Assessing landscape structure and pattern fragmentation in semiarid ecosystems
      using patch-size distributions.
AB  - Spatial vegetation patterns are recognized as sources of valuable information
      that can be used to infer the state and functionality of semiarid ecosystems,
      particularly in the context of both climate and land use change. Recent studies
      have suggested that the patch-size distribution of vegetation in drylands can be
      described using power-law metrics, and that these scale-free distributions
      deviate from power-law linearity with characteristic scale lengths under the
      effects of increasing aridity or human disturbance, providing an early sign of
      desertification. These findings have been questioned by several modeling
      approaches, which have identified the presence of characteristic scale lengths on
      the patch-size distribution of semiarid periodic landscapes. We analyze the
      relationship between fragmentation of vegetation patterns and their patch-size
      distributions in semiarid landscapes showing different degree of periodicity
      (i.e., banding). Our assessment is based on the study of vegetation patterns
      derived from remote sensing in a series of semiarid Australian Mulga shrublands
      subjected to different disturbance levels. We use the patch-size probability
      density and cumulative probability distribution functions from both
      nondirectional and downslope analyses of the vegetation patterns. Our results
      indicate that the shape of the patch-size distribution of vegetation changes with
      the methodology of analysis applied and specific landscape traits, breaking the
      universal applicability of the power-law metrics. Characteristic scale lengths
      are detected in (quasi) periodic banded ecosystems when the methodology of
      analysis accounts for critical landscape anisotropies, using downslope transects
      in the direction of flow paths. In addition, a common signal of fragmentation is
      observed: the largest vegetation patches become increasingly less abundant under
      the effects of disturbance. This effect also explains deviations from power-law
      behavior in disturbed vegetation which originally showed scale-free patterns.
      Overall, our results emphasize the complexity of structure assessment in dryland
      ecosystems, while recognizing the usefulness of the patch-size distribution of
      vegetation for monitoring semiarid ecosystems, especially through the cumulative
      probability distributions, which showed high sensitivity to fragmentation of the
      vegetation patterns. We suggest that preserving large vegetation patches is a
      critical task for the maintenance of the ecosystem structure and functionality.

PMID- 22073661
TI  - Ecosystem development in roadside grasslands: biotic control, plant-soil
      interactions, and dispersal limitations.
AB  - Roadside grasslands undergoing secondary succession are abundant, and represent
      ecologically meaningful examples of novel, human-created ecosystems. Interactions
      between plant and soil communities (hereafter plant-soil interactions) are of
      major importance in understanding the role of biotic control in ecosystem
      functioning, but little is known about these links in the context of ecosystem
      restoration and succession. The assessment of the key biotic communities and
      interactions driving ecosystem development will help practitioners to better
      allocate the limited resources devoted to roadside grassland restoration. We
      surveyed roadside grasslands from three successional stages (0-2, 7-9, and >20
      years) in two Mediterranean regions of Spain. Structural equation modeling was
      used to evaluate how interactions between plants, biological soil crusts (BSCs),
      and soil microbial functional diversity (soil microorganisms) affect indicators
      of ecosystem development and restoration: plant similarity to the reference
      ecosystem, erosion control, and soil C storage and N accumulation. Changes in
      plant community composition along the successional gradient exerted the strongest
      influence on these indicators. High BSC cover was associated with high soil
      stability, and high soil microbial functional diversity from late-successional
      stages was associated with high soil fertility. Contrary to our expectations, the
      indirect effects of plants, mediated by either BSCs or soil microorganisms, were
      very weak in both regions, suggesting a minor role for plant-soil interactions
      upon ecosystem development indicators over long periods. Our results suggest that
      natural vegetation dynamics effectively improved ecosystem development within a
      time frame of 20 years in the grasslands evaluated. They also indicate that this
      time could be shortened if management actions focus on: (1) maintaining well
      conserved natural areas close to roadsides to enhance plant compositional changes
      towards late-successional stages, (2) increasing BSC cover in areas under strong
      erosion risk, to avoid soil loss, and (3) enhancing soil microbial functional
      diversity in resource-limited areas, to enhance soil C and N accumulation.

PMID- 22073662
TI  - Phosphorus flow analysis of the socioeconomic ecosystem of Shucheng County,
      China.
AB  - Human activities disturb the long-term phosphorus (P) cycle in nature, whereby
      the resulting intensive release of P contributes to the eutrophication of surface
      water. Hence, a detailed understanding of P flow as it relates to socioeconomic
      systems is essential for effective nutrient management. This study develops a
      substance-flow-analysis model for P metabolism for the socioeconomic ecosystem of
      Shucheng County in Anhui Province in central China as a case study. We estimate P
      flow using data from questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, published
      literature, and official statistical databases. Our results show that P flow in
      Shucheng's current socioeconomic system is linear and openly metabolic. The total
      P input into Shucheng in 2008 reached 12 748 Mg, mainly as P ores and crops. In
      all, 43.83% of the total P input was exported, and 30.44% was discharged into
      surface water. More-balanced nutrient management and options for improving
      nutrient use efficiency are discussed. The quantifiable, science-based methods
      used in this study may be applied to neighboring regions of central China for
      sustainable development and water management.

PMID- 22073663
TI  - An alternative view of ecological community thresholds and appropriate analyses
      for their detection: comment.

PMID- 22073664
TI  - [The century of noise].
AB  - When did, actually, "noise pollution" begin to coexist along with our daily life
      and activities and change our environmental natural sounds, which hadn't changed
      for centuries? Industrial revolution, first, and the introduction of new
      technologies later, introduced "noise" as one of the most relevant features that
      marked the development of progress. Later on, it became the distinctive
      characteristic of the XX century. The incessant rumble of industrial machinery,
      of weapons and cannons from the wars, the roar of cars in the streets and
      aeroplanes from the sky, the deafening sound of XX century music, as well as the
      shouting out of new political ideas suddenly invaded the new century. They became
      part of our daily life so much as almost to become a new lay religion of
      modernity. As the century proceeded towards economic boom, a "new noisy Man"
      complied with this change, becoming the anthropologic prototype who was able to
      adapt to the new style of life and even contribute to its expansion. All this
      finally allows, to day, a definition of the XX century as the "century of noise".

PMID- 22073665
TI  - [Metalworking industry management evolution].
AB  - Analysis of the evolution drivers of the management systems in the metalworking
      industry, mainly characterized as "automotive", starting with the "mass
      production" model, followed for the development of Italian industry in the '50.
      Through the socio-economic changes of the '90/10, the metalworking plants were
      deeply restructured with the introduction of computers in the production systems,
      and then with the first global benchmarks such as the "lean production", towards
      the needed operational flexibility to respond to the market dynamics. Plants
      change radically, company networks become real, ICT services are fundamental
      elements for the integration. These trends help visualizing a new "Factory of the
      Future" for the years 2020/30, where the competition will be based on the socio
      economical, technological and environmental factors included in the "Competitive
      Sustainable Manufacturing" paradigm.

PMID- 22073666
TI  - [Technological evolution in the manufacting industry].
AB  - In this paper the 5 contemporary paradigms of the production technologies are
      summarised and the potential developments are examined. Further, the most
      advanced machining technologies are illustrated and the developments in the
      machine tools and in the tools that are deeply transforming the production
      environment, with particular reference to machining.

PMID- 22073667
TI  - [The present state of the clinical and epidemiologic research on chemical and
      carcinogenic risks in the metalworking industry].
AB  - In this report several publications on clinical-epidemiologic patterns are
      presented regarding chemical and oncogenic risk in the metalworking industry.
      Sources of information were mainly PubMed and TOXNET. As far as cancer is
      concerned the body of the epidemiological data is difficult to interpret, mainly
      due to the fact that even the most recent papers and reviews refer to past
      exposure to MWF. Moreover, the great number of cancer sites are hardly
      explainable as to the biological plausibility. However, it is likely that current
      problems might be overcome by the almost total elimination of PAH and some
      additives. Moreover, cancer risk for welders and painters should be considered
      according to the different techniques used. Several studies reported repeated
      outbreaks of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, especially in US, most probably caused
      by mycobacterial antigens present in water-based oils. In Italy this disease is
      probably misdiagnosed or underreported. Some cross-sectional studies on
      respiratory disease and hearing loss, caused by the interaction of noise and
      chemical agent (mainly solvents), provided limited information because of the
      nature itself of this type of studies. Dermal pathologies still affect MWF
      exposed workers. Some antigens present in compounds, which are now gradually
      substituted, have been identified for allergic dermatitis (ADC).

PMID- 22073668
TI  - [Technological evolution in lubrorefrigeration and reduction of the potential
      effects on the health oe exposed individuals].
AB  - Among the health risk for workers employed in metal working those related to
      cutting fluids were traditionally prominent. The main effects concerned
      respiratory and dermal pathologies from irritative-allergic (both chemical and
      biological) to mutagen and carcinogenic. These two latest effects have been
      demonstrated to increase with time of use. The attempt to reduce the chemical
      risks due to cutting fluid historically moved trough the constant decrease of
      mineral oil components by increasing their refinery. The innovative technological
      and preventive approach here presented consists on the contrary in changing the
      fluid basis with natural vegetal esters. The results confirmed similar or better
      technical characteristics of the fluids and a significant reduction of air
      pollution for example for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) mixture, i.e.
      the most measured and studied toxic agents exposure to metal cutting fluid.

PMID- 22073669
TI  - [New welding processes and health effects of welding].
AB  - This paper describes some of the recent developments in the control technology to
      enhance capability of Pulse Gas Metal Arc Welding. Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
      processing has been also considered. FSW is a new solid-state joining technique.
      Heat generated by friction at the rotating tool softens the material being
      welded. FSW can be considered a green and energy-efficient technique without
      deleterious fumes, gas, radiation, and noise. Application of new welding
      processes is limited and studies on health effects in exposed workers are
      lacking. Acute and chronic health effects of conventional welding have been
      described. Metal fume fever and cross-shift decline of lung function are the main
      acute respiratory effects. Skin and eyes may be affected by heat, electricity and
      UV radiations. Chronic effects on respiratory system include chronic bronchitis,
      a benign pneumoconiosis (siderosis), asthma, and a possible increase in the
      incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of
      severity, duration, and frequency among welders.

PMID- 22073670
TI  - [New varnishing techniques and health risk assessment].
AB  - The first part of the report signals the significant changes coating processes
      have endured over the last twenty years. The shift from traditional "solvent
      based" paints to "water-based" paints marked a very important toxicological
      evolution, to reduce the possible toxic effects, to improve the products quality
      and to limit environmental pollution, Old and new recipes for preparation of
      paints and enamels are compared and discussed. The second part of the report
      summarizes the international literature concerning epidemiological data on
      painters and describes the toxic effects in experimental area that are reported
      for several solvents of water-based paints.

PMID- 22073671
TI  - ["Reach", "CLP" and "SDS": the impact on the chemical risk assessment].
AB  - "REACH", "CLP" and "SDS" are Regulations that affect the rules on Health and
      Safety at Work and that, specifically, are linked to the chemical risk
      assessment. Up to 2015, the date when the old rules on Classification, Labeling
      and Packaging of hazardous substances and mixtures will be permanently abrogated,
      different regulations live together and for this reason is important to know
      every item in order to ensure the right training to the workers. In Italy, a
      Commission of the Ministry of Employment and Welfare has produced directions
      about the main consequences of the three Regulations on the D.Lgs. 81/2008. From
      an early analysis is essential to underline that the employer can make use of the
      Safety Data Sheet and the Labeling as basic tools to exchange information.

PMID- 22073672
TI  - [Risk assessment of chemical agents].
AB  - The risk assessment of chemical agents is a well known and applied process
      carried out by Industrial Hygienists and Occupational Physicians based on
      exposure evaluation. The application of REACH (CE 1907/2006), CLP (CE 1272/2008)
      and SDS (UE 453/2010) introduces some changes and instruments to carry out the
      occupational exposure assessment, like new classification of substances, Exposure
      Scenario, suggested control measures that the Industrial Hygienist and the
      Occupational Physician must evaluate. If there is not a similar Exposure Scenario
      to apply a new risk assessment must carried out also by recommended software
      (ECETOC Targeted Risk Assessment; Easy to use workplace EMKG; Stoffenmanager).
      Looking at the relevance of the control measures and evaluation of Exposure
      Scenario we report the flowchart of risk assessment and management by the Method
      of Organisational Congruencies carried out with the Prevention and Protection
      Service and Occupational Physician Office of the Health Service of the Azienda
      Provinciale of Trento.

PMID- 22073673
TI  - [Bases and perspectives of biological monitoring: from the analysis of individual
      compounds in blood and urine to exposome characterization in exhaled air].
AB  - PURPOSE: The present paper summarizes recent data concerning the use of exhaled
      breath condensate to characterize complex mixtures of both volatile (VOCs) and
      non-volatile substances giving rise to a human "exposome". RECENT FINDINGS: Data
      published over the last 10 years show that not only VOCs, but also toxic metallic
      elements are detectable in EBC, raising the possibility of using this medium to
      quantify the lung tissue dose of metals resulting from occupational exposures.
      Exhaled air is therefore a complement of the traditional approaches to biological
      monitoring aimed at assessing systemic doses. Different biomarkers of effect,
      such as biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation have also been applied in
      the investigation of occupational asthma and pneumoconiosis, suggesting that the
      collection of exhaled air and EBC may contribute to studying the pathological
      state of the airways of workers with acute and chronic exposure to pneumotoxic
      pollutants. The same noninvasive approach may open new frontiers in the study of
      workers currently or previously exposed to pulmonary carcinogenic agents
      characterizing their respiratory "exposome", as well as their lung pathobiology
      or "breathomics". SUMMARY: Currently, research on biomonitoring is focusing on
      the characterization of complex patterns of exposures relying on noninvasive
      methods, particularly suitable to be applied infield studies and for longitudinal
      assessments of pulmonary biology frequently affected in occupational settings.

PMID- 22073674
TI  - [International applications and experiences in biological monitoring: state of
      the art].
AB  - Biological monitoring (BM) represents one of the most dynamic areas of research
      in occupational health today. From a few tens of articles published yearly in the
      70s and 80s, there are now several thousand papers published in the peer review
      literature each year and the trend is still growing. BM was originally used to
      assess exposure, effects and susceptibility to occupational agents, but it has
      been now extended to environmental chemical risk assessment, as well as to
      several other biomedical sciences, such as epidemiology, tumor science, molecular
      biology, to mention just a few. The aim of the present paper is to consider new
      experiences in the use of BM at the international level and to discuss the
      contribution that these approaches may provide to develop new diagnostic and
      preventive tools in occupational and environmental health.

PMID- 22073675
TI  - [Chemical risks. From the risk assessment to the sanitary surveillance: evolution
      of the instruments of the occupational health].
AB  - Following the development of Legislation, the Occupational Health activities
      become more articulated and complex from both a formal and essential point of
      view and they are becoming an ever increasing part of the Health and Safety
      preventative strategy at the workplace and in its surrounding environment. In
      this context Health Surveillance, including its risk assessment aspect, is not
      any more only the straightforward application of medical methods aimed at
      identifying work related pathologies, but it assumes a preventative role in the
      evaluation of the individual exposure to the work environment i.e. to chemical
      and biological substances. To carry out such activities, in addition to the ones
      normally used, new instruments of information are available, provided by recent
      legislation, that regulates in a coordinated way the worker's health protection
      at the workplace, in particular the Regulation n. 1907/2006 (REACH) and the
      Regulation n.1272/2008 (CLP).

PMID- 22073676
TI  - [Algorithms for the evaluation of chemical risk: the Piedmont Region's
      experience].
AB  - The programme InfoRisk, proposed by the Piedmont Region in 2002, has been an
      important reference point for the evaluation of chemical risk, both for companies
      and the regional prevention system alike. Nowadays, it is still considered
      necessary to take advantage of simple methods for the evaluation of this risk.
      However, the Piedmontese model requires some modification so as to keep it in
      line with the national and international rules and regulations governing the
      question and to find some solutions to problems that have arisen in its practical
      application. Most of these problems are tied to the use of the section of the
      evaluation technique, which is base on the estimate and not on the measurement of
      the exposure. Indeed, it has been confirmed in some cases that it is not possible
      to discard a more accurate evaluation which is not only able to make a correct
      application of the scientific evidence available in a correct manner, but also
      one that is supported by environmental monitoring campaigns. The main
      modifications proposed to the model are herein presented. The Work Group has
      endeavoured to maintain, whenever possible, the previous logic processes of the
      algorithm, so as to conserve its "user friendly" aspects and clarity that have so
      often been reported and appreciated by the operators who applied it.

PMID- 22073677
TI  - Occupational cancer epidemiology.
AB  - Occupational cancer epidemiology has led to the identification of more than 40
      agents, groups of agents, and exposure circumstances which cause cancer in
      humans. This evidence has been followed by preventive and control measures. There
      are four areas where occupational cancer epidemiology may contribute important
      results in the future: surveillance of workers exposed to carcinogens,
      identification of new carcinogens and target organs, study of interactions, and
      research on special exposure circumstances.

PMID- 22073678
TI  - [Mechanistic issues and prevention strategies targeting occupational
      carcinogenesis].
AB  - Carcinogenesis can be visualized either as a multistep process (initiation,
      promotion, progression, invasion, and metastasis) or as a continuum of mutagenic
      and mitogenic events, with the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms. The
      exponential growth of the neoplastic mass explains the importance of secondary
      prevention (early diagnosis) and of tertiary prevention. Primary prevention,
      which was successful in controlling occupational cancers, aims at minimizing
      exposures to carcinogens in healthy subjects and at favoring the intake of
      chemopreventive agents with dietary and pharmacological agents. Besides chemical
      carcinogens, often in the form of complex mixtures, the workplace may involve
      exposures to physical agents, such as sunlight and artificial illumination
      systems delivering UV radiation, or to biological agents, such as chronic viral
      infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV) associated with cancers. A controversial issue is
      the occurrence of threshold doses for carcinogens in the workplace and the
      environment.

PMID- 22073679
TI  - [A new update of the SIMLII Guidelines on carcinogens].
AB  - The second update of the Italian Society of Occupational Medicine and Industrial
      Hygiene (SIMLII) guidelines on Cancerogens and Mutagens, first published in 2003
      and reviewed in 2007, is presented. The general setting of the guidelines
      remaines unmodified. In this new release some important developments on
      regulatory system, risk assessment, and health surveillance are discussed. The
      relevant evolution of the regulatory rules is illustrated in detail, with
      particular reference to the recent implementation in European Union and in Italy
      of the Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of
      substances and mixtures. The recent tendencies of the European Scientific
      Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits in risk assessment, are presented. Some
      remarks on the use of new biomarkers in health surveillance, with reference to
      lung and bladder cancer, are discussed. The more recent results on the
      effectiveness of the use of LDTC scan on screening in asymptomatic persons at
      high risk for lung cancer, are presented. The use of this imaging technique in
      health surveillance of special group of workers (i.e., subjects with relevant
      past asbestos exposure and smokers) could be adopted.

PMID- 22073680
TI  - [Causality in occupational oncology: the toxicologist opinion].
AB  - General and individual causality in occupational oncology should be regarded as
      diverse and largely autonomous concepts. General causality is based upon a
      statement such as "the chemical is a carcinogen" and must be considered for
      preventive action. Individual causality implies that the statement has to be
      applied to a patient exposed to that chemical. Whereas cancer results from
      complex interactions between genes and, in broad sense, the environment, the
      individual causality is an empirical judgement (educated guess) based upon all
      information about the substance itself and the individual patient.

PMID- 22073681
TI  - A framework for causal inference in occupational epidemiology.
AB  - The observational nature of occupational epidemiology research is a reason for
      potentially divergent interpretation of the causal nature of the results of
      studies addressing the association between an exposure and a disease. There is a
      need for frameworks that explicitly define the steps involved in this process of
      deriving causal inference from occupational epidemiology. A recent proposal
      consisted of the following steps: (i) study identification, (ii) quality
      assessment and categorization, (iii) evaluation of the weight of the evidence,
      and (iv) assignment of a scalable conclusion. While other approaches can be
      proposed, efforts to improve the quality and transparency of the process are
      helpful and represent a contribution to this essential component of occupational
      epidemiology research.

PMID- 22073682
TI  - [Causation in the court: the complex case of malignant mesothelioma].
AB  - The aim of this paper is to carry out an analysis of the legal evolution in Italy
      of the assessment of causation i.e. cause and effect, in oncological diseases, a
      question taken into consideration by the High Court almost exclusively with
      reference to pleural mesothelioma. The most debated question when defining the
      causal association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is the possible
      role that any multiple potentially causative exposures could assume in the
      induction and development of the disease, and in particular the role of any
      asbestos exposure over the successive employment periods. Indeed, this is a
      subject on which, to date, no agreement has yet been reached in scientific
      doctrine: these divergences bear important practical significance from a legal
      point of view, since sustaining one thesis or another may constitute determining
      factors when ascertaining responsibility for individuals who, in the past, had
      decisional statuses in the workplace. Jurisprudence in the High Court took on an
      oscillating position on this question as from the early 2000s, which was divided
      into those who sustained the thesis of the relevance of any asbestos exposure
      over the successive employment periods and those who were of a different opinion,
      i.e. only the first exposure period has relevant causative effect. The point
      under discussion concerns, in particular, the adequacy of a probabilistic law
      only governing such a question. An important turning point was made in the year
      2010 when two sentences were announced in the High Court, reiterating, in strict
      compliance with the principles affirmed by the United Sections in 2002, that a
      judge cannot, and must not, be satisfied with a general causation, but must
      rather reach a judgment on the basis of an individual causation. In particular,
      not only did the second of these two sentences recognise the multifactorial
      nature of mesothelioma, something which had almost always been denied in
      jurisprudence in the past, but it also established some very clear legal
      principles of law. Essentially, when ascertaining the causation, a judge should
      verify whether or not there is a sufficiently well established scientific law
      covering the question and whether such a law is universal or probabilistic.
      Should the latter be the case, then it is necessary to establish if the
      accelerating effect has been determined in the case in question, on the basis of
      the factual acquisitions. We must now wait for the concrete application of these
      principles by juridical bodies.

PMID- 22073683
TI  - [NHIL epidemiology in Italy. 20 years from DLgs 277/91: review and expectations].
AB  - Digs 277/91 and following related laws brought up a large number of NHILs, but
      also planned surveillance more and more effective in preventing hearing loss. In
      these two decades we also saw an inversion in percentages between working
      populations. The Authors analize these two factors, better and wider prevention
      and changing in work populations, related to resulting reduction of NHIL's cases.
      Besides, the Authors compare different insurance scales adopted to evaluate
      hearing damage in this period, bringing out similarities. INAIL's path achieved
      another last goal since 2007 in planning the new protocol about hearing aids,
      aiming to more effective compensation of the recognized hearing loss, looking
      more at "Biological value" of the person than at former "working capability".

PMID- 22073684
TI  - [The technical prevention of chronic acoustic trauma].
AB  - The present legislation establishes that workers' exposure to noise, which is the
      cause of chronic acoustic trauma, should be limited through the adoption of
      measures of technical and organizational nature. Organizational actions involve a
      plurality of aspects, not only technical in character, which are usually more
      difficult to apply and less rewarding in terms of acoustic benefits as compared
      to the technical ones; the latter should be primarily applied to the source, but
      are often adopted also at the noise propagation or reception level. Following a
      short summary of the normative framework, the article describes the approach that
      may be adopted in order to establish, in a given industrial setting, the
      priorities of intervention aimed at minimizing the noise exposure risk for the
      highest number of exposed workers.

PMID- 22073685
TI  - [The prevention of noise inducted hearing loss: the new challenge of active
      electronic hearing protection].
AB  - Based on today's common hearing aid design and technology, the team of
      researchers successfully designed a DPI which allows the worker to be "protected"
      against loudness and in the same time guarantee a good level of communication and
      perception of the surrounding environment. The design of this new device is very
      much similar to a standard BTE hearing aid which allows the use of an active DPI
      very comfortable, robust and easy to use. The research using the prototypes was
      divided into 3 phases: Phase 1: 24 volunteers coming from non-industry companies
      did undergo a specific trial protocol. Phase 2: 6 workers coming from a mining
      company did undergo the same protocol used in Phase 1. Phase 3: The Acoustics
      Laboratory from the "Energetica" Department of the Polytechnic of Turin
      (University/Institute) took objective measures for the DPI attenuation figures
      used in phase 1 and 2.

PMID- 22073686
TI  - [Hearing loss and idoneity--the segnalation of noise-induced hearing loss hearing
      Loss].
AB  - Work idoneity in hearing loss must be related to working ability and evolution
      risks. Working ability is referred to the difficulties found in speech
      comprehension and in signals perception. As regards hearing loss evolution it is
      necessary to define if the subject is affected by conductive or neurosensorial
      hearing loss. In conductive hearing loss it is necessary to evaluate entity and
      frequential distribution of the deficit. In neurosensorial hearing loss it is
      necessary to distinguish between noise-induced hearing loss and extraprofessional
      hearing loss. In noise-induced hearing loss the evolution risk is high if the
      noise exposure is less than 10-15 years or the actual noise exposure is louder
      than the former. In case of extraprofessional hearing loss the evolution risk is
      higher in presbycusis, endolymphatic hydrops and toxic hearing loss. The
      necessity to report the presence on professionale noise-induced hearing loss
      arises if audiometric threshold is more than 25 dB at 0.5-1-2-3-4 kHz and if it
      is verified the professional origine of hearing loss.

PMID- 22073687
TI  - [Issues concerning the measurement and assessment of noise in workplaces].
AB  - The measurement and assessment of noise in workplaces are affected by several
      critical aspects. Only the equivalent sound pressure levels are measured and all
      the other acoustical parameters are almost always neglected; the non-acoustic
      information that characterize each measurement are not usually reported. The
      survey about noise in workplaces is not suited to be described by technical
      standards, but rather by flexible guidelines. The reference standard UNI EN ISO
      9612/2011 does not highlight the contribution given by each work phase to the
      overall exposure level; the uncertainty evaluation may lead to unreliable data.

PMID- 22073689
TI  - [Socio-presbyacusis: definition and prevention].
AB  - Socio-presbyacusis is a hot topic with an increasing incidence and high social
      costs. The main etiological factors are: genetics, smoking and drinking habits,
      diet, metabolic syndrome, chronic otitis and noise exposure (professional,
      environmental and recreative). Despite its multifactorial origin, the
      pathogenetic mechanism of cochlear damage is based on the increased production of
      Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The clinical characteristic feature of socio
      presbyacusis is represented by slow cochlear degeneration causing a reduction of
      central hearing inputs. The result is a gradual social isolation of the deaf
      patient with a worsening of his Quality of Life. The main target of the
      management of socio-presbyacusis is the early diagnosis and prosthetic
      remediation in order to avoid patient's isolation. New preventive and remediative
      strategies are represented by antioxidant drugs.

PMID- 22073688
TI  - [Non-auditory effects of noise].
AB  - Non-auditory effects of noise involve several systems and functions, the most
      important of which are the cardiovascular, the vestibular and the psychic.
      Although several studies correlated noise exposure to some pathologies, like
      hypertension and anxiety disorders, and recent analysis carried out on cavy
      explained part of their pathophysiology, their multiple causes and the
      variability of individual reactions are still important limits to their
      classification.

PMID- 22073690
TI  - [Emigration and immigration in Italy. (1861-2011)].
AB  - The creation of the Italian Kingdom was characterized by the mass emigration of
      Italian people, mainly peasants towards European and American destinations.
      Poverty, unemployment, diseases, like pellagra, malaria and tubercolosis forced
      millions of Italians to leave the Country. The phenomenon of emigration is
      usually divided in three periods: the mass emigration from 1976 to 1914, the
      second one between the two world wars, the third one from 1946 to 1976. In the
      last quarter of the 20th century the number of repatriations overcome
      expatriations and the number of immigrants from Albania, Romania, Senegal,
      Tunisia, China, Philippines grew up becoming more and more important. Italy was a
      country of emigrants, now is a country of immigrants. It is difficult to compare
      the work conditions of the Italian emigrants with the new immigrants. At the end
      of the 19th Century or in the first decades of the 20th Century there were no
      consideration for human rights, no legislations to protect workers. Immigration
      from North Africa and from all the low and middle income countries should be
      studied in all its aspects because it will characterize our future. In the new
      era of economical globalization, Universities should prepare the new medical
      doctors to extend their professional culture to a international dimension to be
      able to cope with the new challenges of our time.

PMID- 22073691
TI  - [The management of foreign workers in Italy].
AB  - Over the last decades, the globalisation and important geopolitical changes have
      widened the spatial boundaries of international migrations which have reached a
      so global scope today that they influence the economic, political and social
      trend of countries of origin, transit and destination. According to the UN, the
      international labour mobility involved more than 200 million people in 2010, that
      is approximately 10% of the world's total population. In Italy, in the beginning
      of 2010 foreign residents amounted to 4.2 million, that is to say, 7% of the
      total population (ISTAT, 2011). Host countries have been forced to implement a
      series of policies aimed at combating illegal immigration and employment of
      foreign people. Special attention must be given to the issue of migrant workers
      who have become increasingly important actors in the social and productive
      sectors and, as a consequence, the need for preventive and protective measures
      taking into consideration the specific work-related hazards is growing more and
      more urgent. With this respect, the regulatory framework for occupational health
      and safety now contains explicit references to migrant workers as provided in the
      Leg. Decree 81/08 with subsequent integrations and modifications. First of all,
      the issue of occupational health and safety for migrant workers must take into
      account of the linguistic, social and cultural problems of the different ethnical
      groups that are present in our country.

PMID- 22073692
TI  - [Health management of Italian workers abroad].
AB  - In the last 20 years traveling workers abroad have increased markedly. This
      resulted in the need for standardized preventive tools available to protect
      workers-travelers in geographic areas with related additional risk factors.
      Health surveillance of these workers require a company organization that involves
      the components of the process prior: the occupational physician, safety service,
      administrative areas, travel clinic. The application phases of medical
      surveillance must be differentiated into two main phases: 1. pre-travel, in which
      successive stages also encoded by the SIMLII guidelines; 2. the return journey,
      where the paths are different for asymptomatic and symptomatic workers. The
      evaluation of fitness to perform the job abroad is based on general criteria that
      allow to correlate the health of the worker with respect to the destination area.
      The application methods actually available allow modulations of the health
      surveillance for companies of different dimension.

PMID- 22073694
TI  - [Migrant workers. The critical aspects of integration].
AB  - The integration of migrant poplulations with the indigeneous population is
      regulated by the Italian Decree, D.Lgs 9/7/2003 n. 215 in enforcement of the
      directive 2000/43/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between
      persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. The Italian decree, D.Lgs
      215/2003, at present in force, according to regulation stipulated as to the equal
      treatment of diverse cohabiting populations, explicitly forbids any form of
      discrimination whatsoever, be it direct or indirect. A first description of
      today's migrant panorama is offered by the Caritas Migrantes and the CNEL
      (Italian National Council of the Economy of Labour). The most critical aspects on
      the integration of migrants are described and discussed in the text.

PMID- 22073693
TI  - ILO - International Migration Programme.
AB  - In a wide International Context characterised not only by the economical
      development but also by the social, cultural, political and individual
      development, we witness more and more to a exchange between the developed and the
      developing countries, which can be translated especially in the migration of the
      work force. In theory, all countries are either countries of origin either
      countries of transit or destination, and they are all responsible for the rights
      of migrant workers by promoting the rights, by monitoring and by preventing the
      abusive conditions. The process of migration of the workforce can be divided into
      three stages: the first coincides with the period prior to departure, the second
      is represented by the aftermath of the departure and the period of stay in the
      country of destination, the third stage corresponds to the return in the country
      of origin. The workers must be protected throughout this process by the
      international organizations that perform the catalytic role of communication and
      exchange between countries, for the only purpose of protecting the rights of
      immigrant and/or immigrants workers. The responsibility for the protection of
      workers is divided among the various players in the International Labour
      Organisation. Every country has to apply measures according to the international
      standards regarding workers' rights, standards that guide the various countries
      in the formulation and implementation of their policies and legislation. These
      standards are suggested by International Conventions, the ILO Conventions and
      other international instruments such as the human rights instrument. There has
      been a big step forward once the ILO Fundamental Conventions and Conventions on
      Migrant Workers where implemented and this implementation represented the use of
      the Guidelines "ILO Multilateral Framework on Labour Migration".

PMID- 22073695
TI  - [Transfer and continuity of care: we need to talk about both].

PMID- 22073696
TI  - [Monitoring of heparins and of anticoagulants].
AB  - Anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin or
      fondaparinux is common practice in thromboembolic disease, atrial fibrillation
      and mechanical heart valves. Some of these molecules, with specific
      pharmacokinetic, requires specific monitoring. Unfractionated heparin requires
      close monitoring by aPTT and/or anti-FXa activity while LMWH and fondaparinux do
      not require biological surveillance except in a few specific situations.

PMID- 22073697
TI  - [Iron-deficient anemia, anemia of chronic disease or mixed anemia: how to
      determine the diagnosis?].
AB  - The diagnosis of pure iron-deficient anemia or anemia of chronic disease is easy.
      However, in mixed situations, conventional laboratory tests for iron status are
      influenced by the inflammatory response and their diagnostic accuracy may be
      undermined. New tests are available but grey zones and diagnostic uncertainties
      sometimes remain. The objective of this article is to give an overview of the
      current diagnostic tools for the evaluation of the iron metabolism and to provide
      a practical diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of iron-deficient anemia.

PMID- 22073698
TI  - [Usefulness of medical history and physical findings in the diagnosis of
      pneumonia].
AB  - Pneumonia is a frequent concern in the ambulatory setting. Diagnosis should be
      prompt, as delays in the instauration of the treatment are associated with a
      worse prognosis. However, empiric antibiotic treatment of all patients suspected
      of having pneumonia is unwarranted, and can affect adversely bacterial ecology.
      Chest X-ray remains the gold standard, and should always be obtained to confirm
      the diagnosis, as clinical findings are non-specific. Conversely, some clinical
      findings can be used to rule out pneumonia with sufficient negative predictive
      value in a low-prevalence setting. A chest X-ray can be omitted for these
      patients. We aimed to point which symptoms and signs are useful in assessing the
      clinical probability of pneumonia, and review clinical rules proposed for this
      purpose.

PMID- 22073699
TI  - [Management of acute alcoholic steatohepatitis].
AB  - Alcoholic steatohepatitis is an acute inflammatory liver disorder that often
      complicates the course of underlying cirrhosis. Severe alcoholic steatohepatitis,
      defined as a Maddrey's discriminant function greater than 32 or association with
      hepatic encephalopathy, carries a high short-term mortality that is significantly
      reduced by corticosteroids. A comprehensive work-up is necessary for the presence
      of concomitant infection or associated viral hepatitis. A liver biopsy must be
      performed to confirm the diagnosis prior to initiation of steroids. This article
      summarizes the management of alcoholic steatohepatitis.

PMID- 22073700
TI  - [Beta-blocker therapy during acutely decompensated heart failure].
AB  - The well established benefits of beta-blocker therapy in chronic heart failure
      include improved survival and quality of life and decreased morbidity and
      hospitalizations. In acute heart failure, evidence supports early initiation of
      beta-blocker therapy within the same hospitalization. Beta-blocker therapy seldom
      has to be withdrawn if patients are already on this medication as maintaining
      beta-blockers throughout these episodes is not deleterious and increases ulterior
      therapeutic adhesion. Possible indications for temporarily discontinuing therapy
      are a worsening clinical condition or cardiogenic shock. Potential benefits of
      maintaining beta-blockers on mortality still have to be confirmed by larger
      prospective trials.

PMID- 22073701
TI  - [Use of glucocorticoids in low back pain due to disc herniation with radicular
      involvement].
AB  - Although systemic glucocorticoids are frequently used for the treatment of
      radicular pain due to disc herniation, there are only few studies available. No
      trial has successfully demonstrated the superiority of systemic glucocorticoids
      compared to placebo. Therefore their use is not recommended. Spinal injection
      using radiographic guidance appears to provide some beneficial short-term effect
      on pain. It might be offered when pain treatments according to the WHO steps have
      failed. Because rare but serious adverse events have been reported,
      transforaminal periradicular injections should only be used after thorough
      analysis of risks and benefits with the patient.

PMID- 22073702
TI  - [Zinc for a cold?].

PMID- 22073703
TI  - [Release prescribers from their prescriptions?].

PMID- 22073704
TI  - [Lapsus].

PMID- 22073705
TI  - [Giving birth anonymously versus the "towers of abandonment" (2)].

PMID- 22073706
TI  - [Georges Courteline on the menus of canteens of France].

PMID- 22073707
TI  - [I know I have cancer].

PMID- 22073708
TI  - Suspected bile duct injuries and appropriate early referral can reduce chances of
      litigation.
AB  - Bile duct injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most feared
      complications related to performing a cholecystectomy. Early identification and
      repair can be life saving for patients with bile duct injuries. Since the early
      1990s, laparoscopic cholecystecomy (LC) has replaced open cholecystectomy as the
      preferred treatment of symptomatic cholethiasis, biliary dyskinesia, and
      cholecystitis. LC has decreased the length of hospital stay and post-operative
      pain and resulted in a subsequent faster return to normal daily activities;
      nonetheless, LC has a higher incidence in bile duct injury as compared to open
      cholecystectomy. Nearly all studies report the incidence of bile duct injury
      following open cholecystectomy between 0.1% and 0.2%. In comparison, LC has a
      reported incidence of bile duct injury between 0.4% and 0.7%. The aim of this
      article is to review our initial experience with work-up and repair of bile duct
      injuries following LC performed at outside facilities and referred to the
      University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) for definitive therapy. We will
      also review the classification of these injuries, preferred methods of diagnosis,
      and benefits of early treatment as well as factors that frequently lead to
      litigation following bile duct injury.

PMID- 22073709
TI  - Use of non-invasive ventilation in general ward for the treatment of respiratory
      failure.
AB  - Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), the provision of ventilatory assistance without
      an artificial airway, has emerged as an important ventilatory modality over the
      last 20 years. Delivery of pressured air at a certain level through a nasal or
      oro-nasal mask improves oxygenation and reduces ventilatory muscle fatigue. The
      equipment consists of a ventilator (typically a CPAP or BiPAP machine) with
      tubing, headgear, nasal or facial mask, filter and humidifier (Figure 1). In this
      article, we will discuss the medical literatures that support the use of NIV
      safely and effectively on the general medical floor to treat respiratory failure
      secondary to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      and congestive heart failure (CHF).

PMID- 22073710
TI  - Inaugural address of the president. 143rd annual session, 2011-12. Chewing the
      fat on cutting fat.

PMID- 22073711
TI  - Remembering Peru: what those who made the journey had to say.
AB  - Each year, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Department of
      Infectious Diseases teams up with Project Amazonas (www.projectamazonas.org), a
      humanitarian aid organization whose home base is Peru. Together healthcare
      workers and humanists travel by boat to the wilds of Peruvian Amazon to bring aid
      and education to a beautifully hidden and underserved world of Amazonian River
      people.

PMID- 22073712
TI  - When time is muscle: an update on Mississippi's STEMI system of care plan.

PMID- 22073713
TI  - Grits report 2011: Much accomplished by Mississippi at AMA (despite smaller
      number of delegates).

PMID- 22073714
TI  - The value of oral health.

PMID- 22073715
TI  - Compliance with new 401(k) disclosure requirements.

PMID- 22073716
TI  - Membership: a top priority for the ADA.

PMID- 22073718
TI  - When in doubt, predetermine.

PMID- 22073717
TI  - Mean girls! What happens when they grow up and come to work for you.

PMID- 22073720
TI  - Comparing MDA peer review with the state's disciplinary process.

PMID- 22073719
TI  - Tips for caring for an aging parent: part two.

PMID- 22073721
TI  - Options for provisionalization following dental implant placement in partially
      edentulous sites.

PMID- 22073722
TI  - Oral manifestations of celiac disease: a clinical guide for dentists.
AB  - Celiac disease (gluten sensitive enteropathy) is a common disorder affecting both
      children and adults. As many people with celiac disease do not present with the
      classic malabsorptive syndrome, delays in diagnosis are common. Dental enamel
      defects and recurrent aphthous ulcers, which may occur in patients with celiac
      disease, may be the only manifestation of this disorder. When dentists encounter
      these features, they should enquire about other clinical symptoms, associated
      disorders and family history of celiac disease. In suspected cases, the patient
      or family physician should be advised to obtain serologic screening for celiac
      disease and, if positive, confirmation of the diagnosis by intestinal biopsy.
      Dentists can play on important role in identifying people who may have
      unrecognized celiac disease. Appropriate referral and a timely diagnosis can help
      prevent serious complications of this disorder.

PMID- 22073723
TI  - Go team! The benefits of a morning huddle.

PMID- 22073724
TI  - The effect of digestion and dewatering on sudden increases and regrowth of
      indicator bacteria after dewatering.
AB  - Several investigators have reported higher densities of indicator bacteria after
      dewatering of anaerobically digested biosolids. The increases appear to occur at
      two points in the biosolids process: the first, referred to as "sudden increase",
      occurs immediately after dewatering; the second, "regrowth", occurs during
      storage over longer periods. The objectives of this study were to examine the
      effect of digestion and dewatering processes on sudden increase and regrowth of
      fecal coliform and E. coli. Samples were collected from five thermophilic and
      five mesophilic digestion processes, with either centrifuge or belt filter press
      dewatering. Sudden increase typically was observed in the thermophilic processes
      with centrifuge dewatering and was not observed in the mesophilic processes with
      either centrifuge or belt filter press dewatering. Regrowth was observed in both
      thermophilic and mesophilic processes with centrifuge dewatering but not belt
      filter press dewatering.

PMID- 22073725
TI  - Adsorption of glyphosate on resin supported by hydrated iron oxide: equilibrium
      and kinetic studies.
AB  - Hydrated iron oxide supported on resin (D301) was prepared as a new sorbent for
      the removal of glyphosate from wastewater. Batch adsorption studies were
      performed on glyphosate aqueous solutions with different initial glyphosate
      concentrations and temperatures. Experimental data were analyzed using the
      Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the adsorption data were best fit to the
      Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters AG, AH, and AS also were
      calculated for the adsorption processes. Adsorption rate constants were
      determined using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations
      and Kannan-Sundaram intraparticle diffusion models. Adsorption of glyphosate
      clearly followed the pseudo-second-order model and was controlled by both film
      diffusion and intraparticle diffusion.

PMID- 22073726
TI  - A mathematical model for the interactive behavior of sulfate-reducing bacteria
      and methanogens during anaerobic digestion.
AB  - Anaerobic degradation of waste involves different classes of microorganisms, and
      there are different types of interactions among them for substrates, terminal
      electron acceptors, and so on. A mathematical model is developed based on the
      mass balance of different substrates, products, and microbes present in the
      system to study the interaction between methanogens and sulfate-reducing bacteria
      (SRB). The performance of major microbial consortia present in the system, such
      as propionate-utilizing acetogens, butyrate-utilizing acetogens, acetoclastic
      methanogens, hydrogen-utilizing methanogens, and SRB were considered and analyzed
      in the model. Different substrates consumed and products formed during the
      process also were considered in the model. The experimental observations and
      model predictions showed very good prediction capabilities of the model. Model
      prediction was validated statistically. It was observed that the model-predicted
      values matched the experimental data very closely, with an average error of 3.9%.

PMID- 22073727
TI  - Combined anaerobic/aerobic digestion: effect of aerobic retention time on
      nitrogen and solids removal.
AB  - A combined anaerobic/aerobic sludge digestion system was studied to determine the
      effect of aerobic solids retention time (SRT) on its solids and nitrogen removal
      efficiencies. After the anaerobic digester reached steady state, effluent from
      the anaerobic digester was fed to aerobic digesters that were operated at 2- to 5
      day SRTs. The anaerobic system was fed with a mixture of primary and secondary
      sludge from a local municipal wastewater treatment plant. Both systems were fed
      once per a day. The aerobic reactor was continuously aerated with ambient air,
      maintaining dissolved oxygen level at 1.1 +/- 0.3 mg/L. At a 4-day or longer SRT,
      more than 11% additional volatile solids and 90% or greater ammonia were removed
      in the aerobic digester, while 32.8 mg-N/L or more nitrite/nitrate also was
      measured. Most total Kjeldahl nitrogen removal was via ammonia removal, while
      little organic nitrogen was removed in the aerobic digester.

PMID- 22073728
TI  - Corrosion control when using passively treated abandoned mine drainage as
      alternative makeup water for cooling systems.
AB  - Passively treated abandoned mine drainage (AMD) is a promising alternative to
      fresh water as power plant cooling water system makeup water in mining regions
      where such water is abundant. Passive treatment and reuse of AMD can avoid the
      contamination of surface water caused by discharge of abandoned mine water, which
      typically is acidic and contains high concentrations of metals, especially iron.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of reusing passively
      treated AMD in cooling systems with respect to corrosion control through
      laboratory experiments and pilot-scale field testing. The results showed that,
      with the addition of the inhibitor mixture orthophosphate and tolyltriazole, mild
      steel and copper corrosion rates were reduced to acceptable levels (< 0.127 mm/y
      and < 0.0076 mm/y, respectively). Aluminum had pitting corrosion problems in
      every condition tested, while cupronickel showed that, even in the absence of any
      inhibitor and in the presence of the biocide monochloramine, its corrosion rate
      was still very low (0.018 mm/y).

PMID- 22073729
TI  - Anaerobic digestion of raw and thermally hydrolyzed wastewater solids under
      various operational conditions.
AB  - In this study, high-solids anaerobic digestion of thermally pretreated wastewater
      solids (THD) was compared with conventional mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD).
      Operational conditions, such as pretreatment temperature (150 to 170 degrees C),
      solids retention time (15 to 20 days), and digestion temperature (37 to 42
      degrees C), were varied for the seven THD systems operated. Volatile solids
      reduction (VSR) by THD ranged from 56 to 62%, compared with approximately 50% for
      MAD. Higher VSR contributed to 24 to 59% increased biogas production (m3/kg VSR
      d) from THD relative to MAD. The high-solids conditions of the THD feed resulted
      in high total ammonia-nitrogen (proportional to solids loading) and total
      alkalinity concentrations in excess of 14 g/L as calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
      Increased pH in THD reactors caused 5 to 8 times more un-ionized ammonia to be
      present than in MAD, and this likely led to inhibition of aceticlastic
      methanogens, resulting in accumulation of residual volatile fatty acids between 2
      and 6 g/L as acetic acid. The THD produced biosolids cake that possessed low
      organic sulfur-based biosolids odor and dewatered to between 33 and 39% total
      solids. Dual conditioning with cationic polymer and ferric chloride was shown to
      be an effective strategy for mitigating dissolved organic nitrogen and UV
      quenching compounds in the return stream following centrifugal dewatering of THD
      biosolids.

PMID- 22073730
TI  - Oxidized starch solutions for environmentally friendly aircraft deicers.
AB  - Deicers currently used for aircraft deicing, including ethylene glycol and
      propylene glycol, pose significant threats to surface waters, as a result of high
      biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and toxicity to aquatic organisms. Oxidized
      starch may provide a less toxic deicer with lower BOD. The freezing point
      depression of starch formulations oxidized using hydrogen peroxide and catalysts
      (i.e., catalyzed hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] propagations-CHP) was 28 degrees C, and
      viscosities similar to those of commercial deicers were achieved after post
      treatment with granular activated carbon. The most effective oxidized starch
      formulation exerted a 5-day BOD up to 6 times lower than glycol deicers (103
      versus 400 to 800 g O2/L). Toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia for this formulation
      (48-hour lethal concentration, 50% [LC50] of 2.73 g/L) was greater than pure
      propylene glycol (13.1 g/ L), but lower than propylene glycol deicer formulations
      (1.02 g/L). Organic acids were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
      as the primary constituents in the oxidized starch solution. The proposed deicing
      system would provide effective deicing while exerting minimal environmental
      effects (e.g., lower toxicity to aquatic organisms and lower BOD). Furthermore,
      these deicers could be made from waste starch, promoting sustainability.

PMID- 22073731
TI  - Removal of mercury(II) from aqueous solutions using the leaves of the Rambai tree
      (Baccaurea motleyana).
AB  - This study was undertaken to evaluate the biosorption potential of a natural, low
      cost biosorbent, Rambai leaves (Baccaurea motleyana), to remove trace amounts of
      Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. It was found that the amount of Hg(II) biosorption
      by Rambai leaves increased with initial metal ion concentration, contact time,
      and solution pH but decreased as the amount of biosorbent increased. The maximum
      biosorption capacity was 121.95 mg/g for an initial concentration range of 5 to
      120 ppb. Overall, kinetic studies showed that the Hg(II) biosorption process
      followed pseudo-second-order kinetics based on pseudo-first-order and
      intraparticle diffusion models. Isotherm data revealed that the biosorption
      process followed both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The value of separation
      factor, R(L), from the Langmuir equation and rate of biosorption, n, from the
      Freundlich model also indicated favorable adsorption.

PMID- 22073732
TI  - Laboratory and field evaluation of a pretreatment system for removing organics
      from produced water.
AB  - Co-produced water from the oil and gas industry accounts for a significant waste
      stream in the United States. This "produced water" is characterized by saline
      water containing a variety of pollutants, including water soluble and immiscible
      organics and many inorganic species. To reuse produced water, removal of both the
      inorganic dissolved solids and organic compounds is necessary. In this research,
      the effectiveness of a pretreatment system consisting of surfactant modified
      zeolite (SMZ) adsorption followed by a membrane bioreactor (MBR) was evaluated
      for simultaneous removal of carboxylates and hazardous substances, such as
      benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) from saline-produced water. A
      laboratory-scale MBR, operated at a 9.6-hour hydraulic residence time, degraded
      92% of the carboxylates present in synthetic produced water. When BTEX was
      introduced simultaneously to the MBR system with the carboxylates, the system
      achieved 80 to 95% removal of BTEX via biodegradation. These results suggest that
      simultaneous biodegradation of both BTEX and carboxylate constituents found in
      produced water is possible. A field test conducted at a produced water disposal
      facility in Farmington, New Mexico confirmed the laboratory-scale results for the
      MBR and demonstrated enhanced removal of BTEX using a treatment train consisting
      of SMZ columns followed by the MBR. While most of the BTEX constituents of the
      produced water adsorbed onto the SMZ adsorption system, approximately 95% of the
      BTEX that penetrated the SMZ and entered the MBR was biodegraded in the MBR.
      Removal rates of acetate (influent concentrations of 120 to 170 mg/L) ranged from
      91 to 100%, and total organic carbon (influent concentrations as high as 580
      mg/L) ranged from 74 to 92%, respectively. Organic removal in the MBR was
      accomplished at a low biomass concentration of 1 g/L throughout the field trial.
      While the transmembrane pressure during the laboratory-scale tests was well
      controlled, it rose substantially during the field test, where no pH control was
      implemented. The results suggest that pretreatment with an SMZ/MBR system can
      provide substantial removal of organic compounds present in produced water, a
      necessary first step for many water-reuse applications.

PMID- 22073733
TI  - Full-scale use of glycogen-accumulating organisms for excess biological carbon
      removal.
AB  - The purpose of this study has been to verify the efficient full-scale
      applicability of glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) for excess biological
      carbon removal, that is, for removing more carbon substrate than the amount of
      available nutrients would allow in the conventional activated sludge process of
      microbial growth. This aims to cost-effectively overcome the problem of viscous
      bulking occurring in a fully aerated system, with nutrient deficiency. Analytical
      data measured at the wastewater treatment plant of the Balatonboglar (BB) winery
      in Balatonboglar, Hungary, containing consecutive unaerated and aerated activated
      sludge basins, reflected a high performance with efficient carbon removal and
      good sludge settling, without dosing any external nutrient source to the severely
      nitrogen- and phosphorous-deficient influent. Supplementary laboratory-scale
      batch experiments and microbiological tests verified the abundance of GAOs in the
      activated sludge system and elucidated their role in efficient excess biological
      carbon removal.

PMID- 22073734
TI  - Complete dechlorination of endosulfan and lindane using Mg0/Pd(+4) bimetallic
      system.
AB  - A Mg0/Pd(+4) bimetallic system was evaluated to dechlorinate endosulfan and
      lindane in the aqueous phase. Studies were conducted with endosulfan and lindane
      separately, with or without acid in a 1:1 (v/v) water:acetone phase. In the
      absence of any acid, higher degradation of endosulfan and lindane was observed
      using Mg0/Pd(+4) doses of 10/0.5 and 4/0.1 mg/mL, respectively. Acetone plays an
      important role in facilitating the dechlorination reaction by increasing the
      solubilities of pesticides. Dechlorination kinetics for endosulfan and lindane
      (30 and 50 mg/L [30 and 50 ppm] concentration of each pesticide) were conducted
      with varying Mg0/Pd(+4) doses, and the time-course profiles were well-fitted into
      exponential curves. The optimum observed rate constants (k(obs)) for endosulfan
      and lindane were obtained with Mg0/Pd(+4) doses of 5/0.5 and 4/0.1 mg/mL,
      respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that
      endosulfan and lindane were dechlorinated completely into their hydrocarbon
      skeletons-Bicyclo [2,2,1] hepta 2-5 diene and benzene, respectively.

PMID- 22073735
TI  - Biomass-derived materials in the remediation of heavy-metal contaminated water:
      removal of Cadmium(II) and copper(II) from aqueous solutions.
AB  - Manganese-coated activated carbon (MCAC) and activated carbon were used in batch
      experiments for the removal of cadmium(II) and copper(II). Results showed that
      uptake of Cd(II) and Cu(II) was unaffected by increases in pH (3.0 to 8.5) or
      concentration (1 to 20 mg/L). Increased ionic strength (from 0.001 to 1 M NaNO3),
      however, significantly affected the uptake of Cd(II); adsorption of Cu(II) was
      not affected. Freundlich adsorption isotherm results indicated that MCAC
      possessed higher sorption capacity than activated carbon. Second-order rate
      constants were found to be 0.0386 for activated carbon and 0.0633 g/mg x min for
      MCAC for Cd(II) and 0.0774 for AC and 0.1223 g/mg x min for MCAC for Cu(II).
      Column experiments showed that maximum sorption capacity of MCAC was 39.48 mg/g
      for Cu(II) and 12.21 mg/g for Cd(II).

PMID- 22073736
TI  - Assessment of internal and external grease interceptor performance for removal of
      food-based fats, oil, and grease from food service establishments.
AB  - A research study was performed to determine the fats, oil, and grease (FOG)
      removal efficiency of internal flow-based grease interceptors (FGI). A passive
      flow and a mechanical-flow FGI unit were tested and their performance was
      compared to an external retention-based grease interceptor (RGI). Experiments
      involved multiple parameters including three oil/water emulsion strengths, two
      influent liquid temperatures, and two flow rates. Overall, the RGI achieved
      approximately 80% FOG removal and the FGIs removed less than 50% under the tested
      conditions. One exception occurred during the passive FGI testing during which
      removal reached approximately 80%. This increased efficiency was likely due to
      the relatively weak emulsion exhibiting significantly large FOG globules. The FOG
      removal efficiency decreased with increased temperature because of increased
      breakage of FOG globules at the elevated temperature. These results suggest that
      emulsion strength significantly affects FOG removal efficiency of FGIs and should
      be considered in future manufacturer testing protocol.

PMID- 22073737
TI  - Career progression is not without prejudice.

PMID- 22073738
TI  - Trusts given support to create a fairer NHS for staff and patients.

PMID- 22073739
TI  - 'Staff will have greater awareness of individual needs'.

PMID- 22073740
TI  - A history that lives on.
AB  - The contribution of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole was immense. Their
      similarities and differences are described in this article.

PMID- 22073741
TI  - Breaking through barriers.
AB  - Jamaican-born public health nurse Yinglen Butt has held senior positions in NHS
      trusts and at the Department of Health. She says race has never been a barrier in
      her career and urges nurses to 'push against doors' to get where they want to be.

PMID- 22073742
TI  - Regulation resistance.
AB  - Nurses in France are unhappy with their working conditions and have responded
      with suspicion to a new body set up to regulate them. The Ordre National des
      Infirmiers has struggled to attract registrants, but there are signs of
      improvement.

PMID- 22073743
TI  - Targeted screening.
AB  - African-Caribbean men are at a higher risk of prostate cancer and should be
      encouraged to seek screening and have urinary problems investigated without
      delay.

PMID- 22073744
TI  - Raising awareness of borderline personality disorder and self-injury.
AB  - People with personality disorders frequently present to general health services.
      A large proportion of people with borderline personality disorder will self
      injure and seek physical clinical interventions from adult or practice nurses.
      These patients are often excluded from services and are highly stigmatised both
      in mental health services and the wider society. This article aims to increase
      the awareness of borderline personality disorder and self-injury among non-mental
      health nurses to assist them to work more effectively with patients who present
      with these difficulties.

PMID- 22073745
TI  - Palliative care for patients with chronic respiratory disease.
AB  - The article provides an overview of the key issues relating to palliative care
      for patients with chronic respiratory disease. The need for palliative care in
      this patient group is identified and the illness trajectory considered. Issues of
      communication, provision of palliative care services and symptom management are
      discussed and the need for improved services highlighted.

PMID- 22073746
TI  - Asthma: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management.
AB  - This article provides an overview of asthma in adults, includin pathophysiology,
      risk factors and triggers. Assessment, diagn pharmacological therapies are
      considered. The importance of in partnership with the patient and encouraging
      supported self-care are highlighted.

PMID- 22073747
TI  - Metastatic breast cancer.

PMID- 22073748
TI  - Why I decided to go private.

PMID- 22073749
TI  - Sickle cell: it's in the blood.

PMID- 22073750
TI  - Badge of honour.

PMID- 22073751
TI  - The logic of physiognomony in the late Renaissance.
AB  - This article studies the advances made in the logic of Renaissance physiognomy
      from the state of the subject in antiquity and the Middle Ages. The properties
      and accidents of the human body are investigated in the context of the signs
      selected by physiognomers, whether univocal or in syndromes, strong or weak in
      character, negative or positive, consistent with each other or contradictory.
      When these signs are translated into propositions, the construction of argument
      which flows from them is shown to be ut plurimum reasoning, in which an element
      of quasi-mathematical proto-probability and hermeneutical thinking (in the
      treatment of ambiguity and obscurity) may be detected. These allow the question
      "is x more likely to be the case than y or z?" to be answered through a variety
      of procedures. Renaissance physiognomy is shown to be a discipline in which a
      novel combination of rational procedures come together, and a site of conceptual
      change in respect of property and accidence.

PMID- 22073752
TI  - Two Pahlavi chapters on medicine.
AB  - The medical sciences in Sasanian society, in late Antiquity, constitute a rather
      neglected field of inquiry. Our most reliable sources for the study of this
      particular period in the history of science include a number of texts that were
      written in several older Iranian languages. In the following pages, we offer
      translations and commentaries on two such texts, written in Middle Persian,
      dealing with the life sciences. The topics discussed include copulation,
      pregnancies in various species, lactation, and moral and physical characteristics
      in the offspring. Placed in juxtaposition, the two texts, furthermore, clarify
      some of the obscure points in each of them. It is hoped that this preliminary
      study will help to sketch the path for future studies of the field.

PMID- 22073753
TI  - [Who did the first arterial ligation?].
AB  - It is usual to bestow on Ambroise Pare the discovery of arterial ligation. He
      himself substantiates this assumption describing how he discovered it on the
      battlefield. But the survey of the surgical literature lets us see that in
      France, Guy de Chauliac and Henri de Mondeville had already described it and
      performed it. And, before them, the Italian surgeons of the 13th and 12th
      centuries. It was also well known by the Arab speaking surgeons who detained the
      translations of the Greek medical authors of the Antiquity. And indeed the
      description is to be found in Paul ofAegina and Oribasius. But it is in Celsus's
      De re medica that we find the first description. It may be reasonably assumed
      that it is much oldest.

PMID- 22073754
TI  - [Maternal imagination and congenital malformations].
AB  - Since antiquity philosophers and scientists tried to explain the cause of
      congenital malformations. In early modern medicine maternal imagination was
      largely accepted as their true cause, This concept was rejected by Blondel, a
      London physician. Around 1750 Wolff introduced the Hemmungsbildung as the cause
      of congenital malformations, a concept adopted in 1781 by Blumenbach. Later on
      Soemmerring (1784), Crichton (1785) and Meckel the younger adopted Blumenbach's
      concept. In 1824 Suringar further developed it. More and more the excessive
      development of fetal blood vessels or nerves was rejected as a possible cause,
      although from time to time these ideas were adopted again. In the early 1800s
      Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (1811) and Vrolik (1817) developed a
      classification of monstra. These attempts urged Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire
      (Etienne's son) and Vrolik the younger (Gerard's son) to develop it further.
      Nevertheless, around 1840 Vrolik had to admit that although we are well acqainted
      with the various malformations, we are still ignorant of the primary cause of
      these phenomena. Meanwhile the dispute between the adherents of the theory of
      preformation and those who had adopted the concept of epigenesis exercised many
      minds. In the second half of the eighteenth century the latter theory became more
      and more adopted and this fact cleared the way for the ideas introduced by Wolff
      and Blumenbach, because it was consistent with the idea of a gradual development
      of fetal structures.

PMID- 22073755
TI  - [History of phrenology].
AB  - Gall & his supporters had intuition that brain was made up with functional areas
      but they did not correctly place them. This false science brought nothing to
      medicine but it left its mark on 19th century literature. However it contributed
      to introducing the notion of mitigating circumstances in the legal proceeding and
      set up basis of professional recruitment. It left plenty of technical gears:
      crane casting, china busts, phrenological penholders, knobs, craniological
      snuffboxes and a lot of geographic maps of the skull bumps.

PMID- 22073756
TI  - [The Ethics and Deontology division of the French National Council of Medical
      Doctors, eight years of activity, 1993-2001].
AB  - The activity of the division of Ethics and deontology of the French National
      council of medical doctors is analysed by its former president (1993-2001). Among
      a lot of topics, a new version of the professionnal Code of deontology and
      patients' information were the main subjects of reflection and action.

PMID- 22073757
TI  - [The unicorn and the unicorn horn among apothecaries and physicians].
AB  - In the 4th century A.D. the first unicorn was shown as a little horse with a
      twisted horn and was completely different from the Oriental one described by
      Marco Polo. The new unicorn appeared during the 4th century A.D. in Alexandria.
      This animal enamoured of purity was used as a Christian symbol of purity and
      sacrifice and adornment of churches like in Lyons in the 13th century. In the
      15th & 17th centuries the unicorn was found again in famous tapestries like La
      Dame B la Licorne as it meant courage, speed and purity. Since the 6th century
      the powder of unicorn horn was used as a medicine or a drug against poisoning.
      Depictions of unicorn can be found in chemist's signs, engravings or paintings
      until the 19th century.

PMID- 22073758
TI  - [The Piscine Probatica, a painted canvas of the Hotel-Dieu of Rheims,
      documentation of an epidemic at the end of the 15th century].
AB  - The Piscina Probatica theme is the highly distinctive iconography in an
      impressive painted canvas from the ancient Rheims hotel-Dieu, dating back to the
      late 15th or early 16th century. In the first place, it is interesting to note
      that the actual site of the pool has been located, so that archaeological
      findings bring confirmation to testament scriptures. Through the choice of the
      painted-canvas medium, and thanks to his great pictorial skill, the anonymous
      Rheims artist has given us a document of exceptional value, concerning the signs
      and symptoms of an illness which wrought havoc in the Rheims area in his own
      lifetime, namely ignis plaga or "mal des ardents". Other great artists of the
      same period, such as J. Bosch, have testified to the horror of the illness. As a
      matter-of-fact, the illness has been fully documented, from the 17th century
      onwards, and the medical expert H.A. Tessier, also acting as an agricultural
      expert, has demonstrated that ergotized rye is responsible for the fatal
      condition known as ergotism, and for the heavy toll it has levied on human lives
      in the course of centuries.

PMID- 22073759
TI  - [The intervention of the Royal College of Medicine in Nancy in the regulation of
      pharmaceutical activity].
AB  - Created in 1752 the Royal College of Medicine in Nancy constituted an institution
      with extended powers, particularly in sanitary policy and pharmaceutical
      activity. After explaining the rules of the College, the paper describes with
      examples its participation to the examinations of pharmacy pupils and their
      sustaining of "Conclusions de pharmacie et de chymie", to the delivery of drugs
      and to the fight against charlatanry and prohibited activity of pharmacy. From
      its creating to its disparition in 1793 by order of the government, the Royal
      College of Medicine worked remarkably, and the rules worked up during the forty
      years of its life appear to be of a great modernity.

PMID- 22073760
TI  - [Medicinal plants and symbols in the medieval mystic altarpiece].
AB  - The medieval mystic altarpiece towers above the altar table. It is linked to the
      evocation of a religious mystery beyond our faculty of reasoning. Symbolism of an
      enclosed garden evokes the image of the Heavenly Garden isolated by a wall from
      the rest of earthly world. In this mystic chiefly Rhenan altarpiece the enclosed
      garden is that of Virgin Mary who in the Middle Ages was likened to the spouse in
      the song of songs. The Blessed Virgin is painted with flowers, lily, rose,
      violet, lily of the valley. Most of these are medicinal plants in order to
      implore a faith healing for the believers. All in all about fifty plants are
      showed on Rhenan altarpieces and on 14th century mystic altarpieces almost
      contemporary of Issenheim's altarpiece, some Italian, some Rhenan.

PMID- 22073761
TI  - A follow-up study of patients with medically unexplained symptoms referred to a
      liaison psychiatry service.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The principal objective was to describe general hospital use and
      mortality in a group of patients with medically unexplained symptoms referred to
      a liaison psychiatry service. METHOD: Cases were identified from patients with
      medically unexplained symptoms referred to a liaison psychiatry service between
      1998 and 2005. We also identified a control group of patients, matched for age,
      sex, and date of referral, referred for other reasons to the same service. Follow
      up information was obtained from the New Zealand Health Information Service
      national minimum data set from 1998 to 2006. Finally we compared hospital use in
      people with medically unexplained symptoms with national data on average length
      of stay in New Zealand hospitals. RESULTS: Over 9 years 153 patients referred for
      medically unexplained symptoms spent nearly 14,000 days in hospital. They also
      had statistically significant greater numbers of general hospital admissions and
      fewer deaths compared to patients referred to liaison psychiatry for other
      reasons. Patients with medically unexplained symptoms spent 41% spent longer in
      hospital on each admission (5.5 days) compared to the New Zealand average length
      of stay in general hospitals (3.9 days). After referral to liaison psychiatry
      patients who were frequently admitted with medically unexplained symptoms
      experienced a statistically significant decrease in the number of admissions and
      length of stay per year. CONCLUSIONS: Patients referred to a liaison psychiatry
      service with medically unexplained symptoms use substantial amounts of health
      service resources. They also have a lower mortality and are admitted to hospital
      more often than a matched control group.

PMID- 22073762
TI  - The treatment of patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms in China:
      a study comparing expectations and treatment satisfaction in psychosomatic
      medicine, biomedicine, and traditional Chinese medicine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about treatment for patients with medically
      unexplained symptoms (MUS) in China. This study investigates the treatment
      expectations and treatment satisfaction of patients with MUS in psychosomatic
      medicine, biomedicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). METHOD: In a cross
      sectional survey, n = 96 (10.3%) out of 931 participating patients were screened
      positive for multiple somatoform symptoms. These patients answered questionnaires
      concerning symptom duration, number of doctor visits, functional impairment,
      emotional distress, treatment expectations, treatment satisfaction, and empathy
      in the consultation. The physicians filled in a questionnaire about applied or
      recommended treatment. RESULTS: Most of the patients from psychosomatic medicine
      wanted psychotherapy. In TCM, 55% of the patients had already received TCM
      treatment and most of them wanted to continue TCM treatment. Patients in
      biomedicine did not express clear expectations; most of them had had no previous
      treatment. A combination of treatment methods was most prevalent in biomedicine
      in comparison to psychosomatic medicine and TCM. The outcome from the patients'
      point of view was significantly better in TCM than in psychosomatic medicine and
      biomedicine. Psychosomatic medicine's strength was the empathetic physician
      patient interaction. CONCLUSIONS: From a biopsychosocial perspective, these
      results suggest that various treatment approaches with various emphases can be
      effective depending on the patient's complaints, his illness beliefs, and what
      the physician offers. The results will be verified in a larger multicenter
      longitudinal study.

PMID- 22073763
TI  - Schizophrenia: medical illness, mortality, and aging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Schizophrenia is a devastating and common psychiatric disorder which
      is associated with a high degree of medical morbidity and reduced life span in
      addition to psychosis. In this article, these problems will be discussed in the
      context of schizophrenia and aging. METHOD: The recent literature was reviewed
      using Pubmed, Medline, and Google scholar with the search terms "schizophrenia,
      aging, medical problems." RESULTS: Schizophrenia is associated with significant
      medical morbidity and mortality. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease, along with
      smoking and obesity, are over-represented and contribute to reduced quality of
      life and life span. Schizophrenics often receive poor medical care. CONCLUSIONS:
      The impacts of schizophrenia on physical health and successful aging have been
      underestimated. Psychiatrists and primary care physicians need to address the
      overlapping medical and psychiatric aspects of the disorder while the medical
      care system for these patients requires a much higher degree of coordination than
      is currently available.

PMID- 22073764
TI  - A brief measure of core religious beliefs for use in psychiatric settings.
AB  - Results from several national studies in the United States suggests that: (1)
      religious beliefs and practices are highly prevalent; (2) spirituality and
      religion are statistically and clinically relevant to mental health and symptoms;
      and (3) many patients have a preference for spiritually integrated care. However,
      existing protocols that assess for salient religious themes in psychiatric
      settings are time-consuming to administer, relevant only to specific populations
      (e.g., Christians), and have poor psychometric properties. Further, evidence
      suggests that religious beliefs can take on a positive and negative valence, and
      both of these dimensions are worthy of assessment. We, therefore, developed a
      brief (six-item) self-report measure of positive and negative core beliefs about
      God which is uniquely suited for use with a broad range of religious patients.
      Across three studies, we evaluated its psychometric properties and ability to
      predict symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results provide support for the
      validity and reliability of our measure and further highlight the salience of
      both positive and negative religious beliefs to psychiatric symptoms. It is hoped
      that this measure will help to decrease the burden of spiritual assessment in
      psychiatric and medical settings, and further have research utility for this area
      of study.

PMID- 22073765
TI  - The mind-body connection: an integrated approach to the diagnosis of colonic
      trichobezoar.
AB  - The relationship between trichophagia, the compulsive eating of hair, and
      trichobezoar, the accumulation of hair within the gastrointestinal tract,
      illustrates the importance of the mind-body connection. Physicians ought to be
      cognizant of this association in the evaluation of colonic obstruction as colonic
      trichobezoars, though uncommon, carry a high mortality rate. Incorporation of the
      psychiatric and dermatological examinations is a simple way to raise clinical
      suspicion for the presence of a trichobezoar, and to prompt early and appropriate
      surgical treatment. Even after resolution, treatment of the underlying
      trichophagia is highly recommended to prevent future complications.

PMID- 22073766
TI  - Active depression is associated with regional adiposity in the upper abdomen and
      the neck.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In major depression, the incidence of overweight, the risk of type 2
      diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease is increased. Aim was to determine
      body fat distribution in depressive and healthy females using whole body Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging (MRI). Measurements of total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral
      (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) at the trunk and the whole body fat
      distribution along the body axis were performed and compared. Differences in body
      fat distribution between depressive and healthy females and their location were
      evaluated. METHODS: In total, 11 women with a depressive syndrome (major
      depression, MD) and 45 healthy female volunteers (HC) matched for age and body
      mass index were compared. Total tissue (TT), TAT, VAT, and SCAT were quantified
      using T1-weighted whole body MRI. Adipose tissue distribution was compared along
      the body axis. RESULTS: MD patients showed higher adipose tissue volumes than the
      HC group. Especially in the upper abdomen, at the upper extremities and the neck,
      MD patients are characterized by a significantly higher adipose tissue mass
      compared to the HC group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the
      hypothesis of a high stress level with a disturbed hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      (HPA) axis leading to a Cushing-like habitus and high visceral fat levels. The
      increased fat levels at the arms, as well as the whole body fat may be well
      founded by a lack of activity in depression. These effects should be evaluated in
      further longitudinal studies investigating patients with a depressive syndrome
      and after remission.

PMID- 22073768
TI  - Inspiration in the harness of daily labor. Darwin, botany, and the triumph of
      evolution, 1859-1868.
AB  - Charles Darwin hoped that a large body of working naturalists would embrace
      evolution after the Origin of Species appeared in late 1859. He was disappointed.
      His evolutionary ideas at first made painfully little progress in the scientific
      community. But by 1863 the tide had turned dramatically, and within five years
      evolution became scientific orthodoxy in Britain. The Origin's reception followed
      this peculiar trajectory because Darwin had not initially tied its theory to
      productive original scientific investigation, which left him vulnerable to
      charges of reckless speculation. The debate changed with his successful
      application of evolution to original problems, most notably orchid fertilization,
      the subject of a well-received book in 1862. Most of Darwin's colleagues found
      the argument of the Origin convincing when they realized that it functioned
      productively in the day-to-day work of science-and not before. The conceptual
      force of the Origin, however outwardly persuasive, acquired full scientific
      legitimacy only when placed "in the harness of daily labour".

PMID- 22073767
TI  - Quality of life in postmenopausal women: the impact of depressive and anxiety
      disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychiatric symptoms are frequently present in postmenopausal women.
      The present study aimed to investigate the impact of depressive and anxiety
      disorders on the quality of life (QoL) of postmenopausal women. METHOD: The study
      sample consisted of 342 postmenopausal women who presented to the Gynecology
      Outpatient Clinic. The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition was used to determine
      depressive and anxiety disorders. The participants' QoL level was assessed by
      means of the World Health Organization QoL Assessment-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF).
      RESULTS: Subjects without a diagnosis of depressive or anxiety disorder had
      significantly higher points in all domains of WHOQOL-BREF. According to linear
      regression analysis, all evaluated disorders except social phobia and specific
      phobia were independently associated with lower scores for at least one dimension
      of the QoL scale. However, major depression, dysthymic disorder, and generalized
      anxiety disorder predicted all domains of WHOQOL-BREF. CONCLUSION: Depressive and
      anxiety disorders, particularly major depression, dysthymic disorder, and
      generalized anxiety disorder, seem to be considerable factors affecting the QoL
      in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22073769
TI  - Trading in birds: imperial power, national pride, and the place of nature in U.S.
      Colombia relations.
AB  - Between the 1910s and the 1940s, American naturalists carried out a number of
      ornithological expeditions in Colombia. With the help of Colombian naturalists,
      thousands of skins were brought to natural history museums in the United States.
      By 1948 these birds had become an important treasure: American ornithologists
      declared Colombia the nation with the most bird species. This story sheds new
      light on the role science played in the expansion of U.S. political, economic,
      and cultural influence in Latin America in the early twentieth century, as well
      as on the relation between nationalist movements in Latin America and the study
      of the natural world. Recognizing a complex but fruitful interaction between
      nationalist policies and imperial practices proves important for understanding
      the success of the naturalists' enterprise in Colombia.

PMID- 22073770
TI  - Who owns what? Private ownership and the public interest in recombinant DNA
      technology in the 1970s.
AB  - This essay analyzes how academic institutions, government agencies, and the
      nascent biotech industry contested the legal ownership of recombinant DNA
      technology in the name of the public interest. It reconstructs the way a small
      but influential group of government officials and university research
      administrators introduced a new framework for the commercialization of academic
      research in the context of a national debate over scientific research's
      contributions to American economic prosperity and public health. They claimed
      that private ownership of inventions arising from public support would provide a
      powerful means to liberate biomedical discoveries for public benefit. This
      articulation of the causal link between private ownership and the public
      interest, it is argued, justified a new set of expectations about the use of
      research results arising from government or public support, in which
      commercialization became a new public obligation for academic researchers. By
      highlighting the broader economic and legal shifts that prompted the
      reconfiguration of the ownership of public knowledge in late twentieth-century
      American capitalism, the essay examines the threads of policy-informed legal
      ideas that came together to affirm private ownership of biomedical knowledge as
      germane to the public interest in the coming of age of biotechnology and genetic
      medicine.

PMID- 22073771
TI  - The skeleton in the closet: should historians of science care about the history
      of mathematics?
AB  - Up until the 1950s, the history of mathematics was an integral part of the
      history of science. To George Sarton and his contemporaries, mathematics was the
      rational skeleton that organized science and held it together, and its history
      was a fundamental component of the broader history of science. But when
      historians began focusing on the cultural roots of science rather than its
      rational structure, the study of mathematics was marginalized and ultimately
      excluded from the history of science. The alienation between the two fields is
      detrimental to both, and in recent years there has been a sustained effort to
      reestablish meaningful communication between the two. This time, however,
      mathematics is seen not as the static skeleton of science but, instead, as a
      dynamic and historically evolving field in its own right-just like science
      itself. The new approach allows for a culturally sensitive study of mathematics,
      as well as a new and fruitful relationship between the history of science and the
      history of mathematics. The essays in this Focus section offer a sampling of the
      new approaches, opening the way to a rapprochement between fields that have gone
      their separate ways but should by rights be closely interconnected.

PMID- 22073772
TI  - Between timelessness and historiality: on the dynamics of the epistemic objects
      of mathematics.
AB  - In order to discuss the temporal structure of mathematical research, this essay
      offers four related definitions of a mathematical object from different times and
      places. It is argued that in order to appreciate the differences between these
      definitions, the historian needs to understand that none of them made sense in
      mathematical practice without a technical framework, referred to but not
      explained in the definitions themselves (an "epistemic configuration of
      research"); that the dynamics of the epistemic objects of mathematical research
      are secondary to the dynamics of these epistemic configurations as a whole; and
      that the dynamics of epistemic configurations of mathematical research do not
      follow law-like processes. Very different types of change may happen, and some of
      them link the dynamics of epistemic configurations with events and developments
      far beyond the bounds of the research field in question. These insights have
      historiographical consequences that require us to rethink the kind of temporality
      ascribed to mathematics.

PMID- 22073773
TI  - AfterMath: the work of proof in the age of human-machine collaboration.
AB  - During the 1970s and 1980s, a team of Automated Theorem Proving researchers at
      the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago developed the Automated Reasoning
      Assistant, or AURA, to assist human users in the search for mathematical proofs.
      The resulting hybrid humans+AURA system developed the capacity to make novel
      contributions to pure mathematics by very untraditional means. This essay traces
      how these unconventional contributions were made and made possible through
      negotiations between the humans and the AURA at Argonne and the transformation in
      mathematical intuition they produced. At play in these negotiations were
      experimental practices, nonhumans, and nonmathematical modes of knowing. This
      story invites an earnest engagement between historians of mathematics and
      scholars in the history of science and science studies interested in experimental
      practice, material culture, and the roles of nonhumans in knowledge making.

PMID- 22073774
TI  - "This compendious language": mathematics in the world of Augustus De Morgan.
AB  - Mathematics is the most chameleon of subjects, whose meaning is differently
      defined in different circumstances. This essay considers the mathematics of
      Augustus De Morgan as an illustration of the ways that the essence of the
      subject, the very objects that are included within it, has been adjusted in
      response to cultural factors. Since these cultural factors are the same ones that
      shape scientific development, the argument is that the history of mathematics and
      the history of science are always inextricably bound to one another.

PMID- 22073775
TI  - History of mathematics and history of science reunited?
AB  - For some years now, the history of modern mathematics and the history of modern
      science have developed independently. A step toward a reunification that would
      benefit both disciplines could come about through a revived appreciation of
      mathematical practice. Detailed studies of what mathematicians actually do,
      whether local or broadly based, have often led in recent work to examinations of
      the social, cultural, and national contexts, and more can be done. Another recent
      approach toward a historical understanding of the abstractness of modern
      mathematics has been to see it as a species of modernism, and this thesis will be
      tested by the raft of works on the history of modern applied mathematics
      currently under way.

PMID- 22073776
TI  - History of mathematics and history of science.
AB  - This essay argues that the diversity of the history of mathematics community in
      the United Kingdom has influenced the development of the subject and is a
      significant factor behind the different concerns often evident in work on the
      history of mathematics when compared with that of historians of science. The
      heterogeneous nature of the community, which includes many who are not specialist
      historians, and the limited opportunities for academic careers open to
      practitioners have had a profound effect on the discipline, leading to a focus on
      elite mathematics and great mathematicians. More recently, reflecting earlier
      developments in the history of science, an increased interest in the context and
      culture of the practice of mathematics has become evident.

PMID- 22073777
TI  - Experimental evidence for mediation of competition by habitat succession.
AB  - Habitat succession is thought to influence the importance of competition in
      assemblages. Competitive interactions are considered of critical importance in
      structuring ant assemblages, but field experiments show varied effects. I tested
      how succession in managed boreal forests affects the outcome of competition from
      dominant red wood ants, Formica aquilonia, through a removal experiment in
      replicated stands of three different ages (0-4, 30-40, and 80-100 years old). F.
      aquilonia abundance was reduced by 87%, and procedural controls showed no
      nontarget effects. The succession gradient revealed the full range of possible
      responses from ant species: decreases in 1-4-year-old stands, increases in 30-40
      year-old stands, and no effects in 80-100-year-old stands, where diversity was
      lowest. Habitat succession thus regulates competitive interactions in this
      system. I propose a model for this system, where competitive effects depend on
      time since disturbance. In this case, soon after disturbance the dominant species
      facilitates increases in the abundance of other species. At intermediate times,
      competition reduces the abundance of some species. Finally, in long-undisturbed
      habitats, competitors may fail to evolve, particularly in high-stress
      environments. Interactions between competition and habitat succession may explain
      why structuring effects of ecologically dominant species appear inconsistent.

PMID- 22073778
TI  - A power analysis for multivariate tests of temporal trend in species composition.
AB  - Long-term monitoring programs emphasize power analysis as a tool to determine the
      sampling effort necessary to effectively document ecologically significant
      changes in ecosystems. Programs that monitor entire multispecies assemblages
      require a method for determining the power of multivariate statistical models to
      detect trend. We provide a method to simulate presence-absence species assemblage
      data that are consistent with increasing or decreasing directional change in
      species composition within multiple sites. This step is the foundation for using
      Monte Carlo methods to approximate the power of any multivariate method for
      detecting temporal trends. We focus on comparing the power of the Mantel test,
      permutational multivariate analysis of variance, and constrained analysis of
      principal coordinates. We find that the power of the various methods we
      investigate is sensitive to the number of species in the community, univariate
      species patterns, and the number of sites sampled over time. For increasing
      directional change scenarios, constrained analysis of principal coordinates was
      as or more powerful than permutational multivariate analysis of variance, the
      Mantel test was the least powerful. However, in our investigation of decreasing
      directional change, the Mantel test was typically as or more powerful than the
      other models.

PMID- 22073779
TI  - On the use of log-transformation vs. nonlinear regression for analyzing
      biological power laws.
AB  - Power-law relationships are among the most well-studied functional relationships
      in biology. Recently the common practice of fitting power laws using linear
      regression (LR) on log-transformed data has been criticized, calling into
      question the conclusions of hundreds of studies. It has been suggested that
      nonlinear regression (NLR) is preferable, but no rigorous comparison of these two
      methods has been conducted. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that
      the error distribution determines which method performs better, with NLR better
      characterizing data with additive, homoscedastic, normal error and LR better
      characterizing data with multiplicative, heteroscedastic, lognormal error.
      Analysis of 471 biological power laws shows that both forms of error occur in
      nature. While previous analyses based on log-transformation appear to be
      generally valid, future analyses should choose methods based on a combination of
      biological plausibility and analysis of the error distribution. We provide
      detailed guidelines and associated computer code for doing so, including a model
      averaging approach for cases where the error structure is uncertain.

PMID- 22073780
TI  - Monotonicity-constrained species distribution models.
AB  - Flexible modeling frameworks for species distribution models based on generalized
      additive models that allow for smooth, nonlinear effects and interactions are of
      increasing importance in ecology. Commonly, the flexibility of such smooth
      function estimates is controlled by means of penalized estimation procedures.
      However, the actual shape remains unspecified. In many applications, this is not
      desirable as researchers have a priori assumptions on the shape of the estimated
      effects, with monotonicity being the most important. Here we demonstrate how
      monotonicity constraints can be incorporated in a recently proposed flexible
      framework for species distribution models. Our proposal allows monotonicity
      constraints to be imposed on smooth effects and on ordinal, categorical variables
      using an additional asymmetric L2 penalty. Model estimation and variable
      selection for Red Kite (Milvus milvus) breeding was conducted using the flexible
      boosting framework implemented in R package mboost.

PMID- 22073781
TI  - Intraspecific trait variants determine the nature of interspecific interactions
      in a habitat-forming species.
AB  - Although the study of ecological interactions often takes into account functional
      variation between species, intraspecific variation is commonly ignored. Here, we
      investigate the importance of an intraspecific polymorphism in shaping
      interspecific interactions in a habitat-building species. Colonies of the social
      spider Anelosimus studiosus provide habitat for dozens of arthropod species, and
      colony members exhibit markedly polymorphic behavioral temperaments (BT):
      "aggressive" or "docile." We manipulated the phenotypic compositions of colonies
      (100% aggressive, 50% aggressive and 50% docile, 100% docile) and measured the
      nature and magnitude of interactions between A. studiosus and two heterospecific
      web associates, Larinioides cornutus and Agelenopsis emertoni. We found that BT
      composition significantly affected the outcome of interspecific interactions,
      changing the relationship between A. studiosus and its web associates from an
      ammensalism (where A. studiosus experiences reduced fecundity and survival) to a
      commensalism or mutualism. Our study successfully illustrates the potential of
      BTs to impact whole community dynamics, and conversely, for community structure
      to influence the maintenance of BTs.

PMID- 22073782
TI  - Plasticity in foraging strategies of inshore birds: how Little Penguins maintain
      body reserves while feeding offspring.
AB  - Breeding animals face important time and energy constraints when caring for
      themselves and their offspring. For long-lived species, life-history theory
      predicts that parents should favor survival over current reproductive attempts,
      thus investing more into their own maintenance than the provisioning of their
      young. In seabirds, provisioning strategies may additionally be influenced by the
      distance between breeding sites and foraging areas, and offshore and inshore
      species should thus exhibit different strategies. Here, we examine the
      provisioning strategies of an inshore seabird using a long-term data set on more
      than 200 Little Penguins, Eudyptula minor. They alternated between two
      consecutive long and several short foraging trips all along chick rearing, a
      strategy almost never observed for inshore animals. Short trips allowed for
      regular provisioning of the chicks (high feeding frequency and larger meals),
      whereas long trips were performed when parent body mass was low and enabled them
      to rebuild their reserves, suggesting that adult body condition may be a key
      factor in initiating long trips. Inshore seabirds do use dual strategies of
      alternating short and long trips, but from our data, on a simpler and less
      flexible way than for offshore birds.

PMID- 22073783
TI  - Climate, icing, and wild arctic reindeer: past relationships and future
      prospects.
AB  - Across the Arctic, heavy rain-on-snow (ROS) is an "extreme" climatic event that
      is expected to become increasingly frequent with global warming. This has
      potentially large ecosystem implications through changes in snowpack properties
      and ground-icing, which can block the access to herbivores' winter food and
      thereby suppress their population growth rates. However, the supporting empirical
      evidence for this is still limited. We monitored late winter snowpack properties
      to examine the causes and consequences of ground-icing in a Svalbard reindeer
      (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) metapopulation. In this high-arctic area, heavy
      ROS occurred annually, and ground-ice covered from 25% to 96% of low-altitude
      habitat in the sampling period (2000-2010). The extent of ground-icing increased
      with the annual number of days with heavy ROS (> or = 10 mm) and had a strong
      negative effect on reindeer population growth rates. Our results have important
      implications as a downscaled climate projection (2021-2050) suggests a
      substantial future increase in ROS and icing. The present study is the first to
      demonstrate empirically that warmer and wetter winter climate influences large
      herbivore population dynamics by generating ice-locked pastures. This may serve
      as an early warning of the importance of changes in winter climate and extreme
      weather events in arctic ecosystems.

PMID- 22073784
TI  - Evolution of a stream ecosystem in recently deglaciated terrain.
AB  - Climate change and associated glacial recession create new stream habitat that
      leads to the assembly of new riverine communities through primary succession.
      However, there are still very few studies of the patterns and processes of
      community assembly during primary succession for stream ecosystems. We illustrate
      the rapidity with which biotic communities can colonize and establish in recently
      formed streams by examining Stonefly Creek in Glacier Bay, Alaska (USA), which
      began to emerge from a remnant glacial ice mass between 1976 and 1979. By 2002,
      57 macroinvertebrate and 27 microcrustacea species had become established. Within
      10 years of the stream's formation, pink salmon and Dolly Varden charr colonized,
      followed by other fish species, including juvenile red and silver salmon, Coast
      Range sculpin, and sticklebacks. Stable-isotope analyses indicate that marine
      derived nitrogen from the decay of salmon carcasses was substantially assimilated
      within the aquatic food web by 2004. The findings from Stonefly Creek are
      compared with those from a long-term study of a similarly formed but older stream
      (12 km to the northeast) to examine possible similarities in macroinvertebrate
      community and biological trait composition between streams at similar stages of
      development. Macroinvertebrate community assembly appears to have been initially
      strongly deterministic owing to low water temperature associated with remnant ice
      masses. In contrast, microcrustacean community assembly appears to have been more
      stochastic. However, as stream age and water temperature increased,
      macroinvertebrate colonization was also more stochastic, and taxonomic similarity
      between Stonefly Creek and a stream at the same stage of development was <50%.
      However the most abundant taxa were similar, and functional diversity of the two
      communities was almost identical. Tolerance is suggested as the major mechanism
      of community assembly. The rapidity with which salmonids and invertebrate
      communities have become established across an entire watershed has implications
      for the conservation of biodiversity in freshwater habitats.

PMID- 22073785
TI  - Patterns of body mass senescence and selective disappearance differ among three
      species of free-living ungulates.
AB  - Declines in survival and reproduction with age are prevalent in wild vertebrates,
      but we know little about longitudinal changes in behavioral, morphological, or
      physiological variables that may explain these demographic declines. We compared
      age-related variation in body mass of adult females in three free-living ungulate
      populations that have been the focus of long-term, individual-based research:
      bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) at Ram Mountain, Canada; roe deer (Capreolus
      capreolus) at Trois Fontaines, France; and Soay sheep (Ovis aries) on St. Kilda,
      Scotland. We use two recently proposed approaches to separate contributions to
      age-dependent variation at the population level from within-individual changes
      and between-individual selective disappearance. Selective disappearance of light
      individuals in all three populations was most evident at the youngest and oldest
      ages. In later adulthood, bighorn sheep and roe deer showed a continuous decline
      in body mass that accelerated with age while Soay sheep showed a precipitous
      decrease in mass in the two years preceding death. Our results highlight the
      importance of mass loss in explaining within-individual demographic declines in
      later adulthood in natural populations. They also reveal that the pattern of
      senescence, and potentially also the processes underlying demographic declines in
      late life, can differ markedly across related species with similar life
      histories.

PMID- 22073786
TI  - Size-mediated non-trophic interactions and stochastic predation drive assembly
      and dynamics in a seabird community.
AB  - Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that body size is a major life
      history trait impacting on the structure and functioning of complex food webs.
      However, long-term analyses of size-dependent interactions within simpler network
      modules, for instance, competitive guilds, are scant. Here, we model the assembly
      dynamics of the largest breeding seabird community in the Mediterranean basin
      during the last 30 years. This unique data set allowed us to test, through a
      "natural experiment," whether body size drove the assembly and dynamics of an
      ecological guild growing from very low numbers after habitat protection. Although
      environmental stochasticity accounted for most of community variability, the
      population variance explained by interspecific interactions, albeit small,
      decreased sharply with increasing body size. Since we found a demographic
      gradient along a body size continuum, in which population density and stability
      increase with increasing body size, the numerical effects of interspecific
      interactions were proportionally higher on smaller species than on larger ones.
      Moreover, we found that the per capita interaction coefficients were larger the
      higher the size ratio among competing species, but only for the set of
      interactions in which the species exerting the effect was greater. This provides
      empirical evidence for long-term asymmetric interspecific competition, which
      ultimately prompted the local extinction of two small species during the study
      period. During the assembly process stochastic predation by generalist carnivores
      further triggered community reorganizations and global decays in population
      synchrony, which disrupted the pattern of interspecific interactions. These
      results suggest that the major patterns detected in complex food webs can hold as
      well for simpler sub-modules of these networks involving non-trophic
      interactions, and highlight the shifting ecological processes impacting on
      assembling vs. asymptotic communities.

PMID- 22073787
TI  - Influence of corallivory, competition, and habitat structure on coral community
      shifts.
AB  - The species composition of coral communities has shifted in many areas worldwide
      through the relative loss of important ecosystem engineers such as highly
      branched corals, which are integral in maintaining reef biodiversity. We assessed
      the degree to which the performance of recently recruited branching corals was
      influenced by corallivory, competition, sedimentation, and the interactions
      between these factors. We also explored whether the species-specific influence of
      these biotic and abiotic constraints helps to explain recent shifts in the coral
      community in lagoons of Moorea, French Polynesia. Population surveys revealed
      evidence of a community shift away from a historically acroporid-dominated
      community to a pocilloporid- and poritid-dominated community, but also showed
      that the distribution and abundance of coral taxa varied predictably with
      location in the lagoon. At the microhabitat scale, branching corals grew mainly
      on dead or partially dead massive Porites ("bommies"), promontories with enhanced
      current velocities and reduced sedimentation. A demographic study revealed that
      growth and survival of juvenile Pocillopora verrucosa and Acropora retusa, the
      two most common branching species of each taxon, were affected by predation and
      competition with vermetid gastropods. By 24 months of age, 20-60% of juvenile
      corals suffered partial predation by corallivorous fishes, and injured corals
      experienced reduced growth and survival. A field experiment confirmed that
      partial predation by corallivorous fishes is an important, but habitat-modulated,
      constraint for branching corals. Competition with vermetid gastropods reduced
      growth of both branching species but unexpectedly also provided an associational
      defense against corallivory. Overall, the impact of abiotic constraints was
      habitat-specific and similar for Acropora and Pocillopora, but biotic
      interactions, especially corallivory, had a greater negative effect on Acropora
      than Pocillopora, which may explain the local shift in coral community
      composition.

PMID- 22073788
TI  - Evaluating the importance of demographic connectivity in a marine metapopulation.
AB  - Recently researchers have gone to great lengths to measure marine metapopulation
      connectivity via tagging, genetic, and trace-elemental fingerprinting studies.
      These empirical estimates of larval dispersal are key to assessing the
      significance of metapopulation connectivity within a demographic context, but the
      life-history data required to do this are rarely available. To evaluate the
      demographic consequences of connectivity we constructed seasonal, size-structured
      metapopulation matrix models for two species of mytilid mussel in San Diego
      County, California, USA. The self-recruitment and larval exchange terms were
      produced from a time series of realized connectivities derived from trace
      elemental fingerprinting of larval shells during spring and fall from 2003 to
      2008. Both species exhibited a strong seasonal pattern of southward movement of
      recruits in spring and northward movement in fall. Growth and mortality terms
      were estimated using mark-recapture data from representative sites for each
      species and subpopulation, and literature estimates of juvenile mortality.
      Fecundity terms were estimated using county-wide settlement data from 2006-2008;
      these data reveal peak reproduction and recruitment in fall for Mytilus
      californianus, and spring for M. galloprovincialis. Elasticity and life-stage
      simulation analyses were employed to identify the season- and subpopulation
      specific vital rates and connectivity terms to which the metapopulation growth
      rate (lambda) was most sensitive. For both species, metapopulation growth was
      most sensitive to proportional changes in adult fecundity, survival and growth of
      juvenile stages, and population connectivity, in order of importance, but
      relatively insensitive to adult growth or survival. The metapopulation concept
      was deemed appropriate for both Mytilus species as exchange between the
      subpopulations was necessary for subpopulation persistence. However, highest
      metapopulation growth occurred in years when a greater proportion of recruits was
      retained within the predominant source subpopulation. Despite differences in
      habitat and planktonic duration, both species exhibited similar overall
      metapopulation dynamics with respect to key life stages and processes. However,
      different peak reproductive periods in an environment of seasonal current
      reversals led to different regional (subpopulation) contributions to
      metapopulation maintenance; this result emphasizes the importance of connectivity
      analysis for spatial management of coastal resources.

PMID- 22073789
TI  - Demographic heterogeneity, cohort selection, and population growth.
AB  - Demographic heterogeneity--variation among individuals in survival and
      reproduction--is ubiquitous in natural populations. Structured population models
      address heterogeneity due to age, size, or major developmental stages. However,
      other important sources of demographic heterogeneity, such as genetic variation,
      spatial heterogeneity in the environment, maternal effects, and differential
      exposure to stressors, are often not easily measured and hence are modeled as
      stochasticity. Recent research has elucidated the role of demographic
      heterogeneity in changing the magnitude of demographic stochasticity in small
      populations. Here we demonstrate a previously unrecognized effect: heterogeneous
      survival in long-lived species can increase the long-term growth rate in
      populations of any size. We illustrate this result using simple models in which
      each individual's annual survival rate is independent of age but survival may
      differ among individuals within a cohort. Similar models, but with nonoverlapping
      generations, have been extensively studied by demographers, who showed that,
      because the more "frail" individuals are more likely to die at a young age, the
      average survival rate of the cohort increases with age. Within ecology and
      evolution, this phenomenon of "cohort selection" is increasingly appreciated as a
      confounding factor in studies of senescence. We show that, when placed in a
      population model with overlapping generations, this heterogeneity also causes the
      asymptotic population growth rate lambda to increase, relative to a homogeneous
      population with the same mean survival rate at birth. The increase occurs
      because, even integrating over all the cohorts in the population, the population
      becomes increasingly dominated by the more robust individuals. The growth rate
      increases monotonically with the variance in survival rates, and the effect can
      be substantial, easily doubling the growth rate of slow-growing populations.
      Correlations between parent and offspring phenotype change the magnitude of the
      increase in lambda, but the increase occurs even for negative parent-offspring
      correlations. The effect of heterogeneity in reproductive rate on lambda is quite
      different: growth rate increases with reproductive heterogeneity for positive
      parent-offspring correlation but decreases for negative parent-offspring
      correlation. These effects of demographic heterogeneity on lambda have important
      implications for population dynamics, population viability analysis, and
      evolution.

PMID- 22073790
TI  - Forest annual carbon cost: comment.

PMID- 22073792
TI  - Why does nutrition deteriorate rapidly among children under 2 years of age? Using
      qualitative methods to understand community perspectives on complementary feeding
      practices in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Child undernutrition remains high in South Asian and sub-Saharan
      African countries. Rapid declines in nutritional status occur before the age of 2
      years, particularly during the period of complementary feeding. Improving
      complementary feeding practices is a neglected area in nutrition programs.
      OBJECTIVE: To understand community perspectives on complementary feeding
      practices in order to inform the design of future interventions for improved
      complementary feeding. METHODS: From May through August 2009, data were collected
      in two rural locations and one urban location in Bangladesh through
      semistructured interviews, food attributes exercises, 24-hour dietary recalls,
      opportunistic observations, and trials of improved practices (TIPs). Key
      informant interviews and focus group discussions were also carried out among
      family members and community opinion leaders. RESULTS: Lay perceptions about
      complementary feeding differ substantially from international complementary
      feeding recommendations. A large proportion of children do not consume sufficient
      amounts of complementary foods to meet their energy and micronutrient needs.
      There was a gap in knowledge about appropriate complementary foods in terms of
      quality and quantity and strategies to convert family foods to make them suitable
      for children. Complementary feeding advice from family members, peers, and health
      workers, the importance given to feeding young children, and time spent by
      caregivers in feeding influenced the timing, frequency, types of food given, and
      ways in which complementary feeding occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions and
      practices related to complementary feeding need to be effectively addressed to
      improve the levels of child undernutrition. Lack of understanding of children's
      nutritional needs and insufficient time for feeding children are key barriers to
      complementary feeding.

PMID- 22073791
TI  - Meat consumption is associated with less stunting among toddlers in four diverse
      low-income settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early growth faltering is common but is difficult to reverse after
      the first 2 years of life. OBJECTIVE: To describe feeding practices and growth in
      infants and young children in diverse low-income settings prior to undertaking a
      complementary feeding trial. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted
      through the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research in
      Guatemala, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Pakistan. Feeding
      questionnaires were administered to convenience samples of mothers of 5- to 9
      month old infants and 12- to 24-month-old toddlers. After standardized training,
      anthropometric measurements were obtained from the toddlers. Following the 2006
      World Health Organization Growth Standards, stunting was defined as length-for
      age < -2SD, and wasting as weight-for-length < -2SD. Logistic regression was
      applied to evaluate relationships between stunting and wasting and consumption of
      meat (including chicken and liver and not including fish). RESULTS: Data were
      obtained from 1,500 infants with a mean (+/- SD) age of 6.9 +/- 1.4 months and
      1,658 toddlers with a mean age of 17.2 +/- 3.5 months. The majority of the
      subjects in both age groups were breastfed. Less than 25% of the infants received
      meat regularly, whereas 62% of toddlers consumed these foods regularly, although
      the rates varied widely among sites. Stunting rate ranged from 44% to 66% among
      sites; wasting prevalence was less than 10% at all sites. After controlling for
      covariates, consumption of meat was associated with a reduced likelihood of
      stunting (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The strikingly high
      stunting rates in these toddlers and the protective effect of meat consumption
      against stunting emphasize the need for interventions to improve complementary
      feeding practices, beginning in infancy.

PMID- 22073793
TI  - On the transition to sustainability: an analysis of the costs of school feeding
      compared with the costs of primary education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current food, fuel, and financial crises have highlighted the
      importance of school feeding programs both as a social safety net for children
      living in poverty and food insecurity, and as part of national educational
      policies and plans. OBJECTIVE: To examine the costs of school feeding, in terms
      of both the absolute cost per child and the cost per child relative to overall
      education expenditure and gross domestic product (GDP) in low-, middle-, and high
      income countries. METHODS: Data on the costs of school feeding in different
      countries were collected from multiple sources, including World Food Programme
      project data, reports from government ministries, and, where such searches
      failed, newspaper articles and other literature obtained from internet searches.
      Regression models were then used to analyze the relationships between school
      feeding costs, the per capita costs of primary education and GDP per capita.
      RESULTS: School feeding programs in low-income countries exhibit large variations
      in cost, with concomitant opportunities for cost containment. As countries get
      richer, however, school feeding costs become a much smaller proportion of the
      investment in education. The per capita costs of feeding relative to education
      decline nonlinearly with increasing GDP. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses suggest that
      the main reason for this decline in the relative cost of school feeding versus
      primary education is a greatly increased investment per child in primary
      education as GDP rises, but a fairly flat investment in food. The analyses also
      show that there appears to be a transitional discontinuity at the interface
      between the lower- and middle-income countries, which tends to coincide with
      changes in the capacity of governments to take over the management and funding of
      programs. Further analysis is required to define these relationships, but an
      initial conclusion is that supporting countries to maintain an investment in
      school feeding through this transition may emerge as a key role for development
      partners.

PMID- 22073794
TI  - Comparison of median urinary iodine concentration as an indicator of iodine
      status among pregnant women, school-age children, and nonpregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most surveys that assess the iodine status of populations target
      school-age children, whereas others may target nonpregnant women with the
      assumption that the iodine status of these groups is representative of other
      groups in the same population. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the median urinary
      iodine concentration (UIC) of school-age children or nonpregnant women can be
      used to accurately represent the iodine status of pregnant women. METHODS: Using
      the World Health Organization Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System
      and a literature review, we identified urinary iodine surveys that included
      pregnant women and school-age children and/or nonpregnant women in the same
      location and year using estimates from the smallest geographic level to increase
      the number of data points. Linear regression was used to assess the relationships
      between the median UIC for the comparisons. RESULTS: There were 48 survey pairs
      with pregnant women and school-age children (total sample sizes of 8,622 and
      16,844, respectively), and 26 pairs with pregnant and nonpregnant women (sample
      sizes of 3,222 and 5,520, respectively). The country contributing the most data
      points was China. When the median UIC in school-age children or nonpregnant women
      indicated iodine intake was adequate or above requirements, approximately half
      the time pregnant women had inadequate iodine intake. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate
      iodine nutrition status of school-age children or nonpregnant women may not
      indicate adequate iodine nutrition status among pregnant women. In order to
      assess the iodine status of pregnant women, the iodine status would need to be
      assessed in this group.

PMID- 22073795
TI  - Impact of prophylactic iron supplementation in healthy pregnant women on maternal
      iron status and birth outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In spite of the beneficial effect of iron supplementation in iron
      deficient pregnant women, iron supplementation may not be needed for women who
      are iron replete or not anemic. Moreover, the theoretical possibility of adverse
      effects, such as oxidative damage,from administration of iron supplements during
      pregnancy has been raised. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of prophylactic
      iron supplementation on iron status and birth outcomes among nonanemic pregnant
      women. METHODS. A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted. One
      hundred forty-eight nonanemic pregnant women with hemoglobin > 110 g/L, serum
      ferritin > 12 microg/L, and gestational age < 20 weeks were randomly assigned to
      receive either ferrous sulfate (60 mg elemental iron) (n = 70) or placebo (n =
      78) until delivery. Hemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin were measured by
      electronic counter and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Data were analyzed by
      independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and repeated measures. RESULTS: At delivery, the
      incidence of iron deficiency was significantly lower in the iron than in the
      placebo group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in
      maternal hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations at delivery or in the infant's
      birthweight, birth length, or length of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Iron
      supplementation during pregnancy in nonanemic women with low serum ferritin may
      have benefits beyond the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia.

PMID- 22073796
TI  - Dietary patterns and nutritional health of women: the nutrition transition in
      rural Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many developing countries are experiencing a rapid nutrition
      transition in urban areas. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a nutrition
      transition was occurring in a rural area by examining the dietary patterns of
      women in rural Tanzania. METHODS: A total of 252 women aged 16 to 45 years from
      three districts of northeastern and central Tanzania participated. During three
      different seasons in 2006-2007, the women were interviewed with the use of a
      structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, including a 24-hour dietary
      recall. From these recalls, the mean intakes of 12 main food groups were
      calculated and used to establish five dietary patterns by principal component
      analysis. Data were also obtained on attitudes toward obesity, body mass index
      (BMI), hemoglobin level, and measures of socioeconomic status and analyzed for
      associations with dietary patterns. RESULTS: The five dietary patterns were
      "traditional-coast," characterized by fruits, nuts, starchy plants, and fish;
      "traditional-inland," characterized by cereals, oils and fats, and vegetables;
      "purchase," characterized by bread and cakes (usually fried in oil), sugar, and
      black tea; "pulses," characterized mainly by pulses, with few or no vegetables;
      and "animal products," characterized by a high consumption of meat, eggs, and/or
      milk. Significant positive associations were found, among others, between the
      purchase pattern and BMI (p = 0.192, p = .005) and between the animal products
      pattern and wealth (p = 0.168, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Differences between
      traditional and modern nutritional food patterns were evident. This study found
      the"traditional-inland" pattern to be the most healthy, while the "purchase" food
      pattern was the most prevalent. The purchase pattern, in particular, may provide
      some evidence for early stages of the nutrition transition in rural Tanzania.

PMID- 22073797
TI  - The importance of milk and other animal-source foods for children in low-income
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Milk and other animal-source foods are concentrated dietary sources
      of macro- and micronutrients. Despite a global increase in milk production and
      consumption over the past decades, milk and other animal-source foods are often
      lacking in the diets of children in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the importance of milk and other animal-source food intake in promoting the
      growth, development, and health of children in low-income countries. METHODS:
      Original research articles describing observational and intervention studies with
      unfortified milk, fortified milk, and other animal-source foods in children were
      identified by searching the PubMed database. RESULTS: Consumption of milk and
      other animal-source foods by undernourished children improves anthropometric
      indices and cognitive function and reduces the prevalence of biochemical and
      functional nutritional deficiencies, reducing morbidity and mortality.
      Unfortified and fortified milk used in supplementation trials has been well
      tolerated and widely accepted by parents and children. CONCLUSIONS: To improve
      the dietary quality of children in low-income countries and further the effort to
      eradicate extreme poverty and hunger in accordance with the United Nations
      Millennium Development Goals, additional research is necessary to identify and
      implement programs and policy supporting increased intake of milk and other
      animal-source foods.

PMID- 22073798
TI  - Beyond food insecurity: how context can improve complementary feeding
      interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of context has not been elaborated with respect to current
      recommendations for complementary feeding interventions, apart from a gross
      distinction based on food security. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare two
      food-insecure settings in sub-Saharan Africa to determine how context (i.e., the
      set of local social, cultural, and physical circumstances) influences
      complementary feeding practices and nutrient intakes and how the results can help
      in the design of a suitable intervention strategy. METHODS: We conducted
      formative research using 24-hour dietary recalls, household interviews, and focus
      group discussions with mothers of 6- to 12-month-old infants in rural Zimbabwe (n
      = 32) and Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania (n = 44). RESULTS: In both settings,
      many infants had suboptimal nutrient intakes, poor dietary diversity, and poor
      hygiene. Breastfeeding practices were poor in Pemba, and the infants' diet had
      low energy density in Zimbabwe. Beyond food insecurity, contextual determinants
      of practices included inaccurate indigenous knowledge, time-consuming maternal
      livelihoods, family eating behaviors, local agriculture, and the local ecosystem.
      Both settings would require nutrition education, but it should target the broader
      indigenous ways of learning and family eating behaviors in order to achieve the
      necessary behavior change. A home-based fortificant would probably be enough for
      Pemban children, because the ecosystem of the island provides sufficient sources
      of macronutrients. However, Zimbabwean children appear to need a fortified food
      based supplement to overcome the poor agricultural and economic context.
      CONCLUSIONS: Assessing context was essential to intervention design. A framework
      to guide future formative research is proposed.

PMID- 22073799
TI  - Assessing the impact of micronutrient intervention programs implemented under
      special circumstances--meeting report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The World Food Programme and the Office of the United
      Nations High Commissioner for Refugees organized a meeting of experts to discuss
      evaluation of micronutrient interventions under special circumstances, such as
      emergency and refugee situations. RESULTS: Multimicronutrient interventions for
      groups with higher needs may include home fortification products for young
      children or supplements for pregnant and lactating women. The choice of
      preparation should be guided by target group needs, evidence of efficacy of a
      product or its compounds, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. Different
      designs can be used to assess whether an intervention has the desired impact.
      First, program implementation and adherence must be ascertained. Then, impact on
      micronutrient status can be assessed, but design options are often limited by
      logistic challenges, available budget, security issues, and ethical and practical
      issues regarding nonintervention or placebo groups. Under these conditions, a
      plausibility design using pre- and postintervention cross-sectional surveys, a
      prospective cohort study, or a step-wedge design, which enrolls groups as they
      start receiving the intervention, should be considered. Post hoc comparison of
      groups with different adherence levels may also be useful. Hemoglobin is often
      selected as an impact indicator because it is easily measured and tends to
      respond to change in micronutrient status, especially iron. However, it is not a
      very specific indicator of micronutrient status, because it is also influenced by
      inflammation, parasitic infestation, physiological status (age, pregnancy),
      altitude, and disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease. CONCLUSION:
      Given the constraints described above, replicability of impact in different
      contexts is key to the validation of micronutrient interventions.

PMID- 22073800
TI  - Effects of multimicronutrient home fortification on anemia and growth in
      Bhutanese refugee children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia remains a significant public health problem in refugee
      settings. Home fortification with micronutrient powders has been proposed as a
      feasible option to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies; its efficacy in reducing
      anemia in children aged 6 to 24 months has been demonstrated in several trials.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a large-scale micronutrient powder
      distribution program in reducing anemia prevalence and promoting growth in
      refugee children aged 6 to 59 months. METHODS: Four representative cross
      sectional surveys were conducted 13 months before and 7, 14, and 26 months after
      initiation of the supplementation program. Data collected on children aged 6 to
      59 months included hemoglobin concentration, anthropometric indicators,
      morbidity, feeding practices, and information on the micronutrient distribution
      program. The study had a pre-post design with no control group. RESULTS: The
      overall prevalence of anemia in children did not change significantly between
      baseline (43.3%) and endpoint (40.2%). The prevalence of moderate anemia
      decreased over the same period from 18.9% to 14.4% (p < .05). The levels of
      severe anemia were negligible (< 1%) in all surveys. The prevalence of stunting
      decreased significantly from 39.2% at baseline to 23.4% at endpoint (p < .001), a
      relative decrease of40%. Reported coverage, use, and acceptance of micronutrient
      supplements remained consistently high throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      absence of a control group, changes in key outcomes should be interpreted with
      caution. The minor effect on hemoglobin status requires further investigation of
      underlying causes of anemia in this population. The large positive effect on
      linear growth may be a significant benefit of supplementation if confirmed by
      future studies.

PMID- 22073801
TI  - Provision of micronutrient powder in response to the Cyclone Sidr emergency in
      Bangladesh: cross-sectional assessment at the end of the intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Micronutrient powder has been endorsed as an effective means to
      improve the micronutrient status of emergency-affected populations. OBJECTIVE: To
      document the experience and findings of a cross-sectional assessment of the
      micronutrient powder program implemented as part of the emergency response to
      Cyclone Sidr. METHODS: Micronutrient powder was distributed to 100,714 children
      under 5 years of age and 59,439 pregnant or lactating women severely affected by
      Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional assessment, including hemoglobin
      and anthropometric measurements, was conducted after the completion of the
      micronutrient powder program among children under 5 years of age, lactating
      mothers, and postmenarcheal adolescent girls in the intervention area. Comparison
      groups for each, drawn from the control area, which had not received
      micronutrient powder, were assessed at the same time. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      anemia among children under 5 years of age was approximately 80% in both areas.
      Among children in the intervention area, those who consumed at least 75% of the
      micronutrient powder sachets had a lower prevalence of stunting than those who
      consumed less than 75% of the sachets (40% vs. 52%, p < .05). Among lactating
      mothers in the intervention area, the prevalence rates of thinness and anemia
      were lower among those who consumed at least 75% of the sachets than among those
      who consumed less than 75% of the sachets (thinness, 31% vs. 46%, p < .05;
      anemia, 50% vs. 61%, p = .07). For adolescent girls in the intervention and
      control areas, none of whom had received micronutrient powder, the prevalence
      rates of anemia were 52% and 45%, respectively (p = .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Micronutrient powder may reduce anemia among lactating mothers, when the
      compliance rate is high. Anemia prevalence prior to micronutrient powder
      distribution had not been investigated and could have been higher among children
      and lactating mothers in the intervention than in the control area, resulting in
      the negation of the potential positive impact of micronutrient powder on anemia.

PMID- 22073802
TI  - Relationship of the availability of micronutrient powder with iron status and
      hemoglobin among women and children in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Micronutrient powder is a potential strategy to improve iron status
      and reduce anemia in refugee populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of
      the availability of home fortification with a micronutrient powder containing 2.5
      mg of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) on iron status and
      hemoglobin in women and children in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwest Kenya.
      METHODS: Hemoglobin and soluble transferrin receptor were measured in 410
      children 6 to 59 months of age and 458 women of childbearing age at baseline
      (just before micronutrient powder was distributed, along with the regular food
      ration) and at midline (6 months) and endline (13 months)follow-up visits.
      RESULTS: At the baseline, midline, and endline visits, respectively, the mean (+/
      SE) hemoglobin concentration in women was 121.4 +/- 0.8, 120.8 +/- 0.9, and
      120.6 +/- 1.0 g/L (p = .42); the prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 120 g/L) was
      42.6%, 41.3%, and 41.7% (p = .92); and the mean soluble transferrin receptor
      concentration was 24.1 +/- 0.5, 20.7 +/- 0.7, and 20.8 +/- 0.7 nmol/L (p =
      .0006). In children, the mean hemoglobin concentration was 105.7 +/- 0.6, 109.0
      30322 1.5, and 105.5 +/- 0.3 g/L (p = .95), respectively; the prevalence of
      anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/L) was 55.5%, 52.3%, and 59.8% (p = .26); and the mean
      soluble transferrin receptor concentration was 36.1 +/- 0.7, 29.5 +/- 1.9, and
      28.4 +/- 3.2 nmol/L (p = .02), in models that were adjusted for age using least
      squares means regression. CONCLUSIONS: In children and in women of childbearing
      age, the availability of micronutrient powder was associated with a small
      improvement in iron status but no significant change in hemoglobin in this
      refugee camp setting.

PMID- 22073803
TI  - Understanding low usage of micronutrient powder in the Kakuma Refugee Camp,
      Kenya: findings from a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Home fortification with micronutrient powder has been shown to be a
      low-cost, feasible, and effective approach to address micronutrient deficiencies.
      A large-scale program distributing micronutrient powder to approximately 50,000
      refugees was implemented at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Uptake of the
      micronutrient powder at distribution points dropped nearly 70%,from 99% to a low
      of 30%, and remained at 45% to 52% despite increased social marketing efforts.
      OBJECTIVE: To identify factors at the distal and proximal levels leading to the
      low uptake of micronutrient powder through a qualitative inquiry. METHODS: In
      depth interviews were conducted with community leaders, stakeholders,
      implementing partners, and beneficiaries. Direct observations of food preparation
      and child feeding were conducted. Focus group discussions were employed to
      examine perceptions and practices of beneficiaries regarding micronutrient powder
      use. RESULTS: Superficial formative research and lack of interagency coordination
      led to insufficient social marketing prior to the program. In addition, community
      health workers were inadequately trained. This resulted in inadequate
      communication regarding the health benefits and use of micronutrient powder to
      the beneficiaries. Reliance on personal experiences with micronutrient powder and
      issues with its packaging, in part, led to confusion and deleterious rumors,
      resulting in decreased uptake of micronutrient powder at distribution points.
      CONCLUSIONS: A successful micronutrient powder program requires careful design,
      with emphasis on conducting thorough formative research, ensuring the involvement
      and commitment of all stakeholders from the outset, investigating the role of
      cultural factors, and ensuring provision of sufficient, adequate, and timely
      information to the beneficiaries.

PMID- 22073804
TI  - The universal language of health.

PMID- 22073805
TI  - Dental Internet marketing: putting the pieces together.

PMID- 22073806
TI  - Horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation: the importance of space maintenance.
AB  - At dental implantology's inception, patients seeking tooth or teeth replacement
      were confronted with the concern of whether they were viable "candidates" for
      treatment. Largely, this criteria was based on 3-dimensional bone volume present
      in edentulous sites selected for implant fixture insertion. When surgeons
      determined this volume as insufficient for implant placement, patients were
      encouraged to seek alternative restorative therapy. As the ability to regenerate
      lost tissue, both hard and soft, has evolved, the number of patients now
      considered "candidates" for implant therapy has increased exponentially. Not only
      has the ability to regenerate lost hard tissue improved, but it has facilitated
      prosthetically and mechanically favorable implant positioning. This has led to
      decreases in mechanical and biologic complications. The efficacy of augmentation
      techniques has been critically evaluated, and minimizing morbidity while
      improving outcomes is a goal shared by surgeons and patients alike. This article
      discusses several methods of hard-tissue augmentation and presents a novel
      technique of regeneration aimed at improving clinical outcomes while decreasing
      morbidity associated with older, yet effective modes of ridge augmentation.

PMID- 22073807
TI  - The clinical significance of keratinized gingiva around dental implants.
AB  - Whether or not keratinized tissue is needed around dental implants to maintain
      peri-implant health is a controversial subject. To clarify this issue a search
      was conducted for clinical trials that appraised the significance ofkeratinized
      gingiva (KG) around teeth and dental implants. A critical assessment of the data
      revealed that the literature is replete with studies that contradict one another
      with respect to the need for KG as it relates to survivability of implants,
      gingival response to plaque, inflammation, probing depths, recession, and loss of
      bone. When groups of patients with and without KG were compared with respect to
      various clinical parameters, a statistically significant better result in the
      presence of KG could be interpreted to indicate that having KG is advantageous.
      However, quantitative differences between groups with and without KG were usually
      very small. Overall, the data was interpreted to indicate that some patients may
      need augmentation of keratinized tissue to maintain peri-implant health.
      Ultimately, the decision to augment KG is a judgment call that needs to be made
      by the treating clinician, because there are not enough data to facilitate
      development of definitive guidelines relevant to this subject. Apparently, the
      need for KG is patient specific, and at present there is no method to reliably
      predict who would benefit from tissue augmentation.

PMID- 22073808
TI  - Mucogingival considerations following orthodontic therapy: a case report.
AB  - A healthy periodontium is a prerequisite for any orthodontic intervention to be
      executed. However, application of orthodontic forces without thoughtful planning
      can result in not only damage to the attachment apparatus, but also alterations
      to the associated mucogingival tissues. This article elucidates a case of
      Miller's Class III gingival recession that developed in relation to the patient's
      lower right central incisor following orthodontic therapy. Case evaluation
      pertaining to gingival thickness, the level of underlying alveolar bone, and the
      inflammatory status of the tissues is critical to avoid the development of such
      soft-tissue defects. Options for augmentation of such sites prior to application
      of forces can be explored only if accurate diagnosis and clinical assessment are
      completed. This concept holds relevance for the treating dentist to identify
      cases with thin gingival tissue biotype and the propensity for developing
      dehiscence in order to prevent such mucogingival deformities from becoming
      established.

PMID- 22073809
TI  - Implant-assisted overdenture: a case report.
AB  - A patient's extreme susceptibility to periodontal disease, likely exacerbated by
      a history of smoking, resulted in severe periodontal breakdown. Employing a
      systematic approach that identified both patient risk and prognosis using data
      gathered during the patient examination, a treatment plan was developed that
      included extraction of structurally compromised teeth and the use of implant
      assisted complete overdentures. This treatment approach accomplished a reduction
      of biomechanical, periodontal, and dentofacial risk, as well as an increase in
      functional harmony.

PMID- 22073811
TI  - Impression materials.

PMID- 22073810
TI  - Long-term use of 6.5% hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips on tetracycline stain: a
      clinical study.
AB  - This study evaluated the clinical response following extended daily use of a
      trayless 6.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) tooth bleaching gel in patients with
      tetracycline stains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, participants
      (N = 30) were assigned to a strip product following screening for tetracycline
      staining. Subjects used the product for 6 months, with clinical safety and
      efficacy measurements assessed at the end of each month. The strips were used for
      30 minutes twice daily (maxillary arch only). Treatment efficacy was determined
      by the tooth color change from baseline using an expanded VITA shade guide.
      Additional shades were added on either side, representing colors whiter than B1
      and darker than C4. RESULTS: The strips averaged shade reduction in Months 1, 2,
      and 3 visits, respectively. Of all the subjects, 65% reached B1 color by Month 6.
      Treatment was generally well tolerated. Mild and transient tooth sensitivity
      (46.7%) and oral discomfort (43.3%) were the most common adverse events
      associated with daily bleaching, yet neither affected study participation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The 6.5% H2O2 bleaching strip provided significant tooth whitening
      in subjects with tetracycline stains. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When used daily for
      6 months, a 6.5% H2O2 bleaching strip can be effective in whitening tetracycline
      stains. The professional strip was well tolerated throughout the 6-month period.
      This extended use provides additional evidence of clinical safety associated with
      the use of this product for vital bleaching.

PMID- 22073812
TI  - Elastomeric impression materials: factors to consider.

PMID- 22073814
TI  - International stem cell tourism in Russia and India: clinical research,
      innovative treatment, or unproven hype?

PMID- 22073813
TI  - Custom shade matching: fine-tuning and patient communication lead to success.
AB  - Shade matching is a sometimes difficult process that involves a variety of colors
      and characteristics. Couple this with a patient base that often encompasses a
      wide range of ages, and final restorations can frequently require adjustment or
      repair because they have failed to match the patient's natural teeth. In this
      article the author relates many of his own custom shade-taking experiences in an
      effort to help dental technicians improve their color-matching strategies and
      avoid costly mistakes.

PMID- 22073815
TI  - The fair transaction model of informed consent: an alternative to autonomous
      authorization.
AB  - The doctrine of informed consent in bioethics has relied on the view that consent
      is valid when it represents a patient or research subject's autonomous
      authorization. In this article we challenge this reigning conception of the
      validity of informed consent in clinical research, focusing in particular on the
      problem of the therapeutic misconception. We argue that the autonomous
      authorization model of informed consent suffers from four defects: (1) it fails
      to do justice to the relevance of risk-benefit considerations in shaping the
      criteria for the validity of consent, (2) it compromises the interests of
      subjects by preventing them from consenting to research participation with less
      than substantial understanding when doing so would likely be consistent with
      their preferences and beneficial to them or at least be unlikely to cause them
      harm, (3) it jeopardizes the interests of investigators by denying them fair
      notice regarding when the consent of research subjects can be considered valid
      and thus make it permissible for them to be enrolled in research, and (4) it
      threatens the reasonable limits on the responsibility of investigators to assure
      the adequacy of subjects' understanding of what research participation involves.
      In place of the autonomous authorization model, we present and defend a fair
      transaction model of informed consent, which better reflects the values served by
      consent.

PMID- 22073816
TI  - What it takes to defend deceptive placebo use.
AB  - A complete defense of deceptive placebo use must address this ethical objection:
      deceptive placebo use violates patient autonomy, because deceiving a patient
      about the placebo nature of a proposed treatment prevents her from giving
      informed consent to the treatment. Unfortunately, this objection isn't always
      recognized and clearly disambiguated from other ethical concerns. I consider how
      well several bioethicists who write about placebo use have responded to, or
      evaded, this objection. I conclude that defenders of deceptive placebo use
      should, following the lead of Onora O'Neill, argue that deceptive placebo use is
      compatible with informed consent.

PMID- 22073817
TI  - Global ethics and principlism.
AB  - This article examines the special relation between common morality and particular
      moralities in the four-principles approach and its use for global ethics. It is
      argued that the special dialectical relation between common morality and
      particular moralities is the key to bridging the gap between ethical universalism
      and relativism. The four-principles approach is a good model for a global
      bioethics by virtue of its ability to mediate successfully between universal
      demands and cultural diversity. The principle of autonomy (i.e., the idea of
      individual informed consent), however, does need to be revised so as to make it
      compatible with alternatives such as family- or community-informed consent. The
      upshot is that the contribution of the four-principles approach to global ethics
      lies in the so-called dialectical process and its power to deal with cross
      cultural issues against the background of universal demands by joining them
      together.

PMID- 22073818
TI  - Biodefense research and the U.S. regulatory structure whither nonhuman primate
      moral standing?
AB  - Biodefense and emerging infectious disease animal research aims to avoid or
      ameliorate human disease and suffering arising from the natural outbreak or
      intentional deployment of some of the world's most dreaded pathogens. Research to
      develop medical countermeasures to these diseases faces a difficult challenge
      since the products usually cannot be tested for efficacy in human beings. The
      U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Animal Rule may be increasingly used to
      overcome this challenge by allowing researchers to translate animal data into
      medical countermeasures without human subject efficacy testing. Yet the Animal
      Rule also has significant implications for increased intensive nonhuman primate
      research. We argue that despite the common belief that nonhuman primates have a
      fairly high level of moral standing and the protections for animals that are
      crucial to the U.S. regulations guiding animal research, the Animal Rule
      specifically and the regulations generally raise serious problems for the
      attribution of moral standing to nonhuman primates. We argue, however, that the
      burden of proof is on a position denying all moral standing to nonhuman primates
      and compare the implications of the U.S. regulatory structure in this regard with
      some recent developments in the European Union.

PMID- 22073819
TI  - Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) in effluent is a useful marker for peritoneal
      permeability in peritoneal dialysis patients using neutral dialysate.
AB  - To clarify the influence of neutral dialysate (ND) on peritoneum, we examined
      changes in peritoneal permeability and in various markers of the coagulation and
      fibrinolytic system in effluent and the correlations between peritoneal
      permeability and those markers in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using ND. We
      evaluated 14 patients (8 men, 6 women; mean age: 58.6 +/- 12.0 years) who started
      PD using ND. The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed to assess
      dialysate-to-plasma ratio for creatinine (D/P Cr) as peritoneal permeability.
      Coagulation markers [thrombin-antithrombin complex, fibrin monomer (FM),
      prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1 + 2)] and fibrinolytic markers (fibrin degradation
      products, D-dimer) in effluent were also measured. At 2 years, FM in effluent was
      significantly lower (p = 0.006). The other markers and the D/P Cr did not change
      significantly. At the initiation of PD and at 2 years, D/P Cr was significantly
      correlated with F1 + 2 (r = 0.70 and 0.76 respectively, p < 0.01). Furthermore,
      multiple regression analysis showed that only F1 + 2 was correlated with D/P Cr
      at 2 years (r = 0.79, p = 0.004). These results suggest that ND has little
      influence on coagulation and fibrinolytic markers in effluent. In addition, F1 +
      2 is a useful marker for peritoneal permeability in PD patients using ND.

PMID- 22073820
TI  - What does the dialysate level of matrix metalloproteinase 2 tell us?
AB  - Long-term peritoneal dialysis leads to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS),
      which is a rare but often fatal complication. The pathogenesis of EPS is
      characterized by increased inflammation, neoangiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT), and fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), which
      degrades type IV collagen, plays an important role in pathogenesis. Clinical
      trials report that dialysate levels of MMP-2 can be used as an early marker of
      peritoneal sclerosis. We aimed to determine the association of MMP-2 with
      peritoneal function, histology, and effluent cytokine levels in an experimental
      EPS model in rats. We evaluated data for 71 rats from our various studies using
      an experimental EPS model. Functional assessment was performed using a 1-hour
      peritoneal equilibration test with peritoneal dialysis fluid containing 3.86%
      glucose. Specimens of parietal peritoneum were examined with light microscopy for
      histologic evaluation. Parietal peritoneum thickness and submesothelial area were
      measured. Fibrosis, number of vessels, neovascularization, and cellular
      infiltration were evaluated by one pathologist. The relationships between MMP-2
      and other parameters were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Dialysate
      levels of MMP-2 reflect both functional and histologic change in peritoneum.
      Levels of MMP-2 were negatively correlated with net ultrafiltration, effluent
      protein levels, and end (1-hour)-to-initial dialysate concentration ratio of
      glucose. Cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor transforming growth
      factor beta, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and osteopontin-which are known to
      play important roles in neovascularization, inflammation, and EMT leading to
      fibrosis-were correlated with MMP-2. In peritoneal dialysis patients, MMP-2
      levels may be an early marker of EPS and EMT

PMID- 22073821
TI  - DNA microarray analysis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial
      cells in a rat model of peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - Long-term peritoneal dialysis induces peritoneal hyperpermeability, and the
      subsequent loss of ultra-filtration causes patients to discontinue peritoneal
      dialysis. Glucose degradation products (GDPs) in peritoneal dialysis fluids
      (PDFs) are probably one of the primary causes for peritoneal injury. In the
      present study, we used a transcriptome analysis to determine the mechanism of
      peritoneal injury by GDPs. Rats were administered 20 mmol/L methylglyoxal (MGO)
      in PDF or 20 mmol/L formaldehyde in PDF (100 mL/kg) intraperitoneally for 21
      days. The peritoneal membrane in rats that received MGO showed increased
      thickness and fibrosis. Mesenchymal-like cells over-proliferated on the surface
      of the peritoneum. A DNA microarray analysis revealed that the expression of 168
      genes had increased by more than a factor of 4. The upregulated genes included
      those that code for extracellular matrix components (such as types III and lV
      collagen, among others), cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42), an enabled/vasodilator
      stimulated phosphoprotein-like protein [Ena/VASP (Evl)], and actin-related
      protein 2/3 complex subunits (Arp2/3). In conclusion, a rat model of peritoneal
      injury by GDPs induced mesothelial cells to redifferentiate and proliferate, with
      upregulation of Cdc42, the Evl Ena/VASP, and Arp2/3, suggesting that GDPs induce
      fibrous thickening of the peritoneal membrane by redifferentiation of mesothelial
      cells, resulting in hyperpermeability of the peritoneum.

PMID- 22073822
TI  - Influence of osmotic and oncotic factors on gentamicin and insulin transport
      across the peritoneal membrane in vitro.
AB  - Glucose or its polymer is usually added to dialysis solution for the development
      of sufficient ultrafiltration during peritoneal dialysis. The aim of the present
      study was to determine the influence of glucose and icodextrin on the transport
      of gentamicin and insulin from the mesothelial to the interstitial side of the
      peritoneal membrane. Transfer values are expressed as a coefficient of diffusive
      permeability, P, in centimeters per second. Each of the molecules was tested in 3
      series of experiments using rabbit parietal peritoneum, a modified Ussing
      chamber, and a mathematical model of mass transport. First, transperitoneal
      transfers of gentamicin (0.040 g/dL) and insulin (0.1 g/dL) were analyzed in
      control conditions for 120 minutes. Then, transport parameters for gentamicin and
      insulin were separately determined before (15-60 minutes) and after (75-120
      minutes or 75-130 minutes) the application of glucose (1.8 g/dL) or icodextrin (2
      g/ dL) on the mesothelial side of the peritoneal membrane. Insulin transport was
      observed to be stable in the control series. Gentamicin transfer was not stable;
      its passage declined by 52% (p < 0.01) in the control series. The mean transfer
      parameters were 7.41 +/- 1.40 cm/s (x0.0001) over 15-30 minutes and 3.21 +/- 0.54
      cm/s (x0.0001) over 75-130 minutes. Gentamicin transfer declined less in the
      series with glucose or icodextrin, by 21% (p < 0.04) and 30% (p < 0.05)
      respectively, than in the control series. For insulin, the mean P (+ standard
      error of the mean) was 0.15 +/- 0.02 cm/s (x0.0001) at the first hour of transfer
      and 0.14 - 0.02 cm/s (x0.0001) at the second. Glucose induced a nonsignificant
      intensification of insulin transport. Icodextrin increased insulin passage by
      107% (p < 0.03). Osmotic and oncotic factors (glucose and icodextrin) both
      stabilize the transfer of gentamicin across the peritoneal membrane in vitro.
      Glucose polymer intensifies insulin transport from the mesothelial to the
      interstitial side of the peritoneum. Similar modifications might be observed in
      vivo during peritoneal dialysis or continuous intraperitoneal administration of
      insulin, influencing the efficiency of those treatments.

PMID- 22073823
TI  - GDPs and AGEs: impact on cardiovascular toxicity in dialysis patients.
AB  - Glucose degradation products (GDPs) are highly reactive precursors of advanced
      glycation end-products (AGEs). High glucose concentrations, GDPs, and AGEs can
      activate specific pathways, including inflammatory and oxidative stress response
      pathways, which may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. This review
      discusses the impact and possible mechanisms of action of GDPs and AGEs with
      regard to cardiovascular toxicity in chronic kidney disease patients. The AGE
      RAGE pathway appears to be particularly important in the pathogenesis of
      cardiovascular diseases in dialysis patients. In the absence of definitive proof
      from randomized controlled trials, mounting evidence suggests that high levels of
      GDPs and AGEs play a role in the pathophysiology of cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 22073824
TI  - Markers of inflammation before and during peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - In this study, we compared changes in inflammatory markers-C-reactive protein
      (CRP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), serum component of amyloid A (SAA), and procalcitonin
      (PCT)-in 182 subjects: 69 from the general population (GP), 47 with CKD, 19 with
      an implanted intra-abdominal catheter for peritoneal dialysis ("prePD"), and 47
      on peritoneal dialysis (PD). These were the results [median (95% confidence
      interval)] for the GP CKD, prePD, and PD groups respectively: CRP: 1.40 mg/L
      (1.15-2.10 mg/L), 5.30 mg/L (3.04-8.06 mg/L), 3.33 mg/L (2.15-12.58 mg/L), 7.25
      mg/L (4.43-15.16 mg/L). SAA: 3.10 mg/L (2.90-3.53 mg/L), 7.77 mg/L (4.17-15.83
      mg/L), 7.30 mg/L (4.81-10.96 mg/L), 9.14 mg/L (5.31-23.54 mg/L). PCT: 0.028 ng/mL
      (0.022-0.032 ng/mL), 0.121 ng/mL (0.094-0.166 ng/mL), 0.160 ng/mL (0.090-0.277
      ng/mL), 0.363 ng/mL (0.222-0.481 ng/mL). PTX3: 0.54 ng/mL (0.33-0.62 ng/mL), 0.71
      ng/ mL (0.32-1.50 ng/mL), 0.56 ng/mL (0.44-1.00 ng/ mL), 1.04 ng/mL (0.65-1.56
      ng/mL). After catheter insertion, CRP showed a nonsignificant declining trend
      that disappeared throughout PD. The behavior of SAA was similar to that of CRP
      and was not modified by the changes induced by the start of PD. An increase in
      PTX3 was observed only with PD, which may be related to a local proinflammatory
      state caused by PD solution. We can conclude that catheter insertion for PD does
      not account for most of the local inflammatory changes observed in PD patients.

PMID- 22073825
TI  - Inflammation markers, chronic kidney disease, and renal replacement therapy.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a proinflammatory state and an
      excess of cardiovascular risk. In this work, we describe changes in inflammatory
      markers-C-reactive protein (CRP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), serum component of amyloid
      A (SAA), and procalcitonin (PCT)--in CKD patients compared with a control group
      of subjects with a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Blood
      samples were obtained from 69 healthy individuals (GP) and 70 end-stage CKD
      patients--25 not yet on dialysis, 22 on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 23 on
      hemodialysis (HD). These were the results [median (95% confidence interval)] for
      the GP CKD, PD, and HD groups respectively: CRP: 1.40 mg/L (1.19-2.11 mg/L), 6.50
      mg/L (3.57-8.32mg/L), 7.60 mg/L (2.19-22.10mg/L), 9.60 mg/L (6.62-16.38 mg/L).
      SAA: 3.10 mg/L (2.90-3.53 mg/L), 7.11 mg/L (3.81-15.40mg/L), 9.69 mg/L (5.07
      29.47mg/L), 15.90 mg/L (6.80-37.48 mg/L). PCT: 0.03 ng/mL (0.02-0.03 ng/mL), 0.12
      ng/mL (0.09-0.16 ng/mL), 0.32 ng/mL (0.20-0.46 ng/ mL), 0.79 ng/mL (0.45-0.99
      ng/mL). PTX3: 0.54 ng/mL (0.33-0.62 ng/mL), 0.71 ng/ mL (0.32-1.50 ng/mL), 1.52
      ng/mL (0.65-2.13 ng/mL), 1.67 ng/mL (1.05-2.27 ng/mL). Compared with levels in
      the GP group, levels of SAA and CRP (systemic response) were significantly higher
      in CKD patients on and not on dialysis. Levels of PTX3 were higher only in
      dialyzed patients, significantly so in those on HD (greatly different from the
      CRP levels). These differing levels might be related to a local reaction caused
      by an invasive intervention (PD or HD). As eGFR declines and with the start of
      renal replacement therapy, PCT increases. Levels of PCT could potentially cause
      confusion when these patients are being evaluated for the presence of infection,
      and may also demonstrate some microvascular implications of dialysis therapy.

PMID- 22073826
TI  - Microbiological profile of peritoneal dialysis peritonitis and predictors of
      hospitalization.
AB  - Peritonitis, the major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), is associated
      with high morbidity and mortality. It is a major cause of hospitalization and
      transfer to hemodialysis. In the present study, we aimed to identify predictors
      of hospitalization in PD-related peritonitis and to examine its microbiology
      profile over time in our unit to determine the best therapeutic approach. We
      studied all peritonitis episodes that occurred in a 6-year period (January 1,
      2004, to December 31, 2009), evaluating whether adequate treatment could be
      delivered on an outpatient basis. During the study period, 411 patients were on
      PD, and 229 peritonitis episodes were recorded in 91 patients. Peritonitis were
      treated according to unit protocol. The average hospital stay was 11.6 +/- 6.6
      days. We observed an increase of Streptococcus (to 19.4% from 7.7%) and a
      stabilization of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus
      (from 9.5%, 22.6%, and 3.2% to 7.7%, 30.8%, and 3.8% respectively) peritonitis
      episodes. The main risk factors for hospitalization were fungal infection, poor
      72-hour outcome, inability to perform self-care, and age greater than 80 years.
      We observed a decline in the incidence of peritonitis, and despite changes in its
      microbiology profile, no loss of sensitivity to antibiotics used was observed.

PMID- 22073827
TI  - The utility of prolonged culture of peritoneal dialysis effluent in the diagnosis
      and management of peritonitis.
AB  - In this prospective study we examined the effect of prolonging cultures of
      peritoneal dialysis fluid to 21 days. The extended culture period did not lead to
      any new or clinically important findings, although late culture findings were
      obtained in a small number of cases. Prolonged culture of the effluent does not
      appear to be necessary, although it can lead to extended duration of antibiotic
      therapy if time on therapy is guided by the first negative effluent culture.

PMID- 22073828
TI  - Xenophilus aerolatus Peritonitis in a six-year-old boy on maintenance eritoneal
      dialysis.
AB  - Peritonitis remains a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
      Although most patients can be treated successfully with antibiotics and continue
      PD, the poorest outcomes are noted in patients with peritonitis secondary to gram
      negative organisms, which may lead to temporary or permanent technique failure.
      Biofilm formation may result in. failure of appropriate antibiotic therapy to
      eradicate infection, necessitating catheter replacement or a switch to
      hemodialysis. Here, we report the first case of gram-negative peritonitis caused
      by Xenophilus aerolatus in a 6-year-old boy on continuous cycling PD. This case
      highlights the importance of close monitoring of clinical response and of
      collaboration with the microbiologist and microbiology lab in the identification
      of unusual organisms, their antimicrobial susceptibilities, and their expected
      characteristics.

PMID- 22073829
TI  - Tuberculosis in peritoneal dialysis patients in an endemic region.
AB  - Tuberculosis has been paid more attention in recent years because of the increase
      in the number of patients with immune suppression-such as those with renal
      failure. In the present study, we analyzed patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD)
      in our city to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of
      tuberculosis in those patients. Patients who had been on a PD program for more
      than 3 months were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, primary renal disease,
      comorbidities, and duration of PD were recorded. With regard to tuberculosis, the
      timing of the diagnosis, any previous history of antituberculosis treatment,
      family history, site of presentation, drugs used, drug side effects, and disease
      outcome were recorded. Among 322 patients from 5 PD units who were reviewed, 4
      (1.240%) were found to have tuberculosis. Pulmonary involvement was noted in 2
      (50%). The diagnosis was made through microbiology in 1 patient, through
      pathology in 1, and through clinical and radiologic assessment in the remaining
      2. Mild transaminitis was recorded in 2 patients as a side effect of treatment.
      Of the 4 patients, 2 were cured, 1 died, and 1 was taking ongoing treatment. The
      prevalence of tuberculosis was significantly higher in the study population than
      in the general population. In a dialysis population, a diagnosis of tuberculosis
      is often difficult, and extrapulmonary involvement is more common, as observed in
      our study. The diagnosis of tuberculosis may be made through non-microbiologic
      approaches, and temporary transaminase elevations may be seen during therapy.

PMID- 22073830
TI  - Seventeen years' experience of surgical options for encapsulating peritoneal
      sclerosis.
AB  - Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication of long-term
      peritoneal dialysis (PD). The mortality rate for EPS has been high, primarily
      because of complications related to bowel obstruction. However recent advances in
      clinical research have established the pathogenesis and course of the condition
      and a treatment strategy. The final therapeutic option for EPS is surgical
      enterolysis, and we have performed 239 surgical procedures in 181 patients and
      observed favorable outcomes. Of 181 patients opting for surgery 64 (35.40%) died.
      Death was related to EPS in 33 patients (18.2%), including 14 who died
      postoperatively. The overall survival rate at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years after
      diagnosis was 93%, 83%, 78%, 71%, and 60% respectively. The survival rate for EPS
      related death at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years after diagnosis was 95%, 90%, 87%, 81%,
      and 74% respectively. Median survival after diagnosis, considering death from any
      cause and death from EPS, was 43.9 months and 35.7 months respectively. In
      conclusion, we present favorable outcomes with EPS surgery in 181 patients
      encountered over a period of 17years. These data reconfirm that surgical
      treatment is essential for EPS patients. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis may
      no longer be a fatal complication and can be improved with accurate diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 22073831
TI  - Testing a single monthly dose of darbepoetin alpha to maintain hemoglobin levels
      in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.
AB  - The newly developed erythropoiesis agent darbepoetin alpha (DA) allows for once
      monthly dosing in the treatment of anemia in patients on dialysis. This dosing
      schedule has prompted some studies to examine the efficacy of DA in patients on
      continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). In the present study, we
      assessed whether intravenous (IV) administration of DA once monthly is effective
      for maintaining hemoglobin levels near 10.5 g/dL in patients on CAPD. This single
      center prospective cohort study included 52 clinically stable patients (25 men,
      27 women; mean age: 59 +/- 10 years). All patients had been on a stable weekly or
      twice monthly regimen of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) before
      initiation of the study. To determine the monthly dose of DA, the previously used
      mean weekly dose of rHuEPO was divided by 200 to determine the equivalent weekly
      dose of DA in micrograms; that number was then multiplied by 4 to generate the
      monthly dose requirement. For example, if 3000 IUrHuEPO was being administered
      weekly, then the monthly dose of DA was calculated to be 60 microg (3000/200 x
      4). All patients received a monthly dose of DA the first month, and hemoglobin
      and other routine laboratory tests were performed monthly for 24 consecutive
      weeks. In 26 patients, the calculated monthly DA dose remained stable. The
      monthly dose was increased by 25% in 22 patients and by 50% in 4 patients. With
      regard to iron stores and iron availability for erythropoiesis, no significant
      differences were observed in the patients on various doses of DA. Nonsignificant
      differences in weekly creatinine clearance as determined using the PD Adequest
      software (Baxter Healthcare, Tokyo, Japan) were observed between the groups. No
      clinically meaningful differences in other laboratory values between the groups
      were observed. Once-monthly administration of DA is not always sufficient to
      maintain hemoglobin levels in patients on CAPD when adequate dialysis therapy is
      not achieved.

PMID- 22073832
TI  - Bioimpedance spectroscopy for the detection of hypervolemia in peritoneal
      dialysis patients.
AB  - A practical, inexpensive, and reliable method is needed for the assessment of
      volume status in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In the present study, we
      investigated the efficiency of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) for detection of
      hypervolemia. The study enrolled 79 prevalent PD patients (mean age: 47 +/- 14
      years; PD duration: 30 +/- 17 months; 55% men; 19% with diabetes) from a single
      center. Echocardiography and body composition analysis using the BIS technique
      [50 frequencies (Body Composition Monitor: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg,
      Germany)] were performed. Overhydration (OH) and extracellular water (ECW) in
      liters and OH/ECW ratio were used as volume indices. The mean left ventricular
      (LV) mass index was 117 +/- 37 g/m2, and 46% of patients had LV hypertrophy
      (LVH). Mean OH and OH/ECW ratio were 1.3 +/- 1.7 L and 7.6% +/- 9.3% respectively
      The OH/ ECW ratio correlated with LV mass index (r = 0.237, p < 0.036) and with
      left atrium index (r = 0.354, p < 0.001). Compared with patients not having LVH,
      patients with LVH had higher OH values (1.79 +/- 1.82 L vs 0.93 +/- 1.62 L, p =
      0.003). In linear regression analysis, the OH/ECW ratio was an independent risk
      factor for LVH (t = 2.558, p = 0.01). In PD patients, BIS is a reliable method
      for evaluating volume status. The OH/ECW measured by BIS is a major determinant
      of LV mass. Control of hypervolemia and blood pressure is associated with better
      cardiac condition.

PMID- 22073833
TI  - Clinical presentation in patients more than 80 years of age at the start of
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - The age of new dialysis patients is rapidly increasing. In the present study, we
      examined clinical presentation in new peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients 80 years
      of age or older at our hospital. Data were collected from the records of patients
      newly starting continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) therapy between January 2005 and
      July 2010. During that period, 11 patients 80 years of age or older (average age:
      83.1 +/- 3.8 years) were introduced to PD therapy. The reason for dialysis was
      hypertensive nephrosclerosis in 8 patients, and chronic glomerulonephritis,
      chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, and an unknown primary disease in 1 patient
      each; there were no cases of diabetic nephropathy. At dialysis start, average
      serum creatinine was 6.1 +/- 1.4 mg/dL, arterial wall calcification was found by
      computed tomography or chest radiography in 10 of 11 patients (90.9%), and aortic
      or mitral valve calcification, or both, was found by echocardiography in 3
      patients (27.3%). By the end of January 2011, 8 patients had died. Average
      survival after the start of PD was 31.9 +/- 22.3 months. Hypertensive
      nephrosclerosis, a cause less often seen in younger patients, was the most common
      primary disease among our elderly dialysis patients. As we previously reported,
      vascular and valvular calcification are important factors for determining
      prognosis; however, no significant relationships were observed in the present
      study, probably because almost all the patients had such calcifications.

PMID- 22073834
TI  - Removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter because of gastrointestinal disease
      in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a single-center case
      series.
AB  - We previously reported that peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a
      major cause of PD catheter removal. Another major cause is disease of the
      gastrointestinal tract, including neoplasm and perforation. In the present study,
      we reviewed the records of patients who underwent catheter removal at our
      hospital for reasons other than peritoneal infection--and for gastrointestinal
      disease in particular. Data were collected from the records of patients who
      received continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) therapy between 2004 and 2010 at the
      Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University. Mean duration of CAPD was
      6.2 +/- 4.7 years, and mean age at onset was 64.5 +/- 9.6 years. During the
      investigation period, catheters were removed from 13 patients (4 men, 9 women)
      because of gastrointestinal disease: gastric cancer in 3 cases, colon cancer in 3
      cases, perforation of the lower gastrointestinal tract in 3 cases, and other
      reasons in 4 cases. Examination of pathology specimens obtained from 6 patients
      including 1 in whom contrast-enhanced computed tomography indicated the presence
      of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS)-revealed mild fibrosis in the
      subserous layer. No patient died of infection after a surgical procedure.
      Moreover, throughout the observation period, no patient developed new EPS or
      postoperative ileus. The present study suggests that CAPD itself seems to be free
      of untoward effects during the postoperative course in these patients.

PMID- 22073835
TI  - Update on cardiorenal Syndrome: a clinical conundrum.
AB  - Our understanding of the cardiorenal syndrome continues to progress. Decades of
      research have led to a better definition of the clinical cardiorenal syndrome and
      have laid the groundwork for understanding its pathophysiology. Although
      improvements have been made, there are still knowledge gaps concerning the
      interactions of these two organ systems. In the present review, we examine those
      interactions in the setting of acute and chronic cardiac decompensation and the
      resulting impacts on renal dysfunction. Recognition and prevention of this
      syndrome may help to better serve a growing patient population.

PMID- 22073836
TI  - Chronic abdominal pain in a patient on maintenance peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an uncommon but one of the most
      serious complications in patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). The
      diffuse thickening and sclerosis of the peritoneal membrane that characterizes
      EPS leads to decreased ultrafiltration and ultimately to bowel obstruction. Given
      that the prognosis of established EPS is poor, early recognition of the preceding
      symptoms is essential. Computed tomography of the abdomen is a reliable and
      noninvasive diagnostic tool. Typical computed tomography features of EPS include
      peritoneal calcification, bowel wall thickening, peritoneal thickening, loculated
      fluid collections, and tethered bowel loops. These findings are diagnostic of EPS
      in the appropriate clinical setting. Here we present a case report of chronic
      abdominal pain in a patient on maintenance PD representing a case of EPS.

PMID- 22073837
TI  - Personalization of automated peritoneal dialysis treatment using a computer
      modeling system.
AB  - The use of almost standardized dialysis programs--and the absence of any
      adjustment over time in these program to match the progressive decline in
      residual kidney function, in addition to the reduction in peritoneal depuration
      because of the frequency of peritonitis and the use of solutions containing high
      glucose concentrations--often leads to technique drop-out and transfer to
      hemodialysis. Our study enrolled 15 clinically stable patients (13 white men, 2
      white women; average age: 67.3 +/- 12.99 years; average dialysis vintage: 32.25
      +/- 25.10 months) who had been on automated peritoneal dialysis treatment with a
      standard treatment profile for at least 6 months (dwell time per cycle and
      solutions fixed at various glucose concentrations in all exchanges). After a
      peritoneal equilibration test had been performed and clearances (peritoneal and
      renal) were measured, the dialysis program was modified, individualizing it to
      the patient ' peritoneal membrane transport by the Twardowski system of
      classification and taking into account the patient's residual diuresis and need
      for ultrafiltration. The change was implemented using the Patient on Line
      software created by Fresenius Medical Care (Bad Homburg, Germany). After a month
      of personalized dialysis treatment, weekly peritoneal Kt/V in the study group
      increased significantly (to 1.47 + 0.61 from 1.02 +/- 0.37, p = 0.001); no
      difference in renal Kt/V was observed. Total Kt/V reached levels of optimum
      dialysis adequacy (to 2.21 +/- 0.28 from 1.62 +/- 0.33, p = 0.0001). Weekly
      peritoneal creatinine clearance also increased to 32.86 +/- 16.94 L/1.73 m2 from
      22.27 +/- 9.16 L/1.73 m2 (p = 0.005), with renal creatinine clearance essentially
      stable, and total weekly clearance increasing to 67.58 +/- 14.52 L/1.73 m2 from
      53.51 +/- 16.86 L/1.73 m2 (p < 0.0001). The dialysis adequacy improvements
      obtained involved no statistically significant differences in the total infused
      volume of dialysis solution, ultrafiltration, or the duration of dialysis
      treatment. It should also be noted that no changes in residual diuresis occurred.

PMID- 22073838
TI  - The importance of the Patient's training in chronic peritoneal dialysis and
      peritonitis.
AB  - In a chronic disease, traineeship in the methodology to be used to treat oneself
      is a key part of success from the beginning and during long-term treatment. In
      chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD), peritonitis emphasizes, in a certain way, the
      result of the apprenticeship. We set out to evaluate the relationship between the
      number of PD training lessons and the frequency of peritonitis. According to the
      number of lessons, we established three groups: A, up to 8 lessons; B, 9-13
      lessons; and C, 14 or more lessons. We evaluated peritonitis rates and micro
      organisms, and for the three groups, we compared (Kaplan-Meier method)
      peritonitis-free survival (PFS) at 1 year of treatment, with significance set at
      (log rank) p < 0.05. The study enrolled 90 patients (mean age: 51.5 +/- 15.33
      years; 37 men). Respectively, groups A, B, and C included 27, 46, and 17 patients
      with an at-risk duration of 1535, 2879, and 665 patient-months (mean: 56.9 +/-
      44, 62.6 +/- 47, and 39.1 +/- 37.8 patient--months), of whom 35%, 37%, and 24%
      experienced no peritonitis, for peritonitis rates of 0.31, 0.37, and 0.47, with
      coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) peritonitis rates of 0.125, 0.12, and
      0.235, and PFS rates of 76.9%, 80.4%, and 70.6%. The PFS was not significantly
      different between the groups (p > 0.05). During 1 year of treatment, all three
      groups experienced a satisfactory PFS. More frequent retraining should be
      considered in patients who needed more training lessons at the start of PD.

PMID- 22073839
TI  - Gynecologic issues in peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - This paper reviews the issues associated with the reproductive system in the
      special population of female patients with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal
      dialysis (PD). We summarize current knowledge concerning cancer screening tests,
      elective and urgent gynecologic procedures, and the issues of menstruation,
      contraception, pregnancy, and delivery in these patients. Finally, we present the
      potential effects of gynecologic problems on PD and the complications of PD that
      can present with symptoms of the female genitalia.

PMID- 22073840
TI  - Network 13 partnership to improve the influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and
      hepatitis B vaccination rates among dialysis patients.
AB  - Vaccinations are available for primary prevention of many infections in adults.
      Morbidity and mortality from invasive diseases such as influenza and
      Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remain high and may be largely
      preventable by vaccination of high-risk adults, including dialysis patients. The
      current 23-valent vaccine-efficacious, with a low adverse event profile-is widely
      available. Revaccination is also recommended in patients with immunocompromising
      conditions, including chronic kidney disease. Despite having many opportunities
      to be vaccinated, adult hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients are often
      missed During the recent H1N1 influenza outbreak, we conducted a performance
      improvement project to increase the vaccination rates for pneumococcal pneumonia,
      hepatitis B, and influenza, with a special focus on prevention. The project
      included an education phase, baseline assessment of vaccination rates,
      intervention, and a follow-up assessment of vaccination rates. The geographic
      jurisdiction of ESRD Network 13 encompasses the states of Arkansas, Louisiana,
      and Oklahoma. At the beginning of the network-wide project, the documented state
      specific rates for influenza immunization were below the average influenza
      immunization rates for adults reported by Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention and far below its target for adults. Our improvement project
      incorporated educational interventions to improve patient acceptance of
      vaccinations, educational interventions to improve staff participation in quality
      improvement activities, and improved techniques of quality improvement data
      collection and analysis by participants. During this project, the immunization
      rates for hepatitis B and pneumococcal pneumonia were also reviewed. At project's
      conclusion, improvement was demonstrated in all three focus areas, with
      statistically significant improvements noted in both influenza and pneumococcus
      vaccination rates. The use of educational interventions to improve staff
      participation in quality improvement, and the collection and analysis of quality
      improvement data can be replicated in many practice settings to improve
      immunization rates for dialysis patients and other patients with chronic
      illnesses.

PMID- 22073841
TI  - Preservation of residual renal function in dialysis patients.
AB  - The number of patients with end-stage renal disease continues to increase
      worldwide, but the 5-year survival probability for patients on dialysis remains
      low. Preservation of residual renal function (RRF) is widely recognized to be
      important in the pre-dialysis setting, but now, its benefit for health and
      quality of life in people on dialysis has been well established. Preservation of
      RRF has consistently been shown to improve circulating levels of inflammatory
      markers, middle molecule clearance, blood pressure, and other markers of dialysis
      adequacy. Residual renal function has also been associated with improved survival
      on dialysis. This article reviews strategies for preserving RRF in patients on
      dialysis to improve long-term survival in this population.

PMID- 22073842
TI  - Different prescribed doses of high-volume peritoneal dialysis and outcome of
      patients with acute kidney injury.
AB  - The optimal dialysis dose for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) is
      controversial. No studies have directly examined the effects of peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) dose on outcomes in AKI. From January 2005 to January 2007, we
      randomly assigned critically ill patients with AKI to receive higher- or lower
      intensity PD therapy (prescribed Kt/Vof 0.8 and 0.5 per session respectively).
      The main outcome measure was death within 30 days. Of the 61 enrolled patients,
      30 were randomly assigned to higher-intensity therapy, and 31, to a lower
      intensity PD dose. The two study groups had similar baseline characteristics and
      received treatment for 6.1 days and 5.7 days respectively (p = 0.42). At 30 days
      after randomization, 17 deaths had occurred in the higher-intensity group (55%),
      and 16 deaths, in the lower-intensity group (53%, p = 0.83). There was a
      significant difference between the groups in the PD dose prescribed compared with
      the dose delivered (higher-intensity group: 0.8 vs. 0.59, p = 0.04; lower
      intensity group: 0.5 vs. 0.49, p = 0.89). The groups had similar metabolic
      control after 4 PD sessions (blood urea nitrogen: 69.3 +/- 14.4 mg/dL and 60.3 +/
      11.1 mg/dL respectively, p = 0. 71). In critically ill patients with AKI, an
      intensive PD dose did not lower the mortality or improve the recovery of kidney
      function or metabolic control. The PD dose is limited by dialysate flow and
      membrane permeability, and clearance per exchange can decrease if a shorter dwell
      time is applied.

PMID- 22073843
TI  - Subacute polyneuropathy in a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis: clinical
      features and new pathophysiologic insights.
AB  - Recently, demyelinating polyneuropathies have been reported in end-stage renal
      disease patients. These acute and subacute neuropathies share a demyelinating
      feature and may develop after the initiation of continuous ambulatory peritoneal
      dialysis. The pathogenesis of these non-chronic forms of neuropathy remains
      unclear. We report a case of subacute polyneuropathy that posed a clinical
      dilemma.

PMID- 22073844
TI  - Effects of oral paricalcitol on hyperparathyroidism and proteinuria in peritoneal
      dialysis patients.
AB  - Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism is a complication of chronic kidney disease.
      Paricalcitol is a vitamin D receptor activator with efficacy in the treatment of
      hyperparathyroidism that also has the minor side effects of hypercalcemia and
      hyperphosphatemia. As a pleiotropic effect, paricalcitol reduces proteinuria in
      patients with chronic kidney disease stages 2-4. Oral paricalcitol offers an
      alternative way to treat hyperparathyroidism and proteinuria in peritoneal
      dialysis patients. Our prospective study enrolled 18 patients with
      hyperparathyroidism (6 with diabetes also) who were given oral paricalcitol at
      initial dose of 1-2 microg daily, depending on their level of intact parathyroid
      hormone (iPTH). In the 1st month, iPTH levels declinedsignificantly to 295 +/-
      147 pg/mL from 670 +/- 318 pg/mL, and by the 3rd month, they declined to 192 +/-
      340 pg/mL (p < 0.001). Without modifications to doses of angiotensin converting
      enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker, proteinuria declined in the
      1st month to 1.41 +/- 1.5 g/L from 1.68 +/- 1.7 (p = 0.006) and, in the 3rd
      month, without statistical significance. In some patients, the dose of
      paricalcitol was reduced because of iPTH levels that were too low at 1 month. The
      patients whose doses of paricalcitol were maintained at 3 months showed a
      reduction in proteinuria to 2.1 +/- 2.1 g/L daily from 3.1 +/- 2. 7 g/L (p =
      0.04) and to 2.3 +/- 2.1 g/day from 5.0 +/- 6.1 g/day (p = 0.012). In conclusion,
      paricalcitol is effective for treating hyperparathyroidism in patients on
      peritoneal dialysis and seems also to have an antiproteinuric effect in these
      patients.

PMID- 22073845
TI  - Does cinacalcet HCl, an oral calcimimetic agent for the treatment of secondary
      hyperparathyroidism, improve arterial stiffness in patients on continuous
      ambulatory peritoneal dialysis?
AB  - Vascular calcification (VC) and arterial stiffness (AS) are major contributors to
      cardiovascular disease, and in chronic kidney disease, VC and AS are correlated.
      Disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism contribute to the progression of VC
      and to increases in AS. The efficacy of cinacalcet (CIN) in reducing AS in
      patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has not been
      determined. The present study enrolled 19 CAPD patients (12 women, 7 men; mean
      age: 62.2 +/- 3.6 years) with serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) greater
      than 500 ng/dL (mean value: 675 +/- 106 ng/dL) in whom daily oral treatment with
      CIN 25 mg was started. If administration of CIN for 3 months failed to reduce the
      level of iPTH to less than 300 ng/dL, the dose of CIN was increased to 50 mg
      daily. Before the start of CIN and at 3 years after the start of CIN, pulse wave
      velocity (PWV) was determined. In 11 patients, levels of iPTH were reduced to
      less than 300 ng/dL; levels in the rest of the patients remained high. We
      observed no significant differences in PWV before CIN and at 3 years after CIN
      start (1856 +/- 198 cm/s vs. 1726 +/- 187 cm/s). Multivariate regression analysis
      of PWV demonstrated that both systolic blood pressure and changes in serum levels
      of phosphate contributed to decreases in PWV In patients receiving CAPD, VC and
      AS might be the result of higher systolic blood pressure and increased serum
      levels of phosphate.

PMID- 22073846
TI  - Bone mineral density, its predictors, and outcomes in peritoneal dialysis
      patients.
AB  - The objective of the present work was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and
      its predictors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, to check the history of
      those patients 4 years after the assessment, and to relate thoses outcome to BMD.
      We used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure BMD in 26 patients at the
      femoral neck (FN), and we related those measurements to demographic, nutrition,
      and laboratory data. Four years after the assessments, the outcomes of those
      patients were checked and related to BMD. In the study patients, the mean FN BMD
      was 0.842 +/- 0.137 g/cm2. Serum albumin, lean body mass, alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), and treatment with acetylsalicylic acid were significant predictors for
      BMD in the first multivariate model. A second model included blood pH, serum
      phosphorus, serum creatinine, and age as significant BMD predictors. Hemoglobin
      or hematocrit could have replaced phosphorus as a BMD predictor The prevalences
      of abnormal values for BMD predictors in the study patients were phosphorus > 4.5
      mg/dL, 69.2%; pH < 7.36, 53.8%; albumin < 3.5 g/dL, 46.1%; ALP > 104 IU/L, 23.1%;
      and hemoglobin < 11.0 g/ dL, 23.1%. In 8 patients, a successful renal
      transplantation occurred at 8.5 +/- 9.3 months; 9 patients died at 25.9 +/- 12.5
      months; and 9 patients continued dialysis for a further 50.4 +/- 1.7 months. The
      highest BMD was found in the patients who underwent renal transplantation (0.962
      +/- 0.110 g/cm2); the lowest BMD was found in the patients who died (0.737 +/-
      0.100 g/ cm2, p = 0.001). In PD patients, low BMD indicates worse outcome. High
      prevalences of predictors for low BMD (age, poor nutrition status, metabolic
      acidosis, high phosphorus, anemia) also contribute to worse outcome in PD
      patients.

PMID- 22073847
TI  - Acute graft versus host disease in hematopoietic stem cell alotransplant
      recipients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) is a
      therapeutic intervention where the hematopoietic stem cells and the cells
      originating from them are being removed and replaced by the normal stem cells of
      donor or the patient him/her-self. HSCT today represent standardized biological
      manipulation for treating malignant, genetic and autoimmune diseases. The
      application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is
      limited by life-threatening complications such as severe or acute graft-versus
      host disease (GVHD). Despite intensive prophylaxis with immunosuppressive agents,
      the incidence of GVHD occurs in 9-50% of patients undergoing transplant with an
      identical HLA sibling matched donor and 75% of patients undergoing unrelated HLA
      donors. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate our experiences in GVHD prophylaxis and
      treatment after alloHSCT, GVHD incidence and prognostic factors and
      administration of new immunosuppressive regiments. Can we recognize clinical
      parameters which are associated with occurrence and severity of graft-versus-host
      disease? PATIENTS AND METHODS: Starting from September 2000 till September 2010,
      63 patients (36 males and 27 females) at the age of 16-56 (median range 33 years)
      with hematological malignancies were treated with alloHSCT on Department of
      Hematology, Clinical Centre, Skopje. In 10 patients bone marrow was used as
      source of stem cells and in 53 patients stem cells were obtained from peripheral
      blood. From the group of 63 patients, 26 patients had active disease at the time
      of transplantation. GVHD prophylaxis was accomplished with combination of
      cyclosporine and methotrexate (Seattle regimen) or more intensive
      immunosuppression regiments. RESULTS: GVHD was noticed in 30 patients (47.6%) and
      in 33 patients (52.4%) a manifestation of GVHD was noticed. Acute GVHD was
      noticed in 24 patients (38%) and chronic GVHD in 20 patients (31.7%) The
      remaining 32 patients (45%) achieved complete clinical and hematological
      remission. Lethal outcome was confirmed in 31(49%) patients (9 from chrGVHD, 6
      from acute GVHD, 16 from disease relapse). CONCLUSION: The incidence of acute
      GVHD in our study was 38% and 31% for chronic GVHD. The most common GVHD reaction
      was registered in female donors and male recipients, with higher GVHD incidence
      in elderly patients. In all patients stem cells were obtained from peripheral
      blood. Active disease, sex, source of hematopoietic cells, age and conditional
      regiments are the most significant predictive factors with the high incidence of
      GVHD.

PMID- 22073848
TI  - Chronic airflow obstruction syndrome due to pulmonary tuberculosis treated with
      directly observed therapy--a serious changes in lung function.
AB  - The origin of Chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) syndrome in active Tuberculosis
      (TB), despite significant similarities with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD), still remains unknown. The aim of the study was to examine the potential
      causes and risks for the development of CAO syndrome in new cases of pulmonary
      TB. DESIGN: Prospective, nest case-control study. PATIENTS: 40 patients with
      newly detected cavitary pulmonary TB and initial normal respiratory function,
      diagnosed and treated according to DOTS strategy. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The
      average values of Snider's radiological score during TB treatment were
      significantly reduced (p < 0.001), as well as average values of non-specific
      systemic serum markers of inflammation. The average values of FEV1 (%), both
      before, during and at the end of completion of TB treatment were significantly
      decreased (p < 0.05;). Linear regression analysis confirmed a statistically
      significant association between changes in the values of FEV1 (%), resulting in
      TB treatment completion, and the value of Snider's radiological score and the
      sputum culture conversion rate. From the initial findings of normal pulmonary
      ventilation tests, upon the completion of TB treatment 35.0% of observed patients
      developed the CAO syndrome. Logistic regression analysis confirmed a positive
      familiar burden for COPD, Snider's radiological score at the beginning of TB
      treatment and sputum conversion rate on culture, as statistically significant
      predictors, while multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed Snider's
      radiological score at the beginning of TB treatment and sputum conversion rate on
      culture as most significant risk factors for CAO syndrome occurrence and
      development. CONCLUSION: The CAO syndrome is often a consequence and significant
      functional impairment of the respiratory system, during the reparative processes
      in active TB, even in the absence of risk factors for COPD. Only microbiological
      cure of TB patients with underlying risks for disorders of lung function, is not
      sufficient and effective approach for prevention of their further potential
      health deterioration.

PMID- 22073849
TI  - What happens with airway resistance (RAW) in asthma and COPD exacerbation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To show that during the exarcerbration of asthma and COPD, increased
      airway resistance is accompanied with decreased spirometry values (FVC, FEV1,
      FEF50, and PEF) also comes increasing of airway resistance (RAW). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This research included 74 patients, in exacerbation phase of disease.
      All the patients got spirometry and plethysmography measurements, including
      adequate therapy, and after at least one month on control examination they
      repeated spirometry and plethysmography and answered a short life questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The mean value of RAW after therapy in asthma is decreased for -17.68%
      and in COPD for -15.44%. The mean value of RAW in all levels of obstruction is
      higher in COPD than in asthma, before and after therapy. After therapy spirometry
      values (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, and PEF) were significantly increased in asthma than in
      COPD. From questionnaire analyses 78.37% (58) of patients felt well, 17.57% (13)
      felt the same like before therapy and 4.05% (3) of them felt worst. All the
      patients who felt worst were in COPD group of patients. All of them had increased
      RAW, almost all felt better (96.43%) had decreased RAW. In asthma nobody felt
      worst. In most of the patients (76.67%) who felt better RAW was decreased.
      CONCLUSION: Adequate therapy during exacerbation of asthma and COPD decreases
      value of RAW and increases spirometry values. Increase in spirometry values in
      asthma is much higher than in COPD. Mean values of resistance in COPD are higher
      before and after therapy than in asthma. There is a negative relationship between
      subjective experience of illness and the level of resistance. Measuring of RAW
      can be a good parameter for monitoring COPD and asthma control.

PMID- 22073850
TI  - The evaluation of impact of BPH surgical treatment with the open prostatectomy
      and transurethral resection of the prostate methods on the quality of life.
AB  - INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common
      diseases in older men. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of
      the surgical treatment of the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with the methods
      of open prostatectomy (OP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on
      the quality of life. METHODS: The research material was based on 80 patients, out
      of whom 40 patients were treated with the method of open prostatectomy (Group A),
      and the other 40 patients with the method of transurethral resection of prostate
      gland (Group B) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. All patients were under the
      age of 80 years old (approximate age in Group A 70.23 with variation interval of
      21 years old, and in Group B 69.37 with variation interval of 22 years old), with
      the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) value >19 points, postvoid
      residual urine higher than 150 ml, the weight of benign prostatic gland
      hyperplasia tissue over 30 grams for method of prostate transurethral resection,
      and over 80 grams for the method of open prostatectomy. The quantification of the
      quality of life, as a consequence of urinary symptoms, was done by the Quality of
      Life Index (QLI) which is question No 8 in IPSS. All patients were determined the
      value of this score before the operation, and then in postoperative period in
      time intervals of 4.8 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The QLI arithmetic mean, before the
      operation, was 5.55 points in Group A, and 5.45 points in Group B. During
      postoperative checkups in time intervals of 4.8 and 12 weeks, the arithmetic
      means in Group A were 0.975, 0.450 and 0.100 points, and in Group B 1.850, 1.700
      and 1.575 points. By analyzing the obtained results, there was a highly
      statistically significant difference between preoperative test results and the
      results during all the postoperative checkups in both groups, A and B. By testing
      the difference of the QLI arithmetic mean between the patients in both groups,
      preoperatively there was no statistically significant difference, but during all
      postoperative checkups, there was a highly statistically significant difference
      between the test values. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of BPH leads to
      significant improvement of the quality of life, as a consequence of urinary
      symptoms. The improvement of the quality of life was more evident in patients
      whose BPH was treated with the OP method.

PMID- 22073851
TI  - Selection of treatment method for pelvic ring fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pelvis is the central part of the body that receives the weight
      from the vertebral column and transfers it to the lower extremities. It protects
      the internal organs with its specific structure and shape. OBJECTIVE: The study
      aims to compare the clinical outcomes of emergency non-surgical and surgical
      treatment of such patients, to analyze the types and severity of complications
      and final functional outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a series of 47
      patients treated in the period between 1999 and 2009 at the Traumatology Clinic,
      CHC Banja Luka. According to Marvin Tile's classification, fractures were
      distributed as follows: Type A fractures occurred in 19 patients (40.6%), Type B
      in 18 (38.1%) and Type C in 10 (21.3%). 30 patients (63.8%) were polytraumatised,
      with craniocerebral injuries in 12 patients (25.5%), chest cavity injuries in 5
      (10.6%) and abdominal organ injuries in 13 patients (27.6%). 27 patients (57.4%)
      had clinical and laboratory signs of hemorrhagic shock on admission, while 26
      patients (56.2%) received conservative treatment and 21 patients (43.8%) were
      treated using surgical methods of stabilization of the pelvic ring. RESULTS: The
      analysis of the outcomes of treating pelvic ring fractures in our series of
      patients by using radiography (x-rays according to Slatis) showed that out of 47
      treated patients, the outcomes were excellent in 28 (60%), good in 7 (15%), fair
      in 5 (12%) and poor in 7 (14%). The functional outcomes in all patients were
      evaluated according to the D'Aubigne-Postel scale, on average 18 months after the
      trauma. The outcomes were excellent in 22 patients (45%), good in 15 (31%), fair
      in 4 (9%) and poor in 6 (14%). The chi-square test showed that there was no
      significant statistical difference between the outcomes monitored using x-rays
      and functional outcomes monitored using the D'Aubigne-Postel scale (p = 0.097).
      The surgical treatment efficiency coefficient was introduced for the purpose of
      comparative evaluation of treatment outcomes. The surgical treatment efficiency
      coefficient, compared with conservative treatment, showed that all evaluated
      parameters were between 1.56 and 16.33 times lower in surgical treatment, which
      represents the more favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that
      conservative treatment is the treatment of choice for Tile's Type A fractures,
      external fixator for treating Type B fractures (including all subtypes), and
      internal fixation, as mono therapy or in combination with external fixator, for
      treating Type C2 and Type C3 fractures. Surgical treatment, compared with
      conservative treatment, allows faster mobilisation of the patient and it shortens
      the recovery period, which in turn lowers the total treatment costs.

PMID- 22073852
TI  - Aphasia disorders outcome after stroke.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aphasia is considered to be the most difficult disorders of speech
      language communication, and is often companion by all forms of cerebrovascular
      disease. GOAL: To determine the outcome of aphasia disorder a year after a stroke
      and stroke type influence on the outcome of aphasia disorders. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We analyzed one-year outcome of aphasia disorders in patients who had a
      first stroke. Patients were tested by a speech pathologist with the International
      test for aphasia, immediately after admission and one year after the stroke. All
      patients that were hospitalized during treatment had a speech therapy and only a
      small number of patients were realsed from hospital. RESULTS: Out of 74 patients
      with aphasia who were discharged from hospital within one year 20 patients died
      and 2 patients did not respond to control clinical treatment review. Analysis of
      the remaining 52 respondents determined that out of the 10 patients with global
      aphasia 8 (80%) evolved into another aphasia syndrome, and two (20%) remained
      unchanged in form. In most cases, global aphasia was transformed in mixed non
      fluent aphasia (4 of 10 patients or 40%), and in two cases (20%) global aphasia
      was transformed in Broca aphasia. Broca aphasia (n = 20) in other forms evolved
      in 9 patients (45%), and 11 patients (55%) remained unchanged in form. Anomic
      aphasia had 11 patients (78.6%) which remained unchanged in form, while 3 (21.4%)
      evolved into an Alexia agraphia. Full recovery was noted in two patients (3.84%).
      Type of stroke did not affect the outcome of aphasia disorders. Out of the 52
      analyzed patients after hospitalization, unfortunately, only 11 (21.2%) had some
      kind of speech pathology treatment after leaving the hospital. CONCLUSION: One
      year after the stroke severe aphasia evolved into a lighter form in a significant
      number of patients. Most often anomic aphasia remained (34.6%), followed by Broca
      (25%) and Conductive aphasia (7.7%). Type of stroke does not affect the outcome
      of aphasia disorders. Unfortunately only a small number of patients (21.2%)
      continued with aphasia speech therapy after leaving the hospital.

PMID- 22073853
TI  - The role of echocardiography in diagnosis and follow up of patients with
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy or acute ballooning syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, also known
      as takotsubo cardiomyopathy was first described in Japan approximately 20 years
      ago (Satoh and coworkers, 1991). It was later described elsewhere as well and is
      being increasingly recognized. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy characterized by
      transient apical and midventricular LV dysfunction in the absence of significant
      coronary artery disease that is triggered by emotional or physical stress. Its
      name refers to a contraption used for catching octopuses and suggests the aspect
      assumed by the ventricle during the systole due to the typical regional wall
      motion abnormalities that occur after onset. Takotsubo cardiomiopathy occurring
      mainly in post-menopausal women, echocardiography in the Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
      reveals during its acute phase a ballooning resembling the octopus trap
      configuration--the apex and lateral ventricular segments are hypokinetic while
      the base is hyperkinetic--along with reduced ejection fraction. Ventricular
      function will usually recover within a few days/weeks. OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE: The
      objective of this study is to determine the role of echocardiography in detecting
      and establishing the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomiopathy in patients with
      suspect acute coronary syndrome and during the follow up period. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: The study covered 12 adult patients the majority are women (92%) who
      were subjected to echocardiography evaluation as part of the clinical
      cardiological examination due to suspect acute coronary syndrome or Takotsubo
      Stress Cardiomyopathy. The patients were examined on an ultrasound machine
      Philips iE 33 x Matrix, ATL HDI and GE Vived 7 equipped with all cardiologic
      probes for adults and multi-plan TEE probes. We evaluated clinical
      characteristics, LV systolic function, biomarkers, and prognosis in all patients.
      RESULTS: Among all the patients referred for Echocardiographic evaluation for
      left ventricle motion abnormalities with suspect acute coronary syndrome, the
      echo exam revealed 12 patients with acute apical ballooning which involving the
      left ventricular apex and med-ventricle. The triggering factors were physical
      stress in 4 patients (33%) and emotional stress in 8 patients (67%). The initial
      symptom was chest pain (n = 8, 67%) rather than dyspnea (n = 4, 33%). An initial
      electrocardiogram (EKG) presented ST-elevation (n = 10, 83%) and T-wave inversion
      (n = 2, 17%), other data are shown on Table 2. Among the all patients 8 of them
      (66%) had normal EF by the 1st follow up (47 +/- 51 days), and the rest 4
      patients (34%) had normal EF by 68 +/- 96 days. CONCLUSION: Widespread uses of
      echocardiography has contributed to more frequent recognition of Takotsubo stress
      cardiomyopathy and highlight the central role of this noninvasive method from an
      echocardiographers' perspective.

PMID- 22073854
TI  - Quality of life in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease and multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are chronic
      diseases with unpredictable course causing progressive physical disability and
      cognitive decline, and broadly affecting the patient's life, social interaction,
      recreational activities and overall life satisfaction. GOALS: To examine the
      quality of life of patients with PD and MS, and investigate the existence of
      differences between the degree of impairment to the quality of life in PD and MS.
      METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at the Neurology Clinic, University
      Clinical Center in Tuzla in the period from December 2005 until May 2007. The
      study included subjects with confirmed diagnosis of MS and PD. We analyzed 50
      patients with PD and 50 patients with MS, with disease duration 1-5 years without
      any or with mild cognitive impairment. Quality of life was assessed using the SF
      36 scale comprised of 36 questions in eight health profiles. RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in gender frequency in our study sample of patients
      with PD, while in MS group of patients there were a significantly more females.
      The average age of the PD patients was 63.18 +/- 10.42, and in patients with MS
      37.4 +/- 8.65 years. In our study the relative influence of PD and MS on quality
      of life was similar after controlling the duration of the disease, and there were
      some differences in relation to the degree for clinical disability. Subjects
      showed reduced QoL independently of the duration of illness (patients with PD in
      88% of cases, and multiple sclerosis in 84% of cases). There are significant
      differences in the occurrence of poor quality of life in patients with PD were in
      advanced clinical stages of disease for the physical, mental dimension of the SF
      36 and the total score. Respondents in stages III-V of the disease were 5.23
      times (23%) likely to experience reduced QoL compared to those with less physical
      disability. In subjects suffering from MS reduced QoL was not related to the
      degree of clinical disability in physical, nor the mental dimension of the SF 36
      and the total score. These results in MS patients can be partially explained by
      the small sample size, on the other hand it is possible that patients with MS,
      although they have greater physical disability seen as a very difficult diagnosis
      which determines the entire life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who are treated for PD
      and MS had a high degree (> 80%) of reduction of the overall quality of life, and
      there were no significant differences in the extent of QoL reduction between
      these groups of patients. Reduced quality of life in patients with PD is observed
      during severe stages of the disease, while the QoL does not depent on the degree
      of clinical disability in MS patients. In both groups of patients the appearance
      patients reduced QoL does not depend on the duration of the disease.

PMID- 22073855
TI  - Etiological and clinical characteristics of lymphadenopathy at child age in Tuzla
      Canton.
AB  - Lymphadenopathy is defined as an abnormality in the size or character of lymph
      nodes, is caused by the invasion or propagation of either inflammatory cells or
      neoplastic cells into the node. Numerous factors, such as age, localization, size
      and consistency, present and previous pathological conditions are very important
      in order to define the future diagnostic and therapeutic course. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to determine the etiological and clinical characteristics
      oflymphadenopathy in children in the area of the Tuzla Canton. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This retrospective-prospective study analyzed the medical records of the
      Department of Pediatrics in Tuzla of 334 patients in age from 0 to 14 years, in
      which the clinical signs of palpable lymph nodes of one or more regions was
      diagnosed in the period from January 1st 1998 to June 30th 2003. The anamnesis
      data, clinical findings, diagnostic procedures results, therapeutic approach and
      disease outcome etiology defined lymphadenopathy were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of
      334 children, localized lymphadenopathy have been verified in 230, and
      generalized in 104. Male/female ratio was 1:1.8. Final results of our study have
      shown the etiologies as following: Infectious etiologies, 79.34%, neoplastic
      11.34%, and non-neoplastic 9.28%. In neoplastic etiologies, lymphoblastic
      leukemia has been the most often verified neoplastic disease (68.4%), not related
      to the age or sex of patient, and equally presented as localized and generalized
      lymphadenopathy. In this study lymphomas were presented by generalized
      lymphadenopathy. CONCLUSION: The regional and generalized lymphadenopathy in
      children depends on their etiology and has significant prognostic value for the
      disease.

PMID- 22073856
TI  - Epidemiological and microbiological control of hospital infections in surgical
      patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intrahospital infections in surgical wards pose a significant
      problem, particularly in patients with impaired natural defense potential. They
      significantly complicate and increase the cost of basic treatment of the patient
      and sometimes leave permanent damage. Active control of their appearance is of
      paramount importance in their prevention. GOAL: By this study we try to determine
      the frequency of individual agents, their anatomical and gender distribution at
      the Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Centre Tuzla in 2005.v. RESULTS: Our
      study showed that gram negative bacteria were more common trigger of IHI
      (76.37%), and especially the urinary and respiratory tract and surgical wounds
      infections. We also showed that men from older age groups are more likely to have
      IHI. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance and tracing for agents, especially in high
      risk groups of patients is the best method of prevention of IHI occurrence.

PMID- 22073857
TI  - Evaluation of working capacity in case of mental disorders.
AB  - Incidence of mental disorders in our country and in the world is growing and
      significantly impact working capacity. The goal of the study: to investigate
      which group of mental disorders and to what extent impacts the disability
      comparing two analyzed years (1999 and 2009). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 420 subjects
      were processed (143 in 1999 and 277 in 2009) from the Una-Sana Canton with mental
      disorders who were referred for evaluation of working capacity at professional
      authority in the first instance (Disability Commission) in Bihac. Disability
      Commission gave "Review, assessment and opinion" for each individual from which
      the author recorded data into the questionnaire necessary for the study. RESULTS:
      More men are sent for evaluation, aged 50 and over, who are not employed. Number
      of assessments has increased by almost double. The most addressed are from the
      group of affective disorders, who did not have disability during 1999 in
      majority, but in 2009 they are the leaders in disability, with schizophrenia.
      CONCLUSION: There is increased number of assessments, and most of them from the
      group of affective disorders whose participation in disability increases.
      Schizophrenia and affective disorders are the leading causes of disability.

PMID- 22073858
TI  - Factors affecting erectile function after radical prostatectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Radical retropubic prostatectomy is a therapeutic option for
      treatment of localized prostate cancer. The goal of radical prostatectomy is to
      completely remove the tumor while preserving erectile function and urinary
      continence as well as factors that determine the postoperative quality of life.
      There are many factors influencing sexual function after radical prostatectomy of
      localized prostate cancer. All factors can be divided into the preoperative,
      postoperative and intraoperative. In this paper we examine the significance of
      individual factors affecting erectile dysfunction following surgical treatment.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 36 patients who underwent nerve sparing
      radical prostatectomy at the Urology Clinic, Clinical Center of Sarajevo
      University in period from January 2009 until December 2010. RESULTS: Out of 84
      patients tested, radical retropubic prostatectomy with the reservation of
      neurovascular bundles was performed in 36 patients (42.8%). Of this number, both
      of the neurovascular bundles were preserved in 28 patients (77.7%) and one in 8
      patients (22.2%). CONCLUSION: The positive predictive factor for erectile
      function after radical retropubic prostatectomy is the preoperative sexual
      function, younger age, preservation of both neurovascular bundles and early
      rehabilitation therapy.

PMID- 22073859
TI  - Surgical treatment and complications of treating pancreatic tumor.
AB  - Pancreatic tumor is one with the worst prognosis of all cancers, and the tenth
      most frequent cancer in Europe, making the 3% of all cancers affecting both
      sexes. Most patients seek treatment when the disease is in its advanced stage and
      the level for possible resectability is low. Late presentation of the disease is
      responsible for the short survival period of 6 months and a five-year survival of
      0.4 to 5% of patients. At the Clinic for Surgery in Tuzla during period from
      January 1st 1996, to January 1st 2011, a total of 127 resection surgeries were
      performed due to malignant tumors. The goal of this study was to show that
      adequate assessment of operability, proper surgical strategy and modern
      techniques of creating anastomoses reduces morbidity and mortality, results in
      fewer postoperative complications and contributes to better surgical results. In
      our study sample the most common place of tumor location was the head of
      pancreas, in 69 (59.7%) patients. Men develop this type of cancer more often than
      women in the ratio of 2:1, while the median age of patients was 62 years. We
      faced postoperative complications in 37 (29.1%) patients, pancreatic fistula
      being the most prevalent complication, occurring in 16 (12.6%) patients. Overall
      early and late postoperative mortality was observed in 12 (9.8%) patients.
      CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic and hereditary pancreatitis are at a higher
      risk for developing pancreatic cancer and should be screened for the purpose of
      early diagnosis. The staging of pancreatic cancer has improved, with the accuracy
      of 85-90%. Postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality are
      significantly reduced (p < 0.05) if the standardized operational procedure is
      applied and if modern techniques are used to create pancreaticojejunal
      anastomosis as the anastomosis carrying the highest risk.

PMID- 22073860
TI  - Extracorporeal fertilization in the world and in Croatia.
AB  - AIM: To point out the dangers, side effects and risks of medical assisted
      fertilization, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and injection on sperm in
      ovum for mother and the child. RESULTS: On the one hand the negative side effects
      for women of an abrupt rising risk for the development of neoplasm under
      pharmaceutical therapy are mentioned. Especially under a therapy which has the
      purpose to stimulate the ovulation of the ovary it lies around 100%. An increased
      level of certain hormones, as for example HCG, which influences the ovulation, is
      closely related with the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Clinical studies at
      more than 12000 infertile women (primary and secondary acyesis), with an average
      age of 30 years, show an elevated risk for the development of a malignant tumor
      of 98%. Also the application of Gonadotrophin is connected with a risk of 146%
      for the occurrence of cancer after a period of 15 years. FDT involves a risk of
      about 12% for the occurrence of breast cancer and shows also an aggravation for
      the risk of cancer of the endometrium from 79% up to 1152%. On the other hand the
      risk of spontaneous miscarriages under MAF, which is near 20%, and serious
      illness of the children, including 47% with need of intensive care unit support
      after birth, need to be realized. Furthermore the investigation of naturally
      obtained twins and through ART obtained twins shows in the arrangement a slower
      and poorer development of the children in the ART group with also great
      differences in physical development. In total the number of inherent malformation
      of newborns under the use of ART rises from 47 to 177%. With an installment of 9%
      we notice that children who came into being by IVF and ICS also fall more
      frequently ill. (Teething troubles, more hospitalizations and operations, higher
      frequency of major inherent malformations). CONCLUSION: All women who want to
      undergo a medical assisted fertilization should be informed about the side
      effects and risks for mother and child.

PMID- 22073861
TI  - Anesthesia for trans-sternal thymectomy: modified non-muscle relaxant technique.
AB  - Anesthesia for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis is challenging. Early surgical
      management is now considered to be an important therapeutic intervention for most
      of the patients of myasthenia gravis. The anesthetic experience of that technique
      is quite large. It involves either muscle relaxant or non-muscle relaxant
      techniques. However, the literature is deficient of standard anesthetic technique
      for thymectomy. Therefore we present in this report a modified non-muscle
      relaxant technique for thymectomy. We report one case with thymectomy under
      general anesthesia using fentanyl and propofol for induction and endotracheal
      intubation using non-muscle relaxant technique. The intubating, intraoperative
      and postoperative conditions were excellent.

PMID- 22073862
TI  - [(Pro)renin receptor /ATP6AP2 and cell death].

PMID- 22073863
TI  - [BMP4-Smad1 signaling pathway in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy].

PMID- 22073864
TI  - [HIF-1 in diabetic nephropathy].

PMID- 22073865
TI  - [Sirt1 in diabetic nephropathy].

PMID- 22073866
TI  - [Role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy].

PMID- 22073867
TI  - [Microinflammation in diabetic nephropathy].

PMID- 22073868
TI  - [Role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy].

PMID- 22073869
TI  - [Difficult hemodialysis induction due to subclavian steal syndrome in a patient
      with Takayasu's arteritis].
AB  - The patient was a 53-year-old woman who had bilateral renal arterial constriction
      due to Takayasu's arteritis, and developed end-stage renal failure. When
      transient loss of consciousness occurred in 2002, she was diagnosed with
      subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). The renal failure worsened in June 2004, and
      there was concern that the left SSS could become aggravated as a consequence of
      creating an arterio-venous (AV) shunt. Although peritoneal dialysis was strongly
      recommended, she elected to undergo hemodialysis. We confirmed that there was no
      reduction of cerebral blood flow using brain single photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT). Right and left examinations indicated the site at which an AV
      shunt should be created and subsequently, the AV shunt was created on the left
      fore-arm. Brain SPECT findings were again confirmed after dialysis, at the time
      of hemodialysis induction, and again 2 years after hemodialysis induction,
      showing no reduction in cerebral blood flow. She has no apparent symptoms or
      signs of left SSS, to date. Although it is known that an SSS could arise after AV
      shunt creation, there has been no report of the creation of an AV shunt in a case
      of SSS. The present case suggests that cerebral blood flow measurement using
      brain SPECT is useful for evaluating cerebral hemodynamics before AV fistula
      creation among patients with Takayasu's arteritis.

PMID- 22073870
TI  - [Case of mixed connective tissue disease complicated with sarcoidosis and central
      diabetes insipidus].
AB  - In 2003, a 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease
      and treated with oral prednisolone (30 mg/day). The prednisolone dose was
      gradually decreased, and a dose of 5 mg/day had been maintained since 2004. In
      2009, she gradually developed vision loss, malaise, anorexia, and throat pain due
      to hydrodipsia. She was noted to have iritis and vitreous opacity by an
      ophthalmologist, and was referred for further evaluation. Fine rales were audible
      throughout the entire lung field, and chest CT showed diffuse small nodules that
      were more prominent on the upper and middle lobes, and swelling of the
      mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed many
      epithelioid granulomas with multinuclear giant cells, compatible with
      sarcoidosis. Polyuria was identified as a cause of hydrodipsia and a diagnosis of
      partial central diabetes insipidus was made. High-dose prednisolone (40 mg/day)
      together with intranasal administration of desmopressin resulted in improvement
      of all of her clinical symptoms. MCTD followed by sarcoidosis is rare.
      Furthermore, this is the first reported case of MCTD complicated by sarcoidosis
      and central diabetes insipidus.

PMID- 22073871
TI  - [Case of peritubular capillary dominant intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (PTC
      dominant IVLBCL) successfully treated with chemotherapy].
AB  - A 72-year-old woman developed common cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, a staggering
      gait, and persistent anorexia from the beginning of May 2009. In the middle of
      May, her general fatigue worsened, and she was transported to our hospital by
      ambulance. Abdominal CT showed bilateral renal enlargement, and her general
      condition and renal function rapidly deteriorated. The soluble interleukin-2
      receptor (sIL-2R) level was elevated to 5,928 U/mL, and gallium scintigraphy
      showed a weak uptake in both kidneys. We considered the possibility of malignant
      lymphoma, and performed a renal biopsy, which showed no glomerular abnormalities,
      but disclosed the accumulation of large, atypical lymphoid cells with a high N/C
      ratio and dark chromatin in peritubular capillaries (PTC). On immunohistochemical
      staining, these atypical cells were found to be CD5(+), CD20 (+/-), CD10(-), CD3(
      ), and CD7(-), leading to a diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
      (IVLBCL). Since gallium scintigraphy showed no uptake in other organs, and
      examination of the cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow revealed no tumor cells,
      the patient was considered to have kidney-limited IVLBCL. Chemotherapy was
      started immediately, which resulted in an improved general condition. Although
      her renal function deteriorated sufficiently to require dialysis, she was weaned
      from dialysis. After treatment with chemotherapy, the enlarged kidneys returned
      to the normal size. Subsequently, she has been receiving chemotherapy
      intermittently, and has remained free of recurrence. In general, IVLBCL mainly
      involving the kidney is difficult to diagnose antemortem, and is sometimes found
      at autopsy. We suggest that bilateral renal enlargement with renal failure of
      unknown origin should raise the suspicion of malignant lymphoma requiring a
      prompt renal biopsy. Cases of LBCL in which lymphoma cells fill PTC, as in this
      patient, have rarely been reported. We believe that this case is extremely
      valuable in understanding the pathogenesis of intravascular lymphoma invading the
      kidney; therefore, we report it with a review of the literature.

PMID- 22073872
TI  - [Case of MPO-ANCA-positive Wegener's granulomatosis with hepatitis C virus
      infection].
AB  - A 77-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital because of the
      progression of renal dysfunction. Two months prior to the admission he had been
      diagnosed with otitis media. Urinalysis showed proteinuria and microscopic
      hematuria. Blood examination revealed renal dysfunction, hepatitis C virus
      (HCV)infection and positive myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA. A chest CT revealed small
      infiltrates in the right middle lobe. The renal biopsy demonstrated crescentic
      glomerulonephritis with tubulitis. He was diagnosed as having Wegener's
      granulomatosis according to the American College of Rheumatology classification
      criteria. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone improved
      all of the otitis media, lung infiltrates and renal function. Recently, a high
      prevalence of ANCA has been reported in patients with HCV. It has also been
      reported that the prevalence of HCV infection is high in patients with Wegener's
      granulomatosis. Therefore, our case points to the clinical significance of HCV
      infection in ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis including Wegener's
      granulomatosis.

PMID- 22073873
TI  - UN high level summit on non communicable diseases.

PMID- 22073874
TI  - The Columbus effect: the donor community's "discovery" of non communicable
      diseases.
AB  - On 28-29 April, 2011 the First Global Ministerial on Healthy Lifestyles and
      Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) convened in Moscow to galvanize support and
      provide policy guidance for the forthcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in
      September 2011. Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) drafted the
      "Moscow Declaration", placing itself at the global epicentre of NCD prevention
      and control, working collaboratively with its sole client in Member States,
      ministries of public health. The Declaration took no note of the extensive and
      ongoing activities of developing country owned and operated hospitals in the
      developing world and their clinical participation in NCD prevention and care for
      the past four decades. This article will review the global burden of NCDs in the
      developing world; the identification of NCDs by reliable sources decades before
      the "Moscow Declaration"; the role of hospitals in addressing them despite the
      absence of donor support; the considerable extant investments made by public and
      private entities in building inpatient and out-patient facilities; and how donors
      have overlooked the already established hospital-based industry within developing
      economies.

PMID- 22073875
TI  - NCD health literacy--what can hospitals do?
AB  - Noncommunicable disease (NCD) health literacy is a person's ability to access,
      understand and use information to prevent, treat and manage chronic illness. Poor
      health literacy is shown to be associated with riskier behaviour, poor health
      choices and poorer health. Hospitals can play an important role in enhancing
      people's NCD health literacy all the way along a patient's "NCD journey" from
      prevention to management by aligning their communications to the health literacy
      capacities of their users. The authors suggest training providers to communicate
      more effectively with patients, making their systems easier to navigate,
      simplifying written materials, incorporating the use of technology and mobile
      health, and using individual and system level scorecards and checklists.

PMID- 22073876
TI  - Dispositional and situational factors as determinants of food eating behaviour
      among sedentary and blue-collar workers in Nigeria's premier teaching hospital.
AB  - This cross-sectional survey investigated the role of dispositional (self-efficacy
      and self esteem), and situational factors (distractibility and perceived food
      variety) as determinants of food eating behaviour (FEB). Hospital employees
      (N500) in Nigeria's premier teaching Hospital participated. Results showed that
      self-efficacy and self-esteem jointly predicted cognitive restraint dimension of
      FEB (F(2499) = 26.00; R2 = 0.10; p < .05). Dispositional variables also jointly
      predicted uncontrolled eating (F(2499) = 17.41; R2 = 0.07; p < .05), emotional
      eating (F(2499)= 28.58; R2 = 0.10; p < .05), and cognitive restraint (F(2499) =
      35.60; R2 = 0.13; p < .05) dimensions of FEB. Age (chi2 = 64.81; df = 1; p <
      .05), and marital status (chi2 = 32.74; df = 4; p < .05) were associated with
      FEB. Therefore, dispositional and situational variables are predictors of FEB as
      evidenced in previous literatures. The need for primary prevention, and
      assertiveness to reduce distractibility and eating disorders was highlighted
      towards maintaining health and efficiency at work is recommended.

PMID- 22073877
TI  - Comparative analysis of the quality of life in home and hospital treatment of
      patients suffering from heart failure.
AB  - This article presents an analytical examination of the results of the survey
      conducted by the specialized cardiac hospital for active treatment Pleven, which
      focused on the quality of life, hospital admission and death rate of patients
      suffering from heart failure that have already received hospital treatment. Given
      the specifics of the survey, patients were divided into two groups, one of which
      received ongoing follow-up care at home, while the other group did not receive
      this additional service. After twelve months, the results of the two groups were
      computed and collated according to three criteria - quality of life, subsequent
      hospital admission and death rate. The reported results of the group receiving
      ongoing specialized care were better in all three criteria. Based on this, the
      authors conclude that patients with treated heart failure should receive follow
      up care after they have been discharged, as this increases their quality of life
      and leads to fewer subsequent hospital admissions and death rates.

PMID- 22073878
TI  - Perceptions and experiences of co-delivery model for self-management training for
      clinicians working with patients with long-term conditions at three healthcare
      economies in U.K.
AB  - This paper presents a case study evaluation of self-management training courses
      for clinicians working with patients with COPD and Depression, at three NHS sites
      in United Kingdom. These courses were part of the Health Foundation's Co-Creating
      Health Initiative project and were co-delivered by a trained patient and
      clinician tutors. Interviews with 30 clinician attendees, four clinician tutors
      and two patient tutors suggested that the course content and delivery style were
      valued by everyone and clinicians reported a higher use of self-management skills
      following training. Analyses of the video-recorded consultation sessions of two
      trained clinicians showed limited use of co-production skills.

PMID- 22073879
TI  - Quo Vadis?: Russia's health challenges.
AB  - The roots of the health crisis in the Russian Federation are not entirely, or
      even primarily, in the state of the health care system. High levels of mortality
      and morbidity, particularly among working-age males, reflect many other factors
      that transcend the health system as they are related to the aging of the
      population, growing urbanization, lifestyles and risky behaviours. Spending more
      money on healthcare, while necessary, will not be sufficient to improve Russia's
      health outcomes on a sustainable basis. A multisectoral strategy is required,
      coupled with increased health expenditures and structural reforms to improve the
      efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare organization, financing and service
      delivery. However, it should be clear that improving health outcomes is a
      complex, medium- to long-term undertaking that should be addressed forcefully by
      the government at the federal and regional levels as a priority social objective.

PMID- 22073880
TI  - Over-hospitalization: an issue for hospital management.
AB  - The topic of this article is the insufficiently increasing rate of hospital
      admissions as a crucial factor for increasing hospital expenditures. The article
      focuses on the particular analysis of issues of induced hospital services demand,
      low level of effectiveness of the inpatient care system for referring,
      disproportions of accounted cases compared the need for therapies, patients'
      distrust toward lower sectors of healthcare, low efficiency of primary outpatient
      care and specialized outpatient care, lack of control, inadequate organization
      structure, strategy and improper NHIF regulation. The effective solving of these
      problems is a crucial term for improvement of the quality of inpatient care.

PMID- 22073881
TI  - [Effect of moxibustion-like thermal stimulation with different temperature and
      covering different areas of "zhongwan" (CV 12) on discharges of neurons in
      medullary subnucleus reticularis dorsalis of rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of regional thermal (moxibustion-like)
      stimulation on discharges of neurons in the medullary subnucleus reticularis
      dorsalis (SRD) and to study the best thermal stimulation parameters in the rat.
      METHODS: Experiments were performed on 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats under
      anesthesia (10% urethane, 1.0-1.5 g/kg). Unit discharges of single neurons in the
      medullary SRD were recorded extracellularly with glass micropipettes. Thermal
      stimulation (warm water filled in a glass bottle) with different temperature (40
      degrees C, 42 degrees C, 44 degrees C, 46 degrees C, 48 degrees C, 50 degrees C,
      52 degrees C) and covering different area (diameter: 1.0 cm x 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5
      cm, 3.0 cm, 3.5 cm, 4.0 cm) was applied to "Zhongwan"(CV 12) region for 30 s.
      Firing rates of SRD neurons were analyzed by using Power-Lab Chart 5.0. RESULTS:
      When thermal stimulation with temperature of 40 degrees C and 42 degrees C and
      the stimulated area of 1.0-4.0 cm in diameter was applied to CV 12 region,
      discharges of the medullary SRD neurons had no obvious changes. When the
      temperature was increased to 44 degrees C and 46 degrees C, the electrical
      activities of SRD neurons were increased linearly along with the increase of the
      stimulated area of 1.0-4.0 cm in diameter. When the temperature was increased
      further from 48 degrees C to 52 degrees C, the increased electrical activities of
      SRD neurons peaked at the stimulated area of 3.5 cm in diameter. In addition,
      thermal stimulation at a temperature of 50 degrees C and an area of 4.0 cm in
      diameter induced a larger increase of discharges of SRD neurons in comparison
      with that of 46 degrees C plus an area of 3.5 cm/4.0 cm in diameter (P < 0.05).
      No significant differences were found between 50 degrees C and 52 degrees C at
      any stimulated areas mentioned above (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Noxious thermal (44
      52 degrees C) stimulation of CV 12 region can activate SRD neuron, which reaches
      a plateau when the stimulated area is increased to a certain range.

PMID- 22073882
TI  - [Effect of mild-warm moxibustion on microcirculation in the raw surface tissue of
      chronic refractory wound in skin ulcer rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of mild-warm moxibustion on dynamic blood flow,
      microvessel count (MVC)and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression
      in the wound tissue of the chronic skin ulcer in rats, so as to reveal its
      underlying mechanism in promoting wound recovery. METHODS: A total of 104 male SD
      rats with skin injury were randomly divided into control group (n=8), model group
      (n=32), TDP (far-infrared heating device) group (n=32) and moxibustion group
      (n=32). Chronic refractory raw surface wound model was established by muscular
      injection of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate. For rats of the TDP and moxibustion
      groups, TDP irridiation and mild-warm moxibustion were applied to the raw
      surface, bilateral "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 15 min, once daily
      for 3, 7 and 14 days respectively. The healing rate and the healing time of raw
      surface of the wound were observed. The blood flow of the raw surface of the
      wound tissue was measured by laser Doppler flowmeter and the MVC in granulation
      tissue of chronic skin ulcer was counted under light microscope. VEGF expression
      was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the control
      group, the healing rate of the wound raw surface was significantly lower and the
      healing time was prolonged in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model
      group, the healing rates on day 3, 7, 10 and 14 were significantly higher and the
      healing time was strikingly faster in both TDP and moxibustion groups (P < 0.01,
      P < 0.05), and the effects of the moxibustion group in increasing the healing
      rate and shortening the healing time were significantly better than those of TDP
      group (P < 0.01). In comparison with the model group, the blood flow volume, MVC
      and VEGF expression levels on day 3 and 7 were upregulated significantly in both
      TDP and moxibustion groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); while the blood flow volume, MVC
      and VEGF expression level in the moxibustion group and the blood flow volume and
      VEGF expression level in the TDP group downregulated considerably on day 14 (P <
      0.01). No significant difference was found between the TDP and moxibustion groups
      in the MVC on day 14 after the treatment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mild-warm
      moxibustion can promote wound healing, which is closely with its effects in
      increasing blood flow and MVC, and upregulating VEGF expression in the wound
      granulation tissue of the chronic skin ulcer.

PMID- 22073883
TI  - [Effect of electroacupuncture on differentiation and proliferation of hippocampal
      nerve stem cells in splenic asthenia pedo-rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the
      differentiation and proliferation of nerve stem cells in the hippocampal dentate
      gyrus (DG) in splenic asthenia pedo-rats so as to study its central mechanism.
      METHODS: A total of 72 SD male rats were randomly assigned to normal control
      group (n=24), model group (n=24) and EA group (n=24) which were further divided
      into 7 d, 14 d, 28 d and 49 d time-points (n=6). Splenic asthenia model was
      established by intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and gavage of Dahuang
      (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) fluid. EA was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and
      "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 20 min, once daily for 7, 14, 28 and 49 days
      respectively. Brdu, Nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neuron
      specific enolase (NSE) expression in the DG of hippocampus were detected by
      immunohistochemistry double staining. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control
      group, the numbers of Brdu, Brdu/GFAP, Brdu/NSE Immunoreactive (IR) positive
      cells in the DG of hippocampus on day 7 and 14, and that of Brdu/Nestin IR
      positive cells on day 7 were decreased considerably in the model group (P <
      0.05). Compared to the model group, the numbers of hippocampal Brdu IR-positive
      cells at the 4 time-points, Brdu/Nestin and Brdu/GFAP on day 7, 14 and 49, and
      Brdu/NSE on day 7, 14 and 28 were increased significantly in the EA group (P <
      0.05). No significant differences were found between the model and control groups
      in the numbers of hippocampal Brdu and Brdu/NSE IR-positive cells on day 28 and
      49, in the number of Brdu/Nestin IR-positive cells on day 14 and 49, in the
      number of Brdu/GFAP IR-positive cells on day 28; and between the EA and model
      groups in the numbers of Brdu/Nestin and Brdu/GFAP IR-positive cells on day 28,
      and in the number of Brdu/NSE IR-positive cells on day 49 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      EA of ST 36 and SP 6 can effectively suppress splenic asthenia syndrome-induced
      decrease of the numbers of Brdu, Brdu/GFAP, Brdu/Nestin and Brdu/NSE IR-positive
      cells in the DG of hippocampus at the early stage in the splenic asthenia rats,
      which may contribute to its effect in improving splenic asthenia symptoms in
      clinic by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of some nerve stem
      cells in the hippocampus.

PMID- 22073884
TI  - [Effect of electroacupuncture combined with intragastric administration of
      borneol on the permeability of blood-brain barrier in the mouse].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with gavage
      of borneol on the permeability and ultrastructure of the blood-brain barrier
      (BBB) in mice, so as to reveal its mechanism underlying improving permeability of
      BBB. METHODS: For assaying Evans blue (EB) content in the brain, 60 Kunming mice
      were evenly divided into control, EA, borneol (0.2 g/kg, borneol-0.2), borneol
      (0.4 g/kg, borneol-0.4), borneol (0.2 g/kg, borneol-0.2) + EA and borneol (0.4
      g/kg, borneol-0.4) + EA groups. For determination of P-glycoprotein [P-gp, a
      member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters which
      transport various molecules across extra- and intra-cellular membranes] function
      and the ultrastructure of BBB, other 84 mice were randomized into control,
      borneol-0.2, borneol-0.4, borneol-0.2 + EA, borneol-0.4 + EA and verapamil groups
      (n=10 for P-gp. function analysis, and n 2 for electron microscopic observation).
      EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yamen"(GV 15) for 20 ml once
      daily for 14 days. EB (2.5%, 0.2 mL/kg) and rhodamine (Rh) 123 (0.2 mg/kg) were
      injected intravenously first through the tail vein, and their contents in the
      brain and Rh 123 in the plasma were detected after EA by using an ultraviolet
      fluorescence microplate reader. At the same time, the permeation index (Kp) was
      calculated by the ratio of Rh 123brain/Rh 123blood. RESULTS: Compared with the
      control group, the cerebral EB and Rh 123 contents and Kp of BBB in the EA,
      borneol-0.2, borneol-0.4, borneol-0.2 + EA, borneol-0.4 + EA and verapamil groups
      were increased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The cerebral EB content was
      significantly higher in the borneol-0.2 + EA group than in the borneol-0.2 group
      (P < 0.05), suggesting a synergistic effect of EA and borneol. No significant
      differences were found among the EA, borneol-0.2 and borneol-0.4 groups in
      cerebral EB levels, among the control, EA, borneol-0.2, borneol-0.4, borneol-0.2
      + EA, borneol-0.4 + EA and verapamil groups in plasma Rh 123 contents, and among
      the EA, borneol-0.2, borneol-0.4, borneol-0.2 + EA, borneol-0.4 + EA and
      verapamil groups in cerebral Rh 123 contents and Kp of BBB (P > 0.05). Results of
      the electron transmission microscope showed that the compact degree of the tight
      junction of BBB was decreased in the borneol-0.2, borneol-0.4, borneol-0.2 + EA,
      borneol-0.4 + EA groups but not in the EA group. CONCLUSION: EA and gavage of
      borneol treatments may enhance the permeability of BBB for EB and Rh 123 and have
      a certain synergistic effect in mice. The effect of borneol may be closely with
      the inhibition of P-glycoprotein and the decrease of tight junction of BBB while
      the effect of EA treatment is probably related to the inhibition of P
      glycoprotein only.

PMID- 22073885
TI  - [Effect of acupuncture on contents of beta-endorphin in the plasma and
      hypothalamus in rats with stress-induced gastric mucosal injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of acupuncture in preventing and treating
      stress-induced gastric mucosal injury from the view of brain-gut axis. METHODS:
      Forty male Wister rats were randomly divided into normal control, model 1,
      treatment, model 2 and prevention groups (n=8). Gastric mucosa injury model was
      established by intragastric perfusion of dehydrated alcohol (1.0 mL/rat). Rats of
      the treatment group were treated with acupuncture after modeling, while those of
      the prevention group treated first, followed by modeling. The time of modeling in
      model 1 group and model 2 group was simultaneous with that of the treatment group
      and prevention group respectively. Acupuncture was applied to "Zusanli"(ST 36),
      "Zhongwan" (CV 12) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) for 20 min, once daily for 5 days. Before
      sampling the tissues, 10% charcoal suspension was intragastric perfused 1 h for
      analyzing the rate of gastrointestinal propulsion(distance from the upper end of
      the charcoal powder to the cardia/total length of the cardia to the anus x 100%).
      Gastric mucosal ulcer index was measured by using Guth's method. The contents of
      beta-endorphin(beta-EP)in plasma and hypothalamus were determined by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the
      gastrointestinal propulsion rates were decreased considerably in the two model
      groups (P < 0.05), while the gastric mucosal ulcer indexes and the contents of
      beta-EP in both plasma and hypothalamus were increased significantly in the model
      groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the corresponding model groups, the
      gastrointestinal propulsion rate was increased remarkably in the prevention group
      (P < 0.05), and the gastric mucosal ulcer indexes and the contents of plasma beta
      EP level were decreased obviously in both treatment and prevention groups (P <
      0.05, P < 0.01). The contents of hypothalamic beta-EP were increased further in
      the later two groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture of ST 36, CV 12 and PC 6
      can promote the repair of gastric mucosal injury and improve gastrointestinal
      function, which may be related to its effects in reducing plasma beta-EP and
      upregulating hypothalamic beta-EP level. Acupuncture also has a better effect in
      preventing gastric mucosal injury.

PMID- 22073886
TI  - [Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on plasma TXB2 and 6-keto
      PGF(1alpha), contents in dysmenorrhea rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on plasma thromboxane
      B2(TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha) levels in
      dysmenorrhea rats in order to investigate its mechanism underlying relief of
      primary dysmenorrhea and specificity of acupoint efficacy. METHODS: Female SD
      rats with diestrus were randomly divided into saline control (control), model, EA
      Sanyinjiao (SP 6), EA Xuehai (SP 10), EA Xuanzhong (GB 39) and EA non-acupoint
      (NAP) groups, with 10 rats in each. Dysmenorrhea model was established by
      subcutaneous injection of Estradiol Benzoate (0.5 mg/rat on the 1st and 10th day,
      and 0.2 mg/rat from the 2nd to the 9th day) and intraperitoneal injection of
      Oxytocin (0.2 mL/rat, 1 h after last injection of Estradiol Benzoate on the 10th
      day). EA was applied to bilateral SP 6, SP 10, GB 39, and non-acupoint (the mid
      point between the Gallbladder and Stomach meridian at the GB 39 level) for 20
      min. The latency and score of writhing were recorded for 20 min. Plasma TXB2 and
      6-keto-PGF1alpha contents were detected by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared
      with the control group, the latency of writhing in the model group was shortened
      considerably (P < 0.01), and the writhing score was increased significantly (P <
      0.01). In comparison with the model group, the writhing latency was increased
      significantly only in the EA-SP 6 group (P < 0.05), and the writhing scores in
      the EA-SP 6, EA-SP 10, EA-GB 39 and EA-NAP groups were reduced remarkably (P <
      0.01). Plasma TXB2 content and the ratio of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha. were
      significantly higher in the model group than in the control group (P < 0.01).
      Compared to the model group, plasma TXB2 levels and the ratios of TXB2/6-keto
      PGF1alpha. in the EA-SP 6, EA-SP 10, EA-GB 39 and EA-NAP groups were
      downregulated markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while plasma 6-keto-PGF1alpha was
      upregulated strikingly only in the EA-SP 6 group (P < 0.05). No significant
      differences were found among the EA-SP 6, EA-SP 10, EA-GB 39 and EA-NAP groups in
      the writhing latency and writhing score, plasma TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha, levels
      (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can relieve pain reaction in dysmenorrhea rats, which
      may be closely associated with its effects in downregulating plasma TXB2,
      upregulating plasma 6-keto-PGF1alpha, content, and balancing plasma TXB2/6-keto
      PGF1alpha. The effect of EA of SP 6 is relatively better.

PMID- 22073887
TI  - [Effect of electroacupuncture on the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters in
      the spinal cord in rats with chronic constrictive injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of amino acid neurotransmitter contents in the
      lumbar spinal cord after electroacupuncture (EA) in rats with neuropathic pain so
      as to study its spinal mechanism underlying pain relief. METHODS: Forty SD rats
      were randomly divided into control, sham surgery, model and EA groups (n=10).
      Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) (neuropathic pain) model was duplicated by
      ligature of the right sciatic nerve with a piece of catgut. EA (1-3 mA, 2 Hz) was
      applied to "Huantiao" (GB 30) and "Weizhong" (BL 40) on the injured side for 30
      minutes, once a day for 7 days. The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were
      measured before and after CCI, and after EA intervention. Concentrations of
      glutamate (Glu), aspartate (Asp), glutamine (Gln), gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA), Glycine (Gly) and taurine (Tau) in the lumbar spinal cord (L4-6) were
      detected by O-phthaladehyde derivatization + high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, both the
      mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of the model group were decreased
      significantly on day 10 and day 16 after CCI (P < 0.01). Compared with the model
      group, the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the EA group on day 16 after
      CCI were upregulated strikingly (P < 0.01). In comparison with the control group,
      Glu, Asp, Gin and GABA levels in the lumbar spinal cord were significantly higher
      in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while Gly and Tau levels in the lumbar
      spinal cord were markedly lower in the model group (P < 0.05). In comparison with
      the model group, spinal Glu, Asp, and Gin contents were downregulated
      significantly in the EA group (P < 0.01), while Gly, GABA and Tau levels were
      upregulated obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found
      between the control and sham surgery groups in the mechanical and thermal pain
      thresholds, and in the spinal Glu, Asp, GIn, GABA, Gly and Tau levels (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: EA of GB 30 and BL 40 may alleviate neuropathic pain in CCI rats,
      which is closely with its effects in reducing the release of excitatory amino
      acids and promoting the release of inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters.

PMID- 22073888
TI  - [Effects of balance-acupuncture stimulation of "back pain" and "hip pain" points
      on plasma beta-endorphin and ACTH contents in rats with lumbar disc herniation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of balance acupuncture on the thermal pain
      threshold and plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone
      (ACTH) levels in lumbar disc herniation rats so as to research its mechanisms
      underlying improvement of lumbar disc protrusion. METHODS: A total of 120 male
      rats were randomly divided into blank control (control) group, model group, sham
      operation(sham)group, and acupuncture group (n=30) which were further divided
      into 7-days (d) and 14-d subgroups. Rats in the acupuncture group were treated
      with balance acupuncture of "Back Pain" point (the midpoint between two eyes) and
      "Hip Pain"point (the midpoint between the acromial process and the axillary
      furrow). Thermal pain threshold was detected by using radiant heat detector.
      Plasma beta-EP and ACTH levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS:
      Compared with the control group and pre-operation and sham group, the thermal
      pain reaction was increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). In
      comparison with the model group, the thermal pain reaction was decreased
      obviously from day 10 after acupuncture treatment in the acupuncture group (P <
      0.05). Compared to the control group, plasma beta-EP contents on day 7 and 14 and
      ACTH level on day 14 in the model group were increased significantly (P < 0.05),
      while in comparison with the model group, plasma beta-EP contents on day 7 and 14
      and ACTH level on day 14 in the acupuncture group were down-regulated markedly (P
      < 0.05). No significant difference were found between the control and sham groups
      in plasma beta-EP contents and ACTH levels on day 7 and 14 (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Balance acupuncture treatment can lower plasma ACTH level in lumbar
      disc herniation rats, which may contribute to its effect in easing lumbar disc
      herniation pain in clinic practice.

PMID- 22073889
TI  - [Observation on the anti-stress effect of acupuncture-assisted anesthesia for
      puhnlmonary lobectomy patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the anti-stress effect of acupuncture-assisted anesthesia
      in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. METHODS: A randomized, controlled,
      single-blind clinical trial was conducted in the present study. A total of 48
      patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy were randomized into regular general
      anesthesia (RGA), general anesthesia combined with 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA)
      (GA+2 Hz-EA), general anesthesia combined with 2 Hz/100 Hz EA (GA+2 Hz/100 Hz
      EA), and GA + 100 Hz-EA groups (n=12). EA (1-3 mA) was applied to bilateral Houxi
      (SI 3), Zhigou (SJ 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) for 30 min, followed by
      general anesthesia with midazolam (0.05 mg/kg), fentanyl (5 microg/kg), propofol
      (2 mg/kg), and vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg). The dosages of the anesthetics, heart rate
      (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and bispectral index (BIS) of
      electroencephalogam during general anesthesia were recorded. Plasma adrenaline
      and cortisol concentrations were assayed by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: In
      comparison with the RGA group, the dosages of supplementary propofol and fentanyl
      in both GA + 2 Hz-EA and GA + 100 Hz-EA groups,and that of propofol in the GA+2
      Hz/100 Hz-EA group were decreased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared to
      the RGA group, both HR and SBP values during trachea extubation in the GA+ 2
      Hz/100 Hz-EA and GA + 100 Hz-EA groups were significantly lower (P < 0.01, P <
      0.05). No significant differences were found between the GA+2 Hz/100 Hz-EA and
      RGA groups in the supplementary dose of fentanyl, between the GA+2 Hz-EA and RGA
      groups in HR and SBP values during trachea extubation, among the 4 groups in HR
      and SBP values before trachea extubation and in plasma adrenaline and cortisol
      levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture-assisted anesthesia can decrease the
      dosage of general anesthetics, and effectively restrain cardiovascular stress
      reaction during trachea extubation in pulmonery lobectomy patients.

PMID- 22073890
TI  - [Electroacupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12) modulates functional
      connectivity of the brain network in healthy volunteers].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the specific brain effects of electroacupuncture (EA)
      stimulation of Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12). METHODS: Twenty-one healthy
      volunteers were recruited in the present study. Two silver filiform needles were
      separately inserted into Guanyuan (OV 4) or Zhongwan (CV 12), and manipulated
      with uniform reducing-reinforcing method to induce "Deqi". fMRI scan was
      performed before needling, during needle retention, EA stimulation, and post-EA.
      Data of fMRI was analyzed by using software SPM 2. The volunteer subjective
      needling sensations were recorded. The activation, deactivation, short-distance
      and long-distance functional connectivity maps of different cerebral regions were
      analyzed by using whole brain correlation analysis. RESULTS: Comparison between
      the two acupoints showed that fullness feeling was stronger in CV 4 than in CV
      12. EA at CV 4 and CV 12 induced a similar stronger and prevalent deactivation in
      the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulated cortex (ACO).
      The deactivation of the ACC was stronger in the CV 4 group than in the CV 12
      group. The default BOLD mode of the brain at rest was modified by needle
      retention and EA, respectively. The short-distance functional connection brain
      network was significantly changed after EA. Interestingly, the ventral medial
      prefrontal cortex and anteroinferior portion of the anterior cingulate cortex in
      the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network (LPNN) were involved in the instant
      post-effects of EA. Relatively smaller differences in the brain functional
      activity and short-distance functional connectivity were found between these two
      acupoints. CONCLUSION: EA of CV 4 and CV 12 can modulate short-distance
      functional connectivity of the LPNN, and have fewer differences in inducing
      needling sensation and deactivation of ACC, etc.

PMID- 22073891
TI  - [Randomized controlled clinical trails for treatment of knee osteoarthritis by
      warm acupuncture combined with intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the synergism of warm acupuncture combined with intra
      articular injection of sodium hyaluronate on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS:
      A total of 179 KOA outpatients were randomized into warm acupuncture group (n=90)
      and control group (n=89) according to a randomized numeral table. Warm
      acupuncture (needle warmed by moxibustion) was applied to Zusanli (ST 36), Xuehai
      (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Neixiyan(EX-LE4), etc. from the second day on after
      intra-articular Injection of sodium hyaluronate (2 mL, once a week for 5 weeks).
      Sodium hyaluronate intra-articular injection was given to the patients alone in
      the control group. Knee joint motor function was scaled before, 2 weeks (W) and 5
      W after the therapy. The patients' quality of life was determined by using
      "Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale" before and 5 W after the therapy. RESULTS:
      In comparison with pre-therapy, the knee-joint motor function scores of both
      control group and acupuncture group were increased progressively and
      significantly 2 W and 5 W after the therapy. Both the knee-joint motor function
      score and the therapeutic effective rate of the acupuncture group were
      significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.001, P<0.05). After the
      therapy, the scores of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale were significantly
      improved in both groups (P<0.01), and that of the acupuncture group was obviously
      lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Warm acupuncture
      combined with intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate is an effective
      therapy for knee osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22073892
TI  - [False dissemination of "treatment of hemorrhoids by acupuncture of Kongzui (LU
      6)" and its unfavorable influence on modern acupuncture].
AB  - "Treatment of hemorrhoids by acupuncture of Kongzui (LU 6)" has been considered
      to be an example of new discovery in current clinical acupuncture practice and
      has produced a significant influence on domestic and foreign textbooks of
      acupuncturology and the health care of the people. After comprehensively
      analyzing this known saying, it was found that the so-called "new discovery"
      which has been inherited for decades of years is in fact derived from incorrect
      dissemination, being lack of evidence of both literature and clinical practice.

PMID- 22073893
TI  - [Our viewpoints on relationship between discovery of meridians and pulse-feeling
      diagnosis].
AB  - Some scholars believe that the ancient Chinese physicians found meridian
      phenomena on the basis of pulse-feeling diagnosis. But the authors of the present
      paper don't think so, and that the relationship between the discovery of meridian
      phenomena and pulse-feeling diagnosis is not so simple. In the present paper, the
      authors analyze their correlation from the following 6 points. (1) In ancient
      China, the difference between the pulse-feeling locations on the human body and
      the number of clinical disorders is huge, which is very difficult to make them to
      be corresponding. (2) Shenmen (HT 7), one acupoint of the Heart Meridian of Hand
      Shaoyin and one of the positions for pulse-feeling diagnosis, is not identical to
      the running course of meridians described in the early historic stage of China.
      (3) Taking the corresponding correlation between the upper-lower parts of the
      Meridian of Hand-Yangming to make a deduction on other meridians is definitely
      jug-handled. (4) It is logically unreasonable to demonstrate the relationship
      between the meridian and pulse-feeling diagnosis by taking the Luomai
      (collaterals of meridian) as the example. (5) The running pathways of the Eight
      Extra-meridians which also belong to the meridian system are not identical to the
      regularities of "Biao" "Ben" pulses. (6) In the ethnic traditional medicine,
      there exists an upper-lower corresponding pulse diagnosis, but, no similar text
      descriptions have been found in the medical works on meridians. Therefore, the
      meridian system is not found by means of pulse-feeling diagnosis, and rather, the
      meridian theory promotes the development of pulse-feeling diagnosis in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22073894
TI  - [Development of studies on neurochemical mechanism of acupuncture underlying
      improvement of depression].
AB  - Chronic stress often results in neurochemical changes in the central nervous
      system and may lead to the onset of depression. These neurochemical changes refer
      to alterations of activities of neurotransmitters, neuromediators, hormones and
      neuronal plasticity, etc. The underlying mechanism of acupuncture in the
      antidepressant effect is related to its regulatory effect on the neurochemical
      imbalance. In the present review, the authors summarize the progress of
      experimental researches on acupuncture treatment of depression from (1)
      monoamines neurotransmitters and their receptors, (2) gamma-aminobutyric acid and
      glutamate, (3) neuropeptide Y, (4) hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and
      hypothalamus-pituitary-throid axis activities, and (5) brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor. In addition, the authors also make an evaluation on the insufficiency of
      current studies and put forwards some suggestions on the future study.

PMID- 22073895
TI  - [Overview of researches on the underlying mechanism of that "Hegu (LI 4) is
      indicated for orofacial disorders"].
AB  - It has been well documented in Chinese acupuncture medicine that "Hegu (LI 4) is
      indicated for orofacial problems". In the present paper, the authors analyze
      their correlation from the learning of modern medicine and results of recent
      experimental studies instead of traditional meridian theory of acupuncturology.
      The afferent nerve fibers from the LI 4 region and the orofacial part ascend to
      the spinal cord, nucleus of solitary tract, reticular formation, thalamus and the
      cerebral cortex, respectively, and overlap in the thalamus, cerebral cortex, etc.
      Under the circumstances, the interaction and functional integration of the
      afferent signals from LI 4 acupoint and the orofacial region may occur in the
      central nervous system. In addition, many relevant neuroactive substances (for
      example, serotonin, substance P, enkephalin, y-aminobutyric acid, glycine,
      calcitonin gene-related peptide, etc.) released from the sensory and motor
      neurons in the corresponding cerebral regions may constitute part of the
      substantial basis of that "Hegu (LI 4) is indicated for many orofacial
      disorders".

PMID- 22073896
TI  - Let's leave bullying on the playground!

PMID- 22073897
TI  - Ins and outs of suprapubic catheters--a clinician's experience.
AB  - In today's evolving health care field, outpatient procedures are becoming more
      commonplace. Many patients with suprapubic catheters are now being seen in
      outpatient or home care settings. Addressing the educational needs of patients,
      family members, and nursing staff is now more important than ever for successful
      patient suprapubic catheter management. A basic understanding of how these
      catheters are initially placed is essential for proper care and avoidance of
      possible complications. This review of initial placement of suprapubic catheters
      and post-insertion care is based on one clinician's experience and practice at a
      local hospital in Pennsylvania.

PMID- 22073898
TI  - Vaginal diazepam use with urogenital pain/pelvic floor dysfunction: serum
      diazepam levels and efficacy data.
AB  - Vaginal diazepam is used off-label for pelvic floor dysfunction and urogenital
      pain, but serum levels with efficacy have not been reported until now. One
      clinician evaluated 21 women for overall, levator, and vulvar pain pre- and one
      month post-daily diazepam treatment. One-month post-treatment assessments and
      serum diazepam levels were done; 62% were moderately or markedly improved.
      Levator examination pain scores were significantly improved, and vulvar pain
      scores decreased post-treatment. Serum diazepam levels were within normal limits.
      Vaginal diazepam may be helpful in treating pelvic floor/urogenital pain
      conditions.

PMID- 22073899
TI  - Desmopressin versus behavioral modifications as initial treatment of primary
      nocturnal enuresis.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of desmopressin to
      behavioral modifications as the initial treatment of primary monosymptomatic
      nocturnal enuresis (PMNE). Study results determined that either intervention led
      to a significant reduction in PMNE episodes. These results suggest that either
      method is equally effective for treatment of PMNE.

PMID- 22073900
TI  - The lonely female partner: a central aspect of prostate cancer.
AB  - The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of female
      partners to men with prostate cancer. The women found the capacity to manage
      their lives through mutual love in the family and through their faith.

PMID- 22073901
TI  - Adding to the evidence base: The lonely female partner: a central aspect of
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 22073902
TI  - Entrapped Foley catheter: a case study.
AB  - Obstruction of the urethra can cause necrosis of the urethra. Without prompt
      intervention, this obstruction may lead to intrinsic renal failure. A unique
      nursing situation occurred with a patient's entrapped Foley catheter, requiring
      timely intervention. This case study reinforces that a nurse's ability to assess
      and describe clinical assessment findings to a physician via the telephone can be
      critical to patient outcomes.

PMID- 22073903
TI  - Characteristics and impact of interrupted sleep in women with overactive bladder.
AB  - Women who self-report symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), including nocturia,
      experience significant sleep deficits and a diminished quality of life. These
      deficits and their impacts are greater among women who awaken two or more times
      per night. When evaluating patients with OAB, it is important for clinicians to
      assess sleep habits and practices in addition to bladder symptoms to fully gauge
      the health and well-being of women with OAB.

PMID- 22073904
TI  - European Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak.

PMID- 22073905
TI  - Integrated circuits and logic operations based on single-layer MoS2.
AB  - Logic circuits and the ability to amplify electrical signals form the functional
      backbone of electronics along with the possibility to integrate multiple elements
      on the same chip. The miniaturization of electronic circuits is expected to reach
      fundamental limits in the near future. Two-dimensional materials such as single
      layer MoS(2) represent the ultimate limit of miniaturization in the vertical
      dimension, are interesting as building blocks of low-power nanoelectronic
      devices, and are suitable for integration due to their planar geometry. Because
      they are less than 1 nm thin, 2D materials in transistors could also lead to
      reduced short channel effects and result in fabrication of smaller and more power
      efficient transistors. Here, we report on the first integrated circuit based on a
      two-dimensional semiconductor MoS(2). Our integrated circuits are capable of
      operating as inverters, converting logical "1" into logical "0", with room
      temperature voltage gain higher than 1, making them suitable for incorporation
      into digital circuits. We also show that electrical circuits composed of single
      layer MoS(2) transistors are capable of performing the NOR logic operation, the
      basis from which all logical operations and full digital functionality can be
      deduced.

PMID- 22073906
TI  - Enhanced affinity bifunctional bisphosphonates for targeted delivery of
      therapeutic agents to bone.
AB  - Skeletal diseases have a major impact on the worldwide population and economy.
      Although several therapeutic agents and treatments are available for addressing
      bone diseases, they are not being fully utilized because of their uptake in
      nontargeted sites and related side effects. Active targeting with controlled
      delivery is an ideal approach for treatment of such diseases. Because
      bisphosphonates are known to have high affinity to bone and are being widely used
      in treatment of osteoporosis, they are well-suited for drug targeting to bone. In
      this study, a targeted delivery of therapeutic agent to resorption sites and
      wound healing sites of bone was explored. Toward this goal, bifunctional
      hydrazine-bisphosphonates (HBPs), with spacers of various lengths, were
      synthesized and studied for their enhanced affinity to bone. Crystal growth
      inhibition studies showed that these HBPs have high affinity to hydroxyapatite,
      and HBPs with shorter spacers bind more strongly than alendronate to
      hydroxyapatite. The HBPs did not affect proliferation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts,
      did not induce apoptosis, and were not cytotoxic at the concentration range
      tested (10(-6)-10(-4) M). Furthermore, drugs can be linked to the HBPs through a
      hydrazone linkage that is cleavable at the low pH of bone resorption and wound
      healing sites, leading to release of the drug. This was demonstrated using
      hydroxyapatite as a model material of bone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde as a model
      drug. This study suggests that these HBPs could be used for targeted delivery of
      therapeutic agents to bone.

PMID- 22073907
TI  - Biochemical and immunochemical characterization of different varieties of
      amaranth (Amaranthus L. ssp.) as a safe ingredient for gluten-free products.
AB  - Celiac disease is a food intolerance triggered by the ingestion of gluten
      containing cereals; the only therapy is a strict gluten-free diet for life. In
      recent years, amaranth flour has received considerable attention as an
      interesting source for the formulation of gluten-free products due to its high
      nutritional value and low content of prolamins, the toxic proteins for celiacs.
      The aim of this study was to characterize 40 amaranth varieties using both SDS
      PAGE/immunoblotting and ELISA to assess their possible tolerance by celiac
      subjects. All of the amaranth samples studied showed similar binding affinities
      for both specific anti-gliadin antibodies and human IgAs. In most amaranth
      grains, the content of gluten-like proteins measured by ELISA was <20 ppm. The
      molecular characterization of amaranth proteins suggests that amaranth is safe
      for celiacs to consume. It is recommended that the most suitable amaranth
      varieties are those having the lowest content of proteins cross-reacting with
      anti-gliadin antibodies.

PMID- 22073909
TI  - A prospective phase II trial of vinblastine and methotrexate in multivessel
      intraluminal pulmonary vein stenosis in infants and children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents
      vinblastine and methotrexate in the treatment of children with progressive
      multivessel intraluminal pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS). METHODS: Children
      received weekly vinblastine and methotrexate for a period of 1 year. Outcomes
      (for patients receiving >=1 month of chemotherapy) were classified separately for
      patients with isolated PVS and PVS with congenital heart disease (CHD). Primary
      efficacy outcome was "response to treatment" categorized by echocardiographic
      criteria of response. Survival to 1 year was also evaluated. All adverse events
      were classified according to Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Common
      Terminology Criteria version 3.0. Events were further classified as related to
      chemotherapy, cardiac, or other causes. RESULTS: Among 29 patients enrolled, 28
      received at least one dose of chemotherapy and were evaluable for toxicity, while
      23 were evaluable for response (21 CHD, 2 isolated). Both patients in the
      isolated group had progressive disease and died. Overall, 33% (7/21) of patients
      with PVS and CHD had stable disease; 1-year survival of 38%; and four patients
      continue in remission (93, 96, 124, and 125 months after treatment initiation).
      While both cardiac-related (19%) and chemotherapy-related (53%) toxicities were
      common, most were asymptomatic laboratory changes. Grade 3 (13%) and grade 4 (4%)
      toxicities were reversible, and no treatment-related grade 5 toxicities were
      observed. CONCLUSION: We report on the first prospective trial of chemotherapy
      for infants and children targeting the presence of myofibroblastic cells within
      the lesions of PVS based on myofibroblastic proliferation associated with desmoid
      tumors of infancy. The toxicity profile resulted in numerous treatment delays and
      interruptions that, combined with limited information on the natural history of
      PVS in this patient population, hampered our ability to determine the true
      efficacy of this approach. These results will be important as a baseline for
      clinical trials in this patient population.

PMID- 22073910
TI  - Fertility differences in Peru: A reconsideration.
AB  - Abstract   In a series of articles by Stycos, Heer and W. H. James, predominantly
      Indian areas of Peru were reported to have significantly lower levels of
      fertility than the economically better developed Spanish-speaking areas. Heer and
      James reported similar findings for Bolivia and Ecuador as well as Peru.

PMID- 22073911
TI  - Estimation of vital rates for Ghana.
AB  - Abstract   A complete and efficient registration system, of the type which would
      provide good data on births and deaths, does not exist in Ghana. However,
      registration of vital events is supposed to be compulsory in 39 towns in the
      country but the data collected in these areas are too inadequate and defective to
      provide a sound basis for the analysis of the dynamics of population growth. The
      results of the censuses conducted by the colonial governments are so defective
      and unreliable that they do not allow scientific research in the field of
      population analysis.   Before 1960, therefore, when the national census and the
      post-enumeration survey (based on a 5% sample of the population) were carried
      out, estimates of fertility and mortality levels were little more than guesses.
      In this study an attempt has been made to utilize the information on the age-sex
      composition provided by the 1960 census and post-enumeration survey data on
      births and deaths to determine, as far as possible, the levels of fertility and
      mortality and the rates of population growth in Ghana.   The fertility estimates
      i.e. a crude birth rate of 50, total fertility rate of 6.9 and a gross
      reproduction rate of 3.4-show that Ghana's fertility is one of the highest in the
      world. An expectation of life at birth of 40 years, an infant mortality of 160
      and a crude death rate of 23 appear to be the most plausible estimates. These
      estimates yield a rate of natural increase of 2.7% and a growth rate of 3.0% per
      annum.

PMID- 22073912
TI  - Time series of growth in use of oral contraception and the differential diffusion
      of oral anovulents.
AB  - Abstract   Differential growth in the use of oral anovulents is explored through
      construction of separate time series for Canadian women classified by religion,
      education, and nativity. The series suggest that native-born Roman Catholic women
      are as likely as native-born Protestant women to be using oral contraceptives by
      the terminal point of our series in 1967. The period of very rapid growth in the
      use of orals appears to have come to an end. Differential patterns of diffusion
      of oral contraception shown by the categories of women discussed, suggest sources
      of bias in the profile of an aggregate time series.

PMID- 22073913
TI  - Buddhist factors in population growth and control A survey based on Thailand and
      Ceylon *.
AB  - Abstract   Although Buddist doctrine and institutions do not directly encourage
      the procreation of children, the Buddhist countries of South Asia (for the
      purposes of this paper, Ceylon, Burma, Thailand and Cambodia) have high fertility
      rates. The first half of this paper is devoted to examining possible reasons for
      this: particularly, whether there are non-Buddhist factors which produce high
      fertility and outweigh the negative Buddhist attitude, or whether there are less
      obvious factors within the structure of Buddhist culture which tend to produce
      high fertility indirectly; this preliminary review of evidence favours the latter
      explanation.   In the second half of the paper South Asian Buddhist attitudes to
      policies of population control are examined. While in theory there is no Buddhist
      opposition to family planning, apart from the general Buddhist rejection of
      abortion, some differences of attitude towards other methods are observable
      between Ceylon and Thailand, the Buddhist opposition to contraception being
      stronger in the former than in the latter. It is suggested that the differences
      in attitude may be due to the larger proportion of non-Buddhists in the
      population of Ceylon than in Thailand, although the opposition is expressed in
      primarily doctrinal terms.

PMID- 22073914
TI  - The value of avoided births to underdeveloped countries.
AB  - Abstract   An estimate of the value to a developing economy of preventing an
      additional birth is a useful yardstick for decisions about bonuses, information
      and-dispensation campaigns, and propaganda campaigns. Enke's method of estimation
      incorrectly reckons private costs as public costs and attributes all the avoided
      consumption of the prevented child to the social account, whereas most of it
      would be otherwise consumed by the child's family. And at the discount rate Enke
      uses (15%) the effect of an added child on the marginal productivity of other
      workers is irrelevant. On the other hand, a 15% discount is shown to be
      inconsistent with other governmental decisions, and a lower discount rate reduces
      the value of a prevented birth in Enke's scheme. Hence Enke's method is
      internally inconsistent.   Coale and Hoover's work on India enables one to
      generate an estimate for the value of an avoided birth on the basis of a complete
      and realistic macro-economic system. This was done by relating the differences in
      numbers of births in future periods (under two of the Coale-Hoover alternatives)
      to the differences in aggregate income that are projected (under the two
      alternatives). Even at the high discount rate of 15%, the value is $114. At lower
      discount rates the value is much higher.

PMID- 22073915
TI  - Fecundability and its relation to age in a sample of Taiwanese women.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper reliable estimates of mean fecundability at marriage for
      a sample of heterogeneous Taiwanese women are obtained by using a set of data
      collected retrospectively. The effects of 'truncation bias' and 'memory bias' are
      estimated by studying the relationships between mean fecundability and the
      duration of marriage. Then the variations in fecundabilities by age at marriage
      are studied. The data are taken from an intensive fertility survey of married
      women between the ages of 20 and 39 conducted in Taichung city of Taiwan towards
      the end of 1962 prior to a year-long family planning action programme.
      Fecundability, the probability of conception in the absence of contraception, is
      estimated by using a Type I geometric model and is estimated from the observed
      distribution of first pregnancy intervals-the period between the onset of
      marriage and the beginning of first conception. The estimated fecundability level
      relatively free from truncation and memory bias is 195+/-3 per 1.000 women. The
      fecundability level increases with wife's age at marriage (up to 25)
      independently of its association with the duration of marriage.

PMID- 22073916
TI  - Local censuses in the 18th century.
AB  - Abstract   Recent work on the population problems of the eighteenth century has
      been mainly based on the use of parish records. Another source, and one which,
      surprisingly, has received little attention is the local census. These are more
      numerous than is generally realised; and can be of great use in demographic
      studies. This paper examines 125 local censuses mainly taken in urban areas. They
      are discussed in terms of how they come to be taken, their reliability, extant
      manuscript material and their contents. Whilst most of the censuses confine
      themselves to the basic facts such as total population, number of houses and
      number of families, some give details of sex, age, marital status and occupation.
      Generally the information is given for the parish or local administrative unit,
      but in a few instances it is available by streets.

PMID- 22073917
TI  - Some comments on article by K. Srinivasan: 'A probability model applicable to the
      study of inter-live birth intervals and random segments of the same'.
AB  - Abstract   This paper discusses a probability model of birth intervals, proposed
      by K. Srinivasan, for the study of data collected in some fertility surveys.  
      New formulae for mean and variance of the "open interval" distribution are given.

PMID- 22073918
TI  - The causes of induced abortion.
AB  - Abstract   In drawing conclusions about the causes of induced abortion, Treffers
      (Population Studies 20, pp. 295ff) assumed that spontaneous abortion is unrelated
      to psychological and sociological variables. It is suggested that these
      assumptions may be false. Some remarks are appended on the mode of ascertainment
      of abortions and its relation to their estimated incidence.

PMID- 22073919
TI  - The demographic effects of a contraceptive programme.
AB  - Abstract   The calculation of the number of births prevented for each item of
      contraceptive service provided entails the integration of a variety of factors
      relating to the potential fertility of users and the duration and effectiveness
      of use. This article differs from previous essays of this kind in that estimates
      of future potential fertility are based not on fertility rates but on age
      specific means of inter-live birth intervals, modified by periods of use
      overlapping post-partum sterility, and by the probabilities attached to the
      development of permanent sterility and to the successful adoption of extra
      programme birth control.   In the first three years after acceptance of intra
      uterine contraception by some 9,000 postpartum women of several ethnic origins in
      Singapore, it is calculated that about 4,800 births were prevented.

PMID- 22073922
TI  - Influenza immunization in egg allergy: an update for the 2011-2012 season.
AB  - Flu vaccines contain detectable amounts of egg protein, which may pose a risk to
      egg-allergic individuals. The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic required mass
      vaccination in many countries, and the safety of flu immunization in egg allergy
      became of increasing public health importance. This article reviews recent
      literature and provides an updated guideline for immunization during the 2011
      2012 flu season. Recent experience suggests that some vaccines with very low
      ovalbumin concentrations may be safe for use in primary care in carefully
      assessed low-risk individuals.

PMID- 22073923
TI  - The impact of laxative use upon symptoms in patients with proven slow transit
      constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Constipation severity is often defined by symptoms including feelings
      of complete evacuation, straining, stool frequency and consistency. These
      descriptors are mostly obtained in the absence of laxative use. For many
      constipated patients laxative usage is ubiquitous and long standing. Our aim was
      to determine the impact of laxative use upon the stereotypic constipation
      descriptors. METHODS: Patients with confirmed slow transit constipation completed
      3-week stool diaries, detailing stool frequency and form, straining, laxative use
      and pain and bloating scores. Each diary day was classified as being under
      laxative affect (laxative affected days) or not (laxative unaffected days).
      Unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the affects of laxatives on
      constipation symptoms. RESULTS: Ninety four patients with scintigraphically
      confirmed slow transit constipation were enrolled in the study. These patients
      reported a stool frequency of 5.6 +/- 4.3 bowel motions/week, only 21 patients
      reported <3 bowel motions/week. Similarly, 21 patients reported a predominant
      hard stool at defecation. The majority (90%) of patients reported regular
      straining. A regular feeling of complete evacuation was reported in just 7
      patients. Daily pain and/or bloating were reported by 92% of patients. When
      compared with laxative unaffected days, on the laxative affected days patients
      had a higher stool frequency (OR 2.23; P <0.001) and were more likely to report
      loose stools (OR 1.64; P <0.009). Laxatives did not increase the number of bowel
      actions associated with a feeling of complete evacuation. Laxative use had no
      affect upon straining, pain or bloating scores CONCLUSIONS: The reporting of
      frequent and loose stools with abdominal pain and/or bloating is common in
      patients with slow transit constipation. While laxative use is a significant
      contributor to altering stool frequency and form, laxatives have no apparent
      affect on pain or bloating or upon a patients feeling of complete evacuation.
      These factors need to be taken into account when using constipation symptoms to
      define this population.

PMID- 22073924
TI  - Synthesis of 2-naphthols via carbonylative Stille coupling reaction of 2
      bromobenzyl bromides with tributylallylstannane followed by the Heck reaction.
AB  - A method for the synthesis of 2-naphthols 4 is described. The carbonylative
      Stille coupling reactions of 2-bromobenzyl bromides with tributylallylstannane to
      produce 2-bromobenzyl beta,gamma-unsaturated ketones 2 in satisfactory to
      excellent yields has been achieved. The isomerization of 2-bromobenzyl beta,gamma
      unsaturated ketones 2 can readily occur under basic conditions to generate 2
      bromobenzyl alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones 3. The 2-bromobenzyl alpha,beta
      unsaturated ketones 3 can be transformed into 2-naphthols 4 via intramolecular
      Heck reaction in satisfactory to good yields.

PMID- 22073925
TI  - Single kaolinite nanometer layers prepared by an in situ polymerization
      exfoliation process in the presence of ionic liquids.
AB  - A simple chemical route for the exfoliation of kaolinite in the presence of
      polymerizable ionic liquids and the resulting obtainment of exfoliated
      nanocomposites is reported. The exfoliation was achieved using three different
      ionic liquids structurally bearing a vinyl group: 1-methyl-3-(4
      vinylbenzyl)imidazolium chloride salt (IL_1), 1-methyl-1-(4
      vinylbenzyl)pyrrolidinium chloride (IL_2), and 1-methyl-3-vinyl imidazolium
      iodide (IL_3) and a urea-kaolinite intercalate as precursor. The reaction was
      done in one step by an in situ polymerization-exfoliation process. (13)C CP/MAS
      NMR spectra confirmed the spontaneous polymerization of the ionic liquid during
      the exfoliation process to afford atactic polystyrene derivatives in the case of
      IL_1 and IL_2. The amount of organic material in the exfoliated nanocomposite was
      close to 30% as shown by thermal gravimetric analysis. This amount is small in
      comparison to the amount obtained when the exfoliation was done using sodium
      polyacrylate (Letaief and Detellier, Langmuir2009, 25, 10975). XRD as well as SEM
      analysis confirmed a total exfoliation of the kaolinite when the reaction was
      done using urea kaolinite, whereas a microcomposite, made predominantly of
      kaolinite platelet aggregates dispersed in the polymeric matrix, was formed when
      dimethylsulfoxide kaolinite was used as the precursor.

PMID- 22073926
TI  - Orientational and motional narrowing of solid-state NMR lineshapes of uniaxially
      aligned membrane proteins.
AB  - A unified theory for the NMR line shapes of aligned membrane proteins arising
      from uniaxial disorder (mosaic spread) and global rotational diffusion about the
      director axis is presented. A superoperator formalism allows one to take into
      account the effects of continuous radiofrequency irradiation and frequency
      offsets in the presence of dynamics. A general method based on the Stochastic
      Liouville Equation makes it possible to bridge the static and dynamic limits in a
      single model. Simulations of solid-state NMR spectra are performed for a uniform
      alpha helix by considering orientational disorder and diffusion of the helix as a
      whole relative to the alignment axis. The motional narrowing of the resonance
      lines is highly inhomogeneous and can be used as an additional angular restraint
      in structure calculations. Experimental solid-state NMR spectra of Pf1 coat
      protein support the conclusions of the theory for two limiting cases. The static
      disorder dominates the (15)N NMR spectra of Pf1 aligned on a phage, while fast
      uniaxial diffusion provides a line narrowing mechanism for the Pf1 protein
      reconstituted in magnetically aligned bicelles.

PMID- 22073927
TI  - Use of the Internet by parents of middle school students: internet rules, risky
      behaviours and online concerns.
AB  - Using the Internet is a daily occurrence for parents and children in today's
      world. Although they use the Internet differently, many individuals may face
      online hazards that they may be ill equipped to deal with. To better understand
      Internet use and online behaviours, a study was conducted with 227 parents of
      early adolescent (ages 11 to 14 years) middle school students (grades 6, 7 and
      8). Four important findings emerged: (1) parents are using the Internet like
      their children but have different online behaviours; (2) parents have Internet
      use rules at home; (3) parents are participating in risky Internet behaviours
      (electronic aggression, intentional online harassment and communication with
      online strangers); and (4) parents are concerned about their child's online
      safety, specifically about the exposure to sexually explicit materials and online
      strangers, but the majority of parents do not know where to report negative or
      unsafe Internet experiences. Nurses, clinicians, healthcare providers and other
      professionals can and do provide comprehensive care to families by identifying
      needs and areas of knowledge deficit. By asking Internet use questions, nurses
      and other professionals are able to develop plans of care for all family members
      that will promote Internet safety and healthy lifestyle choices.

PMID- 22073928
TI  - 'Your good days and your bad days' an exploration and consideration of how lay
      people conceptualize depression.
AB  - Depression remains a significant public health issue globally; 121 million people
      are affected by depression health education campaigns. Regardless of the
      prevalence of depression and recent health education campaigns to reduce the
      burden of depression, many people are still stigmatized and sometimes excluded
      from the society in which they live. Using qualitative research, the aim of this
      study was to explore lay people's perceptions and attitudes of mental disorder
      and in particular depression. A purposive sample of 22 lay people were each asked
      to read a case scenario which was then followed up by the researcher using open
      ended questions to explore their knowledge and attitudes and beliefs relating to
      depression. The data was analysed using Braun & Clarke's strategy of thematic
      analysis. The results revealed that many of the participants were familiar with
      the concept of depression, either through their own experiences of the disorder
      or through knowing people with depression. The participants also drew from
      psychosocial explanations of depression and located depression as part of the
      human condition. The paper suggests that lay people's concepts of depression
      offer rich complex and diverse perspectives that enhance professional views and
      may lead to a greater understanding of uptake and acceptance of care for
      depression.

PMID- 22073929
TI  - Unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients with unilateral auditory neuropathy
      spectrum disorder (UANSD) were pediatric and mostly showed a great degree of
      hearing loss when diagnosed. Abnormal auditory brainstem response (ABR) and
      preserved otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and/or cochlear microphonics (CM) were
      important features to differentiate it from common sensorineural deafness and
      central nerve hearing loss. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics
      of patients with UANSD. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 14
      patients diagnosed as having UANSD between 2004 and 2010 in the Chinese PLA
      Hospital. RESULTS: In all, 50% of the cases were males (1:1 sex ratio) and the
      average age of onset was 4.1 years. Of the 14 affected ears with UANSD in these
      cases, 6 were left-sided, while 8 were right-sided. Of the 14 contralateral ears,
      4 presented with sensorineural hearing loss, while the other 10 showed normal
      hearing. The degree of hearing loss in the 14 affected ears varied, including
      moderate in 1, moderately severe in 4, severe in 5, and profound in 4. ABRs were
      absent in the 14 affected ears, while the OAEs, and/or CM were present.

PMID- 22073930
TI  - Peripheral blood immunologic phenotype of population-based breast cancer cases
      and matched controls.

PMID- 22073931
TI  - Synergistic co-entrapment and triggered release in hollow nanocapsules with
      uniform nanopores.
AB  - We describe a new co-entrapment and release motif based on the combination of
      noncovalent and steric interactions in materials with well-defined nanopores.
      Individual components enter hollow nanocapsules through nanopores in the capsule
      shell. Their complex, larger than the pore size, remains entrapped. The
      dissociation of the complex upon external stimulus releases entrapped components.
      Reversible formation of complexes between diaza-18-crown-6 and metal ions was
      used to demonstrate the feasibility of new approach to co-entrapment and
      triggered release.

PMID- 22073932
TI  - An accuracy assessment of forensic computerized facial reconstruction employing
      cone-beam computed tomography from live subjects.
AB  - The utilization of 3D computerized systems has allowed more effective procedures
      for forensic facial reconstruction. Three 3D computerized facial reconstructions
      were produced using skull models from live adult Korean subjects to assess facial
      morphology prediction accuracy. The 3D skeletal and facial data were recorded
      from the subjects in an upright position using a cone-beam CT scanner. Shell-to
      shell deviation maps were created using 3D surface comparison software, and the
      deviation errors between the reconstructed and target faces were measured.
      Results showed that 54%, 65%, and 77% of the three facial reconstruction surfaces
      had <2.5 mm of error when compared to the relevant target face. The average error
      for each reconstruction was -0.46 mm (SD = 2.81) for A, -0.31 mm (SD = 2.40) for
      B, and -0.49 mm (SD = 2.16) for C. The facial features of the reconstructions
      demonstrated good levels of accuracy compared to the target faces.

PMID- 22073933
TI  - Core management principles in rheumatoid arthritis to help guide managed care
      professionals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune
      inflammatory disease that affects approximately 1% of the population. Initial
      symptoms include joint swelling, stiffness, and tenderness, which are all causes
      of disability. The diagnosis of RA is based on patient history of joint pain and
      stiffness, the documentation of symmetric polyarticular joint synovitis, and
      laboratory measures including radiographs, inflammatory markers, and
      autoantibodies. As the disease progresses, synovial inflammation leads to
      cartilage damage, bone erosions, and joint destruction, the major causes of long
      term disability. RA is associated with many comorbidities and complications,
      including cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for higher rates of
      mortality among patients compared with the general population. Over the past 2
      decades, advances in the development of synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic
      drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents for RA have markedly changed treatment goals
      and management strategies. OBJECTIVES: To review recent updates in the diagnosis
      and treatment of RA, as well as the importance of early and aggressive treatment
      and management strategies. SUMMARY: Borrowing from other medical fields, a
      paradigm of "tight control" of RA has been supported by evidence and is gaining
      wide acceptance in rheumatology. In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology
      and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published revised
      classification criteria for RA, which will assist in the diagnosis of early RA
      and facilitate appropriate treatment intervention. Over the last decade, many
      patients on biologic agents have demonstrated that early and aggressive treatment
      of RA is beneficial in treating synovial inflammation, delaying joint damage, and
      improving patient outcomes. Contemporary management strategies based on early
      diagnosis, aggressive treatment, and regular monitoring have helped a significant
      number of patients with RA achieve current treatment goals of low levels of
      disease activity and, in some cases, clinical remission.

PMID- 22073934
TI  - Assessment of disease activity and treatment outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease
      which primarily causes a symmetric polyarthritis. Clinical manifestations of the
      disease include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Unless treated, this
      debilitating disease can progress into long-term disability. Medications for RA
      include synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic
      agents. The rapid expansion of new RA drugs into the market has led to a need for
      health care practitioners to understand the effectiveness of each medication and
      the indications of use including when to initiate and stop therapies. Clinical
      assessment tools, including biomarkers used to indicate RA and the progression of
      the disease, have been proven effective for making a diagnosis and determining
      effective treatment regimens. Disease activity scales are also useful for guiding
      diagnoses and monitoring patients to assess treatment effectiveness. OBJECTIVES:
      To review the various clinical assessment tools that have been designed to
      confirm an early diagnosis of RA, measure disease progression, and assist in
      determining the most optimal treatment regimens for patients with RA. SUMMARY:
      The diagnosis of RA combines the patient history of joint pain and stiffness and
      the physical examination documentation of symmetric polyarticular joint swelling
      (synovitis). Laboratory tests including radiographs and blood tests for
      biomarkers can provide useful information to confirm the diagnosis of RA. Various
      autoantibodies have been reported in the blood of RA patients, but only the
      rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti
      CCP) have been incorporated as diagnostic measures in routine clinical practice.
      Monitoring and assessment instruments for RA include the Disease Activity Score
      28 (DAS28), the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and the Clinical
      Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Although these clinical assessment tools have
      limitations, health care providers can use them as measures of disease
      progression and to assist in planning treatment strategies to modify disease
      activity and improve the quality of life for the patient.

PMID- 22073935
TI  - Biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis: an update for managed care
      professionals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune
      inflammatory arthritis that clinically manifests as joint pain, stiffness, and
      swelling. If left untreated, persistent synovial inflammation can progress to
      cartilage and bone destruction and ultimately to major long-term disability and
      mortality. Synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as
      methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, have markedly improved clinical
      symptoms and slowed joint damage in RA patients. However, despite the
      effectiveness of synthetic DMARDs, many patients who use them continue to have
      clinical symptoms of inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Recent
      advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of RA have led to the
      identification of novel cellular and molecular therapeutic targets. Biologic
      agents aimed at these targets have provided some evidence of effectiveness that
      is transforming the management of RA. OBJECTIVE: To inform health care providers
      about some of the recent advances in RA pathogenesis and innovative biologic
      therapies that have shown effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes and
      inhibiting radiographic progression. SUMMARY: Although the specific trigger of
      the autoimmune response in RA is not known, pathogenesis is generally believed to
      be associated with the generation of autoantibodies through interactions of
      antigen-presenting cells with the adaptive immune system (CD4 + T cells and B
      cells). The main inflammatory mediators of joint inflammation and destruction in
      RA are tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, chemokines,
      and proteases. Advances in our understanding of the key cells and inflammatory
      cytokines have led to the development of targeted biologic agents. As of 2011, 5
      TNF-alpha inhibitors are approved for use by the FDA: infliximab, etanercept,
      adalimumab, golimumab, and certolizumab pegol. In randomized clinical trials, all
      of these agents have been shown to be effective in reducing clinical signs of
      inflammation in RA patients who have failed synthetic DMARDs. Multiple studies
      have demonstrated significant benefits of early treatment with TNF-alpha
      inhibitors combined with methotrexate. Other FDA-approved biologic agents for
      treating moderate-to-severe RA include abatacept, rituximab, and tocilizumab. All
      biologic agents carry an increased risk of infections. Additional potential side
      effects include infusion and injection site reactions for intravenous and
      subcutaneously administered agents, respectively. All patients being considered
      for biologic agents should be screened annually for tuberculosis and should
      receive pneumococcal, influenza, and hepatitis B vaccinations.

PMID- 22073936
TI  - Comparative effectiveness research (CER): a summary of AHRQ's CER on therapies
      for rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, the U.S. government has designated funding of
      several large-scale initiatives for comparative effectiveness research (CER) in
      health care. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009
      apportioned more than $1 billion to support CER programs administered by the
      Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the National Institutes of Health
      (NIH), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). CER is
      generally defined as the undertaking of original research or systematic reviews
      of published literature in order to compare the benefits and risks of different
      approaches to preventing, diagnosing, or treating diseases. These approaches may
      include diagnostic tests, medications, medical devices, and surgeries. The
      overall goals of CER are to support informed health care decisions by patients,
      clinicians, payers, and policy makers and to apply its evidence to ultimately
      improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of health care. OBJECTIVES: To
      (a) provide managed care professionals with general definitions of CER,
      specifically as it is administered by AHRQ; (b) discuss the importance of CER to
      clinical and managed care pharmacists; and (c) summarize key methods and findings
      from AHRQ's 2007 comparative effectiveness review on therapies for rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). SUMMARY: As supported by AHRQ, CER is conducted in order to
      synthesize comprehensive evidence on the comparative benefits and harms of
      treatment interventions. The findings from comparative effectiveness reviews can
      thus contribute to informing therapeutic strategies and treatment decisions. In
      2007, a multitude of RA treatment options and studies motivated AHRQ to
      commission a systematic comparative effectiveness review. Conducted by
      investigators at the RTI-University of North Carolina Evidence-Based Practice
      Center, the review included comparisons of synthetic disease-modifying
      antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents, synthetic DMARDs versus biologic
      agents, and various combination therapies. Head-to-head comparisons of synthetic
      DMARDs generally revealed no significant differences in long-term clinical and
      radiographic outcomes, or in functional capacity or health-related quality of
      life. Two nonrandomized prospective cohort studies and 1 open-label effectiveness
      trial reported no differences in ACR20 and ACR50 response rates in patients
      treated with the tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors etanercept and
      infliximab. Comparisons of TNF-alpha inhibitors generally indicated no
      significant differences in rates of adverse events, including serious infections,
      and no increases in rates over time. In comparisons of a biologic agent combined
      with methotrexate versus a biologic agent alone, combination therapies were
      generally associated with better clinical response rates and better outcomes of
      functional capacity and quality of life. The most common adverse events observed
      in studies on biologic agents were diarrhea, headache, nausea, rhinitis,
      injection site reactions, and upper respiratory tract infections.

PMID- 22073937
TI  - Potential advantages of interprofessional care in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 1 million people in the United
      States. Although the emergence of new medications has substantially improved
      treatment options and outcomes for patients with RA, the disease is still a major
      cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition, significant barriers to adherence
      characterize RA medication management. A reasonable approach to improving RA
      patient outcomes entails interprofessional, multidisciplinary models of care.
      Working with rheumatology specialists, RA multidisciplinary care teams may
      comprise case managers, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, social
      workers, physiatrists, orthopedists, or other health professionals. Experience
      and evidence have supported the value of interprofessional, coordinated care
      models for patients with various chronic diseases. However, potential drawbacks
      include the costs associated with implementation of such approaches, the extra
      time required for their administration, and the lack of incentives for clinicians
      to adopt collaborative care approaches. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the arguments
      and evidence for interprofessional, multidisciplinary care programs in RA.
      SUMMARY: Various multidisciplinary models of RA care have been described in the
      literature. Whereas the case for implementing such models is underscored by the
      chronic nature of the disease, by its comorbidities and complications, and by
      barriers to patient medication adherence, cost-effectiveness analyses to document
      benefits of coordinated interprofessional RA care are lacking. Most studies on
      interprofessional care in RA are relatively old and have been conducted outside
      of the United States. Nonetheless, the findings are still relevant and may shed
      light on potential avenues for the development of new models in this country.

PMID- 22073939
TI  - Minimally important clinical difference of the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test: results
      from a randomized controlled trial in patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited data define what constitutes a clinically significant change
      on the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, most
      studies suggest a value of >=20%. Analyses were undertaken to estimate the
      minimally important clinical difference (MICD) in walking speed as measured by
      the T25FW in patients with MS. METHODS: Data from MS-F203, a randomized trial of
      dalfampridine extended release tablets, 10 mg twice daily (prolonged
      release/sustained-release fampridine outside the US) in patients with MS, were
      used to calculate the MICD, as an absolute and percentage value, for the T25FW
      test. Both anchor- (using the Clinician Global Impression [CGI]) and distribution
      based (2.77 * standard error of measurement or 0.50 standard deviation units)
      approaches were used. Using the anchor-based estimations, the proportion of
      patients in the dalfampridine and placebo groups achieving at least a MICD in MS
      F203 was determined. RESULTS: A correlation between change in T25FW speed during
      and CGI at the end of double-blind period was found (Spearman r = -0.39, p <
      0.0001). Irrespective of treatment group, participants categorized 'minimally
      improved' by the CGI had a mean improvement in T25FW speed of 0.36 feet/second or
      a 17.2% relative change from an average baseline walking speed of 2.1 feet/second
      (effect size = 0.49); values representing MICDs. MICD estimates of 0.35 and 0.37
      feet/second were generated using distribution-based approaches. In MS-F203, a
      greater proportion of patients receiving dalfampridine achieved >=0.36
      feet/second (12/72 vs. 78/224, p = 0.007) and a 17.2% (11/72 vs. 87/224, p =
      0.0005) improvement in T25FW speed compared to placebo. LIMITATIONS: MICD
      estimates from this analysis may not apply to patients with different disease
      characteristics from MS-F203. A different anchor may result in a different MICD
      estimation. CONCLUSION: Our MICD estimate for an improvement in T25FW is close to
      previous estimates of 20% change. Dalfampridine may improve walking speed in a
      considerable proportion of patients by a clinically relevant amount.

PMID- 22073938
TI  - Shear bond strength between Ni-Cr alloy bonded to a ceramic substrate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength
      between a Ni-Cr alloy and a ceramic system submitted or not to thermocycling.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight cylinder blocks of Ni-Cr with 3.0 mm diameter
      by 4.0 mm hight and 48 disc-shaped specimens (7.0 mm in diameter by 2.0 mm thick)
      composed of ceramic were prepared. The Ni-Cr cylinder blocks were randomised in
      two groups of 24 specimens each. One group was submitted to air-particle abrasion
      (sandblasting) with 50 MUm Al(2)O(3) (0.4-0.7 MPa) during 20 s, and the other
      group was submitted to mechanical retentions with carbide burrs. Each group was
      subdivided into other two groups (n = 12), submitted or not to thermocycling (500
      cycles, 5-55 degrees C). The cylinder blocks were bonded to the disc-shaped
      ceramic specimens under 10 N of load. The shear bond strengths (MPa) were
      measured using a universal testing machine at a cross head speed of 0.5 mm/min
      and 200 kgf of load. The data were submitted to statistical analysis (anova and
      Tukey's test). RESULTS: The air-particle abrasion group exhibited significantly
      higher shear bond strength when compared to drilled group (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Thermocycling decreased significantly the bond strengths for all
      groups tested.

PMID- 22073940
TI  - Web-browser encryption of personal health information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic health records provide access to an unprecedented amount
      of clinical data for research that can accelerate the development of effective
      medical practices. However it is important to protect patient confidentiality, as
      many medical conditions are stigmatized and disclosure could result in personal
      and/or financial loss. RESULTS: We describe a system for remote data entry that
      allows the data that would identify the patient to be encrypted in the web
      browser of the person entering the data. These data cannot be decrypted on the
      server by the staff at the data center but can be decrypted by the person
      entering the data or their delegate. We developed this system to solve a problem
      that arose in the context of clinical research, but it is applicable in a range
      of situations where sensitive information is stored and updated in a database and
      it is necessary to ensure that it cannot be viewed by any except those
      intentionally given access. CONCLUSION: By developing this system, we are able to
      centralize the collection of some patient data while minimizing the risk that
      protected health information be made available to study personnel who are not
      authorized to use it.

PMID- 22073942
TI  - Regions identity between the genome of vertebrates and non-retroviral families of
      insect viruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The scope of our understanding of the evolutionary history between
      viruses and animals is limited. The fact that the recent availability of many
      complete insect virus genomes and vertebrate genomes as well as the ability to
      screen these sequences makes it possible to gain a new perspective insight into
      the evolutionary interaction between insect viruses and vertebrates. This study
      is to determine the possibility of existence of sequence identity between the
      genomes of insect viruses and vertebrates, attempt to explain this phenomenon in
      term of genetic mobile element, and try to investigate the evolutionary
      relationship between these short regions of identity among these species.
      RESULTS: Some of studied insect viruses contain variable numbers of short regions
      of sequence identity to the genomes of vertebrate with nucleotide sequence length
      from 28 bp to 124 bp. They are found to locate in multiple sites of the
      vertebrate genomes. The ontology of animal genes with identical regions involves
      in several processes including chromatin remodeling, regulation of apoptosis,
      signaling pathway, nerve system development and some enzyme-like catalysis.
      Phylogenetic analysis reveals that at least some short regions of sequence
      identity in the genomes of vertebrate are derived the ancestral of insect
      viruses. CONCLUSION: Short regions of sequence identity were found in the
      vertebrates and insect viruses. These sequences played an important role not only
      in the long-term evolution of vertebrates, but also in promotion of insect virus.
      This typical win-win strategy may come from natural selection.

PMID- 22073941
TI  - Vasovagal reactions in whole blood donors at three REDS-II blood centers in
      Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Brazil little is known about adverse reactions during donation and
      the donor characteristics that may be associated with such events. Donors are
      offered snacks and fluids before donating and are required to consume a light
      meal after donation. For these reasons the frequency of reactions may be
      different than those observed in other countries. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted of eligible whole blood donors at three large
      blood centers located in Brazil between July 2007 and December 2009. Vasovagal
      reactions (VVRs) along with donor demographic and biometric data were collected.
      Reactions were defined as any presyncopal or syncopal event during the donation
      process. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors
      of VVRs. RESULTS: Of 724,861 donor presentations, 16,129 (2.2%) VVRs were
      recorded. Rates varied substantially between the three centers: 53, 290, and 381
      per 10,000 donations in Recife, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, respectively.
      Although the reaction rates varied, the donor characteristics associated with
      VVRs were similar (younger age [18-29 years], replacement donors, first-time
      donors, low estimated blood volume [EBV]). In multivariable analysis controlling
      for differences between the donor populations in each city younger age, first
      time donor status, and lower EBV were the factors most associated with reactions.
      CONCLUSION: Factors associated with VVRs in other locations are also evident in
      Brazil. The difference in VVR rates between the three centers might be due to
      different procedures for identifying and reporting the reactions. Potential
      interventions to reduce the risk of reactions in Brazil should be considered.

PMID- 22073944
TI  - Where to go?

PMID- 22073943
TI  - The combination of high-fat diet-induced obesity and chronic ulcerative colitis
      reciprocally exacerbates adipose tissue and colon inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the relationship between ulcerative colitis and
      obesity, which are both chronic diseases characterized by inflammation and
      increases in immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Mice with
      chronic ulcerative colitis induced by 2 cycles of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in
      the first and fourth week of the experiment were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to
      induce obesity by 8 weeks. The animals were divided into 4 ? groups (control,
      colitis, HFD and colitis + HFD). RESULTS: Obesity alone did not raise
      histopathology scores, but the combination of obesity and colitis worsened the
      scores in the colon compared to colitis group. Despite the reduction in weight
      gain, there was increased inflammatory infiltrate in both the colon and visceral
      adipose tissue of colitis + HFD mice due to increased infiltration of
      macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. Intravital microscopy of VAT
      microvasculature showed an increase in leukocyte adhesion and rolling and
      overexpression of adhesion molecules compared to other groups. Moreover,
      circulating lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils in the spleen and cecal lymph
      nodes were increased in the colitis + HFD group. CONCLUSION: Our results
      demonstrated the relationship between ulcerative colitis and obesity as
      aggravating factors for each disease, with increased inflammation in the colon
      and adipose tissue and systemic alterations observed in the spleen, lymph nodes
      and bloodstream.

PMID- 22073946
TI  - Survival role of superoxide dismutase 1 on human granulosa luteinized cells in
      vitro.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deleterious effects of free radicals do not only result from the
      amount of free radicals produced but also are related to the efficiency and to
      the activities of enzymatic antioxidant systems. We investigated the effect of
      exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD1) or Cu-chelating agent
      diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) on the apoptosis (caspase-3 activity) of human
      granulosa luteinized cells (hGLC) in vitro. METHODS: The effects of SOD1 and DDC
      were studied using in vitro culture system, caspase-3 and the total SOD activity
      in hGLCs were measured using AcDEVD-PNA substrate and Beaushap and Fridovich
      methods, respectively, after 48 h of the culture period. RESULTS: The activity of
      SOD1 was the lowest in GLCs treated with 100 uM DDC as compared to control cells
      and to the cells supplemented with Cu, Zn-SOD or DDC (10 uM). The effect of DDC
      was associated with elevated caspase-3 activity as compared to control cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated for the first time that the supplementation of
      cultured hGLCs with Cu2+, Zn2+-SOD (200 U/ml) maintains the viability of hGLCs
      via caspase-3 suppression.

PMID- 22073948
TI  - Goiter, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in patients with acromegaly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the relationship between selected acromegaly
      complications such as IGF-1 serum concentrations at diagnosis as well as of
      controlled and uncontrolled disease. METHODS: A total of 113 acromegaly patients
      were enrolled to the study and the duration of active and uncontrolled disease
      was evaluated as a crucial cause of selected complications. RESULTS: Goiter,
      diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglycerydemia, hypertension and ischemic
      heart disease were diagnosed in 85(75.2 %), 23(20.3 %), 48(51.0 %), 15(13.3 %),
      65(57.5 %) and 18(15.9%) patients, respectively. Prevalence of goiter and
      diabetes was significantly related to the duration of uncontrolled acromegaly
      (p<0.01) as well as to the prevalence of hypertension and ischaemic heart disease
      (p0.05). After three years, there was a significant risk of an acromegaly patient
      being diagnosed at least with one of the above mentioned diseases (p<0.05) and
      such risk became more significant after four years (p0.05) related to the
      prevalence of the already mentioned complications. CONCLUSION: The treatment of
      acromegaly patients should be geared towards fulfilling all criteria for
      controlled disease, thereby alleviating potential complications and decreasing
      mortality.

PMID- 22073947
TI  - Iodine concentration and signs of apoptosis in the thyroid and pituitary of
      female rats after different single doses of potassium iodide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to study the content of iodine as well as the
      expression of caspase 8 and caspase 32 in the thyroid and anterior pituitary in
      rats after a single dose of iodide. METHODS: A total of 49 inbred rat females
      weighing 250-300 g at the stage of diestrus and/or metestrus were used.
      Pituitaries and thyroids were dissected from 15 control rats and from the groups
      of 8 rats each given potassium iodide by gavage in doses of 1, 4, 8 and 25
      MUg/100 g at 48 h before sacrifice. In two rats of each group the level of iodine
      in thyroids and pituitaries was estimated in terms of weight percent of iodide in
      dry tissue (wt % I-2/dry tissue) using the wavelength dispersive spectrometry
      (WDS) quantitative analysis. The expression of caspase 8 and caspase 32 in
      thyroids and pituitaries in terms of the percentage of positive immunostained
      area (% PA) was measured by streptavidin-biotin method using specific polyclonal
      antibodies. RESULTS; In the thyroids, iodine concentration increased after 1
      MUg/100 g, but decreased after 8 and 25 MUg/100 g, while that in the pituitaries
      significantly increased after all doses of iodide with the peak after 8 mg/100 g.
      After the same iodide dose also the peak of caspase 32 and caspase 8 appeared in
      the pituitary. However, in the thyroid only increased caspase 32 was found
      together with a decrease of iodine concentration. CONCLUSION: Several
      interrelations between iodine in the thyroid and pituitary were found. In
      addition, the signs of apoptosis appeared directly related to the concentration
      of iodine in the pituitary, but inversely related to iodine concentration in the
      thyroid.

PMID- 22073949
TI  - Bone mineral density, pathological fractures and bisphosphonate therapy in
      prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes of bone mineral
      density (BMD), incidence of pathological fractures and to asses the effect of
      bisphosphonate therapy in prostate cancer patients (PCa) on androgen deprivation
      therapy (ADT) with the use of LHRH. METHODS: In this prospective study bone mass
      density (BMD) was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 97 PCa patients
      and 89 patients of compared group. DXA was examined at baseline and patients in
      the study group were subjected to ADT. PCa patients with osteoporosis were
      treated by calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonate and the subsequent DXA was made
      after 10 months. All other PCa patients (non-osteoporotic) had DXA examined every
      12-14 months. RESULTS: Patients of the study group had significantly lower
      baseline L1-L4 and total hip BMD (p=0.028, p=0.022). BMD was significantly lower
      in L1-L4 and total hip (p=0.004, p<0.001, resp.) after 10-14 months and in L1-L4,
      femoral neck, and total hip (p=0.001, p=0.037, p< 0.001, resp.) after 20-26
      months of ADT. After the treatment for osteoporosis with bisphosphonate a
      significant increase of BMD (p=0.04) was found in a total of 23 patients.
      Overall, the incidence of fractures after 20-26 months of ADT was 8.5 %.
      CONCLUSIONS: Osteopenia is very common in hormone naive PCa patients. There was a
      significant loss of BMD after 12 months of ADT which was progressive while the
      patients were on ADT. Bisphosphonate therapy was effective after 20 months of
      treatment. The incidence of pathological fractures was 7-fold higher in the study
      group.

PMID- 22073950
TI  - Mixed gonadal dysgenesis: whole life follow-up of a rare case.
AB  - There are two forms of gonadal dysgenesis - mixed and pure. In the mixed form,
      some differentiated gonads as well as some either ovarian or testicular rudiments
      are present. This form results in a number of phenotypes with a possibility of
      malignant transformation. In the pure form occurring in female gender, also some
      rudimental gonads are bilaterally present. In the case of simultaneous presence
      of Y chromosome, also some malignant transformation may appear (Siklar et al.
      2007). Chromosomal aberrations are present in 2-7 % adult pairs with fertility
      disorders and in 0.6 % of newborns. However, only few cases with similar
      chromosomal aberrations were described so far (Roubin et al. 1977; Alexander et
      al. 1978; Teyssier et al. 1982; Caglayan et al. 2009). Mixed gonadal dysgenesis
      presents as a unilateral testis, usually intraabdominal, also with a streak gonad
      on contralateral side, and persistent mullerian structures. 45X/45XY karyotype is
      the most frequent in such cases with predominance of 45X cells in both peripheral
      lymphocytes and gonads. We present a rare case of a left undescended testis,
      normally descended right testis, with penoscrotal hypospadias, who had a normal
      karyotype and whose histopathological findings were endometrial tissue and
      fallopian tube in left testicular biopsy. Gonadal dysgenesis should always be
      kept in mind because of a possibility of undescended testis and proximal
      hypospadias. If karyotype reveals a 46XY gonadal dysgenesis, these patients need
      the careful follow-up to screen for gonadoblastoma in remaining normal testis.
      Subjecting the patients to prophylactic orchidectomy with hormone replacement can
      be an additional option in such patients.

PMID- 22073951
TI  - Pathogenesis of Graves' disease focusing on Graves' ophthalmopathy.

PMID- 22073952
TI  - The effect of income on fertility.
AB  - Abstract   Cross-sectional data and long-period time series data have generally
      shown an inverse relationship between income and fertility. But short-period time
      series data over the business cycle have shown a direct relationship. The first
      part of this paper resolves this apparent paradox by showing that it arises from
      a statistical illusion-specification bias due to omitted lagged variables.   The
      second part of the paper then considers the likely unconditional effect of income
      on fertility in several sorts of situations: (a) secular income increase in less
      developed countries; (b) cyclical income change in industrialized countries; (c)
      secular income increase in industrialized countries; and (d) incentive payments
      for higher and lower fertility.

PMID- 22073953
TI  - The role of sterilization in controlling Puerto Rican fertility.
AB  - Abstract   This paper provides evidence that the prevalence of female
      sterilization in Puerto Rica has increased substantially in recent years. It is
      estimated that about one-third of all Puerto Rican mothers aged 20 to 49 in 1965
      were sterilized. This estimate is based on data from an island-wide survey in
      1965 (Master Sample Survey of Health and Welfare). Additional data from this and
      other sources are analysed, leading to the conclusion that sterilization, rather
      than any other means of fertility control, was largely responsible for the
      decline in Puerto Rican fertility since 1950.

PMID- 22073954
TI  - Rural-urban fertility differentials in Western Nigeria.
AB  - Abstract   The paper attempts to glean some information on differential fertility
      from data obtained in a survey of selected urban and rural communities in Western
      Nigeria. The results show that the attitudes of rural women are far more
      favourable to high fertility than those of urban women, though for both groups
      the modal number of children preferred is five or six. The analysis also yields a
      total fertility of nearly six and an average family size of about five for both
      groups. No conclusive evidence of rural-urban fertility differentials has,
      however, been found. All that can be said on the basis of the available data is
      that the level of fertility in Western Nigeria is currently very high and that
      urban fertility is probably as high as rural fertility, though the probability of
      much larger errors in the rural than in the urban data may imply somewhat higher
      rural fertility.

PMID- 22073955
TI  - Sample registration in India.
AB  - Abstract   The Sample Registration Project in India is designed to obtain current
      estimates of birth and death rates for the whole country. It is being implemented
      quite rapidly. Rural and urban areas in all states and Union Territories in India
      will be covered before the close of 1969. Bigger states have 150 sample units in
      rural areas and 60 to 100 units in urban areas.   Essential elements of the
      project for each unit are: (1) continuous enumeration of births and deaths in
      respect of usual resident population by a paid part-time local enumerator; (2) a
      six-month household survey to detect births and deaths which occurred to the
      usual resident population during the previous six months; and (3) manual matching
      of all event from enumeration and surveys and field re-check of unmatched events
      to obtain the 'best' count of real number of events.   The results of a full
      scale sample in four states and pilot sample in ten states indicate that the
      crude birth and death rates are around 40 and 18 per 1,000, respectively, for
      India's rural population.   Most of the problems of implementation are
      operational or administrative rather than statistical. The main problem in the
      whole project is to maintain control of field operations well enough at each
      stage to ensure that prescribed instructions and methodology are being followed;
      particularly in the six-month survey.   Experience in India indicates that sample
      registration techniques are capable of providing reliable birth and death rates
      in similar conditions in developing countries. However, there are still a number
      of methodological problems which must be tested as the sample registration
      evolves.

PMID- 22073956
TI  - Some results from asian population growth studies.
AB  - Abstract   Coverage estimates of births and deaths derived from the matching
      experience of a relatively comprehensive group of studies conducted in Asia and
      employing dual collection systems are resented and analysed. Major conclusions
      based on these Asian studies include: (1) coverage of live births has generally
      been more complete than that for deaths; (2) nevertheless, unadjusted rates of
      natural increase tend to be underestimates; (3) there is great variability within
      each type of collection system in the coverage rates observed; and (4) one-time
      household surveys, as a group, seem to be particularly subject to underreporting
      of vital events.

PMID- 22073957
TI  - A study of cohort life cycles: Cohorts of native born Massachusetts women, 1830
      1920.
AB  - Abstract   This paper expands the conceptual apparatus offamily life cycle
      analysis and illustrates its usefulness by applying it to a population. There is
      a normatively sanctioned life cycle that a female born into American society is
      expected to follow as she moves from birth to death: she is expected to survive
      through childhood, marry, bear and rear children, and survive jointly with her
      husband until her children leave the home. Paul Glick, in several articles, has
      calculated mean ages at which these various events are experienced.   The life
      cycle analysis proposed here, however, focuses on the distribution of women
      according to type of life cycle experienced. Starting with a cohort of 100,000
      females, six alternative life cycle possibilities are differentiated and the
      number who follow each of the types is calculated. The six types are: (1)
      abbreviated, the female dies before she is exposed to the risk of marriage; (2)
      spinster, the woman is exposed to the risk of marriage but does not marry; (3)
      barren, the woman marries but remains childless; (4) dying mother, the woman has
      children but dies before the last one leaves home; (5) widowed mother, the woman
      has children and survives until they leave home, but her husband dies before that
      event; and (6) typical, the woman marries, has children, and survives jointly
      with her husband until the last one leaves home.   Applying this approach to
      several cohorts of native-born Massachusetts women born at different times some
      striking changes appear. For example, the number of women from a birth cohort of
      100,000 who follow the typical life cycle increases from 21,000 for the cohort
      born in 1830 to 57,000 for the cohort born in 1920. The demographic, social and
      economic implications of a change of this magnitude are of considerable
      consequence.

PMID- 22073958
TI  - Pregnancy outcome and the time required for next conception.
AB  - Abstract   Variations in the time required for next conception by outcome ofthe
      preceding pregnancy, and the age of woman, are studied for Taiwanese women.
      Pregnancy interval, defined as the period between the end of one pregnancy and
      the beginning of the next, is taken as a measure of the time required for the
      next conception. The averages and variances of pregnancy intervals are estimated
      from reports of pregnancies occurring in a probability sample of 2,443 married
      women, aged 20-39, living in Taichung (Taiwan) in 1962. The effects of
      'truncation bias' and 'memory bias' on the two moments of pregnancy intervals are
      estimated indirectly by cross-classifying women according to their ages at
      interview and their ages at the beginning (or end) of each pregnancy interval.
      The moments of post-partum amenorrhoea are, then, estimated indirectly from the
      moments of pregnancy intervals.   The effects of truncation bias and memory bias
      are compensatory in this sample. In the absence of contraception, women, on an
      average, took longer to conceive following a live birth than following a foetal
      death. The time taken for next conception increases as women become older
      irrespective of the outcome of the preceding pregnancy.

PMID- 22073959
TI  - Probability of marriage and fertility of women suffering from schizophrenia or
      affective disorders.
AB  - Abstract   Schizophrenia and affective disorders are the main forms of severe
      mental illness among women of childbearing age; earlier this century European and
      American studies showed that the fertility of these patients was reduced. Since
      the second world war the development of community-orientated psychiatry appears
      to have resulted in a lessening of differentials between patients and normal
      women.   The present study was designed to estimate probability of marriage and
      fertility of such patients in London followingthese developments in psychiatry.
      Over 1,000women aged 16-50 were selected from 1955-63 admissions to a London
      hospital, and data were collected from medical records. Owing to the demographic
      heterogeneity of the sample, the analysis of maximum discriminative power was to
      compare each patient with a normal woman of corresponding age, observed during
      identical calendar periods, as derived from Registrar General's estimates. The
      fertility of each patient was compared with that of a normal woman, controlled
      for age at and duration of marriage, and an assessment was made of the effect of
      hospital stay on fertility.   Before admission, probability of marriage of
      schizophrenics was just under three-quarters of that of normal women, and after
      admission this was greatly reduced to just over one-third of normal; women with
      affective disorders were very similar to normal women as regards probability of
      marriage, and also fertility. The fertility of schizophrenics was reduced both
      before and after admission, and much of the latter reduction depended on the
      effect of hospital stay; however, this fertility differential was too small to be
      clinically or socially important. The relevance of these results to the
      population genetics of schizophrenia is noted.   Affective disorders are
      primarily disorders of mood, usually involving a depression, but in a smaller
      group of patients periods of excitement or elation involving marked overactivity
      of thought and behaviour. The patient may return to normal between these periods
      of illness, and although delusions and hallucinations sometimes occur they are
      usually less prominent than in schizophrenia. Affective disorders generally
      become evident later in life than schizophrenia, and they often require shorter
      periods of in-patient treatment, and the medical prognosis is often more hopeful.
      The expectation of affective psychoses (the most severe forms of the disorder)
      for a member of the general population varies between 0.3 and 1% from country to
      country. Milder conditions have also been included in this study, and the
      expectation of all these affective disorders is likely to be much higher.

PMID- 22073960
TI  - The risk of conception on different days of the menstrual cycle.
AB  - Abstract   Data on 1898 menstrual cycles, for 241 married women, were analysed by
      means of a quantal regression programme. The locations of the day of ovulation
      was determined by the basal body temperature method. Estimates were obtained of
      the risk of conception from an act of coitus on each day, as measured from the
      day of ovulation. The relationship between fecundability and coital frequency was
      also examined.

PMID- 22073961
TI  - A growth model with population as an endogenous variable.
AB  - Abstract   This paper presents a recursive model of economic growth in which
      particular attention is paid to the demographic assumptions and their effects on
      the growth of income per head. The labour inputs depend both on the growth of the
      labour force and on the effectiveness of labour supplied, which in turn depends
      on the level of consumption per head, given the stock of capital and natural
      resources. Population growth is a function of two types of birth control
      programme; one is the subsidized supply of birth control instruments and the
      other is a bonus scheme which pays people not to have children. In examining the
      solution of the model, emphasis is placed on the sensitivity of the growth rate
      to variations in the allocation of the state's budget among various growth and
      non-growth inducing expenditures, including birth control. A numerical
      simulation, based on South Asian data, indicates the kind of calculation that can
      be made in this type offully recursive model.

PMID- 22073964
TI  - Anti-tumour activity of 4-(4-fluorophenyl)amino-5,6,7-trimethoxyquinazoline
      against tumour cells in vitro.
AB  - In order to create novel, potent and selective anti-cancer agents, the action of
      4-(4-fluorophenyl)amino-5,6,7-trimethoxyquinazoline (compound 1018) on 10
      different kinds of tumour cells were assayed by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide]. It possesses a broad spectrum of anti
      cancer activity. The mechanism of action of 4-(4-fluorophenyl)amino-5,6,7
      trimethoxyquinazoline (hereafter referred to as compound 1018) against tumour
      cells was studied in androgen-independent prostate cancer PC-3 cells by
      microscopic observation, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) release assay and Western
      blotting. Its activity was dose-dependent, with an IC50 of 13.0+/-1.4 MUM after
      72 h treatment. Microscopy and LDH release assay indicated that the effect was
      through anti-proliferation rather than cytotoxicity. Western blot analysis also
      showed that treatment of cells with 50 MUM compound 1018 for 30 min almost
      completely inhibited EGF (epidermal growth factor)-induced phosphorylation of
      ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2), which suggests that its anti
      proliferative effect is largely associated due to ERK1/2 activation being
      inhibited. Thus compound 1018 is a potential anti-cancer agent.

PMID- 22073966
TI  - Simulating anisotropic droplet shapes on chemically striped patterned surfaces.
AB  - The equilibrium shape of droplets on surfaces, functionalized with stripes of
      alternating wettability, have been investigated using simulations employing a
      finite element method. Experiments show that a droplet deposited on a surface
      with relatively narrow hydrophobic stripes compared to the hydrophilic stripes
      adopts a strongly elongated shape. The aspect ratio, the length of the droplet
      divided by the width, decreases toward unity when a droplet is deposited on a
      surface with relatively narrow hydrophilic stripes. The aspect ratio and the
      contact angle parallel to the stripes show unique scaling behavior as a function
      of the ratio between the widths of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic stripes. For a
      small ratio, the contact angle parallel to the stripes is low and the aspect
      ratio high, while for a large ratio, the contact angle parallel is high and the
      aspect ratio low. The simulations exhibit similar scaling behavior, both for the
      aspect ratio of the droplets and for the contact angles in the direction parallel
      to the stripes. Two liquids with different surface tensions have been
      investigated both experimentally and in simulations; similarities and differences
      between the findings are discussed. Generally, three parameters are needed to
      describe the droplet geometry: (i) the equilibrium contact angles on the
      hydrophilic and (ii) hydrophobic areas and (iii) the ratio of the widths of these
      chemically defined stripes. Furthermore, we derive a simple analytical expression
      that proves to be a good approximation in the quantitative description of the
      droplet aspect ratio.

PMID- 22073965
TI  - Base-mediated stereospecific synthesis of aryloxy and amino substituted ethyl
      acrylates.
AB  - The stereospecific synthesis of aryloxy and amino substituted E- and Z-ethyl-3
      acrylates is of interest because of their potential in the polymer industry and
      in medicinal chemistry. During work on a copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction
      of ethyl (E)- and (Z)-3-iodoacrylates with phenols and N-heterocycles, we
      discovered a very simple (nonmetallic) method for the stereospecific synthesis of
      aryloxy and amino substituted acrylates. To study this long-standing problem on
      the stereoselectivity of aryloxy and amino substituted acrylates, a series of O-
      and N-substituted nucleophiles was allowed to react with ethyl (E)- and (Z)-3
      iodoacrylates. Screening of different bases indicated that DABCO (1,4
      diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) afforded successful conversion of ethyl (E)- and (Z)-3
      iodoacrylates into aryloxy and amino substituted ethyl acrylates in a
      stereospecific manner. Herein are the details of this DABCO-mediated
      stereospecific synthesis of aryloxy and amino substituted E- or Z-acrylates.

PMID- 22073967
TI  - Corn mint (Mentha arvensis) extract diminishes acute Chlamydia pneumoniae
      infection in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Corn mint ( Mentha arvensis ) provides a good source of natural phenols such as
      flavone glycosides and caffeic acid derivatives, which may have prophylactic
      properties against inflammations. This study investigated whether corn mint
      extract would be beneficial against a universal respiratory tract pathogen, 
      Chlamydia pneumoniae , infection. The extract inhibited the growth of C.
      pneumoniae CWL-029 in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition was
      confirmed against a clinical isolate K7. The phenolic composition of the extract
      was analyzed by UPLC-ESI/Q-TOF/MS, the main components being linarin and
      rosmarinic acid. These compounds were active in vitro against C. pneumoniae.
      Linarin completely inhibited the growth at 100 MUM. Inbred C57BL/6J mice were
      inoculated with C. pneumoniae K7. M. arvensis extract was given intraperitoneally
      once daily for 3 days prior to inoculation and continued for 10 days
      postinfection. The extract was able to diminish the inflammatory parameters
      related to C. pneumoniae infection and significantly (p = 0.019) lowered the
      number of C. pneumoniae genome equivalents detected by PCR at biologically
      relevant amounts.

PMID- 22073968
TI  - The paradigm of personalized therapy in oncology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently, anticancer therapy is mainly based on histology and on
      giving the same treatment to presumed homogeneous patients. The switch from
      histology-driven therapy to molecular clinical oncology is correlated with a
      better understanding of the 'molecular taxonomy' of each tumor that can provide
      us with targets for specific drugs. Cancer therapy is moving irreversibly towards
      personalized therapy that benefits selected patients. Once the potential
      therapeutic targets are identified, the availability of predictive biomarkers is
      the key element and their prospective evaluation should be a parallel component
      of the clinical evaluation of a new drug. AREAS COVERED: The state of the art in
      clinical results of personalized therapy. The authors discuss the finding that,
      in patients with advanced disease, a limited number of targeted agents improve
      overall survival, whilst the majority only have an effect on response rate and/or
      time to tumor progression, with efficacy limited in time due to acquired
      resistance. EXPERT OPINION: The mechanisms leading to resistance are related to
      tumor cell heterogeneity and in part explained by the cancer stem cell model and
      genetic instability. The steps toward the optimization of tailored therapy need
      validated predictive biomarkers, pharmacogenetics analysis and a close
      collaboration between bench and bedside.

PMID- 22073969
TI  - Longitudinal zipping/unzipping of self-assembled organic tubes.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive organic tubes are an attractive supramolecular assembly which
      has potential applications as a controlled release vehicle. We synthesize a smart
      organic tube by the coassembly of lithocholic acid (LCA) and taurolithocholic
      acid (TLCA) in aqueous solution. The coassembled LCA/TLCA tubes can be
      longitudinally unzipped into flat sheets by capillary force after being
      dehydrated on substrates. Consequently, the encapsulated guest molecules are
      released from the unzipping tubes. After the release of guest molecules, the flat
      sheets can be zipped back into hollow tubes upon hydration with aqueous solution.
      The zipping/unzipping LCA/TLCA tubes provide a new type of delivery vehicles,
      which may have potential for surface decontaminations.

PMID- 22073970
TI  - Oxazine dye-conjugated dna oligonucleotides: Forster resonance energy transfer in
      view of molecular dye-DNA interactions.
AB  - In this work, the photophysical properties of two oxazine dyes (ATTO 610 and ATTO
      680) covalently attached via a C6-amino linker to the 5'-end of short single
      stranded as well as double-stranded DNA (ssDNA and dsDNA, respectively) of
      different lengths were investigated. The two oxazine dyes were chosen because of
      the excellent spectral overlap, the high extinction coefficients, and the high
      fluorescence quantum yield of ATTO 610, making them an attractive Forster
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair for bioanalytical applications in the far
      red spectral range. To identify possible molecular dye-DNA interactions that
      cause photophysical alterations, we performed a detailed spectroscopic study,
      including time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence correlation
      spectroscopy measurements. As an effect of the DNA conjugation, the absorption
      and fluorescence maxima of both dyes were bathochromically shifted and the
      fluorescence decay times were increased. Moreover, the absorption of conjugated
      ATTO 610 was spectrally broadened, and a dual fluorescence emission was observed.
      Steric interactions with ssDNA as well as dsDNA were found for both dyes. The dye
      DNA interactions were strengthened from ssDNA to dsDNA conjugates, pointing
      toward interactions with specific dsDNA domains (such as the top of the double
      helix). Although these interactions partially blocked the dye-linker rotation, a
      free (unhindered) rotational mobility of at least one dye facilitated the
      appropriate alignment of the transition dipole moments in doubly labeled ATTO
      610/ATTO 680-dsDNA conjugates for the performance of successful FRET. Considering
      the high linker flexibility for the determination of the donor-acceptor
      distances, good accordance between theoretical and experimental FRET parameters
      was obtained. The considerably large Forster distance of ~7 nm recommends the
      application of this FRET pair not only for the detection of binding reactions
      between nucleic acids in living cells but also for monitoring interactions of
      larger biomolecules such as proteins.

PMID- 22073972
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22073971
TI  - Erratum concerning the publication:

PMID- 22073974
TI  - Mindfulness and psychologic well-being: are they related to type of meditation
      technique practiced?

PMID- 22073975
TI  - Homeopathic potentization based on nanoscale domains.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to present a simple descriptive and
      quantitative model of how high potencies in homeopathy arise. DESIGN: The model
      begins with the mechanochemical production of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals from
      water and the electronic stabilization of the resulting nanodomains of water
      molecules. The life of these domains is initially limited to a few days, but may
      extend to years when the electromagnetic characteristic of a homeopathic agent is
      copied onto the domains. This information is transferred between the original
      agent and the nanodomains, and also between previously imprinted nanodomains and
      new ones. The differential equations previously used to describe these processes
      are replaced here by exponential expressions, corresponding to simplified model
      mechanisms. Magnetic stabilization is also involved, since these long-lived
      domains apparently require the presence of the geomagnetic field. Our model
      incorporates this factor in the formation of the long-lived compound. RESULTS:
      Numerical simulation and graphs show that the potentization mechanism can be
      described quantitatively by a very simplified mechanism. The omitted factors
      affect only the fine structure of the kinetics. Measurements of pH changes upon
      absorption of different electromagnetic frequencies indicate that about 400
      nanodomains polymerize to form one cooperating unit. Singlet excited states of
      some compounds lead to dramatic changes in their hydrogen ion dissociation
      constant, explaining this pH effect and suggesting that homeopathic information
      is imprinted as higher singlet excited states. CONCLUSIONS: A simple description
      is provided of the process of potentization in homeopathic dilutions. With the
      exception of minor details, this simple model replicates the results previously
      obtained from a more complex model. While excited states are short lived in
      isolated molecules, they become long lived in nanodomains that form coherent
      cooperative aggregates controlled by the geomagnetic field. These domains either
      slowly emit biophotons or perform specific biochemical work at their target.

PMID- 22073976
TI  - Universal and confident phosphorylation site localization using phosphoRS.
AB  - An algorithm for the assignment of phosphorylation sites in peptides is
      described. The program uses tandem mass spectrometry data in conjunction with the
      respective peptide sequences to calculate site probabilities for all potential
      phosphorylation sites. Tandem mass spectra from synthetic phosphopeptides were
      used for optimization of the scoring parameters employing all commonly used
      fragmentation techniques. Calculation of probabilities was adapted to the
      different fragmentation methods and to the maximum mass deviation of the
      analysis. The software includes a novel approach to peak extraction, required for
      matching experimental data to the theoretical values of all isoforms, by defining
      individual peak depths for the different regions of the tandem mass spectrum.
      Mixtures of synthetic phosphopeptides were used to validate the program by
      calculation of its false localization rate versus site probability cutoff
      characteristic. Notably, the empirical obtained precision was higher than
      indicated by the applied probability cutoff. In addition, the performance of the
      algorithm was compared to existing approaches to site localization such as
      Ascore. In order to assess the practical applicability of the algorithm to large
      data sets, phosphopeptides from a biological sample were analyzed, localizing
      more than 3000 nonredundant phosphorylation sites. Finally, the results obtained
      for the different fragmentation methods and localization tools were compared and
      discussed.

PMID- 22073977
TI  - Guest binding dynamics with cucurbit[7]uril in the presence of cations.
AB  - The binding dynamics of R-(+)-2-naphthyl-1-ethylammonium cation (NpH(+)) with
      cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) was investigated. Competitive binding with Na(+) or
      H(3)O(+) cations enabled the reaction to be slowed down sufficiently for the
      kinetics to be studied by fluorescence stopped-flow experiments. The binding of
      two Na(+) cations to CB[7], i.e., CB[7].Na(+) (K(01) = 130 +/- 10 M(-1)) and
      Na(+).CB[7].Na(+) (K(02) = 21 +/- 2 M(-1)), was derived from the analysis of
      binding isotherms and the kinetic studies. NpH(+) binds only to free CB[7] ((1.06
      +/- 0.05) * 10(7) M(-1)), and the association rate constant of (6.3 +/- 0.3) *
      10(8) M(-1) s(-1) is 1 order of magnitude lower than that for a diffusion
      controlled process and much higher than the association rate constant previously
      determined for other CB[n] systems. The high equilibrium constant for the
      NpH(+)@CB[7] complex is a consequence of the slow dissociation rate constant of
      55 s(-1). The kinetics results showed that formation of a complex between a
      positively charged guest with CB[n] can occur at a rate close to the diffusion
      controlled limit with no detection of a stable exclusion complex.

PMID- 22073978
TI  - The application of a violence risk assessment tool among Chinese psychiatric
      service users: a preliminary study.
AB  - The Violence Risk Screening-10 (V-RISK-10) is one of the few instruments
      available for evaluating violence risk among general psychiatric service users.
      This naturalistic prospective study involved 376 inpatients in a general
      psychiatric hospital in Beijing and intended to determine whether this brief
      instrument could be applied to a sample of Chinese consumers and whether its
      predictive properties could be retained. Risk assessment at admission was
      compared to the record of aggression and violence during the first month of
      hospitalization. During the research period, 108 of the 376 consumers caused 265
      incidences of aggression. Receiver operating characteristics for the V-RISK-10
      Chinese version yielded an area under the curve of 0.63. Its
      sensitivity/specificity was 0.80/0.38 and the corresponding positive/negative
      predictive value was 0.34/0.82. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the whole
      instrument was 0.89. Compared to the results of the original V-RISK-10, its
      predictive accuracy was lower. However, with some modification, the V-RISK-10
      still shows promise as an instrument for use in daily practice in Chinese
      clinical settings.

PMID- 22073979
TI  - Visual gravitational vertical perception in peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Rise time in the estimation of the gravitational vertical in the
      head tilt response (HTR) test is increased in patients with peripheral vestibular
      lesions and residual chronic dizziness. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the perception
      of the gravitational vertical in patients with peripheral vestibular lesions
      through the HTR. METHODS: HTR was studied in 12 patients with peripheral
      vestibular lesion, 8 clinically with chronic dizziness and 4 without it; 23
      normal subjects were studied as control group. Two parameters of the HTR were
      assessed, rise time and steady-state error to characterize a dynamical system
      step response. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (alpha = 5%) was used to verify normal
      distribution (steady-state error, p = 0.53; rise time, p = 0.88). The three sigma
      ellipse was calculated for the control group. ROC curves were used to measure the
      sensitivity and specificity of these parameters. RESULTS: Rise time showed
      increased values in peripheral vestibular lesion patients with chronic dizziness.
      Two-dimensional analysis (rise time vs steady-state error) allows a better
      discrimination between patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction with
      chronic dizziness and the rest of the studied population.

PMID- 22073980
TI  - Derivation of the Theis (1935) equation by substitution.

PMID- 22073981
TI  - Effectiveness of classroom based crew resource management training in the
      intensive care unit: study design of a controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crew resource management (CRM) has the potential to enhance patient
      safety in intensive care units (ICU) by improving the use of non-technical
      skills. However, CRM evaluation studies in health care are inconclusive with
      regard to the effect of this training on behaviour and organizational outcomes,
      due to weak study designs and the scarce use of direct observations. Therefore,
      the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of
      CRM training on attitude, behaviour and organization after one year, using a
      multi-method approach and matched control units. The purpose of the present
      article is to describe the study protocol and the underlying choices of this
      evaluation study of CRM in the ICU in detail. METHODS/DESIGN: Six ICUs
      participated in a paired controlled trial, with one pre-test and two post test
      measurements (respectively three months and one year after the training). Three
      ICUs were trained and compared to matched control ICUs. The 2-day classroom-based
      training was delivered to multidisciplinary groups. Typical CRM topics on the
      individual, team and organizational level were discussed, such as situational
      awareness, leadership and communication. All levels of Kirkpatrick's evaluation
      framework (reaction, learning, behaviour and organisation) were assessed using
      questionnaires, direct observations, interviews and routine ICU administration
      data. DISCUSSION: It is expected that the CRM training acts as a generic
      intervention that stimulates specific interventions. Besides effectiveness and
      cost-effectiveness, the assessment of the barriers and facilitators will provide
      insight in the implementation process of CRM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands
      Trial Register (NTR): NTR1976.

PMID- 22073982
TI  - Molecular basis of early epithelial response to streptococcal exotoxin: role of
      STIM1 and Orai1 proteins.
AB  - Streptolysin O (SLO) is a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) from
      Streptococcus pyogenes. SLO induces diverse types of Ca(2+) signalling in host
      cells which play a key role in membrane repair and cell fate determination. The
      mechanisms behind SLO-induced Ca(2+) signalling remain poorly understood. Here,
      we show that in NCI-H441 cells, wild-type SLO as well as non-pore-forming mutant
      induces long-lasting intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations via IP(3) -mediated
      depletion of intracellular stores and activation of store-operated Ca(2+) (SOC)
      entry. SLO-induced activation of SOC entry was confirmed by Ca(2+) add-back
      experiments, pharmacologically and by overexpression as well as silencing of
      STIM1 and Orai1 expression. SLO also activated SOC entry in primary cultivated
      alveolar type II (ATII) cells but Ca(2+) oscillations were comparatively short
      lived in nature. Comparison of STIM1 and Orai1 revealed a differential expression
      pattern in H441 and ATII cells. Overexpression of STIM1 and Orai1 proteins in
      ATII cells changed the short-lived oscillatory response into a long-lived one.
      Thus, we conclude that SLO-mediated Ca(2+) signalling involves Ca(2+) release
      from intracellular stores and STIM1/Orai1-dependent SOC entry. The phenotype of
      Ca(2+) signalling depends on STIM1 and Orai1 expression levels. Our findings
      suggest a new role for SOC entry-associated proteins in S. pyogenes-induced lung
      infection and pneumonia.

PMID- 22073983
TI  - Evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in different patient groups using the
      visual analogue scale for irritable bowel syndrome (VAS-IBS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility
      disorders have a similar clinical picture, although dysmotility disorders require
      the attention of a specialist. Patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS)
      have also been described to suffer from IBS-like symptoms. No objective marker is
      available to distinguish between the patients. A visual analogue scale has been
      developed for IBS patients (VAS-IBS) to measure treatment response of GI symptoms
      and well-being in patients with IBS. The aim of the present study was to examine
      if VAS-IBS could be used to compare the degree of GI complaints in different
      patient populations, to get an objective marker to differentiate between the
      patients. METHODS: The VAS-IBS consists of 7 VAS scales, namely, abdominal pain,
      diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and flatulence, vomiting and nausea,
      psychological well-being and the intestinal symptoms' influence on daily life.
      Consecutive female patients suffering from IBS, dysmotility disorders and pSS
      were asked to complete the VAS-IBS questionnaire when visiting the out-patient
      clinics. In addition, a control population consisting of healthy female
      volunteers was included. RESULTS: Healthy volunteers had almost no GI symptoms,
      whereas all 3 patient groups expressed symptoms. There was no statistical
      significant difference between IBS and dysmotility in any of the scales besides
      vomiting and nausea (p = 0.044). Except for constipation, patients with pSS had
      less severe symptoms than the others. CONCLUSION: The VAS-IBS questionnaire could
      be used to assess the level of GI symptoms. However, VAS scores do not help the
      clinicians to differentiate between IBS and other dysmotility disturbances.

PMID- 22073984
TI  - A hermeneutic approach to the characteristics of mental health nursing practice.
AB  - Mental health nursing (MHN) takes a non-reductionist view of the human being,
      based on a hermeneutic and interdisciplinary perspective. MHN is dependent on the
      development of hermeneutic knowledge for understanding the deeper meaning of, for
      example, encountering a patient with emotional pain. The aim of this study was to
      provide a philosophical discussion about the characteristics of MHN practice. The
      hermeneutic approach was used to expand the philosophical discussion of MHN. In
      order to explore the consequences for MHN practice, previous relevant research
      within the discipline of MHN was used, exemplified by patients suffering from
      emotional pain. Two themes emerged: A reflective way of being and working and
      Relationships as a foundation for change and improvements. Four themes emerged
      related to the practice of the nurse: Desire for confirmation and trust, The
      vulnerable human being, The difficulties involved in responsibility and The power
      of self-development, authenticity and freedom. MHN must be open to changing some
      of the negative images of past interdisciplinary discussions in order to provide
      high quality care and support to the suffering patient. The hermeneutic approach
      is one way to help nurses who work in the context of mental health to understand
      and use their intuition and empathy to empower patients, thus providing hope and
      future possibilities.

PMID- 22073985
TI  - Analysis of chicken anemia virus genome: evidence of intersubtype recombination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chicken anemia virus (CAV) is the causative agent of chicken
      infectious anemia. CAV putative intergenotypic recombinants have been reported
      previously. This fact is based on the previous classification of CAV sequences
      into three genotypes. However, it is unknown whether intersubtype recombination
      occurs between the recently reported four CAV genotypes and five subtypes of
      genome sequences. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis, together with a variety of
      computational recombination detection algorithms, was used to investigate CAV
      approximately full genomes. Statistically significant evidence of intersubtype
      recombination was detected in the parent-like and two putative CAV recombinant
      sequences. This event was shown to occur between CAV subgroup A1 and A2 sequences
      in the phylogenetic trees. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed that intersubtype
      recombination in CAV genome sequences played a role in generating genetic
      diversity within the natural population of CAV.

PMID- 22073986
TI  - Luteolin induces apoptotic cell death through AIF nuclear translocation mediated
      by activation of ERK and p38 in human breast cancer cell lines.
AB  - The flavonoid, luteolin, has been shown to have anticancer activity in various
      cancer cells; however, the precise molecular mechanism of its action is not
      completely understood, and studies were conducted to find out how it induces
      apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Luteolin induced a reduction of viability in a
      dose- and time-dependent manner. The pro-apoptotic effect of luteolin was
      demonstrated by cell cycle measurement and Hoechst 3325 staining. Western blot
      analysis showed that luteolin activates ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated
      kinase) and p38. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of ERK and p38 protected
      against luteolin-induced cell death; however, the caspase-3-specific inhibitor
      had no effect. Immunocytochemical examination indicated that luteolin induced
      nuclear translocation of AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), which was mediated by
      activation of ERK and p38. Transfection of a vector expressing the miRNA
      (microRNA) of AIF prevented luteolin-induced apoptosis. The data suggest that
      luteolin induces a caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis involving AIF
      nuclear translocation mediated by activation of ERK and p38 in breast cancer
      cells.

PMID- 22073988
TI  - Knowledge and attitude of elderly persons towards dental implants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite their unrivalled place in restorative treatment, dental
      implants are still scarcely used in elderly patients. INTRODUCTION: The aim of
      this survey was therefore to identify potential barriers for accepting an implant
      treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were recruited from a geriatric
      hospital, two long-term-care facilities and a private clinic. The final study
      sample comprised 92 persons, 61 women and 31 men with an average age of 81.2 +/-
      8.0 years. In a semi-structured interview, the participants' knowledge of
      implants and attitude towards a hypothetical treatment with dental implants were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants had never heard of dental implants,
      and another 13 participants could not describe them. The strongest apprehensions
      against implants were cost, lack of perceived necessity and old age. Univariate
      and multiple linear regression analysis identified being women, type and quality
      of denture, having little knowledge on implants and being hospitalised as the
      risk factors for refusing implants. However, old age as such was not associated
      with a negative attitude. CONCLUSION: The acceptance of dental implants in the
      elderly population might be increased by providing further information and
      promoting oral health in general. Regardless of the age, dental implants should
      be placed when patients are still in good health and live independently.

PMID- 22073987
TI  - Exposure to gold nanoparticles produces cardiac tissue damage that depends on the
      size and duration of exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current research focuses on cancer therapy, diagnostics and imaging,
      although many challenges still need to be solved. However, for the application of
      gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in therapy and diagnostics it is necessary to know the
      bioaccumulation and local or systemic toxicity associated to them. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the effects of intraperitoneal administration of
      GNPs on the histological alterations of the heart tissue of rats in an attempt to
      cover and understand the toxicity and the potential role of GNPs in the
      therapeutic and diagnostic applications. METHODS: Animals were randomly divided
      into 3 GNPs-treated rats groups and one control group (CG). The 10, 20 and 50 nm
      GNPs were administered intraperitonealy at the rate of 3 or 7 days as follows:
      Group 1: received infusion of 100 MUl GNPs of size 10 nm for 3 or 7 days; Group
      2: received infusion of 100 MUl GNPs of size 20 nm for 3 or 7 days; Group 3:
      received infusion of 100 MUl GNPs of size 50 nm for 3 or 7 days. CONTROL GROUP:
      received no GNPs. RESULTS: In comparison with the respective control rats, GNPs
      treated rat received 100 MUl of 10 and 20 nm particles for 3 days or 7 days
      demonstrating congested heart muscle with prominent dilated blood vessels,
      scattered and extravasations of red blood cells, focus of muscle hyalinosis,
      disturbed muscle fascicles, dense prominent focus of inflammatory cells
      infiltrate by small lymphocytes and few plasma cells while GNPs-treated rat
      received 100 MUl of 50 nm particles for 3 or 7 days demonstrating benign normal
      looking heart muscle with normal muscle direction and fascicles, and very few
      scattered small lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The histological alterations induced by
      intraperitoneal administration of GNPs were size-dependent with smaller ones
      induced more affects and related with time exposure of GNPs. This study suggests
      that interaction of GNPs with proteins and various cell types might be evaluated
      as part of the toxicological assessment in addition to further experiments
      related to tissues antioxidant enzymes, oxidative parameters, lipid peroxidation,
      production of free radicals and/or ROS and cytokine, histomorphologcal and
      ultrastrucural will be performed to cover and understand the toxicity and the
      potential use of GNPs as therapeutic and diagnostic tool.

PMID- 22073989
TI  - Fox gene loci in Takifugu rubripes and Tetraodon nigroviridis genomes and
      comparison with those of medaka and zebrafish genomes.
AB  - Members of the Fox gene family of transcriptional regulators are essential for
      animal development and have been extensively studied in vertebrates. The mouse
      and human genomes contain at least 40 FOX genes which are divided into 19
      subclasses based on the sequence similarity of the highly conserved forkhead
      domain. Using the genome sequence of the  Takifugu rubripes  and  Tetraodon
      nigroviridis , we examined the genomic complement of fox genes in these organisms
      to gain insight into the evolutionary relationship of this gene family. We
      identified 53 fox genes in Tetraodon nigroviridis and Takifugu rubripes genome by
      searching the forkhead domain. These genes are divided into 18 subclasses as
      follows: 8 fox genes in subclass O; 6 in subclass P ; 4 in subclasses D, J, and
      N; 3 in subclasses A, B, C, E, F, and I; 2 in subclasses K, L, and Q; and 1 in
      subclasses G, H, M, and R. Together with the forkhead domain sequences of human,
      chicken, frog, zebrafish, medaka, and Caenorhabditis elegans, the phylogenetic
      relationship of the fox genes in Takifugu rubripes and Tetraodon nigroviridis
      were analyzed and compared. The genes structure, general features, and the three
      dimensional model of these genes were also discussed.

PMID- 22073990
TI  - An international comparison of excessive adult mortality.
AB  - Abstract   Empirical expressions derived by Coale and Demeny accurately
      characterized the relationships among death rates of different age groups for
      each sex during an extended period of time in Western nations. However, the
      relationships have changed in recent years, as the mortality of older persons has
      increasingly exceeded the level expected on the basis of these expressions. The
      recent disruption is relatively small for females and may be due to very rapid
      declines in maternal mortality. Among males, the change has been quite
      pronounced, and it is suggested that increases in cigarette consumption are
      largely responsible.

PMID- 22073991
TI  - The spread of anti-natal knowledge and practice in Nigeria.
AB  - Abstract   In March/April 1969 the Demographic Training and Research Unit,
      University of Ife, surveyed 8,400 respondents of both sexes to investigate their
      knowledge and use of anti-natal practices and the sources of that knowledge. The
      area sampled was a stratified cross-section of Nigeria extending inland 500 miles
      from Lagos. Data are analysed by age cohorts of respondents and by the date of
      change in knowledge or practice. It is shown that anti-natal knowledge and
      practice decline with distance from Lagos, that contraception is widely practised
      amongst the richer towns and those with a higher proportion of educated people,
      and to a smaller extent among farmers than restricted knowledge or means would
      alone indicate. Recently the spread of both knowledge and practice has been
      faster than could be explained by socio-economic change and has largely resulted
      from changing attitudes to anti-natal practice and increased discussion of the
      subject in the world as a whole. Within Nigeria this has been helped by rising
      levels of urbanization and education, which are the two major determinants of
      anti-natal knowledge and practice in the country. The spread of such practice has
      led to an increased employment of traditional anti-natal methods, but this
      increase is small compared with the much greater resort now being made to modern
      contraception and induced abortion. The mass media have been of particular
      importance in introducing new knowledge, while the spread of such knowledge has
      owed most to discussions between friends of the same sex.

PMID- 22073992
TI  - Causes of fertility decline in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.
AB  - Abstract   This is the first part of a wider study which attempts to throw iight
      on the demographic, economic and social factors that have led to dramatic
      declines in fertility levels in most socialist countries of Eastern Europe during
      the last fifteen years or so.   The present part is concerned with the purely
      demographic influences, that is mainly with the impact of changes in the age and
      sex structure of the populations under study, and in nuptiality. The statistical
      evidence adduced indicates that the observed downward trends in the annual number
      of births and in crude birth rates are a reflection of genuine changes in
      attitudes towards family size.

PMID- 22073993
TI  - Bridal pregnancy in earlier rural England further examined.
AB  - Abstract   This paper elaborates the argument of a previous paper (Population
      Studies, 20, 1966, pp. 233-43). The results of an investigation of the experience
      of 2,340 brides are broadly similar to those reported earlier: in particular,
      they confirm that bridal pregnancy was more common in the eighteenth than in the
      seventeenth century. Evidence is presented to suggest that the sixteenth-century
      experience was similar to that of the seventeenth, while the nineteenth-century
      experience was similar to that of the eighteenth. It is argued that bridal
      pregnancy was the product of a courting convention, rather than of 'betrothal
      licence', and that it was not especially common among widows or teenagers. It is
      incidentally shown that the interval between birth and baptism was very brief in
      the sixteenth century, but lengthened in later centuries; and that the forbidden
      seasons for marriage were gradually eroded. Finally, it is suggested that the
      application of Church discipline in relation to bridal pregnancy could be
      assessed in the Church Court records.

PMID- 22073994
TI  - Population growth in Java in the 19th century.
AB  - Abstract   In demographic literature Java occupies a special position. It is the
      island where in the nineteenth century a 'population explosion' occurred. In
      other developing countries this took place in the twentieth century.   Following
      the official figures Java had a population size of about 4.5 million in 1815
      (Raffles's Census) and 28.5 million in 1900. The result is an extraordinary rate
      of growth of 2.2% per year.   In this paper it is argued that it is impossible to
      correct the data by adjusting them. A more promising method is to study the
      factors which are responsible for the demographic situation, i.e. economic
      conditions, the so-called pax neerlandica and the health situation in the period
      1800-1850. This period has been specially studied, because it is crucial for the
      calculation of population size which is normally based on the 1815 period. It is
      suggested that Java cannot really claim to be an exceptional case in the period
      1800-1850. This means that the growth rate - in line with the estimates of Carr
      Saunders and Sauvy -has to be estimated (greater accuracy is not possible) as
      between 0.5% and 1.0); per annum.   On the basis of estimates and calculations,
      the population size of Java may have been somewhere between 8 and 10 millions
      around 1800, the latter estimate being the more realistic figure.   The view that
      there was exceptionally rapid population growth in Java in the nineteenth century
      is to an important degree the product of a Europe-centred approach to the history
      of Java.

PMID- 22073995
TI  - Users and non-users of contraception: Tests of stationarity applied to members of
      a family planning programme.
AB  - Abstract   Regression analysis is used in examining the cumulative nature of
      contraceptive use among clients of a family planning programme. Markov chain
      analyses are performed on the data. chi(2) tests are used to test the
      stationarity of the transition probabilities from the state of user to non-user
      as well as from non-user to user over the period of operation of the programme. A
      good predictive equation is developed relating the cumulated number of users and
      the years of operation of the programme. The transition probabilities are not
      constant over the entire period of twelve years. The data are not homogeneous.
      When the twelve year-period is divided into three four-year periods, the
      transition probabilities are constant within each period. Each of these three
      periods coincides with a distinctive period in the development of the programme.

PMID- 22073996
TI  - The historical calendar as a method of estimating age: The experience of the
      Moroccan multi-purpose sample survey of 1961-63.
AB  - Abstract   In censuses and surveys in most African countries it has become the
      practice to estimate informants' age by the method of the historical calendar.
      This involves an attempt to relate a remembered historical event, occurring
      during the subject's childhood, with his age at the time.   This paper attempts a
      first evaluation of the method with particular reference to the 1961-63 multi
      round survey in rural Morocco. It is shown that in practice the method is highly
      complex and easily misunderstood by interviewers and respondents. An attempt to
      lay down a precise procedure by means of a very detailed questionnaire appeared
      to yield at best only marginally more accurate results than the simpler procedure
      used in an earlier round. The more complex questionnaire did, however, introduce
      new patterns of misuse by the interviewer. There was evidence that the historical
      calendar gave somewhat better data than eye estimates, but results were highly
      defective for both methods.   It is clear that the method is far from perfect.
      Interviewer training and supervision remain the key to accurate age
      determination. If the potential benefits of the complex historical calendar
      method are to be realized, training and supervision need to be even more thorough
      than where simpler methods are used.

PMID- 22073997
TI  - Malaria eradication and the fall of mortality.
AB  - Abstract   To evaluate the contradictory findings on the role of malaria
      eradication in the post-war reduction in mortality in Ceylon, the methods of
      analysis of Newman and Meegama are compared with one constructed by the present
      author.

PMID- 22073998
TI  - Leibenstein on the benefits and costs of birth control programmes.
AB  - Abstract   Enke draws attention particularly to his recent dynamic models of the
      effects of birth prevention. He argues that the result of birth prevention is,
      typically, to leave future G.N.P. almost unaffected, with a smaller population
      and a reduction in the ratio of dependent children to the active age groups.
      G.N.P. per head is thus raised. Leibenstein accepts the relevance of population
      control and family planning programmes. He argues, however, that in its present
      form benefit-cost analysis does not provide a sound basis for estimating the
      value of such programmes.

PMID- 22074001
TI  - Healthcare costs in patients with metastatic lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To characterize healthcare resource utilization and costs in patients
      with metastatic lung cancer receiving chemotherapy in the US. METHODS: Using data
      from a large private multi-payer health insurance claims database (2000-2006), we
      identified all patients beginning chemotherapy for metastatic lung cancer.
      Healthcare resource use (inpatient, outpatient, medications) and costs were
      tallied over time from date of therapy initiation ("index date") to date of
      disenrollment from the health plan (in most instances, presumably due to death)
      or the end of the study period, whichever occurred first. Healthcare utilization
      and costs were characterized using Kaplan-Meier sample average methods. RESULTS:
      The study population consisted of 4068 patients; mean (SD) age was 65 (11) years.
      Over a median follow-up of 334 days, study subjects averaged 1.5 hospital
      admissions, 8.9 total inpatient days, and 69 physician office and hospital
      outpatient visits. Mean (95% CI) cumulative total healthcare costs were $125,849
      ($120,228, $131,231). Costs of outpatient medical services and inpatient care
      constituted 34% and 20% of total healthcare costs, respectively; corresponding
      estimates for outpatient chemotherapy and other medication were 22% and 24%.
      CONCLUSION: Our study sheds additional light on the burden of metastatic lung
      cancer among patients receiving chemotherapy, in terms of total cost thru end of
      life as well as component costs by setting and type of service, and may be useful
      in informing medical resource allocation in this patient population.

PMID- 22074003
TI  - Total syntheses of ent-heliespirones A and C.
AB  - Stereodivergent total syntheses of ent-heliespirone A and C were both completed
      in 11 vessels and ~24% combined overall yield (A + C). These syntheses employed
      an identical inverse demand Diels-Alder reaction between a surrogate for an
      extendedly conjugated gamma-delta unsaturated ortho-quinone methide and L-lactic
      acid-derived exocyclic enol ether. Novel reactions of special note include a
      diastereoselective reduction of a chroman spiroketal by combination of
      borontrifluoride etherate and triethyl silane, along with oxidative rupture of a
      chroman etherial ring into the corresponding p-quinone by argentic oxide (AgO).
      In addition, an unusual intramolecular etherification of a 3 degrees  alcohol
      caused by cerium ammonium nitrate was observed.

PMID- 22074004
TI  - Novel method for grafting alkyl chains onto glassy carbon. Application to the
      easy immobilization of ferrocene used as redox probe.
AB  - Primary alkyl iodides (RI) have been found to react with a cathodically charged
      glassy carbon surface at potentials more negative than -1.7 V vs Ag/AgCl. In
      aprotic solvents, this reaction results in grafting of the alkyl chains onto
      carbon. It is proposed that the process corresponds to the cathodic charge of
      graphitized and fullerenized zones present in carbon followed by a displacement
      reaction (analogous to a nucleophilic attack) toward alkyl iodides. This new mode
      of grafting is applied to the immobilization of ferrocene used as an
      electrochemical probe. The present work points out the reaction of omega
      iodoalkylferrocenes and quantifies the level of grafting of alkyl chains via this
      promising method for modification of carbon surfaces. Coverage levels were found
      to be high, reaching the apparent surface concentrations of 8 * 10(-9) mol cm(
      2). These large values are explained on the basis of swelling of the interface
      provoked by progressive charging of the carbon surface via insertion of
      tetraalkylammonium cations concomitantly with the substitution process.
      Alkylferrocene layers deposited onto carbon were found to be chemically and
      electrochemically stable.

PMID- 22074002
TI  - Predictive value of metabolic 18FDG-PET response on outcomes in patients with
      locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma treated with definitive concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to study the predictive value of combined 18F-fluoro-deoxy-D
      glucose positron emission tomography and computerized tomography (FDG-PET-CT), on
      outcomes in locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) patients treated with
      concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT). METHODS: Thirty-two unresectable LAPC
      patients received 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/fr) of RT and concurrent 5-FU followed by 4 to
      6 cycles of gemcitabine consolidation. Response was evaluated by FDG-PET-CT at
      post-C-CRT 12-week. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the
      median difference between pre- and post-treatment maximum standard uptake values
      (SUVmax) as an indicator of response for comparative analysis. RESULTS: At a
      median follow-up of 16.1 months, 16 (50.0%) patients experienced local/regional
      failures, 6 of which were detected on the first follow-up FDG-PET-CT. There were
      no marginal or isolated regional failures. Median pre- and post-treatment SUVmax
      and median difference were 14.5, 3.9, and -63.7%, respectively. Median overall
      survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local-regional progression
      free survival (LRPFS) were 14.5, 7.3, and 10.3 months, respectively. Median OS,
      PFS, and LRPFS for those with greater (N = 16) versus lesser (N = 16) SUVmax
      change were 17.0 versus 9.8 (p = 0.001), 8.4 versus 3.8 (p = 0.005), and 12.3
      versus 6.9 months (p = 0.02), respectively. On multivariate analysis, SUVmax
      difference was predictive of OS, PFS, and LRPFS, independent of existing
      covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly higher OS, PFS, and LRPFS in patients with
      greater SUVmax difference suggest that FDG-PET-CT-based metabolic response
      assessment is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in LAPC patients
      treated with definitive C-CRT.

PMID- 22074005
TI  - Proteomic approach reveals FKBP4 and S100A9 as potential prediction markers of
      therapeutic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.
AB  - Although doxorubicin (Doxo) and docetaxel (Docet) in combination are widely used
      in treatment regimens for a broad spectrum of breast cancer patients, a major
      obstacle has emerged in that some patients are intrinsically resistant to these
      chemotherapeutics. Our study aimed to discover potential prediction markers of
      drug resistance in needle-biopsied tissues of breast cancer patients prior to
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tissues collected before chemotherapy were analyzed by
      mass spectrometry. A total of 2,331 proteins were identified and comparatively
      quantified between drug sensitive (DS) and drug resistant (DR) patient groups by
      spectral count. Of them, 298 proteins were differentially expressed by more than
      1.5-fold. Some of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were further
      confirmed by Western blotting. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the DEPs were
      largely associated with drug metabolism, acute phase response signaling, and
      fatty acid elongation in mitochondria. Clinical validation of two selected
      proteins by immunohistochemistry found that FKBP4 and S100A9 might be putative
      prediction markers in discriminating the DR group from the DS group of breast
      cancer patients. The results demonstrate that a quantitative
      proteomics/bioinformatics approach is useful for discovering prediction markers
      of drug resistance, and possibly for the development of a new therapeutic
      strategy.

PMID- 22074006
TI  - Breakaways in specialist secure psychiatry.

PMID- 22074007
TI  - The reality is that the number of women with menopausal symptoms wanting to
      consider alternative therapies rather than hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has
      increased over the last decade. Introduction.

PMID- 22074008
TI  - Taking an integrated approach: managing women with phytoestrogens.
AB  - An integrated approach can be employed when counselling women about menopausal
      management options, where lifestyle, complementary therapies and hormone
      replacement therapy (HRT) are discussed. Women might opt to use an alternative
      approach to HRT for a variety of reasons, e.g. fear of side-effects and risks or
      contraindications to HRT. There are many choices of dietary and herbal approaches
      for menopausal symptoms, which essentially divide into food supplements and
      herbal medicines. The choice can often be overwhelming and confusing for the
      woman. Of concern, the evidence for efficacy and safety of some of these
      complementary therapies can be extremely limited or non-existent. In order to
      enable women to make a fully informed choice, it is important that, when a
      recommendation is made regarding a specific complementary therapy, it should
      focus on preparations for which a significant dataset exists for efficacy and
      safety and in which there is ongoing research and development. One of the most
      extensively studied food supplements has been the phytoestrogenic preparation
      containing red clover isoflavones. There have been six randomized trials thus far
      studying the impact on vasomotor symptoms, three of which have shown a
      significant benefit compared to placebo. There are also data from small
      randomized and observational trials showing positive outcomes for surrogate
      markers of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. A recent study using
      validated depression scales has shown that women using red clover isoflavones may
      also derive psychological benefits. Safety data are reassuring for the
      endometrium and breast, although further studies would be welcome, particularly
      in women with significant medical risks.

PMID- 22074009
TI  - Managing the menopause: practical choices faced in primary care.
AB  - Over the last 10 years, the management of the menopause has changed dramatically
      following the controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Non-drug
      options have become increasingly popular with women and this has presented new
      challenges to us as their physicians. This report includes insights into how
      women feel about their menopause management, in particular their need to make an
      informed decision about their menopause management. This will ensure that they
      are committed to the option selected. Non-drug options should be viewed as a
      different approach to HRT, not as a substitute, and they should be recommended
      specifically to ensure that quality is assured. A guide is included as to how to
      select non-drug options, in particular for the phytoestrogen supplement products.
      Our role as physicians is to offer our patients the best possible choices to
      manage their health, and this should now include non-drug options that have been
      well-researched in terms of efficacy and safety.

PMID- 22074010
TI  - Self-assembly of dinitrosyl iron units into imidazolate-edge-bridged molecular
      squares: characterization including Mossbauer spectroscopy.
AB  - Imidazolate-containing {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) molecular squares have been synthesized by
      oxidative CO displacement from the reduced Fe(CO)(2)(NO)(2) precursor. The
      structures of complex 1 [(imidazole)Fe(NO)(2)](4), (Ford, Li, et al.; Chem.
      Commun.2005, 477-479), 2 [(2-isopropylimidazole)Fe(NO)(2)](4), and 3
      [(benzimidazole)Fe(NO)(2)](4), as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, find
      precise square planes of irons with imidazolates bridging the edges and nitrosyl
      ligands capping the irons at the corners. The orientation of the imidazolate
      ligands in each of the complexes results in variations of the overall structures,
      and molecular recognition features in the available cavities of 1 and 3.
      Computational studies show multiple low energy structural isomers and confirm
      that the isomers found in the crystallographic structures arise from
      intermolecular interactions. EPR and IR spectroscopic studies and electrochemical
      results suggest that the tetramers remain intact in solution in the presence of
      weakly coordinating (THF) and noncoordinating (CH(2)Cl(2)) solvents. Mossbauer
      spectroscopic data for a set of reference dinitrosyl iron complexes, reduced
      {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) compounds A ((NHC-iPr)(2)Fe(NO)(2)), and C ((NHC
      iPr)(CO)Fe(NO)(2)), and oxidized {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) compounds B ([(NHC
      iPr)(2)Fe(NO)(2)][BF(4)]), and D ((NHC-iPr)(SPh)Fe(NO)(2)) (NHC-iPr = 1,3
      diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene) demonstrate distinct differences of the isomer
      shifts and quadrupole splittings between the oxidized and reduced forms. The
      reduced compounds have smaller positive isomer shifts as compared to the oxidized
      compounds ascribed to the greater pi-backbonding to the NO ligands. Mossbauer
      data for the tetrameric complexes 1-3 demonstrate larger isomer shifts, most
      comparable to compound D; all four complexes contain cationic {Fe(NO)(2)}(9)
      units bound to one anionic ligand and one neutral ligand. At room temperature,
      the paramagnetic, S = (1)/(2) per iron, centers are not coupled.

PMID- 22074012
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22074011
TI  - NKG2C deletion is a risk factor of HIV infection.
AB  - NK cell function is important in the immune response to HIV infection. NKG2C and
      NKG2A are activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors, respectively, and their
      only known ligand, HLA-E, demonstrates increased expression in HIV infection and
      presents at least one HIV-derived peptide. A variation in chromosome 12 exists in
      which the 16-kb section of DNA encompassing the nkg2c gene is completely absent.
      DNA samples of 433 HIV-1-infected patients and 280 controls were genotyped by
      PCR, and revealed an association of the absence variation with a higher risk of
      HIV infection, as well as faster progression and higher pretreatment viral loads
      (p<0.05, respectively). Surface NKG2C expression, analyzed by FACS, on the
      freshly isolated lymphocytes of 20 control and 19 HIV-infected donors revealed
      that NKG2C expression is genotype dependent in both populations: no NKG2C
      expression in the -/- groups, intermediate expression in the +/- groups, and
      highest expression in the +/+ groups. The comparison of NKG2C and NKG2A
      expression in HIV and control groups (+/- and +/+ included) indicates an
      increased NKG2C expression on HIV patient NK cells (p<0.05) and decreased
      inhibitory NKG2A expression on CD8 T cells (p<0.001), and both these effects are
      more striking in the +/+ genotype (p<0.005). Furthermore, a positive correlation
      was found between HIV viral load and the proportion of NKG2C(+) NK cells. The
      increased expression of NKG2C in HIV patients, in combination with the genetic
      association of the absence variation with an increased susceptibility to HIV
      infection, higher HIV viral set point, and a faster progression, indicate that
      NKG2C is important in the defense against HIV infection and progression.

PMID- 22074016
TI  - Severity of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus infection may not be directly
      correlated with initial viral load in upper respiratory tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that rapid influenza diagnostic
      tests (RIDTs) have a relatively low sensitivity in detecting severe cases of
      pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus (pH1N1) infection. We hypothesized that viral
      load in upper respiratory specimens obtained on presentation may not be
      correlated with disease severity. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study to
      compare patterns of viral shedding using nasopharyngeal swab specimens, according
      to the number of days of post-symptom onset and post-antiviral therapy, between
      patients with and without complications. RESULTS: From July 15, 2009 through July
      23, 2010, we collected and processed a total of 141 nasopharyngeal swab specimens
      from 64 inpatients and outpatients with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 infection.
      These included 46 patients without any complications (uncomplicated group) and 18
      patients who required hospital admission (complicated group). The mean initial
      viral load was higher in the uncomplicated group than in the complicated group
      (3.4 +/- 1.6 log(10) copies/MUl versus 1.9 +/- 1.7, P = 0.02). However, prolonged
      viral shedding was only detected in the complicated group (44% by day 7 of
      antiviral therapy). By multivariate analysis, we found that age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI,
      1.0-1.1) and initial nasopharyngeal viral load (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8) were
      significant factors associated with complications. CONCLUSION: Given that
      patients with severe pH1N1 infection may have relatively lower initial viral load
      in the upper respiratory tract, cautious interpretation of negative RIDT results
      is particularly warranted in this patient population.

PMID- 22074015
TI  - Benefits of the HiRes 120 coding strategy combined with the Harmony processor in
      an adult European multicentre study.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The Harmony processor was found to be reliable, comfortable and
      offered a substantially increased battery life compared with the previous
      generation processor. No significant improvement in speech understanding with
      HiRes was demonstrated from objective measures, but the majority of subjects
      showed a clear subjective preference for the combination HiRes 120/Harmony
      processor. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate experience with the HarmonyTM sound processor,
      together with the HiRes 120 strategy. METHODS: Postlingually deafened adults
      implanted with a CII or HiRes 90K were included and divided into three groups:
      (1) experienced users using the Platinum body-worn processor; (2) experienced
      users who had been using other processors; (3) new users with the Harmony
      processor from first fitting. The latter group entered a randomized crossover
      protocol where half were initially fitted with HiRes and half with HiRes 120. The
      initial strategy was used for 3 months and the alternative for a further 3
      months. Speech perception tests and questionnaires were performed. RESULTS: The
      study included 65 subjects. Implementing HiRes 120 was straightforward. The
      speech test group results did not show significant differences between HiRes and
      HiRes 120. However, the questionnaires showed significantly higher ratings for
      HiRes 120 in some instances. Subjects were highly satisfied with the Harmony
      processor.

PMID- 22074017
TI  - The effects of exenatide bid on metabolic control, medication use and
      hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in clinical practice: a
      systematic review.
AB  - The objective of this systematic review was to assess the published literature on
      the effectiveness of exenatide twice daily (exenatide) in clinical practice,
      specifically its effects on haemoglobin A1c (A1C), fasting glucose (FG), weight,
      systolic blood pressure (SBP), medication use, hospitalization and cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) outcomes. A systematic literature search using the MEDLINE database
      of English language literature published between January 2005 and May 2011 was
      performed. The review included retrospective or prospective observational studies
      that included 100 or more patients per treatment group. A total of 15 studies
      meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The studies revealed significant
      reductions of -0.4 to -0.9% in A1C, -10 mg/dl in FG, -2 to -11 kg in body weight
      and -2 to -11 mmHg in SBP. Statistically significant reductions in the use or
      dosage of either oral glucose-lowering medications or insulin after initiating
      exenatide treatment were found in every observational study that assessed
      medication changes, including reductions in dosage of up to 75% in sulphonylureas
      dosages, 22% in metformin, 66% in thiazolidinediones (TZD) or TZD combination
      therapy and 75% in prandial insulin. Exenatide-treated patients experienced
      significantly lower rates of all-cause and CVD-related hospitalization and CVD
      events than patients treated with other therapies overall. In this review of
      observational studies, exenatide initiation was associated with significant
      reductions in clinically relevant outcomes. Improvements in A1C, FG, weight and
      SBP in the observational studies in this review were consistent with improvements
      observed in controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 22074018
TI  - Encephalomyelitis associated with microsporidian infection in farmed greater
      amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Risso).
AB  - An outbreak of a disease characterized by a peculiar spiral movement in farmed
      greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Risso), occurred in Kagoshima Prefecture,
      Japan, in May 2008, immediately after importing the fish from China. Although
      neither bacteria nor viruses were detected in routine diagnostic tests,
      histopathological observations of the affected fish revealed severe inflammation
      in the tegmentum of the brain including the medulla oblongata and the anterior
      part of the spinal cord. In addition, a microsporidian parasite was observed in
      the nerve cell bodies or axons in the inflamed tissues. We identified a
      microsporidian small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA) from the lesion, and the
      sequence showed 96.1% identity with that of Spraguea lophii. Subsequent in situ
      hybridization using probes presumably specific to the SSU rRNA confirmed that the
      parasite observed in histopathology harboured the identified SSU rRNA. Apparently
      degenerated microsporidian cells or spores were also frequently observed in
      tissue sections. Thus, the disease was most probably caused by the infection of a
      hitherto unknown microsporidian parasite that has a genetic affinity to the genus
      Spraguea, in the central nervous system of the amberjack.

PMID- 22074019
TI  - Clinical observations of black disease in fairy shrimps, Streptocephalus
      sirindhornae and Branchinella thailandensis, from Thailand and pathogen
      verification.
AB  - In this study, black disease infecting fairy shrimps, Streptocephalus
      sirindhornae Sanoamuang, Murugan, Weekers & Dumont, and Branchinella
      thailandensis Sanoamuang, Saengphan & Murugan, in Thailand, was investigated. The
      typical signs of the disease are the appearance of black spots on the cuticle,
      located mainly on the dorsal side and thoracopods. A number of rod-shaped
      bacteria aggregated in the black spots and were visualized by scanning electron
      microscopy. The histopathological results showed that a haemocytic response to
      the infection resulted in a dense melanized core of bacteria. In addition,
      generalized septicaemia by rod-shaped bacteria was also observed in the infected
      tissue. Of the 31 isolates, Aeromonas spp. were predominantly isolated and six
      strains were selected for the experimental infections. The most pathogenic strain
      was identified molecularly as A. hydrophila. When fairy shrimp were infected at
      bacterial concentrations of 10(4) and 10(6) cfu mL(-1) , the overall infection
      levels were 73.33 +/- 6.67% and 93.33 +/- 6.67%, respectively. The experimentally
      infected fairy shrimp showed abnormal swimming and died within 24-48 h after the
      appearance of the dark pigment.

PMID- 22074020
TI  - Protection of grass carp, Ctenopharyngon idellus (Valenciennes), through oral
      administration of a subunit vaccine against reovirus.

PMID- 22074021
TI  - Khawia japonensis (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea): another invasive parasite of carp,
      Cyprinus carpio L., imported to Europe.

PMID- 22074022
TI  - Surgical removal of a gastric foreign body in a sand tiger shark, Carcharias
      taurus Rafinesque.

PMID- 22074023
TI  - Prevalence of piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) in marine fish species.

PMID- 22074024
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the perception of aggression
      scale.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the
      Turkish version of the Perception of Aggression Scale. Cross-sectional data were
      collected by the completion of questionnaires by 350 nursing students from two
      nursing schools in Istanbul, Turkey. The psychometric properties of the Turkish
      version of the scale were analysed by using factor analysis (principal component
      analysis), assessment of internal consistency and reliability, and Spearman's
      rank correlation coefficients. The two-factor structure was confirmed by
      principal component analysis: the first factor treated aggression as functional
      and the second as dysfunctional. The correlation between the means of the items
      and dimensions was moderate (r for factor 1: 0.47-0.73; r for factor 2: 0.29
      0.70). The coefficient of internal consistency of the scale was 0.85 for factor 1
      and 0.81 for factor 2. Thus, Turkish version of Perception of Aggression Scale is
      a valid and reliable tool. It is essential to understand perceptions of
      aggressive behaviour in order to establish effective management strategies to
      tackle untoward events in clinical settings.

PMID- 22074025
TI  - Evolution of the large genome in Capsicum annuum occurred through accumulation of
      single-type long terminal repeat retrotransposons and their derivatives.
AB  - Although plant genome sizes are extremely diverse, the mechanism underlying the
      expansion of huge genomes that did not experience whole-genome duplication has
      not been elucidated. The pepper, Capsicum annuum, is an excellent model for
      studies of genome expansion due to its large genome size (2700 Mb) and the
      absence of whole genome duplication. As most of the pepper genome structure has
      been identified as constitutive heterochromatin, we investigated the evolution of
      this region in detail. Our findings show that the constitutive heterochromatin in
      pepper was actively expanded 20.0-7.5 million years ago through a massive
      accumulation of single-type Ty3/Gypsy-like elements that belong to the Del
      subgroup. Interestingly, derivatives of the Del elements, such as non-autonomous
      long terminal repeat retrotransposons and long-unit tandem repeats, played
      important roles in the expansion of constitutive heterochromatic regions. This
      expansion occurred not only in the existing heterochromatic regions but also into
      the euchromatic regions. Furthermore, our results revealed a repeat of unit
      length 18-24 kb. This repeat was found not only in the pepper genome but also in
      the other solanaceous species, such as potato and tomato. These results represent
      a characteristic mechanism for large genome evolution in plants.

PMID- 22074026
TI  - Apolipoprotein E mRNA expression in mononuclear cells from normolipidemic and
      hypercholesterolemic individuals treated with atorvastatin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a key component of the lipid metabolism.
      Polymorphisms at the apoE gene (APOE) have been associated with cardiovascular
      disease, lipid levels and lipid-lowering response to statins. We evaluated the
      effects on APOE expression of hypercholesterolemia, APOE
      epsilon2/epsilon3/epsilon4 genotypes and atorvastatin treatment in Brazilian
      individuals. The relationship of APOE genotypes and plasma lipids and
      atorvastatin response was also tested in this population. METHODS: APOE
      epsilon2/epsilon3/epsilon4 and plasma lipids were evaluated in 181 normolipidemic
      (NL) and 181 hypercholesterolemic (HC) subjects. HC individuals with indication
      for lowering-cholesterol treatment (n = 141) were treated with atorvastatin (10
      mg/day/4-weeks). APOE genotypes and APOE mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMC) were analyzed by TaqMan real time PCR. RESULTS: HC had lower APOE
      expression than NL group (p < 0.05) and individuals with low APOE expression
      showed higher plasma total and LDL cholesterol and apoB, as well as higher apoAI
      (p < 0.05). Individuals carrying epsilon2 allele have reduced risk for
      hypercholesterolemia (OR: 0.27, 95% I.C.: 0.08-0.85, p < 0.05) and NL epsilon2
      carriers had lower total and LDL cholesterol and apoB levels, and higher HDL
      cholesterol than non-carriers (p < 0.05). APOE genotypes did not affect APOE
      expression and atorvastatin response. Atorvastatin treatment do not modify APOE
      expression, however those individuals without LDL cholesterol goal achievement
      after atorvastatin treatment according to the IV Brazilian Guidelines for
      Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis Prevention had lower APOE expression than
      patients with desirable response after the treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      APOE expression in PBMC is modulated by hypercholesterolemia and the APOE mRNA
      level regulates the plasma lipid profile. Moreover the expression profile is not
      modulated neither by atorvastatin nor APOE genotypes. In our population, APOE
      epsilon2 allele confers protection against hypercholesterolemia and a less
      atherogenic lipid profile. Moreover, low APOE expression after treatment of
      patients with poor response suggests a possible role of APOE level in
      atorvastatin response.

PMID- 22074028
TI  - Effect of weight gain during pregnancy on heart rate variability and hypotension
      during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of antenatal weight gain on
      baseline heart rate variability and incidence of hypotension in singleton
      parturients with a normal pre-pregnancy body mass index, presenting at term for
      elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Sixty-six parturients, of
      ASA physical status 1-2, were allocated to one of three groups according to their
      weight gain during pregnancy: < 11 kg; 11-16 kg; and > 16 kg. Mean (SD)
      approximate entropy of baseline heart rate was significantly higher in the < 11
      kg group (0.27 (0.11)) compared with the 11-16 kg group (0.14 (0.08)) and the >
      16 kg group (0.14 (0.07)) (both p < 0.001). The incidence of hypotension in the <
      11 kg group (17/22; 77%) was significantly higher than in the 11-16 kg group
      (7/22; 32%) (p = 0.006) and the > 16 kg group (8/22; 36%) (p = 0.01). We conclude
      that weight gain < 11 kg during pregnancy is associated with increased baseline
      heart rate variability and a higher incidence of hypotension at the time of
      elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

PMID- 22074027
TI  - The influence of double flask investing on tooth displacement in dentures
      processed by microwave irradiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of the bimaxillary flask (BMF) and
      two different investing materials on first molar inclination in dentures
      processed by microwave irradiation. BACKGROUND: The BMF may minimise tooth
      displacement, saving time and improving occlusion. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty
      pairs of dentures were randomised into four groups: stone wall in monomaxillary
      flask; silicone wall in BMF; stone wall in BMF; acrylic resin retentions and
      silicone in BMF. Dentures were processed by microwave irradiation. Two
      referential points were established on tooth surface. A microscope and a digital
      pachymeter were used to measure the distance between these points, and the angles
      alpha (right maxillary molar), beta (left maxillary molar), alpha' (right
      mandibular molar) and beta' (left mandibular molar) were calculated by the law of
      cosines. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis (5% significance). RESULTS: No
      difference was observed among the groups (p > 0.05). In the intra-group analysis,
      alpha was significantly different for groups I, II and III; alpha', for groups II
      and IV; beta, for all groups; beta', for groups III and IV. CONCLUSION: First
      molar inclination was similar for monomaxillary and BMFs. The use of stone or
      silicone as investing materials presented the same effect on tooth inclination.

PMID- 22074029
TI  - The effect of sterilisation on the plasticity of multi-use Eschmann gum elastic
      bougies: a bench and manikin study.
AB  - We investigated the deterioration in plasticity of the multi-use Portex Tracheal
      Guide ('bougie') with repeated sterilisation. Six bougies were prepared by
      washing them between 0 and 100 times (in accordance with the manufacturer's
      guidelines). Two tests were employed: a bench test in which rapid serial
      photographs were taken of the bougies uncoiling from a preformed curve; and a
      manikin-based test in which the six bougies were used in a simulated difficult
      airway. The bench test demonstrated a progressive deterioration in plasticity
      with repeated washing. However, the manikin-based test showed no significant
      difference between bougies in the incidence of oesophageal placement (p = 0.74).
      Time to placement differed significantly only between the two most-washed bougies
      but was broadly similar. We suggest therefore that the manufacturer's limit of
      five washings may be unnecessarily cautious.

PMID- 22074030
TI  - Treatment of cocaine overdose with lipid emulsion.
AB  - We describe the management and recovery of a 28-year-old man following a history
      of overdose by nasal inhalation of cocaine. The patient was presented in a
      comatose state suffering from seizures and marked cardiovascularly instability.
      Intravenous lipid emulsion was administered following initial resuscitation and
      tracheal intubation, as a means of treating persistent cardiac arrhythmias and
      profound hypotension. Following lipid emulsion therapy, the patient's life
      threatening cardiovascular parameters rapidly improved and he recovered well
      without any side effects, thus being discharged within 2 days.

PMID- 22074031
TI  - In vitro transactivation potencies of black-footed albatross (Phoebastria
      nigripes) AHR1 and AHR2 by dioxins to predict CYP1A expression in the wild
      population.
AB  - Our previous studies have detected high levels of dioxins and related compounds
      (DRCs) including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), furans (PCDFs), and
      coplanar PCBs (Co-PCBs) in the black-footed albatross (BFA), Phoebastria
      nigripes, from the North Pacific region. We have also cloned two aryl hydrocarbon
      receptors, AHR1 and AHR2, of the BFA. To evaluate the sensitivity to DRCs in the
      BFA and to assess the status of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) induction in the wild
      population, this study investigated the mRNA expression levels of BFA AHR1 and
      AHR2 and also the transactivation potencies of each AHR by 15 selected DRC
      congeners. Quantitative real-time PCR of BFA AHR mRNAs showed that hepatic AHR1
      is more highly expressed than AHR2. Transactivation by graded concentrations of
      individual DRCs was measured in COS-7 cells, where BFA AHR1 or AHR2 was
      transiently transfected. For congeners that exhibited AHR-mediated dose-dependent
      activities, 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p
      dioxin (TCDD) relative potencies (REPs) were estimated. Based on the estimates of
      the REPs, TCDD induction equivalency factors (IEFs) were determined. For BFA
      AHR1, PeCDF was equipotent to TCDD, but other congeners exhibited lower IEFs. For
      BFA AHR2, PCDD/F congeners except OCDD/F showed IEFs >= 1.0. Using BFA AHR1- or
      AHR2-IEFs and hepatic concentrations of DRCs in North Pacific BFAs, TCDD
      induction equivalents (IEQs) were calculated. We further constructed nonlinear
      regression models on the relationships between BFA AHR1- or AHR2-IEF derived
      total IEQ or WHO-TEF derived total TEQ and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity
      (EROD) in the liver of wild BFAs. The results indicated that the relationships of
      BFA AHR1- and AHR2-based IEQs and EROD were predictable from BFA AHR1- and AHR2
      mediated transactivation by TCDD, respectively. Collectively, these results
      suggest that the in vitro assay incorporating the AHR of species of concern would
      be a useful tool to predict the sensitivity to DRCs in the species and CYP1A
      induction in the wild population.

PMID- 22074032
TI  - Formation of a "hard microemulsion" and its role in controllable synthesis of
      nanoparticles within a functional polymer matrix.
AB  - Microemulsions are often used in the synthesis of nanoparticles in solution. In
      this work, we put forward the concept of a "hard microemulsion", which is based
      on the differential partitioning of water and ethanol solvent molecules inside
      functional polymer matrices. When the mixture of water and organic solvent enters
      the functional polymer, the liquid molecules should partition to different
      regions. Water should concentrate in the microdomains rich in hydrophilic
      functional groups, forming water-enriched cores, whereas organic solvents should
      localize near the alkyl polymer skeleton, forming organic liquid enriched outer
      layers. From a macroscopic view, the swollen polymer matrix is divided into
      numerous "microdroplets", resembling frozen water-in-oil microemulsions. We
      define such a structure as a "hard microemulsion". The water-enriched
      microdroplets may act as templates for synthesizing inorganic nanoparticles. We
      demonstrate the utility of hard microemulsions for the controllable synthesis of
      silver and platinum nanoparticles inside different macroreticular functional
      polymers.

PMID- 22074033
TI  - Association of the T45G and G276T polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene with
      PCOS: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Adiponectin is the most abundant adipocytokine in human body and may play a role
      in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To clarify the
      conflicting data in the literature concerning the association between PCOS and
      two polymorphisms of the adiponectin gene, T45G and G276T, a meta-analysis was
      performed in this study. Literature search was conducted through PubMed, EMBASE
      and other relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were estimated using fixed
      effects (FE) models in codominant, recessive and dominant models. Sensitive
      analysis was performed by excluding invalid studies. Eight articles investigated
      the T45G polymorphism in PCOS, and five publications are associated with the
      G276T polymorphism in PCOS. Significant associations of adiponectin T45G
      polymorphism with PCOS were found in codominant (FEM: OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12
      1.65), recessive (FEM: OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17-3.47) or dominant models (FEM: OR
      = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06-1.67). For adiponectin G276T polymorphism, the OR and 95% CI
      are 0.81(0.68, 0.98), 0.74(0.51, 1.09) and 0.78 (0.61, 0.99) in codominant,
      dominant and recessive models, respectively. This study provides positive
      evidence for a causal relationship between the adiponectin gene and PCOS which
      needs to be further confirmed by further studies.

PMID- 22074034
TI  - China's birth control action programme, 1956-1964.
AB  - Abstract   Drawing upon available information this article throws light on
      China's birth control action programme, focusing on (1) its organizational set
      up, (2) the modes of communication, persuasion and pressure employed, (3)
      products and services provided, and (4) strategies resorted to. The Chinese
      approach to the birth control campaign has been characterized by two distinct and
      related strategies: (1) 'tien hsien mien hou' strategy, and (2) 'mass campaign'
      strategy. According to the first strategy - literally 'point first space later' -
      the organized efforts are to be concentrated initially on the upper socio
      economic strata and major urban areas, then gradually extended to cover lower
      strata and lesser cities, and eventually expanded to encompass the entire rural
      areas. This strategy also means that at the regional level a pilot project should
      be undertaken first, and the experience subsequently employed to tackle a larger
      area. The 'mass campaign' strategy means conducting crash, intensive, extensive
      and intermittent publicity campaigns, involving all means of communication at the
      regime's disposal.

PMID- 22074035
TI  - Family, fertility, and sex ratios in the British Caribbean.
AB  - Abstract   This paper re-evaluates the currently held view that unstable forms of
      conjugal unions depress fertility in the British Caribbean. It is shown that
      previous investigators overlooked the important variable of persistent male
      shortages at the mating ages caused by heavy male emigration. Fertility trends
      are observed and the conclusion reached that male emigration (independent
      variable) has not adversely affected fertility because the 'informal' polygynous
      character of the mating system acts as an intermediate variable mitigating the
      effect of the independent variable on fertility. Given these male shortages it is
      argued that a trend toward greater stability in conjugal relations would not, as
      previously assumed, result in higher fertility because permanent female celibacy
      and the average age of first entry into sexual unions for females would rise.
      Finally, the paper concludes by commenting on a recent discussion concerning the
      causal relationship between male shortages and the persistence of marital
      instability in the British Caribbean. The position is taken that both of these
      conditions are caused by social and economic factors which are not likely to
      change in the near future.

PMID- 22074036
TI  - Net delay of next conception by contraception: A highly simplified case.
AB  - Abstract   A probability model, building on the work of Perrin and Sheps, is
      presented and applied. The model makes it possible to follow a cohort of women
      from a pregnancy outcome to next conception. Principal simplifying assumptions
      are homogeneity among women and constant fecundity. Cases treated include no
      contraception; a single contraceptive method practised; and a second
      contraceptive method practised following a first one. Expected durations to next
      conception may be calculated in relation to the following factors: outcome of
      previous pregnancy, length of anovulation, natural fecundability, time first
      contraceptive method is initiated, characteristics of first contraceptive
      (effectiveness and continuation rate), characteristics of second contraceptive,
      and gap between termination of first and commencing second contraceptive. By
      suitably pairing runs of the model, one can construct experiments in which the
      only differentiating factor is use and non-use of a specified contraceptive, and,
      by differencing the corresponding mean durations to next conception, compute the
      net delay of next conception produced by that contraceptive.

PMID- 22074037
TI  - Changing patterns of family growth: The value of linked vital records as a source
      of data.
AB  - Abstract   Marriage and birth registrations for the Canadian province of British
      Colombia have been 'linked' by computer into family groupings to provide
      reproductive histories of married couples. The usefulness of the approach is
      illustrated by a comparison of the early productivities of marriages contracted
      in 1961 and in 1951, taking into account the age of the bride, the duration of
      the marriage, and the religions of the groom, bride and officiating clergyman.
      Older Catholic brides are shown to run counter to the otherwise general trend
      towards increasing productivity in the early years of marriage.

PMID- 22074038
TI  - A study of Irish county marriage rates, 1961-1966.
AB  - Abstract   This article considers a group of models of Irish county marriage
      rates. Some of these models account for the major part of the inter-county
      variation in male and female marriage rates in terms of the influence of a
      limited number of socio-economic variables. The sex ratio of the unmarried
      population in the counties plays a key role in all of the models: the female
      marriage rate tends to be raised, and the male rate lowered, by a high ratio of
      males to females in the unmarried population. Male rates appear to increase under
      more favourable economic conditions, as measured by county income per person,
      while female rates appear to be lowered by increased female participation in the
      labour force. In addition to these separate influences on male and female rates,
      a recursive model in which there is a one-way influence from male to female
      rates, and a simultaneous-equation model, in which male and female rates are
      fully interdependent, were tested. The performance of the tested recursive model
      was particularly satisfactory.

PMID- 22074039
TI  - International migration of professionals.
AB  - Abstract   Using chiefly data published by the U.S. Immigration and
      Naturalization Service this paper presents a statistical summary of the trends in
      professional immigration into the United States.   The proportion of immigrants
      who are professionals has been steadily increasing during recent decades, and
      change in immigration laws produced a sharper increase since 1965. The second
      trend of importance is the increasing proportion of professional immigrants who
      come from the less developed nations of the world.   The effects of immigration
      on American science and medicine are discussed. Important benefits appear to have
      accrued to the U.S. The effects on the countries of origin are less beneficial.  
      Finally, the reasons behind the migration of professionals are discussed.

PMID- 22074040
TI  - On the relation between economic status and family size preferences when status
      differentials in contraceptive instrumentalities are eliminated.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper an attempt is made to formalize the essential elements
      of a theory of reproductive motivation outlined by Judith Blake in a recent
      article. On the basis of the results of that exercise, it is argued that the
      theory, as it stands now, is not specific enough to 'predict' whether the
      affluent would choose to have fewer children than the poor, if contraceptive
      instrumentalities were to be equalized among the economic strata. It is also
      argued that the negative (though weak) association between ideal family size and
      economic status and the non-negative association between desired number of
      children and economic status, observed in survey data, are both consistent with
      the basic premisses of the theory under reference.

PMID- 22074041
TI  - The incidence of spontaneous abortion.
AB  - Abstract   Published data are reviewed and it is concluded that about one
      fertilized ovum in three perishes before pregnancy is recognised. Of those
      surviving until pregnancy is recognized, one in four or five perish before term.
      So spontaneous loss accounts for about one fertilized ovum in two in a medically
      advanced society.

PMID- 22074042
TI  - Causes of fertility decline in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union II.
AB  - Abstract   The first part of this study (which appeared in the preceding issue of
      Population Studies) assessed the extent of the decline in fertility in the
      countries of the area during the last 10-15 years, and analyzed the purely
      demographic aspects ofthis phenomenon. Part II examines the socio-economic
      differentials in fertility, with regard to such variables as urban-rural
      residence, socio-occupational and employment status of women, educational
      attainment, income and housing conditions, and the consequent impact of
      structural changes in these characteristics of the population on observed
      fertility trends. The broad conclusion is that the fertility differentials
      usually found in western societies are also relevant to the socialist countries
      of eastern Europe, and that the dramatic falls in fertility in the 1950's and the
      1960's have largely been the outcome ofthe deep and rapid structural changes,
      particularly those associated with urbanization, educational attainment and the
      incidence of female employment.   The last part of the study is concerned with
      the impact on post-war fertility trends of social legislation and of general
      economic policies, particularly in the fields of employment and income. An
      appraisal of the extent of family planning is followed by a discussion of the
      recent pro-natalist measures introduced in most countries of the area and of
      their effectiveness.

PMID- 22074045
TI  - The FGF and FGFR Gene Family and Risk of Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate.
AB  - Background : Isolated, nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a
      common human congenital malformation with a complex and heterogeneous etiology.
      Genes coding for fibroblast growth factors and their receptors (FGF/FGFR genes)
      are excellent candidate genes. Methods : We tested single-nucleotide polymorphic
      markers in 10 FGF/FGFR genes (including FGFBP1, FGF2, FGF10, FGF18, FGFR1, FGFR2,
      FGF19, FGF4, FGF3, and FGF9) for genotypic effects, interactions with one
      another, and with common maternal environmental exposures in 221 Asian and 76
      Maryland case-parent trios ascertained through a child with isolated,
      nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Results : Both FGFR1 and
      FGF19 yielded evidence of linkage and association in the transmission
      disequilibrium test, confirming previous evidence. Haplotypes of three single
      nucleotide polymorphisms in FGFR1 were nominally significant among Asian trios.
      Estimated odds ratios for individual single-nucleotide polymorphic markers and
      haplotypes of multiple markers in FGF19 ranged from 1.31 to 1.87. We also found
      suggestive evidence of maternal genotypic effects for markers in FGF2 and FGF10
      among Asian trios. Tests for gene-environment (G * E) interaction between markers
      in FGFR2 and maternal smoking or multivitamin supplementation yielded significant
      evidence of G * E interaction separately. Tests of gene-gene (G * G) interaction
      using Cordell's method yielded significant evidence between single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms in FGF9 and FGF18, which was confirmed in an independent sample of
      trios from an international consortium. Conclusion : Our results suggest several
      genes in the FGF/FGFR family may influence risk for isolated, nonsyndromic cleft
      lip with or without cleft palate through distinct biological mechanisms.

PMID- 22074046
TI  - Perceptions and practices of pharmaceutical wholesalers surrounding counterfeit
      medicines in a developing country: a baseline survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent investigations by the Ministry of Health of Cambodia suggest
      that counterfeit medicines have been introduced into the pharmaceutical market in
      tampered packaging. To further explore this possibility, an interview survey was
      conducted at the wholesaler level to investigate the medicinal supply chain in
      Cambodia. METHODS: Managing executives of 62 (83.8%) registered wholesalers of
      modern medicines in Cambodia were interviewed in 2009 on their knowledge of,
      perception on, and practices related to counterfeiting issues through a semi
      structured questionnaire. RESULTS: According to our findings, 12.9% of the
      wholesalers had encountered counterfeit medicine. However, they demonstrated a
      variety of perceptions regarding this issue. A majority (59.7%) defined
      counterfeit medicines as medicines without registration, while other definitions
      included medicines that were fraudulently manufactured, medicines without a
      batch/lot number, those containing harmful ingredients or a reduced amount of
      active ingredients, and expired medicines. Additionally, 8.1% responded that they
      did not know what counterfeit medicines were.During procurement, 66.1% of the
      wholesalers consider whether the product is registered in Cambodia, while 64.5%
      consider the credibility and quality of the products and 61.3% consider the
      reputation of the manufacturers. When receiving a consignment, 80.6% of
      wholesalers check the intactness of medicines, 72.6% check the specification and
      amount of medicines, 71% check Cambodian registration, 56.5% check that the
      packaging is intact, 54.8% check batch and lot numbers, 48.4% check the dates of
      manufacture and expiration, and 9.7% check analytical certificates.Out of 62
      wholesalers, 14.5% had received medicines that arrived without packages or were
      separated from their packaging and had to be repacked before distribution.
      Significant statistical association was found between wholesalers who received
      medicines separately from their packs/containers and who consider their belief on
      reliability of pharmaceutical products of certain manufacturing country during
      procurement (Chi-square: 12.951, P = 0.002). When wholesalers divide medicines
      from larger packs into smaller ones, 54.8% use packaging purchased from local
      markets. CONCLUSION: A number of wholesalers think counterfeit medicines are
      medicines without registration, and/or do not have any uniform ideas on the issue
      and what to do, when they find or suspect counterfeits. Furthermore, their strict
      adherence to anti-counterfeiting measures is urgently needed.

PMID- 22074047
TI  - Secretome of the free-living mycelium from the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete
      Laccaria bicolor.
AB  - The ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Laccaria bicolor has a dual lifestyle with a
      transitory soil saprotrophic phase and a longer mutualistic interaction with tree
      roots. Recent evidence suggests that secreted proteins play key roles in host
      plant colonisation and symbiosis development. However, a limited number of
      secreted proteins have been characterized, and the full spectrum of effectors
      involved in the mycobiont invasion and survival remains unknown. We analyzed the
      extracellular proteins secreted in growth medium by free-living mycelium of L.
      bicolor as a proxy for its saprotrophic phase. The proteomic analyses (two
      dimensional electrophoresis and shotgun proteomics) were substantiated by whole
      genome expression transcript profiling on ectomycorrhizal roots. Among the 224
      proteins identified were carbohydrate-acting enzymes likely involved in the cell
      wall remodelling linked to hyphal growth as well as secreted proteases possibly
      digesting soil organic compounds and/or fending off competitors, pathogens, and
      predators. Evidence of gene expression was found in ectomycorrhizal roots for 210
      of them. These findings provide the first global view of the secretome of a
      mutualistic symbiont and shed some light on the mechanisms controlling cell wall
      remodelling during the hyphal growth. They also revealed many novel putative
      secreted proteins of unknown function, including one mycorrhiza-induced small
      secreted protein.

PMID- 22074048
TI  - Hepatitis B core IgM antibody (anti-HBcIgM) among hepatitis B surface antigen
      (HBsAg) negative blood donors in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfusion associated Hepatitis B virus (TAHBV) continues to be a
      major problem despite mandatory screening for Hepatitis B surface Antigen
      (HBsAg). Presence of HBsAg is the common method for detecting hepatitis B
      infection. Unfortunately, this marker is not detected during the window period of
      the infection. Nigeria being a developing country cannot afford DNA testing of
      all collected units of blood which serve as the only possibility of achieving
      zero risk of transfusion associated HBV. Five different serological makers of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were therefore assessed to evaluate the
      reliability of using HBsAg marker alone in diagnosis of HBV infection among blood
      donors and to detect the serological evidence of the infection at the window
      period. This will preclude the possibility of transmitting hepatitis B through
      transfusion of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative blood in Nigeria.
      METHODS: Between July and August 2009, 92 blood donors were enrolled for the
      study. The prevalence of 5 different markers of Hepatitis B virus infection was
      detected using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Demographic factors
      were assessed during the study. RESULTS: HBsAg and its antibody (anti-HBs) was
      detected in 18 (19.6%) and 14(15.2%) of the 92 blood donors respectively. Anti
      HBc IgM was found in 12(13.0%) of the 92 blood donors while Hepatitis B envelope
      antigen (HBeAg) and its antibody (anti-HBe) were detected in 4(8.9%) and
      12(26.7%) respectively from 45 donors sampled. HBeAg is a marker of high
      infectivity and appears after HBsAg. At least one serological marker was detected
      in 30(32.6%) of the blood donors. Five (5.4%) of the 92 donors had anti-HBc IgM
      as the only serological evidence of hepatitis B virus infection. CONCLUSIONS: The
      result of this study shows that five donors have anti-HBcIgM as the only
      serological evidence of HBV infection. Inclusion of anti-HBcIgM in routine
      screening of blood donors in Nigeria should be encouraged. This is the first
      study to assess anti-HBcIgM in the country.

PMID- 22074049
TI  - Recognition of physical deterioration in patients with mental health problems:
      the role of simulation in knowledge and skill development.
AB  - Recognition of physical deterioration in patients with mental health problems has
      been recognized as a significant problem. Areas of particular concern include
      rapid tranquilization, physical restraint, the consumption of alcohol and illicit
      drugs have the potential to result in sudden and catastrophic patient
      deterioration. Simulation sessions, using patient mannequins, are widely used to
      support the education of nurses but its use in mental health has been somewhat
      restricted. The aim of this study was to design and deliver simulation scenarios
      to develop the skills and knowledge of mental health nursing students in the
      recognition and management of physical deterioration. A series of three scenarios
      were developed and delivered to a group of final-year nursing students.
      Evaluation of the sessions was undertaken using analysis of video footage from
      the sessions and through two focus groups. The results show that simulation is a
      useful catalyst for discrepancy creation which in turn leads to the student
      focusing their future learning towards addressing any identified deficits in
      skills and knowledge identified. Authenticity of the simulation sessions also
      plays a role in ensuring student engagement and faculty support during sessions
      is vital to support the students in managing unfamiliar situations.

PMID- 22074050
TI  - The degradative inventory of the cell: proteomic insights.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Protein degradation has been identified as being deregulated in
      numerous human diseases. Hence, proteins involved in proteasomal as well as
      lysosomal degradation are regarded as interesting potential drug targets and are
      thoroughly investigated in clinical studies. RECENT ADVANCES: Technical advances
      in the field of quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics allow for
      detailed investigations of protein degradation dynamics and identifications of
      responsible protein-protein interaction networks enabling a systematic analysis
      of the degradative inventory of the cell and its underlying molecular mechanisms.
      CRITICAL ISSUES: In the current review we outline recent technical advances and
      their limitations in MS-based proteomics and discuss their use for the analysis
      of protein dynamics involved in degradation processes. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: In the
      next years the analysis of crosstalk between different posttranslational
      modifications (PTMs) will be a major focus of MS-based proteomics studies.
      Increasing evidence highlights the complexity of PTMs with positive and negative
      feedbacks being discovered. In this regard, the generation of absolute
      quantitative proteomic data will be essential for theoretical scientists to
      construct predictive network models that constitute a valuable tool for fast
      hypothesis testing and for explaining underlying molecular mechanisms.

PMID- 22074051
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22074053
TI  - Nasal resistance in Japanese elementary schoolchildren: determination of normal
      value.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Rhinomanometry is a useful method for evaluating nasal airway patency
      in schoolchildren, and we could confirm the validity of the results it produces.
      OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the validity nasal resistance measurements
      produced using anterior active rhinomanometry by comparing the results with those
      of our previous study and to determine a normal value of the nasal resistance.
      METHODS: Nasal resistance was measured by rhinomanometry in 852 children using
      the active anterior method. RESULTS: Mean nasal resistance was 0.45 +/- 0.70
      Pa/cm(3)/s. Nasal diseases were noted in 358 (42%) children, and nasal condition
      was normal (the normal group) in 494 (58%) children. Nasal resistance was 0.57 +/
      1.05 Pa/cm(3)/s in the nasal disease group and 0.35 +/- 0.16 Pa/cm(3)/s in the
      normal group, showing that resistance was significantly higher in the nasal
      disease group. In the normal nasal groups, nasal resistance tended to be lower in
      the children in higher grades (first grade, 0.44 +/- 0.17 Pa/cm(3)/s; second
      grade, 0.37 +/- 0.11 Pa/cm(3)/s; third grade, 0.36 +/- 0.23 Pa/cm(3)/s; fourth
      grade, 0.36 +/- 0.14 Pa/cm(3)/s; fifth grade, 0.30 +/- 0.08 Pa/cm(3)/s; sixth
      grade, 0.29 +/- 0.11 Pa/cm(3)/s), and taller groups (<120 cm, 0.43 +/- 0.16
      Pa/cm(3)/s; 120-130 cm, 0.37 +/- 0.19 Pa/cm(3)/s; 130-140 cm, 0.34 +/- 0.12
      Pa/cm(3)/s; >140 cm, 0.28 +/- 0.09 Pa/cm(3)/s). Results similar to those seen in
      our previous study were obtained in each group.

PMID- 22074054
TI  - Turn-on fluorescence in tetraphenylethylene-based metal-organic frameworks: an
      alternative to aggregation-induced emission.
AB  - Coordinative immobilization of functionalized tetraphenylethylene within rigid
      porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) turns on fluorescence in the typically non
      emissive tetraphenylethylene core. The matrix coordination-induced emission
      effect (MCIE) is complementary to aggregation-induced emission. Despite the large
      interchromophore distances imposed by coordination to metal ions, a carboxylate
      analogue of tetraphenylethylene anchored by Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) ions inside MOFs
      shows fluorescence lifetimes in line with those of close-packed molecular
      aggregates. Turn-on fluorescence by coordinative ligation in a porous matrix is a
      powerful approach that may lead to new materials made from chromophores with
      molecular rotors. The potential utility of MCIE toward building new sensing
      materials is demonstrated by tuning the fluorescence response of the porous MOFs
      as a function of adsorbed small analytes.

PMID- 22074055
TI  - Complex genetics controls natural variation among seed quality phenotypes in a
      recombinant inbred population of an interspecific cross between Solanum
      lycopersicum * Solanum pimpinellifolium.
AB  - Seed quality in tomato is associated with many complex physiological and genetic
      traits. While plant processes are frequently controlled by the action of small-
      to large-effect genes that follow classic Mendelian inheritance, our study
      suggests that seed quality is primarily quantitative and genetically complex.
      Using a recombinant inbred line population of Solanum lycopersicum * Solanum
      pimpinellifolium, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing seed
      quality phenotypes under non-stress, as well as salt, osmotic, cold, high
      temperature and oxidative stress conditions. In total, 42 seed quality traits
      were analysed and 120 QTLs were identified for germination traits under different
      conditions. Significant phenotypic correlations were observed between germination
      traits under optimal conditions, as well as under different stress conditions. In
      conclusion, one or more QTLs were identified for each trait with some of these
      QTLs co-locating. Co-location of QTLs for different traits can be an indication
      that a locus has pleiotropic effects on multiple traits due to a common
      mechanistic basis. However, several QTLs also dissected seed quality in its
      separate components, suggesting different physiological mechanisms and signalling
      pathways for different seed quality attributes.

PMID- 22074056
TI  - The prevalence of injection-site reactions with disease-modifying therapies and
      their effect on adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis: an observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon beta (IFNbeta) and glatiramer acetate (GA) are
      administered by subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injection. Patients with
      multiple sclerosis (MS) often report injection-site reactions (ISRs) as a reason
      for noncompliance or switching therapies. The aim of this study was to compare
      the proportion of patients on different formulations of IFNbeta or GA who
      experienced ISRs and who switched or discontinued therapy because of ISRs.
      METHODS: The Swiss MS Skin Project was an observational multicenter study.
      Patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome who were on the same therapy for
      at least 2 years were enrolled. A skin examination was conducted at the first
      study visit and 1 year later. RESULTS: The 412 patients enrolled were on 1 of 4
      disease-modifying therapies for at least 2 years: IM IFNbeta-1a (n = 82), SC
      IFNbeta-1b (n = 123), SC IFNbeta-1a (n = 184), or SC GA (n = 23). At first
      evaluation, ISRs were reported by fewer patients on IM IFNbeta-1a (13.4%) than on
      SC IFNbeta-1b (57.7%; P < 0.0001), SC IFNbeta-1a (67.9%; P < 0.0001), or SC GA
      (30.4%; P = not significant [NS]). No patient on IM IFNbeta-1a missed a dose in
      the previous 4 weeks because of ISRs, compared with 5.7% of patients on SC
      IFNbeta-1b (P = 0.044), 7.1% of patients on SC IFNbeta-1a (P = 0.011), and 4.3%
      of patients on SC GA (P = NS). Primary reasons for discontinuing or switching
      therapy were ISRs or lack of efficacy. Similar patterns were observed at 1 year.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients on IM IFNbeta-1a had fewer ISRs and were less likely to
      switch therapies than patients on other therapies. This study may have
      implications in selecting initial therapy or, for patients considering switching
      or discontinuing therapy because of ISRs, selecting an alternative option.

PMID- 22074057
TI  - Influenza viruses in Thailand: 7 years of sentinel surveillance data, 2004-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The re-emergence of avian influenza A (H5N1) in 2004 and the pandemic
      of influenza A (H1N1) in 2009 highlight the need for routine surveillance systems
      to monitor influenza viruses, particularly in Southeast Asia where H5N1 is
      endemic in poultry. In 2004, the Thai National Institute of Health, in
      collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
      established influenza sentinel surveillance throughout Thailand. OBJECTIVES: To
      review routine epidemiologic and virologic surveillance for influenza viruses for
      public health action. METHODS: Throat swabs from persons with influenza-like
      illness and severe acute respiratory illness were collected at 11 sentinel sites
      during 2004-2010. Influenza viruses were identified using the standard protocol
      for polymerase chain reaction. Viruses were cultured and identified by
      immunofluorescence assay; strains were identified by hemagglutination inhibition
      assay. Data were analyzed to describe frequency, seasonality, and distribution of
      circulating strains. RESULTS: Of the 19,457 throat swabs, 3967 (20%) were
      positive for influenza viruses: 2663 (67%) were influenza A and able to be
      subtyped [21% H1N1, 25% H3N2, 21% pandemic (pdm) H1N1] and 1304 (33%) were
      influenza B. During 2009-2010, the surveillance system detected three waves of
      pdm H1N1. Influenza annually presents two peaks, a major peak during the rainy
      season (June-August) and a minor peak in winter (October-February). CONCLUSIONS:
      These data suggest that March-April may be the most appropriate months for
      seasonal influenza vaccination in Thailand. This system provides a robust profile
      of the epidemiology of influenza viruses in Thailand and has proven useful for
      public health planning.

PMID- 22074058
TI  - Dissecting T-cell activation with high-resolution live-cell microscopy.
AB  - Results from live-cell microscopy suggest that the behaviour of isolated
      components of the T-cell activation machinery in vitro does not represent the
      reality inside cells. Understanding the cellular-scale dynamics of microcluster
      migration can only be accomplished by in situ observation. Developments in 'super
      resolution' microscopy have permitted investigators to move beyond tracking the
      movements of individual molecules, allowing the recognition of protein islands
      and nanodomains present in quiescent and active T cells. Many high-resolution
      techniques have their own susceptibilities to artefacts, so it is important to
      take a multifaceted approach to confirm results. A major challenge for the future
      will be to integrate all the new information into a coherent model of antigen
      recognition and T-cell activation.

PMID- 22074060
TI  - Nurses attitudes towards the importance of families in psychiatric care following
      an educational and training intervention program.
AB  - This study measures the attitudes of the psychiatric nurses, after having
      received an education and training intervention program (ETI-PROGRAM) in family
      systems nursing, towards the importance of the families in their care. Nurses'
      knowledge of the impact that family nursing intervention can have on family
      members may increase positive attitudes towards families. However, little is
      known about the impact that education and training intervention can have on
      nurses' attitudes, towards families in clinical practice. Quasi-experimental
      design was used to assess the change in nurses' attitudes towards families in
      psychiatric care after the intervention, which included a one-day seminar on the
      Calgary family nursing conceptual frameworks and skills training with clinical
      vignettes of families from psychiatry. The Families Importance in Nursing Care -
      Nurses' Attitude questionnaire was used to evaluate nurses' attitudes. A total of
      81 nurses (65%) working in psychiatric care responded to the questionnaire.
      Nurses with more than 15 years of work experience were significantly more
      supportive of families in their care compared with less experienced nurses. Out
      of the 81 nurses, 52 (64%) answered the questionnaire again 14 months later.
      Furthermore, psychiatric nurses saw families significantly less burdensome after
      having participated in the ETI-PROGRAM.

PMID- 22074059
TI  - Randomized pilot study of cabergoline, a dopamine receptor agonist: effects on
      body weight and glucose tolerance in obese adults.
AB  - AIM: Dopaminergic hypofunction and hyperprolactinaemia have been implicated in
      the pathogenesis of obesity and glucose intolerance. The aim of this pilot study
      was to determine the efficacy of cabergoline, a dopamine receptor agonist, on
      body weight and glucose tolerance in obese non-diabetic persons with normal
      plasma prolactin levels. METHODS: This 16-week double blind, placebo-controlled
      pilot study randomized non-diabetic obese adults (body mass index 30-42 kg/m(2) )
      to placebo or cabergoline (0.25 mg twice weekly for 4 weeks followed by 0.5 mg
      twice weekly for the next 12 weeks). Of 40 subjects enrolled, 29 completed 16
      weeks: 16 randomized to placebo and 13 to cabergoline. All subjects were
      counselled on a 500 kcal/day calorie deficit diet. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance
      test was performed at baseline and at 16 weeks. RESULTS: As expected, prolactin
      levels decreased after cabergoline (p < 0.001). Weight loss was similar after
      placebo compared with cabergoline treatment: 1.0 vs. 1.2% body weight,
      respectively. Fasting glucose levels did not differ between groups after
      treatment, however, 90-min postprandial glucose and insulin decreased in the
      cabergoline group only (p = 0.029). HOMA-IR (homeostasis model of assessment)
      increased by 40% after placebo and 1.5% after cabergoline treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      This pilot study suggests that cabergoline therapy may improve glucose tolerance
      independent of weight loss, however, a larger, longer term study of dopamine
      receptor agonist therapy in obese individuals is warranted to confirm this
      finding.

PMID- 22074061
TI  - 'I can't relate it to teeth': a qualitative approach to evaluate oral health
      education materials for preschool children in New South Wales, Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early Childhood Caries is a significant public health issue
      worldwide. Although much is known about the aetiology of dental caries, there is
      limited evidence on the understanding of caregivers on readily available early
      childhood oral health education materials. AIM: The purpose of this study was to
      record how parents cope with dental health education materials for preschool
      children commonly available in New South Wales, Australia. DESIGN: This
      qualitative study was nested within a large cohort study in South Western Sydney.
      English-speaking mothers (n = 24) with young children were approached for a face
      to-face, semi-structured interview at their homes. Two dental leaflets designed
      by NSW Health to give advice on monitoring young children's oral health were sent
      to mothers prior to the interview. Interviews were recorded and subsequently
      transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by interview debriefing and a
      thematic coding. RESULTS: Mothers generally reported that the leaflets were easy
      to read but noted that the information pertaining to bottle feeding was
      confusing. Furthermore, they were unable to understand terms such as 'fluoride'
      and 'fissure sealants'. Early childhood nutrition and infant teething were
      inadequately addressed, and mothers preferred pictorial presentations to improve
      their understanding of oral health. CONCLUSIONS: Producers of health education
      leaflets should keep the messages simple and straightforward, avoid the use of
      medical jargon, and use pictorial aids to improve communication with parents.

PMID- 22074062
TI  - Brain activity during the Clock-Drawing Test: multichannel near-infrared
      spectroscopy study.
AB  - The Clock-Drawing Test (CDT) is widely used in clinical practice for the
      screening of dementia. However, neural activity during real clock drawing has not
      been investigated due to motion artifacts. In the present study, we examined
      brain activity during real clock drawing using multichannel near-infrared
      spectroscopy (NIRS). We measured hemoglobin concentration changes in the
      prefrontal and temporal surface areas during clock drawing using 52-channel NIRS.
      Data obtained from 37 right-handed healthy volunteers were analyzed. We found
      significant increases in oxy-Hb in more than 96.2% of the channels (false
      discovery rate corrected, p < .025). The time required for CDT performance showed
      a negative correlation with changes in oxy-Hb in the prefrontal region (r = 
      .529, p = .002). The mean value for oxy-Hb changes was higher in the left
      hemisphere in 20 subjects (54%) and in the right hemisphere in 17 subjects (46%).
      The NIRS/CDT combination is acceptable as a clinical tool, as the method has the
      advantages of direct measurement of cortical activation with high temporal
      resolution. Our results confirm the aspects of the CDT involving the frontal-lobe
      battery.

PMID- 22074063
TI  - Differential diagnosis of depression and Alzheimer's disease using the Cattell
      Horn-Carroll theory.
AB  - Clinical differentiation between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and depression is often
      difficult due to symptom overlap and similar clinical presentation. Concise and
      accurate diagnostic tests have been of interest for many years. Furthermore, with
      the continued growth of the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory, there has been an
      emergence of measures such as the Woodcock-Johnson-III Tests of Cognitive
      Abilities (WJ-III COG), which are being more commonly used in clinical practice
      yet have not been fully evaluated in terms of their efficacy in various domains
      of clinical practice. This study investigated the predictive and diagnostic
      properties of the WJ-III COG as a CHC-based test in differentiating between AD
      and depression in the elderly population. A discriminative function used in the
      study was able to correctly classify 89.02% of cases using six areas of the CHC
      framework. The variables that had the highest predictive weights were: long-term
      retrieval, fluid reasoning, processing speed, and working memory. The main
      implication is that a theory-based approach is crucial in the support of
      differential diagnosis and in decreasing the length of assessment for elderly
      populations.

PMID- 22074064
TI  - Rehearsal significantly improves immediate and delayed recall on the Rey Auditory
      Verbal Learning Test.
AB  - A repeated observation during memory assessment with the Rey Auditory Verbal
      Learning Test (RAVLT) is that patients who spontaneously employ a memory
      rehearsal strategy by repeating the word list more than once achieve better
      scores than patients who only repeat the word list once. This observation led to
      concern about the ability of the standard test procedure of RAVLT and similar
      tests in eliciting the best possible recall scores. The purpose of the present
      study was to test the hypothesis that a rehearsal recall strategy of repeating
      the word list more than once would result in improved scores of recall on the
      RAVLT. We report on differences in outcome after standard administration and
      after experimental administration on Immediate and Delayed Recall measures from
      the RAVLT of 50 patients. The experimental administration resulted in
      significantly improved scores for all the variables employed. Additionally, it
      was found that patients who failed effort screening showed significantly poorer
      improvement on Delayed Recall compared with those who passed the effort
      screening. The general clear improvement both in raw scores and T-scores
      demonstrates that recall performance can be significantly influenced by the
      strategy of the patient or by small variations in instructions by the examiner.

PMID- 22074065
TI  - Characteristic of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease: a 1-year follow-up.
AB  - The aim of this study was to track the evolution of cognitive decline in
      Parkinson's disease (PD) patients 1 year after baseline testing. Thirty-three PD
      patients, divided according to three previously determined subgroups based on
      their initial cognitive performance, and a healthy comparison group were
      reassessed after a 1-year interval. Participants were assessed in the following
      five domains: Executive Function, Problem Solving, Working Memory/Attention,
      Memory, and Visuospatial Ability. The PD groups differed on the domains of
      Executive Function, Problem Solving, and Working Memory, with the most severe
      deficits being evident for the group that had previously shown the greatest level
      of impairment. Increased cognitive problems were also associated with decreased
      functioning in activities of daily living. The most severely impaired group had
      evidence of global cognitive decline, possibly reflecting a stage of preclinical
      dementia.

PMID- 22074066
TI  - An investigation of impaired scores on the frontal assessment battery in a VA
      population.
AB  - In a population of inpatients, individuals were observed to continually score in
      the impaired range on the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) without exhibiting
      other signs of frontal-lobe damage. Investigations were undertaken to determine
      if the subtest structure, demographic factors, or general cognitive functioning
      may be responsible for patients' poor performance on the FAB overall.
      Participants were inpatients at the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital who were
      administered a standard neuropsychological screening battery. This battery
      included the FAB, among other tests, as part of regular clinical care. Included
      in these study analyses were 292 patients with a mean age of 67.27 years (SD =
      12.41). Descriptive analyses revealed that 63.7% of patients scored in the
      impaired range on the FAB based on the criteria set forth by Dubois, Slachevsky,
      and Litvan ( 2000 ). Analyses of individual subtest performance failed to find
      any single test that would characterize participants' poor performance overall.
      Nonetheless, the total FAB score was related to age, general cognitive
      functioning, and premorbid estimates of intellectual functioning. The internal
      reliability also was found to be lower than that reported previously. While the
      FAB may measure frontal-lobe functions, it appears to be influenced by a
      multitude of other demographic and neuropsychological factors.

PMID- 22074067
TI  - Sensitivity of the test of memory malingering and the Nonverbal Medical Symptom
      Validity Test: a replication study.
AB  - The current investigation sought to replicate and extend the findings of Green (
      in press ), which demonstrated superior sensitivity of the Nonverbal Medical
      Symptom Validity Test (NV-MSVT) relative to the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM)
      in the detection of suboptimal effort during neuropsychological assessment.
      Nearly twice as many examinees failed the NV-MSVT than the TOMM. Profile analyses
      of the NV-MSVT demonstrated patterns suggestive of inconsistent effort in those
      who failed the NV-MSVT but passed the TOMM. A classification analysis employing
      the Word Memory Test and Medical Symptom Validity Test as external criteria for
      poor effort showed that the NV-MSVT is substantially more sensitive to poor
      effort than the TOMM and maintains an acceptable false-positive rate. Overall,
      results closely matched those of the Green ( in press ) study and extend the
      evidence that the NV-MSVT possesses better sensitivity to poor effort than the
      TOMM.

PMID- 22074068
TI  - Validation of WAIS-III four-subtest short forms in patients with traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - In an effort to identify four-subtest Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third
      Edition (WAIS-III) short forms valid for estimating Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) among
      individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), seven tetrad versions of the WAIS
      III were evaluated in a convenience sample of patients referred for
      neuropsychological assessment (n = 176). Estimated FSIQ scores were compared to
      actual FSIQ scores via correlation analyses, repeated-measures analyses of
      variance (ANOVAs), and frequency analyses. All short form-estimated FSIQ scores
      correlated highly with actual scores (all rs > .91, ps < .001). Repeated-measures
      ANOVAs identified no significant differences between actual and short form
      estimated FSIQ scores for two of the seven short forms. These same two short
      forms had the highest percentage of scores within +/-5 points of actual FSIQ
      scores (75.6% and 71.6%). Thus, two tetrad versions were consistently superior to
      others in accuracy of estimating FSIQ; these may be helpful when time constraints
      or other issues necessitate use of an abbreviated battery for estimating FSIQ
      among individuals with TBI.

PMID- 22074069
TI  - Demographic and injury-related moderators of memory and achievement outcome in
      pediatric TBI.
AB  - Critical factors affecting traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcome in children and
      adolescents are explored with an emphasis on an examination of age at injury as a
      predictor of memory functioning. Age at injury and other injury-related and
      demographic predictors (i.e., severity, time postinjury, gender, and
      socioeconomic status [SES]) of memory and achievement outcome were examined in 65
      children and adolescents post-TBI compared to 65 age-matched noninjured controls.
      Although robust findings have been found for age at injury as a general predictor
      of outcome, age was not found to be a significant predictor of memory functioning
      following pediatric TBI. Structural equation modeling suggests that the most
      parsimonious model of post-TBI outcome contains two causally related latent
      variables: one defined by gender, SES, injury severity, and age at injury, and
      one defined by general cognitive functioning.

PMID- 22074072
TI  - Guest editors' commentary: 'State of the art' in airway management in 2011.

PMID- 22074073
TI  - Airway research: the current status and future directions.
AB  - We highlight the areas we think important for future development of the
      subspeciality. The ultimate goal is to improve patient care and safety and to do
      this, we need to identify how and where episodes of harm arise. Simply continuing
      with current practice does not represent the best path towards our ultimate goal;
      objective evidence is needed to inform changes in practice.

PMID- 22074074
TI  - Simulating hypoxia and modelling the airway.
AB  - Apnoea due to airway obstruction is an ever present concern in anaesthesia and
      critical care practice and results in rapid development of hypoxaemia that is not
      always remediable by manual bag-mask ventilation. As it is often difficult or
      impossible to study experimentally (although some historical animal data exist),
      it is useful to model the kinetics of hypoxaemia following airway obstruction.
      Despite being a complex event, the consequences of airway obstruction can be
      predicted with reasonable fidelity using mathematical and computer modelling.
      Over the last 15 years, a number of high fidelity mathematical and computer
      models have been developed, that have thrown light on this important event.

PMID- 22074075
TI  - Hypoxia: developments in basic science, physiology and clinical studies.
AB  - Airway management is primarily designed to avoid hypoxia, yet hypoxia remains the
      main ultimate cause of anaesthetic-related death and morbidity. Understanding
      some of the physiology of hypoxia is therefore essential as part of a 'holistic'
      approach to airway management. Furthermore, it is strategically important that
      national specialist societies dedicated to airway management do not only focus
      upon the technical aspects of airway management, but also embrace some of the
      relevant scientific questions. There has been a great deal of research into
      causation of hypoxia and the body's natural protective mechanisms and responses
      to it. This enables us to think of ways in which we might manipulate the cellular
      and molecular responses to confer greater protection against hypoxia-induced
      tissue injury. This article reviews some of those aspects.

PMID- 22074076
TI  - Can we make airway management (even) safer?--lessons from national audit.
AB  - The Fourth National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the
      Difficult Airway Society (NAP4) has published an extensive report examining both
      current practices in the United Kingdom regarding airway management during
      anaesthesia and the complications of airway management during anaesthesia and in
      intensive care units and emergency departments. The report makes more than 160
      recommendations designed to improve care of patients. These recommendations have
      implications for individuals, departments, organisations and potentially for
      national policy in terms of training, standards of practice and the need for
      guidelines. The report also indicates several specific areas where future
      research might be directed. This article focuses on the implementation phase of
      NAP4, emphasising the importance of taking the lessons derived from NAP4 and
      turning them into actions to improve the safety of airway care delivered to
      patients, wherever in hospital this takes place.

PMID- 22074077
TI  - The history of anaesthetic equipment evaluation in the United Kingdom: lessons
      for developing future strategy.
AB  - Recent guidance published by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain
      and Ireland encourages the purchase of equipment based on evidence of safety and
      performance. For many years, evidence of the safety and performance of
      anaesthetic equipment was published by various government departments and
      agencies. However, these schemes were gradually eroded over time such that many
      devices entered the market with little or no clinical evidence of their efficacy.
      This recently led to the Difficult Airway Society's issuing guidance to its
      members on how best to select new airway devices; guidance that was based on the
      available evidence. This article provides a short history of the evaluation of
      anaesthetic equipment in the United Kingdom.

PMID- 22074078
TI  - Difficult mask ventilation: does it matter?
AB  - We discuss the relevance of finding a patient's lungs difficult to ventilate by
      facemask during the course of anaesthetic induction. In particular, we discuss
      the issue of whether it is advisable or unnecessary to check the ability to
      ventilate by facemask before administering a neuromuscular blocking agent. In the
      light of advances in supraglottic airway technology it has become possible to
      insert these devices very soon after induction and in a wider variety of
      patients. Similarly, the development of videolaryngoscopes and rapidly acting
      drugs such as rocuronium have raised the possibility of earlier, and possibly
      more successful, tracheal intubation, with the potential result that mask
      ventilation becomes redundant. However, we conclude by reaffirming its value in
      airway management strategies.

PMID- 22074079
TI  - Supraglottic airways in difficult airway management: successes, failures, use and
      misuse.
AB  - Supraglottic airway devices (SAD) play an important role in the management of
      patients with difficult airways. Unlike other alternatives to standard tracheal
      intubation, e.g. videolaryngoscopy or intubation stylets, they enable ventilation
      even in patients with difficult facemask ventilation and simultaneous use as a
      conduit for tracheal intubation. Insertion is usually atraumatic, their use is
      familiar from elective anaesthesia, and compared with tracheal intubation is
      easier to learn for users with limited experienced in airway management. Use of
      SADs during difficult airway management is widely recommended in many guidelines
      for the operating room and in the pre-hospital setting. Despite numerous studies
      comparing different SADs in manikins, there are few randomised controlled trials
      comparing different SADs in patients with difficult airways. Therefore, most
      safety data come from extended use rather than high quality evidence and claims
      of efficacy and particularly safety must be interpreted cautiously.

PMID- 22074080
TI  - Evidence for benefit vs novelty in new intubation equipment.
AB  - A myriad of new intubation equipment has been introduced commercially since the
      appearance of Macintosh/Miller blades in the 1940s. We review the role of devices
      that are relevant to current clinical practice based on their presence in the
      scientific literature. The comparative performance of new vs traditional direct
      laryngoscopes, their complications, their use in awake intubation techniques and
      the prediction of unsuccessful intubation with new devices are reviewed. Manikin
      studies are of limited value in this area. We conclude that in both predicted and
      unpredicted difficult or failed intubation, carefully selected new intubation
      equipment has a high success rate for tracheal intubation. Ideally, such devices
      should be available in all settings where tracheal intubation is performed. Most
      importantly, experience and competence with any of the new devices are critical
      for their successful use in any clinical setting.

PMID- 22074081
TI  - Equipment and strategies for emergency tracheal access in the adult patient.
AB  - The inability to maintain oxygenation by non-invasive means is one of the most
      pressing emergencies in anaesthesia and emergency care. To prevent hypoxic brain
      damage and death in a 'cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate' situation, emergency
      percutaneous airway access must be performed immediately. Even though this
      emergency is rare, every anaesthetist should be capable of performing an
      emergency percutaneous airway as the situation may arise unexpectedly. Clear
      knowledge of the anatomy and the insertion technique, and repeated skill training
      are essential to ensure completion of this procedure rapidly and successfully.
      Various techniques have been described for emergency oxygenation and several
      commercial emergency cricothyroidotomy sets are available. There is, however, no
      consensus on the best technique or device. As each has its limitations, it is
      recommended that all anaesthetists are skilled in more than one technique of
      emergency percutaneous airway. Avoiding delay in initiating rescue techniques is
      at least as important as choice of device in determining outcome.

PMID- 22074082
TI  - Airway challenges in critical care.
AB  - Airway management in the intensive care unit is more problematic than during
      anaesthesia. In general, critically ill patients have less physiological reserve
      and complications are more common, both during the initial airway intervention
      (which includes risks associated with induction of anaesthesia), and later once
      the airway has been secured. Despite these known risks, those managing the airway
      of a critically ill patient, particularly out of hours, may be relatively
      inexperienced. Solutions to these challenging airway problems include:
      recognition of those patients with a potential airway problem; implementation of
      a plan to deal with their airway; immediate availability of a difficult airway
      trolley; use of capnography for every airway intervention and continuously in all
      ventilator-dependent patients; and appropriate training of all intensive care
      unit staff including use of simulation.

PMID- 22074083
TI  - Progress in management of the obstructed airway.
AB  - There is no consensus as to the ideal approach for the anaesthetic management of
      the adult obstructed airway and there are advocates of awake fibreoptic
      intubation, inhalational induction and intravenous induction techniques. This
      review considers the different options available for obstruction at different
      anatomical levels. Decisions must also be made on the urgency of the required
      intervention. Particular controversies revolve around the role of inhalational vs
      intravenous induction of anaesthesia, the use or avoidance of neuromuscular
      blockade and the employment of cannula cricothyroidotomy vs surgical
      tracheostomy.

PMID- 22074084
TI  - Education in airway management.
AB  - In airway management, poor judgment, education and training are leading causes of
      patient morbidity and mortality. The traditional model of medical education,
      which relies on experiential learning in the clinical environment, is
      inconsistent and often inadequate. Curriculum change is underway in many medical
      organisations in an effort to correct these problems, and airway management is
      likely to be explicitly addressed as a clinical fundamental within any new
      anaesthetic curriculum. Competency-based medical education with regular
      assessment of clinical ability is likely to be introduced for all anaesthetists
      engaged in airway management. Essential clinical competencies need to be defined
      and improvements in training techniques can be expected based on medical
      education research. Practitioners need to understand their equipment and
      diversify their airway skills to cope with a variety of clinical presentations.
      Expertise stems from deliberate practice and a desire constantly to improve
      performance with a career-long commitment to education.

PMID- 22074085
TI  - An evidence-based approach to airway management: is there a role for clinical
      practice guidelines?
AB  - Complications arising out of airway management represent an important cause of
      anaesthesia-associated morbidity and mortality. Anaesthetic practice itself can
      lead to preventable harm, a particular example being persistent attempts at
      direct laryngoscopy, that results in delay in employing alternative strategies
      (or devices) when intubation is difficult. When patients are injured, expert
      review is called upon and often concludes that airway management provided by the
      anaesthetists was substandard. Many training programmes do not offer their
      trainees structured or organised teaching in airway management and many trainees
      probably enter practice with limited skills to deal with difficult airways. The
      literature on the management of the difficult airway in anaesthesia practice
      (especially as it relates to new technology and salvage strategies) is expanding
      rapidly. New technologies and practised response algorithms may be helpful in the
      management of the difficult airway, reducing the potential for adverse patient
      outcomes. Specialist societies and national interest groups can play an important
      role by critically reviewing and then applying the evidence base to generate
      clinical practice guidelines. The recommendations contained in such guidelines
      should be based on the most current evidence and they should be reviewed
      regularly for their content and continued relevance.

PMID- 22074086
TI  - Surgical treatment of infective valve endocarditis in children with congenital
      heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study assesses surgical procedures, operative outcome, and early
      and intermediate-term results of infective valve endocarditis in children with
      congenital heart disease. METHODS: Seven consecutive children (five females, two
      males; mean age, 10.8 years) who underwent surgery for infective valve
      endocarditis between 2006 and 2010 were included in the study. The aortic and
      mitral valves were affected in two and tricuspid in five patients. Indications
      for operation included cardiac failure due to atrioventricular septal rupture,
      severe tricuspid valve insufficiency, and septic embolization in one, moderate
      valvular dysfunction with vegetations in three (two tricuspid, one mitral), and
      severe valvular dysfunction with vegetations in the other three patients (two
      tricuspid, one mitral). The pathological microorganism was identified in five
      patients. Tricuspid valve repair was performed with ventricular septal defect
      (VSD) closure in five patients. Two patients required mitral valve repair
      including one with additional aortic valve replacement. RESULTS: There were no
      operative deaths. Actuarial freedom from recurrent infection at one and three
      years was 100%. Early echocardiographic follow-up showed four patients to have
      mild atrioventricular valve regurgitation (three tricuspid and one mitral) and
      three had no valvular regurgitation. No leakage from the VSD closure or any
      valvular stenosis was detected postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral and tricuspid
      valve repairs can be performed with low morbidity/mortality rates and
      satisfactory intermediate-term results in children with infective valve
      endocarditis.

PMID- 22074087
TI  - Evaluating remedial alternatives for an acid mine drainage stream: a model post
      audit.
AB  - A post audit for a reactive transport model used to evaluate acid mine drainage
      treatment systems is presented herein. The post audit is based on a paired
      synoptic approach in which hydrogeochemical data are collected at low (existing
      conditions) and elevated (following treatment) pH. Data obtained under existing,
      low-pH conditions are used for calibration, and the resultant model is used to
      predict metal concentrations observed following treatment. Predictions for Al,
      As, Fe, H(+), and Pb accurately reproduce the observed reduction in dissolved
      concentrations afforded by the treatment system, and the information provided in
      regard to standard attainment is also accurate (predictions correctly indicate
      attainment or nonattainment of water quality standards for 19 of 25 cases).
      Errors associated with Cd, Cu, and Zn are attributed to misspecification of
      sorbent mass (precipitated Fe). In addition to these specific results, the post
      audit provides insight in regard to calibration and sensitivity analysis that is
      contrary to conventional wisdom. Steps taken during the calibration process to
      improve simulations of As sorption were ultimately detrimental to the predictive
      results, for example, and the sensitivity analysis failed to bracket observed
      metal concentrations.

PMID- 22074088
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22074090
TI  - Marital moratorium and fertility control in China.
AB  - Abstract   Since 1949, the issue of marital postponement has been extensively
      discussed in China. Unlike some other means of fertility control (e.g. abortion
      and oral contraception), marital postponement has been welcomed with the fewest
      misgivings. Lately, marital postponement has also been given renewed emphasis by
      those outside China who see a weak link between various current national family
      planning programmes based on improved technology and the goal of fertility
      reduction. One aim of this paper is to render a comprehensive account of the
      marital postponement programme in China in the course of the birth control
      campaign during the last two decades. The second objective is to discuss the
      lessons that may be learned from it, and its implications for the current
      fertility controversy in the United States. Four general conclusions emerge from
      a careful analysis of the available documents: (1) in China, proponents of
      delayed marriage were divided on the question of how to secure its general
      acceptance. One issue dividing them was whether or not China's Marriage Law of
      1950 should be amended in order to achieve it. Those who favoured raising the
      minimum legal age disagreed on the details of the presumably needed change. There
      is enough evidence to suggest that medical personnel were the chief advocates of
      compulsory postponement of marriage. The government rejected this legalistic
      approach and, in so doing, agreed with Chen Ta (a noted demographer) and others
      who sought to achieve postponement of marriage through appropriate social and
      economic measures. (2) Decisions to delay matrimony in different socio-cultural
      settings are not necessarily identical sociological phenomena. In some societies,
      (e.g. the United States), they may amount to no more than a course of action that
      enables individuals involved to realize or develop alternate goals in life. In
      others (e.g. China), they are literally acts of rebellion. (3) The fertility
      policy dispute has been carried on in a context of revolutionary change, and
      involved persons who have committed themselves to transforming the Chinese
      family. This prior commitment was mainly responsible for the relative lack of
      controversy about marital postponement as a means of fertility control. (4) Use
      of contraception is private, hidden from open view. But postponement of marriage
      is public and may be a source of inter-generational and interpersonal conflict.
      In China and other parallel situations, a decision to delay marriage is in itself
      against tradition. In this sense, a full-scale marital moratorium cannot but be
      more than a partial assault on the hold that the family has over its offspring.
      This must be unequivocally reflected in discussions of fertility control policy
      everywhere.

PMID- 22074091
TI  - Religious fertility differentials in Thailand, 1960.
AB  - Abstract   Although the evidence supporting high fertility in Thailand is clear
      cut, little is known about fertility differentials within the population. As part
      of a larger investigation, a special 1 % tabulation of the 1960 Thai census data
      on number of children ever-born to married women has been analysed to determine
      the extent of differentials by religion and urban-rural status.   The findings
      point to considerable differentials among Buddhists, Moslems, and Confucianists.
      Standardizing for age, the number of children ever-born to 12/loslems averaged
      well below the number born to Buddhists. Confucian fertility was intermediate.
      Within specific age groups, the number of children ever-born to Moslem women was
      considerably below the Buddhist average and the differentials were sharper in the
      higher age groups. By contrast, Confucian fertility was highest of all in the age
      groups under 35, but lower than the Buddhist averages among older women.
      Significant urban-rural differentials also exist. For both the Buddhist and the
      Confucian women, fertility is markedly lower in urban than in rural categories.
      When controlling for both age and urban-rural status, Buddhist and Confucian
      differences tend to be minimal. By contrast, Moslem fertility was highest in the
      most urban category - Bangkok - but was considerably lower and substantially
      below the fertility levels of Buddhists and Confucianists in all other urban
      rural categories.   The census data in themselves do not permit adequate analysis
      of the reasons for the differentials. Later age at marriage in urban places may
      be a significant factor in accounting for the overall differentials in urban
      rural fertility ; but this relation is much less clear for specific religious
      groups, particularly since Moslems marry at a considerably earlier age. More
      frequent divorce and remarriage may lower Moslem rates. Poorer health may also be
      a factor.

PMID- 22074092
TI  - Family planning in Taiwan, Republic of China: Progress and prospects.
AB  - Abstract   The family planning programme in Taiwan is considered to have been
      most successful and has been systematically evaluated. In the light of some
      expressed scepticism, however, its impact on fertility will have to be carefully
      reviewed.   The present article discusses six specific problems : How many women
      have accepted the Lippes loops or pills offered in the programme ? How long will
      the loop stay in utero ? What proportion of married women is currently wearing
      the loops ? What changes have occurred in the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP)
      of family planning among the target population ? How many births have been
      prevented by the IUD programme ?  And finally, How much has fertility declined ?
      The fertility decline in Taiwan has been accelerating since the programme started
      in 1964. Approximately 40% of the decline in the birth rate, from 36.3 in 1963 to
      27.7 in 1969, or 8.5 points per 1,000 in six years, however, was due to changes
      in age structure and delayed marriage. An increasing proportion of girls of
      marriageable age and a possible increase in the fecundability of the population
      will work against the programme's objective. Concerted efforts and heavier
      investment are essential for the final success of the programme.

PMID- 22074093
TI  - Two and a half centuries of demographic history in a Bavarian village.
AB  - Abstract   A village genealogy containing family histories of couples married
      between 1692 and 1939 serves as the basis for a study of the demographic history
      of a Bavarian village. The past patterns of marriage, re-marriage, widowhood,
      illegitimacy, bridal pregnancy, marital fertility, family size, and birth
      intervals are examined. Both the age at marriage and illegitimacy increased and
      then declined during the nineteenth century, apparently in response to changes in
      restrictive marriage legislation. Differences in fertility for occupational
      groups were insignificant. Marital fertility remained extremely high before 1900
      suggesting the absence of any substantial family limitation within marriage. A
      rise in marital fertility that occurred during the last half of the nineteenth
      century appears to result from a change in breast-feeding customs. The actual
      number of children surviving to maturity for most couples was kept quite low,
      however, through late marriage and high infant mortality. Only during the
      twentieth century are substantial declines in infant mortality and fertility
      evident.

PMID- 22074094
TI  - Adam Smith on population.
AB  - Abstract   Adam Smith dealt with questions of population mainly in his Wealth of
      Nations. His discussion falls roughly under five heads and reflects in
      considerable measure his image of the English economy. (1) A country's population
      capacity, given the average level of consumption, was conditioned by the stock of
      land, the skill with which it was cultivated, and the degree to which division of
      labour could be increased and thereby augment output for domestic use and sale in
      external markets. (2) Growth of population was essentially in response to growth
      of the demand for labour and served to increase division of labour. (3) The
      social mechanisms underlying elevation of the scale of living are touched upon,
      and in an optimistic spirit. (4) The distribution of a country's population
      responded to its progress in opulence, with the rate of this progress conditioned
      by the degree to which inappropriate (e.g. mercantilist) policies were avoided.
      (5) Smith dealt briefly with such matters as colonies, education, size of
      economy, environmental influences, and public policy, all of which he recognized
      as significant for the quantity and quality of a country's numbers.

PMID- 22074095
TI  - Pre-marital pregnancy, childspacing, and later economic achievement.
AB  - Abstract   The nature of the first-birth interval has a persistent, if
      diminishing relation to the family's economic position at successive observations
      in a longitudinal study of Detroit. The pre-maritally pregnant (PMP) were at a
      disadvantage at either the first (1961) observation or the fourth (1966) as
      compared with other married couples with either a short or long first birth
      interval (short-spacers and long-spacers). The PMP disadvantage was much greater
      for assets than for income, but disadvantage in each area persisted and was not a
      result of age, duration of marriage, or other factors likely to disappear in
      time. Poor education combined with early age at marriage was probably
      responsible. On the other hand, the economic disadvantages of the short-spacers
      (not PMP) as compared with the long-spacers, diminished consistently between 1961
      and 1965. The initial disadvantage results from shorter marriage and career
      duration for husbands at each parity. At comparable marriage durations the
      difference disappears. Nevertheless, this means substantially smaller resources
      per head at the actual time of birth of successive children.

PMID- 22074096
TI  - Nineteenth-Century fertility oscillations.
AB  - Abstract   A model of delayed response, developed within the frame of a general
      sociological analysis, is applied to oscillations in aggregate legitimate
      fertility, considered as delayed responses to variations in the marriage rate.
      The appropriate lag function is derived on the basis of an assumed fertility
      schedule by duration of marriage. It is shown that if oscillations were caused
      solely by marriage fluctuations they would be very smooth with an 'average
      period' of 25 years and upwards. In Swedish data from the period 1830-1879 this
      smooth pattern is discernible as one component, overlaid by short-term
      fluctuations for which some other cause must be found. After a discussion of
      alternative explanations it is submitted that the cause is the practice of birth
      control on a fairly extensive scale, long before the secular decline in marital
      fertility, a conclusion which ties in with the results of earlier analyses of
      nineteenth-century fertility.

PMID- 22074097
TI  - The spread of urbanization in England and Wales, 1851-1951.
AB  - Abstract   Each county in England and Wales has been classified as rural or urban
      for each of the decennial census years 1851-1951. One index has been used as the
      basis for these classifications, the percentage of adult males occupied in
      agriculture. Thus, for each census year a value, in term of this index, was fixed
      as the criterion to determine whether a county was rural or urban in that year.
      This criterion of classification varies, over time. This is to allow for the
      reduction in the percentage of adult males occupied in agriculture as a result of
      structural changes in the occupational distribution (associated with general
      modernization), rather than through a shift away from agriculture. The
      geographical patterns of urbanization in England and Wales during the period 1851
      1951, and some associated social and economic changes, are discussed in the
      paper.

PMID- 22074099
TI  - "The decline of the size of the domestic group in England".

PMID- 22074098
TI  - Size and structure of the household in England over three centuries: A comment.

PMID- 22074100
TI  - Economic value of preventing births: Reply to Simon.

PMID- 22074103
TI  - Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in women in Benin, West Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer ranks as the first most frequent cancer among women
      in Benin. The major cause of cervical cancer now recognized is persistent
      infection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In Benin there is a lack of screening
      programs for prevention of cervical cancer and little information exists
      regarding HPV genotype distribution. METHODS: Cervical cells from 725 women were
      examined for the presence of viral DNA by means of a polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) multiplex-based assay with the amplification of a fragment of L1 region and
      of E6/E7 region of the HPV genome, and of abnormal cytology by Papanicolaou
      method. The association between HPV status and Pap test reports was evaluated.
      Socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics were also related. RESULTS: A
      total of 18 different HPV types were identified, with a prevalence of 33.2%
      overall, and 52% and 26.7% among women with and without cervical lesions,
      respectively. Multiple HPV infections were observed in 40.2% of HPV-infected
      women. In the HPV-testing group, the odds ratio for the detection of abnormal
      cytology was 2.98 (95% CI, 1.83-4.84) for HPV positive in comparison to HPV
      negative women. High risk types were involved in 88% of infections, most notably
      HPV-59, HPV-35, HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-58 and HPV-45. In multiple infections of
      women with cytological abnormalities HPV-45 predominated. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides the first estimates of the prevalence of HPV and type-specific
      distribution among women from Benin and demonstrates that the epidemiology of HPV
      infection in Benin is different from that of other world regions. Specific area
      vaccinations may be needed to prevent cervical cancer and the other HPV-related
      diseases.

PMID- 22074104
TI  - Targeted quantitative phosphoproteomics approach for the detection of phospho
      tyrosine signaling in plants.
AB  - Tyrosine (Tyr) phosphorylation plays an essential role in signaling in animal
      systems. However, a few studies have also reported Tyr phosphorylation in plants,
      but the relative contribution of tyrosine phosphorylation to plant signal
      transduction has remained an open question. We present an approach to selectively
      measure and quantify Tyr phosphorylation in plant cells, which can also be
      applied to whole plants. We combined a (15)N stable isotope metabolic labeling
      strategy with an immuno-affinity purification using phospho-tyrosine (pY)
      specific antibodies. This single enrichment strategy was sufficient to
      reproducibly identify and quantify pY containing peptides from total plant cell
      extract in a single LC-MS/MS run. We succeeded in identifying 149 unique pY
      peptides originating from 135 proteins, including a large set of different
      protein kinases and several receptor-like kinases. We used flagellin perception
      by Arabidopsis cells, a model system for pathogen triggered immune (PTI)
      signaling, to test our approach. We reproducibly quantified 23 pY peptides in 2
      inversely labeled biological replicates identifying 11 differentially
      phosphorylated proteins. These include a set of 3 well-characterized flagellin
      responsive MAP kinases and 4 novel MAP kinases. With this targeted approach, we
      elucidate a new level of complexity in flagellin-induced MAP kinase activation.

PMID- 22074105
TI  - Intra-individual assessment of speech and music perception in cochlear implant
      users with contralateral CochlearTM and MED-ELTM systems.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Whilst objective testing on music perception showed no individual
      differences between cochlear implant (CI) devices, subjective music perception
      was found to be superior with the MED-EL device in the majority of cases
      evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To compare speech and music perception through two
      different CI systems in the same individuals. METHODS: Six post-lingually deaf
      patients, who had been implanted with a CochlearTM Nucleus((r)) device in one ear
      and a MED-EL SONATATI(100) on the contralateral side were evaluated. One subject
      was excluded from group analysis because of significant differences in
      performance between ears. Subjects completed a questionnaire designed to assess
      implant users' listening habits. Subjective assessments of each subject were made
      for comparison of speech and music perception with each system and preferences of
      system. The subjects consecutively used each system with the contralateral device
      turned off, and were objectively assessed for specific musical skills. Speech
      perception in quiet and in noise was tested. RESULTS: For all objective tests of
      music discrimination and speech perception in noise, there were no statistically
      significant differences between MED-EL and Cochlear CI systems. Subjectively,
      four subjects thought their MED-EL device was better than their Cochlear device
      for music appreciation. Four thought that music sounded more natural, less tinny
      and more reverberant with their MED-EL CI than with their Cochlear CI. One
      subject rated all these to be equal.

PMID- 22074106
TI  - 15-year efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty based on objective and subjective
      data.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: This follow-up showed a stable and significant decrease in median
      oxygen desaturation index 4% (ODI(4)) values over the years. Approximately two
      thirds of the patients fulfilled the success criteria (ODI(4) reduction of 50%
      and <20) after 15 years. A majority had improved/cured excessive daytime
      sleepiness (EDS) and were satisfied. No increased mortality rate was seen.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sleep apnoea recordings and symptoms in patients with
      obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome 15 years after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
      compared to baseline and previous follow-ups. METHODS: This was a non-randomized,
      prospective intervention study on 50 patients who underwent UPPP during 1985-88.
      Their initial median age was 49 years (range 38-71) and ODI(4) was 26.5 (4-82).
      RESULTS: In all, 13 patients had died; 26 patients underwent sleep apnoea
      recordings. Median ODI(4) had decreased from 26.5 (range 4-82) to 8.5 (0-60), p <
      0.01, a mean reduction of 52%; 65% of patients achieved the success criteria. One
      third was objectively categorized as non-snorers. Median body mass index was
      unchanged. The questionnaires were answered by 32 of 37 patients; 88% reported
      improved or cured EDS and 78% were satisfied. Pharyngeal disturbances ratings
      were low. The standardized mortality rate did not differ from the general Swedish
      population.

PMID- 22074107
TI  - Efficacy of percutaneous vocal fold injections for benign laryngeal lesions:
      Prospective multicenter study.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Percutaneous steroid injection (PSI) may be a useful alternative
      modality for treatment of benign vocal fold lesions. OBJECTIVES: When patients
      refuse general anesthesia or voice therapy for benign vocal fold diseases
      (Reinke's edema, vocal polyp, nodule, and scarring), there are no other options
      available. We conducted an analysis of the effects of PSI as an alternative
      treatment for benign vocal fold diseases. METHODS: From October 2008 to March
      2010, 130 patients with benign vocal fold disease who refused general anesthesia
      or showed no response to voice therapy underwent PSI. From this group, the
      present study included 115 patients who completed the evaluation before PSI and
      at the first and third month after PSI and also an additional 25 patients who
      completed evaluation at the sixth month after PSI. RESULTS: Among 115 patients in
      the study, 40 cases (34.8%) showed complete remission and 57 cases (49.6%) showed
      partial remission. As a result, overall improvement rates were 84.4%. Almost all
      objective and subjective parameters showed statistical improvement at the first
      and third month after PSI (p < 0.05). Jitter and all subjective parameters
      maintained statistical improvement until the sixth month. No severe
      complications, such as fold atrophy, were observed.

PMID- 22074108
TI  - HBV inhibits apoB production via the suppression of MTP expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver dominates the production and secretion of apolipoprotein B
      (apoB) and evidence shows that liver malfunction induced by hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) infection could lead to apolipoprotein metabolism disorders. The present
      study was undertaken to assess the effects of HBV on apoB expression. METHODS:
      Clinical examination: serum apoB levels in patients with chronic HBV infection
      and in healthy individuals were measured by immunoturbidimetry using biochemical
      analyzer Olympus 5400. Cell study: mRNA and protein expression levels of apoB in
      HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot.
      Alternatively, HBV infectious clone pHBV1.3 or control plasmid pBlue-ks were
      tranfected into HepG2 cells, and mRNA and protein expression levels of apoB, as
      well as the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) in tranfected HepG2
      cells were also measured by RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS: Serum apoB level
      was much lower in chronic HBV patients as compared to healthy individuals (P <
      0.05). Expression of apoB mRNA and protein was lower in HepG2.2.15 cells than in
      HepG2 cells. Similarly, expression of apoB mRNA and protein was lower in pHBV1.3
      transfected HepG2 cells than in pBlue-ks transfected HepG2 cells. Expression of
      MTP mRNA and protein in pHBV1.3 transfected HepG2 cells was reduced in a dose
      dependent fashion. CONCLUSION: HBV infection plays an inhibitory effect on apoB
      expression.

PMID- 22074109
TI  - Smoking in preeclamptic women is associated with higher birthweight for
      gestational age and lower soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 levels: a nested
      case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking paradoxically increases the risk of small-for-gestational-age
      (SGA) birth but protects against preeclampsia. Some studies have reported a "U
      shaped" distribution of fetal growth in preeclamptic pregnancies, but reasons for
      this are unknown. We investigated whether cigarette smoking interacts with
      preeclampsia to affect fetal growth, and compared levels of soluble fms-like
      tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), a circulating anti-angiogenic protein, in
      preeclamptic smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: From a multicenter cohort of 5337
      pregnant women, we prospectively identified 113 women who developed preeclampsia
      (cases) and 443 controls. Smoking exposure was assessed by self-report and
      maternal hair nicotine levels. Fetal growth was assessed as z-score of
      birthweight for gestational age (BWGA). sFlt-1 was measured in plasma samples
      collected at the 24-26-week visit. RESULTS: In linear regression, smoking and
      preeclampsia were each associated with lower BWGA z-scores (beta = -0.29; p =
      0.008, and beta = -0.67; p < 0.0001), but positive interaction was observed
      between smoking and preeclampsia (beta = +0.86; p = 0.0008) such that smoking
      decreased z-score by -0.29 in controls but increased it by +0.57 in preeclampsia
      cases. Results were robust to substituting log hair nicotine for self-reported
      smoking and after adjustment for confounding variables. Mean sFlt-1 levels were
      lower in cases with hair nicotine levels above vs. below the median (660.4 pg/ml
      vs. 903.5 pg/ml; p = 0.0054). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal smoking seems to protect
      against preeclampsia-associated fetal growth restriction and may account, at
      least partly, for the U-shaped pattern of fetal growth described in preeclamptic
      pregnancies. Smoking may exert this effect by reducing levels of the anti
      angiogenic protein sFlt-1.

PMID- 22074110
TI  - Prognostic significance of hemoglobin A1c level in patients hospitalized with
      coronary artery disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in coronary artery
      disease (CAD) remains controversial. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to
      quantify the association between elevated HbA1c levels and all-cause mortality
      among patients hospitalized with CAD. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic
      databases (PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) for
      studies published from 1970 to May 2011 was performed. Cohort, case-control
      studies, and randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of HbA1c on
      all-cause mortality were included. RESULTS: Twenty studies met final inclusion
      criteria (total n = 13, 224). From the pooled analyses, elevated HbA1c level was
      significantly associated with increased short-term (OR 2.32, 95% CI, 1.61 to
      3.35) and long-term (OR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.94) mortality risk. Subgroup
      analyses suggested elevated HbA1c level predicted higher mortality risk in
      patients without diabetes (OR 1.84, 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.24). In contrast, in
      patients with diabetes, elevated HbA1c level was not associated with increased
      risk of mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.28). In a risk-adjusted sensitivity
      analyses, elevated HbA1c was also associated with a significantly high risk of
      adjusted mortality in patients without diabetes (adjusted OR 1.49, 95% CI, 1.24
      to 1.79), but had a borderline effect in patients with diabetes (adjusted OR
      1.05, 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.11). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that elevated
      HbA1c level is an independent risk factor for mortality in CAD patients without
      diabetes, but not in patients with established diabetes. Prospective studies
      should further investigate whether glycemic control might improve outcomes in CAD
      patients without previously diagnosed diabetes.

PMID- 22074112
TI  - Personal identification by the comparison of facial profiles: testing the
      reliability of a high-resolution 3D-2D comparison model.
AB  - Identification from video surveillance systems is frequently requested in
      forensic practice. The "3D-2D" comparison has proven to be reliable in assessing
      identification but still requires standardization; this study concerns the
      validation of the 3D-2D profile comparison. The 3D models of the faces of five
      individuals were compared with photographs from the same subjects as well as from
      another 45 individuals. The difference in area and distance between maxima
      (glabella, tip of nose, fore point of upper and lower lips, pogonion) and minima
      points (selion, subnasale, stomion, suprapogonion) were measured. The highest
      difference in area between the 3D model and the 2D image was between 43 and 133
      mm(2) in the five matches, always greater than 157 mm(2) in mismatches; the mean
      distance between the points was greater than 1.96 mm in mismatches, <1.9 mm in
      five matches (p < 0.05). These results indicate that this difference in areas may
      point toward a manner of distinguishing "correct" from "incorrect" matches.

PMID- 22074111
TI  - SKP1 is involved in abscisic acid signalling to regulate seed germination,
      stomatal opening and root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates many aspects of plant development, including seed
      dormancy and germination, root growth and stomatal closure. Plant SKP1 proteins
      are subunits of the SCF complex E3 ligases, which regulate several phytohormone
      signalling pathways through protein degradation. However, little is known about
      SKP1 proteins participating in ABA signalling. Here, we report that the
      overexpression of Triticum aestivum SKP1-like 1 (TSK1) in Arabidopsis thaliana
      (Arabidopsis) resulted in delayed seed germination and hypersensitivity to ABA.
      The opening of stomatal guard cells and the transcription of several ABA
      responsive genes were affected in transgenic plants. In contrast, Arabidopsis
      skp1-like 1 (ask1)/ask1 ASK2/ask2 seedlings exhibited reduced ABA sensitivity.
      Furthermore, the transcription of ASK1 and ASK2 was down-regulated in abi1-1 and
      abi5-1 mutants compared with that in wild type. ASK1 or ASK2 overexpression could
      rescue or partially rescue the ABA insensitivity of abi5-1 mutants, respectively.
      Our work demonstrates that SKP1 is involved in ABA signalling and that SKP1-like
      genes may positively regulate ABA signalling by SCF-mediated protein degradation.

PMID- 22074113
TI  - Excited state proton transfer is not involved in the ultrafast deactivation of
      Guanine-Cytosine pair in solution.
AB  - Different derivatives of Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C), which sterically enforce
      the Watson-Crick (WC) conformer, have been studied in CHCl(3) by means of broad
      band transient absorption spectroscopy. Our experiments rule out the involvement
      of an Excited State Proton Transfer (ESPT), which dominates the excited state
      decay of GC in the gas phase. Instead, the ultrafast dynamics via internal
      conversion occurs in a polar environment mainly by relaxation in the monomer
      moieties. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations in
      solution indeed indicate that population transfer from the bright excited states
      toward the charge transfer state is not effective in CHCl(3) and a noticeable
      energy barrier is associated with the ESPT reaction. ESPT is therefore not
      expected to be a main deactivation route for GC pairs within DNA.

PMID- 22074114
TI  - p62 at the interface of autophagy, oxidative stress signaling, and cancer.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1) is a multifunctional adapter protein
      implicated in selective autophagy, cell signaling pathways, and tumorigenesis.
      RECENT ADVANCES: Recent evidence has revealed that p62/SQSTM1 has a critical role
      in an oxidative stress response pathway by its direct interaction with the
      ubiquitin ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), which
      results in constitutive activation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related
      factor 2 (NRF2). CRITICAL ISSUES: Both NRF2 and KEAP1 are frequently mutated in
      cancer. The findings just cited uncover a link between p62/SQSTM1, autophagy, and
      the KEAP1-NRF2 stress response pathway in tumorigenesis and shed light on the
      interplay between autophagy and cancer. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Here, we review the
      mechanisms by which p62/SQSTM1 implements its multiple roles in the regulation of
      tumorigenesis with emphasis on the KEAP1-NRF2 stress response signaling pathway.
      Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of p62/SQSTM1 function in oxidative stress
      signaling might contribute to elucidating its role in tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22074115
TI  - Sensitive detection and accurate monitoring of Plasmodium vivax parasites on
      routine complete blood count using automatic blood cell analyzer (DxH800(TM)).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Plasmodium vivax malaria is one of the most important infectious
      diseases plaguing humanity and causes significant mortality and morbidity
      worldwide. The gold standard of P. vivax malaria diagnosis is the microscopy of
      blood smears. Although microscopy is a rapid, cost-effective, and readily
      applicable method, it has many disadvantages, including low sensitivity,
      specificity, and precision. Therefore, there is a clear need for an effective
      screening test for P. vivax malaria detection both in high-prevalence areas and
      developed countries. METHODS: A total of 1761 complete blood count (CBC) samples
      generated by the automated hematology analyzer (DxH 800TM; Beckman Coulter Inc.,
      Miami, FL, USA) were retrospectively analyzed. The sample pool contained 123
      samples from 52 P. vivax malaria patients and 1504 nonmalarial samples including
      509 patients with leukopenia (white blood cell <2000/MUL) and 134 normal
      subjects. RESULTS: The P. vivax malaria samples exhibited easily recognizable
      typical malaria signals on the nucleated red blood cell (nRBC) plots (sensitivity
      100%) in DxH 800TM. All 1504 samples without P. vivax infection were negative for
      malaria signal (specificity 100%). The size of P. vivax malaria signals
      correlated roughly with the parasite burden. CONCLUSION: DxH800TM provides very
      sensitive and specific, easily recognizable P. vivax malaria signals on routine
      CBC without need for the additional reagents or special procedures.

PMID- 22074116
TI  - Daily life for young adults who care for a person with mental illness: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - This study describes the daily life and management strategies of young informal
      carers of family members or friends with mental illness. Twelve young adults
      (three men and nine women; 16-25 years old) in Sweden were voluntarily recruited
      between February and May 2008. Data collected through eight individual semi
      structured interviews and one focus group interview were analysed using
      qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed nine subthemes that were
      further grouped into three main themes: showing concern, providing support and
      using management strategies. Participants lived in constant readiness for
      something unexpected to happen to the person they cared for, and their role in
      the relationship could change quickly from family member or friend to guardian or
      supervisor. Supporting a friend was considered as large a personal responsibility
      as supporting a family member. Their management strategies were based on
      individual capacities and their ability to step aside should the situation become
      too demanding. These young informal carers need support in caring for the
      mentally ill. As the internet becomes increasingly fundamental to daily life,
      support could be provided most effectively through person-centred web sites.

PMID- 22074117
TI  - Fast dissolving beta-lapachone particles and tablets: an approach using surface
      adsorption technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: beta-lapachone (betaLAP) is obtained from natural resources with
      promising preliminary results against the etiologic agent of Chagas disease.
      betaLAP activity is associated with generation of free radical and inhibition of
      nucleic acids and protein synthesis leading an outstanding antichagasic action.
      Low water solubility and large therapeutic doses constitute the main problems to
      overcome in the development of dosage forms of this drug. OBJECTIVE: The purpose
      of the present research was to enhance the limited dissolution rate of betaLAP by
      promoting the spontaneous crystalline growth of betaLAP on the surface of an
      inert excipient. METHODS: Physicochemical characterization of the particles was
      carried out as well as the drug dissolution rate. Drug adsorbed particles were
      compared to the drug as supplied and its physical mixtures with the inner
      excipient. The utility of the betaLAP adsorbed particles in the development of
      tablets obtained by direct compression were also evaluated. RESULTS: Particles
      produced by spontaneous crystalline growth of betaLAP on microcrystalline
      cellulose (MCC) hydrophilic surface showed mean diameters between 55-65 um and
      fast drug dissolution rate (90% drug dissolved at 50 min). Neither physical nor
      chemical instability of the drug were detected after the drug adsorption
      procedure. The compression process does not extensively deteriorate the
      dissolution behaviour of the systems when an adequate compression pressure is
      used. CONCLUSIONS: Surface adsorption technique offers a simple way to produce
      betaLAP powder and tablets with improved dissolution rate for oral
      administration.

PMID- 22074118
TI  - A novel tactile-guided detection and three-dimensional localization of clinically
      significant breast masses.
AB  - This paper presents a novel robotic sensory system 'Robo-Tac-BMI', which
      manipulates an indentation probe for the detection and three-dimensional
      localization of an abnormal mass embedded in the breast tissue. The Robo-Tac-BMI
      is designed based on artificial tactile sensing technology which is a new non
      invasive method for mimicking the surgeon's palpation quantitatively. The
      intelligent processor of the device provides an overall stiffness map of the
      scanned areas. The extracted stiffness parameters provide a decisive factor for
      certifying the mass existence. Results are validated by 'gold standard' tests.
      Following the mass detection, its 3D localization is of essential importance in
      the treatment procedures. The planar 2D coordinate is readily available for all
      points on the tissue surface. Mass depth estimation is achieved by a
      comprehensive model utilizing the logistic regression algorithm and a Receiver
      Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve for the highest accuracy. Statistical
      analysis is performed over 27 cases with 346 scanned areas.

PMID- 22074119
TI  - Biomimetic polymersomes as carriers for hydrophilic quantum dots.
AB  - For polymersomes to achieve their potential as effective delivery vehicles, they
      must efficiently encapsulate therapeutic agents into either the aqueous interior
      or the hydrophobic membrane. In this study, cell membrane-mimetic polymersomes
      were prepared from amphiphilic poly(D,L-lactide)-b-poly(2
      methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine) (PLA-b-PMPC) diblock copolymers and were
      used as encapsulation devices for water-soluble molecules. Thioalkylated
      zwitterionic phosphorylcholine protected quantum dots (PC@QDs) were chosen as
      hydrophilic model substrates and successfully encapsulated into the aqueous
      polymersome interior, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and
      flow cytometry. In addition, we also found a fraction of the PC@QDs were bound to
      both the external and internal surfaces of the polymersome. This interesting
      immobilization might be due to the ion-pair interactions between the
      phosphorylcholine groups on the PC@QDs and polymersomes. The experimental
      encapsulation results support a mechanism of PLA-b-PMPC polymersome formation in
      which PLA-b-PMPC copolymer chains first form spherical micelles, then worm-like
      micelles, and finally disk-like micelles which close up to form polymersomes.

PMID- 22074120
TI  - Training mental health promotion workers in programme evaluation.
AB  - In this paper, a programme to train mental health promotion workers in programme
      evaluation is described and evaluated. The programme is based on adult learning
      values, guidelines for programme evaluation training and the general principles
      of mental health promotion. Facilitated over 2 days, the programme also provided
      individual mentoring. Training was evaluated via a questionnaire immediately
      before and post training, and 6 months post training (n = 28, n = 18, n = 18).
      Additionally, individual interviews were used with seven participants and
      qualitatively analysed. Results indicate significant and sustained positive
      changes in knowledge, confidence and behaviour and while satisfaction reduced
      significantly at the six month follow-up, participants' level of satisfaction
      towards mentoring was consistent. Post training, participants reported a greater
      appreciation of the importance of evaluation planning and working
      collaboratively.

PMID- 22074121
TI  - Associations of miRNA polymorphisms and female physiological characteristics with
      breast cancer risk in Chinese population.
AB  - mircoRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles on regulation of gene expressions.
      Aberrant expression of miRNAs was involved in various biological and pathological
      processes, including tumorigenesis of breast cancer. Single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) were implicated in altered expression or biological
      functions of mature miRNAs. To explore the relevance of miRNA polymorphisms and
      female physiological characteristics to breast cancer risk, SNPs located within
      hsa-miR-605 (rs2043556), hsa-miR-149 (rs2292832), hsa-miR-27a (rs895819), hsa-miR
      196a-2 (rs11614913) and hsa-miR-618 (rs2682818) were selected, and their
      associations with breast cancer risk were analysed. In addition, associations
      between physiological characteristics-related factors and breast cancer risk were
      estimated too. We found that the ones with menarche age less than 16 years had
      increased breast cancer risk (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.23-3.60). Marginally
      significant association between rs11614913 CT/CC genotypes and reduced breast
      cancer risk was observed (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.40-1.06), while no significance
      was detected about the other miRNA polymorphisms. We concluded that menarche at
      less than 16 years old increased breast cancer risk, while the genetic variants
      in miR-196-a-2 might decrease the risk.

PMID- 22074122
TI  - Effects of aliskiren on QT duration and dispersion in hypertensive patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of aliskiren compared to amlodipine on QT duration
      and dispersion in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of
      170 outpatients aged 50-75 years with mild to moderate hypertension (SBP >130 and
      <180 mmHg and DBP >80 and <100 mmHg) and type 2 diabetes were randomly treated
      with aliskiren 300 mg or amlodipine 10 mg, both given once daily for 24 weeks,
      according to a prospective, open label, blinded-end point, parallel group design.
      At the end of the placebo run-in, and after 12, and 24 weeks of treatment blood
      pressure (BP) measurements (by mercury sphygmomanometer, Korotkoff I and V),
      plasma biochemistry and a standard 12-lead surface ECG were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Both aliskiren and amlodipine significantly reduced systolic blood pressure
      (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values (-27.2/-14.3 mmHg, p < 0.001 vs.
      placebo and -27.8/-14.2 mmHg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo, respectively), with no
      statistical difference between the two drugs. Aliskiren, but not amlodipine,
      significantly reduced maximum QT interval (QTmax) (-14 ms at 12 weeks and -17 ms
      at 24 weeks, both p < 0.05 vs. placebo) and corrected QT max (QTc max) (-26 ms
      and -31 ms, p < 0.01) as well as the dispersion of both QT (-11 ms and -13 ms, p
      < 0.01) and QTc (-18 ms and -19 ms, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar BP
      lowering effect, aliskiren, but not amlodipine, reduced QT duration and
      dispersion, which might be related to the ability of aliskiren to interfere with
      mechanisms underlying myocardial electrical instability in the heart of diabetic
      hypertensive patients.

PMID- 22074123
TI  - alpha-Thalassemia syndromes in the United Arab Emirates.
AB  - alpha-Thalassemia (alpha-thal) is usually due to deletions within the alpha
      globin gene cluster, leading to loss of function of one or both alpha-globin
      genes. alpha-Thalassemia is prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in
      the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. There are no large-scale reports
      regarding the prevalence of alpha-thal in the Arabian populations apart from
      sporadic surveys in the mid-1980s on red cell indices from Saudi Arabia and a
      more recent study from Kuwait. Several studies were conducted in an attempt to
      elucidate the frequency of alpha-thal in the UAE. Cord blood samples were
      collected from 419 consecutive newborns of UAE national mothers. The study
      involved polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis of the alpha-globin genes
      and sequencing using an ABI Genetic Analyser 3130. The findings demonstrated that
      49% of the neonates had alpha-thal, one of the highest in the world. The
      incidence of alpha-thal, particularly the -alpha(3.7) deletion, was extremely
      high. The distribution of mutations was extensive, ranging from the simple 
      alpha(3.7) genotype to severe nondeletional type alpha-thalassemias such as the
      polyadenylation signal (polyA1) [alpha(PA-1) (AATAAA>AATAAG)], polyA2 [alpha(PA
      2) (AATAAA>AATGAA)], Hb Constant Spring [Hb CS, alpha142
      (alpha(CS)alpha/alpha(CS)alpha) TAA>CAA (alpha2)] and pentanucleotide deletion
      [alpha(-5 nt) (GAGGTGAGG>GAGG)]. The nondeletional mutations, denoted
      alpha(T)alpha or alphaalpha(T), are markedly frequent in the UAE and are well
      characterized. The report here describes the analysis of 84 chromosomes having
      deletional and nondeletional types of alpha-thal. Of the 84 chromosomes, 47.4%
      had the polyA1 mutation (alpha(PA-1)alpha), 28.2% had the small deletion 
      alpha(3.7), 11.5% had Hb CS (alpha(CS)alpha), and 5% were positive for the
      pentanucleotide deletion (alpha(-5 nt)alpha). These findings show that
      nondeletional alpha-thal has a significant impact on the genotype/phenotype
      correlation in the UAE. It is important to note that the polyA1 mutation
      accounted for almost 50% of all the alpha-thal alleles, making it one of the most
      common mutations in the Gulf Region.

PMID- 22074124
TI  - Molecular basis of beta-thalassemia in the United Arab Emirates.
AB  - In an attempt to define the prevalence of beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) in the
      United Arab Emirates (UAE), we have conducted molecular studies on nearly 2000
      randomly-selected adult UAE nationals. The results demonstrated that the
      prevalence of beta-globin gene defects in the UAE was 8.5%. Among these anomalies
      were beta-thal mutations, abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) variants, e.g., Hb S, Hb D
      Punjab, Hb O-Arab, Hb C and Hb E. The sickle gene (beta(S) or Hb S) contributed
      significantly to the molecular epidemiology of the hemoglobinopathies in the UAE.
      In this article, Hb S and other abnormal Hbs are excluded as they are
      comprehensively described by other contributors in this current issue. The
      molecular characterization and mutational analyses of all beta-thal patients were
      carried out using current molecular techniques including amplification refractory
      mutation system (ARMS), restriction enzyme analysis (REA), dot-blot
      hybridization, beta-strip hybridization, allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO),
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gap-PCR and DNA Sequencing. Most of these
      techniques are now virtually obsolete. Almost all molecular characterizations are
      currently performed through PCR followed by DNA sequencing using a fully
      automated ABI PRISMTM 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Our molecular studies showed that
      the majority of the beta-thal mutations in the UAE are very severe; the most
      common allele was the IVS-I-5 (G>C). Although this allele is a beta(+)-thal, its
      phenotype is very severe. All other mutations are also severe beta(0)-thal. High
      frequency of moderate or severe beta-thal mutations have implications in the wide
      spectrum of clinical manifestations seen in patients whose phenotypes vary from
      beta-thal intermedia (beta-TI) to severe transfusion-dependent beta-thal major
      (beta-TM). The molecular pathology of the beta-thal patients demonstrated that a
      vast majority were homozygous. The most frequent homozygous mutation was the IVS
      I-5(G>C)/IVS-I-5(G>C) (53.0%) followed by -25 bp del/-25 bp del (6.8%), codons
      8/9(+G)/codons 8/9(+G) (2.8%) and codon 39(C>T)/codon 39(C>T) (2.4%). Four
      mutations accounted for 65.0% of the homozygous patient population. Remarkably,
      the two most prevalent mutations, IVS-I-5 and Hb S, accounted for 77% of all the
      homozygous beta-thal patients from the UAE. We showed 13 discrete homozygosities
      in the UAE national patients in contrast to 23 homozygosities in the expatriate
      population. Since the number of homozygous mutations has a direct correlation
      with the degree of consanguinity, the data shown here corroborate the social
      tendency towards family planning. In fact, in the UAE, more than 50% of all
      marriages are between relatives and more than half of these are between first
      cousins.

PMID- 22074125
TI  - Use of hormone replacement therapy for correction of high turnover bone disease
      in hypogonadal beta-Thalassemia major patients presenting with osteoporosis:
      comparison with idiopathic premature ovarian failure.
AB  - Osteopenia-osteoporosis syndrome (OOS) causes considerable morbidity in 60-80%
      beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) patients. We evaluated the effect of sex hormone
      replacement therapy (HRT) in beta-TM patients with hypogonadism presenting with
      OOS using premature ovarian failure (POF) for comparative purposes. We undertook
      a 10-year prospective study of in 50 beta-TM and 375 patients with POF and OOS.
      All were treated with HRT for 2-5 years. We used dual X-ray absorptiometry
      (DEXA), and plasma type 1-collagen markers of bone turnover for monitoring of
      response to therapy. Our results suggest that prior to HRT, both groups had
      comparable degrees of OOS. Both groups had significant improvement but the POF
      group had normalization of spinal T scores following HRT in contrast to the beta
      TM patients. Femoral T scores did not normalize in both groups. These data
      indicate for the first time from comparative POF control studies that
      hypogonadism is not the only cause of OOS in beta-TM.

PMID- 22074126
TI  - Sex steroid priming for induction of puberty in thalassemia patients with
      pulsatile reversible hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.
AB  - Growth and pubertal disturbances are the most common causes of morbidity,
      affecting 60-80% beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) patients worldwide, due mainly
      to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH). We undertook a 6-year prospective study
      of 55 Indian beta-TM children with stunted growth and absent or arrested puberty,
      aged 15-18 years with pulsatile HH, to evaluate the role of low dose sex steroid
      priming (6-12 months) for physiological induction of puberty. Eighty percent
      responded favorably with increase in height, growth spurt and completed pubertal
      maturation [Tanner stage 4-5 (T4-T5)] and 20% moved from T2 to T3. There was
      biochemical improvement in maturation of hypothalamic-pituitary (H-P) axis. Those
      younger than 15 years with minimal iron load had the best outcome. Our data
      suggest that sex steroid priming is a feasible method of induction of
      physiological puberty in beta-TM patients with sexual infantilism and reversible
      apulsatile HH, especially in younger patients with minimal iron loads.

PMID- 22074127
TI  - Naphthalene-fused (alpha-alkoxycarbonyl)methylene-gamma-butyrolactones:
      antiproliferative activity and binding to bovine serum albumin and DNA.
AB  - A naphthalene-fused (alpha-alkoxycarbonyl)methylene-gamma-butyrolactone (methyl 2
      [7-hydroxy-2-oxonaphtho[1,2-b]furan-3(2H)-yliden]acetate) has been prepared as a
      representative compound of a potential class of cytotoxic agents. In vitro
      cytotoxicity has been evaluated against HCT-15 colon and MCF-7 breast cancer
      cells and IC(50) was 64-66 MUM, causing morphological changes in cells, such as
      loss of adhesion, rounding, cell shrinkage, and detachment from the substratum.
      The binding constant K of the complex between the naphthyl lactone with bovine
      serum albumin (8 * 10(3) M(-1)) suggests a minor change in protein folding. The K
      of the binding with DNA (1.06 * 10(4) M(-1)) suggests nonspecific electrostatic
      interactions with DNA and this was confirmed by melting point data (Tm<0.6 
      degrees C). Therefore, naphthalene-fused (alpha-alkoxycarbonyl)methylene-gamma
      butyrolactone should not be able to intercalate with DNA but its interaction
      should occur at the level of DNA surface.

PMID- 22074128
TI  - Absence of association between transforming growth factor B1 polymorphisms and
      gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a ubiquitous and essential
      cytokine that plays a dual role in the development of cancer: tumor suppressor in
      the early stage of carcinogenesis and tumor promoter in the later stage of
      carcinogenesis. To date, several studies have focused on the association between
      the TGFB1 polymorphisms and risk of gastric cancer. Conflicting results, however,
      have been reported. We conducted a meta-analysis to analyze more precisely the
      effects of the TGFB1 C-509T, T869C, and G915C polymorphisms on the risk of
      gastric cancer. No significant association between the TGFB1 C-509T, T869C, and
      G915C polymorphisms and risk of gastric cancer was observed in overall analyses
      and subgroup analyses according to ethnicity.

PMID- 22074129
TI  - Interaction of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid with DNA.
AB  - Glycyrrhizin (GL), a molecule of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), is an aqueous extract
      from licorice root. These compounds are well known for their anti-inflammatory,
      hepatocarcinogenesis, antiviral, and interferon-inducing activities. This study
      is the first attempt to investigate the binding of GL and GA with DNA. The effect
      of ligand complexation on DNA aggregation and condensation was investigated in
      aqueous solution at physiological conditions, using constant DNA concentration
      (6.25 mM) and various ligands/polynucleotide (phosphate) ratios of 1/240, 1/120,
      1/80, 1/40, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5, 1/2, and 1/1. Fourier transform infrared and
      ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopic methods were used to determine the ligand
      binding modes, the binding constants, and the stability of ligand-DNA complexes
      in aqueous solution. Spectroscopic evidence showed that GL and GA bind DNA via
      major and minor grooves as well as the backbone phosphate group with overall
      binding constants of K(GL-DNA)=5.7*10(3) M(-1), K(GA-DNA)=5.1*10(3) M(-1). The
      affinity of ligand-DNA binding is in the order of GL>GA. DNA remained in the B
      family structure, whereas biopolymer aggregation occurred at high triterpenoid
      concentrations.

PMID- 22074131
TI  - Principal component analysis and analysis of variance on the effects of Entellan
      New on the Raman spectra of fibers.
AB  - During the forensic examination of textile fibers, fibers are usually mounted on
      glass slides for visual inspection and identification under the microscope. One
      method that has the capability to accurately identify single textile fibers
      without subsequent demounting is Raman microspectroscopy. The effect of the
      mountant Entellan New on the Raman spectra of fibers was investigated to
      determine if it is suitable for fiber analysis. Raman spectra of synthetic fibers
      mounted in three different ways were collected and subjected to multivariate
      analysis. Principal component analysis score plots revealed that while spectra
      from different fiber classes formed distinct groups, fibers of the same class
      formed a single group regardless of the mounting method. The spectra of bare
      fibers and those mounted in Entellan New were found to be statistically
      indistinguishable by analysis of variance calculations. These results demonstrate
      that fibers mounted in Entellan New may be identified directly by Raman
      microspectroscopy without further sample preparation.

PMID- 22074130
TI  - An antisense transcript in the human cytomegalovirus UL87 gene region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid advances in research on antisense transcripts are gradually
      changing our comprehension of genomic and gene expression aspects of the
      Herpesviridae. One such herpesvirus is the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Although
      transcription of the HCMV UL87 gene has not been specifically investigated, cDNA
      clones of UL87 antisense transcripts were found in HCMV cDNA libraries
      previously. In this study, the transcription of the UL87 antisense strand was
      investigated in three clinically isolated HCMV strains. RESULTS: First, an 800
      nucleotides transcript having an antisense orientation to the UL87 gene was found
      in a late HCMV cDNA library. Then, the UL87 antisense transcript was confirmed by
      Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and Northern blot in three HCMV clinical
      strains. Two ORFs were predicted in the antisense transcript. The putative
      protein of ORF 1 showed a high degree of conservation among HCMV and other CMV
      strains. CONCLUSION: An 800nt antisense transcript in the UL87 gene region exists
      in HCMV clinical strains.

PMID- 22074132
TI  - Locating the source of hyperglycemia: liver versus muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose homeostasis relies on insulin to suppress hepatic glucose
      production and to stimulate glucose uptake by peripheral tissues (primarily
      skeletal muscle) during and after a meal or glucose load. Glucose metabolism
      impairments in the liver and/or muscle attenuate these insulin actions, causing
      hyperglycemia. Thus, identifying the loci of the impairments can improve the
      understanding of hyperglycemia and enable organ-targeted interventions. METHODS:
      Studies were performed to identify such loci using modified oral glucose
      tolerance test (OGTT) techniques in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and
      overweight/obese individuals. RESULTS: Individuals with severe T2D were found to
      have significantly impaired glucose metabolism in both the liver and muscle. In
      contrast, impairments in glucose metabolism in individuals with non-severe T2D
      were predominantly localized in the liver or muscle, but not both. Similarly,
      milder impairments in overweight or obese individuals were clearly localized in
      either the liver or muscle, but not both. All these impairments are quantifiable.
      CONCLUSION: Impairments in glucose metabolism in the liver and muscle can be
      differentiated and quantified in a clinical setting.

PMID- 22074133
TI  - Regulation and function of uncoordinated-51 like kinase proteins.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: The Atg1/ULK1 (uncoordinated-51 like kinase 1) protein complex
      plays an essential role regulating autophagy in mammalian cells. As autophagy is
      implicated in normal cellular homeostasis and multiple diseases, better
      mechanistic insight drives development of novel therapeutic approaches. RECENT
      ADVANCES: Multiple independent laboratories have contributed important new
      insights into the ULK-signalling pathway. ULK1/2 function is regulated by mTOR
      complex 1 and AMPK through a network of phosphorylation events. ULK signalling
      controls autophagosome formation in conjunction with other key regulatory factors
      such as Beclin1 and Atg9. CRITICAL ISSUES: From recent work, we have gained a
      better understanding of ULK proteins and their functional roles but details still
      need to be resolved. A combination of approaches has been used to better
      elucidate the sub-classes of autophagy that are differentially dependent upon ULK
      family members. Roles of ULK members in autophagy-independent trafficking and
      signalling pathways have also been better defined, highlighting the diversity of
      functions coordinated by this protein family. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: As mechanisms
      and in vivo functions become clarified for the different ULK members, more robust
      strategies for targeting these essential autophagy kinases can be developed.

PMID- 22074134
TI  - Development of autonomous microrobotics in endoscopy.
AB  - With experience and training the colonoscope can be a very effective tool in the
      screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. However, the colonoscope most
      commonly used today has changed very little in the last three decades. It is not
      without its problems, including a risk of perforation and significant patient
      discomfort, especially associated with loop formation. Furthermore, loop
      formation may prevent a complete colonoscopy from being performed in certain
      patients. In order to avoid looping formation of the colonoscopy and develop a
      better colonoscope it is necessary to understand the generic principle that
      results in the looping phenomenon. Loop formation is caused by three factors
      including the natural characteristic of the colon, the flexible nature of the
      insertion tube and the impact of frictional force on deformation of intestinal
      walls and mesenteries. We scientifically analyse loop formation by Kirchhoff's
      slender rod model, and present a review of the state-of-the-art of technologies
      that are being promoted as a way to address the problems of the colonoscope.

PMID- 22074135
TI  - A prototype of an anchoring and extending intestinal micro-robot and an in vitro
      experiment.
AB  - In order to minimize the invasiveness of intestinal disease diagnosis and
      surgery, we propose an anchoring and extending micro-robot. The gait of the micro
      robot was designed according to the biomechanical features of the intestinal
      tract. The locomotion condition showed that the anchoring capability and
      extending ability should be balanced to enhance locomotion efficiency. The
      mechanical and control system was designed and fabricated under the requirements
      of the locomotive model. The assembled micro-robot was 90 mm in length and 13 mm
      in diameter. The micro-robot prototype was tested in in vitro experiments; its
      locomotion efficiency was approximately 100% in an ideal environment, but around
      50% in a pig's small bowel (20 mm in diameter). The in vitro experiment results
      demonstrated that the gait is feasible for locomotion in the small bowel although
      the diameter of the small bowel is a limiting factor.

PMID- 22074139
TI  - Questions and answers on feline hyperthyroidism and canine influenza.

PMID- 22074136
TI  - Periodical gait asymmetry assessment using real-time wireless gyroscopes gait
      monitoring system.
AB  - A real-time gait monitoring system that incorporates an immediate and periodical
      assessment of gait asymmetry is described. This system was designed for gait
      analysis and rehabilitation of patients with pathologic gait. It employs wireless
      gyroscopes to measure the angular rate of the thigh and shank in real time. Cross
      correlation of the lower extremity (Cc(norm)), and normalized Symmetry Index
      (SI(norm)) are implemented as new approaches to periodically determine the gait
      asymmetry in each gait cycle. Cc(norm) evaluates the signal patterns measured by
      wireless gyroscopes in each gait cycle. SI(norm) determines the movement
      differences between the left and right limb. An experimental study was conducted
      to examine the viability of these methods. Artificial asymmetrical gait was
      simulated by placing a load on one side of the limbs. Results showed that there
      were significant differences between the normal gait and asymmetrical gait (p <
      0.01). They also indicated that the system worked well in periodically assessing
      the gait asymmetry.

PMID- 22074140
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22074142
TI  - Identification of benzoxazin-3-one derivatives as novel, potent, and selective
      nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.
AB  - Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade has come into focus as a promising
      approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and
      congestive heart failure. In order to identify a novel class of nonsteroidal MR
      antagonists that exhibit significant potency and good selectivity over other
      steroidal hormone receptors, we designed a novel series of benzoxazin-3-one
      derivatives and synthesized them from 6-(7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4
      b][1,3,4]thiadiazin-6-yl)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (1a), high-throughput
      screening (HTS) hit compound. Our design was based on a crystal structure of an
      MR/compound complex and a docking model. In the course of lead generation from
      1a, a 1,2-diaryl framework was characterized as a key structure with high binding
      affinity. On the basis of scaffold hopping and optimization studies, benzoxazin-3
      one derivatives possessing 1-phenyl-3-trifluoromethylpyrazol-5-yl moiety at the 6
      position were identified as a novel series of potent and selective MR
      antagonists. Among these compounds, 6-[1-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-3
      (trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (14n) showed
      highly potent activity and good selectivity and also exhibited a significant
      antihypertensive effect in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats. On
      the basis of these results, compound 14n was progressed for further
      pharmacological evaluation.

PMID- 22074143
TI  - Commentary on "communication strategies to improve HIV treatment adherence" by
      Rochon et al. (2011).

PMID- 22074144
TI  - Obesity and type 2 diabetes: which patients are at risk?
AB  - An estimated 72.5 million American adults are obese, and the growing US obesity
      epidemic is responsible for substantial increase in morbidity and mortality, as
      well as increased health care costs. Obesity results from a combination of
      personal and societal factors, but is often viewed as a character flaw rather
      than a medical condition. This leads to stigma and discrimination towards obese
      individuals and decreases the likelihood of effective intervention. Conditions
      related to obesity are increasingly common, such as metabolic syndrome, impaired
      fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), all of which indicate
      high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This paper reviews the progression from
      obesity to diabetes, identifying physiological changes that occur along this path
      as well as opportunities for patient identification and disease prevention.
      Patients with prediabetes (defined as having IFG, IGT or both) and/or metabolic
      syndrome require interventions designed to preserve insulin sensitivity and beta
      cell function, both of which start to deteriorate prior to T2DM diagnosis.
      Lifestyle modification, including both healthy eating choices and increased
      physical activity, is essential for weight management and diabetes prevention.
      Although sustained weight loss is often considered by patients and physicians as
      being impossible to achieve, effective interventions do exist. Specifically, the
      Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and programs modelled along its parameters have
      shown repeated successes, even with long-term maintenance. Recent setbacks in the
      development of medications for weight loss further stress the importance of
      lifestyle management. By viewing obesity as a metabolic disorder rather than a
      personal weakness, we can work with patients to address this increasingly
      prevalent condition and improve long-term health outcomes.

PMID- 22074146
TI  - Editorial: Citation analysis--focus on leading Australian nurse authors.

PMID- 22074147
TI  - Reducing surgical nurses' aseptic practice-related stress.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to explore aseptic practice-related stress
      in surgery. The objectives are to define stress-related factors and the means to
      reduce the stress. BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is related to personal
      characteristics: job satisfaction and physiological and psychological well-being.
      The stress symptoms are often classified as part of a negative mood. Nurses have
      expressed stress when deadening their conscience to external demands with co
      workers or internal working role-related demands. Surgery nurses expect fair
      division of work and compliance with rules. The hospital management, technology
      and the medical profession, instead of the needs of the patient, are recognised
      as a danger in the development of surgery nurses' role. DESIGN: A qualitative
      stimulated recall interview was performed in the surgery of the university
      hospital. METHODS: Thirty-one operations were videotaped, and 31 nurses
      interviewed during videotape stimulation. The 1306 text pages were transcripted
      and analysed by a qualitative membership categorisation device analysis. RESULTS:
      The analysis revealed aseptic practice-related stress which constructed a sixteen
      level category. The membership categorisation identified connections between
      qualitatively attributed personnel and seven stress factors: working experience;
      time; equipment; person; patient; working morals and power. Final analysis
      revealed nurses reducing aseptic practice-related stress by safe, peaceful,
      competent and relative means. CONCLUSIONS: The aseptic practice-related stress
      varied from positive motivating feelings to exhaustion. The stress was
      experienced by medical and nursing co-workers and reduced by means which varied
      according to expertise and co-workers. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study
      showed needs for both the shared multiprofessional documentation of aseptic
      practice and better adherence to recommendations. Constructive means are useful
      when solving conflicts and replacing person-related aseptic practice with
      evidence-based. They may support nurses' professional growth, reduce their stress
      and increase the surgical patient's safety.

PMID- 22074148
TI  - Identifying service needs from the users and service providers' perspective: a
      focus group study of Chinese elders, health and social care professionals.
AB  - AIM: This is a preliminary study to identify older people service needs in Hong
      Kong from the users' and service providers' perspective. BACKGROUND: As the Hong
      Kong population is ageing rapidly, it is important to identify the needs for care
      of older people. Although a wide variety of medical and social services have been
      provided to meet the needs of older people, there has been little evaluation from
      the users' or service providers' perspective regarding what the needs are and how
      well current service provisions match their needs. In recent years the importance
      of patient-centred care has been emphasised, where patient's expectation of care
      has been given a central role in guiding and improving the provision of health.
      However few studies have been carried out with respect to services for older
      people. DESIGN: To identify the service needs, a focus group study was conducted.
      Both service providers and older people were interviewed. This preliminary study
      used a qualitative research method to identify older people's service needs,
      generating rich information which could be used to inform older people care
      service development. METHOD: Data were collected by conducting eight focus group
      discussions. The focus group interviews were audio-taped. Interviews were then
      transcribed and themes were identified. RESULTS: The study identified several
      areas for improvement in services for older people, covering adequacy,
      accessibility and affordability of medical services, coordination of health and
      social care, quality of long-term care, negative perceptions and training needs.
      Some themes such as service adequacy and negative staff attitudes occurred in
      both older people and health professional focus groups. The themes of fast
      access, continuity of care and smooth transition, affordability, provision of
      information of available health and social services appear to be universal as
      these have also been identified in similar studies in other countries.
      CONCLUSION: In addition to other objective outcomes, such as duration of stay in
      hospital or re-admission rates after hospital discharges, changes in service
      provisions towards improvement should be evaluated from the users as well as
      professional care providers' perspectives. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Areas
      of improvement in service delivery include timely access, continuity,
      affordability, better coordination of health and social care, quality of care
      particularly in the long-term residential care setting and healthcare
      professionals' communication and caring skills and attitude.

PMID- 22074149
TI  - Low bone mineral density in a cohort of normal, overweight and obese Chilean
      adolescents.

PMID- 22074150
TI  - Commentary on Su SF, Boore J, Jenkins M, Liu PE & Yang MJ (2009) Nurses'
      perception of environmental pressure in relation to their occupational stress.
      Journal of Clinical Nursing 18, 3172-3180.

PMID- 22074151
TI  - Commentary on McNamara M & Fealy G (2010) Editorial: Lead us not again. Journal
      of Clinical Nursing 19, 3257-3259.

PMID- 22074152
TI  - Response to Ingleton C & Green E (2010) Commentary on Metcalfe A, Pumphrey R &
      Clifford C (2009) Hospice nurses' and genetics: implications for end-of-life
      care. Journal of Clinical Nursing 19, 192-207.

PMID- 22074153
TI  - Response to Ski CF & Thompson DR (2011) Commentary on Yohannes AM, Doherty P,
      Bundy C & Yalfani A (2010) The long-term benefits of cardiac rehabilitation on
      depression, anxiety, physical activity and quality of life. Journal of Clinical
      Nursing 19, 2806-2813.

PMID- 22074154
TI  - Metal-specific interactions of H2 adsorbed within isostructural metal-organic
      frameworks.
AB  - Diffuse reflectance infrared (IR) spectroscopy performed over a wide temperature
      range (35-298 K) is used to study the dynamics of H(2) adsorbed within the
      isostructural metal-organic frameworks M(2)L (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn; L = 2,5
      dioxidobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) referred to as MOF-74 and CPO-27. Spectra
      collected at H(2) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 H(2) per metal cation
      reveal that strongly red-shifted vibrational modes arise from isolated H(2) bound
      to the available metal coordination site. The red shift of the bands associated
      with this site correlate with reported isosteric enthalpies of adsorption (at
      small surface coverage), which in turn depend on the identity of M. In contrast,
      the bands assigned to H(2) adsorbed at positions >3 A from the metal site exhibit
      only minor differences among the five materials. Our results are consistent with
      previous models based on neutron diffraction data and independent IR studies, but
      they do not support a recently proposed adsorption mechanism that invokes strong
      H(2)...H(2) interactions (Nijem et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2010, 132, 14834-14848).
      Room temperature IR spectra comparable to those on which the recently proposed
      adsorption mechanism was based were only reproduced after contaminating the
      adsorbent with ambient air. Our interpretation that the uncontaminated spectral
      features result from stepwise adsorption at discrete framework sites is
      reinforced by systematic red shifts of adsorbed H(2) isotopologues and
      consistencies among overtone bands that are well-described by the Buckingham
      model of molecular interactions in vibrational spectroscopy.

PMID- 22074155
TI  - Parents reported oral sensory sensitivity processing and food preference in ADHD.
AB  - Oral sensory processing in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD) is an area with limited research. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and
      separation anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms usually co-occur with ADHD. This study
      investigates the association of oral sensory processing problems with ODD and SAD
      symptoms in children with ADHD. The parents of 189 children with ADHD completed
      Oral Over- and Underresponsivity Behaviors Inventory reporting oral
      overresponsivity (OR) and underresponsivity (UR) of their children. Only ODD
      score predicted OR scale score. None of ADHD severity, anxiety score, age and
      gender predicted OR score. UR scale score was only predicted by SAD and
      inattention scores. ODD score and hyperactivity/impulsivity score did not predict
      UR score. The ODD behaviour in children with ADHD needs to be evaluated and
      managed more extensively and it should include oral sensory occupational therapy.
      Future studies should extend this research to children with ADHD and obesity and
      food reward system.

PMID- 22074156
TI  - Predictors of failure following restrictive annuloplasty for chronic ischemic
      mitral regurgitation.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: We sought to determine the results of restrictive annuloplasty
      for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. METHODS: Hospital outcome and serial
      clinical and echocardiographic (preoperative, discharge, 3 months, 12 months, 24
      months) follow-up assessments were analyzed in 87 consecutive patients with
      chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation having coronary artery bypass grafting.
      Persistent/recurrent mitral regurgitation was defined by grade >=2 at
      discharge/during follow-up. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 5.7% and persistence
      of regurgitation was present in 8.4%. Mean follow-up was 24.4 +/- 1.7 months and
      recurrent mitral regurgitation was observed in 32.4% patients. In multivariate
      analysis only anterior leaflet angle remained an independent predictive factor
      for regurgitation recurrence with cutoff 27 degrees  (sensitivity of 67% and
      specificity of 76%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There is high occurrence of early and
      delayed restrictive annuloplasty failure, particularly in patients with increased
      anterior leaflet tethering.

PMID- 22074158
TI  - Sense of coherence and suicidality in suicide attempters: a prospective study.
AB  - The usefulness of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale in the nursing setting is
      well-established, and an association between SOC and suicidality has been
      suggested. The aim was to test whether low SOC at index attempt is an independent
      predictor of suicidality at 2-month follow-up and of risk for repeat attempt. The
      study, which had a prospective cross-sectional design, included patients admitted
      to hospital after a suicide attempt. They were interviewed by means of Structured
      Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Participants (n=155) completed the SOC scale and
      the Comprehensive Psychopathological Self-rating Scale for Affective Syndromes.
      Suicidality was rated with the Suicide Assessment Scale. Instruments were
      employed again at follow-up. Non-fatal/fatal repetition within 3 years was
      determined by review of hospital records. Low SOC at baseline predicted high
      suicidality at follow-up. The association remained after adjustment for major
      depression and affective symptom burden. Repeat attempts were made by 54 persons.
      Low baseline SOC was associated with repeat attempt, but the association did not
      remain after adjustment for major depression and symptom burden. Low SOC ratings
      could be a marker of risk for high suicidality in the aftermath of a suicide
      attempt. The SOC scale could be incorporated in nursing assessments of suicide
      attempters.

PMID- 22074157
TI  - Pentoxifylline sensitizes human cervical tumor cells to cisplatin-induced
      apoptosis by suppressing NF-kappa B and decreased cell senescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common causes of cancer
      in women and represents an important mortality rate. Cisplatin (CIS) is a very
      important antitumoral agent and can lead tumor cells toward two important
      cellular states: apoptosis and senescence. In some types of cancers
      pentoxifylline (PTX) sensitizes these cells to the toxic action of
      chemotherapeutics drugs such as adriamycin, inducing apoptosis. In the present
      work, we studied in vitro whether PTX alone or in combination with CIS induces
      apoptosis and/or senescence in cervix cancer HeLa and SiHa cell lines infected
      with HPV types 16 and 18, respectively, as well as in immortalized keratinocytyes
      HaCaT cells. METHODS: HeLa (HPV 18+), SiHa (HPV 16+) cervix cancer cells and non
      tumorigenic immortalized HaCaT cells (control) were treated with PTX, CIS or
      both. The cellular toxicity and survival fraction of PTX and CIS were determinate
      by WST-1 and clonogenic assays respectively. Apoptosis, caspase activation and
      phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, p65 (NF-kappaB), Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL anti-apoptotic
      proteins were determinated by flow cytometry. Senescence by microscopy.
      Phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and IkappaB total were measured by ELISA. Pro
      apoptotic, anti-apoptotic and senescence genes, as well as HPV-E6/7 mRNA
      expression, were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Our results show that after 24
      hours of incubation PTX per se is toxic for cancer cells affecting cell viability
      and inducing apoptosis. The toxicity in HaCaT cells was minimal. CIS induces
      apoptosis in HeLa and SiHa cells and its effect was significantly increases when
      the cells were treated with PTX + CIS. In all studies there was a direct
      correlation with levels of caspases (-3, -6, -7, -9 and -8) activity and
      apoptosis. CIS induces important levels of senescence and phosphorylation of
      ERK1/2, p38, p65/RELA, and IkappaBalpha, and decreased the expression of anti
      apoptotic protein Bcl-XL. Surprisingly these levels were significantly reduced by
      PTX in tumor cells, and at the same time, increases the expression of pro
      apoptotic genes. CONCLUSION: PTX sensitizes cervical cancer cells to CIS-induced
      apoptosis and decreases the CIS-induced senescence in these cells via inhibition
      of NF-kappaB signaling pathway; diminishes expression of antiapoptotic proteins
      and the activation of caspases.

PMID- 22074159
TI  - Improved two-dimensional reversed phase-reversed phase LC-MS/MS approach for
      identification of peptide-protein interactions.
AB  - Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) in combination with affinity purification
      approaches allows for an unbiased study of protein-protein and peptide-protein
      interactions. In shotgun approaches that are based on proteolytic digestion of
      complex protein mixtures followed by two-dimensional liquid-phase chromatography,
      the separation effort prior to MS analysis is focused on tryptic peptides. Here
      we developed an improved offline 2-D liquid chromatography-MS/MS approach for the
      identification and quantification of binding proteins utilizing reversed-phase
      capillary columns with acidic acetonitrile-containing eluents in both
      chromatographic dimensions. A specific fractionation scheme was applied in order
      to obtain samples with evenly distributed peptides and to fully utilize the
      separation space in the second dimension nanoLC-MS/MS. We report peptide-protein
      interaction studies to identify phosphorylation-dependent binding partners of the
      T cell adapter protein ADAP. The results of the SILAC-based pull-down experiments
      show this approach is well suited for distinguishing phosphorylation-specific
      interactions from unspecific binding events. The data provide further evidence
      that phosphorylated Tyr 595 of ADAP may serve as a direct binding site for the
      SH2 domains of the T cell proteins SLP76 and NCK. From a technical point of view
      we provide a detailed protocol for an offline 2-D RP-RP LC-MS/MS method that
      offers a robust and time-saving alternative for quantitative interactome
      analysis.

PMID- 22074160
TI  - Fertility and economic status - some recent findings on differentials in Sweden.
AB  - Abstract   The relationship between economic status and family size has generally
      been found to be negative; the lower the income the higher the fertility. In some
      cases this inverse relationship breaks down at the top end of the income scale;
      in other words, people with very high incomes have larger families than those
      with high incomes. In a few rather special cases positive relationships have been
      found(1).

PMID- 22074161
TI  - Some observations on the economic framework for fertility analysis.
AB  - Abstract   The economic framework for fertility analysis, first expounded in
      detail by Gary S. Becker(1), has attracted considerable attention among
      demographers. While some writers have enthusiastically endorsed the model, others
      have rejected it outright(3). A few attempts have also recently been made by some
      writers to modify or refine some of the concepts employed, and/or to change the
      modes of treatment of some of the factors in the original model. Unfortunately,
      several major objections levelled against the model still remain. It also remains
      to be examined whether the criticisms can be met without violating the principles
      and strategies espoused by economists. I believe (1) that most of the objections
      advanced against the model can be met by suitably modifying it, and (2) that the
      required modifications can be effected by employing strategies and conceptual
      schemes similar to those used in the demand analysis of consumer behaviour. The
      objective of this paper is to expound this belief. There is a strong possibility
      that after modification a healthy new theory will emerge which may prove useful
      in guiding research, as well as help to bring together different empirical
      findings in the literature, or to serve as a 'binder' for the theoretical
      speculations advanced by many research workers.

PMID- 22074162
TI  - The price of children and socio-economic theories of fertility.
AB  - Abstract   Demographers have for some time suggested that the cost of children
      has an important bearing on couples' fertility decisions. Dublin and Lotka, for
      example, voiced the opinion that 'it is undoubtedly the anticipation of greatly
      increased expenditures, the sudden demands made on the family exchequer when a
      child is born and for some time after, that causes people of limited income to
      restrict the size of their families'. Banks, Myrdal, and Day and Day have echoed
      this same theme.

PMID- 22074163
TI  - Projected consumption patterns for a stationary population.
AB  - Abstract   Recently economists have demonstrated a renewed interest in the
      population problems of a mature society. This revival of interest has been
      sparked by the general recognition of the relationship between population growth
      and environmental problems and has led to general acceptance of the proposition
      that ' ... a zero rate of population growth is the only equilibrium rate that can
      be sustained'.(1) Consequently the literature produced during the discipline's
      last period of similar concern, a period running from the late 1920's through the
      1940's, needs re-examination. At that time economists were primarily occupied
      with the implications of a declining rate of population growth and most
      anticipated the arrival of a stationary population within the foreseeable future.
      For most of the economists of this earlier period the onset of a stationary or
      declining population was fraught with dangers for mature capitalism.

PMID- 22074164
TI  - Institutionalized motivation for fertility limitation in China.
AB  - Abstract   After initial misgivings based on orthodox Marxist ideology regarding
      population control, the People's Republic of China officially came out in favour
      of population limitation. The government denies the dire Malthusian prophecy that
      population will outstrip China's supply of food and natural resources. Instead it
      supports population limitation to ease the costs of economic growth, which under
      Chinese conditions requires a strong labour force and a concentration of capital
      in productive enterprises rather than a high rate of consumption. By applying the
      experience of the developed nations, China has reduced pre-industrial levels of
      mortality and morbidity. This has decreased the expense to society of a non
      productive populace which dies before it repays the costs of its upbringing and
      training. As a result, China undoubtedly has a high rate of population growth.
      Lower fertility will lessen the proportion of children to adult workers and will
      release females for employment; for these reasons the government advocates
      fertility control. Observers lack data from the two national censuses (1953-54
      and 1964) and registration system to assess China's success in fertility
      reduction. Instead the patterns of social mobility and social control which shape
      reproductive motivation must be evaluated. In so doing I address myself to one
      main question: how has China's approach to economic development in the past five
      years affected the motivation of her youth to reduce fertility?

PMID- 22074165
TI  - Marriage at an earlier than ideal age in six Latin American capital cities.
AB  - Abstract   The study of nuptiality has taken on urgency, for demographers as well
      as for sociologists, with the increased world concern over sustained high
      fertility and the evident contribution of early marriage to that high fertility.
      Moreover, along with despair over the efficacy of conventional family planning
      programmes has come an expectation that more basic institutional changes, such as
      changes in marriage patterns, will be necessary in order finally to achieve a
      tolerably low world population growth rate. Yet our understanding of the
      determinants of such primary nuptiality dimensions as age at first marriage is
      very imperfect and unlikely to give much guidance in policy formation.

PMID- 22074166
TI  - Number and mean age of acceptors and users as related to programme duration.
AB  - Abstract   A decline in annual acceptances in a contraceptive programme is open
      to multiple interpretation. The decline may reflect an adverse change of
      attitudes and therefore a lowered disposition to accept the method among couples
      of the population generally. Alternatively, if the population has an irregular
      age distribution, the decline may mean only that the numbers of couples of prime
      contraceptive age have temporarily dropped. Thirdly, if the rate of previous
      acceptance has been high, the main cause of a slackening in new acceptances may
      simply be that previous acceptances have partially depleted the pool of eligible
      couples. Fewer eligible couples are left than previously as a consequence of past
      acceptance, removing couples interested in contraception faster than the family
      building process can create new ones.

PMID- 22074167
TI  - Comment on 'expectancy of life at birth in 36 nationalities of the Soviet Union:
      1958-60'.
AB  - Abstract   In D. Peter Mazur's recent article, 'Expectancy of Life at Birth in 36
      Nationalities of the Soviet Union: 1958-1960', crude rates of death and
      expectancies of life for nationalities are derived from a scant base of data that
      includes crude rates of natural increase for administrative units and various
      ratios of composition of the populations of both administrative units and
      nationalities. Students of Soviet demography genuinely appreciate Mazur's attempt
      to derive rich results from meagre data. Of course, to do this strong assumptions
      are required and Mazur warns that 'the quantitative results ... are valid only to
      the extent that the underlying methodology is theoretically sound'. One way to
      test the quantitative results is to examine how well the crude death rates for
      the nationalities calculated by Mazur reproduce the crude death rates for
      administrative units with which Mazur started. Mazur feels that the estimated
      death rates for nationalities closely agree with the death rates for
      administrative areas. The present author is sceptical. Application of the method
      described below does not show close correspondence, and this matter, which is
      crucial in the evaluation of Mazur's results, seems problematical.

PMID- 22074168
TI  - Crude death rates in the U.S.S.R.: Comment on Grandstaff's remarks.
AB  - Abstract   My appraisal of death rates in the U.S.S.R. goes beyond the question
      whether a simple correlation really measures what the critic purports to measure.
      Normally, the crude death rates depend upon the age structure and the force of
      mortality. If one persists in assuming that a reasonably high correlation between
      the official death rates and their independent estimates should be the main
      criterion of validity, the best technique will be to relate the proportion of
      persons aged 60 and over to the official death rates recorded for some 109
      observations. The force of mortality would be approximately reflected by a given
      proportion of survivors to the first or second year of age. But in the 1959
      Soviet Census the latter data had been concealed within the 0 to 9 age group,
      possibly for no other reason than to prevent the curious few from tinkering with
      infant mortality.

PMID- 22074171
TI  - Folic acid modified gelatine coated quantum dots as potential reagents for in
      vitro cancer diagnostics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gelatine coating was previously shown to effectively reduce the
      cytotoxicity of CdTe Quantum Dots (QDs) which was a first step towards utilising
      them for biomedical applications. To be useful they also need to be target
      specific which can be achieved by conjugating them with Folic Acid (FA). RESULTS:
      The modification of QDs with FA via an original "one-pot" synthetic route was
      proved successful by a range of characterisation techniques including UV-visible
      absorption spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy,
      fluorescence life-time measurements, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and
      Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The resulting nanocomposites were tested in Caco
      2 cell cultures which over-express FA receptors. The presence of FA on the
      surface of QDs significantly improved the uptake by targeted cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      The modification with folic acid enabled to achieve a significant cellular uptake
      and cytotoxicity towards a selected cancer cell lines (Caco-2) of gelatine-coated
      TGA-CdTe quantum dots, which demonstrated good potential for in vitro cancer
      diagnostics.

PMID- 22074173
TI  - 'Irresponsible and a disservice': the integrity of social psychology turns on the
      free will dilemma.
AB  - Over the last few years, a number of works have been published asserting both the
      putative prosocial benefits of belief in free will and the possible dangers of
      disclosing doubts about the existence of free will. Although concerns have been
      raised over the disservice of keeping such doubts from the public, this does not
      highlight the full danger that is presented by social psychology's newly found
      interest in the 'hard problem' of human free will. Almost all of the work on free
      will published to date by social psychologists appears methodologically flawed,
      misrepresents the state of academic knowledge, and risks linking social
      psychology with the irrational.

PMID- 22074172
TI  - The acid-tolerant L-arabinose isomerase from the mesophilic Shewanella sp. ANA-3
      is highly active at low temperatures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: L-arabinose isomerases catalyse the isomerization of L-arabinose into
      L-ribulose at insight biological systems. At industrial scale of this enzyme is
      used for the bioconversion of D-galactose into D-tagatose which has many
      applications in pharmaceutical and agro-food industries. The isomerization
      reaction is thermodynamically equilibrated, and therefore the bioconversion rates
      is shifted towards tagatose when the temperature is increased. Moreover, to
      prevent secondary reactions it will be of interest to operate at low pH. The
      profitability of this D-tagatose production process is mainly related to the use
      of lactose as cheaper raw material. In many dairy products it will be interesting
      to produce D-tagatose during storage. This requires an efficient L-arabinose
      isomerase acting at low temperature and pH values. RESULTS: The gene encoding the
      L-arabinose isomerase from Shewanella sp. ANA-3 was cloned and overexpressed in
      Escherichia coli. The purified protein has a tetrameric arrangement composed by
      four identical 55 kDa subunits. The biochemical characterization of this enzyme
      showed that it was distinguishable by its maximal activity at low temperatures
      comprised between 15-35 degrees C. Interestingly, this biocatalyst preserves more
      than 85% of its activity in a broad range of temperatures from 4.0 to 45 degrees
      C. Shewanella sp. ANA-3 L-arabinose isomerase was also optimally active at pH 5.5
      6.5 and maintained over 80% of its activity at large pH values from 4.0 to 8.5.
      Furthermore, this enzyme exhibited a weak requirement for metallic ions for its
      activity evaluated at 0.6 mM Mn2+. Stability studies showed that this protein is
      highly stable mainly at low temperature and pH values. Remarkably, T268K mutation
      clearly enhances the enzyme stability at low pH values. Use of this L-arabinose
      isomerase for D-tagatose production allows the achievement of attractive
      bioconversion rates of 16% at 4 degrees C and 34% at 35 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS:
      Here we reported the purification and the biochemical characterization of the
      novel Shewanella sp. ANA-3 L-arabinose isomerase. Determination of the
      biochemical properties demonstrated that this enzyme was highly active at low
      temperatures. The generated T268K mutant displays an increase of the enzyme
      stability essentially at low pH. These features seem to be very attractive for
      the bioconversion of D-galactose into D-tagatose at low temperature which is very
      interesting from industrial point of view.

PMID- 22074174
TI  - Reconciling sectoral abatement strategies with global climate targets: the case
      of the Chinese passenger vehicle fleet.
AB  - The IPCC Forth Assessment Report postulates that global warming can be limited to
      2  degrees C by deploying technologies that are currently available or expected
      to be commercialized in the coming decades. However, neither specific
      technological pathways nor internationally binding reduction targets for
      different sectors or countries have been established yet. Using the passenger car
      stock in China as example we compute direct CO(2) emissions until 2050 depending
      on population, car utilization, and fuel efficiency and compare them to
      benchmarks derived by assuming even contribution of all sectors and a unitary
      global per capita emission quota.  Compared to present car utilization in
      industrialized countries, massive deployment of prototypes of fuel efficient cars
      could reduce emissions by about 45%, and moderately lower car use could
      contribute with another 33%. Still, emissions remain about five times higher than
      the benchmark for the 2  degrees C global warming target. Therefore an extended
      analysis, including in particular low-carbon fuels and the impact of urban and
      transport planning on annual distance traveled and car ownership, should be
      considered. A cross-sectoral comparison could reveal whether other sectors could
      bear an overproportional reduction quota instead. The proposed model offers
      direct interfaces to material industries, fuel production, and scrap vehicle
      supply.

PMID- 22074176
TI  - Evaluation of biosafety and intracellular uptake of Cremophor EL free paclitaxel
      elastic liposomal formulation.
AB  - The present study examines the acute, sub-acute toxicity, and cytotoxicity of
      paclitaxel elastic liposomal formulation in comparison to a marketed Cremophor EL
      (polyoxyethylated castor oil):ethanol (1:1, v/v) based formulation. In the
      previous study, Cremophor EL free paclitaxel elastic liposomal formulation was
      developed and characterized. Cytotoxicity of formulation was evaluated by MTT
      assay using A549 cell lines. Percentage intracellular uptake of paclitaxel
      elastic liposomal and marketed formulation was determined using a fluorescence
      activating cell sorting assay (FACS) and fluorescence microscopy techniques.
      Single and repeated dose toxicity measurement showed no mortality, hematological,
      biochemical, or histopathological changes up to a dose of 120 mg/kg for
      paclitaxel elastic liposomal formulation, in comparison the marketed formulation
      showed toxicity at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for
      paclitaxel elastic liposomal and marketed formulation was found to be 160 mg/kg
      and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Results of FACS analysis showed a 94.6 +/- 2.5%
      intracellular uptake of fluorescence marker acridine orange (AO) loaded in
      elastic liposomes; in comparison the AO solution showed only a 19.8 +/- 1.1%
      uptake. Paclitaxel elastic liposomal formulation seems to be a better alternative
      for safe and effective delivery of paclitaxel. This study proves the safety and
      higher intracellular uptake of paclitaxel elastic liposomal formulation.

PMID- 22074178
TI  - No effects of Korean pine nut triacylglycerol on satiety and energy intake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triacylglycerols (TAG) have been shown to have potential appetite
      suppressing effects. This study examined the effects of 3 g and 6 g Korean pine
      nut triacylglycerols (PinnoThin) on appetite and energy intake. METHODS: 130 g
      Isoenergetic yogurt containing either placebo (milk fat) or PinnoThin TAG was
      consumed as a breakfast, after an overnight fast, in a double blind randomized
      crossover design. Appetite profile ratings were determined by visual analogue
      scale at regular intervals for a period of 4 h after the breakfast. In phase I, 6
      g PinnoThin TAG and placebo was tested in thirty-three healthy women (mean +/-
      SD, BMI 26.4 +/- 3.8 kg/m2; age 28 +/- 10 y) to determine the appetite
      suppressing effect in time. In phase II, an additional dose of 3 g PinnoThin TAG,
      as well as 6 g PinnoThin TAG and placebo, was tested in thirty-four women (BMI
      25.8 +/- 2.9 kg/m2; age 25 +/- 9 y) to determine energy intake from an ad libitum
      lunch offered at 210 min after the breakfast, at which maximal differences in
      appetite profile ratings were present in phase I. RESULTS: Area under the curve
      of appetite profile ratings was not significantly different between the
      conditions. Energy intake was 9.5% lower after 6 g PinnoThin TAG compared with 3
      g PinnoThin TAG, but there was no significant difference with the placebo.
      CONCLUSION: A dosage of 6 g PinnoThin TAG is not sufficient to suppress appetite
      and energy intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT01034605.

PMID- 22074177
TI  - Oxygen-independent alkane formation by non-heme iron-dependent cyanobacterial
      aldehyde decarbonylase: investigation of kinetics and requirement for an external
      electron donor.
AB  - Cyanobacterial aldehyde decarbonylase (cAD) is, structurally, a member of the di
      iron carboxylate family of oxygenases. We previously reported that cAD from
      Prochlorococcus marinus catalyzes the unusual hydrolysis of aldehydes to produce
      alkanes and formate in a reaction that requires an external reducing system but
      does not require oxygen [Das et al. (2011) Angew. Chem. 50, 7148-7152]. Here we
      demonstrate that cADs from divergent cyanobacterial classes, including the enzyme
      from N. puntiformes that was reported to be oxygen dependent, catalyze aldehyde
      decarbonylation at a much faster rate under anaerobic conditions and that the
      oxygen in formate derives from water. The very low activity (<1 turnover/h) of
      cAD appears to result from inhibition by the ferredoxin reducing system used in
      the assay and the low solubility of the substrate. Replacing ferredoxin with the
      electron mediator phenazine methosulfate allowed the enzyme to function with
      various chemical reductants, with NADH giving the highest activity. NADH is not
      consumed during turnover, in accord with the proposed catalytic role for the
      reducing system in the reaction. With octadecanal, a burst phase of product
      formation, k(prod) = 3.4 +/- 0.5 min(-1), is observed, indicating that chemistry
      is not rate-determining under the conditions of the assay. With the more soluble
      substrate, heptanal, k(cat) = 0.17 +/- 0.01 min(-1) and no burst phase is
      observed, suggesting that a chemical step is limiting in the reaction of this
      substrate.

PMID- 22074179
TI  - Dehydratase mediated 1-propanol production in metabolically engineered
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the increasing consumption of fossil fuels, the question of
      meeting the global energy demand is of great importance in the near future. As an
      effective solution, production of higher alcohols from renewable sources by
      microorganisms has been proposed to address both energy crisis and environmental
      concerns. Higher alcohols contain more than two carbon atoms and have better
      physiochemical properties than ethanol as fuel substitutes. RESULTS: We designed
      a novel 1-propanol metabolic pathway by expanding the well-known 1,2-propanediol
      pathway with two more enzymatic steps catalyzed by a 1,2-propanediol dehydratase
      and an alcohol dehydrogenase. In order to engineer the pathway into E. coli, we
      evaluated the activities of eight different methylglyoxal synthases which play
      crucial roles in shunting carbon flux from glycolysis towards 1-propanol
      biosynthesis, as well as two secondary alcohol dehydrogenases of different
      origins that reduce both methylglyoxal and hydroxyacetone. It is evident from our
      results that the most active enzymes are the methylglyoxal synthase from Bacillus
      subtilis and the secondary alcohol dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae,
      encoded by mgsA and budC respectively. With the expression of these two genes and
      the E. coli ydjG encoding methylglyoxal reductase, we achieved the production of
      1,2-propanediol at 0.8 g/L in shake flask experiments. We then characterized the
      catalytic efficiency of three different diol dehydratases on 1,2-propanediol and
      identified the optimal one as the 1,2-propanediol dehydratase from Klebsiella
      oxytoca, encoded by the operon ppdABC. Co-expressing this enzyme with the above
      1,2-propanediol pathway in wild type E. coli resulted in the production of 1
      propanol at a titer of 0.25 g/L. CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully established a
      new pathway for 1-propanol production by shunting the carbon flux from
      glycolysis. To our knowledge, it is the first time that this pathway has been
      utilized to produce 1-propanol in E. coli. The work presented here forms a basis
      for further improvement in production. We speculate that dragging more carbon
      flux towards methylglyoxal by manipulating glycolytic pathway and eliminating
      competing pathways such as lactate generation can further enhance the production
      of 1-propanol.

PMID- 22074180
TI  - RETRACTED: Inhibition of LXRalpha-dependent steatosis and oxidative injury by
      liquiritigenin, a licorice flavonoid, as mediated with Nrf2 activation.

PMID- 22074181
TI  - Synthesis and properties of molecular probes for the rescue site on mutant cystic
      fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene for the
      cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. In vitro
      experiments have demonstrated that 4-methyl-2-(5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenol
      (VRT-532, 1) is able to partially restore the function of mutant CFTR proteins.
      To help elucidate the nature of the interactions between 1 and mutant CFTR,
      molecular probes based on the structure of 1 have been prepared. These include a
      photoreactive aryl azide derivative 11 and a fluorescent dansyl sulfonamide 15.
      Additionally, a method for hydrogen isotope exchange on 1 has been developed,
      which could be used for the incorporation of radioactive tritium. Using iodide
      efflux assays, the probe molecules have been demonstrated to modulate the
      activity of mutant CFTR in the same manner as 1. These probe molecules enable a
      number of biochemical experiments aimed at understanding how 1 rescues the
      function of mutant CFTR. This understanding can in turn aid in the design and
      development of more efficacious compounds which may serve as therapeutic agents
      in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 22074182
TI  - A small molecule that binds to an ATPase domain of Hsc70 promotes membrane
      trafficking of mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cell-surface
      anion channel that permeates chloride and bicarbonate ions. The most frequent
      mutation of CFTR that causes cystic fibrosis is the deletion of phenylalanine at
      position 508 (DeltaF508), which leads to defects in protein folding and cellular
      trafficking to the plasma membrane. The lack of the cell-surface CFTR results in
      a reduction in the lifespan due to chronic lung infection with progressive
      deterioration of lung function. Hsc70 plays a crucial role in degradation of
      mutant CFTR by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. To date, various Hsc70 inhibitors
      and transcription regulators have been tested to determine whether they correct
      the defective activity of mutant CFTR. However, they exhibited limited or
      questionable effects on restoring the chloride channel activity in cystic
      fibrosis cells. Herein, we show that a small molecule apoptozole (Az) has high
      cellular potency to promote membrane trafficking of mutant CFTR and its chloride
      channel activity in cystic fibrosis cells. Results from affinity chromatography
      and ATPase activity assay indicate that Az inhibits the ATPase activity of Hsc70
      by binding to its ATPase domain. In addition, a ligand-directed protein labeling
      and molecular modeling studies also suggest the binding of Az to an ATPase
      domain, in particular, an ATP-binding pocket. It is proposed that Az suppresses
      ubiquitination of DeltaF508-CFTR maybe by blocking interaction of the mutant with
      Hsc70 and CHIP, and, as a consequence, it enhances membrane trafficking of the
      mutant.

PMID- 22074183
TI  - Adsorption of poly(vinyl formamide-co-vinyl amine) (PVFA-co-PVAm) polymers on
      zinc, zinc oxide, iron, and iron oxide surfaces.
AB  - The adsorption of poly(vinyl formamide) (PVFA) and the statistic copolymers
      poly(vinyl formamide-co-vinyl amine) (PVFA-co-PVAm) onto zinc and iron metal
      particles as well as their oxides was investigated. The adsorbates were
      characterized by means of XPS, DRIFT spectroscopy, wet chemical analysis, and
      solvatochromic probes. Dicyano-bis-(1,10-phenanthroline)-iron(II) (1), 3-(4-amino
      3-methylphenyl)-7-phenyl-benzo-[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-2,6-dione (2), and 4-tert
      butyl-2-(dicyano-methylene)-5-[4-(diethylamino)-benzylidene]-Delta(3)-thiazoline
      (3) as solvatochromic probes were coadsorbed onto zinc oxide to measure various
      effects of surface polarity. The experimental findings showed that the adsorption
      mechanism of PVFA and PVFA-co-PVAm strongly depends on the degree of hydrolysis
      of PVFA and pH values and also on the kind of metal or metal oxide surfaces that
      were employed as adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism of PVFA/PVFA-co-PVAm onto
      zinc oxide and iron oxide surfaces is mainly affected by electrostatic
      interactions. Particularly in the region of pH 5, the adsorption of PVFA/PVFA-co
      PVAm onto zinc and iron metal particles is additionally influenced by redox
      processes, dissolution, and complexation reactions.

PMID- 22074184
TI  - Fatalities in wild goats in Kurdistan associated with Peste des Petits Ruminants
      virus.
AB  - Between August 2010 and February 2011, over 750 deaths were recorded among wild
      goats (Capra aegagrus, the endangered progenitor of the domestic goat) in
      Kurdistan. Based on the clinical signs and post-mortem findings, the involvement
      of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) was suspected. This was confirmed by
      laboratory analysis, and the virus was found to be closely related to a Turkish
      strain isolated in 2000. During the outbreak in wild goats, no disease in
      domestic animals was reported. Domestic ruminants in the region are routinely
      vaccinated with an attenuated vaccine based on the 'Nigeria/75/1' strain of PPRV.
      This is the first report of active PPRV infection in Kurdistan and most likely
      the immunity afforded by vaccination prevented spillover infections. It is
      therefore recommended to continue with the campaign. Conversely, there is no
      justification for the use of force to keep the endangered wild goats away from
      domestic flocks.

PMID- 22074185
TI  - The effect of different criteria on the number of patients blind from open-angle
      glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment from glaucoma is
      influenced by the criteria used to define these entities, which differ between
      countries and regions, as well as among published reports. The objective of the
      present study was to ascertain the extent to which different criteria of
      blindness and visual impairment influence estimates of the number of patients
      classified as blind or visually impaired by glaucoma in a clinic-based
      population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 914 patients
      with open-angle glaucoma to compare numbers of patients identified as visually
      impaired with and without considering visual field status. We also compared
      proportions classified using World Health Organisation (WHO) and United States
      (US) blindness criteria, and applying a new US Social Security Administration
      (SSA) disability criterion: perimetric mean deviation (MD) <= -22 dB. RESULTS:
      Forty patients (4.4%) were bilaterally blind from glaucoma by the WHO criteria.
      Fifty-two (5.7%) were blind by the the US criterion. Assessing only visual
      acuity, 14 (1.5%) patients were blind by the WHO criteria and 24 (2.6%) by the US
      definition. Eighty-five (9.3%) met the US SSA disability criterion. Among those,
      52 were impaired also by the WHO definition. No patients impaired according to
      the WHO criteria had MD values better than -22 dB. CONCLUSIONS: Excluding visual
      field status will seriously underestimate the prevalence of glaucoma blindness.
      In our patient population, 30% more patients were classified as blind by the US
      than by the WHO definition. Also, 60% more were identified as visually impaired
      by the US SSA criterion than by the WHO criteria. Visual field assessment is
      vital to determine visual impairment caused by glaucoma.

PMID- 22074186
TI  - Nanoscale analysis of the interaction between cyanoacrylate and vacuum metal
      deposition in the development of latent fingermarks on low-density polyethylene.
AB  - Vacuum metal deposition (VMD) has been previously demonstrated as an effective
      development technique for latent fingermarks and in some cases has been shown to
      enhance prints developed with cyanoacrylate (CA) (superglue) fuming. This work
      utilizes scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the interactions of
      the two development techniques when applied to latent fingermarks on low-density
      polyethylene. CA is shown to act principally on the eccrine deposits around sweat
      pores, where polymerization results in long polymer fibrils a few 100 nm in
      width. Subsequent VMD processing results in additional areas of development, for
      example, between pores. However, the primary mode of deposition of zinc is by
      interaction with the polymerized CA, the fibrils of which become decorated with
      zinc nanoparticles. Areas with limited CA deposition and no significant
      polymerization are also enhanced with the VMD process, resulting in increased
      print development.

PMID- 22074187
TI  - Molecular rotation in self-assembled multidecker porphyrin complexes.
AB  - An alkyl chain-substituted multidecker porphyrin (a cerium double-decker
      porphyrin (CeDDP) and a lanthanum triple-decker porphyrin (LaTDP)) complexes were
      arranged in a monolayer array on Au(111) substrate. By using a pulse injection
      deposition method, both multidecker complexes were deposited on the surface
      intact to form a well-defined two-dimensional array. Low-temperature scanning
      tunneling microscopy (STM) allowed the measurement of the topographic heights of
      the multidecker porphyrin complexes and visualization of their internal
      structures clearly. The STM images suggest that the top porphyrin ligand in CeDDP
      rarely rotates under nondestructive imaging condition, while the top porphyrin
      ligand in LaTDP exhibits flip-flop rotation even under the nondestructive imaging
      condition at sub-pA tunneling currents. These results provide the future
      applications of molecular-scale mechanical machines and single molecule storage
      memory.

PMID- 22074188
TI  - Linezolid versus vancomycin antibiotic lock solution for the prevention of
      nontunneled catheter-related blood stream infections in hemodialysis patients: a
      prospective randomized study.
AB  - The use of antibiotic lock solutions (ALSs) for the prevention of catheter
      related blood stream infections (CRBSIs) is a promising option. The efficacy and
      safety of linezolid as ALS were evaluated in a randomized double-blind
      prospective study where 131 patients who required nontunneled catheter (NTC) for
      hemodialysis (HD) were randomized to receive an ALS with either (A)
      unfractionated heparin (2000 U/ml) alone as a catheter lock control, (B)
      vancomycin (5 mg/ml) + heparin (2000 U/ml), or (C) linezolid (2 mg/ml) + heparin
      (2000 U/ml). The primary endpoint of the study was CRBSI. A total of 152 NTCs
      were inserted in 131 patients. The linezolid-locked group did not present any
      infective episode (CRBSI rate = 0/1000 catheter days) compared with 2 episodes in
      the vancomycin-locked group (CRBSI rate = 1.21/1000 catheter days, p = 0.1021)
      and 11 episodes in the heparin-locked group (CRBSI rate = 6.7/1000 catheter days,
      p = 0.0001). Median number of catheter days was greater in group C (median = 38)
      compared with group B (median = 36, p = 0.0415) and with group A (median = 34, p
      = 0.0036). No side effects and no resistant organisms were recorded with the use
      of linezolid ALS. Linezolid appears to be a safe and effective ALS, preventing
      CRBSI and prolonging the survival of the catheter in HD patients.

PMID- 22074189
TI  - Expression of chemosensory proteins in the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans
      morsitans is related to female host-seeking behaviour.
AB  - Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a class of soluble proteins present in high
      concentrations in the sensilla of insect antennae. It has been proposed that they
      play an important role in insect olfaction by mediating interactions between
      odorants and odorant receptors. Here we report, for the first time, the presence
      of five CSP genes in the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans, a major vector
      transmitting nagana in livestock. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription
      PCR showed that three of the CSPs are expressed in antennae. One of them,
      GmmCSP2, is transcribed at a very high level and could be involved in olfaction.
      We also determined expression in the antennae of both males and females at
      different life stages and with different blood feeding regimes. The transcription
      of GmmCSP2 was lower in male antennae than in females, with a sharp increase in
      10-week-old flies, 48 h after a bloodmeal. Thus there is a clear relationship
      between CSP gene transcription and host searching behaviour. Genome annotation
      and phylogenetic analyses comparing G. morsitans morsitans CSPs with those of
      other Diptera showed rapid evolution after speciation of mosquitoes.

PMID- 22074190
TI  - Ethnicity predicts perceptions of smoking and smoking cessation among veterans.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if race/ethnicity predicts
      motivation to quit smoking and preferences for cessation services among smokers
      serviced by a primarily psychiatric Veterans Affairs hospital. A self
      administered survey was given to a convenience sample of smokers (n=146) at the
      Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Univariate, bivariate and
      multivariate regression analyses were calculated to determine the association
      between race/ethnicity and motivation to quit smoking. Forty-two per cent of the
      sample was non-white. Non-white patients smoked significantly less cigarettes per
      day as compared with white patients (P=0.002). In the multivariate analyses,
      compared with whites, non-whites had 3.5 times greater odds of thinking that
      quitting smoking was extremely/very important to health (P= 0.01), 4.0 times
      greater odds of thinking of quitting using tobacco products in the next 30 days
      (P=0.004) and 3.4 times greater odds of being interested in receiving smoking
      cessation services (P=0.007). Yet, non-white patients were less likely to be
      interested in intensive nurse counselling and cessation medications. As the
      number of non-whites continues to increase in the military, novel strategies may
      be needed to capitalize on the high motivation to quit smoking and preference for
      non-traditional interventions among non-white smokers treated in Veterans Affairs
      hospitals.

PMID- 22074191
TI  - Laparoscopic low anterior resection for hematogenous rectal metastasis from
      gastric adenocarcinoma: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world
      and is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Korea. Colorectal
      metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma are known to be very rare. We report an
      unusual case of rectal metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION:
      We report a case of a 43-year-old female patient with gastric cancer who first
      presented with epigastric pain. The endoscopic and radiologic findings were
      suggestive of Borrmann type III advanced gastric cancer with linitis plastica.
      Radical total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was performed. The
      pathology report was AJCC TNM Stage II gastric adenocarcinoma (T3N0M0). On follow
      up at 34 months after surgery, the patient complained of difficulty in
      defecation. On colonoscopy, a hard, indurated extraluminal mass was detected 7 cm
      proximal to the anal verge. The biopsy demonstrated chronic nonspecific colitis.
      Abdominal CT, rectal MRI and PET-CT revealed rectal metastasis from gastric
      cancer. Laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection with diverting ileostomy was
      performed. The pathology report was metastatic adenocarcinoma, and this diagnosis
      was identical to the gastric pathology reported in the previous pathology report.
      The patient was discharged after the 11th postoperative day with no adverse
      events. CONCLUSION: Rectal metastasis from gastric cancer is known to be very
      rare. However, metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma should be considered as a
      differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a colorectal mass and a past
      history of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22074192
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus infection induced redox signaling and DNA fragmentation in
      T-lymphocytes: possible ameliorative role of nanoconjugated vancomycin.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is most frequently isolated pathogen causing bloodstream
      infections, skin and soft tissue infections and pneumonia. Vancomycin sensitive
      and resistant S. aureus infection causes oxidative stress in neutrophils and
      lymphocytes. Lymphocyte is an important immune cell. The immune cells use
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) for carrying out their normal functions while an
      excess amount of ROS can attack cellular components that lead to cell damage. The
      aim of the present study was to test the protective role of nanoconjugated
      vancomycin against Vancomycin Sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) and Vancomycin Resistant
      S. aureus (VRSA) infection induced oxidative stress in T-lymphocytes. VSSA and
      VRSA infection were developed in Swiss mice by intraperitoneal injection of 5 *
      10(6) CFU/ml bacterial solutions. Nanoconjugated vancomycin was treated to VSSA
      and VRSA infected mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw/day and 500 mg/kg bw/day,
      respectively for successive 10 days. Vancomycin was treated to VSSA and VRSA
      infected mice at similar dose, respectively, for 10 days. The result of this
      study reveals that in vivo VSSA and VRSA infection significantly increases the
      level of nitrite generation, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, oxidized
      glutathione level, DNA fragmentation, and decreases the level of reduced
      glutathione, antioxidant enzyme status, glutathione dependent enzymes as compared
      to control group; which were increased or decreased significantly near to normal
      in T-lymphocytes of nanoconjugated vancomycin treated group. These finding
      suggests the potential use and beneficial protective role of nanoconjugated
      vancomycin against VSSA and VRSA infection induced oxidative stress in T
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 22074193
TI  - G-protein betagamma subunits in vasorelaxing and anti-endothelinergic effects of
      calcitonin gene-related peptide.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been proposed
      to relax vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) via cAMP and can promote
      dissociation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) from ET(A) receptors. The latter is not
      mimicked by other stimuli of adenylate cyclases. Therefore, we evaluated the
      involvement of G-protein betagamma subunits (Gbetagamma) in the arterial effects
      of CGRP receptor stimulation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: To test the hypothesis that
      instead of alpha subunits of G-proteins (Galphas), Gbetagamma mediates the
      effects of CGRP receptor activation, we used (i) rat isolated mesenteric
      resistance arteries (MRA), (ii) pharmacological modulators of cyclic nucleotides;
      and (iii) low molecular weight inhibitors of the functions of Gbetagamma, gallein
      and M119. To validate these tools with respect to CGRP receptor function, we
      performed organ bath studies with rat isolated MRA, radioligand binding on
      membranes from CHO cells expressing human CGRP receptors and cAMP production
      assays in rat cultured VSMC. KEY RESULTS: In isolated arteries contracted with
      K(+) or ET-1, IBMX (PDE inhibitor) increased sodium nitroprusside (SNP)- and
      isoprenaline (ISO)- but not CGRP-induced relaxations. While fluorescein (negative
      control) was without effects, gallein increased binding of [(125) I]-CGRP in the
      absence and presence of GTPgammaS. Gallein also increased CGRP-induced cAMP
      production in VSMC. Despite these stimulating effects, gallein and M119
      selectively inhibited the relaxing and anti-endothelinergic effects of CGRP in
      isolated arteries while not altering contractile responses to K(+) or ET-1 or
      relaxing responses to ISO or SNP. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Activated CGRP
      receptors induce cyclic nucleotide-independent relaxation of VSMC and terminate
      arterial effects of ET-1 via Gbetagamma.

PMID- 22074194
TI  - The relationship between attitudes towards different containment measures and
      their usage in a national sample of psychiatric inpatients.
AB  - The aims of this report were to explore the relationships between patients'
      approval of containment measures, their levels of usage and patients' individual
      experience of each measure. Additionally the psychometric properties of the
      Attitudes to Containment Measures Questionnaire (ACMQ) were tested. A cross
      sectional design was used. The ACMQ was completed by 1361 patients across 136
      acute psychiatric wards from three regions in England that participated in the
      'City 128' study. Staff on each ward completed the Patient-Staff Conflict
      Checklist - Shift Report at the end of each shift to log how often each
      containment measure was used. Frequency of patient reported containment
      correlated with rates reported by staff. Patients had separate attitudes to each
      containment measure rather than an attitude towards containment in general. High
      frequency of coerced intramuscular (IM) medication use was associated with
      negative attitudes to nearly all types of containment. The ACMQ has good
      construct validity. In wards where high levels of IM medication are used, all
      patients have lower approval ratings for a number of other containment measures.
      This suggests that IM medication has a negative impact not only on those
      subjected to it but also patients who witness it. Measures to reduce the negative
      impact of IM medication are discussed.

PMID- 22074197
TI  - Changes in the use of birth control methods.
AB  - Abstract   Information on changes in the methods of contraception used was
      collected from women in a KAP Survey of Trinidad and Tobago in 1970-71. Using
      methods analagous to those used in the study of internal migration, it is found
      that 54% of contraceptors were still using the method they first used, and 46%
      had changed. In general, the net changes tended to be from less to more efficient
      methods. This is demonstrated with data showing: 1.     the number of changes
      from one method to another; 2.     the number of changes these women have made,
      considering the first and last methods only; and 3.     the number of changes,
      including intermediate changes. Nevertheless, there is also an appreciable
      movement away from the more effective methods either to other methods, or out of
      contraceptive practice entirely.   The rate of dropout from contraception has
      been increasing in recent years for all methods, and, apparently, for all ages of
      women. The principal reasons given for stopping the use of the various methods
      were: 1.     pregnancy; 2.     that the method was uncomfortable or too much
      trouble; 3.     that the method made the user ill (in the case of the pill and
      the IUD); and 4.     that the partner disliked the method (in the case of the
      condom and withdrawal). More positive reasons include: 1.     that the woman
      wanted more children; and 2.     that she no longer had a partner.

PMID- 22074198
TI  - The concept and measurement of child dependency: An approach to family formation
      analysis.
AB  - Abstract   Two distinctions appear crucial in the study of human fertility: (1)
      aggregate versus individuallevel analysis; and (2) true explanations versus
      'demographic explanations', using Stinchcombe's terminology. Social demographers
      analysing fertility have been accustomed to using fertility measurements derived
      from aggregative population analyses, and have largely terminated their analytic
      efforts at the level of a 'demographic explanation'. The failure to arrive at a
      social analysis of the process of fertility decision-making may in part to be due
      to this measurement heritage, which may be inappropriate for individual-level
      analyses.   As a first step in the direction of creating measurement suitable for
      such analyses, fertility decision-making is labelled as family formation decision
      making, and this is linked to the concept of child dependency. Measures of child
      years-of-dependency (CYD) are proposed for use in family formation analysis.
      These integrate current quantity and tempo measures, and have greater potential
      for use at the level ofthe family. They require no additional data beyond
      fertility histories, are flexible in terms of non-modal family situations (e.g.
      divorce, infant or child mortality) and may be indicators of criteria used by
      couples in planning their fertility.   Refinements of the basic CYD measures are
      explored. These include analyses of average versus marginal costs of child
      rearing, age gradients of costs and social class differentials in costs. All of
      these are intended to make CYD measures more useful in individual cost-benefit
      analyses of child-bearing and child-rearing.

PMID- 22074199
TI  - Assessment of family planning programme effects on births: Preliminary results
      obtained through direct matching of birth and programme acceptor records.
AB  - Abstract   In order to match birth and family planning acceptance records and
      thereby to obtain estimates of pre- and post-acceptance fertility, use is made of
      seven-digit national identity card numbers, issued to all adult West Malaysians.
      These unique numbers are recorded on live-birth records and national family
      planning programme acceptor records of West Malaysian women.   The application
      and preliminary results of this method of direct computer matching of these sets
      of records for assessing the effects of a family planning programme on fertility
      are described. Pre- and post-acceptance fertility rates are presented in terms of
      contraceptive methods used, and the key characteristics of race and age of
      programme acceptors, and are discussed in terms of marital duration and number of
      children at the time of acceptance.

PMID- 22074195
TI  - Weight loss and African-American women: a systematic review of the behavioural
      weight loss intervention literature.
AB  - The excess burden of obesity among African-American women is well documented.
      However, the behavioural weight loss intervention literature often does not
      report results by ethnic group or gender. The purpose of this article is to
      conduct a systematic review of all behavioural weight loss intervention trials
      published between 1990 and 2010 that included and reported results separately for
      African-American women. The criteria for inclusion included (i) participants age
      >=18 years; (ii) a behavioural weight loss intervention; (iii) weight as an
      outcome variable; (iv) inclusion of African-American women; and (v) weight loss
      results reported separately by ethnicity and gender. The literature search
      identified 25 studies that met inclusion criteria. Our findings suggest that more
      intensive randomized behavioural weight loss trials with medically at-risk
      populations yield better results. Well-designed and more intensive multi-site
      trials with medically at-risk populations currently offer the most promising
      results for African-American women. Still, African-American women lose less
      weight than other subgroups in behavioural weight loss interventions. It is now
      critical to expand on individual-level approaches and incorporate the biological,
      social and environmental factors that influence obesity. This will help enable
      the adoption of healthier behaviours for this group of women disproportionately
      affected by obesity.

PMID- 22074200
TI  - Temporal and spatial analysis of fertility decline in Taiwan.
AB  - Abstract   The conventional mode of evaluating the success of family planning
      programmes has frequently emphasized the activities of the programmes, rather
      than their ultimate effects. This paper examines the role of family planning
      programmes in inducing fertility decline in Taiwan. First it presents the secular
      trends of Taiwanese fertility changes, pointing out that family planning
      programmes began only after the birth rate had already shown a substantial
      decline. Secondly, it specifically evaluates the impact of family planning
      programmes in the Taichung areas, since its success has been widely proclaimed.
      Finally, it is stipulated that the dynamics of Taiwanese fertility changes may be
      related to declining infant mortality and accelerating educational development,
      and that these institutional effects, rather than the family planning programmes,
      should be credited with changes in fertility.

PMID- 22074201
TI  - Relation of marriage and education to fertility in the U.S.S.R.
AB  - Abstract   One-half of the variation in Soviet fertility as measured by the child
      woman ratio is attributable to the proportion of married women in the 20-24 age
      group. The familar sociological hypothesis of an inverse relation between human
      fertility and education also is fully substantiated with data for the 36 major
      ethnic groups in the U.S.S.R. The second and third best predicting variables fall
      into the two extreme age groups: (a) those 16 to 19 years of age with more than
      seven years of school completed and (b) those men and women aged 60 and over with
      the equivalent formal education.   Results of this study support the modified
      hypothesis that complements previously publicized findings. It asserts that
      variations in fertility attributable to the traditionally religious values can be
      explained in terms of the age-specific marriage and educational differentials
      known to have existed in the past and still characteristic of the multi-national
      society in the Soviet Union.

PMID- 22074202
TI  - The fertility of negroes without southern rural experience: A re-examination of
      the 1960 GAF study findings with 1967 SEO Data.
AB  - Abstract   A major finding of the 1960 'Growth of American Families' (GAF) study
      was that whites and blacks without southern rural experience had similar
      fertility. This paper reports on a re-examination of this finding with a
      substantially larger black sample. Data from the 1967 Survey of Economic
      Opportunity demonstrated that the residence background classification utilized in
      the GAF study defeated, in part, the attempt to remove the effects of rural
      experience on fertility. Indigenous urban blacks had 25% higher fertility than
      indigenous urban whites. The fertility of urban black migrants out of the rural
      South was sharply curtailed in contrast to those remaining in the rural South.
      Although urban blacks of southern rural background had nominally higher fertility
      than indigenous urban blacks, the difference was neither statistically nor
      substantively significant. These results demand a re-ordering of the
      interpretation of the impact that migration has on urban black fertility and the
      white-black differential in fertility.

PMID- 22074203
TI  - The influence of cause-specific mortality conditions on the age pattern of
      mortality with special reference to Taiwan.
AB  - Abstract   This paper discusses the relationship between the level of mortality
      at ages one to four, on one hand, and five to 34 on the other. This relationship
      has been observed to vary considerably among mortality schedules at different
      levels of mortality and even among schedules at the same general level of
      mortality. This variation is shown among the modem life table systems of the
      Regional Model Life Tables and the United Nations Model Life Tables. Controlling
      for the leyel ofmortality from age five to age 34, the West Tables and the United
      Nations Tables embody approximately the same 'average' relationship between early
      childhood and adult mortality. Relatively to this average relationship, the South
      and East Tables consistently display higher childhood mortality rates for a given
      level of adult mortality. Indeed, the childhood rates of the South Table are
      twice those of the West Tables over a range of life expectancy at birth from 40
      to 70 years.   The relationship between childhood and adult mortality from 1957
      to 1968, a period of rapid mortality decline, was investigated in Taiwan. In
      1957, the Taiwanese data reflected the severe childhood mortality of the South
      Model Tables. However, by 1968, due to an especially large decline in childhood
      mortality, this relationship was more moderate and resembled the mortality
      pattern of the West or East Model Tables. An analysis of the decline in cause
      specific mortality during the period revealed that a dramatic decline in
      childhood mortality from gastro-enteritis was primarily responsible for the shift
      in the relationship between childhood and adult mortality in Taiwan.   It is
      asserted that, while any of several diseases which result in fatalities primarily
      among children of pre-school ages, could cause relatively severe childhood
      mortality, gastro-enteritis is likely to be a primary contributor to such an age
      pattern. This assertion is based on the fact that, especially in the developing
      areas of the world, malnutrition and gastro-enteritis are usually precipitating
      and complicating factors of other childhood diseases. A limited test of this
      hypothesis was provided by considering the causal components of childhood
      mortality rates in two populations known, for certain periods, to have exhibited
      relatively severe childhood mortality conditions; Spain and Portugal. For the
      years in which those populations were characterized by the South mortality
      pattern, gastro-enteritis was a principal cause of mortality in childhood.
      Moreover, with the decline in mortality from gastro-enteritis, the mortality
      pattern in Spain and Portugal no longer exhibited childhood mortality rates which
      were severe relative to those of adult life.   The implications of these findings
      for the analysis of mortality conditions in many areas of the developing world,
      where the gastro-enteritis malnutrition syndrome annually claims a heavy toll of
      life in early childhood, are not clear. In those areas, the effect of this
      syndrome on the age pattern of mortality could be offset by special conditions
      inflating adult mortality rates. Nevertheless, in circumstances where there is
      evidence indicating substantial childhood mortality from this syndrome and no
      evidence indicating compensating severe adult mortality, there is reason to
      suspect that the existing mortality pattern reflects the relatively severe
      childhood mortality conditions of the South Model Tables. Additionally, where
      mortality from the gastro-enteritis malnutrition syndrome has been severe in past
      years, but has been reduced to low levels in recent years, it is probable that
      the relationship between childhood and adult mortality will shift in favour of
      the former - quite possibly, in the manner of Taiwan, from a South to an East or
      West age pattern.

PMID- 22074204
TI  - On the pattern of cohort fertility.
AB  - Abstract   An examination of the patterns of cohort fertility rates in a number
      of populations revealed the existence of a common pattern showing how mean family
      sizes of the different age-at-marriage groups of a given marriage cohort are
      built up over the reproductive span. Standard schedules of fertility patterns are
      generated by the use of the Gompertz function which defines the distribution of
      cumulative fertility rates of a given marriage cohort by marriage duration by
      means of only three parameters. The generated system is tested with the
      historical series for England and Wales and Sweden and is found adequate to
      describe widely different childbearing patterns. Some of the demographic
      implications of the existence of common fertility patterns are examined and the
      usefulness of the generated system in projecting future fertility trends is
      briefly discussed.

PMID- 22074206
TI  - Justifying discrimination against Muslim immigrants: out-group ideology and the
      five-step social identity model.
AB  - This study examines how Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party For Freedom
      (PVV) in the Netherlands, justifies discriminatory measures for Muslim citizens.
      Wilders' contributions to four parliamentary debates and newspaper articles are
      analysed. The analysis shows that Wilders consistently makes a distinction
      between Islam as a belief system and Muslims as a group of people. Islam is
      defined as external to the West and as a major threat to the virtuous nature of
      the in-group. Defending and preserving Western liberal values against Islam is
      construed as a moral imperative. It is further shown how the distinction between
      Islam and Muslims functions to ward off accusations of prejudice and
      discrimination. It is concluded that social psychologists studying prejudice and
      discrimination should pay more attention to the distinction between person
      categories and ideological categories, and to political leadership.

PMID- 22074207
TI  - Speciation and degradation of triphenyltin in typical paddy fields and its uptake
      into rice plants.
AB  - Triphenyltin (TPhT) is a biocide used worldwide in agriculture, especially in
      rice crop farming. The distribution and dissipation of TPhT in rice fields, as
      well as uptake of TPhT and other phenyltin compounds (monophenyltin, MPhT, and
      diphenyltin, DPhT) is still unknown at present. In this study, speciation
      analysis of phenyltin compounds was carried out in soil and water from a rice
      field where TPhT was applied during rice seeding according to legal application
      rates in Brazil. The results indicate the degradation of biocide and distribution
      of tin species into soil and water. To evaluate whether TPhT is taken up by
      plants, rice plants were exposed to three different TPhT application rates in a
      controlled mesocosm during 7 weeks. After this period, tin speciation was
      determined in soil, roots, leaves, and grains of rice. Degradation of TPhT was
      observed in soil, where DPhT and MPhT were detected. MPhT, DPhT, and TPhT were
      also detected in the roots of plants exposed to all TPhT application rates. Only
      TPhT was detected in leaves and at relatively low concentration, suggesting
      selective transport of TPhT in the xylem, in contrast to DPhT and MPhT.
      Concentration of phenyltin species in rice grains was lower than the limit of
      detection, suggesting that rice plants do not have the capability to take up TPhT
      from soil and transport it to the grains.

PMID- 22074208
TI  - Disparities in reproductive health-related visits to the emergency department in
      Maryland by age and race, 1999-2005.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe reproductive health-related visits to Maryland emergency
      departments (EDs) among women aged 15-44 years from 1999 to 2005. METHODS: We
      obtained data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency
      Department Database and State Inpatient Database. ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes were
      used to classify reproductive health-related visits. We calculated the annual
      rate of reproductive health visits to Maryland EDs from 1999 to 2005 for women
      aged 15-44 years and tested time trends using linear regression. Admission rates
      were defined as the percentage of ED visits that resulted in inpatient admission.
      We calculated age-specific and race-specific rate ratios for diagnoses using
      Poisson regression and admission rate ratios using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel
      statistics. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2005, the rate of ED visits in Maryland
      increased 50%, from 28.0 to 42.1 visits per 1000 women. Lower genital tract
      infections were the most common diagnosis (21.4%). The rates were higher for
      women aged 15-24 than for women aged 25-44 (rate ratio 1.18, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.17-1.18) and nearly three times higher for black women than white
      women (rate ratio 2.94, 95% CI 2.92-2.96). Admission rates were lower for women
      aged 15-24 than for women aged 25-44 (rate ratio 0.34, 95% CI 0.33-0.35) and were
      higher among black than white women (rate ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.14-1.18).
      CONCLUSIONS: Disparities by age and race are evident for reproductive health
      related ED visits in Maryland, and many of these ED visits are for conditions
      that are amenable to preventive measures.

PMID- 22074209
TI  - The perceived need for Japanese nursing faculty members to learn English: issues
      related to career development.
AB  - In Japan, nurses are increasingly expected to use English in various settings.
      English language proficiency is indispensable in almost all aspects of the
      clinical experience and for career development of Japanese nurses. This article
      introduces the idea of Japanese nurses learning the English language to enhance
      their career development and provides succinct survey results about the perceived
      need for learning English, based on responses from 145 nursing faculty members
      across Japan. Analyses showed that most faculty members considered English
      language proficiency important for nursing expertise and career development.
      Overall, the results indicated that Japanese nurses require continuing English
      language education. Further study of their need to learn English and ways to
      implement English education programs is required.

PMID- 22074210
TI  - The effect of high-fidelity patient simulation on the critical thinking and
      clinical decision-making skills of new graduate nurses.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine whether the addition of high-fidelity
      patient simulation to new nurse orientation enhanced critical thinking and
      clinical decision-making skills. A pretest-posttest design was used to assess
      critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills in two groups of graduate
      nurses. Compared with the control group, the high-fidelity patient simulation
      group did not show significant improvement in mean critical thinking or clinical
      decision-making scores. When mean scores were analyzed, both groups showed an
      increase in critical thinking scores from pretest to posttest, with the high
      fidelity patient simulation group showing greater gains in overall scores.
      However, neither group showed a statistically significant increase in mean test
      scores. The effect of high-fidelity patient simulation on critical thinking and
      clinical decision-making skills remains unclear.

PMID- 22074211
TI  - Practice makes perfect: tips for successful institutional review board
      submissions.
AB  - As the nursing profession seeks to develop evidence-based practice, nurses are
      being encouraged to embark on research in their institutions. Staff nurses and
      nurse clinicians often struggle with the process of obtaining institutional
      review board approval for their projects. When classes are available, the focus
      is frequently on informing nurses about the federal regulations for protection of
      human subjects. This article addresses practical strategies for addressing these
      regulations from the perspective of both the individual nurse and the nursing
      leader.

PMID- 22074212
TI  - Taking charge: front-line nurse leadership development.
AB  - The recent Institute of Medicine (2010) report, The Future of Nursing: Leading
      Change, Advancing Health, included a recommendation that nurses at all levels
      should be prepared and enabled to lead change to advance health care in the
      United States. Historically, in most organizations, nursing leadership
      development programs have focused on nurses in management or executive roles
      rather than those working in front-line leadership roles. This article describes
      a front-line leadership development initiative developed by Tenet Healthcare
      Corporation and attended by 400 charge nurses. Program development, evaluation,
      and lessons learned that can be applied in other organizations are discussed.

PMID- 22074213
TI  - Meeting tomorrow's health care needs through local and global involvement.
AB  - Strengthened efforts to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
      by 2015 are urgently needed. A fundamental step toward achieving these goals is
      strengthening global partnerships for development. This article describes
      critical challenges and opportunities in global health and the social
      responsibility of the nursing profession in this area. Examples and suggestions
      for nursing action are provided for consideration by those interested in
      influencing global health. Engaging in global health activities such as study
      abroad programs, interprofessional exchanges, continuing education workshops, and
      seminars with a global health focus can have significant implications for nursing
      education, research, policy, and practice. Equipping nurses with the leadership
      skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to advance global health is integral in
      the delivery of effective, culturally relevant health care.

PMID- 22074214
TI  - Development of a hybrid simulation course to reduce central line infections.
AB  - Clinical educators are continually looking at ways to effectively deliver large
      amounts of information to their learners. Whether as a part of pre-course work or
      as a separate phase of training, there are numerous benefits to making
      information available to learners before conducting sessions that allow the
      learners to practice the skills. Hybrid courses consist of a mixture of online
      and on-site instruction and offer a viable option for clinical educators to
      consider, especially when their intended audience consists of thousands of
      learners. This article describes the experiences of a medical simulation center
      and the use of a hybrid curriculum technique to reduce central line infections.

PMID- 22074215
TI  - Characteristics that perinatal nurse managers desire in new nurse hires.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders have proposed that nurses must have the Quality and
      Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies to work in complex health care
      systems. Using the QSEN framework, this study explored what characteristics
      perinatal nurse managers desired most in new nurses. METHODS: This study used a
      survey design and a convenience sample of perinatal nurse managers working in
      Indiana hospitals (N = 46). RESULTS: Managers were more likely to hire nurses
      with experience, positive references, and excellent attendance. Of the QSEN
      competencies, managers looked most for teamwork and collaboration, followed by
      safety and patient-centered care. CONCLUSION: In addition to the traditional
      qualities desired in new nurses, the QSEN competencies are gaining importance
      among perinatal managers.

PMID- 22074216
TI  - Outcomes of a continuing education course on intravenous catheter insertion for
      experienced registered nurses.
AB  - Many experienced nurses report a lack of confidence in their intravenous (IV)
      catheter skills despite training with a phlebotomist and designated orientation
      time with the IV team. This study assessed the success of an IV catheter
      insertion continuing education class aimed at improving experienced nurses'
      skills levels, confidence, and knowledge regarding IV catheter insertion,
      maintenance, and infection prevention. Through a partnership between a hospital
      and a college of nursing continuing education program, a 1-day course was
      provided for 33 experienced nurses. The educators sought to determine whether a
      continuing education course improved the knowledge and skills of experienced
      nurses regarding the insertion of peripheral IV catheters and whether the nurses
      retained the knowledge and skills learned in a formal IV course over time. The
      findings showed that the continuing education IV course improved the knowledge
      and skills of experienced nurses. Improvement in knowledge was shown immediately
      after the course and 8 to 12 weeks later. Skills improvement with regard to
      infection prevention and policy adherence was evident. Because confidence data
      were collected with two different scales before and after the course, they were
      unusable for statistical testing. Further study is needed to determine whether
      nurses' confidence levels would improve after the implementation of a formal IV
      course. Replication studies are also needed to validate the results with a larger
      sample size.

PMID- 22074217
TI  - 4-Amino-6-hydroxypyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidine (AHPP) conjugated PEG micelles: water
      soluble polymeric xanthine oxidase inhibitor.
AB  - Xanthine oxidase (XO) is the major source of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) that is
      associated with various reactive oxygen species (ROS) related diseases. 4-amino-6
      hydroxypyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (AHPP) is a potent XO inhibitor discovered in
      Maeda's laboratory, which is now being developed for the treatment of ischemia
      reperfusion injury and inflammatory diseases. However, the poor aqueous
      solubility of AHPP at physiological pH hampers its clinical development. To
      overcome this drawback, in the present study water soluble polyethyleneglycol
      conjugated AHPP (AHPP-PEG) was synthesized via two different approaches, which
      resulted in two derivatives of AHPP-PEG, namely, mono-AHPP-PEG and bis-(AHPP)-PEG
      depending on the number of AHPP on PEG chain. We characterized both conjugates by
      UV, FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Dynamic light scattering and
      Sephadex G-100 chromatography studies revealed mean particle size of 164.1 and
      218.8 nm and Mw. equivalent to 107 and 126 kDa for mono-AHPP-PEG and bis-(AHPP)
      PEG, respectively. Further, XO inhibitory activity for mono-AHPP-PEG and bis
      (AHPP)-PEG were found with Ki of 0.23+/-0.03 and 0.21+/-0.03 MUM, respectively.
      In vivo pharmacokinetic study showed longer circulation time of AHPP-PEG
      conjugates compared to free AHPP. These results indicate AHPP-PEG conjugates have
      better potentials with supramolecular assemblies in aqueous medium and may become
      a good candidate for the treatment of ROS related diseases.

PMID- 22074218
TI  - Methamphetamine-induced changes in the striatal dopamine pathway in MU-opioid
      receptor knockout mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repeated exposure to methamphetamine (METH) can cause not only
      neurotoxicity but also addiction. Behavioral sensitization is widely used as an
      animal model for the study of drug addiction. We previously reported that the MU
      opioid receptor knockout mice were resistant to METH-induced behavioral
      sensitization but the mechanism is unknown. METHODS: The present study determined
      whether resistance of the MU-opioid receptor (MU-OR) knockout mice to behavioral
      sensitization is due to differential expression of the stimulatory G protein
      alpha subunit (Galphas) or regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) coupled to the
      dopamine D1 receptor. Mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of saline or
      METH (10 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days to induce sensitization. On day
      11(following 4 abstinent days), mice were either given a test dose of METH (10
      mg/kg) for behavioral testing or sacrificed for neurochemical assays without
      additional METH treatment. RESULTS: METH challenge-induced stereotyped behaviors
      were significantly reduced in the MU-opioid receptor knockout mice when compared
      with those in wild-type mice. Neurochemical assays indicated that there is a
      decrease in dopamine D1 receptor ligand binding and an increase in the expression
      of RGS4 mRNA in the striatum of METH-treated MU-opioid receptor knockout mice but
      not of METH-treated wild-type mice. METH treatment had no effect on the
      expression of Galphas and RGS2 mRNA in the striatum of either strain of mice.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that down-regulation of the expression of the
      dopamine D1 receptor and up-regulation of RGS4 mRNA expression in the striatum
      may contribute to the reduced response to METH-induced stereotypy behavior in MU
      opioid receptor knockout mice. Our results highlight the interactions of the MU
      opioid receptor system to METH-induced behavioral responses by influencing the
      expression of RGS of dopamine D1 receptors.

PMID- 22074219
TI  - Standardizing the measurement of parasite clearance in falciparum malaria: the
      parasite clearance estimator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant reduction in parasite clearance rates following
      artesunate treatment of falciparum malaria, and increased failure rates following
      artemisinin combination treatments (ACT), signaled emergent artemisinin
      resistance in Western Cambodia. Accurate measurement of parasite clearance is
      therefore essential to assess the spread of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium
      falciparum. The slope of the log-parasitaemia versus time relationship is
      considered to be the most robust measure of anti-malarial effect. However, an
      initial lag phase of numerical instability often precedes a steady exponential
      decline in the parasite count after the start of anti-malarial treatment. This
      lag complicates the clearance estimation, introduces observer subjectivity, and
      may influence the accuracy and consistency of reported results. METHODS: To
      address this problem, a new approach to modelling clearance of malaria parasites
      from parasitaemia-time profiles has been explored and validated. The methodology
      detects when a lag phase is present, selects the most appropriate model (linear,
      quadratic or cubic) to fit log-transformed parasite data, and calculates
      estimates of parasite clearance adjusted for this lag phase. Departing from
      previous approaches, parasite counts below the level of detection are accounted
      for and not excluded from the calculation. RESULTS: Data from large clinical
      studies with frequent parasite counts were examined. The effect of a lag phase on
      parasite clearance rate estimates is discussed, using individual patient data
      examples. As part of the World Wide Antimalarial Resistance Network's (WWARN)
      efforts to make innovative approaches available to the malaria community, an
      automated informatics tool: the parasite clearance estimator has been developed.
      CONCLUSIONS: The parasite clearance estimator provides a consistent, reliable and
      accurate method to estimate the lag phase and malaria parasite clearance rate. It
      could be used to detect early signs of emerging resistance to artemisinin
      derivatives and other compounds which affect ring-stage clearance.

PMID- 22074220
TI  - Quantum phase transition from superparamagnetic to quantum superparamagnetic
      state in ultrasmall Cd(1-x)Cr(II)(x)Se quantum dots?
AB  - Despite a long history of success in formation of transition-metal-doped quantum
      dots (QDs), the origin of magnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) is
      yet a controversial issue. Cr(II)-doped II-VI DMSs are half-metallic, resulting
      in high-temperature ferromagnetism. The magnetic properties reflect a strong p-d
      exchange interaction between the spin-up Cr(II) t(2g) level and the Se 4p. In
      this study, ultrasmall (~3.1 nm) Cr(II)-doped CdSe DMSQDs are shown to exhibit
      room-temperature ferromagnetism, as expected from theoretical arguments.
      Surprisingly, a low-temperature phase transition is observed at 20 K that is
      believed to reflect the onset of long-range ordering of the single-domain DMSQD.

PMID- 22074221
TI  - Expanding the optical trapping range of lipid vesicles to the nanoscale.
AB  - Small unilamellar lipid vesicles with diameters down to 50 nm enclosing high
      refractive index sucrose cores can be optically trapped individually in three
      dimensions using a focused laser beam. Combined optical trapping and confocal
      microscopy allows for simultaneous quantitative measurements of the forces
      exerted on individual vesicles and of their size and shape. The position of
      individual vesicles in three dimensions is measured with nanometer spatial and
      ~10 MUs temporal resolution.

PMID- 22074222
TI  - Isoflavonoids and coumarins from Glycyrrhiza uralensis: antibacterial activity
      against oral pathogens and conversion of isoflavans into isoflavan-quinones
      during purification.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of a supercritical fluid extract of Glycyrrhiza
      uralensis has led to the isolation of 20 known isoflavonoids and coumarins, and
      glycycarpan (7), a new pterocarpan. The presence of two isoflavan-quinones,
      licoriquinone A (8) and licoriquinone B (9), in a fraction subjected to gel
      filtration on Sephadex LH-20 is due to suspected metal-catalyzed oxidative
      degradation of licoricidin (1) and licorisoflavan A (2). The major compounds in
      the extract, as well as 8, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth
      of several major oral pathogens. Compounds 1 and 2 showed the most potent
      antibacterial activities, causing a marked growth inhibition of the cariogenic
      species Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus at 10 MUg/mL and the
      periodontopathogenic species Porphyromonas gingivalis (at 5 MUg/mL) and
      Prevotella intermedia (at 5 MUg/mL for 1 and 2.5 MUg/mL for 2). Only 1 moderately
      inhibited growth of Fusobacterium nucleatum at the highest concentration tested
      (10 MUg/mL).

PMID- 22074225
TI  - Friction between brush layers of charged and neutral bottle-brush macromolecules.
      molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the lubricating properties of
      neutral and charged bottle-brush coatings as a function of the compression and
      shear stresses and brush grafting density. Our simulations have shown that in
      charged bottle-brush systems under shear there is a layer with excess counterions
      located in the middle between brush-bearing surfaces. The main deformation mode
      of the charged bottle-brush layers is associated with the backbone deformation,
      resulting in the backbone deformation ratio, alpha, and shear viscosity, eta,
      being universal functions of the Weissenberg number. In the case of neutral
      bottle-brush systems, in addition to the backbone deformation there is also side
      chain deformation. The coupling between backbone and side chain deformation
      violates universality in the deformation ratio, alpha, dependence on the
      Weissenberg number and results in scaling exponents varying with the compression
      stress and brush grafting density. The existence of different length scales
      controlling deformation of neutral bottle brushes manifests itself in the shear
      viscosity, eta, dependence on the shear rate, gamma. Shear viscosity, eta, as a
      function of the shear rate, gamma, has two plateaus and two shear thinning
      regimes. The low shear rate plateau and shear thinning regime correspond to the
      backbone deformation, while the second plateau and shear thinning regime at
      moderate shear rates are due to side chain deformation. For both systems the
      value of the friction coefficient increases with increasing shear rate. The
      values of the friction coefficient for charged bottle-brush systems are about ten
      times smaller than corresponding values for neutral systems at the same shear
      rate.

PMID- 22074224
TI  - Modulation of ion channels by hydrogen sulfide.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Evidence of the ability of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide
      (H(2)S) to serve as a regulator of many physiological functions, including
      control of blood pressure, regulation of cardiac function, protection of neurons,
      and cardiomyocytes against apoptosis, and in pain sensation is accumulating.
      However, the mechanisms accounting for its many actions are not yet well
      understood. RECENT ADVANCES: Following the pioneering studies of the regulation
      of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and ATP-sensitive K(+) channels by H(2)S, data
      continue to emerge indicating that H(2)S modulates other ion channel types. This
      article reviews the numerous, yet diverse, types of ion channels now reported to
      be regulated by H(2)S. CRITICAL ISSUES: Currently, a critical issue within this
      field is to determine the mechanisms by which H(2)S regulates ion channels, as
      well as other target proteins. Mechanisms to account for regulation include
      direct channel protein sulfhydration, channel redox modulation, effects mediated
      by interactions with other gasotransmitters (carbon monoxide and nitric oxide),
      and indirect effects, such as modulation of channel-regulating kinases. Through
      such modulation of ion channels, novel roles for H(2)S are emerging as important
      factors in both physiological and pathological processes. FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
      Increasing current awareness and understanding of the roles and mechanisms of
      action of ion channel regulation by H(2)S will open opportunities for therapeutic
      intervention with clear clinical benefits, and inform future therapies. In
      addition, more sensitive methods for detecting relevant physiological
      concentrations of H(2)S will allow for clarification of specific ion channel
      regulation with reference to physiological or pathophysiological settings.

PMID- 22074223
TI  - Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate activity probes for the labeling and
      proteomic characterization of protein binding partners.
AB  - Phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate lipids, such as phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5
      trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3], regulate critical biological processes, many of
      which are aberrant in disease. These lipids often act as site-specific ligands in
      interactions that enforce membrane association of protein binding partners.
      Herein, we describe the development of bifunctional activity probes corresponding
      to the headgroup of PI(3,4,5)P3 that are effective for identifying and
      characterizing protein binding partners from complex samples, namely cancer cell
      extracts. These probes contain both a photoaffinity tag for covalent labeling of
      target proteins and a secondary handle for subsequent detection or manipulation
      of labeled proteins. Probes bearing different secondary tags were exploited,
      either by direct attachment of a fluorescent dye for optical detection or by
      using an alkyne that can be derivatized after protein labeling via click
      chemistry. First, we describe the design and modular synthetic strategy used to
      generate multiple probes with different reporter tags of use for characterizing
      probe-labeled proteins. Next, we report initial labeling studies using purified
      protein, the PH domain of Akt, in which probes were found to label this target,
      as judged by in-gel detection. Furthermore, protein labeling was abrogated by
      controls including competition with an unlabeled PI(3,4,5)P3 headgroup analogue
      as well as through protein denaturation, indicating specific labeling. In
      addition, probes featuring linkers of different lengths between the PI(3,4,5)P3
      headgroup and photoaffinity tag led to variations in protein labeling, indicating
      that a shorter linker was more effective in this case. Finally, proteomic
      labeling studies were performed using cell extracts; labeled proteins were
      observed by in-gel detection and characterized using postlabeling with biotin,
      affinity chromatography, and identification via tandem mass spectrometry. These
      studies yielded a total of 265 proteins, including both known and novel candidate
      PI(3,4,5)P3-binding proteins.

PMID- 22074226
TI  - Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis presenting as fever of unknown origin: case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) can be defined as a body temperature
      higher than 38.3 degrees C on several occasions over more than 3 weeks, the
      diagnosis of which remains uncertain after 1 week of evaluation. Acute
      disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of
      the central nervous system with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The
      highest incidence of ADEM is observed during childhood and it usually occurs
      following a viral or bacterial infection or, more rarely, following a
      vaccination, or without a preceding cause. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe
      an atypical case of ADEM that initially manifested as several weeks of FUO in a
      fifteen years old boy. CONCLUSIONS: This case report suggests a new possible
      syndromic association between ADEM and FUO, which should be considered in the
      clinical examination of patients with FUO, especially in the presence of also
      modest neurologic or neuropsychiatric symptoms.

PMID- 22074228
TI  - Using funnel plots in public health surveillance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public health surveillance is often concerned with the analysis of
      health outcomes over small areas. Funnel plots have been proposed as a useful
      tool for assessing and visualizing surveillance data, but their full utility has
      not been appreciated (for example, in the incorporation and interpretation of
      risk factors). METHODS: We investigate a way to simultaneously focus funnel plot
      analyses on direct policy implications while visually incorporating model fit and
      the effects of risk factors. Health survey data representing modifiable and
      nonmodifiable risk factors are used in an analysis of 2007 small area motor
      vehicle mortality rates in Alberta, Canada. RESULTS: Small area variations in
      motor vehicle mortality in Alberta were well explained by the suite of modifiable
      and nonmodifiable risk factors. Funnel plots of raw rates and of risk adjusted
      rates lead to different conclusions; the analysis process highlights
      opportunities for intervention as risk factors are incorporated into the model.
      Maps based on funnel plot methods identify areas worthy of further investigation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Funnel plots provide a useful tool to explore small area data and to
      routinely incorporate covariate relationships in surveillance analyses. The
      exploratory process has at each step a direct and useful policy-related result.
      Dealing thoughtfully with statistical overdispersion is a cornerstone to fully
      understanding funnel plots.

PMID- 22074229
TI  - Humeral and femoral head diameters in recent white American skeletons.
AB  - Osteologists often rely on single measurements, such as humeral and femoral head
      diameters, to estimate sex, especially when skeletons are incomplete.
      Measurements of 237 Bass Donated Collection skeletons provide a means of
      distinguishing white American females from males based on a modern sample:
      humeral head, female mean 42.1 mm, male mean 49.0 mm; and femoral head, female
      mean 42.2 mm, male mean 48.4 mm. Probabilities that bones at 1-mm increments came
      from females (p(f)) are estimated (p(m) = 1 - p(f)). An overrepresentation of one
      sex in the skeletons that are examined influences the probability that a bone of
      a certain size is from a female or male. So, probabilities are also estimated for
      samples consisting of an unequal number of males and females. Sample composition
      has its greatest effect when one sex dominates the remains that are the subject
      of investigation.

PMID- 22074227
TI  - Modest effect on plaque progression and vasodilatory function in atherosclerosis
      prone mice exposed to nanosized TiO(2).
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that exposure to small size particulate
      matter increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. METHODS: We
      investigated plaque progression and vasodilatory function in apolipoprotein E
      knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice exposed to TiO(2). ApoE(-/-) mice were intratracheally
      instilled (0.5 mg/kg bodyweight) with rutile fine TiO2 (fTiO2, 288 nm),
      photocatalytic 92/8 anatase/rutile TiO(2) (pTiO(2), 12 nm), or rutile nano TiO(2)
      (nTiO(2), 21.6 nm) at 26 and 2 hours before measurement of vasodilatory function
      in aorta segments mounted in myographs. The progression of atherosclerotic
      plaques in aorta was assessed in mice exposed to nanosized TiO(2) (0.5 mg/kg
      bodyweight) once a week for 4 weeks. We measured mRNA levels of Mcp-1, Mip-2,
      Vcam-1, Icam-1 and Vegf in lung tissue to assess pulmonary inflammation and
      vascular function. TiO(2)-induced alterations in nitric oxide (NO) production
      were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS: The
      exposure to nTiO(2) was associated with a modest increase in plaque progression
      in aorta, whereas there were unaltered vasodilatory function and expression
      levels of Mcp-1, Mip-2, Vcam-1, Icam-1 and Vegf in lung tissue. The ApoE(-/-)
      mice exposed to fine and photocatalytic TiO(2) had unaltered vasodilatory
      function and lung tissue inflammatory gene expression. The unaltered NO-dependent
      vasodilatory function was supported by observations in HUVECs where the NO
      production was only increased by exposure to nTiO(2). CONCLUSION: Repeated
      exposure to nanosized TiO(2) particles was associated with modest plaque
      progression in ApoE(-/-) mice. There were no associations between the pulmonary
      TiO(2) exposure and inflammation or vasodilatory dysfunction.

PMID- 22074230
TI  - Patient dignity in psychiatric nursing practice.
AB  - Professional nurses have an ethical responsibility to protect and preserve the
      patients' dignity. The aim of this study was to describe how nurses experienced
      incidents relating to patients' dignity in a psychiatric nursing practice. A
      hermeneutic approach was used and data were collected using the critical incident
      technique. Data included 77 written critical incidents, which were interpreted by
      using a hermeneutic text interpretation. The findings show preserved dignity-
      caregivers have the courage to be present, and offended dignity - caregivers
      create powerlessness taken away by the patient. These findings show that
      patients' dignity in a psychiatric nursing practice can be preserved when
      caregivers act on their ethical responsibility. When patients' dignity is
      offended, the caregiver has become an inner value conflict, something they have
      been a part of against their own will.

PMID- 22074231
TI  - Catheter outcomes in the short-term inpatient setting: a controlled quality
      improvement study comparing citrate and heparin lock.
AB  - Heparin and citrate are used as catheter lock solutions to reduce risk of
      catheter dysfunction and infection in hemodialysis. There is a paucity of data
      comparing these two locks in the short-term, inpatient setting. We compared the
      efficacy of 2.2% acid citrate dextrose (ACD) versus 5000 U/ml heparin as catheter
      lock in the inpatient setting. The study was conducted at two sites within our
      system, with ACD locks used at site 1 and heparin locks at site 2. We assessed
      catheters for catheter dysfunction and infection. Both nontunneled dialysis
      catheters (NTDC) and tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC) were evaluated. We studied
      250 catheters and 139 met inclusion criteria: 90 catheters in the ACD group and
      49 in the heparin group. ACD had superior outcomes for NTDC; event rate was 0.052
      for NTDC/ACD and 0.125 for NTDC/heparin (p = 0.032). There was no difference for
      TDC. Univariate (odds ratio [OR]: 1.88, confidence interval [CI]: 0.931, 3.82)
      and multivariate (OR: 1.35, CI: 0.64, 2.87) analyses demonstrated a trend toward
      increased odds of event with heparin. Catheter lock with 2.2% ACD has lower risk
      of catheter dysfunction as compared with that of 5000 U/ml heparin in the short
      term inpatient setting in NTDC and similar risk in TDC.

PMID- 22074232
TI  - Self-monitoring as a moderator between descriptive norms and drinking: findings
      among Korean and American university students.
AB  - Guided by the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB), this research examined
      whether a self-monitoring individual difference variable moderates the link
      between descriptive norms and drinking as well as drinking intentions such that
      the relations become stronger as self-monitoring becomes stronger. Contrary to
      our prediction, Study 1 showed that low self-monitoring Korean undergraduates
      were more likely to be guided by normative information when drinking and
      intending to drink when compared to those with high self-monitors. Study 2 was
      conducted using an American university sample, and results of the second study
      were identical to those of the first study. The relationship between descriptive
      norms and drinking was stronger among university students who are low self
      monitors as compared to those who are high self-monitors. Implications for
      interventions are discussed.

PMID- 22074233
TI  - Effectiveness of hospital-based decontamination during a simulated mass casualty
      exposure.

PMID- 22074234
TI  - Associations between seasonal variations in day length (photoperiod), sleep
      timing, sleep quality and mood: a comparison between Ghana (5 degrees ) and
      Norway (69 degrees ).
AB  - The hypothesis of whether day length (photoperiod) is an important zeitgeber
      (time-giver) for keeping the circadian rhythm entrained to a 24-hour cycle was
      examined, as was its association with sleep patterns and mood problems. Data were
      collected prospectively from a site with very large differences in daylight
      duration across seasons (Tromso in Norway, 69 degrees 39'N) and a site with very
      small seasonal differences in daylight duration (Ghana in Accra, 5 degrees 32'N).
      Two hundred subjects were recruited from both sites in January. At the follow-up
      in August, 180 and 150 subjects in Ghana and Norway participated, respectively.
      Use of a weekly sleep diary indicated low to moderately strong seasonal changes
      in rise- and bedtime, sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency only in the
      northern latitude. No seasonal changes in sleep duration or night awakenings were
      observed. The self-report measures indicated moderate to strong seasonal
      differences in insomnia and fatigue, and weaker differences in depressed mood in
      Norway, but small to non-existing seasonal differences in Ghana. Lack of daylight
      was related to phase-delayed rise- and bedtimes, increased problems falling
      asleep, daytime fatigue and depressive mood. However, total sleep duration and
      sleep quality appeared unaffected.

PMID- 22074235
TI  - An angel on my shoulder: a study of relationships between women with anorexia and
      healthcare professionals.
AB  - Adults with anorexia are an under-researched group because the usual focus is on
      adolescents. The relationships that occur between healthcare professionals and
      adults with anorexia are often challenging, because they do not necessarily agree
      on the goals of treatment. The therapeutic relationship is widely recognized as
      crucial to care, even healing and restorative in its own right but problematic in
      this setting. This is a phenomenological study of how therapeutic relationships
      are negotiated and maintained in a day care service. Six women with anorexia
      nervosa and seven of their healthcare professionals were interviewed in the care
      setting to explore their lived experience of their relationships. Six important
      themes emerged from the interviews: the authenticity of the relationship, safety,
      the externalization of the eating disorder, recovery measured in kilos, the power
      of hope and optimism and the use and acceptance of maternalism in the care
      setting. Findings suggest that patients appreciated the safety and security of
      care, but some were using the service as respite rather than recovery. Patients
      saw goals and tasks related directly to weight gain as irrelevant to their main
      concerns, but engagement with people who provided a secure, nurturing and
      maternalistic context for safety and optimism was seen as supportive.

PMID- 22074236
TI  - Microbial reduction of structural iron in interstratified illite-smectite
      minerals by a sulfate-reducing bacterium.
AB  - Clay minerals are ubiquitous in soils, sediments, and sedimentary rocks and could
      coexist with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in anoxic environments, however, the
      interactions of clay minerals and SRB are not well understood. The objective of
      this study was to understand the reduction rate and capacity of structural
      Fe(III) in dioctahedral clay minerals by a mesophilic SRB, Desulfovibrio vulgaris
      and the potential role in catalyzing smectite illitization. Bioreduction
      experiments were performed in batch systems, where four different clay minerals
      (nontronite NAu-2, mixed-layer illite-smectite RAr-1 and ISCz-1, and illite IMt
      1) were exposed to D. vulgaris in a non-growth medium with and without
      anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) and sulfate. Our results demonstrated that
      D. vulgaris was able to reduce structural Fe(III) in these clay minerals, and
      AQDS enhanced the reduction rate and extent. In the presence of AQDS, sulfate had
      little effect on Fe(III) bioreduction. In the absence of AQDS, sulfate increased
      the reduction rate and capacity, suggesting that sulfide produced during sulfate
      reduction reacted with the phyllosilicate Fe(III). The extent of bioreduction of
      structural Fe(III) in the clay minerals was positively correlated with the
      percentage of smectite and mineral surface area of these minerals. X-ray
      diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy results confirmed
      formation of illite after bioreduction. These data collectively showed that D.
      vulgaris could promote smectite illitization through reduction of structural
      Fe(III) in clay minerals.

PMID- 22074237
TI  - Active wound dressing with artificial capillaries for temporary wound irrigation
      and skin cell supply.
AB  - Medical treatment of burns and chronic wounds remains a challenge. We discussed a
      therapy concept that combines skin cell spray transplantation with a novel wound
      dressing based on artificial hollow fiber membrane capillaries. In skin cell
      based therapy development, autologous skin progenitor cells are isolated from a
      healthy skin area and sprayed onto the wound. A medical device was introduced
      that uses perfused capillaries, known from clinical plasma separation, as a
      temporarily applied extracorporeal wound capillary bed. The functions of the
      dressing are comparable with those of dialysis; the capillaries, however, are
      applied externally onto the wound. Perfusion with a clinical peripheral nutrition
      and buffer solution can provide wound irrigation, wound debris removal, cell
      nutrition, pH regulation, and electrolyte balance while potentially serving to
      address delivery of regenerative factors and antibiosis. An innovative active
      skin wound dressing that provides cell support and stimulates regeneration by
      wound irrigation is discussed.

PMID- 22074239
TI  - Effect of N(4)-phenyl substitution in 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde
      semicarbazones on the structure, DNA/protein interaction, and antioxidative and
      cytotoxic activity of Cu(II) complexes.
AB  - A new ligand, 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde semicarbazone (OQsc-H)
      (1);, its N(4)-phenyl derivative (OQsc-Ph) (2); and their corresponding
      copper(II) complexes [CuCl(2)(OQsc-H)].H(2)O.CH(3)OH (3), [CuCl(2)(OQsc
      Ph)(H(2)O)].CH(3)OH (4), and [CuNO(3)(OQsc-Ph)(H(2)O)]NO(3).H(2)O.C(2)H(5)OH (5)
      have been synthesized and characterized by structural, analytical, and spectral
      methods, in order to investigate the influence of N(4)-phenyl substitution on
      structure and pharmacological properties. In all of the complexes, the ligands
      coordinated to the Cu(II) ion in a neutral fashion via ONO donor atoms. The
      single-crystal X-ray structures of neutral complex (3) and cationic complex (5)
      exhibit a slightly distorted square-pyramidal structure, while neutral complex
      (4) revealed an octahedral structure. The interaction of the compounds with calf
      thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titration
      methods, which revealed that compounds 1-5 could interact with CT-DNA through
      intercalation. A gel electrophoresis pictogram demonstrated the ability of the
      complexes (3-5) to cleave the pBR322 plasmid DNA through a hydrolytic process.
      The interactions of the compounds with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were also
      investigated using UV-visible, fluorescence, and synchronous fluorescence
      spectroscopic methods. The results indicated that all of the compounds could
      quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA in a static quenching process.
      Investigations of antioxidative properties showed that all of the compounds have
      strong radical scavenging potencies against hydroxyl radicals, 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl radicals, nitric oxide, and superoxide anion radicals. Further,
      the cytotoxic effect of the compounds examined on cancerous cell lines such as
      human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma cells
      (HEp-2), human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2), human skin cancer cells (A431),
      and noncancerous NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell lines showed that all
      three complexes exhibited substantial cytotoxic activity. Further, all of the
      pharmacological investigations support the fact that there exists a strong
      influence of N(4)-phenyl substitution in semicarbazone.

PMID- 22074240
TI  - Structure and change in causes of death: An international summary.
AB  - Abstract   Model patterns of the cause structure of mortality at different levels
      were established for males and females, based on data for 165 national
      populations. These patterns suggest that the cause of death most responsible for
      mortality variation is influenza/bronchitis, followed by 'other infectious and
      parasitic diseases', respiratory tuberculosis, and diarrhoeal disease. Together,
      these causes typically account for about 60 per cent of the change in level of
      mortality from all causes combined. Their respective contributions have not
      depended in an important way on the initial level of mortality. These results -
      especially tbe importance of the respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases - imply that
      past accounts may have over-emphasized the role in mortality decline of specific
      and well-defined infectious diseases and their corresponding methods of control.
      There is strong statistical support for the suggestion that most of the remainder
      of mortality variation should be ascribed to changes in cardio-vascular diseases,
      but that methods of cause-of-death assignment in high-mortality populations have
      often obscured the importance of these diseases. When death rates from 'other and
      unknown' causes are held constant, changes in cardio-vascular disease account for
      about one-quarter of the decline in mortality from 'all causes'.Although the
      causal factors are poorly established, corroborative results have been
      demonstrated cross-sectionally in the United States.   The composition of the
      group of populations most deviant from the structural norms is apparently
      dominated by differentials in the mode of assigning deaths to cardio-vascular
      disease. However, when broad groups of regions or periods are distinguished, more
      subtle differences emerge. Controlling mortality level for all causes combined,
      diarrhoeal diseases are significantly higher in non-Western populations and
      southern/eastern Europe than in overseas Europe or northern/western Europe. These
      differences are probably related to standards of nutrition and personal hygiene,
      but may also reflect climatic factors. Much higher cardio-vascular mortality in
      overseas European populations than in non-Western populations at similar overall
      levels probably reflects variation in habits of life. Regional differences in
      death rates from violence, maternal mortality, respiratory tuberculosis and
      influenza/pneumonia/bronchitis are briefly noted and commented upon.   Cause-of
      death structures at a particular level of mortality display some important
      changes over time. Respiratory tuberculosis and 'other infectious and parasitic
      diseases' have tended to contribute less and less to a certain level of
      mortality. They have in part been 'replaced' by diarrhoeal disease, specifically
      in non-Western populations. These developments reflect an accelerating rate of
      medical and public health progress against the specific infectious diseases, and
      a disappointing rate of progress against diarrhoeal disease. Western and non
      western populations have shared to approximately the same extent in the
      accelerating progress against infectious diseases, and developments during the
      post-war period are more appropriately viewed as an extension of prior trends
      rather than as radical departures therefrom. For males, cardio-vascular disease
      and cancer have significantly increased their contribution to a particular level
      of mortality, while no such tendency is apparent for females. These developments
      may be related to changes in personal behaviour and in environmental influences
      whose differential impact on the sexes has been demonstrated in epidemiological
      studies. Although we have avoided an explicit treatment of age by having recourse
      at the outset to standardization, certain of the results are apparently reflected
      in studies of age patterns of mortality. The joint occurrence in non-Western
      populations and Southern/Eastern populations of exceptionally high death rates
      from diarrhoeal disease may explain why the 'South' age-pattern, with it high
      death rates between ages one and five, is often the most accurate referent for
      use in Latin America and Asia. The fact that the list of populations with the
      least deviation cause structure is almost exclusively confined to members of the
      'West' group of Coale and Demeny may account for the lack of persistent deviation
      in this group's age patterns. Finally, tbe increasing importance of cardio
      vascular disease and neoplasms in cause-of-death structures for males but not
      females is probably associated with the changing age patterns of male mortality
      noted by Coale and Demeny.

PMID- 22074238
TI  - Field and action potential recordings in heart slices: correlation with
      established in vitro and in vivo models.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Action potential (AP) recordings in ex vivo heart
      preparations constitute an important component of the preclinical cardiac safety
      assessment according to the ICH S7B guideline. Most AP measurement models are
      sensitive, predictive and informative but suffer from a low throughput. Here,
      effects of selected anti-arrhythmics (flecainide, quinidine, atenolol, sotalol,
      dofetilide, nifedipine, verapamil) on field/action potentials (FP/AP) of guinea
      pig and rabbit ventricular slices are presented and compared with data from
      established in vitro and in vivo models. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Data from
      measurements of membrane currents (hERG, I(Na) ), AP/FP (guinea pig and rabbit
      ventricular slices), AP (rabbit Purkinje fibre), haemodynamic/ECG parameters
      (conscious, telemetered dog) were collected, compared and correlated to
      complementary published data (focused literature search). KEY RESULTS: The
      selected anti-arrhythmics, flecainide, quinidine, atenolol, sotalol, dofetilide,
      nifedipine and verapamil, influenced the shape of AP/FP of guinea pig and rabbit
      ventricular slices in a manner similar to that observed for rabbit PF. The
      findings obtained from slice preparations are in line with measurements of
      membrane currents in vitro, papillary muscle AP in vitro and haemodynamic/ECG
      parameters from conscious dogs in vivo, and were also corroborated by published
      data. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: FP and AP recordings from heart slices
      correlated well with established in vitro and in vivo models in terms of
      pharmacology and predictability. Heart slice preparations yield similar results
      as papillary muscle but offer enhanced throughput for mechanistic investigations
      and may substantially reduce the use of laboratory animals.

PMID- 22074241
TI  - On the tempo of childbearing in England and Wales.
AB  - Abstract   The paper describes a computerized model developed to simulate the
      fertility of a hypothetical marriage cohort in a closed population. The model was
      applied to England and Wales fertility data of marriage cohorts of the years 1951
      to 1970. For each of these cohorts, the computer was programmed to construct five
      series of tables showing birth-order probabilities, family size frequency
      distribution, mean length of intervals between marriage and successive births,
      parity progression ratios and mean family sizes of fertile women. The results
      showed that the fertility of the cohorts of women who married between the middle
      1950s and the early 1960s was character ized by a declining trend in the
      frequency of childlessness and by a dramatic increase in the proportion of
      marriages with two or more children. Since 1964 or so, there has been a downward
      trend in duration-specific birth-order probabilities. The analysis suggests that
      the recent drop in fertility may well prove to be the effect of an upward shift
      in the timing of births as well as a fall in completed fertility.

PMID- 22074242
TI  - Cost versus effectiveness of different birth control methods.
AB  - Abstract   This paper is an empirical investigation of the mix of birth control
      methods that would be, allocationally efficient in a real population. Current
      British resource cost and effectiveness data for each method are presented in
      order to test the prevalent opinion that expenditure on abortion is
      allocationally inefficient. Even when abortion resources are valued to give a
      conservatively high cost, however, this opinion is not upheld. When both
      quantifiable resource costs and effectiveness are plotted for each method, some
      linear combination of coitus interruptus, and coitus interruptus with all
      failures terminated by abortion is shown to be the allocationally efficient
      frontier.

PMID- 22074243
TI  - The island-wide family planning programme in Taiwan: Analysis of the
      accomplishments of the past eight years.
AB  - Abstract   Taiwan's island-wide family planning programme is the showcase of
      similar programmes in the developing world. In the past eight years, between 1964
      and 1971, a cumulative total of 935,000 married women accepted the Lippes loop,
      236,000 accepted the pill, and 116,000 couples accepted condoms. The prevalence
      rates of loop and pill users at the end of 1971 are estimated at 18.7 per cent
      and 3-6 per cent respectively. The programme had been recruiting more younger
      women of lower parity to practise family planning which is desirable, but a fact
      of concern is that a large proportion of the acceptors had had at least one son,
      and had accepted the methods to stop, rather than to space births. The 'life
      expectancy' of loop and pill, the two major contraceptives recommended in the
      programme, have been shorter than expected, 31.4 months without and 49.9 months
      with re-insertion for the loop, and only 10.5 months without re-taking for the
      pill. The concepts of 'half-life (retention)' and 'half-life (impact)', developed
      by the author, were applied in the analysis to obtain the values of 18.6 months
      and 25.7 months respectively for the loop, and 5.8 months and 9.2 months
      respectively for the pill all for the first segment. Only nine per cent of the
      total current loop wearers were aged 40-44 in 1964, but the proportion had
      increased substantially, to 20.5 per cent, in 1971. This 'ageing' of current
      users tends to minimize the demographic impact of the programme which is a factor
      of concern. Methods to overcome this and other problems should be explored for
      the final success of the programme.

PMID- 22074244
TI  - Residency differentials in Mormon fertility.
AB  - Abstract   Although one of the most consistent findings of recent fertility
      studies is the convergence of the religious differentials in fertility, few data
      have been analysed to discover Mormon fertility trends and differentials. This
      paper, based on data obtained on 1,001 Mormon couples, is concerned with
      describing the effects that the dispersion of Mormon families from the Mormon
      centre in Utah to surrounding areas with various social conditions is having on
      the fertility of the re-located Mormon families. Data presented clearly show that
      such families do, on the average, have a lower fertility than do their Mormon
      contemporaries residing in the homogeneous Mormon society in Utah. They probably
      compromise their religious obligations to have children with the contradicting
      demands of their new environment. Their loyalty to these religious beliefs,
      however, is confirmed by data which show that they tend to have larger families
      in their new environments than do their non-Mormon neighbours.

PMID- 22074245
TI  - A note on cost-return calculations and decisions to migrate.
AB  - Abstract   In the notions of the aggregative cost-benefit migration models, this
      paper questions the assumption that prospective migrants behave as if they are
      not only concerned with, but are able to calculate expected pecuniary and non
      pecuniary returns to re-location. Results of a survey which evaluates the role of
      cost-return calculations in decisions to migrate suggest that there may be
      population sub-groups who either do not care to make cost-returns calculations to
      migration, or who are unable to do so.

PMID- 22074248
TI  - Hesperetin-7,3'-O-dimethylether selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase 4 and
      effectively suppresses ovalbumin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness with a high
      therapeutic ratio.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hesperetin was reported to selectively inhibit phosphodiesterase 4
      (PDE4). While hesperetin-7,3'-O-dimethylether (HDME) is a synthetic liposoluble
      hesperetin. Therefore, we were interested in investigating its selectivity on
      PDE4 and binding ability on high-affinity rolipram-binding sites (HARBs) in
      vitro, and its effects on ovalbumin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo,
      and clarifying its potential for treating asthma and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: PDE1~5 activities were measured using a two
      step procedure. The binding of HDME on high-affinity rolipram-binding sites was
      determined by replacing 2 nM [3H]-rolipram. AHR was assessed using the FlexiVent
      system and barometric plethysmography. Inflammatory cells were counted using a
      hemocytometer. Cytokines were determined using mouse T helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokine
      CBA kits, and total immunoglobulin (Ig)E or IgG2a levels were done using ELISA
      method. Xylazine (10 mg/kg)/ketamine (70 mg/kg)-induced anesthesia was performed.
      RESULTS: HDME revealed selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition with a
      therapeutic (PDE4H/PDE4L) ratio of 35.5 in vitro. In vivo, HDME (3~30 MUmol/kg,
      orally (p.o.)) dose-dependently and significantly attenuated the airway
      resistance (RL) and increased lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn), and decreased
      enhanced pause (Penh) values induced by methacholine in sensitized and challenged
      mice. It also significantly suppressed the increases in the numbers of total
      inflammatory cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils, and
      levels of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, interferon-gamma,
      and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these
      mice. In addition, HDME (3~30 MUmol/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently and significantly
      suppressed total and ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels in the BALF
      and serum, and enhanced IgG2a level in the serum of these mice. CONCLUSIONS: HDME
      exerted anti-inflammatory effects, including suppression of AHR, and reduced
      expressions of inflammatory cells and cytokines in this murine model, which
      appears to be suitable for studying the effects of drugs on atypical asthma and
      COPD, and for screening those on typical asthma. However, HDME did not influnce
      xylazine/ketamine-induced anesthesia. Thus HDME may have the potential for use in
      treating typical and atypical asthma, and COPD.

PMID- 22074249
TI  - Peptide-directed HPMA copolymer-doxorubicin conjugates as targeted therapeutics
      for colorectal cancer.
AB  - Synthetic oligopeptides have emerged as a promising class of targeting ligands,
      providing a variety of choices for the construction of conjugates for desired
      ligand functionality. To explore the potential of short peptides as ligands for
      targeted delivery of macromolecular therapeutics for colorectal cancer (CRC),
      fluorescently labelled HPMA copolymers--bearing either G3-C12 or GE11 for
      targeting galectin-3 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), respectively-
      were synthesised and the mechanisms of their internalisation and subcellular fate
      in CRC cells were studied. The targetability of the G3-C12 bearing copolymers
      towards galectin-3 was further compared to that of galactose-containing
      copolymers. The resulting G3-C12-bearing conjugate actively and selectively
      targets CRC tumour cells over-expressing galectin-3 and exhibits superior
      targetability to galectin-3 when compared to the galactose-bearing copolymer.
      GE11 copolymer conjugate binds specifically and efficiently to EGFR over
      expressing cells, thus mediating internalisation to a significantly higher extent
      relative the copolymer conjugated to a scrambled sequence peptide. We further
      incorporated doxorubicin (DOX) into GE11 bearing copolymer via an acid-labile
      hydrazone bond. The GE11-DOX copolymer conjugate demonstrated higher cytotoxicity
      toward EGFR over-expressing cells relative to the control non-targeted DOX
      conjugate. Altogether, our results show a proof of principle for the selective
      delivery of DOX to the target CRC cells.

PMID- 22074250
TI  - State of malaria diagnostic testing at clinical laboratories in the United
      States, 2010: a nationwide survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of malaria can be difficult in non-endemic areas, such
      as the United States, and delays in diagnosis and errors in treatment occur too
      often. METHODS: A nationwide survey of laboratories in the United States and its
      nine dependent territories was conducted in 2010 to determine factors that may
      contribute to shortcomings in the diagnosis of malaria. This survey explored the
      availability of malaria diagnostic tests, techniques used, and reporting
      practices. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 201 participants. Ninety percent
      reported that their laboratories had at least one type of malaria diagnostic test
      available on-site. Nearly all of the respondents' laboratories performed thick
      and thin smears on-site; approximately 50% had access to molecular testing; and
      only 17% had access to rapid diagnostic tests on-site. Seventy-three percent
      reported fewer than five confirmed cases of malaria in their laboratory during
      the 12-month period preceding the survey. Twenty-eight percent stated that
      results of species identification took more than 24 hours to report. Only five of
      149 respondents that performed testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week complied
      with all of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for
      analysis and reporting of results. CONCLUSION: Although malaria diagnostic
      testing services were available to a majority of U.S. laboratories surveyed, very
      few were in complete compliance with all of the CLSI guidelines for analysis and
      reporting of results, and most respondents reported very few cases of malaria
      annually. Laboratories' difficulty in adhering to the rigorous CLSI guidelines
      and their personnel's lack of practice and proficiency may account for delays and
      errors in diagnosis. It is recommended that laboratories that infrequently
      process samples for malaria seek opportunities for practice and proficiency
      training annually and take advantage of available resources to assist in species
      identification.

PMID- 22074251
TI  - Influence of folate pathway polymorphisms on high-dose methotrexate-related
      toxicity and survival in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - The prediction of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) toxicity is a key issue in the
      individualization of treatment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
      Our aim was to evaluate the influence of MTX pathway polymorphisms on HD-MTX
      treatment outcome in children with ALL. In total, 167 children with ALL were
      genotyped for methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) 1958G > A,
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C > T and 1298A > C and
      thymidylate synthase (TYMS) 2R > 3R polymorphisms. The MTHFD1 1958A allele
      significantly reduced the odds of hepatotoxicity (adjusted p = 0.009), while the
      TYMS 3R allele significantly reduced the odds of leukocytopenia and
      thrombocytopenia (adjusted p = 0.005 and adjusted p = 0.002, respectively). MTHFR
      polymorphisms did not influence HD-MTX-related toxicity, but a significant effect
      of MTHFR 677C > T-TYMS 2R > 3R and MTHFD1 1958G > A-MTHFR 677C > T interactions
      on HD-MTX-related toxicity was observed. None of the investigated polymorphisms
      influenced survival. Our study suggests an important role of polymorphisms and
      gene-gene interactions within the folate pathway in HD-MTX-related toxicity in
      childhood ALL.

PMID- 22074252
TI  - Room-temperature dissociation of 1,2-dibromodisilenes to bromosilylenes.
AB  - A room-temperature dynamic equilibrium between dibromodisilenes and
      bromosilylenes has been demonstrated by taking advantage of the steric protection
      using the fused-ring bulky 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octa-R-s-hydrindacen-4-yl (Rind)
      groups. Although the bromosilylenes cannot be directly observed by spectroscopic
      methods, the thermal homolytic cleavage of the Si?Si double bond has been
      confirmed by a pseudo-first-order kinetics for the trapping with
      bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene and a crossover reaction using two kinds of Rind
      substituted dibromodisilenes. The addition of 4-pyrrolidinopyridine (PPy) to the
      dibromodisilene leads to an equilibrium mixture between the dibromodisilene and a
      PPy adduct of bromosilylene, the latter being isolated and characterized. The
      substitution of the bromine atom in the dibromodisilene by the Grignard reagent
      is significantly accelerated by the addition of PPy.

PMID- 22074253
TI  - A practical look at the chemistry and biology of hydrogen sulfide.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is garnering increasing interest as a
      biologically relevant signaling molecule. The effects of H(2)S have now been
      observed in virtually every organ system and numerous physiological processes.
      RECENT ADVANCES: These studies have not only opened a new field of
      "gasotransmitter" biology, they have also led to the development of synthetic
      H(2)S "donating" compounds with the potential to be parlayed into a variety of
      therapeutic applications. CRITICAL ISSUES: Often lost in the exuberance of this
      new field is a critical examination or understanding of practical aspects of
      H(2)S chemistry and biology. This is especially notable in the areas of handling
      and measuring H(2)S, evaluating biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, and
      separating physiological from pharmacological responses. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This
      brief review describes some of the pitfalls in H(2)S chemistry and biology that
      can lead or have already led to misleading or erroneous conclusions. The intent
      is to allow individuals entering or already in this burgeoning field to
      critically analyze the literature and to assist them in the design of future
      experiments.

PMID- 22074256
TI  - Surface enhanced coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering on nanostructured gold
      surfaces.
AB  - Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is a well-known tool in
      multiphoton imaging and nonlinear spectroscopy. In this work we combine CARS with
      plasmonic surface enhancement on reproducible nanostructured surfaces. We
      demonstrate strong correlation between plasmon resonances and surface-enhanced
      CARS (SECARS) intensities on our nanostructured surfaces and show that an
      enhancement of ~10(5) can be obtained over standard CARS. Furthermore, we find
      SECARS to be >10(3) times more sensitive than surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
      (SERS). We also demonstrate SECARS imaging of molecular monolayers. Our work
      paves the way for reliable single molecule Raman spectroscopy and fast molecular
      imaging on plasmonic surfaces.

PMID- 22074255
TI  - Molecular musings in microbial ecology and evolution.
AB  - A few major discoveries have influenced how ecologists and evolutionists study
      microbes. Here, in the format of an interview, we answer questions that directly
      relate to how these discoveries are perceived in these two branches of
      microbiology, and how they have impacted on both scientific thinking and
      methodology.The first question is "What has been the influence of the 'Universal
      Tree of Life' based on molecular markers?" For evolutionists, the tree was a tool
      to understand the past of known (cultured) organisms, mapping the invention of
      various physiologies on the evolutionary history of microbes. For ecologists the
      tree was a guide to discover the current diversity of unknown (uncultured)
      organisms, without much knowledge of their physiology.The second question we ask
      is "What was the impact of discovering frequent lateral gene transfer among
      microbes?" In evolutionary microbiology, frequent lateral gene transfer (LGT)
      made a simple description of relationships between organisms impossible, and for
      microbial ecologists, functions could not be easily linked to specific genotypes.
      Both fields initially resisted LGT, but methods or topics of inquiry were
      eventually changed in one to incorporate LGT in its theoretical models
      (evolution) and in the other to achieve its goals despite that phenomenon
      (ecology).The third and last question we ask is "What are the implications of the
      unexpected extent of diversity?" The variation in the extent of diversity between
      organisms invalidated the universality of species definitions based on molecular
      criteria, a major obstacle to the adaptation of models developed for the study of
      macroscopic eukaryotes to evolutionary microbiology. This issue has not overtly
      affected microbial ecology, as it had already abandoned species in favor of the
      more flexible operational taxonomic units. This field is nonetheless moving away
      from traditional methods to measure diversity, as they do not provide enough
      resolution to uncover what lies below the species level.The answers of the
      evolutionary microbiologist and microbial ecologist to these three questions
      illustrate differences in their theoretical frameworks. These differences mean
      that both fields can react quite distinctly to the same discovery, incorporating
      it with more or less difficulty in their scientific practice.

PMID- 22074259
TI  - Identification of gunshot residues in fabric targets using sector field
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique and ternary graphs.
AB  - During criminal investigations involving firearms, the detection of gunshot
      residues (GSRs) is one of the most important evidences. In the present study, a
      new method to identify trace evidences of GSRs, deposited around the bullet
      entrance hole, in different types of fabrics used as targets, is described. The
      experiments were carried out using a 0.38-inch caliber revolver, and 9-mm and
      0.40-inch caliber pistols. Testimonies of 2.25 cm(2) of the fabrics were cut
      around the bullet entrance and digested with 10% nitric acid. Antimony, barium,
      and lead were analyzed in the remaining solution using a sector field inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The concentrations of the elements were
      detected at levels up to few microgram per square centimeter. The use of ternary
      graphics allowed us to identify specific patterns of distribution for blank
      samples and the clear distinction between the revolver and pistols used.

PMID- 22074258
TI  - Comparative efficacy and acceptability of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in
      treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and
      adolescents: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychostimulants and non stimulants are effective in the treatment of
      ADHD. Efficacy of both methylphenidate and atomoxetine has been established in
      placebo controlled trials. Direct comparison of efficacy is now possible due to
      availability of results from several head-to-head trials of these two
      medications. METHODS: All published, randomized, open label or double blind
      trials, comparing efficacy of methylphenidate with atomoxetine, in treatment of
      ADHD in children, diagnosed using DSM-IVTM criteria were included. The outcome
      studied was ADHDRS-IVParent:Inv score. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was
      used as a measure of effect size. RESULTS: Nine randomized trials comparing
      methylphenidate and atomoxetine, with a total of 2762 participants were included.
      Meta-analysis did not find a significant difference in efficacy between
      methylphenidate and atomoxetine (SMD=0.09, 95% CI -0.08-0.26) (Z=1.06, p=0.29).
      Synthesis of data from eight trials found no significant difference in response
      rates (RR=0.93 95% CI 0.76-1.14, p=0.49). Sub group analysis showed a significant
      standardized mean difference favouring OROS methylphenidate (SMD=0.32, 95% CI
      0.12-0.53 (Z=3.05, p<0.002). Immediate release methylphenidate was not superior
      to atomoxetine (SMD=-0.04, 95% CI -0.19-0.12) (Z=0.46, p=0.64). Excluding open
      label trials did not significantly alter the effect size (SMD=0.08, 95% CI -0.04
      0.21) (Z=1.27, p=0.20). All-cause discontinuation was used as a measure of
      acceptability. There was no significant difference in all cause discontinuation
      between atomoxetine and methylphenidate (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.87-1.71). There was
      significant heterogeneity among the studies (p=0.002, I2=67%). Subgroup analysis
      demonstrated the heterogeneity to be due to the open label trials (p=0.001,
      I2=81%). CONCLUSIONS: In general atomoxetine and methylphenidate have comparable
      efficacy and equal acceptability in treatment of ADHD in children and
      adolescents. However OROS methylphenidate is more effective than atomoxetine and
      may be considered as first line treatment in treatment of ADHD in children and
      adolescents.

PMID- 22074257
TI  - Prenylated acylphloroglucinols, chipericumins A-D, from Hypericum chinense.
AB  - Two new tetracyclic prenylated acylphloroglucinols, chipericumins A (1) and B
      (2), were isolated from the roots of Hypericum chinense, together with two new
      tricyclic prenylated acylphloroglucinols, chipericumins C (3) and D (4). Their
      structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data. Chipericumins A-D (1-4) are
      prenylated acylphloroglucinols having a spiro skeleton with an acyl group, a
      methyl group, a C(5) unit, and a monoterpene moiety in common.

PMID- 22074260
TI  - GTP-dependent RNA 3'-terminal phosphate cyclase from the hyperthermophilic
      archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus.
AB  - We discovered that the PF1549 gene in Pyrococcus furiosus encodes a very heat
      stable RNA 3'-terminal phosphate cyclase (Pf-Rtc). Although all previously
      reported Rtc proteins are ATP-dependent enzymes, we found that Pf-Rtc requires
      GTP for its cyclase activity at 95  degrees C. Low-level activation of the enzyme
      was also observed in the presence of dGTP but not other dNTPs, indicating that
      the guanine base is very important for Pf-Rtc activity. We analyzed a series of
      GTP analogues and found that the conversion from GTP to GMP is important for Pf
      Rtc activity and that an excess of GMP inhibits this activity. Gel-shift analysis
      clearly showed that the RNA-binding activity of Pf-Rtc is totally dependent on
      the linear form of the 3'-terminal phosphate, with an apparent K(d) value of 20
      nm at 95 degrees C. Furthermore, we found that Pf-Rtc may contribute to GTP
      dependent RNA ligation activity through the PF0027 protein (a 2'-5' RNA ligase
      like protein in P. furiosus). The possible roles of Pf-Rtc and the importance of
      terminal phosphate structures in RNA are discussed.

PMID- 22074261
TI  - On your bike! a cross-sectional study of the individual, social and environmental
      correlates of cycling to school.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Active school transport (AST) has declined rapidly in recent decades.
      While many studies have examined walking, cycling to school has received very
      little attention. Correlates of cycling are likely to differ to those from
      walking and cycling enables AST from further distances. This study examined
      individual, social and environmental factors associated with cycling to school
      among elementary school-aged children, stratified by gender. METHODS: Children (n
      = 1197) attending 25 Australian primary schools located in high or low walkable
      neighborhoods, completed a one-week travel diary and a parent/child questionnaire
      on travel habits and attitudes. RESULTS: Overall, 31.2% of boys and 14.6% of
      girls cycled >= 1 trip/week, however 59.4% of boys and 36.7% of girls reported
      cycling as their preferred school transport mode. In boys (but not girls), school
      neighborhood design was significantly associated with cycling: i.e., boys
      attending schools in neighborhoods with high connectivity and low traffic were
      5.58 times more likely to cycle (95% CI 1.11-27.96) and for each kilometer boys
      lived from school the odds of cycling reduced by 0.70 (95% CI 0.63-0.99).
      Irrespective of gender, cycling to school was associated with parental confidence
      in their child's cycling ability (boys: OR 10.39; 95% CI 3.79-28.48; girls: OR
      4.03; 95% CI 2.02-8.05), parental perceived convenience of driving (boys: OR
      0.42; 95% CI 0.23-0.74; girls: OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.20-0.82); and child's preference
      to cycle (boys: OR 5.68; 95% CI 3.23-9.98; girls: OR 3.73; 95% CI 2.26-6.17).
      CONCLUSION: School proximity, street network connectivity and traffic exposure in
      school neighborhoods was associated with boys (but not girls) cycling to school.
      Irrespective of gender, parents need to be confident in their child's cycling
      ability and must prioritize cycling over driving.

PMID- 22074262
TI  - 'We are doing our best': African and African-Caribbean fatherhood, health and
      preventive primary care services, in England.
AB  - Recent policy pronouncements emphasise the importance of engaging fathers with
      preventive primary care services. However, in England, there is a paucity of
      literature which examines African and African-Caribbean fathers' experiences of
      service provision. This paper reports a study that investigated African and
      African-Caribbean fathers' beliefs about fatherhood, health and preventive
      primary care services, with the aim of addressing the deficit in the literature.
      Nine focus groups involving 46 African and African-Caribbean fathers, recruited
      using purposive sampling, were undertaken between October 2008-January 2009.
      Fatherhood was seen as a core aspect of the participants' identities. The fathers
      enacted these identities in a number of ways, such as caring for and protecting
      children, which were influenced by spirituality, relationships with women, paid
      work and racism. The fathers had concerns about their bodies, medical conditions,
      physical activity and forms of consumption. However, their primary focus was on
      maintaining and improving the well-being of their children. This resulted in them
      neglecting their own health needs as they had to meet the obligations of family
      life and paid work. The fathers reported limited contact with preventive primary
      care services and were unaware of their purpose, function and availability. They
      identified ethnicity as a positive asset, and felt their families and communities
      had particular strengths. However they acknowledged that structural constraints,
      including racism, influenced their perceptions of and access to local health
      services. The engagement of African and African-Caribbean fathers needs to be
      addressed more specifically in policy as part of a broader programme of action to
      tackle health inequalities. In addition, child health services could build on
      fathers' commitment to children's well-being through practice that addresses
      fathers' as well as mothers' needs in families.

PMID- 22074265
TI  - Deformation, longitudinal shortening, and accordion of an ion stent.

PMID- 22074266
TI  - Development of a sampling patch to measure dermal exposures to monomeric and
      polymeric 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate: a pilot study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a patch sampler to monitor
      dermal exposures to monomeric and polymeric 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)
      in the automotive refinishing industry. Different patch materials were used to
      construct the patches, and patches impregnated with a derivatizing solution were
      compared with those that were not impregnated. We observed that impregnated felt
      patches measured significantly more HDI monomer (p = 0.04) than non-impregnated
      patches in a controlled experiment. Both impregnated and non-impregnated patches
      were compared with the tape-strip method by monitoring three spray painters'
      dermal exposure to monomeric and polymeric HDI. Isocyanurate was the predominant
      species measured by all three sampler types with detectable levels in >86% of
      samples. Overall, tape-strips of exposed skin measured lower levels of monomeric
      and polymeric HDI than impregnated patch samplers at the same sampling site on
      the skin. Unlike tape-strips, impregnated patches are not as prone to evaporative
      or reactive losses or losses due to rapid penetration into the skin. Further
      investigations are warranted to evaluate these and other methods to measure
      dermal exposure to workers under occupational conditions to better understand the
      relationship between dermal exposure and internal dose.

PMID- 22074267
TI  - Bi2(IO4)(IO3)3: a new potential infrared nonlinear optical material containing
      [IO4](3-) anion.
AB  - A new potential infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) material
      Bi(2)(IO(4))(IO(3))(3) was synthesized by hydrothermal method.
      Bi(2)(IO(4))(IO(3))(3) crystallizes in the chiral orthorhombic space group
      P2(1)2(1)2(1) (No. 19) with a = 5.6831(11) A, b = 12.394(3) A, and c = 16.849(3)
      A. It exhibits a three-dimensional framework through a combination of the IO(3),
      IO(4), BiO(8), and BiO(9) polyhedra and is the first noncentrosymmetric (NCS)
      structure containing [IO4](3-) anion. Bi(2)(IO(4))(IO(3))(3) has an IR cutoff
      wavelength of 12.3 MUm and belongs to the type 1 phase-matchable class with a
      moderately large SHG response of 5 * KDP, which is in good agreement with the
      theoretical calculations.

PMID- 22074268
TI  - Co-morbid diabetes in patients with Crohn's disease predicts a greater need for
      surgical intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly. Given its pro
      inflammatory nature, comorbid diabetes may affect the course of Crohn's disease
      (CD). AIM: To determine whether comorbid diabetes influences the natural history
      of CD. METHODS: We compared a cohort with CD and comorbid diabetes to a
      nondiabetic control population and calculated the period prevalence of surgical
      intervention over a 5-year period. Unadjusted and adjusted odds-ratios were
      calculated regarding the need for surgical intervention using univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 240 patients were
      identified, 16 of whom were diabetics (6.7%). The period prevalence of CD
      specific surgery in the diabetic cases was 75.0% and in the nondiabetic controls,
      31.7%. The diabetic patients were more obese than the controls (44% vs. 10%; P <
      0.0001) and older than the controls (47.4 years vs. 38.6; P < 0.01). There was no
      difference in the frequency of biologic therapy use, immunomodulator use,
      smoking, perianal disease, ileal involvement or corticosteroid use between the
      diabetics and controls. Univariate analysis revealed that diabetes (OR 6.46 [95%
      CI 2.01-20.8]), smoking (OR 2.46 [95% CI 1.24-4.90]), ileal disease (OR 2.21 [95%
      CI 1.15-4.24]) and obesity (OR 2.22 [95% CI 1.04-4.77]) were risk factors for
      needing surgery. After adjustment for covariates, the OR for surgical
      intervention in diabetics was 5.4 (95% CI 1.65-17.64). CONCLUSION: Co-morbid
      diabetes in patients with Crohn's disease predicts a greater need for surgical
      intervention.

PMID- 22074271
TI  - Comment on vertically fractured teeth without root canal fillings.

PMID- 22074269
TI  - Body electrical loss analysis (BELA) in the assessment of visceral fat: a
      demonstration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body electrical loss analysis (BELA) is a new non-invasive way to
      assess visceral fat depot size through the use of electromagnetism. BELA has
      worked well in phantom measurements, but the technology is not yet fully
      validated. METHODS: Ten volunteers (5 men and 5 women, age: 22-60 y, BMI: 21-30
      kg/m(2), waist circumference: 73-108 cm) were measured with the BELA instrument
      and with cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the navel level,
      navel +5 cm and navel -5 cm. The BELA signal was compared with visceral and
      subcutaneous fat areas calculated from the MR images. RESULTS: The BELA signal
      did not correlate with subcutaneous fat area at any level, but correlated
      significantly with visceral fat area at the navel level and navel +5 cm. The
      correlation was best at level of navel +5 cm (R(2) = 0.74, P < 0.005, SEE = 29.7
      cm(2), LOOCV = 40.1 cm(2)), where SEE is the standard error of the estimate and
      LOOCV is the root mean squared error of leave-one-out style cross-validation. The
      average estimate of repeatability of the BELA signal observed through the study
      was +/-9.6 %. One of the volunteers had an exceptionally large amount of visceral
      fat, which was underestimated by BELA. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation of the BELA
      signal with the visceral but not with the subcutaneous fat area as measured by
      MRI is promising. The lack of correlation with the subcutaneous fat suggests that
      subcutaneous fat has a minor influence to the BELA signal. Further research will
      show if it is possible to develop a reliable low-cost method for the assessment
      of visceral fat either using BELA only or combining it, for example, with
      bioelectrical impedance measurement. The combination of these measurements may
      help assessing visceral fat in a large scale of body composition. Before large
      scale clinical testing and ROC analysis, the initial BELA instrumentation
      requires improvements. The accuracy of the present equipment is not sufficient
      for such new technology.

PMID- 22074272
TI  - Does mineral trioxide aggregate reinforce the immature roots?

PMID- 22074273
TI  - Does MTA really increase expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase
      (TIMP-2) in extracted teeth?

PMID- 22074274
TI  - Inotropes and vasopressors: more than haemodynamics!
AB  - Circulatory shock is characterized by arterial hypotension requiring fluid
      resuscitation combined with inotropes and/or vasopressors to correct the
      otherwise life-threatening impairment of oxygen supply to peripheral tissues.
      Catecholamines represent the current therapeutic choice, but this standard is
      only based on empirical clinical experience. Although there is evidence that some
      catecholamines may be better than others, it is a matter of debate which one may
      be the most effective and/or the safest for the different situations. In their
      review in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Bangash et al.
      provide an overview of the pharmacology as well as the available clinical data on
      the therapeutic use of endogenous catecholamines, their synthetic derivatives and
      a range of other agents (vasopressin and its analogues, PDE inhibitors and
      levosimendan). The authors point out that, despite well-established receptor
      pharmacology, the clinical effects of these treatments are poorly understood.
      Hence, further investigations are essential to determine which catecholamine, or,
      in a broader sense, which alternative vasopressor and/or inotrope is the most
      appropriate for a particular clinical condition.

PMID- 22074275
TI  - Integrated biomarker discovery: combining heterogeneous data.

PMID- 22074276
TI  - Artificial microorgans: a microfluidic tool for in vitro assessment of toxicity.

PMID- 22074278
TI  - Laboratory and software applications for clinical trials: the global laboratory
      environment.
AB  - The Applied Pharmaceutical Software Meeting is held annually. It is sponsored by
      The Boston Society, a not-for-profit organization that coordinates a series of
      meetings within the global pharmaceutical industry. The meeting generally focuses
      on laboratory applications, but in recent years has expanded to include some
      software applications for clinical trials. The 2011 meeting emphasized the global
      laboratory environment. Global clinical trials generate massive amounts of data
      in many locations that must be centralized and processed for efficient analysis.
      Thus, the meeting had a strong focus on establishing networks and systems for
      dealing with the computer infrastructure to support such environments. In
      addition to the globally installed laboratory information management system,
      electronic laboratory notebook and other traditional laboratory applications,
      cloud computing is quickly becoming the answer to provide efficient, inexpensive
      options for managing the large volumes of data and computing power, and thus it
      served as a central theme for the meeting.

PMID- 22074279
TI  - The importance of HT-ADME in drug discovery.
AB  - The inaugural meeting of the Boston Society High-Throughput Absorption,
      Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (HT-ADME) Conference was held in
      Cambridge, MA (USA). The theme was 'The Importance of HT-ADME in Drug Discovery'
      and the organizers of the conference stressed the importance of incorporating
      audience participation and discussion in the field. The conference hosted 65
      attendees and 16 presentations, which was a good size to achieve the goal of
      active participation while maintaining focus on HT-ADME. The speakers provided
      broad coverage of HT-ADME within the drug discovery arena, while remembering that
      the overall goal in drug discovery is identifying potential drug candidates to
      move forward into development.

PMID- 22074280
TI  - Anticoagulant counter ion impact on bioanalytical LC-MS/MS assay performance:
      additional validation required?

PMID- 22074281
TI  - Anticoagulant counter ion impact on bioanalytical LC-MS/MS assays: results from
      discussions and experiments within the European Bioanalysis Forum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In regulated bioanalysis, the need for partial validation when
      changing the counter ion of the anticoagulant is currently being debated within
      the bioanalytical community. To date, industry and the health authorities have
      not yet reached a consensus on this issue. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the impact of a change in counter ion when using the same anticoagulant
      on LC-MS/MS assay performance for a broad array of new chemical entities,
      compiling data generated at companies within the European Bioanalysis Forum
      (EBF). RESULTS: In all, 15 EBF member companies provided experimental data on
      partial validation. In total, data from 42 LC-MS/MS assays were evaluated. The
      results show that a change in counter ion when using the same anticoagulant had
      no impact on assay performance. CONCLUSION: Based on these results and on
      conclusions from previous studies, the EBF recommends that in regulated
      bioanalysis, plasma samples containing different counter ions, but the same
      anticoagulant, should be regarded as equal matrices, thus removing any need for
      partial validation.

PMID- 22074282
TI  - Platform for analysis of anthranilic acid N-glycan derivatives utilizing
      multipolarity mode LC-MS with hydrophilic interaction chromatography separation
      and ion trap MS/MS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The structure of glycans is complex compared with linear polymers
      such as proteins and nucleic acids. Structural assignment of these compounds is
      particularly challenging to the bioanalyst. Here we present a multipolarity mode
      LC-MS platform for analysis of anthranilic acid-derivatized N-glycans. RESULTS:
      Multipolarity mode LC-MS analysis of N-glycan anthranilic aid (2AA) derivatives,
      collected under conditions that stabilize sialyloligosaccharides, provided more
      complete structural coverage than either mode when used alone. Structural
      assignment was simplified by the use of 2AA, which localizes charge to the
      reducing end in both modes facilitating the production of reducing end fragment
      dominant spectra. CONCLUSION: Multimode analysis of high-mannose, hybrid and
      complex N-glycans, under conditions used in this method, is superior to either
      mode when used alone.

PMID- 22074283
TI  - Iontophoresis of a 13 kDa protein monitored by subcutaneous microdialysis in
      vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to optimize parameters pertaining to
      microdialysis technique so as to make this method feasible for evaluating
      transdermal transport of macromolecules. RESULTS: Microdialysis experiments were
      performed in vivo using hairless rats with daniplestim as the model protein. Two
      perfusion fluids - phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 3% dextran in PBS - were
      evaluated with respect to their effect on sample volume retrieval and recovery of
      the target protein from the microdialysis probe. Incorporation of dextran-60 in
      the perfusion fluid reduced fluid loss to 10% as opposed to 34% in the absence of
      dextran-60. Improvement in daniplestim recovery was also seen with dextran-PBS
      (56.5 +/- 10.3%) as the perfusion fluid than with PBS alone (26.7+/-4.5%).
      CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous levels of daniplestim were measured following
      iontophoresis after improving recovery and minimizing fluid loss from the
      microdialysis probe.

PMID- 22074284
TI  - MALDI imaging mass spectrometry: bridging biology and chemistry in drug
      development.
AB  - Our understanding of drug tissue distribution impacts a number of areas in drug
      development, including: pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, drug-drug
      interactions, transport and metabolism. Despite their extensive use,
      autoradiography and tissue homogenate LC-MS analysis have limitations in
      providing a comprehensive assessment of tissue distributions. In the case of
      autoradiography, it is the inability to distinguish between parent drug and drug
      metabolites. In LC-MS analysis of tissue homogenate, all tissue localization
      information is lost. The emerging technique of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry
      has the capability to distinguish between parent and metabolites while
      maintaining spatial distribution in tissues. In this article, we will review the
      MALDI imaging MS methodology as applied to drug development and provide examples
      highlighting the impact of this important technique in drug development.

PMID- 22074285
TI  - Exploring the metabolic state of microorganisms using metabolomics.
AB  - Microorganisms depend on their ability to modulate their metabolic composition
      according to specific circumstances, such as different phases of the growth cycle
      and circadian rhythms, fluctuations in environmental conditions, as well as
      experimental perturbations. A thorough understanding of these metabolic
      adaptations requires the ability to comprehensively identify and quantify the
      metabolome of bacterial cells in different states. In this review, we present an
      overview of the diverse metabolomics approaches recently adopted to explore the
      metabolism of a wide variety of microorganisms. Focusing on a selection of
      illustrative case studies, we assess the different experimental designs used and
      explore the major achievements and remaining challenges in the field. We conclude
      by discussing the important complementary information provided by computational
      methods such as genome-scale metabolic modeling, which enable an integrated
      analysis of metabolic state changes in the context of overall cellular
      physiology.

PMID- 22074286
TI  - Absolute quantitation of protein therapeutics in biological matrices by enzymatic
      digestion and LC-MS.
AB  - The advancement of biotechnology has led to an increase in biotherapeutic drugs,
      especially recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Ligand-binding assays
      or immunoassays are the standard methods of choice in pharmacokinetic studies in
      support of drug discovery and development for protein therapeutics. LC-MS-based
      methodologies are increasingly used as alternatives to immunoassays for absolute
      protein quantitation in biological samples. We review recent advancements in
      absolute quantitation of protein therapeutics in biological matrices by enzymatic
      digestion and LC-MS.

PMID- 22074288
TI  - Genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infections
      in symptomatic individuals in the maritime region of Togo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the genotype prevalence and the multiplicity of Plasmodium
      falciparum infections in the maritime region of Togo. METHODS: We enrolled 309
      symptomatic individuals aged from 6 months to 15 years from Be/Lome and Tsevie,
      two malaria endemic zones. The number and the proportions of merozoite surface
      proteins 1, 2 and 3 genotypes in patients were determined using capillary
      electrophoresis genotyping. We further investigated the possible association
      between transaminases and homocysteine, and the severity of the disease. RESULTS:
      Of the 309 samples genotyped, 210 tested positive to msp-1, 227 to msp-2 and 193
      to msp-3. The nested PCR revealed 22 different alleles for the allelic family msp
      1, 33 for msp-2 and 13 for msp-3. At each locus, the family distribution was
      54.58% of K1, 25% of MAD20 and 20.42% of RO33 for msp-1, and 51.71% and 48.29% of
      FC27 and 3D7, respectively, for msp-2. For all these allelic variants, the
      distribution was associated with neither the severity of malaria nor the zone of
      habitation. Pearson correlation coefficients between either the levels of
      homocysteine or the transaminase and the severity of the disease were very low.
      CONCLUSION: The severity of malaria was not associated with higher multiplicity
      of infections and did not appear restricted to particular genotypes. More
      comprehensive explorations including immunity, genetic factors, nutritional and
      sociologic status of the population could clarify the situation.

PMID- 22074289
TI  - Dynamic hyperinflation is associated with a poor cardiovascular response to
      exercise in COPD patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hyperinflation has the potential for significant adverse
      effects on cardiovascular function in COPD. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the relationship between dynamic hyperinflation and cardiovascular
      response to maximal exercise in COPD patients. METHODS: We studied 48 patients
      (16F; age 68 yrs +/- 8; BMI 26 +/- 4) with COPD. All patients performed
      spirometry, plethysmography, lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (TLco)
      measurement, and symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The end
      expiratory lung volume (EELV) was evaluated during the CPET. Cardiovascular
      response was assessed by change during exercise in oxygen pulse (DeltaO2Pulse)
      and double product, i.e. the product of systolic blood pressure and heart rate
      (DP reserve), and by the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), i.e. the relation
      between oxygen uptake and ventilation. RESULTS: Patients with a peak exercise
      EELV (%TLC) >= 75% had a significantly lower resting FEV1/VC, FEF50/FIF50 ratio
      and IC/TLC ratio, when compared to patients with a peak exercise EELV (%TLC) <
      75%. Dynamic hyperinflation was strictly associated to a poor cardiovascular
      response to exercise: EELV (%TLC) showed a negative correlation with DeltaO2Pulse
      (r = - 0.476, p = 0.001), OUES (r = - 0.452, p = 0.001) and DP reserve (r = -
      0.425, p = 0.004). Furthermore, according to the ROC curve method, DeltaO2Pulse
      and DP reserve cut-off points which maximized sensitivity and specificity, with
      respect to a EELV (% TLC) value >= 75% as a threshold value, were <= 5.5 mL/bpm
      (0.640 sensitivity and 0.696 specificity) and <= 10,000 Hg . bpm (0.720
      sensitivity and 0.783 specificity), respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study
      shows that COPD patients with dynamic hyperinflation have a poor cardiovascular
      response to exercise. This finding supports the view that in COPD patients,
      dynamic hyperinflation may affect exercise performance not only by affecting
      ventilation, but also cardiac function.

PMID- 22074290
TI  - Synthesis of dragmacidin D via direct C-H couplings.
AB  - Dragmacidin D, an emerging biologically active marine natural product, has
      attracted attention as a lead compound for treating Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
      diseases. Prominent structural features of this compound are the two indole
      pyrazinone bonds and the presence of a polar aminoimidazole unit. We have
      established a concise total synthesis of dragmacidin D using direct C-H coupling
      reactions. Methodological developments include (i) Pd-catalyzed thiophene-indole
      C-H/C-I coupling, (ii) Pd-catalyzed indole-pyrazine N-oxide C-H/C-H coupling, and
      (iii) acid-catalyzed indole-pyrazinone C-H/C-H coupling. These regioselective
      catalytic C-H couplings enabled us to rapidly assemble simple building blocks to
      construct the core structure of dragmacidin D in a step-economical fashion.

PMID- 22074291
TI  - Pilose antler polypeptides promote chondrocyte proliferation via the tyrosine
      kinase signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pilose antler polypeptides (PAP) have been reported to promote
      chondrocyte proliferation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The
      present study was to investigate the effects of PAP on the proliferation of
      chondrocytes and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Chondrocytes isolated from
      the knee of Zealand white rabbits were cultured. The second generation
      chondrocytes were collected and identified using safranin-O staining. The
      chondrocytes were divided into the following 4 groups including serum-free, PAP,
      genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases), and PAP plus genistein group. Cell
      viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution of the
      chondrocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of cyclin A
      was detected using immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: No significant
      difference was observed between serum-free and genistein group. Treatment of the
      cultures with PAP produced a significant dose-dependent increase in cell
      viability, the percentage proportion of chondrocytes in the S phase and Cyclin A
      expression as well. However, the promoting effect of PAP on chondrocyte
      proliferation were dose-dependently inhibited by genistein, whereas genistein
      alone had no effect on proliferation of isolated chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      data demonstrate that PAP promotes chondrocyte proliferation with the increased
      cell number, percentage proportion of chondrocytes in S phase and expression of
      protein cyclin A via the TK signaling pathway.

PMID- 22074292
TI  - Accelerated high-resolution differential ion mobility separations using hydrogen.
AB  - The resolving power of differential ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) was
      dramatically increased recently by carrier gases comprising up to 75% He or
      various vapors, enabling many new applications. However, the need for resolution
      of complex mixtures is virtually open-ended and many topical analyses demand yet
      finer separations. Also, the resolving power gains are often at the expense of
      speed, in particular making high-resolution FAIMS poorly compatible with online
      liquid-phase separations. Here, we report FAIMS employing hydrogen, specifically
      in mixtures with N(2) containing up to 90% H(2). Such compositions raise the
      mobilities of all ions and thus the resolving power beyond that previously
      feasible, while avoiding the electrical breakdown inevitable in He-rich mixtures.
      The increases in resolving power and ensuing peak resolution are especially
      significant at H(2) fractions above ~50%. Higher resolution can be exchanged for
      acceleration of the analyses by up to ~4 times. For more mobile species such as
      multiply charged peptides, this exchange is presently forced by the constraints
      of existing FAIMS devices, but future designs optimized for H(2) should
      consistently improve resolution for all analytes.

PMID- 22074293
TI  - Correlates of time spent walking and cycling to and from work: baseline results
      from the commuting and health in Cambridge study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Environmental perceptions and psychological measures appear to be
      associated with walking and cycling behaviour; however, their influence is still
      unclear. We assessed these associations using baseline data from a quasi
      experimental cohort study of the effects of major transport infrastructural
      developments in Cambridge, UK. METHODS: Postal surveys were sent to adults who
      travel to work in Cambridge (n = 1582). Questions asked about travel modes and
      time spent travelling to and from work in the last week, perceptions of the
      route, psychological measures regarding car use and socio-demographic
      characteristics. Participants were classified into one of two categories
      according to time spent walking for commuting ('no walking' or 'some walking')
      and one of three categories for cycling ('no cycling', '1-149 min/wk' and ' >=
      150 min/wk'). RESULTS: Of the 1164 respondents (68% female, mean (SD) age: 42.3
      (11.4) years) 30% reported any walking and 53% reported any cycling to or from
      work. In multiple regression models, short distance to work and not having access
      to a car showed strong positive associations with both walking and cycling.
      Furthermore, those who reported that it was pleasant to walk were more likely to
      walk to or from work (OR = 4.18, 95% CI 3.02 to 5.78) and those who reported that
      it was convenient to cycle on the route between home and work were more likely to
      do so (1-149 min/wk: OR = 4.60, 95% CI 2.88 to 7.34; >= 150 min/wk: OR = 3.14,
      95% CI 2.11 to 4.66). Positive attitudes in favour of car use were positively
      associated with time spent walking to or from work but negatively associated with
      cycling to or from work. Strong perceived behavioural control for car use was
      negatively associated with walking. CONCLUSIONS: In this relatively affluent
      sample of commuters, a range of individual and household characteristics,
      perceptions of the route environment and psychological measures relating to car
      use were associated with walking or cycling to and from work. Taken together,
      these findings suggest that social and physical contexts of travel decision
      making should be considered and that a range of influences may require to be
      addressed to bring about behaviour change.

PMID- 22074294
TI  - Thymosin beta4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and
      clinical applications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thymosin beta(4), a low molecular weight, naturally-occurring
      peptide plays a vital role in the repair and regeneration of injured cells and
      tissues. After injury, thymosin beta(4), is released by platelets, macrophages
      and many other cell types to protect cells and tissues from further damage and
      reduce apoptosis, inflammation and microbial growth. Thymosin beta(4) binds to
      actin and promotes cell migration, including the mobilization, migration, and
      differentiation of stem/progenitor cells, which form new blood vessels and
      regenerate the tissue. Thymosin beta(4) also decreases the number of
      myofibroblasts in wounds, resulting in decreased scar formation and fibrosis.
      AREAS COVERED: This article will cover the many thymosin beta(4) activities that
      directly affect the repair and regeneration cascade with emphasis on its
      therapeutic uses and potential. Our approach has been to evaluate the basic
      biology of the molecule as well as its potential for clinical applications in the
      skin, eye, heart and brain. EXPERT OPINION: The considerable advances in our
      understanding of the functional biology and mechanisms of action of thymosin
      beta(4) have provided the scientific foundation for ongoing and projected
      clinical trials in the treatment of dermal wounds, corneal injuries and in the
      regeneration and repair of heart and CNS tissue following ischemic insults and
      trauma.

PMID- 22074295
TI  - Psychosocial processes influencing weight management among persons newly
      prescribed atypical antipsychotic medications.
AB  - The purpose was to generate a theory of the psychosocial processes influencing
      weight management among persons newly prescribed atypical antipsychotic
      medications. A grounded theory research design was used to guide the study. Semi
      structured interviews were the method of data collection, and analysis was
      performed using constant comparison. Using theoretical sampling, a sample of 11
      participants with first-episode psychosis prescribed atypical antipsychotics for
      at least 8 weeks, and five participants with a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia
      prescribed atypical antipsychotic medication for at least 3 years were recruited
      from an outpatient psychiatric programme. Contextual factors influencing weight
      management were: accessibility to resources, unstructured lifestyle, and others'
      perception of weight. Conditions influencing weight management were: rapid weight
      gain, insatiable hunger and lack of motivation boosters. Participants' early
      responses to weight gain included discontinuing medications, choosing lower
      calorie foods, using walking in daily activities as exercise, accepting weight
      gain and trying to manage weight but giving up. The consequences revealed from
      data analysis were contemplating weight management and not trying, as the
      barriers to weight management exceeded the facilitators. The theoretical
      framework developed in this study can assist with the understanding and
      management of weight gain among this unique population.

PMID- 22074296
TI  - Basal renal tubular epithelial cell vacuolization and alcoholic ketoacidosis.
AB  - Subnuclear renal tubular epithelial cell vacuolization is a marker for diabetic
      ketoacidosis. Whether it is because of hyperglycemia or of ketoacidosis is
      unclear. To examine the effect of ketoacidosis on renal cells in isolation, five
      cases of lethal alcoholic ketoacidosis without hyperglycemia were examined
      (vitreous humor beta-hydroxybutyrate: 6.42-8.75 mM, mean 7.66 mM; and glucose:
      0.1-4.2 mM, mean 1.46 mM). Microscopic examination of the kidneys revealed basal
      vacuoles in three cases (60%). Seven control cases with acute alcohol toxicity
      without ketoacidosis (blood alcohol: 0.18-0.43%, mean 0.31%; and beta
      hydroxybutyrate: 0.12-0.42 mM, mean 0.21 mM) did not have these changes. In this
      study, basal epithelial vacuolization was found only in cases with significant
      ketoacidosis. Although the numbers are small, the finding of basal renal tubular
      epithelial vacuolization in normoglycemic cases with elevated beta
      hydroxybutyrate levels provide further evidence that disordered lipid metabolism
      may be involved in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon.

PMID- 22074297
TI  - Indirect evidence for microbiota reduction through dietary mannanoligosaccharides
      in the pigeon, an avian species without functional caeca.
AB  - A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannanoligosaccharides
      (MOS) on nutrient digestibility, intestinal pH, gut morphology and faecal
      bacteriology of pigeons, as model for birds without functional caeca. Sixteen
      adult pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were randomly allotted to either an
      extruded pellet diet with or without 0.4% MOS. After an adaptation period of 24
      days, excreta were collected during 4 days. Apparent nutrient digestibility
      coefficients were determined using total collection method. Further, excreta pH
      was measured and percentage of uric acid determined. Fresh excreta were cultured
      for measurement of colony-forming units for Escherichia coli. At the end, the
      gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was excised and pH measurements performed on the
      separate GIT sections. Finally, pancreas, liver, gizzard and abdominal fat pad
      were weighed, and standardised segments of duodenum and jejunum were removed for
      microscopic measurement of crypt depth, villus height and muscularis thickness.
      Feed intake and water intake were similar between control diet and MOS diet.
      Intestinal pH was unaffected by MOS supplementation; however, excreta pH was
      significantly lower in pigeons on the MOS diet. Although nutrient digestibility
      was similar between treatments, uric acid content of excreta was significantly
      higher in the MOS group in relation to the control group. Further, duodenal crypt
      depth, villus height and muscularis thickness, as well as jejunal muscularis
      thickness were all significantly reduced by MOS supplementation. No effect of MOS
      supplementation was seen on the counts of E. coli. Furthermore, despite marked
      differences on both GIT morphology and uric acid content of excreta, apparent
      digestibility coefficients, and organ weights, were similar between treatments.
      It is suggested that the MOS-induced changes on gut morphology and the reduced
      excreta pH reflect a reduced bacterial challenge in the intestine of pigeons.
      Supplementation of MOS, therefore, has potential as prebiotic strategy in birds
      without functional caeca.

PMID- 22074299
TI  - Nursing theory and management.

PMID- 22074298
TI  - Inter-rater reliability of assessed prenatal maternal occupational exposures to
      solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.
AB  - Because direct measurements of past occupational exposures are rarely available
      in population-based case-control studies, exposure assessment of job histories by
      multiple expert raters is frequently used; however, the subjective nature of this
      method makes measuring reliability an important quality control step. We
      evaluated inter-rater reliability of 7729 retrospective jobs reported in the
      National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Jobs were classified as exposed,
      unexposed, or exposure unknown by two independent industrial hygienists; exposed
      jobs were further evaluated for intensity, frequency, and routes. Exposure
      prevalence ranged from 0.1-9.8%. Inter-rater reliability for exposure (yes/no),
      assessed by kappa coefficients, was fair to good for cadmium (kappa = 0.46),
      chlorinated solvents (kappa = 0.59), cobalt (kappa = 0.54), glycol ethers (kappa
      = 0.50), nickel compounds (kappa = 0.65), oil mists (kappa = 0.63), and Stoddard
      Solvent (kappa = 0.55); PAHs (kappa = 0.24) and elemental nickel (kappa = 0.37)
      had poor agreement. After a consensus conference resolved disagreements, an
      additional 4962 jobs were evaluated. Inter-rater reliability improved or stayed
      the same for cadmium (kappa = 0.51), chlorinated solvents (kappa = 0.81), oil
      mists (kappa = 0.63), PAHs (kappa = 0.52), and Stoddard solvent (kappa = 0.92) in
      the second job set. Inter-rater reliability varied by exposure agent and
      prevalence, demonstrating the importance of measuring reliability in studies
      using a multiple expert rater method of exposure assessment.

PMID- 22074300
TI  - Theory-based practice in a major medical centre.
AB  - AIMS: This project was designed to improve care quality and nursing staff
      satisfaction. BACKGROUND: Nursing theory structures thought and action as
      demonstrated by evidence of improvement in complex health-care settings. Nursing
      administrators selected Modelling and Role-Modelling (MRM) for the theory-based
      practice goal in their strategic plan. METHODS: An action research approach
      structured implementation of MRM in a 1-year consultation project in 2001-2002.
      RESULTS: Quality of health care improved according to national quality assessment
      ratings, as well as patient satisfaction and nurse satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Modelling and Role-Modelling demonstrated capacity to structure nursing thought
      and action in patient care in a major medical centre. Uniformity of patient care
      language was valued by nurses as well as by allied health providers who wished to
      learn the holistic MRM style of practice. The processes of MRM and action
      research contributed to project success. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: A
      positive health-care change project was carried out in a large medical centre
      with action research. Introducing MRM theory-based practice was a beneficial
      decision by nursing administration that improved care and nurse satisfaction.
      Attention to nursing practice stimulated career development among the nurses to
      pursue bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.

PMID- 22074301
TI  - An examination of the sustainable adoption of whole-person care (WPC).
AB  - AIM: This study illustrates how King's theory of goal attainment was used to
      focus an examination of whole-person care (WPC) and to extend the range of
      knowledge needed for WPC and nursing practice. BACKGROUND: Leadership implemented
      a faith-based innovation using continuing education for patient care that
      incorporates body-mind-spirit and eight principles called CREATION. Three
      questions arose: (1) Is there an evidence-based framework to determine whether
      the philosophy supports the discipline of nursing? (2) How extensive is the
      adoption and application of WPC? (3) Does the model make a difference in the
      context of nurse-patient interactions and outcomes in support of Magnet
      recognition criteria? METHODS: Interpretative phenomenology was used and an
      interview protocol was developed to examine the adoption and movement toward a
      culture of WPC. RESULTS: WPC was 'lived.' it is a relationship-oriented patient
      care model. However, except in direct patient care, the principles of creation
      were poorly diffused. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: These results
      contribute to nursing leadership's roles in fostering a workplace climate that
      enables the diffusion of innovative models of care. In addition, these results
      support the Institute of Medicine's call for nurses to take the lead in adopting
      innovations and provides leaders with actionable strategies.

PMID- 22074302
TI  - Evaluating nurse staffing patterns and neonatal intensive care unit outcomes
      using Levine's Conservation Model of Nursing.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the influences of intensity of nursing care and consistency of
      nursing caregivers on health and economic outcomes using Levine's Conservation
      Model of Nursing as the guiding theoretical framework. BACKGROUND: Professional
      nursing practice models are increasingly being used although limited research is
      available regarding their efficacy. METHOD: A structural equation modelling
      approach tested the influence of intensity of nursing care (direct care by
      professional nurses and patient-nurse ratio) and consistency of nursing
      caregivers on morbidity and resource utilization in a neonatal intensive care
      unit (NICU) setting using primary nursing. RESULTS: Consistency of nursing
      caregivers served as a powerful mediator of length of stay and the duration of
      mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen therapy and parenteral nutrition.
      Analysis of nursing intensity indicators revealed that a mix of professional
      nurses and assistive personnel was effective. CONCLUSIONS: Providing consistency
      of nursing caregivers may significantly improve both health and economic
      outcomes. New evidence was found to support the efficacy of the primary nursing
      model in the NICU. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Designing nursing care
      delivery systems in acute inpatient settings with an emphasis on consistency of
      nursing caregivers could improve health outcomes, increase organizational
      effectiveness, and enhance satisfaction of nursing staff, patients, and families.

PMID- 22074303
TI  - Exploring the relationship between job satisfaction and nursing group outcome
      attainment capability in nurse administrators.
AB  - AIM: To examine the relationship between job satisfaction and nursing group
      outcome attainment capability (NOAC) among nurse administrators. BACKGROUND:
      Contributing to the nursing shortage experienced in the USA is job
      dissatisfaction and a sense of powerlessness. The potential to achieve power
      exists within nursing and is realized when nurses achieve their goals. Nurse
      administrators can positively impact their settings by achieving these goals as
      they engage in the process of NOAC. However, little is known about the
      relationship between nurse administrators, job satisfaction and NOAC. METHOD: In
      this non-experimental study, nurse administrators (n = 20) employed in mid-size
      urban and suburban hospitals were recruited using convenience sampling. Using an
      on-line format, participants completed the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire
      to measure job satisfaction and the Sieloff-King Assessment of Group Outcome
      Attainment within Organizations to measure NOAC. RESULTS: Moderately strong and
      strong significant correlations (P < 0.003) were found between job satisfaction
      and nursing group outcome attainment capability (intrinsic satisfaction r =
      0.800; extrinsic satisfaction r = 0.650; total satisfaction r = 0.770).
      CONCLUSION: To increase job satisfaction, it is important that nurse
      administrators have the power to achieve their professional goals. IMPLICATIONS
      FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse administrators can potentially increase their job
      satisfaction by achieving their professional goals.

PMID- 22074304
TI  - Group power through the lens of the 21st century and beyond: further validation
      of the Sieloff-King Assessment of Group Power within Organizations.
AB  - AIM: The purpose was to determine the content validity of a semantic revision of
      items on a reliable and valid instrument, the Sieloff-King Assessment of Group
      Power within Organizations (SKAGPO). BACKGROUND: Research participants expressed
      negative perceptions regarding the use of the concept of 'power' in SKAGPO items.
      The SKAGPO is the only instrument measuring a nursing group's power or outcome
      attainment. METHOD: Using a survey method, the instrument and grading scale were
      sent to 12 expert judges. Six participants completed the grading scale. RESULTS:
      The Content Validity Index (CVI) for seven questions was at or above 83%
      agreement. Overall, the CVI for the eight revised questions was 93.75%.
      Subsequently, the instrument was renamed the Sieloff-King Assessment of Group
      Outcome Attainment within Organizations (SKAGOAO). CONCLUSIONS: The semantic
      revision demonstrated content validity for the revised SKAGOAO. When used by
      nursing groups to assess their level of outcome attainment, the instrument should
      continue to be psychometrically evaluated. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: A
      nursing group of any size can use the SKAGOAO to both assess the group's level of
      outcome attainment or empowerment and direct plans to further improve that level.

PMID- 22074305
TI  - Nurse managers' challenges in project management.
AB  - AIM: To analyse the challenges that nurse managers meet in project management.
      BACKGROUND: Project management done by nurse managers has a significant role in
      the success of projects conducted in work units. METHODS: The data were collected
      by open interviews (n = 14). The participants were nurse managers, nurses and
      public health nurses. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative content
      analysis. RESULTS: The three main challenges nurse managers faced in project
      management in health-care work units were: (1) apathetic organization and
      management, (2) paralysed work community and (3) cooperation between individuals
      being discouraged. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse managers' challenges in project management
      can be viewed from the perspective of the following paradoxes: (1) keeping up
      projects-ensuring patient care, (2) enthusiastic management-effective management
      of daily work and (3) supporting the work of a multiprofessional team-leadership
      of individual employees. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: It is important for
      nurse managers to learn to relate these paradoxes to one another in a positive
      way. Further research is needed, focusing on nurse managers' ability to promote
      workplace spirituality, nurse managers' emotional intelligence and their
      enthusiasm in small projects.

PMID- 22074306
TI  - A theoretical model of ageing hospital nurses' well-being at work.
AB  - AIM: To describe the development process of a theoretical model of ageing
      hospital nurses' well-being at work and the subsequent testing of the model
      itself. BACKGROUND: Factors evoking well-being at work need to be identified to
      promote nurses' well-being. METHOD: Qualitative data (n = 21) from ageing
      hospital nurses, consisting of interviews, diaries and open data collection forms
      were collected and analysed using grounded theory method. Based on the finding, a
      survey was developed. Quantitative data (n = 328) were collected from hospital
      nurses born between the years 1948-1962. Explorative factor analysis was used to
      create the theoretical model. RESULTS: The main concepts of the model were nurse
      nurse interaction, nurse-patient interaction and patient-care centeredness.
      CONCLUSION: According to the theoretical model, well-being at work can be
      described as nurses' experience of collaboration, cooperation and togetherness
      with other nurses in a supporting and caring work environment. The aim and
      possibility of high-quality patient care, in a spirit where nurses and nursing
      are appreciated, were also revealed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The
      importance of nurse-nurse interaction and nurse-patient interaction as well as
      ageing nurses' patient-care centeredness needs to be taken into account in
      nursing management and leadership.

PMID- 22074307
TI  - Leadership and job satisfaction among Azorean hospital nurses: an application of
      the situational leadership model.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe nurse managers' leadership
      behaviours, comparing them with staff nurses' perceptions of their leader's
      leadership, as well as to determine if leadership components affect job
      satisfaction among staff nurses. BACKGROUND: Understanding the leadership
      phenomenon using a detailed theoretical framework, such as the situational
      leadership model, allows for the deconstruction of leadership into small
      segments, thereby producing a vast but detailed picture of the process involved
      in leading people. METHOD: This quantitative, descriptive, inferential and
      correlational study involved the participation of 266 nurses (managers and staff)
      from two public Portuguese Azorean hospitals. INSTRUMENTS: The Leadership
      Effectiveness and Adaptability Description questionnaire, developed by Hersey and
      Blanchard, was used to assess leadership behaviours. A job satisfaction
      instrument, developed by the authors, was also used to determine staff nurses'
      satisfaction. RESULTS: The study revealed important differences between nurse
      managers and staff nurses regarding the perception of leadership components. Low
      levels of job satisfaction among staff nurses were detected. It was also found
      that some leadership components are related to staff nurses' satisfaction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nurse managers must be aware of their leadership, applying
      appropriate styles, thereby developing their staff nurses' skills while promoting
      their professional satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Leadership
      is a complex process that is not separable from job satisfaction. Promoting
      effective leadership through formal training among nurse managers may translate
      into having more satisfied nurses, better nursing care, and stronger leadership.

PMID- 22074308
TI  - Development of a model of situational leadership in residential care for older
      people.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to present the process used to develop a
      composite model of situational leadership enacted within a person-centred nursing
      framework in residential care. BACKGROUND: Transforming the culture of the
      residential unit from a restrictive institution to a vibrant community of older
      adults requires transformational leadership. Situational leadership is one form
      of transformational leadership, which claims that there is not one leadership
      style that works in all situations. METHOD: A model of situational leadership in
      residential care was developed through a series of systematic steps that
      identified direct linkages between situational leadership and the main constructs
      of the Person-Centred Nursing Framework. The process included reviewing the
      evidence, undertaking a comparative analysis, identifying key concepts,
      connecting the concepts and developing a model. CONCLUSION: A conceptual model is
      presented which integrates person-centredness with leadership thinking in order
      to effectively impact on the follower's performance in managing the care
      environment and delivering person-centred care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING
      MANAGEMENT: Currently the model is being utilized in an action research study to
      evaluate the role of leaders in the practice setting of long-term care. While
      some of the connecting concepts have been identified in the present study, more
      work needs to be done to unravel these connections in further study of leaders in
      practice.

PMID- 22074309
TI  - Impact of the revised (2008) EORTC/MSG definitions for invasive fungal disease on
      the rates of diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.
AB  - Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a challenge as the clinical
      manifestations are not specific, and a histological diagnosis is often
      unfeasible. The 2002 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer
      (EORTC) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses
      Study Group (MSG) criteria for classification of cases into possible, probable or
      proven were revised in 2008. Our objective was to analyze the impact of these
      revisions on the diagnosis of IA. A retrospective analysis of 589 high risk
      patient-episodes revealed that 125 of 155 'possible' (81%) and 12 of 16
      'probable' (75%) cases of IA should be changed to 'non-classifiable' when the new
      criteria were applied. We concluded, as expected, that the 2008 EORTC/MSG revised
      definitions reduced the number of cases classified as 'possible' IA, but
      additionally, there has been a dramatic reduction in 'probable' cases. These
      changes have significant implications on the interpretation of clinical trial
      data based on EORTC/MSG classifications.

PMID- 22074310
TI  - Disseminated sporotrichosis in a patient with a past history of lepromatous
      leprosy: a case report.
AB  - Disseminated sporotrichosis is uncommon and usually occurs in patients who are
      immunodeficient. Here we describe a male patient who was otherwise in good
      physical condition, who presented with disseminated sporotrichosis. The only
      significant event in his past medical history was lepromatous leprosy which had
      been treated 42 years earlier.

PMID- 22074311
TI  - Interpreting oral health-related quality of life data.
AB  - The most common way of presenting data from studies using quality of life or
      patient-based outcome (PBO) measures is in terms of mean scores along with
      testing the statistical significance of differences in means. We argue that this
      is insufficient in and of itself and call for a more comprehensive and thoughtful
      approach to the reporting and interpretation of data. PBO scores (and their means
      for that matter) are intrinsically meaningless, and differences in means between
      groups mask important and potentially different patterns in response within
      groups. More importantly, they are difficult to interpret because of the absence
      of a meaningful benchmark. The minimally important difference (MID) provides that
      benchmark to assist interpretability. This commentary discusses different
      approaches (distribution-based and anchor-based) and specific methods for
      assessing the MID in both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, and suggests
      minimum standards for reporting and interpreting PBO measures in an oral health
      context.

PMID- 22074312
TI  - From 1D to 3D single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformations based
      on linear polyanion [Mn4(H2O)18WZnMn2(H2O)2(ZnW9O34)2]4-.
AB  - A 1D anionic polyoxometalate,
      [Mn(4)(H(2)O)(18)WZnMn(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ZnW(9)O(34))(2)](4-), undergoes 1D to 3D
      single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformations that are induced by
      transition-metal cations (Co(2+) and Cu(2+)) and solvent molecules. These solid
      materials present interesting catalytic activity for the oxidative aromatization
      of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines that is dependent on the inserted heterogeneous
      metal cations.

PMID- 22074313
TI  - (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate: a novel storage medium for avulsed teeth.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of (-)
      epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in maintaining the vitality of human
      periodontal ligament (PDL) cells when used as a storage medium for avulsed teeth
      prior to replantation. Thirty freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth with
      closed apices were randomly assigned to three experimental groups with 10 samples
      per group and immersed in one of the storage media: EGCG, Hank's balanced salt
      solution (HBSS), or milk for 2 h. The PDL cells were dissociated by an enzyme
      treatment with collagenase and trypsin. The cells were then labeled with 0.4%
      Trypan blue for the determination of viability. The result showed that EGCG group
      had the highest percentage of cell viability, followed by HBSS and milk group, in
      descending order.

PMID- 22074314
TI  - Crystallization of fluorescent quantum dots within a three-dimensional bio
      organic template of actin filaments and lipid membranes.
AB  - Biological molecules and molecular self-assemblies are promising templates to
      organize well-defined inorganic nanostructures. We demonstrate the ability of a
      self-assembled three-dimensional crystal template of helical actin protein
      filaments and lipids bilayers to generate a hierarchical self-assembly of quantum
      dots. Functionnalized tricystein peptidic quantum dots (QDs) are incorporated
      during the dynamical self-assembly of this actin/lipid template resulting in the
      formation of crystalline fibers. The crystal parameters, 26.5*18.9*35.5 nm3, are
      imposed by the membrane thickness, the diameter, and the pitch of the actin self
      assembly. This process ensures the high quality of the crystal and results in
      unexpected fluorescence properties. This method of preparation offers
      opportunities to generate crystals with new symmetries and a large range of
      distance parameters.

PMID- 22074315
TI  - Quantification and recognition of parkinsonian gait from monocular video imaging
      using kernel-based principal component analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The computer-aided identification of specific gait patterns is an
      important issue in the assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, a
      computer vision-based gait analysis approach is developed to assist the clinical
      assessments of PD with kernel-based principal component analysis (KPCA). METHOD:
      Twelve PD patients and twelve healthy adults with no neurological history or
      motor disorders within the past six months were recruited and separated according
      to their "Non-PD", "Drug-On", and "Drug-Off" states. The participants were asked
      to wear light-colored clothing and perform three walking trials through a
      corridor decorated with a navy curtain at their natural pace. The participants'
      gait performance during the steady-state walking period was captured by a digital
      camera for gait analysis. The collected walking image frames were then
      transformed into binary silhouettes for noise reduction and compression. Using
      the developed KPCA-based method, the features within the binary silhouettes can
      be extracted to quantitatively determine the gait cycle time, stride length,
      walking velocity, and cadence. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The KPCA-based method uses
      a feature-extraction approach, which was verified to be more effective than
      traditional image area and principal component analysis (PCA) approaches in
      classifying "Non-PD" controls and "Drug-Off/On" PD patients. Encouragingly, this
      method has a high accuracy rate, 80.51%, for recognizing different gaits.
      Quantitative gait parameters are obtained, and the power spectrums of the
      patients' gaits are analyzed. We show that that the slow and irregular actions of
      PD patients during walking tend to transfer some of the power from the main lobe
      frequency to a lower frequency band. Our results indicate the feasibility of
      using gait performance to evaluate the motor function of patients with PD.
      CONCLUSION: This KPCA-based method requires only a digital camera and a decorated
      corridor setup. The ease of use and installation of the current method provides
      clinicians and researchers a low cost solution to monitor the progression of and
      the treatment to PD. In summary, the proposed method provides an alternative to
      perform gait analysis for patients with PD.

PMID- 22074317
TI  - A systematic review of the evidence base for Schema Therapy.
AB  - Schema Therapy is becoming an increasingly popular psychological model for
      working with individuals who have a variety of mental health and personality
      difficulties. The aim of this review is to look at the current evidence base for
      Schema Therapy and highlight directions for further research. A systematic search
      of the literature was conducted up until January 2011. All studies that had
      clinically tested the efficacy of Schema Therapy as described by Jeffrey Young
      (1994 and 2003) were considered. These studies underwent detailed quality
      assessments based on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN-50)
      culminating in 12 studies being included in the review. The culminative message
      (both from the popularity of this model and the medium-to-large effect sizes) is
      of a theory that has already demonstrated clinically effective outcomes in a
      small number of studies and that would benefit from ongoing research and
      development with complex client groups. It is imperative that psychological
      practice be guided by high-quality research that demonstrates efficacious,
      evidence-based interventions. It is therefore recommended that researchers and
      clinicians working with Schema Therapy seek to build on these positive outcomes
      and further demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of this model through ongoing
      research.

PMID- 22074316
TI  - Maximizing tumour exposure to anti-neuropilin-1 antibody requires saturation of
      non-tumour tissue antigenic sinks in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a VEGF receptor that is widely
      expressed in normal tissues and is involved in tumour angiogenesis. MNRP1685A is
      a rodent and primate cross-binding human monoclonal antibody against NRP1 that
      exhibits inhibition of tumour growth in NPR1-expressing preclinical models.
      However, widespread NRP1 expression in normal tissues may affect MNRP1685A tumour
      uptake. The objective of this study was to assess MNRP1685A biodistribution in
      tumour-bearing mice to understand the relationships between dose, non-tumour
      tissue uptake and tumour uptake. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Non-tumour-bearing mice
      were given unlabelled MNRP1685A at 10 mg.kg(-1) . Tumour-bearing mice were given
      (111) In-labelled MNRP1685A along with increasing amounts of unlabelled antibody.
      Blood and tissues were collected from all animals to determine drug concentration
      (unlabelled) or radioactivity level (radiolabelled). Some animals were imaged
      using single photon emission computed tomography - X-ray computed tomography. KEY
      RESULTS: MNRP1685A displayed faster serum clearance than pertuzumab, indicating
      that target binding affected MNRP1685A clearance. I.v. administration of (111) In
      labelled MNRP1685A to tumour-bearing mice yielded minimal radioactivity in the
      plasma and tumour, but high levels in the lungs and liver. Co-administration of
      unlabelled MNRP1685A with the radiolabelled antibody was able to competitively
      block lungs and liver radioactivity uptake in a dose-dependent manner while
      augmenting plasma and tumour radioactivity levels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      These results indicate that saturation of non-tumour tissue uptake is required in
      order to achieve tumour uptake and acceptable exposure to antibody. Utilization
      of a rodent and primate cross-binding antibody allows for translation of these
      results to clinical settings.

PMID- 22074318
TI  - A programmed polymer folding: click and clip construction of doubly fused
      tricyclic and triply fused tetracyclic polymer topologies.
AB  - A tandem alkyne-azide addition, i.e., click, and an olefin metathesis
      condensation, i.e., clip, reactions in conjunction with an electrostatic self
      assembly and covalent fixation (ESA-CF) process, have been demonstrated as
      effective means to produce constructions of programmed folding of polymers having
      doubly fused tricyclic and triply fused tetracyclic topologies. Thus, a series of
      cyclic poly(tetrahydrofuran), poly(THF), precursors having an allyloxy group and
      an alkyne group (Ia), an allyloxy group and an azide group (Ib), and two alkyne
      groups (Ic) at the opposite positions was prepared by means of the ESA-CF method.
      The subsequent click reactions of Ia with a linear telechelic poly(THF) precursor
      having azide end groups (Id) and of Ib with Ic afforded a bridged dicyclic
      polymer (IIa) and a tandem spiro tricyclic precursor (IIb), respectively, both
      having two allyloxy groups at the opposite positions of the ring units. Finally,
      the intramolecular metathesis condensation reaction of IIa and of IIb in the
      presence of a Grubbs catalyst was performed to construct effectively a doubly
      fused tricyclic and a triply fused tetracyclic polymer topologies (III and IV),
      respectively.

PMID- 22074319
TI  - Regional variation and determinants of vitamin D status in sunshine-abundant
      Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent. Most of the studies
      concerning vitamin D status were generated from countries situated at temperate
      latitudes. It is less clear what the extent of vitamin D insufficiency is in
      countries situated in the tropics and how geographical regions within country
      would affect vitamin D status. In the present study, we investigated vitamin D
      status in Thais according to geographical regions and other risk factors.
      METHODS: Subjects consisted of 2,641 adults, aged 15 - 98 years, randomly
      selected from the Thai 4th National Health Examination Survey (2008-9) cohort.
      Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass
      spectrometry. Data were expressed as mean +/- SE. RESULTS: Subjects residing in
      Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, had lower 25(OH)D levels than other parts
      of the country (Bangkok, central, northern, northeastern and southern regions:
      64.8 +/- 0.7, 79.5 +/- 1.1, 81.7 +/- 1.2, 82.2 +/- 0.8 and 78.3 +/- 1.3 nmol/L,
      respectively; p < 0.001). Within each region, except for the northeastern part of
      the country, subjects living inside municipal areas had lower circulating 25(OH)D
      (central, 77.0 +/- 20.9 nmol/L vs 85.0 +/- 22.1 nmol/L, p < 0.001; north 79.3 +/-
      22.1 nmol/L vs 86.8 +/- 21.8 nmol/L, p < 0.001; northeast 84.1 +/- 23.3 nmol/L vs
      87.3 +/- 20.9 nmol/L, p = 0.001; south, 76.6 +/- 20.5 nmol/L vs 85.2 +/- 24.7
      nmol/L, p < 0.001). Overall, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 64.6%,
      46.7%, and 33.5% in Bangkok, municipal areas except Bangkok, and outside
      municipal area in other parts of the country, respectively. In addition, the
      prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency according to geographical regions was
      43.1%, 39.1%, 34.2% and 43.8% in the central, north, northeast and south,
      respectively. After controlling for covariates in multiple linear regression
      analysis, the results showed that low serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with
      being female, younger age, living in urban and Bangkok. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D
      insufficiency is common and varies across geographical regions in Thailand.

PMID- 22074320
TI  - Head injury from a bungee run.
AB  - An adaptation of bungee jumping, 'bungee running', involves participants
      attempting to run as far as they can whilst connected to an elastic rope which is
      anchored to a fixed point. Usually considered a safe recreational activity, we
      report a potentially life-threatening head injury following a bungee running
      accident.

PMID- 22074321
TI  - Hyaluronic acid enhances gene delivery into the cochlea.
AB  - Cochlear gene therapy can be a new avenue for the treatment of severe hearing
      loss by inducing regeneration or phenotypic rescue. One necessary step to
      establish this therapy is the development of a safe and feasible inoculation
      surgery, ideally without drilling the bony cochlear wall. The round window
      membrane (RWM) is accessible in the middle-ear space, but viral vectors placed on
      this membrane do not readily cross the membrane to the cochlear tissues. In an
      attempt to enhance permeability of the RWM, we applied hyaluronic acid (HA), a
      nontoxic and biodegradable reagent, onto the RWM of guinea pigs, prior to
      delivering an adenovirus carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)
      reporter gene (Ad-eGFP) at the same site. We examined distribution of eGFP in the
      cochlea 1 week after treatment, comparing delivery of the vector via the RWM,
      with or without HA, to delivery by a cochleostomy into the perilymph. We found
      that cochlear tissue treated with HA-assisted delivery of Ad-eGFP demonstrated
      wider expression of transgenes in cochlear cells than did tissue treated by
      cochleostomy injection. HA-assisted vector delivery facilitated expression in
      cells lining the scala media, which are less accessible and not transduced after
      perilymphatic injection. We assessed auditory function by measuring auditory
      brainstem responses and determined that thresholds were significantly better in
      the ears treated with HA-assisted Ad-eGFP placement on the RWM as compared with
      cochleostomy. Together, these data demonstrate that HA-assisted delivery of viral
      vectors provides an atraumatic and clinically feasible method to introduce
      transgenes into cochlear cells, thereby enhancing both research methods and
      future clinical application.

PMID- 22074323
TI  - The development of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and its possible use
      in adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant morbidity
      and mortality. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) has
      been recommended for use in persons aged 65 years and over and in adults with
      certain chronic medical conditions. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have
      been developed for use in infants and children aged less than 5 years, and are
      being studied for use in adult populations. AREAS COVERED: The different types of
      pneumococcal vaccines are discussed. Studies comparing PPSV23 and PCVs, as well
      as the results of the widespread use of 7-valent PCV are covered. The possible
      extension of the use of 13-valent PCV to adults, particularly to vulnerable
      populations, is discussed. The MEDLINE database was used to identify relevant
      studies from literature published in English between January 1977 and January
      2011. All studies of adults aged over 18 years were considered for the review.
      EXPERT OPINION: Elderly individuals and adults with chronic medical conditions
      who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease would benefit from more
      effective prevention than is provided by the currently recommended PPSV23.

PMID- 22074322
TI  - Inhibition of HCV 3a genotype entry through host CD81 and HCV E2 antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HCV causes acute and chronic hepatitis which can eventually lead to
      permanent liver damage hepatocellular carcinoma and death. HCV glycoproteins play
      an important role in HCV entry by binding with CD81 receptors. Hence inhibition
      of virus at entry step is an important target to identify antiviral drugs against
      HCV. METHODS AND RESULT: The present study elaborated the role of CD81 and HCV
      glycoprotein E2 in HCV entry using retroviral pseudo-particles of 3a local
      genotype. Our results demonstrated that HCV specific antibody E2 and host
      antibody CD81 showed dose- dependent inhibition of HCV entry. HCV E2 antibody
      showed 50% reduction at a concentration of 1.5 +/- 1 MUg while CD81 exhibited 50%
      reduction at a concentration of 0.8 +/- 1 MUg. In addition, data obtained with
      HCVpp were also confirmed with the infection of whole virus of HCV genotype 3a in
      liver cells. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that HCV specific E2 and host CD81
      antibodies reduce HCVpp entry and full length viral particle and combination of
      host and HCV specific antibodies showed synergistic effect in reducing the viral
      titer.

PMID- 22074324
TI  - Nurses' decision on seclusion: patient characteristics, contextual factors and
      reflexivity in teams.
AB  - While many characteristics of patients, professionals and facilities with
      relevance to seclusion rates have been investigated, their relative importance is
      unclear. Virtually no attention has been paid to team processes and reflexivity
      in relation to decision making on seclusion. The aim of this paper is to estimate
      the effects of these factors on nurse decision making on seclusion. Sixty Dutch
      psychiatric nurses of four closed wards reported team reflexivity and their
      tendency to seclude a theoretical patient. Approachability (whether there was a
      good or hardly any possibility to communicate with the patient), staffing level
      and confidence within the team had the greatest impact on the decision to
      seclude. Intra class correlation was 0.30. There was a large interaction effect
      of reflexivity with team 4, and team reflexivity was highly correlated with team
      tendency to avoid seclusion. In nurses' decision on seclusion, the effects of
      'pure' patient characteristics are small as compared with the effects of
      interpersonal and contextual factors, and nurses vary widely in their judgement.
      Team reflexivity is related to the tendency to prevent seclusion.

PMID- 22074325
TI  - Estimating the preappearance interval from temperature in Creophilus maxillosus
      L. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).
AB  - Some carrion insects appear on carcasses late in decomposition. While using these
      late-arriving taxa to estimate postmortem interval, it is vital to accurately
      estimate an interval preceding their appearance on a cadaver called the
      preappearance interval (PAI). This paper tests the possibilities of a PAI
      estimation from temperature in case of late-arriving, predatory carrion beetle
      Creophilus maxillosus. The relationship between temperature and PAI of adult and
      larval C. maxillosus was modeled using the results of a large-scale experiment on
      succession in forests of Central Europe. In both stages, PAI was found to be
      strongly, inversely related to temperature averaged for the duration of PAI. The
      PAI estimation from mean degree-day accumulations (mDDA), estimated DDA, and
      "PAI*T" functions were tested using external successional data. The greatest
      accuracy of PAI estimates was achieved using an exponential "PAI*T" function.

PMID- 22074327
TI  - Diets enriched with a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product reinforce
      nocturnal behaviour in young and old animals of nocturnal (Rattus norvegicus) and
      diurnal (Streptopelia risoria) chronotypes.
AB  - The decline in melatonin secretion with age seems to be one of the major reasons
      for increased sleep disruption in older animals. Previously, we showed that the
      administration with melatonin or its precursor, tryptophan, improved
      activity/rest rhythms in aged individuals. Here, it was evaluated the effect of a
      10-day consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product (patent
      no. ES2342141B1), which contains high levels of tryptophan, serotonin and
      melatonin, on the activity/rest rhythms of young and old rats (Rattus norvegicus)
      and ringdoves (Streptopelia risoria) as representatives of animals with nocturnal
      and diurnal habits, respectively, and its possible relationship with the serum
      levels of melatonin and glucose. Total diurnal and nocturnal activity pulses were
      logged at control, during, and up to 3 days after the treatment. Melatonin and
      glucose were measured with ELISA and testing kits respectively. In both young and
      old rats, the intake of the cherry nutraceutical decreased diurnal activity,
      whereas nocturnal activity increased. The opposite effect was observed for
      ringdoves. The treatment increased the circulating levels of melatonin in both
      species and restored the amplitude of the activity rhythm in the old animals to
      that of the non-treated young groups. The consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry
      based nutraceutical product may help to counteract the impaired activity/rest
      rhythm found in aged animals.

PMID- 22074326
TI  - Perspective on the human cough reflex.
AB  - This review dissects the complex human cough reflex and suggests hypotheses
      about the evolutionary basis for the reflex. A mechanosensory-induced cough
      reflex conveys through branches of myelinated Adelta nerve fibers is not
      chemically reactive (i.e., capsaicin, bradykinin); possibly, its evolution is to
      prevent the harmful effects of aspiration of gastric or particulate contents into
      the lungs. This became necessary as the larynx moves closer to the opening of the
      esophagus as human ancestors adapt phonation over olfaction beginning less than
      10 million years ago. The second type of cough reflex, a chemosensory type, is
      carried by unmyelinated C fibers. Supposedly, its origin dates back when
      prehistoric humans began living in close proximity to each other and were at risk
      for infectious respiratory diseases or irritant-induced lung injury. The
      mechanism for the latter type of cough is analogous to induced pain after tissue
      injury; and, it is controlled by the identical transient receptor potential
      vanilloid cation channel (TRPV1). The airways do not normally manifest
      nociceptive pain from a stimulus but the only consistent response that capsaicin
      and lung inflammation provoke in healthy human airways is cough. TRPA1, another
      excitatory ion channel, has been referred to as the "irritant receptor" and its
      activation also induces cough. For both types of cough, the motor responses are
      identical and via coordinated, precisely-timed and sequential respiratory events
      orchestrated by complex neuromuscular networking of the diaphragm, chest and
      abdominal respiratory muscles, the glottis and parts of the brain.

PMID- 22074328
TI  - Laboratory study to assess causative factors affecting temporal changes in
      filtering facepiece respirator fit: part I - pilot study.
AB  - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting a first
      of-its-kind study that will assess respirator fit and facial dimension changes as
      a function of time and improve the scientific basis for decisions on the
      periodicity of fit testing. A representative sample of 220 subjects wearing
      filtering-facepiece respirators (FFR) will be evaluated to investigate factors
      that affect changes in respirator fit over time. The objective of this pilot
      study (n = 10) was to investigate the variation in fit test data collected in
      accordance with the study protocol. Inward leakage (IL) and filter penetration
      were measured for each donned respirator, permitting the calculation of face seal
      leakage (FSL) and fit factor (FF). The study included only subjects who (a)
      passed one of the first three fit tests (FF >= 100), and (b) demonstrated through
      a series of nine donnings that they achieved adequate fit (90th percentile FSL
      was <= 0.05). Following the respirator fit tests, 3-D scans of subjects were
      captured, and height, weight, and 13 traditional anthropometric facial dimensions
      were measured. The same data were collected 2 and 4 weeks after baseline. The
      mean change in FSL for the 10 subjects was 0.044% between Visits 1 and 2, and was
      0.229% between Visits 1 and 3. Technicians achieved at least moderate reliability
      for all manual measurements except nose protrusion. Filter penetration was
      generally less than 0.03%. Geometric mean fit factors were not statistically
      different among the three visits. The large variability was observed with
      different respirator samples for the same model, between subjects (inter), and
      within each subject (intra). Although variability was observed, adequate fit was
      maintained for all 10 subjects. Pilot scans collected show subject faces remained
      the same over the 4 weeks. The consistent results during the pilot study indicate
      that the methods and procedures are appropriate for the 3-year main study. In
      addition, this baseline fit change data will be compared with future fit changes
      to determine if the changes are meaningful.

PMID- 22074329
TI  - Examining the association between emotion regulation difficulties and probable
      posttraumatic stress disorder within a sample of African Americans.
AB  - This study examined the associations between emotion dysregulation and probable
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 180 African American undergraduates
      enrolled in a historically black college in the southern United States. Trauma
      exposed participants with probable PTSD reported significantly higher levels of
      overall emotion dysregulation and the specific dimensions of lack of emotional
      acceptance, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when upset,
      difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors when distressed, and limited access
      to effective emotion regulation strategies than participants without Criterion A
      traumatic exposure and those with Criterion A traumatic exposure but no PTSD
      (controlling for age and negative affect). Furthermore, results indicated that
      participants with Criterion A traumatic exposure but no PTSD were significantly
      less likely to report difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors when
      distressed and limited access to effective emotion regulation strategies than
      participants without Criterion A traumatic exposure (controlling for age and
      negative affect). These findings extend extant research on the role of emotion
      dysregulation in PTSD, thus providing support for the relevance of emotion
      dysregulation to PTSD among African American adults in particular.

PMID- 22074330
TI  - The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophy.
AB  - Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an unrelenting, sporadic, adult-onset,
      neurodegenerative disease of unknown aetiology. Its clinically progressive course
      is characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia
      and/or autonomic dysfunction. Neuropathological examination often reveals gross
      abnormalities of the striatonigral and/or olivopontocerebellar systems, which
      upon microscopic examination are associated with severe neuronal loss, gliosis,
      myelin pallor and axonal degeneration. MSA is a member of a diverse group of
      neurodegenerative disorders termed alpha-synucleinopathies, due to the presence
      of abnormal alpha-synuclein positive cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes,
      termed glial cytoplasmic inclusions. These are the hallmark neuropathological
      lesion of MSA and are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the
      disease. In this review, neuropathological features of MSA are described in
      detail, along with recent advances in the pathophysiology and genetics of the
      disease. Our current knowledge of the expression and accumulation of alpha
      synuclein, and efforts to model the disease in vitro and in vivo, are emphasized
      in this paper and have helped formulate a working hypothesis for the pathogenesis
      of MSA.

PMID- 22074331
TI  - Astrocyte and macrophage regulation of YKL-40 expression and cellular response in
      neuroinflammation.
AB  - Numerous inflammatory conditions are associated with elevated YKL-40 expression
      by infiltrating macrophages. Thus, we were surprised to observe minimal
      macrophage and abundant astrocyte expression of YKL-40 in neuroinflammatory
      conditions. The aims of the current study were to better delineate this
      discrepancy, characterize the factors that regulate YKL-40 expression in
      macrophages and astrocytes and study whether YKL-40 expression correlates with
      cell morphology and/or activation state. In vitro, macrophages expressed high
      levels of YKL-40 that was induced by classical activation and inhibited by
      alternative activation. Cytokines released from macrophages induced YKL-40
      transcription in astrocytes that was accompanied by morphological changes and
      altered astrocytic motility. Because coculturing of astrocytes and macrophages
      did not reverse this in vitro expression pattern, additional components of the in
      vivo central nervous system (CNS) milieu must be required to suppress macrophage
      and induce astrocyte expression of YKL-40.

PMID- 22074332
TI  - An iterative approach of protein function prediction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current approaches of predicting protein functions from a protein
      protein interaction (PPI) dataset are based on an assumption that the available
      functions of the proteins (a.k.a. annotated proteins) will determine the
      functions of the proteins whose functions are unknown yet at the moment (a.k.a.
      un-annotated proteins). Therefore, the protein function prediction is a mono
      directed and one-off procedure, i.e. from annotated proteins to un-annotated
      proteins. However, the interactions between proteins are mutual rather than
      static and mono-directed, although functions of some proteins are unknown for
      some reasons at present. That means when we use the similarity-based approach to
      predict functions of un-annotated proteins, the un-annotated proteins, once their
      functions are predicted, will affect the similarities between proteins, which in
      turn will affect the prediction results. In other words, the function prediction
      is a dynamic and mutual procedure. This dynamic feature of protein interactions,
      however, was not considered in the existing prediction algorithms. RESULTS: In
      this paper, we propose a new prediction approach that predicts protein functions
      iteratively. This iterative approach incorporates the dynamic and mutual features
      of PPI interactions, as well as the local and global semantic influence of
      protein functions, into the prediction. To guarantee predicting functions
      iteratively, we propose a new protein similarity from protein functions. We adapt
      new evaluation metrics to evaluate the prediction quality of our algorithm and
      other similar algorithms. Experiments on real PPI datasets were conducted to
      evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in predicting unknown protein
      functions. CONCLUSIONS: The iterative approach is more likely to reflect the real
      biological nature between proteins when predicting functions. A proper definition
      of protein similarity from protein functions is the key to predicting functions
      iteratively. The evaluation results demonstrated that in most cases, the
      iterative approach outperformed non-iterative ones with higher prediction quality
      in terms of prediction precision, recall and F-value.

PMID- 22074334
TI  - Introduction to a Virtual Special Issue on calcium signalling in plants.

PMID- 22074333
TI  - MicroRNA modulation in complex regional pain syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aberrant expression of small noncoding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs)
      is a common feature of several human diseases. The objective of the study was to
      identify miRNA modulation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
      a chronic pain condition resulting from dysfunction in the central and/or
      peripheral nervous systems. Due to a multitude of inciting pathologies, symptoms
      and treatment conditions, the CRPS patient population is very heterogeneous. Our
      goal was to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in blood and explore their
      utility in patient stratification. METHODS: We profiled miRNAs in whole blood
      from 41 patients with CRPS and 20 controls using TaqMan low density array cards.
      Since neurogenic inflammation is known to play a significant role in CRPS we
      measured inflammatory markers including chemokines, cytokines, and their soluble
      receptors in blood from the same individuals. Correlation analyses were performed
      for miRNAs, inflammatory markers and other parameters including disease symptoms,
      medication, and comorbid conditions. RESULTS: Three different groups emerged from
      miRNA profiling. One group was comprised of 60% of CRPS patients and contained no
      control subjects. miRNA profiles from the remaining patients were interspersed
      among control samples in the other two groups. We identified differential
      expression of 18 miRNAs in CRPS patients. Analysis of inflammatory markers showed
      that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin1 receptor antagonist
      (IL1Ra) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1) were significantly elevated in
      CRPS patients. VEGF and IL1Ra showed significant correlation with the patients
      reported pain levels. Analysis of the patients who were clustered according to
      their miRNA profile revealed correlations that were not significant in the total
      patient population. Correlation analysis of miRNAs detected in blood with
      additional parameters identified miRNAs associated with comorbidities such as
      headache, thyroid disorder and use of narcotics and antiepileptic drugs.
      CONCLUSIONS: miRNA profiles can be useful in patient stratification and have
      utility as potential biomarkers for pain. Differentially expressed miRNAs can
      provide molecular insights into gene regulation and could lead to new therapeutic
      intervention strategies for CRPS.

PMID- 22074335
TI  - Wetlands and the global carbon cycle: what might the simulated past tell us about
      the future?

PMID- 22074336
TI  - Delivering resistance to a major constraint for rain-fed rice production.

PMID- 22074337
TI  - Multi-factor global change experiments: what have we learned about terrestrial
      carbon storage and exchange?

PMID- 22074338
TI  - Mechanistic causes of tree drought mortality: recent results, unresolved
      questions and future research needs.

PMID- 22074339
TI  - Ectomycorrhizas from a Lower Eocene angiosperm forest.
AB  - The development of mycorrhizal associations is considered a key innovation that
      enabled vascular plants to extensively colonize terrestrial habitats. Here, we
      present the first known fossil ectomycorrhizas from an angiosperm forest. Our
      fossils are preserved in a 52 million-yr-old piece of amber from the Tadkeshwar
      Lignite Mine of Gujarat State, western India. The amber was produced by
      representatives of Dipterocarpaceae in an early tropical broadleaf forest. The
      ectomycorrhizas were investigated using light microscopy and field emission
      scanning electron microscopy. Dissolving the amber surrounding one of the fossils
      allowed ultrastructural analyses and Raman spectroscopy. Approx. 20 unramified,
      cruciform and monopodial-pinnate ectomycorrhizas are fossilized adjacent to
      rootlets, and different developmental stages of the fossil mycorrhizas are
      delicately preserved in the ancient resin. Compounds of melanins were detectable
      in the dark hyphae. The mycobiont, Eomelanomyces cenococcoides gen. et spec.
      nov., is considered to be an ascomycete; the host is most likely a dipterocarp
      representative. An early ectomycorrhizal association may have conferred an
      evolutionary advantage on dipterocarps. Our find indicates that ectomycorrhizas
      occurred contemporaneously within both gymnosperms (Pinaceae) and angiosperms
      (Dipterocarpaceae) by the Lower Eocene.

PMID- 22074340
TI  - The rhenium tris(dithiolene) electron transfer series: calibrating covalency.
AB  - Four members of the rhenium tris(dithiolene) electron transfer series have been
      prepared, [Re(S(2)C(2)R(2))(3)](z) {R = Ph, z = 1+ (1), 0 (2), 1- (3); R = CN, z
      = 2- (4)}, with the anions in 3 and 4 structurally characterized. The intraligand
      C-S and C-C bond lengths for 3 vs 2 are indicative of ligand reduction
      concomitant with an overall distorted trigonal prismatic geometry (Theta = 26.3
      degrees  cf. 3.8 degrees  in 2). The distorted octahedral ReS(6) polyhedron in 4
      (Theta = 38.3 degrees ) indicates reduction of the metal to a Re(IV) d(3) central
      ion. This series has been probed by sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy
      (XAS), and the electronic structures are unambiguously defined as follows:
      [Re(V)(L(3)(4-))](1+) (S = 0) for the monocation in 1; [Re(V)(L(3)(5-*))](0) (S =
      (1)/(2)) for neutral 2; [Re(V)(L(3)(6-))](1-) (S = 0) for the monoanion in 3; and
      [Re(IV)(L(3)(6-))](2-) (S = (1)/(2)) for the dianion in 4. The sulfur 3p
      character in the frontier orbitals-the covalency-is estimated by two different
      approaches. Method A utilizes the radial dipole integral (I(s)) derived from the
      S 1s -> 4p transition, whereas method B, involves time-dependent density
      functional theoretical (TD-DFT) calculation of the pre-edge transitions and
      calibrated to the intensity in [Re(pdt)(3)] (pdt(2-) = 1,2-diphenyl-1,2
      dithiolate). The two estimates are contrasted for the rhenium series and extended
      to the [V(pdt)(3)](0/1-), and [Mo(mdt)(3)](0/1-/2-) (mdt(2-) = 1,2-dimethyl-1,2
      dithiolate) series, ultimately providing a refined description of the contested
      electronic structure of neutral molybdenum (and tungsten) tris(dithiolenes)
      compounds.

PMID- 22074342
TI  - Order-disorder transition in supramolecular polymers.
AB  - In supramolecular polymers, directional interactions control the constituting
      units connectivity, but dispersion forces may conspire to make complex
      organizations. Here we report on the long-range order and order-disorder
      transition (ODT) of main-chain supramolecular polymers based on poly(propylene
      oxide) (PPO) spacers functionalized on both ends with thymine. Below the ODT
      temperature (T(ODT)), these compounds are semicrystalline with a lamellar
      structure, showing nanophase separation between crystallized thymine planes and
      amorphous PPO layers. Above T(ODT), they are amorphous and homogeneous even
      though their X-ray scattering spectrum reveals a peak. This peak is due to
      correlation hole effect resulting from contrast between end-functional groups and
      spacer. Macroscopically, the transition is accompanied by dramatic flow and
      mechanical properties changes.

PMID- 22074341
TI  - Urban and rural variation in clustering of metabolic syndrome components in the
      Thai population: results from the fourth National Health Examination Survey 2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on the distribution of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its
      combinations by urban/rural areas in lower-middle income countries has been
      limited. It is not clear how the various combinations of MetS components varied
      by urban/rural population and if particular combinations of MetS are more common.
      This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MetS and combinations of MetS
      components according to sex and urban/rural areas from a nationally
      representative sample of Thai adults. METHODS: Data from the fourth National
      Health Examination Survey of 19,256 Thai adults aged 20 years and over were
      analyzed. MetS was defined using the harmonized criteria of six international
      expert groups with Asian-specific cut-point for waist circumference. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of MetS was 23.2% among adults aged >= 20 years (19.5% in men and
      26.8% in women). Among men, the prevalence of MetS in urban was higher than those
      in rural areas (23.1% vs 17.9%, P < 0.05), but among women, the prevalence was
      higher in rural areas (27.9% vs 24.5%, P < 0.05). Overall, an individual
      component of low high density lipoprotein (HDL) and hypertriglyceridemia were
      more common in rural areas, while obesity, high blood pressure and hyperglycemia
      were more common in urban areas. The most common combination of MetS components
      in men was the clustering of low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia, and high blood
      pressure (urban: 3.4% vs. rural: 3.9%, adjusted OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.7, 1.1). Among
      women, the most common combination was the clustering of obesity, low HDL, and
      hypertriglyceridemia (urban: 3.9% vs rural: 5.9%, adjusted OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.6,
      0.9), followed by the clustering of these three components with high blood
      pressure (urban: 3.1% vs. rural 4.5%, adjusted OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.7, 0.9).
      CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome affects both urban and rural population with
      different pattern of MetS combinations. Dyslipidemia and obesity were the most
      common components among women in rural areas, hence, interventions to prevent and
      control these factors should be strengthened.

PMID- 22074343
TI  - The efficacy and safety of antibiotic combination therapy for infections caused
      by Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic combination therapy is often used to improve clinical
      efficacy in patients where a given therapy is thought to have limitations when
      used alone. However, the use of any antibacterial and perhaps more so with
      combination therapy comes with inherent risks. Herein the authors have evaluated
      both the risks and the benefits associated with the use of combination therapy.
      AREAS COVERED: Articles relating to the study of combination therapy were
      included by multiple Medline searches using relevant search terminology.
      Resultant publications included study by both in vitro and in vivo methodologies
      with clinical data coming from both observational and randomized studies. EXPERT
      OPINION: The majority of the data evaluating combination therapy were determined
      using in vitro techniques or animal models of infection. Through analyses of this
      information, coupled with the available clinical data, albeit limited, it is
      possible to identify a number of clinical situations where combination therapy
      can be supported. When used appropriately at optimal doses, combination therapy
      may offer an excellent opportunity to maximize clinical outcomes, particularly in
      the face of antibacterial resistance. Therefore, clinicians should evaluate
      carefully the risks and the potential benefits before adding additional
      antibiotics to standard single-drug therapies.

PMID- 22074344
TI  - Evaluation of an ambient noise insensitive hum-based powered wheelchair
      controller.
AB  - PURPOSE: A recently-developed assistive technology nicknamed "the Hummer" was
      investigated as a potential powered wheelchair controller for individuals with
      severe and multiple disabilities. System performance in a noisy environment was
      compared to that obtained with a commercial automatic speech recognition (ASR)
      system. METHOD: A bi-hum driving protocol was developed to allow the Hummer to
      serve as a powered wheelchair controller. Participants performed several virtual
      wheelchair driving tasks of increasing difficulty using the two systems. Custom
      written software recorded task execution time, number of commands issued and wall
      collisions, speed, and trajectory. RESULTS: The bi-hum protocol was shown to be
      non-intuitive and required user training. Overall, the Hummer achieved lower
      performance relative to ASR. Once users became accustomed to the protocol, the
      difference in performance between the two systems became insignificant,
      particularly for the higher-difficulty task. CONCLUSIONS: The Hummer provides a
      promising new alternative for powered wheelchair control in everyday environments
      for individuals with severe and multiple disabilities who are able to hum,
      particularly for those with severe dysarthria which precludes ASR usage. A more
      intuitive driving protocol is still needed to reduce user frustration and
      mitigate user-generated errors; recommendations on how this can be achieved are
      given herein. [Box: see text].

PMID- 22074345
TI  - Nitrogen metabolism in Sinorhizobium meliloti-alfalfa symbiosis: dissecting the
      role of GlnD and PII proteins.
AB  - To contribute nitrogen for plant growth and establish an effective symbiosis with
      alfalfa, Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm1021 needs normal operation of the GlnD
      protein, a bifunctional uridylyltransferase/uridylyl-cleavage enzyme that
      measures cellular nitrogen status and initiates a nitrogen stress response (NSR).
      However, the only two known targets of GlnD modification in Rm1021, the PII
      proteins GlnB and GlnK, are not necessary for effectiveness. We introduced a Tyr
      >Phe variant of GlnB, which cannot be uridylylated, into a glnBglnK background to
      approximate the expected state in a glnD-sm2 mutant, and this strain was
      effective. These results suggested that unmodified PII does not inhibit
      effectiveness. We also generated a glnBglnK-glnD triple mutant and used this and
      other mutants to dissect the role of these proteins in regulating the free-living
      NSR and nitrogen metabolism in symbiosis. The glnD-sm2 mutation was dominant to
      the glnBglnK mutations in symbiosis but recessive in some free-living phenotypes.
      The data show that the GlnD protein has a role in free-living growth and in
      symbiotic nitrogen exchange that does not depend on the PII proteins, suggesting
      that S. meliloti GlnD can communicate with the cell by alternate mechanisms.

PMID- 22074346
TI  - MGOS: development of a community annotation database for Magnaporthe oryzae.
AB  - Magnaporthe oryzae causes rice blast disease, which is the most serious disease
      of cultivated rice worldwide. We previously developed the Magnaporthe grisea
      Orzya sativa (MGOS) database as a repository for the M. oryzae and rice genome
      sequences together with a comprehensive set of functional interaction data
      generated by a major consortium of U.S. researchers. The MGOS database has now
      undergone a major redesign to include data from the international blast research
      community, accessible with a new intuitive, easy-to-use interface. Registered
      database users can manually annotate gene sequences and features as well as add
      mutant data and literature on individual gene pages. Over 900 genes have been
      manually curated based on various biological databases and the scientific
      literature. Gene names and descriptions, gene ontology annotations, published and
      unpublished information on mutants and their phenotypes, responses in diverse
      microarray analyses, and related literature have been incorporated. Thus far, 362
      M. oryzae genes have associated information on mutants. MGOS is now poised to
      become a one-stop repository for all structural and functional data available on
      all genes of this critically important rice pathogen.

PMID- 22074347
TI  - An avirulent tomato powdery mildew isolate induces localized acquired resistance
      to a virulent isolate in a spatiotemporal manner.
AB  - Hypersensitive response (HR) of plant cells to the attack of pathogens induces
      resistance to subsequent attacks by a broad spectrum of pathogens, leading to
      acquired resistance. In this study, we characterized the localized acquired
      resistance (LAR) in the epidermal cells of tomato. First, we report the discovery
      of a new isolate of tomato powdery mildew occurring in Japan, KTP-02, which has a
      different virulence spectrum compared with the previously-characterized isolate,
      KTP-01. Using these two isolates, we investigated LAR phenomenon in the epidermal
      cells of tomato plants carrying the Ol-4 resistance gene. Ol-4 encodes a
      nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat protein that triggers HR in the
      epidermal cells in response to KTP-01 but not KTP-02. We mounted a single
      conidium of KTP-01 on a single tomato epidermal cell and then monitored the
      progress of HR in that cell by live microscopy. Once HR occurred in that cell, we
      mounted a single conidium of KTP-02 on cells adjacent to or at one-cell distance
      from the first challenged cells, in different time points. With a digital
      microscope, we consecutively tracked the progress of HR (i.e., induction of LAR)
      in those cells. Results showed that, in tomato plants carrying the Ol-4 gene, HR
      to KTP-01 results in induction of HR in the adjacent epidermal cells challenged
      with KTP-02. Our results show that LAR can be triggered only in adjacent cell
      layer and lasts 24 to 48 h after HR occurred in the first cell. We did not
      observe the reverse phenomenon, induced susceptibility to KTP-01 by KTP-02.
      Altogether, we report an advanced technique for investigating LAR phenomena, and
      provide data on spatiotemporal characteristics of LAR in tomato epidermal cells.

PMID- 22074348
TI  - Development and application of a multilocus sequence analysis method for the
      identification of genotypes within genus Bradyrhizobium and for establishing
      nodule occupancy of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr).
AB  - A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method based on allelic variation of seven
      chromosomal loci was developed for characterizing genotypes (GT) within the genus
      Bradyrhizobium. With the method, 29 distinct multilocus GT were identified among
      190 culture collection soybean strains. The occupancy of 347 nodules taken from
      uninoculated field-grown soybean plants also was determined. The bacteroid GT
      were either the same as or were closely related to GT identified among strains in
      the culture collection. Double-nodule occupancy estimates of 2.9% were much lower
      than values published based on serology. Of the 347 nodules examined, 337 and 10
      were occupied by Bradyrhizobium japonicum and B. elkanii, respectively. The
      collection strains within the species B. japonicum and B. elkaniialso were
      compared with Bradyrhizobium cultures from other legumes. In many cases, the
      observed GT varied more according to their geographic origin than by their trap
      hosts of isolation. In other cases, there were no apparent relationships with
      either the legume or geographic source. The MLST method that was developed should
      be a useful tool in determining the influence of geographic location,
      temperature, season, soil type, and host plant cultivar on the distribution of GT
      of Bradyrhizobium spp.

PMID- 22074349
TI  - Socioeconomic-related health inequality in South Africa: evidence from General
      Household Surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inequalities in health have received considerable attention from
      health scientists and economists. In South Africa, inequalities exist in socio
      economic status (SES) and in access to basic social services and are exacerbated
      by inequalities in health. While health systems, together with the wider social
      determinants of health, are relevant in seeking to improve health status and
      health inequalities, those that need good quality health care too seldom get it.
      Studies on the burden of ill-health in South Africa have shown consistently that,
      relative to the wealthy, the poor suffer more from more disease and violence.
      However, these studies are based on selected disease conditions and only consider
      a single point in time. Trend analyses have yet to be produced. This paper
      specifically investigates socio-economic related health inequality in South
      Africa and seeks to understand how the burden of self-reported illness and
      disability is distributed and whether this has changed since the early 2000s.
      METHODS: Several rounds (2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008) of the South African General
      Household Surveys (GHS) data were used, with standardized and normalized self
      reported illness and disability concentration indices to assess the distribution
      of illness and disability across socio-economic groups. Composite indices of
      socio-economic status were created using a set of common assets and household
      characteristics. RESULTS: This study demonstrates the existence of socio-economic
      gradients in self-reported ill-health in South Africa. The burden of the major
      categories of ill-health and disability is greater among lower than higher socio
      economic groups. Even non-communicable diseases, which are frequently seen as
      diseases of affluence, are increasingly being reported by lower socio-economic
      groups. For instance, the concentration index of flu (and diabetes) declined from
      about 0.17 (0.10) in 2002 to 0.05 (0.01) in 2008. These results have also been
      confirmed internationally. CONCLUSION: The current burden and distribution of ill
      health indicates how critical it is for the South African health system to strive
      for access to and use of health services that is in line with need for such care.
      Concerted government efforts, within both the health sector and other social and
      economic sectors are therefore needed to address the significant health
      inequalities in South Africa.

PMID- 22074350
TI  - The role of disease surveillance in achieving IHR compliance by 2012.
AB  - The World Health Organization's revised International Health Regulations (IHR
      (2005)) call for member state compliance by mid-2012. Variation in disease
      surveillance and core public health capacities will affect each member state's
      ability to meet this deadline. We report on topics presented at the preconference
      workshop, "The Interaction of Disease Surveillance and the International Health
      Regulations," held at the 2010 International Society for Disease Surveillance
      conference in Park City, Utah. Presenters were from the Pan American Health
      Organization (PAHO), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Armed Forces Health
      Surveillance Center, U.S. Naval Research Unit Six, the Philippines' National
      Epidemiologic Center, and the French armed forces. The topics addressed were: an
      overview of the revised IHRs; disease surveillance systems implemented in Peru,
      the Philippines, and by the French armed forces; the capacity building efforts of
      the CDC; partnerships and contributions to IHR compliance from HHS; and the
      application of the IHRs to special populations. Results from the meeting
      evaluation indicate that many participants found the information useful in better
      understanding current efforts of the U.S. government and international
      organizations, areas for collaboration, and how the IHRs apply to their
      countries' public health systems. Topics to address at future workshops include
      progress and challenges to IHR implementation across all member states and
      additional examples of how disease surveillance supports the IHRs in resource
      constrained countries. The preconference workshop provided the opportunity to
      convene public health experts from all regions of the world. Stronger
      collaborations and support to better detect and respond to public health events
      through building sustainable disease surveillance systems will not only help
      member states to meet IHR compliance by 2012, but will also improve pandemic
      preparedness and global health security.

PMID- 22074351
TI  - The role of targeted chemical proteomics in pharmacology.
AB  - Traditionally, proteomics is the high-throughput characterization of the global
      complement of proteins in a biological system using cutting-edge technologies
      (robotics and mass spectrometry) and bioinformatics tools (Internet-based search
      engines and databases). As the field of proteomics has matured, a diverse range
      of strategies have evolved to answer specific problems. Chemical proteomics is
      one such direction that provides the means to enrich and detect less abundant
      proteins (the 'hidden' proteome) from complex mixtures of wide dynamic range (the
      'deep' proteome). In pharmacology, chemical proteomics has been utilized to
      determine the specificity of drugs and their analogues, for anticipated known
      targets, only to discover other proteins that bind and could account for side
      effects observed in preclinical and clinical trials. As a consequence, chemical
      proteomics provides a valuable accessory in refinement of second- and third
      generation drug design for treatment of many diseases. However, determining
      definitive affinity capture of proteins by a drug immobilized on soft gel
      chromatography matrices has highlighted some of the challenges that remain to be
      addressed. Examples of the different strategies that have emerged using well
      established drugs against pharmaceutically important enzymes, such as protein
      kinases, metalloproteases, PDEs, cytochrome P450s, etc., indicate the potential
      opportunity to employ chemical proteomics as an early-stage screening approach in
      the identification of new targets.

PMID- 22074353
TI  - 'New to Forensic'; implementing a problem-based introductory educational
      programme for forensic practitioners in Scotland.
AB  - The New to Forensic educational programme has been developed for use across all
      forensic services in Scotland. It is designed to meet the needs of all staff who
      are both new to and already working within forensic mental health services. Its
      objectives are targeted to both clinical and non-clinical staff. The programme
      follows the patient's journey through the mental health and criminal justice
      systems. It covers mental disorder, legislation, psychiatric defences, assessment
      and treatment, risk of harm to others, services, attitudes and boundaries,
      multidisciplinary working, users and carers, community, learning disability, and
      prison services. It is self-directed and practice based, and uses a problem-based
      approach. Over a 3-year period, trainers and mentors have been trained to deliver
      the programme by members of the School of Forensic Mental Health
      http://www.forensicnetwork.scot.nhs.uk/ and all services have adopted the
      programme as a core educational initiative. Initial findings from the programme
      evaluation indicate a significant improvement in learning following engagement in
      the initiative.

PMID- 22074352
TI  - Toward in vivo imaging of heart disease using a radiolabeled single-chain Fv
      fragment targeting tenascin-C.
AB  - Antibodies specific to a particular target molecule can be used as analytical
      reagents, not only for in vitro immunoassays but also for noninvasive in vivo
      imaging, e.g., immunoscintigraphies. In the latter case, it is important to
      reduce the size of antibody molecules in order to achieve suitable in vivo
      "diagnostic kinetics" and generate higher-resolution images. For these purposes,
      single-chain Fv fragments (scFvs; M(r) < 30 kDa) have greater potential than
      intact immunoglobulins (~150 kDa) or Fab (or Fab') fragments (~50 kDa). Our
      recent observation of enhanced tenascin-C (Tnc) expression at sites of cardiac
      repair after myocardial infarction prompted us to develop a radiolabeled scFv
      against Tnc for in vivo imaging of heart disease. We cloned the genes encoding
      the heavy and light chain variable domains of the mouse anti-Tnc monoclonal
      antibody 4F10, and combined them to create a single gene. The resulting scFv-4F10
      gene was expressed in E. coli cells to produce soluble scFv proteins. scFv-4F10
      has an affinity for Tnc (K(a) = 3.5 * 10(7) M(-1)), similar to the Fab fragment
      of antibody 4F10 (K(a) = 1.3 * 10(7) M(-1)) and high enough to be of practical
      use. A cysteine residue was then added to the C-terminus to achieve site-specific
      (111)In labeling via a chelating group. The resulting (111)In-labeled scFv was
      administered to a rat model of acute myocardial infarction. Biodistribution and
      quantitative autoradiographic studies indicated higher uptake of the
      radioactivity at the infarcted myocardium than the noninfarcted one. Single
      photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provided in vivo cardiac images that
      coincided with the ex vivo observations. Our results will promote advances in
      diagnostic strategies for heart disease.

PMID- 22074354
TI  - Heel-ball (HB) index: sexual dimorphism of a new index from foot dimensions.
AB  - The present research is aimed to introduce Heel-ball (HB) index from foot
      dimensions and determine whether this index exhibits sexual dimorphism. The study
      was conducted on a sample of 303 North Indian individuals (154 men, and 149
      women) aged between 13 and 18 years. The stature, body weight, foot breadth at
      the ball (BBAL), and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured. The HB index was
      derived by the formula BHEL * 100/BBAL. Although the mean HB index was larger in
      women in both feet it showed statistically significant sex differences in the
      right foot only. The study shows that while the foot dimensions show a positive
      correlation with stature and weight, the HB index is independent of the stature
      and weight of an individual. This novel index (HB index) may be utilized in sex
      determination when a part of the foot is brought for medico-legal investigation.

PMID- 22074355
TI  - Posture influences patient cough rate, sedative requirement and comfort during
      bronchoscopy: An observational cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate differences between semi-recumbent and supine postures
      in terms of cough rate, oxygen desaturation, sedative use, and patient comfort
      during the initial phase of bronchoscopy. METHODS: Consecutive bronchoscopy
      patients (n = 69) participated in this observational cohort study. Posture was
      determined by the bronchoscopist's usual practice. Patient demographics,
      spirometry, pulse, and SpO2 were recorded. The initial phase was defined as the
      time from bronchoscopy insertion to visualisation of both distal main bronchi.
      Cough rate, peak pulse, nadir SpO2, oxygen supplementation, and sedative use
      during the initial phase were recorded. A post-procedure questionnaire was
      administered to the patient and the attending nurse. RESULTS: 36 patients had
      bronchoscopy in the semi-recumbent posture, 33 in the supine posture. 3 of 5
      bronchoscopists performed in both postures. There were no differences in baseline
      parameters between the groups. The semi-recumbent posture resulted in
      significantly less cough (mean (SD) 3.6 (2.3) vs. 6.1 (4.5) coughs/min, p =
      0.007) and less fentanyl use (70 (29) vs. 88 (28) mcg, p = 0.011) in the initial
      phase. There were no significant differences in the nadir SpO2, fall in SpO2,
      oxygen supplementation, or increase in pulse rate between the groups. On 100 mm
      visual analogue scale, nurse perception of patient discomfort was lower in the
      semi-recumbent position (23 (21) vs. 39 (28) mm, p = 0.01), and there was a trend
      towards less patient perceived cough in the semi-recumbent group (28 (25) vs. 40
      (28) mm, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy performed in the semi-recumbent
      posture results in less cough and sedative requirement, and may improve patient
      comfort.

PMID- 22074356
TI  - Duane retraction syndrome: series of 441 cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the demographic and clinical profile of various subtypes of
      Duane retraction syndrome (DRS). METHODS: Retrospective case series of 441
      patients. RESULTS: Of the total 441 patients, 389 (88.2%) and 52 (11.8%) patients
      had unilateral and bilateral involvement, respectively. In both unilateral and
      bilateral cases, type I was the most common subtype, followed by types III and
      II. Mean age of presentation of type I DRS was significantly less (13.3 years)
      compared with types II (23 years) and III (21.9 years) (P < .05). Unilateral
      disease was significantly more common in females (57. 6%, P = .006), whereas
      there was no gender predilection in bilateral cases (P = .77). Type 1 DRS was
      significantly more common among females (57.96%, P = .003) compared with males,
      whereas there was no such gender predilection in types II and III. The left eye
      was more commonly involved in patients with types I and III (P < .05), whereas in
      type II there was no such predilection for any eye involvement. Esotropia was
      more common in patients with bilateral disease (53.8%) and exotropia was
      predominant ocular deviation in patients with types II and III (70% and 66.67%, P
      = .03). There was no difference in the type of deviation in patients with type I
      (P > .05). Upshoots and downshoots were more common in unilateral disease and
      types I and III compared with type II. CONCLUSION: Unilateral and bilateral DRS
      show considerable differences in gender distribution, associated ocular
      deviation, overshoots, and ocular and systemic associations.

PMID- 22074357
TI  - Topical ophthalmic moxifloxacin elicits minimal or no selection of
      fluoroquinolone resistance among bacteria isolated from the skin, nose, and
      throat.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether moxifloxacin therapy of bacterial conjunctivitis
      in children changes the moxifloxacin susceptibility of bacterial isolates in
      eyes, cheeks below eyes, nares, and throat. METHODS: Patients (age: 1 to 12
      years, n = 105) with bacterial conjunctivitis were treated topically with
      moxifloxacin three times a day for 7 days. Gender- and age-matched subjects with
      normal eyes (age: 1 to 12 years, n = 57) served as the control group.
      Microbiological specimens were collected on days 1 (prior to therapy), 8 (1 day
      after end of therapy), and 42 (follow-up). Specimens were processed to recover
      total bacteria and bacteria that grew on fluoroquinolone-selective media.
      Bacteria were identified to the species level and susceptibility to moxifloxacin
      and selected other antibiotics determined. RESULTS: The primary pathogens
      recovered from the infected eyes on day 1 before therapy were Haemophilus
      influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. None of the pre
      therapy isolates of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were resistant to
      moxifloxacin. Isolates of these two pathogenic species were also recovered
      primarily from the nose and eyes. Moxifloxacin-resistant S. aureus isolates
      (minimum inhibitory concentration 1.0 MUg/mL or greater) were recovered from the
      nose and throat prior to topical dosing on day 1. However, there was no change in
      the frequency of moxifloxacin-resistant isolates of S. aureus following treatment
      with moxifloxacin. CONCLUSION: Treatment of conjunctivitis with topical
      ophthalmic moxifloxacin did not select for moxifloxacin resistance in H.
      influenzae, S. pneumoniae, or S. aureus in the eye or distal body sites.

PMID- 22074358
TI  - Reading skills in children and adults with albinism: the role of visual
      impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether visual impairment in albinism contributes
      significantly to the acquisition of normal reading skills. METHODS: The authors
      administered standardized reading tests to 41 children and 18 adults with
      albinism. The Young Children's Achievement Test was used for children between 4
      and 6 years old and the Woodcock-Johnson III was used for children 7 years and
      older and adults. Parents of children and adult subjects also completed a
      questionnaire to document developmental, academic, and/or work experiences. The
      Spearman test was used to evaluate the relationship between binocular best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading test results. RESULTS: Standardized
      reading tests in both children and adults with albinism showed a normal
      distribution of scores. BCVA did not appear to play a significant role in the
      development of normal reading ability in these individuals who were visually
      impaired except for a mild correlation of decreased reading fluency on the
      Woodcock-Johnson III with decreased BCVA (r = 0.287, P = .046). Many young
      children with albinism had superior reading skills despite having a BCVA of
      20/200 or worse (legal blindness). CONCLUSION: This study of cognitively normal
      children and adults with albinism demonstrates that impaired vision during
      childhood does not by itself significantly impede a child's ability to acquire
      normal reading skills. However, the lower reading fluency that occurs in the more
      visually impaired individuals suggests they would benefit, both in the school
      system and workplace, with an accommodation involving more time to complete
      reading tasks.

PMID- 22074359
TI  - Smooth-pursuit changes after the tenotomy and reattachment procedure for
      infantile nystagmus syndrome: model predictions and patient data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) often cannot quickly
      locate new visual targets or track moving objects. Dynamic demands on visual
      function are not measured by static measures (eg, visual acuity); they require
      time-sensitive measures. The authors investigated how dynamic properties of INS
      (pursuit-target acquisition times) were affected by the tenotomy and reattachment
      (T&R) procedure in both patients with INS and behavioral ocular motor system
      model predictions. METHODS: Responses of 3 patients with different INS waveforms
      were compared before and after T&R to test the model's predictions. A high-speed
      digital video system was used to take eye-movement data. Human responses to
      target-ramp stimuli were analyzed. RESULTS: T&R did not improve the smooth
      pursuit responses of patients with INS; pursuit-target acquisition times did not
      show marked improvements. However, in one case, T&R allowed the patient to pursue
      targets "faster" in a specific direction. CONCLUSION: T&R can improve peak visual
      acuity, broaden the high-acuity gaze-angle range, and reduce target acquisition
      times to static targets but not moving targets. When the target moves
      simultaneously with an ongoing saccade in the nystagmus cycle, the steady-state
      errors and elongated target acquisition times observed might be part of the
      intrinsic characteristics of normal pursuit responses.

PMID- 22074360
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells prime proliferating adult neural progenitors toward an
      oligodendrocyte fate.
AB  - Oligodendrogenesis encompasses lineage specification of neural progenitor cells
      (NPCs) and differentiation into oligodendrocytes that ultimately culminates in
      the myelination of central nervous system axons. Each individual process must be
      tightly regulated by extracellular and cell-intrinsic mechanisms, whose
      identities are barely understood. We had previously demonstrated that soluble
      factors derived from rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induce oligodendrogenesis
      in differentiating adult NPCs under differentiation conditions. However, since
      lineage specification predominantly occurs in proliferating progenitors and not
      necessarily during early differentiation, we investigated if soluble factors
      derived from MSCs are able to prime NPCs to the oligodendroglial fate already
      under proliferation conditions. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of a 3 weeks
      stimulation of adult NPCs under proliferation conditions with conditioned media
      derived from MSCs (MSC-CM) in terms of cell morphology, proliferation, cell
      specific marker expression profile, response to growth factor withdrawal (GFW),
      cell-lineage restriction, and expression of glial fate determinants. While MSC-CM
      did not affect the proliferation rate of NPCs, it boosted the formation of 2', 3'
      cyclic-nucleotide-3'-phosphodieesterase (CNPase)- and myelin basic protein
      expressing oligodendrocytes after GFW, even when cells were exposed to an
      astrogenic milieu. Moreover, it reinforced the proper development of
      oligodendrocytes, since it ensured a sustained expression of the functional
      marker CNPase. Finally, the presence of MSC-CM reduced the anti-oligodendrogenic
      determinant Id2 in proliferating NPCs, thus increasing the relative proportion of
      the pro-oligodendrogenic factor Olig2 expression. In summary, MSCs prime
      proliferating progenitors and, thus, reinforce cell fate choice and accelerate
      differentiation toward the oligodendrocyte lineage. The present findings
      underscore the potential use of MSCs in cell therapies for remyelination such as
      in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Moreover, they urge the
      identification of the oligodendrogenic activity(ies) derived from MSCs to develop
      novel molecular therapies for demyelinating diseases.

PMID- 22074361
TI  - Animal fibre: the forgotten nutrient in strict carnivores? First insights in the
      cheetah.
AB  - As wild felids are obligate carnivores, it is likely that poorly enzymatically
      digestible animal tissues determine hindgut fermentation, instead of plant fibre.
      Therefore, faecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, including
      branched-chain fatty acids, BCFA), indole and phenol were evaluated in 14 captive
      cheetahs, fed two different diets differing in proportion of poorly enzymatically
      digestible animal tissue. Using a cross-over design, the cheetahs were fed
      exclusively whole rabbit or supplemented beef for 1 month each. Feeding whole
      rabbit decreased faecal propionic (p < 0.001) and butyric (p = 0.013) acid
      concentrations, yet total SCFA was unaltered (p = 0.146). Also, a remarkably
      higher acetic acid to propionic acid ratio (p = 0.013) was present when fed whole
      rabbit. Total BCFA (p = 0.011) and putrefactive indole (p = 0.004) and phenol (p
      = 0.002) were lower when fed whole rabbit. Additionally, serum indoxyl sulphate,
      a toxic metabolite of indole, was analysed and showed a quadratic decrease (p =
      0.050) when fed whole rabbit. The divergent SCFA ratios and the decrease in
      putrefaction when fed whole rabbit could be caused by the presence of undigested
      tissue, such as skin, bone and cartilage, that might have fibre-like functions.
      The concept of animal fibre is an unexplored area of interest relevant to
      gastrointestinal health of captive cheetahs and likely other felids.

PMID- 22074362
TI  - A novel actin-microtubule cross-linking kinesin, NtKCH, functions in cell
      expansion and division.
AB  - * Kinesins with a calponin homology domain (KCHs) have been identified recently
      as a plant-specific subgroup of the kinesin-14 family and are suspected to act as
      microtubule-actin filament cross-linkers. The cellular function, however, has
      remained elusive. * In order to address the function of KCHs, we isolated NtKCH,
      a novel KCH homologue from tobacco BY-2 cells. Following synchronization, NtKCH
      transcripts were shown to be abundant during mitosis, whereas, during interphase,
      expression was low. * Using fluorescent-tagged cell lines and immunolabelling
      techniques, the localization of tobacco KCH was found to differ depending on the
      cell cycle. During interphase, NtKCH mainly associated with cortical
      microtubules, whereas a subfraction also co-localized with perinuclear actin
      cables. In dividing cells, NtKCH accumulated at the pre-prophase band and at the
      phragmoplast. However, it remained absent from spindle microtubules, but,
      instead, concentrated at two agglomerations in proximity to the two cell poles. *
      This work develops a detailed model for the dual localization and function of
      NtKCH during cell division vs cell expansion. This model implies two dynamic
      states of KCHs that differ with regard to actin interaction. This allows the
      modulation of force generation by KCH in a cell cycle-dependent capture
      mechanism.

PMID- 22074363
TI  - Light-induced copper(II) coordination by a bicyclic tetraaza chelator through a
      ligand-to-metal charge-transfer reaction.
AB  - To enable utilization of the broad potential of copper isotopes in nuclear
      medicine, rapid and robust chelation of the copper is required. Bowl adamanzanes
      (bicyclic tetraaza ligands) can form kinetically stable copper complexes, but
      they are usually formed at low rates unless high pH values and high temperatures
      are applied. We have investigated the effects of the variation in the pH,
      different anions, and UV irradiation on the chelation rate. UV spectra of
      mixtures of Cu(2+) and [2(4).3(1)]adz in water show the existence of a long-lived
      two-coordinated copper(II) intermediate (only counting coordinated amine groups)
      at pH above 6. These findings are supported by pH titrations of mixtures of
      Cu(2+) and [2(4).3(1)]adz in water. Irradiation of this complex in the ligand-to
      metal charge-transfer (LMCT) band by a diode-array spectrophotometer leads to
      photodeprotonation and subsequently to formation of the four-coordinated
      copper(II) complex at a rate up to 7800-fold higher at 25  degrees C than in the
      dark. Anions in the solution were found to have three major effects: competitive
      inhibition due to Cu(II) binding anions, inhibition of the photoinduced
      transchelation from UV-absorbing anions, and photoredox inhibition from acido
      ligands capable of acting as electron donors in LMCT reactions. Dissolved O(2)
      was also found to result in photoredox inhibition.

PMID- 22074364
TI  - Myoendothelial contacts, gap junctions, and microdomains: anatomical links to
      function?
AB  - In several species and in many vascular beds, ultrastructural studies describe
      close contact sites between the endothelium and smooth muscle of <~20nm. Such
      sites are thought to facilitate the local action of signaling molecules and/or
      the passage of current, as metabolic and electrical coupling conduits between the
      arterial endothelium and smooth muscle. These sites have the potential for
      bidirectional communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle, as a key
      pathway for coordinating vascular function. The aim of this brief review is to
      summarize the literature on the ultrastructural anatomy and distribution of key
      components of MECC sites in arteries. In addition to their traditional role of
      facilitating electrical coupling between the two cell layers, data on the role of
      MECC sites in arteries, as signaling microdomains involving a spatial
      localization of channels, receptors and calcium stores are highlighted. Diversity
      in the density and specific characteristics of MECC sites as signaling
      microdomains suggests considerable potential for functional diversity within and
      between arteries in health and disease.

PMID- 22074365
TI  - Hormonal response to lipid and carbohydrate meals during the acute postprandial
      period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimizing the hormonal environment during the postprandial period in
      favor of increased anabolism is of interest to many active individuals. Data are
      conflicting regarding the acute hormonal response to high fat and high
      carbohydrate feedings. Moreover, to our knowledge, no studies have compared the
      acute hormonal response to ingestion of lipid and carbohydrate meals of different
      size. METHODS: We compared the hormonal response to lipid and carbohydrate meals
      of different caloric content during the acute postprandial period. Nine healthy
      men (22 +/- 2 years) consumed in a random order, cross-over design one of four
      meals/beverages during the morning hours in a rested and fasted state: dextrose
      at 75 g (300 kcals), dextrose at 150 g (600 kcals), lipid at 33 g (300 kcals),
      lipid at 66 g (600 kcals). Blood samples were collected Pre meal, and at 0.5 hr,
      1 hr, 2 hr, and 3 hr post meal. Samples were assayed for testosterone, cortisol,
      and insulin using ELISA techniques. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for
      each variable, and a 4 * 5 ANOVA was used to further analyze data. RESULTS: A
      meal * time effect (p = 0.0003) was noted for insulin, with values highest for
      the dextrose meals at the 0.5 hr and 1 hr times, and relatively unaffected by the
      lipid meals. No interaction (p = 0.98) or meal (p = 0.39) effect was noted for
      testosterone, nor was an interaction (p = 0.99) or meal (p = 0.65) effect noted
      for cortisol. However, a time effect was noted for both testosterone (p = 0.04)
      and cortisol (p < 0.0001), with values decreasing during the postprandial period.
      An AUC effect was noted for insulin (p = 0.001), with values higher for the
      dextrose meals compared to the lipid meals (p < 0.05). No AUC effect was noted
      for testosterone (p = 0.85) or cortisol (p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: These data
      indicate that 1) little difference is noted in serum testosterone or cortisol
      during the acute postprandial period when healthy men consume lipid and dextrose
      meals of different size; 2) Both testosterone and cortisol experience a drop
      during the acute postprandial period, which is similar to what is expected based
      on the normal diurnal variation--feeding with lipid or dextrose meals does not
      appear to alter this pattern; 3) dextrose meals of either 75 g or 150 g result in
      a significant increase in serum insulin, in particular at 0.5 hr and 1 hr post
      ingestion; 4) lipid meals have little impact on serum insulin.

PMID- 22074366
TI  - Etanercept: efficacy and safety for approved indications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor,
      which is approved for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory conditions
      including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA),
      psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriasis (PsO). AREAS
      COVERED: Clinical efficacy and safety data of etanercept for the approved
      indications are reviewed in this paper. Data were obtained from published
      clinical trials, registries, post-marketing data as well as information provided
      by Amgen. EXPERT OPINION: Etanercept is a generally well-tolerated treatment for
      the approved inflammatory diseases. The most common adverse effect of etanercept
      treatment is injection site reaction, which is generally self-limiting and often
      does not require treatment. Etanercept may be associated with an increased risk
      for infection, the development of malignancy, demyelinating disease and
      congestive heart failure. Fewer patients withdraw from etanercept due to adverse
      events than with other biologics. For pediatric patients, there are more data for
      etanercept than other biologics, and etanercept may have lower rates for the
      development of malignancy.

PMID- 22074367
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with traditional herbal medicine use among
      patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Africa, herbal medicines are often used as primary treatment for
      Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related problems. Concurrent use of
      traditional herbal medicines (THM) with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) is widespread
      among HIV infected patients. However, the extent of THM use is not known in most
      settings in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at determining the prevalence
      and factors associated with THM use among HIV infected patients on highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) attending The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) in
      Uganda. TASO is a non-governmental organization devoted to offering HIV/AIDS care
      and treatment services in the population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional
      study carried out in two TASO treatment centres in Uganda among 401 randomly
      selected eligible participants. We included participants who were 18 years and
      above, were enrolled on HAART, and consented to participate in the study. Data
      was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire.
      THM use referred to someone who had ever used or was currently using herbal
      medicine while on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) by the time of the
      study. Data was captured in Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version
      9.0 for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of THM use was 33.7%. Patients on HAART
      for < 4 years were more likely to use THM (OR = 5.98, 95% CI 1.13 - 31.73) as
      well as those who experienced HAART side effects (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.15 -
      11.68). Older patients (>=39 years) were less likely to use THM (OR = 0.26 95%
      CI: 0.08 - 0.83). Participants with HAART adherence levels > 95% were less likely
      to use THM (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.65). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of THM use
      among participants on HAART was high. This raises clinical and pharmacological
      concerns that need attention by the health care service providers.

PMID- 22074368
TI  - Infancy- and childhood-onset dyschromatoses.
AB  - The dyschromatoses are a group of pigmentary disorders characterized clinically
      by mixed and often guttate hypopigmented and hyperpigmented lesions. There are
      many conditions that present with dyschromatosis, including genodermatoses,
      inflammatory skin diseases, infections, drug and chemical use, and nutritional
      disorders. Some conditions have extracutaneous features. Poikiloderma (a
      combination of hypo- and hyperpigmentation with telangiectasia and atrophy) must
      be excluded. In this article, we describe the dyschromatoses typically presenting
      in infancy and childhood, most of which are genodermatoses. The approach we have
      taken in classifying them is based on organ involvement. We hope this article
      will serve as a guide for dermatologists to the recognition of these uncommon
      conditions.

PMID- 22074369
TI  - What's new in acne? An analysis of systematic reviews and clinically significant
      trials published in 2010-11.
AB  - This review summarizes important clinical developments in acne treatment
      identified in five systematic reviews and two significant primary research
      studies, published between March 2010 and February 2011. Although evidence
      showing a direct link between development of bacterial resistance and oral
      antibiotic therapy for acne is not convincing, prescribers can still tailor their
      practice to minimize future risks by stopping treatment when appropriate, using
      benzoyl peroxide, and avoiding combining topical and systemic antimicrobials. A
      systematic review evaluating combination products containing benzoyl peroxide did
      not show convincing evidence that such products are superior to monotherapies. A
      systematic review of combined oral contraceptives confirmed their efficacy for
      acne in women. However, another systematic review of botanical products for acne
      failed to provide any good-quality evidence of benefit. A large, well-reported
      retrospective cohort study attempted to clarify the potential link between
      isotretinoin and depression/suicide. Although suicide risk peaked 6 months after
      isotretinoin treatment, an increased risk was present before initiation of
      isotretinoin, making it difficult to attribute the increased risk to isotretinoin
      alone. However, those with a history of suicide attempts before treatment made
      fewer new attempts than those whose behaviour started during treatment. This
      suggests that patients with severe acne with a history of attempted suicide
      should not automatically be refused isotretinoin. Another randomized controlled
      trial of 60 patients from Korea suggested that low-dose isotretinoin dose than
      might provide a better long-term outcome with minimal side-effects for people
      with moderate acne.

PMID- 22074370
TI  - Basal cell carcinoma masquerading as habit tic.

PMID- 22074371
TI  - Asymptomatic vulvar pigmentation.

PMID- 22074372
TI  - I have spikes on my hands.

PMID- 22074373
TI  - Giant verrucous lesion on the scalp.

PMID- 22074374
TI  - Interventions for pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: a summarised
      Cochrane review.

PMID- 22074375
TI  - Topical treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a summarised Cochrane review.

PMID- 22074376
TI  - Molecular markers to characterize the hermaphroditic reproductive system of the
      planarian Schmidtea mediterranea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea exhibits two distinct
      reproductive modes. Individuals of the sexual strain are cross-fertilizing
      hermaphrodites with reproductive organs that develop post-embryonically. By
      contrast, individuals of the asexual strain reproduce exclusively by transverse
      fission and fail to develop reproductive organs. These different reproductive
      strains are associated with distinct karyotypes, making S. mediterranea a useful
      model for studying germline development and sexual differentiation. RESULTS: To
      identify genes expressed differentially between these strains, we performed
      microarray analyses and identified >800 genes that were upregulated in the sexual
      planarian. From these, we characterized 24 genes by fluorescent in situ
      hybridization (FISH), revealing their expression in male germ cells or accessory
      reproductive organs. To identify additional markers of the planarian reproductive
      system, we also used immuno- and fluorescent lectin staining, identifying several
      antibodies and lectins that labeled structures associated with reproductive
      organs. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these cell-type specific markers will enable
      future efforts to characterize genes that are important for reproductive
      development in the planarian.

PMID- 22074377
TI  - A systematic assessment of the concept and practice of public-private mix for
      tuberculosis care and control.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The STOP TB Partnership aims to improve global tuberculosis (TB)
      control through expanding access to the directly observed treatment short course
      (DOTS) strategy. One approach to this is 'Engaging all Care Providers', which
      evolved from 'Public-Private Mix (PPM) DOTS'. The overall aim of this study was
      to systematically assess whether and to what degree the STOP TB Partnership's
      four global objectives of engaging all care providers are met through existing
      PPM interventions. These four objectives are; 1) Increase TB case detection; 2)
      Improve TB treatment outcomes; 3) Enhance access and equity; 4) Reduce financial
      burden on patients. The specific objectives of this assessment were to 1)
      Understand what PPM means to the STOP TB Partnership's PPM Subgroup and to
      National Tuberculosis Programme managers; 2) Scope the nature of existing country
      level PPM interventions and 3) Review PPM practice against the global PPM
      objectives. METHODS: We undertook a systematic, multi-facetted assessment. The
      methods included interviews with National Tuberculosis Programme managers from
      high burden countries, clarification of key issues with the STOP TB Partnership
      PPM secretariat and a review of publicly accessible reports and published
      articles on PPM projects. Both the literature review and interviews with the
      National Tuberculosis Programme managers yielded data on project characteristics;
      PPM models at country level; National Tuberculosis Programme partners; and
      mechanisms for engagement. Matrices were developed from the literature review and
      the interviews to show the relationship between services and service providers
      for different PPM projects. Data from the literature were assessed against each
      of the four global PPM objectives. RESULTS: Twelve National Tuberculosis
      Programme managers from high burden countries were interviewed about the scope of
      PPM partnerships. Understanding of PPM and types of engaged providers varied
      considerably; 'private-for-profit qualified clinical providers' were the dominant
      category. The literature review yielded information on 22 projects in which
      'private-for-profit qualified clinical providers' were again the dominant
      category. The contributions made by 'private-for-profit qualified clinical
      providers' and 'Non Governmental Organisation qualified clinical providers', were
      assessed against the four global PPM objectives. Reporting on tuberculosis case
      detection and treatment outcomes was generally good and demonstrated important
      PPM contributions in these areas. Reporting on equity, access and reduced patient
      costs was often lacking or inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: PPM has improved case
      detection and treatment outcomes among patients seeking care with private
      providers. Evidence on reducing patient costs is inconclusive, and there is scope
      for increasing equity in access to care by systematically engaging those
      providers who are the primary agents for poor people seeking health care.
      Guidelines outlining which types of providers best contribute to achieving the
      four global objectives, along with the resources required by National
      Tuberculosis Programs for such engagement is needed.

PMID- 22074378
TI  - A predictive biomimetic model of cytokine release induced by TGN1412 and other
      therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are routinely used in vitro to
      detect cytokine secretion as part of preclinical screens to delineate agonistic
      and antagonistic action of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Preclinical
      value of standard human PBMC assays to detect cytokine release syndrome (CRS) has
      been questioned, as they did not predict the "cytokine storm" that occurred when
      healthy human volunteers were given a CD28-specific super-agonist mAb, TGN1412.
      In this article, we describe a three-dimensional biomimetic vascular test-bed
      that can be used as a more physiologically relevant assay for testing therapeutic
      Abs. For developing such a system, we used TGN1412 as a model mAb. We tested
      soluble TGN1412 on various combinations of human blood components in a module
      containing endothelial cells grown on a collagen scaffold and measured cytokine
      release using multiplex array. Our system, consisting of whole leukocytes,
      endothelial cells, and 100% autologous platelet-poor plasma (PPP) consistently
      produced proinflammatory cytokines in response to soluble TGN1412. In addition,
      other mAb therapeutics known to induce CRS or first infusion reactions, such as
      OKT3, Campath-1H, or Herceptin, generated cytokine profiles in our model system
      consistent with their in vivo responses. As a negative control we tested the non
      CRS mAbs Avastin and Remicade and found little difference between these mAbs and
      the placebo control. Our data indicate that this novel assay may have preclinical
      value for predicting the potential of CRS for mAb therapeutics.

PMID- 22074379
TI  - Preface to the special issue "Novel pharmaconeurogenetic approaches arising from
      progress in translational genetics".

PMID- 22074380
TI  - FRep: a fluorescent protein-based bioprobe for in vivo detection of protein-DNA
      interactions.
AB  - We describe a bacterial reporter system, FRep, for rapid and facile detection of
      protein-DNA recognition. The bioprobe reporter comprises genes of two fluorescent
      proteins (FPs) separated by a potential DNA target. If a coexpressed
      transcription factor binds the DNA target, transcription of the second FP is
      impeded, resulting in loss of FRET partner. Using ratiometric FRET, we show that
      evaluation of protein-DNA recognition can be reliably made on bZIP and bHLHZ
      transcription factors and their DNA targets. FRep displays similar thresholds of
      detection regarding protein-DNA binding affinities, as compared to well
      established electrophoretic and yeast assays, although we observed variations in
      the intensity of fluorescence signals and detection thresholds that may depend on
      differences between DNA-binding protein production levels and/or stability in the
      cell, or the expressed bioprobe linker between the two FPs. FRep can potentially
      be applied to high-throughput searches of both protein and DNA libraries; in a
      mock library screen, binding and nonbinding complexes can even be distinguished
      by visual inspection of colonies on plates. FRep presents notable advantages over
      existing technologies when applied to assessing protein-DNA interactions in vivo,
      and this approach has the potential for applications in assaying protein-protein
      interactions and screening molecules that influence specific macromolecular
      interactions.

PMID- 22074381
TI  - Learning from the 2011 Great East Japan Disaster: insights from a special
      radiological emergency assistance mission.
AB  - On March 11, 2011, the eastern portion of Japan was struck by a massive
      earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 15,700 people, left thousands of
      others hurt or missing, and caused widespread destruction. In addition, the Great
      East Japan Disaster seriously damaged the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power
      station, knocking out power, severely affecting communications, and causing a
      loss of cooling to some reactor cores. Significant quantities of radioactive
      materials were released, a "no go" zone was created around the crippled reactors,
      and thousands of people were evacuated. With concern about the radiological
      emergency growing, one of Japan's largest hospital and healthcare groups issued a
      request for assistance to a U.S.-based international disaster relief
      organization. After consultations with the Japanese, a special Radiological
      Emergency Assistance Mission was assembled. The mission, which traveled to Japan
      in April 2011, had several aims: (1) to rapidly assess the situation on the
      ground, (2) to exchange information, experiences, and insights with Japanese
      colleagues, and (3) to provide radiological information and practical refresher
      training to Japanese healthcare professionals and first responders. In addition
      to achieving these aims and laying the groundwork for future cooperation, the
      mission produced dozens of insights and lessons. These have potential relevance
      not only for future large-scale radiation accidents, but also for radiological
      and nuclear terrorism situations. They also have more general relevance for
      emergency planning, preparedness, and response. In this article, several of the
      most salient insights and lessons are highlighted.

PMID- 22074383
TI  - Flowering phenology as a functional trait in a tallgrass prairie.
AB  - * The timing of flowering is a critical component of the ecology of plants and
      has the potential to structure plant communities. Yet, we know little about how
      the timing of flowering relates to other functional traits, species abundance,
      and average environmental conditions. * Here, we assessed first flowering dates
      (FFDs) in a North American tallgrass prairie (Konza Prairie) for 431 herbaceous
      species and compared them with a series of other functional traits, environmental
      metrics, and species abundance across ecological contrasts. * The pattern of FFDs
      among the species of the Konza grassland was shaped by local climate, can be
      linked to resource use by species, and patterns of species abundance across the
      landscape. Peak FFD for the community occurred when soils were typically both
      warm and wet, while relatively few species began flowering when soils tended to
      be the driest. Compared with late-flowering species, species that flowered early
      had lower leaf tissue density and were more abundant on uplands than lowlands. *
      Flowering phenology can contribute to the structuring of grassland communities,
      but was largely independent of most functional traits. Therefore, selection for
      flowering phenology may be independent of general resource strategies.

PMID- 22074382
TI  - A novel GABA(A)  receptor pharmacology: drugs interacting with the alpha(+) beta(
      )  interface.
AB  - GABA(A)  receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels composed of five subunits
      that can belong to different subunit classes. The existence of 19 different
      subunits gives rise to a multiplicity of GABA(A)  receptor subtypes with distinct
      subunit composition; regional, cellular and subcellular distribution; and
      pharmacology. Most of these receptors are composed of two alpha, two beta and one
      gamma2 subunits. GABA(A)  receptors are the site of action of a variety of
      pharmacologically and clinically important drugs, such as benzodiazepines,
      barbiturates, neuroactive steroids, anaesthetics and convulsants. Whereas GABA
      acts at the two extracellular beta(+) alpha(-)  interfaces of GABA(A)  receptors,
      the allosteric modulatory benzodiazepines interact with the extracellular
      alpha(+) gamma2(-)  interface. In contrast, barbiturates, neuroactive steroids
      and anaesthetics seem to interact with solvent accessible pockets in the
      transmembrane domain. Several benzodiazepine site ligands have been identified
      that selectively interact with GABA(A)  receptor subtypes containing
      alpha2betagamma2, alpha3betagamma2 or alpha5betagamma2 subunits. This indicates
      that the different alpha subunit types present in these receptors convey
      sufficient structural differences to the benzodiazepine binding site to allow
      specific interaction with certain benzodiazepine site ligands. Recently, a novel
      drug binding site was identified at the alpha(+) beta(-)  interface. This binding
      site is homologous to the benzodiazepine binding site at the alpha(+) gamma2(-) 
      interface and is thus also strongly influenced by the type of alpha subunit
      present in the receptor. Drugs interacting with this binding site cannot directly
      activate but only allosterically modulate GABA(A)  receptors. The possible
      importance of such drugs addressing a spectrum of receptor subtypes completely
      different from that of benzodiazepines is discussed.

PMID- 22074384
TI  - Colloidal structure and stability of DNA/polycations polyplexes investigated by
      small angle scattering.
AB  - Polyplexes of short DNA-fragments (300 b.p., 100 nm) with tailor-made amine-based
      polycations of different architectures (linear and hyperbranched) were
      investigated in buffer solution as a function of the mixing ratio with DNA. The
      resulting dispersed polyplexes were characterized using small-angle neutron and X
      ray scattering (SANS, SAXS) as well as cryo-TEM with respect to their mesoscopic
      structure and their colloidal stability. The linear polyimines form rather
      compact structures that have a high tendency for precipitation. In contrast, the
      hyperbranched polycation with enzymatic-labile pentaethylenehexamine arms (PEHA)
      yields polyplexes colloidally stable for months. Here the polycation coating of
      DNA results in a homogeneous dispersion based on a fractal network with low
      structural organization at low polycation amount. With increasing polycation,
      bundles of tens of aligned DNA rods appear that are interconnected in a fractal
      network with a typical correlation distance on the order of 100 nm, the average
      length of the DNA used. With higher organization comes a decrease in stability.
      The 3D network built by these beams can still exhibit some stability as long as
      the material concentration is large enough, but the structure collapses upon
      dilution. SAXS shows that the complexation does not affect the local DNA
      structure. Interestingly, the structural findings on the DNA polyplexes
      apparently correlate with the transfection efficiency of corresponding siRNA
      complexes. In general, these finding not only show systematic trends for the
      colloid stability, but may allow for rational approaches to design effective
      transfection carriers.

PMID- 22074385
TI  - Effect of stress on hippocampal nociceptin expression in the rat.
AB  - Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its receptor are not only ubiquitously
      expressed in mammalian brain and spinal cord but are also abundant in limbic
      structures, particularly in the hippocampus. The widespread distribution of N/OFQ
      reflects the broad spectrum of its biological actions such as nociception, food
      intake, spontaneous locomotor activity, and learning and memory processes. Since
      the hippocampus is involved in the control of adrenocortical activity, its role
      in stress-related phenomena is well characterized. In male Wistar rats, we first
      examined the effects of acute restraint stress (120 min) on the brain
      immunohistochemical localization of N/OFQ. The analysis carried out on sections
      obtained at the onset of stress revealed enhanced expression of N/OFQ in CA1,
      CA3, and the dentate gyrus as well as increased plasma corticosterone
      concentrations. Next, we examined whether endogenous glucocorticoid hormone plays
      a role in the modulation of hippocampal N/OFQ expression in response to stress.
      To this end, rats were injected with corticosterone (1 mg/kg) or subjected to
      restraint stress 1 week after adrenalectomy. Two hours after corticosterone
      administration, plasma glucocorticoid concentrations were comparable to those
      observed after restraint stress, while N/OFQ expression had significantly
      increased in all the hippocampal subfields examined. By contrast, in
      adrenalectomized rats, stress did not modify protein expression. These results
      confirm that stress can affect N/OFQ expression and that glucocorticoids may
      constitute hormonal mediators of this complex interplay.

PMID- 22074386
TI  - Longitudinal melanonychia caused by Fusarium oxysporum in immunocompetent
      patient.

PMID- 22074387
TI  - Hurler disease (mucopolysaccharidosis type IH): clinical features and
      consanguinity in Tunisian population.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) was a group of rare autosomal recessive
      disorder caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, alpha -L -iduronidase,
      and the resulting accumulation of undergraded dematan sulfate and heparan
      sulfate. MPS I patients have a wide range of clinical presentations, that makes
      it difficult to predict patient phenotype which is needed for genetic counseling
      and also impedes the selection and evaluation of patients undergoing therapy bone
      marrow transplantation. AIM OF THE STUDY: consanguinity rates have been
      determined among 14 families with mucopolysaccharidosis type I, seen in the
      pediatric departments of different geographic areas of Tunisia (Central and
      Southern areas) for the period August 2004 - August 2011 in order to investigate
      the relation between consanguinity and this disorder. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Clinical and molecular analyses confirmed the diagnosis for MPS type I in the
      studied families. RESULTS: Most of the Tunisian MPS I patients have been
      identified at the homozygous status: p.P533R mutation (7 homozygous and one
      double heterozygous p.L578Q/p.P533R patients; 41.66% of all the investigated MPSI
      patients), p.F177S (1 homozygous patient; 5.55%), p.L530fs (1 patient; 5.55%),
      p.Y581X (2 patients; 11.11%), p.F602X (3 patients; 16.66%), p.R628X (1 patient;
      5.55%). Another mutation: p.L578Q has been identified at the heterozygous status
      in the only double heterozygous p.L578Q/p.P533R case. Part of the mutations was
      the result of a founder effect. These described points are the consequences of
      the high rate of consanguinity. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of p.P533R
      mutation could be explained by the high degree of inbreeding. This is due to the
      richness of the genetic background of the studied population.A multidisciplinary
      approach is essential to develop adequate preventive program adapted to the
      social, cultural, and economic context.

PMID- 22074388
TI  - Napsin A expression in pulmonary sclerosing haemangioma.

PMID- 22074389
TI  - The absence of MyD88 has no effect on the induction of alternatively activated
      macrophage during Fasciola hepatica infection.
AB  - Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMphi) play important roles in allergies
      and responses toparasitic infections. However, whether signaling through toll
      like receptors (TLRs) plays any role in AAMphi induction when young Fasciola
      hepatica penetrates the liver capsule and migrates through the liver tissue is
      still unclear. RESULTS: The data show that the lack of myeloid differentiation
      factor 88 (MyD88) has no effect on the AAMphi derived from the bone marrow
      (BMMphi) in vitro and does not impair the mRNA expression of arginase-1, resistin
      like molecule (RELMalpha), and Ym1 in BMMphis. The Th2 cytokine production bias
      in splenocytes was not significantly altered in F. hepatica-infected mice in the
      absence of MyD88 in vitro and in the pleural cavity lavage in vivo. In addition,
      MyD88-deficiency has no effect on the arginase production of the F. hepatica
      elicited macrophages (Fe Mphis), production of RELMalpha and Ym1 proteins and
      mRNA expression of Ym1 and RELMalpha of macrophages in the peritoneal cavity 6
      weeks post F. hepatica infection. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of MyD88 has no effect
      on presence of AAMphi 6 weeks post F. hepatica infection.

PMID- 22074390
TI  - Construction of highly functional quaternary carbon stereocenters via an
      organocatalytic tandem cyanation-allylic alkylation reaction.
AB  - The first tertiary amine-catalyzed tandem cyanation-allyic alkylation (CAA)
      reaction of aldehydes, appropriate cyanide sources, and Morita-Baylis-Hillman
      (MBH) adducts has been developed, which provides a facile access to densely
      functionalized products containing O-substituted quaternary centers.

PMID- 22074391
TI  - 'Painting a path to wellness': correlations between participating in a creative
      activity group and improved measured mental health outcome.
AB  - Responding to a call for quantitative outcome evidence about the therapeutic
      relationship between creative activity and mental health, this study examined the
      mental health outcomes of inpatients participating in art- and craft-based
      creative therapies at a private psychiatric hospital over a 5-year period. The
      creative activity group sample (n= 403) improved from admission to discharge
      across four different psychometric measures with moderate to strong mean effect
      sizes. Reductions from pre- to post-treatment in both self-reported and clinician
      rated symptoms are clearly demonstrated for the creative activity group
      participant sample. Research findings establish that participation in creative
      activity has potential benefits for people experiencing mental health problems.

PMID- 22074392
TI  - Air embolus to arachnoid cyst as a rare delayed complication of intrathecal
      medication delivery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION:   Intrathecal (IT) medication delivery is a commonly used technique
      for the treatment of chronic intractable pain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      loculation at the catheter tip has been described as a cause of progressive loss
      of drug effect that can often be difficult to diagnose. METHODS:   The clinical
      course of a 56-year-old woman was reviewed, including past imaging studies.
      RESULTS:   The patient presented with acute lower extremity paresis secondary to
      air trapped within an arachnoid cyst thought to be due to long-term use of IT
      morphine and an undiagnosed CSF loculation. She rapidly recovered after surgical
      decompression. DISCUSSION:   Symptomatic pneumorachis is rare. In this case,
      because of radiographically impressive compression and severe deficit, we felt
      that the trapped air was equivalent to a mass lesion and treated it aggressively.
      The arachnoid cyst was near the level of the catheter tip prior to revision, and
      we have retrospectively inferred a causal relationship.

PMID- 22074393
TI  - Two-dimensional fourier transform spectroscopy of adenine and uracil using shaped
      ultrafast laser pulses in the deep UV.
AB  - We compare two-dimensional (2D) ultrafast Fourier transform spectroscopy
      measurements in the deep UV (262 nm) for adenine and uracil in solution. Both
      molecules show excited-state absorption on short time scales and ground-state
      bleaching extending for over 1 ps. While the 2D spectrum for uracil shows changes
      in the center of gravity during the first few hundred femtoseconds, the center of
      gravity of the 2D spectrum for adenine does not show similar changes. We discuss
      our results in light of ab initio electronic structure calculations.

PMID- 22074394
TI  - Treatment strategies for childhood noninfectious chronic uveitis: an update.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uveitis is an inflammatory disorder involving inflammation of the
      uveal tract. It is classified as anterior, intermediate, posterior or panuveitis,
      depending on the part of eye affected by the inflammatory process. In children,
      noninfectious, chronic uveitis is a relatively uncommon but serious disease, with
      the potential for significant long-term complications and possible blindness.
      Although frequently associated with an underlying systemic disease, for example,
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a significant number of cases in children show no
      associated signs or symptoms and are labeled as idiopathic. RESULTS: We reviewed
      the available literature. Taking into account this evidence, an anti-inflammatory
      therapy based on an immunomodulatory approach seems a reasonable strategy for
      noninfectious chronic uveitis, in children as well as in adults. Due to a lack of
      controlled studies regarding uveitis in children, immunosuppressive strategy is
      supported only at evidence level III. Our aim is to review the currently
      available medical strategies for the treatment of childhood sight-threatening
      chronic uveitis. CONCLUSION: Uveitis in children can be severe. Methotrexate is
      the drug of choice for recalcitrant cases, and biologic therapies can be useful
      in selected situations.

PMID- 22074395
TI  - High dilution of anionic vacancies in Sr(0.8)Ba(0.2)Fe(O,F)(~2.5).
AB  - The (Ba,Sr)FeO(3-delta) system is known for its strong tendency for oxygen and
      vacancies to order into several forms including fully ordered
      pseudobrownmillerites, hexagonal perovskites with segregation of the vacancies in
      particular anionic layers and low deficient (pseudo)cubic compounds (generally
      delta < 0.27, Fe(3/4+)). We show for the first time, using a simple chemical
      process, the easy access to a large amount of vacancies (delta ~ 0.5, Fe(3+))
      within the room-temperature stable tetragonal (pseudocubic)
      Sr(0.8)Ba(0.2)FeF(~0.1)(O,F)(~2.5.) The drastic effect of the incorporation of a
      minor amount of fluoride passes through the repartition of local O/F/?
      constraints shifting the tolerance factor into the pseudocubic range for highly
      deficient compounds. It is stable up to 670 K, where an irreversible reoxidation
      process occurs, leading to the cubic-form. The comparison with the cubic oxide
      Sr(0.8)Ba(0.2)FeO(~2.7) shows the increase of the resistivity (3D-VRH model) by
      two decades due to the almost single valent Fe(3+) of the oxofluoride. In
      addition, the G-type magnetic ordering shows relatively weak moment for Fe(3+)
      cations (M(Fe) ~ 2.64(1) MUB at room temperature) attributed to incoherent
      magnetic components expected from local disorder in such anionic-deficient
      compounds.

PMID- 22074396
TI  - Synthesis and magnetic properties of Zr doped ZnO Nanoparticles.
AB  - Zr doped ZnO nanoparticles are prepared by the sol-gel method with post
      annealing. X-ray diffraction results show that all samples are the typical
      hexagonal wurtzite structure without any other new phase, as well as the Zr atoms
      have successfully entered into the ZnO lattices instead of forming other
      lattices. Magnetic measurements indicate that all the doping samples show room
      temperature ferromagnetism and the pure ZnO is paramagneism. The results of Raman
      and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that there are a lot of oxygen
      vacancies in the samples by doping element of Zr. It is considered that the
      observed ferromagnetism is related to the doping induced oxygen vacancies.

PMID- 22074397
TI  - Biological monitoring of pesticide exposures in residents living near
      agricultural land.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of reliable information on the exposures of
      residents and bystanders to pesticides in the UK. Previous research has shown
      that the methods currently used for assessing pesticide exposure for regulatory
      purposes are appropriate for farm workers 1. However, there were indications that
      the exposures of bystanders may sometimes be underestimated. The previous study
      did not collect data for residents. Therefore, this study aims to collect
      measurements to determine if the current methods and tools are appropriate for
      assessing pesticide exposure for residents living near agricultural fields.
      METHODS/DESIGN: The study will recruit owners of farms and orchards (hereafter
      both will be referred to as farms) that spray their agricultural crops with
      certain specified pesticides, and which have residential areas in close proximity
      to these fields. Recruited farms will be asked to provide details of their
      pesticide usage throughout the spray season. Informed consenting residents
      (adults (18 years and over) and children (aged 4-12 years)) will be asked to
      provide urine samples and accompanying activity diaries during the spraying
      season and in addition for a limited number of weeks before/after the spray
      season to allow background pesticide metabolite levels to be determined. Selected
      urine samples will be analysed for the pesticide metabolites of interest.
      Statistical analysis and mathematical modelling will use the laboratory results,
      along with the additional data collected from the farmers and residents, to
      determine systemic exposure levels amongst residents. Surveys will be carried out
      in selected areas of the United Kingdom over two years (2011 and 2012), covering
      two spraying seasons and the time between the spraying seasons. DISCUSSION: The
      described study protocol was implemented for the sample and data collection
      procedures carried out in 2011. Based on experience to date, no major changes to
      the protocol are anticipated for the 2012 spray season although the pesticides
      and regional areas for inclusion in 2012 are still to be confirmed.

PMID- 22074398
TI  - The Matthew effect in environmental science publication: a bibliometric analysis
      of chemical substances in journal articles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While environmental research addresses scientific questions of
      possible societal relevance, it is unclear to what degree research focuses on
      environmental chemicals in need of documentation for risk assessment purposes.
      METHODS: In a bibliometric analysis, we used SciFinder to extract Chemical
      Abstract Service (CAS) numbers for chemicals addressed by publications in the 78
      major environmental science journals during 2000-2009. The Web of Science was
      used to conduct title searches to determine long-term trends for prominent
      substances and substances considered in need of research attention. RESULTS: The
      119,636 journal articles found had 760,056 CAS number links during 2000-2009. The
      top-20 environmental chemicals consisted of metals, (chlorinated) biphenyls,
      polyaromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, and ethanol and contributed 12% toward the
      total number of links- Each of the top-20 substances was covered by 2,000-10,000
      articles during the decade. The numbers for the 10-year period were similar to
      the total numbers of pre-2000 articles on the same chemicals. However, substances
      considered a high priority from a regulatory viewpoint, due to lack of
      documentation, showed very low publication rates. The persistence in the
      scientific literature of the top-20 chemicals was only weakly related to their
      publication in journals with a high impact factor, but some substances achieved
      high citation rates. CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of some environmental chemicals
      in the scientific literature may be due to a 'Matthew' principle of maintaining
      prominence for the very reason of having been well researched. Such bias detracts
      from the societal needs for documentation on less well known environmental
      hazards, and it may also impact negatively on the potentials for innovation and
      discovery in research.

PMID- 22074399
TI  - Construction and humanization of a functional bispecific EGFR * CD16 diabody
      using a refolding system.
AB  - We previously reported the construction and activity of a humanized, bispecific
      diabody (hEx3) that recruited T cells towards an epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) positive tumor. Herein, we describe the construction of a second
      functional, fully humanized, anti-EGFR bispecific diabody that recruits another
      subset of lymphocyte effectors, the natural killer cells, to EGFR-expressing
      tumor cells. After we confirmed that an anti-EGFR * anti-CD16 bispecific diabody
      (Ex16) consisting of a previously humanized anti-EGFR variable fragment (Fv) and
      a mouse anti-CD16 Fv had growth inhibitory activity, we designed a humanized anti
      CD16 Fv to construct the fully humanized Ex16 (hEx16). However, the humanized
      form had lower activity for inhibition of cancer growth. To restore its growth
      inhibitory activity, we introduced mutations into the Vernier zone, which is
      located near the complementarity-determining regions and is involved in their
      binding activity. We efficiently prepared 15 different hEx16 mutants by
      expressing each chimeric single-chain component for hEx16 separately. We then
      used our in vitro refolding system to select the most functional mutant, which
      had a growth inhibitory effect comparable with that of the commercially available
      chimeric anti-EGFR antibody, cetuximab. Our refolding system could aid in the
      efficient optimization of other proteins with heterodimeric structure.

PMID- 22074400
TI  - Relevance of fluoroquinolone use in hospitals in the Lorraine region of France
      before and after corrective measures: an investigation by the Antibiolor Network.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study of fluoroquinolone use was carried out before and after an
      educational intervention run by Antibiolor, a regional network to all hospitals
      in the Lorraine region of France. METHODS: The relevance of fluoroquinolone
      prescription according to regional guidelines was assessed using a standard card
      filled out by physicians and pharmacists at the voluntarily participating
      hospitals. A therapeutic index of adequacy was established for each card. The
      initial survey took place in January 2008, with feedback and proposals for
      corrective measures in January 2009. The second survey was organized in June
      2009. The results of the 2 surveys were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-four hospitals
      completed a total of 1336 cards in the first survey (S1) and 944 cards in the
      second (S2). The appropriateness of indications for fluoroquinolone use improved
      by 57% between the 2 surveys. All the criteria analyzed (choice of drug, dosage,
      treatment duration) were significantly improved in S2 compared to S1, as was the
      adequacy index (70% improvement). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the consequences of
      fluoroquinolone use, many hospitals in Lorraine were keen to participate in this
      study, confirming its feasibility over a large area. In view of the study
      results, the book of guidelines was re-examined and republished at the conclusion
      of S2. Greater adherence to guidelines was noted in S2, demonstrating the benefit
      of assessing the situation thoroughly before proposing corrective measures and
      evaluating their impact.

PMID- 22074402
TI  - Antimicrobial peptides: key components of the innate immune system.
AB  - Life-threatening infectious diseases are on their way to cause a worldwide
      crisis, as treating them effectively is becoming increasingly difficult due to
      the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) form
      an ancient type of innate immunity found universally in all living organisms,
      providing a principal first-line of defense against the invading pathogens. The
      unique diverse function and architecture of AMPs has attracted considerable
      attention by scientists, both in terms of understanding the basic biology of the
      innate immune system, and as a tool in the design of molecular templates for new
      anti-infective drugs. AMPs are gene-encoded short (<100 amino acids), amphipathic
      molecules with hydrophobic and cationic amino acids arranged spatially, which
      exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. AMPs have been the subject of
      natural evolution, as have the microbes, for hundreds of millions of years.
      Despite this long history of co-evolution, AMPs have not lost their ability to
      kill or inhibit the microbes totally, nor have the microbes learnt to avoid the
      lethal punch of AMPs. AMPs therefore have potential to provide an important
      breakthrough and form the basis for a new class of antibiotics. In this review,
      we would like to give an overview of cationic antimicrobial peptides, origin,
      structure, functions, and mode of action of AMPs, which are highly expressed and
      found in humans, as well as a brief discussion about widely abundant, well
      characterized AMPs in mammals, in addition to pharmaceutical aspects and the
      additional functions of AMPs.

PMID- 22074401
TI  - Gallium compound GaQ(3) -induced Ca(2+)  signalling triggers p53-dependent and 
      independent apoptosis in cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A novel anti-neoplastic gallium complex GaQ(3)  (KP46),
      earlier developed by us, is currently in phase I clinical trial. GaQ(3)  induced
      S-phase arrest and apoptosis via caspase/PARP cleavage in a variety of cancers.
      However, the underlying mechanism of apoptosis is unknown. Here, we have explored
      the mechanism(s) of GaQ(3) -induced apoptosis in cancer cells, focusing on p53
      and intracellular Ca(2+)  signalling. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH GaQ(3) -induced
      cytotoxicity and apoptosis were determined in cancer cell lines, with different
      p53 status (p53(+/+) , p53(-/-)  and p53 mutant). Time course analysis of
      intracellular Ca(2+)  calcium release, p53 promoter activation, p53
      nuclear/cytoplasmic movements and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were conducted.
      Ca(2+) -dependent formation of the p53-p300 transcriptional complex was analysed
      by co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Ca(2+)  signalling,
      p53, p300 and ROS were serially knocked down to study Ca(2+) -p53-ROS ineractions
      in GaQ(3) -induced apoptosis. KEY RESULTS GaQ(3)  triggered intracellular Ca(2+) 
      release stabilizing p53-p300 complex and recruited p53 to p53 promoter, leading
      to p53 mRNA and protein synthesis. p53 induced higher intracellular Ca(2+) 
      release and ROS followed by activation of p53 downstream genes including those
      for the micro RNA mir34a. In p53(-/-)  and p53 mutant cells, GaQ(3) -induced
      Ca(2+) -signalling generated ROS. ROS further increased membrane translocation of
      FAS and FAS-mediated extrinsic apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study
      disclosed a novel mechanism of Ca(2+) -signalling-mediated p53 activation and ROS
      up-regulation. Understanding the mechanism of GaQ(3) -induced apoptosis will help
      establish this gallium-based organic compound as a potent anti-cancer drug.

PMID- 22074404
TI  - A point mutation at F1737 of the human Nav1.7 sodium channel decreases inhibition
      by local anesthetics.
AB  - Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) contribute to the initiation and propagation
      of action potentials within the nervous system. These channels are important
      targets for inhibition by several classes of drugs, including antiarrhythmics and
      local anesthetics. Structural and pharmacological studies have localized the
      binding of these drugs to a common site near the channel's intracellular pore
      region. Point mutations within this region disrupt local anesthetic inhibition of
      cardiac, CNS, and skeletal muscle VGSC subtypes. This study was designed to test
      whether a similar structural requirement for drug binding exists on the
      peripheral neuronal VGSC subtype; Na(v)1.7. In support of this hypothesis, an
      alanine substitution for phenylalanine at position 1737 (F1737A) in the pore
      lining S6 segment of domain IV in human Na(v)1.7 reduced both use- and state-
      dependent inhibition of the local anesthetics, lidocaine and tetracaine, by 8-21
      fold. We also saw a 2-3-fold reduction in tonic inhibition with the F1737A
      mutant. The voltage dependence of both activation and inactivation were
      unaffected by the F1737A mutation, however, fast inactivation kinetics were
      impaired, such that a significant portion of inward current remained at the end
      of a 20-ms depolarization. These data suggest that F1737 forms a part of the high
      affinity binding of local anesthetics as well as mediating inactivation processes
      of neuronal Na(v)1.7 channels.

PMID- 22074405
TI  - Highly selective colorimetric detection of hydrochloric acid using unlabeled gold
      nanoparticles and an oxidizing agent.
AB  - We report a colorimetric system for the detection of HCl in aqueous environments
      using unlabeled gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probes. This nonaggregation-based
      detection system relies on the ability of chloro species to cause rapid leaching
      of AuNPs in an aqueous dispersion containing a strong oxidizing agent, such as
      HNO(3) or H(2)O(2). The leaching process leads to remarkable damping of the
      surface plasmon resonance peak of the AuNP dispersion. This method works only
      with AuNPs of a particular size (~30 nm diameter). It is highly selective for HCl
      over several common mineral acids, salts, and anions. This simple and cost
      effective sensing system provides rapid and simple detection of HCl at
      concentrations as low as 500 ppm (far below the hazard limit) in natural water
      systems.

PMID- 22074403
TI  - Factors associated with the occurrence of MRSA CC398 in herds of fattening pigs
      in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MRSA
      in herds of fattening pigs in different regions of Germany, and to determine
      factors associated with the occurrence of this pathogen. For this purpose pooled
      dust samples were collected, and a questionnaire covered information regarding
      herd characteristics and management practices. Samples were pre-enriched in high
      salt medium followed by selective enrichment containing cefoxitin/aztreonam, and
      culturing. Presumptive colonies were confirmed by multiplex-PCR targeting nuc-,
      mecA- and 16S rRNA-genes. Isolates were spa- and SCCmec-, and in selected cases,
      multilocus sequence-typed. Susceptibilities to 13 antimicrobials were determined
      by broth microdilution. Statistical analysis was carried out using backward
      stepwise logistic regression to calculate odds ratios with the MRSA test result
      as the outcome and herd characteristics as categorical covariates. RESULTS:
      Overall, 152 of 290 (52%) fattening pig farms tested positive for MRSA. The
      prevalence in the east, north- and south-west of Germany ranged from 39 to
      59%.t011 (66%) and t034 (23%) were the most commonly identified spa-types, and
      85% of isolates carried SCCmec Type V. Identified spa-types were all associated
      with clonal complex CC398. Susceptibility testing revealed that all isolates were
      resistant to tetracycline. High resistance rates were also found for
      sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (40%), and quinupristin/dalfopristin (32%). In
      addition, 83% of strains displayed multidrug resistant (> 3 substance classes)
      phenotypes.Logistic regression revealed herd size (large farms OR: 5.4; CI: 2.7
      11.2; p < 0.05), and production type (wean-to-finish OR: 4.0; CI: 1.6-10.4; p <
      0.05) as risk factors associated with a positive MRSA finding in fattening pig
      operations. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA CC398 is widely distributed among herds of
      fattening pigs in Germany. Farm management plays a crucial role in the
      dissemination of MRSA with herd size, and production type representing potential
      major indicators.

PMID- 22074406
TI  - Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22074407
TI  - Inflammatory diseases of the parathyroid gland.
AB  - AIMS: Inflammatory disorders of the parathyroid gland are very rare as compared
      with those of other endocrine organs. The aim of this study was to provide the
      first systematic review of this condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 42-year-old
      patient underwent surgery for recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism. Histology
      showed hyperplastic parathyroiditis defined by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate
      with active germinal centres. Molecular markers revealed significant upregulation
      of CD68 in an ischaemic background (hypoxia-inducible factor 1 upregulation) with
      mitochondrial reaction (malate dehydrogenase 2 upregulation) and
      hyperparathyroidism (carbonic anhydrase 4 upregulation). Our case demonstrates
      true intraparathyroid inflammation with terminal B-cell differentiation. We
      searched PubMed, ISI Thompson and Google Scholar up to January 2011, using the
      terms 'parathyroiditis', 'inflammation of parathyroid gland', 'lymphocytic
      infiltrate', 'tuberculosis of the parathyroid', 'sarcoidosis', and 'graulomatous
      inflammation'. Three autopsy series, 27 articles and 96 case reports with
      inflammatory parathyroid disorders were identified. Autopsy series showed
      lymphocytic infiltrates in up to 16% of all cases. The entire material reported
      lymphocytic infiltrates (n=69), parathyroiditis with germinal centres (n=15),
      sarcoidosis (n=6), tuberculosis (n=4), and other granulomatous diseases (n=2).
      CONCLUSIONS: Distinct inflammatory and granulomatous processes in the parathyroid
      gland are rare. Scanty lymphocytic infiltrates are common, and occur in
      generalized inflammatory conditions or venous congestion. We note the surprising
      absence of an association between histological proof of parathyroiditis and
      hypoparathyroidism.

PMID- 22074409
TI  - Vicious dogs part 2: criminal thinking, callousness, and personality styles of
      their owners.
AB  - Every year over 885,000 dog bites require serious medical attention. Based on
      human injury and insurance claims, six dog breeds were designated as "vicious"
      (Akitas, Chows, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Wolf-mixes). This study
      was conducted to expand on previous research examining antisocial tendencies and
      personality styles of people choosing to own vicious breeds. Seven hundred and
      fifty-four college students completed a questionnaire assessing type of dog
      owned, criminal thinking, callousness, personality, alcohol usage, and deviant
      lifestyle behaviors. Vicious dog owners reported significantly higher criminal
      thinking, entitlement, sentimentality, and superoptimism tendencies. Vicious dog
      owners were arrested, engaged in physical fights, and used marijuana
      significantly more than other dog owners. However, the homogeneous sample
      utilized could impact the generalizability of these findings. Choosing to own a
      vicious dog may be a "thin slice" indicator of more antisocial tendencies.

PMID- 22074408
TI  - Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor components in human and
      rat spinal trigeminal nucleus and spinal cord at C1-level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has a key role in migraine
      pathophysiology and is associated with activation of the trigeminovascular
      system. The trigeminal ganglion, storing CGRP and its receptor components,
      projects peripheral to the intracranial vasculature and central to regions in the
      brainstem with Adelta- and C-fibers; this constitutes an essential part of the
      pain pathways activated in migraine attacks. Therefore it is of importance to
      identify the regions within the brainstem that processes nociceptive information
      from the trigeminovascular system, such as the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN)
      and the C1-level of the spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the
      distribution and relation between CGRP and its receptor components - calcitonin
      receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) -
      in human and rat STN and at the C1-level, using a set of newly well characterized
      antibodies. In addition, double-stainings with CGRP and myelin basic protein
      (MBP, myelin), synaptophysin (synaptic vesicles) or IB4 (C-fibers in general)
      were performed. RESULTS: In the STN, the highest density of CGRP immunoreactive
      fibers were found in a network around fiber bundles in the superficial laminae.
      CLR and RAMP1 expression were predominately found in fibers in the spinal
      trigeminal tract region, with some fibers spanning into the superficial laminae.
      Co-localization between CGRP and its receptor components was not noted. In C1,
      CGRP was expressed in fibers of laminae I and II. The CGRP staining was similar
      in rat, except for CGRP positive neurons that were found close to the central
      canal. In C1, the receptor components were detected in laminae I and II, however
      these fibers were distinct from fibers expressing CGRP as verified by confocal
      microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the detailed expression of CGRP
      and its receptor components within STN in the brainstem and in the spinal cord at
      C1-level, and shows the possibility of CGRP acting postjunctionally in these
      areas putatively involved in primary headaches.

PMID- 22074410
TI  - Imatinib mesylate  for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite recent advances, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
      remains a devastating disease which harbors a poor prognosis. Novel therapeutic
      approaches directly targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling are warranted. AREAS
      COVERED: This review delineates the current limitations in the management of PAH
      and focuses on a novel, anti-proliferative therapeutic concept. It will help
      readers understand the mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, with a
      special focus on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors and their role
      in the pathobiology of PAH. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive summary
      regarding the rationale, efficacy and safety of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      imatinib mesylate , which potently inhibits the PDGF receptor, as an additional
      treatment option in PAH. EXPERT OPINION: PDGF is a potent mitogen for pulmonary
      vascular smooth muscle cells and represents an important mediator of pulmonary
      vascular remodeling. Imatinib mesylate, a compound that inhibits the Bcr-Abl
      kinase and was developed for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, also
      targets PDGF receptors. Both experimental and clinical data indicate that it
      reverses the vascular remodeling process even when it is fully established.
      Results from Phase II and III clinical trials suggest potent and prolonged
      efficacy in patients with severe PAH (i.e., pulmonary vascular resistance > 800
      dynes*s*cm(-5)). Future studies should evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy
      and safety of imatinib, including patients with less impaired hemodynamics. Based
      on the current knowledge, this compound is likely to become an additional
      treatment option for patients with PAH and has the potential to at least
      partially correct the pathology of the disease.

PMID- 22074411
TI  - Rates of ionic reactions with charged nanoparticles in aqueous media.
AB  - A theory is developed to evaluate the electrostatic correction for the rate of
      reaction between a small ion and a charged ligand nanoparticle. The particle is
      assumed to generally consist of an impermeable core and a shell permeable to
      water and ions. A derivation is proposed for the ion diffusion flux that includes
      the impact of the equilibrium electrostatic field distribution within and around
      the shell of the particle. The contribution of the extra- and intraparticulate
      field is rationalized in terms of a conductive diffusion factor, f(el), that
      includes the details of the particle geometry (core size and shell thickness),
      the volume charge density in the shell, and the parameters defining the
      electrostatic state of the particle core surface. The numerical evaluation of
      f(el), based on the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, is successfully
      complemented with semianalytical expressions valid under the Debye-Huckel
      condition in the limits of strong and weak electrostatic screening. The latter
      limit correctly includes the original result obtained by Debye in his 1942
      seminal paper about the effect of electrostatics on the rate of collision between
      two ions. The significant acceleration and/or retardation possibly experienced by
      a metal ion diffusing across a soft reactive particle/solution interphase is
      highlighted by exploring the dependence of f(el) on electrolyte concentration,
      particle size, particle charge, and particle type (i.e., hard, core/shell, and
      entirely porous particles).

PMID- 22074412
TI  - Spinal cord stimulation with hybrid lead relieves pain in low back and legs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is the most common chronic
      pain syndrome. Whereas it is relatively easy to achieve pain relief in the lower
      limbs of FBSS patients with spinal cord stimulation (SCS), it is difficult to
      manage low back pain with SCS. The performance of a paddle-shaped SCS lead that
      can be inserted surgically as well as percutaneously (a hybrid lead) was
      evaluated in a prospective study on the relief of low back pain and leg pain in
      patients with FBSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with FBSS being eligible for
      SCS were enrolled in the study, and a hybrid lead was placed surgically. Outcome
      measures included pain scores for low back and leg pain assessed by visual analog
      scale (VAS), pain medication, and patient satisfaction. These scores were
      assessed before and at regular intervals after implantation. RESULTS: It was
      shown that a single hybrid lead, generally positioned over the physiological
      midline of the spinal cord, is capable of alleviating both low back and leg pain
      in patients with FBSS. Forty-five subjects were eligible for SCS and received
      trial stimulation. Forty-two of them had a successful trial period and were
      converted to a permanent system. Their average VAS score at baseline was 8.0 for
      lower limb pain and 7.5 for low back pain. After six months of SCS, these average
      VAS scores were reduced to 3.2 and 3.5, respectively, and also pain medication
      was reduced significantly. CONCLUSION: SCS with a hybrid lead in subjects with
      FBSS is safe, and causes significant pain relief in both the low back and the
      lower limbs.

PMID- 22074414
TI  - Feeling out of control: a qualitative analysis of the impact of bipolar disorder.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurrent disorder with fluctuating symptoms.
      Few patients with bipolar disorder experience a simple trajectory of clear-cut
      episodes, with recovery typically occurring slowly over time. The chronic and
      disabling course of the disorder has a marked impact on the person's functioning
      and relationships with others. The objectives of this study were to investigate
      the impact of bipolar disorder on the lives of people diagnosed with this
      disorder. The method used was a general inductive qualitative approach. Twenty
      one participants were interviewed between 2008 and 2009 about how they had
      experienced the impact of bipolar disorder. The interviews were audio-taped and
      transcribed. The core theme that emerged was the participants were feeling out of
      control. Their own reactions and the reactions of others to the symptoms of
      bipolar disorder contributed to this core theme. The core theme was constituted
      by feeling overwhelmed, a loss of autonomy and felling flawed. Mental health
      nurses can help facilitate a sense of personal control for people with bipolar
      disorder by exploring what the symptoms mean for that person and implementing
      strategies to manage the symptoms, address social stigma and facilitate active
      involvement in treatment.

PMID- 22074413
TI  - The distribution of lung cancer across sectors of society in the United Kingdom:
      a study using national primary care data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is pressing need to diagnose lung cancer earlier in the United
      Kingdom (UK) and it is likely that research using computerised general practice
      records will help this process. Linkage of these records to area-level geo
      demographic classifications may also facilitate case ascertainment for public
      health programmes, however, there have as yet been no extensive studies of data
      validity for such purposes. METHODS: To first address the need for validation, we
      assessed the completeness and representativeness of lung cancer data from The
      Health Improvement Network (THIN) national primary care database by comparing
      incidence and survival between 2000 and 2009 with the UK National Cancer Registry
      and the National Lung Cancer Audit Database. Secondly, we explored the potential
      of a geo-demographic social marketing tool to facilitate disease ascertainment by
      using Experian's Mosaic Public Sector TM classification, to identify detailed
      profiles of the sectors of society where lung cancer incidence was highest.
      RESULTS: Overall incidence of lung cancer (41.4/100, 000 person-years, 95%
      confidence interval 40.6-42.1) and median survival (232 days) were similar to
      other national data; The incidence rate in THIN from 2003-2006 was found to be
      just over 93% of the national cancer registry rate. Incidence increased
      considerably with area-level deprivation measured by the Townsend Index and was
      highest in the North-West of England (65.1/100, 000 person-years). Wider
      variations in incidence were however identified using Mosaic classifications with
      the highest incidence in Mosaic Public Sector TMtypes 'Cared-for pensioners, '
      'Old people in flats' and 'Dignified dependency' (191.7, 174.2 and 117.1 per 100,
      000 person-years respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Routine electronic data in THIN are
      a valid source of lung cancer information. Mosaic TM identified greater incidence
      differentials than standard area-level measures and as such could be used as a
      tool for public health programmes to ascertain future cases more effectively.

PMID- 22074415
TI  - Suppression of realgar cage degradation during complexation: formation of hybrid
      coordination polymers with As4S4, PAs3S3, and Cu(I) halide building blocks.
AB  - Realgar, As(4)S(4), reacts with Cr(CO)(5)THF under cage degradation to give
      As(4)S(3).Cr(CO)(5) (1). The reverse structural change is found if solutions of 1
      in CH(2)Cl(2) react with equimolar amounts of PAs(3)S(3).W(CO)(5) and CuX (X =
      Cl, Br, I) in CH(3)CN under biphasic diffusion conditions. The resulting
      coordination polymers 2-4 contain a reconstituted realgar molecule along with the
      PAs(3)S(3) cage. The crystal structures of (CuX)(As(4)S(4))(PAs(3)S(3)) (X = Cl:
      2; Br: 3) are characterized by one-dimensional (1D) (CuX)(As(4)S(4)) strands,
      which are formed by alternating As(4)S(4) cages and CuX dumbbells. Terminal
      PAs(3)S(3) molecules are coordinated to copper by apical phosphorus and bridging
      realgar through sulfur. The As(3) triangles of the resulting
      (CuX)(As(4)S(4))(PAs(3)S(3)) strands interact with halides of neighbored strands
      to give a folded three-dimensional (3D) network. The structure of
      (CuI)(3)(As(4)S(4))(PAs(3)S(3)) (4) contains 1D (Cu(3)I(3))(n) strands as
      backbones, which are bridged by sulfur atoms of two eta(1:2)-As(4)S(4) molecules
      while PAs(3)S(3) confines the resulting sheet. The As(3) triangles at the surface
      of the layers interact with iodide of the next layer to form a layered 3D
      network.

PMID- 22074416
TI  - Differences in adjustment by child developmental stage among caregivers of
      children with disorders of sex development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study sought to compare levels of overprotection and
      parenting stress reported by caregivers of children with disorders of sex
      development at four different developmental stages. METHODS: Caregivers (N = 59)
      of children with disorders of sex development were recruited from specialty
      clinics and were asked to complete the Parent Protection Scale and Parenting
      Stress Index/Short Form as measures of overprotective behaviors and parenting
      stress, respectively. RESULTS: Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted to
      examine differences between caregiver report of overprotection and parenting
      stress. Results revealed that caregivers of infants and toddlers exhibited more
      overprotective behaviors than caregivers of children in the other age groups.
      Further, caregivers of adolescents experienced significantly more parenting
      stress than caregivers of school-age children, and this effect was driven by
      personal distress and problematic parent-child interactions, rather than having a
      difficult child. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that caregivers of children
      with disorders of sex development may have different psychosocial needs based
      upon their child's developmental stage and based upon the disorder-related
      challenges that are most salient at that developmental stage.

PMID- 22074417
TI  - Critical effects on attractive solutes in binary liquid mixtures close to their
      consolute point: a new experimental strategy.
AB  - The effect of near-criticality upon the properties of dilute solutions of
      attractive solutes has been previously studied only using pure solvents close to
      the vapor-liquid critical point. The experimental difficulties that plague this
      thermodynamic region have somewhat obscured the interpretations of the results.
      Consequently, the coupling of long-range critical fluctuations with short-range
      intermolecular interactions is still a matter of debate. We developed a new
      strategy consisting of studying the changes in the solvation shell of probe
      molecules dissolved in a binary solvent mixture close to its lower consolute
      critical point. The study is based on UV-vis absorption and fluorescent emission
      measurements of the solvatochromic and thermochromic effects of two dyes,
      Reichardt's Dye and Nile Red, dissolved in mixtures of lutidine-water. The
      results show unambiguously the existence of a subtle change in the composition of
      the near-critical solvent surrounding the probe molecules with respect to the
      bulk composition, thus we conclude that the coupling of long-range fluctuations
      with short-range interactions is now firmly established.

PMID- 22074418
TI  - One-step construction of tetrahydro-5H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolines from benzyl azides
      and indoles via a cascade reaction sequence.
AB  - A novel one-step assembly of tetrahydro-5H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolines from benzyl
      azides and indoles via a formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition is described. A cascade
      reaction sequence, which involves benzyl azide-to-iminium rearrangement followed
      by two sequential Pictet-Spengler reactions, generates the tetracycles in
      moderate to excellent yields. The current method is applicable to a broad
      substrate scope and holds significant potential in constructing polycyclic
      indolines with tertiary and/or quaternary carbon centers.

PMID- 22074420
TI  - Prodrugs: pharmaceutical design and current perspectives.

PMID- 22074421
TI  - L-Dopa prodrugs: an overview of trends for improving Parkinson's disease
      treatment.
AB  - L-Dopa is the mainstay of Parkinson's disease therapy; this drug is usually
      administered orally, but it is extensively metabolized in the gastrointestinal
      tract, so that relatively little arrives in the bloodstream as intact L-Dopa. The
      peripheral conversion of L-Dopa by amino acid decarboxylase to dopamine is
      responsible for the typical gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. To
      minimize the conversion to dopamine outside the central nervous system, L-Dopa is
      usually given in combination with peripheral inhibitors of amino acid
      decarboxylase. In spite of that, other central nervous side effects such as
      dyskinesia, on-off phenomenon and end-of-dose deterioration still remain. The
      main factors responsible for the poor bioavailability are the drug's physical
      chemical properties: low water and lipid solubility, resulting in unfavorable
      partition, and the high susceptibility to chemical and enzymatic degradation.
      Starting from these considerations the prodrug approach has been applied to L
      Dopa in order to overcome its metabolism problems and to improve its
      bioavailability. The goal of this paper is to provide the reader with a critical
      overview on L-Dopa prodrugs here classified according to the nature of the main
      chemical modification on L-Dopa backbone that led to the formation of the desired
      derivative.

PMID- 22074419
TI  - Associations of iron metabolism genes with blood manganese levels: a population
      based study with validation data from animal models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given mounting evidence for adverse effects from excess manganese
      exposure, it is critical to understand host factors, such as genetics, that
      affect manganese metabolism. METHODS: Archived blood samples, collected from 332
      Mexican women at delivery, were analyzed for manganese. We evaluated associations
      of manganese with functional variants in three candidate iron metabolism genes:
      HFE [hemochromatosis], TF [transferrin], and ALAD [delta-aminolevulinic acid
      dehydratase]. We used a knockout mouse model to parallel our significant results
      as a novel method of validating the observed associations between genotype and
      blood manganese in our epidemiologic data. RESULTS: Percentage of participants
      carrying at least one copy of HFE C282Y, HFE H63D, TF P570S, and ALAD K59N
      variant alleles was 2.4%, 17.7%, 20.1%, and 6.4%, respectively. Percentage
      carrying at least one copy of either C282Y or H63D allele in HFE gene was 19.6%.
      Geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) manganese concentrations were 17.0
      (1.5) MUg/l. Women with any HFE variant allele had 12% lower blood manganese
      concentrations than women with no variant alleles (beta = -0.12 [95% CI = -0.23
      to -0.01]). TF and ALAD variants were not significant predictors of blood
      manganese. In animal models, Hfe(-/-) mice displayed a significant reduction in
      blood manganese compared with Hfe(+/+) mice, replicating the altered manganese
      metabolism found in our human research. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that
      genetic variants in iron metabolism genes may contribute to variability in
      manganese exposure by affecting manganese absorption, distribution, or excretion.
      Genetic background may be critical to consider in studies that rely on
      environmental manganese measurements.

PMID- 22074422
TI  - Salicylanilide ester prodrugs as potential antimicrobial agents--a review.
AB  - Salicylanilides have been a subject of interest in medicinal chemistry as a group
      with a wide range of biological activities. The antibacterial (including
      antimycobacterial) and antifungal activities have come to be viewed as very
      significant. The synthesis of new prodrugs to counter a number of problematic
      properties of salicylanilides is a current trend. This article brings together
      the known basic facts about these prodrugs, particularly about the different
      mechanisms of the antimicrobial action of salicylanilides, including
      salicylanilide toxicity and undesired effects. The largest part of this group
      consists of antimicrobial salicylanilide esters with different organic acids,
      e.g. acetates, carbamates, esters with N-protected amino acids, and mutual
      antibacterial compounds with known antibacterial agents (beta-lactames and
      linezolid), with the activity and structure-activity relationships of these
      compounds being of particular interest. This review summarizes the activity of
      salicylanilides as potential virulence inhibitors attributable to a blockade of
      the type III secretion pathway. Many salicylanilide ester derivatives have been
      demonstrated an effective and promising treatment against pathogenic fungi and
      bacteria (especially against Gram-positive, tuberculous and atypical
      mycobacterial strains), including strains such as methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and isoniazid-resistant mycobacteria which are resistant to
      one or more clinically used drugs.

PMID- 22074423
TI  - Antimycobacterial evaluation of pyrazinoic acid reversible derivatives.
AB  - Design, results of in vitro antimycobacterial evaluation, and study of structure
      activity relationships of various pyrazinecarboxylic acid reversible derivatives
      are presented. This review deals with some pyrazinamide analogues/prodrugs
      derived from Nphenylpyrazine- 2-carboxamides (1), arylaminopyrazine-2,5
      dicarbonitriles (2), aryl/alkylsulphanylpyrazines (3,4), and aroylpyrazines (5)
      effecting >50% inhibition in the primary antimycobacterial screen. The promising
      pyrazine candidates for further antimycobacterial evaluation were discovered.
      Results give good view onto structure-activity relationships of these analogues
      and promise even better activity of new compounds prepared after some structure
      optimization experiments.

PMID- 22074424
TI  - A prodrug approach to improve the physico-chemical properties and decrease the
      genotoxicity of nitro compounds.
AB  - In therapeutics research, the nitro compounds are part of an important group of
      drugs with multiple pharmacological activities. However, in drug design, the
      inclusion of a nitro group in a molecule changes the physico-chemical and
      electronic properties and is associated with increased mutagenicity and
      carcinogenicity. In addition, several studies have related the relationship
      between the antimicrobial and/or anti-protozoal activity and the mutagenic effect
      to reduction of the nitro group. This work reviews the toxicity of nitro
      compounds and shows how the use of prodrugs can increase the biological activity
      and decrease the genotoxicity of nitro compounds, without any modification in
      nitro reduction behavior, but rather by physico-chemical improvement. Examples
      are given of metronidazole and nitrofurazone prodrugs.

PMID- 22074425
TI  - Prodrugs for targeted tumor therapies: recent developments in ADEPT, GDEPT and
      PMT.
AB  - The treatment of cancer with common anti-proliferative agents generally suffers
      from an insufficient differentiation between normal and malignant cells which
      results in extensive side effects. To enhance the efficacy and reduce the normal
      tissue toxicity of anticancer drugs, numerous selective tumor therapies have
      emerged including the highly promising approaches ADEPT (Antibody-Directed Enzyme
      Prodrug Therapy), GDEPT (Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy) and PMT (Prodrug
      Monotherapy). These allow a selective release of cytotoxic agents from non-toxic
      prodrugs at the tumor site either by targeted antibody-enzyme conjugates, enzyme
      encoding genes or by exploiting physiological and metabolic aberrations in
      cancerous tissue. Herein, recent developments in the design and biological
      evaluation of prodrugs for use in ADEPT, GDEPT and PMT are reviewed. As a
      highlight, a series of novel glycosidic prodrugs based on the natural antibiotics
      CC-1065 and the duocarmycins will be discussed which show a therapeutic window of
      up to one million. Notably, the corresponding drugs have tremendously high
      cytotoxicities with IC(50) values of down to 110 fM.

PMID- 22074426
TI  - Prodrugs in photodynamic anticancer therapy.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT), the concept of cancer treatment through the selective
      uptake of a light-sensitive agent followed by exposure to a specific wavelength,
      is limited by the transport of a photosensitizer (PS) to the tumor tissue.
      Porphyrin, an important PS class, can be used in PDT in the form of its prodrug
      molecule 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Unfortunately, its poor pharmacokinetic
      properties make this compound difficult to administer. Two different methods for
      eliminating this problem can be distinguished. The first approach is to play with
      its formulation in order to improve the drug's applicability. The second
      approach, which is to find possible 5- ALA prodrugs, is an example of the double
      prodrug method, a strategy often used in modern drug design. In this approach,
      the biological mechanisms in a long biosynthetic pathway involving several steps
      must be completed before the active drug appears. Recently, an idea of enhancing
      PDT sensitization using the so-called iron chelators seemed to increase the
      accumulation of protoporphyrin in cells. At the same time, iron chelators can
      destroy tumor cells by producing active oxygen after the formation of an active
      drug by chelating iron in the cancer cells. Thus, in the latter case, the therapy
      resembles a prodrug strategy. The mechanism can be explained by the Fenton
      reaction. Vitamin C is another example of a potential anticancer agent of this
      type.

PMID- 22074427
TI  - Prodrugs and endogenous transporters: are they suitable tools for drug targeting
      into the central nervous system?
AB  - Hydrophilic drugs, or neuroactive agents characterized by high molecular weight,
      do not have the physico-chemical properties required for passive diffusion across
      the blood brain barrier (BBB). The prodrug approach by lipidization of
      hydrophilic drugs generally allows to sensibly increase their permeability across
      BBB, even if this phenomenon is often not associated to an effective entry into
      the brain of the lipidized drugs. It has been understood that active efflux
      transporters (AET) can have a very important role in extruding from the brain not
      only prodrugs obtained by lipidization processes, but also lipophilic drugs. On
      the other hand, it has been also demonstrated that carrier mediated transporters
      (CMT), able to transfer essential nutrients and hormones from the bloodstream to
      the CNS, can be employed for the brain targeting of appropriated designed
      prodrugs. This approach consists on the chemical modification of a drug into a
      "pseudonutrient" or, differently, on drug conjugation to essential nutrients
      transported by CMT systems. This review focuses the molecular aspects that
      regulate the activity of the CMT and AET systems for the transport of their
      substrates, taking into account the in vitro and in vivo studies related to these
      transporters. The studies are described and summarized in the aim to evaluate the
      molecular keys for the design of prodrugs efficacious in the brain targeting.
      Among these, the molecular Trojan horses systems are briefly illustrated as
      carriers for the transport in the brain of large molecular weight neuroactive
      agents.

PMID- 22074428
TI  - Recent advances in the design and synthesis of prednisolone and
      methylprednisolone conjugates.
AB  - Glucocorticoid drugs are commonly used in the treatment of many acute and chronic
      inflammatory diseases. However, application of these steroids is limited because
      of their physico-chemical properties, such as very low water solubility.
      Glucocorticoids also exhibit serious adverse side effects. Therefore, new drug
      delivery systems are being developed, with the aim of improving the
      physicochemical properties of glucocorticoids while avoiding undesirable side
      effects associated with systemic administration. Here we discuss the design and
      synthesis of conjugates of prednisolone (PD), methylprednisolone (MPD) and
      similar glucocorticoids. In this review, possibilities for targeting inflammatory
      sites, and reducing dosages and administration frequency through increasing drug
      circulation time are discussed. This review summarises synthetic approaches for
      the preparation of covalent conjugates, which are divided into two groups: low
      molecular weight conjugates and polymeric conjugates. These two groups are
      further divided into subgroups based on the chemical structure of the conjugates.
      Published results from in vitro and in vivo testing of prepared conjugates are
      also discussed.

PMID- 22074429
TI  - Chitosan derivatives with antimicrobial, antitumour and antioxidant activities--a
      review.
AB  - Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide with a good biodegradability,
      biocompatibility, and no toxicity, which provide it with huge potential for
      future development. The chitosan molecule appears to be a suitable polymeric
      complex for many biomedical applications. This review gathers current findings on
      the antibacterial, antifungal, antitumour and antioxidant activities of chitosan
      derivatives and concurs with our previous review presenting data collected up to
      2008. Antibacterial activity is based on molecular weight, the degree of
      deacetylation, the type of substitutents, which can be cationic or easily form
      cations, and the type of bacterium. In general, high molecular weight chitosan
      cannot pass through cell membranes and forms a film that protects cells against
      nutrient transport through the microbial cell membrane. Low molecular weight
      chitosan derivatives are water soluble and can better incorporate the active
      molecule into the cell. Gram-negative bacteria, often represented by Escherichia
      coli, have an anionic bacterial surface on which cationic chitosan derivatives
      interact electrostatically. Thus, many chitosan conjugates have cationic
      components such as ammonium, pyridinium or piperazinium substituents introduced
      into their molecules to increase their positive charge. Gram-positive bacteria
      like Staphylococcus aureus are inhibited by the binding of lower molecular weight
      chitosan derivatives to DNA or RNA. Chitosan nanoparticles exhibit an increase in
      loading capacity and efficacy. Antitumour active compounds such as doxorubicin,
      paclitaxel, docetaxel and norcantharidin are used as drug carriers. It is evident
      that chitosan, with its low molecular weight, is a useful carrier for molecular
      drugs requiring targeted delivery. The antioxidant scavenging activity of
      chitosan has been established by the strong hydrogen-donating ability of
      chitosan. The low molecular weight and greater degree of quarternization have a
      positive influence on the antioxidant activity of chitosan. Phenolic and
      polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant effects are condensed with chitosan to
      form mutual prodrugs.

PMID- 22074430
TI  - There is more to predicting vascular disease than just established risk factors.

PMID- 22074431
TI  - (Pro)renin receptor as a new drug target.
AB  - Over the last few years, the implication of the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] in
      the pathogenesis of end-organ damage has been shown through many different
      studies. The (P)RR plays a dual role when stimulated by renin or prorenin as it
      enhances both cell surface production of angiotensin and stimulates angiotensin
      independent intracellular signaling cascades. Since Ichihara's group demonstrated
      activation of prorenin when it was bound to antibodies targeted against a
      specific region in the renin prosegment, they designed a complementary
      decapeptide to this region called the handle region to use as a potential (P)RR
      blocker (PRRB). The effects of systemic administration of the PRRB on the
      development and progression of different renal, cardiac and ocular pathologies
      have been observed and have thus proposed the blocker as a potential new
      treatment for these afflictions. Conversely, the specificity of the PRRB has been
      questioned as conflicting results have been reported in the literature. A recent
      study has described a new high affinity binding site for renin and prorenin to
      the (P)RR called the hinge region. Hence, although there is great promise in the
      (P)RR potential as a therapeutic target, still much research is required to
      better identify adequate blockers.

PMID- 22074432
TI  - Lipid lowering drugs and gallstones: a therapeutic option?
AB  - Cholelithiasis is a common disease worldwide. The majority of gallstones can
      occur when the bile is supersaturated with cholesterol. Dyslipidaemia, obesity,
      insulin resistance are associated with an increased risk for cholesterol
      gallstone formation as well as with vascular risk. Statins and ezetimibe are used
      to treat dyslipidaemia and appear to have some effect on bile composition and
      cholesterol gallstone formation. Statin (e.g. pravastatin, simvastatin,
      fluvastatin and lovastatin) monotherapy or combined with ursodeoxycholic acid
      (UDCA) have shown reductions in bile cholesterol saturation, preventing gallstone
      formation and even dissolving pre-existing stones. However, this effect was not
      consistently reported in all studies. Statin use has also been associated with a
      reduced risk for cholecystectomy in 2 large epidemiological studies. Ezetimibe
      was shown to have a beneficial action against cholelithiasis in animal studies
      but data in humans - although promising - are very limited. The effect of these
      drugs on gallstone disease warrants further investigation in large human trials.
      We also consider the links between cholelithiasis, vascular risk and the use of
      lipid lowering drugs.

PMID- 22074433
TI  - Liver enzymes: potential cardiovascular risk markers?
AB  - Several cross-sectional studies have reported a relationship between elevated
      serum activity of liver enzymes [e.g. alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma
      glutamyltransferase (gammaGT)] and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and/or diabetes
      mellitus (DM). Raised serum activity of liver enzymes independently predicted the
      future development of MetS and DM as well as cardiovascular (CV) events and/or
      total/CV mortality in prospective studies. However, this association was not
      consistently demonstrated and it appears to be independent of alcohol intake.
      Even though these associations can be partly attributed to non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance, there may be additional underlying
      mechanisms that contribute to the increased CV risk (e.g. inflammation and
      oxidative stress). The association of gammaGT with atherosclerotic plaque is of
      particular importance.

PMID- 22074434
TI  - Is bilirubin a marker of vascular disease and/or cancer and is it a potential
      therapeutic target?
AB  - Normal aerobic metabolism is associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) that
      can damage cellular macromolecules. Analogous free radicals are formed by
      exposure to ionizing radiation and many dietary products are considered to
      contain free radical generators. During the past 15 years epidemiological studies
      and animal experiments have identified bilirubin as a molecule at the crossroads
      of the protection of the body against ROS. The studies have focused on bilirubin
      as a biomarker of arterial disease. This review assesses the current state of
      evidence and sets the data in context. There is no definitive evidence from
      prospective studies of a causal protective effect from bilirubin in arterial
      disease or that various genetic polymorphisms, (particularly the 7/7 UGT1A1
      repeat polymorphism) impacts coronary artery disease. There is no definitive
      evidence that high bilirubin levels confer protection against cancer. There is
      some preliminary evidence that bilirubin may have a protective effect in lung
      disease and stroke, but the reports have yet to be confirmed. The role of various
      genotypes of UGT1A1 and HMOX1, if any, in cancer is unclear.

PMID- 22074435
TI  - Therapeutic modulation of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2).
AB  - Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a calcium-independent
      phospholipase A2 that circulates in plasma in association with lipoprotein
      particles, whereas in atherosclerotic plaques it is co-localized with
      macrophages. Lp-PLA2 generates two proinflammatory mediators,
      lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized nonesterified fatty acids, which play a role
      in the development of atherosclerotic lesions and formation of a necrotic core,
      leading to more vulnerable plaques. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that
      increased circulating levels of Lp-PLA2 predict an increased risk of myocardial
      infarction, stroke and cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, histologic
      examination of diseased human coronary arteries reveals intense presence of the
      enzyme in atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture. These considerations
      suggest Lp-PLA2 as a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease.
      Plasma levels of Lp-PLA2 are increased in various types of hyperlipidemias, while
      hypolipidemic drugs reduce plasma Lp-PLA2 activity and mass along with the
      improvement of plasma lipid profile. A selective inhibitor of Lp-PLA2 activity,
      darapladib, has been developed and studies in animal models and humans have shown
      that it effectively and safely reduces Lp-PLA2 activity in plasma and in
      atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, in animal models darapladib decreases
      plaque area and necrotic core area whereas in humans it prevents the expansion of
      necrotic core volume. Whether the results obtained from the use of darapladib in
      studies in vitro, as well as in preclinical and clinical studies would translate
      into benefits on cardiovascular event outcomes, awaits to be proved in 2 ongoing
      phase 3 trials.

PMID- 22074436
TI  - Heat shock protein-60 and risk for cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. There is growing evidence that molecular chaperones, many of which are
      heat shock proteins HSPs, are involved in CVD pathogenesis. In this review we
      focus on HSP60, the human mitochondrial chaperone that also displays
      extramitochondrial and extracellular functions. HSP60 is typically cytoprotective
      but a number of stress conditions determine its conversion to a potentially toxic
      molecule for cells and tissues. We present illustrative examples of specific
      subtypes of CVD where HSP60 is implicated in the initiation and/or progression of
      disease. The data not only indicate a pathogenic role for HSP60 but also its
      potential as a biomarker with applications for diagnosis, assessing prognosis and
      response to treatment, as well as for preventing and treating CVD.

PMID- 22074437
TI  - Statin discontinuation in high-risk patients: a systematic review of the
      evidence.
AB  - Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the
      leading cause of death worldwide. Since the late 1980s, statins have emerged as
      effective lipid-lowering therapies and are now widely used to protect against and
      slow the progression of CVD and cerebrovascular disease. However, there is a
      significant gap between disease improvement in clinical trials and daily practice
      possibly attributable to poor adherence with statin therapy. High discontinuation
      rates were reported in primary and secondary prevention. This systematic review
      aims to summarize the current literature regarding the association between statin
      therapy discontinuation and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and all
      cause mortality in high-risk patients. Available English literature was reviewed
      using Medline, Embase, Web of Sciences and the Cochrane Library; 39 studies were
      identified. In primary and secondary prevention, as well as perioperatively, non
      adherence or discontinuation of statin therapy was associated with detrimental
      effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes, including disease
      severity and mortality. Importantly, some studies reported that very low
      adherence and discontinuation was associated with worse outcomes than never using
      statins. In conclusion, non-adherence and discontinuation of statin therapy
      significantly increased the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
      events as well as all-cause mortality in high-risk patients. Patients would
      therefore benefit from closer adherence assessment and education programs aimed
      at increasing awareness of the risk associated with discontinuation of statin
      therapy.

PMID- 22074438
TI  - Role of physician gender in the quality of care of cardiometabolic diseases.
AB  - Evidence suggests that patient gender is associated with the quality of care
      provided in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. The majority of findings
      suggest that female patients receive less intensified care than male patients.
      However, the question whether physician gender plays a role in the quality of
      care has been debated for some time. For example, it has been postulated that the
      practice styles of female physicians, such as spending more time with a patient,
      hearing and listening more effectively, and including more preventive measures,
      may result in more efficient clinical encounters that may positively affect
      clinical outcomes. This narrative review examines the existing evidence regarding
      the effects of physician gender on the quality of care provided, focusing mainly
      on patients with cardiometabolic diseases.

PMID- 22074439
TI  - Evaluation of the possible contribution of antioxidants administration in
      metabolic syndrome.
AB  - The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is common, and its associated risk burdens of
      diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are a major public health problem. The
      hypothesis that main constituent parameters of the MetS share common
      pathophysiologic mechanisms provides a conceptual framework for the future
      research. Exercise and weight loss can prevent insulin resistance and reduce the
      risk of diseases associated with the MetS. Interrupting intracellular and
      extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction could also contribute
      to normalizing the activation of metabolic pathways leading to the onset of
      diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular (CV) complications. On the
      other hand, it is difficult to counteract the development of CV complications by
      using conventional antioxidants. Indeed, interest has focused on strategies that
      enhance the removal of ROS using either antioxidants or drugs that enhance
      endogenous antioxidant defense. Although these strategies have been effective in
      laboratory experiments, several clinical trials have shown that they do not
      reduce CV events, and in some cases antioxidants have actually worsened the
      outcome. More research is needed in this field.

PMID- 22074441
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22074440
TI  - DNA binding activity of Helicobacter pylori DnaB helicase: the role of the N
      terminal domain in modulating DNA binding activities.
AB  - Replicative helicases are major motor proteins essential for chromosomal DNA
      replication in prokaryotes. Usually hexameric in solution, their DNA binding
      property must have different roles at stages ranging from the loading onto a
      branched structure at initiation from the origin to the highly processive
      translocation during elongation. Here, we have analysed the DNA binding activity
      of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) replicative helicase, DnaB. The results indicate that
      while the C-terminal region is important for its DNA binding activity, the N
      terminus appears to dampen the protein's affinity for DNA. The masking activity
      of the N-terminus does not require ATP or hexamerization of HpDnaB and can be
      overcome by deleting the N-terminus. It can also be neutralized by engaging the N
      terminus in an interaction with a partner like the C-terminus of DnaG primase.
      The inhibitory effect of the N-terminus on DNA binding activity is consistent
      with the 3D homology model of HpDnaB. Electron microscopy of the HpDnaB-ssDNA
      complex showed that HpDnaB preferentially bound at the ends of linear ssDNA and
      translocated along the DNA in the presence of ATP. These results provide an
      insight into the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of different regions of
      HpDnaB on DNA binding activities that may be central to the loading and
      translocation functions of DnaB helicases.

PMID- 22074442
TI  - A new species of Spauligodon (Nematoda: Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae) in Gonatodes
      antillensis (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from Bonaire, Lesser Antilles.
AB  - Spauligodon bonairensis n. sp. from the large intestines of the Antilles gecko,
      Gonatodes antillensis (Lacertidae), from Bonaire, Lesser Antilles, is described
      and illustrated. The new species is the 48th assigned to the genus and the 10th
      from the Neotropical region. Spauligodon bonairensis n. sp. is most similar to S.
      giganticus, S. hemidactylus, S. lamonthei, and S. oxkutzcabiensis in that only
      these 5 species possess lanceolate eggs. For males of these species, only S.
      lamothei possess a spicule, and only S. oxktzcabiensis has an aspinose tail. The
      egg of S. hemidactylus has 2 knobs; in S. giganticus, the more rounded end
      supports the single knob. In S. bonairensis n. sp., the more pointed end supports
      the single knob.

PMID- 22074443
TI  - Bioinorganic chemistry of titanium.

PMID- 22074444
TI  - Extraction of DNA from malaria-infected erythrocytes using isotachophoresis.
AB  - We demonstrate a technique for purification of nucleic acids from malaria
      parasites infecting human erythrocytes using isotachophoresis (ITP). We release
      nucleic acids from malaria-infected erythrocytes by lysing with heat and
      proteinase K for 10 min and immediately, thereafter, load sample onto a capillary
      device. We study the effect of temperature on lysis efficiency. We also implement
      pressure-driven counterflow during ITP extraction to extend focusing time and
      increase nucleic acid yield. We show that the purified genomic DNA samples are
      compatible with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and demonstrate a clinically
      relevant limit of detection of 0.5 parasites per nanoliter using quantitative
      PCR.

PMID- 22074445
TI  - Determination of HIV status of infants born to HIV-infected mothers: a review of
      the diagnostic methods with special focus on the applicability of p24 antigen
      testing in developing countries.
AB  - In 2009, 2.5 million children under the age of 15 y were living with human
      immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS); 370,000
      were diagnosed with HIV and 260,000 died due to AIDS. More than 90% of the
      children infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa. Most children infected
      with HIV contract the infection in utero, during delivery, or via breast milk.
      This review outlines the current diagnostic methods to determine the HIV status
      of infants born to HIV-infected mothers. The HIV DNA and RNA polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) tests are highly accurate and are recommended as the first-choice
      diagnostic methods. However, they are expensive and require complex laboratory
      procedures. Consequently, a search for less costly and complicated methods has
      led to the testing of p24 antigen analyses as an alternative to the gold-standard
      PCR tests, with encouraging results. The p24 antigen Perkin Elmer assay currently
      most often used has a sensitivity of 98.8% and a specificity of 100% (infants 6
      weeks of age). Larger-scale studies should be performed in resource-limited
      settings to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22074446
TI  - Successful and unsuccessful cannabis quitters: comparing group characteristics
      and quitting strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to improve treatments for cannabis use disorder, a better
      understanding of factors associated with successful quitting is required. METHOD:
      This study examined differences between successful (n=87) and unsuccessful (n=78)
      cannabis quitters. Participants completed a questionnaire addressing demographic,
      mental health, and cannabis-related variables, as well as quitting strategies
      during their most recent quit attempt. RESULTS: Eighteen strategies derived from
      cognitive behavioral therapy were entered into a principal components analysis.
      The analysis yielded four components, representing (1) Stimulus Removal, (2)
      Motivation Enhancement, (3) (lack of) Distraction, and (4) (lack of) Coping.
      Between groups comparisons showed that unsuccessful quitters scored significantly
      higher on Motivation Enhancement and (lack of) Coping. This may indicate that
      unsuccessful quitters focus on the desire to quit, but do not sufficiently plan
      strategies for coping. Unsuccessful quitters also had significantly more symptoms
      of depression and stress; less education; lower exposure to formal treatment;
      higher day-to-day exposure to other cannabis users; and higher cannabis
      dependence scores. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that coping, environmental
      modification, and co-morbid mental health problems may be important factors to
      emphasize in treatments for cannabis use disorder.

PMID- 22074447
TI  - Radiation-induced primitive neuroectodermal tumour - a rare cause and
      consequence.

PMID- 22074448
TI  - High resolution melting analysis for the detection of EMS induced mutations in
      wheat SBEIIa genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Manipulation of the amylose-amylopectin ratio in cereal starch has
      been identified as a major target for the production of starches with novel
      functional properties. In wheat, silencing of starch branching enzyme genes by a
      transgenic approach reportedly caused an increase of amylose content up to 70% of
      total starch, exhibiting novel and interesting nutritional characteristics. In
      this work, the functionality of starch branching enzyme IIa (SBEIIa) has been
      targeted in bread wheat by TILLING. An EMS-mutagenised wheat population has been
      screened using High Resolution Melting of PCR products to identify functional
      SNPs in the three homoeologous genes encoding the target enzyme in the hexaploid
      genome. RESULTS: This analysis resulted in the identification of 56, 14 and 53
      new allelic variants respectively for SBEIIa-A, SBEIIa-B and SBEIIa-D. The
      effects of the mutations on protein structure and functionality were evaluated by
      a bioinformatic approach. Two putative null alleles containing non-sense or
      splice site mutations were identified for each of the three homoeologous SBEIIa
      genes; qRT-PCR analysis showed a significant decrease of their gene expression
      and resulted in increased amylose content. Pyramiding of different single null
      homoeologous allowed to isolate double null mutants showing an increase of
      amylose content up to 21% compared to the control. CONCLUSION: TILLING has
      successfully been used to generate novel alleles for SBEIIa genes known to
      control amylose content in wheat. Single and double null SBEIIa genotypes have
      been found to show a significant increase in amylose content.

PMID- 22074449
TI  - Day-case stapedotomy: is it a viable option?
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy is, in our opinion, the technique of choice in stapes
      surgery. The precision of this technique allows clinicians to perform the
      surgical procedure in day surgery under local anesthesia. OBJECTIVES: There is a
      strong emphasis on increasing the number of elective day surgery cases,
      especially in the patients' best interest, as it decreases the likelihood of late
      cancellation and hospital-acquired morbidity. A prospective study was performed
      to determine whether stapes surgery for otosclerosis could be performed safely in
      an outpatient setting. METHODS: We present a series of stapes surgery cases for
      otosclerosis performed on a day-case basis. We performed a classic stapedotomy in
      9 patients, a reverse classic step stapedotomy in 2 patients, a partial reverse
      classic step stapedotomy in 11 patients, and a hemi-stapedectomy in two patients.
      RESULTS: Three of 24 patients (12.5%) treated with classic stapedotomy, 1 patient
      with partial reverse classic step stapedotomy, and 1 patient with hemi
      stapedectomy were formally admitted to the hospital after surgery (length of
      stay, 23 h). The indications were vertigo (two patients) and asthenia (one
      patient). These patients were treated under general anesthesia. Two of these
      patients resided more than 250 km away from the hospital.

PMID- 22074450
TI  - Temporal changes in the prevalence of childhood asthma and allergies in urban and
      rural areas of Cyprus: results from two cross sectional studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood asthma and allergies in Cyprus was
      significantly higher in urban compared to rural areas back in the year 2000,
      against a background of an overall low prevalence (e.g. current wheeze 6.9%) by
      comparison to northern European countries. In this study we aimed to assess
      temporal changes in the prevalence of asthma and allergies in Cyprus after an 8
      year interval and to examine whether any differential changes have occurred in
      urban and rural parts of the island. METHODS: During the academic years 1999-2000
      and 2007-2008, the parents of 7-8 year old children residing in the same set of
      urban and rural areas completed the ISAAC core questionnaire. In addition to
      providing prevalence estimates of allergic diseases in 2000 and 2008, changes
      between the two periods were expressed as odds ratios estimated in multiple
      logistic regression models adjusting for survey participants' characteristics.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of current wheeze was higher in 2008 (8.7%, 95%
      confidence interval 7.5%-9.9%, n = 2216) than the previously recorded figure in
      2000 (6.9%, 95% CI 6.2%-7.6%, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02-1.53, n = 4944).
      Significant increases were also seen in the prevalence of lifetime asthma (11.3%
      vs. 17.4%, OR = 1.59, CI: 1.36-1.86), eczema (6.8% vs. 13.5%, OR = 1.91, CI: 1.59
      2.29) and allergic rhinoconjuctivitis (2.6% vs. 5.2%, OR = 1.82, CI: 1.39-2.41).
      The prevalence of current wheeze nearly doubled between 2000 and 2008 in rural
      areas (5.4% vs. 9.7%, OR 1.81, CI: 1.24-2.64) while no significant change was
      observed in urban areas (7.5% vs. 8.4%, OR 1.08, CI: 0.84-1.37); p value for
      effect modification = 0.04. Rises in asthma and rhinitis prevalence, but not
      eczema were also more pronounced in rural compared to urban areas. CONCLUSIONS:
      The prevalence of allergic diseases in Cyprus is still on the rise; recent
      increases appear more pronounced among children living in rural areas possibly
      indicating recent environmental and lifestyle changes in these communities.

PMID- 22074451
TI  - Exploring ancestral variation of the hyoid.
AB  - This study utilizes metric analysis to examine size and shape variation between
      hyoids of Africans and Europeans in the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection. A
      total of 200 fused and unfused hyoids were measured and three statistical methods
      were employed to explore variation between ancestries. First, independent sample
      t-tests showed that some significant size differences do occur between
      ancestries. Second, to examine shape variation, skeletal measurements were
      regressed on the geometric mean using least squares linear regression with the
      residuals used to evaluate size-corrected shape differences. Finally,
      discriminant function analysis was used to develop two functions for ancestry
      prediction with overall accuracies of 73% and 77%. Results of the analyses
      suggest hyoid size and shape differences do occur between ancestries, notably
      that European hyoids are broader than African hyoids, while the African hyoid is
      longer than Europeans.

PMID- 22074452
TI  - Solution NMR evidence for symmetry in functionally or crystallographically
      asymmetric homodimers.
AB  - A recurrent theme of many structural studies of homo-oligomeric protein systems
      is concerned with verification that the conformation observed in a crystal
      represents the functionally relevant structure. An asymmetric conformation
      adopted by two chemically identical subunits in homo-oligomers can represent an
      intrinsic property of a protein or be an artifact induced by crystal packing
      forces. Solution NMR studies can distinguish between these two possibilities.
      Using methyl-based NMR spectroscopy, we provide evidence for symmetry in the
      absence of ligands in several homodimeric proteins that are either asymmetric
      functionally and/or adopt different conformations of the two subunits in
      available X-ray structures.

PMID- 22074453
TI  - A study comparing plasmakinetic enucleation with bipolar plasmakinetic resection
      of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) has been
      reported to be a new method for the transurethral management of benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH). Our objective was to compare the safety and efficiency of PKEP
      with that of bipolar plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) in the
      management of BPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 303 patients with lower
      urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH were included in our study. Of these,
      143 patients underwent PKRP and 160 underwent PKEP. All patients were
      preoperatively assessed and evaluated at 3 months after surgery. International
      Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), postvoid residual urine
      (PVRU) volume, and maximum flow rate (Qmax) were obtained at the follow-up. The
      perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were compared. Immediate and late
      complications were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences
      between the two surgical groups preoperatively. The mean prostate volumes in the
      PKRP and PKEP groups were 75.6 cc and 77.3 cc, respectively. Both groups were
      similar with respect to operative time, resected tissue weight, catheterization
      time, and the total length of hospital stay. The blood loss observed in the PKEP
      group was significantly less than that of conventional PKRP (P<0.0001). PKEP was
      significantly superior to PKRP in terms of the transient incontinence in the
      postoperative period (P=0.03). Both groups resulted in a significant improvement
      from baseline in terms of IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVRU volume values. No significant
      difference was found between them, however. CONCLUSIONS: PKEP is a safe and
      effective method for the transurethral management of BPH. Compared with PKRP, the
      main advantage of PKEP is the decreased risk of blood loss and transient
      incontinence.

PMID- 22074454
TI  - A tale of two mRNA degradation pathways mediated by RNase E.
AB  - RNase E is an essential endoribonuclease with a preference for RNA substrates
      with 5'-monophosphate ends. Primary transcripts, which have 5' triphosphate ends,
      are thus protected from RNase E. Their conversion to 5'-monophosphate transcripts
      by RppH is a prerequisite for RNase E-mediated processing and degradation. 5'
      monophosphate recognition involves binding to a subdomain in the catalytic core
      of RNase E known as the 5' sensor. There are, however, transcripts that can be
      attacked directly by RNase E in a 5'-end-independent pathway. Direct entry
      involves elements outside of the catalytic domain that are located in the
      carboxyl terminal half (CTH) of RNase E. Strains harbouring rne alleles that
      express variants of RNase E in which 5' sensing (rneR169Q) or direct entry
      (rneDeltaCTH) are inactivated, are viable. However, the rneR169Q/rneDeltaCTH and
      DeltarppH/rneDeltaCTH combinations are synthetic lethal suggesting that the
      essential function(s) of RNase E requires at least one of these pathways to be
      active. A striking result is the demonstration that mutations affecting Rho
      dependent transcription termination can overcome synthetic lethality by a pathway
      that requires RNase H. It is hypothesized that R-loop formation and RNase H
      cleavage substitute for RNase E-dependent RNA processing and mRNA degradation.

PMID- 22074455
TI  - Rechargeable internal neural stimulators--is there a problem with efficacy?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With the advent of rechargeable internal neural stimulators (rINS)
      for deep brain stimulation, our aim was to survey patient satisfaction and
      clinical efficacy in an early cohort of patients receiving this new technology.
      METHODS: This is an observational study on nine patients with rINS. All patients
      had initially received non-rechargeable INS with established efficacy of their
      deep brain stimulation system for either dystonia or pain. Patient satisfaction
      and efficacy with their rINS were established by completion of a questionnaire, a
      quality of life assessment (SF-36), and calculation of the total electrical
      energy delivered (TEED) by the rINS. RESULTS: A reduction in efficacy of their
      rINS was noticed in 22% of patients. In 78% of patients, there was a problem with
      recharging their rINS because of poor contact. Two patients (22%) felt that
      recharging the rINS interfered with their lives and it was a daily reminder that
      they had a deep brain stimulator system in situ. Eight out of nine patients
      (89%), however, would recommend to other patients to have an rINS. CONCLUSION:
      Most patients were happy with their rechargeable internal neural stimulator. A
      reduction in efficacy was noticed in 22% of patients, which is similar to the
      proportion of patients noticing a reduction in efficacy when replacing with a non
      rechargeable system. Thus, all patients require close monitoring post-replacement
      of rINS, in case possible adjustment of parameters is required.

PMID- 22074456
TI  - Destruction of chloroanisoles by using a hydrogen peroxide activated method and
      its application to remove chloroanisoles from cork stoppers.
AB  - A chemical method for the efficient destruction of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA)
      and pentachloroanisole (PCA) in aqueous solutions by using hydrogen peroxide as
      an oxidant catalyzed by molybdate ions in alkaline conditions was developed.
      Under optimal conditions, more than 80.0% TCA and 75.8% PCA were degraded within
      the first 60 min of reaction. Chloroanisoles destruction was followed by a
      concomitant release of up to 2.9 chloride ions per TCA molecule and 4.6 chloride
      ions per PCA molecule, indicating an almost complete dehalogenation of
      chloroanisoles. This method was modified to be adapted to chloroanisoles removal
      from the surface of cork materials including natural cork stoppers (86.0%
      decrease in releasable TCA content), agglomerated corks (78.2%), and granulated
      cork (51.3%). This method has proved to be efficient and inexpensive with
      practical application in the cork industry to lower TCA levels in cork materials.

PMID- 22074457
TI  - Absolute intensities of NH-stretching transitions in dimethylamine and pyrrole.
AB  - Vibrational spectra of vapor-phase dimethylamine (DMA) and pyrrole have been
      recorded in the 1000 to 13000 cm(-1) region using long path conventional
      spectroscopy techniques. We have focused on the absolute intensities of the NH
      stretching fundamental and overtone transitions; Deltanu(NH) = 1-4 regions for
      DMA and the Deltanu(NH) = 1-3 regions for pyrrole. In the Deltanu(NH) = 1-3
      regions for DMA, evidence of tunneling splitting associated with the NH-wagging
      mode is observed. For DMA, the fundamental NH-stretching transition intensity is
      weaker than the first NH-stretching overtone. Also, the fundamental NH-stretching
      transition in DMA is much weaker than the fundamental transition in pyrrole. We
      have used an anharmonic oscillator local mode model with ab initio calculated
      local mode parameters and dipole moment functions at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ
      level to calculate the NH-stretching intensities and explain this intensity
      anomaly in DMA.

PMID- 22074458
TI  - The lifeworld characteristics of mental health nurses engaging in talk-based
      therapies: a qualitative study from Scotland and England.
AB  - Twenty-four mental health nurses were interviewed to gain a greater understanding
      of their experiences of working within roles delivering talk-based therapies. The
      study participants, while echoing the broad direction and purpose of policy that
      supports mental health nurses expanding talk-based therapy roles, also offered
      insights into the challenges associated with embedding these roles into mental
      health settings. One area of findings analysed using Nvivo 8 software related to
      the characteristics of the environments in which these roles are, or will be
      enacted. Three key characteristics of these environments were: (1) low power and
      worth; (2) obstacles to success; and (3) uncertainty. Responses to the challenges
      found within this study are required from individual nurses, local organizations
      and strategic levels of nursing to ensure the successful implementation and
      uptake of talk-based therapy roles into the mental health nursing profession.

PMID- 22074461
TI  - Chiroptical spectra of a series of tetrakis((+)-3
      heptafluorobutylyrylcamphorato)lanthanide(III) with an encapsulated alkali metal
      ion: circularly polarized luminescence and absolute chiral structures for the
      Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes.
AB  - The luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra of
      M(I)[Eu((+)-hfbc)(4)] show a similar behavior to the exciton CD in the
      intraligand pi-pi* transitions when the alkali metal ions and solvents are
      manipulated. There is a difference in susceptibility in solvation toward the
      alkali metal ions but not toward the Eu(III) ion, as in the case of axially
      symmetric DOTA-type compounds. The remarkable CPL in the 4f-4f transitions
      provide much more information on the stereospecific formation of chiral Eu(III)
      complexes, since CPL spectroscopy is limited to luminescent species and reflects
      selectively toward helicity of the local structural environment around the
      lanthanide(III). While in comparison, exciton CD reveals the chiral structural
      information from the helical arrangement of the four bladed chelates. Of special
      importance, the observation of the highest CPL activities measured to date for
      lanthanide(III)-containing compounds (i.e., Eu and Sm) in solution supports the
      theory that the chirality of lanthanide(III) in the excited state corresponds to
      that in the ground state, which was derived from the exciton CD.

PMID- 22074462
TI  - Oxazole as an electron-deficient diene in the Diels-Alder reaction.
AB  - The Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction of oxazole with ethylene is facilitated by
      addition of an alkyl group or Bronsted or Lewis acids to the oxazole nitrogen
      atom. The efficacy consists of stabilizing the transition state, lowering the
      activation barrier and the HOMO(dienophile)-LUMO(diene) gap, and increasing the
      reaction exothermicity.

PMID- 22074460
TI  - Pro-inflammatory gene expression and neurotoxic effects of activated microglia
      are attenuated by absence of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microglia and astrocytes respond to homeostatic disturbances with
      profound changes of gene expression. This response, known as glial activation or
      neuroinflammation, can be detrimental to the surrounding tissue. The
      transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) is an
      important regulator of gene expression in inflammation but little is known about
      its involvement in glial activation. To explore the functional role of C/EBPbeta
      in glial activation we have analyzed pro-inflammatory gene expression and
      neurotoxicity in murine wild type and C/EBPbeta-null glial cultures. METHODS: Due
      to fertility and mortality problems associated with the C/EBPbeta-null genotype
      we developed a protocol to prepare mixed glial cultures from cerebral cortex of a
      single mouse embryo with high yield. Wild-type and C/EBPbeta-null glial cultures
      were compared in terms of total cell density by Hoechst-33258 staining;
      microglial content by CD11b immunocytochemistry; astroglial content by GFAP
      western blot; gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot,
      immunocytochemistry and Griess reaction; and microglial neurotoxicity by
      estimating MAP2 content in neuronal/microglial cocultures. C/EBPbeta DNA binding
      activity was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and quantitative
      chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: C/EBPbeta mRNA and protein levels, as
      well as DNA binding, were increased in glial cultures by treatment with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS + interferon gamma (IFNgamma). Quantitative
      chromatin immunoprecipitation showed binding of C/EBPbeta to pro-inflammatory
      gene promoters in glial activation in a stimulus- and gene-dependent manner. In
      agreement with these results, LPS and LPS+IFNgamma induced different
      transcriptional patterns between pro-inflammatory cytokines and NO synthase-2
      genes. Furthermore, the expressions of IL-1beta and NO synthase-2, and consequent
      NO production, were reduced in the absence of C/EBPbeta. In addition,
      neurotoxicity elicited by LPS+IFNgamma-treated microglia co-cultured with neurons
      was completely abolished by the absence of C/EBPbeta in microglia. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings show involvement of C/EBPbeta in the regulation of pro
      inflammatory gene expression in glial activation, and demonstrate for the first
      time a key role for C/EBPbeta in the induction of neurotoxic effects by activated
      microglia.

PMID- 22074463
TI  - Injuries associated with housing conditions in Europe: a burden of disease study
      based on 2004 injury data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors recently undertook a study for the World Health
      Organization estimating the European burden of injuries that can be attributed to
      remediable structural hazards in the home. Such estimates are essential for
      motivating injury prevention efforts as they quantify potential health gains, in
      terms of injuries prevented, via specific environmental interventions. METHODS:
      We combined exposure estimates from existing surveys and scenarios with estimates
      of the exposure-risk relationship obtained from a structured review of the
      literature on injury in the home and housing conditions. The resulting
      attributable fractions were applied to burden of injury data for the WHO European
      Region. RESULTS: This analysis estimated that two specific hazards, lack of
      window guards at second level and higher, and lack of domestic smoke detectors
      resulted in an estimated 7,500 deaths and 200,000 disability adjusted life years
      (DALYs) per year. In estimating the environmental burden of injury associated
      with housing, important deficiencies in injury surveillance data and related
      limitations in studies of injury risk attributable to the home environment were
      apparent. The ability to attribute proportions of the home injury burden to
      features of the home were correspondingly limited, leading to probable severe
      underestimates of the burden. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of injury from modifiable
      home injury exposures is substantial. Estimating this burden in a comprehensive
      and accurate manner requires improvements to the scope of injury surveillance
      data and the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of interventions.

PMID- 22074464
TI  - Comparison of higher order aberrations after implantable Collamer Lens
      implantation and wavefront-guided LASEK in high myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare changes in ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs) after
      Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL, STAAR Surgical Co) implantation and
      wavefront-guided laser epithelial keratomileusis (WFG-LASEK) to correct high
      myopia. METHODS: This prospective case series comprised 30 eyes (18 patients)
      that underwent ICL implantation (ICL group) and 33 eyes (18 patients) that
      underwent WFG-LASEK (WFG-LASEK group). All eyes had spherical equivalent of -6.00
      to -9.00 diopters. Entire ocular, internal optic, and corneal HOAs were measured
      before surgery and 3 months after surgery using a laser ray tracing aberrometer.
      Contrast sensitivity testing was performed in 10 eyes from each group at a
      photopic light level of 85 cd/m(2) and a mesopic level of 3 cd/m(2) 3 months
      after surgery. RESULTS: In the ICL group, HOAs changed for the entire ocular
      trefoil-y, spherical aberration, internal optic spherical aberration, and corneal
      trefoil-y. In the WFG-LASEK group, increased HOAs were observed for total HOAs,
      entire ocular and corneal spherical aberration, secondary astigmatism, and
      tetrafoil. The ICL group had lower induced aberration values of entire ocular and
      corneal HOAs compared with the WFG-LASEK group. No significant differences in
      contrast sensitivity values between groups at the photopic level were noted;
      however, contrast sensitivity values were significantly lower for 3 (P=.01) and 6
      cycles per degree (P<.001) in the WFG-LASEK group at the mesopic level. At the
      mesopic level, total HOAs, trefoil-y, spherical aberration, and secondary
      astigmatism were higher in the WFG-LASEK group. CONCLUSIONS: Implantable Collamer
      Lens implantation induced fewer ocular and corneal HOAs and resulted in better
      contrast sensitivity at mesopic levels than WFG-LASEK in eyes with high myopia.

PMID- 22074465
TI  - Inadvertent LASIK flap creation over a soft contact lens.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the findings and outcomes in two cases in which a contact lens
      was inadvertently present during creation of a LASIK corneal flap. METHODS:
      Interventional case report. RESULTS: A soft contact lens blocked the successful
      creation of the corneal flap with a femtosecond laser in one patient. Repeat
      surgery 1 week later resulted in a normal flap. In the second patient, a thin but
      normal-shaped flap was successfully created using a microkeratome despite the
      presence of a soft contact lens in the patient's eye. No adverse effect on vision
      was noted in either case. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive surgeons are encouraged to
      establish or review current procedures to ensure adequate contact lens removal
      prior to LASIK surgery, as it may result in an aborted procedure or a potentially
      thin and/or irregular corneal flap.

PMID- 22074466
TI  - Theoretical performance of intraocular lenses correcting both spherical and
      chromatic aberration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the performance and optical limitations of intraocular lenses
      (IOLs) correcting both longitudinal spherical aberration (LSA) and longitudinal
      chromatic aberration (LCA) compared to standard spherical and aspheric IOLs.
      METHODS: Using a set of 46 white light, pseudophakic eye models representing a
      population of cataract patients, retinal image quality was assessed for three IOL
      designs-standard spherical IOLs; aspheric IOLs, correcting a fixed amount of LSA;
      and aspheric refractive/diffractive IOLs, correcting a fixed amount of LSA and
      LCA. Depth of field and tolerance to IOL misalignments were also assessed.
      RESULTS: The improvement factor, based on the area under the radial polychromatic
      modulation transfer function (pMTF) curve of the IOL, correcting both average LSA
      and LCA over the aspheric IOL was 1.19+/-0.12, and over the spherical IOL was
      1.43+/-0.29. Within the range of +/-1.00 diopter of defocus, pMTF of the IOL
      correcting both LSA and LCA was equal or higher than both the spherical and
      aspheric IOLs. The IOL could be decentered up to 0.6 to 0.8 mm before the
      performance degraded below that of a spherical IOL. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first study that evaluates IOLs correcting both LSA and LCA in the presence of
      corneal higher order aberrations. Intraocular lenses that correct both LSA and
      LCA improve simulated retinal image quality over spherical IOLs and IOLs that
      correct LSA alone, without sacrificing depth of field or tolerance to
      decentration. Correction of LCA in combination with LSA shows the potential to
      improve visual performance.

PMID- 22074467
TI  - Intracorneal ring segments implantation followed by same-day photorefractive
      keratectomy and corneal collagen cross-linking in keratoconus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intrastromal corneal ring segments
      implantation followed by same-day photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and
      ultraviolet-A/riboflavin collagen cross-linking (CXL) in patients with
      keratoconus. METHODS: Four patients (five eyes) were included in the study. All
      patients first underwent femtosecond laser-enabled placement of intracorneal ring
      segments (Intacs, Addition Technology). Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance
      visual acuity (CDVA) and keratometry readings remained stable for 6 months. Same
      day PRK and CXL were subsequently performed in all patients. RESULTS: Six months
      after Intacs plus PRK/CXL, significant improvements were noted for UDVA, CDVA,
      spherical equivalent refraction, keratometry, and total aberrations. No patient
      lost lines of CDVA or developed haze. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of
      intracorneal ring segments implantation followed by sequential same-day PRK/CXL
      may be a reasonable option for improving visual acuity in select patients with
      keratoconus.

PMID- 22074468
TI  - Migration, social mobility and common mental disorders: critical review of the
      literature and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Changes in socio-economic position in people who migrate may have
      adverse associations with mental health. The main objective of this review was to
      assess the association of social mobility with common mental disorders in migrant
      and second-generation groups, to inform future research. DESIGN: Systematic
      review and meta-analysis of English-language studies assessing the association of
      social mobility in migrant or second-generation groups with common mental
      disorders. Approaches to operationalise 'social mobility' were reviewed. RESULTS:
      Twelve studies (n=18,548) met criteria for retrieval. Very few included second
      generation groups, and most studies were cross-sectional in design. Approaches to
      operationalise 'social mobility' varied between studies. Downward
      intragenerational social mobility was associated with migration in the majority
      of studies. Random effects meta-analysis (n=5179) suggested that migrants to
      higher income countries who experienced downward mobility or underemployment were
      more likely to screen positive for common mental disorders, relative to migrants
      who were upwardly mobile or experienced no changes to socio-economic position.
      Conclusions on second-generation groups were limited by the lack of research
      highlighted for these groups. Downward intragenerational mobility associated with
      migration may be associated with vulnerability to common mental disorders in some
      migrant groups. CONCLUSION: Given the increasing scale of global migration,
      further research is needed to clarify how changes to socio-economic position
      associated with international migration may impact on the mental health of
      migrants, and in their children.

PMID- 22074469
TI  - EphrinA5 suppresses colon cancer development by negatively regulating epidermal
      growth factor receptor stability.
AB  - Colon cancer is one of the most common human cancers worldwide. Owing to its
      aggressiveness and lethality, it is necessary to determine the mechanisms
      regulating the carcinogenesis of colon cancer. EphrinA5 has been reported to act
      as a putative tumor suppressor in glioma; however, little is known concerning the
      role of this protein in the context of colon cancer. To elucidate the biological
      significance of ephrinA5 in colon cancer, we examined ephrinA5 and epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression profiles in both colon cancer and normal
      tissues, using immunohistochemistry on a 96-spot tissue microarray. Gain-of
      function and loss-of-function experiments were performed on the human colon
      cancer cell lines SW480 and WiDr to determine the biological effects of ephrinA5
      in relation to cell proliferation, survival, and migration. It was found that
      ephrinA5 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in colon cancer as
      compared with normal colon tissue specimens. EphrinA5 expression was also
      negatively associated with tumor differentiation and clinical stage. In colon
      cancer cell line models, ephrinA5 exerted an inhibitory effect on EGFR by
      promoting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR ubiquitination and degradation. EphrinA5 did not
      affect the transcriptional regulation of EGFR mRNA expression in colon cancer
      cells. Expression of ephrinA5 suppressed colon cancer cell proliferation,
      migration, and chemotherapeutic resistance. In conclusion, ephrinA5 inhibited
      colon cancer progression by promoting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR degradation. Our
      findings identify a novel mechanism that could be utilized to improve the
      therapeutic efficiency of EGFR-targeting strategies.

PMID- 22074470
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22074471
TI  - Inferring semantic organization from refractory access dysphasia: further
      replication in the domains of geography and proper nouns but not concrete and
      abstract concepts.
AB  - Patients with "refractory access dysphasia" have been a source of unique insight
      into the organization of previously unexplored domains of semantic knowledge
      (i.e., proper nouns, geography, concrete and abstract concepts). However, much of
      the relevant data have been based on the performance of a small number of
      patients. Here, we present 2 patients who both display a "refractory access"
      pattern of performance on spoken-word-written-word matching tasks and test their
      performance in the domains of famous people, geography, and abstract and concrete
      words. While these patients show performance similar to that for the previously
      reported patients in the domains of famous people and geography, they show a very
      different pattern of performance with abstract and concrete nouns. We discuss
      possible reasons why patients may differ in performance and evidence for and
      against the "differential frameworks" hypothesis for the organization of concrete
      and abstract concepts.

PMID- 22074472
TI  - Face recognition impairments despite normal holistic processing and face space
      coding: evidence from a case of developmental prosopagnosia.
AB  - Holistic processing and face space coding are widely considered primary
      perceptual mechanisms behind good face recognition. Here, however, we present the
      case of S.P., a developmental prosopagnosic who demonstrated severe impairments
      in face memory and face perception, yet showed normal holistic processing and
      face space coding. Across three composite experiments, S.P. showed normal
      strength holistic processing for upright faces and no composite effect for
      inverted faces. Across five aftereffect experiments, S.P. showed normal-sized
      face aftereffects, which derived normally from face space rather than shape
      generic mechanisms. The case of S.P. implies: (a) normal holistic processing and
      face space coding can be insufficient for good face recognition even when present
      in combination; and (b) the focus of recent literature on holistic processing and
      face space should be expanded to include other potential face processing
      mechanisms (e.g., part-based processing). Our article also highlights the
      importance of internal task reliability in drawing inferences from single-case
      studies.

PMID- 22074477
TI  - Incorporation of positively charged linkages into DNA and RNA backbones: a novel
      strategy for antigene and antisense agents.

PMID- 22074478
TI  - Visualising neuroinflammation in post-stroke patients: a comparative PET study
      with the TSPO molecular imaging biomarkers [11C]PK11195 and [11C]vinpocetine.
AB  - With the main objective of comparing the prospective diagnostic power of two 11C
      labelled molecular imaging biomarkers with affinity for TSPO and used for the
      visualisation of activated microglia after a stroke, we measured with positron
      emission tomography (PET) in four post-stroke patients the regional brain uptake
      and binding potential of [11C]vinpocetine and [11C]PK11195. Percentage standard
      uptake values (%SUV) and binding potential (BPND) were used as outcome measures.
      The total peak brain uptake value and average global brain uptake value were
      higher for [11C]vinpocetine than for [11C]PK11195. The regional %SUV values were
      significantly higher for [11C]vinpocetine than for [11C]PK11195 in the
      hemispheres as well as in almost all standard brain regions. The %SUV values of
      [11C]vinpocetine were higher in the peri-infarct zone than in the ischaemic core,
      however, the difference did not prove to be significant. There was basically no
      difference in %SUV values between the ischaemic core and the peri-infarct zone
      for [11C]PK11195. The BPND values for [11C]vinpocetine were higher in all
      standard regions than those for [11C]PK11195, but the difference was not
      significant between them. The BPND values of [11C]vinpocetine were higher in the
      peri-infarct zone than in the ischaemic core, however, the difference did not
      prove to be significant. A comparative analysis of the two ligands indicates that
      [11C]vinpocetine shows a number of favourable characteristics over [11C]PK11195,
      but to demonstrate that it may serve as a prospective molecular imaging biomarker
      of microglia activation in post-stroke patients, further studies are required.

PMID- 22074479
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptors: a functional perspective.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) belong to the ErbB family of
      receptor tyrosine kinases (TKs) involved in the proliferation of normal and
      malignant cells. EGFR has attracted considerable attention as a target for cancer
      therapy. This article considers various functional roles of EGFR-based systems
      that are relevant for the early detection and staging of cancers overexpressing
      EGFR.

PMID- 22074480
TI  - Synthesis of 99mTc-nimotuzumab with tricarbonyl ion: in vitro and in vivo
      studies.
AB  - The Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family plays an important role in
      carcinogenesis. CIMAher(r) (Nimotuzumab), is a humanized monoclonal antibody,
      which recognizes EGFR with high affinity. The aim of this work was to perform the
      direct labeling of Nimotuzumab with [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ as precursor and to
      evaluate its labeling conditions, in vitro and in vivo stability and
      biodistrution in normal C57 BL/6J mice. 99mTc(CO3)-Nimotuzumab labeling yields
      were up to 90%. More than 90% of the complex remained intact after 24 h of
      incubation with L-Histidine (1/300 molar ratio). Biodistribution studies in
      normal mice were also performed. Inmunoreactivity was confirmed by cell binding
      assays with A431cells. These results encourage the evaluation of the potential
      role of 99mTc(CO)3-Nimotuzumab as a novel tumor-avid radiotracer for targeting in
      vivo EGFR expression.

PMID- 22074481
TI  - (68)Ga-Citrate-PET for diagnostic imaging of infection in rats and for intra
      abdominal infection in a patient.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 67Ga-Citrate has been extensively used for infection and inflammation
      imaging for the past four decades but has limitations. In the present study, we
      explored the ability of 68Ga-Citrate to detect Staphylococcus aureus (Staph A)
      infection in rats and further studied its ability to localize intra-abdominal
      infection in a patient. METHODS: An infection was induced in male Wistar rats by
      injecting Staph A in the right thigh muscle. In this study a simple method was
      described for the preparation of 68Ga-Citrate with > 99% yield and purity. 68Ga
      Citrate (15 MBq/rat and 150 MBq/patient) was injected intravenously and the
      images were acquired for 10 min each. RESULTS: 68Ga-Citrate uptake was moderate
      at the infection lesion within 5 min post injection but intense focal uptake was
      visualized from 30 min to 6 hr post-injection in rats. Cardiac blood pool and
      liver activity decreased during the same period of study. In the patient studied,
      an infected area in the abdomen at the site of recent appendectomy was detected
      within 30min post-injection of 68Ga-Citrate, which was consistent with CT and
      microbiology findings. CONCLUSION: A simple method of preparation of 68Ga-Citrate
      with > 99% yield and purity was described, suitable for routine clinical work.
      Our results showed 68Ga-Citrate is capable of detecting Staph A infection in rats
      and an intraabdominal infection in a post-operative patient. These findings
      indicate the high potential of 68Ga-Citrate for clinical utility.

PMID- 22074482
TI  - Generation of subject-specific, dynamic, multisegment ankle and foot models to
      improve orthotic design: a feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, custom foot and ankle orthosis prescription and design
      tend to be based on traditional techniques, which can result in devices which
      vary greatly between clinicians and repeat prescription. The use of computational
      models of the foot may give further insight in the biomechanical effects of these
      devices and allow a more standardised approach to be taken to their design,
      however due to the complexity of the foot the models must be highly detailed and
      dynamic. METHODS/DESIGN: Functional and anatomical datasets will be collected in
      a multicentre study from 10 healthy participants and 15 patients requiring
      orthotic devices. The patient group will include individuals with metarsalgia,
      flexible flat foot and drop foot.Each participant will undergo a clinical foot
      function assessment, 3D surface scans of the foot under different loading
      conditions, and detailed gait analysis including kinematic, kinetic, muscle
      activity and plantar pressure measurements in both barefoot and shod conditions.
      Following this each participant will undergo computed tomography (CT) imaging of
      their foot and ankle under a range of loads and positions while plantar pressures
      are recorded. A further subgroup of participants will undergo magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) of the foot and ankle.Imaging data will be segmented to derive the
      geometry of the bones and the orientation of the joint axes. Insertion points of
      muscles and ligaments will be determined from the MRI and CT-scans and soft
      tissue material properties computed from the loaded CT data in combination with
      the plantar pressure measurements. Gait analysis data will be used to drive the
      models and in combination with the 3D surface scans for scaling purposes.
      Predicted plantar pressures and muscle activation patterns predicted from the
      models will be compared to determine the validity of the models. DISCUSSION: This
      protocol will lead to the generation of unique datasets which will be used to
      develop linked inverse dynamic and forward dynamic biomechanical foot models.
      These models may be beneficial in predicting the effect of and thus improving the
      efficacy of orthotic devices for the foot and ankle.

PMID- 22074484
TI  - IDH1 mutations are not found in cartilaginous tumours other than central and
      periosteal chondrosarcomas and enchondromas.

PMID- 22074483
TI  - MiRNA expression patterns predict survival in glioblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to define new prognostic subgroups in patients with
      glioblastoma a miRNA screen (> 1000 miRNAs) from paraffin tissues followed by a
      bio-mathematical analysis was performed. METHODS: 35 glioblastoma patients
      treated between 7/2005 - 8/2008 at a single institution with surgery and
      postoperative radio(chemo)therapy were included in this retrospective analysis.
      For microarray analysis the febit biochip "Geniom(r) Biochip MPEA homo-sapiens"
      was used. Total RNA was isolated from FFPE tissue sections and 1100 different
      miRNAs were analyzed. RESULTS: It was possible to define a distinct miRNA
      expression pattern allowing for a separation of distinct prognostic subgroups.
      The defined miRNA pattern was significantly associated with early death versus
      long-term survival (split at 450 days) (p = 0.01). The pattern and the prognostic
      power were both independent of the MGMT status. CONCLUSIONS: At present, this is
      the first dataset defining a prognostic role of miRNA expression patterns in
      patients with glioblastoma. Having defined such a pattern, a prospective
      validation of this observation is required.

PMID- 22074485
TI  - Microglia use multiple mechanisms to mediate interactions with vitronectin; non
      essential roles for the highly-expressed alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the primary resident immune cells, microglia play a central role
      in regulating inflammatory processes in the CNS. The extracellular matrix (ECM)
      protein vitronectin promotes microglial activation, switching microglia into an
      activated phenotype. We have shown previously that microglia express two
      vitronectin receptors, alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins. As these integrins
      have well-defined roles in activation and phagocytic processes in other cell
      types, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the contribution of
      these two integrins in microglial activation. METHODS: Microglial cells were
      prepared from wild-type, beta3 integrin knockout (KO), beta5 integrin KO or
      beta3/beta5 integrin DKO mice, and their interactions and activation responses to
      vitronectin examined in a battery of assays, including adhesion, expression of
      activation markers, MMP-9 expression, and phagocytosis. Expression of other
      alphav integrins was examined by flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS:
      Surprisingly, when cultured on vitronectin, microglia from the different knockout
      strains showed no obvious defects in adhesion, activation marker expression, MMP
      9 induction, or phagocytosis of vitronectin-coated beads. To investigate the
      reason for this lack of effect, we examined the expression of other alphav
      integrins. Flow cytometry showed that beta3/beta5 integrin DKO microglia
      expressed residual alphav integrin at the cell surface, and immunoprecipitation
      confirmed this finding by revealing the presence of low levels of the alphavbeta1
      and alphavbeta8 integrins. beta1 integrin blockade had no impact on adhesion of
      beta3/beta5 integrin DKO microglia to vitronectin, suggesting that in addition to
      alphavbeta1, alphavbeta3, and alphavbeta5, alphavbeta8 also serves as a
      functional vitronectin receptor on microglia. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, this
      demonstrates that the alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins are not essential for
      mediating microglial activation responses to vitronectin, but that microglia use
      multiple redundant receptors to mediate interactions with this ECM protein.

PMID- 22074486
TI  - Determining transport efficiency for the purpose of counting and sizing
      nanoparticles via single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
AB  - Currently there are few ideal methods for the characterization of nanoparticles
      in complex, environmental samples, leading to significant gaps in toxicity and
      exposure assessments of nanomaterials. Single particle-inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry (spICPMS) is an emerging technique that can both size and count
      metal-containing nanoparticles. A major benefit of the spICPMS method is its
      ability to characterize nanoparticles at concentrations relevant to the
      environment. This paper presents a practical guide on how to count and size
      nanoparticles using spICPMS. Different methods are investigated for measuring
      transport efficiency (i.e., nebulization efficiency), an important term in the
      spICPMS calculations. In addition, an alternative protocol is provided for
      determining particle size that broadens the applicability of the technique to all
      types of inorganic nanoparticles. Initial comparison, using well-characterized,
      monodisperse silver nanoparticles, showed the importance of having an accurate
      transport efficiency value when determining particle number concentration and, if
      using the newly presented protocol, particle size. Ultimately, the goal of this
      paper is to provide improvements to nanometrology by further developing this
      technique for the characterization of metal-containing nanoparticles.

PMID- 22074487
TI  - Conservation and loss of ribosomal RNA gene sites in diploid and polyploid
      Fragaria (Rosaceae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genus Fragaria comprises species at ploidy levels ranging from
      diploid (2n = 2x = 14) to decaploid (2n = 10x = 70). Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization with 5S and 25S rDNA probes was performed to gather cytogenetic
      information that illuminates genomic divergence among different taxa at multiple
      ploidy levels, as well as to explore the evolution of ribosomal RNA genes during
      polyploidization in Fragaria. RESULTS: Root tip cells of diploid taxa were
      typified by two 5S and six 25S rDNA hybridization signals of varying intensities,
      providing a baseline for comparisons within the genus. In three exceptional
      diploid genotypes, F. nilgerrensis (CFRA 1358 and CFRA 1825) and F. vesca 'Yellow
      Wonder', two 5S but only four 25S rDNA sites were found but with differing site
      losses. The numbers of 5S and 25S rDNA signals, respectively were three and nine
      in a triploid F. *bifera accession, and were four and twelve in three
      tetraploids, thus occurring in proportional 1.5* and 2* multiples of the typical
      diploid pattern. In hexaploid F. moschata, a proportional multiple of six 5S rDNA
      sites was observed, but the number of 25S rDNA sites was one or two less than the
      proportionate prediction of eighteen. This apparent tendency toward rDNA site
      loss at higher ploidy was markedly expanded in octoploids, which displayed only
      two 5S and ten 25S rDNA sites. In the two decaploids examined, the numbers of 5S
      and 25S rDNA signals, respectively, were four and fifteen in F. virginiana subsp.
      platypetala, and six and twelve in F. iturupensis. CONCLUSIONS: Among diploid
      Fragaria species, a general consistency of rDNA site numbers implies conserved
      genomic organization, but highly variable 25S signal sizes and intensities and
      two instances of site loss suggest concurrent high dynamics of rDNA copy numbers
      among both homologs and non-homologs. General conservation of rDNA site numbers
      in lower ploidy, but marked site number reductions at higher ploidy levels,
      suggest complex evolution of rDNA sites during polyploidization and/or
      independent evolutionary pathways for 6x versus higher ploidy strawberries. Site
      number comparisons suggest common genomic composition among natural octoploids,
      and independent origins of the two divergent decaploid accessions.

PMID- 22074488
TI  - Sleep-related groaning: prevalence and characteristics in a cohort of patients
      with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Nocturnal groaning has the same prevalence in patients referred for
      diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing as among other populations referred for
      sleep studies. The respiratory tracings in these patients have a distinct
      appearance that is possible to recognize with a polygraphic recording and thereby
      prevent the pattern from being misdiagnosed as central apneas. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this study was first to estimate the prevalence of groaning in patients
      referred for diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders. Second, we wanted to
      describe the respiratory pattern in order to distinguish the patients from
      patients with sleep apnea. METHODS: This was a prospective study in 1004
      patients, performed in the Sleep Unit in our ENT Department, during a 12 month
      period. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed with video polysomnography, and the
      diagnosis of nocturnal groaning was confirmed. The prevalence of groaning in our
      sleep laboratory was 0.4%. All the patients had a mild form of sleep-related
      disturbance, and all groaning episodes occurred during REM sleep. The groaning
      events appeared in clusters. The length of each groan varied between 4 and 38 s.
      The number of events in a period varied between 2 and 11, and the length of each
      groaning period ranged between 11 and 168 s.

PMID- 22074490
TI  - Anti-Shiga toxin immunoglobulin G antibodies in healthy South Korean
      slaughterhouse workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Slaughterhouse workers are in direct contact with cattle nearly every
      day. The purpose of this study was to survey the presence and distribution of
      anti-Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) immunoglobulin G (IgG) in slaughterhouse workers,
      enabling a study of the serologic response to this toxin while working in an area
      at high-risk of Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection. METHODS: One
      thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine serum samples from healthy slaughterhouse
      employees were collected and surveyed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Among the 5 slaughterhouse positions, slaughterers had
      the highest distribution of anti-Stx1 IgG values by an ELISA. Based on the ELISA
      values, 25% (433/1729) of the workers had anti-Stx1 IgG. Slaughterers, residual
      products handlers, inspectors, livestock hygiene controllers, and grading testers
      had anti-Stx1 IgG-positive rates of 28%, 25%, 20%, 19%, and 17%, respectively.
      The ELISA values of anti-Stx1 IgG increased with increases in the number of years
      worked by slaughterers, but not by residual products handlers, inspectors,
      livestock hygiene controllers, or grading testers. CONCLUSIONS: From these
      results, slaughterhouse workers are healthy and asymptomatic; slaughterers in
      particular are at high-risk for STEC exposure.

PMID- 22074491
TI  - Mental health promotion of Iranian university students: the effect of self-esteem
      and health locus of control.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-esteem and health
      control belief on promoting students' mental health. In so doing, 144 students
      from two medical universities in the north-east of Iran were recruited into
      study. They were pair-matched and randomly assigned to case and control groups.
      The data were collected through Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire-28,
      Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scales. The
      results showed that there were significant differences between the groups before
      and after the intervention. The external components of health locus of control
      (chance and powerful others) showed a significant decrease but the internal
      health locus of control and self-esteem revealed a significant increase after the
      intervention (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the students' mental health had a
      significant increase after 3 months of intervention (P < 0.0001). The findings
      emphasize that the programme can improve the health locus of control beliefs,
      self-esteem and mental health promotion of the students. This will require
      additional monitoring and uninterrupted attempts to be effective.

PMID- 22074492
TI  - Rationally designed phthalocyanines having their main absorption band beyond 1000
      nm.
AB  - Highly air-stable phthalocyanines (Pcs) having their main absorption band beyond
      1000 nm have been synthesized using main-group elements as peripheral and central
      (core) substituents. The resultant [(PhS)(8)PcP(OMe)(2)][PF(6)] and
      [(PhSe)(8)PcP(OMe)(2)][PF(6)] show a single Q-band peak at 1018 and 1033 nm,
      respectively, which was achieved by carefully taking into account the
      spectroscopic properties of Pcs and the characteristics of the frontier orbitals.
      The large red shift can be considered to originate from synergistic effects
      involving both the group-15 and -16 elements.

PMID- 22074494
TI  - Developmental validation of the AmpFlSTR(r) Identifiler(r) Plus PCR Amplification
      Kit: an established multiplex assay with improved performance.
AB  - Analysis of length polymorphism at short tandem repeat (STR) loci utilizing
      multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) remains the primary method for
      genotyping forensic samples. The AmpFlSTR((r))  Identifiler((r))  Plus PCR
      Amplification Kit is an improved version of the AmpFlSTR((r))  Identifiler((r)) 
      PCR Amplification Kit and amplifies the core CODIS loci: D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820,
      D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, and vWA.
      Additional loci amplified in the multiplex reaction are the sex-determinant,
      amelogenin, and two internationally accepted loci, D2S1338 and D19S433. While the
      primer sequences and dye configurations were unchanged, the AmpFlSTR((r)) 
      Identifiler((r))  Plus PCR Amplification Kit features an enhanced buffer
      formulation and an optimized PCR cycling protocol that increases sensitivity,
      provides better tolerance to PCR inhibitors, and improves performance on mixture
      samples. The AmpFlSTR((r))  Identifiler((r))  Plus PCR Amplification Kit has been
      validated according to the FBI/National Standards and Scientific Working Group on
      DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) guidelines. The validation results support the use
      of the AmpFlSTR((r))  Identifiler((r))  Plus PCR Amplification Kit for human
      identity and parentage testing.

PMID- 22074495
TI  - Targeting notch pathway enhances rapamycin antitumor activity in pancreas cancers
      through PTEN phosphorylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreas cancer is one of most aggressive human cancers with the
      survival rate for patients with metastatic pancreas cancer at 5-6 months. The
      poor survival demonstrates a clear need for better target identification, drug
      development and new therapeutic strategies. Recent discoveries have shown that
      the role for Notch pathway is important in both development and cancer. Its
      contribution to oncogenesis also involves crosstalks with other growth factor
      pathways, such as Akt and its modulator, PTEN. The mounting evidence supporting a
      role for Notch in cancer promotion and survival suggests that targeting this
      pathway alone or in combination with other therapeutics represents a promising
      therapeutic strategy. RESULTS: Using a pancreas cancer tissue microarray, we
      noted that Jagged1, Notch3 and Notch4 are overexpressed in pancreas tumors (26%,
      84% and 31% respectively), whereas Notch1 is expressed in blood vessels. While
      there was no correlation between Notch receptor expression and survival, stage or
      tumor grade, Notch3 was associated with Jagged1 and EGFR expression, suggesting a
      unique relationship between Notch3 and Jagged1. Inhibition of the Notch pathway
      genetically and with gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) resulted in tumor
      suppression and enhanced cell death. The observed anti-tumor activity appeared to
      be through Akt and modulation of PTEN phosphorylation. We discovered that
      transcriptional regulation of RhoA by Notch is important for PTEN
      phosphorylation. Finally, the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin enhanced the effect of GSI
      on RhoA expression, resulting in down regulation of phospho-Akt and increased in
      vitro tumor cytotoxity. CONCLUSIONS: Notch pathway plays an important role in
      maintaining pancreas tumor phenotype. Targeting this pathway represents a
      reasonable strategy for the treatment of pancreas cancers. Notch modulates the
      Akt pathway through regulation of PTEN phosphorylation, an observation that has
      not been made previously. Furthermore, we discovered that this regulation is
      dependent on RhoA/Rock1 activation. Enhanced phospho-Akt suppression when GSI is
      combined with rapamycin suggests that targeting both pathways will lead to a
      greater efficacy in the treatment of patients with pancreas cancer.

PMID- 22074496
TI  - Tandem one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines using the Blaise reaction
      intermediate and 1,3-enynes.
AB  - A tandem one-pot method for the construction of a pyridine moiety with selective
      control of substitution patterns has been developed through the sequential
      reactions of nitrile with a Reformatsky reagent and 1,3-enyne involving regio-
      and chemoselective addition of the Blaise reaction intermediate to 1,3-enyne,
      followed by isomerization, cyclization, and an aromatization cascade.

PMID- 22074498
TI  - Molecular dynamics study on the effect of Lewis acid centers in poly(ethylene
      oxide)/LiClO4 polymer electrolyte.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations employing a polarizable force field have been
      performed for the model poly(ethylene oxide)/LiClO(4) electrolytes with boron or
      aluminum centers. Influence of Lewis acid centers on radial distribution
      functions, coordination numbers, percentage of free cations, diffusion
      coefficients and conductivity has been investigated. Results confirm the effect
      of acid centers on ion complexation and show that the properties of the
      electrolyte result from interplay of different interactions.

PMID- 22074499
TI  - Topical antiseptics in wound care: time for reflection.

PMID- 22074497
TI  - Changes in neuromuscular transmission in the W/W(v)  mouse internal anal
      sphincter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) have been shown to
      participate in nitrergic neuromuscular transmission (NMT) in various regions of
      the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but their role in the internal anal sphincter
      (IAS) is still uncertain. Contractile studies of the IAS in the W/W(v) mouse (a
      model in which ICC-IM numbers are markedly reduced) have reported that nitrergic
      NMT persists and that ICC-IM are not required. However, neither the changes in
      electrical events underlying NMT nor the contributions of other non-nitrergic
      neural pathways have been examined in this model. METHODS: The role of ICC-IM in
      NMT was examined by recording the contractile and electrical events associated
      with electrical field stimulation (EFS) of motor neurons in the IAS of wildtype
      and W/W(v) mice. Nitrergic, purinergic, and cholinergic components were
      identified using inhibitors of these pathways. KEY RESULTS: Under NANC
      conditions, purinergic and nitrergic pathways both contribute to EFS-induced
      inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) and relaxation. Purinergic IJPs and
      relaxation were intact in the W/W(v) mouse IAS, whereas nitrergic IJPs were
      reduced by 50-60% while relaxation persisted. In the presence of L-NNA (NOS
      inhibitor) and MRS2500 (P2Y1 receptor antagonist), EFS gave rise to cholinergic
      depolarization and contractions that were abolished by atropine. Cholinergic
      depolarization was absent in the W/W(v) mouse IAS while contraction persisted.
      CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: ICC-IM significantly contributes to the electrical
      events underlying nitrergic and cholinergic NMT, whereas contractile events
      persist in the absence of ICC-IM. The purinergic inhibitory neural pathway
      appears to be independent of ICC-IM.

PMID- 22074504
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22074505
TI  - Gastrointestinal surgery II.

PMID- 22074503
TI  - Bioactive compounds from endemic plants of Southwest Portugal: inhibition of
      acetylcholinesterase and radical scavenging activities.
AB  - CONTEXT: Natural products are reported to have substantial neuroprotective
      activity due to their radical scavenging capacity, and also acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) inhibitory capacity, both activities important in neurodegeneration.
      OBJECTIVE: The undesirable side effects of compounds in pharmacological use make
      it important to identify natural neuroprotective molecules. This work assesses
      the potential of five endemic Portuguese plants as sources of neuroprotective
      compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant capacity for peroxyl radical was
      determined by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity method and for hydroxyl by
      Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, as well as AChE inhibitory capacity of the plant
      hydroethanolic extracts. The molecules responsible for these valuable properties
      were also tentatively identified by HPLC. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Armeria rouyana
      and Thymus capitellatus presented some of the highest phenolic contents (76.60 +/
      7.19 and 12.82 +/- 0.24 mg GAE g-1 dw, respectively) and antioxidant capacities
      (592 +/- 116 and 449 +/- 57 MUmol TE g-1 dw, respectively). The flavonoids were
      identified as the phytomolecules related to the antioxidant capacity of these
      plant extracts; in the case of A. rouyana, l-ascorbic acid also made an important
      contribution (3.27 +/- 0.26 mg g-1 dw). Plant extracts clearly demonstrated
      effective AChE inhibitory activity (480 +/- 98 and 490 +/- 46 MUg mL-1,
      respectively), that could be associated to polyphenols. CONCLUSIONS: The extracts
      of A. rouyana and T. capitellatus and their active components, especially
      polyphenols, demonstrate interesting neuroprotective potential. They, therefore,
      deserve further study as their phytomolecules are promising sources of either
      natural neuroprotective products and/or novel lead compounds.

PMID- 22074507
TI  - Therapy of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal cord problems.

PMID- 22074506
TI  - The external skeletal fixation system: IM PINS, wire, and external skeletal
      fixator.

PMID- 22074508
TI  - Urinary incontinence.

PMID- 22074509
TI  - Periodontal disease: An update.

PMID- 22074510
TI  - Field trials with Vedaprofen, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

PMID- 22074511
TI  - Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in the treatment of glaucoma.

PMID- 22074512
TI  - Veterinary bolted pinning or interlocking nail: Clinical study of 45 cases.

PMID- 22074513
TI  - Two failed urethrostomy procedures in one cat.

PMID- 22074514
TI  - Treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22074515
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of canine hypothyroidism.

PMID- 22074516
TI  - Drug-food interactions in cardiac patients.

PMID- 22074518
TI  - Canine dilated cardiomyopathy: A study of 189 cases in 38 breeds.

PMID- 22074517
TI  - Diagnosis and management of small bowel diarrhea.

PMID- 22074519
TI  - Primary hyperparathyroidism in a cat: A case report.

PMID- 22074520
TI  - Urinary corticoid/creatinine ratio in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

PMID- 22074521
TI  - Ascites due to persistent eustachian valves in a young golden retriever.

PMID- 22074522
TI  - Hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism in a dog.

PMID- 22074523
TI  - Feline leukemia virus & feline immunodeficiency virus.

PMID- 22074524
TI  - Feline infectious peritonitis-new insights.

PMID- 22074525
TI  - Diagnosis and control of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22074526
TI  - Epidemiology and control of fleas infesting dogs and cats.

PMID- 22074527
TI  - The role of cats in some important rickettsial diseases of humans in southern
      Africa.

PMID- 22074529
TI  - Cytology for the diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic disease.

PMID- 22074528
TI  - Atypical mycobacteriosis in a cat.

PMID- 22074530
TI  - How to successfully use diagnostic cytology in veterinary practice.

PMID- 22074531
TI  - Endoscopy of the upper airways in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22074532
TI  - Spinal radiography in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22074533
TI  - Evaluation of a DNA marker for copper toxicosis in bedlington terriers.

PMID- 22074534
TI  - Assessment of laboratory tests and test results using data on biological
      variation.

PMID- 22074535
TI  - Exophthalmos in dogs: A challenge for diagnostic imaging.

PMID- 22074536
TI  - A computerized ECG analyzer.

PMID- 22074538
TI  - The death of companion animals in the Netherlands.

PMID- 22074537
TI  - Helping during pet loss and bereavement.

PMID- 22074539
TI  - Injection anesthesia in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22074540
TI  - Artificial ventilation and monitoring in companion animal anesthesia.

PMID- 22074541
TI  - Diseases of racing pigeon: An update.

PMID- 22074542
TI  - Radiation therapy for mast cell tumours in companion animals.

PMID- 22074544
TI  - Influence of cerebellar malformations on cerebral volume: does it matter?

PMID- 22074545
TI  - Synthesis of 18-membered open-cage fullerenes through controlled stepwise
      fullerene skeleton bond cleavage processes and substituent-mediated tuning of the
      redox potential of open-cage fullerenes.
AB  - Oxidation of the fullerenediol C(60)(OH)(2)(O)(OAc)(OOtBu)(3) with PhI(OAc)(2)
      yields the open-cage fullerene derivative C(60)(O)(2)(O)(OAc)(OOtBu)(3)2 with an
      11-membered orifice. Compound 2 reacts with aniline to form a new open-cage
      derivative with a 14-membered orifice, which yields an 18-membered open-cage
      fullerene derivative upon addition of another molecule of aniline. Two different
      types of aniline derivatives with either electron-donating or electron
      withdrawing substituents can be added sequentially, affording an unsymmetrical
      moiety in the open-cage structure. Reduction potentials of the 18-membered open
      cage fullerene derivatives can be fine-tuned by changing the substituents on the
      aniline. The results provide new insights about the mechanism of open-cage
      reactions of fullerene-mixed peroxide.

PMID- 22074546
TI  - A parametric method for cumulative incidence modeling with a new four-parameter
      log-logistic distribution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Competing risks, which are particularly encountered in medical
      studies, are an important topic of concern, and appropriate analyses must be used
      for these data. One feature of competing risks is the cumulative incidence
      function, which is modeled in most studies using non- or semi-parametric methods.
      However, parametric models are required in some cases to ensure maximum
      efficiency, and to fit various shapes of hazard function. METHODS: We have used
      the stable distributions family of Hougaard to propose a new four-parameter
      distribution by extending a two-parameter log-logistic distribution, and carried
      out a simulation study to compare the cumulative incidence estimated with this
      distribution with the estimates obtained using a non-parametric method. To test
      our approach in a practical application, the model was applied to a set of real
      data on fertility history. CONCLUSIONS: The results of simulation studies showed
      that the estimated cumulative incidence function was more accurate than non
      parametric estimates in some settings. Analyses of real data indicated that the
      proposed distribution showed a much better fit to the data than the other
      distributions tested. Therefore, the new distribution is recommended for
      practical applications to parameterize the cumulative incidence function in
      competing risk settings.

PMID- 22074547
TI  - Mixed modality treatment planning of accelerated partial breast irradiation: to
      improve complex dosimetry cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although 3D-conformal accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI)
      is widely used, several questions still remain such as what are the optimal
      treatment planning modalities. Indeed, some patients may have an unfavorable
      anatomy and/or inadequate dosimetric constraints could be fulfilled ("complex
      cases"). In such cases, we wondered which treatment planning modality could be
      applied to achieve 3D-conformal APBI (2 mini-tangents and an "en face" electron
      field or non-coplanar photon multiple fields; or a mixed technique combining non
      coplanar photon multiple fields with an "en face" electron beam). METHODS: From
      October 2007 to March 2010, 55 patients with pT1N0 breast cancer were enrolled in
      a phase II APBI trial. Among them, 7 patients were excluded as they were
      considered as "complex cases". A dosimetric comparison was performed according to
      the 3 APBI modalities mentioned above and assessed: planning treatment volume
      (PTV) coverage, PTV/whole breast ratio, lung and heart distance within irradiated
      field and exposure of organs at risk (OAR). RESULTS: Adequate PTV coverage was
      obtained with the 3 different treatment planning. Regarding OAR exposure, the
      "mixed technique" seemed to reduce the volume of non-target breast tissue in 4
      cases compared to the other techniques (in only 1 case), with the mean V50% at
      44.9% (range, 13.4 - 56.9%) for the mixed modality compared to 51.1% (range, 22.4
      - 63.4%) and 51.8% (range, 23.1 - 59.5%) for the reference and non-coplanar
      techniques, respectively. The same trend was observed for heart exposure.
      CONCLUSIONS: The mixed technique showed a promising trend of reducing the volume
      of non-target breast tissue and heart exposure doses in APBI "complex cases".

PMID- 22074548
TI  - Frequency of Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2) and Mouse Double Minute 4 (MDM4)
      amplification in parosteal and conventional osteosarcoma subtypes.

PMID- 22074549
TI  - The benefit of the reverse transfer function in the fitting process of the
      Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Reverse transfer function (RTF) measurement of the Vibrant
      Soundbridge (VSB) middle ear implant (MEI) is an objective method to evaluate the
      function of the VSB and can be used to adjust the Connexx value required to reach
      the optimal VSB gain during fitting sessions. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the
      sound transfer of the VSB with the RTF in implanted patients and evaluate the
      role of RTF in the fitting process of the VSB. METHODS: This was a prospective
      study including patients undergoing VSB implantation and RTF recording from March
      2007 to October 2010. Three parameters were analyzed. 1) RTF: energy transmitted
      in dB SPL to ear canal by retrograde vibration of malleus and tympanic membrane.
      2) Connexx value: level of amplification in dB delivered by the audioprocessor to
      the floating mass transducer (FMT). 3) VSB gain: difference in dB HL in free
      field between aided and unaided conditions. RESULTS: Ten patients fitted the
      criteria. RTF measurements revealed a significant inter-patient disparity. We
      adjusted the Connexx value according to the RTF value to obtain an optimal VSB
      gain within comfort levels. The VSB gain and RTF with Connexx value were closely
      correlated together. The mean VSB gain and RTF value converted to dB HL had
      comparable values.

PMID- 22074550
TI  - Selective targeted delivery of the TNF-alpha receptor p75 and uteroglobin to the
      vasculature of inflamed tissues: a preliminary report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ligand-targeted approaches have proven successful in improving the
      therapeutic index of a number of drugs. We hypothesized that the specific
      targeting of TNF-alpha antagonists to inflamed tissues could increase drug
      efficacy and reduce side effects. RESULTS: Using uteroglobin (UG), a potent anti
      inflammatory protein, as a scaffold, we prepared a bispecific tetravalent
      molecule consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human TNF
      alpha receptor P75 (TNFRII) and the scFv L19. L19 binds to the ED-B containing
      fibronectin isoform (B-FN), which is expressed only during angiogenesis processes
      and during tissue remodeling. B-FN has also been demonstrated in the pannus in
      rheumatoid arthritis. L19-UG-TNFRII is a stable, soluble homodimeric protein that
      maintains the activities of both moieties: the immuno-reactivity of L19 and the
      capability of TNFRII to inhibit TNF-alpha. In vivo bio-distribution studies
      demonstrated that the molecule selectively accumulated on B-FN containing
      tissues, showing a very fast clearance from the blood but a very long residence
      time on B-FN containing tissues. Despite the very fast clearance from the blood,
      this fusion protein was able to significantly improve the severe symptomatology
      of arthritis in collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model.
      CONCLUSIONS: The recombinant protein described here, able to selectively deliver
      the TNF-alpha antagonist TNFRII to inflamed tissues, could yield important
      contributions for the therapy of degenerative inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22074551
TI  - A multi-method evaluation of a training course on dual diagnosis.
AB  - A training course on dual diagnosis was developed within the Irish forensic
      mental health service, to bridge the gap in the lack of training on dual
      diagnosis in Ireland. The course was designed for service providers within mental
      health and addiction services. Twenty participants involving nursing, social
      work, police and social welfare disciplines attended the first training course. A
      mixed methodology research design was adapted to describe participants'
      evaluation of the training course. Data were collected using multiple methods:
      pre- and post-test, daily evaluation and focus group interviews. Quantitative
      data were analysed using the spss Version 16.0 and qualitative data were analysed
      thematically. Findings from the pre- and post-test suggest an increase in
      participants' knowledge of dual diagnosis and an increase in confidence in
      conducting groups. Daily evaluation indicates that the course content largely met
      participants' needs. Finally, three themes emerged from the focus group
      interview: increased confidence, the training course/teaching methods and
      personal/organizational challenges. This study implies that service providers
      within mental health and addiction services benefit from inter-professional,
      needs and skills based courses incorporating a variety of teaching methods. The
      way forward for future dual diagnosis training course developments would be
      working in partnership with service users and carers.

PMID- 22074552
TI  - Exon duplications in the ATP7A gene: frequency and transcriptional behaviour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Menkes disease (MD) is an X-linked, fatal neurodegenerative disorder
      of copper metabolism, caused by mutations in the ATP7A gene. Thirty-three Menkes
      patients in whom no mutation had been detected with standard diagnostic tools
      were screened for exon duplications in the ATP7A gene. METHODS: The ATP7A gene
      was screened for exon duplications using multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification (MLPA). The expression level of ATP7A was investigated by real-time
      PCR and detailed analysis of the ATP7A mRNA was performed by RT-PCR followed by
      sequencing. In order to investigate whether the identified duplicated fragments
      originated from a single or from two different X-chromosomes, polymorphic markers
      located in the duplicated fragments were analyzed. RESULTS: Partial ATP7A gene
      duplication was identified in 20 unrelated patients including one patient with
      Occipital Horn Syndrome (OHS). Duplications in the ATP7A gene are estimated from
      our material to be the disease causing mutation in 4% of the Menkes disease
      patients. The duplicated regions consist of between 2 and 15 exons. In at least
      one of the cases, the duplication was due to an intra-chromosomal event.
      Characterization of the ATP7A mRNA transcripts in 11 patients revealed that the
      duplications were organized in tandem, in a head to tail direction. The reading
      frame was disrupted in all 11 cases. Small amounts of wild-type transcript were
      found in all patients as a result of exon-skipping events occurring in the
      duplicated regions. In the OHS patient with a duplication of exon 3 and 4, the
      duplicated out-of-frame transcript coexists with an almost equally represented
      wild-type transcript, presumably leading to the milder phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: In
      general, patients with duplication of only 2 exons exhibit a milder phenotype as
      compared to patients with duplication of more than 2 exons. This study provides
      insight into exon duplications in the ATP7A gene.

PMID- 22074554
TI  - Fulminant myopericarditis in an immunocompetent adult due to pandemic 2009 (H1N1)
      influenza A virus infection.
AB  - Acute myopericarditis is a well-recognized but rare complication of numerous
      viral infections. Here we report a case of fulminant myopericarditis presenting
      with acute heart failure and a state of shock in a previously healthy young
      woman. H1N1 influenza A virus sequences were identified in throat and pericardial
      fluid, suggesting a viral source of the infection.

PMID- 22074553
TI  - Identification and analysis of phosphorylation status of proteins in dormant
      terminal buds of poplar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there has been considerable progress made towards
      understanding the molecular mechanisms of bud dormancy, the roles of protein
      phosphorylation in the process of dormancy regulation in woody plants remain
      unclear. RESULTS: We used mass spectrometry combined with TiO2 phosphopeptide
      enrichment strategies to investigate the phosphoproteome of dormant terminal buds
      (DTBs) in poplar (Populus simonii * P. nigra). There were 161 unique
      phosphorylated sites in 161 phosphopeptides from 151 proteins; 141 proteins have
      orthologs in Arabidopsis, and 10 proteins are unique to poplar. Only 34 sites in
      proteins in poplar did not match well with the equivalent phosphorylation sites
      of their orthologs in Arabidopsis, indicating that regulatory mechanisms are well
      conserved between poplar and Arabidopsis. Further functional classifications
      showed that most of these phosphoproteins were involved in binding and catalytic
      activity. Extraction of the phosphorylation motif using Motif-X indicated that
      proline-directed kinases are a major kinase group involved in protein
      phosphorylation in dormant poplar tissues. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      evidence about the significance of protein phosphorylation during dormancy, and
      will be useful for similar studies on other woody plants.

PMID- 22074555
TI  - Interaction of G-quadruplexes with nonintercalating duplex-DNA minor groove
      binding ligands.
AB  - The enzyme telomerase synthesizes the G-rich DNA strands of the telomere and its
      activity is often associated with cancer. The telomerase may be therefore
      responsible for the ability of a cancer cell to escape apoptosis. The G-rich DNA
      sequences often adopt tetra-stranded structure, known as the G-quadruplex DNA (G4
      DNA). The stabilization of the telomeric DNA into the G4-DNA structures by small
      molecules has been the focus of many researchers for the design and development
      of new anticancer agents. The compounds which stabilize the G-quadruplex in the
      telomere inhibit the telomerase activity. Besides telomeres, the G4-DNA forming
      sequences are present in the genomic regions of biological significance including
      the transcriptional regulatory and promoter regions of several oncogenes.
      Inducing a G-quadruplex structure within the G-rich promoter sequences is a
      potential way of achieving selective gene regulation. Several G-quadruplex
      stabilizing ligands are known. Minor groove binding ligands (MGBLs) interact with
      the double-helical DNA through the minor grooves sequence-specifically and
      interfere with several DNA associated processes. These MGBLs when suitably
      modified switch their preference sometimes from the duplex DNA to G4-DNA and
      stabilize the G4-DNA as well. Herein, we focus on the recent advances in
      understanding the G-quadruplex structures, particularly made by the human
      telomeric ends, and review the results of various investigations of the
      interaction of designed organic ligands with the G-quadruplex DNA while
      highlighting the importance of MGBL-G-quadruplex interactions.

PMID- 22074556
TI  - SLUG promotes prostate cancer cell migration and invasion via CXCR4/CXCL12 axis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SLUG is a zinc-finger transcription factor of the Snail/Slug zinc
      finger family that plays a role in migration and invasion of tumor cells.
      Mechanisms by which SLUG promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancers
      remain elusive. METHODS: Expression level of CXCR4 and CXCL12 was examined by
      Western blot, RT-PCR, and qPCR analyses. Forced expression of SLUG was mediated
      by retroviruses, and SLUG and CXCL12 was downregulated by shRNAs-expressing
      lentiviruses. Migration and invasion of prostate cancer were measured by scratch
      wound assay and invasion assay, respectively. RESEARCH: We demonstrated that
      forced expression of SLUG elevated CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression in human prostate
      cancer cell lines PC3, DU145, 22RV1, and LNCaP; conversely, reduced expression of
      SLUG by shRNA downregulated CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression at RNA and protein levels
      in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of SLUG increased MMP9
      expression and activity in PC3, 22RV1, and DU-145 cells, and SLUG knockdown by
      shRNA downregulated MMP9 expression. We showed that CXCL12 is required for SLUG
      mediated MMP9 expression in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, we found that
      migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells was increased by ectopic
      expression of SLUG and decreased by SLUG knockdown. Notably, knockdown of CXCL12
      by shRNA impaired SLUG-mediated migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells.
      Lastly, our data suggest that CXCL12 and SLUG regulate migration and invasion of
      prostate cancer cells independent of cell growth. CONCLUSION: We provide the
      first compelling evidence that upregulation of autocrine CXCL12 is a major
      mechanism underlying SLUG-mediated migration and invasion of prostate cancer
      cells. Our findings suggest that CXCL12 is a therapeutic target for prostate
      cancer metastasis.

PMID- 22074557
TI  - Tracking plant, fungal, and bacterial DNA in honey specimens.
AB  - Consuming honey can result in adverse effects owing to poisoning by bacterial
      (botulism) or plant toxins. We have devised a method to extract polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) amplifiable DNA of up to c. 400 bp in length based on dialysis of
      a 15-mL honey sample for 18 h against deionized water followed by sequential
      extraction using phenol, phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, chloroform/isoamyl
      alcohol, and ether. Sequence analysis of PCR products obtained using "universal"
      plant, fungal, and bacterial primers targeted to the ribosomal RNA genes has
      allowed us to identify six different orders of plants (Apiales, Fabales,
      Asterales, Solanales, Brassicales, and Sapindales), two orders of fungi
      (Entylomatales and Saccharomycetales), and six orders of bacteria
      (Sphingomonadales, Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales, Enterobacteriales,
      Actinomycetales, and Bifidobacteriales) in a single honey specimen.

PMID- 22074558
TI  - Reactivity of amino acid nucleoside phosphoramidates: a mechanistic quantum
      chemical study.
AB  - Recent experimental evidence (Maiti et al. Chem.-Eur. J., submitted) indicates
      that hydrolysis of nucleoside phosphoramidates is subjected to anchimeric
      influence by carboxyl moieties in the leaving group but also by the base in the
      nucleotide. A quantum chemical analysis of these findings is presented. First the
      intrinsic hydrolysis mechanism is investigated for simplified model compounds,
      and then both amino acid and nucleoside substituents are included. It is found
      that hydrolysis is assisted by the alpha-carboxyl group via formation of a five
      membered intermediate and that the barrier for the reaction of this intermediate
      toward the product state can be influenced by the nucleobase. The adenine base
      protonated on N3 interacts with the transition state and considerably lowers the
      barrier for hydrolysis. The influence of several base modifications is explained
      by calculating the pK(a) for protonation on N3.

PMID- 22074559
TI  - Application of a C2-symmetric copper carbenoid in the enantioselective
      hydrosilylation of dialkyl and aryl-alkyl ketones.
AB  - We report excellent reactivity and enantioselectivity of a C(2)-symmetric copper
      bound N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) in the hydrosilylation of a variety of
      structurally diverse ketones. This catalyst exhibits extraordinary
      enantioselctivity in the reduction of such challenging substrates as 2-butanone
      and 3-hexanone. Even at low catalyst loading (2.0 mol %), the reactions occur in
      under an hour at room temperature and often do not require purification beyond
      catalyst and solvent removal. The scope of this transformation was investigated
      in the reduction of 10 aryl-alkyl and alkyl-alkyl ketones.

PMID- 22074560
TI  - Efficacy of hydrosurgical debridement and nanocrystalline silver dressings for
      infection prevention in type II and III open injuries.
AB  - The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and culture
      positive infection rates of open Gustilo/Anderson type II and III fractures using
      a protocol nanocrystalline silver wound dressing and hydrosurgical debridement.
      Retrospective case series through chart review on all type II and III open
      fractures were treated using a novel protocol from December 2005 to March 2008 (N
      = 17). All Gustilo/Anderson grade II and III open fractures were treated with a
      novel protocol at a Level I trauma centre. Open Gustilo/Anderson grade II and III
      fractures were acutely stabilised in the trauma centre/emergency department,
      while a nanocrystalline silver dressing was placed within the wound. Debridement
      using a hydrosurgical scalpel and gravity irrigation was performed within 6-8
      hours of injury. Cultures were obtained prior to definitive fixation. The primary
      outcome measurements were positive cultures and clinical infection rates.
      Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age (33.5) and injury severity
      score (12.7) were gathered. There were 4 grade II open fractures (23.5%), 11
      grade IIIA (64.7%) and 2 grade IIIB open fractures (11.8%). The mean time to
      intravenous antibiotics was 61.5 minutes. The mean time to initial
      debridement/irrigation was 222.1 minutes. The average number of surgical
      procedures was 2.35 with a mean length of stay of 11.8 days. Six patients
      developed positive cultures from the traumatic wounds, five were contaminants.
      One clinical infection was found (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
      The overall clinical infection rate in this series was 5.9% (1/17). The only
      infection was in a Gustilo/Anderson grade II fracture. There were no infections
      in the more high-energy Gustilo/Anderson grade IIIA and IIIB fractures compared
      with the Gustilo/Anderson control of 4-42%. We conclude that this novel protocol
      for open-fracture treatment is a promising intervention. A further prospective
      randomised clinical study is warranted.

PMID- 22074562
TI  - Energy transfer in extended thienylene-phenylene-ethynylene dendrimers.
AB  - We present a new family of dendrimers with all-conjugated, thienylene (Th)
      containing photoactive backbones and branched end-groups. Steady-state
      spectroscopy demonstrates a donor-acceptor system, while picosecond time-resolved
      fluorescence characterizes a vectorial energy transfer from phenylene-ethynylene
      (PE) units at the periphery to thienylene-containing PE units at the core. Energy
      transfer rates of 1.5 and 3.5 ps are observed for generation 2 and 3 dendrimers,
      indicative of a weakly coupled donor-acceptor system, with couplings on the order
      of 40-60 cm(-1).

PMID- 22074561
TI  - Design and synthesis of novel 2-(3-substituted propyl)-3-(2-methyl phenyl)
      quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones as a new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.
AB  - A series of novel 2-(3-substituted propyl)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)
      ones were synthesized by the reaction of 2-(3-bromopropyl thio)-3-(2-methyl
      phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one with various amines. The starting material, 2-(3
      bromopropyl thio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one was synthesized from
      2-methyl aniline. When tested for their in vivo H(1)-antihistaminic activity on
      conscious guinea pigs, all the test compounds protected the animals from
      histamine induced bronchospasm significantly. Compound 2-(3-(4-methylpiperazin-1
      yl) propylthio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (OT5) emerged as the
      most active compound (71.70% protection) of the series when compared to the
      reference standard chlorpheniramine maleate (70.09% protection). Compound OT5
      shows negligible sedation (7%) compared to chlorpheniramine maleate (33%).
      Therefore, compound OT5 can serve as the leading molecule for further development
      into a new class of H(1)-antihistaminic agents.

PMID- 22074563
TI  - 5-HT(3)  and 5-HT(4)  receptors contribute to the anti-motility effects of
      Garcinia buchananii bark extract in the guinea-pig distal colon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Garcinia buchananii bark extract is an anti-motility diarrhea remedy.
      We investigated whether G. buchananii bark extract has components that reduce
      gastrointestinal peristaltic activity via 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors. METHODS:
      Aqueous G. buchananii extract was separated into fractions using preparative thin
      layer chromatography (PTLC), and major chemical components were identified using
      standard tests. The anti-motility effects of the extract and its fractions (PTLC1
      5) were studied through pellet propulsion assays using isolated guinea-pig distal
      colons. KEY RESULTS: Anti-motility (PTLC1 & PTLC5) and pro-motility (PTLC2)
      fractions were isolated from the extract. Flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids,
      tannins, and phenols were identified in the extract and PTLC1&5. The potency of
      the extract applied via the mucosal surface was reduced by 5-HT, 5-HT(3) receptor
      agonist RS-56812, 5-HT(4) receptor agonists cisapride and CJ-033466, 5-HT(3)
      receptor antagonist granisetron, and 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist GR-113808. The
      anti-motility effects of the aqueous extract and PTLC1&5 when applied serosally
      were reversed by RS-56812, cisapride, and CJ-033466. The 5-HT(3) receptor
      antagonists, granisetron and ondansetron, reduced the effects of the extract to
      an extent and completely reversed the anti-motility effects of PTLC1&5. GR-113808
      inhibited the actions of the extract during the initial 10 min, but enhanced the
      extracts' anti-motility effects after 15 min. GR-113808 augmented the anti
      motility activities of PTLC1 and PTLC5 by 30%. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: These
      results indicate that the anti-motility effects of G. buchananii aqueous extract
      are potentially mediated by compounds that affect 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors.
      Identification and characterization of the bioactive compounds within G.
      buchananii could lead to the discovery of new non-opiate anti-diarrhea
      formulations.

PMID- 22074564
TI  - Configuring health care for systematic behavioral screening and intervention.
AB  - The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends universal screening
      and intervention for tobacco use, excessive drinking, and depression. These
      services improve health outcomes, decrease health care costs, enhance public
      safety, and generate substantial return on investment. Given the prevalence rates
      of these behavioral conditions and the time necessary for evidence-based
      interventions, it will be challenging to integrate behavioral screening and
      intervention (BSI) into busy health care settings. Therefore, consistent with the
      principles of the medical home and the chronic care model, the health care team
      must be expanded to systematically provide BSI. A 2-tiered, stepped-care model is
      proposed. The first tier of services-consisting of assessment, intervention, and
      follow-up services-would address most mild-to-moderate behavioral risks or
      conditions. The second tier would include various specialty-based resources,
      which would be conserved for patients with greatest need and potential to
      benefit. With slight enhancement of their training, health educators would be
      excellent candidates to serve as cost-efficient providers of first-tier services.
      The proposed model would help the United States realize improved health outcomes
      and cost savings as health care benefits are expanded to a greater proportion of
      its population.

PMID- 22074565
TI  - Challenge of neurological and psychosocial problems in developing countries.

PMID- 22074566
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22074567
TI  - Association of the 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms with obstructive sleep
      apnea hypopnea syndrome in Chinese Han population.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: The -1438G/A polymorphism of 5-HT2A receptor gene may associate with
      obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in a Chinese Han population.
      Different genotypes of -1438G/A polymorphism may influence the ventilatory
      activity in response to hypoxia, and in turn the sleep breath status. OBJECTIVE:
      This study was designed to assess the association of polymorphisms in all exons
      and promoter region of the 5-HT2A receptor gene with OSAHS in a Chinese Han
      population. METHODS: A total of 315 subjects (210 patients and 105 controls) were
      included for genetic analyses of polymorphisms in all exons and promoter region
      of the 5-HT2A receptor gene. RESULTS: Six single nucleoside polymorphism (SNP)
      sites were identified in the sequencing of the promoter and exons of the 5-HT2A
      receptor gene; however, genotypes and allele frequencies of the SNPs did not show
      significant differences between the patients and controls except the -1438G/A
      polymorphism. For SNP of -1438G/A, the A/A genotype was over-represented and the
      allele A was more frequent in the patients, while the G/A genotype was over
      represented and the allele G was more frequent in the controls (p < 0.001, p =
      0.005, respectively). In the patients, the A/A and G/A genotypes were over
      represented in the subgroups with lowest nocturnal SaO(2) (LSaO(2)) <=75% and
      LSaO(2) >75%, respectively (p = 0.006).

PMID- 22074568
TI  - A bacteria colony-based screen for optimal linker combinations in genetically
      encoded biosensors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors based on the principle of
      intramolecular Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) enable the visualization
      of a variety of biochemical events in living cells. The construction of these
      biosensors requires the genetic insertion of a judiciously chosen molecular
      recognition element between two distinct hues of FP. When the molecular
      recognition element interacts with the analyte of interest and undergoes a
      conformational change, the ratiometric emission of the construct is altered due
      to a change in the FRET efficiency. The sensitivity of such biosensors is
      proportional to the change in ratiometric emission, and so there is a pressing
      need for methods to maximize the ratiometric change of existing biosensor
      constructs in order to increase the breadth of their utility. RESULTS: To
      accelerate the development and optimization of improved FRET-based biosensors, we
      have developed a method for function-based high-throughput screening of biosensor
      variants in colonies of Escherichia coli. We have demonstrated this technology by
      undertaking the optimization of a biosensor for detection of methylation of
      lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27). This effort involved the construction and
      screening of 3 distinct libraries: a domain library that included several
      engineered binding domains isolated by phage-display; a lower-resolution linker
      library; and a higher-resolution linker library. CONCLUSION: Application of this
      library screening methodology led to the identification of an optimized H3K27
      trimethylation biosensor that exhibited an emission ratio change (66%) that was
      2.3 * improved relative to that of the initially constructed biosensor (29%).

PMID- 22074570
TI  - Evaluation of compressive strength in the first premolars between young and
      elderly people: ex vivo study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the compressive strength of first maxillary
      premolars from young and elderly people. BACKGROUND: Findings have revealed that
      changes happening on dental structure lead to a higher susceptibility of tooth
      fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty teeth were divided into four groups as
      follows: G I (n = 7) premolars of elderly patients with fused roots, G II (n = 8)
      premolars of elderly with separate roots, G III (n = 7) pre-molars of young
      people with fused roots and G IV (n = 8) premolars of young people with roots
      separated. The roots were placed in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinder and
      embedded in acrylic resin. Afterward, the samples were subjected to fracture by
      compressive strength in a universal testing machine. Loads were applied in
      continuous and progressive speed of 0.5 mm/min until the moment of fracture. The
      values found underwent statistical analysis (ANOVA alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: With
      regard to age, there was a statistical difference, the teeth of the elderly being
      more susceptible to fracture (p < 0.05). With regard to root morphology, no
      significant differences between both groups were observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      It was concluded that with the methodology employed, the age factor was important
      with regard to fracture resistance to compression.

PMID- 22074569
TI  - Genome-scale reconstruction and system level investigation of the metabolic
      network of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methylotrophic microorganisms are playing a key role in
      biogeochemical processes - especially the global carbon cycle - and have gained
      interest for biotechnological purposes. Significant progress was made in the
      recent years in the biochemistry, genetics, genomics, and physiology of
      methylotrophic bacteria, showing that methylotrophy is much more widespread and
      versatile than initially assumed. Despite such progress, system-level description
      of the methylotrophic metabolism is currently lacking, and much remains to
      understand regarding the network-scale organization and properties of
      methylotrophy, and how the methylotrophic capacity emerges from this
      organization, especially in facultative organisms. RESULTS: In this work, we
      report on the integrated, system-level investigation of the metabolic network of
      the facultative methylotroph Methylobacterium extorquens AM1, a valuable model of
      methylotrophic bacteria. The genome-scale metabolic network of the bacterium was
      reconstructed and contains 1139 reactions and 977 metabolites. The sub-network
      operating upon methylotrophic growth was identified from both in silico and
      experimental investigations, and 13C-fluxomics was applied to measure the
      distribution of metabolic fluxes under such conditions. The core metabolism has a
      highly unusual topology, in which the unique enzymes that catalyse the key steps
      of C1 assimilation are tightly connected by several, large metabolic cycles
      (serine cycle, ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway, TCA cycle, anaplerotic processes). The
      entire set of reactions must operate as a unique process to achieve C1
      assimilation, but was shown to be structurally fragile based on network analysis.
      This observation suggests that in nature a strong pressure of selection must
      exist to maintain the methylotrophic capability. Nevertheless, substantial
      substrate cycling could be measured within C2/C3/C4 inter-conversions, indicating
      that the metabolic network is highly versatile around a flexible backbone of
      central reactions that allows rapid switching to multi-carbon sources.
      CONCLUSIONS: This work emphasizes that the metabolism of M. extorquens AM1 is
      adapted to its lifestyle not only in terms of enzymatic equipment, but also in
      terms of network-level structure and regulation. It suggests that the metabolism
      of the bacterium has evolved both structurally and functionally to an efficient
      but transitory utilization of methanol. Besides, this work provides a basis for
      metabolic engineering to convert methanol into value-added products.

PMID- 22074571
TI  - Ten-year experiences with Tracheostomy at a University teaching hospital in
      Northwestern Tanzania: A retrospective review of 214 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy remains a very important life saving surgical procedure
      worldwide and particularly in our environment where patients present late in
      upper airway obstruction. Little work has been done on this subject in our
      environment and therefore it was necessary to conduct this study to describe our
      own experiences with tracheostomy, outlining the common indications and outcome
      of tracheostomized patients in our setting and compare our results with those
      from other centers in the world. METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective study
      which was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre from January 2001 to December 2010.
      Data were retrieved from patients' files kept in the Medical record department
      and analyzed using SPSS computer software version 15.0. Ethical approval to
      conduct the study was obtained from relevant authority before the commencement of
      the study. RESULTS: A total of 214 patients were studied. The male to female
      ratio was 3.1: 1. The majority of patients were in the 3rd decade of life. The
      most common indication for tracheostomy was upper airway obstruction secondary to
      traumatic causes in 55.1% of patients, followed by upper airway obstruction due
      to neoplastic causes in 39.3% of cases. The majority of tracheostomies (80.4%)
      were performed as an emergency. Transverse skin crease incision was employed in
      all the cases. Post-tracheostomy complication rate was 21.5%. Complication rate
      was significantly higher in emergency tracheostomy than in electives (P < 0.001).
      The duration of temporary tracheostomy ranged from 8 days to 46 months, with a
      median duration of 4 months. Tracheostomy decannulation was successively
      performed in 72.4% of patients who survived. Mortality rate was 13.6%. The
      mortality was due to their underlying illnesses, none had tracheostomy-related
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Upper airway obstruction secondary to trauma and laryngeal
      tumors still remains the most common indication for tracheostomy in our centre
      and tracheostomy is still a life saving procedure in the surgical management of
      airway despite complications which are seen more commonly in paediatric patients.
      Most of tracheostomy related complications can be avoided by meticulous attention
      to the details of the technique and postoperative tracheostomy care by skilled
      and trained staff.

PMID- 22074572
TI  - Ghrelin, a novel peptide hormone in the regulation of energy balance and
      cardiovascular function.
AB  - Ghrelin, a peptide hormone predominantly produced by the stomach, is a potent
      stimulator of growth hormone release, food intake and weight gain. Besides its
      functions in regulating energy homeostasis, ghrelin has pronounced
      cardioprotective effects and was shown to improve cardiac performance in chronic
      heart failure (CHF). The multifunctional nature of ghrelin makes it an
      interesting pharmacological target for various diseases. Inhibition of ghrelin
      could be a promising approach in obesity-related disorders, while an enhancement
      of the ghrelin response is considered beneficial in several pathologic conditions
      marked by malnutrition, wasting and cachexia, including CHF, cancer, chronic
      pulmonary disease or chronic infections. In particular, patients suffering from
      CHF could possibly benefit from ghrelin based compounds that do not only help to
      reverse cardiac cachexia - by inducing a positive energy balance - but also
      enhance the direct cardioprotective effects of ghrelin. This review highlights
      the role of ghrelin in the regulation of energy balance and cardiovascular
      function and summarizes the most recent patents, developments and strategies in
      ghrelin-based pharmacotherapy for the treatment of pathologic conditions
      associated with obesity, cachexia or cardiovascular dysfunction.

PMID- 22074573
TI  - The monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor an anti-inflammatory peptide;
      therapeutics originating from amebic abscess of the liver.
AB  - Entamoeba histolytica in culture produces a pentapeptide (MQCNS). This
      oligopeptide inhibits the in vitro and in vivo locomotion of human monocytes,
      hence its denomination Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF). The original
      isolated peptide and its synthetic construct display similar effects, among
      others, being inhibition of the respiratory burst in monocytes and neutrophils,
      decrease of Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) skin hypersensitivity in guinea pigs and
      gerbils, and delay of mononuclear leukocytes in human Rebuck skin windows with
      inhibition of vascular cell Very late antigen (VLA)-4 and Vascular adhesion
      molecules (VCAM) in endothelia and monocytes. The MLIF molecular mechanism of
      action is unknown, but data reveal its implication in Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF
      kappaB) and Mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. This could explain
      MLIF multiplicity of biological effects. On the other hand, the amebic peptide
      has been useful in treating experimental amebiasis of the liver. The amebic
      peptide is effective in reducing inflammation induced by carragenin and arthritis
      in a Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Microarray data from experimental
      arthritis revealed an MLIF gene expression profile that includes genes that are
      involved in apoptosis, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, and inflammation /
      chemotaxis. MLIF could be involved in unsuspected biological factions because
      there is increasing data on the peptide effect on several cell activities. This
      review also presents uses of MLIF as described in patents.

PMID- 22074575
TI  - GLUT4 associated proteins as therapeutic targets for diabetes.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is a complex, multifactorial disease resulting from insulin
      resistance in target tissues and the impairment of insulin secretion from the
      pancreas. One of the key metabolic actions of insulin is to control blood sugar
      levels by promoting glucose uptake into adipocyte and muscle cells. This is
      achieved by activation of a complex signal transduction cascade that stimulates
      the trafficking of the insulin responsive glucose transporter protein, GLUT4,
      from specific intracellular sites to the plasma membrane. This review is divided
      into two major sections. The first section gives an overview of GLUT4 trafficking
      and the second section focuses on the patents that have been acquired for GLUT4
      associated proteins and which demonstrate potential as therapeutic targets for
      the treatment of diabetes. Inventions in this area include methods and agents to
      translocate GLUT4 to the plasma membrane independent of insulin and methods to
      increase the level of GLUT4 in insulin responsive cells.

PMID- 22074574
TI  - Pharmacoperones: a new therapeutic approach for diseases caused by misfolded G
      protein-coupled receptors.
AB  - G Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell membrane proteins that recognize
      specific chemical signals such as drugs and hormones and transduce these signals
      into cellular responses by activating G-proteins. As is the case for all newly
      synthesized proteins, GPCRs are subjected to conformational scrutiny at the
      endoplasmic reticulum prior to processing and trafficking to the cell surface
      membrane. Because of this stringent quality control screening mechanism,
      mutations that result in protein misfolding frequently lead to retention in the
      endoplasmic reticulum, aggregation or other misrouting and, eventually, to
      disease. This article reviews some patents and new therapeutic opportunities
      based on the misfolding and retention of otherwise functional GPCRs that
      represent promising approaches to correct conformational abnormalities leading to
      distinct disease states.

PMID- 22074576
TI  - Exploring the Role of "Brahmi" (Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica) in Brain
      Function and Therapy
AB  - It has been envisaged that in this century, disorders of the central nervous
      system will have a significant bearing on the healthcare concerns of the human
      population worldwide. Such neurological and psychiatric disorders are generally
      associated with loss of memory, cognitive deficits, impaired mental function etc.
      Due to the multi-factorial nature of these diseases, modern medicine based
      psychoactive drugs have met with limited success. Therefore, there is a growing
      demand for novel products that could target multiple pathways and improve the
      mental capabilities either independently or in combination with conventional
      drugs. In the recent times, herbal products based on traditional knowledge have
      been increasingly used both in developed and developing countries. According to
      "Ayurveda", the Indian traditional system of medicine, "medhyarasayanas"
      represent herbal therapeutics that boost memory, restore cognitive deficits and
      improve mental function. The current review deals with the components and
      application of such a traditional herb "Brahmi" that corresponds to two plants,
      Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica. Research evidences clearly indicate that
      both plants possess neuroprotective properties, have nootropic activity with
      therapeutic implications for patients with memory loss. The field has witnessed
      exciting patent activity with most inventions aiming at either (i) improving the
      methods of herbal extraction or (ii) enrichment and purification of novel
      compounds from brahmi or (iii) providing novel synergistic formulations for
      therapeutics in various human ailments. In this review, clinical trials related
      to the therapeutic properties of brahmi and current patents relevant to the
      preparation, composition and application have also been included.

PMID- 22074577
TI  - The alteration of coagulation in patients with thyroid dysfunction.
AB  - The influence of thyroid dysfunction on haemostasis is complex and still not very
      well understood. Both bleeding tendency and hypercoagulable states have been
      reported. In this article, we attempt to discuss the possible relationship
      between thyroid dysfunction and secondary haemostasis and fibrinolysis. After the
      analysis of the recent literature, we conclude that thyroid dysfunction is
      associated with alterations in fibrin generation and fibrinolysis. Most of the
      evidence suggests that hyperthyroidism is associated with impaired fibrinolysis
      and enhanced coagulation. Although, former studies proposed that there was an
      increase in fibrinolytic activity in hypothyroidism, increasing number of recent
      reports advocated the opposite. We believe that further prospective comprehensive
      clinical studies involving large numbers of patients either with overt or
      subclinical thyroid dysfunctions should be performed to clarify the effect of
      thyroid dysfunction on secondary haemostasis and fibrinolysis. Recent important
      patents focusing on coagulation and thyroid dysfunction are also discussed in
      this review.

PMID- 22074578
TI  - Pituitary microadenoma treated with antipsychotic drug aripiprazole.
AB  - Male patient 24 years old with a pituitary microadenoma and mental and
      behavioural disorders due to multiple drug use and use of other psychoactive
      substances (cocaine, cannabis and alcohol) were treated with haloperidol
      (dopamine receptor blocker) 10 mg daily. In the last control, the patient
      presented mammary hypertrophy; laboratory testing and brain magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) was performed, reporting the presence of a pituitary microadenoma
      syndrome with hormonal alteration (Prolactin levels 28.4 ng/ml). Haloperidol,
      carbamazepine and levomepromazine were then discontinued. He was started on
      aripiprazole 15 mg po daily for 4 days; the dosage was then increased to 30 mg po
      daily, with Valproic Acid 500 mg po tid. After 3 weeks on aripiprazole, the
      mammary hypertrophy that had increased in the patient had resolved. After 10
      weeks follow up of prolactin revealed a normal level, at 4.33 ng/ml. Insomnia,
      aggressiveness, irritability, visual, tactile and auditory hallucinations
      remained absent after treatment with aripiprazole which is not a first line drug
      in multiple drug use patient with psychosis. We also consider the correlation of
      drug use in patient with psychosis, haloperidol treatment, pituitary microadenoma
      syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, and dopamine D2- receptor partial agonist
      aripiprazole treatment. This article also summarizes some relevant patents.

PMID- 22074579
TI  - Dopamine: the forgotten felon in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - This paper reviews recent patents and development related to bromocriptine and
      other dopaminergic agents, being used or suggested for use in the management of
      diabetes. The article discusses the contribution of dopaminergic pathways to
      glucose, energy and weight homeostasis. The mechanism of action of bromocriptine,
      its pharmacological properties, efficacy, safety and tolerability are assessed.
      The article also covers recent patents which may be utilized to improve the
      efficiency and tolerability of dopamine-based therapy in diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22074580
TI  - Hypoglycemic agents in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence and causes a significant health care
      burden due to associated microvascular and macrovascular complications. Type 2
      diabetes is diagnosed by clinical findings of hyperglycemia and laboratory
      confirmation of elevated plasma glucose. Initial therapy includes diet and
      exercise, followed by the use of oral hypoglycemic agents and potentially
      subcutaneous insulin injections. Of the oral hypoglycemic agents currently
      available, metformin is the first-line choice. Recently, new adjunct therapies
      have been introduced that can improve glycemic control, although the long term
      effects on modifying the disease outcome in terms of diabetes complications
      remain to be seen. A review of the mechanism of action of current, non-insulin
      therapies will be presented. This review article will also discuss recent patents
      related to the field.

PMID- 22074582
TI  - The pineal hormone melatonin in health and disease.

PMID- 22074583
TI  - The use of chronobiotics in the resynchronization of the sleep/wake cycle.
      Therapeutical application in the early phases of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders, whether precipitated by intrinsic
      factors (e.g., sleep disorders, blindness, mental disorders, aging) or by
      extrinsic factors (e.g., shift work, jet-lag) has led to the development of a new
      type of agents called "chronobiotics". The term "chronobiotic" defines a
      substance displaying the therapeutic activity of shifting the phase or increasing
      the amplitude of the circadian rhythms. The prototype of this therapeutic group
      is melatonin, whose administration synchronizes the sleep-wake cycle in blind
      people and in individuals suffering from circadian rhythm sleep disorders, like
      delayed sleep phase syndrome, jet lag or shift-work. Daily melatonin production
      decreases with age, and in several pathologies, attaining its lowest values in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. About half of dementia patients have severe
      disruptions in their sleep-wakefulness cycle. Melatonin replacement is effective
      to treat sundowning and other sleep wake disorders in fully developed AD,
      although controversial data on this point exist. Indeed, large interindividual
      differences between patients suffering from AD exist and can explain these
      erratic results. Theoretically the effect of melatonin could be more consistent
      at an earlier stage of the disease, i.e., mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an
      etiologically heterogeneous syndrome that precedes dementia. PubMed was searched
      using Entrez for articles including clinical trials. Search terms were
      "Alzheimer" "mild cognitive impairment" and "melatonin". Full publications were
      obtained and references were checked for additional material where appropriate.
      Only clinical studies with empirical treatment data were reviewed. Five double
      blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials and 1 open-label retrospective study
      (N = 651) all agree in indicating that treatment with daily evening melatonin
      improves sleep quality and cognitive performance in MCI. The analysis of
      published evidence and patents indicates that melatonin can be a useful ad-on
      therapeutic tool in the early phases of AD.

PMID- 22074584
TI  - Relevance of the chronobiological and non-chronobiological actions of melatonin
      for enhancing therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - Melatonin is an indolamine with a large spectrum of functions that can be divided
      into chronobiotic and nonchronobiotic. Chronobiotic effects are mediated by the
      daily rhythm of melatonin in the plasma due to nocturnal pineal synthesis,
      whereas the melatonin produced by other cells, such as gastrointestinal and
      immune competent cells, is independent of the light/dark cycle and exert non
      chronobiotic effects. The concentrations achieved by the two sources are
      significantly different, varying in the pM-nM range in the plasma, and may
      achieve concentrations in the mM range when released locally by activated immune
      competent cells. Consequently, the effects of the melatonin produced in these two
      situations are distinct. Much has been reported about the beneficial response to
      exogenous melatonin administration in several pathological conditions. However,
      the relationship between the establishment of a disease and the state of the
      physiological activity of the pineal gland is still poorly understood. Here, we
      review the state of art in the modulation of pineal melatonin synthesis, relevant
      patents, and discuss its relationship with neurodegenerative disorders that
      involve a central inflammatory response, such as Alzheimer's disease, to suggest
      the putative relevance of new therapeutic protocols that replace this pineal
      hormone.

PMID- 22074585
TI  - Effects of melatonin on peripheral nerve regeneration.
AB  - In the available literature, there are thousands of studies on peripheral nerve
      regeneration using many nerves of several animals at different ages with various
      types of lesions and different methods of evaluation at certain time of follow
      up. Despite many experimental data and clinical observations, there is still no
      ideal treatment method enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration. In clinical
      practice, various types of surgical nerve repair techniques do not frequently
      result in complete recovery due to neuroma formation, lipid peroxidative damage,
      ischemia and other factors. Recently, a number of neuroscientists demonstrated
      that pineal neurohormone melatonin (MLT) has an effect on the morphologic
      features of the nerve tissue, suggesting its neuroprotective, free radical
      scavenging, antioxidative, and analgesic effects in degenerative diseases of
      peripheral nerves. At present, it is widely accepted that MLT has a useful effect
      on axon length and sprouting after traumatic events to peripheral nerves. Our
      studies using various experimental injury models clearly suggest positive effects
      of MLT on the number of axons, thickness of myelin sheath by inhibition of
      collagen accumulation and neuroma formation following traumatic events to
      peripheral nerves, myelination of developing peripheral nerve after intrauterine
      ethanol exposure. Nevertheless, further experimental and randomized controlled
      clinical studies are vital to identify the clinical use of MLT hormone. This is
      an overview of recent patents and current literature in terms of the effects of
      MLT on peripheral nerve regeneration based on a critical analysis of
      electrophysiological, biochemical and light and electron microscopic findings, in
      addition to functional observations.

PMID- 22074586
TI  - Melatonin, immune function and cancer.
AB  - Melatonin is a natural substance ubiquitous in distribution and present in almost
      all species ranging from unicellular organisms to humans. In mammals, melatonin
      is synthesized not only in the pineal gland but also in many other parts of the
      body, including the eyes, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, skin and
      lymphocytes. Melatonin influences almost every cell and can be traced in
      membrane, cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and nuclear compartments of the cell. The
      decline in the production of melatonin with age has been suggested as one of the
      major contributors to immunosenescence and development of neoplastic diseases.
      Melatonin is a natural antioxidant with immunoenhancing properties. T-helper
      cells play an important role for protection against malignancy and melatonin has
      been shown to enhance T-helper cell response by releasing interleukin-2,
      interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma. Melatonin is effective in suppressing
      neoplastic growth in a variety of tumors like melanoma, breast and prostate
      cancer, and ovarian and colorectal cancer. As an adjuvant therapy, melatonin can
      be beneficial in treating patients suffering from breast cancer, hepatocellular
      carcinoma or melanoma. In this paper, a brief review of recent patents on
      melatonin and cancer has also been presented.

PMID- 22074587
TI  - Fetuin-A: a multifunctional protein.
AB  - Sixty-six years have elapsed since the discovery of fetuin in 1944, but its
      importance in mammalian physiology has only recently been appreciated. Fetuin,
      first isolated from fetal bovine serum and now most commonly known as either
      fetuin-A, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (recommended name by UniprotKB and PIR), or
      alpha2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein, functions as an important component of
      diverse normal and pathological processes, including vascular calcification and
      bone metabolism regulation, insulin resistance, protease activity control,
      keratinocytes migration, and breast tumor cell proliferative signaling. Fetuin-A
      has also been identified as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disease. Here, we
      summarize recent publications focusing on the structural and functional
      properties of fetuin-A. The emerging importance of fetuin-A for both diagnosis
      and therapeutics has come to the attention of the pharmaceutical industry.
      Therefore, we will discuss the status of patents based on fetuin-A.

PMID- 22074588
TI  - Better targeting melanoma: options beyond surgery and conventional chemotherapy.
AB  - Skin cancer is the commonest malignant tumour in white skinned individuals in the
      western world. The incidence of skin cancer is on the rise. Case fatality for
      melanoma is probably the highest, not only among skin cancers but also among all
      types of cancers. The notion that cancer stem cells are responsible for disease
      progress and development has lead researchers towards these initiators of new
      metastases. Intra- and extracellular path inhibitors are targeted in eliminating
      crucial functions of tumor cells. Treatments are easily escaped from stem cells
      with pluripotent functional and proliferative potential. Immunomodulators are a
      useful treatment adjunct for highly immunogenic cancers such as malignant
      melanoma. Specific lineages of tumor cells are responsible for this modulation
      and targeting this cancer function with specific antibodies appears to be a
      reasonable but also effective treatment option. Chemoprotective agents have been
      proposed as a mean of reducing dose dependent toxicities and enlarging the
      therapeutic window of anticancer drugs. Current patent laws skew biomedical
      research to products that yield high profits rather than to global priority
      health needs in both developed and developing countries and with melanoma
      benefiting from this skew many new patents will continue to emerge. Most patents
      reported in this review follow the cytostatic rather than the cytotoxic paradigm.
      Based on this trend, one might anticipate that the goal for future advances in
      the treatment of melanoma patients would be to prolong their lifespan rather than
      cure them.

PMID- 22074590
TI  - Staff concerns in heroin-assisted treatment centres.
AB  - Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is a solution for improving the condition of
      treatment-resistant heroin addicts. Since 1994, six randomized controlled trials
      have concluded that HAT is more efficacious than oral methadone for severe heroin
      addicts. We visited seven HAT treatment centres in four countries in order to
      observe diacetylmorphine (DAM) administration and to study the main concerns of
      the staff. Nurses were concerned by the risk taken if a previously intoxicated
      patient received his dose of DAM. Another concern was the smuggling of DAM doses.
      The HAT centres face a dilemma: treating patients while at the same time allowing
      their risky street habits in the centre.

PMID- 22074589
TI  - Residual HIV-1 DNA Flap-independent nuclear import of cPPT/CTS double mutant
      viruses does not support spreading infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) central DNA Flap is
      generated during reverse transcription as a result of (+) strand initiation at
      the central polypurine tract (cPPT) and termination after a ca. 100 bp strand
      displacement at the central termination sequence (CTS). The central DNA Flap is a
      determinant of HIV-1 nuclear import, however, neither cPPT nor CTS mutations
      entirely abolish nuclear import and infection. Therefore, to determine whether or
      not the DNA Flap is essential for HIV-1 nuclear import, we generated double
      mutant (DM) viruses, combining cPPT and CTS mutations to abolish DNA Flap
      formation. RESULTS: The combination of cPPT and CTS mutations reduced the
      proportion of viruses forming the central DNA Flap at the end of reverse
      transcription and further decreased virus infectivity in one-cycle titration
      assays. The most affected DM viruses were unable to establish a spreading
      infection in the highly permissive MT4 cell line, nor in human primary peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), indicating that the DNA Flap is required for
      virus replication. Surprisingly, we found that DM viruses still maintained
      residual nuclear import levels, amounting to 5-15% of wild-type virus, as
      assessed by viral DNA circle quantification. Alu-PCR quantification of integrated
      viral genome also indicated 5-10% residual integration levels compared to wild
      type virus. CONCLUSION: This work establishes that the central DNA Flap is
      required for HIV-1 spreading infection but points to a residual DNA Flap
      independent nuclear import, whose functional significance remains unclear since
      it is not sufficient to support viral replication.

PMID- 22074592
TI  - Effectiveness and tissue compatibility of a 12-week treatment of chronic venous
      leg ulcers with an octenidine based antiseptic--a randomized, double-blind
      controlled study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of octenidine
      dihydrochloride/phenoxyethanol (OHP) found in vitro by conducting a randomized,
      double-blind controlled clinical study focusing on its safe and effective use in
      chronic venous leg ulcers. In total, 126 male and female patients were treated
      with either OHP (n = 60) or Ringer solution (n = 66). The treatment lasted over a
      period of maximum 12 weeks. For the assessment of the wound-healing process,
      clinical outcome parameters were employed, that is, time span until 100%
      epithelization, wound status and the wound surface area were analysed. Side
      effects were recorded during the study period. The median time to complete ulcer
      healing was comparable between the OHP and Ringer solution groups (92 versus 87
      days; P = 0.952), without being influenced by wound size or duration of the
      target ulcer (P-values: 0.947/0.978). In patients treated with OHP, fewer adverse
      events (AEs) were observed compared with the Ringer group (17% versus 29% of
      patients reported 20 versus 38 AEs). OHP is well suitable for the treatment of
      chronic wounds without cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, OHP does not impair the
      wound healing in chronic venous ulcers.

PMID- 22074591
TI  - Results from the translation and adaptation of the Iranian Short-Form McGill Pain
      Questionnaire (I-SF-MPQ): preliminary evidence of its reliability, construct
      validity and sensitivity in an Iranian pain population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) is one of the most
      widely used instruments to assess pain. The aim of this study was to translate
      and culturally adapt the questionnaire for Farsi (the official language of Iran)
      speakers in order to test its reliability and sensitivity. METHODS: We followed
      Guillemin's guidelines for cross-cultural adaption of health-related measures,
      which include forward-backward translations, expert committee meetings, and face
      validity testing in a pilot group. Subsequently, the questionnaire was
      administered to a sample of 100 diverse chronic pain patients attending a
      tertiary pain and rehabilitation clinic. In order to evaluate test-retest
      reliability, patients completed the questionnaire in the morning and early
      evening of their first visit. Finally, patients were asked to complete the
      questionnaire for the third time after completing a standardized treatment
      protocol three weeks later. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to
      evaluate reliability. We used principle component analysis to assess construct
      validity. RESULTS: Ninety-two subjects completed the questionnaire both in the
      morning and in the evening of the first visit (test-retest reliability), and
      after three weeks (sensitivity to change). Eight patients who did not finish
      treatment protocol were excluded from the study. Internal consistency was found
      by Cronbach's alpha to be 0.951, 0.832 and 0.840 for sensory, affective and total
      scores respectively. ICC resulted in 0.906 for sensory, 0.712 for affective and
      0.912 for total pain score. Item to subscale score correlations supported the
      convergent validity of each item to its hypothesized subscale. Correlations were
      observed to range from r2 = 0.202 to r2 = 0.739. Sensitivity or responsiveness
      was evaluated by pair t-test, which exhibited a significant difference between
      pre- and post-treatment scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      indicate that the Iranian version of the SF-MPQ is a reliable questionnaire and
      responsive to changes in the subscale and total pain scores in Persian chronic
      pain patients over time.

PMID- 22074593
TI  - The jump shot - a biomechanical analysis focused on lateral ankle ligaments.
AB  - Handball is one of the top four athletic games with highest injury risks. The
      jump shot is the most accomplished goal shot technique and the lower extremities
      are mostly injured. As a basis for ankle sprain simulation, the aim of this study
      was to extend the ankle region of an existing musculoskeletal full-body model
      through incorporation of three prominent lateral ankle ligaments: ligamentum
      fibulotalare anterius (LFTA), ligamentum fibulotalare posterius (LFTP),
      ligamentum fibulocalcaneare (LFC). The specific objective was to calculate and
      visualise ligament force scenarios during the jumping and landing phases of
      controlled jump shots. Recorded kinematic data of performed jump shots and the
      corresponding ground reaction forces were used to perform inverse dynamics. The
      calculated peak force of the LFTA (107 N) was found at maximum plantarflexion and
      of the LFTP (150 N) at maximum dorsiflexion. The peak force of the LFC (190 N)
      was observed at maximum dorsiflexion combined with maximum eversion. Within the
      performed jump shots, the LFTA showed a peak force (59 N to 69 N) during maximum
      plantarflexion in the final moment of the lift off. During landing, the force
      developed by the LFTA reached its peak value (61 N to 70 N) at the first contact
      with the floor. After that, the LFTP developed a peak force (70 N to 118 N). This
      model allows the calculation of forces in lateral ankle ligaments. The
      information obtained in this study can serve as a basis for future research on
      ankle sprain and ankle sprain simulation.

PMID- 22074594
TI  - Conserved host response to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection in
      human cell culture, mouse and macaque model systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding host response to influenza virus infection will
      facilitate development of better diagnoses and therapeutic interventions. Several
      different experimental models have been used as a proxy for human infection,
      including cell cultures derived from human cells, mice, and non-human primates.
      Each of these systems has been studied extensively in isolation, but little
      effort has been directed toward systematically characterizing the conservation of
      host response on a global level beyond known immune signaling cascades. RESULTS:
      In the present study, we employed a multivariate modeling approach to
      characterize and compare the transcriptional regulatory networks between these
      three model systems after infection with a highly pathogenic avian influenza
      virus of the H5N1 subtype. Using this approach we identified functions and
      pathways that display similar behavior and/or regulation including the well
      studied impact on the interferon response and the inflammasome. Our results also
      suggest a primary response role for airway epithelial cells in initiating
      hypercytokinemia, which is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of H5N1
      viruses. We further demonstrate that we can use a transcriptional regulatory
      model from the human cell culture data to make highly accurate predictions about
      the behavior of important components of the innate immune system in tissues from
      whole organisms. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first demonstration of a global
      regulatory network modeling conserved host response between in vitro and in vivo
      models.

PMID- 22074596
TI  - Fun with photons, reactive intermediates, and friends. Skating on the edge of the
      paradigms of physical organic chemistry, organic supramolecular photochemistry,
      and spin chemistry.
AB  - This Perspective presents a review and survey of the science and philosophy of my
      research career over the past five decades at Columbia as a physical organic
      chemist and photochemist. I explore the role of paradigms, structure, and
      geometric thinking in my own cognitive and intellectual development. The
      Perspective describes my investigations of high energy content molecules in
      electronically excited states and the development of electronic spin and
      supramolecular photochemistry chemistry. Current research dealing with the
      nuclear spin chemistry of H(2) incarcerated in buckyballs is illustrated. In the
      second part of this Perspective, I recount a  personal role of the philosophy and
      history of science and the scientific communities' use of paradigms in their
      every day research and intellectual activities. Examples are given of the crucial
      role of geometry and structure in the rapid development of organic chemistry and
      physical organic chemistry over the past century.

PMID- 22074595
TI  - Ambulatory high-resolution manometry, lower esophageal sphincter lift and
      transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) lift seen on high-resolution
      manometry (HRM) is a possible surrogate marker of the longitudinal muscle
      contraction of the esophagus. Recent studies suggest that longitudinal muscle
      contraction of the esophagus induces LES relaxation. AIM: Our goal was to
      determine: (i) the feasibility of prolonged ambulatory HRM and (ii) to detect LES
      lift with LES relaxation using ambulatory HRM color isobaric contour plots.
      METHODS: In vitro validation studies were performed to determine the accuracy of
      HRM technique in detecting axial movement of the LES. Eight healthy normal
      volunteers were studied using a custom designed HRM catheter and a 16 channel
      data recorder, in the ambulatory setting of subject's home environment. Color HRM
      plots were analyzed to determine the LES lift during swallow-induced LES
      relaxation as well as during complete and incomplete transient LES relaxations
      (TLESR). KEY RESULTS: Satisfactory recordings were obtained for 16 h in all
      subjects. LES lift was small (2 mm) in association with swallow-induced LES
      relaxation. LES lift could not be measured during complete TLESR as the LES is
      not identified on the HRM color isobaric contour plot once it is fully relaxed.
      On the other hand, LES lift, mean 8.4 +/- 0.6 mm, range: 4-18 mm was seen with
      incomplete TLESRs (n = 80). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Our study demonstrates the
      feasibility of prolonged ambulatory HRM recordings. Similar to a complete TLESR,
      longitudinal muscle contraction of the distal esophagus occurs during incomplete
      TLESRs, which can be detected by the HRM. Using prolonged ambulatory HRM, future
      studies may investigate the temporal correlation between abnormal longitudinal
      muscle contraction and esophageal symptoms.

PMID- 22074597
TI  - Usefulness of Forensic Dental Symbols(c) and Dental Encoder(c) database in
      forensic odontology.
AB  - A new universal graphic dental system, Forensic Dental Symbols((c)), has been
      created to provide precision in the construction of dental records, improve
      standardization, and increase efficiency in dental identification procedures. Two
      hundred and thirty-four different graphic symbols representing the most frequent
      clinical status for each tooth were designed. Symbols can be then converted to a
      typographic font and then are ready to use in any computer. For the appropriate
      use, manipulation, and storage of dental information generated by the Forensic
      Dental Symbols((c)), Dental Encoder((c)) database has been created. The database
      contains all the information required by INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification
      (DVI)-dental-forms. To explore the possibilities that Dental Encoder((c)) offers,
      an antemortem dental database from a Spanish population of 3920 military
      personnel had been constructed. Data generated by Dental Encoder((c)) were
      classified into sex and age groups. The program can perform an automatic search
      of the database for cases that match a selected clinical status presented in a
      single tooth or a combination of situations for several teeth. Moreover, Dental
      Encoder((c)) allows information to be printed on INTERPOL DVI-dental-forms, or
      the inclusion of any completed form into any document, technical report, or
      identification of dental report.

PMID- 22074598
TI  - Uniaxial strain orientation dependence of superconducting transition temperature
      (Tc) and critical superconducting pressure (Pc) in beta-(BDA-TTP)2I3.
AB  - Dependence of the superconducting transition temperature (T(c)) and critial
      superconducting pressure (P(c)) of the pressure-induced superconductor beta-(BDA
      TTP)(2)I(3) [BDA-TTP = 2,5-bis(1,3-dithian-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene]
      on the orientation of uniaxial strain has been investigated. On the basis of the
      overlap between the upper and lower bands in the energy dispersion curve, the
      pressure orientation is thought to change the half-filled band to the quarter
      filled one. The observed variations in T(c) and P(c) are explained by considering
      the degree of application of the pressure and the degree of contribution of the
      effective electronic correlation at uniaxial strains with different orientations
      parallel to the conducting donor layer.

PMID- 22074599
TI  - Phenotypic and genetic analyses of 111 clinical and environmental O1, O139, and
      non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae strains from different geographical areas.
AB  - A total of 111 clinical and environmental O1, O139 and non-O1/O139 Vibrio
      cholerae strains isolated between 1978 and 2008 from different geographical areas
      were typed using a combination of methods: antibiotic susceptibility, biochemical
      test, serogroup, serotype, biotype, sequences containing variable numbers of
      tandem repeats (VNTRs) and virulence genes ctxA and tcpA amplification. As a
      result of the performed typing work, the strains were organized into four
      clusters: cluster A1 included clinical O1 Ogawa and O139 serogroup strains
      (ctxA(+) and tcpA(+)); cluster A2 included clinical non-O1/O139 strains (ctxA(-)
      and tcpA(-)), as well as environmental O1 Inaba and non-O1/O139 strains (ctxA(-)
      and tcpA(-)/tcpA(+)); cluster B1 contained two clinical O1 strains and
      environmental non-O1/O139 strains (ctxA(-) and tcpA(+)/tcpA(-)); cluster B2
      contained clinical O1 Inaba and Ogawa strains (ctxA(+) and tcpA(+)). The results
      of this work illustrate the advantage of combining several typing methods to
      discriminate between clinical and environmental V. cholerae strains.

PMID- 22074601
TI  - Wnt signaling signaling at and above the receptor level.
AB  - Wnt signaling is one of the most important developmental signaling pathways that
      controls cell fate decisions and tissue patterning during early embryonic and
      later development. It is activated by highly conserved Wnt proteins that are
      secreted as palmitoylated glycoproteins and act as morphogens to form a
      concentration gradient across a developing tissue. Wnt proteins regulate
      transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes depending on the distance of
      their origin and activate distinct intracellular cascades, commonly referred to
      as canonical (beta-catenin-dependent) and noncanonical (beta-catenin-independent)
      pathways. Therefore, the secretion and the diffusion of Wnt proteins needs to be
      tightly regulated to induce short- and long-range downstream signaling. Even
      though the Wnt signaling cascade has been studied intensively, key aspects and
      principle mechanisms, such as transport of Wnt growth factors or regulation of
      signaling specificity between different Wnt pathways, remain unresolved. Here, we
      introduce basic principles of Wnt/Wg signal transduction and highlight recent
      discoveries, such as the involvement of vacuolar ATPases and vesicular
      acidification in Wnt signaling. We also discuss recent findings regarding
      posttranslational modifications of Wnts, trafficking through the secretory
      pathway and developmental consequences of impaired Wnt secretion. Understanding
      the detailed mechanism and regulation of Wnt protein secretion will provide
      valuable insights into many human diseases based on overactivated Wnt signaling.

PMID- 22074602
TI  - Notch-independent functions of CSL.
AB  - Notch-dependent CSL transcription complexes control essential biological
      processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell-fate decisions in
      diverse developmental systems. The orthologous proteins CBF1/Rbpj (mammalian),
      Su(H) (Drosophila), and Lag-1 (Caenorhabditis elegans) compose the CSL family of
      sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors. The CSL proteins are best
      known for their role in canonical Notch signaling. However, CSL factors also form
      transcription complexes that can function independent of Notch signaling and
      include repression and activation of target gene transcription. Because the
      different complexes share CSL as a DNA-binding subunit, they can control
      overlapping sets of genes; but they can also control distinct sets when partnered
      with tissue-specific cofactors that restrict DNA-sequence recognition or
      stability of the DNA-bound complex. The Notch-independent functions of CSL and
      the processes they regulate will be reviewed here with a particular emphasis on
      the tissue-specific CSL-activator complex with the bHLH factor Ptf1a.

PMID- 22074600
TI  - New insights into signaling during myelination in zebrafish.
AB  - Myelin is a vertebrate adaptation that allows for the rapid propagation of action
      potentials along axons. Specialized glial cells-oligodendrocytes in the central
      nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
      form myelin by repeatedly wrapping axon segments. Debilitating diseases result
      from the disruption of myelin, including multiple sclerosis and Charcot-Marie
      Tooth peripheral neuropathies. The process of myelination involves extensive
      communication between glial cells and the associated neurons. The past few years
      have seen important progress in understanding the molecular basis of the signals
      that coordinate the development of these fascinating cells. This review
      highlights recent advances in myelination deriving from studies in the zebrafish
      model system, with a primary focus on the PNS. While Neuregulin1-ErbB signaling
      has long been known to play important roles in peripheral myelin development,
      work in zebrafish has elucidated its roles in Schwann cell migration and radial
      sorting of axons in vivo. Forward genetic screens in zebrafish have also
      uncovered new genes required for development of myelinated axons, including
      gpr126, which encodes a G-protein coupled receptor required for Schwann cells to
      progress beyond the promyelinating stage. In addition, work in zebrafish
      uncovered new roles for Schwann cells themselves, including in regulating the
      boundary between the PNS and CNS and positioning a nerve after its initial
      outgrowth.

PMID- 22074603
TI  - Sonic hedgehog signaling in the developing CNS where it has been and where it is
      going.
AB  - Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is one of three mammalian orthologs of the Hedgehog (Hh)
      family of secreted proteins first identified for their role in patterning the
      Drosophila embryo. In this review, we will highlight some of the outstanding
      questions regarding how Shh signaling controls embryonic development. We will
      mainly consider its role in the developing mammalian central nervous system (CNS)
      where the pathway plays a critical role in orchestrating the specification of
      distinct cell fates within ventral regions, a process of exquisite complexity
      that is necessary for the proper wiring and hence function of the mature system.
      Embryonic development is a process that plays out in both the spatial and the
      temporal dimensions, and it is becoming increasingly clear that our understanding
      of Shh signaling in the CNS is grounded in an appreciation for the dynamic nature
      of this process. In addition, any consideration of Hh signaling must by necessity
      include a consideration of data from many different model organisms and systems.
      In many cases, the extent to which insights gained from these studies are
      applicable to the CNS remains to be determined, yet they provide a strong
      framework in which to explore its role in CNS development. We will also discuss
      how Shh controls cell fate diversification through the regulation of patterned
      target gene expression in the spinal cord, a region where our understanding of
      the morphogenetic action of graded Shh signaling is perhaps the furthest
      advanced.

PMID- 22074605
TI  - Signaling pathways and axis formation in the lower metazoa.
AB  - The determination of the body axis in the last common ancestor of bilaterian
      animals is still a matter of debate. While Hox genes pattern the formation of the
      primary, anteroposterior body axis in bilaterians, there is growing evidence from
      lower metazoans that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway acts as the primordial
      signaling system in this process. This review summarizes molecular data from
      recent genomic analyses of basal model organisms with a focus on the evolution of
      signaling pathways involved in the establishment of the primary and successive
      body axes during early metazoan evolution.

PMID- 22074604
TI  - Activity-mediated synapse formation a role for Wnt-Fz signaling.
AB  - Synapse formation is a critical step in the assembly of neuronal circuits. Both
      secreted and membrane-associated proteins contribute to the assembly and
      maturation of synapses. In addition, neuronal activity regulates the formation of
      neuronal circuits through the stimulation of growth factor secretion and the
      localization of receptors such as NMDA and AMPA receptors (NMDAR and AMPAR,
      respectively). Little is known, however, about the role of activity in the
      localization and function of receptors for synaptogenic molecules. Wnts are
      secreted proteins that play a role in synapse formation by regulating pre- and
      postsynaptic assembly at central and peripheral synapses. Wnts can signal through
      different receptors including Frizzleds (Fzs), the LRP5/6 coreceptors, Ror and
      Ryk. Fz receptors have been shown to mediate Wnt function during synapse
      formation. At the cell surface, Fz receptors are located at synaptic and
      extrasynaptic sites. Importantly, synaptic localization of Fzs is regulated by
      neuronal activity in a Wnt-dependent manner. In this review, we discuss the
      function of Wnt-Fz signaling in the assembly of central and peripheral synapses
      and the evidence supporting a role for Wnt ligands and their Fz receptors in
      activity-mediated synapse formation.

PMID- 22074606
TI  - FGF and ROR2 receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in human skeletal development.
AB  - Skeletal malformations are among the most frequent developmental disturbances in
      humans. In the past years, progress has been made in unraveling the molecular
      mechanisms that govern skeletal development by the use of animal models as well
      as by the identification of numerous mutations that cause human skeletal
      syndromes. Receptor tyrosine kinases have critical roles in embryonic
      development. During formation of the skeletal system, the fibroblast growth
      factor receptor (FGFR) family plays major roles in the formation of cranial,
      axial, and appendicular bones. Another player of relevance to skeletal
      development is the unusual receptor tyrosine kinase ROR2, the function of which
      is as interesting as it is complex. In this chapter, we review the involvement of
      FGFR signaling in human skeletal disease and provide an update on the growing
      knowledge of ROR2.

PMID- 22074607
TI  - Signaling between cells. Preface.

PMID- 22074608
TI  - Characterization of flavonol glycosides in individual Arabidopsis root tips by
      flow injection electrospray mass spectrometry.
AB  - Developments in mass spectrometry-based technologies are offering insights into
      the complexity and dynamic nature of plant metabolism. However, the ability to
      generate reliable metabolic profiles at high spatial resolution is still limited
      by the need of most technologies for large sample sizes or time-intensive
      extraction and detection methods. Here we describe the use of flow injection
      electrospray mass spectrometry for the rapid identification and semi-quantitative
      analysis of flavonol glycosides in individual root tips. This method uncovered
      spatial and temporal differences in metabolic profiles that were masked in
      analyses of whole roots or seedlings, while showing that individual biological
      replicates can be extremely consistent.

PMID- 22074609
TI  - 2D versus 3D imaging of hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy.

PMID- 22074610
TI  - Methodological quality of economic evaluations of new pharmaceuticals in The
      Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, decisions about the reimbursement of new
      pharmaceuticals are based on cost effectiveness, as well as therapeutic value and
      budget impact. Since 1 January 2005, drug manufacturers are formally required to
      substantiate the cost effectiveness of drugs that have therapeutic added value in
      comparison with existing ones through pharmacoeconomic evaluations. Dutch
      guidelines for pharmacoeconomic research provide methods guidance, ensuring
      consistency in both the evidence and the decision-making process about drug
      reimbursement. AIM: This study reviewed the methodological quality of all 21
      formally required pharmacoeconomic evaluations of new pharmaceuticals between 1
      January 2005 and 1 October 2008, and verified whether these evaluations complied
      with pharmacoeconomic guidelines. METHODS: Data on the quality of the
      pharmacoeconomic evaluations were extracted from the pharmacoeconomic reports
      published by the Dutch Health Care Insurance Board (CVZ). The Board's newsletters
      provided information on the advice to, and reimbursement decisions made by, the
      Dutch Minister of Health. All data extraction was carried out by two independent
      reviewers, and descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The methodological
      quality was sound in only 8 of the 21 pharmacoeconomic evaluations. In most
      cases, the perspective of analysis, the comparator drugs, and the reporting of
      both total and incremental costs and effects were correct. However, drug
      indication, form (i.e. cost utility/cost effectiveness) and time horizon of the
      evaluations were frequently flawed. Moreover, the costs and effects of the
      pharmaceuticals were not always analysed correctly, and modelling studies were
      often non-transparent. Twelve drugs were reimbursed, and nine were not.
      CONCLUSIONS: The compliance with pharmacoeconomic guidelines in economic
      evaluations of new pharmaceuticals can be improved. This would improve the
      methodological quality of the pharmacoeconomic evaluations and ensure consistency
      in the evidence and the decision-making process for drug reimbursement in the
      Netherlands.

PMID- 22074611
TI  - Reply to: Implicit memory in schizophrenia: the problem that will not go away.

PMID- 22074612
TI  - Altered cell cycle dynamics in schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The olfactory mucosa, the organ of smell in the nose, is a neural
      tissue that regenerates new sensory neurons throughout adult life. Based on this
      tissue, we previously demonstrated increased mitosis in olfactory biopsy cultures
      from schizophrenia patients compared with healthy control subjects. In addition,
      neural stem/progenitor cell cultures (neurosphere-derived cells) from nasal
      biopsies from individuals with schizophrenia show significantly altered gene and
      protein expression in key cell cycle control pathways. METHODS: The aim of this
      study was to investigate cell cycle dynamics in olfactory neurosphere-derived
      cells from nine male schizophrenia patients and nine male healthy control
      subjects. Cell cycles were arrested by serum deprivation after which cell
      population doubling time, proliferation fraction, and cell cycle period were
      calculated from cell counts over 96 hours. Cell cycle phase was investigated
      using flow cytometry. Cell lysates were analyzed for expression of cyclin
      proteins. RESULTS: Cell population proliferation rate was increased in
      schizophrenia through a larger pool of proliferating progenitors and a reduced
      cell cycle period. All phases of the cell cycle were phase-shifted by 2 hours in
      the schizophrenia-derived cells, which expressed higher levels of the cyclins D1,
      E, and A2. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations indicate that schizophrenia is
      associated with subtle alterations in cell cycle dynamics, shortening of the cell
      cycle period, and increased expression of G1/S phase cyclins. We speculate that
      this underlying diathesis could alter the temporal and spatial cascade of brain
      development and contribute to an altered neurodevelopmental trajectory in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22074613
TI  - Several clinical interests regarding lung volume reduction surgery for severe
      emphysema: meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aim to address several clinical interests regarding lung volume
      reduction surgery (LVRS) for severe emphysema using meta-analysis and systematic
      review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Eight RCTs published from
      1999 to 2010 were identified and synthesized to compare the efficacy and safety
      of LVRS vs conservative medical therapy. One RCT was obtained regarding
      comparison of median sternotomy (MS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
      (VATS). And three RCTs were available evaluating clinical efficacy of using
      bovine pericardium for buttressing, autologous fibrin sealant and BioGlue,
      respectively. RESULTS: Odds ratio (95%CI), expressed as the mortality of group A
      (the group underwent LVRS) versus group B (conservative medical therapies), was
      5.16(2.84, 9.35) in 3 months, 3(0.94, 9.57) in 6 months, 1.05(0.82, 1.33) in 12
      months, respectively. On the 3rd, 6th and 12th month, all lung function indices
      of group A were improved more significantly as compared with group B. PaO2 and
      PaCO2 on the 6th and 12th month showed the same trend. 6MWD of group A on the 6th
      month and 12th month were improved significantly than of group B, despite no
      difference on the 3rd month. Quality of life (QOL) of group A was better than of
      group B in 6 and 12 months. VATS is preferred to MS, due to the earlier recovery
      and lower cost. And autologous fibrin sealant and BioGlue seems to be the
      efficacious methods to reduce air leak following LVRS. CONCLUSIONS: LVRS offers
      the more benefits regarding survival, lung function, gas exchange, exercise
      capacity and QOL, despite the higher mortality in initial three postoperative
      months. LVRS, with the optimization of surgical approach and material for
      reinforcement of the staple lines, should be recommended to patients suffering
      from severe heterogeneous emphysema.

PMID- 22074615
TI  - The effect of administrative cessation of the use of ipratropium bromide in the
      treatment of acute asthma attacks in the emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The anticholinergic agent ipratropium bromide has demonstrated
      effectiveness in the treatment of severe asthma exacerbations. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective quasi-experiment to investigate the clinical
      consequences on acute asthma patients of the administrative removal of
      ipratropium bromide from an emergency department (ED) of a large tertiary
      hospital. We compared the combined negative outcome (hospitalization, length of
      stay in the ED, hospital readmission within 48 hours or 7 days, intubation, and
      death) of acute asthma patients, treated in the 12 months preceding (n = 394;
      Period A) and the 12 months following (n = 334; Period B) the policy change.
      Multiple imputations based on sequentially improved regressions were performed
      for missing data on measures of severity. RESULTS: Administration of steroid
      medications increased from 49.8% to 61.4%; p = .002 from Period A to Period B.
      There was no statistically significant difference in combined negative outcome
      between Periods A and B (41.1% and 42.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: An
      administrative decision to stop the purchase of ipratropium bromide in an ED was
      followed by an increased use of steroids; adverse consequences did not increase
      in acute asthmatic patients. In the absence of ipratropium bromide in the ED,
      steroids may thus serve as an appropriate substitute, an observation that calls
      for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PMID- 22074614
TI  - Evaluation of the implementation of an integrated primary care network for
      prevention and management of cardiometabolic risk in Montreal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of this project is to evaluate the implementation of an
      integrated and interdisciplinary program for prevention and management of
      cardiometabolic risk (PCMR). The intervention is based on the Chronic Care Model.
      The study will evaluate the implementation of the PCMR in 6 of the 12 health and
      social services centres (CSSS) in Montreal, and the effects of the PCMR on
      patients and the practice of their primary care physicians up to 40 months
      following implementation, as well as the sustainability of the program.
      Objectives are: 1-to evaluate the effects of the PCMR and their persistence on
      patients registered in the program and the practice of their primary care
      physicians, by implementation site and degree of exposure to the program; 2-to
      assess the degree of implementation of PCMR in each CSSS territory and identify
      related contextual factors; 3-to establish the relationships between the effects
      observed, the degree of PCMR implementation and the related contextual factors; 4
      to assess the impact of the PCMR on strengthening local services networks.
      METHODS/DESIGN: The evaluation will use a mixed design that includes two
      complementary research strategies. The first strategy is similar to a quasi
      experimental "before-after" design, based on a quantitative approach; it will
      look at the program's effects and their variations among the six territories. The
      effects analysis will use data from a clinical database and from questionnaires
      completed by participating patients and physicians. Over 3000 patients will be
      recruited. The second strategy corresponds to a multiple case study approach,
      where each of the six CSSS constitutes a case. With this strategy, qualitative
      methods will set out the context of implementation using data from semi
      structured interviews with program managers. The quantitative data will be
      analyzed using linear or multilevel models complemented with an interpretive
      approach to qualitative data analysis. DISCUSSION: Our study will identify
      contextual factors associated with the effectiveness, successful implementation
      and sustainability of such a program. The contextual information will enable us
      to extrapolate our results to other contexts with similar conditions. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01326130.

PMID- 22074616
TI  - Comparative study of direct and phase-specific vibrational sum-frequency
      generation spectroscopy: advantages and limitations.
AB  - As a surface-specific technique, vibrational sum-frequency generation (SFG) is
      used in a wide range of applications where soft matter or solid interfaces are to
      be probed on a molecular level through their vibrational modes. In recent years,
      phase-specific sum-frequency generation (PS-SFG, also known as heterodyne
      detected SFG) spectroscopy has been increasingly replacing its predecessor
      (direct SFG, also known as homodyne SFG) as the experimental technique of choice
      for characterizing interfacial structure. The technique enables phase sensitive
      measurements, allowing for the determination of the real and imaginary parts of
      the interfacial vibrational response function and thereby the unambiguous
      identification of molecular orientation. This phase-sensitivity requires,
      however, a complete understanding of the complex optical properties of the sample
      and of their effect on the signal. These optical properties significantly
      influence the raw spectral data from which the real and imaginary parts of the
      second-order susceptibility are retrieved. We show that it is essential to
      correct the data appropriately to infer the true molecular response. The current
      study presents a detailed description of the physical contributions to the phase
      resolved spectrum, allowing a direct comparison between the phase-resolved
      spectrum and that obtained using the well-understood direct detection method in a
      step-by-step data analysis process. In addition to phase sensitivity, PS-SFG has
      been shown to increase the sensitivity compared to traditional (direct) SFG
      spectroscopy. We present a quantitative comparison between theoretical limits of
      the signal-to-noise ratio of both techniques, which shows that for many systems
      the signal-to-noise ratio is very similar for direct- and phase-specific SFG
      signals.

PMID- 22074617
TI  - To live as mentally disabled in the risk society.
AB  - The contemporary society is to some extent characterized by longitudinal changes,
      towards individualization, uncertainty, and risk. Numerous risks and dangers in
      modern society have been mastered, while others have emerged, often created by
      human actions. The individual's freedom of choice has increased, but also the
      responsibility for the choices made. In this society, the risk society, there is
      a greater need for formative and situation-related knowledge to manage risks. The
      aims of this paper are to discuss the concept of risk society in the light of
      everyday experiences made by people with mental disabilities, how challenges can
      be mastered and positive possibilities can be utilized. Data collection was made
      through a multistage focus group, and the data were analysed by qualitative
      content analysis. The results show that characteristics of the risk society are
      identified by people with mental disabilities. Change and uncertainty, obstacles
      created by societal institutions, lack of trust, and the need of adapted working
      conditions are frequently experienced, impersonal relations and feelings of
      loneliness as well. However, these conditions can be partly counteracted by
      belonging to an alternative fellowship, which might lead to quality of life
      related personal improvements.

PMID- 22074619
TI  - Treatment of meniscus tears during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To define the incidence of meniscectomy, meniscus repair, and meniscus
      tears left in situ during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
      METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and 7 sports medicine journal databases
      was performed to determine the treatment of meniscus tears during ACL
      reconstruction. Inclusion criteria were English language, publication in the last
      10 years, clinical trials, all evidence levels, and skeletally mature or immature
      knees. Exclusion criteria were revision ACL reconstruction, concomitant ligament
      reconstruction, and studies with exclusion or inclusion criteria regarding
      meniscus surgery during ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: Of 634 articles identified,
      159 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 19,531 patients. There were 11,711
      meniscus tears; they were treated by meniscectomy in 65% (7,621 tears), treated
      by repair in 26% (3,022 tears), or left in situ in 9% (1,068 tears). Only 19
      studies analyzed the treatment of meniscus tears according to the tibiofemoral
      compartment. These reported medial compartment tears were treated by meniscectomy
      in 63%, treated by repair in 27%, and left in situ in 9%. Lateral compartment
      tears were treated by meniscectomy in 71%, treated by repair in 14%, and left in
      situ in 14%. Only 24 studies identified the type of meniscus repair procedure
      performed. In 33 studies (21%) repair was performed more frequently than
      meniscectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscectomy is performed 2 to 3 times more frequently
      than meniscus repair during ACL reconstruction. We were unable to analyze the
      effect of the location and type of meniscus tear, sex, age, or chronicity of
      injury on the treatment of meniscus tears. The number of potentially repairable
      meniscus tears that were treated by resection could not be identified. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: This study found that meniscectomy was performed in 65% of meniscus
      tears. This is concerning because studies have shown that, regardless of knee
      stability obtained after ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy accelerates
      degenerative joint changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of
      Level I to IV studies.

PMID- 22074618
TI  - DRACMA one year after: which changes have occurred in diagnosis and treatment of
      CMA in Italy?

PMID- 22074620
TI  - Dynamic contact mechanics of radial tears of the lateral meniscus: implications
      for treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the effect of radial tears (RTs) of the lateral meniscus
      and their subsequent treatment (inside-out repair, partial meniscectomy) on joint
      contact mechanics during simulated gait. METHODS: Six human cadaveric knees were
      mounted on a simulator programmed to mimic human gait. A sensor was inserted
      below the lateral meniscus to measure peak joint contact pressure location,
      magnitude, and contact area. The following conditions were compared: intact
      meniscus, 30% RT (at the popliteal hiatus), 60% RT, 90% RT, repair, and partial
      meniscectomy. Data were analyzed in the midstance phase of gait (14% and 45%)
      when axial force was at its highest (2,100 N). RESULTS: Intact knees had peak
      contact pressures of 5.9 +/- 0.9 MPa and 6.4 +/- 1.1 MPa at 14% and 45% of gait,
      respectively. RTs of up to and including 60% had no effect on pressure magnitude
      or location. RTs of 90% resulted in significantly increased peak pressure (8.4 +/
      1.1 MPa) in the postero-peripheral aspect of the tibial plateau and reduced
      contact area versus the intact knee, at 45% of gait. Repair resulted in a
      significant decrease in peak pressure (7.7 +/- 1.0 MPa) relative to 90% RT but
      had no effect on contact area. Partial lateral meniscectomy resulted in areas and
      pressures that were not significantly different from 90% tears (8.7 +/- 1.5 MPa).
      CONCLUSIONS: Simulated large RTs of the lateral meniscus in the region of the
      popliteal hiatus show unfavorable dynamic contact mechanics that are not
      significantly different from those resulting from a partial lateral meniscectomy.
      Pressure was significantly reduced with inside-out repair but was not affected by
      partial meniscectomy; contact area was not restored to that of the intact
      condition for either procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Large RTs in the region of
      the popliteal hiatus show unfavorable dynamic contact mechanics.

PMID- 22074621
TI  - Cellular therapies supplement: the peritoneum as an ectopic site of hematopoiesis
      following in utero transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In utero transplantation (IUT) has the potential to treat birth
      defects early before full development of the immune system. Relatively small
      grafts, which are not matched for major histocompatibility antigens, can be
      delivered even before onset of disease symptoms. IUT of hematopoietic stem cells
      is usually performed via intraperitoneal injection, yet the fate of donor cells
      in the peritoneal cavity is not fully understood. We review our recent work and
      present new data demonstrating that the peritoneum can be a site of ectopic
      hematopoiesis with implications for IUT and immune tolerance induction. STUDY
      DESIGN AND METHODS: Haplogeneic and allogeneic fetal transplants were performed
      in mice and engraftment tracked by flow cytometry. Immune tolerance was studied
      by mixed lymphocyte reactions and skin transplantation. Adult syngeneic murine
      transplants and xenogeneic human into immunodeficient mouse transplants were
      performed to follow hematopoietic retention in the peritoneum and engraftment of
      the marrow. RESULTS: Although most transplanted cells rapidly clear the
      peritoneum, hematopoietic cells and cells with the phenotype of hematopoietic
      precursors can remain in the peritoneal cavity for months after transplant. The
      presence of donor cells in the peritoneum can contribute to donor-specific
      tolerance, but sufficient peripheral blood chimerism is required to ensure
      acceptance of donor skin grafts. CONCLUSION: Ectopic hematopoiesis and the
      survival of stem cells in the peritoneum offer the possibility of better using
      the peritoneal cavity to delivery stem cells and foster the development of immune
      tolerance to alloantigens or other foreign antigens.

PMID- 22074622
TI  - Understanding the first steps in embryonic stem cell exit from the pluripotent
      state.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We are interested in understanding how a given cell type, in response
      to external cues from its environment, makes the decision to differentiate. In
      the case of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), the key external factor that
      maintains their undifferentiated state is the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor
      (LIF). LIF removal causes mESCs to exit their pluripotent state and differentiate
      into more restricted precursors. Although LIF is known to activate multiple
      different phosphorylation cascades, the mechanisms by which its removal leads to
      mESC differentiation are not well understood. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In order
      to identify the molecular events that occur upon LIF removal, we developed a set
      of novel experimental approaches that allowed identification and quantification
      of global phosphorylation changes that occur when mESCs are deprived of LIF.
      These included growth of mESCs on permeable membranes and development of a robust
      and sensitive phospho-proteomics platform to quantify early signaling events.
      RESULTS: In addition to the well-characterized tyrosine 705 phosphorylation of
      STAT3, LIF removal results in the rapid phosphorylation of multiple other
      proteins known to regulate the mESC self-renewal on both tyrosine, serine, and
      threonine residues. We hypothesize that these unique posttranslational
      modifications help drive the exit of mESCs from the pluripotent state.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data set the stage for future studies investigating the
      functional role of these phosphorylation events in mESCs. These studies were
      greatly facilitated by the National Blood Foundation, whose support in the
      crucial initiation phase of these studies was invaluable.

PMID- 22074623
TI  - Cellular therapies supplement: strategies for improving transplant efficiency in
      the context of cellular therapeutics.
AB  - The field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has overcome many
      obstacles that have led to our current clinical ability to utilize cells
      collected from marrow, mobilized peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood for
      the treatment of malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. It is in this
      context that it becomes evident that future progress will lie in our development
      of an understanding of the biology by which the process of HSCT is regulated. By
      understanding the cellular components and the mechanisms by which HSCT is either
      enhanced or suppressed it will then be possible to design therapeutic strategies
      to improve rates of engraftment that will have a positive impact on immune
      reconstitution post-HSCT. In this review we focus primarily on allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), the current challenges
      associated with allo-HSCT, and some developing strategies to improve engraftment
      in this setting.

PMID- 22074624
TI  - Human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) originally isolated from marrow have multipotent
      differentiation potential and favorable immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory
      properties that make them very attractive for regenerative cellular therapy.
      Cells with similar phenotypic characteristics have now been derived from almost
      all fetal, neonatal, and adult tissues; furthermore, more recently similar cells
      have also been generated from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Generation of
      MSCs from human ESCs provides an opportunity to study the developmental biology
      of human mesenchymal lineage generation in vitro. Generation of bone and
      cartilage from human ESC-derived MSCs and their functional characterization, both
      in vitro and in vivo, is also an active area of investigation as ESCs could
      provide an unlimited source of MSCs for potential repair of bone and cartilage
      defects. MSCs from adult sources are being investigated in numerous Phase I-III
      clinical trials for a wide variety of indications, mainly based on their
      immunomodulatory properties. Our group and others have shown MSCs derived from
      human ESCs possess immunomodulatory properties similar to marrow-derived MSCs.
      Immunomodulatory properties of ESC-derived MSCs could prove to be highly valuable
      for their potential clinical applications in the future as derivatives of human
      ESCs have already entered clinical arena in the context of Phase I clinical
      trials.

PMID- 22074625
TI  - Production of cytotoxic, KIR-negative NK cells from CD34+ cord blood cells with
      the use of Notch signaling.
AB  - The use of natural killer (NK) cells as cell therapy against acute leukemia is an
      active area of investigation. The optimal source of cytotoxic NK cells for
      therapeutic use is presently unknown. With funds from the National Blood
      Foundation, the author's lab has developed in vitro culture systems that use the
      Notch receptor ligand Delta4 for the differentiation and expansion of functional
      NK cells from CD34+ cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cells. These Notch
      induced NK (N-NK) cells display a predominantly immature, CD56(bright)  surface
      phenotype, with expression of activating receptors important for leukemia cell
      recognition and killing, but with an absence of inhibitory receptors that bind
      major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, making them free of restriction
      by self-MHC. They are capable of directly killing hematopoietic tumor cell lines
      and primary leukemia cells in vitro. Thus, cytotoxic, HLA-independent N-NK cells
      may represent a novel cell therapy for hematopoietic malignancy.

PMID- 22074626
TI  - On how Rac controls hematopoietic stem cell activity.
AB  - Rac GTPases form part of the family of Rho small GTPases. Rac GTPases, like other
      Rho family GTPases, are key molecular switches controlling the transduction of
      external signals to cytoplasmic and nuclear effectors. The development of genetic
      and pharmacological tools has allowed a more precise definition of the specific
      roles of Rac GTPases in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Our current knowledge
      has enabled dissection of their specific and redundant roles. Rac GTPases are now
      known to be crucial in the response of HSCs to the hematopoietic microenvironment
      cues. This review will briefly summarize the known HSC functions that are
      regulated by Rac GTPases, focusing on adhesion, migration, retention,
      proliferation, and survival, and how Rac relates to the physiological functions
      of HSC. The development of small molecule inhibitors with the ability to
      interfere with Rac GTPase activation offers new therapeutic strategies to
      manipulate the function of HSC in vivo and ex vivo.

PMID- 22074627
TI  - Cellular therapies supplement: the role of granulocyte macrophage colony
      stimulating factor and dendritic cells in regulatory T-cell homeostasis and
      expansion.
AB  - Regulatory T cells are a subset of T cells with inhibitory function that are
      critical for protection against autoimmunity and immunopathology. A failure to
      maintain adequate regulatory T-cell numbers in the periphery results in
      autoimmune manifestations, highlighting the importance of the continuous
      maintenance of peripheral regulatory T cells. The cellular and molecular
      requirements for regulatory T-cell homeostasis and expansion are not fully
      understood but involve a complex interplay among dendritic cells, conventional T
      cells, and regulatory T cells. In addition, soluble factors such as the cytokine
      granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor may play a role in enhancing
      these interactions. In this review, we discuss our National Blood Foundation
      funded studies relating to the role of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating
      factor and dendritic cells in controlling regulatory T-cell homeostasis and
      expansion.

PMID- 22074628
TI  - A journey to produce platelets in vitro.
AB  - Allogeneic platelet transfusions protect patients from bleeding episodes and also
      make aggressive medical procedures such as those involving marrow transplants
      requiring chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy possible. These patients are dependent
      upon an unfailing supply of platelets that can sometimes be in short supply due
      to high demands coupled with an extremely short expiration date for platelet
      products of only 5 days. One approach that is under investigation to overcome
      platelet shortages is to harness the extraordinary capabilities of stem cells to
      proliferate and differentiate into various cell types and to use this ability to
      specifically produce clinical scale quantities of functional platelets in
      bioreactors. To accomplish such an enormous and complex task requires an
      appreciation of the regulatory mechanisms that occur during the development of
      megakaryocytes (MKs) and the subsequent biogenesis of functional platelets from
      mature MKs. This means understanding the complex network of intracellular and
      extracellular regulatory mechanisms that act at each phase of a developmental
      process that ushers stem cells along the MK lineage to produce billions of
      platelets per day in a healthy individual.

PMID- 22074629
TI  - Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell trafficking and mobilization by the
      endocannabinoid system.
AB  - The cannabinoid receptors CB(1)  and CB(2)  are seven-transmembrane Galphai
      protein-coupled receptors and are expressed in certain mature hematopoietic
      cells. We recently showed that these receptors are expressed in murine and human
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and that CB(2)  agonists induced chemotaxis,
      enhanced colony formation of marrow cells, as well as caused in vivo mobilization
      of murine HSCs with short- and long-term repopulating abilities. Based on these
      observations, we have further explored the role of CB(2)  and its agonist AM1241
      on hematopoietic recovery following sublethal irradiation in mice. Cannabinoid
      receptor 2 knockout mice (Cnr2(-/-)  deficient mice) exhibited impaired recovery
      following sublethal irradiation as compared with irradiated wild-type (WT) mice,
      as determined by low colony-forming units and low peripheral blood counts. WT
      mice treated with CB(2)  agonist AM1241 following sublethal irradiation
      demonstrated accelerated marrow recovery and increased total marrow cells
      (approximately twofold) and total lineage- c-kit(+)  cells (approximately
      sevenfold) as well as enhanced HSC survival as compared with vehicle control
      treated mice. When the CB(2)  agonist AM1241 was administered to WT mice 12 days
      before their sublethal irradiation, analysis of hematopoiesis in these mice
      showed decreased apoptosis of HSCs, enhanced survival of HSCs, as well as
      increase in total marrow cells and c-kit+ cells in the marrow. Thus, CB(2) 
      agonist AM1241 promoted recovery after sublethal irradiation by inhibiting
      apoptosis of HSCs and promoting survival, as well as enhancing the number of HSCs
      entering the cell cycle.

PMID- 22074630
TI  - Cellular-based therapies to prevent or reduce thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a serious side effect following high-dose
      chemotherapy or whole-body irradiation. For many patients, a hematopoietic stem
      cell (HSC) transplant is required as part of the treatment or to restore the
      integrity of the hematopoietic system. In this article, we first review the
      origin of thrombocytopenia in the context of umbilical cord blood (UCB)
      transplantation and current cellular therapies developed to overcome this
      condition. Results obtained in recent clinical trials and in the laboratory using
      a mouse-based xenograft model were also discussed. Second, we investigate the
      kinetic of human platelet production in two immunodeficient mouse strains
      transplanted with UCB cells to determine which of the two is better suited to
      measure the thrombopoietic potential of human hematopoietic cells. STUDY DESIGN
      AND METHODS: NOD/SCID/IL2Rgamma(null)  or NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/NcrCrl (NOD/SCID)
      mice were transplanted with ex vivo expanded UCB cells. Human platelet levels and
      marrow engraftments were measured by cytometry analyses. RESULTS: Human platelets
      appeared earlier and at greater levels in the NOD/SCID/IL2Rgamma(null)  mouse
      strain. Consistent with these results and previous reports, human marrow
      engraftment was also greater in the IL2Rgamma(null) -based NOD/SCID mice.
      CONCLUSION: The NOD/SCID/IL2Rgamma(null)  mouse strain is an ideal choice for
      preclinical studies aimed at measuring the in vivo thrombopoietic potential of
      human HPCs. Exploitation of such a model should facilitate the development of new
      cellular therapies aimed at improving hematological recoveries following HSC
      transplantation.

PMID- 22074631
TI  - Advancing the preservation of cellular therapy products.
AB  - Cell therapies are typically collected in one location, processed in a second
      location, and then administered in a third location. The ability to preserve the
      cells is critical to their clinical application. It improves patient access to
      therapies by increasing the genetic diversity of cells available. In addition,
      the ability to preserve cells improves the "manufacturability" of a cell therapy
      product by permitting the cells to be stored until the patient is ready for
      administration of the therapy, permitting inventory control of products, and
      improving management of staffing at cell therapy facilities. Finally, the ability
      to preserve cell therapies improves the safety of cell therapy products by
      extending the shelf life of a product and permitting completion of safety and
      quality control testing before release of the product for use. The support of the
      National Blood Foundation has been critical to our work on improving the quality
      of frozen and thawed cell therapy products through the development of a
      microfluidic device to remove dimethlysulfoxide (DMSO). We are also involved in
      research to replace DMSO with other agents that are less toxic to cells and
      patients. Finally, the need to advance the preservation of cell therapies was a
      driving force behind the development of the Biopreservation Core Resource
      (http://www.biocor.net), a national resource in biopreservation. New interest in
      translation of cell therapies from the bench to the patient's bedside has the
      potential to drive the transformation of preservation science, technology, and
      practice.

PMID- 22074632
TI  - The role of HSAL (SALL) genes in proliferation and differentiation in normal
      hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
AB  - The National Blood Foundation (NBF) support was critical in the author's research
      career development. The NBF support came in the form of a start-up seed grant
      that she got from the American Association of Blood Banks, an organization that
      advances the practice and standards of transfusion medicine and cellular
      therapies and an organization in which she is a proud member. The NBF grant
      enabled her to keep up with her transfusion medicine practice while pursuing her
      passion to be a physician scientist. During its funding period, she was able to
      obtain critical preliminary bench data and to secure several National Institutes
      of Health grants with over a million dollars direct cost. In addition, the
      knowledge gained from the NBF-supported projects is currently being translated
      into medical practice in her lab by testing on cord blood expansion. She is
      looking forward to spending the upcoming years of her professional career
      bridging bedside observations on transfusion medicine with bench experiences and
      then utilizing that bench-derived knowledge in the practice of transfusion
      medicine.

PMID- 22074633
TI  - Human placenta and chorion: potential additional sources of hematopoietic stem
      cells for transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is an essential element
      of medical therapy, leading to cures of previously incurable hematological and
      nonhematological diseases. Many patients do not find matched donors in a timely
      manner, which has driven efforts to find alternative pools of transplantable
      HSCs. The use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a source of transplantable HSCs
      began more than two decades ago. However, the use of UCB as a reliable source of
      HSCs for transplantation still faces crucial challenges: the number of HSCs
      present in a unit of UCB is usually sufficient for younger children but not for
      adults, and the persistent delayed engraftment often seen can result in high
      rates of infection and mortality. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We propose a new
      approach to a solution of these problems: a potential increase of the limited
      number of UCB-HSCs available by harvesting HSCs contained in the placenta and the
      fetal chorionic membrane available at birth. RESULTS: We investigated the
      presence of hematopoietic progenitors and HSCs in human placenta and chorion at
      different gestational ages. The characterization of these cells was performed by
      flow cytometry and immunolocalization, and their functional status was
      investigated by transplanting them into immunodeficient mice. CONCLUSION: HSCs
      are present in extraembryonic tissues and could be banked in conjunction to the
      UCB-HSCs. This novel approach could have a large impact on the field of HSC
      banking and, more crucially, on the outcome of patients undergoing this treatment
      by greatly improving the use of life-saving hematopoietic transplants.

PMID- 22074635
TI  - Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in a patient taking citalopram and
      Hydroxycut: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome presents with
      thunderclap headaches accompanied by mild neurologic deficits and is
      characterized by multifocal narrowing of the cerebral arteries that resolves over
      days to weeks. This syndrome may be idiopathic or occur in special contexts, most
      often involving adrenergic or serotonergic overactivity. To the best of our
      knowledge, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome has not previously been
      reported in association with Hydroxycut use in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION:
      We report the case of a 65-year-old Caucasian woman on longstanding citalopram
      who developed reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome two weeks after
      beginning to take the weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut. CONCLUSION: There are
      sparse data about the safety of herbal supplements such as Hydroxycut, even
      though the Food and Drug Administration has banned some herbal ingredients, such
      as ephedra, that were in this preparation in the past. This case highlights the
      importance of considering herbal supplements and potential drug interactions in
      the genesis of otherwise unexplained reversible cerebral vasoconstriction
      syndrome.

PMID- 22074636
TI  - Staphylococcus simulans osteitis in a diabetic patient.
AB  - Staphylococcus simulans was identified as the aetiological agent of osteitis in a
      diabetic woman. Its identifying characteristics and antibiogram were confirmed.
      Diabetic foot frequently becomes infected and the spread of infection to bone is
      a major causal factor behind lower-limb amputation. Early diagnosis and
      appropriate treatment are essential in such cases.

PMID- 22074637
TI  - Cellular uptake mediated off/on responsive near-infrared fluorescent
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Fluorescence imaging, utilizing molecular fluorophores, often acts as a central
      tool for the investigation of fundamental biological processes and offers huge
      future potential for human imaging coupled to therapeutic procedures. An often
      encountered limitation with fluorescence imaging is the difficulty in
      discriminating nonspecific background fluorophore emission from a fluorophore
      localized at a specific region of interest. This limits imaging to individual
      time points at which background fluorescence has been minimized. It would be of
      significant advantage if the fluorescence output could be modulated from off to
      on in response to specific biological events as this would permit imaging of such
      events in real time without background interference. Here we report our approach
      to achieve this for the most fundamental of cellular processes, i.e. endocytosis.
      We describe a new near-infrared off to on fluorescence switchable nanoparticle
      construct that is capable of switching its fluorescence on following cellular
      uptake but remains switched off in extracellular environments. This permits
      continuous real-time imaging of the uptake process as extracellular particles are
      nonfluorescent. The principles behind the fluorescence off/on switch can be
      understood by encapsulation of particles in cellular organelles which effect a
      microenvironmental change establishing a fluorescence signal.

PMID- 22074638
TI  - Evaluation of animal and public health surveillance systems: a systematic review.
AB  - Disease surveillance programmes ought to be evaluated regularly to ensure they
      provide valuable information in an efficient manner. Evaluation of human and
      animal health surveillance programmes around the world is currently not
      standardized and therefore inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review was to
      review surveillance system attributes and the methods used for their assessment,
      together with the strengths and weaknesses of existing frameworks for evaluating
      surveillance in animal health, public health and allied disciplines. Information
      from 99 articles describing the evaluation of 101 surveillance systems was
      examined. A wide range of approaches for assessing 23 different system attributes
      was identified although most evaluations addressed only one or two attributes and
      comprehensive evaluations were uncommon. Surveillance objectives were often not
      stated in the articles reviewed and so the reasons for choosing certain
      attributes for assessment were not always apparent. This has the potential to
      introduce misleading results in surveillance evaluation. Due to the wide range of
      system attributes that may be assessed, methods should be explored which collapse
      these down into a small number of grouped characteristics by focusing on the
      relationships between attributes and their links to the objectives of the
      surveillance system and the evaluation. A generic and comprehensive evaluation
      framework could then be developed consisting of a limited number of common
      attributes together with several sets of secondary attributes which could be
      selected depending on the disease or range of diseases under surveillance and the
      purpose of the surveillance. Economic evaluation should be an integral part of
      the surveillance evaluation process. This would provide a significant benefit to
      decision-makers who often need to make choices based on limited or diminishing
      resources.

PMID- 22074639
TI  - Effects of testosterone gel treatment in hypogonadal men with liver cirrhosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypogonadism characterized by low serum testosterone level, loss of
      libido, small testes, impotence and gynecomastia is a common clinical situation
      in male patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The aim of the study was to
      assess the efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement on muscle strength,
      bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and gynecomastia in hypogonadal men
      with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Sixteen hypogonadal male cirrhotic patients were
      included and twelve completed the study. Abdominal USG and/or MRI were performed
      to exclude hepatocellular cancer. Testogel 50mg/day was administered for 6
      months. Liver enzymes, hormone profiles and muscle strength were evaluated
      monthly. Body composition parameters, BMD and gynecomastia were evaluated before
      and after 6 months. RESULTS: Serum free testosterone level was higher (20.13 +/-
      10.06 pmol/L; 57.26 +/- 39.56 pmol/L, P=0.002) after treatment. Testosterone
      replacement resulted in an increase in muscle strength (34.03 +/- 7.24 kg; 39.18
      +/- 5.99 kg, P<0.001), the subscapular site subcutaneous fat tissue (P=0.012) and
      the sum of the four regions (P=0.04). Subareolar breast tissue was lower (28.83
      +/- 17.18 mm; 15.00 +/- 6.74 mm, P=0.007) after treatment. No significant adverse
      effects were detected. DISCUSSION: Testosterone gel 50mg/day raises free
      testosterone to values below supraphysiological levels in cirrhotic men.
      Transdermal testosterone replacement improves muscle strength, ameliorates
      gynecomastia, alters body fat distribution and causes upper body adiposity in
      hypogonadal men with cirrhosis. Application of testosterone gel, which undergoes
      no hepatic first-pass metabolism, seems as a safe and well-tolerated agent in
      liver cirrhosis as compared to other anabolic steroids, which may be associated
      with various adverse events.

PMID- 22074640
TI  - Evaluations of capsule endoscopy software in reducing the reading time and the
      rate of false negatives by inexperienced endoscopists.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a comfortable for the
      patients; however, CE review is time-consuming. The aim of this study was (1) to
      evaluate the effectiveness of the CE software in reducing the CE reading time and
      the number of false negatives by beginners, and (2) to determine the learning
      curve for reading CE images. METHODS: Capsule endoscopic images were captured by
      Pillcam SB (Given Imaging Ltd, Tokyo, Japan), and analyzed using the proprietary
      RAPID 5 software. Comparison of CE reading using different software modes: manual
      mode, automatic mode, and QuickView (QV) mode. Three trainee endoscopists
      participated as CE readers. Each participant watched CE videos in which positive
      findings had been predefined by trained endoscopists. Each participant read the
      same CE record by using one of three different software modes. These were blinded
      on clinical history of patients. CE reading time was recorded, and the number of
      false negatives was counted. Each trainee endoscopist read a total of 45 CE
      videos, in five steps divided into nine videos per step. RESULTS: There was no
      significant reader associated difference between the results for the different
      modes. The QV software did miss some positive findings. Therefore, the total
      number of instances of FN by the software plus the reader in the QV mode was
      significantly higher than the others. The reading times in the automatic mode and
      the QV mode were significantly shorter than that in the manual mode. After the
      second step, the number of instances of false negatives significantly decreased.
      CONCLUSIONS: CE software is useful for reducing the reading time. Experience of
      approximately 20 CE readings can be considered as the first step to becoming an
      expert.

PMID- 22074641
TI  - Intramural perforation with hematoma of the esophagus.

PMID- 22074642
TI  - Small bowel parasitosis.

PMID- 22074643
TI  - Mucinous cystadenoma of the mesocolon, a rare entity frequently presenting with
      features of malignity: two case reports and review of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mucinous cystadenomas are tumors arising mostly from the ovaries and
      pancreas. They can also arise from the kidneys, lungs, liver and appendix, but
      are rarely seen in the mesocolon. Recently, they have been included in an updated
      classification of mesenteric cysts and cystic tumors. The WHO classification (ICD
      10) divides them into three subcategories according to their malignant behavior.
      METHODS: This report of two cases of mucinous cystadenoma of the mesocolon
      discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities as well as the
      pathophysiological pathway(s) of development of these neoplasms. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of mucinous cystadenomas of the mesocolon is
      challenging due to the absence of specific clinical, biological and radiological
      features, and is often made during or after laparotomy. Preoperative biopsy is
      not useful and may even lead to misdiagnosis or peritoneal spillage. Surgery is
      the only curative treatment, but the modalities of resection are still a subject
      of debate.

PMID- 22074644
TI  - Alterations in the emotional and memory behavioral phenotypes of transient
      receptor potential vanilloid type 1-deficient mice are mediated by changes in
      expression of 5-HT1A, GABA(A), and NMDA receptors.
AB  - The transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channel (TRPV1) receptors are
      expressed in various regions of the brain. Much less is known about whether TRPV1
      receptors affect higher brain functions. In the present study, we demonstrated
      that TRPV1-knockout (TRPV1KO) mice showed antidepressant-like behaviors in a
      novelty-suppressed feeding test and forced swim test when compared to wild-type
      (WT) mice. Additionally, TRPV1KO mice exhibited increased aggressiveness and
      reduced social interactions in a social dominance test and social interaction
      test. TRPV1KO mice showed reduced short-term memory and normal long-term memory
      in a novel object recognition test and passive avoidance test versus WT mice.
      Based on these behavioral data, we investigated changes in specific receptors
      related to depression, anxiety, and memory in the brains of TRPV1KO and WT mice.
      Binding of [(3)H]-8-OH-DPAT was significantly higher in the frontal associated
      cortex (FrA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and the cingulate cortex (CC) of TRPV1KO
      mice than WT mice, while the expression of 5-HT(1A) receptors was higher in the
      FrA, NAc, and cortex of TRPV1KO mice than WT mice. [(3)H]-flunitrazepam binding
      was also significantly higher in the FrA, striatum (CPU), and the CC of TRPV1KO
      versus WT mice. In contrast, [(3)H]-musicmol binding in the FrA, CPU, NAc, CC,
      and the dentate gyrus (DG) was significantly lower in TRPV1KO mice than WT mice.
      The expression of GABA(A)gamma(2) was higher in the NAc, CPU, and cortex of
      TRPV1KO versus WT mice, whereas the expression of GABA(A)alpha(2) was lower in
      the FrA, CPU, NAc, and cortex in TRPV1KO mice than WT mice. Finally, [(3)H]-MK
      801 binding was decreased in the CPU and CA1 of TRPV1KO versus WT mice. The
      expression of NR2A was lower in the hippocampus of TRPV1KO versus WT mice. These
      data suggest that the loss of TRPV1 results in antidepressant-like, anxiolytic,
      abnormal social and reduced memorial behaviors due to changes in expression of 5
      HT(1A), GABA(A,) and NMDA receptors. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22074645
TI  - Alpha-cobratoxin inhibits T-type calcium currents through muscarinic M4 receptor
      and Gomicron-protein betagamma subunits-dependent protein kinase A pathway in
      dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - The long-chain neurotoxic protein, alpha-cobratoxin (alpha-CTx), has been shown
      to have analgesic effects. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain
      unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of alpha-CTx on T-type calcium
      channel currents (T-currents) and elucidated the relevant mechanisms in mouse
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Our results showed that alpha-CTx reversibly
      inhibited T-currents in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was
      blocked by the selective muscarinic M4 receptor antagonist tropicamide, while
      methyllycaconitine, a specific antagonist for the alpha7 subtype of nicotinic
      receptor had no effect. siRNA targeting the M4 receptor in small DRG neurons
      abolished alpha-CTx-induced T-current inhibition. Intracellular application of
      GDP-beta-S or a selective antibody against the G(o)alpha-protein, as well as
      pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, abolished the inhibitory effects
      of alpha-CTx. The M4 receptor-mediated response was blocked by dialyzing cells
      with QEHA peptide or anti-G(beta) antibody. Pretreatment of the cells with
      protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 or intracellular application of PKI 6-22
      abolished alpha-CTx-induced T-current inhibition in small DRG neurons, whereas
      inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or PKC elicited no such effects. In
      addition, alpha-CTx significantly increased PKA activity in DRG neurons, whereas
      pretreatment of the cells with tropicamide abolished this effect. In summary, our
      results suggest that activation of muscarinic M4 receptor by alpha-CTx inhibits T
      currents via the G(betagamma) of G(o)-protein and PKA-dependent pathway. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22074646
TI  - Preparation and characterization of imprinted monolith with metal ion as pivot.
AB  - This report provided the first example of using pivot concept to prepare
      monolithic molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with ketoprofen (KET) imprints,
      in which metal ions were employed as mediator between the functional monomer and
      the template to achieve higher fidelity of imprint. To solve metal ions in pre
      polymerization system, a new ternary porogen of dimethyl sulfoxide-toluene
      isooctane was developed for preparation of MIP monoliths with high porosity and
      good permeability. The effect of polymerization parameters such as the nature of
      metal ions, the ratio of template to metal ion and the degree of crosslinking, on
      the permeability, morphology and affinity of the metal ion mediated MIP monolith
      were studied. The experiments demonstrated that Ni(2+), Co(2+) and Zn(2+) can be
      applied as pivot to prepare KET-imprinted monolith. Relative to monolithic MIP
      without metal ions, all the ion-mediated macropore MIP monoliths showed enhanced
      permeability, capacity factor and selectivity factor. High permeability (1.06*10(
      7)mm(2)) was obtained on the Co(2+)-mediated MIP monolith and great selectivity
      factor (3.84) was achieved on the Ni(2+)-mediated one. The stoichiometric
      displacement model was constructed to investigate the recognition mechanism of
      metal-ion mediated MIP. The results indicate that metal ion as pivot not only
      improves the affinity but also allows the fine-tuning on the macroporous
      structure of MIP monolith.

PMID- 22074647
TI  - Determination of bromate in sea water using multi-dimensional matrix-elimination
      ion chromatography.
AB  - A multi-dimensional matrix-elimination ion chromatography approach has been
      applied to the determination of bromate in seawater samples. Two-dimensional and
      three-dimensional configurations were evaluated for their efficacy to eliminate
      the interference caused by the high concentration of ubiquitous ions present in
      seawater, such as chloride and sulfate. A two-dimensional approach utilising a
      high capacity second dimension separation comprising two Dionex AS24 columns
      connected in series was applied successfully and permitted the determination of
      bromate in undiluted seawater samples injected directly onto the ion
      chromatography system. Using this approach the limit of detection (LOD) for
      bromate based on a signal to noise ratio of 3 was 1050 MUg/L using a 500 MUL
      injection loop. Good linearity was obtained for bromate with correlation
      coefficients for the calibration curves of 0.9981 and 0.9996 based on peak height
      and area, respectively. A three-dimensional method utilising two 10-port
      switching valves to allow sharing of the second suppressor and detector between
      the second and third dimension separations showed better resolution and detection
      for bromate and reduced the LOD to 60 MUg/L for spiked seawater samples. Good
      linearity was maintained with correlation coefficients of 0.9991 for both peak
      height and area. Ozonated seawater samples were also analysed and exhibited a non
      linear increase in bromate level on increasing ozonation time. A bromate
      concentration in excess of 1770 MUg/L was observed following ozonation of the
      seawater sample for 120 min. Recoveries for the three-dimensional system were 92%
      and 89% based on peak height and area, respectively, taken over 5 ozonated
      samples with 3 replicates per sample.

PMID- 22074648
TI  - Mathematical model using non-uniform flow distribution for dynamic protein
      breakthrough with membrane adsorption media.
AB  - A mathematical model has been investigated to predict protein breakthrough during
      membrane adsorption/chromatography operations. The new model incorporates a non
      uniform boundary condition at the column inlet to help describe the deviation
      from plug flow within real membrane adsorption devices. The model provides
      estimated breakthrough profiles of a binding protein while explicitly accounting
      for non-uniform flow at the inlet of the separation operation by modeling the
      flow distribution by a polynomial. We have explored experimental breakthrough
      curves produced using commercial membrane adsorption devices, as well as novel
      adsorption media of nanolayered nanofiber membranes, and compare them to model
      predictions. Further, the impact of using various simplifying assumptions is
      considered, which can have a dramatic effect on the accuracy and predictive
      ability of the proposed models. The new model, using only simple batch
      equilibrium and kinetic uptake rate data, along with membrane properties, is able
      to accurately predict the non-uniform and unsymmetrical shape for protein
      breakthrough during operation of membrane adsorption/chromatography devices.

PMID- 22074649
TI  - Simultaneous determination of 23 amino acids and 7 biogenic amines in fermented
      food samples by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A novel liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (LC-Q-TOFMS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination
      of 23 amino acids and 7 biogenic amines in food samples. These analytes were pre
      column derivatized with dansyl chloride and then separated in an Acquity column
      (1.7 MUm; 2.1 mm * 100 mm). The separation of 31 compounds including an internal
      standard was achieved within 25 min at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The method
      linearity for each amino acid and biogenic amine had a relatively wide range with
      r(2)>0.99. The intra- and inter-day precision, expressed as relative standard
      deviation (RSD), ranged from 1.1 to 4.6% and from 2.0 to 11.2%, respectively. The
      limit of detection was between 0.005 and 0.4 MUg/mL. With a simple dilution,
      recoveries of around 80-120% were obtained for most of the compounds. No
      significant matrix effect was observed, and the developed method was successfully
      applied to the analysis of amino acids and biogenic amines in beer, cheese and
      sausage samples.

PMID- 22074650
TI  - Hope for the future.

PMID- 22074651
TI  - Continuum of care in the emergency department.

PMID- 22074652
TI  - Factors influencing patient assignment to level 2 and level 3 within the 5-level
      ESI triage system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prospectively assessing factors that influence triage nurse
      assignment of patients to the higher risk level 2 compared to the lower risk
      level 3 has not previously been explored within the 5-level Emergency Severity
      Index (ESI) triage system. Considering the large amount of information available
      about the patient, less experienced triage nurses often struggle in deciding what
      patient information is truly relevant when assessing if a high-risk situation
      exists. The primary aim of this study was to identify specific factors used by
      triage nurses to differentiate level 2 patients from level 3 patients. METHODS: A
      convenience sample of triage nurses was recruited from 2 ED sites. If at the
      completion of the nurse-patient triage interaction the nurse assigned the patient
      to either level 2 or level 3, the triage nurse then completed a questionnaire
      related to factors that influenced patient assignment. RESULTS: Overall, 18
      triage nurses participated in the study with a total of 334 nurse-patient triage
      interactions collected. Patient age, vital signs, and need for a timely
      intervention were found to be significant factors that influenced patient
      assignment to level 2 while expected number of resources influenced patient
      assignment to level 3. DISCUSSION: Utilizing experienced triage nurses on
      average, this study identified specific, objective factors that, combined with
      factors already delineated in the ESI Version 4 Implementation Manual, have
      useful implications for less experienced triage nurses by providing a more
      comprehensive and relevant foundation for data gathering and decision making.

PMID- 22074653
TI  - Transforming an emergency department: from crisis to excellence.

PMID- 22074654
TI  - A 29-year-old man with dizziness and headache after skydiving.

PMID- 22074655
TI  - Experience talks.

PMID- 22074656
TI  - Syndromes of "holiday heart".

PMID- 22074657
TI  - New and emerging agents for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate
      cancer.
AB  - Most men with recurrent prostate cancer (CaP) initially respond to androgen
      deprivation therapy but eventually develop metastatic castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (CRPC). Over the last decade, new therapeutic targets have been
      identified in CRPC and several new drugs have reached advanced stages of clinical
      development. In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sipuleucel
      T and cabazitaxel, and in 2011, abiraterone for patients with metastatic CRPC
      based on phase 3 trials showing improved survival. Although not yet available for
      clinical use, a press release in June 2011 announced that radium 223 also
      demonstrated a survival advantage in men with metastatic CRPC. Emerging therapies
      in advanced stages of clinical development in CRPC include the hormonal therapies
      MDV3100 and TAK 700, and the immunotherapy ipilimumab. Results are also pending
      on phase 3 studies comparing docetaxel plus prednisone with docetaxel given with
      the novel agents aflibercept, dasatinib, lenalidomide, and custirsen. In addition
      to these new and emerging therapeutic agents, denosumab was approved for the
      prevention of skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases due to
      solid tumor malignancies, providing an alternative to zoledronic acid. While the
      addition of these new treatment options is a great advance for men with
      metastatic CRPC, there are many new questions arising regarding sequencing of
      these treatments with each other, with previously existing therapies, and with
      the emerging agents now in clinical trials. Furthermore, there are concerns that
      on-going phase 3 trials may be contaminated if patients go off study treatment to
      start 1 of the newly approved agents or take the agent subsequently. These
      realities make clinical trial design more challenging than ever.

PMID- 22074659
TI  - [Solution to case 36. Giant diverticulum of the sigmoid colon].

PMID- 22074660
TI  - Chromatin remodelling protein SMAR1 inhibits p53 dependent transactivation by
      regulating acetyl transferase p300.
AB  - Acetylation of p53 is indispensable for its transcriptional activities and
      induction of apoptosis upon DNA damage. Here, we show that chromatin remodelling
      protein SMAR1 inhibits p53 acetylation and p53 dependent apoptosis by repressing
      p300 expression in response to DNA damage. The repression of p300 expression by
      SMAR1 is relieved upon treatment with proteosomal inhibitors MG132 and
      Lactacystin. We demonstrate that SMAR1 interacts with p53-p300 transcriptional
      complex and SMAR1 overexpression antagonizes p300 interaction with p53 and
      suppresses activation of p53 apoptotic targets and p53 regulated miRNA miR-34a.
      Conversely, knockdown of SMAR1 promotes p300 accumulation and p53 acetylation
      while ectopic expression of p300 rescues SMAR1 inhibition on p53. Collectively,
      these results indicate that SMAR1 is an important player in p300-p53 regulated
      DNA damage signalling pathway and can exert its effect on apoptosis in a
      transcription independent manner.

PMID- 22074661
TI  - Comparative proteomic analysis to dissect differences in signal transduction in
      activating TSH receptor mutations in the thyroid.
AB  - In the thyroid, cAMP controls both thyroid growth and function. Gain-of-function
      mutations in the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) lead to constitutive
      cAMP formation and are a major cause of autonomous thyroid adenomas. The impact
      of activating TSHR mutations on the signal transduction network of the thyrocyte
      is not fully understood. To gain more insights into constitutive TSHR signaling,
      rat thyrocytes (FRTL-5 cells) with stable expression of three activating TSHR
      mutants (mutTSHR: A623I, L629F and Del613-621), which differ in their functional
      characteristics in vitro, were analyzed by a quantitative proteomic approach and
      compared to the wild-type TSHR (WT-TSHR). This study revealed (1) differences in
      the expression of Rab proteins suggesting an increased TSHR internalization in
      mutTSHR but not in the WT-TSHR; (2) differential stimulation of PI3K/Akt
      signaling in mutTSHR vs. WT-TSHR cells, (3) activation of Epac, impairing short
      time Akt phosphorylation in both, mutTSHR and WT-TSHR cells. Based on the
      analysis of global changes in protein expression patterns, our findings underline
      the complexity of gain-of-function TSHR signaling in thyrocytes, which extends
      beyond pure cAMP and/or IP formation. Moreover, evidence for augmented
      endocytosis in the mutTSHR, adds to a new concept of TSHR signaling in thyroid
      autonomy. Further studies are required to clarify whether the observed
      differences in Rab, PI3K and Epac signaling may contribute to differences in the
      phenotypic presentation, i.e. stimulation of function and growth of thyroid
      autonomy in vivo.

PMID- 22074662
TI  - Pigment epithelium-derived factor reduces the PDGF-induced migration and
      proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells through PPARgamma activation.
AB  - Our previous study demonstrated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF)
      plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth
      muscle cells (HASMCs). In the present study, we examined whether PEDF inhibited
      platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated HASMC migration and
      proliferation. PEDF dose-dependently reduced PDGF-induced HASMC migration and
      proliferation in vitro and also arrested cell cycle progression in the G0/G1
      phase, and this was associated with decreased expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E,
      CDK2, CDK4, and p21(Cip1) and increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitor p27(Kip1). The antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of PEDF were
      partially blocked by the PPARgamma antagonist GW9662, but not by the PPARalpha
      antagonist MK886. In in vivo studies, the femoral artery of C57BL/6 mice was
      endothelial-denuded and the mice injected intravenously with PEDF or vehicle.
      After 2 weeks, both the neointima/media area ratio and cell proliferation
      (proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells) in the neointima were
      significantly reduced and again these effects were partially reversed by GW9662
      pretreatment. Our data show that PEDF increases PPARgamma activation, preventing
      entry of HASMCs into the cell cycle in vitro and reducing the neointimal area and
      cell proliferation in the neointima in vivo. Thus, PEDF may represent a safe and
      effective novel target for the prevention and treatment of vascular proliferative
      diseases.

PMID- 22074664
TI  - Polyethylene glycol-conjugated hyaluronic acid-ceramide self-assembled
      nanoparticles for targeted delivery of doxorubicin.
AB  - Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated hyaluronic acid-ceramide (HACE) was
      synthesized for the preparation of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded HACE-PEG-based
      nanoparticles, 160 nm in mean diameter with a negative surface charge. Greater
      uptake of DOX from these HACE-PEG-based nanoparticles was observed in the CD44
      receptor highly expressed SCC7 cell line, compared to results from the CD44
      negative cell line, NIH3T3. A strong fluorescent signal was detected in the tumor
      region upon intravenous injection of cyanine 5.5-labeled nanoparticles into the
      SCC7 tumor xenograft mice; the extended circulation time of the HACE-PEG-based
      nanoparticle was also observed. Pharmacokinetic study in rats showed a 73.0%
      reduction of the in vivo clearance of DOX compared to the control group. The
      antitumor efficacy of the DOX-loaded HACE-PEG-based nanoparticles was also
      verified in a tumor xenograft mouse model. DOX was efficiently delivered to the
      tumor site by active targeting via HA and CD44 receptor interaction and by
      passive targeting due to its small mean diameter (<200 nm). Moreover, PEGylation
      resulted in prolonged nanoparticle circulation and reduced DOX clearance rate in
      an in vivo model. These results therefore indicate that PEGylated HACE
      nanoparticles represent a promising anticancer drug delivery system for cancer
      diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 22074663
TI  - The therapeutic efficacy of camptothecin-encapsulated supramolecular
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Nanomaterials have been increasingly employed as drug(s)-incorporated vectors for
      drug delivery due to their potential of maximizing therapeutic efficacy while
      minimizing systemic side effects. However, there have been two main challenges
      for these vectors: (i) the existing synthetic approaches are cumbersome and
      incapable of achieving precise control of their structural properties, which will
      affect their biodistribution and therapeutic efficacies, and (ii) lack of an
      early checkpoint to quickly predict which drug(s)-incorporated vectors exhibit
      optimal therapeutic outcomes. In this work, we utilized a new rational
      developmental approach to rapidly screen nanoparticle (NP)-based cancer
      therapeutic agents containing a built-in companion diagnostic utility for optimal
      therapeutic efficacy. The approach leverages the advantages of a self-assembly
      synthetic method for preparation of two different sizes of drug-incorporated
      supramolecular nanoparticles (SNPs), and a positron emission tomography (PET)
      imaging-based biodistribution study to quickly evaluate the accumulation of SNPs
      at a tumor site in vivo and select the favorable SNPs for in vivo therapeutic
      study. Finally, the enhanced in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of the selected SNPs was
      validated by tumor reduction/inhibition studies. We foresee our rational
      developmental approach providing a general strategy in the search of optimal
      therapeutic agents among the diversity of NP-based therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22074665
TI  - Three-dimensional paper-based electrochemiluminescence immunodevice for
      multiplexed measurement of biomarkers and point-of-care testing.
AB  - In this work, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay was introduced into the
      recently proposed microfluidic paper-based analytical device (MUPADs) based on
      directly screen-printed electrodes on paper for the very first time. The screen
      printed paper-electrodes will be more important for further development of this
      paper-based ECL device in simple, low-cost and disposable application than
      commercialized ones. To further perform high-performance, high-throughput, simple
      and inexpensive ECL immunoassay on MUPAD for point-of-care testing, a wax
      patterned three-dimensional (3D) paper-based ECL device was demonstrated for the
      very first time. In this 3D paper-based ECL device, eight carbon working
      electrodes including their conductive pads were screen-printed on a piece of
      square paper and shared the same Ag/AgCl reference and carbon counter electrodes
      on another piece of square paper after stacking. Using typical tris-(bipyridine)
      ruthenium (II) - tri-n-propylamine ECL system, the application test of this 3D
      paper-based ECL device was performed through the diagnosis of four tumor markers
      in real clinical serum samples. With the aid of a facile device-holder and a
      section-switch assembled on the analyzer, eight working electrodes were
      sequentially placed into the circuit to trigger the ECL reaction in the sweeping
      range from 0.5 to 1.1 V at room temperature. In addition, this 3D paper-based ECL
      device can be easily integrated and combined with the recently emerging paper
      electronics to further develop simple, sensitive, low-cost, disposable and
      portable MUPAD for point-of-care testing, public health and environmental
      monitoring in remote regions, developing or developed countries.

PMID- 22074666
TI  - Strong light-induced reorganization of pigment-protein complexes of thylakoid
      membranes in rye (spectroscopic study).
AB  - The supramolecular reorganization of LHCII complexes within the thylakoid
      membrane in Secale cereale leaves under low and high light condition was
      examined. Rye seedlings were germinated hydroponically in a climate chamber with
      a 16 h daylight photoperiod, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 150
      MUmo lm(-2)s(-1) and 24/16 degrees C day/night temperature. The influence of pre
      illumination of the plants with high light intensity on the PSII antenna
      complexes was studied by comparison of the structure and function of the LHCII
      complexes and organization of thylakoid membranes isolated from 10-day-old plants
      illuminated with low (150 MUmo lm(-2)s(-1)) or high (1200 MUmo lm(-2)s(-1)) light
      intensity. Aggregated and trimeric with monomeric forms of LHCII complexes were
      separated from the whole thylakoid membranes using non-denaturing
      electrophoresis. Analyses of fluorescence emission spectra of these different
      LHCII forms showed that the monomer was the most effective aggregating antenna
      form. Moreover, photoprotection connected with LHCII aggregation was more
      effective upon LHCII monomers in comparison to trimer aggregation. Light stress
      induced specific organization of neighboring LHCII complexes, causing an increase
      in fluorescence yield of the long-wavelength bands (centered at 701 and 734 nm).
      The changes in the organization of the thylakoid membrane under light stress,
      observed by analysis of absorbance spectra obtained by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, also indicated light-induced LHCII aggregation.

PMID- 22074667
TI  - It is important to note that RWD will never replace the more traditional and more
      robust RCT data; however, the emerging trend is to incorporate data that are more
      generalizable. Introduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act brought considerable
      attention to comparative effectiveness research (CER).   OBJECTIVES: To (a)
      suggest best practices for conducting and reporting CER using "real-world data"
      (RWD), (b) describe some of the data and infrastructure requirements for
      conducting CER using RWD, (c) identify statistical challenges with the analysis
      of nonrandomized studies and suggest appropriate techniques to address those
      challenges, (d) recognize the value of patient-reported outcomes in CER, (e)
      encourage the incorporation of observational data into randomized controlled
      studies, and (f) highlight the importance of incorporating payers in industry
      sponsored research.  SUMMARY: The first article in this supplement, "Something
      old, something new..." provides a policy perspective on the recent evolution of
      CER. It reviews the historical context, discusses the "promise and fear" of CER,
      and then describes the new role of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
      Institute (PCORI) in defining and sponsoring CER. The second paper, "Ten
      Commandments," proposes a series of tenets for planning, conducting, and
      reporting CER done with RWD. Oriented for basic-to-intermediate researchers, it
      combines standard scientific research principles with considerations specific to
      nonrandomized, RWD studies. The third article, "Infrastructure Requirements,"
      points out that effective use of secondary data requires addressing major
      methodological and infrastructural issues, including development of analytical
      tools to readily access and analyze data, formulation of guidelines to enhance
      quality and transparency, establishment of data standards, and creation of data
      warehouses that respect the privacy and confidentiality of patients. It
      identifies gaps that must be filled to address the underlying issues, with
      emphasis on data standards, data quality assurance, data warehouses, computing
      environment, and protection of privacy and confidentiality. The fourth paper,
      "Statistical Issues," discusses how the validity of analytic results from
      observational studies is adversely impacted by biases that may be introduced due
      to lack of randomization. It reviews some of the methodological challenges that
      arise in the analysis of data from nonrandomized studies, with particular
      emphasis on the limitations of traditional approaches and potential solutions
      from recent methodological developments. The fifth paper, "Considerations on the
      Use of Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs)," describes how PRO data can play a
      critical role in guiding patients, health care providers, payers, and policy
      makers in making informed decisions regarding patient-centered treatment from
      among alternative options and technologies and have been noted as such by PCORI.
      However, collection and interpretation of such data within the context of CER
      have not yet been fully established. It discusses some challenges with including
      PROs in CER initiatives, provides a framework for their effective use, and
      proposes several areas for future research. Lastly, "Developing a Collaborative
      Study Protocol..." indicates that there is the potential, the desire, and the
      capability for payers to be involved in CER studies, combining elements of their
      own observational data with prospective studies. It describes a case example of a
      payer, a pharmaceutical company, and a research organization collaborating on a
      prospective study to examine the effect of prior authorization for pregabalin on
      health care costs to the payer.   CONCLUSION: Researchers at Pfizer routinely
      conduct CER-type studies. In this supplement, we have proposed some approaches
      that we believe are useful in developing certain kinds of evidence and have
      described some of our experiences. Our experiences also make us acutely aware of
      the limitations of approaches and data sources that have been used for CER
      studies and suggest that there is a need to further develop methods that are most
      useful for answering CER questions.

PMID- 22074668
TI  - Something old, something new, something borrowed...comparative effectiveness
      research: a policy perspective.

PMID- 22074669
TI  - "Ten commandments" for conducting comparative effectiveness research using "real
      world data".

PMID- 22074670
TI  - Infrastructure requirements for secondary data sources in comparative
      effectiveness research.

PMID- 22074671
TI  - Statistical issues with the analysis of nonrandomized studies in comparative
      effectiveness research.

PMID- 22074672
TI  - Considerations on the use of patient-reported outcomes in comparative
      effectiveness research.

PMID- 22074673
TI  - Developing a collaborative study protocol for combining payer-specific data and
      clinical trials for CER.

PMID- 22074674
TI  - Low adherence to influenza vaccination campaigns: is the H1N1 virus pandemic to
      be blamed?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last few months, debates about the handling of the influenza
      virus A (H1N1) pandemic took place, in particular regarding the change of the WHO
      pandemic definition, economic interests, the dramatic communication style of mass
      media. The activation of plans to reduce the virus diffusion resulted in an
      important investment of resources. Were those investments proportionate to the
      risk? Was the pandemic overrated? The workload of the Pediatric Emergency Room
      (P.E.R.) at a teaching hospital in Varese (Northern Italy) was investigated in
      order to evaluate the local diffusion and severity of the new H1N1 influenza
      epidemic. DISCUSSION: A 100% increase of the number of P.E.R. visits,
      particularly for influenza-like illness, was recorded during weeks 42-46 of 2009
      (October, 17 to November, 2); the low rate of hospitalization and the mild
      presentation of the infection gave rise to the conclusion that the pandemic risk
      was overrated. Mass media communications concerning the new virus created a
      disproportionate fear in the population that significantly enhanced the burden of
      cares at the hospital. In the absence of generally implemented measures for
      etiological diagnosis, the actual incidence of the H1N1 infection could not be
      estimated. Virus identification, in fact, was limited to children showing severe
      symptoms after consultancy with an infectious disease specialist. The alarming
      nature of the communication campaign and the choice to limit etiologic diagnosis
      to severe cases created a climate of uncertainty which significantly contributed
      to the massive admissions to the P.E.R.. SUMMARY: The communication strategy
      adopted by the mass media was an important element during the pandemic: the
      absence of clarity contributed to the spread of a pandemic phobia that appeared
      to result more from the sensationalism of the campaign than from infection with
      the novel influenza A variant of human, avian, swine origin virus. One relevant
      effect of the media coverage was the extremely low adherence rate to the
      vaccination campaign for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, especially among the high
      risk population and health care workers. One positive consequence was, however,
      the spread of preventive hygiene measures, such as hand washing.

PMID- 22074675
TI  - Chemical structure of the O-polysaccharide isolated from Pectobacterium
      atrosepticum SCRI 1039.
AB  - The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the bacterium Pectobacterium atrosepticum SCRI
      1039 was hydrolyzed and the products were separated. A study of the obtained O
      polysaccharide by means of chemical methods, GLC, GLC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy
      allowed us to identify a branched polymer with a pentasaccharide repeating unit
      of the structure shown below, in which the fucose residue was partially O
      acetylated at C-2, C-3 or C-4.

PMID- 22074676
TI  - Synthesis of a novel pentasaccharide core component from the lipooligosaccharide
      of Moraxella catarrhalis.
AB  - The novel pentasaccharide [p-(trifluoroacetamido)phenyl]ethyl 3-O-beta-D
      glucopyranosyl-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-6-O-[2-O-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D
      glucopyranosyl]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (1), which includes a linker moiety to
      enable facile coupling to an antigenic protein, was synthesised as a component of
      a potential vaccine candidate against the Gram-negative bacterium Moraxella
      catarrhalis. This microorganism is one of three principal causative agents of
      otitis media in children. The pentasaccharide represents a common cross-serotype
      (A, B and C) structure from the lipooligosaccharides of Moraxella catarrhalis.

PMID- 22074677
TI  - Reversible opacification of a hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens.
AB  - A 56-year-old woman with diabetic retinopathy and chronic myelogenous leukemia
      had phacoemulsification cataract removal and hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens
      (IOL) (Akreos MI-60) implantation in both eyes. One month after surgery,
      significant IOL opacity and severe cystoid macular edema were observed in both
      eyes. After bilateral intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) to control
      macular edema, central clearing of the IOL opacity was observed in both eyes. Two
      months after the injection, the IOL opacity had almost disappeared from both
      eyes. To our knowledge, this is the first case of early postoperative bilateral
      IOL opacity in a hydrophilic acrylic IOL cleared after anti-vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal injection. The role of anti-VEGF therapy in
      clearing IOL opacification requires further investigation.

PMID- 22074678
TI  - Measurement of tooth and implant mobility under physiological loading conditions.
AB  - In vivo measurement of the mobility of teeth under physiological loading has been
      subject of research for years. Comparing the deflection under load of dental
      implants with teeth provides valuable input for designing restorations spanning
      both teeth and implants. Physiological force rise time of about 50-100 ms and
      displacement of 10-100 MUm requires high spatial and temporal resolution of the
      measurement set-up. Using an optical system attached to the teeth/implants to be
      measured and a light source attached to a point of reference, displacement of
      teeth and implants under axial and lateral loading was measured on a series of
      volunteers. Axial displacement of teeth shows strong time dependence consistent
      with (hydraulic) damping not observed for lateral loads. Displacement under
      lateral loading was found to be about one order of magnitude higher than under
      axial load. For dental implants elastic deflection was observed in axial and
      lateral direction without measurable influence of the load rise time. For purely
      axial loading, dental implants and teeth show similar deflection under
      physiological force rise time but for lateral loading the considerably difference
      between teeth and implant may put some restrictions on the construction of tooth
      implant-bridges, especially for teeth in the anterior region.

PMID- 22074679
TI  - Distinct effects of NPY13-36, a specific NPY Y2 agonist, in a model of rodent
      endotoxemia on leukocyte subsets and cytokine levels.
AB  - Even now, sepsis remains a major problem in modern clinical medicine, leading to
      systemic inflammatory response including altered leukocyte subset distribution
      and increased cytokine release. As immune cells are known to express NPY
      receptors, we investigated the effects of a specific NPY Y(2) receptor agonist
      (NPY(13-36)) and/or the corresponding Y(2) receptor antagonist BIIE0246 treatment
      on blood (by FACS analyses) and tissue (by immunohistochemistry) leukocyte
      subsets as well as on levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, INF-gamma (by
      Cytometric Bead Array) in healthy and acutely endotoxemic rats. Results show a
      significant decrease in blood monocytes after LPS challenge in endotoxemic
      control animals (by 93%), in endotoxemic NPY(13-36) treated animals (by 83%) and
      in endotoxemic BIIE0246 treated animals (by 88%) as compared to the corresponding
      healthy controls. Endotoxemic control animals showed a significant increase of
      TNF-alpha (by 98%) as compared to the healthy control group. A treatment with
      NPY(13-36) significantly stabilized TNF-alpha level in endotoxemic animals. This
      study indicates distinct subset- and cytokine-specific in vivo effects induced by
      an NPY Y(2) receptor specific treatment after a short-term LPS challenge.

PMID- 22074680
TI  - Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the urinary bladder as a post-radiation
      secondary cancer: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malignant fibrous histiocytomas have been periodically reported as
      the primary tumor in various organs including the urinary bladder, and is the
      second most frequent sarcoma of the urinary tract in adults. This report
      discusses a case of the well established diagnosis of a malignant fibrous
      histiocytoma of the bladder occurring as a post-radiation cancer after the
      treatment of a cervical carcinoma. Our findings support those of many previous
      studies and make the view of the nature of the disease clearer. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 54-year-old Thai woman who had been treated
      with radiation therapy for cervical cancer, who presented to our facility with
      urinary incontinence. Initially, our patient was diagnosed as having a high-grade
      urothelial carcinoma. Subsequent radical surgery rendered the final pathological
      diagnosis, confirmed histologically and immunohistochemically as malignant
      fibrous histiocytoma, with clinical and pathological staging of T4b N0 M0.
      Adjuvant chemotherapy was provided for our patient. CONCLUSIONS: This type of
      malignancy is very aggressive and easily misdiagnosed due to its rarity.
      Therefore, in a patient with a prior history of irradiation in the pelvic area,
      this should be considered as a differential diagnosis to ensure early correct
      diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22074681
TI  - Solvent effects in the excited-state tautomerization of 7-azaindole: a
      theoretical study.
AB  - The solvent effect often changes the mechanism of a chemical reaction.
      Experimental studies of the excited-state tautomerization of 7-azaindole (7AI)
      suggested that the intrinsic reactions occur via the concerted triple and double
      proton transfer mechanisms in the gas and liquid phases, respectively.
      Theoretical study is required to understand how the solvent effect changes the
      mechanism; however, such studies have rarely been performed in the excited-state.
      In this study, systematic quantum mechanical calculations were performed to study
      the excited-state tautomerization of 7AI in methanol. Electronic structures and
      energies for the reactant, transition state, and product were computed at the
      complete active space self-consistent field levels with the second-order
      multireference perturbation theory (MRPT2) to consider the dynamic electron
      correlation. The IEFPCM and SM8 methods were used to include solvent effect in
      the excited and ground-state calculations, respectively. The excited-state double
      proton transfer (ESDPT) in 7AI-CH(3)OH and the triple proton transfer (ESTPT) in
      7AI-(CH(3)OH)(2) both occur via a concerted but asynchronous mechanism. The ESTPT
      barrier was smaller than the activation energy of solvent reorganization;
      however, the amount of 7AI-(CH(3)OH)(2) in methanol is very small because the
      complex formation is entropically very unfavorable. Therefore, the ESTPT is not
      an important path. The MRPT2 barrier of ESDPT was 2.8 kcal/mol, which agrees very
      well with the experimental value. The MRPT2 barrier of deuterium (D) transfer is
      larger than the activation energy of solvent reorganization; therefore, the
      intrinsic D transfer is rate-limiting, while the proton transfer must compete
      with solvent reorganization. The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)
      was also used for comparison. Most TDDFT methods used in this study failed to
      predict transition state structures or barriers of the excited-state
      tautomerization. Additionally, the TDDFT levels failed to predict correct dipole
      moments in the excited-state, which produced an unreliable solvent effect on
      barrier heights.

PMID- 22074683
TI  - The new classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and their impact on
      therapeutic decisions.

PMID- 22074684
TI  - Measles antibodies and response to vaccination in children aged less than 14
      months: implications for age of vaccination.
AB  - Passive immunity against measles decreases during the first months of life. The
      objective of this study was to determine titres of measles antibodies in children
      aged 9-14 months and their mothers before vaccination, and the children's
      response to vaccination. Blood samples were collected by capillary puncture
      before and 28 days after vaccination. Samples were obtained between February and
      June 2007 during an ongoing measles outbreak. Titres of specific measles IgG
      antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroconversion
      was defined as the presence of antibodies after vaccination in subjects without
      antibodies before vaccination. Maternal antibodies were present in 37.7% of all
      69 children included and in 45.1% of children aged 9 months. Of the 51 children
      in whom a second sample was obtained, 31 (60.8%) were seronegative before
      vaccination and 61.3% seroconverted. Interference of maternal antibodies was 30%.
      Advancing the first dose of measles vaccination from 15 to 12 months is a correct
      strategy, given the increase in the time of susceptibility of infants to measles.

PMID- 22074685
TI  - Identification of bacterial microflora in the midgut of the larvae and adult of
      wild caught Anopheles stephensi: a step toward finding suitable paratransgenesis
      candidates.
AB  - To describe the midgut microbial diversity and to find the candidate bacteria for
      the genetic manipulation for the generation of paratransgenic Anopheline
      mosquitoes refractory to transmission of malaria, the microbiota of wild larvae
      and adult Anopheles stephensi mosquito midgut from southern Iran was studied
      using a conventional cell-free culture technique and analysis of a 16S ribosomal
      RNA (rRNA) gene sequence library. Forty species in 12 genera including seven Gram
      negative Myroides, Chryseobacterium, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella,
      Enterobacter and Shewanella and five Gram-positive Exiguobacterium, Enterococcus,
      Kocuria, Microbacterium and Rhodococcus bacteria were identified in the
      microbiota of the larvae midgut. Analysis of the adult midgut microbiota revealed
      presence of 25 Gram-negative species in five genera including Pseudomonas,
      Alcaligenes, Bordetella, Myroides and Aeromonas. Pseudomonas and Exiguobacterium
      with a frequency of 51% and 14% at the larval stage and Pseudomonas and Aeromonas
      with a frequency of 54% and 20% at the adult stage were the most common midgut
      symbionts. Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and Myroides genera have been isolated from
      both larvae and adult stages indicating possible trans-stadial transmission from
      larva to adult stage. Fast growth in cheap media, Gram negative, and being
      dominantly found in both larvae and adult stages, and presence in other malaria
      vectors makes Pseudomonas as a proper candidate for paratransgenesis of An.
      stephensi and other malaria vectors.

PMID- 22074686
TI  - Monoclonal antibody 12D5 inhibits eosinophil infiltration in the brain of
      Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected BALB/c mice.
AB  - Each of BALB/c mice was infected with 50 Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae. One
      group of mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 50 MUg 12D5 monoclonal
      antibody (mAb) against a 98 kDa antigen of adult worms at 10 days post-infection
      (dpi), with a booster injection of 25 MUg at 12 dpi. Five mice from each group
      were sacrificed at 14 dpi for pathological examination and RNA extraction. The
      infiltration of eosinophils and severity of eosinophilic meningitis were reduced
      in 12D5 mAb-treated mice compared with the infected mice without 12D5 treatment.
      The levels of eotaxin mRNA expression in spleen significantly increased and the
      expression of the Th2-type cytokine IL-5 significantly decreased. However, the
      expression of IL-4 was not changed. 12D5 mAb can observably enhance the survival
      rate of infected mice and reduce symptoms of angiostrongyliasis. A. cantonensis
      infection is a major cause of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. The results of
      this study could be helpful for the development of treatment of human
      angiostrongylosis.

PMID- 22074688
TI  - Development and analytical validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) for the measurement of alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor in serum and faeces
      from cats.
AB  - The objective of this study was to develop and analytically validate an ELISA for
      the measurement of alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor (alpha(1)-PI) in serum and
      faeces from cats. Lower detection limit, linearity, accuracy, precision,
      reproducibility, and reference intervals were determined. The lower detection
      limits were 0.02 g/L for serum and 0.04 MUg/g for faeces. The observed-to
      expected (O/E) ratios for serial dilutions of serum and faecal samples ranged
      from 100.0 to 129.7% (mean+/-SD: 112.2+/-9.9%) and 103.5 to 141.6% (115.6+/
      12.8%), respectively. The O/E ratios for samples spiked with seven known
      concentrations of alpha(1)-PI ranged from 82.3 to 107.8% (94.7+/-7.6%) for serum,
      and 78.5 to 148.7% (96.8+/-18.2%) for faeces. The coefficients of variation for
      intra-assay and inter-assay variability were <7.9% and <12.1% for serum, and
      5.3%, 11.8%, 14.2%, and 7.7%, 10.2%, 20.4% for faeces, respectively. Reference
      intervals were 0.6-1.4 g/L for serum and upto 1.6 MUg/g for faeces. We conclude
      that this ELISA is sufficiently linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for
      clinical evaluation.

PMID- 22074687
TI  - Food restriction increases acquisition, persistence and drug prime-induced
      expression of a cocaine-conditioned place preference in rats.
AB  - Cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) is more persistent in food-restricted
      than ad libitum fed rats. This study assessed whether food restriction acts
      during conditioning and/or expression to increase persistence. In Experiment 1,
      rats were food-restricted during conditioning with a 7.0 mg/kg (i.p.) dose of
      cocaine. After the first CPP test, half of the rats were switched to ad libitum
      feeding for three weeks, half remained on food restriction, and this was followed
      by CPP testing. Rats tested under the ad libitum feeding condition displayed
      extinction by the fifth test. Their CPP did not reinstate in response to
      overnight food deprivation or a cocaine prime. Rats maintained on food
      restriction displayed a persistent CPP. In Experiment 2, rats were ad libitum fed
      during conditioning with the 7.0 mg/kg dose. In the first test only a trend
      toward CPP was displayed. Rats maintained under the ad libitum feeding condition
      did not display a CPP during subsequent testing and did not respond to a cocaine
      prime. Rats tested under food-restriction also did not display a CPP, but
      expressed a CPP following a cocaine prime. In Experiment 3, rats were ad libitum
      fed during conditioning with a 12.0 mg/kg dose. After the first test, half of the
      rats were switched to food restriction for three weeks. Rats that were maintained
      under the ad libitum condition displayed extinction by the fourth test. Their CPP
      was not reinstated by a cocaine prime. Rats tested under food-restriction
      displayed a persistent CPP. These results indicate that food restriction lowers
      the threshold dose for cocaine CPP and interacts with a previously acquired CPP
      to increase its persistence. In so far as CPP models Pavlovian conditioning that
      contributes to addiction, these results suggest the importance of diet and the
      physiology of energy balance as modulatory factors.

PMID- 22074689
TI  - Structural analysis of zeolite NaA synthesized by a cost-effective hydrothermal
      method using kaolin and its use as water softener.
AB  - Zeolite 4A (LTA) has been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method,
      where kaolin was used as silica and alumina source. The synthesized zeolite was
      characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
      laser granulometry, and FTIR spectroscopy. XRD data from the Rietveld refinement
      method confirmed only one crystallographic phase. Zeolite A morphology was
      observed by SEM analysis, and it showed well-defined crystals with slightly
      different sizes but with the same cubic shape. Particle size distribution of the
      crystals was confirmed by laser granulometry, whereas FTIR spectroscopy revealed
      significant structural differences between the starting material and the final
      zeolite product used as water softener.

PMID- 22074690
TI  - Facile fabrication of a superamphiphobic surface on the copper substrate.
AB  - A simple solution-immersion technique was developed for the fabrication of a
      superamphiphobic surface on the copper sheet. Hierarchical structure composed of
      nanorod arrays and microflowers was formed on the copper surface by an alkali
      assistant oxidation process; after fluorination, the surface became super
      repellent toward water and several organic liquids possessing much lower surface
      tension than that of water, such as hexadecane. Such superamphiphobicity is
      attributed to the synergistic effect of their special surface chemicals and
      microscopic structures, which allows for the formation of a composite interface
      with all probing liquids tested. We also discuss the effects of surface chemical
      constituent and geometrical structure on hydrophobicity and oleophobicity; such
      information allows us to engineer surfaces with specific oleophobic behavior.
      Additionally, the stability of the composite interface on the created
      superamphiphobic surface is studied by the compression and immersion test.

PMID- 22074691
TI  - Fabrication of hierarchical microparticles by depositing the in situ synthesized
      surface nanoparticles on microspheres during the seed emulsion polymerization.
AB  - A general strategy for the synthesis of polymeric hierarchical microparticles
      containing surface nanoparticles through modified seed emulsion polymerization is
      proposed. This modified seed emulsion polymerization has a character that
      suitable amount of monomer miniemulsion is added during the polymerization. The
      in situ synthesized surface nanoparticles which are resulted from the monomer
      miniemulsion as well as the shell-forming polymer coagulate on the seed particles
      and therefore hierarchical microparticles are fabricated. Various polymeric
      hierarchical microparticles containing 20-36 nm poly(styrene-co-acrylamide),
      poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid), and polystyrene surface nanoparticles are
      synthesized following the proposed method. The advantages in the present
      synthesis including both the well controls in the size, the composition, and the
      number of the surface nanoparticles and the convenience are demonstrated. The
      proposed strategy is anticipated to be a general method to fabricate hierarchical
      microparticles and is believed to have promising application in particle surface
      modification.

PMID- 22074692
TI  - Cobalt (II) chloride promoted formation of honeycomb patterned cellulose acetate
      films.
AB  - CoCl(2) containing honeycomb patterned films were prepared from cellulose acetate
      (CA)/CoCl(2)/acetone solutions by the breath figure method in a wide range of
      humidities. Size and pore regularity depend on the CA/CoCl(2) molar ratio and
      humidity. When replacing CoCl(2) with Co(NO(3))(2) or CoBr(2), no formation of
      ordered porosity in the cellulose acetate films is observed. According to data
      from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis
      (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopy, the key role in the formation of honeycomb structures can be
      attributed to the physical and chemical properties of CoCl(2) - hygroscopicity,
      low interaction with CA, and extraction from CA/CoCl(2)/acetone solution by water
      droplets condensed on the surface of the CA/CoCl(2) solution. Obtained films are
      prospective for using in catalysis, hydrogen fuel cells, and optical sensing
      materials.

PMID- 22074693
TI  - Multi-functional nanopatterned optical films fabricated using capillary force
      lithography.
AB  - We demonstrate anisotropic optical films based on liquid crystalline polymer
      (LCP) using a capillary force lithography (CFL). The fabricated optical films can
      be used as both an optical component and a self-aligning capability of liquid
      crystal molecules introduced on the film. Additionally, HA or PA LC can be
      induced on same material by controlling the water repellency of LCP surface.
      Moreover, surface anchoring transitions could be controlled by variation of
      pattern sizes and surface treatment. In this point of view, one thin optical film
      can act both retarder and alignment layer and then shows good retardation, LC
      alignment, and transmittance at the same time.

PMID- 22074694
TI  - Immobilization of poly(fluorene) within clay nanocomposite: an easy way to
      control keto defect.
AB  - Blue light emitting cationic polyfluorene polymer(PF)/montmorillonite (MMT)
      nanocomposites were prepared by solution intercalation and exfoliation method to
      evaluate the effect of MMT on the nanocomposite structures, properties and
      morphologies. The properties of PF-MMT composites, containing 1-50 mass% MMT,
      were characterized unambiguously with the help of multiple analytical techniques,
      with focus on the keto defect and photostability of PF in the nanocomposites. XRD
      and HRTEM studies reveal both exfoliation of MMT galleries at lower content of
      MMT in composites and intercalation of PF chains into the MMT galleries at higher
      MMT content. The nanocomposites show higher thermal stability than pristine PF as
      anchorage of nanoclay in PF matrix occur through the electrostatic interaction
      between nanoclay and polymer. The decrease in Si-O-Si stretching frequency during
      exfoliation is much higher than in intercalation, as Si-O-Si experience lesser
      hindrance to vibrate in exfoliated MMT galleries. The gradual redshift of pi
      pi(*) transition peak of PF with increasing MMT content in composites confirms
      the uncoiling of PF in clay galleries. The photoluminescence characteristics
      reveal interruption of interchain interaction in this intercalated and exfoliated
      organic/inorganic hybrid system, which reduces the low-energy emission that
      results from keto defect. Due to very high aspect ratio of MMT, it can act as an
      efficient exciton blocking layer and a barrier to oxygen diffusion, which may
      lead to a device with high color purity and enhanced photostability. Again
      current-voltage characteristics of nanocomposite films confirm the retention of
      LED properties after nanocomposite formation.

PMID- 22074695
TI  - Comment: Aris and Leblanc "Maternal and fetal exposure to pesticides associated
      to genetically modified foods in Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada".

PMID- 22074696
TI  - Longitudinal changes in PON1 activities, PON1 phenotype distribution and
      oxidative status throughout normal pregnancy.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to determine changes in plasma paraoxonase-1
      activity (an indicator of paraoxonase phenotype) throughout normal pregnancy and
      its relationship with maternal oxidative stress status. The frequencies of the
      paraoxonase-1 phenotype in the studied population were determined using a two
      substrate (paraoxon/diazoxon) activity method. As a parameter of oxidative stress
      status we measured the redox balance. Paraoxonase-1 activity significantly
      decreased at gestational week 32. In addition, the lipid profile was more
      atherogenic. Redox balance was significantly increased across gestational weeks.
      There were independent direct associations between maternal smoking habits before
      pregnancy, glucose concentrations and redox balance with PON1 activity in the
      third trimester. This study shows that pregnancy is followed by a decrease in
      PON1 activity and increased risk for development of cardiovascular diseases. We
      conclude that changes in paraoxonase-1 status during pregnancy are associated
      with maternal oxidative stress status and smoking habits.

PMID- 22074697
TI  - Acute reproductive toxicity of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile in female rats.
AB  - A potent neurotoxin 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), which is an occupational
      exposure hazard in industry, induces persistent behavioral abnormalities in
      experimental animals; however, its reproductive toxicity has not been determined.
      Therefore, we assessed the toxicity of IDPN in the reproductive system of female
      rats. A single intraperitoneal injection of IDPN (1000 mg/kg body weight) into
      female Wistar-Imamichi rats caused acute estrous cycle arrest at diestrus for up
      to 15 days. The arrest was accompanied by follicular atresia, and following
      arrest, the estrous cycle and ovarian morphology recovered. Ovarian mRNA levels
      of growth differentiation factor 9 and Fas ligand, a cell death marker,
      transiently increased following IDPN injection, but eventually they returned to
      basal levels. IDPN added to in vitro cultures of ovarian follicles also induced
      the expression of these genes, indicating that IDPN directly promoted ovarian
      cell death.

PMID- 22074698
TI  - Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp: a review with a focus on dapsone
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is an inflammatory
      disorder of unknown origin characterized by pustules, erosions, and crusting in
      areas of alopecia that tend to be atrophic, actinically damaged, or both. The
      most common treatments reported include antibiotics and topical anti
      inflammatories, which can be ineffective. In the search for effective treatment
      for EPDS, we share our experience with topical dapsone 5% gel. OBSERVATIONS: We
      present 4 patients with EPDS, all with classic clinical presentations and
      histologic findings of EPDS, who had failed a variety of treatments including
      oral, intralesional, or topical steroids, tacrolimus, and antibiotics. All
      patients demonstrated rapid improvement or resolution with topical dapsone 5%
      gel. LIMITATIONS: Our experience and success with topical dapsone for EPDS is
      observational and not the result of a randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSION:
      Our observations demonstrate topical dapsone 5% gel to be a novel, safe, and
      efficacious therapeutic alternative for mild to moderate EPDS.

PMID- 22074699
TI  - Systematic skin cancer screening in Northern Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide. For decades,
      opportunistic melanoma screening has been carried out to respond to this burden.
      However, despite potential positive effects such as reduced morbidity and
      mortality, there is still a lack of evidence for feasibility and effectiveness of
      organized skin cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the project was to
      evaluate the feasibility of systematic skin cancer screening. METHODS: In 2003,
      the Association of Dermatological Prevention was contracted to implement the
      population-based SCREEN project (Skin Cancer Research to Provide Evidence for
      Effectiveness of Screening in Northern Germany) in the German state of Schleswig
      Holstein. A two-step program addressing malignant melanoma and nonmelanocytic
      skin cancer was implemented. Citizens (aged >= 20 years) with statutory health
      insurance were eligible for a standardized whole-body examination during the 12
      month study period. Cancer registry and mortality data were used to assess first
      effects. RESULTS: Of 1.88 million eligible citizens, 360,288 participated in
      SCREEN. The overall population-based participation rate was 19%. A total of 3103
      malignant skin tumors were found. On the population level, invasive melanoma
      incidence increased by 34% during SCREEN. Five years after SCREEN a substantial
      decrease in melanoma mortality was seen (men: observed 0.79/100,000 and expected
      2.00/100,000; women: observed 0.66/100,000 and expected 1.30/100,000).
      LIMITATIONS: Because of political reasons (resistance as well as lack of support
      from major German health care stakeholders), it was not possible to conduct a
      randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS: The project showed that large-scale
      systematic skin cancer screening is feasible and has the potential to reduce skin
      cancer burden, including mortality. Based on the results of SCREEN, a national
      statutory skin cancer early detection program was implemented in Germany in 2008.

PMID- 22074701
TI  - Deleterious impact of elaidic fatty acid on ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux
      from mouse and human macrophages.
AB  - Consumption of trans fatty acids (TFA) increase cardiovascular risk more than do
      saturated FA, but the mechanisms explaining their atherogenicity are still
      unclear. We investigated the impact of membrane incorporation of TFA on
      cholesterol efflux by exposing J774 mouse macrophages or human monocyte-derived
      macrophages (HMDM) to media enriched or not (standard medium) with industrially
      produced elaidic (trans-9 18:1) acid, naturally produced vaccenic (trans-11 18:1)
      acid (34 h, 70 MUM) or palmitic acid. In J774 macrophages, elaidic and palmitic
      acid, but not vaccenic acid, reduced ABCA1-mediated efflux by ~23% without
      affecting aqueous diffusion, SR-BI or ABCG1-mediated pathways, and this effect
      was maintained in cholesterol-loaded cells. The impact of elaidic acid on the
      ABCA1 pathway was weaker in cholesterol-normal HMDM, but elaidic acid induced a
      strong reduction of ABCA1-mediated efflux in cholesterol-loaded cells (-36%). In
      J774 cells, the FA supplies had no impact on cellular free cholesterol or
      cholesteryl ester masses, the abundance of ABCA1 mRNA or the total and plasma
      membrane ABCA1 protein content. Conversely, TFA or palmitic acid incorporation
      induced strong modifications of the membrane FA composition with a decrease in
      the ratio of (cis-monounsaturated FA+polyunsaturated FA):(saturated FA+TFA), with
      elaidic and vaccenic acids representing each 20% and 13% of the total FA
      composition, respectively. Moreover, we demonstrated that cellular ATP was
      required for the effect of elaidic acid, suggesting that it contributes to
      atherogenesis by impairing ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in macrophages,
      likely by decreasing the membrane fluidity, which could thereby reduce ATPase
      activity and the function of the transporter.

PMID- 22074700
TI  - LBH-589 (panobinostat) potentiates fludarabine anti-leukemic activity through a
      JNK- and XIAP-dependent mechanism.
AB  - Effects of the HDAC inhibitor LBH-589 (panobinostat) on fludarabine lethality
      toward acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells were examined in vitro and in vivo. LBH
      589 pretreatment sensitized U937, HL-60, and primary leukemia cells to
      fludarabine while blocking NF-kappaB activation accompanied by XIAP down
      regulation and JNK activation. Pharmacologic or genetic JNK inhibition
      significantly attenuated LBH-589/fludarabine lethality, whereas XIAP over
      expression diminished JNK activation and apoptosis. Combined in vivo treatment
      abrogated leukemia growth in a U937 xenograft murine model and substantially
      increased animal survival. These studies highlight the interplay between NF
      kappaB activation, XIAP down-regulation, and JNK activation in anti-leukemic
      synergism between fludarabine and LBH-589.

PMID- 22074702
TI  - Inhibition of Pim1 kinase activation attenuates allergen-induced airway
      hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
AB  - Pim kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases whose activity can be
      induced by cytokines involved in allergy and asthma. These kinases play a role in
      cell survival and proliferation, but have not been examined, to the best of our
      knowledge, in the development of allergic disease. This study sought to determine
      the role of Pim1 kinase in the development of allergic airway responses. Mice
      were sensitized and challenged with antigen (primary challenge), or were
      sensitized, challenged, and rechallenged with allergen in a secondary model. To
      assess the role of Pim1 kinase, a small molecule inhibitor was administered
      orally after sensitization and during the challenge phase. Airway responsiveness
      to inhaled methacholine, airway and lung inflammation, cell composition, and
      cytokine concentrations were assessed. Lung Pim1 kinase concentrations were
      increased after ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. In the primary allergen
      challenge model, treatment with the Pim1 kinase inhibitor after sensitization and
      during airway challenges prevented the development of airway hyperresponsiveness,
      eosinophilic airway inflammation, and goblet cell metaplasia, and increased Th2
      cytokine concentrations in bronchoalveolar fluid in a dose-dependent manner.
      These effects were also demonstrated after a secondary allergen challenge, where
      lung allergic disease was established before treatment. After treatment with the
      inhibitor, a significant reduction was evident in the number of CD4(+) and CD8(+)
      T cells and concentrations of cytokines in the airways. The inhibition of Pim1
      kinase was effective in preventing the development of airway hyperresponsiveness,
      airway inflammation, and cytokine production in allergen-sensitized and allergen
      challenged mice. These data identify the important role of Pim1 kinase in the
      full development of allergen-induced airway responses.

PMID- 22074703
TI  - Nutritional stress and arginine auxotrophy confer high sensitivity to chloroquine
      toxicity in mesothelioma cells.
AB  - The correlation between cell sensitivity to autophagy inhibitors, such as
      chloroquine (CQ), and the expression/activity of molecules involved in the
      control and execution of autophagy is well documented. However, tumor cells with
      comparable autophagic potentials may display variable degrees of autophagy
      addiction, due to the differential expression of molecular determinants, which
      are still scarcely defined. In this study, we investigated the effects of CQ on
      growth, death, and autophagic activity of malignant mesothelioma cell lines
      cultured in standard versus nutritional stress conditions partially mimicking
      those found in the tumor microenvironment. We report that, in each cell line, the
      toxic effects of CQ were amplified by nutritional stress and paralleled by
      autophagy inhibition. Still, the cell lines displayed different levels of
      sensitivity to CQ toxicity, which did not correlate with their relative degrees
      of constitutive and nutritional stress-induced autophagy, nor with the relative
      magnitude of the autophagy inhibition induced by the drug. Thus, we tested the
      hypothesis that the cell lines' sensitivity to CQ was related to their variable
      dependence on recycling of intracellular constituents by autophagy. In fact, the
      cell line with the highest sensitivity to the toxic effects of CQ was auxotrophic
      for arginine, due to the deficient expression of the enzyme argininosuccinate
      synthetase (ASS). Furthermore, overexpression of ASS in these cells reduced their
      sensitivity to CQ toxicity. Based on these results, the assessment of ASS
      expression in malignant mesothelioma tissues may allow the identification of
      subgroups of tumors with an increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of this
      drug.

PMID- 22074705
TI  - A comparison of the Ex-PRESSTM mini glaucoma shunt with standard trabeculectomy
      in the surgical treatment of glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the success and complication rates of
      patients with glaucoma who had an Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt device
      implantation (Optonol, Ltd., Neve Ilan, Israel) to those who had conventional
      trabeculectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 76 eyes of 69 consecutive
      subjects who had Ex-PRESS implants and 77 eyes of 65 consecutive controls who had
      trabeculectomy procedures were reviewed. All surgeries were performed by one of
      the authors (LWH). Success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5
      and 21 mm Hg in patients who did not require further glaucoma surgery in the eye
      of note. RESULTS: The difference in the percentage of cases of postoperative
      hypotony between the standard trabeculectomy group (16%) and the Ex-PRESS group
      (4%) was statistically significant (P = .023). CONCLUSION: The Ex-PRESS device is
      at least as effective as the standard trabeculectomy in lowering the IOP of
      patients with glaucoma, with a significantly lower risk of postoperative
      hypotony. The data further suggest that the Ex-PRESS device results in an overall
      greater percentage reduction in IOP than with trabeculectomy, although this did
      not reach statistical significance.

PMID- 22074704
TI  - Proteomic footprinting of drug-treated cancer cells as a measure of cellular
      vaccine efficacy for the prevention of cancer recurrence.
AB  - The comparative proteomic study of cell surfaces of native and drug-treated
      cancer cells was performed. To this end, cell proteomic footprinting, which
      reflects the mass spectrometry profiling of cell surface proteins, was applied to
      breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), which were untreated or treated with
      doxorubicin, tamoxifen, or etoposide. The footprints of drug-treated cells were
      compared with the footprints of untreated cells and the footprint of a randomly
      selected control cancer cell culture. It was found that drug-treated cells have
      reproducible, pronounced, and drug-specific changes in cell surface protein
      expression. Cytotoxicity assays, which are an in vitro model of human antitumor
      vaccination, revealed that the degree of these changes correlates directly with
      the ability of the cancer cells to escape cell death induced by a cytotoxic T
      cell-mediated immune response. Moreover, cancer cells escape from the immune
      response was linearly approximated (R(2) equal to 0.99) with the degree by which
      their proteomic footprints diverged from the footprint of the targeted (native)
      cancer cells. From these findings, it was concluded that the design of anticancer
      vaccines intended to prevent cancer recurrence after primary treatment should
      consider the drug-specific changes in cancer cell-surface antigens. Such changes
      can be easily identified by cell proteomic footprinting, renewing hopes for
      development of efficient cellular cancer vaccines.

PMID- 22074706
TI  - Intracuring: intrastromal corneal application of dental flowable composite.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an intracuring method by changing the
      corneal curvature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intrastromal tunnel was created by
      femtosecond laser in five cadaveric sheep eyes. Dental flowable restorative
      composite was used to fill the tunnel. A light-emitting diode light was applied
      for polymerization for 20 seconds. Flat plastic material was used for pressure on
      the cornea during polymerization. Keratometric measurements were obtained in all
      eyes using a rotating Scheimpflug camera. RESULTS: Remarkable changes on the
      corneal curvature were observed after the intracuring method. Inferior or
      inferonasal flattening and opposite steepening was observed in all sheep eyes.
      The average flattening effect of this method was 10.6 diopters. CONCLUSION: This
      new application may be a promising technique for the treatment of keratoconus.
      The application of this technique in humans could offer improved treatment
      options in the future.

PMID- 22074707
TI  - Passive silicone oil removal in 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy.
AB  - The authors introduce a feasible technique of passive silicone oil removal via
      the pars plana using 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy microsurgery
      instruments. The procedure consists of three-port transconjunctival insertion of
      23-gauge microcannulas. An inferotemporal cannula is connected to an infusion
      line and the height of the bottle is raised. The other two open ports are used to
      remove intravitreal silicone oil with an externally applied cotton swab. Passive
      silicone oil removal was conducted using the 23-gauge system in 46 phakic or
      pseudophakic eyes with silicone oil of both 1,000 (n = 39) and 5,000 centistokes
      (n = 7). A suture was placed for one of three sclera entry sites in 17 eyes.
      Cataract extraction with phacoemulsification was combined with passive silicone
      oil removal in 14 eyes. Transient hypotony was observed in 2 eyes. No retinal
      redetachment or other procedure-related complications were encountered.

PMID- 22074708
TI  - A new biconcave contact lens for vitrectomy in eyes with intraocular lens
      implantation.
AB  - The authors report a new biconcave contact lens capable of providing superior
      surgical views of eyes during vitrectomy and intraocular lens implantation under
      both fluid-filled and air-filled conditions. The new biconcave lens is made of a
      glass with a high refractive index (nd = 1.883). The lens is placed on the cornea
      using a regular lens ring for the floating vitrectomy lens system. During
      vitrectomy, the new biconcave lens provides a view as clear as that of the
      commercially available flat-concave lens when the vitreous cavity is filled with
      fluid. The lens also provides a more magnified view than the commercially sold
      biconcave lens during fluid-air exchange, with no need for replacement. The new
      biconcave vitrectomy lens spares the surgeon the trouble of replacing different
      refractive lenses during the fluid-air exchange procedure in an eye undergoing
      intraocular lens implantation, and may be helpful for vitreous surgery.

PMID- 22074709
TI  - Redox states of plastids and mitochondria differentially regulate intercellular
      transport via plasmodesmata.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that intercellular transport via plasmodesmata (PD) is
      regulated by cellular redox state. Until now, this relationship has been unclear,
      as increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with
      both increased and decreased intercellular transport via PD. Here, we show that
      silencing two genes that both increase transport via PD, INCREASED SIZE EXCLUSION
      LIMIT1 (ISE1) and ISE2, alters organelle redox state. Using redox-sensitive green
      fluorescent proteins targeted to the mitochondria or plastids, we show that,
      relative to wild-type leaves, plastids are more reduced in both ISE1- and ISE2
      silenced leaves, whereas mitochondria are more oxidized in ISE1-silenced leaves.
      We further show that PD transport is positively regulated by ROS production in
      mitochondria following treatment with salicylhydroxamic acid but negatively
      regulated by an oxidative shift in both chloroplasts and mitochondria following
      treatment with paraquat. Thus, oxidative shifts in the mitochondrial redox state
      positively regulate intercellular transport in leaves, but oxidative shifts in
      the plastid redox state counteract this effect and negatively regulate
      intercellular transport. This proposed model reconciles previous contradictory
      evidence relating ROS production to PD transport and supports accumulating
      evidence that mitochondria and plastids are crucial regulators of PD function.

PMID- 22074710
TI  - Diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer: summary of NICE guidance.

PMID- 22074712
TI  - Antiretroviral therapy programmes in resource limited settings.

PMID- 22074711
TI  - Utility of routine viral load, CD4 cell count, and clinical monitoring among
      adults with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: randomised trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of routine laboratory monitoring in terms of
      clinical outcomes among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in
      Uganda. DESIGN: Randomised clinical trial SETTING: A home based ART programme in
      rural Uganda. PARTICIPANTS: All participants were people with HIV who were
      members of the AIDS Support Organisation. Participants had CD4 cell counts <250
      cells * 10(6)/L or World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 disease. INTERVENTIONS:
      Participants were randomised to one of three different monitoring arms: a viral
      load arm (clinical monitoring, quarterly CD4 counts, and viral load
      measurements), CD4 arm (clinical monitoring and CD4 counts), or clinical arm
      (clinical monitoring alone). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serious morbidity (newly
      diagnosed AIDS defining illness) and mortality. RESULTS: 1094 participants
      started ART; median CD4 count at baseline was 129 cells * 10(6)/L. Median follow
      up was three years. In total, 126 participants died (12%), 148 (14%) experienced
      new AIDS defining illnesses, and 61(6%) experienced virological failure, defined
      as two consecutive viral loads >500 copies/mL occurring more than three months
      after the start of ART. After adjustment for age, sex, baseline CD4 count, viral
      load, and body mass index, the rate of new AIDS defining events or death was
      higher in the clinical arm than the viral load arm (adjusted hazard ratio 1.83, P
      = 0.002) or the CD4 arm (1.49, P = 0.032). There was no significant difference
      between the CD4 arm and the viral load arm (1.23, P = 0.31). CONCLUSION: In
      patients receiving ART for HIV infection in Uganda, routine laboratory monitoring
      is associated with improved health and survival compared with clinical monitoring
      alone. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT00119093.

PMID- 22074714
TI  - Words are all we have.

PMID- 22074713
TI  - CD4 cell count and viral load monitoring in patients undergoing antiretroviral
      therapy in Uganda: cost effectiveness study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the cost and cost effectiveness of quarterly CD4 cell count
      and viral load monitoring among patients taking antiretroviral therapy (ART).
      DESIGN: Cost effectiveness study. SETTING: A randomised trial in a home based ART
      programme in Tororo, Uganda. PARTICIPANTS: People with HIV who were members of
      the AIDS Support Organisation and had CD4 cell counts <250 * 10(6) cells/L or
      World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes
      calculated for the study period and projected 15 years into the future included
      costs, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and incremental cost effectiveness
      ratios (ICER; $ per DALY averted). Cost inputs were based on the trial and other
      sources. Clinical inputs derived from the trial; in the base case, we assumed
      that point estimates reflected true differences even if non-significant. We
      conducted univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses. INTERVENTIONS: Three
      monitoring strategies: clinical monitoring with quarterly CD4 cell counts and
      viral load measurement (clinical/CD4/viral load); clinical monitoring and
      quarterly CD4 counts (clinical/CD4); and clinical monitoring alone. RESULTS: With
      the intention to treat (ITT) results per 100 individuals starting ART, we found
      that clinical/CD4 monitoring compared with clinical monitoring alone increases
      costs by $20,458 (L12,780, ?14,707) and averts 117.3 DALYs (ICER = $174 per
      DALY). Clinical/CD4/viral load monitoring compared with clinical/CD4 monitoring
      adds $142,458, and averts 27.5 DALYs ($5181 per DALY). The superior ICER for
      clinical/CD4 monitoring is robust to uncertainties in input values, and that
      strategy is dominant (less expensive and more effective) compared with
      clinical/CD4/viral load monitoring in one quarter of simulations. If clinical
      inputs are based on the as treated analysis starting at 90 days (after laboratory
      monitoring was initiated), then clinical/CD4/viral load monitoring is dominated
      by other strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this trial, compared with clinical
      monitoring alone, monitoring of routine CD4 cell count is considerably more cost
      effective than additionally including routine viral load testing in the
      monitoring strategy and is more cost effective than ART.

PMID- 22074715
TI  - Policy determines drinking behaviour, says expert on addiction.

PMID- 22074716
TI  - Divergent postnatal development of the carotid body in DBA/2J and A/J strains of
      mice.
AB  - We have previously shown that the adult DBA/2J and A/J strains of mice differ in
      carotid body volume and morphology. The question has arisen whether these
      differences develop during the prenatal or postnatal period. Investigating
      morphological development of the carotid body and contributing genes in these
      mice can provide further understanding of the appropriate formation of the
      carotid body. We examined the carotid body of these mice from 1 day to 4 wk old
      for differences in volume, morphology, and gene expression of Gdnf family, Dlx2,
      Msx2, and Phox2b. The two strains showed divergent morphology starting at 1 wk
      old. The volume of the carotid body increased from 1 wk up to 2 wk old to the
      level of 4 wk old in the DBA/2J mice but not in the A/J mice. This corresponds
      with immunoreactivity of LC3, an autophagy marker, in A/J tissues at 10 days and
      2 wk. The differences in gene expression were examined at 1 wk, 10 days, and 2 wk
      old, because divergent growth occurred during this period. The DBA/2J's carotid
      body at 1 wk old showed a greater expression of Msx2 than the A/J's carotid body.
      No other candidate genes showed consistent differences between the ages and
      strains. The difference was not seen in sympathetic cervical ganglia of 1 wk old,
      suggesting that the difference is carotid body specific. The current study
      indicates the critical postnatal period for developing distinctive morphology of
      the carotid body in these mice. Further studies are required to further elucidate
      a role of Msx2 and other uninvestigated genes.

PMID- 22074717
TI  - Endurance exercise attenuates ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction.
AB  - Controlled mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving measure for patients in
      respiratory failure. However, MV renders the diaphragm inactive leading to
      diaphragm weakness due to both atrophy and contractile dysfunction. It is now
      established that oxidative stress is a requirement for MV-induced diaphragmatic
      proteolysis, atrophy, and contractile dysfunction to occur. Given that endurance
      exercise can elevate diaphragmatic antioxidant capacity and the levels of the
      cellular stress protein heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), we hypothesized that
      endurance exercise training before MV would protect the diaphragm against MV
      induced oxidative stress, atrophy, and contractile dysfunction in female Sprague
      Dawley rats. Our results confirm that endurance exercise training before MV
      increased both HSP72 and the antioxidant capacity in the diaphragm. Importantly,
      compared with sedentary animals, exercise training before MV protected the
      diaphragm against MV-induced oxidative damage, protease activation, myofiber
      atrophy, and contractile dysfunction. Further, exercise protected diaphragm
      mitochondria against MV-induced oxidative damage and uncoupling of oxidative
      phosphorylation. These results provide the first evidence that exercise can
      provide protection against MV-induced diaphragm weakness. These findings are
      important and establish the need for future experiments to determine the
      mechanism(s) responsible for exercise-induced diaphragm protection.

PMID- 22074718
TI  - A novel vascular clip design for the reliable induction of 2-kidney, 1-clip
      hypertension in the rat.
AB  - The 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) model has provided many insights into the
      pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension. However, studies using the 2K1C model
      often report low success rates of hypertension, with typical success rates of
      just 40-60%. We hypothesized that these low success rates are due to fundamental
      design flaws in the clips traditionally used in 2K1C models. Specifically, the
      gap widths of traditional silver clips may not be maintained during investigator
      handling and these clips may also be easily dislodged from the renal artery
      following placement. Therefore, we designed and tested a novel vascular clip
      possessing design features to maintain both gap width and position around the
      renal artery. In this initial study, application of these new clips to the left
      renal artery produced reliable and consistent levels of hypertension in rats.
      Nine-day application of clips with gap widths of 0.27, 0.25, and 0.23 mm elicited
      higher mean arterial blood pressures of 112 +/- 4, 121 +/- 6, and 135 +/- 7 mmHg,
      respectively (n = 8 for each group), than those of sham-operated controls (95 +/-
      2 mmHg, n = 8). Moreover, 8 out of 8 rats in each of the 0.23 and 0.25 mm 2K1C
      groups were hypertensive, whereas 7 out of 8 rats in the 0.27 mm 2K1C group were
      hypertensive. Plasma renin concentrations were also increased in all 2K1C groups
      compared with sham-operated controls. In summary, this novel clip design may help
      eliminate the large degree of unreliability commonly encountered with the 2K1C
      model.

PMID- 22074719
TI  - Precursors and inhibitors of hydrogen sulfide synthesis affect acute hypoxic
      pulmonary vasoconstriction in the intact lung.
AB  - The effects of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) and acute hypoxia are similar in isolated
      pulmonary arteries from various species. However, the involvement of H(2)S in
      hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) has not been studied in the intact lung.
      The present study used an intact, isolated, perfused rat lung preparation to
      examine whether adding compounds essential to H(2)S synthesis or to its
      inhibition would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in the magnitude
      of HPV. Western blots performed in lung tissue identified the presence of the
      H(2)S-synthesizing enzymes, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) and 3
      mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (3-MST), but not cystathionine beta-synthase
      (CBS). Adding three H(2)S synthesis precursors, cysteine and oxidized or reduced
      glutathione, to the perfusate significantly increased peak arterial pressure
      during hypoxia compared with control (P < 0.05). Adding alpha-ketoglutarate to
      enhance the 3-MST enzyme pathway also resulted in an increase (P < 0.05). Both
      aspartate, which inhibits the 3-MST synthesis pathway, and propargylglycine
      (PPG), which inhibits the CSE pathway, significantly reduced the increases in
      arterial pressure during hypoxia. Diethylmaleate (DEM), which conjugates
      sulfhydryls, also reduced the peak hypoxic arterial pressure at concentrations >2
      mM. Finally, H(2)S concentrations as measured with a specially designed
      polarographic electrode decreased markedly in lung tissue homogenate and in small
      pulmonary arteries when air was added to the hypoxic environment of the
      measurement chamber. The results of this study provide evidence that the rate of
      H(2)S synthesis plays a role in the magnitude of acute HPV in the isolated
      perfused rat lung.

PMID- 22074720
TI  - Tracheal occlusions evoke respiratory load compensation and neural activation in
      anesthetized rats.
AB  - Airway obstruction in animals leads to compensation and avoidance behavior and
      elicits respiratory mechanosensation. The pattern of respiratory load
      compensation and neural activation in response to intrinsic, transient, tracheal
      occlusions (ITTO) via an inflatable tracheal cuff are unknown. We hypothesized
      that ITTO would cause increased diaphragm activity, decreased breathing
      frequency, and activation of neurons within the medullary and pontine respiratory
      centers without changing airway compliance. Obstructions were performed for 2-3
      breaths followed by a minimum of 15 unobstructed breaths with an inflatable cuff
      sutured around the trachea in rats. The obstruction procedure was repeated for 10
      min. The brains of obstructed and control animals were removed, fixed, sectioned,
      and stained for c-Fos. Respiratory pattern was measured from esophageal pressure
      (P(es)) and diaphragm electromyography (EMG(dia)). The obstructed breaths
      resulted in a prolonged inspiratory and expiratory time, an increase in EMG(dia)
      amplitude, and a more negative P(es) compared with control breaths. Neurons
      labeled with c-Fos were found in brain stem and suprapontine nuclei, with a
      significant increase in c-Fos expression for the occluded experimental group
      compared with the control groups in the nucleus ambiguus, nucleus of the solitary
      tract, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and periaqueductal gray matter. The results
      of this study demonstrate tracheal occlusion-elicited activation of neurons in
      brain stem respiratory nuclei and neural areas involved in stress responses and
      defensive behaviors, suggesting that these neurons mediate the load compensation
      breathing pattern response and may be part of the neural pathway for respiratory
      mechanosensation.

PMID- 22074721
TI  - In situ methods for assessing alveolar mechanics.
AB  - Lung mechanics are an important determinant of physiological and
      pathophysiological lung function. Recent light microscopy studies of the intact
      lung have furthered the understanding of lung mechanics but used methodologies
      that may have introduced artifacts. To address this concern, we employed a short
      working distance water immersion objective to capture confocal images of a
      fluorescently labeled alveolar field on the costal surface of the isolated,
      perfused rat lung. Surface tension held a saline drop between the objective tip
      and the lung surface, such that the lung surface was unconstrained. For
      comparison, we also imaged with O-ring and coverslip; with O-ring, coverslip, and
      vacuum pressure; and without perfusion. Under each condition, we ventilated the
      lung and imaged the same region at the endpoints of ventilation. We found use of
      a coverslip caused a minimal enlargement of the alveolar field; additional use of
      vacuum pressure caused no further dimensional change; and absence of perfusion
      did not affect alveolar field dimension. Inflation-induced expansion was
      unaltered by methodology. In response to inflation, percent expansion was the
      same as recorded by all four alternative methods.

PMID- 22074722
TI  - Diabetes incidence and long-term exposure to air pollution: a cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Animal and cross-sectional epidemiological studies suggest a link
      between air pollution and diabetes, whereas the limited prospective data show
      mixed results. We studied the association between long-term exposure to traffic
      related air pollution and incidence of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We
      followed 57,053 participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort in the
      Danish National Diabetes Register between baseline (1993-1997) and 27 June 2006.
      We estimated the mean levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) at the residential
      addresses of the cohort participants since 1971 and modeled the association
      between NO(2) and diabetes incidence with a Cox regression model, separately for
      two definitions of diabetes: all cases and a more strict definition where
      unconfirmed cases were excluded. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 9.7 years of
      51,818 eligible subjects, there were 4,040 (7.8%) incident diabetes cases in
      total and 2,877 (5.5%) with confirmed diagnoses. Air pollution was not associated
      with all diabetes cases (hazard ratio 1.00 [95% CI 0.97-1.04] per interquartile
      range of 4.9 MUg/m(3) mean NO(2) levels since 1971), but a borderline
      statistically significant association was detected with confirmed cases of
      diabetes (1.04 [1.00-1.08]). Among confirmed diabetes cases, effects were
      significantly enhanced in nonsmokers (1.12 [1.05-1.20]) and physically active
      people (1.10 [1.03-1.16]). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to traffic-related air
      pollution may contribute to the development of diabetes, especially in
      individuals with a healthy lifestyle, nonsmokers, and physically active
      individuals.

PMID- 22074723
TI  - Dietary patterns during adolescence and risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged
      women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Whether dietary habits early in life can affect risk of type 2 diabetes
      (T2DM) in adulthood is unknown. We evaluated the relationship between dietary
      patterns during adolescence and risk of T2DM in midlife.  RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS We examined the 7-year incidence of T2DM in relation to dietary patterns
      during high school among 37,038 participants in the Nurses' Health Study II
      cohort, who completed a food-frequency questionnaire about their diet during high
      school. Dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis. Cox proportional
      hazards regression was used to estimate relative risk (RR) and 95% CI.  RESULTS
      The prudent pattern, characterized by healthy foods, was not associated with risk
      of T2DM. The Western pattern, characterized by desserts, processed meats, and
      refined grains, was associated with 29% greater risk of T2DM (RR 1.29; 95% CI
      1.00-1.66; P trend 0.04), after adjusting for high school and adult risk factors
      comparing extreme quintiles, but was attenuated after adjusting for adult weight
      change (1.19; 0.92-1.54). Women who had high Western pattern scores in high
      school and adulthood had an elevated risk of T2DM compared with women who had
      consistent low scores (1.82; 1.35-2.45), and this association was partly mediated
      by adult BMI (1.15; 0.85-1.56).  CONCLUSIONS A Western dietary pattern during
      adolescence may increase risk of T2DM in later life, partly through adult weight
      gain. Preventive measures should be aimed at developing healthy dietary habits
      that begin in early life and continue through adulthood.

PMID- 22074724
TI  - Piloting a novel algorithm for glucose control in the coronary care unit: the
      RECREATE (REsearching Coronary REduction by Appropriately Targeting Euglycemia)
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Elevated glucose levels are common after an acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) and increase the risk of death. Prior trials of glucose control
      after AMI have been inconsistent in their ability to lower glucose levels and
      have reported mixed effects on mortality. We developed a paper-based glucose
      lowering algorithm and assessed its feasibility and safety in the setting of AMI.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 287 participants with an acute ST segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and a capillary glucose level >=8.0
      mmol/L were randomly allocated to glucose management with intravenous glulisine
      insulin using this algorithm in the coronary care unit (CCU), followed by once
      daily subcutaneous insulin glargine for 30 days versus standard glycemic
      approaches. The primary outcome was a difference in mean glucose levels at 24 h.
      Participants were followed for clinical outcomes through 90 days. RESULTS: At 24
      h, the mean glucose level was 1.41 mmol/L (95% CI 0.69-2.13) lower in the insulin
      (6.53 vs. 7.94 mmol/L). Differences in glucose levels were maintained at 72 h and
      30 days. A total of 22.7% of the insulin group versus 4.4% of the standard group
      had biochemical hypoglycemia (with neither signs nor symptoms) in the CCU because
      of lower glycemic goals. However, there were no differences in symptomatic
      hypoglycemia or clinical outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A paper-based
      insulin algorithm targeting glucose levels of 5.0-6.5 mmol/L (90-117 mg/dL) can
      be feasibly implemented in the CCU. A cardiovascular outcomes trial using this
      approach can determine whether targeted glucose lowering improves patient
      outcomes.

PMID- 22074725
TI  - Elevated admission glucose and mortality in patients with acute pulmonary
      embolism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although associated with adverse outcomes in other cardiopulmonary
      conditions, the prognostic value of elevated glucose in patients with acute
      pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. We sought to examine the association between
      glucose levels and mortality and hospital readmission rates for patients with PE.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We evaluated 13,621 patient discharges with a
      primary diagnosis of PE from 185 acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania (from
      January 2000 to November 2002). Admission glucose levels were analyzed as a
      categorical variable (<=110, >110-140, >140-170, >170-240, and >240 mg/dL). The
      outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality and hospital readmission. We used random
      intercept logistic regression to assess the independent association between
      admission glucose levels and mortality and hospital readmission, adjusting for
      patient (age, sex, race, insurance, comorbid conditions, severity of illness,
      laboratory parameters, and thrombolysis) and hospital (region, size, and teaching
      status) factors. RESULTS: Elevated glucose (>110 mg/dL) was present in 8,666
      (63.6%) patients. Patients with a glucose level <=110, >110-140, >140-170, >170
      240, and >240 mg/dL had a 30-day mortality of 5.6, 8.4, 12.0, 15.6, and 18.3%,
      respectively (P < 0.001). Compared with patients with a glucose level <=110
      mg/dL, the adjusted odds of dying were greater for patients with a glucose level
      >110-140 (odds ratio 1.19 [95% CI 1.00-1.42]), >140-170 (1.44 [1.17-1.77]), >170
      240 (1.54 [1.26-1.90]), and >240 mg/dL (1.60 [1.26-2.03]), with no difference in
      the odds of hospital readmission. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute PE,
      elevated admission glucose is common and independently associated with short-term
      mortality.

PMID- 22074726
TI  - Improved metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a
      trend analysis using prospective multicenter data from Germany and Austria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the temporal trend of metabolic control and potential
      predictors in German and Austrian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study is based on a large, multicenter database
      for prospective longitudinal documentation of diabetes care in Germany and
      Austria. Data from 30,708 patients documented in 305 diabetes centers between
      1995 and 2009 were analyzed. Generalized linear mixed regression models were used
      to adjust trend analysis for relevant confounders. RESULTS: Unadjusted mean
      HbA(1c) decreased from 8.7 +/- 1.8% in 1995 to 8.1 +/- 1.5% in 2009. In multiple
      regression analysis, treatment year, age, sex, diabetes duration, migration
      background, BMI-SDS, and daily insulin dose were significant predictors of
      metabolic control (P < 0.001). After multiple adjustment, mean HbA(1c) decreased
      significantly by 0.038% per year (95% CI 0.032-0.043%), average odds ratio (OR)
      per year for HbA(1c) >7.5% (>9.0%) was 0.969 (95% CI 0.961-0.977) (0.948, 95% CI
      0.941-0.956). Intensified insulin regimen was associated with lower frequency of
      poor metabolic control (HbA(1c) >9%; P = 0.005) but not with average HbA(1c) (P =
      0.797). Rate of severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic coma decreased significantly
      (relative risk [RR] per year 0.948, 95% CI 0.918-0.979; RR 0.917, 95% CI 0.885
      0.950) over the study period. Diabetic ketoacidosis rate showed no significant
      variation over time. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant improvement in
      metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during the
      past decade and a simultaneous decrease in hypoglycemic events. The improvement
      was not completely explained by changes in the mode of insulin treatment. Other
      factors such as improved patient education may have accounted for the observed
      trend.

PMID- 22074727
TI  - Incidence of diabetes mellitus and evolution of glucose parameters in growth
      hormone-deficient subjects during growth hormone replacement therapy: a long-term
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is associated with insulin resistance
      and diabetes. The aim of the current study was to determine incidence of diabetes
      during GH replacement therapy (GHRT) and the effect of GHRT on fasting plasma
      glucose concentrations and HbA(1c) in adult patients with GH deficiency. RESEARCH
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 5,143 GH-deficient patients (male 49.9%; mean age
      +/- SD, 49 +/- 13 years; BMI 29.1 +/- 5.9 kg/m(2)) were analyzed. Mean
      observation period was 3.9 years (range 0.01-13). Total number of patient-years
      was 20,106. Observed number of cases (O) was compared with expected number of
      cases (E). Reference rates were from Sweden, three additional European regions,
      and one U.S. region. RESULTS: Patients who developed diabetes (n = 523) were
      older; had higher BMI, waist circumference, triglyceride concentrations, and
      blood pressure; and had lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.0001) than
      those who did not develop diabetes. Diabetes incidence was 2.6 per 100 patient
      years, equal in both sexes, and significantly increased compared with the Swedish
      reference (O/E = 6.02; P < 0.0001) as well as with the four other populations
      (O/E = 2.11-5.22). O/E increased with BMI and decreased with duration of GHRT (P
      < 0.0001). There was no significant association with GH dose (P = 0.74) or IGF-I
      SDS (P = 0.47). In subjects not developing diabetes, plasma glucose
      concentrations increased from 84.4 +/- 0.9 mg/dL to 89.5 +/- 0.8 mg/dL (0.70
      mg/dL/year) and HbA(1c) increased from 4.74 +/- 0.04% to 5.09 +/- 0.13%
      (0.036%/year) after 6 years of GHRT. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes incidence appears to
      be increased in GH-deficient patients receiving GHRT and exhibiting an adverse
      risk profile at baseline. Therefore, glucose homeostasis parameters should be
      monitored carefully in these patients.

PMID- 22074728
TI  - Women with knee osteoarthritis have more pain and poorer function than men, but
      similar physical activity prior to total knee replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a major clinical problem affecting a
      greater proportion of women than men. Women generally report higher pain
      intensity at rest and greater perceived functional deficits than men. Women also
      perform worse than men on function measures such as the 6-minute walk and timed
      up and go tests. Differences in pain sensitivity, pain during function,
      psychosocial variables, and physical activity levels are unclear. Further the
      ability of various biopsychosocial variables to explain physical activity,
      function and pain is unknown. METHODS: This study examined differences in pain,
      pain sensitivity, function, psychosocial variables, and physical activity between
      women and men with knee osteoarthritis (N = 208) immediately prior to total knee
      arthroplasty. We assessed: (1) pain using self-report measures and a numerical
      rating scale at rest and during functional tasks, (2) pain sensitivity using
      quantitative sensory measures, (3) function with self-report measures and
      specific function tasks (timed walk, maximal active flexion and extension), (4)
      psychosocial measures (depression, anxiety, catastrophizing, and social support),
      and (5) physical activity using accelerometry. The ability of these mixed
      variables to explain physical activity, function and pain was assessed using
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Our findings showed significant differences on pain
      intensity, pain sensitivity, and function tasks, but not on psychosocial measures
      or physical activity. Women had significantly worse pain and more impaired
      function than men. Their levels of depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing,
      social support, and physical activity, however, did not differ significantly.
      Factors explaining differences in (1) pain during movement (during gait speed
      test) were pain at rest, knee extension, state anxiety, and pressure pain
      threshold; (2) function (gait speed test) were sex, age, knee extension, knee
      flexion opioid medications, pain duration, pain catastrophizing, body mass index
      (BMI), and heat pain threshold; and (3) physical activity (average metabolic
      equivalent tasks (METS)/day) were BMI, age, Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Physical
      Function, Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade, depression, and Knee Injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain subscale. CONCLUSIONS: Women continue to
      be as physically active as men prior to total knee replacement even though they
      have significantly more pain, greater pain sensitivity, poorer perceived
      function, and more impairment on specific functional tasks.

PMID- 22074729
TI  - An adnexal mass with raised serum beta-HCG: an unusual presentation of ovarian
      dermoid cyst.

PMID- 22074730
TI  - [Training of residents in abdominal wall surgery in Spain].
AB  - The training of residents in abdominal wall surgery is a fundamental aspect of
      surgical training, representing globally 20% of its activity. In this paper, we
      analyze the current state of resident training in this kind of surgery in Spain,
      taking into account the broad spectrum it covers: general services, specific
      functional units, ambulatory surgery programs. To do this, based on the
      specifications of the specialty program, specific data were used from several
      different sources of direct information and a review of the results obtained by
      residents in hernia surgery. In general, our residents agree with their training
      and the recorded results are in line with objectives outlined in the program.
      However, it would be important to structure their teaching schedules, a rotation
      period in any specific unit and their involvement in outpatient surgery programs.

PMID- 22074731
TI  - Lung dendritic cell-epithelial cell crosstalk in Th2 responses to allergens.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DC) have been shown to be responsible for the initiation and
      maintenance of adaptive Th2 responses in asthma. It is increasingly clear that DC
      functions are strongly influenced by crosstalk with neighboring cells like
      epithelial cells, which can release a number of innate cytokines promoting Th2
      responses. Clinically relevant allergens often interfere directly or indirectly
      with the innate immune functions of airway epithelial cells and DC. A better
      understanding of these interactions might lead to a better prevention and
      ultimately to new treatments for asthma.

PMID- 22074732
TI  - Following up patients with depression after hospital discharge: a mixed methods
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A medication information intervention was delivered to patients with
      a major depressive episode prior to psychiatric hospital discharge. METHODS: The
      objective of this study was to explore how patients evolved after hospital
      discharge and to identify factors influencing this evolution. Using a quasi
      experimental longitudinal design, the quantitative analysis measured clinical
      (using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the somatic dimension of the
      Symptom Checklist 90 and recording the number of readmissions) and humanistic
      (using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire) outcomes of
      patients via telephone contacts up to one year following discharge. The
      qualitative analysis was based on the researcher diary, consisting of reports on
      the telephone outcome assessment of patients with major depression (n = 99). All
      reports were analyzed using the thematic framework approach. RESULTS: The change
      in the participants' health status was as diverse as it was at hospital
      discharge. Participants reported on remissions; changes in mood; relapses; and re
      admissions (one third of patients). Quantitative data on group level showed low
      anxiety, depression and somatic scores over time. Three groups of contributing
      factors were identified: process, individual and environmental factors. Process
      factors included self caring process, medical care after discharge, resumption of
      work and managing daily life. Individual factors were symptom control, medication
      and personality. Environmental factors were material and social environment. Each
      of them could ameliorate, deteriorate or be neutral to the patient's health
      state. A mix of factors was observed in individual patients. CONCLUSIONS: After
      hospital discharge, participants with a major depressive episode evolved in many
      different ways. Process, individual and environmental factors may influence the
      participant's health status following hospital discharge. Each of the factors
      could be positive, neutral or negative for the patient.

PMID- 22074733
TI  - Self-reported pain severity, quality of life, disability, anxiety and depression
      in patients classified with 'nociceptive', 'peripheral neuropathic' and 'central
      sensitisation' pain. The discriminant validity of mechanisms-based
      classifications of low back (+/-leg) pain.
AB  - Evidence of validity is required to support the use of mechanisms-based
      classifications of pain clinically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      discriminant validity of 'nociceptive' (NP), 'peripheral neuropathic' (PNP) and
      'central sensitisation' (CSP) as mechanisms-based classifications of pain in
      patients with low back (+/-leg) pain by evaluating the extent to which patients
      classified in this way differ from one another according to health measures
      associated with various dimensions of pain. This study employed a cross
      sectional, between-subjects design. Four hundred and sixty-four patients with low
      back (+/-leg) pain were assessed using a standardised assessment protocol.
      Clinicians classified each patient's pain using a mechanisms-based classification
      approach. Patients completed a number of self-report measures associated with
      pain severity, health-related quality of life, functional disability, anxiety and
      depression. Discriminant validity was evaluated using a multivariate analysis of
      variance. There was a statistically significant difference between pain
      classifications on the combined self-report measures, (p = .001; Pillai's Trace =
      .33; partial eta squared = .16). Patients classified with CSP (n = 106) reported
      significantly more severe pain, poorer general health-related quality of life,
      and greater levels of back pain-related disability, depression and anxiety
      compared to those classified with PNP (n = 102) and NP (n = 256). A similar
      pattern was found in patients with PNP compared to NP. Mechanisms-based pain
      classifications may reflect meaningful differences in attributes underlying the
      multidimensionality of pain. Further studies are required to evaluate the
      construct and criterion validity of mechanisms-based classifications of
      musculoskeletal pain.

PMID- 22074734
TI  - Muscle activity patterns of the tensor fascia latae and adductor longus for ramp
      and stair walking.
AB  - Walking on both outdoor and indoor surfaces requires the ability to negotiate
      connections between vertical distances, simply known as hills and stairs.
      Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the muscle activity
      patterns of the TFL and ADL during both hill and stair walking. We hypothesized
      that TFL and ADL activity during initial swing, initial stance, and late stance
      of up-ramp and up-stair walking would be greater than level walking. In contrast,
      we hypothesized that both TFL and ADL activity during initial swing of down-ramp
      and down-stair walking would be less. We utilized a 15 degrees  ramp, a 35
      degrees  stair set, and for comparison of this steep angle, we also collected
      data on a 33 degrees  ramp. During up-ramp and up-stair walking, TFL and ADL
      activity during both initial swing and late stance of the up conditions were
      greater than level walking. For the down conditions, ADL activity during the
      swing phase of the steep down-ramp was less. Practically, our muscle activity
      results demonstrate that the hip abductors and hip adductors may provide
      additional pelvic stability and supplementary thigh acceleration during ramp and
      stair walking.

PMID- 22074735
TI  - Excess mortality associated with the 2009 pandemic of influenza A(H1N1) in Hong
      Kong.
AB  - Reliable estimates of the burden of 2009 pandemic influenza A(pH1N1) cannot be
      easily obtained because only a small fraction of infections were confirmed by
      laboratory tests in a timely manner. In this study we developed a Poisson
      prediction modelling approach to estimate the excess mortality associated with
      pH1N1 in 2009 and seasonal influenza in 1998-2008 in the subtropical city Hong
      Kong. The results suggested that there were 127 all-cause excess deaths
      associated with pH1N1, including 115 with cardiovascular and respiratory disease,
      and 22 with pneumonia and influenza. The excess mortality rates associated with
      pH1N1 were highest in the population aged >=65 years. The mortality burden of
      influenza during the whole of 2009 was comparable to those in the preceding ten
      inter-pandemic years. The estimates of excess deaths were more than twofold
      higher than the reported fatal cases with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 infection.

PMID- 22074736
TI  - Impaired ATP-induced coronary blood flow and diminished aortic NTPDase activity
      precede lesion formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.
AB  - Intravascular ATP and ADP are important regulators of vascular tone, thrombosis,
      inflammation, and angiogenesis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the
      contribution of purinergic signaling to disturbed vasodilation and vascular
      remodeling during atherosclerosis progression. We used apolipoprotein E-deficient
      (Apoe(-/-)) mice as an appropriate experimental model for atherosclerosis.
      Noninvasive transthoracic Doppler echocardiography imaging with adenosine, ATP,
      and other nucleotides and nonhydrolyzable P2 receptor agonists and antagonists
      suggests that ATP regulates coronary blood flow in mice through activation of P2Y
      (most likely, endothelial ATP/UTP-selective P2Y(2)) receptors, rather than via
      its dephosphorylation to adenosine. Strikingly, compared to age-matched wild-type
      controls, young (10- to 15-week-old) Apoe(-/-) mice displayed diminished coronary
      reactivity in response to ATP but not adenosine. The impaired hyperemic response
      to ATP persisted in older (20- to 30-week-old) Apoe(-/-) mice, which were
      additionally characterized by mild atherosclerosis (as ascertained by aortic Oil
      Red O staining) and a systemic increase in plasma ATP and ADP levels. Concurrent
      thin-layer chromatographic analysis of nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase
      (NTPDase) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 activities in thoracic aortas, lymph
      nodes, spleen, and serum revealed that aortic NTPDase was decreased by 40% to 50%
      in a tissue-specific manner both in young and mature Apoe(-/-) mice.
      Collectively, disordered purinergic signaling in Apoe(-/-) mice may serve as
      important prerequisite for impaired blood flow, local accumulation of ATP and ADP
      at sites of atherogenesis, and eventually, the exacerbation of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22074737
TI  - Low-dose-rate, low-dose irradiation delays neurodegeneration in a model of
      retinitis pigmentosa.
AB  - The existence of radiation hormesis is controversial. Several stimulatory effects
      of low-dose (LD) radiation have been reported to date; however, the effects on
      neural tissue or neurodegeneration remain unknown. Here, we show that LD
      radiation has a neuroprotective effect in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa, a
      hereditary, progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to blindness.
      Various LD radiation doses were administered to the eyes in a retinal
      degeneration mouse model, and their pathological and physiological effects were
      analyzed. LD gamma radiation in a low-dose-rate (LDR) condition rescues
      photoreceptor cell apoptosis both morphologically and functionally. The greatest
      effect was observed in a condition using 650 mGy irradiation and a 26 mGy/minute
      dose rate. Multiple rounds of irradiation strengthened this neuroprotective
      effect. A characteristic up-regulation (563%) of antioxidative gene peroxiredoxin
      2 (Prdx2) in the LDR-LD-irradiated retina was observed compared to the sham
      treated control retina. Silencing the Prdx2 using small-interfering RNA
      administration reduced the LDR-LD rescue effect on the photoreceptors. Our
      results demonstrate for the first time that LDR-LD irradiation has a biological
      effect in neural cells of living animals. The results support that radiation
      exhibits hormesis, and this effect may be applied as a novel therapeutic concept
      for retinitis pigmentosa and for other progressive neurodegenerative diseases
      regardless of the mechanism of degeneration involved.

PMID- 22074738
TI  - BACE2 expression increases in human neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - beta-Secretase, the rate-limiting enzymatic activity in the production of the
      amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, is a major target of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      therapeutics. There are two forms of the enzyme: beta-site Abeta precursor
      protein cleaving enzyme (BACE) 1 and BACE2. Although BACE1 increases in late
      stage AD, little is known about BACE2. We conducted a detailed examination of
      BACE2 in patients with preclinical to late-stage AD, including amnestic mild
      cognitive impairment, and age-matched controls, cases of frontotemporal dementia,
      and Down's syndrome. BACE2 protein and enzymatic activity increased as early as
      preclinical AD and were found in neurons and astrocytes. Although the levels of
      total BACE2 mRNA were unchanged, the mRNA for BACE2 splice form C (missing exon
      7) increased in parallel with BACE2 protein and activity. BACE1 and BACE2 were
      strongly correlated with each other at all levels, suggesting that their
      regulatory mechanisms may be largely shared. BACE2 was also elevated in
      frontotemporal dementia but not in Down's syndrome, even in patients with
      substantial Abeta deposition. Thus, expression of both forms of beta-secretase
      are linked and may play a combined role in human neurologic disease. A better
      understanding of the normal functions of BACE1 and BACE2, and how these change in
      different disease states, is essential for the future development of AD
      therapeutics.

PMID- 22074740
TI  - Antisense knockdown of Kras inhibits fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral
      ureteric obstruction.
AB  - Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease and is
      characterized by an increase in the number and activity of interstitial
      fibroblasts and by excessive matrix deposition. Ras is an intracellular signaling
      molecule involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. It has recently been
      implicated in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Of the three different isoforms
      of Ras (Kirsten, Harvey, and Neural), we previously demonstrated that the Kirsten
      isoform is key in the control of renal fibroblast proliferation in vitro. In this
      study, we used gene therapy in the form of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
      specifically to silence Kras (alias Ki-ras) expression in a rat model of renal
      fibrosis caused by unilateral ureteric obstruction. We demonstrate that renal
      Kras expression increases by 70% in this model compared with sham-operated
      animals and that treatment with ASOs can reduce total renal Kras by >90% to
      levels well below basal. This silencing is associated with a dramatic inhibition
      of interstitial fibrosis, a fivefold reduction in alpha-smooth muscle actin
      expression, and a 2.4-fold reduction in collagen I deposition. This inhibition
      was observed despite histologic evidence of marked interstitial inflammation.
      These findings demonstrate that silencing Kras expression can markedly inhibit
      renal fibrosis. This strategy should be considered as a new potential therapeutic
      avenue.

PMID- 22074739
TI  - Alterations in nuclear pore architecture allow cancer cell entry into or exit
      from drug-resistant dormancy.
AB  - Phenotypic diversity arises in tumors just as it does in developing organisms,
      and tumor recurrence frequently manifests from the selective survival of
      divergent drug-resistant cells. Although the expanding tumor cell population may
      be successfully targeted, drug-resistant cells may persist and sustain the tumor
      or enter dormancy before igniting a future relapse. Herein, we show that partial
      knockdown of nucleoporin p62 (NUP62) by small-interfering RNA confers cisplatin
      resistance to cultured high-grade ovarian carcinoma cells. Treatment with NUP62
      small-interfering RNA and cisplatin leaves resistant cells in a state of
      dormancy; some dormant cells can be induced to proliferate by transient induction
      of NUP62 expression from an ectopic expression construct. In addition to
      suggesting functional links between nuclear pore complex architecture and cancer
      cell survival, the culture system provides a novel experimental window into the
      dynamics of tumor cell drug resistance and dormancy.

PMID- 22074741
TI  - [Third molar and mandibular canal: selection of radiographic techniques].
AB  - Injury of the inferior alveolar nerve during extraction of mandibular third molar
      is a well recognized, but uncommon, serious complication. It has a serious impact
      on oral function and its psychological impact on the patient is great. To prevent
      this complication, several studies have been conducted to identify the high-risk
      radiological signs associated with intimate anatomic relationships between third
      molar and infra-alveolar nerve and thereby establish a unified process of
      radiological exploration. In this paper, the authors present a review of the
      literature of the recent studies involving radiological exploration of the
      relation of the third molar with the mandibular canal.

PMID- 22074742
TI  - Optimization on preparation condition of epimedium polysaccharide liposome and
      evaluation of its adjuvant activity.
AB  - The aim of this strategy was to investigate whether the adjuvant activity of
      epimedium polysaccharide (EPS) could be further enhanced after encapsulated with
      liposome. In preparation of EPS liposome (EPSL) test, an orthogonal L(9) (3(4))
      test design was used to optimize the preparation condition of EPSL. In adjuvant
      activity test, 350 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 EPSL at three doses, EPS and blank
      liposome, respectively. The activity of lymphocytes proliferation, titer of serum
      antibody and concentrations of cytokines were determined. Results showed that the
      optimal preparation condition of EPSL was that ratio of drug to lipid, ratio of
      soybean phospholipid to cholesterol, ultrasonic time, and water bath temperature
      were 1:30, 4:1, 10 min and 40 degrees C, respectively. EPSL could significantly
      enhance the immune response of ND vaccine and promote cytokines secretion, and
      its high dose possessed the best efficacy. These findings indicated that liposome
      encapsulation could significantly improve the adjuvant activity of EPS.

PMID- 22074743
TI  - Wireless remote monitoring of reconstructed 12-lead ECGs after ablation for
      atrial fibrillation using a hand-held device.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) surveillance using a wireless handheld
      monitor capable of 12-lead electrocardiogram reconstruction was performed, and
      arrhythmia detection rate was compared with serial Holter monitoring. METHODS:
      Twenty-five patients were monitored after an AF ablation procedure using the hand
      held monitor for 2 months immediately after and then for 1 month approximately 6
      months postablation. All patients underwent 12-lead 24-hour Holter monitoring at
      1, 2, and 6 months postablation. RESULTS: During months 1-2, 425 of 2942 hand
      held monitor transmissions from 21 of 25 patients showed AF/atrial flutter (Afl).
      The frequency of detected arrhythmias decreased by month 6 to 85/1128 (P < .01)
      in 15 of 23 patients. Holter monitoring diagnosed AF/Afl in 8 of 25 and 7 of 23
      patients at months 1-2 and month 6, respectively (P < .01 compared with wireless
      hand-held monitor). Af/Afl diagnosis by wireless monitoring preceded Holter
      detection by an average of 24 days. CONCLUSIONS: Wireless monitoring with 12-lead
      electrocardiogram reconstruction demonstrated reliable AF/Afl detection that was
      more sensitive than serial 12-lead 24-hour Holter monitoring.

PMID- 22074745
TI  - Role of the vectorcardiogram-derived spatial QRS-T angle in diagnosing left
      ventricular hypertrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current criteria for electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnosis of left
      ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) have a low diagnostic accuracy. Addition of
      demographic, anthropomorphic, and additional ECG variables may improve accuracy.
      As hypertrophy affects action potential morphology and intraventricular
      conduction, QRS prolongation and T-wave morphology may occur and become manifest
      in the vectorcardiographic variables spatial QRS-T angle (SA) and spatial
      ventricular gradient. In this study, we attempted to improve the diagnostic
      accuracy for LVH by using a combination of demographic, anthropomorphic, ECG, and
      vectorcardiographic variables. METHODS: The study group (n = 196) was divided in
      4 subgroups with, on one hand, echocardiographically diagnosed LVH or a normal
      echocardiogram and, on the other hand, with any of the conventional ECG signs for
      LVH or with normal ECGs. Each subgroup was randomly split into halves, yielding 2
      equally-sized (n = 98) data sets A and B. Age, sex, height, weight, body mass
      index, body surface area (BSA), frontal QRS axis, QRS duration, QT duration,
      maximal QRS vector magnitude, SA, and ventricular gradient magnitude and
      orientation were univariate studied by receiver operating characteristic analysis
      and were used to build a stepwise linear discriminant model using P < .05 as
      entry and P > .10 as removal criterion. The discriminant model was built in set A
      (model A) and tested on set B. Stability checks were done by building a
      discriminant model on set B and testing on set A and by cross-validation analysis
      in the complete study group. RESULTS: The discriminant model equation was D =
      5.130 * BSA - 0.014 * SA - 8.74, wherein D greater than or equal to 0 predicts a
      normal echocardiogram and D less than 0 predicts LVH. The diagnostic accuracy
      (79%) was better than the diagnostic accuracy of conventional ECG criteria for
      LVH (57%). CONCLUSION: The combination of BSA and SA yields a diagnostic accuracy
      of LVH that is superior to that of the conventional ECG criteria.

PMID- 22074744
TI  - Outcome after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in patients with Brugada
      syndrome: the Gulf Brugada syndrome registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Among patients with Brugada syndrome (BS) and aborted
      cardiac arrest, syncope, or inducible ventricular fibrillation at
      electrophysiologic study (EPS), the only currently recommended therapy is an
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), but these are not without
      complications. We assessed the total number of shocks (appropriate and
      inappropriate) and complications related to ICD in patients with BS. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Twenty-five patients implanted with ICD for BS in 6 Gulf centers between
      January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2010, were reviewed. Implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator indication was based on aborted cardiac arrest (24%), syncope
      (56%), or in asymptomatic patients with positive EPS (20%). During a follow-up of
      41.2 +/- 17.6 months, 3 patients (all with prior cardiac arrest) had appropriate
      device therapy. Four patients developed complications; 3 of them had
      inappropriate shocks. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, appropriate device therapy was
      limited to cardiac arrest survivors, whereas none of those with syncope and/or
      positive EPS had arrhythmias. Overall complication rate was relatively high,
      including inappropriate ICD shocks.

PMID- 22074746
TI  - Triplex tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method for the simultaneous detection of MTHFR
      c.677C>T and c.1298A>C, and MTRR c.66A>G polymorphisms of the folate-homocysteine
      metabolic pathway.
AB  - The folate-homocysteine metabolic pathway was shown to play an important role in
      several diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative
      diseases. The c.677C>T and c.1298A>C polymorphisms of the
      Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, and c.66A>G of the Methionine
      synthase reductase (MTRR) gene are the most commonly investigated polymorphisms
      in the folate-homocysteine metabolic pathway. The currently used methods for the
      detection of the three polymorphisms are either slow and laborious or extremely
      expensive. In this paper, a new highly optimized method for the simultaneous
      detection of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms is described. The proposed
      method utilizes 12 primers in a single PCR reaction to detect the three
      polymorphisms simultaneously based on the principle of tetra-primer ARMS-PCR
      (also known as PCR-CTPP). The proposed method offers extremely fast, economical,
      and simple detection. Validation by PCR-RFLP showed 100% concordance in genotype
      assignment. The proposed method was successfully applied to a sample of the
      Syrian population (n=126), which was not previously genotyped for any of the
      three SNPs. The variant allele frequencies were found to be 31, 29, and 43% for
      the c.677C>T, c.1298A>C, and c.66A>G polymorphisms, respectively. The proposed
      method is the first to detect three SNPs in a single PCR reaction based on tetra
      primer ARMS-PCR or PCR-CTPP. We suggest that the use of Betaine may play an
      important role in multiplex tetra-primer ARMS-PCR or PCR-CTPP based on its
      potential capacity to close the gap in melting temperature between different
      primers.

PMID- 22074747
TI  - The OPPERA study: Act One.

PMID- 22074748
TI  - Summary of findings from the OPPERA baseline case-control study: implications and
      future directions.

PMID- 22074749
TI  - Study methods, recruitment, sociodemographic findings, and demographic
      representativeness in the OPPERA study.
AB  - This paper describes methods used in the project "Orofacial Pain Prospective
      Evaluation and Risk Assessment" (OPPERA) and evaluates sociodemographic
      characteristics associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the OPPERA
      case-control study. Representativeness was investigated by comparing
      sociodemographic profiles of OPPERA participants with population census profiles
      of counties near study sites and by comparing age and gender associations with
      TMD in OPPERA and the 2007 to 2009 US National Health Interview Survey.
      Volunteers aged 18 to 44 years were recruited at 4 US study sites: 3,263 people
      without TMD were enrolled into the prospective cohort study; 1,633 of them were
      selected as controls for the baseline case-control study. Cases were 185
      volunteers with examiner-classified TMD. Distributions of some demographic
      characteristics among OPPERA participants differed from census profiles, although
      there was less difference in socioeconomic profiles. Odds of TMD was associated
      with greater age in this 18 to 44 year range; females had 3 times the odds of TMD
      as males; and relative to non-Hispanic-Whites, other racial groups had one-fifth
      the odds of TMD. Age and gender associations with chronic TMD were strikingly
      similar to associations observed in the US population. Assessments of
      representativeness in this demographically diverse group of community volunteers
      suggest that OPPERA case-control findings have good internal validity.
      PERSPECTIVE: Demographic associations with TMD were consistent with population
      benchmarks and with other studies, suggesting broad applicability of these OPPERA
      findings. Greater occurrence of TMD in non-Hispanic-Whites than in other
      racial/ethnic groups and the lack of a socioeconomic gradient contradicts the
      disparities seen in many other health conditions.

PMID- 22074750
TI  - Clinical findings and pain symptoms as potential risk factors for chronic TMD:
      descriptive data and empirically identified domains from the OPPERA case-control
      study.
AB  - Clinical characteristics might be associated with temporomandibular disorders
      (TMD) because they are antecedent risk factors that increase the likelihood of a
      healthy person developing the condition or because they represent signs or
      symptoms of either subclinical or overt TMD. In this baseline case-control study
      of the multisite Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment
      (OPPERA) project, 1,633 controls and 185 cases with chronic, painful TMD
      completed questionnaires and received clinical examinations. Odds ratios
      measuring association between each clinical factor and TMD were computed, with
      adjustment for study-site as well as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Compared to
      controls, TMD cases reported more trauma, greater parafunction, more headaches
      and other pain disorders, more functional limitation in using the jaw, more
      nonpain symptoms in the facial area, more temporomandibular joint noises and jaw
      locking, more neural or sensory medical conditions, and worse overall medical
      status. They also exhibited on examination reduced jaw mobility, more joint
      noises, and a greater number of painful masticatory, cervical, and body muscles
      upon palpation. The results indicated that TMD cases differ substantially from
      controls across almost all variables assessed. Future analyses of follow-up data
      will determine whether these clinical characteristics predict increased risk for
      developing first-onset pain-related TMD PERSPECTIVE: Clinical findings from
      OPPERA's baseline case-control study indicate significant differences between
      chronic TMD cases and controls with respect to trauma history, parafunction,
      other pain disorders, health status, and clinical examination data. Future
      analyses will examine their contribution to TMD onset.

PMID- 22074751
TI  - Orofacial pain prospective evaluation and risk assessment study--the OPPERA
      study.

PMID- 22074752
TI  - Potential psychosocial risk factors for chronic TMD: descriptive data and
      empirically identified domains from the OPPERA case-control study.
AB  - Case-control studies have consistently associated psychosocial factors with
      chronic pain in general, and with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) specifically.
      Moreover, a handful of prospective studies suggest that preexisting psychosocial
      characteristics represent risk factors for new onset TMD. The current study
      presents psychosocial findings from the baseline case-control study of the
      Orofacial Pain Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) cooperative
      agreement. For this study, 1,633 TMD-free controls and 185 TMD cases completed a
      battery of psychosocial instruments assessing general psychosocial adjustment and
      personality, affective distress, psychosocial stress, somatic awareness, and pain
      coping and catastrophizing. In bivariate and demographically adjusted analyses,
      odds of TMD were associated with higher levels of psychosocial symptoms,
      affective distress, somatic awareness, and pain catastrophizing. Among controls,
      significant gender and ethnic group differences in psychosocial measures were
      observed, consistent with previous findings. Principal component analysis was
      undertaken to identify latent constructs revealing 4 components: stress and
      negative affectivity, global psychosocial symptoms, passive pain coping, and
      active pain coping. These findings provide further evidence of associations
      between psychosocial factors and TMD. Future prospective analyses in the OPPERA
      cohort will determine if the premorbid presence of these psychosocial factors
      predicts increased risk for developing new onset TMD. PERSPECTIVE: This article
      reports baseline psychosocial findings from the OPPERA Study, a large prospective
      cohort study designed to discover causal determinants of TMD pain. Findings
      indicate significant differences between TMD cases and TMD-free controls across
      multiple psychosocial constructs, and future analyses will determine whether
      these psychosocial factors increase risk for new onset TMD.

PMID- 22074753
TI  - Pain sensitivity risk factors for chronic TMD: descriptive data and empirically
      identified domains from the OPPERA case control study.
AB  - Many studies report that people with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are more
      sensitive to experimental pain stimuli than TMD-free controls. Such differences
      in sensitivity are observed in remote body sites as well as in the orofacial
      region, suggesting a generalized upregulation of nociceptive processing in TMD
      cases. This large case-control study of 185 adults with TMD and 1,633 TMD-free
      controls measured sensitivity to painful pressure, mechanical cutaneous, and heat
      stimuli, using multiple testing protocols. Based on an unprecedented 36
      experimental pain measures, 28 showed statistically significantly greater pain
      sensitivity in TMD cases than controls. The largest effects were seen for
      pressure pain thresholds at multiple body sites and cutaneous mechanical pain
      threshold. The other mechanical cutaneous pain measures and many of the heat pain
      measures showed significant differences, but with lesser effect sizes. Principal
      component analysis (PCA) of the pain measures derived from 1,633 controls
      identified 5 components labeled: 1) heat pain ratings; 2) heat pain
      aftersensations and tolerance; 3) mechanical cutaneous pain sensitivity; 4)
      pressure pain thresholds; and 5) heat pain temporal summation. These results
      demonstrate that compared to TMD-free controls, chronic TMD cases are more
      sensitive to many experimental noxious stimuli at extracranial body sites, and
      provide for the first time the ability to directly compare the case-control
      effect sizes of a wide range of pain sensitivity measures. PERSPECTIVE: This
      article describes experimental pain sensitivity differences between a large
      sample of people with chronic TMD and non-TMD controls, using multiple stimulus
      modalities and measures. Variability in the magnitude and consistency of case
      control differences highlight the need to consider multiple testing measures to
      adequately assess pain processing alterations in chronic pain conditions.

PMID- 22074754
TI  - Potential autonomic risk factors for chronic TMD: descriptive data and
      empirically identified domains from the OPPERA case-control study.
AB  - Several case-control studies have been conducted that examine the association
      between autonomic variables and persistent pain conditions; however, there is a
      surprising dearth of published studies in this area that have focused on
      temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The current study presents autonomic findings
      from the baseline case-control study of the OPPERA (Orofacial Pain: Prospective
      Evaluation and Risk Assessment) cooperative agreement. Measures of arterial blood
      pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, and indirect measures of baroreflex
      sensitivity were assessed at rest and in response to a physical (orthostatic) and
      psychological (Stroop) stressors in 1,633 TMD-free controls and 185 TMD cases. In
      bivariate and demographically adjusted analyses, greater odds of TMD case status
      were associated with elevated heart rates, reduced heart rate variability, and
      reduced surrogate measures of baroreflex sensitivity across all experimental
      procedures. Principal component analysis was undertaken to identify latent
      constructs revealing 5 components. These findings provide evidence of
      associations between autonomic factors and TMD. Future prospective analyses in
      the OPPERA cohort will determine if the presence of these autonomic factors
      predicts increased risk for developing new onset TMD. PERSPECTIVE: This article
      reports autonomic findings from the OPPERA Study, a large prospective cohort
      study designed to discover causal determinants of TMD pain. Findings indicate
      statistically significant differences between TMD cases and controls across
      multiple autonomic constructs at rest and during both physical and
      psychologically challenging conditions. Future analyses will determine whether
      these autonomic factors increase risk for new onset TMD.

PMID- 22074756
TI  - Children with behavioral, non-behavioral, and multiple disabilities, and the risk
      of out-of-home placement disruption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relative risk of placement disruption for 3-10
      year-old children placed in out-of-home care based on the biological relatedness
      of the placement caregiver and child disability status: no disability, a non
      behavioral disability only, a behavioral disability only, or both a non
      behavioral and behavioral disability. METHODS: Data were used from the baseline
      and 36 month follow-up of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being,
      a national probability study of children investigated for child abuse and neglect
      in the United States. Disability status was derived using several different
      nationally-normed measures of language development, daily-living skills, social
      skills, and behavioral problems. RESULTS: Around 1 in 4 children placed in out-of
      home care experienced a disruption. Placement with kin decreased the likelihood
      of disruption for a majority of children, and children with different types of
      disabilities were no more or less likely to disrupt in kinship care compared to
      children with no disability. Older children with a behavioral disability only or
      both a non-behavioral and behavioral disability were more likely to disrupt
      compared to younger regardless of placement. CONCLUSION: The study findings
      suggest that maltreated children placed with kin will be afforded the same
      stability provided to children without a disability.

PMID- 22074755
TI  - Potential genetic risk factors for chronic TMD: genetic associations from the
      OPPERA case control study.
AB  - Genetic factors play a role in the etiology of persistent pain conditions,
      putatively by modulating underlying processes such as nociceptive sensitivity,
      psychological well-being, inflammation, and autonomic response. However, to date,
      only a few genes have been associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
      This study evaluated 358 genes involved in pain processes, comparing allelic
      frequencies between 166 cases with chronic TMD and 1,442 controls enrolled in the
      OPPERA (Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment) study
      cooperative agreement. To enhance statistical power, 182 TMD cases and 170
      controls from a similar study were included in the analysis. Genotyping was
      performed using the Pain Research Panel, an Affymetrix gene chip representing
      3,295 single nucleotide polymorphisms, including ancestry-informative markers
      that were used to adjust for population stratification. Adjusted associations
      between genetic markers and TMD case status were evaluated using logistic
      regression. The OPPERA findings provided evidence supporting previously reported
      associations between TMD and 2 genes: HTR2A and COMT. Other genes were revealed
      as potential new genetic risk factors for TMD, including NR3C1, CAMK4, CHRM2,
      IFRD1, and GRK5. While these findings need to be replicated in independent
      cohorts, the genes potentially represent important markers of risk for TMD, and
      they identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. PERSPECTIVE:
      Genetic risk factors for TMD pain were explored in the case-control component of
      the OPPERA cooperative agreement, a large population-based prospective cohort
      study. Over 350 candidate pain genes were assessed using a candidate gene panel,
      with several genes displaying preliminary evidence for association with TMD
      status.

PMID- 22074757
TI  - Munchausen by proxy by Internet.

PMID- 22074758
TI  - Malicious use of nonpharmaceuticals in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe malicious
      nonpharmaceutical exposures in children reported to US poison centers. METHODS:
      We performed a retrospective study of all nonpharmaceutical exposures involving
      children 7 years old reported to the US National Poison Data System (NPDS) from
      2000 to 2008 for which the reason for exposure was coded as "malicious". The
      American Association of Poison Control Centers definition and categorization of
      nonpharmaceuticals was used. Data collected for each case included age, gender,
      month and year of the exposure, the exposed substance or substances, intent, and
      poison center outcome designation. Fatality abstracts (summaries of the facts
      reported to the poison center) were reviewed. RESULTS: Out of approximately 21.4
      million exposures reported to NPDS during the study period, 4,053 cases involving
      4,232 nonpharmaceuticals were identified. The mean number of cases per year was
      450 (range 409-546) with no linear annual trend (p=0.28). The median age was 3
      years (1.5, 5) with boys constituting 57%. 4.5% of the cases resulted in moderate
      or worse outcomes in which the outcome was known. The most commonly reported
      major categories were household cleaning substances (23%), cosmetics/personal
      care products (13%), pesticides (8%), other/unknown nondrug substances (6%),
      foreign bodies/toys/miscellaneous (5%), alcohols (5%), hydrocarbons (4%),
      lacrimators (4%), chemicals (4%), and deodorizers (3%). Four children died and 18
      others had lifethreatening injuries. Among these 22 children, cleaning substances
      (7) were the most common major category followed by chemicals (4), alcohols (3),
      fumes/gases/vapors (2) and six other categories with 1 each. In the only case
      where the presence or absence of associated physical injuries was described, the
      child had multiple injuries consistent with physical abuse. CONCLUSION: Malicious
      administration of nonpharmaceuticals is an important component of child
      maltreatment with cases being reported consistently to poison centers. PRACTICAL
      IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should consider the possibility of child abuse when
      presented with these exposures.

PMID- 22074759
TI  - Self reported awareness of child maltreatment among school professionals in Saudi
      Arabia: impact of CRC ratification.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was ratified by Saudi
      Arabia 15 years ago; yet addressing the issue of child maltreatment only began in
      more recent years. School professionals play a significant role in children's
      lives, as they spend a great deal of time with them and are hence essential to
      protecting and identifying those in danger or at risk. The objective of this
      study is to identify school professional's awareness of child maltreatment and
      the existing national policies and procedures to examine the extent of efforts
      made in Saudi Arabia and to activate the roles of schools and school
      professionals in protecting children from violence and implementation of Article
      19 of the CRC. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, where school
      professionals from randomly selected schools throughout the country were invited
      to participate in a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 3,777
      school professionals participated in the study. Fifty-five percent of
      professionals had at least 10 years of work experience. A low-level of awareness
      of child maltreatment was found in about 1/3 of school professionals. Only 1.9%
      of school professionals had ever attended any sort of specific training on child
      maltreatment, though 69.3% of those who had not, were willing to attend future
      training. With regards to awareness of CRC Article 19 or policies and procedures
      addressing child maltreatment, only 22% reported being aware of it. CONCLUSION:
      The majority of school professionals in Saudi Arabia have a low-intermediate
      level of awareness of child maltreatment, ratification of CRC, and related
      national policies and procedures, yet most are willing to attend training
      programs on this subject matter. Efforts need to be made in the country to fill
      this gap.

PMID- 22074761
TI  - Reporting and grading of complications after urologic surgical procedures: an ad
      hoc EAU guidelines panel assessment and recommendations.
AB  - CONTEXT: The incidence of postoperative complications is still the most
      frequently used surrogate marker of quality in surgery, but no standard
      guidelines or criteria exist for reporting surgical complications in the area of
      urology. OBJECTIVE: To review the available reporting systems used for urologic
      surgical complications, to establish a possible change in attitude towards
      reporting of complications using standardised systems, to assess systematically
      the Clavien-Dindo system when used for the reporting of complications related to
      urologic surgical procedures, to identify shortcomings in reporting
      complications, and to propose recommendations for the development and
      implementation of future reporting systems that are focused on patient-centred
      outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Standardised systems for reporting and
      classification of surgical complications were identified through a systematic
      review of the literature. To establish a possible change in attitude towards
      reporting of complications related to urologic procedures, we performed a
      systematic literature search of all papers reporting complications after urologic
      surgery published in European Urology, Journal of Urology, Urology, BJU
      International, and World Journal of Urology in 1999-2000 and 2009-2010. Data
      identification for the systematic assessment of the Clavien-Dindo system
      currently used for the reporting of complications related to urologic surgical
      interventions involved a Medline/Embase search and the search engines of
      individual urologic journals and publishers using Clavien, urology, and
      complications as keywords. All selected papers were full-text retrieved and
      assessed; analysis was done based on structured forms. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The
      systematic review of the literature for standardised systems used for reporting
      and classification of surgical complications revealed five such systems. As far
      as the attitude of urologists towards reporting of complications, a shift could
      be seen in the number of studies using most of the Martin criteria, as well as in
      the number of studies using either standardised criteria or the Clavien-Dindo
      system. The latter system was not properly used in 72 papers (35.3%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Uniformed reporting of complications after urologic procedures will
      aid all those involved in patient care and scientific publishing (authors,
      reviewers, and editors). It will also contribute to the improvement of the
      scientific quality of papers published in the field of urologic surgery. When
      reporting the outcomes of urologic procedures, the committee proposes a series of
      quality criteria.

PMID- 22074760
TI  - Influence of RNA labeling on expression profiling of microRNAs.
AB  - Although a number of technical parameters are now being examined to optimize
      microRNA profiling experiments, it is unknown whether reagent or component
      changes to the labeling step affect starting RNA requirements or microarray
      performance. Human brain/lung samples were each labeled in duplicate, at 1.0,
      0.5, 0.2, and 0.1 MUg of total RNA, by means of two kits that use the same
      labeling procedure but differ in the reagent composition used to label microRNAs.
      Statistical measures of reliability and validity were used to evaluate microarray
      data. Cross-platform confirmation was accomplished using TaqMan microRNA assays.
      Synthetic microRNA spike-in experiments were also performed to establish the
      microarray signal dynamic range using the ligation-modified kit. Technical
      replicate correlations of signal intensity values were high using both kits, but
      improved with the ligation-modified assay. The drop in detection call sensitivity
      and miRNA gene list correlations, when using reduced amounts of standard-labeled
      RNA, was considerably improved with the ligation-modified kit. Microarray signal
      dynamic range was found to be linear across three orders of magnitude from 4.88
      to 5000 attomoles. Thus, optimization of the microRNA labeling reagent can result
      in at least a 10-fold decrease in microarray total RNA requirements with little
      compromise to data quality. Clinical investigations bottlenecked by the amount of
      starting material may use a ligation mix modification strategy to reduce total
      RNA requirements.

PMID- 22074762
TI  - Evaluating the effect of various background correction methods regarding noise
      reduction, in two-channel microarray data.
AB  - In this work, two novel background correction (BC) methods, along with several
      commonly used ones, are evaluated regarding noise reduction in eleven two-channel
      self-versus-self (SVS) hybridizations. The evaluation of each BC method is
      investigated under the use of four statistical criteria combined into a single
      measure, the polygon area measure. Overall, our proposed BC approaches perform
      very well in terms of the proposed measure for most of the cases and provide an
      improved effect regarding technical noise reduction.

PMID- 22074763
TI  - Ant colony optimization-based feature selection method for surface
      electromyography signals classification.
AB  - This paper presented a new ant colony optimization (ACO) feature selection method
      to classify hand motion surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. The multiple
      channels of sEMG recordings make the dimensionality of sEMG feature grow
      dramatically. It is known that the informative feature subset with small size is
      a precondition for the accurate and computationally efficient classification
      strategy. Therefore, this study proposed an ACO based feature selection scheme
      using the heuristic information measured by the minimum redundancy maximum
      relevance criterion (ACO-mRMR). The experiments were conducted on ten subjects
      with eight upper limb motions. Two feature sets, i.e., time domain features
      combined with autoregressive model coefficients (TDAR) and wavelet transform (WT)
      features, were extracted from the recorded sEMG signals. The average
      classification accuracies of using ACO reduced TDAR and WT features were 95.45+/
      2.2% and 96.08+/-3.3%, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) was
      also conducted on the same data sets for comparison. The average classification
      accuracies of using PCA reduced TDAR and WT features were 91.51+/-4.9% and
      89.87+/-4.4%, respectively. The results demonstrated that the proposed ACO-mRMR
      based feature selection method can achieve considerably high classification rates
      in sEMG motion classification task and be applicable to other biomedical signals
      pattern analysis.

PMID- 22074764
TI  - Reasons parents exempt children from receiving immunizations.
AB  - School nurses are on the front lines of educational efforts to promote childhood
      vaccinations. However, some parents still choose to exempt their children from
      receiving vaccinations for personal reasons. Studying the beliefs of parents who
      exempt vaccinations allows health care workers, including school nurses, to
      better understand parental concerns which may, in turn, help prepare school
      nurses for effective communication with these parents. The objective of the study
      was to explore personal beliefs of parents living in Utah, who exempted their
      children from receiving vaccinations. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was
      implemented. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 287 parents
      responding to an open-ended question about why they exempted their children from
      receiving at least one vaccination. The qualitative data included parental
      comments, concerns, or suggestions regarding childhood vaccinations. Five
      categories were identified regarding reasons for personal exemptions: parental
      perceptions, health care systems issues, chronic disease concerns, immune system
      concerns, adverse reaction concerns and other reasons not classified. The number
      of parents refusing childhood vaccinations remains relatively low; however,
      despite public health efforts, the percentage increases each year.

PMID- 22074765
TI  - Oral health patterns among schoolchildren in Mafraq Governorate, Jordan.
AB  - Little is known about the oral hygiene patterns among schoolchildren in Jordan. A
      school-based cross-sectional study was performed from January to March 2010. A
      simple random sampling method was used. Each student participant completed a
      detailed questionnaire regarding oral hygiene habits. Data were coded and
      analyzed using SPSS software version 16. The chi-square was used, odds ratio (OR)
      and the 95% confidence limits (Cl) for gum bleeding were estimated. The results
      showed that nearly one fourth of the children indicating that they brush their
      teeth twice or more daily (regular pattern). Furthermore, 17% of the
      schoolchildren never brush their teeth at all. There is a higher proportion,
      22.1%, of rural children that never brush their teeth compared to 14.6% of the
      urban students. Dental flossing among primary schoolchildren in Mafraq
      Governorate is very rare: 97.2% of the children stated that they had never used
      dental floss in their life. Furthermore, one fourth of the schoolchildren did not
      have a tooth brush. While 15.0% of them have a shared toothbrush with their
      families. The findings of this study indicate that oral health habits in Mafraq
      Governorate are poor and need to be improved. Based upon these finding, community
      oriented oral health programs should be established.

PMID- 22074766
TI  - Motives for smoking in movies affect future smoking risk in middle school
      students: an experimental investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to smoking in movies has been linked to adolescent smoking
      uptake. However, beyond linking amount of exposure to smoking in movies with
      adolescent smoking, whether the way that smoking is portrayed in movies matters
      for influencing adolescent smoking has not been investigated. This study
      experimentally examined how motivation for smoking depicted in movies affects
      self-reported future smoking risk (a composite measure with items that assess
      smoking refusal self-efficacy and smoking intentions) among early adolescents.
      METHODS: A randomized laboratory experiment was used. Adolescents were exposed to
      movie scenes depicting one of three movie smoking motives: social smoking motive
      (characters smoked to facilitate social interaction); relaxation smoking motive
      (characters smoked to relax); or no smoking motive (characters smoked with no
      apparent motive, i.e., in neutral contexts and/or with neutral affect). Responses
      to these movie scenes were contrasted (within subjects) to participants'
      responses to control movie scenes in which no smoking was present; these control
      scenes matched to the smoking scenes with the same characters in similar
      situations but where no smoking was present. A total of 358 adolescents, aged 11
      14 years, participated. RESULTS: Compared with participants exposed to movie
      scenes depicting characters smoking with no clear motive, adolescents exposed to
      movie scenes depicting characters smoking for social motives and adolescents
      exposed to movie scenes depicting characters smoking for relaxation motives had
      significantly greater chances of having increases in their future smoking risk.
      CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to movies that portray smoking motives places adolescents
      at particular risk for future smoking.

PMID- 22074767
TI  - Proteome analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage in pulmonary langerhans cell
      histiocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary Langerhans-cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare interstitial
      lung disease characterized by clusters of Langerhans cells, organized in
      granulomas, in the walls of distal bronchioles. It is a diffuse lung disease
      related to tobacco smoking but otherwise of unknown etiopathogenesis. METHODS: In
      this study we used a proteomic approach to analyze BAL protein composition of
      patients with PLCH and of healthy smoker and non-smoker controls to obtain
      insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease, to study the effect of
      cigarette smoking on susceptibility to PLCH and to identify potential new
      biomarkers. RESULTS: Two-dimensional electrophoresis and image analysis revealed
      proteins that were differently expressed (quantitatively and qualitatively) in
      the three groups of subjects. The proteins were identified by mass spectrometry
      and have various functions (antioxidant, proinflammatory, antiprotease) and
      origins (plasma, locally produced, etc.). Many, such as protease inhibitors
      (human serpin B3) and antioxidant proteins (glutathione peroxidase and
      thioredoxin) are already linked to PLCH pathogenesis, whereas other proteins have
      never been associated with the disease. Interestingly, numerous proteolytic
      fragments of plasma proteins (including kininogen-1 N fragments and haptoglobin)
      were also identified and suggest increased proteolytic activity in this
      inflammatory lung disease. Differences in protein expression were found between
      the three groups and confirmed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). CONCLUSION:
      Analysis of BAL proteomes of PLCH patients and of smoker and non-smoker controls
      also proved to be useful for researching the pathogenetic mechanisms and for
      identifying biomarkers of this rare diffuse lung disease.

PMID- 22074768
TI  - Structure-guided engineering of human thymidine kinase 2 as a positron emission
      tomography reporter gene for enhanced phosphorylation of non-natural thymidine
      analog reporter probe.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) reporter gene imaging can be used to non
      invasively monitor cell-based therapies. Therapeutic cells engineered to express
      a PET reporter gene (PRG) specifically accumulate a PET reporter probe (PRP) and
      can be detected by PET imaging. Expanding the utility of this technology requires
      the development of new non-immunogenic PRGs. Here we describe a new PRG-PRP
      system that employs, as the PRG, a mutated form of human thymidine kinase 2 (TK2)
      and 2'-deoxy-2'-18F-5-methyl-1-beta-L-arabinofuranosyluracil (L-18F-FMAU) as the
      PRP. We identified L-18F-FMAU as a candidate PRP and determined its
      biodistribution in mice and humans. Using structure-guided enzyme engineering, we
      generated a TK2 double mutant (TK2-N93D/L109F) that efficiently phosphorylates L
      18F-FMAU. The N93D/L109F TK2 mutant has lower activity for the endogenous
      nucleosides thymidine and deoxycytidine than wild type TK2, and its ectopic
      expression in therapeutic cells is not expected to alter nucleotide metabolism.
      Imaging studies in mice indicate that the sensitivity of the new human TK2
      N93D/L109F PRG is comparable with that of a widely used PRG based on the herpes
      simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase. These findings suggest that the TK2
      N93D/L109F/L-18F-FMAU PRG-PRP system warrants further evaluation in preclinical
      and clinical applications of cell-based therapies.

PMID- 22074769
TI  - Phenacetin pharmacokinetics in CYP1A2-deficient beagle dogs.
AB  - Phenacetin is widely used as an in vitro probe to measure CYP1A2 activity across
      species. To investigate whether phenacetin can be used as an in vivo probe
      substrate to phenotype CYP1A2 activity in dogs, beagle dogs previously genotyped
      for a single nucleotide polymorphism that yields an inactive CYP1A2 protein were
      selected and placed into one of three groups: CC (wild-type), CT (heterozygous),
      or TT (homozygous mutants). The dogs were dosed with phenacetin orally at 5 and
      15 mg/kg and intravenously at 15 mg/kg. Plasma samples were analyzed by liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and phenacetin and its primary
      metabolite, acetaminophen, were monitored. After intravenous dosing, all groups
      showed similar exposure of phenacetin irrespective of genotype. After oral dosing
      at 15 mg/kg, the exposure of phenacetin in CC and CT dogs was similar, but
      phenacetin exposure was 2-fold greater in TT dogs. Exposure of the metabolite,
      acetaminophen, was similar in all groups; however, the mean
      acetaminophen/phenacetin ratio in TT dogs was 1.7 times less than that observed
      in CC dogs. Similar trends between the groups of dogs with respect to phenacetin
      exposure were also observed after a lower 5 mg/kg p.o. dose of phenacetin;
      however, a proportionally greater amount of acetaminophen was generated. Although
      oral exposure of phenacetin was 2-fold higher and acetaminophen exposure was 2
      fold lower in CYP1A2-deficient (TT) dogs, these results were considered modest
      and suggest that phenacetin is not a selective or robust in vivo probe to measure
      CYP1A2 enzyme activity in the dog.

PMID- 22074770
TI  - When four principles are too many: bloodgate, integrity and an action-guiding
      model of ethical decision making in clinical practice.
AB  - Medical ethical analysis remains dominated by the principlist account first
      proposed by Beauchamp and Childress. This paper argues that the principlist model
      is unreflective of how ethical decisions are taken in clinical practice. Two
      kinds of medical ethical decisions are distinguished: biosocial ethics and
      clinical ethics. It is argued that principlism is an inappropriate model for
      clinical ethics as it is neither sufficiently action-guiding nor does it
      emphasise the professional integrity of the clinician. An alternative model is
      proposed for decision making in the realm of clinical ethics.

PMID- 22074771
TI  - Genetic enhancement, post-persons and moral status: a reply to Buchanan.
AB  - Responding to several leading ideas from a paper by Allen Buchanan, the present
      essay explores the implications of genetic enhancement for moral status. Contrary
      to doubts expressed by Buchanan, I argue that genetic enhancement could lead to
      the existence of beings so superior to contemporary human beings that we might
      aptly describe them as post-persons. If such post-persons emerged, how should we
      understand their moral status in relation to ours? The answer depends in part on
      which of two general models of moral status--one based on respect and one based
      on interests--is more adequate. Buchanan tentatively argues that a respect-based
      model is preferable. I challenge Buchanan's view, along these lines: If we
      embrace a respect-based model of moral status featuring a threshold that divides
      persons, who are thought to have full and equal moral status, from sentient
      nonpersons, thought to have less moral status, then we should acknowledge a
      second threshold and a level of moral status higher than ours. A better option, I
      tentatively suggest, is to drop the idea of levels of moral status, accept that
      all sentient beings have moral status, and allow that some differences in
      interests and capacities justify some significant differences in how we should
      treat beings of different kinds.

PMID- 22074772
TI  - Discovery of "essential receptor" on red blood cells raises hope of effective
      malaria vaccine.

PMID- 22074773
TI  - Population based screening in Scotland reduces bowel cancer deaths.

PMID- 22074774
TI  - Mississippi voters decide fertilised eggs are not people.

PMID- 22074775
TI  - Soil warming alters seed-bank responses across the geographic range of freshwater
      Taxodium distichum (Cupressaceae) swamps.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Climate warming is predicted to have far-reaching effects
      on the distribution of species, but those effects may depend on the flexibility
      of regenerating species in responding to climate gradients. We conducted a study
      to determine whether the variation in the response of seed banks to temperature
      varied across the latitudinal range of Taxodium distichum swamps in North
      America. METHODS: The soil was collected in a long-term research network and
      heated experimentally to three current-day spring normal soil temperatures
      (average maximum daily spring normal soil temperatures during May in Illinois,
      Arkansas, and Louisiana, USA, respectively: 22 degrees , 25 degrees , and 29
      degrees C). A "normal" is the mean temperature calculated over a 30-yr interval
      (1971-2000). Seed-bank density and biomass responses were examined in relation to
      latitude and difference in the soil temperature of the experiment and the spring
      normal. KEY RESULTS: Using first- and second-order regression analysis, we
      determined that the variation in total germination density was lowest mid-range
      and in experimental soil temperatures similar to the spring normal. For some
      dominant species, the variance in germination density was higher in the northern
      (Cephalanthus occidentalis) or the southern part of the network (Saururus cernuus
      and Polygonum pensylvanicum). Overall, the variance of total biomass (root,
      shoot, whole plant) was higher if the experimental soil temperature was warmer
      than the spring normal. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the regeneration of
      some populations of swamp species may have more flexibility to respond to climate
      warming than others.

PMID- 22074776
TI  - Who invented the dichotomous key? Richard Waller's watercolors of the herbs of
      Britain.
AB  - On 27 March 1689, Richard Waller, Fellow and Secretary of the Royal Society
      presented his "Tables of the English Herbs reduced to such an order, as to find
      the name of them by their external figures and shapes" to his assembled
      colleagues at a meeting of the Royal Society. These tables were developed for the
      novice by being color images, composed in pencil and watercolor, of selected
      plants and their distinguishing characteristics. The botanical watercolors for
      the tables are now a Turning-the-Pages document online on the website of the
      Royal Society. However, for the past 320 years, the scientific context for the
      creation of these outstanding botanical watercolors has remained obscure. These
      tables were developed by Waller as an image-based dichotomous key, pre-dating by
      almost 100 years the text-based dichotomous keys in the first edition of Flora
      Francaise (1778) by Jean Baptiste Lamarck, who is generally given priority for
      the development of the dichotomous key. How these large folio images were
      arranged to illustrate a dichotomous key is unknown, but an arrangement based on
      Waller's description is illustrated here as leaf-ordering for the separate
      hierarchical clusters (tables). Although only 24 species of watercolored dicot
      herbs out of a total of 65 in the set of watercolors (the others being monocots)
      are used in these tables, they are a "proof of concept", serving as models upon
      which a method is based, that of using a key composed of dichotomous choices for
      aiding identification.

PMID- 22074777
TI  - Nuclear and chloroplast SSR markers in Paeonia delavayi (Paeoniaceae) and cross
      species amplification in P. ludlowii.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for Paeonia delavayi
      and P. ludlowii (Paeoniaceae) to study their population genetics and
      phytogeography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci
      were isolated from an enriched library of P. delavayi and primers were designed.
      The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 16; the observed and expected
      heterozygosities ranged from 0.014 to 0.687 and 0.042 to 0.875, respectively. Six
      polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite loci were identified in P. delavayi and
      primers were provided. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to six and
      the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.08 to 0.716. Both nuclear and
      chloroplast primers were successfully applicable to P. ludlowii. CONCLUSIONS: The
      markers developed here will facilitate analyses of genetic diversity, population
      genetic structure, phytogeographical patterns, and conservation for P. delavayi
      and P. ludlowii.

PMID- 22074778
TI  - Climate niches of milkweeds with plesiomorphic traits (Secamonoideae;
      Apocynaceae) and the milkweed sister group link ancient African climates and
      floral evolution.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Climate change that increases mortality of plants and
      pollinators can create mate-finding Allee effects and thus act as a strong
      selective force on floral morphology. Milkweeds (Secamonoideae and
      Asclepiadoideae; Apocynaceae) are typically small plants of seasonally dry
      habitats, with pollinia and high pollen-transfer efficiency. Their sister group
      (tribe Baisseeae and Dewevrella) is mostly comprised of giant lianas of African
      rainforests, with pollen in monads. Comparison of the two groups motivated a new
      hypothesis: milkweeds evolved in the context of African aridification and the
      shifting of rainforest to dry forest. Pollinia and high pollen-transfer
      efficiency may have been adaptations that alleviated mate-finding Allee effects
      generated by high mortality during droughts. We formally tested whether milkweeds
      have a drier climate niche by comparing milkweeds with plesiomorphic traits
      (Secamonoideae) and the milkweed sister group in continental Africa. METHODS: We
      georeferenced specimens of the milkweed sister group and Secamonoideae in
      continental Africa, extracted 19 climatic variables from the Worldclim model,
      conducted factor analysis to identify correlated suites of variables, and
      compared the frequency distributions of the two lineages relative to each factor.
      KEY RESULTS: The distributions of Secamonoideae and the milkweed sister group
      differed significantly relative to four factors, each correlated with a distinct
      suite of climate parameters: (1) air temperature (Secamonoideae: cooler), (2)
      total and (3) summer precipitation (Secamonoideae: drier), and (4) temperature
      seasonality and isothermality (Secamonoideae: more seasonal and less isothermal).
      CONCLUSIONS: Secamonoideae in continental Africa inhabit drier, cooler sites than
      do the milkweed sister group, consistent with a shift from rainforests to dry
      forests in a cooling climate.

PMID- 22074779
TI  - Three-dimensional imaging and photostimulation by remote-focusing and holographic
      light patterning.
AB  - Access to three-dimensional structures in the brain is fundamental to probe
      signal processing at multiple levels, from integration of synaptic inputs to
      network activity mapping. Here, we present an optical method for independent
      three-dimensional photoactivation and imaging by combination of digital
      holography with remote-focusing. We experimentally demonstrate compensation of
      spherical aberration for out-of-focus imaging in a range of at least 300 MUm, as
      well as scanless imaging along oblique planes. We apply this method to perform
      functional imaging along tilted dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in
      brain slices, after photostimulation by multiple spots glutamate uncaging. By
      bringing extended portions of tilted dendrites simultaneously in-focus, we
      monitor the spatial extent of dendritic calcium signals, showing a shift from a
      widespread to a spatially confined response upon blockage of voltage-gated Na(+)
      channels.

PMID- 22074780
TI  - Crystal structure of the GlnZ-DraG complex reveals a different form of PII-target
      interaction.
AB  - Nitrogen metabolism in bacteria and archaea is regulated by a ubiquitous class of
      proteins belonging to the P(II)family. P(II) proteins act as sensors of cellular
      nitrogen, carbon, and energy levels, and they control the activities of a wide
      range of target proteins by protein-protein interaction. The sensing mechanism
      relies on conformational changes induced by the binding of small molecules to
      P(II) and also by P(II) posttranslational modifications. In the diazotrophic
      bacterium Azospirillum brasilense, high levels of extracellular ammonium
      inactivate the nitrogenase regulatory enzyme DraG by relocalizing it from the
      cytoplasm to the cell membrane. Membrane localization of DraG occurs through the
      formation of a ternary complex in which the P(II) protein GlnZ interacts
      simultaneously with DraG and the ammonia channel AmtB. Here we describe the
      crystal structure of the GlnZ-DraG complex at 2.1 A resolution, and confirm the
      physiological relevance of the structural data by site-directed mutagenesis. In
      contrast to other known P(II) complexes, the majority of contacts with the target
      protein do not involve the T-loop region of P(II). Hence this structure
      identifies a different mode of P(II) interaction with a target protein and
      demonstrates the potential for P(II) proteins to interact simultaneously with two
      different targets. A structural model of the AmtB-GlnZ-DraG ternary complex is
      presented. The results explain how the intracellular levels of ATP, ADP, and 2
      oxoglutarate regulate the interaction between these three proteins and how DraG
      discriminates GlnZ from its close paralogue GlnB.

PMID- 22074781
TI  - Detection of beta cell death in diabetes using differentially methylated
      circulating DNA.
AB  - In diabetes mellitus, beta cell destruction is largely silent and can be detected
      only after significant loss of insulin secretion capacity. We have developed a
      method for detecting beta cell death in vivo by amplifying and measuring the
      proportion of insulin 1 DNA from beta cells in the serum. By using primers that
      are specific for DNA methylation patterns in beta cells, we have detected
      circulating copies of beta cell-derived demethylated DNA in serum of mice by
      quantitative PCR. Accordingly, we have identified a relative increase of beta
      cell-derived DNA after induction of diabetes with streptozotocin and during
      development of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. We have extended the use of
      this assay to measure beta cell-derived insulin DNA in human tissues and serum.
      We found increased levels of demethylated insulin DNA in subjects with new-onset
      type 1 diabetes compared with age-matched control subjects. Our method provides a
      noninvasive approach for detecting beta cell death in vivo that may be used to
      track the progression of diabetes and guide its treatment.

PMID- 22074782
TI  - Direct regulation of nucleosome density by the conserved AAA-ATPase Yta7.
AB  - Yta7 is a highly conserved bromodomain-containing protein with AAA-ATPase
      homology originally implicated in heterochromatin boundary function in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although increased activity of the human ortholog has
      been implicated in malignant breast tumors, Yta7's precise mode of action is
      unknown. Transcriptional analysis in yeast cells revealed a role for Yta7 and its
      ATPase function in gene induction, including galactose- and sporulation-induced
      transcription. This requirement was direct and activating, because Yta7
      associated with the GAL gene cluster only upon transcriptional induction.
      Suggestive of a role in transcriptional elongation, Yta7 localized to the ORFs of
      highly transcribed genes. Intriguingly, the yta7Delta mutant's transcriptional
      defects were partially suppressed by decreased dosage of histones H3 and H4.
      Consistent with this suppression, cells lacking Yta7 exhibited both increased
      levels of chromatin-incorporated histone H3 and decreased nucleosome spacing.
      Importantly, this modulation of H3 levels occurred independently of changes in H3
      transcript level. Because Yta7 binds histone H3 in vitro, these results suggested
      a direct role for Yta7 in H3 eviction or degradation. Further, local loss of Yta7
      activity at a long inducible gene resulted in accumulation of H3 at the 3' end
      upon transcriptional activation, implying Yta7 may regulate H3
      cotranscriptionally.

PMID- 22074784
TI  - Emerging role of innate immunity in organ transplantation part II: potential of
      damage-associated molecular patterns to generate immunostimulatory dendritic
      cells.
AB  - Part 2 of the review focuses on the potential of oxidative injury-induced damage
      associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to generate immunostimulatory dendritic
      cells (DCs) translating innate to adaptive immunity. Four different classes of
      DAMPs are defined, and their potential role in mediating pathways contributing to
      maturation of immunostimulatory DCs is explored and discussed. Accordingly,
      injury-induced molecules are divided into (1) class I DAMPs that, when recognized
      by pattern recognition receptors of DCs, trigger their activation; (2) class II
      DAMPs that are recognized by special activating receptors on innate lymphocytes
      that, after activation, contribute to maturation of DCs; (3) class III DAMPs that
      are recognized by pattern recognition receptors involved in the activation of
      inflammasomes, that is, molecular platforms that trigger the activation of
      proinflammatory cytokines promoting maturation of DCs; and (4) class IV DAMPs in
      terms of neoantigens that are recognized by preexisting natural immunoglobulin M
      antibodies, which-via complement activation-are able to aggravate the oxidative
      tissue injury and, thereby, may indirectly promote maturation of DCs. These new
      insights into mechanisms of oxidative injury-mediated generation of
      immunostimulatory DCs are finally discussed by addressing possible novel
      therapeutic strategies with the aim to prevent the capacity of oxidative injury
      to induce DAMPs in the donor organ. The ultimate goal of those strategies will be
      to induce transplant tolerance by avoiding oxidative injury in the donor and the
      recipient and thereby inhibiting activation of immunostimulatory DCs but
      promoting activation of tolerogenic DCs.

PMID- 22074783
TI  - Role of T cell-nuclear factor kappaB in transplantation.
AB  - Nuclear factor (NF) kappaB is a pleiotropic transcription factor that is
      ubiquitously expressed. After transplantation of solid organs, NF-kappaB in the
      graft is activated within a few hours as a consequence of ischemia/reperfusion
      and then again after a few days in intragraft infiltrating cells during the
      process of acute allograft rejection. In the present article, we review the
      components of the NF-kappaB pathway, their mechanisms of activation, and their
      role in T cell and antigen-presenting cell activation and differentiation and in
      solid organ allograft rejection. Targeted inhibition of NF-kappaB in selected
      cell types may promote graft survival with fewer adverse effects compared with
      global immunosuppressive therapies.

PMID- 22074785
TI  - Protective effects of hypothermic ex vivo perfusion on ischemia/reperfusion
      injury and transplant outcomes.
AB  - Hypothermic machine preservation (HMP) has been used in renal transplantation
      since the late 1960s with recent robust prospective, multicenter data showing
      lower rates of delayed graft function and improved graft survival. Although now
      clearly beneficial for renal transplantation, extrarenal machine perfusion has
      remained predominantly in preclinical investigations. Pancreatic HMP has drawn
      little clinical interest because HMP has been suggested to cause graft edema and
      congestion, which is associated with early venous thrombosis and graft failure.
      Early investigation showed no benefit of HMP in whole-organ pancreas transplant.
      One report did show that HMP increases islet cell yield after isolation.
      Preclinical work in liver HMP has been promising. Short- and long-term HMP has
      been shown to improve graft viability and reduce preservation injury, even in
      animal models of steatotic and donation after cardiac death. The first clinical
      study of liver HMP using a centrifugal dual perfusion technique showed excellent
      results with lower hepatocellular injury markers and no adverse perfusion-related
      outcomes. In addition, a dramatic attenuation of proinflammatory cytokine
      expression was observed. Further studies of liver HMP are planned with focus on
      developing a reproducible and standard protocol that will allow the widespread
      availability of this technology. Future research and clinical trials of novel
      organ preservation techniques, solutions, and interventions are likely to bring
      about developments that will allow further reduction of preservation-related
      ischemia/reperfusion injury and improved outcomes and allow safer utilization of
      the precious and limited resource of donor organs.

PMID- 22074787
TI  - Phenomics--technologies to relieve the phenotyping bottleneck.
AB  - Global agriculture is facing major challenges to ensure global food security,
      such as the need to breed high-yielding crops adapted to future climates and the
      identification of dedicated feedstock crops for biofuel production (biofuel
      feedstocks). Plant phenomics offers a suite of new technologies to accelerate
      progress in understanding gene function and environmental responses. This will
      enable breeders to develop new agricultural germplasm to support future
      agricultural production. In this review we present plant physiology in an 'omics'
      perspective, review some of the new high-throughput and high-resolution
      phenotyping tools and discuss their application to plant biology, functional
      genomics and crop breeding.

PMID- 22074788
TI  - Working alliance, interpersonal trust and perceived coercion in mental health
      review hearings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is some evidence that when mental health commitment hearings
      are held in accordance with therapeutic jurisprudence principles they are
      perceived as less coercive, and more just in their procedures leading to improved
      treatment adherence and fewer hospital readmissions. This suggests an effect of
      the hearing on therapeutic relationships. We compared working alliance and
      interpersonal trust in clinicians and forensic patients, whose continued
      detentions were reviewed by two different legal review bodies according to their
      legal category. METHODS: The hearings were rated as positive or negative by
      patients and treating psychiatrists using the MacArthur scales for perceived
      coercion, perceived procedural justice (legal and medical) and for the impact of
      the hearing. We rated Global assessment of Function (GAF), Positive and Negative
      Symptom Scale (PANSS), Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) and Interpersonal Trust
      in Physician (ITP) scales six months before the hearing and repeated the WAI and
      ITP two weeks before and two weeks after the hearing, for 75 of 83 patients in a
      forensic medium and high secure hospital. RESULTS: Psychiatrists agreed with
      patients regarding the rating of hearings. Patients rated civil hearings (MHTs)
      more negatively than hearings under insanity legislation (MHRBs). Those reviewed
      by MHTs had lower scores for WAI and ITP. However, post-hearing WAI and ITP
      scores were not different from baseline and pre-hearing scores. Using the
      receiver operating characteristic, baseline WAI and ITP scores predicted how
      patients would rate the hearings, as did baseline GAF and PANSS scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that positively perceived hearings improved
      WAI or ITP, but some evidence showed that negatively perceived hearings worsened
      them. Concentrating on functional recovery and symptom remission remains the best
      strategy for improved therapeutic relationships.

PMID- 22074786
TI  - T-cell activation and transplantation tolerance.
AB  - Transplantation of allogeneic or "nonself" tissues stimulates a robust immune
      response leading to graft rejection, and therefore, most recipients of allogeneic
      organ transplants require the lifelong use of immune suppressive agents.
      Excellent outcomes notwithstanding, contemporary immunosuppressive medications
      are toxic, are often not taken by patients, and pose long-term risks of infection
      and malignancy. The ultimate goal in transplantation is to develop new treatments
      that will supplant the need for general immunosuppression. Here, we will describe
      the development and application of costimulation blockade to induce
      transplantation tolerance and discuss how the diverse array of signals that act
      on T cells will determine the balance between graft survival and rejection.

PMID- 22074789
TI  - Predictors of vitamin D status in predialysis chronic kidney disease patients: a
      cross-sectional analysis in a high ultraviolet climate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine vitamin D status in a subtropical climate among an
      unselected, referred predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) population; assess
      risks and correlates; and review whether higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD)
      concentration can mitigate the decrement in circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
      (1,25-OHD) normally encountered with advancing CKD. DESIGN: Prospective cross
      sectional cohort study. SETTING: Renal unit in Brisbane, Australia (27 degrees
      28' S). SUBJECTS: Five hundred ninety-three consecutive CKD patients (stage 1 to
      5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: 25-OHD insufficiency (concentrations: 15 to 30 ng/mL)
      and deficiency (<15 ng/mL), bone-mineral parameters, including 1,25-OHD, calcium,
      and phosphate. RESULTS: Despite potentially higher environmental ultraviolet (UV)
      exposure, only 48% of patients with CKD were 25-OHD sufficient. Traditional risks
      for hypovitaminosis D were maintained, and sufficiency was independently
      predicted by testing in the summer/autumn period (odds ratio [OR]: 2.77, 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 1.88 to 4.08, P < .001), male gender (OR: 2.18, 95%CI:
      1.46 to 3.24, P < .001), Caucasian race (OR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.37 to 3.78, P =
      .001), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.25 to 0.85, P = .01), macroalbuminuria
      (OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.39 to 0.92, P = .02), and normal body mass index (OR: 1.94,
      95%CI: 1.22 to 3.07, P = .005). Vitamin D sufficiency was also associated with
      higher corrected calcium (0.4 mg/dL increments; OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.08 to 1.55, P
      = .005). Although circulating 25-OHD concentrations were relatively maintained
      across the range of renal function observed, 1,25-OHD concentrations decreased
      with advancing CKD. CONCLUSION: 25-OHD insufficiency is mitigated but still
      highly prevalent in patients with CKD in a high ambient UV environment. Despite
      the maintenance of relatively higher 25-OHD concentrations with advancing CKD,
      substrate availability does not appear to be a major determinant of circulating
      1,25-OHD.

PMID- 22074790
TI  - Demonstration of cell membrane permeabilization to medium-sized molecules caused
      by a single 10 ns electric pulse.
AB  - In our study, we used bleomycin to evaluate the permeabilization caused by
      nanosecond duration electric pulses (nanopulses). Bleomycin is a non permeant
      molecule which can be used both as a sensitive and quantitative marker to
      evaluate cell electropermeabilization. Indeed, the penetration of as few as 500
      molecules is sufficient to entail a major biological effect: cell death. We show
      that one single nanopulse with a duration of 10 ns and a field strength of 40
      kV/cm is sufficient to allow the uptake of at least 500 molecules of bleomycin in
      20% of the cells when the external bleomycin concentration is 3 MUM. When the
      external bleomycin concentration is reduced by a 100 fold, the same levels of
      cytotoxicity require an increase of about 25 times in the number of pulses. These
      results are in favor of the fact that each nanopulse creates new pores or defects
      on the cell membrane even if most of these pores can reseal between two
      consecutive pulses. Results also suggest that the cell permeability observed with
      classical markers when a large number of pulses are delivered results from the
      large number of nanopores or defects of the cell membrane created by the train of
      nanopulses.

PMID- 22074791
TI  - Viral respiratory infections during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in the
      West Midlands Region, UK.
AB  - In spring 2009 a new strain of influenza A(H1N1) emerged and caused a worldwide
      pandemic. This study utilized a large collection of respiratory specimens from
      suspected cases of influenza A(H1N1) in the UK West Midlands during the pandemic
      in order to investigate which other respiratory viruses were circulating and
      whether they played any role in the increased hospitalization rates seen during
      that period. Study specimens were selected from community and hospitalized
      patients positive and negative for influenza A(H1N1) and tested by PCR for other
      respiratory viruses. A number of infections diagnosed as influenza during the
      summer influenza outbreak were found to be due to other virus infections (most
      commonly rhinovirus). No statistically significant difference was found between
      the rates of respiratory virus co-infection with H1N1 in patients from community
      or hospital locations suggesting underlying factors were likely to be more
      significant than viral co-infections in determining severity of influenza A(H1N1)
      disease.

PMID- 22074792
TI  - Screening for natural chemoprevention agents that modify human Keap1.
AB  - Upregulation of cytoprotective enzymes by therapeutic agents to prevent damage by
      reactive oxygen species and xenobiotic electrophiles is a strategy for cancer
      chemoprevention. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and its binding
      partner, transcription factor NF-E2-related factor-2 (NRF2), are chemoprevention
      targets because of their role in regulating the antioxidant response element
      (ARE) in response to oxidative stress and exposure to electrophiles. Modification
      of the sensor protein Keap1 by electrophiles such as the isothiocyanate
      sulforaphane can direct Nrf2 accumulation in the nucleus and subsequent ARE
      activation. Since our previous matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based screening method to discover natural
      products that modify Keap1 does not detect covalent modification of Keap1 by some
      highly reversible agents such as sulforaphane, a more sensitive screening assay
      was developed. In this new assay, electrophiles that have reversibly modified
      Keap1 can be released, trapped, and detected as beta-mercaptoethanol adducts by
      mass spectrometry. Isoliquiritigenin and sulforaphane, known ARE activators that
      target Keap1, were used to validate the assay. To determine the ability of the
      assay to identify electrophiles in complex matrixes that modify Keap1,
      sulforaphane was spiked into a cocoa extract, and LC-MS/MS using high resolution
      mass spectrometry with accurate mass measurement was used to identify beta
      mercaptoethanol adducts of sulforaphane that had been released from Keap1. This
      screening assay permits identification of potential chemoprevention agents in
      complex natural product mixtures that reversibly modify Keap1 but cannot be
      detected using MALDI-TOF MS.

PMID- 22074793
TI  - Piezoelectric detection of bilirubin based on bilirubin-imprinted titania film
      electrode.
AB  - A novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a high selectivity and
      sensitivity has been developed for bilirubin determination, based on the
      modification of bilirubin-imprinted titania film onto a quartz crystal by
      molecular imprinting and surface sol-gel techniques. The performance of the
      developed bilirubin biosensor was evaluated and the results indicated that a
      sensitive bilirubin biosensor could be fabricated. The obtained bilirubin
      biosensor presents high-selectivity monitoring of bilirubin, better
      reproducibility, shorter response time (30 min), wider linear range (0.1-50 MUM),
      and lower detection limit (0.05 MUM). The analytical application of the bilirubin
      biosensor confirms the feasibility of bilirubin determination in serum sample.

PMID- 22074794
TI  - Label-free fluorescence method for screening G-quadruplex ligands.
AB  - G-quadruplex ligands can interfere with the telomere structure, telomere
      elongation/replication, and proliferation of cancer cells. A key element in the
      development of potent G-quadruplex ligands is the screening of large chemical
      libraries of potential candidates. Here, we describe a simple fluorescence method
      for screening of G-quadruplex ligands. The method is based on the ability of G
      quadruplex ligands to displace hemin from G-quadruplex-based DNAzyme, resulting
      in a decrease of its catalytic activity on the fluorescence-developing reaction
      between p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and H(2)O(2). The method eliminates the
      requirement for expensive and time-consuming preparation of labeled DNA. Our
      method provides a simple, cheap, and sensitive approach to screen G-quadruplex
      ligands (potential antitumor drugs).

PMID- 22074795
TI  - Identification of reference microRNAs and suitability of archived hemopoietic
      samples for robust microRNA expression profiling.
AB  - In many cancers, including neuroblastoma, microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling
      of peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) may increase understanding of the
      metastatic process and lead to the identification of clinically informative
      biomarkers. The quality of miRNAs in PB and BM samples archived in PAXgeneTM
      blood RNA tubes from large-scale clinical studies and the identity of reference
      miRNAs for standard reporting of data are to date unknown. In this study, we
      evaluated the reliability of expression profiling of 377 miRNAs using
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in PB and BM samples (n=90) stored
      at -80  degrees C for up to 5 years in PAXgeneTM blood RNA tubes. There was no
      correlation with storage time and variation of expression for any single miRNA (r
      < 0.50). The profile of miRNAs isolated as small RNAs or co-isolated with
      small/large RNAs was highly correlated (r=0.96). The mean expression of all
      miRNAs and the geNorm program identified miR-26a, miR-28-5p, and miR-24 as the
      most stable reference miRNAs. This study describes detailed methodologies for
      reliable miRNA isolation and profiling of PB and BM, including reference miRNAs
      for qPCR normalization, and demonstrates the suitability of clinical samples
      archived at -80  degrees C into PAXgeneTM blood RNA tubes for miRNA expression
      studies.

PMID- 22074796
TI  - Involvement of C-type inactivation gating in the actions of voltage-gated K+
      channel inhibitors.
AB  - Voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels serve multiple functions. Besides the most well
      known function of controlling membrane excitability, they may also play roles in
      cell death and differentiation. Pharmacological activators and inhibitors of Kv
      channels therefore offer potential therapeutic treatments for a variety of
      diseases. Inhibition of Kv channels by classical blockers such as
      tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, and toxin peptides such as scorpion
      toxins, are believed to result from a direct intervention or occlusion of the
      K(+) permeation pathway. During prolonged depolarization, most Kv channels
      undergo a process called slow or C-type inactivation, by which the selectivity
      filter destabilizes and thus limits K(+) flux. Increasing amount of evidence
      shows that there are certain compounds which inhibit Kv currents not by directly
      obstructing the K(+) conduction pathway, but by accelerating or intensifying
      selectivity filter destabilization once the channels open. This mode of block
      represents an alternative mechanism of Kv channel inhibition. Indeed, some of the
      classical Kv channel blockers are to some extent, or in certain circumstances,
      involved in hastening slow inactivation. This review begins with a brief
      description of structure-functions of Kv channels, and then discusses the
      multiple mechanisms of Kv channel inhibition by classical blockers and how
      certain compounds inhibit Kv channels by accelerating C-type inactivation. The
      pharmacological and therapeutic potentials of these C-type inactivation-dependent
      Kv channel inhibitors are discussed.

PMID- 22074797
TI  - Tea flavan-3-ols as modulating factors in endoplasmic reticulum function.
AB  - Regular green tea consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and
      diabetes mellitus. These effects are attributed to tea flavan-3-ols, especially
      to epigallocatechin gallate; however, the molecular targets and mechanisms of
      action are still subject of extensive research. The special roles of the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in biotransformation, protein synthesis, calcium
      homeostasis, and glucose production make this organelle a potential target of the
      antitumor and antidiabetic effects of tea flavan-3-ols. The purpose of this
      review is to present evidence for the biologic actions of tea flavan-3-ols on
      specific ER targets associated with normal function and disease. Reactivation of
      chemical carcinogens can be reduced by tea flavan-3-ols through inhibition of
      glucuronide transport across the ER membrane. Catechins modulate Ca(2+) release
      from the ER lumen and interfere with glycoprotein maturation, which can lead to
      decreased viability and increased drug sensitivity of tumor cells.
      Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits glucose transport across the ER membrane, which
      can underlie the reduction of hepatic glucose production by tea flavan-3-ols.
      These mechanisms likely contribute to the chemopreventive and glucose-lowering
      effects of tea catechins. Investigating the effects of flavan-3-ols on ER
      functions is a promising field of medical and biochemical research to understand
      disease and improve health.

PMID- 22074798
TI  - Socioeconomic status and chronic child malnutrition: Wealth and maternal
      education matter more in the Peruvian Andes than nationally.
AB  - This study investigated the association of parents' socioeconomic status (SES)
      with child stunting in the Peruvian Andes and in Peru nationally. It was
      hypothesized that the relationship of SES to child stunting would be weaker in
      the Andean compared with the national sample. This is consistent with earlier
      research indicating that the relationship of SES to health may be weak in poor
      regions. The data were from the Demographic and Health Survey 2004 to 2006. Two
      samples of children 3 to 60 months old were compared: a national sample (n =
      1426) and an Andean sample (n = 543). Malnutrition was measured using the
      indicator "stunting," which is small stature for age. Socioeconomic status was
      measured using parental education, occupation, and household wealth index (WI).
      In both samples, SES was significantly related to stunting. The odds of stunting
      in the poorest WI quintile were significantly higher than in the richest
      quintile. The same pattern was observed in children of mothers having incomplete
      primary education compared with children of mothers having complete secondary or
      higher education. The odds of stunting were significantly lower in children of
      mothers working at home compared with mothers in professional occupations. The
      associations of WI and maternal education with stunting were significantly
      stronger in the Andean compared with the national sample; the study did not find
      support for the hypothesis. Even in very poor regions such as the Andes, SES may
      be associated with child health, suggesting the importance of public health
      measures to overcome the health disadvantages experienced by children living in
      low SES households.

PMID- 22074799
TI  - Urbanization of black South African women may increase risk of low bone mass due
      to low vitamin D status, low calcium intake, and high bone turnover.
AB  - Globally, rural to urban migration is accompanied by changes in dietary patterns
      and lifestyle that have serious health implications, including development of low
      bone mass. We hypothesized that serum 25 (OH) vitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) levels will
      be lower, bone turnover higher, and nutrition inadequate in urban postmenopausal
      black women, increasing risk for low bone mass. We aimed to assess the prevalence
      of risk factors for low bone mass in 1261 black women from rural and urban areas
      in the North West Province of South Africa (Prospective Urban and Rural
      Epidemiology-South Africa project). Fasting blood samples were taken; and
      participants were interviewed to complete questionnaires on self-reported
      diseases, fractures, and dietary intakes. Bone health markers were assessed in a
      subgroup of 658 women older than 45 years. Specific lifestyle risk factors
      identified were inactivity, smoking, injectable progestin contraception use, and
      high alcohol consumption. Dietary risk factors identified were low calcium and
      high animal protein, phosphorous, and sodium intakes. The 25(OH)D3 and C-terminal
      telopeptide (CTX) levels were significantly higher in the rural vs the urban
      women older than 50 years. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels increased with age in
      both groups. The 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with CTX and PTH in
      rural women. In urban women, PTH and CTX were correlated while dietary calcium
      was inversely correlated with CTX and PTH with 25(OH)D3. The combination of low
      dietary calcium (<230 mg/d), marginally insufficient 25(OH)D3 status, and raised
      PTH may result in increased bone resorption. Further research is required to
      assess bone health and fracture risk in black African women.

PMID- 22074800
TI  - Nutrients from dairy foods are difficult to replace in diets of Americans: food
      pattern modeling and an analyses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey 2003-2006.
AB  - Because dairy products provide shortfall nutrients (eg, calcium, potassium, and
      vitamin D) and other important nutrients, this study hypothesized that it would
      be difficult for Americans to meet nutritional requirements for these nutrients
      in the absence of dairy product consumption or when recommended nondairy calcium
      sources are consumed. To test this hypothesis, MyPyramid dietary pattern modeling
      exercises and an analyses of data from the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey 2003-2006 were conducted in those aged at least 2 years (n =
      16 822). Impact of adding or removing 1 serving of dairy, removing all dairy, and
      replacing dairy with nondairy calcium sources was evaluated. Dietary pattern
      modeling indicated that at least 3 servings of dairy foods are needed to help
      individuals meet recommendations for nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium,
      and 4 servings may be needed to help some groups meet potassium recommendations.
      A calcium-equivalent serving of dairy requires 1.1 servings of fortified soy
      beverage, 0.6 serving of fortified orange juice, 1.2 servings of bony fish, or
      2.2 servings of leafy greens. The replacement of dairy with calcium-equivalent
      foods alters the overall nutritional profile of the diet and affects nutrients
      including protein, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, vitamins A, D
      and B(12). Similar modeling exercises using consumption data from the National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey also demonstrated that nondairy calcium
      replacement foods are not a nutritionally equivalent substitute for dairy
      products. In conclusion, although it is possible to meet calcium intake
      recommendations without consuming dairy foods, calcium replacement foods are not
      a nutritionally equivalent substitute for dairy foods and consumption of a
      calcium-equivalent amount of some nondairy foods is unrealistic.

PMID- 22074801
TI  - Soy milk and dairy consumption is independently associated with ultrasound
      attenuation of the heel bone among postmenopausal women: the Adventist Health
      Study-2.
AB  - Soy milk has become a popular substitute for dairy milk with important health
      claims. We hypothesized that soy milk, based on its nutrient composition, is
      comparable to dairy products and, therefore, beneficial for bone health. To test
      this hypothesis, we examined the benefit of soy milk and dairy products intake on
      bone health using broadband ultrasound attenuation of the calcaneus.
      Postmenopausal white women (n = 337) who had completed a lifestyle and dietary
      questionnaire at enrollment into the Adventist Health Study-2 had their calcaneal
      broadband ultrasound attenuation measured 2 years later. The association between
      osteoporosis (defined as a T-score <-1.8) and some dietary factors (soy milk,
      dairy) and selected lifestyle factors was assessed using logistic regression. In
      a multivariable model adjusted for demographics, hormone use, and other dietary
      factors, osteoporosis was positively associated with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.12) and inversely associated with body mass
      index (OR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97) and current estrogen use (OR = 0.27; 95% CI,
      0.13-0.56). Compared with women who did not drink soy milk, women drinking soy
      milk once a day or more had 56% lower odds of osteoporosis (OR = 0.44; 95% CI,
      0.20-0.98; P(trend) = .04). Women whose dairy intake was once a day or more had a
      62% reduction in the likelihood of having osteoporosis (OR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17
      0.86; P(trend) = .02) compared with women whose dairy intake was less than twice
      a week. Among individual dairy products, only cheese showed an independent and
      significant protection (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.66; P(trend) = .004) for women
      eating cheese more than once per week vs those who ate cheese less than once a
      week. We concluded that osteoporosis is inversely associated with soy milk intake
      to a similar degree as dairy intake after accounting for age, body mass index,
      and estrogen use.

PMID- 22074802
TI  - Fresh and fresh lean pork are substantial sources of key nutrients when these
      products are consumed by adults in the United States.
AB  - Many fresh pork products, in particular, fresh lean pork products, are nutrient
      dense sources of protein and several other nutrients. The purpose of this study
      was to estimate nutritional contributions of fresh and fresh lean pork to adults'
      diets in the United States. Mean total nutrient intakes by fresh and fresh lean
      pork consumers on a day of recall were compared with intakes by nonconsumers to
      test the hypothesis that overall nutrient intakes by consumers were comparable
      with or better as compared with intakes by nonconsumers. Intakes were assessed
      using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2006. Based on
      1 day of dietary intake, 10% of adults consumed fresh pork, and 4% consumed fresh
      lean pork. Among consumers, fresh and fresh lean pork contributed 16% and 9%,
      respectively, of total fat and accounted for 23% to 31% of total protein,
      cholesterol, selenium, and thiamin intake. Fresh and fresh lean pork also
      accounted for 11% to 19% of total saturated fat, phosphorus, potassium,
      riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B(6), and vitamin B(12) in the diets of consumers and
      contributed 21% and 16%, respectively, of total zinc. Diets including fresh or
      fresh lean pork provided higher energy-adjusted amounts of protein, selenium,
      thiamin, and vitamin B(6) as compared with diets of adults not consuming fresh
      pork (P < .05) and provided comparable amounts of fat and saturated fat.
      Consumption of lean cuts of fresh pork is consistent with dietary guidance, and
      selection of fresh lean pork products by current nonconsumers could increase
      dietary variety without adversely affecting nutrient intake.

PMID- 22074803
TI  - Astaxanthin inhibits thrombosis in cerebral vessels of stroke-prone spontaneously
      hypertensive rats.
AB  - It is known that vitamin E and some carotenoids have antioxidant activities that
      alleviate endothelial dysfunction and play a protective role against
      cardiovascular disease. The current study was designed to examine the hypothesis
      that astaxanthin, a red pigment carotenoid found in salmonid and crustacean
      aquaculture, protects stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) from
      vascular oxidative damage, hypertension, and cerebral thrombosis. Male 6-week-old
      SHRSP were classified into 4 groups: a control group, 2 astaxanthin groups, and a
      vitamin E group. The treated animals were given either astaxanthin or vitamin E
      for 3 weeks. Body weights in each group were not significantly different from
      control group during the treatment period, but the usual increase in systolic
      blood pressure in SHRSP observed with age was significantly suppressed by
      treatment. Thrombogenesis, assessed using a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser technique
      in pial blood vessels, together with antioxidant activity, assessed by measuring
      urinary 8-OHdG levels, were significantly moderated. Urinary nitric oxide (NO)
      metabolites were increased after treatment. These results supported our
      hypothesis and strongly suggested that the antithrombotic and antihypertensive
      effects of astaxanthin or vitamin E may be related to an increase in bioavailable
      NO, possibly mediated by decreased inactivation of NO by reactive oxygen species.

PMID- 22074804
TI  - Dietary methyl donor deficiency during pregnancy in rats shapes learning and
      anxiety in offspring.
AB  - Two important lines of research have enhanced our understanding of the molecular
      role of nutrition in influencing behavior. First, exposure to an adverse
      environment during early life can influence the long-term behavior of the
      offspring. Second, regulation of the nervous system development and functioning
      appears to involve epigenetic mechanisms that require a continuous supply of
      methyl group donors in food. We hypothesized that a maternal diet during
      pregnancy deficient in methyl donors (MDD) may lead to altered behavior in
      offspring through permanent changes in hippocampal DNA methylation. We used a rat
      model of prenatal dietary MDD to test this hypothesis in female offspring as they
      aged. Prenatal MDD reduced birth weight, litter size, and newborn viability. Aged
      female offspring of MDD mothers showed increased anxiety and increased learning
      ability in comparison with control diet group offspring. To explore the role of
      MDD on epigenetic mechanisms in the brain of adult offspring, we studied
      expression and methylation of 4 selected genes coding for glucocorticoid
      receptor, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 11 type 2, neuronatin, and reelin proteins
      in the hippocampus. No major group differences in methylation or expression of
      the studied genes were detected, except for a significant down-regulation of the
      reelin gene in the MDD female offspring. The prenatal MDD diet caused
      intrauterine growth restriction, associated with long-term effects on the
      behavior of the offspring. However, the observed behavioral differences between
      the MDD and control diet offspring cannot be explained by epigenetic regulation
      of the specific genes investigated in this study.

PMID- 22074805
TI  - L-amino acid decarboxylase- and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the
      extended olfactory amygdala and elsewhere in the adult prairie vole brain.
AB  - Neurons synthesizing dopamine (DA) are widely distributed in the brain and
      implicated in a tremendous number of physiological and behavioral functions,
      including socioreproductive behaviors in rodents. We have recently been
      investigating the possible involvement of sex- and species-specific TH
      immunoreactive (TH-ir) cells in the male prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster)
      principal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBST) and posterodorsal medial
      amygdala (MeApd) in the chemosensory control of their monogamous pairbonding and
      parenting behaviors. These TH-ir cells are not immunoreactive for dopamine-beta
      hydroxylase (DBH), suggesting they are not noradrenergic but possibly DAergic. A
      DAergic phenotype would require them to contain aromatic L-amino acid
      decarboxylase (AADC) and here we examined the existence of cells immunoreactive
      for both TH and AADC in the pBST and MeApd of adult virgin male and female
      prairie voles. We also investigated the presence of TH/AADC cells in the
      anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), medial preoptic area (MPO), arcuate
      nucleus (ARH), zona incerta (ZI), substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental
      area (VTA). Among our findings were: (1) the pBST and MeApd each contained
      completely non-overlapping distributions of TH-ir and AADC-ir cells, (2) the AVPV
      contained surprisingly few AADC-ir cells and almost no TH-ir cells contained AADC
      ir, (3) approximately 60% of the TH-ir cells in the MPO, ARH, and ZI also
      contained AADC-ir, (4) unexpectedly, only about half of TH-ir cells in the SN and
      VTA contained AADC-ir, and (5) notable populations of AADC-ir cells were found
      outside traditional monoamine-synthesizing regions, including some sites that do
      not contain AADC-ir cells in adult laboratory rats or cats (medial septum and
      cerebral cortex). In the absence of the chemical requirements to produce DA,
      monoenzymatic TH-ir cells in the virgin adult prairie vole pBST, MeApd, and
      elsewhere in their brain may instead produce L-DOPA as an end product and use it
      as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, similar to what has been observed for
      monoenzymatic TH-synthesizing cells in the laboratory rat brain.

PMID- 22074806
TI  - Age-associated loss of selectivity in human olfactory sensory neurons.
AB  - We report a cross-sectional study of olfactory impairment with age based on both
      odorant-stimulated responses of human olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and tests
      of olfactory threshold sensitivity. A total of 621 OSNs from 440 subjects in 2
      age groups of younger (<= 45 years) and older (>= 60 years) subjects were
      investigated using fluorescence intensity ratio fura-2 imaging. OSNs were tested
      for responses to 2 odorant mixtures, as well as to subsets of and individual
      odors in those mixtures. Whereas cells from younger donors were highly selective
      in the odorants to which they responded, cells from older donors were more likely
      to respond to multiple odor stimuli, despite a loss in these subjects' absolute
      olfactory sensitivity, suggesting a loss of specificity. This degradation in
      peripheral cellular specificity may impact odor discrimination and olfactory
      adaptation in the elderly. It is also possible that chronic adaptation as a
      result of reduced specificity contributes to observed declines in absolute
      sensitivity.

PMID- 22074807
TI  - No association of ALOX5AP polymorphisms with risk of MRI-defined brain infarcts.
AB  - The arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene has been
      associated with stroke. The majority of the reported ALOX5AP associations have
      considered non-radiologically confirmed infarcts as the stroke phenotype. We
      assessed the association of genetic variants in ALOX5AP with stroke defined by
      the presence of infarcts on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We studied
      202 persons with MRI-defined brain infarcts and 487 healthy individuals of
      Caribbean Hispanic ancestry. Another sample of European ancestry comprised 1823
      persons with MRI-defined brain infarct and 7578 control subjects. Subjects were
      genotyped for the 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that define ALOX5AP
      HapA haplotype. No association was found between SNPs and MRI-defined brain
      infarcts. Our data do not support the hypothesis that variants in ALOX5AP are
      associated with risk of MRI-defined brain infarcts.

PMID- 22074808
TI  - Taxol alleviates 2-methoxyestradiol-induced endothelial permeability.
AB  - We have previously shown that the anti-cancer agent 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME)
      induces hyperpermeability across endothelial monolayers. Here, we show that both
      microtubule disruptor, 2ME, and microtubule stabilizer, paclitaxel (taxol),
      increase vascular lung permeability in vitro and in vivo. Simultaneous
      application of 2ME and taxol alleviates 2ME-induced endothelial barrier
      dysfunction, which is evident by the decreased Evans Blue Dye accumulation in
      lung tissue and increased transendothelial resistance across monolayers. 2ME
      significantly increases the level of p38 and MLC phosphorylation in both
      endothelial monolayers and murine lungs; this increase is suppressed in the
      presence of taxol. Taxol treatment leads to an immediate and sustained increase
      in tubulin acetylation in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC).
      Surprisingly, 2ME treatment also increases tubulin acetylation; however, the
      onset of this process is delayed and coincides with the stage of a partial
      barrier restoration in HPAEC monolayer. Inhibition of histone deacetylase 6
      (HDAC6) with tubacin increases tubulin acetylation level, suppresses 2ME-induced
      HSP27 and MLC phosphorylation, and decreases 2ME-induced barrier dysfunction,
      suggesting barrier-protective and/or barrier-restorative role for tubulin
      acetylation in vascular endothelium.

PMID- 22074809
TI  - AMP-activated protein kinase and the control of smooth muscle cell
      hyperproliferation in vascular disease.
AB  - Smooth muscle cell (SMC) accumulation within the arterial intima contributes to
      the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Emerging data indicate that the
      adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a potent inhibitor of
      SMC proliferation. The anti-proliferative action of AMPK is mediated through
      multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of cyclin dependent kinase
      inhibitors expression p21(Cip1) and p27(kip1) and the inhibition of the mammalian
      target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). A favorable effect of AMPK activation on
      intima hyperplasia has been demonstrated in in vivo experimental models by using
      the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), or by
      studying the AMPKalpha(-/-) mice. Starting from these evidences, a number of
      atheroprotective drugs with antiproliferative properties have been shown to
      induce AMPK phosphorylation. Among them, the Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine
      was demonstrated to act through AMPK, independent of its calcium channel blocking
      activity. In the present review I summarize current knowledge on the basic
      biological function of AMPK in relationship to vascular SMC proliferation; the
      evidence for the role of AMPK in in vivo intima hyperplasia; and the drugs for
      which a pharmacological activity on AMPK has been shown.

PMID- 22074810
TI  - Electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted film at polypyrrole
      sulfonated graphene/hyaluronic acid-multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified
      electrode for determination of tryptamine.
AB  - An imprinted electrochemical sensor based on polypyrrole-sulfonated graphene (PPy
      SG)/hyaluronic acid-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (HA-MWCNTs) for sensitive
      detection of tryptamine was presented. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were
      synthesized by electropolymerization using tryptamine as the template, and para
      aminobenzoic acid (pABA) as the monomer. The surface feature of the modified
      electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The proposed sensor was
      tested by chronoamperometry. Several important parameters controlling the
      performance of the molecularly imprinted sensor were investigated and optimized.
      The results showed that the PPy-SG composites films showed improved conductivity
      and electrochemical performances. HA-MWCNTs bionanocomposites could enhance the
      current response evidently. The good selectivity of the sensor allowed three
      discriminations of tryptamine from interferents, which include tyramine, dopamine
      and tryptophan. Under the optimal conditions, a linear ranging from 9.0*10(-8)
      mol L(-1) to 7.0*10(-5) mol L(-1) for the detection of tryptamine was observed
      with the detection limit of 7.4*10(-8) mol L(-1) (S/N=3). This imprinted
      electrochemical sensor was successfully employed to detect tryptamine in real
      samples.

PMID- 22074811
TI  - The role of neuromodulators in selective attention.
AB  - Several classes of neurotransmitters exert modulatory effects on a broad and
      diverse population of neurons throughout the brain. Some of these
      neuromodulators, especially acetylcholine and dopamine, have long been implicated
      in the neural control of selective attention. We review recent evidence and
      evolving ideas about the importance of these neuromodulatory systems in
      attention, particularly visual selective attention. We conclude that, although
      our understanding of their role in the neural circuitry of selective attention
      remains rudimentary, recent research has begun to suggest unique contributions of
      neuromodulators to different forms of attention, such as bottom-up and top-down
      attention.

PMID- 22074812
TI  - Characterizing longitudinal patterns of physical activity in mid-adulthood using
      latent class analysis: results from a prospective cohort study.
AB  - The authors aimed to describe how longitudinal patterns of physical activity
      during mid-adulthood (ages 31-53 years) can be characterized using latent class
      analysis in a population-based birth cohort study, the Medical Research Council's
      1946 National Survey of Health and Development. Three different types of physical
      activity-walking, cycling, and leisure-time physical activity-were analyzed
      separately using self-reported data collected from questionnaires between 1977
      and 1999; 3,847 study members were included in the analysis for one or more types
      of activity. Patterns of activity differed by sex, so stratified analyses were
      conducted. Two walking latent classes were identified representing low (52.8% of
      males in the cohort, 33.5% of females) and high (47.2%, 66.5%) levels of
      activity. Similar low (91.4%, 82.1%) and high (8.6%, 17.9%) classes were found
      for cycling, while 3 classes were identified for leisure-time physical activity:
      "low activity" (46.2%, 48.2%), "sports and leisure activity" (31.0%, 35.3%), and
      "gardening and do-it-yourself activities" (22.8%, 16.5%). The classes were
      reasonably or very well separated, with the exception of walking in females.
      Latent class analysis was found to be a useful tool for characterizing
      longitudinal patterns of physical activity, even when the measurement instrument
      differs slightly across ages, which added value in comparison with observed
      activity at a single age.

PMID- 22074814
TI  - Relationship between the level of antibodies in bulk tank milk and the within
      herd seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in cows.
AB  - The relationship between the level of antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) and the
      within-herd seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in cows was assessed. Blood from
      milking cows and BTM were sampled in 55 infected herds and tested using
      commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The relationship
      between antibody levels and WHP, which was quantified using a general linear
      model, was only moderate (R(2)=0.15). Nevertheless, the lowest antibody level in
      BTM was associated with the lowest mean within-herd prevalence. The present
      finding indicates that ELISA applied to BTM could identify infected herds with
      quite low within-herd seroprevalence. For such herds, the vaccination of dairy
      cows as well as nulliparous heifers using a phase I vaccine could effectively
      prevent C. burnetii shedding.

PMID- 22074813
TI  - The treatment of severe child aggression (TOSCA) study: Design challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy (the concurrent use of more than one psychoactive drug)
      and other combination interventions are increasingly common for treatment of
      severe psychiatric problems only partly responsive to monotherapy. This practice
      and research on it raise scientific, clinical, and ethical issues such as
      additive side effects, interactions, threshold for adding second drug,
      appropriate target measures, and (for studies) timing of randomization. One
      challenging area for treatment is severe child aggression. Commonly-used
      medications, often in combination, include psychostimulants, antipsychotics, mood
      stabilizers, and alpha-2 agonists, which vary considerably in terms of perceived
      safety and efficacy. RESULTS: In designing our NIMH-funded trial of polypharmacy,
      we focused attention on the added benefit of a second drug (risperidone) to the
      effect of the first (stimulant). We selected these two drugs because their
      associated adverse events might neutralize each other (e.g., sleep delay and
      appetite decrease from stimulant versus sedation and appetite increase from
      antipsychotic). Moreover, there was considerable evidence of efficacy for each
      drug individually for the management of ADHD and child aggression. The study
      sample comprised children (ages 6-12 years) with both diagnosed ADHD and
      disruptive behavior disorder (oppositional-defiant or conduct disorder)
      accompanied by severe physical aggression. In a staged sequence, the medication
      with the least problematic adverse effects (stimulant) was openly titrated in 3
      weeks to optimal effect. Participants whose behavioral symptoms were not
      normalized received additional double-blind medication, either risperidone or
      placebo, by random assignment. Thus children whose behavioral symptoms were
      normalized with stimulant medication were not exposed to an antipsychotic. All
      families participated in an empirically-supported parent training program for
      disruptive behavior, so that the actual comparison was stimulant+parent training
      versus stimulant+antipsychotic+parent training. CONCLUSIONS: We hope that the
      resolutions of the challenges presented here will be useful to other
      investigators and facilitate much-needed research on child psychiatric
      polypharmacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00796302.

PMID- 22074815
TI  - Theoretical validation on the existence of two transverse surface waves in
      piezoelectric/elastic layered structures.
AB  - In this paper, we analytically study the dispersion behavior of transverse
      surface waves in a piezoelectric coupled solid consisting of a transversely
      isotropic piezoelectric ceramic layer and an isotropic metal or dielectric
      substrate. This study is a revisit to the stiffened Love wave propagation done
      previously. Closed-form dispersion equations are obtained in a very simple
      mathematical form for both electrically open and shorted cases. From the
      viewpoint of physical situation, two transverse surface waves (i.e., the
      stiffened Love wave and the FDLW-type wave) are separately found in a PZT-4/steel
      system and a PZT-4/zinc system. All the observed dispersion curves are
      theoretically validated through the discussion on the limit values of phase
      velocity using the obtained dispersion equations. Those validation and discussion
      give rise to a deeper understanding on the existence of transverse surface waves
      in such piezoelectric coupled structures. The results can be used as a benchmark
      for the study of the wave propagation in the piezoelectric coupled structures and
      are significant in the design of wave propagation in the piezoelectric coupled
      structures as well.

PMID- 22074817
TI  - Large procyanidins prevent bile-acid-induced oxidant production and membrane
      initiated ERK1/2, p38, and Akt activation in Caco-2 cells.
AB  - Procyanidins are oligomers of flavanol subunits present in large amounts in
      fruits and vegetables. Their consumption is associated with health benefits
      against colonic inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). Large procyanidins
      (with more than three subunits) are not absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells
      but could exert biological actions through their interactions with the cell
      membrane. This study investigated the capacity of hexameric procyanidins (Hex) to
      prevent oncogenic events initiated by deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile
      acid linked to the promotion of CRC. Hex interacted with Caco-2 cell membranes
      preferentially at the water-lipid interface. Hex (2.5-20 MUM) inhibited DCA
      triggered increase in cellular calcium, NADPH oxidase activation, and oxidant
      production. DCA promoted the activation of protein kinase B (Akt), of the mitogen
      activated protein kinases ERK1/2 and p38, and of the downstream transcription
      factor AP-1. This activation was not triggered by calcium or oxidant increases.
      Hex caused a dose-dependent inhibition of DCA-mediated activation of all these
      signals. DCA also triggered alterations in the cell monolayer morphology and
      apoptotic cell death, events that were delayed by Hex. The capacity of large
      procyanidins to interact with the cell membrane and prevent those cell membrane
      associated events can in part explain the beneficial effects of procyanidins on
      CRC.

PMID- 22074816
TI  - [Early invasive strategy in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The
      paradox continues].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have reported a paradoxical inverse relationship
      between the use of an early invasive strategy (EIS) and the risk of events in
      patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). The
      study objectives are: 1) to examine the association between baseline risk in
      patients with NSTE ACS and the use of EIS; and 2) to identify some of the factors
      independently associated to the use of EIS. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.
      SETTING: Intensive care units participating in the SEMICYUC ARIAM Registry.
      PATIENTS: Consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of NSTE-ACS within 48
      hours of evolution between the months of April-July 2010. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MAIN OUTCOMES: Coronary angiography with or without angioplasty within 72 hours,
      risk stratification using the GRACE scale. RESULTS: We analyzed 543 patients with
      NSTE-ACS, of which 194 were of low risk, 170 intermediate risk and 179 high risk.
      The EIS was used in 62.4% of the patients at low risk, in 60.2% of those with
      intermediate risk, and in 49.7% of those at high risk (p for tendency 0.0144).
      The EIS was used preferentially in patients with low severity and comorbidity. In
      the logistic regression model, EIS was independently associated to the
      availability of a catheterization laboratory (OR 2.22 [CI 95% 1.55 to 3.19]), the
      presence of ST changes on ECG (OR 1.80 [1.23 to 2.64]), or the existence of a low
      risk of bleeding (OR 0.76 [0.66 to 0.88)]. Conversely, EIS was less prevalent in
      patients with diabetes (OR 0.60 [0.41 to 0.88]) or tachycardia upon admission (OR
      0.54 [0 36 to 0.82]). CONCLUSIONS: In 2010 there remained a lesser relative use
      of EIS in patients at high risk, due in part to an increased risk of bleeding in
      these patients.

PMID- 22074818
TI  - Validation of an air-puff passive-avoidance paradigm for assessment of aversive
      learning and memory in rat models of chronic pain.
AB  - Chronic pain is associated with cognitive deficits. Considerable overlap in brain
      regions involved in pain and aversion suggests that aversive learning and memory
      may be affected during chronic pain. Passive-avoidance paradigms traditionally
      use foot-shock to induce context-conditioned avoidance and may be unsuitable for
      use in animal models of chronic pain, which are commonly associated with
      hypersensitivity of the hind-paws. The aim of the present study was to develop
      and validate a novel passive-avoidance paradigm in rats, employing air-puff as
      the aversive stimulus, and to use this paradigm to assess aversive learning and
      memory in rat models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Air-puff
      exposure produced a significant passive-avoidance and this response was
      attenuated following administration of scopolamine. Nerve-ligated rats and rats
      injected with complete Freund's adjuvant developed allodynia and hyperalgesia.
      Air-puff produced a significant passive-avoidance response in both chronic pain
      models. However, there was no difference in the response between either model and
      its respective control group. Thus, air-puff can be used as an alternative to
      foot-shock to induce a passive-avoidance response. The data generated using this
      model suggest that aversive learning and memory remain intact in the rat spinal
      nerve ligation and complete Freund's adjuvant models of chronic neuropathic and
      inflammatory pain, respectively.

PMID- 22074819
TI  - Lipschitz-Killing curvature based expected Euler characteristics for p-value
      correction in fNIRS.
AB  - Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging approach
      for measuring brain activities based on changes in the cerebral concentrations of
      hemoglobin. Recently, statistical analysis based on a general linear model (GLM)
      has become popular. Here, to impose statistical significance on the activation
      detected by fNIRS, family-wise error (FWE) rate control is important. However,
      unlike fMRI, in which measurements are densely sampled on a regular lattice and
      Gaussian smoothing makes the resulting random field homogeneous, the random
      fields from fNIRS are inhomogeneous due to the interpolation from sparsely and
      irregularly distributed optode locations. Thus, tube formula based correction has
      been proposed to address this issue. However, Sun's tube formula cannot be used
      for general random fields such as F-statistics. To overcome these difficulties,
      we employ the expected Euler characteristic approach based on Lipschitz-Killing
      curvature (LKC) to control the family-wise error rate. We compared this
      correction method with Sun's tube formula for t-statistics to confirm the
      existing method. Based on this comparison, we show that covariance estimation
      should be modified to consider channel-wise least-square residual correlation.
      These new results supplement the existing tool of statistical parameter mapping
      for fNIRS.

PMID- 22074820
TI  - Proteasome inhibitors induce apoptosis and reduce viral replication in primary
      effusion lymphoma cells.
AB  - Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive neoplasm caused by Kaposi's
      sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This study provides evidence that
      proteasomal activity is required for both survival of PEL cells stably harboring
      the KSHV genome and viral replication of KSHV. We evaluated the cytotoxic effects
      of proteasome inhibitors on PEL cells. The proteasome inhibitors MG132,
      lactacystin, and proteasome inhibitor I dramatically inhibited cell proliferation
      and induced apoptosis of PEL cells through the accumulation of p21 and p27.
      Furthermore, proteasome inhibitors induced the stabilization of NF-kappaB
      inhibitory molecule (IkappaBalpha) and suppressed the transcriptional activity of
      NF-kappaB in PEL cells. The NF-kappaB specific inhibitor BAY11-7082 also induced
      apoptosis in PEL cells. The constitutive activation of NF-kappaB signaling is
      essential for the survival and growth of B cell lymphoma cells, including PEL
      cells. NF-kappaB signaling is upregulated by proteasome-dependent degradation of
      IkappaBalpha. The suppression of NF-kappaB signaling by proteasome inhibitors may
      contribute to the induction of apoptosis in PEL cells. In addition, proteasome
      activity is required for KSHV replication in KSHV latently infected PEL cells.
      MG132 reduced the production of progeny virus from PEL cells at low
      concentrations, which do not affect PEL cell growth. These findings suggest that
      proteasome inhibitors may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of KSHV
      infection and KSHV-associated lymphomas.

PMID- 22074821
TI  - Induction of antigen-specific immunity by pH-sensitive carbonate apatite as a
      potent vaccine carrier.
AB  - The ability of carbonate apatite (CO(3)Ap) to enhance antigen-specific immunity
      was examined in vitro and in vivo to investigate its utility as a vaccine
      carrier. Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells took up ovalbumin (OVA)
      containing CO(3)Ap more effectively than free OVA. Interestingly, mice immunized
      with OVA-containing CO(3)Ap produced OVA-specific antibodies more effectively
      than mice immunized with free OVA. Furthermore, immunization of C57BL/6 mice with
      OVA-containing CO(3)Ap induced the proliferation and antigen-specific production
      of IFN-gamma by splenocytes more strongly than immunization with free OVA.
      Moreover, no significant differences were detected in the induction of delayed
      type hypersensitivity responses, an immune reaction involving an antigen
      specific, cell-mediated immune response between OVA-containing CO(3)Ap and OVA
      containing alumina salt (Alum), suggesting that CO(3)Ap induced cell-mediated
      immune response to the same degree as Alum, which is commonly used for clinical
      applications. This study is the first to demonstrate the induction of antigen
      specific immune responses in vivo by CO(3)Ap.

PMID- 22074822
TI  - Effects of micropatterned curvature on the motility and mechanical properties of
      airway smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Geometric features such as size and shape of the microenvironment are known to
      alter cell behaviors such as growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration.
      Little is known, however, about the effect of curvature on cell behaviors despite
      that many cells reside in curved space of tubular organs such as the bronchial
      airways. To address this question, we fabricated micropatterned strips that mimic
      airway walls with varying curvature. Then, we cultured airway smooth muscle cells
      (ASMCs) on these strips and investigated the cells' motility and mechanical
      properties using time-lapse imaging microscopy and optical magnetic twisting
      cytometry (OMTC). We found that both motility and mechanical properties of the
      ASMCs were influenced by the curvature. In particular, when the curvature
      increased from 0 to 1/150 MUm(-1), the velocity of cell migration first decreased
      (0-1/750 MUm(-1)), and then increased (1/750-1/150 MUm(-1)). In contrast, the
      cell stiffness increased and then decreased. Thus, at the intermediate curvature
      (1/750 MUm(-1)) the ASMCs were the least motile, but most stiff. The
      contractility instead decreased consistently as the curvature increased. The
      level of F-actin, and vinculin expression within the ASMCs appeared to correlate
      with the contractility and motility, respectively, in relation to the curvature.
      These results may provide valuable insights to understanding the heterogeneity of
      airway constrictions in asthma as well as the developing and functioning of other
      tubular organs and tissue engineering.

PMID- 22074823
TI  - STAT3 signaling pathway is necessary for cell survival and tumorsphere forming
      capacity in ALDH+/CD133+ stem cell-like human colon cancer cells.
AB  - Persistent activation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3
      (STAT3) is frequently detected in colon cancer. Increasing evidence suggests the
      existence of a small population of colon cancer stem or cancer-initiating cells
      may be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and resistance to
      chemotherapy and radiation. Whether STAT3 plays a role in colon cancer-initiating
      cells and the effect of STAT3 inhibition is still unknown. Flow cytometry was
      used to isolate colon cancer stem-like cells from three independent human colon
      cancer cell lines characterized by both aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive
      and CD133-positive subpopulation (ALDH(+)/CD133(+)). The effects of STAT3
      inhibition in colon cancer stem-like cells were examined. The phosphorylated or
      activated form of STAT3 was expressed in colon cancer stem-like cells and was
      reduced by a STAT3-selective small molecular inhibitor, FLLL32. FLLL32 also
      inhibited the expression of potential STAT3 downstream target genes in colon
      cancer stem-like cells including survivin, Bcl-XL, as well as Notch-1, -3, and 
      4, which may be involved in stem cell function. Furthermore, FLLL32 inhibited
      cell viability and tumorsphere formation as well as induced cleaved caspase-3 in
      colon cancer stem-like cells. FLLL32 is more potent than curcumin as evidenced
      with lower IC50 in colon cancer stem-like cells. In summary, our results indicate
      that STAT3 is a novel therapeutic target in colon cancer stem-like cells and
      inhibition of STAT3 in cancer stem-like cells may offer a potential treatment for
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22074824
TI  - Silencing p110beta prevents rapid depletion of nuclear pAkt.
AB  - The p110beta subunit in the class IA PI3K family may act as an oncogene and is
      critical for prostate tumor development in PTEN knockout mice. We tested the
      possible involvement of p110beta in a recently described rapid depletion of
      phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) in the nucleus. Previous work showed that this down
      regulation is induced by extracellular ATP or by statins and is mediated by the
      purinergic receptor P2X7. Here, we used p110beta knock out mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts (MEFs) and siRNA-treated cancer cells. We found that p110beta is
      essential for ATP- or statin-induced nuclear pAkt depletion in MEFs and in
      several cancer cell lines including prostate cancer cells. ATP, statin or the
      selective P2X7 agonist BzATP also inhibited cell growth, and this inhibition was
      not seen in p110beta knock out cells. We also found that p110beta was necessary
      for statin-induced changes in binding between FKBP51, pAkt and PTEN. Our data
      show that p110beta is essential for the ATP- and statin-induced effects and
      support a role of nuclear pAkt in cancer development. They also provide support
      for a chemopreventive effect of statins mediated by depletion of nuclear pAkt.

PMID- 22074825
TI  - IRS-2 deficiency in macrophages promotes their accumulation in the vascular wall.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin receptor substrate-2
      (IRS-2) mediated signal in macrophages on the accumulation of macrophages in the
      vascular wall. Mice transplanted with IRS-2(-/-) bone marrow, a model of myeloid
      cell restricted defect of IRS-2, showed accumulation of monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1-expressing macrophages in the vascular wall. Experiments using cultured
      peritoneal macrophages showed that IRS-2-mediated signal pathway stimulated by
      physiological concentrations of insulin, not by IL-4, contributed to the
      suppression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression induced by
      lipopolysaccharide. Our data indicated that IRS-2 deficiency in macrophages
      enhanced their accumulation in the vascular wall accompanied by increased
      expression of proinflammatory mediators in macrophages. These results suggest a
      role for insulin resistance in macrophages in early atherosclerogenesis.

PMID- 22074826
TI  - Differential activation of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases by cyclic
      purine and pyrimidine nucleotides.
AB  - The cyclic purine nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are well-characterized second
      messengers and activators of PKA and PKG, respectively. In contrast, the
      functions of the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP are poorly
      understood. cCMP induces relaxation of smooth muscle via PKGI, and
      phosphodiesterases differentially hydrolyze cNMPs. Here, we report that cNMPs
      differentially activate PKA isoforms and PKGIalpha. The combination of cCMP with
      cAMP reduced the EC(50) of cAMP for PKA. PKGIalpha exhibited higher specificity
      for the cognate cNMP than PKA. Our data support a role of cCMP and cUMP as second
      messengers.

PMID- 22074827
TI  - Role of ubiquitination in PCSK9-mediated low-density lipoprotein receptor
      degradation.
AB  - The proprotein convertases subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) binds to the epidermal
      growth factor domain A (EGF-A) of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and
      leads to its destruction. However, the intracellular processes leading to LDLR
      degradation have not been fully delineated. In this report, we show that PCSK9
      treatment can lead to ubiquitination of LDLR, which was enhanced in the presence
      of proteasome inhibitor MG132. Furthermore, LDLR protein carrying mutations in
      the C-terminal ubiquitination sites was resistant to PCSK9-mediated degradation.
      Our data suggest that the ubiquitination system is involved in PCSK9-induced LDLR
      degradation.

PMID- 22074828
TI  - Flavonoids inhibit high glucose-induced up-regulation of ICAM-1 via the p38 MAPK
      pathway in human vein endothelial cells.
AB  - Recently, several flavonoids have been shown to have cardioprotective, cancer
      preventive, or anti-inflammatory properties. However, the specific mechanisms
      underlying their protective effects remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the
      different effects of three representative flavonoids-hesperidin, naringin, and
      resveratrol-on intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) induction in human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by using high-glucose (HG)
      concentrations and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. In HG-induced
      HUVEC cultures, the effects of three different flavonoids on ICAM-1 production
      and p38 phosphorylation were examined in the presence or absence of inhibitors
      targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction
      pathway. HG stimulation of HUVECs increased the levels of the adhesion molecules
      ICAM-1 and endothelial selectin (E-selectin). Pretreatment with all the three
      flavonoids drastically inhibited ICAM-1 expression in a time-dependent manner,
      but did not alter VCAM-1 and E-selectin expressions. Moreover, we investigated
      the effects of flavonoids on the MAPK signal transduction pathway, because MAPK
      families are associated with vascular inflammation under stress. These flavonoids
      did not block HG-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but completely inhibited the HG-induced
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. SB202190, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, also inhibited
      the HG-induced enrichment of ICAM-1. This study demonstrated that hesperidin,
      naringin, and resveratrol reduced the HG-induced ICAM-1 expression via the p38
      MAPK signaling pathway, contributing to the inhibition of monocyte adhesion to
      endothelial cells.

PMID- 22074829
TI  - Lysophosphatidylcholine enhances the suppressive function of human naturally
      occurring regulatory T cells through TGF-beta production.
AB  - Naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (nTregs) play a pivotal role
      in the maintenance of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. To gain insight into
      the mechanism of action of nTregs in pathological and physiological immune
      responses, it is important to analyze bioactive molecules that modulate the
      maintenance and function of nTregs. From a library of bioactive lipids, we
      obtained lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) as a molecule that enhanced the Foxp3
      expression and suppressive function of human nTregs significantly in comparison
      with those of DMSO-treated nTregs (control). The expression levels of TGF-beta1
      mRNA and protein in LPC-treated nTregs were significantly higher than those in
      control nTregs. After treatment with anti-TGF-beta1 antibody, the increases in
      Foxp3 expression and the suppressive properties of LPC-treated nTregs returned to
      the levels observed in control nTregs. These findings indicate that LPC enhances
      Foxp3 expression and the suppressive function of nTregs through TGF-beta1
      produced by nTregs themselves. Experimental knockdown of G2A and GPR4 showed that
      this LPC-induced TGF-beta1 expression in nTregs was due to G2A signaling, and did
      not involve GPR4. Moreover, JNK was a major contributor to LPC-induced TGF-beta1
      expression in nTregs, although LPC activated MAPKs including ERK1/2, p38 MAPK,
      and JNK via G2A. LPC is a bioactive lysolipid highly abundant in the circulation.
      Therefore, LPC may contribute to the maintenance and function of human nTregs in
      vivo.

PMID- 22074830
TI  - Involvement of proton-sensing receptor TDAG8 in the anti-inflammatory actions of
      dexamethasone in peritoneal macrophages.
AB  - Dexamethasone (DEX), a potent glucocorticoid, increased the expression of T-cell
      death associated gene 8 (TDAG8), a proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor,
      which is associated with the enhancement of acidic pH-induced cAMP accumulation,
      in peritoneal macrophages. We explored the role of increased TDAG8 expression in
      the anti-inflammatory actions of DEX. The treatment of macrophages with either
      DEX or acidic pH induced the cell death of macrophages; however, the cell death
      was not affected by TDAG8 deficiency. While DEX inhibited lipopolysaccharide
      induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an inflammatory cytokine,
      which was independent of TDAG8, at neutral pH, the glucocorticoid enhanced the
      acidic pH-induced inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in a
      manner dependent on TDAG8. In conclusion, the DEX-induced increase in TDAG8
      expression is in part involved in the glucocorticoid-induced anti-inflammatory
      actions through the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production under the
      acidic pH environment. On the other hand, the role of TDAG8 in the DEX-induced
      cell death is questionable.

PMID- 22074832
TI  - Mixed dentition space analysis for a northern Italian population: new regression
      equations for unerupted teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine linear regression equations for
      a Northern Italian population to predict mandibular permanent premolars and
      canines widths, and particularly, second premolar widths, using the sum of the
      widths of the four mandibular incisors, canines and first premolars. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Mesiodistal tooth widths were measured from 230 dental casts
      obtained from Northern Italian patients (130 females and 100 males). Student's t
      test or Wilcoxon test for independent and paired samples were used to determine
      right/left side and male/female differences. Correlation coefficients and linear
      regression equations were constructed to evaluate the relationship between 1) the
      combined mesiodistal widths of the permanent mandibular incisors (independent
      variable) and the combined mesiodistal widths of the canine and premolars
      (dependent variable); 2) the combined mesiodistal widths of the incisors, canines
      and first premolars (independent variable) and the widths of the second premolars
      (dependent variable). Significance value was set a priori at 0.05. RESULTS: A
      linear regression equation was found, y=0.585x+7.927 (r=0.734) considering right
      and left sides of mandibular arch together, to predict canines and premolars
      widths. For second premolar width, the linear regression equation was
      y=0.201x+2.149 (r=0.641), even when considering the right and left sides of the
      mandibular arch together. CONCLUSIONS: New regression equations were derived for
      a Northern Italian population.

PMID- 22074833
TI  - Dentition phase and chronological age in relation to gingival crevicular fluid
      alkaline phosphatase activity in growing subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identification of skeletal maturation phases is of primary importance
      in terms of individual responsiveness to nearly all dentofacial orthopaedic
      treatments. In this regard, dentition phase and chronological age are still
      widely used to define the timing of and responsiveness to orthodontic treatments.
      Recently, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has
      been shown to be a reliable biomarker of skeletal maturation in growing subjects.
      Here, for the first time, circumpubertal dentition phases and chronological age
      were evaluated for correlations with GCF ALP activity, as a biomarker of skeletal
      maturation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five healthy growing subjects (51
      females, 34 males; mean age, 11.7+/-2.3 years) were enrolled into this double
      blind, prospective, cross-sectional-design study. Samples of GCF were collected
      from each subject at the mesial and distal sites of both of the central incisors,
      at the maxillary and mandibular arches. Their dentition phases were recorded as
      intermediate mixed, late mixed, or permanent. GCF ALP enzymatic activity was
      determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: The dentition phases showed median
      GCF ALP activities from 42.0 to 67.5 mU/sample. Although these were slightly
      greater for the permanent dentition, no significant differences were seen. Also,
      the chronological age did not correlate significantly with GCF ALP activity, and
      no significant differences were seen between maxillary and mandibular sites in
      any of the comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment for treatment timing of
      dentofacial disharmonies in individual patients that require monitoring of their
      skeletal maturation phases should not rely on their circumpubertal dentition
      phase and chronological age.

PMID- 22074834
TI  - Mesial rotation of upper first molars in Class II division 1 malocclusion in the
      mixed dentition: a controlled blind study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the amount of upper molar rotation in subjects with Class
      II Division 1 malocclusion and subjects with normal occlusion in the intermediate
      and late mixed dentition phases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental cast measurements
      were performed in a sample of 120 Class II Division 1 subjects (CL2 group, 67
      females and 53 males, mean age 9.4+/-1.1 years), and in a sample of 58 Class I
      subjects (CL1 group, 34 females and 24 males, mean age 9.7+/-1.2 years).
      Independent sample t tests were used for statistical comparisons (P<.05).
      RESULTS: The amount of upper molar rotation was significantly greater in CL2
      group when compared with CL1 group as assessed by both the mesial and buccal
      molar cusp angles. No differences were found with regard to upper or lower arch
      depths, or upper intercanine width. CL2 group showed a significant deficiency in
      upper intermolar width along with a significant posterior transverse interarch
      discrepancy when compared with CL1 group. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with Class II
      malocclusion in the mixed dentition present with mesial upper molar rotation in
      about 84% of the cases. The correction of molar rotation may provide between 1
      and 2mm of gain in arch perimeter and of improvement in molar relationships per
      side in 5 out 6 Class II patients.

PMID- 22074835
TI  - Malocclusions and non-nutritive sucking habits: a preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the non-nutritive sucking habits in a sample
      of patients with malocclusions at the Unit of Pediatric Dentistry of the
      "Sapienza", University of Rome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 81 children (average age
      5.9 years) were examined from January to December 2008. All children showed
      typical malocclusions that could be associated with non-nutritive sucking habits
      (pacifier or finger). Increased overjet (OVJ), anterior openbite (OPB), and
      posterior crossbite (CRB) were recorded in this survey. A questionnaire was
      directed to parents. RESULTS: At the first examination 40.4% of pacifier users
      over 24 months were affected by an anterior OPB, 50% by a posterior CRB and 39.4%
      by an increased OVJ. Moreover, 40.4% of the children with finger or thumb sucking
      behavior were affected by an anterior OPB, 29.2% by a posterior CRB, and 42.4% by
      an increased OVJ. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant associations could be
      detected between the non-nutritive sucking habits and the malocclusions. There
      was no difference in type of habit in children who presented an anterior OPB,
      while there was a higher prevalence rate of children with a posterior CRB who had
      sucked the pacifier and of children with increased OVJ who had sucked their
      finger.

PMID- 22074836
TI  - Spontaneous eruption of impacted second molars.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To propose a treatment protocol for the management of impacted second
      molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two equal
      groups (20 patients in each). The patients in the first group underwent a
      surgical removal of the mucosa covering retained teeth; the second group was the
      control group and patients were not treated but only observed. The total number
      of retained teeth considered were 66 (34 in the first group and 32 in the control
      group). A Chi squared test has been performed to compare the prevalence of
      eruption in the two groups. We compared the frequency of eruption for the
      treatment compared to the control group by calculating the risk ratio (RR) and
      95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: Eruption occurred in 32 teeth after
      surgical removal of the mucosa while in the control group only 3 teeth erupted in
      the considered period. The difference between the two groups showed statistically
      significant. Among the non erupted teeth, 20 were positioned with a mesial
      inclination and 12 were positioned vertically. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that
      the removal of the mucosa covering teeth allows in several cases second molars to
      erupt. It's a conservative method which doesn't exclude the possibility of a
      successive different therapy. Therefore it must be considered among the treatment
      options during treatment planning.

PMID- 22074837
TI  - Saliva analysis by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) in orthodontic treatment: first pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: SELDI-TOF-MS (Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of
      Flight Mass Spectrometry) allows the generation of an accurate protein profile
      from minimal amounts of biological samples and may executes proteomic profile of
      saliva. The aim of this work is to compare the proteomic profile of saliva of
      patients in orthodontic treatment to the beginning of treatment and after three
      months by using the surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva was
      collected from 14 patients, between the 11 and 17 years, to the beginning of the
      orthodontic treatment and after three months. Specimens were centrifuged (10 min,
      13000 x g); the Q10 ProteinChips were prepared according to the manufacturer's
      instructions and were loaded with the supernatants. A saturated solution of
      sinapinic acid was used as energy-absorbing matrix. The analysis was performed in
      a m/z range from 2500 to 25000 Da, and the proteomic profiles were compared by a
      specific data analysis software. Saliva (5 mL) was collected by spitting directly
      into a clean 15 mL conical tube. The samples were then aliquotted and stored at 
      80 degrees C until use. RESULTS: Profile of saliva of patients before orthodontic
      treatment present a number of peaks different respect profile of saliva after
      three months of treatment. The average intensities of peaks at m/z 3372, 5232,
      4045 and 10128 were significantly higher after three months then at beginning of
      treatment in the same patients and among these one. The Roc Plot has demonstrated
      high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Many differences were noted in
      salivary proteomic profile obtained using the SELDI-TOF-MS technology in patients
      in orthodontic treatment to beginning and after three months. These data suggest
      that the proteomic analysis of saliva is a promising new tool for a non-invasive
      study of oral mucosa and bone changes.

PMID- 22074838
TI  - An insight into four orthodontic treatment need indices.
AB  - Occlusal indices have been introduced and used to rank or categorize the
      occlusion. According to Dr. William Shaw and colleagues (1995), there are five
      types of occlusal indices, diagnostic, epidemiologic, orthodontic treatment need,
      orthodontic treatment outcome, and treatment complexity indices. Orthodontic
      treatment need indices are used to rank the malocclusion. They were devised to
      minimize the subjectivity associated with the diagnosis, referral and complexity
      assessment of malocclusion. Some are also multifunctional and used to assess the
      outcome of orthodontic treatment. The overall aim of the present article is to
      provide an overview on four commonly used American and European orthodontic
      treatment need indices, review their modifications, advantages, and limitations.
      These indices are the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), the Dental
      Aesthetic Index (DAI), the Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation index (HLD), and
      the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON).

PMID- 22074839
TI  - Psychological aspects of orthodontics in clinical practice. Part one: treatment
      specific variables.
AB  - The orthodontist-patient relationship may have a significant impact on treatment
      outcome and patient satisfaction, thus improving the overall quality of care.
      Effective communication is crucial and unfortunately, it is often underestimated
      in a busy clinical practice. Aim of part one of this article is to review the
      psychological aspects that are relevant to a number of treatment variables in
      clinical orthodontics, including compliance with treatment, oral hygiene,
      management of orthodontic pain and discomfort, and oral habits. Due to the
      complex nature of the psychology of orthodontic treatment, it is difficult to
      determine the extent of the influence that the orthodontist-patient relationship
      may have on these variables, with effective communication and an awareness of the
      psychological issues playing an important role in enhancing the orthodontist
      patient relationship.

PMID- 22074840
TI  - The Herbst appliance updated.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to analyze the evolution that the Herbst appliance has
      experienced in the last 30 years. In particular the different designs proposed
      for the Herbst appliance are examined and the related differences in clinical
      management, indications, and treatment effects are also illustrated. The two
      major challenges in the clinical management of the Herbst appliance are
      represented by the choice of the type of stabilization and by the control of the
      proclination of the lower incisors. The use of acrylic splints presents a set of
      relevant advantages: the construction technique is simple, the appliance can be
      worn easily by the patients, and the height of the splint can be adjusted to the
      growth pattern. Moreover, the acrylic splint Herbst can be used to reposition the
      mandible in cases with temporomandibular disorders. As for the proclination of
      the lower incisors, an accurate assessment of the neuromuscular pattern of the
      individual patient before treatment can provide the clinician with reliable
      criteria to evaluate the risk for incisor proclination during Herbst therapy.

PMID- 22074841
TI  - When should orthodontics be part of reconstruction of a degenerating dentition? A
      case report.
AB  - The present case report aims to describe a typical situation of an adult patient
      seeing her dentist for replacement of a missing tooth, but also requiring
      information regarding the possibilities for a return to the original occlusion as
      perceived by the patient based on family photos. The importance of the
      communication regarding the consequences of blindly following the patient's
      demand for a replacement of a missing tooth compared to the treatment
      possibilities when involving orthodontics is stressed. The significance of
      maintaining a high information level in the undergraduate training regarding
      treatment possibilities is stressed. The logic in dividing the treatment into
      separate phases defined by the solution of specific problems is demonstrated and
      minimizes the chair time as well as the treatment time.

PMID- 22074842
TI  - Interdisciplinary treatment of Class III malocclusion: a case report.
AB  - The case report describes the multidisciplinary treatment of a 25-year-old male
      patient with a Class III malocclusion. Anterior and bilateral posterior
      crossbites were present. To correct the posterior crossbite a surgically assisted
      rapid maxillary expansion was performed. The significant three dimensional
      skeletal discrepancy was solved in a second phase with a surgical advancement of
      the maxilla. Functional and aesthetic occlusion in an improved facial profile was
      achieved with an interdisciplinary treatment that included orthodontic treatment,
      maxillofacial and periodontal surgery, and direct composite restorations.

PMID- 22074843
TI  - Indirect bonding with thermal glue and brackets with positioning jigs.
AB  - In orthodontics the precise location of bracket placement on the teeth is a goal
      in order to individualize and optimize treatment outcome. The authors will
      describe the indirect bonding procedure with thermal glue transfer tray and
      brackets with positioning jigs for precise bracket placement.

PMID- 22074844
TI  - Moderate/severe erectile dysfunction in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate sexual function of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients
      using the Brazilian version of the validated International Index of Erectile
      Function (IIEF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven APS male patients (Sapporo
      criteria) were age and race-matched with 22 healthy controls. Demographic and
      clinical data, drug use and antiphospholipid antibodies were evaluated. The IIEF
      was also self-applied. RESULTS: Mean age (p = 0.114), frequency of Caucasian race
      (p = 1.00) and married status (p = 0.438) were similar in APS and controls. Mean
      disease duration was 8.8 +/- 4.6 years. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was frequently
      observed in APS versus controls (45.5 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.0096), especially
      moderate/severe ED (p = 0.0081). The total IIEF score (49.6 vs. 67.1, p = 0.019),
      erectile function (19.6 vs. 28.1, p = 0.005) and intercourse satisfaction (7.8
      vs. 11.9, p = 0.009) were lower in patients than in controls. No differences were
      seen in orgasmic function (p = 0.114), sexual desire (p = 0.123) or overall
      satisfaction (p = 0.097) between the groups. The comparison between APS patients
      with ED (n = 5) and without ED (n = 6) revealed more arterial events in APS with
      ED (100 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.0152), and also longer disease duration (12 [7-16] vs.
      5.5 [2-13] years, p = 0.031). A trend towards lower venous events (20 vs. 83.3%,
      p = 0.0801) and higher renal thrombotic microangiopathy (60% vs. 0, p = 0.0606)
      was observed in APS patients with ED. Demographics, clinical manifestations,
      smoking and antiphospholipid antibodies positivity were similar in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this was the first study that demonstrated
      moderate/severe ED in almost 50% of cases of a rare autoimmune disease. This
      alteration was linked to arterial events and longer disease duration.

PMID- 22074845
TI  - Antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - The prevalence of autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their
      clinical associations differ between various studies. This study investigated
      antiphospholipid and antinuclear antibodies in 85 patients with multiple
      sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) with regard to their
      association with demographic features, MS specific clinical features and symptoms
      of connective tissue diseases. Autoantibodies tested included antinuclear
      antibodies (ANA) with their specificities and anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta
      2-glycoprotein I (anti-beta2GPI) antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies were more
      prevalent in MS patients than in controls (63.5% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.01) and in 19%
      of patients specific antinuclear antibodies were detected. Anti-beta2GPI IgM
      antibodies were more frequent in MS patients than in the control group (20% vs.
      3.3%; p < 0.05). The frequency of anticardiolipin antibodies did not differ
      between MS patients and controls. MS patients seropositive for ANA and
      extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) had significantly shorter disease duration
      than seronegative patients (p < 0.05) and a lower disability score (Expanded
      Disability Status Score; EDSS) (p < 0.05). Anti-beta2GPI antibodies were more
      frequent in patients with secondary progressive MS (SP-MS) and specific ANA
      antibodies were more frequent in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
      (p < 0.05). The presence of autoantibodies was not associated with the
      predominant site of neurological involvement or the clinical features of
      connective tissue diseases.

PMID- 22074846
TI  - Interspecies interactions that result in Bacillus subtilis forming biofilms are
      mediated mainly by members of its own genus.
AB  - Many different systems of bacterial interactions have been described. However,
      relatively few studies have explored how interactions between different
      microorganisms might influence bacterial development. To explore such
      interspecies interactions, we focused on Bacillus subtilis, which
      characteristically develops into matrix-producing cannibals before entering
      sporulation. We investigated whether organisms from the natural environment of B.
      subtilis--the soil--were able to alter the development of B. subtilis. To test
      this possibility, we developed a coculture microcolony screen in which we used
      fluorescent reporters to identify soil bacteria able to induce matrix production
      in B. subtilis. Most of the bacteria that influence matrix production in B.
      subtilis are members of the genus Bacillus, suggesting that such interactions may
      be predominantly with close relatives. The interactions we observed were mediated
      via two different mechanisms. One resulted in increased expression of matrix
      genes via the activation of a sensor histidine kinase, KinD. The second was
      kinase independent and conceivably functions by altering the relative
      subpopulations of B. subtilis cell types by preferentially killing noncannibals.
      These two mechanisms were grouped according to the inducing strain's relatedness
      to B. subtilis. Our results suggest that bacteria preferentially alter their
      development in response to secreted molecules from closely related bacteria and
      do so using mechanisms that depend on the phylogenetic relatedness of the
      interacting bacteria.

PMID- 22074847
TI  - Structural basis for interaction between the conserved cell polarity proteins
      Inscuteable and Leu-Gly-Asn repeat-enriched protein (LGN).
AB  - Interaction between the mammalian cell polarity proteins mInsc (mammalian
      homologue of Inscuteable) and Leu-Gly-Asn repeat-enriched protein (LGN), as well
      as that between their respective Drosophila homologues Inscuteable and Partner of
      Inscuteable (Pins), plays crucial roles in mitotic spindle orientation, a process
      contributing to asymmetric cell division. Here, we report a crystal structure of
      the LGN-binding domain (LBD) of human mInsc complexed with the N-terminal
      tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs of human LGN at 2.6-A resolution. In the
      complex, mInsc-LBD adopts an elongated structure with three binding modules--an
      alpha-helix, an extended region, and a beta-sheet connected with a loop--that
      runs antiparallel to LGN along the concave surface of the superhelix formed by
      the TPRs. Structural analysis and structure-based mutagenesis define residues
      that are critical for mInsc-LGN association, and reveal that the activator of G
      protein signaling 3 (AGS3)-binding protein Frmpd1 [4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin
      (FERM) and PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain-containing protein 1] and its relative
      Frmpd4 interact with LGN via a region homologous to a part of mInsc-LBD, whereas
      nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA) and the C terminus of LGN recognize the
      TPR domain in a manner different from that by mInsc. mInsc binds to LGN with the
      highest affinity (K(D) ~ 2.4 nM) and effectively replaces the Frmpd proteins,
      NuMA, and the LGN C terminus, suggesting the priority of mInsc in binding to LGN.
      We also demonstrate, using mutant proteins, that mInsc-LGN interaction is vital
      for stabilization of LGN and for intracellular localization of mInsc.

PMID- 22074848
TI  - Integration of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry in blood culture diagnostics: a fast and effective approach.
AB  - Sepsis is a major cause of mortality in hospitalized patients worldwide, with
      lethality rates ranging from 30 to 70 %. Sepsis is caused by a variety of
      different pathogens, and rapid diagnosis is of outstanding importance, as early
      and adequate antimicrobial therapy correlates with positive clinical outcome. In
      recent years, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI
      TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) fingerprinting has become a powerful tool in
      microbiological diagnostics. The direct identification of micro-organisms in a
      positive blood culture by MALDI-TOF MS can shorten the diagnostic procedure
      significantly. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether
      identification rates could be improved by using the new Sepsityper kit from
      Bruker Daltonics for direct isolation and identification of bacteria from
      positive blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS compared with the use of conventional
      separator gel columns, and to integrate the MALDI-TOF MS-based identification
      method into the routine course of blood culture diagnostics in the setting of a
      microbiological laboratory at a university hospital in Germany. The
      identification of Gram-negative bacteria by MALDI-TOF MS was significantly better
      using the Sepsityper kit compared with a separator gel tube-based method (99 and
      68 % correct identification, respectively). For Gram-positive bacteria, only 73 %
      were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF with the Sepsityper kit and 59 % with the
      separator gel tube assay. A major problem of both methods was the poor
      identification of Gram-positive grape-like clustered cocci. As differentiation of
      Staphylococcus aureus from coagulase-negative staphylococci is of clinical
      importance, a PCR was additionally established that was capable of identifying S.
      aureus directly from positive blood cultures, thus closing this diagnostic gap.
      Another benefit of the PCR approach is the possibility of directly detecting the
      genes responsible for meticillin resistance in staphylococci and for vancomycin
      resistance in enterococci, which is of high importance for early adequate
      treatment. Both of the described methods were finally integrated into a protocol
      for fast and effective identification of bacteria from positive blood cultures.

PMID- 22074849
TI  - Streptococcus constellatus-associated pyoderma in a dog.
AB  - This report describes a case of chronic and deep pyodermitis in a 4-year-old male
      dog with a 3-month skin problems history that had been treated unsuccessfully
      with fluoroquinolone therapy, prescribed by a private medical veterinary
      practice, without an early diagnosis. Microbiological examination and
      antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed in our laboratory (Faculty of
      Veterinary Medicine) and a diagnosis of Streptococcus constellatus-associated
      pyoderma in the dog was made. A new antimicrobial treatment, with tetracyclines,
      was designed after the definitive diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility
      testing performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The dog remained free
      of clinical illness at completion of therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first
      case of a canine pyoderma caused by S. constellatus, a commensal organism which
      may also cause pyogenic infections. Furthermore, this study confirms that a
      fluoroquinolone represents a poor empirical choice for initial therapy of canine
      pyoderma.

PMID- 22074850
TI  - Influence of capsule size on the in vitro activity of antifungal agents against
      clinical Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii strains.
AB  - Cryptococcosis causes disseminated disease in AIDS patients. In contrast to what
      occurs in laboratory conditions, a large capsule is produced by Cryptococcus
      neoformans in vivo during infection. The aim of this study was to compare the in
      vitro activity of different antifungal agents against 34 clinical isolates of C.
      neoformans var. grubii without or with capsule induction (CLSI, CLSI-C,
      respectively), following the CLSI M27A3 document. Capsule induction was obtained
      by addition of NaHCO(3) and incubation with CO(2). The geometric means of the
      MICs, in ug ml(-1), for CLSI and CLSI-C cultures, respectively, were 1.9 and 9.8
      for fluconazole; 0.04 and 0.08 for itraconazole; 0.04 and 0.05 for voriconazole;
      0.16 and 0.38 for amphotericin B; and 1.6 and 5.6 for 5-flucytosine. Thus
      fluconazole showed the highest MICs after capsule induction. Determination of
      antifungal activity after capsule induction may be clinically relevant and could
      be used to evaluate the correlation between in vitro results and clinical
      outcome.

PMID- 22074851
TI  - Functional outcomes of multi-condition collaborative care and successful ageing:
      results of randomised trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of integrated care for chronic physical
      diseases and depression in reducing disability and improving quality of life.
      DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial of multi-condition collaborative care for
      depression and poorly controlled diabetes and/or risk factors for coronary heart
      disease compared with usual care among middle aged and elderly people SETTING:
      Fourteen primary care clinics in Seattle, Washington. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with
      diabetes or coronary heart disease, or both, and blood pressure above 140/90 mm
      Hg, low density lipoprotein concentration >3.37 mmol/L, or glycated haemoglobin
      8.5% or higher, and PHQ-9 depression scores of >= 10. INTERVENTION: A 12 month
      intervention to improve depression, glycaemic control, blood pressure, and lipid
      control by integrating a "treat to target" programme for diabetes and risk
      factors for coronary heart disease with collaborative care for depression. The
      intervention combined self management support, monitoring of disease control, and
      pharmacotherapy to control depression, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and
      hyperlipidaemia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Social role disability (Sheehan
      disability scale), global quality of life rating, and World Health Organization
      disability assessment schedule (WHODAS-2) scales to measure disabilities in
      activities of daily living (mobility, self care, household maintenance). RESULTS:
      Of 214 patients enrolled (106 intervention and 108 usual care), disability and
      quality of life measures were obtained for 97 intervention patients at six months
      (92%) and 92 at 12 months (87%), and for 96 usual care patients at six months
      (89%) and 92 at 12 months (85%). Improvements from baseline on the Sheehan
      disability scale (-0.9, 95% confidence interval -1.5 to -0.2; P = 0.006) and
      global quality of life rating (0.7, 0.2 to 1.2; P = 0.005) were significantly
      greater at six and 12 months in patients in the intervention group. There was a
      trend toward greater improvement in disabilities in activities of daily living (
      1.5, -3.3 to 0.4; P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Integrated care that covers chronic
      physical disease and comorbid depression can reduce social role disability and
      enhance global quality of life. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT00468676.

PMID- 22074852
TI  - Dietary fibre, whole grains, and risk of colorectal cancer: systematic review and
      dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between intake of dietary fibre and
      whole grains and risk of colorectal cancer. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta
      analysis of prospective observational studies. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and several
      other databases up to December 2010 and the reference lists of studies included
      in the analysis as well as those listed in published meta-analyses. STUDY
      SELECTION: Prospective cohort and nested case-control studies of dietary fibre or
      whole grain intake and incidence of colorectal cancer. RESULTS: 25 prospective
      studies were included in the analysis. The summary relative risk of developing
      colorectal cancer for 10 g daily of total dietary fibre (16 studies) was 0.90
      (95% confidence interval 0.86 to 0.94, I(2) = 0%), for fruit fibre (n = 9) was
      0.93 (0.82 to 1.05, I(2) = 23%), for vegetable fibre (n = 9) was 0.98 (0.91 to
      1.06, I(2) = 0%), for legume fibre (n = 4) was 0.62 (0.27 to 1.42, I(2) = 58%),
      and for cereal fibre (n = 8) was 0.90 (0.83 to 0.97, I(2) = 0%). The summary
      relative risk for an increment of three servings daily of whole grains (n = 6)
      was 0.83 (0.78 to 0.89, I(2) = 18%). CONCLUSION: A high intake of dietary fibre,
      in particular cereal fibre and whole grains, was associated with a reduced risk
      of colorectal cancer. Further studies should report more detailed results,
      including those for subtypes of fibre and be stratified by other risk factors to
      rule out residual confounding. Further assessment of the impact of measurement
      errors on the risk estimates is also warranted.

PMID- 22074853
TI  - Promoting successful ageing through integrated care.

PMID- 22074854
TI  - Fibre and prevention of chronic diseases.

PMID- 22074855
TI  - Influences of two antibiotic contaminants on the production, release and toxicity
      of microcystins.
AB  - The influences of spiramycin and amoxicillin on the algal growth, production and
      release of target microcystins (MCs), MC-LR, MC-RR and MC-YR, in Microcystis
      aeruginosa were investigated through the seven-day exposure test. Spiramycin were
      more toxic to M. aeruginosa than amoxicillin according to their 50 percent
      effective concentrations (EC(50)) in algal growth, which were 1.15 and 8.03
      MUg/l, respectively. At environmentally relevant concentrations of 100 ng/l-1
      MUg/l, spiramycin reduced the total MC content per algal cell and inhibited the
      algal growth, while exposure to amoxicillin led to increases in the total MC
      content per algal cell and the percentage of extracellular MCs, without affecting
      the algal growth. Toxicity of MCs in combination with each antibiotic was
      assessed in the luminescent bacteria test using the toxic unit (TU) approach. The
      50 percent effective concentrations for the mixtures (EC(50mix)) were 0.56 TU and
      0.48 TU for MCs in combination with spiramycin and amoxicillin, respectively,
      indicating a synergistic interaction between MCs and each antibiotic
      (EC(50mix)<1TU). After seven-day exposure to 100 ng/l-1 MUg/l of antibiotics,
      spiramycin-treated algal media and amoxicillin-treated algal media showed
      significantly lower (p<0.05) and higher (p<0.05) inhibition on the luminescence
      of Photobacterium phosphoreum, respectively, compared with the untreated algal
      medium. These results indicated that the toxicity of MCs were alleviated by
      spiramycin and enhanced by amoxicillin, and the latter effect would increase
      threats to the aquatic environment.

PMID- 22074856
TI  - Selenite induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via AKT-mediated inhibition
      of beta-catenin survival axis.
AB  - Mounting evidence reveals that selenium possesses chemotherapeutic potential
      against cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti
      cancer effect of selenium remain elusive. In this study, with the aim to explore
      the detailed mechanisms how selenite induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer
      cells, we investigated the role of AKT/beta-catenin signaling, a critical
      regulator of cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenesis, in selenite-induced
      apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells and xenograft tumors. We showed that
      selenite exerted a remarkable inhibitory effect on activation of AKT, leading to
      suppression of beta-catenin activity and expression of its targets: cyclin D1 and
      survivin. Further experiments by transient expression of AKT and beta-catenin
      revealed that inhibition of AKT/beta-catenin was closely correlated with selenite
      triggered apoptosis. Importantly, MnTMPyP pretreatment implied reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) was a crucial upstream signal for selenite-triggered inhibition of
      AKT/beta-catenin. Overall, these observations demonstrate that selenite could
      induce apoptosis through ROS-dependent inhibition of AKT/beta-catenin signaling
      in colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and our findings yield novel
      insights into elucidating the mechanisms involved in the anti-cancer effect of
      selenium.

PMID- 22074857
TI  - Ostrich--a new avian host of Riemerella columbina.

PMID- 22074858
TI  - Comparative sequence analysis of poxvirus A32 gene encoded ATPase protein and
      carboxyl terminal heterogeneity of Indian orf viruses.
AB  - Thirteen orf virus (ORFV) isolates from natural outbreaks in sheep and goats
      belonging to different geographical regions of India were analysed on the basis
      of ORF108 (a homologue of poxviral A32 gene), which is known to encode for ATPase
      and involved in virion DNA packaging. Comparative sequence analysis of ATPase
      proteins revealed highly conserved N-terminal region with five different motifs
      [Walker A, Walker B, A32L specific motifs (III and IV) and a novel AYDG (motif
      V)] among all poxviruses and divergent carboxyl terminus with either single or
      double RGD sequences among all Indian ORFV isolates. A homology model and
      secondary structure predictions of N-terminal region of ORFV A32 revealed that
      most of the poxviruses including ORFV ATPase protein belong to a distinct clade
      of the HerA/FtsK super family of DNA packaging proteins. Despite differences in
      host cell specificity and poxvirus infections among animals, DNA packaging motor
      domain of poxviruses presumed to share remarkable similarities as indicated by
      the presence of conserved ATPase motifs in the present investigation. The study
      also indicated the circulation of heterogeneous strains of ORFV in India and
      possibilities of differentiation of ORFV strains based on C-terminal
      heterogeneity.

PMID- 22074859
TI  - Primary isolation of Mycobacterium bovis from bovine tissues: conditions for
      maximising the number of positive cultures.
AB  - In studies of Mycobacterium bovis infection in animals a definitive diagnosis
      requires the isolation of the organism. However, the optimum conditions for the
      primary isolation of M. bovis have not been determined. The aim of this study was
      to determine for primary isolation of M. bovis, (a) the incubation time required
      to achieve maximum sensitivity (i.e., the number of positive samples identified),
      (b) the effect of decontaminants on bacterial growth rates, and (c) the influence
      of media and the number of slopes of media on the number of positive samples
      detected. Two agar-based media, modified Middlebrook 7H11 (7H11) and tuberculosis
      blood agar (B83), and an egg-based medium, Stonebrink's (SB) were compared. Three
      decontaminants, 2% (w/v) sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 0.75% (w/v) and 0.075% (w/v)
      cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC, also called hexadecylpyridinium chloride, HPC) and
      0.5% (w/v) benzalkonium chloride (BC) were evaluated against treatment with
      sterile distilled water. The inoculated media slopes were incubated for up to 15
      weeks. Colonies first appeared after 2 weeks on all media types and 75% of
      positive slopes were identified by 8 weeks. An incubation time of 15 weeks was
      required to identify all positive samples. The slowest growth was associated with
      inocula that contained the fewest viable bacilli. The time to the appearance of
      colonies was influenced by medium type: the median time to detection of colonies
      was 28 days on 7H11 and B83, and 36 days on SB. However, SB returned the greatest
      number of positive samples. Decontamination procedures increased the minimum
      incubation time required to detect positive cultures, probably due to the toxic
      effect of the decontaminants. Increasing the number of inoculated slopes resulted
      in an increased number of positive samples and a decreased time to the detection
      of colonies. Overall, the detection of M. bovis was significantly influenced by
      the choice of media, the decontaminant and the duration of incubation of
      cultures.

PMID- 22074861
TI  - Floating between the poles of pathology and protection: can we pin down the
      granuloma in tuberculosis?
AB  - The granuloma in tuberculosis (TB), referred to as the tubercle, is a lesion
      containing multiple cell types and is the one definite hallmark of this disease.
      A number of tubercle phenotypes are seen during infection yet how these
      contribute to development of TB remains unclear. Here we highlight recent results
      using diverse models of tubercle development as well as recent findings from
      studies of human TB in an attempt to illustrate the plasticity of the tubercle
      and to place it between the poles of pathology and protection. Such insights
      could lead to future interventions to address TB as a global health issue.

PMID- 22074860
TI  - Porcine IPEC-J2 intestinal epithelial cells in microbiological investigations.
AB  - IPEC-J2 cells are porcine intestinal columnar epithelial cells that were isolated
      from neonatal piglet mid-jejunum. This cell line forms polarized monolayers with
      high transepithelial electrical resistance when cultured on 0.4 MUm pore-size
      filters. The cell line is unique in that it is derived from small intestinal
      tissue (compared to the common human colon-derived lines HT-29, T84, and Caco-2)
      and is not transformed (compared to the porcine small intestinal line, IPI-2I).
      Porcine intestinal epithelial cells more closely mimic human physiology than
      analogous rodent cell lines (e.g. IEC-6 or IEC-18), which is important in studies
      of zoonotic infections; in addition, they provide specificity to study porcine
      derived infections. IPEC-J2 cells are increasingly being used in microbiological
      studies to examine the interactions of various animal and human pathogens,
      including Salmonella enterica and pathogenic Escherichia coli, with intestinal
      epithelial cells. The IPEC-J2 cell line has also been employed in some probiotic
      studies, in which the cells have been used as an initial screening tool for
      adhesiveness and anti-inflammatory properties of the potential probiotic
      microorganisms. The validity of these studies is not clear as follow-up studies
      to assess the efficacy of the probiotics in vivo have not been published to date.
      The aims of this review are to provide a comprehensive overview of the
      microbiological studies that have been conducted with IPEC-J2 cells and a
      reference guide of key cellular and immune markers that have been identified in
      this cell line that may prove to be useful in future studies.

PMID- 22074862
TI  - Diversity in the realm of eukaryotic microbe form and function.

PMID- 22074863
TI  - N-acetyltransferase 2 polymorphisms, tobacco smoking, and breast cancer risk in
      the breast and prostate cancer cohort consortium.
AB  - Common polymorphisms in the N-acetyltransferase 2 gene (NAT2) modify the
      association between cigarette smoking and bladder cancer and have been
      hypothesized to determine whether active cigarette smoking increases breast
      cancer risk. The authors sought to replicate the latter hypothesis in a
      prospective analysis of 6,900 breast cancer cases and 9,903 matched controls
      drawn from 6 cohorts (1989-2006) in the National Cancer Institute's Breast and
      Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium. Standardized methods were used to genotype the
      3 most common polymorphisms that define NAT2 acetylation phenotype (rs1799930,
      rs1799931, and rs1801280). In unconditional logistic regression analyses, breast
      cancer risk was higher in women with more than 20 pack-years of active cigarette
      smoking than in never smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.28, 95% confidence interval
      (CI): 1.17, 1.39), after controlling for established risk factors other than
      alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. However, associations were similar
      for the slow (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.39) and rapid/intermediate (OR = 1.24,
      95% CI: 1.08, 1.42) acetylation phenotypes, with no evidence of interaction (P =
      0.87). These results provide some support for the hypothesis that long-term
      cigarette smoking may be causally associated with breast cancer risk but
      underscore the need for caution when interpreting sparse data on gene-environment
      interactions.

PMID- 22074864
TI  - Occipital condylar fractures in children: rare or underdiagnosed?
AB  - A 6-year-old female is described who sustained a fracture of the left occipital
      condyle after colliding with a car at low speed. The fracture was only visible on
      thin-slice CT of the neck, which is not routinely recommended in children
      following a road traffic accident. Fractures of the occipitoantlantoaxial complex
      are difficult to diagnose by plain radiography, and awareness of this problem
      needs to be raised among clinicians treating children.

PMID- 22074865
TI  - The lingual lymph node identified as a sentinel node on CT lymphography in a
      patient with cN0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
AB  - We performed CT lymphography on an 81-year-old female patient with a
      histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue with no clinical
      or radiological evidence of cervical lymph node involvement. The lateral lingual
      lymph node was identified as a sentinel node, which is the first lymph node to
      receive drainage from a primary tumour. CT lymphography also showed draining
      lymphatics passing through the sublingual space, the medial side of the
      submandibular gland and near the hyoid bone and connected with the middle
      internal jugular node. Although metastasis to the lateral lingual lymph node is
      known as one of the crucial events in determining survival outcome in cancer of
      the tongue and floor of the mouth, very few reports are available on the imaging
      of the lateral lingual lymph node metastasis. This is the first report regarding
      the lateral lingual lymph node identified as a sentinel node demonstrated on CT
      lymphography.

PMID- 22074866
TI  - Digital subtraction radiography evaluation of longitudinal bone density changes
      around immediate loading implants: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess longitudinal quantitative changes
      in bone density around different implant loading protocols and implant surfaces
      measured by digital subtraction radiography (DSR). METHODS: 12 patients received
      bilateral homologous standard and TiUnite(r) (Nobel Biocare, Kloten, Switzerland)
      single-tooth implants under 2 implant-loading protocols: immediate loading (8
      patients, 16 implants, 12 maxillary) and conventional loading (4 patients, 8
      implants, 4 maxillary). Standardized periapical radiographs were taken
      immediately after implant placement (baseline image) and at the 3-month, 6-month
      and 12-month follow ups. Radiographic images were digitized and submitted to
      digital subtraction using the DSR system(r) (Electro Medical System, Nyon,
      Switzerland), resulting in three subtracted images. Quantitative analysis of bone
      density was performed using Image Tool(r) software (University of Texas Health
      Science Centre, San Antonio, TX) to assess pixel value changes in five areas
      around the implants (crestal, subcrestal, medial third, apical-lateral and
      apical). RESULTS: Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that grey levels
      were significantly influenced by follow-up time and implant-loading protocol. A
      linear increase in grey levels was found for immediate loading (IML) implants and
      a significant decrease in grey levels was observed in the 12-month follow up for
      conventional loading implants. No effect of implant surface treatment was
      observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, IML protocol induced mineral bone gain
      around single-tooth implants after the first year under function for cases with
      favourable bone conditions.

PMID- 22074867
TI  - Imaging findings of neurogenic tumours in the head and neck region.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the CT, MRI and ultrasonography
      findings of five cases of neurogenic tumours in the head and neck region.
      METHODS: Five neurogenic tumours were analysed with respect to their CT value,
      the presence of cystic change, target sign, lobulation, connection to the nerve
      and vascularity. RESULTS: The contrast-enhanced CT (ECT) of the schwannomas
      demonstrated either a mass with low enhancement (two out of three cases), which
      reflected the predominant Antoni B components, or a mass with cystic changes,
      which was an Antoni A-based schwannoma displaying cystic changes (one out of
      three cases). On MRI, all tumours showed homogeneous and isointense signals for
      muscle on T1 weighted images (T1 WIs). T2 weighted images (T2 WIs) and gadolinium
      (Gd)-enhanced T1 WIs demonstrated target sign in both schwannomas. Ultrasound
      examination showed a well-defined, ovoid or round hypoechoic mass. The direct
      connection to the nerve was demonstrated in two of the five cases. Lobulation was
      observed in only one of the five cases and cystic changes were observed in one of
      the five cases. In all of the cases, no vascularity was seen in power Doppler
      images (PDIs) obtained percutaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Low-enhanced areas on ECTs
      can be specific for schwannomas, which suggests the predominance of Antoni B
      components. The target sign on T2 WIs and Gd-enhanced T1 WIs can be specific,
      which can be used to differentiate the two different components (Antoni A and
      Antoni B). The direct connection to the nerve can be a specific finding for
      neurogenic tumours; however, at present the sensitivity is 40%.

PMID- 22074868
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of proximal enamel subsurface demineralization and its
      relationship with calcium loss and lesion depth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the
      amount of calcium loss, lesion depth, and the accuracy of storage phosphor plate
      (SPP) and film radiographs for the detection of artificial proximal
      demineralization. METHODS: Standard enamel windows of extracted premolars were
      exposed to a demineralizing solution for 60 h, 80 h, 100 h and 120 h. Solutions
      were analysed for calcium concentration by atomic absorption spectrometer and the
      lesion depths were calculated by a specific formula. All teeth were radiographed
      with SPPs and F-speed films before and after acid application. Images were
      evaluated by five observers. Stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic
      (SEM) observations were carried out to visualize enamel surfaces after acid
      exposure. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used for diagnostic
      accuracy (A(z)). A(z)s were compared with factorial analysis of variance and t
      tests. The relationship between A(z)s and lesion depths was determined with
      Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: Strong positive correlation was found
      between A(z)s of both radiographic methods and lesion depths. No difference was
      found between the A(z)s of two radiographic systems for any of the
      demineralization durations (p > 0.05). Pair-wise comparisons revealed no
      significant difference in A(z)s of SPPs (p > 0.05), while significant differences
      were obtained for the A(z)s of films for different demineralization periods (p <
      0.05). Stereomicroscopic and SEM observations confirmed demineralizations from
      superficial to deeper layers of enamel. CONCLUSION: Subsurface enamel
      demineralization was not accurately detectable with either storage phosphor
      plates or F-speed films. The amount of calcium loss and the depth of
      demineralization have a strong relationship with diagnostic accuracy with a
      significant effect particularly on F-speed films.

PMID- 22074869
TI  - Radiographic evaluation on prevalence of Stafne bone defect: a study from two
      centres in Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of Stafne bone
      defect (SBD) and to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of
      detected cases. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using panoramic
      radiographs from 34 221 patients undergoing dental treatment in the Department of
      Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Erciyes University and Ataturk University,
      Turkey. After finding an image compatible with SBD in the radiographs, multislice
      CT (MSCT) on seven patients and cone beam CT (CBCT) on six patients were
      performed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 34 221 patients, 29 (0.08 %)
      had SBDs, of whom 4 were female (13.8%) and 25 were male (86.2 %). The age range
      of patients with SBD was 18-77 years (mean age 49.6 years). SBD was found in the
      lingual molar region in 28 patients and in the lingual canine-premolar region of
      the mandible in 1 patient. The contour of the concavities on CT images (MSCT and
      CBCT) was detected. The MSCT revealed glandular tissue within the defects.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, SBD is an uncommon anomaly. Examination of
      MSCT images supports the presence of aberrant submandibular glands within these
      mandibular defects, suggesting that pressure from submandibular gland tissue had
      caused the SBD, as generally thought. Both CBCT and MSCT can provide adequate
      support for the detection of SBDs. The CBCT could be suggested as the most
      suitable non-invasive diagnostic modality for this bony configuration of the
      mandible since it provides a lower radiation exposure dose than MSCT.

PMID- 22074870
TI  - Osteosarcoma of the jaws: demographic and CT imaging features.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient demographic and CT
      imaging findings of primary osteosarcoma of the jaws. METHODS: 88 primary
      osteosarcomas of the jaws histopathologically diagnosed during 1997-2007 were
      reviewed. 21 cases of CT images were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 88 patients, 51 (58%)
      had tumours in the mandible and 37 (42%) in the maxilla. The mean age was 37.8
      years (range 9-80 years). The male-to-female ratio was 1.32:1. The mean age of
      patients with mandibular lesions was 41.04 years and in those with maxillary
      lesions it was 33.3 years. CT imaging findings were available in 21 patients. In
      the maxilla (n = 9), all tumours (100%) arose from the alveolar ridge. In the
      mandible (n = 12), most tumours (9 cases, 75%), arose from the ramus and/or
      condyle. All except two lesions had the epicentrum within the medullary cavity of
      the involved bone. The presence of periosteal reaction was demonstrated in 13
      cases (62%). Soft-tissue extension was present in 18 lesions (86%), with
      calcification identified in 13 (72%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides age, sex
      distribution, location and CT imaging features of primary osteosarcoma of the
      jaws.

PMID- 22074871
TI  - CT findings of necrotizing sialometaplasia.
AB  - An otherwise healthy 56-year-old Caucasian female was referred to the radiology
      department because of an ulceration of her palatal mucosa. Clinically the lesion
      was suspected to be malignant and a multislice CT examination of the head and
      neck region was performed. This revealed an ulcer-like cavity with no tumour-like
      contrast enhancement. No relevant bone changes or suspicious lymph nodes of the
      neck were detected. Based on the multislice CT findings, necrotizing
      sialometaplasia was suspected and the diagnosis was verified histopathologically.
      This report describes the CT findings of necrotizing sialometaplasia at the
      ulceration stage.

PMID- 22074872
TI  - Tuberculous osteomyelitis of mandibular condyle: a diagnostic dilemma.
AB  - The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is increasing worldwide and so are its
      consequences. Its oral manifestations are infrequent, occurring in approximately
      3% of all cases. Although the primary lesion occurs as a pulmonary infection, the
      extrapulmonary infections have also shown an increase over the past few years.
      These infections generally involve the head and neck through haematogenous or
      lymphatic routes. The clinical presentation may be as an ulcer, granuloma,
      orofacial TB, TB of the salivary glands or tuberculous lymphadenitis. Rarely,
      secondary oral manifestations associated with pulmonary infection are seen, which
      can appear as lesions on the gingiva, palate, lips, tongue, buccal mucosa,
      frenulum and in the jaw bones. Owing to the rarity of orofacial TB, it seldom
      arouses clinical suspicion, especially when a positive history of a systemic
      infection or therapy is denied. Tuberculous involvement of the mandibular condyle
      is even rarer, and only two such cases are reported so far, both in English
      language literature. Further, the diagnosis of such a case is extremely difficult
      as there are no specific signs pathogonomic of infection. The only manifestation
      may be a localized painful swelling of the jaw. The presented case is of
      osteomyelitis of the mandibular condyle in a 20-year-old male patient in whom TB
      was later suspected. In this case report the role of diagnostic techniques is
      emphasized as the osteomyelitis of the condyle has the risk of being easily
      missed owing to its atypical signs and symptoms and atypical radiographic
      appearance.

PMID- 22074873
TI  - Radiological examination of the articular eminence morphology using cone beam CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the articular
      eminence inclination and height according to age and gender in patients with
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and healthy controls using cone beam CT
      (CBCT). METHODS: The measurements were performed on CBCT records of 52 TMJ
      dysfunction patients (11 males and 41 females) and 41 control patients (17 males
      and 24 females). The eminence inclination and height were measured on the CBCT
      images. RESULTS: The eminence inclination and height values were higher in males
      than in females in both TMJ dysfunction patient and control groups; however,
      these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). While no
      statistically significant differences were found in the eminence inclination and
      height values between the age groups (p>0.05) in the TMJ dysfunction patient
      group, there were statistically significant differences in the control group. The
      eminence inclination was highest between the ages of 21 and 30 years and showed a
      decrease after the age of 30 years. Additionally, the eminence inclinations of
      the control patients were statistically higher than those of the TMJ dysfunction
      patients. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in
      eminence inclination and height according to gender. The eminence inclination
      reaches its highest value between the ages of 21 and 30 years and shows a
      decrease after the age of 31 years in healthy patients. The eminence inclination
      was steeper in healthy control patients than in patients with TMJ dysfunction.

PMID- 22074874
TI  - CT findings in two cases of lobular capillary haemangioma of the nasal cavity:
      focusing on the enhancement pattern.
AB  - Lobular capillary haemangioma, known as pyogenic granuloma, is a relatively
      common benign vascular neoplasm that is composed of hyperplastic clusters of
      capillaries arranged in a lobular architectural pattern. Most mucosal lobular
      capillary haemangioma (LCH) of the head and neck arise in the oral cavity, but
      the nasal cavity involvement is rare. We report here on the CT imaging findings
      of two cases of LCH involving the nasal cavity, with an emphasis being placed on
      the different pattern of enhancement of the tumour on the enhanced CT scans.

PMID- 22074875
TI  - Multiple nodular fasciitis in the mandibular border area which is misdiagnosed as
      metastatic lymph node.
AB  - Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign lesion that has proliferative fibroblasts and
      myofibroblasts. NF is similar to a tumour and has infiltrative properties. We
      describe a rare case of multiple nodular fasciitis occurring in the mandibular
      border area of a 51-year-old male. Radiological and histological features are
      discussed along with a brief review of the literature. In addition, the
      importance of a differential diagnosis for this lesion is also discussed.

PMID- 22074876
TI  - A multilocular radiolucency with spindle cell proliferation in a case of
      ossifying fibroma: a potential pitfall.
AB  - Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign tumour characterized by cementum or bone
      formation accompanied by a fibrocellular stroma. The diagnosis of OF may be
      apparent when the histological features are supported by clinical and
      radiological information. In this report, an OF with predominantly spindle cell
      proliferation and purely radiolucent, multilocular lesion in a middle-aged woman
      is presented.

PMID- 22074877
TI  - The importance of cone beam CT in the radiological detection of osteomalacia.
AB  - Although osteomalacia is one of the most common osteometabolic diseases among the
      elderly, there is no case in the literature that presents the effects of
      osteomalacia in detail using cone beam CT (CBCT). While thin and porous bones are
      the most common radiographic sign of the disease, the radiological hallmarks are
      pseudofractures (Looser's zone). We coincidentally detected osteomalacia in a 23
      year-old female and we showed the pseudofracture on CBCT images. In the present
      case, we aim to present the images of osteomalacia that were detected by CBCT in
      detail. CBCT has an important value in screening for osteomalacia.

PMID- 22074878
TI  - Pre-operative diagnostic radiograph interpretation by general dental
      practitioners for root canal treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate which radicular radiographic
      features general dentists want to interpret, determine which of the radicular
      radiographic features general dentists interpret and which ones they miss in a
      diagnostic radiograph and correlate how accurately general dentists are able to
      interpret radiographic features. METHODS: 20 general dental practitioners were
      selected and given 2 sets of questionnaires. The first set asked them to fill out
      the findings they would elucidate in a diagnostic radiograph while the second set
      consisted of 30 randomly selected intraoral radiographs to interpret. RESULTS: In
      the first set of questionnaires, more than 50% of dentists said they would
      interpret periapical changes, calcification, root curvature and the number of
      root canals. Less than 50% said they would interpret canal morphology, open apex,
      resorption, fracture, number of roots and lamina dura. In the second set of
      questionnaires, more than 90% missed grade 1 or 2 periapical changes (according
      to periapical index scoring), resorption and canal calcification. More than 80%
      of dentists missed extra roots and root curvature buccally while no dentists were
      able to interpret the periodontal ligament width changes, lamina dura and canal
      variation (C-shape). Using a paired t-test, there was significant variation in
      answers between the first set and second set of questionnaires. CONCLUSION: It is
      concluded from this study that general dental practitioners are able to detect
      radiographic changes when they are extensive but they miss periodontal ligament
      width and lamina dura changes.

PMID- 22074879
TI  - [West Nile fever/encephalitis: re-emergence in Europe and the situation in
      Spain].
AB  - Some arbovirosis have increased their incidence and geographic range in the past
      few years. This phenomenon has been particularly noticeable in the case of West
      Nile fever/encephalitis. This disease did not receive much attention until
      serious outbreaks occurred in Romania, Russia and Israel between 1996 and 1999.
      But the event drawing an unprecedented attention to this disease was its
      occurrence in New York in 1999. Since then its incidence and geographic range has
      not ceased to grow. In America it has extended from coast to coast and from
      Canada to Argentina. In Europe, the disease incidence has increased in areas
      where it had already been reported, and, recently, affected other areas where it
      had never been observed before. The present article is a review on the virus, the
      disease, and its situation in Europe, with special reference to Spain, where in
      2010 human and veterinary cases were reported.

PMID- 22074880
TI  - Diverse rare lipid-related metabolites including omega-7 and omega-9
      alkenylitaconic acids (ceriporic acids) secreted by a selective white rot fungus,
      Ceriporiopsis subvermispora.
AB  - Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is a selective white-rot fungus that secretes
      alk(en)ylitaconic acids named ceriporic acids, known as ion redox silencers. In
      this study, we analysed a series of extracellular lipid-related metabolites
      produced by the fungus and found that a wide variety of ceriporic acids and fatty
      acids, including those with odd-numbered and very long-chains, were produced in
      wood meal cultures. Two new ceriporic acids, (R)-3-[(Z)-tetradec-7-enyl]-itaconic
      acid (ceriporic acid E) and (R)-3-[(Z)-tetradec-5-enyl]-itaconic acid (ceriporic
      acid F), were for the first time identified by dimethyl disulfide derivatisation,
      followed by GC/EI-MS, (1)H and homonuclear J-resolved 2D NMR and feeding
      experiments with [(13)C-U] glucose coupled with multiple-stage mass spectrometry.
      In separation by GC and LC, a reversed correlation of elution sequences between a
      nonpolar GC column and an ODS-LC column for cis and trans isomers of omega7 and
      omega9 lipids was found, and the elution of new metabolites was in accordance
      with the prevailing theory. The biosynthetic precursors of ceriporic acid F can
      be proposed as oxaloacetate and 16:1Delta7-CoA. Because fatty acids
      biosynthesised from 16:1Delta7-CoA have been reported for only a limited number
      of organisms, the highly individual structure of ceriporic acid F is highlighted.

PMID- 22074882
TI  - Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-vis) investigation and frontier molecular
      orbitals analysis on 3-methyl-2-nitrophenol using hybrid computational
      calculations.
AB  - In the present study, the FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 3-methyl-2-nitrophenol
      (C(7)H(7)O(3)N) (3M2NP) have been recorded in the range of 4000-100 cm(-1). The
      fundamental modes of vibrational frequencies of 3M2NP are assigned. All the
      geometrical parameters have been calculated by HF and DFT (LSDA and B3LYP)
      methods with 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311G(d,p) basis sets. Optimized geometries of the
      molecule have been interpreted and compared with the reported experimental values
      for phenol and some substituted phenol. The harmonic and anharmonic vibrational
      wave numbers, IR intensities and Raman activities are calculated at the same
      theory levels used in geometry optimization. The calculated frequencies are
      scaled and compared with experimental values. The scaled vibrational frequencies
      at LSDA/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) seem to coincide with the experimentally observed
      values with acceptable deviations. The impact of substitutions on the benzene
      structure is investigated. The molecular interactions between the substitutions
      (OH, CH(3) and NO(2)) are also analyzed. A detailed interpretation of the
      infrared spectra of was also reported more precisely. Charge transfer occurring
      in the molecule between HOMO and LUMO energies, frontier energy gap are
      calculated and presented. On the basis of the thermodynamic properties of the
      title compound at different temperatures have been calculated, revealing the
      correlations between standard heat capacities (C) standard entropies (S), and
      standard enthalpy changes (H) and temperatures.

PMID- 22074881
TI  - Distribution of c-Fos immunoreactivity in the rat brain following abuse-like
      toluene vapor inhalation.
AB  - Inhalation of vapors from toluene-containing products results in euphoria
      accompanied by a variety of cognitive impairments and motor dysfunctions. The
      profound behavioral changes observed during and following toluene inhalation
      suggest changes in the activity of cells in potentially many brain regions;
      however, a comprehensive assessment of the neuroanatomical structures activated
      by toluene vapor has not been completed. Thus in the present study we
      systematically mapped in over 140 brain structures the distribution of c-Fos
      immunoreactivity (c-Fos IR), a proxy for neural activation, following exposure to
      an abuse-like concentration (~5000 ppm) of toluene vapor for 0, 5, 10 or 30 min.
      Quantitative analyses revealed increases in c-Fos IR in about one-third of the
      brain structures examined, with most of these structures significantly activated
      only after prolonged toluene exposure. The majority of brain structures activated
      by toluene were found in the forebrain and midbrain, with particularly pronounced
      activation in nuclei implicated in the processing of rewarding, emotional, and
      olfactory stimuli, and those controlling motor output. These structures included
      the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, select regions of the amygdala and
      hypothalamus, cingulate cortex, olfactory nuclei, piriform cortex, secondary
      motor cortex and caudate-putamen. In contrast, all subregions of the hippocampus
      and most thalamic nuclei were not significantly activated by toluene vapor. In
      the brainstem, effects of toluene vapor were restricted to select nuclei in the
      pons. The pattern of c-Fos IR evoked by inhalation of toluene vapor appears
      distinct from other psychoactive substances, consistent with the unique and
      complex behavioral outcomes associated with acute toluene inhalation.

PMID- 22074883
TI  - Molecular structure and properties of wool fiber surface-grafted with nano
      antibacterial materials.
AB  - Wool fiber was modified by ultraviolet irradiation (UV) and functionalized by
      grafting antibacterial agent. The structure and properties of antibacterial wool
      fiber were discussed in detail. The secondary structure changes and crystal
      structure were analyzed based on Fourier Transformation Raman Spectrometry (FTR)
      and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the disordered degree of UV
      treated sample was increased and the antibacterial sample became more oriented.
      Compared with parent wool fiber, the antibacterial wool fiber was improved in
      mechanical property. The force, tensile strength and elongation were increased by
      18%, 16%, and 7%, respectively. Also, the anti-shrinkage performance was
      increased because of the decrease in the directional frictional effect (DFE).

PMID- 22074884
TI  - The function of prehistoric lithic tools: a combined study of use-wear analysis
      and FTIR microspectroscopy.
AB  - The application of combined use-wear analysis and FTIR micro spectroscopy for the
      investigation of the flint and obsidian tools from the archaeological sites of
      Masseria Candelaro (Foggia, Italy) and Sant'Anna di Oria (Brindisi, Italy) aiming
      to clarify their functional use is described. The tools excavated in the former
      site showed in a very high percentage spectroscopically detectable residues on
      their working edges. The identification of micro deposits is based on comparison
      with a great number of replicas studied in the same experimental conditions. FTIR
      data confirmed in almost all cases the use-wear analysis suggestions and added
      details about the material processed and about the working procedures.

PMID- 22074885
TI  - Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and optical properties of novel 5-(3-aryl-1H
      pyrazol-5-yl)-2-(6-methoxy-3-methylbenzofuran-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole.
AB  - A series of novel 5-(3-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-2-(6-methoxy-3-methylbenzofuran-2
      yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives has been synthesized from 6-methoxy-3
      methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid and ethyl 3-aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylate.
      The structures of compounds obtained were determined by IR, (1)H NMR and HRMS
      spectra. Typically, the spatial structure of compound 7e was determined by using
      X-ray diffraction analysis. UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectral
      characteristics of the compounds in dichloromethane and acetonitrile were
      investigated. The results showed that the absorption maxima of the compounds vary
      from 321 to 339 nm depending on the substituents in N-1 position of pyrazole
      moiety and para position of benzene moiety. The maximum emission spectra of
      compounds in two different solvents were mainly dependent on groups in N-1
      position of pyrazole moiety. The intensity of absorption and fluorescence was
      also correlated with substituents on the aryl ring bonded to pyrazole moiety. In
      addition, the absorption and emission spectra of these compounds change with
      increasing solvent polarity.

PMID- 22074886
TI  - Raman spectroscopy of selected tsumcorite Pb(Zn,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(OH,H2O) minerals-
      implications for arsenate accumulation.
AB  - The presence of arsenic in the environment is a hazard. The accumulation of
      arsenate by a range of cations in the formation of minerals provides a mechanism
      for the accumulation of arsenate. The formation of the tsumcorite minerals is an
      example of a series of minerals which accumulate arsenate. There are about twelve
      examples in this mineral group. Raman spectroscopy offers a method for the
      analysis of these minerals. The structure of selected tsumcorite minerals with
      arsenate and sulphate anions were analysed by Raman spectroscopy. Isomorphic
      substitution of sulphate for arsenate is observed for gartrellite and
      thometzekite. A comparison is made with the sulphate bearing mineral
      natrochalcite. The position of the hydroxyl and water stretching vibrations are
      related to the strength of the hydrogen bond formed between the OH unit and the
      AsO(4)(3-) anion. Characteristic Raman spectra of the minerals enable the
      assignment of the bands to specific vibrational modes.

PMID- 22074887
TI  - Vibrational spectroscopic, first-order hyperpolarizability and HOMO, LUMO studies
      of 4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl) aniline based on DFT calculations.
AB  - The Fourier-transform infrared and FT-Raman spectra of 4-chloro-2
      (trifluoromethyl) aniline (4C2TFA) were recorded in the region 4000-400 cm(-1)
      and 3500-50 cm(-1) respectively. Quantum chemical calculations of energies,
      geometrical structure and vibrational wavenumbers of 4C2TFA were carried out by
      density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with 6-311+G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p)
      basis sets. The difference between the observed and scaled wavenumber values of
      most of the fundamentals is very small. The values of the total dipole moment
      (MU) and the first order hyperpolarizability (beta) of the investigated compound
      were computed using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations. The calculated results also
      show that 4C2TFA might have microscopic non-linear optical (NLO) behavior with
      non-zero values. A detailed interpretation of infrared and Raman spectra of
      4C2TFA is also reported. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energy gap shows that charge
      transfer occurs within the molecule.

PMID- 22074888
TI  - Spectroscopic studies on the intermolecular charge transfer interaction of Fe(II)
      and Fe(III)-phthalocyanines with 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone and its
      application in colorimetric sensing of amino acids and amines.
AB  - The interactions of Fe(II)Pc and Fe(III)Pc with pi-acceptor 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro
      1,4-benzoquinone (p-chloranil, p-CHL) have been investigated spectroscopically
      (UV/vis and FT-IR) and spectrofluorimetrically at three different temperatures.
      The stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:1. The results of electronic
      spectral studies indicated that the formation constant for Fe(II)Pc-p-CHL system
      is found to be higher than that for Fe(III)Pc-p-CHL system. This observation is
      well supported by the results of fluorescence quenching studies and the
      association constants calculated for Fe(II)Pc-p-CHL system is 4.2 * 10(3) mol L(
      1) and that for Fe(III)Pc-p-CHL system is 2.2 * 10(3) mol L(-1). The data are
      discussed in terms of physico-chemical parameters viz. molar extinction
      coefficient, oscillator strength, dipole moment, ionization potential,
      dissociation energy and thermodynamic parameters. The results indicated that the
      formation of pi-pi CT complex is spontaneous and endothermic. Preliminary studies
      indicated that the CT complex can effectively be used as a colorimetric agent for
      sensing amino acids and amines.

PMID- 22074889
TI  - Analysis of vibrational spectra and nonlinear optical properties of organic
      molecule L-alaninium formate.
AB  - Vibrational and electronic spectra of the crystallized nonlinear optical molecule
      L-alaninium formate have been recorded and analyzed. The equilibrium geometry,
      vibrational wavenumbers, and the first order hyperpolarizability of the crystal
      have been calculated with the help of density functional theory computations. The
      N-H...O bond distance shows the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and
      the result is confirmed by the natural bond orbital analysis. The HOMO-LUMO
      energy gap and the first order hyperpolarizability was calculated and it supports
      the nonlinear optical activity of the L-alaninium formate crystal.

PMID- 22074890
TI  - Growth, spectroscopic, dielectric and nonlinear optical studies of semi organic
      nonlinear optical crystal--L-alanine lithium chloride.
AB  - A new and efficient semi organic nonlinear optical crystal (NLO) from the amino
      acid family L-alanine lithium chloride (LAL) has been grown by slow evaporation
      technique from aqueous solution. The functional groups were identified from NMR
      spectral studies. Mass spectral analysis shows the molecular ion mass. Dielectric
      studies has been done for the grown crystal and relative SHG efficiency is
      measured by Kurtz and Perry method and found to about 0.43 times that of standard
      potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals. The compound crystallized in non
      centrosymmetric space group Pna21. The results have been discussed in detail.

PMID- 22074891
TI  - Predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease in people exposed to moderate to
      high levels of dioxin.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. Dioxins can cause cardiovascular toxicity in experimental animals. The
      potential role of dioxin exposure as a preventable risk factor has attracted the
      attention of public health services, especially because dioxin exposure is a
      ubiquitous problem. We aimed to investigate and clarify the effect on CVD risk of
      moderate-to-high exposure to dioxins. This cross-sectional study investigated 914
      residents without CVD near a deserted pentachlorophenol factory. CVD-related
      factors were measured to examine their associations with serum dioxin. We also
      investigated associations between serum dioxins and the Framingham risk score.
      Serum PCDD/F levels were significantly positively associated with CVD risk in
      both genders (Men: b=0.023, P<0.001; Women: b=0.005, P<0.001; All: b=0.013,
      P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, participants with higher serum
      PCDD/F levels had a higher risk for CVD than did the reference group (serum
      PCDD/levels<9.8 pg WHO(98)-TEQ(DF)/g lipid) (25th to <50th percentile, adjusted
      odds ratio (AOR)=2.96 [95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13-7.75]; 50th to<75th
      percentile, AOR=3.37 [1.32-8.59]; >=75th percentile, AOR=6.22 [2.47-15.63]). We
      hypothesize that accumulated dioxins heightens the cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22074892
TI  - Mechanochemical destruction of pentachloronitrobenzene with reactive iron powder.
AB  - Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) has been identified as a potential persistent
      organic pollutant, and received concerns from many countries for regulation due
      to its impurities such as dioxins and furans. Considering the need for its
      disposal, the mechanochemical destruction approach was investigated for the
      applicability. PCNB was co-ground with reactive iron powder in a high energy
      planetary ball mill at room temperature. PCNB was found to be destructed finally,
      and the Dioxins and coplanar-PCBs concentrations in PCNB had been degraded from
      1146 ng-TEQ/kg to 0.04 ng-TEQ/kg finally. Pentachloroaniline (PCA), 2,3,5,6
      tetrachloroaniline (2,3,5,6-TeCBA) and 3,4,5,6-tetrachloroaniline (3,4,5,6-TeCBA)
      were detected as intermediates during the ball milling process and were
      destructed completely after 8h milling. The amount of water soluble chlorides
      (Cl(-)) reached 95.8% of the theoretical amount of chlorine in original PCNB
      sample after 12h ball milling. The solvent acetone might play a role as the main
      hydrogen donor, which gives rise to the amination reaction of nitro-group.
      Metastable structures with high molecular were proposed to be formed during the
      ball milling process as intermediates. Carbonization was confirmed by Raman
      spectrum as the final degradation product of PCNB.

PMID- 22074893
TI  - Growth and cesium uptake responses of Phytolacca americana Linn. and Amaranthus
      cruentus L. grown on cesium contaminated soil to elevated CO2 or inoculation with
      a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium Burkholderia sp. D54, or in combination.
AB  - Growth and cesium uptake responses of plants to elevated CO(2) and microbial
      inoculation, alone or in combination, can be explored for clean-up of
      contaminated soils, and this induced phytoextraction may be better than the
      natural process. The present study used open-top chambers to investigate combined
      effects of Burkholderia sp. D54 inoculation and elevated CO(2) (860 MUL L(-1)) on
      growth and Cs uptake by Phytolacca americana and Amaranthus cruentus grown on
      soil spiked with various levels of Cs (0-1000 mg kg(-1)). Elevated CO(2) and
      bacterial inoculation, alone or in combination, significantly increased biomass
      production with increased magnitude, ranging from 22% to 139% for P. americana,
      and 14% to 254% for A. cruentus. Total tissue Cs in both plants was significantly
      greater for bacterial inoculation treatment singly, and combined treatments of
      bacterial inoculation and elevated CO(2) than for the control treatment in most
      cases. Regardless of CO(2) concentrations and bacterial inoculation, A. cruentus
      had higher tissue Cs concentration, Cs transfer factors and concentration ratios
      than P. americana, but they had slightly different contents of antioxidant
      enzymes. It is concluded that combined effects of elevated CO(2) and microbial
      inoculation with regard to plant ability to grow and remove radionuclides from
      soil can be explored for CO(2)- and microbe-assisted phytoextraction technology.

PMID- 22074895
TI  - When more is less: failure to compress discourse with re-telling in normal
      ageing.
AB  - When young adults tell the same story repeatedly, their narratives become
      progressively more concise. Although impaired discourse production has been
      reliably demonstrated in the elderly, changes in narrative production with
      repetition have not been investigated in this cohort. Thirty young (aged 18-49
      years, M=28.77, SD=9.73) and thirty elderly (aged 65+ years, M=73.57, SD=6.80)
      adults completed a discourse production task involving narrative construction
      using an eight-frame cartoon. Narratives were repeated 4 consecutive times.
      Variables analysed were narrative duration, word count and fluency (words/sec).
      For all variables the compression index for the elderly group was significantly
      lower than that for young participants. Further, compared to their younger
      counterparts, elderly adults were less able to improve the cohesion of their
      narratives with repetition. These findings suggest that the elderly have a
      reduced capacity to generate and refine discourse representations.

PMID- 22074894
TI  - Degradation pathway of pentachlorophenol by Mucor plumbeus involves phase II
      conjugation and oxidation-reduction reactions.
AB  - Environmental pollution by pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a critical concern
      worldwide and fungal bioremediation constitutes an elegant and environment
      friendly solution. Mucorales from the Zygomycota phylum are often observed to be
      competitive in field conditions and Mucor plumbeus, in particular, can
      efficiently deplete PCP from media. The pathway for PCP degradation used by this
      fungus has not been investigated. In this study, PCP-derived metabolites were
      identified by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry, including tetra- and tri-chlorohydroquinones and phase II
      conjugated metabolites. Amongst the latter are the previously reported glucose,
      sulfate and ribose conjugates, and identified for the first time in fungi sulfate
      glucose conjugates. A PCP transformation pathway for M. plumbeus is proposed,
      which excludes the involvement of cytochrome P-450 and extracellular ligninolytic
      enzymes.

PMID- 22074896
TI  - The distribution of small preantral follicles within the ovaries of prepubertal
      African elephants (Loxodonta africana).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the distribution of primordial (single layer of squamous
      granulosa cells), early primary (some granulosa cells cuboidal) and primary (all
      granulosa cells cuboidal) follicles, grouped together as small follicles (SF)
      within the ovary of the elephant is lacking, yet such information is necessary to
      be able to estimate accurately the total numbers of small follicles in the
      ovaries of elephant throughout their lifespan. AIM: To determine if the density
      of SF differs between ovaries, between the surfaces of an ovary, or between the
      interpolar and intermarginal zones of an ovary. MATERIALS/METHODS: Stereological
      techniques were employed on 25MUm thick histological sections of the ovaries
      recovered from 12 prepubertal elephant calves aged 2 months to 4.5 years. Cell
      densities were calculated using the optical brick method and Cavalieri's
      principle for volume calculation. RESULTS: The density of SF (numbers of SF per
      unbiased counting frame [UCF]) did not differ between the left (1.11+/-0.39
      (mean+/-sd)) and right (1.10+/-0.39) ovaries (P=0.82, n=12), or between the
      lateral (median 1.24; interquartile range 0.85-1.39) and medial (1.03; 0.76-1.36)
      surfaces of the ovary (P=0.22, n=24) or among the 5 segments of the ovary between
      the two poles (P=0.20, n=24). The third of the cortex nearest to the mesovarial
      margin of the ovary had fewer small follicles per UCF (0.85; 0.51-1.28) than the
      middle third (1.01; 0.78-1.42; P=0.034), and the third adjacent to the free
      margin (1.27; 0.79-1.51; P=0.0024), n=24 per group. CONCLUSION: Providing a
      random sample is taken from the full interpolar and intermarginal dimensions of
      ovary of a non-pregnant elephant, the density of small follicles throughout the
      cortex may be accurately measured using stereological techniques applied to one
      of its surfaces.

PMID- 22074897
TI  - The calcium signal: a universal carrier to code, decode and transduce
      information.

PMID- 22074898
TI  - The neural coding of expected and unexpected monetary performance outcomes:
      dissociations between active and observational learning.
AB  - Successful adaptation to the environment requires the learning of stimulus
      response-outcome associations. Such associations can be learned actively by trial
      and error or by observing the behaviour and accompanying outcomes in other
      persons. The present study investigated similarities and differences in the
      neural mechanisms of active and observational learning from monetary feedback
      using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Two groups of 15 subjects each -
      active and observational learners - participated in the experiment. On every
      trial, active learners chose between two stimuli and received monetary feedback.
      Each observational learner observed the choices and outcomes of one active
      learner. Learning performance as assessed via active test trials without feedback
      was comparable between groups. Different activation patterns were observed for
      the processing of unexpected vs. expected monetary feedback in active and
      observational learners, particularly for positive outcomes. Activity for
      unexpected vs. expected reward was stronger in the right striatum in active
      learning, while activity in the hippocampus was bilaterally enhanced in
      observational and reduced in active learning. Modulation of activity by
      prediction error (PE) magnitude was observed in the right putamen in both types
      of learning, whereas PE related activations in the right anterior caudate nucleus
      and in the medial orbitofrontal cortex were stronger for active learning. The
      striatum and orbitofrontal cortex thus appear to link reward stimuli to own
      behavioural reactions and are less strongly involved when the behavioural outcome
      refers to another person's action. Alternative explanations such as differences
      in reward value between active and observational learning are also discussed.

PMID- 22074899
TI  - The role of endogenous dynorphin in ethanol-induced state-dependent CPP.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the role of the endogenous dynorphin/kappa
      opioid receptor (DYN/KOP) system in ethanol-induced state-dependent conditioned
      place preference (CPP). To this end, mice lacking the pro-DYN gene and their wild
      type littermates/controls were tested for baseline place preference on day 1,
      received 15-min morning and afternoon conditionings with saline or ethanol
      (2g/kg) each day for three consecutive days and were then tested for CPP under a
      drug-free state on day 5 and following a saline or ethanol (1 or 2g/kg) challenge
      on day 8. Given that compensatory developmental changes may occur in knockout
      mice, the effect of nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a KOP antagonist, on state
      dependent CPP induced by ethanol was also studied in wild-type mice. On day 1,
      mice were tested for baseline place preference and, 4h later, treated with saline
      or nor-BNI (10mg/kg). On days 2-4, mice received 15-min morning and afternoon
      conditionings and were tested for CPP under a drug-free state on day 5 and
      following an ethanol (1g/kg) challenge on day 8. A comparable CPP was observed in
      mice lacking the pro-DYN gene and their wild-type littermates/controls as well as
      in wild-type mice treated with nor-BNI and their saline-treated controls.
      However, these mice compared to their respective controls exhibited a greater CPP
      response following an ethanol (1g/kg) challenge, suggesting that the endogenous
      DYN/KOP system may negatively regulate ethanol-induced state-dependent CPP.

PMID- 22074900
TI  - Effects of apomorphine and beta-carbolines on firing rate of neurons in the
      ventral pallidum in the rats.
AB  - The ventral pallidum (VP) is a critical element of the mesocorticolimbic system
      that is inter-connected with motor and limbic structures and may be considered as
      an interface between motivational and effector neural signals. Dopamine is
      important in behavioral output of the VP, and dysfunctioning its dopamine
      quantity leads to various neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding neural
      substrate underlying this phenomenon has become an important affair in recent
      years. In this study, neuronal activities were recorded from the VP in presence
      or absence of the mixed dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist, apomorphine, and/or beta
      carbolines, using an extracellular single-unit recording technique. We reported
      that subcutaneous administration of apomorphine (0.5mg/kg) decreased neural
      activity in the VP. In addition, neither harmine (7.8 mg/kg; i.p.) nor harmane (4
      mg/kg; i.p.) and norharmane (2.5mg/kg; i.p.) had any effect on neural firing in
      the VP. Finally, pretreatment with beta-carbolines prevented the apomorphine
      induced inhibition on VP firing rate. Thus, according to the results of
      aforementioned study and our results in the present study, we can conclude that
      presumably most responses in the VP are D2 dopamine dependent. Although the beta
      carbolines were unable to alter neural activity in the VP, interestingly,
      pretreatment with beta-carbolines protect decreasing in firing rate of neurons in
      the VP followed by apomorphine administration. This protective effect could be
      explained by interaction between beta-carbolines and dopaminergic mechanisms.

PMID- 22074901
TI  - Anaerobic digestion of extruded OFMSW.
AB  - Organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was used to feed two pilot
      plants of 1000 l working in anaerobic conditions. The OFMSW had previously been
      treated using a system of extrusion which, due to exerted pressure, separates the
      undesired fractions of waste from organic waste and reduces the organic fraction
      in a kind of homogeneous jam. Pilot tests were performed in semi-continuous
      conditions with a stepwise progressive increase of the total solids content (TS)
      of the input material from 3% TS w/w (1.5 g VS l(-1) d(-1) organic loading rate)
      to 10% TS w/w (4.3 g VS l(-1) d(-1) organic loading rate) using activated sludge
      as diluting agent. The average specific biogas production obtained was 600 l kg(
      1)VS. When the input TS content was increased to 10% w/w, the biogas average
      specific production went up to 800 l kg(-1)VS. The methane content in the biogas
      was always higher than 60% measured by volume.

PMID- 22074902
TI  - A novel 2,3-xylenol-utilizing Pseudomonas isolate capable of degrading multiple
      phenolic compounds.
AB  - This work characterized a novel 2,3-xylenol-utilizing Pseudomonas isolate XQ23.
      From 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis, XQ23 was found to be a member of the
      Pseudomonas putida group. Most of its physiological characteristics also shared
      similarities to P. putida. Phenols were catabolized by the meta-cleavage pathway.
      The dependence of the specific growth rate on 2,3-xylenol concentration could be
      well fitted by the Haldane model, with the maximum occurring at the concentration
      around 180 mg l(-1). Kinetic parameters indicated that XQ23 was sensitive to 2,3
      xylenol and had low affinity. Three patterns, i.e. constant, linear decline, and
      allometric decline, were proposed to describe the biomass yields of phenols
      during bacterial degradation and XQ23 under 2,3-xylenol culturing conditions
      followed the allometric pattern. In a mineral-salts medium supplemented with 180
      mg l(-1) of 2,3-xylenol as the sole carbon and energy source, over 40% of 2,3
      xylenol was turned into CO(2) to provide energy by complete oxidization.

PMID- 22074903
TI  - Technoeconomic assessment of phenanthrene degradation by Pseudomonas stutzeri
      CECT 930 in a batch bioreactor.
AB  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most persistent pollutants
      that accumulate in natural environment mainly as a result of anthropogenic
      activities. Therefore, the improvement of the available bank of microbial
      resources and information is crucial to the proper management of PAHs-polluted
      sites and effluents. In this work, Pseudomonas stutzeri CECT 930 was selected for
      aerobically degrading an aqueous effluent containing phenanthrene (PHE). Maximum
      PHE degradation of 90% was obtained both at flask and stirred tank bioreactor
      scale. All the experimental data were fitted to logistic and Luedeking and Piret
      models, and licensed to quantitatively ascertain a stronger dependence on the
      biomass of the metabolites triggering the bioremediation process. In addition,
      PHE degradation via protocatechuate pathway was elucidated through GC-MS data.
      Finally, based on the promising results of biodegradation, a preliminary economic
      evaluation of this process at industrial scale was approached by means of
      simulation data obtained with SuperPro Designer.

PMID- 22074904
TI  - Valuable chemicals by the enzymatic modification of molecules of natural origin:
      terpenoids, steroids, phenolics and related compounds.
AB  - A renewed interest for using natural organic molecules for the production of
      valuable chemicals is observed in current organic processes. Natural compounds
      provide the access to natural grade chemicals when submitted to physical
      treatments or biotechnological processes. Dealing with structurally complex
      molecules, they can provide complex core structures for hemisynthesis purposes,
      and in many instances they offer the advantage of providing sustainable processes
      when using renewable resources. These assets could be synergistic with the assets
      of biocatalytic processes, to end-up with efficient and sustainable processes in
      the organic synthesis of valuable products. In this review, we have gathered a
      selection of examples on the use of enzymes for the modification of molecules of
      natural origin being either purified compounds (terpenoids, steroids, phenolics)
      or mixtures (essential oils, natural extracts) to access fine chemicals or
      organic polymers.

PMID- 22074905
TI  - Effect of carbon source, C/N ratio, nitrate and dissolved oxygen concentration on
      nitrite and ammonium production from denitrification process by Pseudomonas
      stutzeri D6.
AB  - Pseudomonas stutzeri D6, selectively isolated from activated sludge was used to
      study NO(2)(-) and NH(4)(+) production from denitrification processes. Changes in
      carbon type, C/N ratio and oxygen concentration significantly influenced the
      magnitude of NO(2)(-) and NH(4)(+) accumulation through denitrification. D6
      showed a preference for citrate and acetate, which led to the largest quantity of
      nitrate reduced and which were exhausted most rapidly, with minimal intermediate
      products accumulation. It is found that at higher initial organic carbon
      concentration or for directly metabolic carbon type more complete denitrification
      could be obtained as a result of increase of the oxygen consumption rate by
      substrate stimulation. The higher the oxygen concentration in the culture was,
      the higher the intermediate products concentration became. The experiment showed
      that NO(2)(-) and NH(4)(+) production was only slightly influenced by nitrate
      concentration. Biological nitrogen removal systems should be optimized to promote
      complete denitrification to minimize NO(2)(-) and NH(4)(+) accumulation.

PMID- 22074906
TI  - Fermentative production of ethanol from syngas using novel moderately
      alkaliphilic strains of Alkalibaculum bacchi.
AB  - Ethanol production from syngas using three moderately alkaliphilic strains of a
      novel genus and species Alkalibaculum bacchi CP11(T), CP13 and CP15 was
      investigated in 250 ml bottle fermentations containing 100ml of yeast extract
      medium at 37  degrees C and pH 8.0. Two commercial syngas mixtures (Syngas I: 20%
      CO, 15% CO(2), 5% H(2), 60% N(2)) and (Syngas II: 40% CO, 30% CO(2), 30% H(2))
      were used. Syngas I and Syngas II represent gasified biomass and coal,
      respectively. The maximum ethanol concentration (1.7 g l(-1)) and yield from CO
      (76%) were obtained with strain CP15 and Syngas II after 360 h. CP15 produced
      over twofold more ethanol with Syngas I compared to strains CP11(T) and CP13. In
      addition, CP15 produced 18% and 71% more ethanol using Syngas II compared to
      strains CP11(T) and CP13, respectively. These results show that CP15 is the most
      promising for ethanol production because of its higher growth and ethanol
      production rates and yield compared to CP11(T) and CP13.

PMID- 22074907
TI  - Mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of rendering plant and
      slaughterhouse wastes.
AB  - Co-digestion of rendering and slaughterhouse wastes was studied in laboratory
      scale semi-continuously fed continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) at 35 and
      55  degrees C. All in all, 10 different rendering plant and slaughterhouse waste
      fractions were characterised showing high contents of lipids and proteins, and
      methane potentials of 262-572 dm(3)CH(4)/kg volatile solids(VS)(added). In
      mesophilic CSTR methane yields of ca 720 dm(3) CH(4)/kg VS(fed) were obtained
      with organic loading rates (OLR) of 1.0 and 1.5 kg VS/m(3) d, and hydraulic
      retention time (HRT) of 50 d. For thermophilic process, the lowest studied OLR of
      1.5 kg VS/m(3) d, turned to be unstable after operation of 1.5 HRT, due to
      accumulating ammonia, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and probably also long chain
      fatty acids (LCFAs). In conclusion, mesophilic process was found to be more
      feasible for co-digestion than thermophilic process, methane yields being higher
      and process more stable in mesophilic conditions.

PMID- 22074908
TI  - Artificial intelligence based modeling and optimization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate
      co-3-hydroxyvalerate) production process by using Azohydromonas lata MTCC 2311
      from cane molasses supplemented with volatile fatty acids: a genetic algorithm
      paradigm.
AB  - The present work describes the optimization of medium variables for the
      production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)] by
      Azohydromonas lata MTCC 2311 using cane molasses supplemented with propionic
      acid. Genetic algorithm (GA) has been used for the optimization of P(3HB-co-3HV)
      production through the simulation of artificial neural network (ANN) and response
      surface methodology (RSM). The predictions by ANN are better than those of RSM
      and in good agreement with experimental findings. The highest P(3HB-co-3HV)
      concentration and 3HV content have been reported as 7.35 g/l and 16.84 mol%,
      respectively by hybrid ANN-GA. Upon validation, 7.20 g/l and 16.30 mol% of P(3HB
      co-3HV) concentration and 3HV content have been found in the shake flask, whereas
      6.70 g/l and 16.35 mol%, have been observed in a 3 l bioreactor, respectively.
      The specific growth rate and P(3HB-co-3HV) accumulation rate of 0.29 per h and
      0.16 g/lh determined with cane molasses are comparable to those observed on pure
      substrates.

PMID- 22074910
TI  - Elucidating the role of ferrous ion cocatalyst in enhancing dilute acid
      pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently developed iron cocatalyst enhancement of dilute acid
      pretreatment of biomass is a promising approach for enhancing sugar release from
      recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass. However, very little is known about the
      underlying mechanisms of this enhancement. In the current study, our aim was to
      identify several essential factors that contribute to ferrous ion-enhanced
      efficiency during dilute acid pretreatment of biomass and to initiate the
      investigation of the mechanisms that result in this enhancement. RESULTS: During
      dilute acid and ferrous ion cocatalyst pretreatments, we observed concomitant
      increases in solubilized sugars in the hydrolysate and reducing sugars in the
      (insoluble) biomass residues. We also observed enhancements in sugar release
      during subsequent enzymatic saccharification of iron cocatalyst-pretreated
      biomass. Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy showed that major peaks
      representing the C-O-C and C-H bonds in cellulose are significantly attenuated by
      iron cocatalyst pretreatment. Imaging using Prussian blue staining indicated that
      Fe2+ ions associate with both cellulose/xylan and lignin in untreated as well as
      dilute acid/Fe2+ ion-pretreated corn stover samples. Analyses by scanning
      electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed structural
      details of biomass after dilute acid/Fe2+ ion pretreatment, in which delamination
      and fibrillation of the cell wall were observed. CONCLUSIONS: By using this
      multimodal approach, we have revealed that (1) acid-ferrous ion-assisted
      pretreatment increases solubilization and enzymatic digestion of both cellulose
      and xylan to monomers and (2) this pretreatment likely targets multiple
      chemistries in plant cell wall polymer networks, including those represented by
      the C-O-C and C-H bonds in cellulose.

PMID- 22074909
TI  - Genetic vs. pharmacological inactivation of COMT influences cannabinoid-induced
      expression of schizophrenia-related phenotypes.
AB  - Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an important enzyme in the metabolism of
      dopamine and disturbance in dopamine function is proposed to be central to the
      pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Clinical epidemiological studies have indicated
      cannabis use to confer a 2-fold increase in risk for subsequent onset of
      psychosis, with adolescent-onset use conveying even higher risk. There is
      evidence that a high activity COMT polymorphism moderates the effects of
      adolescent exposure to cannabis on risk for adult psychosis. In this paper we
      compared the effect of chronic adolescent exposure to the cannabinoid WIN 55212
      on sensorimotor gating, behaviours related to the negative symptoms of
      schizophrenia, anxiety- and stress-related behaviours, as well as ex-vivo brain
      dopamine and serotonin levels, in COMT KO vs. wild-type (WT) mice. Additionally,
      we examined the effect of pretreatment with the COMT inhibitor tolcapone on acute
      effects of this cannabinoid on sensorimotor gating in C57BL/6 mice. COMT KO mice
      were shown to be more vulnerable than WT to the disruptive effects of adolescent
      cannabinoid treatment on prepulse inhibition (PPI). Acute pharmacological
      inhibition of COMT in C57BL/6 mice also modified acute cannabinoid effects on
      startle reactivity, as well as PPI, indicating that chronic and acute loss of
      COMT can produce dissociable effects on the behavioural effects of cannabinoids.
      COMT KO mice also demonstrated differential effects of adolescent cannabinoid
      administration on sociability and anxiety-related behaviour, both confirming and
      extending earlier reports of COMT*cannabinoid effects on the expression of
      schizophrenia-related endophenotypes.

PMID- 22074911
TI  - Virulence differences of closely related pandemic 2009 H1N1 isolates correlate
      with increased inflammatory responses in ferrets.
AB  - Several early pandemic H1N1 influenza isolates cause severe disease in different
      animals models, while most strains result in mild clinical signs similar to
      seasonal influenza. In this study, the pathogenesis of the virulent Mexican
      isolate A/Mexico/InDRE4487/2009 and a mild Canadian isolate A/Canada
      AB/RV1532/2009 was compared in ferrets. These viruses differed at nine residues,
      none of which has been previously identified as virulence factor. The Mexican
      isolate caused more severe disease and higher mortality, and reached higher peak
      nasal wash titers. Both viruses grew similarly in the respiratory tract, but only
      the virulent virus was detected in the gut after day 3. During the acute phase,
      both strains caused similar lung pathology, however the Mexican isolate induced
      severe inflammation even after virus clearance. This virus was also associated
      with a rapid and sustained induction of inflammatory cytokines, indicating that
      early dysregulation of the host response contributes importantly to the disease
      outcome.

PMID- 22074912
TI  - The influence of graphic display format on the interpretations of quantitative
      risk information among adults with lower education and literacy: a randomized
      experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test optimal graphic risk communication formats for presenting
      small probabilities using graphics with a denominator of 1000 to adults with
      lower education and literacy. METHODS: A randomized experimental study, which
      took place in adult basic education classes in Sydney, Australia. The
      participants were 120 adults with lower education and literacy. An experimental
      computer-based manipulation compared 1) pictographs in 2 forms, shaded "blocks"
      and unshaded "dots"; and 2) bar charts across different orientations
      (horizontal/vertical) and numerator size (small <100, medium 100-499, large 500
      999). Accuracy (size of error) and ease of processing (reaction time) were
      assessed on a gist task (estimating the larger chance of survival) and a verbatim
      task (estimating the size of difference). Preferences for different graph types
      were also assessed. RESULTS: Accuracy on the gist task was very high across all
      conditions (>95%) and not tested further. For the verbatim task, optimal graph
      type depended on the numerator size. For small numerators, pictographs resulted
      in fewer errors than bar charts (blocks: odds ratio [OR] = 0.047, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 0.023-0.098; dots: OR = 0.049, 95% CI = 0.024-0.099). For medium
      and large numerators, bar charts were more accurate (e.g., medium dots: OR =
      4.29, 95% CI = 2.9-6.35). Pictographs were generally processed faster for small
      numerators (e.g., blocks: 14.9 seconds v. bars: 16.2 seconds) and bar charts for
      medium or large numerators (e.g., large blocks: 41.6 seconds v. 26.7 seconds).
      Vertical formats were processed slightly faster than horizontal graphs with no
      difference in accuracy. Most participants preferred bar charts (64%); however,
      there was no relationship with performance. CONCLUSIONS: For adults with low
      education and literacy, pictographs are likely to be the best format to use when
      displaying small numerators (<100/1000) and bar charts for larger numerators
      (>100/1000).

PMID- 22074913
TI  - Repair integrity and functional outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair:
      double-row versus suture-bridge technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have examined repair integrity and functional
      outcome after arthroscopic suture-bridge rotator cuff repair procedure. In
      addition, no reported study has compared outcomes between the suture-bridge and
      double-row techniques. PURPOSE: This study compared the functional outcome and
      repair integrity of arthroscopic double-row and conventional suture-bridge repair
      in full-thickness rotator cuff tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of
      evidence, 2. METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive full-thickness rotator cuff tears
      with 1 to 4 cm of anterior to posterior dimension that underwent arthroscopic
      rotator cuff repair were included. A double-row technique was used in the first
      26 consecutive shoulders, and a conventional suture-bridge technique was used in
      the next 26 consecutive shoulders. Fifty shoulders (92.5%) underwent magnetic
      resonance imaging or ultrasonography postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were
      evaluated a minimum 2 years (mean, 37.2 months; range, 24-54) postoperatively
      using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and
      Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores. The postoperative cuff integrity was
      evaluated a mean of 33.0 (range, 10-54) months postoperatively. RESULTS: At the
      final follow-up, the average UCLA, ASES, and Constant scores improved
      significantly, to 32.3, 90.5, and 80.7, respectively, in the double-row group and
      to 30.6, 88.5, and 74.0, respectively, in the suture-bridge group. The UCLA,
      ASES, and Constant scores improved in both groups postoperatively (all P < .001);
      however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at final follow
      up (P = .185, .585, and .053, respectively). The retear rate was 24% in the
      shoulders that underwent double-row repair and 20% in the shoulders that
      underwent suture-bridge repair; this difference was not statistically significant
      (P = .733). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic conventional suture-bridge technique
      resulted in comparable patient satisfaction, functional outcome, and rates of
      retear compared with the arthroscopic double-row technique in full-thickness
      rotator cuff tears.

PMID- 22074914
TI  - Morbidity and costs associated with neurological disorders.

PMID- 22074916
TI  - Thematic minireview series on focus on vision.

PMID- 22074915
TI  - KCa1.1 potassium channels regulate key proinflammatory and invasive properties of
      fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play important roles in the pathogenesis of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Potassium channels have regulatory roles in many cell
      functions. We have identified the calcium- and voltage-gated KCa1.1 channel (BK,
      Maxi-K, Slo1, KCNMA1) as the major potassium channel expressed at the plasma
      membrane of FLS isolated from patients with RA (RA-FLS). We further show that
      blocking this channel perturbs the calcium homeostasis of the cells and inhibits
      the proliferation, production of VEGF, IL-8, and pro-MMP-2, and migration and
      invasion of RA-FLS. Our findings indicate a regulatory role of KCa1.1 channels in
      RA-FLS function and suggest this channel as a potential target for the treatment
      of RA.

PMID- 22074917
TI  - Multiple SecA molecules drive protein translocation across a single translocon
      with SecG inversion.
AB  - SecA is a translocation ATPase that drives protein translocation. D209N SecA, a
      dominant-negative mutant, binds ATP but is unable to hydrolyze it. This mutant
      was inactive to proOmpA translocation. However, it generated a translocation
      intermediate of 18 kDa. Further addition of wild-type SecA caused its
      translocation into either mature OmpA or another intermediate of 28 kDa that can
      be translocated into mature by a proton motive force. The addition of excess
      D209N SecA during translocation caused a topology inversion of SecG. Moreover, an
      intermediate of SecG inversion was identified when wild-type and D209N SecA were
      used in the same amounts. These results indicate that multiple SecA molecules
      drive translocation across a single translocon with SecG inversion. Here, we
      propose a revised model of proOmpA translocation in which a single catalytic
      cycle of SecA causes translocation of 10-13 kDa with ATP binding and hydrolysis,
      and SecG inversion is required when the next SecA cycle begins with additional
      ATP hydrolysis.

PMID- 22074918
TI  - Comparison of presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 gamma-secretase activities using a
      yeast reconstitution system.
AB  - gamma-Secretase is composed of at least four proteins, presenilin (PS), nicastrin
      (NCT), Aph1, and Pen2. PS is the catalytic subunit of the gamma-secretase
      complex, having aspartic protease activity. PS has two homologs, namely, PS1 and
      PS2. To compare the activity of these complexes containing different PSs, we
      reconstituted them in yeast, which lacks gamma-secretase homologs. Yeast cells
      were transformed with PS1 or PS2, NCT, Pen2, Aph1, and artificial substrate C55
      Gal4p. After substrate cleavage, Gal4p translocates to the nucleus and activates
      transcription of the reporter genes ADE2, HIS3, and lacZ. gamma-Secretase
      activity was measured based on yeast growth on selective media and beta
      galactosidase activity. PS1 gamma-secretase was ~24-fold more active than PS2
      gamma-secretase in the beta-galactosidase assay. Using yeast microsomes
      containing gamma-secretase and C55, we compared the concentration of Abeta
      generated by PS1 or PS2 gamma-secretase. PS1 gamma-secretase produced ~24-fold
      more Abeta than PS2 gamma-secretase. We found the optimal pH of Abeta production
      by PS2 to be 7.0, as for PS1, and that the PS2 complex included immature NCT,
      unlike the PS1 complex, which included mature NCT. In this study, we compared the
      activity of PS1 or PS2 per one gamma-secretase complex. Co-immunoprecipitation
      experiments using yeast microsomes showed that PS1 concentrations in the gamma
      secretase complex were ~28 times higher than that of PS2. Our data suggest that
      the PS1 complex is only marginally less active than the PS2 complex in Abeta
      production.

PMID- 22074919
TI  - Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 activity and protein stability are modulated by
      phosphorylation of five conserved serines.
AB  - We previously presented that the neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) is the only
      SMase activated in human airway epithelial (HAE) cells following exposure to
      oxidative stress (ox-stress), yielding ceramide accumulation and thereby inducing
      apoptosis. Furthermore, we reported that nSMase2 is a phospho-protein in which
      the level of phosphorylation controls nSMase2 activation induced by ox-stress.
      Here we identify five specific serines that are phosphorylated in nSMase2 and
      demonstrate that their phosphorylation controls the nSMase2 activity upon ox
      stress exposure in an interdependent manner. Furthermore, we show that the
      nSMase2 protein stability and thus its level of expression is also post
      translationally regulated by these five serine phosphorylation sites. This study
      provides initial structure/function insights regarding nSMase2 phosphorylation
      sites and offers some new links for future studies aiming to fully elucidate
      nSMase2 regulatory machinery.

PMID- 22074920
TI  - Molecular determinants of modulation of CaV2.1 channels by visinin-like protein
      2.
AB  - CaV2.1 channels, which conduct P/Q-type Ca2+ currents, initiate synaptic
      transmission at most synapses in the central nervous system. Ca2+/calmodulin
      dependent facilitation and inactivation of these channels contributes to short
      term facilitation and depression of synaptic transmission, respectively. Other
      calcium sensor proteins displace calmodulin (CaM) from its binding site,
      differentially regulate CaV2.1 channels, and contribute to the diversity of short
      term synaptic plasticity. The neuronal calcium sensor protein visinin-like
      protein 2 (VILIP-2) inhibits inactivation and enhances facilitation of CaV2.1
      channels. Here we examine the molecular determinants for differential regulation
      of CaV2.1 channels by VILIP-2 and CaM by construction and functional analysis of
      chimeras in which the functional domains of VILIP-2 are substituted in CaM. Our
      results show that the N-terminal domain, including its myristoylation site, the
      central alpha-helix, and the C-terminal lobe containing EF-hands 3 and 4 of VILIP
      2 are sufficient to transfer its regulatory properties to CaM. This regulation by
      VILIP-2 requires binding to the IQ-like domain of CaV2.1 channels. Our results
      identify the essential molecular determinants of differential regulation of
      CaV2.1 channels by VILIP-2 and define the molecular code that these proteins use
      to control short-term synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 22074921
TI  - Chemistry and biology of vision.
AB  - Visual perception in humans occurs through absorption of electromagnetic
      radiation from 400 to 780 nm by photoreceptors in the retina. A photon of visible
      light carries a sufficient amount of energy to cause, when absorbed, a cis,trans
      geometric isomerization of the 11-cis-retinal chromophore, a vitamin A derivative
      bound to rhodopsin and cone opsins of retinal photoreceptors. The unique
      biochemistry of these complexes allows us to reliably and reproducibly collect
      continuous visual information about our environment. Moreover, other
      nonconventional retinal opsins such as the circadian rhythm regulator melanopsin
      also initiate light-activated signaling based on similar photochemistry.

PMID- 22074922
TI  - Determinants of the DNA binding specificity of class I and class II TCP
      transcription factors.
AB  - TCP proteins constitute a family of plant transcription factors with more than 20
      members in angiosperms. They can be divided in two classes based on sequence
      homology and the presence of an insertion within the basic region of the TCP DNA
      binding and dimerization domain. Here, we describe binding site selection studies
      with the class I protein TCP16, showing that its DNA binding preferences are
      similar to those of class II proteins. Through sequence comparison and the
      analysis of mutants and chimeras of TCP16, TCP20 (class I), and TCP4 (class II),
      we established that the identity of residue 11 of the class I TCP domain or the
      equivalent residue 15 of the class II domain, whether it is Gly or Asp,
      determines a preference for a class I or a class II sequence, respectively.
      Footprinting analysis indicated that specific DNA contacts related to these
      preferences are established with one of the strands of DNA. The dimerization
      motif also influences the selectivity of the proteins toward class I and class II
      sequences and determines a requirement of an extended basic region in proteins
      with Asp-15. We postulate that differences in orientation of base-contacting
      residues brought about by the presence of either Gly or Asp are responsible for
      the binding site preferences of TCP proteins. Expression of repressor forms of
      TCP16 with Asp-11 or Gly-11 differently affects leaf development. TCP16-like
      proteins with Asp-11 in the TCP domain arose in rosids and may be related to
      developmental characteristics of this lineage of eudicots.

PMID- 22074923
TI  - MicroRNA 34c gene down-regulation via DNA methylation promotes self-renewal and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast tumor-initiating cells.
AB  - Tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs), a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell
      like properties, are related to tumor relapse and metastasis. Our previous
      studies identified a distinct profile of microRNA (miRNA) expression in breast T
      ICs (BT-ICs), and the dysregulated miRNAs contribute to the self-renewal and
      tumorigenesis of these cells. However, the underlying mechanisms for miRNA
      dysregulation in BT-ICs remain obscure. In the present study, we demonstrated
      that the expression and function of miR-34c were reduced in the BT-ICs of MCF-7
      and SK-3rd cells, a breast cancer cell line enriched for BT-ICs. Ectopic
      expression of miR-34c reduced the self-renewal of BT-ICs, inhibited epithelial
      mesenchymal transition, and suppressed migration of the tumor cells via silencing
      target gene Notch4. Furthermore, we identified a single hypermethylated CpG site
      in the promoter region of miR-34c gene that contributed to transcriptional
      repression of miR-34c in BT-ICs by reducing DNA binding activities of Sp1.
      Therefore, miR-34c reduction in BT-ICs induced by a single hypermethylated CpG
      site in the promoter region promotes self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition of BT-ICs.

PMID- 22074924
TI  - Macrophages discriminate glycosylation patterns of apoptotic cell-derived
      microparticles.
AB  - Inappropriate clearance of apoptotic remnants is considered to be the primary
      cause of systemic autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus. Here we
      demonstrate that apoptotic cells release distinct types of subcellular membranous
      particles (scMP) derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or the plasma
      membrane. Both types of scMP exhibit desialylated glycotopes resulting from
      surface exposure of immature ER-derived glycoproteins or from surface-borne
      sialidase activity, respectively. Sialidase activity is activated by caspase
      dependent mechanisms during apoptosis. Cleavage of sialidase Neu1 by caspase 3
      was shown to be directly involved in apoptosis-related increase of surface
      sialidase activity. ER-derived blebs possess immature mannosidic glycoepitopes
      and are prioritized by macrophages during clearance. Plasma membrane-derived
      blebs contain nuclear chromatin (DNA and histones) but not components of the
      nuclear envelope. Existence of two immunologically distinct types of apoptotic
      blebs may provide new insights into clearance-related diseases.

PMID- 22074925
TI  - Photoreceptor signaling: supporting vision across a wide range of light
      intensities.
AB  - For decades, photoreceptors have been an outstanding model system for elucidating
      basic principles in sensory transduction and biochemistry and for understanding
      many facets of neuronal cell biology. In recent years, new knowledge of the
      kinetics of signaling and the large-scale movements of proteins underlying
      signaling has led to a deeper appreciation of the photoreceptor's unique
      challenge in mediating the first steps in vision over a wide range of light
      intensities.

PMID- 22074926
TI  - Identification and structural characterization of novel cyclotide with activity
      against an insect pest of sugar cane.
AB  - Cyclotides are a family of plant-derived cyclic peptides comprising six conserved
      cysteine residues connected by three intermolecular disulfide bonds that form a
      knotted structure known as a cyclic cystine knot (CCK). This structural motif is
      responsible for the pronounced stability of cyclotides against chemical, thermal,
      or proteolytic degradation and has sparked growing interest in this family of
      peptides. Here, we isolated and characterized a novel cyclotide from Palicourea
      rigida (Rubiaceae), which was named parigidin-br1. The sequence indicated that
      this peptide is a member of the bracelet subfamily of cyclotides. Parigidin-br1
      showed potent insecticidal activity against neonate larvae of Lepidoptera
      (Diatraea saccharalis), causing 60% mortality at a concentration of 1 MUm but had
      no detectable antibacterial effects. A decrease in the in vitro viability of the
      insect cell line from Spodoptera frugiperda (SF-9) was observed in the presence
      of parigidin-br1, consistent with in vivo insecticidal activity. Transmission
      electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy of SF-9 cells after incubation
      with parigidin-br1 or parigidin-br1-fluorescein isothiocyanate, respectively,
      revealed extensive cell lysis and swelling of cells, consistent with an
      insecticidal mechanism involving membrane disruption. This hypothesis was
      supported by in silico analyses, which suggested that parigidin-br1 is able to
      complex with cell lipids. Overall, the results suggest promise for the
      development of parigidin-br1 as a novel biopesticide.

PMID- 22074927
TI  - Metabolism of carotenoids and retinoids related to vision.
AB  - All animals endowed with the ability to detect light through visual pigments must
      have evolved pathways in which dietary precursors for the involved chromophore
      are absorbed, transported, and metabolized. Knowledge about this metabolism has
      exponentially increased over the past decade. Genetic manipulation of animal
      models provided insights into the metabolic flow of these compounds through the
      body and in the eyes, unraveling their regulatory aspects and aberrant side
      reactions. The scheme that emerges reveals a common origin of key components for
      chromophore metabolism that have been adapted to the specific requirements of
      retinoid biology in different animal classes.

PMID- 22074928
TI  - Rod and cone visual pigments and phototransduction through pharmacological,
      genetic, and physiological approaches.
AB  - Activation of the visual pigment by light in rod and cone photoreceptors
      initiates our visual perception. As a result, the signaling properties of visual
      pigments, consisting of a protein, opsin, and a chromophore, 11-cis-retinal, play
      a key role in shaping the light responses of photoreceptors. The combination of
      pharmacological, physiological, and genetic tools has been a powerful approach
      advancing our understanding of the interactions between opsin and chromophore and
      how they affect the function of visual pigments. The signaling properties of the
      visual pigments modulate many aspects of the function of rods and cones,
      producing their unique physiological properties.

PMID- 22074929
TI  - Loss of daylight vision in retinal degeneration: are oxidative stress and
      metabolic dysregulation to blame?
AB  - Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by loss of night vision, followed by
      complete blindness. Over 40 genetic loci for retinitis pigmentosa have been
      identified in humans, primarily affecting photoreceptor structure and function.
      The availability of excellent animal models allows for a mechanistic
      characterization of the disease. Metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress
      have been found to correlate with the loss of vision, particularly in cones, the
      type of photoreceptors that mediate daylight and color vision. The evidence that
      these problems actually cause loss of vision and potential therapeutic approaches
      targeting them are discussed.

PMID- 22074930
TI  - Melanopsin and mechanisms of non-visual ocular photoreception.
AB  - In addition to rods and cones, the mammalian eye contains a third class of
      photoreceptor, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC).
      ipRGCs are heterogeneous irradiance-encoding neurons that primarily project to
      non-visual areas of the brain. Characteristics of ipRGC light responses differ
      significantly from those of rod and cone responses, including depolarization to
      light, slow on- and off-latencies, and relatively low light sensitivity. All
      ipRGCs use melanopsin (Opn4) as their photopigment. Melanopsin resembles
      invertebrate rhabdomeric photopigments more than vertebrate ciliary pigments and
      uses a G(q) signaling pathway, in contrast to the G(t) pathway used by rods and
      cones. ipRGCs can recycle chromophore in the absence of the retinal pigment
      epithelium and are highly resistant to vitamin A depletion. This suggests that
      melanopsin employs a bistable sequential photon absorption mechanism typical of
      rhabdomeric opsins.

PMID- 22074931
TI  - The prognostic value of serial leukocyte adhesion molecules in post-aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory response play an important
      role in the pathophysiology after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We
      determined whether leukocyte adhesion molecules after aneurysmal SAH can predict
      the presence of delayed cerebral infarction (DCI). METHODS: Serial changes in P
      selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), macrophage antigen-1 (Mac-1), and
      lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) expression by leukocyte subsets
      were prospectively examined using flow cytometry at various time points in 20
      acute aneurysmal SAH patients and 21 healthy volunteers who were free of
      medications were enrolled as a control group. RESULTS: Neutrophil (cut-off value
      of >44.90) and monocyte (cut-off value of >32.95) PSGL-1 expressions on admission
      were significantly higher in patients with DCI than in non-DCI patients, but the
      difference between neutrophil PGSL-1 and monocyte PGSL-1 levels between the two
      groups was no longer significant from Day 4 to Day 14 after aneurysmal SAH. After
      stepwise logistic regression analysis, only neutrophil PSGL-1 expression upon
      admission was independently associated with DCI. The mean hospitalization days
      were 44.4+/-26.2 for those patients with DCI and 40.5+/-26.4 for non-DCI
      patients. After a minimum 6-month follow-up period, the median BI score was 20
      for DCI patients and 80 for non-DCI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Higher expressions of
      neutrophil PSGL-1 on admission may imply a danger of DCI in patients with
      aneurysmal SAH.

PMID- 22074932
TI  - Isolation of Coxsackievirus A24 variant from patients with hemorrhagic
      conjunctivitis in Cuba, 2008-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis occurred in Cuba in
      2008 and 2009. OBJECTIVE: To determinate the etiological agent associated with
      the Cuban outbreaks of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis during 2008 and 2009.
      STUDY DESIGN: Conjunctival swabs and/or faecal samples from 382 patients with
      clinical diagnosis suggestive of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis were subject to
      viral culture in HEp-2 human laryngeal epidermoid carcinoma cells. Positive
      samples were identified by a specific Coxsackievirus A24 variant PCR and the 3C
      protease region of 16 isolates was sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS:
      Enterovirus cytopathic effect was observed in 138 cases (36%). A higher percent
      of CA24v was recovered from faecal samples, 19 out of 45 cases (42.2%), than from
      conjunctival swabs, 127 out of 355 samples (35.8%). All isolates were identified
      as Coxsackievirus A24 variant. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 2008 and 2009
      Cuban outbreaks were caused by the same virus strains and that isolates were
      closely related to those from Taiwan (2006-2007), China (2007-2008) and Singapore
      (2005) with a bootstrap value of 71%. CONCLUSIONS: Outbreaks of acute hemorrhagic
      conjunctivitis occurred in Cuba in 2008 and 2009 were caused by Coxsackievirus
      A24 variant. The faecal-oral route is another mode of transmission of CA24v in
      the acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis of Cuban
      CA24v strains involved in an acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreak in 2008
      and 2009 confirms a new introduction of the CA24 variant into the Americas from
      South-east Asia.

PMID- 22074933
TI  - Susceptibility to varicella-zoster among pregnant women in the province of Lecce,
      Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Varicella is predominantly a childhood disease, considered a mild
      self-limiting disease that can have serious complications for a pregnant woman
      and her developing fetus. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the susceptibility to
      varicella-zoster Virus (VZV) among pregnant women in the province of Lecce. STUDY
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Departments of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics of the Province of Lecce, where 539 pregnant women were recruited, and
      face-to-face interviews were conducted. Varicella IgG tests were performed.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of varicella susceptibility among pregnant mothers was
      10.6%. The prevalence of IgG antibodies increases significantly with increasing
      age, from 62.5% in the age group 15-19 years to 94.4% in the age group 40-49
      years. DISCUSSION: In the Italian National Vaccination Plan 2005-2007, varicella
      vaccine is only recommended for childbearing women. A safe and effective vaccine
      is available and no abnormalities have been observed among infants born to
      susceptible women who received varicella vaccines during pregnancy. Such a high
      number of susceptible women indicates that preventive and informative programs
      should be introduced, even among those who do not plan to become pregnant.
      Routine counselling, varicella IgG antibody screening and varicella vaccination
      should be considered if they have no history of the infection, to reduce the risk
      of fetal complications and the cost of healthcare associated with the infection.

PMID- 22074935
TI  - Introducing the parvome: bioactive compounds in the microbial world.
AB  - We describe and discuss the features and functions of the "parvome", the "-ome"
      of the chemical world, consisting of the small molecules produced by living
      organisms. Here, we focus specifically on the world of microbial small molecules.
      Many years of natural product discovery research, coupled with recent advances
      and applications of genetic and genomic techniques have revealed the presence of
      an enormous collection of unique small molecules that are the products of
      cellular metabolism. As yet, we have a poor understanding of their functions and,
      in most cases, little knowledge of their routes of biosynthesis, although such
      information is accruing rapidly. In this review, we attempt to address the raison
      d'etre of the parvome in the bacterial world, and we propose that a better
      understanding of the true biological roles of natural products will permit the
      application of rational approaches to the more effective exploitation of their
      use in medicine by humankind.

PMID- 22074934
TI  - Ten years of human metapneumovirus research.
AB  - Described for the first time in 2001, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has become one
      of the main viral pathogens responsible for acute respiratory tract infections in
      children but also in the elderly and immuno-compromised patients. The pathogen
      most closely related to hMPV is human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), the
      most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children. hMPV has been
      classified into two main viral groups A and B and has a seasonal distribution in
      temperate countries with most cases occurring in winter and spring. Given the
      difficulties encountered in culturing hMPV in vitro, diagnosis is generally
      achieved using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Like other Paramyxoviridae,
      hMPV has a negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome that includes 8 genes coding
      for 9 different proteins. The genomic organization and functions of surface
      attachment and fusion glycoproteins are relatively similar to those of hRSV.
      Although many groups have studied the viral life cycle of hMPV, many questions
      remain unanswered concerning the exact roles of the viral proteins in the
      attachment, fusion and replication of hMPV. To date, there remains no approved
      modality to combat hMPV infections. The majority of treatments that have been
      tested on hMPV have already demonstrated activity against hRSV infections. Some
      innovative approaches based on RNA interference and on fusion inhibitors have
      shown efficacy in vitro and in animal studies and could be beneficial in treating
      human hMPV disease. Difficulties faced inducing a durable immune response
      represent the biggest challenge in the development of an effective hMPV vaccine.
      Several strategies, such as the use of live-attenuated viruses generated by
      reverse genetics or recombinant proteins, have been tested in animals with
      encouraging results.

PMID- 22074937
TI  - Multifocal skin lesions and melena with thrombocytopenia in an infant.

PMID- 22074938
TI  - Applications of cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and imaging in the
      characterisation of pharmaceutical materials.
AB  - Cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis is a mature technique which utilises the light
      that is emitted from materials when they are bombarded with a beam of high energy
      electrons to produce spectra and spectral images of specimens. This technique is
      used routinely in many industries as a non-destructive way to investigate and
      characterise inorganic compounds, such as minerals, ceramics and semiconductors,
      as they are being examined in a scanning electron microscope, but is seldom used
      to study organic compounds. The discovery that many (up to about 80%) active
      pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and API-like compounds are cathodoluminescent
      has resulted in the development of CL analysis as a novel technique to rapidly
      visualise the solid state spatial distribution of APIs in drug products as they
      are being examined by scanning electron microscopy. Spectral images of API
      particles dispersed in drug products (a tablet, a multiparticulate bead, and a
      dry powder inhalation blend) were acquired to illustrate the practical
      application of CL imaging to support product development or to optimise
      manufacturing processes. This study has also revealed that CL spectroscopy can
      distinguish between crystalline and amorphous materials and is sensitive the
      differences between the solid forms of some organic compounds, such as salts and
      polymorphs. Up to 80% of commonly used excipients are non-cathodoluminescent and
      this has the advantage of enabling APIs in formulated products to be imaged
      without interference. As part of the investigation to explore the use of CL as a
      way to identify polymorphs and monitor phase transformations, it was discovered
      that by recrystallising fused carbamazepine, the metastable Form IV was
      unexpectedly produced.

PMID- 22074939
TI  - Mapping Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) items to the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
      Health (ICF) provides a common framework for clinical outcome measurement.
      Because the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) is widely used for
      documenting change over time in individual patients receiving musculoskeletal
      physical therapy, investigation of the extent to which PSFS items reflect the ICF
      is needed. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to investigate the extent to which
      patient-generated PSFS items reflect ICF domains. DESIGN: This investigation was
      an observational content validity study. METHODS: A total of 2,911 PSFS items
      from 1,050 files for patients with musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed. The
      data were from a random sample of participants in the Otago Outcome Measures
      Project at 4 clinics of the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago,
      situated in 3 New Zealand cities. Patient-nominated PSFS items were categorized
      and mapped with thematic analysis techniques to ICF components, chapters, and
      categories. Subgroup analyses were conducted for body region of injury and age
      ranges. RESULTS: All (100%) of the analyzed items could be mapped to the ICF.
      Most patient-nominated items mapped to the activity component (80.0%), some items
      mapped to the participation component (7.7%), other items were related to
      impairment (7.4%), and the fourth group contained items that overlapped the
      activity and participation components (4.9%). Similar results were found for each
      of the 5 body regions and across age ranges in subgroup analyses. LIMITATIONS:
      These results are limited to individual patients seeking musculoskeletal physical
      therapy. Patient-generated PSFS items were investigated. CONCLUSIONS: The ICF
      activity component was most commonly represented by patient-nominated PSFS items,
      the participation component was moderately represented, and impairment was least
      represented. Hence, the PSFS would complement impairment-based clinical outcome
      measures.

PMID- 22074940
TI  - The modified Gait Efficacy Scale: establishing the psychometric properties in
      older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perceived ability or confidence plays an important role in
      determining function and behavior. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a
      10-item self-report measure used to assess walking confidence under challenging
      everyday circumstances. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the
      reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the mGES as a measure of gait
      in older adults. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Participants
      were 102 community-dwelling older adults (mean [+/-SD] age=78.6+/-6.1 years) who
      were independent in ambulation with or without an assistive device. Participants
      were assessed using the mGES and measures of confidence and fear, measures of
      function and disability, and performance-based measures of mobility. In a
      subsample (n=26), the mGES was administered twice within a 1-month period to
      establish test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient
      (ICC [2,1]). The standard error of measure (SEM) was determined from the ICC and
      standard deviation. The Cronbach alpha value was calculated to determine internal
      consistency. To establish the validity of the mGES, the Spearman rank order
      correlation coefficient was used to examine the association with measures of
      confidence, fear, gait, and physical function and disability. RESULTS: The mGES
      demonstrated test-retest reliability within the 1-month period (ICC=.93, 95%
      confidence interval=.85, .97). The SEM of the mGES was 5.23. The mGES was
      internally consistent across the 10 items (Cronbach alpha=.94). The mGES was
      related to measures of confidence and fear (r=.54-.88), function and disability
      (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, r=.32-.88), and performance-based
      mobility (r=.38-.64). LIMITATIONS: This study examined only community-dwelling
      older adults. The results, therefore, should not be generalized to other patient
      populations. CONCLUSION: The mGES is a reliable and valid measure of confidence
      in walking among community-dwelling older adults.

PMID- 22074941
TI  - Continuity in the provider of home-based physical therapy services and its
      implications for outcomes of patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A growing body of research suggests that greater continuity of health
      care is positively associated with improved outcomes of patients. However, few
      studies have examined this issue in the context of physical therapy. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the level of continuity in the
      provider (provider continuity) of physical therapy services was related to
      outcomes in a population of patients receiving home health care. DESIGN: This was
      a retrospective observational study. METHODS: Clinical and administrative records
      were retrieved for a population of adult patients receiving physical therapy
      services from a large, urban, not-for-profit certified home health care agency in
      2009. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were used to examine how the level
      of provider continuity, calculated by use of a formula that models dispersion in
      contact between the patient and the providers of physical therapy services,
      varied across characteristics and outcomes of patients. RESULTS: Logistic
      regression analyses indicated that patients with lower levels of provider
      continuity had significantly higher odds of hospitalization (odds ratio
      [OR]=2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.90-2.23) and lower odds of improvements
      in the number of activity limitations (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.80-0.92) and in the
      severity of activity limitations (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.78-0.93) between the
      beginning and the end of the home health care episode. LIMITATIONS: Baseline
      clinical characteristics associated with continuity of care suggest some level of
      indication bias. Outcome measures for activities of daily living were limited to
      patients who were not hospitalized during their home health stay. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings build upon research suggesting that continuity in the patient
      provider relationship is an important determinant of outcomes of patients.

PMID- 22074942
TI  - Protease inhibitors for treatment of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection.

PMID- 22074943
TI  - Achieving integrated care is a slow and difficult process.

PMID- 22074944
TI  - Ombudsman reports GP to the GMC for refusing to apologise to a patient.

PMID- 22074945
TI  - Single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) for asthma.
AB  - Around 5.2 million people in the UK are estimated to have asthma.1 Mortality and
      hospitalisation rates associated with the condition fell significantly in the
      last 20 years of the 20th century, but have not fallen further since then.2 In
      2006, there were over 1,000 asthma deaths and around 78,000 hospital admissions
      due to asthma in the UK.2 One pharmacological strategy that has been developed
      recently to try to improve asthma management is the use of single maintenance and
      reliever therapy (SMART). This involves the patient using a single inhaler
      containing a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta(2) agonist (LABA;
      formoterol), for regular maintenance treatment, but also for additional 'rescue'
      use on an as-needed basis. Combination inhaler use is claimed to improve
      adherence, and is now included in UK asthma guidelines.3 Here we assess the
      evidence for single combination therapy, its relative effectiveness in comparison
      with other approaches, and whether or under what circumstances it should be used.

PMID- 22074946
TI  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2-3% of all adult malignancies worldwide, and
      around 30% of patients with the condition present with advanced or metastatic
      disease.1,2 Until recently, cytokine therapy (e.g. interleukin-2 or interferon
      alfa) was the standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma but provided
      only a small survival advantage (e.g. extending life by a median of 2.5 months).3
      A key development has been the introduction of drugs known as receptor tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors, which include ?sunitinib (Sutent-Pfizer), ?sorafenib (Nexavar
      Bayer) and ?pazopanib (Votrient-GlaxoSmithKline). Here we review the evidence on
      the efficacy, tolerability and cost-effectiveness of these treatments in renal
      cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22074947
TI  - Research resource: enhanced genome-wide occupancy of estrogen receptor alpha by
      the cochaperone p23 in breast cancer cells.
AB  - p23 is a chaperone with multiple heat shock protein 90 dependent and independent
      cellular functions, including stabilizing unliganded steroid receptors and
      modulating receptor-DNA dynamics. p23 protein is also up-regulated in several
      cancers, notably breast cancer. We previously demonstrated that higher expression
      of p23 in the estrogen-dependent breast cancer line MCF-7 (MCF-7+p23) selectively
      increased estrogen receptor (ER) target gene transcription and ER recruitment to
      regulatory elements, promoted cell invasion, and predicted a poor prognosis in
      breast cancer patients. To probe the impact of p23 on ER binding throughout the
      human genome, we compared ER occupancy in MCF-7+p23 cells relative to MCF-7
      control cells by using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by ultrahigh
      throughput DNA sequencing in the absence and presence of 17beta-estradiol (E2)
      treatment. We found that increased expression of p23 resulted in a 230% increase
      in the number of E2-induced ER-binding sites throughout the genome compared with
      control cells and also increased ER binding under basal conditions. Motif
      analysis indicated that ER binds to a similar DNA sequence regardless of p23
      status. We also observed that ER tends to bind closer to genes that were induced,
      rather than repressed by either E2 treatment or p23 overexpression.
      Interestingly, we also found that the increased invasion of MCF-7+p23 cells was
      not only p23 dependent but also ER dependent. Thus, a small increase in the
      expression of p23 amplifies ER-binding genome wide and, in combination with ER,
      elicits an invasive phenotype. This makes p23 an attractive target for combating
      tumor cell metastasis in breast cancer patients.

PMID- 22074948
TI  - Mouse resistin modulates adipogenesis and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
      through the ROR1 receptor.
AB  - Mouse resistin, a cysteine-rich protein primarily secreted from mature
      adipocytes, is involved in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Human
      resistin, however, is mainly secreted by immune mononuclear cells, and it
      competes with lipopolysaccharide for the binding to Toll-like receptor 4, which
      could mediate some of the well-known proinflammatory effects of resistin in
      humans. In addition, resistin has been involved in the regulation of many cell
      differentiation and proliferation processes, suggesting that different receptors
      could be involved in mediating its numerous effects. Thus, a recent work
      identifies an isoform of Decorin (Delta Decorin) as a functional resistin
      receptor in adipocyte progenitors that may regulate white adipose tissue
      expansion. Our work shows that the mouse receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan
      receptor (ROR)1 could mediate some of the described functions of resistin in 3T3
      L1 adipogenesis and glucose uptake. We have demonstrated an interaction of mouse
      resistin with specific domains of the extracellular region of the ROR1 receptor.
      This interaction results in the inhibition of ROR1 phosphorylation, modulates
      ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and regulates suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, glucose
      transporter 4, and glucose transporter 1 expression. Moreover, mouse resistin
      modulates glucose uptake and promotes adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells through ROR1.
      In summary, our results identify mouse resistin as a potential inhibitory ligand
      for the receptor ROR1 and demonstrate, for the first time, that ROR1 plays an
      important role in adipogenesis and glucose homeostasis in 3T3-L1 cells. These
      data open a new line of research that could explain important questions about the
      resistin mechanism of action in adipogenesis and in the development of insulin
      resistance.

PMID- 22074949
TI  - BMP3 suppresses osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells via
      interaction with Acvr2b.
AB  - Enhancing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling increases bone formation in
      a variety of settings that target bone repair. However, the role of BMP in the
      maintenance of adult bone mass is not well understood. Targeted disruption of
      BMP3 in mice results in increased trabecular bone formation, whereas transgenic
      overexpression of BMP3 in skeletal cells leads to spontaneous fracture,
      consistent with BMP3 having a negative role in bone mass regulation. Here we
      investigate the importance of BMP3 as a mediator of BMP signaling in the adult
      skeleton. We find that osteoblasts (OBL) and osteocytes are the source of BMP3 in
      adult bone. Using in vitro cultures of primary bone marrow stromal cells, we show
      that overexpression of BMP3 suppresses OBL differentiation, whereas loss of BMP3
      increases colony-forming unit fibroblasts and colony-forming unit OBL. The
      ability of BMP3 to affect OBL differentiation is due to its interaction with
      activin receptor type 2b (Acvr2b) because knockdown of endogenous Acvr2b in bone
      marrow stromal cells reduces the suppressive effect of BMP3 on OBL
      differentiation. These findings best fit a model in which BMP3, produced by
      mature bone cells, acts to reduce BMP signaling through Acvr2b in skeletal
      progenitor cells, limiting their differentiation to mature OBL. Our data further
      support the idea that endogenous BMPs have a physiological role in regulating
      adult bone mass.

PMID- 22074950
TI  - Research resource: transcriptional response to glucocorticoids in childhood acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GC) induce apoptosis in lymphoblasts and are thus essential in
      the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Their effects result from
      gene regulations via the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR), but it is unknown how these
      changes evolve, what the primary GR targets are, and to what extent responses
      differ between ALL subtypes and nonlymphoid malignancies. We delineated the
      transcriptional response to GC on the exon level in a time-resolved manner in a
      precursor B- and a T childhood ALL model employing Exon microarrays and combined
      this with genome-wide NR3C1-binding site detection using chromatin
      immunoprecipitation-on-chip technology. This integrative approach showed that the
      response was strongly influenced by kinetics and extent of GR autoinduction in
      both models. Although remarkable differences between the ALL systems were
      apparent, we defined a set of common response genes enriched in apoptosis-related
      processes. Globally, GR binding was higher for GC-induced vs. -repressed genes,
      suggesting that GR mediates gene repression by interaction with distant enhancers
      or by cross talk with other transcription factors. Exon level analysis defined
      several new GC-regulated transcript variants of genes, including ATP4B, GPR98,
      TBCD, and ZBTB16. Our study provides unprecedented insight into the
      transcriptional response to GC in ALL cells, essential to understand this
      biologically and clinically important phenomenon. We found evidence of cell type
      specific as well as common responses, possibly related to apoptosis induction,
      and detected induction of novel transcript variants by GC in the investigated
      systems. Finally, we implemented a bioinformatic framework that might be useful
      for high-density microarray analyses to identify alternative transcript variant
      expression.

PMID- 22074951
TI  - Research resource: interactome of human embryo implantation: identification of
      gene expression pathways, regulation, and integrated regulatory networks.
AB  - A prerequisite for successful embryo implantation is adequate preparation of
      receptive endometrium and the establishment and maintenance of a viable embryo.
      The success of implantation further relies upon a two-way dialogue between the
      embryo and uterus. However, molecular bases of these preimplantation and
      implantation processes in humans are not well known. We performed genome
      expression analyses of human embryos (n = 128) and human endometria (n = 8). We
      integrated these data with protein-protein interactions in order to identify
      molecular networks within the endometrium and the embryo, and potential embryo
      endometrium interactions at the time of implantation. For that, we applied a
      novel network profiling algorithm HyperModules, which combines topological module
      identification and functional enrichment analysis. We found a major wave of
      transcriptional down-regulation in preimplantation embryos. In receptive-stage
      endometrium, several genes and signaling pathways were identified, including JAK
      STAT signaling and inflammatory pathways. The main curated embryo-endometrium
      interaction network highlighted the importance of cell adhesion molecules in the
      implantation process. We also identified cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions
      involved in implantation, where osteopontin (SPP1), leukemia inhibitory factor
      (LIF) and leptin (LEP) pathways were intertwining. Further, we identified a
      number of novel players in human embryo-endometrium interactions, such as
      apolipoprotein D (APOD), endothelin 1 (END1), fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7),
      gastrin (GAST), kringle containing trnasmembrane protein 1 (KREMEN1), neuropilin
      1 (NRP1), serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 3 (SERPINA3), versican
      (VCAN), and others. Our findings provide a fundamental resource for better
      understanding of the genetic network that leads to successful embryo
      implantation. We demonstrate the first systems biology approach into the complex
      molecular network of the implantation process in humans.

PMID- 22074952
TI  - Androgen receptor repression of GnRH gene transcription.
AB  - Alterations in androgen levels lead to reproductive defects in both males and
      females, including hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, anovulation, and infertility.
      Androgens have been shown to down-regulate GnRH mRNA levels through an androgen
      receptor (AR)-dependent mechanism. Here, we investigate how androgen regulates
      expression from the GnRH regulatory region in the GT1-7 cell line, a model of
      GnRH neurons. A synthetic androgen, R1881, repressed transcription from the GnRH
      promoter (GnRH-P) in an AR-dependent manner, and liganded AR associated with the
      chromatin at the GnRH-P in live GT1-7 cells. The three known octamer-binding
      transcription factor-1 (Oct-1) binding sites in GnRH-P were required for AR
      mediated repression, although other sequences were also involved. Although a
      multimer of the consensus Oct-1 binding site was not repressed, a multimer of the
      cluster of Oct-1, Pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor (Pbx)/Prep, and NK2
      homeobox 1 (Nkx2.1) binding sites, found at -106/-91 in GnRH-P, was sufficient
      for repression. In fact, overexpression of any of these factors disrupted the
      androgen response, indicating that a balance of factors in this tripartite
      complex is required for AR repression. AR bound to this region in EMSA,
      indicating a direct interaction of AR with DNA or with other transcription
      factors bound to GnRH-P at this sequence. Collectively, our data demonstrate that
      GnRH transcription is repressed by AR via multiple sequences in GnRH-P, including
      three Oct-1 binding sites, and that this repression requires the complex
      interaction of several transcription factors.

PMID- 22074954
TI  - Molecular determinants of the interaction between human high molecular weight
      kininogen and Candida albicans cell wall: Identification of kininogen-binding
      proteins on fungal cell wall and mapping the cell wall-binding regions on
      kininogen molecule.
AB  - An excessive production of vasoactive and proinflammatory bradykinin-related
      peptides, the kinins, is often involved in the human host defense against
      microbial infections. Recent studies have shown that a major fungal pathogen to
      humans, Candida albicans, can bind the proteinaceous kinin precursor, the high
      molecular weight kininogen (HK) and trigger the kinin-forming cascade on the cell
      surface. In this work, we preliminarily characterized a molecular mechanism
      underlying the HK adhesion to the fungal surface by (i) identification of major
      kininogen-binding constituents on the candidial cell wall and (ii) mapping the
      cell wall-binding regions on HK molecule. A major fraction of total fungal
      kininogen-binding capacity was assigned to beta-1,3-glucanase-extractable cell
      wall proteins (CWP). By adsorption of CWP on HK-coupled agarose gel and mass
      spectrometric analysis of the eluted material, major putative HK receptors were
      identified, including Als3 adhesin and three glycolytic enzymes, i.e., enolase 1,
      phosphoglycerate mutase 1 and triosephosphate isomerase 1. Using monoclonal
      antibodies directed against selected parts of HK molecule and synthetic peptides
      with sequences matching selected HK fragments, we assigned the major fungal cell
      wall-binding ability to a short stretch of amino acids in the C-terminal part of
      domain 3 and a large continuous region involving the C-terminal part of domain 5
      and N-terminal part of domain 6 (residues 479-564). The latter characteristics of
      HK binding to C. albicans surface differ from those reported for bacteria and
      host cells.

PMID- 22074953
TI  - Evolutionary history and functional characterization of the amphibian xenosensor
      CAR.
AB  - The xenosensing constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is widely considered to
      have arisen in early mammals via duplication of the pregnane X receptor (PXR). We
      report that CAR emerged together with PXR and the vitamin D receptor from an
      ancestral NR1I gene already in early vertebrates, as a result of whole-genome
      duplications. CAR genes were subsequently lost from the fish lineage, but they
      are conserved in all taxa of land vertebrates. This contrasts with PXR, which is
      found in most fish species, whereas it is lost from Sauropsida (reptiles and
      birds) and plays a role unrelated to xenosensing in Xenopus. This role is
      fulfilled in Xenopus by CAR, which exhibits low basal activity and pronounced
      responsiveness to activators such as drugs and steroids, altogether resembling
      mammalian PXR. The constitutive activity typical for mammalian CAR emerged first
      in Sauropsida, and it is thus common to all fully terrestrial land vertebrates
      (Amniota). The constitutive activity can be achieved by humanizing just two amino
      acids of the Xenopus CAR. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive
      reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the NR1I subfamily of nuclear
      receptors. They identify CAR as the more conserved and remarkably plastic NR1I
      xenosensor in land vertebrates. Nonmammalian CAR should help to dissect the
      specific functions of PXR and CAR in the metabolism of xeno- and endobiotics in
      humans. Xenopus CAR is a first reported amphibian xenosensor, which opens the way
      to toxicogenomic and bioaugmentation studies in this critically endangered taxon
      of land vertebrates.

PMID- 22074955
TI  - Beyond the metabolic role of ghrelin: a new player in the regulation of
      reproductive function.
AB  - Ghrelin is a gastric peptide, discovered by Kojima et al. (1999) [55] as a result
      of the search for an endogenous ligand interacting with the "orphan receptor" GHS
      R1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a). Ghrelin is composed of 28
      aminoacids and is produced mostly by specific cells of the stomach, by the
      hypothalamus and hypophysis, even if its presence, as well as that of its
      receptors, has been demonstrated in many other tissues, not least in gonads.
      Ghrelin potently stimulates GH release and participates in the regulation of
      energy homeostasis, increasing food intake, decreasing energy output and exerting
      a lipogenetic effect. Furthermore, ghrelin influences the secretion and motility
      of the gastrointestinal tract, especially of the stomach, and, above all,
      profoundly affects pancreatic functions. Despite of these previously envisaged
      activities, it has recently been hypothesized that ghrelin regulates several
      aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology. In conclusion, ghrelin not only
      cooperates with other neuroendocrine factors, such as leptin, in the modulation
      of energy homeostasis, but also has a crucial role in the regulation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. In the current review we summarize the main
      targets of this gastric peptide, especially focusing on the reproductive system.

PMID- 22074956
TI  - Pharmacological characteristics of endokinin C/D-derived peptides in nociceptive
      and inflammatory processing in rats.
AB  - Endokinins designated from the human TAC4 gene consist of endokinin A, endokinin
      B, endokinin C (EKC) and endokinin D (EKD). EKC/D is a peptide using the common
      carboxyl-terminal in EKC and EKD and consists of 12 amino acids, and exerts
      antagonistic effects on the induction of scratching behavior by substance P (SP).
      Some of SP-preferring receptor antagonists have several d-tryptophan (d-Trp);
      however, the pharmacological effect of EKC/D-derived peptides with d-Trp remains
      to be solved. Therefore, to clarify the pharmacological characteristics of EKC/D
      derived peptides, effects of pretreatment with these peptides on SP-induced
      scratching and thermal hyperalgesia, formalin-induced flinching and carrageenan
      induced inflammation were evaluated. Intrathecal administration of [d-Trp(8)]
      EKC/D and [d-Trp(10)]-EKC/D showed a markedly long inhibitory effect, at least 14
      h, whereas the antagonistic effects of [d-Trp(8,10)]-EKC/D and EKC/D without d
      Trp disappeared after 1h. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of [d-Trp(10)]-EKC/D
      derived peptides was dependent on the number of amino acids from the amino
      terminus, and the more numerous the amino acids, the more marked the antagonistic
      effect. Thus, these results indicate that the effective duration of EKC/D-derived
      peptides is dependent on the number of d-Trp in the carboxyl-terminal region and
      the amino-terminal region regulates the antagonistic effect of EKC/D.

PMID- 22074957
TI  - LC-MS-based metabolomics in the clinical laboratory.
AB  - The analysis of metabolites in human body fluids remains a challenge because of
      their chemical diversity and dynamic concentration range. Liquid chromatography
      (LC) in combination with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) offers a robust,
      reliable, and economical methodology for quantitative single metabolite analysis
      and profiling of complete metabolite classes of a biological specimen over a
      broad dynamic concentration range. The application of LC-MS/MS based metabolomic
      approaches in clinical applications aims at both, the improvement of diagnostic
      sensitivity and specificity by profiling a metabolite class instead of a single
      metabolite analysis, and the identification of new disease specific biomarkers.
      In the present paper we discuss recent advances in method development for LC
      MS/MS analysis of lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids and biogenic amines,
      vitamins and organic acids with focus on human body fluids. In this context an
      overview on recent LC-MS/MS based metabolome studies for cancer, diabetes and
      coronary heart disease is presented.

PMID- 22074958
TI  - Chlorpromazine quantification in human plasma by UPLC-electrospray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry. Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - In the present study a method to quantify chlorpromazine in human plasma using
      cyclobenzaprine as the internal standard (IS) is described. The analyte and the
      IS were extracted from human plasma by a liquid-liquid extraction with diethyl
      ether/dichloromethane (70/30, v/v) and analyzed by an ultra performance liquid
      chromatography (UPLC) coupled to an electrospray tandem triple quadrupole mass
      spectrometer in positive mode (UPLC-ES(+)-MS/MS). Chromatography was performed
      isocratically on an Aquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 MUm (50 mm * 2.1 mm i.d.) operating
      at 40 degrees C. The mobile phase was a mixture of 65% water+1% formic acid and
      35% of acetonitrile at a flow-rate of 0.5 mL/min. The lowest concentration
      quantified was 0.5 ng/mL and a linear calibration curve over the range 0.5-200
      ng/mL was obtained, showing intra-assay precisions from 2.4 to 5.8%, and inter
      assay precisions from 3.6 to 9.9%. The intra-assay accuracies ranged from 96.9 to
      102.5%, while the inter-assay accuracies ranged from 94.1 to 100.3%. This
      analytical method was applied in a relative bioavailability study in order to
      compare a test chlorpromazine 100 mg simple dose formulation versus a reference
      in 57 volunteers of both sexes. The study was conducted in an open randomized two
      period crossover design and with a fourteen days washout period. Plasma samples
      were obtained over a 144-h interval. Since the 90% CI for both C(max), AUC(last)
      and AUC(0-inf) were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the Food and Drug
      Administration and ANVISA, it was concluded that chlorpromazine 100 mg/dose was
      bioequivalent to the reference formulation, according to both the rate and extent
      of absorption.

PMID- 22074959
TI  - Bipolar temperaments and light.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Converging lines of evidence have established a relationship between
      exposure to ambient light and both mood state and mood disorders. In view of the
      association between mood disorder and affective disposition, in this study, the
      relationship between temperament (depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable
      and anxious) and daily light exposure was closely examined. METHODS: Fifty-six
      subjects completed the Japanese standardized version of the Temperament
      Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-auto questionnaire version
      (TEMPS-A) and illuminance of daytime using actigraphy. RESULTS: Cyclothymic
      temperament scores were significantly and negatively associated with illuminance
      of daytime whereas hyperthymic temperament scores were significantly and
      positively associated with illuminance of daytime. LIMITATIONS: Sample size was
      relatively small and they were only healthy subjects and no patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that illuminance of daytime may be related to
      both cyclothymic and hyperthymic temperaments but that the associations lie in
      opposite directions. If this is the case, it seems important to consider
      individual patients' temperaments when light therapy is used to treat their
      depressive episode. Further studies are required to determine why and how these
      temperaments are associated with illuminance.

PMID- 22074960
TI  - A simple synthesis of APM ([p-(N-acrylamino)-phenyl]mercuric chloride), a useful
      tool for the analysis of thiolated biomolecules.
AB  - This study describes two novel synthetic procedures to prepare APM, a useful tool
      for the analysis and the purification of thiolated biomolecules. The methods
      developed are technically simple and robust and allowed the first full
      characterization of pure APM. Moreover, the efficacy of APM, as a biochemical
      tool, was demonstrated by analysis of tRNA thiolation by APM-PAGE.

PMID- 22074961
TI  - The synthesis of 2-nitroaryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines, nitro-substituted
      5,6-dihydrobenzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline N-oxides and related heterocycles as
      potential bioreducible substrates for the enzymes NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase
      1 and E. coli nitroreductase.
AB  - A series of 2-nitroaryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines 10 and nitro-substituted
      5,6-dihydrobenzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline N-oxides 11 have been synthesised and
      evaluated as potential bioreducible substrates for the enzymes NAD(P)H: quinone
      oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and Escherichia coli nitroreductase (NR). Also prepared
      and evaluated were 2-(3,5-dinitropyridin-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline 12
      and 5,6-dihydro-10-nitropyrido[3",2":4',5']imidazo[2',1'-a]isoquinoline 12-oxide
      13. Both compounds 10b and 13 were reduced faster by human NQO1 than by CB-1954
      [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide].

PMID- 22074962
TI  - Drugs as instruments: a new framework for non-addictive psychoactive drug use.
AB  - Most people who are regular consumers of psychoactive drugs are not drug addicts,
      nor will they ever become addicts. In neurobiological theories, non-addictive
      drug consumption is acknowledged only as a "necessary" prerequisite for
      addiction, but not as a stable and widespread behavior in its own right. This
      target article proposes a new neurobiological framework theory for non-addictive
      psychoactive drug consumption, introducing the concept of "drug
      instrumentalization." Psychoactive drugs are consumed for their effects on mental
      states. Humans are able to learn that mental states can be changed on purpose by
      drugs, in order to facilitate other, non-drug-related behaviors. We discuss
      specific "instrumentalization goals" and outline neurobiological mechanisms of
      how major classes of psychoactive drugs change mental states and serve non-drug
      related behaviors. We argue that drug instrumentalization behavior may provide a
      functional adaptation to modern environments based on a historical selection for
      learning mechanisms that allow the dynamic modification of consummatory behavior.
      It is assumed that in order to effectively instrumentalize psychoactive drugs,
      the establishment of and retrieval from a drug memory is required. Here, we
      propose a new classification of different drug memory subtypes and discuss how
      they interact during drug instrumentalization learning and retrieval.
      Understanding the everyday utility and the learning mechanisms of non-addictive
      psychotropic drug use may help to prevent abuse and the transition to drug
      addiction in the future.

PMID- 22074963
TI  - Toward an evolutionary basis for resilience to drug addiction.
AB  - According to Muller & Schumann (M&S), people would have evolved adaptations for
      learning to use psychoactive plants and drugs as instruments that reveal
      particularly advantageous in modern urban environments. Here I "instrumentalize"
      this framework to propose an evolutionary basis for the existence of a biological
      resilience to drug addiction in people.

PMID- 22074964
TI  - Drugs' rapid payoffs distort evaluation of their instrumental uses.
AB  - Science has needed a dispassionate valuation of psychoactive drugs, but a
      motivational analysis should be conducted with respect to long-term reward rather
      than reproductive fitness. Because of hyperbolic overvaluation of short-term
      rewards, an individual's valuation depends on the time she forms it and the times
      she will revisit it, sometimes making her best long-term interest lie in total
      abstinence.

PMID- 22074965
TI  - Drugs as instruments from a developmental child and adolescent psychiatric
      perspective.
AB  - Developmental, epidemiological, and neurobiological studies indicate that the
      adaptive and maladaptive functions, as well as immediate and long-term
      consequences of drug use, may vary by age. Early initiation seems to be
      associated with a reduced ability to use drugs purposely in a temporally stable,
      non-addictive manner. Prevention strategies should consider social environmental
      factors and aim to delay age at initiation.

PMID- 22074966
TI  - Drug use as consumer behavior.
AB  - Seeking integration of drug consumption research by a theory of memory function
      and emphasizing drug consumption rather than addiction, Muller & Schumann (M&S)
      treat drug self-administration as part of a general pattern of consumption. This
      insight is located within a more comprehensive framework for understanding drug
      use as consumer behavior that explicates the reinforcement contingencies
      associated with modes of drug consumption.

PMID- 22074967
TI  - Nonaddictive instrumental drug use: Theoretical strengths and weaknesses.
AB  - The potential to instrumentalize drug use based upon the detection of very many
      different drug states undoubtedly exists, and such states may play a role in
      psychiatric and many other drug uses. Nevertheless, nonaddictive drug use is
      potentially more parsimoniously explained in terms of sensation
      seeking/impulsivity and drug expectations. Cultural factors also play a major
      role in nonaddictive drug use.

PMID- 22074968
TI  - Non-addictive psychoactive drug use: Implications for behavioral addiction.
AB  - The newly proposed framework for non-addictive psychoactive substances postulated
      by Muller & Schumann (M&S) provides an interesting and plausible explanation for
      non-addictive drug use. However, with specific reference to the relevant
      behavioral addiction literature, this commentary argues that the model may
      unexpectedly hold utility not only for non-addictive use of drugs, but also for
      non-addictive use of other potentially addictive behaviors.

PMID- 22074969
TI  - Does drug mis-instrumentalization lead to drug abuse?
AB  - Understanding the perceived benefits of using drugs to achieve specific mental
      states will provide novel insights into the reasons individuals seek to use
      drugs. However, the precision of attempts to instrumentalize drugs is unclear
      both across drugs and individuals. Moreover, mis-instrumentalization, defined as
      discrepancies between such endpoints, may have relevance to understanding the
      relation among use, abuse, and addiction.

PMID- 22074970
TI  - Drug instrumentalization and evolution: Going even further.
AB  - Muller & Schumann (M&S) deserve applause for their interdisciplinary examination
      of drug use, evolution, and learning. Further steps can deepen their evolutionary
      analysis: a focus on adaptive benefits, a distinction between approach and
      consummatory behaviors, an examination of how drugs can create adaptive lag
      through changing human niche construction, the importance of other
      neurobehavioral mechanisms in drug use besides instrumentalization, and the
      importance of sociocultural dynamics and neural plasticity in both human
      evolution and drug use.

PMID- 22074971
TI  - Optimal drug use and rational drug policy.
AB  - The Muller & Schumann (M&S) view of drug use is courageous and compelling, with
      radical implications for drug policy and research. It implies that most nations
      prohibit most drugs that could promote happiness, social capital, and economic
      growth; that most individuals underuse rather than overuse drugs; and that
      behavioral scientists could use drugs more effectively in generating hypotheses
      and collaborating empathically.

PMID- 22074972
TI  - Sacramental and spiritual use of hallucinogenic drugs.
AB  - Arguably, the religious use of hallucinogenic drugs stems from a human search of
      metaphysical insight rather than from a direct need for cognitive, emotional,
      social, physical, or sexual improvement. Therefore, the sacramental and spiritual
      intake of hallucinogenic drugs goes so far beyond other biopsychosocial functions
      that it deserves its own category in the drug instrumentalization list.

PMID- 22074973
TI  - The instrumental rationality of addiction.
AB  - The claim that non-addictive drug use is instrumental must be distinguished from
      the claim that its desired ends are evolutionarily adaptive or easy to
      comprehend. Use can be instrumental without being adaptive or comprehensible.
      This clarification, together with additional data, suggests that Muller &
      Schumann's (M&S's) instrumental framework may explain addictive, as well as non
      addictive consumption.

PMID- 22074974
TI  - Drug addiction finds its own niche.
AB  - The evolutionary framework suggested by Muller & Schumann (M&S) can be extended
      further by considering drug-taking in terms of Niche Construction Theory (NCT).
      It is suggested here that genetic and environmental components of addiction are
      modified by cultural acceptance of the advantages of non-addicted drug taking and
      the legitimate supply of performance-enhancing drugs. This may then reduce the
      prevalence of addiction.

PMID- 22074975
TI  - But is it evolution...?
AB  - We applaud Muller & Schumann (M&S) for bringing needed attention to the problem
      of motivation for common non-addictive drug use, as opposed to the usual focus on
      exotic drugs and addiction. Unfortunately, their target article has many
      underdeveloped and sometimes contradictory ideas. Here, we will focus on three
      key issues.

PMID- 22074976
TI  - Why do we take drugs? From the drug-reinforcement theory to a novel concept of
      drug instrumentalization.
AB  - The drug-reinforcement theory explains why humans get engaged in drug taking
      behavior. This theory posits that drugs of abuse serve as biological rewards by
      activating the reinforcement system. Although from a psychological and
      neurobiological perspective this theory is extremely helpful, it does not tell us
      about the drug-taking motives and motivation of an individual. The definition of
      drug instrumentalization goals will improve our understanding of individual drug
      taking profiles.

PMID- 22074977
TI  - Flaws of drug instrumentalization.
AB  - The adaptive use of drugs, or "drug instrumentalization," is presented as a
      reality that the scientific literature has largely ignored. In this commentary,
      we demonstrate why this concept has limited value from the standpoint of
      nosology, why it should not be viewed as "adaptive," and why it has dangerous
      implications for policy and public health efforts.

PMID- 22074978
TI  - Psychoactive drug use: Expand the scope of outcome assessment.
AB  - The "hijacking" and "drug instrumentalization" models of psychoactive drug use
      predict opposite outcomes in terms of adaptive behavior and fitness benefits.
      Which is the range of applicability of each model? To answer this question, we
      need more data than those reported by studies focusing on medical, psychiatric,
      and legal problems in addicted users. An evolutionary analysis requires a much
      wider focus.

PMID- 22074979
TI  - Drugs, mental instruments, and self-control.
AB  - The instrumental model offered by Muller & Schumann (M&S) is broadened to apply
      not only to drugs, but also to other methods of self-control, including the use
      of mental constructs to produce adaptive changes in behavior with the possibility
      of synergistic interactions between various instruments.

PMID- 22074980
TI  - Aspects of nicotine utilization.
AB  - This commentary reviews the effects of nicotine on mood and cognition in support
      of the drug utilization concept of Muller & Schumann (M&S). Specifically, it
      amplifies the concept with the nicotine utilization hypothesis (NUH), which
      opposes the nicotine withdrawal hypothesis (NWH). Evidence against NWH comes from
      changes in mood after abstinence and the performance effects of nicotine
      supporting drug utilization.

PMID- 22074981
TI  - Governing drug use through neurobiological subject construction: The sad loss of
      the sociocultural.
AB  - Based on their "drugs as instruments" framework, Muller & Schumann (M&S) propose
      a staged drug policy that matches well the neoliberal governance scheme. To mend
      the sad loss of the sociocultural dimension in their model, I propose three such
      considerations: first, sociocultural interactions with the brain; second,
      sociocultural context and justice of drug use; and third, sociocultural
      preparedness for implementing their drug policy.

PMID- 22074982
TI  - A strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae evolved for fermentation of lignocellulosic
      biomass displays improved growth and fermentative ability in high solids
      concentrations and in the presence of inhibitory compounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Softwoods are the dominant source of lignocellulosic biomass in the
      northern hemisphere, and have been investigated worldwide as a renewable
      substrate for cellulosic ethanol production. One challenge to using softwoods,
      which is particularly acute with pine, is that the pretreatment process produces
      inhibitory compounds detrimental to the growth and metabolic activity of
      fermenting organisms. To overcome the challenge of bioconversion in the presence
      of inhibitory compounds, especially at high solids loading, a strain of
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae was subjected to evolutionary engineering and adaptation
      for fermentation of pretreated pine wood (Pinus taeda). RESULTS: An industrial
      strain of Saccharomyces, XR122N, was evolved using pretreated pine; the resulting
      daughter strain, AJP50, produced ethanol much more rapidly than its parent in
      fermentations of pretreated pine. Adaptation, by preculturing of the industrial
      yeast XR122N and the evolved strains in 7% dry weight per volume (w/v) pretreated
      pine solids prior to inoculation into higher solids concentrations, improved
      fermentation performance of all strains compared with direct inoculation into
      high solids. Growth comparisons between XR122N and AJP50 in model hydrolysate
      media containing inhibitory compounds found in pretreated biomass showed that
      AJP50 exited lag phase faster under all conditions tested. This was due, in part,
      to the ability of AJP50 to rapidly convert furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural to
      their less toxic alcohol derivatives, and to recover from reactive oxygen species
      damage more quickly than XR122N. Under industrially relevant conditions of 17.5%
      w/v pretreated pine solids loading, additional evolutionary engineering was
      required to decrease the pronounced lag phase. Using a combination of adaptation
      by inoculation first into a solids loading of 7% w/v for 24 hours, followed by a
      10% v/v inoculum (approximately equivalent to 1 g/L dry cell weight) into 17.5%
      w/v solids, the final strain (AJP50) produced ethanol at more than 80% of the
      maximum theoretical yield after 72 hours of fermentation, and reached more than
      90% of the maximum theoretical yield after 120 hours of fermentation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that fermentation of pretreated pine containing
      liquid and solids, including any inhibitory compounds generated during
      pretreatment, is possible at higher solids loadings than those previously
      reported in the literature. Using our evolved strain, efficient fermentation with
      reduced inoculum sizes and shortened process times was possible, thereby
      improving the overall economic viability of a woody biomass-to-ethanol conversion
      process.

PMID- 22074983
TI  - Exact two-stage designs for phase II activity trials with rank-based endpoints.
AB  - Features common to phase II clinical trials include limited knowledge of the
      experimental treatment being evaluated, design components reflecting ethical
      considerations, and small to moderate sample sizes as a result of resource
      constraints. It is for these reasons that there exist many two-stage designs
      proposed in the literature for use in this context. The majority of these designs
      are for binary endpoints and based on exact probability calculations, or are for
      continuous endpoints and rooted in asymptotic approximations to the null
      distribution. We present exact two-stage Mann-Whitney designs in the context of
      two-arm randomized clinical trials. In addition to describing the designs, we
      present tables of decision rules under a variety of assumed realities for use in
      trial planning.

PMID- 22074984
TI  - A novel caryophyllene type sesquiterpene lactone from Asparagus falcatus (Linn.);
      structure elucidation and anti-angiogenic activity on HUVECs.
AB  - In this study the novel caryophyllene type sesquiterpene lactone (aspfalcolide)
      has been isolated from the leaves of Asparagus falcatus (Linn.) and characterized
      by IR, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, EI-MS, HR-ESI-MS and X-ray single crystal diffraction
      analysis. The aspfalcolide crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group
      P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 6.37360(10), b = 7.6890(2), c = 27.3281(6) A, alpha = beta
      = gamma = 90( degrees ) and Z = 4. One intermolecular O-H?O hydrogen bond
      enforces these natural molecules to form infinite chains through the crystal.
      Aspfalcolide was screened for its anti-angiogenic activity in human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the result showed the remarkable inhibitory
      effect of aspfalcolide on the proliferation (IC(50) 1.82 MUM), migration and tube
      formation of HUVECs.

PMID- 22074985
TI  - 3,5-Disubstituted-thiazolidine-2,4-dione analogs as anticancer agents: design,
      synthesis and biological characterization.
AB  - A series of 2,5-disubstituted-thiazolidine-2,4-dione analogs based on the newly
      identified lead 1, a potential anticancer agent via the inhibition of the
      Raf/MEK/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling cascades, were synthesized and biologically
      characterized. A new lead structure, 15, was identified to have improved anti
      proliferative activities in U937 cells, to induce apoptosis in U937, M12 and
      DU145 cancer cells, and to arrest U937 cells at the S-phase. Furthermore, Western
      blot analysis demonstrated a correlation of the anti-proliferative activity and
      blockade of the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Collectively, these
      results strongly encourage further optimization of 15 as a new lead with multi
      target properties to develop more potent compounds as anticancer agents.

PMID- 22074986
TI  - 1,2,4-Triazole D-ribose derivatives: design, synthesis and antitumoral
      evaluation.
AB  - Herein we report the design, synthesis and characterization of novel 1,2,4
      triazole d-ribose derivatives, as well as their synthetic precursors. The
      antitumoral activity against T cell lymphoma cell line of these products was
      studied. Structures containing a 1,2,4-triazolic ring linked by sulfur to the
      carbohydrate moiety showed a moderate antiproliferative activity. The presence of
      the second heterocyclic ring did not show significant changes in their biological
      activity. Meanwhile, structures with 3-thiobenzyl-5-substituted-1,2,4-triazole
      ring linked by nitrogen leads to compounds with a biphasic behavior, stimulating
      cell proliferation at low concentrations and inhibiting it at higher ones. An
      increment in the polarity was associated with a decrease in the activity of the
      evaluated compounds. A preliminary antitumoral screening pointed the 1,2,4
      triazolic structures linked to protected sugars as promising leaders for further
      studies.

PMID- 22074988
TI  - Nanoparticle zeta -potentials.
AB  - For over half a century, alternating electric fields have been used to induce
      particle transport, furnishing the zeta-potential of analytes with sizes ranging
      from a few nanometers to several micrometers. Concurrent advances in
      nanotechnology have provided new materials for catalysis, self-assembly, and
      biomedical applications, all of which benefit from a thorough understanding of
      particle surface charge.  Therefore, the measurement of the zeta-potential via
      electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) has become essential for nanoparticle (NP)
      research. However, the interpretation of NP electrophoretic mobility, especially
      that of ligand-coated NPs, can be a complex undertaking. Despite the inherent
      intricacy of these data, key concepts from colloidal science can help to distill
      valuable information from ELS.  In this Account, we adopt PEGylated Au NPs as an
      illustrative example to explore extensions of the classical theories of
      Smoluchowski, Huckel, and Henry to more contemporary theories for ligand-coated
      NP systems such as those from Ohshima, and Hill, Saville, and Russel. First, we
      review the basic experimental considerations necessary to understand NP
      electrophoretic mobility, identifying when O'Brien and White's numerical solution
      of the standard electrokinetic model should be adopted over Henry's closed-form
      analytical approximation. Next, we explore recent developments in the theory of
      ligand-coated particle electrophoresis, and how one can furnish accurate and
      meaningful relationships between measured NP mobility, zeta-potential, and
      surface charge. By identifying key ligand-coated NP parameters (e.g., coating
      thickness, permeability, molecular mass, and hydrodynamic segment size), we
      present a systematic method for quantitatively interpreting NP electrophoretic
      mobility.  In addition to reviewing theoretical foundations, we describe our
      recent results that examine how the unique surface curvature of NPs alters and
      controls their properties. These data provide guidelines that can expedite the
      rational design of NPs for advanced uses, such as heterogeneous catalysis and in
      vivo drug delivery. As a practical demonstration of these concepts, we apply the
      ligand-coated theory to a recently developed noncovalent PEGylated Au NP drug
      delivery system. Our analysis suggests that anion adsorption on the Au NP core
      may enhance the stability of these NP-drug conjugates in solution.  In addition
      to providing useful nanochemistry insights, the information in this Account will
      be useful to biomedical and materials engineers, who use ELS and zeta-potentials
      for understanding NP dynamics.

PMID- 22074987
TI  - The thrombospondin repeat containing protein MIG-21 controls a left-right
      asymmetric Wnt signaling response in migrating C. elegans neuroblasts.
AB  - Wnt proteins are secreted signaling molecules that play a central role in
      development and adult tissue homeostasis. Although several Wnt signal
      transduction mechanisms have been described in detail, it is still largely
      unknown how cells are specified to adopt such different Wnt signaling responses.
      Here, we have used the stereotypic migration of the C. elegans Q neuroblasts as a
      model to study how two initially equivalent cells are instructed to activate
      either beta-catenin dependent or independent Wnt signaling pathways to control
      the migration of their descendants along the anteroposterior axis. We find that
      the specification of this difference in Wnt signaling response is dependent on
      the thrombospondin repeat containing protein MIG-21, which acts together with the
      netrin receptor UNC-40/DCC to control an initial left-right asymmetric
      polarization of the Q neuroblasts. Furthermore, we show that the direction of
      this polarization determines the threshold for Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, with
      posterior polarization sensitizing for activation of this pathway. We conclude
      that MIG-21 and UNC-40 control the asymmetry in Wnt signaling response by
      restricting posterior polarization to one of the two Q neuroblasts.

PMID- 22074989
TI  - Growth and exopolysaccharide yield of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus
      DSM 20081 in batch and continuous bioreactor experiments at constant pH.
AB  - Some Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus strains are able to synthesize
      exopolysaccharides (EPS) and are therefore highly important for the dairy
      industry as starter cultures. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      nutritional requirements for growth and EPS production of Lactobacillus
      delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus DSM 20081. A medium was developed from a semi-defined
      medium (SDM) in which glucose was replaced by lactose and different combinations
      of supplements (nucleobases, vitamins, salts, sodium formate and orotic acid)
      were added. Constant pH batch fermentation with the modified medium resulted in
      an EPS yield of approximately 210 mg glucose equivalents per liter medium. This
      was a 10-fold increase over flask cultivation of this strain in SDM. Although not
      affecting cell growth, the mixture of salts enhanced the EPS synthesis. Whereas
      EPS production was approximately 12 mg/g dry biomass without salt
      supplementation, a significantly higher yield (approximately 20 mg/g dry biomass)
      was observed after adding the salt mixture. In continuous fermentation, a maximal
      EPS concentration was obtained at a dilution rate of 0.31/h (80 mg EPS/L), which
      corresponded to a specific EPS production of 49 mg/g dry biomass.

PMID- 22074990
TI  - Functional roles of a tetraloop/receptor interacting module in a cyclic di-GMP
      riboswitch.
AB  - Riboswitches are a class of structural RNAs that regulate transcription and
      translation through specific recognition of small molecules. Riboswitches are
      attractive not only as drug targets for novel antibiotics but also as modular
      tools for controlling gene expression. Sequence comparison of a class of
      riboswitches that sense cyclic di-GMP (type-I c-di-GMP riboswitches) revealed
      that this type of riboswitch frequently shows a GAAA loop/receptor interaction
      between P1 and P3 elements. In the crystal structures of a type-I c-di-GMP
      riboswitch from Vibrio cholerae (the Vc2 riboswitch), the GNRA loop/receptor
      interaction assembled P2 and P3 stems to organize a ligand-binding pocket. In
      this study, the functional importance of the GAAA loop-receptor interaction in
      the Vc2 riboswitch was examined. A series of variant Vc2 riboswitches with
      mutations in the GAAA loop/receptor interaction were assayed for their switching
      abilities. In mutants with mutations in the P2 GAAA loop, expression of the
      reporter gene was reduced to approximately 40% - 60% of that in the wild-type.
      However, mutants in which the P3 receptor motif was substituted with base pairs
      were as active as the wild-type. These results suggested that the GAAA
      loop/receptor interaction does not simply establish the RNA 3D structure but
      docking of P2 GAAA loop reduces the flexibility of the GAAA receptor motif in the
      P3 element. This mechanism was supported by a variant riboswitch bearing a
      theophylline aptamer module in P3 the structural rigidity of which could be
      modulated by the small molecule theophylline.

PMID- 22074991
TI  - Significance of reflux of contrast medium into the inferior vena cava on
      computerized tomographic pulmonary angiogram.
AB  - Reflux of contrast medium into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is often detected on
      computerized tomographic pulmonary angiogram. The potential clinical implications
      and associated diagnoses of this finding have not been established. We
      investigated the prevalence and significance of reflux of contrast medium into
      the IVC in a large cohort of patients evaluated for possible pulmonary embolism
      (PE) by computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography. We retrospectively
      reviewed 1,065 consecutive computerized tomographic pulmonary angiographic
      examinations performed from January 1, 2007 through January 7, 2008 for the
      presence of reflux. Degree of reflux into the IVC and hepatic veins was graded
      from 1 (none) to 6 (severe). Patients' charts were reviewed for diagnoses during
      the index hospitalization and for background diseases. These clinical data were
      correlated with the reflux grade. The final study included 967 computerized
      tomographic pulmonary angiographic scans of 367 men and 600 women (mean age 62 +/
      20 years, range 17 to 103). Almost 1/2 (480, 49.6%) had grade 1, 310 (32.1%) had
      grades 2 to 3, and 177 (18.3%) had grades 4 to 6. Multivariate logistic
      regression found that pulmonary hypertension, history of congestive heart
      failure, chronic atrial fibrillation, and acute PE were associated with extensive
      reflux (grades 4 to 6) with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 5.4 (3.0 to
      9.9, p <0.001), 3.7 (2.3 to 6.1, p <0.001), 2.3 (1.0 to 5.3, p = 0.044), and 1.8
      (1.2 to 2.9, p = 0.011), respectively. Interobserver agreement between the 2
      readers for reflux grading was good (kappa = 0.77). In conclusion, extensive
      reflux of contrast medium into the IVC detected on computerized tomographic
      pulmonary angiogram may serve as a pathophysiologic marker of right heart
      dysfunction, specifically pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure,
      chronic atrial fibrillation, or PE.

PMID- 22074992
TI  - Sudden death associated with danon disease in women.
AB  - Danon disease is an X-linked systemic disorder characterized by left ventricular
      hypertrophy, mental retardation, and skeletal myopathy affecting young men.
      Electrocardiogram usually displays a Wolff-Parkinson-White preexcitation pattern.
      Less has been reported about the phenotype in women, although later-onset cardiac
      symptoms have been described. The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge
      of the phenotype of Danon disease in women. We clinically followed and evaluated
      with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), and genetic
      testing a family affected by Danon disease in which 2 men and 6 women showed a
      severe arrhythmogenic phenotype. Affected family members carried a nucleotide
      substitution at position 294 in exon 3 (c.294 G -> A) that changed a tryptophan
      residue to a stop codon at position W98X in the lysosome-associated membrane
      protein 2 (LAMP2) gene. Four women died suddenly (1 aborted) at 37 to 54 years of
      age. Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern with atrioventricular block was detected in 2
      of 6 women. Four had successful pregnancies without symptoms of heart failure.
      cMRI showed late gadolinium enhancement areas in a clinically healthy woman who
      was a mutation carrier. Two patients underwent heart transplantation; histology
      of explanted hearts demonstrated severe interstitial fibrosis, hypertrophic
      cardiomyocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles, and myofibrillar disarray. In
      conclusion, LAMP2 mutation can cause a severe arrhythmogenic phenotype in women
      that includes a high risk of sudden death. cMRI may be useful in women harboring
      LAMP2 mutations to permit early detection of cardiac involvement and guide timely
      considerations of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy. Heart
      transplantation should be considered at onset of heart failure symptoms owing to
      rapid progression of the disease.

PMID- 22074993
TI  - Sub-chronic dietary tryptophan depletion--an animal model of depression with
      improved face and good construct validity.
AB  - Sub-chronic tryptophan depletion (SCTD) is proposed as an animal model for
      depression. Aims were to test the hypothesis and optimise the time of SCTD
      induced depression-related behaviour and associated biochemical changes. Sprague
      Dawley rats were treated with a low tryptophan (TRP) containing diet for 0, 7 or
      14 days. Peripheral and central neurochemical markers were measured. SCTD-induced
      depression-related behaviour was assessed by the forced swim test (FST). Model
      sensitivity to antidepressants was tested by concomitant treatment with
      paroxetine. SCTD-induced significant reductions in weight gain and measures of
      peripheral and central TRP. Corticosterone, aldosterone and kynurenine (K),
      increased whilst kynurenic acid (KA), an NMDA antagonist decreased. 5-HT(2)
      receptor binding Bmax was enhanced but was reversed by paroxetine. Corticosterone
      and aldosterone were significantly negatively-correlated to weight gain. SCTD
      increased floating time and reduced swimming time in the FST but were reversed by
      paroxetine. Aldosterone was increased at 7 and 14 days, whereas other changes
      maximised at 14 days. Aldosterone may be an early marker or causal link for
      depression development. Increased corticosterone and brain tissue 5-HT-receptor
      density may be correlates of depressive behaviour. Consequential increases in
      NMDA signalling through increased K/KA ratios suggest the model may be useful for
      testing novel antidepressants.

PMID- 22074994
TI  - Medication overuse headache: a silent pandemic.

PMID- 22074995
TI  - CaV2.1 voltage activated calcium channels and synaptic transmission in familial
      hemiplegic migraine pathogenesis.
AB  - Studies on the genetic forms of epilepsy, chronic pain, and migraine caused by
      mutations in ion channels have given crucial insights into the molecular
      mechanisms, pathogenesis, and therapeutic approaches to complex neurological
      disorders. In this review we focus on the role of mutated CaV2.1 (i.e., P/Q-type)
      voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, and on the ultimate consequences that mutations
      causing familial hemiplegic migraine type-1 (FHM1) have in neurotransmitter
      release. Transgenic mice harboring the human pathogenic FHM1 mutation R192Q or
      S218L (KI) have been used as models to study neurotransmission at several central
      and peripheral synapses. FHM1 KI mice are a powerful tool to explore presynaptic
      regulation associated with expression of CaV2.1 channels. Mutated CaV2.1 channels
      activate at more hyperpolarizing potentials and lead to a gain-of-function in
      synaptic transmission. This gain-of-function might underlie alterations in the
      excitatory/ inhibitory balance of synaptic transmission, favoring a persistent
      state of hyperexcitability in cortical neurons that would increase the
      susceptibility for cortical spreading depression (CSD), a mechanism believed to
      initiate the attacks of migraine with aura.

PMID- 22074996
TI  - CD80 and CD86 polymorphisms in populations of various ancestries: 5 new CD80
      promoter alleles.
AB  - CD80 and CD86 are closely linked genes on chromosome 3 that code for
      glycoproteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily, expressed on the surface of
      antigen-presenting cells. These costimulatory molecules play essential roles for
      stimulation and inhibition of T cells through binding to CD28 and CTLA-4
      receptors. In this study, CD80 promoter and CD86 exon 8 polymorphisms were
      analyzed to investigate the genetic diversity and microevolution of the 2 genes.
      We genotyped 1,124 individuals, including Brazilians of predominantly European,
      mixed African and European, and Japanese ancestry, 5 Amerindian populations, and
      an African sample. All variants were observed in Africans, which suggests their
      origin in Africa before the human migrations out of that continent. Five new CD80
      promoter alleles were identified and confirmed by cloning and sequencing, and
      promoter 2 is most likely the ancestral allele. Nucleotide -79 is monomorphic in
      4 Amerindian populations, where the presence of the -79 G allele is probably the
      result of gene flow from non-Amerindians.

PMID- 22074997
TI  - Identification of HLA-A24-restricted CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cell epitopes derived
      from mammaglobin-A, a human breast cancer-associated antigen.
AB  - Human breast cancer-associated antigen, mammaglobin-A (Mam-A), potentially offers
      a novel therapeutic target as a breast cancer vaccine. In this study, we define
      the CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to Mam-A-derived candidate
      epitopes presented in the context of HLA-A24 (A*2402). HLA-A24 has a frequency of
      72% in Japanese, 27% in Asian Indian, and 18% in Caucasian populations. Using a
      human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-binding prediction algorithm we identified 7 HLA
      A24-restricted Mam-A-derived candidate epitopes (MAA24.1-7). Membrane
      stabilization studies with TAP-deficient T2 cells transfected with HLA-A2402
      (T2.A24) indicated that MAA24.2 (CYAGSGCPL) and MAA24.4 (ETLSNVEVF) have the
      highest HLA-A24 binding affinity. Further, 2 CD8(+) CTL cell lines generated in
      vitro against T2.A24 cells individually loaded with Mam-A-derived candidate
      epitopes demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against MAA24.2 and MAA24.4.
      In addition, the same CD8(+) CTL lines lysed the HLA-A24(+)/Mam-A(+) stable
      transfected human breast cancer cell lines AU565 and MDA-MB-361. However, these
      CTLs had no cytotoxicity against HLA-A24(-)/Mam-A(+) and HLA-A24(+)/Mam-A(-)
      breast cancer cell lines. In summary, our results define HLA-A24-restricted, Mam
      A-derived, CD8(+) CTL epitopes that can potentially be employed for Mam-A-based
      breast cancer vaccine therapy to breast cancer patients with HLA-A24 phenotype.

PMID- 22074998
TI  - HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies and C4 copy number variation in Finnish sarcoidosis
      patients and associations with disease prognosis.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a multiorgan immune-mediated disease of unknown etiology with
      varying clinical pictures. We studied 3 genes in the major histocompatibility
      complex region (HLA-DRB1 and complement C4A and C4B) in patients with resolved
      disease after a 2-year follow-up (n = 90) and in patients whose disease was still
      active at that time point (n = 98) and compared them with controls (n = 150). Our
      primary aim was to detect genetic differences between the patient groups. We
      observed that the susceptibility allele for sarcoidosis was HLA-DRB1*15:01 (p =
      0.011; odds ratio [OR] = 1.67) and the protective allele was HLA-DRB1*01:01 (p =
      0.001; OR = 0.43). HLA-DRB1*03:01 was associated with resolving disease when
      compared with the persistent group (p = 0.011; OR = 2.22). The probability of
      having resolving disease was even greater if the patient had HLA-DRB1*03:01 and
      did not have extrapulmonary lesions (p = 0.001; OR = 3.39). By evaluating amino
      acid variants of the HLA-DRB1 gene, we determined that specific amino acids in
      pockets 4, 7, and 9 were associated with the prognosis of sarcoidosis. Our
      results support the importance of HLA-DRB1 as a predisposing gene for
      sarcoidosis. Particularly, HLA-DRB1*03:01 and polymorphisms of DRB1 pocket
      residues were associated with a favorable prognosis. Thus, accurate
      categorization of disease phenotype and HLA-DRB1 sequencing offer a basis for
      disease course estimation of sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22075000
TI  - School-aged children who were exposed to sodium valproate in utero have impaired
      language scores when compared with a population mean score.

PMID- 22074999
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen class I (A, B, C) and II (DRB1) diversity in the black
      and Caucasian South African population.
AB  - A cross-section of black and Caucasian South Africans (N = 302) were genotyped at
      high resolution (class I HLA-A, -B, -C and class II HLA-DRB1). Five new class I
      alleles (A*30:01:02, A*30:02:02, A*68:27, B*42:06, and B*45:07) and one new
      confirmatory allele (A*29:11) were identified in the black population. Alleles
      and haplotypes showed expected differences between the black and Caucasian
      populations, with the black population, on average, showing a broader spectrum of
      allele representation (less single allele dominance). The most prevalent alleles
      at the four loci in the black population were A*30:01, B*58:02, C*06:02, and
      DRB1*13:01 and in the Caucasian population were A*02:01:01, B*07:02:01, C*07:01,
      and DRB1*03:01. HLA-B, and HLA-C loci showed the strongest overall linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) and HLA-B/HLA-C two locus haplotypes also showed the
      strongest LD (D'(ij)) in both population groups. Bw allotype representation was
      similar between the two populations; however C allotypes differed significantly
      (C1 higher representation in Caucasians; C2 higher representation in blacks). HLA
      A Supertype family phenotypic frequencies did not differ between the two
      populations, but four (B08, B27, B58, and B62) HLA-B Supertype families differed
      significantly. However, vaccine coverage estimation came close to 100% in both
      population groups, with inclusion of only four Supertype families (A1, A2, B7,
      B58).

PMID- 22075001
TI  - Patients Association deems hospitals' care of older patients "unacceptable".

PMID- 22075002
TI  - Rap1 binds single-stranded DNA at telomeric double- and single-stranded junctions
      and competes with Cdc13 protein.
AB  - The ends of eukaryotic chromosomes are protected by specialized telomere
      chromatin structures. Rap1 and Cdc13 are essential for the formation of
      functional telomere chromatin in budding yeast by binding to the double-stranded
      part and the single-stranded 3' overhang, respectively. We analyzed the binding
      properties of Saccharomyces castellii Rap1 and Cdc13 to partially single-stranded
      oligonucleotides, mimicking the junction of the double- and single-stranded DNA
      (ds-ss junction) at telomeres. We determined the optimal and the minimal DNA
      setup for a simultaneous binding of Rap1 and Cdc13 at the ds-ss junction.
      Remarkably, Rap1 is able to bind to a partially single-stranded binding site
      spanning the ds-ss junction. The binding over the ds-ss junction is anchored in a
      single double-stranded hemi-site and is stabilized by a sequence-independent
      interaction of Rap1 with the single-stranded 3' overhang. Thus, Rap1 is able to
      switch between a sequence-specific and a nonspecific binding mode of one hemi
      site. At a ds-ss junction configuration where the two binding sites partially
      overlap, Rap1 and Cdc13 are competing for the binding. These results shed light
      on the end protection mechanisms and suggest that Rap1 and Cdc13 act together to
      ensure the protection of both the 3' and the 5' DNA ends at telomeres.

PMID- 22075004
TI  - Reduced time for urinary alkalinization before high-dose methotrexate with
      preadmission oral bicarbonate.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hydration and urinary alkalinization are essential for reducing renal
      dysfunction with high dose methotrexate (HDMTX). This report presents an analysis
      of institutional methods used to achieve adequate urinary alkalinization and
      output for patients receiving single agent HDMTX. Renal and metabolic parameters
      of tolerance were examined. METHODS: Medical records of adult patients receiving
      HDMTX during the calendar years of 2008-2009 were retrospectively reviewed to
      determine the time to achieve urine pH > 7. Number of hospital days, bicarbonate
      dose, ordered hydration rate, urine output, and urine pH were assessed. A
      survival analysis model was run for time to urine pH > 7 using preadmission oral
      bicarbonate as a predictor variable and including a frailty term. Observational
      statistics were performed for other parameters. RESULTS: The analysis included 79
      encounters for ten patients. Urine pH > 7 was achieved more rapidly in patients
      receiving preadmission oral bicarbonate (P = 0.012). The number of patients
      receiving HDMTX on the same day as admission was greater for those receiving
      preadmission oral bicarbonate (47%) in comparison to those who did not (2%), and
      they spent less time in the hospital. A standard regimen for hydration and
      urinary alkalinization based on this project is reported. The nature and
      frequency of adverse events were as expected for this treatment. CONCLUSION: At
      our institution, the time to achieve urinary alkalinization was reduced for
      patients receiving preadmission oral bicarbonate which facilitated chemotherapy
      infusion on the same day as admission and decreased the number of calendar days
      that patients stayed in the hospital.

PMID- 22075003
TI  - Connexin 39.9 protein is necessary for coordinated activation of slow-twitch
      muscle and normal behavior in zebrafish.
AB  - In many tissues and organs, connexin proteins assemble between neighboring cells
      to form gap junctions. These gap junctions facilitate direct intercellular
      communication between adjoining cells, allowing for the transmission of both
      chemical and electrical signals. In rodents, gap junctions are found in
      differentiating myoblasts and are important for myogenesis. Although gap
      junctions were once believed to be absent from differentiated skeletal muscle in
      mammals, recent studies in teleosts revealed that differentiated muscle does
      express connexins and is electrically coupled, at least at the larval stage.
      These findings raised questions regarding the functional significance of gap
      junctions in differentiated muscle. Our analysis of gap junctions in muscle began
      with the isolation of a zebrafish motor mutant that displayed weak coiling at day
      1 of development, a behavior known to be driven by slow-twitch muscle (slow
      muscle). We identified a missense mutation in the gene encoding Connexin 39.9. In
      situ hybridization found connexin 39.9 to be expressed by slow muscle. Paired
      muscle recordings uncovered that wild-type slow muscles are electrically coupled,
      whereas mutant slow muscles are not. The further examination of cellular activity
      revealed aberrant, arrhythmic touch-evoked Ca(2+) transients in mutant slow
      muscle and a reduction in the number of muscle fibers contracting in response to
      touch in mutants. These results indicate that Connexin 39.9 facilitates the
      spreading of neuronal inputs, which is irregular during motor development, beyond
      the muscle cells and that gap junctions play an essential role in the efficient
      recruitment of slow muscle fibers.

PMID- 22075006
TI  - Loading profile of topotecan into polyvinyl alcohol microspheres (DC BeadTM) over
      a 7-day period.
AB  - PURPOSE: DC BeadTM is successfully used for chemoembolization of various liver
      cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the loading capacity of the
      semi-synthetic topoisomerase-1 inhibitor topotecan into the DC BeadTM
      microspheres under static or agitated conditions and to assess the
      physicochemical stability over a period of 7 days. METHODS: Commercially
      available topotecan hydrochloride powder (Hycamtin(r)) was reconstituted with
      water for injection to yield a nominal concentration of 1 mg/mL topotecan.
      Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based microspheres (DC BeadTM, 300-500 um, 2 mL/vial)
      were mixed with 4 mL of the reconstituted topotecan solution. Vials were stored
      light protected at room temperature under static or agitated conditions for 7
      days (n = 3, for each loading condition). At different time intervals, samples
      were taken from the excess solution and assayed via a stability-indicating HPLC
      assay. Drug-loading profiles were determined by measuring the remaining topotecan
      concentration in the excess solution. RESULTS: Under agitated conditions,
      topotecan was loaded into the microspheres rapidly after mixing. After 5 min 86.4
      +/- 0.1% of topotecan was loaded. Under static conditions, drug uptake was
      slower. Only 65.0 +/- 0% were loaded after 5 min; 86.6 +/- 0.1% drug uptake was
      achieved not until 1 h. Over a storage period of 7 days, topotecan remained
      loaded in the DC BeadTM microspheres at a level of >90%. CONCLUSION: Drug uptake
      of 4 mg topotecan (1 mg/mL solution) into DC BeadsTM was faster under agitated
      loading conditions. Nevertheless, after 1 h, ~90% of topotecan was loaded into
      the DC BeadTM microspheres independent from the type of loading condition. The
      loading rate remained >90% over the observation period of 7 days and light
      protected storage at room temperature. Loading and stability of topotecan-loaded
      DC BeadsTM is suitable and convenient for preparation in a pharmacy-based
      cytotoxic preparation unit.

PMID- 22075005
TI  - Long-term stability study of clofarabine injection concentrate and diluted
      clofarabine infusion solutions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical stability
      of clofarabine (CAFdA) injection concentrate and ready-to-use CAFdA infusion
      solutions over a prolonged period of 28 days. METHODS: To determine the stability
      of CAFdA infusion solutions, the injection concentrate (Evoltra(r), 1 mg/mL,
      Genzyme) was diluted either with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose infusion
      solution. The resulting concentrations of 0.2 mg/mL or 0.6 mg/mL, respectively,
      were chosen to represent the lower and upper limit of the ordinary concentration
      range. Test solutions were stored under refrigeration (2-8 degrees C) or at room
      temperature either light protected or exposed to light. CAFdA concentrations and
      pH values were determined at different time intervals throughout a 28-day storage
      period. Compatibility of diluted CAFdA infusion solutions (0.1-0.4 mg/mL) with
      different container materials (polyvinyl chloride (PVC), glass, and
      polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE)) was tested over a 48-h storage period. CAFdA
      concentrations were measured by a stability-indicating reversed phase high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay with ultraviolet detection.
      RESULTS: CAFdA injection concentrate and CAFdA infusion solutions remained
      physicochemically stable (>90% CAFdA) for 4 weeks. Results are independent of
      storage conditions, drug concentrations (0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 mg/mL) and diluents
      (0.9% sodium chloride, 5% glucose infusion solution). Adsorption of CAFdA to
      container material can be excluded. CONCLUSIONS: CAFdA injection concentrate and
      diluted infusion solutions in commonly used vehicles are stable for at least 28
      days either refrigerated or at room temperature. Physicochemical stability favors
      pharmacy-based centralized preparation. Due to microbiological reasons, strict
      aseptic handling and storage of the products under refrigeration is recommended.

PMID- 22075007
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnoea; a rare cause of pseudophaeochromocytoma.

PMID- 22075008
TI  - Acute shrinkage of a giant prolactinoma, masquerading as an erosive skull base
      tumour, with cabergoline.

PMID- 22075009
TI  - Acute chest pain of cardiovascular aetiology: a diagnostic dilemma.

PMID- 22075011
TI  - Knuckle-dimple sign.

PMID- 22075012
TI  - Advance care planning and the older patient.
AB  - Making treatment decisions for older people is difficult, because of the complex
      interplay of their multiple co-morbidities, but also because of the fine balance
      of risks vs. benefit in any chosen management plan. This becomes even more
      difficult when they lose the capacity to tell us what they want, and often in
      such situations we have to rely on information from others in order to make
      decisions based on their best interests. Advance care planning should help with
      making these decisions clearer, based on the documented preferences of what the
      patient would have wanted while capacity was still present. However, such
      documents are still very rarely used, and even if they are, health-care
      professionals are often wary of them for the multitude of ethical and legal
      problems that can arise.

PMID- 22075013
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in neuraxial labor analgesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment of pain have been well
      documented, and there is evidence of such disparities in neuraxial analgesia use.
      Our objectives of this study were to analyze racial/ethnic disparities in
      neuraxial analgesia use, as well as anticipated use, among laboring Hispanic,
      African-American, and Caucasian women, and to evaluate sociodemographic,
      clinical, and decision-making predictors of actual and anticipated neuraxial
      analgesia use among these women. METHODS: Laboring women, in a large urban
      academic hospital, were interviewed using a face-to-face survey to determine
      individual factors that may influence choice of labor analgesia. After delivery,
      the type of labor analgesia used was recorded. The primary outcome was use of
      neuraxial analgesia. Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated to
      test the likelihood that race and ethnicity were significantly associated with
      neuraxial analgesia use, anticipated neuraxial analgesia use, and the intrapartum
      decision to use neuraxial analgesia. RESULTS: There was a univariate association
      between race/ethnicity and anticipated as well as actual use of neuraxial
      analgesia. However, there was no association between race/ethnicity and the
      intrapartum decision to use neuraxial analgesia. After controlling for
      confounders, the association between race/ethnicity and actual use of neuraxial
      analgesia no longer remained significant (adjusted odds ratio: Hispanic versus
      Caucasian women 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24 to 1.80; African
      American versus Caucasian women 0.93, 95% CI: 0.31 to 2.77). In contrast,
      Hispanic women were less likely than Caucasian women to anticipate using
      neuraxial analgesia even after controlling for confounders (adjusted odds ratio
      0.40, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for confounding
      variables, Hispanic women anticipated using neuraxial analgesia at a lower rate
      than other racial/ethnic groups; however, actual use was similar among groups.

PMID- 22075014
TI  - Echo rounds: aneurysm of the anterior mitral valve.

PMID- 22075015
TI  - Aortic intramural hematoma: echocardiographic characteristics.

PMID- 22075016
TI  - Tracheal intubation through the I-gelTM supraglottic airway versus the LMA
      FastrachTM: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The i-gelTM is a supraglottic airway device not requiring inflation
      of a cuff for lung ventilation. Its design allows for unobstructed passage of a
      tracheal tube and previous studies have demonstrated a favorable alignment with
      the glottic inlet. In this prospective randomized study, we compared the success
      rate of blind tracheal intubation using the i-gel and the laryngeal mask airway
      (LMA) FastrachTM. METHODS: One hundred sixty patients requiring general
      anesthesia and airway management were randomized to tracheal intubation using the
      i-gel or the LMA Fastrach. After induction of general anesthesia, the allocated
      device was inserted and adequate lung ventilation was confirmed. Blind tracheal
      intubation was then attempted. First attempt and overall tracheal intubation
      success rates were evaluated and tracheal intubation times were measured.
      RESULTS: Eighty patients were recruited in each study group. Successful tracheal
      intubation was obtained on the first attempt in 69% of patients with the i-gel
      and 74% of patients with the LMA Fastrach (95% confidence interval [CI] of
      difference, -9% to 19%, P = 0.60). The overall intubation success rate was lower
      using the i-gel than it was using the LMA Fastrach (73% vs 91%, 95% CI of
      difference, 7% to 31%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: On first attempts, successful
      blind tracheal intubation was obtained at comparable rates using the i-gel and
      the LMA Fastrach. However, when the first attempt was unsuccessful, subsequent
      attempts through the i-gel did not significantly increase tracheal intubation
      success rate. The LMA Fastrach yielded a higher overall intubation success rate.

PMID- 22075017
TI  - The relationship between preoperative and primary care blood pressure among
      veterans presenting from home for surgery: is there evidence for anesthesiologist
      initiated blood pressure referral?
AB  - BACKGROUND: American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines
      describe the perioperative evaluation as "a unique opportunity to identify
      patients with hypertension"; however, factors such as anticipatory stress or
      medication noncompliance may induce a bias toward higher blood pressure, leaving
      clinicians unsure about how to interpret preoperative hypertension. Information
      describing the relationship between preoperative intake blood pressure and
      primary care measurements could help anesthesiologists make primary care
      referrals for improved blood pressure control in an evidence-based fashion. We
      hypothesized that the preoperative examination provides a useful basis for
      initiating primary care blood pressure referral. METHODS: We analyzed
      retrospective data on 2807 patients who arrived from home for surgery and who
      were subsequently evaluated within 6 months after surgery in the primary care
      center of the same institution. After descriptive analysis, we conducted multiple
      linear regression analysis to identify day-of-surgery (DOS) factors associated
      with subsequent primary care blood pressure. We calculated the sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of different blood
      pressure referral thresholds using both a single-measurement and a 2-stage screen
      incorporating recent preoperative and DOS measurements for identifying patients
      with subsequently elevated primary care blood pressure. RESULTS: DOS systolic
      blood pressure (SBP) was higher than subsequent primary care SBP by a mean bias
      of 5.5 mm Hg (95% limits of agreement + 43.8 to -32.8). DOS diastolic blood
      pressure (DBP) was higher than subsequent primary care DBP by a mean bias of 1.5
      mm Hg (95% limits of agreement +13.0 to -10.0). Linear regression of DOS factors
      explained 19% of the variability in primary care SBP and 29% of the variability
      in DBP. Accounting for the observed bias, a 2-stage SBP referral screen requiring
      preoperative clinic SBP >=140 mm Hg and DOS SBP >=146 mm Hg had 95.9% estimated
      specificity (95% confidence interval [CI] 94.4 to 97.0) for identifying
      subsequent primary care SBP >=140 mm Hg and estimated sensitivity of 26.8% (95%
      CI 22.0 to 32.0). A similarly high specificity using a single DOS SBP required a
      threshold SBP >=160 mm Hg, for which estimated specificity was 95.2% (95% CI 94.2
      to 96.1). For DBP, a presenting DOS DBP >=92 mm Hg had 95.7% specificity (95% CI
      94.8 to 96.4) for subsequent primary care DBP >=90 mm Hg with a sensitivity of
      18.8% (95% CI 14.4 to 24.0). CONCLUSION: A small bias toward higher DOS blood
      pressures relative to subsequent primary care measurements was observed. DOS
      factors predicted only a small proportion of the observed variation. Accounting
      for the observed bias, a 2-stage SBP threshold and a single-reading DBP threshold
      were highly specific though insensitive for identifying subsequent primary care
      blood pressure elevation.

PMID- 22075018
TI  - Continuous epicapsular ropivacaine 0.3% infusion after minimally invasive hip
      arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
      comparing continuous wound infusion with morphine patient-controlled analgesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the impact of a continuous wound
      infusion with ropivacaine 0.3% on pain and morphine consumption after minimally
      invasive hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive patients scheduled
      for elective minimally invasive hip replacement using spinal anesthesia were
      prospectively included in this double-blind study. Epicapsular placement of a 15
      cm fenestrated catheter was performed by the surgeon. Patients were randomized to
      receive either 20 mL ropivacaine 0.3% (R-group) or 20 mL NaCl 0.9% (P-group)
      applied into the wound as a bolus before wound closure. A continuous infusion of
      either ropivacaine 0.3% or placebo was then infused at 8 mL/h for 48 hours after
      surgery with an elastomeric pump. Morphine IV-patient-controlled analgesia was
      offered to all patients. Morphine consumption, pain at rest and with motion, and
      total and unbound ropivacaine plasma concentration were recorded during the 48
      hour study period. Postoperative follow-up was performed at 3 months. RESULTS:
      Demographic and surgical data were similar in both groups. Mean morphine
      consumption was significantly lower in the R-group than in the P-group during the
      first 48 postoperative hours: 45.4 +/- 9.5 vs 69.7 +/- 9.6 (P < 0.0001). There
      was a mean reduction of 14.4 mg for the first 24 postoperative hours (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 12.6 to 16.1) and 20.8 mg for the next 24 hours (95% CI
      19.1 to 22.4). Pain scores at rest and with motion were lower in the R-group (P <
      0.0001). Mean patient satisfaction increased 22.7% from baseline (CI 95% 15.9 to
      29.6) in the R-group. Total and unbound ropivacaine plasma concentrations were
      below toxic levels in the R-group. The free ropivacaine concentration was 0.14
      and 0.11 MUgmol/L at T(24) and T(48), respectively, in the R-group. At 3 months
      postoperatively, hip pain and analgesic consumption were similar, but a
      significant reduction in wound discomfort to touch (31.2; 95% CI 27.7 to 34.7)
      and pressure (24; 95% CI 20.1 to 27.9) was observed in the R-group (P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Continuous epicapsular wound infusion with ropivacaine 0.3% after
      minimally invasive hip replacement is an efficient technique for reducing
      morphine consumption and improving the quality of postoperative analgesia. The
      beneficial effects of this technique are still present 3 months after surgery.

PMID- 22075019
TI  - Spinal cord ischemia occurring in association with induced hypotension for
      colonic surgery.
AB  - A 19-year-old woman underwent an ileoanal pull-through. Intraoperatively,
      deepening of anesthesia was associated with reduced bleeding. Therefore, induced
      hypotension, mean arterial blood pressure 50 to 55 mm Hg, was maintained for 2.5
      hours. Postoperatively, the patient was paraplegic with spinal cord infarction on
      magnetic resonance imaging from T9 to the tip of the conus medullaris. The
      collateralization of the anterior spinal artery is very variable and it seems
      likely that in this individual induced hypotension was associated with inadequate
      blood flow in the distribution of the artery of Adamkiewicz.

PMID- 22075020
TI  - The effects of isoflurane and desflurane on cognitive function in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The etiology of postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) remains to be
      determined. Anesthetic isoflurane, but not desflurane, may induce neurotoxicity.
      However, the functional consequences of these effects have not been assessed. We
      therefore performed a pilot study to determine the effects of isoflurane and
      desflurane on cognitive function in humans. METHODS: The subjects included
      patients who had lower extremity or abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia
      alone (S, n = 15), spinal plus desflurane anesthesia (SD, n = 15), or spinal plus
      isoflurane anesthesia (SI, n = 15) by randomization. Each of the subjects
      received cognitive tests immediately before and 1 week after anesthesia and
      surgery administered by an investigator who was blinded to the anesthesia
      regimen. POCD was defined using the scores from each of these tests. RESULTS: We
      studied 45 subjects, 24 males and 21 females. The mean age of the subjects was
      69.0 +/- 1.9 years. There was no significant difference in age and other
      characteristics among the treatment arms. The mean number of cognitive function
      declines in the S, SD, and SI groups was 1.13, 1.07, and 1.40, respectively. POCD
      incidence after SI (27%), but not SD (0%), anesthesia was higher than that after
      S (0%), P = 0.028 (3-way comparison). CONCLUSION: These findings from our pilot
      study suggest that isoflurane and desflurane may have different effects on
      postoperative cognitive function, and additional studies with a larger sample
      size and longer times of follow-up testing are needed.

PMID- 22075022
TI  - Identification of seven Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola genes potentially
      involved in pathogenesis in rice.
AB  - Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) causes bacterial leaf streak (BLS) in
      rice, an emerging and destructive disease worldwide. Identification of key
      virulence factors is a prerequisite for understanding the pathogenesis of Xoc. In
      this study, a Tn5-tagged mutant library of Xoc strain RS105 was screened on rice,
      and 27 Tn5 mutants were identified that were either non-pathogenic or showed
      reduced virulence in rice. Fourteen of the non-pathogenic mutants were also
      unable to elicit the hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco and were designated
      Pth(-)/HR(-) mutants; 13 mutants showed attenuated virulence and were able to
      induce an HR (Vir(-)/HR(+)). Sequence analysis of the Tn5-tagged genes indicated
      that the 14 Pth(-)/HR(-) mutants included mutations in hrcC, hrcT, hrcV, hpaP,
      hrcQ, hrpF, hrpG and hrpX. The 13 Vir(-)/HR(+) mutants included tal-C10c-like (a
      transcriptional activator-like TAL effector), rpfC (regulator of pathogenicity
      factors), oxyR (oxidative stress transcriptional regulator), dsbC (disulfide
      isomerase), opgH (glucan biosynthesis glucosyltransferase H), rfbA (glucose-1
      phosphate thymidylyltransferase), amtR (aminotransferase), purF
      (amidophosphoribosyltransferase), thrC (threonine synthase), trpA (tryptophan
      synthase alpha subunit) and three genes encoding hypothetical proteins
      (Xoryp_02235, Xoryp_00885 and Xoryp_22910). Collectively, the 27 Tn5 insertions
      are located in 21 different open reading frames. Bacterial growth and in planta
      virulence assays demonstrated that opgH, purF, thrC, trpA, Xoryp_02235,
      Xoryp_00885 and Xoryp_22910 are candidate virulence genes involved in Xoc
      pathogenesis. Reduced virulence in 13 mutants was restored to wild-type levels
      when the cognate gene was introduced in trans. Expression profiles demonstrated
      that the seven candidate virulence genes were significantly induced in planta,
      although their roles in Xoc pathogenesis remain unclear.

PMID- 22075021
TI  - Salvinorin A pretreatment preserves cerebrovascular autoregulation after brain
      hypoxic/ischemic injury via extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen
      activated protein kinase in piglets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral hypoxia/ischemia during infant congenital heart surgery is
      not uncommon and may induce devastating neurologic disabilities persistent over
      the lifespan. Hypoxia/ischemia-induced cerebrovascular dysfunction is thought to
      be an important contributor to neurological damage. No pharmacological agents
      have been found to prevent this. Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK),
      including extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase,
      and p38, is thought to contribute to ischemic preconditioning. We investigated
      whether pretreatment with salvinorin A, the only natural nonopioid kappa receptor
      agonist, could preserve autoregulation of the pial artery via MAPK. METHODS: The
      response of the pial artery to hypotension and hypercapnia was monitored in
      piglets equipped with a closed cranial window before and after hypoxia and
      ischemia in the presence or absence of U0126, an inhibitor for the protein kinase
      upstream of ERK, sp600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase or sb203580,
      an inhibitor of p38. Salvinorin A (10 MUg/kg IV) was administered 30 minutes
      before hypoxia/ischemia in salvinorin-treated animals. Cerebrospinal fluid
      samples were collected before and 30 minutes after salvinorin A administration
      for the measurement of MAPK. Data (n = 5) were analyzed by repeated-measures
      analysis of variance. RESULTS: Pial artery dilation to hypercapnia and
      hypotension was blunted after hypoxia/ ischemia but preserved well by
      pretreatment with salvinorin A. U0126, but not sp600125 or sb203580, abolished
      the preservative effects of salvinorin A on cerebral vascular autoregulation to
      hypotension and hypercapnia. The ratio of pERK/ERK in cerebrospinal fluid
      increased significantly in salvinorin-treated animals, which was inhibited by
      U0126. CONCLUSIONS: Salvinorin A pretreatment preserves autoregulation of the
      pial artery to hypotension and hypercapnia after hypoxia/ischemia via ERK in a
      piglet model.

PMID- 22075023
TI  - The seven-transmembrane receptor Gpr1 governs processes relevant for the
      antagonistic interaction of Trichoderma atroviride with its host.
AB  - Mycoparasitic Trichoderma species are applied as biocontrol agents in agriculture
      to guard plants against fungal diseases. During mycoparasitism, Trichoderma
      directly interacts with phytopathogenic fungi, preceded by a specific recognition
      of the host and resulting in its disarming and killing. In various fungal
      pathogens, including mycoparasites, signalling via heterotrimeric G proteins
      plays a major role in regulating pathogenicity-related functions. However, the
      corresponding receptors involved in the recognition of host-derived signals are
      largely unknown. Functional characterization of Trichoderma atroviride Gpr1
      revealed a prominent role of this seven-transmembrane protein of the cAMP
      receptor-like family of fungal G-protein-coupled receptors in the antagonistic
      interaction with the host fungus and governing of mycoparasitism-related
      processes. Silencing of gpr1 led to an avirulent phenotype accompanied by an
      inability to attach to host hyphae. Furthermore, gpr1-silenced transformants were
      unable to respond to the presence of living host fungi with the expression of
      chitinase- and protease-encoding genes. Addition of exogenous cAMP was able to
      restore host attachment in gpr1-silenced transformants but could not restore
      mycoparasitic overgrowth. A search for downstream targets of the signalling
      pathway(s) involving Gpr1 resulted in the isolation of genes encoding e.g. a
      member of the cyclin-like superfamily and a small secreted cysteine-rich protein.
      Although silencing of gpr1 caused defects similar to those of mutants lacking the
      Tga3 Galpha protein, no direct interaction between Gpr1 and Tga3 was observed in
      a split-ubiquitin two-hybrid assay.

PMID- 22075024
TI  - Genomic and antigenic characterization of monomeric autotransporters of
      Haemophilus parasuis: an ongoing process of reductive evolution.
AB  - The genome of the highly pathogenic Haemophilus parasuis Nagasaki strain (serovar
      5) was sequenced to 99 % completion. A genomic comparison with two other
      pathogenic serovar 5 H. parasuis strains identified six genes per genome (bmaA1
      bmaA6) encoding beta-barrel monomeric autotransporters, bmaA2 and bmaA3 being
      pseudogenes in at least one strain. The remaining encoded proteins were predicted
      to belong to the subtilisin (BmaA1 and BmaA4) and cysteine (BmaA5 and BmaA6)
      protease families. Allelic polymorphism was detected in other H. parasuis strains
      by comparative genomic hybridization using microarrays. Recombination events were
      observed, some of them leading to gene disruption in one of the three strains,
      although synteny around bmaA genes was conserved. These results suggest that bmaA
      genes are undergoing a process of reductive evolution. To evaluate their use as
      potential vaccine antigens, the products of the passenger domains of bmaA1,
      bmaA4, bmaA5 and bmaA6 were produced in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins.
      They were detected by immunoblotting using sera of colostrum-deprived piglets
      recovering from a sublethal infection with H. parasuis (Nagasaki). The existence
      of specific antibodies after infection with H. parasuis also demonstrated in vivo
      expression. Using proteomics, only BmaA6 was detected in the in vitro-grown
      Nagasaki strain. Interestingly, the translocator domain was found in the outer
      membrane, while the passenger domain was located in supernatants. These results
      indicate that BmaA proteins could be considered as immunogen candidates to
      improve H. parasuis vaccines. However, their capacity to confer protective
      immunity needs to be studied further.

PMID- 22075025
TI  - Taxon-specific metagenomics of Trichoderma reveals a narrow community of
      opportunistic species that regulate each other's development.
AB  - In this paper, we report on the in situ diversity of the mycotrophic fungus
      Trichoderma (teleomorph Hypocrea, Ascomycota, Dikarya) revealed by a taxon
      specific metagenomic approach. We designed a set of genus-specific internal
      transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS2 rRNA primers and constructed a clone library
      containing 411 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). The overall species
      composition in the soil of the two distinct ecosystems in the Danube floodplain
      consisted of 15 known species and two potentially novel taxa. The latter taxa
      accounted for only 1.5 % of all MOTUs, suggesting that almost no hidden or
      uncultivable Hypocrea/Trichoderma species are present at least in these temperate
      forest soils. The species were unevenly distributed in vertical soil profiles
      although no universal factors controlling the distribution of all of them
      (chemical soil properties, vegetation type and affinity to rhizosphere) were
      revealed. In vitro experiments simulating infrageneric interactions between the
      pairs of species that were detected in the same soil horizon showed a broad
      spectrum of reactions from very strong competition over neutral coexistence to
      the pronounced synergism. Our data suggest that only a relatively small portion
      of Hypocrea/Trichoderma species is adapted to soil as a habitat and that the
      interaction between these species should be considered in a screening for
      Hypocrea/Trichoderma as an agent(s) of biological control of pests.

PMID- 22075026
TI  - Fumarate reductase is a major contributor to the generation of reactive oxygen
      species in the anaerobe Bacteroides fragilis.
AB  - Despite the detrimental role that endogenously generated reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) may play in bacteria exposed to aerobic environments, very few sources of
      ROS have been identified in vivo. Such studies are often precluded by the
      presence of efficient ROS-scavenging pathways, like those found in the
      aerotolerant anaerobe Bacteroides fragilis. Here we demonstrate that deletion of
      the genes encoding catalase (Kat), alkylhydroperoxide reductase (AhpC) and
      thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase (Tpx) strongly inhibits H(2)O(2) detoxification
      in B. fragilis, thereby allowing for the quantification of ROS production.
      Exogenous fumarate significantly reduced H(2)O(2) production in a
      DeltaahpCDeltakatDeltatpx B. fragilis strain, as did deletion of fumarate
      reductase subunit c (frdC). Deletion of frdC also increased the aerotolerance of
      a strain lacking superoxide dismutase, indicating that fumarate reductase is a
      major contributor to ROS formation in B. fragilis exposed to oxygen.

PMID- 22075027
TI  - Functional analysis of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) in Trichoderma
      virens reveals a polyketide synthase (PKS)/NRPS hybrid enzyme involved in the
      induced systemic resistance response in maize.
AB  - Trichoderma virens genome harbours genes encoding 22 non-ribosomal peptide
      synthetases (NRPSs) with at least one complete module (containing adenylation,
      thiolation and condensation domains) and four PKS/NRPS (polyketide synthase/NRPS)
      hybrid enzymes. After a primary screen for expression of these 26 genes when
      mycelia of T. virens are in contact with maize roots, seven genes that are
      upregulated were selected for further study. Using homologous recombination, loss
      of-function mutants in six of these were obtained (the seventh, tex2, was
      acquired from our previous studies). Plant assays in a hydroponics system
      revealed that all seven mutants retained the ability to internally colonize maize
      roots. However, a mutation in one of the PKS/NRPS hybrid genes impaired the
      ability of T. virens to induce the defence response gene pal (phenylalanine
      ammonia lyase), suggesting a putative role for the associated metabolite product
      in induced systemic resistance. Interestingly, the mutant retained its ability to
      induce another defence response gene aos (allene oxide synthase). We thus provide
      evidence that a PKS/NRPS hybrid enzyme is involved in Trichoderma-plant
      interactions resulting in induction of defence responses.

PMID- 22075028
TI  - Streptomyces coelicolor sRNA scr5239 inhibits agarase expression by direct base
      pairing to the dagA coding region.
AB  - Transcriptional regulation of primary and secondary metabolism is well-studied in
      Streptomyces coelicolor, a model organism for antibiotic production and cell
      differentiation. In contrast, little is known about post-transcriptional
      regulation and the potential functions of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) in this
      Gram-positive, GC-rich soil bacterium. Here, we report the identification and
      characterization of scr5239, an sRNA highly conserved in the genus Streptomyces.
      The sRNA is 159 nt long, composed of five stem-loops, and encoded in the
      intergenic region between SCO5238 and SCO5239. scr5239 expression is constitutive
      under several stress and growth conditions but dependent on the nitrogen supply.
      scr5239 decreases the production of the antibiotic actinorhodin, and represses
      expression of the extracellular agarase dagA at the post-transcriptional level by
      direct base pairing to the coding region 33 nt downstream of the ribosome-binding
      site.

PMID- 22075029
TI  - Comparative study of Trichoderma gene expression in interactions with tomato
      plants using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays.
AB  - Trichoderma spp. are widely used as biopesticides and biofertilizers to control
      diseases and to promote positive physiological responses in plants. In vitro and
      in vivo assays with Trichoderma harzianum CECT 2413 (T34), Trichoderma virens
      Gv29-8 (T87) and Trichoderma hamatum IMI 224801 (T7) revealed that these strains
      affected the growth and development of lateral roots in tomato plants in
      different ways. The early expression profiles of these Trichoderma strains were
      studied after 20 h of incubation in the presence of tomato plants, using a high
      density oligonucleotide (HDO) microarray, and compared to the profiles in the
      absence of plants. Out of the total 34 138 Trichoderma probe sets deposited on
      the microarray, 1077 (3.15 %) showed a significant change of at least 2-fold in
      expression in the presence of tomato plants. The numbers of probe sets identified
      in the individual Trichoderma strains were 593 in T. harzianum T34, 336 in T.
      virens T87 and 94 in T. hamatum T7. Carbohydrate metabolism - the chitin
      degradation enzymes N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase, glucosamine-6
      phosphate deaminase and chitinase - was the most significantly overrepresented
      process commonly observed in the three Trichoderma strains in early interactions
      with tomato plants. Strains T7 and T34, which had similar positive effects on
      plant development in biological assays, showed a significantly overrepresented
      hexokinase activity in interaction with tomato. In addition, genes encoding a 40S
      ribosomal protein and a P23 tumour protein were altered in both these strains.

PMID- 22075030
TI  - Effects of saliva or serum coating on adherence of Streptococcus oralis strains
      to titanium.
AB  - The use of dental implants to treat tooth loss has increased rapidly over recent
      years. 'Smooth' implants showing high long-term success rates have successively
      been replaced by implants with rougher surfaces, designed to stimulate rapid
      osseointegration and promote tissue healing. If exposed in the oral cavity,
      rougher surfaces may promote bacterial adhesion leading to formation of microbial
      biofilms which can induce peri-implant inflammation. Streptococcus oralis is an
      early colonizer of oral surfaces and has been recovered from titanium surfaces in
      vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the adherence of clinical strains
      of S. oralis to titanium with smooth or moderately rough surface topography and
      to determine the effect of a saliva- or serum-derived coating on this process.
      Adherence was studied using a flow-cell system with confocal laser scanning
      microscopy, while putative adhesins were analysed using proteomics of bacterial
      cell wall proteins. This showed that adherence to moderately rough surfaces was
      greater than to smooth surfaces. Serum did not promote binding of any of the
      studied S. oralis strains to titanium, whereas a saliva coating increased
      adherence in two of three strains tested. The higher level of adherence to the
      moderately rough surfaces was maintained even in the presence of a saliva
      coating. The S. oralis strains that bound to saliva expressed an LPXTG-linked
      protein which was not present in the non-adherent strain. Thus strains of S.
      oralis differ in their capacity to bind to saliva-coated titanium and we propose
      that this is due to differential expression of a novel adhesin.

PMID- 22075031
TI  - Alanine racemase mutants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis require D-alanine for
      growth and are defective for survival in macrophages and mice.
AB  - Alanine racemase (Alr) is an essential enzyme in most bacteria; however, some
      species (e.g. Listeria monocytogenes) can utilize d-amino acid transaminase (Dat)
      to generate d-alanine, which renders Alr non-essential. In addition to the
      conflicting reports on gene knockout of alr in Mycobacterium smegmatis, a recent
      study concluded that depletion of Alr does not affect the growth of M. smegmatis.
      In order to get an unambiguous answer on the essentiality of Alr in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis and validate it as a drug target in vitro and in vivo, we have
      inactivated the alr gene of M. tuberculosis and found that it was not possible to
      generate an alr knockout in the absence of a complementing gene copy or d-alanine
      in the growth medium. The growth kinetics of the alr mutant revealed that M.
      tuberculosis requires very low amounts of d-alanine (5-10 ug ml(-1)) for optimum
      growth. Survival kinetics of the mutant in the absence of d-alanine indicated
      that depletion of this amino acid results in rapid loss of viability. The alr
      mutant was found to be defective for growth in macrophages. Analysis of phenotype
      in mice suggested that non-availability of d-alanine in mice leads to clearance
      of bacteria followed by stabilization of bacterial number in lungs and spleen.
      Additionally, reversal of d-cycloserine inhibition in the presence of d-alanine
      in M. tuberculosis suggested that Alr is the primary target of d-cycloserine.
      Thus, Alr of M. tuberculosis is a valid drug target and inhibition of Alr alone
      should result in loss of viability in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22075032
TI  - The year in burns 2010.
AB  - For 2010, roughly 1446 original burn research articles were published in
      scientific journals using the English language. This article reviews those with
      the most impact on burn treatment according to the Editor of one of the major
      journals (Burns) and his colleagues. As in previous reviews, articles were
      divided into the following topic areas: epidemiology, demographics of injury,
      wound characterisation and treatment, critical care, inhalation injury,
      infection, metabolism and nutrition, psychological considerations, pain and
      itching management, rehabilitation and long-term outcomes, and burn
      reconstruction. Each paper is considered very briefly, and the reader is referred
      to full manuscripts for details.

PMID- 22075033
TI  - Flow cytometry analysis: a quantitative method for collagen VI deficiency
      screening.
AB  - Mutations in COL6A1, COL6A2 and COL6A3 genes result in collagen VI myopathies:
      Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), Bethlem myopathy (BM) and
      intermediate phenotypes. At present, none of the existing diagnostic techniques
      for evaluating collagen VI expression is quantitative, and the detection of
      subtle changes in collagen VI expression remains challenging. We investigated
      flow cytometry analysis as a means of quantitatively measuring collagen VI in
      primary fibroblasts and compared this method with the standard method of
      fibroblast collagen VI immunohistochemical analysis. Eight UCMD and five BM
      molecularly confirmed patients were studied and compared to five controls. Flow
      cytometry analysis consistently detected a reduction of collagen VI of at least
      60% in all UCMD cases. In BM cases the levels of collagen VI were variable but on
      average 20% less than controls. Flow cytometry analysis provides an alternative
      method for screening for collagen VI deficiency at the protein level in a
      quantitative, time and cost-effective manner.

PMID- 22075034
TI  - C-Mantec: a novel constructive neural network algorithm incorporating competition
      between neurons.
AB  - C-Mantec is a novel neural network constructive algorithm that combines
      competition between neurons with a stable modified perceptron learning rule. The
      neuron learning is governed by the thermal perceptron rule that ensures stability
      of the acquired knowledge while the architecture grows and while the neurons
      compete for new incoming information. Competition makes it possible that even
      after new units have been added to the network, existing neurons still can learn
      if the incoming information is similar to their stored knowledge, and this
      constitutes a major difference with existing constructing algorithms. The new
      algorithm is tested on two different sets of benchmark problems: a Boolean
      function set used in logic circuit design and a well studied set of real world
      problems. Both sets were used to analyze the size of the constructed
      architectures and the generalization ability obtained and to compare the results
      with those from other standard and well known classification algorithms. The
      problem of overfitting is also analyzed, and a new built-in method to avoid its
      effects is devised and successfully applied within an active learning paradigm
      that filter noisy examples. The results show that the new algorithm generates
      very compact neural architectures with state-of-the-art generalization
      capabilities.

PMID- 22075035
TI  - Working memory and response selection: a computational account of interactions
      among cortico-basalganglio-thalamic loops.
AB  - Cortico-basalganglio-thalamic loops are involved in both cognitive processes and
      motor control. We present a biologically meaningful computational model of how
      these loops contribute to the organization of working memory and the development
      of response behavior. Via reinforcement learning in basal ganglia, the model
      develops flexible control of working memory within prefrontal loops and achieves
      selection of appropriate responses based on working memory content and visual
      stimulation within a motor loop. We show that both working memory control and
      response selection can evolve within parallel and interacting cortico
      basalganglio-thalamic loops by Hebbian and three-factor learning rules.
      Furthermore, the model gives a coherent explanation for how complex strategies of
      working memory control and response selection can derive from basic cognitive
      operations that can be learned via trial and error.

PMID- 22075036
TI  - Evaluation of the flocculation performance of carboxymethyl chitosan-graft
      polyacrylamide, a novel amphoteric chemically bonded composite flocculant.
AB  - In the present work, a novel amphoteric chemically bonded composite flocculant
      (carboxymethyl chitosan-graft-polyacrylamide, denoted as CMC-g-PAM) was
      successfully prepared and used to flocculate the kaolin suspension. The
      flocculation performance of CMC-g-PAM in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions
      was systematically evaluated by light scattering in combination with fractal
      theory, as well as by traditional turbidity and zeta potential measurements.
      Based on the experimental facts from in situ size and fractal dimension
      measurements, different flocculation mechanisms play key roles at various pH
      levels, resulting in substantially varied flocculation kinetic processes under
      three pH conditions. In acidic condition, patching was the main mechanism
      involved in the opposite zeta potential between CMC-g-PAM and the kaolin
      suspension. A flat configuration was favored when the polymeric flocculant was
      adsorbed onto the particle surface, leading to a slower initial floc growth rate
      but larger and denser flocs. Bridging was the dominant mechanism in neutral and
      alkaline conditions. A faster initial rate of bridging resulted in smaller and
      more open floc structures. A rearrangement process in neutral pH subsequently led
      to more compact flocs, whereas no restructuration of flocs occurred in alkaline
      conditions because of the electrostatic repulsion of the same negative charges on
      the flocculant and particles.

PMID- 22075037
TI  - Multi-cycle bioregeneration of spent perchlorate-containing macroporous selective
      anion-exchange resin.
AB  - Ion exchange using perchlorate-selective resin is possibly the most feasible
      technology for perchlorate removal from water. However, in current water
      treatment applications, selective resins are used once and then incinerated,
      making the ion-exchange process economically and environmentally unsustainable. A
      new concept has been developed involving the biological regeneration of resin
      containing perchlorate. This concept involves directly contacting perchlorate
      containing resins with a perchlorate-reducing microbial culture. In this
      research, the feasibility of multi-cycle loading and bioregeneration of a
      macroporous perchlorate-selective resin was investigated. Loading and
      bioregeneration cycles were performed, using a bench-scale fermenter and a
      fluidized bed reactor followed by fouling removal and disinfection of the resin.
      The results revealed that selective macroporous resin can be employed
      successfully in a consecutive loading-bioregeneration ion-exchange process. Loss
      of resin capacity stabilized after a few cycles of bioregeneration, indicating
      that the number of loading and bioregeneration cycles that can be performed is
      likely greater than the five cycles tested. The results also revealed that most
      of the capacity loss in the resin is due to perchlorate buildup from previous
      regeneration cycles. The results further indicated that as the bioregeneration
      progresses, clogging of the resin pores results in strong mass transfer
      limitation in the bioregeneration process.

PMID- 22075038
TI  - Genetic characterization of three Cuban Trichomonas vaginalis virus. Phylogeny of
      Totiviridae family.
AB  - Trichomonas vaginalis can be infected with double stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses
      known as T. vaginalis virus (TVV). This viral infection may have important
      implications for trichomonal virulence and disease pathogenesis. In this study we
      identified and genetic characterized three strains of TVVs isolated from T.
      vaginalis in Cuba. The three new predicted sequences of capsid protein and RNA
      dependent RNA polymerase amounted to the previously determined 20 TVV sequences
      and other 21 viruses of Totiviridae family were used for a phylogenetic analysis.
      Four distinct monophyletic clades are shown in a phylogenetic tree. One
      corresponds with TVVs, other with Victorivirus, Leishmaniavirus and Eimeria
      brunetti virus and, other with viruses of the genus Totivirus and the last with
      Giardiavirus. The E. brunetti virus is identified in the phylogenetic tree as
      independent taxon between Leishmaniavirus and Victorivirus isolates, most closely
      related to Victorivirus. TVV constitute a monophyletic cluster distinguishable
      from all other viruses in Totiviridae family. This result suggested that TVV may
      be grouped in a separated genus and not inside of Giardiavirus. TVVs appear to be
      more closely related to protozoan viruses in the genus Leishmaniavirus and to
      fungal viruses in the genus Victorivirus than to other protozoan and fungal
      viruses in Giardiavirus and Totivirus. Among TVVs, four main groups can be
      recognized within Trichomonasvirus cluster, which correspond with the previous
      species classification proposed. Further studies, with more TVV strains,
      especially TVV3 and 4 strains, are needed in order to determine the phylogenetic
      relationship among Trichomonasvirus genus and specifically if TVV2 and 3 each
      also constitute a well-delimited group.

PMID- 22075039
TI  - Effect of the diclazuril on Hsp90 in the second-generation merozoites of Eimeria
      tenella.
AB  - Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) is one of the most virulent pathogens of
      coccidiosis. In apicomplexan parasites, Hsp90 (Heat shock protein 90) is
      essential for the invasion and survival in host cells. In this study, the effect
      of diclazuril, an effective benzeneacetonitrile anticoccidial agent, on the
      expression of Hsp90 in the second-generation merozoites of E. tenella was
      investigated. We inoculated 8 * 10(4) oocysts/chicken suspended in 1 ml of
      distilled water, and chickens were challenged with E. tenella oocysts and
      provided with normal feed as Control group; chickens challenged with E. tenella
      oocysts and provided with 1mg/kg diclazuril in feed from 96 h to 120 h after
      inoculation as treatment group. Then the second-generation merozoites were
      obtained after 120 h from the infected caeca. Our results showed that the
      transcription level of mzHsp90 was reduced by 29.7% in the diclazuril treatment
      group, accompanied by reduced level of mzHsp90 protein in second-generation
      merozoites prepared from infected chickens. We also found that the subcellular
      localization of mzHsp90 was more dispersed in these merozoites. Moreover, we
      demonstrated that the effects of diclazuril on mzHsp90 expression were direct by
      in vitro experiments. Taken together, our data provide insights into the
      molecular mechanisms of diclazuril in the chemotherapy of E. tenella, and suggest
      that mzHsp90 represents a promising target for the intervention with E. tenella
      infection.

PMID- 22075040
TI  - Pharmacological characterization of the Haemonchus contortus GABA-gated chloride
      channel, Hco-UNC-49: modulation by macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics and a
      receptor for piperazine.
AB  - Invertebrate ligand-gated chloride channels are well recognized as important
      targets for several insecticides and anthelmintics. Hco-UNC-49 is a GABA-gated
      chloride channel from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus and is an
      orthologue to the neuromuscular receptor (Cel-UNC-49) from the free-living
      nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. While the receptors from the two nematodes are
      similar in sequence, they exhibit different sensitivities to GABA which may
      reflect differences in in vivo function. The aim of the current study was to
      further characterize the pharmacology of the Hco-UNC-49 receptor by examining its
      sensitivity to various insecticides and anthelmintics using two-electrode voltage
      clamp. Specifically, the insecticides fipronil and picrotoxin appear to inhibit
      the channel in a similar manner. The IC(50) of picrotoxin on the homomeric
      channel was 3.65 +/- 0.64 MUM and for the heteromeric channel was 134.56 +/-
      44.12 MUM. On the other hand, dieldrin, a well-known insect GABA receptor
      blocker, had little effect on the UNC-49 channel. The anthelmintics ivermectin
      and moxidectin both moderately potentiated the activation of Hco-UNC-49 by GABA,
      while piperazine was able to directly activate both the Hco-UNC-49 homomeric and
      heteromeric channels with EC(50) values of 6.23 +/- 0.45 mM and 5.09 +/- 0.32 mM,
      respectively. This piperazine current was reversibly blocked by picrotoxin which
      demonstrates that the anthelmintic specifically targets Hco-UNC-49. These results
      demonstrate that Hco-UNC-49 exhibits binding sites for several molecules
      including piperazine and macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics. In addition, this is
      the first report of the heterologous expression and subsequent characterization
      of a receptor for piperazine.

PMID- 22075041
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of a new ivermectin/praziquantel oil suspension after
      intramuscular administration in pigs.
AB  - A new oil suspension containing 0.15% ivermectin and 15% praziquantel for
      intramuscular injection was developed, and corresponding pharmacokinetics studies
      were conducted in swine. The combination product is a white- to cream-colored oil
      suspension and its physical properties such as settling volume ratio,
      redispersibility, syringeability and flowability are well consistent with the
      Technical Standards by the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of
      China. The pharmacokinetic study consists of two parts. First, the experiments
      were carried out to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of the combination
      product and those same products with praziquantel or ivermectin removed merely.
      The results showed that no significant change in the major pharmacokinetic
      parameters (t(1/2z), T(max), C(max), AUC(INF), TimeDur) was observed when either
      of the component was removed from the combination product, indicating that
      ivermectin and praziquantel do not interfere with each other when being used
      together. Second, the pharmacokinetics of the combination product were compared
      with those of their respective single product. The results showed that the C(max)
      (15.94 ng/mL) of ivermectin in combination product was 9.01 times higher than the
      single product, while the AUC(INF) (1925.61 ng h/mL) was 6.02 times higher.
      Meanwhile, the C(max) (1.48 MUg/mL), AUC(INF) (17.08MUgh/mL), t(1/2z) (20.25 h),
      TimeDur3 (42.01 h) and TimeDur4 (16.60 h) of praziquantel in combination product
      were improved with a factor of 5.48, 13.66, 8.58, 10.10 and 7.31 times when
      compared with the single product, respectively. Therefore, the efficacy of the
      combination product was significantly prolonged, especially for praziquantel, so
      that comprehensive efficacy of controlling parasites sensitive to ivermectin and
      praziquantel can be achieved with one-single use of it.

PMID- 22075042
TI  - Starvation and overwinter do not affect the reproductive fitness of Rhipicephalus
      sanguineus.
AB  - Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most widespread tick in the world, being able to
      survive under different climate conditions. In this study, the longevity of R.
      sanguineus was investigated under laboratory and natural climate conditions in
      southern Italy. Moreover, the reproductive fitness of females after overwintering
      was assessed. In the environment, unfed larvae, nymphs and adults were able to
      survive for up to 34, 40 and 385 days, respectively. However, the longevity of
      larvae (44 days), nymphs (54 days) and adults (584 days) in the laboratory was
      longer. Adult ticks that had overwintered under natural climate conditions were
      able to feed and give rise to viable larvae, after 40 weeks of starvation.
      Thereby, it is demonstrated that R. sanguineus is able to overwinter in southern
      Italy, without any prejudice to its fitness. These findings advance our knowledge
      on the natural history of R. sanguineus in nature and provide new insights into
      the epidemiology of certain tick-borne diseases in southern Europe as well as
      into the risk for their introduction in northern European countries.

PMID- 22075043
TI  - Safety and efficacy against fourth-stage gastrointestinal nematode larvae, of
      monepantel in 6-week old lambs.
AB  - A controlled, blinded study was undertaken in 6-week old, pre-weaned lambs to
      demonstrate the safety and efficacy against fourth-stage gastrointestinal
      nematode larvae, of monepantel administered per os at 2.5mg/kg body weight. Worm
      burdens of 10 monepantel-treated lambs were compared to those from 10 untreated
      control lambs. Geometric mean derived efficacies of 100, 100, 96.4 and 99.9% were
      demonstrated against Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia spp., Cooperia curticei
      and Trichostrongylus colubriformis, respectively. These results, considered in
      the light of an earlier series of studies demonstrating the efficacy of
      monepantel in older animals, and an absence of any adverse events, provides
      strong support for the use of monepantel as a safe and effective anthelmintic in
      lambs from six weeks of age.

PMID- 22075044
TI  - Massive aquaresis after tolvaptan administration and albumin infusion in a
      patient with alcoholic cirrhosis.

PMID- 22075045
TI  - Thrombosis in suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia occurs more often with
      high antibody levels.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to determine whether higher antiplatelet
      factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibody levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      are associated with more frequent thrombotic events in patients with clinically
      suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is
      an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      detects anti-PF4/heparin antibodies to support a suspected clinical diagnosis of
      heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The utility of quantitative enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay results is uncertain. METHODS: Our single-centered study
      evaluated quantitative anti-PF4/heparin antibody levels using an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay in consecutive hospitalized patients with a clinical
      suspicion of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and positive anti-PF4/heparin
      antibody levels between July 2003 and December 2006. RESULTS: Overall, anti
      PF4/heparin antibody values were available for 318 patients with clinically
      suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The median level was 0.85 optical
      density units (range 0.31-4.0). The overall rate of arterial or venous thrombosis
      was 23.3%. A 1-unit increase in anti-PF4/heparin antibody level was associated
      with an approximate doubling in the odds of thrombosis by 30 days (odds ratio,
      1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.6; P=.0001). The proportion of patients with
      pulmonary embolism increased with higher anti-PF4/heparin antibody levels.
      CONCLUSION: Higher levels of anti-PF4/heparin antibody are associated with
      increased thrombosis risk among patients with clinically suspected heparin
      induced thrombocytopenia and might have clinical utility for prediction of true
      heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and the development of thrombosis.

PMID- 22075046
TI  - Callosal warning syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and imaging findings in a patient with an
      initial fluctuating disconnection syndrome due to corpus callosal ischemia that
      ultimately culminated in infarction with persistent symptoms. CASE REPORT: A 40
      year-old, hypertensive, right-handed man presented with transient, stereotyped
      symptoms of corpus callosal disconnection (intermanual conflict, apraxia,
      dysgraphia and construction difficulties in his left hand). Serial magnetic
      resonance imaging scans demonstrated the ischemic nature of the initial
      fluctuating symptoms and later showed callosal infarction when the symptoms were
      persistent. Magnetic resonance angiogram did not reveal significant stenosis or
      occlusion of the internal carotid or proximal portion of anterior cerebral
      arteries. Patient received standard treatment for ischemic stroke and at follow
      up 1 month later, had mild left hand apraxia, dysgraphia and construction
      difficulties. CONCLUSION: The case highlights the unusual occurrence of crescendo
      transient ischemic attacks culminating in infarction in the location of corpus
      callosum. We have termed this novel stroke syndrome as 'callosal warning
      syndrome' as the temporal profile was quite indistinguishable from that of
      relatively well-known stroke warning syndromes in the location of internal
      capsule and pontine tegmentum.

PMID- 22075047
TI  - Effect of micro lesions of the basal ganglia on ballistic movements in patients
      with deep brain stimulation.
AB  - Bradykinesia and hypokinesia are the prominent symptoms of substantia nigra
      degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). In segmental dystonia, movements of not
      affected limbs are not impaired. Here we studied the impact of the mere
      implantation of stimulation electrodes on the performance of fast movements in
      these two groups. We investigated 9 PD patients with subthalamic electrodes and 9
      patients with segmental dystonia with electrodes in the globus pallidus internum.
      Patients were studied on the first postoperative day without electrical
      stimulation of the electrodes. Subjects had to perform boxing movements with
      either touching the target or stopping the fist in front of the target. PD
      subjects performed significantly faster movements in the touch-task only as
      compared to dystonic patients. No difference was seen in the stopping task. In
      conclusion, our findings suggest that a small subthalamic lesion in individuals
      with PD specifically reverses bradykinesia during simple ballistic movements
      (touch) but not during complex ones requiring more pre-programming (no-touch
      paradigm).

PMID- 22075048
TI  - New novel mutation of the ATP7B gene in a family with Wilson disease.
AB  - Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. The
      WD gene codes for a copper transporting P-type ATPase (ATP7B) are located on
      chromosome 13q14.3. Mutation of this gene disrupts copper homeostasis, resulting
      in the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, kidneys and corneas and copper
      toxication at these sites. Since the detection of the WD gene in 1993,
      approximately 300 disease-specific muations have been identified. We recently
      evaluated a Korean family with WD. The proband, a 17-year-old boy, visited our
      hospital due to abnormal behaviors including generalized slow movement,
      dysphagia, drooling and ataxia. Laboratory results revealed decreases in serum
      copper and ceruloplasmin and an increase in urinary excretion of copper. He had
      liver cirrhosis, brain lesions and Kayser-Fleischer corenal rings. Molecular
      genetic analysis of the ATP7B gene demonstrated that he was heterozygous for
      deletion mutation c.2697_2723del27 in exon 11. Further study of family members
      revealed that his father and younger brother had the same mutation. The
      c.2697_2723del27 deletion mutation in exon 11 has not yet been reported as a
      causative muation of WD and is an in-frame deletion not expected to lead to a
      frame shift. Therefore, we report a novel mutation of the ATP7B gene in a family
      with WD.

PMID- 22075049
TI  - Tissue-specific accumulation of cadmium and its effects on antioxidative
      responses in Japanese flounder juveniles.
AB  - This study investigated the accumulation of cadmium (0-8 mg Cd L-1) and its
      toxicological effects on oxidative stress biomarkers in different tissues of
      Japanese flounder juveniles. Following Cd exposure for 28 d, accumulation of Cd
      in fish was dose-dependent and tissue-specific, with the greatest accumulation in
      the liver, followed by the kidney, gill, and muscle. Although the gill and liver
      mounted active antioxidant responses at >= 4 mg L-1 Cd including a decrease in
      glutathione level and GST and GPx activities, the antioxidant response failed to
      prevent lipid peroxidation induction in these organs. In the kidney, increased
      GPx and GST activities and decreased SOD activity were observed in fish exposed
      to high Cd concentrations, but LPO levels did not significantly differ among the
      exposure concentrations. The gill was most sensitive to oxidative damage,
      followed by the liver; the kidney was the least affected tissue.

PMID- 22075050
TI  - Use of custom-made stockings to control postoperative leg and foot edema
      following free tissue transfer and external fixation of fractures.
AB  - Patients with lower extremity trauma treated with free tissue transfer and
      external fixation of fractures almost always have postoperative edema of the foot
      and leg. Although compressive elastic stockings have been advised to be worn by
      patients with venous or lymphatic insufficiency, no such stocking has been
      described for postoperative use by patients with external fixators. The aim of
      the present report was to describe a custom-made elastic compression stocking for
      patients who have undergone soft tissue reconstruction and fracture fixation with
      external fixators. These custom-made stockings can help to decrease postoperative
      edema during the nonambulatory and nonweight-bearing ambulatory period. They are
      easy to apply, affordable, and can be tailored from regular compression stockings
      according to the needs of the patients.

PMID- 22075051
TI  - Effect of silver nanoparticles in crop plants Phaseolus radiatus and Sorghum
      bicolor: media effect on phytotoxicity.
AB  - Understanding some adverse effects of nanoparticles in edible crop plants is a
      matter of importance because nanoparticles are often released into soil
      environments. We investigated the phytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)
      on the important crop plants, Phaseolus radiatus and Sorghum bicolor. The silver
      nanoparticles were selected for this study because of their OECD designation as a
      priority nanomaterial. The toxicity and bioavailability of AgNPs in the crop
      plant species P. radiatus and S. bicolor were evaluated in both agar and soil
      media. The seedling growth of test species was adversely affected by exposure to
      AgNPs. We found evidence of nanoparticle uptake by plants using electron
      microscopic studies. In the agar tests, P. radiatus and S. bicolor showed a
      concentration dependent-growth inhibition effect. Measurements of the growth rate
      of P. radiatus were not affected in the soil studies by impediment within the
      concentrations tested herein. Bioavailability of nanoparticles was reduced in the
      soil, and the dissolved silver ion effect also differed in the soil as compared
      to the agar. The properties of nanoparticles have been shown to change in soil,
      so this phenomenon has been attributed to the reduced toxicity of AgNPs to plants
      in soil medium. The application of nanoparticles in soil is a matter of great
      importance to elucidate the terrestrial toxicity of nanoparticles.

PMID- 22075052
TI  - Development of a new time-integrative sampler using in situ solvent extraction.
AB  - Despite the great success of time-weighted average passive sampling of
      hydrophobic contaminants, such as PCBs and PAHs, the sampling of polar organic
      compounds still presents a challenge because the equilibrium between water and
      most sampling phases is attained in a relatively short time. In this study, we
      proposed a new time-integrative sampler using in situ solvent extraction (TISIS)
      for polar organic chemicals. The sampler was composed of a 15 cm
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) tubing, with an internal diameter of 0.5 mm and
      wall thickness of 0.5 mm, through which an extraction solvent (acetonitrile) was
      passed. Four polar organic contaminants, caffeine, atrazine, diuron and 17alpha
      ethynylestradiol, were chosen for the evaluation of the performance of the
      sampler. Without the use of in situ solvent extraction, the PDMS tubing when
      exposed to a constant aqueous concentration of the four model compounds was able
      to linearly accumulate those compounds for less than 12 h and equilibrium between
      the PDMS tubing and water was attained in 2 d under our laboratory conditions.
      However, TISIS when exposed to a constant aqueous concentration was able to
      linearly accumulate all the model compounds without any exposure time limitation.
      The measured sampling rates at three different extraction flow rates (0.2, 0.5,
      1.5 mL min(-1)) were similar, regardless of the chemicals, indicating that the
      overall mass transfer from aqueous solution to the extraction solvent was most
      likely dominated by partitioning to the PDMS tubing and the internal diffusion
      within PDMS. In addition, a pulsed exposure experiment confirmed that TISIS
      operated in a time-integrative mode when the environmental concentration was
      highly fluctuated.

PMID- 22075053
TI  - Fecal coliforms, caffeine and carbamazepine in stormwater collection systems in a
      large urban area.
AB  - Water samples from streams, brooks and storm sewer outfall pipes that collect
      storm waters across the Island of Montreal were analyzed for caffeine,
      carbamazepine and fecal coliforms. All samples contained various concentrations
      of these tracers, indicating a widespread sanitary contamination in urban
      environments. Fecal coliforms and caffeine levels ranged over several orders of
      magnitude with a modest correlation between caffeine and fecal coliforms (R(2)
      value of 0.558). An arbitrary threshold of 400 ng caffeine L(-1) allows us to
      identify samples with an elevated fecal contamination, as defined by more than
      200 colony-forming units per 100 mL (cfu 100 mL(-1)) of fecal coliforms. Low
      caffeine levels were sporadically related to high fecal coliform counts. Lower
      levels of caffeine and fecal coliforms were observed in the brooks while the
      larger streams and storm water discharge points contained over ten times more.
      The carbamazepine data showed little or no apparent correlation to caffeine.
      These data suggest that this storm water collection system, located in a highly
      urbanized urban environment, is widely contaminated by domestic sewers as
      indicated by the ubiquitous presence of fecal contaminants as well as caffeine
      and carbamazepine. Caffeine concentrations were relatively well correlated to
      fecal coliforms, and could potentially be used as a chemical indicator of the
      level of contamination by sanitary sources. The carbamazepine data was not
      significantly correlated to fecal coliforms and of little use in this dataset.

PMID- 22075054
TI  - Combined effects of deltamethrin, temperature and salinity on oxidative stress
      biomarkers and acetylcholinesterase activity in the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus
      monodon).
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the interactions of two abiotic factors
      (temperature and salinity) and deltamethrin (pyrethroid pesticide) exposure on
      some oxidative stress biomarkers as well as on acetylcholinesterase activity
      (AChE) in hepatopancreas, gills and muscle of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus
      monodon). A combination of three temperatures (24, 29 and 34 degrees C), two
      salinities (15 and 25 ppt), and the absence or presence of 0.1 MUg L(-1)
      deltamethrin was applied on shrimp during 4 d under laboratory conditions. Lipid
      peroxidation level (LPO) and glutathione S-transferase activity (GST) were not
      affected by combined effect of temperature, salinity and deltamethrin in any of
      the studied tissues. Deltamethrin impaired other tested oxidative stress
      biomarkers, i.e. total glutathione (tGSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase
      (GPx). tGSH level significantly increased in hepatopancreas due to deltamethrin
      exposure mainly at 34 degrees C, while pesticide effects on tGSH and CAT activity
      in gills were influenced by both temperature and salinity. In addition, GPx
      activity in hepatopancreas decreased after deltamethrin treatment mainly at 24
      degrees C. Finally, AChE in muscle was strongly inhibited by deltamethrin at all
      tested temperatures and salinities. These novel findings demonstrate that
      interactions between abiotic factors and a commonly used pesticide exposure
      should be taken into account when analyzing some widespread biomarkers in black
      tiger shrimp.

PMID- 22075055
TI  - Effectiveness of different methods of resistance exercises in lateral
      epicondylosis--a systematic review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. INTRODUCTION: Lateral epicondylosis (LE) is
      relatively common with an annual incidence in the general population of 1% to 3%.
      Systematic reviews have identified exercise is effective, but have not
      established specific exercise parameters. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic
      review was to synthesize the quality and content of clinical research addressing
      type and dosage of resistance exercises in lateral epicondylosis. METHODS:
      Computerized bibliographic databases (1990-2010) were searched using relevant
      keywords; bibliographies of included papers were hand searched. Of 594 screened
      abstracts, 11 articles (12 studies) met inclusion criteria. Articles were
      randomly allocated to pairs of reviewers who independently verified data
      extraction and appraised the full text, using a structured critical appraisal
      tool with 24 items. Data extraction was limited by a lack of consistent reporting
      of elements of exercise dosage. RESULTS: The mean quality rating of the studies
      was 72%, with 2 papers exceeding 75% quality. Of the 12 studies, 9 addressed the
      effects of isotonic (eccentric/concentric) exercises, 2 studied the effect of
      isometric and one studied isokinetic exercises. The exercise programs ranged over
      a period of 4 to 52 weeks. Exercises were prescribed 1 to 6 times per day, with
      an average duration of 15 minutes per session, and average of 15 repetitions
      (range: 3 to 50), with 1 to 4 sets per session. CONCLUSION: All the studies
      reported that resistance exercise resulted in substantial improvement in pain and
      grip strength; eccentric exercise was most studied. Strengthening using
      resistance exercises is effective in reducing pain and improving function for
      lateral epicondylosis but optimal dosing is not defined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a.

PMID- 22075056
TI  - Central chemoreflex ventilatory responses in humans following passive heat
      acclimation.
AB  - Since there is temperature dependence of pulmonary ventilation (V(E)) in response
      to the normal modulators (i.e.  [Formula: see text] ,  [Formula: see text] ), it
      was asked in this study if passive heat acclimation (HA) modifies the human
      central chemoreflex ventilatory response to CO(2). Nine males performed
      normothermic- and hyperthermic modified Read re-breathing tests before and after
      HA. Heat acclimation consisted of 2hday(-1) exposures to 50 degrees C and 20% RH
      for 10 consecutive days and each exposure elevated rectal temperature to between
      38.5 and 39.0 degrees C. Ventilatory recruitment thresholds (VRTs) and central
      chemosensitivity were assessed before and after HA during normothermia with an
      oesophageal temperature (T(es)) of ~37 degrees C and in hyperthermia when T(es)
      was 38.5-39.0 degrees C. Results showed VRT and central chemosensitivities were
      unaltered by HA (p>=0.375) and hyperthermia increased pre- (p=0.010) but not post
      acclimation (p=0.332) central chemosensitivity. Additionally, during hyperthermia
      V(E) became progressively greater (p=0.027) relative to corresponding
      normothermic values in the re-breathing tests. In conclusion, the ventilatory
      response to hyperoxic CO(2) was unaltered by heat Acclimation State.

PMID- 22075057
TI  - Focal adhesion kinase inhibitors are potent anti-angiogenic agents.
AB  - Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase and scaffold protein
      localized to focal adhesions, is uniquely positioned at the convergence point of
      integrin and receptor tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathways. FAK is
      overexpressed in many tumor cells, hence various inhibitors targeting its
      activity have been tested for anti-tumor activity. However, the direct effects of
      these pharmacologic agents on the endothelial cells of the vasculature have not
      been examined. Using primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we
      characterized the effects of two FAK inhibitors, PF-573,228 and FAK Inhibitor 14
      on essential processes for angiogenesis, such as migration, proliferation,
      viability and endothelial cell tube formation. We observed that treatment with
      either FAK Inhibitor 14 or PF-573,228 resulted in reduced HUVEC viability,
      migration and tube formation in response to vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF). Furthermore, we found that PF-573,228 had the added ability to induce
      apoptosis of endothelial cells within 36 h post-drug administration even in the
      continued presence of VEGF stimulation. FAK inhibitors also resulted in
      modification of the actin cytoskeleton within HUVEC, with observed increased
      stress fiber formation in the presence of drug. Given that endothelial cells were
      sensitive to FAK inhibitors at concentrations well below those reported to
      inhibit tumor cell migration, we confirmed their ability to inhibit endothelial
      derived FAK autophosphorylation and FAK-mediated phosphorylation of recombinant
      paxillin at these doses. Taken together, our data indicate that small molecule
      inhibitors of FAK are potent anti-angiogenic agents and suggest their utility in
      combinatorial therapeutic approaches targeting tumor angiogenesis.

PMID- 22075058
TI  - Ultrafast soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at liquid water microjets.
AB  - Since the pioneering work of Kai Siegbahn, electron spectroscopy for chemical
      analysis (ESCA) has been developed into an indispensable analytical technique for
      surface science. The value of this powerful method of photoelectron spectroscopy
      (PES, also termed photoemission spectroscopy) and Siegbahn's contributions were
      recognized in the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physics. The need for high vacuum, however,
      originally prohibited PES of volatile liquids, and only allowed for investigation
      of low-vapor-pressure molecules attached to a surface (or close to a surface) or
      liquid films of low volatility. Only with the invention of liquid beams of
      volatile liquids compatible with high-vacuum conditions was PES from liquid
      surfaces under vacuum made feasible. Because of the ubiquity of water interfaces
      in nature, the liquid water-vacuum interface became a most attractive research
      topic, particularly over the past 10 years. PES studies of these important
      aqueous interfaces remained significantly challenging because of the need to
      develop high-pressure PES methods. For decades, ESCA or PES (termed XPS, for X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in the case of soft X-ray photons) was restricted
      to conventional laboratory X-ray sources or beamlines in synchrotron facilities.
      This approach enabled frequency domain measurements, but with poor time
      resolution. Indirect access to time-resolved processes in the condensed phase was
      only achieved if line-widths could be analyzed or if processes could be related
      to a fast clock, that is, reference processes that are fast enough and are also
      well understood in the condensed phase. Just recently, the emergence of high
      harmonic light sources, providing short-wavelength radiation in ultrashort light
      pulses, added the dimension of time to the classical ESCA or XPS technique and
      opened the door to (soft) X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with ultrahigh time
      resolution. The combination of high harmonic light sources (providing radiation
      with laserlike beam qualities) and liquid microjet technology recently enabled
      the first liquid interface PES experiments in the IR/UV-pump and extreme
      ultraviolet-probe (EUV-probe) configuration. In this Account, we highlight
      features of the technology and a number of recent applications, including extreme
      states of matter and the discovery and detection of short-lived transients of the
      solvated electron in water. Properties of the EUV radiation, such as its
      controllable polarization and features of the liquid microjet, will enable unique
      experiments in the near future. PES measures electron binding energies and
      angular distributions of photoelectrons, which comprise unique information about
      electron orbitals and their involvement in chemical bonding. One of the future
      goals is to use this information to trace molecular orbitals, over time, in
      chemical reactions or biological transformations.

PMID- 22075059
TI  - Levator ani subtended volume: a novel parameter to evaluate levator ani muscle
      laxity in pelvic organ prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe a new parameter based on magnetic resonance 3-dimensional
      (3D) reconstructions proposed to evaluate levator ani muscle (LAM) laxity in
      women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). STUDY DESIGN: This is an institutional
      review board-approved, retrospective chart review of 35 women with POP, stages I
      IV. The 3D Slicer software package was used to perform 2-dimensional and 3D
      measurements and the levator ani subtended volume (LASV) was described.
      Basically, the LASV represents the volume contained by LAM between 2 planes,
      which coincides with pubococcygeal line and H line. Correlations among
      measurements, ordinal POP stages, POP Quantification (POPQ) individual
      measurements, and validated questionnaires were performed. RESULTS: The LASV
      differentiated major (III and IV) from minor (I and II) POPQ stages, which
      positively correlated to POP stages and POPQ individual measurements. CONCLUSION:
      The LASV is a promising parameter to evaluate the LAM laxity.

PMID- 22075060
TI  - Evaluation of simulation training in cardiothoracic surgery: the Senior Tour
      perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to introduce senior surgeons, referred to as
      members of the "Senior Tour," to simulation-based learning and evaluate ongoing
      simulation efforts in cardiothoracic surgery. METHODS: Thirteen senior
      cardiothoracic surgeons participated in a 21/2-day Senior Tour Meeting. Of 12
      simulators, each participant focused on 6 cardiac (small vessel anastomosis,
      aortic cannulation, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic valve replacement, mitral
      valve repair, and aortic root replacement) or 6 thoracic surgical simulators
      (hilar dissection, esophageal anastomosis, rigid bronchoscopy, video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy, tracheal resection, and sleeve resection). The
      participants provided critical feedback regarding the realism and utility of the
      simulators, which served as the basis for a composite assessment of the
      simulators. RESULTS: All participants acknowledged that simulation may not
      provide a wholly immersive experience. For small vessel anastomosis, the portable
      chest model is less realistic compared with the porcine model, but is valuable in
      teaching anastomosis mechanics. The aortic cannulation model allows multiple
      cannulations and can serve as a thoracic aortic surgery model. The
      cardiopulmonary bypass simulator provides crisis management experience. The
      porcine aortic valve replacement, mitral valve annuloplasty, and aortic root
      models are realistic and permit standardized training. The hilar dissection model
      is subject to variability of porcine anatomy and fragility of the vascular
      structures. The realistic esophageal anastomosis simulator presents various
      approaches to esophageal anastomosis. The exercise associated with the rigid
      bronchoscopy model is brief, and adding additional procedures should be
      considered. The tracheal resection, sleeve resection, and video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy models are highly realistic and simulate advanced
      maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: By providing the necessary tools, such as task trainers
      and assessment instruments, the Senior Tour may be one means to enhance
      simulation-based learning in cardiothoracic surgery. The Senior Tour members can
      provide regular programmatic evaluation and critical analyses to ensure that
      proposed simulators are of educational value.

PMID- 22075062
TI  - Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of
      osteoarthritis of the hip.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and symptomatic changes of IA injections of
      platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with OA of the hip. METHODS: Forty
      patients affected by monolateral severe hip OA were included in the study. Each
      joint received three IA injections of PRP, which were administered once a week.
      The primary end point was meaningful pain relief, which was described as a
      reduction in pain intensity of at least 30% from baseline levels as evaluated by
      the WOMAC subscale at 6-months post-treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS)
      and Harris hip score subscale for pain were used to verify the results. Secondary
      end points included changes in the level of disability of at least 30% and the
      percentage of positive responders, i.e. the number of patients that achieved a
      >30% reduction in pain and disability. RESULTS: Statistically significant
      reductions in VAS, WOMAC and Harris hip subscores for pain and function were
      reported at 7 weeks and 6 months (P < 0.05). Twenty-three (57.5%) patients
      reported a clinically relevant reduction of pain (45%, range 30-71%) as assessed
      by the WOMAC subscale. Sixteen (40%) of these patients were classified as
      excellent responders who showed an early pain reduction at 6-7 weeks, which was
      sustained at 6 months, and a parallel reduction of disability. Side effects were
      negligible and were limited to a sensation of heaviness in the injection site.
      CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary non-controlled prospective study supported the
      safety, tolerability and efficacy of PRP injections for pain relief and improved
      function in a limited number of patients with OA of the hip.

PMID- 22075063
TI  - Tocilizumab: a novel therapy for patients with large-vessel vasculitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment of large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) remains challenging.
      Patients usually respond to glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, but often relapse on
      tapering of the GC dose or after GC withdrawal. In addition, GCs are fraught with
      numerous adverse events. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and
      safety of the anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients
      with LVV. METHODS: Four patients with active LVV (two with GCA and two with
      Takayasu arteritis) received monthly TCZ infusions (8 mg/kg bodyweight) for 6
      consecutive months. Two patients were treatment naive, while two had relapsing
      disease. Disease activity and drug tolerability were assessed clinically and by
      laboratory tests at study entry and subsequently every month for 6 months of TCZ
      treatment, while an [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET (PET/CT) scan was performed
      before and after treatment. In addition, a semi-quantitative clinical evaluation
      was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months using the Indian Takayasu
      activity score and the Kerr indices. After TCZ, MTX was used as maintenance
      therapy. RESULTS: All patients treated with TCZ therapy had a satisfactory
      clinical and laboratory response, while PET/CT findings significantly improved in
      all cases. No serious adverse events were noted. Only one patient had a transient
      increase in liver enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: In this small group of patients with LVV,
      treatment with TCZ was effective and well tolerated. Further, larger studies are
      required to confirm our findings.

PMID- 22075061
TI  - Differential effects of aprotinin and tranexamic acid on outcomes and cytokine
      profiles in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Factors contributing to postoperative complications include blood loss
      and a heightened inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to test
      the hypothesis that aprotinin would decrease perioperative blood product use,
      reduce biomarkers of inflammation, and result in improved clinical outcome
      parameters in neonates undergoing cardiac operations. METHODS: This was a
      secondary retrospective analysis of a clinical trial whereby neonates undergoing
      cardiac surgery received either aprotinin (n = 34; before May 2008) or tranexamic
      acid (n = 42; after May 2008). Perioperative blood product use, clinical course,
      and measurements of cytokines were compared. RESULTS: Use of perioperative red
      blood cells, cryoprecipitate, and platelets was reduced in neonates receiving
      aprotinin compared with tranexamic acid (P < .05). Recombinant activated factor
      VII use (2/34 [6%] vs 18/42 [43%]; P < .001), delayed sternal closure (12/34
      [35%] vs 26/42 [62%]; P = .02), and inotropic requirements at 24 and 36 hours (P
      < .05) were also reduced in the aprotinin group. Median duration of mechanical
      ventilation was reduced compared with tranexamic acid: 2.9 days (interquartile
      range: 1.7-5.1 days) versus 4.2 days (2.9-5.2 days), P = .04. Production of tumor
      necrosis factor and interleukin-2 activation were attenuated in the aprotinin
      group at 24 hours postoperatively. No differential effects on renal function were
      seen between agents. CONCLUSIONS: Aprotinin, compared with tranexamic acid, was
      associated with reduced perioperative blood product use, improved early indices
      of postoperative recovery, and attenuated indices of cytokine activation, without
      early adverse effects. These findings suggest that aprotinin may have unique
      effects in the context of neonatal cardiac surgery and challenge contentions that
      antifibrinolytics are equivalent with respect to early postoperative outcomes.

PMID- 22075064
TI  - Increased IL-17A expression in granulomas and in circulating memory T cells in
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by
      granulomas. Although the aetiology is unknown, sarcoidosis is thought to be
      mediated by Th1 lymphocytes. Recently, IL-17A has been implicated in granuloma
      formation in various diseases, including tuberculosis. Therefore, we hypothesized
      that Th17 cells play a role in sarcoidosis, paralleling recent findings in
      autoimmune diseases such as RA. The aim of our study was to investigate the role
      of Th17 cells in sarcoidosis. METHODS: T cells were investigated by intracellular
      flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, in blood, bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs)
      and bronchial mucosal biopsies from a cohort of newly diagnosed sarcoidosis
      patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: Circulating memory CD4(+) T-cell
      populations of sarcoidosis patients contained significantly increased proportions
      of IL-17A(+) cells when compared with healthy controls. Interestingly,
      proportions of IL-17A/IFN-gamma and IL-17A/IL-4 double-producing cells were
      significantly increased in blood of sarcoidosis patients and were present in
      substantial numbers in BAL. In granuloma-containing, but not in non-granulomatous
      sarcoidosis biopsies, we found significantly increased numbers of IL-17A(+) T
      cells, located in and around granulomas throughout the lamina propria. IL-22(+) T
      cells were increased in the subepithelial layer. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced IL-17A
      expression in granulomas and the presence of IL-17A(+), IL-17A(+)IFN-gamma(+) and
      IL-17A(+)IL-4(+)memory Th cells in the circulation and BAL indicate Th17 cell
      involvement in granuloma induction or maintenance in sarcoidosis. Therefore,
      neutralization of IL-17A activity may be a novel strategy to treat sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22075065
TI  - Correlation between computer-aided dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI assessment of
      inflammation and semi-quantitative synovitis and bone marrow oedema scores of the
      wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis--a cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the correlation between assessment of inflammation using
      dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) analysed by a novel computer-aided
      approach and semi-quantitative scores of synovitis and bone marrow oedema (BME)
      using the OMERACT-RA MRI Scoring (RAMRIS) system, in the wrist of patients with
      RA. METHODS: Fifty-four RA patients had conventional and DCE-MRI of a symptomatic
      wrist using a low-field 0.2T extremity scanner. RAMRIS synovitis and BME of the
      wrist joint were done. DCE-MRI data were analysed in three ways: (i) in all
      images (fully automated approach), (ii) within a large extended region of
      interest (ROI) placed around the wrist joint (semi-automated approach) and (iii)
      within a small ROI placed in the area with most visual enhancement (semi
      automated approach). Time spent on each procedure was noted. Spearman's rank
      correlation test was applied to assess the correlation between RAMRIS and the
      computer-generated dynamic parameters. RESULTS: RAMRIS synovitis (range 2-9), BME
      (range 0-39) and the dynamic parameters reflecting the number of enhancing voxels
      were significantly correlated, especially when an extended ROI around the wrist
      was used (rho = 0.74; P < 0.01 for synovitis and rho = 0.82; P < 0.01 for BME).
      The observer spent on average 20 min (range 12-25 min) to perform RAMRIS,
      including acquisition of the results in the database, and 8 min (range 7-10 min)
      to perform all above-mentioned computer-aided analyses. CONCLUSION: Computer
      aided analysis of DCE-MRI data correlated with RAMRIS synovitis and BME and was
      twice as fast to perform. This technique may be useful for quick semi-automated
      assessment of joint inflammation, but needs further validation.

PMID- 22075066
TI  - Factors and comorbidities associated with first neuropsychiatric event in
      systemic lupus erythematosus: does a risk profile exist? A large multicentre
      retrospective cross-sectional study on 959 Italian patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse risk factors and comorbidities potentially associated with
      CNS involvement in a large cohort of Italian patients affected by SLE. METHODS: A
      number of generic (not strictly SLE related) and specific (disease related) risk
      factors to which all patients have been exposed in the span of 5 years before the
      first neuropsychiatric (NP) event or before the last available observation were
      checked for and their distribution was analysed in 959 SLE patients with and
      without NP involvement; all the first NP events that occurred in a time frame of
      10 years were recorded and categorized as SLE related or SLE unrelated. RESULTS:
      Three hundred and twenty-six SLE patients with and 633 SLE patients without NP
      manifestations were included in the study. A total of 469 NP events were
      recorded. Headache (26.1%), cerebrovascular events (22.7%), mood disorders
      (8.9%), seizures (14.4%) and cognitive dysfunctions (9.5%) were the most frequent
      SLE-related NP events. More risk factors [mean 4.52 (2.44) vs 3.73 (2.01); P <
      0.0001] were observed in patients with than without NP involvement. Overall,
      aPLs, LA and APS were factors more strongly associated with NP involvement.
      CONCLUSIONS: In SLE, NP involvement and aPLs were confirmed as closely related.
      Furthermore, other modifiable generic risk factors, such as hypertension, carotid
      vasculopathy and dyslipidaemia, appeared to be related to the occurrence of
      cerebral vascular accident (CVA) and cognitive dysfunctions, suggesting the need
      for a more intensive preventive strategy to optimize the management of NP lupus.

PMID- 22075067
TI  - The discovery of the pyramidal neurons: Vladimir Betz and a new era of
      neuroscience.
AB  - As a consequence of nascent technology, the 19th century witnessed a profound
      change in orientation to the nervous system. For example, improved microscopy in
      the first half of the 19th century allowed high magnification without blurring.
      The subsequent observation of nucleated cells led to the identification of
      individual brain cells. Philosophical changes in approach to the natural sciences
      took their lead from those applied to physical observations. The Ukrainian
      anatomist and histologist, Vladimir Alekseyevich Betz (1834-94) played a pivotal
      role in reshaping scientific and philosophical approaches to the brain,
      connecting cerebral localization, function and brain microstructure. Betz
      revolutionized methods of cell fixation and staining. Sometimes his efforts
      yielded enormously complicated technological improvements. Betz's greatest
      contribution, however, was connecting his discovery of the function of giant
      pyramidal neurons of the primary motor cortex ('cells of Betz') with the cortical
      organization. Considering cortical cytoarchitectonics in relation with
      physiological function, Betz recognized this organization in two areas: motor and
      sensory. He defined a functional area on histological grounds and thereby opened
      the way to study precise cortical areas. Betz participated in the scientific
      transformation of cytoarchitectonics based on macro- and microscopic studies of
      the cortical surface, enabling him to view the paths of nerve cells in the brain.
      Betz's influence allowed systemization of scattered scientific findings. The
      discovery of pyramidal cells was a turning point in the prevailing philosophical
      and scientific approach to the brain, linking cytoarchitecture, neurophysiology
      and cerebral localization.

PMID- 22075068
TI  - Believing is perceiving: mismatch between self-report and actigraphy in
      psychogenic tremor.
AB  - We assessed the duration and severity of tremor in a real-life ambulatory setting
      in patients with psychogenic and organic tremor by actigraphy, and compared this
      with self-reports of tremor over the same period. Ten participants with
      psychogenic tremor and eight with organic tremor, diagnosed using standardized
      clinical criteria, were studied. In an explicit design, participants were asked
      to wear a small actigraph capable of continuously monitoring tremor duration and
      intensity for 5 days while keeping a diary of their estimates of tremor duration
      during the same period. Eight patients with psychogenic tremor and all patients
      with organic tremor completed the study. Psychogenic patients reported
      significantly more of the waking day with tremor compared with patients with
      organic tremor (83.5 +/- 14.0% of the waking day versus 58.0 +/- 19.0% of the
      waking day; P < 0.01), despite having almost no tremor recorded by actigraphy
      (3.9 +/- 3.7% of the waking day versus 24.8 +/- 7.7% of the waking day; P =
      0.001). Patients with organic tremor reported 28% more tremor than actigraphy
      recordings, whereas patients with psychogenic tremor reported 65% more tremor
      than actigraphy. These data demonstrate that patients with psychogenic tremor
      fail to accurately perceive that they do not have tremor most of the day. The
      explicit study design we employed does not support the hypothesis that these
      patients are malingering. We discuss how these data can be understood within
      models of active inference in the brain to provide a neurobiological framework
      for understanding the mechanism of psychogenic tremor.

PMID- 22075069
TI  - Integration of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging in
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a system failure is a concept supported by the
      finding of consistent extramotor as well as motor cerebral pathology. The
      functional correlates of the structural changes detected using advanced magnetic
      resonance imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and voxel-based
      morphometry have not been extensively studied. A group of 25 patients with
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was compared to healthy control subjects using a
      multi-modal neuroimaging approach comprising T(1)-weighted, diffusion-weighted
      and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Using probabilistic
      tractography, a grey matter connection network was defined based upon the
      prominent corticospinal tract and corpus callosum involvement demonstrated by
      white matter tract-based spatial statistics. This 'amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      specific' network included motor, premotor and supplementary motor cortices, pars
      opercularis and motor-related thalamic nuclei. A novel analysis protocol, using
      this disease-specific grey matter network as an input for a dual-regression
      analysis, was then used to assess changes in functional connectivity directly
      associated with this network. A spatial pattern of increased functional
      connectivity spanning sensorimotor, premotor, prefrontal and thalamic regions was
      found. A composite of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging
      measures also allowed the qualitative discrimination of patients from controls.
      An integrated structural and functional connectivity approach therefore
      identified apparently dichotomous processes characterizing the amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis cerebral network failure, in which there was increased
      functional connectivity within regions of decreased structural connectivity.
      Patients with slower rates of disease progression showed connectivity measures
      with values closer to healthy controls, raising the possibility that functional
      connectivity increases might not simply represent a physiological compensation to
      reduced structural integrity. One alternative possibility is that increased
      functional connectivity reflects a progressive loss of inhibitory cortical
      influence as part of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis, which might then
      have relevance to future therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22075070
TI  - Subthalamic nucleus stimulation reverses spinal motoneuron activity in
      parkinsonian patients.
AB  - Although a cardinal symptom of Parkinsonian disease, up to now, rigidity has been
      investigated much less than spasticity in hemiplegic patients. Many
      pathophysiological mechanisms may at least theoretically contribute to
      Parkinsonian rigidity, from altered viscoelastic muscle properties to inability
      of parkinsonian patients to relax. However, as demonstrated many years ago,
      motoneuron responses to muscle afferent volleys are involved in rigidity since
      afferent volleys are suppressed after dorsal root section. To our knowledge,
      homosynaptic depression (i.e. the fact that motoneuron responses to Ia afferent
      volleys exhibit a frequency-related depression) has not been studied in
      parkinsonian disease, despite the fact that in spastic patients, changes in
      homosynaptic depression are significantly correlated at wrist and ankle levels
      with the severity of spasticity. Thus, in the present series of experiments, we
      investigated in parkinsonian patients with chronic implantation of both
      subthalamic motor nuclei, the amount of homosynaptic depression at wrist and
      ankle levels on and off deep brain stimulation. Off deep brain stimulation, the
      frequency-related depression disappeared, the patients became rigid and the
      amount of homosynaptic depression was significantly correlated with the severity
      of rigidity. On deep brain stimulation, the frequency-related depression was
      restored and the rigidity suppressed, suggesting that homosynaptic depression is
      one of the mechanisms underlying rigidity in Parkinson's disease. Moreover, the
      unexpected finding that changes in the rigidity score and the amount of
      homosynaptic depression are time-locked to the onset of deep brain stimulation
      leads us to reconsider the mechanisms underlying changes in homosynaptic
      depression.

PMID- 22075071
TI  - Critical neural substrates for correcting unexpected trajectory errors and
      learning from them.
AB  - Our proficiency at any skill is critically dependent on the ability to monitor
      our performance, correct errors and adapt subsequent movements so that errors are
      avoided in the future. In this study, we aimed to dissociate the neural
      substrates critical for correcting unexpected trajectory errors and learning to
      adapt future movements based on those errors. Twenty stroke patients with focal
      damage to frontal or parietal regions in the left or right brain hemispheres and
      20 healthy controls performed a task in which a novel mapping between actual hand
      motion and its visual feedback was introduced. Only patients with frontal damage
      in the right hemisphere failed to correct for this discrepancy during the ongoing
      movement. However, these patients were able to adapt to the distortion such that
      their movement direction on subsequent trials improved. In contrast, only
      patients with parietal damage in the left hemisphere showed a clear deficit in
      movement adaptation, but not in online correction. Left frontal or right parietal
      damage did not adversely impact upon either process. Our findings thus identify,
      for the first time, distinct and lateralized neural substrates critical for
      correcting unexpected errors during ongoing movements and error-based movement
      adaptation.

PMID- 22075072
TI  - Changes in central apnea index following pediatric adenotonsillectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if there are changes in the central apnea index (CAI)
      when pediatric patients undergo adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea
      (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Two tertiary
      children's hospitals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Children between 1 and 16 years of
      age who underwent adenotonsillectomy for OSA and had both preoperative and
      postoperative full-night polysomnography (PSG) with CAI greater than 1 on
      preoperative PSG were eligible for inclusion. Central apnea was defined as the
      absence of both inspiratory effort and chest wall movement lasting longer than 20
      seconds. Criteria for diagnosis of central sleep apnea (CSA) was CAI greater than
      1. RESULTS: A total of 101 children with OSA had preoperative and postoperative
      PSG. Fifteen of these patients had a preoperative CAI greater than 1. The mean
      age was 67.7 months (SD, 62.7 months). The CAI ranged from 1.1 to 11.1. The mean
      preoperative CAI was 3.9 (SD, 2.9), while the mean postoperative CAI was 1.9 (SD,
      4.8). There was significant improvement (P = .008) of the CAI following
      adenotonsillectomy. Ninety percent of subjects with mild CSA (CAI between 1 and
      5) had postoperative resolution of their disease. There was also significant
      improvement (P = .004) in the obstructive apnea hypopnea index (AHI), with the
      mean preoperative AHI of 22.8 (SD, 19.8) decreasing to an AHI of 5.5 (SD, 6.5)
      postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Children with OSA and mild CSA on preoperative PSG
      showed significant improvement in CAI following adenotonsillectomy. Future
      studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of CSA in children with
      OSA and to identify treatment strategies.

PMID- 22075073
TI  - Surgical parathyroidectomy versus cinacalcet therapy: in the management of
      secondary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of
      surgery with calcimimetics as treatment strategies for managing the biochemical
      abnormalities that characterize secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPTH), resistant
      to optimal conventional therapy in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF).
      STUDY DESIGN: A historical cohort study. SETTING: Maxillofacial Department,
      Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four
      patients with 2HPTH resistant to optimal conventional medical management were
      studied. One cohort of 20 patients was treated with surgical parathyroidectomy,
      the other cohort of 34 patients with cinacalcet. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      and bone profile were measured before and at monthly intervals after
      intervention. RESULTS: Both cohorts were comparable in their demographic profile,
      pretreatment comorbidities, baseline PTH, and bone profile. In all 20 surgical
      patients, the 1-week postoperative PTH had decreased by 97% (P < .001); in the
      medical cohort after 4 months of daily cinacalcet, the PTH decreased by 48% (P <
      .001) from baseline. This reduction was maintained at 18 months. In all but 1
      surgical patient, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased to normal levels, whereas
      on cinacalcet, there was no statistically significant reduction. Patients who
      underwent parathyroidectomy had a more significant decrease in PTH (P < .001) and
      ALP (P < .0014) than did patients on cinacalcet therapy. All patients managed
      surgically who complained of preoperative symptoms of pruritis and bone pain
      expressed complete resolution or significant improvement after parathyroidectomy
      (P < .001, P < .003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgery was superior to "medical"
      parathyroidectomy in controlling PTH and ALP.

PMID- 22075074
TI  - Factors correlating with burnout in practicing otolaryngologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine which demographic and practice
      characteristics were predictive of professional burnout in otolaryngologists.
      STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Postal mailings, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), were
      sent to alumni of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics otolaryngology
      program. Participants completed the MBI according to the enclosed instructions.
      In addition, they answered a brief questionnaire comprising 8 items designed to
      collect demographic information. The MBI was then scored and subjects were
      classified according to their degree of burnout. Statistical analysis was then
      performed, and correlations were used to summarize associations between
      continuous variables. RESULTS: This study had a response rate of 49% to the
      survey. Of the respondents, 3.5% met criteria for burnout syndrome, and 16% were
      classified as having high levels of burnout according to the MBI. Young age,
      number of hours worked per week, and length of time in practice were found to be
      statistically significant predictors of burnout. In addition, the length of time
      married and the presence of children in the home were also significant predictors
      of burnout. CONCLUSION: The authors report an investigation of burnout in
      practicing otolaryngologists using a validated instrument with correlation to
      potentially modifiable risk factors. The experience of burnout was found to
      correlate significantly with both personal and professional factors, each of
      which can potentially be addressed to curb the incidence of burnout. Further
      understanding of the potential risk factors for burnout is necessary to minimize
      and prevent burnout among practicing otolaryngologists.

PMID- 22075075
TI  - Novel approach of medialization thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction performed
      under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To objectively assess the voice outcomes of patients with unilateral
      vocal fold paralysis treated with medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid
      adduction suture. STUDY DESIGN: Case series of patients who underwent
      medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid adduction suture. Preoperative and
      postoperative voice testing was performed and the data were compared by
      statistical analysis. SETTING: Tertiary referral teaching hospital in Sydney,
      Australia. SUBJECTS: All patients had a unilateral vocal fold paralysis, with a
      large posterior glottic gap and vocal symptoms affecting their quality of life.
      METHODS: Thirteen patients with a diagnosis of a unilateral vocal fold paralysis
      with a large posterior glottic gap, vocal symptoms, and total denervation of the
      vocal fold underwent medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid adduction suture.
      The surgery was performed in a novel method under a general anesthetic using a
      laryngeal mask and with direct intraoperative endoscopic feedback. Preoperative
      and postoperative measures of voice performance were compared, including acoustic
      analysis (fundamental frequency, speech intensity against quiet and loud
      background noise, speech rate) and aerodynamic assessment (airflow, maximum
      phonation time). RESULTS: Medialization thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction
      suture significantly improved aerodynamic assessment and phonation duration for
      both male and female subjects overall. There were 2 of 13 treatment failures.
      Median follow-up time was 6 months. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results indicate that
      in selected patients with vocal fold paralysis, medialization thyroplasty with
      arytenoid adduction suture leads to significant improvements in objective voice
      measures. Longer follow-up data are required to further quantify the voice
      outcomes after this procedure.

PMID- 22075076
TI  - Three-year ear, nose, and throat cross-sectional analysis of audiometric
      protocols for magnetic resonance imaging screening of acoustic tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) Evaluate audiometric protocols and recommend protocols with best
      sensitivity and specificity for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening of
      acoustic tumors; (2) determine clinical risks (false negative) of missing
      acoustic tumors and potential wastes in screening (false positive) nonacoustic
      tumors or radiologically "normal" cases; and (3) identify the decibel difference
      and range of frequencies compared by the best-performing protocols. STUDY DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study with chart review. SETTING: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT);
      audiology; and radiology departments in a tertiary-care hospital. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Three-year cohort (2006-2009) of 1751 ENT patients underwent MRI
      screening and pure-tone audiometry indicating sensorineural hearing loss.
      Audiometric protocols were ranked by highest sensitivity to acoustic tumors,
      specificity A to nonacoustic tumors, and specificity B to "radiologically normal"
      cases. RESULTS: No audiometric protocols achieved 100% sensitivity or specificity
      rates. Only 2 protocols achieved >=90% sensitivity: the AMCLASS-A-Urben protocol
      (93.16%) and the Mangham protocol (91.58%). Eleven of 15 protocols for
      specificity A and 12 of 15 protocols for specificity B achieved >=50%. Clinical
      risks ranged from 6.84% to 18.95%, whereas potential wastes ranged from 33.56% to
      68.37% for specificity A and 31.76% to 66.86% for specificity B. Interaural
      difference parameters indicating highest mean sensitivity were on the order of
      >=10 dB, >=15 dB, and >=20 dB. For frequency comparison parameters, "2 or more
      adjacent frequency" and "single-frequency" comparison indicated higher mean
      sensitivity than the "averaged multifrequency" comparison. Mean specificity
      showed an opposite pattern. CONCLUSIONS: For optimum sensitivity, the Mangham
      protocol is preferred (sensitivity, 91.58%; specificity A, 44.23%; specificity B,
      44.91%), which proposes a >=10-dB interaural difference, averaging 1 to 8 kHz.
      For optimum specificity, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
      Surgery protocol is preferred (sensitivity, 87.37%; specificity A, 65.38%;
      specificity B, 66.04%), which proposes >=15 dB between ears, averaging 0.5 to 3
      kHz.

PMID- 22075077
TI  - Analysis of swallowing function after supracricoid laryngectomy with
      cricohyoidopexy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the swallowing function after supracricoid laryngectomy
      with cricohyoidopexy, focusing on the effects of arytenoid cartilage resection
      and radiation therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING:
      Tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty supracricoid laryngectomy
      cricohyoidopexy patients, at least 1 year after treatment, were retrospectively
      analyzed. Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed for each
      patient. Three blinded judges evaluated the video recordings based on 3
      parameters. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory was completed by each patient
      for assessment of disease-specific quality of life. RESULTS: All patients were
      decannulated at an average of 23.6 days. Nasogastric feeding tubes were removed
      at an average of 27.3 days, and all patients could eat orally. Fiber-optic
      endoscopic evaluation of swallowing showed that patients with total resection of
      1 arytenoid had more bolus retention than patients with both arytenoids preserved
      (P = .008). Compared with patients who did not receive radiotherapy, patients who
      did receive radiotherapy exhibited increased retention (P = .021) and aspiration
      (P = .007). The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory results revealed no
      differences in quality of life according to the level of arytenoid resection or
      the administration of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The functional evaluation of
      swallowing after supracricoid laryngectomy-cricohyoidopexy showed satisfactory
      results. Patients with total resection of 1 arytenoid had significantly higher
      bolus retention, and those who received radiotherapy had significantly increased
      retention and aspiration.

PMID- 22075078
TI  - Contemporary assessment of medical morbidity and mortality in head and neck
      surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To update the incidence of medical morbidity and mortality in head and
      neck surgery and factors that influence length of stay (LOS). STUDY DESIGN: Cross
      sectional analysis of a national database. SETTING: Academic medical center.
      METHODS: A specific database for head and neck surgical procedures was extracted
      from the National Hospital Data Survey for 2005 through 2007. Records of
      inpatient admissions for patients undergoing head and neck surgery as the primary
      procedure were examined to establish the frequency of medical complications,
      mortality, and LOS. The association of these medical complications with mortality
      and LOS was determined. RESULTS: A total of 330,629 head and neck procedures were
      analyzed. The overall medical morbidity and mortality rates were 5.0% +/- 0.7%
      and 0.4% +/- 0.2%, respectively. The most common medical complication was
      hospital-acquired pneumonia (3.3% +/- 0.6%), whereas acute renal failure, stroke,
      acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and deep venous thrombosis were
      substantially less frequent (combined incidence, 2.1%). The mean LOS for patients
      without a major complication was 3.3 +/- 0.2 days vs 14.0 +/- 1.9 days for those
      with a major complication (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Medical morbidity and
      mortality in patients undergoing head and neck surgical procedures continue to be
      exceedingly low. Although medical complications are associated with a longer LOS,
      the influence of medical complications on mortality has declined. Enhancements in
      perioperative medical management of head and neck surgical patients are likely
      responsible for these improved results.

PMID- 22075079
TI  - Chromosomal mapping of rDNAs and H3 histone sequences in the grasshopper
      rhammatocerus brasiliensis (acrididae, gomphocerinae): extensive chromosomal
      dispersion and co-localization of 5S rDNA/H3 histone clusters in the A complement
      and B chromosome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Supernumerary B chromosomes occur in addition to standard karyotype
      and have been described in about 15% of eukaryotes, being the repetitive DNAs the
      major component of these chromosomes, including in some cases the presence of
      multigene families. To advance in the understanding of chromosomal organization
      of multigene families and B chromosome structure and evolution, the distribution
      of rRNA and H3 histone genes were analyzed in the standard karyotype and B
      chromosome of three populations of the grasshopper Rhammatocerus brasiliensis.
      RESULTS: The location of major rDNA was coincident with the previous analysis for
      this species. On the other hand, the 5S rDNA mapped in almost all chromosomes of
      the standard complement (except in the pair 11) and in the B chromosome, showing
      a distinct result from other populations previously analyzed. Besides the
      spreading of 5S rDNA in the genome of R. brasiliensis it was also observed
      multiple sites for H3 histone genes, being located in the same chromosomal
      regions of 5S rDNAs, including the presence of the H3 gene in the B chromosome.
      CONCLUSIONS: Due to the intense spreading of 5S rRNA and H3 histone genes in the
      genome of R. brasiliensis, their chromosomal distribution was not informative in
      the clarification of the origin of B elements. Our results indicate a linked
      organization for the 5S rRNA and H3 histone multigene families investigated in R.
      brasiliensis, reinforcing previous data concerning the association of both genes
      in some insect groups. The present findings contribute to understanding the
      organization/evolution of multigene families in the insect genomes.

PMID- 22075080
TI  - Interprofessional education for the quality use of medicines: designing authentic
      multimedia learning resources.
AB  - It is claimed that health care students who learn together will be better
      prepared for contemporary practice and more able to work collaboratively and
      communicate effectively. In Australia, although recognised as important for
      preparing nursing, pharmacy and medical students for their roles in the
      medication team, interprofessional education is seldom used for teaching
      medication safety. This is despite evidence indicating that inadequate
      communication between health care professionals is the primary issue in the
      majority of medication errors. It is suggested that the pragmatic constraints
      inherent in university timetables, curricula and contexts limit opportunities for
      health professional students to learn collaboratively. Thus, there is a need for
      innovative approaches that will allow nursing, medical and pharmacy students to
      learn about and from other disciplines even when they do not have the opportunity
      to learn with them. This paper describes the development of authentic multimedia
      resources that allow for participative, interactive and engaging learning
      experiences based upon sound pedagogical principles. These resources provide
      opportunities for students to critically examine clinical scenarios where
      medication safety is, or has the potential to be compromised and to develop
      skills in interprofessional communication that will prepare them to manage these
      types of situations in clinical practice.

PMID- 22075081
TI  - In vitro and in vivo characterization of AS2643361, a novel and highly potent
      inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor.
AB  - Inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase is a critical target in solid organ
      transplantation. To this end, the development of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)
      represents a major advance in transplant medicine. Here, we investigated the in
      vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of a novel IMP dehydrogenase inhibitor,
      AS2643361, in several immunological and non-immunological models. The in vitro
      inhibitory activity of AS2643361 on immune cell and endothelial cell
      proliferation and on antibody production from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated B
      cells, was significantly more potent than that of mycophenolic acid, the active
      form of MMF, despite the similar potency of these compounds on IMP dehydrogenase.
      In a rat heterotopic cardiac transplant model, monotherapy using orally
      administered AS2643361 at 10 or 20mg/kg/day prolonged the median graft survival
      time from 6 to 16 and 19days, respectively. In dinitrophenol-lipopolysaccharide
      stimulated rats, oral administration of AS2643361 at 2.5, 5 or 10mg/kg/day
      resulted in suppression of antibody production. In vivo antibody production
      against alloantigen was also suppressed by AS2643361 treatment at 5 or
      10mg/kg/day. Furthermore, treatment with AS2543361 effectively inhibited balloon
      injury induced-intimal thickening, which is a major cause of late allograft loss.
      Overall, the in vivo activity of AS2643361 was over two-fold more potent than
      that of MMF. In addition, gastrointestinal toxicity, considered a dose-limiting
      factor for MMF, was reduced with AS2643361 treatment. These results suggest
      AS2643361 has higher potency and less toxicity than MMF, making it a potential
      candidate for treatment of acute and chronic rejection in transplant medicine.

PMID- 22075082
TI  - Modulation of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus by hippocampus-derived
      estrogen and androgen.
AB  - The hippocampus synthesizes estrogen and androgen in addition to the circulating
      sex steroids. Synaptic modulation by hippocampus-derived estrogen or androgen is
      essential to maintain healthy memory processes. Rapid actions (1-2h) of 17beta
      estradiol (17beta-E2) occur via synapse-localized receptors (ERalpha or ERbeta),
      while slow genomic E2 actions (6-48h) occur via classical nuclear receptors
      (ERalpha or ERbeta). The long-term potentiation (LTP), induced by strong tetanus
      or theta-burst stimulation, is not further enhanced by E2 perfusion in adult
      rats. Interestingly, E2 perfusion can rescue corticosterone (stress hormone)
      induced suppression of LTP. The long-term depression is modulated rapidly by E2
      perfusion. Elevation of the E2 concentration changes rapidly the density and head
      structure of spines in neurons. ERalpha, but not ERbeta, drives this enhancement
      of spinogenesis. Kinase networks are involved downstream of ERalpha. Testosterone
      (T) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) also rapidly modulates spinogenesis. Newly
      developed Spiso-3D mathematical analysis is used to distinguish these complex
      effects by sex steroids and kinases. It has been doubted that the level of
      hippocampus-derived estrogen and androgen may not be high enough to modulate
      synaptic plasticity. Determination of the accurate concentration of E2, T or DHT
      in the hippocampus is enabled by mass-spectrometric analysis in combination with
      new steroid-derivatization methods. The E2 level in the hippocampus is
      approximately 8nM for the male and 0.5-2nM for the female, which is much higher
      than that in circulation. The level of T and DHT is also higher than that in
      circulation. Taken together, hippocampus-derived E2, T, and DHT play a major role
      in modulation of synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 22075084
TI  - Transmission of a live Eimeria acervulina vaccine strain and response to
      infection in vaccinated and contact-vaccinated broilers.
AB  - Live vaccines for coccidiosis control are infrequently used in broilers, mainly
      due to variability in efficacy and relatively high costs. More insight in
      transmission of vaccine and wild-type strains can facilitate optimization of
      vaccination strategies and might increase its use as an alternative for
      anticoccidial drugs. The aim of this study was to quantify transmission of a live
      Eimeria acervulina vaccine strain and to determine the degree of protection
      against a subsequent infection with a wild-type E. acervulina strain. An
      experiment was carried out with 4 groups of 22 SPF broilers. At 2 days of age, 11
      birds of groups 2 to 4 were vaccinated directly by oral application of E.
      acervulina oocysts of the ParacoxTM vaccine and 11 birds were placed in contact
      with these birds (contact-vaccinated). Birds in group 1 remained unvaccinated
      (controls) and were not exposed to vaccinated birds. At day 28 of age, 6 groups
      of 10 birds were formed, with 2 groups (duplo) for each treatment group, i.e.
      vaccinated, contact-vaccinated or unvaccinated control birds. Five birds of each
      group were orally inoculated with wild-type E. acervulina oocysts and five were
      contact-exposed. Single droppings were examined daily from days 5 to 49 of age
      for oocyst output and to determine the time of infection. The transmission rate
      of the vaccine strain was estimated to be 1.6 per day and of the wild-type strain
      2.3, 8.7 and 20.8 per day for vaccinated, contact-vaccinated and unvaccinated
      birds, respectively. Although transmission of wild-type coccidia was not
      significantly reduced in vaccinated or contact-vaccinated groups, both groups
      were equally protected against high oocyst output after infection compared to
      unvaccinated groups. These results suggest that factors influencing transmission
      of live vaccine strains in flocks may be important targets for improvement of
      vaccine efficacy and warrant further research.

PMID- 22075083
TI  - Nebulized live-attenuated influenza vaccine provides protection in ferrets at a
      reduced dose.
AB  - Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is delivered to vaccine recipients using
      a nasal spray syringe. LAIV delivered by this method is immunogenic at current
      doses; however, improvements in nasal delivery might allow for significant dose
      reduction. We investigated LAIV vaccination in ferrets using a high efficiency
      nebulizer designed for nasal delivery. LAIV nasal aerosol elicited high levels of
      serum neutralizing antibodies and protected ferrets from homologous virus
      challenge at conventional (10(7)TCID(50)) and significantly reduced
      (10(3)TCID(50)) doses. Aerosol LAIV also provided a significant level of subtype
      specific cross-protection. These results demonstrate the dose-sparing potential
      of nebulizer-based nasal aerosol LAIV delivery.

PMID- 22075085
TI  - Survey of national immunization programs and vaccine coverage rates in Asia
      Pacific countries.
AB  - Children in the Asia Pacific region are still suffering from certain vaccine
      preventable diseases. The current study surveyed the national immunization
      programs and vaccine uptake of traditional and newly developed vaccines in 12
      countries in this area. The results showed children in most countries were well
      protected from conventional vaccine-preventable diseases, while immunization
      programs for certain diseases such as poliovirus or measles should be
      strengthened in certain countries. Protection against pneumococcus, rotavirus,
      and human papillomavirus infections were obviously inadequate in most of the
      countries in the region. Promoting coverage of newly developed vaccines will
      benefit a great number of children in this area.

PMID- 22075086
TI  - Antigen dose escalation study of a VEGF-based therapeutic cancer vaccine in non
      human primates.
AB  - CIGB-247 is a cancer therapeutic, based on recombinant modified human vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as antigen, in combination with the oil free
      adjuvant VSSP (very small sized proteoliposomes of Neisseria meningitidis outer
      membrane). Our previous experimental studies in mice with CIGB-247 have shown
      that the vaccine has both anti-tumoral and anti-metastatic activity, and produces
      both antibodies that block VEGF-VEGF receptor interaction, and a specific T-cell
      cytotoxic response against tumor cells. CIGB-247, with an antigen dose of 100
      MUg, has been characterized by an excellent safety profile in mice, rats,
      rabbits, and non human primates. In this article we extend the immunogenicity and
      safety studies of CIGB-247 in non human primates, scaling the antigen dose from
      100 MUg to 200 and 400 MUg/vaccination. Our results indicate that such dose
      escalation did not affect animal behavior, clinical status, and blood parameters
      and biochemistry. Also, vaccination did not interfere with skin deep skin wound
      healing. Anti-VEGF IgG antibodies and specific T-cell mediated responses were
      documented at all three studied doses. Antigen dose apparently did not determine
      differences in maximum antibody titer during the 8 weekly immunization induction
      phase, or the subsequent increase in antibodies seen for monthly boosters
      delivered afterwards. Higher antigen doses had a positive influence in antibody
      titer maintenance, after cessation of immunizations. Boosters were important to
      achieve maximum antibody VEGF blocking activity, and specific T-cell responses in
      all individuals. Purified IgG from CIGB-247 immunized monkey sera was able to
      impair proliferation and formation of capillary-like structures in Matrigel, for
      HMEC cells in culture. Altogether, these results support the further clinical
      development of the CIGB-247 therapeutic cancer vaccine, and inform on the
      potential mechanisms involved in its effect.

PMID- 22075087
TI  - Correlation between serum bactericidal activity against Neisseria meningitidis
      serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y measured using human versus rabbit serum as the
      complement source.
AB  - The surrogate of protection against invasive meningococcal disease is the
      presence of serum bactericidal activity (SBA) at a titer >=4 in an assay using
      human serum as the complement source (hSBA). However, for various practical and
      logistical reasons, many meningococcal vaccines in use today were licensed based
      on a modified SBA assay that used baby rabbit serum as the complement source
      (rSBA). To assess the strength of correlation between the two assay systems for
      serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y, we analyzed a subset of samples from adolescent
      subjects enrolled in a Phase II study of Novartis' MenACWY-CRM conjugate vaccine
      vs. an ACWY polysaccharide vaccine; samples were analyzed in parallel using hSBA
      and rSBA. We compared geometric mean titers (GMTs), calculated Pearson
      correlation coefficients between paired hSBA and rSBA results, and calculated
      sensitivity/specificity and likelihood ratios for an rSBA >=8 or >=128 for
      classifying hSBA >=4, taking hSBA as the 'gold standard'. Correlations between
      hSBA and rSBA ranged from 0.46 to 0.78 for serogroup C, but were weaker for
      serogroups A, W-135 and Y (range -0.15 to 0.57). In post vaccination samples,
      nearly all subjects had rSBA titers >=8, though up to 15% remained seronegative
      by hSBA. In post vaccination settings, rSBA titers at >=8 or >=128 was highly
      sensitive for an hSBA titer >=4, but non-specific. In conclusion, results
      generated by rSBA did not accurately classify serostatus according to hSBA for
      serogroups A, W-135 and Y.

PMID- 22075088
TI  - Effect of age and frequency of injections on immune response to hepatitis B
      vaccination in drug users.
AB  - Despite the high immunogenicity of the hepatitis B vaccine, evidence suggests
      that immunological response in drug users is impaired compared to the general
      population. A sample of not-in-treatment adult drug users from two communities in
      Houston, TX, USA, susceptible to hepatitis B virus (HBV), was sampled via
      outreach workers and referral methodology. Participants were randomized to either
      the standard multi-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule (0, 1, and 6 months) or to
      an accelerated (0, 1, and 2 months) schedule. The participants were followed for
      1 year. Antibody levels were measured at 2, 6 and 12 months after enrollment in
      order to determine the immune responses. At 12 months, cumulative adequate
      protective response was achieved in 65% of the HBV susceptible subgroup using
      both the standard and accelerated schedules. The standard group had a higher mean
      antibody titer (184.6 mIU/mL vs 57.6 mIU/mL). But at 6 months, seroconversion at
      the adequate protective response was reached by a higher proportion of
      participants and the mean antibody titer was also higher in the accelerated
      schedule group (104.8 mIU/mL vs. 64.3 mIU/mL). Multivariate analyses indicated a
      63% increased risk of non-response for participants 40 years or older (p=0.046).
      Injecting drugs more than once a day was also highly associated with the risk of
      non-response (p=0.016). Conclusions from this research will guide the development
      of future vaccination programs that anticipate other prevalent chronic
      conditions, susceptibilities, and risk-taking behaviors of hard-to-reach
      populations.

PMID- 22075089
TI  - Comparison of immune responses and protective efficacy of intranasal prime-boost
      immunization regimens using adenovirus-based and CpG/HH2 adjuvanted-subunit
      vaccines against genital Chlamydia muridarum infection.
AB  - An efficacious Chlamydia vaccine is urgently needed to control Chlamydia
      infections. Heterologous prime-boost vaccination regimens are emerging as a
      promising strategy for preventing intracellular viral and bacterial infections.
      However, it remains to be determined if this regimen would be a feasible and
      effective approach for Chlamydia infection. In this study, we examined the immune
      response and the protective efficacy induced by various vaccination regimens
      using a recombinant adenovirus vector expressing the Chlamydia antigen CPAF
      (AdCPAF) and recombinant CPAF (rCPAF) subunit vaccines formulated with CpG
      oligodeoxynucleotides and/or a synthetic immunomodulatory peptide HH2 as
      adjuvants. A single dose of AdCPAF stimulated potent antibody production but weak
      cellular immune responses in mice. A booster rCPAF vaccine formulated with both
      CpG and HH2, but not CpG alone or HH2 alone, showed robust adjuvant effects on
      induction of Th1-biased cellular immune responses in mice primed with AdCPAF. In
      contrast, a homologous regimen using rCPAF/CpG/HH2 subunit vaccine for both
      priming and boosting induced a weak antibody response, but potent cellular
      immunity with a mixed Th1/Th17 profile. Despite the disparities observed in
      humoral and cellular immune responses, both the heterologous and homologous prime
      boost regimens conferred significant immune protection against genital Chlamydia
      muridarum challenge in C3H/HeN and BALB/c mice.

PMID- 22075090
TI  - Effectiveness of mouse brain-derived inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine in
      Thai National Immunization Program: a case-control study.
AB  - Mouse brain-derived, purified inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine (MB JEV)
      has been locally produced and introduced into Thai National Immunization Program
      (NIP) since 1990. However, MB JEV effectiveness has been concerned, since 30-40%
      of JE cases received JE vaccines were recently reported in two descriptive
      studies. Therefore, in 2010, a case-control study was designed to assess
      effectiveness of the MB JEV used in the NIP, among children aged 1 to <6 years.
      Subjects enrolled from all regions of the country, 26 cases were clinical
      encephalitis with laboratory-confirmed for JE IgM titer, while 103 controls had
      past illness free on encephalitis. For each case, four controls were enrolled
      from children living in the same community with the case. Individual health
      records of the subjects were used to verify JE immunization status. Among
      children aged >= 18 months old, the recommended age by the NIP, the effectiveness
      was estimated at 94.6% (95%CI, 79.6-98.6%) and adjusted effectiveness was 97.50%
      (95%CI, 88.60-99.50%). The study results suggest that the MB JEV used in the NIP
      is highly effective, even among children aged <18 months. Therefore, aggressive
      immunization using the MB JEV would greatly diminish disease burden.

PMID- 22075091
TI  - Time for change? An economic evaluation of integrated cervical screening and HPV
      immunization programs in Canada.
AB  - Many jurisdictions have implemented universal human papillomavirus (HPV)
      immunization programs in preadolescent females. However, the cost-effectiveness
      of modified cervical screening guidelines and/or catch-up immunization in older
      females in Canada has not been evaluated. We conducted a cost-utility analysis of
      screening and immunization with the bivalent vaccine for the Canadian setting
      from the Ministry of Health perspective. We used a dynamic model to capture herd
      immunity and included cross-protection against strains not included in the
      vaccine. We found that adding catch-up immunization to the current program would
      be cost-effective, and that combining catch-up immunization with delaying the age
      at which screening is first initiated could result in cost savings and net health
      gains.

PMID- 22075092
TI  - Vaccination and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus in active component U.S.
      Military, 2002-2008.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate whether vaccination increases the risk of type 1
      diabetes mellitus in active component U.S. military personnel. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective cohort study among active component U.S. military
      personnel age 17-35 years. Individuals with first time diagnoses of type 1
      diabetes between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2008 were identified using
      International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      (ICD-9-CM) codes. We used Poisson regression to estimate risk ratios between
      individual vaccine exposures and type 1 diabetes. Secondary analyses were
      performed controlling for receipt of multiple vaccines and available demographic
      variables. RESULTS: Our study population consisted of 2,385,102 individuals
      followed for approximately 7,644,098 person-years of service. This included 1074
      incident type 1 diabetes cases. We observed no significant increased risk of type
      1 diabetes after vaccination with anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) [RR=1.00; 95% CI
      (0.85, 1.17)], smallpox vaccine [RR=0.84; 95% (CI 0.70, 1.01)], typhoid vaccine
      [RR=1.03; 95% CI (0.87, 1.22)], hepatitis B vaccine [RR=0.83; 95% CI (0.72,
      0.95)], measles mumps rubella vaccine (MMR) [RR=0.71, 95% CI (0.61, 0.83)], or
      yellow fever vaccine [RR=0.70; 95% CI (0.59, 0.82)]. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find
      an increased risk of diagnosed type 1 diabetes and any of the study vaccines. We
      recommend that follow-up studies using medical record review to confirm case
      status should be considered to corroborate these findings.

PMID- 22075093
TI  - The cationic lipid, diC14 amidine, extends the adjuvant properties of aluminum
      salts through a TLR-4- and caspase-1-independent mechanism.
AB  - Adjuvant efficiency is critical for inducing a protective and long-lasting immune
      response against weak immunogenic antigens. Discovered more than 70 years ago,
      aluminum salts remain the most widely used adjuvant in human vaccine. Prone to
      induce a strong humoral response, alum fails to drive a cell-mediated immunity,
      which is essential to fight against intracellular pathogens. Adjuvant systems
      that contain more than one component may represent an excellent alternative for
      completing the lack of T cell immunity associated with the injection of alum
      based vaccine. In this work, we demonstrated that the adjuvant effects of alum
      strongly benefited from combining with a cationic lipid, the diC14 amidine.
      Indeed, we measured a significant improvement of alum-driven IL-1beta release
      when human macrophages were co-cultured with a mixed suspension of alum and the
      diC14 amidine. Morphological analysis suggested that diC14 amidine improved the
      alum uptake by phagocytes. Furthermore, the addition of diC14 amidine to alum
      efficiently enhanced antigen processing and cross-presentation by antigen
      presenting cells. The biological relevance of these in vitro data was assessed by
      measuring the in vivo development of a cytotoxic activity and the enhanced
      synthesis of antigen-specific immunoglobulins after immunization with alum
      combined to diC14 amidine. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that diC14 amidine
      supported the alum adjuvanticity independently of the TLR-4 and caspase-1 agonist
      activities of the cationic lipid. Based on our findings, we conclude that diC14
      amidine works synergistically with alum to achieve higher immune protection after
      vaccination.

PMID- 22075094
TI  - Unusual presentation of pneumocystis pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient
      diagnosed by open lung biopsy.
AB  - Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is the most common opportunistic infection in
      acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. It is a fungal infection
      with Pneumocystis jiroveci which can be isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage of
      healthy subjects. The infection occurs mainly in HIV patients; with CD4
      lymphocyte count drop to less than 200 cells/MUL. PCP has been reported in non
      HIV patients with other risk factors such as immunosuppressive medications,
      malignancies, and other inflammatory conditions. PCP has been rarely reported in
      immunocompetent subjects. However, in most of these patients, PCP occurred after
      a period of acute illness with bacterial pneumonia and antibiotic therapy. In
      this report, we describe a case of PCP in an immunocompetent patient with
      nonreactive HIV and no immunosuppressive risk factors. The patient had large
      pulmonary nodules discovered incidentally on chest film as preoperative
      evaluation for hip surgery. Bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsies
      (TBB), and computed tomography (CT) guided needle biopsy were all negative for P.
      jiroveci. PCP diagnosis was made after open lung biopsy and wedge resection. To
      our knowledge, this is the first case of PCP in immunocompetent patient with
      negative BAL, TBB and CT guided biopsy. The diagnosis of PCP required open lung
      biopsy and the patient recovered without complications.

PMID- 22075095
TI  - The recovery of latent text from thermal paper using a simple iodine treatment
      procedure.
AB  - Faded, or actively removed text on thermally printed paper samples may be
      enhanced and retrieved through the use of a simple iodine fuming procedure. The
      recovery of printed documentation evidence in this fashion is neither affected by
      prior fingerprint enhancement techniques (such as ninhydrin or DFO), nor by
      sample age. This method allows, for the first time, evidence to be obtained from
      completely faded thermal paper samples (receipts, for example) as well as
      allowing deliberately removed printed text (a consequence of solvent washing pre
      treatment in latent fingerprint enhancement procedures) to be recovered.

PMID- 22075096
TI  - Validation of LUCIO-Direct-ELISA kits for the detection of drugs of abuse in
      urine: application to the new German driving licence re-granting guidelines.
AB  - LUCIO-Direct-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were validated for
      the screening of drugs of abuse cannabis, opiates, amphetamines and cocaine in
      urine for the new German medical and psychological assessment (MPA) guidelines
      with subsequent gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) confirmation. The
      screening cut-offs corresponding to 10 ng/mL 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
      9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH), 50 ng/mL amphetamine, 25 ng/mL morphine and codeine
      and 30 ng/mL benzoylecgonine were chosen at the point where the number of false
      negatives was lower than 1%. Due to their accuracy, ease of use and rapid
      analysis, these ELISA tests are very promising for cases where a large proportion
      of the tests are expected to be negative such as for abstinence monitoring as
      part of the driving licence re-granting process.

PMID- 22075097
TI  - International consensus group on depression prevention in bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22075098
TI  - Effect of antidepressant medication treatment on suicidal ideation and behavior
      in a randomized trial: an exploratory report from the Combining Medications to
      Enhance Depression Outcomes Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore relationships between baseline sociodemographic and
      clinical features and baseline suicidal ideation, and treatment effects on
      suicidal ideation and behavior, in depressed outpatients. METHOD: From March 2008
      to September 2009, the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes
      study, a single-blind, 7-month randomized trial, enrolled outpatients with
      nonpsychotic chronic and/or recurrent major depressive disorder (DSM-IV-TR
      criteria) in primary and psychiatric care (N = 665). Participants received
      escitalopram plus placebo, bupropion sustained release (SR) plus escitalopram, or
      venlafaxine extended release (XR) plus mirtazapine. The primary outcome measure
      for this report is presence of suicidal ideation assessed by the Concise Health
      Risk Tracking Self-Report, which measures suicidal ideation and behaviors over
      the last 24 hours. Sociodemographic and clinical features were compared in those
      with versus without baseline ideation. At 4, 12, and 28 weeks, treatment effects
      on suicidality were assessed, and unadjusted and adjusted outcomes were compared
      among those with and without baseline ideation using linear, logistic, ordinal
      logistic, and negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: Baseline suicidal
      ideation was associated with greater depressive severity, childhood neglect,
      childhood abuse, early major depressive disorder onset, greater psychiatric
      comorbidity, and worse functioning and quality of life. After adjustment for
      treatment, gender, age at first depressive episode, obsessive-compulsive
      symptoms, and depressive severity, depressive symptom outcomes did not differ
      between ideation groups at 12 or 28 weeks or between treatments. Overall, 79% of
      participants with baseline suicidal ideation had none at week 4, 83% had none at
      week 12, and 86% had none at week 28. All treatments reduced ideation, with
      bupropion-SR plus escitalopram the most effective at week 12 (P < .01). In
      participants without baseline ideation, emergent ideation did not differ between
      treatments: 2.5% had ideation at 4 weeks, 1.3% had ideation at 12 weeks, and only
      1.7% had ideation at 28 weeks. Four patients (all receiving venlafaxine-XR plus
      mirtazapine) attempted suicide (P = .0162). CONCLUSION: Baseline ideation did not
      affect depressive symptom outcome. Bupropion-SR plus escitalopram most
      effectively reduced ideation. Ideation emergence was uncommon. Venlafaxine-XR
      plus mirtazapine may pose a higher risk of suicide attempts. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00590863.

PMID- 22075099
TI  - Dimensional diagnosis and DSM-5.

PMID- 22075100
TI  - The problematic DSM-5 personality disorders proposal: options for plan B.

PMID- 22075101
TI  - Another point of view: superiority, noninferiority, and the role of active
      comparators.
AB  - Despite substantial agreement with points made by Andrew C. Leon, PhD, in his
      article, I am not in complete agreement in a few areas. The definition of
      noninferiority proposed by Leon allows drugs somewhat less effective than placebo
      to be characterized as noninferior to placebo, and 2 active drugs may each be
      simultaneously noninferior to the other. Moreover, including a placebo arm in
      comparing 2 active drugs is of no use in deciding whether the study is well
      designed or not, since a significant difference between one of the active arms
      and the placebo may be due to chance or to a bias in the design. An alternative
      view of the situation is presented.

PMID- 22075102
TI  - Suicide and prescription rates of intranasal corticosteroids and nonsedating
      antihistamines for allergic rhinitis: an ecological study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relationship between antiallergy drug prescription
      rates and suicide across the United States and over time. The relationship
      between allergy, allergens, and suicidal behavior and suggestions of a possible
      immune mediation led us to hypothesize that intranasal corticosteroids, known to
      reduce local airway production of T-helper cell type 2 cytokines, may be
      associated with reduced risk of suicide relative to antihistamines, which only
      secondarily affect cytokine production. METHOD: The authors evaluated the
      relationship of suicide rates at the county level in the United States (N =
      120,076 suicides) with prescriptions for intranasal corticosteroids and
      nonsedating antihistamines, in interaction with antidepressant prescriptions and
      other socioeconomic variables, for the period from 1999 to 2002. Suicide rate
      data were derived from state vital record systems based on local death
      certificate registries, and county-level allergy and antidepressant prescription
      data were obtained from IMS Health Incorporated (Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania).
      RESULTS: The prescription volume of intranasal corticosteroids was associated
      with a lower suicide risk (P = .0004), while that of antihistamines was
      associated with a modestly greater suicide risk (P = .0001). Adjustment for
      antidepressant prescriptions did not affect these relationships. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first study, to our knowledge, to find a possible association between
      completed suicide and medications for allergic rhinitis and also the first report
      of an association of intranasal corticosteroid use with a lower suicide rate.
      This association should be considered preliminary and deserving of further
      investigation.

PMID- 22075103
TI  - Stepping back to step forward: lessons from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement
      Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD).

PMID- 22075104
TI  - Performance improvement CME: managing schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a highly disabling disorder characterized by positive and
      negative symptoms and poor functioning in almost every area of life. Multiple
      antipsychotics have demonstrated varying levels of efficacy in reducing symptoms
      in schizophrenia, but adverse effects are common, adherence to medication is low,
      and relapse rates are high. Psychosocial interventions used in conjunction with
      antipsychotic pharmacotherapy may help improve treatment outcomes. This
      Performance Improvement CME activity focuses on individualizing treatment for
      schizophrenia, assessing treatment adherence, minimizing medication-induced
      adverse events, and preventing relapse, for children, adolescents, and adults
      with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22075105
TI  - Moderators of antidepressant response in major depression.
AB  - Moderators are baseline variables that predict response to a treatment.
      Prognostic moderators predict response to all treatments, whereas prescriptive
      moderators predict differential response to particular treatments. In patients
      with major depressive disorder, prognostic variables include having anxious or
      chronic depression, living alone, and having psychiatric comorbidities.
      Prescriptive variables include gender, menopausal status, age and age at onset,
      depressive subtype, severity, and chronicity. Recognizing these variables can
      help clinicians better predict patients' response to treatment, select effective
      treatments for individual patients, and move patients to the next treatment step
      when response is inadequate.

PMID- 22075106
TI  - Recognizing and diagnosing ADHD in college students.
AB  - College students have greater independence, autonomy, and academic expectations
      than children and adolescents. Combined with the minimal structure and
      supervision provided on campus, the temptations and challenges of this
      transitional phase can exacerbate symptoms of undiagnosed attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and lead to poor academic performance,
      social difficulties and interpersonal conflicts, financial problems, and
      substance use. Recognition by college personnel and proper evaluation and
      consistent follow-up by clinicians can help college students with ADHD get the
      treatment that they need in order to thrive in an academic setting.

PMID- 22075107
TI  - Coeliac disease and gluten avoidance in New Zealand children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although gluten avoidance is thought to be common among New
      Zealanders, the prevalence of gluten avoidance and of actual coeliac disease (CD)
      in children is uncertain. Our aims were: (1) to determine the prevalence of
      doctor-diagnosed CD and of gluten avoidance in New Zealand children; and (2)
      among children without CD, to identify independent predictors of gluten
      avoidance. DESIGN: The New Zealand Asthma and Allergy Cohort Study has detailed
      information on participants' demographic, pregnancy-related and neonatal factors.
      The authors surveyed parents regarding their child's history of lactose
      intolerance and gluten-related issues (eg, gluten avoidance, history of wheat or
      gluten allergy in first degree relatives, testing and doctor diagnosis of CD).
      After excluding children with doctor-diagnosed CD, the authors identified
      independent predictors of gluten avoidance. RESULTS: Among 916 children, most
      (78%) were of European ethnicity. The authors identified nine (1.0%, 95% CI 0.5%
      to 1.9%) who had doctor-diagnosed CD, while 48 (5.2%, 95% CI 4.0% to 6.9%)
      avoided gluten. Among children without diagnosed CD, significant independent
      predictors for gluten avoidance were Christchurch site (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.02 to
      4.7), prior testing for CD (OR 9.0, 95% CI 4.1 to 19.5) and doctor-diagnosed
      lactose intolerance (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.0 to 13.9). CONCLUSIONS: CD affected 1% of
      these New Zealand children, but 5% reported gluten avoidance. The predictors of
      gluten avoidance in children without doctor-diagnosed CD suggest important
      regional differences in community belief or medical practice regarding
      implementation of gluten avoidance and the contributory role of non-specific
      subjective abdominal complaints.

PMID- 22075108
TI  - Transverse colon volvulus presenting as 'inverted' coffee-bean sign.

PMID- 22075109
TI  - Effect of program type on the training experiences of 248 university, community,
      and US military-based general surgery residencies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research comparing resident training
      experiences of university, community, and military-affiliated surgical programs.
      STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed a cross-sectional national survey (NEARS) involving all
      US categorical general surgery residents (248 programs). Demographics and level
      of agreement regarding training experiences were collected. Statistical analysis
      included chi-square, ANOVA, and hierarchical logistic regression modeling (HLRM).
      RESULTS: There were 4,282 residents included (82.4% response rate). The majority
      (69%) trained in university programs. Types of programs differed by sex mix (p <
      0.001), racial makeup (p = 0.005), marital status profile (p = 0.002), and
      parental status profile (p < 0.001). Community residents were most satisfied with
      their operative experience (community 84.5%, university 73.4%, military 62.4%; p
      < 0.001), most likely to feel their opinions are important (76.0% vs 69.4% vs
      67.9%, respectively; p < 0.001), and least likely to believe attendings will
      think worse of them if residents asked for help with patient management (12.6% vs
      15.9% vs 14.7%, respectively; p = 0.025). Military residents were least likely to
      report that surgical training is too long (military 7.4%, community 14.0%,
      university 23.8%; p < 0.001). On HLRM, community programs were independently
      associated with residents feeling their opinions are important (odds ratio [OR]
      1.91; p < 0.001), and reporting satisfactory operative experience (OR 4.73; p <
      0.001). Residents training at military programs (OR 0.23; p = 0.002) or community
      programs (OR 0.31; p < 0.001) were less likely to feel that surgical training is
      too long, or that attendings will think worse of them if asked for help with
      patient care (community OR 0.19; p < 0.001; military OR 0.27; p = 0.004).
      CONCLUSIONS: Residents at university, community, and military programs report
      distinct training experiences. These findings may inform programs of potential
      targeted strategies for enhanced support.

PMID- 22075110
TI  - Total parenteral nutrition therapy and liver injury: a histopathologic study with
      clinical correlation.
AB  - Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapy is a well-recognized cause of liver
      injury. The histologic changes attributed to TPN in the literature vary widely.
      In this study, we describe the histopathologic changes associated with TPN
      therapy and relate these changes to various clinical parameters. We conducted a
      retrospective study of 89 patients who underwent biopsy or liver transplantation
      while on TPN. We report that (1) ductopenia, a previously unreported finding, is
      seen in a significant number of patients on TPN. It is more frequently seen in
      patients with low stage of fibrosis and may have an inverse relationship with the
      length of therapy; (2) Perivenular fibrosis is a feature frequently seen in
      patients with high-stage portal fibrosis. In fact, we find the combination of
      portal and perivenular fibrosis to be a characteristic of TPN injury; (3) Infants
      are more susceptible to TPN-related hepatocellular injury, are more likely to
      develop fibrosis, and progress to high-stage fibrosis more rapidly than older
      children and adults; (4) Cholestasis, although more common in infants, is the
      most common pathologic finding in all age groups; (5) Steatosis is more commonly
      seen in older children and adults than in infants; (6) Progression to fibrosis in
      infants may be dependent on the length of therapy and the underlying disease for
      which TPN is administered; and (7) Clinical markers of liver injury (eg, elevated
      liver enzymes) do not predict the degree of hepatocellular injury or fibrosis,
      and therefore, serial biopsies may be indicated for patients on TPN therapy.

PMID- 22075111
TI  - Administrative database research has unique characteristics that can risk biased
      results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The provision of health care frequently creates digitized data--such
      as physician service claims, medication prescription records, and hospitalization
      abstracts--that can be used to conduct studies termed "administrative database
      research." While most guidelines for assessing the validity of observational
      studies apply to administrative database research, the unique data source and
      analytical opportunities for these studies create risks that can make them
      uninterpretable or bias their results. STUDY DESIGN: Nonsystematic review.
      RESULTS: The risks of uninterpretable or biased results can be minimized by;
      providing a robust description of the data tables used, focusing on both why and
      how they were created; measuring and reporting the accuracy of diagnostic and
      procedural codes used; distinguishing between clinical significance and
      statistical significance; properly accounting for any time-dependent nature of
      variables; and analyzing clustered data properly to explore its influence on
      study outcomes. CONCLUSION: This article reviewed these five issues as they
      pertain to administrative database research to help maximize the utility of these
      studies for both readers and writers.

PMID- 22075112
TI  - "Might" or "suggest"? No wording approach was clearly superior in conveying the
      strength of recommendation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare different wording approaches for conveying the strength of
      health care recommendations. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Participants were medical
      residents in Canada and the United States. We randomized them to one of three
      wording approaches, each expressing two strengths of recommendation, strong and
      weak: (1) "we recommend," "we suggest;" (2) "clinicians should," "clinicians
      might;" (3) "we recommend," "we conditionally recommend." Each participant
      received one strong and one weak recommendation. For each recommendation, they
      chose a hypothetical course of action; we judged whether their choice was
      appropriate for the strength of the recommendation. RESULTS: The response rate
      was 77% (341/441). Most participants, in response to strong recommendations,
      chose hypothetical courses of action appropriate for weak recommendations. None
      of the wording approaches was clearly superior in conveying the strength of a
      recommendation. However, different approaches appeared superior depending on the
      strength and direction (for or against an intervention) of the recommendation.
      CONCLUSION: No wording approach was clearly superior in conveying the strength of
      recommendation. Guideline developers need to make the connection between the
      wording and their intended strength explicit.

PMID- 22075113
TI  - Evolutionary origins of transcription factor binding site clusters.
AB  - Empirical studies have revealed that regulatory DNA sequences such as enhancers
      or promoters often harbor multiple binding sites for the same transcription
      factor. Such "homotypic site clustering" has been hypothesized as arising out of
      functional requirements of the sequences. Here, we propose an alternative
      explanation of this phenomenon that multisite enhancers are common because they
      are favored by evolutionary sampling of the genotype-phenotype landscape. To test
      this hypothesis, we developed a new computational framework specialized for
      population genetic simulations of enhancer evolution. It uses a thermodynamics
      based model of enhancer function, integrating information from strong as well as
      weak binding sites, to determine the strength of selection. Using this framework,
      we found that even when simpler genotypes exist for a desired strength of
      regulation, relatively complex genotypes (enhancers with more sites) are more
      readily reached by the simulated evolutionary process. We show that there are
      more ways to "build" a fit genotype with many weak sites than with a few strong
      sites, and this is why evolution finds complex genotypes more often. Our claims
      are consistent with an empirical analysis of binding site content in enhancers
      characterized in Drosophila melanogaster and their orthologs in other Drosophila
      species. We also characterized a subtle but significant difference between
      genotypes likely to be sampled by evolution and equally fit genotypes one would
      obtain by uniform sampling of the fitness landscape, that is, an "evolutionary
      signature" in enhancer sequences. Finally, we investigated potential effects of
      other factors, such as rugged fitness landscapes, short local duplications, and
      noise characteristics of enhancers, on the emergence of homotypic site
      clustering. Homotypic site clustering is an important contributor to the
      complexity and function of cis-regulatory sequences. This work provides a simple
      null hypothesis for its origin, against which alternative adaptationist
      explanations may be evaluated, and cautions against "evolutionary mirages"
      present in common features of genomic sequence. The quantitative framework we
      develop here can be used more generally to understand how mechanisms of enhancer
      action influence their composition and evolution.

PMID- 22075114
TI  - Evidence for horizontal gene transfer from bacteroidetes bacteria to
      dinoflagellate minicircles.
AB  - Dinoflagellate protists harbor a characteristic peridinin-containing plastid that
      evolved from a red or haptophyte alga. In contrast to typical plastids that have
      ~100-200 kb circular genomes, the dinoflagellate plastid genome is composed of
      minicircles that each encode 0-5 genes. It is commonly assumed that
      dinoflagellate minicircles are derived from a standard plastid genome through
      drastic reduction and fragmentation. However, we demonstrate that the ycf16 and
      ycf24 genes (encoded on the Ceratium AF490364 minicircle), as well as rpl28 and
      rpl33 (encoded on the Pyrocystis AF490367 minicircle), are related to sequences
      from Algoriphagus and/or Cytophaga bacteria belonging to the Bacteroidetes clade.
      Moreover, we identified a new open reading frame on the Pyrocystis minicircle
      encoding a SRP54 N domain, which is typical of FtsY proteins. Because neither of
      these minicircles share sequence similarity with any other dinoflagellate
      minicircles, and their genes resemble bacterial operons, we propose that these
      Ceratium and Pyrocystis minicircles resulted from a horizontal gene transfer
      (HGT) from a Bacteroidetes donor. Our findings are the first indication of HGT to
      dinoflagellate minicircles, highlighting yet another peculiar aspect of this
      plastid genome.

PMID- 22075115
TI  - Evolution and function of the globin intergenic regulatory regions of the
      antarctic dragonfishes (Notothenioidei: Bathydraconidae).
AB  - As the Southern Ocean cooled to -1.8  degrees C over the past 40 My, the
      teleostean clade Notothenioidei diversified and, under reduced selection pressure
      for an oxygen-transporting apparatus, became less reliant on hemoglobin and red
      blood cells. At the extreme of this trend, the crown group of Antarctic icefishes
      (Channichthyidae) lost both components of oxygen transport. Under the decreased
      selection scenario, we hypothesized that the Antarctic dragonfishes
      (Bathydraconidae, the red-blooded sister clade to the icefishes) evolved lower
      blood hemoglobin concentrations because their globin gene complexes (alpha- and
      beta-globin gene pairs linked by a regulatory intergene) transcribe globin mRNAs
      less effectively than those of basal notothenioids (e.g., the Nototheniidae
      [notothens]). To test our hypothesis, we 1) sequenced the alpha/beta-intergenes
      of the adult globin complexes of three notothen and eight dragonfish species and
      2) measured globin transcript levels in representative species from each group.
      The typical nototheniid intergene was ~3-4 kb in length. The bathydraconid
      intergenes resolved into three subclasses (long [3.8 kb], intermediate [3.0 kb],
      and short [1.5-2.3 kb]) that corresponded to the three subclades proposed for the
      taxon. Although they varied in length due to indels, the three notothen and eight
      dragonfish intergenes contained a conserved ~90-nt element that we have
      previously shown to be required for globin gene transcription. Using the
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we found that globin mRNA levels in red
      cells from one notothen species and from one species of each dragonfish subclade
      were equivalent statistically. Thus, our results indicate that the bathydraconids
      have evolved adult globin loci whose regulatory intergenes tend to be shorter
      than those of the more basal nototheniids yet are equivalent in transcriptional
      efficacy. Their low blood hemoglobin concentrations are most likely due to
      reduction in hematocrit.

PMID- 22075116
TI  - The role of GC-biased gene conversion in shaping the fastest evolving regions of
      the human genome.
AB  - GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) is a recombination-associated evolutionary
      process that accelerates the fixation of guanine or cytosine alleles, regardless
      of their effects on fitness. gBGC can increase the overall rate of substitutions,
      a hallmark of positive selection. Many fast-evolving genes and noncoding
      sequences in the human genome have GC-biased substitution patterns, suggesting
      that gBGC-in contrast to adaptive processes-may have driven the human changes in
      these sequences. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed a substitution
      model for DNA sequence evolution that quantifies the nonlinear interacting
      effects of selection and gBGC on substitution rates and patterns. Based on this
      model, we used a series of lineage-specific likelihood ratio tests to evaluate
      sequence alignments for evidence of changes in mode of selection, action of gBGC,
      or both. With a false positive rate of less than 5% for individual tests, we
      found that the majority (76%) of previously identified human accelerated regions
      are best explained without gBGC, whereas a substantial minority (19%) are best
      explained by the action of gBGC alone. Further, more than half (55%) have
      substitution rates that significantly exceed local estimates of the neutral rate,
      suggesting that these regions may have been shaped by positive selection rather
      than by relaxation of constraint. By distinguishing the effects of gBGC,
      relaxation of constraint, and positive selection we provide an integrated
      analysis of the evolutionary forces that shaped the fastest evolving regions of
      the human genome, which facilitates the design of targeted functional studies of
      adaptation in humans.

PMID- 22075117
TI  - Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with toxic epidermal
      necrolysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe
      complication in patients admitted to burn intensive care units (BICUs). Unlike
      patients with thermal burns, patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
      present with a different pathophysiology and usually require less fluid. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: We reviewed our registry of adult patients presenting with TEN in
      our 8-bed BICU over the course of 11 years and identified and analyzed patients
      treated for ACS and decompressive laparotomy (DL). RESULTS: From a total of 29
      patients with bioptic confirmed TEN, 5 underwent DL due to ACS with a mean age of
      57 years, mean percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected of 54+/-25%,
      complete epidermolysis of 28+/-24% TBSA, a mean severity of illness score
      (SCORTEN) of 3.8+/-0.8, and a mean intra-abdominal pressure before DL of 33+/-7
      mmHg. Mortality was 100% in patients with ACS versus 33% without ACS. CONCLUSION:
      An ACS that requires DL worsens the already critical condition of a TEN patient
      considerably. TEN-related impaired intestinal functionality and increasing
      intestinal edema due to systemic capillary leakage warrant early initiation of
      intra-abdominal pressure monitoring to identify patients at high risk of ACS.

PMID- 22075118
TI  - Family function and social support in Iranian self-immolated women.
AB  - AIM: The significance of family function and social support in Iranian self
      immolated women was investigated in this study. METHODS: In a prospective design,
      we selected 53 cases (31 self-immolated women and 22 women with unintentional
      burn) from Tehran and Shiraz burn centre (Motahari and Ghotbeddin Shirazi,
      respectively). The average age of the experimental group was 26.19 (S=7.11) with
      a burn percentage of 46.11 (S=25.52), and the average age of the control group
      was 29.15 (S=5.12) and their burn percentage was 43 (S=25.98). Along with
      Demographic Information Questionnaire, participants were administered Family
      Assessment Device (FAD) and Social Support Scale (SSS). To analyse data, we used
      chi-square test (chi(2)), t-test, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and
      also logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Data showed that the difference of
      Family Function sub-scales between the experimental and control groups was not
      significant (Wilk's lambda=0.75, F=1.67, df=(8, 51), P<0.05). On the other hand,
      two independent sample t-tests showed a significant difference of Social Support
      between the two groups (t=-3.31, df=51, P<0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with
      previous studies, this research showed that the less Social Support one perceives
      the more one at risk for self-immolation. Although the mean scores of FAD sub
      scales in control group were more than experimental group, there was no
      significant difference between the two groups.

PMID- 22075119
TI  - Engaging medical students in the feedback process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are potential advantages to engaging medical students in the
      feedback process, but efforts to do so have yielded mixed results. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate a student-focused feedback instructional session in an
      experimental setting. METHODS: Medical students were assigned randomly to either
      the intervention or control groups and then assigned randomly to receive either
      feedback or compliments. Tests of knowledge, skills, and attitudes were given
      before and after the intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant gain of
      knowledge and skill in the group that received instruction. Satisfaction was
      higher after compliments in the control group but higher after feedback in the
      instructional group. There was no change in the subject's willingness to seek
      feedback. CONCLUSIONS: A student-focused component should be carefully included
      as part of an overall effort to improve feedback in surgical education. The role
      of medical student attitudes about feedback requires further investigation.

PMID- 22075120
TI  - A novel multimodal platform for assessing surgical technical skills.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Established methods for assessing surgical performance face
      limitations. Global rating scales and procedure-specific checklists are resource
      intensive and rely on expert opinions. Alternatives that use technology to track
      hand movements, such as magnetic and optical tracking systems, are generally
      expensive and ill suited to the surgical environment. METHODS: The authors
      present a new platform that integrates a novel, low-cost optical tracking system,
      magnetic tracking technology and a videographic recording system to quantify
      surgical performance synchronously across all modalities. The validity of this
      platform was tested by examining its ability to differentiate between the
      performance of expert and novice participants on a basic surgical task. RESULTS:
      Each modality was able to differentiate between expert and novice participants,
      and metrics were well correlated across modalities. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have
      developed a platform for assessing surgical performance. It can operate in the
      absence of expert raters and has the potential to provide immediate feedback to
      trainees.

PMID- 22075121
TI  - Magnesium alloys as body implants: fracture mechanism under dynamic and static
      loadings in a physiological environment.
AB  - It is essential that a metallic implant material possesses adequate resistance to
      cracking/fracture under the synergistic action of a corrosive physiological
      environment and mechanical loading (i.e. stress corrosion cracking (SCC)), before
      the implant can be put to actual use. This paper presents a critique of the
      fundamental issues with an assessment of SCC of a rapidly corroding material such
      as magnesium alloys, and describes an investigation into the mechanism of SCC of
      a magnesium alloy in a physiological environment. The SCC susceptibility of the
      alloy in a simulated human body fluid was established by slow strain rate tensile
      (SSRT) testing using smooth specimens under different electrochemical conditions
      for understanding the mechanism of SCC. However, to assess the life of the
      implant devices that often possess fine micro-cracks, SCC susceptibility of
      notched specimens was investigated by circumferential notch tensile (CNT)
      testing. CNT tests also produced important design data, i.e. threshold stress
      intensity for SCC (KISCC) and SCC crack growth rate. Fractographic features of
      SCC were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The SSRT and CNT results,
      together with fractographic evidence, confirmed the SCC susceptibility of both
      smooth and notched specimens of a magnesium alloy in the physiological
      environment.

PMID- 22075123
TI  - Evaluation of the ultrasonication process for injectability of hydraulic calcium
      phosphate pastes.
AB  - This study examined the use of ultrasonication to improve the injectability of an
      aqueous calcium phosphate paste. Ultrasonication was applied to the paste through
      the plunger of the delivery syringe. A factorial design of experiments with three
      investigated factors, liquid to powder ratio (LPR) (38%, 39% and 40%), the size
      of the delivery syringe (5 and 10 ml) and the amplitude of the 20 kHz power
      ultrasonication (0-30 MUm), was used in this study. The volume fraction of the
      extruded paste was used to quantify injectability. Small injectability
      improvements were observed with an increase in LPR and decrease in syringe size,
      which is consistent with previously published results. The improvements due to
      ultrasonication were significant and remarkable. For example, when using the 5 ml
      syringe the injected volume fraction of the 38% LPR paste improved from 63.4 +/-
      2.3% without ultrasonication to 97.3 +/- 2.4% with 30%. This result shows that
      ultrasonication is an effective solution to improve injectability.

PMID- 22075122
TI  - Effects of structural properties of electrospun TiO2 nanofiber meshes on their
      osteogenic potential.
AB  - Ideal outcomes in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
      involve biomaterials that can enhance cell differentiation and production of
      local factors for natural tissue regeneration without the use of systemic drugs.
      Biomaterials typically used in tissue engineering applications include polymeric
      scaffolds that mimic the three-dimensional structural environment of the native
      tissue, but these are often functionalized with proteins or small peptides to
      improve their biological performance. For bone applications, titanium implants,
      or more appropriately the TiO2 passive oxide layer formed on their surface, have
      been shown to enhance osteoblast differentiation in vitro and to promote
      osseointegration in vivo. In this study we evaluated the effect on osteoblast
      differentiation of pure TiO2 nanofiber meshes with different surface
      microroughness and nanofiber diameters, prepared by the electrospinning method.
      MG63 cells were seeded on TiO2 meshes, and cell number, differentiation markers
      and local factor production were analyzed. The results showed that cells grew
      throughout the entire surfaces and with similar morphology in all groups. Cell
      number was sensitive to surface microroughness, whereas cell differentiation and
      local factor production was regulated by both surface roughness and nanofiber
      diameter. These results indicate that scaffold structural cues alone can be used
      to drive cell differentiation and create an osteogenic environment without the
      use of exogenous factors.

PMID- 22075124
TI  - The Pentax-AWS video laryngoscope for emergency airway management.

PMID- 22075125
TI  - Confidence intervals and adjusted odds ratios: a commend on interpreting the
      results of Killip classification and glucose levels.

PMID- 22075126
TI  - Anaphylaxis-induced hyperfibrinogenolysis and the risk of Kounis syndrome: the
      dual action of tryptase.

PMID- 22075127
TI  - Complex asymmetric male genitalia of Anevrina Lioy (Diptera: Phoridae).
AB  - Detailed structure of the male genitalia of Anevrina is described. Hitherto
      unknown morphological characters of the internal sclerites relating to the
      epandrium and hypandrium are illustrated and elucidated. The subepandrial
      sclerite + bacilliform sclerites are distinctly modified, and the typical
      subepandrial sclerite is not recognizable. The right base of the medially shifted
      right surstylus is not connected to the posterior margin of the epandrium, and is
      directly supported by a robust bacilliform sclerite. The robust bacilliform
      sclerites are greatly developed inside the epandrium, and extended to three
      clasping components, the left surstylus, the medially shifted right surstylus and
      a pair of clasping lobes on the posteroventral margin of the right side of the
      epandrium. The upper lobe of a pair of clasping lobes on the right side of the
      epandrium is considered to originally have been situated on the left side and
      subsequently shifted to the right side. The plesiomorphic state of the clasping
      components relative to Anevrina is thought to be symmetrically four, comprising
      both the left and right surstyli and the posterior edge of both sides of the
      epandrium, indicating that the amazing phenomenon of cross-shifting of the
      clasping components has occurred in Anevrina. A cladogram generated based on the
      genitalic characters observed in this study shows sister groups within Anevrina,
      namely an Anevrina urbana-group comprised of A. urbana, A. setigera, A. olympiae,
      A. variabilis, A. thoracica, and an Anevrina unispinosa-group comprised of A.
      unispinosa, A. curvinervis, A. luggeri and A. macateei.

PMID- 22075128
TI  - Cephalic morphology of Hymenopus coronatus (Insecta: Mantodea) and its
      phylogenetic implications.
AB  - External and internal head structures of the mantodean Hymenopus coronatus are
      examined and described in detail. The results are elaborately compared with the
      literature. Strong crests on the anterior tentorial arms that articulate with the
      subantennal suture, a parietal suture and glossae and paraglossae with anteriorly
      bent tips are proposed as new potential apomorphies for Mantodea while a head
      capsule being wider than long, enlarged compound eyes, the presence of a frontal
      shield or scutellum, lateral lobes in the anterior tentorial arms, the presence
      of a transverse and an interantennal suture and the reduction of the mentum are
      confirmed as apomorphies, As potential apomorphies for Dictyoptera the reduction
      of Musculus tentoriobuccalis lateralis (M. 49) is newly presented and a
      "perforate" tentorium, lacinial incisivi that are located in a galeal pouch and
      the presence of a postmola are confirmed. The present study shows the value of
      cephalic morphology for phylogenetic analysis but also points out that further
      studies including evolutionary key taxa are essential for resolving the
      evolutionary adaptations among dictyopterans.

PMID- 22075129
TI  - Microscopic anatomy of male tegumental glands and associated cuticular structures
      in Titanethes albus (Crustacea: Isopoda).
AB  - Male glandular organs characterized by porous surfaces with hair-like cuticular
      elaborations are known from several trichoniscid isopods. In the subterranean
      species Titanethes albus, males possess paired tubercles with numerous hairs and
      pores dorsally on the pleon. We analyzed the microscopic anatomy of these
      structures with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Diverse
      epicuticular formations and numerous sensilla, which are probably chemoreceptive,
      are present on the tubercles. We found several secretory surfaces on the pleon in
      addition to the dorsal tubercles. We also examined the distribution, architecture
      and ultrastructure of male-specific glands in T. albus with light and
      transmission electron microscopy. Three distinct types of male-specific rosette
      glands are present in different parts of the pleon and in the uropods. Glands
      secreting on the dorsal tubercles contain stellar central cells. The
      ultrastructure and histochemical staining properties of male-specific glands in
      T. albus suggest that they produce peptides which might function as contact
      pheromones.

PMID- 22075130
TI  - [Assessment of a residency training program in endocrinology and nutrition:
      results of a resident survey].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 2006, a new training program was approved for resident
      physicians in endocrinology and nutrition (EN). A survey was conducted to EN
      residents to assess their training, their depth of knowledge, and compliance with
      the new program, as well as potential changes in training, and the results
      obtained were compared to those from previous surveys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      survey previously conducted in 2000 and 2005 was used for this study. The survey
      included demographic factors, questions about the different rotations, scientific
      and practical training, assessment of their training departments and other
      aspects. Results of the current survey were compared to those of the 2005 survey.
      RESULTS: The survey was completed by 40 residents. Mandatory rotations are mainly
      fulfilled, except for neurology. Some rotations removed from the program, such as
      radiology and nuclear medicine, still are frequently performed and popular among
      residents, who would include them back into the program. There was a low
      compliance with practical training in the endocrinology area. Forty percent of
      residents were not aware of the new program, but 60% thought that it was
      fulfilled. A total of 82.5% of residents thought that their departments fulfilled
      the training objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Few differences were found in rotations as
      compared to the data collected in 2005 despite changes in the training program,
      and there was still a lack of practical training. By contrast, rating of training
      received from departments and senior physicians was improved as compared to prior
      surveys.

PMID- 22075131
TI  - Crystal structure of Apis mellifera OBP14, a C-minus odorant-binding protein, and
      its complexes with odorant molecules.
AB  - Apis mellifera (Amel) relies on its olfactory system to detect and identify new
      sources of floral food. The Odorant-Binding Proteins (OBPs) are the first
      proteins involved in odorant recognition and interaction, before activation of
      the olfactory receptors. The Amel genome possess a set of 21 OBPs, much fewer
      compared to the 60-70 OBPs found in Diptera genomes. We have undertaken a
      structural proteomics study of Amel OBPs, alone or in complex with odorant or
      model compounds. We report here the first 3D structure of a member of the C-minus
      class OBPs, AmelOBP14, characterized by only two disulfide bridges of the three
      typical of classical OBPs. We show that AmelOBP14 possesses a core of 6 alpha
      helices comparable to that of classical OBPs, and an extra exposed C-terminal
      helix. Its binding site is located within this core and is completely closed.
      Fluorescent experiments using 1-NPN displacement demonstrate that AmelOBP14 is
      able to bind several compounds with sub micromolar dissociation constants, among
      which citralva and eugenol exhibit the highest affinities. We have determined the
      structures of AmelOBP14 in complex with 1-NPN, eugenol and citralva, explaining
      their strong binding. Finally, by introducing a double cysteine mutant at
      positions 44 and 97, we show that a third disulfide bridge was formed in the same
      position as in classical OBPs without disturbing the fold of AmelOBP14.

PMID- 22075132
TI  - Surgical management with or without a nasogastric tube in esophageal repairs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare surgical management with or
      without a nasogastric tube (NGT) to prevent anastomotic stricture that occurred
      following esophageal repairs (ERs). METHODS: Twelve New Zealand rabbits were
      divided equally into 2m: with a NGT (experimental group) and without a NGT
      (control group). A 1-cm-length of the cervical esophagus was resected through a
      cervical incision and then anastomosis was performed using the NGT and keeping it
      in place for 6 days in the experimental group. The same procedures were performed
      in the control group. Both groups were fed parenterally for 6 days and orally
      after esophagography on postoperative day 7 as long as there was no esophageal
      leakage. The rabbits were sacrificed to evaluate diameter of the esophageal lumen
      (DOTEL), bursting pressure (BP), tissue hydroxyproline (HP) and wound healing
      scores (WHSs) in the anastomosis lines 8 weeks later. RESULTS: In the
      experimental group, DOTEL, BP, and HP were significantly lower than they were in
      the control group. WHSs in the experimental group were not higher than they were
      in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management without a NGT is more
      effective than management with a NGT in ERs as shown by increased DOTEL, BP, and
      HP levels.

PMID- 22075133
TI  - Comparison of bilateral and unilateral cochlear implants in children with
      sequential surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bilateral
      versus unilateral cochlear implants and the importance of the inter-implant
      interval. METHODS: Seventy-three prelingually deaf children received sequential
      bilateral cochlear implants. Speech recognition in quiet with the first, second
      and with both implants simultaneously was evaluated at the time of the second
      implantation and after 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: Mean bilateral speech
      recognition 12 and 24 months after the second implantation was significantly
      higher than that obtained with either the first or the second implant. The
      addition of a second implant was demonstrated to have a beneficial effect after
      both 12 and 24 months. Speech recognition with the second implant increased
      significantly during the first year. A small, non-significant improvement was
      observed during the second year. The inter-implant interval significantly
      influenced speech recognition with the second cochlear implant both at 12 and 24
      months, and bilateral speech recognition at 12 months, but not at 24 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: A small, but statistically significant improvement in speech
      recognition was found with bilateral cochlear implants compared with a unilateral
      implant. A major increase in speech recognition occurred with the second cochlear
      implant during the first year. A shorter time interval between the two
      implantations resulted in better speech recognition with the second implant.
      However, no definitive time-point was found for when the second implant could no
      longer add a positive effect.

PMID- 22075134
TI  - Microscopic comparison of topical use of Mitomycin C and Fluorouracil on cold
      knife myringotomy.
AB  - Objective/hypothesis A comparison of the histopathological effect of topical use
      of Mitomycin C and 5-Fluorouracil in preventing myringotomy closure in rats.
      STUDY DESIGN: clinical trial. Methods and materials The study was performed on 43
      rats that were divided into three groups. Study groups (A and B) and control
      group (C) after bilateral cold-knife myringotomy, we applied Mitomycin C (MMC)
      4mg/ml to group A, 5-Fluouracil (5FU) 50mg/ml to group B, and normal saline to
      group C. An examination of all ears of rats was carried out by otoscope on days
      0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and then every five days up to 70 days. Each day's closed
      myringotomies of all groups were examined. Results The mean of post myringotomy
      opening time was 37, 16, and 12 days respectively in MMC, 5FU, and saline.
      Patency duration of MMC group was significantly long (p<0.0001), but in
      histopatholgical examinations, sclerosis of tympanic membrane in MMC group showed
      the highest patency duration (p<0.0001). Conclusion Mitomycin C significantly
      prolonged the duration of myringotomy patency time - longer than 5-Fluouracil and
      saline but with the adverse effects of tympanic membrane fibrosis.

PMID- 22075135
TI  - Mid-esophagus unresectable cancer treated with a low cost stent. First
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the cancer of the esophagus, with recent technologic advances,
      self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are at the forefront of the armamentarium for
      re-establishing luminal patency. Weighed against the numerous advantages of
      stents are the import conditions and the cost. In light of this, we tested new
      low cost prostheses having the basic needs and characteristics to aim a
      significant benefit to poor people having advanced esophageal cancer, in a
      Brazilian regional public hospital. METHODS: This initial experience included
      fifteen patients (eleven men and four women, 55 +/- 6.17 years old), presenting
      esophageal cancer, located at the medium third of the thoracic esophagus,
      extending for 5.5-8 cm long, not suitable for surgical procedure because they had
      been staged on fourth grade of the disease, two of them having fistula
      communicating esophagus to respiratory tree. The stents were placed under
      endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance, after attempting an esophageal dilatation.
      An appropriate covered stent was then deployed, twelve of 10 cm and three of 13
      cm in length. A chest X-ray was done 2 h after the procedure and a barium swallow
      was performed within 12 hours. Seven days and monthly until complete a six month
      follow-up after the procedure the patients were questioned about presence of
      pain, regurgitation, heartburn, cough, and their alimentary behavior. RESULTS:
      There were no severe complications and transient mild chest pain resolved until
      the seventh day after the stent deployment. Chest X-ray demonstrated expansion of
      the stent in all patients. In 2 cases of fistula, a barium swallow showed its
      complete sealing. The completion of the proposed follow-up was not achieved in
      three cases, limited by the patient's death until the third month, due to cancer
      progression. Recurrent dysphagia to paste food accounted for by tumor overgrowth
      proximal or distal to the stent and stent migration were not observed in the
      series. CONCLUSIONS: The new low cost endoprostheses is effective and forthcoming
      increased experience and prospective trials including questionnaires to analyze
      quality of life will allow for more informed decisions tailoring to a particular
      patient situation or to unexpected complications.

PMID- 22075136
TI  - Tea consumption, incidence and long-term prognosis of a first acute myocardial
      infarction--the SHEEP study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Results of previous studies on tea consumption and incidence
      or prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are conflicting. The aim of the
      present study was to examine the potential role of tea consumption in the
      previous 12 months in primary and secondary prevention of AMI. METHODS: We
      studied a total of 1340 individuals with a first non-fatal AMI and 2303 frequency
      matched control participants on age, gender and hospital catchment area including
      querying their tea consumption over the previous 12 months. The cohort of AMI
      cases was then followed for total and cardiac mortality and for non-fatal
      cardiovascular events with national registers over 8 years. Estimates of relative
      risks for a first AMI were based on odds ratios from unconditional logistic
      regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the
      prognostic importance of tea consumption in the cohort of cases. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of daily tea consumption was 20.5% among cases and 21.5% among
      controls. Tea consumption was associated with a lower risk for a first AMI with
      adjustment for matching criteria alone, with an odds ratio of 0.78 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.64-0.95) comparing those who consumed tea daily to those
      never consuming tea. However, in multivariable adjusted model there was no
      evidence for an association, the corresponding odds ratio was 1.08(0.86-1.36).
      There was also no association between tea consumption and cardiac mortality and
      non-fatal cardiovascular events, with a corresponding adjusted hazard ratio of
      0.99(0.77-1.27). CONCLUSIONS: In this epidemiological study, greater tea
      consumption in the previous year was associated with a lower risk of AMI.
      However, a clear association between tea consumption and the incidence or
      prognosis of AMI was not demonstrated, probably because of tea drinkers having a
      healthier lifestyle.

PMID- 22075137
TI  - Borylation and silylation of C-H bonds: a platform for diverse C-H bond
      functionalizations.
AB  - Methods that functionalize C-H bonds can lead to new approaches for the synthesis
      of organic molecules, but to achieve this goal, researchers must develop site
      selective reactions that override the inherent reactivity of the substrates.
      Moreover, reactions are needed that occur with high turnover numbers and with
      high tolerance for functional groups if the C-H bond functionalization is to be
      applied to the synthesis of medicines or materials. This Account describes the
      discovery and development of the C-H bond functionalization of aliphatic and
      aromatic C-H bonds with borane and silane reagents. The fundamental principles
      that govern the reactivity of intermediates containing metal-boron bonds are
      emphasized and how an understanding of the effects of the ligands on this
      reactivity led us to broaden the scope of main group reagents that react under
      mild conditions to generate synthetically useful organosilanes is described. 
      Complexes containing a covalent bond between a transition metal and a three
      coordinate boron atom (boryl complexes) are unusually reactive toward the
      cleavage of typically unreactive C-H bonds. Moreover, this C-H bond cleavage
      leads to the formation of free, functionalized product by rapid coupling of the
      hydrocarbyl and boryl ligands. The initial observation of the borylation of
      arenes and alkanes in stoichiometric processes led to catalytic systems for the
      borylation of arenes and alkanes with diboron compounds (diborane(4) reagents)
      and boranes. In particular, complexes based on the Cp*Rh (in which Cp is the
      cyclopentadienyl anion) fragment catalyze the borylation of alkanes, arenes,
      amines, ethers, ketals, and haloalkanes. Although less reactive toward alkyl C-H
      bonds than the Cp*Rh systems, catalysts generated from the combination of
      bipyridines and iridium(I)-olefin complexes have proven to be the most reactive
      catalysts for the borylation of arenes. The reactions catalyzed by these
      complexes form arylboronates from arenes with site-selectivity for C-H bond
      cleavage that depends on the steric accessibility of the C-H bonds. These
      complexes also catalyze the borylation of heteroarenes, and the selectivity for
      these substrates is more dependent on electronic effects than the borylation of
      arenes. The products from the borylation of arenes and heteroarenes are suitable
      for a wide range of subsequent conversions to phenols, arylamines, aryl ethers,
      aryl nitriles, aryl halides, arylboronic acids, and aryl trifluoroborates. 
      Studies of the electronic properties of the ancillary ligand on the rate of the
      reaction show that the flat structure and the strong electron-donating property
      of the bipyridine ligands, along with the strong electron-donating property of
      the boryl group and the presence of a p-orbital on the metal-bound atom, lead to
      the increased reactivity of the iridium catalysts. Based on this hypothesis, we
      studied catalysts containing substituted phenanthroline ligands for a series of
      additional transformations, including the silylation of C-H bonds. A sequence
      involving the silylation of benzylic alcohols, followed by the dehydrogenative
      silylation of aromatic C-H bonds, leads to an overall directed silylation of the
      C-H bond ortho to hydroxyl functionality.

PMID- 22075139
TI  - Management of a pterygopalatine fossa hydatid cyst.
AB  - Hydatid cyst disease is a rare parasitic infestation caused by larvae of
      Echinococcus granulosus. Although larval stage of this parasite can thrive in any
      part of the body, especially lungs and liver; head and neck involvement is rare.
      Pterygopalatine fossa involvement is reported in two cases in the literature. In
      this report we represent a case with solitary, secondary pterygopalatine fossa
      hydatid cyst extending in to the maxillary sinus, orbita, sphenoid sinus and
      skull base.

PMID- 22075138
TI  - Two cases of peritonsillar abscess complicated by von Willebrand disease.
AB  - Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a common hereditary bleeding disorder resulting
      from a quantitative and/or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (vWF).
      We report two cases of peritonsillar abscess complicated by vWD. A 46-year-old
      Japanese man was intravenously administered factor VIII clotting antigen (500U*3
      days)and platelet transfusion (10U), when before puncture was performed. After
      puncture, his symptoms promptly improved with the administration of the
      antibiotic doripenem (DRPM, 1.5g/day). He left our facility one week later and
      had no recurrence of symptoms. A 24-year-old Japanese woman was intravenously
      administered factor VIII clotting antigen (4500U*3 days) and desmopressin (DDAVP)
      before undergoing a puncture. Her symptoms promptly improved with DRPM treatment
      (1.5g/day). The patient left our facility one week later. However, the
      peritonsillar abscess recurred in three weeks. Afterwards, tonsillectomy was
      enforced three months later. Intravenous factor VIII clotting antigen (4500U*2
      days) and platelet transfusion (10U*1 day) had been used before tonsillectomy. We
      therefore suggest that a peritonsillar abscess in patients with vWD can be safely
      treated by factor VIII clotting antigen and DDAVP at the appropriate disease
      stage and by performing paracentesis for the acute phase or tonsillectomy for the
      chronic phase.

PMID- 22075140
TI  - Multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma associated with primary amyloid goiter.
AB  - Amyloid goiter is a rare condition characterized by a diffuse enlargement of the
      thyroid gland due to amyloid deposition. Extremely uncommon is the development of
      differentiated carcinomas within this type of lesion. We describe to our
      knowledge the sixth case of a papillary thyroid carcinoma within an amyloid
      goiter, arising in a 45-year old woman with chronic renal failure due to primary
      amyloidosis. This is the first case of a multifocal papillary carcinoma within an
      amyloid goiter which produces compressive symptoms. The patient suffered a total
      thyroidectomy with the histological diagnosis of amyloid goiter with a multifocal
      papillary carcinoma of follicular variant. The Congo red stain confirmed the
      diagnosis of amyloid goiter. Two years and a half after the surgery the patient
      is free of recurrence. Amyloid goiter can hide a differentiated carcinoma. To
      diagnose and early treat this pathology, the knowledge of the possible
      association between an amyloid goiter and a differentiated carcinoma is needed.

PMID- 22075141
TI  - Meiotic pairing as a polo match.
AB  - In C. elegans, meiotic chromosome pairing is initiated by association of
      chromosomal sites known as pairing centers (PCs) with the nuclear periphery. The
      Dernburg and Zetka laboratories have shown that recruitment of Polo kinases to
      PCs at the nuclear envelope is essential to promote PC complex aggregation,
      pairing, and synapsis.

PMID- 22075142
TI  - Speed reading for genes: bookmarks set the pace.
AB  - During mitosis, most transcription ceases. Mitotic gene bookmarking marks genes
      for reactivation to ensure reestablishment of transcription states and cell-cycle
      progression. In a recent issue of Nature Cell Biology, Zhao et al. (2011)
      investigate how gene bookmarking leads to accelerated kinetics of transcriptional
      reactivation after mitosis.

PMID- 22075143
TI  - Autophagic factors cut to the bone.
AB  - Autophagy is an intracellular membrane-trafficking pathway for the delivery of
      proteins and organelles to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. DeSelm and
      coworkers (2011) now describe an essential role for autophagic proteins in the
      trafficking and fusion of lysosomes at the site of bone resorption: the
      osteoclast ruffled border.

PMID- 22075144
TI  - Phosphatidylinositol synthase and diacylglycerol platforms bust a move.
AB  - Kim et al. (2011) challenge the dogma that phosphatidylinositol synthesis is
      restricted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by showing that a mobile membrane
      compartment transports phosphatidylinositol synthase from the ER to numerous
      cellular compartments, including the plasma membrane. These findings
      significantly impact our view of phosphoinositide signaling in the cell.

PMID- 22075145
TI  - A highly dynamic ER-derived phosphatidylinositol-synthesizing organelle supplies
      phosphoinositides to cellular membranes.
AB  - Polyphosphoinositides are lipid signaling molecules generated from
      phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) with critical roles in vesicular trafficking and
      signaling. It is poorly understood where PtdIns is located within cells and how
      it moves around between membranes. Here we identify a hitherto-unrecognized
      highly mobile membrane compartment as the site of PtdIns synthesis and a likely
      source of PtdIns of all membranes. We show that the PtdIns-synthesizing enzyme
      PIS associates with a rapidly moving compartment of ER origin that makes ample
      contacts with other membranes. In contrast, CDP-diacylglycerol synthases that
      provide PIS with its substrate reside in the tubular ER. Expression of a PtdIns
      specific bacterial PLC generates diacylglycerol also in rapidly moving
      cytoplasmic objects. We propose a model in which PtdIns is synthesized in a
      highly mobile lipid distribution platform and is delivered to other membranes
      during multiple contacts by yet-to-be-defined lipid transfer mechanisms.

PMID- 22075146
TI  - Dual role of BKI1 and 14-3-3 s in brassinosteroid signaling to link receptor with
      transcription factors.
AB  - The plasma membrane-localized plant steroid hormone receptor, BRASSINOSTEROID
      INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1), is quiescent in the absence of steroids, largely due to a
      negative regulator, BRI1 KINASE INHIBITOR 1 (BKI1). Here, we report that the
      steroid-induced, plasma membrane-dissociated and phosphorylated BKI1 also plays
      positive roles in BR signaling by interacting with a subset of 14-3-3 proteins.
      The cytosolic fraction of BKI1 carboxyl terminal region enhances BR signaling.
      Mutations of two serine residues in this region lead to reduced phosphorylation
      by the BRI1 kinase and constitutive plasma membrane localization. The 14-3-3
      proteins can interact with the phosphorylated BKI1 through a motif that contains
      the two phosphorylation sites to release inhibition of BRI1 by BKI1. Meanwhile,
      the cytosolic BKI1 antagonizes the 14-3-3 s and enhances accumulation of BRI1 EMS
      SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1)/BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1) in the nucleus to regulate BR
      responses.

PMID- 22075148
TI  - The sterile 20-like kinase Tao-1 controls tissue growth by regulating the
      Salvador-Warts-Hippo pathway.
AB  - The Salvador-Warts-Hippo (SWH) pathway is a complex signaling network that
      controls both developmental and regenerative tissue growth. Using a genetic
      screen in Drosophila melanogaster, we identified the sterile 20-like kinase, Tao
      1, as an SWH pathway member. Tao-1 controls various biological phenomena,
      including microtubule dynamics, animal behavior, and brain development. Here we
      describe a role for Tao-1 as a regulator of epithelial tissue growth that
      modulates activity of the core SWH pathway kinase cassette. Tao-1 functions
      together with Hippo to activate Warts-mediated repression of Yorkie. Tao-1's
      ability to control SWH pathway activity is evolutionarily conserved because human
      TAO1 can suppress activity of the Yorkie ortholog, YAP. Human TAO1 controls SWH
      pathway activity by phosphorylating, and activating, the Hippo ortholog, MST2.
      Given that SWH pathway activity is subverted in many human cancers, our findings
      identify human TAO kinases as potential tumor suppressor genes.

PMID- 22075147
TI  - Tao-1 phosphorylates Hippo/MST kinases to regulate the Hippo-Salvador-Warts tumor
      suppressor pathway.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that the Hippo-Salvador-Warts (HSW) pathway restrains
      tissue growth by phosphorylating and inactivating the oncoprotein Yorkie. How
      growth-suppressive signals are transduced upstream of Hippo remains unclear. We
      show that the Sterile 20 family kinase, Tao-1, directly phosphorylates T195 in
      the Hippo activation loop and that, like other HSW pathway genes, Tao-1 functions
      to restrict cell proliferation in developing imaginal epithelia. This
      relationship appears to be evolutionarily conserved, because mammalian Tao-1
      similarly affects MST kinases. In S2 cells, Tao-1 mediates the effects of the
      upstream HSW components Merlin and Expanded, consistent with the idea that Tao-1
      functions in tissues to regulate Hippo phosphorylation. These results demonstrate
      that one family of Ste20 kinases can activate another and identify Tao-1 as a
      component of the regulatory network controlling HSW pathway signaling, and
      therefore tissue growth, during development.

PMID- 22075149
TI  - Anterior visceral endoderm directs ventral morphogenesis and placement of head
      and heart via BMP2 expression.
AB  - In amniotes, ventral folding morphogenesis achieves gut internalization, linear
      heart tube formation, ventral body wall closure, and encasement of the fetus in
      extraembryonic membranes. Impairment of ventral morphogenesis results in human
      birth defects involving body wall, gut, and heart malformations and in mouse
      misplacement of head and heart. Absence of knowledge about genetic pathways and
      cell populations directing ventral folding in mammals has precluded systematic
      study of cellular mechanisms driving this vital morphogenetic process. We report
      tissue-specific mouse mutant analyses identifying the bone morphogenetic protein
      (BMP) pathway as a key regulator of ventral morphogenesis. BMP2 expressed in
      anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) signals to epiblast derivatives during
      gastrulation to orchestrate initial stages of ventral morphogenesis, including
      foregut development and positioning of head and heart. These findings identify
      unanticipated functions for the AVE in organizing the gastrulating embryo and
      indicate that visceral endoderm-expressed BMP2 coordinates morphogenetic cell
      behaviors in multiple epiblast lineages.

PMID- 22075150
TI  - Kinetochore-dependent microtubule rescue ensures their efficient and sustained
      interactions in early mitosis.
AB  - How kinetochores regulate microtubule dynamics to ensure proper kinetochore
      microtubule interactions is unknown. Here, we studied this during early mitosis
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When a microtubule shrinks and its plus end reaches
      a kinetochore bound to its lateral surface, the microtubule end attempts to
      tether the kinetochore. This process often fails and, responding to this failure,
      microtubule rescue (conversion from shrinkage to growth) occurs, preventing
      kinetochore detachment from the microtubule end. This rescue is promoted by Stu2
      transfer (ortholog of vertebrate XMAP215/ch-TOG) from the kinetochore to the
      microtubule end. Meanwhile, microtubule rescue distal to the kinetochore is also
      promoted by Stu2, which is transported by a kinesin-8 motor Kip3 along the
      microtubule from the kinetochore. Microtubule extension following rescue
      facilitates interaction with other widely scattered kinetochores, diminishing
      long delays in collecting the complete set of kinetochores by microtubules. Thus,
      kinetochore-dependent microtubule rescue ensures efficient and sustained
      kinetochore-microtubule interactions in early mitosis.

PMID- 22075153
TI  - Comments regarding 'Infrainguinal bypass for peripheral arterial occlusive
      disease: when arms save legs'.

PMID- 22075154
TI  - Circulating lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in high-grade carotid
      stenosis: a new biomarker for predicting unstable plaque.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test plasma levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp
      PLA2) in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis according to plaque histology.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional single-centre study included patients with >=70%
      North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) carotid
      stenosis, who were treated surgically. Serum Lp-PLA2 and high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined on the day of surgery.
      Histopathological analysis classified carotid plaque as stable or unstable,
      according to AHA classification. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients (mean age 70.4 +/-
      10.5 years; 67% men), neurological symptoms were present in 16 (38%). Unstable
      plaques were found in 23 (55%). Median plasma level of Lp-PLA2 was significantly
      higher in patients with unstable plaque compared to those with stable plaque
      (222.4 (174.9-437.5) interquartile range (IQR) 63.5 vs. 211.1 (174.9-270.6) IQR
      37.2 ng ml(-1); p = 0.02). Moreover, median Lp-PLA2 level were higher in
      asymptomatic patients with unstable plaque (226.8 ng ml(-1) (174.9-437.5) IQR
      76.8) vs. stable plaque (206.9 ng ml(-1) (174.9-270.6) IQR 33.7; p = 0.16).
      Logistic regression showed that only the neurological symptoms (OR = 30.9 (3.7
      244.6); p < 0.001) and the plasma Lp-PLA2 level (OR = 1.7 (1.1-12.3); p = 0.03)
      were independently associated with unstable carotid plaque as defined by
      histology. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that circulating Lp-PLA2 was increased
      in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis and unstable plaque. Lp-PLA2 may be
      a relevant biomarker to guide for invasive therapy in asymptomatic patients with
      carotid artery disease.

PMID- 22075155
TI  - Anti-adhesive functions of CD43 expressed on colon carcinoma cells through the
      modulation of integrins.
AB  - CD43 has conflicting roles in both pro- and anti-adhesive function in cell-to
      cell adhesion in hematopoietic cells. We examined the role of CD43 glycoprotein
      in a colorectal carcinoma cell line. We expressed human CD43 antigen on HT-29
      cells, a colon adenocarcinoma cell line, and compared the adhesion to the
      extracellular matrix with that of mock-transduced cells in vitro. CD43 expression
      inhibited the adhesion to extracellular matrix, such as collagen type IV and
      laminin. As the expression of beta1 integrin was downregulated in CD43-expressing
      HT-29 cells, the anti-adhesive effect of CD43 might be implicated in its
      expression. Our findings suggest that the anti-adhesive function of CD43 in colon
      carcinoma cells plays a role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of colorectal
      carcinoma cells.

PMID- 22075156
TI  - Active biomonitoring in Greek coastal waters: application of the integrated
      biomarker response index in relation to contaminant levels in caged mussels.
AB  - An integrated approach using biomarkers and contaminant levels in mussels Mytilus
      galloprovincialis L. was employed to assess chemical contamination in Greek
      coastal waters within the framework of the MYTIMED program. Biomarkers
      (metallothioneins, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, acetylcholinesterase and
      RNA:DNA ratio) have been previously described in mussels caged at 14 sites in
      coastal areas influenced by different types of anthropogenic activities. This
      study applied a biomarker index, the Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) to
      summarize biomarker responses and relate stress levels to concentrations of
      organochlorine compounds (PCBs, DDTs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
      and metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn) measured in the mussel tissues. The IBR index
      indicated environmental stress at sites near cities and industries and was
      overall related to organic contaminants, but also elevated metal concentrations
      at certain sites. Slightly increased IBR values at few sites away from known
      pollution sources were not accompanied with increased contaminant levels
      suggesting stress possibly caused by natural factors. Results confirmed the
      usefulness of integration of biological effects measurements and chemical
      analysis for the assessment of chemical contamination in coastal waters.

PMID- 22075157
TI  - A short-term study on the interaction of bacteria, fungi and endosulfan in soil
      microcosm.
AB  - Endosulfan is one of the few organic chlorine insecticides still in use today in
      many developing countries. It has medium toxicity for fish and aquatic
      invertebrates. In this study, we added different concentrations of endosulfan to
      a series of soil samples collected from Baihua Park in Jinan, Shandong Province,
      China. Interactions of exogenous endosulfan, bacteria and fungi were analyzed by
      monitoring the changes in microbe-specific phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA),
      residual endosulfan and its metabolites which include; endosulfan sulfate,
      endosulfan lactone and endosulfan diol during a 9 days incubation period. Our
      results showed that endosulfan reduced fungi biomass by 47% on average after 9
      days, while bacteria biomass increased 76% on average. In addition, we found that
      endosulfan degraded 8.62% in natural soil (NE), 5.51% in strepolin soil (SSE) and
      2.47% in sterile soil (SE). Further analysis of the endosulfan metabolites in NE
      and SSE, revealed that the amount of endosulfan sulfate (ES) significantly
      increased and that of endosulfan lactone (EL) slightly decreased in both samples
      after 9 days. However, that of endosulfan diol (ED) increased in NE and decreased
      in SSE. After collective analysis our data demonstrated that fungi and bacteria
      responded differently to exogeous endosulfan, in a way that could promote the
      formation of endosulfan diol during endosulfan degradation.

PMID- 22075158
TI  - Raman spectroscopy: feasibility of in vivo survey of stratum corneum lipids,
      effect of natural aging.
AB  - The main function of the stratum corneum (SC) is for protection against external
      aggression. This is described as the barrier function. It mainly depends on the
      presence of a lipid matrix composed of ceramides, free fatty acids, cholesterol
      and its derivatives in the intercellular spaces. Previous studies have reported
      the application of Raman spectroscopy to reveal the organization of SC lipids and
      the state of their barrier functions. Several spectral features are directly
      informative about the lateral packing and the conformational order. In this work,
      in vivo Raman spectroscopy is used to asses the state of the SC lipid content and
      thus its barrier function, directly on the skin. To study the effect of natural
      aging on the organization of these lipids, spectra were collected from the
      internal side of the forearms of twenty volunteers aged from 22 to 64.
      Multivariate data processing enabled separation of the in vivo spectra according
      to the volunteers' ages. Spectral signatures show small variations, indicating a
      slight change in the lateral packing of SC lipids with aging of the skin.

PMID- 22075159
TI  - Overcoming erlotinib resistance in EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung
      cancer cells by targeting survivin.
AB  - Loss of PTEN was recently shown to contribute to resistance to epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in EGFR mutation-positive
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through activation of the protein kinase AKT.
      We previously showed that downregulation of the expression of the antiapoptotic
      protein survivin by EGFR-TKIs contributes to EGFR-TKI-induced apoptosis in EGFR
      mutation-positive NSCLC cells. We have now investigated the role of survivin
      expression in EGFR-TKI resistance induced by PTEN loss. The EGFR-TKI erlotinib
      did not affect survivin expression or induce apoptosis in EGFR mutation-positive
      NSCLC cells with PTEN loss. Downregulation of survivin either by transfection
      with a specific short interfering RNA or by exposure to the small-molecule
      survivin suppressor YM155 reversed erlotinib resistance in such cells in vitro.
      Furthermore, combination therapy with YM155 and erlotinib inhibited the growth of
      tumors formed by EGFR mutation-positive, PTEN-deficient NSCLC cells in nude mice
      to a greater extent than did treatment with either drug alone. These results thus
      indicate that persistent activation of signaling by the AKT-survivin pathway
      induced by PTEN loss underlies a mechanism of resistance to erlotinib-induced
      apoptosis in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. They further suggest that the
      targeting of survivin has the potential to overcome EGFR-TKI resistance in EGFR
      mutation-positive NSCLC.

PMID- 22075160
TI  - A monoclonal antibody against human Notch1 ligand-binding domain depletes
      subpopulation of putative breast cancer stem-like cells.
AB  - Overexpression of Notch receptors and ligands has been associated with various
      cancers and developmental disorders, making Notch a potential therapeutic target.
      Here, we report characterization of Notch1 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with
      therapeutic potential. The mAbs generated against epidermal growth factor (EGF)
      repeats 11 to 15 inhibited binding of Jagged1 and Delta-like4 and consequently,
      signaling in a dose-dependent manner, the antibodies against EGF repeats 11 to 12
      being more effective than those against repeats 13 to 15. These data emphasize
      the role of EGF repeats 11 to 12 in ligand binding. One of the mAbs, 602.101,
      which specifically recognizes Notch1, inhibited ligand-dependent expression of
      downstream target genes of Notch such as HES-1, HES-5, and HEY-L in the breast
      cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The mAb also decreased cell proliferation and
      induced apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, exposure to this antibody reduced
      CD44(Hi)/CD24(Low) subpopulation in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting a decrease in
      the cancer stem-like cell subpopulation. This was confirmed by showing that
      exposure to the antibody decreased the primary, secondary, and tertiary
      mammosphere formation efficiency of the cells. Interestingly, effect of the
      antibody on the putative stem-like cells appeared to be irreversible, because the
      mammosphere-forming efficiency could not be salvaged even after antibody removal
      during the secondary sphere formation. The antibody also modulated expression of
      genes associated with stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus,
      targeting individual Notch receptors by specific mAbs is a potential therapeutic
      strategy to reduce the potential breast cancer stem-like cell subpopulation.

PMID- 22075161
TI  - New definition for periprosthetic joint infection.
AB  - Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a real challenge to the
      orthopedic community. Currently, there is no single standard definition for PJI.
      This communication presents the diagnostic criteria that have been proposed by a
      workgroup convened by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. The diagnostic
      criteria were developed after the evaluation of available evidence. The role of
      every diagnostic test was examined, and the literature was reviewed in detail to
      determine the threshold for each test. It is hoped that the proposed definition
      for PJI will be adopted universally, bringing standardization into a field that
      has suffered extensive variability and heterogeneity.

PMID- 22075162
TI  - Does a high-flexion design affect early outcome of medial unicondylar knee
      arthroplasty? Clinical comparison at 2 years.
AB  - Recently, implant companies have sought to target a more active segment of the
      population with high-flex implants. Our aim was to compare a successful medial
      UKA implant with its newer high-flex version. Sixty-one patients (nonflex, 33;
      high-flex [HF], 28) were prospectively followed after medial UKA with a minimum
      of 2-year follow-up. Patients were evaluated using Short Form 12, Western Ontario
      and McMaster Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), Knee Society Scores, and range of motion
      (ROM). The HF group exhibited significantly higher WOMAC Physical Function scores
      at 3-month follow-up and higher WOMAC Pain and SF-12 Mental Component scores at 2
      year follow-up; all other comparisons were not statistically different, including
      ROM. The HF cohort had significantly higher improvements in Knee Society Function
      and Knee score at 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively; all other comparisons
      yielded no significant differences in mean improvement from baseline, including
      ROM or survivorship.

PMID- 22075163
TI  - Challenges in providing family-centered support to families in palliative care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Supporting the family-as-a-whole presents challenges in palliative
      care, although family meetings are increasingly used in routine practice. The
      Family Focused Grief Therapy (FFGT) Model guides clinicians in using a range of
      intervention strategies. AIM: To examine the therapists' techniques used in
      assessing 'at risk' families in palliative care to better illuminate what helps
      and what remains challenging. METHOD: Recorded sessions 1 and 2 were coded using
      the FFGT fidelity coding measure, with its glossary of definitions. Inter-rater
      reliability between three coders was satisfactory at 88%. Frequencies of strategy
      utilization were computed, with extraction of examples of both successful and
      problematic approaches. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: From within a larger study of
      family therapy during palliative care at a comprehensive cancer center, the first
      two sessions (n = 144) delivered to 74 families (299 individuals) by 32
      therapists were coded and analyzed. RESULTS: Therapists readily explored the
      story of illness and families' ways of coping (97%) and assessed communication
      and cohesiveness in the majority. Exploration of relational patterns occurred in
      89% of sessions, use of a genogram in 80%, understanding members' roles in 65%
      and family values and beliefs in 62%. Less use was made of summaries (39%),
      family mottos (34%), exploration of family conflict (35%) and the formalization
      of a comprehensive family treatment plan (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Challenges exist in
      therapy with difficult families. Therapy in the home brings special issues.
      Therapists can apply most of the interventions prescribed by the FFGT model.

PMID- 22075164
TI  - Qualitative evaluation of a problem-solving intervention for informal hospice
      caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Informal hospice caregivers may experience compromised well-being as
      a result of significant stress. Although quite limited, problem-solving
      interventions with this population have garnered empirical support for improved
      caregiver well-being. AIM: Researchers sought to answer the following question:
      which specific intervention processes impacted informal hospice caregivers who
      participated in a problem-solving intervention? DESIGN: Researchers conducted a
      thematic analysis of open-ended exit interviews with informal hospice caregivers
      who had participated in a structured problem-solving intervention.
      SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Participants were friends and family members who provided
      unpaid care for a home hospice patient receiving services from one of two hospice
      agencies located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. RESULTS:
      During their participation in the problem-solving intervention, caregivers
      actively reflected on caregiving, structured problem-solving efforts, partnered
      with interventionists, resolved problems, and gained confidence and control.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study findings provide much needed depth to the field's
      understanding of problem-solving interventions for informal hospice caregivers
      and can be used to enhance existing support services.

PMID- 22075165
TI  - Nociceptive stimuli enhance anesthetic-induced neuroapoptosis in the rat
      developing brain.
AB  - Anesthetic-induced neurodegeneration in the developing brain has been well
      documented. However, the experiments carried out so far do not include surgical
      conditions. This proof of concept study was designed to investigate the impact of
      nociceptive stimuli on anesthetic induced neuroapoptosis in the rat developing
      brain. Separate cohorts of 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly
      assigned to six groups: Naive (room air); Anesthesia alone (70% nitrous oxide and
      0.75% isoflurane for 6 h); Formalin injection alone (subcutaneous injection with
      10 MUL 5% formalin into the left hind paw); Anesthesia+formalin injection;
      Surgical incision (to the left hind paw) alone; Anesthesia+surgical incision.
      Apoptosis (Caspase-3) and neuronal activation (c-Fos) in the brain and spinal
      cord section, and cortical TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were measured with in situ
      immunostaining and western blot respectively. Cognition was tested using Trace
      Fear conditioning 40 days after the insult. Prolonged anesthesia caused
      widespread apoptosis in the central nervous system compared to naive animals.
      Nociceptive stimulation with formalin (F) or surgical incision (S) increased the
      injury in the brain cortex (F: 60% or S: 40% increase) and spinal cord (F: 80%
      vs. S: 50% increase) respectively. Both nociceptive stimuli further augmented
      cognitive impairment induced by the anesthetics when assessed 40 days later. The
      activated pain pathway and the increased expression of the pro-inflammatory
      cytokine, IL-1beta, in the cortex may be responsible for the enhanced
      neuroapoptosis. Nociceptive stimulation and prolonged anesthesia produced
      significantly more apoptosis than prolonged anesthesia alone when administered to
      neonates during the synaptogenic period.

PMID- 22075166
TI  - The influence of the fungal pathogen Mycocentrospora acerina on the proteome and
      polyacetylenes and 6-methoxymellein in organic and conventionally cultivated
      carrots (Daucus carota) during post harvest storage.
AB  - Many carrots are discarded during post harvest cold storage due to development of
      fungal infections, caused by, e.g., Mycocentrospora acerina (liquorice rot). We
      compared the susceptibility of carrots grown under conventional and organic
      agricultural practices. In one year, organically cultivated carrots showed 3* to
      7* more symptoms than conventionally cultivated, when studying naturally
      occurring disease at 4 and 6 months, respectively. On the other hand, we have
      developed a bioassay for infection studies of M. acerina on carrots and observed
      that organic roots were more susceptible after one month of storage than
      conventional ones, but no differences were apparent after four or six months
      storage. Levels of polyacetylenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol and falcarindiol-3
      acetate) did not change, whereas the isocoumarin phytoalexin (6-methoxymellein)
      accumulated in infected tissue as well as in healthy tissue opposite the
      infection. The proteomes of carrot and M. acerina were characterized, the
      intensity of 33 plant protein spots was significantly changed in infected roots
      including up regulation of defence and stress response proteins but also a
      decrease of proteins involved in energy metabolism. This combined metabolic and
      proteomic study indicates that roots respond to fungal infection through altered
      metabolism: simultaneous induction of 6-methoxymellein and synthesis of defence
      related proteins.

PMID- 22075167
TI  - QUICK identification and SPR validation of signal transducers and activators of
      transcription 3 (Stat3) interacting proteins.
AB  - Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) has been reported to
      be involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases and is constitutively
      active in human multiple myeloma (MM) U266 cells. The Stat3-regulated mechanisms
      involved in these processes, however, are not fully defined. To further
      understand the regulation of Stat3 activity, we performed a systematic proteomic
      analysis of Stat3 interacting proteins in U266 cells. This analysis, termed
      quantitative immunoprecipitation combined with knockdown (QUICK), combines RNAi,
      stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC),
      immunoprecipitation, and quantitative MS. As a result, quantitative mass
      spectrometry analysis allowed us to distinguish specific Stat3 interacting
      proteins from background proteins and led to the identification of a total of 38
      proteins. Three Stat3 interacting proteins - 14-3-3zeta, PRKCB and Hsp90 - were
      further confirmed by reciprocal co-immunoprecipitations and surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) analysis. Our results therefore not only uncover a number of
      Stat3 interacting proteins that possess a variety of cellular functions, but also
      provide new insight into the mechanisms that regulate Stat3 activity and function
      in MM cells.

PMID- 22075168
TI  - Fibrinogen alpha chain O-glycopeptides as possible markers of urinary tract
      infection.
AB  - Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection leading to
      substantial morbidity and considerable health care expenditures across all ages.
      Here we present an exploratory UPLC-MS study of human urine in the context of
      febrile, complicated urinary tract infection aimed to reveal and identify
      possible markers of a host response on infection. A UPLC-MS based workflow,
      taking advantage of Ultra High Resolution (UHR) Qq-ToF-MS, and multivariate data
      handling were applied to a carefully selected group of 39 subjects with culture
      confirmed febrile Escherichia coli UTI. Using a combination of unsupervised and
      supervised multivariate modeling we have pinpointed a number of peptides specific
      for UTI. An unequivocal structural identification of these peptides, as O
      glycosylated fragments of the human fibrinogen alpha 1 chain, required MS2 and
      MS3 experiments on two different MS platforms: ESI-UHR-Qq-ToF and ESI-ion trap, a
      blast search and, finally, confirmation was achieved by matching experimental
      tandem mass spectra with those of custom synthesized candidate-peptides. In
      conclusion, exploiting non-targeted UPLC-MS based approach for the investigation
      of UTI related changes in urine, we have identified and structurally
      characterized unique O-glycopeptides, which are, to our knowledge, the first
      demonstration of O-glycosylation of human fibrinogen alpha 1-chain.

PMID- 22075169
TI  - Success of HPV vaccination is now a matter of coverage.

PMID- 22075172
TI  - Commentary on Palmyra atoll.

PMID- 22075173
TI  - Computational toxicology using the OpenTox application programming interface and
      Bioclipse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxicity is a complex phenomenon involving the potential adverse
      effect on a range of biological functions. Predicting toxicity involves using a
      combination of experimental data (endpoints) and computational methods to
      generate a set of predictive models. Such models rely strongly on being able to
      integrate information from many sources. The required integration of biological
      and chemical information sources requires, however, a common language to express
      our knowledge ontologically, and interoperating services to build reliable
      predictive toxicology applications. FINDINGS: This article describes progress in
      extending the integrative bio- and cheminformatics platform Bioclipse to
      interoperate with OpenTox, a semantic web framework which supports open data
      exchange and toxicology model building. The Bioclipse workbench environment
      enables functionality from OpenTox web services and easy access to OpenTox
      resources for evaluating toxicity properties of query molecules. Relevant cases
      and interfaces based on ten neurotoxins are described to demonstrate the
      capabilities provided to the user. The integration takes advantage of semantic
      web technologies, thereby providing an open and simplifying communication
      standard. Additionally, the use of ontologies ensures proper interoperation and
      reliable integration of toxicity information from both experimental and
      computational sources. CONCLUSIONS: A novel computational toxicity assessment
      platform was generated from integration of two open science platforms related to
      toxicology: Bioclipse, that combines a rich scriptable and graphical workbench
      environment for integration of diverse sets of information sources, and OpenTox,
      a platform for interoperable toxicology data and computational services. The
      combination provides improved reliability and operability for handling large data
      sets by the use of the Open Standards from the OpenTox Application Programming
      Interface. This enables simultaneous access to a variety of distributed
      predictive toxicology databases, and algorithm and model resources, taking
      advantage of the Bioclipse workbench handling the technical layers.

PMID- 22075174
TI  - [Chromosomal translocations in soft tissue sarcomas: from molecular biology to
      clinical application].
AB  - Recent advances in the knowledge of the molecular biology of paediatric sarcomas,
      especially the characterisation of chromosomal translocations associated
      specifically with particular types of cancer, have established bases for the
      introduction of new diagnostic tools. This article reviews the main chromosomal
      translocations associated with paediatric tumours, and summarises their molecular
      characteristics regarding their oncogenic capabilities, possible usefulness as a
      differential diagnostic tools and possible correlation with clinical parameters.

PMID- 22075175
TI  - Designing advanced alkaline polymer electrolytes for fuel cell applications.
AB  - Although the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is a superior power source for
      electric vehicles, the high cost of this technology has served as the primary
      barrier to the large-scale commercialization. Over the last decade, researchers
      have pursued lower-cost next-generation materials for fuel cells, and alkaline
      polymer electrolytes (APEs) have emerged as an enabling material for platinum
      free fuel cells.  To fulfill the requirements of fuel cell applications, the APE
      must be as conductive and stable as its acidic counterpart, such as Nafion. This
      benchmark has proved challenging for APEs because the conductivity of OH(-) is
      intrinsically lower than that of H(+), and the stability of the cationic
      functional group in APEs, typically quaternary ammonia (-NR(3)(+)), is usually
      lower than that of the sulfonic functional group (-SO(3)(-)) in acidic polymer
      electrolytes.  To improve the ionic conductivity, APEs are often designed to be
      of high ion-exchange capacity (IEC). This modification has caused unfavorable
      changes in the materials: these high IEC APEs absorb excessive amounts of water,
      leading to significant swelling and a decline in mechanical strength of the
      membrane. Cross-linking the polymer chains does not completely solve the problem
      because stable ionomer solutions would not be available for PEFC assembly.  In
      this Account, we report our recent progress in the development of advanced APEs,
      which are highly resistant to swelling and show conductivities comparable with
      Nafion at typical temperatures for fuel-cell operation. We have proposed two
      strategies for improving the performance of APEs: self-cross-linking and self
      aggregating designs. The self-cross-linking design builds on conventional cross
      linking methods and works for APEs with high IEC. The self-aggregating design
      improves the effective mobility of OH(-) and boosts the ionic conductivity of
      APEs with low IEC.  For APEs with high IEC, cross-linking is necessary to
      restrict the swelling of the membrane. In our self-cross-linking design, a short
      range cross-linker, tertiary amino groups, is grafted onto the quaternary ammonia
      polysulfone (QAPS) so that the cross-linking process can only occur during
      membrane casting. Thus, we obtain both the stable ionomer solution and the cross
      linked membrane. The self-cross-linked QAPS (xQAPS) possesses a tight-binding
      structure and is highly resistant to swelling: even at 80  degrees C, the
      membrane swells by less than 3%.  For APEs with low IEC, the key is to design
      efficient OH(-) conducting channels. In our self-aggregating design, long alkyl
      side-chains are attached to the QAPS. Based on both the transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) observations and the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, these
      added hydrophobic groups effectively drive the microscopic phase separation of
      the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains and produce enlarged and aggregated ionic
      channels. The ionic conductivity of the self-aggregated QAPS (aQAPS) is three
      fold higher than that of the conventional QAPS and is comparable to that of
      Nafion at elevated temperatures (e.g., greater than 0.1 S/cm at 80  degrees C).

PMID- 22075170
TI  - Cross-protective efficacy of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against cervical
      infection and precancer caused by non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types: 4-year end-of
      study analysis of the randomised, double-blind PATRICIA trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy of the human papillomavirus HPV-16/18 AS04
      adjuvanted vaccine against non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types in the end-of-study
      analysis after 4 years of follow-up in PATRICIA (PApilloma TRIal against Cancer
      In young Adults). METHODS: Healthy women aged 15-25 years with no more than six
      lifetime sexual partners were included in PATRICIA irrespective of their baseline
      HPV DNA status, HPV-16 or HPV-18 serostatus, or cytology. Women were randomly
      assigned (1:1) to HPV-16/18 vaccine or a control hepatitis A vaccine, via an
      internet-based central randomisation system using a minimisation algorithm to
      account for age ranges and study sites. The study was double-blind. The primary
      endpoint of PATRICIA has been reported previously; the present analysis evaluates
      cross-protective vaccine efficacy against non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types in the
      end-of-study analysis. Analyses were done for three cohorts: the according-to
      protocol cohort for efficacy (ATP-E; vaccine n=8067, control n=8047), total
      vaccinated HPV-naive cohort (TVC-naive; no evidence of infection with 14
      oncogenic HPV types at baseline, approximating young adolescents before sexual
      debut; vaccine n=5824, control n=5820), and the total vaccinated cohort (TVC; all
      women who received at least one vaccine dose, approximating catch-up populations
      that include sexually active women; vaccine n=9319, control=9325). Vaccine
      efficacy was evaluated against 6-month persistent infection, cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN2+) associated with 12 non
      vaccine HPV types (individually or as composite endpoints), and CIN3+ associated
      with the composite of 12 non-vaccine HPV types. This study is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00122681. FINDINGS: Consistent vaccine efficacy
      against persistent infection and CIN2+ (with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection)
      was seen across cohorts for HPV-33, HPV-31, HPV-45, and HPV-51. In the most
      conservative analysis of vaccine efficacy against CIN2+, where all cases co
      infected with HPV-16/18 were removed, vaccine efficacy was noted for HPV-33 in
      all cohorts, and for HPV-31 in the ATP-E and TVC-naive. Vaccine efficacy against
      CIN2+ associated with the composite of 12 non-vaccine HPV types (31, 33, 35, 39,
      45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68), with or without HPV-16/18 co-infection, was
      46.8% (95% CI 30.7-59.4) in the ATP-E, 56.2% (37.2-69.9) in the TVC-naive, and
      34.2% (20.4-45.8) in the TVC. Corresponding values for CIN3+ were 73.8% (48.3
      87.9), 91.4% (65.0-99.0), and 47.5% (22.8-64.8). INTERPRETATION: Data from the
      end-of-study analysis of PATRICIA show cross-protective efficacy of the HPV-16/18
      vaccine against four oncogenic non-vaccine HPV types-HPV-33, HPV-31, HPV-45, and
      HPV-51-in different trial cohorts representing diverse groups of women. FUNDING:
      GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.

PMID- 22075171
TI  - Overall efficacy of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against grade 3 or greater
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: 4-year end-of-study analysis of the
      randomised, double-blind PATRICIA trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN2+) is the
      surrogate endpoint used in licensure trials of human papillomavirus (HPV)
      vaccines. Vaccine efficacy against CIN3+, the immediate precursor to invasive
      cervical cancer, is more difficult to measure because of its lower incidence, but
      provides the most stringent evidence of potential cancer prevention. We report
      vaccine efficacy against CIN3+ and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) in the end-of
      study analysis of PATRICIA (PApilloma TRIal against Cancer In young Adults).
      METHODS: Healthy women aged 15-25 years with no more than six lifetime sexual
      partners were included in PATRICIA, irrespective of their baseline HPV DNA
      status, HPV-16 or HPV-18 serostatus, or cytology. Women were randomly assigned
      (1:1) to receive an HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine or a control hepatitis A
      vaccine via an internet-based central randomisation system using a minimisation
      algorithm to account for age ranges and study sites. The patients and study
      investigators were masked to allocated vaccine. The primary endpoint of PATRICIA
      has been reported previously. In the present end-of-study analysis, we focus on
      CIN3+ and AIS in the populations of most clinical interest, the total vaccinated
      cohort (TVC) and the TVC-naive. The TVC comprised all women who received at least
      one vaccine dose, approximating catch-up populations and including sexually
      active women (vaccine n=9319; control=9325). The TVC-naive comprised women with
      no evidence of oncogenic HPV infection at baseline, approximating early
      adolescent HPV exposure (vaccine n=5824; control=5820). This study is registered
      with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00122681. FINDINGS: Vaccine efficacy against
      CIN3+ associated with HPV-16/18 was 100% (95% CI 85.5-100) in the TVC-naive and
      45.7% (22.9-62.2) in the TVC. Vaccine efficacy against all CIN3+ (irrespective of
      HPV type in the lesion and including lesions with no HPV DNA detected) was 93.2%
      (78.9-98.7) in the TVC-naive and 45.6% (28.8-58.7) in the TVC. In the TVC-naive,
      vaccine efficacy against all CIN3+ was higher than 90% in all age groups. In the
      TVC, vaccine efficacy against all CIN3+ and CIN3+ associated with HPV-16/18 was
      highest in the 15-17 year age group and progressively decreased in the 18-20 year
      and 21-25 year age groups. Vaccine efficacy against all AIS was 100% (31.0-100)
      and 76.9% (16.0-95.8) in the TVC-naive and TVC, respectively. Serious adverse
      events occurred in 835 (9.0%) and 829 (8.9%) women in the vaccine and control
      groups, respectively; only ten events (0.1%) and five events (0.1%),
      respectively, were considered to be related to vaccination. INTERPRETATION:
      PATRICIA end-of-study results show excellent vaccine efficacy against CIN3+ and
      AIS irrespective of HPV DNA in the lesion. Population-based vaccination that
      incorporates the HPV-16/18 vaccine and high coverage of early adolescents might
      have the potential to substantially reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
      FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.

PMID- 22075177
TI  - Lichenoid skin lesions.

PMID- 22075179
TI  - Glutamatergic mechanisms in the dyskinesias induced by pharmacological dopamine
      replacement and deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Dyskinesias represent a major complication of dopamine replacement therapy in
      Parkinson's disease (PD) and have prompted a search for alternative treatments.
      The most radical advances in this field have been provided by surgical
      manipulations of the deep basal ganglia nuclei, and particularly by deep brain
      stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Although being very
      effective, high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the STN is a poorly understood
      treatment. Besides its anti-akinetic activity, it can be pro-dyskinetic above a
      certain stimulation intensity. Accumulating evidence indicates that dyskinesias
      induced by STN-HFS and dopamine replacement therapy are linked to dysregulation
      of glutamate transmission in the basal ganglia. In rat models of PD, both types
      of dyskinesia are associated with increased concentrations of extracellular
      glutamate and altered expression of glutamate transporters in the substantia
      nigra pars reticulata and the striatum. Furthermore, a vast and ever growing
      literature has revealed changes in the expression, phosphorylation state, and/or
      subcellular distribution of specific subtypes of glutamate receptors in these
      dyskinetic conditions. Both types of dyskinesias are linked to an increased
      phosphorylation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in critical basal ganglia
      circuits. We conclude that disruption of glutamate homeostasis and activation of
      perisynaptic and extra-synaptic glutamate receptors are an important
      pathophysiological component of these treatment-induced dyskinesias in PD. These
      findings lay the ground for therapeutic development initiatives targeting
      dysfunctional components of glutamate transmission in the basal ganglia.

PMID- 22075180
TI  - Platelet-leukocyte interactions in thrombosis.
AB  - Activated platelets may adhere to leukocytes and form circulating mixed
      aggregates. The latter are considered a reliable marker of a prothrombotic state
      and are associated with several cardiovascular conditions. The molecular
      mechanisms responsible of this cellular interaction include a central role of
      platelet P-selectin and of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), its counter
      receptor on leukocytes in a signaling cascade, resulting in the activation of the
      beta-2 integrin Mac-1 and in the firm adhesion between the two cell types. The
      interaction of P-selectin with PSGL-1 also induces upregulation of leukocyte
      tissue factor, biosynthesis of several cytokines and other inflammatory
      reactions, thereby contributing to the thrombotic progression. In this review the
      main determinants of mixed aggregate formation, the heritability component, the
      major pathological conditions associated with higher levels of mixed aggregates
      in the circulation will be discussed. Besides current anti-platelet or
      antithrombotic drugs, natural compounds, such as the polyphenols present in
      vegetable foods and red wine, have been tested for their inhibitory effect on
      mixed aggregate formation. The promising results shown by studies in vitro and in
      experimental animal models, remain to be carefully investigated in humans.
      Platelet-leukocyte aggregates provide a novel link between inflammation and
      thrombosis, two central processes in atherogenesis. A better understanding of the
      role of platelet-leukocyte interactions in athero-thrombosis will be instrumental
      for the progress of prevention and treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22075181
TI  - Parkinson's disease and pathological oscillatory activity: is the beta band the
      bad guy? - New lessons learned from low-frequency deep brain stimulation.
AB  - A number of studies have identified pathological neural oscillations in
      Parkinson's disease and it is widely agreed that these excessive synchronizations
      are linked to the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is
      still under debate if there exists a single frequency having a critical negative
      influence on PD symptoms and what this frequency might be. To provide
      experimental evidence for a causal link between beta oscillations and
      bradykinesia, C. C. Chen and coauthors stimulated patients with Parkinson's
      disease with different low frequencies while the patients were performing a grip
      force task [C. C. Chen, W. Y. Lin, H.L. Chan, Y.T. Hsu, P.H. Tu, S.T. Lee, S.M.
      Chiou, C.H. Tsai, C.S. Lu, P. Brown: Stimulation of the subthalamic region at 20
      Hz slows the development of grip force in Parkinson's disease, Exp. Neurology,
      2011]. In their study the authors could demonstrate a 15% slowing in the grip
      force task during 20 Hz stimulation, but not during stimulation with other
      frequencies. The finding of 20 Hz being the driving pathological frequency
      contrasts with previous studies using e.g. finger tapping, where 5 and 10 Hz had
      the largest influence. Thus, this study provides evidence that there is no single
      pathological oscillation frequency that is responsible for all Parkinsonian
      symptoms. Instead, the results indicate that the modulation of very specific
      frequencies leads to changes in specific performance parameters evaluated in
      particular tasks. In this respect, this study also provides more physiological
      evidence on the involvement of the STN in dynamic force production. Taken
      together, the study adds a further piece to the puzzle of understanding the
      pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and the mechanisms of deep brain
      stimulation.

PMID- 22075182
TI  - The systems biology of neurofibromatosis type 1--critical roles for microRNA.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common inherited neurological
      disorders with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The causative gene for
      NF1 encodes a multi-domain protein, neurofibromin, which interacts with RAS
      through its RAS-GAP domain. Dysfunction of neurofibromin results in abnormal RAS
      activation in the cells which has been thought to be the main process in the
      initiation and progression of NF1. Based on this hypothesis, inhibitors for
      various RAS mediated signaling pathways are in different stages of clinical
      trials to treat NF1 or NF1-associated symptoms. While the molecular genetics of
      NF1 has made significant progress in recent years, the underlying etiology and
      progression of NF1 are yet to be fully understood. Besides review and
      summarization of the latest results of genetic, transcriptomic and microRNA
      studies associated with NF1, we conducted limited post-hoc analysis to illustrate
      the importance of using integrated systems biology approach to study complex
      diseases like NF1.

PMID- 22075183
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22075185
TI  - Challenges of supplementary treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22075184
TI  - A perfusion-metabolic mismatch in Sturge-Weber syndrome: a multimodality imaging
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We combined perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) with 2-deoxy
      2[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to study the
      relationship between regional metabolic and perfusion abnormalities and their
      clinical correlates in children with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). METHODS:
      Fifteen children (age: 0.9-10 years) with unilateral SWS underwent high
      resolution PWI and FDG PET prospectively. Regional (lobar) asymmetry indices
      (AIs) of subcortical white matter (WM) cerebral blood flow (CBF) were correlated
      with corresponding cortical FDG uptake asymmetries, extent of leptomeningeal
      vascular malformation and clinical seizure variables. RESULTS: Abnormal cortical
      glucose metabolism and/or subcortical WM CBF were seen in all lobes affected by
      vascular malformation and extended to lobes not affected by abnormal pial vessels
      in 6 patients. Lower CBF was associated with lower cortical glucose metabolism in
      the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes (p<=0.02). While decreased perfusion
      was associated with hypometabolism in most cases, increased regional CBF (found
      in 6 patients) was commonly associated with relatively mild or no hypometabolism.
      Ten of 24 cerebral lobes with normal glucose metabolism in the affected
      hemisphere showed abnormal perfusion. High seizure frequency was associated with
      severe parieto-occipital hypoperfusion (p<=0.03), while long duration of epilepsy
      was related to frontal lobe hypometabolism (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Regional
      perfusion and cortical metabolic abnormalities can extend beyond lobes affected
      by leptomeningeal vascular malformations and are related to epilepsy in SWS.
      Despite a general correlation between perfusion and metabolism, increased WM
      perfusion with preserved cortical metabolism in overlying cortex is a common
      pattern of a perfusion/metabolic mismatch. This may represent a disease stage
      where cortical function is preserved while increased WM perfusion provides
      collateral drainage of cortex via the deep vein system.

PMID- 22075186
TI  - Transcriptional analysis of human papillomavirus type 16 in histological sections
      of cervical dysplasia by in situ hybridisation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HPV-16 virus is well described as a causative agent in cervical
      cancer. AIMS: To individually analyse the transcription profile of the HPV-16
      viral genes in patient biopsies of varying grades of cervical dysplasia by a
      chromogenic in situ hybridisation technique. METHODS: 19 formalin fixed, paraffin
      embedded (FFPE) biopsies of cervical dysplasia were analysed by a chromogenic in
      situ hybridisation protocol using novel long single stranded digoxigenin labelled
      DNA probes targeted to the individual HPV-16 gene RNAs. RESULTS: A transcription
      pattern for all the HPV-16 genes that is always conserved to the upper
      intermediate and superficial layers of the cervical epithelium and is independent
      of the level of dysplasia is described. E1 and E6 transcripts were found to
      express with a uniquely nuclear localisation; all other transcripts had both
      nuclear and cytoplasmic localisation. E5 oncogene transcripts were abundant in
      all cases, being equal to or greater than E7. Deep investigation of the E2 RNA
      transcript showed a potential alternative transcript with a possible novel start
      codon. CONCLUSIONS: This data represents new information on HPV-16 viral
      transcription events that bring into question some of the current beliefs on the
      mechanism of HPV-16 infection in the progression to cervical cancer. Results
      support high expression of the E5 and E7 oncogenes in cervical dysplasias
      infected by HPV-16 in contrast to the low levels identified for the E6 oncogene
      and a possible alternative transcript for the E2 gene. The diagnostic utility of
      the detection of HPV-16 RNA transcripts is becoming more apparent and a renewed
      look at their in situ localisation in cervical biopsies could be beneficial.

PMID- 22075187
TI  - Validity of internal expression of the major histocompatibility complex class I
      in the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The inflammatory myopathies (IMs) are a group of disorders
      characterised by weakness and inflammation of the skeletal muscles. Muscle biopsy
      is the most crucial test to confirm the clinical diagnosis, but also the most
      common cause of misdiagnosis. There are currently no markers specific or
      sensitive enough to distinguish IMs from other diseases with similar clinical and
      morphological features, and an international multidisciplinary effort is under
      way to develop new classification criteria for IMs. METHODS: Standards for
      Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy recommendations to validate a diagnostic test
      based on the quantification of internal major histocompatibility complex class I
      (MHC-I) positive fibres were adopted. MHC-I immunostained specimens from 64
      patients were scored by two independent blinded investigators, and the percentage
      of positive fibres was determined. Agreement between investigators was evaluated
      with the k-weighted statistic. The receiver operating characteristic curve, area
      under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive
      values of each percentage range of positive fibres versus the diagnosis of IM
      were calculated. RESULTS: The main difference between IM and non-inflammatory
      samples was the number of internal MHC-I positive fibres. The k-weighted value
      was 0.89 for a percentage of MHC-I positive fibres above 50%; the positive
      predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 94%.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on the validity of a quantitative analysis
      of internal MHC-I positive fibres for an IM diagnosis performed according to
      Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy recommendations. The interobserver
      agreement was almost perfect, thus making the method reproducible. Applying an
      MHC-I cut-off above 50% is an optimal marker for polymyositis (PM) and
      dermatomyositis (DM) diagnosis.

PMID- 22075188
TI  - Pathology of primary and metastatic mucinous ovarian neoplasms.
AB  - Recent years have seen a dramatic change in the pathological approach to ovarian
      mucinous neoplasms. A substantial proportion of tumours previously considered to
      be ovarian primaries actually represent secondary ovarian involvement by tumours
      elsewhere in the body. Two major categories of tumour have completely disappeared
      from the diagnostic spectrum: ovarian 'borderline' mucinous tumour associated
      with pseudomyxoma peritonei, and widely disseminated mucinous carcinomas. The
      emergent picture of true ovarian primary carcinoma of pure mucinous morphology is
      that this is a rare malignancy that is low grade and low stage at presentation in
      the vast majority of cases, with a very low likelihood of aggressive clinical
      behaviour. A large volume of literature has appeared concerning the pathological
      distinction of primary from metastatic ovarian mucinous neoplasms in view of the
      dramatically different prognosis and treacherously similar morphology.
      Clinicopathological parameters useful in the distinction of primary from
      metastatic mucinous ovarian carcinomas are reviewed. Major features favouring
      metastases are bilaterality, size <10 cm, surface involvement, extensive intra
      abdominal spread and an extensive infiltrative pattern with desmoplasia. Two
      morphological patterns essentially exclude ovarian origin: colloid and signet
      ring carcinomas. Features favouring primary ovarian origin are unilaterality,
      large size >12 cm, smooth external surface and association with other ovarian
      pathology. An admixture of benign, borderline and malignant patterns in the same
      tumour favour primary origin, but can be misleading as a 'maturation' pattern in
      metastases can result in the same appearance.

PMID- 22075189
TI  - [Role of angioplasty in the treatment of renal artery stenosis].
AB  - Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is frequent and is associated with a high
      incidence of morbidity and mortality, with a strong correlation with coronary
      artery disease, (Kalra et al., 2005; Cheung et al., 2002; Guo et al., 2007 [1
      3]). The atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is an independent predictive
      factor of death (Conlon et al., 1998 [4]). The treatment of this lesion does not
      have strong evidence. A lot of studies in this area suggest the angioplasty is
      superior in a big majority between surgery, and angioplasty with stent is
      superior between balloon angioplasty, but some studies fail to prove the
      superiority of angioplasty versus medical treatment. These studies have sadly a
      lot of mistakes and nowadays we don't know what is the treatment for our patients
      in a lot of cases. The angioplasty is indicated when there is a failure of
      antihypertensive medications for control of blood pressure, when it is associated
      with a renal insufficiency quickly progressive or when there is a lesion on each
      renal artery. Other studies must be organized for prove the superiority of
      angioplasty when there is a real stenosis, maybe with the use of fractional flow
      reserve.

PMID- 22075190
TI  - [Successes and complications of angioplasty in chronic occlusive coronary
      disease].
AB  - In the hands of experienced operators, the rate of success of percutaneous
      coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion lesion is about 85%. Major
      cardiac events rate is about 2%. A length of the occluded site more than 20mm,
      severe calcifications, major tortuosity, blunt stump and a previous attempt by
      anterograde approach are predictors of procedural failure, previous CABG, distal
      vessel disease, occlusion duration have been involved too. Operator's experience
      is one of the major success component, especially his ability to perform
      retrograde approach. According to EuroCTO club recommendations, performing a
      minimum number of case to maintain competency seems to be very important.

PMID- 22075191
TI  - [Mortality of myocardial infarction].
AB  - Coronary disease is a major cause of death and disability. From 1975 to 2000,
      coronary mortality was reduced by half. Better treatments and reduction of risk
      factors are the main causes. This phenomenon is observed in most developed
      countries, but mortality from coronary heart disease continues to increase in
      developing countries. In-hospital mortality of ST elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) is in the range of 7 to 10% in registries. In infarction without ST
      segment elevation (NSTEMI), in-hospital mortality is around 5%. More recent
      studies found a similar in-hospital mortality for STEMI and NSTEMI. Because of
      patient selection and monitoring, mortality in clinical trials is much lower.
      After adjustment for the extent of coronary disease, age, risk factors, history
      of myocardial infarction, the excess mortality observed in women is fading. Many
      clinical, biological and laboratory parameters are associated with mortality in
      myocardial infarction. They refer to the immediate risk of death (ventricular
      rhythm disturbances, shock...), the extent of infarction (number of leads with ST
      elevation on the ECG, release of biomarkers, ejection fraction...), the presence
      of heart failure, the failure of reperfusion and the patient's baseline risk
      (age, renal function...). Risk scores, and more specifically the GRACE risk
      score, synthesize these different markers to predict the risk of death in a given
      patient. However, their use for the treatment of myocardial only concerns NSTEMI.
      Only a limited number of mechanical or pharmacological interventions reduces
      mortality of heart attack. The main benefits are observed with reperfusion by
      thrombolysis or primary angioplasty in STEMI, aspirin, heparin, beta-blockers,
      angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Some medications such as bivalirudin
      and fondaparinux reduce mortality by decreasing the incidence of hemorrhagic
      complications. The guidelines classify interventions according to their benefit
      and especially their ability to reduce mortality. Organized care systems that
      improve implementation of guidelines also reduce mortality. Finally, some new
      therapeutic approaches such as post-conditioning and new therapeutic classes
      offer encouraging prospects for further reducing the mortality of myocardial
      infarction.

PMID- 22075192
TI  - Guidewire biliary cannulation does not reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis compared
      with the contrast injection technique in low-risk and high-risk patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidewire (GW) cannulation can reduce the risk of post-ERCP
      pancreatitis (PEP) by avoiding the opacification of the main pancreatic duct.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of conventional contrast ERCP and GW
      cannulation of the common bile duct on the rate of PEP in low- and high-risk
      patients. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative-intervention single-center study.
      SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with biliary disease with
      an intact papilla were prospectively examined by ERCP. INTERVENTIONS: Biliary
      cannulation using a sphincterotome with contrast injection (ConI) or a
      hydrophilic GW without contrast injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:
      Pancreatitis rate in the GW group and the contrast injection (ConI) group.
      RESULTS: PEP occurred in 60 of 1249 patients (4.8%), 35 of 678 (5.2%) in the GW
      group and 25 of 571 (4.4%) in the ConI group (not significant). The overall rate
      of PEP was significantly higher in high-risk patients (12.2%) than in low-risk
      patients (3.5%) (P < .001), but was similar for the 2 techniques within each of
      these 2 groups. In patients with unintended main pancreatic duct (MPD)
      cannulation or opacification, the rate of PEP was not significantly different
      with the GW (15.2%) and ConI (8.4%) techniques but was associated with a
      significantly higher rate of pancreatitis (11.9%) than in patients in whom the
      contrast medium or GW did not enter the MPD (3.5%) (P < .001). Multivariate
      analysis indicated that more than 10 papillary cannulation attempts, MPD
      cannulation or opacification, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and precut
      methods were significant risk factors independently associated with PEP.
      LIMITATIONS: Lack of randomization. CONCLUSIONS: For selective cannulation of the
      CBD, the risk of inducing PEP is similar with the ConI and GW techniques in high
      risk and low-risk patients. Any manipulation of the MPD must be considered a high
      risk factor for PEP, such as multiple attempts on the papilla or use of the
      precut method.

PMID- 22075193
TI  - A kinematic method for footstrike pattern detection in barefoot and shod runners.
AB  - Footstrike patterns during running can be classified discretely into a rearfoot
      strike, midfoot strike and forefoot strike by visual observation. However, the
      footstrike pattern can also be classified on a continuum, ranging from 0% to 100%
      (extreme rearfoot to extreme forefoot) using the strike index, a measure
      requiring force plate data. When force data are not available, an alternative
      method to quantify the strike pattern must be used. The purpose of this paper was
      to quantify the continuum of foot strike patterns using an easily attainable
      kinematic measure, and compare it to the strike index measure. Force and
      kinematic data from twenty subjects were collected as they ran across an embedded
      force plate. Strike index and the footstrike angle were identified for the four
      running conditions of rearfoot strike, midfoot strike and forefoot strike, as
      well as barefoot. The footstrike angle was calculated as the angle of the foot
      with respect to the ground in the sagittal plane. Results indicated that the
      footstrike angle was significantly correlated with strike index. The linear
      regression model suggested that strike index can be accurately estimated, in both
      barefoot and shod conditions, in the absence of force data.

PMID- 22075194
TI  - Rheumatic manifestations of cancer.
AB  - Taken together, the wide range of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions that
      can appear in association with cancer emphasizes that rheumatic disease is a
      major component of the spectrum of paraneoplastic manifestations. Although the
      pathogenetic mechanisms by which neoplasia causes these manifestations are only
      partially understood in select cases, it appears that many result from immune
      mediated effects stimulated by tumor antigens of endocrine factors produced by
      tumors. The broad overlap in signs and symptoms of occult malignancy and systemic
      rheumatic disease, as well as the occurrence of distinct localized and systemic
      musculoskeletal and rheumatic syndromes in the presence of cancer, emphasizes the
      importance of considering and investigating the possibility of occult malignancy
      in the evaluation of patients with these symptoms. This is particularly important
      in older patients, those with atypical rheumatic disease, and those who do not
      respond appropriately to conventional immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 22075196
TI  - Rheumatic manifestations of primary and metastatic bone tumors and paraneoplastic
      bone disease.
AB  - Bone tumors can show a wide range of nonspecific rheumatic manifestations. The
      presence of unexplained or atypical chronic bone pain, an enlarging bone mass,
      neurovascular compression syndromes, or pathologic fractures should alert us to
      the possibility of a bone tumor causing these symptoms. These patients must
      undergo a complete physical examination; adequate imaging; and, if needed, a
      biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and offer them an opportune treatment. In
      addition, bone tumors and other malignancies can present remote clinical
      manifestations and unusual laboratory findings (eg, HOA, hypophosphatemia,
      hyperphosphaturia, and hypercalcemia) that may be the first and early
      manifestation of an occult cancer. These findings should motivate a cancer
      screening according to age, sex, and personal history. Cancer therapies also have
      a big impact on bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, osteomalacia,
      and/or osteonecrosis. Rheumatologists should be aware of possible long-term
      adverse events of cancer treatment to avoid future complications.

PMID- 22075195
TI  - Serologic laboratory findings in malignancy.
AB  - Autoantibodies are extremely promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of
      cancer, and have the potential to promote early diagnosis and to make a large
      impact by improving patient outcome and decreasing mortality. Moreover,
      autoantibodies may be useful reagents in the identification of subjects at risk
      for cancer, bearing premalignant tissue changes. Great efforts are being made in
      many laboratories to validate diagnostic panels of autoantibodies with high
      sensitivity and specificity that could be useful in a clinical setting. It is
      likely that prospective studies of sufficiently large cohorts of patients and
      controls using high-throughput technology may allow the identification of
      biomarkers with diagnostic significance, and perhaps of discrete antigen
      phenotypes with clinical significance. The identification of TAAs may also be
      essential for the development of anticancer vaccines, because autoantibodies
      found in cancer sera target molecules involved in signal transduction, cell-cycle
      regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, playing important roles in
      carcinogenesis. On this basis, molecular studies of antigenantibody systems in
      cancer promise to yield valuable information on the carcinogenic process. TAAs
      identified by serum antibodies in cancer sera can be natural immunogenic
      molecules, useful as targets for cancer immunotherapy. An important problem
      encountered in the practice of medicine is the identification of healthy
      individuals in the general population who unknowingly are at high risk of
      developing cancer. For the rheumatologist, a related problem is the
      identification of those patients with rheumatic diseases who are at high risk for
      developing a malignant process. These problems encountered in the fields of
      cancer and the rheumatic diseases can in the future be helped by new diagnostic
      instruments based on antibodies. The need for promoting the early diagnosis of
      cancer is a recognized major public health problem in need of significant
      research support for the validation of multiple promising but inconclusive
      studies, with the intention of producing diagnostic panels of autoantibodies in
      various types of cancers. Cancer developing in patients with rheumatic diseases
      is also an important problem requiring prospective longterm follow-up studies of
      patients with rheumatic diseases, particularly because some of the new biologic
      therapies seem to increase the cancer risk. It is possible that a panel of
      autoantibodies common to patients with cancer and the rheumatic diseases may
      prove to be of value in the identification of those patients with ADs at high
      risk for neoplasms.

PMID- 22075197
TI  - Neoplastic and paraneoplastic synovitis.
AB  - Arthritis is a common finding in patients who have cancer. In this population, it
      is crucial to rule out septic arthritis and metastatic synovitis. Culture,
      crystallography, (table see text) and cytology of synovial fluid are useful
      initial diagnostics tools. If all are negative, histopathology of synovial tissue
      should be considered. Crystal synovitis is another frequent cause of arthritis in
      patients who have cancer, but it can also coexist with other conditions such as
      septic arthritis. Independent rheumatic disorders, drug-induced arthritis, and
      paraneoplastic syndromes should be considered after the exclusion of sepsis and
      metastatic disease. The diagnosis of a paraneoplastic syndrome is easier when the
      malignancy is evident or typical findings such as HOA or palmar fasciitis are
      present. However, these paraneoplastic phenomena can occur before the cancer
      diagnosis, and it is important to be aware of the association of these conditions
      with an underlying tumor. Rheumatic disorders with atypical clinical presentation
      in older patients, poor response to usual treatment, systemic features such as
      weight loss, and clinical findings compatible with well recognized paraneoplastic
      syndromes should alert clinicians to the possible coexistence of an occult
      malignancy.

PMID- 22075198
TI  - Neoplastic/paraneoplastic dermatitis, fasciitis, and panniculitis.
AB  - The skin changes outlined in this article can be important clues to an underlying
      malignancy. Paraneoplastic dermatoses are skin disorders associated with an
      underlying neoplasm and whose course parallels that of the neoplasm. Recognizing
      these skin presentations leads to early diagnosis and management of the
      underlying malignancy. Effective treatment of the associated neoplasm often leads
      to improvement of the cutaneous manifestations and should be the primary focus of
      each patient's management.

PMID- 22075199
TI  - Neoplastic and paraneoplastic vasculitis, vasculopathy, and hypercoagulability.
AB  - It is essential to be aware of both neoplastic and paraneoplastic vasculitides,
      vasculopathy, and hypercoagulability, considering the importance of an accurate
      diagnosis and timely treatment of the underlying malignancy. Characteristics such
      as the type of vasculitis, age, gender, atypical presentation, and lack of
      response to common therapies should prompt investigation for an occult
      malignancy, whereas vasculitis such as GPA require due malignancy vigilance given
      a significantly increased risk of malignancy at the time of diagnosis and in the
      following years. Vasculopathies are rarer than vasculitides, but are associated
      with specific malignancies and, in the context of such malignancies, should be
      kept in mind. Hypercoagulability is a well-documented neoplastic phenomenon with
      an increased risk of thrombosis in the setting of positive aPLs. Most neoplastic
      and paraneoplastic vascular syndromes require no specific treatment outside of
      treatment of the underlying malignancy. The two key exceptions are PACNS, because
      of its poor prognosis, and erythromelalgia, in which aspirin is an effective
      agent.

PMID- 22075200
TI  - Paraneoplastic myalgias and myositis.
AB  - There are several key observations on paraneoplastic myopathies: The risk of
      cancer associated with DM is very high, whereas risk of cancer associated with PM
      is mildly increased Most cancers develop within one year of the onset of
      myositis, although the risk remains high up to 5 years after diagnosis. The most
      common cancers associated with DM are adenocarcinoma, including lung, ovary,
      cervical, stomach, pancreas, colorectal and lymphoma, whereas PM is associated
      with a high risk of lymphoma. The clinical course of myopathy is closely linked
      with the course of cancer. Certain clinical features are associated with CAM
      including severe treatment resistant skin manifestations, severe muscle weakness,
      respiratory muscle weakness, and dysphagia, while some clinical features are
      protective such as arthritis, Raynaud, and ILD. Screening should be based on age,
      gender, ethnicity, and the geographic area of the patient; however, certain high
      risk patients may require more extensive screening including tumor markers and
      thoracoabdominal-pelvic CT scans. Certain autoantibodies including anti-p155 and
      the absence of more common autoantibodies are associated with a higher risk of
      CAM, while the presence of antisynthetase autoantibodies lowers the risk for CAM.
      Although the pathogenesis of CAM is unclear, a plausible hypothesis is that
      immune responses generated against antigens commonly targeted in myositis are
      related to antitumor responses in affected individuals.

PMID- 22075201
TI  - Neoplasm mimics of rheumatologic presentations: sialadenitis, ocular masquerade
      syndromes, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and regional pain syndromes.
AB  - IgG4-RSD should be suspected in any patient presenting with lacrimal or salivary
      gland enlargement, particularly if male and manifesting mild glandular
      dysfunction. A serum IgG4 level, if increased, may be helpful, although a gland
      biopsy staining for IgG4-positive plasma cells is the definitive test. Primary
      low-grade B cell lymphomas of the glandular tissue, specifically MALT lymphoma
      and other glandular malignancy, should be considered, particularly in patients
      with asymmetric glandular enlargement. Patients with idiopathic uveitis should
      have a thorough evaluation to exclude malignancy, in particular PIOL and melanoma
      in adults, and diffuse retinoblastoma and ALL in children. RF remains a
      diagnostic challenge and atypical features such as outward displacement of the
      retroperitoneal structures should raise the suspicion for a malignant
      infiltrative process. CRPS rarely may be the first presentation of an occult
      malignancy and requires a thorough review of age-appropriate cancer screening.
      Carpal tunnel syndrome, if bilateral or associated with other systemic features,
      should prompt a search for amyloidosis.

PMID- 22075202
TI  - Paraneoplastic and cancer treatment-related rheumatic disorders.

PMID- 22075204
TI  - Alexithymia in relation to parental alcoholism, everyday frontal lobe functioning
      and alcohol consumption in a non-clinical sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that 45-67% of those in treatment for
      alcohol use disorders suffer from alexithymia, a multifaceted personality trait
      characterized by difficulties identifying and describing emotions and an
      externally oriented cognitive style. The high reported prevalence rates of
      alexithymia among those with alcohol dependence led to speculation that
      alexithymia is a personality dimension that may predispose to risky or
      problematic alcohol use. METHODS: This notion was examined in 314 adult
      volunteers (54% female) aged 18-45 years (M=27.6 years), all of whom reported at
      least occasional alcohol consumption, who completed online surveys assessing
      alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale, or TAS-20), parental alcoholism (Children
      of Alcoholics Screening Test, or CAST), everyday signs of frontal lobe
      dysfunction (Frontal Systems Behavior Scale, or FrSBe) and risky alcohol use
      (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, or AUDIT). RESULTS: TAS-20 scores
      were positively correlated with the index of parental alcoholism CAST, index of
      frontal lobe dysfunction FrSBe and measure of alcohol-related problems AUDIT. Chi
      square test showed an association between TAS-20-defined alexithymia and being
      the offspring of an alcoholic parent as defined by CAST. Regression analysis
      showed that frontal lobe dysfunction (FrSBe) mediated the relationship between
      alexithymia (TAS-20 total score) and risky alcohol use (AUDIT). CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings suggest that alexithymia is related to deficiencies in frontal lobe
      functioning that may reflect a heritable predisposition to alcohol problems.

PMID- 22075206
TI  - Intracellular metabolic pathways control immune tolerance.
AB  - Disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes have been linked to immune
      dysfunction, raising the possibility that metabolic alterations can be induced by
      or be a consequence of alterations in immunological tolerance. Here, we describe
      how intracellular metabolic signalling pathways can 'sense' host
      energy/nutritional status, and in response, modulate regulatory T (Treg) cell
      function. In particular, we focus on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      signalling, and how stimuli such as nutrients and leptin activate mTOR in an
      oscillatory manner to determine Treg cell proliferation status. We propose that
      metabolic changes such as nutritional deprivation or overload could dictate the
      characteristics of the Treg cell compartment and subsequent downstream immune
      reactions.

PMID- 22075205
TI  - Regulation of endocannabinoid release by G proteins: a paracrine mechanism of G
      protein-coupled receptor action.
AB  - In the past years, the relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and
      other hormonal and neuromodulatory systems has been intensively studied. G
      protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can stimulate endocannabinoid (eCB) production
      via activation of G(q/11) proteins and, in some cases, G(s) proteins. In this
      review, we summarize the pathways through which GPCR activation can trigger eCB
      release, as well as the best known examples of this process throughout the body
      tissues. Angiotensin II-induced activation of AT(1) receptors, similar to other
      G(q/11)-coupled receptors, can lead to the formation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2
      AG), an important eCB. The importance of eCB formation in angiotensin II action
      is supported by the finding that the hypertensive effect of angiotensin II,
      injected directly into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of anaesthetized
      rats, can be abolished by AM251, an inverse agonist of CB(1) cannabinoid
      receptors (CB(1)Rs). We conclude that activation of the ECS should be considered
      as a general consequence of the stimulation of G(q/11)-coupled receptors, and may
      mediate some of the physiological effects of GPCRs.

PMID- 22075207
TI  - E4BP4: an unexpected player in the immune response.
AB  - Until recently, the basic leucine zipper transcription factor E4BP4 (also known
      as NFIL3) was of little interest to immunologists, being best known for its role
      in regulating circadian rhythm in chick pineal gland. However, characterisation
      of E4bp4(-/-) mice, independently generated in four different laboratories, has
      revealed roles for E4BP4 in diverse haematopoietic lineages. E4BP4 is essential
      for the development of NK cells and CD8alpha(+) conventional dendritic cells, and
      is also involved in macrophage activation, polarisation of CD4(+) T cell
      responses and B cell class switching to IgE. Here, we discuss the role of E4BP4
      as a regulator of the immune response and highlight future questions for the
      field.

PMID- 22075209
TI  - Determinants of relative skeletal maturity in South African children.
AB  - The variation of skeletal maturity about chronological age is a sensitive
      indicator of population health. Age appropriate or advanced skeletal maturity is
      a reflection of adequate environmental and social conditions, whereas delayed
      maturation suggests inadequate conditions for optimal development. There remains
      a paucity of data, however, to indicate which specific biological and
      environmental factors are associated with advancement or delay in skeletal
      maturity. The present study utilises longitudinal data from the South African
      Birth to Twenty (Bt20) study to indentify predictors of relative skeletal
      maturity (RSM) in early adolescence. A total of 244 black South African children
      (n=131 male) were included in this analysis. Skeletal maturity at age 9/10 years
      was assessed using the Tanner and Whitehouse III RUS technique. Longitudinal data
      on growth, socio-economic position and pubertal development were entered into sex
      specific multivariable general linear regression models with relative skeletal
      maturity (skeletal age-chronological age) as the outcome. At 9/10 years of age
      males showed an average of 0.66 years delay in skeletal maturation relative to
      chronological age. Females showed an average of 1.00 year delay relative to
      chronological age. In males, being taller at 2 years (p<0.01) and heavier at 2
      years (p<0.01) predicted less delay in RSM at age 9/10 years, independent of
      current size and body composition. In females, both height at 2 years and
      conditional weight at 2 years predicted less delay in RSM at 9/10 years (p<0.05)
      but this effect was mediated by current body composition. Having greater lean
      mass at 9/10 years was associated with less delayed RSM in females (p<0.01) as
      was pubertal status at the time of skeletal maturity assessment (p<0.01). This
      study identifies several predictors of skeletal maturation at 9/10 years,
      indicating a role for early life exposures in determining the rate of skeletal
      maturation during childhood independently of current stature.

PMID- 22075208
TI  - Sost downregulation and local Wnt signaling are required for the osteogenic
      response to mechanical loading.
AB  - Sclerostin, the Wnt signaling antagonist encoded by the Sost gene, is secreted by
      osteocytes and inhibits bone formation by osteoblasts. Mechanical stimulation
      reduces sclerostin expression, suggesting that osteocytes might coordinate the
      osteogenic response to mechanical force by locally unleashing Wnt signaling. To
      investigate whether sclerostin downregulation is a pre-requisite for load-induced
      bone formation, we conducted experiments in transgenic mice (TG) engineered to
      maintain high levels of SOST expression during mechanical loading. This was
      accomplished by introducing a human SOST transgene driven by the 8 kb fragment of
      the DMP1 promoter that also provided osteocyte specificity of the transgene.
      Right ulnae were subjected to in vivo cyclic axial loading at equivalent strains
      for 1 min/day at 2 Hz; left ulnae served as internal controls. Endogenous murine
      Sost mRNA expression measured 24 h after 1 loading bout was decreased by about
      50% in TG and wild type (WT) littermates. In contrast, human SOST, only expressed
      in TG mice, remained high after loading. Mice were loaded on 3 consecutive days
      and bone formation was quantified 16 days after initiation of loading. Periosteal
      bone formation in control ulnae was similar in WT and TG mice. Loading induced
      the expected strain-dependent increase in bone formation in WT mice, resulting
      from increases in both mineralizing surface (MS/BS) and mineral apposition rate
      (MAR). In contrast, load-induced bone formation was reduced by 70-85% in TG mice,
      due to lower MS/BS and complete inhibition of MAR. Moreover, Wnt target gene
      expression induced by loading in WT mice was absent in TG mice. Thus,
      downregulation of Sost/sclerostin in osteocytes is an obligatory step in the
      mechanotransduction cascade that activates Wnt signaling and directs osteogenesis
      to where bone is structurally needed.

PMID- 22075210
TI  - Receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand-dependent expression of caveolin-1 in
      osteoclast precursors, and high dependency of osteoclastogenesis on exogenous
      lipoprotein.
AB  - Although extensive studies have done much to clarify the molecular mechanisms of
      osteoclastogenesis during the last ten years, there may still be unknown
      molecules associated with osteoclast differentiation. Thus, we used fluorescent
      differential display to screen for genes whose expression is induced by receptor
      activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a crucial molecule for osteoclast
      formation. We identified caveolin-1 (Cav-1) as a RANKL-induced gene. Cav-1 is a
      major structural protein of caveolae and lipid rafts, cholesterol-enriched
      microdomains in the plasma membrane (PM). The RANKL-induced Cav-1 was immediately
      conveyed to lipid rafts. Conversely, expression of flotillin-1 (Flot-1), another
      scaffolding protein of lipid rafts, was reduced during osteoclastogenesis,
      indicating conversion of Flot-1-predominant rafts into Cav-1-enriched rafts.
      However, in vitro osteoclastogenesis of precursor cells from Cav-1-null mice was
      comparable to that of wild-type mice, while Cav-2 expression in the knockout
      osteoclasts was maintained. Conversely, Cav-2 gene silencing in Cav-1-null
      osteoclast precursors using siRNA for Cav-2 increased osteoclast formation,
      suggesting that the Cav-1/Cav-2 complex may act as a negative regulator for
      osteoclastogenesis. On the other hand, destruction of lipid rafts by removal of
      cholesterol from the PM by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) treatment caused
      disordered signal transductions for osteoclastogenesis, such as hyperactivation
      of Erk1/2 and insensitivity of Akt to RANKL stimulus. The abnormal signaling was
      reproduced by deleting exogenous lipoproteins from the culture medium, which also
      resulted in reduced osteoclast formation. In addition, the deletion caused
      delayed expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), and
      depressed its activation in the cytosol and inhibited its translocation into
      nuclei. Simultaneously, the deletion reduced the level of FcRgamma, a trigger
      protein for initiating the calcium signaling needed to activate NFATc1, and
      decreased Cav-1 in lipid rafts. These findings indicate that the molecular
      mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis are highly dependent on extracellular
      lipoprotein and the integrity of lipid rafts, and suggest possible involvement of
      cholesterol.

PMID- 22075211
TI  - Variability of protein level and phosphorylation status caused by biopsy protocol
      design in human skeletal muscle analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bergstrom needle biopsy is widely used to sample skeletal muscle in
      order to study cell signaling directly in human tissue. Consequences of the
      biopsy protocol design on muscle protein quantity and quality remain unclear. The
      aim of the present study was to assess the impact of different events surrounding
      biopsy protocol on the stability of the Western blot signal of eukaryotic
      translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), Akt, glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) and p70
      S6 kinase (p70 S6K). Six healthy subjects underwent four biopsies of the vastus
      lateralis, distributed into two distinct visits spaced by 48 hrs. At visit 1, a
      basal biopsy in the right leg was performed in the morning (R1) followed by a
      second in the left leg in the afternoon (AF). At visit 2, a second basal biopsy
      (R2) was collected from the right leg. Low intensity mobilization (3 * 20 right
      leg extensions) was performed and a final biopsy (Mob) was collected using the
      same incision site as R2. RESULTS: Akt and p70 S6K phosphorylation levels were
      increased by 83% when AF biopsy was compared to R1. Mob condition induced
      important phosphorylation of p70 S6K when compared to R2. Comparison of R1 and R2
      biopsies revealed a relative stability of the signal for both total and
      phosphorylated proteins. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance to
      standardize muscle biopsy protocols in order to minimize the method-induced
      variation when analyzing Western blot signals.

PMID- 22075212
TI  - Diagnostic epitope variability within Taenia solium 8 kDa antigen family:
      implications for cysticercosis immunodetection.
AB  - To study diagnostic epitopes within the Taenia solium 8 kDa antigen family, six
      overlapping synthetic peptides from an 8 kDa family member (Ts8B2) were
      synthesized and evaluated by ELISA and MABA with sera from patients with
      neurocysticercosis (NCC), from infected pigs and from rabbits immunized with
      recombinant Ts8B2 protein. The pre-immune rabbit sera and the Ts8B2 recombinant
      protein served as negative and positive controls, respectively. A similar
      analysis was done with the already described antigenic peptides from another
      member of the 8 kDa family, highly similar to Ts8B2, the CyDA antigen.
      Surprisingly, neither the Ts8B2 peptides nor the CyDA peptides were recognized by
      infected human and porcine sera. However, the entire Ts8B2 recombinant, as well
      as amino and carboxy-terminal halves were recognized by the positive serum
      samples. The observed lack of recognition of linear Ts8B2 peptides suggests that
      the principal serological response to the Ts8B2 family is focused on
      conformational epitopes in contrast to the previously observed antigenicity of
      the CyDA peptides. This differential antigenicity of 8 kDa family peptides could
      be related with parasite antigenic variability. The fact that rabbits
      experimentally immunized with Ts8B2 did make anti-peptide antibodies to peptides
      Ts8B2-6 and CyDA-6, located in the carboxy-terminal region demonstrated that the
      Ts8B2 peptides are not intrinsically non-immunogenic.

PMID- 22075213
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the rabbit corneal
      epithelium upon UVA and UVB irradiation.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in tissue
      remodeling and wound healing. These enzymes degrade and also synthesize
      components of the extracellular matrix. Overexpression of MMPs results in
      excessive extracellular matrix degradation and tissue destruction. In the cornea,
      destructive processes may lead to scarring and loss of vision. In this study MMPs
      (types 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 14) were examined immunohistochemically in the normal
      rabbit corneal epithelium and in epithelium irradiated in vivo with similar doses
      of UVB or UVA radiation (UVB rays 312 nm, UVA rays 365 nm, daily dose 1.01
      J/cm(2) for four days). Results show that MMPs studied revealed low expression in
      the normal corneal epithelium, whereas after repeated UVB irradiation the
      expression of MMPs was significantly increased in the corneal epithelium, in
      ascending order: MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-1, and MMP-7 with MMP-8. In contrast, compared
      to normal corneas, repeated UVA radiation did not significantly change the
      expression of MMPs in the irradiated corneal epithelium. MMP-14 was expressed at
      very low levels in all studied corneas, whereas no significant changes were
      detected upon UV exposure. In conclusion, UV radiation of shorter wavelength
      (UVB) induced an increase in expression of all MMPs except MMP-14. It is
      suggested that overexpression of MMPs in the corneal epithelium contributes to
      the damaging effect of UVB radiation to the cornea.

PMID- 22075214
TI  - Secular trends in adult sleep duration: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Little evidence exists to support the common assertion that adult
      sleep duration has declined. We investigated secular trends in sleep duration
      over the past 40 years through a systematic review. METHODS: Systematic search of
      5 electronic databases was conducted to identify repeat cross-sectional studies
      of sleep duration in community-dwelling adults using comparable sampling frames
      and measures over time. We also attempted to access unpublished or semi-published
      data sources in the form of government reports, theses and conference
      proceedings. No studies were excluded based on language or publication date. The
      search identified 278 potential reports, from which twelve relevant studies were
      identified for review. RESULTS: The 12 studies described data from 15 countries
      from the 1960s until the 2000s. Self-reported average sleep duration of adults
      had increased in 7 countries: Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, France, Britain, Korea
      and the Netherlands (range: 0.1-1.7 min per night each year) and had decreased in
      6 countries: Japan, Russia, Finland, Germany, Belgium and Austria (range: 0.1-0.6
      min per night each year). Inconsistent results were found for the United States
      and Sweden. CONCLUSIONS: There has not been a consistent decrease in the self
      reported sleep duration of adults from the 1960s to 2000s. However, it is unclear
      whether the proportions of very short and very long sleepers have increased over
      the same period, which may be of greater relevance for public health.

PMID- 22075215
TI  - When gender matters: restless legs syndrome. Report of the "RLS and woman"
      workshop endorsed by the European RLS Study Group.
AB  - Sleep is an essential human behavior that shows prominent gender differences.
      Disturbed sleep, in particular, is much more prevalent in females than males.
      Restless legs syndrome (RLS) as one cause of disturbed sleep was observed to be
      somewhat more common among women than men in Ekbom's 1945 seminal series of
      clinical cases with the disease. He, however, reported this gender difference
      mainly for those with more severe symptoms. Since then numerous studies have
      reported that women are affected by RLS about twice as often as males for mild as
      well as moderate to severe RLS. The present review focuses on RLS in females from
      the perspectives of both epidemiology and pathophysiology. RLS will generally
      become worse or might appear for the first time during pregnancy. Parity
      increases the risk of RLS later in life suggesting that pregnancy is a specific
      behavioral risk factor for developing RLS. Some evidence suggests that
      dysfunction in iron metabolism and high estrogen levels might contribute to RLS
      during pregnancy. But, menopause does not lower the incidence of RLS nor does
      hormone replacement therapy lead to an increase, suggesting a quite complex
      uncertain role of hormones in the pathophysiology of RLS. Therefore, further,
      preferably longitudinal studies are needed to unravel the factors causing RLS in
      women. These studies should include genetic, clinical and polysomnographic
      variables, as well as hormonal measures and variables assessing iron metabolism.

PMID- 22075216
TI  - Understanding couples' attitudes on prenatal HIV testing in the Democratic
      Republic of Congo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of HIV-serodiscordant couples is increasing. In these
      couples, one member is infected with HIV and the other one is not, so HIV testing
      for both members of the couple remains one of the significant challenges in the
      prevention of sexual transmission of HIV within the couple. The aim of this study
      was to analyze couples' attitudes toward HIV testing after prenatal HIV testing
      offered to pregnant women and analyze the males' behavior with regard to their
      own HIV testing. METHODS: One hundred and forty-three pregnant women and their
      partners were interviewed in the Lubumbashi health district in the Democratic
      Republic of the Congo. The usual descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS:
      Seventy-one percent of the couples declared that they accepted the HIV testing
      proposed to the woman and approximately 64% of the couples said they had
      discussed the HIV testing proposed in prenatal healthcare clinics. However, this
      dialogue seemed to have a poor impact on the HIV testing of the male partner: no
      male partner was tested in spite of the high proportion of men encouraged to do
      so. Nearly 30% and 50% of the couples disagreed on systematic condom use and the
      need for the husband's permission to undergo HIV testing, respectively. Twenty
      nine percent of the couples did not wish to have the male sexual partner present
      at the prenatal consultation. CONCLUSION: The majority of men considered that
      their wife's HIV testing gives them information about their own HIV status and
      this makes HIV testing difficult for both members of the couple. Better
      management of the couple in HIV screening and prevention programs therefore seems
      necessary.

PMID- 22075217
TI  - Impact of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery on benign resections for solitary
      pulmonary nodules.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differentiating benign from malignant pulmonary lesions is an
      important part of surgical decision making. We reviewed our experience of
      resecting suspicious pulmonary nodules to test the hypothesis that the increased
      use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has increased the resection rate of
      benign lesions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 3,217
      patients who underwent resection for focal pulmonary lesions between 1995 and
      2009. Resection method, computed tomography (CT) results, positron emission
      tomography (PET) results, and operative and pathology reports were reviewed.
      RESULTS: Pulmonary resection was by thoracotomy/median sternotomy in 2,632 of
      3,217 (82%) patients and by VATS in 585 of 3,217 (18%). Resections performed by
      VATS increased from 129 of 2,150 (6%) between 1995 and 2005 to 453 of 1,067
      (42.4%) between 2006 and 2009. From 2006 to 2009, 31.4% of lobectomies and 63.9%
      of wedge resections were performed by VATS. Benign lesions were found in 350 of
      3,217 (10.8%) patients. Between 1995 and 2005 our resection rate of benign
      lesions was 192 of 2,150 (8.9%). From 2006 to 2009, it increased to 158 of 1,067
      (14.8%), of which 85 of 456 (20.8%) were VATS and 63 of 611(10.3%) were open
      procedures. The benign lesion resection rate was 91 of 237 (38.3%) for VATS
      wedges, 49 of 134 (36.6%) for open wedges, 4 of 219 (1.8%) for VATS lobectomies,
      and 14 of 477 (2.9%) for open lobectomies. 257 of 456 (52.0%) of the VATS
      resections were wedges compared with 134 of 611 (21.9%) of the open procedures.
      CONCLUSIONS: There has been an increase in pulmonary resections performed by
      VATS. This is associated with an increase in benign lesion resections. The benign
      lesion resection rate for VATS was twice that of the open procedure rate. However
      the benign lesion resection rates for wedge resections and lobectomies were not
      significantly different in regard to approach. VATS has led to an increase in our
      overall benign lesion resection rate, which can be explained by the increased
      number of VATS wedge resections that are being performed.

PMID- 22075218
TI  - Comparison of mechanical properties of human ascending aorta and aortic sinuses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computational finite element models of the aortic root have
      previously used material properties of the ascending aorta to describe both
      aortic sinuses and ascending aorta. We have previously demonstrated significant
      material property differences between ascending aorta and sinuses in pigs.
      However, it is unknown whether these regional material property differences exist
      in humans. The main objective of this study was to investigate biomechanics of
      fresh human ascending aorta and aortic sinuses and compare nonlinear material
      properties of these regions. METHODS: Fresh human aortic root specimens obtained
      from the California Transplant Donor Network (Oakland, CA) were subjected to
      displacement-controlled equibiaxial stretch testing within 24 hours of harvest.
      Stress-strain data recorded were used to derive strain energy functions for each
      region. Tissue behavior was quantified by tissue stiffness and a direct
      comparison was made between different regions of aortic root at physiologic
      stress levels. RESULTS: All regions demonstrated a nonlinear response to strain
      during stretch testing in both circumferential and longitudinal directions. No
      significant difference in tissue stiffness was found between anterior and
      posterior regions of the ascending aorta or among the three sinuses in both
      directions. However, our results demonstrated that human ascending aorta is
      significantly more compliant than aortic sinuses in both circumferential and
      longitudinal directions within the physiologic stress range. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant material and structural differences were observed between human
      ascending aorta and aortic sinuses. Regionally specific material properties
      should be employed in computational models used to assess treatments of
      structural aortic root disease.

PMID- 22075219
TI  - Selective left subclavian ligation in total aortic arch replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The left subclavian artery (LSA) is usually difficult to manipulate
      in total aortic arch replacement procedures if it is displaced by huge false
      lumens in the ascending aorta or right hemiarch. We summarize our experience of
      selectively ligating the deeply located LSA in total aortic arch replacement and
      stented "elephant trunk" implantation procedures for Stanford type A aortic
      dissection. METHODS: Data of 29 patients with deep LSA undergoing total arch
      replacement and stented "elephant trunk" implantation from January 2008 to June
      2010 were reviewed. The LSA was ligated because of the difficult exposure (21
      males, 8 females, age 19 to 55). Collateral circulation of the circle of Willis
      and bilateral vertebral arteries were assessed thoroughly by preoperative imaging
      and intraoperative observations. If collateral circulation was sufficient, LSA
      was ligated; if insufficient, an additional bypass graft was created from the
      ascending aorta to the left axillary artery. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients
      survived the operation with 1 early death. Postoperative blood pressures were
      lower in the left arm than in the right (78+/-17.3 vs 126+/-3.7 mm Hg, p<0.01),
      but oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and strength of the left hand were
      normal. The surviving patients have been followed for 16.6+/-9.0 months (6 to 36)
      and none had symptoms of LSA steal syndrome or arm ischemia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ligation of the LSA after strict evaluation of collateral circulation could be
      safe for type A dissection patients if the exposure is insufficient, and this
      method can simplify the operation significantly.

PMID- 22075220
TI  - Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography and brain injury in infants
      undergoing Norwood-type operations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perioperative brain injury is common in infants undergoing cardiac
      surgery. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) provides real-time
      neurologic monitoring and can identify seizures and abnormalities of background
      cerebral activity. We aimed to determine the incidence of perioperative
      electrical seizures, and to establish the background pattern of aEEG, in neonates
      undergoing Norwood-type palliations for complex congenital heart disease in
      relation to outcome at 2 years. METHODS: Thirty-nine full-term neonates
      undergoing Norwood-type operations underwent aEEG monitoring before and during
      surgery and for 72 hours postoperatively. The perfusion strategy included full
      flow moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with antegrade cerebral
      perfusion. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography tracings were reviewed for
      seizure activity and background pattern. Survivors underwent neurodevelopmental
      outcome assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (3rd edition) at
      2 years of age. RESULTS: Thirteen (33%) infants had electrical seizures,
      including 9 with intraoperative seizures and 7 with postoperative seizures.
      Seizures were associated with significantly increased mortality, but not with
      neurodevelopmental impairment in survivors. Delay in recovery of the aEEG
      background beyond 48 hours was also associated with increased mortality and worse
      motor development. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative seizures were common in this
      cohort. Intraoperative seizures predominantly affected the left hemisphere during
      antegrade cerebral perfusion. Delayed recovery in aEEG background was associated
      with increased risk of early mortality and worse motor development. Ongoing
      monitoring is essential to determine the longer-term significance of these
      findings.

PMID- 22075221
TI  - Evaluation of hypophosphatemia: lessons from patients with genetic disorders.
AB  - Phosphate is a key component of several physiologic pathways, such as skeletal
      development, bone mineralization, membrane composition, nucleotide structure,
      maintenance of plasma pH, and cellular signaling. The kidneys have a key role in
      phosphate homeostasis, with 3 hormones having important roles in renal phosphate
      handling: parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), and 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D. Independent of the genetic diseases affecting the FGF-23
      pathway (such as hypophosphatemic rickets), hypophosphatemia is a frequent
      condition encountered in daily practice, and untreated critical hypophosphatemia
      can induce hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, respiratory failure, cardiac dysfunction,
      and neurologic impairment. Rapid correction thus is necessary to avoid severe
      complications. The aims of this teaching case are to summarize the causes and
      biological evaluation of hypophosphatemia and provide an overview of our current
      understanding of phosphate metabolism.

PMID- 22075222
TI  - Elevated prepronociceptin, nociceptin/orphanin FQ and nocistatin concentrations
      in rat chronic constriction nerve injury and diabetic neuropathic pain models.
AB  - Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and nocistatin are derived from the same precursor
      peptide, prepronociceptin. N/OFQ and nocistatin have been postulated to
      participate in pain modulation. In this study, we investigated whether the
      prepronociceptin, N/OFQ and nocistatin concentrations in the brain and spinal
      cord would be altered in chronic constriction injury and diabetic rat neuropathic
      pain models. Total brain and spinal cord lysates as well as serum from rats that
      had undergone chronic constriction injury and streptozocin-induced diabetic
      neuropathy were used to determine the concentrations of three peptides using
      competitive radioimmunoassay. We found that N/OFQ and prepronociceptin
      concentrations were significantly raised in both rat neuropathic pain models.
      Nocistatin was raised in the brains of post traumatic neuropathy pain rats.
      Overall, our data have demonstrated for the first time that prepronociceptin,
      N/OFQ and nocistatin concentrations are significantly altered at different
      tissues of two rat neuropathy pain models.

PMID- 22075223
TI  - Unperceivable noise to active light touch effects on fast postural sway.
AB  - Human postural sway during quiet standing is reduced when a fingertip lightly
      touches a stable surface. The tactile feedback information from the fingertip has
      been considered responsible for this effect of light touch. Studies have shown
      that a noise-like minute stimulation to the sensory system can improve the
      system's weak signal detection. In the present study, we investigated whether a
      noise-like unperceivable vibration on the fingertip enhances its tactile
      sensation and facilitates the effect of light touch during quiet standing.
      Thirteen volunteers maintained quiet standing while lightly touching a touch
      surface with the index fingertip. Based on each subject's vibrotactile threshold
      (VT), a noise-like vibration was applied to the touch surface at amplitudes under
      (0.5VT) or at VT (1.0VT), in addition to the normal light touch condition (no
      vibration, 0VT). The results showed that the mean velocities of the foot center
      of pressure (CoP) in both the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML)
      directions were significantly reduced at 0.5VT compared to 0VT and 1.0VT
      (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between 1.0VT and 0VT
      (P>0.05). Frequency analysis of CoP revealed that the power of high-frequency
      fluctuation (1-10Hz) was significantly reduced at 0.5VT (P<0.05), whereas no
      significant change was observed in that of low-frequency sway (below 1Hz)
      (P>0.05). These results indicate that an unperceivable noise-like vibration can
      facilitate the effect of light touch on postural stability, by further reducing
      fast postural sway.

PMID- 22075224
TI  - In vitro protection of auditory hair cells by salicylate from the gentamicin
      induced but not neomycin-induced cell loss.
AB  - Salicylate has been shown to protect animals and people from the gentamicin
      induced hearing loss. The objective of our study was to determine if salicylate
      is otoprotective in vitro. In this fashion, we wanted to validate the use of
      explant culture system for future studies on the ototoxicity prevention. In
      addition, we wanted to find out if salicylate protects from the ototoxicity of
      other aminoglycosides. As a model, we used the membranous cochlear tissues
      containing the organ of Corti, spiral limbus and spiral ganglion neurons
      dissected from the cochleas of p3-p5 Wistar pups. The explants were divided into
      apical, medial and basal parts and cultured in presence or absence of 100MUM
      gentamicin, 100MUM neomycin and 5mM salicylate. Following the tissue fixation and
      staining with phalloidin-TRITC, the number of inner and outer hair cells (IHCs,
      OHCs) was scored under the fluorescent microscope. Presence of 5mM salicylate in
      explants cultures exposed to 100MUM gentamicin significantly reduced the loss of
      IHCs and OHCs, as compared to explants exposed to gentamicin alone. In contrast,
      neomycin-induced auditory hair cell loss remained unaffected by the presence of
      salicylate. Our results corroborate earlier in vivo findings and validate the use
      of cochlear explants for future studies on ototoxicity and its prevention.
      Moreover, the inability of salicylate to prevent neomycin-induced ototoxicity
      implies possible differences between the mechanisms of auditory hair cell loss
      induced by gentamicin and neomycin.

PMID- 22075225
TI  - Neuronostatin induces hyperalgesia in formalin test in mice.
AB  - Neuronostatin, a newly identified peptide encoded by the somatostatin (SST) gene,
      was proved to produce significant antinociceptive effect in mouse tail immersion
      test. However, the effect of neuronostatin on tonic pain was still not clear. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuronostatin in the formalin
      test and its possible mechanism. We found that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)
      administration of neuronostatin (1, 3, 6, 12nmol/mouse) increased licking in a
      dose-related manner during the late phase, but did not affect the early phase of
      formalin test in mice. In addition, the hyperalgesic effect during the late phase
      was completely reversed by melanocortin 3/4 receptor antagonist SHU9119
      (50pmol/mouse) or opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (5nmol/mouse), but not
      GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (1086pmol/mouse). These data suggested that
      the hyperalgesic response induced by neuronostatin was dependent upon the central
      melanocortin system and endogenous opioid system. In conclusion, these results
      indicated that neuronostatin may be a new neuropeptide with important role in the
      modulation of acute and tonic pain.

PMID- 22075226
TI  - Membrane protein structural bioinformatics.
AB  - Despite the increasing number of recently solved membrane protein structures,
      coverage of membrane protein fold space remains relatively sparse. This
      necessitates the use of computational strategies to investigate membrane protein
      structure, allowing us to further our understanding of how membrane proteins
      carry out their diverse range of functions, while aiding the development of novel
      predictive tools with which to probe uncharacterised folds. Analysis of known
      structures, the application of machine learning techniques, molecular dynamics
      simulations and protein structure prediction have enabled significant advances to
      be made in the field of membrane protein research. In this communication, the key
      bioinformatic methods that allow the characterisation of membrane proteins are
      reviewed, the tools available for the structural analysis of membrane proteins
      are presented and the contribution these tools have made to expanding our
      understanding of membrane protein structure, function and stability is discussed.

PMID- 22075227
TI  - Transition to seizure: from "macro"- to "micro"-mysteries.
AB  - One of the most terrifying aspects of epilepsy is the sudden and apparently
      unpredictable transition of the brain into the pathological state of an epileptic
      seizure. The pathophysiology of the transition to seizure still remains
      mysterious. Herein we review some of the key concepts and relevant literatures
      dealing with this enigmatic transitioning of brain states. At the "MACRO" level,
      electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings at time display preictal phenomena
      followed by pathological high-frequency oscillations at the seizure onset.
      Numerous seizure prediction algorithms predicated on identifying changes prior to
      seizure onset have met with little success, underscoring our lack of
      understanding of the dynamics of transition to seizure, amongst other inherent
      limitation. We then discuss the concept of synchronized hyperexcited oscillatory
      networks underlying seizure generation. We consider these networks as weakly
      coupled oscillators, a concept which forms the basis of some relevant
      mathematical modeling of seizure transitions. Next, the underlying "MICRO"
      processes involved in seizure generation are discussed. The depolarization of the
      GABA(A) chloride reversal potential is a major concept, facilitating
      epileptogenesis, particularly in immature brain. Also the balance of inhibitory
      and excitatory local neuronal networks plays an important role in the process of
      transitioning to seizure. Gap junctional communication, including that which
      occurs between glia, as well as ephaptic interactions are increasingly recognized
      as critical for seizure generation. In brief, this review examines the evidence
      regarding the characterization of the transition to seizure at both the "MACRO"
      and "MICRO" levels, trying to characterize this mysterious yet critical problem
      of the brain state transitioning into a seizure.

PMID- 22075228
TI  - [Cyclic vomiting in association with chronic cannabis abuse].

PMID- 22075229
TI  - [Acinetobacter baumannii. An opportunistic pathogen offside?].

PMID- 22075230
TI  - [Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the exacerbation of respiratory diseases].
AB  - Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) utilization has experienced an exponential growth
      in the last 25 years immediately after the introduction of the positive pressure
      and the nasal mask. Patients with acute, chronic and acute on chronic respiratory
      failure are candidates to be treated by this therapeutic modality. Its
      utilization inside the hospital is very heterogeneous being indicated for diverse
      patients by different levels of complexity and severity levels. We have
      scientific evidence of the maximum level for certain problems such as COPD
      exacerbations with respiratory acidosis, acute pulmonary edema, or patients with
      solid and hematologic transplantation, although its utilization has been
      generalized to many other clinical scenes using minor levels of evidence. NIV is
      also used successfully in patients of advanced age, patients with do not intubate
      orders or even patients with severe comorbidities. Finally, NIV could be used as
      a palliative tool. The continuous technological evolution and the need of
      formation of the professionals demands organizational changes in the hospitals
      and the necessity to define specific areas for most severe patients, such as
      respiratory intermediate care units.

PMID- 22075231
TI  - [Biomarkers and suspicion of infection in emergency departments].

PMID- 22075232
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes following use of escitalopram: a prospective comparative
      cohort study.
AB  - Escitalopram is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescribed for depression and
      anxiety. There is a paucity of information regarding safety in pregnancy. The
      objective of this study was to determine whether escitalopram is associated with
      an increased risk for major malformations or other adverse outcomes following use
      in pregnancy. The authors analyzed pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to
      escitalopram (n = 212) versus other antidepressants (n = 212) versus
      nonteratogenic exposures (n = 212) and compared the outcomes. Among the
      escitalopram exposures were 172 (81%) live births, 32 (15%) spontaneous
      abortions, 6 (2.8%) therapeutic abortions, 3 stillbirths (1.7%), and 3 major
      malformations (1.7%). The only significant differences among groups was the rate
      of low birth weight (<2500 g) and overall mean birth weight (P = .225). However,
      spontaneous abortion rates were higher in both antidepressant groups (15% and
      16%) compared with controls (8.5%; P = .066). There were lower rates of live
      births (P = .006), lower overall birth weight (P < .001), and increased rates of
      low birth weight (<2500 g; P = .009) with escitalopram. Spontaneous abortion
      rates were nearly double in both antidepressant groups (15% and 16%) compared
      with controls (8.5%) but not significant (P = .066). Escitalopram does not appear
      to be associated with an increased risk for major malformations but appears to
      increase the risk for low birth weight, which was correlated with the increase in
      infants weighing <2500 g. In addition, the higher rates of spontaneous abortions
      in both antidepressant groups confirmed previous findings.

PMID- 22075233
TI  - New cholesterol esterase inhibitors based on rhodanine and thiazolidinedione
      scaffolds.
AB  - We present a new class of inhibitors of pancreatic cholesterol esterase (CEase)
      based on 'priviledged' 5-benzylidenerhodanine and 5-benzylidene-2,4
      thiazolidinedione structural scaffolds. The lead structures (5
      benzylidenerhodanine 4a and 5-benzylidene-2,4-thiazolidinedione 4b) were
      identified in an in-house screening and these inhibited CEase with some
      selectivity over another serine hydrolase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (4a, CEase
      IC(50)=1.76 MUM vs AChE IC(50)=5.14 MUM and 4b, CEase IC(50)=5.89 MUM vs AChE
      IC(50) >100 MUM). A small library of analogs (5a-10a) containing a core amino
      acid in place of the glycerol group of the lead structures, was prepared to
      explore other potential binding interaction with CEase. These analogs inhibited
      CEase with IC(50) values ranging from 1.44 to 85 MUM, with the majority
      exhibiting some selectivity for CEase versus AChE. The most potent compound of
      the library (10a) had 17-fold selectivity over AChE. We also report molecular
      docking (with CEase) and detailed kinetic analysis on the amino acid analogs to
      further understand the associated structure-activity relationships.

PMID- 22075234
TI  - Synthesis and binding assays of novel 3,3-dimethylpiperidine derivatives with
      various lipophilicities as sigma1 receptor ligands.
AB  - Starting from two carbocyclic analogs, a series of 3,3-dimethylpiperidine
      derivatives was prepared and tested in radioligand binding assays at sigma(1) and
      sigma(2) receptors, and at Delta(8)-Delta(7) sterol isomerase (SI) site. The
      novel compounds mostly bear heterocyclic rings or bicyclic nucleus of differing
      lipophilicities. Compounds 18a and 19a,b demonstrated the highest sigma(1)
      affinity (K(i)=0.14-0.38 nM) with a good selectivity versus sigma(2) binding.
      Among them, 18a had the lowest ClogD value (3.01) and only 19b was selective
      versus SI too. Generally, it was observed that more planar and hydrophilic
      heteronuclei conferred a decrease in affinity for both sigma receptor subtypes.

PMID- 22075235
TI  - Molecular drug-organiser: synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation
      of penicillin V and/or nalidixic acid calixarene-based podands.
AB  - Two well-known antibiotic heterocycles, the 'quinolone' nalidixic acid and the
      beta-lactam penicillin V, active at different levels of the bacterial growth
      process, have been attached via an ether-ester junction to the p-tert
      butylcalix[4]arene lower rim, in alternate position. The resulting hydrophobic
      molecular drug-organisers were fully characterized, and evaluated over two Gram
      negative and three Gram positive reference strains, using disk diffusion assays
      with disks impregnated with solution of title compound in pure DMSO. An
      interesting activity was observed over Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 with the
      dis-symmetrical podand incorporating one penicillin and one nalidixic ester
      moieties.

PMID- 22075237
TI  - Cerebellar dysfunction may play an important role in vascular dementia.
AB  - The cerebellum has traditionally been seen as a brain area limited to the
      coordination of voluntary movement, gait, posture, speech, and motor functions.
      There are increasing evidence, however, proving that the cerebellum is implicated
      in processes associated with the control of cognition, behavior, and psychiatric
      illness. Furthermore, the fact that the cerebellum is reciprocally connected to a
      broad range of limbic structures including the amygdale and hippocampus, as well
      as the cerebral cortex including the prefrontal areas, provides a strong
      neuroanatomical argument in favor of cerebellar involvement in cognition
      regulation. Studies have already found the fact that after stroke, the cerebellum
      suffered from reduction in metabolism and blood flow in the cerebellar hemisphere
      contralateral to a destructive cerebral lesion. The notion of crossed cerebellar
      diaschisis (CCD) may contribute to the explanation of the phenomenon.
      Consequently, theoretically, stroke in any part of the brain including frontal
      lobe and hippocampus, will affect cerebellar function and the later then results
      in vascular dementia (VD). More recently, a few clinical trials found that
      electrical stimulation of fastigial nucleus (FNS) in cerebellum could improve
      symptom of VD, though the relationship between cerebellum and VD is unclear.
      Taken together, there seems to be sufficient empirical ground to assume that the
      cerebellum plays a role in the regulation of VD. The hypotheses of cerebellar
      role in VD, which will be discussed in this paper, if confirmed, may lead to the
      formulation of new pathogenesis and new therapeutic approaches to VD.

PMID- 22075236
TI  - A novel regimen of alternate day clopidogrel would provide a cost-effective
      strategy to prevent very late stent thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: ACC/AHA/SCAI recommendations include dual anti-platelet
      therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) for 12 months after drug-eluting stent
      percutaneous coronary intervention (DES PCI). Numerous case reports have emerged
      of "very late stent thrombosis" (VLST) (>1 year post-DES-PCI) even 1-5 years
      after DES-PCI manifesting with myocardial infarction and death when clopidogrel
      therapy was interrupted or stopped. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that a novel
      regimen of alternate day clopidogrel would provide a cost-effective strategy to
      prevent VLST taking into account the known facts about clopidogrel
      pharmacodynamics, stent endothelialization and stent thrombosis. We hypothesized
      that the degree of anti-platelet effect required to prevent VLST decreases with
      time as the stent endothelializes-that is the "therapeutic threshold" required to
      prevent VLST decreases with time. The anti-platelet effect of clopidogrel lasts
      for 5-7 days. Typically, stent thrombosis on interruption of clopidogrel (with
      bare metal stents within first 30 days) occurs after 3-4 days signifying recovery
      of enough platelet function to produce stent thrombosis--recovery of platelet
      inhibition beyond the therapeutic threshold. Since the therapeutic threshold
      required to prevent VLST in DES after 1 year is much lower, this degree of
      platelet inhibition can be conceivably achieved with just administering
      clopidogrel on alternate days. EMPIRICAL DATA: We studied efficacy and safety of
      regimen of daily aspirin 81 mg and alternate-day clopidogrel 75 mg beyond 12
      months after PCI with DES for prevention of VLST by following 347 patients for
      occurrence of death, myocardial infarction (MI), VLST, target vessel
      revascularization (TVR) and bleeding. There were no occurrence of major bleeding,
      VLST events or death. CONCLUSIONS: Long term dual anti-platelet therapy with
      aspirin 81 mg daily and clopidogrel 75 mg every other day beyond 12 months after
      PCI with DES may be a safe and efficacious cost-saving strategy to prevent VLST.

PMID- 22075238
TI  - Local Jekyll and global Hyde: the dual identity of face identification.
AB  - The main concern in face-processing research is to understand the processes
      underlying the identification of faces. In the study reported here, we addressed
      this issue by examining whether local or global information supports face
      identification. We developed a new methodology called "iHybrid." This technique
      combines two famous identities in a gaze-contingent paradigm, which
      simultaneously provides local, foveated information from one face and global,
      complementary information from a second face. Behavioral face-identification
      performance and eye-tracking data showed that the visual system identified faces
      on the basis of either local or global information depending on the location of
      the observer's first fixation. In some cases, a given observer even identified
      the same face using local information on one trial and global information on
      another trial. A validation in natural viewing conditions confirmed our findings.
      These results clearly demonstrate that face identification is not rooted in a
      single, or even preferred, information-gathering strategy.

PMID- 22075239
TI  - It's not all about me: motivating hand hygiene among health care professionals by
      focusing on patients.
AB  - Diseases often spread in hospitals because health care professionals fail to wash
      their hands. Research suggests that to increase health and safety behaviors, it
      is important to highlight the personal consequences for the actor. However,
      because people (and health care professionals in particular) tend to be
      overconfident about personal immunity, the most effective messages about hand
      hygiene may be those that highlight its consequences for other people. In two
      field experiments in a hospital, we compared the effectiveness of signs about
      hand hygiene that emphasized personal safety ("Hand hygiene prevents you from
      catching diseases") or patient safety ("Hand hygiene prevents patients from
      catching diseases"). We assessed hand hygiene by measuring the amount of soap and
      hand-sanitizing gel used from dispensers (Experiment 1) and conducting covert,
      independent observations of health care professionals' hand-hygiene behaviors
      (Experiment 2). Results showed that changing a single word in messages motivated
      meaningful changes in behavior: The hand hygiene of health care professionals
      increased significantly when they were reminded of the implications for patients
      but not when they were reminded of the implications for themselves.

PMID- 22075240
TI  - Editorial. Polish blood transfusion service.

PMID- 22075241
TI  - Endometrial cancer survivors' assessment of the benefits of exercise.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The majority of women who have had endometrial cancer remain at risk
      for obesity related diseases. The social cognitive theory was used to explore
      their beliefs about exercise to aid in the development of effective
      interventions. METHODS: Women who had been treated for Stage I endometrial cancer
      were asked about their level of exercise to determine if they had been exercising
      regularly for more than 6 months (exercisers vs non-exercisers). They were asked
      to rate the likelihood that exercise would result in various health outcomes
      (expectations) and to rate the importance of these outcomes (expectancies).
      Scores for how likely exercise would result in an outcome of importance were
      calculated. Height and weight were obtained from nurses for calculation of BMI.
      Statistics were conducted using SPSS v 15. RESULTS: There were 106 valid
      questionnaires (86% participation rate); 41% were exercisers. Mean BMI was
      significantly lower in exercisers (31.6 +/- 1.2 vs. 37.3 +/- 1.2, p=0.001); a
      significantly greater proportion reported not having diabetes, heart disease or
      hypertension (69.8% vs. 49.2%, p=0.035). Exercisers were significantly more
      likely to report that feeling better physically and emotionally versus reducing
      the risk of diseases were likely and important outcomes of exercise (18.2 +/- 0.8
      vs 15.0 +/- 1.0, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Exercisers identified outcomes of
      exercise that are more immediate and subjective as being important and likely
      outcomes of exercise. Focusing on these aspects of exercise (feeling better
      physically and emotionally) may aid in the development of effective interventions
      for non-exercisers.

PMID- 22075243
TI  - Utility of capsule endoscopy for evaluating anthelmintic efficacy in fully
      conscious dogs.
AB  - The current accepted standard for evaluating the efficacy of gastrointestinal
      anthelmintic drugs is necropsy of infected animals followed by a comparison of
      worm counts between treated and non-treated groups. In this study capsule
      endoscopy, a minimally invasive method of imaging the small intestine of humans,
      is evaluated as a possible alternative to necropsy for the purposes of worm
      quantification in dogs. Eighteen Beagle dogs were included in this study. These
      dogs were part of a separate trial intended to determine the efficacy of various
      candidate parasiticides against Ancylostoma caninum via the necropsy standard.
      Dogs were inoculated with A. caninum L3s 4 weeks prior to treatment with one of
      the candidate compounds; a control group (n=8) received no treatment. Capsule
      endoscopy was performed 6-14 days post-treatment, followed by necropsy the
      following day. Seventeen dogs had complete examinations, i.e. the capsule
      traversed the small intestine and reached the colon within the battery life of
      the capsule. A strong correlation (r(s)=0.87, P<0.0001) was observed between the
      worm counts acquired by capsule endoscopy and necropsy. There was no clear
      relationship between the ability of the capsule endoscope to detect hookworms and
      either visibility of the intestinal lumen or small intestinal transit time.
      Generation of a virtual spatial record of hookworm location from the capsule
      endoscopy data revealed a temporal trend, with the majority of worms present in
      the proximal small intestine in the morning versus the central to distal small
      intestine in the afternoon. Worm distribution as determined by capsule endoscopy
      closely resembled post-mortem findings. In conclusion, capsule endoscopy shows
      promise as an alternative to necropsy for the enumeration of A. caninum in the
      canine small intestine, although further work is required to improve completion
      rates and optimise intestinal examination.

PMID- 22075242
TI  - Molecular cloning and preliminary function study of iron responsive element
      binding protein 1 gene from cypermethrin-resistant Culex pipiens pallens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insecticide resistance jeopardizes the control of mosquito
      populations and mosquito-borne disease control, which creates a major public
      health concern. Two-dimensional electrophoresis identified one protein segment
      with high sequence homology to part of Aedes aegypti iron-responsive element
      binding protein (IRE-BP). METHOD: RT-PCR and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA
      end) were used to clone a cDNA encoding full length IRE-BP 1. Real-time
      quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate the transcriptional level changes in the
      Cr-IRE strain Aedes aegypti compared to the susceptible strain of Cx. pipiens
      pallens. The expression profile of the gene was established in the mosquito life
      cycle. Methyl tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) was used to observe the cypermethrin
      resistance changes in C6/36 cells containing the stably transfected IRE-BP 1 gene
      of Cx. pipiens pallens. RESULTS: The complete sequence of iron responsive element
      binding protein 1 (IRE-BP 1) has been cloned from the cypermethrin-resistant
      strain of Culex pipiens pallens (Cr-IRE strain). Quantitative RT-PCR analysis
      indicated that the IRE-BP 1 transcription level was 6.7 times higher in the Cr
      IRE strain than in the susceptible strain of 4th instar larvae. The IRE-BP 1
      expression was also found to be consistently higher throughout the life cycle of
      the Cr-IRE strain. A protein of predicted size 109.4 kDa has been detected by
      Western blotting in IRE-BP 1-transfected mosquito C6/36 cells. These IRE-BP 1
      transfected cells also showed enhanced cypermethrin resistance compared to null
      transfected or plasmid vector-transfected cells as determined by 3H-TdR
      incorporation. CONCLUSION: IRE-BP 1 is expressed at higher levels in the Cr-IRE
      strain, and may confer some insecticide resistance in Cx. pipiens pallens.

PMID- 22075244
TI  - Effect of ionizing radiation induced damage of endothelial progenitor cells in
      vascular regeneration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A number of studies have revealed that stress signaling and subsequent
      stress responses in stem/progenitor cells are responsible for attenuated
      regeneration or degenerative disease. Because ionizing radiation (IR), which
      sensitizes diverse types of stem cells, reportedly induces cardio-circulatory
      diseases, we hypothesized that IR-induced vascular abnormalities are associated
      with defects in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) that are responsible for
      vascular homeostasis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used an irradiated mouse model to
      mimic the IR effect on vasculogenesis. Mouse EPCs isolated from irradiated mice
      and human EPCs exposed to IR were used for functional analysis and gene
      expression study. Under IR exposure, EPCs were depleted, and their function for
      vasculogenesis in vitro and in vivo was significantly reduced. In such IR
      mediated stress responses, upregulating p21Cip1 and downregulating vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were mediated by p53 transcriptional activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that suppression of p53
      would be clinically applicable to (1) minimize the functional defects in EPCs in
      order to prevent the onset of vascular diseases caused by radiation therapy or
      radiation exposure and also to (2) provide novel insight into the mechanisms of
      IR-induced vascular damage and a possible strategy to minimize vascular damage by
      IR.

PMID- 22075245
TI  - Urokinase receptor associates with myocardin to control vascular smooth muscle
      cells phenotype in vascular disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its specific
      receptor (uPAR) are a potent multifunctional system involved in vascular
      remodeling. The goal of the study was to unravel the mechanisms of uPA/uPAR
      directed vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Using cultured human primary VSMCs, we identified a new molecular mechanism
      controlling phenotypic modulation in vitro and in vivo. We found that the
      urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) acts together with the
      transcriptional coactivator myocardin to regulate the VSMC phenotype. uPAR, a
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell-surface receptor family member,
      undergoes ligand-induced internalization and nuclear transport in VSMCs. Platelet
      derived growth factor receptor beta and SUMOylated RanGAP1 mediate this
      trafficking. Nuclear uPAR associates with myocardin, which is then recruited from
      the promoters of serum response factor target genes and undergoes proteasomal
      degradation. This chain of events initiates the synthetic VSMC phenotype. Using
      mouse carotid artery ligation model, we show that this mechanism contributes to
      adverse vascular remodeling after injury in vivo. We then cultured cells on a
      microstructured biomaterial and found that substrate topography induced uPAR
      mediated VSMC differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal the
      transcriptional activity of uPAR, controlling the differentiation of VSMCs in a
      vascular disease model. They also suggest a new role for uPAR as a therapeutic
      target and as a marker for VSMC phenotyping on prosthetic biomaterials.

PMID- 22075246
TI  - Dynamic synchrotron imaging of diabetic rat coronary microcirculation in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In diabetes, long-term micro- and macrovascular damage often underlies
      the functional decline in the cardiovascular system. However, it remains unclear
      whether early-stage diabetes is associated with in vivo functional impairment in
      the coronary microvasculature. Synchrotron imaging allows us to detect and
      quantify regional differences in resistance microvessel caliber in vivo, even
      under conditions of high heart rate. METHODS AND RESULTS: Synchrotron cine
      angiograms of the coronary vasculature were recorded using anesthetized Sprague
      Dawley rats 3 weeks after treatment with vehicle or streptozotocin (diabetic). In
      the early diabetic state, in the presence of nitric oxide and prostacyclin,
      vessel diameters were smaller (P<0.01) and endothelium-dependent vessel
      recruitment was already depressed (P<0.05). Endothelium-dependent and 
      independent vasodilatory responses in individual coronary vessels were not
      different in vivo. Inhibition of NO and PGI(2) production in diabetes uncovered
      early localized impairment in dilation. Diabetic animals displayed focal stenoses
      and segmental constrictions during nitric oxide synthase/cyclooxygenase blockade,
      which persisted during acetylcholine infusion (P<0.05), and a strong trend toward
      loss of visible microvessels. CONCLUSIONS: Synchrotron imaging provides a novel
      method to investigate coronary microvascular function in vivo at all levels of
      the arterial tree. Furthermore, we have shown that early-stage diabetes is
      associated with localized coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 22075247
TI  - Objectively assessed physical activity, sedentary time, and coronary artery
      calcification in healthy older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Physical activity is related to lower risk of cardiovascular disease,
      but data relating to coronary lesions have been conflicting. These
      inconsistencies may in part be due to unreliable assessment of physical activity
      and limitations imposed by self-reported data. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and
      coronary artery calcium (CAC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants were 443 healthy
      men and women (mean age=66+/-6 years), without history or objective signs of
      coronary heart disease, drawn from the Whitehall II epidemiological cohort.
      Physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers worn during
      waking hours for 7 consecutive days (average daily wear time=889+/-68
      minutes/day). CAC was measured in each participant using electron beam computed
      tomography and was quantified according to the Agatston scoring system. On
      average, 54.4% of the sample recorded at least 30 minutes/day of moderate to
      vigorous physical activity (MVPA). There was no association between MVPA and
      presence of detectable CAC. For the participants with detectable CAC (n=283) a
      weak inverse relationship between MVPA (minutes/day) and log Agatston score was
      observed (B=-0.008, 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.00, P=0.05), although the association was
      no longer present after adjustments for age, sex, and conventional risk factors.
      No associations were seen for light activity or sedentary time. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results confirm no association between objectively assessed physical activity and
      CAC. Because CAC measures cannot identify more vulnerable lesions, additional
      studies are required to examine whether physical activity can promote plaque
      stability.

PMID- 22075248
TI  - Transsignaling of interleukin-6 crucially contributes to atherosclerosis in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transsignaling of interleukin (IL)-6 is a central pathway in the
      pathogenesis of disorders associated with chronic inflammation, such as Crohn
      disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory colon cancer. Notably, IL-6 also
      represents an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) in humans
      and is crucially involved in vascular inflammatory processes. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: In the present study, we showed that treatment with a fusion protein of
      the natural IL-6 transsignaling inhibitor soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) and
      IgG1-Fc (sgp130Fc) dramatically reduced atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic
      Ldlr(-/-) mice without affecting weight gain and serum lipid levels. Moreover,
      sgp130Fc treatment even led to a significant regression of advanced
      atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, endothelial activation and intimal smooth
      muscle cell infiltration were decreased in sgp130Fc-treated mice, resulting in a
      marked reduction of monocyte recruitment and subsequent atherosclerotic plaque
      progression. Of note, patients with CAD exhibited significantly lower plasma
      levels of endogenous sgp130, suggesting that a compromised counterbalancing of IL
      6 transsignaling may contribute to atherogenesis in humans. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data clarify, for the first time, the critical involvement of, in particular, the
      transsignaling of IL-6 in CAD and warrant further investigation of sgp130Fc as a
      novel therapeutic for the treatment of CAD and related diseases.

PMID- 22075249
TI  - Clinical and genetic association of serum ceruloplasmin with cardiovascular risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is an acute-phase reactant that is increased in
      inflammatory diseases and in acute coronary syndromes. Cp has recently been shown
      to possess nitric oxide (NO) oxidase catalytic activity, but its impact on long
      term cardiovascular outcomes in stable cardiac patients has not been explored.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined serum Cp levels and their relationship with
      incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; death, myocardial infarction
      [MI], stroke) over 3-year follow-up in 4177 patients undergoing elective coronary
      angiography. We also carried out a genome-wide association study to identify the
      genetic determinants of serum Cp levels and evaluate their relationship to
      prevalent and incident cardiovascular risk. In our cohort (age 63+/-11 years, 66%
      male, 32% history of MI, 31% diabetes mellitus), mean Cp level was 24+/-6 mg/dL.
      Serum Cp level was associated with greater risk of MI at 3 years (hazard ratio
      [quartile 4 versus 1] 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-3.09, P<0.001).
      After adjustment for traditional risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein, and creatinine clearance, Cp remained independently predictive of MACE
      (hazard ratio 1.55, 95% CI 1.10-2.17, P=0.012). A 2-stage genome-wide association
      study identified a locus on chromosome 3 over the CP gene that was significantly
      associated with Cp levels (lead single-nucleotide polymorphism rs13072552;
      P=1.90*10(-11)). However, this variant, which leads to modestly increased serum
      Cp levels (~1.5-2 mg/dL per minor allele copy), was not associated with coronary
      artery disease or future risk of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In stable cardiac patients,
      serum Cp provides independent risk prediction of long-term adverse cardiac
      events. Genetic variants at the CP locus that modestly affect serum Cp levels are
      not associated with prevalent or incident risk of coronary artery disease in this
      study population.

PMID- 22075250
TI  - Rap1-Rac1 circuits potentiate platelet activation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the potential crosstalk
      between Rap1 and Rac1, 2 small GTPases central to platelet activation,
      particularly downstream of the collagen receptor GPVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      compared the activation response of platelets with impaired Rap signaling (double
      knock-out; deficient in both the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, CalDAG-GEFI,
      and the Gi-coupled receptor for ADP, P2Y12), to that of wild-type platelets
      treated with a small-molecule Rac inhibitor, EHT 1864 (wild-type /EHT). We found
      that Rac1 is sequentially activated downstream of Rap1 on stimulation via GPVI.
      In return, Rac1 provides important feedback for both CalDAG-GEFI- and P2Y12
      dependent activation of Rap1. When analyzing platelet responses controlled by
      Rac1, we observed (1) impaired lamellipodia formation, clot retraction, and
      granule release in both double knock-out and EHT 1864-treated wild-type
      platelets; and (2) reduced calcium store release in EHT 1864-treated wild-type
      but not double knock-out platelets. Consistent with the latter finding, we
      identified 2 pools of Rac1, one activated immediately downstream of GPVI and 1
      activated downstream of Rap1. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate important crosstalk
      between Rap1 and Rac1 downstream of GPVI. Whereas Rap1 signaling directly
      controls sustained Rac1 activation, Rac1 affects CalDAG-GEFI- and P2Y12-dependent
      Rap1 activation via its role in calcium mobilization and granule/ADP release,
      respectively.

PMID- 22075251
TI  - Relationships between recent intraplaque hemorrhage and stroke risk factors in
      patients with carotid stenosis: the HIRISC study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is an emerging marker of plaque
      instability. However, little is known about the relationships between IPH and
      traditional risk factors and whether these relationships differ between
      symptomatic and asymptomatic disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred thirty
      four patients with symptomatic (n=114) or asymptomatic (n=120) carotid stenosis
      underwent high-resolution plaque magnetic resonance imaging. Seventy-five
      patients had recent IPH (symptomatic, 33%; asymptomatic, 31%). In symptomatic
      stenosis, recent IPH was independently associated with degree of stenosis (odds
      ratio [OR]=4.21, 1.61-10.98 for North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy
      Trial >35%; OR=2.92, 1.18-7.24 for European Carotid Surgery Trial >60%),
      qualifying event (OR=4.13; 1.11-15.32 for stroke or hemispheric transient
      ischemic attack >=1 hour versus transient ischemic attack <1 hour or ocular
      symptoms), time from ischemic event (OR=6.65, 1.56-28.35 for <=2 weeks; OR=2.24,
      0.87-5.81 for 2-12 weeks versus >12 weeks; P for trend=0.03). In asymptomatic
      stenosis, IPH was only associated with stenosis severity >70% by ECST (OR=6.65;
      1.95-22.73) but not by the NASCET method. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the
      potential link between recent IPH and risk of ipsilateral stroke in symptomatic
      disease but also imply that prognostic studies should adjust for known stroke
      risk factors in multivariate analyses. In asymptomatic stenosis, the potential
      predictive value of recent IPH is less likely to be confounded by stroke risk
      factors.

PMID- 22075252
TI  - Inhibitor of differentiation-3 mediates high fat diet-induced visceral fat
      expansion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inhibitor of differentiation-3 (Id3) has been implicated in promoting
      angiogenesis, a key determinant of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced visceral
      adiposity. Yet the role of Id3 in HFD-induced angiogenesis and visceral adipose
      expansion is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Id3(-/-) mice demonstrated a
      significant attenuation of HFD-induced visceral fat depot expansion compared to
      wild type littermate controls. Importantly, unlike other Id proteins, loss of Id3
      did not affect adipose depot size in young mice fed chow diet or differentiation
      of adipocytes in vitro or in vivo. Contrast enhanced ultrasound revealed a
      significant attenuation of visceral fat microvascular blood volume in HFD-fed
      mice null for Id3 compared to wild type controls. HFD induced Id3 and VEGFA
      expression in the visceral stromal vascular fraction and Id3(-/-) mice had
      significantly lower levels of VEGFA protein in visceral adipose tissue compared
      to wild type. Furthermore, HFD-induced VEGFA expression in visceral adipose
      tissue was completely abolished by loss of Id3. Consistent with this effect, Id3
      abolished E12-mediated repression of VEGFA promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results identify Id3 as an important regulator of HFD-induced visceral adipose
      VEGFA expression, microvascular blood volume, and depot expansion. Inhibition of
      Id3 may have potential as a therapeutic strategy to limit visceral adiposity.

PMID- 22075253
TI  - Competing risk of atherosclerotic risk factors for arterial and venous thrombosis
      in a general population: the Tromso study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the impact of traditional atherosclerotic
      risk factors for the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, taking into account
      competing risks. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 1994-1995, 26,185 subjects were screened
      in the Tromso study. Information on traditional atherosclerotic risk factors was
      obtained by physical examination, blood samples, and questionnaires. Subjects
      were followed to the first incident event of myocardial infarction (MI) or venous
      thromboembolism (VTE), or December 31, 2005. During a median of 10.8 years of
      follow-up, there were 1279 cases of incident MI and 341 VTE events. Advancing age
      and high body mass index were both associated with MI and VTE. Hazard ratio per
      decade of age was 2.34 (95% CI: 2.25-2.43) for MI and 1.87 (1.74-2.01) for VTE,
      and 3 kg/m(2) increase in body mass index was associated with 1.16 (1.11-1.21)
      and 1.20 (1.12-1.29) increased risk of MI and VTE, respectively. Blood pressure,
      high levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, self
      reported diabetes, and smoking were all associated with increased risk of MI but
      not associated with VTE. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that traditional
      atherosclerotic risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and
      diabetes mellitus are not shared by arterial and venous thrombosis.

PMID- 22075254
TI  - Sodium channel Nav1.6 is up-regulated in the dorsal root ganglia in a mouse model
      of type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Neuropathic pain is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes, of
      which the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Expression changes of voltage-gated
      sodium channels in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are involved in the production of
      ectopic spontaneous activity. In the present study, we examined the changes of
      DRG Nav1.6 expression in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes (db/db mice). Db/db
      mice developed significant and persistent mechanical allodynia from postnatal 2
      months compared to the heterozygous littermates (db/+) and C57 mice.
      Immunofluorescent staining showed that Nav1.6 was highly expressed in the normal
      DRG (approximately 31.3+/-5.2% of total DRG neurons), especially in the large
      diameter neurons. In postnatal 5 months in db/db mice, percentage of Nav1.6
      positive cells (62.9+/-5.5%) was significantly higher than that in C57 and db/+
      mice. Western blot showed that from 2 to 5 months, Nav1.6 was increased by 1.67+/
      0.16, 2.12+/-0.23, 1.89+/-0.32, and 2.01+/-0.35 folds of C57 mice, which were
      significantly higher than that of the C57 and db/+ mice. Real-time PCR showed
      that in postnatal 1 month of db/db mice, mRNA level of Nav1.6 was increased by
      1.72+/-0.22 fold, which was significantly higher than that of C57 and db/+ mice.
      Nav1.6 mRNA was increased thereafter and maintained at high levels throughout the
      observed period. Our results provide direct evidence that type 2 diabetes induces
      significant and persistent increase of Nav1.6 expression in the DRG, which may
      participate in the diabetic neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22075255
TI  - Sphingomonas paucimobilis bacteremia related to intravenous human immunoglobulin
      injections.

PMID- 22075257
TI  - Quality of life is reduced in obese dogs but improves after successful weight
      loss.
AB  - Obesity is thought to affect quality of life, but limited objective data exist to
      support this supposition. The current study aim was to use a questionnaire to
      determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) both before and after weight
      loss, in obese client-owned dogs. Fifty obese dogs were included, and represented
      a variety of breeds and genders. Prior to weight loss, owners were asked to
      complete a validated standardised questionnaire to determine HRQOL. Thirty of the
      dogs successfully completed their weight loss programme and reached target, and
      owners then completed a follow-up questionnaire. The completed questionnaire
      responses were transformed to scores corresponding to each of four factors
      (vitality, emotional disturbance, anxiety and pain), and scored on a scale of 0
      6. Changes in the scores were used to explore the sensitivity of the
      questionnaire, and scores were correlated with responses to direct questions
      about quality of life and pain, as well as weight loss. Dogs that failed to
      complete their weight loss programme had lower vitality and higher emotional
      disturbance scores than those successfully losing weight (P=0.03 for both). In
      the 30 dogs that completed, weight loss led to an increased vitality score
      (P<0.001), and decreased scores for both emotional disturbance (P<0.001) and pain
      (P<0.001). However, there was no change in anxiety (P=0.09). The change in
      vitality score was positively associated with percentage weight loss (r(P)=0.43,
      P=0.02) and percentage body fat loss (r(P)=0.39, P=0.03). These results indicate
      demonstrable improvement in HRQOL for obese dogs that successfully lose weight.

PMID- 22075256
TI  - Haemostatic abnormalities in cats with naturally occurring liver diseases.
AB  - Alterations in the haemostatic system were characterized in cats with different
      naturally occurring liver diseases. The study looked at 44 healthy cats and 45
      cats with different liver diseases confirmed histologically or cytologically
      (neoplasia, n=9; inflammation, n=12; hepatic lipidosis, n=13; other degenerative
      liver diseases, n=11). The following parameters were evaluated: platelet count;
      prothrombin time; activated partial thromboplastin time; thrombin time; factor
      (F) II, FV, FVII, FX, and FXIII activities; fibrinogen concentration; activities
      of antithrombin, protein C, plasminogen, and alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor, and D
      dimer concentration. In cats with liver diseases, 44/45 (98%) had one or more
      abnormalities of the coagulation parameters measured. In cats with inflammatory
      liver diseases, increased D-dimer concentrations and decreased FXIII activity
      were the most consistent abnormalities and were found in 83% and 75% of cats,
      respectively. The most common abnormality in cats with neoplastic liver disease
      was FXIII deficiency (78%). The most consistent abnormalities in cats with
      hepatic lipidosis were increased FV activity and D-dimer concentration with 54%
      of cats having values above the reference range for both parameters. Cats with
      miscellaneous degenerative liver disease most frequently showed FXIII deficiency
      (64%). The results of this study show that alterations of single haemostatic
      components are a frequent finding in cats with liver disease. Activation of
      haemostasis with subsequent consumptive coagulopathy (rather than decreased
      synthesis) seems to be responsible for these alterations. Increased blood levels
      of different haemostatic components in cats with inflammatory lesions may be
      related to an acute phase reaction.

PMID- 22075258
TI  - Effects of handle orientation and between-handle distance on bi-manual isometric
      push strength.
AB  - Hand-handle interface is seldom considered in contemporary upper limb
      biomechanical analyses of pushing and pulling strength. A laboratory study was
      designed to examine if handle rotation in the frontal plane (0 degrees 
      horizontal, 45 degrees , and 90 degrees -vertical), anterior tilt (0 degrees 
      parallel to the frontal plane, and 15 degrees ), and distance between two handles
      (31 and 48.6 cm) affect pushing strength and subjective rating of handle
      preference. A special testing station was constructed to elicit upper limb push
      exertions that involved minimal contribution of the torso and legs. Within the
      station, four load cells were used to measure the horizontal (forward pushing)
      and vertical components of the pushing forces. Thirty-one participants performed
      seated bi-manual pushing strength tests. Comparing to the reference handle
      configuration (horizontal, straight, and a 31-cm between-handle distance), the 45
      degrees -rotated and tilted handles with a 31-cm between-handle distance allowed
      6.7% more pushing output, while the horizontal and tilted handles with a 31-cm
      between-handle distance resulted in 2.8% less. Subjective preference was
      correlated with normalized pushing strength (r=0.89). Tilted handles, at 45
      degrees -rotated and vertical positions received highest subjective ratings of
      preference among all handle configurations. Men exerted greater pushing strength
      with the 48.6-cm handle distance while women's capacity was greatest with the 31
      cm distance. The results demonstrated that handle rotation and tilt angles
      affected pushing strength and should be taken into consideration when evaluating
      or designing pushing tasks.

PMID- 22075259
TI  - Residential mobility within England and urban-rural inequalities in mortality.
AB  - This study is situated within the international literature on geographic health
      inequalities between urban and rural areas. Using data from the Office for
      National Statistics Longitudinal Study (ONS LS), this paper assesses the role of
      residential mobility within England between 1981 and 2001 in explaining
      geographic inequalities in all-cause mortality between urban and rural Local
      Authority Districts at the end of the period (deaths occurring between 2001 and
      2005). First, the pattern of directly age-standardised death rates (2001-2005) in
      urban and rural areas of residence in 2001 is examined and compared with the
      pattern that would have been seen if the observed death/survival of individuals
      had occurred in their original place of residence in 1981, or in 1991. Secondly,
      logistic regression is applied to examine whether individuals' residential
      mobility between urban and rural areas predict the risk of mortality, adjusting
      for people's socio-demographic characteristics. Findings show that, for this
      sample, residential mobility 1981-2001 accounts for about 30% of the urban-rural
      inequalities in mortality observed at the end of the period. LS members who were
      residentially mobile between urban and rural areas were relatively healthier than
      long-term urban residents, with better mortality outcomes among rural in
      migrants. In age-stratified analysis, LS members of working age (20-64 years)
      moving out of rural areas, and LS members of retirement age (65 years and older)
      moving into rural areas, were shown to be healthier. Processes of selective
      migration in and out of rural areas in England are complex and may partly explain
      urban-rural health inequalities. In terms of varying mortality risk, findings
      also highlight the possible marginalisation and disadvantage of sub-groups of the
      rural population.

PMID- 22075260
TI  - Focus. An emerging conceptual scaffold for NASH.

PMID- 22075262
TI  - Entecavir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22075264
TI  - In-situ Iberian pig carcass classification using a micro-electro-mechanical
      system (MEMS)-based near infrared (NIR) spectrometer.
AB  - Iberian pig (IP) products are gourmet foods highly appreciated at international
      markets, reaching high prices, because of its exquisite flavors. At present,
      there aren't practical and affordable analytical methods which can authenticate
      every single piece put on the market. This paper reports on the performance of a
      handheld micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based spectrometer (1600-2400nm)
      for authentication-classification of individual IP carcasses into different
      commercial categories. Performance (accuracy and instrumental design) of the
      instrument was compared with that of high-resolution NIRS monochromators (400
      2500nm). A total of 300 carcasses of IPs raised under different feeding regimes
      ("Acorn", "Recebo" and "Feed") were analyzed in three modes (intact fat in the
      carcass, skin-free subcutaneous fat samples and melted fat samples). The best
      classification results for the MEMS instrument were: 93.9% "Acorn" carcasses
      correctly classified, 96.4% "Feed" and 60.6% "Recebo", respectively. Evaluation
      of model performance confirmed the suitability of the handheld device for
      individual, fast, non-destructive, low-cost analysis of IP carcasses on the
      slaughterhouse line.

PMID- 22075263
TI  - Commentary to "Intermediate-long term follow-up indicates low risk of recurrence
      after double HIT endoscopic treatment for primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)".

PMID- 22075265
TI  - Bayesian meta-analysis of the effect of fasting, transport and lairage times on
      four attributes of pork meat quality.
AB  - Technological meat quality is a significant economic factor in pork production,
      and numerous publications have shown that it is strongly influenced both by
      genetic status and by rearing and slaughter conditions. The quality of meat is
      often described by meat pH at different times postmortem, as well as by color and
      drip loss. A meta-analysis based on a database built from 27 studies
      corresponding to a total of 6526 animals classified was carried out. The purpose
      of this meta-analysis was to study the effect of fasting, lairage and transport
      durations on four main attributes of the technological pork meat quality. A
      Bayesian hierarchical meta-regression approach was adopted. The results of our
      meta-analysis showed that fasting time had a significant effect on pH measured
      24h post-mortem (pHu) and drip loss (DL) measured in longissimus muscle. While,
      lairage affected only the pHu in semimembranosus muscle. Interestingly, we found
      that DL was the lone attribute that was affected by transport time and its
      interaction with fasting time.

PMID- 22075266
TI  - Dissociable roles for lateral orbitofrontal cortex and lateral prefrontal cortex
      during preference driven reversal learning.
AB  - One of the archetypal task manipulations known to depend on frontal-lobe function
      is reversal learning, where a dominant response must be overridden due to changes
      in the contingencies relating stimuli, responses, and environmental feedback.
      Previous studies have indicated that the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), the
      lateral orbitofrontal cortex (LOFC), the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the
      caudate nucleus (CN) all contribute to reversal learning. However, the exact
      contributions that they make during this cognitively complex task remain poorly
      defined. Here, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examine which of
      the cognitive processes that contribute to the performance of a reversal best
      predicts the pattern of activation within distinct sub-regions of the frontal
      lobes. We demonstrate that during reversal learning the LOFC is particularly
      sensitive to the implementation of the reversal, whereas the LPFC is recruited
      more generally during attentional control. By contrast, the ACC and CN respond
      when new searches are initiated regardless of whether the previous response is
      available, whilst medial orbitofrontal cortex (MOFC) activity is correlated with
      the positive affect of feedback. These results accord well with the hypothesis
      that distinct components of adaptable behaviour are supported by anatomically
      distinct components of the executive system.

PMID- 22075268
TI  - Modest reversal of metabolic syndrome manifestations with vitamin D status
      correction: a 12-month prospective study.
AB  - Numerous cross-sectional studies have noted significant negative associations
      between circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cardiometabolic risk
      factors, highlighting potential extraskeletal functions of this sterol hormone.
      Prospective studies, however, have been limited; and hence, no cause-and-effect
      relations can be inferred. This study aims to determine whether vitamin D status
      correction can reverse already established manifestations of the metabolic
      syndrome (MetS). A total of 59 adult nondiabetic, overweight, and obese Saudis
      (31 male, 28 female) were prospectively enrolled in this 1-year interventional
      study. Anthropometry and biochemical evaluation were performed, including
      determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous
      concentrations, as well as fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. Subjects were
      advised to regularly expose themselves to sunlight and increase intake of vitamin
      D-rich foods. All measurements were repeated 6 and 12 months later. At the
      initial baseline visit, the prevalence of both low high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol and hypertension was significantly increased among patients with 25
      vitamin D deficiency (P < .05), even after adjusting for sex and body mass index.
      Overall prevalence of MetS patients by the modified National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey Adult Treatment Panel III definition decreased from 25.2% to
      13.0%; and this was largely due to a parallel decrease in the prevalence of low
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and hypertension.
      Optimization of vitamin D status through sun exposure and increased intake of a
      vitamin D-rich diet can lead to an improved cardiometabolic profile, offering a
      promising nonpharmacologic approach in the prevention of MetS manifestations.

PMID- 22075267
TI  - Replication and meta-analysis of the gene-environment interaction between body
      mass index and the interleukin-6 promoter polymorphism with higher insulin
      resistance.
AB  - Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex disorder caused by an interplay of both
      genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies identified a significant
      interaction between body mass index (BMI) and the rs1800795 polymorphism of the
      interleukin-6 gene that influences both IR and onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      with obese individuals homozygous for the C allele demonstrating the highest
      level of IR and greatest risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Replication of a gene
      environment interaction is important to confirm the validity of the initial
      finding and extend the generalizability of the results to other populations.
      Thus, the objective of this study was to replicate this gene-environment
      interaction on IR in a hypertensive population and perform a meta-analysis with
      prior published results. The replication analysis was performed using white
      individuals with hypertension from the Hypertensive Pathotype cohort (N = 311),
      genotyped for rs1800795. Phenotype studies were conducted after participants
      consumed 2 diets--high sodium (200 mmol/d) and low sodium (10 mmol/d)--for 7 days
      each. Measurements for plasma glucose, insulin, and interleukin-6 were obtained
      after 8 hours of fasting. Insulin resistance was characterized by the homeostatic
      model assessment (HOMA-IR). In Hypertensive Pathotype, BMI was a significant
      effect modifier of the relationship between rs1800795 and HOMA-IR; higher BMI was
      associated with higher HOMA-IR among homozygote CC individuals when compared with
      major allele G carriers (P = .003). Furthermore, the meta-analysis in 1028
      individuals confirmed the result, demonstrating the same significant interaction
      between rs1800795 and BMI on HOMA-IR (P = 1.05 * 10(-6)). This rare replication
      of a gene-environment interaction extends the generalizability of the results to
      hypertension while highlighting this polymorphism as a marker of IR in obese
      individuals.

PMID- 22075269
TI  - Resveratrol: is selectivity opening the key to therapeutic effects?

PMID- 22075271
TI  - Association between thyroid hormone levels, the number of circulating
      osteoprogenitor cells, and bone mineral density in euthyroid postmenopausal
      women.
AB  - In postmenopausal women, an association between reduced bone mineral density
      (BMD) and increased number of circulating osteoprogenitor cells (COPs) has been
      found. Although an increased thyroid function is associated with BMD, thyroid
      hormones stimulate osteoblast function in vitro. We investigated whether thyroid
      hormones within the reference range were correlated with the number of COPs and
      stimulate mineralization in vitro. The number of COPs, defined as CD34+/alkaline
      phosphatase (AP)+ or CD34+/osteocalcin (OCN)+ cells, was quantified by
      fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis in 150 euthyroid
      postmenopausal women. Participants underwent measurement of serum free thyroxine
      (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and femur BMD. CD34+ cells were
      isolated from healthy volunteers irrespective of AP or OCN expression, and the
      effect of triiodothyronine (0.5-10 pmol/L)) on their ability to form mineralized
      nodules in vitro was studied. The number of COPs was highest among women with
      high-normal FT4 levels (>1.09 ng/dL). The FT4 levels were correlated positively
      with circulating log-CD34+/AP+ (r = 0.32, P < .001) and log-CD34/OCN+ cells (r =
      0.36, P < .001) and inversely with total femur BMD (r = -0.17, P = .036) but not
      with femoral neck BMD. In a multivariate analysis, the FT4 levels were positively
      correlated with the number of COPs, independent of age and BMD. The ability of
      CD34+ cells to form mineralized nodules increased after exposure from low up to
      high-normal triiodothyronine concentrations (P for trend = .003). Among euthyroid
      postmenopausal women, high-normal FT4 levels are correlated with an increased
      number of circulating immature osteoprogenitor cells and a very mild BMD
      reduction. Exposure of CD34+ cells to physiological triiodothyronine
      concentrations stimulates mineralization in vitro.

PMID- 22075272
TI  - The association between triglyceride to high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol
      ratio and insulin resistance in a multiethnic primary prevention cohort.
AB  - The objective was to explore the clinical utility of triglyceride (TG) to high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio in predicting insulin resistance
      (IR) in 4 ethnic groups and the relationship between IR and TG/HDL-C in
      comparison to that with other lipid measures. Apparently healthy Aboriginals,
      Chinese, Europeans, and South Asians (N = 784) were assessed for
      sociodemographics, lifestyle, anthropometry, lipids, glucose, and insulin. The
      homeostasis model assessment of IR was used as a measure of IR. Compared with
      other lipid parameters, TG/HDL-C was the highest correlate of the homeostasis
      model assessment of IR (age and sex adjusted) in Aboriginals (r = 0.499, P <
      .001), Chinese (r = 0.432, P < .001), Europeans (r = 0.597, P < .001), and South
      Asians (0.372, P < .001). For a 1-unit increase in TG/HDL-C, the odds of being
      insulin resistant increased about 4 times (odds ratio [OR], 3.95; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.86-8.42; P < .001) in Aboriginals, 3.4 times in Chinese (OR,
      3.44; 95% CI, 1.79-6.62; P < .001), 1.9 times in Europeans (OR, 1.94; 95% CI,
      1.00-3.75; P = .049), and 1.8 times in South Asians (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.91-3.45;
      P = .094) (age, sex, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, and waist
      circumference adjusted). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses
      revealed areas under the curve (95% CI) of 0.777 (0.707-0.847) in Aboriginals,
      0.723 (0.647-0.798) in Chinese, 0.752 (0.675-0.828) in Europeans, and 0.676
      (0.590-0.762) in South Asians. Optimal cutoffs (sensitivity, specificity) of
      TG/HDL-C for identifying individuals with IR were 0.9 (93.0%, 51.9%), 1.1 (71.7%,
      61.5%), 1.1 (73.5%, 70.9%), and 1.8 (52.0%, 77.9%) in Aboriginal, Chinese,
      European, and South Asian individuals, respectively. The TG/HDL-C ratio may be a
      good marker to identify insulin-resistant individuals of Aboriginal, Chinese, and
      European, but not South Asian, origin.

PMID- 22075270
TI  - The relationship between vitamin D and the renin-angiotensin system in the
      pathophysiology of hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes.
AB  - Vitamin D has been implicated in the pathophysiology of extraskeletal conditions
      such as hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes via its ability to negatively
      regulate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This article reviews the evidence
      supporting a link between vitamin D and the RAS in these conditions, with
      specific emphasis on translational observations and their limitations. A
      literature review of animal and human studies evaluating the role of vitamin D in
      hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes was performed. Excess activity of the
      RAS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, chronic kidney
      disease, decreased insulin secretion, and insulin resistance. Animal studies
      provide strong support for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-mediated downregulation of
      renin expression and RAS activity via its interaction with the vitamin D
      receptor. Furthermore, the activity of vitamin D metabolites in animals is
      associated with reductions in blood pressure, proteinuria and renal injury, and
      with improved beta-cell function. Many observational, and a few interventional,
      studies in humans have supported these findings; however, there is a lack of well
      designed prospective human interventional studies to definitively assess clinical
      outcomes. There is a need for more well-designed prospective interventional
      studies to validate this hypothesis in human clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22075273
TI  - Short-term walnut consumption increases circulating total adiponectin and
      apolipoprotein A concentrations, but does not affect markers of inflammation or
      vascular injury in obese humans with the metabolic syndrome: data from a double
      blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
AB  - Long-term consumption of walnuts is associated with lower cardiovascular disease
      risk in epidemiological studies, possibly through improvements in lipid profile
      and endothelial function. It remains to be elucidated how soon after initiation
      of walnut consumption beneficial effects on lipid profile and biomarkers of
      inflammation or vascular injury can be observed. Fifteen obese subjects (9 men
      and 6 women; age, 58 +/- 2.5 years; body mass index, 36.6 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)) with
      the metabolic syndrome participated as inpatients in a randomized, double
      blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study involving short-term placebo or
      walnut-enriched diet (48 g/d for 4 days). Apolipoproteins and markers of
      inflammation and vascular injury were measured before and after consumption of
      the experimental diets. Consumption of walnuts was associated with a
      statistically significant increase in serum apolipoprotein A concentrations (P =
      .03), but did not affect circulating levels of fetuin A, resistin, C-reactive
      protein, serum amyloid A, soluble intercellular adhesion molecules 1 and 3,
      soluble vascular cell adhesion protein 1, interleukins 6 and 8, tumor necrosis
      factor alpha, E-selectin, P-selectin, and thrombomodulin. Four days of walnut
      consumption (48 g/d) leads to mild increases in apolipoprotein A concentrations,
      changes that may precede and lead to the beneficial effects of walnuts on lipid
      profile in obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22075274
TI  - Systematic validation of specific phenotypic markers for in vitro polarized human
      macrophages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polarization of macrophages by specific micro-environmental
      conditions impacts upon their function following subsequent activation. This
      study aimed to systematically validate robust phenotypic markers for in vitro
      polarized human macrophages in order to facilitate the study of macrophage
      subsets in vivo. METHODS: Human peripheral blood monocytes were polarized in
      vitro with IFN-gamma, IL-4, or IL-10. Similar experiments were performed with
      TNF, IL-13, dexamethasone, M-CSF and GM-CSF as polarizing stimuli. Phenotypic
      markers were assessed by flow cytometry and qPCR. RESULTS: IFN-gamma polarized
      macrophages (MPhi(IFN-gamma)) specifically enhanced membrane expression of CD80
      and CD64, IL-4 polarized macrophages (MPhi(IL-4)) mainly upregulated CD200R and
      CD206, and downregulated CD14 levels, and IL-10 polarized macrophages (MPhi(IL
      10)) selectively induced CD163, CD16, and CD32. The expression profiles of the
      most specific markers were confirmed by qPCR, dose-response experiments, and the
      use of alternative polarizing factors for each macrophage subset (TNF, IL-13, and
      dexamethasone, respectively). GM-CSF polarized macrophages (MPhi(GM-CSF))
      upregulated CD80 but not CD64 expression, showing a partial phenotypic similarity
      with MPhi(IFN-gamma), and also upregulated the expression of the alternative
      activation marker CD206. M-CSF polarized macrophages (MPhi(M-CSF)) not only
      expressed increased levels of CD163 and CD16, resembling MPhi(IL-10,) but also
      displayed high levels of CD64. The phenotype of MPhi(M-CSF) could be further
      modulated by additional polarization with IFN-gamma, IL-4, or IL-10, whereas
      MPhi(GM-CSF) showed less phenotypic plasticity. CONCLUSION: This study validated
      CD80 as the most robust phenotypic marker for human MPhi(IFN-gamma), whereas
      CD200R was upregulated and CD14 was specifically downregulated on MPhi(IL-4).
      CD163 and CD16 were found to be specific markers for MPhi(IL-10). The GM-CSF/M
      CSF differentiation model showed only a partial phenotypic similarity with the
      IFN-gamma/IL-4/IL-10 induced polarization.

PMID- 22075276
TI  - Heart failure and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a review for a
      widespread situation.
AB  - Up to 15% of patients with NSTEMI present at admission with heart failure.
      Scientific evidence for its management is limited but much progress has been made
      during the last years. Our purpose was to review the last data concerning heart
      failure in NSTEMI and perform an update on the subject, with the following
      findings as main highlights. As Killip classes III and IV, Killip class II onset
      in the context of NSTEMI has also proven bad prognosis significance. Beta-blocker
      therapy has proven benefit to patients with Killip class II in observational
      studies and small trials. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy shows
      stronger evidence of benefit in patients with heart failure than in patients
      without it. Eplerenone is indicated for patients with left ventricular
      dysfunction and heart failure or diabetes mellitus. Implantable cardioverter
      defibrillators improve survival in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction
      after a myocardial infarction. Cardiac resynchronization therapy indications must
      be carefully assessed due to the high rate of implants that do not fulfill
      guidelines indications. In conclusion, heart failure during a NSTEMI is a common
      and meaningful situation which warrants careful management and further
      investigation to reach stronger evidence for clinical recommendations.

PMID- 22075277
TI  - Antisense therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease, the leading causes of death worldwide, is a "preventable"
      pathology, so that accessible and affordable interventions should be established
      to target the leading risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia. Although
      statin based therapy is commonplace in primary and secondary prevention, several
      economical, clinical and safety issues have been raised, so that there is ongoing
      research into new, safer and more effective agents to be used alone or in
      combination with existing cardiovascular drugs. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
      are a class of short, single-stranded synthetic analogs of nucleic acids that
      bind to a target mRNA, preventing its translation and thereby inhibiting protein
      synthesis. Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) is the major protein moiety of the
      atherogenic lipoproteins LDL and Lp(a), thus representing the ideal target for
      antisense therapy. Two anti-apoB100 (i.e., ISIS 301012 and ISIS 147764) and one
      anti-apolipoprotein(a) (i.e., ASO 144367) have already been developed and tested
      in some animal and human trials, providing promising results in terms of
      significant reduction of both LDL and Lp(a). Nevertheless, some safety issues -
      especially injection-site reactions and potential hepatotoxicity - have also
      emerged, thereby slowing down the large clinical diffusion of these agents. The
      present article provides an update on clinical data regarding antisense therapy
      targeting human apolipoproteins, highlighting the benefits and the potential
      risks of this innovative therapeutic approach for hypercholesterolemia and
      hyperlipoproteinemia(a).

PMID- 22075275
TI  - Methodology for isolation, identification and characterization of microvesicles
      in peripheral blood.
AB  - RATIONALE: Analyses of circulating cell membrane-derived microvesicles (MV) have
      come under scrutiny as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of disease.
      However, methods to isolate, label and quantify MV have been neither systematized
      nor validated. OBJECTIVE: To determine how pre-analytical, analytical and post
      analytical factors affect plasma MV counts, markers for cell of origin and
      expression of procoagulant surface phosphatidylserine. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers and
      patients with cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. Effects of blood sample
      collection, anticoagulant and sample processing to platelet free plasma (PFP),
      and MV isolation, staining and storage (freeze-thaw) and cytometer design were
      evaluated with replicate samples from these populations. The key finding is that
      use of citrate or EDTA anticoagulants decreases or eliminates microvesicles from
      plasma by inducing adhesion of the microvesicles to platelets or other formed
      elements. Protease inhibitor anticoagulants, including heparin, preserve MV
      counts. A centrifugation protocol was developed in which recovery of isolated MV
      was high with resolution down to the equivalent light scatter of 0.2 MUm latex
      beads. Each procedure was systematically evaluated for its impact on the MV
      counts and characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study provides a systematic
      methodology for MV isolation, identification and quantification, essential for
      development of MV as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of disease.

PMID- 22075278
TI  - An overview on cognitive aspects implicated in medical decisions.
AB  - Cognitive theories on decision making show that individuals often do not decide
      in a full and rationale way, but instead use cognitive strategies that allow them
      to overcome the limitations imposed by their limited rationality and the
      difficulties derived from uncertainty. The first part of the paper will discuss
      the role of heuristics and biases in medical decision making. This is an
      interesting field of research since medical decisions must be fast and are often
      complicated by rapid changes in the patient's clinical condition, uncertain
      prognosis and unexpected or uncontrollable treatment effects. In such contexts
      individuals are forced to rely on heuristics to assist them in taking decisions
      which can sometimes produce cognitive biases. The second part of the paper will
      be dedicated to discussing ways in which the patients' decisions can be improved.
      The role of the shared decision making approach will be discussed as well as the
      role of decision aids. Based on personal information coming from the physical and
      psychological characteristics and needs of the patient, decision aids give
      information about specific options and outcomes related to the patient's disease.
      Provided with a set of well-defined alternatives, patients are assisted in taking
      their preferred decisions, especially when there is more than one medically
      reasonable opinion available. Moreover, decision aids facilitate and support the
      shared decision-making, a process by which patients and physicians discuss and
      evaluate the alternatives for a particular medical decision together.

PMID- 22075279
TI  - Extra-articular manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis: prevalence,
      characteristics and therapeutic implications.
AB  - Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is the most frequent and most severe subtype of
      spondyloarthritis and can be an outcome of any of the other spondyloarthritis
      subtypes. It primarily affects the axial joints, most notably the sacroiliac
      joints. Other sites of involvement include the spine, peripheral joints, and
      entheses (capsules, ligaments, and tendons). Inflammatory enthesopathy
      progressing to ossification and ankylosis is the pathologic basis for the
      disease. Extra-articular manifestations vary widely in terms of both frequency
      and severity. The most common extra-articular manifestations are represented by
      uveitis, bowel disease, heart, lung, skin, bone and kidney involvement. This
      review focuses on prevalence and clinical characteristics of the most common
      extra-articular manifestations in AS, and discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic
      difficulties that rheumatologists faces when dealing with such manifestations.
      The advantages of treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
      especially if continuous use is envisaged, should be weighted against possible
      gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disadvantages. In the presence of history of
      gastrointestinal complaints or a high cardiovascular risk, NSAIDs should be used
      with caution. TNF inhibition has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of
      AS symptoms and all currently available anti-TNF agents appear to have similar
      efficacy. However, the efficacy of anti-TNF agents varies in the presence of
      extra-articular manifestations. Etanercept appears to have very little effect on
      inflammatory bowel disease and limited efficacy on the course of uveitis probably
      inferior to the monoclonal antibodies infliximab and adalimumab.

PMID- 22075280
TI  - Clinical approach to severe Clostridium difficile infection: update for the
      hospital practitioner.
AB  - The rising incidence of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection or CDI is
      now a problem of pandemic proportions. The NAP1 hypervirulent strain of C.
      difficile is responsible for a majority of recent epidemics and the widespread
      use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics may have facilitated the selective
      proliferation of this strain. The NAP1 strain also is more likely to cause severe
      and fulminant colitis characterized by marked leukocytosis, renal failure,
      hemodynamic instability, and toxic megacolon. No single test suffices to diagnose
      severe CDI, instead; the clinician must rely on a combination of clinical acumen,
      laboratory testing, and radiologic and endoscopic modalities. Although oral
      vancomycin and metronidazole are considered standard therapies in the medical
      management of CDI, recently it has been demonstrated that vancomycin is the more
      effective antibiotic in cases of severe disease. Moreover, early surgical
      consultation is necessary in patients who do not respond to medical therapy or
      who demonstrate rising white blood cell counts or hemodynamic instability
      indicative of fulminant colitis. Subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy is the
      procedure of choice for fulminant colitis. When applied to select patients in a
      judicious and timely fashion, surgery can be a life-saving intervention. In
      addition to these therapeutic approaches, several investigational treatments
      including novel antibiotics, fecal bacteriotherapy and immunotherapy have shown
      promise in the care of patients with severe CDI.

PMID- 22075281
TI  - Combining patient administration and laboratory computer systems - a proposal to
      measure and improve the quality of care.
AB  - Several approaches to measuring the quality of hospital care have been suggested.
      We propose the simple and objective approach of using the health related data of
      the patient administration systems and the laboratory results that have been
      collected and stored electronically in hospitals for years. Imaginative
      manipulation of this data can give new insights into the quality of patient care.

PMID- 22075282
TI  - Should we routinely treat patients with autoimmune/rheumatic diseases and chronic
      hepatitis B virus infection starting biologic therapies with antiviral agents?
      Yes.
AB  - It is well established that hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is common among
      patients with various hematological or neoplastic diseases who receive
      chemotherapeutic agents without appropriate antiviral prophylaxis and is
      associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A number of recent studies
      have indicated that treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents in
      patients with autoimmune/rheumatic diseases carries a similar risk. Furthermore,
      appropriate pre-emptive treatment with oral antivirals appears to significantly
      reduce that risk and should be routinely implemented in clinical practice.
      Similar data are available for B-cell depleting agents like rituximab from the
      hematology literature, indicating the need for a similar approach in patients
      with autoimmune diseases receiving such agents.

PMID- 22075283
TI  - Should we routinely treat patients with autoimmune/rheumatic diseases and chronic
      hepatitis B virus infection starting biologic therapies with antiviral agents?
      NO.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects a large part of the world population.
      Different virological HBV categories have been identified and managing strategies
      for immunosuppressed patients with serological signs of current or past HBV
      infection has been proposed. Those strategies developed to manage patients in the
      haematology setting are based on strong evidence. Instead, management of such
      patients in the rheumatologic setting, especially those treated with biologic
      response modifiers, is mainly based on data derived by case reports and expert
      opinions. More data are needed to better manage these patients in case of signs
      of current or past HBV infection.

PMID- 22075284
TI  - Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients on maintenance hemodialysis:
      a single United Arab Emirates center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is prevalent among hemodialysis patients. In patients
      with normal kidney function, treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
      can lead to eradication of HCV (hepatitis C virus). But the treatment is more
      problematic in patients with impaired kidney function, in part due to the altered
      pharmacokinetics of these medications. Despite recent guidelines, the optimal
      strategy in this group of patients is not well defined. METHOD: In a
      retrospective study, we reviewed all patients with chronic hepatitis C on
      hemodialysis treated at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, in the United Arab Emirates
      between 2003 and 2009. The aim of our study was to determine the rate of
      sustained viral response (SVR) and to establish the safety and rate of dropouts
      in the different treatment regimens used (patients treated with peginterferon
      only and patients treated with peginterferon and low dose ribavirin). RESULTS: 22
      patients were treated during this period. 5 patients received monotherapy with a
      reduced dose of peginterferon alfa 2b s.c. once weekly while 17 patients were
      treated with a combination of reduced dose of peginterferon alfa 2a or 2b s.c.
      once weekly and a low dose ribavirin (200mg/day). A SVR was achieved in 73%
      (16/22 patients) of the total patient population and in 76% (13/17 patients) in
      the sub-group of patients treated with a combination therapy. The tolerability
      was high. No patients had to discontinue their treatment. The use of ESA
      (erythropoietin stimulating agents) and G-CSF was common in the combination
      therapy (94% and 53% respectively). CONCLUSION: In our study of patients on
      hemodialysis with chronic hepatitis C, the use of peginterferon or a combination
      of peginterferon with a low daily dose of ribavirin achieved a high rate of SVR
      and the rate of dropout was low after pursuing an aggressive management of side
      effects.

PMID- 22075285
TI  - The use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and normal
      renal function: a multicentric study.
AB  - Ascites is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, occurring in more than 50
      60% of the patients within 10 years of the diagnosis. In 5-10% of patients,
      ascites cannot be mobilized, or its early recurrence cannot be prevented by
      medical treatment. This condition is known as "refractory ascites". The use of
      terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and normal renal
      function has not been evaluated. This prospective study was aimed at evaluating
      whether terlipressin in addition to standard therapy (diuretics plus albumin)
      might improve the outcome of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients without
      HRS. PATIENTS: 26 cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites were prospectively
      enrolled in this study. All the patients had tense (grade 3) ascites, and 10/26
      showed also massive peripheral edema. Patients received maximum diuretic
      treatment plus albumin and terlipressin. RESULTS: Complete response was seen in
      16/26 patients. The higher response to therapy was seen during the 2nd week of
      treatment. 6 patients showed a decrease of at least two points in the ascites
      score. No differences in clinical response to treatment were seen according to
      the etiology of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study shows a
      synergistic effect of terlipressin vs treatment with albumin plus diuretics in
      patients with refractory ascites. One could speculate that albumin might enhance
      the vasoconstrictive response to terlipressin, thus contributing to
      counterbalance the negative effects of systemic vasodilation, which characterizes
      the hyperdynamic circulation of cirrhotic patients.

PMID- 22075286
TI  - Does previous hypertension affect outcome in acute heart failure?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of previous long-term hypertension on mortality in acute
      heart failure (HF), regardless of blood pressure values, has not been well
      studied. METHODS: Acute Heart Failure Database (AHEAD) - Czech HF registry
      enrolled 4153 consecutive patients with acute HF. We excluded severe forms
      (cardiogenic shock, pulmonary oedema, right HF) and analysed 2421 patients with
      known presence or absence of previous hypertension. Demographic, clinical and
      laboratory profile, treatment and mortality rates were assessed and predictors of
      outcome were identified. RESULTS: Patients with previous hypertension (71.5%)
      were older, more of female gender, with worse pre-hospitalisation NYHA class,
      increased incidence of co-morbidities and higher left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF). Although in-hospital mortality was similar in both cohorts
      (2.6%), survival at 1, 2 and 3-year was worse in the hypertensive group (75.6%,
      65.9% and 58.7% vs. 80.7%, 74.2% and 69.8%; P<0.001). Nevertheless, hypertension
      was not associated with mortality in multivariate analysis and stronger
      predictors of outcome were identified (P<0.05): new-onset acute HF [hazard ratio
      (HR) 0.62] and increased body mass index (HR 0.68) proved to have a protective
      role. Advanced age (HR 1.86), diabetes (HR 1.45), lower LVEF (HR 1.28) and
      admission blood pressure (HR 1.54), elevated serum creatinine (HR 1.63),
      hyponatremia (HR 1.77) and anaemia (HR 1.40) were associated with worse survival.
      CONCLUSION: Antecedent hypertension is frequent in patients with acute HF and
      contributes to organ and vascular impairment. However its presence has no
      independent influence on short- and medium-term mortality, which is influenced by
      other related co-morbidities.

PMID- 22075287
TI  - Association between clusters of diseases and polypharmacy in hospitalized elderly
      patients: results from the REPOSI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the association between multimorbidity and polypharmacy has
      been clearly documented, no study has analyzed whether or not specific
      combinations of diseases influence the prescription of polypharmacy in older
      persons. We assessed which clusters of diseases are associated with polypharmacy
      in acute-care elderly in-patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was held
      in 38 Italian internal medicine and geriatric wards participating in the Registro
      Politerapie SIMI (REPOSI) study during 2008. The study sample included 1155 in
      patients aged 65 years or older. Clusters of diseases, defined as two or more co
      occurring specific chronic diseases, were identified using the odds ratio (OR)
      for the associations between pairs of diseases followed by cluster analysis.
      Polypharmacy was defined as the prescription of five or more different
      medications at hospital discharge. Logistic regression models were run to analyze
      the association between clusters of diseases and polypharmacy. RESULTS: Among
      clusters of diseases, the highest mean number of drugs (>8) was found in patients
      affected by heart failure (HF) plus chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
      HF plus chronic renal failure (CRF), COPD plus coronary heart disease (CHD),
      diabetes mellitus plus CRF, and diabetes mellitus plus CHD plus cerebrovascular
      disease (CVD). The strongest association between clusters of diseases and
      polypharmacy was found for diabetes mellitus plus CHD plus CVD, diabetes plus
      CHD, and HF plus atrial fibrillation (AF). CONCLUSIONS: The observed knowledge of
      the relationship among co-occurring diseases and polypharmacy should help to
      identify and monitor older in-patients at risk of polypharmacy.

PMID- 22075288
TI  - Relation of functional characteristics and serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT)
      concentration in patients with PiMM phenotype and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The relation of AAT phenotype and COPD still raises lots of
      controversy. In this study we aimed to investigate relation lung function
      characteristics, AAT serum level and COPD in smoking and non smoking population.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomized study in which we
      evaluated 45 patients with severe (stage IV) COPD. In all patients we determined
      AAT phenotype, serum AAT levels and lung function tests. We correlated findings
      in relation to the smoking status. RESULTS: All patients were MM type
      homozygotes. Serum AAT concentrations were within the reference values, amounting
      to 1.66g/l in smokers and 1.80g/l in nonsmokers. There was no significant
      correlation between serum AAT concentrations and lung function parameters. We
      have observed the higher mean values of ITGV, RV, TLC and RV/TLC in smokers and a
      statistically significant difference only in ITGV. CONCLUSION: All of the
      investigated patients with severe COPD were MM type homozygotes with normal
      plasma level of AAT. There was no significant correlation between the phenotype
      and severity of COPD. We did not find significant relation of plasma AAT level
      and lung function impairment.

PMID- 22075289
TI  - Risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients with beta thalassemia
      intermedia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a common yet poorly understood
      complication of beta thalassemia intermedia (TI). METHODS: We herein evaluated
      risk factors for PHT in TI, through comparing 64 TI patients with evidence of PHT
      by symptomatology and echocardiography (Group I) to age- and sex-matched TI
      patients without PHT (Group II). Retrieved data included demographics, laboratory
      parameters, clinical characteristics, and received treatments that may influence
      PHT development; and reflected the period prior to PHT occurrence in Group I.
      RESULTS: The mean age of Group I patients at development of PHT was 37.3+/
      10.6years; with 44% being males. Among studied parameters, Group I patients were
      more likely to be splenectomized (4.9-times), transfusion-naive (3.5-times);
      hydroxyurea-naive (2.6-times), or iron chelation-naive (2.3-times); and have
      nucleated red blood cell count >=300*10(6)/l (2.59-times) or a previous history
      of thromboembolic events (3.69-times). CONCLUSION: TI patients who eventually
      develop PHT may be identified early on by being splenectomized, having high
      nucleated red blood cell counts and a previous history of thromboembolism.
      Prospective clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost
      effectiveness of transfusion, iron chelation, and hydroxyurea therapy in
      preventing PHT in TI are invited.

PMID- 22075290
TI  - Molecular assay to detect nosocomial fungal infections in intensive care units.
AB  - SUMMARY: The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of fungal
      infections in hospital intensive care units and to evaluate a molecular method to
      detect these infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants in this study
      were patients admitted to any of the 10 intensive care units at Nemazi Hospital
      (Shiraz, southern Iran) between March 2009 and January 2010. Oral and rectal
      swabs, urine, and sputum samples from patients were checked for fungal
      colonization. If a nosocomial fungal infection was suspected, clinical samples
      were examined for fungal infection by culture, direct microscopic examination and
      real-time PCR. Blood samples were cultured by bedside inoculation onto BACTEC
      medium. Susceptibility of the isolates to antifungal agents was also determined.
      RESULTS: Of 870 patients, 550 (63.2%) had Candida colonization in different body
      sites and 17 (1.9%) had fungal infections. The mortality rate in patients with
      fungal infections was 58.8% (10 cases). The etiologic agents were Candida
      albicans, Candida glabrata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and
      Aspergillus spp. Three C. albicans were found to be resistant to amphotericin B
      and itraconazole, and one A. fumigatus and two A. flavus were resistant to
      amphotericin B, ketoconazole and itraconazole. One A. fumigatus was additionally
      resistant to caspofungin. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the incidence of fungal
      infections and their high mortality rate, early detection, prompt diagnosis and
      treatment are critical. Molecular assays can serve as a diagnostic tool to manage
      patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Antifungal susceptibility testing
      in different geographical regions can support the choice of prophylaxis and
      treatment for these patients.

PMID- 22075291
TI  - Calcium channel antagonist exposures reported to the Poisons Information Center
      Erfurt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the toxicity profile of the three main groups of
      calcium channel antagonists (CCA) and compared mixed CCA exposures (CCA plus
      another drug) with mono CCA exposures. METHODS: All CCA exposures reported to the
      PIC Erfurt from 2000 to 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In total,
      727 (230 mono and 497 mixed) CCA exposures were registered. Although CCA
      exposures increased almost twofold from 56 in 2000 to 108 in 2009 their relative
      frequency to all exposures remained constant. The five CCAs most frequently
      involved in exposures were the five most frequently prescribed ones in Germany
      over the same period. In mono and mixed CCA exposures, none or minor symptoms
      were most often seen with dihydropyridines (mono: 84.7%; mixed: 68.0%) followed
      by diltiazem (mono: 71.4%; mixed: 62.5%) and verapamil (mono: 57.1%; mixed:
      50.0%). Highest rates of moderate (mono: 8.6%: mixed: 20.2%) and severe symptoms
      (mono: 18.6%; mixed: 23.7%) were observed after verapamil ingestions. Death most
      frequently occurred with diltiazem (mono: 28.6%; mixed: 12.5%). Rates of moderate
      symptoms were higher in mixed (13.3%) than in mono CCA exposures (4.8%). No
      distinct differences were seen regarding the relative frequency of none or minor
      symptoms, severe symptoms, and death between mono and mixed CCA exposures.
      CONCLUSION: Exposures to verapamil more often resulted in moderate and severe
      symptoms than with dihydropyridines. Death mainly occurred with diltiazem.
      Moderate symptoms were more frequent in mixed than in mono CCA exposures. The
      frequency of CCAs involved in exposure was related to their prescription.

PMID- 22075292
TI  - Mucosal healing for predicting clinical outcome in patients with ulcerative
      colitis using thiopurines in monotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucosal healing (MH) has emerged as a desirable treatment goal for
      patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Currently little is known about the
      efficacy of using thiopurine immunosuppressants in monotherapy to achieve and
      maintain long-term MH in UC. This study analyzes the efficacy and the clinical
      impact of MH in patients with UC responded to thiopurine immunosuppressants in
      the long term. METHODS: An open, observational, cohort study in 20 patients with
      UC had been in clinical remission in monotherapy with thiopurine
      immunosuppressants for at least 1 year. MH was assessed by endoscopy. The
      patients according to the Mayo Endoscopic Score (0 vs 1 and 2), were followed
      until the end of the study or patient relapse. (according to Truelove and Witts
      criteria). RESULTS: Mean treatment time was 5.4 years. Twelve (60%) patients
      presented a Mayo Endoscopic Score of 0. A total of 18 patients were followed up
      for a median of 27.1 months. After endoscopy, 4 patients (22.2%) presented
      relapse, with a mean time of 27.5 months for a score >=1 (95% CI; 18.2-36.8)
      versus 54.3 months for a score=0 (95% CI 47.2-61.3) (p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study shows the efficacy of thiopurine immunosuppressants in achieving mucosal
      healing in patients who respond to thiopurine immunosuppressants in the long
      term. We also observe the presence of endoscopy activity is not a rare event in
      this group of patients and is a predictor of early relapse.

PMID- 22075293
TI  - Hyperleptinaemia positively correlated with metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the
      fasting serum leptin concentration in hemodialysis (HD) patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 101 HD patients. MetS and its
      components were defined using the diagnostic criteria of the International
      Diabetes Federation. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (47.5%) had MetS. Serum leptin
      concentrations were positively correlated with MetS (p<0.001). Serum leptin
      levels correlated with increasing numbers of MetS criteria in HD patients
      (p=0.001). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that the pre-HD body
      weight (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.001),
      triglycerides (p=0.003), insulin level (p=0.043), and homeostasis model
      assessment of insulin resistance (p=0.003) positively correlated with serum
      leptin levels in HD patients and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.016)
      negatively correlated with serum leptin levels in HD patients. Multivariate
      forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables revealed
      that pre-HD body weight (R(2)=0.175; p<0.001) was the independent predictor of
      the fasting serum leptin concentration. CONCLUSION: Fasting serum leptin levels
      positively correlated with MetS and the pre-HD body weight could influence serum
      leptin in HD patients.

PMID- 22075294
TI  - Biochemical and ultrasound parameters may help predict the need for therapeutic
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with a firm
      clinical and biochemical suspicion for choledocholithiasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediction of the need for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis
      (CDL) remains a challenging task. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the predictive value
      of biochemical and ultrasound parameters and to create a corresponding model for
      prediction of the need for therapeutic ERCP. METHODS: 203 consecutive patients
      referred to our center due to a firm clinical and/or biochemical suspicion for
      CDL. All patients underwent ERCP. Biochemical and ultrasound variables were
      analyzed. RESULTS: The sample was divided into testing group (103; 50.7%) and
      validation group (100; 49.3%) which did not differ in their baseline
      characteristics. Elevated gamma glutamil transaminase (GGT), common bile duct
      (CBD) diameter and presence of hyperechoic structures in CBD were found to be
      significant predictors for presence of CBD stones on ERCP (p<0.05) in the testing
      group. We used these variables to construct a predictive model for the presence
      of CBD stones on ERCP. The model was tested on a second, validation group of
      patients using ROC analysis with the area under the ROC curve of 0.81 (%95
      CI=0.75-0.86; p<0.001). We identified a threshold (0.86) above which, patients
      had a high probability (93.1%) for the need for interventional ERCP. CONCLUSION:
      Our predictive model may help predict the need for therapeutic ERCP in patients
      with a suspicion for choledocholithiasis.

PMID- 22075295
TI  - Hoover's sign is a predictor of airflow obstruction severity and is not related
      to hyperinflation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several phenotypes are described in COPD. OBJECTIVES: To assess if
      COPD patients with Hoover's sign (HS) belong to a particular phenotype. METHODS:
      All consecutive COPD patients with varying degree of airflow obstruction that
      came for lung function testing in one university hospital were prospectively
      assessed, using clinical and magnetometer detection of HS, body mass index (BMI),
      St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire for health-related quality of life, six
      minute-walk test (6MWT) with inspiratory capacity (IC) measurements and
      expiratory flow limitation (EFL) detection. Previous exacerbations were also
      reported. RESULTS: 82 patients were studied. Magnetometers confirmed HS in 56 of
      them, of which 79% (44/56) were detected by clinical assessment. HS (+) patients
      were older (64 +/- 10 vs 59 +/- 10 years, p=0.03), had a higher BMI (26 +/- 5 vs
      23 +/- 4, p=0.04), a lower FEV1 (53% +/- 18% vs 63% +/- 18% pred, p=0.02) and a
      higher IC decrease at the end of 6MWT, (-19 +/- 2 vs -7 +/- 4% pred, p=0.003). A
      larger proportion of HS (+) patients also reported severe exacerbations during
      the past 2 years (39% vs 12% p=0.01). There was no statistical evidence that HS
      was related to hyperinflation and/or EFL. CONCLUSION: The very simple clinical HS
      allows identifying a particular population of COPD patients of older age and
      higher BMI with a more severe airflow obstruction, increased dynamic
      hyperinflation during exercise and higher exacerbation frequency. These
      characteristics were not linked to hyperinflation or EFL.

PMID- 22075296
TI  - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a presenting manifestation in young
      patients infected with H1N1 influenza virus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The new strain of influenza A (H1N1) 2009, often referred to
      colloquially as "swine flu", which was first detected in April 2009, raised to a
      pandemic of which the impact was not completely predictable. As reported,
      numerous cases with severe respiratory failure were also seen among young
      previously healthy people. PATIENTS: In the present study, we report eight cases
      of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 admitted to our medical intensive care with severe
      respiratory failure between November and December 2009 and in January 2011. All
      patients were older than 30 but younger than 50 years, had clinical and
      radiological evidence of an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and needed
      invasive ventilatory support. RESULTS: Six of the eight patients had no relevant
      underlying disease; one had a pre-existing idiopathic lung fibrosis and another
      had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an abuse of alcohol and an
      adiposities grade 3. Four patients needed an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      (ECMO) due to severe respiratory failure with global respiratory insufficiency
      that could not be treated by conservative ventilatory support. The one patient
      with a pre-existing lung fibrosis died shortly after lung transplantation despite
      use of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. One other patient died due to a
      subarachnoidal bleeding under the anticoagulatory regime during ECMO therapy. The
      adipose COPD-patient died due to septic shock with multiple organ failure without
      possibility for ECMO support. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical course of severe cases of
      influenza A (H1N1) 2009-infection is markedly different from the disease pattern
      seen during epidemics of seasonal influenza. Most of the patients admitted to our
      intensive care unit due to influenza A (H1N1) 2009 associated ARDS were
      previously healthy young people.

PMID- 22075297
TI  - Neurosarcoidosis: report of 30 cases and a literature survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neurosarcoidosis accounts for approximately 5% of cases of
      sarcoidosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of Neurosarcoidosis in our
      setting and analyze the clinical-radiological findings and evolution of 30
      patients consecutively diagnosed. METHODS: The medical records of patients with a
      diagnosis of Neurosarcoidosis were reviewed, and data regarding the clinical
      features, ancillary tests performed, treatment, and outcome were recorded. We
      revised the literature to summarize and discuss the previous clinical series of
      Neurosarcoidosis. RESULTS: It accounted for 6.7% of all cases of sarcoidosis.
      Seven patients had definite diagnosis and 23 had probable diagnosis. The mean age
      at onset of Neurosarcoidosis was 48.3 years and 66.7% of patients were women.
      Neurologic clinical features were the first manifestation of Neurosarcoidosis in
      70% of cases. Cranial neuropathy was present in 17 patients and 14 of them had
      facial palsy. The central nervous system was affected in 10 patients and the
      peripheral nervous system in 5. Chest disease, the most common extraneurologic
      manifestation, was present in 20 patients. All patients were treated with
      corticosteroids, and all those with central nervous system involvement had poor
      outcome. CONCLUSION: Neurosarcoidosis requires a high degree of suspicion to
      establish the diagnosis. Central nervous system involvement is associated with a
      poor prognosis.

PMID- 22075298
TI  - Low testosterone level in middle-aged male patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endogenous testosterone has been shown to provide a protective role
      in the development of cardiovascular diseases in men. This study investigated the
      changes of testosterone level and its relationship to the severity of coronary
      artery stenosis in middle-aged men with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS:
      Serum testosterone concentration was measured in 87 middle-aged men patients with
      CAD including stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina pectoris (USAP) and
      acute myocardial infarction (AMI). All patients underwent coronary angiography
      and the severity of coronary stenosis was estimated by the Gensini coronary
      score. The patients with the severity of coronary artery stenosis of less than
      50% served as control group. RESULTS: The levels of testosterone in SAP group
      (488.2 +/- 96.8ng/dl), USAP group (411.6 +/- 128.6ng/dl) and AMI group (365.3 +/-
      116.6ng/dl) were significantly lower than that in control group (562.8 +/-
      110.2ng/dl) (all p<0.05). When compared with another group among SAP, USAP and
      AMI groups, the level of testosterone in the AMI group was the lowest, the USAP
      group was the median while the SAP group was the highest (all p<0.05). There was
      a significant correlation between angiographic Gensini score and testosterone
      level (n=87, r=-0.513, p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis found that
      testosterone and BMI were independent predictors for CAD (testosterone: odds
      ratio 0.311, 95% confidence interval 0.174-0.512; BMI: odds ratio 1.905, 95%
      confidence interval 1.116-2.973). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that
      middle-aged male patients with CAD present a lower level of serum testosterone
      and the testosterone level was negatively correlated with the severity of
      coronary artery stenosis.

PMID- 22075300
TI  - When routine is wrong? The experience of chest radiography.

PMID- 22075299
TI  - Bile acid malabsorption investigated by selenium-75-homocholic acid taurine
      ((75)SeHCAT) scans: causes and treatment responses to cholestyramine in 298
      patients with chronic watery diarrhoea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The liver produces and secretes bile acids into the small intestine.
      In the small intestine, most of the bile acids are absorbed in the distal ileum
      with portal vein transportation back to the liver and resecretion (enterohepatic
      recycling). Increased spillover of bile acids from the small intestine into the
      colon (bile acid malabsorption) may affect the secretion of colonic water and
      electrolytes and result in watery diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the frequency of bile acid malabsorption and treatment responses to
      cholestyramine with (75)SeHCAT scanning among patients suffering from chronic
      watery diarrhoea. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included all
      patients who received a (75)SeHCAT scan over a five-year period (2004-2009).
      RESULTS: In total, 298 patients (198 females, 100 men) with a median age of 42
      years (range 16-82 years) were investigated. Bile acid malabsorption ((75)SeHCAT
      retention<15% after seven days) was identified in 201 patients (68%, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 62%-73%). Bile acid malabsorption due to ileal
      dysfunction (Type I) was found in 77 patients, idiopathic bile acid malabsorption
      (Type II) was found in 68 patients and 56 patients with other conditions had bile
      acid malabsorption (Type III). Of the 150 patients who were able to take
      cholestyramine continuously, 108 patients (71%, CI: 63%-78%) reported a positive
      effect on their bowel habits. CONCLUSIONS: Bile acid malabsorption is a frequent
      problem in patients with chronic watery diarrhoea. Treatment with bile acid
      binders was effective regardless of type and severity.

PMID- 22075301
TI  - The routine chest X-ray is still needed.

PMID- 22075302
TI  - The health risks of acute exercise should also matter to internal medicine.

PMID- 22075303
TI  - Chronic physical exercise: beneficial effects overcome risks when correctly
      prescribed.

PMID- 22075304
TI  - Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk for cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22075306
TI  - A diagnostic study: confidence intervals must be given, and likelihood ratios
      calculated.

PMID- 22075308
TI  - Glucose levels at admission and mortality in admitted medical patients: a not so
      strict association.

PMID- 22075309
TI  - Prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with left bundle
      branch block admitted for acute heart failure.

PMID- 22075310
TI  - Favourable outcome of life-threatening infectious-related haemophagocytic
      syndrome after combination treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous
      immunoglobulin infusions.

PMID- 22075311
TI  - Capillaroscopy as a screening test for clinical antiphospholipid syndrome.

PMID- 22075312
TI  - Difficulties in identifying Wernicke-delirium.

PMID- 22075313
TI  - Subcutaneous sarcoidosis: a predictor of systemic disease?

PMID- 22075314
TI  - Survival after 7 years of follow-up at ninety. The NonaSantfeliu study.

PMID- 22075315
TI  - The mentor-mentee relationship in academic medicine.

PMID- 22075317
TI  - Monosensitization and polysensitization in allergic rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polysensitization is common in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR)
      and may affect clinical feature. However, there are patients who remain
      monosensitized. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating a large
      cohort of AR patients to define the percentage and the features of mono- and poly
      sensitized subjects. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study included a
      large group of AR patients: 2415 subjects (1958 males, mean age 24.6 +/- 5 years)
      were consecutively evaluated. Symptom severity, type and number of
      sensitizations, and AR duration were considered. RESULTS: 621 patients (25.7%)
      were monosensitized: 377 to Parietaria, 194 to house dust mites, 19 to birch, 17
      to grasses, 12 to molds, 2 to olive, and 1 to cypress. There was no difference
      between mono- and polysensitized patients concerning the duration of rhinitis (6
      +/- 2.14 years vs 6 +/- 3.7). Severity of symptoms was higher in polysensitized
      patients than in monosensitized (p<0.05); in addition, there was a difference
      among monosensitized patients: Parietaria-allergy induces the most severe
      symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study conducted in a large AR population might suggest
      that monosensitized and polysensitized AR patients could constitute two different
      categories. In addition, the specific type of allergy may condition the clinical
      feature.

PMID- 22075316
TI  - Successful exclusion of blood-borne viral disease in blood donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: All blood transfusion services have various rules to insure that
      blood products are kept safe for transfusion. Donor selection is crucial in
      providing safe blood. We propose in our study to determine the influence of donor
      selection on blood safety. METHODS: In this case-control study, donors who were
      referred to the Qazvin Blood Transfusion Organization during 2007-2009 were
      selected. Based on a special questionnaire, all blood donors were examined by
      physicians and every donor was categorized as one of two types of rejected donors
      (high risk and low risk) or as accepted donors. Data were analyzed by SPSS
      version 13.0, using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, where P<0.05 was
      considered significant. RESULTS: Single donors, the self-employed, the unemployed
      and students were banned from donation due to high-risk criteria (P<0.0001,
      0.003). Female donors were banned from donation due to low-risk criteria.
      Hepatitis B was more prevalent among cases rejected for donation due to high-risk
      criteria than among healthy controls (P=0.014); but not so for hepatitis C
      (P=0.058). Hepatitis B was not significantly more prevalent among those cases
      rejected for donation due to low-risk criteria, than among healthy cases.
      CONCLUSION: Those having a history of unsafe sexual conduct and intravenous drug
      abusers and their spouses are at risk for hepatitis C. Cases rejected for
      donation due to low-risk criteria were banned from donation to maintain the
      donors' health, while other cases with low-risk criteria were banned to guarantee
      the blood recipients' health.

PMID- 22075318
TI  - Impaired carbon monoxide diffusing capacity as a marker of limited systemic
      sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As impairment of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) likely
      reflects underlying pulmonary vasculopathy in limited systemic sclerosis (lSSc),
      we examined whether DLCO could help to distinguish secondary from idiopathic
      Raynaud's phenomenon (iRP). METHODS: We compared pulmonary function test (PFT)
      results in 145 lSSc patients and 24 age- and sex-matched iRP patients. RP
      duration at time of PFT was similar in the two groups. RESULTS: DLCO values were
      low (<80% of predicted) in 106 (73%) of the 145 lSSc patients, and in 69 (71%) of
      the 97 patients with early lSSc. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was found in 10%
      of lSSc patients. DLCO was significantly lower in lSSc than in iRP (72+/-15%
      versus 89+/-9%, p<0.0001). When evaluated, alveolar capillary membrane
      conductance (Dm) was markedly lower in lSSc patients without ILD than in iRP
      patients (45+/-12% versus 71+/-2.5%, p=0.003), although capillary blood volume
      was not different. DLCO was low in 3 iRP patients (12.5%). The sensitivity and
      specificity of low DLCO values for early lSSc diagnosis in patients with
      Raynaud's phenomenon were 71% and 87.5%, respectively. Sensitivity was similar to
      that of anti-centromere-antibodies (75%) and nailfold capillary abnormalities
      (81%). A DLCO cutoff of <70% had a sensitivity and specificity of 41% and 100%,
      respectively. In multivariable analysis, age and low DLCO were the only
      independent predictors of death; the hazard ratio for DLCO <=50% was 7.9 (95% CI
      2.3-26, p=0.0007). CONCLUSION: Isolated DLCO impairment is significantly more
      frequent in patients with lSSc than in patients with idiopathic iRP. DLCO
      measurement could be a useful diagnostic tool for lSSc.

PMID- 22075319
TI  - Removal of retrievable vena cava filters in routine practice: a multicenter
      study.
AB  - Vena cava filters (VCFs) are used to prevent pulmonary embolism when
      anticoagulation is contraindicated or in the event of progression of thrombosis
      despite adequate anticoagulation. Retrievable VCFs provide a potential advantage
      over permanent VCFs, but the appropriateness of their use and the frequency with
      which they are removed is not well established. OBJECTIVES: Document the
      indications for insertion of retrievable VCFs, filter removal in hospital
      practice. METHODS: Observational study conducted in three academic medical
      centers. Consecutive patients undergoing retrievable VCF insertion were
      identified. Clinical data was extracted from the patients' charts and follow up
      data were obtained from treating physicians after discharge. RESULTS: 300
      patients were studied. The indication for filter insertion was acute bleeding
      (46.1%) or surgery (24.2%) in patients with acute thrombosis, prevention of
      venous thromboembolism in trauma (13.3%), potential bleeding in patients with
      deep vein thrombosis (9.1%) thromboembolism while on adequate anticoagulation
      (5.7%) and other (1.3%). 21 (7%) filters were removed. An unsuccessful attempt at
      retrieval was undertaken in a further 9 (3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of
      retrievable VCFs was appropriate, with the possible exception of their
      prophylactic use in major trauma. The majority of VCFs were not removed, for
      reasons that are not apparent.

PMID- 22075320
TI  - Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors reduce the progression of
      mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis: 10 year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proteinuria is a common presentation of mesangioproliferative
      glomerulonephritis (MsPGN). No studies are available on the long-term effect of
      treatment by renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors on renal outcome in MsPGN
      patients. This study prospectively evaluates the effects of RAS inhibitors on
      renal outcome in patients with low risk MsPGN followed up for 10 years using
      historical patients with similar features at the time of presentation as
      untreated controls. METHODS:  ENDPOINTS: decrease of basal proteinuria>20% and
      loss>20% of basal glomerular filtrate rate (GFR) at the end of first year of
      observation. The patients were re-evaluated bimonthly during the first year and
      every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients fulfilled the selection
      criteria. After one year follow-up 19 patients reached the endpoint of
      proteinuria and no patient reached the endpoint of GFR. No significant change in
      blood pressure levels (BP) and GFR was registered, by contrast daily proteinuria
      decreased significantly (p<0.001), falling by 29% at sixth month and 47% at the
      end of the follow-up. The historical control group consisted of 15 untreated
      patients seen between 1987 and 1992. The two-way analysis of variance for
      repeated measures showed greater values of GFR (p<0.001) and lower levels of
      daily proteinuria (p<0.001) in treated patients as compared to untreated
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: This 10-year follow-up study indicates that the early
      treatment with RAS inhibitors at low doses favourably influences the long-term
      renal outcome in proteinuric patients with MsPGN. Limitations were the small
      sample size and lack of randomization.

PMID- 22075322
TI  - Tuberculous cerebral vasculitis: retrospective study of 10 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculous cerebral vasculitis is a complication of tuberculous
      meningitis. This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiological
      characteristics, context, diagnostic means and outcomes under treatment of
      tuberculous cerebral vasculitides. METHODS: All consecutive patients diagnosed
      with tuberculous cerebral vasculitis were identified from the databases of three
      Internal Medicine, one Neurology and one Infectious Disease Departments in three
      suburban Parisian hospitals. RESULTS: We describe 10 cases: five men and five
      women (median age 33.5 [range: 27-55] years). Two were infected with the human
      immunodeficiency virus. Nine patients had tuberculous meningitis, eight with
      extraneurological involvement. The following manifestations led to the diagnosis:
      motor deficit, acute confusional state, headaches, involvement, coma and/or
      seizures. The cerebral vasculitis revealed tuberculosis in three patients, but
      tuberculosis was already known when vasculitis was diagnosed for the seven
      others. The cerebral computed-tomography scan showed cerebral infarctions in five
      patients, hydrocephalus and tuberculomas in four, while magnetic resonance
      imaging detected infarctions and leptomeningitis in nine patients,
      pachymeningitis in one, hydrocephalus and tuberculomas in seven. Therapy combined
      antituberculous agents with oral corticosteroids for all patients, preceded by a
      methylprednisolone pulse for five patients. Outcome was favorable for nine
      patients. CONCLUSION: We described the non-negligible frequency of tuberculous
      cerebral vasculitides, their clinical manifestations and their potential
      severity, and the diagnostic and monitoring contributions of magnetic resonance
      imaging and magnetic resonance angiography.

PMID- 22075321
TI  - The predictive value of mean platelet volume in differential diagnosis of non
      functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate in a retrospective manner
      the diagnostic value of mean platelet volume (MPV) in pancreatic adenocarcinomas
      and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 92
      patients, who were admitted for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=76) and PNET (n=16)
      between March 2007 and December 2009, were analyzed retrospectively for
      demographics and clinical information. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (51.3%) had
      a resectable, whereas 37 patients (48.7%) had an unresectable pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma. Nine patients (56.3%) had a non-functional PNET, 6 patients
      (37.5%) had an insulinoma, and the remaining one patient had a gastrinoma. The
      mean age was 59.3+/-10.5 for pancreatic adenocarcinomas and 45.1+/-10.6 for
      PNETs. The mean age at diagnosis was significantly higher in patients with
      pancreatic adenocarcinomas than the patients with PNET (p<0.001). Preoperative
      mean hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients with pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma than those with PNET (12.4+/-1.8g/dl vs 13.7+/-2.2g/dl),
      (p<0.013). The preoperative median MPV levels were significantly lower in
      patients with PNET 7.8fL (7.2-9.4) than in patients with pancreatic
      adenocarcinomas 8.6fL (6.6-13.5), (p<0.014). In subgroup analysis, a significant
      difference in MPV levels was mainly caused by the difference between pancreatic
      adenocarcinomas and non-functional PNETs (p=0.017). The cut-off value of MPV
      level for detection of PNETs was calculated as<=7.8fL using ROC analysis
      [Sensitivity: 66.7%, specificity: 75.9%, AUC: 0.734 (0.587-0.880) p=0.022]. In
      logistic regression analysis, independent predictive factors for determining
      PNETs in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinomas were calculated
      as age (OR=0.068, 95% CI: 0.012-0.398), Ca 19-9 (OR=0.039, 95% CI: 0.006-0.263),
      MPV (OR=0.595, 95% CI: 0.243-1.458), and hemoglobin (OR=1.317, 95% CI: 0.831
      2.086). CONCLUSION: Age, Ca 19-9, MPV, and hemoglobin levels have diagnostic
      value for distinguishing PNETs from pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

PMID- 22075323
TI  - A case of an extremely large accessory bone with unusual sutures and foramina
      parietalia permagna in multiple premature craniosynostoses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Within the entity of craniofacial malformations premature
      craniosynostoses represent the majority of cases. They originate from
      disturbances in the ossification process, resulting in an osseous closure of
      cranial sutures ahead of time. Depending on severity and number of the affected
      sutures, a local or general growth inhibition of the skull follows. In the rare
      instance of accessory bones along these affected sutures, they may interfere with
      diagnostics and therapy. PATIENT: This clinical report describes the case of a
      seven-month-old male infant with multiple craniosynostoses, an extraordinary
      large accessory median calvarial bone, two foramina parietalia permagna and a
      submucosal cleft palate. Chromosomal and genetic analysis did not reveal
      potential mutations. RESULTS: The osseous abnormalities were diagnosed and
      displayed by three-dimensional computed tomography. The sequential surgical
      treatment consisted of occipital remodelling at seven months of age and
      frontoorbital advancement at fourteen months. CONCLUSION: This rare anatomical
      variation of the cranial bones - superimposed by multiple premature
      craniosynostoses - demonstrates the necessity of accurately conducted
      preoperative diagnostics for appropriate surgical planning. Knowledge, and
      precise medical examination of potential anatomical variations facilitate the
      planning and secure performance of surgery as well as its outcome.

PMID- 22075324
TI  - A longitudinal study on the osteoarthritic change of the temporomandibular joint
      based on 1-year follow-up computed tomography.
AB  - This study aims to report the results of a 1-year computed tomographic (CT)
      follow up of 54 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) affected by osteoarthritis (OA)
      and to provide longitudinal information on changes in OA and its relationship
      with clinical signs and symptoms. TMJ OA was diagnosed by history, clinical and
      CT examinations. The second CT examination was done after about 1 year of
      conservative treatment. Joints were divided into three groups labeled as no
      change, improved CT, and worsened CT groups depending on the longitudinal bony
      change of OA observed in the CT. The sex distribution, mean age, joint noise,
      subjective pain, joint tenderness, masticatory muscle tenderness, and improvement
      of subjective symptoms were not different between the groups at the first and
      second examination, while maximum (p < 0.01) and painless mouth opening range (p
      < 0.001) at the first examination were both smaller in the worsened CT group.
      Although the clinical signs and symptoms of OA were improved in 40 joints, 74.1%,
      at 7.2 +/- 4.6 months, the amount if improvement did not differ between the
      groups. The extent of the destructive change of the condyle was highest in the
      improved CT group at the first (p < 0.001) and in the worsened CT group at the
      second examination (p < 0.001). These results imply that the prognosis of OA
      changes may be independent of the clinical signs and symptoms. More specific
      longitudinal information as regards OA changes of the TMJ based on a larger
      sample and a longer follow-up period would be likely to provide a better
      understanding of TMJ OA.

PMID- 22075325
TI  - Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction in vascularized fibular flap
      transfer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the added value of
      preoperative computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional
      reconstruction of the lower limb in vascularized fibular flap transfer. METHODS:
      Eighteen patients who underwent mandibular or maxillary reconstruction with a
      vascularized fibular flap were studied retrospectively by image analysis. The
      original DICOM data of preoperative CTA were analysed and applied to the
      reconstruction of the lower limb using SimPlant Pro software (version 11.04).
      RESULTS: The course of the peroneal artery in 17 patients was the same except for
      one patient. The peroneal artery originates from the posterior tibial artery. The
      original external diameters of the peroneal artery were 2.99 +/- 0.64 mm. The
      perpendicular lengths from fibular head to the origin of the peroneal artery and
      to the fibular perforator vessel were 42.88 +/- 8.84 mm and 174.55 +/- 25.62 mm,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The course of peroneal artery was relatively
      invariable, its original external diameter was thick. Preoperative CTA and three
      dimensional reconstruction of the lower limb, which are noninvasive, accurate and
      direct-viewing methods, play an important, preoperative role in vascularized
      fibular flap transfer for lower limb vascular assessment.

PMID- 22075326
TI  - Maxillary alveolar ridge reconstruction with monocortical fresh-frozen bone
      blocks: a clinical, histological and histomorphometric study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This investigation is a clinical and histological assessment of fresh
      frozen bone use in the reconstruction of maxillary alveolar ridges. The study
      evaluates the effectiveness of this material as a bone filler prior the placement
      of dental implants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with atrophic
      maxillary ridges underwent maxillary reconstruction with fresh-frozen tibial
      human block grafts prior to implant placement. Sampling procedures were carried
      out 4, 6 and 9 months later when a bone core was removed from the grafts for
      histological and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen blocks were
      placed, and each patient received either 1 or 2 blocks. During the sampling
      procedures, all of the grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well
      incorporated, and vascularized. A total of 34 implants were placed into the
      grafts with a minimum of 40-Newton-cm torque in all cases. The follow-up period
      ranged from 18 to 30 months. No implants were lost. The histological analysis
      revealed vital bone with mature and compact osseous tissue surrounded by marrow
      spaces. CONCLUSION: Bone allografts can be used successfully as graft material
      for the treatment of maxillary ridge defects. This type of bone graft can be used
      safely in the areas of implant placement as a suitable alternative to autogenous
      grafts.

PMID- 22075327
TI  - De novo acute megakaryoblastic leukemia with p210 BCR/ABL and t(1;16)
      translocation but not t(9;22) Ph chromosome.
AB  - Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML),
      in which majority of the blasts are megakaryoblastic. De novo AMKL in adulthood
      is rare, and carries very poor prognosis. We here report a 45-year-old woman with
      de novo AMKL with BCR/ABL rearrangement and der(16)t(1;16)(q21;q23) translocation
      but negative for t(9;22) Ph chromosome. Upon induction chemotherapy consisting of
      homoharringtonine, cytarabine and daunorubicin, the patient achieved partial
      hematological remission. The patient was then switched to imatinib plus one cycle
      of CAG regimen (low-dose cytarabine and aclarubicin in combination with
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), and achieved complete remission (CR). The
      disease recurred after 40 days and the patient eventually died of infection. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of de novo AMKL with p210
      BCR/ABL and der(16)t(1;16)(q21;q23) translocation but not t(9;22) Ph chromosome.

PMID- 22075328
TI  - The importance of physicians' risk perception in osteoporosis treatment decision
      making.
AB  - Recent physicians' guidelines for postmenopausal osteoporosis emphasize the use
      of fracture-risk scores. To determine whether adherence to the guidelines has
      potential to improve targeting of care, we examined survey results from a random
      sample of US primary care physicians prior to the new guidelines. Survey measures
      included physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers to care.
      Physicians' estimates of 5-yr and lifetime absolute hip fracture risks and their
      treatment decisions were examined for patient vignettes depicting postmenopausal
      women of varying ages, weights, and bone mineral density (BMD) results. The 360
      US physician respondents were accurate in their estimates of lifetime fracture
      risk for all 4 vignettes, but overestimated 5-yr hip fracture risk by a factor of
      10 or more; 36-45% of the physicians recommended treatment for patients whose
      history and BMD placed them below guideline-recommended treatment thresholds, and
      5-yr risk estimates were strongly associated with prescription treatment
      decisions for 2 of 3 such vignettes (both p<0.01). Other potential barriers to
      care include medication costs and adverse effects. Our findings suggest efforts
      to improve targeting of osteoporosis care are appropriately addressing
      physicians' risk estimation. Evidence from other conditions suggests these
      efforts must be intensive and available at the point of care.

PMID- 22075329
TI  - Personal and parental nativity as risk factors for food sensitization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immigrants to developed countries have low rates of aeroallergen
      sensitization and asthma, but less is known about both food allergy and the role
      of parental immigration status. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the relationship
      between personal and parental nativity and the risk of food sensitization.
      METHODS: Three thousand five hundred fifty subjects less than 21 years old from
      the Nation Health and Examination Survey 2005-2006 were included. Odds ratios
      (ORs) were generated by using logistic regression, which adjusted for
      race/ethnicity, sex, age, and household income and accounted for the complex
      survey design. Nativity was classified as US-born or foreign-born, and the age of
      immigration was estimated. Head-of-household nativity was used as a proxy for
      parental nativity. Food sensitization was defined as at least 1 specific IgE
      level of 0.35 kU/L or greater to milk, egg, or peanut. Aeroallergen-specific
      sensitizations and the presence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema were also
      assessed. RESULTS: Compared with those born outside the United States (US), US
      born children and adolescents had higher odds of sensitization to any food (OR,
      2.05; 95% CI, 1.49-2.83; P < .001). Among the foreign-born group, those who
      arrived before 2 years of age had higher odds of food sensitization than those
      who arrived later (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.19-6.08; P = .02). Within the US-born
      group, in contrast, children of immigrants were at the highest risk (OR, 1.53;
      95% CI, 1.05-2.24; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Although foreign-born children and
      adolescents are at lower risk of food sensitization compared with those born in
      the US, among those born in the US, the children of immigrants are at the highest
      risk.

PMID- 22075331
TI  - Postoperative regional distribution of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion in
      infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Advances in management of patients with congenital
      diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have improved mortality rates but with a risk of
      increased pulmonary morbidity. The prognosis for CDH survivors remains difficult
      to predict owing to the lack of adequate methods. We used single photon emission
      computed tomography (SPECT) to measure the regional distribution of ventilation
      and perfusion in CDH infants to quantify the degree of lung function impairment
      and relate it to neonatal clinical disease severity. METHODS: Single photon
      emission computed tomography was performed in 12 CDH infants at the mean age of
      six months. Ventilation and perfusion were traced with 5 MBq Technegas and
      technetium-labelled albumin macro-aggregates, respectively. Neonatal clinical
      data collected during the patient's stay in the pediatric intensive care unit was
      correlated with the SPECT data. RESULTS: Single photon emission computed
      tomography revealed varying degrees of ventilation-perfusion abnormalities which
      correlated with the presence of pulmonary artery hypertension, days on ventilator
      and days on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: The grade of
      clinical disease severity in infants following CDH repair is closely related to
      the ventilation-perfusion abnormality as seen using SPECT. The persistence of
      pulmonary artery hypertension into the postoperative neonatal period appears to
      be an important pathophysiological factor related to ventilation-perfusion
      abnormalities. Single photon emission computed tomography provides valuable
      clinical information for patient follow-up.

PMID- 22075330
TI  - A genome-wide association study of plasma total IgE concentrations in the
      Framingham Heart Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopy and plasma IgE concentration are genetically complex traits,
      and the specific genetic risk factors that lead to IgE dysregulation and clinical
      atopy are an area of active investigation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to ascertain the
      genetic risk factors that lead to IgE dysregulation. METHODS: A genome-wide
      association study (GWAS) was performed in 6819 participants from the Framingham
      Heart Study (FHS). Seventy of the top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were
      selected based on P values and linkage disequilibrium among neighboring SNPs and
      evaluated in a meta-analysis with 5 independent populations from the Cooperative
      Health Research in the Region of Augsburg cohort, the British 1958 Birth Cohort,
      and the Childhood Asthma Management Program cohort. RESULTS: Thirteen SNPs
      located in the region of 3 genes, FCER1A, signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 6 (STAT6), and IL13, were found to have genome-wide significance in
      the FHS cohort GWAS. The most significant SNPs from the 3 regions were rs2251746
      (FCER1A, P = 2.11 * 10(-12)), rs1059513 (STAT6, P = 2.87 * 10(-8)), and rs1295686
      (IL13, P = 3.55 * 10(-8)). Four additional gene regions, HLA-G, HLA-DQA2, HLA-A,
      and Duffy blood group, chemokine receptor (DARC), reached genome-wide statistical
      significance in a meta-analysis combining the FHS and replication cohorts,
      although the DARC association did not appear independent of SNPs in the nearby
      FCER1A gene. CONCLUSION: This GWAS of the FHS cohort has identified genetic loci
      in HLA genes that might have a role in the pathogenesis of IgE dysregulation and
      atopy. It also confirmed the association of the known susceptibility loci FCER1A,
      STAT6, and IL13 for the dysregulation of total IgE.

PMID- 22075332
TI  - Is complete resection of the aganglionic bowel in extensive total aganglionosis
      up to the middle ileum always necessary?
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Total colonic aganglionosis is an unusual form of
      Hirschsprung disease, reflected by the small number of published case studies.
      The goal of this study was to analyze our cases of the last 22 years and report
      on our experience with 3 cases of extended total aganglionosis proximal to the
      middle ileum in which remaining aganglionic bowel was left in situ. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In a period of 22 years (from January 1988 to April 2010), we operated
      on 15 children with total aganglionosis. These children were among 163 children
      with Hirschsprung disease. In 3 patients with extended aganglionosis proximal to
      the middle ileum, remaining aganglionic bowel was left in situ. Data were
      collected from the medical records, including each patient's demographics,
      medical history, primary treatment, complications, and follow-up. RESULTS: Eleven
      of the 15 children received an ileostomy as first treatment, and 4 children
      underwent a primary Duhamel procedure. Early postoperative complications included
      an abscess after an open procedure in a patient with trisomy 21 syndrome and an
      incorrect leveling resection that required an ileostomy. There were 2 deaths at 6
      and 16 months postoperatively. The mortality rate was 13.3%. Of the 15 patients,
      7 (46%) presented with at least 1 episode of postoperative enterocolitis, and
      only 2 of these patients had more than 3 episodes. We treated 3 patients with
      extended aganglionosis up to midileum (20%) in which the proximal resection level
      was in the aganglionic segment of ileum at the level of the ileostomy. The
      ileostomies were shown to be functioning satisfactorily before the pull through,
      so going more proximal to the ileostomy might have meant that the patient would
      present short bowel problems. These 3 patients had good bowel function
      postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In principle, resection of the aganglionic bowel is
      mandatory to relieve obstruction and subsequent complications. There are
      situations, however, where the complications of a short bowel begin to outweigh
      the benefits of resection. In these cases, leaving remaining aganglionic bowel in
      situ may be an advantageous option for the patients with total aganglionosis
      extending to the midileum whose ileostomy functions well.

PMID- 22075333
TI  - Neonatal acute appendicitis: a proposed algorithm for timely diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal appendicitis (NA) is a rare disease with a high mortality.
      The diagnosis has never been reported preoperatively and is notoriously difficult
      to make. METHODS: Charts since 1995 were retrospectively reviewed for discharge
      or death diagnoses of appendicitis in neonates younger than 28 days. We report 3
      cases of NA seen at our institution during this period. RESULTS: All 3 infants
      were previously well, born at term, and presented with signs consistent with
      abdominal sepsis. The first 2 diagnoses were not made until autopsy. The third
      case survived after having an urgent computed tomographic scan, exploratory
      laparotomy, and appendectomy. DISCUSSION: The literature summarizing common
      presenting features of NA is reviewed. We present an algorithm to guide the
      workup of these neonates to facilitate earlier diagnosis and potentially improve
      outcomes.

PMID- 22075334
TI  - Strategy for management of retroperitoneal tumors with caval tumor thrombus.
AB  - The surgical management of retroperitoneal tumors extending into the inferior
      vena cava (IVC) can be challenging. Although Wilms' tumor is the most common
      retroperitoneal tumor extending into the IVC, one must approach these tumors
      systematically as other diagnoses are possible. We present 4 consecutive cases of
      retroperitoneal tumors with IVC extension as a basis for a management strategy in
      approaching these patients. Despite similar presentations, these cases illustrate
      the nuances in surgical management and need for multidisciplinary care with the
      pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric cardiac surgeons.

PMID- 22075335
TI  - Vaginal tumors in childhood: the experience of St. Jude Children's Research
      Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the
      clinical presentation, histology, treatment, and outcomes of children with
      vaginal tumors who were treated at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective
      review of medical records and pathologic materials of all children with vaginal
      tumors treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1970 and 2009 was
      conducted. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (median age, 3.7 years; range, 0.1-15
      years) were identified. Three different histologies were found: rhabdomyosarcoma
      (RMS; n = 13), germ cell tumor (n = 3), and clear cell adenocarcinoma (n = 2).
      Bleeding or blood-tinged discharge was the most common clinical presentation
      (66%), followed by a protruding mass (39%). Vaginal and uterine salvage was 44.4%
      (8 of 18 patients). Thirteen patients (72.2%) remain disease-free, with a median
      follow-up of 23.2 years (range, 2-39 years). Four patients (22.2%) died of
      disease progression (1 RMS, 2 germ cell tumor, and 1 clear cell adenocarcinoma),
      and 1 patient with RMS died of colon cancer 12 years after the primary diagnosis
      had been made. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal tumors are extremely rare in the pediatric
      population. Early recognition of symptoms like bleeding and a protruding vaginal
      mass may prevent morbidity and mortality. Our findings confirm the good prognosis
      of vaginal RMS.

PMID- 22075336
TI  - Abdominal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor a clinicopathologic study with
      reappraisal of biologic behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a
      proliferative lesion of controversial nosology and uncertain prognosis. In an
      attempt to acquire further understanding of pathogenesis and biologic behavior,
      we surveyed abdominal IMTs managed over the last 12 years at a single
      institution. METHODS: Intra-abdominal IMTs treated between 1995 and 2007 were
      reviewed concerning demographic, clinical, and pathologic features as well as
      therapeutic management and outcome. All specimens were reevaluated by histologic
      examination and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There were 7 patients (4 males;
      age range, 28 days to 14 years). Five lesions were located in alimentary tract: 1
      gastric presenting with bleeding, 1 hepatic presenting with a thoracic wall mass,
      1 pancreatic and 2 colonic presenting with obstructive symptoms. One splenic IMT
      was found incidentally. The remaining case arose from the adrenal gland and
      presented with a palpable mass. The gastric and adrenal IMTs had evidence of a
      previous or concomitant infectious setting. Five lesions were excised. The
      pancreatic IMT underwent a drainage procedure followed by steroid administration,
      and the hepatic lesion received antibiotics. Histopathology revealed
      characteristic findings of IMT. Expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase was
      negative in all cases. At a median follow-up of 6 years (range, 3-15), all
      children were asymptomatic with no recurrences. The hepatic and pancreatic IMT
      displayed complete and near total regression, respectively. CONCLUSION: A benign
      behavior of abdominal IMTs was observed even in patients not undergoing surgical
      excision. Although IMT remains a surgical disease, a conservative approach may be
      reasonable in select cases.

PMID- 22075337
TI  - Percutaneous sclerotherapy in neonatal and infant head and neck lymphatic
      malformations: a single center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous sclerotherapy for
      congenital head and neck lymphatic malformations in our institution. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Over a 7-year period, 17 children (10 M, 7 F) mean age 5.8 months (5
      days to 13 months) underwent 49 sclerotherapy procedures for congenital head and
      neck malformations. The imaging and clinical records were reviewed for each
      patient. Ten of 17 had macrocystic disease; 7 of 17 had microcystic disease.
      Imaging response was categorized by volume reductions of 0% to 25%, 25% to 50%,
      50% to 75%, or 75% to 100%. A concentration of 10 mg/mL doxycycline was used
      routinely via catheter in 3 instillations with a dose range of 50 to 500 mg per
      session as per our standard protocol in 17 of 17 patients. In more recent
      patients, systemic doxycycline levels were obtained after instillations.
      Additional treatments included direct injection doxycycline (10/17), instillation
      of absolute ethanol (7/17) or sodium tetradecyl sulfate (4/17), or a combination
      of these methods. RESULTS: Imaging improvement of >= 76% was noted in 11 of 17.
      Of these, 8 of 11 had macrocystic disease. Four of 17 had 51% to 75% resolution,
      of which 3/4 were mixed. Two of 17 children had 25% to 50% resolution with a
      mixed lesion. Seven of 49 peri-procedural complications: hemolytic anemia in 2
      infants, hypoglycemic and metabolic acidosis in 3 neonates aged 7 to 10 days,
      transient hypotension during absolute alcohol instillation in 1 neonate, and self
      limiting skin excoriation secondary to peri-catheter leakage of doxycycline in
      one neonate. Neonates prone to these systemic complications had doxycycline doses
      of greater than 250 mg and resulted in serum levels of >5 MUg/mL but as high as
      21 MUg/mL. Delayed neural complications occurred in 7 of 49 procedures, Horner's
      syndromes in 4 of 49 procedures, transient left lip weakness in 1 of 49
      procedures, right facial nerve palsy in 1 of 49 procedures, and transient left
      hemidiaphragm paralysis in 1/49 procedures. CONCLUSION: Our experience with
      catheter directed doxycycline sclerotherapy provides excellent results for large
      macrocystic head and neck lymphatic malformations. Microcystic and mixed lesions
      continue to provide a therapeutic challenge.

PMID- 22075338
TI  - Total oxidant status and oxidative stress are increased in infants with
      necrotizing enterocolitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this study, we compared the global
      oxidant/antioxidant status by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total
      oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in preterm infants with
      NEC and with control preterms. METHODS: Forty-one preterm neonates with NEC
      (stage 1 [group 1; n = 23] and stages 2 and 3 [group 2; n = 18]) and age-matched
      36 healthy preterm controls (group 3) were included in this study. Blood samples
      were obtained both at the time of NEC diagnosis and 72 hours after for the
      evaluation of TAC and TOS. Serum levels of TAC, TOS, and OSI in patients with NEC
      were compared with controls. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were comparable
      in all 3 groups. Preterm neonates in group 2 (with stages 2 and 3 NEC) had the
      highest TOS levels and OSI (P < .001 vs both groups 1 and 3). There was no
      difference in TAC levels among the groups (P = .26). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      demonstrated that although TAC levels were similar in all 3 groups, oxidant
      stress mechanisms were activated in preterm neonates with definite NEC (stages 2
      and 3 NEC). Premature neonates with increased levels of TOS and OSI were
      associated with severity of NEC.

PMID- 22075339
TI  - Melatonin ameliorates necrotizing enterocolitis in a neonatal rat model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We designed the present study to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin
      (M) on the severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a neonatal rat model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immediately after birth, pups were weighed and randomized
      into 3 groups: NEC, NEC + M, and control. Necrotizing enterocolitis was induced
      by enteral formula feeding and exposure to hypoxia after cold stress at 4 degrees
      C and oxygen. The NEC + M group received 10 mg/kg M daily for 3 days after the
      first day of the NEC procedure. The pups were killed on the fourth day, and their
      intestinal tissues were harvested for biochemical and histopathologic analysis.
      Blood samples were also obtained from the pups. RESULTS: The mortality rate and
      weight loss were highest in the NEC group. Malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl
      content were significantly increased, whereas superoxide dismutase and
      glutathione peroxidase were decreased in the NEC-treated pups. Melatonin
      prevented these changes, with these values being similar to control levels in the
      NEC + M group. Nitrate plus nitrite levels and serum tumor necrosis factor alpha
      and interleukin-1beta were increased in the NEC group, and histopathologic injury
      score in the NEC group was significantly higher than that in the NEC + M group.
      CONCLUSION: Melatonin significantly reduced the severity of NEC in our study.

PMID- 22075340
TI  - Predictors of postnatal outcome in neonates with gastroschisis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The optimal management of neonates with gastroschisis is
      unclear, and there is a significant morbidity. We performed a review of neonates
      with gastroschisis treated at our center of pediatric surgery over the last 21
      years to determine predictive factors of outcome. METHODS: Single-center
      retrospective analysis of 79 neonates with gastroschisis (1989-2009) was done.
      Length of hospital stay (LOS), days of parenteral nutrition (PN), and survival
      were outcome measures. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used.
      RESULTS: Overall survival was 92%, and primary closure was achieved in 80%.
      Median LOS was 25 days, and median duration on PN, 17 days. Intestinal atresia,
      closed gastroschisis, secondary closure, and sepsis were the primary variables
      associated with poor outcome independent of other variables, but prematurity also
      affected outcome. Route of delivery and associated malformations were not related
      to poorer outcome. Necrotizing enterocolitis did not occur in any of our
      patients. CONCLUSION: Outcome in our patients was favorable as measured by
      survival, LOS, and days on PN. Primary predictors of poor outcome were factors
      related to short bowel syndrome and secondary closure, indicating a need to
      further improve treatment of short bowel syndrome.

PMID- 22075341
TI  - Liver herniation in gastroschisis: incidence and prognosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Liver herniation is a rare occurrence in gastroschisis. We sought to
      determine the incidence and prognosis of liver herniation in patients with
      gastroschisis. METHODS: From December 1995 to March 2010, 117 patients with
      gastroschisis received care by our division. Operative reports were reviewed to
      identify patients with liver herniation. Logistic regression was used to
      determine the impact of liver herniation on survival, taking into account
      gestational age and birth weight. RESULTS: The incidence of liver herniation was
      6%. Survival rates were 43% with liver herniation and 97% without liver
      herniation. Liver herniation was associated with a significantly higher rate of
      mortality, taking into account estimated gestational age and birth weight (P <
      .001). Patients who had liver herniation documented by prenatal ultrasound had
      significant liver herniation at birth and died postnatally. Patients with liver
      herniation who died required large silos and were noted to have comorbidities
      including lower birth weight, pulmonary hypoplasia, and sepsis. Biologic patches
      were necessary for closure in patients with greater extent of liver herniation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Liver herniation was found in 6% of patients with gastroschisis and
      was associated with a high rate of mortality. Liver herniation appears to be a
      risk factor for poor outcome in gastroschisis. Documentation of liver herniation
      may be helpful in prenatal consultation for gastroschisis.

PMID- 22075342
TI  - The effect of surgical training and hospital characteristics on patient outcomes
      after pediatric surgery: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: A systematic review aimed to compare patient outcomes after
      (1) appendicectomy and (2) pyloromyotomy performed by different surgical
      specialties, surgeons with different annual volumes, and in different hospital
      types, to inform the debate surrounding children's surgery provision. METHODS:
      Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Health Management Information Consortium
      were searched from January 1990 to February 2010 to identify relevant articles.
      Further literature was sought by contacting experts, citation searching, and hand
      searching appropriate journals. RESULTS: Seventeen relevant articles were
      identified. These showed that (1) rates of wrongly diagnosed appendicitis were
      higher among general surgeons, but there were little differences in other
      outcomes and (2) outcomes after pyloromyotomy were superior in patients treated
      by specialist surgeons. Surgical specialty was a better predictor of morbidity
      than hospital type, and surgeons with higher operative volumes had better
      results. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence is largely observational and potentially
      subject to selection bias, but general pediatric surgery outcomes were clearly
      dependent on operative volumes. Published evidence suggests that (1) pediatric
      appendicectomy should not be centralized because children can be managed
      effectively by general surgeons; (2) pyloromyotomy need not be centralized but
      should be carried out in children's units by appropriately trained surgeons who
      expect to see more than 4 cases per year.

PMID- 22075343
TI  - Effect of phototherapy on growth factor levels in neonatal rat skin.
AB  - AIM: Neonates undergoing surgery may receive phototherapy (PT) for the treatment
      of hyperbilirubinemia. Although the effects of PT on neonatal structures are well
      documented, the effect of PT on wound healing has not been previously evaluated.
      An experimental study was performed to evaluate the effect of PT on growth factor
      levels responsible for wound healing in neonatal rat skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Eighteen Wistar newborn rats (7 +/- 2 g) were included in the study. Rats were
      randomized into 3 groups: control (CG), PT, and sham (SG) (n = 6). Both groups
      had 1-cm median dorsal skin incision. In CG, 1 * 1 cm of dorsal skin was sampled
      including the incised skin. The PT group received 5 banks of blue light (wave
      density, 30-40 MUw/cm(2) per nanometer; exposure distance, 45 cm). Phototherapy
      was started 24 hours after birth and exposed during light period (mean duration,
      21 hours to 15 minutes +/- 2 hour to 1.5 minutes). Sham group consisted of
      animals that received a bank of white light with same exposure distance and a
      total duration of 26 hours to 18 minutes +/- 3 hours to 9.1 minutes. After
      exposure, 1 * 1 cm dorsal skin samples were obtained from both PT and SG groups,
      including the median incision. The effect of PT was evaluated with the
      expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor (VEGF
      receptor), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in endothelial vessels
      and fibroblasts of neonatal skin samples. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference between groups in VEGF receptor and transforming growth factor beta
      expressions. The VEGF levels in endothelial vessels were significantly decreased
      in PT and SG when compared with CG (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Vascular endothelial
      growth factor is a mediator of angiogenesis and may decrease in neonatal rat skin
      after light exposure. It can be suggested that decreased levels of VEGF after PT
      application may alter angiogenesis and also may adversely affect the healing
      features of neonatal skin.

PMID- 22075344
TI  - The use of digital photos and video images taken by a parent in the diagnosis of
      anal swelling and anal protrusions in children with normal physical examination.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that digital photos and
      video images taken by a parent can provide a definite diagnosis and makes some
      diagnostic procedures (eg, air contrast enema, sigmoidoscopy) unnecessary for
      anal swelling and anal protrusions in children with normal physical examination.
      METHODS: In a 41-month period (September 2007-January 2011), 23 parents brought
      their children to the clinic, stating that they saw a swelling in the anal region
      and/or that something protruded from the anus while their children were
      defecating. If the visual inspection of the anal region and digital rectal
      examination of the patients were normal, parents were asked to take photos or
      record videos when the lesion occurred to make a diagnosis and avoid the need for
      air contrast enema and/or sigmoidoscopy. The parents were also asked either to
      send these images to the surgeon via e-mail or bring an image or the camera to
      the surgeon's office. The patients age, sex, symptoms, medical history, results
      of their first physical examination, photos and video records, and the diagnosis
      and treatment were recorded. All of these information were retrospectively
      reviewed. RESULTS: The photos provided by 20 parents and the video records from 3
      parents were assessed, and the diagnoses of all patients were confirmed. Of these
      23 patients, a definitive diagnosis of rectal prolapse in 8, hemorrhoids in 10,
      rectal polyps in 3, and sentinel skin tag in 2 was made. In addition, the
      photographic and video evidence gave the clinicians an idea of the degree of
      rectal prolapse in patients for whom this was a problem. Three patients diagnosed
      with a rectal polyp underwent polyp excision. One patient with rectal prolapse
      who was unresponsive to medical treatment underwent laparoscopic posterior
      rectopexy, and all other patients received medical treatment. CONCLUSION: When a
      swelling or protruding anal lesion in a child is discovered by parents and visual
      inspection of the anal region and digital rectal examination is normal, parents
      should be encouraged to take photos or videos of the anal region before
      performing air contrast enema and/or sigmoidoscopy. These photos and videos can
      provide a definitive diagnosis and prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 22075345
TI  - Influence of anesthesia on the results of intraoperative diagnostic
      electromyostimulation in patients with anorectal malformation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stimulation electromyography (sEMG) is useful in
      identifying the sphincter muscle (M) in patients with anorectal malformations
      (ARMs). This study evaluates the effect of anesthetic agents and M relaxants on
      sEMG findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen infants (10 boys and 7 girls)
      with a mean age of 6.3 months and mean body weight of 6.7 kg were included in a
      prospective randomized study. Anesthesia was induced by sevoflurane and opioids,
      and an epidural catheter was inserted caudally. Stimulation electromyography of
      levator ani M using 14 mA current was used, and latency and amplitude of the
      evoked compound M action potential (CMAP) were recorded. Patients were randomized
      into 2 groups. Group A received a local anesthetic epidurally, and sEMG was
      performed. Administration of the M relaxant and measurement of M response
      followed. In group B drug administration, sEMG and response measurement were
      performed after administration of M relaxant. RESULTS: Baseline CMAP was recorded
      in all patients. Average latency was 4.1 milliseconds, and average amplitude was
      0.43 mV. In group A, the average latency was 4.0 milliseconds, and average
      amplitude was 0.65 mV. After administration of the M relaxant, the CMAP
      disappeared. In group B, no CMAP was observed immediately after administration of
      the M relaxant. CONCLUSION: Administration of the inhalational anesthetic,
      opioids, and local anesthetic did not influence the M response of M fibers in the
      levator ani M on sEMG and enables its localization during ARM reconstruction.
      Nondepolarizing M relaxation completely abolished the response. If M relaxant is
      necessary, cisatracurium is used. The most suitable method of anesthesia for ARM
      surgery appears to be inhalational anesthesia supplemented by opioids and
      epidural analgesia.

PMID- 22075346
TI  - Parental attitudes regarding analgesic use for children: differences in ethnicity
      and language.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the impact of ethnicity and
      language on parental attitudes regarding analgesic use to treat children's pain.
      METHODS: A total of 206 parents of children undergoing outpatient surgery were
      recruited to complete the Medication Attitudes Questionnaire, a measure of
      parental beliefs about using analgesic medications to treat children's pain.
      Parents were grouped into one of 3 categories according to ethnicity and primary
      language spoken: English-speaking white, English-speaking Hispanic, and Spanish
      speaking Hispanic. Group differences in pain medication attitudes were examined.
      RESULTS: After controlling for socioeconomic status, English-speaking Hispanic
      parents endorsed higher levels of misconceptions about pain medication use,
      including a tendency to avoid analgesic use for children, compared with English
      speaking white and Spanish-speaking Hispanic parents. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights parental characteristics, including ethnicity and language, which may
      place children at higher risk for undertreatment of acute pain based on
      misconceptions about analgesic use for children. Specifically, English-speaking
      Hispanic parents may be most likely to undertreat children's pain at home. Future
      studies are needed to identify the most appropriate means of providing education
      to counter parental misconceptions and support optimal pain management of
      children's pain in the home setting.

PMID- 22075347
TI  - The use of laparoscopy in ventriculoperitoneal shunt revisions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) are routinely placed in children
      with hydrocephalus. However, they often encounter problems, and revisions are
      frequent. We sought to evaluate our institutional experience with laparoscopic
      assisted VPS revisions. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, a
      retrospective chart review of 17 consecutive patients who underwent 19
      laparoscopic-assisted VPS revisions was conducted. Data extracted included
      patient demographics, indications for laparoscopic-assisted revision,
      complications, and shunt outcomes. RESULTS: The median age at revision was 12
      years (0.4-20 years). Ten children (58.8%) had 2 or more previous VPS revisions.
      Indications for laparoscopic revision included adhesive obstruction, broken shunt
      retrieval, cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst, diagnostic laparoscopy, and conversion
      from ventriculoatrial shunt to VPS. Three patients required repeat VPS revision
      for distal shunt failure, whereas 2 patients required repeat VPS revision for
      proximal dysfunction. Failures occurred 5 to 258 days after laparoscopic-assisted
      revision. Median follow-up was 21 weeks (interquartile range, 6-57 weeks). No
      patients developed abdominal infections postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy
      is useful in select patients with distal VPS failure. Patients with multiple
      previous revisions, prior abdominal surgery, previous intraperitoneal infections,
      broken devices, or cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts may benefit from this
      approach. Further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to
      determine which patients benefit most from the laparoscopic-assisted approach.

PMID- 22075348
TI  - Fifty-three-year experience with pediatric umbilical hernia repairs.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term surgical and patient
      reported outcomes of pediatric umbilical hernia (UH) repairs. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of all children (<18 years old) who underwent UH repair at
      Mayo Clinic-Rochester in the last half century was done. Follow-up was obtained
      by mailed survey. RESULTS: From 1956 to 2009, 489 children (boys, 251; girls,
      238) underwent a primary UH repair. The mean age was 3.9 years (range, 0.01-17.8
      years). Complicated UHs that required emergent repair (n = 34, or 7%) included
      recurrent incarceration (22), enteric fistula (7), strangulation (4), and
      evisceration (1). Mean UH size was 1.3 cm (range, 0.2-7.0 cm), varying by
      operative indication (1.0 cm emergent vs 1.5 cm elective repairs, P = .008) and
      decade of repair (2.2 cm, 1950s-60s vs 1.3 cm, 1990s-2000s; P = .001).
      Postoperative morbidity (2%) consisted of superficial wound infection (7),
      hematoma (3), and seroma (1). With a 66% survey response rate and mean follow-up
      of 13.0 years (range, 0-53.8 years), 8 (2%) patients experienced a recurrence.
      Most patients reported satisfaction (90%) with the cosmetic appearance of their
      umbilicus and are pain free (96%). CONCLUSION: Pediatric UH repairs have low
      morbidity and recurrence rates. Most patients are satisfied and pain free.
      Importantly, complicated UHs were more likely to be associated with smaller
      defects; therefore, parental counseling for signs of incarceration is recommended
      even in small defects.

PMID- 22075349
TI  - Neonatal testicular torsion: a survey of current practice amongst paediatric
      surgeons and urologists in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
AB  - PURPOSE: Management of neonatal testicular torsion (NTT) is controversial, with
      varied opinion regarding the merit(s) and role of "emergent" testicular
      exploration and/or contralateral orchidopexy of the healthy testis. METHODS: A
      survey of consultant paediatric surgeons and urologists working in the United
      Kingdom and Ireland was conducted to ascertain views to guide best practice.
      RESULTS: A total of 148 questionnaires were mailed, of which 110 were returned
      (74% response rate). Of these, 60 (54.5%) surgeons considered NTT secondary to
      torsion of the spermatic cord and 8 (7.2%) thought primary vascular infarction of
      the testis responsible. Twelve (10.9%) use Doppler ultrasound to guide management
      and exclude tumour. Eighty-two surgeons (74.5%) explore the scrotum, and 59
      (71.9%) perform ipsilateral orchidectomy and contralateral orchidopexy of the
      "healthy" testis. Few surgeons undertake emergent exploration. Only 11 (10%)
      surgeons have ever found a viable testis. Seven (6.4%) cases of synchronous NTT
      were reported. Twenty-four (21.8%) surgeons do not perform contralateral
      orchidopexy with concerns of damaging a healthy testis. Orchidopexy is favoured
      by 89 surgeons, with 46 (52%) using nonabsorbable suture fixation and 28 (31.4%)
      creating a sutureless extradartos pouch. In boys later found to have a "solitary
      scrotal testis" and a contralateral testicular remnant, 38 (36.5%) of 104 would
      always "pex" the testis to avert anorchia. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' opinions with
      NTT in the United Kingdom and Ireland remain diverse. Strong argument can be made
      for scrotal exploration with/without contralateral orchidopexy. Parents should be
      counselled on the merits of varied strategies to gain better understanding of the
      long-term outcomes for their male child.

PMID- 22075350
TI  - The incidence and surgical management of paratubal cysts in a pediatric and
      adolescent population.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of paratubal cysts
      (PTCs) in a pediatric and adolescent population. METHODS: An institutional review
      board-approved retrospective chart review was performed between the years of 1998
      and 2008 at a single children's hospital. Inclusion criteria were met if
      pathology reports demonstrated diagnosis of PTC, hydrosalpinx, or hydatid of
      morgagni. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients had confirmed diagnoses of hydatid of
      morgagni, hydrosalpinx, or PTC. The incidence of PTCs was 7.3%. Mean age of PTC
      diagnosis was 13.7 +/- 2.82 years, with 12.6% diagnosed premenarchal. Mean age
      menarche was 11.7 +/- 1.34 years among pubertal females. The age of menarche and
      diagnosis of PTC correlated (Pearson, 0.54) (P < .0001). There was a small
      correlation between body mass index and size of PTC (r = 0.36; P <= .001).
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of PTCs was 7.3% in this pediatric and adolescent
      population. In addition, this is the first study to confirm presence of PTCs in
      prepubertal females. Surgeon should be aware of these benign cysts because they
      are frequently a source of abdominal pain in young girls. As nonphysiologic
      cysts, these will not resolve spontaneously and may increase in size and/or be at
      risk for adnexal torsion. Ultimately, surgical management is required for
      definitive resolution.

PMID- 22075351
TI  - Paratubal cysts, obesity, and hyperandrogenism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if an association exists
      between adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenism
      (HA), obesity, and paratubal cysts (PTCs). DESIGN: An institutional review board
      approved retrospective chart review was performed between the years of 1998 and
      2008 at a single children's hospital. Inclusion criteria were met if pathology
      reports demonstrated diagnosis of PTC. Age of menarche, body mass index, surgical
      procedure, and findings were correlated with the presence of HA. RESULTS: The
      incidence of PTCs was 7.3% among 1524 females presenting with adnexal masses. One
      hundred three patients had a confirmed pathology diagnosis of PTC and underwent
      surgery for suspected torsion or persistent adnexal mass on imaging studies.
      Forty-five percent of surgical cases had ovarian or adnexal torsion. Mean age of
      PTC diagnosis for the entire cohort was 13.7 +/- 2.82 years. Mean age of menarche
      was 11.7 +/- 1.34 years among pubertal females. Four patients were premenarchal
      at the time of PTC diagnosis. Forty percent of pubertal females had a diagnosis
      of PCOS. Pubertal adolescents with features of HA had a higher body mass index
      (31.3 vs 26.2 kg/m(2), P = .003) and had a trend toward larger cysts (7.6 vs 6
      cm, P = .235). Overall, a significant association existed between obesity and PTC
      (P = .007), although no definite association could be made about HA or PCOS.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an association between PTCs and obesity. In
      addition, HA appears to be associated with a trend toward large PTCs, although
      results were not significant.

PMID- 22075352
TI  - Surgical management of facial nerve paralysis in the pediatric population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the pediatric patient population, both the pathology and the
      surgical managements of seventh cranial nerve palsy are complicated by the small
      size of the patients. Adding to the technical difficulty is the relative
      infrequency of the diagnosis, thus making it harder to become proficient in the
      management of the condition. The magnitude of the functional and aesthetic
      deficits these children manifest is significantly troubling to both the patient
      and the parents, which makes immediate attention, treatment, and functional
      restoration essential. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed
      (http://www.pubmed.org) was undertaken to identify the current state of surgical
      management of pediatric facial paralysis. RESULTS: Although a multitude of
      techniques have been used, the ideal reconstructive procedure that addresses all
      of the functional and cosmetic needs of these children has yet to be described.
      Certainly, future research and innovative thinking will yield progressively
      better techniques that may, one day, emulate the native facial musculature with
      remarkable precision. CONCLUSION: The necessity for surgical intervention in
      children with facial nerve paralysis differs depending on many factors including
      the acute/chronic nature of the defect as well as the extent of functional and
      cosmetic damage. In this article, we review the surgical procedures that have
      been used to treat pediatric facial nerve paralysis and provide therapeutic
      facial reanimation.

PMID- 22075353
TI  - Congenital-infantile fibrosarcoma masquerading as sacrococcygeal teratoma.
AB  - Infantile fibrosarcoma is rare and represents less than 1% of all childhood
      cancers. Commonly, it arises in the limbs followed by the trunk and head and
      neck. We report a rare case of infantile fibrosarcoma masquerading as
      sacrococcygeal teratoma in a newborn. The literature on the subject is also
      reviewed.

PMID- 22075354
TI  - The first male with thoracoschisis: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - A male infant presented at birth with intestine and liver herniated through a
      defect 3 cm below the left nipple on the anterior thoracic wall. Riedel lobe,
      attached to the left liver lobe, and the transverse colon were seen protruding
      through the defect at the region of the left eighth intercostal space at surgery.
      A fibrous band extending from the lower defect border to the bladder was present.
      The hernia content was reduced inside the abdomen and the fibrous band, and
      Riedel lobe and necrotic-appearing omentum were excised. Thoracoschisis is a very
      rare congenital anomaly with only 4 cases reported. This is the first isolated
      thoracoschisis case without an accompanying diaphragmatic hernia.

PMID- 22075355
TI  - Diagnosis and management of congenital rectourethral fistula in a child with long
      tubular duplication of the colon and Klippel-Feil syndrome.
AB  - We describe a unique association of congenital rectourethral fistula with long
      tubular duplication of the colon in a boy with Klippel-Feil syndrome and Sprengel
      deformity. He presented with a rectourethral fistula after surgical repair of a
      tubular duplication of the terminal ileum, colon, and proximal rectum.
      Preoperative identification of the fistula was challenging and was only achieved
      after cystoscopy with injection of methylene blue under pressure through Foley
      catheters placed into the anus and distal stoma of a colostomy. Surgical repair
      was performed through the posterior sagittal approach. The patient is doing well
      after 4 years of follow-up.

PMID- 22075356
TI  - Congenital ectopic fistula of a minor salivary gland.
AB  - A rare case of congenital salivary gland fistula is reported. A 3-year-old girl
      presented with clear discharge from a dimple on the left cheek. An ectopic
      salivary gland fistula was unexpectedly diagnosed during operation. This is the
      first case of congenital salivary fistula draining from a minor salivary gland to
      a cutaneous pit. We completely excised the lesion, and the patient remains
      complication free.

PMID- 22075357
TI  - Left pulmonary artery sling with right lung aplasia.
AB  - We report 2 cases of right pulmonary aplasia with left pulmonary artery sling
      responsible for severe respiratory symptoms. Repositioning of the left pulmonary
      artery without tracheal surgery was successful in both patients. The
      postoperative course was simple, and the outcome was favorable at last follow-up
      (after 2 years and 3 months, respectively). Computed tomography provided an
      accurate diagnostic evaluation that helped to choose the best surgical technique.

PMID- 22075358
TI  - Retrograde intrarenal surgery in infants and preschool-age children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to present our experience with
      retrograde intrarenal surgery for management of renal calculi in children less
      than 7 years old and to determine its safety and efficacy in this age group.
      METHODS: Patient demographics, stone location and size, use of ureteral access
      sheath, stone-free status, complication rates, and follow-up were evaluated.
      RESULTS: A total of 16 patients (9 boys and 7 girls; mean age, 4.2 years)
      underwent 17 procedures. The mean stone size was 11.5 mm (8-17 mm). Flexible
      ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy were performed in all cases regardless of
      stone location. Dilation of the ureteral orifice was required in 5 cases (29.4%),
      and ureteral access sheaths were placed in 3 patients (17.6%). With a mean follow
      up of 10.3 months, 88% of the children were stone free. The success rate for
      stones less than 10 mm was 100% and 81.8% for stones 10 mm or more (P < .05).
      There were no major complications, but there was 1 case of perforation and
      extravasation at the ureterovesical junction after balloon dilation that was
      managed with stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde intrarenal surgery is a
      safe and effective method for the treatment of intrarenal calculi, and it
      achieves reasonable results with minimal complications in children less than 7
      years old.

PMID- 22075359
TI  - Single-port laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication: initial
      experience with a new approach for the treatment of pediatric achalasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this report was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of
      single-port laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication (SPLHD) as
      treatment of pediatric esophageal achalasia. METHODS: A 9-year-old boy with a
      significant history of achalasia underwent SPLHD. The single-port was inserted
      using an umbilical incision. The falciform ligament and left liver lobe were
      raised using an elevating suture, providing good visualization of the operative
      field at the cardia. The Heller myotomy was planned to be 4 cm long, extending 1
      cm onto the gastric wall. RESULTS: The SPLHD was successfully accomplished
      without the need for any skin incisions or additional ports. Oral intake was
      resumed on the first postoperative day, and the length of hospital stay was 8
      days. The patient had complete resolution of dysphagia and regurgitation. No
      complications were noted, and the patient had an excellent cosmetic result.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SPLHD is a safe and feasible procedure for symptomatic pediatric
      achalasia when performed by a surgeon experienced in laparoscopic and esophageal
      surgery.

PMID- 22075360
TI  - Knowledge of ancient Hindu surgeons on Hirschsprung disease: evidence from
      Sushruta Samhita of circa 1200-600 BC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital megacolon is eponymously named after Harold Hirschsprung,
      who accurately described the clinical features in 1886. Recent research revealed
      that this condition is perhaps well known for centuries before him. AIM: This
      article is intended to examine if ancient Hindu surgeons knew about congenital
      megacolon. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sushruta Samhita is an ancient tome of
      Ayurvedic surgery compiled by Sushruta (circa 1200-600 bc). Passages of interest
      were identified by browsing the authentic English translation of the compendium.
      Accuracy of translation was verified by comparing to the original Sanskrit verses
      with the help of a Sanskrit scholar. RESULTS: A condition called Baddha
      Gudodaram, described in the Samhita, closely resembles Hirschsprung disease.
      There are indications that ancient Indians even deciphered the etiology as
      defective vayu alias vata (nerves). Although the ailment was considered
      incurable, a palliative operation has been discussed. Descriptive details of the
      operation match with that of sigmoid colostomy. CONCLUSION: Evidence from
      Sushruta Samhita indicates that Hindu surgeons of prehistoric India probably had
      considerable knowledge about Hirschsprung disease. Further research,
      corroborating other sources of evidence, is required to confirm this claim.

PMID- 22075361
TI  - Brave new world or the unfortunate natural history of "lethal" disease: when to
      push the envelope?

PMID- 22075362
TI  - Costs of congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair in the United States
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation foots the bill.

PMID- 22075364
TI  - Laparoscopic cystectomy for splenic hydatid cyst: a case report.
AB  - Even in countries where it is considered endemic, splenic hydatid cyst is a very
      rare disease in childhood. Partial or total splenectomy has generally been the
      treatment of choice for this condition. This is the first report of laparoscopic
      cystectomy as treatment of isolated splenic hydatid cyst in childhood. A 10-year
      old girl with isolated splenic hydatid cyst was successfully treated by
      laparoscopic cystectomy and splenic preservation. The authors have demonstrated
      that laparoscopic cystectomy for an isolated splenic hydatid cyst is technically
      feasible, safe, and is associated with a shorter hospital stay and good cosmetic
      appearance.

PMID- 22075365
TI  - Giant ureteral polyps causing proximal ureter obstruction: emphasis on the
      surgical method and ureteroscopy.
AB  - We describe here the case of a 13-year-old boy who had right flank pain for 3
      months. An intravenous pyelogram showed filling defects in the right upper part
      of the ureter as well as hydronephrosis. Because the diseased part of the ureter
      was about 5 cm in length and we wished to avoid short ureter after surgery, we
      performed a minimal segmental resection of the ureter including the entire stalk.
      Perioperative ureteroscopic examination showed another polyp 3 cm below the
      primary polyp, which was also removed. End-to-end ureteral anastomosis was
      performed without mobilization of the kidney. Frozen and formal microscopic
      examination showed that these polyps were fibroepithelial.

PMID- 22075366
TI  - An alternative approach for management of the congenital giant inguinal hernia in
      neonates.
AB  - Whereas inguinal hernias are commonly encountered in the neonatal population,
      giant hernias containing the entire small bowel and with complete inguinal floor
      disruption are significantly less common. These cases present clinical and
      technical challenges with the obliteration of normal anatomy and an attenuation
      of the expected abdominal domain. There is a scant literature available
      describing these hernias or their management in neonates. In this case report, we
      describe a neonate who presented with a giant unilateral inguinal scrotal hernia
      complicated by in utero perforation. This was managed by open herniorrhaphy,
      orchidopexy, and diagnostic laparoscopy.

PMID- 22075367
TI  - Pneumatosis intestinalis after laparoscopic appendectomy: case report and review
      of the literature.
AB  - Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is the presence of intraluminal gas within the wall
      of the intestine. As a marker for bowel injury owing to mucosal injury, PI may
      herald a severe underlying disease process in patients without a significant
      medical history. In other cases, PI is a benign process, and expectant management
      is appropriate. Here, we present the first reported case of pneumatosis
      associated with postoperative abscess after appendectomy and its successful
      management. Then, we describe the pathophysiology of pneumatosis and review the
      literature regarding its origin and management.

PMID- 22075368
TI  - Application of high-dose rate (60)Co remote after-loading system for local
      recurrent neuroblastoma.
AB  - The local control of neuroblastoma is a very important treatment consideration.
      We describe a patient who received high-dose rate 60Co remote after loading
      system treatment for local control of recurrent neuroblastoma and discuss the
      efficacy of high-dose rate 60Co remote after loading system treatment.

PMID- 22075369
TI  - Isolated congenital megacystis without intestinal obstruction: a mild variant of
      chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction syndrome?
AB  - Megacystis is frequently involved with chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction
      syndrome; however, isolated megacystis without intestinal obstruction is
      extremely rare. We present the case of a female patient with isolated congenital
      megacystis without severe intestinal obstruction. In this case, barium enema did
      not reveal any significant findings; however, histologic evaluation of her rectum
      showed hypoganglionosis of the submucous and myenteric plexuses. These findings
      indicate that this case may be a mild variant of chronic intestinal
      pseudoobstruction syndrome. The presence of megacystis should alert the physician
      to the possibility of chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction syndrome.

PMID- 22075370
TI  - A case of undifferentiated embryonic liver sarcoma mimicking cystic hydatid
      disease in an endemic region of the world.
AB  - Undifferentiated embryonic liver sarcoma (UELS) is a rare highly malignant
      neoplasm that predominantly occurs in children between 5 and 10 years of age. The
      typical radiologic appearance on ultrasound and computed tomography of UELS shows
      a large septated mass having combined cystic and solid components. These
      radiographic features, however, are not specific to UELS and are shared by other
      more common and benign diseases of the liver. For example, cystic hydatid disease
      (CHD), caused by larvae of the Echinococcus tapeworm, is the most common
      indication for hepatic operations in children residing in endemic regions of the
      world. Undifferentiated embryonic liver sarcoma and CHD are 2 diseases that share
      overlapping presenting features of patient age, symptoms, and radiologic
      appearance. Surgeons who operate in Echinococcal endemic regions must be aware
      that not all hepatic cystic masses are necessarily CHD and may be other more rare
      malignant diseases such as UELS.

PMID- 22075371
TI  - Learning interspecific communicative responses in Pampas foxes (Lycalopex
      gymnocercus).
AB  - Domestic dogs show remarkable communicative abilities in their interaction with
      people. These skills maybe explained by the interaction between the domestication
      process and learning experiences during ontogeny. Studies carried out on other
      species of canids, which have not been domesticated are relevant to this topic.
      The purpose of this article is to study the effect of instrumental learning on
      captive Pampas foxes' (Lycalopex gymnocercus) communicative responses to humans.
      Seven foxes were tested in a conflict situation involving food within sight but
      out of their reach. In these situations dogs typically gaze at the human face to
      ask for food. In Study 1, there was an increase in gaze duration as a consequence
      of reinforcement and a decrease during extinction, when animals did not receive
      any more food. In Study 2, all of the four foxes tested successfully followed
      proximal pointing gesture to find hidden food. When a distal pointing cue was
      given, three out of four followed it in the first session and one in the second
      session. These results are consistent with those previously found in dogs, and
      suggest that learning experiences allow the development of communicative skills,
      even in not domesticated canid species.

PMID- 22075372
TI  - Bilateral effects of 6 weeks' unilateral acupuncture and electroacupuncture on
      ankle dorsiflexors muscle strength: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of unilateral manual acupuncture at selected
      acupoints on ankle dorsiflexion strength of both limbs, and compare the effect
      with that of electroacupuncture at the same acupoints and sham points. DESIGN:
      Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation laboratory of a university.
      PARTICIPANTS: Young men (N=43) were randomly allocated into 4 groups: control;
      manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture on 2 acupoints (ST-36 and ST-39); and
      electroacupuncture on 2 nonacupoints. These points were located on the tibialis
      anterior muscle. INTERVENTIONS: The participants in the experimental groups
      received 15 to 30 minutes of acupuncture or electroacupuncture on the right leg
      in each session, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      maximal strength in isometric ankle dorsiflexion of both legs was assessed before
      and after the experimental period. RESULTS: Repeated-measures analysis of
      variance identified significant and similar strength gains (range, 35%-64% in the
      right leg and 32%-49% in the left leg; P<.01) in all acupuncture groups, but not
      in the control group (-2% to 2%, P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral manual
      acupuncture and electroacupuncture at the acupoints can improve muscle strength
      in both limbs, and electroacupuncture at the nonacupoints as used in this study
      can also induce similar strength gains.

PMID- 22075373
TI  - Thermal stability of vitamin C: thermogravimetric analysis and use of total ion
      monitoring chromatograms.
AB  - The thermal decomposition kinetics and shelf life of vitamin C in nitrogen or air
      were studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and evolved-gas analysis
      lithium-ion attachment mass spectrometry (EGA-Li+IAMS). Arrhenius parameters
      obtained via TGA were reported for thermal decomposition. For vitamin C in a
      nitrogen atmosphere, the activation energy (E(a)) was 25.1 kcal/mol and the pre
      exponential factor (A) was 2.5 * 1011 min-1. The kinetic parameters estimated via
      TGA agreed with values estimated from a pyrogram when the weight loss observed by
      TGA was shown to be due to gas evolution as a result of decomposition of the
      compound. Thermal stability was expressed by calculating the time for 10% of the
      vitamin C to decompose at 25  degrees C (t(90%,25  degrees C)). The t(90%,25 
      degrees C) for vitamin C obtained via TGA or EGA-Li+IAMS was higher in nitrogen
      (2.0 and 2.0 years, respectively) than in air (1.3 and 1.6 years, respectively).
      This indicates that the type of atmosphere influences vitamin C stability.

PMID- 22075374
TI  - Development and application of a validated gradient elution HPLC method for
      simultaneous determination of 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel in dissolution
      samples of 5-fluorouracil/paclitaxel-co-eluting stents.
AB  - The combined use of 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel is common in clinical trials.
      However, there are few methods for simultaneous determination of 5-fluorouracil
      and paclitaxel; most reported approaches can only quantitate either 5
      fluorouracil or paclitaxel. This paper proposes a new gradient elution HPLC
      method for simultaneous determination of 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel using a
      photodiode array detector, C18 column (250 mm * 4.6 mm, 5 MUm) with methanol and
      0.5% H3PO4 aqueous solution as the mobile phase components. The injection volume
      was 50 MUl and the column temperature was maintained at 30  degrees C. The method
      was validated according to USP Category I requirements. The validation
      characteristics included system suitability, linearity, analytical range, LOD,
      LOQ, accuracy, precision, specificity, stability, ruggedness and robustness. The
      calibration curves exhibited linear concentration ranges of 0.2-40 MUg/ml for 5
      fluorouracil and 1.5-150 MUg/ml for paclitaxel with correlation coefficients
      larger than 0.99990. The lower limits of quantitation were 2 ng/ml for 5
      fluorouracil and 0.75 MUg/ml for paclitaxel, respectively. The intra and inter
      day precision and accuracy were found to be well within acceptable limits (i.e.,
      5%). The results demonstrate that this method is reliable, reproducible and
      suitable for simultaneous quantitation of the two drugs in the release media of 5
      fluorouracil/paclitaxel-co-eluting stents.

PMID- 22075375
TI  - Therapeutic effect of Yunnan Baiyao on rheumatoid arthritis was partially due to
      regulating arachidonic acid metabolism in osteoblasts.
AB  - In order to explore the potential therapeutic effect of Yunnan Baiyao (YNB) on
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), rat models were constructed and orally administrated
      with YNB or methotrexate (MTX) in parallel. Clinical physical, histological and
      biochemical parameters showed trivial therapeutic difference between YNB and MTX
      applications. Urine and serum metabonomics results indicated that many endogenous
      metabolites differentially changed among the rats receiving diverse therapeutic
      interventions. Among them, the fluctuation of arachidonic acid (AA) was thought
      to make sense. Thus, its relevant metabolites were subjected to quantitation by
      using osteoblasts treated by YNB in vitro. It was found that YNB extract of 20
      MUg/mL could greatly activate the synthesis of intracellular prostaglandin E2 and
      thromboxane B2 in osteoblasts. Excretion of prostaglandin D2 could be suppressed
      but not the thromboxane B2. This study proved the efficacy of YNB on curing RA
      and its potential mechanism through modulating AA metabolism in osteoblasts to
      some extent.

PMID- 22075376
TI  - A validated Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic method for the
      characterisation of confiscated illegal slimming products containing anorexics.
AB  - A fully validated UHPLC-DAD method for the identification and quantification of
      pharmaceutical preparations, containing molecules frequently found in illegal
      slimming products (sibutramine, modafinil, ephedrine, nor-ephedrine, metformin,
      theophyllin, caffeine, diethylpropion and orlistat) was developed. The proposed
      method uses a Vision HT C18-B column (2 mm * 100 mm, 1.5 MUm) with a gradient
      using an ammonium acetate buffer pH 5.0 as aqueous phase and acetonitrile as
      organic modifier. The obtained method was fully validated based on its
      measurement uncertainty (accuracy profile). Calibration lines for all components
      were linear within the studied ranges. The relative bias and the relative
      standard deviations for all components were respectively smaller than 3.0% and
      1.5%, the beta-expectation tolerance limits did not exceed the acceptance limits
      of 10% and the relative expanded uncertainties were smaller than 3% for all of
      the considered components. A UHPLC-DAD method was obtained for the identification
      and quantification of these kind of pharmaceutical preparations, which will
      significantly reduce analysis times and workload for the laboratories charged
      with the quality control of these preparations and which can, if necessary, be
      coupled to a MS-detector for a more thorough characterisation.

PMID- 22075377
TI  - Relative roles of Neogene vicariance and Quaternary climate change on the
      historical diversification of bunchgrass lizards (Sceloporus scalaris group) in
      Mexico.
AB  - Neogene vicariance during the Miocene and Pliocene and Quaternary climate change
      have synergistically driven diversification in Mexican highland taxa. We
      investigated the impacts of these processes on genetic diversification in the
      widely distributed bunchgrass lizards in the Sceloporus scalaris group. We
      searched for correlations between timing in diversification and timing of (1) a
      period of marked volcanism across the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in central
      Mexico 3-7.5million years ago (Ma) and (2) a transition to larger glacial
      interglacial cycles during the mid-Pleistocene. From our phylogenetic analyses of
      mitochondrial DNA we identified two major clades that contained 13 strongly
      supported lineages. One clade contained lineages from the two northern sierras of
      Mexico, and the other clade included lineages associated with the Trans-Mexican
      Volcanic Belt and Central Mexican Plateau. Results provided support for Neogene
      divergences within the S. scalaris group in response to uplift of the Trans
      Mexican Volcanic Belt, a pattern observed in several co-distributed taxa, and
      suggested that Quaternary climate change likely had little effect on
      diversification between lineages. Uplift of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
      during specific time periods appears to have strongly impacted diversification in
      Mexican highland taxa.

PMID- 22075378
TI  - Lipocalin 2 in cancer: when good immunity goes bad.
AB  - The innate immune molecule Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was initially shown to combat
      bacterial infection by binding bacterial siderophores, hence impairing microbial
      iron sequestration. In recent years, it has become apparent that LCN2 is over
      expressed in cancers of diverse histological origin and that it facilitates
      tumorigenesis by promoting survival, growth, and metastasis. Herein, we discuss
      emerging evidence that substantiates two functional roles for LCN2 in cancer:
      promotion of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that facilitates an
      invasive phenotype and metastasis, and sequestration of iron that results in cell
      survival and tumorigenesis. Further, we present evidence that upregulated LCN2
      expression in solid tumors is induced by hypoxia and pro-inflammation,
      microenvironmental noxae that converge to cause an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      stress response. Taken together, it appears that tumor cells exploit the
      beneficial innate immune function of LCN2 to support uncontrolled growth. This
      duplicity in function highlights LCN2 and its upstream driver, the ER stress
      response, as key targets for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22075379
TI  - Understanding the role of cytokines in Glioblastoma Multiforme pathogenesis.
AB  - Cytokines play a significant role in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The
      immune system's failure to recognize the malignant tumor cells and mount an
      effective response may be the result of tumor-associated cytokine deregulation.
      Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) has a characteristic cytokine expression pattern,
      and abnormalities in cytokine expression have been implicated in gliomagenesis.
      Within the heterogeneous GBM microenvironment, the tumor cells, normal brain
      cells, immune cells, and stem cells interact with each other through the complex
      cytokine network. This review summarizes the current understanding of the
      functions of key cytokines on GBM, and highlights potential therapeutic
      applications targeting these cytokines.

PMID- 22075380
TI  - Synergistic antitumor effect of adenovirus-mediated hING4 gene therapy and (125)I
      radiation therapy on pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis, even with surgery. ING4 is a member of
      the inhibitor of growth (ING) tumor suppressor family that has potent inhibitory
      effects on a variety of tumors; meanwhile, radiotherapy is a common adjunctive
      therapy for pancreatic cancer. Prior to this study, the effectiveness of a
      combination of ING4 gene-therapy and radiotherapy against pancreatic cancer had
      been unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that either ING4 or (125)I
      radiotherapy treatment could induce Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cell growth
      suppression and apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, both treatments inhibited tumor
      growth and angiogenesis of Panc-1 pancreatic cancer subcutaneously xenografted in
      vivo. Moreover, the combination therapy had a synergistic effect.

PMID- 22075381
TI  - Changes in actin and E-cadherin expression induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid
      photodynamic therapy in normal and Ras-transfected human mammary cell lines.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer treatment based on light-induced
      destruction of photosensitised malignant cells. It has been reported that PDT
      strongly affects cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion through the reorganization
      of some cytoskeletal and adhesion proteins. The aim of the present work was to
      study the changes induced by PDT employing aminolevulinic acid (ALA), on the
      cytoskeleton actin network and E-cadherin expression. We employed the normal
      mammary HB4a cell line and its tumor counterpart transfected with the oncogene H
      Ras, which has been shown to be resistant to PDT. Ras insertion induces per se
      disorganization of both F-actin and E-cadherin distribution. ALA-PDT induces on
      HB4a cells a dramatic disorganization of actin stress fibers, resembling normal
      Ras-transfected cells. After 48h some features of disorganization remain present.
      In HB4a-Ras cells, F-actin exhibits signals of photodamage, but distribution is
      recovered 24h after treatment. On the other hand, PDT did not impact on E
      cadherin distribution, other than a transient disorganization, which was
      recovered at 24h. Moreover, E-cadherin disorganization did not favoured cell-cell
      detachment after PDT of HB4a-Ras cells. Actin but not E-cadherin constitutes in
      this model an important target of PDT. The fact that some features of
      microfilament disorganization remain present in HB4a surviving cells but not in
      Ras-transfected cells, suggests that cytoskeletal structures such as F-actin may
      be involved in the mechanisms of resistance to PDT.

PMID- 22075382
TI  - Response of pigmented Serratia marcescens to the illumination.
AB  - Variations in the illumination conditions (light/darkness) affected both the
      biosynthesis of prodigiosin and energy metabolism of the pigmented strain ATCC
      9986 Serratia marcescens growing aerobical in the batch culture were shown. In
      the process incubation the transition of the pigmented culture from illumination
      within (24 h, 48 h) in the dark conditions increased the prodigiosin synthesis by
      2.0, 2.5 times, respectively. At the same time, the illumination did not
      influence the prodigiosin biosynthesis in the stationary growth phase. In the
      initial period of prodigiosin synthesis the rate of oxygen consumption was higher
      than later when the pigment synthesis gradually decreased. The respiration
      activity of colorless strain 24-5 is not independent from the lighting
      conditions. The regulation of energetic pathways in the light and in darkness has
      been revealed. Prodigiosin is associated with the hydrophobic protein and it is
      represented pigment protein complex by diameter of particles less 100 kDa.
      Fluorescence spectrum of prodigiosin and it the absorption spectra of derivatives
      of high orders D(IV) and D(VIII) were described.

PMID- 22075383
TI  - [A trick to improve the technique of the IntraVascular Stent (IVaS): "Clip
      Stent"].
AB  - The infra-millimetre vessels are difficult to suture, because the placement of
      forceps in the lumen is delicate and threads often cross the walls. The technique
      of the IntraVascular Stent (IVaS), developed to remedy it, did not make the proof
      of its superiority. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a
      variant, the Clip Stent. Our series included two groups of 10 rats. In group I,
      the artery of the tail was anastomosed by threads of nylon 10/0. In group II, the
      artery was anastomosed according to the technique of Clip Stent including three
      stages: introduction of a monothread of polypropylene 6/0, anastomosis by threads
      of nylon 10/0, ablation of the Clip Stent and the closure of possible leaks. The
      assessment consisted in measuring the time of anastomosis, in counting the number
      of separate threads and leaks, and in testing the permeability. The time of
      anastomosis was longer 12 minutes in the group II. The number of points by
      anastomosis was 6.5 in the group I and of 5.5 in the group II. The permeability
      was 90% in two groups. The Clip Stent is faster than the IVaS. It is useless to
      realize vascular threads of the lumen before the introduction of the stent. Once
      the stent in position, it cannot traumatize the intima and its migration is
      impossible. Contrary to the IVaS, the Clip Stent allows to realize the last
      threads stent in position, by releasing the tourniquet. The ablation is safe. Its
      superiority to the conventional methods remains to demonstrate by improving its
      introduction in the lumen.

PMID- 22075384
TI  - Differential mTOR and ERK pathway utilization by effector CD4 T cells suggests
      combinatorial drug therapy of arthritis.
AB  - The signaling pathways utilized by naive and experienced effector CD4 T cells
      during activation and proliferation were evaluated. While inhibition of either
      mTOR or MAPK alone was able to inhibit naive T cell proliferation, both mTOR and
      MAPK (ERK) pathway inhibition was required to efficiently block experienced,
      effector CD4 T cell proliferation. This was demonstrated both in vitro, and in
      vivo by treating mice with collagen-induced arthritis using mTOR and/or ERK
      inhibitors. The combination of mTOR and ERK inhibition prevented or treated
      disease more efficiently than either agent alone. These data illustrate the
      different requirements of naive and experienced effector CD4 T cells in the use
      of the mTOR and MAPK pathways in proliferation, and suggest that therapies
      targeting both the mTOR and MAPK pathways may be more effective than targeting
      either pathway alone in the treatment of CD4 T cell-mediated autoimmunity.

PMID- 22075385
TI  - Uterine and ovarian carcinosarcomas overexpressing Trop-2 are sensitive to hRS7,
      a humanized anti-Trop-2 antibody.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the expression of human trophoblastic cell-surface
      marker (Trop-2) and the potential of hRS7 - a humanized monoclonal anti-Trop-2
      antibody - as a therapeutic strategy against treatment-refractory human uterine
      (UMMT) and ovarian (OMMT) carcinosarcoma cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trop
      2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in paraffin-embedded
      tumor tissues, by real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) and flow-cytometry
      in cell lines. Sensitivity to hRS7 antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
      (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity was tested using 5-hour chromium
      release assays against UMMT and OMMT cells. RESULTS: Trop-2 expression was
      elevated in 9 of 26 (35%) UMMT and 8 of 14 (57%) OMMT tissues tested by IHC.
      Positivity for Trop-2 mRNA by RT-PCR and surface expression by flow cytometry
      were detected in 2 of 4 cell lines, with high positivity noted in OMMT-ARK-2.
      OMMT-ARK-2 was highly sensitive to hRS7 ADCC (range: 34.7-41.0%; P < 0.001) with
      negligible cytotoxicity seen in the absence of hRS7 or in the presence of control
      antibody (range: 1.1-2.5%). Human IgG did not significantly inhibit ADCC while
      human complement increased, hRS7-mediated-cytotoxicity against OMMT-ARK-2.
      CONCLUSION: Trop-2 is overexpressed in a proportion of UMMT and OMMT, and hRS7
      may represent a novel, potentially highly effective treatment option for patients
      with treatment-refractory carcinosarcomas overexpressing Trop-2.

PMID- 22075386
TI  - Comments on "Hinfinity synchronization of uncertain fractional order chaotic
      systems: adaptive fuzzy approach" [ISA Trans 50 (2011) 548-556].
AB  - In this note, we demonstrate that the stability analysis in the main theorem of
      the paper [Lin T-C, Kuo C-H. H(infinity) synchronization of uncertain fractional
      order chaotic systems: adaptive fuzzy approach. ISA Trans 2011;50:548-56] is
      wrong.

PMID- 22075387
TI  - A portable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) device for automotive diagnostic control
      systems.
AB  - In-vehicle driving tests for evaluating the performance and diagnostic
      functionalities of engine control systems are often time consuming, expensive,
      and not reproducible. Using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation approach, new
      control strategies and diagnostic functions on a controller area network (CAN)
      line can be easily tested in real time, in order to reduce the effort and the
      cost of the testing phase. Nowadays, spark ignition engines are controlled by an
      electronic control unit (ECU) with a large number of embedded sensors and
      actuators. In order to meet the rising demand of lower emissions and fuel
      consumption, an increasing number of control functions are added into such a
      unit. This work aims at presenting a portable electronic environment system,
      suited for HIL simulations, in order to test the engine control software and the
      diagnostic functionality on a CAN line, respectively, through non-regression and
      diagnostic tests. The performances of the proposed electronic device, called a
      micro hardware-in-the-loop system, are presented through the testing of the
      engine management system software of a 1.6 l Fiat gasoline engine with variable
      valve actuation for the ECU development version.

PMID- 22075388
TI  - The ameliorating effect of dantrolene on the morphology of urinary bladder in
      spinal cord injured rats.
AB  - In animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI), the urinary bladder can undergo
      significant structural and physiological alterations. Dantrolene has been shown
      to be neuroprotective by reducing neuronal apoptosis after SCI. Furthermore, in
      addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it appears to have
      a beneficial action on voiding, once this drug acts on the external urethral
      sphincter relaxation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of
      dantrolene on urinary bladder injury that follows experimental SCI. Forty-six
      male Wistar rats were laminectomized at T13, and a compressive trauma was
      performed to induce SCI. After euthanasia, the urinary bladder was removed for
      gross and histological evaluation. Traumatized animals showed urinary retention
      with severe hemorrhagic cystitis. Injured animals treated with dantrolene had
      less bladder hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltrate than those treated with
      placebo (p<0.05). Our results demonstrate that dantrolene may protect against
      urinary bladder lesions that follow SCI. Treating spinal cord-injured patients
      with this agent may be a promising additional therapeutic strategy to alleviate
      the accompanying inflammatory process. The results of the current study show that
      dantrolene has protective effects on spinal cord contusion-induced urinary
      bladder injury. The impaired integrity of bladder morphology was ameliorated by
      dantrolene treatment.

PMID- 22075389
TI  - Heterologous expression and characterization of a sigma glutathione S-transferase
      involved in carbaryl detoxification from oriental migratory locust, Locusta
      migratoria manilensis (Meyen).
AB  - Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a major role in detoxification of
      xenobiotics and resistance to insecticides in insects. In the present study, a
      sigma-class GST gene (LmGSTs3) was identified from the locust, Locusta migratoria
      manilensis. Its full-length cDNA sequence is 828 bp containing an open reading
      frame (ORF) of 612 bp that encodes 204 amino acid residues. The predicted protein
      molecular mass and pI are 23.4 kDa and 7.62, respectively. Recombinant LmGSTs3
      was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli as a soluble fusion protein. Its
      optimal activity was observed at pH 8.0. Incubation for 30 min at temperatures
      below 40  degrees C scarcely affected activity. The LmGSTs3 at pH values between
      4.0 and 11.0 retained more than 80% of its original activity. Ethacrynic acid and
      cibacron blue were very effective inhibitors of LmGSTs3 with I50-values 1.7 and
      3.7 MUM, respectively. In response to heavy metal (CuSO4, CdCl2) exposure there
      was a concentration-dependent and time-dependent decrease in activity. The nymph
      mortalities after carbaryl treatment increased 38.7% after LmGSTs3 were silenced.
      These results suggest that LmGSTs3 may be involved in carbaryl detoxification in
      L. migratoria manilensis.

PMID- 22075390
TI  - Re-examination of the roles of environmental factors in the control of body-color
      polyphenism in solitarious nymphs of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria with
      special reference to substrate color and humidity.
AB  - This study re-examines the effects of environmental factors including substrate
      color, humidity, food quality, light intensity and temperature on the green-brown
      polyphenism, black patterning and background body color of solitarious (isolated
      reared) nymphs of Schistocerca gregaria. All individuals reared in yellow-green
      or yellow containers became green morphs, whereas those reared in white, ivory
      colored, blue, grey, brown, zinc-colored and black containers produced brown
      morphs in similar proportions. The intensity of black patterns was negatively
      correlated with the brightness of the substrate color of the containers.
      Humidity, which previous studies claimed controls green-brown polyphenism in this
      species, exerted no significant influence on either the green-brown polyphenism
      or the black patterning. Food quality also had little effect on body color. High
      temperature tended to inhibit darkening. The background body color on the thorax
      was greatly influenced by the substrate color of rearing containers and a close
      correlation was found between these two variables, indicating that, in contrast
      to what has been suggested by others, this species exhibits homochromy to match
      the body color to the substrate color of its habitat. Similar responses were
      observed in another strain, although some quantitative differences occurred
      between the two strains examined. Based on these results, a new model explaining
      the control of body-color polyphenism in this locust is proposed and the
      ecological significance of black patterns in solitarious nymphs is discussed.

PMID- 22075391
TI  - Ethical considerations associated with clinical use of next-generation sequencing
      in children.

PMID- 22075400
TI  - Comparative analyses of the complete mitochondrial genomes of Ascaris
      lumbricoides and Ascaris suum from humans and pigs.
AB  - Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are parasitic nematodes living in the small
      intestine of humans and pigs, and can cause the disease ascariasis. For long,
      there has been controversy as to whether the two ascaridoid taxa represent the
      same species due to their significant resemblances in morphology. However, the
      complete mitochondrial (mt) genome data have been lacking for A. lumbricoides in
      spite of human and animal health significance and socio-economic impact globally
      of these parasites. In the present study, we sequenced the complete mt genomes of
      A. lumbricoides and A. suum (China isolate), which was 14,303 bp and 14,311 bp in
      size, respectively. The identity of the mt genomes was 98.1% between A.
      lumbricoides and A. suum (China isolate), and 98.5% between A. suum (China
      isolate) and A. suum (USA isolate). Both genomes are circular, and consist of 36
      genes, including 12 genes for proteins, 2 genes for rRNA and 22 genes for tRNA,
      which are consistent with that of all other species of ascaridoid studied to
      date. All genes are transcribed in the same direction and have a nucleotide
      composition high in A and T (71.7% for A. lumbricoides and 71.8% for A. suum).
      The AT bias had a significant effect on both the codon usage pattern and amino
      acid composition of proteins. Phylogenetic analyses of A. lumbricoides and A.
      suum using concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes, with
      three different computational algorithms (Bayesian analysis, maximum likelihood
      and maximum parsimony) all clustered in a clade with high statistical support,
      indicating that A. lumbricoides and A. suum was very closely related. These mt
      genome data and the results provide some additional genetic evidence that A.
      lumbricoides and A. suum may represent the same species. The mt genome data
      presented in this study are also useful novel markers for studying the molecular
      epidemiology and population genetics of Ascaris.

PMID- 22075401
TI  - Neurohormonal and cytokine fluctuations following transcatheter closure for an
      atrial septal defect.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammation and neurohormonal activation are considered to be
      involved in the development of earlier and/or later complications in congenital
      heart disease patients, even after a successful repair of the lesion. It is not
      yet clarified what is the role of the therapeutic interventions in the occurrence
      of such a response and how it could be associated with possible postoperative
      complications. AIM: We sought to assess the inflammatory and neurohormonal
      response to transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defects (ASD)
      over a six-month follow-up period. We also evaluated the association between the
      respective markers and catheterization data as well as echocardiographic
      measurements. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10), N-terminal-proatrial
      natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and N-terminal-probrain natriuretic peptide (NT
      proBNP) were assessed and echocardiographic measurements were performed in twenty
      eight patients with atrial septal defect prior to, and at the first, second and
      sixth months post transcatheter closure. Thirty-three age-matched healthy
      volunteers were also enrolled. RESULTS: IL-6 plasma levels, although higher
      preoperatively, [physical logarithm (ln) IL-6: 3.37+/-0.66 vs 2.92+/-0.44 pg/ml,
      p=0.015], reached control levels postoperatively, at the end of the third month,
      whereas TNF-alpha and IL-10 were not influenced by the procedure. NT-proANP
      levels were elevated preoperatively compared to the control group (ln NT-proANP
      3.78+/-0.572 vs 3.48+/-0.30, p=0.031), with a further significant increase during
      the 1st month (ln NT-proANP 3.78+/-0.572 vs 4.2+/-0.42, p=0.006), following the
      pattern of the left atrial volume enlargement, and remained high even 6 months
      after the procedure .On the other hand, the initially normal concentrations of NT
      proBNP, after a transient significant increase during the first month
      postoperatively (ln NT-proBNP 3.56+/-0.94 vs 4.58+/-0.91, p<0.0001) returned to
      the controls' levels at the end of the third month. Preoperative concentrations
      of NT-proANP positively correlated with NT-proBNP concentrations and pulmonary to
      systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure could improve, on
      a mid- term basis, the inflammatory process but natriuretic peptides' secretion
      continues in parallel with left atrial volume increase. Further follow up is
      required to determine the long-term progress of the inflammatory and
      neurohormonal response to the procedure.

PMID- 22075402
TI  - [Scientific studies are required to validate the indications for long-term oxygen
      therapy at high altitudes].

PMID- 22075403
TI  - Two types of presentation of pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors.
AB  - Inflammatory pseudotumors are a relatively uncommon pathology of uncertain
      etiology, generally considered to be reactive in origin. They may be observed in
      different locations as single or multiple masses. One of the possible forms of
      presentation is intrapulmonary. Despite its low frequency, this pathology should
      be considered in the differential diagnosis of lung nodules, even though the
      histologic results and the imaging tests can become confusing. In addition,
      pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors present a low malignancy with good response
      to surgical treatment as well as to pharmacological therapy, although to a lesser
      degree. We present a bibliographic review of this pathology based on two cases
      observed in our hospital. Both patients debuted with non-specific respiratory
      symptoms and lung nodules on imaging studies that were suspicious for neoplastic
      processes. After an exhaustive study, the diagnosis of pulmonary inflammatory
      pseudotumor was reached, with excellent responses to the treatment used in each
      case.

PMID- 22075404
TI  - Lung affectation in an adult patient with Niemann-Pick disease, type B.
AB  - We have carried out a review of the literature after the presentation of a case
      of Niemann-Pick (N-P) disease type B reporting the radiological findings with
      special emphasis on lung affectation. The patient is 40 years old and was
      diagnosed at the age of 6 with possible N-P disease suspected due to the
      presentation of hepatosplenomegaly and reticular pattern on chest radiography,
      with initially normal lung function tests. Said diagnosis was confirmed by
      measuring the activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme in skin fibroblast
      cultures and by demonstrating the presence of mutations in the ASM gene. In cases
      of storage disease, lung affectation should always be considered, and the most
      reliable radiological technique is high-resolution computed tomography. Although
      the "crazy-paving" pattern is not the most specific for this pathology, N-P
      disease should be included in the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22075406
TI  - Pulmonary edema following scorpion envenomation: mechanisms, clinical
      manifestations, diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - Scorpion envenomation is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Cardio
      respiratory manifestations, mainly cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema, are the
      leading causes of death after scorpion envenomation. The mechanism of pulmonary
      edema remains unclear and contradictory conclusions were published. However, most
      publications confirm that pulmonary edema has been attributed to acute left
      ventricular failure. Cardiac failure can result from massive release of
      catecholamines, myocardial damage induced by the venom or myocardial ischemia.
      Factors usually associated with the diagnosis of pulmonary edema were young age,
      tachypnea, agitation, sweating, or the presence of high plasma protein
      concentrations. Treatment of scorpion envenomation has two components: antivenom
      administration and supportive care. The latter mainly targets hemodynamic
      impairment and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In Latin America, and India, the use
      of Prazosin is recommended for treatment of pulmonary edema because pulmonary
      edema is associated with arterial hypertension. However, in North Africa,
      scorpion leads to cardiac failure with systolic dysfunction with normal vascular
      resistance and dobutamine was recommended. Dobutamine infusion should be used as
      soon as we have enough evidence suggesting the presence of pulmonary edema, since
      it has been demonstrated that scorpion envenomation can result in pulmonary edema
      secondary to acute left ventricular failure. In severe cases, mechanical
      ventilation can be required.

PMID- 22075407
TI  - Myocardial infarction-stroke association.

PMID- 22075408
TI  - Differential impact of cytochrome 2C9 allelic variants on clopidogrel-mediated
      platelet inhibition determined by five different platelet function tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel is subject to considerable
      inter-individual variations. In vitro high on-treatment residual platelet
      reactivity (HRPR) has been linked to cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19*2 carriage, and
      both were significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse events after
      coronary stenting. It has been shown that besides CYP2C19, CYP2C9 is involved in
      the hepatic biotransformation of clopidogrel to its active metabolite.
      Consequently, CYP2C9 polymorphisms may also affect the extent of clopidogrel
      mediated platelet inhibition. We therefore studied the influence of CYP2C9
      allelic variants on clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition as assessed by 5
      platelet function tests. METHODS: On-clopidogrel residual platelet reactivity was
      assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA), the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, the
      VASP assay, multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA), and the Impact-R in 288
      patients after angioplasty and stenting for cardiovascular disease. Allelic
      variants CYP2C9*2 and *3 were determined using a RealTime PCR assay. RESULTS: A
      significantly higher on-treatment platelet reactivity was found for patients with
      loss-of-function (LOF) status (wt/*3, *2/*2, *3/*3) compared to normal-function
      genotype (wt/wt, wt/*2) using the VerifyNow assay (P=0.01). An in trend increase
      was seen with LTA (P=0.06) while results did not differ for the VASP assay, MEA
      or the Impact-R. Further, in univariate and multivariable logistic regression
      analysis the LOF genotype was associated with HRPR determined by the VerifyNow
      P2Y12 assay (P=0.02) but not by any other assay. CONCLUSION: Results from the
      VerifyNow P2Y12 assay are significantly influenced by CYP2C9 LOF variants leading
      to decreased clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition and an increased rate of
      HRPR.

PMID- 22075409
TI  - Hydatid cyst of the cardiac interventricular septum.

PMID- 22075410
TI  - Six-month follow-up evaluation for everolimus-eluting stents by intracoronary
      optical coherence tomography: comparison with paclitaxel-eluting stents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several clinical trials have shown the superior efficacy and
      safety of second-generation everolimus-eluting stents (EES) in comparison with
      first-generation paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES), the differences in the vascular
      healing process between EES and PES in a human coronary artery during an early
      stage are unknown. METHODS: A prospective optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      observation was performed for 25 EES in 21 patients and 27 PES in 21 patients at
      6 months after implantation. Cross-sections within single-stent segments were
      analyzed at intervals of 1mm. The neointimal (NI) thickness on each strut was
      measured. Uncovered struts (NI thickness=0 MUm), malapposed struts, NI area (%),
      uncovered strut ratio >0.3 (UCSR; number of uncovered struts/number of total
      struts) per cross-section, and in-stent thrombus were evaluated. RESULTS: A total
      of 5198 EES struts in 514 cross-sections and 4243 PES struts in 469 cross
      sections were identified. NI thickness and its area were smaller for EES than PES
      (80.0 +/- 84.8 MUm vs. 117.9 +/- 140.0 MUm and 19.1 +/- 8.9% vs. 23.7 +/- 11.5%,
      respectively; P<0.001). The frequencies of uncovered struts and malapposed struts
      were lower in EES compared to PES (2.3% vs. 5.2% and 2.1% vs. 5.7%, respectively;
      P<0.001). Patients who had cross-sections of UCSR >0.3 and thrombi were
      identified less frequently in EES than in PES group (5% vs. 57%; P<0.001, and 19%
      vs. 48%; P=0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Six-month OCT examination showed a
      favorable vessel healing response after the implantation of EES, demonstrating
      less in-stent late loss as well as fewer uncovered struts and better stent
      apposition to the vessel wall in comparison with PES.

PMID- 22075411
TI  - Freedom poverty: a new tool to identify the multiple disadvantages affecting
      those with CVD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is recognised that CVD affects an individual's financial
      situation, placing them in income poverty. However, recent developments in
      poverty measurement practice recognises other forms of disadvantage other than
      low income, such as poor health and insufficient education also affect living
      standards. METHODS: Using the Freedom Poverty Measure, the multiple forms of
      disadvantage experienced by those with no health condition, heart disease, other
      diseases of the circulatory system, and all other health conditions was assessed
      using data on the adult Australian population contained in the 2003 Survey of
      Disability, Ageing and Carers. RESULTS: 24% of those with heart disease and 23%
      of those with other diseases of the circulatory system were in freedom poverty,
      suffering from multiple forms of disadvantage. Those with heart disease and those
      with other diseases of the circulatory system were around three times more likely
      to be in freedom poverty (OR 3.02, 95% CI: 2.29-3.99, p<.0001; OR 2.78, 95% CI:
      1.94-3.98, p<.0001) than those with no health condition. CONCLUSIONS: Recognising
      the multiple forms of disadvantage suffered by those with CVD provides a clearer
      picture of their living standards than just looking at their income alone and the
      high proportion of individuals with CVD that are suffering from multiple forms of
      disadvantage should make them a target for policy makers wishing to improve
      living standards.

PMID- 22075412
TI  - A randomized comparison of sirolimus- vs. paclitaxel-eluting stents for treatment
      of bifurcation lesions by single stent and kissing balloon: results of the SINGLE
      KISS trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the treatment of bifurcation lesions, routine stenting of both
      branches has thus far failed to demonstrate a clear clinical advantage over a
      provisional one-stent strategy. On the other hand, large scale data evaluating
      different stent types for clinical outcomes after one-stent treatment with final
      kissing inflation (FKI) of bifurcation lesions is also limited. This prospective
      study evaluated the clinical and angiographic outcomes of paclitaxel-eluting
      stents (PES) vs. sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in single crossover main branch
      stenting followed by FKI in patients with bifurcation lesions. METHODS: We
      randomized 800 patients with single bifurcation lesions to PES (n=400) and SES
      (n=400) groups. RESULTS: Crossover rates to the two-stent strategy were low in
      both groups (PES 1.5%, SES 2.8%; p=0.23). At 1 year, there was no significant
      difference in the primary endpoint of this study, target lesion revascularization
      rate (PES 3.8%, SES 3.2%, hazard ratio 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.39 to
      1.76; p=0.62). Stent thrombosis occurred in only 1 case in the SES group after
      282 days. At 9 months, a total of 593 patients underwent quantitative coronary
      measurement. The main branch restenosis rate in the PES group was significantly
      higher than that of the SES group (PES 12.2%, SES 5.5%; p=0.004), however both
      groups exhibited similar high side branch restenosis rates (PES 17.2%, SES 19.3%;
      p=0.6). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with bifurcation lesions, a single stent
      strategy using PES and SES with FKI indicated similar 1 year clinical outcomes
      and safety profiles.

PMID- 22075413
TI  - Variability and treatment of high on-prasugrel platelet reactivity in patients
      with initial high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity.

PMID- 22075414
TI  - Doppler peak-plateau morphology in pulmonary regurgitation flow with respiratory
      changes of its profile revealing hemodynamic features of restrictive
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22075415
TI  - Unraveling the EXCEL: promises and challenges of the next trial of left main
      percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - The Evaluation of Xience Prime or Xience V versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
      for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization (EXCEL) trial is a multicenter,
      ongoing trial conducted in patients with left main disease and SYNTAX score <= 32
      to establish the presumptive advantage of percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) versus bypass surgery in patients with less complex coronary artery disease
      than those enrolled in the Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery
      (SYNTAX) trial. In this article, we aimed at critically discussing key features
      and issues relevant to design and clinical interpretation of this new
      contemporary trial of left main PCI.

PMID- 22075416
TI  - Congenital absence of the right coronary artery with superdominant left
      circumflex coronary artery.

PMID- 22075417
TI  - Does mindfulness meditation shift the cardiac autonomic nervous system to a
      highly orderly operational state?

PMID- 22075418
TI  - Impact of diabetes mellitus on plaque vulnerability and clinical outcome in
      patients with acute myocardial infarction with plaque rupture.

PMID- 22075419
TI  - N-Terminal-proBrain natriuretic peptide measurement at presentation to identify
      patients with recent onset of atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22075420
TI  - Persistent coronary arterial inflammation in a patient long after the onset of
      Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 22075421
TI  - Hypertensive crisis: comparison between diabetics and non-diabetics.

PMID- 22075422
TI  - Biomechanical analysis of the influence of friction in jaw joint disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Increased friction due to impaired lubrication in the jaw joint has
      been considered as one of the possible causes for internal joint disorders. A
      very common internal disorder in the jaw joint is an anteriorly dislocated
      articular disc. This is generally considered to contribute to the onset of
      arthritic injuries. Increase of friction as caused by impairment of lubrication
      is suspected to be a possible cause for such a disorder. METHOD: The influence of
      friction was addressed by analysis of its effects on tensions and deformations of
      the cartilaginous structures in the jaw joint using computational biomechanical
      analysis. Jaw open-close movements were simulated while in one or two
      compartments of the right joint friction was applied in the articular contact.
      The left joint was treated as the healthy control. RESULTS: The simulations
      predicted that friction primarily causes increased shear stress in the articular
      cartilage layers, but hardly in the articular disc. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests
      that impaired lubrication may facilitate deterioration of the cartilage
      subchondral bone unit of the articular surfaces. The results further suggest that
      increased friction is not a plausible cause for turning a normally functioning
      articular disc into an anteriorly dislocated one.

PMID- 22075423
TI  - Boring algae.

PMID- 22075424
TI  - Copper: an essential metal in biology.

PMID- 22075425
TI  - Changing expectations about speed alters perceived motion direction.

PMID- 22075426
TI  - Animal behavior: stay close for comfort.
AB  - Mate guarding - a male staying near a female for a while after mating - has
      traditionally been interpreted in the context of sexual conflict. New
      observations of wild field crickets suggest instead that guarding males provide
      protection from predators, enhancing female fitness.

PMID- 22075427
TI  - Neuroscience: how is three-dimensional space encoded in the brain?
AB  - A recent study in the rat has shown that hippocampal place cells and entorhinal
      grid cells exhibit vertically-elongated firing fields, indicating that the rat's
      brain may encode the animal's elevation less accurately than its horizontal
      position.

PMID- 22075428
TI  - Face recognition: vision and emotions beyond the bubble.
AB  - A new study of how neurons in the human amygdala represent faces and their
      component features argues for a holistic representation.

PMID- 22075430
TI  - Neurostimulation: a new way to influence cortical excitability?
AB  - Recent work in humans suggests that strong static magnets can modulate cortical
      excitability for a limited period of time. Can this provide an alternative to
      current neurostimulation approaches?

PMID- 22075429
TI  - Cell-cell junctions: alpha-catenin and E-cadherin help fence in Yap1.
AB  - Metazoan cells translate adhesive events with neighbors into anti-proliferative
      signals in the nucleus. The cadherin-catenin adhesion complex has long been
      suspected of playing a key role in this process, and three recent papers suggest
      that it does so by modulating subcellular localization of the Hippo pathway
      component Yap1.

PMID- 22075431
TI  - Circadian pacemakers: how clock properties relate to their cellular properties.
AB  - Circadian (~24 hour) pacemaking mechanisms exist within single cells. Which
      cellular properties contrive to produce a precise clockworks, and which cell
      properties are downstream of it? The literature is conflicted as to whether
      membrane excitability contributes to the mechanism. Now, a new conditional
      genetic strategy argues excitability is largely dispensable.

PMID- 22075432
TI  - Fungal sex: meiosis machinery in ancient symbiotic fungi.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are important symbionts that enhance plant growth.
      They were thought to have been asexual for hundreds of millions of years. A new
      study reveals that the fungi actually possess highly conserved genetic machinery
      for completion of meiosis.

PMID- 22075434
TI  - Trans-areola single-site endoscopic parathyroidectomy: report of one case.
AB  - This study presents a case report of parathyroid adenoma, which was managed by
      trans-areola single-site endoscopic parathyroidectomy. Two incisions were made
      along the right areola margin. The single subcutaneous narrow tunnel from the
      areola to neck was bluntly dissected in the right anterior chest. The authors
      successfully removed the adenoma through this channel. The intraoperative quick
      parathyroid hormone was decreased to a great extent. The operative time for the
      whole procedure was 110 minutes. The patient experienced transient postoperative
      hypocalcemia without recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. She was very satisfied with
      the cosmetic results. 

PMID- 22075433
TI  - Spindle checkpoint silencing: PP1 tips the balance.
AB  - The spindle checkpoint is a mitotic surveillance mechanism that delays anaphase
      until all sister chromatids are correctly attached to microtubules from opposite
      poles. Recent studies reveal that protein kinase Aurora B is a key regulator of
      spindle checkpoint activation whereas protein phosphatase PP1 antagonizes Aurora
      B and induces checkpoint silencing. Chromosome biorientation stretches the
      kinetochores and spatially separates centromeric Aurora B from its kinetochore
      substrates, comprising several PP1-interacting proteins (PIPs). The ensuing
      dephosphorylation of these PIPs creates docking sites for the bulk recruitment of
      PP1 to the kinetochores. We propose that this tension-induced targeting of PP1
      triggers checkpoint silencing by the dephosphorylation of kinetochore and
      checkpoint components, including Aurora B substrates. In addition, PP1 also
      directly inactivates a kinetochore-associated pool of Aurora B and silences
      checkpoint signaling by opposing the centromeric targeting of Aurora B.

PMID- 22075435
TI  - From conception to application of a tele-operated assistance robot for middle ear
      surgery.
AB  - The authors' goal was to design and evaluate a robot dedicated to middle ear
      surgery. Specifications for dimensions, forces, and kinematics were collected,
      based on the otosclerosis procedure. The robot structure has a compact geometry
      with 3 linear and 3 rotatory motors. It is remotely piloted via a robot-surgeon
      interface under operative microscope. Ability to reach anatomical targets, to
      perform stapedectomy, and to place prosthesis in a model of stapedotomy was
      evaluated by 6 surgeons. Multiple anatomical targets in the middle ear could be
      successfully reached without damaging surrounding structures. The robot could be
      used under operative microscope with minimal visual field impairment or jointly
      with a 4-mm endoscope through the external auditory canal to perform stapedectomy
      in temporal bone specimens. Prosthesis could be inserted in the stapedotomy
      model. The assistance robot is the first prototype with 6 degrees of freedom, a
      kinematic structure, and dimensions optimized for tele-operated middle ear
      surgery.

PMID- 22075436
TI  - A noncontact laser-guided system for endoscopic computer-assisted sinus surgery.
AB  - The limited size of the nose leads to frequent instrument changes in navigated
      endonasal sinus surgery. Tracked instruments provide limited accuracy, and the
      pointer gives no navigation information during tissue removal. To overcome
      information loss, laser triangulation was integrated into navigation information.
      Accuracy and reliability of the laser-assisted distance-measuring system were
      evaluated within the distance of 0 and 20 mm. System accuracy of the laser
      endoscope was compared with a standard pointer using registration via bone screws
      and surface matching. Accuracy of the laser was 0.12 mm +/- 0.12 mm with a
      reliability of 0.2 mm. The system accuracy of the laser endoscope was 0.59 mm +/-
      0.16 mm using bone screw registration and 0.64 mm +/- 0.22 mm using surface
      matching. Additionally, laser endoscope is more accurate compared with the
      pointer using bone screw registration. Overall, navigation information was
      successfully integrated into an endoscope by laser triangulation with encouraging
      results.

PMID- 22075437
TI  - Surface deformation analysis of end-to-end stapled intestinal anastomosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stapling devices for creating anastomosis in internal organs are
      commonly used during surgery. Despite the obvious advantages of shortened
      procedure duration and fewer complications to manual suturing, staple-line
      leakage during intestinal anastomosis likely relates to the interaction between
      the staples and the tissue and to the tissue mechanical properties. The authors
      studied the deformation pattern close to the anastomosis to learn more about the
      mechanism involved in leakage. METHODS: End-to-end anastomosis in pig small
      intestine was done using 21-mm circular staplers. Distension with pressure up to
      100 cm H2O was done on the anastomosed segment. Surface markers were tracked
      using a microscope and a CCD camera. Circumferential and longitudinal strains
      were computed. RESULTS: The staples restricted the deformation both in
      circumferential and longitudinal directions and induced a heterogeneous strain
      distribution. Circumferential strains were bigger between the staples (range 0.5
      1) than inside the staples (range 0-0.3). The longitudinal strain ranged from 0
      to slightly negative between the staples, indicating longitudinal compression.
      The negative strains turned into positive strains with increasing distance from
      the anastomosis. Further away from the anastomosis the longitudinal strain was in
      the range 0.3 to 0.5. CONCLUSION: The surface strain field was heterogeneously
      close to the stapled anastomosis. The longitudinal compression between staples in
      the longitudinal direction during inflation may have a beneficial effect
      preventing leakage, a phenomenon that needs further studies. The method may be
      useful in the design and validation of new staplers.

PMID- 22075438
TI  - STARR with PPH-01 and CCS30 contour Transtar for obstructed defecation syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure is safe
      and effective. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To compare STARR performed with PPH-01
      (STARR) and CCS 30 (Transtar). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients
      underwent STARR for obstructed defecation syndrome (32 STARR and 32 Transtar) and
      were observed from January 2007 to June 2009. Patients were studied by visit with
      questionnaires, colonoscopy or barium enema, defecography, and anorectal
      manometry. Postoperatively they were assessed through visit and questionnaires.
      RESULTS: All patients improved symptoms without statistical differences. The
      obstructed defecation syndrome score changed from 13 to 1.8 at 6 months and to 1
      at 1 year in the STARR group (P < .05), and the score changed from 15 to 2 at 6
      months and to 1 at 1 year in the Transtar group (P < .05). There were no
      intraoperative complications in the STARR group, but there were 2 dehiscences of
      suture in the Transtar group. There were no differences with regard to
      complications. CONCLUSION: Transtar is a more complex technique with more severe
      complications. A major resection is not always more effective.

PMID- 22075439
TI  - Risk factors and clinical presentation of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis.
AB  - Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common cause of feline lower urinary
      tract disease (FLUTD). This retrospective, case-controlled study evaluated
      possible risk factors associated with FIC and compared different clinical
      presentations in 64 cats with FIC. Several risk factors known to be involved in
      FLUTD were identified as playing a role in FIC. Of the stressful situations
      considered, most did not occur with increased frequency in cats with FIC compared
      to controls, except for a house move. The presence of pyuria, haematuria and an
      increased urine protein:creatinine ratio were significantly higher in obstructed
      males compared with non-obstructed males. An obstruction was significantly more
      likely in cats with struvite crystalluria compared with cats without struvite
      crystalluria. These findings suggest that urethral plugs might be an important
      cause or contributing factor of obstruction in FIC. Episodes of FIC seem to occur
      mainly in susceptible cats in combination with a deficient environment.

PMID- 22075440
TI  - Nuclear survivin expression is a positive prognostic factor in taxane-platinum
      treated ovarian cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis and a regulator of mitotic
      progression. TP53 protein is a negative transcriptional regulator of survivin.
      The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical significance of survivin
      expression in advanced stages ovarian cancer with respect to the TP53 status.
      METHODS: Survivin and TP53 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in 435
      archival samples of ovarian carcinomas (244 patients were treated with
      platinum/cyclophosphamide-PC/PAC; 191-with taxane-platinum (TP) agents).
      Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed in patients
      groups divided according to the administered chemotherapeutic regimen, and in
      subgroups with and without TP53 accumulation (TP53+ and TP53-, respectively).
      RESULTS: Nuclear and cytoplasmic survivin expression was observed in 92% and 74%
      of the carcinomas, respectively. In patients treated with TP, high nuclear
      survivin expression decreased the risk of disease recurrence and death, and
      increased the probability of high platinum sensitivity (p < 0.01), but only in
      the TP53(+) group, and not in the TP53(-) group. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that
      TP53 status determines the clinical importance of nuclear survivin expression in
      taxane-platinum treated ovarian cancer patients.

PMID- 22075441
TI  - Visual inspection methods for cervical cancer prevention.
AB  - The need for simple, cost-effective screening approaches for cervical cancer
      prevention in low-resource countries has led to the evaluation of visual
      screening with 3-5% acetic acid. The low reproducibility and wide variation in
      accuracy reflect the subjective nature of the test. Pooled sensitivity,
      specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 80%, 92%, 10% and 99%,
      respectively, for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse
      lesions. Realistic sensitivity of a quality- assured single visual inspection
      with acetic acid is around 50%. A single round of visual inspection with acetic
      acid screening has been associated with a 25-35% reduction in cervical cancer
      incidence and the frequency of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or
      worse lesions in randomised-controlled trials. Despite all its limitations,
      implementing visual inspection with acetic acid screening in low-resource
      countries may provide a pragmatic approach to building up human resources and
      infrastructure that may facilitate the highly anticipated low-cost, rapid human
      papilloma virus testing in the near future.

PMID- 22075442
TI  - UK guidance document: treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Although there have been major improvements in the management of breast cancer,
      with a rapidly falling death rate despite an increasing incidence of the disease,
      metastatic breast cancer remains common and the cause of death in nearly 12 000
      women annually in the UK. Numerous treatment options are available that either
      target the tumour or reduce the complications of the disease. Clinical decision
      making depends on knowledge of the extent and biology of the disease and
      available drug options, an understanding of the functional status, and also the
      wishes and expectations of the individual patient. In addition, the organisation
      of services and support of the patient are essential components of high-quality
      care. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has
      produced guidelines for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, which in some
      areas have perhaps failed to appreciate the complexity of patient management.
      This guidance document aims to provide succinct practical advice on the treatment
      of metastatic breast cancer, highlight some limitations of the NICE guidelines,
      and provide suggestions for management where available data are limited.

PMID- 22075443
TI  - Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme - the Oxford Cancer Centre experience.

PMID- 22075444
TI  - Concurrent chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for anal
      carcinoma--clinical outcomes in a large National Cancer Institute-designated
      integrated cancer centre network.
AB  - AIMS: To report the clinical outcomes of patients with anal carcinoma treated
      with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy in
      a large integrated academic-community cancer centre network. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Seventy-eight patients were treated with IMRT for anal carcinoma at 13
      community cancer centres. IMRT planning for all centres was carried out at one
      central location. Sixty-five patients (83%) were T1-T2, 64% were N0, 9% were M1;
      five patients were HIV positive. All but one patient received concurrent
      chemotherapy. The median dose to the pelvis including inguinal nodes was 45 Gy.
      The primary site and involved nodes were boosted to a median dose of 55.8 Gy. All
      acute and late toxicities were scored according to the Common Terminology
      Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. RESULTS: The median follow-up for the
      entire cohort was 16 months (range 0-72 months). Acute grade >=3 toxicity
      included 27.7% gastrointestinal and 29.0% dermatological. Acute grade 4
      haematological toxicity occurred in 12.9% of patients. Sixty-four (88.9%)
      patients experienced a complete response. The 2 year colostomy-free survival,
      overall survival, freedom from local failure and freedom from distant failure
      rates were 81.2, 86.9, 83.6 and 81.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early results
      seem to confirm that IMRT used concurrently with chemotherapy for treatment of
      anal carcinoma is effective and well tolerated. This complex treatment can be
      safely and effectively carried out in a large integrated healthcare network.

PMID- 22075446
TI  - The evolution of cefotaximase activity in the TEM beta-lactamase.
AB  - The development of a molecular-level understanding of drug resistance through
      beta-lactamase is critical not only in designing newer-generation antibacterial
      agents but also in providing insight into the evolutionary mechanisms of enzymes
      in general. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of four drug
      resistance mutations (A42G, E104K, G238S, and M182T) on the cefotaximase activity
      of the TEM-1 beta-lactamase. Using computational methods, including docking and
      molecular mechanics calculations, we have been able to correctly identify the
      relative order of catalytic activities associated with these four single point
      mutants. Further analyses suggest that the changes in catalytic efficiency for
      mutant enzymes are correlated to structural changes within the binding site.
      Based on the energetic and structural analyses of the wild-type and mutant
      enzymes, structural rearrangement is suggested as a mechanism of evolution of
      drug resistance through TEM beta-lactamase. The present study not only provides
      molecular-level insight into the effect of four drug resistance mutations on the
      structure and function of the TEM beta-lactamase but also establishes a
      foundation for a future molecular-level analysis of complete evolutionary
      trajectory for this class of enzymes.

PMID- 22075445
TI  - Structural analyses of covalent enzyme-substrate analog complexes reveal
      strengths and limitations of de novo enzyme design.
AB  - We report the cocrystal structures of a computationally designed and
      experimentally optimized retro-aldol enzyme with covalently bound substrate
      analogs. The structure with a covalently bound mechanism-based inhibitor is
      similar to, but not identical with, the design model, with an RMSD of 1.4 A over
      active-site residues and equivalent substrate atoms. As in the design model, the
      binding pocket orients the substrate through hydrophobic interactions with the
      naphthyl moiety such that the oxygen atoms analogous to the carbinolamine and
      beta-hydroxyl oxygens are positioned near a network of bound waters. However,
      there are differences between the design model and the structure: the orientation
      of the naphthyl group and the conformation of the catalytic lysine are slightly
      different; the bound water network appears to be more extensive; and the bound
      substrate analog exhibits more conformational heterogeneity than typical native
      enzyme-inhibitor complexes. Alanine scanning of the active-site residues shows
      that both the catalytic lysine and the residues around the binding pocket for the
      substrate naphthyl group make critical contributions to catalysis. Mutating the
      set of water-coordinating residues also significantly reduces catalytic activity.
      The crystal structure of the enzyme with a smaller substrate analog that lacks
      naphthyl ring shows the catalytic lysine to be more flexible than in the naphthyl
      substrate complex; increased preorganization of the active site would likely
      improve catalysis. The covalently bound complex structures and mutagenesis data
      highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the de novo enzyme design strategy.

PMID- 22075447
TI  - Increasing compliance with protective eyewear to reduce ocular injuries in stone
      quarry workers in Tamil Nadu, India: a pragmatic, cluster randomised trial of a
      single education session versus an enhanced education package delivered over six
      months.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of standard education versus enhanced
      education in increasing compliance with protective eyewear to prevent ocular
      injuries in stone-quarry workers. DESIGN: Pragmatic, allocation concealed,
      participant and outcome assessor blinded, cluster randomised trial. SETTING: Six
      stone-quarries around Vellore, Tamil Nadu, South India. PARTICIPANTS: 204
      consenting adult stone quarry workers. INTERVENTIONS: Protective eyewear plus
      enhanced education (one education session, plus 11 sessions of group education,
      individual discussions, and educational plays over six months) versus protective
      eyewear plus standard education (one education session and 5 follow up visits).
      OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes were observer-rated compliance with protective
      eyewear and reduction in incidence of ocular injuries (slit-lamp examination by
      an observer blinded to allocation status) at three and six months. Analysis was
      by intention to treat. RESULTS: Quarries and participants were similar at
      enrolment. All quarries; 92/103 (90%) of workers in three quarries given enhanced
      intervention, and 91/101 workers (89%) in three quarries given standard
      education, completed six months follow up. Compared to standard education,
      enhanced education significantly increased compliance with protective eyewear by
      16% (95% CI 3-28%) at three months (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.8); and by 25% (95% CI
      11-35%) at six months (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.5-4.8). Protective eyewear and enhanced
      education reduced the incidence of eye injuries at three months by 16% (95% CI 7
      24%); and standard education by 13% (95% CI 4-22%), compared to the three months
      before interventions. The cumulative reduction over baseline in eye injuries at
      the six months was greater with enhanced education (12% decrease; 95% CI 3-21%)
      than with standard education (7% decrease; 95% CI 17% decrease to 3% increase).
      However, this incidence did not differ significantly between intervention arms at
      three months (OR 0.7% 95% CI 0.3-2.1); and at six months (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.4
      1.5). CONCLUSION: Provision of appropriate protective eyewear reduces the
      incidence of eye injuries in stone-quarry workers. Periodic educational and
      motivational sessions with individuals and groups facilitates sustained use of
      protective eyewear.

PMID- 22075448
TI  - Combined posterior and medial plate fixation of complex proximal ulna fractures.

PMID- 22075449
TI  - Treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer: the role of radiation therapy.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer remains associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Surgical
      resection can be curative, but the majority of patients present with locally
      advanced or metastatic disease. Treatment for patients with locally advanced
      disease is controversial. Therapeutic options include systemic therapy alone,
      concurrent chemoradiation, or induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation.
      We review the evidence to date regarding the treatment of locally advanced
      pancreatic cancer (LAPC), as well as evolving strategies including the emerging
      role of targeted therapies. We propose that if radiation is used for patients
      with LAPC, it should be delivered with concurrent chemotherapy and following a
      period of induction chemotherapy.

PMID- 22075450
TI  - Polymer drug-eluting stents: is the future biodegradable?

PMID- 22075451
TI  - Long-term clinical outcomes of biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents
      versus durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents in patients with coronary artery
      disease (LEADERS): 4 year follow-up of a randomised non-inferiority trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of durable polymer drug-eluting stents comes at the
      expense of delayed arterial healing and subsequent late adverse events such as
      stent thrombosis (ST). We report the 4 year follow-up of an assessment of
      biodegradable polymer-based drug-eluting stents, which aim to improve safety by
      avoiding the persistent inflammatory stimulus of durable polymers. METHODS: We
      did a multicentre, assessor-masked, non-inferiority trial. Between Nov 27, 2006,
      and May 18, 2007, patients aged 18 years or older with coronary artery disease
      were randomly allocated with a computer-generated sequence to receive either
      biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BES) or durable polymer sirolimus
      eluting stents (SES; 1:1 ratio). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac
      death, myocardial infarction, or clinically-indicated target vessel
      revascularisation (TVR); patients were followed-up for 4 years. Analysis was by
      intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number
      NCT00389220. FINDINGS: 1707 patients with 2472 lesions were randomly allocated to
      receive either biodegradable polymer BES (857 patients, 1257 lesions) or durable
      polymer SES (850 patients, 1215 lesions). At 4 years, biodegradable polymer BES
      were non-inferior to durable polymer SES for the primary endpoint: 160 (18.7%)
      patients versus 192 (22.6%) patients (rate ratios [RR] 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-1.00, p
      for non-inferiority <0.0001, p for superiority=0.050). The RR of definite ST was
      0.62 (0.35-1.08, p=0.09), which was largely attributable to a lower risk of very
      late definite ST between years 1 and 4 in the BES group than in the SES group (RR
      0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.67, p=0.004). Conversely, the RR of definite ST during the
      first year was 0.99 (0.51-1.95; p=0.98) and the test for interaction between RR
      of definite ST and time was positive (p(interaction)=0.017). We recorded an
      interaction with time for events associated with ST but not for other events. For
      primary endpoint events associated with ST, the RR was 0.86 (0.41-1.80) during
      the first year and 0.17 (0.04-0.78) during subsequent years
      (p(interaction)=0.049). INTERPRETATION: Biodegradable polymer BES are non
      inferior to durable polymer SES and, by reducing the risk of cardiac events
      associated with very late ST, might improve long-term clinical outcomes for up to
      4 years compared with durable polymer SES. FUNDING: Biosensors Europe SA,
      Switzerland.

PMID- 22075452
TI  - Acute inhibition of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger reduces proarrhythmia in an
      experimental model of chronic heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular remodeling in heart failure includes slowing of
      repolarization, leading to proarrhythmia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of
      Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) inhibition on repolarization as a novel
      antiarrhythmic concept in chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: CHF
      was induced by rapid ventricular pacing in rabbits. Left ventricular function was
      assessed by echocardiography. Monophasic action potentials (MAPs) showed a
      prolongation of repolarization in CHF after atrioventricular block and
      stimulation at different cycle lengths. Sotalol (100 MUM, n = 13) or veratridine
      (0.5 MUM; n = 15) resulted in a further significant increase in the MAP duration.
      CHF was associated with an increased dispersion of repolarization, as compared
      with sotalol-treated (+22 +/- 7 ms; P < .05) and veratridine-treated (+20 +/- 6
      ms; P < .05) sham hearts. In the presence of a low potassium concentration,
      sotalol and veratridine reproducibly induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs)
      and polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs). SEA0400 (1 MUM), a
      pharmacological inhibitor of NCX, significantly shortened the MAP duration (P <
      .01) and reduced dispersion (P < .05). It suppressed EAD in 6 of 13 sotalol
      treated failing hearts and in 9 of 10 veratridine-treated failing hearts, leading
      to a reduction in VT (60% in sotalol-treated failing hearts and 83% in
      veratridine-treated failing hearts). Simulations using a mathematical model
      showed a reduction in the action potential duration and the number of EADs by the
      NCX block in all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In an experimental model of CHF, the
      acute inhibition of NCX (1) reduces the MAP duration, (2) decreases dispersion of
      repolarization, and (3) suppresses EAD and VT. Our observations indicate for the
      first time that pharmacological NCX inhibition increases repolarization reserve
      and protects against VTs in heart failure.

PMID- 22075453
TI  - Transcriptional profiling of human skin fibroblast cell line Hs27 induced by
      herbal formula Astragali Radix and Rehmanniae Radix.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The herbs Astragali Radix (AR) and Rehmanniae
      Radix (RR) have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as the
      principal herbs in treating diabetic foot ulcer. AIM OF THE STUDY: Chinese herbal
      formulus comprising Astragali Radix (AR) and Rehmanniae Radix (RR) have been
      shown to improve the healing of diabetic foot ulcer through enhancing the
      viability of primary fibroblasts in diabetic patients suffering insulin
      resistance. Our previous study demonstrated that the herbal formula NF3
      comprising of AR and RR in the ratio of 2:1 was effective in promoting wound
      healing in diabetic rats, and in vitro data indicated that the wound healing
      effects of NF3 might be due to the regulation and coordination of inflammation,
      angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanism
      has not been well investigated. In this study, we investigated the cellular and
      molecular effects of the herbal formula NF3 on human skin fibroblast cells.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human skin fibroblast cells Hs27 were treated with NF3
      ranging from 0 to 8 mg/ml for 24h, and the cells without NF3 treatment were used
      as control. Cell proliferation assay and cell cycle analysis were performed.
      Transcriptional profiles of Hs27 cells upon NF3 treatment were acquired by using
      a human cDNA microarray containing 10,000 genes, and the signaling pathways
      differentially regulated by NF3 were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: NF3
      promoted Hs27 cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Microarray analysis
      revealed that 116 genes were differentially expressed upon NF3 treatment.
      Functional analysis of the genes indicated that NF3 mainly activated Wnt and
      angiogenesis related pathways, which are directly related to cell proliferation,
      angiogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and inflammation during the
      process of wound healing. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the
      molecular mechanism of how the herbal formula Astragali Radix and Rehmanniae
      Radix may serve as potential therapeutics for wound healing.

PMID- 22075454
TI  - Catechol alkenyls from Semecarpus anacardium: acetylcholinesterase inhibition and
      binding mode predictions.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The fruits of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.
      (Anacardiaceae) are used in Ayurvedic medicine and also in Iranian Traditional
      Medicine for various indications, among those for retarding and treatment of
      dementia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The severity of Alzheimer's disease obviously
      correlates with a cholinergic deficit. In a screening for acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) inhibitory activity, an extract from the fruit resin of Semecarpus
      anacardium was among the most active ones. Thus, the aim of this study was to
      isolate the active compounds and to investigate them in detail. Their binding
      mode to the active site of AChE was investigated by in silico docking
      experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a dichloromethane extract in an activity
      guided fractionation the active compounds were isolated under use of different
      chromatographic techniques. Their structures were unambiguously identified by one
      and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and
      their cholinesterase inhibitory activities were determined by a microplate assay.
      In order to compare the 3D active sites of AChE from Torpedo californica (TcAChE)
      and from Electrophorus electricus (EeAChE), three files from the Protein Data
      Bank (PDB) were used and for docking experiments, GOLD 3.1 software was employed.
      The concentrations of active compounds in the extract and the fruits were
      determined by HPLC analysis. RESULTS: The active compounds were determined as
      1',2'-dihydroxy-3'-pentadec-8-enylbenzene (A) and 1',2'-dihydroxy-3'-pentadeca
      8,11-dienylbenzene (B). Their IC(50) values in an in vitro assay on AChE
      inhibition were determined as 12 and 34 MUg/mL, respectively, while they were not
      active in the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). In silico docking
      experiments showed a similar bioactivity for compounds A and B. The concentration
      of compounds A and B in the fruits was 1.85% and 1.88%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      In the search for the active principle of the fruit resin of Semecarpus
      anacardium, compounds A and B were identified as two selective inhibitors for
      AChE versus BChE.

PMID- 22075455
TI  - In vitro antimicrobial synergism within plant extract combinations from three
      South African medicinal bulbs.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tulbaghia violacea, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and
      Merwilla plumbea are used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment
      of some infectious diseases and other ailments. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed
      at investigating the antimicrobial efficacies of independent and various within
      plant extract combinations of three medicinal bulbs to understand the possible
      pharmacological interactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bulb and leaf extracts of
      the three medicinal plants, independently and in combinations, were comparatively
      assessed for antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive and two Gram
      negative bacteria and Candida albicans using the microdilution method. The
      fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FIC) for two extract combinations
      were determined. RESULTS: At least one extract combination in each plant sample
      demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms. The
      efficacies of the various extract combinations in each plant sample varied, with
      the strongest synergistic effect exhibited by the proportional extract yield
      combination of PE and DCM extracts in Merwilla plumbea bulb sample against
      Staphylococcus aureus (FIC index of 0.1). Most extract combinations demonstrated
      either a synergistic, additive or indifferent interaction effect against the test
      bacteria with only a few exhibiting antagonistic effects. CONCLUSION: The
      observed antimicrobial efficacy and synergistic interactions indicate the
      beneficial aspects of combination chemotherapy of medicinal plant extracts in the
      treatment of infectious diseases.

PMID- 22075456
TI  - Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the ethanol extract from
      Cynoglossum lanceolatum.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forsk. (Boraginaceae) has
      been used in folk medicine in china to treat acute nephritis, periodontitis,
      acute submandibular lymphadenitis, snake bite, etc. However, there have been no
      scientific reports in the modern literature on the diuretic, anti-inflammatory
      and analgesic effects of this plant. The objective of this study is to evaluate
      the above activities of the Cynoglossum lanceolatum extract (CLE) in animals.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diuretic effect of CLE was assessed in rats and
      rabbits. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using fresh egg white
      induced paw edema in rats, carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized
      rats, and dimethylbenzene-induced inflammation in mice. The analgesic action was
      estimated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate
      test. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of CLE was studied in mice. RESULTS:
      CLE strikingly and dose-dependently increased urine output of rats and rabbits,
      suppressed fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats and carrageenan-elicited paw
      edema in adrenalectomized rats, reduced dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in
      mice, inhibited the writhing response in mice, but did not increased reaction
      time of mice in the hot-plate test. No death of mice was observed when orally
      administered CLE up to 12g/kg. CONCLUSIONS: These findings propose that CLE has
      evident diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and non-central analgesic activities.
      Furthermore the anti-inflammatory action does not rely on endogenetic
      glucocorticoids regulated by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. On the other
      hand, CLE also shows a favorable safety.

PMID- 22075457
TI  - Potency testing of veterinary vaccines: the way from in vivo to in vitro.
AB  - Current quality control of inactivated animal vaccines still focuses on the
      potency of final products in a batch-wise manner. Animal welfare concerns as well
      as scientific considerations have led to the '3Rs-concept' that comprises the
      refinement of animal procedures, the reduction of animal numbers, and the
      replacement of animal models. Although the 3Rs-concept has been widely accepted
      as a fundamental principle, the number of approved alternatives for in vivo tests
      is still limited. To promote further progress, the international scientific
      workshop 'Potency Testing of Veterinary Vaccines: The Way from in vivo to in
      vitro' was held at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut in Langen, Germany, on 01-03
      December 2010. More than 130 participants from industry, academia and regulatory
      authorities discussed the current state of the 3Rs-concept, examples of its
      successful implementation as well as still existing hurdles. Special emphasis was
      laid on the 'consistency approach' that aims to ensure relevant quality
      attributes of vaccine batches by in vitro analyses during production rather than
      by in vivo potency tests on the final product. This report provides an overview
      of the insights gained, including the recommendations produced at the end of the
      workshop.

PMID- 22075458
TI  - [Obesity and homeostatic inflammation].

PMID- 22075459
TI  - [Role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis].

PMID- 22075460
TI  - [Role of 12/15 lipoxygenase-induced inflammation in heart failure].

PMID- 22075461
TI  - [Atrial fibrillation and inflammation].

PMID- 22075462
TI  - [Mechanosensing of blood flow in vascular endothelial cells].

PMID- 22075463
TI  - [Clinical development of new drugs and pharmacology].

PMID- 22075464
TI  - [Good clinical practice (GCP) in clinical trials].

PMID- 22075465
TI  - [Anti-tumor mechanism and clinical efficacy of Eribulin (Halaven(r)), a new
      microtubulin inhibitor approved for treatment of metastatic breast cancer].

PMID- 22075466
TI  - Application of classic utilities to published pediatric cost-utility studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Economic analyses, such as cost-utility analyses (CUAs), are dependent
      on the quality of the data used. Our objective was to test how health utility
      values (measurements of patient preference) assessed by recommended methods
      (classic utilities) would impact the conclusions in published pediatric CUAs.
      METHODS: Classic utilities for pediatric health states were obtained by
      recommended utility assessment methods, time trade-off, and standard gamble in
      4016 parent interviews. To test the impact of these utilities on published
      studies, we obtained a sample of published pediatric CUAs by searching Medline,
      EMBASE, EconLit, Health Technology Assessment Database, Cochrane Database on
      Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and the Cost
      Effective Analysis (CEA) Registry at Tufts Medical Center, using search terms for
      cost-utility analysis. Articles were included when results were presented as cost
      per quality adjusted life-years (QALYs), the interventions were for children <18
      years of age and included at least one of the following health states: attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, gastroenteritis, hearing loss, mental
      retardation, otitis media, seizure disorder, or vision loss. Studies that did not
      include these or equivalent health states were excluded. For each CUA, we
      determined utilities (values for patient preference), the utility assessment
      method used, and presence of one-way sensitivity analyses (SAs) on utilities.
      When one-way SAs were conducted, we determined if using our classic utilities
      would change the result of the CUA. When an SA was not presented, we determined
      if using our classic utilities would tend to support or not support the published
      conclusions. RESULTS: We evaluated 39 articles. Eighteen articles presented
      results of one-way SAs on utilities. Seven articles presented SAs over a range
      that included our classic utilities. In 4 of the 7, using classic utilities would
      change the conclusion of the study. For the 32 articles where no one-way SA were
      presented (n = 21), or where the classic utilities fell outside the range tested
      (n =11), a change to classic utility would tend against the study conclusion in
      12 articles (31%). CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of published CUA studies could
      change if pediatric utilities obtained by recommended, classic methods were used.
      One-way SAs on utilities are often not presented, making comparison between
      studies challenging.

PMID- 22075467
TI  - Well-child care practice redesign for low-income children: the perspectives of
      health plans, medical groups, and state agencies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the views of key stakeholders in
      health care payer organizations on the use of practice redesign strategies to
      improve the delivery of well-child care (WCC) to low-income children aged 0 to 3
      years. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 18 key stakeholders
      (eg, chief medical officers, medical directors) in 11 California health plans and
      2 medical group organizations serving low-income children, as well as the 2 state
      agencies that administer the 2 largest low-income insurance programs for
      California children. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using
      the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Participants
      reported that nonphysicians were underutilized as WCC providers, and group visits
      and Internet services were likely a more effective way to provide anticipatory
      guidance and behavioral/developmental services. Participants described barriers
      to redesign, including the start-up costs required to implement redesign as well
      as a lack of financial incentives to support innovation in WCC delivery.
      Participants suggested solutions to these barriers, including using pay-for
      performance programs to reward practices that expanded WCC services, and
      providing practices with start-up grants to implement pilot redesign projects
      that would eventually become self-sustaining. State-level barriers included poor
      Medicaid reimbursement rates and disincentives to innovation created by current
      Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set measures. CONCLUSIONS: All
      stakeholders will ultimately be needed to support WCC redesign; however,
      California payers may need to provide logistic, design, and financial support to
      practices, whereas state agencies may need to reshape the incentives to reward
      innovation around child preventive health and developmental services.

PMID- 22075468
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22075469
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertrophic
      Cardiomyopathy: a report of the American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.
      Developed in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery,
      American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology,
      Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for
      Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

PMID- 22075470
TI  - Acute macrophysiological effects of pericardiectomy: chronic effects of
      pericardiectomy/pericardiotomy uninvestigated - is pericardiectomy benign?

PMID- 22075471
TI  - Expression of NADPH oxidase by trophoblast cells: potential implications for the
      postimplanting mouse embryo.
AB  - Cytochemical localization of hydrogen peroxide-generating sites suggests NADPH
      (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3-phosphate [reduced form]) oxidase expression
      at the maternal-fetal interface. To explore this possibility, we have
      characterized the expression and activity of the NADPH oxidase complex in
      trophoblast cells during the postimplantation period. Implantation sites and
      ectoplacental cones (EPCs) from 7.5-gestational day embryos from CD1 mice were
      used as a source for expression analyses of NADPH oxidase catalytic and
      regulatory subunits. EPCs grown in primary culture were used to investigate the
      production of superoxide anion through dihydroxyethidium oxidation in confocal
      microscopy and immunohistochemical assays. NADPH subunits Cybb (gp91phox), Cyba
      (p22phox), Ncf4 (p40phox), Ncf1 (p47phox), Ncf2 (p67phox), and Rac1 were
      expressed by trophoblast cells. The fundamental subunits of membrane CYBB and
      cytosolic NCF2 were markedly upregulated after phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate
      (PMA) treatment, as detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and
      immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence microscopy imaging showed colocalization of
      cytosolic and plasma membrane NADPH oxidase subunits mainly after PMA treatment,
      suggesting assembly of the complex after enzyme activation. Cultured EPCs
      produced superoxide in a NADPH-dependent manner, associating the NADPH oxidase
      mediated superoxide production with postimplantation trophoblast physiology.
      NADPH-oxidase cDNA subunit sequencing showed a high degree of homology between
      the trophoblast and neutrophil isoforms of the oxidase, emphasizing a putative
      role for reactive oxygen species production in phagocytic activity and innate
      immune responses.

PMID- 22075472
TI  - Hemodynamic, vascular, and reproductive impact of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1
      (FLT1) blockade on the uteroplacental circulation during normal mouse pregnancy.
AB  - To investigate the role of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1, also known as
      VEGFR1) signaling during pregnancy, mice were injected with anti-FLT1
      neutralizing antibody (Ab) beginning on Gestational Day 8 or 12 and every other
      day thereafter until Day 18; vehicle-only injected mice served as controls.
      Uterine artery blood flow was measured with ultrasound on Days 13 and 18, and
      morphometric measurements of the uterine arcade were carried out on Day 19 to
      provide a measure of gestational vascular remodeling; reproductive performance
      was evaluated by determining litter size, resorption rates, and pup and placental
      weights. Ab injections beginning on Day 8 or Day 12 resulted in significant
      reductions of uterine artery peak systolic and diastolic flows at Days 13 and 18.
      In addition, normal reproductive function was compromised, as evidenced by a
      significant reduction in average number of viable pups along with enhanced
      resorption rates. Reproductive performance was also significantly compromised in
      this group, although less severely. There was no evidence of a reduction in main
      uterine artery diameters, though arterial distensibility was reduced, and the
      diameter of the main uterine vein was significantly smaller in the Ab-injected
      mice. Significant reductions in main uterine artery and segmental artery length
      were also noted. Placental and pup weights were similar in all the groups. FLT1
      inhibition during murine pregnancy impaired blood flow to the fetal-placental
      unit, compromised several indices of vascular remodeling, reduced fecundity, and
      increased fetal reabsorptions. The effects of FLT1 inhibition are most pronounced
      when targeted during early pregnancy.

PMID- 22075473
TI  - Loss of calcium in human spermatozoa via EPPIN, the semenogelin receptor.
AB  - The development of a new male contraceptive requires a transition from animal
      model to human and an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the target's
      inhibition of human spermatozoan fertility. We now report that semenogelin
      (SEMG1) and anti-EPPIN antibodies to a defined target site of 21 amino acids on
      the C terminal of EPPIN cause the loss of intracellular calcium, as measured by
      Fluo-4. The loss of intracellular calcium explains our previous observations of
      an initial loss of progressive motility and eventually the complete loss of
      motility when spermatozoa are treated with SEMG1 or anti-EPPIN antibodies.
      Thimerosal can rescue the effects of SEMG1 on motility, implying that internal
      stores of calcium are not depleted. Additionally, SEMG1 treatment of spermatozoa
      decreases the intracellular pH, and motility can be rescued by ammonium chloride.
      The results of this study demonstrate that EPPIN controls sperm motility in the
      ejaculate by binding SEMG1, resulting in the loss of calcium, most likely through
      a disturbance of internal pH and an inhibition of uptake mechanisms. However, the
      exact steps through which the EPPIN-SEMG1 complex exerts its effect on internal
      calcium levels are unknown. Anti-EPPIN antibodies can substitute for SEMG1, and,
      therefore, small-molecular weight compounds that mimic anti-EPPIN binding should
      be able to substitute for SEMG1, providing the basis for a nonantibody,
      nonhormonal male contraceptive.

PMID- 22075474
TI  - Differential gene expression profile in bovine blastocysts resulting from
      hyperglycemia exposure during early cleavage stages.
AB  - To understand the compromised survival of embryos derived from assisted
      reproductive techniques, transcriptome survey of early embryonic development has
      shown the impact of in vitro culture environment on gene expression in bovine or
      other living species. However, how the differentially expressed genes translate
      into developmentally compromised embryos is unresolved. We therefore aimed to
      characterize transcriptomic markers expressed by bovine blastocysts cultured in
      conditions that are known to impair embryo development. As increasing glucose
      concentrations has been shown to be stressful for early cleavage stages of
      mammalian embryos and to decrease subsequent blastocyst survival, in vitro
      matured/fertilized bovine zygotes were cultured in control (0.2 mM) or high
      glucose (5 mM) conditions until the 8- to 16-cell stage, and then transferred to
      control media until they reached the blastocyst stage. The concentration of 5 mM
      glucose was chosen as a stress treatment because there was a significant effect
      on blastocyst rate without the treatment's being lethal as with 10 mM. Microarray
      analysis revealed gene expression differences unrelated to embryo sex or
      hatching. Overrepresented processes among differentially expressed genes in
      treated blastocysts were extracellular matrix signalling, calcium signaling, and
      energy metabolism. On a pathophysiological level, higher glucose treatment
      impacts pathways associated with diabetes and tumorigenesis through genes
      controlling the Warburg effect, i.e., emphasis on use of anaerobic glycolysis
      rather than oxidative phosphorylation. These results allowed us to conclude that
      disruption of in vitro preattachment development is concomitant with gene
      expression modifications involved in metabolic control.

PMID- 22075475
TI  - Perivascular human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells express pathways relevant
      to self-renewal, lineage specification, and functional phenotype.
AB  - Human endometrium regenerates on a cyclic basis from candidate stem/progenitors
      whose genetic programs are yet to be determined. A subpopulation of endometrial
      stromal cells, displaying key properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has
      been characterized. The endometrial MSC (eMSC) is likely the precursor of the
      endometrial stromal fibroblast. The goal of this study was to determine the
      transcriptome and signaling pathways in the eMSC to understand its functional
      phenotype. Endometrial stromal cells from oocyte donors (n = 20) and patients
      undergoing benign gynecologic surgery (n = 7) were fluorescence-activated cell
      sorted into MCAM (CD146)(+)/PDGFRB(+) (eMSC), MCAM (CD146)(-)/PDGFRB(+)
      (fibroblast), and MCAM (CD146)(+)/PDGFRB(-) (endothelial) populations. The eMSC
      population contained clonogenic cells with a mesenchymal phenotype
      differentiating into adipocytes when cultured in adipogenic medium. Gene
      expression profiling using Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST arrays revealed 762 and
      1518 significantly differentially expressed genes in eMSCs vs. stromal
      fibroblasts and eMSCs vs. endothelial cells, respectively. By principal component
      and hierarchical clustering analyses, eMSCs clustered with fibroblasts and
      distinctly from endothelial cells. Endometrial MSCs expressed pericyte markers
      and were localized by immunofluorescence to the perivascular space of endometrial
      small vessels. Endometrial MSCs also expressed genes involved in
      angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, steroid hormone/hypoxia responses, inflammation,
      immunomodulation, cell communication, and proteolysis/inhibition, and exhibited
      increased Notch, TGFB, IGF, Hedgehog, and G-protein-coupled receptor signaling
      pathways, characteristic of adult tissue MSC self-renewal and multipotency.
      Overall, the data support the eMSC as a clonogenic, multipotent pericyte that
      displays pathways of self-renewal and lineage specification, the potential to
      respond to conditions during endometrial desquamation and regeneration, and a
      genetic program predictive of its differentiated lineage, the stromal fibroblast.

PMID- 22075476
TI  - Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) regulates G2/M progression in
      proliferating mouse granulosa cells.
AB  - Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) is a constituent of the Mi-2/nucleosome
      remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) protein complex that regulates gene expression
      by altering chromatin structure and can facilitate cohesin loading onto DNA. The
      biological function of MTA3 within the NuRD complex is unknown. Herein, we show
      that MTA3 was expressed highly in granulosa cell nuclei of all ovarian follicle
      stages and at lower levels in corpora lutea. We tested the hypothesis that MTA3
      NuRD complex function is required for granulosa cell proliferation. In the ovary,
      MTA3 interacted with NuRD proteins CHD4 and HDAC1 and the core cohesin complex
      protein RAD21. In cultured mouse primary granulosa cells, depletion of endogenous
      MTA3 using RNA interference slowed cell proliferation; this effect was rescued by
      coexpression of exogenous MTA3. Slowing of cell proliferation correlated with a
      significant decrease in cyclin B1 and cyclin B2 expression. Granulosa cell
      populations lacking MTA3 contained a significantly higher percentage of cells in
      G2/M phase and a lower percentage in S phase compared with control cells.
      Furthermore, MTA3 depletion slowed entry into M phase as indicated by reduced
      phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10. These findings provide the first
      evidence to date that MTA3 interacts with NuRD and cohesin complex proteins in
      the ovary in vivo and regulates G2/M progression in proliferating granulosa
      cells.

PMID- 22075477
TI  - Initiating meiosis: the case for retinoic acid.
AB  - The requirement for vitamin A in reproduction and development was first
      determined from studies of nutritional deficiencies. Subsequent research has
      shown that embryonic development and both male and female reproduction are
      modulated by retinoic acid (RA), the active form of vitamin A. Because RA is
      active in multiple developmental systems, its synthesis, transport, and
      degradation are tightly regulated in different tissues. A growing body of
      evidence implicates RA as a requirement for the initiation of meiosis in both
      male and female mammals, resulting in a mechanistic model involving the interplay
      of RA, RA synthesis enzymes, RA receptors, and degradative cytochrome P450
      enzymes in this system. Recently, that model has been challenged, prompting a
      review of the established paradigm. While it remains possible that additional
      molecules may be involved in regulating entry into meiosis, the weight of
      evidence supporting a key role for RA is incontrovertible.

PMID- 22075478
TI  - Residual sleep-disordered breathing during autotitrating continuous positive
      airway pressure therapy.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is often treated with autotitrating continuous
      positive airway pressure (autoCPAP) devices. Clinical and bench tests of these
      devices have suggested performance limitations. These studies do not indicate
      whether this is a failure to detect or a failure to respond to airway
      obstruction. In this randomised, crossover trial, 34 patients with moderate-to
      severe OSA underwent polysomnography on two laboratory visits. The autoCPAP
      device was randomly set to a fixed subtherapeutic pressure (detection assessment)
      or autotitrating mode (response assessment). Airflow was measured both from the
      autoCPAP (autoCPAP flow) and directly from the nasal mask, and recorded on
      polysomnography. Apnoea/hypopnoea indices (AHIs) measured at the two sites and
      from the autoCPAP download report were compared. Regarding detection, the AHI
      measured from the nasal mask showed good agreement with the autoCPAP flow AHI,
      but agreement was lower with the autoCPAP report AHI. In autotitrating mode,
      there was significant misclassification of those with and without OSA (AHI >= 10
      events . h(-1)) on the autoCPAP report. Regarding response, residual OSA (AHI >=
      10 events . h(-1)) was still evident in 24% of patients during autotitration. In
      some patients, autoCPAP fails to detect and/or respond to sleep apnoea.
      Clinicians should consider limitations of each device and use caution when using
      autoCPAP report statistics to verify effective treatment.

PMID- 22075479
TI  - Do adjunct tuberculosis tests, when combined with Xpert MTB/RIF, improve accuracy
      and the cost of diagnosis in a resource-poor setting?
AB  - Information regarding the utility of adjunct diagnostic tests in combination with
      Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is limited. We hypothesised adjunct
      tests could enhance accuracy and/or reduce the cost of tuberculosis (TB)
      diagnosis prior to MTB/RIF testing, and rule-in or rule-out TB in MTB/RIF
      negative individuals. We assessed the accuracy and/or laboratory-associated cost
      of diagnosis of smear microscopy, chest radiography (CXR) and interferon-gamma
      release assays (IGRAs; T-SPOT-TB (Oxford Immunotec, Oxford, UK) and QuantiFERON
      TB Gold In-Tube (Cellestis, Chadstone, Australia)) combined with MTB/RIF for TB
      in 480 patients in South Africa. When conducted prior to MTB/RIF: 1) smear
      microscopy followed by MTB/RIF (if smear negative) had the lowest cost of
      diagnosis of any strategy investigated; 2) a combination of smear microscopy, CXR
      (if smear negative) and MTB/RIF (if imaging compatible with active TB) did not
      further reduce the cost per TB case diagnosed; and 3) a normal CXR ruled out TB
      in 18% of patients (57 out of 324; negative predictive value (NPV) 100%). When
      downstream adjunct tests were applied to MTB/RIF-negative individuals, radiology
      ruled out TB in 24% (56 out of 234; NPV 100%), smear microscopy ruled in TB in
      21% (seven out of 24) of culture-positive individuals and IGRAs were not useful
      in either context. In resource-poor settings, smear microscopy combined with
      MTB/RIF had the highest accuracy and lowest cost of diagnosis compared to either
      technique alone. In MTB/RIF-negative individuals, CXR has poor rule-in value but
      can reliably rule out TB in approximately one in four cases. These data inform
      upon the programmatic utility of MTB/RIF in high-burden settings.

PMID- 22075480
TI  - Temporal patterns of occupational asbestos exposure and risk of pleural
      mesothelioma.
AB  - Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma (PM). The objective of this
      study was to elucidate the importance of different temporal patterns of
      occupational asbestos exposure on the risk of PM using case-control data in male
      subjects. Cases were selected from a French case-control study conducted in 1987
      1993 and the French National Mesothelioma Surveillance Program in 1998-2006.
      Population controls were frequency matched to cases by year of birth.
      Occupational asbestos exposure was evaluated with a job-exposure matrix. The dose
      response relationships were estimated using restricted cubic spline functions in
      logistic regression models. A total of 2,466 ever-asbestos-exposed males (1,041
      cases and 1,425 controls) were used. After adjustment for intensity and total
      duration of occupational asbestos exposure, the risk of PM was lower for subjects
      first exposed after the age of 20 yrs and continued to increase until 30 yrs
      after cessation of exposure. The effect of total duration of exposure decreased
      when age at first exposure and time since last exposure increased. These results,
      based on a large population-based case-control study, underline the need to take
      into account the temporal pattern of exposure on risk assessment.

PMID- 22075481
TI  - Bronchoscopic thermal vapour ablation therapy in the management of heterogeneous
      emphysema.
AB  - The need for a less invasive procedure than surgical lung volume reduction that
      can produce consistent improvements with reduced morbidity remains a medical goal
      in patients with emphysema. We sought to determine the effect of bronchoscopic
      thermal vapour ablation (BTVA) on lung volumes and outcomes in patients with
      emphysema. 44 patients with upper lobe-predominant emphysema were treated
      unilaterally with BTVA. Entry criteria included: age 40-75 yrs, forced expiratory
      volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) 15-45% predicted, previous pulmonary rehabilitation and a
      heterogeneity index (tissue/air ratio of lower lobe/upper lobe) from high
      resolution computed tomography (HRCT) >= 1.2. Changes in FEV(1), St George's
      Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 6-min walk distance (6 MWD), modified Medical
      Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea score, and hyperinflation were measured at
      baseline, and 3 and 6 months post-BTVA. At 6 months, mean +/- SE FEV(1) improved
      by 141 +/- 26 mL (p<0.001) and residual volume was reduced by 406 +/- 113 mL
      (p<0.0001). SGRQ total score improved by 14.0 +/- 2.4 points (p<0.001), with 73%
      improving by >= 4 points. Improvements were observed in 6 MWD (46.5 +/- 10.6 m)
      and mMRC dyspnoea score (0.9 +/- 0.2) (p<0.001 for both). Lower respiratory
      events (n=11) were the most common adverse event and occurred most often during
      the initial 30 days. BTVA therapy results in clinically relevant improvements in
      lung function, quality of life and exercise tolerance in upper lobe predominant
      emphysema.

PMID- 22075482
TI  - Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and sleepiness in real-life obstructive
      sleep apnoea.
AB  - The metabolic syndrome shows a variable prevalence in obstructive sleep apnoea
      (OSA), and its association with insulin resistance or excessive daytime
      sleepiness in OSA is unclear. This study assessed the following in consecutive
      patients with newly diagnosed OSA: 1) the prevalence of metabolic syndrome; and
      2) its association with insulin resistance and daytime sleepiness. Metabolic
      syndrome (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP)
      III criteria), insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) index, n =
      288) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) were assessed in 529 OSA
      patients. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 51.2%, which increased with
      OSA severity. Each metabolic syndrome component correlated with apnoea/hypopnoea
      index, but only blood pressure retained significance after correction for
      confounders. Both obesity and OSA contributed to metabolic abnormalities, with
      different sex-related patterns, since diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was
      significantly associated with neck circumference, age, body mass index and lowest
      arterial oxygen saturation in males, and with age and arousal index in females.
      The number of metabolic syndrome components increased with HOMA index (p<0.001).
      Prevalence of sleepiness was the same in patients with and without metabolic
      syndrome. The metabolic syndrome occurs in about half of "real-life" OSA
      patients, irrespective of daytime sleepiness, and is a reliable marker of insulin
      resistance.

PMID- 22075483
TI  - Clonality of multifocal nonsmall cell lung cancer: implications for staging and
      therapy.
AB  - Nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) display a variety of morphological and
      molecular features. Accurate subtyping of NSCLC has been shown to predict patient
      survival as well as response rates and toxicities of specific drugs. Assessment
      of multifocal lung tumours and the distinction of synchronous primary tumours
      from intrapulmonary metastases represent an important problem as this decision
      significantly influences tumour staging and subsequent treatment strategies. In
      order to provide a basis for evidence-based treatment decisions in these
      patients, we analysed the clonal relationship of multifocal NSCLC with
      indistinguishable histomorphology in a series of 78 patients by allelotyping
      (using polymorphic short tandem repeat markers) as well as KRAS and epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing. Our data demonstrate a common
      clonal origin indicative of intrapulmonary metastases in almost two-thirds (~62%)
      of the cases, while ~36% of multifocal NSCLC displayed unique molecular profiles
      suggesting separate primary tumours. Divergent KRAS and/or EGFR mutations were
      observed in ~8% of all cases. With the increased availability of EGFR-targeted
      therapy options, nonresectable, multifocal NSCLC with diverging KRAS and/or EGFR
      mutations are likely to show different treatment responses, underlining the need
      to separately analyse multifocal tumours. Obviously, this also holds true for
      further, novel molecular predictors of targeted therapies.

PMID- 22075484
TI  - beta2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms, asthma and COPD: two large population
      based studies.
AB  - The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) is an important regulator of airway
      smooth muscle tone. We tested the hypothesis that three functional polymorphisms
      in the ADRB2 gene (Thr164Ile, Gly16Arg and Gln27Glu) are associated with reduced
      lung function, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We first
      genotyped 8,971 individuals from the Copenhagen City Heart Study for all three
      polymorphisms. To validate our findings, we genotyped an additional 53,777
      individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study for the Thr164Ile
      polymorphism. We identified 60,910 Thr164Ile noncarriers, 1,822 heterozygotes and
      16 homozygotes. In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, the Thr164Ile genotype was
      associated with reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) % predicted
      (trend p = 0.01) and FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.001): Thr164Ile
      heterozygotes had 3% and 2% reduced FEV(1) % pred and FEV(1)/FVC, respectively,
      compared with noncarriers. The odds ratio for COPD in Thr164Ile heterozygotes was
      1.46 (95% CI 1.05-2.02). In the Copenhagen General Population Study, the Thr164
      genotype associated with reduced FEV(1) % pred (p = 0.04) and FEV(1)/FVC (p <
      0.001): Thr164Ile homozygotes and heterozygotes had 7% and 1% reduced FEV(1) %
      pred and 6% and 1% reduced FEV(1)/FVC, respectively, compared with noncarriers.
      The odds ratios for COPD in Thr164Ile homozygotes and heterozygotes were 4.53
      (95% CI 1.54-13.3) and 1.07 (95% CI 0.92-1.25), respectively. Our results suggest
      that ADRB2 Thr164Ile is associated with reduced lung function and increased risk
      of COPD in the general population.

PMID- 22075485
TI  - Pre-natal exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and infant lower
      respiratory tract infections and wheeze.
AB  - The aim of our study was to examine whether pre-natal exposure to
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) increases the risk of lower respiratory
      tract infections (LRTIs) and wheeze in infants. The study is based on a birth
      cohort of 1,455 mother-child pairs. Maternal serum concentrations of DDE,
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were measured during
      pregnancy. Parental reports on LRTI and wheeze were obtained when children were
      12-14 months old. 35.4% of children developed at least one LRTI episode and 33.6%
      at least one wheezing episode during their first 12-14 months of life. Median
      DDE, PCBs and HCB concentrations were 116.3, 113.7 and 46.4 ng . g(-1) lipid,
      respectively. DDE concentrations were associated with LRTI risk (relative risk
      (RR) per 10% increase 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.22), also after adjustment for PCBs and
      HCB. In all quartiles of DDE exposure, the risk of LRTI was increased compared
      with the lowest quartile, but the increase was statistically significant only in
      the third quartile (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08-1.62). No association was observed for
      PCBs and HCB. Results were similar for wheeze. This study suggests that pre-natal
      DDE exposure is associated with a higher risk of LRTI and wheeze in infants
      independently of exposure to other organochlorine compounds.

PMID- 22075486
TI  - Stage IV sarcoidosis: comparison of survival with the general population and
      causes of death.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to compare the survival of sarcoid patients
      with pulmonary fibrosis with that of the general population and to determine the
      causes of death and the incidence of evolutive complications. This retrospective
      cohort included 142 sarcoid patients in radiographic stage IV (74 males; mean +/-
      SD age 48.1 +/- 12 yrs). Their survival was compared with that of the general
      French population, matched for the year and age at diagnosis of stage IV disease,
      sex and length of follow-up. Expected survival probabilities were calculated year
      by-year on the basis of probabilities provided by official demographic data for
      France. Survival curves were based on the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using
      the log-rank test. During the follow-up period (7.1 +/- 4.8 yrs), pulmonary
      hypertension (PH) was observed in 29.7% of cases and aspergilloma in 11.3%. Long
      term oxygen therapy was required in 12%. Survival was 84.1% at 10 yrs, which was
      worse than for the general population (p = 0.013). 16 (11.3%) patients died from
      the following causes: refractory PH (n = 5), chronic respiratory insufficiency (n
      = 4), acute respiratory insufficiency (n = 2), haemoptysis due to aspergilloma (n
      = 1), heart sarcoidosis (n = 1), nocardiosis (n = 1) and unknown causes (n = 2).
      Survival is significantly decreased in stage IV patients. 75% of fatalities are
      directly attributable to respiratory causes.

PMID- 22075487
TI  - Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea: mandibular advancement device
      therapy.
AB  - Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) represent the main non-continuous positive
      airway pressure (non-CPAP) therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
      (OSA). The aim of the European Respiratory Society Task Force was to review the
      evidence in favour of MAD therapy. Effects of tongue-retaining devices are not
      included in this report. Custom-made MADs reduce apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) and
      daytime sleepiness compared with placebo devices. CPAP more effectively
      diminishes AHI, while increasing data suggest fairly similar outcomes in relation
      to symptoms and cardiovascular health from these treatments. Patients often
      prefer MADs to CPAP. Milder cases and patients with a proven increase in upper
      airway size as a result of mandibular advancement are most likely to experience
      treatment success with MADs. A custom-made device titrated from an initial 50% of
      maximum mandibular advancement has been recommended. More research is needed to
      define the patients who will benefit from MAD treatment compared with CPAP, in
      terms of the effects on sleep-disordered breathing and on other diseases related
      to OSA. In conclusion, MADs are recommended for patients with mild to moderate
      OSA (Recommendation Level A) and for those who do not tolerate CPAP. The
      treatment must be followed up and the device adjusted or exchanged in relation to
      the outcome.

PMID- 22075488
TI  - Telemedicine enhances quality of forced spirometry in primary care.
AB  - Forced spirometry is pivotal for diagnosis and management of respiratory
      diseases, but its use in primary care is suboptimal. The aim of the present study
      was to assess a web-based application aiming at fostering high-quality spirometry
      in primary care. This was a randomised controlled trial with 12 intervention
      primary care units (PCi) and six control units (PCc) studied over 12 months. All
      34 naive nurses (PCi and PCc) received identical training. The PCi units had
      access to educational material and remote expert support. Quality of spirometry
      and usability of the web application were assessed. We included 4,581 patients
      (3,383 PCi and 1,198 PCc). At baseline, quality was similar (PCi 71% and PCc 67%
      high-quality tests). During the study, PCi showed higher percentage (71.5%) of
      high-quality tests than PCc (59.5%) (p<0.0001). PCi had 73% more chance of high
      quality performance than PCc. The web application was better for assessing
      quality of testing than the automatic feedback provided by the spirometer.
      Healthcare professionals' satisfaction and usability were high. The web-based
      remote support for primary care by specialists generated a sustained positive
      impact on quality of testing. The study expands the potential of primary care for
      diagnosis and management of patients with pulmonary diseases.

PMID- 22075489
TI  - Prognostic power of proadrenomedullin in community-acquired pneumonia is
      independent of aetiology.
AB  - Biomarkers are useful in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Recently,
      midregional (MR) proadrenomedullin (proADM) has been shown to be of potential
      prognostic use. We sought to determine whether this prognostic role depends on
      the cause of CAP. We conducted a prospective cohort study of immunocompetent
      patients with CAP. Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and CURB-65 score (confusion
      (abbreviated mental test score of <= 8), urea >= 7 mol . L(-1), respiratory rate
      >= 30 breaths . min(-1), blood pressure <90 mmHg systolic or <60 mmHg diastolic,
      and age >= 65 yrs), blood C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, MR-proADM, and
      microbiological studies were systematically performed. Patients were grouped as
      bacterial, viral/atypical and mixed CAP, and were followed up at 30, 90 and 180
      days, and 1 yr. We recruited 228 CAP patients. Identification of at least one
      pathogen was achieved in 155 (68%) patients. MR-proADM levels closely correlated
      with increasing severity scores, and showed an important predictive power for
      complications and short- and long-term mortality (1 yr). Its addition to PSI and
      CURB-65 significantly improved their prognostic accuracy. A MR-proADM cut-off of
      0.646 nmol . L(-1) identified 92% of patients scored as PSI classes IV and V as
      high risk. MR-proADM outcome prediction power was not affected by different
      aetiologies. MR-proADM has high short- and long-term prognostic accuracy, and
      increases the accuracy of clinical scores. The prognostic value of MR-proADM is
      not modified by different possible CAP aetiologies.

PMID- 22075490
TI  - Chemoradiotherapy alone as the standard treatment of epidermoid esophageal
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice for patients
      with potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma. Recently, however, definitive
      chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been suggested as a preferred treatment modality. In
      this study, CRT results with or without surgery are compared. METHODS: A total of
      986 patients of esophageal carcinoma were categorized into two groups depending
      on the treatment: surgery (675 patients) or CRT (311 patients). These two groups
      were compared based on age, sex, weight loss, tumor location and length, tumor
      shape, grade, stage, delay in receiving treatment, event-free survival (EFS) and
      overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Patients in the CRT arm were significantly older
      (p = 0.01), had a more significant adenocarcinoma histology (p = 0.015), upper
      esophageal carcinoma (p = 0.0001) and more advanced stages of the disease (p =
      0.0001). The median EFS for the surgery group was 24.5 months [95% confidence
      interval (CI), 17-32] versus 22.5 months (95% CI, 16.7-28.2) for the CRT arm (p =
      0.56). The mean OS was 59.25 months (95% CI, 53.8-64.7) for the surgery group
      compared to 58.77 months (95% CI, 50.9-66.6) for the CRT group (p = 0.78).
      CONCLUSION: Definitive CRT is effective enough so as to consider omitting surgery
      and could be used as a standard treatment for patients with esophageal carcinoma.

PMID- 22075491
TI  - [Quo vadis, particle therapy?].

PMID- 22075492
TI  - gamma-Glutamylcysteine inhibits oxidative stress in human endothelial cells.
AB  - AIMS: gamma-Glutamylcysteine (GGC) is a dipeptide and substrate for synthesis of
      the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), whose health promoting properties include
      reducing risks of oxidative stress-related injuries and diseases. The objective
      of this study was to investigate the efficacy of GGC on GSH synthesis and
      oxidative stress in human endothelial cells. MAIN METHODS: We assessed oxidative
      stress, GSH, GSH synthetase (GSS) expression, and transcription factor DNA
      binding levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). KEY FINDINGS:
      We found significantly higher levels of PPARgamma DNA binding and lower levels of
      GSH, GSS protein, NF-kappaB p65 DNA binding, thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS), and 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) in a concentration-dependent manner,
      compared with the control. GSH and GSS protein levels showed a negative
      correlation with PPARgamma DNA binding levels and positive correlation trends
      with NF-kappaB p65 DNA binding, TBARS, and 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) levels. A putative
      binding site for NF-kappaB was found at 4 227 bases upstream from the
      transcription start site of GSS gene, but none for PPARs. These findings suggest
      the involvement of NF-kappaB in regulation of GSS expression. Subsequent GSH
      synthesis might be affected by the suppression of GSS expression in tested
      conditions. SIGNIFICANCE: Besides its substrate role in GSH synthesis, GGC may
      play a role in protection against oxidative stress by serving as an antioxidant
      and modulating the expression of protein(s) related to antioxidant defense. Thus,
      we speculate that GGC may serve as a novel intra- and intercellular therapeutic
      dipeptide for oxidative stress-related injuries and diseases.

PMID- 22075493
TI  - Effect of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic
      dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.
AB  - AIMS: Recently, some studies reported that digestive tract disease is closely
      associated with atopic dermatitis (AD). Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is a Korean
      medicine, which has come onto the drugstore for the treatment of digestive tract
      disease. The aim of the present study was to examine whether KMP6 could suppress
      2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. MAIN
      METHODS: Mice were sensitized with DNFB by applying to shaved dorsal skin. At
      that time, the drugs or saline were orally administrated to DNFB-applied mice.
      KEY FINDINGS: The administration of KMP6 or glycyrrhizic acid (GL), a major
      component of KMP6, inhibited the scratching number in DNFB-induced AD model. The
      mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, and CCR3 were upregulated by DNFB sensitization, but the
      upregulated mRNA expressions were significantly reduced by the administration of
      KMP6 or GL. In addition, the levels of IgE, histamine, and IL-4 were
      significantly reduced by the administration of KMP6 or GL in serum of DNFB
      induced AD model. However, the level of IFN-gamma in serum was significantly
      increased by KMP6 or GL. KMP6 or GL also significantly inhibited the numbers of
      inflammatory cells, mast cells, and protein level of IL-4 in lesions of DNFB
      induced AD model. Finally, KMP6 or GL significantly decreased the productions of
      IL-4, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha in anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 antibody-stimulated
      splenocytes. SIGNIFICANCE: KMP6 showed anti-atopic potential in this setting;
      hence we suggest it as a potential prospect for anti-atopic agent besides being
      just a medicine for the stomach and bowels.

PMID- 22075494
TI  - 3-Bromo-7-nitroindazole attenuates brain ischemic injury in diabetic stroke via
      inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway involving CHOP.
AB  - AIMS: The role of nitric oxide (NO) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has
      been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury
      and diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate the neuroprotective
      potential of 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (3-BNI), a potent and selective neuronal
      nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor against ER stress and focal cerebral I/R
      injury associated with comorbid type 2 diabetes in-vivo. MAIN METHODS: Type 2
      diabetes was induced by feeding high-fat diet and streptozotocin (35 mg/kg)
      treatment in rats. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 2h middle cerebral
      artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 22 h of reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry and
      western blotting methods were employed for the detection and expression of ER
      stress/apoptosis markers [78 kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP78) and
      CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)]. TUNEL assay for DNA
      fragmentation was also performed. KEY FINDINGS: The diabetic rats subjected to
      cerebral I/R had prominent neurological damage and functional deficits compared
      with sham-operated rats. Massive DNA fragmentation was observed in ischemic
      penumbral region of diabetic brains. Concomitantly, the enhanced immunoreactivity
      and expression of ER stress/apoptosis markers were noticed. 3-BNI (30 mg/kg,
      i.p.) treatment significantly inhibited the cerebral infarct, edema volume and
      improved functional recovery of neurological deficits. The neuroprotection was
      further evident by lesser DNA fragmentation with a concomitant reduction of GRP78
      and CHOP. SIGNIFICANCE: The study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of 3
      BNI in diabetic stroke model which may be partly due to inhibition of ER stress
      pathway involving CHOP.

PMID- 22075495
TI  - The effect of isosteviol on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia induced by
      lipotoxicity in rats fed with high-fat emulsion.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of isosteviol on
      hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in rats fed with high-fat emulsion (HFE). MAIN
      METHODS: Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in rats was induced by daily ingestion
      of HFE for 14 days. Isosteviol (0.2, 1.0, or 5.0mg/kg/day) was orally
      administered for 7 days, with rosiglitazone maleate (5.0mg/kg/day) used as the
      positive control. The levels of fasting serum glucose (FSG), fasting serum
      insulin (FSI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density
      lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in serum were assayed.
      Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed with serum glucose and
      insulin levels monitored. The effect of the supplement of palmitate in HFE on the
      activity of isosteviol was investigated. Ultrastructural changes in islet beta
      cells and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) mRNA
      expression profile were determined. KEY FINDINGS: FSG, FSI, TC and LDL levels and
      insulin resistance index (IRI) were decreased and HDL level was increased by all
      doses of isosteviol. During IVGTT, serum glucose levels were decreased by
      isosteviol and no significant differences were observed in insulin release
      between isosteviol-treated and control groups. The effects of isosteviol were
      attenuated by palmitate. Damage to pancreatic islet cells was partially
      attenuated, and expression profile of hepatic PPARalpha mRNA was enhanced by
      isosteviol. SIGNIFICANCE: Antihyperglycemic effects of isosteviol could enhance
      utilization of glucose in the periphery and reduce beta-cell damage induced by
      dyslipidemia. Modulating-lipidemic effects of isosteviol might be related to the
      potential enhancement of liver PPARalpha mRNA expression.

PMID- 22075496
TI  - 2011--another successful year for the diabetes educator.

PMID- 22075497
TI  - A year of achievement ushers in a new era for diabetes care.

PMID- 22075500
TI  - The educator's guide to diabetes resources, 2011.

PMID- 22075501
TI  - Exploring the cost and clinical outcomes of integrating the registered nurse
      certified diabetes educator into the patient-centered medical home.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate a care delivery
      model integrating the registered nurse-certified diabetes educator into the
      patient-centered medical home to assist in achieving positive clinical and cost
      outcomes in diabetes care. METHODS: A 1-group pretest-posttest research design
      was used. Patients were recruited from 2 patient-centered medical home
      designated/nominated primary care offices. Inclusion criteria were as follows:
      diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, aged 18 to 80 years, A1C >= 8%, English
      speaking, and no diabetes education within 6 months. There were 34 participants
      (men, n = 22; women, n = 12) with a mean age of 53.24. The intervention
      incorporated an assessment, 4 patient-centered monthly group sessions, and 4
      individual follow-up sessions. Study measures included program surveys,
      participation and satisfaction rates, Healthcare Effectiveness Data and
      Information Set attainment rates, and the following physiologic measures obtained
      from the medical record: A1C, fasting blood glucose, LDL, urine microalbumin,
      blood pressure, retinal eye exam, and body mass index. Cost-effectiveness
      measures included program costs, performance incentives, revenue, provider time
      saved, and patient health care utilization. RESULTS: Paired-samples t tests
      identified significant improvements in A1C, fasting blood glucose, and LDL.
      Patients and providers were highly satisfied with the program. Cost-benefit
      analysis revealed a net pretax program benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study
      indicated that integrating the registered nurse-certified diabetes educator in
      the patient-centered medical home improves clinical outcomes and is cost
      effective. Diabetes education and support are integral components of diabetes
      management.

PMID- 22075502
TI  - Algorithmic and consultative integration of transfusion medicine and coagulation:
      a personalized medicine approach with reduced blood component utilization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapy customized for the individual patient defines personalized
      medicine. Current transfusion therapy is performed primarily using general
      guidelines such as keeping the platelet count at >100,000/MUL, the INR at <= 1.7
      and fibrinogen at >100mg/dL for patients undergoing surgery. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this report is to provide an algorithmic and consultative approach for
      the delivery of personalized and targeted blood component, blood derivative, and
      recombinant therapies in order to minimize unnecessary exposure to such therapies
      and to deliver an optimal risk-benefit ratio for a particular patient. METHODS:
      The initiative involved a step-wise process that included: 1. establishing
      "triggers" to alert and permit the clinical pathologist to intervene in the
      utilization of blood components for a given patient in the context of the blood
      bank inventory; 2. developing algorithms for the assessment of the patient's
      procoagulant/anticoagulant status so that appropriate blood component,
      derivative, and/or recombinant therapies could be instituted while minimizing the
      risk of thrombophilia; 3. a real time assessment and interpretation of the
      coagulation data so that dialogue between the pathologist and the patient's
      clinical team could be effected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and 4. monitoring
      the outcome of these efforts by comparing blood component utilization prior to or
      during development, early implementation and following full implementation of the
      program. RESULTS: "Triggers" (i.e., administration of six units of fresh frozen
      plasma [FFP] or ten units of cryoprecipitate or two single donor [apheresis]
      platelets in a 24-hour period) were approved. A diagnostic and therapeutic
      algorithm was constructed, with multidisciplinary input to assist in defining the
      coagulopathy contributing to the patient's microvascular bleeding in the adult
      cardiac surgery/cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) and the adult intensive care
      unit (AICU). Monitoring of utilization, prior to or during development, early
      implementation and following full implementation of this initiative, revealed a
      decline in the number of units of FFP, cryoprecipitate and single donor
      (apheresis) platelets administered. CONCLUSION: We report on the successful
      development of a model - based on the algorithmic and consultative integration of
      transfusion medicine and coagulation - that customizes blood component,
      derivative, and recombinant therapies appropriate for an individual patient's
      need, resulting in targeted transfusion therapy and associated with reduced blood
      component utilization.

PMID- 22075503
TI  - Expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in two cholangiocarcinoma cell lines
      (OZ and HuCCT1) with different degree of invasiveness of the primary tumor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is the most frequent malignant epithelial
      tumor of the biliary system. CC has received increasing interest due to its
      different etiologic factors, invasiveness, and the difficulty of diagnosis at an
      early stage. The pathogenesis of CC has not been clearly defined, but
      cohesiveness of tumor cells seems to be a critical factor. Calcium-dependent
      adherence proteins or cadherins are a family of proteins essential for connecting
      the plasma membrane of adjacent cells. Linkage of cadherins with the cytoskeleton
      occurs through another class of proteins, called catenins. E-cadherin forms a
      mutually exclusive complex or unit with beta-catenin. Loss of E-cadherin -beta
      catenin adhesion represents an important step in the progression of many
      epithelial malignancies. Cell lines arising from CC are not often investigated
      and may show a differential expression of cell adhesion molecules, particularly E
      cadherin - beta-catenin. We hypothesized that a moderately invasive cell line of
      CC may co-localize both molecules in cytoplasm and cytoplasmic membrane,
      indicating a greater "tightness" of the tumor cells, while a metastasizing cell
      line may show isolated cytoplasmic membrane localization, indicating tumor cells
      probably more keen to reach the blood stream and give metastases. Thus, our aim
      was to investigate the expression and localization of E-cadherin and beta-catenin
      in two CC cell lines, including a rapidly metastasizing cell line and a
      moderately invasive cell line, correlating to a different degree of invasiveness
      of the primary tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OZ and HuCCT1 cells represent
      homogeneous, functional human biliary epithelial tumor cell lines that were
      originally isolated in Japan. Following cell line growth we extracted total
      proteins. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy
      were used to identify the protein expression and their cyto-localization and co
      localization. RESULTS: Both CC cell lines expressed E-cadherin and beta-catenin,
      but they showed remarkably different localization patterns. In HuCCT1, both E
      cadherin and beta-catenin were localized in the cytoplasm, while in OZ these
      proteins were localized in the cytoplasmic membrane only. This was attributed to
      a different degree of invasiveness of the primitive CC from which the cell lines
      were characterized, OZ being a metastasizing cell line, HuCCT1 being a moderately
      invasive cell line. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      time that E-cadherin and beta-catenin have been studied in detail in these two
      cell lines. These data seem to be very promising in terms of adding insight into
      the cell biology of CC and initiating investigations that aim to identify
      cytoskeletal dynamics and ultimately provide guidelines for developing new
      therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22075504
TI  - Relationships of Fetal-Type Erythropoiesis versus Nitric Oxide Production and
      Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Diabetics.
AB  - This study investigated the potential contribution of nitric oxide (NOx)
      production to enhanced fetal hemoglobin (HbF) synthesis in patients with
      diabetes. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), HbF, high sensitivity C-reactive protein
      (hsCRP), plasma glucose levels, and serum NOx concentrations were measured in 350
      diabetics and 125 healthy subjects. There were no significant correlations
      between HbF and HbA1c levels, nor between HbF and plasma glucose levels. However,
      serum NOx concentrations in patients with HbF >1.0% (76.2 +/- 32.4 MUmol/L) were
      significantly higher than those with HbF <= 1.0% (47.3 +/- 29.8 MUmol/L, p
      <0.05). Inversely, patients with moderately increased serum NOx levels >98.1
      MUmol/L (75th percentile of patients) exhibited significantly higher HbF levels
      than those with decreased serum NOx levels <34.2 MUmol/L (25th percentile of
      patients) (1.16 +/- 0.41 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.28%, p <0.05). After excluding the
      subjects with high NOx levels, elevated HbF concentrations returned to a level
      not significantly different from the control value. Serum NOx concentrations were
      significantly correlated with HbF (r = 0.32, p <0.05) and hsCRP levels (r = 0.35,
      p <0.05) in diabetic patients. In conclusion, long-term glycemic control does not
      contribute to fetal-type erythropoiesis, but increased NOx production seems to
      play an important role in the enhanced HbF synthesis of diabetics.

PMID- 22075505
TI  - The effect of CYP2C9, VKORC1 genotypes and old age on warfarin pharmacologic
      sensitivity in korean patients with thromboembolic disease.
AB  - The therapeutic dose of warfarin is dependent upon intrinsic patient
      characteristics that are highly variable. We assessed the effects of CYP2C9,
      VKORC1 1173 C/T polymorphisms, and old age on warfarin dosing and sensitivity by
      measuring plasma S-/R-warfarin levels in Korean patients. INR and the plasma S-/R
      warfarin concentrations were determined in 58 patients who had the VKORC1 1173C/T
      CYP2C9 genotypes, were on a long-term anticoagulation regimen with warfarin, and
      took a daily dose of warfarin. The pharmacokinetic sensitivity of warfarin was
      significantly higher in the CYP2C9 *1/*3 genotypes than in the CYP2C9 *1/*1
      genotypes [ratio of S-warfarin concentration/dose, 0.53 vs. 0.21; p=0.01].
      Pharmacodynamic sensitivity in older patients (>= 75 years) with the CYP2C9 *1/*1
      and VKORC1 1173 TT genotypes was significantly higher as compared to younger
      patients (<75 years) [Ratio of INR/S-warfarin concentration, 4.88 vs. 3.41; p =
      0.026]. The CYP2C9*3 allele and old age (>= 75 years) with the VKORC1 1173 T
      allele were also associated with increased risk of over-anticoagulation. The
      increase of over-anticoagulation risk and warfarin sensitivity is related to the
      CYP2C9*3 allele and old age with the VKORC1 1173 T allele in Korean patients with
      thromboembolic disease. These findings suggest that a lower initial and
      maintenance dose should be considered for the patients with CYP2C9 *3 allele and
      advanced age in this patient population. However, due to the limited number of
      patients in the study population, our finding needs to be confirmed by a larger,
      well-controlled study.

PMID- 22075506
TI  - Anti-oxidative effect of apocynin on insulin resistance in high-fat diet mice.
AB  - The present study examines the effects of apocynin on oxidative stress and
      antioxidant enzymes in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice. After 12 weeks on
      HFD, the C57BL/6J mice that clearly exhibited insulin resistance received
      apocynin (2.4g/L) in their drinking water for five weeks. The results show that
      apocynin treatment significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and
      dyslipidemia in HFD mice. Furthermore, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test
      (IPGTT) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indicate
      significant improvement of insulin sensitivity in HFD mice after apocynin
      treatment. Compared to the HFD control mice, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was
      significantly lower and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher
      in apocynin treated HFD mice, indicating that apocynin suppressed systemic
      oxidative stress in the treated group. In the liver, apocynin significantly
      reduced the level of MDA. Accordingly, apocynin treatment strengthened the
      antioxidative defense system with an increased activity of SOD, glutathione
      peroxidase (GSHpx) and content of reduced glutathione (GSH). We also found that
      hepatic catalase (CAT) activity significantly decreased after apocynin treatment
      which may indicate that apocynin reduces hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress
      in the liver. These results suggest that apocynin may ameliorate insulin
      resistance by reducing systemic and hepatic oxidative stress in HFD fed mice.

PMID- 22075507
TI  - Inhibition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway attenuates
      cerebral vasospasm following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits.
AB  - The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays an important role in
      apoptosis and is also involved in the development of cerebral vasospasm after
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we sought to examine whether inhibition of
      p38 MAPK could attenuate cerebral vasospasm and investigate the underlying
      mechanisms in a rabbit SAH model. SAH was established in rabbits (n=12/group)
      using the double-hemorrhage method. We observed apparent vasospasm in the basilar
      arteries of rabbits with SAH, which was significantly attenuated by SB203580, a
      selective p38MAPK inhibitor. Immunoblotting assays showed enhanced
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ATF2 and increased caspase-3 cleavage following
      SAH, which were, however, markedly suppressed by SB203580. TUNEL staining further
      revealed significant apoptosis in the basilar arteries of rabbits with SAH, which
      was scantly present in rabbits treated with SB203580. Our results demonstrated
      that p38 MAPK was activated in cerebral vasospasm and associated with increased
      apoptosis in the basilar arteries and p38 MAPK inhibition suppressed apoptosis,
      suggesting that p38 MAPK could be a novel therapeutic target for cerebral
      vasospasm.

PMID- 22075508
TI  - Comparative analysis of simulated candidemia using two different blood culture
      systems and the rapid identification of Candida albicans.
AB  - The goal of this study was to determine the time to detection of Candida species
      isolates using the two most commonly used automated blood culture systems, and to
      evaluate rapid, widely available methods for the presumptive identification of C.
      albicans. Candidemia models of eight commonly detected Candida species were
      prepared using ATCC standards. The times to detection were evaluated using the
      BACTEC 9240 (Becton Dickinson) and BacT/Alert 3D (bioMerieux) automated blood
      culture systems. The presence of pseudohyphae clusters was examined by Gram
      staining and wet preparation. Germ tube tests were performed directly from blood
      culture bottles. All samples were cultured on blood agar plates and
      macroscopically examined for the presence of an irregular margin (spiking). Most
      Candida species (6/8) except C. glabrata and C. krusei grew more rapidly in
      aerobic than in anaerobic conditions. Clusters of pseudohyphae were observed in
      cultures of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. All culture bottles positive for C.
      albicans were positive by the germ tube test and macroscopically showed
      'spiking.' Aerobic and anaerobic blood culture systems can effectively detect
      candidemia. Furthermore, the direct germ tube test may be the most useful
      available morphological presumptive identification method for C. albicans.

PMID- 22075509
TI  - Angiocentric glioma with high proliferative index: case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - With less than 50 cases previously reported in literature, angiocentric glioma
      (AG) is an uncommon, slow-growing tumor of the CNS that typically exhibits a low
      proliferative rate and is generally surgically curable. We report the case of a 3
      year-old child who presented with seizures and was found to have a non-enhancing
      parietal lobe lesion with overlying calvarial remodeling. Following complete
      resection of the tumor, histopathological examination revealed bipolar spindle
      cells centered on cortical blood vessels, forming pseudorosettes with an
      ependymomatous appearance. Tumor cells were glial fibrillary acidic protein
      (GFAP) positive, yet failed to label with synaptophysin. Scattered tumor cells
      had a "dot-like" cytoplasmic staining with the antibody against epithelial
      membrane antigen (EMA). Collectively, these features favored a diagnosis of AG.
      Interestingly, the monoclonal antibody against Ki-67 (MIB-1) labeling rate
      averaged approximately 10.0%. The child continues to be tumor- and seizure-free
      ten months postoperatively. Long-term follow up is required to determine if the
      high proliferative rate observed in this AG translates into altered clinical
      behavior and/or a worse prognosis.

PMID- 22075510
TI  - Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma presenting as cholecystitis and pancytopenia:
      case report with literature review.
AB  - Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare variant of extranodal
      diffuse large Bcell lymphoma with only a few more than 300 cases reported. It is
      characterized as lymphoma cells confined to the lumina of small vessels, so
      patients usually do not present with masses or lymphadenopathy. Clinical
      presentations of these patients are non-specific and the pathologic changes may
      be subtle, which often leads to delayed diagnoses and, in many instances, a
      postmortem diagnosis. IVLBCL can essentially involve the vessels of any organ,
      but it is quite rare for the gallbladder to serve as the initial presenting site;
      there are only four such cases reported in the English literature. Furthermore,
      IVLBCL of the gallbladder with peripheral blood involvement is even less common.
      We report a recent case of IVLBCL presenting as acute cholecystitis and
      pancytopenia. The patient underwent a simple cholecystectomy. Examination of the
      gallbladder showed clusters of large lymphoma cells within lumina of small
      vessels in the gallbladder wall. These cells were positive for CD5/CD20 and
      negative for CD3, CD10, and TdT. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of IVLBCL
      was made. Coincidently, circulating lymphoma cells were identified in the
      peripheral blood and confirmed by flow cytometric analysis (positive for
      CD19/CD20/CD5, without light chain expression). The patient was started on
      chemotherapy but subsequently died of chemotherapy related multi-organ failure 10
      days after the initial diagnosis.

PMID- 22075511
TI  - T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with complex karyotype and SET
      NUP214 rearrangement: a case study and review of the literature.
AB  - SET-NUP214 rearrangements have been rarely reported in T-cell acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (T-ALL), acute undifferentiated leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia,
      and most documented cases have been associated with normal karyotypes in
      conventional cytogenetic analyses. Here, we describe a novel case of T-ALL
      associated with a mediastinal mass and a SET-NUP214 rearrangement, which was
      masked by a complex karyotype at the time of initial diagnosis. Using multiplex
      reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, we detected a cryptic
      SET-NUP214 rearrangement in our patient. As only 11 cases (including the present
      study) of T-ALL with SET-NUP214 rearrangement have been reported, the clinical
      features and treatment outcomes have not been fully determined. Further studies
      are necessary to evaluate the incidence of SET-NUP214 rearrangement in T-ALL
      patients and the treatment responses as well as prognosis of these patients.

PMID- 22075512
TI  - A novel homozygous missense ADAMTS13 mutation Y658C in a patient with recurrent
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a devastating systemic disorder that
      is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia,
      neurological dysfunction, and renal failure. In the hereditary form of TTP,
      severe deficiency of ADAMTS13, a plasma metalloprotease that cleaves von
      Willebrand factor, is associated with the development of this disorder. A 34-year
      old woman was diagnosed with TTP due to severely reduced ADAMTS13 activity;
      clinical manifestations resolved only by repeated total plasma exchanges or
      transfusion. Homozygous and heterozygous Y658C (c.1973A>G) alleles were detected
      in the patient and her child with severe and mild ADAMTS13 deficiencies,
      respectively. Herein, we report a novel missense mutation Y658C (c.1973A>G) on
      exon 17 of ADAMTS13 and discuss its clinical implications.

PMID- 22075513
TI  - Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia Associated with t(6;14)(p21;q32) and IGH
      Rearrangement: A Case Study and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Because plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and distinct variant among plasma
      cell dyscrasias, recent clinical and cytogenetic studies have been performed in
      different ethnic groups to define the characteristics of these PCL patients. As
      far as we know, IGH rearrangements involving t(11;14) and (14;16) are
      significantly more frequent in PCL than in myeloma patients. However, PCL cases
      associated with t(6;14)(p21;q32) or IGH-CCND3 rearrangement are extremely rare in
      the literature; only one PCL case with t(6;14) has been documented. A 61-year-old
      female was admitted due to fatigue, weight loss, and exertional dyspnea.
      Plasmacytoid cells were counted up to 76% at a peripheral blood film, but bone
      marrow aspiration failed because of dry-tapping. Flow cytometric analysis showed
      positive for CD138 and cytoplasmic kappa light chain. Chromosome analysis
      revealed t(6;14)(p21;q32), which was confirmed by an IGH split-out probe in FISH
      analysis. Immunofixation electrophoresis also presented monoclonal bands
      identified as IgG and kappa light chain. Finally, she was diagnosed as primary
      PCL associated with t(6;14) and IGH rearrangement. Although considerable advances
      have been made in the understanding of the biology and molecular pathogenesis of
      PCL, further clinical, laboratory, and genetic studies of PCL associated with
      such a rare IGH rearrangement would be necessary in the future. To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first report of PCL associated with t(6;14) as a sole
      chromosomal abnormality.

PMID- 22075514
TI  - A novel a subtype allele that demonstrates allelic competition.
AB  - A 68-year-old man with an ABO discrepancy discovered during a routine check up
      and 3 members of his family were referred for ABO analysis. A novel allele
      (A(w)14; 699 C>A, H233Q) was found by sequence analysis of exons 6&7 and in those
      with the A(w)14 allele, complete ABO analysis was performed. The propositus and
      his son had an A(w) phenotype with the A(w)14/O01 genotype. His daughter had an
      A(w)14/B101 genotype with a normal B phenotype. Three-dimensional molecular
      modelling was used to predict the effect of the H233Q amino acid change on the
      resulting A glycosyltransferase. The A(w)14 produced a weak A phenotype, and its
      ability to produce A antigens was further reduced when it was co-inherited with a
      B101 enzyme.

PMID- 22075515
TI  - BizarreParosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (Nora's lesion) with
      translocation t(1;17)(q32;q21): a case report and role of cytogenetic studies on
      diagnosis.
AB  - Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (BPOP) is a benign tumor-like
      lesion that has recently been reported to have an association with a specific
      translocation t(1:17)(q32;q21)[1]. Like other reactive periosteal lesions, BPOP
      can be diagnostically challenging, with the ever-present possibility of a
      potentially devastating erroneous diagnosis of malignancy. These lesions are
      often clinically, radiologically and histopathologically ambiguous, with rapid
      but circumscribed, non-infiltrative growth patterns, and histological atypia, but
      without overt features of malignancy. However, recent published reports have
      better characterized radiological [2] as well as histological features that aid
      in making an accurate diagnosis. In spite of all these advances, one of the
      biggest challenges in making the correct diagnosis still remains the inexperience
      of the practicing pathologist with this lesion, simply due to its rarity. We
      present a case of Nora's lesion in the distal ulna of an 8 year-old girl, in
      which, besides the histological features, we were able to demonstrate the
      translocation t(1:17)(q32;q21). Thus, we would like to emphasize the utility of
      cytogenetic studies in the correct and rapid diagnosis of clinically and
      radiologically ambiguous periosteal-based lesion.

PMID- 22075516
TI  - Peri-appendiceal inflammation in an 8-year-old child with chronic ulcerative
      colitis.
AB  - The peri-appendiceal red patch (PARP) or appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI)
      is a known complication of non-pancolonic ulcerative colitis (UC), but it is not
      well documented in the pediatric pathology and gastroenterology literature. Here
      we describe the youngest patient with this manifestation to date and provide a
      brief review on PARP associated UC.

PMID- 22075518
TI  - Brain. Editorial.

PMID- 22075520
TI  - The proliferative capacity of the subventricular zone is maintained in the
      parkinsonian brain.
AB  - There are many indications that neurogenesis is impaired in Parkinson's disease,
      which might be due to a lack of dopamine in the subventricular zone. An
      impairment in neurogenesis may have negative consequences for the development of
      new therapeutic approaches in Parkinson's disease, as neural stem cells are a
      potential source for endogenous repair. In this study, we examined the
      subventricular zone of 10 patients with Parkinson's disease and 10 age- and sex
      matched controls for proliferation and neural stem cell numbers. We also included
      five cases with incidental Lewy body disease, which showed Parkinson's disease
      pathology but no clinical symptoms and thus did not receive dopaminergic
      treatment. We quantified the neural stem cell number and proliferative capacity
      in the subventricular zone of these three donor groups. We found subventricular
      neural stem cells in each donor, with a high variation in number. We did not
      observe significant differences in neural stem cell number or in proliferation
      between the groups. Additionally, we were able to culture neural stem cells from
      post-mortem brain of several patients with Parkinson's disease, confirming the
      presence of viable neural stem cells in these brains. We have also examined the
      subventricular zone of a chronic, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
      induced Parkinson's disease mouse model, and again found no effect of
      dopaminergic denervation on precursor proliferation. Lastly, we investigated the
      proliferation capacity of two different human neural stem cell lines in response
      to dopamine. Both cell lines did not respond with a change in proliferation to
      treatment with dopamine agonists and an antagonist. In summary, the adult neural
      stem cell pool in the subventricular zone was not clearly affected in the human
      parkinsonian brain or a Parkinson's disease mouse model. Furthermore, we did not
      find evidence that dopamine has a direct effect on human neural stem cell
      proliferation in vitro. Thus, we conclude that the number of adult neural stem
      cells is probably not diminished in the parkinsonian brain and that dopamine
      depletion most likely has no effect on human neural stem cells.

PMID- 22075519
TI  - Can loss of muscle spindle afferents explain the ataxic gait in Riley-Day
      syndrome?
AB  - The Riley-Day syndrome is the most common of the hereditary sensory and autonomic
      neuropathies (Type III). Among the well-recognized clinical features are reduced
      pain and temperature sensation, absent deep tendon reflexes and a progressively
      ataxic gait. To explain the latter we tested the hypothesis that muscle spindles,
      or their afferents, are absent in hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy III
      by attempting to record from muscle spindle afferents from a nerve supplying the
      leg in 10 patients. For comparison we also recorded muscle spindles from 15
      healthy subjects and from two patients with hereditary sensory and autonomic
      neuropathy IV, who have profound sensory disturbances but no ataxia. Tungsten
      microelectrodes were inserted percutaneously into fascicles of the common
      peroneal nerve at the fibular head. Intraneural stimulation within muscle
      fascicles evoked twitches at normal stimulus currents (10-30 uA), and deep pain
      (which often referred) at high intensities (1 mA). Microneurographic recordings
      from muscle fascicles revealed a complete absence of spontaneously active muscle
      spindles in patients with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy III;
      moreover, responses to passive muscle stretch could not be observed. Conversely,
      muscle spindles appeared normal in patients with hereditary sensory and autonomic
      neuropathy IV, with mean firing rates of spontaneously active endings being
      similar to those recorded from healthy controls. Intraneural stimulation within
      cutaneous fascicles evoked paraesthesiae in the fascicular innervation territory
      at normal stimulus intensities, but cutaneous pain was never reported during high
      intensity stimulation in any of the patients. Microneurographic recordings from
      cutaneous fascicles revealed the presence of normal large-diameter cutaneous
      mechanoreceptors in hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy III. Our results
      suggest that the complete absence of functional muscle spindles in these patients
      explains their loss of deep tendon reflexes. Moreover, we suggest that their
      ataxic gait is sensory in origin, due to the loss of functional muscle spindles
      and hence a compromised sensorimotor control of locomotion.

PMID- 22075521
TI  - Longitudinal evolution of compensatory changes in striatal dopamine processing in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disease.
      Breakdown of compensatory mechanisms influencing putaminal dopamine processing
      could contribute to the progressive motor symptoms. We studied a cohort of 78
      subjects (at baseline) with sporadic Parkinson's disease and 35 healthy controls
      with multi-tracer positron emission tomography scans to investigate the evolution
      of adaptive mechanisms influencing striatal dopamine processing in Parkinson's
      disease progression. Presynaptic dopaminergic integrity was assessed with three
      radioligands: (i) [(11)C](+/-)dihydrotetrabenazine, to estimate the density of
      vesicular monoamine transporter type 2; (ii) [(11)C]d-threo-methylphenidate, to
      label the dopamine transporter; and (iii) 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-DOPA, to assess the
      activity of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase and storage of 6-[(18)F]
      fluorodopamine in synaptic vesicles. The subjects with Parkinson's disease and
      the healthy controls underwent positron emission tomography scans at the initial
      visit and after 4 and 8 years of follow-up. Non-linear multivariate regression
      analyses with random effects were utilized to model the longitudinal changes in
      tracer values in the putamen standardized relative to normal controls. We found
      evidence for possible upregulation of dopamine synthesis and downregulation of
      dopamine transporter in the more severely affected putamen in the early stage of
      Parkinson's disease. The standardized 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-DOPA and [(11)C]d-threo
      methylphenidate values tended to approach [(11)C](+/-)dihydrotetrabenazine values
      in the putamen in later stages of disease (i.e. for [(11)C](+/
      )dihydrotetrabenazine values <25% of normal), when the rates of decline in the
      positron emission tomography measurements were similar for all the markers. Our
      data suggest that compensatory mechanisms decline as Parkinson's disease
      progresses. This breakdown of compensatory strategies in the putamen could
      contribute to the progression of motor symptoms in advanced disease.

PMID- 22075522
TI  - Resolution of spatial and temporal visual attention in infants with fragile X
      syndrome.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited intellectual impairment
      and the most common single-gene cause of autism. Individuals with fragile X
      syndrome present with a neurobehavioural phenotype that includes selective
      deficits in spatiotemporal visual perception associated with neural processing in
      frontal-parietal networks of the brain. The goal of the current study was to
      examine whether reduced resolution of spatial and/or temporal visual attention
      may underlie perceptual deficits related to fragile X syndrome. Eye tracking was
      used to psychophysically measure the limits of spatial and temporal attention in
      infants with fragile X syndrome and age-matched neurotypically developing
      infants. Results from these experiments revealed that infants with fragile X
      syndrome experience drastically reduced resolution of temporal attention in a
      genetic dose-sensitive manner, but have a spatial resolution of attention that is
      not impaired. Coarse temporal attention could have significant knock-on effects
      for the development of perceptual, cognitive and motor abilities in individuals
      with the disorder.

PMID- 22075523
TI  - Arterial stiffness, pressure and flow pulsatility and brain structure and
      function: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility--Reykjavik study.
AB  - Aortic stiffness increases with age and vascular risk factor exposure and is
      associated with increased risk for structural and functional abnormalities in the
      brain. High ambient flow and low impedance are thought to sensitize the cerebral
      microcirculation to harmful effects of excessive pressure and flow pulsatility.
      However, haemodynamic mechanisms contributing to structural brain lesions and
      cognitive impairment in the presence of high aortic stiffness remain unclear. We
      hypothesized that disproportionate stiffening of the proximal aorta as compared
      with the carotid arteries reduces wave reflection at this important interface and
      thereby facilitates transmission of excessive pulsatile energy into the cerebral
      microcirculation, leading to microvascular damage and impaired function. To
      assess this hypothesis, we evaluated carotid pressure and flow, carotid-femoral
      pulse wave velocity, brain magnetic resonance images and cognitive scores in
      participants in the community-based Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-
      Reykjavik study who had no history of stroke, transient ischaemic attack or
      dementia (n = 668, 378 females, 69-93 years of age). Aortic characteristic
      impedance was assessed in a random subset (n = 422) and the reflection
      coefficient at the aorta-carotid interface was computed. Carotid flow pulsatility
      index was negatively related to the aorta-carotid reflection coefficient (R = 
      0.66, P<0.001). Carotid pulse pressure, pulsatility index and carotid-femoral
      pulse wave velocity were each associated with increased risk for silent
      subcortical infarcts (hazard ratios of 1.62-1.71 per standard deviation,
      P<0.002). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with higher white
      matter hyperintensity volume (0.108 +/- 0.045 SD/SD, P = 0.018). Pulsatility
      index was associated with lower whole brain (-0.127 +/- 0.037 SD/SD, P<0.001),
      grey matter (-0.079 +/- 0.038 SD/SD, P = 0.038) and white matter (-0.128 +/-
      0.039 SD/SD, P<0.001) volumes. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (-0.095 +/-
      0.043 SD/SD, P = 0.028) and carotid pulse pressure (-0.114 +/- 0.045 SD/SD, P =
      0.013) were associated with lower memory scores. Pulsatility index was associated
      with lower memory scores (-0.165 +/- 0.039 SD/SD, P<0.001), slower processing
      speed (-0.118 +/- 0.033 SD/SD, P<0.001) and worse performance on tests assessing
      executive function (-0.155 +/- 0.041 SD/SD, P<0.001). When magnetic resonance
      imaging measures (grey and white matter volumes, white matter hyperintensity
      volumes and prevalent subcortical infarcts) were included in cognitive models,
      haemodynamic associations were attenuated or no longer significant, consistent
      with the hypothesis that increased aortic stiffness and excessive flow
      pulsatility damage the microcirculation, leading to quantifiable tissue damage
      and reduced cognitive performance. Marked stiffening of the aorta is associated
      with reduced wave reflection at the interface between carotid and aorta,
      transmission of excessive flow pulsatility into the brain, microvascular
      structural brain damage and lower scores in various cognitive domains.

PMID- 22075524
TI  - Perfusion computer tomography: imaging and clinical validation in acute ischaemic
      stroke.
AB  - Computed tomography perfusion imaging in acute stroke requires further
      validation. We aimed to establish the optimal computed tomography perfusion
      parameters defining the infarct core and critically hypoperfused tissue. Sub-6-h
      computed tomography perfusion and 24-h magnetic resonance imaging were analysed
      from 314 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke. Diffusion-weighted imaging
      lesion volume at 24 h was used to define the extent of critically hypoperfused
      tissue (in patients without reperfusion between acute and 24-h time points), and
      infarct core (in patients with major reperfusion at 24 h). Pixel-based analysis
      of co-registered computed tomography perfusion and diffusion-weighted imaging was
      then used to define the optimum computed tomography perfusion thresholds for
      critically hypoperfused at-risk tissue and infarct core. These optimized acute
      computed tomography perfusion threshold-based lesion volumes were then compared
      with 24-h diffusion-weighted imaging infarct volume, as well as 24-h and 90-day
      clinical outcomes for validation. Relative delay time >2 s was the most accurate
      computed tomography perfusion threshold in predicting the extent of critically
      hypoperfused tissue with both receiver operating curve analysis (area under curve
      0.86), and the volumetric validation (mean difference between computed tomography
      perfusion and 24-h diffusion-weighted imaging lesions = 2 cm(2), 95% confidence
      interval 0.5-3.2 cm(2)). Cerebral blood flow <40% (of contralateral) within the
      relative delay time >2 s perfusion lesion was the most accurate computed
      tomography perfusion threshold at defining infarct core with both receiver
      operating characteristic analysis (area under curve = 0.85) and the volumetric
      validation. Using these thresholds, the extent of computed tomography perfusion
      mismatch tissue (the volume of 'at-risk' tissue between the critically
      hypoperfused and core thresholds) salvaged from infarction correlated with
      clinical improvement at 24 h (R(2) = 0.59, P = 0.04) and 90 days (R(2) = 0.42, P
      = 0.02). Patients with larger baseline computed tomography perfusion infarct core
      volume (>25 ml) also had poorer recovery at Day 90 (P = 0.039). Computed
      tomography perfusion can accurately identify critically hypoperfused tissue that
      progresses to infarction without early reperfusion, and the computed tomography
      perfusion cerebral blood flow infarct core closely predicts the final volume of
      infarcted tissue in patients who do reperfuse. The computed tomography perfusion
      infarct core and at-risk measures identified are also strong predictors of
      clinical outcome.

PMID- 22075525
TI  - Inhibition of A. carbonarius growth and reduction of ochratoxin A by bacteria and
      yeast composites of technological importance in culture media and beverages.
AB  - Five composites of yeast and six of bacterial isolates from fermented products
      were studied, in order to assess their ability to inhibit Aspergillus carbonarius
      growth and reduce OTA concentration in culture media and beverages. The
      antagonistic effect of the above composites against A. carbonarius growth was
      studied in synthetic grape medium of pH 3.5 and a(w) 0.98, 0.95, 0.92 after
      incubation at 25 degrees C. Different combinations of initial inocula of bacteria
      or yeast composites and fungi were used (10(2)cfu/mL vs 10(5)spores/mL;
      10(5)cfu/mL vs 10(2)spores/mL; and 10(5)cfu/mL vs 10(5)spores/mL). Regarding the
      OTA reduction experiment, 10(3) and 10(7)cfu/mL of the bacteria and yeast
      composites were inoculated in liquid media of different pH (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and
      6.1 or 6.5) and initial OTA concentration (50 and 100MUg/L) and incubated at 30
      degrees C. Moreover, grape juice, red wine, and beer were supplemented with
      100MUg/L of OTA and inoculated with composites of 16 yeasts (16YM) and 29
      bacterial (29BM) strains (10(7)cfu/mL) to estimate the kinetics of OTA reduction
      at 25 degrees C for 5days. Fungal inhibition and OTA reduction were calculated in
      comparison to control samples. None of the bacterial composites inhibited A.
      carbonarius growth. The high inoculum of yeast composites (10(5) cfu/mL) showed
      more efficient fungal inhibition compared to cell density of 10(2) cfu/mL. All
      yeast composites showed higher OTA reduction (up to 65%) compared to bacteria (2
      25%), at all studied assays. The maximum OTA reduction was obtained at pH 3.0 by
      almost all yeast composites. For all studied beverages the decrease in OTA
      concentration was higher by yeasts (16YM) compared to bacteria (29BM). The
      highest OTA reduction was observed in grape juice (ca 32%) followed by wine (ca
      22%), and beer (ca 12%). The present findings may assist in the control of A.
      carbonarius growth and OTA production in fermented foodstuffs by the use of
      proper strains of technological importance.

PMID- 22075526
TI  - Competencies for the physician medical geneticist in the 21st century.

PMID- 22075528
TI  - Quality of life in adult survivors of pediatric kidney transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few studies assessing long-term adult outcome and health
      related quality of life (HRQOL) in former pediatric high-risk kidney transplant
      (TX) recipients. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were assessed at mean age of 21.1
      years. Mean age at first TX was 2.4 years. Brain arterial border zone infarcts
      had been documented in 54% of the children. HRQOL was assessed with the general
      15-dimensional (15D) instrument generating an index on a 0 and 1 scale (1 for
      best). The results were compared with the corresponding childhood 17-dimensional
      instrument and an adult control group from the general population. Psychosocial
      adjustment was assessed with the ASEBA Adult Self Report (ASR) and compared with
      the childhood Child Behavior Checklist assessments. RESULTS: Half of the patients
      (52%) had a secondary level general or vocational education. The educational
      outcome was evenly distributed (compulsory vs. secondary) regardless of previous
      childhood brain ischemia. The ASR Total Problems score was in the normal range
      for all patients. Four patients had scores in the pathological range for
      Externalizing or Internalizing Problems. There was a correlation between the
      childhood Child Behavior Checklist problem scores and the adult ASR scores for
      Internalizing and Total Problems but not for Externalizing Problems. Their mean
      15D HRQOL index was 0.94 and lower than for the control group (0.97, P=0.04).
      There was a strong correlation between the childhood 17-dimensional and the adult
      15D HRQOL index (r=0.63, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome is fair in
      former high-risk pediatric TX patients with neurological comorbidity. Childhood
      psychosocial adjustment and HRQOL may predict the outcome in adults.

PMID- 22075529
TI  - Neuropsychological functioning in patients with alcohol-related liver disease
      before and after liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is common in both end-stage liver disease and
      chronic alcohol misuse. The impact of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on
      neuropsychological function is poorly documented. This prospective study examined
      changes in cognitive function pre- and post-OLT in patients with alcohol-related
      liver disease (ALD). METHODS: Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was
      conducted with 92 abstinent patients with ALD scheduled for OLT. Forty-two
      patients were available for reassessment 12 months post-OLT. RESULTS:
      Posttransplantation, cognitive performance on all measures fell within normal
      limits. Greatest improvement occurred in visuomotor speed, complex visual
      attention processes, and the ability to solve visually presented problems.
      Performance on memory assessment tasks also improved posttransplantation.
      Applying a more robust assessment of change (Reliable Change Index),
      approximately half improved reliably on overall cognitive function. One quarter
      improved in memory performance. With the exception of the Full-Scale Intelligence
      Quotient scales, discriminant analysis was unable to successfully predict which
      patients reliably improved. CONCLUSIONS: Overall improvement in cognitive
      function occurs after liver transplantation in ALD. It was not possible to
      identify which patient characteristics were associated with reliable change.

PMID- 22075527
TI  - Clinical utility of family history for cancer screening and referral in primary
      care: a report from the Family Healthware Impact Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of computerized familial risk assessment and
      tailored messages for identifying individuals for targeted cancer prevention
      strategies and motivating behavior change. METHODS: We conducted a randomized
      clinical trial in primary care patients aged 35-65 years using Family Healthware,
      a self-administered, internet-based tool that collects family history for six
      common diseases including breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer,
      stratifies risk into three tiers, and provides tailored prevention messages.
      Cancer screening adherence and consultation were measured at baseline and 6-month
      follow-up. RESULTS: Of 3283 participants, 34% were at strong or moderate risk of
      at least one of the cancers. Family Healthware identified additional participants
      for whom earlier screening (colon cancer, 4.4%; breast cancer, women ages: 35-39
      years, 9%) or genetic assessment (colon cancer, 2.5%; breast cancer, 10%; and
      ovarian cancer, 4%) may be indicated. Fewer than half were already adherent with
      risk-based screening. Screening adherence improved for all risk categories with
      no difference between intervention and control groups. Consultation with
      specialists did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Family Healthware
      identified patients for intensified cancer prevention. Engagement of clinicians
      and patients, integration with clinical decision support, and inclusion of
      nonfamilial risk factors may be necessary to achieve the full potential of
      computerized risk assessment.

PMID- 22075530
TI  - A possible explanation for anemia in patients treated with mycophenolic acid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical studies suggest that the immunosuppressant mycophenolate
      mofetil is associated with anemia. However, the mechanism for this is not known.
      Here, we studied the effect of mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite of
      mycophenolate mofetil, on erythropoiesis in vitro. METHODS: Both UT-7 cells and
      primary murine bone marrow cells were studied. Cells were initially treated with
      erythropoietin and MPA and proliferation and caspase-3 assays were performed. The
      effect of guanosine-5'-triphosphate, guanosine, and caspase inhibitors was also
      investigated. RESULTS: MPA was found to decrease the proliferation of UT-7 cells
      and erythropoiesis in murine bone marrow cells. This inhibition was associated
      with an increase in caspase-3 activity in the UT-7 cells. Inhibition was reversed
      in UT-7 cells and in murine bone marrow by guanosine, but not by caspase
      inhibitors. The apoptosis induced by MPA was also reversed by guanosine. UT-7
      cells treated with MPA showed a decreased inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase
      activity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MPA inhibits inosine-5'
      monophosphate dehydrogenase activity in erythroid cells and that this is a likely
      mechanism of action of anemia in MPA-treated patients.

PMID- 22075531
TI  - Amelioratory effects of testosterone propionate supplement on behavioral,
      biochemical and morphological parameters in aged rats.
AB  - Testosterone has been shown to affect motor behavior and nigrostriatal
      dopaminergic (NSDA) system in young and adult male rats. However, it is not known
      whether exogenous testosterone intervention to aged male rats can ameliorate age
      related motor impairment. Thus, in the present study, the open field motor
      behavior and adhesive tape removal motor performance as well as the expression of
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) of NSDA system were
      examined in aged male rats following chronic subcutaneous injections of
      testosterone propionate (TP). Aged rats showed significantly reduced open field
      motor behavior and adhesive tape removal motor performance compared to adult
      rats. Chronic TP supplement significantly ameliorated the age-related motor
      deficits. The expression of TH and DAT of NSDA system was significantly enhanced
      in TP-treated aged rats revealed by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry
      analysis respectively. The results imply that chronic TP treatment may favorably
      improve the declined motor behavior and motor performance with aging.
      Testosterone propionate supplement that facilitated NSDA system may influence the
      maintenance of motor behavior and performance in aged rats.

PMID- 22075532
TI  - Effect of fermented Panax ginseng extract (GINST) on oxidative stress and
      antioxidant activities in major organs of aged rats.
AB  - The intracellular levels of oxidant and antioxidant balances are gradually
      distorted during the aging process. An age associated elevation of oxidative
      stress occurring throughout the lifetime is hypothesized to be the major cause of
      aging. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the putative antioxidant
      activity of the fermented Panax ginseng extract (GINST) on lipid peroxidation and
      antioxidant status of major organs of aged rats compared to young rats. Increased
      levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea
      and creatinine were observed in the serum of aged rats. Increased levels of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly lowered activities of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione
      reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were observed in the liver,
      kidneys, heart and lungs of aged rats, when compared with those in young rats.
      Quantitative analysis of the non-enzymatic antioxidants such as reduced
      glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels showed significantly
      lower values in the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs of aged rats. On the other
      hand, administration of the fermented Panax ginseng extract (GINST) to aged rats
      resulted in increased activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GST as well as
      elevation in GSH, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels. Besides, the level
      of MDA, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine were reduced on administration of GINST to
      aged rats. These results suggested that treatment of GINST can improve the
      antioxidant status during aging, thereby minimizing the oxidative stress and
      occurrence of age-related disorders associated with free radicals.

PMID- 22075533
TI  - Behavioral effects of estradiol therapy in ovariectomized rats depend on the age
      when the treatment is initiated.
AB  - Clinical studies suggest that aging may affect the neural outcome of estrogen
      therapy in postmenopausal women. In this study we have assessed whether age
      influences the behavioral outcome of estradiol therapy in rats. Animals were
      ovariectomized at 2 or 20 months of age. Immediately after ovariectomy animals
      were treated for 10 weeks with estradiol valerate or vehicle. Estradiol therapy
      decreased body weight in both young and older rats compared to animals injected
      with vehicle. In contrast, estradiol treatment improved object recognition memory
      and decreased anxiety-like behavior in the circular open field of older but not
      young rats and decreased depressive-like behavior of young but not older animals.
      Thus, our findings indicate that age affects the outcome of estradiol therapy in
      the brain.

PMID- 22075534
TI  - Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles-carbon nitride nanotube hybrids for highly
      efficient peroxidase mimetic catalysts.
AB  - We report a facile route to synthesize size tunable Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (NPs)
      carbon nitride nanotube (CNNT) hybrids. These hybrids showing the water-soluble
      property are proven to exhibit ultra high peroxidase mimetic activity compared to
      those of pure NPs, where a colorless peroxidase substrate 3,3,5,5
      tetramethylbenzidine changes by H(2)O(2) to its blue colored oxidized state.

PMID- 22075535
TI  - Lung cancer and indoor radon exposure in the north of Portugal--an ecological
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indoor radon exposure is a well documented environmental factor as a
      leading cause of lung cancer. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the
      risk of lung cancer and estimate the number of deaths due to indoor radon
      exposure in the north of Portugal, between 1995 and 2004. METHODS: The sixth
      Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation Committee (BEIR VI) preferred models
      were applied to estimate the risk of developing lung cancer induced by indoor
      radon exposure, by age and level of exposure, and calculated the number of lung
      cancer deaths attributable to this exposure. Lung cancer mortality data were
      granted by the North Regional Health Administration and indoor radon
      concentrations resulted from a national survey conducted by the Portuguese
      Environmental Agency. The smoking habit was accounted with two methods. A
      submultiplicative interaction between smoking and indoor radon exposure was
      considered. RESULTS: Depending on the model applied and the method used to
      account for the smoking habit, the estimated number of lung cancer deaths
      attributed to indoor radon exposure, in northern Portugal, ranges from 1565 to
      2406, for the period between 1995 and 2004. This indicates that of the 8514 lung
      cancer deaths observed, from 18 to 28% could be associated with indoor radon
      exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study realized in Portugal on the
      impact of indoor radon exposure in lung cancer mortality. The application of the
      BEIR VI models led to a high number of lung cancer deaths due to indoor radon
      exposure.

PMID- 22075536
TI  - Evaluating the long-term effect of FOBT in colorectal cancer screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer screening has been effective in detecting tumors early before
      symptoms appear. However, the effectiveness of the regular fecal occult blood
      test (FOBT) in colorectal cancer in the long term has not been quantified.
      METHODS: We applied the statistical method developed by Wu and Rosner using data
      from the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study (MCCCS). All initially asymptomatic
      participants were classified into four mutually exclusive groups: true-early
      detection, no-early-detection, over-diagnosis, and symptom-free life; human
      lifetime was treated as a random variable and is subject to competing risks. All
      participants in the screening program will eventually fall into one of the four
      outcomes above. Predictive inferences on the percentages of the four outcomes for
      both genders were made using the Minnesota study data. RESULTS: Depending on
      gender, screening frequency and age at the initial screening, for all
      participants the probability of "symptom-free-life" varies between 95.3% and
      96.6%; the probability of "true-early-detection" is 1.9-3.8%; the probability of
      no-early-detection is 0.3-2.0%; the probability of over-diagnosis is 0.16-0.3%.
      Among those with colorectal cancer detected by regular FOBT, the probability of
      over-diagnosis is lower than expected and is between 6% and 9%, with 95% CI
      (2.5%, 21.3%) for females and (1.9%, 44.7%) for males. The probability of true
      early-detection increases as screening interval decreases. The probability of no
      early-detection decreases as screening interval decreases. CONCLUSION: The
      probability of over-diagnosis among the screen-detected cases is not as high as
      previously thought. We hope this outcome can provide valuable information on the
      effectiveness of the FOBT in colorectal cancer detection in the long term.

PMID- 22075537
TI  - Woman with persistent cough.

PMID- 22075538
TI  - Patients with CD36 deficiency are associated with enhanced atherosclerotic
      cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - AIM: The clustering of dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance and hypertension
      increases the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. A class B
      scavenger receptor, CD36, is a receptor for oxidized LDL and a transporter of
      long-chain fatty acids. Because of the impaired uptake of oxidized LDL in CD36
      deficient macrophages and from the results of CD36 knockout mice, CD36 deficiency
      (CD36-D) was supposed to be associated with reduced risks for coronary artery
      disease (CAD); however, CD36-D patients are often accompanied by a clustering of
      coronary risk factors. The current study aimed to investigate the morbidity and
      severity of cardiovascular diseases in CD36-D patients. METHODS: By screening for
      CD36 antigen on platelets and monocytes using FACS or the absent myocardial
      accumulation of 123I-BMIPP by scintigraphy, 40 patients with type I CD36-D were
      collected, the morbidity of CAD and their features of atherosclerotic
      cardiovascular diseases were observed. Screening for CD36-D in both CAD patients
      (n = 319) and healthy subjects (n = 1,239) were underwent. RESULTS: The morbidity
      of CAD was significantly higher in CD36-D patients than in the general
      population; 50% of patients (20 out of 40) had CAD identified by BMIPP
      scintigraphy and 37.5% (3 out of 8) by FACS screening, respectively. Three
      representative CD36-D cases demonstrated severe CAD and atherosclerosis. The
      frequency of CD36-D was three times higher in CAD patients than in healthy
      subjects (0.9% vs 0.3%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The morbidity of CAD is
      significantly higher in CD36-D patients suffering from severe atherosclerosis,
      implying that the status of CD36-D might be atherogenic.

PMID- 22075539
TI  - No association of diabetic duration or insulin use with the prognosis of critical
      limb ischemia after endovascular therapy.
AB  - AIM: To examine whether diabetic duration and insulin use are independently
      associated with the prognosis of critical limb ischemia (CLI) after endovascular
      therapy. METHODS: We recruited 312 Japanese patients who underwent endovascular
      therapy for CLI. The outcome measures were major amputation and mortality. Cox
      proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence
      of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 69%, and 47% of the DM population were treated with
      insulin. DM patients with insulin use had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.5 +/- 1.3%
      and diabetic duration of 21 +/- 11 years, whereas those without insulin use had
      HbA1c of 6.6 +/- 1.4% and diabetic duration of 19 +/- 11 years. Follow-up period
      was 93 +/- 72 weeks; 55 patients underwent major amputations and 102 died.
      Diabetic duration and insulin use had significant associations with major
      amputation in each univariate model, with an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95%
      confidence interval (CI) of 1.019 [1.000, 1.039] in one-year increments and 2.321
      [1.368, 3.938], respectively. In the multivariate model, however, diabetic
      duration and insulin use were not significantly associated with limb prognosis,
      as HbA1c level was, with an adjusted HR [95% CI] of 1.332 [1.114, 1.593] in 1%
      increment. Mortality had no statistical association with any of these DM-related
      variables. CONCLUSION: Diabetic duration and insulin use were not independent
      risk factors for the prognosis of CLI after endovascular therapy.

PMID- 22075540
TI  - Exposure to particulate matter and long-term risk of cardiovascular mortality in
      Japan: NIPPON DATA80.
AB  - AIM: It remains uncertain whether chronic exposure to particulate air pollution
      is associated with increased mortality in Japan because Japan has a different
      distribution pattern of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors compared to
      Western countries. We investigated the association between long-term exposure to
      particulate matter (PM) and cardiovascular mortality risk using a representative
      Japanese cohort. METHODS: A total of 7,250 participants aged 30 years and older
      from 232 districts throughout Japan were followed from 1980 to 2004. We linked
      the averaged annual concentrations of PM from 1985 to 2004 to each cohort
      participant who resided in the district at the time of the baseline survey. Study
      participants were divided into quintiles of average PM concentration. We applied
      the Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, blood
      pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, smoking categories, drinking
      categories, and the municipality population size. RESULTS: During follow-up,
      there were 1,716 deaths from all causes; 571 from cardiovascular disease, 116
      from coronary heart disease, and 250 from stroke. Hazard ratios were not
      different among the quintiles and those for trend per 10 ug/m3 increase in annual
      PM concentration were 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.04) for all-cause
      mortality and 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.00) for cardiovascular
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to PM was not associated with increased
      cardiovascular mortality risk in this population-based cohort in Japan.

PMID- 22075541
TI  - Proton pump inhibitors versus histamine-2-receptor antagonists for the management
      of iatrogenic gastric ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic
      submucosal dissection: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Both proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and histamine-2-receptor
      antagonist (H(2)RA) are considered to be effective for the treatment of
      iatrogenic gastric ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic
      submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to systematically evaluate the evidence
      comparing PPI and H(2)RA for iatrogenic ulcer. METHODS: Data from PubMed,
      Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched to identify eligible randomized
      trials. Outcome measures were delayed bleeding, epigastric pain and ulcer
      healing. RESULTS: Six full-text studies were identified including a total of 522
      patients. Pooled data suggested a significantly lower bleeding rate in the PPI
      group than in the H(2)RA group (odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.25-0.95). Subgroup analysis showed PPI was more effective in the
      prevention of bleeding than H(2)RA for ESD-induced ulcer (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20
      0.85) and 8-week duration of medication (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.76). There were
      no differences in the incidence of epigastric pain (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.53-1.51)
      and ulcer healing rate after endoscopic therapies between both groups.
      CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows PPI is superior to H(2)RA for the prevention
      of delayed bleeding without different effectiveness in the reduction of
      epigastric pain and in the promotion of ulcer healing after EMR or ESD.

PMID- 22075542
TI  - Retinoic acid induces two osteocalcin isoforms and inhibits markers of osteoclast
      activity in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) ex vivo cultured craniofacial tissues.
AB  - Nutritional status including vitamin A could explain some of the developmental
      deformities observed in cultivated teleosts, including Atlantic cod (Gadus
      morhua). In the present study we aimed to investigate the transcriptional effect
      of retinoic acid (RA) on bone related genes using Atlantic cod craniofacial
      explants tissue cultures. Two different osteoblast specific osteocalcin/bone gla
      protein isoforms were discovered in cod. Transcription of both isoforms was up
      regulated following RA treatment of 65 dph cod lower jaw explants. In contrast,
      transcripts coding for genes related to bone resorption and osteoclast activity,
      matrix metalloproteinase 9 and cathepsin K were down-regulated following RA
      treatment. This could be linked to the decreased transcriptional ratio between
      receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand rankl and osteoprotegerin
      observed in the same tissue samples. RA treatment of juvenile explants had no
      effect on runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix mRNA levels. However,
      osterix was significantly down-regulated in 25 dph cod head explants following RA
      treatment. In situ hybridizations revealed differential spatial distribution of
      the two isoforms and the predominant expression of cathepsin K in bone
      surrounding tissues. The present study indicates that RA causes a shift in the
      balance between osteoclast activity and osteoblast activity in favor of the
      latter.

PMID- 22075543
TI  - Clinical factors associated with malignancy and HIV status in patients with
      ocular surface squamous neoplasia at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre,
      Tanzania.
AB  - AIMS: To describe the clinical characteristics of ocular surface squamous
      neoplasia (OSSN) in a sub-Saharan referral hospital setting according to
      histopathological diagnosis and HIV status. METHODS: All patients were enrolled
      who presented consecutively to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College eye
      department with lesions suspected to be OSSN from September 2005 to May 2007 and
      from February 2008 to September 2008. Clinical characteristics were documented on
      a standardised form, excision biopsies were performed and histopathological
      diagnosis was obtained on all cases. Data were analysed to look for associations
      among various factors. RESULTS: 150 patients were enrolled. Histopathological
      study showed OSSN in 88% of cases. Of these, 128 (85.6%) were under the age of 50
      years and 60% were HIV positive. The median CD4 cell count was 71 cells/MUl among
      HIV-positive cases. Independent of size, the lesions of patients who were HIV
      positive were more likely to be higher grade malignancy than those who were HIV
      negative. CONCLUSION: In a sub-Saharan setting, OSSN occurs in persons who are
      younger than in industrialised countries and is often associated with HIV
      positivity. CD4 cell counts indicate that a majority of HIV-positive patients
      with OSSN are significantly immunosuppressed at presentation. Higher grade
      malignancy in this group could indicate a more aggressive course.

PMID- 22075545
TI  - Atrial fibrillation (chronic).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia
      characterised by the presence of fast and uncoordinated atrial activation leading
      to reduced atrial mechanical function. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation
      include increasing age, male sex, co-existing cardiac and thyroid disease,
      pyrexial illness, electrolyte imbalance, cancer, and co-existing infection.
      METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the
      following clinical questions: What are the effects of oral medical treatments to
      control heart rate in people with chronic (defined as longer than 1 week for this
      review) non-valvular atrial fibrillation? What is the effect of different
      treatment strategies (rate versus rhythm) for people with persistent non-valvular
      atrial fibrillation? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and
      other important databases up to June 2011 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated
      periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this
      review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food
      and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products
      Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS: We found 23 systematic reviews, RCTs, or
      observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE
      evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety
      of the following interventions: beta-blockers (with or without digoxin), calcium
      channel blockers (with or without digoxin), calcium channel blockers (rate
      limiting), digoxin, and rate versus rhythm control strategies.

PMID- 22075544
TI  - Kidney stones.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The age of peak incidence for stone disease is 20 to 40 years,
      although stones are seen in all age groups. There is a male to female ratio of
      3:2. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer
      the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions for stone
      removal in people with asymptomatic kidney stones? What are the effects of
      interventions for the removal of symptomatic renal stones? What are the effects
      of interventions to remove symptomatic ureteric stones? What are the effects of
      interventions for the management of acute renal colic? We searched: Medline,
      Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2011
      (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for
      the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from
      relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the
      UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS: We found
      21 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion
      criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for
      interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, we present information
      relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions:
      antispasmodic drugs, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, intravenous fluids,
      non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, oral fluids,
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy.

PMID- 22075546
TI  - Silylation products of cyclic tri-aminal carbanions and their lithiation.
AB  - The structure of 1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-triaza-cyclohexane (TMTAC) was determined
      by single crystal X-ray diffraction and compared with earlier gas-phase data. It
      shows a preference for an aee-conformation in all phases. Lithiated TMTAC,
      [(RLi)(2).(RH)] (1) (R = 2,4,6-trimethyl-2,4,6-triaza-cyclohex-1-yl), was reacted
      with Et(3)SiCl, Ph(3)SiCl and PhMe(2)SiCl to afford the substituted silanes
      Et(3)SiR (1), Ph(3)SiR (2) and PhMe(2)SiR (3) in moderate yields. They were
      characterised by NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, (29)Si). 1 reacts with
      Me(2)SiCl(2) and Ph(2)SiCl(2) to give Me(2)SiR(2) (5) and Ph(2)SiR(2) (6) which
      were characterised by NMR spectroscopy. 5 was also identified by crystal
      structure determination. Analogous triple substitution could not be observed by
      employing trichlorosilanes. Quantumchemical calculations explain this by sterical
      overcrowding of the silicon atom. The reaction of 1 with SiCl(4) did not yield
      fourfold substitution but a formal insertion product of SiCl(2) into a C-N bond
      of the TMTAC ring (2,4,6-trimethyl-2,4,6-triaza-1,1-dichloro-1-sila-cycloheptane,
      7) in very small quantities. It was identified by X-ray crystallography and shows
      an intramolecular Si...N dative bond. The reactions of (3) and (5) with n-butyl
      lithium afforded lithiation of the silicon bound methyl groups in both cases. The
      products, 8 and 9, were characterised by NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, (29)Si),
      8 was also characterised by X-ray crystallography.

PMID- 22075547
TI  - A proteomic analysis of differential cellular responses to the short-chain fatty
      acids butyrate, valerate and propionate in colon epithelial cancer cells.
AB  - The short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are inhibitors of histone deacetylases
      (HDACi); they are produced naturally in the colon by fermentation. They affect
      cellular processes at a molecular and transcriptional level, the mechanisms of
      which may involve large numbers of proteins and integrated pathways. Butyrate is
      the most biologically potent of the SCFAs in colon epithelial cells, inhibiting
      human colon carcinoma cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in vitro. In
      order to investigate the hypothesis that propionate and valerate possess unique
      and independent actions from butyrate, we combined proteomic and cellomic
      approaches for large-scale comparative analysis. Proteomic evaluation was
      undertaken using an iTRAQ tandem mass-spectrometry workflow and high-throughput
      High-content Analysis microscopy (HCA) was applied to generate cellomic
      information on the cell cycle and the cytoskeletal structure. Our results show
      that these SCFAs possess specific effects. Butyrate was shown to have more
      pronounced effects on the keratins and intermediate filaments (IFs); while
      valerate altered the beta-tubulin isotypes' expression and the microtubules
      (MTs); propionate was involved in both mechanisms, displaying intermediate
      effects. These data suggest distinct physiological roles for SCFAs in colon
      epithelial function, offering new possibilities for cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 22075548
TI  - The probability distribution of ranked gene trees on a species tree.
AB  - The properties of random gene tree topologies have recently been studied under a
      coalescent model that treats a species tree as a fixed parameter. Here we develop
      the analogous theory for random ranked gene tree topologies, in which both the
      topology and the sequence of coalescences for a random gene tree are considered.
      We derive the probability distribution of ranked gene tree topologies conditional
      on a fixed species tree. We then show that similar to the unranked case, ranked
      gene trees that do not match either the ranking or the topology of the species
      tree can have greater probability than the matching ranked gene tree.

PMID- 22075549
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of tacrolimus in healthy Chinese
      volunteers.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to establish population pharmacokinetic models of
      tacrolimus in healthy Chinese volunteers. METHODS: A total of 956 tacrolimus
      whole blood concentrations from 73 healthy volunteers were determined using
      ultraperformance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry.
      Population pharmacokinetic analyses were performed using NONMEM. The final
      population pharmacokinetic models were validated with bootstrap and visual
      predictive check. A number of covariates were analyzed, including CYP3A5 and
      ABCB1 polymorphism, demographic characteristics and hematological and biological
      indices. RESULTS: The structural model was a two-compartment model with first
      order absorption, and a lag time was fitted to the data. The typical population
      values of tacrolimus for the pharmacokinetic parameters of apparent clearance
      (CL/F), apparent distribution volume of the central compartment (V(2)/F),
      intercompartmental clearance (Q/F), apparent distribution volume of the
      peripheral compartment (V(3)/F), absorption rate (ka) and lag time (ALAG) were
      27.7 l/h, 37.5 liters, 34.4 l/h, 357 liters, 0.795 h(-1) and 0.226 h,
      respectively. The interindividual variabilities of these parameters were 63.3,
      62.0, 50.8, 52.3, 32.9 and 4.45%, respectively, and the intraindividual
      variability of observed concentrations was 14.9%. The covariates that were
      retained in the final models were CYP3A5 genotype on CL/F, and body surface area
      and red blood count on V(3)/F. CONCLUSION: Population pharmacokinetic models of
      tacrolimus were developed in healthy volunteers. These results could provide a
      reference for individualized tacrolimus therapy in the clinical setting.

PMID- 22075550
TI  - The health sector reforms and the efficiency of public hospitals in Turkey:
      provincial markets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Turkey initiated the 'Health Transformation Programme' (HTP) in 2003
      to align its health care system with the European Union and OECD countries. This
      study investigates the impact of these reforms on the efficiency of public
      hospitals. Our study would contribute to the existing literature with a
      comprehensive analysis of the health system in a developing country. METHODS: We
      employ the data envelopment approach and the Malmquist index to comparatively
      examine before and after the reform years. Our analyses compare the performances
      of public hospitals served in provincial markets. Inputs of number of beds,
      number of primary care physician, and number of specialists, and how they are
      used to produce outputs of inpatient discharges, outpatient visits and surgical
      operations are investigated. Indeed, as the performance indicators dead rate,
      hospital bed occupation rate and average length of stay are considered. RESULTS:
      The HTP was generally successful in boosting productivity due to advancements in
      technology and technical efficiency but in the socio-economically disadvantaged
      provinces productivity gains have not been achieved. The average technical
      efficiency gains took place because of the significantly improved scale
      efficiencies, as the average pure technical efficiency slightly improved. Lastly,
      the hospital performance indicators have not improved in the short run.
      CONCLUSION: It appears that the expected benefits from the health reforms in
      Turkey have been partially achieved in the short run.

PMID- 22075551
TI  - Zoledronic acid modulates maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells.
AB  - Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a drug of the bisphosphonate class, which is widely used
      for the treatment of both osteoporosis and skeletal metastasis. Besides its main
      bone antiresorptive activity, ZA displays antitumor properties, by triggering the
      expansion and activation of gammadelta T-cells, which exert an antitumor effect
      through dendritic cells (DCs). Several studies have reported the interaction
      between ZA and gammadelta T-cells, but the potential immunoregulatory activity of
      this drug on DCs has scarcely been investigated. Therefore, in this paper, we
      evaluated the effects of a therapeutic dose of ZA on the in vitro generation and
      maturation of DCs derived from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy adult
      donors. We demonstrate that ZA treatment did not affect DC differentiation, but
      inhibited DC maturation on lipopolysaccharide activation, as shown by the
      impaired expression of maturation surface markers and reduced ability to induce
      allogeneic T-cell proliferation. Interestingly, IL-10 secretion by mature DCs was
      significantly lower in ZA-treated cells than in controls. We conclude that ZA
      exerts its immunological in vitro activity also by modulating the maturation of
      DCs.

PMID- 22075552
TI  - Diet-induced obesity suppresses sevoflurane preconditioning against myocardial
      ischemia-reperfusion injury: role of AMP-activated protein kinase pathway.
AB  - Obesity is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, but its impact on
      anesthetic-induced cardioprotective actions is unexplored. We tested whether
      obesity inhibits anesthetic sevoflurane-induced preconditioning and whether this
      effect is mediated via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway.
      Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat (HF, 45% kcal as fat) or low-fat (LF, 10%
      kcal as fat) diet for 12 weeks. HF-fed rats developed metabolic disturbances
      including visceral obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and dyslipidemia.
      HF- or LF-fed rats subjected to 25 min of myocardial ischemia followed by 120 min
      of reperfusion were assigned to the following groups: control, sevoflurane
      preconditioning, sevoflurane plus AMPK inhibitor ara-A or AMPK activator A769662
      alone. Infarct size was similar between the two control groups. Sevoflurane
      preconditioning significantly reduced infarct size in LF-fed rats but failed to
      induce cardioprotection in HF-fed rats. Phosphorylation of AMPK and endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase, as well as myocardial nitrite and nitrate, were also
      increased by sevoflurane preconditioning in LF-fed rats but not in HF-fed rats.
      Pretreatment with ara-A inhibited phosphorylation of AMPK and reversed
      sevoflurane preconditioning-induced cardioprotection in LF-fed rats, whereas it
      had no effects in HF-fed rats. In addition, sevoflurane preconditioning failed to
      enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the myocardium of HF-fed rats
      compared with LF-fed rats. Direct activation of AMPK with A769662 equally
      increased phosphorylation of AMPK and reduced infarct size in both LF- and HF-fed
      rats. The results suggest that diet-induced obesity suppresses sevoflurane
      preconditioning-induced cardioprotective action, probably due to a diminished
      effect of sevoflurane preconditioning on activation of the ROS-mediated AMPK
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 22075553
TI  - Implantation of biomaterial as an efficient method to harvest mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - Autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplants have been used successfully to
      treat a number of diseases, and patients undergoing cell transplantation must
      have stem cells collected before transplantation. In this study, we developed a
      new method to harvest MSCs. Biomaterials were implanted into the spatium
      intermuscular of mice hind limbs, and a large number of migrating cells (MCs)
      were isolated from the transplanted biomaterials. The adherent cells in MCs
      showed the characteristics of MSCs. Further comparative study demonstrated that
      the characteristics of MC-MSCs were similar to that of bone marrow (BM)-MSCs,
      including morphology, phenotype, proliferation potential, multilineage
      differentiation capacity and hematopoiesis-supportive function. The colony
      forming unit-fibroblast frequency of the MCs was equivalent to approximately 20
      fold of that of the BM. In addition, a BM transplantation experiment demonstrated
      that MC-MSCs were derived from the peripheral blood. In conclusion, we
      successfully establish an efficient method to harvest MSCs, and together with the
      distinct advantages of this method, such as accessibility and possibility for
      autologous cell therapy, we conclude that our efficient method may be a promising
      alternative for clinical application.

PMID- 22075554
TI  - Hsp40 regulates the amount of keratin proteins via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway
      in cultured human cells.
AB  - Keratins represent important structural components of intermediate filament
      proteins. Their expression profiles are remarkably tissue-specific. Recent data
      have shown that keratins associate with many proteins including heat shock
      proteins (HSP). We recently identified cell-specific keratin and HSP expression.
      We aimed to gain further insight into the regulation of keratins by specific
      inhibition through knockdown of Hsp40 in human keratinocyte cells. Keratin-HSP
      interaction in HaCaT cell lysate was evaluated by immunoprecipitation followed by
      Western blotting. Immunofluorescence, was used to examine the co-localization of
      keratins and Hsp40. Hsp40 depletion led to an increase in the levels of keratin
      proteins (K5, K14, K10) and a decrease in keratin ubiquitination without
      influencing keratin gene expression. Our results demonstrate direct or indirectly
      association of Hsp40 and imply that expressed keratin proteins were regulated by
      Hsp40 depending on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in HaCaT. Furthermore, the
      K10 differentiation marker was increased by knockdown of Hsp40. The results
      presented in this study indicate that Hsp40 is related to the differentiation
      exchange of keratin pairs.

PMID- 22075555
TI  - Genetically modified T cells targeting interleukin-11 receptor alpha-chain kill
      human osteosarcoma cells and induce the regression of established osteosarcoma
      lung metastases.
AB  - The treatment of osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases remains a challenge. T cells
      genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), which
      recognizes a tumor-associated antigen, have shown activity against hematopoietic
      malignancies in clinical trials, but this requires the identification of a
      specific receptor on the tumor cell. In the current study, we found that
      interleukin (IL)-11Ralpha was selectively expressed on 14 of 16 osteosarcoma
      patients' lung metastases and four different human osteosarcoma cell lines,
      indicating that IL-11Ralpha may be a novel target for CAR-specific T-cell
      therapy. IL-11Ralpha expression was absent or low in normal organ tissues, with
      the exception of the gastrointestinal tract. IL-11Ralpha-CAR-specific T cells
      were obtained by non-viral gene transfer of Sleeping Beauty DNA plasmids and
      selectively expanded ex vivo using artificial antigen-presenting cells derived
      from IL-11Ralpha + K562 cells genetically modified to coexpress T-cell
      costimulatory molecules. IL-11Ralpha-CAR(+) T cells killed all four osteosarcoma
      cell lines in vitro; cytotoxicity correlated with the level of IL-11Ralpha
      expression on the tumor cells. Intravenous injection of IL-11Ralpha-CAR(+) T
      cells into mice resulted in the regression of osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases
      with no organ toxicity. Together, the data suggest that IL-11Ralpha-CAR T cells
      may represent a new therapy for patients with osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases.

PMID- 22075556
TI  - AKT inhibition by triciribine alone or as combination therapy for growth control
      of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - Up-regulation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling facilitates
      tumor cell growth and inhibits cell demise. The AKT-pathway also plays an
      important role in cytostatic therapy resistance and response to hypoxia and
      angiogenesis. Using real-time cell proliferation assay we examined the potency of
      triciribine in three distinct neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumor cell lines.
      Also we investigated triciribine's induction of apoptosis and effects on a broad
      range of cancer-associated gene products. Furthermore, we characterized the role
      of PTEN as a possible predictor of sensitivity to triciribine in GEP-NETs. We
      also looked for additive anti-neoplastic effects of triciribine when combined
      with conventional cytostatic drugs or other targeted drugs, affecting different
      molecules of the PI3K-AKT-pathway and we assessed the potency of triciribine to
      inhibit tumor growth in vivo, by using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay.
      Treatment of insulinoma (CM) or gut neuroendocrine tumor cells (STC-1) with
      triciribine significantly reduced tumor cell growth by 59% and 65%, respectively.
      By contrast, the highly expressing PTEN carcinoid cell line BON did not respond,
      even at higher doses. Combinations of triciribine with classic cytostatic drugs
      as well as drugs targeting other molecules of the PI3K-AKT-pathway led to
      synergistic anti-proliferative effects. Additional in vivo-evaluations confirmed
      the anti-neoplastic potency of triciribine. Thus, our data show that inhibition
      the AKT-pathway potently reduces the growth of GEP-NET cells alone or in
      combination therapies. AKT inhibition may provide a rationale for future
      evaluations.

PMID- 22075557
TI  - Role of hypoxia-inducible-1alpha in hepatocellular carcinoma cells using a Tet-on
      inducible system to regulate its expression in vitro.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) expression was intimately correlated with
      apoptosis and proliferation of cancer cells. However, conclusions of different
      studies on the effects of HIF-1alpha expression on cell apoptosis and cell
      proliferation of hepatoma cells remain controversial. In view of the current
      status, we reassess its roles and possible mechanism in hepatoma cells. In order
      to acquire more convincing and reliable results, we used a Tet-on system to
      stably and effectively regulate HIF-1alpha expression in the HepG2 cells in
      vitro. In our study we not only confirmed some common conclusions of previous
      studies, but also acquired some different and significant results that HIF-1alpha
      facilitates cell proliferation and cell cycle through influencing the expression
      of cyclin A and cyclin D, and suppresses cell apoptosis through inducing the
      expression of survivin and Bcl-2. These results further enrich our knowledge on
      the role of HIF-1alpha expression on cell apoptosis and cell proliferation of
      hepatoma cells.

PMID- 22075558
TI  - Seasonal changes in immunoreactivity of activin signaling component proteins in
      wild ground squirrel testes.
AB  - The seasonal spermatogenesis and localization of inhibin/activin subunits (alpha,
      betaA, betaB) in the testes of wild ground squirrel has been previously
      described; however, the expression pattern of activin receptors and cytoplasmic
      signaling SMADs has not been detected in any seasonal breeders. The objective of
      this study was to investigate the abundance and cellular localization of activin
      signaling components in testes of the wild ground squirrel during the breeding
      and nonbreeding seasons. The immunolocalizations of ActRIIB (activin type II
      receptor B) and activin-related SMADs (phospho-SMAD2/3, SMAD4 and SMAD7) were
      observed by immunohistochemistry. Total proteins were extracted from testicular
      tissues in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons and were used for Western
      blotting analysis for ActRIIB and SMADs. Immunoreactivities of activin signaling
      components were greater in the testes of the breeding season, and then decreased
      to a relatively low level in the nonbreeding season. ActRIIB and related SMADs
      were widely spread in the active testes, while spermatogonia were the predominant
      cellular sites of activin signal transduction during arrested spermatogenesis.
      The dynamic regulation of activin type II receptor and SMADs indicated that the
      activin signal pathway played an important paracrine role in seasonal
      spermatogenesis of the wild ground squirrel. Furthermore, the distinct
      localizations and immunoreactivity of ActRIIB and SMADs might suggest different
      functions of activin in seasonal spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22075559
TI  - Normal calves produced after transfer of embryos cultured in a chemically defined
      medium supplemented with epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor I
      following ovum pick up and in vitro fertilization in Japanese black cows.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine whether high concentrations of
      epidermal growth factor (EGF) and/or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) would
      have a beneficial effect on bovine embryo development in vitro and to obtain
      normal calves by using an ovum pick up method and embryo culture in a chemically
      defined medium. When compared with controls, EGF (100 or 200 ng/ml) or IGF-I (50
      or 100 ng/ml) significantly increased the rate of embryos that developed into
      blastocysts during an 8-day culture after the in vitro fertilization of oocytes
      obtained from ovaries from a slaughterhouse. IGF-I induced a dose-dependent
      increase in cell number in both the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm,
      whereas EGF stimulated proliferation only in the inner cell mass. A combination
      of EGF (100 ng/ml) and IGF-I (50 ng/ml) produced an additive effect, and embryos
      developed into blastocysts at a comparatively high rate (27.9%) compared with
      controls (12.0%). A similar rate of development was achieved using a combination
      of EGF and IGF-I in the culture of embryos following ovum pick up by ultrasound
      guided transvaginal follicular aspiration and in vitro fertilization, and 5
      blastocysts that developed after the culture were transferred into uteri; two
      embryos implanted, and normal calves were born. These results suggest that the
      combined use of EGF and IGF-I makes bovine embryo culture in a chemically defined
      medium a practical and useful procedure for producing blastocysts, and its
      application to embryo culture following ovum pick up and in vitro fertilization
      could be useful for producing normal calves.

PMID- 22075560
TI  - The secretory pattern and source of immunoreactive prolactin in pregnant African
      (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to define the secretion of prolactin (PRL)
      in pregnant African and Asian elephants. Levels of immunoreactive (ir-) PRL in
      serum and placental homogenates were measured by a heterologous radioimmunoassay
      (RIA) based on an ovine and human RIA system, and the localization of ir-PRL in
      the placenta was detected by immunohistochemistry using anti-human PRL.
      Circulating ir-PRL clearly showed a biphasic pattern during pregnancy in African
      and Asian elephants. Serum levels of ir-PRL started to increase from the 4 - 6th
      month of gestation and reached the first peak level around the 11-14th month. A
      second peak of circulating ir-PRL levels was observed around the 18-20th month of
      gestation followed by an abrupt decline after parturition. In contrast, in a case
      of abortion of an African elephant, the second peak of ir-PRL was not observed,
      and the levels remained low for about four months until parturition. The weight
      of the fetus delivered at the 17th month of gestation was 23.5 kg, which was
      quite small compared with normal fetuses in previous reports. Ir-PRL was detected
      in placental homogenates, and immunolocalization was observed in trophoblasts in
      both the African and Asian elephants, indicating that the placenta is the source
      of ir-PRL during pregnancy in elephants. The present results clearly demonstrated
      that circulating ir-PRL shows a biphasic pattern during normal pregnancy and that
      the placenta appears to be an important source of circulating ir-PRL during
      pregnancy in both African and Asian elephants.

PMID- 22075561
TI  - Double Sigmoid colon perforation due to migration of a biliary stent.
AB  - Migration of pancreatico-biliary stents is a rare event, usually benign, but
      which can lead to severe complications such as digestive tube perforation. We
      report the case of a patient with double sigmoid perforation due to distal
      migration of a biliary stent placed to decompress a pancreatic head carcinoma.

PMID- 22075562
TI  - Damage control laparotomy.

PMID- 22075563
TI  - Probing the oligomeric state and interaction surfaces of Fukutin-I in
      dilauroylphosphatidylcholine bilayers.
AB  - Fukutin-I is localised to the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus within the
      cell, where it is believed to function as a glycosyltransferase. Its localisation
      within the cell is thought to to be mediated by the interaction of its N-terminal
      transmembrane domain with the lipid bilayers surrounding these compartments, each
      of which possesses a distinctive lipid composition. However, it remains unclear
      at the molecular level how the interaction between the transmembrane domains of
      this protein and the surrounding lipid bilayer drives its retention within these
      compartments. In this work, we employed chemical cross-linking and fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer measurements in conjunction with multiscale molecular
      dynamics simulations to determine the oligomeric state of the protein within
      dilauroylphosphatidylcholine bilayers to identify interactions between the
      transmembrane domains and to ascertain any role these interactions may play in
      protein localisation. Our studies reveal that the N-terminal transmembrane domain
      of Fukutin-I exists as dimer within dilauroylphosphatidylcholine bilayers and
      that this interaction is driven by interactions between a characteristic TXXSS
      motif. Furthermore residues close to the N-terminus that have previously been
      shown to play a key role in the clustering of lipids are shown to also play a
      major role in anchoring the protein in the membrane.

PMID- 22075564
TI  - Double and triple in situ hybridization for coexpression studies: combined
      fluorescent and chromogenic detection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and serotonin
      receptor subtype mRNAs expressed at different abundance levels.
AB  - Multiple fluorescence in situ hybridization is the method of choice for studies
      aimed at determining simultaneous production of signal transduction molecules and
      neuromodulators in neurons. In our analyses of the monoamine receptor mRNA
      expression of peptidergic neurons in the rat telencephalon, double tyramide
      signal-amplified fluorescence in situ hybridization delivered satisfactory
      results for coexpression analysis of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and serotonin receptor
      2C (5-HT2C) mRNA, a receptor subtype expressed at high-to-moderate abundance in
      the regions analyzed. However, expression of 5-HT1A mRNA, which is expressed at
      comparatively low abundance in many telencephalic areas, could not be
      unequivocally identified in NPY mRNA-reactive neurons due to high background and
      poor signal-to-noise ratio in fluorescent receptor mRNA detections. Parallel
      chromogenic in situ hybridization provided clear labeling for 5-HT1A mRNA and
      additionally offered the possibility to monitor the chromogen deposition at
      regular time intervals to determine the optimal signal-to-noise ratio. We first
      developed a double labeling protocol combining fluorescence and chromogenic in
      situ hybridization and subsequently expanded this variation to combine double
      fluorescence and chromogenic in situ hybridization for triple labelings. With
      this method, we documented expression of 5-HT2C and/or 5-HT1A in subpopulations
      of telencephalic NPY-producing neurons. The method developed in the present study
      appears suitable for conventional light and fluorescence microscopy, combines
      advantages of fluorescence and chromogenic in situ hybridization protocols and
      thus provides a reliable non-radioactive alternative to previously published
      multiple labeling methods for coexpression analyses in which one mRNA species
      requires highly sensitive detection.

PMID- 22075565
TI  - Differential vascular expression and regulation of oncofetal tenascin-C and
      fibronectin variants in renal cell carcinoma (RCC): implications for an
      individualized angiogenesis-related targeted drug delivery.
AB  - The study was aimed at determining the vascular expression of oncofetal
      fibronectin (oncfFn) and tenascin-C (oncfTn-C) isoforms in renal cell carcinoma
      (RCC) and its metastases which are well-known targets for antibody-based
      pharmacodelivery. Furthermore, the influence of tumour cells on endothelial mRNA
      expression of these molecules was investigated. Evaluation of vascular ED-A(+)
      and ED-B(+) Fn as well as A1(+) and C(+) Tn-C was performed after
      immunofluorescence double and triple staining using human recombinant antibodies
      on clear cell, papillary and chromophobe primary RCC and metastases. The
      influence of hypoxic RCC-conditioned medium on oncfFn and oncfTn-C mRNA
      expression was examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by real
      time RT-PCR. There are RCC subtype specific expression profiles of vascular
      oncfFn and oncfTn-C and corresponding patterns when comparing primary tumours and
      metastases. Within one tumour, there are different vessel populations with regard
      to the incorporation of oncfTn-C and oncfFn into the vessel wall. In vitro tumour
      derived soluble mediators induce an up regulation of oncfTn-C and oncfFn mRNA in
      HUVEC which can be blocked by Avastin((r)). Vascular expression of oncFn and
      oncTn-C variants depends on RCC subtype and may reflect an individual tumour
      stroma interaction or different stages of vessel development. Therefore, oncFn or
      oncTn-C variants can be suggested as molecular targets for individualized
      antibody based therapy strategies in RCC. Tumour-derived VEGF could be shown to
      regulate target expression.

PMID- 22075566
TI  - Identification of SAMT family proteins as substrates of MARCH11 in mouse
      spermatids.
AB  - MARCH11, a RING-finger transmembrane ubiquitin ligase, is predominantly expressed
      in spermatids and localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and multivesicular
      bodies (MVBs). Because ubiquitination acts as a sorting signal of cargo proteins,
      MARCH11 has been postulated to mediate selective protein sorting via the TGN-MVB
      pathway. However, the physiological substrate of MARCH11 has not been identified.
      In this study, we have identified and characterized SAMT1, a member of a novel 4
      transmembrane protein family, which consists of four members. Samt1 mRNA and its
      expression product were found to be specific to the testis and were first
      detected in germ cells 25 days after birth in mice. Immunohistochemical analysis
      further revealed that SAMT1 was specifically expressed in haploid spermatids
      during the cap and acrosome phases. Confocal microscopic analysis showed that
      SAMT1 co-localized with MARCH11 as well as with fucose-containing glycoproteins,
      another TGN/MVB marker, and LAPM2, a late endosome/lysosome marker. Furthermore,
      we found that MARCH11 could increase the ubiquitination of SAMT1 and enhance its
      lysosomal delivery and degradation in an E3 ligase activity-dependent manner. In
      addition, the C-terminal region of SAMT1 was indispensable for its ubiquitination
      and proper localization. The other member proteins of the SAMT family also showed
      similar expression profile, intracellular localization, and biochemical
      properties, including ubiquitination by MARCH11. These results suggest that SAMT
      family proteins are physiological substrates of MARCH11 and are delivered to
      lysosomes through the TGN-MVB pathway by a ubiquitin-dependent sorting system in
      mouse spermatids.

PMID- 22075567
TI  - Eosinophilic esophagitis: from a sneaking suspicion to a clear diagnosis.

PMID- 22075568
TI  - Metal to ligand charge transfer induced DNA photobinding in a Ru(II)-Pt(II)
      supramolecule using red light in the therapeutic window: a new mechanism for DNA
      modification.
AB  - The Ru(II)-Pt(II) supramolecular complex, [(Ph(2)phen)(2)Ru(dpp)PtCl(2)](2+),
      displays a new mechanism for DNA modification: photobinding through a (3)MLCT
      excited state. Gel shift analysis, selective DNA precipitation, and DNA melting
      point experiments support efficient covalent DNA binding following visible light
      excitation.

PMID- 22075569
TI  - Association of RIP2 gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus in a
      Chinese population.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the association of receptor interacting
      protein 2 (RIP2) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Chinese population. A case-control study
      was performed on the SNPs rs16900617 and rs16900627 in 590 Chinese SLE patients
      and 660 healthy controls. These SNPs were typed by TaqMan allele discrimination
      assays. We found a significant association of rs16900617 G allele [odds ratio
      (OR) = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-0.72] and rs16900627 G allele (OR
      = 1.28, 95% CI 1.04-1.58) with SLE. Significant differences in genotype frequency
      distribution were also found in SLE and control individuals (rs16900617: AG
      versus AA, OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.81; GG versus AA, OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01
      0.65; AG + GG versus AA, OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.75; rs16900627: AG versus AA,
      OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.17-1.93; AG + GG versus AA, OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.82).
      Analysis of the haplotypes revealed that two haplotypes of AG and GA were also
      significantly associated with SLE (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.11-1.70; OR = 0.60, 95% CI
      0.45-0.79). Our findings suggest that the RIP2 gene polymorphisms may be
      associated with susceptibility to SLE in the Chinese population.

PMID- 22075570
TI  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in national parks, nature reserves and protected
      areas worldwide: a strategic perspective for their in situ conservation.
AB  - Soil fungi play a crucial role in producing fundamental ecosystem services such
      as soil fertility, formation and maintenance, nutrient cycling and plant
      community dynamics. However, they have received little attention in the field of
      conservation biology. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial soil
      symbionts fulfilling a key function in the complex networks of
      belowground/aboveground biotic interactions as they live in association with the
      roots of most (80%) land plant families and influence not only soil fertility but
      also plant nutrition, diversity and productivity. The diversity of AMF
      communities can decline due to habitat loss and anthropogenic disturbance,
      especially in agro-ecosystems, and many valuable ecotypes could become extinct
      before they are even discovered. Consequently, long-term strategies are urgently
      needed to ensure their conservation in habitats where they naturally occur and
      have evolved. Protected areas, where living organisms are under the care of
      national and international authorities, represent an appropriate place for the in
      situ conservation of AMF, providing them with adapted situations together with
      established complex networks of interactions with different components within
      each specific ecosystem. Here, we review data available about the main present
      day threats to AMF and the current state of knowledge about their occurrence in
      protected sites worldwide, providing a checklist of national parks and nature
      reserves where they have been reported. The aim was to offer a strategic
      perspective to increase awareness of the importance of conserving these
      beneficial plant symbionts and of preserving their biodiversity in the years to
      come.

PMID- 22075571
TI  - Succinobucol's new coat--conjugation with steroids to alter its drug effect and
      bioavailability.
AB  - Synthesis, detailed structural characterization (X-ray, NMR, MS, IR,  elemental
      analysis), and studies of toxicity, antioxidant activity and  bioavailability of
      unique potent anti-atherosclerotic  succinobucol-steroid conjugates are reported.
      The conjugates consist of,  on one side, the therapeutically important drug
      succinobucol  ([4-{2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-[(1-{[3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-(propan-2
      yl)phenyl]sulfanyl}ethyl)sulfanyl]phenoxy}-4-oxo-butanoic  acid]) possessing an
      antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and on  the other side, plant
      stanol/sterols (stigmastanol, beta-sitosterol and  stigmasterol) possessing an
      ability to lower the blood cholesterol  level. A cholesterol-succinobucol prodrug
      was also prepared in order to  enhance the absorption of succinobucol through the
      intestinal membrane  into the organism and to target the drug into the place of
      lipid  metabolism-The enterohepatic circulation system. Their low toxicity 
      towards mice fibroblasts at maximal concentrations, their antioxidant  activity,
      comparable or even higher than that of ascorbic acid as  determined by direct
      quenching of the DPPH radical, and their potential  for significantly altering
      total and LDL cholesterol levels, suggest  that these conjugates merit further
      studies in the treatment of  cardiovascular or other related diseases. A brief
      discussion of  succinobucol's ability to quench the radicals, supported with a 
      computational model of the electrostatic potential mapped on the  electron
      density surface of the drug, is also presented.

PMID- 22075572
TI  - Indatraline: synthesis and effect on the motor activity of Wistar rats.
AB  - A new approach for the synthesis of indatraline was developed using as the key
      step an iodine(III)-mediated ring contraction of a 1,2-dihydronaphthalene
      derivative. Behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of indatraline
      and of its precursor indanamide on the motor activity of Wistar rats. Specific
      indexes for ambulation, raising and stereotypy were computed one, two and three
      hours after i.p. drug administration. Indatraline effects on motor activity
      lasted for at least three hours. On the other hand, no significant differences in
      motor activity were observed using indanamide. The results suggest that
      indatraline has a long lasting effect on motor activity and add evidence in favor
      of the potential use of that compound as a substitute in cocaine addiction.

PMID- 22075573
TI  - Antioxidant activity and total phenols from the methanolic extract of Miconia
      albicans (Sw.) Triana leaves.
AB  - Miconia is one of the largest genus of the Melastomataceae, with approximately
      1,000 species. Studies aiming to describe the diverse biological activities of
      the Miconia species have shown promising results, such as analgesic,
      antimicrobial and trypanocidal properties. M. albicans leaves were dried,
      powdered and extracted to afford chloroformic and methanolic extracts. Total
      phenolic contents in the methanolic extract were determined according to modified
      Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was measured using AAPH and DPPH
      radical assays. Chemical analysis was performed with the n-butanol fraction of
      the methanolic extract and the chloroformic extract, using different
      chromatographic techniques (CC, HPLC). The structural elucidation of compounds
      was performed using 500 MHz NMR and HPLC methods. The methanolic extract showed a
      high level of total phenolic contents; the results with antioxidant assays showed
      that the methanolic extract, the n-butanolic fraction and the isolated flavonoids
      from M. albicans had a significant scavenging capacity against AAPH and DPPH.
      Quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin, 3-(E)-p-coumaroyl-alpha-amyrin was
      isolated from the n-butanolic fraction and alpha-amyrin, epi-betulinic acid,
      ursolic acid, epi-ursolic acid from the chloroformic extract. The results
      presented in this study demonstrate that M. albicans is a promising species in
      the search for biologically active compounds.

PMID- 22075575
TI  - Brief report: the temporal stability of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment
      of Neuropsychological Status Effort Index in geriatric samples.
AB  - The Effort Index (EI) of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of
      Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was developed to identify inadequate effort.
      Although researchers have examined its validity, the reliability of the EI has
      not been evaluated. The current study examined the temporal stability of the EI
      across 1 year in two independent samples of older adults. One sample consisted of
      445 cognitively intact older adults (mean age = 72.89; 59% having 12-15 years of
      education) and the second sample consisted of 51 individuals diagnosed with
      amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (mean age = 82.41; 41% having 12-15 years of
      education). For both samples, the EI was found to have low stability (Spearman's
      rho = .32-.36). When participants were divided into those whose EI stayed stable
      or improved versus those whose EI worsened (i.e., declining effort) on retesting,
      it was observed that individuals with lower baseline RBANS Total scores tended to
      worsen on the EI across time. Overall, the findings suggest low temporal
      stability of the EI in two geriatric samples. In particular, individuals with
      poorer cognition at baseline could present with poorer effort across time. These
      findings also suggest the need to further examine the temporal stability of other
      effort measures.

PMID- 22075574
TI  - Anti-inflammatory and free radial scavenging activities of the constituents
      isolated from Machilus zuihoensis.
AB  - A new biflavonol glycoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-(3'->O-3''')
      quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (9), together with eight known compounds
      was isolated for the first time from the leaves of Machilus zuihoensis Hayata
      (Lauraceae). The structure of compound 9 was elucidated by various types of
      spectroscopic data analysis. Analysis of the biological activity assay found that
      compound 9 showed significant superoxide anion scavenging activity (IC50 is 30.4
      MUM) and markedly suppressed LPS-induced high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1)
      protein secretion in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the HMGB-1 protein secretion
      was also inhibited by quercitrin (3), ethyl caffeate (6), and ethyl 3-O
      caffeoylquinate (7) treatment. In the LPS-stimulated inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) activation analysis, two known compounds, quercetin (1) and ethyl
      caffeate (6), were found to markedly suppress nitric oxide (NO) production (IC50
      value, 27.6 and 42.9 MUM, respectively) in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, it was
      determined that ethyl caffeate (6) down-regulated mRNA expressions of iNOS, IL
      1beta, and IL-10 in the LPS-treatment of RAW264.7 cells via a suppressed NF-kB
      pathway. These results suggested for the first time that the new compound 9 and
      other constituents isolated from M. zuihoensis have potential anti-inflammatory
      and superoxide anion scavenging effects. These constituents may be useful for
      treating various inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22075576
TI  - Evaluation of embedded malingering indices in a non-litigating clinical sample
      using control, clinical, and derived groups.
AB  - Although recent findings have indicated that a portion of college students
      presenting for psychoeducational evaluations fail validity measures, methods for
      determining the validity of cognitive test results in psychoeducational
      evaluations remain under-studied. In light of this, data are needed to evaluate
      utility of validity indices in this population and to provide base rates for
      students meeting research criteria for malingering and to report the relationship
      between testing performance and the level of external incentive. The authors
      utilized archival data from: (i) a university psychological clinic (n = 986) and
      (ii) a university control sample (n = 182). Empirically supported embedded
      validity indices were utilized to identify retrospectively suspected malingering
      patients. Group performance, according to invalidity and the level of incentive
      seeking, was evaluated through a series of multivariate mean comparisons. The
      current study supports classifying patients according to the level of incentive
      seeking when evaluating neurocognitive performance and feigned/exaggerated
      deficits.

PMID- 22075577
TI  - Using pathway modules as targets for assay development in xenobiotic screening.
AB  - Toxicology and pharmaceutical research is increasingly making use of high
      throughout-screening (HTS) methods to assess the effects of chemicals on
      molecular pathways, cells and tissues. Whole-genome microarray analysis provides
      broad information on the response of biological systems to chemical exposure, but
      is not practical to use when thousands of chemicals need to be evaluated at
      multiple doses and time points, as well as across different tissues, species and
      life-stages. A useful alternative approach is to identify a focused set of genes
      that can give a coarse picture of systems-level responses and that can be scaled
      to the evaluation of thousands of chemicals and diverse biological contexts. We
      demonstrate a computational approach to select in vitro expression assay targets
      that are informative and broadly distributed in biological pathway space, using
      the concept of pathway modularity. Canonical pathways are decomposed into
      subnetworks (modules) of functionally-related genes based on rules such as co
      regulated expression, protein-protein interactions, and coordinated physiological
      activity. Pathway modules are constructed using these rules but are then
      restricted by the bounds of canonical pathways. We demonstrate this approach
      using a subset of genes associated with tumor development and cancer progression.
      Target genes were identified for assay development, and then validated by using
      independent, published microarray data. The result is a targeted set of genes
      that are sensitive predictors of whether a chemical will perturb each pathway
      module. These selected genes could then form the basis for a battery to test for
      pathway-chemical interactions under many biological contexts using throughput
      expression-based assays.

PMID- 22075578
TI  - Molecular and ionic complexes of pyrrolidinofullerene bearing chelating 3-pyridyl
      units.
AB  - Molecular and ionic complexes of cis-2',5'-di(pyridin-3
      yl)pyrrolidino[3',4':1,9](C(60)-I(h))[5,6]fullerene DP3FP with chlorobenzene
      (C(6)H(5)Cl), manganese(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (Mn(II)TPP) and
      tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) have been obtained for the first time. X
      ray single crystal structure determination for the crystalline DP3FP.C(6)H(5)Cl
      (1) solvate proved unambiguously its molecular structure with the cis-arrangement
      of chelating 3-pyridyl groups. It has been demonstrated that DP3FP easily forms
      self-assembled photoactive complexes with metallated porphyrins. For example, the
      formation of a 1 : 1 complex between DP3FP and zinc (II) tetraphenylporphyrin
      (Zn(II)TPP) in cyclohexane solution (2) was evidenced using absorption
      spectroscopy. A successful X-ray single crystal structure determination was
      performed for a self-assembled triad composed of a DP3FP molecule linked with two
      Mn(II)TPP molecules in {DP3FP.(Mn(II)TPP)(2)}.(C(6)H(4)Cl(2))(3) (3). A strong
      organic donor TDAE reduces DP3FP to the radical anion state thus forming an ionic
      complex (TDAE(+)).(DP3FP(-)).(C(6)H(4)Cl(2))(1.6) (4). Optical, electronic and
      magnetic properties of 4 were investigated in detail. The performed studies
      strongly suggest that pyrrolidinofullerene DP3FP can be used as a building block
      in the design of various organic materials with advanced optoelectronic and/or
      magnetic properties.

PMID- 22075579
TI  - Identification of non-diphtheriae corynebacterium by use of matrix-assisted laser
      desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - We evaluated the Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time
      of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for identification of 92 clinical
      isolates of Corynebacterium species in comparison to identification using rpoB or
      16S rRNA gene sequencing. Eighty isolates (87%) yielded a score of >=1.700, and
      all of these were correctly identified to the species level with the exception of
      Corynebacterium aurimucosum being misidentified as the closely related
      Corynebacterium minutissimum.

PMID- 22075581
TI  - Necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock related to the uncommon gram-negative
      pathogen Sphingobacterium multivorum.
AB  - We report the first case of necrotizing fasciitis due to the uncommon Gram
      negative pathogen Sphingobacterium multivorum in an immunocompromised patient,
      who presented with septic shock. This case adds necrotizing fasciitis to the
      spectrum of S. multivorum-related infections and highlights the emergence of Gram
      negative bacteria in severe soft tissue infections.

PMID- 22075582
TI  - Desulfovibrio desulfuricans bacteremia in an immunocompromised host with a liver
      graft and ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Desulfovibrio spp. are anaerobic, sulfate-reducing, nonfermenting, Gram-negative
      bacteria found in the digestive tract of humans. Identification of these species
      with conventional methods is difficult. The reported case of a Desulfovibrio
      desulfuricans bacteremia occurring in an immunocompromised host with ulcerative
      colitis confirms that this organism may be a possible opportunistic human
      pathogen.

PMID- 22075580
TI  - Delineation of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, its subspecies, and its clinical and
      phylogenetic relationship to Streptococcus pyogenes.
AB  - The taxonomic status and structure of Streptococcus dysgalactiae have been the
      object of much confusion. Bacteria belonging to this species are usually referred
      to as Lancefield group C or group G streptococci in clinical settings in spite of
      the fact that these terms lack precision and prevent recognition of the exact
      clinical relevance of these bacteria. The purpose of this study was to develop an
      improved basis for delineation and identification of the individual species of
      the pyogenic group of streptococci in the clinical microbiology laboratory, with
      a special focus on S. dysgalactiae. We critically reexamined the genetic
      relationships of the species S. dysgalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes,
      Streptococcus canis, and Streptococcus equi, which may share Lancefield group
      antigens, by phylogenetic reconstruction based on multilocus sequence analysis
      (MLSA) and 16S rRNA gene sequences and by emm typing combined with phenotypic
      characterization. Analysis of concatenated sequences of seven genes previously
      used for examination of viridans streptococci distinguished robust and coherent
      clusters. S. dysgalactiae consists of two separate clusters consistent with the
      two recognized subspecies dysgalactiae and equisimilis. Both taxa share alleles
      with S. pyogenes in several housekeeping genes, which invalidates identification
      based on single-locus sequencing. S. dysgalactiae, S. canis, and S. pyogenes
      constitute a closely related branch within the genus Streptococcus indicative of
      recent descent from a common ancestor, while S. equi is highly divergent from
      other species of the pyogenic group streptococci. The results provide an improved
      basis for identification of clinically important pyogenic group streptococci and
      explain the overlapping spectrum of infections caused by the species associated
      with humans.

PMID- 22075583
TI  - Inaccuracy of the disk diffusion method compared with the agar dilution method
      for susceptibility testing of Campylobacter spp.
AB  - The agar dilution method has been standardized by the CLSI for the susceptibility
      testing of Campylobacter species, and according to these standards, the disk
      diffusion method should be used only in screening for macrolide and ciprofloxacin
      resistance. Nevertheless, the disk diffusion test is currently widely used, since
      it is easy to perform in clinical microbiology laboratories. In this study, the
      disk diffusion method was compared to the agar dilution method by analyzing the
      in vitro activities of seven antimicrobial agents against 174 Campylobacter
      strains collected in Finland between 2003 and 2008. Recommendations of the CLSI
      were followed using Mueller-Hinton agar plates with 5% of sheep blood. For each
      strain, the disk diffusion tests were performed two to four times. Of the 33
      erythromycin-resistant strains (MIC, >=16 MUg/ml), 24 (73%) constantly showed a 6
      mm erythromycin inhibition zone (i.e., no inhibition), while for seven strains
      the inhibition zone varied from 6 to 44 mm in repeated measurements. Among the
      141 erythromycin-susceptible strains (MIC, <16 MUg/ml), erythromycin inhibition
      zones varied between 6 and 61 mm. Of the 87 ciprofloxacin-resistant strains, 47
      (54%) showed 6-mm inhibition zones, while 40 strains showed inhibition zones
      between 6 and 60 mm. Significant differences between the repetitions were
      observed in the disk diffusion for all antimicrobial agents and all strains
      except for the macrolide-resistant strains regarding the macrolides. For 17 (10%)
      strains, the variation in repeated measurements was substantial. These results
      show that the disk diffusion method may not be a reliable tool for the
      susceptibility testing of Campylobacter spp. Further studies are needed to assess
      whether the disk diffusion test could be improved or whether all susceptibilities
      of campylobacters should be tested using an MIC-based method.

PMID- 22075584
TI  - Subtyping influenza A virus with monoclonal antibodies and an indirect
      immunofluorescence assay.
AB  - The recent association of certain influenza A virus subtypes with clinically
      relevant phenotypes has led to the increasing importance of subtyping by clinical
      virology laboratories. To provide clinical laboratories with a definitive
      immunofluorescence assay for the subtyping of influenza A virus isolates, we
      generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the major circulating
      influenza A virus subtypes using multiple inactivated H1N1, H3N2, and 2009 H1N1
      strains individually as immunogens. Eleven MAbs that target hemagglutinin (HA) of
      H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes were selected. These MAbs were combined into three subtype
      specific reagents, one each for pan-H1 (seasonal and 2009 strains), H3, and 2009
      H1, for the subtyping of influenza A virus-positive specimens by indirect
      immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Each subtype-specific reagent was tested on 21
      prototype influenza A virus strains and confirmed to be specific for its intended
      subtype. In addition, the subtyping reagents did not cross-react with any of 40
      other viruses. The clinical performance of the subtyping reagents was evaluated
      with 75 archived clinical samples collected between 2006 and 2009 using the D(3)
      Ultra DFA influenza A virus identification reagent (Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc.,
      Athens, OH) and the influenza A virus subtyping reagents by IFA simultaneously.
      Sixty-four samples grew virus and were subtyped as follows: 30 as H3N2, 9 as
      seasonal H1N1, and 25 as 2009 H1N1. RT-PCR was used to confirm the influenza A
      virus subtyping of these samples, and there was 100% agreement with IFA. This
      subtyping IFA provides clinical laboratories with a cost-effective diagnostic
      tool for better management of influenza virus infection and surveillance of
      influenza virus activity.

PMID- 22075585
TI  - Use of a commercial PCR-based line blot method for identification of bacterial
      pathogens and the mecA and van genes from BacTAlert blood culture bottles.
AB  - In this study, the PCR-based DNA strip assay GenoType BC for the identification
      of bacteria and the resistance genes mecA, vanA, vanB, vanC1, and vanC2/3
      directly from positive BacTAlert blood culture bottles was evaluated in a
      multicenter study. Of a total of 511 positive blood cultures, correct
      identification percentages for Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria,
      and the mecA gene were 96.1%, 89.9%, and 92.9%, respectively. Results were
      available 4 h after growth detection.

PMID- 22075586
TI  - Capnocytophaga lung abscess in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor.
AB  - Capnocytophaga species are known commensals of the oral cavity of humans and
      animals (mainly dogs and cats) and are a rare cause of respiratory tract
      infections. We report a case of cavitary lung abscess caused by a Capnocytophaga
      species in a patient with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor.

PMID- 22075587
TI  - Human Mycobacterium bovis infections in London and Southeast England.
AB  - Variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) and spoligotyping analyses were used to
      assess transmission of Mycobacterium bovis between humans. VNTR was more
      discriminatory than spoligotyping. Low case numbers, despite a substantial animal
      reservoir, and resolution of all isolates provided no evidence of recent human-to
      human transmission or recent significant infection from animals.

PMID- 22075588
TI  - Polyclonal diffusion of beta-lactamase-producing Enterococcus faecium.
AB  - We describe here the isolation of 8 beta-lactamase-producing multidrug-resistant
      Enterococcus faecium isolates in 2010. All strains showed diverse pulsed-field
      gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles, all belonging to the same clonal complex,
      CC17. By PCR and hybridization experiments, the entire blaZ-blaI-blaR1 operon was
      found. The beta-lactamase activity was demonstrated at a high inoculum and in the
      presence of methicillin after overnight incubation.

PMID- 22075589
TI  - Clostridium difficile mixed infection and reinfection.
AB  - Isolates from consecutive Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) fecal samples
      underwent multilocus sequence typing. Potential reinfections with different
      genotypes were identified in 88/560 (16%) sample pairs taken 1 to 1,414 days
      (median, 24; interquartile range [IQR], 1 to 52 days) apart; odds of reinfection
      increased by 58% for every doubling of time between samples. Of 109 sample pairs
      taken on the same day, 3 (3%) had different genotypes. Considering samples 0 to 7
      days apart as the same CDI, 7% of cases had mixed infections with >1 genotype.

PMID- 22075590
TI  - Highly specific protease-based approach for detection of porphyromonas gingivalis
      in diagnosis of periodontitis.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with the development of periodontitis.
      Here we describe the development of a highly specific protease-based diagnostic
      method for the detection of P. gingivalis in gingival crevicular fluid. Screening
      of a proteolytic peptide substrate library, including fluorogenic dipeptides that
      contain d-amino acids, led to the discovery of five P. gingivalis-specific
      substrates. Due to the presence of lysine and arginine residues in these
      substrates, it was hypothesized that the cleavage was mediated by the gingipains,
      a group of P. gingivalis-specific proteases. This hypothesis was confirmed by the
      observation that P. gingivalis gingipain knockout strains demonstrated clearly
      impaired substrate cleavage efficacy. Further, proteolytic activity on the
      substrates was increased by the addition of the gingipain stimulators
      dithiothreitol and l-cysteine and decreased by the inhibitors leupeptin and N
      ethylmaleimide. Screening of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of
      periodontitis patients and healthy controls showed the potential of the
      substrates to diagnose the presence of P. gingivalis proteases. By using paper
      points, a sensitivity of approximately 10(5) CFU/ml was achieved. P. gingivalis
      reactive substrates fully composed of l-amino acids and Bz-l-Arg-NHPhNO(2) showed
      a relatively low specificity (44 to 85%). However, the five P. gingivalis
      specific substrates that each contained a single d-amino acid showed high
      specificity (96 to 100%). This observation underlines the importance of the
      presence of d-amino acids in substrates used for the detection of bacterial
      proteases. We envisage that these substrates may improve the specificity of the
      current enzyme-based diagnosis of periodontitis associated with P. gingivalis.

PMID- 22075591
TI  - Evaluation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat
      analysis, N. gonorrhoeae Multiantigen sequence typing, and full-length porB gene
      sequence analysis for molecular epidemiological typing.
AB  - The performance characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae multilocus variable
      number tandem-repeat analysis were evaluated, by comparison with N. gonorrhoeae
      multiantigen sequence typing and full-length porB sequence typing. Assessment of
      the relatedness of intra- and interpatient isolates showed that all three
      genotyping techniques display a high resolution and typeability.

PMID- 22075592
TI  - Comparison of the cobas Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test with the hybrid capture 2
      and linear array HPV DNA tests.
AB  - The cobas human papillomavirus (HPV) test (cobas) was recently approved by the
      U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and identifies HPV16 and HPV18 separately
      as well as detecting a pool of 11 HR-HPV genotypes (HPV31, -33, -35, -39, -45, 
      51, -52, -56, -58, -59, -68) and also HPV66. We compared cobas, Linear Array
      (LA), and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) assays for detection of carcinogenic HPV DNA,
      and cobas and LA for detection of HPV16 and HPV18 DNA, among the first 1,852
      women enrolled in the HPV Persistence and Progression Cohort (PaP Cohort) study.
      Specimens were tested by all 3 assays 1 year after an HC2-positive result. In
      1,824 specimens with cobas results, cobas had an 85.9% agreement with HC2 and
      91.0% agreement with LA for carcinogenic HPV detection. When results between
      cobas and HC2 disagreed, cobas tended to call more women HPV positive (P < 0.01).
      Categorizing cobas and LA results hierarchically according to cancer risk (HPV16,
      HPV18, other carcinogenic HPV genotypes, or carcinogen negative), there was a 90%
      agreement for all categories of HPV (n = 1,824). We found good agreement between
      the two U.S. FDA-approved HPV tests, with discrepancies between the two assays
      due to specific characteristics of the individual assays. Additional studies are
      needed to compare HC2 and cobas for detecting and predicting CIN3 to understand
      the clinical implications of the discrepant test results between the two tests.

PMID- 22075594
TI  - A longitudinal case series description of meningitis due to Streptococcus
      gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus in infants.
AB  - Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, previously known as Streptococcus
      bovis biotype II.2, is known to cause multiple infectious complications,
      including bacterial meningitis, in adults. Only sporadic individual case reports
      have identified this pathogen as a cause of meningitis in infants. This study is
      the first to longitudinally document S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus as a
      cause of meningitis in four epidemiologically unrelated infants less than 2 weeks
      of age. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of all 4 isolates were identical, and further
      were identical to 3 central nervous system (CNS) strains (two adults and one
      child) reported in existing literature. S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus is an
      increasingly recognized cause of meningitis and bacteremia in the newborn period,
      and it merits further study with respect to etiology of infection.

PMID- 22075595
TI  - Clinical impact of a real-time PCR assay for rapid identification of
      staphylococcal bacteremia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of real-time PCR reporting
      both on timely identification of clustered Gram-positive cocci (GPC) in blood
      cultures and on appropriate antibiotic treatment. This retrospective,
      interventional cohort study evaluated inpatients with blood cultures positive for
      GPC in the pre-PCR (15 January 2009 to 14 January 2010) and post-PCR (15 January
      2010 to 14 January 2011) periods. Post-PCR implementation, laboratory services
      completed batched PCR; results other than methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) were reported in the electronic medical record without additional
      interventions. The assay's sensitivity and specificity, time to identification of
      staphylococcal bacteremia, and clinically relevant outcomes, including time to
      optimal antibiotic therapy, were evaluated. Demographic information was also
      collected and analyzed. Sixty-eight and 58 patients with Staphylococcus aureus
      bacteremia from the pre- and post-PCR periods, respectively, met inclusion
      criteria. Similar numbers of consecutive patients with coagulase-negative
      staphylococci were analyzed for comparison. The time to identification was
      significantly reduced post-PCR implementation (mean, 13.2 h; 95% confidence
      interval [95% CI], 10.5 to 15.9 h; P < 0.0001). However, the time to optimal
      antibiotic therapy was not significantly reduced. We conclude that implementation
      of a PCR assay demonstrated the potential to improve appropriate antibiotic use
      based on clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in the
      time to microbiologic identification. However, in order to realize this potential
      benefit, processes must be optimized and additional interventions initiated to
      facilitate providers' use of the PCR result.

PMID- 22075593
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of serum 1,3-beta-D-glucan for pneumocystis jiroveci
      pneumonia, invasive candidiasis, and invasive aspergillosis: systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Serum 1,3-beta-d-glucan (BG) assay may be helpful as a marker for the diagnosis
      of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) and invasive fungal infection (IFI). We
      conducted a systematic review to assess the diagnostic accuracy of this assay. We
      searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Collaboration databases, Ichushi-Web,
      reference lists of retrieved studies, and review articles. Our search included
      studies of serum BG assay that used (i) positive cytological or direct
      microscopic examination of sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for PJP and
      (ii) European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer or similar
      criteria for IFI as a reference standard and provided data to calculate
      sensitivity and specificity. Only major fungal infections such as invasive
      candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis were included in the IFI group. Twelve
      studies for PJP and 31 studies for IFI were included from January 1966 to
      November 2010. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR),
      and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-SROC) for
      PJP were 96% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 92% to 98%), 84% (95% CI, 83% to
      86%), 102.3 (95% CI, 59.2 to 176.6) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94 to 0.99),
      respectively. No heterogeneity was found. For IFI, the values were 80% (95% CI,
      77% to 82%), 82% (95% CI, 81% to 83%), 25.7 (95% CI, 15.0 to 44.1), and 0.88 (95%
      CI, 0.82 to 0.93). Heterogeneity was significant. The diagnostic accuracy of the
      BG assay is high for PJP and moderate for IFI. Because the sensitivity for PJP is
      particularly high, the BG assay can be used as a screening tool for PJP.

PMID- 22075596
TI  - Simultaneous detection of six diarrhea-causing bacterial pathogens with an in
      house PCR-luminex assay.
AB  - Diarrhea can be caused by a range of pathogens, including several bacteria.
      Conventional diagnostic methods, such as culture, biochemical tests, and enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are laborious. We developed a 7-plex PCR
      Luminex assay to simultaneously screen for several of the major diarrhea-causing
      bacteria directly in fecal specimens, including pathogenic Aeromonas,
      Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Salmonella, Shigella, enteroinvasive
      Escherichia coli (EIEC), Vibrio, and Yersinia. We included an extrinsic control
      to verify extraction and amplification. The assay was first validated with
      reference strains or isolates and exhibited a limit of detection of 10(3) to
      10(5) CFU/g of stool for each pathogen as well as quantitative detection up to
      10(9) CFU/g. A total of 205 clinical fecal specimens from individuals with
      diarrhea, previously cultured for enteric pathogens and tested for Campylobacter
      by ELISA, were evaluated. Using these predicate methods as standards,
      sensitivities and specificities of the PCR-Luminex assay were 89% and 94% for
      Aeromonas, 89% and 93% for Campylobacter, 96% and 95% for Salmonella, 94% and 94%
      for Shigella, 92% and 97% for Vibrio, and 100% and 100% for Yersinia,
      respectively. All discrepant results were further examined by singleplex real
      time PCR assays targeting different gene regions, which revealed 89% (55/62
      results) concordance with the PCR-Luminex assay. The fluorescent signals obtained
      with this approach exhibited a statistically significant correlation with the
      cycle threshold (C(T)) values from the cognate real-time PCR assays (P < 0.05).
      This multiplex PCR-Luminex assay enables sensitive, specific, and quantitative
      detection of the major bacterial causes of gastroenteritis.

PMID- 22075598
TI  - Evaluation of rapid antigen point-of-care tests for detection of Giardia and
      Cryptosporidium species in human fecal specimens.
AB  - In Bangladesh, a new parasite rapid antigen test was investigated demonstrating
      accuracy and feasibility. For Giardia species, it had a sensitivity and
      specificity of 94% and 100%, respectively. For Cryptosporidium species, it had a
      sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively. These are higher than
      or equal to the sensitivities and specificities of other tests on the market.

PMID- 22075597
TI  - GenoType MTBDRsl for molecular detection of second-line-drug and ethambutol
      resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and clinical samples.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the GenoType MTBDRsl assay (Hain
      Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) for its ability to detect resistance to
      fluoroquinolones (FLQ), injectable second-line antibiotics [kanamycin (KM) and
      capreomycin (CM)], and ethambutol (EMB) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical
      strains and directly in clinical samples. A total of 34 clinical strains were
      characterized with the Bactec 460 TB system. Fifty-four clinical samples from 16
      patients (5 were smear negative and 49 were smear positive) were also tested
      directly. The corresponding isolates of the clinical specimens were also analyzed
      with the Bactec 460TB. When there was a discrepancy between assays,
      pyrosequencing was performed. The overall rates of concordance of the MTBDRsl and
      the Bactec 460TB for the detection of FLQ, KM/CM, and EMB susceptibility in
      clinical strains were 72.4% (21/29), 88.8% (24/27), and 67.6% (23/34), whereas
      for clinical samples, rates were 86.5% (45/52), 92.3% (48/52), and 56% (28/50),
      respectively. In conclusion, the GenoType MTBDRsl assay may be a useful tool for
      making early decisions regarding KM/CM susceptibility and to a lesser extent
      regarding FLQ and EMB susceptibility. The test is able to detect mutations in
      both clinical strains and samples with a short turnaround time. However, for
      correct management of patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis,
      results must be confirmed by a phenotypical method.

PMID- 22075599
TI  - Identification of Escherichia coli genes associated with urinary tract
      infections.
AB  - Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). E.
      coli genes epidemiologically associated with UTIs are potentially valuable in
      developing strategies for treating and/or preventing such infections as well as
      differentiating uropathogenic E. coli from nonuropathogenic E. coli. To identify
      E. coli genes associated with UTIs in humans, we combined microarray-based and
      PCR-based analyses to investigate different E. coli source groups derived from
      feces of healthy humans and from patients with cystitis, pyelonephritis, or
      urosepsis. The cjrABC-senB gene cluster, sivH, sisA, sisB, eco274, and fbpB, were
      identified to be associated with UTIs. Of these, cjrABC-senB, sisA, sisB, and
      fbpB are known to be involved in urovirulence in the mouse model of ascending
      UTI. Our results provide evidence to support their roles as urovirulence factors
      in human UTIs. In addition, the newly identified UTI-associated genes were mainly
      found in members of phylogenetic groups B2 and/or D.

PMID- 22075600
TI  - Antifungal susceptibility and phylogeny of opportunistic members of the order
      mucorales.
AB  - The in vitro susceptibilities of 66 molecularly identified strains of the
      Mucorales to eight antifungals (amphotericin B, terbinafine, itraconazole,
      posaconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, and 5-fluorocytosine) were
      tested. Molecular phylogeny was reconstructed based on the nuclear ribosomal
      large subunit to reveal taxon-specific susceptibility profiles. The impressive
      phylogenetic diversity of the Mucorales was reflected in susceptibilities
      differing at family, genus, and species levels. Amphotericin B was the most
      active drug, though somewhat less against Rhizopus and Cunninghamella species.
      Posaconazole was the second most effective antifungal agent but showed reduced
      activity in Mucor and Cunninghamella strains, while voriconazole lacked in vitro
      activity for most strains. Genera attributed to the Mucoraceae exhibited a wide
      range of MICs for posaconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine and included
      resistant strains. Cunninghamella also comprised strains resistant to all azoles
      tested but was fully susceptible to terbinafine. In contrast, the Lichtheimiaceae
      completely lacked strains with reduced susceptibility for these antifungals.
      Syncephalastrum species exhibited susceptibility profiles similar to those of the
      Lichtheimiaceae. Mucor species were more resistant to azoles than Rhizopus
      species. Species-specific responses were obtained for terbinafine where only
      Rhizopus arrhizus and Mucor circinelloides were resistant. Complete or vast
      resistance was observed for 5-fluorocytosine, caspofungin, and micafungin.
      Intraspecific variability of in vitro susceptibility was found in all genera
      tested but was especially high in Mucor and Rhizopus for azoles and terbinafine.
      Accurate molecular identification of etiologic agents is compulsory to predict
      therapy outcome. For species of critical genera such as Mucor and Rhizopus,
      exhibiting high intraspecific variation, susceptibility testing before the onset
      of therapy is recommended.

PMID- 22075601
TI  - The beginning of the rpoB gene in addition to the rifampin resistance
      determination region might be needed for identifying rifampin/rifabutin cross
      resistance in multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from
      Southern China.
AB  - We aimed to study the distribution and contribution of mutations in the rpoB
      whole gene in rifampin-resistant/rifabutin-resistant (RIF(r)/Rfb(r)) (or RIF/Rfb
      cross-resistant) clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. One standard M.
      tuberculosis strain (H37Rv) and 392 other clinical M. tuberculosis isolates
      mainly from Guangdong Province of China whose susceptibilities to rifampin (RIF),
      rifabutin (Rfb), streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), and isoniazid (INH) were
      previously determined were subjected to DNA sequencing of their rpoB whole genes.
      H37Rv and the 30 drug-susceptible clinical isolates had no mutations in rpoB
      whole genes. In 43 rifampin-resistant/rifabutin-susceptible (RIF(r)/Rfb(s))
      isolates, the most frequent mutation codons were 516 (62.80%), 526 (14.0%), and
      533 (6.98%), but codon 531 had no mutation. Twenty-one of the 43 isolates
      (48.84%) had single mutations of H526L, H526S, D516V, D516Y, and D516F. In 319
      RIF(r)/Rfb(r) isolates, the most frequent mutation codons were 531 (73.7%) and
      526 (18.8%); the mutation frequency for codon 516 was 2.5%, and that for codon
      533 was only 0.31%. A total of 82.8% (264/319) of them had single mutations of
      S531L, S531W, H526D, H526Y, H526R, Q513K, Q513P, Q510H, V176F, P206(T)R,
      Y314(T)C, and H323(T)Y (the superscript T indicates M. tuberculosis numbering;
      the remaining codons use the E. coli numbering), among which V176F, P206(T)R,
      Y314(T)C, and H323(T)Y were located in the beginning of rpoB, and all of them
      were present in 1.9% (6/319) of RIF(r)/Rfb(r) isolates. The multiple mutations in
      RIF(r)/Rfb(r) isolates and in RIF(r)/Rfb(s) isolates were also different from
      each other either in mutation positions or in types of mutation combinations. In
      conclusion, the mutations of rpoB in RIF-R/Rfb(s) and in RIF-R/Rfb-R isolates
      differ significantly from each other not only in the most frequent mutation
      codons (516, 531, and 533) but also in the most frequent single mutations (S531L,
      H526L, D516V, D516Y, and D516F), and the beginning of rpoB may confer a RIF/Rfb
      cross-resistance phenotype in M. tuberculosis. Molecular assays for identifying
      RIF/Rfb cross-resistance in M. tuberculosis might be improved in terms of
      accuracy by including this region, in addition to the rifampin resistance
      determination region.

PMID- 22075602
TI  - Estimates of HIV transmitted drug resistance can be inflated due to natural
      sequence polymorphisms.

PMID- 22075603
TI  - Should we switch to a 50-mg boosting dose of ritonavir for selected protease
      inhibitors?

PMID- 22075604
TI  - HIV counseling and testing in an urban reproductive primary health clinic in
      South Africa: gender differences among clients.

PMID- 22075605
TI  - Clinical significance of serum levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor
      in patients with systemic sclerosis.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum levels of secretory
      leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), which is widely expressed in lung tissues
      and serves as a useful marker reflecting the activity of various lung diseases,
      in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Serum SLPI levels were measured by a
      specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 58 SSc patients and 16
      healthy controls. Serum SLPI levels in diffuse cutaneous SSc and in limited
      cutaneous SSc with interstitial lung disease (ILD) were significantly higher than
      those in healthy controls (43.1 +/- 18.4 vs. 30.9 +/- 3.76 ng/ml, p < 0.05 and
      39.8 +/- 10.3 vs. 30.9 +/- 3.76 ng/ml, p < 0.01, respectively). The incidences of
      decreased percent diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (%DLco) and decreased
      percent vital capacity (%VC) were significantly greater in SSc patients with
      elevated SLPI levels than in those with normal levels (73 vs. 31%, p < 0.01 and
      24 vs. 4%, p < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, serum SLPI levels were inversely
      correlated with %DLco (r = -0.40, p < 0.01), while they were positively
      correlated with surfactant protein D (r = 0.28, p < 0.05). Longitudinal study
      revealed the association of serum SLPI levels with the disease activity of SSc
      ILD. SLPI serves as a useful serum marker for evaluating SSc-ILD.

PMID- 22075606
TI  - [Initial division of the left renal vein before dissection of left renal vein
      occluded by intracaval tumor thrombus].
AB  - Between November 2008 and March 2010, we performed initial division of the left
      renal vein occluded by the tumor thrombus in six cases of left renal cancer at
      Toranomon Hospital. The left renal vein was completely occluded by the tumor
      thrombus in all cases. In order to ligate the left renal artery first behind the
      dilated left renal vein, we must dissect the left kidney with arterial blood
      flow. Massive bleeding from the numerous engorged collateral veins around the
      left kidney is inevitable. Furthermore, access to the left renal artery is
      difficult because of the large tumor. We therefore initially divided the left
      renal vein without arterial blood flow followed by division of the left renal
      artery. After nephrectomy by dissecting the tumor without blood flow we
      extirpated the intracaval tumor thrombus. The median time of the operation was 7
      hours 35 minutes and the median amount of blood loss was 2,869 ml. The tumor
      stage was pT3b in four cases and pT3c in two cases. No complications were
      observed during and after surgery except for one case of lymphocele and another
      case of chylous ascites. The initial division of the left renal vein is
      considered to be a useful surgical approach in left renal cancer with occluded
      left renal vein, especially when the tumor is large.

PMID- 22075607
TI  - [Docetaxel-based chemotherapy for hormone-refractory prostate cancer in Japanese
      patients : experience in a single institute].
AB  - Between April 2007 and November 2010, we treated 21 cases of hormone-refractory
      prostate cancer with docetaxel-based chemotherapy. The administered dose of
      docetaxel was from 40 to 75 mg/m2, and the treatments were repeated every 3 to 4
      weeks. The patients were from 61 to 88 years old (median 78). Fourteen patients
      were alive, and seven had died. According to the prostate specific antigen
      response, the complete response rate was 30%, partial response was 10%, no change
      was 25%, and progressive disease was 25%, respectively. Median time to
      progression was 7.0 months (from 1 to 43 months), and median overall survival
      time after chemotherapy was 11.5 months (from 3 to 44 months). One patient died
      of adverse events. However, in most cases, hematological toxicities were
      tolerable and manageable, although neutropenia of grade 3 to 4 was observed. On
      the other hand, non-hematological toxicities that led to discontinuation of the
      therapy were observed in a few cases. Docetaxel-based chemotherapy was feasible
      and effective even for patients over 80 years old. In responding cases, it is
      important to maintain the chemotherapy as long as possible, by modifying the
      treatment procedures, while paying attention to the adverse events.

PMID- 22075608
TI  - [Clinical outcome of refractory seminoma].
AB  - We retrospectively reviewed 67 patients with pure seminoma who were treated in
      our hospital between 1991 and 2009. Fifteen (22.4%) patients had metastatic or
      recurrent disease and underwent chemotherapy. Induction chemotherapy provided
      freedom from disease with no recurrence in 9 patients. On the other hand, 6
      patients had chemotherapy-resistant seminoma (refractory group). We herein report
      the clinical features of the refractory group. Although we could not determine
      the risk factors for refractory disease, clinical stage III disease was resistant
      to induction chemotherapy. The refractory group consisted of 2 patients with
      recurrent disease after prophylactic radiation therapy for stage I disease, 1
      with stage IIB and 3 with stage IIIC disease. In the refractory group, 3 patients
      obtained freedom from disease after additional chemotherapy with salvage surgery.
      However, 3 patients died from cancer in spite of multiple salvage treatments.
      Salvage radiation therapy was performed for inoperable metastatic disease in 3
      patients and might have contributed to disease control in 2 patients. Some
      patients with pure seminoma can develop refractory disease, although the
      prediction is difficult. Multimodality therapy including salvage radiation
      possibly provides survival benefit.

PMID- 22075609
TI  - [Laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal schwannoma : report of three cases and
      review of 22 cases in Japanese literature].
AB  - Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a rare tumor. Only 19 cases have been reported to
      be treated by laparoscopic surgery. We performed successful laparoscopic excision
      of retroperitoneal schwannoma using the four-trocar in three patients who had a
      left retroperitoneal mass. The patients were two women and one man. They were 62,
      60 and 57 years old. The tumor was 70, 45 and 50 mm in greatest diameter and
      operative time was 204, 243 and 254 min. respectively. The pathological diagnosis
      of the tumor was schwannoma. There was no morbidity or mortality. Preoperative
      diagnosis of schwannoma is very difficult. However schwannoma is a benign tumor
      with a good prognosis. This laparoscopic excision for retroperitoneal schwannoma
      is effective and rather safe.

PMID- 22075610
TI  - [Small renal cell carcinoma presented with pleural metastasis and multiple bone
      metastasis ; a case report].
AB  - The patient is a 69-year-old male. His chief complaint was chest pain. Because
      imaging studies suggested pleural mesothelioma associated with multiple bone
      metastases, right pleural tumor resection was performed. Pathological diagnosis
      was metastatic pleural tumor, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was suspected as its
      origin. Dynamic computed tomography showed a small tumor in the right kidney. The
      tumor was 15 mm in diameter and consistent with RCC. Laparoscopic radical
      nephrectomy was performed for the right kidney. Pathological diagnosis was RCC,
      clear cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid component, T1aN0M1, stage IV. Sorafenib
      therapy was started 46 days after the operation as a systemic therapy, and stable
      disease has been maintained. Generally, small RCC is assumed to have a good
      prognosis. However, a small percentage of patients with small RCC have distant
      metastasis at the time of diagnosis, and the prognosis is reported to be poor. We
      report this case, and a review of the literature.

PMID- 22075611
TI  - [Infected solitary renal cyst of the graft in a renal transplant recipient : a
      case report].
AB  - A 59-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease of diabetic nephropathy who had
      been on maintenance hemodialisis for 4 years, underwent a living-unrelated renal
      transplantation 6 years ago. She was admitted to our hospital, because of a low
      grade fever and edema. Ultrasonography revealed the cyst with heterogeneity
      structure in the upper pole of the transplanted kidney. Magnetic resonance
      imaging showed a high-intensity cystic mass measuring 68*53 mm. As fever and
      laboratory data did not improve sufficiently by the treatment with antibiotics,
      echo-guided puncture and drainage were performed for the abnormal structure in
      the upper pole of the transplanted kidney. In the culture of the purulent
      aspirate drained from renal cyst, Escherichia coli was isolated. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of infected renal cyst of the graft in a
      renal transplant recipient in the world.

PMID- 22075612
TI  - [A case report of small intestine metastasis from renal cell carcinoma].
AB  - A 71-year-old man underwent left nephrectomy for metastasis from renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) of the small intestine. In spite of post-operative therapy
      (interferon-alpha or interleukin-2), multiple lung metastases and intestinal
      hemorrhage by metastatic tumor of small intestine appeared 9 years after the
      operation. To control the bleeding from the small intestine, the small intestine
      was partially excised and the histopathological diagnosis was metastasis of RCC.
      He died 10 months later because of disease progression. Metastasis of RCC to the
      small intestine is rare. To our knowledge, this is the 40th case of small
      intestinal metastasis from RCC reported in the literature.

PMID- 22075613
TI  - [Bilateral upper tract urothelial carcinoma eight years after total cystectomy
      and Indiana pouch urinary diversion for bladder cancer : a case report].
AB  - A 46-year-old man underwent total cystectomy and Indiana pouch urinary diversion
      for bladder cancer in 2001. Pathological examination revealed an urothelial
      carcinoma of the bladder (pT2N0M0). He was referred to our hospital for bilateral
      hydronephrosis in June 2009. Cytological examination of the urine was negative.
      Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed, and we suspected bilateral ureteral
      tumors from pyelo-ureterography. Percutaneous ureteroscopy revealed a papillary
      tumor in the right ureter. Since there appeared to be a papillary tumor in the
      left ureter, we decided to perform ureterectomy for bilateral ureteral tumors,
      and to keep the bilateral nephrostomy tube for urinary diversion. Pathological
      examination revealed urothelial carcinoma in bilateral ureters. There has been no
      sign of recurrence at 17 months after the operation.

PMID- 22075614
TI  - [Intravesical therapy of heparin and lidocaine for interstitial cystitis : a case
      report].
AB  - Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the urinary
      bladder, and its treatment has many uncertainties. We report a case of IC treated
      with intravesical instillation of heparin and alkalized lidocaine. A 64-year-old
      woman presented with urinary frequency and urgency with suprapubic pain. She
      underwent intravesical treatment with combined heparin and alkalinized lidocaine
      for IC, since prior medical treatments (imipramine, solifenacin, suplatast
      tosilate, and kampo extracts) and hydrodistention of bladder had little or no
      effect on her symptoms. A 50 ml solution containing 20,000 units of heparin, 200
      mg of lidocaine and 7% sodium bicarbonate was administered intravesically twice a
      week for 12 months. The O'Leary-Sant IC symptom index score and IC problem index
      score improved from 20 to 8 and from 16 to 8, respectively, and her bladder
      capacity increased from 90 ml to 300 ml. Intravesical instillation of combined
      heparin and lidocaine was useful in the treatment of IC.

PMID- 22075615
TI  - [A case of solitary bone metastasis of testicular seminoma 6 years post
      orchiectomy].
AB  - A 40-year-old man visited our hospital in August, 2007 with the complaint of gait
      disturbance. Six years ago he had had right high orchiectomy for treatment of
      stage I seminoma at another hospital. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      examination showed a small tumor and compression fracture in the eighth thoracic
      vertebrae. Emergency spinal decompression with bone biopsy was done. The
      pathological diagnosis of the bone was metastasis of seminoma. He was treated
      with 3 courses of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) therapy and external
      beam radiotherapy (36 Gy) was performed. His symptom of gait disturbance
      disappeared gradually, and was evaluated to be in complete remission. He has been
      alive with no evidence of recurrence for 3 years.

PMID- 22075616
TI  - [Leydig cell tumor of the testis : a case report].
AB  - An 85-year-old male visited our hospital with a complaint of painless swelling of
      the right testis. Right high orchiectomy was performed under the diagnosis of the
      right testicular tumor. Histopathological diagnosis was Leydig cell tumor. We
      reviewed 86 cases of this tumor previously reported in Japan. To our knowledge,
      our patient is the oldest one treated in Japan.

PMID- 22075617
TI  - [A case report of bilateral spermatocytic seminoma].
AB  - Spermatocytic seminoma is a rare germ cell tumor which was first described by
      Masson in 1946. We experienced a case of bilateral spermatocytic seminoma. A 56
      year-old man presented with painless swelling of left scrotal contents. This
      patient was diagnosed with bilateral testicular tumor after various image
      examinations (ultrasonography/computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging)
      and bilateral high orchidectomy was performed. Histological diagnosis was
      bilateral spermatocytic seminoma, pT1. After the operation, this patient was
      followed closely without adjuvant therapy. There has been no sign of recurrence
      at five months after the operation.

PMID- 22075618
TI  - [Successful testicular sperm extraction in an azoospermic man with postpubertal
      mumps orchitis].
AB  - A 46-year-old man who has a child from a previous marriage without artificial
      reproductive technologies was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of
      infertility. He had suffered from bilateral orchitis after parotitis six years
      ago. On physical examination, both testes were soft and 4 ml in size. Semen
      analysis showed azoospermia and the serum follicle stimulating hormone value was
      high (36.9 mIU/ml). Microdissection testicular sperm extraction was performed,
      and motile sperm were successfully retrieved. The histological examination showed
      increased thickness of the basement membrane and, peritubular fibrosis in most
      seminiferous tubules, with few focal areas of normal spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22075619
TI  - Role of a computer-generated three-dimensional laryngeal model in anatomy
      teaching for advanced learners.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate the efficacy of a computer-generated three
      dimensional laryngeal model for laryngeal anatomy teaching; (2) to explore the
      relationship between students' spatial ability and acquisition of anatomical
      knowledge; and (3) to assess participants' opinion of the computerised model.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty junior doctors were randomised to undertake laryngeal
      anatomy study supplemented by either a three-dimensional computer model or two
      dimensional images. Outcome measurements comprised a laryngeal anatomy test, the
      modified Vandenberg and Kuse mental rotation test, and an opinion survey.
      RESULTS: Mean scores +/- standard deviations for the anatomy test were 15.7 +/-
      2.0 for the 'three dimensions' group and 15.5 +/- 2.3 for the 'standard' group (p
      = 0.7222). Pearson's correlation between the rotation test scores and the scores
      for the spatial ability questions in the anatomy test was 0.4791 (p = 0.086, n =
      29). Opinion survey answers revealed significant differences in respondents'
      perceptions of the clarity and 'user friendliness' of, and their preferences for,
      the three-dimensional model as regards anatomical study. CONCLUSION: The three
      dimensional computer model was equivalent to standard two-dimensional images, for
      the purpose of laryngeal anatomy teaching. There was no association between
      students' spatial ability and functional anatomy learning. However, students
      preferred to use the three-dimensional model.

PMID- 22075620
TI  - Correlation of PU.1 and signal regulatory protein alpha1 expression in PU.1
      transgenic K562 cells.
AB  - PU.1 is a key transcription factor for hematopoiesis and the reduction of this
      protein expression plays important roles in various hematological malignancies.
      To identify PU.1 downstream target genes, we recently reported dual microarray
      analyses, using PU.1 knockdown K562 (K562PU.1KD) cells stably expressing short
      inhibitory RNAs versus control cells and PU.1-overexpressing K562 (K562PU.1OE)
      cells versus control cells. Several PU.1 candidate target genes, including cell
      surface receptor, signal regulatory protein (SIRP) alpha1, were identified. In
      this study, we revealed that the expression of SIRPalpha1 is positively
      correlated with the expression of PU.1 in various K562PU.1KD and K562PU.1OE
      cells, shown by real-time PCR and flow cytometry analyses. SIRPalpha1 is a
      negative regulator of signaling and its reduced expression is considered to play
      a role in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies through the activation
      of downstream signaling pathways. By comparing 3 different clones of K562PU.1KD
      cells to their controls, we found constitutive phosphorylation of the
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not of Akt, in these cells.
      Taken together, the down-regulation of PU.1 expression suppresses the expression
      of SIRPalpha1, which may play a role in the aberrant activation of ERK in these
      cells.

PMID- 22075621
TI  - Stridor and lingual thyroglossal duct cyst in a newborn.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnosis and management of lingual thyroglossal duct
      cyst in newborns. CASE REPORT: A one-month-old girl presenting with inspiratory
      stridor and chest wall retraction was referred to our department for management
      of stridor. Upper airway endoscopy and neck CT scan showed a round mass at the
      base of the tongue causing upper airway obstruction. Computed tomography showed a
      well-circumscribed, low-density lesion at the base of the tongue. Endoscopic
      marsupialization of this lesion was performed under general anaesthesia.
      Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lingual thyroglossal duct
      cyst. No recurrence was observed 18 months after endoscopic treatment.
      DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Lingual thyroglossal duct cyst with airway obstruction is
      an uncommon aetiology of stridor in newborns with symptoms similar to those of
      laryngomalacia. The diagnosis is based on laryngoscopy. Surgical endoscopic
      removal is the treatment of choice. Recurrence after endoscopic treatment is
      rare.

PMID- 22075622
TI  - Human choriocarcinomas: placental growth factor-dependent preclinical tumor
      models.
AB  - Choriocarcinomas are a rare form of cancer that develops in the uterus from
      tissue which would normally become the placenta. Choriocarcinomas are a
      trophoblastic gestational disease and have been studied largely to investigate
      conditions related to pregnancy such as preeclampsia. Choriocarcinomas are highly
      angiogenic and produce high levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) to promote
      the development of blood vessels. Upregulation of PlGF expression also occurs
      during the development of other human malignancies such as breast cancer and
      melanoma. Both tumor specimens and plasma samples have higher levels of PlGF than
      normal tissues. Hence, PlGF has emerged as a valid target for anti-angiogenic
      therapy. The cell lines BeWo, JAR and JEG-3, derived from human choriocarcinomas,
      were investigated in vitro and in vivo for suitability as PlGF-dependent models.
      BeWo, JAR and JEG-3 cells were characterized in culture and were implanted into
      immunodeficient mice to generate subcutaneous tumors. The PlGF and VEGF
      angiogenic profiles of the choriocarcinoma cells and tumors were investigated by
      ELISA and by immunohistochemical methods. Double immunofluorescence methods were
      applied to choriocarcinoma xenograft sections to characterize the cellular
      components of the blood vessels. sFLT01, a fusion protein that neutralizes PlGF,
      was assessed in cell culture experiments and xenograft studies. The novel results
      presented here validate the importance of human choriocarcinoma cell lines and
      xenografts in further exploring the role of PlGF in tumor angiogenesis, for
      evaluating PlGF as an anti-angiogenic target, and for developing therapies that
      may provide clinical benefit.

PMID- 22075624
TI  - Evaluation of methods for the extraction of DNA from drinking water distribution
      system biofilms.
AB  - While drinking water biofilms have been characterized in various drinking water
      distribution systems (DWDS), little is known about the impact of different DNA
      extraction methods on the subsequent analysis of microbial communities in
      drinking water biofilms. Since different DNA extraction methods have been shown
      to affect the outcome of microbial community analysis in other environments, it
      is necessary to select a DNA extraction method prior to the application of
      molecular tools to characterize the complex microbial ecology of the DWDS. This
      study compared the quantity and quality of DNA yields from selected DWDS bacteria
      with different cell wall properties using five widely used DNA extraction
      methods. These were further selected and evaluated for their efficiency and
      reproducibility of DNA extraction from DWDS samples. Terminal restriction
      fragment length analysis and the 454 pyrosequencing technique were used to
      interpret the differences in microbial community structure and composition,
      respectively, from extracted DNA. Such assessments serve as a concrete step
      towards the determination of an optimal DNA extraction method for drinking water
      biofilms, which can then provide a reliable comparison of the meta-analysis
      results obtained in different laboratories.

PMID- 22075626
TI  - Intestinal adenocarcinoma arising in urinary conduits.
AB  - It is estimated that >10,000 patients who undergo cystectomy for bladder cancer
      in the US each year receive a conventional ileal conduit and that >2,000 receive
      a continent urinary diversion. Case reports of primary intestinal adenocarcinomas
      in urinary conduits have been published recently, mainly in the urology
      literature. An epidemic of such cancers in this small, high-risk population seems
      to be emerging, particularly in conduits that utilize the colon. A case report
      and literature review was carried out. We describe a patient with a new primary
      adenocarcinoma arising in a colonic neobladder. We summarize prior literature
      describing intestinal adenocarcinomas that developed in an intestinal segment
      used for urinary diversion. Patients with urinary conduits of all types
      (particularly those utilizing colon rather than ileum) are at high risk of
      developing a second primary intestinal adenocarcinoma in the conduit. This
      population is likely to benefit from surveillance measures aimed at detecting
      such cancers. The primary form of therapy remains adequate surgical resection.
      General surgeons should be aware of such patients as they may be involved in the
      diagnosis of, and surgery for, the cancer in the conduit.

PMID- 22075625
TI  - Comparison among amoA primers suited for quantification and diversity analyses of
      ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in soil.
AB  - Ammonia monooxygenase subunit A gene (amoA) is frequently used as a functional
      gene marker for diversity analysis of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). To select
      a suitable amoA primer for real-time PCR and PCR-denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (DGGE), three reverse primers (degenerate primer amoA-2R; non
      degenerate primers amoA-2R-GG and amoA-2IR) were examined. No significant
      differences were observed among the three primers in terms of quantitative values
      of amoA from environmental samples using real-time PCR. We found that PCR-DGGE
      analysis with the amoA-2IR primer gave the best results in this studied soil.
      These results indicate that amoA-2IR is a suitable primer for community analysis
      of AOB in the environment.

PMID- 22075623
TI  - Analysis of early bacterial communities on volcanic deposits on the island of
      Miyake (Miyake-jima), Japan: a 6-year study at a fixed site.
AB  - Microbial colonization on new terrestrial substrates represents the initiation of
      new soil ecosystem formation. In this study, we analyzed early bacterial
      communities growing on volcanic ash deposits derived from the 2000 Mount Oyama
      eruption on the island of Miyake (Miyake-jima), Japan. A site was established in
      an unvegetated area near the summit and investigated over a 6-year period from
      2003 to 2009. Collected samples were acidic (pH 3.0-3.6), did not utilize any
      organic substrates in ECO microplate assays (Biolog), and harbored around 106
      cells (g dry weight)(-1) of autotrophic Fe(II) oxidizers by most-probable-number
      (MPN) counts. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans, and
      the Leptospirillum groups I, II and III were found to be abundant in the deposits
      by clone library analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The numerical dominance of
      Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was also supported by analysis of the gene coding
      for the large subunit of the form I ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate
      carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO). Comparing the 16S rRNA gene clone libraries from
      samples differing in age, shifts in Fe(II)-oxidizing populations seemed to occur
      with deposit aging. The detection of known 16S rRNA gene sequences from Fe(III)
      reducing acidophiles promoted us to propose the acidity-driven iron cycle for the
      early microbial ecosystem on the deposit.

PMID- 22075629
TI  - Transapical access for thoracic endograft delivery.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of transapical deployment
      of a thoracic endograft and to discuss the specifics of this access. The
      technique of endograft deployment through a transapical access is demonstrated in
      a patient with a symptomatic 14-cm aortic arch aneurysm. The 73-year-old patient,
      with concomitant chronic obstructive airway disease and cardiovascular disease,
      had been denied open surgery. Femoral artery access was deemed contraindicated
      because of a more distal concomitant type III thoracoabdominal aneurysm,
      borderline renal failure and heavily calcified iliac arteries. Bilateral iliac
      subclavian debranching and thoracic endografting via a combined transapical and
      left subclavian access successfully excluded the thoracic aortic aneurysm. The
      patient died within 24 hours postoperatively due to a massive myocardial
      infarction. In conclusion, transapical access for thoracic endograft delivery is
      feasible. Combined with complex debranching procedures in a challenging
      aneurysmal anatomy, it carries a high risk for periprocedural complications.

PMID- 22075627
TI  - CXCR4/CXCL12 expression profile is associated with tumor microenvironment and
      clinical outcome of liver metastases of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Interaction between CXCR4 and CXCL12 plays a role in tumor progression. The
      present study examined CXCR4, CXCL12 and CD133 expression in liver metastases of
      colorectal cancer (CLM) and determined whether the expression profiles affect the
      tumor microenvironment and thus progression, and whether they could serve as a
      prognostic marker for survival. Liver metastases of colorectal cancer collected
      from 92 patients were evaluated by CXCR4, CXCL12 and CD133 immunohistochemistry
      and clinicopathological data were analyzed. The expression profile of CXCR4 was
      determined in the colorectal cancer cell line, SW48. The expression of
      cytoplasmic CXCR4 was higher in 36 (39%) patients than that indicated by CXCR4
      staining intensity of hepatocytes. High levels of nuclear CXCR4 expression in 23
      (25%) patients significantly correlated with CXCL12 expression in hepatocytes.
      Nuclear CXCR4 expression was increased in the cancer cells after exposure to
      CXCL12. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the high levels of
      nuclear CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression in hepatocytes were significantly better
      prognostic factors for overall and hepatic disease-free survival in patients with
      CLM. The expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in CLM may have an interactive effect
      that could alter the tumor microenvironment. CXCR4 expression in metastatic liver
      tumors together with the upregulation of CXCL12 in hepatocytes may help to
      predict the clinical outcomes of patients with CLM after hepatectomy.

PMID- 22075630
TI  - Development of production and purification processes of recombinant fragment of
      pneumococcal surface protein A in Escherichia coli using different carbon sources
      and chromatography sequences.
AB  - Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is essential for Streptococcus pneumoniae
      virulence and its use either as a novel pneumococcal vaccine or as carrier in a
      conjugate vaccine would improve the protection and the coverage of the vaccine.
      Within this context, the development of scalable production and purification
      processes of His-tagged recombinant fragment of PspA from clade 3 (rfPspA3) in
      Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was proposed. Fed-batch production was performed using
      chemically defined medium with glucose or glycerol as carbon source. Although the
      use of glycerol led to lower acetate production, the concentration of cells were
      similar at the end of both fed-batches, reaching high cell density of E. coli (62
      g dry cell weight/L), and the rfPspA3 production was higher with glucose (3.48
      g/L) than with glycerol (2.97 g/L). A study of downstream process was also
      carried out, including cell disruption and clarification steps. Normally, the
      first chromatography step for purification of His-tagged proteins is metal
      affinity. However, the purification design using anion exchange followed by metal
      affinity gave better results for rfPspA3 than the opposite sequence. Performing
      this new design of chromatography steps, rfPspA3 was obtained with 95.5% and
      75.9% purity, respectively, from glucose and glycerol culture. Finally, after
      cation exchange chromatography, rfPspA3 purity reached 96.5% and 90.6%,
      respectively, from glucose and glycerol culture, and the protein was shown to
      have the expected alpha-helix secondary structure.

PMID- 22075631
TI  - Gas discharge plasmas are effective in inactivating Bacillus and Clostridium
      spores.
AB  - Bacterial spores are the most resistant form of life and have been a major threat
      to public health and food safety. Nonthermal atmospheric gas discharge plasma is
      a novel sterilization method that leaves no chemical residue. In our study, a
      helium radio-frequency cold plasma jet was used to examine its sporicidal effect
      on selected strains of Bacillus and Clostridium. The species tested included
      Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Clostridium sporogenes,
      Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium botulinum type A
      and type E. The plasmas were effective in inactivating selected Bacillus and
      Clostridia spores with D values (decimal reduction time) ranging from 2 to 8 min.
      Among all spores tested, C. botulinum type A and C. sporogenes were significantly
      more resistant to plasma inactivation than other species. Observations by phase
      contrast microscopy showed that B. subtilis spores were severely damaged by
      plasmas and the majority of the treated spores were unable to initiate the
      germination process. There was no detectable fragmentation of the DNA when the
      spores were treated for up to 20 min. The release of dipicolinic acid was
      observed almost immediately after the plasma treatment, indicating the spore
      envelope damage could occur quickly resulting in dipicolinic acid release and the
      reduction of spore resistance.

PMID- 22075632
TI  - Luciferase and fluorescent protein as dual reporters analyzing the effect of n
      dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide on the physiology of Pseudomonas putida.
AB  - With the growing interest in using surfactants to improve microbial cell
      performance for whole-cell biocatalysis and bioremediation, understanding the
      interactions between surfactants and bacteria is of great importance. By using
      cyanine fluorescent protein (CFP) and bacterial luciferase (LUX) as dual
      bioreporters, the effects of n-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) on the
      whole cells and intracellular proteins in Pseudomonas putida cultures were
      quantitatively and systematically studied. The dual reporter system was shown to
      be a useful indicator to assess the effect of DTAB treatment on whole-cell
      metabolic activity, membrane permeability, and cellular enzyme activity. CFP was
      useful to assess the leakage of intracellular enzymes and the lysis of cells and
      was able to reflect the activities of most cellular enzymes, while LUX reflected
      the permeability of cell membranes and cellular metabolic activity. The validity
      of CFP-LUX dual bioreporters was further confirmed by detecting changes in
      extracellular proteins, membrane potential, oxygen consumption rate (OUR), and
      intracellular catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (C23O) activity with the addition of DTAB.
      The dual LUX-CFP bioreporter is a useful tool for analyzing the surfactant
      bacterium interactions for biotechnological applications.

PMID- 22075633
TI  - Development of a glutathione production process from proteinaceous biomass
      resources using protease-displaying Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Glutathione is a valuable tri-peptide that is widely used in the pharmaceutical,
      food, and cosmetic industries. Glutathione is produced industrially by
      fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and supplementation of fermentation
      with several amino acids can increase intracellular GSH content. More recently,
      however, focus has been given to protein as a resource for biofuel and fine
      chemical production. We demonstrate that expression of a protease on the cell
      surface of S. cerevisiae enables the direct use of keratin and soy protein as a
      source of amino acids and that these substrates enhanced intracellular GSH
      content. Furthermore, fermentation using soy protein also enhanced cell
      concentration. GSH fermentation from keratin and to a greater extent from soy
      protein using protease-displaying yeast yielded greater GSH productivity compared
      to GSH fermentation with amino acid supplementation. This protease-displaying
      yeast is potentially applicable to a variety of processes for the bio-production
      of value-added chemicals from proteinaceous biomass resources.

PMID- 22075634
TI  - Biodegradation of Leonardite by an alkali-producing bacterial community and
      characterization of the degraded products.
AB  - In this study, three bacterial communities were obtained from 12 Leonardite
      samples with the aim of identifying a clean, effective, and economic technique
      for the dissolution of Leonardite, a type of low-grade coal, in the production of
      humic acid (HA). The biodegradation ability and characteristics of the degraded
      products of the most effective bacterial community (MCSL-2), which degraded 50%
      of the Leonardite within 21 days, were further investigated. Analyses of
      elemental composition, (13)C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared revealed that
      the contents of C, O, and aliphatic carbon were similar in biodegraded humic acid
      (bHA) and chemically (alkali) extracted humic acid (cHA). However, the N and
      carboxyl carbon contents of bHA was higher than that of cHA. Furthermore, a
      positive correlation was identified between the degradation efficiency and the
      increasing pH of the culture medium, while increases of manganese peroxidase and
      esterase activities were also observed. These data demonstrated that both alkali
      production and enzyme reactions were involved in Leonardite solubilization by
      MCSL-2, although the former mechanism predominated. No fungus was observed by
      microscopy. Only four bacterial phylotypes were recognized, and Bacillus
      licheniformis-related bacteria were identified as the main group in MCSL-2 by
      analysis of amplified 16S rRNA genes, thus demonstrating that Leonardite
      degradation ability has a limited distribution in bacteria. Hormone-like
      bioactivities of bHA were also detected. In this study, a bacterial community
      capable of Leonardite degradation was identified and the products characterized.
      These data implicate the use of such bacteria for the exploitation of Leonardite
      as a biofertilizer.

PMID- 22075635
TI  - Cloning, expression and characterization of a eukaryotic cycloalkanone
      monooxygenase from Cylindrocarpon radicicola ATCC 11011.
AB  - In this study, we have cloned and characterized a cycloalkanone monooxygenase
      (CAMO) from the ascomycete Cylindrocarpon radicicola ATCC 11011 (identical to
      Cylindrocarpon destructans DSM 837). The primary structure of this Baeyer
      Villiger monooxygenase (BMVO) revealed 531 residues with around 45% sequence
      identity to known cyclohexanone monooxygenases. The enzyme was functionally
      overexpressed in Escherichia coli and investigated with respect to substrate
      spectrum and kinetic parameters. Substrate specificity studies revealed that a
      large variety of cycloaliphatic and bicycloaliphatic ketones are converted by
      this CAMO. A high catalytic efficiency against cyclobutanone was observed and
      seems to be a particular property of this BVMO. The thus produced butyrolactone
      derivatives are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of a variety of
      natural products and bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the enzyme revealed
      activity against open-chain ketones such as cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and
      cyclohexyl methyl ketone which have not been reported to be accepted by typical
      cyclohexanone monooxygenases. These results suggest that the BVMO from C.
      radicicola indeed might be rather unique and since no BVMOs originating from
      eukaryotic organisms have been produced recombinantly so far, this study provides
      the first example for such an enzyme.

PMID- 22075636
TI  - Extracellular production of cycloisomaltooligosaccharide glucanotransferase and
      cyclodextran by a protease-deficient Bacillus subtilis host-vector system.
AB  - A cycloisomaltooligosaccharide (CI; cyclodextran) production system was developed
      using a Bacillus subtilis expression system for the cycloisomaltooligosaccharide
      glucanotransferase (CITase) gene. The CITase gene of Bacillus circulans T-3040,
      along with the alpha-amylase promoter (PamyQ) and amyQ signal sequence of
      Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, was cloned into the Bacillus expression vector pUB110
      and subsequently expressed in B. subtilis strain 168 and its alkaline (aprE) and
      neutral (nprE) protease-deficient strains. The recombinant CITase produced by the
      protease-deficient strains reached 1 U/mL in the culture supernatant within 48 h
      of cultivation, which was approximately 7.5 times more than that produced by the
      industrial CITase-producing strain B. circulans G22-10 derived from B. circulans
      T-3040. When aprE- and nprE-deficient B. subtilis 168 harboring the CITase gene
      was cultured with 10% dextran 40 for 48 h, 17% of the dextran in the culture was
      converted to CIs (CI-7 to CI-12), which was approximately three times more than
      that converted by B. circulans G22-10 under the same dextran concentration. The
      B. subtilis host-vector system enabled us to produce CIs by direct fermentation
      of dextran along with high CITase production, which was not possible in B.
      circulans G22-10 due to growth inhibition by dextran at high concentrations and
      limited production of CITase.

PMID- 22075637
TI  - PmST3 from Pasteurella multocida encoded by Pm1174 gene is a monofunctional
      alpha2-3-sialyltransferase.
AB  - Pasteurella multocida (Pm) strain Pm70 has three putative sialyltransferase genes
      including Pm0188, Pm0508, and Pm1174. A Pm0188 gene homolog in Pm strain P-1059
      encodes a multifunctional alpha2-3-sialyltransferase, PmST1, that prefers
      oligosaccharide acceptors. A Pm0508 gene homolog in the same strain encodes a
      monofunctional sialyltransferase PmST2 that prefers glycolipid acceptors. Here,
      we report that the third sialyltransferase from Pm (PmST3) encoded by gene Pm1174
      in strain Pm70 is a monofunctional alpha2-3-sialyltransferase that can use both
      oligosaccharides and glycolipids as efficient acceptors. Despite the existence of
      both Pm0188 and Pm0508 gene homologs encoding PmST1 and PmST2, respectively, in
      Pm strain P-1059, a Pm1174 gene homolog appears to be absent from Pm strains P
      1059 and P-934. PmST3 was successfully obtained by cloning and expression using a
      synthetic gene of Pm1174 with codons optimized for Escherichia coli expression
      system as the DNA template for polymer chain reactions. Truncation of 35 amino
      acid residues from the carboxyl terminus was shown to improve the expression of a
      soluble and active enzyme in E. coli as a C-His(6)-tagged fusion protein. This
      sialidase-free monofunctional alpha2-3-sialyltransferase is a useful tool for
      synthesizing sialylated oligosaccharides and glycolipids.

PMID- 22075638
TI  - Swim training does not protect mice from skeletal muscle oxidative damage
      following a maximum exercise test.
AB  - We investigated whether swim training protects skeletal muscle from oxidative
      damage in response to a maximum progressive exercise. First, we investigated the
      effect of swim training on the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in the
      gastrocnemius muscle of C57Bl/6 mice, 48 h after the last training session. Mice
      swam for 90 min, twice a day, for 5 weeks at 31 degrees C (+/- 1 degrees C). The
      activities of SOD and CAT were increased in trained mice (P < 0.05) compared to
      untrained group. However, no effect of training was observed in the activity of
      GPx. In a second experiment, trained and untrained mice were submitted to a
      maximum progressive swim test. Compared to control mice (untrained, not acutely
      exercised), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in the skeletal muscle of
      both trained and untrained mice after maximum swim. The activity of GPx was
      increased in the skeletal muscle of both trained and untrained mice, while SOD
      activity was increased only in trained mice after maximum swimming. CAT activity
      was increased only in the untrained compared to the control group. Although the
      trained mice showed increased activity of citrate synthase in skeletal muscle,
      swim performance was not different compared to untrained mice. Our results show
      an imbalance in the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in response to swim training,
      which could account for the oxidative damage observed in the skeletal muscle of
      trained mice in response to maximum swim, resulting in the absence of improved
      exercise performance.

PMID- 22075639
TI  - Allometric scaling of 6-min walking distance by body mass as a standardized
      measure of exercise capacity in healthy adults.
AB  - Body mass (BM) is a confounding variable in human performance. We hypothesized
      that adjusting 6-min walk distance (6MWD) for BM differences using allometric
      scaling would allow meaningful individual and group comparisons. We aimed to use
      allometric scaling of 6MWD to BM to provide an index for comparing walking
      performance in middle-aged and older adults. One hundred and twenty subjects (40
      87 years) participated. Anthropometry, spirometry, and two walk tests were
      evaluated. We adjusted 6MWD to BM, gender, and age using an allometric procedure.
      The allometric exponents were prospectively applied in a validation sample of 44
      healthy subjects. Body mass presented significant negative correlation (p < 0.01)
      with 6MWD . BM(-1) in middle-aged and older adults (r = -0.70 and -0.46,
      respectively). The allometric exponent (b) for 6MWD was significantly higher for
      older than middle-aged adults (0.35 +/- 0.20 vs. 0.11 +/- 0.08, respectively).
      The resulting BM exponents were similar in male and female subjects (0.22 +/-
      0.13 and 0.17 +/- 0.09, respectively). The correlation between 6MWD . BM(-b ) and
      BM using the exponents (0.11 or 0.35) was not statistically different from zero
      (r = 0.00) in the validation sample, suggesting that allometric analysis did not
      penalize the subjects based on BM. Allometric scaling of 6MWD in middle-aged and
      older adults may be useful for evaluating walking performance free of the
      confounding effect of BM, even in the absence of a table of norms.

PMID- 22075640
TI  - Metabolic and functional effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)
      supplementation in skeletal muscle.
AB  - Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite derived from leucine. The
      anti-catabolic effect of HMB is well documented but its effect upon skeletal
      muscle strength and fatigue is still uncertain. In the present study, male Wistar
      rats were supplemented with HMB (320 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Placebo group
      received saline solution only. Muscle strength (twitch and tetanic force) and
      resistance to acute muscle fatigue of the gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated by
      direct electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. The content of ATP and
      glycogen in red and white portions of gastrocnemius muscle were also evaluated.
      The effect of HMB on citrate synthase (CS) activity was also investigated. Muscle
      tetanic force was increased by HMB supplementation. No change was observed in
      time to peak of contraction and relaxation time. Resistance to acute muscle
      fatigue during intense contractile activity was also improved after HMB
      supplementation. Glycogen content was increased in both white (by fivefold) and
      red (by fourfold) portions of gastrocnemius muscle. HMB supplementation also
      increased the ATP content in red (by twofold) and white (1.2-fold) portions of
      gastrocnemius muscle. CS activity was increased by twofold in red portion of
      gastrocnemius muscle. These results support the proposition that HMB
      supplementation have marked change in oxidative metabolism improving muscle
      strength generation and performance during intense contractions.

PMID- 22075641
TI  - Experimental knee pain impairs postural stability during quiet stance but not
      after perturbations.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the effect of experimental knee
      related pain on postural control. Twelve healthy subjects stood as quietly as
      possible on a movable force platform (that measured the centre of pressure and
      provided fast perturbations) before, during, and after experimental knee-related
      pain. Lower limb electromyographic (EMG) activity and joint angles were measured.
      Experimental pain was induced by injecting hypertonic saline into the
      infrapatellar fat pad (unilateral and bilateral) and isotonic saline was used for
      control sessions. Compared with the baseline and control sessions, unilateral and
      bilateral knee-related pain during quiet standing evoked (1) an increased sway
      displacement in the anterior-posterior direction (P < 0.05), (2) larger knee
      flexion (P < 0.05), and (3) larger EMG changes. Bilateral pain also induced (1)
      larger medial-lateral sway displacement and speed (P < 0.05) and (2) larger left
      hip flexion (P < 0.05). During forward perturbations, subjects leaned forward
      during both painful conditions when compared with baseline (P < 0.05). The
      additional impairment by bilateral pain suggests that the non-painful limb in
      unilateral pain conditions compensates for the impaired postural control. These
      results show that knee-related pain impairs postural stability during quiet
      standing, indicating the vulnerability of patients with knee pain to falls. This
      measure could potentially help clinicians who seek to assess how pain responses
      may contribute to patient's postural control and stability during quiet standing.

PMID- 22075642
TI  - Is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency a risk factor for hyperbaric
      oxygen exposure?
AB  - Divers and patients lacking glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) may face a
      serious threat of central nervous system oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT) during exposure
      to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), due to the important part played by G6PD in cellular
      redox balance. Our objective was to investigate G6PD deficiency as a risk factor
      for CNS-OT. We exposed G6PD-deficient (G6PDdef) and wild type (WT) mice to HBO at
      405 kPa. Latency to CNS-OT was measured by observing the animal and monitoring
      the time to appearance of convulsions. Changes in glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
      and catalase activity were measured in red blood cells, and levels of endothelial
      and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and nNOS) and 3-nitrotyrosine (NT) were
      measured in extracts of whole brain tissue by Western blot analysis.
      Unexpectedly, latency to CNS-OT was more than twice as long in G6PDdef mice
      compared with WT (36.9 +/- 15.4 and 15.6 +/- 13.2 min, respectively, P < 0.005).
      No significant differences were found in GPx and catalase activity or in protein
      levels of eNOS. However, nNOS and NT levels were lower in G6PDdef mice compared
      with WT (50.6%, P < 0.01 and 52.8%, P < 0.05, respectively). Our results suggest
      that the enhanced resistance of G6PDdef mice to HBO is due in part to a reduction
      in nNOS and NT levels in the brain. We conclude that G6PD deficiency at the level
      of the animals in the present study may not be a risk factor for developing CSN
      OT, but this remains to be verified for human subjects.

PMID- 22075643
TI  - Validity, reliability and stability of the portable Cortex Metamax 3B gas
      analysis system.
AB  - This study investigated the performance of the portable Cortex Metamax 3B (MM3B)
      automated gas analysis system during both simulated and human exercise using
      adolescents. Repeated measures using a Gas Exchange System Validator (GESV)
      across a range of simulated metabolic rates, showed the MM3B to be adequately
      reliable (both percentage errors, and percentage technical error of measurements
      <2%) for measuring expired ventilation (V (E)), oxygen consumption (VO(2)), and
      carbon dioxide production (VCO(2)). Over a 3 h period, the MM3B was shown to be
      acceptably stable in measuring gas fractions, as well as V (E), VO(2), and VCO(2)
      generated by the GESV, especially at moderate and high metabolic rates (drifts
      <2% and of minor physiological significance). Using eight healthy adolescents
      during rest, moderate, and vigorous cycle ergometry, the validity of the MM3B was
      tested against the primary criterion Douglas bag method (DBM) and a secondary
      criterion machine known to be accurate, the Jaeger Oxycon Pro system. No
      significant errors in V (E) were noted, yet the MM3B significantly overestimated
      both VO(2) and VCO(2) by approximately 10-17% at moderate and vigorous exercise
      as compared to the DBM and at all exercise levels compared to the Oxycon Pro. No
      significant differences were seen in any metabolic variable between the two
      criterion systems (DBM and Oxycon Pro). It is concluded the MM3B produces
      acceptably stable and reliable results, but is not adequately valid during
      moderate and vigorous exercise without some further correction of VO(2) and
      VCO(2).

PMID- 22075644
TI  - Does exercise duration affect Fatmax in overweight boys?
AB  - To compare the assessment of Fat(max) using a single graded exercise test with 3
      min stages against 30 min prolonged exercise bouts in overweight boys. Ten
      overweight boys (8-12 years) attended the laboratory on seven separate occasions.
      On the first visit, body anthropometrics and peak aerobic capacity ([Formula: see
      text]O(2peak)) were assessed. Following this, each participant attended the
      laboratory after an overnight fast for six morning cycling sessions. During the
      first session, participants completed a continuous, submaximal graded exercise
      protocol with seven 3 min stages (GRAD) at 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65%
      [Formula: see text]O(2peak). The final five visits consisted of a 30 min bout of
      prolonged exercise (PROL) performed in a counterbalanced order at 40, 45, 50, 55
      and 60% [Formula: see text]O(2peak). There was no effect of exercise duration on
      Fat(max) or the absolute rate of fat oxidation during PROL (p > 0.05). At the
      group level, GRAD and PROL provided similar estimates of Fat(max) (GRAD: 53 +/-
      10% [Formula: see text]O(2peak); PROL: 53 +/- 10% [Formula: see text]O(2peak); p
      = 0.995); however, individual variation between the two protocols is shown by a
      systematic bias and residual error of 0 +/- 11% [Formula: see text]O(2peak). Fat
      oxidation rates remained stable across 30 min of steady-state exercise in
      overweight boys. Furthermore, Fat(max) was similar at 3, 10, 20 and 30 min of
      exercise, suggesting that for exercise lasting <= 30 min, exercise duration does
      not affect Fat(max). However, Fat(max) determined with GRAD may need to be
      interpreted with caution at the individual level given the variation in Fat(max)
      between protocols.

PMID- 22075645
TI  - The plant hormone abscisic acid increases in human plasma after hyperglycemia and
      stimulates glucose consumption by adipocytes and myoblasts.
AB  - The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is released from glucose-challenged human
      pancreatic beta cells and stimulates insulin secretion. We investigated whether
      plasma ABA increased during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs
      and IVGTTs) in healthy human subjects. In all subjects undergoing OGTTs (n=8),
      plasma ABA increased over basal values (in a range from 2- to 9-fold). A positive
      correlation was found between the ABA area under the curve (AUC) and the glucose
      AUC. In 4 out of 6 IVGTTs, little or no increase of ABA levels was observed. In
      the remaining subjects, the ABA increase was similar to that recorded during
      OGTTs. GLP-1 stimulated ABA release from an insulinoma cell line and from human
      islets, by ~10- and 2-fold in low and high glucose, respectively. Human adipose
      tissue also released ABA in response to high glucose. Nanomolar ABA stimulated
      glucose uptake, similarly to insulin, in rat L6 myoblasts and in murine 3T3-L1
      cells differentiated to adipocytes, by increasing GLUT-4 translocation to the
      plasma membrane. Demonstration that a glucose load in humans is followed by a
      physiological rise of plasma ABA, which can enhance glucose uptake by adipose
      tissues and muscle cells, identifies ABA as a new mammalian hormone involved in
      glucose metabolism.

PMID- 22075648
TI  - Methylphenidate treatment of adult male prison inmates with attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder: randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial with
      open-label extension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent
      in prison inmates, but pharmacological treatment has not yet been evaluated in
      this group. AIMS: To evaluate osmotic-release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate
      in adult male long-term prison inmates with ADHD. METHOD: Randomised, double
      blind, placebo-controlled 5-week trial, followed by 47-week open-label extension
      in 30 prison inmates with ADHD and comorbid disorders. Primary outcome was level
      of ADHD symptoms after 5 weeks, evaluated by a masked assessor. Secondary
      outcomes were self-reported ADHD symptoms, global severity and global functioning
      throughout the 52-week trial, and post hoc treatment response and numbers needed
      to treat (NNT) (trial registration: NCT00482313.) RESULTS: Treatment
      significantly improved ADHD during the trial (P<0.001; Cohen's d = 2.17), with
      reduced symptom severity and improved global functioning. The placebo response,
      cardiovascular measures and adverse events were non-significant; the NNT was 1.1.
      Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, global severity and global
      functioning continued to improve during the open-label extension. CONCLUSIONS:
      Osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate is an effective treatment for adult
      male prison inmates with ADHD.

PMID- 22075646
TI  - Opposing roles of RAGE and Myd88 signaling in extensive liver resection.
AB  - In extensive liver resection secondary to primary or metastatic liver tumors, or
      in living donor liver transplantation, strategies to quell deleterious
      inflammatory responses and facilitate regeneration are essential. The receptor
      for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and myeloid differentiating factor 88
      (Myd88) are implicated in the inflammatory response. To establish the
      contributions of RAGE vs. Myd88 signaling in extensive liver resection, we probed
      the effect of RAGE and/or Myd88, the latter primarily a key transducer of major
      toll-like receptors and also implicated in interleukin-1 (Il1) signaling, in a
      murine model of extensive (85%) hepatectomy. We report that, although Myd88 is
      thoroughly essential for survival via regulation of NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha,
      deletion of RAGE significantly improved survival compared to wild-type, Myd88
      null, or RAGE-null/Myd88-null mice. RAGE opposes Myd88 signaling at multiple
      levels: by suppression of p65 levels, thereby reducing activation of NF-kappaB
      and consequent production of cyclin D1, and by suppression of Il6-mediated
      phosphorylation of Stat3, thereby down-regulating Pim1 and suppressing the
      hyperplastic response. Further, RAGE-dependent suppression of glyoxalase1, a
      detoxification pathway for pre-AGEs, enhances AGE levels and suppresses Il6
      action. We conclude that blockade of RAGE may rescue liver remnants from the
      multiple signals that preclude adaptive proliferation triggered primarily by
      Myd88 signaling pathways.

PMID- 22075647
TI  - Soluble miniagrin enhances contractile function of engineered skeletal muscle.
AB  - Neural agrin plays a pleiotropic role in skeletal muscle innervation and
      maturation, but its specific effects on the contractile function of aneural
      engineered muscle remain unknown. In this study, neonatal rat skeletal myoblasts
      cultured within 3-dimensional engineered muscle tissue constructs were treated
      with 10 nM soluble recombinant miniagrin and assessed using histological,
      biochemical, and functional assays. Depending on the treatment duration and onset
      time relative to the stage of myogenic differentiation, miniagrin was found to
      induce up to 1.7-fold increase in twitch and tetanus force amplitude. This effect
      was associated with the 2.3-fold up-regulation of dystrophin gene expression at 6
      d after agrin removal and enhanced ACh receptor (AChR) cluster formation, but no
      change in cell number, expression of muscle myosin, or important aspects of
      intracellular Ca(2+) handling. In muscle constructs with endogenous ACh levels
      suppressed by the application of alpha-NETA, miniagrin increased AChR clustering
      and twitch force amplitude but failed to improve intracellular Ca(2+) handling
      and increase tetanus-to-twitch ratio. Overall, our studies suggest that besides
      its synaptogenic function that could promote integration of engineered muscle
      constructs in vivo, neural agrin can directly promote the contractile function of
      aneural engineered muscle via mechanisms distinct from those involving endogenous
      ACh.

PMID- 22075649
TI  - Preventing progression to first-episode psychosis in early initial prodromal
      states.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young people with self-experienced cognitive thought and perception
      deficits (basic symptoms) may present with an early initial prodromal state
      (EIPS) of psychosis in which most of the disability and neurobiological deficits
      of schizophrenia have not yet occurred. AIMS: To investigate the effects of an
      integrated psychological intervention (IPI), combining individual cognitive
      behavioural therapy, group skills training, cognitive remediation and multifamily
      psychoeducation, on the prevention of psychosis in the EIPS. METHOD: A randomised
      controlled, multicentre, parallel group trial of 12 months of IPI v. supportive
      counselling (trial registration number: NCT00204087). Primary outcome was
      progression to psychosis at 12- and 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 128
      help-seeking out-patients in an EIPS were randomised. Integrated psychological
      intervention was superior to supportive counselling in preventing progression to
      psychosis at 12-month follow-up (3.2% v. 16.9%; P = 0.008) and at 24-month follow
      up (6.3% v. 20.0%; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Integrated psychological intervention
      appears effective in delaying the onset of psychosis over a 24-month time period
      in people in an EIPS.

PMID- 22075650
TI  - Features of subsyndromal and persistent delirium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longitudinal studies of delirium phenomenology are lacking. AIMS: We
      studied features that characterise subsyndromal delirium and persistent delirium
      over time. METHOD: Twice-weekly evaluations of 100 adults with DSM-IV delirium
      using the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R98) and Cognitive Test for
      Delirium (CTD). The generalised estimating equation method identified symptom
      patterns distinguishing full syndromal from subsyndromal delirium and resolving
      from persistent delirium. RESULTS: Participants (mean age 70.2 years (s.d. =
      10.5)) underwent 323 assessments (range 2-9). Full syndromal delirium was
      significantly more severe than subsyndromal delirium for DRS-R98 thought process
      abnormalities, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, retardation, orientation,
      attention, and short- and long-term memory items, and CTD attention, vigilance,
      orientation and memory. Persistent full syndromal delirium had greater
      disturbance of DRS-R98 thought process abnormalities, delusions, agitation,
      orientation, attention, and short- and long-term memory items, and CTD attention,
      vigilance and orientation. CONCLUSIONS: Full syndromal delirium differs from
      subsyndromal delirium over time by greater severity of many cognitive and non
      cognitive symptoms. Persistent delirium involves increasing prominence of
      recognised core diagnostic features and cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22075651
TI  - Brief psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy for patients with multisomatoform
      disorder: randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multisomatoform disorder is characterised by severe and disabling
      bodily symptoms, and pain is one of the most common and impairing of these.
      Furthermore, these bodily symptoms cannot be explained by an underlying organic
      disorder. Patients with multisomatoform disorder are commonly found at all levels
      of healthcare and are typically difficult to treat for physicians as well as for
      mental health specialists. AIMS: To test whether brief psychodynamic
      interpersonal therapy (PIT) effectively improves the physical quality of life in
      patients who have had multisomatoform disorder for at least 2 years. METHOD: We
      recruited 211 patients (from six German academic outpatient centres) who met the
      criteria for multisomatoform disorder for a randomised, controlled, 12-week,
      parallelgroup trial from 1 July 2006 to 1 January 2009 (International Standard
      Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN23215121). We randomly assigned the
      patients to receive either 12 weekly sessions of PIT (n = 107) or three sessions
      of enhanced medical care (EMC, n = 104). The physical component summary of the
      Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was the pre-specified primary outcome at a 9
      month follow-up. RESULTS: Psychodynamic interpersonal therapy improved patients'
      physical quality of life at follow-up better than EMC (mean improvement in SF-36
      score: PIT 5.3, EMC 2.2), with a small to medium between-group effect size (d =
      0.42, 95% CI 0.15-0.69, P = 0.001). We also observed a significant improvement in
      somatisation but not in depression, health anxiety or healthcare utilisation.
      CONCLUSIONS: This trial documents the long-term efficacy of brief PIT for
      improving the physical quality of life in patients with multiple, difficult-to
      treat, medically unexplained symptoms.

PMID- 22075652
TI  - A Diels-Alder approach to the enantioselective construction of fluoromethylated
      stereogenic carbon centers.
AB  - Highly enantioselective Diels-Alder reactions of beta-fluoromethylacrylates were
      carried out in the presence of a Lewis acid activated chiral oxazaborolidine
      catalyst. These reactions yielded fluoromethylated cyclohexenes, including
      trifluoromethyl-, difluoromethyl-, and monofluoromethyl cyclohexenes, as nearly
      pure enantiomers. The resulting fluoromethyl cyclohexenes were converted into
      potential synthetic intermediates for bioactive compounds.

PMID- 22075653
TI  - Identification of clinical and laboratory markers for predicting eosinophilic
      esophagitis in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and differentiation
      from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is potentially challenging and is
      based upon clinical signs and endoscopic and histological features. In order to
      alert the endoscopist to consider EoE in patients with esophageal symptoms before
      performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy, we aimed to identify a set of clinical and
      laboratory markers for predicting EoE. METHODS: The study included 43 patients
      with either EoE (n = 23) or GERD (n = 20). The diagnosis of EoE was based on
      International Consensus Criteria. Age, gender, weight loss, history of atopy,
      dysphagia, history of food impaction, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) refractory
      heartburn, odynophagia, peripheral eosinophilia, and serum IgE were analyzed.
      Each symptom or sign was classified as '0' (absent, normal) or '1' (present,
      elevated), individually analyzed and statistically evaluated among the two groups
      of patients. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify a
      clinically applicable marker constellation to differentiate EoE from GERD.
      RESULTS: Univariate analysis identified 6 out of the 10 variables to be
      significant between both groups. A stepwise procedure of logistic regression led
      to a model in which 3 out of the initial 10 items were found to be relevant for
      differentiating GERD and EoE. Derived from this model, an optimal differentiation
      was achieved by using the following simplified equation: peripheral eosinophilia
      + history of food impaction + PPI refractory heartburn leading to a maximal value
      of 3 (1 + 1 + 1). Based on a cut-off value of >=2, sensitivity and specificity
      for diagnosing EoE were 91 and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A defined set of
      markers including two clinical features and one laboratory parameter is highly
      predictive of EoE and thus allows physicians to distinguish EoE from GERD even
      before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed.

PMID- 22075654
TI  - Insight into the structural characteristics of core-links and flat-aluminum
      tridecamers: a density functional theory study.
AB  - The structures of core-links Al(13) (C-Al(13)) and flat-Al(13) (F-Al(13))
      complexes in aqueous solution have been investigated using density functional
      theory (DFT) at the level of B3LYP/6-31G(d). The present work focuses on the
      following three aspects: (1) C-Al(13)(9+) was optimized with the consideration of
      solvent effect and the (27)Al NMR chemical shifts using Hartree Fock GIAO and
      B3LYP GIAO methods were computed respectively; (2) the optimization of F
      Al(13)(15+) was also performed and the (27)Al NMR chemical shifts were obtained
      using the same methods as above; (3) the structural parameters of a series of
      typical aluminum species (Al(3+), AlOH(2+), AlF(2+), Al(2)(4+), Al(6)(6+), K
      Al(13)(7+), C-Al(13)(9+) and F-Al(13)(15+)) were compared.

PMID- 22075656
TI  - Stenting of a gastroduodenal artery aneurysm: report of a case.
AB  - We present a case of gastroduodenal artery stenting in a patient with recurrent
      episodes of pancreatitis due to gastroduodenal artery aneurysm. Stenting was
      performed under local anesthesia using a 6 * 38-mm primary covered Advanta V12
      vascular stent graft. The procedure was successful and the patient is
      asymptomatic 21 months later. Endovascular treatment of gastroduodenal artery
      aneurysm should be considered a promising alternative to open surgery, due to
      lower mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 22075655
TI  - Chylothorax after neck dissection for thyroid carcinomas: report of three cases.
AB  - Chylothorax is a rare complication of neck dissection. We report three cases of
      chylothorax after neck dissections for thyroid carcinoma and attribute this
      relatively high incidence to the assumption that most patients are asymptomatic.
      Thus, conventional chest X-ray or ultrasonography in the early postoperative
      period may be warranted to exclude asymptomatic chylothorax, especially if the
      thoracic duct is injured and ligated during the operation. We suggest that for
      chylothorax induced by ligation of the thoracic duct, which may be transient and
      resolve quickly, short-term thoracic drainage is enough.

PMID- 22075657
TI  - Innovative segmentectomy to remove the posterior segment of the lower lobe (S10)
      of the lung.
AB  - We describe our innovative technique for performing segmentectomy of the
      posterior segment of the lower lobe of the lung, being segment number 10 (S10).
      In segmentectomy of S10, it is difficult to identify A10 from the interlobar
      fissure because the pulmonary artery to S10 (A10) branches from A(9+10) and runs
      dorsally and deeply into the lung tissue. Moreover, to reach S10 from the
      interlobar fissure, the lung tissue should be cut between S6 and S8, because S10
      is not located beside the interlobar fissure. However, it is difficult to
      identify the boundary between the S6 and S8 without a route marker. To solve
      these difficulties, we divided S6 and S10 from each other at the beginning of the
      procedure, which enabled A10 to be identified easily from the dorsal side.
      Because S6 and S(8-10) should be divided in S10 segmentectomy at the end, the
      division between S6 and S(8-10) at the beginning of procedure is not only
      reasonable, but makes the procedure simple.

PMID- 22075658
TI  - Choriocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon: report of a case.
AB  - We report a rare case of primary choriocarcinoma of the colon. A 58-year-old
      woman underwent Hartmann's procedure to remove a sigmoid colon tumor, and
      pathological examination confirmed choriocarcinoma that had originated from the
      colon. Radical surgery combined with chemotherapy gives the best chance of long
      term survival.

PMID- 22075659
TI  - Video-assisted surgery for gastric carcinoma arising in a gastric tube
      reconstructed retrosternally.
AB  - Advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques have improved the prognosis of
      esophageal cancer, but there is growing concern about gastric tube cancer after
      esophagectomy. Gastric carcinoma arising in tubes that were reconstructed
      retrosternally is usually resected through a median sternotomy; however, this is
      invasive and carries a risk of osteomyelitis after suture-line failure. We
      performed video-assisted gastric tube resection, eliminating the need for
      sternotomy by using a sternal lifting method, on a 71-year-old man who had
      previously undergone esophagectomy and reconstruction retrosternally. The tumor
      was a Borrmann type 1 advanced cancer located near the esophagogastric
      anastomosis. Neck collar and upper abdominal incisions were made, and the sternum
      was lifted using a Kent retractor to extend the retrosternal space. Under
      videoscope assistance, we stripped the adhesions around the gastric tube
      carefully and performed total gastric tube resection. For the reconstruction, the
      ileocolon was lifted through the retrosternal space, and an ileoesophagostomy and
      Roux-en-Y reconstruction were performed. Despite leakage from an esophago
      ileoanastomosis on postoperative day 6, the patient recovered well without
      mediastinitis or osteomyelitis of the sternum. Thus, our surgical procedure
      provides a good surgical view, decreases surgical stress, and reduces the risk of
      fatal postoperative complications.

PMID- 22075660
TI  - Totally laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis achieved using a
      laparoscopic linear stapler: experience of a single institute.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopic colonic surgery is now widely accepted. We assessed the
      safety and effectiveness of using a total intracorporeal surgical strategy to
      perform intracorporeal functional end-to-end anastomosis with an endoscopic
      linear stapler to treat colon cancer. METHODS: Forty-three selected patients
      underwent elective laparoscopic colon resection for carcinoma. A total
      intracorporeal colon resection was performed in all  patients, using a functional
      end-to-end anastomosis with an endoscopic linear stapler. RESULTS: Good results
      were achieved in all 43 patients, none of whom required conversion to open
      surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis. There have been no intraoperative
      complications related to this technique and no instances of postoperative
      anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal abscess, or wound infection. CONCLUSION:
      Intracorporeal functional end-to-end anastomosis using a linear stapler can be
      performed safely and easily for the resection of any part of the colon. We
      consider it an effective modality for totally laparoscopic colon resection.
      Favorable results have been achieved by this method, particularly for small
      tumors, since natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery remains a
      challenging method to perform.

PMID- 22075661
TI  - Adult transmesenteric hernia: report of two cases.
AB  - Transmesenteric hernia is a rare cause of bowel obstruction in adults. We herein
      describe two cases that occurred in adult women, ages 27 and 19. Both cases
      presented with abdominal pain without muscular defense signs. Computed tomography
      of both cases showed features of small bowel obstruction by an internal hernia. A
      laparotomy showed mesenteric defects of the mesentery of the ileum in the former
      case and the mesentery of the transverse colon in the latter case, with a
      herniating ileum. The involved small bowel was viable in both cases, and the
      bowel was pulled out of the mesenteric defect without resection. The mesenteric
      defects were then successfully repaired.

PMID- 22075662
TI  - Pancreatic injury after major hepatectomy: a study in a porcine model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of
      pancreatitis after major hepatectomy. METHODS: The study used ten female pigs.
      Three served as sham animals (sham group) and were killed after laparotomy to
      obtain normal tissue samples. Seven animals were subjected to major hepatectomy
      (70-75%), using the Pringle maneuver for 150 min, after constructing a portacaval
      side-to-side anastomosis (hepatectomy group). Duration of reperfusion was 24 h.
      RESULTS: Pancreatic tissue sampled 24 h after reperfusion had increased necrosis
      and edema in comparison to sham group and to tissue sampled at 12 h. Tissue
      malondialdehyde (MDA) did not differ significantly between samples at 12 and 24 h
      but was increased in the hepatectomy group in comparison to sham animals.
      Percentage increase in portal MDA content during reperfusion was greater at 12 h
      of reperfusion in comparison to the increase after 24 h. Portal pressure
      increased significantly after 12 h of reperfusion. Serum amylase and C-peptide
      increased during reperfusion in comparison to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings suggest that intraoperative portal congestion is not the only cause of
      the development of pancreatitis after major hepatectomy. The oxidative markers
      suggest that reactive oxygen species produced during vascular control may be
      responsible as well.

PMID- 22075663
TI  - Total mesorectal excision of initially unresectable locally advanced rectal
      cancer infiltrating the pelvic wall after treatment with FOLFOX4 plus bevacizumab
      and preoperative chemoradiation: report of a case.
AB  - A 60-year-old man underwent sigmoid loop colostomy for obstructive rectal cancer.
      Computed tomography (CT) showed a circumferential thickening of the lower rectal
      wall caused by a tumor invading the posterior and side pelvic wall. As we
      considered R0 resection too difficult, we gave the patient bevacizumab plus
      FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil). After eight courses, CT
      showed improvement in the rectal wall thickening but linear thickening of the
      mesorectal fascia remained. We therefore gave the patient chemoradiotherapy
      (CRT), and then 10 weeks later performed Hartmann's operation laparoscopically.
      Microscopic examination revealed that the tumor had been almost replaced by
      fibrous tissue, with only a few cancer cells left in the subserosa. The
      circumferential resection margin was free of cancer cells. The patient is doing
      well after 27 months of follow-up. This case suggests that systemic chemotherapy
      with FOLFOX4 plus bevacizumab prior to conventional preoperative CRT is a
      promising strategy for patients with initially unresectable locally advanced
      rectal cancer.

PMID- 22075664
TI  - Reevaluation of serum p53 antibody as a tumor marker in colorectal cancer
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: We reevaluated the serum p53 antibody (S-p53Ab) ELISA kit, which was
      approved as a tumor marker of colon cancer in the Japanese Health Insurance
      System in 2007. METHODS: S-p53Ab was measured as a tumor marker in 154 colorectal
      cancer patients, and the results were categorized by clinical and pathological
      variables. We then compared the positive frequency of S-p53Ab, carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate 19-9 (CA19-9). RESULTS: S-p53Ab was positive in
      33.1% of the colorectal cancer patients. The positive rate was significantly
      higher in patients with lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.025) and lymphatic invasion
      (P = 0.023). In patients with stage I colorectal cancer, the positive rate of S
      p53Ab (23.7%) was significantly higher than that of CEA (5.3%) or CA19-9 (7.9%).
      CONCLUSION: The approved kit for S-p53Ab testing was found to be an effective
      tumor marker of colorectal cancer. The positive rate of S-p53Ab was significantly
      higher in patients with cancer involvement of the lymphoid tissues. The positive
      rate of S-p53Ab was higher than that of CEA and CA19-9 in patients with stage I
      colorectal cancer, suggesting that the S-p53Ab is a useful tumor marker for
      patients with early-stage disease.

PMID- 22075665
TI  - Ultrasound-guided microwave coagulation assists anatomical hepatic resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe a new technique of ultrasound (US)-guided microwave
      coagulation (MC) of the Glissonean pedicle, performed before transection to
      control the inflow and select the resection area. This report introduces our
      procedure and evaluates the outcomes of patients treated using this technique.
      METHODS: The Glissonean pedicles feeding the segment or cone unit were coagulated
      by US-guided MC, after which transection was performed. We used this US-guided MC
      technique to perform anatomical resections in 12 patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma (MC group). We compared the outcomes of this group with those of a
      historical group of 10 patients who underwent conventional hepatectomy (control
      group). The two groups were well matched for age, tumor size, location, and type
      of hepatectomy. RESULTS: The mean operative times were similar, but the mean
      blood loss was significantly lower the in MC group than in the control group.
      Recurrence developed in four patients from the MC group, but local recurrence was
      not observed. Bile leakage occurred in one patient from the MC group, but the
      incidences of postoperative complications did not differ between the groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure allows anatomical resection to be performed safely and
      easily, and helps prevent intrahepatic metastasis via portal flow during the
      transection.

PMID- 22075666
TI  - Preoperative evaluation of the depth of anal canal invasion in very low rectal
      cancer by magnetic resonance imaging and surgical indications for
      intersphincteric resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study was performed to evaluate the depth of anal canal
      invasion (DACI), and determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      assessment of the conjoined longitudinal muscle (CLM) can be used to identify the
      surgical indication for intersphincteric resection. METHODS: Sixty-six patients
      with T1 (n = 2), T2 (n = 20), T3 (n = 39), and T4 (n = 5) lower rectal cancer
      were included. Depth of anal canal invasion was defined as extension of the tumor
      to the anal canal. The outline of the CLM on MRI was assessed as clear, unclear,
      or absent (indicating invasion). RESULTS: A comparison of overall T-stage and
      DACI of 22 pT1-pT2 tumors revealed that none had a higher T-stage within the anal
      canal, and 16 of 39 pT3 tumors had only pT0-pT2 invasion within the anal canal.
      The CLM was clear in 30 cases of T0-T2 DACI, unclear in 5 cases of T0-T2 DACI,
      and 3 cases of T3-T4 DACI, and showed invasion in 3 cases of T2 DACI and 25 cases
      of T3-T4 DACI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and
      negative predictive value of using a clear CLM outline for determining T0-T2 DACI
      was 78.9, 91.9, 100, and 77.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative
      evaluation of DACI was compatible with the surgical indications. A clear CLM
      accurately indicates T0-T2 DACI.

PMID- 22075667
TI  - Molecular, kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis orotate phosphoribosyltransferase.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. The worldwide emergence of drug-resistant strains, the increasing
      number of infected patients among immune compromised populations, and the large
      number of latent infected individuals that are reservoir to the disease have
      underscored the urgent need of new strategies to treat TB. The nucleotide
      metabolism pathways provide promising molecular targets for the development of
      novel drugs against active TB and may, hopefully, also be effective against
      latent forms of the pathogen. The orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) enzyme
      of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway catalyzes the reversible
      phosphoribosyl transfer from 5'-phospho-alpha-D-ribose 1'-diphosphate (PRPP) to
      orotic acid (OA), forming pyrophosphate and orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP).
      Here we describe cloning and characterization of pyrE-encoded protein of M.
      tuberculosis H37Rv strain as a homodimeric functional OPRT enzyme. The M.
      tuberculosis OPRT true kinetic constants for forward reaction and product
      inhibition results suggest a Mono-Iso Ordered Bi-Bi kinetic mechanism, which has
      not been previously described for this enzyme family. Absence of detection of
      half reaction and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) data support the
      proposed mechanism. ITC data also provided thermodynamic signatures of non
      covalent interactions between substrate/product and M. tuberculosis OPRT. These
      data provide a solid foundation on which to base target-based rational design of
      anti-TB agents and should inform us how to better design inhibitors of M.
      tuberculosis OPRT.

PMID- 22075668
TI  - Sitagliptin and simvastatin (juvisync).

PMID- 22075669
TI  - Tadalafil (Cialis) for signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PMID- 22075670
TI  - Vassopressors and inotropes.

PMID- 22075671
TI  - A-kinase anchoring proteins that regulate cardiac remodeling.
AB  - In response to injury or stress, the adult heart undergoes maladaptive changes,
      collectively defined as pathological cardiac remodeling. Here, we focus on the
      role of A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) in 3 main areas associated with
      cardiac remodeling and the progression of heart failure: excitation-contraction
      coupling, sarcomeric regulation, and induction of pathological hypertrophy. AKAPs
      are a diverse family of scaffold proteins that form multiprotein complexes,
      integrating cAMP signaling with protein kinases, phosphatases, and other effector
      proteins. Many AKAPs have been characterized in the heart, where they play a
      critical role in modulating cardiac function.

PMID- 22075672
TI  - Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis.
AB  - Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis is a rare type of inflammatory process which is
      characterized by composition of immune cell aggregation on histological studies.
      Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction of cell-mediated immunity may be
      implicated in its pathogenesis. Gross and radiological examination can mimic
      malignancy, and differentiation should be confirmed by histopathological
      evaluation. We describe the case of a 14-year-old Afghan boy presenting with pain
      in right shoulder and left leg with prior history of trauma. Fever, limitation in
      right shoulder range of motion, and tenderness in right shoulder and left thigh
      were detected following examination. Mild leukocytosis, elevated alkaline
      phosphatase, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate with negative C
      reactive protein (CRP) were revealed. X-ray imaging showed mixed density,
      periosteal reaction, and cortical disruption. Computed tomography (CT) scan
      revealed lesions involving medulla and cortex, periosteal reaction with soft
      tissue component, and bone marrow infiltration in right humerus and left fibula.
      On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), signal abnormalities in medulla, metaphysis,
      and diaphysis of the left fibula associated with cortical irregularity and
      diffuse soft tissue hypersignal areas were demonstrated. Finally,
      xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis was confirmed by histological sample. The
      clinical manifestations and radiographic and laboratory findings of this rare
      condition are discussed.

PMID- 22075673
TI  - Management of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in patients aged 40 years and
      older.
AB  - The aim of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is essentially to
      restore functional stability of the knee and to allow patients to return to their
      desired work and activities. While in the young and active population, surgery is
      often the best therapeutic option after an ACL tear, ACL reconstruction in middle
      aged people is rather more controversial due to concerns about a higher
      complication rate. The purpose of our article is to establish, through a
      systematic review of the literature, useful decision-making criteria for the
      management of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in patients aged 40 years and
      older, guiding surgeons to the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Various
      reports have shown excellent results of ACL reconstruction in patients over the
      age of 40 in terms of subjective satisfaction, return to previous activity level,
      and reduced complication and failure rates. Some even document excellent outcomes
      in subjects of 50 years and older. Although there are limited high-level studies,
      data reported in the literature suggest that ACL reconstruction can be successful
      in appropriately selected, motivated older patients with symptomatic knee
      instability who want to return to participating in highly demanding sport and
      recreational activities. Deciding factors are based on occupation, sex, activity
      level of the subject, amount of time spent performing such highly demanding
      activities, and presence of associated knee lesions. Physiological age and
      activity level are more important than chronological age as deciding factors when
      considering ACL reconstruction.

PMID- 22075674
TI  - Post-surgical tympanostomy tube follow up with audiology: experience at the
      Freeman Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tympanostomy tube (grommet) insertion is a common procedure, with
      little guidance in the current literature regarding post-operative surveillance.
      Our institution implemented a protocol to follow up post-surgical grommet
      patients via audiology at six weeks. METHODS: A retrospective audit of all
      patients less than 16 years old who had undergone grommet insertion during a
      three-month period. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients had grommets inserted.
      Exclusion criteria left a cohort of 123 individuals; 82 (67 per cent) were
      followed up by audiology. Of these, 13 (11 per cent) did not attend follow up,
      and were discharged; 53 (43 per cent) were discharged from audiology with normal
      thresholds; and 16 (13 per cent) were referred back to a consultant. Therefore,
      the overall reduction in patients followed up by an otolaryngologist was 54 per
      cent. CONCLUSION: We recommend a six-week follow up with audiology following
      grommet insertion, allowing for referral back to ENT services in the event of
      related complications.

PMID- 22075675
TI  - Why we need nurse practitioner emergency specialty certification.

PMID- 22075676
TI  - Diagnosing and treating mild traumatic brain injury in children.
AB  - Review of recent evidence with translation to practice for the advanced practice
      nurse role is presented using a case study format for "Mild Traumatic Brain
      Injury in Children." This "short review" describes the state of the science
      regarding diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury in children,
      demonstrating multiple challenges to synthesizing existing research into practice
      guidelines. Implications of this lack of clear research evidence on advanced
      practice nursing are discussed along with suggestions for using alternative
      sources of evidence.

PMID- 22075677
TI  - Differential diagnosis of acute heart failure: brain versus heart.
AB  - Arrhythmias to transient cardiac failure have been reported in aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage. The cardiac dysfunction can mimic an acute myocardial
      infarction, and in the presence of severe neurological compromise, careful
      observation is needed to differentiate the etiology of cardiac failure. Accurate
      history, rapid assessment, and interpretation of diagnostics are essential to
      determine the accurate diagnosis and in identifying appropriate treatment.

PMID- 22075678
TI  - Pharmacologic management during therapeutic hypothermia.
AB  - Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest continues to be associated with high morbidity and
      mortality as the mortality rate has been documented to be as high as 90% in
      patients who experience the insult at home. For those who survive, more than 50%
      will have some form of brain damage. Despite the devastation of this event,
      therapeutic options for improving outcomes in this population are unfortunately
      limited. However, therapeutic hypothermia has been evaluated in 2 landmark
      randomized, controlled trials in patients who experienced an out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest with the results showing an improvement in both neurologic
      outcomes and mortality. Providers must be familiar with the rationale behind the
      therapy, the physiological effects of the cooling and rewarming processes, and
      the pharmacologic management that aides in improved outcomes and minimizes
      complications.

PMID- 22075680
TI  - The case of the cutaneous quandary.
AB  - Early diagnosis of an adverse cutaneous drug reaction (ACDR) is the key to
      preventing a more severe and life-threatening drug reaction. ACDRs can range from
      mild rashes to life-threatening events. ACDRs are classified as immunologic and
      nonimmunologic etiologies. Drug hypersensitivity is an immune mediated response.
      True hypersensitivity adverse drug reactions mimic many disease states and can
      involve any organ system (S. ). A thorough history is critical when the patient
      presents with systemic symptoms in addition to a dermatological response that
      does not display common distributions and lesions. Medications previously
      prescribed and taken by patients may produce a delayed immune mediated response
      that can result in multiorgan syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic
      epidermal necrolysis.

PMID- 22075681
TI  - Occupational and demographic factors associated with violence in the emergency
      department.
AB  - Violence against health care workers is a serious and growing problem. The
      objectives of this cross-sectional study were to (a) describe the frequency of
      workplace violence (WPV) against emergency department (ED) workers; (b) identify
      demographic and occupational characteristics related to WPV; and (c) identify
      demographic and occupational characteristics related to feelings of safety and
      level of confidence when dealing with WPV. Survey data were collected from 213
      workers at 6 hospital EDs. Verbal and physical violence was prevalent in all 6
      EDs. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of
      violence for age, job title, patient population, and hospital location. Sexual
      harassment was the only category of violence affected by gender with females
      having a greater frequency. Feelings of safety were positively related to the
      frequency of WPV. Females were significantly more likely to feel unsafe and have
      less confidence in dealing with WPV. The study findings indicate that all ED
      workers are at risk of violence, regardless of personal and occupational
      characteristics. Feelings of safety are related to job satisfaction and turnover.
      Violence has serious consequences for the employers, employees, and patients. It
      is recommended that administration, managers, and employees collaborate to
      develop and implement prevention strategies to reduce and manage the violence.

PMID- 22075682
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia initiated in the pre-hospital setting: a meta-analysis.
AB  - After resuscitation of the cardiac arrest patient, reperfusion to the brain
      begins a cascade of events that may lead to permanent brain damage. Cooling
      suppresses the inflammatory response related to ischemia and metabolic demand,
      improving oxygen supply to anoxic areas. Until recently, cooling was only
      performed in the hospital setting. Recent studies have questioned whether
      initiating the cooling process immediately after resuscitation is beneficial in
      the pre-hospital setting. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the
      feasibility and safety of pre-hospital hypothermia via data extraction from
      randomized controlled trials and statistical meta-analysis. Studies included in
      this analysis did show a significant statistical difference with the ability to
      lower the body temperature when beginning pre-hospital cooling immediately,
      making it feasible to start therapeutic hypothermia in the pre-hospital setting.
      Further research is needed to determine neurological and discharge outcomes as
      the studies were not powered to determine statistical significance.

PMID- 22075683
TI  - Level 2 and level 3 patients in emergency severity index triage system:
      comparison of characteristics and resource utilization.
AB  - There is a lack of studies examining distinctions between patients assigned to
      Level 2 (high risk) and Level 3 (lower risk) in the 5-level ESI triage system.
      Describing patients assigned to Level 2 and Level 3 may identify unique
      characteristics related to chief complaint, interventions, and resource needs. A
      convenience sample of triage nurses was recruited from 2 emergency department
      (ED) sites. If, at the completion of the patient-nurse triage interaction, the
      nurse assigned the patient to either Level 2 or Level 3, additional clinical data
      related to that patient were collected from the ED medical record. Eighteen
      triage nurses participated in the study with 334 nurse-patient triage
      interactions collected. Patients presenting with a chief complaint of nausea and
      vomiting or having a medical history of renal insufficiency/failure were
      significantly more often assigned to Level 2 than to Level 3 (p = 0.036 and p =
      0.013, respectively). Patients assigned to Level 2 were more likely to utilize
      cardiac monitoring, electrocardiogram, medications, and specialty consultation
      than patients assigned to Level 3. It is critical that nurses in the triage
      setting be aware of possible patient factors and resource needs that could
      influence assignment to specific triage levels.

PMID- 22075684
TI  - Identifying factors inhibiting or enhancing family presence during resuscitation
      in the emergency department.
AB  - The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore inhibitors and enhancing
      factors surrounding the practice of allowing family presence in the emergency
      room. Staff and physician interviews were transcribed and decoded for themes. A
      visual model was built to depict the results. Inhibitors and enhancing factors
      included the following drivers: staff emotions, personalizing the patient,
      seeing/hearing everything, closure, emotional support of the family, and "if it
      were me." The following staff needs were also identified as important issues that
      needed to be addressed before practice could change further: staff education,
      optimize environment for privacy, and implementation of a family liaison. The use
      of qualitative research methods was effective in identifying organizational
      barriers to transition of evidence into practice.

PMID- 22075685
TI  - Characteristics of patients who return to the emergency department within 72
      hours in one community hospital.
AB  - This study identifies characteristics of patients who return to the emergency
      department (ED) within 72 hr after an initial visit. An exploratory quantitative
      descriptive study was conducted to identify characteristics of patients with
      unscheduled 72 hr ED returns. The sample consisted of all patients with 72 hr ED
      return visits for the month of January 2009 at the study facility. Data were
      collected from electronic patient records utilizing the National Hospital
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey instrument modified to eliminate patient
      identifiers. There were 169 individuals who had at least one 72 hr return visit
      to the ED for a total of 393 initial and return ED visits. The most common
      diagnoses were for gastrointestinal complaints. Over a third of the patients who
      returned had chronic health conditions. There were more emergency department
      return visits in individuals who lacked access to primary care.

PMID- 22075686
TI  - "Here comes Santa Claus": what is the evidence?
AB  - The purpose of this article is to examine the strength of evidence regarding our
      holiday Santa Claus (SC) practices and the opportunities for new descriptive,
      correlation, or experimental research on SC. Although existing evidence generally
      supports SC, in the end we may conclude, "the most real things in the world are
      those that neither children nor men can see" (Church, as cited in Newseum, n.d.).

PMID- 22075687
TI  - Obesity epidemics: inevitable outcome of globalization or preventable public
      health challenge?

PMID- 22075688
TI  - On the benefit of magnetic magnesium nanocarrier in cardiovascular toxicity of
      aluminum phosphide.
AB  - The present study was designed to determine the effect of a new (25)Mg(2+)
      carrying nanoparticle ((25)MgPMC16) on energy depletion, oxidative stress, and
      electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters on heart tissue of the rats poisoned by
      aluminum phosphide (AlP). (25)MgPMC16 at doses of 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 median
      lethal dose (LD50 = 896 mg/kg) was administered intravenously (iv) 30 min after a
      single intragastric administration of AlP (0.25 LD50). Sodium bicarbonate
      (Bicarb; 2 mEq/kg, iv) was used as the standard therapy. After anesthesia, the
      animals were rapidly connected to an electronic cardiovascular monitoring device
      for monitoring of ECG, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR). Later lipid
      peroxidation, antioxidant power, ATP/ADP ratio, and Mg concentration in the heart
      were evaluated. Results indicated that after AlP administration, BP and HR
      decreased while R-R duration increased. (25)MgPMC16 significantly increased the
      BP and HR at all doses used. We found a considerable increase in antioxidant
      power, Mg level in the plasma and the heart and a reduction in lipid peroxidation
      and ADP/ATP ratio at various doses of (25)MgPMC16, but (25)MgPMC16-0.025 + Bicarb
      was the most effective combination therapy. The results of this study support
      that (25)MgPMC16 can increase heart energy by active transport of Mg inside the
      cardiac cells.(25)MgPMC16 seems ameliorating AlP-induced toxicity and cardiac
      failure necessitating further studies.

PMID- 22075689
TI  - Application of low magnetic field on inulinase production by Geotrichum candidum
      under solid state fermentation using leek as substrate.
AB  - This study evaluates the application of low magnetic field (LMF) on inulinase
      enzyme production by Geotrichum candidum under solid state fermentation (SSF)
      using leek as potential carbon source. First, the fermentation conditions were
      optimized using normal magnetic field grown microorganism. Among eight G.
      candidum isolates, the most effective strain called G. candidum OC-7 was selected
      to use in further experiments. In the second part of the study, SSF was carried
      out under different LMFs (4 and 7 mT). The results showed that inulinase activity
      was strongly affected by LMF application. The highest enzyme activity was
      obtained as 535.2 U/g of dry substrate (gds) by 7 mT magnetic field grown G.
      candidum OC-7. On the contrary, the control had only 412.1 U/gds. Consequently,
      the use of leek presents a great potential as an alternative carbon source for
      inulinase production and magnetic field treatment could effectively be used in
      order to enhance the enzyme production.

PMID- 22075690
TI  - Antiapoptotic and proliferative activity of curcumin on ovarian follicles in mice
      exposed to whole body ionizing radiation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiapoptotic and proliferative
      activity of curcumin (Cur) on the ovarian follicles in mice exposed to whole body
      ionizing radiation (Rd). The mice were exposed to 8.3 gray whole body Rd, and Cur
      groups were given as a daily dose of 100 mg/kg of Cur for 10 days (10 days before
      Rd). The ovaries were collected 3 and 12 h after irradiation. To date, no such
      studies have been performed on antiapoptotic and proliferative activity of Cur on
      the ovarian follicles in mice exposed to whole body Rd. Analysis of mice ovary
      after exposure to Rd by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick
      end labeling showed that there were apoptotic cells both in the follicular wall
      and the antrum, and that the number of follicles showing early atresic features
      was high 3 h after Rd. On the other hand, analysis of mice ovary 12 h after
      exposure to Rd showed that the number of follicles containing apoptotic cells
      with advanced atresic features was significantly higher when compared to the 3-h
      Rd exposure group. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen -positive granulosa
      cells were decreased in association with follicular atresia. The groups given
      treatment were observed to have some benefit from Cur against the damage caused
      by Rd. The results of this study demonstrate that Cur prevents follicular atresia
      in Rd-induced apoptosis in ovarian follicles.

PMID- 22075691
TI  - Thin-filament length correlates with fiber type in human skeletal muscle.
AB  - Force production in skeletal muscle is proportional to the amount of overlap
      between the thin and thick filaments, which, in turn, depends on their lengths.
      Both thin- and thick-filament lengths are precisely regulated and uniform within
      a myofibril. While thick-filament lengths are essentially constant across muscles
      and species (~1.65 MUm), thin-filament lengths are highly variable both across
      species and across muscles of a single species. Here, we used a high-resolution
      immunofluorescence and image analysis technique (distributed deconvolution) to
      directly test the hypothesis that thin-filament lengths vary across human
      muscles. Using deltoid and pectoralis major muscle biopsies, we identified thin
      filament lengths that ranged from 1.19 +/- 0.08 to 1.37 +/- 0.04 MUm, based on
      tropomodulin localization with respect to the Z-line. Tropomodulin localized from
      0.28 to 0.47 MUm further from the Z-line than the NH(2)-terminus of nebulin in
      the various biopsies, indicating that human thin filaments have nebulin-free,
      pointed-end extensions that comprise up to 34% of total thin-filament length.
      Furthermore, thin-filament length was negatively correlated with the percentage
      of type 2X myosin heavy chain within the biopsy and shorter in type 2X myosin
      heavy chain-positive fibers, establishing the existence of a relationship between
      thin-filament lengths and fiber types in human muscle. Together, these data
      challenge the widely held assumption that human thin-filament lengths are
      constant. Our results also have broad relevance to musculoskeletal modeling,
      surgical reattachment of muscles, and orthopedic rehabilitation.

PMID- 22075692
TI  - Triiodothyronine induces UCP-1 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis in human
      adipocytes.
AB  - Uncoupling protein (UCP)-1 expressed in brown adipose tissue plays an important
      role in thermogenesis. Recent data suggest that brown-like adipocytes in white
      adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle play a crucial role in the regulation of
      body weight. Understanding of the mechanism underlying the increase in UCP-1
      expression level in these organs should, therefore, provide an approach to
      managing obesity. The thyroid hormone (TH) has profound effects on mitochondrial
      biogenesis and promotes the mRNA expression of UCP in skeletal muscle and brown
      adipose tissue. However, the action of TH on the induction of brown-like
      adipocytes in WAT has not been elucidated. Thus we investigate whether TH could
      regulate UCP-1 expression in WAT using multipotent cells isolated from human
      adipose tissue. In this study, triiodothyronine (T(3)) treatment induced UCP-1
      expression and mitochondrial biogenesis, accompanied by the induction of the
      CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
      coactivator-1alpha, and nuclear respiratory factor-1 in differentiated human
      multipotent adipose-derived stem cells. The effects of T(3) on UCP-1 induction
      were dependent on TH receptor-beta. Moreover, T(3) treatment increased oxygen
      consumption rate. These findings indicate that T(3) is an active modulator, which
      induces energy utilization in white adipocytes through the regulation of UCP-1
      expression and mitochondrial biogenesis. Our findings provide evidence that T(3)
      serves as a bipotential mediator of mitochondrial biogenesis.

PMID- 22075693
TI  - ANOs 3-7 in the anoctamin/Tmem16 Cl- channel family are intracellular proteins.
AB  - Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (CaCCs) participate in numerous physiological
      functions such as neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, and
      transepithelial fluid transport. Recently, it was shown that heterologously
      expressed anoctamins ANO1 and ANO2 generate currents that resemble native CaCCs.
      The anoctamin family (also called Tmem16) consists of 10 members, but it is not
      known whether all members of the family are CaCCs. Expression of ANOs 3-7 in
      HEK293 cells did not generate Cl(-) currents activated by intracellular Ca(2+),
      as determined by whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology. With the use of
      confocal imaging, only ANO1 and ANO2 traffic to the plasma membrane when
      expressed heterologously. Furthermore, endogenously expressed ANO7 in the human
      prostate is predominantly intracellular. We took a chimeric approach to identify
      regions critical for channel trafficking and function. However, none of the
      chimeras of ANO1 and ANO5/7 that we made trafficked to the plasma membrane. Our
      results suggest that intracellular anoctamins may be endoplasmic reticulum
      proteins, although it remains unknown whether these family members are CaCCs.
      Determining the role of anoctamin family members in ion transport will be
      critical to understanding their functions in physiology and disease.

PMID- 22075694
TI  - Lithium interactions with Na+-coupled inorganic phosphate cotransporters:
      insights into the mechanism of sequential cation binding.
AB  - Type IIa/b Na(+)-coupled inorganic phosphate cotransporters (NaPi-IIa/b) are
      considered to be exclusively Na(+) dependent. Here we show that Li(+) can
      substitute for Na(+) as a driving cation. We expressed NaPi-IIa/b in Xenopus
      laevis oocytes and performed two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology and
      uptake assays to investigate the effect of external Li(+) on their kinetics.
      Replacement of 50% external Na(+) with Li(+) reduced the maximum transport rate
      and the rate-limiting plateau of the P(i)-induced current began at less
      hyperpolarizing potentials. Simultaneous electrophysiology and (22)Na uptake on
      single oocytes revealed that Li(+) ions can substitute for at least one of the
      three Na(+) ions necessary for cotransport. Presteady-state assays indicated that
      Li(+) ions alone interact with the empty carrier; however, the total charge
      displaced was 70% of that with Na(+) alone, or when 50% of the Na(+) was replaced
      by Li(+). If Na(+) and Li(+) were both present, the midpoint potential of the
      steady-state charge distribution was shifted towards depolarizing potentials. The
      charge movement in the presence of Li(+) alone reflected the interaction of one
      Li(+) ion, in contrast to 2 Na(+) ions when only Na was present. We propose an
      ordered binding scheme for cotransport in which Li(+) competes with Na(+) to
      occupy the putative first cation interaction site, followed by the cooperative
      binding of one Na(+) ion, one divalent P(i) anion, and a third Na(+) ion to
      complete the carrier loading. With Li(+) bound, the kinetics of subsequent
      partial reactions were significantly altered. Kinetic simulations of this scheme
      support our experimental data.

PMID- 22075697
TI  - Circadian variation of the response of T cells to antigen.
AB  - Circadian clocks regulate many important aspects of physiology, and their
      disturbance leads to various medical conditions. Circadian variations have been
      found in immune system variables, including daily rhythms in circulating WBC
      numbers and serum concentration of cytokines. However, control of immune
      functional responses by the circadian clock has remained relatively unexplored.
      In this study, we show that mouse lymph nodes exhibit rhythmic clock gene
      expression. T cells from lymph nodes collected over 24 h show a circadian
      variation in proliferation after stimulation via the TCR, which is blunted in
      Clock gene mutant mice. The tyrosine kinase ZAP70, which is just downstream of
      the TCR in the T cell activation pathway and crucial for T cell function,
      exhibits rhythmic protein expression. Lastly, mice immunized with OVA peptide
      loaded dendritic cells in the day show a stronger specific T cell response than
      mice immunized at night. These data reveal circadian control of the Ag-specific
      immune response and a novel regulatory mode of T cell proliferation, and may
      provide clues for more efficient vaccination strategies.

PMID- 22075696
TI  - Contact-dependent T cell activation and T cell stopping require talin1.
AB  - T cell-APC contact initiates T cell activation and is maintained by the integrin
      LFA-1. Talin1, an LFA-1 regulator, localizes to the immune synapse (IS) with
      unknown roles in T cell activation. In this study, we show that talin1-deficient
      T cells have defects in contact-dependent T cell stopping and proliferation.
      Although talin1-deficient T cells did not form stable interactions with APCs,
      transient contacts were sufficient to induce signaling. In contrast to prior
      models, LFA-1 polarized to T cell-APC contacts in talin1-deficient T cells, but
      vinculin and F-actin polarization at the IS was impaired. These results indicate
      that T cell proliferation requires sustained, talin1-mediated T cell-APC
      interactions and that talin1 is necessary for F-actin polarization and the
      stability of the IS.

PMID- 22075695
TI  - Altered neurotransmitter release machinery in mice deficient for the
      deubiquitinating enzyme Usp14.
AB  - Homozygous ataxic mice (ax(J)) express reduced levels of the deubiquitinating
      enzyme Usp14. They develop severe tremors by 2-3 wk of age, followed by hindlimb
      paralysis, and death by 6-8 wk. While changes in the ubiquitin proteasome system
      often result in the accumulation of ubiquitin protein aggregates and neuronal
      loss, these pathological markers are not observed in the ax(J) mice. Instead,
      defects in neurotransmission were observed in both the central and peripheral
      nervous systems of ax(J) mice. We have now identified several new alterations in
      peripheral neurotransmission in the ax(J) mice. Using the two-microelectrode
      voltage clamp technique on diaphragm muscles of ax(J) mice, we observed that
      under normal neurotransmitter release conditions ax(J) mice lacked paired-pulse
      facilitation and exhibited a frequency-dependent increase in rundown of the end
      plate current at high-frequency stimulation (HFS). Combined electrophysiology and
      styryl dye staining revealed a significant reduction in quantal content during
      the initial and plateau portions of the HFS train. In addition, uptake of styryl
      dyes (FM dye) during HFS demonstrated that the size of the readily releasable
      vesicle pool was significantly reduced. Destaining rates for styryl dyes
      suggested that ax(J) neuromuscular junctions are unable to mobilize a sufficient
      number of vesicles during times of intense activity. These results imply that
      ax(J) nerve terminals are unable to recruit a sufficient number of vesicles to
      keep pace with physiological rates of transmitter release. Therefore,
      ubiquitination of synaptic proteins appears to play an important role in the
      normal operation of the neurotransmitter release machinery and in regulating the
      size of pools of synaptic vesicles.

PMID- 22075698
TI  - CARMA1 is necessary for optimal T cell responses in a murine model of allergic
      asthma.
AB  - CARMA1 is a lymphocyte-specific scaffold protein necessary for T cell activation.
      Deletion of CARMA1 prevents the development of allergic airway inflammation in a
      mouse model of asthma due to a defect in naive T cell activation. However, it is
      unknown if CARMA1 is important for effector and memory T cell responses after the
      initial establishment of inflammation, findings that would be more relevant to
      asthma therapies targeted to CARMA1. In the current study, we sought to elucidate
      the role of CARMA1 in T cells that have been previously activated. Using mice in
      which floxed CARMA1 exons can be selectively deleted in T cells by OX40-driven
      Cre recombinase (OX40(+/Cre)CARMA1(F/F)), we report that CD4(+) T cells from
      these mice have impaired T cell reactivation responses and NF-kappaB signaling in
      vitro. Furthermore, in an in vivo recall model of allergic airway inflammation
      that is dependent on memory T cell function, OX40(+/Cre)CARMA1(F/F) mice have
      attenuated eosinophilic airway inflammation, T cell activation, and Th2 cytokine
      production. Using MHC class II tetramers, we demonstrate that the development and
      maintenance of Ag-specific memory T cells is not affected in
      OX40(+/Cre)CARMA1(F/F) mice. In addition, adoptive transfer of Th2-polarized
      OX40(+/Cre)CARMA1(F/F) Ag-specific CD4(+) T cells into wild-type mice induces
      markedly less airway inflammation in response to Ag challenge than transfer of
      wild-type Th2 cells. These data demonstrate a novel role for CARMA1 in effector
      and memory T cell responses and suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting
      CARMA1 could help treat chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma.

PMID- 22075700
TI  - A novel bacterial resistance mechanism against human group IIA-secreted
      phospholipase A2: role of Streptococcus pyogenes sortase A.
AB  - Human group IIA-secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) is a bactericidal
      molecule important for the innate immune defense against Gram-positive bacteria.
      In this study, we analyzed its role in the host defense against Streptococcus
      pyogenes, a major human pathogen, and demonstrated that this bacterium has
      evolved a previously unidentified mechanism to resist killing by sPLA(2)-IIA.
      Analysis of a set of clinical isolates demonstrated that an ~500-fold higher
      concentration of sPLA(2)-IIA was required to kill S. pyogenes compared with
      strains of the group B Streptococcus, which previously were shown to be sensitive
      to sPLA(2)-IIA, indicating that S. pyogenes exhibits a high degree of resistance
      to sPLA(2)-IIA. We found that an S. pyogenes mutant lacking sortase A, a
      transpeptidase responsible for anchoring LPXTG proteins to the cell wall in Gram
      positive bacteria, was significantly more sensitive (~30-fold) to sPLA(2)-IIA
      compared with the parental strain, indicating that one or more LPXTG surface
      proteins protect S. pyogenes against sPLA(2)-IIA. Importantly, using transgenic
      mice expressing human sPLA(2)-IIA, we showed that the sortase A-mediated sPLA(2)
      IIA resistance mechanism in S. pyogenes also occurs in vivo. Moreover, in this
      mouse model, we also showed that human sPLA(2)-IIA is important for the defense
      against lethal S. pyogenes infection. Thus, we demonstrated a novel mechanism by
      which a pathogenic bacterium can evade the bactericidal action of sPLA(2)-IIA and
      we showed that sPLA(2)-IIA contributes to the host defense against S. pyogenes
      infection.

PMID- 22075699
TI  - Aging is associated with an increase in T cells and inflammatory macrophages in
      visceral adipose tissue.
AB  - Age-related adiposity has been linked to chronic inflammatory diseases in late
      life. To date, the studies on adipose tissue leukocytes and aging have not taken
      into account the heterogeneity of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), nor have
      they examined how age impacts other leukocytes such as T cells in fat. Therefore,
      we have performed a detailed examination of ATM subtypes in young and old mice
      using state of the art techniques. Our results demonstrate qualitative changes in
      ATMs with aging that generate a decrease in resident type 2 (M2) ATMs. The
      profile of ATMs in old fat shifts toward a proinflammatory environment with
      increased numbers of CD206(-)CD11c(-) (double-negative) ATMs. The mechanism of
      this aging-induced shift in the phenotypic profile of ATMs was found to be
      related to a decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
      expression in ATMs and alterations in chemokine/chemokine receptor expression
      profiles. Furthermore, we have revealed a profound and unexpected expansion of
      adipose tissue T cells in visceral fat with aging that includes a significant
      induction of regulatory T cells in fat. Our findings demonstrate a unique
      inflammatory cell signature in the physiologic context of aging adipose tissue
      that differs from those induced in setting of diet-induced obesity.

PMID- 22075701
TI  - SOCS3 deletion in B cells alters cytokine responses and germinal center output.
AB  - B cell behavior is fine-tuned by internal regulatory mechanisms and external cues
      such as cytokines and chemokines. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is a
      key regulator of STAT3-dependent cytokine responses in many cell types and has
      been reported to inhibit CXCL12-induced retention of immature B cells in the bone
      marrow. Using mice with SOCS3 exclusively deleted in the B cell lineage
      (Socs3(Delta/Delta)mb1cre(+)), we analyzed the role of SOCS3 in the response of
      these cells to CXCL12 and the STAT3-inducing cytokines IL-6 and IL-21. Our
      findings refute a B cell-intrinsic role for SOCS3 in B cell development, because
      SOCS3 deletion in the B lineage did not affect B cell populations in naive mice.
      SOCS3 was strongly induced in B cells stimulated with IL-21 and in plasma cells
      exposed to IL-6. Its deletion permitted excessive and prolonged STAT3 signaling
      following IL-6 stimulation of plasma cells and, in a T cell-dependent
      immunization model, reduced the number of germinal center B cells formed and
      altered the production of Ag-specific IgM and IgE. These data demonstrate a novel
      regulatory signal transduction circuit in plasma cells, providing, to our
      knowledge, the first evidence of how these long-lived, sessile cells respond to
      the external signals that mediate their longevity.

PMID- 22075703
TI  - Electron-spin motion: a new tool to study ferromagnetic films and surfaces.
AB  - When electrons are interacting with a ferromagnetic material, their spin
      polarization vector is expected to move. This spin motion, comprising an
      azimuthal precession and a polar rotation about the magnetization direction of
      the ferromagnet, has been studied in spin-polarized electron scattering
      experiments both in transmission and reflection geometry. In this review we show
      that electron-spin motion can be considered as a new tool to study ferromagnetic
      films and surfaces and we discuss its application to a number of different
      problems: (a) the transmission of spin-polarized electrons across ferromagnetic
      films, (b) the influence of spin-dependent gaps in the electronic band structure
      on the spin motion in reflection geometry, (c) interference experiments with spin
      polarized electrons and (d) the influence of lattice relaxations in ferromagnetic
      films on the spin motion.

PMID- 22075702
TI  - Th-1 lymphocytes induce dendritic cell tumor killing activity by an IFN-gamma
      dependent mechanism.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) encompass a heterogeneous population of cells capable of
      orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses. The ability of DCs to act as
      professional APCs has been the foundation for the development and use of these
      cells as vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. DCs are also endowed with the
      nonconventional property of directly killing tumor cells. The current study
      investigates the regulation of murine DC cytotoxic function by T lymphocytes. We
      provide evidence that CD4(+) Th-1, but not Th-2, Th-17 cells, or regulatory T
      cells, are capable of inducing DC cytotoxic function. IFN-gamma was identified as
      the major factor responsible for Th-1-induced DC tumoricidal activity. Tumor cell
      killing mediated by Th-1-activated killer DCs was dependent on inducible NO
      synthase expression and NO production. Importantly, Th-1-activated killer DCs
      were capable of presenting the acquired Ags from the killed tumor cells to T
      lymphocytes in vitro or in vivo. These observations offer new possibilities for
      the application of killer DCs in cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 22075704
TI  - The induction of rat spermatogonial stem cells into neuronal-like cells and
      behavioral recovery following transplantation in a rat Parkinson's disease model.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread age-associated neurodegenerative
      disorder. Current treatment is symptomatic rather than curative. However, stem
      cell replacement therapies may have the potential to offer curative treatment. In
      this study, we demonstrate that rat CD49f+ spermatogonial stem cells (rSSCs) can
      be induced to become functional dopaminergic neuron-like cells in vitro.
      Furthermore, when rSSCs were transplanted into 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated
      PD rats, the results indicated that rSSCs expressed multiple neuron cell markers
      and were ameliorative to behavioral recovery in PD rats after induction both in
      vitro and in vivo. In addition, rSSCs demonstrated increased activity in the
      regeneration of dopaminergic neuron-like cells, increased migration distances and
      were associated with improvement in animal behavior in the PD rat model.
      Therefore, rSSCs could be a source of dopaminergic neuron-like cells with
      potential benefit in cell replacement therapy for PD.

PMID- 22075705
TI  - Role of endothelin receptor signalling in squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Endothelin plays important roles in various physiological functions including
      vascular constriction. Recent studies reported that the endothelin receptors ETA
      and ETB are highly expressed in lung and skin tumor tissues. In contrast, there
      are few reports on endothelin signalling in the proliferation of head and neck
      cancer. We found that both ETA and ETB endothelin receptors were overexpressed in
      tumor cells of tongue cancer samples by immunohistochemistry. ETA and ETB were
      expressed in cultured lingual and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) cell
      lines. When both cultured cell lines were treated with an ETA selective
      antagonist (BQ123) or an ETB selective antagonist (BQ788), inhibition of cell
      growth was observed. Similar results were observed when SCCs were treated with
      specific siRNA for the suppression of ETA or ETB. Furthermore, inhibition of the
      mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway by the treatments with ET receptor
      antagonists and siRNA was also observed. These results indicate that endothelin
      signalling may, in part, play important roles in cell growth in SCCs through the
      MAP kinase pathway.

PMID- 22075707
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from feces of wild
      cranes migrating to Kagoshima, Japan.
AB  - Susceptibility to 13 antimicrobial agents was examined for 138 Escherichia coli
      isolates obtained from 192 fecal samples of wild cranes that migrated for
      wintering to the Izumi plain, Kagoshima prefecture in Japan. The numbers of
      isolates that were resistant to the antimicrobials used in this study are as
      follows: oxytetracycline (OTC), 22 isolates; minocycline, 7 isolates; ampicillin
      (ABPC), 4 isolates; nalidixic acid, 4 isolates; enrofloxacin, 2 isolates;
      kanamycin, one isolate. Multidrug resistant isolates exhibiting 2-4 drug
      resistances were obtained. All of the OTC-resistant isolates carried either the
      tet (A) or tet(B) gene. The bla(TEM) gene was found in all of the ABPC-resistant
      isolates.

PMID- 22075706
TI  - Studies on calcium release and H2O2 level produced by the elicitor induced plant
      cell by fluorescence probing.
AB  - Using fluorescence probing technology, we studied the mechanism and
      interrelations of calcium release and H(2)O(2) production in situ in living
      tissues of tobacco and cotton plants which were induced by pathogen elicitor,
      salicylic acid (SA) and pectinase respectively. Results showed that (1) pathogen
      elicitors could induced H(2)O(2) response in epidermis cells regardless of
      environmental calcium, but in mesophyll protoplast, H(2)O(2) response could only
      be induced at calcium condition. Similarly, SA and pectinase induced H(2)O(2)
      response could only be observed at calcium condition; (2) pathogen elicitors
      could induce calcium response in both epidermis cells and protoplasts regardless
      of environmental calcium, while calcium response couldn't be induced at non
      calcium condition by SA and pectinase; (3) H(2)O(2) response and calcium response
      in protoplast were faster than that in the whole cell. These results indicated
      that pathogen elicitors can induce the release of cell wall calcium and the cell
      wall calcium release is independent to pectinase. And it is concluded that free
      calcium influx is necessary for the oxidative burst and cell wall calcium has an
      irreplaceable role in defense signal transduction.

PMID- 22075708
TI  - Comparative studies on the distribution and population of immunocompetent cells
      in bovine hemal node, lymph node and spleen.
AB  - The distribution and population of immunocompetent cells in bovine hemal node,
      mesenteric lymph node and spleen were analyzed comparatively by
      immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Many CD8(+) cells, CD172a(+) cells and
      gammadelta  T cells were found in the lymphatic cord along the sinus of the hemal
      node and the splenic red pulp. A few CD8(+) cells and gammadelta  T cells were
      distributed diffusely in the paracortex and medullary cord of the mesenteric
      lymph node. Many germinal centers were recognized in the lymphatic regions such
      as the cortex and white pulp of these lymphoid organs. The populations of CD8(+)
      cells and gammadelta T cells in the hemal node and the spleen were higher than
      those of the mesenteric lymph node. In addition, the populations of CD21(+) cells
      and MHC class II(+) cells in the hemal node and the mesenteric lymph node were
      higher than those of the spleen. The results suggest that the hemal node has an
      important role in both cellular and humoral immunity as well as the lymph node
      and the spleen in cattle.

PMID- 22075709
TI  - Situation of serum antibodies against Newcastle disease virus in slaughter-age
      ostriches after vaccination campaign in Japan.
AB  - A total of 516 slaughter-age ostrich sera were collected in Japan during 2006
      2009. Sixty-one of five hundred and sixteen were positive by virus neutralization
      (VN) test and the titer of most positive samples was low level. Within the 61
      positive sera, 35 sera were collected from unvaccinated ostriches. This result
      implies that these ostriches might have been infected naturally with low-virulent
      Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Within the 455 negative samples, 125 samples were
      from vaccinated ostriches. Since ostrich farmers use live attenuated vaccines, it
      is reasonable that the titer decreased to below detection level by 1 or 1.5 year
      old. The above data indicate that NDV has infiltrated into ostrich farms in
      Japan, and that the efficacy of ostrich ND vaccination is often time-limited.

PMID- 22075710
TI  - The 2010 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in Japan.
AB  - Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) occurred recently for the first time in a decade in
      Japan. The index case was detected on a beef-breeding farm in Miyazaki
      Prefecture, Southern Japan, on April 20, 2010. After confirmation of this first
      case, control measures such as stamping out, movement restriction and
      disinfection were implemented. However, these strategies proved insufficient to
      prevent the spread of FMD and emergency vaccination was adopted. Up until the
      last outbreak on July 4, 2010, a total of 292 outbreaks had been confirmed, with
      about 290,000 animals having been culled. The epidemic occurred in an area with a
      high density of cattle and pigs, making disease control difficult. Invasion of
      the disease into a high-density area aided its rapid spread and led to
      difficulties in locating suitable burial sites. Epidemiological investigations
      indicated that the disease was introduced into Japan approximately one month
      before detection. This delay in initial detection is considered to have allowed
      an increased number of outbreaks in the early stage of the epidemic.
      Nevertheless, the epidemic was contained within a localized area in Miyazaki
      Prefecture and was eradicated within three months because of intensive control
      efforts including emergency vaccination. Although this epidemic devastated the
      livestock industry in Japan, many lessons can be learnt for the future prevention
      and control of infectious diseases in animals.

PMID- 22075711
TI  - Dose-response effects of an aqueous formulation of calcitriol and evaluation of
      renal function in nonpregnant cows.
AB  - Dose responses of plasma calcitriol, calcium (Ca), bone metabolic markers and
      glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were evaluated in four nonpregnant Holstein cows
      treated subcutaneously with an aqueous formulation of calcitriol at four doses in
      a 4 * 4 Latin-square design. Calcitriol, Ca, and markers of bone metabolism were
      analyzed in plasma samples. GFR was measured in predose and day 5 samples. Plasma
      calcitriol and Ca concentrations increased dose-dependently. The calcitriol dose
      was positively correlated with the area under the concentration-time curve of
      plasma calcitriol. Bone formation markers tended to increase from day 3 onward
      for all doses. No significant changes in GFR were noted. Thus, exogenous
      calcitriol administered between 0.0625 and 0.5 ug/kg body weight elicited dose
      dependent increases in both plasma calcitriol and Ca and elevated bone formation
      markers without affecting renal function in nonpregnant cows.

PMID- 22075712
TI  - Downregulation of miR-221/222 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide by
      regulating apoptosis independently of p53 status.
AB  - A previous study showed that miR-221/222 can regulate cell apoptosis. p53 is a
      well known tumor suppressor which can influence the chemosensitivity of glioma
      cells. However, the effect of miR-221/222 in gliomas with different p53 status is
      unknown. Here, we demostrate that knockdown of miR-221/222 increases apoptosis in
      human gliomas of different p53 types (U251 cells, p53 mutant-type; LN308 cells,
      p53 null-type; and U87 cells, p53 wild-type). Furthermore, the effect of miR
      221/22 caused no change of p53 expression in the glioma cells studied. In
      addition, when a specific siRNA against p53 was employed in U87 cells, no
      attenuation of apoptosis was found after knockdown of miR-221/222. Importantly,
      we found that As-miR-221/222-treated cells increased expression of Bax,
      cytochrome c, Apaf-1 and cleaved-caspase-3. Our results showed that low
      expression of miR-221/222 sensitized glioma cells to temozolomide (TMZ); in
      addition, ectopic expression of PUMA by pcDNA-PUMA had a similar effect. Taken
      together, our study indicates that downregulated miR-221/222 can sensitize glioma
      cells to TMZ by regulating apoptosis independently of p53 status.

PMID- 22075714
TI  - Growing fatty mass in the back: diagnosis of a multiple symmetric lipomatosis
      (Madelung's disease) in association with chronic alcoholism.

PMID- 22075716
TI  - Age-related changes in pre- and postmenopausal women investigated with 18F
      fluoride PET--a preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between age and regional skeletal uptake
      at sites consisting of either predominantly trabecular or cortical bone using
      (18)F-fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) in pre- and postmenopausal
      women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two women (40.6 +/- 12.3 years; age range 25
      72 years) were assigned to one of two groups: group 1 comprised 22 premenopausal
      women (33 +/- 6.5 years; age range 25-48 years) and group 2 comprised 10
      postmenopausal women (56 +/- 6.7 years; age range 49-72 years). The maximum
      standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was determined from the lumbar spine and the
      humeral shaft. Student's t-test for each unpaired dataset was used to evaluate
      statistical differences between the two groups. The SUVmax values for the humeral
      shaft and the lumbar spine were compared with aging. RESULTS: The SUVmax (mean +/
      SD) was 1.2 +/- 0.5 in the humeral shaft and 4.7 +/- 1.0 in the lumbar spine.
      The SUVmax in the humeral shaft correlated significantly with advancing age (r =
      0.67, P < 0.01). The SUVmax in the lumbar spine declined significantly with
      advancing age (r = -0.50, P < 0.01). The humeral shaft of women in group 1
      exhibited a significantly lower SUVmax compared to that in group 2 (1.1 +/- 0.4
      versus 1.6 +/- 0.6; P < 0.05). On the other hand, the lumbar spine of women in
      group 1 exhibited a significantly higher SUVmax compared to that in group 2 (5.1
      +/- 0.7 versus 4.0 +/- 1.1; P < 0.05). The mean SUVmax in the lumbar spine was
      2.5 times greater than that in the humeral shaft in group 2. CONCLUSION:
      Semiquantitative analysis with (18)F-fluoride PET might be a useful tool for
      analyzing age-related changes in pre- and postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22075718
TI  - Inhibition of HERG1 K+ channel protein expression decreases cell proliferation of
      human small cell lung cancer cells.
AB  - HERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) K(+) currents fulfill important ionic
      functions in cardiac and other excitable cells. In addition, HERG channels
      influence cell growth and migration in various types of tumor cells. The
      mechanisms underlying these functions are still not resolved. Here, we
      investigated the role of HERG channels for cell growth in a cell line (SW2)
      derived from small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a malignant variant of lung cancer.
      The two HERG1 isoforms (HERG1a, HERG1b) as well as HERG2 and HERG3 are expressed
      in SW2 cells. Inhibition of HERG currents by acute or sustained application of E
      4031, a specific ERG channel blocker, depolarized SW2 cells by 10-15 mV. This
      result indicated that HERG K(+) conductance contributes considerably to the
      maintenance of the resting potential of about -45 mV. Blockage of HERG channels
      by E-4031 for up to 72 h did not affect cell proliferation. In contrast, siRNA
      induced inhibition of HERG1 protein expression decreased cell proliferation by
      about 50%. Reduction of HERG1 protein expression was confirmed by Western blots.
      HERG current was almost absent in SW2 cells transfected with siRNA against HERG1.
      Qualitatively similar results were obtained in three other SCLC cell lines (OH1,
      OH3, H82), suggesting that the HERG1 channel protein is involved in SCLC cell
      growth, whereas the ion-conducting function of HERG1 seems not to be important
      for cell growth.

PMID- 22075719
TI  - A 5-year follow-up study of Alfredson's heel-drop exercise programme in chronic
      midportion Achilles tendinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eccentric exercises have the most evidence in conservative treatment
      of midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Although short-term studies show significant
      improvement, little is known of the long-term (>3 years) results. AIM: To
      evaluate the 5-year outcome of patients with chronic midportion Achilles
      tendinopathy treated with the classical Alfredson's heel-drop exercise programme.
      STUDY DESIGN: Part of a 5-year follow-up of a previously conducted randomised
      controlled trial. Methods 58 patients (70 tendons) were approached 5 years after
      the start of the heel-drop exercise programme according to Alfredson. At baseline
      and at 5-year follow-up, the validated Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment
      Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire score, pain status, alternative treatments
      received and ultrasonographic neovascularisation score were recorded. RESULTS: In
      46 patients (58 tendons), the VISA-A score significantly increased from 49.2 at
      baseline to 83.6 after 5 years (p<0.001) and from the 1-year to 5-year follow-up
      from 75.0 to 83.4 (p<0.01). 39.7% of the patients were completely pain-free at
      follow-up and 48.3% had received one or more alternative treatments. The sagittal
      tendon thickness decreased from 8.05 mm (SD 2.1) at baseline to 7.50 mm (SD 1.6)
      at the 5-year follow-up (p=0.051). CONCLUSION: At 5-year follow-up, a significant
      increase of VISA-A score can be expected. After the 3-month Alfredson's heel-drop
      exercise programme, almost half of the patients had received other therapies.
      Although improvement of symptoms can be expected at long term, mild pain may
      remain.

PMID- 22075720
TI  - Detecting gustatory-olfactory flavor mixtures: models of probability summation.
AB  - Odorants and flavorants typically contain many components. It is generally easier
      to detect multicomponent stimuli than to detect a single component, through
      either neural integration or probability summation (PS) (or both). PS assumes
      that the sensory effects of 2 (or more) stimulus components (e.g., gustatory and
      olfactory components of a flavorant) are detected in statistically independent
      channels, that each channel makes a separate decision whether a component is
      detected, and that the behavioral response depends solely on the separate
      decisions. Models of PS traditionally assume high thresholds for detecting each
      component, noise being irrelevant. The core assumptions may be adapted, however,
      to signal-detection theory, where noise limits detection. The present article
      derives predictions of high-threshold and signal-detection models of independent
      decision PS in detecting gustatory-olfactory flavorants, comparing predictions in
      yes/no and 2-alternative forced-choice tasks using blocked and intermixed
      stimulus designs. The models also extend to measures of response times to
      suprathreshold flavorants. Predictions derived from high-threshold and signal
      detection models differ markedly. Available empirical evidence on gustatory
      olfactory flavor detection suggests that neither the high-threshold nor the
      signal-detection versions of PS can readily account for the results, which likely
      reflect neural integration in the flavor system.

PMID- 22075721
TI  - Highlight: the degenerating Y chromosome: under the pressures of sex and
      selection.

PMID- 22075722
TI  - Detection of pristine gas two billion years after the Big Bang.
AB  - In the current cosmological model, only the three lightest elements were created
      in the first few minutes after the Big Bang; all other elements were produced
      later in stars. To date, however, heavy elements have been observed in all
      astrophysical environments. We report the detection of two gas clouds with no
      discernible elements heavier than hydrogen. These systems exhibit the lowest
      heavy-element abundance in the early universe, and thus are potential fuel for
      the most metal-poor halo stars. The detection of deuterium in one system at the
      level predicted by primordial nucleosynthesis provides a direct confirmation of
      the standard cosmological model. The composition of these clouds further implies
      that the transport of heavy elements from galaxies to their surroundings is
      highly inhomogeneous.

PMID- 22075723
TI  - Protostellar feedback halts the growth of the first stars in the universe.
AB  - The first stars fundamentally transformed the early universe by emitting the
      first light and by producing the first heavy elements. These effects were
      predetermined by the mass distribution of the first stars, which is thought to
      have been fixed by a complex interplay of gas accretion and protostellar
      radiation. We performed radiation-hydrodynamics simulations that followed the
      growth of a primordial protostar through to the early stages as a star with
      thermonuclear burning. The circumstellar accretion disk was evaporated by
      ultraviolet radiation from the star when its mass was 43 times that of the Sun.
      Such massive primordial stars, in contrast to the often-postulated extremely
      massive stars, may help explain the fact that there are no signatures of the pair
      instability supernovae in abundance patterns of metal-poor stars in our galaxy.

PMID- 22075724
TI  - Inhibitory plasticity balances excitation and inhibition in sensory pathways and
      memory networks.
AB  - Cortical neurons receive balanced excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents.
      Such a balance could be established and maintained in an experience-dependent
      manner by synaptic plasticity at inhibitory synapses. We show that this mechanism
      provides an explanation for the sparse firing patterns observed in response to
      natural stimuli and fits well with a recently observed interaction of excitatory
      and inhibitory receptive field plasticity. The introduction of inhibitory
      plasticity in suitable recurrent networks provides a homeostatic mechanism that
      leads to asynchronous irregular network states. Further, it can accommodate
      synaptic memories with activity patterns that become indiscernible from the
      background state but can be reactivated by external stimuli. Our results suggest
      an essential role of inhibitory plasticity in the formation and maintenance of
      functional cortical circuitry.

PMID- 22075725
TI  - Interconversion between intestinal stem cell populations in distinct niches.
AB  - Intestinal epithelial stem cell identity and location have been the subject of
      substantial research. Cells in the +4 niche are slow-cycling and label-retaining,
      whereas a different stem cell niche located at the crypt base is occupied by
      crypt base columnar (CBC) cells. CBCs are distinct from +4 cells, and the
      relationship between them is unknown, though both give rise to all intestinal
      epithelial lineages. We demonstrate that Hopx, an atypical homeobox protein, is a
      specific marker of +4 cells. Hopx-expressing cells give rise to CBCs and all
      mature intestinal epithelial lineages. Conversely, CBCs can give rise to +4 Hopx
      positive cells. These findings demonstrate a bidirectional lineage relationship
      between active and quiescent stem cells in their niches.

PMID- 22075726
TI  - Hemoglobins S and C interfere with actin remodeling in Plasmodium falciparum
      infected erythrocytes.
AB  - The hemoglobins S and C protect carriers from severe Plasmodium falciparum
      malaria. Here, we found that these hemoglobinopathies affected the trafficking
      system that directs parasite-encoded proteins to the surface of infected
      erythrocytes. Cryoelectron tomography revealed that the parasite generated a host
      derived actin cytoskeleton within the cytoplasm of wild-type red blood cells that
      connected the Maurer's clefts with the host cell membrane and to which transport
      vesicles were attached. The actin cytoskeleton and the Maurer's clefts were
      aberrant in erythrocytes containing hemoglobin S or C. Hemoglobin oxidation
      products, enriched in hemoglobin S and C erythrocytes, inhibited actin
      polymerization in vitro and may account for the protective role in malaria.

PMID- 22075727
TI  - Highly diastereoselective and enantioselective Michael addition of 5H-oxazol-4
      ones to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by a new bifunctional
      organocatalyst with broad substrate scope and applicability.
AB  - A new thiourea-tertiary amine bifunctional catalyst derived from L-tert-leucine
      was developed and provides excellent stereocontrol in a novel and direct Michael
      addition of 5H-oxazol-4-ones to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with much broad
      substrate scope. The conjugate addition products with chiral vicinal quaternary
      and tertiary stereocenters can be easily transformed to structurally interesting
      compounds or building blocks.

PMID- 22075728
TI  - Characteristics of spinal cord stroke in clinical neurology.
AB  - Spinal cord stroke accounts for about 0.3% of all strokes in our department.
      Thirty-two patients (15 males, 17 females; mean age 63.3 years) treated in the
      period 1995-2010 were included. Patients underwent thorough investigation
      including the use of different stroke scales (National Institute of Health Stroke
      Scale, Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale). Twenty-eight patients had
      infarctions, 3 had hemorrhages, and 1 had arterio-venous fistula. Twenty-eight
      spinal cord strokes were spontaneous, 2 were secondary to aorta aneurysms, and 2
      post surgery. Biphasic ictus was seen in 17% of all spontaneous infarctions.
      Younger age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and higher blood
      glucose on admission regardless of diabetes mellitus, were risk factors
      associated with more severe spinal cord stroke. Treatment and prevention of these
      risk factors should be essential in spinal cord stroke. We recommend a clinical
      classification into upper (cervical) and lower (thoracic or medullary conus)
      spinal cord strokes. Patients with upper strokes in this study had more severe
      strokes initially, but they had a better prognosis. Therefore it is important to
      identify this patient group.Acute sensory spinal cord deficit symptoms, common
      initial symptoms in biphasic spinal cord strokes, should be considered as
      possible spinal cord stroke, especially when preceded by radiating pain between
      the shoulders.

PMID- 22075729
TI  - Preparation and formation mechanism of a n-butylammonium/MnO2 layered hybrid via
      a one-pot synthesis under moderate conditions.
AB  - The preparation of organic/inorganic layered hybrids has relied on multistep
      processing. Thus, shortening the synthetic procedure is important for possible
      future applications, but only a few studies report one-pot syntheses. In this
      work, we established a simple one-pot solution process to synthesize layered
      alkyl ammonium/MnO(2) hybrids, by stirring MnCl(2) and alkyl amine/H(2)O(2)
      aqueous solutions at 40  degrees C; the reaction concept is a chemical oxidation
      of Mn(II) ions in the presence of alkyl amine in aqueous solution. Furthermore,
      the formation mechanism of the layered n-butylammonium/MnO(2) hybrid was examined
      by following the structural and optical changes during the reaction, revealing
      that the one-pot reaction includes 3 steps; formation of beta-MnOOH, topotactic
      oxidation of beta-Mn(III)OOH to form the protonated layered manganese oxide
      H(x)Mn(III, IV)O(2).yH(2)O, and ion-exchange of interlayer H(+) (or H(3)O(+))
      with n-butylammonium to form layered n-butylammonium/MnO(2).

PMID- 22075730
TI  - Ventral compression in adult patients with Chiari 1 malformation sans basilar
      invagination: cause and management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A small subset of patients with adult Chiari I malformation without
      basilar invagination (BI) and instability show ventral cervicomedullary
      distortion/compression and have symptoms pertaining to that. The cause of this
      ventral compression remains speculative. Additionally, it is unclear if these
      patients would require ventral decompression with posterior fusion or only
      posterior decompression would suffice. METHODS: Sixteen adult patients with
      Chiari I malformation with significant ventral cervicomedullary compression, in
      the absence of BI, were included in the study. Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) was
      excluded in these patients by flexion-extension craniovertebral junction X-rays
      and computed tomography (CT). Their clinical profile, especially symptoms
      pertaining to cervicomedullary compression, i.e. dysphagia, dysarthria and
      spasticity, were graded. The ventral cervicomedullary compression (VCMC) was
      quantified using pBC2 (maximum perpendicular distance to the basion-infero
      posterior point of the C2 body) on sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      only those patients with pBC2 >=9 mm were included. Furthermore, retroversion of
      dens and retro odonotid tissue thickness was calculated in each patient. Fifteen
      patients underwent posterior decompression alone and one refused surgery. Follow
      up was done every 3 months. Repeat MRI was done at 1 year following surgery to
      look for pBC2. RESULTS: The mean pBC2 was 11 +/- 0.2 mm. Retroversion of dens was
      responsible for VCMC in three patients and periodontoid crown in 13. There was no
      correlation between the tonsillar descent, age and the pBC2. All patients
      improved in symptoms of cervicomedullary compression following surgery. One
      patient worsened 6 months after initial improvement. The pBC2 did not change, as
      seen on follow-up MRI done in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: VCMC in adult patients
      with Chiari I malformation in the absence of BI and/or AAD is due to periodontoid
      tissue (crown) or retroverted dens. Though a long-term study is required, it
      appears that all patients with Chiari I malformation, irrespective of the VCMC,
      can be given a chance with posterior decompression alone. Transoral decompression
      with posterior fusion may be required in a small subset of patients who fail to
      improve or worsen following posterior decompression only.

PMID- 22075732
TI  - The subdiaphragmatic cistern: historic and radioanatomic findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the past, sporadic demonstrations of the existence of a
      subarachnoid subdiaphragmatic cistern have been published. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the subdiaphragmatic cistern of
      the pituitary gland. METHODS: After a complete review of the literature published
      on the topic, we report anatomical observations of the subdiaphragmatic cistern
      and its relationship to the pituitary gland and to the chiasmatic cistern. Ten
      cadaveric heads were studied using different techniques and surgical methods
      (plastination, plastic casts of the subarachnoid spaces, microscopic and
      transsphenoidal endoscopic approaches). Moreover, 3-T magnetic resonance images
      of ten healthy volunteers were analyzed to investigate the presence and
      anatomical variability of the subdiaphragmatic cistern. RESULTS: By means of our
      qualitative radioanatomic study, we found that the roof of the subdiaphragmatic
      cistern is formed by the diaphragma sellae, the floor by the superior face of the
      pituitary gland, the lateral walls by the arachnoidea extending laterally through
      the medial walls of the cavernous sinus, and the medial walls by the infundibular
      stem. The subdiaphragmatic cistern communicates by means of the ostium of the
      diaphragm with the chiasmatic cistern. CONCLUSION: We confirmed the existence of
      the subdiaphragmatic cistern. The overused term "suprasellar cistern" refers more
      to a complex of cisterns, formed by the subdiaphragmatic cistern, below the
      diaphragma sella, and by the chiasmatic cistern, above it, in direct
      communication with the lamina terminalis and carotid cisterns.

PMID- 22075733
TI  - Are routine methods good enough to stain senile plaques and neurofibrillary
      tangles in different brain regions of demented patients?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Numerous clinical cases have been reported showing the clinical
      picture of dementia but not meeting the neuropathological criteria for
      Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Different methods used to stain senile plaques (SPs)
      and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) might account for this discrepancy. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Here, brains of 11 patients with dementia were examined.
      Cryosections and paraffin sections from 6 different brain regions (frontal
      medial, temporal medial and occipital gyrus, hippocampus, superior parietal lobe
      and cerebellum) of all cases were stained with Bielschowsky, Campbell, Gallyas
      and Congo red stains each. RESULTS: The study shows that the Bielschowsky silver
      stain is insufficient for detecting SPs and NFTs, whereas two other methods
      proved to be more accurate. SPs were found in similar frequency in all brain
      regions examined (exception: cerebellum). The highest amount was shown with
      Campbell silver stain in paraffin sections. In Congo red only 25 percent of these
      SPs were stained, which is probably due to a great number of them not containing
      any amyloid. NFTs were found almost exclusively in the hippocampus. The highest
      number was detected with Gallyas silver stain in cryosections. CONCLUSION: These
      results may suggest that Campbell stain for SPs and Gallyas stain for NFTs should
      be the methods routinely used.

PMID- 22075734
TI  - Cardiovascular risk factors as potential markers for mild cognitive impairment
      and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of cognitive
      decline that has a significant risk of converting to dementia. Cardiovascular
      pathology appears to have a major impact in cognitive decline, and it is clear
      that early identification and correction of cardiovascular morbidity could have a
      major impact on cognitive functioning. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Our study was
      conducted in order to identify some cardiovascular risk factors among patients
      with cognitive decline (MCI or Alzheimer disease-AD) and to find if there is any
      correlation with the degree of cognitive decline. We evaluated the body mass
      index, total cholesterol, hypertension, history of smoking, alcohol consumption
      and diabetes mellitus in patients with MCI and AD, compared with an age-matched
      control group. RESULTS: Regarding the body mass index, we observed a progressive
      decrease in patients with MCI and AD, in comparison with the control group.
      Similar aspects were also observed in the case of cholesterol levels, only that
      post hoc analysis revealed no significantly statistical differences between MCI
      and AD groups. The systolic blood pressure was increased in the patients with MCI
      and AD. Also, as in the case of cholesterol levels, post hoc analysis revealed no
      significantly statistical differences between MCI and AD groups. Pearson's
      correlation showed significant connections between the cardiovascular risk
      factors and the results of the cognitive evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      constitute additional evidence that cardiovascular risk factors are involved in
      cognitive regression. This finding could have an important impact on the
      management of dementia.

PMID- 22075735
TI  - The MMPI-2 neurotic triad subscales and depression levels after pharmacological
      treatment in patients with depressive disorders - clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Affective disorders provide for one third of the main causes of
      psychiatric inpatient care, both in male and female subjects. An early diagnosis
      of the disease with precise identification of the character of its particular
      symptoms are key important factors for the efficacy of treatment. The goal of the
      study was an identification of possible associations between scores of the
      neurotic triad in the MMPI-2 test (hypochondria - Hs, depression - D, hysteria -
      Hy), evaluated at initial hospitalization period with remission degree assessed
      by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), following eight weeks of
      treatment with SSRI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A group of 50 subjects took part in
      the study. The MMPI-2 test and HDRS were used in the study. The HDRS was
      performed at the therapy onset and reapplied after 8 weeks of its continuation.
      The MMPI-2 test was applied at the beginning of treatment. RESULTS: Higher scores
      in Hs (p=0.007), D (p=0.021) and Hy scales (p=0.001) are associated with the
      higher degree of depression, measured by the HDRS at the therapy onset. The
      highest performance in Hs scale (p=0.003) and Hy scale (p=0.001) evaluated on
      admission, was associated with the highest depression level after pharmacological
      treatment. CONCLUSION: The higher the degree of hypochondria and hysteria
      symptoms, measured by the MMPI-2 test at the onset of therapy in patients with
      depressive disorders, the higher severity of depression is being found after 8
      weeks of therapy with SSRI agents, measured by the HDRS scale.

PMID- 22075736
TI  - Quantitative electroencephalography in schizophrenia and depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Standard (qualitative) electroencephalography (EEG) is routinely used
      in the diagnostic evaluation of psychiatric patients. Quantitative EEG (qEEG)
      findings differ between patients with schizophrenia, patients with depression,
      but results are not consistent. The aim of our study was to determine the
      differences in qEEG parameters between patients with schizophrenia, patients with
      depression, and healthy subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 30
      patients with schizophrenia, 33 patients with depression, and 30 healthy
      subjects. All study participants underwent standard EEG. Artifact-free 100-second
      epochs were selected from the recorded material and analyzed with Fast Fourier
      Transformation (FFT) analysis. RESULTS: The results are presented as absolute
      spectral power values (MUV2) of delta, theta, alpha, and beta components of the
      EEG spectrum. EEGs were recorded from 12 locations including Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4,
      F7, F8, T3, T4, P3, P4, O1, and O2. In comparison with healthy subjects, patients
      with schizophrenia showed increased delta, theta, and beta activity and decreased
      alpha activity. Similar results were obtained in patients with depression, but in
      fewer regions. In patients with schizophrenia, delta power over Fp1, Fp2, F4, and
      F8 regions was increased in comparison with those in patients with depression.
      Interhemispheric asymmetry was found in patients with schizophrenia and healthy
      subjects, but not in patients with depression. CONCLUSION: The finding that
      patients with schizophrenia differed from patients with depression in delta power
      values could be potentially used in differential diagnosis between schizophrenia
      and depression. The role of qEEG in clinical differentiation between these two
      mental disorders may be especially important in cases of negative-symptom
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22075737
TI  - Serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): the severity and symptomatic
      dimensions of depression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of serum
      Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients suffering from major
      depressive disorder (MDD) considering the severity of MDD episode defined by the
      Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD-17). The other aim was to research the
      connection between serum BDNF and the symptomatic dimensions of MDD. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: The study includes 139 participants with major depressive disorder
      (MDD). Diagnosis of MDD was set by DSM-IV-TR criteria. The severity of MDD was
      estimated with HAM-D-17 in the manner that mild episode was diagnosed if the
      score on HAMD-17 was up to 18, moderately severe 18-25 and severe over 25.
      Concentration of BDNF was determined by the ELISA method. RESULTS: This research
      could not find a difference in BDNF concentration considering the severity of the
      depressive disorder in groups suffering from mild, moderately severe and severe
      episodes of MDD (F=1.816; p=0.169). Factor analysis of HAMD-17 extracted four
      dimensions of depressive symptoms. None of the symptomatic dimensions was
      significantly related to BDNF concentration. CONCLUSION: Results of this study
      indicate that serum BDNF levels are not related to the severity of depression and
      its specific symptomatic dimensions. These findings support the idea of a complex
      relationship between BDNF concentration at the periphery and in the CNS.

PMID- 22075738
TI  - Depressive symptoms in patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated
      interferon alpha therapy: a 24-week prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate depressive symptoms and risk factors for
      depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with pegylated
      interferon alpha therapy combined with oral ribavirin (PEG-IFN-alpha+RBV) and to
      analyze self-rating scale for depression in comparison to observer-based scale in
      the given population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
      and Zung Self Rating Depression Scale were used to screen for depressive symptoms
      in 74 subjects with CHC before PEG- IFN-alpha (mean dose 152.6+/-25.6 mcg), and
      in the follow-up visits (4, 12 and 24 week). RESULTS: Incidence of depressive
      symptoms in patients (mean age 39.9+/-13.4 years; equal sex distribution p=0.225)
      treated by PEG- IFN-alpha was the highest on 12th week of the treatment, when
      more than a 20% of our sample had moderate/severe symptoms of depression, and
      about 30% had minor depressive symptoms. For the screening of depression during
      PEG- IFN-alpha self-assessment scale was equally reliable as observer-based
      assesment of depressive symptoms. Common clinical parameters- subject related
      risk factors (age (p=0.955 ), sex (p=0.008), lifetime psychiatric disorder
      (p=0.656)), illness related risk factors (duration of CHC (p=0.267 ), i.v drug
      aplication as way of transmission (p=0.292)) and therapy-related risk factors
      (recommended duration of PEG-IFN-alpha (p=0.993) and dose of PEG-IFN-alpha
      (p=0.841)) were not signifcantly associated with depressive symptoms on PEG-IFN
      alpha. CONCLUSIONS: Liason-consultation services should collaborate with
      hepatologists in creating screening programmes, supplemented by objective
      criteria and guidelines, for early recognition and treatment of interferon
      induced depression.

PMID- 22075739
TI  - The effects of beverage type on suicide rate in Russia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research evidence has suggested that the consumption of different
      types of alcoholic beverage may have a differential effect on suicide rate. The
      aim of this study was to examine the relation between the consumption of
      different beverage types and suicide rates in Russia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Age
      standardized sex- and age-specific suicide rate for the period 1980-2005 and data
      on beverage-specific alcohol sale were obtained from the Russian State
      Statistical Committee. Time-series analytical modeling techniques (ARIMA) were
      used to examine the relationship between the sale of different alcoholic
      beverages and suicide rates. RESULTS: Vodka consumption as measured by sale was
      significantly associated with both male and female suicide rate. The consumption
      of beer and wine were not associated with suicide rate. The estimates of the age
      specific models for men were positive (except for the 75+ age group) and ranging
      from 0.069 (60-74 age group) to 0.123 (30-44 age group). The estimates for women
      were positive for the 15-29 age group (0.08), 30-44 age group (0.096) and 45-59
      age group (0.057). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that public health efforts
      should focus on both reducing overall consumption and changing beverage
      preference away from distilled spirits in order to reduce suicide rate in Russia.

PMID- 22075740
TI  - First generation antipsychotics switch with Risperidone in the treatment of
      chronic schizophrenic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a severe chronic psychiatric disorder for which
      treatment compliance is important in the prevention of relapse. Second generation
      antipsychotics (SGA), such as Risperidone, have been found to be more effective
      in the treatment of such patients than the high potency first generation
      antipsychotics (FGA). This is an open study where the same group of patients was
      first treated with FGA and then were switched to Risperidone, in controlled
      hospital conditions, after a wash- out period. The aim of the study was to
      examine whether patients with schizophrenia who were judged to be stable on long
      term treatment with FGA would further benefit from a switch to an atypical
      antipsychotic drug. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty hospitalized patients suffering
      from Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder (male 54, female 26) were first
      treated with Haloperidol (N=60) or Fluphenazine (N=20), and then were switched to
      Risperidone. Their clinical state was monitored using the PANSS scale for
      Schizophrenia, measuring the Total PANSS score. The KLAWANS scale for assessment
      of extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) was also used. Administration and dosage of
      Trihexiphenidil (THF) was recorded. The study lasted for 8 weeks, with 4
      screenings (Visit 0-baseline- FGA, Visits 1-3 Risperidone on Day 14, 28 and 56,
      respectively). RESULTS: The average age was 38. Patients usually suffered the
      paranoid form of Schizophrenia (55%). The duration of illness was more than 5
      years (38.8%). During the eight- week trial on Risperidone, using the PANSS total
      scores, we observed clinical improvement where the therapy switch had caused an
      initial worsening (p<0.05). Also, the compared baseline (FGA) and last visit
      showed a low, but statistically significant benefit in favor of Risperidone
      (t=5.45, df=79, p<0.005). Intensity of EPS measured by KLAWANS scores
      significantly decreased during time (F=4.115; p=0.016; Partial Eta Square=0.058).
      Average Trihexiphenidil doses followed Risperidone in a dose dependent manner
      (r=0.748, r=0.661, respectively, p<0.01) with the consequent decrease of patients
      needing THF corrective therapy (68.8% at the baseline toward 22.5% on last
      visit). CONCLUSION: Switch to Risperidone medication provided significant
      additional improvement in symptom severity, extrapyramidal side effects and need
      for anticholinergic medication. This suggests that one might expect better
      compliance in future treatment in this population of chronic schizophrenic
      patients.

PMID- 22075741
TI  - Burnout syndrome among physicians - the role of personality dimensions and coping
      strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome (BS) and stress-related disorders are frequent among
      medical specialists, but it has been suggested that some health workers are more
      prone to the BS than others. This study assessed the intensity of the BS among 3
      groups of physicians: psychiatrists, general practitioners and surgeons and
      examined correlation both between the intensity of BS and physicians' personality
      dimensions as well as between the level of BS and stress coping strategies.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 160 physicians (70 general
      practitioners, 50 psychiatrists, 40 surgeons). The assessment was carried out by
      the Maslach Burnout Inventory, The Temperament and Character Inventory and Manual
      for the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. RESULTS: Dimension of emotional exhaustion
      was the most prominent in general practitioners (F=5.546, df1=2, df2=156,
      p<0.01), while dimension of depersonalization was highest in surgeons (F=15.314,
      df1=2, df2=156, p<0.01), as well as lack of personal accomplishment (F=16.079,
      df1=2, df2=156, p<0.01). We found that the Harm Avoidance has lead to development
      of BS while Self-directedness and Cooperativeness were prominent in physicians
      with low level of BS. The escape-avoidance was in correlation with high
      depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment while self-control was
      prominent in physicians with lower BS. CONCLUSION: The BS affects personal well
      being and professional performance. It is important to identify individuals with
      a tendency towards its development, in order to undertake preventive measures
      such as stress management and improvement of the stress coping strategies.

PMID- 22075742
TI  - Teaching health care professionals about suicide safety planning.
AB  - The suicide safety plan is a plan of action created by the clinician and patient
      that essentially charts the course of what the patient should do if he/she begins
      to experience suicidal urges. It is important for clinicians to learn how to
      implement a safety plan so that they can offer this service to their patients and
      teach their colleagues and associates about suicide safety planning. The safety
      plan is a great tool employed to help patients with suicidal urges, but trainees
      clinicians and clinician associates alike - should fully understand that it is
      not a form of treatment. However, since an effective treatment for suicidality
      does not exist, practitioners should definitely use suicide safety planning.
      Although more resources are now being provided to individuals with suicidal
      behavior, more research needs to be done to develop new, effective methods of
      treatment and prevention of suicidal behavior.

PMID- 22075743
TI  - Infantile masturbation - exclusion of severe diagnosis does not exclude parental
      distress - case report.

PMID- 22075744
TI  - [Depression: diagnosis, treatment and course].
AB  - Depressions are very common mental diseases. The diagnosis is made by
      psychopathology criteria and the course of the disorder. There is a growing body
      to the knowledge about etiology and treatment of depression - neuro-imaging,
      neuroplasticity, CREB and BDNF are all modified by antidepressants treatment
      and/or psychotherapy.  As differential diagnoses, depressive syndromes on the
      basis of organic diseases but also burn-out syndromes may play a role, different
      therapeutic efforts are necessary.  The treatment of depression consists of
      psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic strategies, combinations of both are
      useful. Many psychopharmacological substances with differing mechanisms of action
      are available - combinations of antidepressants with complementing mechanisms are
      possible. The course of depressions is mainly influenced by "working therapies". 
      Comorbid somatic diseases and their successful treatment are of relevance for the
      long term course.

PMID- 22075745
TI  - Depression: a diagnosis aptly used?
AB  - Depression is a very common mental disorder which often results in relevant
      negative consequences ranging from impaired quality of life to an increased
      suicide rate. Unfortunately, non-psychiatric physicians frequently under-diagnose
      and under-treat depression. Nevertheless, sometime the diagnosis "depression" is
      used for mentally well and other mental disorders (i.e. sometimes depression is
      over-diagnosed). Screening tools were suggested to improve the recognition of
      mental disorders in everyday clinical work. Studies have shown that the criterion
      validity of usual screening questionnaires such as the Geriatric Depression Scale
      (GDS) is sufficient, while very short questionnaires consisting of one or two
      questions must not be used because of high misclassification rates. A meta
      analysis of randomized trials of screening for depression indicate that screening
      for depression is probably effective when it is coupled with additional
      activities such as educational programs for primary care physicians.

PMID- 22075746
TI  - [The relationship between depression, anxiety and heart disease - a psychosomatic
      challenge].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depressive and cardiological disorders present a major comorbidity.
      Their manifold interrelations may be best analysed within a biopsychosocial model
      of disease. METHODS: A systematic research was done on empirical studies
      published during the last 15 years and dealing with epidemiological,
      etiopathogenetic and therapeutic dimensions of the comorbidity of depression,
      anxiety and heart disease. RESULTS: From an epidemiological perspective recurrent
      depressions are associated with a significantly increased risk of coronary heart
      disease. Depressive disorders play a major role in triggering critical cardiac
      events, e.g. myocardial infarction. The prevalence rates of depressive disorders
      in various cardiological conditions are significantly higher than the frequencies
      that can be expected in healthy general population. Depression shows a negative
      impact on the somatic morbidity and mortality during the further course of
      illness. Anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders seem to be interrelated with
      cardiological conditions in quite a similar way, probably contributing even more
      negatively to critical and lethal cardiological events than depression. From an
      etiopathogenetic perspective some clusters of depressive symptoms seem to be
      linked to cardiotoxicity more closely than other, vital exhaustion, anhedonia,
      and hopelessness probably mediating a special risk. In any case, postmyocardial
      infarct depression that proves treatment-resistent indicates a negative prognosis
      of the prevailing cardiological condition. On a level of psychological and
      psychosocial constructs type-A personality, anger/hostility, type-D personality,
      and alexithymia have been explored regarding its proper pathogenetic role.
      Psychological and psychopathological variables have to be set into a context of
      psychosocial stressors on the one hand, and have to be simultaneously analysed
      with various underlying psycho- and neurobiological variables on the other. Above
      all, HPA- and sympathicomedullary dysfunctions, reduced heart rate variability,
      altered functions of thrombocytes, and increased proinflammatory processes have
      to be recognized as significantly contributing to the pathophysiology both of
      depression and of heart condition. Neurobiological aspects of anxiety and
      posttraumatic stress disorders must be interlinked with these underpinnings of
      depression. Differential effects on critical cardiological events must be
      supposed. From a therapeutic perspective several RCTs demonstrate that SSRIs may
      safely and efficiently treat depressive disorders in cardiological conditions,
      and may even improve the general somatic prognosis. Cognitive-behavioural
      psychotherapies have been empirically validated in treating depression and
      anxiety with cardiological patients. So far, however, a differential indication
      of psychopharmacological versus psychotherapeutic approaches has not been proved
      yet. CONCLUSIONS: Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with heart disease
      paradigmatically define a psychosomatic-somatopsychic challenge to any health
      delivery system. A psychosomatic perspective may best be practised within a
      Consultation-Liaison psychiatric service that cooperates continuously and closely
      with cardiological departments and experts.

PMID- 22075747
TI  - [Anterior approach liver resection with the liver hanging maneuver. Technique and
      indications].
AB  - The anterior approach liver resection has advantages compared to conventional
      liver resection. Mobilization during conventional liver resection may cause local
      pressure on the tumor which could lead to tumor cell dissemination or even to
      tumor rupture. Furthermore, hemodynamic parameters tend to deteriorate during
      mobilization due to compression or twisting of the inferior vena cava. In
      addition, the left liver lobe often is compressed which can lead to tissue damage
      of the residual parenchyma. The risk of these complications can be reduced by the
      anterior approach technique which is facilitated by the so-called liver hanging
      maneuver. Appropriate indications for this technique are large tumors of the
      right liver lobe, tumors with infiltration of the right hepatic vein and
      infiltration of the vena cava from the right side, tumors with infiltration of
      the diaphragm and tumors of the right lobe after previous resections of the right
      lobe.

PMID- 22075748
TI  - RNA interference in Caenorhabditis elegans: uptake, mechanism, and regulation.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful research tool that has enabled molecular
      insights into gene activity, pathway analysis, partial loss-of-function
      phenotypes, and large-scale genomic discovery of gene function. While RNAi works
      extremely well in the non-parasitic nematode C. elegans, it is also especially
      useful in organisms that lack facile genetic analysis. Extensive genetic analysis
      of the mechanisms, delivery and regulation of RNAi in C. elegans has provided
      mechanistic and phenomenological insights into why RNAi is so effective in this
      species. These insights are useful for the testing and development of RNAi in
      other nematodes, including parasitic nematodes where more effective RNAi would be
      extremely useful. Here, we review the current advances in C. elegans for RNA
      delivery methods, regulation of cell autonomous and systemic RNAi phenomena, and
      implications of enhanced RNAi mutants. These discussions, with a focus on
      mechanism and cross-species application, provide new perspectives for optimizing
      RNAi in other species.

PMID- 22075750
TI  - Qiliqiangxin inhibits the development of cardiac hypertrophy, remodeling, and
      dysfunction during 4 weeks of pressure overload in mice.
AB  - Qiliqiangxin (QL), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in the treatment
      of chronic heart failure. However, whether QL can benefit cardiac remodeling in
      the hypertensive state is unknown. We here examined the effects of QL on the
      development of cardiac hypertrophy through comparing those of losartan in C57BL/6
      mice underlying transverse aorta constriction for 4 weeks. QL and losartan were
      administrated at 0.6 mg and 13.4 mg.kg.d, respectively. Cardiac hypertrophy,
      function, and remodeling were evaluated by echocardiography, catheterization,
      histology, and examination of specific gene expression and ERK phosphorylation.
      Cardiac apoptosis, autophagy, tumor necrosis factor alpha/insulin-like growth
      factor-1, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression and especially the
      proliferation of cardiomyocytes and phosphorylation of ErbB receptors were
      examined in vivo to elucidate the mechanisms. Transverse aorta constriction for 2
      weeks resulted in a significant cardiac hypertrophy, which was significantly
      suppressed by either QL or losartan treatment. At 4 weeks after transverse aorta
      constriction, although the development of cardiac dysfunction and remodeling and
      the increases in apoptosis, autophagy, tumor necrosis factor alpha/insulin-like
      growth factor-1, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression were abrogated
      comparably between QL and losartan treatments, QL, but not losartan, enhanced
      proliferation of cardiomyocytes, which was paralleled with dowregulation of
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta, upregulation of CBP/p300-interacting
      transactivator with ED-rich carboxy-terminal domain 4, and increases in ErbB2 and
      ErbB4 phosphorylation. Furthermore, inhibition of either ErbB2 or CBP/p300
      interacting transactivator with ED-rich carboxy-terminal domain 4 abolished the
      cardiac protective effects of QL. Thus, QL inhibits myocardial inflammation and
      cardiomyocyte death and promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation, leading to an
      ameliorated cardiac remodeling and function in a mouse model of pressure
      overload. The possible mechanisms may involve inhibition of angiotensin II type 1
      receptor and activation of ErbB receptors.

PMID- 22075749
TI  - Combined aliskiren and amlodipine reduce albuminuria via reduction in renal
      inflammation in diabetic rats.
AB  - We hypothesized that compared with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), the renin
      inhibitor aliskiren (ALISK) or amlodipine (AMLO) and their combination reduce
      albuminuria via reduction in renal inflammation, independent of blood pressure
      (BP) changes. We studied normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM) Sprague
      Dawley rats treated for 6 weeks with vehicle, ALISK, HCTZ, or AMLO individually
      and combined and evaluated the effects of treatments on BP, urine albumin to
      creatinine ratio, renal interstitial fluid levels of angiotensin II, tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and renal expression
      of TNF-alpha, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, and nuclear factor kappa
      B. There were no differences in BP between treatments. Only ALISK and its
      combinations reduced renal interstitial fluid angiotensin II. Urine albumin to
      creatinine ratio increased in DM rats and decreased with ALISK alone or combined
      with HCTZ or AMLO. HCTZ or AMLO individually and combined did not influence urine
      albumin to creatinine ratio. Renal interstitial fluid TNF-alpha and IL-6, and the
      renal expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, and
      nuclear factor kappa B were increased in DM rats. These renal inflammatory
      markers were reduced only with ALISK or AMLO individually or combined with other
      treatments. We conclude that ALISK alone and combined with HCTZ or AMLO reduced
      albuminuria in diabetes via reduction in renal inflammation, independent of BP
      changes.

PMID- 22075751
TI  - The effect of CYP7A1 polymorphisms on lipid responses to fenofibrate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: CYP7A1 encodes cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, an enzyme crucial to
      cholesterol homeostasis. Its transcriptional activity is downregulated by
      fenofibrate. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of CYP7A1
      polymorphisms on lipid changes in response to fenofibrate. METHODS: We examined
      the associations of 3 tagging single nuclear polymorphisms (i6782C>T, m204T>G,
      3U12536A>C) at CYP7A1 with triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDL)-C responses to a 3-week treatment with 160 mg/d of fenofibrate
      in 864 US white participants from the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet
      Network study. RESULTS: The m204T>G variant was significantly associated with TG
      and HDL-C responses with fenofibrate. Individuals homozygous for the common T
      allele of m204T>G single nuclear polymorphism displayed both the greater
      reduction of TG (-32% for TT, -28% for GT, -25% for GG, P = 0.004) and an
      increase of HDL-C response compared with noncarriers (4.1% for TT, 3.4% for GT,
      1.2% for GG, P = 0.01). Conversely, individuals homozygous for the minor allele
      of i6782C>T showed a greater increase in the HDL-C response compared with
      noncarriers (2.8% CC, 4.5% for CT, 5.8% for TT, P = 0.02), albeit no significant
      effect on TG response. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that common variants at the
      CYP7A1 locus modulate the TG-lowering and HDL-C-raising effects of fenofibrate,
      and contribute to the interindividual variation of the drug responses.

PMID- 22075752
TI  - Heart rate reduction induced by the if current inhibitor ivabradine improves
      diastolic function and attenuates cardiac tissue hypoxia.
AB  - AIMS: Enhanced heart rate (HR) is a compensatory mechanism in chronic heart
      failure (CHF), preserving cardiac output, but at the cost of increased left
      ventricular (LV) oxygen consumption and impaired diastolic function. The HR
      reduction (HRR) induced by the If current inhibitor ivabradine prevents LV
      systolic dysfunction in CHF, but whether HRR improves LV diastolic function is
      unknown. METHODS: LV diastolic function and remodeling were assessed in rats with
      CHF after coronary ligation after long-term (90 days, starting 7 days after
      ligation) and delayed short-term (4 days, starting 93 days after ligation)
      ivabradine treatment (10 mg.kg.d). RESULTS: Long- and short-term HRR reduced LV
      end-diastolic pressure, LV relaxation, and LV end-diastolic pressure-volume
      relation. Simultaneously, LV hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression was
      reduced. Long-term and, to a more marked extent, short-term HRR increased
      endothelial cell proliferation, associated after long-term HRR with the
      prevention of CHF-related LV capillary rarefaction. Long-term and, to a lesser
      extent, short-term HRR increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression,
      associated after long-term HRR with improved nitric oxide-dependent coronary
      vasodilatation. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term HRR induced by ivabradine improves
      diastolic LV function probably involving attenuated hypoxia, reduced remodeling,
      and/or preserved nitric oxide bioavailability, resulting from processes triggered
      early after HRR initiation: angiogenesis and/or preservation of endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase expression.

PMID- 22075753
TI  - Antimicrobial efficacy of denture adhesives on some oral malodor-related
      microbes.
AB  - The objective of the study was to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of three
      denture adhesives toward Streptococcus oralis, mutans, Prevotella oralis and
      Fusobacterium nucleatum. Adhesives used were Corega Ultra((r)), Fixodent Pro
      Original((r)) and Biotene((r)) Denture Grip. For Streptococcus oralis and
      Streptococcus mutans, four tubes of Trypticase Soy Broth 10 mL and 1 g denture of
      adhesive were used. In addition four tubes of Trypticase Soy Broth 10 mL without
      any denture adhesive was employed as control. For Prevotella oralis and
      Fusobacterium nucleatum, four tubes of thioglycolate 10 mL and 1 g denture
      adhesive were used for each one, while four tubes of thioglycolate 10 mL without
      adhesive served as control. All samples were incubated for 48 h at 37 degrees C.
      After 48 h, the number of colonies was counted and the mean was extracted as
      cfu/mL. The results were evaluated with ANOVA on ranked data and Tukey's post hoc
      test at alpha = 0.05. Streptococcus oralis, mutans, Prevotella oralis and
      Fusobacterium nucleatum showed decreased number of colonies for each denture
      adhesive compared to the control. Under the conditions of this in vitro study,
      all the tested denture adhesives showed antimicrobial efficacy. However, in
      contrast to the hypothesis, there were differences among them. Corega Ultra((r))
      and Biotene((r)) Denture Grip were more effective for all the tested oral malodor
      related microbes than Fixodent Pro Original((r)).

PMID- 22075754
TI  - Evaluation of fit of cement-retained implant-supported 3-unit structures
      fabricated with direct metal laser sintering and vacuum casting techniques.
AB  - This study evaluated the vertical discrepancy of implant-fixed 3-unit structures.
      Frameworks were constructed with laser-sintered Co-Cr, and vacuum-cast Co-Cr, Ni
      Cr-Ti, and Pd-Au. Samples of each alloy group were randomly luted in standard
      fashion using resin-modified glass-ionomer, self-adhesive, and acrylic/urethane
      based cements (n = 12 each). Discrepancies were SEM analyzed. Three-way ANOVA and
      Student-Newman-Keuls tests were run (P < 0.05). Laser-sintered structures
      achieved the best fit per cement tested. Within each alloy group, resin-modified
      glass-ionomer and acrylic/urethane-based cements produced comparably lower
      discrepancies than the self-adhesive agent. The abutment position did not yield
      significant differences. All misfit values could be considered clinically
      acceptable.

PMID- 22075755
TI  - Histological and immunohistochemical features of gingival enlargement in a
      patient with AML.
AB  - Here, we discuss the pathophysiology of leukemia-associated gingival enlargement
      based on a case of acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AML-M4) with typical gingival
      enlargement. Uniquely, this patient was well enough to allow full periodontal
      examination and incisional gingival biopsy to be performed both before and after
      chemotherapy. The patient was a 39-year-old Japanese woman with AML-M4 showing
      gingival enlargement. Histological and immunohistochemical features of gingiva
      and bacterial counts in the periodontal pockets were examined before and after
      chemotherapy. The results were as follows: (1) infiltration of myelomonocytic
      blasts in enlarged gingiva; (2) resolution of gingival enlargement with complete
      remission of AML by anticancer chemotherapy; and (3) the numbers of bacteria in
      the periodontal pockets were not high and were not altered before or after
      chemotherapy. In patients with AML-M4, remarkable mucosal enlargement is not
      generally observed in the body except in the gingiva. We hypothesized that
      antigens derived from periodontal bacteria, even if they are not present in large
      numbers, could act as chemoattractants for myelomonocytic leukemic cells.

PMID- 22075756
TI  - Defining the role of laboratory genetic counselor.
AB  - An increasing number of genetic counselors are moving into non-clinical roles,
      where their primary duties do not involve direct patient contact. According to
      the National Society of Genetic Counselors Professional Status Survey in 2010,
      23% of counselors working in non-clinical roles identified laboratory or genetic
      testing as their primary area of work. Using a survey, we identified 43 genetic
      counselors who work predominately in laboratory settings. The two primary tasks
      performed by participants, include acting as a customer liaison (95%) and calling
      out test results (88%). Nineteen participants (44.2%) also reported spending a
      considerable amount of time signing reports. The most prevalent areas of job
      satisfaction were support from laboratory directors (76.8%), autonomy (76.7%),
      interactions with clinicians (69.7%) and interaction with other genetics
      counselors (67.5%). This is the first study specifically looking at the roles of
      laboratory genetic counselors, which is an expanding area of genetic counseling.

PMID- 22075757
TI  - Nuclear estrogen receptor-mediated Notch signaling and GPR30-mediated PI3K/AKT
      signaling in the regulation of endometrial cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - To elucidate the mechanisms of nuclear estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated and G
      protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30)-mediated signaling in the regulation of
      proliferation in ER-positive and ER-negative endometrial cancer cells, two human
      endometrial carcinoma cell lines, Ishikawa (ER-positive) and KLE (ER-negative),
      were used. PCR and Western blot analyses were used to determine the effects of
      estrogen stimulation on the activation of Notch and GPR30-PI3K/AKT signaling.
      Cell growth was investigated using MTT assays. Overexpression of ER in ER
      negative cells was achieved by plasmid transfection and was used to investigate
      the effects on cellular growth and Notch signaling. GPR30-mediated signaling was
      evaluated using siRNA interference. Estrogen stimulated cell proliferation in
      both cell lines, it activated Notch signaling in ER-positive Ishikawa cells, but
      not in ER-negative KLE cells. Blockade of this signaling by a Notch inhibitor
      resulted in partial arrest of estrogen-induced cell proliferation in Ishikawa
      cells. Overexpression of ER in KLE cells restored estrogen-enhanced Notch
      signaling and further promoted cell growth. GPR30, as a new G-protein-coupled
      estrogen receptor, was detected in both cell lines, but was stronger in ER
      negative KLE cells. Depletion of GPR30 in KLE cells abolished estrogen-induced
      PI3K/AKT signaling activation and resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation.
      Conclusively, regulation of proliferation in nuclear ER-positive endometrial
      cancer cells is mediated by both ER-Notch signaling and GPR30-PI3K/AKT signaling,
      whereas only the latter pathway is involved in the regulation of growth in
      nuclear ER-negative endometrial cancer cells.

PMID- 22075758
TI  - Ripe fruit of Rubus coreanus inhibits mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effect of a water extract of the ripe fruits
      of Rubus coreanus Miq. (Rosaceae) (RFRC) on mast cell-mediated allergic
      inflammation and studied the possible mechanism of action. Mast cell-mediated
      allergic disease is involved in many diseases such as anaphylaxis, rhinitis,
      asthma and atopic dermatitis. RFRC dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80
      induced systemic anaphylaxis and serum histamine release in mice. RFRC reduced
      the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated local allergic reaction, passive cutaneous
      anaphylaxis. RFRC attenuated histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells and
      human mast cells by the reduction of intracellular calcium. RFRC decreased the
      phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)
      stimulated expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human mast
      cells. The inhibitory effect of RFRC on cytokine production was nuclear factor
      (NF)-kappaB- and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent. In addition,
      RFRC suppressed the activation of caspase-1. Our findings provide evidence that
      RFRC inhibits mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory reactions, and for the
      involvement of calcium, NF-kappaB, MAPKs and caspase-1 in these effects.
      Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro anti-allergic inflammatory effects of RFRC
      provide affirmative proof of a possible therapeutic application of this agent in
      allergic inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22075759
TI  - Subaru studies of the cosmic dawn.
AB  - An overview on the current status of the census of the early Universe population
      is given. Observational surveys of high redshift objects provide direct
      opportunities to study the early epoch of the Universe. The target population
      included are Lyman Alpha Emitters (LAE), Lyman Break Galaxies (LBG),
      gravitationally lensed galaxies, quasars and gamma-ray bursts (GRB). The basic
      properties of these objects and the methods used to study them are reviewed. The
      present paper highlights the fact that the Subaru Telescope group made
      significant contributions in this field of science to elucidate the epoch of the
      cosmic dawn and to improve the understanding of how and when infant galaxies
      evolve into mature ones.

PMID- 22075760
TI  - Molecular bases of thermophily in hyperthermophiles.
AB  - I reflect on some of our studies on the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus
      kodakarensis KOD1 and its enzymes. The strain can grow at temperatures up to 100 
      degrees C, and also represents one of the simplest forms of life. As expected,
      all enzymes, DNA, RNA, cytoplasmic membrane, and cytoplasmic solute displayed
      remarkable thermostability, and we have determined some of the basic principles
      that govern this feature. To our delight, many of the enzymes exhibited unique
      biochemical properties and novel structures not found in mesophilic proteins.
      Here, I will focus on some enzymes whose three-dimensional structures are
      characteristic of thermostable enzymes. I will also add some examples on the
      stabilization of DNA, RNA, cytoplasmic membrane, and cytoplasmic solute.

PMID- 22075761
TI  - Flexible antibodies with nonprotein hinges.
AB  - There is a significant need for antibodies that can bind targets with greater
      affinity. Here we describe a novel strategy employing chemical semisynthesis to
      produce symmetroadhesins: antibody-like molecules having nonprotein hinge regions
      that are more flexible and extendible and are capable of two-handed binding.
      Native chemical ligation was carried out under mild, non-denaturing conditions to
      join a ligand binding domain (Abeta peptide) to an IgG1 Fc dimer via discrete
      oxyethylene oligomers of various lengths. Two-handed Abeta-Fc fusion proteins
      were obtained in quantitative yield and shown by surface plasmon resonance to
      bind an anti-Abeta antibody with a K(D) at least two orders of magnitude greater
      than the cognate Abeta peptide. MALDI-TOF MS analysis confirmed the
      protein/nonprotein/protein structure of the two-handed molecules, demonstrating
      its power to characterize complex protein-nonprotein hybrids by virtue of
      desorption/ionization mediated by peptide sequences contained therein. We
      anticipate many applications for symmetroadhesins that combine the target
      specificity of antibodies with the novel physical, chemical and biological
      properties of nonprotein hinges.

PMID- 22075762
TI  - Serum IL10, IL12 and circulating CD4+CD25high T regulatory cells in relation to
      long-term clinical outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.
AB  - IL10, but not IL12 or T regulatory cells in the circulation of newly presenting,
      pre-treatment head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, has been
      shown previously to be related to survival over a mean follow-up period of 15
      months. Here, we followed the same patients for a longer period to determine
      whether these associations change. Pre- and post-treatment serum IL10/IL12 and
      circulating T regs were measured using ELISA and flow cytometry respectively and
      were correlated with survival after a 33 month average follow-up in a cohort of
      newly presenting HNSCC patients (n=107), with cancers of the hypopharynx (n=16),
      larynx (n=36), oral cavity (n=21), oropharynx (n=25), sinonasal (n=4) or unknown
      origin (n=5). Although the mean survival time of patients with detectable levels
      of IL10 pre-treatment was lower (40.6 months) than that of those without
      detectable levels of IL10 (45.6 months), the difference was no longer
      significant, in contrast to earlier follow-up data. In conclusion, although serum
      levels of IL10 may be a prognostic indicator for HNSCC patients over the short
      term, they become less significant as follow-up time increases.

PMID- 22075763
TI  - Representation of grasp postures and anticipatory motor planning in children.
AB  - In this study, we investigated anticipatory motor planning and the development of
      cognitive representation of grasp postures in children aged 7, 8, and 9 years.
      Overall, 9-year-old children were more likely to plan their movements to end in
      comfortable postures, and have distinct representational structures of certain
      grasp postures, compared to the 7- and 8-year old children. Additionally, the
      sensitivity toward comfortable end-states (end-state comfort) was related to the
      mental representation of certain grasp postures. Children with grasp comfort
      related and functionally well-structured representations were more likely to have
      satisfied end-state comfort in both the simple and the advanced planning
      condition. In contrast, end-state comfort satisfaction for the advanced planning
      condition was much lower for children whose cognitive representations were not
      structured by grasp comfort. The results of the present study support the notion
      that cognitive action representation plays an important role in the planning and
      control of grasp postures.

PMID- 22075764
TI  - Bidirectional semantic interference between action and speech.
AB  - Research on embodied cognition assumes that language processing involves modal
      simulations that recruit the same neural systems that are usually used for action
      execution. If this is true, one should find evidence for bidirectional crosstalk
      between action and language. Using a direct matching paradigm, this study tested
      if action-languages interactions are bidirectional (Experiments 1 and 2), and
      whether the effect of crosstalk between action perception and language production
      is due to facilitation or interference (Experiment 3). Replicating previous
      findings, we found evidence for crosstalk when manual actions had to be performed
      simultaneously to action-word perception (Experiment 1) and also when language
      had to be produced during simultaneous perception of hand actions (Experiment 2).
      These findings suggest a clear bidirectional relationship between action and
      language. The latter crosstalk effect was due to interference between action and
      language (Experiment 3). By extending previous research of embodied cognition,
      the present findings provide novel evidence suggesting that bidirectional
      functional relations between action and language are based on similar conceptual
      semantic representations.

PMID- 22075765
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation of surface segregation phenomena in extended and
      nanoparticle surfaces of Pt-Pd alloys.
AB  - The surface segregation phenomena in the extended and nanoparticle surfaces of Pt
      Pd alloys have been studied using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation method and the
      modified embedded-atom method (MEAM) potentials developed for Pt-Pd alloys. The
      MEAM potentials were fitted to reproduce the experimental values of the lattice
      parameters, cohesive energies and surface energies of pure Pt and Pd metals, as
      well as the density functional theory calculation results of the lattice
      parameters and heat of formation of L1(2) Pt(3)Pd, L1(0) PtPd and L1(2) PtPd(3)
      crystal. Using the MC method and the developed MEAM potentials, we calculated the
      Pt concentrations in the outermost three layers of the equilibrium (111), (100)
      and (110) extended surfaces as well as the outermost surfaces of the equilibrium
      cubo-octahedral nanoparticles of Pt-Pd alloys. Our simulation results showed that
      the Pd atoms would segregate into the outermost layers of the extended surfaces
      and the Pt concentration would increase monotonically from the extended surfaces
      into the bulk. The equilibrium Pt-Pd nanoparticles were found to have Pd-enriched
      shells and Pt-enriched cores. In the shell of the Pt-Pd nanoparticles, the Pd
      atoms were predicted to preferably segregate to the (100) facets rather than the
      (111) facets.

PMID- 22075766
TI  - Epstein-barr virus coinfection in cerebrospinal fluid is associated with
      increased mortality in Malawian adults with bacterial meningitis.
AB  - Mortality from adult bacterial meningitis exceeds 50% in sub-Saharan Africa. We
      postulated that-particularly in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contribute to
      poor outcome. CSF from 149 Malawian adults with bacterial meningitis and 39
      controls were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction. EBV was detected in 79 of
      149 bacterial meningitis patients. Mortality (54%) was associated with higher CSF
      EBV load when adjusted for HIV (P = .01). CMV was detected in 11 of 115 HIV
      infected patients, 8 of whom died. The mechanisms by which EBV and CMV contribute
      to poor outcome require further investigation.

PMID- 22075767
TI  - Rare (<1%) histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma: an update.
AB  - Recent advances in genetics and pathology have allowed description of several new
      histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as well as better
      characterization of other rare subtypes. We herein present a comprehensive review
      of taxonomy, epidemiology, pathology, imaging findings, and natural history of a
      wide spectrum of rare subtypes of RCCs that individually constitute <1% of all
      the RCCs.

PMID- 22075768
TI  - One step synthesis of C-dots by microwave mediated caramelization of
      poly(ethylene glycol).
AB  - A rapid, simple and one step microwave mediated method for synthesizing C-dots
      using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a precursor and passivating agent is
      reported. The C-dots possessed low cytotoxicity, were amenable to separation by
      electrophoresis, photostable and entered cancer cells, making them suitable
      candidates for bioimaging and biolabelling.

PMID- 22075769
TI  - Homeless but connected: the role of heterogeneous social network ties and social
      networking technology in the mental health outcomes of street-living adolescents.
AB  - Although social integration tends to have positive effects on the mental health
      of housed adolescents, the role of homeless adolescents' social networks is more
      ambiguous. Social network data were collected from 136 homeless adolescents in
      Hollywood, California to examine how network ties are associated with symptoms of
      anxiety and depression. Face-to-face relationships with street-based peers were a
      risk factor for both anxiety and depression, while contacting home-based friends
      through social networking technology was found to be protective for depression.
      Community-based and public agencies serving homeless adolescents should consider
      facilitating the maintenance of these protective relationships by providing
      internet access.

PMID- 22075771
TI  - Cervical cord atrophy caused by vertebral artery dolichoectasia.

PMID- 22075770
TI  - Causal Beliefs and Effects upon Mental Illness Identification Among Chinese
      Immigrant Relatives of Individuals with Psychosis.
AB  - Identifying factors that facilitate treatment for psychotic disorders among
      Chinese-immigrants is crucial due to delayed treatment use. Identifying causal
      beliefs held by relatives that might predict identification of 'mental illness'
      as opposed to other 'indigenous labels' may promote more effective mental health
      service use. We examine what effects beliefs of 'physical causes' and other non
      biomedical causal beliefs ('general social causes', and 'indigenous Chinese
      beliefs' or culture-specific epistemologies of illness) might have on mental
      illness identification. Forty-nine relatives of Chinese-immigrant consumers with
      psychosis were sampled. Higher endorsement of 'physical causes' was associated
      with mental illness labeling. However among the non-biomedical causal beliefs,
      'general social causes' demonstrated no relationship with mental illness
      identification, while endorsement of 'indigenous Chinese beliefs' showed a
      negative relationship. Effective treatment- and community-based psychoeducation,
      in addition to emphasizing biomedical models, might integrate indigenous Chinese
      epistemologies of illness to facilitate rapid identification of psychotic
      disorders and promote treatment use.

PMID- 22075772
TI  - Using ecological frameworks to advance a field of research, practice, and policy
      on aging-in-place initiatives.
AB  - Initiatives to promote aging in place have emerged rapidly in the United States
      across various health care settings (e.g., acute care hospitals, skilled nursing
      facilities) and broader community settings (e.g., public social service
      agencies). Moreover, recent federal policies include a growing number of
      provisions for local efforts to promote aging in place. Despite emerging bodies
      of research that have described singular initiatives in their own right, there
      has been very little scholarship that forges conceptual linkages across this
      increasingly vast domain of research, practice, and policy. Integrative theory
      development is critical to ensure that aging-in-place initiatives do not become
      fragmented from each other. This article uses insights from ecological frameworks
      specifically Urie Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory and M. Powell
      Lawton's general ecological model of aging-to conceptualize a range of programs
      as aging-in-place initiatives and for describing their similarities and
      differences, particularly in terms of the features through which they intend to
      promote aging in place. Theoretically derived dimensions along which to
      characterize aging-in-place initiatives include environment-focused aspects
      (e.g., the types of social systems and structures that the initiatives target for
      change) and person-focused aspects (e.g., the extent to which the initiatives
      target particular subgroups of older adults). The article concludes with a
      discussion on how these theoretically derived dimensions can be used to advance
      and integrate research, practice, and policy to systematically develop and expand
      aging-in-place initiatives.

PMID- 22075773
TI  - Knowledge of and attitudes toward nonpharmacological interventions for treatment
      of behavior symptoms associated with dementia: a comparison of physicians,
      psychologists, and nurse practitioners.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Behavior problems are common in nursing homes. Current
      guidelines recommend nonpharmacological interventions (NPHIs) as first-line
      treatment, but pharmacological regimens (PIs) continue to be used. Given
      differences in background and training of those who treat behavior problems in
      residents, we compared attitudes of physicians (MDs), psychologists (PhDs), and
      nurse practitioners (NPs) concerning PI and NPHI usage as well as knowledge of
      NPHIs. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and eight MDs, 36 PhDs, and 89 NPs
      responded to a web-based questionnaire that captured level of agreement with
      statements concerning treatment of behavior symptoms and familiarity with NPHIs.
      RESULTS: NPs were the most favorable toward NPHIs. MDs were significantly more
      favorable to the use of PIs than were PhDs, with attitudes of NPs falling in
      between. All felt that NPHI usage should increase and that NPHIs should be
      implemented before using PIs but also believed that PIs work well for behavior
      problems. MDs had significantly lower knowledge of NPHIs than PhDs or NPs.
      Overall, NPHI knowledge was similar for PhDs and NPs, although they differed on
      their use of specific interventions. IMPLICATIONS: As levels of knowledge and
      familiarity with NPHIs differed among providers, it is conceivable that all might
      benefit from training and experience with a wider range of NPHIs. Future studies
      might evaluate the impact of a uniform understanding of NPHI on communication and
      teamwork in nursing homes and examine ways to enhance a multidisciplinary
      approach that would allow for the tailoring and individualization that is
      required of successful interventions.

PMID- 22075774
TI  - Synovial lesions in experimental canine Lyme borreliosis.
AB  - Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, which is mainly
      characterized by lameness in dogs. More than 95% of naturally infected dogs are
      asymptomatic or subclinical; however, in experimental studies, histologic
      synovial lesions are consistently observed in asymptomatic dogs inoculated with
      B. burdgorferi. This study investigates the ability of a synovial histopathologic
      scoring system, clinicopathologic data, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      testing to differentiate between B. burgdorferi-infected and uninfected dogs.
      Eighteen 18-week-old beagles were subject to challenge with B. burgdorferi
      infected wild-caught ticks (Ixodes scapularis), and 4 uninfected dogs served as
      controls. Infection was confirmed by serology (ELISA) and PCR amplification of B.
      burgdorferi-specific DNA of skin biopsies taken at the tick attachment site. A
      synovial scoring system from human medicine was adapted and implemented on
      postmortem synovial samples to discriminate infected and noninfected animals.
      Application of this system to elbows and stifles with a cumulative joint score
      cutoff  > 4 showed a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 100%, with a
      positive likelihood ratio of infinity and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.12.
      Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, urine protein:creatinine,
      urine PCR, synovial and lymph node cytology, and synovial PCR were evaluated but
      were not reliable indicators of clinical disease.

PMID- 22075776
TI  - A novel herpesvirus in 3 species of pheasants: mountain peacock pheasant
      (Polyplectron inopinatum), Malayan peacock pheasant (Polyplectron malacense), and
      Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis).
AB  - The mountain peacock pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum), the Malayan peacock
      pheasant (Polyplectron malacense), and the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis) are
      all listed as vulnerable to extinction under the International Union for
      Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Here the authors report
      fatal infection with a novel herpesvirus in all 3 species of birds. DNA was
      extracted from the livers of birds with hepatocellular necrosis and intranuclear
      eosinophilic inclusions consistent with herpesvirus infection. Based on
      degenerate herpesvirus primers and polymerase chain reaction, 220- and 519-base
      pair products of the herpes DNA polymerase and DNA terminase genes, respectively,
      were amplified. Sequence analysis revealed that all birds were likely infected
      with the same virus. At the nucleotide level, the pheasant herpesvirus had 92%
      identity with gallid herpesvirus 3 and 77.7% identity with gallid herpesvirus 2.
      At the amino acid level, the herpes virus had 93.8% identity with gallid
      herpesvirus 3 and 89.4% identity with gallid herpesvirus 2. These findings
      indicate that the closest relative to this novel herpesvirus is gallid
      herpesvirus 3, a nonpathogenic virus used widely in a vaccine against Marek's
      disease. In situ hybridization using probes specific to the peacock pheasant
      herpesvirus DNA polymerase revealed strong intranuclear staining in the necrotic
      liver lesions of an infected Malayan peacock pheasant but no staining in normal
      liver from an uninfected bird. The phasianid herpesvirus reported here is a novel
      member of the genus Mardivirus of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and is
      distinct from other galliform herpesviruses.

PMID- 22075777
TI  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 modulates neurally evoked mucosal chloride secretion in
      guinea pig small intestine in vitro.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) acts at the G protein-coupled receptor, GLP-1R,
      to stimulate secretion of insulin and to inhibit secretion of glucagon and
      gastric acid. Involvement in mucosal secretory physiology has received negligible
      attention. We aimed to study involvement of GLP-1 in mucosal chloride secretion
      in the small intestine. Ussing chamber methods, in concert with transmural
      electrical field stimulation (EFS), were used to study actions on neurogenic
      chloride secretion. ELISA was used to study GLP-1R effects on neural release of
      acetylcholine (ACh). Intramural localization of GLP-1R was assessed with
      immunohistochemistry. Application of GLP-1 to serosal or mucosal sides of flat
      sheet preparations in Ussing chambers did not change baseline short-circuit
      current (I(sc)), which served as a marker for chloride secretion. Transmural EFS
      evoked neurally mediated biphasic increases in I(sc) that had an initial spike
      like rising phase followed by a sustained plateau-like phase. Blockade of the EFS
      evoked responses by tetrodotoxin indicated that the responses were neurally
      mediated. Application of GLP-1 reduced the EFS-evoked biphasic responses in a
      concentration-dependent manner. The GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9-39)
      suppressed this action of GLP-1. The GLP-1 inhibitory action on EFS-evoked
      responses persisted in the presence of nicotinic or vasoactive intestinal peptide
      receptor antagonists but not in the presence of a muscarinic receptor antagonist.
      GLP-1 significantly reduced EFS-evoked ACh release. In the submucosal plexus, GLP
      1R immunoreactivity (IR) was expressed by choline acetyltransferase-IR neurons,
      neuropeptide Y-IR neurons, somatostatin-IR neurons, and vasoactive intestinal
      peptide-IR neurons. Our results suggest that GLP-1R is expressed in guinea pig
      submucosal neurons and that its activation leads to a decrease in neurally evoked
      chloride secretion by suppressing release of ACh at neuroepithelial junctions in
      the enteric neural networks that control secretomotor functions.

PMID- 22075778
TI  - Lipids promote survival, proliferation, and maintenance of differentiation of rat
      liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in vitro.
AB  - Primary rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are difficult to maintain
      in a differentiated state in culture for scientific studies or technological
      applications. Relatively little is known about molecular regulatory processes
      that affect LSEC differentiation because of this inability to maintain cellular
      viability and proper phenotypic characteristics for extended times in vitro,
      given that LSEC typically undergo death and detachment around 48-72 h even when
      treated with VEGF. We demonstrate that particular lipid supplements added to
      serum-free, VEGF-containing medium increase primary rat liver LSEC viability and
      maintain differentiation. Addition of a defined lipid combination, or even oleic
      acid (OA) alone, promotes LSEC survival beyond 72 h and proliferation to
      confluency. Moreover, assessment of LSEC cultures for endocytic function, CD32b
      surface expression, and exhibition of fenestrae showed that these differentiation
      characteristics were maintained when lipids were included in the medium. With
      respect to the underlying regulatory pathways, we found lipid supplement-enhanced
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and MAPK signaling to be critical for ensuring LSEC
      function in a temporally dependent manner. Inhibition of Akt activity before 72 h
      prevents growth of SEC, whereas MEK inhibition past 72 h prevents survival and
      proliferation. Our findings indicate that OA and lipids modulate Akt/PKB
      signaling early in culture to mediate survival, followed by a switch to a
      dependence on ERK signaling pathways to maintain viability and induce
      proliferation after 72 h. We conclude that free fatty acids can support
      maintenance of liver LSEC cultures in vitro; key regulatory pathways involved
      include early Akt signaling followed by ERK signaling.

PMID- 22075779
TI  - Epidermal growth factor/TNF-alpha transactivation modulates epithelial cell
      proliferation and apoptosis in a mouse model of parenteral nutrition.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      signaling are critical for effective proliferative and apoptotic actions;
      however, little is known about the codependency of these signaling pathways in
      the intestinal epithelium. Because total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is associated
      with loss of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation and increased
      apoptosis, we utilized a mouse model to explore these transactivation pathways in
      small bowel epithelium. Mice underwent intravenous cannulation and were given
      enteral nutrition or TPN for 7 days. Outcomes included IEC proliferation,
      apoptosis, and survival. To address transactivation or dependence of EGF and TNF
      on IEC physiology, TNF-alpha receptor knockout (KO) mice, TNFR1-KO, R2-KO, or
      R1R2-double KO, were used. Exogenous EGF and pharmacological blockade of ErbB1
      were performed in other groups to examine the relevance of the ErB1 pathway. TPN
      increased IEC TNFR1 and decreased EGF and ErbB1 abundance. Loss of IEC
      proliferation was prevented by exogenous EGF or blockade of TNFR1. However, EGF
      action was prevented without effective TNFR2 signaling. Also, blockade of TNFR1
      could not prevent loss of IEC proliferation without effective ErbB1 signaling.
      TPN increased IEC apoptosis and was due to increased TNFR1 signaling. Exogenous
      EGF or blockade of TNFR1 could prevent increased apoptosis, and both pathways
      were dependent on effective ErbB1 signaling. Exogenous EGF prevented increased
      apoptosis in mice lacking TNFR2 signaling. TPN mice had significantly decreased
      survival vs. controls, and this was associated with the TNFR1 signaling pathway.
      We concluded that these findings identify critical mechanisms that contribute to
      TPN-associated mucosal atrophy via altered TNF-alpha/EGF signaling. It emphasizes
      the importance of both TNFR1 and TNFR2 pathways, as well as the strong
      interdependence on an intact EGF/ErbB1 pathway.

PMID- 22075780
TI  - Ni(II) and Pd(II) pyridinyloxazolidine-compounds: synthesis, X-ray
      characterisation and catalytic activities in the aza-Michael reaction.
AB  - The 3-phenyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)oxazolidine ligand (ppo) was synthesised and its
      coordination behaviour regarding Ni(II) and Pd(II) centres was studied. The
      reaction with K(2)PdCl(4) affords [Pd(N,N'-ppo)Cl(2)] (1), in which ppo binds to
      palladium via the pyridyl nitrogen and the oxazolyl nitrogen atoms. On the
      contrary, reaction with NiCl(2).6H(2)O produces [Ni(N,O-ppo)(2)Cl(2)] (2), in
      which two ppo ligands are coordinated via the pyridyl nitrogen and the oxygen
      atom of the oxazolidine ring. The X-ray diffraction analysis of the complexes
      confirms a square planar geometry for Pd(II) in 1 and an octahedral configuration
      around Ni(II) in 2, which, to the best of our knowledge, represents the first
      reported example of a structurally characterised nickel-oxazolidine compound. In
      addition, both complexes prove to be active catalysts under mild conditions in
      the aza-Michael reaction of (E)-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one (benzalacetone) with
      aliphatic amines.

PMID- 22075781
TI  - Mechanisms underlying and medical management of L-Dopa-associated motor
      complications.

PMID- 22075782
TI  - Colonizing success of saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes on islands.
AB  - The biodiversity of saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetous macrofungi
      growing on seven islands in central Japan were compared to examine colonizing
      success within the context of island biogeography theory. Two hypotheses were
      tested: that the number of the fungal species depends on island area and that the
      slope of the species-area curve for saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal macrofungi
      differ in response to differences in their nutritional requirements. Data for the
      number of species that were identified based on sporocarps closely fit the
      conventional species-area curve. The slopes of the species-area curve for
      saprotrophic fungi (0.316) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (0.469) were similar to
      those reported for insects and birds, and plants on other archipelagos,
      respectively. In addition species-area curve data showed that ectomycorrhizal
      fungi colonized only islands > 630 m(2). While the species composition of
      saprotrophic fungi found on any pair of islands was positively correlated to the
      ratio of the areas of the island pair being compared (smaller/larger), no such
      relationship was observed for ectomycorrhizal fungi. Conversely similar
      ectomycorrhizal fungi, mostly those belonging to the genera Amanita, Inocybe,
      Boletellus and Russula, were found on pairs of islands with similar vegetation in
      the same geographic region. These results suggested that the colonizing success
      by ectomycorrhizal fungi is limited by host plant diversity, which is lower on
      smaller islands, instead of restricted immigration resulting from limited spore
      dispersal ability.

PMID- 22075783
TI  - Aquapeziza: a new genus from freshwater and its morphological and phylogenetic
      relationships to Pezizaceae.
AB  - An investigation of freshwater fungi on submerged wood in southwestern China led
      to the discovery of a new discomycete species from a small stream in Yunnan
      Province. The taxon is characterized morphologically by its combined characters
      of epigenous, white ascomata, ovoid, amyloid asci and multi-guttulate, single
      celled, smooth, globose ascospores. Because the taxon cannot be accommodated in
      any known genus based on morphological characters and molecular data (28S and ITS
      rDNA sequences) a new genus and species Aquapeziza globispora is proposed to
      accommodate it. The new genus is circumscribed and a description and
      illustrations of the new species are provided. Relationships of Aquapeziza in
      Pezizaceae are inferred from 28S and ITS rDNA sequence analyses.

PMID- 22075784
TI  - Development of a specific polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of
      Basidiobolus.
AB  - The etiology of chronic diarrhea is complex in humans and animals. It is always
      necessary to evaluate a list of differential diagnosis, including bacteria,
      protozoa and fungi. Basidiobolomycosis is a fungal disease reported sporadically
      worldwide, mainly caused by B. ranarum, a frequent organism found in soil or in
      the intestine and skin of lizards and frogs. It is an opportunistic pathogen that
      causes infections characterized by granulomatous lesions in the subcutaneous
      tissues as well as in the intestinal wall in humans and animals. In this work we
      have developed a PCR technique to differentiate Basidiobolus from other causes of
      intestinal disease in dogs and humans. To test the specificity of the PCR assay
      we included closely related organisms, common intestinal microbiota and
      pathogenic organisms, such as Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia,
      Giardia, Mucor, Proteus, Rhizopus and Salmonella. Pythium insidiosum, which cause
      clinically similar disease in dogs but require a different treatment. Only
      Basidiobolus was positive to the PCR assay.

PMID- 22075785
TI  - The species of Puccinia on Piptocarpha and Vanillosmopsis in the Neotropics.
AB  - Nine species of Puccinia are known on Piptocarpha and one on closely related
      Vanillosmopsis. All are mostly from Brazil. Six of the nine Puccinia species on
      Piptocarpha are proposed as new: Puccinia bipolaris, P. calida, P. douradae, P.
      macumba, P. manuelensis and P. pipta. Three species are reduced to synonyms of P.
      piptocarphae: P. leptoderma, P. jahnii, and P. pycnothelis. P. vanillosmopsidis
      is reduced to a synonym of P. velata on Vanillosmopsis. A key to aid in the
      identification of the 10 species of Puccinia on Vernonieae is provided.
      Nomenclature, descriptions, illustrations and notes are presented for each
      species.

PMID- 22075786
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of Sydowiellaceae--resolving the position of Cainiella.
AB  - Cainiella is an ascomycete genus associated with arctic alpine plants. The
      systematic position of Cainiella has long been unclear, with current
      classifications placing the genus in either Sordariales or Xylariales. Our
      molecular results, based on mtSSU, ITS and nLSU rDNA data, clearly show that the
      genus belongs in the Sydowiellaceae (Diaporthales). The study also includes new
      sequences of Sydowiellaceae and contributes to a better knowledge of the
      phylogenetic relationships of that family.

PMID- 22075787
TI  - Orbilia ultrastructure, character evolution and phylogeny of Pezizomycotina.
AB  - Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that the monophyletic classes
      Orbiliomycetes and Pezizomycetes are among the earliest diverging branches of
      Pezizomycotina, the largest subphylum of the Ascomycota. Although Orbiliomycetes
      is resolved as the most basal lineage in some analyses, molecular support for the
      node resolving the relationships between the two classes is low and topologies
      are unstable. We provide ultrastructural evidence to inform the placement of
      Orbiliomycetes by studying an Orbilia, a member of the only order (Orbiliales) of
      the class. The truncate ascus apex in the Orbilia is thin-walled except at the
      margin, and an irregular wall rupture of the apex permits ascospore discharge.
      Ascus, ascogenous and non-ascogenous hyphae were simple septate, with septal
      pores plugged by unelaborated electron-dense, non-membranous occlusions. Globose
      Woronin bodies were located on both sides of the septum. Nuclear division was
      characterized by the retention of an intact nuclear envelope, and a two-layered
      disk-shaped spindle pole body. The less differentiated nature of the spore
      discharge apparatus and septal pore organization supports an earliest diverging
      position of Orbiliomycetes within the subphylum, while the closed nuclear
      division and disk-shaped spindle pole body are interpreted as ancestral state
      characters for Ascomycota.

PMID- 22075788
TI  - The species of Scleroderma from Argentina, including a new species from the
      Nothofagus forest.
AB  - Five ectomycorrhizal species of Scleroderma were identified from herbarium and
      field-collected specimens from Argentina. A new hypogeous species, Scleroderma
      patagonicum, was recorded in association with native Nothofagus spp. in
      Patagonia. The epigeous species S. albidum, S. areolatum, S. bovista and S.
      citrinum were associated with various exotic tree species. A phylogenetic
      analysis based on the ITS region of Scleroderma species, including S.
      patagonicum, illustrates its distinct status within Scleroderma, including its
      placement among species with reticulate spores. Descriptions with SEM images of
      the spores and a key to the species are provided.

PMID- 22075789
TI  - How can we best prevent pertussis in infants?

PMID- 22075790
TI  - Impact of maternal postpartum tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular
      pertussis immunization on infant pertussis infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mothers often are the source of pertussis illness in young infants.
      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend tetanus and diphtheria
      toxoids and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for postpartum women before
      hospital discharge. In January 2008, this recommendation was implemented in a
      predominantly Hispanic, medically underserved population at Ben Taub General
      Hospital (BTGH) in Houston (hereafter the intervention population). METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study compared preintervention (July 2000 through December 2007)
      and postintervention (January 2008 through May 2009) periods. Pertussis diagnosis
      was determined using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
      (ICD-9) codes and microbiology reports from 4 major children's hospitals in
      Houston. Only those infants <=6 months of age with laboratory-confirmed pertussis
      illness were included. The proportions of pertussis-infected infants born at BTGH
      in the pre- and postintervention periods were compared. RESULTS: Of 514 infants
      with pertussis, 378 (73.5%) were identified during preintervention and 136
      (26.5%) during postintervention years. These groups were similar in age (mean,
      79.3 vs 72 days; P = .08), sex (males, 55% vs 52%; P = .48), length of
      hospitalization (mean, 9.7 vs 10.7 days; P = .62), mortality (2 deaths each; P =
      .29) and hospital of pertussis diagnosis. After adjustment for age, sex, and
      ethnicity, the proportions of pertussis-infected infants born at BTGH and
      potentially protected through maternal postpartum Tdap immunization were similar
      for the 2 periods (6.9% vs 8.8%; odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.5
      2.2; P = .87). CONCLUSIONS: Immunizing only postpartum mothers with Tdap vaccine
      did not reduce pertussis illness in infants <=6 months of age. Efforts should be
      directed at immunizing all household and key contacts of newborns with Tdap, not
      just mothers.

PMID- 22075791
TI  - Cryptococcus gattii infection in healthy hosts: a sentinel for subclinical
      immunodeficiency?

PMID- 22075792
TI  - Prior infections with seasonal influenza A/H1N1 virus reduced the illness
      severity and epidemic intensity of pandemic H1N1 influenza in healthy adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new influenza A/H1N1 (pH1N1) virus emerged in April 2009, proceeded
      to spread worldwide, and was designated as an influenza pandemic. A/H1N1 viruses
      had circulated in 1918-1957 and 1977-2009 and were in the annual vaccine during
      1977-2009. METHODS: Serum antibody to the pH1N1 and seasonal A/H1N1 viruses was
      measured in 579 healthy adults at enrollment (fall 2009) and after surveillance
      for illness (spring 2010). Subjects reporting with moderate to severe acute
      respiratory illness had illness and virus quantitation for 1 week; evaluations
      for missed illnesses were conducted over holiday periods and at the spring 2010
      visit. RESULTS: After excluding 66 subjects who received pH1N1 vaccine, 513
      remained. Seventy-seven had reported with moderate to severe illnesses; 31 were
      infected with pH1N1 virus, and 30 with a rhinovirus. Determining etiology from
      clinical findings was not possible, but fever and prominent myalgias favored
      influenza and prominent rhinorrhea favored rhinovirus. Tests of fall and spring
      antibody indicated pH1N1 infection of 23% had occurred, with the rate decreasing
      with increasing anti-pH1N1 antibody; a similar pattern was seen for influenza
      associated illness. A reducing frequency of pH1N1 infections was also seen with
      increasing antibody to the recent seasonal A/H1N1 virus (A/Brisbane/59/07).
      Preexisting antibody to pH1N1 virus, responses to a single vaccine dose, a low
      infection-to-illness ratio, and a short duration of illness and virus shedding
      among those with influenza indicated presence of considerable preexisting
      immunity to pH1N1 in the population. CONCLUSIONS: The 2009 A/H1N1 epidemic among
      healthy adults was relatively mild, most likely because of immunity from prior
      infections with A/H1N1 viruses.

PMID- 22075793
TI  - Invasive aspergillosis in children with acquired immunodeficiencies.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality in immunocompromised children. It remains difficult to diagnose, and
      outcome depends on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and restoration of
      host defenses. Pediatric patients represent a unique population in their clinical
      presentation and epidemiology, particularly in respect to the utility of newer
      diagnostic tools and the pharmacokinetics of antifungal agents. This article
      reviews the presentation and epidemiology of invasive aspergillosis in children
      and adolescents with acquired immunodeficiencies and discusses the value of
      current diagnostic tools and the options for treatment and prevention in this
      population.

PMID- 22075794
TI  - Blastocystis: to treat or not to treat...
AB  - Parasites in the genus Blastocystis comprise several subtypes (genotypes) and
      have a worldwide distribution. In some surveys, these are the most common
      parasites found in human stool specimens. An emerging literature suggests that
      the pathogenicity of Blastocystis is related to specific subtypes and parasite
      burden, although even individuals with small numbers of cysts may be symptomatic.
      Some data suggest an association between infection with Blastocystis and
      irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are few clinical studies demonstrating a
      direct relationship between the presence of this parasite and disease, few animal
      models to explore this relationship, and no consensus as to appropriate
      treatment. We recommend that asymptomatic individuals with few cysts not be
      treated. However, those who have gastrointestinal or dermatologic signs and
      symptoms and many cysts in stool specimens may require treatment. Metronidazole
      is the drug of choice. Additional studies are required to determine pathogenicity
      and appropriate therapy.

PMID- 22075796
TI  - Probing the morphology-device relation of Fe2O3 nanostructures towards
      photovoltaic and sensing applications.
AB  - A lot of research on nanomaterials has been carried out in recent years. However,
      there is still a lack of nanostructures that have a combination of superior
      properties; both efficient electron transport and high surface area. Here, the
      authors have tried to develop hybrid alpha-Fe(2)O(3) flower-like morphology which
      exhibits both superior electron transport and high surface area. Intrigued by the
      unique properties of Fe(2)O(3) at the nanoscale and its abundance in nature, we
      have demonstrated a facile template-free solution based synthesis of hybrid alpha
      Fe(2)O(3) comprising nanopetals nucleating radially from a 3D core. Due to its
      simplicity, the synthesis process can be easily reproduced and scaled up. We
      carried out in-depth studies on gas sensing and dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)
      device characterization so as to gain an understanding of how surface area and
      transport properties are affected by variation in morphology. The hybrid alpha
      Fe(2)O(3) nanostructures are studied as potential candidates for gas sensors and
      for the first time as a working electrode for DSSC.

PMID- 22075795
TI  - Risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of toxoplasmosis in solid-organ
      transplant recipients: a matched case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients are considered to be at
      increased risk for toxoplasmosis. However, risk factors for this infection have
      not been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors,
      clinical features, and outcomes of toxoplasmosis in SOT recipients. METHODS: A
      multicenter, matched case-control study (1:2 ratio) was conducted between 2000
      and 2009. Control subjects were matched for center, transplant type, and timing.
      Cases were identified from the hospitals' microbiology and transplantation
      program databases. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk
      factors. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases (0.14%) of toxoplasmosis were identified among
      15 800 SOTs performed in 11 Spanish hospitals, including 12 heart, 6 kidney, and
      4 liver recipients. Diagnosis was made by seroconversion (n = 17),
      histopathologic examination (n = 5), polymerase chain reaction (n = 2), and
      autopsy (n = 2). In a comparison of case patients with 44 matched control
      subjects, a negative serostatus prior to transplantation was the only independent
      risk factor for toxoplasmosis (odds ratio, 15.12 [95% confidence interval, 2.37
      96.31]; P = .004). The median time to diagnosis following transplantation was 92
      days. Primary infection occurred in 18 (81.8%) cases. Manifestations included
      pneumonitis (n = 7), myocarditis (n = 5), brain abscesses (n = 5),
      chorioretinitis (n = 3), lymph node enlargement (n = 2), hepatosplenomegaly (n =
      2), and meningitis (n =1). Five patients (22.7%) had disseminated disease. Crude
      mortality rate was 13.6% (3 of 22 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon,
      toxoplasmosis in SOT patients causes substantial morbidity and mortality.
      Seronegative recipients are at high risk for developing toxoplasmosis and should
      be given prophylaxis and receive careful follow-up.

PMID- 22075797
TI  - Clinical course of grade I-III megaureters detected on prenatal ultrasound.
AB  - AIM: Primary obstructive megaureter has always been considered a developmental
      defect. The aim of this study was evaluate the clinical course of grade I-III
      megaureter at a single Institution through a longitudinal observational study.
      METHODS: Between April 2004 and April 2006 35 cases of megaureter were observed
      prenatally. Inclusion criteria were created. Conservative treatment was used for
      all patients and its efficacy was assessed with routine laboratory tests,
      ultrasounds and renal scintigraphy. Follow-up was at least three years for all
      patients. RESULTS: Twenty patients were considered for the study. Single or
      relapsing infections (36% of patients had more than three urinary tract
      infections during follow-up) did not seem absolute indications for surgical
      treatment in these patients, although they are currently the first indication for
      surgery. CONCLUSION: Clinical results of the study showed that conservative
      treatment is an effective treatment option. Single or relapsing infections are
      not a clear indication for surgery. Long-term follow-up for these patients is
      mandatory.

PMID- 22075798
TI  - Increased risk of brain injury in IVF babies.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this paper was to assess brain injury occurrence among in vitro
      fertilization (IVF) babies. METHODS: We examined all babies born in our hospital
      in the triennium 2004-2006, comparing the presence of brain injuries between IVF
      babies and the rest of the population. RESULTS: In IVF group (180 babies), brain
      injury was present in 4 babies, while in the rest of population (n=3602) it was
      present in 23 babies (P=0.042, RR: 3.18). IVF babies have a higher risk of being
      born with a birthweight less than 2 500 grams (P<0.0001; RR: 5.133). When we
      considered only babies born with a birth weight less than 2 500 grams, the
      difference of brain injury between the two groups was not significant.
      CONCLUSION: In IVF babies, brain injury occurred more frequently than in the rest
      of population. This is probably due to a higher rate of premature births and low
      birth weight in IVF population. Anyway, this data should be disclosed to future
      parents to make an informed decision.

PMID- 22075799
TI  - Evaluation of the diagnostic enigma in Hirschsprung disease.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to investigate intraoperative diagnosis rate of aganglionosis with
      hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, to review the current diagnostic procedures in
      Hirschsprung disease (HD), to inquire the validity of enzyme staining in
      diagnosis of HD and to evaluate the utility of ret oncoprotein (RET) antibody for
      detecting ganglion cells (GC) in paraffin sections. METHODS: Two hundred and
      thirty three children who are suspected to have HD were included in this study. A
      total of 302 surgical procedures related to diagnosis and treatment of HD were
      performed. One to 19 samples (3.5 +/- 2.91) per each case were examined with
      intraoperative pathological consultation. Although establishing primary diagnoses
      of HD by frozen sections (FS) examination and performing a one-step approach for
      treatment have been aimed, consecutive surgical operations were required in 30
      cases (12.9%). One hundred and sixty three cases (70%) were male. Seventy eight
      cases (33.5%) were in neonatal period (mean=13.5 +/- 9.7 days). Only 56 cases
      were older than 1 year. GC were absent in 137 of cases. Presence of GC with FS
      examination weren't decided and prior colostomies were performed in 18 cases
      (7.7%). RESULTS: There were no discrepancies between the FS diagnoses and final
      diagnoses of the cases except these children. Requisition of consecutive surgical
      procedures interestingly was lower in neonates than others (P=0.01). Because of
      long duration, technical difficulty and standardization problems; not only immune
      histochemical stains but also enzyme stains should not be prefer for
      demonstration of GC during surgery. CONCLUSION: We suppose that if one-step
      approach is desired, the intraoperative evaluation of HE staining FS by
      experienced pathologists is still gold standard in the diagnosis of HD.

PMID- 22075800
TI  - The incidence of macrophage activation syndrome in children with rheumatic
      disorders.
AB  - AIM: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare complication of childhood
      with rheumatic disease. This syndrome has been reported as a complication of many
      rheumatic diseases, most commonly in systemic onset of juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis (SoJIA). The aim of this study was evaluation the rate, symptoms and
      outcome of MAS in a pediatric rheumatology department in Tehran during 10 years.
      METHODS: Retrospective review of cases of MAS from the charts of 120 patients
      with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
      Collected data base of 5 children with MAS from 1998 to 2007, in Children
      Hospital Medical Center, In Tehran University were collected. RESULTS: Totally
      120 patients evaluated in this study including 108 JIA and 12 SLE. Five patients
      (four girls), and (one boy) were considered to have evidence of MAS. The
      incidence of MAS in our study was 4.2%. This rate for all JIA patients was 3.7%
      and for SoJIA, SLE and juvenile idiopaticarthritis (JIA) and polyarticular RF
      negative JIA was 8.2%, 16.7% and 2.8%, respectively. Mean age of MAS onset was
      4.9 years, and duration of rheumatologic disease prior to MAS, 22 months. Four
      cases (80%) had abnormal liver function during the disease course, and
      coagulopathy. Bone marrow examination supported the diagnosis with definite
      haemophagocytosis in four cases (80%). The mortality rate was 40%. CONCLUSION:
      Although MAS is a rare complication of rheumatologic disorders, because it is
      potentially fatal it must be thought in each childhood rheumatic disorders with
      suddenly changes in general condition and decrease peripheral cells.

PMID- 22075801
TI  - Prevalence of body weight disorders among adolescent school girls in Tarka,
      Nigeria.
AB  - AIM: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, both in
      developing and developed countries, and childhood obesity is a serious public
      health problem. However, there are few studies on prevalence of obesity on
      Nigerian adolescents in a rural community. Therefore, the aim of this cross
      sectional study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among
      722 secondary school female students aged 12-18 years living in Wannune, Tarka,
      Nigeria. METHODS: Participants were selected by purposive sampling from five
      schools. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were measured and body
      mass index (BMI) calculated. The centres for disease control and prevention (CDC)
      BMI cut-off points were used to generate four BMI categories as follows: BMI <5th
      percentile, "underweight'; BMI >= 5th to <85th percentile, "normal weight"; BMI
      >= 85th to <95th percentile, "at-risk-of-overweight"; and BMI >= 95th percentile,
      "overweight and obese". RESULTS: Findings indicated that 70.1% of the
      participants had a normal BMI, 7.5% were overweight/obese while 12.5% at risk of
      overweight and 9.9% were underweight. The levels of obesity, overweight and
      underweight observed in our sample is quite higher, and indicates overweight and
      obesity is even occurring in Nigerian adolescents in a rural settings.
      CONCLUSION: Given that over-nutrition and under-nutrition are noticeable among
      adolescents' school girls in Tarka, suggests that policy makers and health
      professionals should design and implement strategies to prevent body weight
      disorders in children.

PMID- 22075802
TI  - Sleep and obesity in children: a clinical perspective.
AB  - Childhood obesity is an international epidemic with many long-term health
      consequences. The many comorbid conditions associated with obesity underscore the
      need to explore the different etiologies of obesity which may lead to potential
      therapeutic interventions. There is growing evidence both that obesity affects
      sleep, and that sleep patterns and disorders may have an effect on weight. Both
      respiratory and non-respiratory sleep disorders are associated with obesity;
      those that have gotten the most attention are the relationships between obesity
      and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and short sleep duration. Other forms of
      sleep-disordered breathing and narcolepsy have also been associated with
      childhood obesity. Due to the many comorbidities of obesity, this subset of the
      pediatric population has frequent health care visits across a variety of
      subspecialties. It is likely that a non-sleep physician will be the first to
      recognize a sleep-related problem. The aim of this review was to discuss sleep
      disorders that may be encountered by the general pediatrician and the pediatric
      subspecialists in their obese pediatric patients and to describe the evidence
      that links these disorders to obesity.

PMID- 22075803
TI  - International epidemic of childhood obesity and television viewing.
AB  - Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of
      the 21st century. The prevalence of this problem has increased at an alarming
      rate in many countries. The main causes of childhood obesity are; sedentary
      lifestyle, unhealthy eating patterns, genetic factors, socio-economic status,
      race/ethnicity, media and marketing, and the physical environment. Children are
      clearly being targeted as a receptive market by the manufacturing industry.
      Undoubtedly, television provides one of the most powerful media through which
      products can be advertised. Furthermore, food advertising accounted for the
      largest percentage of these advertisements in virtually all countries. Detailed
      nutritional analysis of food advertisements identified that up to 90% of food
      products have a high fat, sugar or salt content. Therefore TV viewing is recently
      identified as one of the risk factors contributing to development of childhood
      obesity by several mechanisms. This review provides some facts and figures about
      the global trend of rising obesity among children, amount and content of
      television and especially food advertisements being watched by children and its
      possible mechanisms how to cause adverse effects on children's health and
      contribute to childhood obesity.

PMID- 22075804
TI  - Psychosocial aspects of childhood obesity.
AB  - Rates of childhood obesity are increasing at alarming rates worldwide. This is
      especially alarming as obesity is associated with many physical and psychological
      consequences. A great number of studies indicate that obese children have an
      impaired psychological well-being (e.g., depression, self-esteem, and quality of
      life) compared to their non-overweight peers. There has been an overwhelming
      amount of research conducted in this area over the past few decades, and as such,
      this paper provides a summarized overview of the vast trove of available
      information on the psychosocial aspects of childhood obesity. In this paper we
      provide a summarized overview of: 1) psychosocial aspects that contribute to the
      onset of childhood obesity; 2) psychosocial consequences of childhood obesity;
      and 3) familial-based lifestyle behavior modification interventions for treating
      childhood obesity and its treatment success. Although it seems obvious that obese
      children and adolescents would likely be at higher risk for psychological
      problems, the mediating factors in the relationship between psychological
      problems and obesity are still not well established. Obesity is a complex
      disorder with an equally complex etiology, and is thus associated with complex
      behaviors and outcomes that make it difficult to study in children. It has been
      indicated that family-based lifestyle interventions can improve psychological
      well-being in obese children; however, not all children profit from these
      interventions. Interventions aimed at improving treatment results need further
      investigation. For example, interventions targeted specifically at groups that
      tend to be less successful in weight-loss programs and interventions providing
      long-term support to these individuals are recommended.

PMID- 22075805
TI  - Thrombocytosis in children.
AB  - In healthy pediatric subjects normal count platelet ranges between 250,000 MUL
      and 450,000 MUL. An elevated platelet count greater than 2 SD defines a condition
      of thrombocytosis. On a clinical level, thrombocytosis is classified "mild" at a
      platelet count between >500,000 MUL and <700,000 MUL; "moderate" at a platelet
      count between >700,000/MUL and <900,000/MUL; "severe" at a platelet count
      >900,000/MUL; and "extreme" at a platelet count >1,000,000/MUL. Thrombocytosis
      can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary thrombocytosis is divided into
      familial and essential. Primary thrombocytosis is an extremely rare clonal
      disease in childhood with incidence of one per million children, i.e., 60 times
      lower than in adults. It is classified as a myeloproliferative disorder with
      polycythemia vera, chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelofibrosis and may be
      associated with thrombotic or haemorrhagic events. Platelet count is generally
      above 1,000,000/MUL. The median age at diagnosis is about 11 years. On the
      contrary, secondary or reactive thrombocytosis (RT) is very common in pediatric
      age, occurring in 3-13% of hospitalized children because of several causes.
      Generally, it is a reactive process caused by infection, chronic inflammation,
      iron deficiency, tissue damage, cancer, drugs and surgical or functional
      splenectomy. Thrombocytosis is mild in 72-86% of children, moderate in about 6
      8%, and extreme in 0.5-3%. Consultation with a pediatric hematologist is required
      if elevation of platelet count persists, is unexplained or symptomatic. In the
      majority of cases no treatment is necessary, and the patient must be only closely
      monitored.

PMID- 22075806
TI  - [Biography and bibliography of Francesco Fede, the founder of Italian
      pediatrics].
AB  - For the first time, an overall study of the life and works of Francesco Fede, the
      founder of Italian pediatrics, has been carried out. Unpublished biographical
      data was collected and the complete bibliographic works of Fede were presented.
      Fede is the hallmark of both scientific matter, which reached a climax in the
      definition of the Riga and Fede illness, and for his disinterested dedication as
      a Member of Parliament to foster development in didactics, research and
      assistance for pediatrics.

PMID- 22075807
TI  - [Growth hormone deficiency associated with 22q11.2 deletion: a case report].
AB  - The 22q11.2 microdeletion produces many syndromes, characterized by similar
      phenotypical features. The most known syndromes are: the DiGeorge syndrome, the
      velocardiofacial syndrome, the conotruncal anomaly face syndrome. The hallmark
      features are represented by cardiac anomalies, palate defects, immune and
      cognitive deficiencies, facial dysmorphisms. Less common disorders include:
      genito-urinary abnormalities, visual defects, autoimmune disorders and pituitary
      anomalies, being the last represented by growth hormone and/or insulin growth
      factor-I deficiency. We present the case of a 8 years old male admitted to our
      Division for failure to thrive. We found growth hormone deficiency and pituitary
      hypoplasia associated with some of the anomalies shown above, thus we suspected
      and confirmed the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. In literature few cases of
      associated 22q11.2 deletion syndrome with growth hormone deficiency are
      described, while short stature between children with and children without cleft
      palate is reported to be more frequent in the first ones, suggesting that the
      22q11.2 deletion syndrome remains undetected in many affected children and that
      the growth hormone deficiency prevalence in affected children has to be
      investigated. The wide phenotypical presentation of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
      requires a multidisciplinary approach to the affected subject and, from the
      auxologic point of view, is good to monitoring the growing trend and, if short
      stature is present, check for the growth hormone deficiency.

PMID- 22075808
TI  - Multi-population QTL detection for aerial morphogenetic traits in the model
      legume Medicago truncatula.
AB  - Medicago truncatula, as a model species, is useful to study the genetic control
      of traits of agronomic interest in legumes species. Aerial morphogenesis is a key
      component of forage and seed yield. It was measured in four mapping populations
      originating from five parental lines. Single and multi-population quantitative
      trait locus (QTL) detections were carried out. A large variation was observed
      within populations and transgressive segregation was noted. Most traits showed
      high heritabilities in all seasons. Length of primary branches (LPB, cm) was
      positively correlated to branch elongation rate (BER, cm day(-1)) and aerial dry
      matter (ADM, g). Flowering time (FT,  degrees C day(-1)) showed negative
      correlations with length of main stem (LMS, cm) and BER. One hundred and forty
      one QTLs for BER, LMS, FT, LPB, diameter of primary branches (DPB), number of
      primary branches (NPB), number of nodes (NI) and ADM were identified and
      localized over all eight chromosomes. Single and multi-population analyses showed
      that the most important regions for aerial morphogenetic traits were chromosomes
      1, 2, 7 and 8. Multi-population analysis revealed three regions of major QTLs
      affecting aerial morphogenetic traits (LPB, LMS, NPB, BER and FT). A region
      involved in flowering time variation was revealed on chromosome 6 on a single
      population. These results were used to identify candidate genes that could
      control variation for aerial morphogenesis traits in this species and in related
      crop legume species.

PMID- 22075809
TI  - Accuracy of genomic selection in European maize elite breeding populations.
AB  - Genomic selection is a promising breeding strategy for rapid improvement of
      complex traits. The objective of our study was to investigate the prediction
      accuracy of genomic breeding values through cross validation. The study was based
      on experimental data of six segregating populations from a half-diallel mating
      design with 788 testcross progenies from an elite maize breeding program. The
      plants were intensively phenotyped in multi-location field trials and
      fingerprinted with 960 SNP markers. We used random regression best linear
      unbiased prediction in combination with fivefold cross validation. The prediction
      accuracy across populations was higher for grain moisture (0.90) than for grain
      yield (0.58). The accuracy of genomic selection realized for grain yield
      corresponds to the precision of phenotyping at unreplicated field trials in 3-4
      locations. As for maize up to three generations are feasible per year, selection
      gain per unit time is high and, consequently, genomic selection holds great
      promise for maize breeding programs.

PMID- 22075810
TI  - Towards a repository for standardized medical image and signal case data
      annotated with ground truth.
AB  - Validation of medical signal and image processing systems requires quality
      assured, representative and generally acknowledged databases accompanied by
      appropriate reference (ground truth) and clinical metadata, which are composed
      laboriously for each project and are not shared with the scientific community. In
      our vision, such data will be stored centrally in an open repository. We propose
      an architecture for a standardized case data and ground truth information
      repository supporting the evaluation and analysis of computer-aided diagnosis
      based on (a) the Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS)
      provided by the NASA Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (ISO
      14721:2003), (b) the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) Element Set (ISO
      15836:2009), (c) the Open Archive Initiative (OAI) Protocol for Metadata
      Harvesting, and (d) the Image Retrieval in Medical Applications (IRMA) framework.
      In our implementation, a portal bunches all of the functionalities that are
      needed for data submission and retrieval. The complete life cycle of the data
      (define, create, store, sustain, share, use, and improve) is managed.
      Sophisticated search tools make it easier to use the datasets, which may be
      merged from different providers. An integrated history record guarantees
      reproducibility. A standardized creation report is generated with a permanent
      digital object identifier. This creation report must be referenced by all of the
      data users. Peer-reviewed e-publishing of these reports will create a reputation
      for the data contributors and will form de-facto standards regarding image and
      signal datasets. Good practice guidelines for validation methodology complement
      the concept of the case repository. This procedure will increase the
      comparability of evaluation studies for medical signal and image processing
      methods and applications.

PMID- 22075811
TI  - New anatomic division of the orbital and sinus regions: guidance for nasal
      endoscopic resection of space-occupying lesions.
AB  - The significance of anatomic divisions of the orbital and sinus regions in
      providing guidance for nasal endoscopic resection of benign space-occupying
      lesions was discussed. This retrospective study included 177 cases with benign
      space-occupying lesions of the orbital and sinus resected between 2001 and 2009.
      Locations of lesions were assigned to 3 anatomic categories. The 63 cases of
      benign lesions of the sphenoethmoid-orbital region underwent nasal endoscopic
      resection. In the 31 cases of benign lesions in the frontoethmoid-orbital region,
      surgical approaches included nasal endoscopy (n = 15) and combined endoscopic and
      external (n = 9) and external approaches (n = 4). In 87 cases of lesions in the
      axillae-ethmoid-orbital region, surgical approaches included nasal endoscopy (n =
      67), combined approaches (n = 15), and external approaches (n = 5). Endoscopy
      facilitated the resection of both 63 cases of benign lesions of sphenoethmoid
      orbital region, and 82 cases of benign lesions of the frontoethmoid-orbital and
      maxillae-ethmoid-orbital regions with good prognosis. However, the procedure was
      relatively more difficult for the other 32 cases of benign lesions of the
      frontoethmoid-orbital or maxillae-ethmoid-orbital regions. The feasibility of
      nasal endoscopic resection differs markedly according to anatomic location.
      Preoperative classification of the site of the lesions will help to define the
      indications for nasal endoscopic resection of the orbital and sinus regions.

PMID- 22075812
TI  - Comparison of suture and graft techniques in secondary unilateral cleft
      rhinoplasty.
AB  - Every surgeon should master several techniques to modify the nasal tip. For
      secondary rhinoplasty, various techniques have been described. A modified
      technique of using the cephalic trim portion of lower lateral cartilage as onlay
      tip graft is also described. The objective of this single-blind randomized
      controlled trial was to compare the outcome of suture-only techniques and grafts
      plus-suture techniques in terms of postoperative tip projection made measurable
      by the patient as excellent, good, or poor. Sixty patients with cleft nasal tip
      deformity who gave informed consent were included and randomly assigned to either
      technique. Patients requiring osteotomies and previously operated on for cleft
      rhinoplasty were excluded. Postoperative tip projection was assessed by the
      patient 6 months postoperatively. Mean age was 28.5 +/- 2.1 years in suture
      technique (group A) and 29.1 +/- 1.9 in suture-plus-graft technique (group B).
      There were 20 males (66.7%) and 10 females (33.3%) in group A and 22 males
      (73.3%) and 8 females (26.5%) in group B. Nasal deformity was moderate in 66.7%
      of cases in group A and 60.0% of cases in group B, whereas nasal deformity was
      severe in 33.3% of cases in group A and 40% of cases in group B. Postoperative
      tip projection was excellent in 7 patients (23.3%) in group A and 22 patients
      (73.3%) in group B, and good in 4 patients (13.3%) in group A and 5 patients
      (16.7%) in group B, whereas poor results were observed in 19 patients (63.4%) in
      group A and 3 patients (10.0%) in group B (P = 0.001). Graft-plus-suture
      technique is an effective method for improving the tip projection.

PMID- 22075813
TI  - Pattern of odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts.
AB  - The jaws are host to a variety of cysts due in large part to the tissues involved
      in tooth formation. Odontogenic cysts (OCs) are unique in that they affect only
      the oral and maxillofacial region. There are few studies from sub-Saharan Africa.
      This study was aimed at describing the pattern of various types of cysts in the
      oral and maxillofacial region in a Kenyan population. This was done at the
      Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine and Pathology,
      University of Nairobi Dental Hospital. This was a retrospective audit. All
      histopathologic records were retrieved from 1991 to 2010 (19 years) and were
      counted. The following information was extracted and recorded in a data sheet:
      age, sex, and the type of cystic lesions. There were 194 cysts (4.56%) diagnosed
      of 4257 oral and maxillofacial lesions. Of these, 64.4% were from male and 35.6%
      were from female patients with an age range of 1 to 70 years (mean, 23.76 [SD,
      14.05] years; peak and median of 20 years). The most common OCs (57.2%) were
      dentigerous and radicular, whereas the most common nonodontogenic cyst (42.8%)
      was nasopalatine duct cyst. Other soft tissue cysts reported were epidermoid,
      branchial, thyroglossal, dermoid, and cystic hygroma. Oral and maxillofacial
      cysts are not uncommon in this population, the majority being the OC, dentigerous
      cyst, followed by the nonodontogenic cyst, nasopalatine cyst. The cysts are male
      predominant and occur 10 to 15 years earlier compared with those in the white
      population.

PMID- 22075814
TI  - Paradoxical herniation in wartime penetrating brain injury with concomitant skull
      base trauma.
AB  - A case of the syndrome of the trephined progressing to paradoxical herniation is
      presented in a patient with a penetrating brain injury, postdecompressive
      craniectomy, and a delayed cerebral spinal fluid leak from a skull base defect.
      The patient had a penetrating head trauma from a high-velocity ballistic
      projectile during military wartime operations. The patient's clinical course,
      which demonstrates a rare presentation of central sleep apnea syndrome or
      Ondine's curse, is reviewed. Radiographic imaging includes sequential computed
      tomography (CT) scans with and without intrathecal contrast. Medical management
      was directed at increasing the intracranial pressures (ICPs) by placing the
      patient into Trendelenburg position and increasing hydration. Surgical
      intervention involved correction of the skull base defect by intranasal
      endoscopic repair. A literature review of paradoxical herniation and delayed
      neurologic decline in postcraniectomy patients is conducted, and the surgical and
      neurocritical care management is discussed.

PMID- 22075815
TI  - Accessory mandibular condyle at the coronoid process.
AB  - Coronoid process hyperplasia is a rare cause of mandibular hypomobility. It can
      result from temporalis muscle hyperactivity, trauma, and neoplasia, but often is
      idiopathic. Enlargement of the coronoid process leading to pseudojoint formation
      with the zygomatic arch is known as Jacob's disease. It results most commonly
      from an osteochondroma of the coronoid process. This is the first reported case
      of a non-neoplastic accessory mandibular condyle located at the coronoid process
      articulating with the zygoma.

PMID- 22075816
TI  - Accurate approach in the treatment of oral bisphosphonate-related jaw
      osteonecrosis.
AB  - Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is not completely
      understood and difficult to treat. Even though the occurrence of BRONJ is mainly
      related to the therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates (BPs), this article
      reports a case of long-term oral BP use and BRONJ occurrence. In addition, a
      literature review provides some additional information about BPs, BRONJ, and also
      a guideline for the prevention and treatment of BRONJ stages. A 79-year-old
      patient presented intense and persistent pain, purulent secretion, and exposed
      bone at the right side of the lower jaw. Thus, she was submitted to anamnesis,
      radiologic and tomographic examinations, and bacterial culture and sensitivity
      tests. These procedures were followed by surgical debridement of the bone and
      surrounding tissues/cyst and antibiotic prescription and histopathologic analysis
      of the fragments. Together, the examinations performed showed the occurrence of
      stage 2 BRONJ. Moreover, the antibiotic prescription, discontinuation of oral BP,
      and surgical procedures ensure that the patient had no more symptoms. Therefore,
      considering the presented case, we believe that an accurate approach is promising
      to diagnose and treat stage 2 BRONJ and other associated pathologic findings.

PMID- 22075817
TI  - Oral manifestations of hyperoxaluria.
AB  - Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare, inherited autosomal recessive disease caused by
      defects in the metabolism of glyoxylate. Oral manifestations of hyperoxaluria are
      rare. However, bone and tooth resorption may be the result of chronic
      inflammation and the presence of osteoclastic cells surrounding the oxalate
      crystal deposit. A deposit of calcium oxalate in the periodontium was identified
      in a patient with end-stage renal disease. Dental radiographs indicated bone loss
      and external tooth resorption. Radiolucent image in the inferior incisor region
      was observed and removed. The tissue showed granulomatous inflammation with
      foreign body reaction and associated crystalline deposits. When viewed in
      polarized light, these deposits are green and presented a birefringent aspect,
      which were interpreted as calcium oxalate crystals compatible with oxaluria. Oral
      manifestations of hyperoxaluria are of particular interest because of the unusual
      location of the oxalate crystal deposition, resulting in aggressive tooth
      resorption and alveolar bone loss, which may be misdiagnosed.

PMID- 22075818
TI  - Effects of lidocaine infiltration on cost of rhinoplasty made under general
      anesthesia.
AB  - This study aimed to compare the effects of combined and noncombined lidocaine
      with adrenaline infiltration in general anesthesia (GA) procedures, in which the
      standard anesthesia depth is monitored by Bispectral Index monitoring, on minimum
      alveolar concentration (MAC) levels and the costs. Following approval by the
      local ethics committee, an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status
      I-II group of 40 adult patients for whom elective rhinoplasties under GA were
      planned was divided into 2 double-blind randomized groups. In group 1, GA and
      lidocaine + adrenaline were administered, whereas in group 2, only GA and
      adrenaline were administered. All the patients who had been taken to the
      operation room underwent electrocardiography and measurements of the peripheral
      oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, heart rate, mean blood pressure, and
      Bispectral Index monitoring. Using the operation time and the MAC% values, the
      total consumed inhalation agent amounts were calculated, and the cost difference
      was determined. The mean blood pressure values were lower in group 1 (P < 0.05).
      In group 1, the MAC% was 20.83% lower than that of group 2; the consumed
      desflurane amount was 20.29%, and the cost was 20.29% lower than that of group 2
      (P < 0.05). In rhinoplasties under GA, the lidocaine + adrenaline combination
      infiltration not only decreased inhaled anesthetic requirement and cost but also
      supported the hemodynamic stability. In addition, surgical satisfaction increased
      in the lidocaine + adrenaline group because of small number of agitated patients
      during the recovery period.

PMID- 22075819
TI  - Evaluation of the sonographic features of metastatic cervical lymph nodes in
      patients with head and neck malignancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the sonographic findings of
      metastatic cervical lymph nodes and of differentiating them from benign ones in
      patients with head and neck malignancy. METHODS: In this study, the cervical
      lymph nodes of 14 patients (12 female and 2 male patients; mean age, 52.8 years
      (with head and neck region malignancy were evaluated ultrasonographically. The
      gray-scale sonographic parameters, which included short- and long-axis lengths,
      shape index, presence or absence of hilar echoes and cystic necrosis, parenchymal
      echogenicity and echo texture, margin, and the color Doppler parameter including
      vascular pattern were evaluated. Finally, sonographic findings were compared with
      pathologic results. The following statistical analyses were included: chi(2)
      test, Fisher exact test, and independent-samples t-test. RESULTS: Overall, 88
      cervical lymph nodes were evaluated ultrasonographically. According to the
      histopathologic results, 77% of them were benign, and 23% were malignant. The
      study's results showed that the metastatic lymph nodes are accompanied with
      significantly larger size, rounded shape, absence of hilus, and presence of
      cystic necrosis and mixed and peripheral vascular pattern. The parameters related
      to minimal and maximal axis diameter had the highest sensitivity (85%), whereas 2
      parameters of vascularity pattern and cystic necrosis had 100% specificity in
      detecting metastatic cervical lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study
      revealed that there was a considerable difference in the diagnostic value of the
      sonographic parameters, in differentiating metastatic lymph nodes from benign
      ones, between 4 specific neck regions.

PMID- 22075820
TI  - "Opposite semilunar" variant of Burow triangle in rotation and advancement flaps.
AB  - The Burow triangle is an expedient suitably conceived either to facilitate
      sliding of the flap and avoid folds due to differences in skin distension or to
      correct coaptation of 2 cutting edges with a different length. In some cases, the
      triangle cannot be drawn in the right position either because of a particular
      anatomic site, for example, in proximity to commissures and openings, or because
      it is contraindicated to avoid unwelcome scar lines. In these cases, a semilunar
      ablation opposite to the direction of Burow triangle could be a valuable
      alternative. We report 3 cases where the opposite semilunar variant of Burow
      triangle was used in critical areas of the face.

PMID- 22075821
TI  - Nasal lining mobilization for primary and secondary palatoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repair of wide primary cleft palates and secondary cases are
      challenging. Much literature is dedicated to technique modifications and useful
      pearls for approaching these patients. Nasal lining is not often highlighted or
      addressed as a solution to these challenging cleft palate surgeries. The goal of
      this article was to describe and demonstrate through case examples the simple
      dissection and significant mobilization of nasal lining as a tool for cleft
      palate repair. METHODS: Retrospective case examples were selected to highlight
      the technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The surgical technique is standardly used
      by the senior author and has not been previously published. This technique for
      tension-free nasal lining closure is detailed, and case examples are provided.
      This technique for nasal lining mobilization is easily reproducible and is
      versatile. It can be used as an adjunct to any palatoplasty technique and is
      particularly useful in the treatment of wide clefts and revision cases.

PMID- 22075822
TI  - Epidemiologic evaluation of mandibular fractures in the Rio de Janeiro high
      complexity hospital.
AB  - The aim of this study was to gather data on trauma etiology and mandibular
      fracture localization in patients who presented at the General Hospital of Nova
      Iguacu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From March 2007 to December 2008, 95 patients
      with mandibular fracture were registered in a medical form, at the
      Bucomaxillofacial Surgery Department of the General Hospital of Nova Iguacu, Rio
      de Janeiro, Brazil. Concerning mandibular fracture etiology, 21.05% were caused
      by motorcycle accidents, followed by interpersonal violence without use of
      weapons (punches, kicks, bumps with the head, blows with the elbow, etc) (16.84%)
      and interpersonal violence with firearm (14.73%). It was found that 52.63% of the
      patients had a single fracture line. The most affected fracture area was the
      parasymphysis (26.02%), followed by the condyle (22.60%) and mandibular angle
      (18.49%). Concerning the injury area, 24.21% were directed to the mandibular
      symphysis, 22.17% of the patients did not remember the injury area, and 18.94%
      had multiple injuries. When the injury was directed to the symphysis, the result
      was more condyle fractures (11.64%), and injuries at the mandibular angle
      resulted in fractures at the angle itself (8.90%). The most common fracture cause
      was traffic accidents, mainly motorcycle accidents, and the most affected areas
      were the parasymphysis and the condyle. The mandible isolated fractures occurred
      in half of the cases. Motorcycle accidents resulted in more fractures in the
      parasymphysis area, and when the symphysis area is affected by injuries, the
      result is a higher percentage in condyle fractures.

PMID- 22075823
TI  - Reconstruction of frontal bone using specific implant polyether-ether-ketone.
AB  - Defects on the craniofacial complex may result in aesthetic defects, functional
      damage, and psychologic consequences. Previously, surgeons showed no interest in
      reconstructing the operated area, but in the treatment of the problem, leaving
      bone contour is a secondary issue. Nowadays, area reconstruction with post
      reestablishment of contour and local shape has become one of the surgeon's
      priorities. The use of alloplastic implants with specific digital design has been
      stated to be an effective technique on the treatment of craniofacial defects,
      reducing the need for manipulation in the intraoperative period and decreasing
      surgery time. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a potential candidate because it
      is a linear polyaromatic semicrystalline polymer that combines strength,
      stiffness, durability, and resistance. Polyether ether ketone biocompatibility
      has been supported in literature, and subsequent medical applications of the
      material have been observed. The aim of this study was to describe a case of
      frontal bone defect reconstruction in which the PEEK was used as polymer material
      in a specific implant for the Synthes (PEEK-PSI) patient.

PMID- 22075824
TI  - Surgical treatment of a giant neurofibroma.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 1, an autosomal dominant inherited disease, presents
      pathologic symptoms of multiple systems, including neurofibromatosis, skeletal
      dysplasia, cafe-au-lait spots in skins, and so on. A 45-year-old man with
      neurofibromatosis type 1 was reported in this article. The patient presented a
      giant neurofibroma in his head and neck, dysplasia of skull, facial bones and
      spinal columns, and multiple cafe-au-lait spots in systematic skins. Satisfactory
      curative effects were obtained in this case after tumor resection and prosthesis
      implantation.

PMID- 22075825
TI  - Pitfalls in endoscopic treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The facial trauma surgeon should be able to list indications for
      endoscopic treatment of mandibular condyle fractures and discuss the limitations
      and complications of the technique. BACKGROUND: The ideal treatment of mandibular
      subcondylar fractures continues to be debated. Acceptable results are often
      obtained with conservative measures such as mandibular maxillary fixation
      followed by elastics. On the other hand, an open approaches result in potential
      risk injury to the facial nerve. These 2 arguments have cautioned many surgeons
      from open treatment of condylar fractures. Recent advances in endoscopic
      techniques have made the mandibular condyle more accessible with less risk to the
      facial nerve. As with any new technique, endoscopic treatment of mandibular
      subcondylar fractures is not without its own limitations and complications.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective case series. RESULTS: Three patients with
      mandibular subcondylar fractures with complications following endoscopic
      treatment were reviewed. There were a total of 4 condylar fractures (1 patient
      had bilateral fractures). There was 1 incidence of temporary facial nerve
      paresis, 1 failure of hardware positioning, 1 screw placement into the mandibular
      foramen, 2 condyles where adequate reduction of the fracture was impossible, and
      1 failure to secure a screw into the proximal fracture segment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endoscopic management of mandibular subcondylar fractures is a novel treatment
      with novel types of complications. Although promising, endoscopic treatment of
      mandibular subcondylar fractures should be approached prudently to avoid
      potential pitfalls.

PMID- 22075826
TI  - Open reduction in trapdoor-type blowout fractures using absorbable mesh plates.
AB  - PURPOSE: In many cases of trapdoor-type orbital blowout fracture, the bony
      segment has a stable hinge consisting of a greenstick fracture and the sinus
      mucoperiosteum that is attached to the intact orbital wall. If the displaced bony
      segment opposite the hinge will be reduced into its original position and will be
      fixed onto the unaffected bone, the orbital fracture may be reconstructed via the
      internal fixation of the bony segment itself rather than requiring substitution
      with an alloplastic implant or a bone graft. METHODS: A retrospective study was
      conducted from January 2008 to February 2010 in 34 patients with blowout
      fracture, via retrospective chart review, including detailed preoperative and
      postoperative evaluations, age, sex, symptoms, and signs, and based on the
      postoperative complications. The subciliary, transconjunctival, and
      transcaruncular approaches were used to expose the orbital floor under general
      anesthesia. The herniated orbital soft tissue was carefully reduced. The
      displaced bony segment was carefully pulled up and placed in its original
      anatomic position with a skin hook. A small absorbable mesh plate was inserted
      between the normal orbital wall and the bony segment, tangential to the edge of
      the bony defect at the dependent portion. RESULTS: Postoperative examinations
      such as the traction and forced duction tests showed no eye movement limitation
      and surgical complications. During the follow-up period, no complications
      occurred, and the orbital wall was accurately reconstructed in its original
      anatomic position, as confirmed by postoperative computed tomography scans.
      CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of internal fixation include anatomic reconstruction
      of the orbital wall, preservation of the original orbital bone and the
      mucoperiosteum of the sinus resulting in rapid wound healing and normal mucus
      drainage function of the sinus, simplicity of the procedure, and the absence of
      surgery-related complications. This technique is presented as one of the
      preferred treatments for trapdoor-type orbital blowout fracture.

PMID- 22075827
TI  - Antral retriever and displaced dental implants in the maxillary sinus.
AB  - PURPOSE: Removal of antral foreign bodies after implantation is mandatory to
      avoid infectious processes and may be a troublesome question. Different surgical
      approaches could be considered, with several limitations and morbidities.
      METHODS: We present a new tool (Antral Retriever) conceived to remove antral
      dental implants or any other migrated material through a minimally invasive
      canine fossa approach, under continuous endoscopic view and local anesthesia.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Antral Retriever enables the surgeon to successfully
      remove antral foreign bodies through a canine fossa approach under continuous
      endoscopic visualization and local anesthesia, with minimal discomfort for the
      patient

PMID- 22075828
TI  - Sinusoidal coronal incision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The coronal incision is a standard surgical approach in craniofacial
      surgery. For pediatric patients, it holds a certain risk for unbeneficial
      aesthetic outcome due to a broadening of the scar in the fast-growing infant
      skull. METHODS: We readopted the coronal approach over the last decade and
      developed a sinusoidal type of incision based on the "stealth incision" by Munro
      and Fearon. We present a calculative standardization of our approach. RESULTS:
      The sinusoidal coronal approach assures superior aesthetical results with
      equivalent skeletal exposure. The surgical procedure is simplified and
      standardized. Even in the fast-growing infant skull, broadening of the scar or
      vertical divergence is avoided.

PMID- 22075829
TI  - Severe maxillary atrophy treatment with Le Fort I, allografts, and implant
      supported prosthetic rehabilitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recently, several authors have described that autologous and fresh
      frozen bones are effective materials to correct jaw bone defects before
      endosseous implant positioning. The aim of this study was to report a multistep
      oral rehabilitation of severe atrophic maxilla by means of Le Fort I osteotomy
      for maxillary downward and forward repositioning, allografts, implant insertion,
      and prosthetic loading. METHODS: Patients with severe maxillary atrophy underwent
      Le Fort I osteotomy associated to fresh-frozen interpositional bone allografts.
      At 7 months after reconstructive procedure, 2 biopsies for each patient have been
      taken, and in the same surgical procedure, endosseous implants were placed. Five
      months afterward, abutments were connected for the final prosthodontic
      restauration. Each patient was evaluated at 1-year follow-up after prosthetic
      loading. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up after functional prosthetic loading, no
      infection of the allografts or implant failure has been reported. Clinical and
      radiologic follow-up showed no sign of bone resorption in all the osteotomic
      sites and in the grafted areas. Histological analysis showed evidence of
      allograft osteointegration and healing. CONCLUSIONS: Multistep oral
      rehabilitation of severe atrophic maxilla with Le Fort and interpositional bone
      allografts represents a reliable surgical technique. According to this clinical,
      radiologic, and histologic reports, interpositional fresh-frozen bone allograft
      seems to be a valuable material for grafting jaw as it is cheaper than other
      materials and is safe, and it avoids donor site, decreasing the morbidity of the
      treatment

PMID- 22075830
TI  - Use of various free flaps in progressive hemifacial atrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Romberg disease is an uncommon condition manifested by progressive
      hemifacial atrophy of the skin, soft tissue, and bone. Facial asymmetry with soft
      tissue deficiency in Romberg disease causes a significant disability affecting
      the social life and can bring about many psychological problems. METHODS: The aim
      of surgical treatment is cosmetic amelioration of the defect. Several
      conventional reconstructive procedures have been used for correcting facial
      asymmetry. They include fat injections, dermal fat grafts, filler injections,
      cartilage and bone grafts, and pedicled and free flaps. We report our experiences
      with 11 patients involving 11 free flaps with a minimum 1-year follow-up. All
      patients were classified as having moderate to severe atrophy. The average age at
      disease onset was 4.5 years; the average duration of atrophy was 5.2 years. No
      patients were operated on with a quiescent interval of less than 1 year. The
      average age at operation was 20.1 years, ranging from 10 to 55 years.
      Reconstruction was performed using 4 groin dermofat free flaps, 4 latissimus
      dorsi muscle free flaps, and 3 other perforator flaps. To achieve the finest
      symmetrical and aesthetic results, several ancillary procedures were performed in
      4 patients. These procedures included Le Fort I leveling osteotomy, sagittal
      split ramus osteotomy, reduction malarplasty and angle plasty, rib and calvarial
      bone graft, correction of alopecia, and additional fat graft. RESULTS: All
      patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that a free
      flap transfer is the requisite treatment modality for severe degree of facial
      asymmetry in Romberg disease.

PMID- 22075831
TI  - Prospective comparative study of lower lip defects reconstruction with different
      local flaps.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy related to the lips (95%),
      and the lower lip is more commonly involved. Loss of tissue in the lower lip is
      treated with a variety of techniques, depending on the extension and location of
      the defect. This was a prospective case series. In this study, 41 patients with
      squamous cell carcinoma (30 males, 11 females) who were referred to Razi Hospital
      of Tehran University of Medical Sciences between 2007 and 2008 and underwent
      lower-lip reconstruction were included. Defects were divided into 4 groups: less
      than 30%, between 30% and 50%, between 50% and 80%, and more than 80%. Five
      different local flaps were used for lower-lip reconstruction. Karapandzic flap
      was used for 9 patients, double reversed-Abbe flap for 6 patients, Abbe-Estlander
      and step-ladder flaps for 8 patients, and 10 patients underwent reconstruction
      operation with reversed-Abbe flap. In comparison to reversed-Abbe flap and step
      ladder flap, there were no differences functionally and aesthetically except that
      the step-ladder flap was a single-stage procedure, but the reversed-Abbe flap had
      2 stages. There were no functional problems in patients with Estlander flap, but
      these patients complained of lip asymmetry. There were no functional complaints
      and aesthetic problems in patients with double reversed-Abbe flap at 3 months
      after the operation. In patients with 30% to 50% defect of the lower lip, there
      was no functional and aesthetic difference between Abbe flap and step-ladder
      flap. Estlander flap is a good choice for reconstruction of lateral or
      commissural defects of the lower lip. In patients with 50% to 80% defect, it is
      better to use bilateral reversed-Abbe instead of the Karapandzic flap.

PMID- 22075832
TI  - Piezosurgery to perform hyoid bone osteotomies in thyroglossal duct cyst surgery.
AB  - Ultrasonic bone-cutting surgery has been introduced as a feasible alternative to
      the conventional sharp instruments used in craniomaxillofacial surgery because of
      its precision and safety. The device used is unique in that the cutting action
      occurs when the tool is used on mineralized tissues and stops on soft tissues.
      This work describes the use of piezosurgery for hyoid bone resection in
      thyroglossal duct cyst surgery, briefly reviews the literature on the surgical
      technique, and reports our experience with 12 cases.

PMID- 22075833
TI  - Reconstruction scalp defects after malignant tumor resection with anterolateral
      thigh flaps.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Some patients experience massive neglected scalp malignant tumors
      involving the soft tissues and bone. Management of these tumors includes thorough
      tissue resection to obtain negative margins and cover the defects with enough
      composite tissues. In this article, we presented our experiences of
      reconstructions with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps. METHODS: We performed
      a retrospective review of 6 patients who had a single-stage tumor removal and
      free-tissue transfer over the last 10 years. All the patients were treated with
      ALT flaps with or without fascia lata according to the defects. RESULTS: The size
      of the flaps ranged from 8 to 25 cm in length and from 6 to 20 cm in width. All
      patients healed well without major complications except for 1 case that partial
      skin-graft loss occurred at the donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: Scalp malignant tumors
      are generally associated with high mortality rates, and the reconstruction
      surgery is quite complicated. We demonstrate that free ALT flap transfer yields
      acceptable survival with favorable safety.

PMID- 22075834
TI  - Blepharoptosis correction: repositioning the levator aponeurosis.
AB  - Blepharoplasty remains one of the most popular surgical procedures in Asia. The
      most common patient complaint leading to a blepharoplasty is limited eye opening
      causing a narrowing of the palpebral fissure. The typical Asian eye is
      characterized by puffiness, lack of a supratarsal fold in the upper eyelid, and a
      narrow palpebral fissure, exhibiting a tired and sleepy appearance. Almost all
      such patients believe that a simple double-eyelid operation is able to make the
      eye look bigger with eversion of the eyelashes into a more charming
      configuration. Some of these patients actually have mild to moderate
      blepharoptosis, which can present both functional and aesthetic problems.
      Numerous surgical procedures have been developed to correct ptosis because proper
      correction can be difficult to achieve. The authors found abnormal lateral
      deviation of the levator aponeurosis in patients with blepharoptosis and suggest
      that this abnormality is a major cause of blepharoptosis, particularly in Asians.
      The authors assessed the effectiveness of a levator aponeurosis medial
      repositioning technique rather than levator resection or levator plication for
      mild or moderate ptosis. No disadvantage was attributed to this technique when it
      was used to correct 87 patients with mild ptosis. Eighty of the 87 patients
      achieved a good result with the first operation. Undercorrection was observed in
      6 patients, and a hematoma was corrected in 1 patient. However, no other major
      complications related to the technique were encountered. Herein the authors
      describe their operative technique and present the long-term follow-up results.
      The authors propose that anatomic repositioning of a laterally deviated levator
      aponeurosis using the described repositioning technique is highly effective for
      correcting mild ptosis and can be applied during most surgical blepharoptosis
      procedures in Asian patients.

PMID- 22075835
TI  - Successful treatment of large forehead defect after the failure of tissue
      expansion: changing plan and strategy.
AB  - Tissue expansion is an effective method in head and neck reconstruction for large
      defects. Tissue expansion allows enlarged local tissue for advancement or
      rotation flaps and could result in satisfactory aesthetic and functional
      outcomes. A 14-year-old boy presented with a 7 * 9-cm(2) traumatic defect on his
      forehead. We planned a 2-stage operation with tissue expanders. In the first
      operation, we placed two 100-mL crescent-type tissue expanders supraperiosteally
      through the scalp hairline incision. After the seventh postoperative day, failure
      of one of the expanders was found. Hence, we overexpanded the remaining expander
      using rapid inflation for 7 days (20 mL/d) and changed the plan of the flap
      design from a bilateral advancement flap to a supratrochlear artery-based
      unilateral rotational flap. The patient healed uneventfully and had satisfactory
      results 1 year postoperatively. To overcome tissue expansion failure, an
      overexpansion technique with multiple small crescent-type expanders was used; a
      rotational flap based on the supratrochlear artery is a good alternative method.

PMID- 22075836
TI  - Synchronous lymphomas arising in ipsilateral parotid and submandibular glands:
      video-assisted surgery.
AB  - The incidence of lymphomas in salivary glands is 5%, and it represents 10% of
      malignant salivary tumors. Synchronous tumors arising in different major salivary
      glands are not only very infrequent but also extremely rare; on the other hand,
      synchronous lymphomas in ipsilateral major salivary glands have not been reported
      previously. This article reports a case of synchronous lymphomas in mucosa
      associated lymphoid tissue in the ipsilateral parotid and submandibular glands.
      Parotidectomy with facial nerve conservation and resection of the submandibular
      gland by video-assisted surgery using only a Blair-modified classic incision was
      performed. One year after the surgical procedure, the patient was followed up at
      regular intervals, and residual mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma did
      not appear. This case illustrates the importance of the diagnostic possibility of
      synchronous primary tumors after identification of a simple one; this also
      reports the video-assisted resection of the submandibular gland using only a
      Blair incision, when a parotidectomy must be also made.

PMID- 22075837
TI  - Primary repair of the alveolar cleft.
AB  - Nasoalveolar fistula and oropharyngeal fistula of the anterior palatal region are
      very commonly seen in cases when there are concomitant clefts of the lip and the
      palate. Absence of adequate tissue in that region complicates the treatment and
      necessitates new tissue transfers from near or distant tissues. Today, the
      techniques used for correcting cleft lip cannot successfully solve these 2
      problems. In this study, we describe a technique that depends on the principle of
      using the lip mucosal tissues that remains during the Tennison cleft lip
      correction technique, with a flap designation, to correct the tissue defect of
      the cleft between the foramen incisivum and lip and the alveolar region. Twenty
      two patients (13 boys and 9 girls), with ages ranging from 3 to 53 months (mean,
      24 mo), with unilateral cleft lip and palate underwent surgery with this new
      technique. In all these patients, clefts in the anterior palatal and alveolar
      regions were successfully corrected. Fistula was observed in none of these
      patients in these regions. Through this method, clefts in the anterior palatal
      and alveolar regions can be corrected during repair of cleft lips.

PMID- 22075838
TI  - Nasal tip contouring using lower lateral cartilages.
AB  - Nasal tip management is the most important and challenging part of rhinoplasty
      surgery. For nasal tip management, optimal nasal tip projection and rotation must
      be maintained. For this reason, several methods have been developed to obtain
      optimal results. In this article, we share with the rhinoplasty surgeons how we
      use cartilage grafts for nasal tip projection, nasal tip shaping, and maintaining
      natural and symmetric appearance and avoid "visible cartilage" problem by using a
      simple and easily applicable method. After performing standard open rhinoplasty
      techniques, we used the cephalic portion of the lower lateral cartilages to
      overgraft the already placed numerous layers of shield or onlay grafts. All the
      cartilage grafts are sutured in their place to prevent malpositions or undesired
      angularities. We operated on 1480 patients between September of 2002 and
      September of 2009 for rhinoplasty. Ages of the patients range from 18 to 58 years
      with nasal tip ptosis. We performed 1235 primary rhinoplasties and 245 secondary
      rhinoplasties. Of 365 patients, who were followed up regularly, 330
      (approximately 90%) were operated on according to this technique and were
      included in the study. By using such an overgrafting technique for nasal tip, we
      obtained satisfactory results both by the patients and by the surgeons.
      Satisfactory results and being a facilitating method for shaping of nasal tip are
      the advantages of this technique.

PMID- 22075839
TI  - Uncinectomy through the anterior nasal fontanelle in endoscopic sinus surgery.
AB  - In functional endoscopic sinus surgery, the resection of the uncinate process is
      an important step. The traditional method of performing uncinectomy is associated
      with the risk of penetrating the lamina papyracea and orbital fat exposure.
      Without timely detection and appropriate treatment, uncinectomy may lead to
      serious consequences such as blindness. In our study, we used the novel approach
      of performing uncinectomy through the anterior nasal fontanelle. Orbital
      complications were observed in 4 of the 112 patients who underwent the
      traditional method; however, no complication was observed in patients who
      underwent surgeries with the new approach (P < 0.01). No nasolacrimal duct injury
      or eye movement disorder was observed in the 2 groups. The percentage of opening
      of the maxillary sinus ostia by using the new method was significantly greater
      than that achieved by using the traditional method (97.93% and 70.53%,
      respectively). The mean score in the visual analog scale, which is used to
      measure the efficacy of the procedure, for the new method was lower than that for
      the traditional method, and the difference was statically significant (t = 4.17,
      P < 0.01). Six and 12 months after the operations, the Lund-Kennedy endoscopy
      scores obtained when the new method was used were lower than those obtained when
      the traditional method was used (t = 3.27 and t = 4.40, respectively; P < 0.05).
      Therefore, uncinectomy through the anterior nasal fontanelle was a convenient and
      safe procedure and ensured good exposure of the maxillary sinus ostia. This
      procedure effectively improved the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery.

PMID- 22075840
TI  - Maxillomandibular advancement in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a surgical
      model to investigate reverse face lift.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aging process is characterized by multiple signs affecting the
      upper, the middle, and the lower third of the face; coventionally, face-lift
      procedures and structural fat grafting are performed to create a younger face.
      During the life, craniofacial skeleton atrophies, leading to a reduction of the
      facial height and depth, while increasing the facial width. Maxillomandibular
      advancement (MMA) by orthognathic surgery restores the lost space dimension,
      projecting the cheeks, the mouth, and the nose. The aim of this study was to
      analyze the morphologic change of the face after MMA in patients with obstructive
      sleep apnea syndrome, focusing on the previously mentioned stigmata of the middle
      and the lower third of the aging face. METHODS: The records of 16 patients who
      underwent MMA for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome between January 2005 and
      December 2008 in the Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery at the Novara Major Hospital
      were included in this study. We explained to the patients the stigmata of a
      standard aging face, and we asked them to evaluate each sign affecting the middle
      and the lower third of their preoperative condition. One positive point was given
      for the presence of each sign reported by the patients. At 2 years after surgery,
      we asked the patients to evaluate the previously mentioned aging signs of their
      postoperative face. Again, 1 positive point was given for the presence of each
      sign reported by the patients. RESULTS: Although we did not perform statistical
      evaluation, 13 patients showed a degree of rejuvenation after MMA (the score of
      the postoperative face is less than the score of the preoperative face). Three
      patients reported no postoperative change; none reported a more aging face, with
      a successful "reverse face-lift" occurred in 81% of our cases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Simultaneous maxillary and mandibular advancements change the skeletal framework
      of the face, improving soft-tissue support and resulting in rejuvenation of the
      middle and the lower third of the face. This condition is demonstrated by the
      results of our study in that all patients appeared postoperatively more youthful
      from a self-evaluation.

PMID- 22075841
TI  - Migrated orbital silastic sheet implant mimicking bilateral sinusitis.
AB  - We present a unique case of a migrated silastic sheet implant that was used
      during reconstruction of an orbital floor fracture, presenting as bilateral
      sinusitis. The patient had an orbital floor fracture that was repaired at a local
      hospital 20 years ago. An orbital silastic sheet implant perforated the bony
      nasal septum and migrated to the contralateral nasal cavity causing bilateral
      nasal symptoms. The silastic sheet was successfully removed during endoscopic
      sinus surgery. Therefore, ocular or nasal symptoms occurring in patients with a
      previous orbital wall fracture repair must be carefully evaluated clinically and
      radiologically with a suspicion of late complications, such as migration of the
      orbital implant.

PMID- 22075842
TI  - On the nature and signatures of the solvated electron in water.
AB  - The hydrated electron is one of the simplest chemical transients and has been the
      subject of intense investigation and speculation since its discovery in 1962 by
      Hart and Boag. Although extensive kinetic and spectroscopic research on this
      species has been reported for many decades, its structure, i.e., the dominant
      electron-water binding motif, and its binding energy remained uncertain. A recent
      milestone in the research on the hydrated electron was the determination of its
      binding energy by liquid-jet photoelectron spectroscopy. It turned out that the
      assumption of a single electron binding motif in liquid water is an
      oversimplification. In addition to different isomers in cluster spectroscopy and
      different transient species of unknown structure in ultrafast experiments, long
      lived hydrated electrons near the surface of liquid water have recently been
      discovered. The present article gives an account of recent work on the topic
      "solvated electrons" from the perspectives of cluster spectroscopy, condensed
      phase spectroscopy, as well as theory. It highlights and critically discusses
      recent findings and their implications for our understanding of electron
      solvation in aqueous environments.

PMID- 22075843
TI  - Porphyrin-functionalised rotaxanes for anion recognition.
AB  - The synthesis and anion-recognition properties of two new porphyrin
      functionalised [2]rotaxane host molecules are described. The rotaxane compounds
      are prepared via a chloride-anion-templated clipping strategy. (1)H NMR titration
      experiments demonstrate that the rotaxane host systems exhibit high binding
      affinities and general selectivities for chloride anions in DMSO-d(6) or
      CDCl(3)/CD(3)OD solvent systems. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy
      experiments reveal that the rotaxane receptors are ineffective as optical anion
      sensors. However, both receptors are shown to be capable of detecting chloride
      anions electrochemically via cathodic shifts in the porphyrin P/P(+) redox
      couples.

PMID- 22075844
TI  - Diluted povidone-iodine inhibits tumor growth through apoptosis-induction and
      suppression of SOD activity.
AB  - Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is widely used in clinical practice as an antiseptic and
      flushing agent after surgery to remove a tumor. Our present study was designed to
      determine whether diluted PVP-I is cytotoxic to colon cancer cells and ascetic
      tumor cells in vitro and to examine its antitumor effects in vivo. In vitro, CT26
      and H22 cells treated with different concentrations of diluted PVP-I (0-1.56
      ug/ml) were analyzed using the mononuclear cell direct cytotoxicity assay (MTT)
      and a flow cytometry assay. In vivo, Balb/c mice injected in the abdominal cavity
      with CT26 cells or H22 cells were treated intraperitoneally with different
      concentrations of PVP-I (0-312.5 ug/mouse), cisplatin (40 mg/kg) or 5'-FU (30
      mg/kg) or left untreated. In vitro, the studies demonstrated the
      antiproliferative and significant apoptosis-inducing effects of PVP-I in a dose-
      and time-dependent manner. In vivo, PVP-I significantly repressed the growth of
      H22 and CT26 cells in Balb/c mice compared to controls. To explore the mechanism
      of the antitumor effect of PVP-I, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of
      ascites extracted from a mouse model and the supernatant of CT26 cells was
      detected by an SOD kit. The activity of SOD was significantly inhibited in the
      experimental groups. Taken together, our data suggest that PVP-I exhibits a
      strong inhibitory effect on tumor growth in colon cancer (CT26) and hepatoma
      (H22) resulting from apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a new
      potential therapeutic approach after tumor excision surgery to colon cancer and
      hepatoma.

PMID- 22075845
TI  - Expression of paxillin and FAK mRNA and the related clinical significance in
      esophageal carcinoma.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate the expression of paxillin
      and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mRNA in esophageal carcinoma tissues, and their
      relationship with clinicopathological parameters, as well as to analyze the
      correlation of paxillin and FAK mRNA levels in esophageal carcinoma. By using
      reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the mRNA expression
      levels of paxillin and FAK were detected in 121 samples of esophageal carcinoma,
      43 samples of atypical hyperplasia and 56 samples of normal esophageal mucosa.
      The results showed that the positive rates of paxillin and FAK mRNA expression in
      esophageal carcinoma were 87.6 and 80.17%, respectively, which were significantly
      higher (P<0.05) than those in atypical hyperplasia (44.19 and 39.53%) and normal
      esophageal mucosa (5.36 and 12.5%). Notably, paxillin and FAK mRNA expression
      levels were significantly correlated with the differentiation degree and depth of
      invasion of esophageal carcinoma and with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). In
      addition, paxillin and FAK mRNA expression levels in esophageal carcinoma were
      positively correlated (r=0.4804, P=0.000). In conclusion, the combined detection
      of paxillin and FAK mRNA expression is expected to provide a theoretical basis
      for the molecular diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma.

PMID- 22075846
TI  - Reorganization of perylene bisimide J-aggregates: from delocalized collective to
      localized individual excitations.
AB  - Water-induced reorganization of individual one-dimensional J-aggregates of
      perylene bisimide (PBI) dyes was observed by fluorescence microscopy.
      Fluorescence spectra and decay kinetics of individual J-aggregates immobilized on
      glass surfaces were measured under a dry nitrogen atmosphere and under humid
      conditions. The fluorescence properties of PBI J-aggregates arisen from
      collective excitons under dry nitrogen atmosphere were changed to those of non
      interacting dye monomers when water vapor was introduced into the environment
      (sample chamber). Time-dependent changes of the fluorescence spectra and
      lifetimes upon exposure to water vapor suggest an initial coordination of water
      molecules at defect sites leading to the formation of H-type dimer units that act
      as exciton quenchers, and a subsequent slower disintegration of the hydrogen
      bonded J-aggregate into monomers that lack resonance coupling. Our present
      studies resulted in a direct demonstration of how drastically the optical
      properties of molecular ensembles and characteristics of their excited states can
      be changed by delicate reorganization of dye molecules at nanometre scales.

PMID- 22075847
TI  - Molecular biomarker of inflammatory response is associated with rebleeding in
      spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rebleeding in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)
      is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among stroke survivors. Due to the
      links between inflammation and rebleeding, we hypothesized that the biomarkers of
      inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of rebleeding in ICH. We sought
      to investigate whether these biomarkers and clinical variables on admission can
      provide prognostic information on the risk of rebleeding. METHODS: This
      prospective study enrolled 59 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH. We
      determined the concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10), intercellular adhesion
      molecule-1, and complement 3 in blood samples obtained on admission. RESULTS:
      Univariate analysis indicated that hematoma volume, leukocyte count,
      hydrocephalus, and plasma IL-10 levels were associated with rebleeding.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that hydrocephalus (95% CI of
      OR, 1.6-26.7) and IL-10 (95% CI of OR, 1.03-1.22) were independently associated
      with an increased probability of rebleeding. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that
      IL-10, a molecular biomarker of inflammatory response in the early acute phase of
      ICH, is associated with subsequent rebleeding.

PMID- 22075848
TI  - Prognostic significance of Tiam1 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - T lymphoma and metastasis gene 1 (Tiam1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor
      (GNEF) that regulates the guanosine triphosphatase to facilitate the exchange of
      guanosine diphosphate for guanosine triphosphate. It specifically activates Rac1,
      a member of the Rho family of GTPases. Tiam1 is involved in cell proliferation,
      cytoskeletal organization, cellular adhesion, and transcriptional activation. It
      has been suggested that alterations in Tiam1 expression might contribute to the
      progression of various human cancers. The usefulness of Tiam1 expression as a
      prognostic marker in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not been investigated
      yet. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of Tiam1 in PTC as well
      as its association with the clinicopathologic features and prognostic
      significance. Surgical tissue samples were taken from 106 PTC patients who had
      been followed up for at least 9.3 years. Strong expression of Tiam1 was detected
      in 54% of the cases. Tiam1 expression was associated significantly with various
      clinicopathologic parameters, such as gender (P=0.039), tumor multicentricity
      (P=0.0124), histologic subtype (P=0.0427), TNM stage (P=0.0151), and distant
      metastases at diagnosis (P=0.0001). Survival analysis showed that the Tiam1 low
      expression group had a significantly shorter overall survival time than Tiam1
      high-expression group (P=0.0007). Multivariate analysis showed that Tiam1
      expression was a significant and independent prognostic indicator (P=0.0090) for
      PTC patients. Tiam1 expression may be a novel and independent prognostic marker
      of PTC patients.

PMID- 22075849
TI  - Xenogeneic chondrocytes promote stable subcutaneous chondrogenesis of bone marrow
      derived stromal cells.
AB  - The local microenvironment may change the ultimate fate of engineered cartilage
      differentiated from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) after subcutaneous
      implantation. Chondrogenically differentiated BMSCs directed by growth factors or
      low-intensity ultrasound are apt to fibrose or vascularize in the subcutaneous
      environment, while BMSCs implanted in articular cartilage defects can form stable
      cartilage. We hypothesized that chondrocytes would provide an ideal chondrogenic
      environment, and thus promote the maintenance of the chondrocytic phenotype in
      ectopia. To test this hypothesis, we developed a new method to promote
      chondrocyte development from BMSCs in a chondrogenic environment produced by
      xenogeneic chondrocytes and compared the subcutaneous chondrogenesis of BMSCs
      mediated by xenogeneic chondrocytes with that produced by growth factors. These
      results indicate that subcutaneous chondrogenesis of BMSCs directed by xenogeneic
      chondrocytes is more effective than that induced by growth factors. BMSCs induced
      by xenogeneic chondrocytes formed relatively mature cartilage before or after
      implantation, following 4 weeks of culture, which reduced the induction time in
      vitro and led to maintenance of a stable cartilage phenotype after subcutaneous
      implantation.

PMID- 22075850
TI  - Abstraction of beta-hydrogen vs. alkyl groups in reactions of dialkylzinc
      compounds and bis(oxazolinyl)borane.
AB  - An ambiphilic bis(oxazolinyl)borane proligand and zinc dialkyls react via alkyl
      group transfer or beta-hydrogen abstraction. The latter process is favored by
      formation of a bis(oxazolinyl)borane-zinc adduct that positions a beta-hydrogen
      in the proximity of the Lewis acid center.

PMID- 22075851
TI  - Diabetes care among Somali immigrants and refugees.
AB  - The risk for development of diabetes and associated complications among
      immigrants increases in the years after arrival to the United States. Somali
      immigrants and refugees represent the largest subset of African immigrants to the
      United States, yet little is known about the quality of their diabetes care.
      Therefore, adherence with diabetes quality indicators (Hemoglobin A1C <7%, LDL
      cholesterol <100 mg/dl, blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg) were compared between
      Somali and non-Somali patients with diabetes at a large academic primary care
      practice in the United States in 2008. Demographic and health-seeking behavior
      variables were assessed for association with adherence among the Somali
      population. A total of 5,843 non-Somali and 81 Somali patients with diabetes were
      identified. Somali patients with diabetes were less likely to meet the criteria
      for optimal glycemic control than non-Somali patients (40.6% vs. 53.9%; P=0.02).
      There was a similar, though statistically non-significant, trend towards lower
      rates of lipid control among Somali patients. There was no difference in
      achievement of optimal blood pressure between the two groups. There was a strong
      association between number of primary care visits during the study interval and
      achievement of all three diabetes care quality goals. This study demonstrates
      disparities in achievement of diabetes management quality goals among Somali
      patients compared with non-Somali patients, highlighting the need for additional
      system and practice changes to target this particularly vulnerable population.

PMID- 22075852
TI  - Cancer screening behaviors among Latina women: the role of the Latino male.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to determine, through a community-based breast and
      cervical cancer intervention program, the impact Latino males may have on Latinas
      and their cancer screening behaviors. This report includes data collected from
      163 Latino males recruited throughout rural Arkansas and four New York City
      boroughs for the Esperanza y Vida program, designed to evaluate cancer screening
      outcomes among Latinas and address their health care needs and cancer control
      challenges. Basic demographics and identical pre- and post-program knowledge
      surveys were collected and analyzed using SPSS 15.0 and SAS 9.2. Results from
      this study suggest Latino men have little knowledge about breast or cervical
      cancer screening and are unfamiliar with their partners' screening histories.
      Male participants were also less likely to complete program assessment forms
      (pre, post, demographic questionnaires) and more likely to commit response errors
      (i.e. multiple answers, illegible responses). These findings suggest that
      including males in education programs for Latinas may be a crucial component in
      decreasing cancers among this segment of the population. The further development
      of programs such as Esperanza y Vida, that empowers Latino males, will be
      important in reducing the unequal burden of breast and cervical cancers for
      Latinas. It is important to continue including Latino men in these types of
      studies because the impact of their role on Latina's health remains understudied,
      unknown, and misunderstood.

PMID- 22075853
TI  - Jaundice due to suspected statin hepatotoxicity: a case series.
AB  - Statin drugs are widely used worldwide and are generally considered safe and well
      tolerated. Only small proportion of patients receiving statins develop elevations
      of liver enzymes and an even smaller proportion will have clinically significant
      hepatitis induced by statins. We describe four patients with jaundice caused by
      drug-induced liver injury, where the most likely agent was a statin drug, over a
      period of approximately three year in Iceland. We calculate the risk of jaundice
      caused by statin drugs, from sale in the whole country of Iceland, to be one in
      17,434 users a year. This is a higher risk than has previously been estimated and
      we challenge the current opinion that statins rarely cause clinically significant
      drug-induced liver injury and encourage alertness when managing patients with
      statins with regard to clinical signs of hepatitis before jaundice occurs.

PMID- 22075854
TI  - Serum antibodies and anthropometric data at diagnosis in pediatric Crohn's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum antibodies, including ASCA, anti-OmpC, and ANCA, correlate with
      disease location and predict disease phenotype in inflammatory bowel disease.
      AIM: The objective of this study was to determine relationships between serum
      antibody status and anthropometric data for children with newly diagnosed Crohn's
      disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on children diagnosed with
      Crohn's disease at our institution from 2003 to 2008. Patients who had ASCA IgA,
      ASCA IgG, anti-OmpC, and pANCA antibodies, and anthropometric data measured
      before diagnosis and therapy were included. Z-scores for height and weight were
      compared among groups according to the presence of specific antibodies.
      Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess association between antibodies and
      growth data. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients, mean age 11.9 years, met the
      inclusion criteria. Patients with the presence of any of the four antibodies had
      lower mean height and weight z-scores than patients without any antibodies
      present. When individual antibodies were studied, patients with positive ASCA
      titers had lower mean weight and height z-scores than patients without any
      antibodies present. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient demonstrated a
      significant association between increasing ASCA titers and lower weight z-scores,
      but not lower height z-scores. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with newly
      diagnosed Crohn's disease and the presence of ASCA antibodies have lower mean
      height and weight z-scores. This study provides evidence that specific subsets of
      children with Crohn's disease may be at greater risk of growth impairment.

PMID- 22075855
TI  - Diversity and distribution of avian haematozoan parasites in the western Indian
      Ocean region: a molecular survey.
AB  - The genetic diversity of haematozoan parasites in island avifauna has only
      recently begun to be explored, despite the potential insight that these data can
      provide into the history of association between hosts and parasites and the
      possible threat posed to island endemics. We used mitochondrial DNA sequencing to
      characterize the diversity of 2 genera of vector-mediated parasites (Plasmodium
      and Haemoproteus) in avian blood samples from the western Indian Ocean region and
      explored their relationship with parasites from continental Africa. We detected
      infections in 68 out of 150 (45.3%) individuals and cytochrome b sequences
      identified 9 genetically distinct lineages of Plasmodium spp. and 7 lineages of
      Haemoproteus spp. We found considerable heterogeneity in parasite lineage
      composition across islands, although limited sampling may, in part, be
      responsible for perceived differences. Two lineages of Plasmodium spp. and 2
      lineages of Haemoproteus spp. were shared by hosts in the Indian Ocean and also
      on mainland Africa, suggesting that these lineages may have arrived relatively
      recently. Polyphyly of island parasites indicated that these parasites were
      unlikely to constitute an endemic radiation and instead probably represent
      multiple colonization events. This study represents the first molecular survey of
      vector-mediated parasites in the western Indian Ocean, and has uncovered a
      diversity of parasites. Full understanding of parasite community composition and
      possible threats to endemic avian hosts will require comprehensive surveys across
      the avifauna of this region.

PMID- 22075856
TI  - Not just for Christmas.

PMID- 22075857
TI  - Private medical notes.

PMID- 22075858
TI  - Forward to harmonisation.

PMID- 22075859
TI  - Denture record.

PMID- 22075860
TI  - Unfortunate comments.

PMID- 22075861
TI  - Proportional to the investment.

PMID- 22075862
TI  - Cultural preparations.

PMID- 22075863
TI  - Time for change?

PMID- 22075864
TI  - Vegetable granuloma.

PMID- 22075865
TI  - NHS amazement.

PMID- 22075880
TI  - Adult dental health surveys: 40 years on.
AB  - A comparison of the results of the Adult Dental Health Surveys in England and
      Wales in 1968 and England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2009 shows marked
      improvements in many aspects of oral health. Edentulousness in adults aged 16
      years and over has reduced from 37% to 6%. Dentate adults today have 9 to 10 more
      sound teeth in all age groups up to 44 years, than was the case 40 years ago. The
      number of decayed or unsound teeth has halved in every age group between 1968 and
      2009.

PMID- 22075881
TI  - Soft tissue manipulation for single implant restorations.
AB  - Achievement of optimal aesthetics on implants in the anterior region can be
      difficult due to inherent differences to the natural dentition. An important
      consideration is the peri-implant soft tissues which can be modified to create a
      more natural emergence profile and contour. The methods with which this can be
      achieved vary as can methods for recording soft tissue changes and relaying this
      to technician colleagues. This review appraises some techniques available for the
      manipulation of the soft tissue profile on single implant restorations.

PMID- 22075882
TI  - Relative efficacy of oral analgesics after third molar extraction--a 2011 update.
AB  - This article provides a summary of the efficacy, and relative efficacy, of 38
      different drugs or drug combinations tested in standard postoperative pain
      trials. It will help clinicians and patients make informed choices about
      analgesia based on pain relief, duration of action, and adverse events, which can
      then be put into context for the individual patient, depending on local
      availability. This article highlights the fact that no single drug is effective
      in all patients--even the best drugs fail to provide good levels of pain relief
      in at least 30%. These patients should try a different analgesic.

PMID- 22075887
TI  - Summary of: Is there a differential in the dental health of new recruits to the
      British Armed Forces? A pilot study.

PMID- 22075888
TI  - Summary of: Pharmacy counter assistants and oral health promotion: an exploratory
      study.

PMID- 22075905
TI  - Hard times can happen to anyone--even a dentist.
AB  - The BDA Benevolent Fund has been helping needy dentists and their families for
      130 years, while the Dentist Health Support Trust, founded in 1986, offers
      support specifically on addiction and other mental health issues. The Ben Fund
      offers a lifeline to those struggling with poverty arising from illness,
      accidents, bereavement, addiction, mental health issues, and many other
      difficulties. It may be that someone needs financial help to deal with a short
      term problem before they get themselves back on track, and the Fund can do this
      with a one-off grant or perhaps an interest-free loan, to be repaid when their
      life is on an even keel again. Other people may face long-term uncertainty and
      need regular support.

PMID- 22075911
TI  - Is there a differential in the dental health of new recruits to the British Armed
      Forces? A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Figures from the British Defence Dental Services reveal that
      serving personnel in the British Army have a persistently lower level of dental
      fitness than those in the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force. No research had been
      undertaken to ascertain if this reflects the oral health of recruits joining each
      Service. This study aimed to pilot a process for collecting dental and
      sociodemographic data from new recruits to each Service and examine the null
      hypothesis that no differences in dental health existed. METHOD: Diagnostic
      criteria were developed, a sample size calculated and data collected at the
      initial training establishments of each Service. RESULTS: Data for 432
      participants were entered into the analysis. Recruits in the Army sample had a
      significantly greater prevalence of dental decay and greater treatment resource
      need than either of the other two Services. Army recruits had a mean number of
      2.59 (2.08, 3.09) decayed teeth per recruit, compared to 1.93 (1.49, 2.39 p
      <0.01) in Royal Navy recruits and 1.26 (0.98, 1.53 p <0.001) in Royal Air Force
      recruits. Among Army recruits 62.7% were from the two most deprived quintiles of
      the Index of Multiple Deprivation compared to 42.5% of Royal Naval recruits and
      36.6% of Royal Air Force recruits. CONCLUSION: A significant difference in dental
      health between recruits to each Service does exist and is a likely to be a
      reflection of the sociodemographic background from which they are drawn.

PMID- 22075912
TI  - Pharmacy counter assistants and oral health promotion: an exploratory study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The involvement of community pharmacists in oral health promotion is
      being increasingly recognised and studied. However, a large proportion of
      interactions in community pharmacies take place with pharmacy counter assistants
      rather than the pharmacist, and the role of pharmacy counter assistants in oral
      health promotion has received little or no attention until now. AIMS: To clarify
      the current state of affairs on pharmacy counter assistants' involvement with
      oral health promotion. DESIGN AND METHODS: A postal-questionnaire-based survey of
      pharmacy counter assistants across East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and the
      Doncaster area. One hundred addresses were included and 35 responses were
      received. RESULTS: Pharmacy counter assistants are infrequently approached by the
      public for advice on matters of oral health and advice is not often volunteered
      despite a reasonable knowledge of the subject. Respondents identified a role for
      themselves in educating patients/customers, which they are keen to expand.
      CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of the pharmacy counter assistant's role in oral
      health promotion would be of value to patients/customers. This should include
      increased opportunistic education and a more integrated position of pharmacy
      within a holistic health promotion strategy.

PMID- 22075913
TI  - [Associations between workplace bullying, harassment, and stress reactions of
      professional caregivers at welfare facilities for the elderly in Japan].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe workplace bullying
      experienced by professional caregivers at welfare facilities for the elderly in
      Japan and to confirm its effects on stress reactions. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey was carried out using self-administered questionnaires in 2009 of all the
      employees working in rural area of facilities for long-term care. Among the 1,233
      respondents who filled out all questionnaires concerning stress reactions the
      Japanese version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ) (response rate: 63.9%),
      we analyzed 897 professional caregivers. We measured stress reactions by using
      the stress reaction scores of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (29 items) and
      workplace bullying and harassment by using NAQ. We used the unpaired t-test and
      analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare crude and adjusted average stress
      reactions with groups classified on the basis of each subscale of the NAQ or all
      of them. RESULTS: About 40% of both men and women suffered from "malicious
      gossip" and over 60% of both men and women experienced "someone withholding
      necessary information so that their work gets complicated". Among women, scores
      of the lack of vigor and fatigue were significantly higher in caregivers targeted
      by person-related bullying than those not targeted (p<0.05). Scores of depression
      were significantly higher in caregivers targeted by work-related bullying than
      those not targeted (p<0.05). Scores of anxiety were significantly higher among
      caregivers targeted by sexual harassment than those not targeted (p<0.05). Among
      men, scores of the lack of vigor were significantly lower in caregivers targeted
      by work-related bullying than those not targeted (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among
      women, workplace bullying or harassment could may aggravate effects on
      psychological stress responses. While among men, work-related bullying was
      positively associated with vigor.

PMID- 22075914
TI  - [Mental health of workers and the effects of behavioral traits -validation of
      causal model using covariance structure analysis-].
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the mental health factors of workers and to verify the causal
      correlation between their behavioral traits and mental health. METHOD: We asked
      1,425 subjects working at private enterprises and local government offices, as
      well as members of labor unions, to anonymously respond to questionnaires.
      RESULT: We examined the causal influence of workers' behavioral traits on
      negative mental health by covariance structure analysis. Workers'other-reward
      oriented self-image variables indicated by behavioral traits, such as self
      repression and interpersonal dependency, directly affected negative mental
      health. Workers'perceived emotional support indirectly affects their mental
      health through self-image variables and perceived stressors. Additionally,
      simultaneous multi-population analysis verified that different populations did
      not show differences, and maintained the same structure. DISCUSSION: Other-reward
      oriented self-image directly affected negative mental health, and its impact was
      the largest. Therefore, to prevent negative mental health, the results indicate
      that it is important to shift self-image to a self-reward oriented one.
      Additionally, the results indicate the need for effort to perceive emotional
      support at the workplace and heighten the ability of self-expression and feelings
      of self-esteem. This can encourage changing to a self-reward oriented self-image
      and a preventive effect is expected.

PMID- 22075915
TI  - The functional and molecular characterisation of human embryonic stem cell
      derived insulin-positive cells compared with adult pancreatic beta cells.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Using a novel directed differentiation protocol, we recently
      generated up to 25% insulin-producing cells from human embryonic stem cells
      (hESCs) (insulin(+) cells). At this juncture, it was important to functionally
      and molecularly characterise these hESC-derived insulin(+) cells and identify key
      differences and similarities between them and primary beta cells. METHODS: We
      used a new reporter hESC line with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cDNA targeted
      to the INS locus by homologous recombination (INS (GFP/w)) and an untargeted hESC
      line (HES2). INS (GFP/w) allowed efficient identification and purification of GFP
      producing (INS:GFP(+)) cells. Insulin(+) cells were examined for key features of
      adult beta cells using microarray, quantitative PCR, secretion assays, imaging
      and electrophysiology. RESULTS: Immunofluorescent staining showed complete co
      localisation of insulin with GFP; however, cells were often multihormonal, many
      with granules containing insulin and glucagon. Electrophysiological recordings
      revealed variable K(ATP) and voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel activity, and reduced
      glucose-induced cytosolic Ca(2+) uptake. This translated into defective glucose
      stimulated insulin secretion but, intriguingly, appropriate glucagon responses.
      Gene profiling revealed differences in global gene expression between INS:GFP(+)
      cells and adult human islets; however, INS:GFP(+) cells had remarkably similar
      expression of endocrine-lineage transcription factors and genes involved in
      glucose sensing and exocytosis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: INS:GFP(+) cells can
      be purified from differentiated hESCs, providing a superior source of insulin
      producing cells. Genomic analyses revealed that INS:GFP(+) cells collectively
      resemble immature endocrine cells. However, insulin(+) cells were heterogeneous,
      a fact that translated into important functional differences within this
      population. The information gained from this study may now be used to generate
      new iterations of functioning beta cells that can be purified for transplant.

PMID- 22075916
TI  - Autophagy deficiency in beta cells leads to compromised unfolded protein response
      and progression from obesity to diabetes in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The unfolded protein response (UPR) in endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) and autophagy are known to be related. We investigated the role of autophagy
      in UPR of pancreatic beta cells and the susceptibility of autophagy-deficient
      beta cells to the ER stress that is implicated in the development of diabetes.
      METHODS: Rat insulin promoter (RIP)-Cre(+);autophagy-related 7 (Atg7)(F/W) mice
      were bred with ob/w mice to derive RIP-Cre(+);Atg7(F/F)-ob/ob mice and to induce
      ER stress in vivo. GFP-LC3(+)-ob/ob mice were generated to examine in vivo
      autophagic activity. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to study the expression of
      the genes of the UPR machinery. Proteolysis was assessed by determining release
      of incorporated radioactive leucine. RESULTS: Production of UPR machinery was
      reduced in autophagy-deficient beta cells, which was associated with diminished
      production of p85alpha and p85beta regulatory subunits of phosphoinositide 3
      kinase. Because of compromised UPR machinery, autophagy-deficient beta cells were
      susceptible to ER stressors in vitro. When mice with beta cell-specific autophagy
      deficiency, which have mild hyperglycaemia, were bred with ob/ob mice to induce
      ER stress in vivo, severe diabetes developed, which was accompanied by an
      increase in beta cell death and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The
      increased demand for UPR present in obesity was unmet in autophagy-deficient beta
      cells. Autophagy level and autophagic activity were enhanced by lipid, while
      proteolysis was reduced. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results suggest that
      autophagy is important for intact UPR machinery and appropriate UPR in response
      to lipid injury that increases demand for UPR. Autophagy deficiency in pancreatic
      beta cells may contribute to the progression from obesity to diabetes.

PMID- 22075917
TI  - New Iranian and Australian peach latent mosaic viroid variants and evidence for
      rapid sequence evolution.
AB  - Peach latent mosaic viroid isolates from peach and plum in Iran have been
      compared with an Australian isolate from nectarine. Thirteen sequence variants
      336-338 nt in size were obtained. All variants clustered phylogenetically with
      variants reported from several hosts and countries. A total nucleic acid extract,
      a slightly longer than full-length RT-PCR amplicon, and a recombinant plasmid
      clone from the Australian isolate were all infectious to, and symptomatic in,
      mechanically inoculated peach seedlings. The infectious clone generated two
      progeny viroid molecules, which each showed 10 different mutations compared with
      the parent clone inoculated 30 days previously.

PMID- 22075918
TI  - Human sapovirus classification based on complete capsid nucleotide sequences.
AB  - The genetically diverse sapoviruses (SaVs) are a significant cause of acute human
      gastroenteritis. Human SaV surveillance is becoming more critical, and a better
      understanding of the diversity and distribution of the viral genotypes is needed.
      In this study, we analyzed 106 complete human SaV capsid nucleotide sequences to
      provide a better understanding of their diversity. Based on those results, we
      propose a novel standardized classification scheme that meets the requirements of
      the International Calicivirus Scientific Committee. We believe the classification
      scheme and strains described here will be of value for the molecular
      characterization and classification of newly detected SaV genotypes and for
      comparing data worldwide.

PMID- 22075919
TI  - Inhibition of fatty acid synthase by amentoflavone reduces coxsackievirus B3
      replication.
AB  - Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a human pathogen that causes acute and chronic
      infections, but an antiviral drug to treat these diseases has not yet been
      developed for clinical use. Several intracellular pathways are altered to assist
      viral transcription, RNA replication, and progeny release. Among these, fatty
      acid synthase (FAS) expression is increased. In order to test the potential of
      FAS inhibition as an anti-CVB3 strategy, several experiments were performed,
      including studies on the correlation of CVB3 replication and FAS expression in
      human Raji cells and an analysis of the time and dose dependence of the antiviral
      effect of FAS inhibition due to treatment with amentoflavone. The results
      demonstrate that CVB3 infection induces an up-regulation of FAS expression
      already at 1 h postinfection (p.i.). Incubation with increasing concentrations of
      amentoflavone inhibited CVB3 replication significantly up to 8 h p.i. In
      addition, suppression of p38 MAP kinase activity by treatment with SB239063
      decreased FAS expression as well as viral replication. These data provide
      evidence that FAS inhibition via amentoflavone administration might present a
      target for anti-CVB3 therapy.

PMID- 22075920
TI  - Multiple polyadenylated RNA viruses detected in pooled cultivated and wild plant
      samples.
AB  - RNA extracted from 120 leaf specimens from 17 plant species was pooled, and
      polyadenylated RNA species were sequenced together without barcoding in one lane
      using massively parallel sequencing technology. After analysis, complete or
      partial genome sequences representing 20 virus isolates of 16 polyadenylated RNA
      species were identified. In three cases, 2-3 distinct isolates of a virus species
      co-infected the same plant. Twelve of the viruses identified were described
      previously and belonged to the genera Potyvirus, Nepovirus, Allexivirus, and
      Carlavirus. Four were unknown and are proposed as members of the genera
      Potyvirus, Sadwavirus, and Trichovirus. Virus sequences were subsequently matched
      to original host plants using RT-PCR assays.

PMID- 22075921
TI  - Complete sequence of a cryptic virus from hemp (Cannabis sativa).
AB  - Hemp (Cannabis sativa) was found to be a useful propagation host for hop latent
      virus, a carlavirus. However, when virus preparations were analysed by electron
      microscopy, along with the expected filamentous particles, spherical particles
      with a diameter of around 34 nm were found. RNA from virus preparations was
      purified, and cDNA was prepared and cloned. Sequence information was used to
      search databases, and the greatest similarity was found with Primula malacoides
      virus 1, a putative new member of the genus Partitivirus. The full sequences of
      RNA 1 and RNA 2 of this new hemp cryptic virus were obtained.

PMID- 22075922
TI  - Low temperature conductivity of carbon nanotube aggregates.
AB  - We compare, over wide temperature ranges, the transport properties of single-wall
      carbon nanotubes arranged in the form of aligned arrays or in the form of fibres.
      The experimental data show that both the forms of aggregates present a crossover
      in the transport mechanism from three-dimensional hopping of the electrons
      between localized states at high temperature to fluctuation-induced tunnelling
      across potential barriers at low temperature. The role of the junctions formed
      between the bundles in the array and between the nanotubes inside the fibres is
      discussed on the basis of the experimental results.

PMID- 22075923
TI  - Optical mapping and sequencing of the Escherichia coli KO11 genome reveal
      extensive chromosomal rearrangements, and multiple tandem copies of the Zymomonas
      mobilis pdc and adhB genes.
AB  - Escherichia coli KO11 (ATCC 55124) was engineered in 1990 to produce ethanol by
      chromosomal insertion of the Zymomonas mobilis pdc and adhB genes into E. coli W
      (ATCC 9637). KO11FL, our current laboratory version of KO11, and its parent E.
      coli W were sequenced, and contigs assembled into genomic sequences using optical
      NcoI restriction maps as templates. E. coli W contained plasmids pRK1 (102.5 kb)
      and pRK2 (5.4 kb), but KO11FL only contained pRK2. KO11FL optical maps made with
      AflII and with BamHI showed a tandem repeat region, consisting of at least 20
      copies of a 10-kb unit. The repeat region was located at the insertion site for
      the pdc, adhB, and chloramphenicol-resistance genes. Sequence coverage of these
      genes was about 25-fold higher than average, consistent with amplification of the
      foreign genes that were inserted as circularized DNA. Selection for higher levels
      of chloramphenicol resistance originally produced strains with higher pdc and
      adhB expression, and hence improved fermentation performance, by increasing the
      gene copy number. Sequence data for an earlier version of KO11, ATCC 55124,
      indicated that multiple copies of pdc adhB were present. Comparison of the W and
      KO11FL genomes showed large inversions and deletions in KO11FL, mostly enabled by
      IS10, which is absent from W but present at 30 sites in KO11FL. The early KO11
      strain ATCC 55124 had no rearrangements, contained only one IS10, and lacked most
      accumulated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in KO11FL. Despite
      rearrangements and SNPs in KO11FL, fermentation performance was equal to that of
      ATCC 55124.

PMID- 22075924
TI  - Effect of modified glucose catabolism on xanthan production in Xanthomonas oryzae
      pv. oryzae.
AB  - In this study, the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (XOO2314) was
      inactivated in order to modulate the intracellular glucose 6-phosphate, and its
      effects on xanthan production in a wild-type strain of Xanthomonas oryzae were
      evaluated. The intracellular glucose 6-phosphate was increased from 17.6 to 99.4
      MUmol g-1 (dry cell weight) in the gene-disrupted mutant strain. The concomitant
      increase in the glucose 6-phosphate was accompanied by an increase in xanthan
      production of up to 2.23 g l-1 (culture medium). However, in defined medium
      supplemented with 0.4% glucose, the growth rate of the mutant strain was reduced
      to 52.9% of the wild-type level. Subsequently, when a family B ATP-dependent
      phosphofructokinase from Escherichia coli was overexpressed in the mutant strain,
      the growth rate was increased to 142.9%, whereas the yields of xanthan per mole
      of glucose remained approximately the same.

PMID- 22075925
TI  - Primary percutaneous coronary intervention as a national reperfusion strategy in
      patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Denmark, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) was
      chosen as a national reperfusion strategy for patients with ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction in 2003. This study describes the temporal implementation
      of PPCI in Western Denmark, the gradual introduction of field triage for PPCI
      (patients rerouted from the scene of the event directly to the invasive center),
      and the associated outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population comprised
      9514 patients treated with PPCI from 1999 to 2009 with symptom duration <=12
      hours and either a delay from the emergency medical service (EMS) call to PPCI
      (healthcare system delay) of <=6 hours or as self-presenters. The median follow
      up time was 3.7 years. The number of patients treated with PPCI increased from
      190 in 1999 to 1212 in 2009. Among patients transported by the EMS from the scene
      of the event, the proportion who were field triaged directly to a PCI center
      increased from 33% (34/103) to 72% (616/851, P<0.001). Patients who were field
      triaged had lower long-term mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of
      1.26 (1.12-1.43) among patients transported by the EMS to a local hospital and
      then transferred, 1.28 (1.10-1.49) among patients self-presenting at a local
      hospital and then transferred, and 1.37 (1.18-1.58) among patients self
      presenting at a PCI center. CONCLUSIONS: A reperfusion strategy with PPCI only
      for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction was successfully
      implemented in Western Denmark, and the majority of patients transported by the
      EMS are now triaged directly to the PPCI centers. This strategy is associated
      with lower mortality.

PMID- 22075926
TI  - Short-term performance of the transcatheter Melody valve in high-pressure
      hemodynamic environments in the pulmonary and systemic circulations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Melody valve is approved for percutaneous pulmonary valve
      replacement in dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts. The function of
      this valve when subjected to high-pressure loads in humans is unknown. The aim of
      this study was to describe the immediate and short-term results of Melody valves
      implanted in a high-pressure environment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Definitions of a
      high-pressure system were established for Melody valves implanted in the systemic
      (ie, aortic or mitral position) and pulmonary (ie, right ventricular outflow
      tract conduit or tricuspid valve annulus) circulations. Implants in these
      environments were ascertained from databases of the 5 centers that participated
      in the US Investigational Device Exemption trial. Thirty implants met the
      inclusion criteria: 23 pulmonary circulation implants (all in the pulmonary
      position) systemic circulation implants (5 in the native aortic position, 1 in a
      left ventricle-to-descending aorta conduit, and 1 in the mitral annulus). All
      pulmonary circulation implants were performed percutaneously in the
      catheterization laboratory. A hybrid approach (surgical exposure for
      transcatheter implant) was used for 4 of the aortic implants. There were no
      procedure-related deaths. Three patients died of nonprocedure- and nonvalve
      related causes. At 1 year, freedom from moderate to severe regurgitation was
      100%, and freedom from mild regurgitation was 90%. Freedom from moderate to
      severe stenosis was 86% at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term performance of the
      Melody valve in high-pressure environments is encouraging, with good valve
      function in all patients.

PMID- 22075927
TI  - Stent fracture, valve dysfunction, and right ventricular outflow tract
      reintervention after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: patient-related
      and procedural risk factors in the US Melody Valve Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV)
      replacement with the Melody valve, risk factors for Melody stent fracture (MSF)
      and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reintervention have not been well
      defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 2007 to January 2010, 150 patients
      (median age, 19 years) underwent TPV implantation in the Melody valve
      Investigational Device Exemption trial. Existing conduit stents from a prior
      catheterization were present in 37 patients (25%, fractured in 12); 1 or more new
      prestents were placed at the TPV implant catheterization in 51 patients. During
      follow-up (median, 30 months), MSF was diagnosed in 39 patients. Freedom from a
      diagnosis of MSF was 77+/-4% at 14 months (after the 1-year evaluation window)
      and 60+/-9% at 39 months (3-year window). On multivariable analysis, implant
      within an existing stent, new prestent, or bioprosthetic valve (combined
      variable) was associated with longer freedom from MSF (P<0.001), whereas TPV
      compression (P=0.01) and apposition to the anterior chest wall (P=0.02) were
      associated with shorter freedom from MSF. Freedom from RVOT reintervention was
      86+/-4% at 27 months. Among patients with a MSF, freedom from RVOT reintervention
      after MSF diagnosis was 49+/-10% at 2 years. Factors associated with
      reintervention were similar to those for MSF. CONCLUSIONS: MSF was common after
      TPV implant in this multicenter experience and was more likely in patients with
      severely obstructed RVOT conduits and when the TPV was directly behind the
      anterior chest wall and/or clearly compressed. A TPV implant site protected by a
      prestent or bioprosthetic valve was associated with lower risk of MSF and
      reintervention.

PMID- 22075928
TI  - Strain-dependent induction of neutrophil histamine production and cell death by
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Airway diseases often feature persistent neutrophilic inflammation and infection.
      In cystic fibrosis bronchitis, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is isolated
      frequently. Previously, this laboratory revealed that neutrophils become major
      sources of histamine in mice with tracheobronchitis caused by the wall-less
      bacterium Mycoplasma pulmonis. To test the hypothesis that more-broadly
      pathogenic P. aeruginosa (which expresses cell wall-associated LPS and novel
      toxins) has similar effects, we incubated naive mouse neutrophils with two
      strains of P. aeruginosa. Strain PAO1 greatly increased neutrophil histamine
      content and secretion, whereas strain PA103 depressed histamine production by
      killing neutrophils. The histamine-stimulating capacity of PAO1, but not PA103
      mediated toxicity, persisted in heat-killed organisms. In PAO1-infected mice,
      lung and neutrophil histamine content increased. However, PAO1 did not alter
      production by mast cells (classical histamine reservoirs), which also resisted
      PA103 toxicity. To explore mechanisms of neutrophil-selective induction, we
      measured changes in mRNA encoding histidine decarboxylase (rate-limiting for
      histamine synthesis), probed involvement of endotoxin-TLR pathways in Myd88
      deficient neutrophils, and examined contributions of pyocyanin and exotoxins.
      Results revealed that PAO1 increased histamine production by up-regulating
      histidine decarboxylase mRNA via pathways largely independent of TLR, pyocyanin,
      and type III secretion system exotoxins. PAO1 also increased histidine
      decarboxylase mRNA in neutrophils purified from infected lung. Stimulation
      required direct contact with neutrophils and was blocked by phagocytosis
      inhibitor cytochalasin D. In summary, Pseudomonas-augmented histamine production
      by neutrophils is strain-dependent in vitro and likely mediated by up-regulation
      of histidine decarboxylase. These findings raise the possibility that Pseudomonas
      stimulated neutrophils can enhance airway inflammation by producing histamine.

PMID- 22075929
TI  - Technical advance: in vitro production of distinct dendritic-like antigen
      presenting cells from self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - A novel CD11c(lo)CD11b(hi)MHC-II-CD8alpha- dendritic-like cell (L-DC) develops in
      cocultures of bone marrow over splenic stroma. L-DCs are distinct from other DC
      subsets and have potential importance in spleen for immunity to blood-borne
      antigens. As production is maintained in cultures for >12 months, L-DC
      development evidently depends on self-renewing progenitors. To improve this
      culture system, highly purified HSCs were sorted from bone marrow and used to
      establish cocultures. Nonadherent cells produced were analyzed for surface marker
      expression and capacity to activate/inhibit T cells. Cocultures produced a pure
      population of L-DCs for up to 12 months, which were strong activators of CD8+ T
      cells. The in vitro production of a pure population of L-DCs from HSCs--in
      numbers amenable to in vitro assays of function and development--therefore
      represents an important advance.

PMID- 22075931
TI  - Should the diagnosis of autism be made only on the basis of a standardized test?
AB  - This commentary argues that a standardized tool such as Autism Diagnostic
      Observation Schedule (ADOS) is not always required to make the diagnosis of
      autism, which can be made by obtaining a thorough history and performing an
      astute clinical examination as William Osler, founder of John Hopkins School of
      Medicine, taught or Dr. Leo Kanner practiced.

PMID- 22075930
TI  - Macrophage-elicited osteoclastogenesis in response to Brucella abortus infection
      requires TLR2/MyD88-dependent TNF-alpha production.
AB  - Osteoarticular complications are common in human brucellosis, but the pathogenic
      mechanisms involved are largely unknown. In this manuscript, we described an
      immune mechanism for inflammatory bone loss in response to infection by Brucella
      abortus. We established a requirement for MyD88 and TLR2 in TNF-alpha-elicited
      osteoclastogenesis in response to B. abortus infection. CS from macrophages
      infected with B. abortus induced BMM to undergo osteoclastogenesis. Although B.
      abortus-infected macrophages actively secreted IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha,
      osteoclastogenesis depended on TNF-alpha, as CS from B. abortus-infected
      macrophages failed to induce osteoclastogenesis in BMM from TNFRp55-/- mice. CS
      from B. abortus-stimulated MyD88-/- and TLR2-/- macrophages failed to express TNF
      alpha, and these CS induced no osteoclast formation compared with that of the WT
      or TLR4-/- macrophages. Omp19, a B. abortus lipoprotein model, recapitulated the
      cytokine production and subsequent osteoclastogenesis induced by the whole
      bacterium. All phenomena were corroborated using human monocytes, indicating that
      this mechanism could play a role in human osteoarticular brucellosis. Our results
      indicate that B. abortus, through its lipoproteins, may be involved in bone
      resorption through the pathological induction of osteoclastogenesis.

PMID- 22075932
TI  - Adenine Synthesis in a Model Prebiotic Reaction: Connecting Origin of Life
      Chemistry with Biology.
AB  - Many high school laboratory experiments demonstrate concepts related to
      biological evolution, but few exist that allow students to investigate life's
      chemical origins. This series of laboratory experiments has been developed to
      allow students to explore and appreciate the deep connection that exists between
      prebiotic chemistry, chemical evolution, and contemporary biological systems. In
      the first experiment of the series, students synthesize adenine, one of the
      purine nucleobases of DNA and RNA, from plausibly prebiotic precursor molecules.
      Students compare their product to authentic standards using thin-layer
      chromatography. The second and third experiments of the series allow students to
      extract DNA from a familiar organism, the strawberry, and hydrolyze it, releasing
      adenine, which they can then compare to the previously chemically-synthesized
      adenine. A fourth, optional experiment is included where the technique of thin
      layer chromatography is introduced and chromatographic skills are developed for
      use in the other three experiments that comprise this series. Concepts relating
      to organic and analytical chemistry, as well as biochemistry and DNA structure,
      are incorporated throughout, allowing this series of laboratory experiments to be
      easily inserted into existing laboratory courses and to reinforce concepts
      already included in any high school chemistry or biology curriculum.

PMID- 22075933
TI  - Nanocrystalline carbonate-apatites: role of Ca/P ratio on the upload and release
      of anticancer platinum bisphosphonates.
AB  - In the present study two nanocrystalline apatites have been investigated as bone
      specific drug delivery devices to be used for treatment of bone tumors either by
      local implantation or by injection. In order to assess how the Ca/P ratio can
      influence the adsorption and release of anticancer platinum-bisphosphonate
      complexes, two kinds of apatite nanocrystals having different Ca/P ratios but
      similar morphologies, degree of crystallinity, and surface areas have been
      synthesized and characterized. The two platinum-bisphosphonate complexes
      considered were the bis-{ethylenediamineplatinum(ii)}-2-amino-1-hydroxyethane-1,1
      diyl-bisphosphonate and the bis-{ethylenediamineplatinum(ii)}medronate. The Ca/P
      ratio plays an important role in the adsorption as well as in the release of the
      two drugs. In fact, the apatite with a higher Ca/P ratio showed greater affinity
      for both platinum complexes. Also the chemical structure of the two Pt complexes
      appreciably affects their affinity towards as well as their release from the two
      kinds of apatites. In particular, the platinum complex whose bisphosphonate
      contains a free aminic group showed greater upload and smaller release. The
      cytotoxicity of the Pt complexes released from the apatite was tested against
      human cervical, colon, and lung cancer cells as well as against osteosarcoma
      cells. In agreement with previous work, the Pt complexes released were found to
      be more cytotoxic than the unmodified complexes.

PMID- 22075934
TI  - Syntheses of highly unsaturated isocyanides via organometallic pathways.
AB  - The carbon carbon coupling reaction by nucleophilic attack of (CO)(5)Cr(CN
      CF=CF(2)) 1 by lithium or Grignard compounds 2a-i yields the isocyanide complexes
      (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-R) 3a-i (a R = CH=CH(2), b R = CH=CF(2), c R = C=CH, d R = C=C
      SiMe(3), e R = C=C-Ph, f R = C=C-C(6)F(4)OMe, g R = C=C-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2), h R =
      C(6)F(5), i R = C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) as mixtures of E and Z isomers. The dinuclear
      complexes 5a-c are obtained from the reaction of 1 with the dilithio or
      dimagnesium compound 4a-c as the Z,Z-, E,Z- and E,E-isomers, respectively.
      (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-C=C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)7 is obtained as a mixture of Z,Z-,
      Z,E- and E,E-isomers from (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-H 3d by Eglington-Glaser
      coupling. (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)6 and (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C
      C=C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)7 react with octacarbonyldicobalt forming the cluster
      compounds Z,Z-[{eta(2)-MU(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-CF=CF
      NC)Cr(CO)(5)}Co(2)(CO)(6)] Z,Z-8, E,Z-[{eta(2)-MU(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-CF=CF
      NC)Cr(CO)(5)}Co(2)(CO)(6)] E,Z-8 and E,E-[{eta(2)-MU(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C
      CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}Co(2)(CO)(6)] E,E-8 and Z,Z-[{eta(2)-MU(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF
      C=C-C=C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}{Co(2)(CO)(6)}(2)] Z,Z-9, E,Z-[{eta(2)-MU(2)
      (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-C=C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}{Co(2)(CO)(6)}(2)] E,Z-9 and E,E
      [{eta(2)-MU(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-C=C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}{Co(2)(CO)(6)}(2)]
      Z,Z-9, respectively. The crystal and molecular structures of E-3d, Z-3h, Z,Z-8,
      E,Z-8 and Z,Z-9 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.

PMID- 22075936
TI  - Developmental Systems Theory Formulated as a Claim about Inherited
      Representations*
AB  - Developmental systems theory (DST) is often dismissed on the basis that the
      causal indispensability of nongenetic factors in evolution and development has
      long been appreciated. A reformulation makes a more substantive claim: that the
      special role played by genes is also played by some (but not all) nongenetic
      resources. That special role can be captured by Shea's 'inherited
      representation'. Formulating DST as the claim that there are nongenetic inherited
      representations turns it into a striking, empirically testable hypothesis. DST's
      characteristic rejection of a gene versus environment dichotomy is preserved but
      without dissolving into an interactionist casual soup, as some have alleged.

PMID- 22075935
TI  - Double-stranded RNA-induced TLR3 activation inhibits angiogenesis and triggers
      apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a member of the Toll-like receptors which
      recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns leading to the activation of the
      innate immune response. Recent reports have strongly indicated that they play
      important roles in cancer cells. Since TLR3 has been recently suggested as a
      possible therapeutic target in certain types of cancers, in the present study,
      TLR3 expression and its function were explored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of TLR3 in
      various HCC cell lines and HUVECs was detected using quantitative real-time PCR
      (qRT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. TLR3 activity was determined by Luciferase
      reporter assays. The effects of TLR3 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) agonists on
      angiogenesis were tested by aortic ring assay and HUVEC tube formation
      experiments. After dsRNA treatment, cell apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V and
      PI staining through FACS, and the migration ability was measured by a migration
      assay. The results showed that TLR3 was expressed in HCC cell lines and HUVECs at
      the mRNA and protein level. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that TLR3 was
      activated by the dsRNA analog BM-06 or poly(I:C). Rat aortic ring outgrowth and
      endothelial cell tube formation were suppressed after treatment with dsRNA. In
      addition, dsRNA triggered apoptosis in MHCC97H, SMMC-7721 and HUVEC cell lines
      and inhibited cell migration. In conclusion, TLR3 agonists not only affect tumor
      microenvironment by suppressing angiogenesis but also directly induce tumor cell
      apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell migration. TLR3 may be a new target for HCC
      therapy.

PMID- 22075937
TI  - Postoperative immune suppression in visceral surgery: characterisation of an
      intestinal mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperatively acquired immune dysfunction is associated with a
      higher mortality rate in case of septic complications. As details of this severe
      clinical problem are still unknown, animal models are essential to characterise
      the mechanisms involved. METHODS: Mice were laparotomised and the small intestine
      was pressed smoothly in antegrade direction. For extension of trauma, the
      intestine was manipulated three times consecutively. Following this, the ex vivo
      cytokine release of splenocytes was determined. The degree of surgical trauma was
      analysed by detection of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and by neutrophil staining in
      the muscularis mucosae. RESULTS: We adapted the previously described animal model
      of intestinal manipulation to provide a model of surgically induced immune
      dysfunction. Following intestinal manipulation, the mice showed elevated serum
      levels of HMGB1 and IL-6 and increased infiltration of granulocytes into the
      muscularis mucosae. Ex vivo cytokine release by splenocytes was suppressed in the
      postoperative period. The degree of suppression correlated with the extent of
      surgical trauma. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we describe a surgically induced
      immune dysfunction animal model, in which a significant surgical trauma is
      followed by an immune dysfunction. This model may be ideal for the
      characterisation of the postoperative immune dysfunction syndrome.

PMID- 22075938
TI  - Clobetasol synergistically diminishes Ciz1 expression with genistein in U937
      cells.
AB  - Cip-interacting zinc finger protein 1 (Ciz1) stimulates DNA replication and has
      been implicated in the tumorigenesis of breast cancer cells. In order to
      investigate the possibility of using medicinal glucocorticoids against breast
      cancer, we studied whether certain glucocorticoids affect the expression of Ciz1.
      The in vitro effect of clobetasol treatment on the reduction of Ciz1 expression
      was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting
      also confirmed the down-regulation of the protein in a dose-dependent manner upon
      clobetasol treatment in U937 monocytoid cells. Furthermore, we found that Ciz1
      protein expression was decreased after pre-treatment of the cells with clobetasol
      and genistein. An extract of Lens culinaris also had a synergistic effect on the
      repression of Ciz1 protein expression.

PMID- 22075939
TI  - A hybrid biocathode: surface display of O2-reducing enzymes for microbial fuel
      cell applications.
AB  - Laccase and bilirubin oxidase were successfully displayed on the surface of yeast
      cells. Subsequently, these modified yeast cells were used in the cathode
      compartment of a microbial fuel cell. The performance of the fuel cells is
      compared.

PMID- 22075940
TI  - Overview of contemporary issues of forest research and management in China.
AB  - With 207 million ha of forest covering 22% of its land area, China ranks fifth in
      the world in forest area. Rapid economic growth, climate change, and forest
      disturbances pose new, complex challenges for forest research and management.
      Progress in meeting these challenges is relevant beyond China, because China's
      forests represent 34% of Asia's forests and 5% of the worlds' forests. To provide
      a broader understanding of these management challenges and of research and
      policies that address them, we organized this special issue on contemporary
      forest research and management issues in China. At the national level, papers
      review major forest types and the evolution of sustainable forestry, the
      development of China's forest-certification efforts, the establishment of a
      forest inventory system, and achievements and challenges in insect pest control
      in China. Papers focused on Northern China address historical, social, and
      political factors that have shaped the region's forests; the use of forest
      landscape models to assess how forest management can achieve multiple objectives;
      and analysis and modeling of fuels and fire behavior. Papers addressing Central
      and South China describe the "Grain for Green" program, which converts low
      productivity cropland to grassland and woodland to address erosion and soil
      carbon sequestration; the potential effects of climate change on CO(2) efflux and
      soil respiration; and relationships between climate and net primary productivity.
      China shares many forest management and research issues with other countries, but
      in other cases China's capacity to respond to forest management challenges is
      unique and bears watching by the rest of the world.

PMID- 22075941
TI  - Predictive factors for the objective burden of informal care in people with
      dementia: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Informal care plays a substantial role in the provision of total care
      in dementia. Several reviews have been published on the predictive factors of
      subjective burden; however, such a review lacks information on objective burden,
      which refers to the amount and/or costs of informal care. OBJECTIVES: The
      objectives of this study were to (1) give an overview of the predictive factors
      that are associated with the objective burden of informal care; (2) discuss
      whether these factors are similar to the predictive factors of subjective burden;
      and (3) examine whether they are modifiable. DESIGN: The literature in a number
      of international databases was systematically searched. Methodological quality
      and level of certainty were assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified as
      relevant for the purpose of this review, describing a total of 39 predictive
      factors. Three factors (behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily
      functioning and cognition) were considered to be predictors of objective burden.
      Three factors were not related; 12 were potential predictors; and the results of
      the remaining 22 factors were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors were found
      to be (potential) predictors of objective burden, reflecting its complex nature.
      Objective and subjective burdens are 2 different relevant aspects of informal
      care. Interventions aimed at countering behavioral problems and impairments
      regarding daily functioning could reduce objective burden.

PMID- 22075942
TI  - Effect of diindolylmethane supplementation on low-grade cervical cytological
      abnormalities: double-blind, randomised, controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical screening identifies many women with low-grade
      abnormalities. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that diindolylmethane
      (DIM) could potentially halt (cervical) carcinogenesis. We report on a randomised
      controlled trial of the effect of DIM in women with low-grade cervical
      cytological abnormalities. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic double-blind,
      randomised controlled trial of 150 mg DIM (from BioResponse DIM) or placebo daily
      for 6 months in women with newly diagnosed, low-grade cytological abnormalities.
      Randomisation was in the ratio 2 (DIM) to 1 (placebo). All women were invited for
      colposcopy at 6 months with biopsy of any abnormality. RESULTS: Of the 551
      randomised women available for analysis, 9% on DIM and 12% on placebo had
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-2 (CIN2) or worse after 6-month
      supplementation (risk ratio (RR) 0.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4-1.2)),
      whereas 4.6% and 5.1%, respectively, had CIN3 or worse (RR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.4
      2.0)). A total of 27.3% of women on DIM and 34.3% on placebo had no sign of
      disease (negative cytology, colposcopy and human papilloma virus (HPV) tests) at
      6 months (RR 0.8 (95% CI: 0.6-1.0)). Of those HPV-positive at baseline, 69% (114
      out of 166) of the DIM group were positive at 6 months compared with 61% (43 out
      of 71) of the placebo group: RR 1.1 (95% CI: 0.9-1.4). Diindolylmethane
      supplementation was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that short
      term DIM supplementation (150 mg day(-1)) is well tolerated, but is unlikely to
      have an effect on cytology or HPV infection. Uncertainty remains regarding its
      effect on CIN2+.

PMID- 22075943
TI  - Expression of CIP2A in renal cell carcinomas correlates with tumour invasion,
      metastasis and patients' survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) drives cellular
      transformation. The objective of this study was to detect the potential effects
      of CIP2A in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). METHODS: A total of 107 RCC patients
      were involved in the study. Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A
      expression was investigated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. In vitro,
      we examined the expression of CIP2A and c-Myc and tested the migration and
      invasion capability of A498 and KRC/Y cells with scratch migration assay and
      Matrigel invasion assay after down-regulating CIP2A expression using siRNA.
      RESULTS: Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A was over-expressed in RCC
      tissues. Clear cell RCC showed an even higher-CIP2A expression level than
      papillary or chromophobe RCC did. The CIP2A immunostaining level was positively
      correlated with primary tumour stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis,
      TNM stage and histological grade (all P<0.05). High-CIP2A expression implied poor
      survival for patients (P<0.05). Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A
      depletion by siRNA down-regulated c-Myc expression and attenuated the migration
      and invasion of RCC cells. CONCLUSION: Higher-CIP2A expression positively
      correlates with the aggressive phenotype of RCCs, and predicts poor prognosis for
      patients. Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A may be a novel target for
      prevention and treatment of RCC metastasis and recurrence.

PMID- 22075944
TI  - Aspirin as adjuvant therapy in childhood cancer?

PMID- 22075945
TI  - Identification of markers of prostate cancer progression using candidate gene
      expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) has no curative treatment options.
      Some forms of PCa are indolent and slow growing, while others metastasise quickly
      and may prove fatal within a very short time. The basis of this variable
      prognosis is poorly understood, despite considerable research. The aim of this
      study was to identify markers associated with the progression of PCa. METHODS:
      Artificial neuronal network analysis combined with data from literature and
      previous work produced a panel of putative PCa progression markers, which were
      used in a transcriptomic analysis of 29 radical prostatectomy samples and
      correlated with clinical outcome. RESULTS: Statistical analysis yielded seven
      putative markers of PCa progression, ANPEP, ABL1, PSCA, EFNA1, HSPB1, INMT and
      TRIP13. Two data transformation methods were utilised with only markers that were
      significant in both selected for further analysis. ANPEP and EFNA1 were
      significantly correlated with Gleason score. Models of progression co-utilising
      markers ANPEP and ABL1 or ANPEP and PSCA had the ability to correctly predict
      indolent or aggressive disease, based on Gleason score, in 89.7% and 86.2% of
      cases, respectively. Another model of TRIP13 expression in combination with
      preoperative PSA level and Gleason score was able to correctly predict recurrence
      in 85.7% of cases. CONCLUSION: This proof of principle study demonstrates a novel
      association of carcinogenic and tumourigenic gene expression with PCa stage and
      prognosis.

PMID- 22075946
TI  - Notch signalling in cancer progression and bone metastasis.
AB  - Classically known for its indispensible role in embryonic development, the Notch
      signalling pathway is gaining recognition for its regulation of adult tissue
      homoeostasis and aberrant activation in disease pathogenesis. The pathway has
      been implicated in cancer initiation and development, as well as early stages of
      cancer progression by regulating conserved cellular programs such as the
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We recently extended the role of Notch
      signalling to late stages of tumour progression by elucidating a stroma-dependent
      mechanism for the pathway in osteolytic bone metastasis. Of clinical
      significance, disrupting the Notch pathway and associated molecular mediators of
      Notch-dependent bone metastasis may provide novel therapeutic strategies to
      combat aggressive bone metastatic disease.

PMID- 22075947
TI  - Changes in protein expression in the sheep abomasum following trickle infection
      with Teladorsagia circumcincta.
AB  - Continual low-level exposure of sheep to the helminth Teladorsagia circumcincta
      elicits a temporary protective immunity, where factors in the immune abomasal
      mucosa prevent penetration of infective larvae, but which is essentially lost
      within 6 weeks of cessation of parasite challenge. Here, a proteomic approach was
      used to identify proteins that are differentially regulated in immune compared to
      naive sheep, as potential key mediators of immunity. Six naive sheep and 12 sheep
      trickle-infected with T. circumcincta were treated with anthelmintic, and the
      naive (control) and 6 immune sheep were killed 7 days later. The remaining 6
      sheep (immune waning) were killed 42 days after anthelmintic treatment. Abomasal
      tissue samples were subjected to 2D-gel electrophoresis and densitometric
      analysis. Selected spots (n=73) were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting
      and confirmatory Western blotting was carried out for 10 proteins. Spots
      selectively up-regulated in immune versus control, but not immune waning versus
      control sheep, included galectin-15 and thioredoxin, which were confirmed by
      Western blotting. In immune sheep, serum albumin was significantly down-regulated
      and albumin proteolytic cleavage fragments were increased compared to controls.
      Unexpectedly, albumin mRNA was relatively highly expressed in control mucosa,
      down-regulated in immune, and was immunolocalized to mucus-producing epithelial
      cells. Thus we have identified differential expression of a number of proteins
      following T. circumcincta trickle infection that may play a role in host
      protection and inhibition of parasite establishment.

PMID- 22075948
TI  - Mossbauer investigations of crystalline and quasicrystalline Al3(Mn, Fe)
      compounds.
AB  - (57)Fe Mossbauer and magnetic measurements are reported on Taylor phase compounds
      T-Al(3)(Mn,Fe), which can be seen as complex metallic alloys. The orthorhombic
      unit cell contains 156 atoms. These investigations are further extended to
      Al(71)Mn(19)Fe(10) crystallizing as a decagonal quasicrystal. Common to both
      structures are layers, which are oriented perpendicular to the b axis in the
      crystalline or to the periodic axis in the quasicrystalline compound, allowing
      the formation of characteristic building blocks. At low temperatures for all
      samples spin glass behavior is observed with freezing temperatures T(f)
      increasing with Fe content. Above T(f) the (57)Fe Mossbauer spectra were analyzed
      by a superposition of two subspectra with intensity ratio around 75:25, which can
      be allocated to Fe substituted on Mn sites surrounded either by Al and Mn or
      solely by Al with Mn only at the edge of the nearest neighbor shell. For both
      subspectra quadrupole splitting and center shift do not change significantly with
      Fe content and with structure. Below T(f) broad hyperfine field distributions
      with non-vanishing contributions at zero hyperfine field are present. Magnetic
      and electrostatic hyperfine interactions are governed by length scales which are
      determined by the very similar interatomic configurations forming the T-Al(3)Mn
      phase as well as the decagonal compound. The presence of long range atomic order
      is of less importance.

PMID- 22075949
TI  - SAME-GENDER SEX AMONG U.S. ADULTS: TRENDS ACROSS THE TWENTIETH CENTURY AND DURING
      THE 1990s.
AB  - Trends in reporting of same-gender sex are assessed using data from the 1988-2002
      General Social Surveys (Ns = 9,487 males and 12,336 females). Analyses indicate
      that the reported prevalence of female-female sexual contact increased
      substantially and monotonically across twentieth-century birth cohorts, rising
      from 1.6 percent (Standard error [SE] = 0.60) for the cohort of U.S. women born
      prior to 1920 to 6.9 percent (SE = 0.81) for women born in 1970 and afterward.
      Increases in the reported prevalence of female-female contacts also occurred
      within the 1990s. These trends persist when statistical controls are introduced
      for changes in attitudes toward same-gender sexual behavior. No parallel trend is
      observed in the reporting of male-male sexual contacts during adulthood, although
      the proportion of U.S. men reporting such contacts in the past year and in the
      past five years increased during the 1990s.

PMID- 22075951
TI  - Combination therapy of conditionally replicating adenovirus and histone
      deacetylase inhibitors.
AB  - Combination therapy of adenoviral gene therapy and a histone deacetylase (HDAC)
      inhibitor is important due to the enhancing effect of HDAC inhibitors on
      adenoviral transduction and transcription. However, contradictory results have
      been reported on the effect of combination of CRAd (conditionally replicating
      adenovirus) and HDAC inhibitors. This study was designed to investigate the
      interaction of CRAd and HDAC inhibitors and determine the ideal way to combine
      the two agents. Combination of HDAC inhibitors (SK7041, SBHA and vorinostat) at
      pre- and post-transductional periods with CRAd enhanced the transduction of CRAd
      and expression of luciferase expression from Delta24-luc in vitro. However,
      suppression of luciferase expression from Delta24-luc injected tumor mass was
      observed by in vivo tumor bioluminescence imaging and drug interaction analysis
      also showed an antagonistic interaction that was probably related with the
      inhibitory effect of the HDAC inhibitor on adenoviral replication. Suppression of
      p21 induction by p21 siRNA reversed the suppressive effect of vorinostat on the
      replication of CRAd, but still failed to reverse the antagonistic interaction.
      Addition of vorinostat at the pre-transductional period revealed an improvement
      in the transduction efficiency of CRAd and also induced a synergistic interaction
      between CRAd and vorinostat, which was possibly related with prevention of the
      suppressive effect of vorinostat on adenoviral replication. In conclusion, the
      addition of HDAC inhibitor before CRAd injection showed synergistic antitumor
      effects, which warrants further investigation on the sequence of HDAC inhibitor
      and CRAd treatment in an animal tumor model.

PMID- 22075950
TI  - High expression of retinoic acid receptors and synthetic enzymes in the human
      hippocampus.
AB  - Retinoic acid, the active form of the nutrient vitamin A, regulates several
      facets of neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, including neurogenesis and
      synaptic strength, acting via specific retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Essential
      for conversion of vitamin A to retinoic acid is the enzyme retinaldehyde
      dehydrogenase (RALDH) and in the rodent hippocampus this is only present in the
      adjacent meninges where it must act as a locally released paracrine hormone.
      Little is known though about the expression of RALDHs and RARs in the human
      hippocampus. This study confirms that RALDH levels are very low in mouse neurons
      but, surprisingly, strong expression of RALDH protein is detected by
      immunohistochemistry in hippocampal neurons. The receptors RARalpha, beta and
      gamma were also detected, each receptor exhibiting differing subcellular
      locations implying their potential regulation of both transcription and non
      genomic actions. These results imply an essential function of retinoic acid in
      the human hippocampus likely to include regulation of neuronal plasticity.

PMID- 22075952
TI  - Hypertension after kidney transplantation:  an important, but still neglected
      issue.

PMID- 22075953
TI  - Being born too small, too early or both, does it stiffen our arteries in adult
      life?

PMID- 22075954
TI  - The morning blood pressure surge:  a dynamic and challenging concept.

PMID- 22075955
TI  - Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy:  clinical applicability of risk
      prediction models.

PMID- 22075956
TI  - Travel distance estimation for carotid femoral pulse wave velocity:  is the gold
      standard a real one ?

PMID- 22075958
TI  - Effects of statin treatment on endothelial function, oxidative stress and
      inflammation in patients with arterial hypertension and normal cholesterol
      levels.

PMID- 22075962
TI  - Characteristics of male attendees of health education interventions for Latinos.
AB  - Latino subgroups in the US often shoulder a greater burden of some common
      diseases, including cancer. The cultural norm of patriarchy in health-related
      decision-making has been found to be common among Latinos, and thus male members
      may be important in the adoption of health practices amongst family members.
      Demographic information was collected from 488 male attendees (20% of the total
      sample) as part of a larger randomized trial focused on promoting breast and
      cervical cancer screening among Latinas in which attendance was open to the
      entire community. The majority of male attendees were over the age of 40 (62%)
      and originally from Mexico (39%) or Puerto Rico (25%). Approximately half of
      attendees reported having no health coverage and living less than 5 years in the
      United States. Male attendees demonstrated significant increases in knowledge
      relevant to their group attendance. There were few significant differences
      between the characteristics of male attendees at a female focused cancer program
      (intervention) versus more general diabetes program (control). The current study
      describes characteristics of a group that may be influential in guiding health
      behaviors and decisions. This information extends our understanding of community
      participation in health interventions and will assist in the development of
      effective interventions in the Latino community.

PMID- 22075963
TI  - Bio-inspired hierarchical self-assembly of nanotubes into multi-dimensional and
      multi-scale structures.
AB  - As inspired from nature's strategy to prepare collagen, herein we report a
      hierarchical solution self-assembly method to prepare multi-dimensional and multi
      scale supra-structures from the building blocks of pristine titanate nanotubes
      (TNTs) around 10 nm. With the help of amylose, the nanotubes was continuously
      self-assembled into helically wrapped TNTs, highly aligned fibres, large bundles,
      2D crystal facets and 3D core-shell hybrid crystals. The amyloses work as the
      glue molecules to drive and direct the hierarchical self-assembly process
      extending from microscopic to macroscopic scale. The whole self-assembly process
      as well as the self-assembly structures were carefully characterized by the
      combination methods of (1)H NMR, CD, Hr-SEM, AFM, Hr-TEM, SAED pattern and EDX
      measurements. A hierarchical self-assembly mechanism was also proposed.

PMID- 22075964
TI  - Effects of labeling and interpersonal contact upon attitudes towards
      schizophrenia: implications for reducing mental illness stigma in urban China.
AB  - PURPOSE: As mental illness stigma contributes to poor outcomes for schizophrenia
      in China, locating strategies to reduce public stigma is imperative. It is
      currently unknown whether diagnostic labeling and contact with different help
      seeking sources increase or decrease public stigma in China. Further, it remains
      unresolved whether prior personal contact acts to reduce stigma in this context.
      Advancing understanding of these processes may facilitate stigma-reduction
      strategies. METHODS: We administered an experimental vignette randomly assigning
      one of four labeling conditions to respondents to assess social distance towards
      a psychotic vignette individual in a sample of 160 Northern, urban Chinese
      community respondents. RESULTS: As expected, respondents given a "non
      psychiatric, indigenous label" + "lay help-seeking" condition endorsed the least
      social distance. Unexpectedly, the labeling condition with a "psychiatric
      diagnostic label" + "lay help-seeking" condition elicited the greatest social
      distance. Unlike Western studies, personal contact did not independently decrease
      community stigma. However, prior contact reduced social distance to a greater
      extent in the labeling condition with a "non-psychiatric, indigenous label" +
      "lay help-seeking" condition when compared with all other labeling conditions.
      CONCLUSION: The results indicate that cultural idioms do provide some protection
      from stigma, but only among respondents who are already familiar with what mental
      illness is. Our finding that the condition that depicted untreated psychosis
      elicited the greatest amount of stigma, while the "treated psychosis" condition
      was viewed relatively benignly in China, suggests that improved access to mental
      health services in urban China has the potential to decrease public stigma via
      labeling mechanisms.

PMID- 22075965
TI  - Induction of pluripotent stem cells from fetal and adult cynomolgus monkey
      fibroblasts using four human transcription factors.
AB  - Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the potential to become a universal
      resource for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine; however, prior to the
      use of such iPS cell-based therapies, preclinical assessment of their safety and
      efficacy is essential. Non-human primates serve as valuable animal models for
      human diseases or biomedical research; therefore, in this study, we generated
      cynomolgus monkey iPS cells from adult skin and fetal fibroblast cells by the
      retrovirally mediated introduction of four human transcription factors: c-Myc,
      Klf4, Oct3/4, and Sox2 (the so-called "Yamanaka factors"). Twenty to 30 days
      after the introduction of these factors, several cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem
      (ES) cell-like colonies appeared on SNL and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF)
      feeder layers. These colonies were picked and cultivated in primate ES medium.
      Seven iPS cell lines were established, and we detected the expression of
      pluripotent markers that are also expressed in ES cells. Reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that these iPS cells expressed endogenous
      c-Myc, Klf4, Oct3/4, and Sox2 genes, whereas several transgenes were silenced.
      Embryoid body and teratoma formation showed that the cynomolgus iPS cells had the
      developmental potential to differentiate into cells of all three primary germ
      layers. In summary, we generated cynomolgus monkey iPS cells by retrovirus
      mediated transduction of the human transcription factors, c-Myc, Klf4, Oct3/4,
      and Sox2 into adult cynomolgus monkey skin cells and fetal fibroblasts. The
      cynomolgus monkey is the most relevant primate model for human disease, and the
      highly efficient generation of monkey iPS cells would allow investigation of the
      treatments of various diseases in this model via therapeutic cloning.

PMID- 22075966
TI  - Patient satisfaction questionnaire for medical students' performance in a
      hospital outpatient clinic: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - Medical education in Japan has undergone significant reforms.  Patient
      perspective and outcome have been highly valued in curricular reforms. 
      Therefore, we evaluated an undergraduate curriculum particularly on communication
      skills by comparing outpatient satisfaction before and after the reforms
      implemented at Saga Medical School.  Cross-sectional study was conducted at the
      General Medicine Clinic of Saga University Hospital in 1999 and 2009.  A total of
      729 newcomer patients evaluated 159 students; namely, 287 patients evaluated
      sixth-year medical students (n = 82) in 1999, and in 2009, 442 patients evaluated
      fifth-year medical students (n = 77).  Students interviewed newcomer patients
      prior to a faculty's clinical examination.  After a student-patient encounter,
      the patient was asked to fill in six-item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire
      (PSQ) developed by the American Board of Internal Medicine.  Mixed model two-way
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) with covariant of students' gender was conducted. 
      Effect sizes were calculated to evaluate the amplitude of influence.  The average
      score in 2009 was significantly higher than that in 1999 (3.63 +/- 0.62 versus
      3.36 +/- 0.66; p < 0.001).  Since the "encouraging and answering questions" and
      "clear explanations" were lower than those of the other items (3.24 +/- 0.98 and
      3.46 +/- 0.85), these two items showed the most significant improvements (Phi
      coefficient = 0.31 and 0.24, p < 0.001).  Thus, students' performance has
      improved since 1999, which may represent the success of curricular reforms at
      Saga Medical School.  We propose that "encouraging and answering questions" and
      "clear explanations" should be emphasized in interview training.

PMID- 22075967
TI  - p53 promotes cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mellitus caused by excessive
      mitochondrial respiration-mediated reactive oxygen species generation and lipid
      accumulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by energetic dysregulation
      caused by glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and mitochondrial alterations. p53 and its
      downstream mitochondrial assembly protein, synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2
      (SCO2), are important regulators of mitochondrial respiration, whereas the
      involvement in diabetic cardiomyopathy remains to be determined. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: The role of p53 and SCO2 in energy metabolism was examined in both type
      I (streptozotocin [STZ] administration) and type II diabetic (db/db) mice.
      Cardiac expressions of p53 and SCO2 in 4-week STZ diabetic mice were upregulated
      (185% and 152% versus controls, respectively, P<0.01), with a marked decrease in
      cardiac performance. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption was increased (136% versus
      control, P<0.01) in parallel with augmentation of mitochondrial cytochrome c
      oxidase (complex IV) activity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-damaged myocytes and
      lipid accumulation were increased in association with membrane-localization of
      fatty acid translocase protein FAT/CD36. Antioxidant tempol reduced the increased
      expressions of p53 and SCO2 in STZ-diabetic hearts and normalized alterations in
      mitochondrial oxygen consumption, lipid accumulation, and cardiac dysfunction.
      Similar results were observed in db/db mice, whereas in p53-deficient or SCO2
      deficient diabetic mice, the cardiac and metabolic abnormalities were prevented.
      Overexpression of SCO2 in cardiac myocytes increased mitochondrial ROS and fatty
      acid accumulation, whereas knockdown of SCO2 ameliorated them. CONCLUSIONS:
      Myocardial p53/SCO2 signal is activated by diabetes-mediated ROS generation to
      increase mitochondrial oxygen consumption, resulting in excessive generation of
      mitochondria-derived ROS and lipid accumulation in association with cardiac
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22075968
TI  - Increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH)
      activity in childhood hypercholesterolemia type II.
AB  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) systemic concentrations are elevated in
      hypercholesterolemic adults and contribute to nitric oxide (NO) dependent
      endothelial dysfunction. Decreased activity of the key ADMA-hydrolyzing enzyme
      dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) may be involved. Yet, the
      ADMA/DDAH/NO pathway has not been investigated in childhood hypercholesterolemia.
      We studied 64 children with hypercholesterolemia type II (HCh-II) and 54
      normocholesterolemic (NCh) children (mean +/- SD; age, years: 11.1 +/- 3.5 vs.
      11.9 +/- 4.6). Plasma and urine ADMA was measured by GC-MS/MS. Dimethylamine
      (DMA), the ADMA metabolite, creatinine, nitrite and nitrate in urine were
      measured by GC-MS. The DMA/ADMA molar ratio in urine was calculated to estimate
      whole body DDAH activity. ADMA plasma concentration (mean +/- SD; nM: 571 +/- 85
      vs. 542 +/- 110, P = 0.17) and ADMA urinary excretion rate (mean +/- SD: 7.1 +/-
      2 versus 7.2 +/- 3 MUmol/mmol creatinine, P = 0.6) were similar in HCh-II and NCh
      children. Both DMA excretion rate [median (25th-75th percentile): 56.3 (46.4
      109.1) vs. 45.2 (22.2-65.5) MUmol/mmol creatinine, P = 0.0004] and DMA/ADMA molar
      ratio [median (25th-75th percentile): 9.2 (6.0-16.3) vs. 5.4 (3.8-9.4), P =
      0.0004] were slightly but statistically significantly increased in HCh-II
      children compared to NCh children. Plasma and urinary nitrite and nitrate were
      similar in both groups. In HCh-II whole body DDAH activity is elevated as
      compared to NCh. HCh-II children treated with drugs for hypercholesterolemia had
      lower plasma ADMA levels than untreated HCh-II or NCh children, presumably via
      increased DDAH activity. Differences between treated and untreated HCh-II
      children were not due to differences in age. In conclusion, HCh-II children do
      not have elevated ADMA plasma levels, largely due to an apparent increase in DDAH
      activity. While this would tend to limit development of endothelial dysfunction,
      it is not clear whether this might be medication-induced or represent a primary
      change in HCh-II children.

PMID- 22075969
TI  - A novel Zn(4)O-based triazolyl benzoate MOF: synthesis, crystal structure,
      adsorption properties and solid state 13C NMR investigations.
AB  - The newly synthesized Zn(4)O-based MOF (3)(infinity)[Zn(4)(MU(4)-O){(Metrz
      pba)(2)mPh}(3)].8 DMF (1.8 DMF) of rare tungsten carbide (acs) topology exhibits
      a porosity of 43% and remarkably high thermal stability up to 430  degrees C.
      Single crystal X-ray structure analyses could be performed using as-synthesized
      as well as desolvated crystals. Besides the solvothermal synthesis of single
      crystals a scalable synthesis of microcrystalline material of the MOF is
      reported. Combined TG-MS and solid state NMR measurements reveal the presence of
      mobile DMF molecules in the pore system of the framework. Adsorption measurements
      confirm that the pore structure is fully accessible for nitrogen molecules at 77
      K. The adsorptive pore volume of 0.41 cm(3) g(-1) correlates well with the pore
      volume of 0.43 cm(3) g(-1) estimated from the single crystal structure.

PMID- 22075970
TI  - What is the proper precursor-to-product labeling relationship for calculating the
      fractional synthetic rate of muscle triglyceride?

PMID- 22075971
TI  - Expression of endothelial factors in prostate cancer: a possible role of caveolin
      1 for tumour progression.
AB  - Solid tumours need to induce their own vascular supply, and microvessel density
      (MVD) has emerged as a prognostic factor in several tumours. We hypothesized that
      mRNA levels of some endothelial factors in prostate cancer tissue would correlate
      with histologically measured MVD, or other pathological parameters. Expression
      levels of the endothelial factors CD31, CD34, CD105, CD144, CD146, CAV1 and
      VEGFR2 were assessed by RT-qPCR in matched freshly frozen normal and tumour
      tissues from 69 patients that underwent radical prostatectomy. The results were
      compared to pathological parameters and the MVD in the corresponding paraffin
      embedded material, as determined by immunohistochemistry against CD31 and CD34.
      Comparing mRNA expression in matched normal and tumour samples, only CAV1 showed
      relevant differences, being down-regulated in tumour tissues (fold change=-1.89,
      P<0.0001). CAV1 down-regulation correlated with pT category (P=0.006) and the
      Gleason score (P=0.041). In a univariate analysis, lower CAV1 mRNA expression was
      associated with biochemical recurrence (P=0.019). By immunohistochemistry, CAV1
      was mainly localized in endothelial and stromal cells and showed a weaker
      staining pattern in the tumour compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, MVD
      significantly correlated with tumour grade and pT category. There was no
      significant association between endothelial mRNA expression and histologically
      determined MVD in tumour tissues, but only a trend for CD31 mRNA (P=0.074) and an
      inverse trend for CAV1 mRNA (P=0.056). In conclusion, there is only a weak
      correlation between the mRNA expression of endothelial factors and MVD in
      prostatic tumour tissue. However, loss of CAV1 mRNA expression may play a role in
      prostate cancer progression.

PMID- 22075972
TI  - Blood cardioplegia serves as a bicarbonate donor to the myocardium during
      ischemia: effects of anoxia and hypercapnia on acid-base characteristics of blood
      cardioplegic solution.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the alterations of acid-base characteristics of the
      blood cardioplegia (BCP) solution during aortic cross-clamping in hearts arrested
      with BCP and during in vitro-simulated ischemia. METHODS: Following aortic cross
      clamping, the hearts of 40 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were
      intermittently infused with an 18 degrees C BCP solution and finally with a 34
      degrees C BCP solution prior to aortic cross-clamp release. We measured the pH,
      partial CO(2) pressure (pCO(2)), [HCO(3)(-)], and [Cl(-)] of the coronary sinus
      effluent in the final BCP solution. The BCP solution was assessed under in vitro
      gassing at 34 degrees C with 95% N(2) + 5% CO(2) (n = 6), 50% N(2) + 50% CO(2) (n
      = 3), or 100% CO(2) (n = 6). RESULTS: The coronary sinus effluent, compared with
      the preinfusion BCP solution, exhibited a significantly lower pH and a greater
      pCO(2) with no change in the [HCO(3)(-)] level. In vitro, the 95% N(2) + 5% CO(2)
      gassing (simulated hypoxia) group exhibited a slight increase in [HCO(3)(-)] with
      no change in pCO(2) or pH whereas the 50% N(2) + 50% CO(2) gassing and the 100%
      CO(2) gassing (simulated hypoxia and hypercapnia) groups exhibited a significant
      increase in [HCO(3)(-)] under high pCO(2)-induced acidification. CONCLUSIONS:
      Under anoxia and CO(2) retention during aortic cross-clamping, the BCP solution
      can be a bicarbonate donor to the myocardium.

PMID- 22075973
TI  - Construction of a six-membered fused N-heterocyclic ring via a new 3-component
      reaction: synthesis of (pyrazolo)pyrimidines/pyridines.
AB  - A conceptually new three-component reaction was developed to construct a six
      membered fused N-heterocyclic ring affording (pyrazolo)pyrimidines/pyridines as
      potential inhibitors of PDE4. The reaction is catalyzed by triflic acid in acetic
      acid in the presence of aerial oxygen.

PMID- 22075974
TI  - The origin of the pseudogap in alpha-Ga.
AB  - Density functional theory, the free-electron empty lattice approximation and the
      nearly free-electron approximation are employed to investigate the electronic
      properties of partially covalent alpha-Ga. Whereas free-electron-like properties
      are revealed over a large energy range, a deep pseudogap at the Fermi level is
      characteristic of alpha-Ga. We explain the origin of the pseudogap in terms of a
      delicate interplay between the electronic states and the specific Brillouin zone
      geometry.

PMID- 22075975
TI  - Geranylgeranylacetone protects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury
      by inhibiting high-mobility group box 1 protein in rats.
AB  - The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein plays an important role in
      myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), a
      heat shock protein 72 inducer, has been reported to reduce myocardial I/R injury.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective mechanism of GGA
      during myocardial I/R injury in rats. Anesthetized male rats were treated once
      with GGA (200 mg/kg, p.o.) 24 h before ischemia, and subjected to ischemia for 30
      min, followed by reperfusion for 4 h. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine
      kinase (CK), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and
      infarct size were measured. HMGB1 expression was assessed by immunoblotting. The
      results showed that pre-treatment with GGA (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the
      infarct size and the levels of LDH and CK after 4 h of reperfusion (all P<0.05).
      GGA also significantly inhibited the increase in MDA levels and the decrease in
      SOD levels (both P<0.05). Meanwhile, GGA considerably suppressed the expression
      of HMGB1 induced by I/R. The present study suggests that GGA is capable of
      attenuating myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting HMGB1 expression.

PMID- 22075976
TI  - Genetic diversity of Babesia bovis in virulent and attenuated strains.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the genetic diversity of the single copy
      Bv80 gene sequences of Babesia bovis in populations of attenuated and virulent
      parasites. PCR/ RT-PCR followed by cloning and sequence analyses of 4 attenuated
      and 4 virulent strains were performed. Multiple fragments in the range of 420 to
      744 bp were amplified by PCR or RT-PCR. Cloning of the PCR fragments and sequence
      analyses revealed the presence of mixed subpopulations in either virulent or
      attenuated parasites with a total of 19 variants with 12 different sequences that
      differed in number and type of tandem repeats. High levels of intra- and inter
      strain diversity of the Bv80 gene, with the presence of mixed populations of
      parasites were found in both the virulent field isolates and the attenuated
      vaccine strains. In addition, during the attenuation process, sequence analyses
      showed changes in the pattern of the parasite subpopulations. Despite high
      polymorphism found by sequence analyses, the patterns observed and the number of
      repeats, order, or motifs found could not discriminate between virulent field
      isolates and attenuated vaccine strains of the parasite.

PMID- 22075978
TI  - The effect of clotrimazole on energy substrate uptake and carcinogenesis in
      intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - Clotrimazole has anticarcinogenic activity in several cell types. Our aims were
      to investigate the anticarcinogenic effect of clotrimazole in a tumoral
      intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cell line, to compare it with the effect in a
      nontumoral intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6 cells), and to investigate
      inhibition of energy substrate uptake as a mechanism contributing to it. The
      effect of clotrimazole on cell proliferation, viability and differentiation, H
      deoxyglucose (H-DG), H-O-methyl-glucose (H-OMG), and C-butyrate uptake, as well
      as mRNA expression levels of glucose transporters was assessed. In Caco-2 cells,
      clotrimazole decreased cellular viability and proliferation and increased cell
      differentiation. The effect on cell proliferation and viability was potentiated
      by rhodamine123. Clotrimazole also decreased cellular viability and proliferation
      in IEC-6 cells, but increased the cellular DNA synthesis rate and had no effect
      on cell differentiation. Exposure of Caco-2 cells to clotrimazole (10 umol/l) for
      1 and 7 days increased (by 20-30%) the uptake of H-DG and H-OMG, respectively,
      but had no effect on C-butyrate uptake. The effect on H-DG and H-OMG transport
      was maximal at 10 umol/l, and the pharmacological characteristics of transport
      were not changed. However, clotrimazole changed the mRNA expression levels of the
      facilitative glucose transporter 2 and the Na-dependent glucose cotransporter.
      Clotrimazole exhibits comparable cytotoxic effects in tumoral and nontumoral
      intestinal epithelial cell lines. In Caco-2 cells, the cytotoxic effect of
      clotrimazole was strongly potentiated by the inhibition of oxidative
      phosphorylation. Moreover, stimulation of glucose uptake might be a compensation
      mechanism in response to the glycolysis inhibition caused by clotrimazole.

PMID- 22075979
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibition in-vivo affects tumor
      vasculature in a tumor type-dependent way and downregulates vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor 2 protein without a prominent role for miR-296.
AB  - The precise molecular effects that antiangiogenic drugs exert on tumor
      vasculature remain to be poorly understood. We therefore set out to investigate
      the molecular and architectural changes that occur in the vasculature of two
      different tumor types that both respond to vascular endothelial growth factor
      receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitor therapy. Mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) or
      B16.F10 melanoma were treated with vandetanib (ZD6474), a VEGFR2/epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR)/REarranged during Transfection (RET) kinase inhibitor,
      resulting in a significant 80% reduction in tumor outgrowth. Although in LLC the
      vascular density was not affected by vandetanib treatment, it was significantly
      decreased in B16.F10. In LLC, vandetanib treatment induced a shift in vascular
      gene expression toward stabilization, as demonstrated by upregulation of Tie2 and
      N-cadherin and downregulation of Ang2 and integrin beta3. In contrast, only eNOS
      and P-selectin responded to vandetanib treatment in B16.F10 vasculature.
      Strikingly, vandetanib reduced protein expression of VEGFR2 in both models,
      whereas mRNA remained unaffected. Analysis of miR-296 expression allowed us to
      exclude a role for the recently proposed microRNA-296 in VEGFR2 posttranslational
      control in LLC and B16.F10 in vivo. Our data demonstrate that VEGFR2/EGFR
      inhibition through vandetanib slows down both LLC and B16.F10 tumor growth. Yet,
      the underlying molecular changes in the vasculature that orchestrate the
      antitumor effect differ between tumor types. Importantly, in both models,
      vandetanib treatment induced loss of its pharmacological target, which was not
      directly related to miR-296 expression. Validation of our observations in tumor
      biopsies from VEGFR2 inhibitor-treated patients will be essential to unravel the
      effects of VEGFR2 inhibitor therapy on tumor vasculature in relation to
      therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 22075980
TI  - Inhibitory effect of Trolox on the migration and invasion of human lung and
      cervical cancer cells.
AB  - The antioxidant 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox)
      is implicated in migration and invasion of metastatic tumors. However, the
      molecular mechanism underlying the effect of Trolox on metastatic cancer cells is
      not known. We found that a non-cytotoxic dose of Trolox decreased phorbol 12
      myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced invasion and migration of both A549 and HeLa
      cancer cells. We also found that Trolox suppressed both the expression and the
      proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and that the promoter
      activity of PMA-induced MMP-9 was inhibited by Trolox. Our results show that
      Trolox inhibits the transcriptional activity of MMP-9 by suppression of NF-kappaB
      transactivation. These results indicate that Trolox inhibits NF-kappaB-mediated
      MMP-9 expression, leading to the suppression of migration and invasion in lung
      and cervical cancer cells. Trolox is a potential agent for clinical use in
      preventing the invasion and metastasis of human malignant lung and cervical
      cancers.

PMID- 22075981
TI  - An infected urachal cyst--a rare diagnosis in a child with acute abdominal pain.
AB  - A 2-year-old girl who presented with acute abdominal pain and spiking fever was
      diagnosed with an infected urachal cyst. Ultrasonography aided the diagnosis and
      the urachal remnant was removed successfully through a single laparoscopic
      procedure. Treatment is through removal of the complete structure, to prevent
      malignant degeneration in adulthood. CONCLUSION: Urachal cysts may cause
      abdominal complaints when infected. Although rare, they should be added to the
      differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in the paediatric patient, as this
      case illustrates.

PMID- 22075982
TI  - Diverse p63 and p73 isoforms regulate Delta133p53 expression through modulation
      of the internal TP53 promoter activity.
AB  - In response to stress, p53 binds and transactivates the internal TP53 promoter,
      thus regulating the expression of its own isoform, Delta133p53alpha. Here, we
      report that, in addition to p53, at least four p63/p73 isoforms regulate
      Delta133p53 expression at transcriptional level: p63beta, DeltaNp63alpha,
      DeltaNp63beta and DeltaNp73gamma. This regulation occurs through direct DNA
      binding to the internal TP53 promoter as demonstrated by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation and the use of DNA-binding mutant p63. The promoter regions
      involved in the p63/p73-mediated transactivation were identified using deleted,
      mutant and polymorphic luciferase reporter constructs. In addition, we observed
      that transient expression of p53 family members modulates endogenous
      Delta133p53alpha expression at both mRNA and protein levels. We also report
      concomitant variation of p63 and Delta133p53 expression during keratinocyte
      differentiation of HaCat cells and induced pluripotent stem cells derived from
      mutated p63 ectodermal dysplasia patients. Finally, proliferation assays
      indicated that Delta133p53alpha isoform regulates the anti-proliferative
      activities of p63beta, DeltaNp63alpha, DeltaNp63beta and DeltaNp73gamma. Overall,
      this study shows a strong interplay between p53, p63 and p73 isoforms to
      orchestrate cell fate outcome.

PMID- 22075983
TI  - BCL2A1: the underdog in the BCL2 family.
AB  - B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) proteins are important cell death regulators, whose main
      function is to control the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria in the
      intrinsic apoptotic pathway. They comprise both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins,
      which interact in various ways to induce or prevent pore formation in the outer
      mitochondrial membrane. Due to their central function in the apoptotic machinery,
      BCL2 proteins are often deregulated in cancer. To this end, many anti-apoptotic
      BCL2 proteins have been identified as important cellular oncogenes and attractive
      targets for anti-cancer therapy. In this review, the existing knowledge on B-cell
      lymphoma 2-related protein A1 (BCL2A1)/Bcl-2-related gene expressed in fetal
      liver (Bfl-1), one of the less extensively studied anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins,
      is summarized. BCL2A1 is a highly regulated nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      target gene that exerts important pro-survival functions. In a physiological
      context, BCL2A1 is mainly expressed in the hematopoietic system, where it
      facilitates survival of selected leukocytes subsets and inflammation. However,
      BCL2A1 is overexpressed in a variety of cancer cells, including hematological
      malignancies and solid tumors, and may contribute to tumor progression.
      Therefore, the development of small molecule inhibitors of BCL2A1 may be a
      promising approach mainly to sensitize tumor cells for apoptosis and thus improve
      the efficiency of anti-cancer therapy.

PMID- 22075984
TI  - Nucleoporin NUP153 guards genome integrity by promoting nuclear import of 53BP1.
AB  - 53BP1 is a mediator of DNA damage response (DDR) and a tumor suppressor whose
      accumulation on damaged chromatin promotes DNA repair and enhances DDR signaling.
      Using foci formation of 53BP1 as a readout in two human cell lines, we performed
      an siRNA-based functional high-content microscopy screen for modulators of
      cellular response to ionizing radiation (IR). Here, we provide the complete
      results of this screen as an information resource, and validate and functionally
      characterize one of the identified 'hits': a nuclear pore component NUP153 as a
      novel factor specifically required for 53BP1 nuclear import. Using a range of
      cell and molecular biology approaches including live-cell imaging, we show that
      knockdown of NUP153 prevents 53BP1, but not several other DDR factors, from
      entering the nuclei in the newly forming daughter cells. This translates into
      decreased IR-induced 53BP1 focus formation, delayed DNA repair and impaired cell
      survival after IR. In addition, NUP153 depletion exacerbates DNA damage caused by
      replication stress. Finally, we show that the C-terminal part of NUP153 is
      required for effective 53BP1 nuclear import, and that 53BP1 is imported to the
      nucleus through the NUP153-importin-beta interplay. Our data define the structure
      function relationships within this emerging 53BP1-NUP153/importin-beta pathway
      and implicate this mechanism in the maintenance of genome integrity.

PMID- 22075985
TI  - Many stimuli pull the necrotic trigger, an overview.
AB  - The lab of Jurg Tschopp was the first to report on the crucial role of receptor
      interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) in caspase-independent cell death. Because
      of this pioneer finding, regulated necrosis and in particular RIPK1/RIPK3 kinase
      mediated necrosis, referred to as necroptosis, has become an intensively studied
      form of regulated cell death. Although necrosis was identified initially as a
      backup cell death program when apoptosis is blocked, it is now recognized as a
      cellular defense mechanism against viral infections and as being critically
      involved in ischemia-reperfusion damage. The observation that RIPK3 ablation
      rescues embryonic lethality in mice deficient in caspase-8 or Fas-associated
      protein-via-a-death-domain demonstrates the crucial role of this apoptotic
      platform in the negative control of necroptosis during development. Here, we
      review and discuss commonalities and differences of the increasing list of
      inducers of regulated necrosis ranging from cytokines, pathogen-associated
      molecular patterns, to several forms of physicochemical cellular stress. Since
      the discovery of the crucial role of RIPK1 and RIPK3 in necroptosis, these
      kinases have become potential therapeutic targets. The availability of new
      pharmacological inhibitors and transgenic models will allow us to further
      document the important role of this form of cell death in degenerative,
      inflammatory and infectious diseases.

PMID- 22075986
TI  - The inflammasome: in memory of Dr. Jurg Tschopp.
AB  - A decade ago, Jurg Tschopp introduced the concept of the inflammasome. This
      exciting discovery of a macromolecular complex that senses 'danger' and initiates
      the inflammatory response contributed to a renaissance in the fields of innate
      immunity and cell death. Jurg led the biochemical characterization of the
      inflammasome complex and demonstrated that spontaneous hyperactivation of this
      interleukin (IL)-1beta processing machinery is the molecular basis of a spectrum
      of hereditary periodic fever syndromes, caused by mutated forms of the
      inflammasome scaffolding receptor, NLRP3. The identification of the underlying
      mechanism in these disorders has led to their now successful therapy, with the
      use of the IL-1 receptor antagonist in the clinic. Jurg's pioneering work has
      subsequently defined a number of inflammasome agonists ranging from microbial
      molecules expressed during infection, to triggers of sterile inflammation, most
      notably gout-associated uric acid crystals, asbestos, silica and nanoparticles.
      More recently, Jurg introduced the critical new concept of the metabolic
      inflammasome, which senses metabolic stress and contributes to the onset of the
      metabolic syndrome associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Jurg was an
      outstanding and skillful biochemist, an elegant and rigorous researcher often far
      ahead of his peers. He was a truly amiable person, fair, generous and inspiring,
      and will be most remembered for his infectious enthusiasm. We write this review
      article on the inflammasome in his honor and dedicate it to his memory.

PMID- 22075987
TI  - Caspase-2: the orphan caspase.
AB  - Despite an abundance of literature on the role of caspase-2 in apoptosis, there
      exists much controversy about this protease making it difficult to place caspase
      2 correctly in the apoptotic cascade, and hence its role in apoptosis remains
      unclear. The identification of the PIDDosome as a signaling platform for caspase
      2 activation prompted intense investigation into the true role of this orphan
      caspase. What has emerged is the idea that caspase-2 may not be mandatory for
      apoptosis and that activation of this caspase in response to some forms of stress
      has other effects on the cell such as regulation of cell cycle progression. This
      idea is particularly relevent to the discovery that caspase-2 may act as a tumor
      suppressor. Here, we discuss the proposed mechanisms through which caspase-2
      signals, in particular those involving PIDD, and their impact on cellular fate.

PMID- 22075988
TI  - Regulation of CD95/Fas signaling at the DISC.
AB  - CD95 (APO-1/Fas) is a member of the death receptor (DR) family. Stimulation of
      CD95 leads to induction of apoptotic and non-apoptotic signaling pathways. The
      formation of the CD95 death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) is the initial step
      of CD95 signaling. Activation of procaspase-8 at the DISC leads to the induction
      of DR-mediated apoptosis. The activation of procaspase-8 is blocked by cellular
      FLICE-inhibitory proteins (c-FLIP). This review is focused on the role in the
      CD95-mediated signaling of the death effector domain-containing proteins
      procaspase-8 and c-FLIP. We discuss how dynamic cross-talk between procaspase-8
      and c-FLIP at the DISC regulates life/death decisions at CD95.

PMID- 22075989
TI  - A supramolecular assembly formed by influenza A virus genomic RNA segments.
AB  - The influenza A virus genome consists of eight viral RNAs (vRNAs) that form viral
      ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs). Even though evidence supporting segment-specific
      packaging of vRNAs is accumulating, the mechanism ensuring selective packaging of
      one copy of each vRNA into the viral particles remains largely unknown. We used
      electron tomography to show that the eight vRNPs emerge from a common 'transition
      zone' located underneath the matrix layer at the budding tip of the virions,
      where they appear to be interconnected and often form a star-like structure. This
      zone appears as a platform in 3D surface rendering and is thick enough to contain
      all known packaging signals. In vitro, all vRNA segments are involved in a single
      network of intermolecular interactions. The regions involved in the strongest
      interactions were identified and correspond to known packaging signals. A limited
      set of nucleotides in the 5' region of vRNA 7 was shown to interact with vRNA 6
      and to be crucial for packaging of the former vRNA. Collectively, our findings
      support a model in which the eight genomic RNA segments are selected and packaged
      as an organized supramolecular complex held together by direct base pairing of
      the packaging signals.

PMID- 22075990
TI  - The Mouse Genome Database (MGD): comprehensive resource for genetics and genomics
      of the laboratory mouse.
AB  - The Mouse Genome Database (MGD, http://www.informatics.jax.org) is the
      international community resource for integrated genetic, genomic and biological
      data about the laboratory mouse. Data in MGD are obtained through loads from
      major data providers and experimental consortia, electronic submissions from
      laboratories and from the biomedical literature. MGD maintains a comprehensive,
      unified, non-redundant catalog of mouse genome features generated by distilling
      gene predictions from NCBI, Ensembl and VEGA. MGD serves as the authoritative
      source for the nomenclature of mouse genes, mutations, alleles and strains. MGD
      is the primary source for evidence-supported functional annotations for mouse
      genes and gene products using the Gene Ontology (GO). MGD provides full
      annotation of phenotypes and human disease associations for mouse models
      (genotypes) using terms from the Mammalian Phenotype Ontology and disease names
      from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) resource. MGD is freely
      accessible online through our website, where users can browse and search
      interactively, access data in bulk using Batch Query or BioMart, download data
      files or use our web services Application Programming Interface (API).
      Improvements to MGD include expanded genome feature classifications, inclusion of
      new mutant allele sets and phenotype associations and extensions of GO to include
      new relationships and a new stream of annotations via phylogenetic-based
      approaches.

PMID- 22075991
TI  - The Gene Wiki in 2011: community intelligence applied to human gene annotation.
AB  - The Gene Wiki is an open-access and openly editable collection of Wikipedia
      articles about human genes. Initiated in 2008, it has grown to include articles
      about more than 10,000 genes that, collectively, contain more than 1.4 million
      words of gene-centric text with extensive citations back to the primary
      scientific literature. This growing body of useful, gene-centric content is the
      result of the work of thousands of individuals throughout the scientific
      community. Here, we describe recent improvements to the automated system that
      keeps the structured data presented on Gene Wiki articles in sync with the data
      from trusted primary databases. We also describe the expanding contents, editors
      and users of the Gene Wiki. Finally, we introduce a new automated system, called
      WikiTrust, which can effectively compute the quality of Wikipedia articles,
      including Gene Wiki articles, at the word level. All articles in the Gene Wiki
      can be freely accessed and edited at Wikipedia, and additional links and
      information can be found at the project's Wikipedia portal page:
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Gene_Wiki.

PMID- 22075992
TI  - OGEE: an online gene essentiality database.
AB  - OGEE is an Online GEne Essentiality database. Its main purpose is to enhance our
      understanding of the essentiality of genes. This is achieved by collecting not
      only experimentally tested essential and non-essential genes, but also associated
      gene features such as expression profiles, duplication status, conservation
      across species, evolutionary origins and involvement in embryonic development. We
      focus on large-scale experiments and complement our data with text-mining
      results. Genes are organized into data sets according to their sources. Genes
      with variable essentiality status across data sets are tagged as conditionally
      essential, highlighting the complex interplay between gene functions and
      environments. Linked tools allow the user to compare gene essentiality among
      different gene groups, or compare features of essential genes to non-essential
      genes, and visualize the results. OGEE is freely available at
      http://ogeedb.embl.de.

PMID- 22075993
TI  - Synthetic transactivation screening reveals ETV4 as broad coactivator of hypoxia
      inducible factor signaling.
AB  - The human prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHD) proteins 1-3 are known as cellular
      oxygen sensors, acting via the degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)
      alpha-subunits. PHD2 and PHD3 genes are inducible by HIFs themselves, suggesting
      a negative feedback loop that involves PHD abundance. To identify novel
      regulators of the PHD2 gene, an expression array of 704 transcription factors was
      screened by a method that allows distinguishing between HIF-dependent and HIF
      independent promoter regulation. Among others, the E-twenty six transcription
      factor ETS translocation variant 4 (ETV4) was found to contribute to PHD2 gene
      expression particularly under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, complex
      formation between ETV4 and HIF-1/2alpha was observed by mammalian two-hybrid and
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis. HIF-1alpha domain mapping,
      CITED2 overexpression and factor inhibiting HIF depletion experiments provided
      evidence for cooperation between HIF-1alpha and p300/CBP in ETV4 binding.
      Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed ETV4 and HIF-1alpha corecruitment to the
      PHD2 promoter. Of 608 hypoxically induced transcripts found by genome-wide
      expression profiling, 7.7% required ETV4 for efficient hypoxic induction,
      suggesting a broad role of ETV4 in hypoxic gene regulation. Endogenous ETV4
      highly correlated with PHD2, HIF-1/2alpha and several established markers of
      tissue hypoxia in 282 human breast cancer tissue samples, corroborating a
      functional interplay between the ETV4 and HIF pathways.

PMID- 22075994
TI  - Functional and direct interaction between the RNA binding protein HuD and active
      Akt1.
AB  - The RNA binding protein HuD plays essential roles in neuronal development and
      plasticity. We have previously shown that HuD stimulates translation. Key for
      this enhancer function is the linker region and the poly(A) binding domain of HuD
      that are also critical for its function in neurite outgrowth. Here, we further
      explored the underlying molecular interactions and found that HuD but not the
      ubiquitously expressed HuR interacts directly with active Akt1. We identify that
      the linker region of HuD is required for this interaction. We also show by using
      chimeric mutants of HuD and HuR, which contain the reciprocal linker between RNA
      binding domain 2 (RBD2) and RBD3, respectively, and by overexpressing a dominant
      negative mutant of Akt1 that the HuD-Akt1 interaction is functionally important,
      as it is required for the induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. These
      results suggest the model whereby RNA-bound HuD functions as an adapter to
      recruit Akt1 to trigger neurite outgrowth. These data might also help to explain
      how HuD enhances translation of mRNAs that encode proteins involved in neuronal
      development.

PMID- 22075995
TI  - Self-assembled nucleolipids: from supramolecular structure to soft nucleic acid
      and drug delivery devices.
AB  - This short review aims at presenting some recent illustrative examples of
      spontaneous nucleolipids self-assembly. High-resolution structural investigations
      reveal the diversity and complexity of assemblies formed by these bioinspired
      amphiphiles, resulting from the interplay between aggregation of the lipid chains
      and base-base interactions. Nucleolipids supramolecular assemblies are promising
      soft drug delivery systems, particularly for nucleic acids. Regarding prodrugs,
      squalenoylation is an innovative concept for improving efficacy and delivery of
      nucleosidic drugs.

PMID- 22075996
TI  - SNPeffect 4.0: on-line prediction of molecular and structural effects of protein
      coding variants.
AB  - Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are, together with copy number variation, the
      primary source of variation in the human genome and are associated with
      phenotypic variation such as altered response to drug treatment and
      susceptibility to disease. Linking structural effects of non-synonymous SNVs to
      functional outcomes is a major issue in structural bioinformatics. The SNPeffect
      database (http://snpeffect.switchlab.org) uses sequence- and structure-based
      bioinformatics tools to predict the effect of protein-coding SNVs on the
      structural phenotype of proteins. It integrates aggregation prediction (TANGO),
      amyloid prediction (WALTZ), chaperone-binding prediction (LIMBO) and protein
      stability analysis (FoldX) for structural phenotyping. Additionally, SNPeffect
      holds information on affected catalytic sites and a number of post-translational
      modifications. The database contains all known human protein variants from
      UniProt, but users can now also submit custom protein variants for a SNPeffect
      analysis, including automated structure modeling. The new meta-analysis
      application allows plotting correlations between phenotypic features for a user
      selected set of variants.

PMID- 22075997
TI  - STITCH 3: zooming in on protein-chemical interactions.
AB  - To facilitate the study of interactions between proteins and chemicals, we have
      created STITCH, an aggregated database of interactions connecting over 300,000
      chemicals and 2.6 million proteins from 1133 organisms. Compared to the previous
      version, the number of chemicals with interactions and the number of high
      confidence interactions both increase 4-fold. The database can be accessed
      interactively through a web interface, displaying interactions in an integrated
      network view. It is also available for computational studies through downloadable
      files and an API. As an extension in the current version, we offer the option to
      switch between two levels of detail, namely whether stereoisomers of a given
      compound are shown as a merged entity or as separate entities. Separate display
      of stereoisomers is necessary, for example, for carbohydrates and chiral drugs.
      Combining the isomers increases the coverage, as interaction databases and
      publications found through text mining will often refer to compounds without
      specifying the stereoisomer. The database is accessible at
      http://stitch.embl.de/.

PMID- 22075998
TI  - ENCODE whole-genome data in the UCSC Genome Browser: update 2012.
AB  - The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Consortium is entering its 5th year of
      production-level effort generating high-quality whole-genome functional
      annotations of the human genome. The past year has brought the ENCODE compendium
      of functional elements to critical mass, with a diverse set of 27 biochemical
      assays now covering 200 distinct human cell types. Within the mouse genome, which
      has been under study by ENCODE groups for the past 2 years, 37 cell types have
      been assayed. Over 2000 individual experiments have been completed and submitted
      to the Data Coordination Center for public use. UCSC makes this data available on
      the quality-reviewed public Genome Browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu) and on an
      early-access Preview Browser (http://genome-preview.ucsc.edu). Visual browsing,
      data mining and download of raw and processed data files are all supported. An
      ENCODE portal (http://encodeproject.org) provides specialized tools and
      information about the ENCODE data sets.

PMID- 22075999
TI  - Response of blood pressure and blood glucose to treatment with recombinant tissue
      type plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke: evidence from the virtual
      international stroke trials archive.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elevations in blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose are
      common during stroke and may represent a stress response secondary to the acute
      neurological deficit. If so, they should settle more completely in recombinant
      tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA)-treated patients in association with
      improved neurological status. METHODS: We performed a controlled comparison of 24
      hour declines in BP and glucose in rtPA-treated and control patients from the
      Virtual Stroke International Stroke Trial Archive (VISTA) database. Twenty-four
      hour falls in BP and glucose were compared using multiple regression to account
      for baseline imbalances. The logarithmic transformation of glucose was used and
      24-hour differences expressed as ratios of 24 hours to admission geometric means.
      Two-way analysis of variance was used to test for interaction between rtPA and
      early improvement for 24-hour falls in BP and blood glucose. RESULTS: BP analysis
      included 5406 patients (rtPA=41%) and glucose analysis 4288 (rtPA=37%). rtPA
      treated patients were younger, less likely to have a history of hypertension or
      diabetes, and had more severe strokes on admission. BP and glucose were lower at
      baseline in rtPA-treated patients than control subjects. On regression, rtPA
      predicted significantly greater 24-hour falls in systolic BP (beta=3.9; 95% CI,
      2.8-5.0), diastolic BP (beta=3.1; 95% CI, 2.4-3.9), and glucose (beta=0.97; 95%
      CI, 0.95-0.99). rtPA did not interact with early neurological improvement for 24
      hour falls in systolic BP (P=0.72), diastolic BP (P=0.79), or blood glucose
      (P=0.51). CONCLUSIONS: A stress response does not appear to be the principal
      cause of elevations in BP and glucose during stroke.

PMID- 22076001
TI  - Aortic stiffness predicts functional outcome in patients after ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Increased aortic stiffness (measured by carotid-femoral
      pulse wave velocity) and central augmentation index have been shown to
      independently predict cardiovascular events, including stroke. We studied whether
      pulse wave velocity and central augmentation index predict functional outcome
      after ischemic stroke. METHODS: In a prospective study, we enrolled 99 patients
      with acute ischemic stroke (age 63.7 +/- 12.4 years, admission National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 6.6 +/- 6.6, mean +/- SD). Carotid
      femoral pulse wave velocity and central augmentation index (SphygmoCor) were
      measured 1 week after stroke onset. Functional outcome was evaluated 90 days
      after stroke using the modified Rankin Scale with modified Rankin Scale score of
      0 to 1 considered an excellent outcome. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, low
      carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (P=0.000001) and low central augmentation
      index (P=0.028) were significantly associated with excellent stroke outcome. Age,
      severity of stroke, presence of previous stroke, diabetes, heart rate, and
      peripheral pressures also predicted stroke functional outcome. In multivariate
      analysis, the predictive value of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (<9.4 m/s)
      remained significant (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.79; P=0.02) after adjustment for
      age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission, and presence
      of previous stroke. By contrast, central augmentation index had no significant
      predictive value after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that aortic
      stiffness is an independent predictor of functional outcome in patients with
      acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22076000
TI  - Concurrent validity and reliability of retrospective scoring of the Pediatric
      National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      (PedNIHSS), an adaptation of the adult National Institutes of Health Stroke
      Scale, is a quantitative measure of stroke severity shown to be reliable when
      scored prospectively. The ability to calculate the PedNIHSS score retrospectively
      would be invaluable in the conduct of observational pediatric stroke studies. The
      study objective was to assess the concurrent validity and reliability of
      estimating the PedNIHSS score retrospectively from medical records. METHODS:
      Neurological examinations from medical records of 75 children enrolled in a
      prospective PedNIHSS validation study were photocopied. Four neurologists of
      varying training levels blinded to the prospective PedNIHSS scores reviewed the
      records and retrospectively assigned PedNIHSS scores. Retrospective scores were
      compared among raters and to the prospective scores. RESULTS: Total retrospective
      PedNIHSS scores correlated highly with total prospective scores (R(2)=0.76).
      Interrater reliability for the total scores was "excellent" (intraclass
      correlation coefficient, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.97). Interrater reliability for
      individual test items was "substantial" or "excellent" for 14 of 15 items.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PedNIHSS score can be scored retrospectively from medical
      records with a high degree of concurrent validity and reliability. This tool can
      be used to improve the quality of retrospective pediatric stroke studies.

PMID- 22076002
TI  - Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 by a peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist contributes to neuroprotection in
      the peri-infarct region after ischemia in oophorectomized rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of the phosphorylated signal transducer and
      activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT3) after cerebral ischemia by the peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonist pioglitazone (PGZ)
      remains controversial. Whether the increase in p-STAT3 by estrogen is mediated by
      the estrogen receptor alpha is also obscure. We examined the role of p-STAT3,
      PPARgamma, and estrogen receptor alpha against ischemic brain damage after PGZ
      treatment. METHODS: Female Wistar rats subjected or not subjected to bilateral
      oophorectomy were injected with 1.0 or 2.5 mg/kg PGZ 2 days, 1 day, and 1 hour
      before 90-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion and compared with
      vehicle-control rats. RESULTS: The cortical infarct size was larger in
      ovariectomized than in nonovarietomized rats; it was reduced by PGZ treatment.
      Inversely with the reduction of the infarct size, PPARgamma, and p-STAT3 but not
      estrogen receptor alpha in the peri-infarct area were increased in PGZ-treated
      compared with vehicle-control rats. The increase in PPARgamma and p-STAT3 was
      associated with the transactivation of antiapoptotic and survival genes and the
      reduction of caspase-3 in this area. Inhibitors of PPARgamma or STAT3 abolished
      the PGZ-induced neuroprotection and the increase in p-STAT3. More importantly, p
      STAT3 increased by PGZ was bound to PPARgamma and the complex translocated to the
      nucleus to dock to the response element through p-STAT3. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings suggest that the activation in the peri-infarct region of p-STAT3 and
      PPARgamma by PGZ is essential for neuroprotection after ischemia and that PGZ may
      be of benefit even in postmenopausal stroke patients.

PMID- 22076003
TI  - Low-molecular-weight heparin in atherosclerotic stroke: a surprising resurrection
      of anticoagulants?

PMID- 22076004
TI  - Low-molecular-weight heparin versus aspirin for acute ischemic stroke with large
      artery occlusive disease: subgroup analyses from the Fraxiparin in Stroke Study
      for the treatment of ischemic stroke (FISS-tris) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Fraxiparin in Stroke Study for the treatment of
      ischemic stroke (FISS-tris) study showed no superiority of low-molecular-weight
      heparin (LMWH) over aspirin for the primary end point (Barthel Index) in acute
      ischemic stroke due to large artery occlusive disease. This study aims to
      evaluate the efficacy of LMWH and aspirin in selected subgroups so as to generate
      hypotheses for further studies. METHODS: The FISS-tris study was a multicenter,
      randomized trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of LMWH (nadroparin
      calcium 3800 antifactor Xa IU/0.4 mL subcutaneously twice daily) or aspirin (160
      mg once daily) for the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke and large
      artery occlusive disease. The primary outcome was the Barthel Index score
      dichotomized at 85 6 months poststroke. Exploratory subgroup analysis was
      performed using different levels of baseline characteristics and the distribution
      of symptomatic arteries. RESULTS: Compared with aspirin, LMWH improved outcome
      among older patients >68 years (P=0.043; OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.02-3.41) without
      ongoing antiplatelet treatment on admission (P=0.029; OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.06
      3.21) and with symptomatic posterior circulation arterial disease (P=0.001; OR,
      5.76; 95% CI, 2.00-16.56). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that LMWH may be of
      benefit in certain subgroups of patients with acute cerebral infarct and large
      artery occlusive disease. Hence, further investigation of LMWH may be justified
      in subgroups such as the elderly, nonusers of antiplatelet agents, and patients
      with posterior circulation stenosis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      www.strokecenter.org/trials. Unique identifier: registration no. 493.

PMID- 22076005
TI  - Moderate dietary restriction reduces p53-mediated neurovascular damage and
      microglia activation after hypoxic ischemia in neonatal brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurovascular damage, including neuronal apoptosis and
      blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, and microglia activation account for the
      hypoxic-ischemia (HI) susceptibility in neonatal brain. The p53 upregulation is
      involved in apoptosis, endothelial cell damage, and microglia activation. We
      hypothesized that underweight induced by dietary restriction (DR) protects
      against HI in rat pups by attenuating p53-mediated neurovascular damage. METHODS:
      Male rat pups were grouped as normal litter (NL) size (12 pups/dam), DR (18
      pups/dam), and extreme DR (24 pups/dam) from postnatal day 1 and subjected to HI
      on postnatal day 7. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to
      determine p53, phospho-murine double minute-2, caspases, BBB damage and microglia
      activation, and immunofluorescence to determine the cellular distribution of p53.
      Pharmacological approaches were used to regulate p53. RESULTS: The NL, DR, and
      extreme DR pups had similar TUNEL-positive cells and caspases on postnatal day 7
      and comparable learning performance at adulthood. After HI, the DR-HI, but not
      extreme DR-HI, pups had significantly lower p53, higher phospho-murine double
      minute-2, lower cleaved caspases, less BBB damage and microglia activation, and
      less brain volume loss than NL-HI pups. In NL-HI pups, p53 expression was located
      mainly in the neurons, endothelial cells, and microglia. The p53 blockage by
      pifithrin-alpha in NL-HI pups decreased apoptosis, BBB damage, and microglia
      activation, and was neuroprotective. In contrast, upregulating p53 by nutlin-3 in
      DR-HI pups increased apoptosis, BBB damage, and microglia activation, and
      worsened brain damage. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate DR, but not extreme DR, reduces p53
      mediated neurovascular damage after HI and confers long-term protection in
      neonatal brain.

PMID- 22076006
TI  - Plasmalemma permeability and necrotic cell death phenotypes after intracerebral
      hemorrhage in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Traumatic and ischemic brain injury induce plasmalemma
      permeability and necrosis; however, no studies have examined these aspects of
      cellular injury in intracerebral hemorrhage models. METHODS: In vivo propidium
      iodide (PI) and YOYO-1 were used to assess plasmalemma damage after collagenase
      induced intracerebral hemorrhage in mice. Ex vivo aspartylglutamylvalylaspartic
      acid, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and
      electron microscopy were used to assess the relationship between plasmalemma
      permeability and mode of cell death. Cell types vulnerable to plasmalemma damage
      were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Plasmalemma permeability was
      first detected in the lesion at 1 to 3 hours and peaked at 48 to 72 hours.
      Neurons and IBA-1-positive cells with morphological features of monocytes were
      sensitive, whereas resident microglia and astrocytes were resistant to
      plasmalemma permeability. PI+ cells colocalized with fluorescent-labeled caspase
      substrates and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end
      labeling beginning at 3 to 6 hours. At 48 hours, greater than half of injured
      cells were PI+/aspartylglutamylvalylaspartic acid- or PI+/terminal
      deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling- suggesting necrosis,
      and <5% were PI-/terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end
      labeling+ or PI-/aspartylglutamylvalylaspartic acid+. Electron microscopy
      confirmed ultrastructural features of necrosis at 24 hours after intracerebral
      hemorrhage, high mobility group box protein-1 was released from permeable cells,
      and mice deficient in receptor interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 3, a known
      necrosis trigger, had 50% less PI+ cells at 24 hours. Permeable cells remained in
      the brain for at least 24 hours with <10% spontaneous resealing. CONCLUSIONS:
      Necrosis contributes to cell demise after intracerebral hemorrhage. Programmed
      necrosis and plasmalemma damage may represent novel therapeutic targets to
      prevent cell death or rescue injured cells after intracerebral hemorrhage.

PMID- 22076008
TI  - Relative survival after transient ischaemic attack: results from the Program of
      Research Informing Stroke Management (PRISM) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a lack of modern-day data quantifying the effect
      of transient ischemic attack (TIA) on survival, and recent data do not take into
      account expected survival. METHODS: Data for 22 157 adults hospitalized with a
      TIA from July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2007, in New South Wales, Australia, were
      linked with registered deaths to June 30, 2009. We estimated survival relative to
      the age- and sex-matched general population up to 9-years after hospitalization
      for TIA comparing relative risk of excess death between selected subgroups.
      RESULTS: At 1 year, 91.5% of hospitalized patients with TIA survived compared
      with 95.0% expected survival in the general population. After 5 years, observed
      survival was 13.2% lower than expected in relative terms. By 9 years, observed
      survival was 20% lower than expected. Females had higher relative survival than
      males (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.90; P<0.001). Increasing age was
      associated with an increasing risk of excess death compared with the age-matched
      population. Prior hospitalization for stroke (relative risk, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.98
      3.49) but not TIA (relative risk, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.86-2.35) significantly
      increased the risk of excess death. Of all risk factors assessed, congestive
      heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and prior hospitalization for stroke most
      strongly impacted survival. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to quantify the
      long-term effect of hospitalized TIA on relative survival according to age, sex,
      and medical history. TIA reduces survival by 4% in the first year and by 20%
      within 9 years. TIA has a minimal effect on mortality in patients <50 years but
      heralds significant reduction in life expectancy in those >65 years.

PMID- 22076009
TI  - Acute hemodynamic disturbances during lumbar spine surgery.

PMID- 22076007
TI  - Differential susceptibility to axonopathy in necrotic and non-necrotic perinatal
      white matter injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: White matter injury (WMI) is the leading cause of brain
      injury in preterm survivors and results in myelination failure. Although axonal
      degeneration occurs in necrotic lesions, the role of axonopathy in myelination
      failure remains controversial for diffuse non-necrotic WMI, which is currently
      the major form of WMI. We determined the burden of axonopathy in diffuse lesions.
      METHODS: We analyzed WMI in a preterm fetal sheep model of global cerebral
      ischemia that replicates the relative burden of necrotic and non-necrotic human
      WMI. WMI was analyzed at 1 or 2 weeks after ischemia and identified by ex vivo
      high-field (11.7 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging of fixed brain tissue. Axonal
      integrity was analyzed by immunohistochemical detection of axon injury markers
      and by transmission electron microscopy to quantify axon loss and degeneration in
      magnetic resonance imaging-defined lesions. RESULTS: Axonal degeneration, defined
      by staining for neurofilament protein and beta-amyloid precursor protein, was
      restricted to discrete necrotic foci with robust microglial activation.
      Unexpectedly, axonal degeneration was not visualized in the major form of WMI,
      which comprised large non-necrotic lesions with diffuse reactive astrogliosis. In
      these major lesions, quantitative electron microscopy studies confirmed no
      significant differences in the density of intact and degenerating axons or in the
      distribution of axon diameters relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism
      of myelination failure differs significantly in perinatal WMI dependent on the
      burden of necrosis. Axonopathy is associated with focal necrotic injury but not
      with primary diffuse non-necrotic lesions, which supports that intact axons in
      the primary lesions are potential targets for myelination.

PMID- 22076010
TI  - A bridge too far.

PMID- 22076011
TI  - Risk stratification schemes, anticoagulation use and outcomes: the risk-
      treatment paradox in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether warfarin use and outcomes differ across CHADS(2)
      and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc risk strata for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).
      DESIGN: Population-based cohort study using linked administrative databases in
      Alberta, Canada. SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient. PATIENTS: 42,834 consecutive
      patients >= 20 years of age with newly diagnosed NVAF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Cerebrovascular events and/or mortality in the first year after diagnosis.
      RESULTS: Of 42,834 NVAF patients, 22.7% were low risk on the CHADS(2) risk score
      (0), 27.5% were intermediate risk (1), and 49.8% were high risk (>= 2). The
      CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc risk score reclassified 16,722 patients such that 7.8% were
      defined low risk, 13.8% intermediate risk and 78.4% high risk. Of the elderly
      cohort (>= 65 years) with definite NVAF visits (at least two encounters 30 days
      apart, n = 8780), 49% were taking warfarin within 90 days of diagnosis. Warfarin
      use did not differ across risk strata using either the CHADS(2) (p for trend =
      0.85) or CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC (p = 0.35). In multivariable adjusted analyses,
      warfarin use was associated with substantially lower rates of death or
      cerebrovascular events for patients with CHADS(2) scores of 1 (OR 0.52, 95% CI
      0.41 to 0.67) or >= 2 (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.71), or CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores
      of >= 2 (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with
      NVAF and elevated CHADS(2) or CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC scores, warfarin users exhibited
      lower rates of cerebrovascular events and mortality. However, warfarin use did
      not differ across risk strata, another example of the risk--treatment paradox in
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22076013
TI  - Systems of care for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in India.
AB  - The prevalence of coronary artery disease and ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) are increasing in India. Although recent publications have focused on
      improving preventive measures in developing countries, less attention has been
      placed on the acute management of STEMI. Recent policy changes in India have
      provided new opportunities to address existing barriers but require greater
      investment and support in the coming years.

PMID- 22076014
TI  - High platelet reactivity to multiple agonists during aspirin and clopidogrel
      treatment is indicative of a global hyperreactive platelet phenotype.

PMID- 22076015
TI  - The neglected role of blood pressure in acute heart failure syndrome.

PMID- 22076017
TI  - Final kissing balloon inflations after main vessel stenting in coronary
      bifurcations: not always, but sometimes.

PMID- 22076016
TI  - Very early diagnosis of chest pain by point-of-care testing: comparison of the
      diagnostic efficiency of a panel of cardiac biomarkers compared with troponin
      measurement alone in the RATPAC trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of triple marker testing on patient management
      and the diagnostic efficiencies of different biomarker strategies examined.
      DESIGN: A prospective randomised trial of triple marker testing by point-of-care
      testing (POCT); the Randomised Assessment of Panel Assay of Cardiac markers
      (RATPAC) study. SETTING: Six emergency departments. PATIENTS: Low-risk patients
      presenting with chest pain to diagnostic assessment with a cardiac panel measured
      by POCT or to diagnosis when biomarker measurement was based on central
      laboratory testing. Interventions 1125 patients were randomly assigned to POCT
      measurement of the triple marker panel of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), myoglobin
      and the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) on admission and 90 min from
      admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Myocardial infarction (MI) was defined by the
      universal definition of MI. The following diagnostic strategies were compared by
      receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and comparison of area
      under the curve (AUC): individual marker values, change (Delta) in CK-MB and
      myoglobin and the combination of presentation or 90 min value plus Delta value.
      RESULTS: Admission sample measurement of cTnI was the most diagnostically
      efficient AUC 0.96 (0.93-0.98) with areas under the ROC curve statistically
      significantly greater than CK-MB 0.85 (0.80-0.90) and myoglobin 0.75 (0.68-0.81).
      At 90 min cTnI measurement had the highest AUC 0.95 (0.87-1.00) but was
      statistically significantly different only from Deltamyoglobin and DeltaCK-MB.
      CONCLUSION: Measurement of cTnI alone is sufficient for diagnosis. Measurement of
      a marker panel does not facilitate diagnosis.

PMID- 22076019
TI  - Effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function and the expression of
      proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in young subjects with
      successfully repaired coarctation of aorta.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function and
      low-grade systemic inflammation in subjects with successful surgery for aortic
      coarctation repair (SCR). DESIGN: Open-label study. SETTING: Outpatients visiting
      the adult congenital heart disease department of our hospital. PATIENTS: 34 young
      people with SCR. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with SCR received atorvastatin 10 mg/day
      (n=17) or no treatment (n=17) for 4 weeks. At baseline and at 4 weeks,
      endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the right
      brachial artery, and blood samples were obtained. Serum levels of interleukin
      (IL) 1b, IL-6 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were
      determined by ELISA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effects of treatment on FMD and serum
      levels of IL-1b, IL-6 and sVCAM-1. RESULTS: FMD in the atorvastatin group was
      significantly improved after 4 weeks (from 6.46+/-0.95% to 11.24+/-1.38%,
      p<0.01), while remaining unchanged in the control group (from 6.74+/-0.58% to
      6.95+/-0.53%, p=NS). Even though atorvastatin had no effect on serum IL-6 levels
      (0.62 (0.37-0.88) pg/ml to 0.53 (0.28-0.73) pg/ml, p=NS), it significantly
      reduced circulating levels of IL-1b (from 1.17 (0.92-1.77) pg/ml to 1.02 (0.75
      1.55) pg/ml, p<0.05) and sVCAM-1 (from 883.4 (660.3-1093.1) ng/ml to 801.4 (566.7
      1030.2) ng/ml, p<0.05). No changes were seen in serum levels of IL-6, IL-1b and
      sVCAM-1 in the control group after 4 weeks compared with baseline (p=NS for all).
      CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin treatment for 4 weeks in subjects with SCR
      significantly improved endothelial function and suppressed systemic inflammatory
      status by decreasing circulating levels of IL-1b and sVCAM-1.

PMID- 22076020
TI  - Mistaken conclusions.

PMID- 22076021
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients
      ineligible for conventional aortic valve replacement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI) compared with medical management in patients with severe
      aortic stenosis who are ineligible for conventional aortic valve replacement
      (SAVR) from the perspective of the UK National Health Service. DESIGN:
      Probabilistic decision analytical model. METHODS: A decision analytical model was
      developed to assess the costs and benefits associated with both interventions
      over a 10-year time horizon. A literature review was performed to identify
      relevant clinical evidence. Health-related quality of life and mortality were
      included using data from the PARTNER clinical trial (cohort B). Unit costs were
      taken from national databases. Costs and benefits were discounted at 3.5% per
      year, and extensive sensitivity analyses (probabilistic and deterministic) were
      performed to explore the impact of uncertainty on the cost-effectiveness
      estimates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with
      benefits expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS: The base case
      ICER was approximately L16,100 per QALY gained. At a cost-effectiveness threshold
      of L20,000 per QALY gained, the probability that TAVI was cost-effective compared
      with medical management was 1.00. The results were robust to changes in key
      clinical parameters as well as choice of baseline survival data. The observed
      PARTNER survival data only have to be extrapolated for 2 years to generate an
      ICER below L30 000 per QALY gained, which is the upper value of the threshold
      range used by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the
      UK. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI is highly likely to be a cost-effective treatment for
      patients with severe aortic stenosis who are currently ineligible for SAVR.

PMID- 22076022
TI  - Prevalence and outcome of subclinical rheumatic heart disease in India: the
      RHEUMATIC (Rheumatic Heart Echo Utilisation and Monitoring Actuarial Trends in
      Indian Children) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and medium term outcome of subclinical
      rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in India. DESIGN: Cross sectional echocardiographic
      screening study. SETTING: School children aged 5-15 years living in rural areas
      of north India. PATIENTS: A cross sectional echocardiographic screening study was
      carried out among 6270 randomly selected school children aged 5-15 years (10.8 +/
      2.6 years; 52.7% male). Of all the abnormal cases, 100 children (78%) were
      restudied at a mean follow-up of 15.4 +/- 6.6 months. INTERVENTION:
      Echocardiographic screening. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Echocardiography-Doppler
      criteria based prevalence of RHD. RESULTS: Clinical examination detected mitral
      regurgitation in five patients and the estimated prevalence of clinical RHD was
      0.8/1000 school children. Echocardiography-Doppler diagnosed RHD in 128 cases,
      giving a prevalence of 20.4/1000 school children (95% CI 16.9 to 23.9/1000
      children). On multivariate analysis, older age (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.88; p =
      0.001), female sex (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.72; p = 0.002) and government
      funded school student, which is a surrogate measure of lower socioeconomic status
      (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.34; p = 0.039) were found to be independent predictors
      of RHD. On follow up, the severity of subclinical RHD was non-progressive in 68
      children (68%) while it worsened in four (4%) and regressed in 28 children (28%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of RHD is several fold higher using echocardiographic
      screening compared with clinical examination. The prevalence is higher among
      girls and children of lower socioeconomic status. In the majority of cases,
      subclinical RHD appears to be non-progressive on medium term follow up. Routine
      echocardiographic screening may be indicated in populations at high risk of RHD.

PMID- 22076023
TI  - Reading Skills in Children with Multichannel Cochlear-lmplant Experience.
AB  - Forty children with prelingual, profound deafness who received the Nucleus
      multichannel cochlear implant between the ages of 2 and 13 years participated in
      this study. The children had an average of 63.3 months (SD=24 months) of
      experience with their cochlear implants. A majority of the children used
      simultaneous communication and attended public-school programs at the time of
      testing. Reading achievement was assessed using the Paragraph Comprehension
      subtest of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised, Form G (1987). This study
      compared the reading-achievement levels of this group of cochlear-implant users
      with the results of previous studies of children with profound hearing losses who
      did not have the benefit of cochlear implants. Results indicated that nearly one
      half of the children in this study were reading at or within 8 months of their
      grade level. The reading-grade quotient of .74 was calculated based upon the
      slope of the regression line for the plot of years in school and reading grade
      level achieved. This finding indicates that using a cochlear implant has a
      positive effect on reading achievement level.

PMID- 22076025
TI  - Symbionts and pathogens: what is the difference?
AB  - The ecological relationships that organisms establish with others can be
      considered as broad and diverse as the forms of life that inhabit and interact in
      our planet. Those interactions can be considered as a continuum spectrum, ranging
      from beneficial to detrimental outcomes. However, this picture has revealed as
      more complex and dynamic than previously thought, involving not only factors that
      affect the two or more members that interact, but also external forces, with
      chance playing a crucial role in this interplay. Thus, defining a particular
      symbiont as mutualist or pathogen in an exclusive way, based on simple rules of
      classification is increasingly challenging if not unfeasible, since new
      methodologies are providing more evidences that depict exceptions, reversions and
      transitions within either side of this continuum, especially evident at early
      stages of symbiotic associations. This imposes a wider and more dynamic view of a
      complex landscape of interactions.

PMID- 22076026
TI  - A Statistical Approach to Thermal Management of Data Centers Under Steady State
      and System Perturbations.
AB  - Temperature control for a large data center is both important and expensive. On
      the one hand, many of the components produce a great deal of heat, and on the
      other hand, many of the components require temperatures below a fairly low
      threshold for reliable operation. A statistical framework is proposed within
      which the behavior of a large cooling system can be modeled and forecast under
      both steady state and perturbations. This framework is based upon an extension of
      multivariate Gaussian autoregressive hidden Markov models (HMMs). The estimated
      parameters of the fitted model provide useful summaries of the overall behavior
      of and relationships within the cooling system. Predictions under system
      perturbations are useful for assessing potential changes and improvements to be
      made to the system. Many data centers have far more cooling capacity than
      necessary under sensible circumstances, thus resulting in energy inefficiencies.
      Using this model, predictions for system behavior after a particular component of
      the cooling system is shut down or reduced in cooling power can be generated.
      Steady-state predictions are also useful for facility monitors. System traces
      outside control boundaries flag a change in behavior to examine. The proposed
      model is fit to data from a group of air conditioners within an enterprise data
      center from the IT industry. The fitted model is examined, and a particular unit
      is found to be underutilized. Predictions generated for the system under the
      removal of that unit appear very reasonable. Steady-state system behavior also is
      predicted well.

PMID- 22076024
TI  - Gold nanoparticles: preparation, properties, and applications in
      bionanotechnology.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are important components for biomedical applications.
      AuNPs have been widely employed for diagnostics, and have seen increasing use in
      the area of therapeutics. In this mini-review, we present fabrication strategies
      for AuNPs and highlight a selection of recent applications of these materials in
      bionanotechnology.

PMID- 22076027
TI  - Cross-effects of nickel contamination and parasitism on zebra mussel physiology.
AB  - Aquatic organisms are exposed to pollution which may make them more susceptible
      to infections and diseases. The present investigation evaluated effects of nickel
      contamination and parasitism (ciliates Ophryoglena spp. and intracellular
      bacteria Rickettsiales-like organisms), alone and in combination, on biological
      responses of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, and also the infestation
      abilities of parasites, under laboratory controlled conditions. Results showed
      that after 48 h, more organisms were infected in nickel-exposed groups, which
      could be related to weakening of their immune system. Acting separately, nickel
      contamination and infections were already stressful conditions; however, their
      combined action caused stronger biological responses in zebra mussels. Our data,
      therefore, confirm that the parasitism in D. polymorpha represents a potential
      confounding factor in ecotoxicological studies that involve this bivalve.

PMID- 22076028
TI  - Insecticides reduce survival and the expression of traits associated with
      carnivory of carnivorous plants.
AB  - While agrochemical pollution is thought to be an important conservation threat to
      carnivorous plants, the effects of insecticides on these taxa have not been
      quantified previously. Using a combination of lab- and field-based experiments,
      we tested the effects of commercial and technical grades of three widely used
      insecticides (carbaryl, lambda-cyhalothrin, and malathion) on survival and the
      expression of traits associated with carnivory of pink sundews (Drosera
      capillaris) and Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula). Commercial grades were
      generally more harmful than technical grades under lab and field conditions, but
      all three insecticides were capable of reducing both survival and the expression
      of traits associated with carnivory within recommended application rates.
      However, pink sundews appeared to be more susceptible to insecticides than Venus
      flytraps, perhaps because of larger numbers of digestive glands on the leaf
      surfaces. We make several recommendations for future research directions, such as
      examining the long-term effects of insecticides on carnivorous plant populations,
      for example in terms of growth rates and fitness. Additionally, future research
      should include representative species from a wider-range of carnivorous plant
      growth forms, and explore the mechanism by which insecticides are harming the
      plants. Given the effects we observed in the present study, we suggest that the
      use of insecticides should be carefully managed in areas containing vulnerable
      carnivorous plant species.

PMID- 22076029
TI  - Treatment of cancer cachexia in mice by combination of dsRNA-dependent protein
      kinase inhibitor and medroxyprogesterone acetate.
AB  - Inhibitor of dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKRI) and medroxyprogesterone
      acetate (MPA) improve cancer cachexia via different mechanisms. We aimed to
      compare these two drugs, alone or in combination, in cancer cachexia in mice.
      Forty male BABL/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into PKRI, MPA,
      PKRI+MPA, placebo, and healthy control groups. The first 4 groups were injected
      with colon-26 adenocarcinoma and fed for 12 days and then treated with PKRI and
      MPA alone or in combination for 7 days. Body weight, tumor volume, wet weight of
      gastrocnemius muscle, serum levels of nutritional markers and cytokines were
      measured. The tumor growth (volume and weight) of mice treated with PKRI, MPA
      alone or PKRI+MPA was slower than that of placebo group. Wet weight of
      gastrocnemius muscle was significantly higher in PKRI and PKRI+MPA-treated than
      in placebo animals (P<0.01). All tumor-bearing mice had a significantly lower
      level of blood glucose, higher level of serum triglyceride and lower level of
      serum albumin compared with healthy control (P<0.001). However, PKRI, MPA and
      PKRI+MPA groups had a significant higher level of blood glucose and lower level
      of serum triglyceride compared with placebo group (P<0.001). All tumor bearing
      mice had a significant higher level of serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 compared
      with healthy control (P<0.001). Serum level of TNF-alpha and IL-6 was
      significantly lower in PKRI and PKRI+MPA-treated than in placebo animals
      (P<0.01). PKRI alone and combination therapy with PKRI and MPA reduce tumor
      growth and may alleviate cachexia.

PMID- 22076030
TI  - TUNEL-positive cells in the surgical border of an amputation due to infected
      diabetic foot.
AB  - Diabetic infected foot is the outcome of progressive vascular and neurological
      damage caused by persistent chronic hyperglycemia. Due to acute hypoxia and
      infection, the tissues develop extensive necrosis and gangrene, which often
      require amputation. The decision regarding the level of amputation relies mainly
      on the personal experience of the surgeon who must identify the healthy tissue
      without necrosis. However, tissue cells under stress may succumb before clear
      evidence of necrosis is present. In this study, dying cells with DNA damage were
      identified in the necrotic lesions and surgical borders of amputations.
      Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to identify apoptosis in the
      surgical borders of amputations required to treat infected diabetic foot.
      Apoptosis was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated bio
      dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) in the superficial and deep tissues of wounds, and
      in the surgical borders of 10 consecutive adult patients with diabetes mellitus
      type 2 (DM2) who underwent amputation due to infected diabetic foot. The severity
      of the disease was classified by the Acute Physiological and Chronic Health
      Evaluation II (APACHE II) score on admission, and laboratory data were collected
      and bacteriological cultures were obtained from the lesions. The ankle/arm blood
      pressure index was measured, the blood flow in the affected limb was evaluated by
      high-resolution ultrasonography and color Doppler and pulse oximetry were
      performed during surgery. A total of 5 males and 5 females, aged 45-84 years
      (58.8 +/- 14.1), were included. The APACHE II score was 2-18 points (8 +/- 5.7).
      A total of 9 patients developed sepsis and 2 succumbed. A total of 5 patients
      required above-ankle amputation, and 5 required toe disarticulation. The
      ankle/arm blood pressure index ranged from 0.23-0.85 (0.51 +/- 0.23). Apoptotic
      cells were found in ulcers and abscesses, and in areas without necrosis. In the
      surgical borders of the amputations, apoptotic cells were found in skeletal
      muscle, blood vessels and peripheral nerves, particularly Schwann cells.
      Morphometric analysis revealed that the extent of apoptosis was 2-3 logarithms
      higher in the surgical borders of the infected diabetic foot compared to the
      venous ulcers, which were used as the reference. In conclusion, apoptosis was
      identified in regenerating tissues within diabetic foot wounds and in the
      surgical borders of amputations, where the surgeon considered the tissues to be
      undamaged. This information suggests that apoptosis may be present before visible
      signs of necrosis appear in the diabetic foot and may be caused by hypoxia,
      acidosis or proinflammatory cytokines. The extent of apoptosis in tissues
      proximal to necrotic areas may anticipate the development of diabetic foot and
      help the surgeon to make decisions regarding the need and extent of amputation.

PMID- 22076031
TI  - Glucocorticoid sensitivity in mood disorders.
AB  - In this review, we provide an overview of recent literature on glucocorticoid
      (GC) sensitivity in mood disorders. Assessing GC sensitivity is often performed
      by measuring the cortisol awakening rise (CAR), by challenging the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis using a dexamethasone suppression test (DST) or a
      dexamethasone/cortisol-releasing hormone test (DEX/CRH); more recently by
      measuring cortisol as a retrospective calendar in scalp hair. The main findings
      in mood disorders are higher mean cortisol levels in hair samples and a higher
      CAR, showing a hyperactivity of the HPA axis. This is in line with the mild
      resistance for GCs previously observed in challenge tests during mood episodes.
      GC sensitivity is partly determined by polymorphisms in the genes encoding
      receptors and other proteins involved in the regulation of the HPA axis. We
      shortly discuss the glucocorticoid receptor, as well as the mineralocorticoid
      receptor, the cortisol-releasing hormone receptor-1, and the glucocorticoid
      receptor co-chaperone FKBP5. Data clearly indicate genetic changes, along with
      epigenetic changes which influence the set-point and regulation of the HPA axis.
      Early trauma, as well as influences in utero, appears to be important. Future
      research is necessary to further clarify the biological background and
      consequences of an individual's cortisol exposure in relation to mood.

PMID- 22076032
TI  - Accessory mental nerve: case report, review and its role in trigeminal neuralgia.
AB  - The presence of accessory mental nerve (AMN) is rare and only few cases have been
      reported. Peripheral neurectomy of the mental nerve is one of the treatments of
      choice in cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) affecting the mental nerve. Failure
      to remove the mental nerve with all its branches completely is the main reason
      behind its regrowth leading to recurrence of the disease. Presence of AMN may be
      missed out during routine surgery leading to persistence of the neuralgic pain
      associated with the AMN. The purpose of this article is to present a case where
      an AMN was found accidently after excision of the mental nerve in a case of TGN.
      The AMN was dissected to its complete length and excised. The patient was
      followed up on monthly basis and there was no recurrence found 24 months
      postoperatively.

PMID- 22076033
TI  - Complexation of novel diglycolamide functionalized calix[4]arenes: unusual
      extraction behaviour, transport, and fluorescence studies.
AB  - Three diglycolamide functionalized calix[4]arenes (calix[4]-nDGA) were
      synthesized and evaluated for their extraction behaviour towards
      lanthanide/actinide ions. Exceptionally high D(Am) and D(Pu) values indicate
      these radiotoxic elements can be selectively removed from nuclear waste
      solutions. Transport and laser induced fluorescence studies indicated strong
      complexation of the trivalent metal ions with the calix[4]-4DGA ligand.

PMID- 22076034
TI  - Maspin increases Ku70 acetylation and Bax-mediated cell death in cancer cells.
AB  - Ku70, a DNA repair protein, was recently identified as a critical anti-apoptotic
      protein that inhibits Bax translocation to mitochondria. The dissociation of Bax
      from Ku70 is essential for the apoptotic activity of Bax. Here, we show that
      maspin, a tumor suppressor protein frequently lost in cancer, regulates this
      process. Maspin increased cell death in a Ku70 acetylation-dependent manner.
      Maspin inhibited histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and thus increased the acetylation
      of Ku70 and the dissociation of Bax from Ku70, which led to the induction of
      apoptosis. These results reveal maspin as a Ku70-interacting molecule and provide
      the basis for a new endogenous acetylation-based control mechanism that reduces
      Ku70-mediated sequestration of Bax from mitochondria.

PMID- 22076035
TI  - Cobedding of twins or higher-order multiples: NANN position statement #3053.

PMID- 22076036
TI  - Group medical claims as a source of information on worker health and potentially
      work-related diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To help address underrecognition of occupational illnesses and support
      planning of workplace health initiatives. METHODS: Data from Highmark Inc., a
      health care insurer headquartered in Pittsburgh and Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was
      used to calculate age and gender-adjusted rates of 15 diseases by industry and
      broad industry sector. RESULTS: Significant industry differences in disease rates
      were observed, some corresponding to known differences in workplace risk factors.
      CONCLUSION: Group medical claims offer timely, relatively low cost, longitudinal
      data on rates of physician-diagnosed cases and costs of many diseases for large
      populations. Limitations of medical claims data include inaccuracies in industry
      coding, lack of occupation codes, and lack of key variables that affect health.
      Yet, some elevated industry rates suggest potential new targets for wellness
      programs and evaluation of possible workplace health risks.

PMID- 22076037
TI  - Messenger RNA expression and genetic polymorphisms of cell cycle control genes
      and chromosomal aberrations in Chinese vinyl chloride monomer-exposed workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expressions of p53, p21, and CCND1 in the peripheral
      blood lymphocytes of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)-exposed workers and potential
      relationships with their exposures, polymorphisms, and chromosomal aberrations.
      METHODS: The study was performed on 77 occupationally VCM-exposed workers and 43
      unexposed controls. The quantities of mRNA expression of p53, p21, and CCND1
      genes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: p53 mRNA
      expression of VCM-low- and high-exposure groups was significantly lower than that
      of nonexposed group (P < 0.001), but p21 mRNA expression of the two VCM-exposed
      groups was significantly higher than that of the nonexposed group (P < 0.001).
      This study did not find the relationship between chromosomal aberrations,
      genotypes, and the expression of p53, p21, and CCND1. CONCLUSIONS: Messenger RNA
      expressions of p53 and p21 are changed with VCM-exposure status.

PMID- 22076038
TI  - Preterm, low-birth-weight deliveries, and farmwork among Latinas in California.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between preterm and low-birth-weight
      (PTLBW) delivery and maternal occupation among Latina women in California.
      METHODS: A cohort of 1024 Latina women in Stockton, California, was observed from
      baseline to delivery. The association between PTLBW delivery and maternal
      occupation (farmwork, nonfarmwork, no work) was analyzed using multiple logistic
      regression models. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics varied widely between the
      three occupation groups. The adjusted odds ratio of a PTLBW delivery for
      farmworkers compared with women who did not work was 1.28 (95% CI, 0.65 to 2.54).
      CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe a statistically significant association between
      PTLBW delivery and farmwork in this population. Nevertheless, the relationship
      between acculturation and risky health behaviors suggests that studies
      investigating the association between maternal employment and adverse pregnancy
      outcomes among Latinas need to account for a participant's acculturation status.

PMID- 22076039
TI  - Are occupational factors and mental difficulty associated with occupational
      injury?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between biomechanical, physical, and
      psychological demands and occupational injury according to depressive symptoms
      severity. METHODS: Two thousand eight hundred eighty-two French working people
      completed a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, smoking,
      alcohol consumption, obesity, job, chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, and
      injuries during the previous 2-year period. Data were analyzed using logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Occupational injury (9.2%) strongly related to
      biomechanical, physical, and psychological demands among depressive-symptoms-free
      workers (odds ratios ranging from 1.35 to 3.15). These relationships were
      stronger among the workers with depressive symptoms without medical treatment
      (11.9%) and among those with persistent symptoms despite a treatment (1.7%), with
      odds ratios up to 12. These associations were partially confounded (up to 51%) by
      unhealthy behaviors, health status, and chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: High
      occupational demands and depressive symptoms can be early identified and
      monitored to prevent injury.

PMID- 22076040
TI  - Evaluation of occupational exposure to magnetic fields and motor neuron disease
      mortality in a population-based cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiologic evidence for the association between electromagnetic
      fields and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of motor neuron
      disease (MND), has been inconclusive. We evaluated the association between
      electromagnetic fields and MND among workers in occupations potentially exposed
      to magnetic fields METHODS: MND mortality (ICD-9 335.2) was examined in the
      National Longitudinal Mortality Study using multivariable proportional hazards
      models. Occupational exposure to magnetic fields was determined on the basis of a
      population-based job-exposure matrix. Age at entry, education, race, sex, and
      income were considered for inclusion as covariates RESULTS: After adjusting for
      age, sex, and education, there were no increased risks of MND mortality in
      relation to potential magnetic field exposure, with hazard ratios around the null
      in all magnetic field exposure quartiles CONCLUSIONS: Our study does not provide
      evidence for an association between magnetic field exposure and MND mortality.

PMID- 22076041
TI  - The impact of workplace risk factors on long-term musculoskeletal sickness
      absence: a registry-based 5-year follow-up from the Oslo health study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of work-related risk factors by gender on
      long-term sickness absence with musculoskeletal diagnoses (LSM). METHODS: Data
      from the Oslo Health Study were linked to the historical event database of
      Statistics Norway. Eight thousand three hundred thirty-three participants were
      followed from 2001 through 2005. Generalized linear models were used to compute
      risk differences for LSM. RESULTS: In total, 12.6% of the women and 8.8% of the
      men experienced at least one LSM. Statistically, significant LSM risk increases
      between 0.039 and 0.086 in association with work environment were found for heavy
      physical work, low job control (men only), low support from superior (women
      only), and having shift/night work (men only). CONCLUSIONS: Women exhibited a
      higher LSM risk, but the associations with job exposures were stronger for men.
      This should be addressed when occupational health services give advice on
      preventive measures.

PMID- 22076042
TI  - Efficient antitumor effects of carrier cells loaded with a fiber-substituted
      conditionally replicating adenovirus on CAR-negative tumor cells.
AB  - Carrier cells delivering a conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd), which
      selectively replicates in tumor cells and induces tumor cell lysis, have
      promising potential for treatment of cancer because CRAd-loaded carrier cells
      evade inhibition by neutralizing anti-adenovirus (Ad) antibodies and because the
      carrier cells are locally retained at the injection point after local injection.
      A previous study by Hamada et al. demonstrated that carrier cells (CRAd
      containing cell fragments derived from the carrier cells) are engulfed into the
      target cells, probably through a pathway independent of the primary receptor for
      Ad, the coxsackievirus and Ad receptor (CAR) (Mol Ther, 15: 1121-1128; 2007);
      however, it remains to be elucidated whether carrier cells infected with a
      conventional CRAd, which is composed of subgroup-C Ad serotype-5 (Ad5), mediate
      antitumor effects on CAR-negative cells. In order to examine whether carrier
      cells delivering a conventional CRAd (Carrier-F5) induce lysis of CAR-negative
      tumor cells, CAR-positive and CAR-negative tumor cells were incubated with
      Carrier-F5. Carrier-F5 mediated efficient killing of CAR-positive tumor cells;
      however, CAR-negative tumor cells were almost refractory to Carrier-F5. On the
      other hand, carrier cells loaded with a fiber-substituted CRAd containing fiber
      proteins of Ad serotype-35 (Ad35) (CRAd-F35), which binds to human CD46 for
      infection, showed efficient killing of both CAR-positive and CAR-negative tumor
      cells. Intra-tumoral injection of carrier cells loaded with CRAd-F35 (Carrier
      F35) also resulted in efficient regression of both CAR-positive and CAR-negative
      tumors. These results demonstrated that the expression levels of receptors for Ad
      are an important factor for CRAd-loaded carrier cell-mediated cancer therapy, and
      that Carrier-F35 would have potential as a cancer treatment for not only CAR
      positive tumors but also CAR-negative tumors.

PMID- 22076043
TI  - Chemovirotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with EGFR-targeted and
      CD/UPRT-armed oncolytic measles virus.
AB  - First-line treatment of recurrent and/or refractory head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma (HNSCC) is based on platinum, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the monoclonal
      antiEGFR antibody cetuximab. However, in most cases this chemoimmunotherapy does
      not cure the disease, and more than 50% of HNSCC patients are dying because of
      local recurrence of the tumors. In the majority of cases, HNSCC overexpress the
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and its presence is associated with a
      poor outcome. In this study, we engineered an EGFR-targeted oncolytic measles
      virus (MV), armed with the bifunctional enzyme cytosine deaminase/uracil
      phosphoribosyltransferase (CD/UPRT). CD/UPRT converts 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC)
      into the chemotherapeutic 5-FU, a mainstay of HNSCC chemotherapy. This virus
      efficiently replicates in and lyses primary HNSCC cells in vitro. Arming with
      CD/UPRT mediates efficient prodrug activation with high bystander killing of non
      infected tumor cells. In mice bearing primary HNSCC xenografts, intratumoral
      administration of MV-antiEGFR resulted in statistically significant tumor growth
      delay and prolongation of survival. Importantly, combination with 5-FC is
      superior to virus-only treatment leading to significant tumor growth inhibition.
      Thus, chemovirotherapy with EGFR-targeted and CD/UPRT-armed MV is highly
      efficacious in preclinical settings with direct translational implications for a
      planned Phase I clinical trial of MV for locoregional treatment of HNSCC.

PMID- 22076045
TI  - Low prevalence of Haemoproteus infections in Chiffchaffs.
AB  - Parasite prevalence is an important variable in many evolutionary and ecological
      studies. In birds, haemosporidian blood parasites have been in focus of many
      comparative analyses. Because low prevalence is difficult to estimate precisely
      and that studies finding low prevalence are more likely to remain unpublished,
      our knowledge of parasite prevalence is biased towards highly infected taxa.
      Species with naturally low levels of infection are nonetheless interesting as
      they may provide models for studying the evolution of pathogen resistance. In the
      present study we show that the prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites is markedly
      lower in several taxa within the widely distributed chiffchaff species-complex
      compared to other species within the genus Phylloscopus. Since chiffchaffs, P.
      collybita, commonly coexists in the same habitat as congeners frequently infected
      with Haemoproteus parasites, immediate ecological variables like abundance of
      vectors can hardly explain this difference. Some of the parasites infecting
      coexisting congeners are broad host generalists leaving it enigmatic why
      chiffchaffs are almost free of Haemoproteus infections. We propose that detailed
      infection experiments are needed to illuminate whether chiffchaffs possess a
      genetic immunity against Haemoproteus parasites or if other more subtle
      ecological processes, like anti-vector behaviour, play a role in its generally
      low level of infestation.

PMID- 22076044
TI  - Oncolytic herpes simplex virus expressing yeast cytosine deaminase: relationship
      between viral replication, transgene expression, prodrug bioactivation.
AB  - Yeast cytosine deaminase (yCD) is a well-characterized prodrug/enzyme system that
      converts 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and has been combined
      with oncolytic viruses. However, in vivo studies of the interactions between 5-FC
      bioactivation and viral replication have not been previously reported, nor have
      the kinetics of transgene expression and the pharmacokinetics of 5-FC and 5-FU.
      We constructed a replication-conditional Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
      expressing yCD and examined cytotoxicity when 5-FC was initiated at different
      times after viral infection, and observed that earlier 5-FC administration led to
      greater cytotoxicity than later 5-FC administration in vitro and in vivo. In
      animal models, 12 days of 5-FC administration was superior to 6 days, but dosing
      beyond 12 days did not further enhance efficacy. Consistent with the dosing
      schedule results, both viral genomic DNA copy number and viral titers were
      observed to peak on Day 3 after viral injection and gradually decrease
      thereafter. The virus is replication-conditional and was detected in tumors for
      as long as 2 weeks after viral injection. The maximum relative extent of yCD
      conversion of 5-FC to 5-FU in tumors was observed on Day 6 after viral injection
      and it decreased progressively thereafter. The observation that 5-FU generation
      within tumors did not lead to appreciable levels of systemic 5-FU (<10 ng ml-1)
      is important and has not been previously reported. The approaches used in these
      studies of the relationship between the viral replication kinetics, transgene
      expression, prodrug administration and anti-tumor efficacy are useful in the
      design of clinical trials of armed, oncolytic viruses.

PMID- 22076046
TI  - Active hexose correlated compound inhibits the expression of proinflammatory
      biomarker iNOS in hepatocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) has been implicated as proinflammatory biomarker in liver injury.
      The application of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) as a functional food
      in complementary and alternative medicine has increased. The possibility that
      AHCC might inhibit iNOS induction was investigated as a potential liver
      protective effect. METHODS: Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase
      perfusion and cultured. Primary cultured hepatocytes were treated with
      interleukin-1beta in the presence or absence of AHCC-sugar fraction (AHCC-SF).
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: AHCC-SF inhibited the production of NO and reduced
      expressions of iNOS mRNA and its protein. AHCC-SF had no effects on either
      IkappaB degradation or nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. In contrast,
      AHCC-SF inhibited the upregulation of type I interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1RI)
      through the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Transfection experiments with iNOS
      promoter-luciferase constructs revealed that AHCC-SF reduced the levels of iNOS
      mRNA at both promoter transactivation and mRNA stabilization steps. AHCC-SF
      inhibited the expression of iNOS gene antisense transcript, which is involved in
      iNOS mRNA stabilization. These findings demonstrate that AHCC-SF suppresses iNOS
      gene expression through a IkappaB/NF-kappaB-independent but Akt/IL-1RI-dependent
      pathway, resulting in the reduction of NO production. AHCC-SF may have
      therapeutic potential for various liver injuries.

PMID- 22076047
TI  - Variational study of the quantum phase transition in the bilayer Heisenberg model
      with bosonic RVB wavefunction.
AB  - We study the ground state phase diagram of the bilayer Heisenberg model on a
      square lattice with a bosonic resonating valence bond (RVB) wavefunction. The
      wavefunction has the form of a Gutzwiller projected Schwinger boson mean-field
      ground state and involves two variational parameters. We find the wavefunction
      provides an accurate description of the system on both sides of the quantum phase
      transition. In particular, through the analysis of the spin structure factor,
      ground state fidelity susceptibility and the Binder moment ratio Q(2), a
      continuous transition from the antiferromagnetic ordered state to the quantum
      disordered state is found at the critical coupling of alpha(c) = J(?)/J(?) ~
      2.62, in good agreement with the result of quantum Monte Carlo simulation. The
      critical exponent estimated from the finite size scaling analysis (1/nu ~ 1.4) is
      consistent with that of the classical 3D Heisenberg universality class.

PMID- 22076048
TI  - The use of religion and spirituality in psychotherapy: enablers and barriers.
AB  - The use of religion and spirituality in psychotherapy has been a contentious
      issue for decades. This paper explores and describes whether psychologists would
      use religion and spirituality in psychotherapy as well as enablers and barriers
      in this regard. A qualitative exploratory descriptive method was followed using
      purposive sampling to obtain a sample of clinical and counselling psychologists.
      The focus group strategy was used to collect the data, and Tesch's model of
      content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative findings. Most participants
      expressed a willingness to discuss religion and spirituality with their clients.
      Participants also highlighted specific enablers and barriers to incorporating
      religion and spirituality in psychotherapy. This article has the potential to
      influence professional training in psychology and psychotherapy. 

PMID- 22076049
TI  - HPV vaccine decision-making and acceptance: does religion play a role?
AB  - We conducted a web-based survey among 476 white, Black, and Hispanic parents or
      caregivers with daughter(s) between the ages of 9-17 to better understand how
      religion influences HPV vaccine acceptance. Catholic parents were more likely
      than nonaffiliated parents to have already vaccinated their daughters (vs. being
      undecided) (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.06, 10.06). Parents with frequent attendance at
      religious services were more likely than parents who do not attend services to
      have decided against vaccination (vs. being undecided) (OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.25,
      6.84). Directions for research and implications for interventions are addressed. 

PMID- 22076051
TI  - Molecular cloning and characterization of a HSP70 gene from Schistosoma
      japonicum.
AB  - Schistosoma japonicum is the pathogen responsible for schistosomiasis japonica,
      one of the major infectious diseases targeted for prevention nationally in China.
      Expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) following stress plays a very important
      biological role in many organisms including S. japonicum. Among the HSP family,
      the 70-kDa HSPs are most responsible for intracellular chaperone and
      extracellular immunoregulatory functions. Based on the published sequences in
      GenBank/EMBL (AF044412.1), open reading frame belonging to HSP70 protein
      corresponds to a full-length cDNA containing an open reading frame of 1,947 bp
      encoded of 648 amino acids was identified as HSP70 from schistosome. In this
      study, the coding region that we named rSj648/hsp70 was amplified from S.
      japonicum adult worm cDNA library, and the recombinant protein was expressed in
      vector pET32a(+) and purified using a Ni-NTA purification system. The target
      protein rSj648/hsp70 was determined by matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometer after thrombin digestion and dialysis.
      Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis
      confirmed that Sj648/hsp70 could be expressed in the eggs, normal cercariae,
      ultraviolet-attenuated cercariae (UVAC), and adult worms of S. japonicum. Real
      time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that Sj648/hsp70 was expressed
      significantly higher in eggs than that in cercariae and adult worms, and the
      expression in UVAC was higher than that in normal cercariae. A thermotolerance
      assay showed that rSj648/hsp70 could protect Escherichia coli cells from heat
      damage. The detection of specific antibody levels by indirect enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay demonstrated that mice immunized with rSj648/hsp70 induced
      higher level of specific anti-rSj648/hsp70 IgG1 compared with those vaccinated
      with adjuvant alone, indicating that rSj648/hsp70 was able to elicit Th2-type
      bias immune response. Our results suggest that Sj648/hsp70 might be an important
      molecule in parasite-host interaction and display potential roles in mice
      immunoregulation system.

PMID- 22076050
TI  - Predominance of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 in rural communities, Nepal.
AB  - Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite. To date, there have been
      sporadic and scanty studies on Blastocystis sp. carried out in rural communities
      in Nepal. We surveyed the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and its possible
      associated risk factors, and reported the predominant Blastocystis sp. subtype in
      two rural communities, Bolde Phediche and Bahunipati, in Nepal. Human faecal
      samples were collected from 241 participants, cultured using in vitro cultivation
      and examined for Blastocystis sp. The presence of Blastocystis sp. in faecal
      samples was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently
      genotyped using subtype-specific sequence tagged site (STS) primers. There were
      26.1% (63/241) of the participants that were infected by Blastocystis sp. We
      detected 84.1% (53/63) of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 infections in these rural
      communities. The unusually high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 can be
      attributed to the rearing of family-owned animals in barns built close to their
      houses. Eighty one percent (51/63) of the Blastocystis sp. infected participants
      drank not boiled or unfiltered water. The present study revealed that
      Blastocystis sp. could pose a health concern to the communities and travellers to
      the hilly area in Nepal. Infection may be transmitted through human-to-human,
      zoonotic and waterborne transmissions. We provide recommendations to ensure good
      public health practices.

PMID- 22076052
TI  - Ultrastructural changes during asexual multiple reproduction in Trichomonas
      vaginalis.
AB  - Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellated protozoan parasite, is commonly found in the
      genitourinary tract of humans. Its mode of reproduction has always been reported
      to be binary fission. The high parasite numbers seen in a relatively short period
      in in vitro cultures led us to believe that there must be other modes of
      reproduction. The present study for the first time provides transformational
      evidence at the ultrastructural level seen in tropohozoites of T. vaginalis
      undergoing a multiple asexual mode of reproduction. The findings show that the
      single cell with a nucleus is capable of dividing to as many as eight nuclei
      within the cytoplasmic body. Before the commencement of division, the nucleus
      remained round or ovoid in shape with condensed chromatin masses and only a few
      endoplasmic reticula surrounding the nucleus. During the division, the nucleus
      started to elongate and become irregular in shape with visible chromatin masses
      condensing with the accumulation of numerous endoplasmic reticula. Nuclear
      division gave rise to as many as eight nuclei within a cell, which could be seen
      to be connected by numerous endoplasmic reticula. In addition, a high number of
      hydrogenosomes and vacuoles can be seen in multinucleated T. vaginalis compared
      with single nucleated T. vaginalis. This study confirms that multiple modes of
      nuclear division do exist in T. vaginalis and are a precursor to progeny
      formation.

PMID- 22076054
TI  - Prosthetic inlay resurfacing for the treatment of focal, full thickness cartilage
      defects of the femoral condyle: a bridge between biologics and conventional
      arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Localized full thickness defects of the femoral condyle can be highly
      symptomatic. Treatment options for these lesions are numerous in young patients,
      however they become increasingly challenging in middle aged and older patients.
      In order to delay traditional joint replacement procedures and to provide a soft
      tissue and bone sparing alternative, this study assess a focal inlay resurfacing
      procedure. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, a consecutive series of 27 patients
      were treated with the Arthrosurface HemiCAP((r)) Focal Femoral Condyle
      Resurfacing Prosthesis and were assessed to study the clinical benefit of this
      procedure. Outcome measures included the KOOS, IKDC, HSS and WOMAC as well as
      physical and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Nineteen patients met the
      inclusion/exclusion criteria, 18 were available for review at a median follow-up
      of 34 months (range 20-57).The median age was 49 years (range 43-78). 63% had
      early arthritis, 5.2% localized osteonecrosis, and 31.6% had a focal traumatic
      full thickness defect. The follow-up total WOMAC score averaged 90.1 +/- 9.3, The
      KOOS showed very good to excellent scores in all domains and also when compared
      to age-matched normative data. Significant improvement was seen with the HSS
      Score. On IKDC examination, 83.4% had normal or nearly normal results.
      CONCLUSION: Focal femoral condyle resurfacing demonstrated excellent results for
      pain and function in middle-aged, well selected patients with full thickness
      cartilage and osteochondral defects. Patient profiling and assessment of
      confounding factors, in particular mechanical joint alignment; meniscal function;
      and healthy opposing cartilage surfaces, are important for an individual
      treatment approach and successful outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22076053
TI  - The impact of a high tibial valgus osteotomy and unicondylar medial arthroplasty
      on the treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Both high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental medial knee
      arthroplasty (UKA) are established methods for the treatment for moderate stages
      of OA. This is the first global meta-analysis to compare the long-term effects of
      both methods regarding survival, outcomes and complications of total
      arthroplasty. METHODS: Literature research was performed using established
      medical databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via OVID) and the Cochrane
      register. Criteria for inclusion were as follows: English or German papers, a
      clinical trial with a clear description of survival, an outcome evaluation using
      a well-described knee score and a follow-up >5 years. Statistical analysis was
      performed using the special meta-analysis software called "Comprehensive Meta
      Analysis" (version 2.0; Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). RESULTS: Final meta
      analysis after the full-text review included 46 studies about valgus HTO and 43
      studies about medial UKA. There were no significant differences between valgus
      HTO and medial UKA in terms of the number of total required replacements. After a
      5- to 8-year follow-up, 91.0% of the valgus HTO patients and 91.5% of medial UKA
      patients did not need a total replacement. This value was 84.4% for valgus HTOs
      and 86.9% for medial UKAs after a 9- to 12-year follow-up. Mean survival time to
      TKA was 9.7 years after valgus HTO and 9.2 years after medial UKA. Clinical
      outcome was significantly better after medial UKA in a 5- to 12-year follow-up.
      After more than 12 years, results were comparable in both groups. No significant
      differences were seen in the complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis
      aimed to find the advantages and disadvantages of two established methods for the
      treatment for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Valgus HTO is more
      appropriate for younger patients who accept a slight decrease in their physical
      activity. Medial UKA is appropriate for older patients obtaining sufficient pain
      relief but with reduced physical activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 22076055
TI  - Biomechanical evaluation of tenodesis reconstruction in ankle with deltoid
      ligament deficiency: a finite element analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Isolated deltoid ligament injuries are relatively uncommon but can be a
      significant source of pain and disability. Several approaches to deltoid
      reconstruction have been reported. However, there is no previous comparative
      study of Wiltberger, Deland, Kitaoka and Hintermann procedures with respect to
      biomechanical characteristics such as kinematics, ligaments and grafts stresses
      using finite element analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      biomechanical results of those deltoid ligament reconstructions using finite
      element analysis. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model of the ankle
      including six bony structures, cartilage and nine principal ligaments surrounding
      the ankle joint complex was developed and validated. In addition to the intact
      model, superficial deltoid-deficient, deltoid-deficient, Wiltberger
      reconstruction, Deland reconstruction, Kitaoka reconstruction and Hintermann
      reconstruction models were simulated. Then, the forces in the ligaments and
      grafts and the kinematics of talus and calcaneus were predicted for an eversional
      or external torque through the range of ankle flexion. RESULTS: No
      reconstructions could completely restore the values for ankle flexibility and the
      stresses of the lateral ligaments to normality. The Kitaoka procedure was the
      most effective technique in eliminating external rotation displacement. The
      Deland procedure restored better the talar tilt than the other three
      reconstructions. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Kitaoka and Deland procedures
      have advantages with regard to rotational stabilities as well as ligaments stress
      in comparison with other methods.

PMID- 22076057
TI  - Aspergillus fumigatus densities in relation to forest succession and edge
      effects: implications for wildlife health in modified environments.
AB  - The hihi (or stitchbird, Notiomystis cincta) is a New Zealand endemic nectivorous
      forest bird now restricted to one pristine island. Relocation to establish viable
      hihi populations on other islands has been the main conservation action since the
      early 1980s. To date, hihi reintroductions to young growth islands have had poor
      success despite the absence of mammalian predators. It was thought that past
      failures were due to food limitation, but research suggests that food limitation
      alone cannot account for their poor survivorship. Post-mortems of dead hihi has
      shown that aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is a major mortality
      factor and there is current concern regarding their susceptibility to this fungal
      disease. In this paper we develop and assess the hypothesis that A. fumigatus
      limits hihi population viability on modified islands, and suggest that A.
      fumigatus is a potential indicator species for habitat disturbance. We report
      that the prevalence of A. fumigatus spores in the soil is much higher in young
      growth forests and forest edge habitats. Results suggest that hihi mortality
      rates between islands are potentially due to differential exposure to A.
      fumigatus spores. We assess relationships between habitat disturbance, A.
      fumigatus contamination and hihi mortality rates by testing the following
      predictions: (1) that densities of A. fumigatus spores will be higher on modified
      islands, (2) that densities of A. fumigatus spores on islands will be correlated
      with hihi mortality rates and (3) that densities of A. fumigatus spores will be
      higher at the forest edge than in the interior. We test each of these predictions
      using soil samples, air samples and samples of nectar from plant species fed on
      by hihi.

PMID- 22076058
TI  - STROBE-ME too!

PMID- 22076060
TI  - Acidic-functionalized ionic liquid as an efficient, green and reusable catalyst
      for hetero-Michael addition of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen nucleophiles to
      alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones.
AB  - A series of acidic-functionalized ionic liquids were synthesized and applied to
      the hetero-Michael addition of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen nucleophiles to
      alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones under solvent-free conditions. Notably, 1
      methylimidazolium p-toluenesulfonic ([Hmim]OTs) was found to be the most
      efficient catalyst and could realize "homogeneous catalysis, two-phase
      separation". Additionally, the catalytic system has wide substrate scope and good
      to excellent yields (up to 99%) could be obtained at room temperature.

PMID- 22076059
TI  - Wine, beer or spirit drinking in relation to fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular
      events: a meta-analysis.
AB  - In previous studies evaluating whether different alcoholic beverages would
      protect against cardiovascular disease, a J-shaped relationship for increasing
      wine consumption and vascular risk was found; however a similar association for
      beer or spirits could not be established. An updated meta-analysis on the
      relationship between wine, beer or spirit consumption and vascular events was
      performed. Articles were retrieved through March 2011 by PubMed and EMBASE search
      and a weighed least-squares regression analysis pooled data derived from studies
      that gave quantitative estimation of the vascular risk associated with the
      alcoholic beverages. From 16 studies, evidence confirms a J-shaped relationship
      between wine intake and vascular risk. A significant maximal protection-average
      31% (95% confidence interval (CI): 19-42%) was observed at 21 g/day of alcohol.
      Similarly, from 13 studies a J-shaped relationship was apparent for beer (maximal
      protection: 42% (95% CI: 19-58%) at 43 g/day of alcohol). From 12 studies
      reporting separate data on wine or beer consumption, two closely overlapping dose
      response curves were obtained (maximal protection of 33% at 25 g/day of alcohol).
      This meta-analysis confirms the J-shaped association between wine consumption and
      vascular risk and provides, for the first time, evidence for a similar
      relationship between beer and vascular risk. In the meta-analysis of 10 studies
      on spirit consumption and vascular risk, no J-shaped relationship could be found.

PMID- 22076061
TI  - Exploration of the binding of curcumin analogues to human P450 2C9 based on
      docking and molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to investigate
      the interactions of curcumin analogues (CAs) with human cytochrome P450 2 C9
      (CYP2C9 or 2 C9) and the conformations of their binding sites. In order to
      examine conformations of CAs/2 C9 and interaction characteristics of their
      binding sites, RMSDs, RMSFs, and B-factors are computed, and electrostatic and
      hydrophobic interactions between CAs and 2 C9 are analyzed and discussed. Results
      demonstrate that the most CAs studied lie 4~15 A above the heme of CYP2C9. The
      presence of CAs makes some residues in bound CYP2C9s become more flexible. In the
      binding sites of A0/2 C9 and C0/2 C9, the formation of H-bond networks (or CA
      water-residue bridges) enhances the interactions between CAs and 2 C9. The
      stronger inhibitory effects of A0, B0, and C0 on 2 C9 can be ascribed to stronger
      electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in the binding sites of CAs/2 C9.

PMID- 22076062
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulation studies of betulinic acid with human serum albumin.
AB  - Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclictriterpenoid possessing
      anti-retroviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we studied
      the interaction of BA with human serum albumin (HSA) by using molecular docking,
      and molecular dynamic simulation methods. Molecular docking studies revealed that
      BA can bind in the large hydrophobic cavity of drug binding site I of sub-domain
      IIA and IIB, mainly by the hydrophobic interactions and also by hydrogen bond
      interactions. In which several cyclohexyl groups of BA are interacting with
      Phe(206), Arg(209), Ala(210), Ala(213), Leu(327), Gly(328), Leu(331), Ala(350),
      and Lys(351), residues of sub-domain IIA and IIB of HSA by hydrophobic
      interactions. Also, hydrogen bond interactions were observed between the hydroxyl
      (OH) group of BA with Phe(206) and Glu(354) of HSA, with hydrogen bond distances
      of 0.24 nm,0.28 nm respectively. Further, specifically, the molecular dynamics
      study makes an important contribution in understanding the effect of the binding
      of BA on conformational changes of HSA and the stability of the protein-drug
      complex system in aqueous solution. The root mean square deviation values of
      atoms in the free HSA molecule were calculated from 3000 ps to 5000 ps trajectory
      and the results were obtained as 0.72 +/- 0.036 nm and 0.81 +/- 0.032 nm for free
      HSA and HSA-BA, respectively. The radius of gyration (Rg) values of both
      unliganded HSA and HSA-BA were stabilized at 2.59 +/- 0.03 nm, 2.51 +/- 0.01 nm,
      respectively. Thus, this work may play an important role in the design of new BA
      inspired drugs with desired HSA binding affinity.

PMID- 22076063
TI  - Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference of E2F-1 suppresses Tca8113 cell
      proliferation.
AB  - In most types of human cancer, inactivation of pRb/E2F complexes occurs, and
      released E2Fs initiate transcription of genes required for cell cycle
      progression. Evidence reveals that phosphorylated pRb deregulates E2F-1, and the
      levels of E2F-1 expression can accurately predict prognosis of oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (OSCC). Paradoxically, numerous reports indicate that E2F-1 is also
      capable of inducing apoptosis under certain cellular circumstances. In the
      present study, lentivirus-mediated shRNA was used to downregulate endogenous E2F
      1 expression in order to study the function of E2F-1 in the pRb/E2F-1 pathway in
      the OSCC cell line Tca8113, and to investigate the alteration of Tca8113 cells in
      proliferation and apoptosis. The data from real-time quantitative RT-PCR and
      Western blot analysis showed that E2F-1-shRNA led to the inhibition of endogenous
      E2F-1 mRNA and protein expression, and E2F-1 may be associated with proliferation
      and apoptosis pathways. Growth kinetics data showed that Tca8113-E2F-1-shRNA
      cells presented more active proliferation properties than Tca8113-NC cells, and
      flow cytometry data demonstrated that the percentages of cells in the G1 phase,
      G2 phase and undergoing apoptosis differed between groups. In conclusion,
      silencing of E2F-1 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis. E2F-1 may also
      be involved in multi-level regulation networks; therefore, its role in OSCC
      requires further clarification.

PMID- 22076064
TI  - Signaling via dopamine D1 and D3 receptors oppositely regulates cocaine-induced
      structural remodeling of dendrites and spines.
AB  - Repeated exposure to cocaine can induce persistent alterations in the brain. The
      structural remodeling of dendrites and dendritic spines is thought to play a
      critical role in cocaine addiction. We previously demonstrated that signaling via
      dopamine D1 and D3 receptors have opposite effects on cocaine-induced gene
      expression. Here, we show that cocaine-induced structural remodeling in the
      nucleus accumbens (NAc) and caudoputamen (CPu) is mediated by D1 receptors and
      inhibited by D3 receptors. In addition, chronic exposure to cocaine results in an
      altered number of asymmetric spine synapses via the actions of both D1 and D3
      receptors. The contradictory effects of D1 and D3 receptor signaling on cocaine
      induced structural remodeling is associated with NMDA-receptor R1 subunit (NR1)
      phosphorylation, and is dependent upon the activation of extracellular signal
      regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, we found that D1 and D3 receptor signaling
      has contradictory effects upon the activation of the myocyte enhancer factor 2
      (MEF2), which is involved in the dendritic remodeling after cocaine treatment.
      Together, these data suggest that dopamine D1 and D3 receptors differentially
      regulate the cocaine-induced structural remodeling of dendrites and spines via
      mechanisms involving the consecutive actions of NR1 phosphorylation, ERK
      activation, and MEF2 activity in the NAc and CPu.

PMID- 22076065
TI  - Early engraftment of G-CSF-primed allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in
      pediatric patients regardless of donor-recipient weight differences.
AB  - Harvesting sufficient progenitor cells from bone marrow (BM) for pediatric
      patients is a challenging process, especially from smaller donors. Growth factor
      administration to donors prior to harvest results in an enrichment of the graft
      and leads to early engraftment. A total of 41 patients received a human leukocyte
      antigen-identical sibling transplantation using granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor (G-CSF)-primed BM. All donors received G-CSF 10 MUg/kg/day for 2 days
      prior to harvest. The median weight difference between donor and recipient was
      3.9 kg (range, -29.8 to 32 kg), and the median number of CD34(+) cells harvested
      was 4.16 * 10(6)/kg (range, 1.17-31.9 * 10(6)/kg). The median time to neutrophil
      engraftment was 12 days (range, 10-27 days), and the time for platelet
      engraftment was 20 days (range, 12-64 days). The cumulative incidence of acute
      grade 2 to 3 graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD was 4.9% and 5.1%,
      respectively. An analysis according to the weight difference between donor and
      recipient showed there was no significant difference in harvested CD34(+) cell
      dose and in time required for engraftment between smaller and heavier donor
      recipients. G-CSF-primed BM allows successful engraftment and provides a valuable
      alternative to unstimulated BM and peripheral blood stem cells with good
      engraftment and tolerable GVHD even in patients with smaller donors.

PMID- 22076066
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis for
      low rectal cancer: intermediate-term oncologic outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcome and intermediate oncological outcomes
      for laparoscopic versus open intersphincteric resection (ISR). BACKGROUND:
      Intersphincteric resection has been proposed as an alternative to
      abdominoperineal resection for selected low rectal cancer cases, but the
      oncological adequacy of laparoscopic ISR has not been established. METHODS: A
      total of 210 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer who underwent ISR
      between 1997 and 2009 in 2 institutions were evaluated retrospectively. Patients
      were classified into an open surgery (OS, n = 80) group and a laparoscopy (LAP, n
      = 130) group. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival. RESULTS: The
      major complication rates were similar in the LAP and OS groups (5.4% vs 3.8%,
      respectively; P = 0.428). However, the LAP group had a shorter hospital stay and
      time to bowel movement compared with the OS group. In the LAP group, operating
      time was 16 minutes shorter (P = 0.230) and intraoperative blood loss was less (P
      = 0.002). Median follow-up was 34 months (interquartile range: 20.0-42.5 months).
      The local recurrence rates were similar in the 2 groups (LAP, 2.6% vs OS, 7.7%; P
      = 0.184). The combined 3-year disease-free survival for all stages was 82.1% (95%
      CI: 73.7-90.2%) in the LAP group and 77.0% (95% CI: 66.9%-86.9%) in the OS group
      (P = 0.523). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ISR can be performed safely and offers a
      minimally invasive sphincter-sparing alternative. The oncological adequacy of
      laparoscopic ISR requires long-term follow-up data, but the intermediate-term
      outcomes seem equivalent to those achieved with OS.

PMID- 22076067
TI  - Comparison of International Consensus Guidelines versus 18-FDG PET in detecting
      malignancy of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of the International Consensus Guidelines
      (ICG) and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) in
      distinguishing benign from malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
      (IPMNs) of the pancreas. BACKGROUND: Since 2006 the ICG have been used to choose
      immediate surgery or surveillance for IPMN patients, but their low specificity
      increases the number of benign IPMNs that undergo resective surgery. PET has
      proved highly sensitive and specific in detecting malignancy in cystic neoplasms
      of the pancreas, including IPMNs. METHODS: Patients suspected with IPMNs of the
      pancreas seen at our Department from January 1989 to July 2010 were identified
      and classified as cases of main duct, mixed type and branch type IPMN. The
      indication for resection or surveillance was verified a posteriori for all
      patients according to the ICG. PET was considered positive for a Standardized
      Uptake Value >=2.5. Surveillance included clinical examination, laboratory tests,
      CA 19-9 serum levels, and computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance and
      magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography every 6 months for 2 years and yearly
      thereafter. Endoscopic ultrasound was rarely performed. PET was repeated in
      clinically or radiologically suspect cases, or if tumor markers increased.
      RESULTS: Sixty-one main duct or mixed type and 101-branch type IPMNs were
      included in the study. A histological diagnosis was available for 81 of 162
      patients, missing for 1 locally advanced IPMN, whereas 62 patients are under
      surveillance and it proved impossible to contact 18. Conservative surgery was
      performed in 16 of 68 patients with benign IPMNs. The sensitivity, specificity,
      positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy of the ICG in detecting
      malignancy were 93.2, 22.2, 59.4, 72.7, and 61.2, whereas for PET they were 83.3,
      100, 100, 84.6, and 91.3. CONCLUSIONS: PET is more accurate than the ICG in
      distinguishing benign from malignant (invasive and noninvasive) IPMNs.
      Prophylactic IPMN resection in young patients fit for surgery should be guided by
      the ICG, whereas PET should be performed in older patients, cases at increased
      surgical risk, or when the feasibility of parenchyma-sparing surgery demands a
      reliable preoperative exclusion of malignancy.

PMID- 22076068
TI  - Does fundoplication really reduce deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of Barrett
      esophagus?

PMID- 22076069
TI  - Cognitive improvement after parathyroidectomy.

PMID- 22076070
TI  - The effect of the CMS national coverage decision on the performance and outcomes
      of bariatric surgery for medicare recipients in the U.S.

PMID- 22076071
TI  - Metallurgical phases and their magnetism at the interface of nanoscale MgB2/Fe
      layered structures.
AB  - We report on the characterization of metallurgical phases and their magnetism at
      the interfaces of nanoscale MgB(2)/Fe layered structures. MgB(2)/(57)Fe
      multilayers with varying layer thicknesses were prepared by vacuum deposition and
      investigated, before and after annealing by electrical resistance measurements, x
      ray diffraction and (57)Fe conversion-electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) down
      to 5 K. Interfacial Fe-B phases, such as Fe(2)B, were identified by CEMS. A
      superparamagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition is observed with increasing (57)Fe
      film thickness. Ultrahigh vacuum annealing at 500  degrees C of the multilayers
      leads to strong diffusion of Fe atoms into the boundary regions of the MgB(2)
      layers. MgB(2) in the as-grown multilayers is non-superconducting. Structural
      disorder and the effect of Fe interdiffusion contribute to the suppression of
      superconductivity in the MgB(2) films of all the as-grown multilayers and the
      thinner annealed multilayers. However, an annealed MgB(2)/(57)Fe/MgB(2) trilayer
      with thicker (500 A) MgB(2) layers is observed to be superconducting with an
      onset temperature of 25 K. At 5 K, the annealed trilayer can be conceived as
      being strongly chemically modulated, consisting of two partially Fe-doped
      superconducting MgB(2) layers separated by an interdiffused weakly magnetic Fe-B
      interlayer, which is characterized by a low hyperfine magnetic field B(hf) of ~11
      T. This chemically modulated layer structure of the trilayer after annealing was
      verified by Rutherford backscattering.

PMID- 22076072
TI  - Acoustic analysis of voice in normal and high pitch phonation: a comparative
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Comparison of acoustic parameters of voice between normal and high
      pitch phonation in normal adults, and comparison between genders. PARTICIPANTS
      AND METHODS: A total of 48 normal laryngeal speakers were considered for this
      study. The acoustic parameters were analyzed using the Multi-Dimensional Voice
      Program. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of the acoustic parameters
      across tasks and genders. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare measures
      between tasks. Independent-samples t tests were used to compare parameters
      between genders. RESULTS: Significant differences were found across tasks in the
      range of fundamental frequency and average fundamental frequency. Females showed
      a significant difference in the frequency perturbation measures - percent jitter
      and relative average perturbation, while males demonstrated a significant
      difference in the noise-to-harmonic ratio. While comparing mean differences
      between genders, significant differences were observed in fundamental frequency,
      range of the fundamental frequency, and smoothed pitch perturbation quotient
      during both phonation tasks. CONCLUSION: Comparison of acoustic parameters
      between normal and high pitch phonation would facilitate understanding the effect
      of high pitch phonation on voice parameters. Subsequently, this would help
      clinicians to focus on important acoustic parameters while assessing professional
      voice users who are at risk of developing voice problems.

PMID- 22076073
TI  - Improving data quality on low level mercury wastewater analysis.
AB  - In order to compare treatability test results evaluating low-level mercury (Hg)
      removal from oil refinery wastewater, improvements in Hg analytical methods were
      conducted at two US EPA certified analytical labs. The revisions in the
      analytical protocols improved Hg recoveries and hence enabled more reliable data
      interpretation and comparison for the specific wastewater tested. Nevertheless,
      significant differences between results from the two laboratories were identified
      in a split-sample experiment.

PMID- 22076074
TI  - Antitumor activity of chemoendocrine therapy in premenopausal and postmenopausal
      models with human breast cancer xenografts.
AB  - We examined the efficacy of chemoendocrine therapy using capecitabine as a
      chemotherapeutic agent in premenopausal and postmenopausal models with estrogen
      receptor (ER)-positive human breast cancer xenografts. Tamoxifen and letrozole
      were used as endocrine therapeutic agents for premenopausal and postmenopausal
      models, respectively. The antitumor activity of capecitabine in combination was
      significantly superior to either monotherapy treatment in both premenopausal
      (p<0.01) and postmenopausal (p<0.05) models. No increase in toxicity in terms of
      body weight loss was observed during treatment in either of the xenograft models.
      In the premenopausal model, the level of thymidine phosphorylase (TP), a key
      enzyme generating 5-FU from capecitabine, was upregulated (p<0.05) in tumors by
      tamoxifen but not by letrozole treatment in the postmenopausal model. The
      combination of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR; an intermediate of
      capecitabine) with 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT; an active form of tamoxifen) or
      letrozole was also evaluated in vitro by using estrogen-responsive element (ERE)
      reporter gene assays aimed to model premenopausal and postmenopausal breast
      cancer. Both combinations decreased the number of estrogen-responding cells in a
      concentration-dependent manner and further analysis by isobolograms revealed a
      synergistic effect of the combination of 5'-DFUR with 4-OHT, and at least an
      additive effect of the combination of 5'-DFUR with letrozole. These results
      suggest that chemoendocrine therapy using capecitabine may be a useful treatment
      modality for patients with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, regardless of
      the menopausal status and should be explored in clinical trials.

PMID- 22076075
TI  - Evaluation of the anticancer activities of thioflavanone and thioflavone in human
      breast cancer cell lines.
AB  - This study investigated the anticancer effects of thioflavanone and thioflavone
      in the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cell lines. Cells
      were treated with either thioflavanone or thioflavone from 1 to 100 uM for 24 h,
      and their anti-proliferative activity and cytotoxicity was determined.
      Thioflavanone and thioflavone possessed similar anti-proliferative activities;
      their IC50 values were 62-89 and 74-128 uM, respectively, although the
      cytotoxicity of thioflavanone was significantly higher and occurred in a dose
      dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that thioflavanone
      significantly inhibits cellular proliferation with weak cytotoxicity to a greater
      extent than thioflavone, and induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines.
      Moreover, thioflavanone, but not thioflavone, induces apoptosis via p53-dependent
      expression of Bax.

PMID- 22076077
TI  - Sexual attraction and trajectories of mental health and substance use during the
      transition from adolescence to adulthood.
AB  - Previous research suggests that sexual minority youth have poorer health-related
      outcomes than their heterosexual peers. The purpose of this study is to determine
      whether sexual orientation disparities in mental health and substance use
      increase, decrease, or remain the same during the transition from adolescence to
      adulthood. Data are from Waves 1-4 of the National Longitudinal Study of
      Adolescent Health (n = 8,322; 55% female). Respondents were in grades 7-12 at
      Wave 1 and aged 24-32 at Wave 4. Latent growth curve modeling is used to compare
      the mental health and substance use trajectories of youth who consistently report
      heterosexual attraction versus those who consistently report lesbian, gay, or
      bisexual (LGB) attraction, those who report a transition to LGB attraction, and
      those who report a transition to heterosexual attraction. Among women and men,
      sexual orientation disparities in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts
      persist, but do not increase, during the transition from adolescence to
      adulthood. The same pattern is observed for disparities in smoking, heavy
      drinking, and marijuana use among women. Among men, disparities in substance use
      are only observed between those who report consistent heterosexual attraction and
      those who transition to heterosexual attraction. Disparities between these groups
      persist over time for heavy drinking and marijuana use but decrease over time for
      smoking. While this study finds evidence of numerous disparities in mental health
      and substance use outcomes during adolescence and young adulthood, particularly
      among young women, there is no indication that these disparities get larger over
      time.

PMID- 22076078
TI  - Container molecules based on imine type ligands.
AB  - This chapter will give a short overview about container molecules, their
      synthesis and possible applications. The main focus is on those which are based
      on imine type ligands. These containers can be used for example for guest
      exchange, gas separation, as chemical sensors or for the stabilisation of white
      phosphorus under water. The described cages have wide openings or tightly closed
      ones. For one cage the reversible opening and closing is also described.

PMID- 22076076
TI  - Biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of the serotonin 5-HT6 ligand
      [11C]GSK215083 determined from human whole-body PET.
AB  - PURPOSE: We measured the whole-body distribution of IV-injected [11C]GSK215083, a
      new 5-HT6 antagonist PET tracer, as a function of time in adult subjects, in
      order to determine the radiation exposure. PROCEDURES: After injection with a
      single bolus of [11C]GSK215083 (range 330-367 MBq; mean 346 MBq), PET emission
      data were acquired for approximately 120 min in six subjects (three males and
      three females). Five organs were identified as exhibiting uptake above
      background. For these, regions of interest were delineated on emission images,
      and time-activity curves (TAC) generated. Residence times were calculated as the
      area under the curve of the TAC, normalized to injected activities and standard
      values of organ volumes. Dosimetry calculations were then performed using the
      computer program OLINDA/EXM 1.0. RESULTS: The mean effective dose averaged over
      both males and females (deviation) was estimated to be 7.7 +/- 1.0 MUSv/MBq (male
      7.0 +/- 0.4; female 8.5 +/- 0.6). For the effective dose equivalent, the
      corresponding values are 7.8 +/- 1.2 MUSv/MBq (male 6.8 +/- 0.5; female 8.9 +/-
      0.1). The organ receiving the highest dose was the lung, with an average
      equivalent dose of 25.6 +/- 6.9 MUSv/MBq (male 20.8 +/- 5.6; female 30.4 +/-
      4.4). CONCLUSION: The estimated radiation dose for [11C]GSK215083 is consistent
      with those for other neuroreceptor ligands labeled with carbon-11. The somewhat
      higher dose estimate for females compared to males may reflect the difference in
      observed residence times and representative differences in the male and female
      phantoms used for dosimetry calculations. Based on conventionally accepted dose
      limits, [11C]GSK215083 may be used for multiple PET scans in the same subject.

PMID- 22076079
TI  - Extracellular chaperones.
AB  - The maintenance of the levels and correct folding state of proteins
      (proteostasis) is a fundamental prerequisite for life. Life has evolved complex
      mechanisms to maintain proteostasis and many of these that operate inside cells
      are now well understood. The same cannot yet be said of corresponding processes
      in extracellular fluids of the human body, where inappropriate protein
      aggregation is known to underpin many serious diseases such as Alzheimer's
      disease, type II diabetes and prion diseases. Recent research has uncovered a
      growing family of abundant extracellular chaperones in body fluids which appear
      to selectively bind to exposed regions of hydrophobicity on misfolded proteins to
      inhibit their toxicity and prevent them from aggregating to form insoluble
      deposits. These extracellular chaperones are also implicated in clearing the
      soluble, stabilized misfolded proteins from body fluids via receptor-mediated
      endocytosis for subsequent lysosomal degradation. Recent work also raises the
      possibility that extracellular chaperones may play roles in modulating the immune
      response. Future work will better define the in vivo functions of extracellular
      chaperones in proteostasis and immunology and pave the way for the development of
      new treatments for serious diseases.

PMID- 22076080
TI  - The beauty of chemistry in the words of writers and in the hands of scientists.
AB  - Chemistry is a central science because all the processes that sustain life are
      based on chemical reactions, and all things that we use in everyday life are
      natural or artificial chemical compounds. Chemistry is also a fantastic world
      populated by an unbelievable number of nanometric objects called molecules, the
      smallest entities that have distinct shapes, sizes, and properties. Molecules are
      the words of matter. Indeed, most of the other sciences have been permeated by
      the concepts of chemistry and the language of molecules. Like words, molecules
      contain specific pieces of information that are revealed when they interact with
      one another or when they are stimulated by photons or electrons. In the hands of
      chemists, molecules, particularly when they are suitably combined or assembled to
      create supramolecular systems, can play a variety of functions, even more complex
      and more clever than those invented by nature. The wonderful world of chemistry
      has inspired scientists not only to prepare new molecules or investigate new
      chemical processes, but also to create masterpieces. Some nice stories based on
      chemical concepts (1) show that there cannot be borders on the Earth, (2)
      underline that there is a tight connection among all forms of matter, and (3)
      emphasize the irreplaceable role of sunlight.

PMID- 22076081
TI  - Inner and outer beauty.
AB  - Symmetry and pattern are precious forms of beauty that can be appreciated on both
      the macroscopic and molecular scales. Crystallographers have long appreciated the
      intimate connections between symmetry and molecular structure, reflected in their
      appreciation for the artwork of Escher. This admiration has been applied in the
      design of highly symmetrical coordination compounds. Two classes of materials are
      discussed: extended coordination arrays and discrete supramolecular assemblies.
      Extended coordination polymers have been implemented in gas separation and
      storage due to the remarkably porosity of these materials, aided by the ability
      to design ever-larger inner spaces within these frameworks. In the case of
      discrete symmetrical structures, defined inner and outer space present a unique
      aesthetic and chemical environment. The consequent host-guest chemistry and
      applications in catalysis are discussed.

PMID- 22076082
TI  - New directions in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy on molecular
      nanomagnets.
AB  - Recent developments and results in the area of electron paramagnetic resonance
      (EPR) in molecular nanomagnetism are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on
      unconventional measurement methods, such as frequency-domain magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy, interferometer-based Fourier-transform, terahertz spectroscopy, and
      terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. In addition, different methods to investigate
      EPR by monitoring the change in magnetization or magnetic torque in the presence
      of microwave radiation are discussed. Finally, an overview is given of
      application of pulse EPR in investigations of molecular nanomagnets.

PMID- 22076083
TI  - Acute effects of verbal feedback on upper-body performance in elite athletes.
AB  - Argus, CK, Gill, ND, Keogh, JWL, and Hopkins, WG. Acute effects of verbal
      feedback on upper-body performance in elite athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(12):
      3282-3287, 2011-Improved training quality has the potential to enhance training
      adaptations. Previous research suggests that receiving feedback improves single
      effort maximal strength and power tasks, but whether quality of a training
      session with repeated efforts can be improved remains unclear. The purpose of
      this investigation was to determine the effects of verbal feedback on upper-body
      performance in a resistance training session consisting of multiple sets and
      repetitions in well-trained athletes. Nine elite rugby union athletes were
      assessed using the bench throw exercise on 4 separate occasions each separated by
      7 days. Each athlete completed 2 sessions consisting of 3 sets of 4 repetitions
      of the bench throw with feedback provided after each repetition and 2 identical
      sessions where no feedback was provided after each repetition. When feedback was
      received, there was a small increase of 1.8% (90% confidence limits, +/-2.7%) and
      1.3% (+/-0.7%) in mean peak power and velocity when averaged over the 3 sets.
      When individual sets were compared, there was a tendency toward the improvements
      in mean peak power being greater in the second and third sets. These results
      indicate that providing verbal feedback produced acute improvements in upper-body
      power output of well-trained athletes. The benefits of feedback may be greatest
      in the latter sets of training and could improve training quality and result in
      greater long-term adaptation.

PMID- 22076084
TI  - Maximal lactate steady-state independent of recovery period during intermittent
      protocol.
AB  - Barbosa, LF, de Souza, MR, Correa Carita, RA, Caputo, F, Denadai, BS, and Greco,
      CC. Maximal lactate steady-state independent of recovery period during
      intermittent protocol. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3385-3390, 2011-The purpose of
      this study was to analyze the effect of the measurement time for blood lactate
      concentration ([La]) determination on [La] (maximal lactate steady state [MLSS])
      and workload (MLSS during intermittent protocols [MLSSwi]) at maximal lactate
      steady state determined using intermittent protocols. Nineteen trained male
      cyclists were divided into 2 groups, for the determination of MLSSwi using
      passive (VO(2)max = 58.1 +/- 3.5 ml.kg.min; N = 9) or active recovery (VO(2)max =
      60.3 +/- 9.0 ml.kg.min; N = 10). They performed the following tests, in different
      days, on a cycle ergometer: (a) Incremental test until exhaustion to determine
      (VO(2)max and (b) 30-minute intermittent constant-workload tests (7 * 4 and 1 * 2
      minutes, with 2-minute recovery) to determine MLSSwi and MLSS. Each group
      performed the intermittent tests with passive or active recovery. The MLSSwi was
      defined as the highest workload at which [La] increased by no more than 1 mmol.L
      between minutes 10 and 30 (T1) or minutes 14 and 44 (T2) of the protocol. The
      MLSS (Passive-T1: 5.89 +/- 1.41 vs. T2: 5.61 +/- 1.78 mmol.L) and MLSSwi (Passive
      T1: 294.5 +/- 31.8 vs. T2: 294.7 +/- 32.2 W; Active-T1: 304.6 +/- 23.0 vs. T2:
      300.5 +/- 23.9 W) were similar for both criteria. However, MLSS was lower in T2
      (4.91 +/- 1.91 mmol.L) when compared with in T1 (5.62 +/- 1.83 mmol.L) using
      active recovery. We can conclude that the MLSSwi (passive and active conditions)
      was unchanged whether recovery periods were considered (T1) or not (T2) for the
      interpretation of [La] kinetics. In contrast, MLSS was lowered when considering
      the active recovery periods (T2). Thus, shorter intermittent protocols (i.e., T1)
      to determine MLSSwi may optimize time of the aerobic capacity evaluation of well
      trained cyclists.

PMID- 22076085
TI  - The effects of adding different whole-body vibration frequencies to
      preconditioning exercise on subsequent sprint performance.
AB  - Ronnestad, BR and Ellefsen, S. The effects of adding different whole-body
      vibration frequencies to preconditioning exercise on subsequent sprint
      performance. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3306-3310, 2011-The phenomenon
      postactivation potentiation can possibly be used to acutely improve sprint
      performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adding
      whole-body vibration (WBV) to body-loaded half-squats, performed as
      preconditioning activity to the 40-m sprint test. Nine male amateur soccer
      players performed 1 familiarization session and 6 separate test sessions. Each
      session included a standardized warm-up followed by 1 of the after
      preconditioning exercises: 30-seconds of half-squats with WBV at either 50 or 30
      Hz or half-squats without WBV. The 40-m sprint was performed 1 minute after the
      preconditioning exercise. For each subject, each of the 3 protocols was repeated
      twice on separate days in a randomized order. Mean values were used in the
      statistical analysis. Performing the preconditioning exercise with WBV at a
      frequency of 50 Hz resulted in a superior 40-m sprint performance compared to
      preconditioning exercise without WBV (5.48 +/- 0.19 vs. 5.52 +/- 0.21 seconds,
      respectively, p < 0.05). There was no difference between preconditioning exercise
      with WBV at a frequency of 30 Hz and the no-WBV condition. In conclusion,
      preconditioning exercise performed with WBV at 50 Hz seems to enhance 40-m sprint
      performance in recreationally trained soccer players. The present findings
      suggest that coaches can incorporate such exercise into the warm-up to improve
      sprint performance or the quality of the sprint training.

PMID- 22076086
TI  - The acute potentiating effects of back squats on athlete performance.
AB  - Crewther, BT, Kilduff, LP, Cook, CJ, Middleton, MK, Bunce, PJ, and Yang, G-Z. The
      acute potentiating effects of back squats on athlete performance. J Strength Cond
      Res 25(12): 3319-3325, 2011-This study examined the acute potentiating effects of
      back squats on athlete performance with a specific focus on movement specificity
      and the individual timing of potentiation. Nine subelite male rugby players
      performed 3 protocols on separate occasions using a randomized, crossover, and
      counterbalanced design. Each protocol consisted of performance testing before a
      single set of 3 repetition maximum (3RM) back squats, followed by retesting at
      ~15 seconds, 4, 8, 12, and 16 minutes. The 3 tests were countermovement jumps
      (CMJs), sprint performance (5 and 10 m), and 3-m horizontal sled pushes with a
      100-kg load. Relationships between the individual changes in salivary
      testosterone and cortisol concentrations and performance were also examined. The
      3RM squats significantly (p < 0.001) improved CMJ height at 4 (3.9 +/- 1.9%), 8
      (3.5 +/- 1.5%), and 12 (3.0 +/- 1.4%) minutes compared with baseline values, but
      no temporal changes in sprinting and sled times were identified. On an individual
      level, the peak relative changes in CMJ height (6.4 +/- 2.1%, p < 0.001) were
      greater than the 3-m sled (1.4 +/- 0.6%), 5-m (2.6 +/- 1.0%), and 10-m sprint
      tests (1.8 +/- 1.0%). In conclusion, a single set of 3RM squats was found
      effective in acutely enhancing CMJ height in the study population, especially
      when the recovery period was individualized for each athlete. The study results
      also suggest that the potentiating effects of squats may exhibit some degree of
      movement specificity, being greater for those exercises with similar movement
      patterns. The current findings have practical implications for prescribing warm
      up exercises, individualizing training programs, and for interpreting
      postactivation potentiation research.

PMID- 22076087
TI  - Aerobic capacities and anthropometric characteristics of elite female soccer
      players.
AB  - Ingebrigtsen, J, Dillern, T, and Shalfawi, SAI. Aerobic capacities and
      anthropometric characteristics of elite female soccer players. J Strength Cond
      Res 25(12): 3352-3357, 2011-This study investigated aerobic capacities and
      anthropometric characteristics within a group of 29 elite female soccer players.
      The purpose was to identify and establish aerobic capacities and anthropometric
      characteristics for these players and to look for possible positional differences
      between keepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers. We did this by measuring
      standard anthropometrical variables and maximal oxygen (VO(2)max) and anaerobic
      threshold (AT). One-way analysis of variance revealed no significant differences
      among anthropometric or physiological variables. However, a trend (p = 0.062)
      toward positional differences was found within running speed at AT. A subsequent
      Tukey post hoc test showed differences (p = 0.04) between keepers and defenders,
      with the latter running faster (~1.7 km.h) at AT. The present results suggest
      that few anthropometric and physiological differences exist between playing
      positions in elite female soccer players. Furthermore, the current results
      indicate that present elite players' physiological characteristics are similar to
      those previously shown, despite the rapid changes of the female soccer game.
      Based on well-established knowledge that different playing positions within a
      soccer team ought to have distinct capacities, we recommend regular testing
      programs to be able to construct and implement tailored training programs for
      players' physical capacities with respect to the demands of their playing
      positions.

PMID- 22076088
TI  - Fatiguing upper body aerobic exercise impairs balance.
AB  - Douris, PC, Handrakis, JP, Gendy, J, Salama, M, Kwon, D, Brooks, R, Salama, N,
      and Southard, V. Fatiguing upper body aerobic exercise impairs balance. J
      Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3299-3305, 2011-There are many studies that have
      examined the effects of selectively fatiguing lower extremity muscle groups with
      various protocols, and they have all shown to impair balance. There is limited
      research regarding the effect of fatiguing upper extremity exercise on balance.
      Muscle fiber-type recruitment patterns may be responsible for the difference
      between balance impairments because of fatiguing aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
      The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect that aerobic vs. anaerobic
      fatigue, upper vs. lower body fatigue will have on balance, and if so, which
      combination will affect balance to a greater degree. Fourteen healthy subjects, 7
      men and 7 women (mean age 23.5 +/- 1.7 years) took part in this study. Their mean
      body mass index was 23.6 +/- 3.2. The study used a repeated-measures design. The
      effect on balance was documented after the 4 fatiguing conditions: aerobic lower
      body (ALB), aerobic upper body (AUB), anaerobic lower body, anaerobic upper body
      (WUB). The aerobic conditions used an incremental protocol performed to fatigue,
      and the anaerobic used the Wingate protocol. Balance was measured as a single-leg
      stance stability score using the Biodex Balance System. A stability score for
      each subject was recorded immediately after each of the 4 conditions. A repeated
      measures analysis of variance with the pretest score as a covariate was used to
      analyze the effects of the 4 fatiguing conditions on balance. There were
      significant differences between the 4 conditions (p = 0.001). Post hoc analysis
      revealed that there were significant differences between the AUB, mean score 4.98
      +/- 1.83, and the WUB, mean score 4.09 +/- 1.42 (p = 0.014) and between AUB and
      ALB mean scores 4.33 +/- 1.40 (p = 0.029). Normative data for single-leg
      stability testing for this age group are 3.9 +/- 1.9. Higher scores reflect
      greater balance deficits. The AUB condition produced the greatest balance
      deficit. Our data provide evidence of the important role of the upper body in
      maintaining unilateral standing balance and supports its inclusion as part of
      rehabilitation and training protocols designed to improve balance.

PMID- 22076089
TI  - Validity and reliability of agility tests in junior Australian football players.
AB  - Young, W, Farrow, D, Pyne, D, McGregor, W, and Handke, T. Validity and
      reliability of agility tests in junior Australian football players. J Strength
      Cond Res 25(12): 3399-3403, 2011-The importance of sport-specific stimuli in
      reactive agility tests (RATs) compared to other agility tests is not known. The
      purpose of this research was to determine the validity and reliability of agility
      tests. Fifty junior Australian football players aged 15-17 years, members of
      either an elite junior squad (n = 35) or a secondary school team (n = 15), were
      assessed on a new RAT that involved a change of direction sprint in response to
      the movements of an attacking player projected in life size on a screen. These
      players also underwent the planned Australian Football League agility test, and a
      subgroup (n = 13) underwent a test requiring a change of direction in response to
      a left or right arrow stimulus. The elite players were significantly better than
      the school group players on the RAT (2.81 +/- 0.08 seconds, 3.07 +/- 0.12
      seconds; difference 8.5%) but not in the arrow stimulus test or planned agility
      test. The data were log transformed and the reliability of the new RAT estimated
      using typical error (TE) expressed as a coefficient of variation. The TE for the
      RAT was 2.7% (2.0-4.3, 90% confidence interval) or 0.07 seconds (0.5-1.0), with
      an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.33. For the test using the arrow
      stimulus, the TE was 3.4% (2.4-6.2), 0.09 (0.06-0.15) seconds, and ICC was 0.10.
      The sport-specific stimulus provided by the new RAT is a crucial component of an
      agility test; however, adoption of the new RAT for routine testing is likely to
      require more accessible equipment and several familiarization trials to improve
      its reliability.

PMID- 22076090
TI  - Effects of unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on power and jumping
      ability in women.
AB  - Makaruk, H, Winchester, JB, Sadowski, J, Czaplicki, A, and Sacewicz, T. Effects
      of unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on power and jumping ability in
      women. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3311-3318, 2011-The purpose of this study was
      to examine the effects of unilateral and bilateral plyometric exercise on peak
      power and jumping performance during different stages of a 12-week training and
      detraining in women. Forty-nine untrained but physically active female college
      students were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: unilateral plyometric group (n
      = 16), bilateral plyometric group (BLE; n = 18), and a control group (n = 15).
      Peak power and jumping ability were assessed by means of the alternate leg tests
      (10-second Wingate test and 5 alternate leg bounds), bilateral leg test
      (countermovement jump [CMJ]) and unilateral leg test (unilateral CMJ).
      Performance indicators were measured pretraining, midtraining, posttraining, and
      detraining. Differences between dependent variables were assessed with a 3 * 4
      (group * time) repeated analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test applied
      where appropriate. Effect size was calculated to determine the magnitude of
      significant differences between the researched parameters. Only the unilateral
      plyometric training produced significant (p < 0.05) improvement in all tests from
      pretraining to midtraining, but there was no significant (p < 0.05) increase in
      performance indicators from midtraining to posttraining. The BLE group
      significantly (p < 0.05) improved in all tests from pretraining to posttraining
      and did not significantly (p > 0.05) decrease power and jumping ability in all
      tests during detraining. These results suggest that unilateral plyometric
      exercises produce power and jumping performance during a shorter period when
      compared to bilateral plyometric exercises but achieved performance gains last
      longer after bilateral plyometric training. Practitioners should consider the
      inclusion of both unilateral and bilateral modes of plyometric exercise to elicit
      rapid improvements and guard against detraining.

PMID- 22076091
TI  - Physical and performance characteristics of Japanese division 1 collegiate
      football players.
AB  - Iguchi, J, Yamada, Y, Ando, S, Fujisawa, Y, Hojo, T, Nishimura, K, Kuzuhara, K,
      Yuasa, Y, and Ichihashi, N. Physical and performance characteristics of Japanese
      division 1 collegiate football players. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3368-3377,
      2011-This study aimed to establish the physical and performance characteristics
      of football players in the Japanese Division 1 collegiate football program and
      perform a comparison of these characteristics between Japanese (n = 208) and US
      Division 1 football players (n = 797). The following comparisons were made: (a)
      between a higher-ranked university team vs. a lower-ranked university team in
      Japan, (b) between different playing positions in Japan, (c) between starters and
      nonstarters in Japan, and (d) between playing positions in Japan vs. those in the
      United States. The results of this study suggest that players in the higher
      ranked university team were heavier, stronger in back squat, jumped higher, and
      had greater power than those on the lower-ranked team. Furthermore, linemen were
      generally characterized by larger size, greater strength, and more fat as
      compared with backs. On the other hand, backs tended to be faster, smaller in
      physical size, have higher vertical jump height, and show greater relative
      strength than linemen did. Starters were taller, heavier, stronger, had more
      powerful, and more fat-free mass than nonstarters. Finally, our results revealed
      that players in the United States were superior to players in Japan in all body
      status comparisons (p < 0.01). This study revealed that performance and superior
      body composition are essential for the success of a football player. Power and
      strength seem to be key factors in defining good football performance.

PMID- 22076092
TI  - Test-retest reliability for hitting accuracy tennis test.
AB  - Strecker, E, Foster, EB, and Pascoe, DD. Test-retest reliability for hitting
      accuracy tennis test. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3501-3505, 2011-The purpose of
      this investigation was to assess a test-retest reliability of the hitting
      accuracy tennis test (HATT). Twelve National Collegiate Athletic Association
      (NCAA) division I tennis players (4 men and 8 women) volunteered to participate
      in this investigation. Skill tests consisted of 15 consecutive ground strokes in
      all 4 directions (forehand [FH] and backhand [BH]; crosscourt and up the line)
      with not >1 minute between directions. The court was divided into 12 areas, and
      each area was assigned a value according to a grid system based on offensive,
      defensive, and neutral shots ranging from 1 point to 6 points. Total score,
      unforced errors, and shot index (total number of shots that landed on optimal
      performance areas 5 and 6 minus total number of unforced errors) were used for
      statistical analysis. The order of shot direction was randomized between
      participants and trials. The analysis of variance with repeated measures (p value
      <= 0.05) of this investigation showed no statistical difference between trials on
      any of the measurements. The results also suggest that division I level tennis
      players have the ability to hit accurately specific targets on a tennis court
      using either FH or BH with minimal daily variation. Therefore, we conclude that
      the HATT for trained tennis athletes is a simple, reliable, and accurate
      assessment tool to measure tennis skill performance based on accuracy. The HATT
      is also an easy, inexpensive training device that coaches can use to monitor
      players development.

PMID- 22076093
TI  - The yo-yo intermittent recovery test in junior basketball players according to
      performance level and age group.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level
      1 (Yo-Yo IR1) ability to discriminate between elite, subelite junior basketball
      players, and a group of nonathletic healthy male athletes at 3 different age
      groups (U-14 to U-17). In a cross-sectional design, 119 age-matched participants
      spread over 3 groups, elite (n = 46), subelite (n = 42) junior basketball
      players, and nonathletic healthy male athletes (n = 31), were evaluated over a 5
      week period. The participants undertook 2 familiarization trials of the Yo-Yo
      test performance and 3 test sessions on an indoor basketball court. When
      controlling for the effect of the participants' body mass, the results showed
      that elite athletes had a significantly higher Yo-Yo performance compared with
      the subelite athletes (1,271 +/- 385 vs. 861 +/- 428 m; p < 0.0017; effect size
      [ES] 1.0 +/- 0.35) and the nonathletic group (1,271 +/- 385 vs. 738 +/- 345 m; p
      < 0.0017; ES 1.45 +/- 0.38). No statistical differences (p > 0.0017; ES from 0.02
      to 0.39) were noted between participants' performance levels across age groups.
      Typical between-performance levels and -age groups differences in the Yo-Yo IR1
      were observed. However, when controlling for the effect of the participants' body
      mass, this study demonstrates that the Yo-Yo test is accurate only to
      discriminate elite junior basketball players but cannot be used to differentiate
      the basketball-specific aerobic performance for age.

PMID- 22076094
TI  - Rocker-bottom, profile-type shoes do not increase lower extremity muscle activity
      or energy cost of walking.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine if wearing rocker-bottom shoes with
      compliant midsoles (RB) influences muscle activity and metabolic cost of walking.
      Furthermore, we sought to determine if weight differences between shod conditions
      accounted for any potential change. Twenty-eight subjects (17 women, 11 men, age
      22.8 +/- 6.6 years; weight 72 +/- 20 kg; height 170 +/- 6.7 cm; percent body fat
      23.0 +/- 11.7) walked on a treadmill (0% grade) for 10 minutes at a self-selected
      speed plus 10% (1.3 +/- 0.2 m.s) in each of the following laboratory-provided
      shoes: flat-bottomed shoe (W), flat-bottomed shoe weight-matched to RB (WM), and
      RB. Muscle activity of the right side biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF),
      gastrocnemius (GA), and tibalis anterior (TA) was recorded for 30 seconds at the
      beginning, middle, and ending of the 10-minute walk using an electromyography
      (EMG) system. The average (AVG) and root mean square (RMS) were calculated from
      full-wave rectified EMG data at each interval. The rate of oxygen consumption
      (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) was measured for 10 minutes during each condition. A 3
      (shoe) * 3 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to
      compare each EMG-dependent variable (AVG and RMS EMG of each muscle), and
      repeated measures ANOVA was used to test V[Combining Dot Above]O2. Muscle
      activity (for any muscle) was not influenced by the interaction of shoe and time
      (p > 0.05). The AVG and RMS for RF, BF, and GA, including V[Combining Dot
      Above]O2, were not different among shod conditions (W: 9.7 +/- 0.6 ml.kg.min; WM:
      10.0 +/- 0.5 ml.kg.min; RB: 10.1 +/- 0.5 ml.kg.min), whereas TA AVG and RMS were
      lower during RB (p < 0.05). It seems that there is no increase in muscle activity
      or metabolic cost while wearing RB beyond the flat-bottomed shoe despite there
      being the rocker-profile design and mass differences.

PMID- 22076095
TI  - Changes in strength over a 2-year period in professional rugby union players.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of upper and lower body
      strength changes in highly trained professional rugby union players after 2 years
      of training. An additional purpose was to examine if the changes in strength were
      influenced by the starting strength level, lean mass index (LMI), or
      chronological age. This longitudinal investigation tracked maximal strength and
      body composition over 3 consecutive years in 20 professional rugby union
      athletes. Maximal strength in the bench press and back squat and body composition
      was assessed during preseason resistance training sessions each year. The
      athletes completed a very rigorous training program throughout the duration of
      this study consisting of numerous resistance, conditioning and skills training
      sessions every week. The primary findings of this study were as follows: (a)
      Maximal upper and lower body strength was increased by 6.5-11.5% after 2 years of
      training (p = 0.000-0.002 for bench press; p = 0.277-0.165 for squat); (b)
      magnitude of the improvement was negatively associated with initial strength
      level (r = -0.569 to -0.712, p <= 0.05); (c) magnitude of improvement in lower
      body maximal strength was positively related to the change in LMI (an indicator
      of hypertrophy; r = 0.692-0.880, p <= 0.05); and (d) magnitude of improvement was
      not associated with the age of professional rugby union athletes (r = -0.068 to 
      0.345). It appears particularly important for training programs to be designed
      for continued muscle hypertrophy in highly trained athletes. Even in professional
      rugby union athletes, this must be achieved in the face of high volumes of
      aerobic and skills training if strength is to be increased.

PMID- 22076096
TI  - Physical characteristics and physiological attributes of female volleyball
      players--the need for individual data.
AB  - The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to profile physical characteristics
      and physiological attributes of adolescent and adult Greek female volleyball
      players (n = 61) who were members of the A (the best league for female volleyball
      players) and B (the second-best league for female volleyball players) Series
      clubs in Greece and (b) to examine the intraindividual variability among these
      players in all physical and physiological measurements that were undertaken in
      the study. The participants were divided into 3 age groups--under 14, 14-18, and
      over 18 years. They underwent a series of physical (e.g., height, body mass, and
      percentage of body fat) and physiological (e.g., aerobic profile, flexibility,
      and vertical jumping ability) tests. Three main findings emerged from the data
      analysis: (a) differences in physical characteristics and physiological
      attributes existed between the 3 age groups. For example, fat-free mass was lower
      in players under the age of 14 years (41.57 +/- 6.06 kg) compared with that in
      players between the ages of 14-18 years (50.24 +/- 6.96 kg) and players over the
      age of 18 years (52.03 +/- 3.39 kg). In addition, the relative peak power as
      measured in the Wingate Anaerobic Test was the highest in the over-18 group (9.72
      +/- 0.65 W.kg), lower in the 14-18 group (8.95 +/- 0.7), and the lowest in the
      under-14 group (8.32 +/- 0.78 W.kg), (b) large intraindividual variability
      existed in most physical characteristics and physiological attributes measured in
      the study, and (c) the intraindividual variability was observed in all the 3
      groups. These findings emphasize the need for coaches to examine the
      intraindividual variability within the players on their teams and to use this
      information when designing training programs and strength and conditioning
      programs.

PMID- 22076097
TI  - Work volume and strength training responses to resistive exercise improve with
      periodic heat extraction from the palm.
AB  - Body core cooling via the palm of a hand increases work volume during resistive
      exercise. We asked: (a) "Is there a correlation between elevated core
      temperatures and fatigue onset during resistive exercise?" and (b) "Does palm
      cooling between sets of resistive exercise affect strength and work volume
      training responses?" Core temperature was manipulated by 30-45 minutes of fixed
      load and duration treadmill exercise in the heat with or without palm cooling.
      Work volume was then assessed by 4 sets of fixed load bench press exercises. Core
      temperatures were reduced and work volumes increased after palm cooling (Control:
      Tes = 39.0 +/- 0.1 degrees  C, 36 +/- 7 reps vs. Cooling: Tes = 38.4 +/- 0.2
      degrees  C, 42 +/- 7 reps, mean +/- SD, n = 8, p < 0.001). In separate
      experiments, the impact of palm cooling on work volume and strength training
      responses were assessed. The participants completed biweekly bench press or pull
      up exercises for multiple successive weeks. Palm cooling was applied for 3
      minutes between sets of exercise. Over 3 weeks of bench press training, palm
      cooling increased work volume by 40% (vs. 13% with no treatment; n = 8, p <
      0.05). Over 6 weeks of pull-up training, palm cooling increased work volume by
      144% in pull-up experienced subjects (vs. 5% over 2 weeks with no treatment; n =
      7, p < 0.001) and by 80% in pull-up naive subjects (vs. 20% with no treatment; n
      = 11, p < 0.01). Strength (1 repetition maximum) increased 22% over 10 weeks of
      pyramid bench press training (4 weeks with no treatment followed by 6 weeks with
      palm cooling; n = 10, p < 0.001). These results verify previous observations
      about the effects of palm cooling on work volume, demonstrate a link between core
      temperature and fatigue onset during resistive exercise, and suggest a novel
      means for improving strength and work volume training responses.

PMID- 22076099
TI  - Relationship between measures of balance and strength in middle-aged adults.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between variables
      of static and dynamic postural control as well as between isometric and dynamic
      muscle strength. A single-group design was used. Thirty-two middle-aged healthy
      adults (mean age: 56 +/- 4 years) performed measurements of static
      (unperturbed)/dynamic (perturbed) balance and of isometric (i.e., maximal
      isometric torque [MIT]; rate of torque development [RTD] of the plantar
      flexor)/dynamic (i.e., countermovement jump [CMJ] height and power) lower
      extremity muscle strength. No significant associations were observed between
      variables of static and dynamic postural control (r = +0.128-0.341, p > 0.05) and
      between measures of balance and strength (r = -0.189 to +0.316, p > 0.05).
      Significant positive correlations were detected between variables of isometric
      and dynamic strength ranging from r = +0.361 to +0.501 (p < 0.05). Further,
      simple regression analyses revealed that a 10% increase in the mean CMJ height
      (3.1 cm) was associated with 44.4 N.m and 118.4 N.m.s better MIT and RTD,
      respectively. The nonsignificant correlations between static and dynamic balance
      measures and between balance and strength variables imply that static and dynamic
      postural control and balance and strength are independent of each other and may
      have to be tested and trained complementarily.

PMID- 22076098
TI  - Lower extremity biomechanics during a regular and counterbalanced squat.
AB  - If the efficiency of human movement patterns could be improved using exercise,
      this could lead to more effective musculoskeletal disease-injury prevention and
      rehabilitation programs. It has been suggested that an efficient squat movement
      pattern emphasizes the use of the large hip extensors instead of the smaller knee
      extensors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a counterbalanced
      squat (CBS) could produce a more hip-dominant and less knee-dominant squat
      movement pattern as compared with a regular squat (RS). There were 31
      recreationally trained college-aged participants (15 male, 16 female) who
      performed 10 squats (5 CBS and 5 RS), while segment kinematics, ground reaction
      forces, and muscle (gluteus maximus [GM], quadriceps, hamstrings)
      electromyographic (EMG) activations were recorded. Peak sagittal plane net joint
      moments and joint ranges of motion at the hip, knee, and ankle joints along with
      peak and integrated EMG activation levels for all 3 muscles were compared using
      analysis of variance (squat type * sex). The results revealed that the CBS
      increased the hip joint moment and GM activation, while it decreased the knee
      joint moment and quadriceps activation as compared with the RS. Therefore, the
      CBS produces a more hip-dominant and less knee-dominant squat movement pattern
      and could be used in exercise programs aimed at producing more hip-dominant
      movement patterns.

PMID- 22076100
TI  - Effect of verbal instruction on muscle activity during the bench press exercise.
AB  - Recent research suggests that humans have some ability to selectively activate or
      relax some muscles during isometric or dynamic muscle actions without changing
      posture or position. This study sought to reveal whether trained athletes could
      isolate either the pectoral or triceps muscles, respectively, at different
      intensities when given verbal technique instruction. Eleven male Division III
      football players performed 3 sets of bench press at 50% 1-repetition max (1RM)
      and 80% 1RM while electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from the
      pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), and triceps brachii (TB). In the
      first set, the subjects performed the exercise without instruction. In the second
      set, the subjects were given verbal instructions to use only chest muscles. In
      the third set, the subjects were instructed to use only triceps muscles. Mean
      normalized root mean square EMG activity was calculated during 3 repetitions in
      each condition. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to detect
      differences from the preinstruction condition, with significance set to p <=
      0.017 as indicated by a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. During
      the 50% max lift with verbal instructions to focus on chest muscles, PM EMG
      activity increased by 22% over preinstruction activity (p = 0.005), whereas AD
      and TB activities were statistically unchanged. When the subjects were instructed
      to focus on only the triceps muscles, PM returned to baseline activity, whereas
      TB activity was increased by 26% (p = 0.005). When the lift was increased to 80%
      max, PM and AD activities were both increased with verbal instructions to use
      only chest muscles. The TB activity was unchanged during the 80% lifts,
      regardless of instructions. In conclusion, it is found that verbal technique
      instruction is effective in shifting muscle activity during a basic lift, but it
      may be less effective at higher intensities.

PMID- 22076101
TI  - Scapular muscle activity from selected strengthening exercises performed at low
      and high intensities.
AB  - A balanced level of muscle strength between the different parts of the scapular
      muscles is important in optimizing performance and preventing injuries in
      athletes. Emerging evidence suggests that many athletes lack balanced strength in
      the scapular muscles. Evidence-based recommendations are important for proper
      exercise prescription. This study determines scapular muscle activity during
      strengthening exercises for scapular muscles performed at low and high
      intensities (Borg CR10 levels 3 and 8). Surface electromyography (EMG) from
      selected scapular muscles was recorded during 7 strengthening exercises and
      expressed as a percentage of the maximal EMG. Seventeen women (aged 24-55 years)
      without serious disorders participated. Several of the investigated exercises
      press-up, prone flexion, one-arm row, and prone abduction at Borg 3 and press-up,
      push-up plus, and one-arm row at Borg 8-predominantly activated the lower
      trapezius over the upper trapezius (activation difference [Delta] 13-30%).
      Likewise, several of the exercises-push-up plus, shoulder press, and press-up at
      Borg 3 and 8-predominantly activated the serratus anterior over the upper
      trapezius (Delta18-45%). The middle trapezius was activated over the upper
      trapezius by one-arm row and prone abduction (Delta21-30%). Although shoulder
      press and push-up plus activated the serratus anterior over the lower trapezius
      (Delta22-33%), the opposite was true for prone flexion, one-arm row, and prone
      abduction (Delta16-54%). Only the press-up and push-up plus activated both the
      lower trapezius and the serratus anterior over the upper trapezius. In
      conclusion, several of the investigated exercises both at low and high
      intensities predominantly activated the serratus anterior and lower and middle
      trapezius, respectively, over the upper trapezius. These findings have important
      practical implications for exercise prescription for optimal shoulder function.
      For example, both workers with neck pain and athletes at risk of shoulder
      impingement (e.g., overhead sports) should perform push-up plus and press-ups to
      specifically strengthen the serratus anterior and lower trapezius.

PMID- 22076102
TI  - Achievement of VO2max criteria during a continuous graded exercise test and a
      verification stage performed by college athletes.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of meeting specific
      VO2max criteria and to test the effectiveness of a VO2max verification stage in
      college athletes. Thirty-five subjects completed a continuous graded exercise
      test (GXT) to volitional exhaustion. The frequency of achieving various
      respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and age-predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax)
      criteria and a VO2 plateau within 2 and 2.2 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) (<2SD of the
      expected increase in VO2) were measured and tested against expected frequencies.
      After 10 minutes of active recovery, 10 subjects who did not demonstrate a
      plateau completed a verification stage performed at supramaximal intensity. From
      the GXT, the number of subjects meeting VO2max plateau was 5 (<=2 ml.kg(-1).min(
      1)) and 7 (<=2.2 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)), RER criteria 34 (>=1.05), 32 (>=1.10), and
      24 (>=1.15), HRmax criteria, 35 (<85%), 29 (<10 b.min(-1)) and 9 (HRmax). The
      VO2max and HRmax did not differ between GXT and the verification stage (53.6 +/-
      5.6 vs. 55.5 +/- 5.6 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) and 187 +/- 7 vs. 187 +/- 6 b.min(-1));
      however, the RER was lower during the verification stage (1.15 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.07
      +/- 0.07, p = 0.004). Six subjects achieved a similar VO2 (within 2.2 ml.kg(
      1).min(-1)), whereas 4 achieved a higher VO2 compared with the GXT. These data
      demonstrate that a continuous GXT limits the college athlete's ability to achieve
      VO2max plateau and certain RER and HR criteria. The use of a verification stage
      increases the frequency of VO2max achievement and may be an effective method to
      improve the accuracy of VO2max measurements in college athletes.

PMID- 22076104
TI  - A ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein, TaG3BP, associated with the
      modulation of male fertility in a thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterile wheat
      line.
AB  - Hybrid wheat development may contribute to higher, more stable yield and could
      result in greater food security for much of the world's growing population. YS
      type thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterile (TCMS) wheat lines were developed
      for use in hybrid wheat breeding in China. To investigate the molecular mechanism
      of modulation of male fertility in the YS-type TCMS wheat lines, a ras GTPase
      activating protein-binding protein (TaG3BP) was examined. The deduced amino acid
      sequence encoded by TaG3BP was conserved in the sequenced genomes of Embryophyte.
      TaG3BP expression in the anthers of YS-type TCMS lines taken at the critical
      fertility reversion stage of pollen development from male fertile anthers was
      higher than that from male-sterile anthers, either by quantitative real-time PCR
      or by western blot analysis. Sequence analysis on the cDNA and genomic DNA of
      TaG3BP in three kinds of K-type CMS wheat lines and their maintainers indicated
      that there were no significant difference between the genes or in their 5'
      flanking sequences. The TaG3BP expression revealed by quantitative real-time RT
      PCR was lower in the young spikes of these CMS lines than that of their
      maintainers. This indicates that TaG3BP expression is associated with the
      modulation, from male-sterile to fertile, of the TCMS wheat line, and TaG3BP
      might be a key factor in the pathway responsible for the fertility reversion.

PMID- 22076103
TI  - Heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water distribution system: a review.
AB  - The microbiological quality of drinking water in municipal water distribution
      systems (WDS) depends on several factors. Free residual chlorine and/or
      chloramines are typically used to minimize bacterial recontamination and/or
      regrowth in WDS. Despite such preventive measures, regrowth of heterotrophic
      (HPC) and opportunistic bacteria in bulk water and biofilms has yet to be
      controlled completely. No approach has shown complete success in eliminating
      biofilms or HPC bacteria from bulk water and pipe surfaces. Biofilms can provide
      shelter for pathogenic bacteria and protect these bacteria from disinfectants.
      Some HPC bacteria may be associated with aesthetic and non-life threatening
      diseases. Research to date has achieved important success in understanding
      occurrence and regrowth of bacteria in bulk water and biofilms in WDS. To achieve
      comprehensive understanding and to provide efficient control against bacteria
      regrowth, future research on bacteria regrowth dynamics and their implications is
      warranted. In this study, a review was performed on the literature published in
      this area. The findings and limitations of these papers are summarized.
      Occurrences of bacteria in WDS, factors affecting bacteria regrowth in bulk water
      and biofilms, bacteria control strategies, sources of nutrients, human health
      risks from bacterial exposure, modelling of bacteria regrowth and methods of
      bacteria sampling and detection and quantification are investigated. Advances to
      date are noted, and future research needs are identified. Finally, research
      directions are proposed to effectively control HPC and opportunistic bacteria in
      bulk water and biofilms in WDS.

PMID- 22076105
TI  - Toxicogenomic comparison of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and asbestos.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have specific properties, including electrical and
      thermal conductivity, great strength, and rigidity, that allow them to be used in
      many fields. However, this increasing contact with humans and the environment is
      also raising health and safety concerns. Thus, research on the safety of CNTs has
      attracted much interest, including a comparison of the toxic effects of asbestos
      and carbon nanotubes, due to their physical similarity of a high aspect ratio
      (length/diameter). Nonetheless, there has not yet been a toxicogenomic
      comparison. Therefore, to examine toxicogenomic effects, the 50% growth
      inhibition (GI(50)) concentration was determined for multi-wall carbon nanotubes
      (MWCNTs) and asbestos (crocidolite) and found to be approximately 0.0135 and
      0.066%, respectively, in the case of 24-h treatment of normal human bronchial
      epithelia (NHBE) cells. Using these GI(50) concentrations, NHBE cells were then
      treated with MWCNTs and asbestos for 6 and 24 h, followed by a DNA microarray
      analysis. Among 31,647 genes, 1,201 and 1,252 were up-regulated by both asbestos
      and MWCNTs after 6 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. Meanwhile, 1,977 and 1,542
      genes were down-regulated by both asbestos and MWNCTs after 6 and 24 h of
      exposure, respectively. In particular, the asbestos and MWCNTs both induced an
      over twofold up- and down-regulated expression of 12 mesothelioma-related genes
      and 22 lung cancer-related genes when compared with the negative control. Plus,
      the genes induced by the MWCNT exposure were expressed in the brain, lungs,
      epithelium, liver, and colon.

PMID- 22076106
TI  - Magnetic nanoparticles: an update of application for drug delivery and possible
      toxic effects.
AB  - Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent a subclass within the overall category of
      nanomaterials and are widely used in many applications, particularly in the
      biomedical sciences such as targeted delivery of drugs or genes, in magnetic
      resonance imaging, and in hyperthermia (treating tumors with heat). Although the
      potential benefits of MNPs are considerable, there is a distinct need to identify
      any potential toxicity associated with these MNPs. The potential of MNPs in drug
      delivery stems from the intrinsic properties of the magnetic core combined with
      their drug loading capability and the biomedical properties of MNPs generated by
      different surface coatings. These surface modifications alter the particokinetics
      and toxicity of MNPs by changing protein-MNP or cell-MNP interactions. This
      review contains current advances in MNPs for drug delivery and their possible
      organ toxicities associated with disturbance in body iron homeostasis. The
      importance of protein-MNP interactions and various safety considerations relating
      to MNP exposure are also addressed.

PMID- 22076107
TI  - Mechanistic study on liver tumor promoting effects of flutamide in rats.
AB  - Flutamide (FLU), a nonsteroidal anti-androgen, is used for the treatment of
      prostate cancer but is also a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A inducer. Some CYP1A
      inducers are known to exert hepatocellular tumor-promoting activities in rodents,
      and reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by CYP1A1 induction via a metabolism
      of FLU is probably involved in the liver tumor promotion. In the present study,
      to clarify the possible liver tumor promoting effect of FLU, a two-stage liver
      carcinogenesis assay was performed using male F344 rats. Rats received an
      intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 200 mg/kg body weight of N-diethylnitrosamine
      (DEN) and fed a diet containing 0, 0.1 or 0.2% FLU for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of
      DEN treatment, all rats were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy. Animals
      were killed 8 weeks after ip injection of DEN. Immunohistochemically, the number
      and area of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci
      significantly increased in the liver of rats given 0.2% FLU as compared with the
      control. Ki-67-positive cell ratio also increased in rats given FLU at both
      concentrations. ROS generation in the microsomal fraction and production of
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance [TBARS] and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8
      OHdG) content in the liver did not increase in any of the FLU-treated groups. The
      results of microarray and real-time RT-PCR revealed that phase 1 drug
      metabolizing enzymes such as CYP1A1, Ugt1a61 and Nqo1 and phase II drug
      metabolizing enzymes such as Yc2, Akr1b7, Akr1b8, Akr1b10, Aldh1a1, Gpx2 and Me1
      were up-regulated in rats treated with FLU. In addition, the MAPK pathway family
      related genes such as Prkcalpha, Mek1, Rafb, Myc, Mek2, Raf1 and Egfr were also
      up-regulated in FLU-treated groups. The results of the present study indicate
      that FLU is a CYP1A inducer but does not cause any production of microsomal ROS
      in the liver and suggest that microsomal ROS is not involved in the liver tumor
      promoting effect of FLU.

PMID- 22076108
TI  - Comparison of experimentally determined and mathematically predicted percutaneous
      penetration rates of chemicals.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive potential of three different
      mathematical models for the percutaneous penetration of industrial solvents with
      respect to our experimental data. Percutaneous penetration rates (fluxes) from
      diffusion cell experiments of 11 chemicals were compared with fluxes predicted by
      mathematical models. The chemicals considered were three glycol ethers (2
      butoxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and 1-ethoxy-2-propanol), three
      alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol and methanol), two glycols (ethylene glycol and
      1,2-propanediol), one aromatic hydrocarbon (toluene) and two aromatic amines
      (aniline and o-toluidine). For the mathematical prediction of fluxes, models
      described by Fiserova-Bergerova et al. (Am J Ind Med 17:617-635 1990), Guy and
      Potts (Am J Ind Med 23:711-719 1993) and Wilschut et al. (Chemosphere 30:1275
      1296 1995) were used. The molecular weights, octanol-water partition coefficients
      (LogP) and water solubilities of the compounds were obtained from a database for
      modelling. The fit between the mathematically predicted and experimentally
      determined fluxes was poor (R(2) = 0.04-0.29; linear regression). The flux
      differences ranged up to a factor of 412. For 4 compounds, the Guy and Potts
      model showed a closer fit with the experimental flux than the other models. The
      Wilschut et al. model showed a lower flux difference for 4 compounds as compared
      to experimental data than the models of Fiserova-Bergerova et al. and Guy and
      Potts. The Fiserova-Bergerova et al. model showed for 3 compounds a lower flux
      difference to experimental data than the other models. This study demonstrates
      large differences between mathematically predicted and experimentally determined
      fluxes. The percutaneous penetration as determined in diffusion cell experiments
      may be considerably overestimated as well as underestimated by mathematical
      models. Although the number of compounds in our comparison study is small, the
      results point out that none of the mathematical model has significant advantages.

PMID- 22076109
TI  - Balanced nursing report card.

PMID- 22076110
TI  - Alliance for Nursing Informatics pledge to support the Consumer eHealth Program.

PMID- 22076111
TI  - ANA pledges to help patients improve care through use of electronic health
      information: association joins national Consumer eHealth Program launch.

PMID- 22076112
TI  - Transforming nursing practice through technology and informatics.

PMID- 22076114
TI  - Comparison of monolisa HCV Ag/Ab ULTRA with two anti-HCV assays for the detection
      of HCV infection in hospital setting.
AB  - In this study, we compared the performance of three serological assays (Monolisa
      HCV Ag/Ab ULTRA, Innotest HCV Ab IV enzyme immunoassay--EIA, and Ortho HCV 3.0
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay--ELISA) for the detection of HCV infection.
      Ninety plasma samples were collected, representing 63 samples from groups at risk
      for acquiring HCV infection and 27 HCV RNA-positive samples. The results of Ortho
      HCV 3.0 ELISA, Innotest HCV Ab IV, and Monolisa HCV Ag/Ab ULTRA were fully
      concordant for 27 HCV RNA-positive samples. Ortho HCV 3.0 ELISA test and Innotest
      HCV Ab IV also gave the same results for risk groups, while three samples were
      found to be reactive by Monolisa HCV Ag/Ab ULTRA and were consequently found
      negative for HCV RNA. As two of the solely Monolisa HCV Ag/Ab ULTRA-positive
      samples were also hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg)-positive, neutralization of HBsAg
      was performed but no arguments for the HBsAg interference were observed. In
      conclusion, the non-specific reactive signal was observed, in three samples using
      Monolisa HCV Ag/Ab ULTRA, to be negative by other serological assays, and
      observed to be negative in an HCV RNA assessment, a result that could not be
      attributed to the interference with HBsAg. In the context of diagnostic testing,
      no test for various HCV genotypes was observed to be superior to any other.

PMID- 22076115
TI  - Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for management of osteoarthritis in
      long-term care patients.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is common in patients >=65 years of age. Although nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for osteoarthritis pain,
      they pose age-related cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal risks. Two
      topical NSAIDs, diclofenac sodium 1% gel (DSG) and diclofenac sodium 1.5% in
      45.5% dimethylsulfoxide solution (D-DMSO), are approved in the US for the
      treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Topical NSAIDs have shown efficacy and safety
      in knee (DSG, D-DMSO) and hand (DSG) osteoarthritis. Analyses of data from
      randomized controlled trials of DSG in hand and knee osteoarthritis demonstrate
      significant improvement of pain and function in both younger patients (<65 years)
      and older patients (>=65 years) and suggest good safety and tolerability.
      However, long-term safety data in older patients are limited. Topical NSAIDs can
      ease medication administration and help address barriers to pain management in
      older patients, such as taking multiple medications and inability to swallow, and
      are a valuable option for long-term care providers.

PMID- 22076116
TI  - Critical appraisal of pralatrexate in the management of difficult-to-treat
      peripheral T cell lymphoma.
AB  - Aggressive T cell lymphomas are a subgroup of lymphomas with a particularly poor
      prognosis. This is especially true for patients with recurrent or refractory
      disease, who typically have limited response to salvage therapy and extremely
      poor overall survival. For this reason, there is a strong need to develop
      potentially active drugs for these malignancies. Pralatrexate is a novel
      antifolate designed to have high affinity for reduced folate carrier type 1.
      Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that pralatrexate has
      significant activity against T cell lymphomas. The dose-limiting toxicity for
      pralatrexate is mucositis, which can be abrogated with folic acid and vitamin B12
      supplementation. Pralatrexate is the first single agent approved for the
      treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T cell lymphoma.
      This approval was based on an overall objective response rate observed in the
      pivotal study. The overall response rate was 29%, with a median duration of 10.1
      months. This article reviews the biochemistry, preclinical experience,
      metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of pralatrexate, including the clinical
      experience with this agent in lymphoma. Future areas of development are now
      focused on identifying synergistic combinations of pralatrexate with other agents
      and the evaluation of predictive markers for clinical benefit.

PMID- 22076117
TI  - Patient reported outcome data following influenza A (H1N1p) vaccination in the
      2009-2010 season: web-based and telephone evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been worldwide interest in the safety of the pandemic
      influenza A (H1N1p) vaccines, although limited data are available from the
      vaccine recipients' perspective. This evaluation was designed to collect data
      from people who had received an influenza vaccination during the 2009-2010 season
      using a web-based data collection tool supplemented by telephone reporting
      (PROBE). METHODS: People scheduled to receive the influenza A (H1N1p) or seasonal
      influenza vaccines were recruited through media advertising and campaigns
      throughout the West of Scotland. Vaccine recipients participated in the
      evaluation by answering demographic and side effect questions using PROBE
      methodology on the day of the immunization, after 3 days, 8 days, 6 weeks, 12
      weeks, and 26 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 1103 vaccine recipients including 134
      young children (0-4 years) participated in the evaluation; 694 (63%) received
      H1N1p vaccine only, 135 (12%) seasonal vaccine only, 224 (20%) both H1N1p and
      seasonal vaccines, and 50 (5%) received H1N1p or seasonal vaccine with a non
      influenza vaccine (eg, travel or pneumococcal). Overall, 42% of recipients
      reported experiencing a side effect after their baseline vaccination; the most
      commonly reported were general and arm side effects (>20%). Injection site
      discomfort/pain and flu-like symptoms were reported by 57% and 24% of recipients,
      respectively. A significantly higher proportion of the 960 H1N1p vaccine
      recipients experienced a side effect (44% vs 27%, P < 0.001) or injection site
      discomfort/pain (61% vs 26%, P < 0.001) than those receiving seasonal influenza
      vaccines. Female sex and H1N1p vaccination were associated with a significantly
      higher risk of injection site discomfort/pain, whereas the 70+ age group was
      associated with a significantly lower risk. H1N1p vaccine was well tolerated by
      children under 5 years with side effects reported at a similar frequency to that
      found in the total population. CONCLUSIONS: Safety and tolerability data from
      influenza vaccine recipients including young children (via parents/carers) can be
      effectively collected using an online questionnaire with a telephone option
      (PROBE). The influenza A (H1N1p) vaccine was well tolerated, but was associated
      with more local short-term reactions than the seasonal influenza vaccine.

PMID- 22076118
TI  - Band structure and optical properties of hexagonal In-rich In(x)Al(1-x)N alloys.
AB  - Full potential linear augmented plane wave calculations have been performed to
      study the electronic and optical properties of In-rich In(x)Al(1-x)N alloys in
      the hexagonal wurtzite structure. Compositions of x = 0.9375, 0.8125 and 0.6875
      are considered which follow from replacing one, three and five In atoms by Al in
      the 32-atom supercell. The new form of exchange correlation, i.e. Engel-Vosko's
      generalized gradient approximation within density functional theory, is employed.
      The calculations yield the band structure and total density of states as well as
      the imaginary part epsilon(2)(omega) of the ordinary and extraordinary dielectric
      function. The calculated dependence of the bandgap on the composition is in good
      agreement with recent experimental studies. A reversal of the valence band
      ordering is found between x = 0.8125 and 0.6875. The absorption features in the
      high-energy range of epsilon(2)(omega) are related to critical points of the band
      structure. The transition energies for these van Hove singularities are
      determined and their bowing parameters are discussed.

PMID- 22076119
TI  - Small interfering RNA targeting Kruppel-like factor 8 inhibits U251 glioblastoma
      cell growth by inducing apoptosis.
AB  - Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, comprising 21-23
      nucleotides that regulate gene expression by transcriptionally repressing their
      complementary mRNAs. In particular, Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) has been
      postulated to function as a tumor activator in various cancer cells, but not in
      glioblastoma. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumorigenic effect
      of KLF8 siRNA in glioblastoma cells. U251 human glioblastoma cells were
      transfected with KLF8 siRNA and assayed for in vitro proliferation, cell cycle
      and cell apoptosis. The transfection of KLF8 siRNA reduced expression of KLF8 in
      the glioblastoma cells. KLF8 siRNA also reduced in vitro proliferation and
      enhanced cell apoptosis. These results indicate that KLF8 siRNA has an anti
      tumorigenic effect on glioblastoma cells and suggest the possible use of KLF8
      siRNA for the treatment of glioblastoma.

PMID- 22076120
TI  - Microscopic Simulations of Charge Transport in Disordered Organic Semiconductors.
AB  - Charge carrier dynamics in an organic semiconductor can often be described in
      terms of charge hopping between localized states. The hopping rates depend on
      electronic coupling elements, reorganization energies, and driving forces, which
      vary as a function of position and orientation of the molecules. The exact
      evaluation of these contributions in a molecular assembly is computationally
      prohibitive. Various, often semiempirical, approximations are employed instead.
      In this work, we review some of these approaches and introduce a software toolkit
      which implements them. The purpose of the toolkit is to simplify the workflow for
      charge transport simulations, provide a uniform error control for the methods and
      a flexible platform for their development, and eventually allow in silico
      prescreening of organic semiconductors for specific applications. All implemented
      methods are illustrated by studying charge transport in amorphous films of tris
      (8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum, a common organic semiconductor.

PMID- 22076121
TI  - The Nature of the Binding of Au, Ag, and Pd to Benzene, Coronene, and Graphene:
      From Benchmark CCSD(T) Calculations to Plane-Wave DFT Calculations.
AB  - The adsorption of Ag, Au, and Pd atoms on benzene, coronene, and graphene has
      been studied using post Hartree-Fock wave function theory (CCSD(T), MP2) and
      density functional theory (M06-2X, DFT-D3, PBE, vdW-DF) methods. The CCSD(T)
      benchmark binding energies for benzene-M (M = Pd, Au, Ag) complexes are 19.7,
      4.2, and 2.3 kcal/mol, respectively. We found that the nature of binding of the
      three metals is different: While silver binds predominantly through dispersion
      interactions, the binding of palladium has a covalent character, and the binding
      of gold involves a subtle combination of charge transfer and dispersion
      interactions as well as relativistic effects. We demonstrate that the CCSD(T)
      benchmark binding energies for benzene-M complexes can be reproduced in plane
      wave density functional theory calculations by including a fraction of the exact
      exchange and a nonempirical van der Waals correction (EE+vdW). Applying the
      EE+vdW method, we obtained binding energies for the graphene-M (M = Pd, Au, Ag)
      complexes of 17.4, 5.6, and 4.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The trends in binding
      energies found for the benzene-M complexes correspond to those in coronene and
      graphene complexes. DFT methods that use empirical corrections to account for the
      effects of vdW interactions significantly overestimate binding energies in some
      of the studied systems.

PMID- 22076122
TI  - Veterans' experience in using the online Surgeon General's family health history
      tool.
AB  - AIM: To assess veterans' experience and satisfaction in using the Surgeon
      General's (SG) online family health history (FHH) tool, and determine the
      perceived facilitators and barriers to using the online SG-FHH tool.  MATERIALS
      #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: A mixed-method using both qualitative and
      quantitative approaches was employed in this study. A total of 35 veterans at the
      VA Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, USA were invited to enter their FHH
      information using the online SG-FHH tool, complete the study's satisfaction
      survey and participate in a short semi-structured interview. The goal of the semi
      structured interviews was to assess participants perceived facilitators and
      barriers to using the online SG-FHH tool. All participants were also provided
      with a printed copy of their pedigree, which was generated by the SG-FHH tool and
      were encouraged to share it with their relatives and providers.  RESULTS: The
      majority of participants (91%) said that they had access to a computer with
      internet capability and 77% reported that they knew how to use a computer. More
      than two-thirds of the participants felt that items on the SG-FHH tool were easy
      to read and felt that FHH categories were relevant to their family's health.
      Approximately 94% of participants viewed the SG-FHH tool as useful, and the
      majority of participants (97%) indicated that they were likely to recommend the
      tool to others. Content analysis of the semi-structured interviews highlighted
      several barriers to veterans' use of the SG-FHH tool and their FHH information.
      These included: lack of patients' knowledge regarding their relatives' FHH, and
      privacy and confidentiality concerns.  CONCLUSION: This study provides
      information on the performance and functionality of an inexpensive and widely
      accessible method for FHH collection. Furthermore, our findings highlight several
      opportunities and challenges facing the utilization of FHH information as a
      clinical and genomic tool at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The
      results suggest that strategies that improve veterans' knowledge regarding the
      importance of their FHH information and that address their concerns about privacy
      and confidentiality may enhance the successful implementation of FHH information
      into VHA clinical practice.  IMPLICATIONS: identifying a locally accepted method
      for FHH collection and documentation which can be conducted outside of the
      patient visit will reduce time burdens for providers and patients and allow for a
      focus on other important topics during clinic visits. Improvement in familial
      risk screening and assessment will enable the VHA to be prepared for personalized
      medicine and focus their resources on promoting critically important health
      behaviors for populations with the highest risk of developing chronic diseases
      and their complications.

PMID- 22076123
TI  - Understanding the creative processes of phenomenological research: The life
      philosophy of Logstrup.
AB  - The creative processes of understanding patients' experiences in phenomenological
      research are difficult to articulate. Drawing on life philosophy as represented
      by the Danish philosopher K.E. Logstrup (1905-1981), this article aims to
      illustrate Logstrup's thinking as a way to elaborate the creation of cognition
      and understanding of patients' experiences. We suggest that Logstrup's thoughts
      on sensation can add new dimensions to an increased understanding of the creative
      process of phenomenological research, and that his thinking can be seen as an
      epistemological ground for these processes. We argue with Logstrup that sense
      based impressions can facilitate an flash of insight, i.e., the spontaneous,
      intuitive flash of an idea. Logstrup stresses that an "flash of insight" is an
      important source in the creation of cognition and understanding. Relating to
      three empirical phenomenological studies of patients' experiences, we illustrate
      how the notions of impression and flash of insight can add new dimensions to
      increased understanding of the creative processes in phenomenological research
      that have previously not been discussed. We illustrate that sense-based
      impressions can facilitate creative flash of insights that open for understanding
      of patients' experiences in the research process as well as in the communication
      of the findings. The nature of impression and flash of insight and their
      relevance in the creation of cognition and understanding contributes to the
      sparse descriptions in the methodological phenomenological research literature of
      the creative processes of this research. An elaboration of the creative processes
      in phenomenological research can help researchers to articulate these processes.
      Thus, Logstrup's life philosophy has proven to be valuable in adding new
      dimensions to phenomenological empirical research as well as embracing lived
      experience.

PMID- 22076124
TI  - ALK and NSCLC: Targeted therapy with ALK inhibitors.
AB  - For many years treatment for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) has employed chemotherapy regimens for patient care, with limited effect.
      Five-year survival rates for these patients are not encouraging. However, for a
      subgroup of these patients, there have been radical changes over recent years.
      Our understanding of the basic pathology behind NSCLC at the molecular level has
      offered up a host of new molecularly targeted therapies, which are
      revolutionizing this area of cancer care. Results from recent clinical trials
      provide hope for NSCLC patients harboring oncogenic translocations involving the
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase. Just as inhibition of
      the breakpoint cluster region-ABL complex has changed the face of chronic myeloid
      leukemia diagnosis, oncogenic ALK fusions offer a step forward in the diagnosis
      and treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC. This article discusses the current knowledge
      and potential implications concerning ALK inhibitors and NSCLC.

PMID- 22076125
TI  - The new face of ovarian cancer modeling: better prospects for detection and
      treatment.
AB  - Ovarian cancer has a disproportionately high mortality rate because patients
      typically present with late-stage metastatic disease. The vast majority of these
      deaths are from high-grade serous carcinoma. Recent studies indicate that many of
      these tumors arise from the fallopian tube and subsequently metastasize to the
      ovary. This may explain why such tumors have not been detected at early stage as
      detection efforts have been focused purely on the ovary. In keeping with this
      leap in understanding other advances such as the development of ex-vivo models
      and immortalization of human fallopian tube epithelial cells, and the use of
      integrated genomic analyses to identify hundreds of novel candidate oncogenes and
      tumor suppressors potentially involved in tumorigenesis now engender hope that we
      can begin to truly define the differences in pathogenesis between fallopian tube
      and ovarian-derived tumors. In doing so, we can hopefully improve early
      detection, treatment, and outcome.

PMID- 22076126
TI  - Drugs for malaria: something old, something new, something borrowed.
AB  - Malaria was estimated to cause 800,000 deaths and 225 million cases worldwide in
      2010. Worryingly, the first-line treatment currently relies on a single drug
      class called artemisinins, and there are signs that the parasite is becoming
      resistant to these drugs. The good news is that new technology has given us new
      approaches to drug discovery. New drugs generated this way are probably 10-15
      years away from the clinic. Other antimalarials that may offer hope include those
      rehabilitated after not being used for some time, those that act as inhibitors of
      resistance mechanisms, those that limit infection while allowing protective
      immunity to develop, and those which are drugs borrowed from other disease
      treatments. All of these offer new hope of turning the tables on malaria. In
      parallel with the effort to develop vaccines that interrupt malaria transmission,
      drugs that target the parasite during transmission to the mosquito or during its
      pre-erythrocytic development in the liver, may allow us to terminate the
      parasite's spread.

PMID- 22076128
TI  - Organellar (Na+, K+)/H+ exchanger NHE7 regulates cell adhesion, invasion and
      anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.
AB  - Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are a group of secondary active antiporters that
      regulate cellular pH, cell volume and ion homeostasis. In humans, nine isoforms
      (NHE1-NHE9) were identified and characterized as functional NHEs. While a growing
      body of evidence indicates that NHE1 generates an acidic tumor environment and
      thereby contributes to tumor invasion, little is known about the role of other
      NHE isoforms in tumor progression. NHE7 is a unique member of the NHE gene family
      that dynamically shuttles between the trans-Golgi network, endosomes and the
      plasma membrane, and regulates the luminal pH of these organelles. Here we show
      that NHE7-overexpression in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells enhances cell overlay,
      cell-cell adhesion, invasion, anchorage-independent tumor growth and tumor
      formation in vivo. In contrast, NHE1-overexpression enhances tumor invasion, but
      it has little effect on cell adhesion or anchorage-independent tumor growth.
      Pathological examinations of the tumor samples derived from NHE7-overexpressing
      cells showed a similar appearance to aggressive tumors. Together, these results
      suggest that NHE7 enhances tumor progression. This is the first report to show
      the involvement of an organellar NHE in oncogenic processes.

PMID- 22076127
TI  - Using biomarkers to improve detection of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Disease-modifying approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) might be most effective
      when initiated very early in the course, before the pathologic burden and
      neuronal and synaptic degeneration make it unlikely that halting disease
      progression would have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Biomarkers of
      disease may provide important avenues of research to enhance the diagnosis of
      individuals with early AD and could assist in the identification of those
      individuals at risk for developing AD. However, for such biomarkers to become
      clinically useful, long-term follow-up studies are necessary to evaluate the
      relevance of cross-sectional biomarker changes to the longitudinal course of the
      disease. The objective of this article is to review recent progress in AD
      biomarkers for the early diagnosis, classification, progression and prediction of
      AD and their usefulness in new treatment trials.

PMID- 22076129
TI  - Response of the agile antechinus to habitat edge, configuration and condition in
      fragmented forest.
AB  - Habitat fragmentation and degradation seriously threaten native animal
      communities. We studied the response of a small marsupial, the agile antechinus
      Antechinus agilis, to several environmental variables in anthropogenically
      fragmented Eucalyptus forest in south-east Australia. Agile antechinus were
      captured more in microhabitats dominated by woody debris than in other
      microhabitats. Relative abundances of both sexes were positively correlated with
      fragment core area. Male and female mass-size residuals were smaller in larger
      fragments. A health status indicator, haemoglobin-haematocrit residuals (HHR),
      did not vary as a function of any environmental variable in females, but male HHR
      indicated better health where sites' microhabitats were dominated by shrubs,
      woody debris and trees other than Eucalyptus. Females were trapped less often in
      edge than interior fragment habitat and their physiological stress level,
      indicated by the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in peripheral blood, was higher
      where fragments had a greater proportion of edge habitat. The latter trend was
      potentially due to lymphopoenia resulting from stress hormone-mediated leukocyte
      trafficking. Using multiple indicators of population condition and health status
      facilitates a comprehensive examination of the effects of anthropogenic
      disturbances, such as habitat fragmentation and degradation, on native
      vertebrates. Male agile antechinus' health responded negatively to habitat
      degradation, whilst females responded negatively to the proportion of edge
      habitat. The health and condition indicators used could be employed to identify
      conservation strategies that would make habitat fragments less stressful for this
      or similar native, small mammals.

PMID- 22076130
TI  - Patterned cell adhesion associated with tissue deformations during dorsal closure
      in Drosophila.
AB  - Cell shape changes within epithelia require the regulation of adhesive molecules
      that maintain tissue integrity. How remodelling of cell contacts is achieved
      while tissue integrity is maintained remains a fundamental question in
      morphogenesis. Dorsal Closure is a good system to study the dynamics of DE
      Cadherin during morphogenesis. It relies on concerted cell shape changes of two
      epithelial sheets: amnioserosa cell contraction and epidermal cell elongation. To
      investigate the modulation of DE-Cadherin we performed antibody uptake
      experiments in live embryos during Dorsal Closure. We found that some antibodies
      access certain epitopes of the extracellular domain of native DE-Cadherin only in
      the amnioserosa and epidermal cells attached to the amnioserosa, which has never
      been observed in fixed DE-Cadherin in Drosophila embryos. These differences
      correlate with the different cell behaviour of these regions and therefore we
      suggest that DE-Cadherin exists in different forms that confer different adhesive
      strengths. We propose this to be a widespread mechanism for the differential
      modulation of adhesion during morphogenesis.

PMID- 22076131
TI  - Gene clusters located on two large plasmids determine spore crystal association
      (SCA) in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. finitimus strain YBT-020.
AB  - Crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis are usually formed in the mother cell
      compartment during sporulation and are separated from the spores after mother
      cell lysis. In a few strains, crystals are produced inside the exosporium and are
      associated with the spores after sporulation. This special phenotype, named
      'spore crystal association' (SCA), typically occurs in B. thuringiensis subsp.
      finitimus. Our aim was to identify genes determining the SCA phenotype in B.
      thuringiensis subsp. finitimus strain YBT-020. Plasmid conjugation experiments
      indicated that the SCA phenotype in this strain was tightly linked with two large
      plasmids (pBMB26 and pBMB28). A shuttle bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)
      library of strain YBT-020 was constructed. Six fragments from BAC clones were
      screened from this library and discovered to cover the full length of pBMB26;
      four others were found to cover pBMB28. Using fragment complementation testing,
      two fragments, each of approximately 35 kb and located on pBMB26 and pBMB28, were
      observed to recover the SCA phenotype in an acrystalliferous mutant, B.
      thuringiensis strain BMB171. Furthermore, deletion analysis indicated that the
      crystal protein gene cry26Aa from pBMB26, along with five genes from pBMB28, were
      indispensable to the SCA phenotype. Gene disruption and frame-shift mutation
      analyses revealed that two of the five genes from pBMB28, which showed low
      similarity to crystal proteins, determined the location of crystals inside the
      exosporium. Gene disruption revealed that the three remaining genes, similar to
      spore germination genes, contributed to the stability of the SCA phenotype in
      strain YBT-020. Our results thus identified the genes determining the SCA
      phenotype in B. thuringiensis subsp. finitimus.

PMID- 22076132
TI  - Transport activity of the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 is enhanced by
      different isoforms of carbonic anhydrase.
AB  - Transport metabolons have been discussed between carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and
      several membrane transporters. We have now studied different CA isoforms,
      expressed in Xenopus oocytes alone and together with the electrogenic sodium
      bicarbonate cotransporter 1 (NBCe1), to determine their catalytic activity and
      their ability to enhance NBCe1 transport activity. pH measurements in intact
      oocytes indicated similar activity of CAI, CAII and CAIII, while in vitro CAIII
      had no measurable activity and CAI only 30% of the activity of CAII. All three CA
      isoforms increased transport activity of NBCe1, as measured by the transport
      current and the rate of intracellular sodium rise in oocytes. Two CAII mutants,
      altered in their intramolecular proton pathway, CAII-H64A and CAII-Y7F, showed
      significant catalytic activity and also enhanced NBCe1 transport activity. The
      effect of CAI, CAII, and CAII mutants on NBCe1 activity could be reversed by
      blocking CA activity with ethoxyzolamide (EZA, 10 uM), while the effect of the
      less EZA-sensitive CAIII was not reversed. Our results indicate that different CA
      isoforms and mutants, even if they show little enzymatic activity in vitro, may
      display significant catalytic activity in intact cells, and that the ability of
      CA to enhance NBCe1 transport appears to depend primarily on its catalytic
      activity.

PMID- 22076134
TI  - Prediction of disease and phenotype associations from genome-wide association
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have proven useful as a method
      for identifying genetic variations associated with diseases. In this study, we
      analyzed GWAS data for 61 diseases and phenotypes to elucidate common
      associations based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The study was an
      expansion on a previous study on identifying disease associations via data from a
      single GWAS on seven diseases. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Adjustments to the
      originally reported study included expansion of the SNP dataset using Linkage
      Disequilibrium (LD) and refinement of the four levels of analysis to encompass
      SNP, SNP block, gene, and pathway level comparisons. A pair-wise comparison
      between diseases and phenotypes was performed at each level and the Jaccard
      similarity index was used to measure the degree of association between two
      diseases/phenotypes. Disease relatedness networks (DRNs) were used to visualize
      our results. We saw predominant relatedness between Multiple Sclerosis, type 1
      diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis for the first three levels of analysis.
      Expected relatedness was also seen between lipid- and blood-related traits.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The predominant associations between Multiple
      Sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can be validated by clinical
      studies. The diseases have been proposed to share a systemic inflammation
      phenotype that can result in progression of additional diseases in patients with
      one of these three diseases. We also noticed unexpected relationships between
      metabolic and neurological diseases at the pathway comparison level. The less
      significant relationships found between diseases require a more detailed
      literature review to determine validity of the predictions. The results from this
      study serve as a first step towards a better understanding of seemingly unrelated
      diseases and phenotypes with similar symptoms or modes of treatment.

PMID- 22076133
TI  - Age-associated disruption of molecular clock expression in skeletal muscle of the
      spontaneously hypertensive rat.
AB  - It is well known that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) develop muscle
      pathologies with hypertension and heart failure, though the mechanism remains
      poorly understood. Woon et al. (2007) linked the circadian clock gene Bmal1 to
      hypertension and metabolic dysfunction in the SHR. Building on these findings, we
      compared the expression pattern of several core-clock genes in the gastrocnemius
      muscle of aged SHR (80 weeks; overt heart failure) compared to aged-matched
      control WKY strain. Heart failure was associated with marked effects on the
      expression of Bmal1, Clock and Rora in addition to several non-circadian genes
      important in regulating skeletal muscle phenotype including Mck, Ttn and Mef2c.
      We next performed circadian time-course collections at a young age (8 weeks; pre
      hypertensive) and adult age (22 weeks; hypertensive) to determine if clock gene
      expression was disrupted in gastrocnemius, heart and liver tissues prior to or
      after the rats became hypertensive. We found that hypertensive/hypertrophic SHR
      showed a dampening of peak Bmal1 and Rev-erb expression in the liver, and the
      clock-controlled gene Pgc1alpha in the gastrocnemius. In addition, the core-clock
      gene Clock and the muscle-specific, clock-controlled gene Myod1, no longer
      maintained a circadian pattern of expression in gastrocnemius from the
      hypertensive SHR. These findings provide a framework to suggest a mechanism
      whereby chronic heart failure leads to skeletal muscle pathologies; prolonged
      dysregulation of the molecular clock in skeletal muscle results in altered Clock,
      Pgc1alpha and Myod1 expression which in turn leads to the mis-regulation of
      target genes important for mechanical and metabolic function of skeletal muscle.

PMID- 22076135
TI  - Erk1/2 mediates leptin receptor signaling in the ventral tegmental area.
AB  - Leptin acts on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to modulate neuronal function and
      feeding behavior in rats and mice. To identify the intracellular effectors of the
      leptin receptor (Lepr), downstream signal transduction events were assessed for
      regulation by direct leptin infusion. Phosphorylated signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) and phosphorylated extracellular signal
      regulated kinase-1 and -2 (pERK1/2) were increased in the VTA while phospho-AKT
      (pAKT) was unaffected. Pretreatment of brain slices with the mitogen-activated
      protein kinase kinase -1 and -2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor U0126 blocked the leptin
      mediated decrease in firing frequency of VTA dopamine neurons. The anorexigenic
      effects of VTA-administered leptin were also blocked by pretreatment with U0126,
      which effectively blocked phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but not STAT3. These data
      demonstrate that pERK1/2 may have a critical role in mediating both the
      electrophysiogical and behavioral effects of leptin receptor signaling in the
      VTA.

PMID- 22076136
TI  - Redistribution of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the acute and chronic phases of
      pilocarpine-induced epilepsy.
AB  - The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in retrograde synaptic
      communication and may control the spread of activity in an epileptic network.
      Using the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy we examined the expression
      pattern of the Type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1-R) in the hippocampi of CD1 mice
      at survival times of 2 hours, 1 day, 3 days and 2 months (acute, latent and
      chronic phases). Based on the behavioral signs of the acute seizures, animals
      were classified as "weakly" or "strongly" epileptic using the modified Racine
      scale. Mice of the weak group had mild seizures, whereas seizures in the strong
      group were frequent with intense motor symptoms and the majority of these animals
      developed sclerosis in the chronic phase. In control samples the most intense
      staining of CB1-R-positive fibers was found in the molecular layer of the dentate
      gyrus and in str. pyramidale of the cornu Ammonis. In weak animals no significant
      changes were seen at any survival time compared to controls. In strong animals,
      however, in the acute phase, a massive reduction in CB1-R-stained terminals
      occurred in the hippocampus. In the latent phase CB1-R immunoreactivity gradually
      recovered. In the chronic phase, CB1-immunostaining in sclerotic samples was
      stronger throughout the hippocampus. Quantitative electron microscopic analysis
      showed an increase in the number of CB1-R-positive terminals in the dentate
      gyrus. Moreover, the number of immunogold particles significantly increased in
      GABAergic terminals. Our results suggest a proconvulsive downregulation of CB1
      receptors in the acute phase most probably due to receptor internalization,
      followed by compensatory upregulation and sprouting in the chronic phase of
      epilepsy. In conclusion, the changes in CB1 receptor expression pattern revealed
      in this study are associated with the severity of hippocampal injury initiated by
      acute seizures that ultimately leads to sclerosis in the vulnerable regions in
      the chronic phase.

PMID- 22076137
TI  - Endogenous neurotrophins and Trk signaling in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell
      lines are involved in sensitivity to rituximab-induced apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common and often fatal
      malignancy. Immunochemotherapy, a combination of rituximab to standard
      chemotherapy, has resulted in improved survival. However a substantial proportion
      of patients still fail to reach sustained remission. We have previously
      demonstrated that autocrine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production
      plays a function in human B cell survival, at least partly via sortilin
      expression. As neurotrophin receptor (Trks) signaling involved activation of
      survival pathways that are inhibited by rituximab, we speculated that
      neurotrophins may provide additional support for tumour cell survival and
      therapeutic resistance in DLBCL. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present
      study, we used two DLBCL cell lines, SUDHL4 and SUDHL6, known to be respectively
      less and more sensitive to rituximab. We found by RT-PCR, western blotting,
      cytometry and confocal microscopy that both cell lines expressed, in normal
      culture conditions, BDNF and to a lesser extent NGF, as well as truncated TrkB
      and p75(NTR)/sortilin death neurotrophin receptors. Furthermore, BDNF secretion
      was detected in cell supernatants. NGF and BDNF production and Trk receptor
      expression, including TrkA, are regulated by apoptotic conditions (serum
      deprivation or rituximab exposure). Indeed, we show for the first time that
      rituximab exposure of DLBCL cell lines induces NGF secretion and that differences
      in rituximab sensitivity are associated with differential expression patterns of
      neurotrophins and their receptors (TrkA). Finally, these cells are sensitive to
      the Trk-inhibitor, K252a, as shown by the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore,
      K252a exhibits additive cytotoxic effects with rituximab.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Collectively, these data strongly suggest that a
      neurotrophin axis, such NGF/TrkA pathway, may contribute to malignant cell
      survival and rituximab resistance in DLBCL.

PMID- 22076138
TI  - Rust secreted protein Ps87 is conserved in diverse fungal pathogens and contains
      a RXLR-like motif sufficient for translocation into plant cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effector proteins of biotrophic plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes
      are delivered into host cells and play important roles in both disease
      development and disease resistance response. How obligate fungal pathogen
      effectors enter host cells is poorly understood. The Ps87 gene of Puccinia
      striiformis encodes a protein that is conserved in diverse fungal pathogens. Ps87
      homologs from a clade containing rust fungi are predicted to be secreted. The aim
      of this study is to test whether Ps87 may act as an effector during Puccinia
      striiformis infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Yeast signal sequence trap
      assay showed that the rust protein Ps87 could be secreted from yeast cells, but a
      homolog from Magnaporthe oryzae that was not predicted to be secreted, could not.
      Cell re-entry and protein uptake assays showed that a region of Ps87 containing a
      conserved RXLR-like motif [K/R]RLTG was confirmed to be capable of delivering
      oomycete effector Avr1b into soybean leaf cells and carrying GFP into soybean
      root cells. Mutations in the Ps87 motif (KRLTG) abolished the protein
      translocation ability. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggest that Ps87
      and its secreted homologs could utilize similar protein translocation machinery
      as those of oomycete and other fungal pathogens. Ps87 did not show direct
      suppression activity on plant defense responses. These results suggest Ps87 may
      represent an "emerging effector" that has recently acquired the ability to enter
      plant cells but has not yet acquired the ability to alter host physiology.

PMID- 22076139
TI  - Integrated transcriptome and binding sites analysis implicates E2F in the
      regulation of self-renewal in human pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Rapid cellular growth and multiplication, limited replicative senescence,
      calibrated sensitivity to apoptosis, and a capacity to differentiate into almost
      any cell type are major properties that underline the self-renewal capabilities
      of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). We developed an integrated
      bioinformatics pipeline to understand the gene regulation and functions involved
      in maintaining such self-renewal properties of hPSCs compared to matched
      fibroblasts. An initial genome-wide screening of transcription factor activity
      using in silico binding-site and gene expression microarray data newly identified
      E2F as one of major candidate factors, revealing their significant regulation of
      the transcriptome. This is underscored by an elevated level of its transcription
      factor activity and expression in all tested pluripotent stem cell lines.
      Subsequent analysis of functional gene groups demonstrated the importance of the
      TFs to self-renewal in the pluripotency-coupled context; E2F directly targets the
      global signaling (e.g. self-renewal associated WNT and FGF pathways) and
      metabolic network (e.g. energy generation pathways, molecular transports and
      fatty acid metabolism) to promote its canonical functions that are driving the
      self-renewal of hPSCs. In addition, we proposed a core self-renewal module of
      regulatory interplay between E2F and, WNT and FGF pathways in these cells. Thus,
      we conclude that E2F plays a significant role in influencing the self-renewal
      capabilities of hPSCs.

PMID- 22076140
TI  - Assessing the role of tandem repeats in shaping the genomic architecture of great
      apes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ancestral reconstructions of mammalian genomes have revealed that
      evolutionary breakpoint regions are clustered in regions that are more prone to
      break and reorganize. What is still unclear to evolutionary biologists is whether
      these regions are physically unstable due solely to sequence composition and/or
      genome organization, or do they represent genomic areas where the selection
      against breakpoints is minimal. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we
      present a comprehensive study of the distribution of tandem repeats in great
      apes. We analyzed the distribution of tandem repeats in relation to the
      localization of evolutionary breakpoint regions in the human, chimpanzee,
      orangutan and macaque genomes. We observed an accumulation of tandem repeats in
      the genomic regions implicated in chromosomal reorganizations. In the case of the
      human genome our analyses revealed that evolutionary breakpoint regions contained
      more base pairs implicated in tandem repeats compared to synteny blocks, being
      the AAAT motif the most frequently involved in evolutionary regions. We found
      that those AAAT repeats located in evolutionary regions were preferentially
      associated with Alu elements. SIGNIFICANCE: Our observations provide evidence for
      the role of tandem repeats in shaping mammalian genome architecture. We
      hypothesize that an accumulation of specific tandem repeats in evolutionary
      regions can promote genome instability by altering the state of the chromatin
      conformation or by promoting the insertion of transposable elements.

PMID- 22076141
TI  - Alkamides activate jasmonic acid biosynthesis and signaling pathways and confer
      resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Alkamides are fatty acid amides of wide distribution in plants, structurally
      related to N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones (AHLs) from Gram-negative bacteria and to
      N- acylethanolamines (NAEs) from plants and mammals. Global analysis of gene
      expression changes in Arabidopsis thaliana in response to N-isobutyl decanamide,
      the most highly active alkamide identified to date, revealed an
      overrepresentation of defense-responsive transcriptional networks. In particular,
      genes encoding enzymes for jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis increased their
      expression, which occurred in parallel with JA, nitric oxide (NO) and H2O2
      accumulation. The activity of the alkamide to confer resistance against the
      necrotizing fungus Botrytis cinerea was tested by inoculating Arabidopsis
      detached leaves with conidiospores and evaluating disease symptoms and fungal
      proliferation. N-isobutyl decanamide application significantly reduced necrosis
      caused by the pathogen and inhibited fungal proliferation. Arabidopsis mutants
      jar1 and coi1 altered in JA signaling and a MAP kinase mutant (mpk6), unlike
      salicylic acid- (SA) related mutant eds16/sid2-1, were unable to defend from
      fungal attack even when N-isobutyl decanamide was supplied, indicating that
      alkamides could modulate some necrotrophic-associated defense responses through
      JA-dependent and MPK6-regulated signaling pathways. Our results suggest a role of
      alkamides in plant immunity induction.

PMID- 22076143
TI  - Perturbation of host cell cytoskeleton by cranberry proanthocyanidins and their
      effect on enteric infections.
AB  - Cranberry-derived compounds, including a fraction known as proanthocyanidins
      (PACs) exhibit anti-microbial, anti-infective, and anti-adhesive properties
      against a number of disease-causing organisms. In this study, the effect of
      cranberry proanthocyanidins (CPACs) on the infection of epithelial cells by two
      enteric bacterial pathogens, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and
      Salmonella Typhimurium was investigated. Immunofluorescence data showed that
      actin pedestal formation, required for infection by enteropathogenic Escherichia
      coli (EPEC), was disrupted in the presence of CPACs. In addition, invasion of
      HeLa cells by Salmonella Typhimurium was significantly reduced, as verified by
      gentamicin protection assay and immunofluorescence. CPACs had no effect on
      bacterial growth, nor any detectable effect on the production of bacterial
      effector proteins of the type III secretion system. Furthermore, CPACs did not
      affect the viability of host cells. Interestingly, we found that CPACs had a
      potent and dose-dependent effect on the host cell cytoskeleton that was evident
      even in uninfected cells. CPACs inhibited the phagocytosis of inert particles by
      a macrophage cell line, providing further evidence that actin-mediated host cell
      functions are disrupted in the presence of cranberry CPACs. Thus, although CPAC
      treatment inhibited Salmonella invasion and EPEC pedestal formation, our results
      suggest that this is likely primarily because of the perturbation of the host
      cell cytoskeleton by CPACs rather than an effect on bacterial virulence itself.
      These findings have significant implications for the interpretation of
      experiments on the effects of CPACs on bacteria-host cell interactions.

PMID- 22076142
TI  - Maternal cigarette smoke exposure contributes to glucose intolerance and
      decreased brain insulin action in mice offspring independent of maternal diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking leads to intrauterine undernutrition and is
      associated with low birthweight and higher risk of offspring obesity.
      Intrauterine smoke exposure (SE) may alter neuroendocrine mediators regulating
      energy homeostasis as chemicals in cigarette smoke can reach the fetus. Maternal
      high-fat diet (HFD) consumption causes fetal overnutrition; however, combined
      effects of HFD and SE are unknown. Thus we investigated the impact of combined
      maternal HFD and SE on adiposity and energy metabolism in offspring. METHOD:
      Female Balb/c mice had SE (2 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week) or were sham exposed
      for 5 weeks before mating. Half of each group was fed HFD (33% fat) versus chow
      as control. The same treatment continued throughout gestation and lactation.
      Female offspring were fed chow after weaning and sacrificed at 12 weeks. RESULTS:
      Birthweights were similar across maternal groups. Faster growth was evident in
      pups from SE and/or HFD dams before weaning. At 12 weeks, offspring from HFD-fed
      dams were significantly heavier than those from chow-fed dams (chow-sham 17.6+/
      0.3 g; chow-SE 17.8+/-0.2 g; HFD-sham 18.7+/-0.3 g; HFD-SE 18.8+/-0.4 g, P<0.05
      maternal diet effect); fat mass was significantly greater in offspring from
      chow+SE, HFD+SE and HFD+sham dams. Both maternal HFD and SE affected brain
      lactate transport. Glucose intolerance and impaired brain response to insulin
      were observed in SE offspring, and this was aggravated by maternal HFD
      consumption. CONCLUSION: While maternal HFD led to increased body weight in
      offspring, maternal SE independently programmed adverse health outcomes in
      offspring. A smoke free environment and healthy diet during pregnancy is
      desirable to optimize offspring health.

PMID- 22076144
TI  - Recognition of morphometric vertebral fractures by artificial neural networks:
      analysis from GISMO Lombardia Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is known that bone mineral density (BMD) predicts the fracture's
      risk only partially and the severity and number of vertebral fractures are
      predictive of subsequent osteoporotic fractures (OF). Spinal deformity index
      (SDI) integrates the severity and number of morphometric vertebral fractures.
      Nowadays, there is interest in developing algorithms that use traditional
      statistics for predicting OF. Some studies suggest their poor sensitivity.
      Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) could represent an alternative. So far, no
      study investigated ANNs ability in predicting OF and SDI. The aim of the present
      study is to compare ANNs and Logistic Regression (LR) in recognising, on the
      basis of osteoporotic risk-factors and other clinical information, patients with
      SDI>=1 and SDI>=5 from those with SDI = 0. METHODOLOGY: We compared ANNs
      prognostic performance with that of LR in identifying SDI>=1/SDI>=5 in 372 women
      with postmenopausal-osteoporosis (SDI>=1, n = 176; SDI = 0, n = 196; SDI>=5, n =
      51), using 45 variables (44 clinical parameters plus BMD). ANNs were allowed to
      choose relevant input data automatically (TWIST-system-Semeion). Among 45
      variables, 17 and 25 were selected by TWIST-system-Semeion, in SDI>=1 vs SDI = 0
      (first) and SDI>=5 vs SDI = 0 (second) analysis. In the first analysis
      sensitivity of LR and ANNs was 35.8% and 72.5%, specificity 76.5% and 78.5% and
      accuracy 56.2% and 75.5%, respectively. In the second analysis, sensitivity of LR
      and ANNs was 37.3% and 74.8%, specificity 90.3% and 87.8%, and accuracy 63.8% and
      81.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ANNs showed a better performance in identifying
      both SDI>=1 and SDI>=5, with a higher sensitivity, suggesting its promising role
      in the development of algorithm for predicting OF.

PMID- 22076145
TI  - Indirect detection of an epitope-specific response to HIV-1 gp120 immunization in
      human subjects.
AB  - A specific response of human serum neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to a
      conformational epitope as a result of vaccination of human subjects with the
      surface envelope glycoprotein (gp120) of HIV-1 has not previously been
      documented. Here, we used computational analysis to assess the epitope-specific
      responses of human subjects, which were immunized with recombinant gp120
      immunogens in the VAX003 and VAX004 clinical trials. Our computational
      methodology--a variation of sieve analysis--compares the occurrence of specific
      nAb targeted conformational 3D epitopes on viruses from infected individuals who
      received vaccination to the occurrence of matched epitopes in the viruses
      infecting placebo subjects. We specifically studied seven crystallographically
      defined nAb targeted conformational epitopes in the V3 loop, an immunogenic
      region of gp120. Of the six epitopes present in the immunogens and targeted by
      known monoclonal neutralizing antibodies, only the one targeted by the anti-V3
      nAb 2219 exhibited a significant reduction in occurrence in vaccinated subjects
      compared to the placebo group. This difference occurred only in the VAX003
      Thailand cohort. No difference was seen between vaccinated and placebo groups for
      the occurrence of an epitope that was not present in the immunogen. Thus, it can
      be theorized that a specific 2219-like human neutralizing antibody immune
      response to AIDSVAX immunization occurred in the VAX003 cohort, and that this
      response protected subjects from a narrow subset of HIV-1 viruses circulating in
      Thailand in the 1990s and bearing the conformational epitope targeted by the
      neutralizing antibody 2219.

PMID- 22076146
TI  - Apoptosis-inducing factor regulates skeletal muscle progenitor cell number and
      muscle phenotype.
AB  - Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) is a highly conserved, ubiquitous flavoprotein
      localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. In vivo, AIF provides
      protection against neuronal and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by oxidative
      stress. Conversely in vitro, AIF has been demonstrated to have a pro-apoptotic
      role upon induction of the mitochondrial death pathway, once AIF translocates to
      the nucleus where it facilitates chromatin condensation and large scale DNA
      fragmentation. Given that the aif hypomorphic harlequin (Hq) mutant mouse model
      displays severe sarcopenia, we examined skeletal muscle from the aif hypomorphic
      mice in more detail. Adult AIF-deficient skeletal myofibers display oxidative
      stress and a severe form of atrophy, associated with a loss of myonuclei and a
      fast to slow fiber type switch, both in "slow" muscles such as soleus, as well as
      in "fast" muscles such as extensor digitorum longus, most likely resulting from
      an increase of MEF2 activity. This fiber type switch was conserved in regenerated
      soleus and EDL muscles of Hq mice subjected to cardiotoxin injection. In
      addition, muscle regeneration in soleus and EDL muscles of Hq mice was severely
      delayed. Freshly cultured myofibers, soleus and EDL muscle sections from Hq mice
      displayed a decreased satellite cell pool, which could be rescued by pretreating
      aif hypomorphic mice with the manganese-salen free radical scavenger EUK-8.
      Satellite cell activation seems to be abnormally long in Hq primary culture
      compared to controls. However, AIF deficiency did not affect myoblast cell
      proliferation and differentiation. Thus, AIF protects skeletal muscles against
      oxidative stress-induced damage probably by protecting satellite cells against
      oxidative stress and maintaining skeletal muscle stem cell number and activation.

PMID- 22076147
TI  - Epigenetic mechanism underlying the development of polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS)-like phenotypes in prenatally androgenized rhesus monkeys.
AB  - The pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is poorly understood. PCOS
      like phenotypes are produced by prenatal androgenization (PA) of female rhesus
      monkeys. We hypothesize that perturbation of the epigenome, through altered DNA
      methylation, is one of the mechanisms whereby PA reprograms monkeys to develop
      PCOS. Infant and adult visceral adipose tissues (VAT) harvested from 15 PA and 10
      control monkeys were studied. Bisulfite treated samples were subjected to genome
      wide CpG methylation analysis, designed to simultaneously measure methylation
      levels at 27,578 CpG sites. Analysis was carried out using Bayesian
      Classification with Singular Value Decomposition (BCSVD), testing all probes
      simultaneously in a single test. Stringent criteria were then applied to filter
      out invalid probes due to sequence dissimilarities between human probes and
      monkey DNA, and then mapped to the rhesus genome. This yielded differentially
      methylated loci between PA and control monkeys, 163 in infant VAT, and 325 in
      adult VAT (BCSVD P<0.05). Among these two sets of genes, we identified several
      significant pathways, including the antiproliferative role of TOB in T cell
      signaling and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling. Our results
      suggest PA may modify DNA methylation patterns in both infant and adult VAT. This
      pilot study suggests that excess fetal androgen exposure in female nonhuman
      primates may predispose to PCOS via alteration of the epigenome, providing a
      novel avenue to understand PCOS in humans.

PMID- 22076148
TI  - Antidepressants stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis by inhibiting p21 expression
      in the subgranular zone of the hipppocampus.
AB  - The relationships among hippocampal neurogenesis, depression and the mechanism of
      action of antidepressant drugs have generated a considerable amount of
      controversy. The cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21(Cip1) (p21) plays a
      crucial role in restraining cellular proliferation and maintaining cellular
      quiescence. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches the present study shows that
      p21 is expressed in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus
      in early neuronal progenitors and in immature neurons, but not in mature neurons
      or astroglia. In vitro, proliferation is higher in neuronal progenitor cells
      derived from p21-/- mice compared to cells derived from wild-type mice.
      Proliferation is increased in neuronal progenitor cells after suppression of p21
      using lentivirus expressing short hairpin RNA against p21. In vivo, chronic
      treatment with the non-selective antidepressant imipramine as well as the
      norepinephrine-selective reuptake inhibitor desipramine or the serotonin
      selective reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine all decrease p21 expression, and this was
      associated with increased neurogenesis. Chronic antidepressant treatment did not
      affect the expression of other Cdk inhibitors. Untreated p21-/- mice exhibit a
      higher degree of baseline neurogenesis and decreased immobility in the forced
      swim test. Although chronic imipramine treatment increased neurogenesis and
      reduced immobility in the forced swim test in wild-type mice, it reduced
      neurogenesis and increased immobility in p21-/- mice. These results demonstrate
      the unique role of p21 in the control of neurogenesis, and support the hypothesis
      that different classes of reuptake inhibitor-type antidepressant drugs all
      stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis by inhibiting p21 expression.

PMID- 22076149
TI  - p53 dependent centrosome clustering prevents multipolar mitosis in tetraploid
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: p53 abnormality and aneuploidy often coexist in human tumors, and
      tetraploidy is considered as an intermediate between normal diploidy and
      aneuploidy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether and how p53
      influences the transformation from tetraploidy to aneuploidy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Live cell imaging was performed to determine the fates and mitotic behaviors of
      several human and mouse tetraploid cells with different p53 status, and
      centrosome and spindle immunostaining was used to investigate centrosome
      behaviors. We found that p53 dominant-negative mutation, point mutation, or
      knockout led to a 2~ 33-fold increase of multipolar mitosis in N/TERT1, 3T3 and
      mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), while mitotic entry and cell death were not
      significantly affected. In p53-/- tetraploid MEFs, the ability of centrosome
      clustering was compromised, while centrosome inactivation was not affected.
      Suppression of RhoA/ROCK activity by specific inhibitors in p53-/- tetraploid
      MEFs enhanced centrosome clustering, decreased multipolar mitosis from 38% to 20%
      and 16% for RhoA and ROCK, respectively, while expression of constitutively
      active RhoA in p53+/+ tetraploid 3T3 cells increased the frequency of multipolar
      mitosis from 15% to 35%. CONCLUSIONS: p53 could not prevent tetraploid cells
      entering mitosis or induce tetraploid cell death. However, p53 abnormality
      impaired centrosome clustering and lead to multipolar mitosis in tetraploid cells
      by modulating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

PMID- 22076150
TI  - Genome-scale consequences of cofactor balancing in engineered pentose utilization
      pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass offer promising alternative
      renewable energy sources for transportation fuels. Significant effort has been
      made to engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae to efficiently ferment pentose sugars
      such as D-xylose and L-arabinose into biofuels such as ethanol through
      heterologous expression of the fungal D-xylose and L-arabinose pathways. However,
      one of the major bottlenecks in these fungal pathways is that the cofactors are
      not balanced, which contributes to inefficient utilization of pentose sugars. We
      utilized a genome-scale model of S. cerevisiae to predict the maximal achievable
      growth rate for cofactor balanced and imbalanced D-xylose and L-arabinose
      utilization pathways. Dynamic flux balance analysis (DFBA) was used to simulate
      batch fermentation of glucose, D-xylose, and L-arabinose. The dynamic models and
      experimental results are in good agreement for the wild type and for the
      engineered D-xylose utilization pathway. Cofactor balancing the engineered D
      xylose and L-arabinose utilization pathways simulated an increase in ethanol
      batch production of 24.7% while simultaneously reducing the predicted substrate
      utilization time by 70%. Furthermore, the effects of cofactor balancing the
      engineered pentose utilization pathways were evaluated throughout the genome
      scale metabolic network. This work not only provides new insights to the global
      network effects of cofactor balancing but also provides useful guidelines for
      engineering a recombinant yeast strain with cofactor balanced engineered pathways
      that efficiently co-utilizes pentose and hexose sugars for biofuels production.
      Experimental switching of cofactor usage in enzymes has been demonstrated, but is
      a time-consuming effort. Therefore, systems biology models that can predict the
      likely outcome of such strain engineering efforts are highly useful for
      motivating which efforts are likely to be worth the significant time investment.

PMID- 22076151
TI  - An in vivo polymicrobial biofilm wound infection model to study interspecies
      interactions.
AB  - Chronic wound infections are typically polymicrobial; however, most in vivo
      studies have focused on monospecies infections. This project was designed to
      develop an in vivo, polymicrobial, biofilm-related, infected wound model in order
      to study multispecies biofilm dynamics and in relation to wound chronicity.
      Multispecies biofilms consisting of both Gram negative and Gram positive strains,
      as well as aerobes and anaerobes, were grown in vitro and then transplanted onto
      the wounds of mice. These in vitro-to-in vivo multi-species biofilm transplants
      generated polymicrobial wound infections, which remained heterogeneous with four
      bacterial species throughout the experiment. We observed that wounded mice given
      multispecies biofilm infections displayed a wound healing impairment over mice
      infected with a single-species of bacteria. In addition, the bacteria in the
      polymicrobial wound infections displayed increased antimicrobial tolerance in
      comparison to those in single species infections. These data suggest that
      synergistic interactions between different bacterial species in wounds may
      contribute to healing delays and/or antibiotic tolerance.

PMID- 22076153
TI  - Derivation, characterization, and stable transfection of induced pluripotent stem
      cells from Fischer344 rats.
AB  - The rat represents an important animal model that, in many respects, is superior
      to the mouse for dissecting behavioral, cardiovascular and other physiological
      pathologies relevant to humans. Derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from
      rats (riPS) opens the opportunity for gene targeting in specific rat strains, as
      well as for the development of new protocols for the treatment of different
      degenerative diseases. Here, we report an improved lentivirus-based hit-and-run
      riPS derivation protocol that makes use of small inhibitors of MEK and GSK3. We
      demonstrate that the excision of proviruses does not affect either the karyotype
      or the differentiation ability of these cells. We show that the established riPS
      cells are readily amenable to genetic manipulations such as stable
      electroporation. Finally, we propose a genetic tool for an improvement of riPS
      cell quality in culture. These data may prompt iPS cell-based gene targeting in
      rat as well as the development of iPS cell-based therapies using disease models
      established in this species.

PMID- 22076152
TI  - Fascin is a key regulator of breast cancer invasion that acts via the
      modification of metastasis-associated molecules.
AB  - The actin-bundling protein, fascin, is a member of the cytoskeletal protein
      family that has restricted expression in specialized normal cells. However, many
      studies have reported the induction of this protein in various transformed cells
      including breast cancer cells. While the role of fascin in the regulation of
      breast cancer cell migration has been previously shown, the underlying molecular
      mechanism remained poorly defined. We have used variety of immunological and
      functional assays to study whether fascin regulates breast cancer metastasis
      associated molecules. In this report we found a direct relationship between
      fascin expression in breast cancer patients and; metastasis and shorter disease
      free survival. Most importantly, in vitro interference with fascin expression by
      loss or gain of function demonstrates a central role for this protein in
      regulating the cell morphology, migration and invasion potential. Our results
      show that fascin regulation of invasion is mediated via modulating several
      metastasis-associated genes. We show for the first time that fascin down
      regulates the expression and nuclear translocation of a key metastasis suppressor
      protein known as breast cancer metastasis suppressor-1 (BRMS1). In addition,
      fascin up-regulates NF-kappa B activity, which is essential for metastasis.
      Importantly, fascin up-regulates other proteins that are known to be critical for
      the execution of metastasis such as urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)
      and the matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. This study demonstrates that
      fascin expression in breast cancer cells establishes a gene expression profile
      consistent with metastatic tumors and offers a potential therapeutic intervention
      in metastatic breast cancer treatment through fascin targeting.

PMID- 22076154
TI  - Integrated epigenetics of human breast cancer: synoptic investigation of targeted
      genes, microRNAs and proteins upon demethylation treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of aberrant DNA methylation in silencing of tumor
      suppressor genes (TSGs) and microRNAs has been investigated. Since these
      epigenetic alterations are reversible, it became of interest to determine the
      effects of the 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) demethylation therapy in breast
      cancer at different molecular levels. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Here we investigate a
      synoptic model to predict complete DAC treatment effects at the level of genes,
      microRNAs and proteins for several human breast cancer lines. The present study
      assessed an effective treatment dosage based on the cell viability, cytotoxicity,
      apoptosis and methylation assays for the investigated cell lines. A highly
      aggressive and a non-aggressive cell line were investigated using omics
      approaches such as MALDI-TOF MS, mRNA- and microRNA expression arrays, 2-D gel
      electrophoresis and LC-MS-MS. Complete molecular profiles including the
      biological interaction and possible early and late systematic stable or transient
      effects of the methylation inhibition were determined. Beside the activation of
      several epigenetically suppressed TSGs, we also showed significant dysregulation
      of some important oncogenes, oncomiRs and oncosuppressors miRNAs as well as drug
      tolerance genes/miRNAs/proteins. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the results
      denote some new molecular DAC targets and pathways based on the chemical
      modification of DNA methylation in breast cancer. The outlined approach might
      prove to be useful as an epigenetic treatment model also for other human solid
      tumors in the management of cancer patients.

PMID- 22076155
TI  - LINE-1 methylation levels in leukocyte DNA and risk of renal cell cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Leukocyte global DNA methylation levels are currently being considered
      as biomarkers of cancer susceptibility and have been associated with risk of
      several cancers. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between long
      interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1) methylation levels, as a biomarker of
      global DNA methylation in blood cell DNA, and renal cell cancer risk.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: LINE-1 methylation of bisulfite-converted genomic DNA
      isolated from leukocytes was quantified by pyrosequencing measured in triplicate,
      and averaged across 4 CpG sites. A total of 328 RCC cases and 654 controls
      frequency-matched(2?1) on age(+/-5years), sex and study center, from a large case
      control study conducted in Central and Eastern Europe were evaluated. RESULTS:
      LINE-1 methylation levels were significantly higher in RCC cases with a median of
      81.97% (interquartile range[IQR]: 80.84-83.47) compared to 81.67% (IQR: 80.35
      83.03) among controls (p = 0.003, Wilcoxon). Compared to the lowest LINE-1
      methylation quartile(Q1), the adjusted ORs for increasing methylation quartiles
      were as follows: OR(Q2) = 1.84(1.20-2.81), OR(Q3) = 1.72(1.11-2.65) and OR(Q4) =
      2.06(1.34-3.17), with a p-trend = 0.004. The association was stronger among
      current smokers (p-trend<0.001) than former or never smokers (p-interaction =
      0.03). To eliminate the possibility of selection bias among controls, the
      relationship between LINE-1 methylation and smoking was evaluated and confirmed
      in a case-only analysis, as well. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of LINE-1
      methylation appear to be positively associated with RCC risk, particularly among
      current smokers. Further investigations using both post- and pre-diagnostic
      genomic DNA is warranted to confirm findings and will be necessary to determine
      whether the observed differences occur prior to, or as a result of
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22076156
TI  - The primate community of Cachoeira (Brazilian Amazonia): a model to decipher
      ecological partitioning among extinct species.
AB  - Dental microwear analysis is conducted on a community of platyrrhine primates
      from South America. This analysis focuses on the primate community of Cachoeira
      Porteira (Para, Brazil), in which seven sympatric species occur: Alouatta
      seniculus, Ateles paniscus, Cebus apella, Chiropotes satanas, Pithecia Pithecia,
      Saguinus midas, and Saimiri sciureus. Shearing quotients are also calculated for
      each taxon of this primate community. Dental microwear results indicate
      significant differences between taxa, but are somewhat insufficient when it comes
      to discriminating between ecologically similar taxa. The primates of Cachoeira
      Porteira all incorporate a certain amount of fruit in their diet, entailing a
      definite amount of inter-specific competition as they must share food resources.
      Alouatta is the most folivorous taxon of this community, which is corroborated by
      dental microwear analysis. Ateles, although of a similar size to Alouatta, limits
      inter-specific competition by incorporating more fruit in its diet. Cebus has a
      very diverse omnivorous diet, which is highlighted in this study, as it compares
      to both fruit and leaf eating taxa. In some cases, microwear results need to be
      supplemented by other methods. For example, dental microwear seems insufficient
      to distinguish between Pithecia and Chiropotes, which eat foods with similar
      physical properties. However, other methods (i.e. shearing quotients and body
      mass) provide enough complimentary information to be able to highlight
      differences between the two taxa. On the other hand, dental microwear can
      highlight differences between primates which have similar diets, such as Saimiri
      and Saguinus. In this case, differences could be due to other exogenous factors.

PMID- 22076157
TI  - Cerebroventricular microinjection (CVMI) into adult zebrafish brain is an
      efficient misexpression method for forebrain ventricular cells.
AB  - The teleost fish Danio rerio (zebrafish) has a remarkable ability to generate
      newborn neurons in its brain at adult stages of its lifespan-a process called
      adult neurogenesis. This ability relies on proliferating ventricular progenitors
      and is in striking contrast to mammalian brains that have rather restricted
      capacity for adult neurogenesis. Therefore, investigating the zebrafish brain can
      help not only to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of widespread adult
      neurogenesis in a vertebrate species, but also to design therapies in humans with
      what we learn from this teleost. Yet, understanding the cellular behavior and
      molecular programs underlying different biological processes in the adult
      zebrafish brain requires techniques that allow manipulation of gene function. As
      a complementary method to the currently used misexpression techniques in
      zebrafish, such as transgenic approaches or electroporation-based delivery of
      DNA, we devised a cerebroventricular microinjection (CVMI)-assisted knockdown
      protocol that relies on vivo morpholino oligonucleotides, which do not require
      electroporation for cellular uptake. This rapid method allows uniform and
      efficient knockdown of genes in the ventricular cells of the zebrafish brain,
      which contain the neurogenic progenitors. We also provide data on the use of CVMI
      for growth factor administration to the brain--in our case FGF8, which modulates
      the proliferation rate of the ventricular cells. In this paper, we describe the
      CVMI method and discuss its potential uses in zebrafish.

PMID- 22076158
TI  - Characterization of the sortase repertoire in Bacillus anthracis.
AB  - LPXTG proteins, present in most if not all Gram-positive bacteria, are known to
      be anchored by sortases to the bacterial peptidoglycan. More than one sortase
      gene is often encoded in a bacterial species, and each sortase is supposed to
      specifically anchor given LPXTG proteins, depending of the sequence of the C
      terminal cell wall sorting signal (cwss), bearing an LPXTG motif or another
      recognition sequence. B. anthracis possesses three sortase genes. B. anthracis
      sortase deleted mutant strains are not affected in their virulence. To determine
      the sortase repertoires, we developed a genetic screen using the property of the
      gamma phage to lyse bacteria only when its receptor, GamR, an LPXTG protein, is
      exposed at the surface. We identified 10 proteins that contain a cell wall
      sorting signal and are covalently anchored to the peptidoglycan. Some chimeric
      proteins yielded phage lysis in all sortase mutant strains, suggesting that cwss
      proteins remained surface accessible in absence of their anchoring sortase,
      probably as a consequence of membrane localization of yet uncleaved precursor
      proteins. For definite assignment of the sortase repertoires, we consequently
      relied on a complementary test, using a biochemical approach, namely immunoblot
      experiments. The sortase anchoring nine of these proteins has thus been
      determined. The absence of virulence defect of the sortase mutants could be a
      consequence of the membrane localization of the cwss proteins.

PMID- 22076159
TI  - Intravenous neuromyelitis optica autoantibody in mice targets aquaporin-4 in
      peripheral organs and area postrema.
AB  - The pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) involves binding of IgG
      autoantibodies (NMO-IgG) to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on astrocytes in the central
      nervous system (CNS). We studied the in vivo processing in mice of a recombinant
      monoclonal human NMO-IgG that binds strongly to mouse AQP4. Following intravenous
      administration, serum [NMO-IgG] decreased with t(1/2) ~18 hours in wildtype mice
      and ~41 hours in AQP4 knockout mice. NMO-IgG was localized to AQP4-expressing
      cell membranes in kidney (collecting duct), skeletal muscle, trachea (epithelial
      cells) and stomach (parietal cells). NMO-IgG was seen on astrocytes in the area
      postrema in brain, but not elsewhere in brain, spinal cord, optic nerve or
      retina. Intravenously administered NMO-IgG was also seen in brain following
      mechanical disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Selective cellular localization
      was not found for control (non-NMO) IgG, or for NMO-IgG in AQP4 knockout mice.
      NMO-IgG injected directly into brain parenchyma diffused over an area of ~5 mm2
      over 24 hours and targeted astrocyte foot-processes. Our data establish NMO-IgG
      pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in mice. The rapid access of serum NMO
      IgG to AQP4 in peripheral organs but not the CNS indicates that restricted
      antibody access cannot account for the absence of NMO pathology in peripheral
      organs.

PMID- 22076160
TI  - Regional grey and white matter changes in heavy male smokers.
AB  - Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent in the general population but the effects
      of chronic smoking on brain structures are still unclear. Previous studies have
      found mixed results regarding regional grey matter abnormalities in smokers. To
      characterize both grey and white matter changes in heavy male smokers, we
      investigated 16 heavy smokers and 16 matched healthy controls, using both
      univariate voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and multivariate pattern classification
      analysis. Compared with controls, heavy smokers exhibited smaller grey matter
      volume in cerebellum, as well as larger white matter volume in putamen, anterior
      and middle cingulate cortex. Further, the spatial patterns of grey matter or
      white matter both discriminated smokers from controls in these regions as well as
      in other brain regions. Our findings demonstrated volume abnormalities not only
      in the grey matter but also in the white matter in heavy male smokers. The
      multivariate analysis suggests that chronic smoking may be associated with volume
      alternations in broader brain regions than those identified in VBM analysis.
      These results may better our understanding of the neurobiological consequence of
      smoking and inform smoking treatment.

PMID- 22076161
TI  - In vitro acute exposure to DEHP affects oocyte meiotic maturation, energy and
      oxidative stress parameters in a large animal model.
AB  - Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants because of their use in
      plastics and other common consumer products. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
      is the most abundant phthalate and it impairs fertility by acting as an endocrine
      disruptor. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of in vitro
      acute exposure to DEHP on oocyte maturation, energy and oxidative status in the
      horse, a large animal model. Cumulus cell (CC) apoptosis and oxidative status
      were also investigated. Cumulus-oocyte complexes from the ovaries of slaughtered
      mares were cultured in vitro in presence of 0.12, 12 and 1200 uM DEHP. After in
      vitro maturation (IVM), CCs were removed and evaluated for apoptosis (cytological
      assessment and TUNEL) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
      Oocytes were evaluated for nuclear chromatin configuration. Matured (Metaphase II
      stage; MII) oocytes were further evaluated for cytoplasmic energy and oxidative
      parameters. DEHP significantly inhibited oocyte maturation when added at low
      doses (0.12 uM; P<0.05). This effect was related to increased CC apoptosis
      (P<0.001) and reduced ROS levels (P<0.0001). At higher doses (12 and 1200 uM),
      DEHP induced apoptosis (P<0.0001) and ROS increase (P<0.0001) in CCs without
      affecting oocyte maturation. In DEHP-exposed MII oocytes, mitochondrial
      distribution patterns, apparent energy status (MitoTracker fluorescence
      intensity), intracellular ROS localization and levels, mt/ROS colocalization and
      total SOD activity did not vary, whereas increased ATP content (P<0.05), possibly
      of glycolytic origin, was found. Co-treatment with N-Acetyl-Cysteine reversed
      apoptosis and efficiently scavenged excessive ROS in DEHP-treated CCs without
      enhancing oocyte maturation. In conclusion, acute in vitro exposure to DEHP
      inhibits equine oocyte maturation without altering ooplasmic energy and oxidative
      stress parameters in matured oocytes which retain the potential to be fertilized
      and develop into embryos even though further studies are necessary to confirm
      this possibility.

PMID- 22076162
TI  - Circulation of different lineages of dengue virus type 2 in Central America,
      their evolutionary time-scale and selection pressure analysis.
AB  - Dengue is caused by any of the four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV-1 to 4). Each
      serotype is genetically distant from the others, and each has been subdivided
      into different genotypes based on phylogenetic analysis. The study of dengue
      evolution in endemic regions is important since the diagnosis is often made by
      nucleic acid amplification tests, which depends upon recognition of the viral
      genome target, and natural occurring mutations can affect the performance of
      these assays. Here we report for the first time a detailed study of the
      phylogenetic relationships of DENV-2 from Central America, and report the first
      fully sequenced DENV-2 strain from Guatemala. Our analysis of the envelope (E)
      protein and of the open reading frame of strains from Central American countries,
      between 1999 and 2009, revealed that at least two lineages of the American/Asian
      genotype of DENV-2 have recently circulated in that region. In occasions the co
      circulation of these lineages may have occurred and that has been suggested to
      play a role in the observed increased severity of clinical cases. Our time-scale
      analysis indicated that the most recent common ancestor for Central American DENV
      2 of the American/Asian genotype existed about 19 years ago. Finally, we report
      positive selection in DENV-2 from Central America in codons of the genes encoding
      for C, E, NS2A, NS3, and NS5 proteins. Some of these identified codons are novel
      findings, described for the first time for any of the DENV-2 genotypes.

PMID- 22076163
TI  - Role of leptin and its receptors in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer.
AB  - Leptin is a multifunctional adipose-derived cytokines that play a critical role
      in bodyweight homeostasis and energy balance. Recently, leptin and leptin
      receptor dysreulation have been reported in variety of malignant cells including
      thyroid. Leptin modulates growth and proliferation of cancer cells via activation
      of various growth and survival signaling pathways including JAK/STAT, PI3
      kinase/AKT and/or Map kinases. In this review, current understanding of leptin's
      role in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer has been described.

PMID- 22076164
TI  - The oncogenic gene fusion TMPRSS2: ERG is not a diagnostic or prognostic marker
      for ovarian cancer.
AB  - TMPRSS2:ERG is a gene fusion resulting from the chromosomal rearrangement of the
      androgen-regulated TMPRSS2 gene and the ETS transcription factor ERG, leading to
      the over-expression of the oncogenic molecule ERG. This gene rearrangement has
      been found in approximately half of all prostate cancers and ERG overexpression
      is considered as a novel diagnostic marker for prostate carcinoma. However,
      little is known about the role of the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion in ovarian cancer.
      The purpose of this study was to test ERG expression in ovarian cancer and its
      potential as a diagnostic marker for ovarian carcinoma progression. A tissue
      microarray containing 180 ovarian cancer tissues of various pathological types
      and grades were examined by immunohistochemical analysis for expression of ERG.
      We also used 40 prostate carcinoma tissues and 40 normal tissues for comparison
      in parallel experiments. ERG-positive expression was detected in 40% of the
      prostate tumor cancer, as well as in internal positive control endothelial cells,
      confirming over-expression of ERG in prostate cancer at relatively the same rate
      observed by others. In contrast, all of the ovarian tumor patient tissues of
      varying histologic types were ERG-negative, despite some positivity in
      endothelial cells. These results suggest that the oncogenic gene fusion
      TMPRSS2:ERG does not occur in ovarian cancer relative to prostate cancer.
      Therefore, development of ERG expression profile would not be a useful diagnostic
      or prognostic marker for ovarian cancer patient screening.

PMID- 22076165
TI  - Glioblastoma with PNET-like components has a higher frequency of isocitrate
      dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation and likely a better prognosis than primary
      glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma with primitive neuroectodermal tumor-like components (GBM-PNET), a
      rare variant of glioblastoma, poses both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
      Ten patients with GBM-PNET were investigated with a median age of 51.5 years and
      the male to female ratio of 4:1. The majority of patients (7 out of 10) showed
      ring-enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is classic for
      GBMs. Restricted diffusion was noted in 7 cases where diffusion weighted imaging
      (DWI) was performed, which correlates with the presence of PNET-like components.
      CD56 and vimentin immunostaining made the diagnosis of GBM-PNET much easier.
      Vimentin strongly and diffusely highlighted the astrocytic components and was
      negative in PNET-like components, while CD56 was strongly and diffusely positive
      in both astrocytic and PNET-like components. Seven out of 9 cases were positive
      for p53 in both astrocytic and PNET-like components. Two out of 8 cases harbored
      isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) R132H mutation, while IDH2 R172 mutations were
      not identified. Three out of 10 patients had a median survival time of 17 months
      while the two patients, whose tumor carried IDH1 mutation, were still alive after
      15 and 31 months of follow-up. Compared to primary GBMs, GBM-PNETs might have a
      better prognosis. Further large scale studies are necessary to confirm this
      observation.

PMID- 22076166
TI  - Increased expression of zinc finger protein 267 in non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease.
AB  - Hepatocellular lipid accumulation is a hallmark of non-alcoholicfatty liver
      disease (NAFLD), which encompasses a spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to
      non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and ultimately cirrhosis. Zinc finger
      protein 267 (ZNF267) belongs to the family of Kruppel-like transcription factors,
      which regulate diverse biological processes that include development,
      proliferation, and differentiation. We have previously demonstrated that ZNF267
      expression is up-regulated in liver cirrhosis and is further increased in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we analyzed the expression of ZNF267 in
      tissue specimens of NAFLD patients and found a significant up-regulation compared
      to normal liver tissue. Noteworthy, ZNF267 mRNA was already significantly
      increased in steatotic liver tissue without inflammation. In line with this,
      incubation of primary human hepatocytes with palmitic acid induced a dose
      dependent lipid accumulation and corresponding dose-dependent ZNF267 induction in
      vitro. Furthermore, hepatocellular lipid accumulation induced formation of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS), and also chemically induced ROS formation
      increased ZNF267 mRNA expression. In summary with previous findings, which
      revealed ZNF267 as pro-fibrogenic and pro-cancerogenic factor in chronic liver
      disease, the present study further suggests ZNF267 as promising therapeutic
      target particularly for NAFLD patients. In addition, it further indicates that
      hepatic steatosis per se has pathophysiological relevance and should not be
      considered as benign.

PMID- 22076167
TI  - Claudins 10 and 18 are predominantly expressed in lung adenocarcinomas and in
      tumors of nonsmokers.
AB  - AIMS: We investigated the expression of claudins 18 and 10 in a large set of
      primary lung carcinomas. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemical expression of
      claudin 18 was seen in 12.7 % and claudin 10 in 12.5 % of lung carcinomas. Their
      expression significantly associated with each other (p<0.001). The expression of
      claudin 18 and 10 was most prominent in lung adenocarcinomas which displayed
      positivity in 21.2% and 23.4 % of cases. Female patients had more often claudin
      18 and 10 positive tumors, also separately in adenocarcinomas. Interestingly,
      claudin 10 (p=0.036) and claudin 18 (p=0.001) were more common in tumours of
      nonsmokers. In adenocarcinomas claudin 18 predicted a better survival (p=0.032).
      In Cox multivariate analysis, claudin 18 had an independent prognostic value
      (p=0.027). CONCLUSION: The results show that both claudins are most commonly
      expressed in lung adenocarcinomas and they are more occasionally detected in
      other histological tumour types. Curiously, female patients and non-smokers
      express these claudins more commonly suggesting that they may play a part in the
      carcinogenesis of tobacco unrelated carcinoma. Claudin 18 associated with a
      better survival in lung adenocarcinoma and had an independent prognostic value
      and may thus be used in the evaluation of patient prognosis.

PMID- 22076168
TI  - Co-expression of metalloproteinases 11 and 12 in cervical scrapes cells from
      cervical precursor lesions.
AB  - The metalloproteinases (MMP) 11 and 12 have been shown to be expressed in
      cervical cancer (CC). In order to extend our previous results, these MMPs were
      evaluated in cervical precursor lesions. One hundred seventeen cervical scrapes:
      thirty-six normal, thirty-six low grade squamous lesions (LSIL), thirty-six high
      grade (HSIL), nine CC; and, also ninety-nine paraffin-embedded cervical lesions:
      fifteen normal cervices, thirty eight LSIL, sixteen HSIL, and five CC were
      collected. The samples were analyzed for relative expression by real time RT-PCR
      or immunohistochemistry assay. We were able to identify a relative increased
      expression of MMP11 in 75% and 78% from LSIL and HSIL samples, respectively.
      While MMP12 expression was 64% and 75% in LSIL and HSIL, respectively. Positive
      samples for MMP11 expression were also positive for MMP12 expression and also
      increased according to illness progression. In the tissues, MMP11 or MMP12
      expression was observed in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells, while in the
      normal epithelium was absent. The reaction was always stronger for MMP12 than
      MMP11. MMP11 expression was present in 77% and 66% of LSIL and HSIL, while MMP12
      expression was 73% and 68%. There was a relationship between MMP11 or MMP12
      expression and HPV infection. Our data are showing a relationship between
      diagnostic of precursor lesions and the MMP11 and 12 expressions, suggesting that
      their expression could be an early event in the neoplastic lesions of the cervix
      and could have clinical significance.

PMID- 22076169
TI  - Achilles tendinosis: a morphometrical study in a rat model.
AB  - This study addresses the morphopathogenesis of Achilles tendinosis, using a rat
      model and presenting quantitative analysis of time-dependent histological
      changes. Thirty Wistar rats were used, randomly split in experimental and control
      groups. Animals of the experimental group were submitted to a treadmill running
      scheme. Five animals of each group were euthanized at four, eight and sixteen
      weeks. Achilles tendons were collected and processed routinely for histopath
      sections. Slides were stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin, Picrosirius Red, Alcian Blue,
      AgNOR, TUNEL and evaluated morphometrically. Cellular density decreased slightly
      along the time and was higher in the experimental group than in controls at
      fourth, eighth and sixteenth weeks. Fiber microtearing, percentual of reticular
      fibers and glycosaminoglycans content increased along the time and were higher in
      experimental group than in controls at all-time intervals. AgNOR labeling here
      interpreted as a marker of transcription activity was higher in the experimental
      groups than in controls at all-time intervals. Apoptotic cells were more frequent
      and diffusely distributed in tendinosis samples than in control groups. These
      results suggest that as mechanical overload is becoming chronic, cellular
      turnover and matrix deposition increases leading to tendinosis. The combination
      of staining techniques and morphometry used here to describe the evolution of
      lesions occurring in a rat model system has proved to be suited for the study of
      induced Achilles tendinosis.

PMID- 22076171
TI  - Small oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma in diabetic glomerulosclerosis.
AB  - Histologic and immunohistochemical features of oncocytic papillary renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) have not been fully elucidated. The author herein report a case
      of oncocytic papillary RCC (OPRCC). A 71-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and
      diabetic nephropathy was found to have a small right renal tumor by CT. He had
      been treated with hemodialysis for chronic renal failure for 10 years. A
      nephrectomy was performed. Grossly, a small (1.5cm) encapsulated yellow tumor was
      found in the kidney. Histologically, the tumor was completely encapsulated, and
      consisted entirely of atypical oncocytes arranged in a diffuse papillary
      structure with fibrovascular cores. The oncocytes showed grade 3 atypia and
      pseudostratification. A few mitotic figures were seen, and psammoma bodies, foamy
      macrophages, and hemosiderin were scattered. Histochemically, the tumor cells
      were positive for colloidal iron, and negative for mucins (Alcian blue/PAS).
      Immunohistochemical results of the tumor were as follows: alpha-methylacyl
      coenzyme A rasemase (AMACR) +++, vimentin +++, cytokeratin (CK) 18 +++, CD10 +++,
      S-100 protein +, MUC1 ++, MUC2 ++, MUC5AC ++, MUC6 ++, panCK Cam5.2 +, CK7 +, CK8
      +, CK14 +, CK19 +, CK20 +, p53 +, HepPar1 +, CD68 +, platelet-derived growth
      factor-alpha (PDGFRA) +, PanCK AE1/3 -, PanCK WSS -, PanCK MNF115 -, CK 35BE12 -,
      CK5/6 -, EMA -, desmin -, smooth muscle antigen -, alpha-fetoprotein -, CEA -,
      estrogen receptor -, progesterone receptor -, HER2 -, p63 -, and KIT -. Ki67
      labeling was 6%. These results suggest that OPRCC can express colloidal iron, low
      molecular weight CKs, S100 protein, MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, p53, PDGFRA, and
      HepPar1.

PMID- 22076172
TI  - Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type extensively involving the bone marrow.
AB  - Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is an aggressive EBV-associated
      lymphoma that mainly involves the nasal cavity but has also been reported to
      involve other extranodal sites without nasal involvement. In contrast to
      aggressive NK cell leukemia (a marrow-based aggressive leukemia of NK-cell
      origin); extensive bone marrow and blood involvement is extremely uncommon by
      nasal type NK/T lymphoma. We report a patient with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma,
      nasal type that developed extensive bone marrow involvement during the course of
      her disease with some overlapping features with aggressive NK-cell leukemia.

PMID- 22076170
TI  - Modulation of AP-endonuclease1 levels associated with hepatic cirrhosis in rat
      model treated with human umbilical cord blood mononuclear stem cells.
AB  - Oxidative stress in liver cells may contribute to the etiology of hepatic
      diseases, as in liver cirrhosis. AP-Endonuclease1 (APE1/Ref-1) is essential for
      cell protection toward oxidative stress by acting as a transcriptional regulator
      of pro-survival genes and as a redox sensitive protein. The aim of this study was
      to critically analyze the various parameters governing the success of human
      umbilical cord blood mononuclear stem cell-based (MNCs) therapy without the use
      of an immunosuppressant and to investigate for the first time the expression of
      APE1 during thioacetamide (TAA)-induced cirrhosis and MNCs therapy in a rat
      model. Umbilical cord blood samples from full-term deliveries were collected.
      Lethal fulminant hepatic cirrhosis in rats was induced by intraperitoneal
      injection of thio-acetamide. MNCs were then intrahepatically transplanted. We
      measured APE1 expression at mRNA and protein levels, mRNA expression of TGF-beta,
      alpha-SMA, STAP, CTGF, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in a follow up study. Histopathological
      and immunohistochemical analyses were performed 10 weeks after intrahepatic
      injection of the cells. Transdifferentiated cells could be efficiently stained
      with antihuman hepatocytes. Interestingly, human hepatocyte-specific markers,
      human albumin, cytokeratin-18 and cytokeratin-19 mRNAs were detected in rat liver
      after 10 days of MNCs infusion. MNC transplanted by intrahepatic route, could
      engraft recipient liver, differentiated into functional hepatocytes, and rescued
      liver failure. Moreover up regulation of APE1 expression confirmed by marked
      immunohistochemical staining may be involved in MNCs-induced hepatocytes
      regeneration suggesting that maintaining high level of APE1 has protective effect
      as pro-survival signal.

PMID- 22076173
TI  - KIT and PDGFRA in esophageal pure small cell carcinoma.
AB  - The author herein reports a very rare case of pure small cell carcinoma of the
      esophagus with an emphasis on KIT and PDGFRA. A 72-year-old man was admitted to
      our hospital because of dysphagia, and endoscopy showed a tumor in the esophagus.
      A biopsy of the esophageal tumor showed a small cell carcinoma consisting of
      malignant small cells with very hyperchromatic nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli
      and without any differentiations. An immuno-histochemical study revealed positive
      reaction for cytokeratin (Dako, Glostrup, Denmark), KIT, PDGFRA, synapto-physin,
      p53 protein, and CD56, and negative reaction for chromogranin, CD45, CD20, CD3,
      and CD30. The Ki-67 labeling was 95%. A molecular genetic analysis showed no
      mutations of KIT and PDGFRA genes. The patient underwent radiation (50 Gray) and
      chemotherapy (cisplatin, 5 courses), but he developed liver and bone metastases
      and died of systemic carcinomatosis five months after the initial presentation.

PMID- 22076174
TI  - Translocation (5; 11) in a conjunctival MALT lymphoma.
AB  - Lymphoma is the most frequent malignant tumor of the ocular adnexa with the most
      common histologic type being extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (EMZL) of
      mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma). Here we report a case of a 28
      year-old male who presented with a left conjunctival mass of one year duration. A
      diagnosis of primary MALT lymphoma of the conjunctiva was made based on
      morphologic and immunopheno-typic studies. Chromosome analysis revealed a male
      karyotype with a translocation t (5;11) (q33;p11.2) as the primary chromosomal
      abnormality, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first reported
      translocation in MALT lym-phomas and ocular MALT lymphomas as well.

PMID- 22076175
TI  - Monstrous epithelial cell clusters in the seminal vesicle.
AB  - A 60-year-old man presented with dysuria and elevated PSA (6.95 ng/ml). Needle
      biopsies of the prostate revealed well differentiated adenocarcinoma of Gleason's
      score 6. Prostatectomy and bilateral seminal vesiculotomy were performed. The
      material was totally cut into 16 preparations. The prostate showed well
      differentiated adenocarcinoma. The left seminal vesicle showed intraluminal
      monstrous large epithelial cells with acidophilic cytoplasm and hyperchromatic
      nuclei, simulating carcinoma cells. Lipochrome pigment was present in the
      monstrous cells, and some monstrous cells showed large bizarre nuclei. Such
      monstrous cells were also present in the mucosal seminal vesicle epithelium, and
      gradual merge between the intraluminal and mucosal monstorous epithelium.
      Immunohistochemically, the monstrous epithelial cells showed the following
      reactions: pancytokeratin (AE1/3, CAM5.2) +, cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 +, CK34betaE12 
      , CK7 +, CK8 -, CK14 -, CK18 +, CK19+, CK20 -, Ki-67 0%, p53 -, P63 -, NSE -, CEA
      -, EMA -, CA19-9 -, ER -, PgR -, HER2 -, HepPar1 -, CD34 -, CD10 +, PSA -, AMACR 
      , Desmin -, ASMA -, CD68 -, S100 -, CD45 -, synaptopysin -, TTF-1 -, CDX-2 -,
      MUC1 -, MUC2 -, MUC5AC - MUC6 +, CD56 -, PAS -, dPAS -, and alcian blue +. The
      immunoprofile of normal seminal vesicle epithelium was as follows: pancytokeratin
      (AE1/3, CAM5.2) +++, cy-tokeratin (CK) 5/6 +++, CK34betaE12 -, CK7 +++, CK8 +,
      CK14 -, CK18 +++, CK19, +++, CK20 -, KI-67 1%, p53 -, P63 +++, NSE -, CEA - EMA 
      , CA19-9 -, ER -, PgR -, HER2 +, HepPar1 -, CD34 -, CD10 +, PSA -, AMACR -,
      Desmin -, ASMA -, CD68 -, S100 - , CD45 -, synaptopysin -, TTF-1 -, CDX-2 -, MUC1
      -, MUC2 -, MUC5AC -, MUC6 +++, CD56 -, PAS -, dPAS -, and alcian blue +. That is,
      the immunophenotype was very similar but much weaker in monstrous cells than in
      normal seminal vesicle epithelium. These findings suggest that the monstrous
      seminal vesicle epithelial cells are degenerative changes. The monstrous
      epithelial cells should not be mistaken for carcinoma.

PMID- 22076176
TI  - Mark A. Smith, 1965-2010: consummate student of pathogenesis.

PMID- 22076179
TI  - Microsatellite instability is associated with the clinicopathologic features of
      gastric cancer in sporadic gastric cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Replication error is an important mechanism in carcinogenesis. The
      microsatellite instability (MSI-H) of colorectal cancers is associated with the
      development of multiple cancers. The influence of MSI-H on the development of
      multiple gastric cancers in sporadic gastric cancer patients has not been
      defined. This study was performed to reveal the association between the
      clinicopathologic features and MSI in sporadic gastric cancers. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between July 2004 and March 2009, the clinicopathologic characteristics,
      including MSI status, were evaluated in 128 consecutive patients with sporadic
      gastric cancers. None of the patients had hereditary non-polyposis colorectal
      cancer of familial gastric cancer. The markers that were recommended by the NCI
      to determine the MSI status for colorectal cancers were used. RESULTS: MSI-H
      cancers were found in 10.9% of the patients (14/128). Synchronous gastric cancers
      were shown in 4 patients (3.1%). Synchronous cancers were found in 2 of 14
      patients with MSI-H gastric cancer (14.3%) and 2 of 114 patients with MSS gastric
      cancer (1.8%; P=0.059, Fisher's exact test). Among the patients with synchronous
      cancer 50% (2/4) had MSI-H cancer, but 9.7% of the patients (12/124) without
      synchronous cancer had MSI-H cancer. MSI-H (RR, 24.7; 95% CI, 1.5~398.9; P=0.024)
      was related with to synchronous gastric cancer, but age, gender, family history,
      histologic type, location, gross morphology, size, and stage were not related to
      synchronous gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: MSI is associated with the intestinal
      type gastric cancer and the presence of multiple gastric cancers in patients with
      sporadic gastric cancer. Special attention to the presence of synchronous and the
      development of metachronous multiple cancer in patients with MSI-H gastric cancer
      is needed.

PMID- 22076177
TI  - Rationale for Targeting CD6 as a Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases.
AB  - CD6 is a 105-130 kDa surface glycoprotein expressed on the majority of T cells
      and a subset of B cells. The human cd6 gene maps to chromosome 11, and the
      expression of its protein product is tightly regulated. CD6 mediates cellular
      adhesion migration across the endothelial and epithelial cells. In addition, it
      participates in the antigen presentation by B cells and the subsequent
      proliferation of T cells. CD6 may bind in trans to surface glycoproteins (such as
      ALCAM and 3A11), or to microbial lipopolysaccharides, and may bind in cis to
      endogenous ligands (such as CD3 and CD5), and thereby deliver a costimulatory
      signal. Transinteractions are reinforced during autoimmune diseases (e.g.,
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's syndrome, and multiple sclerosis) and some
      cancers. Based on experimental data and on clinical results in RA and psoriasis,
      we believe that the recent humanized anti-CD6-specific mAb T1h may act as a
      regulator of the immunological response in addition to its function as an anti-T-
      and -B cell agent.

PMID- 22076178
TI  - B-cell pathology in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common cause of chronic arthritis
      in childhood and adolescents and encompasses a heterogeneous group of different
      diseases. Due to the promising results of B-cell depleting therapies in
      rheumatoid arthritis the role of B-cells in autoimmune diseases has to be
      discussed in a new context. Additionally, experiments in mouse models have shed
      new light on the antibody-independent role of B-cells in the development of
      autoimmune diseases. In this review we will discuss the importance of B-cells in
      the pathogenesis of JIA appraising the question for an immunological basis of B
      cell targeted therapy in JIA.

PMID- 22076180
TI  - In vitro adenosine triphosphate based chemotherapy response assay in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and the
      clinical applicability of the adenosine-triphosphate-based chemotherapy response
      assay (ATP-CRA) as a method of determining in vitro chemosensitivity in patients
      with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 243 gastric cancer tissue
      samples were obtained from gastrectomies performed between February 2007 and
      January 2010. We evaluated the effectiveness of the ATP-CRA assay in determining
      the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer specimens using eleven chemotherapeutic
      agents - etoposide, doxorubicin, epirubicin, mytomicin, 5-fluorouracil,
      oxaliplatin, irinotecan, docetaxel, paclitaxel, methotraxate, and cisplatin - for
      chemosensitivity studies using ATP-CRA. We assessed the failure rate, the cell
      death rate, and the chemosensitivity index. RESULTS: The failure rate of ATP-CRA
      was 1.6% (4/243). The mean coefficient of variation for triplicate ATP
      measurements was 6.5%. Etoposide showed the highest cell death rate (35.9%) while
      methotrexate showed the lowest (16.6%). The most active chemotherapeutic agent
      was etoposide, which most frequently ranked highest in the chemosensitivity test:
      31.9% (51/160). Oxaliplatin was more active against early gastric cancers than
      advanced gastric cancers, whereas docetaxel was more active against advanced
      cancers. The lymph node negative group showed a significantly higher cell death
      rate than the lymph node positive group when treated with doxorubicin,
      epirubicin, and mitomycin. CONCLUSIONS: ATP-CRA is a stable and clinically
      applicable in vitro chemosensitivity test with a low failure rate. The clinical
      usefulness of ATP-CRA should be evaluated by prospective studies comparing the
      regimen guided by ATP-CRA with an empirical regimen.

PMID- 22076181
TI  - Frequency and predictive factors of lymph node metastasis in mucosal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of lymph node metastasis has been reported to range from
      2.6 to 4.8% in early stage gastric cancer with mucosal invasion (T1a cancer).
      Lymph node metastasis in early stage gastric cancer is known as an important
      predictive factor. We analyzed the prediction factors of lymph node metastasis in
      T1a cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 9,912 patients underwent radical
      gastrectomy due to gastric cancer from October 1994 to July 2006 in the
      Department Of Surgery at Samsung Medical Center. We did a retrospective analysis
      of 2,524 patients of these patients, ones for whom the cancer was confined within
      the mucosa. RESULTS: Among the 2,524 patients, 57 (2.2%) were diagnosed with
      lymph node metastasis, and of these, cancer staging was as follows: 41 were N1, 8
      were N2, and 8 were N3a. Univariate analysis of clinicopathological factors
      showed that the following factors were significant predictors of metastasis:
      tumor size larger than 4 cm, the presence of middle and lower stomach cancer,
      poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma, diffuse type
      cancer (by the Lauren classification), and lymphatic invasion. Multivariate
      analysis showed that lymphatic invasion and tumor larger than 4 cm were
      significant factors with P<0.001 and P=0.024, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      frequency of lymph node metastasis is extremely low in early gastric cancer with
      mucosal invasion. However, when lymphatic invasion is present or the tumor is
      larger than 4 cm, there is a greater likelihood of lymph node metastasis. In such
      cases, surgical treatments should be done to prevent disease recurrence.

PMID- 22076182
TI  - Phenotypic Differences of Gastric Cancer according to the Helicobacter pylori
      Infection in Korean Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Infection with Helicobacter pylori is an important risk factor for
      gastric cancer in humans. We compared the clinicopathologic features of gastric
      cancer patients based on H. pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      prospectively studied 155 patients who had gastric cancer and underwent
      gastrectomies in 1 hospital in Korea. We examined H. pylori infections using the
      rapid urease test (RUT) with gastrectomy specimens and collected clinical and
      pathologic data. RESULTS: The number of H. pylori infections based on the RUT was
      137 (88%). The H. pylori-negative group was significantly associated with AGC and
      tumor histology. H. pylori infection was significantly correlated with type I/IIa
      in EGC and type III/IV/V in AGC. AGC was significantly correlated with larger
      tumor size, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, and H. pylori infection
      based on univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We report the
      prevalence of H. pylori based on the RUT in gastric cancer patients. H. pylori
      infection influences the tumor histology, progression, and growth type of gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 22076183
TI  - The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic biopsy for gastric dysplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is controversy over the treatment for low grade dysplasia, while
      resection is recommended for high grade dysplasia. But the concordance of the
      grade of dysplasia between pre- and post-resection is low because of sampling
      errors with endoscopic biopsy. We attempted to establish a clearer direction for
      the treatment of dysplasia by clarifying the discrepancy between the pre- and
      post-resection diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      review of 126 patients who had undergone resection with the diagnosis of
      dysplasia on biopsy at Bundang CHA Hospital from 1999 to 2009. RESULTS: Seventy
      patients were diagnosed with low grade dysplasia and 56 patients were diagnosed
      with high grade dysplasia. Among the 33 patients who received gastrectomy with
      lymph node dissection, 30 patients were revealed to have invasive cancers and 4
      patients showed lymph node metastasis. Discordance between the diagnoses from
      biopsy and resection occurred in 55 patients (44%). There was no correlation on
      the comparative analysis between the size, location or gross type of lesion and
      the grade of dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of discordance between the
      diagnoses of endoscopic biopsy and the post resection pathologic report was as
      high as 44%. Endoscopic mucosal resection was not sufficient for some patients
      who were diagnosed with dysplasia on biopsy due to the presence of lymph node
      metastasis. It is necessary to be prudent when determining the follow-up and
      treatment based solely on the result of the biopsy.

PMID- 22076184
TI  - Is Surgical Treatment Necessary after Non-curative Endoscopic Resection for Early
      Gastric Cancer?
AB  - PURPOSE: Additional surgery is commonly recommended in gastric cancer patients
      who have a high risk of lymph node metastasis or a positive resection margin
      after endoscopic resection. We conducted this study to determine factors related
      to residual cancer and to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy due to non
      curative endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer between January 2006 and
      June 2009 were enrolled in this study. Their clinicopathological findings were
      reviewed retrospectively and analyzed for residual cancer. RESULTS: Of the 28
      patients, surgical specimens showed residual cancers in eight cases (28.6%) and
      lymph node metastasis in one case (3.8%). Based on results of the endoscopic
      resection method, the rate of residual cancer was significantly different between
      the en-bloc resection group (17.4%) and the piecemeal resection group (80.0%).
      The rate of residual cancer was significantly different between the diffuse type
      group (100%) and the intestinal type group (20%). The rate of residual cancer in
      the positive lateral margin group (25.0%) was significantly lower than that in
      the positive vertical margin group (33.3%) or in the positive lateral and
      vertical margin group (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommended that patients who were
      lateral and vertical margin positive, had a diffuse type, or underwent piecemeal
      endoscopic resection, should be treated by surgery. Minimal invasive procedures
      can be considered for patients who were lateral margin positive and intestinal
      type through histopathological examination after en-bloc endoscopic resection.

PMID- 22076185
TI  - Image-based Approach for Surgical Resection of Gastric Submucosal Tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative computed
      tomography (CT) and intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound to facilitate
      treatment of gastric submucosal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The feasibility of
      laparoscopic wedge resection as determined by CT findings of tumor size,
      location, and growth pattern was correlated with surgical findings in 89
      consecutive operations. The role of laparoscopic ultrasound for tumor
      localization was analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were considered
      unsuitable for laparoscopic wedge resection because of large tumor size (N=13) or
      involvement of the gastroesophageal junction (N=9) or pyloric channel (N=1).
      Laparoscopic wedge resection was not attempted in 11 of these patients because of
      large tumor size. Laparoscopic wedge resection was successfully performed in 65
      of 66 (98.5%) patients considered suitable for this procedure. Incorrect
      interpretation of preoperative CT resulted in a change of surgery type in seven
      patients (7.9%): incorrect CT diagnosis on gastroesophageal junction involvement
      (N=6) and on growth pattern (N=1). In 18 patients without an exophytic growth
      pattern, laparoscopic ultrasound was necessary and successfully localized all
      lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CT and laparoscopic ultrasound are useful for
      surgical planning and tumor localization in laparoscopic wedge resection.

PMID- 22076186
TI  - Prognostic significance of preoperative blood transfusion in stomach cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We did a retrospective study to understand the prognostic effects of
      preoperative blood transfusions in stomach cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Data for 1,360 patients who underwent gastrectomy for stomach cancer between 2001
      and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed factors that affect
      preoperative transfusion and clinicopathologic features. We also analyzed 5-year
      and overall survival rates of the transfusion and non transfusion subgroups.
      RESULTS: Sixty patients (4.4%) required blood transfusion within the preoperative
      period. The transfused group included patients who took aspirin or clopidogrel
      (P<0.001), with more advanced T stages (P<0.001), with more advanced nodal
      metastasis (P=0.00), and with more advanced stages (P=0.00) than the non
      transfusion group. On multivariate analysis, preoperative transfusion was a
      statistically significant negative influence on 5-year survival and overall
      survival rates (58.2% vs 79.9% (P=0.00), 58.2% vs 76.8% (P=0.00)). Applying Cox
      regression analyses, blood transfusion did appear to have an effect on prognosis
      and on 5-year and overall survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: We found a direct negative
      relation between preoperative transfusion and long term prognosis in patients
      receiving gastric cancer surgery.

PMID- 22076187
TI  - The feasibility of short term prophylactic antibiotics in gastric cancer surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most surgeons administer prophylactic antibiotics for 3 to 5 days
      postoperatively. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guideline
      recommends antibiotic therapy for 24 hours or less in clean/uncontaminated
      surgery. Thus, we prospectively studied the use of short term prophylactic
      antibiotic therapy after gastric cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 103 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery between October 2007 and
      June 2008 were prospectively enrolled in a short term prophylactic antibiotics
      program. One gram of cefoxitin was administered 30 minutes before the incision,
      and one additional gram was administered intraoperatively for cases with an
      operation time over 3 hours. Postoperatively, one gram was administered 3 times,
      every 8 hours. Patients were checked routinely for fever. All cases received open
      surgery, and the surgical wounds were dressed and checked for Surgical Site
      Infection (SSI) daily. RESULTS: Of the 103 patients, 15 were dropped based on
      exclusion criteria (severe organ dysfunction, combined resection of the colon,
      etc). The remaining 88 patients were included in the short-term program of
      prophylactic antibiotic use. Of these patients, SSIs were detected in 8 (9.1%)
      and fever after 2 postoperative days was detected in 11 (12.5%). The incidence of
      SSIs increased with patient age, and postoperative fever correlated with
      operation time. CONCLUSIONS: Short term prophylactic antibiotic usage is feasible
      in patients who undergo gastric cancer surgery, and where there are no grave
      comorbidities or combined resection.

PMID- 22076188
TI  - Clinicopathological Features of Upper Third Gastric Cancer during a 21-Year
      Period (Single Center Analysis).
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine proportions of upper third
      gastric cancer (UTG) among all gastric cancers and analyze clinicopathological
      features of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 12,300
      patients who underwent gastric surgery between 1986 and 2006 at Seoul National
      University Hospital (SNUH) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological
      features of 1,260 patients with UTG and 9,929 patients with middle or lower third
      gastric cancer (MLG) were compared, and annual proportions of UTG were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The proportion of patients with UTG rapidly increased from 2.6% in 1986
      to 12.5% in 1992. However, linear regression analysis showed that the rate of
      increase was reduced (0.21%/year) after 1992 (12.5% to 14.2% from 1992 to 2006).
      Compared with the MLG group, the UTG group had a lower proportion of (22.3% vs.
      39.7%, P<0.001) and a greater proportion of stage III/IV disease (39.4% vs.
      31.7%, P<0.001). The UTG group also had larger tumors than the MLG group in
      stages I/II and III (3.5 cm/5.3 cm/6.5 cm vs. 3.2 cm/5.0 cm/5.8 cm, P=0.020/0.028
      /<0.001), a higher proportion of undifferentiated cancer (63.1% vs. 53.7%,
      P<0.001), and less intestinal Lauren's type (38.8% vs. 47.4%, P<0.001). The 5
      year survival rate of the UTG group was significantly lower than that of the MLG
      group in stages I/II and III (85.6%/63.1%/34.2% vs. 91.6%/ 69.2%/44.7%,
      P<0.001/0.028/0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of UTGs has increased over the
      last two decades at SNUH, but the rate of increase has been greatly reduced since
      1992. The UTG group showed a poorer prognosis compared with the MLG group in
      stages I/II and III.

PMID- 22076189
TI  - Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of remnant gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The long-term survival rate of gastric cancer patients after surgery has
      recently increased as a result of making an early diagnosis of gastric cancer.
      Therefore, the incidence of remnant gastric cancer is increasing. This study was
      performed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of
      patients with remnant gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to
      December 2009, twenty-nine patients with remnant gastric cancer and who underwent
      surgery at Pusan National University Hospital were enrolled in this study. We
      retrospectively reviewed and analyzed their medical records. We also divided them
      into two groups: the remnant gastric cancer (RGC)-B group (first operation for
      benign disease) and the RGC-M group (first operation for malignant disease).
      RESULTS: The RGC-B group included ten patients and the RGC-M group included
      nineteen patients. The mean interval between the first and second operations was
      17 years. The curative resection rate was 93.1% (27/29). The postoperative
      complication rate was 20.7% (6/29) and there was no perioperative mortality. Ten
      (37%) of twenty-seven patients experienced recurrence after curative resection
      and eight patients (27.6%) expired due to aggravation of remnant stomach cancer.
      An advanced TNM stage and non-curative resection were the negative prognostic
      factors for survival for patients with remnant stomach cancer (P=0.0453 and
      P<0.001). The RGC-M group showed a shorter interval (P<0.001) and the RGC-B group
      had more advanced TNM stage (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up should be
      considered not only for patients who undergo an operation for malignant disease,
      but also for the patients who underwent an operation for benign disease. When
      remnant gastric cancer is diagnosed, curative resection is essential to improve
      the survival.

PMID- 22076190
TI  - Which Is the Optimal Extent of Resection in Middle Third Gastric Cancer between
      Total Gastrectomy and Subtotal Gastrectomy?
AB  - PURPOSE: In resectable gastric cancer, choice regarding the extent of resection
      depends on tumor size, location, and distance from resection margin. However,
      there remains controversy for choice of resection for tumors in the middle third
      of the stomach. This study investigated patients who underwent gastrectomy in
      order to analyze the differences between total gastrectomy (TG) and subtotal
      gastrectomy (STG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2006, 125 patients with a
      tumor in the middle third of the stomach underwent radical gastric resection at
      EUMC. We retrospectively conducted comparative analysis for the differences in
      clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis between TG and STG. RESULTS:
      The average tumor size was 6.7 cm for TG, and 4.1 cm for STG. The number of
      metastatic lymph nodes were 13.3 for TG, and 3.7 for STG. Patients with more
      advanced cancer were more likely to receive TG. The 5-year survival rate for TG
      was lower (38.1%) than STG (69.0%). However, if tumor stages were stratified,
      there was no significant difference in the survival rate. Histologically, for the
      undifferentiated type of cancer (Stage 1, 2), the 5-year survival rate of STG was
      higher (88.1%) than TG (75.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing patients with tumors in
      the middle third of the stomach who underwent TG and STG, there was no
      statistically significant difference in the 5-year survival rate. If stages were
      stratified, the clinicopathological characteristic becomes a key factor in
      deciding the prognosis, rather than the choice of resection. Thus if the radical
      resection margin can be obtained for a tumor in the middle third of the stomach,
      STG is considered instead of TG.

PMID- 22076191
TI  - Feasibility of gastric cancer surgery at low volume hospitals.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most gastric cancer patients undergo operations at large tertiary
      hospitals in Korea. However, some patients are treated at low volume hospitals.
      We investigated patient outcomes after gastric surgery at a secondary hospital
      and compared with outcomes of large volume centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      included 184 patients who underwent gastric surgery for gastric cancer at our
      hospital from January 2003 to December 2008. We conducted a retrospective study
      and evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics, clinical outcomes and
      survival rate of patients. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.7 years old. Male to female
      ratio was 2.2 : 1. Proportion of early gastric cancer was 38.6% and that of
      advanced gastric cancer was 61.4%. The 5 year overall survival rate of 184
      patients was 66.3%. The overall survival rate was significantly lower for people
      over 62 years old. The morbidity rate and mortality at our hospital were 10.3%
      and 0.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rate, morbidity and
      mortality were similar to those of the previous reports from Korea. Treatment of
      gastric cancer at a secondary hospital is feasible and safe. Standardization of
      operations and management of gastric cancer patients of the Korean Gastric Cancer
      Association is the most important factor to achieve these outcomes.

PMID- 22076192
TI  - The Early Experience of Laparoscopy-assisted Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer at a
      Low-volume Center.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) has become a technically feasible
      and safe procedure for early gastric cancer treatment. LAG is being increasingly
      performed in many centers; however, there have been few reports regarding LAG at
      low-volume centers. The aim of this study was to report our early experience with
      LAG in patients with gastric cancer at a low-volume center. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The clinicopathologic data and surgical outcomes of 39 patients who
      underwent LAG for gastric cancer between April 2007 and March 2010 were
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.3 years. Thirty-one
      patients had medical co-morbidities. The mean patient ASA score was 2.0. Among
      the 39 patients, 4 patients underwent total gastrectomies and 35 patients
      underwent distal gastrectomies. The mean blood loss was 145.4 ml and the mean
      operative time was 259.4 minutes. The mean time-to-first flatus, first oral
      intake, and the postoperative hospital stay was 2.8, 3.1, and 9.3 days,
      respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. Postoperative complications
      developed in 9 patients, as follows: anastomotic leakage, 1; wound infection, 1;
      gastric stasis, 2; postoperative ileus, 1; pneumonia, 1; cerebral infarction, 1;
      chronic renal failure, 1; and postoperative psychosis, 1. CONCLUSIONS: LAG is
      technically feasible and can be performed safely at a low-volume center, but an
      experienced surgical team and careful patient selection are necessary.
      Furthermore, for early mastery of the learning curve for LAG, surgeons need
      education and training in addition to an accumulation of cases.

PMID- 22076193
TI  - Comparison of Learning Curves and Clinical Outcomes between Laparoscopy-assisted
      Distal Gastrectomy and Open Distal Gastrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most stomach surgeons have been educated sufficiently in conventional
      open distal gastrectomy (ODG) but insufficiently in laparoscopy-assisted distal
      gastrectomy (LADG). We compared learning curves and clinical outcomes between ODG
      and LADG by a single surgeon who had sufficient education of ODG and insufficient
      education of LADG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ODG (90 patients, January through
      September, 2004) and LADG groups (90 patients, June 2006 to June 2007) were
      compared. The learning curve was assessed with the mean number of retrieved lymph
      nodes, operation time, and postoperative morbidity/mortality. RESULTS: Mean
      operation time was 168.3 minutes for ODG and 183.6 minutes for LADG. The mean
      number of retrieved lymph nodes was 37.9. Up to about the 20th to 25th cases, the
      slope decrease in the learning curve for LADG was more apparent than for ODG,
      although they both reached plateaus after the 50th cases. The mean number of
      retrieved lymph nodes reached the overall mean after the 30th and 40th cases for
      ODG and LADG, respectively. For ODG, complications were evenly distributed
      throughout the subgroups, whereas for LADG, complications occurred in 10 (33.3%)
      of the first 30 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional ODG, LADG is
      feasible, in particular for a surgeon who has had much experience with
      conventional ODG, although LADG required more operative time, slightly more time
      to get adequately retrieved lymph nodes and more complications. However, there
      were more minor problems in the first 30 LADG than ODG cases. The unfavorable
      results for LADG can be overcome easily through an adequate training program for
      LADG.

PMID- 22076194
TI  - Gastric lipomatosis.
AB  - Gastric lipomatosis is an extremely rare condition. We present a case of a 69
      year-old woman admitted with epigastric soreness. Computerized tomography (CT)
      revealed extrinsically compressing, fat-containing mass lesions on the entire
      gastric wall of the antrum and body except for the lesser curvature. A subtotal
      gastrectomy was performed. Pathology findings confirmed a gastric lipomatosis
      with multiple gastric ulcerations and extensive disruptions of the muscular
      layers. This case and reports of other gastric lipomatosis cases indicate that CT
      should be used to characterize large submucosal masses because CT can show the
      specific nature and extent of the disease. We believe that surgical treatment is
      the most appropriate treatment for symptomatic gastric lipomatosis that shows
      extensive gastric involvement, or when there are multiple gastric lipomas.

PMID- 22076195
TI  - Recent evolution of surgical treatment for gastric cancer in Korea.
AB  - Gastric cancer is the most common malignancy and the incidence is steadily
      increasing in Korea. The principal treatment modality for gastric cancer is
      surgical extirpation of tumor along with draining lymph nodes. Gastrectomy with
      D2 lymph node dissection has been well established as a standard of surgery and
      improved the survival of gastric cancer patients. Recently, technological
      advances are drastically reshaping the landscape of surgical treatment of gastric
      cancer. One of the most notable trends is that minimal access surgery becomes
      dominating the treatment of early stage diseases. For advanced diseases, the
      standard access surgery is considered a reference treatment. Although there is a
      pilot study underway to evaluate the feasibility of the application of minimal
      access surgery to advanced gastric cancer (AGC), the evidence for oncological
      safety is not yet provided sufficiently. Based on the recent randomized
      controlled trials, the extent of surgery for AGC has re-defined as para-aortic
      lymph node dissection dose not add any survival benefit while increasing surgery
      related morbidities. In addition, it is now accepted as a standard operation
      omitting unnecessary procedures such as splenectomy and/or distal pancreatectomy
      for prophylactic lymph node dissection. Conceptual and technical innovation has
      contributed to decreasing morbidity and mortality without impairing oncological
      safety. All these recent advances in the field of gastric cancer surgery would be
      concluded in maximizing therapeutic index for gastric cancer while improving
      quality of life.

PMID- 22076196
TI  - Prevalence, pathophysiology, screening and management of osteoporosis in gastric
      cancer patients.
AB  - Osteoporosis in gastric cancer patients is often overlooked or even neglected
      despite its high prevalence in these patients. Considering that old age,
      malnutrition, chronic disease, chemotherapy, decreased body mass index and
      gastrectomy are independent risk factors for osteoporosis, it is reasonable that
      the prevalence of osteoporosis in gastric cancer patients would be high. Many
      surviving patients suffer from back pain and pathological fractures, which are
      related to osteoporosis. Fractures have obvious associated morbidities, negative
      impact on quality of life, and impose both direct and indirect costs. In the era
      of a >55.6% 5-year survival rate of gastric cancer and increased longevity in
      gastric cancer patients, it is very important to eliminate common sequelae such
      as osteoporosis. Fortunately, the diagnosis of osteoporosis is well established
      and many therapeutic agents have been shown to be effective and safe not only in
      postmenopausal females but also in elderly males. Recently, effective treatments
      of gastric cancer patients with osteoporosis using bisphosphonates, which are
      commonly used in postmenopausal woman, were reported.

PMID- 22076197
TI  - Eupatilin Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Growth by Blocking STAT3-Mediated VEGF
      Expression.
AB  - PURPOSE: Eupatilin is an antioxidative flavone and a phytopharmaceutical derived
      from Artemisia asiatica. It has been reported to possess anti-tumor activity in
      some types of cancer including gastric cancer. Eupatilin may modulate the
      angiogenesis pathway which is part of anti-inflammatory effect demonstrated in
      gastric mucosal injury models. Here we investigated the anti-tumor effects of
      eupatilin on gastric cancer cells and elucidated the potential underlying
      mechanism whereby eupatilin suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The impact of eupatilin on the expression of angiogenesis pathway
      proteins was assessed using western blots in MKN45 cells. Using a chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assay, we tested whether eupatilin affects the recruitment of
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF
      1alpha) to the human VEGF promoter. To investigate the effect of eupatilin on
      vasculogenesis, tube formation assays were conducted using human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs). The effect of eupatilin on tumor suppression in mouse
      xenografts was assessed. RESULTS: Eupatilin significantly reduced VEGF, ARNT and
      STAT3 expression prominently under hypoxic conditions. The recruitment of STAT3,
      ARNT and HIF-1alpha to the VEGF promoter was inhibited by eupatilin treatment.
      HUVECs produced much foreshortened and severely broken tubes with eupatilin
      treatment. In addition, eupatilin effectively reduced tumor growth in a mouse
      xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that eupatilin inhibits
      angiogenesis in gastric cancer cells by blocking STAT3 and VEGF expression,
      suggesting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22076198
TI  - Clinicopathological characteristics of alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer is a rare tumor with
      high rates of liver metastasis and a poor prognosis. Many studies have been
      performed but there have been no comprehensive investigations of the
      clinicopathological and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred ninety four
      patients with gastric cancer who underwent a curative gastric resection in
      Hanyang University Hospital from February 2001 to December 2008 were evaluated
      retrospectively after excluding active or chronic hepatits, liver cirrhosis and
      preoperative distant metastasis. Among them, thirty five patients had an elevated
      serum level of AFP (>7 ng/ml) preoperatively. The clinicopathological features of
      AFP-producing gastric cancer were analyzed. RESULTS: There was poorer
      differentiation, a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, more marked
      lymphatic and vascular invasion in the AFP-positive group than in the AFP
      negative group. The 5-year survival rate of the AFP-positive group was
      significantly poorer than that in the AFP-negative group (66% vs. 80%, P=0.002).
      A significantly higher incidence of liver metastasis was observed in the AFP
      positive group than in the AFP-negative group (14.3% vs. 3.6%, P=0.002) with a
      shorter median time period from the operation to the metachronous liver
      metastasis (3.7 months vs. 14.1 months, P=0.043). Multivariate survival analysis
      revealed the depth of invasion, degree of lymph node metastasis and AFP
      positivity to be the independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: AFP-producing
      gastric cancers have an aggressive behavior with a high metastatic potential to
      the liver. In addition, their clinicopathological features are quite different
      from the more common AFP-negative gastric cancer.

PMID- 22076199
TI  - Metachronous ovarian metastases following resection of the primary gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We performed this study to evaluate the clinical presentation as well as
      the proper surgical intervention for ovarian metastasis from gastric cancers and
      these tumors were identified during postoperative follow-up. This will help
      establish the optimal strategy for improving the survival of patients with this
      entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 22 patients (3.2%) with ovarian metastasis were
      noted when performing a retrospective chart review of (693) females patients who
      had undergone a resection for gastric cancer between 1981 and 2008. The
      covariates used for the survival analysis were the patient age at the time of
      ovarian relapse, the size of the tumor, the initial TNM stage of the gastric
      cancer, the interval to metastasis and the presence of gross residual disease
      after treatment for Krukenberg tumor. The cumulative survival curves for the
      patient groups were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and they were
      compared by means of the Log-Rank test. RESULTS: The average age of the patients
      was 48.6 years (range: 24 to 78 years) and the average survival time of the 22
      patients was 18.8 months (the estimated 3-year survival rate was 15.8%) with a
      range of 2 to 59 months after the diagnosis of Krukenberg tumor. The survival
      rate for patients without gross residual disease was longer than that of the
      patients with gross residual disease (P=0.0003). In contrast, patient age, the
      size of ovarian tumor, the initial stage of gastric adenocarcinoma, the interval
      to metastasis and adjuvant chemotherapy were not prognostic indicators for
      survival after the development of ovarian metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Early
      diagnosis and complete resection are the only possible hope to improve survival.
      As the 3-year survival rate after resection of Krukenberg tumor is 15.8%, it
      seems worthwhile to consider performing tumorectomy as the second cytoreduction.

PMID- 22076200
TI  - Bone metastasis in gastric cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bone metastasis from stomach cancer occurs only rarely and it is known
      to have a very poor prognosis. This study examined the clinical characteristics
      and prognosis of patients who were diagnosed with stomach cancer and bone
      metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 19 patients who were
      diagnosed with stomach cancer at Hanyang University Medical Center from June 1992
      to August 2010 and they also had bone metastasis. The survival rate according to
      many clinicopathologic factors was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 11 patients
      out of 18 patients (61%) who received an operation were in stage IV and the most
      common bone metastasis location was the spine. Bone scintigraphy was mostly used
      for diagnosing bone metastasis and PET-CT and magnetic resonance imaging were
      used singly or together. The serum alkaline phosphatase at the time of diagnosis
      had increased in 12 cases and there were clinical symptoms (bone pain) in 16
      cases. Treatment was given to 14 cases and it was mostly radiotherapy. There were
      2 cases of discovering bone metastasis at the time of diagnosing stomach cancer.
      The interval after operation to the time of diagnosing bone metastasis for the 18
      cases that received a stomach cancer operation was on average 14.9+/-17.3 months
      and the period until death after the diagnosis of bone metastasis was on average
      3.8+/-2.6 months. As a result of univariate survival rate analysis, the group
      that was treated for bone metastasis had a significantly better survival period
      when the bone metastasis was singular rather than multiple, as compared to the
      non-treatment group, yet both factors were not independent prognosis factors on
      multivariate survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: An examination to confirm the status
      of bone metastasis when conducting a radio-tracer test after the initial
      diagnosis and also after an operation is needed for stomach cancer patients, and
      bone scintigraphy is the most helpfully modality. Making the diagnosis at the
      early stage and suitable treatments are expected to enhance the survival rate and
      improve the quality of life even for the patients with bone metastasis.

PMID- 22076201
TI  - Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Gastric Cancer Patients according to the
      Timing of the Recurrence after Curative Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: There are few studies that have focused on the predictors of recurrence
      after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. This study analyzed the patients who
      died of recurrent gastric carcinoma and we attempted to clarify the
      clinicopathologic factors that are associated with the timing of recurrence.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1992 to March 2009, 1,795 patients underwent
      curative gastric resection at the Department of Surgery, Hanyang University
      College of Medicine. Among them, 428 patients died and 311 of these patients who
      died of recurrent gastric carcinoma were enrolled in this study. The
      clinicopathologic findings were compared between the 72 patients who died within
      one year after curative gastrectomy (the early recurrence group) and the 92
      patients who died 3 years after curative gastrectomy (the late recurrence group).
      RESULTS: Compared with the late recurrence group, the early recurrence group
      showed an older age, a more advanced stage, a poorly differentiated type of
      cancer and a significantly higher tendency to have lymphatic invasion, vascular
      invasion and perineural invasion.Especially in the gastric cancer patients with a
      more advanced stage (stage III and IV), the early recurrence group was
      characterized by a significantly higher preoperative serum carcino embryonic
      antigen level, perineural invasion and a relatively small number of dissected
      lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The clinicopathologic characteristics of recurrent
      gastric cancer are significantly different according to the stage of disease, and
      even in the same stage. For the early detection of recurrence after curative
      surgery, it is important to recognize the clinicopathological factors that
      foretell a high risk of recurrence. It is mandatory to make an individualized
      surveillance schedule according to the clinicopathologic factors.

PMID- 22076202
TI  - Synchronous Adenocarcinoma and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach
      Treated by a Combination of Laparoscopy-assisted Distal Gastrectomy and Wedge
      Resection.
AB  - The simultaneous occurrence of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and a
      gastric adenocarcinoma is uncommon, and has rarely been reported in the
      literature. The present report describes the case of a 74-year-old male patient
      who initially presented with an adenocarcinoma that had invaded the antral
      mucosa. Computed tomography then revealed the presence of a suspected GIST, in
      the form of a 2*2 cm mass at the hilum of the spleen. In view of the advanced age
      of the patient, a surgical approach that would minimize risk and maximize quality
      of life was preferred. The patient therefore underwent simultaneous laparoscopy
      assisted distal gastrectomy for the adenocarcinoma and wedge resection for the
      GIST. This approach was only chosen after confirming that it would be possible to
      preserve three or more of the short gastric arteries that supply the area below
      the wedge resection site. This may be considered a feasible approach to the
      management of the simultaneous occurrence of a mid-to-low gastric body
      adenocarcinoma and a high gastric body GIST.

PMID- 22076203
TI  - An Insufficient Preoperative Diagnosis of Borrmann Type 4 Gastric Cancer in Spite
      of EMR.
AB  - Borrmann type 4 gastric cancers are notorious for the difficulty of finding
      cancer cells in the biopsy samples obtained from gastrofiberscopy. It is
      important to obtain the biopsy results for making surgical decisions. In cases
      with Borrmann type 4 gastric cancer, even though the radiological findings (such
      as an upper gastrointestinal series, abdominal computed tomography and positron
      emission tomography/computed tomography) or the macroscopic findings of a
      gastrofiberscopy examination imply a high suspicion of cancer, there can be
      difficulty in getting the definite pathologic results despite multiple biopsies.
      In these cases, we have performed endoscopic mucosal resection under
      gastrofiberscopy as an alternative to simple biopsies. Here we report on a case
      in which no cancer cells were found even in the endoscopic mucosal resection
      specimen, but the radiologic evidence and clinical findings were highly
      suspicious for gastric cancer. The patient finally underwent total gastrectomy
      with lymph node resection, and she was pathologically diagnosed as having stage
      IV gastric cancer postoperatively.

PMID- 22076204
TI  - Intrahepatic splenosis mimicking liver metastasis in a patient with gastric
      cancer.
AB  - A 54 year old man was referred to our hospital with gastric cancer. The patient
      had a history of splenectomy and a left nephrectomy as a result of a traffic
      accident 15 years earlier. The endoscopic findings were advanced gastric cancer
      at the lower body of the stomach. Abdominal ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic
      resonance imaging demonstrated a metastatic nodule in the S2 segment of the
      liver. Eventually, the clinical stage was determined to be cT2cN1cM1 and a
      radical distal gastrectomy, lateral segmentectomy of the liver were performed.
      The histopathology findings confirmed the diagnosis of intrahepatic splenosis,
      omental splenosis. Hepatic splenosis is not rare in patients with a history of
      splenic trauma or splenectomy. Nevertheless, this is the first report describing
      a patient with gastric cancer and intrahepatic splenosis that was misinterpreted
      as a liver metastatic nodule. Intra-operative USG guided fine needle aspiration
      should be considered to avoid unnecessary liver resections in patients with a
      suspicious hepatic metastasis.

PMID- 22076205
TI  - Gold-mediated bifunctional modification of oligosaccharides via a three-component
      coupling reaction.
AB  - An efficient modular approach for single-site incorporation of two independent
      functionalities (amines and alkynes) into aldehyde-containing oligosaccharides
      concurrently by using a one-pot gold-mediated three-component coupling reaction
      in aqueous medium under mild conditions has been developed.

PMID- 22076206
TI  - Clinicopathological features and surgical treatment of gastric cancer in South
      Korea: the results of 2009 nationwide survey on surgically treated gastric cancer
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: In an effort to examine the clinicopathological characteristics of GC
      and the status of its surgical treatment, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association
      (KGCA) conducted a nationwide survey targeting surgically-treated gastric cancer
      patients in 2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized electrical case report
      was sent to every member institution of the KGCA via E-mail with detailed
      instructions regarding the survey data. Completed data forms were retrieved from
      each institution and analyzed by the KGCA information committee. RESULTS: Data on
      14,658 patients was collected from 59 institutions. The mean patient age was
      59.2+/-11.9 years with a male to female ratio of 2.05 : 1. Lower third cancer
      (56.0%) was the most common among all gastric cancers. The histological type
      revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (34.1%) to be the most common, and
      the Lauren classification revealed the intestinal type (50.0%) to be the most
      prevalent. Curative surgery was performed in 92.4% of patients with laparoscopic
      surgery in 25.8% of patients. A Billroth I reconstruction was performed most
      frequently after a distal gastrectomy (63.4% of distal gastrectomy). T1 cancers
      accounted for 57.6% of all cases, and 62.6% of patients showed no lymph node
      metastasis. Compared to previous reports, it was found that patients are becoming
      older, laparoscopic surgery is being performed increasingly, and the proportion
      of T1 cancer is increasing with time. CONCLUSIONS: This survey presented the
      clinicopathological characteristics and current status of the surgical treatment
      of gastric cancer in Korea. This survey is expected aid research studies as well
      as planning and evaluation programs targeting cancer control.

PMID- 22076207
TI  - Evaluation of the 7th UICC TNM Staging System of Gastric Cancer.
AB  - Since January of 2010, the seventh edition of UICC tumor node metastasis (TNM)
      Classification, which has recently been revised, has been applied to almost all
      cases of malignant tumors. Compared to previous editions, the merits and demerits
      of the current revisions were analyzed. Many revisions have been made for
      criteria for the classification of lymph nodes. In particular, all the cases in
      whom the number of lymph nodes is more than 7 were classified as N3 without being
      differentiated. Therefore, the coverage of the N3 was broad. Owing to this, there
      was no consistency in predicting the prognosis of the N3 group. By determining
      the positive cases to a distant metastasis as TNM stage IV, the discrepancy in
      the TNM stage IV compared to the sixth edition was resolved. In regard to the
      classification system for an esophagogastric (EG) junction carcinoma, it was
      declared that cases of an invasion to the EG junction should follow the
      classification system for esophageal cancer. A review of clinical cases reported
      from Asian patients suggests that it would be more appropriate to follow the
      previous editions of the classification system for gastric cancer. In addition,
      in the classification of the TNM stages in the overall cases, the discrepancy in
      the prognosis between the different stages and the consistency in the prognosis
      between the same TNM stages were achieved to a lesser extent as compared to that
      previously. Accordingly, further revisions are needed to develop a purposive
      classification method where the prognosis can be predicted specifically to each
      variable and the mode of the overall classification can be simplified.

PMID- 22076208
TI  - Clinical significance of the pattern of lymph node metastasis depending on the
      location of gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: When performing a laparoscopic assisted gastrectomy, a function
      preserving gastrectomy is performed depending on the location of the primary
      gastric cancer. This study examined the incidence of lymph node metastasis by the
      lymph node station number by tumor location to determine the optimal extent of
      the lymph node dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects consisted of 1,510
      patients diagnosed with gastric cancer who underwent a gastrectomy between 1996
      and 2005. The patients were divided into three groups: upper, middle and lower
      third, depending on the location of the primary tumor. The lymph node metastasis
      patterns were analyzed in the total and early gastric cancer patients. RESULTS:
      In all patients, lymph node station numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, 10 and 11 metastases were
      dominant in the cancer originating in the upper third, whereas station numbers 4,
      5, 6 and 8 were dominant in the lower third. In early gastric cancer patients,
      the station number of lymph nodes with a metastasis did not show a significant
      difference in stage pT1a disease. On the other hand, a metastasis in lymph node
      station number 6 was dominant in stage pT1b disease that originated in the lower
      third of the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: When performing a laparoscopic-assisted
      gastrectomy for early gastric cancer, a limited lymphadenectomy is considered
      adequate during a function-preserving gastrectomy in mucosal (T1a) cancer. On the
      other hand, for submucosal (T1b) cancer, a number 6 node dissection should be
      performed when performing a pylorus preserving gastrectomy.

PMID- 22076209
TI  - Evaluation of the 7th AJCC TNM Staging System in Point of Lymph Node
      Classification.
AB  - PURPOSE: The 7th AJCC tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system modified the
      classification of the lymph node metastasis widely compared to the 6th edition.
      To evaluate the prognostic predictability of the new TNM staging system, we
      analyzed the survival rate of the gastric cancer patients assessed by the 7th
      staging system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 2,083 patients who underwent
      resection for gastric cancer at the department of surgery, Hanyang Medical Center
      from July 1992 to December 2009, This study retrospectively reviewed 5-year
      survival rate (5YSR) of 624 patients (TanyN3M0: 464 patients, TanyNanyM1: 160
      patients) focusing on the number of metastatic lymph node and distant metastasis.
      We evaluated the applicability of the new staging system. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences in 5YSR between stage IIIC with more than 29 metastatic
      lymph nodes and stage IV (P=0.053). No significant differences were observed
      between stage IIIB with more than 28 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV
      (P=0.093). Distinct survival differences were present between patients who were
      categorized as TanyN3M0 with 7 to 32 metastatic lymph nodes and stage IV. But
      patients with more than 33 metastatic lymph nodes did not show any significant
      differences compared to stage IV (P=0.055). Among patients with TanyN3M0,
      statistical significances were seen between patients with 7 to 30 metastatic
      lymph nodes and those with more than 31 metastatic lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: In
      the new staging system, modifications of N classification is mandatory to improve
      prognostic prediction. Further study involving a greater number of cases is
      required to demonstrate the most appropriate cutoffs for N classification.

PMID- 22076210
TI  - Feasibility study of early oral intake after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite the compelling scientific and clinical data supporting the use
      of early oral nutrition after major gastrointestinal surgery, traditional bowel
      rest and intravenous nutrition for several postoperative days is still being used
      widely after gastric cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phase II study was
      carried out to evaluate the feasibility and safety of postoperative early oral
      intake (water intake on postoperative days (POD) 1-2, and soft diet on POD 3)
      after a gastrectomy. The primary outcome was morbidity within 30 postoperative
      days, which was targeted at <25% based on pilot study data. RESULTS: The study
      subjects were 90 males and 42 females with a mean age 61.5 years. One hundred and
      four (79%) and 28 (21%) patients underwent a distal and total gastrectomy,
      respectively. The postoperative morbidity rate was within the targeted range
      (15.2%, 95% CI, 10.0~22.3%), and there was no hospital mortality. Of the 132
      patients, 117 (89%) successfully completed a postoperative early oral intake
      regimen without deviation; deviation in 10 (8%) due to gastrointestinal symptoms
      and in five (4%) due to the management of postoperative complications. The mean
      times to water intake and a soft diet were 1.0+/-0.2 and 3.2+/-0.7 days,
      respectively, and the mean hospital stay was 10.0+/-6.1 days. CONCLUSIONS:
      Postoperative early oral intake after a gastrectomy is feasible and safe, and can
      be adopted as a standard perioperative care after a gastrectomy. Nevertheless,
      further clinical trials will be needed to evaluate the benefits of early oral
      nutrition after upper gastrointestinal surgery.

PMID- 22076211
TI  - Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasonography for prediction of tumor depth in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: As the proportion of early gastric cancer (EGC) has recently been
      increased, minimally invasive treatment is currently accepted as main therapy for
      EGC. Accurate preoperative staging is very important in determining treatment
      options. To know the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), we compared
      the depth of invasion of the tumor with preoperative EUS and postoperative
      pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 152
      patients who underwent EUS before laparoscopic gastrectomy. The preoperative EUS
      results were compared with the pathological findings. RESULTS: The overall
      proportion of coincidence for depth of invasion between EUS and pathologic
      results was 41.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the rate of corrected
      prediction of EUS for tumor depth significantly decreased for the lesions more
      than 3cm in diameter (P=0.033), and those with a depressed morphology (P=0.035).
      In multivariate analysis, the depressed type (P=0.029, OR=2.873) and upper lesion
      (P=0.035, OR=2.151) was the significantly independent factors influencing the
      inaccurate prediction of EUS for tumor depth. CONCLUSIONS: When we decide the
      treatment modality considering the clinical depth of invasion by EUS, the
      possibility of discordance with pathologic results should be considered for the
      lesions located in the upper third of the stomach and with a depressed
      morphology.

PMID- 22076213
TI  - Mixed exocrine and endocrine carcinoma in the stomach: a case report.
AB  - We report a rare case of the coexistence of a gastric small cell neuroendocrine
      carcinoma with a gastric adenocarcinoma. A 62-year-old man presented with
      epigastric soreness for 1 month. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a Borrmann
      type I tumor at the lesser curvature of the lower body of the stomach. The
      patient underwent a distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection and the
      resected specimen exhibited a 3.5*3.5 cm sized, fungating lesion. Two separated,
      not intermingling, lesions with non-adenocarcinoma components encircled by well
      differentiated adenocarcinoma components were identified microscopically. The non
      adenocarcinoma component showed neuroendocrine features, such as a solid and
      trabecular pattern, and the tumor cells showed a high nuclear grade with minimal
      cytoplasm, indistinct nucleoli, and positive response for synaptophysin, CD56.
      The final pathological diagnosis was a gastric mixed exocrine-endocrine carcinoma
      (MEEC) composed of an adenocarcinoma and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of
      the collision type.

PMID- 22076212
TI  - Operative risk factors in gastric cancer surgery for elderly patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gastric cancer surgery is a common operation in East Asia, such as Korea
      and Japan, and there has been a significant increase in the need for this
      procedure due to the aging population. As a result, surgery for the treatment of
      gastric cancer for elderly patients is expected to increase. This study examined
      the effect of old age on gastric cancer surgery, and analyzed the operative risk
      factors for elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2008 to August
      2010, 590 patients, who underwent a curative resection for gastric cancers, were
      enrolled. Patients who underwent palliative or emergency surgery were excluded. A
      retrospective analysis of the correlation between surgical outcomes and age was
      performed. The elderly were defined as patients who were over the age of 65
      years. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 58.3 years, and complications
      occurred in 87 cases (14.7%). The most common complication was wound infection
      and severe complications requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiologic
      intervention developed in 52 cases (8.8%). The rate of complications increased
      with increasing age of the patients. Univariate analysis revealed age,
      comorbidity, extent of resection, operation time, and combined resection to be
      associated with surgical complications. In particular, age over 75 years old,
      operation time, and comorbidity were predictive factors in multivariate analysis.
      In the elderly, only comorbidity was associated with surgical complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: The patients' age is the most important factor for predicting
      surgical complications. Surgeons should pay an attention to the performance of
      gastric cancer surgery on elderly patients. In particular, it must be performed
      carefully for elderly patients with a comorbidity.

PMID- 22076214
TI  - Composite neuroendocrine carcinoma with adenocarcinoma of the stomach
      misdiagnosed as a giant submucosal tumor.
AB  - A composite glandular/exocrine-endocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract
      is characterized by the co-existence of two adjacent, but histologically-distinct
      tumors in an organ. Composite glandular/exocrine-endocrine carcinomas are a
      special type of tumor comprised of common adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine
      components that account for at least one-third of the entire tumor area.
      Composite tumors have been reported in a range of organs, but are relatively rare
      in the stomach. We report a case of a composite neuroendocrine carcinoma with an
      adenocarcinoma of the stomach (mixed exocrine-endocrine carcinoma), which was
      misdiagnosed as a giant submucosal tumor preoperatively based on
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy and a contrast-enhanced axial computed tomographic
      scan.

PMID- 22076215
TI  - Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection and prophylactic antireflux surgery for a
      submucosal tumor of gastroesophageal junction.
AB  - A laparoscopic wedge resection for a submucosal tumor, which is close to the
      gastroesophageal junction, is technically challenging. This can be a dilemma to
      both patients and surgeons when the tumor margin involves the gastroesophageal
      junction because a wedge resection in this situation might result in a deformity
      of the gastroesophageal junction or an injury to the lower esophageal sphincter,
      which ultimately results in lifelong gastroesophageal reflux disease. The patient
      was a 42 year-old male, whose preoperative endoscopic ultrasonographic finding
      did not rule out a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. He underwent a laparoscopic
      gastric wedge resection and prophylactic anterior partial fundoplication (Dor)
      and was discharged from hospital on the fifth postoperative day without any
      complications. There were no symptoms of reflux 5 months after surgery. A
      laparoscopic wedge resection and prophylactic anti-reflux surgery might be a good
      surgical option for a submucosal tumor at the gastroesophageal junction.

PMID- 22076216
TI  - Prospective evaluation of supportive care with or without CVD chemotherapy as a
      second-line treatment in advanced melanoma by patient's choice:  a multicentre
      Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group trial.
AB  - This prospective, nonrandomized multicentre, phase III study compared best
      supportive care (BSC) alone with cisplatin, vindesine and dacabazine-based (CVD)
      chemotherapy and BSC in patients with advanced melanoma. A total of 117
      pretreated patients with metastatic melanoma were evaluated, 34 patients in arm A
      (BSC) and 83 in arm B (BSC and CVD). Primary endpoint was overall survival and
      secondary endpoints were disease control rate and quality of life (European
      Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30). Owing to sparse
      recruitment of patients for randomization, the protocol has been changed based on
      patients' choice. Baseline characteristics were imbalanced with respect to the
      Karnofsky Performance Index (P=0.001), the existence of brain metastases
      (P=0.035) and earlier application of chemoimmunotherapy (P=0.038). Disease
      control was observed in 8.8% of patients in arm A and in 28.9% of patients in arm
      B (P=0.028). Median overall survival time was 137 days in arm A and 229 days in
      arm B (P=0.014). Multivariate analyses could not ascribe this prognostic benefit
      to CVD treatment. No significant difference in the quality of life could be
      found. This study could not detect clear survival benefits for polychemotherapy
      with CVD compared with BSC alone in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma.
      Interestingly, having the choice of chemotherapy or BSC alone in a second-line
      situation, more than 70% of patients chose polychemotherapy.

PMID- 22076217
TI  - Gastric cancer epidemiology in Korea.
AB  - Gastric cancer has been the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Korea although the
      age-standardized mortality and incidence has decreased gradually during last two
      decades. Helicobacter pylori infection and cigarette smoking are well-established
      risk factors, and the role of dietary factors, such as salted foods, fresh
      vegetables and fruits, soy foods, and processed or grilled meats on gastric
      carcinogenesis has been suggested. In this review, we review national and
      international gastric cancer statistics, studies on environmental risk factors
      conducted in the Korean population, and gastric cancer screening activities.

PMID- 22076218
TI  - Interobserver Variation in the Diagnosis of Gastric Epithelial Dysplasia and
      Carcinoma between Two Pathologists in Japan and Korea.
AB  - Although the biological potential of gastric epithelial dysplasia (GED) as a
      precursor of gastric cancer has never been in doubt, the classification of these
      lesions has been controversial and fraught with marked variations in approach to
      diagnosis across the world. The complexity of cyto-architectural features has
      been considered to be of paramount importance for the diagnosis of carcinoma in
      Japan, while breach of the basement membrane and invasion into the lamina propria
      has been considered the sine qua non of malignancy and hence a pre-requisite for
      the diagnosis of cancer in the West. In Korea, although the incidence of gastric
      cancer is similar to Japan, the diagnostic approach to GED or cancer seems to lie
      midway between Western and Japanese criteria. In this review, we will discuss the
      difference in the diagnosis of GED and cancer between two pathologists working in
      the comprehensive cancer center located in Japan and Korea, one of the most
      prevalent areas in the world for gastric cancer.

PMID- 22076219
TI  - Endoscopic treatment for early gastric cancer.
AB  - Endoscopic resection has been accepted as a curative modality for early gastric
      cancer (EGC). Since conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been
      introduced, many improvements in endoscopic accessories and techniques have been
      achieved. Recently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using various
      electrosurgical knives has been performed for complete resection of EGC and
      enables complete resection of EGC, which is difficult to completely resect in the
      era of conventional EMR. Currently, ESD is accepted as the standard method for
      endoscopic resection of EGC in indicated cases. In this review, the history of
      endoscopic treatment for EGC, overall ESD procedures, and indications and
      clinical results of endoscopic treatment will be presented.

PMID- 22076220
TI  - Frozen Section Biopsy to Evaluation of Obscure Lateral Resection Margins during
      Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic utility of a frozen section biopsy in
      patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric
      neoplasms with obscure margins even with chromoendoscopy using acetic acid and
      indigo carmine (AI chromoendoscopy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lateral spread of
      early gastric neoplasms was unclear even following AI chromoendoscopy in 38
      patients who underwent ESD between June 2007 and May 2011. Frozen section
      biopsies were obtained by agreement of the degree of lateral spread between two
      endoscopists. Thus, frozen section biopsies were obtained from 23 patients (FBx
      group) and not in the other 15 patients (AI group). RESULTS: No significant
      differences were observed for size, histology, invasive depth, and location of
      lesions between the AI and FBx groups. No false positive or false negative
      results were observed in the frozen section diagnoses. Adenocarcinoma was
      revealed in three patients and tubular adenoma in one, thereby changing the
      delineation of lesion extent and achieving free lateral margins. The rates of
      free lateral resection margins and curative resection were significantly higher
      in the FBx group than those in the AI group. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen section biopsy
      can help endoscopists perform more safe and accurate ESD in patients with early
      gastric neoplasm.

PMID- 22076221
TI  - Clinical Outcomes of Gastrectomy after Incomplete EMR/ESD.
AB  - PURPOSE: Endoscopic resection is widely accepted as standard treatment for early
      gastric cancer (EGC) without lymph node metastasis. The procedure is minimally
      invasive, safe, and convenient. However, surgery is sometimes needed after
      endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)/endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to
      perforation, bleeding, or incomplete resection [corrected]. We evaluated the role
      of surgery after incomplete resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      studied 29 patients with gastric cancer who underwent a gastrectomy after
      incomplete EMR/ESD from 2006 to 2010 at Korea University Hospital. RESULTS: There
      were 13 incomplete resection cases, seven bleeding cases, three metachronous
      lesion cases, three recurrence cases, two perforation cases, and one lymphatic
      invasion case. Among the incomplete resection cases, a positive vertical margin
      was found in 10, a positive lateral margin in two, and a positive vertical and
      lateral margin in one case. Most cases (9/13) were diagnosed as mucosal tumors by
      endoscopic ultrasonography, but only three cases were confirmed as mucosal tumors
      on final pathology. The positive residual tumor rate was two of 13. The lymph
      node metastasis rate was three of 13. All lymph node metastasis cases were
      submucosal tumors with positive lymphatic invasion and no residual tumor in the
      gastrectomy specimen. No cases of recurrence were observed after curative
      resection. CONCLUSIONS: A gastrectomy is required for patients with incomplete
      resection following EMR/ESD due to the risk of residual tumor and lymph node
      metastasis.

PMID- 22076222
TI  - Clinical outcomes according to primary treatment in gastric cancer patients with
      peritoneal seeding.
AB  - PURPOSE: Peritoneal seeding of gastric cancer is known to have a poor prognosis.
      With the diagnosis of peritoneal seeding, there is no effective treatment
      modality. Gastrectomy with chemotherapy or primary chemotherapy is basically one
      of major options for this condition. This study was conducted to compare the
      clinical outcomes of these treatments and to identify the better way to improve
      the prognosis of patients with peritoneal seeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between
      2001 and 2007, gastric cancer patients with peritoneal seeding by preoperative or
      intraoperative diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. The enrolled patients
      were divided as primary gastrectomy and primary chemotherapy group.
      Clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of groups were analyzed
      and compared. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were enrolled. 21 patients belonged to
      the group of primary gastrectomy and 33 patients were to the primary chemotherapy
      group. Among 33 patients of the primary chemotherapy group, 17 patients were
      received only chemotherapy and 16 patients were received gastrectomy due to the
      good responses of primary chemotherapy. The 3 years survival rates were 14% in
      primary gastrectomy group, 55% in patients who received gastrectomy after primary
      chemotherapy, and 0% in patients with primary chemotherapy only. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although this study had many limitations, some valuable information was produced.
      In terms of survival benefits for the gastric cancer patients with peritoneal
      seeding, primary gastrectomy and additional gastrectomy after primary
      chemotherapy revealed the better clinical outcomes. But, prospective randomized
      clinical study and multi-center study should be performed to decide proper
      treatment for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal seeding [corrected].

PMID- 22076223
TI  - Role of F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Gastric GIST:
      Predicting Malignant Potential Pre-operatively.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is difficult to obtain biopsies from gastrointestinal stromal tumors
      (GISTs) prior to surgery because GISTs are submucoal tumors, despite being the
      most common nonepithelial neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike
      anatomic imaging techniques, PET-CT, which is a molecular imaging tool, can be a
      useful technique for assessing tumor activity and predicting the malignant
      potential of certain tumors. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of PET-CT
      as a pre-operative prognostic factor for GISTs by analyzing the correlation
      between the existing post-operative prognostic factors and the maximum SUV uptake
      (SUVmax) of pre-operative 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) PET-CT. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study was conducted on 26 patients who were diagnosed with gastric
      GISTs and underwent surgery after being examined with pre-operative FDG PET-CT.
      An analysis of the correlation bewteen (i) NIH risk classfication and the Ki-67
      proliferation index, which are post-operative prognostic factors, and (ii) the
      SUVmax of PET-CT, which is a pre-operative prognostic factor, was performed.
      RESULTS: There were significant correlations between (i) SUVmax and (ii) Ki-67
      index, tumor size, mitotic count, and NIH risk group (r=0.854, 0.888, 0.791, and
      0.756, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for SUVmax was 3.94 between "low
      risk malignancy" and "high-risk malignancy" groups. The sensitivity and
      specificity of SUVmax for predicting the risk of malignancy were 85.7% and 94.7%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The SUVmax of PET-CT is associated with Ki-67 index,
      tumor size, mitotic count, and NIH classification. Therefore, it is believed that
      PET-CT is a relatively safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing malignant
      potential pre-operatively.

PMID- 22076224
TI  - An effect of letrozole on gastric cancer?
AB  - Letrozole is a drug used in the treatment of postmenopausal women with breast and
      ovarian tumours. There is no evidence in the literature indicating its use in
      treating gastric cancer. We present a 68 year old lady admitted from the
      emergency department with weight loss, malaise and anaemia. Investigations
      confirmed the presence of two different primary tumours in the left breast and
      the stomach. Following that this patient with oestrogen receptor positive breast
      cancer and oestrogen receptor negative gastric cancer was treated with letrozole
      for her breast cancer followed by a gastric resection. Independent histology by
      two pathologists pre-operatively diagnosed gastric adenocarcinoma. Post
      operatively, independent analysis of the resected stomach, omentum and lymph
      nodes revealed no evidence of gastric cancer. Therefore we conclude that there is
      a possibility of letrozole having an effect on gastric cancer. Further studies
      are needed.

PMID- 22076225
TI  - Acute gastric necrosis due to gastric outlet obstruction accompanied with gastric
      cancer and trichophytobezoar.
AB  - Gastric necrosis due to gastric outlet obstruction is a very rare condition, but
      it might be fatal if missed or if diagnosis is delayed. Our patient was a 73-year
      old male complaining of abdominal pain, distension and dyspnea for 1 day. In
      plain radiography and computed tomography, a markedly distended stomach and
      decreased enhancement at the gastric wall were noted. He underwent explo
      laparotomy, and near-total gastric mucosal necrosis accompanied by sludge from
      the soaked laver was noted. A total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy was
      performed, and he recovered without sequelae. Final pathologic examination
      revealed advanced gastric cancer at the antrum with near-total gastric mucosal
      necrosis.

PMID- 22076226
TI  - Early gastric cancer with signet ring cell histology remained unresected for 53
      months.
AB  - The natural course of untreated patients with signet ring cell carcinoma of the
      stomach remains poorly understood while assumptions have been made to distinguish
      it from other types of gastric cancer. A 74-year-old Korean woman was diagnosed
      with early gastric cancer with signet ring cell histology and refused surgery. A
      satellite lesion was identified 46 months after the initial diagnosis. The
      patient finally agreed to undergo distal subtotal gastrectomy 53 months following
      the initial diagnosis. Postoperative histological examination of both lesions
      confirmed signet ring cell carcinoma associated with submucosal invasion. There
      was no evidence of lymph node metastasis.

PMID- 22076227
TI  - Glucose-regulated protein 78 positivity as a predictor of poor survival in
      patients with renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a chaperone for newly formed
      proteins during folding and glycosylation, is associated with resistance to
      apoptosis in some forms of cancer. We assessed GRP78 expression and its
      correlation with clinicopathological parameters and survival. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed using formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded specimens: 128 primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specimens (120
      conventional and 8 other cell types) and 9 metastatic specimens. GRP78 positivity
      was determined based on intensity of staining and percentage of cells stained.
      Correlation of GRP78 positivity with clinicopathological parameters including
      patients' survival was evaluated. RESULTS: A statistically significant
      association was found between GRP78 positivity and higher tumor grade (G3; p
      <0.0001), advanced T stage (>=pT3; p = 0.0002), lymphovascular invasion
      (positive; p <0.0001), regional nodal involvement (>=N1; p = 0.0086), and distant
      metastases at presentation (M1; p = 0.001). Positivity of GRP78 expression was
      significantly associated with shorter disease-specific survival and shorter
      progression-free survival. Cox proportional hazard model showed that strong GRP78
      positivity was an independent predictor of shortened progression-free survival in
      N0M0 RCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant relationship between
      GRP78 expression levels and aggressiveness of RCC. Increased expression of GRP78
      might be a useful parameter to predict shortened survival in patients with RCC.

PMID- 22076229
TI  - Prevalence and related risk behaviors of HIV, syphilis, and anal HPV infection
      among men who have sex with men from Beijing, China.
AB  - Specific risk behaviors related to different sexually transmitted infections have
      not been widely evaluated among men who have sex with men in China. In the
      present study, a total of 302 MSM were recruited from Beijing with a prevalence
      of HIV, syphilis, and anal HPV infection as 9.9, 19.2 and 71.4%, respectively.
      Lower education level was observed to be related to higher infection rate of HIV
      and syphilis. "Ever found sexual partners in gay venues" was significantly
      associated with HIV infection as well. "Taking anilinction as regular sexual
      behavior" was observed to be a significant predictor for anal HPV infection.

PMID- 22076230
TI  - Take the wind out of asthma.
AB  - A common cause of emergency department visits, asthma is on the rise. Find out
      how to keep patients breathing easy.

PMID- 22076233
TI  - Propofol.

PMID- 22076234
TI  - A multidisciplinary care approach to Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a complicated degenerative disorder. Its
      etiology is unclear, although it has been associated with both cell and humoral
      mediated autoimmune mechanisms. The disease causes ascending paralysis and loss
      of cranial nerve function. Manifestations may be acute or chronic, and temporary
      or permanent, depending on the degree of neuronal destruction. Because of GBS's
      pervasive nature, health care is a challenge. Patient care focuses on risks
      related to ineffective airway clearance and impaired mobility. Psychosocial care
      and patient education are also integral components of care.

PMID- 22076236
TI  - The role of beta-blockers in the management of patients with heart failure.
AB  - More than 400,000 new cases of heart failure are diagnosed each year, making it
      one of the largest problems in health care today, particularly among the elderly.
      Primary care providers must be aware of the benefits of early recognition and
      treatment of heart failure and asymptomatic left ventricular systolic
      dysfunction. Standard therapy has included ACE inhibitors, digoxin, and diuretics
      for volume overload. More recently, large clinical trials have prompted the
      recommendation to add beta-blockers to this regimen. This article reviews heart
      failure pathophysiology, management, and the consensus recommendations for adding
      beta-blockers to heart failure therapy.

PMID- 22076237
TI  - Need critical care nurses? Inquire within.
AB  - A serious shortage of critical care nurses encouraged a nurse-manager to develop
      intensive care unit nurses through an innovative preceptor program.

PMID- 22076238
TI  - Nurses and informed consent, part 1.

PMID- 22076239
TI  - Family advocates: caring for families in crisis.
AB  - Families of patients unexpectedly brought to the emergency department or
      transferred to the intensive care unit are families in crisis. In the greater
      scheme of things, they may not be a priority. This article discusses a program in
      which family advocates care for families just as nurses and physicians care for
      the critically ill patient.

PMID- 22076241
TI  - Should continuous lateral rotation therapy replace manual turning?
AB  - Continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT) has been proposed as a replacement for
      standard manual turning to decrease pulmonary complications in critically ill
      patients. Findings on the effectiveness of CLRT in decreasing pulmonary
      complications are promising, but some serious gaps exist, such as when to start
      and end therapy. This article reviews and analyzes the research on CLRT and
      proposes directions for future research.

PMID- 22076242
TI  - Dealing with medical futility.

PMID- 22076243
TI  - Preparation of a composite fibrous membrane loaded with mesalazine and
      metronidazole by interlaced electrospinning.
AB  - Novel composite fibrous membranes loaded with mesalazine and metronidazole were
      fabricated via interlaced electrospinning. The fibers were characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy and FTIR transmission spectra techniques. These
      characterizations were performed in the aim of optimizing the experimental
      conditions which allowed us to obtain good morphology of fibrous membrane loaded
      drugs. The in vitro release experiments revealed that mesalazine and
      metronidazole were released continuously from the loaded drug fibrous membrane.
      The fibrous membrane-loaded drugs also showed excellent stability. Compared to
      those of other drug delivery systems, the main advantage of these two fibrous
      membrane-loaded drugs is that they can be directly implanted as a lesion after
      surgery to inhibit recurrence in Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22076244
TI  - Selective cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer
      cells by a polyphenol-rich extract of Solanum nigrum.
AB  - Progression of prostate cancer is associated with escape of tumor cells from cell
      cycle arrest and apoptosis. Agents capable of selectively eliminating cancer
      cells by cell cycle arrest and/or induction of apoptosis offer a highly desirable
      approach. Here we demonstrate that a polyphenolic extract derived from ripe
      berries of Solanum nigrum (SN) differentially causes cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis in various human prostate cancer cells without affecting normal
      prostate epithelial cells. Virally transformed normal human prostate epithelial
      PZ-HPV-7 cells and their cancer counterpart CA-HPV-10 cells, were used to
      evaluate the growth-inhibitory effects of the SN extract. SN treatment (5-20
      ug/ml) of PZ-HPV-7 cells resulted in growth inhibitory responses of low
      magnitude. In sharp contrast, SN treatment of CA-HPV-10 cells increased
      cytotoxicity, decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. Similar results
      were noted in the human prostate cancer LNCaP, 22Rv1, DU145 and PC-3 cell lines,
      where significant reductions in cell viability and induction of apoptosis was
      observed in all these cells, an effect independent of disease stage and androgen
      association. Cell cycle analysis revealed that SN treatment (5-20 ug/ml) resulted
      in a dose-dependent G2/M phase arrest and subG1 accumulation in the CA-HPV-10 but
      not in the PZ-HPV-7 cell line. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate that
      the SN extract is capable of selectively inhibiting cellular proliferation and
      accelerating apoptotic events in prostate cancer cells. SN may be developed as a
      promising therapeutic and/or preventive agent against prostate cancer.

PMID- 22076245
TI  - Effects of alcohol (BAC 0.50/00) and ecstasy (MDMA 100 mg) on simulated driving
      performance and traffic safety.
AB  - RATIONAL: An increasing number of fatal road-accidents have been reported in
      which ecstasy was found in the blood of drivers. Although, ecstasy is frequently
      found to have been used in combination with alcohol, studies on the acute effects
      of ecstasy co-administered with alcohol on driving performance are relatively
      rare. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to establish the extent of driver
      impairment as a consequence of ecstasy or combined ecstasy and alcohol use as
      compared to driving under the influence of 0.30/00, 0.50/00 and 0.80/00 alcohol.
      Furthermore, subjective performance was also assessed. RESULTS: Alcohol and
      ecstasy mainly influenced automated driving performance such as lateral and speed
      control. However, small to no effects of the substances were found on more
      complex driving behaviour. Overall, variance within the different driving
      measures was high especially when participants were treated with 3.4
      methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) and alcohol. Furthermore, equivalence
      testing showed that combined use may lead to impaired driving for some, but not
      all, drivers. Participants rated their own performance to be slightly worse than
      normal in both studies. Since driving was actually seriously deteriorated, this
      was a falsely positive assessment of their condition. CONCLUSIONS: The
      dissociation between subjective perceptions and objective performance decrements
      are important notions for traffic safety since this may affect a driver's
      judgement of whether or not it is safe to drive. For example, an intoxicated
      individual might decide to drive because the feelings of alertness caused by MDMA
      cloud the impairing effects of other drugs such as alcohol, thereby creating a
      potentially serious risk for traffic safety.

PMID- 22076246
TI  - Effects of dexamphetamine with and without alcohol on simulated driving.
AB  - RATIONALE: In party circuits dexamphetamine is frequently used in combination
      with alcohol. It is hypothesized that co-administration of dexamphetamine to
      alcohol might reduce the sedative effects of alcohol, but may potentiate risk
      taking behaviour. OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at assessing the effects of
      alcohol, dexamphetamine and the combination of both on simulated driving and
      cognitive performance. METHOD: Eighteen subjects participated in a randomized,
      crossover, placebo-controlled study employing four conditions: 10 mg
      dexamphetamine, 0.8 g/kg alcohol, 10 mg dexamphetamine + 0.8 g/kg alcohol, and
      placebo. Fundamental driving skills and risk-taking behaviour were assessed in a
      driving simulator. Subjects also completed vigilance and divided attention tasks,
      and subjective ratings. RESULTS: Mean BAC levels during simulated driving were
      between 0.910/00 and 0.640/00. Subjects using alcohol showed a significantly
      larger mean standard deviation of lateral position and shorter accepted gap time
      and distance. Use of alcohol or dexamphetamine + alcohol was associated with a
      higher frequency of red light running and collisions than the dexamphetamine or
      placebo conditions. Performance of vigilance and divided attention tasks was
      significantly impaired in the alcohol condition and, to a lesser degree, in the
      dexamphetamine + alcohol condition. CONCLUSION: Single doses of 0.8 g/kg alcohol
      increased risk-taking behaviours and impaired tracking, attention and reaction
      time during a 3-h period after drinking when BACs declined from 0.9 to 0.2 mg/ml.
      The stimulatory effects of co-administration of dexamphetamine 10 mg were not
      sufficient to overcome the impairing effects of alcohol on skills related to
      driving.

PMID- 22076247
TI  - Adsorptive loss of secreted recombinant proteins in transgenic rice cell
      suspension cultures.
AB  - Adsorptive loss of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin
      (hCTLA4Ig) in transgenic rice cell suspension cultures was investigated using
      glass flasks, plastic flasks, disposable vessels, and stainless steel vessels.
      When hCTLA4Ig was added to the glass flasks containing sterile AA medium, a rapid
      decrease in the concentration of hCTLA4Ig, independent on pH, was observed
      resulting in more than 90% of the protein loss within 1 h due to the surface
      adsorption. When the same experiments were performed on four different types of
      culture equipments mentioned above, the lowest adsorption level was observed in
      the plastic flasks and the highest level was observed in the glass flasks. The
      use of the plastic flasks retarded the adsorptive loss of hCTLA4Ig at the early
      stage of the protein production. There was a significant increase in the
      production of hCTLA4Ig when the flasks were coated with bovine serum albumin.
      However, the spike test of purified hCTLA4Ig at two different concentrations of
      15 and 100 mg L(-1) in 500-mL spinner flasks confirmed that the amount of
      hCTLA4Ig adsorbed was dependent on the surface area of the flasks but not on the
      concentrations. In conclusion, although the protein adsorption affected the total
      amount of the protein yielded to some extent, it could be regarded as a minor
      factor in transgenic plant cell cultures with higher titer.

PMID- 22076248
TI  - Expansins are involved in cell growth mediated by abscisic acid and indole-3
      acetic acid under drought stress in wheat.
AB  - Expansin protein is a component of the cell wall generally accepted to be the key
      regulator of cell wall extension during plant growth. Plant hormones regulate
      expansin gene expression as well as plant growth during drought stress. However,
      the relationship between expansin and plant hormone is far from clear. Here, we
      studied the involvement of expansin in plant cell growth mediated by the hormones
      indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) under osmotic stress which was
      induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000. Wheat coleoptiles from a drought
      resistant cultivar HF9703 and a drought-sensitive cultivar 921842 were used to
      evaluate cell growth and expansin activity. Osmotic stress induced the
      accumulation of ABA. ABA induced expansin activity mainly by enhancing expansin
      expression, since ABA induced cell wall basification via decreasing plasma
      membrane H(+)-ATPase activity, which was unfavorable for expansin activity.
      Although ABA induced expansin activity and cell wall extension, treatment with
      exogenous ABA and/or fluridone (FLU, an ABA inhibitor) suggested that ABA was
      involved in the coleoptile growth inhibition during osmotic stress. IAA
      application to detached coleoptiles also enhanced coleoptile growth and increased
      expansin activity, but unlike ABA, IAA-induced expansin activity was mainly due
      to the decrease of cell wall pH by increasing plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase
      activity. Compared with drought-sensitive cultivar, the drought-resistant
      cultivar could maintain greater expansin activity and cell wall extension, which
      was contributive to its resultant faster growth under water stress.

PMID- 22076249
TI  - Adrenergic stress reveals septal hypertrophy and proteasome impairment in
      heterozygous Mybpc3-targeted knock-in mice.
AB  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by asymmetric septal
      hypertrophy and is often caused by mutations in MYBPC3 gene encoding cardiac
      myosin-binding protein C. In contrast to humans, who are already affected at the
      heterozygous state, mouse models develop the phenotype mainly at the homozygous
      state. Evidence from cell culture work suggested that altered proteasome function
      contributes to the pathogenesis of HCM. Here we tested in two heterozygous Mybpc3
      targeted mouse models whether adrenergic stress unmasks a specific cardiac
      phenotype and proteasome dysfunction. The first model carries a human Mybpc3
      mutation (Het-KI), the second is a heterozygous Mybpc3 knock-out (Het-KO). Both
      models were compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Mice were treated with a combination
      of isoprenaline and phenylephrine (ISO/PE) or NaCl for 1 week. Whereas ISO/PE
      induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with increased posterior wall
      thickness to a similar extent in all groups, it increased septum thickness only
      in Het-KI and Het-KO. ISO/PE did not affect the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like
      activity or beta5-subunit protein level in Het-KO or wild-type mice (WT). In
      contrast, both parameters were markedly lower in Het-KI and negatively correlated
      with the degree of LVH in Het-KI only. In conclusion, adrenergic stress revealed
      septal hypertrophy in both heterozygous mouse models of HCM, but proteasome
      dysfunction only in Het-KI mice, which carry a mutant allele and closely mimic
      human HCM. This supports the hypothesis that proteasome impairment contributes to
      the pathophysiology of HCM.

PMID- 22076250
TI  - Transient diplopia with ipsilateral abducent nerve palsy and ptosis following a
      maxillary local anesthetic injection: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block is commonly used in
      dentistry for treatment of the maxillary molars. Although this procedure is
      associated with many complications, ocular complications have been rarely
      reported. CASE REPORT: This report details an iatrogenic paresis of the abducent
      nerve and partial palsy of the oculomotor nerve leading to diplopia, strabismus
      and ptosis following a PSA nerve block and extraction of maxillary right second
      molar. The patient was treated symptomatically, and the recovery was uneventful.
      Relevant anatomical pathways with review of literature are discussed. DISCUSSION:
      Although rare, the dentist should be aware of these complications to avoid being
      perplexed by this unexpected circumstance, thus adversely affecting the doctor
      patient trust.

PMID- 22076251
TI  - The human sex odds at birth after the atmospheric atomic bomb tests, after
      Chernobyl, and in the vicinity of nuclear facilities: comment.
AB  - The recent claim made in this journal that nuclear bomb tests and the Chernobyl
      disaster caused distortions in the secondary sex ratio is shown to be a likely
      artifact of data mining, misused statistics, and misreading of the evidence. In
      particular, the concept of statistical "significance" and its limitations do not
      seem to be fully understood, and important confounding factors have not been
      accounted for.

PMID- 22076252
TI  - Quantitative structure-retention relationship for retention behavior of organic
      pollutants in textile wastewaters and landfill leachate in LC-APCI-MS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A quantitative structure-retention relation (QSRR) study was
      conducted on the retention times of organic pollutants in textile wastewaters and
      landfill leachate which was obtained by liquid chromatography-reversed phase
      atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry. METHODS: The genetic
      algorithm was used as descriptor selection and model development method. Modeling
      of the relationship between selected molecular descriptors and retention time was
      achieved by linear (partial least square) and nonlinear (Levenberg-Marquardt
      artificial neural network, L-M ANN) methods. Linear and nonlinear models provide
      good results whereas more accurate results were obtained by the L-M ANN model.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first research on the QSRR of the organic pollutants in
      textile wastewaters and landfill leachate against the retention time.

PMID- 22076254
TI  - Exchange bias in iron oxide nanoclusters.
AB  - Iron oxide nanoclusters have been prepared by the gas-phase aggregation technique
      to form thin film structures with very high exchange bias values (up to 3000 Oe
      at low temperatures). Composition has been analysed by x-ray absorption and
      Mossbauer spectroscopies in order to elucidate the actual origin of the observed
      magnetic behaviour. The formation of a metal-oxide core-shell arrangement to
      explain the observed exchange bias has to be discarded since results show no
      metallic iron content and the main presence of alpha-Fe(2)O(3). The observed weak
      ferromagnetism and exchange bias are in agreement with the obtained size of alpha
      Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles: weak ferromagnetism because of the well-known spin
      canting in this antiferromagnetic structure and exchange bias because of the
      interaction between different spin sublattice configurations promoted by the
      modification of iron coordination in alpha-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles. Moreover, the
      preparation method is proposed for tuning both magnetization and exchange bias
      values by modification of the preparation conditions of alpha-Fe(2)O(3)
      nanoparticles, which open new possibilities in the design of new materials with
      required properties.

PMID- 22076253
TI  - Uptake of a randomized breast cancer prevention trial comparing letrozole to
      placebo in BRCA1/2 mutations carriers: the LIBER trial.
AB  - Women with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations are considered as an
      extreme risk population for developing breast cancer. Prophylactic mastectomy
      provides a valid option to reduce such risk, impacting however, the quality of
      life. Medical prevention by aromatase inhibitor that has also recently shown to
      have preventive effect may thus be considered as an alternative. LIBER is an
      ongoing double-blind, randomized phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy of 5
      year letrozole versus placebo to decrease breast cancer incidence in post
      menopausal BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (NCT00673335). We present data on the uptake
      of this trial. We compared characteristics of women in the LIBER trial (n = 113)
      to those of women enrolled in the prospective ongoing national GENEPSO cohort (n
      = 1,505). Uptake was evaluated through a survey sent to all active centres, with
      responses obtained from 17 to the 20 (85%) centres. According to the
      characteristics of the women enrolled in the GENEPSO cohort and the survey,
      approximately one-third of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were eligible for the trial.
      Five hundred and thirty-four women eligible from chart review have been informed
      by mail about the prevention trial and were invited to an oral information by
      participating centres. Forty-four percentage of them came to the dedicated
      medical visit. Uptake of drug prevention trial was 32% among women informed
      orally and 15% of all the eligible women. The main reasons of refusal were:
      potential side effects, probability to receive the placebo and lack of support
      from their physicians. Additionally, we noticed that prior prophylactic
      oophorectomy and previous unilateral breast cancer were more frequent in women
      enrolled in the LIBER trial than in the French cohort (93% vs. 60% and 50% vs.
      39%, respectively). Based on an overall 15% uptake among all eligible subjects,
      greater and wider information of the trial should be offered to women with
      BRCA1/2 mutation to improve recruitment. Women with previous unilateral breast
      cancer or prior prophylactic oophorectomy are more likely to enter a medical
      prevention trial.

PMID- 22076256
TI  - Method of targeted delivery of laser beam to isolated retinal rods by fiber
      optics.
AB  - A method of controllable light delivery to retinal rod cells using an optical
      fiber is described. Photo-induced current of the living rod cells was measured
      with the suction electrode technique. The approach was tested with measurements
      relating the spatial distribution of the light intensity to photo-induced
      current. In addition, the ion current responses of rod cells to polarized light
      at two different orientation geometries of the cells were studied.

PMID- 22076255
TI  - CSF levels of oligomeric alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid as biomarkers for
      neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - Protein misfolding and aggregation is a critically important feature in many
      devastating neurodegenerative diseases, therefore characterization of the CSF
      concentration profiles of selected key forms and morphologies of proteins
      involved in these diseases, including beta-amyloid (Abeta) and alpha-synuclein (a
      syn), can be an effective diagnostic assay for these diseases. CSF levels of tau
      and Abeta have been shown to have great promise as biomarkers for Alzheimer's
      disease. However since the onset and progression of many neurodegenerative
      diseases have been strongly correlated with the presence of soluble oligomeric
      aggregates of proteins including various Abeta and a-syn aggregate species,
      specific detection and quantification of levels of each of these different toxic
      protein species in CSF may provide a simple and accurate means to
      presymptomatically diagnose and distinguish between these diseases. Here we show
      that the presence of different protein morphologies in human CSF samples can be
      readily detected using highly selective morphology specific reagents in
      conjunction with a sensitive electronic biosensor. We further show that these
      morphology specific reagents can readily distinguish between post-mortem CSF
      samples from AD, PD and cognitively normal sources. These studies suggest that
      detection of specific oligomeric aggregate species holds great promise as
      sensitive biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 22076257
TI  - Model of bleaching and acquisition for superresolution microscopy controlled by a
      single wavelength.
AB  - We consider acquisition schemes that maximize the fraction of images that contain
      only a single activated molecule (as opposed to multiple activated molecules) in
      superresolution localization microscopy of fluorescent probes. During a
      superresolution localization microscopy experiment, irreversible photobleaching
      destroys fluorescent molecules, limiting the ability to monitor the dynamics of
      long-lived processes. Here we consider experiments controlled by a single
      wavelength, so that the bleaching and activation rates are coupled variables. We
      use variational techniques and kinetic models to demonstrate that this coupling
      of bleaching and activation leads to very different optimal control schemes,
      depending on the detailed kinetics of fluorophore activation and bleaching.
      Likewise, we show that the robustness of the acquisition scheme is strongly
      dependent on the detailed kinetics of activation and bleaching.

PMID- 22076258
TI  - Femtosecond infrared intrastromal ablation and backscattering-mode adaptive
      optics multiphoton microscopy in chicken corneas.
AB  - The performance of femtosecond (fs) laser intrastromal ablation was evaluated
      with backscattering-mode adaptive-optics multiphoton microscopy in ex vivo
      chicken corneas. The pulse energy of the fs source used for ablation was set to
      generate two different ablation patterns within the corneal stroma at a certain
      depth. Intrastromal patterns were imaged with a custom adaptive-optics
      multiphoton microscope to determine the accuracy of the procedure and verify the
      outcomes. This study demonstrates the potential of using fs pulses as surgical
      and monitoring techniques to systematically investigate intratissue ablation.
      Further refinement of the experimental system by combining both functions into a
      single fs laser system would be the basis to establish new techniques capable of
      monitoring corneal surgery without labeling in real-time. Since the
      backscattering configuration has also been optimized, future in vivo
      implementations would also be of interest in clinical environments involving
      corneal ablation procedures.

PMID- 22076259
TI  - Double-clad fiber with a tapered end for confocal endomicroscopy.
AB  - We present a double-clad fiber coupler (DCFC) for use in confocal endomicroscopy
      to reduce speckle contrast, increase signal collection while preserving optical
      sectioning. The DCFC is made by incorporating a double-clad tapered fiber (DCTF)
      to a fused-tapered DCFC for achromatic transmission (from 1265 nm to 1325 nm) of
      > 95% illumination light trough the single mode (SM) core and collection of > 40%
      diffuse light through inner cladding modes. Its potential for confocal
      endomicroscopy is demonstrated in a spectrally-encoded imaging setup which shows
      a 3 times reduction in speckle contrast as well as 5.5 * increase in signal
      collection compared to imaging with a SM fiber.

PMID- 22076260
TI  - Photoacoustic section imaging with an integrating cylindrical detector.
AB  - A piezoelectric detector with a cylindrical shape is investigated for
      photoacoustic section imaging. Images are acquired by rotating a sample in front
      of the cylindrical detector. With its length exceeding the size of the imaging
      object, it works as an integrating sensor and therefore allows reconstructing
      section images with the inverse Radon transform. Prior to the reconstruction the
      Abel transform is applied to the measured signals to improve the accuracy of the
      image. A resolution of about 100 um within a section and of 500 um between
      sections is obtained. Additionally, a series of images of a zebra fish is shown.

PMID- 22076261
TI  - 3D imaging of biofilms on implants by detection of scattered light with a
      scanning laser optical tomograph.
AB  - Biofilms - communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces - are a constant
      threat for long-term success in modern implantology. The application of laser
      scanning microscopy (LSM) has increased the knowledge about microscopic
      properties of biofilms, whereas a 3D imaging technique for the large scale
      visualization of bacterial growth and migration on curved and non-transparent
      surfaces is not realized so far.Towards this goal, we built a scanning laser
      optical tomography (SLOT) setup detecting scattered laser light to image biofilm
      on dental implant surfaces. SLOT enables the visualization of living biofilms in
      3D by detecting the wavelength-dependent absorption of non-fluorescent stains
      like e.g. reduced triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) accumulated within
      metabolically active bacterial cells. Thus, the presented system allows the large
      scale investigation of vital biofilm structure and in vitro development on
      cylindrical and non-transparent objects without the need for fluorescent vital
      staining. We suggest SLOT to be a valuable tool for the structural and volumetric
      investigation of biofilm formation on implants with sizes up to several
      millimeters.

PMID- 22076262
TI  - Spectroscopic-speckle variance OCT for microvasculature detection and analysis.
AB  - We propose and studied optical coherence tomography (OCT) combining spectroscopic
      (SOCT) and speckle variance (svOCT) functions to effectively detect locations of
      microvasculatures and assess blood oxygen saturation level. Chorioallantoic
      membrane of a chick embryo was imaged in vivo to perform the analysis of the
      system. We also studied the effect of speckle in spectral domain using
      experimental data and performed time-averaging to reduce speckle noise locally.
      We combined SOCT and svOCT images using hue, saturation and value (HSV) color map
      to show the localized spectroscopic property of blood. Results show distinct
      spectroscopic properties between arterial blood and capillary blood.

PMID- 22076263
TI  - Photon efficient double-helix PSF microscopy with application to 3D photo
      activation localization imaging.
AB  - We present a double-helix point spread function (DH-PSF) based three-dimensional
      (3D) microscope with efficient photon collection using a phase mask fabricated by
      gray-level lithography. The system using the phase mask more than doubles the
      efficiency of current liquid crystal spatial light modulator implementations. We
      demonstrate the phase mask DH-PSF microscope for 3D photo-activation localization
      microscopy (PM-DH-PALM) over an extended axial range.

PMID- 22076264
TI  - Imaging workflow and calibration for CT-guided time-domain fluorescence
      tomography.
AB  - In this study, several key optimization steps are outlined for a non-contact,
      time-correlated single photon counting small animal optical tomography system,
      using simultaneous collection of both fluorescence and transmittance data. The
      system is presented for time-domain image reconstruction in vivo, illustrating
      the sensitivity from single photon counting and the calibration steps needed to
      accurately process the data. In particular, laser time- and amplitude
      referencing, detector and filter calibrations, and collection of a suitable
      instrument response function are all presented in the context of time-domain
      fluorescence tomography and a fully automated workflow is described. Preliminary
      phantom time-domain reconstructed images demonstrate the fidelity of the workflow
      for fluorescence tomography based on signal from multiple time gates.

PMID- 22076265
TI  - Micrometer axial resolution OCT for corneal imaging.
AB  - An optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high axial resolution corneal imaging
      is presented. The system uses 375 nm bandwidth (625 to 1000 nm) from a broadband
      supercontinuum light source. The system was developed in free space to minimize
      image quality degradation due to dispersion. A custom-designed spectrometer based
      on a Czerny Turner configuration was implemented to achieve an imaging depth of 1
      mm. Experimentally measured axial resolution was 1.1 MUm in corneal tissue and
      had a good agreement with the theoretically calculated resolution from the
      envelope of the spectral interference fringes. In vivo imaging was carried out
      and thin corneal layers such as the tear film and the Bowman's layer were
      quantified in normal, keratoconus, and contact lens wearing eyes, indicating the
      system's suitability for several ophthalmic applications.

PMID- 22076266
TI  - Tissue oximetry: a comparison of mean values of regional tissue saturation,
      reproducibility and dynamic range of four NIRS-instruments on the human forearm.
AB  - We compared absolute values of regional tissue hemoglobin saturation (StO(2)),
      reproducibility, and dynamic range of four different instruments on the forearm
      of adults. The sensors were repositioned 10 times on each subject. Dynamic range
      was estimated by exercise with subsequent arterial occlusion. Mean StO(2) was
      70.1% +/- 6.7 with INVOS 5100, 69.4% +/- 5.0 with NIRO 200 NX, 63.4% +/- 4.5 with
      NIRO 300, and 60.8% +/- 3.6 with OxyPrem. The corresponding reproducibility S(w)
      was 5.4% (CI 4.4-6.9), 4.4% (CI 3.5-5.2), 4.1% (CI 3.3-4.9), and 2.7% (CI 2.2
      3.2), respectively. The dynamic ranges DeltaStO(2) were 45.0%, 46.8%, 44.8%, and
      27.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the three commercial NIRS instruments showed
      different absolute values, whereas reproducibility and dynamic range were quite
      similar.

PMID- 22076267
TI  - Effects of probe geometry on transscleral diffuse optical spectroscopy.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate how the geometry of a fiber optic
      probe affects the transmission and reflection of light through the scleral eye
      wall. Two geometrical parameters of the fiber probe were investigated: the source
      detector distance and the fiber protrusion, i.e. the length of the fiber
      extending from the flat surface of the fiber probe. For optimization of the fiber
      optic probe geometry, fluorescence stained choroidal tumor phantoms in ex vivo
      porcine eyes were measured with both diffuse reflectance- and laser-induced
      fluorescence spectroscopy. The strength of the fluorescence signal compared to
      the excitation signal was used as a measure for optimization. Intraocular
      pressure (IOP) and temperature were monitored to assess the impact of the probe
      on the eye. For visualizing any possible damage caused by the probe, the scleral
      surface was imaged with scanning electron microscopy after completion of the
      spectroscopic measurements. A source-detector distance of 5 mm with zero fiber
      protrusion was considered optimal in terms of spectroscopic contrast, however, a
      slight fiber protrusion of 0.5 mm is argued to be advantageous for clinical
      measurements. The study further indicates that transscleral spectroscopy can be
      safely performed in human eyes under in vivo conditions, without leading to an
      unacceptable IOP elevation, a significant rise in tissue temperature, or any
      visible damage to the scleral surface.

PMID- 22076268
TI  - Thermal intravascular photoacoustic imaging.
AB  - Intravascular photoacoustics (IVPA)-a minimally invasive imaging technique with
      contrast related to optical absorption properties of tissue, can be used to
      visualize atherosclerotic plaques. However, the amplitude of photoacoustic
      signals is also related to a temperature dependent, tissue specific parameter-the
      Gruneisen parameter. Therefore, photoacoustic signals measured at different
      temperatures may reveal information about tissue composition. In this study,
      thermal IVPA (tIVPA) imaging was introduced. The imaging studies were performed
      using an ex vivo atherosclerotic rabbit aorta. Temperature dependent
      photoacoustic responses from lipid in plaques and lipid in periadventitial tissue
      were different, thus allowing tIVPA images to delineate the location of lipid
      rich plaques. The results indicate that tIVPA imaging has a potential to
      characterize tissue composition in atherosclerotic vessels.

PMID- 22076269
TI  - Measurement of cerebral microvascular compliance in a model of atherosclerosis
      with optical coherence tomography.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently been used to produce 3D
      angiography of microvasculature and blood flow maps of large vessels in the
      rodent brain in-vivo. However, use of this optical method for the study of
      cerebrovascular disease has not been fully explored. Recent developments in
      neurodegenerative diseases has linked common cardiovascular risk factors to
      neurodegenerative risk factors hinting at a vascular hypothesis for the
      development of the latter. Tools for studying cerebral blood flow and the
      myogenic tone of cerebral vasculature have thus far been either highly invasive
      or required ex-vivo preparations therefore not preserving the delicate in-vivo
      conditions. We propose a novel technique for reconstructing the flow profile over
      a single cardiac cycle in order to evaluate flow pulsatility and vessel
      compliance. A vascular model is used to simulate changes in vascular compliance
      and interpret OCT results. Comparison between atherosclerotic and wild type mice
      show a trend towards increased compliance in the smaller arterioles of the brain
      (diameter < 80MUm) in the disease model. These results are consistent with
      previously published ex-vivo work confirming the ability of OCT to investigate
      vascular dysfunction.

PMID- 22076270
TI  - Novel non-contact retina camera for the rat and its application to dynamic
      retinal vessel analysis.
AB  - We present a novel non-invasive and non-contact system for reflex-free retinal
      imaging and dynamic retinal vessel analysis in the rat. Theoretical analysis was
      performed prior to development of the new optical design, taking into account the
      optical properties of the rat eye and its specific illumination and imaging
      requirements. A novel optical model of the rat eye was developed for use with
      standard optical design software, facilitating both sequential and non-sequential
      modes. A retinal camera for the rat was constructed using standard optical and
      mechanical components. The addition of a customized illumination unit and
      existing standard software enabled dynamic vessel analysis. Seven-minute in-vivo
      vessel diameter recordings performed on 9 Brown-Norway rats showed stable
      readings. On average, the coefficient of variation was (1.1 +/- 0.19) % for the
      arteries and (0.6 +/- 0.08) % for the veins. The slope of the linear regression
      analysis was (0.56 +/- 0.26) % for the arteries and (0.15 +/- 0.27) % for the
      veins. In conclusion, the device can be used in basic studies of retinal vessel
      behavior.

PMID- 22076271
TI  - In vivo microstructural and microvascular imaging of the human corneo-scleral
      limbus using optical coherence tomography.
AB  - The corneo-scleral limbus contains several biological components, which are
      important constituents for understanding, diagnosing and managing several ocular
      pathologies, such as glaucoma and corneal abnormalities. An anterior segment
      optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) system integrated with optical
      microangiography (OMAG) is used in this study to non-invasively visualize the
      three-dimensional microstructural and microvascular properties of the limbal
      region. Advantages include first the ability to correct optical distortion of
      microstructural images enabling quantification of relationships in the anterior
      chamber angle. Second, microvascular images enable the visualization of the
      microcirculation in the limbal area without the use of exogenous contrast agents.
      Third, by combining the microstructural and microvascular information, the
      aqueous outflow pathway can be identified. The proposed AS-OCT can serve as a
      useful tool for ophthalmological research to determine normal and pathologic
      changes in the outflow system. As a clinical tool it has the potential to detect
      early aqueous outflow system abnormalities that lead to the pressure elevation in
      glaucoma. Recent surgical innovations and their implementations also rely on an
      assessment of outflow system structure and function, which can be revealed by AS
      OCT.

PMID- 22076272
TI  - Spectrally encoded fiber-based structured lighting probe for intraoperative 3D
      imaging.
AB  - Three dimensional quantification of organ shape and structure during minimally
      invasive surgery (MIS) could enhance precision by allowing the registration of
      multi-modal or pre-operative image data (US/MRI/CT) with the live optical image.
      Structured illumination is one technique to obtain 3D information through the
      projection of a known pattern onto the tissue, although currently these systems
      tend to be used only for macroscopic imaging or open procedures rather than in
      endoscopy. To account for occlusions, where a projected feature may be hidden
      from view and/or confused with a neighboring point, a flexible multispectral
      structured illumination probe has been developed that labels each projected point
      with a specific wavelength using a supercontinuum laser. When imaged by a
      standard endoscope camera they can then be segmented using their RGB values, and
      their 3D coordinates calculated after camera calibration. The probe itself is
      sufficiently small (1.7 mm diameter) to allow it to be used in the biopsy channel
      of commonly used medical endoscopes. Surgical robots could therefore also employ
      this technology to solve navigation and visualization problems in MIS, and help
      to develop advanced surgical procedures such as natural orifice translumenal
      endoscopic surgery.

PMID- 22076273
TI  - Swept source optical coherence tomography as a tool for real time visualization
      and localization of electrodes used in electrophysiological studies of brain in
      vivo.
AB  - In studies of in vivo extracellular recording, we usually penetrate electrodes
      almost blindly into the neural tissue, in order to detect the neural activity
      from an expected target location at a certain depth. After the recording, it is
      necessary for us to determine the position of the electrodes precisely.
      Generally, to identify the position of the electrode, one method is to examine
      the postmortem tissue sample at micron resolution. The other method is using MRI
      and it does not have enough resolution to resolve the neural structures. To solve
      such problems, we propose swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) as a
      tool to visualize the cross-sectional image of the neural target structure along
      with the penetrating electrode. We focused on a rodent olfactory bulb (OB) as the
      target. We succeeded in imaging both the OB layer structure and the penetrating
      electrode, simultaneously. The method has the advantage of detecting the
      electrode shape and the position in real time, in vivo. These results indicate
      the possibility of using SS-OCT as a powerful tool for guiding the electrode into
      the target tissue precisely in real time and localizing the electrode tip during
      electrophysiological recordings.

PMID- 22076274
TI  - Measurement and correction of in vivo sample aberrations employing a nonlinear
      guide-star in two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - We demonstrate that sample induced aberrations can be measured in a nonlinear
      microscope. This uses the fact that two-photon excited fluorescence naturally
      produces a localized point source inside the sample: the nonlinear guide-star (NL
      GS). The wavefront emitted from the NL-GS can then be recorded using a Shack
      Hartmann sensor. Compensation of the recorded sample aberrations is performed by
      the deformable mirror in a single-step. This technique is applied to fixed and in
      vivo biological samples, showing, in some cases, more than one order of magnitude
      improvement in the total collected signal intensity.

PMID- 22076275
TI  - Measurement of tissue scattering properties using multi-diameter single fiber
      reflectance spectroscopy: in silico sensitivity analysis.
AB  - Multiple diameter single fiber reflectance (MDSFR) measurements of turbid media
      can be used to determine the reduced scattering coefficient (MU'(s)) and a
      parameter that characterizes the phase function (gamma). The MDSFR method
      utilizes a semi-empirical model that expresses the collected single fiber
      reflectance intensity as a function of fiber diameter (d(fiber)), MU'(s), and
      gamma. This study investigated the sensitivity of the MDSFR estimates of MU'(s)
      and gamma to the choice of fiber diameters and spectral information incorporated
      into the fitting procedure. The fit algorithm was tested using Monte Carlo
      simulations of single fiber reflectance intensities that investigated
      biologically relevant ranges of scattering properties (MU'(s) ? [0.4 - 4]mm(-1))
      and phase functions (gamma ? [1.4 - 1.9]) and for multiple fiber diameters
      (d(fiber) ? [0.2 - 1.5] mm). MDSFR analysis yielded accurate estimates of MU'(s)
      and gamma over the wide range of scattering combinations; parameter accuracy was
      shown to be sensitive to the range of fiber diameters included in the analysis,
      but not to the number of intermediate fibers. Moreover, accurate parameter
      estimates were obtained without a priori knowledge about the spectral shape of
      gamma. Observations were used to develop heuristic guidelines for the design of
      clinically applicable MDSFR probes.

PMID- 22076276
TI  - Fabrication of microscale medical devices by two-photon polymerization with
      multiple foci via a spatial light modulator.
AB  - Two-photon polymerization is an appealing technique for producing microscale
      devices due to its flexibility in producing structures with a wide range of
      geometries as well as its compatibility with materials suitable for biomedical
      applications. The greatest limiting factor in widespread use of two-photon
      polymerization is the slow fabrication times associated with line-by-line, high
      resolution structuring. In this study, a recently developed technology was used
      to produce microstructures by two-photon polymerization with multiple foci, which
      significantly reduces the production time. Computer generated hologram pattern
      technology was used to generate multiple laser beams in controlled positions from
      a single laser. These multiple beams were then used to simultaneously produce
      multiple microstructures by two-photon polymerization. Arrays of micro-Venus
      structures, tissue engineering scaffolds, and microneedle arrays were produced by
      multifocus two-photon polymerization. To our knowledge, this work is the first
      demonstration of multifocus two-photon polymerization technology for production
      of a functional medical device. Multibeam fabrication has the potential to
      greatly improve the efficiency of two-photon polymerization production of
      microscale devices such as tissue engineering scaffolds and microneedle arrays.

PMID- 22076277
TI  - Bioluminescence tomography using eigenvectors expansion and iterative solution
      for the optimized permissible source region.
AB  - A reconstruction algorithm for bioluminescence tomography (BLT) has been
      developed. The algorithm numerically calculates the Green's function at different
      wavelengths using the diffusion equation and finite element method. The optical
      properties used in calculating the Green's function are reconstructed using
      diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and assuming anatomical information is provided
      by x-ray computed tomography or other methods. A symmetric system of equations is
      formed using the Green's function and the measured light fluence rate and the
      resulting eigenvalue problem is solved to get the eigenvectors of this symmetric
      system of equations. A space can be formed from the eigenvectors obtained and the
      reconstructed source is written as an expansion of the eigenvectors corresponding
      to non-zero eigenvalues. The coefficients of the expansion are found to obtain
      the reconstructed BL source distribution. The problem is solved iteratively by
      using a permissible source region that is shrunk by removing nodes with low
      probability to contribute to the source. Throughout this process the permissible
      region shrinks from the entire object to just a few nodes. The best estimate of
      the reconstructed source is chosen that which minimizes the difference between
      the calculated and measured light fluence rates. 3D simulations presented here
      show that the reconstructed source is in good agreement with the actual source in
      terms of locations, magnitudes, sizes, and total powers for both localized
      multiple sources and large inhomogeneous source distributions.

PMID- 22076278
TI  - Tissue-mimicking phantoms for photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging.
AB  - In both photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasonic (US) imaging, overall image quality is
      influenced by the optical and acoustical properties of the medium. Consequently,
      with the increased use of combined PA and US (PAUS) imaging in preclinical and
      clinical applications, the ability to provide phantoms that are capable of
      mimicking desired properties of soft tissues is critical. To this end, gelatin
      based phantoms were constructed with various additives to provide realistic
      acoustic and optical properties. Forty-micron, spherical silica particles were
      used to induce acoustic scattering, Intralipid((r)) 20% IV fat emulsion was
      employed to enhance optical scattering and ultrasonic attenuation, while India
      Ink, Direct Red 81, and Evans blue dyes were utilized to achieve optical
      absorption typical of soft tissues. The following parameters were then measured
      in each phantom formulation: speed of sound, acoustic attenuation (from 6 to 22
      MHz), acoustic backscatter coefficient (from 6 to 22 MHz), optical absorption
      (from 400 nm to 1300 nm), and optical scattering (from 400 nm to 1300 nm).
      Results from these measurements were then compared to similar measurements, which
      are offered by the literature, for various soft tissue types. Based on these
      comparisons, it was shown that a reasonably accurate tissue-mimicking phantom
      could be constructed using a gelatin base with the aforementioned additives.
      Thus, it is possible to construct a phantom that mimics specific tissue
      acoustical and/or optical properties for the purpose of PAUS imaging studies.

PMID- 22076279
TI  - High-performance image reconstruction in fluorescence tomography on desktop
      computers and graphics hardware.
AB  - Image reconstruction in fluorescence optical tomography is a three-dimensional
      nonlinear ill-posed problem governed by a system of partial differential
      equations. In this paper we demonstrate that a combination of state of the art
      numerical algorithms and a careful hardware optimized implementation allows to
      solve this large-scale inverse problem in a few seconds on standard desktop PCs
      with modern graphics hardware. In particular, we present methods to solve not
      only the forward but also the non-linear inverse problem by massively parallel
      programming on graphics processors. A comparison of optimized CPU and GPU
      implementations shows that the reconstruction can be accelerated by factors of
      about 15 through the use of the graphics hardware without compromising the
      accuracy in the reconstructed images.

PMID- 22076280
TI  - Light assisted antibody immobilization for bio-sensing.
AB  - Ultrashort UV pulses at 258 nm with repetition rate of 10 kHz have been used to
      irradiate buffer solution of antibody. The tryptophan residues strongly absorb
      this radiation thus becoming capable to disrupt the disulfide bridges located
      next to them. Due to their high reactivity the opened bridges can anchor a gold
      plate more efficiently than other sites of the macromolecule giving rise to
      preferential orientations of the variable part of the antibody. UV irradiation
      has been applied to anchor antiIgG antibody to the electrode of a Quartz Crystal
      Microbalance (QCM) that lends itself as a sensor, the antibody acting as the bio
      receptor. An increase of the QCM sensitivity and of the linear range has been
      measured when the antibody is irradiated with UV laser pulses. The photo-induced
      reactions leading to disulfide bridge breakage have been analyzed by means of a
      chemical assay that confirms our explanation. The control of disulfide bridges by
      UV light paves the way to important applications for sensing purpose since
      cysteine in combination with tryptophan can act as a hook to link refractory bio
      receptors to surfaces.

PMID- 22076283
TI  - Partial sensitization of human bladder cancer cells to a gene-therapeutic
      adenovirus carrying REIC/Dkk-3 by downregulation of BRPK/PINK1.
AB  - REIC/Dkk-3 is a tumor suppressor gene that was first identified as a gene
      downregulated in association with immortalization of normal human fibroblasts. We
      have demonstrated that an adenovirus carrying REIC/Dkk-3 (Ad-REIC) showed a tumor
      specific killing effect on a wide range of cancers. However, some human cancers,
      bladder cancers in particular, are resistant to Ad-REIC. In this study, we
      investigated the combination effect of downregulation of BRPK/PINK1 (PINK1) and
      Ad-REIC on bladder cancer cells. Five bladder cancer cell lines among six cell
      lines examined were resistant to Ad-REIC. Among the cell lines, the resistance of
      two cell lines was probably due to low infection efficiency of the adenovirus.
      PINK1-specific siRNA remarkably downregulated Bcl-xL and TRAP1 proteins and
      upregulated BAX protein expression. Finally, downregulation of PINK1 partially
      sensitized the other three cell lines that were resistant to Ad-REIC. This
      sensitization was associated with increasing production of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). These results indicate that PINK1 is one of the key molecules for
      the mitochondrial protection system and that PINK1 can be a new target molecule
      to sensitize bladder cancer cells that are resistant to Ad-REIC.

PMID- 22076284
TI  - Rapid synthesis of highly functionalised alpha-amino amides and medium ring
      lactones using multicomponent reactions of amino alcohols and isocyanides.
AB  - Four-component reactions between amino alcohols, aldehydes, isocyanides and
      thiols proceed rapidly under microwave or conventional heating at 60  degrees C
      in methanol. The reaction is successful with a wide range of components and gives
      access to potentially drug-like products containing amine, amide and thioether
      functionality in moderate to excellent yield. The reaction conditions are also
      applicable to the synthesis of a range of 8-10 membered medium ring lactones via
      three-component reactions of amino alcohols, isocyanides and acid-aldehydes.
      Incorporation of L-prolinol as the amino alcohol component in each case gives
      access to multicomponent products with moderate to high diastereoselectivity.

PMID- 22076285
TI  - Fecal occult blood testing when colonoscopy capacity is limited.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) can be adapted to a limited
      colonoscopy capacity by narrowing the age range or extending the screening
      interval, by using a more specific test or hemoglobin cutoff level for referral
      to colonoscopy, and by restricting surveillance colonoscopy. Which of these
      options is most clinically effective and cost-effective has yet to be
      established. METHODS: We used the validated MISCAN-Colon microsimulation model to
      estimate the number of colonoscopies, costs, and health effects of different
      screening strategies using guaiac FOBT or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) at
      various hemoglobin cutoff levels between 50 and 200 ng hemoglobin per mL,
      different surveillance strategies, and various age ranges. We optimized the
      allocation of a limited number of colonoscopies on the basis of incremental cost
      effectiveness. RESULTS: When colonoscopy capacity was unlimited, the optimal
      screening strategy was to administer an annual FIT with a 50 ng/mL hemoglobin
      cutoff level in individuals aged 45-80 years and to offer colonoscopy
      surveillance to all individuals with adenomas. When colonoscopy capacity was
      decreasing, the optimal screening adaptation was to first increase the FIT
      hemoglobin cutoff value to 200 ng hemoglobin per mL and narrow the age range to
      50-75 years, to restrict colonoscopy surveillance, and finally to further
      decrease the number of screening rounds. FIT screening was always more cost
      effective compared with guaiac FOBT. Doubling colonoscopy capacity increased the
      benefits of FIT screening up to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: FIT should be used at higher
      hemoglobin cutoff levels when colonoscopy capacity is limited compared with
      unlimited and is more effective in terms of health outcomes and cost compared
      with guaiac FOBT at all colonoscopy capacity levels. Increasing the colonoscopy
      capacity substantially increases the health benefits of FIT screening.

PMID- 22076286
TI  - Less is more: not "going the distance" and why.

PMID- 22076288
TI  - Near-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green angiography in central
      serous chorioretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of near-infrared (NIR)
      autofluorescence (AF) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to present a
      method to analyze NIR-AF findings quantitatively. PROCEDURES: NIR-AF images,
      indocyanine green (ICG) angiograms, blue-light autofluorescence (BL-AF) images
      and fluorescein angiograms were recorded with the use of a confocal scanning
      laser ophthalmoscope in 19 eyes of 17 patients with CSC. Gray-value ratios were
      calculated to compare the methods. RESULTS: Using NIR-AF, hypofluorescent spots
      were observed at the leakage site in 18 of 19 eyes (94.7%). The mean gray-value
      ratio (+/-SD) was 0.55 +/- 0.22 for the site of the leakage point with NIR-AF and
      0.65 +/- 0.35 with BL-AF. ICG angiography showed a gray-value ratio of 2.37 +/-
      2.07. Fluorescein angiography had the best contrast, with a gray-value ratio of
      13.44 +/- 15.02. CONCLUSION: NIR-AF demonstrated CSC in 94.7% of the cases. NIR
      AF may be a noninvasive alternative to detect CSC.

PMID- 22076289
TI  - Beta-blocker therapy for hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension has been linked to many diseases, including coronary heart disease,
      myocardial infarction, renal failure, and stroke. Treatment involves lowering
      blood pressure (BP) and altering the sequelae. Medications such as beta-blockers
      reduce BP and prevent complications such as ventricular remodeling, endothelial
      impairment, and renal insufficiency. This article describes the pathophysiology
      of hypertension, complications, and theories of primary hypertension. Critical
      care nurses will learn about the pharmacodynamics and latest research on beta
      blocker therapy and critical decision making for patients taking these
      medications.

PMID- 22076292
TI  - Celecoxib.

PMID- 22076293
TI  - Acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - Acute ischemic stroke, also known as brain attack, is the third-leading cause of
      death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. However,
      early management of this emergency can improve patient outcomes. This article
      reviews the types of stroke, prevention, signs and symptoms, and management.
      Guidelines for assessment and emergency care for patients with acute ischemic
      stroke also are provided.

PMID- 22076294
TI  - How to respond to shock.
AB  - This article describes three common types of shock-hypovolemic, septic, and
      cardiogenic-and how to recognize and respond appropriately. Shock has many
      causes, but the underlying disease process is the same, and prompt, aggressive
      intervention is the key to improved patient outcomes.

PMID- 22076295
TI  - Nurses and informed consent, part 2.

PMID- 22076296
TI  - Six critical thinking skills for at-the-bedside success.

PMID- 22076297
TI  - Using variance tracking to improve outcomes and reduce costs.
AB  - Clinical pathways outline patient-care delivery over time for specific patient
      populations, but their true utility is derived from information obtained through
      variance tracking-documenting when and why a patient's care varies from the
      clinical pathway. This article describes one health care facility's variance
      tracking for pulmonary, medical oncology, and nephrology patients and their
      associated measured outcomes. Avoidable hospital days were tracked and a
      performance improvement initiative, focused on the pathways most often used on
      the medical unit, was undertaken, resulting in decreased length of patient stay
      and cost savings of more than $160,000.

PMID- 22076299
TI  - Comparing tympanic membrane and pulmonary artery catheter temperatures.
AB  - Studies comparing tympanic membrane thermometry with other thermometry methods
      have had conflicting results. Our hospital's nursing practice council sponsored
      this tympanic thermometry study in our cardiac surgical intensive care unit to
      assess the feasibility of increasing tympanic thermometer use in our hospital.
      Our results suggest clinically significant discrepancies between tympanic
      membrane and pulmonary artery catheter temperatures. These discrepancies preclude
      expanding tympanic thermometer use in our hospital.

PMID- 22076300
TI  - Finding a common ground.

PMID- 22076302
TI  - Characterizing the phylogenetic tree-search problem.
AB  - Phylogenetic trees are important in many areas of biological research, ranging
      from systematic studies to the methods used for genome annotation. Finding the
      best scoring tree under any optimality criterion is an NP-hard problem, which
      necessitates the use of heuristics for tree-search. Although tree-search plays a
      major role in obtaining a tree estimate, there remains a limited understanding of
      its characteristics and how the elements of the statistical inferential procedure
      interact with the algorithms used. This study begins to answer some of these
      questions through a detailed examination of maximum likelihood tree-search on a
      wide range of real genome-scale data sets. We examine all 10,395 trees for each
      of the 106 genes of an eight-taxa yeast phylogenomic data set, then apply
      different tree-search algorithms to investigate their performance. We extend our
      findings by examining two larger genome-scale data sets and a large disparate
      data set that has been previously used to benchmark the performance of tree
      search programs. We identify several broad trends occurring during tree-search
      that provide an insight into the performance of heuristics and may, in the
      future, aid their development. These trends include a tendency for the true
      maximum likelihood (best) tree to also be the shortest tree in terms of branch
      lengths, a weak tendency for tree-search to recover the best tree, and a tendency
      for tree-search to encounter fewer local optima in genes that have a high
      information content. When examining current heuristics for tree-search, we find
      that nearest-neighbor-interchange performs poorly, and frequently finds trees
      that are significantly different from the best tree. In contrast, subtree-pruning
      and-regrafting tends to perform well, nearly always finding trees that are not
      significantly different to the best tree. Finally, we demonstrate that the
      precise implementation of a tree-search strategy, including when and where
      parameters are optimized, can change the character of tree-search, and that good
      strategies for tree-search may combine existing tree-search programs.

PMID- 22076303
TI  - Ginsenoside-Rd potentiates apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in basilar
      artery smooth muscle cells through the mitochondrial pathway.
AB  - Our previous studies showed that ginsenoside-Rd, a purified component from Panax
      notoginseng, inhibited cell proliferation and reversed basilar artery remodeling.
      The aim of this study was to investigate whether ginsenoside- Rd influences
      H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in basilar artery smooth muscle cells (BASMCs). The
      results showed that ginsenoside-Rd significantly potentiated H(2)O(2)-induced
      cell death and cell apoptosis. This resulted in a concentration-dependent
      reduction of the cell viability. Ginsenoside-Rd further increased cytochrome C
      release and caspase-9/caspase-3 activations, and reduced the stability of
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Cyclosporine
      A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial-permeability transition, inhibited alteration of
      mitochondrial permeability induced by H(2)O(2) and reversed the effect of
      ginsenoside-Rd on MMP. Our data strongly suggest that ginsenoside-Rd potentiated
      H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis of BASMCs through the mitochondria-dependent pathway.

PMID- 22076304
TI  - Pleomorphic adenoma gene-like 2 regulates expression of the p53 family member,
      p73, and induces cell cycle block and apoptosis in human promonocytic U937 cells.
AB  - The proto-oncogene, pleomorphic adenoma gene-like 2 (PLAGL2), is implicated in a
      variety of cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), malignant glioma,
      colon cancer, and lung adenocarcinoma. There is additional evidence that PLAGL2
      can function as a tumor suppressor by initiating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
      Interestingly, PLAGL2 has also been implicated in human myelodysplastic syndrome,
      a disease that is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and can lead to
      fatal cytopenias (low blood counts) as a result of increased apoptosis in the
      marrow, or, in about one-third of cases, can progress to AML. To gain a better
      understanding of the actions of PLAGL2 in human myeloid cells, we generated a
      stable PLAGL2-inducible cell line, using human promonocytic U937 cells. PLAGL2
      expression inhibited cell proliferation which correlated with an accumulation of
      cells in G1, apoptotic DNA-laddering, an increase in caspase 3, 8, and 9
      activity, and a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. There was
      significant increase in the p53 homologue, p73, with PLAGL2 expression, and
      consistent with mechanisms of p73-regulated cell cycle control and apoptosis,
      there was increased expression of known p73 target genes p21, DR5, TRAIL, and
      Bax. PLAGL2-induced cell cycle block was abolished in the presence of p73 siRNA.
      Together, these data support a role for PLAGL2 in cell cycle regulation and
      apoptosis via activation of p73.

PMID- 22076301
TI  - Accuracy and precision of species trees: effects of locus, individual, and base
      pair sampling on inference of species trees in lizards of the Liolaemus darwinii
      group (Squamata, Liolaemidae).
AB  - Molecular phylogenetics has entered a new era in which species trees are
      estimated from a collection of gene trees using methods that accommodate their
      heterogeneity and discordance with the species tree. Empirical evaluation of
      species trees is necessary to assess the performance (i.e., accuracy and
      precision) of these methods with real data, which consists of gene genealogies
      likely shaped by different historical and demographic processes. We analyzed 20
      loci for 16 species of the South American lizards of the Liolaemus darwinii
      species group and reconstructed a species tree with *BEAST, then compared the
      performance of this method under different sampling strategies of loci,
      individuals, and sequence lengths. We found an increase in the accuracy and
      precision of species trees with the number of loci, but for any number of loci,
      accuracy substantially decreased only when using only one individual per species
      or 25% of the full sequence length (~ 147 bp). In addition, locus
      "informativeness" was an important factor in the accuracy/precision of species
      trees when using a few loci, but it became increasingly irrelevant with
      additional loci. Our empirical results combined with the previous simulation
      studies suggest that there is an optimal range of sampling effort of loci,
      individuals, and sequence lengths for a given speciation history and information
      content of the data. Future studies should be directed toward further assessment
      of other factors that can impact performance of species trees, including gene
      flow, locus "informativeness," tree shape, missing data, and errors in species
      delimitation.

PMID- 22076305
TI  - Connectivity gradients between the default mode and attention control networks.
AB  - Functional imaging studies have shown reduced activity within the default mode
      network during attention-demanding tasks. The network circuitry underlying this
      suppression remains unclear. Proposed hypotheses include an attentional switch in
      the right anterior insula and reciprocal inhibition between the default mode and
      attention control networks. We analyzed resting state blood oxygen level
      dependent (BOLD) data from 1278 subjects from 26 sites and constructed whole
      brain maps of functional connectivity between 7266 regions of interest (ROIs)
      covering the gray matter at ~5 mm resolution. ROIs belonging to the default mode
      network and attention control network were identified based on correlation to six
      published seed locations. Spatial heterogeneity of correlation between the
      default mode and attention control networks was observed, with smoothly varying
      gradients in every hub of both networks that ranged smoothly from weakly but
      significantly anticorrelated to positively correlated. Such gradients were
      reproduced in 3 separate groups of subjects. Anticorrelated subregions were
      identified in major hubs of both networks. Between-network connectivity gradients
      strengthen with age during late adolescence and early adulthood, with associated
      sharpening of the boundaries of the default mode network, integration of the
      insula and cingulate with frontoparietal attentional regions, and decreasing
      correlation between the default mode and attention control networks with age.

PMID- 22076306
TI  - Molecular biology of oncogenic inflammatory processes. I. Non-oncogenic and
      oncogenic pathogens, intrinsic inflammatory reactions without pathogens, and
      microRNA/DNA interactions (Review).
AB  - In some inflammasomes tumor cells are generated. The internal environment of the
      inflammasome is conducive to the induction of malignant transformation.
      Epigenetic changes initiate this process. The subverted stromal connective tissue
      cells act to promote and sustain the process of malignant trans-formation. In its
      early stages, the premalignant cells depend on paracrine circuitries for the
      reception of growth factors. The ligands are derived from the connective tissue,
      and the receptors are expressed on the recipient premalignant cells. The initial
      events are not a direct attack on the proto-oncogenes, and thus it may be
      entirely reversible. Epigenetic processes of hypermethylation of the genes at the
      promoters of tumor suppressor genes (to silence them), and deacetylation of the
      histones aimed at the promoters of proto-oncogenes (to activate them) are on
      going. A large number of short RNA sequences (interfering, micro-, short hairpin,
      non-coding RNAs) silence tumor suppressor genes, by neutralizing their mRNAs. In
      a serial sequence oncogenes undergo amplifications, point-mutations,
      translocations and fusions. In its earliest stage, the process is reversible by
      demethylation of the silenced suppressor gene promoters (to reactivate them), or
      re-acetylation of the histones of the oncogene promoters, thus de-activating
      them. The external administration of histone deacetylase inhibitors usually leads
      to the restoration of histone acetylation. In time, the uncorrected processes
      solidify into constitutive and irreversible gene mutations. Some of the pathogens
      inducing inflammations with consquential malignant transformation contain
      oncogenic gene sequences (papilloma viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi's sarcoma
      associated herpesvirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Merkel cell polyoma virus,
      Helicobacter pylori, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis). These induced
      malignancies may be multifocal. Other pathogens are devoid of any known oncogenic
      genomic sequences (mycoplasma vav-carcinogenesis, chlamydia MALT-lymphoma
      genesis). In these cases the host's inflammatory reactions induce the malignant
      transformation in serial sequences of gene alterations initiated by hypoxia and
      reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generation. Carcinogenic intrinsic
      inflammatory processes endogenously initiated without a pathogen are recognized.
      Chronic inflammatory processes signal the RNA/DNA complex. In response, the DNA
      may revert into its ancient primordial 'immortal' format, which the clinics
      recognize as 'oncogenesis'. The DNA remains the ultimate master of bioengineering
      in order to sustain life. A discussion on the most versatile and resistant
      primordial RNA/DNA complex and the pre-, proto-, and unicellular world in which
      they co-existed is included.

PMID- 22076307
TI  - Characteristics of premenopausal and postmenopausal women with acquired,
      generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder:  the Hypoactive Sexual Desire
      Disorder Registry for women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the natural history of hypoactive sexual desire
      disorder (HSDD). We examined the sociodemographic, relationship, help seeking,
      sexual function, and medical characteristics of women with a clinical diagnosis
      of generalized, acquired HSDD by menopause status. METHODS: This study was a
      cross-sectional baseline data analysis from the HSDD Registry for Women (N =
      1,574, from 33 US clinical sites). HSDD was clinically diagnosed and confirmed.
      Validated measures of sexual function, relationship factors, and health, as well
      as newly developed questions on help seeking were assessed using the
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants were predominantly married or living with a
      partner (81.7%) and represented a range of race/ethnic backgrounds and ages (mean
      +/- SD, 42.9 +/- 11.9 y). Most (56.8%) described their HSDD severity as "moderate
      to severe," with 26.5% rating the problem severe. Nonetheless, most women (69.8%)
      reported being happy in their relationship, and 61.8% were satisfied with their
      partner communication. Postmenopausal women had lower Female Sexual Function
      Index total scores, indicating worse sexual function (14.0 +/- 7.5) than
      premenopausal women (16.7 +/- 6.8, P < 0.001), although both groups had similarly
      low scores on the sexual desire domain (3.4 +/- 1.3 vs 3.3 +/- 1.4). Less than
      half of the overall sample had sought professional help, among whom hormonal
      treatments had been used by 23.7% of postmenopausal women and by 7.6% of
      premenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Most women with HSDD were in long-term partner
      relationships with high levels of overall relationship satisfaction.
      Postmenopausal women were more likely to seek help for their disorder, despite
      similarly high levels of distress associated with HSDD. Further research is
      needed to examine treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22076308
TI  - Association of leisure physical activity and sleep with cardiovascular risk
      factors in postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the individual and combined
      associations of leisure-time physical activity and sleep with cardiovascular risk
      factors in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We analyzed 48-month cross-sectional
      follow-up data from 393 participants of the Women on the Move Through Activity
      and Nutrition Study, a behavioral weight loss trial. Leisure-time physical
      activity data were collected with the past-year Modifiable Activity
      Questionnaire, whereas sleep data were collected with the Pittsburgh Sleep
      Quality Index. We compared physical activity and sleep categories using analysis
      of variance, post hoc Scheffe tests, and multivariate analyses based on groups
      above/below the median leisure-time physical activity level, above/below the
      sleep quality value of 5, and above/below the sleep duration of 7 hours/day.
      RESULTS: The average sleep quality and sleep duration did not significantly
      differ between women with high and women with low physical activity levels. When
      women with good sleep quality were compared, higher physical activity levels were
      associated with lower body mass index (2.0 kg/m; 25, 75 quartiles, 0.3, 3.6),
      waist circumference (6.3 cm; 1.7, 10.9), and total body fat (2.1%; 0.3, 4.0; P <
      0.05). When participants with poor sleep quality were compared, highly active
      women had lower trunk fat, total body fat, and insulin levels than less active
      women did (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, physical activity was
      significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein level, trunk fat, and
      total body fat after controlling for sleep quality, sleep duration, age, hormone
      therapy and smoking status, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The combined
      associations of leisure-time physical activity and sleep suggest that
      cardiovascular risk factors are more favorable in highly active women relative to
      less active women regardless of sleep.

PMID- 22076309
TI  - Neuroprotection of desferrioxamine in lipopolysaccharide-induced nigrostriatal
      dopamine neuron degeneration.
AB  - Inflammation and iron accumulation in the substantia nigra (SN) are implicated in
      the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the relationship between
      neuroinflammation and iron mismanagement remain largely unknown. In the present
      study, an animal model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to evaluate
      iron concentration in the ventral midbrain with or without neuroinflammation.
      Furthermore, the iron chelator desferrioxamine (DFO) was used to explore its
      neuroprotective property against LPS-induced nigrostriatal degeneration. Adult
      C57BL/6 mice were treated with DFO (2.5 ug) commenced 3 days prior to or
      following microinjection of LPS into the striatum. Animal behavioral tests, as
      well as pathological and biochemical assays were performed to evaluate the
      nigrostriatal dopamine neuron degeneration and neuroprotective effects of DFO.
      Here, we report that the iron concentration in the ventral midbrain significantly
      increased following intrastriatal injection of LPS, and administration of DFO
      improved behavior deficits, attenuated dopamine (DA) neuron loss and striatal DA
      reduction, and alleviated microglial activation in the SN. These results suggest
      that DFO may possess neuroprotective effect against LPS-induced nigrostriatal
      dopamine neuron degeneration.

PMID- 22076310
TI  - The autotrophic contribution to soil respiration in a northern temperate
      deciduous forest and its response to stand disturbance.
AB  - The goal of this study was to evaluate the contribution of oak trees (Quercus
      spp.) and their associated mycorrhizal fungi to total community soil respiration
      in a deciduous forest (Black Rock Forest) and to explore the partitioning of
      autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration. Trees on twelve 75 * 75-m plots were
      girdled according to four treatments: girdling all the oaks on the plot (OG),
      girdling half of the oak trees on a plot (O50), girdling all non-oaks on a plot
      (NO), and a control (C). In addition, one circular plot (diameter 50 m) was
      created where all trees were girdled (ALL). Soil respiration was measured before
      and after tree girdling. A conservative estimate of the total autotrophic
      contribution is approximately 50%, as indicated by results on the ALL and OG
      plots. Rapid declines in carbon dioxide (CO(2)) flux from both the ALL and OG
      plots, 37 and 33%, respectively, were observed within 2 weeks following the
      treatment, demonstrating a fast turnover of recently fixed carbon. Responses from
      the NO and O50 treatments were statistically similar to the control. A non
      proportional decline in respiration rates along the gradient of change in live
      aboveground biomass complicated partitioning of the overall rate of soil
      respiration and indicates that belowground carbon flux is not linearly related to
      aboveground disturbance. Our findings suggest that in this system there is a
      threshold disturbance level between 35 and 74% of live aboveground biomass loss,
      beyond which belowground dynamics change dramatically.

PMID- 22076311
TI  - Wasting disease regulates long-term population dynamics in a threatened seagrass.
AB  - The role of disease in the long-term dynamics of threatened species is poorly
      quantified, as well as being under-represented in ecology and conservation
      management. To understand persistent host-pathogen interaction operating in a
      vulnerable habitat, we quantified dynamics driving patterns of seagrass density
      using a longitudinal study in a relatively pristine site (Isles of Scilly, UK).
      Replicated samples of eelgrass (Zostera marina) density and wasting disease
      prevalence, presumably caused by Labyrinthula zosterae, were taken from five
      meadows at the height of the growing season, over the years 1997-2010. Data were
      used to parameterise a population dynamic model, incorporating density-dependent
      factors and sea temperature records. We found that direct density and disease
      mediated feedback operate within a network of local populations. Furthermore, our
      results indicate that the strength of limitation to seagrass growth by disease
      was increased at higher temperatures. This modification of the coupled host
      pathogen dynamics forms a novel hypothesis to account for dramatic die-backs of
      Z. marina widely reported elsewhere. Our findings highlight the importance of
      disease in structuring distributions of vulnerable species, as well as the
      application of population modelling in order to reveal ecological processes and
      prioritize future mechanistic investigation.

PMID- 22076312
TI  - Development of a bar adsorptive micro-extraction-large-volume injection-gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometric method for pharmaceuticals and personal care
      products in environmental water matrices.
AB  - The combination of bar adsorptive micro-extraction using activated carbon (AC)
      and polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (PS-DVB) sorbent phases, followed by
      liquid desorption and large-volume injection gas chromatography coupled to mass
      spectrometry, under selected ion monitoring mode acquisition, was developed for
      the first time to monitor pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in
      environmental water matrices. Assays performed on 25 mL water samples spiked (100
      ng L(-1)) with caffeine, gemfibrozil, triclosan, propranolol, carbamazepine and
      diazepam, selected as model compounds, yielded recoveries ranging from 74% to 99%
      under optimised experimental conditions (equilibrium time, 16 h (1,000 rpm);
      matrix characteristics: pH 5, 5% NaCl for AC phase; LD: methanol/acetonitrile
      (1:1), 45 min). The analytical performance showed good precision (RSD < 18%),
      convenient detection limits (5-20 ng L(-1)) and excellent linear dynamic range
      (20-800 ng L(-1)) with remarkable determination coefficients (r(2) > 0.99), where
      the PS-DVB sorbent phase showed a much better efficiency. By using the standard
      addition methodology, the application of the present analytical approach on tap,
      ground, sea, estuary and wastewater samples allowed very good performance at the
      trace level. The proposed method proved to be a suitable sorption-based micro
      extraction alternative for the analysis of priority pollutants with medium-polar
      to polar characteristics, showing to be easy to implement, reliable, sensitive
      and requiring a low sample volume to monitor PPCPs in water matrices.

PMID- 22076313
TI  - Catecholamine analysis with strong cation exchange column liquid chromatography
      peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence reaction detection.
AB  - A liquid chromatography-chemiluminescence detection method was developed and
      validated for the determination of catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine,
      and dopamine) in mouse brains. Chromatography was performed on a strong cation
      exchange column (150 * 2.0-mm id) using an isocratic mobile phase of 65 mM
      potassium acetate/75 mM potassium phosphate (95:5, pH 3.5) at a flow rate of 0.2
      mL/min following post-column fluorescence derivatization of catecholamines with
      ethylenediamine and peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence reaction detection. The
      recovery of catecholamines added to mouse brain samples was more than 95.0%,
      while intra- and inter-day precision of the assay were <4.8%. The validated
      method was used to determine norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations in mouse
      brains without prior sample purification.

PMID- 22076314
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in the continuation of community-based children's
      mental health services.
AB  - This paper examines racial and ethnic disparities in continuation of mental
      health services for children and youth in California and how English language
      proficiency moderates the effect of race/ethnicity on the continuation of
      service. While previous research indicated racial/ethnic or geographic
      disparities in accessing mental health services among children and youth, few
      studies specifically focused on the continuation of mental health care. The
      authors used administrative data from California county mental health services
      users under age 25. Applying logistic regression, English language proficiency
      was found to be the major determinant of continuation of mental health services
      in this age group. With the exception of children of Asian descent, non-English
      speaking children and youth of diverse racial/ethnic background were
      significantly less likely to continue receiving mental health services compared
      with White English-speaking peers, even after controlling for sociodemographic,
      clinical and county characteristics.

PMID- 22076315
TI  - Discrepancy in diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
      treatment for the wrong reason.
AB  - In primary care (PC), patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are
      often undiagnosed. To determine variables associated with treatment, this cross
      sectional study assessed 592 adult patients for PTSD. Electronic medical record
      (EMR) review of the prior 12 months assessed mental health (MH) diagnoses and MH
      treatments [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and/or >=1 visit with
      MH professional]. Of 133 adults with PTSD, half (49%; 66/133) received an SSRI
      (18%), a visit with MH professional (14%), or both (17%). Of those treated, 88%
      (58/66) had an EMR MH diagnosis, the majority (71%; 47/66) depression and (18%;
      12/66) PTSD. The odds of receiving MH treatment were increased 8.2 times (95% CI
      3.1-21.5) for patients with an EMR MH diagnosis. Nearly 50% of patients with PTSD
      received MH treatment, yet few had this diagnosis documented. Treatment was
      likely due to overlap in the management of PTSD and other mental illnesses.

PMID- 22076316
TI  - Adult cerebellar glioblastoma cases have different characteristics from
      supratentorial glioblastoma.
AB  - This study is a histological and clinical investigation of four cases of
      cerebellar glioblastoma, a rare tumor. The cases included three males and one
      female, from 33 to 67 years in age (mean 49 years). Tumor resection,
      postoperative irradiation and chemotherapy were performed in all cases. Two
      patients died of local tumor recurrence after 14 and 27 months. Another patient
      relapsed after 10 months; however, after additional tumor resection and second
      line chemotherapy, she remains disease-free 41 months after the initial
      treatment. The fourth patient has not relapsed in the 6 months since initial
      treatment. The histopathology of all cases was glioblastoma with pseudopalisading
      necrosis. However, low-grade glioma histopathology was found in three patients.
      All glioblastomas were immunopositive for p53 and immunonegative for epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1). These adult
      cerebellar glioblastoma cases had similar clinical and pathological
      characteristics, and had different characteristics compared with supratentorial
      glioblastomas.

PMID- 22076318
TI  - Expression of ERalpha, its ERalphaDelta3 Splice Variant and gamma-SYNUCLEIN in
      Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study.
AB  - AIMS: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of any gynaecological malignancy;
      this is due to rapid peritoneal spread of tumour cells and neovascularization.
      Understanding the mechanisms underlying this is critical to developing early
      diagnostic or treatment strategies. We devised a pilot study to examine the role
      of gamma-SYNUCLEIN (gamma-SYN), oestrogen receptor (ER)alpha, and the splice
      variant ERalphaDelta3.  METHODOLOGY: With ethical approval, ovarian tissue was
      collected from patients (n=24) undergoing oopherectomy for non-ovarian pathology
      or primary surgery for suspected ovarian cancer. Quantitative gene expression
      analysis was employed for gamma-SYN, ERalpha, and ERalphaDelta3. To identify the
      in situ localization, immunofluorescence for gamma-syn was carried out.  RESULTS:
      Ovarian tumour tissue exhibited an elevated expression of gamma-SYN and high
      grade tumours had an elevated ERalphaDelta3:ERalpha ratio compared with benign
      tissue. The majority of previous studies point to the gamma-syn protein being
      present in epithelial cells of high-grade disease. Our study supports this, but
      additionally we conclusively identify its presence in the endothelial cells of
      vasculature surrounding low-grade disease; immunofluorescence was strongest in
      the apical cells surrounding the lumen.  CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate for
      the first time that there are readily-expressed levels of gamma-SYN and
      ERalphaDelta3 in normal ovarian tissue and ovarian tumours. In high-grade
      disease, gamma-syn and an elevated ERalphaDelta3:ERalpha ratio might confer
      metastatic potential to the tumourigenic cells and promote neoangiogenesis.
      Future in vitro studies might be necessary to delineate such a mechanism, which
      could potentially be the basis of early intervention.

PMID- 22076317
TI  - The added value of quantitative multi-voxel MR spectroscopy in breast magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether quantitative multivoxel MRS improves the accuracy
      of MRI in the assessment of breast lesions. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive
      patients with 26 breast lesions >= 1 cm assessed as BI-RADS 3 or 4 with
      mammography underwent quantitative multivoxel MRS and contrast-enhanced MRI. The
      choline (Cho) concentration was calculated using the unsuppressed water signal as
      a concentration reference. ROC analysis established the diagnostic accuracy of
      MRI and MRS in the assessment of breast lesions. RESULTS: Respective Cho
      concentrations in 26 breast lesions re-classified by MRI as BI-RADS 2 (n = 5), 3
      (n = 8), 4 (n = 5) and 5 (n = 8) were 1.16 +/- 0.43 (mean +/- SD), 1.43 +/- 0.47,
      2.98 +/- 2.15 and 4.94 +/- 3.10 mM. Two BI-RADS 3 lesions and all BI-RADS 4 and 5
      lesions were malignant on histopathology and had Cho concentrations between 1.7
      and 11.8 mM (4.03 +/- 2.72 SD), which were significantly higher (P = 0.01) than
      that in the 11 benign lesions (0.4-1.5 mM; 1.19 +/- 0.33 SD). Furthermore, Cho
      concentrations in the benign and malignant breast lesions in BI-RADS 3 category
      differed (P = 0.01). The accuracy of combined multivoxel MRS/breast MRI BI-RADS
      re-classification (AUC = 1.00) exceeded that of MRI alone (AUC = 0.96 +/- 0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data indicate that multivoxel MRS improves the
      accuracy of MRI when using a Cho concentration cut-off <= 1.5 mM for benign
      lesions. KEY POINTS: Quantitative multivoxel MR spectroscopy can improve the
      accuracy of contrast-enhanced breast MRI. Multivoxel-MRS can differentiate breast
      lesions by using the highest Cho-concentration. Multivoxel-MRS can exclude
      patients with benign breast lesions from further invasive diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 22076319
TI  - Beyond the drive to satisfy needs: in the context of health care.
AB  - In the context of health care the aim of the article is to bring another meaning
      to the concept "need" that goes beyond the human activity; the drive to satisfy
      needs. Another meaning incorporates an ethical and existential nature of life
      phenomena. An example from empirical research on living with a chronic disease as
      seen from the patient's point of view provides the basis for arguing another
      meaning of the concept "need". The meanings and nuances in the life phenomena of
      hope, doubt and life courage are exemplified in qualitative interviews with
      chronic sufferers. A combination of empirical research and Danish life
      philosophy. Research has shown that the interaction between the professional
      health care provider and the patient and family may lead to a more or less
      unconscious and inappropriate administration of power. Research also indicates
      that by overlooking or ignoring the existential qualities in human life and
      suffering, the professional health care provider may deprive the patient and
      family of their room for action. To add a deeper understanding of the existential
      meaning of being a person with an illness, the article shows the different human
      dimensions concerning life phenomena and needs. Developing sensitive, situation
      specific attention offers a response to the challenge faced by health care
      providers in collaboration with the patient: How can we open our eyes to the most
      significant features of the situation which arise on the onset of illness.

PMID- 22076320
TI  - Pathophysiology of rosacea: introduction.

PMID- 22076322
TI  - Rosacea as a disease of cathelicidins and skin innate immunity.
AB  - Rosacea is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease most frequently seen in
      groups of genetically related individuals. Although the symptoms of rosacea are
      heterogeneous, they are all related by the presence of characteristic facial or
      ocular inflammation involving both the vascular and tissue stroma. Until
      recently, the pathophysiology of this disease was limited to descriptions of a
      wide variety of factors that exacerbate or improve disease. Recent molecular
      studies show a common link between the triggers of rosacea and the cellular
      response, and these observations suggest that an altered innate immune response
      is involved in disease pathogenesis. Understanding rosacea as a disorder of
      innate immunity explains the benefits of current treatments and suggests new
      therapeutic strategies for alleviating this disease.

PMID- 22076321
TI  - Clinical, cellular, and molecular aspects in the pathophysiology of rosacea.
AB  - Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology. Although
      described centuries ago, the pathophysiology of this disease is still poorly
      understood. Epidemiological studies indicate a genetic component, but a rosacea
      gene has not been identified yet. Four subtypes and several variants of rosacea
      have been described. It is still unclear whether these subtypes represent a
      "developmental march" of different stages or are merely part of a syndrome that
      develops independently but overlaps clinically. Clinical and histopathological
      characteristics of rosacea make it a fascinating "human disease model" for
      learning about the connection between the cutaneous vascular, nervous, and immune
      systems. Innate immune mechanisms and dysregulation of the neurovascular system
      are involved in rosacea initiation and perpetuation, although the complex network
      of primary induction and secondary reaction of neuroimmune communication is still
      unclear. Later, rosacea may result in fibrotic facial changes, suggesting a
      strong connection between chronic inflammatory processes and skin fibrosis
      development. This review highlights recent molecular (gene array) and cellular
      findings and aims to integrate the different body defense mechanisms into a
      modern concept of rosacea pathophysiology.

PMID- 22076323
TI  - Epidermal proteases in the pathogenesis of rosacea.
AB  - A number of different proteases and their inhibitors have a role in skin
      physiology and in the pathophysiology of inflammatory skin diseases. Proteases
      are important in the desquamation process and orderly regulation of the skin's
      barrier function. On the basis of the catalytic domain, proteases are classified
      into aspartate-, cysteine-, glutamate-, metallo-, serine-, and threonine
      proteases. Particularly, serine proteases (SPs) contribute to epidermal
      permeability barrier homeostasis, as acute barrier disruption increases SP
      activity in skin and inhibition by topical SP inhibitors accelerated recovery of
      barrier function after acute abrogation. In rosacea, increased levels of the
      vasoactive and inflammatory host-defense peptide cathelicidin LL-37 and its
      proteolytic peptide fragments were found, which were explained by an abnormal
      production of tryptic activity originating from kallikrein-related peptidase
      (KLK) 5. It is therefore possible that also other proteases, even from microbial
      or parasite origin, have a role in rosacea by forming alternate angiogenic and
      proinflammatory cathelicidin peptides. Further, the regulation of protease
      activity, in particular KLK-5 activity, might have a role in rosacea. This review
      briefly summarizes our current knowledge about keratinocyte-derived proteases and
      protease inhibitors, which might have a role in the pathophysiology of rosacea.

PMID- 22076324
TI  - The cutaneous vascular system in chronic skin inflammation.
AB  - The blood and lymphatic vasculature have an important role in skin homeostasis.
      Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis-the growth of new vessels from existing ones
      have received tremendous interest because of their role in promoting cancer
      spread. However, there is increasing evidence that both vessel types also have a
      major role in acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. Vessels change their
      phenotype during inflammation (vascular remodeling). In inflamed skin, vascular
      remodeling consists of a hyperpermeable, enlarged network of vessels with
      increased blood flow, and influx of inflammatory cells. During chronic
      inflammation, the activated endothelium expresses adhesion molecules, cytokines,
      and other molecules that lead to leukocyte rolling, attachment, and migration
      into the skin. Recent studies reveal that inhibition of blood vessel activation
      exerts potent anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, anti-angiogenic drugs might be
      used to treat inflammatory conditions. In particular, topical application of anti
      angiogenic drugs might be ideally suited to circumvent the adverse effects of
      systemic therapy with angiogenesis inhibitors. Our recent results indicate that
      stimulation of lymphatic vessel growth and function unexpectedly represents a new
      approach for treating chronic inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 22076325
TI  - Neurovascular aspects of skin neurogenic inflammation.
AB  - Neurogenic inflammation is involved in skin inflammation. It is hypothesized that
      it is involved in the pathogenesis of the common chronic cutaneous vascular
      disorder rosacea, but the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown.
      Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) are widely
      expressed on primary sensory neuron endings and non-neuronal cells such as
      keratinocytes. Here we describe the potential for TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors to be
      involved in the pathophysiology of rosacea due to their polymodal activation,
      including cold and hot temperature, pungent products from vegetable and spices,
      reactive oxygen species, and mechanical stimuli. We discuss the role of both
      receptors and the sensory neuropeptides that they release in inflammation and
      pain sensation and evidence suggesting that both TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors may be
      promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of the inflammatory symptoms of
      rosacea.

PMID- 22076327
TI  - The role of chronic inflammation in cutaneous fibrosis: fibroblast growth factor
      receptor deficiency in keratinocytes as an example.
AB  - Fibrosis is associated with a variety of skin diseases and causes severe
      aesthetic and functional impairments. Functional studies in rodents, together
      with clinical observations, strongly suggest a crucial role of chronic injury and
      inflammation in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. The phenotype of mice
      lacking fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors 1 and 2 in keratinocytes
      supports this concept. In these mice, a defect in keratinocytes alone initiated
      an inflammatory response, which in turn caused keratinocyte hyperproliferation
      and dermal fibrosis. As the mechanism underlying this phenotype, we identified a
      loss of FGF-induced expression of claudins and occludin, which caused
      abnormalities in tight junctions with concomitant deficits in epidermal barrier
      function. This resulted in severe transepidermal water loss and skin dryness. In
      turn, activation of keratinocytes and epidermal gammadelta T cells occurred,
      which produced IL-1 family member 8 and S100A8 and S100A9. These cytokines
      attracted immune cells and activated fibroblasts, resulting in a double paracrine
      loop through production of keratinocyte mitogens by dermal cells. In addition, a
      profibrotic response was induced in fibroblasts. Our results highlight the
      importance of an intact epidermal barrier for the prevention of inflammation and
      fibrosis and the role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of fibrotic
      diseases.

PMID- 22076326
TI  - Rosacea: The cytokine and chemokine network.
AB  - Rosacea is one of the most common dermatoses of adults. Recent studies have
      improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of rosacea. Current concepts
      suggest that known clinical trigger factors of rosacea such as UV radiation,
      heat, cold, stress, spicy food, and microbes modulate Toll-like receptor
      signaling, induce reactive oxygen species, as well as enhance antimicrobial
      peptide and neuropeptide production. Downstream of these events cytokines and
      chemokines orchestrate an inflammatory response that leads to the recruitment and
      activation of distinct leukocyte subsets and induces the characteristic
      histopathological features of rosacea. Here we summarize the current knowledge of
      the cytokine and chemokine network in rosacea and propose pathways that may be of
      therapeutic interest.

PMID- 22076328
TI  - Neurovascular and neuroimmune aspects in the pathophysiology of rosacea.
AB  - Rosacea is a common skin disease with a high impact on quality of life.
      Characterized by erythema, edema, burning pain, immune infiltration, and facial
      skin fibrosis, rosacea has all the characteristics of neurogenic inflammation, a
      condition induced by sensory nerves via antidromically released neuromediators.
      To investigate the hypothesis of a central role of neural interactions in the
      pathophysiology, we analyzed molecular and morphological characteristics in the
      different subtypes of rosacea by immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence,
      morphometry, real-time PCR, and gene array analysis, and compared the findings
      with those for lupus erythematosus or healthy skin. Our results showed
      significantly dilated blood and lymphatic vessels. Signs of angiogenesis were
      only evident in phymatous rosacea. The number of mast cells and fibroblasts was
      increased in rosacea, already in subtypes in which fibrosis is not clinically
      apparent, indicating early activation. Sensory nerves were closely associated
      with blood vessels and mast cells, and were increased in erythematous rosacea.
      Gene array studies and qRT-PCR confirmed upregulation of genes involved in
      vasoregulation and neurogenic inflammation. Thus, dysregulation of mediators and
      receptors implicated in neurovascular and neuroimmune communication may be
      crucial at early stages of rosacea. Drugs that function on neurovascular and/or
      neuroimmune communication may be beneficial for the treatment of rosacea.

PMID- 22076329
TI  - Magnetic manipulation and spatial patterning of multi-cellular stem cell
      aggregates.
AB  - The controlled assembly and organization of multi-cellular systems to mimic
      complex tissue structures is critical to the engineering of tissues for
      therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Recent advances in micro-scale
      technologies to control multi-cellular aggregate formation typically require
      chemical modification of the interface between cells and materials and lack multi
      scale flexibility. Here we demonstrate that simple physical entrapment of
      magnetic microparticles within the extracellular space of stem cells spheroids
      during initial formation enables scaffold-free immobilization, translocation and
      directed assembly of multi-cellular aggregates across multiple length and time
      scales, even under dynamic suspension culture conditions. The response of
      aggregates to externally applied magnetic fields was a direct function of
      microparticle incorporation, allowing for rapid and transient control of the
      extracellular environment as well as separation of heterogeneous populations. In
      addition, spatial patterning of heterogeneous spheroid populations as well as
      individual multi-cellular aggregates was readily achieved by imposing temporary
      magnetic fields. Overall, this approach provides novel routes to examine stem
      cell differentiation and tissue morphogenesis with applications that encompass
      the creation of new model systems for developmental biology, scaffold-free tissue
      engineering strategies and scalable bioprocessing technologies.

PMID- 22076330
TI  - Enhanced mitophagy in Sertoli cells of ethanol-treated rats: morphological
      evidence and clinical relevance.
AB  - Although chronic ethanol consumption results in Sertoli cell vacuolization and
      augmented testicular germ cell apoptosis via death receptor and mitochondrial
      pathways, Sertoli cells are resistant to apoptosis. The aim of this study was to
      examine whether the activation of autophagy in the Sertoli cells of ethanol
      treated rats (ETR) may have a role in their survival. Adult Wistar rats were fed
      either 5% ethanol in Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet or an isocaloric control diet for
      12 weeks. The TUNEL method demonstrated that Sertoli cells were always TUNEL
      negative despite the presence of many apoptotic germ cells in ETR, supporting our
      previous studies. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of large numbers of
      autophagic vacuoles (AVs) in Sertoli cells of ETR compared to few AVs in control
      testes. Most of the AVs in Sertoli cells of ETR enveloped and sequestered damaged
      and abnormally shaped mitochondria, without cytoplasm, indicating mitochondrial
      autophagy (mitophagy). Immuno-electron microscopy showed the localization of LC3,
      a specific marker of early AVs (autophagosomes), around AVs sequestering
      mitochondria in Sertoli cells of ETR. Immunohistochemical staining of LC3
      demonstrated a punctate pattern in Sertoli cells of ETR, confirming the formation
      of autophagosomes, while LC3 puncta were almost absent in control testes.
      Moreover, increased immunoreactivity of LAMP-2, a lysosomal membrane protein and
      marker of late AVs (autolysosomes), was mainly observed in Sertoli cells of ETR,
      with weaker expression in control testes. Via the deletion of pro-apoptotic
      damaged mitochondria, enhanced Sertoli cell mitophagy in ETR may be an anti
      apoptotic mechanism that is essential for spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22076331
TI  - Sensitive electrochemical detection of the hydroxyl radical using enzyme
      catalyzed redox cycling.
AB  - Enzyme-catalyzed signal amplification was introduced to the electrochemical
      detection of the OH radical.  In the presence of phenol as a trapping agent,
      glucose as a substrate, and pyrroloquinoline quinone-containing glucose
      dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH) as a catalyst, the current signal for the trapping
      adducts (catechol and hydroquinone) produced by the hydroxylation of phenol could
      be amplified and detected sensitively.  The limit of detection (S/N = 3) for
      catechol was 8 nM.  The trapping efficiency of phenol was also estimated.

PMID- 22076332
TI  - Sequential injection immunoassay for environmental measurements.
AB  - Sequential injection immunoassay systems for environmental measurements based on
      the selective immunoreaction between antigen and antibody were described.  A
      sequential injection analysis (SIA) technique is suitable to be applied for the
      procedure of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), because the washing and
      the addition of reagent solutions can be automated by using a computer-controlled
      syringe pump and switching valve.  We selected vitellogenin (Vg), which is a
      biomarker for evaluating environmental risk caused by endocrine-disrupting
      chemicals in the hydrosphere, and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and
      alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEO), which are versatile surfactants, as target
      analytes in the flow immunoassay systems.  For Vg monitoring, SIA systems based
      on spectrophotometric, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical determinations were
      constructed.  On the other hand, chemiluminescence determination was applied to
      the detection of LAS and APEO.  For APEO, an SIA system combined with surface
      plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor was also developed.  These new sequential
      injection immunoassay systems are expected to be useful systems for environmental
      analysis.

PMID- 22076333
TI  - UV Raman markers for structural analysis of aromatic side chains in proteins.
AB  - UV Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating the structures and
      interactions of the aromatic side chains of Phe, Tyr, Trp, and His in proteins. 
      This is because Raman bands of aromatic ring vibrations are selectively enhanced
      with UV excitation, and intensities and wavenumbers of Raman bands sensitively
      reflect structures and interactions.  Interpretation of protein Raman spectra is
      greatly assisted by using empirical correlations between spectra and structure. 
      Many Raman bands of aromatic side chains have been proposed to be useful as
      markers of structures and interactions on the basis of empirical correlations. 
      This article reviews the usefulness and limitations of the Raman markers for
      protonation/deprotonation, conformation, metal coordination, environmental
      polarity, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and cation-pi interaction of
      the aromatic side chains.  The utility of Raman markers is demonstrated through
      an application to the structural analysis of a membrane-bound proton channel
      protein.

PMID- 22076334
TI  - Development of a simple vent-free interface for capillary gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A novel and simple interface for capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (GC-MS) was developed using a piece of deactivated stainless-steel tubing.  This
      interface eliminated the need to vent the MS ion source when changing columns. 
      Various chromatographic performance indicators, such as inertness, and thermal
      and chemical stability, were confirmed to be unaffected by using this interface
      at an elevated temperature of around 300 degrees C.  The new interface should
      facilitate the characterization of polymeric materials using analytical pyrolysis
      techniques in which frequent switching is required in the measuring mode, such as
      evolved gas analysis-MS and flash pyrolysis-GC-MS.

PMID- 22076335
TI  - Analysis of bromate in drinking water using liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry without sample pretreatment.
AB  - An analytical method for determining bromate in drinking water was developed
      using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The (18)O
      enriched bromate was used as an internal standard. The limit of quantification
      (LOQ) of bromate was 0.2 ug/L. The peak of bromate was separated from those of
      coexisting ions (i.e., chloride, nitrate and sulfate). The relative and absolute
      recoveries of bromate in two drinking water samples and in a synthesized ion
      solution (100 mg/L chloride, 10 mg N/L nitrate, and 100 mg/L sulfate) were 99-105
      and 94-105%, respectively. Bromate concentrations in 11 drinking water samples
      determined by LC-MS/MS were <0.2-2.3 ug/L. The results of the present study
      indicated that the proposed method was suitable for determining bromate
      concentrations in drinking water without sample pretreatment.

PMID- 22076336
TI  - Moment analysis of chromatographic behavior of superficially porous particles.
AB  - Peak parking experiments were conducted to study the chromatographic behavior in
      a RPLC system consisting of a column packed with superficially porous C(18)
      particles and a mixture of methanol and water (70/30, v/v).  The values of the
      surface diffusion coefficient and the retention equilibrium constant of a column
      packed with superficially porous C(18)-particles were comparable to those of
      columns packed with a C(18)-silica monolith and full-porous C(18)-silica gel
      particles.  The flow-rate dependence of HETP was hypothetically calculated by
      using moment equations to clarify the influence of the structural characteristics
      on the chromatographic behavior.  The column efficiency of a column packed with
      the superficially porous particles is higher in the high flow-rate range than
      that with full-porous spherical particles.  This is attributed to the smaller
      contribution of the intraparticulate mass transfer in the superficially porous
      particles to band broadening.  The moment equations are effective for the
      quantitative analysis of chromatographic behavior of superficially porous
      particles.

PMID- 22076337
TI  - Sol-gel titania-coated needles for solid phase dynamic extraction-GC/MS analysis
      of desomorphine and desocodeine.
AB  - Novel sol-gel titania film coated needles for solid-phase dynamic extraction
      (SPDE)-GC/MS analysis of desomorphine and desocodeine are described. The high
      thermal stability of titania film permits efficient extraction and analysis of
      poorly volatile opiate drugs. The influences of sol-gel reaction time, coating
      layer, extraction and desorption time and temperature on the SPDE needle
      performance were investigated. The deuterium labeled internal standard was
      introduced either during the extraction of analyte or directly injected to GC
      after the extraction process. The latter method was shown to be more sensitive
      for the analysis of water and urine samples containing opiate drugs. The proposed
      conditions provided a wide linear range (from 5-5000 ppb), and satisfactory
      linearity, with R(2) values from 0.9958 to 0.9999, and prominent sensitivity,
      LOQs (1.0-5.0 ng/g). The sol-gel titania film coated needle with SPDE-GC/MS will
      be a promising technique for desomorphine and desocodeine analysis in urine.

PMID- 22076338
TI  - Determination of isoliquiritigenin and its distribution in mice by synchronous
      fluorescence spectrometry.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to develop a new method using synchronous
      fluorescence spectrometry (SFS) to determine the concentration of
      isoliquiritigenin (ISL) in mouse blood and tissues, and to investigate ISL's
      distribution among organs after an intraperitoneal (IP) dose of ISL. The
      synchronous fluorescence method was optimized with the sample pH, stability,
      metal ions, concentration of Al(3+), and surfactants. The proposed method was
      used to determine the ISL concentration in mouse blood, brain, heart, kidney,
      liver, spleen and lung after an IP injection of ISL. The optimal conditions for
      the determination of ISL using SFS were found to be: excitation and emission
      wavelengths of 469 and 557 nm, respectively; the use of 3% AlCl(3) as a
      fluorescence intensity enhancer; measuring samples within 1 h of collection,
      sample pH 7-8, isolation of samples from surfactants; and wavelength interval
      (Deltalambda) = 70 nm. After IP injection, the distribution of ISL in mouse
      organs was: liver > kidney > spleen > blood > lung > brain > heart. The blood
      concentration of ISL peaked at 60 min; concentrations of ISL in liver, kidney and
      spleen achieved maxima at 120 min. SFS provides a simple, but effective
      analytical method that will benefit the study of in vivo biological effects of
      ISL, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

PMID- 22076339
TI  - Determination of dissolved oxygen in water based on its quenching effect on the
      fluorescent intensity of bis(2,2'-bipyridine)-5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline
      ruthenium complex.
AB  - A water-soluble fluorescence dye, bis(2,2'-bipyridine)-5-amino-1,10
      phenanthroline ruthenium complex (Ru(bpy)(2)(5-NH(2)-1,10-phen)), was synthesized
      and used as a fluorescence probe for detecting dissolved oxygen in water.  The
      fluorescence intensity of the probe in different dissolved-oxygen concentrations
      was investigated.  The sensitivity of the probe was evaluated in terms of the
      ratio I(N(2))/I(O(2)), where I(N(2)) and I(O(2)) correspond to the detected
      fluorescence intensity of nitrogen and oxygen-saturated solutions, respectively. 
      The experimental results showed that the probe yielded a linear Stern-Volmer
      plot, and had a I(N(2))/I(O(2)) ratio of about 5.2.  The detection limit, defined
      as three-times the standard deviation, was 8.6 * 10(-7) mol L(-1) after eleven
      determinations of nitrogen-saturated blank solutions.  Additionally, the probe
      was pH-insensitive and ionic strength-independent with good characteristics of
      practicality and selectivity.

PMID- 22076340
TI  - Quantitation of surface-bound proteins on biochips using MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - We report on a novel method for the quantitation of proteins specifically bound
      on a ligand-presenting biochip by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).  The bound protein was
      digested by trypsin, and the resulting peptide fragments were analyzed by MALDI
      TOF MS in the presence of an isotope-labeled internal standard (IS).  The IS has
      the same sequence as a reference peptide (RP) of the target protein digest, but a
      different molecular weight.  The absolute amount of the specifically bound
      protein on a biochip is then quantitated by comparison of mass intensities
      between the RP and the IS.  Because they have the same molecular milieu, the mass
      intensities of these two analytes represent the real amounts of analytes on the
      chip.  As a model system, we tested glutathione s-transferase (GST) and a GST
      fusion protein, which were captured on glutathione-presenting biochips.  We
      observed that the glutathione densities on biochips showed a good correlation
      with the absolute quantity of the proteins.  We believe that our method will
      provide an alternative to currently existing tools for the absolute quantitation
      of surface-bound proteins.

PMID- 22076341
TI  - Sorption characteristics of caffeine onto untreated polyurethane foam:
      application to its determination in human plasma.
AB  - In the present paper, the sorption properties of caffeine (CAF) onto polyether
      type polyurethane foam (PUF) as solid phase sorbent were investigated with UV
      determination at 274.3 nm. Batch and column methods were used to optimize
      chemical, flow, kinetic and isothermal conditions for preconcentration of CAF.
      Results indicated quantitative sorption of CAF at pH 8 and 30 min shaking time.
      The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 4.1 mg g(-1). Column
      preconcentration was recommended at a flow rate of 1.5 mL min(-1) and desorption
      with 4 mL from 0.15 mol L(-1) hydrochloric acid. The procedure provided a linear
      analytical range of 0.05-30 mg L(-1). The detection and quantification limits are
      0.016 and 0.047 mg L(-1), respectively. The procedure was applied to
      determination of CAF in spiked human plasma. The obtained recoveries were 98-101%
      and RSD values were from 0.05 to 9.5%.

PMID- 22076342
TI  - Pressure-induced structural and hydration changes of proteins in aqueous
      solutions.
AB  - The effects of elevated hydrostatic pressure on four representative proteins,
      lysozyme, human serum albumin, ubiquitin and RNase A, were investigated by using
      Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, by principal component analysis
      (PCA) and by moving-window two-dimensional (MW2D) correlation analysis.  In
      addition, we revealed the pressure-induced changes of secondary structure
      elements using curve fitting.  With pressure increase, the amide I band shifted
      to lower wavenumbers, with a transition at 200 MPa, which was indicative of
      hydration enhancement.  Moreover, the pressure-induced behavior of pure water was
      studied, similar transition pressure was observed with protein in aqueous
      solution, suggesting that structure change of water around 200 MPa caused a
      hydration enhancement of protein.  Under pressure higher than 200 MPa, the
      structural changes of the four proteins were obviously different except for the
      common features shifting to lower wavenumbers with pressure, basically due to the
      distinct structural differences among them.

PMID- 22076343
TI  - Sensitivity variation for H, B, Si, Cl, Ca and Cd in solid materials by prompt
      gamma-ray analysis with a special emphasis on the presence of hydrogen.
AB  - The effects of neutron scattering by matrix hydrogen in geological samples were
      examined in order to accurately determine their chemical compositions by neutron
      induced prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA).  Three different matrix materials
      including basaltic reference rock sample (JB-2) mixed with chemical reagents
      including H-containing ones were analyzed by using thermal and/or cold neutron
      guided beams of JRR-3 at Japan Atomic Energy Agency.  The sensitivity change of
      elements with the variation of the H concentrations was evaluated for disk and
      spherical target geometries.  The results show that the analytical sensitivities
      of B, Cl and Cd in disk samples seem to increase with increasing the matrix H
      concentrations by the irradiation of both thermal and cold-neutron beams.  The
      sensitivity enhancement of B for disk-shaped JB-2 mixed with up to 2% mass H is
      within the analytical uncertainty associated with PGA with a thermal-neutron
      beam.

PMID- 22076344
TI  - Development of a certified reference material (NMIJ CRM 7505-a) for the
      determination of trace elements in tea leaves.
AB  - A certified reference material (CRM) for trace elements in tea leaves has been
      developed in National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ).  The CRM was provided
      as a dry powder (<90 um) after frozen pulverization of washed and dried fresh tea
      leaves from a tea plant farm in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.  Characterization of
      the property value for each element was carried out exclusively by NMIJ with at
      least two independent analytical methods, including inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), high-resolution (HR-) ICP-MS, isotope-dilution (ID-)
      ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES),
      graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) and flame atomic
      absorption spectrometry (FAAS).  Property values were provided for 19 elements
      (Ca, K, Mg, P, Al, B, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Zn and Co) and
      informative values for 18 elements (Ti, V, Cr, Y, and all of the lanthanides,
      except for Pm whose isotopes are exclusively radioactive).  The concentration
      ranges of property values and informative values were from 1.59% (mass) of K to
      0.0139 mg kg(-1) of Cd and from 0.6 mg kg(-1) of Ti to 0.0014 mg kg(-1) of Lu,
      respectively.  Combined relatively standard uncertainties of the property values
      were estimated by considering the uncertainties of the homogeneity, analytical
      methods, characterization, calibration standard, and dry-mass correction factor. 
      The range of the relative combined standard uncertainties was from 1.5% of Mg and
      K to 4.1% of Cd.

PMID- 22076345
TI  - Voltammetric evaluation on poly alpha-aspartic acid-zinc ion complex in the helix
      coil transition pH region.
AB  - Helix-coil transitions of poly alpha-aspartic acid (PASP) were studied by dc
      polarography in the presence of Zn(2+) as a marker attached to the polymer. The
      diffusion current (i(d)) of Zn(2+) declined markedly in the pH range of 3.5-7.4
      due to a formation of metal ion-PASP macromolecular complexes. The complex
      formation also reflects on an increase of the magnitude at ca. 222 nm of CD
      spectrum, suggesting that PASP forms the helix structure by coordination of
      Zn(2+) in the corresponding pH region. Helix content, determined by the decrease
      in i(d) of Zn(2+), corresponds favorably to that by CD measurements. In the lower
      acidic pH region, the coordination mode of Zn(2+) to PASP is different from that
      at neutral pH region. The decrease in i(d) of Zn(2+) is independent of the
      further formation of helix structure. Zn(2+) coordinates with sparsely
      dissociated carboxylate groups of the helical part of PASP, which bring about an
      aggregation of polypeptide strands. The diffusion current of the ion attached to
      the polymer, therefore, is a parameter sensitive to conformational changes of
      PASP from acidic through neutral pH region.

PMID- 22076346
TI  - Rethinking the science system.

PMID- 22076351
TI  - Environmental science. China to spend billions cleaning up groundwater.

PMID- 22076353
TI  - Atmospheric science. NSF to turn tank killer into storm chaser.

PMID- 22076352
TI  - Sustainability. Seafood eco-label grapples with challenge of proving its impact.

PMID- 22076354
TI  - Newsmaker interview: Henry Markram. Blue Brain founder responds to critics,
      clarifies his goals. Interview by Greg Miller.

PMID- 22076355
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. Fewer dollars, forced choices.

PMID- 22076356
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. Setting priorities has never been fun.

PMID- 22076357
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. Darwinism vs. social engineering at NIH.

PMID- 22076358
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. Commitments, ideology clash over DOE research
      spending.

PMID- 22076359
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. NSF goes back to basics to preserve basic research.

PMID- 22076360
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. A difficult view from space for NOAA.

PMID- 22076361
TI  - U.S. science and austerity. Will tight budgets sink NASA flagships?

PMID- 22076362
TI  - Competencies: a cure for pre-med curriculum.

PMID- 22076363
TI  - Drawing attention to diagram use.

PMID- 22076365
TI  - Climate change. Is weather event attribution necessary for adaptation funding?

PMID- 22076366
TI  - Evolution. Living fossil younger than thought.

PMID- 22076367
TI  - Materials science. Toward high-throughput zeolite membranes.

PMID- 22076368
TI  - Cell biology. Anatomy of prostaglandin signals.

PMID- 22076369
TI  - Cell biology. Pyro-technic control of metabolism.

PMID- 22076370
TI  - Ecology. Mosquito trials.

PMID- 22076371
TI  - Direct observation of molecular preorganization for chirality transfer on a
      catalyst surface.
AB  - The chemisorption of specific optically active compounds on metal surfaces can
      create catalytically active chirality transfer sites. However, the mechanism
      through which these sites bias the stereoselectivity of reactions (typically
      hydrogenations) is generally assumed to be so complex that continued progress in
      the area is uncertain. We show that the investigation of heterogeneous asymmetric
      induction with single-site resolution sufficient to distinguish stereochemical
      conformations at the submolecular level is finally accessible. A combination of
      scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations reveals
      the stereodirecting forces governing preorganization into precise chiral modifier
      substrate bimolecular surface complexes. The study shows that the chiral modifier
      induces prochiral switching on the surface and that different prochiral ratios
      prevail at different submolecular binding sites on the modifier at the reaction
      temperature.

PMID- 22076373
TI  - Forecasting fire season severity in South America using sea surface temperature
      anomalies.
AB  - Fires in South America cause forest degradation and contribute to carbon
      emissions associated with land use change. We investigated the relationship
      between year-to-year changes in fire activity in South America and sea surface
      temperatures. We found that the Oceanic Nino Index was correlated with
      interannual fire activity in the eastern Amazon, whereas the Atlantic
      Multidecadal Oscillation index was more closely linked with fires in the southern
      and southwestern Amazon. Combining these two climate indices, we developed an
      empirical model to forecast regional fire season severity with lead times of 3 to
      5 months. Our approach may contribute to the development of an early warning
      system for anticipating the vulnerability of Amazon forests to fires, thus
      enabling more effective management with benefits for climate and air quality.

PMID- 22076372
TI  - N2reduction and hydrogenation to ammonia by a molecular iron-potassium complex.
AB  - The most common catalyst in the Haber-Bosch process for the hydrogenation of
      dinitrogen (N(2)) to ammonia (NH(3)) is an iron surface promoted with potassium
      cations (K(+)), but soluble iron complexes have neither reduced the N-N bond of
      N(2) to nitride (N(3-)) nor produced large amounts of NH(3) from N(2). We report
      a molecular iron complex that reacts with N(2) and a potassium reductant to give
      a complex with two nitrides, which are bound to iron and potassium cations. The
      product has a Fe(3)N(2) core, implying that three iron atoms cooperate to break
      the N-N triple bond through a six-electron reduction. The nitride complex reacts
      with acid and with H(2) to give substantial yields of N(2)-derived ammonia. These
      reactions, although not yet catalytic, give structural and spectroscopic insight
      into N(2) cleavage and N-H bond-forming reactions of iron.

PMID- 22076374
TI  - Phase transition of FeO and stratification in Earth's outer core.
AB  - Light elements such as oxygen in Earth's core influence the physical properties
      of the iron alloys that exist in this region. Describing the high-pressure
      behavior of these materials at core conditions constrains models of core
      structure and dynamics. From x-ray diffraction measurements of iron monoxide
      (FeO) at high pressure and temperature, we show that sodium chloride (NaCl)-type
      (B1) FeO transforms to a cesium chloride (CsCl)-type (B2) phase above 240
      gigapascals at 4000 kelvin with 2% density increase. The oxygen-bearing liquid in
      the middle of the outer core therefore has a modified Fe-O bonding environment
      that, according to our numerical simulations, suppresses convection. The phase
      induced stratification is seismologically invisible but strongly affects the
      geodynamo.

PMID- 22076375
TI  - Aerosol indirect effect on biogeochemical cycles and climate.
AB  - The net effect of anthropogenic aerosols on climate is usually considered the sum
      of the direct radiative effect of anthropogenic aerosols, plus the indirect
      effect of these aerosols through aerosol-cloud interactions. However, an
      additional impact of aerosols on a longer time scale is their indirect effect on
      climate through biogeochemical feedbacks, largely due to changes in the
      atmospheric concentration of CO(2). Aerosols can affect land and ocean
      biogeochemical cycles by physical forcing or by adding nutrients and pollutants
      to ecosystems. The net biogeochemical effect of aerosols is estimated to be
      equivalent to a radiative forcing of -0.5 +/- 0.4 watts per square meter, which
      suggests that reaching lower carbon targets will be even costlier than previously
      estimated.

PMID- 22076376
TI  - Global DNA demethylation during mouse erythropoiesis in vivo.
AB  - In the mammalian genome, 5'-CpG-3' dinucleotides are frequently methylated,
      correlating with transcriptional silencing. Genome-wide demethylation is thought
      to occur only twice during development, in primordial germ cells and in the pre
      implantation embryo. These demethylation events are followed by de novo
      methylation, setting up a pattern inherited throughout development and modified
      only at tissue-specific loci. We studied DNA methylation in differentiating mouse
      erythroblasts in vivo by using genomic-scale reduced representation bisulfite
      sequencing (RRBS). Demethylation at the erythroid-specific beta-globin locus was
      coincident with global DNA demethylation at most genomic elements. Global
      demethylation was continuous throughout differentiation and required rapid DNA
      replication. Hence, DNA demethylation can occur globally during somatic cell
      differentiation, providing an experimental model for its study in development and
      disease.

PMID- 22076377
TI  - Influence of inositol pyrophosphates on cellular energy dynamics.
AB  - With its high-energy phosphate bonds, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main
      intracellular energy carrier. It also functions in most signaling pathways, as a
      phosphate donor or a precursor for cyclic adenosine monophosphate. We show here
      that inositol pyrophosphates participate in the control of intracellular ATP
      concentration. Yeasts devoid of inositol pyrophosphates have dysfunctional
      mitochondria but, paradoxically, contain four times as much ATP because of
      increased glycolysis. We demonstrate that inositol pyrophosphates control the
      activity of the major glycolytic transcription factor GCR1. Thus, inositol
      pyrophosphates regulate ATP concentration by altering the
      glycolytic/mitochondrial metabolic ratio. Metabolic reprogramming through
      inositol pyrophosphates is an evolutionary conserved mechanism that is also
      preserved in mammalian systems.

PMID- 22076378
TI  - Sirt5 is a NAD-dependent protein lysine demalonylase and desuccinylase.
AB  - Silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) proteins (sirtuins) are nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases that regulate important biological
      processes. Mammals have seven sirtuins, Sirt1 to Sirt7. Four of them (Sirt4 to
      Sirt7) have no detectable or very weak deacetylase activity. We found that Sirt5
      is an efficient protein lysine desuccinylase and demalonylase in vitro. The
      preference for succinyl and malonyl groups was explained by the presence of an
      arginine residue (Arg(105)) and tyrosine residue (Tyr(102)) in the acyl pocket of
      Sirt5. Several mammalian proteins were identified with mass spectrometry to have
      succinyl or malonyl lysine modifications. Deletion of Sirt5 in mice appeared to
      increase the level of succinylation on carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1, which is a
      known target of Sirt5. Thus, protein lysine succinylation may represent a
      posttranslational modification that can be reversed by Sirt5 in vivo.

PMID- 22076379
TI  - tRNAs marked with CCACCA are targeted for degradation.
AB  - The CCA-adding enzyme [ATP(CTP):tRNA nucleotidyltransferase] adds CCA to the 3'
      ends of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), a critical step in tRNA biogenesis that generates
      the amino acid attachment site. We found that the CCA-adding enzyme plays a key
      role in tRNA quality control by selectively marking structurally unstable tRNAs
      and tRNA-like small RNAs for degradation. Instead of adding CCA to the 3' ends of
      these transcripts, CCA-adding enzymes from all three kingdoms of life add CCACCA.
      In addition, hypomodified mature tRNAs are subjected to CCACCA addition as part
      of a rapid tRNA decay pathway in vivo. We conjecture that CCACCA addition is a
      universal mechanism for controlling tRNA levels and preventing errors in
      translation.

PMID- 22076381
TI  - Attention but not awareness modulates the BOLD signal in the human V1 during
      binocular suppression.
AB  - Although recent psychophysical studies indicate that visual awareness and top
      down attention are two distinct processes, it is not clear how they are neurally
      dissociated in the visual system. Using a two-by-two factorial functional
      magnetic resonance imaging design with binocular suppression, we found that the
      visibility or invisibility of a visual target led to only nonsignificant blood
      oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effects in the human primary visual cortex
      (V1). Directing attention toward and away from the target had much larger and
      robust effects across all study participants. The difference in the lower-level
      limit of BOLD activation between attention and awareness illustrates dissociated
      neural correlates of the two processes. Our results agree with previously
      reported V1 BOLD effects on attention, while they invite a reconsideration of the
      functional role of V1 in visual awareness.

PMID- 22076380
TI  - A Burkholderia pseudomallei toxin inhibits helicase activity of translation
      factor eIF4A.
AB  - The structure of BPSL1549, a protein of unknown function from Burkholderia
      pseudomallei, reveals a similarity to Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing
      factor 1. We found that BPSL1549 acted as a potent cytotoxin against eukaryotic
      cells and was lethal when administered to mice. Expression levels of bpsl1549
      correlate with conditions expected to promote or suppress pathogenicity. BPSL1549
      promotes deamidation of glutamine-339 of the translation initiation factor eIF4A,
      abolishing its helicase activity and inhibiting translation. We propose to name
      BPSL1549 Burkholderia lethal factor 1.

PMID- 22076382
TI  - Survivin deficiency induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - The postulated dual roles of survivin as an anti-apoptotic factor and a mitotic
      inducer have placed this factor in the spotlight of cancer research. The purpose
      of this study was to investigate whether survivin might connect the cell cycle
      with apoptosis. Here, by simultaneously monitoring survivin deficiency-induced
      morphological changes of HepG2 cells using time-lapse imaging as well as
      determining apoptosis progression, we observed synchronized defective mitosis
      characterized by multinucleated and polyploid cells and cell cycle arrest at S
      phase or G2/M phase followed by apoptosis, the processes of which depended on the
      simultaneous destruction of specialized subcellular compartments of survivin and
      activation of caspase-3-like protease. These findings showed that the survivin
      protein acted as mitotic regulator and apoptosis inhibitor, but may also possess
      the role of a bridge in integrating apoptosis and cell division. An essential
      prerequisite of this pathway was the specialized subcellular localization of
      survivin. The overexpression of survivin was required to maintain cell viability
      and proper cell cycle transitions, and to preserve genetic fidelity during cell
      division in HepG2 cells.

PMID- 22076383
TI  - Surface acoustic wave induced particle manipulation in a PDMS channel--principle
      concepts for continuous flow applications.
AB  - A device for acoustic particle manipulation in the 40 MHz range for continuous
      flow operation in a 50 MUm wide PDMS channel has been evaluated. Unidirectional
      interdigital transducers on a Y-cut Z-propagation lithium nixobate wafer were
      used to excite a surface acoustic wave that generated an acoustic standing wave
      inside the microfluidic channel. It was shown that particle alignment nodes with
      different inter-node spacing could be obtained, depending on device design and
      driving frequency. The observed inter-node spacing differed from the standard
      half-wavelength inter-node spacing generally employed in bulk acoustic transducer
      excited resonant systems. This effect and the related issue of acoustic node
      positions relative the channel walls, which is fundamental for most continuous
      flow particle manipulation operations in channels, was evaluated in measurements
      and simulations. Specific applications of particle separation and alignment where
      these systems can offer benefits relative state-of the art designs were
      identified.

PMID- 22076385
TI  - Uric acid level and its association with carotid intima-media thickness in
      patients with cardiac syndrome X.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum uric acid level and its
      relationship with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with cardiac
      syndrome X (CSX). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with CSX (28
      females/22 males, 51.0 +/- 10.9 years) and 40 controls (27 females/13 males, 53.0
      +/- 10.2 years) were included in the study. All subjects underwent a noninvasive
      stress test and conventional coronary angiography. Serum uric acid levels were
      measured and B mode ultrasonography was performed to assess CIMT in all subjects.
      RESULTS: Serum uric acid levels were higher in patients with CSX than in the
      control subjects (5.1 +/- 1.8 vs. 3.9 +/- 1.3 mg/dl; p = 0.002). The CIMT was
      higher in patients with CSX than in the control subjects (0.75 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.63
      +/- 0.09 mm; p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between serum uric
      acid values and CIMT measurements in patients with CSX (r = 0.666, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid levels were higher in patients with CSX and elevated
      serum uric acid levels were associated with carotid atherosclerosis, thereby
      indicating that elevated serum uric acid levels might contribute to the
      development of subclinical atherosclerosis in CSX patients.

PMID- 22076386
TI  - Angelica sinensis suppresses human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell metastasis by
      regulating MMPs/TIMPs and TGF-beta1.
AB  - In this study we investigated the potential effects of Angelica sinensis on the
      growth and metastasis in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. In vitro the Cck-8
      assays showed that Angelica sinensis had weak antiproliferative effect on A549
      cells only at high concentration. The cell adhesion assay showed that Angelica
      sinensis decreased the adhesive ability of A549 cells in a dose- and time
      dependent manner. Transwell invasion and migration assay showed that Angelica
      sinensis reduced the invasive and migratory abilities of A549 cells in a dose
      dependent manner. In vivo the animal experiments showed that Angelica sinensis
      suppressed lung metastasis of nude mice at high concentration. Then, we attempted
      to clarify the mechanisms of anti-metastatic activities of Angelica sinensis. The
      results showed Angelica sinensis inhibited the enzymatic activity of matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), it involved
      the down-regulation of the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 at both the protein and
      mRNA levels, which may be associated with Angelica sinensis suppressing the
      expression of TGF-beta1. It also involved the increase of the tissue inhibitors
      of metalloproteinases TIMP-2, but TIMP-1 decreased upon incubation of A549 cells
      with Angelica sinensis. The results suggest that Angelica sinensis might exert
      anti-growth and anti-metastasis activity against lung cancer cells through the
      decrease of MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-beta1 and TIMP-1 and increase of TIMP-2.

PMID- 22076387
TI  - The role of the tumor suppressor RUNX3 in giant cell tumor of the bone.
AB  - RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor gene localized in 1p36. In various human tumors, the
      region is frequently inactivated through hypermethylation, histone modulation and
      other processes. Recent studies have suggested that loss of RUNX3 expression is
      involved in stomach, colon and breast cancer. However, the relationship between
      RUNX3 expression and giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) remains elusive. The aim
      of our study was to elucidate the roles of RUNX3 expression in carcinogenesis and
      progression of giant cell tumor of the bone. The levels of RUNX3 mRNA and protein
      were evaluated in human GCTB specimens and cell lines. To assess RUNX3
      methylation we employed methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction using GCTB
      specimens and cell lines. In addition, to examine the roles of RUNX3 in giant
      cell tumor of the bone, GCTB cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-RUNX3 (RUNX3
      was cloned into the pcDNA3.1 plasmid). Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze
      the apoptosis and cell cycle. The mobility of cells was tested by transwell
      migration assay. The expression rates of RUNX3 in patients with GCTB were
      significanly lower than normal bone tissues. Thirty of 47 human cancer specimens
      exhibited suppression (P<0.05). Down-regulation of RUNX3 mRNA in the same GCTB
      cell lines was associated with RUNX3 DNA methylation. In in vitro experiments,
      exogenous expression of RUNX3 strongly inhibited cell growth in GCTB by MTT
      (P<0.05), induced apoptosis as evidenced by Annexin V-FITC and increased G1 phase
      ratio by PI (P<0.05). Transwell migration assay showed that less RUNX3 positive
      cells migrated to the lower side of the membrane than negative ones (P<0.05).
      These results show that RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor in GCTB. RUNX3 DNA
      methylation may be the molecular basis for its lower expression. These data may
      be applied in GCTB for diagnostics and therapeutics.

PMID- 22076389
TI  - Anemias: road signs to the real problems.
AB  - Anemia comes in many forms, always indicating an underlying problem. Expand your
      ability to recognize and cope with this condition by learning the main types of
      anemia along with their causes, distinguishing traits, and treatments.

PMID- 22076392
TI  - Fosphenytoin.

PMID- 22076388
TI  - Pulmonary toxicities from targeted therapies: a review.
AB  - Pulmonary toxicity is rarely seen with most commonly used targeted therapies. The
      endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) small-molecule tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs) gefitinib and erlotinib can cause interstitial lung disease
      (ILD). BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and dasatinib can cause
      pleural effusions. Infusion-related bronchospasm is common with the monoclonal
      antibodies to EGFR cetuximab and panitumumab, and case reports of bronchiolitis
      and pulmonary fibrosis have been described. Up to one-sixth of patients taking
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors get a reversible interstitial
      pneumonitis. Bevacizumab, the monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF), has been associated with hemoptysis and pulmonary embolism
      particularly in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. Infusion-related
      bronchospasms, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and interstitial
      pneumonitis can be seen with the anti-lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies rituximab,
      ofatumumab, and alemtuzumab. While most pulmonary toxicities from these therapies
      are mild and resolve promptly with dose reduction or discontinuation, it is
      important for the clinician to recognize these potential toxicities when faced
      with treatment-related complications. Discerning these pulmonary adverse effects
      may help in making decisions on diagnostic testing and therapy, particularly for
      those with pulmonary and cardiovascular co-morbidities.

PMID- 22076393
TI  - Assessing and managing the patient with headaches.
AB  - Headaches are considered the most common type of pain; more than 40 million
      Americans seek treatment each year. A clear understanding of the types and
      possible causes of headache pain is essential to adequately assess and manage the
      patient with headaches. Headaches can be categorized as either primary or
      secondary to an underlying and usually treatable cause. Most headaches are
      primary; this includes migraine and variants, and cluster and tension-type
      headaches. Before assuming a primary diagnosis, however, the clinician must rule
      out headaches secondary to an underlying cause so that further investigation,
      treatment, or referral may be initiated.

PMID- 22076394
TI  - Recognizing the various presentations of appendicitis.
AB  - Appendicitis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient
      presenting with abdominal pain. But inconsistencies in presentation, especially
      among the young and the elderly, can lead to errors in diagnosis. This article
      describes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of appendicitis.

PMID- 22076395
TI  - The loyal treatment: how dedicated employees benefit managers and organizations.
AB  - Despite employees' diminished loyalty to health care organizations, nurse
      managers can earn employees' devotion and transfer the benefits to the
      organization.

PMID- 22076396
TI  - Plunging into preload and afterload.
AB  - Tools for teaching new nurses surround you in the intensive care unit. This
      article presents a simple exercise using readily available supplies to help
      nurses gain a solid understanding of preload and afterload.

PMID- 22076397
TI  - Resources for managing migraines.

PMID- 22076399
TI  - Tips for succeeding at Internet courses.
AB  - Ready to go to "cyberschool"? Here's practical advice on making it work for you.

PMID- 22076400
TI  - Head of bed elevation, early walking, and patient comfort after percutaneous
      transluminal coronary angioplasty.
AB  - Several studies have investigated head elevation, early walking, and patient
      comfort after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. This research
      analysis reviews this procedure's current practices and related complications.
      The authors analyzed the studies' methodologies, grouped the findings according
      to similar objectives, and highlighted implications for nursing practice and
      patient care.

PMID- 22076401
TI  - Antibiotic resistance: time to fight back.

PMID- 22076402
TI  - Fault diagnosis of a benchmark fermentation process: a comparative study of
      feature extraction and classification techniques.
AB  - This paper investigates fault diagnosis in batch processes and presents a
      comparative study of feature extraction and classification techniques applied to
      a specific biotechnological case study: the fermentation process model by Birol
      et al. (Comput Chem Eng 26:1553-1565, 2002), which is a benchmark for advanced
      batch processes monitoring, diagnosis and control. Fault diagnosis is achieved
      using four approaches on four different process scenarios based on the different
      levels of noise so as to evaluate their effects on the performance. Each approach
      combines a feature extraction method, either multi-way principal component
      analysis (MPCA) or multi-way independent component analysis (MICA), with a
      classification method, either artificial neural network (ANN) or support vector
      machines (SVM). The performance obtained by the different approaches is assessed
      and discussed for a set of simulated faults under different scenarios. One of the
      faults (a loss in mixing power) could not be detected due to the minimal effect
      of mixing on the simulated data. The remaining faults could be easily diagnosed
      and the subsequent discussion provides practical insight into the selection and
      use of the available techniques to specific applications. Irrespective of the
      classification algorithm, MPCA renders better results than MICA, hence the
      diagnosis performance proves to be more sensitive to the selection of the feature
      extraction technique.

PMID- 22076403
TI  - Functional consequences of the lack of amyloid precursor protein in the mouse
      dentate gyrus in vivo.
AB  - The amyloid precursor protein (APP) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of
      Alzheimer's disease. Here, we studied whether the lack of APP affects the
      synaptic properties in the dentate gyrus by measuring granule cell field
      potentials evoked by perforant path stimulation in anesthetized 9-11-month-old
      APP-deficient mice in vivo. We found decreased paired-pulse facilitation,
      indicating altered presynaptic short-term plasticity in the APP-deficient dentate
      gyrus. In contrast, excitatory synaptic strength and granule cell firing were
      unchanged in APP knockout mice. Likewise, long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by
      a theta-burst stimulation protocol was not impaired in the absence of APP. These
      findings suggest that the deletion of APP may affect presynaptic plasticity of
      synaptic transmission at the perforant path-granule cell synapse but leaves
      synaptic efficacy intact and LTP preserved, possibly due to functional redundancy
      within the APP gene family.

PMID- 22076404
TI  - Tuning of the excitability of transcortical cutaneous reflex pathways during
      mirror-like activity.
AB  - Voluntary contraction of a muscle generates electromyographic (EMG) activity in
      the homologous muscle on the opposite side (mirror-like activity), not only in
      pathological states and in infants but also in healthy adults. Few studies have
      examined whether the cutaneous reflexes during the preparatory period of a
      reaction time task are affected by mirror-like activity. In the present study, we
      investigated the modulation of the cutaneous reflexes in the left first
      interosseous (FDI) muscle in 9 healthy subjects while they performed a quick
      abduction of the right index finger during a reaction time task. Cutaneous
      reflexes were elicited by applying non-noxious electrical stimulation to the left
      index finger. We found that mirror-like activity occurred in the left FDI at
      approximately the onset of EMG activity in the right FDI. The excitatory E2
      component was selectively increased at ~75 ms after the "Go" signal, which
      corresponded to the onset of mirror-like activity. The inhibitory I2 (~90 ms)
      component was tuned consistently into excitation after the "Go" signal. These
      findings suggest that long latency reflexes, possibly transcortical cutaneous
      reflexes, are finely tuned in relation to mirror-like activity.

PMID- 22076405
TI  - Event-related potentials in adolescents with different cognitive styles: field
      dependence and field independence.
AB  - Field dependence/independence (FD/FI) is an important dimension of personality
      and cognitive styles. Different ability in mobilizing and/or allocating mental
      attentional capacity was considered to be the most possible explanation for the
      FDI cognitive style. Many studies on characterizing the functional neuroanatomy
      of attentional control indicated the existence of a dissociable sub-process of
      conflict-monitoring and "cognitive control" system. However, little was known
      about it. We might dissociate "cognitive control" system from conflict processing
      by taking advantage of the variable of the FDI cognitive style. In addition,
      essentially cognitive styles (FDI) are often widely studied in psychological and
      educational fields, but hardly in neuroscience. We speculated that ERP components
      could help to explain the difference between how FD and FI individuals process
      information. The purpose of the reported study was to explore the possible
      relation between the "cognitive control" system and the conflict processing
      system during stimulus-matching task. We first characterized the standard FD/FI
      of senior-high-school Han students in grade two in Beijing, China, based on 160
      students with similar age, education, living and cultural background. Twenty-six
      adolescents were selected and divided into two groups (extreme FD group and
      extreme FI group) according to their Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) results
      (FD: 5-8; FI: 17-19). They were tested on both Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
      (WAIS) and stimulus-matching task. ERP was measured while the subjects performed
      the stimulus-matching tasks by categorizing two figures that were presented
      sequentially either as a match (same shape) or as a conflict (different shape)
      conditions. The results showed that the mean amplitude of N270 in FI group was
      higher relative to that in FD group at nearly all centrofrontal areas in the
      conflict condition. We conclude that the FDI cognitive styles could influence the
      conflict processing by the "cognitive control" system due to the different
      abilities of FD and FI subjects in mobilizing and/or allocating attentional
      resources, which can be indexed by N270.

PMID- 22076406
TI  - Interlimb differences of directional biases for stroke production.
AB  - Directional preferences during center-out horizontal shoulder-elbow movements
      were previously characterized for the dominant arm. These preferences were
      attributed to a tendency to actively accelerate one joint, while exploiting
      largely passive motion at the other joint. Since the non-dominant arm is known
      for inefficient coordination of inter-segmental dynamics, here we hypothesized
      that directional preferences would differ between the arms. A center-out free
      stroke drawing task was used that allowed freedom in the selection of movement
      directions. The task was performed both with and without a secondary cognitive
      task that has been shown to increase directional biases of the dominant arm.
      Mirror-symmetrical directional preferences were observed in both arms, with
      similar bias strength and secondary task effects. The preferred directions were
      characterized by maximal exploitation of interaction torques for movement
      production, but only in the dominant arm. The non-dominant arm failed to benefit
      from interaction torques. The results point to a hierarchical architecture of
      control. At the higher level, a movement capable to perform the task while
      satisfying preferences in joint control is specified through forward dynamic
      transformations. This process is mediated for both arms from a common neural
      network adapted to the dominant arm and, specifically, to its ability to exploit
      interaction torques. Dynamic transformations that determine actual control
      commands are specified at the lower level of control. An alternative
      interpretation that strokes might be planned evenly across directions, and biases
      emerge during movement execution due to anisotropic resistance of intrinsic
      factors that do not depend on arm dominance is also discussed.

PMID- 22076407
TI  - Effects of Galvanic vestibular stimulation on cognitive function.
AB  - Although imaging studies suggest activation of cortical areas by vestibular
      input, there is little evidence of an adverse effect of non-veridical vestibular
      input on cognitive function. To test the hypothesis that degraded vestibular
      afferent input adversely affects cognition, we compared performance on a
      cognitive test battery in a group undergoing suprathreshold bilateral bipolar
      Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) with a control group receiving no GVS or
      subthreshold stimulation. The battery consisted of six cognitive tests as
      follows: reaction time, dual tasking, Stroop, mental rotation, perspective-taking
      and matching-to-sample, as well as a simple visuomotor (manual tracking) task.
      Subjects performed the test battery before, during and after suprathreshold GVS
      exposure or subthreshold stimulation. Suprathreshold GVS significantly increased
      error rate for the match-to-sample and perspective-taking tasks relative to the
      subthreshold group, demonstrating a negative effect of non-veridical vestibular
      input in these specific cognitive tasks. Reaction time, dual tasking, mental
      rotation and manual tracking were unaffected by GVS exposure. The adverse effect
      of suprathreshold GVS on perspective taking but not mental rotation is consistent
      with imaging studies, which have demonstrated that egocentric mental
      transformations (perspective taking) occur primarily in cortical areas that
      receive vestibular input (the parietal-temporal junction and superior parietal
      lobule), whereas object-based transformations (mental rotation) occur in the
      frontoparietal region. The increased error rate during the match-to-sample task
      is likely due to interference with hippocampal processing related to spatial
      memory, as suggested by imaging studies on vestibular patients.

PMID- 22076409
TI  - Cognitive and neurological outcome at the age of 5-8 years of preterm infants
      with post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation requiring neurosurgical
      intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm infants with progressive post-hemorrhagic ventricular
      dilatation (PHVD) in the absence of associated parenchymal lesions may have a
      normal neurodevelopmental outcome. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate neurodevelopmental and
      cognitive outcomes among preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage
      (IVH) and PHVD requiring neurosurgical intervention. METHODS: 32 preterm infants
      were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit with PHVD requiring neurosurgical
      intervention, and were seen in the follow-up clinic for standardized cognitive,
      behavioral and neurological assessments between 5 and 8 years of age. Only
      preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) of <30 weeks, as well as preterm and
      full-term infants with PHVD and full-term infants with perinatal asphyxia are
      seen in our follow-up clinic at this age. There were 23 infants with a GA of <30
      weeks in this study population. For these 23, matched controls were available and
      compared with the IVH group. RESULTS: The majority (59.4%) had no impairments.
      None of the children with grade III and 8 of the 15 children (53%) with grade IV
      hemorrhage developed cerebral palsy. More subtle motor problems assessed with the
      Movement-ABC score were seen in 39% (n = 9); the mean IQ of all children was
      93.4, and 29% of the children had an IQ of <85 (-1 SD). Timing of intervention
      did not have a beneficial effect on outcome. With respect to cognition, no
      significant differences were found between the IVH and the control group.
      CONCLUSION: The majority of the children in our population had no impairments.
      Cerebral palsy was not seen in any of the infants with a grade III hemorrhage.

PMID- 22076410
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits the growth of Cryptococcus species.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous and opportunistic bacterium that inhibits
      the growth of different microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria and
      fungi such as Candida spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus. In this study, we
      investigated the interaction between P. aeruginosa and Cryptococcus spp. We found
      that P. aeruginosa PA14 and, to a lesser extent, PAO1 significantly inhibited the
      growth of Cryptococcus spp. The inhibition of growth was observed on solid medium
      by the visualization of a zone of inhibition of yeast growth and in liquid
      culture by viable cell counting. Interestingly, such inhibition was only observed
      when P. aeruginosa and Cryptococcus were co-cultured. Minimal inhibition was
      observed when cell-cell contact was prevented using a separation membrane,
      suggesting that cell contact is required for inhibition. Using mutant strains of
      Pseudomonas quinoline signaling, we showed that P. aeruginosa inhibited the
      growth of Cryptococcus spp. by producing antifungal molecules pyocyanin, a redox
      active phenazine, and 2-heptyl-3,4-dihydroxyquinoline (PQS), an extracellular
      quorum-sensing signal. Because both P. aeruginosa and Cryptococcus neoformans are
      commonly found in lung infections of immunocompromised patients, this study may
      have important implication for the interaction of these microbes in both an
      ecological and a clinical point of view.

PMID- 22076411
TI  - Neonatal intensive care unit candidemia: epidemiology, risk factors, outcome, and
      critical review of published case series.
AB  - Evaluation of epidemiological trends, risk factors, and clinical outcome
      associated with candidemia at a neonatal intensive care unit is reported. From
      January 2005 to December 2009, forty candidemia cases were identified. C.
      albicans and C. parapsilosis were the most common species recovered (69 and 24%,
      respectively). All C. parapsilosis strains were susceptible to antifungals,
      whereas, C. albicans exhibited higher resistance rates to azoles. Low birth
      weight, low gestational age, presence of central lines, endotracheal intubation,
      total parenteral nutrition, previous use of antibiotics, steroids, previous
      episode(s) of bacteremia and prolonged stay in intensive care unit were common
      features associated with candidemia. C. albicans was most often isolated from
      extremely low birth weight neonates as compared to non-albicans Candida (P <
      0.01). Mortality rate was 35.7% and was associated with low gestational age (P <
      0.01), low birth weight (P < 0.01), and presence of renal failure (P < 0.05).
      Furthermore, a critical review of recent published case series is presented.

PMID- 22076412
TI  - Color vision in an elderly patient with protanopic genotype and successfully
      treated unilateral age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - We investigated differences in color discrimination between the fellow eye and
      the affected eye successfully treated for unilateral age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD) in a 69-year-old male patient with protanopia. His best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.2 in the right eye (RE) and 0.2 in the left
      eye (LE). Fundus and angiographic findings showed classic choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV) secondary to AMD in the LE. BCVA of the LE improved to
      0.4, and CNV resolved by 15 months after initiating combined anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor and photodynamic therapies. After CNV closure, the
      Farnsworth dichotomous was performed, showing confusion patterns of the protan
      axis in either eye. The Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test showed a total error
      score of 520 in the LE, much higher than the score of 348 in the RE. Complete
      genotypes of the long-wavelength-sensitive (L-) cone and middle-wavelength
      sensitive (M-) cone opsin genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction,
      revealing that the patient had a single 5' L-M 3' hybrid gene (encoding an M-cone
      opsin), with this genotype responsible for protanopia (the L-cone opsin gene was
      non-functional), instead of the L-cone and M-cone opsin gene arrays. Poorer color
      vision discrimination in the LE than the RE remained present despite closure of
      CNV. The presence and type of congenital color vision defect can be confirmed
      using molecular genetic testing even if complications of acquired retinal
      diseases such as AMD are identified.

PMID- 22076414
TI  - Risk factors for persistent candidemia infection in a neonatal intensive care
      unit and its effect on mortality and length of hospitalization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Candida infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality in
      neonates. Persistent candidemia has not been associated with increased risk of
      mortality compared with candidemia of shorter duration. This study sought to
      determine whether persistent candidemia was associated with increased length of
      hospitalization or mortality in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: A chart review was
      conducted of neonates with Candida bloodstream infections (n=37). Demographic,
      laboratory, pharmacy, nutrition and discharge data were abstracted. Contingency
      table analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze variables associated
      with persistent candidemia and mortality. The relationship between length of
      hospitalization and persistent candidemia was assessed with k-sample equality of
      medians test. RESULT: Nine patients (24%) had persistent candidemia. Increased
      time between blood culture draw and initial antifungal therapy was associated
      with increased incidence of persistent candidemia (P=0.03). Five patients (14%)
      died before hospital discharge; however, no deaths were attributed to persistent
      candidemia. Length of hospitalization was not increased with persistent
      candidemia. A decrease in the ratio of enteral feeding days to hyperalimentation
      days before collection of the first positive blood culture was significantly
      associated with an increase in all-cause mortality (P=0.03) and death attributed
      to candidemia (P=0.04). The risk of all-cause mortality decreased with a history
      of receiving any enteral feedings before the first positive blood culture
      (P=0.04), as did death attributed to candidemia (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: A duration
      of >1 day between the time of blood culture and the initial dose of systemic
      antifungal treatment places neonates at increased risk for developing persistent
      candidemia; however, this is not associated with increased mortality.

PMID- 22076413
TI  - Causes of community stillbirths and early neonatal deaths in low-income countries
      using verbal autopsy: an International, Multicenter Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Six million stillbirths (SB) and early neonatal deaths (END) occur
      annually worldwide, mostly in rural settings distant from health facilities. We
      used verbal autopsy (VA), to understand causes of non-hospital, community-based
      SB and END from four low-income countries. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective
      observational study utilized the train-the-trainer method. VA interviewers
      conducted standardized interviews; in each country data were reviewed by two
      local physicians who assigned an underlying causes of deaths (COD). RESULT: There
      were 252 perinatal deaths (118 END; 134 SB) studied from pooled data. Almost half
      (45%) the END occurred on postnatal day 1, 19% on the second day and 16% the
      third day. Major early neonatal COD were infections (49%), birth asphyxia (26%),
      prematurity (17%) and congenital malformations (3%). Major causes of SB were
      infection (37%), prolonged labor (11%), antepartum hemorrhage (10%), preterm
      delivery (7%), cord complications (6%) and accidents (5%). CONCLUSION: Many of
      these SB and END were from easily preventable causes. Over 80% of END occurred
      during the first 3 days of postnatal life, and >90% were due to infection, birth
      asphyxia and prematurity. The causes of SB were more varied, and maternal
      infections were the most common cause. Increased attention should be targeting at
      interventions that reduce maternal and neonatal infections and prevent END,
      particularly during the first 3 days of life.

PMID- 22076415
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective study of bosentan for
      the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of bosentan as an adjuvant therapy
      of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). STUDY DESIGN: Forty
      seven neonates with PPHN were randomly assigned to receive either bosentan (n=24)
      or placebo (n=23). Efficacy was evaluated with a favorable outcome defined as
      fulfilling all the following criteria (for example, oxygenation index <15, normal
      pulmonary artery pressure (<20 mm Hg) and no premature discontinuation of the
      drug because of drug-related toxicity or lack of efficacy). Evaluation of safety
      was done by monitoring drug-related adverse events. RESULT: Bosentan treatment
      was superior to placebo with a favorable response in 87.5% of patients treated
      with bosentan as compared with 20% of those who received placebo (P<0.0001). None
      of patients in the bosentan group had drug-related clinical or laboratory adverse
      events. CONCLUSION: Bosentan may be a useful adjuvant therapy of PPHN.

PMID- 22076416
TI  - The impact of maternal characteristics on the moderately premature infant: an
      antenatal maternal transport clinical prediction rule.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Moderately premature infants, defined here as those born between 300/7
      and 346/7 weeks gestation, comprise 3.9% of all births in the United States and
      32% of all preterm births. Although long-term outcomes for these infants are
      better than for less mature infants, morbidity and mortality are still
      substantially increased in comparison with infants born at term. There is an
      added survival benefit resulting from birth at a tertiary neonatal care center,
      and although many of these infants require tertiary level care, delivery at lower
      level hospitals and subsequent neonatal transfer are still common. Our primary
      aim was to determine the impact of maternal characteristics and antenatal medical
      management on the early neonatal course of the moderately premature infant. The
      secondary aim was to create a clinical prediction rule to determine which infants
      require intubation and mechanical ventilation in the first 24 h of life. Such a
      prediction rule could inform the decision to transfer maternal-fetal patients
      before delivery to a facility with a Level III neonatal intensive care unit
      (NICU), where optimal care could be provided without the requirement for a
      neonatal transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Data for this analysis came from the cohort of
      infants in the Moderately Premature Infant Project (MPIP) database, a multicenter
      cohort study of 850 infants born at gestational age 300/7 and 346/7 weeks, with
      birth weight between 591 to 3540 g. [corrected], who were discharged to home
      alive. We built a logistic regression model to identify maternal characteristics
      associated with need for tertiary care, as measured by administration of
      surfactant. Using statistically significant covariates from this model, we then
      created a numerical decision rule to predict need for tertiary care. RESULT: In
      multivariate modeling, four factors were associated with reduction in the need
      for tertiary care, including non-White race (odds ratio (OR)=0.5, (0.3, 0.7)),
      older gestational age, female gender (OR=0.6 (0.4, 0.8)) and use of antenatal
      corticosteroids (OR=0.5, (0.3, 0.8)). The clinical prediction rule to
      discriminate between infants who received surfactant, versus those who did not,
      had an area under the curve of 0.77 (0.73, 0.8). CONCLUSION: Four antenatal risk
      factors are associated with a requirement for Level III NICU care as defined by
      the need for surfactant administration. Future analyses will examine a broader
      spectrum of antenatal characteristics and revalidate the prediction rule in an
      independent cohort.

PMID- 22076417
TI  - Neonates presenting with bloody stools and eosinophilia can progress to two
      different types of necrotizing enterocolitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that neonates with bloody stools and concomitant
      eosinophilia are likely to have atopic enteropathy rather than necrotizing
      enterocolitis (NEC). STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study
      using electronic medical records and paper charts. Records of neonates admitted
      to any Intermountain Healthcare NICU between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2010 were
      eligible if 'bloody stools' were listed in any archive. Qualifying records were
      divided into two groups depending on whether or not within 72 h of passing bloody
      stool eosinophil counts were above the 95th percentile reference range limit for
      age. RESULT: Bloody stools were identified in 275 predominantly Caucasian
      neonates. Fifty-four of these had eosinophilia and 221 had normal eosinophil
      counts. Those with eosinophilia were born at a slightly younger gestational age
      (31.3 +/- 4.6 vs 32.6 +/- 4.0 weeks, mean +/- s.d., P=0.032). Contrary to our
      hypothesis, those with eosinophilia did not have a lower rate of pneumatosis or
      bowel resection, or death ascribed to NEC. Eosinophilia was more common among
      those who had a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion within 48 h before passing
      bloody stools (P<0.001). Those with a recent RBC transfusion were the only
      neonates to have NEC surgery or to die from NEC. Preceding the bloody stools,
      those with no antecedent transfusion had been fed a larger volume (P=0.014), and
      had trends toward receiving calorically enriched feedings (P=0.055) and recent
      addition of human milk fortifier (P=0.060). Eosinophil counts following RBC
      transfusion tended to increase for 3-6 days, but when bloody stools were not
      preceded by transfusion the eosinophil counts were more static over that period.
      CONCLUSION: In this predominantly Caucasian group of neonates with bloody stools,
      the presence of eosinophilia did not identify a benign condition distinct from
      NEC. A total of 44% of these neonates had transfusion-associated NEC. Eosinophils
      could have a previously unrecognized role in the pathogenesis of this NEC
      subtype.

PMID- 22076418
TI  - Meniscus induced self organization of multiple deep concave wells in a
      microchannel for embryoid bodies generation.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have attracted great interest in the fields of tissue
      engineering, regenerative medicine, and organogenesis for their pluripotency and
      ability to self-renew. ESC aggregation, which produces an embryoid body (EB), has
      been widely utilized as a trigger of in vitro directed differentiation. In this
      paper, we propose a novel method for constructing large numbers of deep concave
      wells in PDMS microfluidic chips using the meniscus induced by the surface
      tension of a liquid PDMS prepolymer, and applied this chip for the mass
      production of uniform sized EBs. To investigate if the microenvironment in the
      deep concave well is suitable for ES cells, the oxygen diffusion to the deep
      concave well was analyzed by CFD simulation. Murine EBs were successfully formed
      in the deep concave wells without loss of cells and laborious careful
      intervention to refresh culture media. The size of the EBs was uniform, and
      retrieving of EBs was done just by flipping over the chip. All the processes
      including EB formation and harvest are easy and safe to cells, and their
      viability after completion of all processes was over 95%. The basic properties of
      the EBs were generated and their capacity to differentiate into 3 germ layers was
      investigated by analyzing the gene expression profile. The harvested EBs were
      found to differentiate into cardiac cells and neurons, and neurofilaments formed
      branches of elongated extensions more than 1.0 mm in length.

PMID- 22076419
TI  - A novel model and molecular therapy for Z alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
AB  - Animal models that closely resemble human disease can present a challenge.
      Particularly so in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha(1)ATD), as the mouse
      alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha(1)AT) cluster encodes five highly related genes
      compared with the one in humans. The mouse PI2 homologue is closest to the
      alpha(1)AT human gene. We have changed the equivalent mouse site that results in
      the Z variant in man (Glu342Lys) and made both the "M" and "Z" mouse PI2
      alpha(1)AT proteins. We have tested the ability of a small-molecular-weight
      compound CG to alleviate polymerisation of these mouse alpha(1)AT proteins as it
      has been shown to reduce aggregates of Z alpha(1)AT in man. We found that (1) CG
      specifically reduces the formation of polymers of recombinant mouse "Z" protein
      but not "M" protein; (2) whereas there is significantly more alpha(1)AT secreted
      from Chinese Hamster Ovary cells transfected with the mouse "M" alpha(1)AT gene
      than with the "Z" (20.8 +/- 3.9 and 6.7 +/- 3.6, respectively; P < 0.005), CG
      increased the alpha(1)AT levels secreted from "Z" cells (21.2 +/- 0.01) to that
      of "M" (20.2 +/- 0.02). The data support the concept that the murine "Z" gene is
      a potential model for the study of alpha(1)ATD and that mice expressing this gene
      would be relevant for testing treatments in vivo.

PMID- 22076420
TI  - Annotation of the domestic dog genome sequence: finding the missing genes.
AB  - There are over 350 genetically distinct breeds of domestic dog that present
      considerable variation in morphology, physiology, and disease susceptibility. The
      genome sequence of the domestic dog was assembled and released in 2005, providing
      an estimated 20,000 protein-coding genes that are a great asset to the scientific
      community that uses the dog system as a genetic biomedical model and for
      comparative and evolutionary studies. Although the canine gene set had been
      predicted using a combination of ab initio methods, homology studies, motif
      analysis, and similarity-based programs, it still requires a deep annotation of
      noncoding genes, alternative splicing, pseudogenes, regulatory regions, and gain
      and loss events. Such analyses could benefit from new sequencing technologies
      (RNA-Seq) to better exploit the advantages of the canine genetic system in
      tracking disease genes. Here, we review the catalog of canine protein-coding
      genes and the search for missing genes, and we propose rationales for an accurate
      identification of noncoding genes though next-generation sequencing.

PMID- 22076421
TI  - Hemodynamic influence of tilting disc valve type on pump performance with the
      NIPRO-ventricular assist device.
AB  - The NIPRO-ventricular assist device (NIPRO-VAD) is an external pulsatile flow
      pump. Formerly, Sorin Carbocast, a monoleaflet tilting disc valve (SC valve), was
      used at the inlet/outlet parts of the pump, but Medtronic Hall (MH valve) is now
      used. We studied the differences in performance among pumps with different
      artificial valves. Six NIPRO pumps with SC valves and six with MH valves were
      examined using mock circuits. The systolic flow of the pump was measured with the
      ultrasonic flowmeter by changing the systolic fraction. Six patients wearing the
      NIPRO-VAD underwent periodic pump exchange from a pump with an SC valve to the
      one with an MH valve. The pump blood flow was measured at pre- and post-pump
      exchanges using an ultrasonic flowmeter. Blood pressure, serum LDH and AST levels
      were also compared before and after the pump exchange. Blood flow was
      significantly increased by using the NIPRO-VAD with the MH valve as compared to
      the SC valve in vitro. Under the same drive conditions pump flow tended to
      increase in six patients. No difference was found in patients' blood pressure,
      serum LDH or AST levels when using the SC or MH valve. From these results, the
      hemodynamic influence on patients due to replacement of the SC valve with the MH
      valve in the NIPRO-VAD is considered to be insignificant.

PMID- 22076422
TI  - Virtual histology evaluation of atherosclerosis regression during atorvastatin
      and ezetimibe administration: HEAVEN study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no study focusing on changes in coronary atherosclerosis
      during dual lipid-lowering therapy with statin and ezetimibe. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients with stable angina randomized in a 1:1 ratio to
      Group A (aggressive therapy: atorvastatin 80mg, ezetimibe 10mg) and Group S
      (standard therapy) were analyzed. Treatment period was 12 months. Coronary
      arteries were examined by intravascular ultrasound and virtual histology. We
      found a decrease in the percent atheroma volume (PAV) (-0.4%) in Group A compared
      with an increase (+1.4%) in Group S (P=0.014) and this was accompanied by an
      increased frequency of combined atherosclerosis regression (increased lumen
      volume+decreased PAV) in group A (40.5%) compared with group S (14.9%) (P=0.007).
      The target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <2mmol/L, presence of at
      least 4 of 5 atherosclerotic risk factors, and decreased level of vascular
      cellular adhesive molecule were independent predictors of plaque regression.
      There were no significant differences in plaque composition between the 2 groups
      over the study duration. However, during analysis of the 2 groups together,
      fibrous and fibro-fatty tissues decreased and dense calcification and necrotic
      core increased during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Dual lipid-lowering therapy starts
      atherosclerosis regression, but does not lead to significant changes in plaque
      composition. The continuous shift in plaque from fibro and fibro-fatty to
      necrotic with calcification was present in both groups.

PMID- 22076423
TI  - Current status and trends in the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism.
AB  - Untreated acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APTE) is associated with high
      mortality, which is reduced by prompt treatment. Anticoagulation is fundamental
      in the treatment of APTE and should be initiated from suspicion. The efficacy and
      safety of novel anticoagulant drugs, such as oral anti-Xa and anti-IIa
      inhibitors, are topics in the treatment of APTE and are now under investigation.
      Thrombolytic therapy is a widely accepted treatment strategy for massive APTE,
      but its use for submassive APTE is controversial. Catheter intervention,
      percutaneous cardiopulmonary support and surgical embolectomy are also necessary
      and effective for some patients with APTE. A retrievable inferior vena cava
      filter is preferred for transient protection against APTE. Some studies have
      demonstrated the feasibility of outpatient treatment in patients with APTE after
      risk stratification.

PMID- 22076425
TI  - Epigenetic alterations in sperm DNA associated with testicular cancer treatment.
AB  - DNA methylation, a key component of the epigenome involved in regulating gene
      expression, is initially acquired in the germ line at millions of sites across
      the genome. Altered sperm methylation patterns are associated with infertility
      and transgenerational effects in humans and rodents. Testicular cancer is the
      most common form of cancer among men of reproductive age and has a high cure rate
      associated with chemotherapy treatment with bleomycin, etoposide, and cis
      platinum (BEP). Although these drugs result in improved survival, they also
      affect the number and quality of germ cells. Our goal was to assess germ cell
      methylation patterns in a rodent model emulating the BEP treatment regimens used
      in human testicular cancer treatment. Animals were treated with control, or 0.3*
      (low) or 0.6* (high) dose of BEP, where a 1* dose is equivalent to human
      treatment regimens. Both dose-dependent and germ cell-dependent DNA methylation
      alterations were found at numerous loci throughout the genome. Of about 3000 loci
      tested, 42 loci were affected by BEP at the round spermatid stage of germ cell
      development, whereas 101 loci were affected in spermatozoa; 15 loci were
      consistently altered in spermatozoa of all high dose-treated rats. Both hyper-
      and hypomethylation were detected, suggesting either an interference with normal
      methylation patterning or abnormal repair of damaged patterns during
      spermatogenesis. The results indicate that a combination chemotherapy regimen
      used for testicular cancer treatment can result in altered DNA methylation
      patterns in spermatozoa and that some loci are more susceptible to damage than
      others.

PMID- 22076426
TI  - Bone development in children and adolescents with PKU.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU, OMIM 261600) have shown bone
      disease from childhood. Factors such as non-adherence to treatment, nutritional
      inadequacy, and high phenylalanine levels are associated with bone disease in
      several studies. This research aimed to describe the impact of dietary factors
      (consumption of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and phenylalanine), and the
      control of plasma phenylalanine levels on bone age (BA) and bone mineral density
      (BMD). METHODOLOGY: Thirteen patients of both genders, from 8 to 16 years old
      participated in this study. Control data were collected of phenylalanine levels,
      food frequency and record, hand and fist X-rays, and spinal bone densitometry.
      RESULTS: In children group (CG), individuals non-adherent to diet (NAD) consumed
      lower amounts of calcium (472 +/- 100 mg/day) and energy (1743 +/- 486 Kcal);
      they had higher rates of phenylalanine (564 +/- 94 MUmol/L) in blood, intake
      phenylalanine (701 +/- 334 mg/g), and higher protein intake from free foods (14
      +/- 6.67 g/day); bone age (BA) values higher than the chronological age (CA) and
      less BMD values (-0.7 +/- 1.6 SD) also were verified. In adolescent group (AG, N
      = 8) of NAD, values were lower for energy intake (1379 +/- 258 Kcal), calcium
      (801 +/- 152 mg/day), phosphorus (657 +/- 102 mg/day), food protein (25 +/- 7.6
      g/day), and intake phenylalanine (1067 +/- 382 mg/day) than recommended. Higher
      levels of plasma phenylalanine (851 +/- 244 MUmol/L), bone age greater than
      chronological age and lower BMD values (-2.4 +/- -2.5 SD) were observed.
      CONCLUSION: The results suggest effects on BA and on BMD, in both children and
      adolescent groups. The bone development is expressed differently in children and
      adolescents. The non-adherence to the diet verified in both groups and the
      consequent imbalance in the nutrients intake involved in bone metabolism suggest
      that these factors influence the failure to thrive in children and reduced bone
      mineralization in adolescents.

PMID- 22076424
TI  - Disturbed-flow-mediated vascular reactive oxygen species induce endothelial
      dysfunction.
AB  - Emerging evidence is revealing the different roles of steady laminar flow (s
      flow) and disturbed flow (d-flow) in the regulation of the vascular endothelium.
      s-flow is atheroprotective while d-flow creates an atheroprone environment. Most
      recently, we found unique atheroprone signals, which involve protein kinase C
      (PKC)zeta activation, elicited by d-flow. We and others have defined a novel role
      for PKCzeta as a shared mediator for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and
      d-flow, which cause pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic events in endothelial
      cells (ECs) in the atheroprone environment. Under such conditions, ONOO(-)
      formation is increased in a d-flow-mediated PKCzeta-dependent manner. Here, we
      propose a new signaling pathway involving d-flow-induced EC inflammation via
      PKCzeta-ERK5 interaction-mediated downregulation of KLF2/eNOS stability, which
      leads to PKCzeta-mediated p53-SUMOylation and EC apoptosis. In addition, we
      highlight several mechanisms contributing to endothelial dysfunction, focusing on
      the relations between flow patterns and activation of reactive oxygen species
      generating enzymes.

PMID- 22076427
TI  - Bronchoepithelial expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 does not facilitate
      transepithelial migration of neutrophils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neutrophilic airway inflammation is one of the key features of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The chemokine receptors 1 (CXCR1)
      and 2 (CXCR2) are expressed in the bronchial mucosa during chronic inflammation
      and might be of importance for transepithelial migration of neutrophils.
      OBJECTIVES: This study addressed the role of bronchoepithelial CXCR1 and CXCR2
      expression with respect to transepithelial migration of neutrophils. METHODS:
      Primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) derived from COPD patients and healthy
      controls as well as transiently CXCR1- and CXCR2-transfected Calu-6 cells were
      used for transepithelial migration assays of neutrophils under various
      conditions. Epithelial CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression was verified by means of flow
      cytometry. RESULTS: Transepithelial migration of neutrophils was significantly
      increased following lipopolysaccharide pretreatment of epithelial cells.
      Transient transfection of CXCR1 and CXCR2 neither augmented the transepithelial
      migration of neutrophils, nor did the selective blockade of CXCR1 and CXCR2 have
      any significant effect on neutrophilic transepithelial migration. In addition, no
      differences were found in PBECs and neutrophils derived from healthy controls and
      COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present study do not support the
      hypothesis that bronchoepithelial expression of CXCR1 and/or CXCR2 facilitate
      transepithelial migration of neutrophils.

PMID- 22076428
TI  - Extracellular fluid volume and glomerular filtration rate in 1878 healthy
      potential renal transplant donors: effects of age, gender, obesity and scaling.
AB  - Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age, gender,
      obesity and scaling on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and extracellular fluid
      volume (ECV) in healthy subjects. METHODS: This is a retrospective multi-centre
      study of 1878 healthy prospective kidney transplant donors (819 men) from 15
      centres. Age and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different between
      men and women. Slope-intercept GFR was measured (using Cr-51-EDTA in 14 centres;
      Tc-99m-DTPA in one) and scaled to body surface area (BSA) and lean body mass
      (LBM), both estimated from height and weight. GFR was also expressed as the slope
      rate constant, with one-compartment correction (GFR/ECV). ECV was measured as the
      ratio, GFR to GFR/ECV. RESULTS: ECV was age independent but GFR declined with
      age, at a significantly faster rate in women than men. GFR/BSA was higher in men
      but GFR/ECV and GFR/LBM were higher in women. Young women (<30 years) had higher
      GFR than young men but the reverse was recorded in the elderly (>65 years). There
      was no difference in GFR between obese (BMI>30 kg/m2) and non-obese men. Obese
      women, however, had lower GFR than non-obese women and negative correlations were
      observed between GFR and both BMI and %fat. The decline in GFR with age was no
      faster in obese versus non-obese subjects. ECV/BSA was higher in men but ECV/LBM
      was higher in women. ECV/weight was almost gender independent, suggesting that
      fat-free mass in women contains more extracellular water. BSA is therefore a
      misleading scaling variable. CONCLUSION: There are several significant
      differences in GFR and ECV between healthy men and women.

PMID- 22076429
TI  - What about the renal function during childhood of children born from dialysed
      mothers?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy during dialysis is a high-risk condition which is
      becoming more and more common. The renal outcome of children born from such
      pregnancies needs to be investigated since renal development may be affected
      (i.e. exposure to uraemic toxins, therapies, intermittent haemodynamic changes
      during sessions, prematurity, growth retardation). METHODS: We performed a single
      centre prospective global and renal evaluation (inulin clearance or 2009 Schwartz
      formula in children <4 years) in 10 children from 7 mothers who underwent
      haemodialysis during pregnancy. RESULTS: The median (range) age of mothers at the
      beginning of pregnancy was 30 (22-33) years, with maximal weekly haemodialysis
      duration of 18 (12-30) h. Systemic arterial hypertension was reported in 4 of 10
      pregnancies, polyhydramnios in 3 and oligohydramnios in 1. The median (range)
      gestational age was 32 (29-39) weeks of gestation (WG). Seven children were born
      before 36 WG. The median (range) birth weight (BW) was 1735 (930-3430)g, and
      eight children had a BW <2500 g. One child had a PAX2 mutation requiring early
      renal transplantation and was thus excluded from further analysis. Even though
      glomerular filtration rate and blood pressure were normal in all other children,
      a significant urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was found in three children and
      an increased urine beta-2-microglobulin concentration in an additional one,
      questioning the presence of an underlying silent reduction in nephron number.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of patients, this pilot study highlights
      the potential risk of renal impairment in children born from dialysed mothers.
      Further studies are required but until then, careful monitoring of these children
      is important.

PMID- 22076430
TI  - Amiloride off-target effect inhibits podocyte urokinase receptor expression and
      reduces proteinuria.
AB  - The urokinase receptor (uPAR) and its soluble form play a key role in the
      pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The modification of
      uPAR pathological actions on podocytes will become an important task for the
      development of improved nephroprotective therapeutics. Here we show that podocyte
      uPAR expression can be reduced using amiloride. Amiloride has a significant role
      in the reduction of podocyte cell motility in vitro and proteinuria in mice.
      Amiloride inhibited the induction of uPAR protein and PLAUR messenger RNA
      (encoding uPAR) and with that it reduced uPAR-mediated beta3 integrin activation
      in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated podocytes. Transwell migration assay and
      wound healing assay showed that directed and random podocyte motility of LPS
      treated podocytes were increased and substantially reduced by amiloride. The off
      target effect of amiloride was independent of its function as epithelial sodium
      channel blocker and different from triamterene. Amiloride was also effective in
      the LPS mouse model of transient proteinuria (LPS mice) and in the 5/6
      nephrectomy rat FSGS model (NTX) by significantly inhibiting podocyte uPAR
      induction, reducing proteinuria. In addition, amiloride attenuated
      glomerulosclerosis, as determined by glomerulosclerotic index. Thus, our
      observations show that amiloride inhibits podocyte uPAR induction and reduces
      proteinuria in NTX rats and LPS mice. Given the pathological relevance of the
      uPAR-beta3 integrin signaling axis in FSGS, amiloride may be utilized in patients
      with FSGS.

PMID- 22076431
TI  - Long-term follow-up after rituximab for steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with refractory steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
      (SSNS), treatment with rituximab has shown encouraging results; however, long
      term follow-up data are not available. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      analysis of 37 patients (25 boys) with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome who
      were treated with rituximab (375 mg/m(2) given weekly for one to four courses).
      Long-term follow-up data (>2 years, median 36, range 24-92.8 months) are
      available for 29 patients (12 boys). RESULTS: Twenty-six of 37 (70.3%) patients
      remained in remission after 12 months. Relapses occurred in 24 (64.8%) patients
      after a median of 9.6 (range 5.2-64.1) months. Time to first relapse was
      significantly shorter in patients receiving one or two compared to three or four
      initial infusions. In the 29 patients with long-term follow-up for >2 years, 12
      (41%) patients remained in remission after the initial rituximab course for >24
      months, 7 (24.1%) patients without further maintenance immunosuppression.
      Nineteen children received two to four repeated courses of rituximab increasing
      the total number of patients with long-term remission to 20 (69%), remission
      including 14 (48%) patients off immunosuppression. The proportion of patients
      with long-term remission was not related to the number of initial rituximab
      applications. No serious side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Rituximab is an
      effective treatment option in the short- and long-term control of treatment
      refractory SSNS. Further controlled studies are needed to address optimal patient
      selection, dose and safety of rituximab infusions.

PMID- 22076432
TI  - Kidney and liver transplantation in patients with autosomal recessive polycystic
      kidney disease: a multicentric study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In contrast to the improvement in our understanding of
      the pathogenesis and presentation of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney
      disease (ARPKD), data regarding the issue of kidney and liver transplantation in
      patients with ARPKD remain particularly scarce. Here, we report the results and
      outcome of renal and/or liver transplantation in a series of patients with ARPKD.
      METHODS: Fourteen ARPKD patients (age: 3-25 years) who underwent renal
      transplantation with or without liver transplantation were retrospectively
      identified in five French nephrology departments. The patients' medical charts
      were reviewed and relevant data were collected. RESULTS: The clinical and
      radiological presentation of the 14 patients was highly variable illustrating the
      heterogeneity of ARPKD. Six patients underwent kidney and/or liver
      transplantation in adulthood. First renal graft survival was 92, 78 and 14% at 1,
      5 and 10 years after renal transplantation, respectively. Mortality rate was
      relatively high (3/14; 21%) in these young patients and was directly related to
      infectious complications (recurrent angiocholitis) of severe Caroli's disease
      (dilatation of intra- and/or extra-hepatic bile ducts), a typical feature of
      ARPKD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that ARPKD patients evaluated for renal
      transplantation should be carefully screened for severe Caroli's disease. Even
      though the limited number of patients included in our study precludes any
      definite recommendation, pre-emptive liver transplantation may be a therapeutic
      option in ARPKD patients with severe Caroli's disease evaluated for renal
      transplantation.

PMID- 22076433
TI  - Inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway ameliorates renal fibrosis in an NPHP2 mouse
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nephronophthisis (NPHP), the most frequent genetic cause of end-stage
      kidney disease in children and young adults, is characterized by a variable
      number of renal cysts associated with cortical tubular atrophy and interstitial
      fibrosis. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is an important
      intracellular signaling pathway involved in the production of profibrotic
      mediators. The relationship between p38 MAPK and renal fibrosis in NPHP2 is
      unknown. METHODS: We administered a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, FR167653, in a
      NPHP2 mouse model (inv/inv, invDeltaC mice) from 3 to 6 weeks old, and the
      kidneys were examined at 6 weeks of age. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK)
      protein levels, the degree of renal fibrosis, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for
      extracellular matrix genes and mRNA levels for transforming growth factor in the
      kidneys were studied. Effect of an extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase
      (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor on renal fibrosis was also evaluated. RESULTS:
      Expression of extracellular matrix genes and p-p38 MAPK were increased in the
      NPHP2 mouse model kidney. FR167653 successfully decreased p-p38 MAPK levels, the
      degree of fibrosis and extracellular matrix gene expressions. However, the
      FR167653 did not prevent cyst expansion, abnormal cell proliferation and
      acceleration of apoptosis and did not influence ERK activation. In contrast, MEK
      inhibition reduced both cyst expansion and fibrosis without affecting p38 MAPK
      activation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that inhibition of p38 MAPK
      reduced renal fibrosis but not cyst expansion, cell proliferation and apoptosis
      in NPHP2 model mice. Our results suggest that p38 MAPK and ERK signaling pathways
      independently affect renal fibrosis in inv mutant mice.

PMID- 22076434
TI  - High-fat diet-induced renal cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in spontaneously
      hypertensive rat are ameliorated by fenofibrate through the PPARalpha-FoxO3a-PGC
      1alpha pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) is a
      lipid-sensing transcriptional factor that has a role in gluco-oxidative stress
      and lipotoxicity. Forkhead box O (FoxO)s and peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha are also known to regulate cell
      metabolism, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and oxidative stress during stressful
      conditions. We evaluated whether PPARalpha-FoxOs-PGC-1alpha signaling in overfed
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) has a protective role in the kidney.
      METHODS: Male SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) fed a high-fat diet (HFD) received
      treatment with fenofibrate, PPARalpha agonist or tempol, antioxidants for 12
      weeks and were evaluated about the PPARalpha-FoxOs-PGC-1alpha pathway. RESULTS:
      The SHRs with an HFD had an elevated systolic pressure, plasma insulin, free
      fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride (TGs) levels, and they had induced glucose
      intolerance as well as albuminuria, glomerular expansion and renal inflammation.
      An HFD caused the accumulation of intra-renal FFA and TGs and this was related to
      a decrease in the PPARalpha expression, the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase (PI3K)-Akt, phosphorylation of FoxO3a and decreases in the PGC-1alpha and
      estrogen-related receptor (ERR)-1alpha expressions, which suppressed the
      superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and Bcl-2 expressions and led to increases in
      oxidative stress and the number of apoptotic renal cells. Interestingly,
      administering fenofibrate or tempol to the HFD-induced SHRs reversed all of the
      renal phenotypes by increasing the PPARalpha expression with concomitant
      inactivation of the PI3K-Akt pathway, dephosphorylation of FoxO3a and activation
      of PGC-1alpha-ERR-1alpha signaling, and this all resulted in ameliorating the
      oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated
      that PPARalpha agonists or antioxidants are associated with improvement of the
      circulating FFA and TGs levels and this prevents HFD-induced renal lipotoxicity
      and hypertension by the activation of PPARalpha and its downstream signals of
      both FoxO3a and PGC-1alpha.

PMID- 22076435
TI  - Proteomic analysis reveals overexpression of moesin and cytokeratin 17 proteins
      in colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - The study of tumor biomarkers was gradually facilitated by the adoption of
      proteomic strategies due to less invasiveness and higher sensitivity. Colorectal
      cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide and its incidence
      has markedly increased in Korea. While the adoption of proteomic strategies
      facilitated the study of tumor biomarkers, to date, no common agreement has been
      derived from proteomic investigations regarding tumor markers of colorectal
      cancer. This study was designed to find molecules differentially expressed in
      colorectal cancer compared to non-tumor mucosa. Four colorectal adenocarcinoma
      and corresponding non-tumor tissue samples were analyzed to find previously
      unknown proteins via two-dimensional electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/MS
      spectrometry. Western blot assays and tissue microarray (TMA)
      immunohistochemistry were performed to validate the identified proteins. Among
      the twelve up-regulated and one down-regulated proteins identified, moesin,
      cytokeratin (KRT) 17 and carbonic anhydrase I were validated by western blot
      analysis and/or immunohistochemistry. On immunohistochemistry, both moesin and
      KRT17 demonstrated a tendency of increased expression as pT stage advanced. Both
      moesin and KRT17 were not expressed in normal colorectal epithelium. These two
      proteins may play a role in cancer invasion and/or metastasis in colorectal
      carcinoma, and could be candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22076436
TI  - CCL21 modulates the migration of NSCL cancer by changing the concentration of
      intracellular Ca2+.
AB  - Recurrence and metastasis are the major factors associated with the poor
      prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has been shown that multiple
      chemokines and their receptors are related to the progression and metastasis of
      NSCLC. The aim of this study was to conduct an investigation into whether CCL21
      and its receptor, CCR7, play a role in NSCLC invasion and metastasis. We used
      Western blotting, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to detect CCR7 protein
      expression in four NSCLC cell lines EKVX, HOP-62, NCI-H23 and Slu-01; and we
      conducted a cell migration experiment to observe the pseudopodia formation and
      mobility of the lung cancer cells. The concentration of intracellular calcium was
      measured by fluorescence microscopy. CCR7 protein was positively expressed in the
      four NSCLC cell lines EKVX, HOP-62, NCI-H23 and Slu-01. Following CCL21
      stimulation, obvious pseudopodia formation of lung cancer cells was observed. The
      cell migration experiment showed that following incubation with CCL21, the number
      of EKVX cells which passed through the polycarbonate micro-porous filter
      membranes also increased to an obvious extent. After CCL21 incubation, the
      intracellular Ca2+ level of the EKVX cells increased to an obvious extent.
      Chemokine CCL21 facilitates the migration of lung cancer by changing the
      concentration of intracellular Ca2+. The CCL21-CCR7 axis may play an important
      role in NSCLC invasion and metastasis. It may also be a potential target for
      NSCLC therapy or for prevention of the recurrence and metastasis of NSCLC.

PMID- 22076437
TI  - Methods to limit attrition in longitudinal comparative effectiveness trials:
      lessons from the Lithium Treatment - Moderate dose Use Study (LiTMUS) for bipolar
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High attrition rates, which occur frequently in longitudinal clinical
      trials of interventions for bipolar disorder, limit the interpretation of
      results. PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to present design approaches that
      limited attrition in the Lithium Treatment - Moderate dose Use Study (LiTMUS) for
      bipolar disorder. METHODS: LiTMUS was a 6-month randomized, longitudinal
      multisite comparative effectiveness trial that enrolled bipolar participants who
      were at least mildly ill. Participants were randomized to either low to moderate
      doses of lithium or no lithium; other treatments needed for mood stabilization
      were administered in a guideline-informed, empirically supported, and
      personalized fashion to participants in both treatment arms. RESULTS: Components
      of the study design that may have contributed to low attrition (16%) among 283
      participants randomized included the use of (1) an intent-to-treat design, (2) a
      randomized adjunctive single-blind design, (3) participant reimbursement, (4)
      assessment of intent to attend the next study visit (included a discussion of
      attendance obstacles when intention was low), (5) quality care with limited
      participant burden, and (6) target windows for study visits. LIMITATIONS: The
      relationships between attrition and effectiveness and tolerability of treatment
      have not been analyzed yet. CONCLUSIONS: These components of the LiTMUS design
      may have limited attrition and may inform the design of future randomized
      comparative effectiveness trials among similar patients and those from other
      difficult-to-follow populations.

PMID- 22076439
TI  - ErbB4 modulates tubular cell polarity and lumen diameter during kidney
      development.
AB  - ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to the development of the heart, the
      central nervous system, and the lactating mammary gland, but whether it has a
      role in the development of the kidney epithelium is unknown. Here, we found that
      expression of Erbb4 isoforms JM-a CYT-1 and JM-a CYT-2 was first detectable
      around embryonic day 13 in the mouse, mainly in the collecting ducts and both the
      proximal and distal tubules. In vitro, overexpression of a relevant ErbB4 isoform
      promoted proliferation and disturbed polarization of kidney epithelial cells when
      cultured as three-dimensional structures. We examined ErbB4 function in
      developing kidney tubules in vivo with Pax8-Cre-mediated conditional
      overexpression of Rosa26 locus-targeted ERBB4 and with conditional Erbb4 knock
      out mice. The Pax8-Cre-driven ERBB4 overexpression enhanced proliferation in the
      collecting ducts, reduced the size of epithelial duct lumens, and promoted
      formation of cortical tubular cysts. These defects were associated with changes
      in the subcellular distribution of markers of epithelial cell polarity.
      Similarly, the Pax8-Cre-mediated Erbb4 knock-out mice manifested dysfunctional
      kidneys with larger duct lumens and epithelial cell mispolarization. Taken
      together, these data suggest that ErbB4 signaling modulates proliferation and
      polarization, cellular functions critical for the development of epithelial ducts
      in the kidney.

PMID- 22076440
TI  - Selective neuroprotective effects of the S18Y polymorphic variant of UCH-L1 in
      the dopaminergic system.
AB  - Genetic studies have implicated the neuronal ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH)
      protein UCH-L1 in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Moreover, the function
      of UCH-L1 may be lost in the brains of PD and Alzheimer's disease patients. We
      have previously reported that the UCH-L1 polymorphic variant S18Y, potentially
      protective against PD in population studies, demonstrates specific antioxidant
      functions in cell culture. Albeit genetic, biochemical and neuropathological data
      support an association between UCH-L1, PD, synaptic degeneration and oxidative
      stress, the relationship between the dopaminergic system and UCH-L1 status
      remains obscure. In the current study, we have examined the dopaminergic system
      of mice lacking endogenous UCH-L1 protein (gracile axonal dystrophy mice). Our
      findings show that the lack of wild-type (WT) UCH-L1 does not influence to any
      significant degree the dopaminergic system at baseline or following injections of
      the neurotoxin methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore,
      using a novel intrastriatal adenoviral injection protocol, we have found that
      mouse nigral neurons retrogradely transduced with S18Y UCH-L1, but not the WT
      protein, are significantly protected against MPTP toxicity. Overall, these data
      provide evidence for an antioxidant and neuroprotective effect of the S18Y
      variant of UCH-L1, but not of the WT protein, in the dopaminergic system, and may
      have implications for the pathogenesis of PD or related neurodegenerative
      conditions, in which oxidative stress might play a role.

PMID- 22076441
TI  - A glial origin for periventricular nodular heterotopia caused by impaired
      expression of Filamin-A.
AB  - Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PH) is a human brain malformation caused by
      defective neuronal migration that results in ectopic neuronal nodules lining the
      lateral ventricles beneath a normal appearing cortex. Most affected patients have
      seizures and their cognitive level varies from normal to severely impaired.
      Mutations in the Filamin-A (or FLNA) gene are the main cause of PH, but the
      underlying pathological mechanism remains unknown. Although two FlnA knockout
      mouse strains have been generated, none of them showed the presence of ectopic
      nodules. To recapitulate the loss of FlnA function in the developing rat brain,
      we used an in utero RNA interference-mediated knockdown approach and successfully
      reproduced a PH phenotype in rats comparable with that observed in human
      patients. In FlnA-knockdown rats, we report that PH results from a disruption of
      the polarized radial glial scaffold in the ventricular zone altering progression
      of neural progenitors through the cell cycle and impairing migration of neurons
      into the cortical plate. Similar alterations of radial glia are observed in human
      PH brains of a 35-week fetus and a 3-month-old child, harboring distinct FLNA
      mutations not previously reported. Finally, juvenile FlnA-knockdown rats are
      highly susceptible to seizures, confirming the reliability of this novel animal
      model of PH. Our findings suggest that the disorganization of radial glia is the
      leading cause of PH pathogenesis associated with FLNA mutations. Rattus
      norvegicus FlnA mRNA (GenBank accession number FJ416060).

PMID- 22076443
TI  - Refinement of the associations between risk of colorectal cancer and
      polymorphisms on chromosomes 1q41 and 12q13.13.
AB  - In genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of colorectal cancer, we have
      identified two genomic regions in which pairs of tagging-single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (tagSNPs) are associated with disease; these comprise chromosomes
      1q41 (rs6691170, rs6687758) and 12q13.13 (rs7163702, rs11169552). We investigated
      these regions further, aiming to determine whether they contain more than one
      independent association signal and/or to identify the SNPs most strongly
      associated with disease. Genotyping of additional sample sets at the original
      tagSNPs showed that, for both regions, the two tagSNPs were unlikely to identify
      a single haplotype on which the functional variation lay. Conversely, one of the
      pair of SNPs did not fully capture the association signal in each region. We
      therefore undertook more detailed analyses, using imputation, logistic
      regression, genealogical analysis using the GENECLUSTER program and haplotype
      analysis. In the 1q41 region, the SNP rs11118883 emerged as a strong candidate
      based on all these analyses, sufficient to account for the signals at both
      rs6691170 and rs6687758. rs11118883 lies within a region with strong evidence of
      transcriptional regulatory activity and has been associated with expression of
      PDGFRB mRNA. For 12q13.13, a complex situation was found: SNP rs7972465 showed
      stronger association than either rs11169552 or rs7136702, and GENECLUSTER found
      no good evidence for a two-SNP model. However, logistic regression and haplotype
      analyses supported a two-SNP model, in which a signal at the SNP rs706793 was
      added to that at rs11169552. Post-GWAS fine-mapping studies are challenging, but
      the use of multiple tools can assist in identifying candidate functional variants
      in at least some cases.

PMID- 22076444
TI  - Brain activation during oral exercises used for dysphagia rehabilitation in
      healthy human subjects: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study.
AB  - Oral exercises, including tongue, lip, and jaw movements, are commonly used in
      clinical practice as training to improve oral and pharyngeal swallowing in
      dysphagia patients. These rehabilitation exercises are believed to affect the
      peripheral and central nervous system at various levels. However, few studies
      have examined healthy subjects' brain activity while performing oral exercises
      used in dysphagia rehabilitation. The current study sought to measure brain
      activation during oral exercises in healthy subjects using functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI). Lip-pursing and lip-stretching, tongue protrusion,
      lateral tongue movement, and oral ball-rolling were selected as tongue and lip
      exercise tasks. The tasks were performed by eight healthy subjects, and the fMRI
      data were submitted to conjunction analyses. The results confirmed that head
      movements during all tasks exhibited translation of <1.0 mm and rotation of <1.0
      degrees  in x, y, and z coordinates. We found several clear regions of increased
      brain activity during all four oral exercises. Commonly activated regions during
      tongue and lip exercises included the precentral gyrus and cerebellum. Brain
      activation during ball-rolling was more extensive and stronger compared to the
      other three oral exercises.

PMID- 22076445
TI  - Cell phone use among homeless youth: potential for new health interventions and
      research.
AB  - Cell phone use has become nearly ubiquitous among adolescents in the United
      States. Despite the potential for cell phones to facilitate intervention,
      research, and care for homeless youth, no data exists to date on cell phone use
      among this population. In 2009, a survey of cell phone use was conducted among a
      non-probability sample of 169 homeless youth in Los Angeles, CA. Levels of
      ownership and use, instrumental uses (connecting to case workers, employers) and
      patterns of connecting to various network types were assessed (family, home-based
      peers, street-based peers). Differences in socio-demographic characteristics and
      cell phone ownership were assessed via t test and chi-square statistics. Sixty
      two percent of homeless youth own a cell phone; 40% have a working phone.
      Seventeen percent used their phone to call a case manager, 36% to call either a
      potential or current employer. Fifty-one percent of youth connected with home
      based peers on the phone and 41% connected to parents. Cell phones present new
      opportunities for intervention research, connecting homeless youth to family and
      home-based peers who can be sources of social support in times of need. Moreover,
      cell phones provide researchers and providers with new avenues to maintain
      connections with these highly transient youth.

PMID- 22076442
TI  - A GWAS follow-up study reveals the association of the IL12RB2 gene with systemic
      sclerosis in Caucasian populations.
AB  - A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the IL12RB2 locus showed a suggestive
      association signal in a previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS)
      in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Aiming to reveal the possible implication of the
      IL12RB2 gene in SSc, we conducted a follow-up study of this locus in different
      Caucasian cohorts. We analyzed 10 GWAS-genotyped SNPs in the IL12RB2 region (2309
      SSc patients and 5161 controls). We then selected three SNPs (rs3790567,
      rs3790566 and rs924080) based on their significance level in the GWAS, for follow
      up in an independent European cohort comprising 3344 SSc and 3848 controls. The
      most-associated SNP (rs3790567) was further tested in an independent cohort
      comprising 597 SSc patients and 1139 controls from the USA. After conditional
      logistic regression analysis of the GWAS data, we selected rs3790567 [P(MH)= 1.92
      * 10(-5) odds ratio (OR) = 1.19] as the genetic variant with the firmest
      independent association observed in the analyzed GWAS peak of association. After
      the first follow-up phase, only the association of rs3790567 was consistent
      (P(MH)= 4.84 * 10(-3) OR = 1.12). The second follow-up phase confirmed this
      finding (P(chi2) = 2.82 * 10(-4) OR = 1.34). After performing overall pooled
      analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study, the association found
      for the rs3790567 SNP in the IL12RB2 gene region reached GWAS-level significant
      association (P(MH)= 2.82 * 10(-9) OR = 1.17). Our data clearly support the
      IL12RB2 genetic association with SSc, and suggest a relevant role of the
      interleukin 12 signaling pathway in SSc pathogenesis.

PMID- 22076446
TI  - Identification of a methylation hotspot in the death receptor Fas/CD95 in bladder
      cancer.
AB  - We characterized Fas immunoreactivity, functionality and its role in the response
      to mitomycin-C (MMC) chemotherapy in vitro in cell lines and in vivo in bladder
      washings from 23 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB) patients,
      harvested prior to and during MMC intravesical treatment. Having established the
      importance of functional Fas, we investigated the methylation and exon 9 mutation
      as mechanisms of Fas silencing in TCCB. For the first time, we report p53 up
      regulation in 9/14 and Fas up-regulation in 7/9 TCCB patients during intravesical
      MMC treatment. Fas immunoreactivity was strong in the TCCB cell line T24 and in
      17/20 (85%) tumor samples from patients with advanced TCCB. T24 and HT1376 cells
      were resistant to MMC and recombinant Fas ligand, whilst RT4 cells were
      responsive to Fas ligand and MMC. Using RT4 cells as a model, siRNA targeting p53
      significantly reduced MMC-induced p53 and Fas up-regulation and stable DN-FADD
      transfection decreased MMC-induced apoptosis, suggesting that functional Fas
      enhances chemotherapy responses in a p53-dependent manner. In HT1376 cells, 5-aza
      2-deoxycytidine (12 uM) induced Fas immunoreactivity and reversed methylation at
      CpG site -548 within the Fas promoter. This site was methylated in 13/24 (54%)
      TCCB patient samples assessed using Methylation-Specific Polymerase Chain
      Reaction. There was no methylation at either the p53 enhancer region within the
      first intron or at the SP-1 binding region in the promoter and no mutation within
      exon 9 in tumor DNA extracted from 38 patients. Methylation at CpG site -548 is a
      potential target for demethylating drugs.

PMID- 22076447
TI  - The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic assessment of the hypotensive effect after
      coadministration of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide in spontaneously
      hypertensive rats.
AB  - The interactive hypotensive effect of the combination treatment of losartan (LOS)
      and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was assessed using a pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Intravenous
      coadministration of these drugs showed a prolonged and enhanced time-course of
      the hypotensive effect. A population PK analysis revealed the delayed elimination
      of LOS after coadministration. The time-course of the plasma renin activity (PRA)
      was measured, and showed a more continuative time profile after coadministration
      compared with the administration of LOS alone. An indirect response model was
      applied to describe the relationship between the PK of LOS and the PRA profile,
      and the E(max) value for the increase of the PRA by LOS was increased with the
      dose of HCTZ. Blood pressure was linked to the PRA through an effect compartment.
      The model successfully described the relationship between the doses of LOS and
      HCTZ and their interactive hypotensive effect. These results indicate that the
      interaction for blood pressure in the combination treatment of LOS and HCTZ can
      be estimated using the doses of the drugs and the PRA-mediated PK-PD model.

PMID- 22076448
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons activate CYP3A4 gene transcription through human
      pregnane X receptor.
AB  - Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activators have been shown to induce members of
      the cytochrome P450 (P450) 1 family. Here we demonstrate that the AhR activators
      induce CYP3A4 through human pregnane X receptor (PXR). AhR activators, polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)
      increased CYP3A4 reporter activity and CYP3A4 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells. The
      CYP3A4 reporter activity was also increased by treatment with cigarette tar. The
      increased CYP3A4 reporter activity was clearly knocked down by the introduction
      of human PXR-small interfering RNA, but not by that of human AhR-small
      interfering RNA. The CYP3A4 reporter activity enhanced by overexpression of human
      PXR was further increased by treatment with PAHs and TCDD as well as by treatment
      with rifampicin. These results suggest that PAHs contained in cigarette smoke
      induce CYP3A4 in human liver.

PMID- 22076449
TI  - Relation between bevacizumab dose intensity and high-grade glioma survival: a
      retrospective study in two large cohorts.
AB  - Bevacizumab is one of the rare drugs that could improve high-grade glioma outcome
      after failure of chemoradiotherapy. However, to date, there is no biomarker
      predictive for efficacy of bevacizumab therapy in terms of survival improvement
      for patients with high-grade glioma. We performed a retrospective analysis of
      clinical factors associated with patient survival using a training cohort of 110
      consecutive patients treated with bevacizumab for recurrent high-grade glioma and
      an independent validation cohort of 109 patients. In the training cohort, 110
      consecutive patients received bevacizumab-based therapy. The number of
      chemotherapy cycles delivered was 1,411. Median follow-up was 12 months. Thirty
      four patients (31%) had objective partial response and 24% had stable disease on
      magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and
      overall survival (OS) were 4.3 and 9.2 months, respectively. On univariate
      analysis, among classical prognosis factors, only Karnofsky status >=70% was
      associated with improved outcome. Surprisingly, patients with low bevacizumab
      dose intensity (<5 mg/kg/week) had better PFS (12 vs. 2 months, P < 0.0001) and
      OS (16 vs. 6 months, P = 0.0002). On multivariate analysis, low bevacizumab dose
      intensity was the most significant independent prognostic factor of survival.
      Analysis of the validation cohort yielded similar results, externally validating
      this observation. This large retrospective study using two independent cohorts of
      high-grade glioma suggests that the currently recommended dosage of bevacizumab
      (5 mg/kg/week) is not optimal. Further prospective randomized trials using lower
      dosages are warranted.

PMID- 22076450
TI  - Sporadic CNS hemangioblastomatosis, response to sunitinib and secondary
      polycythemia.

PMID- 22076451
TI  - Managing burn emergencies.
AB  - Nursing interventions in the first crucial hours after a burn injury can improve
      the patient's chances of survival and a good recovery. This article describes how
      to rapidly assess and intervene, in the field and in the hospital.

PMID- 22076454
TI  - The etiology of thrombocytopenia.
AB  - Hemostasis depends on an adequate number of well-functioning platelets in the
      circulating blood; decreasing platelet levels raise the risk for bleeding.
      Thrombocytopenia is a laboratory finding, not a diagnosis, and once identified, a
      detailed history, physical examination, and further laboratory tests are used to
      establish an etiology. This article reviews the assessment, diagnosis, and
      treatment of thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22076455
TI  - Caring for the woman with migraine headaches.
AB  - About 16% of American women experience migraine headaches. These debilitating
      headaches cause lost time from family, social activities, and work. Although
      migraines are thought to be a result of shifting menstrual and perimenopausal
      hormones, a physiologic connection has not been well established. This article
      approaches premenstrual and perimenopausal migraine headaches from a chronic
      disease perspective, focusing on self-care and the use of prescription and
      nonprescription therapies. Implications for practice and future research also are
      discussed.

PMID- 22076456
TI  - Ground zero: building a cardiac surgery program.
AB  - More and more community hospitals are opening cardiovascular surgery programs to
      provide a broader spectrum of services closer to home. This article leads the
      reader through one hospital's experience in opening a new heart center and
      highlights the philosophy, triaging of issues, and staff preparation needed to
      achieve successful patient outcomes. Our case study can serve as a guide for
      other hospitals as they take on the challenge of opening new programs.

PMID- 22076457
TI  - How a work group facilitator can help units reach goals.
AB  - Nurse managers have many demands on their time, and many unit and organizational
      goals to meet. This article describes skills for facilitating work groups and
      reaching goals by focusing others' talents.

PMID- 22076459
TI  - Critical care nursing orientation in the rural community hospital.
AB  - Hospitals of all sizes should provide an orientation for their newly hired
      critical care nurses-but when the hospital is a rural community facility,
      resources for such programs may be in especially short supply. In this article,
      we describe how our hospital overcame staffing and funding shortages to create a
      successful, collaborative orientation program for its critical care nurses.

PMID- 22076460
TI  - Bed rest after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: how much is
      enough?
AB  - This literature review explores current research on the amount of bed rest
      necessary after PTCA. Because of the wide variation in postprocedure bed rest
      requirements, more research is needed in this area to help advanced practice
      nurses better care for post-PTCA patients by adapting nursing protocols to
      reflect evidence-based practice.

PMID- 22076461
TI  - Education: the key to retention.

PMID- 22076462
TI  - Neural control of olfaction and tentacle movements by serotonin and dopamine in
      terrestrial snail.
AB  - We investigated the role of serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) in the regulation
      of olfactory system function and odor-evoked tentacle movements in the snail
      Helix. Preparations of the posterior tentacle (including sensory pad, tentacular
      ganglion and olfactory nerve) or central ganglia with attached posterior
      tentacles were exposed to cineole odorant and the evoked responses were affected
      by prior application of 5HT or DA or their precursors 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP)
      and L: -DOPA, respectively. 5HT applications decreased cineole-evoked responses
      recorded in the olfactory nerve and hyperpolarized the identified tentacle
      retractor muscle motoneuron MtC3, while DA applications led to the opposite
      changes. 5HTP and L: -DOPA modified MtC3 activity comparable to 5HT and DA
      action. DA was also found to decrease the amplitude of spontaneous local field
      potential oscillations in the procerebrum, a central olfactory structure. In vivo
      studies demonstrated that injection of 5HTP in freely moving snails reduced the
      tentacle withdrawal response to aversive ethyl acetate odorant, whereas the
      injection of L: -DOPA increased responses to "neutral" cineole and aversive ethyl
      acetate odorants. Our data suggest that 5HT and DA affect the peripheral (sensory
      epithelium and tentacular ganglion), the central (procerebrum), and the single
      motor neuron (withdrawal motoneuron MtC3) level of the snail's nervous system.

PMID- 22076463
TI  - Venous thromboembolism in patients with essential thrombocythemia and
      polycythemia vera.
AB  - Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are myeloproliferative
      neoplasms (MPNs), which generally follow a benign and indolent clinical course.
      However, venous thromboses are common and constitute the main cause of morbidity
      and mortality. The discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation and other biomarkers has
      advanced our understanding of these diseases. There is a strong association
      between the presence of the JAK2V617F mutation and the development of thrombosis
      in ET. If venous thrombosis presents with unusual manifestations, the diagnosis
      of a MPN, such as PV or ET, should be part of the differentials. Treatment of
      venous thrombosis in MPN follows the same principle as in other patients with
      venous thrombosis, but careful attention to primary and secondary prophylaxis in
      addition to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia should be given. Cytoreductive
      therapy is indicated in high-risk subgroups of PV and ET patients, and
      alternative therapeutic agents have different effects on risk of venous
      thrombosis. New therapeutic approaches are emerging, and JAK2 inhibitors, histone
      deacetylase inhibitors and next-generation anticoagulants are in various stages
      of clinical development for the treatment of MPN, but their exact role in
      thrombosis prevention and treatment remains unclear.

PMID- 22076464
TI  - Identification of germline susceptibility loci in ETV6-RUNX1-rearranged childhood
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease of the white blood
      cells. The etiology of ALL is believed to be multifactorial and likely to involve
      an interplay of environmental and genetic variables. We performed a genome-wide
      association study of 355 750 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 474
      controls and 419 childhood ALL cases characterized by a t(12;21)(p13;q22) - the
      most common chromosomal translocation observed in childhood ALL - which leads to
      an ETV6-RUNX1 gene fusion. The eight most strongly associated SNPs were followed
      up in 951 ETV6-RUNX1-positive cases and 3061 controls from Germany/Austria and
      Italy, respectively. We identified a novel, genome-wide significant risk locus at
      3q28 (TP63, rs17505102, P(CMH)=8.94 * 10(-9), OR=0.65). The separate analysis of
      the combined German/Austrian sample only, revealed additional genome-wide
      significant associations at 11q11 (OR8U8, rs1945213, P=9.14 * 10(-11), OR=0.69)
      and 8p21.3 (near INTS10, rs920590, P=6.12 * 10(-9), OR=1.36). These associations
      and another association at 11p11.2 (PTPRJ, rs3942852, P=4.95 * 10(-7), OR=0.72)
      remained significant in the German/Austrian replication panel after correction
      for multiple testing. Our findings demonstrate that germline genetic variation
      can specifically contribute to the risk of ETV6-RUNX1-positive childhood ALL. The
      identification of TP63 and PTPRJ as susceptibility genes emphasize the role of
      the TP53 gene family and the importance of proteins regulating cellular processes
      in connection with tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22076465
TI  - Glycolysis inhibition targets Mcl-1 to restore sensitivity of lymphoma cells to
      ABT-737-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22076466
TI  - Nilotinib in patients with Ph+ chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated phase
      following imatinib resistance or intolerance: 24-month follow-up results.
AB  - Nilotinib (Tasigna) is a potent and selective BCR-ABL inhibitor approved for use
      in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase
      (CML-CP) and in patients with CML-CP and accelerated phase (CML-AP) who are
      resistant to or intolerant of imatinib. Patients with CML-AP (N = 137) with at
      least 24 months of follow-up or who discontinued early were evaluated to
      determine the efficacy and tolerability of nilotinib. The majority (55%) of
      patients achieved a confirmed hematologic response, and 31% attained a confirmed
      complete hematologic response on nilotinib treatment. Overall, 32% of patients
      achieved major cytogenetic responses (MCyR), with most being complete cytogenetic
      responses. Responses were durable, with 66% of patients maintaining MCyR at 24
      months. The estimated overall and progression-free survival rates at 24 months
      were 70% and 33%, respectively. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were
      each observed in 42% of patients. Non-hematologic adverse events were mostly mild
      to moderate; the safety profile of nilotinib has not changed with longer follow
      up. In all, 20 (15%) patients remained on study at data cutoff. In summary,
      nilotinib has a manageable safety profile, and can provide favorable long-term
      outcomes in the pretreated CML-AP patient population for whom treatment options
      are limited.

PMID- 22076467
TI  - Human skeletal muscle stem cell antiinflammatory activity ameliorates clinical
      outcome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is considered one of the most promising
      approaches for treating different neurodegenerative disorders, including
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously characterized a subpopulation
      of human skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (SkmSCs) with MSC-like
      characteristics that differentiate into the neurogenic lineage in vitro. In the
      present study, we evaluated the SkmSC therapeutic effects in the most
      characterized model of spontaneous motor neuron degeneration, the Wobbler (Wr)
      mouse. Before evaluating the therapeutic efficacy in the Wr mouse, we followed
      the route of Skm-SCs at different times after intracerebroventricular injection.
      Two exogenous tracers, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and
      Hoechst 33258, were used for the in vivo and ex vivo tracking of SkmSCs. We found
      that the loading of both Hoechst and SPIO was not toxic and efficiently labeled
      SkmSCs. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system 7 Tesla allowed us to
      localize transplanted SkmSCs along the whole ventricular system up to 18 wks
      after injection. The ex vivo Hoechst 33258 visualization confirmed the in vivo
      results obtained by MRI analyses. Behavioral observations revealed a fast and
      sustained improvement of motor efficacy in SkmSC-treated Wr mice associated with
      a relevant protection of functional neuromuscular junctions. Moreover, we found
      that in SkmSC-treated Wr mice, a significant increase of important human
      antiinflammatory cytokines occurred. This evidence is in accordance with previous
      findings showing the bystander effect of stem cell transplantation in
      neurodegenerative disorders and further strengthens the hypothesis of the
      possible link between inflammation, cytotoxicity and ALS.

PMID- 22076468
TI  - High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1)-partner molecule complexes enhance
      cytokine production by signaling through the partner molecule receptor.
AB  - The nuclear protein high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) promotes
      inflammation upon extracellular release. HMGB1 induces proinflammatory cytokine
      production in macrophages via Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling in a redox
      dependent fashion. Independent of its redox state and endogenous cytokine
      inducing ability, HMGB1 can form highly immunostimulatory complexes by
      interaction with certain proinflammatory mediators. Such complexes have the
      ability to enhance the induced immune response up to 100-fold, compared with
      induction by the ligand alone. To clarify the mechanisms for these strong
      synergistic effects, we studied receptor requirements. Interleukin (IL)-6
      production was assessed in supernatants from cultured peritoneal macrophages from
      mice each deficient in one of the HMGB1 receptors (receptor for advanced
      glycation end products [RAGE], TLR2 or TLR4) or from wild-type controls. The
      cultures were stimulated with the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccaride (LPS), the TLR2
      ligand Pam3CysSerLys4 (Pam3CSK4), noninflammatory HMGB1 or each TLR ligand in
      complex with noninflammatory HMGB1. The activity of the HMGB1-TLR ligand
      complexes relied on engagement of the same receptor as for the noncomplexed TLR
      ligand, since HMGB1-LPS complexes used TLR4 and HMGB1-Pam3CSK4 complexes used
      TLR2. Deletion of any of the intracellular adaptor molecules used by TLR2
      (myeloid differentiation factor-88 [MyD88], TIR domain-containing adaptor protein
      [TIRAP]) or TLR4 (MyD88, TIRAP, TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon
      beta [TRIF], TRIF-related adaptor molecule [TRAM]) had similar effects on HMGB1
      complex activation compared with noncomplexed LPS or Pam3CSK4. This result
      implies that the enhancing effects of HMGB1-partner molecule complexes are not
      regulated by the induction of additional signaling cascades. Elucidating HMGB1
      receptor usage in processes where HMGB1 acts alone or in complex with other
      molecules is essential for the understanding of basic HMGB1 biology and for
      designing HMGB1-targeted therapies.

PMID- 22076469
TI  - Postnatal rosiglitazone administration to neonatal rat pups does not alter the
      young adult metabolic phenotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rosiglitazone (RGZ), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      gamma (PPARgamma) agonist, significantly enhances lung maturation without
      affecting blood biochemical and metabolic profiles in the newborn period.
      However, whether this exposure to RGZ in neonatal life alters the adult metabolic
      phenotype is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of early postnatal
      administration of RGZ on the young adult metabolic phenotype. METHODS: Newborn
      rat pups were administered either saline or RGZ for the first 7 days of life. At
      11-14 weeks, glucose and insulin tolerance tests and deuterium labeling were
      performed. Blood and tissues were analyzed for various metabolic parameters.
      RESULTS: Overall, there was no effect of early postnatal RGZ administration on
      young adult body weight, glucose and insulin tolerance, plasma cholesterol and
      triglyceride profiles, insulin, glucagon, cardiac troponin, fatty acid synthesis,
      or tissue adipogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with RGZ in early
      neonatal life does not alter later developmental metabolic programming or lead to
      an altered metabolic phenotype in the young adult, further re-enforcing the
      safety of PPARgamma agonists as a novel lung-protective strategy.

PMID- 22076470
TI  - Improving molecular docking through eHiTS' tunable scoring function.
AB  - We present three complementary approaches for score-tuning that improve docking
      performance in pose prediction, virtual screening and binding affinity
      assessment. The methodology utilizes experimental data to customize the scoring
      function for the system of interest considering the specific docking scenario.
      The tuning approach, which has been implemented as an automated utility in eHiTS,
      is introduced as a solution to one of the conundrums of the molecular docking
      paradigm, namely, the lack of a universally well performing scoring function. The
      accuracy of scoring functions has been shown to be generally system-dependent,
      and particularly lacking for binding energy and bio-activity predictions. In the
      proposed approach, pose and energy predictions are enhanced by adjusting the
      relative weights of the eHiTS energy terms to improve score-RMSD or score
      affinity correlations. In a virtual screening context ligand-based similarity is
      used to rescale the docking score such that better enrichment factors are
      achieved. We discuss the algorithmic details of the methods, and demonstrate the
      effects of score tuning on a variety of targets, including CDK2, BACE1 and
      neuraminidase, as well as on the popular benchmarks--the Directory of Useful
      Decoys and the PDBBind database.

PMID- 22076471
TI  - Molecular dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis KasA: implications for inhibitor
      and substrate binding and consequences for drug design.
AB  - Inhibition of the production of fatty acids as essential components of the
      mycobacterial cell wall has been an established way of fighting tuberculosis for
      decades. However, increasing resistances and an outdated medical treatment call
      for the validation of new targets involved in this crucial pathway. In this
      regard, the beta-ketoacyl ACP synthase KasA is a promising enzyme. In this study,
      three molecular dynamics simulations based on the wildtype crystal structures of
      inhibitor bound and unbound KasA were performed in order to investigate the
      flexibility and conformational space of this target. We present an exhaustive
      analysis of the binding-site flexibility and representative pocket conformations
      that may serve as new starting points for structure-based drug design. We also
      revealed a mechanism which may account for the comparatively low binding affinity
      of thiolactomycin. Furthermore, we examined the behavior of water molecules
      within the binding pocket and provide recommendations how to handle them in the
      drug design process. Finally, we analyzed the dynamics of a channel that
      accommodates the long-chain fatty acid substrates and, thereby, propose a
      mechanism of substrate access to this channel and how products are most likely
      released.

PMID- 22076472
TI  - Robotic extravesical anti-reflux operations in complex cases: technical
      considerations and preliminary results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate technical aspects and outcome of robotic laparoscopic
      extravesical anti-reflux surgery in the treatment of high-grade vesicoureteral
      reflux (VUR) with associated complicating conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Retrospective database and chart reviews were performed to identify a subgroup of
      patients with high-grade VUR who underwent robot-assisted anti-reflux surgery
      using the extravesical Lich-Gregoir repair and who additionally had
      preoperatively known complicating factors. Five such patients were operated on
      from 2005 to 2009. All had bilateral VUR, bladder dysfunction, breakthrough
      infections, renal scarring or at least one of the following complicating factors:
      posterior urethral valve bladders, duplex systems or para-ostial diverticula.
      Outcome and surgical aspects were assessed. RESULTS: At follow-up 9 of 10 ureters
      were free of reflux and diverticulae had disappeared completely. No lasting
      urinary retentions occurred but two boys needed reinsertion of a catheter for 24
      h after surgery. No further complications were noted. There were no signs of
      obstruction, infections did not persist and there was no negative effect on
      bladder function. Dissection of para-ostial diverticula seemed the only
      additional technical challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted extravesical anti
      reflux surgery seems a promising technique in the operative management of this
      unfavorable subset of patients. Reflux cure rate is higher than expected using
      injection therapy and at the same time morbidity seems lower than with open
      surgery. Further experience is needed to confirm these first impressions.

PMID- 22076473
TI  - PI-PLCbeta1 gene copy number alterations in breast cancer.
AB  - Deregulation of signal transduction pathways frequently confers selective
      biological advantages to tumors. Phosphoinositides play an essential role in
      numerous cellular functions and, among the enzymes implicated in these processes,
      phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta1 (PI-PLCbeta1) is one of the key
      regulators. In the present study, a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
      approach was used to investigate PI-PLCbeta1 gene copy number alterations in
      various types of breast cancer differing in their invasiveness and proliferative
      activity, according to their mitotic index. At the molecular level, we also
      performed both real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses on PI-PLCbeta1 to
      further investigate its expression in primary breast cancers. Finally, we
      analyzed the correlation between PI-PLCbeta1 gene copy number and
      clinicopathological parameters. Our results show that most of our cases had
      aneusomies on the PI-PLCbeta1 locus (20p12) and amplification of this specific
      region was the most frequent alteration observed. Our findings also indicate that
      the amplification of the region containing the PI-PLCbeta1 gene was mostly
      related to the mitotic index, rather than to the invasion status. Finally, even
      though our case series is limited, PI-PLCbeta1 gene amplification seems to be
      correlated to clinicopathological parameters.

PMID- 22076474
TI  - Role of p21 as a determinant of 1,6-Bis[4-(4-amino-3-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]
      diamantane response in human HCT-116 colon carcinoma cells.
AB  - 1,6-Bis[4-(4-amino-3-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]diamantane (DPD) induces growth
      inhibition in human cancer cells. In our previous study, we discovered that DPD
      irreversibly inhibits the growth of Colo 205 colon cancer cells at the G0/G1
      phase and induces cell differentiation. However, the detailed mechanism is still
      unknown. In this study, we examined the functional importance of p21 and p53 in
      DPD-induced anticancer effects. We used three isogenic cell lines, HCT-116, HCT
      116 p53-/- and HCT-116 p21-/-, to evaluate the roles of p21 and p53 in the in
      vitro anticancer effects of DPD. The in vivo anti-proliferative effect of DPD was
      demonstrated by HCT-116 and HCT-116 p21-/- xenograft models. DPD significantly
      inhibited the growth as well as increased the number of HCT-116 cells in the
      G0/G1 phase, but not in HCT-116 p53-/- and HCT-116 p21-/- cells examined by flow
      cytometry. Additionally, western blot analysis showed that DPD treatment induced
      p21, but not p53 protein expression in HCT-116 cells. The p21-associated cell
      cycle regulated proteins, such as cyclin D, CDK4 and pRb were decreased after DPD
      treatment in HCT-116 cells. The DPD-increased G0/G1 phase and induced cell cycle
      regulated protein expression were not observed in HCT-116 p21-/- and HCT-116 p53
      /- cells. DPD decreased cell migration in HCT-116 and HCT-116 p53-/- but not in
      HCT-116 p21-/- cells. p21 was required for the DPD-induced in vitro anti-colon
      cancer effect. The in vivo study also showed that DPD significantly inhibited
      tumor growth through p21 signaling. Our results clearly demonstrate that DPD
      induced in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects through the activation of p21 in
      HCT-116 cells.

PMID- 22076475
TI  - An electrochemical gas sensor based on paper supported room temperature ionic
      liquids.
AB  - A sensitive and fast-responding membrane-free amperometric gas sensor is
      described, consisting of a small filter paper foil soaked with a room temperature
      ionic liquid (RTIL), upon which three electrodes are screen printed with carbon
      ink, using a suitable mask. It takes advantage of the high electrical
      conductivity and negligible vapour pressure of RTILs as well as their easy
      immobilization into a porous and inexpensive supporting material such as paper.
      Moreover, thanks to a careful control of the preparation procedure, a very close
      contact between the RTIL and electrode material can be achieved so as to allow
      gaseous analytes to undergo charge transfer just as soon as they reach the three
      phase sites where the electrode material, paper supported RTIL and gas phase
      meet. Thus, the adverse effect on recorded currents of slow steps such as analyte
      diffusion and dissolution in a solvent is avoided. To evaluate the performance of
      this device, it was used as a wall-jet amperometric detector for flow injection
      analysis of 1-butanethiol vapours, adopted as the model gaseous analyte, present
      in headspace samples in equilibrium with aqueous solutions at controlled
      concentrations. With this purpose, the RTIL soaked paper electrochemical detector
      (RTIL-PED) was assembled by using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide as the wicking RTIL and printing the working
      electrode with carbon ink doped with cobalt(II) phthalocyanine, to profit from
      its ability to electrocatalyze thiol oxidation. The results obtained were quite
      satisfactory (detection limit: 0.5 MUM; dynamic range: 2-200 MUM, both referring
      to solution concentrations; correlation coefficient: 0.998; repeatability: +/-7%
      RSD; long-term stability: 9%), thus suggesting the possible use of this device
      for manifold applications.

PMID- 22076477
TI  - Risk prediction models of breast cancer: a systematic review of model
      performances.
AB  - The number of risk prediction models has been increasingly developed, for
      estimating about breast cancer in individual women. However, those model
      performances are questionable. We therefore have conducted a study with the aim
      to systematically review previous risk prediction models. The results from this
      review help to identify the most reliable model and indicate the strengths and
      weaknesses of each model for guiding future model development. We searched
      MEDLINE (PubMed) from 1949 and EMBASE (Ovid) from 1974 until October 2010.
      Observational studies which constructed models using regression methods were
      selected. Information about model development and performance were extracted.
      Twenty-five out of 453 studies were eligible. Of these, 18 developed prediction
      models and 7 validated existing prediction models. Up to 13 variables were
      included in the models and sample sizes for each study ranged from 550 to
      2,404,636. Internal validation was performed in four models, while five models
      had external validation. Gail and Rosner and Colditz models were the significant
      models which were subsequently modified by other scholars. Calibration
      performance of most models was fair to good (expected/observe ratio: 0.87-1.12),
      but discriminatory accuracy was poor to fair both in internal validation
      (concordance statistics: 0.53-0.66) and in external validation (concordance
      statistics: 0.56-0.63). Most models yielded relatively poor discrimination in
      both internal and external validation. This poor discriminatory accuracy of
      existing models might be because of a lack of knowledge about risk factors,
      heterogeneous subtypes of breast cancer, and different distributions of risk
      factors across populations. In addition the concordance statistic itself is
      insensitive to measure the improvement of discrimination. Therefore, the new
      method such as net reclassification index should be considered to evaluate the
      improvement of the performance of a new develop model.

PMID- 22076476
TI  - The CIRAS study: a case control study to define the clinical, immunologic, and
      radiographic features of aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms.
AB  - Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed for post-menopausal hormone
      receptor-positive breast cancer; however, musculoskeletal symptoms limit their
      tolerability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether joint pain in
      women receiving AIs is associated with inflammatory arthritis as measured by the
      disease activity score-28 (DAS-28), and to evaluate association with
      tenosynovitis on ultrasound. A total of 48 postmenopausal women with stage I-III
      breast cancer and hand pain were recruited from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer
      Center. Those receiving AIs were cases (n = 25), and those not receiving AIs were
      controls (n = 23). During a single study visit, subjects underwent blinded
      rheumatologic evaluation, DAS-28, health assessment questionnaires,
      autoantibodies, inflammatory markers, hand X-ray, and hand Duplex ultrasound.
      There were no significant differences between cases and controls in DAS-28, or
      inflammatory markers. A positive ANA (titer > 1:160) was found in ten patients,
      four of whom met criteria for autoimmune disease (two with rheumatoid arthritis
      and two with Sjogren's syndrome, equally distributed among cases and controls).
      This highlights the importance of considering underlying autoimmune disease in
      subjects with musculoskeletal complaints. Morning stiffness was more prolonged in
      women receiving AIs, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07).
      Ultrasound evidence of flexor tenosynovitis was common in both groups. Although
      tenosynovitis was not correlated with AI use (P = 0.26), there was a trend toward
      an association between tenosynovitis and morning stiffness (P = 0.089). While
      aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) were more common in
      subjects receiving AIs, they were not unique to AI users. There was no
      association between presence of AIMSS features and other chemotherapy or
      medication exposures. Although the majority of subjects had been using AIs for
      more than 6 months, this study did not find evidence for inflammatory arthritis
      in women with hand pain receiving AIs. Further studies are needed to develop a
      case definition of AIMSS, and to confirm whether these symptoms are attributable
      to AI use.

PMID- 22076479
TI  - Correlation of white female breast cancer incidence trends with nitrogen dioxide
      emission levels and motor vehicle density patterns.
AB  - The long-term trend of female breast cancer incidence rates in the United States
      and some European countries demonstrates a similar pattern: an increasing trend
      in the last century followed by a declining trend in this century. The well-known
      risk factors cannot explain this trend. We compared the breast cancer incidence
      trends obtained from SEER data with the trend of nitrogen dioxides (NOx) emission
      and monitoring data as well as motor vehicle density data. The upward followed by
      downward trend of NOx is similar to the breast cancer incidence trend but with an
      offset of 20 years earlier. Motor vehicles are the major source of NOx emissions.
      The geographic distribution of motor vehicles density in 1970 in the observed US
      counties is positively correlated with breast cancer incidence rates (R(2)
      0.8418, the correlation coefficient = 0.9175) in 1980-1995. Because both the time
      trend and geographic pattern are associated with breast cancer incidence rates,
      further studies on the relationship between breast cancer and air pollution are
      needed.

PMID- 22076480
TI  - Paclitaxel sensitivity of breast cancer cells requires efficient mitotic arrest
      and disruption of Bcl-xL/Bak interaction.
AB  - Taxanes are being used for the treatment of breast cancer. However, cancer cells
      frequently develop resistance to these drugs with the subsequent recurrence of
      the tumor. MDA-MB-231 and T-47D breast cancer cell lines were used to assess the
      effect of paclitaxel treatment on apoptosis and cell cycle, the possible
      mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance as well as the enhancement of paclitaxel
      induced apoptosis based on its combination with phenylethyl isothiocyanate
      (PEITC). T-47D cells undergo apoptosis in response to paclitaxel treatment. The
      induction of apoptosis was associated with a robust mitotic arrest and the
      disruption of Bcl-xL/Bak interaction. By contrary, MDA-MB-231 cells were
      insensitive to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis and this was associated with a high
      percentage of cells that slip out of paclitaxel-imposed mitotic arrest and also
      with the maintenance of Bcl-xL/Bak interaction. The sequential treatment of MDA
      MB-231 cells with PEITC followed by paclitaxel inhibited the slippage induced by
      paclitaxel and increased the apoptosis induction achieved with any of the drugs
      alone. In breast cancer tissues, high Bcl-xL expression was correlated with a
      shorter time of disease-free survival in patients treated with a chemotherapeutic
      regimen that contains paclitaxel, in a statistically significant way. Thus,
      resistance to paclitaxel in MDA-MB-231 cells is related to the inability to
      disrupt the Bcl-xL/Bak interaction and increased slippage. In this context, the
      combination of a drug that induces a strong mitotic arrest, such as paclitaxel,
      with another that inhibits slippage, such as PEITC, translates into increased
      apoptotic induction.

PMID- 22076478
TI  - A short-term biomarker modulation study of simvastatin in women at increased risk
      of a new breast cancer.
AB  - Observational studies have demonstrated a decreased incidence of cancers among
      users of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and a reduced risk of recurrence
      among statin users diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. We initiated a
      prospective study to identify potential biomarkers of simvastatin chemopreventive
      activity that can be validated in future trials. The contralateral breast of
      women with a previous history of breast cancer was used as a high-risk model.
      Eligible women who had completed all planned treatment of a prior stage 0-III
      breast cancer received simvastatin 40 mg orally daily for 24-28 weeks. At
      baseline and end-of-study, we measured circulating concentrations of high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), estrogens, and fasting lipids; breast
      density on contralateral breast mammogram; and quality of life by Rand Short Form
      36-Item health survey. Fifty women were enrolled with a median age of 53 years.
      Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and hsCRP fell significantly
      during the study (P values < 0.001, <0.001, 0.003, and 0.05, respectively).
      Estrone sulfate concentrations decreased with simvastatin treatment (P = 0.01
      overall), particularly among post-menopausal participants (P = 0.006). We did not
      observe a significant change in circulating estradiol or estrone concentrations,
      contralateral mammographic breast density, or reported physical functioning or
      pain scores. This study demonstrates the feasibility of short-term biomarker
      modulation studies using the contralateral breast of high-risk women. Simvastatin
      appears to modulate estrone sulfate concentrations and its potential
      chemopreventive activity in breast cancer warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22076481
TI  - Expression of SPRR3 is associated with tumor cell proliferation in less advanced
      stages of breast cancer.
AB  - Small proline rich repeat protein 3 (SPRR3), a member of the SPRR family of
      cornified envelope precursor proteins, is a marker for terminal squamous cell
      differentiation. Previously, this laboratory showed that SPRR3 is strongly
      upregulated in colorectal tumors, and is involved in the tumorigenesis. The
      current study was performed to investigate the expression status and effect of
      SPRR3 in breast cancers (BCs). SPRR3 expression was examined by
      immunohistochemistry in 241 tumor samples from BC patients. SPRR3 was
      overexpressed in more than half of all BC samples. SPRR3 overexpression was
      significantly associated with less advanced stage (0-1 vs. II-III) and the
      absence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004 and 0.013, respectively). HER2/neu
      overexpression was closely correlated with SPRR3 overexpression in a multivariate
      analysis (OR, 3.23, P = 0.017). To assess the influence of SPRR3 on cell
      proliferation and related signaling pathways, SPRR3-transfected clones from the
      SPRR3-negative T-47D human BC cell line were generated. Among the total of six
      SPRR3-overexpressing clones, five showed marked proliferation compared with SPRR3
      nonexpressing control cells from day 3 of culture (P < 0.001). The SPRR3
      overexpressing BC clones showed increased phosphorylation of AKT and MDM2, p21
      overexpression, and p53 downregulation. Furthermore, phosphorylation of MEK and
      MAPK was markedly increased. This study demonstrates that SPRR3 promotes BC cell
      proliferation by enhancing p53 degradation via the AKT and MAPK pathways and is,
      therefore, a potential novel therapeutic target for less advanced stages of BC.

PMID- 22076482
TI  - The assessment of colour perception, naming and knowledge: a new test device with
      a case study.
AB  - Besides ocular diseases, also cerebral damage may cause colour vision deficits;
      cerebral lesions may be associated with a variety of clinical conditions that
      impair colour processing. This study presents procedures and normative data for a
      rapid, comprehensive seven-test battery aimed at assessing colour perception,
      colour naming and object colour knowledge. The norms, obtained from 96 healthy
      Italian participants, allow normality/pathology judgements on the basis of one
      sided tolerance limits, after adjusting the score of each test for the
      demographic variables of the proband subjects. We also report, as an example, use
      of the battery in a stroke patient; this patient was chosen because her lesion
      affected the left temporal-occipital cortex, an area sometimes associated with a
      deficit of colour processing. The patient resulted normal on colour perception
      and colour name retrieval, but defective on object colour knowledge probed using
      the stimulus name. For the sound definition of the functional locus of cognitive
      impairment at the single case level, a multi-faceted set of tasks is necessary.

PMID- 22076485
TI  - Oil-water interfacial self-assembly: a novel strategy for nanofilm and nanodevice
      fabrication.
AB  - How to integrate individual nanostructures into macroscopic thin films has become
      one of the most intriguing fields in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to the
      unique properties and important applications of these functional films. Since
      being discovered in 2004, oil-water interfacial self-assembly of nanostructures
      has become a novel strategy for fabrication of nanofilms. It is a powerful bottom
      up approach for film fabrication due to the low cost and high efficiency, and is
      simple and universal for almost all low-dimensional nanostructures. In this
      article, we provide a critical review of the state-of-the-art research activities
      in this burgeoning self-assembly strategy. We first discuss the thermodynamic
      mechanism of the oil-water interfacial self-assembly, then the self-assembly of
      various low-dimensional nanostructures including nanoparticles, one-dimensional
      (1D) nanostructures, two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures at an oil-water
      interface developed so far to fabricate high-quality nanofilms. Finally, we
      present some progress on the construction of functional nanofilm-based
      nanodevices from this novel strategy based on our research. We conclude this
      review with critical comments on advantages and the experimental challenges, and
      further propose the future research and development of this self-assembly
      strategy for nanodevice construction (105 references).

PMID- 22076483
TI  - Immersion autometallographic demonstration of pathological zinc accumulation in
      human acute neural diseases.
AB  - Zinc is the second most prevalent trace element in the body and is present in
      particularly large concentrations in the mammalian brain. In animal experiments,
      several lines of studies show that zinc is involved in the pathological process
      of ischemia, epilepsy, and mechanical head trauma. However, little is known about
      the change of zinc in the human neural diseases. In the present study, using
      immersion autometallography, we found that pathological zinc accumulation was
      extensively present in the human neurons following ischemia, epilepsy, and
      mechanical head trauma. Under H&E, apparently damaged neurons were observed in
      all of the brain regions that showed zinc ions labeled neuronal somata. In
      conclusion, the data provide the evidence of an active involvement of zinc in
      neuronal damage.

PMID- 22076484
TI  - Induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of superoxide dismutase expression
      in rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum by PTU-induced hypothyroidism and its
      reversal by curcumin.
AB  - The present study was carried out to elucidate the effectiveness of curcumin in
      ameliorating the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cerebral cortex and
      cerebellum of rat brain under 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism.
      Induction of hypothyroidism in adult rats by PTU resulted in augmentation of
      lipid peroxidation (LPx), an index of oxidative stress in cerebellum but not in
      cerebral cortex. Curcumin-supplementation to PTU-treated (hypothyroid) rats
      showed significant reduction in the level of LPx in both the regions of brain.
      The decreased translated products (SOD1 and SOD2) and the unchanged activity of
      SOD in cerebral cortex of PTU-treated rats were increased on supplementation of
      curcumin to the hypothyroid rats. Declined translated products of SOD1 and SOD2
      in cerebellum of PTU-treated rats were alleviated on administration of curcumin
      to hypothyroid rats. On the other hand, the decreased activity of SOD in
      cerebellum of PTU-treated rats was further declined on administration of curcumin
      to the hypothyroid rats. Results of the present investigation indicate that
      curcumin differentially modulates the expression of superoxide dismutase in rat
      brain cortex and cerebellum under PTU-induced hypothyroidism.

PMID- 22076486
TI  - The role of magnocellular signals in oculomotor attentional capture.
AB  - While it is known that salient distractors often capture covert and overt
      attention, it is unclear whether salience signals that stem from magnocellular
      visual input have a more dominant role in oculomotor capture than those that
      result from parvocellular input. Because of the direct anatomical connections
      between the magnocellular pathway and the superior colliculus, salience signals
      generated from the magnocellular pathway may produce greater oculomotor capture
      than those from the parvocellular pathway, which could be potentially harder to
      overcome with "top-down," goal-directed guidance. Although previous research has
      addressed this with regard to magnocellular transients, in the current research,
      we investigated whether a static singleton distractor defined along a dimension
      visible to the magnocellular pathway would also produce enhanced oculomotor
      capture. In two experiments, we addressed this possibility by comparing a parvo
      biased singleton condition, in which the distractor was defined by isoluminant
      chromatic color contrast, with a magno + parvo singleton condition, in which the
      distractor also differed in luminance from the surrounding objects. In both
      experiments, magno + parvo singletons elicited faster eye movements than parvo
      only singletons, presumably reflecting faster information transmission in the
      magnocellular pathway, but magno + parvo singletons were not significantly more
      likely to produce oculomotor capture. Thus, although magnocellular salience
      signals are available more rapidly, they have no sizable advantage over
      parvocellular salience signals in controlling oculomotor orienting when all
      stimuli have a common onset.

PMID- 22076487
TI  - EventRiver: visually exploring text collections with temporal references.
AB  - Many text collections with temporal references, such as news corpora and weblogs,
      are generated to report and discuss real life events. Thus, event-related tasks,
      such as detecting real life events that drive the generation of the text
      documents, tracking event evolutions, and investigating reports and commentaries
      about events of interest, are important when exploring such text collections. To
      incorporate and leverage human efforts in conducting such tasks, we propose a
      novel visual analytics approach named EventRiver. EventRiver integrates event
      based automated text analysis and visualization to reveal the events motivating
      the text generation and the long term stories they construct. On the
      visualization, users can interactively conduct tasks such as event browsing,
      tracking, association, and investigation. A working prototype of EventRiver has
      been implemented for exploring news corpora. A set of case studies, experiments,
      and a preliminary user test have been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness and
      efficiency.

PMID- 22076488
TI  - Visual reasoning about social networks using centrality sensitivity.
AB  - In this paper, we study the sensitivity of centrality metrics as a key metric of
      social networks to support visual reasoning. As centrality represents the
      prestige or importance of a node in a network, its sensitivity represents the
      importance of the relationship between this and all other nodes in the network.
      We have derived an analytical solution that extracts the sensitivity as the
      derivative of centrality with respect to degree for two centrality metrics based
      on feedback and random walks. We show that these sensitivities are good
      indicators of the distribution of centrality in the network, and how changes are
      expected to be propagated if we introduce changes to the network. These metrics
      also help us simplify a complex network in a way that retains the main structural
      properties and that results in trustworthy, readable diagrams. Sensitivity is
      also a key concept for uncertainty analysis of social networks, and we show how
      our approach may help analysts gain insight on the robustness of key network
      metrics. Through a number of examples, we illustrate the need for measuring
      sensitivity, and the impact it has on the visualization of and interaction with
      social and other scale-free networks.

PMID- 22076489
TI  - Boceprevir.
AB  - Boceprevir is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) serine protease NS3 inhibitor that has
      recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European
      Medicines Agency and Health Canada for the treatment of chronic genotype 1 HCV
      infection. It has potent in vitro antiviral activity against HCV genotypes 1a and
      1b and is primarily metabolized via the aldoketoreductase pathway with minor
      cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism. Boceprevir is well tolerated with few drug-drug
      interactions which are easy to manage; no dose adjustment is required in patients
      with hepatic or renal impairment. Phase I trials of boceprevir demonstrated
      favorable pharmacokinetic, metabolic and safety profiles. Phase II and III trials
      of boceprevir confirmed the antiviral activity of the drug and its use at a dose
      of 800 mg three times daily. Clinical trials in treatment-naive and previously
      treated HCV-infected patients demonstrated a 26% and 45% (respectively)
      improvement in sustained viral response when boceprevir was added to standard
      pegylated interferon and ribavirin anti-HCV therapy. Boceprevir is the first-in
      class of an exciting new phase of HCV treatment.

PMID- 22076490
TI  - Edoxaban for the prevention of thromboembolic events after surgery.
AB  - Without thromboprophylaxis, hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis following
      major orthopedic surgery occurs with an incidence of approximately 40-60%, which
      is why thromboprophylaxis has been standard of care in these cases for more than
      20 years. Edoxaban (DU-176b; Lixiana) is a novel, once-daily, orally active
      antithrombotic agent that directly inhibits factor Xa activity in a potent and
      selective way. It was recently approved in Japan for the prevention of venous
      thromboembolism after total knee replacement, total hip replacement and hip
      fracture surgery. In phase III trials performed in patients eligible for total
      knee replacement or total hip replacement, edoxaban 30 mg demonstrated a
      statistically significant reduction in venous thromboembolic events compared with
      enoxaparin, with no difference between both treatments in the incidence of major
      bleeding events. Edoxaban is safe and well tolerated, with predictable
      pharmacokinetics (low intersubject variability and low protein binding),
      suggesting that coagulation monitoring may not be required.

PMID- 22076491
TI  - Tramadol hydrochloride/acetaminophen combination for the relief of acute pain.
AB  - Tramadol hydrochloride/acetaminophen is a combination drug containing tramadol
      hydrochloride 37.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg. The use of 25% less tramadol in
      the combination product reduces the incidence of tramadol-related adverse events,
      while the addition of acetaminophen reduces the onset time of analgesia and
      improves the degree of analgesia. However, there was no clinically significant
      difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters of tramadol or acetaminophen when
      the fixed-dose combination was compared with the individual agents after multiple
      dose administration. The onset time of tramadol hydrochloride/acetaminophen was
      the fastest at only 17 minutes compared 51 minutes for tramadol and 18 minutes
      for acetaminophen. This combination has been found to be effective in the
      management of postoperative pain. It improves pain relief and provides a faster
      onset and longer duration of action with fewer adverse events than either
      component separately. It also reduces the severity of pain, photophobia and
      phonophobia associated with migraine headache. Tramadol
      hydrochloride/acetaminophen has been shown to be most effective in patients with
      mild to moderate pain and has a lower risk of serious adverse events.

PMID- 22076492
TI  - Current treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - Neuroendocrine tumors are heterogeneous in their clinical behavior and require
      therapies specially tailored according to staging and grading, origin and
      expression of peptide receptors. Somatostatin analogues act as antisecretory and
      antiproliferative agents. Chemotherapy is mandatory for poorly differentiated
      neuroendocrine carcinomas and is also effective in neuroendocrine tumors of the
      pancreas and of the bronchial system. For localized neuroendocrine tumors,
      surgery should be performed with curative intent and is also an option in
      advanced or metastasized neuroendocrine tumors with the goal to debulk tumor
      masses. Local ablative therapies may be applied to decrease tumor load in the
      liver; however, results are often of short duration. Peptide receptor
      radiotherapy is a new treatment method applying radionuclide-targeted
      somatostatin receptor agonists for internal cytotoxic radiotherapy in
      somatostatin receptor-expressing neuroendocrine tumors. Retrospective and
      prospective clinical studies indicate prolonged progression-free survival and
      overall survival of patients responding by stable disease or any kind of
      remission with this innovative treatment, which is, however, available only in a
      few specialized centers. Finally, small-molecule inhibitors of vascular
      endothelial growth factor and serine/threonine-protein kinase mTOR pathways have
      been shown to delay progression in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. In
      summary, treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors have expanded considerably
      in the last years leading to prolonged overall survival.

PMID- 22076493
TI  - A report from the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2011 (August 27-31,
      2011 -- Paris, France).
AB  - Paris, known as the city of light or the illuminated city, is, thus, an
      appropriate site for a major international conference in which advances in
      research and new findings and observations are reported and discussed, as was the
      case during this year's European Society of Cardiology meeting. Indeed, not only
      were new results from major clinical trials presented, but initial clinical and
      preclinical research results were also reported during the meeting oral and
      poster sessions which, in many cases, represent major steps towards improved
      cardiovascular pharmacotherapy for many common diseases shortening the lives of
      people around the world. For those who could not attend the meeting, Drugs of
      Today has wrapped up the major take-home messages from the meeting in the
      following report.

PMID- 22076494
TI  - Mechanistic links between oxidative/nitrosative stress and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha in letrozole-induced murine polycystic ovary: biochemical and pathological
      evidences for beneficial effect of pioglitazone.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between ovarian
      functionality and the oxidative response during cystogenesis induced by
      hyperandrogenization with letrozole and examine protective effect of the
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist,
      pioglitazone (PIO), in polycystic ovary (PCO). Ovarian cysts were induced by oral
      administration of letrozol (1 mg/kg/day) for 21 consecutive days in the female
      rats. Effective dose of PIO (20 mg/kg/day) was administrated orally for 21 days.
      Serum estradiol (E), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and the ovarian
      immunomodulator prostaglandin E (PGE) were analyzed as biomarkers of ovarian
      function. To determine the role of oxidative stress in PCO, the level of cellular
      lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx), and peroxynitrite (ONOO), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha) as a marker of inflammation and apoptosis were measured in serum and the
      ovaries. Letrozole-induced PCO in rats exhibited a significant increase in LPO
      and ONOO in serum and ovary while significantly decreased serum and ovarian SOD,
      CAT, and GPx. Serum T and TNF-alpha, and ovarian PGE were increased in animals
      with cysts compared with healthy controls, while E and P diminished. When
      compared to control group, letrozole-treated group showed irregular sexual
      cycles, polycystic ovaries characterized by high incidence of sub-capsular
      ovarian cyst with diminished or scant granulosa cell layer, increased number of
      atretic pre-antral and antral follicles and absence of corpus luteum. There were
      almost no primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles observed in PCO rats. All
      measured parameters were improved by PIO and reached close to normal levels. The
      present study further supports the role of oxidative/nitrosative stress and
      infiammatory responses in the pathogenesis of letrozole-induced hyperandrogenic
      PCO rats. Results indicate that PIO is able to exert direct antioxidative and
      anti-inflammatory effects on the endocrine, biochemical, and pathological
      alterations independent of its possible effects mediated via increased insulin
      sensitivity in hyperandrogenized PCO.

PMID- 22076495
TI  - Peripheral blood dendritic cells in alcoholic and autoimmune liver disorders.
AB  - Little is known about effects of alcohol consumption on dendritic cell (DC)
      function and resultant immune response. However, quantitative and qualitative
      disturbances of DCs are speculated to be involved in alcohol-related as well as
      in other liver pathology. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in
      circulating DC subsets in alcoholic liver disease (N = 43), autoimmune hepatitis
      (N = 26) and primary biliary cirrhosis (N = 20). DCs isolated from the peripheral
      blood of recruited participants were stained with monoclonal antibodies against
      blood dendritic cell antigens (BDCAs) and estimated using the flow cytometry.
      Myeloid DCs were defined as BDCA-1(+)/CD19(-) cells, and lymphoid DCs as BDCA
      2(+)/CD123(+) cells. Total numbers of circulating DCs in subjects with some liver
      diseases were markedly lower than in the healthy participants (p = 0.03). There
      was a significantly lower percentage of circulating BDCA-2(+)/CD123(+) (p =
      0.02), and a tendency for the percentage of circulating BDCA-1(+)/CD19(-) cells
      to decrease in patients with liver diseases compared to the controls (p = 0.09).
      These results may suggest that decreased numbers of DCs may be responsible for
      reduced adaptive immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections and
      cancer development observed in patients exposed to alcohol. Moreover, numerical
      abnormalities of DCs may contribute to the breakdown of self-tolerance, a feature
      of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22076497
TI  - Sesamol attenuates oxidative stress-mediated experimental acute pancreatitis in
      rats.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis is a potentially fatal disease with no known cure. The initial
      events in acute pancreatitis may occur within the acinar cells. We examined the
      effect of sesamol on (i) a cerulein-induced pancreatic acinar cancer cell line,
      AR42J, and (ii) cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats. Sesamol
      inhibited amylase activity and increased cell survival. It also inhibited medium
      lipid peroxidation and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in AR42J cells compared with the
      cerulein-alone groups. In addition, in cerulein-treated rats, sesamol inhibited
      serum amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic edema, and lipid peroxidation, but it
      increased pancreatic glutathione and nitric oxide levels. Thus, we hypothesize
      that sesamol attenuates cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis by
      inhibiting the pancreatic acinar cell death associated with oxidative stress in
      rats.

PMID- 22076496
TI  - Long-term exposure to nonylphenol affects insulin signaling in the liver of adult
      male rats.
AB  - In the present study, we sought to investigate the long-term effects of
      nonylphenol (NP) on insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in liver.
      Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liver was evaluated as it is known
      to induce insulin resistance. Rats were administered NP by oral gavage at the
      doses of 15, 150 and 1500 MUg/ kg body weight per day for 45 days. Hydrogen
      peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation and lipid peroxidation were increased, and the
      activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased in the liver of NP-treated rats.
      NP increased the plasma glucose and insulin levels and altered the enzymes of
      carbohydrate metabolism. Decrease in the protein levels of insulin signaling
      molecules insulin receptor (IR), IR substrate (IRS)-1, IRS-2 and
      phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase were observed with parallel increase in H(2)O(2)
      levels in the liver of NP-treated rats. These results suggest that NP
      downregulates insulin signaling in liver, which could be due to ROS production
      and oxidative damage.

PMID- 22076498
TI  - Reassortment Networks and the evolution of pandemic H1N1 swine-origin influenza.
AB  - Prior research developed Reassortment Networks to reconstruct the evolution of
      segmented viruses under both reassortment and mutation. We report their
      application to the swine-origin pandemic H1N1 virus (S-OIV). A database of all
      influenza A viruses, for which complete genome sequences were available in
      Genbank by October 2009, was created and dynamic programming was used to compute
      distances between all corresponding segments. A reassortment network was created
      to obtain the minimum cost evolutionary paths from all viruses to the exemplar S
      OIV A/California/04/2009. This analysis took 35 hours on the Cray Extreme
      Multithreading (XMT) supercomputer, which has special hardware to permit
      efficient parallelization. Six specific H1N1/H1N2 bottleneck viruses were
      identified that almost always lie on minimum cost paths to S-OIV. We conjecture
      that these viruses are crucial to S-OIV evolution and worthy of careful study
      from a molecular biology viewpoint. In phylogenetics, ancestors are typically
      medians that have no functional constraints. In our method, ancestors are not
      inferred, but rather chosen from previously observed viruses along a path of
      mutation and reassortment leading to the target virus. This specificity and
      functional constraint render our results actionable for further experiments in
      vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22076499
TI  - Repulsive guidance molecules, novel bone morphogenetic protein co-receptors, are
      key regulators of the growth and aggressiveness of prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family members RGMA, RGMB and RGMC are GPI
      linked membrane proteins recently identified as co-receptor of bone morphogenetic
      proteins (BMPs). BMPs are a group of proteins enriched in bone and play important
      roles in prostate cancer. The current study aimed to investigate roles played by
      RGMs in prostate cancer. Expression of RGMs was examined in prostate cancer cell
      lines and prostate cancer tissues using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining.
      Knockdown of each RGM in prostate cancer cells was performed using the respective
      anti-RGMA, RGMB and RGMC transgenes. A variety of in vitro function tests were
      employed to analyze the influence on cancer cell functions by RGM knockdown. The
      implications of RGM knockdown in BMP signalling were also examined using both
      Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR. Knockdown of RGMA had no effect on
      cell growth, migration and invasion, but promoted cell-matrix adhesion. Knockdown
      of RGMB and RGMC increased growth and adhesion, but only RGMB knockdown increased
      capacities of migration and invasion in PC-3 cells. Further investigations showed
      an increase in Smad-3 activation and reduced levels of Smad-1 in PC-3 cells by
      RGMB and RGMC knockdown, and also an up-regulation of ID1, a BMP target gene
      particularly in exposure to BMP7. RGMs play inhibitory roles in prostate cancer
      by suppressing cell growth, adhesion, migration and invasion. RGMs can coordinate
      Smad-dependent signalling of BMPs in prostate cancer cells.

PMID- 22076500
TI  - Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning induced brain ischemic tolerance
      by up-regulating glial glutamate transporter-1 in rats.
AB  - Several studies showed that the up-regulation of glial glutamate transporter-1
      (GLT-1) participates in the acquisition of brain ischemic tolerance induced by
      cerebral ischemic preconditioning or ceftriaxone pretreatment in rats. To explore
      whether GLT-1 plays a role in the acquisition of brain ischemic tolerance induced
      by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH) preconditioning (mimicking 5,000 m high
      altitude, 6 h per day, once daily for 28 days), immunohistochemistry and western
      blot were used to observe the changes in the expression of GLT-1 protein in
      hippocampal CA1 subfield during the induction of brain ischemic tolerance by IH
      preconditioning, and the effect of dihydrokainate (DHK), an inhibitor of GLT-1,
      on the acquisition of brain ischemic tolerance in rats. The basal expression of
      GLT-1 protein in hippocampal CA1 subfield was significantly up-regulated by IH
      preconditioning, and at the same time astrocytes were activated by IH
      preconditioning, which appeared normal soma and aplenty slender processes. The
      GLT-1 expression was decreased at 7 days after 8-min global brain ischemia. When
      the rats were pretreated with the IH preconditioning before the global brain
      ischemia, the down-regulation of GLT-1 protein was prevented clearly.
      Neuropathological evaluation by thionin staining showed that 200 nmol DHK blocked
      the protective role of IH preconditioning against delayed neuronal death induced
      normally by 8-min global brain ischemia. Taken together, the up-regulation of GLT
      1 protein participates in the acquisition of brain ischemic tolerance induced by
      IH preconditioning in rats.

PMID- 22076501
TI  - Epicatechin inhibits human plasma lipid peroxidation caused by haloperidol in
      vitro.
AB  - Epicatechin belongs to flavonoids protecting cells against oxidative/nitrative
      stress. Oxidative/nitrative stress observed in schizophrenia may be caused
      partially by the treatment of patients with various antipsychotics. The aim of
      our study was to establish the effects of epicatechin and antipsychotics action
      (the first generation antipsychotic (FGA)--haloperidol and the second generation
      antipsychotic (SGA)--amisulpride) on peroxidation of plasma lipids in vitro.
      Lipid peroxidation in human plasma was measured by the level of thiobarbituric
      acid reactive species (TBARS). The properties of epicatechin were also compared
      with the action of a well characterized antioxidative commercial polyphenol
      resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) and quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'
      pentahydroxyflavone). Amisulpride, contrary to haloperidol (after 1 and 24 h)
      does not significantly influence the increase of plasma TBARS level in comparison
      with control samples (P > 0.05). After incubation (1 and 24 h) of plasma with
      haloperidol in the presence of epicatechin we observed a significantly decreases
      the level of TBARS (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In our other
      experiments, we found that epicatechin also decreased the amount of TBARS in
      human plasma treated with amisulpride. In conclusion, the presented results
      indicate that epicatechin-the major polyphenolic component of green tea reduced
      significantly human plasma lipid peroxidation caused by haloperidol. Moreover,
      epicatechin was found to be a more effective antioxidant, than the solution of
      pure resveratrol or quercetin.

PMID- 22076502
TI  - FoxO3a changes in pyramidal neurons and expresses in non-pyramidal neurons and
      astrocytes in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after transient cerebral
      ischemia.
AB  - The forkhead box O (FoxO) proteins regulate processes ranging from cell longevity
      to cell apoptosis and function as transcription factors. FoxO3a is expressed
      throughout the brain including the hippocampus. In the present study, we
      investigated the changes in FoxO3a immunoreactivity and its protein levels in the
      gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after 5 min of transient global cerebral ischemia.
      FoxO3a immunoreactivity and protein levels in the ischemic CA1 region, which is
      very vulnerable to ischemic damage, were slightly decreased from 3 h after
      ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) and maintained until 12 h after I-R. One and 2 days
      after I-R, FoxO3a immunoreactivity and protein levels were similar to those in
      the sham-operated group. At 3 days after I-R, FoxO3a immunoreactivity and protein
      levels were markedly increased in the CA1 region. FoxO3a immunoreactivity was
      hardly detected in pyramidal neurons from 5 days after I-R; however, at 5 days
      after I-R, FoxO3a immunoreactivity was detected in astrocytes and GABAergic
      interneurons of the ischemic CA1 region. These results indicate that both FoxO3a
      immunoreactivity and protein levels are distinctively altered in the ischemic CA1
      region after transient cerebral ischemia, and that the changes in FoxO3a
      expression may be related to the ischemia-induced delayed neuronal death.

PMID- 22076503
TI  - Blunting half of the double-edged sword: potential use of interleukin-10 to
      protect bone marrow-derived cells after myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22076504
TI  - Opening the field of integrin biology to "biased agonism".

PMID- 22076505
TI  - Widespread promiscuous genetic information transfer from DNA to RNA.

PMID- 22076506
TI  - Meeting report for Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2011 Scientific Sessions: from
      concept to clinic: leading cardiovascular translational science.

PMID- 22076507
TI  - Grown up mice from gene-corrected iPS cells.

PMID- 22076508
TI  - Methylation profiles of the BRCA1 promoter in hereditary and sporadic breast
      cancer among Han Chinese.
AB  - The development of breast cancer is a multistep process associated with complex
      changes in host gene expression patterns including inactivation of tumor
      suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes. Critically, hereditary
      predisposition plays a significant role in cancer susceptibility. However,
      mutation of the BRCA1 gene is found only in the minority of hereditary breast
      cancer, which indicates that there might be alternative, novel mechanisms
      contributing to inactivation of the BRCA1 gene. Studies have shown that aberrant
      methylation of genomic DNA plays an important role in carcinogenesis. The aim of
      this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation may be an alternative
      mechanism for the inactivation of BRCA1 as an epigenetic modification of the
      genome and whether hereditary breast cancer has a different BRCA1 methylation
      phenotype pattern than sporadic breast cancer. The pattern of CpG island
      methylation within the promoter region of BRCA1 was assessed by bisulfite
      sequencing DNA from peripheral blood cells of 72 patients with hereditary
      predisposition but without BRCA1 mutations and 30 sporadic breast cancer
      controls. The overall methylation level in patients with hereditary
      predisposition was significantly lower than that in the sporadic control group.
      However, patients with hereditary predisposition showed a significantly higher
      methylation susceptibility for the sites -518 when compared to controls. These
      results suggest that there might be different BRCA1 promoter methylation levels
      and patterns in sporadic and hereditary breast cancer in peripheral blood DNA.
      These findings may facilitate the early diagnosis of hereditary breast cancer.

PMID- 22076510
TI  - EU bans embryonic stem cell patents but decision may have limited implications.

PMID- 22076511
TI  - Managing febrile seizures in children.
AB  - A febrile seizure is a benign convulsion that occurs in infants or small children
      and is brought on by fever without evidence of meningitis or encephalitis. Little
      is known about the etiology, but pharmacologic treatment should be easy to
      administer, have virtually no adverse effects, and be efficacious. Supporting the
      family is also crucial during this stressful event.

PMID- 22076514
TI  - Carvedilol: a countermeasure to heart failure.
AB  - Initially used primarily as an antihypertensive, the beta-blocker carvedilol is
      now being used to alleviate heart failure, significantly reducing
      hospitalizations and mortality. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology
      of heart failure; carvedilol's action, long-term benefits, and administration;
      and potential short-term adverse effects.

PMID- 22076509
TI  - Induced pluripotent stem cells--opportunities for disease modelling and drug
      discovery.
AB  - The ability to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients, and
      an increasingly refined capacity to differentiate these iPSCs into disease
      relevant cell types, promises a new paradigm in drug development - one that
      positions human disease pathophysiology at the core of preclinical drug
      discovery. Disease models derived from iPSCs that manifest cellular disease
      phenotypes have been established for several monogenic diseases, but iPSCs can
      likewise be used for phenotype-based drug screens in complex diseases for which
      the underlying genetic mechanism is unknown. Here, we highlight recent advances
      as well as limitations in the use of iPSC technology for modelling a 'disease in
      a dish' and for testing compounds against human disease phenotypes in vitro. We
      discuss how iPSCs are being exploited to illuminate disease pathophysiology,
      identify novel drug targets and enhance the probability of clinical success of
      new drugs.

PMID- 22076515
TI  - What nursing has learned from famous traumas.
AB  - The deaths of three celebrities shed light on where trauma care needs to improve
      and remind us how far we have already come.

PMID- 22076516
TI  - The effects of an advanced practice nurse-directed heart failure program.
AB  - This study sought to determine if an inpatient heart failure program directed by
      an advanced practice nurse could affect length of hospital stay, mortality,
      readmission rates, and adherence to the recommended clinical regimen.

PMID- 22076517
TI  - Fomepizole.

PMID- 22076518
TI  - Evaluating a nurse practitioner service.
AB  - Increasingly, nurse practitioners are filling resident and house staff shortages
      by moving into acute care settings. This article compares a nurse
      practitioner/attending collaborative service with a traditional physician-based
      service in terms of patient outcomes and patient, physician, and staff
      satisfaction.

PMID- 22076519
TI  - On hold in the ED.

PMID- 22076520
TI  - Professional boundaries: Staying in the lines.
AB  - Nurses must set professional boundaries for their relationships with patients.
      Managers can teach nurses the meaning of boundary crossings, boundary violations,
      and staying in the lines.

PMID- 22076522
TI  - The bloodborne pathogens standard, 2001: what's changed?
AB  - Learn how to facilitate implementation of OSHA's strengthened sharps safety
      requirements.

PMID- 22076523
TI  - A transitional feeding protocol for critically ill patients.
AB  - Critically ill patients often are malnourished and in protein catabolism,
      impairing their ability to heal. A transitional feeding protocol, aimed at
      keeping patients adequately nourished while they move from parenteral or enteral
      nutrition to an oral diet, can improve outcomes for surgical and medical
      intensive care unit patients.

PMID- 22076524
TI  - A ladder or a tree?

PMID- 22076525
TI  - The risk of a second hip fracture in patients after their first hip fracture.
AB  - We investigated the incidence of additional fractures and the rate of
      prescription of osteoporotic pharmacotherapy after an initial hip fracture. We
      surveyed female patients aged 65 and over who sustained their first hip fracture
      between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007, treated at 25 hospitals in five
      geographic areas in Japan. Data for 1 year after the first hip fracture were
      collected from medical records, and questionnaires were mailed to all patients.
      In total, 2,663 patients were enrolled, and 335 patients were excluded based on
      exclusion criteria. The analysis was performed on 2,328 patients. During the 1
      year follow-up period 160 fractures occurred in 153 patients and 77 subsequent
      hip fractures occurred in 77 patients. The incidence of all additional fractures
      among patients who sustained their first hip fracture was 70 (per 1,000 person
      year) and that for second hip fracture was 34. In comparison to the general
      population, women >=65 years of age who sustained an initial hip fracture were
      four times as likely to sustain an additional hip fracture. Antiosteoporosis
      pharmacotherapy was prescribed for 436 patients (18.7%), while 1,240 patients
      (53.3%) did not receive any treatment during the 1-year period. Patients who have
      sustained one hip fracture have a higher risk of a second hip fracture compared
      to the general population, and most of these women receive no pharmaceutical
      treatment for osteoporosis.

PMID- 22076526
TI  - Association study of polymorphisms in the SOST gene region and parameters of bone
      strength and body composition in both young and elderly men: data from the Odense
      Androgen Study.
AB  - By means of different genetic association studies the SOST gene, encoding
      sclerostin, has repeatedly been suggested to regulate bone mineral density (BMD)
      and osteoporosis susceptibility. This study aimed at a further understanding of
      the importance of two previously studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the
      SOST gene, rs10534024 (SRP3) and rs9902563 (SRP9), in the Odense Androgen Study
      (OAS) cohort. This cohort includes a total of 1,383 Danish men from two different
      age groups, 20-29 years (n = 783) and 60-74 years (n = 600), and is well
      characterized. Subjects were phenotyped for BMD at several sites and additionally
      for body composition and hip geometric parameters. In a combined analysis of the
      young and the elderly OAS, no associations were found for SRP3 either with BMD or
      with hip geometry. Instead, we found that this polymorphism had a relatively
      large effect on weight (-1.149 kg) and body mass index (-0.389 kg/m(2)) (P =
      0.021 and 0.006 under a codominant model). For SRP9, a significant association
      was found for femoral neck BMD (+0.020 g/cm(2), P = 0.020) and a trend toward
      significance for hip geometry (buckling ratio of the narrow neck) but only when
      considering a recessive effect of the minor allele (C). No age-specific effects
      were found for either of the two SNPs. In summary, we are the first to find
      interesting associations between SRP3 and body composition. For SRP9, we
      replicated a site-specific association with femoral neck BMD. In addition, we
      report a novel association for this polymorphism with hip geometry.

PMID- 22076527
TI  - Optimization of macroporous 3-D silk fibroin scaffolds by salt-leaching procedure
      in organic solvent-free conditions.
AB  - A novel all-aqueous process is described to form three-dimensional porous silk
      fibroin (SF) scaffolds, which not only avoided the use of organic solvents or
      harsh chemicals, but also can form scaffolds with various sizes and in large
      quantities. The scaffolds show a rough surface on the pores and the pores are
      highly interconnected. The porosity of the scaffolds, which varied between a
      large range (67.6~99.3%), can be controlled by the SF concentrations and the
      salt/fibroin ratio. The results of measurements indicated that this novel process
      can improve and enforce the transformation in SF structure from a random coil to
      a beta-sheet. Swelling studies showed that the scaffold has excellent properties
      of hydrophilicity. The cell culture experiments demonstrated that the scaffolds
      facilitated the human osteosarcoma cells attachment and proliferation in vitro.

PMID- 22076528
TI  - Mullins effect behaviour under compression in micelle-templated silica and
      micelle-templated silica/agarose systems.
AB  - The mechanical properties of bioceramic conformed pieces based on micelle
      templated silica (MTS) such as SBA15, MCM41 and MCM48 as well as MTS/agarose
      systems have been evaluated under static and cyclic compressive tests. The MTS
      pieces exhibited a brittle behaviour. Agarose, a biocompatible and biodegradable
      hydrogel, has been used to shape ceramic-agarose pieces following a low
      temperature shaping method. Agarose conferred toughness, ductility and a rubbery
      consistency up to a 60% strain in ceramic MTS/agarose systems leading to a
      maximum strength of 10-50 MPa, without losing their initial cylindrical
      structure. This combination of ceramic and organic matrix contributes to avoiding
      the inherent brittleness of the bioceramic and enhances the compression
      resistance of hydrogel. The presence of mechanical hysteresis, permanent
      deformation after the first cycle and recovery of the master monotonous curve of
      MTS/agarose systems indicate a Mullins-like effect similar to that found in
      carbon-filled rubber systems. We report this type of mechanical behaviour, the
      Mullins effect, for the first time in MTS bioceramics and MTS bioceramic/agarose
      systems.

PMID- 22076529
TI  - PAN hollow fiber membranes elicit functional hippocampal neuronal network.
AB  - This study focuses on the development of an advanced in vitro biohybrid culture
      model system based on the use of hollow fibre membranes (HFMs) and hippocampal
      neurons in order to promote the formation of a high density neuronal network.
      Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK-WC) membranes
      were prepared in hollow fibre configuration. The morphological and metabolic
      behaviour of hippocampal neurons cultured on PAN HF membranes were compared with
      those cultured on PEEK-WC HF. The differences of cell behaviour between HFMs were
      evidenced by the morphometric analysis in terms of axon length and also by the
      investigation of metabolic activity in terms of neurotrophin secretion. These
      findings suggested that PAN HFMs induced the in vitro reconstruction of very
      highly functional and complex neuronal networks. Thus, these biomaterials could
      potentially be used for the in vitro realization of a functional hippocampal
      tissue analogue for the study of neurobiological functions and/or
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22076530
TI  - Symptomatic low-grade carotid stenosis with intraplaque hemorrhage and expansive
      arterial remodeling is associated with a high relapse rate refractory to medical
      treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid plaque characteristics influence future risk of stroke
      considerably. However, the severity of stenosis does not accurately reflect
      plaque burden in patients with expansive arterial remodeling. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the therapeutic outcome of symptomatic carotid low-grade stenosis with
      vulnerable plaque based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characterization.
      METHODS: We studied 25 (male, n = 23; age, 74.2 +/- 5.6 years) of 29 consecutive
      patients with symptomatic carotid low-grade stenosis (<50%) and both high-signal
      plaque and expansive remodeling on T1-weighted MRIs. The remaining 4 were
      excluded because of impending stroke. A single antithrombotic and statin were
      administered, and recurrent ischemic stroke was treated with dual
      antithrombotics. We considered carotid endarterectomy when recurrence was
      refractory to aggressive medical treatment. RESULTS: During a 31.3 +/- 16.4-month
      follow-up, 11 of the 25 patients developed a total of 30 recurrent ischemic
      events (46.0% per patient-year). The patients' characteristics did not differ
      significantly between the groups with and without recurrence (n = 11 and n = 14,
      respectively). Seven of 11 patients in the recurrence group treated with carotid
      endarterectomy remained free of ischemic events during a postoperative follow-up
      of 19.1 +/- 14.6 months. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic low-grade carotid stenosis with
      vulnerable plaque confirmed by MRI was associated with a high rate of stroke
      recurrence that was refractory to aggressive medical treatment. However, carotid
      endarterectomy was safe and effective for such patients. Plaque characterization
      by MRI has the potential for more accurate stroke risk stratification in the
      management of carotid low-grade stenosis.

PMID- 22076531
TI  - Are initial radiographic and clinical scales associated with subsequent
      intracranial pressure and brain oxygen levels after severe traumatic brain
      injury?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediction of clinical course and outcome after severe traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) is important. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether clinical scales
      (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], Injury Severity Score [ISS], and Acute Physiology and
      Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II]) or radiographic scales based on
      admission computed tomography (Marshall and Rotterdam) were associated with
      intensive care unit (ICU) physiology (intracranial pressure [ICP], brain tissue
      oxygen tension [PbtO2]), and clinical outcome after severe TBI. METHODS: One
      hundred one patients (median age, 41.0 years; interquartile range [26-55]) with
      severe TBI who had ICP and PbtO2 monitoring were identified. The relationship
      between admission GCS, ISS, APACHE II, Marshall and Rotterdam scores and ICP,
      PbtO2, and outcome was examined by using mixed-effects models and logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Median (25%-75% interquartile range) admission GCS and
      APACHE II without GCS scores were 3.0 (3-7) and 11.0 (8-13), respectively.
      Marshall and Rotterdam scores were 3.0 (3-5) and 4.0 (4-5). Mean ICP and PbtO2
      during the patients' ICU course were 15.5 +/- 10.7 mm Hg and 29.9 +/- 10.8 mm Hg,
      respectively. Three-month mortality was 37.6%. Admission GCS was not associated
      with mortality. APACHE II (P = .003), APACHE-non-GCS (P = .004), Marshall (P <
      .001), and Rotterdam scores (P < .001) were associated with mortality. No
      relationship between GCS, ISS, Marshall, or Rotterdam scores and subsequent ICP
      or PbtO2 was observed. The APACHE II score was inversely associated with median
      PbtO2 (P = .03) and minimum PbtO2 (P = .008) and had a stronger correlation with
      amount of time of reduced PbtO2. CONCLUSION: Following severe TBI, factors
      associated with outcome may not always predict a patient's ICU course and, in
      particular, intracranial physiology.

PMID- 22076532
TI  - Diurnal and nocturnal intraocular pressure fluctuations after trabeculectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare diurnal and nocturnal intraocular
      pressure (IOP) fluctuations before and after trabeculectomy, and to evaluate the
      potential of trabeculectomy to even out IOP peaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Retrospectively, 35 diurnal and nocturnal IOP curves of patients (35 eyes) who
      underwent trabeculectomy were analyzed. Diurnal and nocturnal IOP profiles were
      recorded from 06:00 to 23:59 and 00:00 to 06:00, respectively. Follow-up was at
      least 300 days. Two criteria for success were defined: (1) IOP <=21 mm Hg and at
      least a 20% IOP reduction from baseline; (2) <18 mm Hg without medication.
      RESULTS: The preoperative maximum diurnal and nocturnal IOP (IOP(max)) were 26.5
      +/- 5.9 and 23.4 +/- 5.2 mm Hg, respectively. The postoperative diurnal and
      nocturnal IOP(max) were 16 +/- 4.4 and 16 +/- 5.4 mm Hg, respectively. Pre- to
      postoperative IOP reductions were statistically different (day 40% and night 32%;
      p < 0.001). Diurnal fluctuation was reduced significantly from 12.1 +/- 4.2 mm Hg
      preoperatively to 5.6 +/- 2.2 mm Hg postoperatively (reduction of 54%), and
      nocturnal fluctuation from 7.1 +/- 4.5 to 3.9 +/- 4.1 mm Hg (reduction of 46%,
      statistically insignificant due to large SD), respectively. Success criteria 1
      and 2 were achieved in 71 and 54% of patients at daytime and in 63 and 57% at
      nighttime (no statistically significant difference detectable). Follow-up was 2.1
      +/- 1.7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy achieves a leveling of IOP(max) in the
      diurnal-nocturnal comparison. The preoperative fluctuations could be nearly
      bisected. Relating to the success criteria, the statistical analysis did not
      reveal a difference in the diurnal-nocturnal comparison.

PMID- 22076533
TI  - Stress-induced rise in body temperature is repeatable in free-ranging Eastern
      chipmunks (Tamias striatus).
AB  - In response to handling or other acute stressors, most mammals, including humans,
      experience a temporary rise in body temperature (T(b)). Although this stress
      induced rise in T(b) has been extensively studied on model organisms under
      controlled environments, individual variation in this interesting phenomenon has
      not been examined in the field. We investigated the stress-induced rise in T(b)
      in free-ranging eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) to determine first if it is
      repeatable. We predicted that the stress-induced rise in T(b) should be
      positively correlated to factors affecting heat production and heat dissipation,
      including ambient temperature (T(a)), body mass (M(b)), and field metabolic rate
      (FMR). Over two summers, we recorded both T(b) within the first minute of
      handling time (T(b1)) and after 5 min of handling time (T(b5)) 294 times on 140
      individuals. The mean ?T(b) (T(b5) - T(b1)) during this short interval was 0.30
      +/- 0.02 degrees C, confirming that the stress-induced rise in T(b) occurs in
      chipmunks. Consistent differences among individuals accounted for 40% of the
      total variation in ?T(b) (i.e. the stress-induced rise in T(b) is significantly
      repeatable). We also found that the stress-induced rise in T(b) was positively
      correlated to T(a), M(b), and mass-adjusted FMR. These results confirm that
      individuals consistently differ in their expression of the stress-induced rise in
      T(b) and that the extent of its expression is affected by factors related to heat
      production and dissipation. We highlight some research constraints and
      opportunities related to the integration of this laboratory paradigm into
      physiological and evolutionary ecology.

PMID- 22076534
TI  - An enzymatic bridge between carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism: regulation of
      glutamate dehydrogenase by reversible phosphorylation in a severe hypoxia
      tolerant crayfish.
AB  - Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) (EC 1.4.1.3) is a crucial enzyme involved in
      bridging two metabolic pathways, gating the use of glutamate for either amino
      acid metabolism, or carbohydrate metabolism. The present study investigated GDH
      from tail muscle of the freshwater crayfish Orconectes virilis exploring changes
      to kinetic properties, phosphorylation levels and structural stability between
      two forms of the enzyme (aerobic control and 20-h severe hypoxic). Evidence
      indicated that GDH was converted to a high phosphate form under oxygen
      limitation. ProQ Diamond phosphoprotein staining showed a 42% higher bound
      phosphate content on GDH from muscle of severely hypoxic crayfish compared with
      the aerobic form, and treatment of this GDH with commercial phosphatase (alkaline
      phosphatase), and treatments that stimulated the activities of different
      endogenous protein phosphatases (stimulating PP1 + PP2A, PP2B, and PP2C) yielded
      significant increases in the fold activation by ADP of GDH from both control and
      severe hypoxic conditions. By contrast, stimulation of the activities of
      endogenous protein kinases (AMPK, PKA or CaMK) significantly reduced the ADP fold
      activation from control animals. The physiological consequence of severe hypoxia
      induced GDH phosphorylation may be to suppress GDH activity under low oxygen,
      shutting off this critical bridge point between two metabolic pathways.

PMID- 22076535
TI  - MiR-25 regulates apoptosis by targeting Bim in human ovarian cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as a class of small regulatory RNAs whose
      alterations are implicated in the initiation and progression of human cancers.
      Our study showed that miR-25 was highly expressed both in clinical ovarian cancer
      samples and cell lines. Down-regulation of miR-25 in ovarian cancer cells induced
      apoptosis whereas overexpression of miR-25 enhanced cell proliferation. The
      effects of miR-25 abrogation were partly mediated by the intrinsic apoptosis
      pathway. Many pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bim, Bax and caspase-3 were up
      regulated after transfection. Furthermore, luciferase assays demonstrated that
      Bim was the direct target of miR-25. Introducing Bim cDNA without 3'UTR abrogated
      miR-25-induced cell survival. Finally, there was an inverse relationship between
      Bim and miR-25 expression in ovarian cancer tissues. Taken together, these data
      indicate that miR-25 directly regulates apoptosis by targeting Bim in ovarian
      cancer and that miR-25 could be a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer
      intervention.

PMID- 22076536
TI  - Ferrofluid mediated nanocytometry.
AB  - We present a low-cost, flow-through nanocytometer that utilizes a colloidal
      suspension of non-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for label-free
      manipulation and separation of microparticles. Our size-based separation is
      mediated by angular momentum transfer from magnetically excited ferrofluid
      particles to microparticles. The nanocytometer is capable of rapidly sorting and
      focusing two or more species, with up to 99% separation efficiency and a
      throughput of 3 * 10(4) particles/s per mm(2) of channel cross-section. The
      device is readily scalable and applicable to live cell sorting with biocompatible
      ferrofluids, offering competitive cytometer performance in a simple and
      inexpensive package.

PMID- 22076537
TI  - The global histone modification pattern correlates with overall survival in
      metachronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Post-translational histone modifications are known to be altered in cancer
      tissues, and differences in the histone modification levels have recently been
      used to predict the clinical outcome in patients with certain types of cancer. In
      this study, we evaluated the immunohistochemical staining patterns of histone H3
      dimethylation and acetylation in metachronous liver metastasis of colorectal
      carcinomas and examined its correlation with patient prognosis. Double 2 mm core
      tissue microarrays were made from 54 paraffin-embedded samples of liver
      metastasis from colorectal adenocarcinoma, and were examined by an
      immunohistochemical analysis of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) dimethylation,
      histone, H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation and histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9)
      acetylation. Positive tumor cell staining for each histone modification was used
      to classify patients into low- and high-staining groups, which were then examined
      for correlations with the clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcome.
      Dimethylation of H3K4 correlated with the tumor histological type (P=0.043), and
      acetylation of H3K9 correlated with the tumor histological type (P=0.016). In
      addition, lower levels of H3K4 dimethylation correlated with a poor survival rate
      (P=0.035). The multivariate survival analysis showed that the H3K4 dimethylation
      status is an independent prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients
      (P=0.011). We suggest that the pattern of histone modification as detected by
      immunohistochemistry may be an independent prognostic factor for metachronous
      liver metastasis of colorectal carcinomas.

PMID- 22076538
TI  - Is octreotide treatment useful in patients with congenital chylothorax?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital chylothorax (CC) is a severe congenital disorder
      characterized by the collection of chyle in the pleural space. Recent case
      reports suggest that the use of octreotide in the treatment of CC may be useful.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of octreotide on pleural effusions in CC.
      METHODS: Hospital records of 7 patients with a CC, who were admitted to the
      Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
      between 2006 and 2010 and were treated with octreotide, were retrospectively
      evaluated. RESULTS: There was no clear and consistent effect of octreotide
      treatment on pleural effusions. Pleural effusions eventually decreased in all
      patients after reaching a dose of 5-6 MUg/kg/min, but this could also reflect the
      natural history of CC. Out of 7 patients, 4 were diagnosed with persistent
      pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. No other known side effects of octreotide
      were found. There was a mortality rate of 30%. CONCLUSIONS: No clear and
      consistent effect of octreotide was identified. Pulmonary hypertension was a
      common problem in this patient group. It is not clear whether or not this was
      caused or maintained by octreotide treatment. A randomized controlled trial is
      needed to investigate the safety and usefulness of octreotide. Until then,
      clinicians should be careful in using octreotide, especially when persistent
      pulmonary hypertension is present.

PMID- 22076539
TI  - Ischemic changes on rubidium-82 positron emission tomography imaging are
      associated with left ventricular functional and volumetric change independent of
      metabolic properties and echocardiographic functional variables in ischemic
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging allows identification of stress
      induced ischemia and myocardial viability in patients with ischemic
      cardiomyopathy. We assessed the left ventricular (LV) functional response to
      vasodilator stress in patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing
      pharmacologic stress (PET) perfusion and metabolic imaging. Additionally, we
      aimed to determine if mitral regurgitation (MR), right ventricular (RV)
      dysfunction and diastolic function influenced the observed LV responses to
      pharmacologic stress. In 161 patients (81% men; 65 +/- 13 years), PET and
      echocardiography were performed within a week for noninvasive evaluation of
      myocardial ischemia and viability (scored using 17-segment model), as well as
      ventricular and valvular function. Patients were stratified based on ischemic
      defects in any segments versus hibernation/scar defects only. The LV volumes, EF
      by gating and transient ischemic dilatation (TID) index were generated
      automatically. Wall thickening (WT) scores were determined visually. The subgroup
      with reversible/ischemic segments on PET imaging (N = 55) exhibited greater end
      systolic (ESV) and end-diastolic volume (EDV) enlargement during stress (13 +/-
      22 and 16 +/- 43 ml increase respectively, vs. 0 +/- 18 ml [P < 0.0001] and 2 +/-
      24 ml [P = 0.01]), a decrease in LVEF during stress (mean -3% vs. +2%), and
      greater TID indices (mean 1.13 +/- 0.18 vs. 1.02 +/- 0.12) compared to
      hibernation/scar only (N = 92). In addition, mean WT scores during stress
      declined significantly only in the ischemic subgroup (P < 0.0001 for regional
      LAD, non-LAD and global wall thickening scores). The prevalence and the severity
      of MR and RV dysfunction did not differ between groups. By univariate analysis,
      global and LAD territory segmental ischemia, global sum stress score (SSS), TID
      index, resting EF, ESV enlargement during stress, as well as global WT changes
      correlated with post-stress LVEF decline. Multivariate predictors included SSS,
      resting LVEF, and ESV change. Ischemic changes on vasodilator PET imaging are
      associated with global LV functional decline and volumetric dilatation,
      presumably due to stunning effect. Severity of RV dysfunction and MR had limited
      impact on the above changes.

PMID- 22076540
TI  - Management and outcome of CSF-JC virus PCR-negative PML in a natalizumab-treated
      patient with MS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnosis and management of a 49-year-old woman with
      multiple sclerosis (MS) developing a progressive hemiparesis and expanding MRI
      lesion suspicious of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) 19 months
      after starting natalizumab. RESULTS: Polyomavirus JC (JCV)-specific qPCR in CSF
      was repeatedly negative, but JCV-specific antibodies indicated intrathecal
      production. Brain biopsy tissue taken 17 weeks after natalizumab discontinuation
      and plasmapheresis was positive for JCV DNA with characteristic rearrangements of
      the noncoding control region, but histology and immunohistochemistry were not
      informative except for pathologic features compatible with immune reconstitution
      inflammatory syndrome. A total of 22 months later, the clinical status had
      returned close to baseline level paralleled by marked improvement of
      neuroradiologic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates diagnostic
      challenges in the context of incomplete suppression of immune surveillance and
      the potential of recovery of PML associated with efficient immune function
      restitution.

PMID- 22076541
TI  - Cortical lesions in radiologically isolated syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of cortical lesions (CLs) as detected by MRI in
      subjects with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). METHODS: Fifteen subjects
      with RIS underwent an MRI examination, including a double inversion recovery
      sequence for CL assessment. T2-hyperintense white matter (WM) lesion volume (LV)
      and normalized volumes of brain and cortex were also obtained. RESULTS: Thirty
      four CLs were identified in 6 of 15 (40%) subjects with RIS and predominantly
      distributed in frontotemporal lobes. CLs were frequent in subjects with RIS with
      immunoglobulin G oligoclonal bands on CSF, cervical cord lesions, and
      dissemination in time on brain MRI. WM LV was higher in subjects with CLs than in
      those without CLs (11.5 +/- 10.1 vs 3.9 +/- 2.8 cm(3), p = 0.04). Indeed, CL
      number and volume correlated with WM LV (r = 0.57, p = 0.03 and r = 0.61, p =
      0.01). All subjects with CLs were classified in a previous study as having a very
      high probability of having relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) on a
      logistic regression analysis of quantitative MRI indices. CONCLUSIONS: We found
      CLs in subjects with RIS, a condition characterized by the unanticipated MRI
      finding of WM lesions highly suggestive of MS in the absence of a clinical
      scenario. CLs were mainly localized to the frontotemporal lobes and were
      associated with important markers of evolution to MS.

PMID- 22076542
TI  - Increased risk of leg motor restlessness but not RLS in early Parkinson disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explores the risk and correlates of leg restlessness in
      drug-naive patients with Parkinson disease (PD) as compared to control subjects
      matched for age and gender. METHODS: A total of 200 drug-naive patients with
      early, unmedicated PD derived from a population-based incident cohort and 173 age
      and gender-matched control subjects were assessed for leg restlessness by
      structured interviews, clinical examination, and blood samples. All subjects were
      Caucasian. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was diagnosed according to the essential
      diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: More patients (81 of 200, 40.5%) than controls (31
      of 173, 17.9%) reported leg restlessness (p < 0.001). Thirty-one (15.5%) of these
      patients with PD and 16 (9.2%) control subjects met RLS criteria (p = 0.07). A
      total of 21 (12.5%) patients and 12 (6.9%) controls with RLS remained after the
      exclusion of potential RLS mimics and 26 patients vs 10 control subjects with leg
      motor restlessness (LMR), leading to a relative risk for RLS of 1.76 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.90-3.43, p = 0.089) and 2.84 for LMR (95% CI 1.43
      5.61, p = 0.001) in PD. Except for increased sleep disturbances in patients with
      RLS and increased Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores for
      patients with RLS or LMR there were no other major differences in relevant blood
      tests, motor or cognitive function between PD with and without RLS or LMR.
      CONCLUSION: LMR and not RLS occurs with a near 3-fold higher risk as compared to
      controls in early PD. The findings underline a need for more accurate assessments
      of RLS in PD and support the notion that RLS and PD are different entities.

PMID- 22076544
TI  - Incidence of dementia in oldest-old with amnestic MCI and other cognitive
      impairments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of dementia among the oldest-old people with
      normal cognition and different types of cognitive impairment. METHODS: This study
      included 395 participants without dementia (mean age 93.3 years) from The 90+
      Study, a prospective, population-based study of aging and dementia in people aged
      90 years and older. The participants had evaluations for dementia every 6 months,
      and their average follow-up was 2.5 years. We examined the incidence of all-cause
      dementia in participants stratified into 4 cognitive groups: normal, amnestic
      mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (naMCI),
      and other cognitive impairment (OCI). RESULTS: Dementia incidence was highest for
      participants with aMCI (31.4% per year) and OCI (39.9% per year). Participants
      with naMCI had an incidence of 14.1% per year, and participants with normal
      cognition had an incidence of 8.4% per year. Dementia incidence was associated
      with increasing age in both normal and cognitively impaired participants;
      however, an APOE4 allele was associated with a higher dementia incidence only in
      participants with baseline cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of
      developing dementia in the oldest-old is high and increases to higher rates when
      cognitive impairment is present. Similar to results of studies in younger elderly
      individuals, cognitive impairment and increasing age were related to increased
      dementia incidence. High dementia incidence rates in the oldest-old individuals,
      particularly when cognitively impaired, emphasize the need to further study
      cognitive impairment and dementia in this rapidly expanding age group.

PMID- 22076545
TI  - Not all that goes "bump in the night" is RLS: leg motor restlessness in PD.

PMID- 22076543
TI  - Acute myeloid leukemia in Italian patients with multiple sclerosis treated with
      mitoxantrone.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and dose-dependency of mitoxantrone (MTX)
      associated acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) in the network of Italian multiple
      sclerosis (MS) clinics. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort
      study of patients treated with MTX in MS centers under the Italian national
      health care system between 1998 and 2008. Demographic, disease, treatment, and
      follow-up information were collected using hospital records. RESULTS: Data were
      available for 3,220 patients (63% women) from 40 Italian centers. Follow-up (mean
      +/- SD) was 49 +/- 29 months (range 12-140 months). We observed 30 cases of AML
      (incidence 0.93% [95% confidence interval 0.60%-1.26%]). The mean cumulative dose
      was higher in patients with AML (78 vs 65 mg/m(2), p = 0.028). The median
      interval from the start of therapy to AML diagnosis was longer than expected at
      33 months (range 13-84 months); 8 patients (27%) developed AML 4 years or more
      after the first MTX infusion. The rate of mortality associated with AML was 37%.
      CONCLUSIONS: This higher than expected risk of AML and related mortality requires
      that treatment decisions must be made jointly between clinicians and patients who
      understand their prognosis, treatment options, and treatment-related risks. The
      now large exposed MS population must be monitored for hematologic abnormalities
      for at least 6 years from the end of therapy, to ensure the rapid actions needed
      for early diagnosis and treatment of AML.

PMID- 22076546
TI  - Intrathecal effects of daclizumab treatment of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We previously reported that daclizumab, a humanized monoclonal
      antibody against CD25, reduced contrast-enhancing lesions (CEL) in patients with
      multiple sclerosis (MS) who were suboptimal responders to interferon-beta and
      that this response correlated with expansion of CD56(bright) NK cells. These data
      have been reproduced in a placebo-controlled multicenter trial (CHOICE study).
      The current study investigates whether daclizumab monotherapy reduces CEL in
      untreated patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and the effects of
      daclizumab on the intrathecal immune system. METHODS: Sixteen patients with RRMS
      with high inflammatory activity were enrolled in an open-label, baseline-vs
      treatment, phase II trial of daclizumab monotherapy for 54 weeks and followed by
      serial clinical and MRI examinations and immunologic biomarkers measured in the
      whole blood and CSF. RESULTS: The trial achieved predefined outcomes. There was
      an 87.7% reduction in brain CEL (primary) and improvements in Multiple Sclerosis
      Functional Composite (secondary), Scripps Neurologic Rating Scale, and Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (tertiary) outcomes. There was significant expansion of
      CD56(bright) NK cells in peripheral blood and CSF, with resultant decrease in T
      cells/NK cells and B cells/NK cells ratios and IL-12p40 in the CSF. Surprisingly,
      CD25 Tac epitope was equally blocked on the immune cells in the CSF and in
      peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS: Daclizumab monotherapy inhibits formation of MS
      plaques in patients with RRMS and immunoregulatory NK cells may suppress
      activation of pathogenic immune responses directly in the CNS compartment.
      CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: The study provides Class III evidence that daclizumab
      reduces the number of contrast-enhancing lesions in treatment-naive patients with
      RRMS over a 54-week period.

PMID- 22076547
TI  - The manifold faces of PML and the challenge of diagnosis.

PMID- 22076548
TI  - Spinal subtraction MRI for diagnosis of epidural leakage in SIH.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy of spinal MRI study with subtraction analysis
      as a rapid, reliable, and noninvasive procedure to detect epidural CSF collection
      in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) syndrome. METHODS: Seventeen
      patients (mean age 42 years, age range 17-65 years; 11 female) with SIH diagnosed
      using the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria and 13 age
      matched control subjects underwent standard sagittal spinal MRI. Postprocessing
      image analysis with subtraction of T1-weighted from T2-weighted MRI scans was
      performed and tested for the detection of the CSF leak. RESULTS: The CSF epidural
      collection was visible in all patients with SIH and was detected at the dorsal
      (16 of 17), cervical (13 of 17), lumbar (13 of 17), and sacral (12 of 17) levels.
      None of the control subjects showed a CSF leak. Diverticula were present in 23%
      of patients, whereas  the actual site of the CSF leak was recognized in only one
      patient. Eight patients were treated conservatively, whereas 9 patients required
      an epidural blood patch, performed at a fixed L2-L3 or L3-L4 spinal level, with
      complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal MRI with dedicated subtraction analysis
      could represent the first-line diagnostic tool in the management of patients with
      SIH, thus leaving invasive investigation for selected patients, such those
      requiring dural surgery.

PMID- 22076549
TI  - Clinical characteristics of pediatric-onset neuro-Behcet disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Neurologic involvement in the pediatric population with Behcet
      disease (BD) is limited to case reports. The aim of this study is to examine the
      frequency and type of neurologic involvement in pediatric patients with BD.
      METHODS: Medical records of 728 patients with a diagnosis of neuro-BD (NBD) of 2
      large BD cohorts followed in Istanbul University were included in the study.
      Patients with an onset of both systemic and neurologic symptoms at or before age
      16 (pediatric neuro-BD) were identified. Demographic and clinical characteristics
      of pediatric patients with NBD were compared with adult patients with NBD.
      RESULTS: There were 26 cases with pediatric BD (3.6%) and 702 (96.4%) adult-onset
      patients. Gender ratio was equal in the general pediatric BD cohort, whereas
      male/female ratio was 5.5/1 in pediatric NBD cases. Mean age at BD onset and
      neurologic involvement onset were 13.0 +/- 3.0 and 13.5 +/- 2.4, respectively,
      and in the adult population mean age at onset of BD was 26.7 +/- 8.0 and
      neurologic involvement occurred a mean of 5.3 +/- 4.5 years later. Clinical and
      MRI evaluation revealed that 3 children had CNS parenchymal involvement and 23
      had dural venous sinus thrombosis (88.5%). We observed parenchymal involvement in
      74.8% of the adults, contrary to the low 17.2% of cases with venous sinus
      thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric NBD comprises 3.6% of our whole NBD cohort,
      with a male predominance, mainly in the form of dural venous sinus thrombosis,
      whereas in the adult NBD population the dominant form of neurologic involvement
      is parenchymal, suggesting that the pathogenesis of NBD may be different
      according to the age at disease onset.

PMID- 22076550
TI  - Evaluation of various cytokines elicited during antigen-specific recall as
      potential risk indicators for the differential development of leprosy.
AB  - Leprosy is a dermato-neurological disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae
      infection that manifests across a wide range of clinical and immunological
      outcomes. Diagnosis is still currently based on clinical manifestations and
      simple tests are needed. This study investigated whether biomarkers induced by
      defined M. leprae proteins in 24-h whole blood assays (WBA) could discriminate
      active leprosy patients from at-risk contacts. Newly diagnosed, untreated
      paucibacillary (PB; tuberculoid leprosy/borderline tuberculoid [TT/BT]) and
      multibacillary (MB; borderline lepromatous/lepromatous leprosy [BL/LL]) leprosy
      patients, as well as healthy household contacts (HHC) of MB patients, were
      recruited in central western Brazil (Goiania/Goias). Cell-based responses to the
      ML0276, ML1623, ML0405, ML1632, 92f, and ML1011 antigens were measured by Luminex
      14-plex assays detecting eotaxin, IFNgamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL
      12p70, IL-15, IL-17A, IL-23, IL-31, IP-10, and TNFalpha. Our data reinforce that
      IFNgamma is currently the best indicator of the antigen-specific cellular immune
      response of TT/BT leprosy and demonstrate that the same antigens promote the
      secretion of IL-4 in blood from BL/LL leprosy patients. While none of the
      biomarkers tested could discriminate leprosy patients from HHC, our data indicate
      that, although most HHC antigen-specific responses are qualitatively similar to
      TT/BT patients, some HHC can respond similarly to BL/LL patients.

PMID- 22076551
TI  - Are enterococci playing a role in postoperative peritonitis in critically ill
      patients?
AB  - This prospective non-interventional study is aimed at evaluating the role of
      enterococci in the postoperative course of postoperative peritonitis (POP) and
      the predictive factors for isolating Enterococcus spp. All adult patients,
      hospitalized in intensive care, who had POP between September 2006 and February
      2010 were analysed. The patients' baseline clinical characteristics and
      microbiological and surgical characteristics of the first episode of POP were
      recorded. The rates of surgical and non-surgical complications and mortality were
      studied. A total of 139 patients were analysed and Enterococcus spp. were
      recovered in 61 patients (43%). The presence of enterococci was associated with
      significantly more intra-abdominal abscesses (26% vs 12%, p=0.025), but did not
      affect the rate of reoperation or mortality. Antibiotic use before reoperation
      was the only independent predictive factor for isolating enterococci (OR=2.19,
      CI95%: 1.02-4.70, p<0.043). Although mortality was not affected by the presence
      of Enterococcus spp., a higher rate of intra-abdominal abscess was found,
      suggesting that enterococci play a significant role in postoperative peritonitis,
      but the need to treat them remains to be determined. Previous antibiotic use
      before reoperation was a key factor in predicting the subsequent recovery of
      enterococci.

PMID- 22076552
TI  - Alternative energy input: mechanochemical, microwave and ultrasound-assisted
      organic synthesis.
AB  - Microwave, ultrasound, sunlight and mechanochemical mixing can be used to augment
      conventional laboratory techniques. By applying these alternative means of
      activation, a number of chemical transformations have been achieved thereby
      improving many existing protocols with superior results when compared to
      reactions performed under traditional conditions. The purpose of this critical
      review is to highlight the advances in this general area by presenting such newer
      applications in organic synthesis (175 references).

PMID- 22076553
TI  - Involvement of concentrative nucleoside transporter 1 in intestinal absorption of
      trifluorothymidine, a novel antitumor nucleoside, in rats.
AB  - alphaalphaalpha-Trifluorothymidine (TFT), an anticancer nucleoside analog, is a
      potent thymidylate synthase inhibitor. TFT exerts its antitumor activity
      primarily by inducing DNA fragmentation after incorporation of the triphosphate
      form of TFT into the DNA. Although an oral combination of TFT and a thymidine
      phosphorylase inhibitor has been clinically developed, there is little
      information regarding TFT absorption. Therefore, we investigated TFT absorption
      in the rat small intestine. After oral administration of TFT in rats, more than
      75% of the TFT was absorbed. To identify the uptake transport system, uptake
      studies were conducted by using everted sacs prepared from rat small intestines.
      TFT uptake was saturable, significantly reduced under Na(+)-free conditions, and
      strongly inhibited by the addition of an endogenous pyrimidine nucleoside. From
      these results, we suggested the involvement of concentrative nucleoside
      transporters (CNTs) in TFT absorption into rat small intestine. In rat small
      intestines, the mRNAs coding for rat CNT1 (rCNT1) and rCNT2, but not for rCNT3,
      were predominantly expressed. To investigate the roles of rCNT1 and rCNT2 in TFT
      uptake, we conducted uptake assays by using Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with
      rCNT1 complementary RNA (cRNA) and rCNT2 cRNA. TFT uptake by X. laevis oocytes
      injected with rCNT1 cRNA, and not rCNT2 cRNA, was significantly greater than that
      by water-injected oocytes. In addition, in situ single-pass perfusion experiments
      performed using rat jejunum regions showed that thymidine, a substrate for CNT1,
      strongly inhibited TFT uptake. In conclusion, TFT is absorbed via rCNT1 in the
      intestinal lumen in rats.

PMID- 22076554
TI  - Change in self-efficacy, autonomous and controlled motivation predicting smoking.
AB  - Although motivational interviewing (MI) has been shown to be effective in
      changing health behaviors, its effects on smoking cessation have been mixed. The
      purpose of the present study is to assess factors of motivation and self-efficacy
      as they mediate the relationship between MI and smoking cessation. This is a
      secondary analysis of an MI based smoking cessation randomized trial. MI
      counseling was associated with change in smoking behaviors during a 12 months
      intervention but was not related to autonomous motivation, controlled motivation,
      or self-efficacy at baseline and 6 months, the hypothesized mediators. This study
      confirmed the pathway to quit smoking through increase in self-efficacy.

PMID- 22076555
TI  - Cationic nanomicelles for delivery of plasmids encoding interleukin-4 and
      interleukin-10 for prevention of autoimmune diabetes in mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo transfection efficiency of N-acyl derivatives of
      low-molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) to deliver pVIVO2-mIL4-mIL10 plasmid
      encoding interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in multiple, low-dose
      streptozotocin induced diabetic mouse model. METHODS: N-acyl LMWC nanomicelles
      were characterized for size and charge. The pVIVO2-mIL4-mIL10/N-acyl LMWC
      polyplexes were injected intramuscularly in mice and compared for transfection
      efficiency with naked DNA and FuGENE(r) HD. Bicistronic pVIVO2-mIL4-mIL10 plasmid
      was compared with individual plasmids encoding IL-4 and IL-10 for efficacy. The
      levels of blood glucose and serum IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were
      monitored. The ability of plasmid administration to protect from insulitis and
      biocompatibility of N-acyl LMWC were studied. RESULTS: The N-acyl LMWC led to
      significantly higher (p < 0.05) expression of IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced the
      levels of blood glucose, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, especially in animals treated
      with pVIVO2-mIL4-mIL10 plasmid. The pancreas of pDNA/N-acyl LMWC polyplex treated
      animals exhibited protection from insulitis and the delivery systems were found
      to be biocompatible. CONCLUSIONS: N-acyl derivatives of LMWC are efficient and
      biocompatible gene delivery vectors, and the administration of bicistronic pVIVO2
      mIL4-mIL10 plasmid polyplexes can protect the pancreatic islets from insulitis,
      possibly due to the synergistic effect of IL-4 and IL-10 encoding plasmids.

PMID- 22076557
TI  - Mucosal immunology: the 'AHR diet' for mucosal homeostasis.

PMID- 22076556
TI  - Towards a systems understanding of MHC class I and MHC class II antigen
      presentation.
AB  - The molecular details of antigen processing and presentation by MHC class I and
      class II molecules have been studied extensively for almost three decades.
      Although the basic principles of these processes were laid out approximately 10
      years ago, the recent years have revealed many details and provided new insights
      into their control and specificity. MHC molecules use various biochemical
      reactions to achieve successful presentation of antigenic fragments to the immune
      system. Here we present a timely evaluation of the biology of antigen
      presentation and a survey of issues that are considered unresolved. The
      continuing flow of new details into our understanding of the biology of MHC class
      I and class II antigen presentation builds a system involving several cell
      biological processes, which is discussed in this Review.

PMID- 22076559
TI  - Autoimmunity: Linking commensals with autoimmunity.

PMID- 22076558
TI  - Peptidoglycan recognition proteins: modulators of the microbiome and
      inflammation.
AB  - All animals, including humans, live in symbiotic association with microorganisms.
      The immune system accommodates host colonization by the microbiota, maintains
      microbiota-host homeostasis and defends against pathogens. This Review analyses
      how one family of antibacterial pattern recognition molecules - the peptidoglycan
      recognition proteins - has evolved a fascinating variety of mechanisms to control
      host interactions with mutualistic, commensal and parasitic microorganisms to
      benefit both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts.

PMID- 22076560
TI  - Novel role of c-jun N-terminal kinase in regulating the initiation of cap
      dependent translation.
AB  - Initiation of protein translation by the 5' mRNA cap is a tightly regulated step
      in cell growth and proliferation. Aberrant activation of cap-dependent
      translation is a hallmark of many cancers including non-small cell lung cancer.
      The canonical signaling mechanisms leading to translation initiation include
      activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in response to the presence of nutrients and
      growth factors. We have previously observed that inhibition of c-jun N-terminal
      kinase (JNK) leads to inactivation of cap-dependent translation in mesothelioma
      cells. Since JNK is involved in the genesis of non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC), we hypothesized that JNK could also be involved in activating cap
      dependent translation in NSCLC cells and could represent an alternative pathway
      regulating translation. In a series of NSCLC cell lines, inhibition of JNK using
      SP600125 resulted in inhibition of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and a decrease in
      formation of the cap-dependent translation complex, eIF4F. Furthermore, we show
      that JNK-mediated inhibition of translation is independent of mTOR. Our data
      provide evidence that JNK is involved in the regulation of translation and has
      potential as a therapeutic target in NSCLC.

PMID- 22076561
TI  - Clinical trials during pregnancy: what has been done.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe clinical trials conducted in pregnant women. METHODS: We
      searched PubMed database for articles related to clinical trials between
      01/01/2000 and 31/12/2009 involving pregnant women by using the preferred terms
      "pregnancy", "human", and "clinical trials". RESULTS: Of 1,264 retrieved
      publications, 762 (60%) were excluded, leaving 502 for analysis: 53% were
      preventive studies in maternal or fetal conditions; 47% were therapeutic trials,
      mostly focused on acute obstetric diseases; 66% were assigned a pharmacological
      intervention. The studied drugs were 16% for labour induction and 15% for
      abortive procedures, followed by multivitamins and micronutrients, labour
      analgesia and anesthesia, antibiotics, tocolytics, and antimalarial drugs. The
      main objectives of the studies were focused on efficacy (54%) and efficacy and
      safety (26%); 81% of the studies were controlled, randomized and parallel-design
      trials; 19% were blinded. CONCLUSION: Clinical trials in pregnant women are
      mainly conducted with an efficacy objective regarding maternal-fetal prevention
      and in obstetric diseases to study labor induction and abortive measures. This is
      in line with the type of intervention and drugs involved.

PMID- 22076562
TI  - Evaluation of lansoprazole as a probe for assessing cytochrome P450 2C19 activity
      and genotype-phenotype correlation in childhood.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lansoprazole, a cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrate, has been
      widely used in children to manage acid-related diseases. CYP2C19 exhibits marked
      genetic polymorphisms, and distribution of these polymorphisms varies among
      different ethnic groups. There is limited data regarding the use of probe drugs
      for determining CYP2C19 activity in children. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate lansoprazole as an in vivo phenotyping probe for assessing CYP2C19
      activity in children. METHODS: The CYP2C19*2, *3, and *17 variants were
      determined in 244 children. Three hours after a single oral dose of lansoprazole
      (n = 94) or omeprazole (n = 19), plasma lansoprazole and 5-hydroxy lansoprazole
      or omeprazole and 5-hydroxy omeprazole concentrations were analyzed by high
      performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The CYP2C19*17 was the most frequent
      variant allele (24.4%). The group of patients with CYP2C19*17*17 genotype had a
      70% lower (p < 0.05) mean lansoprazole plasma concentration compared with the
      CYP2C19*1*1 genotype group, whereas the CYP2C19*2*2 group had 6.9-fold higher (p
      < 0.01) mean lansoprazole plasma concentration. Lansoprazole metabolic ratios
      (lansoprazole/5-hydroxy-lansoprazole) were found to be significantly lower in the
      *17*17 [mean +/- standard deviation (SD); 2.8 +/- 2.1] group and higher in the
      *2*2 group (63.5 +/- 12.2) compared with that of the *1*1 genotype group (6.1 +/-
      4.5). CONCLUSION: According to our results from a Turkish pediatric population,
      lansoprazole is a suitable probe drug for phenotyping CYP2C19. The CYP2C19*2 and
      *17 variants should be taken into consideration in predicting the clinical
      outcome of therapy with lansoprazole in the pediatric population.

PMID- 22076563
TI  - Synergistic effects of octylphenol and isobutyl paraben on the expression of
      calbindin-D9k in GH3 rat pituitary cells.
AB  - Endocrine disruptors (EDs) have estrogenic activity and can cause physiological
      estrogenic responses. Octylphenol (OP) is one of the alkylphenolic compounds
      known as environmental xenoestrogens because they strongly compete with
      endogenous estrogens to bind to estrogen receptors (ERs). Isobutyl paraben (IBP),
      a widely used preservative, also exhibits estrogenic activity. Calbindin-D9k
      (CaBP-9k) is a novel biomarker for the detection of EDs used in our previous
      studies. In this study, the CaBP-9k gene was utilized as a marker for the
      estrogenic activity of combined OP and IBP to investigate possible additive,
      synergistic or antagonistic effects of these compounds in GH3 rat pituitary
      cells. GH3 cells were treated with different individual or combined doses of OP
      and IBP. In addition, the antiestrogen ICI 182,780 was used to examine the
      potential involvement of ERs in the induction of CaBP-9k expression by EDs. It
      was found that CaBP-9k expression was significantly increased at a high-dose of
      OP (1 uM) combined with each dose of IBP (0.1, 1 or 10 uM) compared to all single
      doses of IBP and OP. A synergistic increase in luciferase activity and CaBP-9k
      expression was observed following combination treatment with OP and IBP.
      Expression of the progesterone receptor (PR) gene was similarly induced by
      combined treatment with OP and IBP. In addition, pre-treatment with ICI 182,780,
      an estrogen antagonist, significantly blunted ED-induced CaBP-9k and PR
      expression. In summary, the expression of CaBP-9k and PR was induced more
      potently by combined OP and IBP than by treatment with either ED alone. ICI
      182,780 treatment reversed ED-induced CaBP-9k and PR expression in these cells.
      Taken together, these results indicate that combined exposure to OP and IBP has a
      synergistic effect on the induction of CaBP-9k and PR gene expression via an ER
      dependent pathway in GH3 cells.

PMID- 22076564
TI  - Recurrences after surgical resection of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
      of the pancreas: a single-center study of recurrence predictive factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The detection of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) has
      increased over the last decade, but still, management remains controversial. The
      main problems are their potential for malignancy and risk of recurrence. The
      purpose of this study was to determine the predictive factors of recurrence after
      surgical resection. METHODS: All patients with IPMN who underwent pancreatectomy
      with curative intent were considered. Data were collected from a prospective
      base. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2009, 104 patients underwent pancreatectomy. Twenty
      one (20%) had recurrence, 15 on remnant pancreas (none on pancreatic cut surface)
      and 6 with distant metastases. Twelve patients had total pancreatectomy (1
      awaiting surgery). Thirteen (38.2%) of 34 patients with invasive IPMN and 20
      (25.9%) of 77 with main duct involvement (including combined type) had
      recurrence. In univariate analysis, American Society of Anesthesiologist score
      and histological and duct type had a significant impact on recurrence rate. In
      multivariate analysis, histological type (invasiveness) was the only significant
      predictive factor for recurrence. CONCLUSION: The risk of recurrence of IPMN
      after resection depends on the histological type. According to surgical margin,
      invasiveness, and the type of duct involved, we identified a high-risk group with
      invasive main duct lesion and a low-risk group with noninvasive branch duct
      lesion.

PMID- 22076565
TI  - The neurotransmitter ATP triggers Ca2+ responses promoting coordination of
      pancreatic islet oscillations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pulsatile insulin release into the portal vein is critically
      dependent on entrainment of the islets in the pancreas into a common oscillatory
      phase. Because the pulses reflect periodic variations of the cytoplasmic Ca
      concentration ([Ca]i), we studied whether the neurotransmitters adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) and acetylcholine promote synchronization of [Ca]i
      oscillations between islets lacking contact. METHODS: Medium-sized and small
      mouse islets and cell aggregates were used for measuring [Ca]i with the indicator
      fura-2. RESULTS: Exposure to acetylcholine resulted in an initial [Ca]i peak
      followed by disappearance of the [Ca]i oscillations induced by 11-mmol/L glucose.
      The effect of ATP was often restricted to an elusive [Ca]i peak. The incidence of
      distinct [Ca]i responses to ATP increased under conditions (accelerated
      superfusion, small islets, or cell aggregates) intended to counteract
      purinoceptor desensitization owing to intercellular accumulation of ATP. Attempts
      to imitate neural activity by brief (15 seconds) exposure to ATP or acetylcholine
      resulted in temporary synchronization of the glucose-induced [Ca]i oscillations
      between islets lacking contact. CONCLUSIONS: The data support the idea that
      purinergic signaling has a key role for coordinating the oscillatory activity of
      the islets in the pancreas, reinforcing previous arguments for the involvement of
      nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurons.

PMID- 22076566
TI  - Mitomycin C treatment significantly reduces central damage of islets in culture.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We recently reported that mitomycin C (MMC) treatment and subsequent
      culture of islets significantly prolongs graft survival in allotransplantation
      and xenotransplantation models. The present study was performed to determine the
      changes in morphology and signal transduction in pancreatic islets after MMC
      treatment. METHODS: Freshly isolated rat islets were treated with 10 MUg/mL MMC
      for 30 minutes and then cultured for up to 3 days. The samples were processed for
      immunohistologic studies and electron microscopic examination at various times
      after treatment. A DNA fragmentation assay was performed to detect apoptotic cell
      death. Western blotting was performed to determine the effects of MMC on signal
      transduction. RESULTS: As early as 4 hours after culture, the islets showed
      central damage; most cells were necrotic and stained with anti-high mobility
      group box 1 antibody, and a few were apoptotic. The ratio of the damaged area to
      the whole area was significantly decreased after MMC treatment. Western blotting
      showed that MMC treatment increased the levels of activated forms of p53 and p21,
      whereas levels of the activated forms of Akt and caspase-3 were unchanged.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin C treatment protects islets from the progression of
      central damage during culture. The p53-p21 pathway might be involved in these
      effects. ABBREVIATIONS: MMC - mitomycin C, HMGB1 - high mobility group box 1.

PMID- 22076567
TI  - Proteomic assessment of markers for malignancy in the mucus of intraductal
      papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas
      evolve from dysplasia to invasive adenocarcinoma. The aims of this study were to
      look for candidate protein profiles in IPMN mucus according to histological
      grade, using a differential proteomic technique, and to highlight protein peaks
      associated with malignant transformation. METHODS: Forty-three mucus samples
      obtained from surgically resected IPMN and categorized as benign (low/moderate
      dysplasia) or malignant (severe dysplasia/invasive adenocarcinoma) in 21 and 22
      patients, respectively. A surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of
      flight mass spectrometry was used to determine candidate protein expression
      profiles. Protein peaks that significantly differed between benign/malignant IPMN
      (area under curve > 0.88; P < 10; high intensity) were identified using adapted
      software. RESULTS: Among 952 protein peaks, 31 were differentially expressed in
      benign/malignant IPMN (P < 0.001). Among them, 5 candidate proteins of interest
      (mass-to-charge ratio [m/z]: 5217, 6326, 6719, 10,453, and 10,849 d) were
      selected by their high diagnostic accuracy and ability to distinguish between
      malignant and benign tumors. No correlation was found between peak profiles and
      duct involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinogenic process in IPMN is associated with
      changes in mucus proteome with characteristic peaks that could be potential
      candidate biomarkers of malignancy. ABBREVIATIONS: IPMN - intraductal papillary
      mucinous neoplasm, EPC - extrapancreatic cancer, MRI - magnetic resonance
      imaging, ERCP - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

PMID- 22076568
TI  - Combination of hedgehog signaling blockage and chemotherapy leads to tumor
      reduction in pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Activation of the hedgehog signal transduction pathway, triggered by
      hedgehog binding to the transmembrane receptor patched 1 (PTCH1) or by mutations
      in the PTCH1 gene, plays an important role in the development of various tumors.
      METHODS: To investigate whether the Hedgehog signaling pathway is also active in
      human pancreatic adenocarcinomas, we determined the expression levels of the
      known Hedgehog target genes PTCH1 and GLI-1 in pancreatic tumors. To determine
      whether alterations in the PTCH1 gene are responsible for this pathway
      activation, we screened pancreatic carcinomas for mutations in PTCH. To
      investigate the contribution of hedgehog signaling to the tumorigenicity of
      pancreatic tumor cells, we blocked the Hedgehog pathway in cultured tumor cells
      and xenografts using the steroidal alkaloid cyclopamine and the small-molecule
      Hedgehog inhibitor Hh-Antag. RESULTS: We identified single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) within the PTCH1 gene but no somatic PTCH1 mutations.
      Pathway-blockage resulted in a significant dose-dependent reduction of tumor cell
      growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, combined treatment with cyclopamine and
      the conventional antimetabolite gemcitabine revealed a synergistic effect on the
      reduction of tumor growth in pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenografts. CONCLUSIONS:
      Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling could be a promising approach for the treatment
      of pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

PMID- 22076570
TI  - Amide temperature coefficients in the protein G B1 domain.
AB  - Temperature coefficients have been measured for backbone amide (1)H and (15)N
      nuclei in the B1 domain of protein G (GB1), using temperatures in the range 283
      313 K, and pH values from 2.0 to 9.0. Many nuclei display pH-dependent
      coefficients, which were fitted to one or two pK(a) values. (1)H coefficients
      showed the expected behaviour, in that hydrogen-bonded amides have less negative
      values, but for those amides involved in strong hydrogen bonds in regular
      secondary structure there is a negative correlation between strength of hydrogen
      bond and size of temperature coefficient. The best correlation to temperature
      coefficient is with secondary shift, indicative of a very approximately uniform
      thermal expansion. The largest pH-dependent changes in coefficient are for amides
      in loops adjacent to sidechain hydrogen bonds rather than the amides involved
      directly in hydrogen bonds, indicating that the biggest determinant of the
      temperature coefficient is temperature-dependent loss of structure, not hydrogen
      bonding. Amide (15)N coefficients have no clear relationship with structure.

PMID- 22076569
TI  - Activation of the BMP4 pathway and early expression of CDX2 characterize non
      specialized columnar metaplasia in a human model of Barrett's esophagus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A human model of gastroesophageal reflux disease was used to examine
      the contribution of a non-specialized columnar type of metaplasia (NSCM) and key
      molecular events (BMP4 and CDX2) in the development of Barrett's esophagus.
      METHODS: Biopsies of the remnant esophagus from 18 patients undergoing
      esophagectomy with gastric preservation were taken at 6-36-month intervals
      postoperatively and examined for activation of the BMP pathway (BMP4/P-Smad
      1/5/8) and CDX2 and CDX1 expression by imunohistochemistry, quantitative real
      time PCR, Western blot, and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: A short segment (mean
      15.6 mm) of NSCM was detected in 10 (56%) patients, with an increasing prevalence
      from 17% at 6 months to 62% at 36 months. Nuclear expression of P-Smad 1/5/8 in
      the squamous epithelium close to the anastomosis with strong expression in all
      epithelial cells of NSCM areas was found. Forty-eight (63%) biopsies with NSCM
      showed scattered nuclear expression of CDX2. Two cases showed isolated glands at
      18, 24, and 36 months that fully expressed CDX2 and co-expressed CDX1. BMP4 mRNA
      and CDX2 mRNA levels were significantly greater in NSCM than in squamous
      epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: BMP4 activation in NSCM and early expression of CDX2 are
      involved in the columnar epithelial differentiation of Barrett's esophagus.

PMID- 22076571
TI  - A vector design that allows fast and convenient production of differently tagged
      proteins.
AB  - Recombinant-tagged proteins have a widespread use in experimental research as
      well as in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Well-stocked sets of
      differently tagged variants of a same protein would be of great help. However,
      the construction of differently tagging vectors is a demanding task since cloning
      procedures need several tailored DNA inserts. In this study, we describe a novel
      vector system that allows a cost- and time-effective production of differently
      tagged variants of a same protein by using the same DNA fragment and a set of
      vectors each carrying a different tag. The design of these expression vectors is
      based on an intronic region that becomes functional upon cloning the insert
      sequence, splicing of which attaches a certain tag to the protein termini. This
      strategy allows for the cloning of the fragment that codes for the protein of
      interest, without any further modification, into different vectors, previously
      built and ready-to-use, each carrying a tag that will be joined to the protein.
      Proof of principle for our expression system, presented here, is shown through
      the production of a functional anti-GD2 Fab fragment tagged with biotin or
      polyhistidine, or a combination of both, followed by the demonstration of the
      functional competencies of both the protein and the tags.

PMID- 22076572
TI  - Scleral buckling with a non-contact wide-angle viewing system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of scleral buckling surgery using a non-contact
      wide-angle viewing system for fundus visualization in patients with
      rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients underwent scleral buckling
      using a non-contact wide-angle viewing system combined with a 25-gauge
      illumination fibre inserted into the sclera at the pars plana. RESULTS: The mean
      age of the patients was 53.6 +/- 13.7 years and the mean follow-up time was 13.4
      +/- 2.8 months. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 13 of the 16 eyes (81%).
      Three eyes underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil injection because of
      development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 2 eyes and scleral perforation
      due to excessive indentation during cryoretinopexy in 1 eye. Two eyes developed
      limited subretinal haemorrhage during subretinal fluid drainage. CONCLUSION:
      Simultaneous use of a non-contact wide-angle viewing system combined with a 25
      gauge light fibre illumination for fundus visualization brings the advantages of
      microsurgery and indirect ophthalmoscopy into scleral buckling surgery.

PMID- 22076573
TI  - Clinicopathologic outcomes of curative resection for sarcomatoid carcinoma of the
      lung.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is a very rare and aggressive
      subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. We explored the clinicopathologic
      characteristics and surgical outcome of this tumor. METHODS: Among 4,212 patients
      who underwent curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer from September
      1994 to December 2009, 99 patients had sarcomatoid carcinoma. Medical records of
      patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was
      16.07 months. Thirty-six patients had pathologic stage I disease, and 63 had more
      advanced disease. Surgery included 2 wedge resections, 67 lobectomies, 17
      bilobectomies, and 13 pneumonectomies. There were 90 pleomorphic carcinomas, 6
      spindle cell carcinomas, 1 giant cell carcinoma, 1 carcinosarcoma, and 1
      pulmonary blastoma. Overall 5-year survival was 54.3%. Forty-three patients
      experienced recurrence and 42 of these died of the cancer. Pathologic T stage as
      defined by the 7th TNM staging system was significantly associated with survival
      and recurrence (p = 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). Mean positron emission
      tomography uptake was significantly higher than in other types of lung cancer (p
      < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results implied that surgery for sarcomatoid
      carcinoma must be carefully planned after extensive preoperative evaluation.
      Efforts should be made for accurate preoperative histological diagnosis of large
      peripheral tumor with exceedingly high positron emission tomography uptake.

PMID- 22076574
TI  - A case of severe aortic stenosis with severe coronary artery disease that was
      successfully treated by balloon aortic valvuloplasty and percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - We describe an 85-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis, who also had severe
      coronary artery disease. She suffered from dyspnea on exertion and frequent
      syncope. Echocardiography revealed an immobile and heavily calcified aortic
      valve, and coronary angiography revealed two-vessel disease including chronic
      total occlusion. Open-heart surgery was refused and she was referred to our
      department. She underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the right
      coronary artery and left anterior descending artery. Following PCI, percutaneous
      balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) was performed on the same day. We chose
      balloons of 15 * 60 mm, 18 * 60 mm, and 20 * 60 mm, respectively. Improvement in
      the mean aortic valve pressure gradient (PG) and calculated aortic valve area
      (mean PG 48-23 mmHg, 0.8-1.2 cm(2), respectively) was observed after the final
      balloon dilatation. No significant complications occurred. The combination of BAV
      with PCI may be a useful treatment for relief of the associated symptoms of
      severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease, though it does not improve
      the long-term prognosis.

PMID- 22076576
TI  - Current therapies in the management of systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
AB  - Heart failure, especially caused by systolic dysfunction, is the most common
      cause of hospitalization in the elderly population and the annual expenditure
      required for its management is at least $10 billion. The critical care nurse can
      play an active role in recognizing the differences between systolic and diastolic
      dysfunction, and teaching the patient and family that improper management or
      underuse of therapies can lead to disease progression.

PMID- 22076575
TI  - EGCG ameliorates the suppression of long-term potentiation induced by ischemia at
      the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse in the rat.
AB  - The function of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a main component of green tea,
      has been widely investigated, amelioration of synaptic transmission and
      neuroprotective effects against ischemia-induced brain damage among others.
      However, the mechanism underlying is still unveiled. We investigated the effects
      of EGCG on high frequency stimulation-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the
      Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse with or without cerebral ischemia injury induced
      by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in vivo to examine the possible
      relations between EGCG and synaptic transmission. Application of EGCG modulated
      synaptic transmission and produced a dose-dependent improvement of the induction
      of LTP. However, relative high-dose EGCG can block the induction of LTP at the
      Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse in normal rat in vivo. In addition, the effects
      of EGCG were observed on the infarct volume and neurological deficit in rats
      subjected to MCAO; furthermore, the cell viability of primary cultured rat
      hippocampal and cortical neurons suffered from oxygen-glucose deprivation were
      evaluated with MTT and LDH assay, which showed significant neuroprotective
      properties in vitro. Surprisingly, the contents of the glutamate (Glu), glycine
      (Gly), and gamma-aminobutyric acid amino acids were totally disequilibrated
      before and after cerebral ischemia injury and could be rebalanced to original
      level by application of EGCG. Our results suggest that EGCG is able to improve
      the efficiency of synaptic transmission in cerebral ischemia injury with
      attenuated effect related to the neuroprotection of EGCG through regulating
      excitatory and inhibitory amino acid balance.

PMID- 22076579
TI  - Dealing with coagulopathies of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
AB  - A woman with pregnancy-induced hypertension may experience a potentially fatal
      bleeding disorder. This article describes how to recognize trouble and intervene
      appropriately.

PMID- 22076580
TI  - Tenecteplase: a promising new fibrinolytic agent.
AB  - Acute coronary syndrome can mean anything from unstable angina to acute
      myocardial infarction (MI) with ST-segment elevation. Tenecteplase, a new
      fibrinolytic agent used to treat ST-segment elevation acute MI, has some
      advantages over other fibrinolytic agents. This article describes tenecteplase's
      actions, indications, contraindications, and use.

PMID- 22076581
TI  - Communicating to get results: an interview with Jacob Weisberg.
AB  - An expert describes ways to improve communication skills and save time, solve
      problems, and motivate employees.

PMID- 22076582
TI  - Malnutrition in the elderly: what nurses need to know.
AB  - Identifying nutritional deficit vulnerability and early and advanced malnutrition
      states in the elderly can be challenging. This article provides a clinical
      evaluation guide for identifying risks and diagnosing incipient and advanced
      malnutrition. Diagnosis and intervention can prevent loss of function and
      independence and decrease morbidity and mortality in the elderly.

PMID- 22076583
TI  - Braced for disaster.
AB  - Organized disaster or mass casualty incident planning is typically limited to
      prehospital, emergency department, operating room, and intensive care unit
      personnel. Such planning can be transferred to acute care situations as well.

PMID- 22076584
TI  - Measuring "hang time": contamination of intra-arterial flush solutions over time.
AB  - This study reports on improved patient care through procedures that reduce the
      likelihood of hospital-acquired infections. This investigation found that longer
      "hang times" for nurse-prepared intra-arterial flush solutions did not
      significantly increase the patient's risk of infection. In addition, the article
      details cost savings and procedures to better manage nurses' time.

PMID- 22076585
TI  - Bioterrorism: the new threat.

PMID- 22076586
TI  - Enhancement of cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of 2-aminophenoxazine-3-one on
      the rat hepatocellular carcinoma cell line dRLh-84, the human hepatocellular
      carcinoma cell line HepG2, and the rat normal hepatocellular cell line RLN-10 in
      combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose.
AB  - The cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of a single dose of 2-aminophenoxazine-3
      one (Phx-3) or 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) or of a combined dose of Phx-3 and 2-DG were
      studied in the rat hepatocellular carcinoma cell line dRLh-84, the human
      hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and the rat normal hepatocellular cell
      line RLN-10. The number of viable cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner,
      when dRLh-84, HepG2 or RLN-10 cells were treated with 2-DG (0.5-20 mM) or Phx-3
      (1-50 uM) alone at 37C for 48 h. When these cells were treated with 10 mM 2-DG
      and different concentrations of Phx-3, the number of viable cells decreased dose
      dependently and in an additive manner for these agents. A single dose of 2 or 10
      uM Phx-3 induced apoptotic morphology characterized by nuclear condensation and
      cell shrinkage in dRLh-84, HepG2 and RLN-10 cells, while a single dose of 10 mM 2
      DG did not. When Phx-3 (2 or 10 uM) treatment was combined with 2-DG (10 mM)
      treatment in these three cell lines, the cells with apoptotic morphology
      increased extensively, which was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. In
      addition, autophagic morphology characterized by cytosolic vacuole formation was
      significantly increased in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines dRLh-84 and
      HepG2 but not in the normal hepatocellular cell line RLN-10 after a single dose
      of Phx-3 or 2-DG or a combined dose of Phx-3 and 2-DG. Furthermore, when dRLh-84
      and HepG2 cells were treated with Phx-3 alone or a combined dose of Phx-3 and 2
      DG, depolarization of the mitochondria was extensive, but that of the normal cell
      line RLN-10 was not. These results may imply that the mechanism for the apoptosis
      of hepatocellular carcinoma cells caused by Phx-3 alone or a combined dose of Phx
      3 and 2-DG differs from that of the normal cell line RLN-10. The present results
      demonstrate that Phx-3 alone may be beneficial for targeting liver cancer and
      that its anticancer activity may be enhanced by 2-DG. However, a combined dose of
      Phx-3 and 2-DG may exert adverse effects on normal liver cells, as evidenced by
      the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of the combined treatment in the rat
      normal hepatocellular cell line RLN-10.

PMID- 22076587
TI  - Resonant Mie scattering (RMieS) correction applied to FTIR images of biological
      tissue samples.
AB  - Recently a resonant Mie scattering (RMieS) correction approach has been developed
      and demonstrated to be effective for removing the baseline distortions that
      compromise the raw data in individual spectra. In this paper RMieS correction is
      extended to FTIR images of a tissue section from biopsy of the human cervical
      transformation zone and a coronal tissue section of a Wistar rat brain and
      compared to the uncorrected images. It is shown that applying RMieS correction to
      FTIR images a) removes baseline distortions from the image spectra and thus
      reveals previously hidden information on spatial variation of chemical contents
      within the tissue and b) can lead to improved automatic tissue feature
      classification through multivariate cluster analysis.

PMID- 22076589
TI  - Comparison of shear bond strengths of ceramic brackets after different time lags
      between lasing and debonding.
AB  - Laser use is effective in the debonding of ceramic brackets. However, a
      standardization of the laser debonding techniques used has not yet been
      implemented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the time lag
      elapsed between lasing and shearing on debonding of ceramic brackets. One hundred
      polycrystalline ceramic brackets were placed on human premolar teeth, which were
      randomly divided into five groups of 20. One group was assigned as the control.
      The Er-YAG laser was applied on each bracket in four experimental groups at 5 W
      for 6 s with the scanning method. Debonding was performed 1 s, 18 s, 30 s, or 60
      s after laser exposure. Shear bond strengths and adhesive remnant index scores
      were measured. Statistically significant difference was observed between the
      control and experimental groups when the data for the shear bond strengths was
      considered (p < 0.05). Adhesive remnant index scores of the groups were not
      statistically different (p > 0.05). Debonding ceramic brackets after 18 s when
      lased 6 s using an Er-YAG laser with the scanning method is safe and also
      suitable for clinical use since three brackets can be debonded at a time in
      succession.

PMID- 22076590
TI  - Expression of seed dormancy in grain sorghum lines with contrasting pre-harvest
      sprouting behavior involves differential regulation of gibberellin metabolism
      genes.
AB  - Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) moench] exhibits intraspecific variability for
      the rate of dormancy release and pre-harvest sprouting behavior. Two inbred lines
      with contrasting sprouting response were compared: IS9530 (resistant) and
      RedlandB2 (susceptible). Precocious dormancy release in RedlandB2 is related to
      an early loss of embryo sensitivity to ABA and higher levels of gibberellins in
      imbibed grains as compared with IS9530. With the aim of identifying potential
      regulatory sites for gibberellin metabolism involved in the expression of
      dormancy in immature grains of both lines, we carried out a time course analysis
      of transcript levels of putative gibberellin metabolism genes and hormone content
      (GA(1), GA(4), GA(8) and GA(34)). A lower embryonic GA(4) level in dormant IS9530
      was related to a sharp and transient induction of two SbGA2-oxidase
      (inactivation) genes. In contrast, these genes were not induced in less dormant
      RedlandB2, while expression of two SbGA20-oxidase (synthesis) genes increased
      together with active GA(4) levels before radicle protrusion. Embryonic levels of
      GA(4) and its catabolite GA(34) correlated negatively. Thus, in addition to the
      process of gibberellin synthesis, inactivation is also important in regulating
      GA(4) levels in immature grains. A negative regulation by gibberellins was
      observed for SbGA20ox2, SbGA2ox1 and SbGA2ox3 and also for SbGID1 encoding a
      gibberellin receptor. We propose that the coordinated regulation at the
      transcriptional level of several gibberellin metabolism genes identified in this
      work affects the balance between gibberellin synthesis and inactivation
      processes, controlling active GA(4) levels during the expression of dormancy in
      maturing sorghum grains.

PMID- 22076588
TI  - Temozolomide responsiveness in aggressive corticotroph tumours: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Pituitary carcinoma occurs in ~0.2% of resected pituitary tumours and carries a
      poor prognosis (mean survival <4 years), with standard chemotherapy regimens
      showing limited efficacy. Recent evidence suggests that temozolomide (TMZ), an
      orally-active alkylating agent used principally in the management of
      glioblastoma, may also be effective in controlling aggressive/invasive pituitary
      adenomas/carcinomas. A low level of expression of the DNA-repair enzyme O6
      methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) predicts TMZ responsiveness in
      glioblastomas, and a similar correlation has been observed in the majority of
      aggressive pituitary adenomas/carcinomas reported to date. Here, we report a case
      of a silent pituitary corticotroph adenoma, which subsequently re-presented with
      Cushing's syndrome due to functioning hepatic metastases. The tumour exhibited
      low immunohistochemical MGMT expression in both primary (pituitary) and secondary
      (hepatic) lesions. Initial TMZ therapy (200 mg/m2 for 5 days every 28 days-seven
      cycles) resulted in marked clinical, biochemical [>50% fall in
      adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)] and radiological [partial RECIST (response
      evaluation criteria in solid tumors) response] improvements. The patient then
      underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. However, despite reintroduction of TMZ therapy
      (further eight cycles) ACTH levels plateaued and no further radiological
      regression was observed. We review the existing literature reporting TMZ efficacy
      in pituitary corticotroph tumours, and highlight the pointers/lessons for
      treating aggressive pituitary neoplasia that can be drawn from experience of
      susceptibility and evolving resistance to TMZ therapy in glioblastoma. Possible
      strategies for mitigating resistance developing during TMZ treatment of pituitary
      adenomas/carcinomas are also considered.

PMID- 22076591
TI  - Urinary exosomal WT1 in childhood nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, urinary exosomal WT1 has been proposed as a novel biomarker
      for simple podocyte injury. We investigated urinary exosomal WT1 to confirm its
      role as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting steroid responsiveness or renal
      pathological conditions in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS). CASE
      DIAGNOSIS: Forty children with active NS were recruited. Twenty-eight (70%) were
      steroid-sensitive, including 3 with minimal change NS (MCNS) and 1 with focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The remaining 12 (30%) were steroid
      resistant, including 8 with FSGS and 4 with MCNS. Urinary exosomes were isolated
      by a differential centrifugation method, and WT1 was measured by Western blot
      analysis. RESULTS: WT1 was detected in 25 patients (62.5%). There was no
      significant difference in the proportion of the patients with a detectable amount
      of WT1 according to steroid responsiveness or renal pathological condition, the
      amount of WT1 showed no significant difference according to steroid
      responsiveness or renal pathological condition, and there was no significant
      difference in the amount of proteinuria between patients with or without
      detectable WT1. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary exosomal WT1 was detected in some patients
      with NS. However, its role as an appropriate biomarker in childhood NS was not
      verified in this study.

PMID- 22076592
TI  - Outcome of children with heavy non-nephrotic proteinuria in Henoch-Schonlein
      nephritis.

PMID- 22076593
TI  - Evaluating the "greenness" of chemical processes and products in the
      pharmaceutical industry--a green metrics primer.
AB  - This tutorial review presents an overview of the main metrics that have been used
      to test and compare the 'greenness' of processes and products, primarily in the
      pharmaceutical industry. The green metrics cover areas of resources, materials,
      processing, cleaning, life cycle assessment, renewability, amongst others.
      Application examples of these metrics are also presented to illustrate key points
      and concepts.

PMID- 22076594
TI  - Relapse to smoking and postpartum weight retention among women who quit smoking
      during pregnancy.
AB  - Postpartum weight retention contributes to obesity risk in women. Given that most
      women who quit smoking as a result of pregnancy will resume smoking within 6
      months postpartum and that there is a robust association between smoking and
      weight, we sought to evaluate postpartum weight retention as a function of
      postpartum smoking status among women who had quit smoking during pregnancy.
      Women (N = 183) with biochemically confirmed cigarette abstinence at the end of
      pregnancy were recruited between February 2003 and November 2006. Women self
      reported demographic information and weight before pregnancy. Smoking status and
      weight were documented at the end of pregnancy and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks
      postpartum. Breastfeeding was reported at 6 weeks postpartum. Differences in
      weight retention by relapse status at each assessment were evaluated. To examine
      weight retention in the presence of conceptually relevant covariates, mixed
      models with log-transformed weight data were used. At 24 weeks postpartum, 34.6%
      of women remained abstinent. Women who remained abstinent throughout the 24-week
      period retained 4.7 +/- 2.1 kg more than did women who had relapsed by 6 weeks
      postpartum, P = 0.03. This difference in postpartum weight retention was
      significant after controlling for relevant covariates (age, race, breastfeeding,
      and pregravid BMI). Resumption of smoking within the first 6 weeks following
      childbirth is associated with decreased postpartum weight retention, even after
      controlling for breastfeeding and pregravid weight. Interventions to sustain
      smoking abstinence postpartum might be enhanced by components designed to
      minimize weight retention.

PMID- 22076595
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of chewing gum for weight loss.
AB  - The possible effects on body weight of chewing gum on a regular schedule have not
      been tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We conducted an 8-week RCT in
      201 overweight and obese adults to test the hypothesis that receiving printed
      material on good nutrition and chewing gum for a minimum of 90 min/day (n = 102)
      would lead to greater weight loss than receiving printed nutrition information
      only (n = 99). Changes in BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure were
      secondary outcomes. Adherence to the gum-chewing protocol in the intervention
      group was >95%. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there were virtually no
      changes in weight or BMI in either group between baseline and the end of the
      intervention at 8 weeks. Waist circumference decreased significantly in the
      intervention group between baseline and 8 weeks (mean +/- SD change = -1.4 +/-
      5.3 cm; P = 0.0128); however, there was no significant difference in change in
      waist circumference comparing the groups. Similarly, systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure decreased significantly in the intervention group between baseline and 8
      weeks (-3.0 +/- 9.9 mm Hg; P = 0.0032 and -3.2 +/- 7.3 mm Hg; P = 0.0001,
      respectively); however, there were no significant differences in the changes in
      systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the groups. Analyses including
      completers only produced essentially the same results. We conclude that chewing
      gum on a regular schedule for 8 weeks did not facilitate weight loss in these
      overweight and obese adults.

PMID- 22076596
TI  - Exenatide as a weight-loss therapy in extreme pediatric obesity: a randomized,
      controlled pilot study.
AB  - The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of exenatide on BMI
      (primary endpoint) and cardiometabolic risk factors in nondiabetic youth with
      extreme obesity. Twelve children and adolescents (age 9-16 years old) with
      extreme obesity (BMI >=1.2 times the 95th percentile or BMI >=35 kg/m(2)) were
      enrolled in a 6-month, randomized, open-label, crossover, clinical trial
      consisting of two, 3-month phases: (i) a control phase of lifestyle modification
      and (ii) a drug phase of lifestyle modification plus exenatide. Participants were
      equally randomized to phase-order (i.e., starting with control or drug therapy)
      then crossed-over to the other treatment. BMI, body fat percentage, blood
      pressure, lipids, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), adipokines, plasma
      biomarkers of endothelial activation, and endothelial function were assessed at
      baseline, 3-, and 6-months. The mean change over each 3-month phase was compared
      between treatments. Compared to control, exenatide significantly reduced BMI (
      1.7 kg/m(2), 95% confidence interval (CI) (-3.0, -0.4), P = 0.01), body weight (
      3.9 kg, 95% CI (-7.11, -0.69), P = 0.02), and fasting insulin (-7.5 mU/l, 95% CI
      (-13.71, -1.37), P = 0.02). Significant improvements were observed for OGTT
      derived insulin sensitivity (P = 0.02) and beta-cell function (P = 0.03).
      Compliance with the injection regimen was excellent (>=94%) and exenatide was
      generally well-tolerated (the most common adverse event was mild nausea in 36%).
      These preliminary data suggest that exenatide should be evaluated in larger, well
      controlled trials for its ability to reduce BMI and improve cardiometabolic risk
      factors in youth with extreme obesity.

PMID- 22076598
TI  - Enhancement of static incubation time in microfluidic cell culture platforms
      exploiting extended air-liquid interface.
AB  - Microfluidics based cell culture applications have facilitated the study of
      cellular dynamics at the single entity level. Yet, long term versions of such
      applications in a static framework suffer from the fast exhaustion of available
      oxygen, dissolved in the limited media volume available per cell, within the
      microconfined environment. In order to circumvent such drawbacks, we have
      improvised a microfluidic cell culture platform for prolonged sustenance of
      adherent mammalian cells by formation of an air-liquid interface through
      functionalizing inner surfaces of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based
      microdevice. We have demonstrated an augmented static incubation time for
      different cell lines using this approach.

PMID- 22076597
TI  - Immunological characteristics and two novel mutations in TACI in a cohort of 28
      pediatric patients with common variable immunodeficiency.
AB  - Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized
      by impaired immunoglobulin production. Mutations in the gene encoding TACI
      (TNFRSF13B) were previously found to be associated with CVID. Previous studies
      have identified a variety of sequence variants in TACI where A181E and C104R were
      the most common, with variable frequencies in different ethnic populations. So
      far, no mutations were identified in the recently reported "TACI highly
      conserved" (THC) cytoplasmic domain, important for the induction of class switch
      recombination. Our study evaluated immunological and clinical data on a cohort of
      28 Argentinean pediatric CVID patients and allowed the identification of two
      novel mutations in TNFRSF13B, including one, S231R, affecting the highly
      conserved THC domain. In contrast, none of the patients presented with A181E and
      C104R mutations.

PMID- 22076599
TI  - The metabolic syndrome of fructose-fed rats: effects of long-chain
      polyunsaturated omega3 and omega6 fatty acids. IV. D-glucose metabolism by
      isolated pancreatic islets.
AB  - The major aim of the present study was to search for changes of D-glucose
      metabolism in isolated pancreatic islets possibly involved in the alteration of
      their secretory response to the hexose, as observed when comparing rats exposed
      for 8 weeks to diets containing either starch and sunflower oil or fructose and
      sunflower oil, as well as rats exposed to diets containing fructose, sunflower
      oil and either salmon oil or safflower oil. The substitution of starch by
      fructose in the diet affected unfavourably D-glucose phosphorylation by the
      isolated islets. In the fructose-fed rats, there was a close parallelism between
      D-[5-3H]glucose utilization and the dietary omega3/omega6 fatty acid ratio. There
      was little to distinguish, however, between the four groups of rats in terms of D
      [U-14C]glucose oxidation. The paired ratio between D-[U-14C]glucose oxidation and
      D-[5-3H]glucose utilization, which always increased as the concentration of the
      hexose was raised from 2.8 to 8.3 and 16.7 mM, was tightly related, in the
      fructose-fed rats, to the HOMA index for insulin resistance.

PMID- 22076600
TI  - Giving the wrong impression: food and beverage brand impressions delivered to
      youth through popular movies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marketing on television showcases less-healthful options, with
      emerging research suggesting movies promote similar products. Given the obesity
      epidemic, understanding advertising to youth should be a public health
      imperative. The objective of this study was to estimate youth impressions to food
      and beverages delivered through movies. METHODS: Impressions were calculated by
      dividing US receipts annually into average movie ticket prices, then multiplying
      this by the number of brand appearances. Examination by ratings, product types
      and ages were conducted by Spearman rank correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS:
      Youth in the USA saw over 3 billion food, beverage or food-retail establishment
      (FRE) impressions on average, annually from 1996 to 2005. Those aged 12-18 viewed
      over half of all impressions, with PG-13-rated movies containing 61.5% of
      impressions. There were no significant trends in brand appearances by food,
      beverage or FRE impressions over the decade, although there was a decreasing
      trend in R-rated impressions for both foods (P< 0.01) and beverages (P< 0.01),
      but not FREs (P= 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Movies promote billions of food and beverage
      impressions annually to youth. Given the public health crisis of obesity, future
      research should further investigate these trends, as well as the potential
      association of these unhealthy exposures in youth.

PMID- 22076601
TI  - Lipid, lipoproteins, total antioxidant status and organ changes in rats
      administered high doses of cadmium chloride.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the possible association between cadmium (Cd) exposure
      and alterations in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and total antioxidant
      status (TAS) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty male albino rats assigned to 2
      groups of 10 rats each (test and control) were used for the study. Each test
      animal model was given 1.0 mg CdCl(2)/kg body weight, administered
      intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. Blood samples obtained from both groups at the
      beginning (baseline) and after 4 weeks of Cd exposure were analysed for
      triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), TAS and Cd. Kidney and liver
      sections from the rats were examined. RESULTS: The plasma TG, TC and LDLC levels
      were significantly higher in exposed rats than controls (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001
      and p < 0.001, respectively). Plasma HDLC was reduced in the exposed rats
      compared to controls (0.41 +/- 0.22 and 0.68 +/- 0.14 mmol/l, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: The observed dyslipidaemia and decrease in TAS could be due to
      increased free radical production causing oxidative stress. Damage to liver and
      kidney sections in the exposed group suggests that Cd toxicity results in
      detrimental histological changes and may be implicated in the aetiology of
      cerebrovascular diseases.

PMID- 22076602
TI  - Is there still any role for minilaparoscopic-cholecystectomy? A general surgeons'
      last five years experience over 932 cases.
AB  - Laparoscopy has rapidly emerged as the preferred surgical approach in a number of
      different diseases because it ensures correct diagnoses and appropriate
      treatment. The use of mini-instruments (5 mm or less in diameter) and, when
      possible, the reduction of the number of trocars used might be its natural
      evolution. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a gold standard technique. The aim of
      the present work is to illustrate the results of the prospective experience of
      minilaparoscopic cholecystectomy (5 mm MLC) performed at our institution. Between
      August 2005 and July 2010 a total of 932 patients (mean age 45 years) underwent a
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Amongst them, 887 (95.1%) were operated on with a 5
      mm-three trocar approach and in the remaining 45 cases (4.8%) a 3 mm trocar was
      used. The primary endpoint was the feasibility rate of the techniques. Secondary
      endpoints were safety and the impact of the techniques on duration of
      laparoscopy. In two cases conversion to laparotomy was necessary. We needed to
      add a fourth-5 mm trocar in the 10.7% of the cases (95 patients) in the 5 mm MLC.
      There were two cases of redo-laparoscopy in this group due to bile leakage from
      the cystic duct in one case, and to bleeding from the gallbladder bed in the
      other. Minor occurrence ranged as high as 2.1% in the 5 mm-MLC group, while it
      was nil in the 3 mm-MLC patients. The present experience shows that the 5 mm
      three trocars MLC is a safe, easy, effective and reproducible approach to
      gallbladder diseases. Such features make the technique a challenging alternative
      to conventional laparoscopy both in the acute and the scheduled setting. We
      consider the 3 mm-MLC approach suitable only in selected cases, young and thin
      patients, due to the fragility of the smaller instruments.

PMID- 22076604
TI  - Evidence for a general factor model of ADHD in adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine factor structures of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
      Mental Disorders (4th ed.) symptoms of ADHD in adults. METHOD: Two sets of models
      were tested: (a) models with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity as
      separate but correlated latent constructs and (b) hierarchical general factor
      models with a general factor for all symptoms and separate specific factors for
      inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Participants were 751 adults with
      ADHD. Two models with correlated factors and two general factor models of ADHD
      symptoms were tested. RESULTS: The general factor model provided a better fit of
      the data than the correlated models. The general factor model with one general
      and three (inattention, motoric, and verbal hyperactivity/impulsivity) specific
      factors best accounted for the adults' symptoms. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest a unitary component to ADHD symptoms as well as dimensional specific
      factors. The replication of a general factor in adults suggests continuity of
      symptom presentation from childhood into adulthood. Clinical implications are
      discussed.

PMID- 22076605
TI  - Methylation profiling in non-small cell lung cancer: clinical implications.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify a panel of methylation markers that
      distinguish non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) from normal lung tissues. We
      also studied the relation of the methylation profile to clinicopathological
      factors in NSCLC. We collected a series of 46 NSCLC samples and their
      corresponding control tissues and analyzed them to determine gene methylation
      status using the Illumina GoldenGate Methylation bead array, which screens up to
      1505 CpG sites from 803 different genes. We found that 120 CpG sites,
      corresponding to 88 genes were hypermethylated in tumor samples and only 17 CpG
      sites (16 genes) were hypomethylated when compared with controls. Clustering
      analysis of these 104 genes discriminates almost perfectly between tumors and
      normal samples. Global hypermethylation was significantly associated with a worse
      prognosis in stage IIIA NSCLC patients (P=0.012). Moreover, hypermethylation of
      the CALCA and MMP-2 genes were statistically associated to a poor clinical
      evolution of patients, independently of TNM tumor stage (P=0.06, RR=2.64; P=0.04,
      RR=2.96, respectively). However, hypermethylation of RASSF1 turned out to be a
      protective variable (P=0.02; RR=0.53). In conclusion, our results could be useful
      for establishing a gene methylation pattern for the detection and prognosis of
      NSCLC.

PMID- 22076607
TI  - shRNA against CD44 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and
      promotes apoptosis of colon carcinoma cells.
AB  - CD44 is a causal factor for tumor invasion, metastasis and acquisition of
      resistance to apoptosis. CD44 knockdown using inducible short hairpin RNA (shRNA)
      significantly reduces cell growth and invasion. Short hairpin RNA against CD44
      and pGFP-V-RS-vector was used for knockdown of CD44 expression in SW620 colon
      cancer cells. Cell growth, invasion and migration assay, immunofluorescence for
      beta-catenin expression and western blotting for Wnt signaling molecules were
      analyzed. Cell cycle analysis and western blot analysis for apoptotic molecules
      were evaluated. Short hairpin RNA against CD44 reduced the expression of CD44.
      Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were markedly inhibited and apoptosis
      was increased in shRNA CD44-transfected cells. Knockdown of CD44 decreased the
      phosphorylation of PDK1, Akt and GSK3beta, and beta-catenin levels. Decreased
      phosphorylated Akt led to an increase in phosphorylated FoxO1 and induced cell
      cycle arrest in the G0-G1 phase and a decrease in the S phase. The levels of Bcl
      2 and Bcl-xL expression were down-regulated, while the levels of BAX expression
      and cleaved caspase-3, -8 and -9 were increased. CD44 knockdown by way of shRNA
      inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. This can be used as a
      therapeutic intervention with the anti-survival/pro-apoptotic machinery in human
      colon cancer.

PMID- 22076608
TI  - DNA methylation patterns of Brachypodium distachyon chromosomes and their
      alteration by 5-azacytidine treatment.
AB  - Sequential immunolocalisation of 5-methylcytosine (5-MeC) and fluorescence in
      situ hybridisation with chromosome-specific BAC clones were performed on
      Brachypodium distachyon mitotic metaphase chromosomes to determine specific DNA
      methylation patterns of each chromosome in the complement. In the majority of
      cells examined, chromosomes Bd4 and Bd5, which bear the loci of 5S and 35S
      ribosomal DNA, respectively, had characteristic 5-MeC patterns. In contrast, the
      distribution of 5-MeC along the metacentric chromosome pairs Bd1, Bd2 and Bd3 was
      more variable. There were numerous differences in distribution of methylated
      sites between homologous chromosomes as well as between chromosome arms. Some
      chromosome sites, such as pericentromeric regions, were highly methylated in all
      chromosomes. Additionally, the influence of a hypomethylating agent, 5
      azacytidine, on B. distachyon chromosome methylation patterns was confirmed. It
      was found that some chromosome pairs underwent demethylation more easily than
      others, but there was no apparent regularity in demethylation of particular
      chromosome segments.

PMID- 22076609
TI  - Feasibility of enhanced recovery programme in various patient groups.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An accelerated multi-modal rehabilitation programme may improve the
      recuperation and reduce the complication rate in patients undergoing colorectal
      surgery. The aim of this study was to see whether fast-track recovery is feasible
      in various patient groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on all patients operated
      for intestinal pathology from July 2006-April 2008 were prospectively collected
      for this prospective study. All included patients entered a multi-modal
      rehabilitation programme. Peri- and postoperative complications and readmissions,
      pathology reports and operation characteristics were recorded prospectively.
      RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-eight patients underwent colorectal surgery. No
      difference in readmission rate was found between various patient groups. The only
      significant differences after multivariate regression analysis were in re
      operation rate and length of stay in favour of the elective surgery group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fast-track modalities can be introduced with a low complication rate
      in all patient groups. Length of stay in elderly patients averages 10 days,
      implying that this group cannot be considered as "fast track", although the same
      protocol can also be applied in this group. Better organization of the aftercare
      might however considerably change the length of stay of elderly patients, since
      postoperative complications do not differ between old and young patients.

PMID- 22076606
TI  - Serotonin and prefrontal cortex function: neurons, networks, and circuits.
AB  - Higher-order executive tasks such as learning, working memory, and behavioral
      flexibility depend on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the brain region most
      elaborated in primates. The prominent innervation by serotonin neurons and the
      dense expression of serotonergic receptors in the PFC suggest that serotonin is a
      major modulator of its function. The most abundant serotonin receptors in the
      PFC, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A receptors, are selectively expressed in distinct
      populations of pyramidal neurons and inhibitory interneurons, and play a critical
      role in modulating cortical activity and neural oscillations (brain waves).
      Serotonergic signaling is altered in many psychiatric disorders such as
      schizophrenia and depression, where parallel changes in receptor expression and
      brain waves have been observed. Furthermore, many psychiatric drug treatments
      target serotonergic receptors in the PFC. Thus, understanding the role of
      serotonergic neurotransmission in PFC function is of major clinical importance.
      Here, we review recent findings concerning the powerful influences of serotonin
      on single neurons, neural networks, and cortical circuits in the PFC of the rat,
      where the effects of serotonin have been most thoroughly studied.

PMID- 22076610
TI  - Clinicopathologic features and prognostic analysis of MSI-high colon cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives of the study were to estimate the incidence and clarify
      the clinicopathologic feature of sporadic microsatellite instability (MSI)-high
      (MSI-H) colon cancer. Furthermore, the role of MSI in colon cancer prognosis was
      also investigated. METHODS: Microsatellite status was identified by genotyping.
      The clinicopathologic differences between two groups (MSI-H vs. MSI-L/S) and the
      prognostic value of MSI were analyzed. RESULTS: From 1993 to 2006, 709 sporadic
      colon cancer patients were enrolled. MSI-H colon cancers showed significant
      association with poorly differentiated (28.3% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.001), proximally
      located (76.7% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.001), more high mucin-containing tumor (10.0% vs.
      5.1%, p = 0.001) and female predominance (56.7% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.001). In
      multivariate analysis, MSI-H is an independent factor for better overall survival
      (HR, 0.459; 95% CI, 0.241-0.872, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the hospital
      based study, MSI-H colon cancers demonstrated distinguished clinicopathologic
      features from MSI-L/S colon cancers. MSI-H is an independent favorable prognostic
      factor for overall survival in colon cancer.

PMID- 22076611
TI  - DNA topoisomerase II alpha: a favorable prognostic factor in colorectal caner.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a lack of study concerning expression of Topoisomerase IIalpha
      (Topo IIalpha) and long-term results in colorectal cancer patients. We aimed to
      investigate the relationship between expression of Topo IIalpha and
      clinicopathological parameters including overall survival in colorectal cancer.
      METHODS: Paraffin-fixed specimens from a large prospective cohort of colorectal
      cancer patients who had been followed up for 4 years were assayed
      immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Of 490 colorectal cancer patients accessible for
      Topo IIalpha expression, expression of Topo IIalpha was scored as (-) in 4 (0.8%)
      patients, (+) in 41 (8.4%) patients, (++) in 396 (80.8%) patients, and (+++) in
      49 (10.0%) patients. Overexpression of Topo IIalpha was found to be related with
      lower T stage (p = 0.042), lower N stage (p = 0.038), and a lower incidence of
      recurrence with nearly significance (p = 0.053). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed
      that overexpression of Topo IIalpha was related with prolonged overall survival
      (p = 0.022) and disease-free survival (p = 0.036). Multivariate analyses showed
      that elevated serum CEA (p < 0.001), elevated serum CA199 (p = 0.002), poor
      differentiation (p = 0.001), advanced Dukes stage (p < 0.001), and lower
      expression of Topo IIalpha (p = 0.017) were independent predictive factors for
      poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Topo IIalpha expression is a valuable prognostic
      indicator for colorectal cancer and would be useful in treatment selection for
      early colorectal cancer and malignant colorectal polyps resected under endoscopy,
      especially when it is used in combination with serum CEA, CA199, and
      differentiation.

PMID- 22076612
TI  - Meta-analysis of the association between progression-free survival and overall
      survival in metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The validity of progression-free survival (PFS) as a surrogate endpoint
      for overall survival (OS) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) trials has been
      studied, primarily in first-line treatment. The relationship between PFS and OS
      has not been well studied in later lines of treatment. METHODS: We conducted a
      systematic literature review of mCRC phase 2 and 3 clinical trials that reported
      OS and PFS (or time-to-progression [TTP]) data. Correlation between endpoints
      (either PFS alone or PFS aggregated with TTP [PFS_TTP]) was estimated within
      treatment arms. Treatment effect was the ratio of the median time to OS, PFS, or
      PFS_TTP in the "control" versus "experimental" arm. We conducted meta-regression
      analyses and performed receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS:
      We analyzed data from 62 articles (23,527 patients). A high positive correlation
      was found between median PFS_TTP and median OS within treatment arms (r = 0.87;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.91) and also between the median OS and
      median PFS (r = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.83-0.93)]. R(2) was 0.48 for PFS_TTP and 0.59 for
      PFS; R (2) for PFS_TTP was higher for first-line (R(2) = 0.54) than second-line
      studies (R(2) = 0.38). The ROC analysis is presented as a conceptual tool for
      evaluating the performance of PFS as a surrogate for OS at various thresholds.
      CONCLUSIONS: The correlation of PFS, alone or aggregated with TTP, with OS in
      clinical trials of patients with mCRC is robust across lines of therapy and
      provides a useful means of predicting improvements in OS using PFS data.

PMID- 22076613
TI  - Tissue factor/activated factor VIIa induces matrix metalloproteinase-7 expression
      through activation of c-Fos via ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in human
      colon cancer cell.
AB  - PURPOSE: Increased expression of tissue factor (TF) is associated with tumor
      invasion and metastasis in human colorectal cancer. We have previously observed
      that TF/FVIIa upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) expression at the
      transcriptional level in colon cancer cells. MMP-7 overexpression is believed to
      play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study is
      to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which TF/FVIIa induced MMP-7 expression
      and cell invasion in vitro. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction, Western blot, luciferase assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation
      (ChIP) were used to determine the potential mechanism and signaling pathways by
      which TF/FVIIa induced MMP-7 expression and cell invasion in LoVo cells. Small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) and cell invasion assay was used to examine whether
      blocking c-Fos expression could abolish FVIIa-mediated upregulation of MMP-7 and
      cell invasion in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that FVIIa induced the
      upregulation of MMP-7 both at the mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose
      dependent manner and increased the invasive behavior of LoVo cells. FVIIa
      enhanced the promoter activity of MMP-7, and the activator protein-1 (AP-1)
      binding site was responsible for the activation. Site mutation of the AP-1
      binding site in the promoter almost completely abolished FVIIa-mediated response.
      Furthermore, ChIP assay confirmed that FVIIa promoted the direct binding of c-Fos
      with the MMP-7 promoter in vivo. FVIIa also induced the expression and nuclear
      accumulation of the AP-1 subunit c-Fos. siRNA-mediated knockdown of c-Fos
      eliminated FVIIa-stimulated MMP-7 expression and cell migration in vitro. In
      addition, selective mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK1/2)
      inhibitor (PD98059) and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 suppressed MMP-7 upregulation
      induced by FVIIa. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a novel TF/FVIIa/MAPK/c
      Fos/MMP-7 axis plays an important role in modulating the invasion of colon cancer
      cells and blockage of this pathway holds promise to treat colon cancer
      metastasis.

PMID- 22076614
TI  - Developing luminescent silver nanodots for biological applications.
AB  - Though creation and characterization of water soluble luminescent silver nanodots
      were achieved only in the past decade, a large variety of emitters in diverse
      scaffolds have been reported. Photophysical properties approach those of
      semiconductor quantum dots, but relatively small sizes are retained. Because of
      these properties, silver nanodots are finding ever-expanding roles as probes and
      biolabels. In this critical review we revisit the studies on silver nanodots in
      inert environments and in aqueous solutions. The recent advances detailing their
      chemical and physical properties of silver nanodots are highlighted with an
      effort to decipher the relations between their chemical/photophysical properties
      and their structures. The primary results about their biological applications are
      discussed here as well, especially relating to their chemical and photophysical
      behaviours in biological environments (216 references).

PMID- 22076616
TI  - Using the inflating syringe as a safety valve to limit laryngeal mask airway cuff
      pressure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperinflation of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cuff is thought to
      be the etiology underlying many of the complications associated with the use of
      this device. Until now, there has not been a clinically acceptable method
      (besides direct measurement) to assure that the cuff pressure is maintained less
      than the recommended maximum value of 44 mm Hg (60 cm H(2)O). METHODS: We
      inflated sizes #2 and #5 LMAs with air to 40, 60, or 120 mm Hg starting
      pressures, using 30- and 60-ml BDTM and B BraunTM syringes; we then allowed the
      syringe plungers to recoil to equilibrium before removing the syringe from the
      LMA inflation port. Residual LMA cuff pressures following complete passive recoil
      were measured and recorded. RESULTS: A number of combinations of syringes (30 and
      60 ml) and starting pressures (40, 60, 120 mm Hg) resulted in safe residual (#2
      and #5 LMA) cuff pressures of <44 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: When using specific
      combinations of syringes, LMA sizes and inflation pressures, these data
      demonstrate an efficient, practical and easy method to achieve an initial
      equilibrium recoil LMA cuff pressure that is less than, or very near to, the
      recommended upper safe limit of 44 mm Hg.

PMID- 22076615
TI  - Comparison of SNAPTM II and BIS Vista indices during normothermic cardiopulmonary
      bypass under isoflurane anesthesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Processed EEG monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may help
      determine loss of consciousness and depth of anesthesia. This study compared the
      SNAP(TM) II and BIS Vista monitors in patients undergoing isoflurane anesthesia
      with normothermic CPB. METHODS: 40 subjects undergoing CPB with isoflurane
      anesthesia were enrolled. Subjects were premedicated with 1-2 mg midazolam
      approximately 5 min prior to acquisition of baseline index values and anesthesia
      induced with midazolam and fentanyl. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane,
      midazolam, and fentanyl and a cis-atracurium infusion. SNAP(TM) II (version 1.2.9
      algorithm 1.88) and BIS Vista (application version 3.00 platform version 2.03)
      indices were recorded at baseline, pre-induction, post-intubation, incision,
      start of CPB, every 15 min during CPB, end of CPB, and end of case. Agreement
      between methods was determined using Pearson correlation and the Bland-Altman
      method with repeated observa- tions. RESULTS: Twenty-four male and 12 female
      subjects completed the analysis. The correlation between SNAP(TM) II and BIS
      Vista index values was 0.61 (P < 0.005). A linear relationship between the
      difference in the indices and the average index values was observed following the
      induction of anesthesia. In awake subjects, the bias between the SNAP(TM) II and
      BIS Vista was 5 (95% CI 3-7). The limits of agreement were 23 (95% CI 19-26) and 
      13 (95% CI -9--16). During anesthesia, the mean difference on a log scale was
      0.11 (95% CI 0.09-0.12). The limits of agreement were 0.43 (95% CI 0.40-0.45) and
      -0.21 (95% CI -0.18--0.24). The antilog of the mean difference demonstrated that
      the SNAP(TM) II value was 28% (95% CI 24-33%) higher than the BIS Vista value
      following induction of anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The SNAP(TM) II monitor
      demonstrates a consistently positive bias during cardiopulmonary bypass under
      isoflurane anesthesia compared with the BIS Vista.

PMID- 22076617
TI  - Optimality and thermodynamics determine the evolution of transcriptional
      regulatory networks.
AB  - Transcriptional motifs are small regulatory interaction patterns that regulate
      biological functions in highly-interacting cellular networks. Recently, attempts
      have been made to explain the significance of transcriptional motifs through
      dynamic function. However, fundamental questions remain unanswered. Why are
      certain transcriptional motifs with similar dynamic function abundant while
      others occur rarely? What are the criteria for topological generalization of
      these motifs into complex networks? Here, we present a novel paradigm that
      combines non-equilibrium thermodynamics with multiobjective-optimality for
      network analysis. We found that energetic cost, defined herein as specific
      dissipation energy, is minimal at the optimal environmental conditions and it
      correlates inversely with the abundance of the network motifs obtained
      experimentally for E. coli and S. cerevisiae. This yields evidence that
      dissipative energetics is the underlying criteria used during evolution for motif
      selection and that biological systems during transcription tend towards
      evolutionary selection of subgraphs which produces minimum specific heat
      dissipation under optimal conditions, thereby explaining the abundance/rare
      occurrence of some motifs. We show that although certain motifs had similar
      dynamical functionality, they had significantly different energetic cost, thus
      explaining the abundance/rare occurrence of these motifs. The presented insights
      may establish global thermodynamic analysis as a backbone in designing and
      understanding complex networks systems, such as metabolic and protein interaction
      networks.

PMID- 22076618
TI  - Clobetasol down-regulates SLPI expression in U937 monocytoid cells.
AB  - In order to investigate how glucocorticoids affect the expression of secretory
      leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI), which is overexpressed in a variety of
      cancers, clobetasol was added to cell culture medium of U937 cells and the SLPI
      mRNA levels were examined. The in vitro effect of the treatment on SLPI
      expression was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.
      Clobetasol treatment of U937 cells induced an up- and down-regulation of SLPI
      expression in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting confirmed the down
      regulation of SLPI protein expression. We hypothesized a loop formation in the
      SLPI genome domain, in which the glucocorticoid receptor regulates bi-directional
      transcriptional activity.

PMID- 22076619
TI  - In response to "Clinical features and management of carboplatin-related
      hypersensitivity reactions in pediatric low grade glioma".

PMID- 22076620
TI  - Cancer as biographical disruption: constructions of living with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: From a cancer survivor perspective, the purpose of this paper is to
      explore what has changed in their lives that they attribute to the disease. The
      rationale for the study is that evidence of the extent to which cancer disrupts
      people's lives in the longer term is contradictory. METHODS: Written accounts
      from 40 cancer survivors were analysed using interpretative methods. The
      researchers drew on the concept of biographical disruption as a framework for
      analysis. RESULTS: Cancer survivors construct cancer as a biographically
      disruptive event with ongoing physical and psychosocial impacts. Cancer is
      constructed as a permanent threat to life which is responsible for increasing
      their awareness of their own mortality and invoking positive changes to self.
      These formulations of living with cancer were found across a range of
      participants, including those who defined themselves as currently free of cancer,
      those who had recurrence, those who had been diagnosed 5 years ago and those who
      had been free of cancer for a long time. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the body
      of literature exploring how to enhance supportive care for cancer survivors by
      reflecting on biographical disruption and continuity, and the complexities within
      individual constructions of changes in life that they attribute to cancer. Cancer
      survivors should be given opportunities to articulate the impact of cancer, thus
      giving legitimate space to talk about cancer's ongoing resonance on life so that
      problems and difficulties are not dismissed or trivialised.

PMID- 22076621
TI  - Bridging the distance: a prospective tele-oncology study in Northern Norway.
AB  - PURPOSE: The University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) is a tertiary-level
      hospital and has the main responsibility of providing specialized cancer health
      care in the remote area of Northern Norway. Weekly videoconferences (VCs) have
      been established to enable clinicians at a local hospital and primary cancer
      health care providers in five different communities to discuss cases with
      specialist cancer care services at UNN. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the
      feasibility of these VCs. METHODS: This is a prospective registration study.
      Descriptive data were collected at UNN, and for each patient discussed at the VC,
      a survey was completed by the local health care provider responsible for the
      patient. RESULTS: During an 18-month period, 167 cases were discussed (101
      patients). A median of 7 health care providers participated in each VC. According
      to the local physicians and nurses, the VCs contributed in 96% of cases to give
      "quite a bit" or "very much" confidence in adequate patient care. They reported
      that patient care in 85% of cases would be improved "quite a bit" or "very much"
      due to the VC. The mean number of days waiting for VC were 2.0 days (range, 0-7;
      SD, 2.0) and was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) than the estimated time
      waiting if alternative consultations were to be used (mean, 10.2 days (range, 0
      30; SD, 5.8)). CONCLUSION: VC may be a useful supplemental tool to support
      primary health care providers at local hospitals and remote communities in their
      effort to offer efficient and high-quality cancer care.

PMID- 22076622
TI  - Identification and phylogenetic characterization of a new subfamily of alpha
      amylase enzymes from marine microorganisms.
AB  - A gene encoding a starch-hydrolyzing enzyme was isolated from a marine
      metagenomic library and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme, designated
      AmyP, shows very low similarity to full-length sequences of known alpha-amylases,
      although a catalytic domain correlated with the alpha-amylase superfamily was
      identified. Based on the range of substrate hydrolysis and the product profile,
      the protein was clearly defined as a saccharifying-type alpha-amylase. Sequence
      comparison indicated that AmyP was related to four putative glycosidases
      previously identified only in bacterial genome sequences. They were all from
      marine bacteria and formed a new subfamily of glycoside hydrolase GH13. Moreover,
      this subfamily was closely related to the probable genuine bacterial alpha
      amylases (GH13_19). The results suggested that the subfamily may be an
      independent clade of ancestral marine bacterial alpha-amylases.

PMID- 22076623
TI  - [Anniversaries: Assistenza Infermieristica e Ricerca, but not only].
AB  - The 30th anniversary of Assistenza Infermieristica e Ricerca is the occasion for
      a reflection on the past and future of a journal whose aim is to publish but,
      above all, to promote research in/on nursing care, stimulating confrontations,
      trying to describe and to find answers to unmet needs.

PMID- 22076624
TI  - [A prospective study on the effectiveness of a project for early discharge of
      elderly and frail patients from the emergency department].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Frail patients have increased chances of access to Emergency
      Department (ED) and hospital admission. ED discharge of frail patients (FP)
      implies high risk of poor outcome. A program of early ED discharge of FPs managed
      by community nurses (CN) for patients whose hospitalization is not indicated, but
      cannot be discharged is described. METHODS: Prospective observational study. A
      CN, in cooperation with other professionals, assessed the feasibility of
      discharge and activated the appropriate facilities for a safe patient return to
      the community. Patients' length of stay in ED, mortality and readmission rate to
      ED 3 months after discharge were measured. RESULTS: The mean age of the 210
      enrolled patients was 82.9 years. The reasons for ED access were either acute or
      worsened chronic diseases, mainly related to orthopedic/traumatic events and
      pain. Ninety-two persons were sent back home and 118 to residential facilities.
      In the following 3 months, mortality was 15.7%; almost 36% of discharged patients
      had at least one access to hospital and the overall readmission rate was 55.7%,
      higher in sent home group. DISCUSSION: CNs, when integrated with other ED staff,
      can successfully manage early discharges of 'at risk' patients. The high
      readmission rate may reflect some enduring difficulties to manage in the
      community, problems traditionally treated in hospital.

PMID- 22076625
TI  - [Intention to leave the hospital among nurses with <= 3 years of work experience:
      an exploratory study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The retention of nursing workforce is one of the challenges of
      nursing managers. Since the turnover intention is associated to the real
      turnover, a deeper understanding of reasons why young nurses would leave the
      hospital could give some hints to help to retain them. AIM: To explore the
      factors that affect the turnover intention in nurses with a work experience <3
      years. METHODS: Nurses with <3 years of experience, working in 3 large Italian
      hospitals completed a questionnaire aimed at exploring the turnover intention,
      job satisfaction, perception of self-competence, organizational commitment,
      perception of organizational support and of the quality of delivered care, asking
      to express their agreement on a likert scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS: The results
      showed that 34.4% of the nurses intended to leave the hospital within 1 year,
      43.8% of them had already asked to be transferred a to another hospital. The
      majority of nurses who intended to leave were male, with a full time employment
      and living farther than 30 kilometers from the hospital. Moreover they were less
      satisfied with their current job, for the relationship with the colleagues, the
      Nurse Manager and the physicians, perceived themselves less competent, less
      committed to their unit and less supported by the organization compared with than
      nurses who intended to stay. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the importance of
      increasing job satisfaction and organizational commitment for nurses'retention.

PMID- 22076626
TI  - [The validation of C-POT (Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool) scale: a tool for
      assessing pain in intensive care patients].
AB  - Pain in intensive care units is a frequent and often undermanaged problem, mainly
      because appropriate pain assessment tools for non communicative patients are
      still missing. The Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (C-POT) is currently
      considered one of the best scales, both for psychometric properties and clinical
      feasibility. AIM: To preliminarily analyze the reliability and validity of the C
      POT in a hospital setting, and its clinical feasibility. METHODS: 50 nursing
      staff members from three different critical care settings of Vicenza Hospital
      administered the C-POT to 121 in patients, at rest and after usual nursing care
      activities. In addition, NOPPAIN forms were completed during care activities and
      communicative patients were asked to rate their pain using numerical rating scale
      0-10. Reliability, with Cronbach's alfa and inter-rater agreement (Spearman's non
      parametric rank correlation), as well as criterion, concurrent and discriminant
      validity were determined. RESULTS: A good internal consistency and good levels of
      agreement between independent raters were observed (rhoSpearman 0.55 at rest and
      0.66 during activity). Moderate correlations between C-POT and numerical rating
      scale 0-10, and between C-POT and NOPPAIN were found. Moreover, C-POT scores
      varied from rest to activities, and from non painful to painful procedures.
      DISCUSSION: C-POT showed good psychometric properties in terms of reliability and
      validity; these results, added to positive nurses evaluations, support its
      utility and use in the clinical setting.

PMID- 22076628
TI  - [For a responsible, and detached, professional work in times of crisis. A very
      technical update: remembering "Essay on lucidity and blindness of J. Saramago].
AB  - The leading question of this paper is whether it makes any sense, is credible or
      feasible to adopt aims of sensibleness and rationalization in the health care
      system (so strictly connected to the social and economical sector) while the
      criteria used by the social, economical and cultural contexts (nationally and
      internationally) are based on the denial of evidences, on misinterpretation of
      data. Some arbitrary and difficult to justify decisions are glossed over with
      labels of rigour and planning. Four scenarios (the role of the evidences; the
      global health, the mental health and the role of citizens-leading or passive
      role) allow to propose some provocative reflections, backed up by the most recent
      articles published on the most important international medical journals.

PMID- 22076627
TI  - [The management of insulin administration: systematic review and
      recommendations].
AB  - AIMS: In spite of the large prevalence and increasing incidence of diabetes,
      recommendations on how to correctly administer the insulin are lacking. METHODS;
      A systematic literature review was performed starting from a list of clinical
      questions collected from patients, clinical experts (doctors and nurses) and
      others involved in diabetic patients care. The main databases were searched with
      the following key-words: Insulin/administration and dosage[Mesh]; "Injections,
      Subcutaneous/instrumentation"[Mesh]; "Injections, Subcutaneous/methods"[Mesh];
      insulin administration modalities [All Fields]; insulin administration technique
      [All Fields]; insulin adsorption[All Fields]; Patient education as a
      topic/methods [Mesh]. The articles were independently analyzed by three authors
      and discrepancies discussed. A list of recommendations was produced weighting the
      evidences according to the Italian National Program for Guidelines method.
      RESULTS: Over 94 eligible articles, 71 were included. Recommendations for the
      following areas were produced: self management and education; tools and methods
      for insulin administration; injection sites; injection techniques; prevention and
      management of complications; insulin storage; management of IV infusions. Most
      recommendations are of level II (a single RCT with adequate design) or III
      (cohort non randomized studies with concurrent or historical controls).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although several recommendations were identified (e.g., the
      importance of rotation of injection sites, the criteria for choosing the right
      needle and injection site according to the type of insulin and speed of
      absorbtion), several questions are still unanswered and would warrant further and
      more specific studies.

PMID- 22076629
TI  - [1982-2012: Thirty years of Nursing and Research].

PMID- 22076630
TI  - AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6 regulates cellular differentiation in flowers.
AB  - During flower development, pluripotent stem cells within the floral meristem give
      rise to proliferative precursor cells whose progeny eventually acquire
      specialized functions within each floral organ. The regulatory mechanisms by
      which plant cells transition from a proliferating state to a differentiated state
      are not well characterized. Several members of the AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE/PLETHORA
      (AIL/PLT) transcription factor family, including AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) and
      AIL6/PLT3, are important regulators of cell proliferation in flowers. To further
      investigate the role of AIL6 during flower development, we have characterized
      transgenic plants in which the coding region of AIL6 was expressed under the
      control of the constitutive 35S promoter (35S:cAIL6). These plants display
      changes in floral organ size and morphology that are associated with alterations
      in the pattern and duration of cell divisions within developing organs. In
      addition, we find that very high levels of AIL6 expression inhibit cellular
      differentiation. In contrast, ant ail6 double mutants display premature
      differentiation of floral meristem cells. These results indicate that these two
      transcription factors regulate both proliferation and differentiation in flowers.

PMID- 22076631
TI  - The invention of WUS-like stem cell-promoting functions in plants predates
      leptosporangiate ferns.
AB  - The growth of land plants depends on stem cell-containing meristems which show
      major differences in their architecture from basal to higher plant species. In
      Arabidopsis, the stem cell niches in the shoot and root meristems are promoted by
      WUSCHEL (WUS) and WOX5, respectively. Both genes are members of a non-ancestral
      clade of the WUS-related homeobox (WOX) gene family, which is absent in extant
      bryophytes and lycophytes. Our analyses of five fern species suggest that a
      single WUS orthologue was present in the last common ancestor (LCA) of
      leptosporangiate ferns and seed plants. In the extant fern Ceratopteris
      richardii, the WUS pro-orthologue marks the pluripotent cell fate of immediate
      descendants of the root apical initial, so-called merophytes, which undergo a
      series of stereotypic cell divisions and give rise to all cell types of the root
      except the root cap. The invention of a WUS-like function within the WOX gene
      family in an ancestor of leptosporangiate ferns and seed plants and its
      amplification and sub-functionalisation to different stem cell niches might
      relate to the success of seed plants, especially angiosperms.

PMID- 22076632
TI  - Reflections on charge state distributions, protein structure, and the mystical
      mechanism of electrospray ionization.
AB  - The connection between charge state distributions, protein structure, and
      mechanistic details of electrospray are discussed in relation to the emerging
      field of gas phase structural biology. Comparisons are drawn with the established
      area of enzymatic catalysis in organic solvents, which shares many similar
      challenges. Charge solvation emerges as a dominant force in both systems that
      must be dealt with to enable kinetic trapping of native structures in foreign
      environments. Potential methods for mediating unfavorable charge solvation
      effects are discussed and, ironically, do not include partial solvation by water.
      The importance of timescale in relation to the evolution of protein structure
      during the process of electrospray ionization is discussed. Finally several
      prospects for future endeavors are highlighted.

PMID- 22076633
TI  - Identification of two new arthritis severity loci that regulate levels of
      autoantibodies, interleukin-1beta, and joint damage in pristane- and collagen
      induced arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cia3 is a locus on rat chromosome 4 that regulates severity and joint
      damage in collagen- and pristane-induced arthritis (CIA and PIA). This study was
      undertaken to refine the Cia3 gene-containing interval toward gene identification
      and obtain insights into its mode of action. METHODS: Five DA.F344(Cia3)
      subcongenic rat strains were generated and studied using the PIA and CIA models.
      Levels of antibodies against type II collagen (both allo- and autoantibodies)
      were measured. Joints and synovial tissue were collected 32 days after the
      induction of PIA (chronic stage) for histologic and quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction analysis of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMP) levels. RESULTS: Three subcongenic strains sharing the centromeric Cia3d
      interval were protected and 2 subcongenic strains sharing the telomeric Cia3g
      interval, which did not overlap with Cia3d, were also protected, developing
      significantly less severe CIA and PIA. Normal joint architecture was preserved in
      DA.F344(Cia3) and DA.F344(Cia3d) congenic rats with PIA, while DA rats had
      pronounced synovial hyperplasia, angiogenesis, inflammatory infiltration, and
      bone or cartilage erosions. The DA.F344(Cia3d) and DA.F344(Cia3g) strains had
      significantly lower synovial levels of IL-1beta (5-fold and nearly 2-fold,
      respectively [the latter not reaching statistical significance]), MMP-1
      (expressed predominantly in DA rats), MMP-3 (79-fold and 8-fold, respectively),
      and MMP-14 (21-fold and 1.4-fold, respectively) and reduced levels of pathogenic
      autoantibodies against type II collagen, compared with DA rats. CONCLUSION: We
      have identified 2 new arthritis severity and articular damage loci within Cia3.
      These loci regulate pathogenic processes in 2 different models of rheumatoid
      arthritis, and the identification of these genes has the potential to generate
      new targets for therapies aimed at reducing disease severity and articular
      damage, and may additionally have prognostic value.

PMID- 22076634
TI  - Adrenergic signaling controls RGK-dependent trafficking of cardiac voltage-gated
      L-type Ca2+ channels through PKD1.
AB  - RATIONALE: The Rad-Gem/Kir-related family (RGKs) consists of small GTP-binding
      proteins that strongly inhibit the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels.
      Among RGKs, Rem1 is strongly and specifically expressed in cardiac tissue.
      However, the physiological role and regulation of RGKs, and Rem1 in particular,
      are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine if Rem1 function is physiologically
      regulated by adrenergic signaling and thus impacts voltage-gated L-type calcium
      channel (VLCC) activity in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: We found that
      activation of protein kinase D1, a protein kinase downstream of alpha(1)
      adrenergic signaling, leads to direct phosphorylation of Rem1 at Ser18. This
      results in an increase of the channel activity and plasma membrane expression
      observed by using a combination of electrophysiology, live cell confocal
      microscopy, and immunohistochemistry in heterologous expression system and
      neonatal cardiomyocytes. In addition, we show that stimulation of alpha(1)
      adrenergic receptor-protein kinase D1-Rem1 signaling increases transverse-tubule
      VLCC expression that results in increased L-type Ca(2+) current density in adult
      ventricular myocytes. CONCLUSION: The alpha(1)-adrenergic stimulation releases
      Rem1 inhibition of VLCCs through direct phosphorylation of Rem1 at Ser18 by
      protein kinase D1, resulting in an increase of the channel activity and
      transverse-tubule expression. Our results uncover a novel molecular regulatory
      mechanism of VLCC trafficking and function in the heart and provide the first
      demonstration of physiological regulation of RGK function.

PMID- 22076635
TI  - Frizzled 4 regulates arterial network organization through noncanonical
      Wnt/planar cell polarity signaling.
AB  - RATIONALE: A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that the Wnt/planar
      cell polarity (PCP) pathway regulates endothelial cell proliferation and
      angiogenesis, but the components that mediate this regulation remain elusive.
      OBJECTIVE: We investigated the involvement of one of the receptors, Frizzled4
      (Fzd4), in this process because its role has been implicated in retinal vascular
      development. METHODS AND RESULTS: We found that loss of fzd4 function in mice
      results in a striking reduction and impairment of the distal small artery network
      in the heart and kidney. We report that loss of fzd4 decreases vascular cell
      proliferation and migration and decreases the ability of the endothelial cells to
      form tubes. We show that fzd4 deletion induces defects in the expression level of
      stable acetylated tubulin and in Golgi organization during migration. Deletion of
      fzd4 favors Wnt noncanonical AP1-dependent signaling, indicating that Fzd4 plays
      a pivotal role favoring PCP signaling. Our data further demonstrate that Fzd4 is
      predominantly localized on the top of the plasma membrane, where it
      preferentially induces Dvl3 relocalization to promote its activation and alpha
      tubulin recruitment during migration. In a pathological mouse angiogenic model,
      deletion of fzd4 impairs the angiogenic response and leads to the formation of a
      disorganized arterial network. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Fzd4 is a
      major receptor involved in arterial formation and organization through a Wnt/PCP
      pathway.

PMID- 22076638
TI  - Complications and legal outcomes of tonsillectomy malpractice claims.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To review malpractice cases involving complications
      following tonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis at a tertiary
      medical center of jury verdict reports within the LexisNexis (Dayton, OH)
      database submitted after tonsillectomy malpractice cases. METHODS: The LexisNexis
      MEGA Jury Verdicts and Settlements database was reviewed from 1984 through 2010
      for complications resulting from tonsillectomy. Data including year of case,
      surgical complication, injury, case result, and judgment awarded were collected
      and analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-eight reports met inclusion criteria
      and were reviewed. Postoperative bleeding was the most common complication
      (33.7%), followed by anoxic events (16.9%), and impaired function (15.7%).
      Patient death occurred in 40.4% of reports and was most frequently associated
      with postoperative bleeding (54.2%), followed by anoxic events (18.1%), and
      postoperative medication issues (16.7%). Monetary awards were available in 24.7%
      of reports. Anoxic event was noted to have the highest median award at
      $3,051,296, followed by postoperative medication at $950,000. CONCLUSIONS:
      Tonsillectomy carries a large amount of risk from a malpractice standpoint.
      Postoperative bleeding is the complication most commonly associated with
      malpractice claims, but may not carry the greatest overall risk from a patient
      care or monetary standpoint. Hypoxic and anoxic events, although less common,
      appear to carry more morbidity for the patient and are associated with greater
      settlements and judgments in malpractice claims. Tonsillectomy continues to carry
      a significant mortality risk, albeit infrequent, and a high level of vigilance
      should be employed to help reduce these risks.

PMID- 22076637
TI  - The perlecan fragment LG3 is a novel regulator of obliterative remodeling
      associated with allograft vascular rejection.
AB  - RATIONALE: Endothelial apoptosis is increased in association with acute and
      chronic vascular rejection (VR) of solid allografts. Apoptotic endothelial cells
      (EC) release LG3, a C-terminal fragment of perlecan of potential importance in
      vascular remodeling and neointima formation. OBJECTIVE: Our 2 goals were to
      determine whether circulating levels of LG3 are increased in association with
      acute VR of renal allografts and to evaluate the impact of LG3 on vascular
      remodeling. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a case-control study to compare
      serum LG3 levels in human renal transplant patients with acute VR, tubulo
      interstitial rejection (ATIR) and normal graft function. Aorta transplantation
      between fully MHC-mismatched mice in association with intravenous LG3 injection
      was used to characterize the impact of LG3 on vascular remodeling. Scratch assays
      evaluated the promigratory activity of LG3 on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC)
      in vitro. Serum LG3 levels were significantly elevated in human renal transplant
      patients with acute VR (n = 16) compared to ATIR (n = 16) and normal graft
      function (n = 32, P = 0.004). In patients with acute VR, graft loss was
      associated with elevated LG3 levels. Increasing LG3 serum levels in aortic
      allograft recipients significantly increased neointima formation. LG3 injection
      fostered accumulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells and decreased
      the number of CD31 positive EC. LG3 increased the migration of VSMC through
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2-dependent pathways. CONCLUSION: These
      results indicate that LG3 is a novel regulator of obliterative vascular
      remodeling during rejection.

PMID- 22076639
TI  - An O2 smart plastic film for packaging.
AB  - The preparation and characterisation of a novel, water-proof, irreversible,
      reusable, UV-activated, O(2) sensitive, smart plastic film is described. A
      pigment, consisting of a redox dye, methylene blue (MB), and a sacrificial
      electron donor, DL-threitol, coated onto an inorganic support with semiconductor
      functionality, TiO(2), has been extruded in low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The
      blue-coloured indicator is readily photobleached in <90 s using UVA light (4 mW
      cm(-2)), whereby MB is converted to its colourless, leuco form, leuco-methylene
      blue (LMB). This form persists in the absence of oxygen, but is re-oxidised to MB
      in ~2.5 days in air under ambient conditions (~21  degrees C, ~65% RH) within the
      O(2) smart plastic film. The rate of recovery is linearly dependent upon the
      ambient level of O(2). At the lower temperature of 5  degrees C, the kinetics of
      the photobleaching activation step is largely unchanged, whereas that of recovery
      is markedly reduced to t(1/2) = 36 h at 5  degrees C (cf. 9 h at 21  degrees C);
      the activation energy for the recovery step was calculated as 28 kJ mol(-1). The
      O(2)-sensitive recovery step was found to be moderately dependent upon humidity
      at 21  degrees C, but not significantly dependent upon humidity at 5  degrees C.
      The possible application of this type of indicator in food packaging is
      illustrated and discussed briefly.

PMID- 22076636
TI  - Integration of repulsive guidance cues generates avascular zones that shape
      mammalian blood vessels.
AB  - RATIONALE: Positive signals, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, direct
      endothelial cells (ECs) to specific locations during blood vessel formation. Less
      is known about repulsive signal contribution to shaping vessels. Recently,
      "neuronal guidance cues" have been shown to influence EC behavior, particularly
      in directing sprouting angiogenesis by repelling ECs. However, their role during
      de novo blood vessel formation remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To identify signals
      that guide and pattern the first mammalian blood vessels. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Using genetic mouse models, we show that blood vessels are sculpted through the
      generation of stereotyped avascular zones by EC-repulsive cues. We demonstrate
      that Semaphorin3E (Sema3E) is a key factor that shapes the paired dorsal aortae
      in mouse, as sema3E(-/-) embryos develop an abnormally branched aortic plexus
      with a markedly narrowed avascular midline. In vitro cultures and avian grafting
      experiments show strong repulsion of ECs by Sema3E-expressing cells. We further
      identify the mouse notochord as a rich source of multiple redundant neuronal
      guidance cues. Mouse embryos that lack notochords fail to form cohesive aortic
      vessels because of loss of the avascular midline, yet maintain lateral avascular
      zones. We demonstrate that lateral avascular zones are directly generated by the
      lateral plate mesoderm, a critical source of Sema3E. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      demonstrate that Sema3E-generated avascular zones are critical regulators of
      mammalian cardiovascular patterning and are the first to identify a repulsive
      role for the lateral plate mesoderm. Integration of multiple, and in some cases
      redundant, repulsive cues from various tissues is critical to patterning the
      first embryonic blood vessels.

PMID- 22076640
TI  - Preparation of diastereomerically pure dilignol model compounds.
AB  - A gram-scale synthetic access to diastereomerically pure dilignol beta-O-4 type
      model compounds, which represent valuable candidates for studies of lignin
      cleavage and valorization, is described. Following a straightforward procedure
      both diastereoisomers of 1,3-dilignols can be prepared. In the key-step, tert
      butyl aryloxy esters are used as enolate precursors for additions on aldehydes.
      After separation, the resulting erythro and threo beta-hydroxy esters are
      independently reduced to afford the target compounds in high yields.

PMID- 22076641
TI  - Design and synthesis of new 1,3-benzdiazinan-4-one derivatives as selective
      cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors.
AB  - A new group of regioisomeric 2,3-diaryl-1,3-benzdiazinan-4-ones, possessing a
      methyl sulfonyl pharmacophore, were synthesized and their biological activities
      were tested for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activity. In vitro COX-1/COX
      2 inhibition studies identified 3-(p-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-1,3
      benzdiazinane-4-one (2b) as a potent and highly selective (IC(50) = 0.07 uM;
      selectivity index = 572.8) COX-2 inhibitor.

PMID- 22076643
TI  - Evidence-based recommendations for spine surgery.

PMID- 22076644
TI  - Surgery for failed cervical spine reconstruction.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Review article. OBJECTIVE: To review the indications, operative
      strategy, and complications of revision cervical spine reconstruction. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: With many surgeons expanding their indications for cervical
      spine surgery, the number of patients being treated operatively has increased.
      Unfortunately, the number of patients requiring revision procedures is also
      increasing, but very little literature exists reviewing changes in the
      indications or operative planning for revision reconstruction. METHODS: Narrative
      and review of the literature. RESULTS: In addition to the well-accepted
      indications for primary cervical spine surgery (radiculopathy, myelopathy,
      instability, and tumor), we have used the following indications for revision
      surgery: pseudarthrosis, adjacent segment degeneration, inadequate decompression,
      iatrogenic instability, and deformity. Our surgical goal for pseudarthrosis is
      obviously to obtain a fusion, which can usually be performed with an approach not
      done previously. Our surgical goals for instability and deformity are more
      complex, with a focus on decompression of any neurologic compression, correction
      of deformity, and stability. CONCLUSION: Revision cervical spine reconstruction
      is safe and effective if performed for the appropriate indications and with
      proper planning.

PMID- 22076645
TI  - Transmission of force in the lumbosacral spine during backward falls.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Mathematical model, combined with and verified using human subject
      data. OBJECTIVE: (1) To develop and verify a lumped-parameter mathematical model
      for prediction of spine forces during backward falls; (2) to use this model to
      evaluate the effect of floor stiffness on spine forces during falls; and (3) to
      compare predicted impact forces with forces previously measured to fracture the
      spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebral fractures are the most common
      osteoporotic fractures and commonly result from falls from standing height.
      Compliant flooring reduces the force at the ground during a backward fall from
      standing; however, the effect on spine forces is unknown. METHODS: A 6-df model
      of the body was developed and verified using data from 10 human subjects falling
      from standing onto 3 types of compliant floors (soft: 59 kN/m, medium: 67 kN/m,
      and firm: 95 kN/m). The simulated ground forces were compared with those measured
      experimentally. The model was also used to assess the effect of floor stiffness
      on spine forces at various intervertebral levels. RESULTS: There was less than
      14% difference between model predictions and experimentally measured peak ground
      reaction forces, when averaged over all floor conditions. When compared with the
      rigid floor, average peak spine force attenuations of 46%, 43%, and 41% were
      achieved with the soft, medium, and firm floors, respectively (3.7, 3.9, 4.1 kN
      vs. 6.9 kN at L4/L5). Spine forces were lower than those at the ground and
      decreased cranially (4.9, 3.9, 3.7, 3.5 kN at the ground, L5/S1, L4/L5, and
      L3/L4, respectively, for the soft floor). CONCLUSION: Lowering the floor
      stiffness (from 400 to 59 kN/m) can attenuate peak lumbosacral spine forces in a
      backward fall onto the buttocks from standing by 46% (average peak from 6.9 to
      3.7 kN at L4/L5) to values closer to the average tolerance of the spine to
      fracture (3.4 kN).

PMID- 22076646
TI  - Regression of giant cell tumor of the cervical spine with bisphosphonate as
      single therapy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of regression of a
      giant cell tumor (GCT) of the cervical spine, which was treated with zoledronic
      acid as single therapy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Bisphosphonates are
      antiresorptive drugs used in patients with myeloma and bone metastases to treat
      pain and skeletal events. Despite the emerging evidence of antitumoral effects in
      adjuvant therapy for GCT of bone, the use of bisphosphonates as a single agent
      has not been described. METHODS: Case study with follow-up examination and
      radiological control 36 months after the beginning of therapy. A review of the
      literature is also provided. RESULTS: The imaging data at admission evidenced an
      extensive osteolytic lesion on C5 and C6 vertebral bodies. An open biopsy
      confirmed the diagnosis of GCT. It was decided to immobilize the cervical spine
      with rigid collar and to start monthly intravenous zoledronic acid. The
      subsequent clinical and radiological follow-up during 3 years revealed a marked
      regression of the lesion. CONCLUSION: The use of a bisphosphonate agent for GCT
      of the cervical spine showed potential therapeutic benefits as previously
      described for other osteolytic disorders. This finding could lead to further
      investigation on the role and true value of these drugs as possible adjuvants in
      the management of GCT of bone.

PMID- 22076647
TI  - Grafton and local bone have comparable outcomes to iliac crest bone in
      instrumented single-level lumbar fusions.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter randomized clinical trail. OBJECTIVE: The
      goal of our 2-year prospective study was to perform a randomized clinical trial
      comparing the outcomes of Grafton demineralized bone matrix (DBM) Matrix with
      local bone with that of iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) in a single-level
      instrumented posterior lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There has been
      extensive research and development in identifying a suitable substitute to
      replace autologous ICBG that is associated with known morbidities. DBMs are a
      class of commercially available grafting agents that are prepared from allograft
      bone. Many such products have been commercially available for clinical use;
      however, their efficacy for spine fusion has been mostly based on anecdotal
      evidence rather than randomized controlled clinical trials. METHODS: Forty-six
      patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive Grafton DBM Matrix with local
      bone (30 patients) or autologous ICBG (16 patients). The mean age was 64 (females
      [F] = 21, males [M] = 9) in the DBM group and 65 (F = 9, M = 5) in the ICBG
      group. An independent radiologist evaluated plain radiographs and computed
      tomographic scans at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year time points. Clinical outcomes
      were measured using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Medical Outcomes Study 36
      Item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (DBM = 28 and ICBG =
      13) completed the 2-year follow-up. Final fusion rates were 86% (Grafton Matrix)
      versus 92% (ICBG) (P = 1.0 not significant). The Grafton group showed slightly
      better improvement in ODI score than the ICBG group at the final 2-year follow-up
      (Grafton [16.2] and ICBG [22.7]); however, the difference was not statistically
      significant (P = 0.2346 at 24 mo). Grafton showed consistently higher physical
      function scores at 24 months; however, differences were not statistically
      significant (P = 0.0823). Similar improvements in the physical component summary
      scores were seen in both the Grafton and ICBG groups. There was a statistically
      significant greater mean intraoperative blood loss in the ICBG group than in the
      Grafton group (P < 0.0031). CONCLUSION: At 2-year follow-up, subjects who were
      randomized to Grafton Matrix and local bone achieved an 86% overall fusion rate
      and improvements in clinical outcomes that were comparable with those in the ICBG
      group.

PMID- 22076648
TI  - Culture and ethnicity influence outcomes of the Scoliosis Research Society
      Instrument in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. OBJECTIVE: To report preoperative
      differences in the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument (SRS-30)
      between multiple US ethnicities and native Japanese and Korean children with
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The SRS-24 was
      developed in a US cohort with AIS. Comparative studies using the SRS-24 between
      US and Japanese patients showed differences, suggesting that culture might affect
      functional outcome. METHODS: Preoperative SRS-30 outcomes were collected from
      1853 children with AIS from 6 different ethnic groups: US white (1234), black
      (213), Hispanic (78), and Asian (29), as well as native Japanese (192) and
      Koreans (107). Analysis of covariance of 4 SRS-30 domains (pain, appearance,
      activity, and mental) was compared between groups adjusting for differences in
      age, sex, major curve magnitude, and body mass index. Pairwise comparisons of the
      4 SRS-30 domains were adjusted for multiple comparisons, using Bonferroni
      correction. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS:
      Significant differences between ethnicities were found in all domains (P <
      0.001). Whites reported more pain than Japanese or Koreans (Japanese = 4.52,
      Korean = 4.47, white = 4.04). Korean and Japanese patients had the lowest
      appearance scores (Japanese = 2.89, Korean = 2.73, US Asian = 3.55, Hispanic =
      3.11, black = 3.47, white = 3.29). Koreans also had the lowest activity (Korean =
      3.64, Japanese = 4.24, US Asian = 4.07, Hispanic = 4.02, black = 4.06, white =
      4.16), mental (Korean = 3.70, Japanese = 4.23, US Asian = 4.05, Hispanic = 3.75,
      black = 4.03, white = 3.94), and total scores (Korean = 3.63, Japanese = 3.92, US
      Asian = 4.02, Hispanic = 3.75, black = 3.92, and white = 3.84). CONCLUSION:
      Culture and ethnicity influence SRS-30 outcomes in AIS. Whites reported more pain
      than Japanese and Koreans. Japanese and Koreans had the lowest appearance scores.
      Koreans additionally were distinguished by the lowest activity, mental, and total
      scores. These cultural and ethnic differences must be taken into account when
      counseling patients with AIS and studying functional outcomes.

PMID- 22076649
TI  - Intrinsic gemcitabine resistance in a novel pancreatic cancer cell line is
      associated with cancer stem cell-like phenotype.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains one of the most lethal
      malignancies in the world, often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resistant to
      conventional chemotherapy and having high invasive and metastatic potential. The
      mechanism of drug resistance of PDA is still not clear. In the present study, we
      established two novel pancreatic cancer cell lines PAXC-002 and PAXC-003 from
      human primary xenograft models. The cell lines were characterized by morphology,
      karyotype, pancreatic cancer marker and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, and
      growth kinetics and tumorigenicity. The in vitro anti-proliferation test revealed
      that PAXC-002 cell was intrinsically resistant to the standard of care
      chemotherapy-gemcitabine, compared with that of PAXC-003 and other widely used
      pancreatic cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the gemcitabine resistant PAXC-002
      cell line was more potent in forming colonies in 3-Dimensional matrigel culture
      conditions and had a higher percentage of CD133 positive cells, which is
      recognized as a cancer stem cell marker, compared to the gemcitabine-sensitive
      PAXC-003 cell line. In this study, we present two novel pancreatic cancer cell
      lines which could be used for gemcitabine resistance investigation, mechanism
      identification of pancreatic cancer and anticancer drug screening. The
      preliminary data indicate that the drug resistance of pancreatic carcinoma cells
      is associated with a cancer stem cell-like phenotype.

PMID- 22076651
TI  - Differential pathotropism of non-immortalized and immortalized human neural stem
      cell lines in a focal demyelination model.
AB  - Cell therapy is reaching the stage of phase I clinical trials for post-traumatic,
      post-ischemic, or neurodegenerative disorders, and the selection of the
      appropriate cell source is essential. In order to assess the capacity of
      different human neural stem cell lines (hNSC) to contribute to neural tissue
      regeneration and to reduce the local inflammation after an acute injury, we
      transplanted GMP-grade non-immortalized hNSCs and v-myc (v-IhNSC), c-myc T58A (T
      IhNSC) immortalized cells into the corpus callosum of adult rats after 5 days
      from focal demyelination induced by lysophosphatidylcholine. At 15 days from
      transplantation, hNSC and T-IhNSC migrated to the lesioned area where they
      promoted endogenous remyelination and differentiated into mature
      oligodendrocytes, while the all three cell lines were able to integrate in the
      SVZ. Moreover, where demyelination was accompanied by an inflammatory reaction, a
      significant reduction of microglial cells' activation was observed. This effect
      correlated with a differential migratory pattern of transplanted hNSC and IhNSC,
      significantly enhanced in the former, thus suggesting a specific NSC-mediated
      immunomodulatory effect on the local inflammation. We provide evidence that, in
      the subacute phase of a demyelination injury, different human immortalized and
      non-immortalized NSC lines, all sharing homing to the stem niche, display a
      differential pathotropism, both through cell-autonomous and non-cell autonomous
      effects. Overall, these findings promote IhNSC as an inexhaustible cell source
      for large-scale preclinical studies and non-immortalized GMP grade hNSC lines as
      an efficacious, safe, and reliable therapeutic tool for future clinical
      applications.

PMID- 22076650
TI  - Macrophage-tumor crosstalk: role of TAMR tyrosine kinase receptors and of their
      ligands.
AB  - Ample clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that macrophages interact with
      tumor cells as well as with virtually all populations of host cells present in
      the tumor microenvironment. This crosstalk can strongly promote malignancy, but
      also has in principle the potential to inhibit tumor growth. Thus, it is of the
      utmost importance to improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving the pro-
      and antimalignant behavior of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in order to
      develop better anticancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the biological
      consequences of reciprocal interactions between TAMs, cancer cells, endothelial
      cells, fibroblasts and other leukocyte subfractions within tumors. It was
      recently elucidated that tumors specifically educate macrophages to secrete
      growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6), the common ligand of the Tyro3, Axl, Mer
      receptor (TAMR) family. In turn, Gas6 fosters tumor growth by promoting cancer
      cell proliferation. Therefore, the Gas6-TAMR axis might represent a novel target
      for disrupting tumor-macrophage crosstalk. We summarize here what is known about
      TAMR and their ligands in (human) cancer biology. In order to shed more light on
      the role of macrophages in human cancer, we additionally provide an overview of
      what is currently known about the prognostic impact of TAMs in human cancer.

PMID- 22076652
TI  - Genetic alterations of PTEN in human melanoma.
AB  - The PTEN gene is one of the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressor genes in
      sporadic cancers. Inactivating mutations and deletions of the PTEN gene are found
      in many types of cancers, including melanoma. However, the exact frequency of
      PTEN alteration in melanoma is unknown. In this study, we comprehensively
      reviewed 16 studies on PTEN genetic changes in melanoma cell lines and tumor
      biopsies. To date, 76 PTEN alterations have been reported in melanoma cell lines
      and 38 PTEN alterations in melanoma biopsies. The rate of PTEN alterations in
      melanoma cell lines, primary melanoma, and metastatic melanoma is 27.6, 7.3, and
      15.2%, respectively. Three mutations were found in both melanoma cell lines and
      biopsies. These mutations are scattered throughout the gene, with the exception
      of exon 9. A mutational hot spot is found in exon 5, which encodes the
      phosphatase activity domain. Evidence is also presented to suggest that numerous
      homozygous deletions and missense variants exist in the PTEN transcript. Studying
      PTEN functions and implications of its mutations and other genes could provide
      insights into the precise nature of PTEN function in melanoma and additional
      targets for new therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22076653
TI  - Functional mechanisms of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) associated anti-HIV
      1 properties.
AB  - The cellular prion protein PrP(C)/CD230 is a GPI-anchor protein highly expressed
      in cells from the nervous and immune systems and well conserved among
      vertebrates. In the last decade, several studies suggested that PrP(C) displays
      antiviral properties by restricting the replication of different viruses, and in
      particular retroviruses such as murine leukemia virus (MuLV) and the human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In this context, we previously showed that
      PrP(C) displays important similarities with the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein and
      found that PrP(C) expression in a human cell line strongly reduced HIV-1
      expression and virus production. Using different PrP(C) mutants, we report here
      that the anti-HIV-1 properties are mostly associated with the amino-terminal 24
      KRPKP-28 basic domain. In agreement with its reported RNA chaperone activity, we
      found that PrP(C) binds to the viral genomic RNA of HIV-1 and negatively affects
      its translation. Using a combination of biochemical and cell imaging strategies,
      we found that PrP(C) colocalizes with the virus assembly machinery at the plasma
      membrane and at the virological synapse in infected T cells. Depletion of PrP(C)
      in infected T cells and microglial cells favors HIV-1 replication, confirming its
      negative impact on the HIV-1 life cycle.

PMID- 22076654
TI  - Unassigned codons, nonsense suppression, and anticodon modifications in the
      evolution of the genetic code.
AB  - The origin of the genetic code is a central open problem regarding the early
      evolution of life. Here, we consider two undeveloped but important aspects of
      possible scenarios for the evolutionary pathway of the translation machinery: the
      role of unassigned codons in early stages of the code and the incorporation of
      tRNA anticodon modifications. As the first codons started to encode amino acids,
      the translation machinery likely was faced with a large number of unassigned
      codons. Current molecular scenarios for the evolution of the code usually assume
      the very rapid assignment of all codons before all 20 amino acids became encoded.
      We show that the phenomenon of nonsense suppression as observed in current
      organisms allows for a scenario in which many unassigned codons persisted
      throughout most of the evolutionary development of the code. In addition, we
      demonstrate that incorporation of anticodon modifications at a late stage is
      feasible. The wobble rules allow a set of 20 tRNAs fully lacking anticodon
      modifications to encode all 20 canonical amino acids. These observations have
      implications for the biochemical plausibility of early stages in the evolution of
      the genetic code predating tRNA anticodon modifications and allow for effective
      translation by a relatively small and simple early tRNA set.

PMID- 22076655
TI  - Participation and attrition in a coping skills intervention for adolescent girls
      with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - The current study examined factors associated with adolescent and parent
      participation in a coping skills intervention for adolescent girls with
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and examined factors associated with attrition
      related to intermittent missing data. Thirty-one adolescent girls with IBD and
      their parents enrolled in the intervention. Psychosocial and disease factors
      related to participation in the 6-week web component of the coping skills
      intervention were examined as were baseline group differences between those who
      provided post-treatment data and those who did not. Adolescents experiencing more
      difficulties related to their disease and psychosocial functioning participated
      less in the web component of the treatment intervention. Families who attrited
      had higher baseline levels of parental catastrophic thoughts, parenting stress,
      and adolescent depression. Families experiencing greater levels of psychological
      and disease-related difficulties may be at risk for low participation and
      eventual dropout from pediatric IBD psychological treatment interventions.

PMID- 22076657
TI  - G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated MAPK and PI3-kinase signaling is maintained
      in Chinese hamster ovary cells after gamma-irradiation.
AB  - To expedite G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug screening studies, cell lines
      amenable to transfection (e.g. CHO cells) have been widely used as cellular
      models. These cells can be frozen in a ready-to-use format, allowing screening of
      a single batch of cells and validation of the cellular material prior to the
      screening run. A common method used to deliver frozen cells to screening programs
      is to gamma-irradiate the cells, abrogating cell division after thawing and
      ensuring consistency in the number of cells analyzed per well. With the
      recognition that signaling proteins such as ERK and Akt are important markers of
      GPCR activation, along with the availability of suitable assays for their
      measurement, these outputs have become important for GPCR screening programs.
      Here we show that several gamma-irradiated and frozen CHO-K1 cell lines
      expressing transfected GPCRs, initially optimized for performing cAMP or
      AequoScreen calcium flux assays, can be used for the measurement of GPCR-mediated
      ERK and Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, CHO-K1 cells transfected with NOP or
      GAL(1) receptors show pharmacology for a number of agonists and antagonists that
      is consistent with non-irradiated cultured lines. These data indicate that gamma
      irradiated CHO-K1 cells can be reliably used for the measurement of GPCR-mediated
      kinase signaling outputs.

PMID- 22076658
TI  - Original report of bilateral carotid body tumors with 2 rare concomitant anatomic
      findings, an ectopic parathyroid gland and cervical thymus, with literature
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors are uncommon neoplasms with unique epidemiology
      and management demands. Cervical embryology is complex. Developmental
      abnormalities can result in ectopic displacement of native tissues. METHODS: We
      present the case of a 21-year-old female with bilateral carotid body
      paragangliomas who presented to our clinic seeking excision of the symptomatic
      right-sided tumor. RESULTS: The patient was successfully treated with surgical
      excision. Two rare anatomic variants were identified in her surgical specimen: a
      carotid sheath parathyroid gland and ectopic thymus tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This
      patient represents an unreported combination of pathologic and anatomic
      phenomena. The paraganglioma resulted from a familial genetic mutation that is
      well studied in this patient's ethnic population (Dutch), and the literature on
      this topic is reviewed herein. The 2 anatomic variants likely represent a single,
      embryologic glitch that will carry no physiologic sequelae. The clinical
      application of this ectopic anatomy and the common embryologic origins are
      discussed.

PMID- 22076656
TI  - Perfectionism dimensions and dependency in relation to personality vulnerability
      and psychosocial adjustment in patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - The present study sought to illuminate self-criticism and personal standards
      dimensions of perfectionism and dependency as specific cognitive-personality
      vulnerability factors that might contribute to a better understanding of numerous
      psychosocial problem areas that are relevant to coronary artery disease (CAD).
      One hundred and twenty-three patients diagnosed with clinically significant CAD
      completed self-report questionnaires. Zero-order correlations and factor analysis
      results revealed that self-criticism was primarily related to personality
      vulnerability (aggression/anger/hostility, Type D negative affectivity) and
      psychosocial maladjustment (depressive symptoms, worry, avoidant coping, support
      dissatisfaction), whereas personal standards was primarily related to adaptive
      coping (problem-focused coping, positive reinterpretation) and dependency was
      primarily related to worry. Hierarchical regression results demonstrated the
      incremental utility of self-criticism, personal standards, and dependency in
      relation to (mal)adjustment over and above aggression/anger/hostility, negative
      affectivity, and social inhibition. Continued efforts to understand the role of
      perfectionism dimensions and dependency in CAD appear warranted.

PMID- 22076659
TI  - Protein disorder in the centrosome correlates with complexity in cell types
      number.
AB  - Here we study the properties and the evolution of proteins that constitute the
      Centrosome, the complex molecular assembly that regulates the division and
      differentiation of animal cells. We found that centrosomal proteins are predicted
      to be significantly enriched in disordered and coiled-coil regions, more
      phosphorylated and longer than control proteins of the same organism.
      Interestingly, the ratio of these properties in centrosomal and control proteins
      tends to increase with the number of cell-types. We reconstructed indels
      evolution, finding that indels significantly increase disorder in both
      centrosomal and control proteins, at a rate that is typically larger along
      branches associated with a large growth in cell-types number, and larger for
      centrosomal than for control proteins. Substitutions show a similar trend for
      coiled-coil, but they contribute less to the evolution of disorder. Our results
      suggest that the increase in cell-types number in animal evolution is correlated
      with the gain of disordered and coiled-coil regions in centrosomal proteins,
      establishing a connection between organism and molecular complexity. We argue
      that the structural plasticity conferred to the Centrosome by disordered regions
      and phosphorylation plays an important role in its mechanical properties and its
      regulation in space and time.

PMID- 22076660
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed oxidative arylalkylation of activated alkenes: dual C-H bond
      cleavage of an arene and acetonitrile.
AB  - Not one but two: The title reaction proceeds through the dual C-H bond cleavage
      of both aniline and acetonitrile. The reaction affords a variety of cyano-bearing
      indolinones in excellent yield. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that this
      reaction involves a fast arylation of the olefin and a rate-determining C-H
      activation of the acetonitrile.

PMID- 22076661
TI  - Psychiatric adverse drug reactions reported during a 10-year period in the
      Swedish pediatric population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Psychiatric Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are frequent in the pediatric
      population. The aim of the present study was to analyze spontaneously reported
      psychiatric ADRs in children during a 10-year period. METHODS: All spontaneously
      reported Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) concerning children (<18 years
      old) and psychiatric adverse reactions assessed as at least possible, registered
      in the Swedish Drug Information System (SWEDIS) during the period 2001-2010, were
      extracted and characterized. Age and sex distribution and labeling/registration
      status were studied. RESULTS: A total of 600 ICSRs concerning 744 psychiatric
      adverse reactions were identified and included in the analysis. Boys were
      overrepresented among included ICSRs (60.3% vs. 39.7%; p < .001). After exclusion
      of vaccines, the three most frequently suspected drugs were montelukast,
      centrally working sympathomimetic drugs, and inhaled glucocorticoids. Serious
      adverse reactions were reported more frequently for drugs used off-label than for
      drugs used according to the Swedish Physician's Desk Reference. Aggressiveness
      was reported more frequently for boys than for girls as were suicidal conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric ADRs in the pediatric population have been reported for
      a wide range of reactions and drugs and display age and sex differences including
      a higher number of suicidal reactions in boys. An association was seen between
      serious reactions and off-label drug use. Further studies are needed to elucidate
      safety aspects of unlicensed drugs and drugs used off-label and whether there are
      differences in children's susceptibility to develop ADRs.

PMID- 22076662
TI  - The moderating role of father's care on the onset of binge eating symptoms among
      female late adolescents with insecure attachment.
AB  - The present study examined the association between quality of attachment,
      perception of the father's bond, and binge eating symptoms in a sample of female
      late adolescents. In total, 233 female students aged between 18 and 20 years
      completed measures on binge eating, quality of attachment and parent-child
      relationship. Data showed that respondents with binge symptoms reported lower
      scores on secure attachment and father's care, and higher scores on preoccupied
      and fearful attachment. Binge eating symptoms were associated with father's care,
      but not with father's overprotection. Also, binge symptoms were negatively
      associated with secure attachment styles, and positively with preoccupied and
      fearful attachment. The data, finally, provided evidence that at higher levels of
      preoccupied attachment, the impact of binge symptoms tended to be lower when
      father's care was high.

PMID- 22076663
TI  - Fattening performance of purebred and crossbred lambs from fat-tailed Kurdi ewes
      mated to four Iranian native ram breeds.
AB  - A crossbreeding experiment was carried out to determine the sire breed effects on
      fattening performance of fat-tailed lambs. Rams from four Iranian fat-tailed
      sheep breeds, namely Kurdi (K), Afshari (A), Chaal (C) and Sanjabi (S) were mated
      to Kurdi ewes producing 454 progeny of four genotype groups (KK, AK, CK and SK).
      A total of 80 lambs comprising ten female and ten male lambs from each genotype
      group were used in a fattening experiment during a period of 88 days. Genotype of
      the lamb had significant effect on average dry matter intake (ADMI) (P < 0.05).
      SK lambs had the lowest ADMI. Average daily gain (ADG) and food conversion ratio
      (FCR) were not influenced by genotype of the lamb. Sex of the lamb had
      significant effect on both ADG and FCR (P < 0.01). Slaughter weight (SLW), hot
      carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW) and daily carcass gain (DCG) were
      not affected by lamb's genotype. However, genotype had significant effect on
      dressing percentage, carcass loss percentage (P < 0.01), carcass length (CL), leg
      circumference (LC), carcass compactness (CC) (P < 0.01) and carcass density (CD)
      (P < 0.05). Carcass width (CW) and leg length (LL) were not affected by lamb's
      genotype. Sex of the lamb had significant effects on CL, CW, LC, CC, CD (P <
      0.01) and LL (P < 0.05). The results indicated the existence of sire breed
      difference for daily dry matter intake and carcass conformation in the fat-tailed
      sheep.

PMID- 22076664
TI  - Luis Manuel Justino Schwalbach (1966-2011).

PMID- 22076665
TI  - Synthesis and herbicidal activities of novel 3-(substituted benzyloxy or phenoxy)
      6-methyl-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridazine derivatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridazine represents a new series of
      compounds with bleaching and herbicidal activities. RESULTS: A total of 43 novel
      3-(substituted benzyloxy or phenoxy)-6-methyl-4-(3
      trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridazine derivatives were synthesised, and their
      bleaching and herbicidal activities were evaluated through Spirodela polyrrhiza
      and greenhouse tests. Some compounds exhibited excellent herbicidal activities,
      even at a dose of 7.5 g ha(-1). CONCLUSION: The results showed that a substituted
      phenoxy group at the 3-position of the pyridazine ring and the electron
      withdrawing group at the para-position on the benzene ring were essential for
      high herbicidal activity.

PMID- 22076666
TI  - Portal vein resection in pancreaticoduodenectomy (with video).
AB  - Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for
      pancreatic cancer was first reported by Moore in 1951. In Japan, utilization of
      portal vein resection (PVR) became popular beginning in the late 1970s and has
      resulted in an improved resection rate for pancreatic cancer. Outcomes of PVR
      differ according to the reported year and institution. In a recent report of meta
      analysis, there was no difference in outcomes after PVR if R0 (negative surgical
      margins) resection was possible. Pancreatic surgery including vascular resection
      must be re-evaluated in light of recent advances in diagnostic imaging and
      surgical techniques, lower mortality and morbidity after PVR, and improvements in
      adjuvant and neo-adjuvant therapy. Isolated portal vein involvement should not be
      a contraindication to resection. Portal vein resection should be considered after
      appropriate patient selection based on an accurate diagnosis, provided that safe
      R0 resection is possible. We describe technical details and considerations for
      PVR during PD in this paper.

PMID- 22076667
TI  - Distal pancreatectomy (with video).
AB  - Distal pancreatectomy is indicated for lesions in the pancreatic body and tail.
      Understanding of the anatomical structure of the pancreas and its surroundings is
      required in various situations in left upper abdominal surgery including the
      laparoscopic approach. Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy is indicated for
      lesions confined to the pancreas. Two major spleen-preserving procedures reported
      are the Warshaw procedure that conserves the spleen by blood flow from the short
      gastric vessels and the Kimura procedure that preserves the spleen with splenic
      vessels. Considering the laparoscopic approach, the surgeon may preserve splenic
      vessels from the median toward the splenic hilum without mobilization of the
      spleen. A standard distal pancreatectomy using the medial approach is presented
      on video. The intraoperative complications of distal pancreatectomy can be
      minimized by avoiding splenic capsule injury, by careful differentiation of the
      splenic artery from the common hepatic artery, and by secure closure of the
      splenic vein stump. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula following
      distal pancreatectomy is reported to be 13% in a nationwide pancreatic cancer
      registry. Based on the results of an international randomized trial of hand-sewn
      and staple closure of the pancreatic stump, the closure method of the pancreatic
      stump can be the surgeon's choice.

PMID- 22076668
TI  - Stented pancreaticojejunostomy (with video).
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Using a standardized technique for pancreaticojejunostomy
      that we term "pair-watch suturing technique", we prospectively analyzed the
      effects of a pancreatic stent tube for preventing pancreatic fistula and
      furthermore evaluated which perioperative factors had an influence on the
      development of pancreatic fistula. OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: Before anastomosis, we
      imagine the faces of a pair of wristwatches on the jejunal hole and pancreatic
      duct. The first stitch was put between 9 o'clock on the pancreatic side and 3
      o'clock on the jejunal side, and a total of 7 stitches were put in the posterior
      wall, followed by 5 stitches in the anterior wall. Using this technique, twelve
      stitches can be sutured in the first layer anastomosis regardless of the caliber
      of the pancreatic duct. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to April 2009, 55
      consecutive patients who underwent the pair-watch suturing technique were divided
      into two groups: stent (n = 28) and no-stent (n = 27). The incidence rate of
      pancreatic fistula was statistically analyzed. From March 2007 to March 2011, 102
      consecutive patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to
      the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria: postoperative
      pancreatic fistula (POPF) and non-POPF. RESULTS: Perioperative factors were
      almost the same between the stent and no-stent groups, and the incidence of
      pancreatic fistula was very similar: 10.7% in the stent group and 14.8% in the no
      stent group. Additionally, all patients who developed pancreatic fistula belonged
      to grade A. Among 102 patients, 15 (14.7%) were identified as having pancreatic
      fistula: 9 (8.8%) in grade A, 5 (4.9%) in grade B, and 1 (0.9%) in grade C.
      Comparing the POPF and non-POPF groups, we could not detect any significant risk
      factors for the development of pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSION: We consider that
      the pair-watch suturing technique is less susceptible to any factors, providing
      reliable anastomosis for any size of pancreatic duct and any texture of remnant
      pancreas.

PMID- 22076669
TI  - Important technical remarks on distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac axis
      resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer (with video).
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have already reported the feasibility, safety, and excellent long
      term results of distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR)
      for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer. An international standard for the
      surgical technique of DP-CAR has yet to be established. METHODS: DP-CAR was
      carefully performed in 42 patients in Hokkaido University Hospital from 1998 to
      July 2007. Arterial blood flow alteration and collateral flow development toward
      the liver and stomach was obtained following preoperative routine transcatheter
      arterial embolization of the common hepatic artery. The right-sided approach to
      the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery, and the preservation of the
      inferior pancreatoduodenal artery during the dissection of the plexus around the
      pancreatic head, are the key techniques in DP-CAR. RESULTS: The operative
      morbidity and mortality were 43 and 4.8%, respectively. R0 resection could be
      done in 39 (93%) patients. Median operation time and intraoperative blood loss
      were 478 min and 1030 ml, respectively. Ischemic gastropathy was complicated in 5
      (12%) patients, but liver abscess was found in only one patient and no liver
      failure was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize again the feasibility and
      safety of DP-CAR; it should be a treatment of choice for locally advanced
      pancreatic body cancer.

PMID- 22076670
TI  - Left hepatectomy or left trisectionectomy with resection of the caudate lobe and
      extrahepatic bile duct for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (with video).
AB  - PURPOSE: Although left-sided hepatectomy, such as a left hepatectomy or left
      trisectionectomy with resection of the caudate lobe and extrahepatic bile duct,
      is used to treat hilar cholangiocarcinoma predominantly involving the left side
      of the hepatic hilum, it is associated with several difficult technical points.
      The important points during left-sided hepatectomy are described here.
      TECHNIQUES: There are anatomical variations of the sectional artery and bile
      duct. It is essential to understand the individual intrahepatic and hilar anatomy
      preoperatively. Surgical procedures consist of lymph node clearance, dissection
      of the distal bile duct, skeletonization resection of the hepatoduodenal
      ligament, mobilization of the liver and liver resection, dissection of the
      intrahepatic bile ducts, and biliary reconstruction. During lymph node dissection
      and skeletonization resection of the hepatoduodenal ligament, the nerve plexus
      around the hepatic artery is dissected, and its adventitia is exposed with great
      care to avoid injuring the hepatic artery. Mobilization of the caudate lobe is
      performed only from the left side. There is no clear landmark between the caudate
      lobe and the right posterior section during liver resection. In the final step of
      liver resection, it progresses toward the right edge of the inferior vena cava.
      When dividing intrahepatic bile ducts, extreme care should be used to avoid
      injury to the corresponding hepatic arteries, especially the anomalous
      supraportal posterior sectional artery. CONCLUSIONS: Left-sided hepatectomy for
      hilar cholangiocarcinoma should be considered a more complicated and technically
      demanding procedure than right-sided hepatectomy. Surgeons need to pay close
      attention to anatomical variations in order to perform a left-sided hepatectomy
      safely and successfully.

PMID- 22076671
TI  - Pancreatic dissection in the procedure of pancreaticoduodenectomy (with videos).
AB  - The procedure of pancreaticoduodenectomy consists of three parts: resection,
      lymph node dissection, and reconstruction. A transection of the pancreas is
      commonly performed after a maneuver of the pancreatic head, exposing of the
      portal vein or lymph node dissection, and it should be confirmed as a safe method
      for pancreatic transection for decreasing the incidence of pancreatic fistula.
      However, there are only a few clinical trials with high levels of evidence for
      pancreatic surgery. In this report, we discuss the following issues: dissection
      of peripancreatic tissue, exposing the portal vein, pancreatic transection,
      dissection of the right hemicircle of the peri-superior mesenteric artery
      including plexus and lymph nodes, and dissection of the pancreatic parenchyma.

PMID- 22076672
TI  - Cortical excitability in chronic migraine.
AB  - A proportion of episodic migraine patients experiences a progressive increase in
      attack frequency leading to chronic migraine (CM). The most frequent external
      factor that leads to headache chronification is medication overuse. The
      neurobiological bases of headache chronification and of the vicious circle of
      medication overconsumption are not completely elucidated. More recently, the same
      neurophysiological methods used to study episodic migraine were applied to CM and
      medication-overuse headache (MOH). Studies of cortical responsivity tend overall
      to indicate an increase in excitability, in particular of somatosensory and
      visual cortices, reflected by increased amplitude of evoked responses, decreased
      activity of inhibitory cortical interneurons reflected in the smaller magnetic
      suppression of perceptual accuracy, and, at least for visual responses, an
      increase in habituation. In MOH, overconsumption of triptans or NSAIDs influences
      cortical excitability differently. Generalized central sensitization is suggested
      to play an important role in the pathophysiology of headache chronification.

PMID- 22076673
TI  - Obesity and chronic daily headache.
AB  - Obesity may be the greatest epidemic of modern times. It leads to diabetes and
      heart disease and shortens lifespan. Although not a risk factor for migraine, it
      is associated with an increased frequency and intensity of migraine. Obesity is
      also comorbid with chronic daily headache and is a major risk factor for
      chronification of episodic migraine in adults and children. Although obesity is
      not a factor in the effectiveness of migraine treatment, it does increase the
      peripheral and central events in migraine, ultimately increasing the neurologic
      potential for migraine. Although evidence suggests that obesity is a modifiable
      risk factor for migraine progression, it is unknown if weight loss is related to
      decrease in headache frequency. Recent surgical results suggest that this is
      true. We suggest all possible effective techniques aimed at weight loss be
      undertaken for migraineurs, especially obese migraineurs, and that carefully
      monitoring weight changes should be routinely done as part of their migraine
      care.

PMID- 22076674
TI  - Pathophysiology of medication-overuse headache: implications from animal studies.
AB  - Recent animal experiments have shown that chronic medication exposure profoundly
      affects the function of several areas in the nervous system related to headache
      pathogenesis. These changes include upregulation of calcitonin gene-related
      peptide, substance P, and nitric oxide synthase in trigeminal ganglia; expansion
      of receptive field and decreased nociceptive threshold of central trigeminal
      neurons; decrease in diffuse noxious inhibitory control; and increased
      susceptibility to develop cortical spreading depression (CSD). These changes
      indicate an increase in excitability of cortical and trigeminal neurons. The
      neuronal hyperexcitability may be the result of derangement of a central,
      possibly serotonin (5-HT)-dependent, modulating control system. Experiments with
      animals with low 5-HT showed that the processes of CSD and trigeminal nociception
      are enhanced in this condition. Derangement in the central 5-HT-dependent
      modulating system as a result of chronic medication use may underlie the
      chronification of headache as observed in patients with medication-overuse
      headache.

PMID- 22076675
TI  - Zinc and its role in age-related inflammation and immune dysfunction.
AB  - Zinc is an essential micronutrient required for many cellular processes,
      especially for the normal development and function of the immune system. Zinc
      homeostasis and signaling are critical in immune activation, and an imbalance in
      zinc homeostasis is associated with the development of chronic diseases. Zinc
      deficiency causes significant impairment in both adaptive and innate immune
      responses, and promotes systemic inflammation. The elderly are a population
      particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency. National surveys indicate that a
      significant portion of the aged population has inadequate zinc intake, and a
      decline in zinc status is observed with age. There are remarkable similarities
      between the hallmarks of zinc deficiency and immunological dysfunction in aged
      individuals. Both zinc deficiency and the aging process are characterized by
      impaired immune responses and systemic low grade chronic inflammation. It has
      been hypothesized that age-related zinc deficiency may be an important factor
      contributing to immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation during the aging
      process. In this review, we discuss the effects of zinc status on aging,
      potential molecular and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to age-related decline
      in zinc status, and the role of zinc in age-related immune dysfunction and
      chronic inflammation.

PMID- 22076677
TI  - Clinical results of posterior stabilization without decompression for
      thoracolumbar burst fractures: is decompression necessary?
AB  - The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical outcome of posterior
      stabilization without decompression for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Thirty-one
      consecutive cases of thoracolumbar fractures involving T11-L2 stabilized by a
      pedicle screw system were reviewed. Neither reduction of the height of a
      fractured body nor any decompression procedure was added during surgery. Twenty
      two patients had incomplete paraplegia; one patient had complete paraplegia.
      Neurological recovery and remodeling of the spinal canal were evaluated.
      Neurological status was evaluated at the time of injury, just before and after
      surgery, and at final follow-up. The degree of spinal canal compromise was
      assessed using axial CT scan images. The duration of follow-up averaged 39.6
      months. The mean spinal canal compromise at the time of injury was 41.6%, and no
      significant correlation was observed between the degree of canal compromise and
      the severity of the neurological deficit. Within 2-3 weeks, spinal canal
      remodeling had started in all patients whose spinal canal compromise was more
      than 30%, and canal compromise had decreased significantly 3-4 weeks after
      injury. Seventeen of 22 patients with incomplete paraplegia had already shown
      partial neurological recovery even before surgery. At the final follow-up, all
      patients with incomplete paraplegia had improved by at least one modified Frankel
      grade. This study suggests that the effect of decompressing thoracolumbar
      fractures with neurological deficits remains unclear and questions the need to
      operate simply to remove retropulsed bone fragments. Posterior stabilization
      without decompression should constitute appropriate surgical treatment for these
      fractures.

PMID- 22076676
TI  - Metabolic remodeling precedes mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization in
      human glioma xenograft cells.
AB  - Glioma cancer cells adapt to changing microenvironment and shift from
      mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis for their metabolic
      needs irrespective of oxygen availability. In the present study, we show that
      silencing MMP-9 in combination with uPAR/cathepsin B switch the glycolytic
      metabolism of glioma cells to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and generate
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) to predispose glioma cells to mitochondrial outer
      membrane permeabilization. shRNA for MMP-9 and uPAR (pMU) as well as shRNA for
      MMP-9 and cathepsin B (pMC) activated complexes of mitochondria involved in
      OXPHOS and inhibited glycolytic hexokinase expression. The decreased interaction
      of hexokinase 2 with mitochondria in the treated cells indicated the inhibition
      of glycolysis activation. Overexpression of Akt reversed the pMU- and pMC
      mediated OXPHOS to glycolysis switch. The OXPHOS un-coupler oligomycin A altered
      the expression levels of the Bcl-2 family of proteins; treatment with pMU or pMC
      reversed this effect and induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization.
      In addition, our results show changes in mitochondrial pore transition to release
      cytochrome c due to changes in the VDAC-Bcl-XL and BAX-BAK interaction with pMU
      and pMC treatments. Taken together, our results suggest that pMU and pMC
      treatments switch glioma cells from the glycolytic to the OXPHOS pathway through
      an inhibitory effect on Akt, ROS induction and an increase of cytosolic
      cytochrome c accumulation. These results demonstrate the potential of pMU and pMC
      as therapeutic candidates for the treatment of glioma.

PMID- 22076678
TI  - Intra-operative high frequency ultrasound improves surgery of intramedullary
      cavernous malformations.
AB  - Intra-operative ultrasound (ioUS) is a very useful tool in surgery of spinal
      lesions. Here we focus on modern ioUS to analyze its use for localisation,
      visualisation and resection control in intramedullary cavernous malformations
      (IMCM). A series of 35 consecutive intradural lesions were operated in our
      hospital in a time period of 24 months using modern ioUS with a high frequency 7
      15 MHz transducer and a true real time 3D transducer (both Phillips iU 22
      ultrasound system). Six of those cases were treated with the admitting diagnosis
      of a deep IMCM (two cervical, four thoracic lesions). IoUS images were performed
      before and after the IMCM resection. Pre-operative and early postoperative MRI
      images were performed in all patients. In all six IMCM cases a complete removal
      of the lesion was achieved microsurgically resulting in an improved neurological
      status of all patients. High frequency ioUS emerged to be a very useful tool
      during surgery for localization and visualization. Excellent resection control by
      ultrasound was possible in three cases. Minor resolution of true real time 3D
      ioUS decreases the actual advantage of simultaneous reconstruction in two planes.
      High frequency ioUS is the best choice for intra-operative imaging in deep IMCM
      to localize and to visualize the lesion and to plan the perfect surgical
      approach. Additionally, high frequency ioUS is suitable for intra-operative
      resection control of the lesion in selected IMCM cases.

PMID- 22076679
TI  - Catalytic hydroboration by an imido-hydrido complex of Mo(IV).
AB  - The imido-hydrido complex (ArN)Mo(H)(Cl)(PMe(3))(3) catalyses a variety of
      hydroboration reactions, including the first example of catalytic addition of
      HBCat to nitriles to form the bis(borylated) amines RCH(2)N(BCat)(2). The latter
      species easily undergoes chemoselective coupling with aldehydes R'C(O)H to yield
      imines RCH(2)N=C(H)R'.

PMID- 22076680
TI  - Spatial and visuospatial working memory tests predict performance in classic
      multiple-object tracking in young adults, but nonspatial measures of the
      executive do not.
AB  - An individual-differences approach was used to investigate the roles of
      visuospatial working memory and the executive in multiple-object tracking. The
      Corsi Blocks and Visual Patterns Tests were used to assess visuospatial working
      memory. Two relatively nonspatial measures of the executive were used: operation
      span (OSPAN) and reading span (RSPAN). For purposes of comparison, the digit span
      test was also included (a measure not expected to correlate with tracking). The
      tests predicted substantial amounts of variance (R (2) = .33), and the
      visuospatial measures accounted for the majority (R (2) = .30), with each making
      a significant contribution. Although the executive measures correlated with each
      other, the RSPAN did not correlate with tracking. The correlation between OSPAN
      and tracking was similar in magnitude to that between digit span and tracking (p
      < .05 for both), and when regression was used to partial out shared variance
      between the two tests, the remaining variance predicted by the OSPAN was minimal
      (sr ( 2 ) = .029). When measures of spatial memory were included in the
      regression, the unique variance predicted by the OSPAN became negligible (sr ( 2
      ) = .000004). This suggests that the executive, as measured by tests such as the
      OSPAN, plays little role in explaining individual differences in multiple-object
      tracking.

PMID- 22076681
TI  - Effects of temporal shapes of sound markers on the perception of interonset time
      intervals.
AB  - This study investigated how the temporal characteristics, particularly durations,
      of sounds affect the perceived duration of very short interonset time intervals
      (120-360 ms), which is important for rhythm perception in speech and music. In
      four experiments, the subjective duration of single time intervals marked by two
      sounds was measured utilizing the method of adjustment, while the markers'
      durations, amplitude difference (which accompanied the duration change), and
      sound energy distribution in time were varied. Lengthening the duration of the
      second marker in the range of 20-100 ms increased the subjective duration of the
      time interval in a stable manner. Lengthening the first marker tended to increase
      the subjective duration, but unstably; an opposite effect sometimes appeared for
      the shortest time interval of 120 ms. The effects of varying the amplitude and
      the sound energy distribution in time of either marker were very small in the
      present experimental conditions, thus proving the effects of marker durations per
      se.

PMID- 22076682
TI  - Effects of dietary copper on life-history traits of a tropical freshwater
      cladoceran.
AB  - Life-history parameters of Ceriodaphnia cornuta (Cladocera: Daphniidae) fed on
      Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Chlorophyceae) exposed to different copper
      concentrations were investigated. C. cornuta individuals were reared in four
      treatments: (a) reconstituted water and non-contaminated algae (RW); (b)
      reconstituted water and copper-contaminated algae with either 1.28 * 10(-13) (10(
      7)Cu) or (c) 1.93 * 10(-13) g Cu cell(-1) (10(-6)Cu); and (d) natural water from
      a local reservoir and non-contaminated algae (NW). Copper content in C. cornuta
      individuals increased as diet-borne exposure increased (RW < 10(-7)Cu < NW < 10(
      6)Cu), except for NW individuals, which exhibited higher copper body burden than
      RW and 10(-7)Cu individuals, suggesting that some copper was available in the
      natural water. The results suggest that subacute levels of dietary copper
      stimulated C. cornuta's growth and reproduction, whereas organisms reared on
      reconstituted water showed nutritional deficiency. Depending on copper exposure
      concentration, either growth (lower Cu concentration) or reproduction (higher Cu
      concentration) was further stimulated, suggesting that an alteration of resource
      allocation is involved in diet-borne copper exposure. Because differences among
      treatments were only significantly different after day 12 of the experiment, our
      results reinforce that full life-cycle tests are more appropriate than the
      standard 7 day or three-brood chronic bioassays used to evaluate dietary copper
      effects at low, chronic copper inputs and that the use of standard test-organisms
      may not address site-specific situations for tropical environments.

PMID- 22076683
TI  - Geraniol, E-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, as the alarm pheromone of the
      sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata (Say).
AB  - Although adult sycamore lace bugs Corythucha ciliata (Say) show no sign of
      aggregation, nymphs at all developing stages are gregarious. When an individual
      nymph in the center of a colony was squashed with a needlepoint, proximate nymphs
      showed evasive behavior. The same evasive reaction was produced by exposing
      aggregated nymphs to nymph hexane extract. The active component, E-3,7-dimethyl
      2,6-octadien-1-ol, geraniol, was responsible for the evasive behavior, and
      identified as the alarm pheromone. One nanogram of the alarm pheromone elicited
      activity similar to that in a third instar nymph. Presence of 2-acylcyclohexane
      1,3-diones and their 4-hydroxy analogues are reconfirmed as nymph-specific
      components, though their biological significance remains unknown.

PMID- 22076684
TI  - A rapid, sensitive, and selective method for quantitation of lamprey migratory
      pheromones in river water.
AB  - The methodology of using fish pheromones, or chemical signatures, as a tool to
      monitor or manage species of fish is rapidly gaining popularity. Unequivocal
      detection and accurate quantitation of extremely low concentrations of these
      chemicals in natural waters is paramount to using this technique as a management
      tool. Various species of lamprey are known to produce a mixture of three
      important migratory pheromones; petromyzonol sulfate (PS), petromyzonamine
      disulfate (PADS), and petromyzosterol disulfate (PSDS), but presently there are
      no established robust methods for quantitation of all three pheromones. In this
      study, we report a new, highly sensitive and selective method for the rapid
      identification and quantitation of these pheromones in river water samples. The
      procedure is based on pre-concentration, followed by liquid chromatography/tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis. The method is fast, with unambiguous
      pheromone determination. Practical quantitation limits of 0.25 ng/l were achieved
      for PS and PADS and 2.5 ng/l for PSDS in river water, using a 200-fold pre
      concentration, However, lower quantitation limits can be achieved with greater
      pre-concentration. The methodology can be modified easily to include other
      chemicals of interest. Furthermore, the pre-concentration step can be applied
      easily in the field, circumventing potential stability issues of these chemicals.

PMID- 22076685
TI  - Fire injury reduces inducible defenses of lodgepole pine against Mountain pine
      beetle.
AB  - We examined the effect of wildfire injury on lodgepole pine chemical defenses
      against mountain pine beetle. We compared the constitutive phloem chemistry among
      uninjured, lightly-, moderately-, and severely-injured trees, and the induced
      chemistry elicited by simulated beetle attack, among these same categories. We
      also compared the entry rates of caged female beetles into trees of these
      categories. The volatiles we studied included thirteen monoterpene hydrocarbons,
      four allylic monoterpene alcohols, one ester, and one phenyl propanoid, of which
      the monoterpene hydrocarbons always comprised 96% or more of the total. Fire
      injury reduced the total concentration of these compounds in the induced but not
      constitutive phloem tissue of lodgepole pines. Fire injury also affected the
      relative composition of some volatiles in both induced and constitutive phloem.
      For example, increased fire injury reduced 4-allylanisole, a host compound that
      inhibits mountain pine beetle aggregation. Increased fire injury also increased (
      ) alpha-pinene, which can serve as precursor of pheromone communication. However,
      it also reduced myrcene and terpinolene, which can serve as stimulants and
      synergists of pheromone communication. Beetle entry did not show statistical
      differences among fire injury categories, although there was a trend to increased
      entry with fire injury. These results suggest that the reduced ability of trees
      to mobilize induced chemical defenses is an important mechanism behind the higher
      incidence of attack on fire-injured trees in the field. Future studies should
      concentrate on whether beetles that enter fire-injured trees are more likely to
      elicit aggregation, based on the differences we observed in volatile composition.

PMID- 22076686
TI  - The RABL5 homolog IFT22 regulates the cellular pool size and the amount of IFT
      particles partitioned to the flagellar compartment in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Cilia and flagella, sensory and motile structures protruding from the cell body,
      rely on the continuous bidirectional traffic of intraflagellar transport (IFT)
      particles to ferry flagellar precursors into flagella for assembly. Cells
      synthesize a large pool of IFT particle proteins in the cell body, but only a
      small portion engages in active transport within the flagella at any given time.
      The atypical small G protein Rab-like 5 (RABL5) has been shown to move in an IFT
      like manner in the flagella, but its function in ciliogenesis is controversial.
      In this report, we demonstrate that IFT22, the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii homolog
      of RABL5, is a bona fide IFT particle complex B subunit. Although the amount of
      IFT22 remains unaffected by depletion of either complex A or B, depletion of
      IFT22 leads to a smaller pool of both complex A and B. Strikingly, the smaller
      cellular pool of IFT particles does not lead to a reduced distribution of IFT
      particles to flagella. Instead, the amount of IFT particle proteins, including
      IFT22 itself, increase in the flagella. Moreover, cells over-expressing IFT22
      also accumulate IFT particles in their flagella. Taken together, these data
      indicate that, in C. reinhardtii, IFT22 controls the cellular levels of both
      complex A and B, thus plays a critical role in determining the cellular
      availability of IFT particles. In addition, although IFT22 may not directly carry
      any precursors for flagellar assembly, it controls how many IFT particles
      participate in ferrying precursors into flagella.

PMID- 22076688
TI  - The caudal space in fetuses: an anatomical study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The caudal epidural space is a popular site for analgesia in pediatrics.
      High variation in blind needle placement is common during caudal epidurals,
      increasing the risk of intravascular and intrathecal spread. Knowledge of safe
      distances and angles for accessing the caudal epidural space in premature infants
      can improve the safety of caudal epidural blocks. METHODS: Thirty-nine fetuses
      with crown-heel length between 33 and 50 cm, corresponding to gestational age of
      7-9 months, were included. The dorsal surface of the sacrum from the fourth
      lumbar vertebra to the tip of the coccyx was dissected, following which
      measurements were taken on dorsal surface and midsagittal sections. The angle of
      depression of the needle was measured using a goniometer following the two-step
      method of needle insertion. RESULTS: Right and left sacral cornua were palpable
      in 23 of 39 fetuses (58.97%). Termination of dural sac was at S2 in most of the
      fetuses (53.84%), whereas the apex of the sacral hiatus was at S3 in most
      (58.97%). The distance from the apex of the hiatus to the termination of dura
      ranged from 3 to 13 mm; the anteroposterior distance of the canal at the apex of
      the hiatus ranged from 1.72 to 4.38 mm. All sacral parameters correlated with
      crown-heel length except inter-cornual distance, depth of canal at hiatus, and
      height of sacral hiatus. CONCLUSION: Distances and angles for accessing the
      caudal epidural space in fetuses do not provide all parameters for safe
      performance of caudal epidural blocks in premature and low birth weight infants
      because the apex of the sacral hiatus and the termination of the dura show wide
      variation in location.

PMID- 22076689
TI  - Is there a high-risk subtype of depression in patients with coronary heart
      disease?
AB  - Depression is a risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with
      coronary heart disease, especially in those with a recent history of acute
      coronary syndrome. To improve risk stratification and treatment planning, it
      would be useful to identify the characteristics or subtypes of depression that
      are associated with the highest risk of cardiac events. This paper reviews the
      evidence concerning several putative depression subtypes and symptom patterns
      that may be associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality in cardiac
      patients, including single-episode major depressive disorder, depression that
      emerges after a cardiac event, somatic symptoms of depression, and treatment
      resistant depression.

PMID- 22076690
TI  - Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) to treat anal fistula:
      early results from a prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ligation of the intersphincteric tract (LIFT), a novel sphincter
      saving technique, has been recently described with promising results. Literature
      data are still scant. In this prospective observational study, we present our
      experience with this technique. METHODS: Between October 2010 and April 2011, 18
      patients with 'complex' fistulas underwent LIFT. All patients were enrolled in
      the study after a physical examination including digital examination and
      proctoscopy. For the purpose of this pilot study, fistulas were classified as
      complex if any of the following conditions were present: tract crossing more than
      30% of the external sphincter, anterior fistula in a woman, recurrent fistula or
      pre-existing incontinence. Endpoints were healing time, presence of recurrence,
      faecal incontinence and surgical complications. RESULTS: Ten patients were men
      and 8 were women; mean age was 39 years; minimum follow-up was 4 months. Three
      patients required drainage seton insertion and delayed LIFT. After LIFT, 1
      patient experienced haemorrhoidal thrombosis. At the end of the follow-up, 15
      patients (83%) healed with no recurrence. Three patients had persistent symptoms
      and required further surgical treatment. We did not observe postoperative
      worsening of continence. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our pilot study indicate that
      this novel sphincter-saving approach is effective and safe for treating complex
      anal fistula.

PMID- 22076691
TI  - Diastereoselective methylation of bis(N-confused porphyrinatonickel(II)): access
      to configurationally stable chiral bis(porphyrinoid) and non-symmetric dimers.
AB  - Bis- and tris(methylated) derivatives of 3,3'-bis(N-confused porphyrin) were
      obtained. Methylation of C21 stabilizes the geometry of the axially chiral system
      allowing separation of enantiomers and assignment of an absolute configuration by
      X-ray methods.

PMID- 22076692
TI  - Serological diagnosis of echinococcosis: the diagnostic potential of native
      antigens.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the
      metacestode stages of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus,
      respectively, lack pathognomonic clinical signs. Diagnosis therefore relies on
      the results of imaging and serological studies. The primary goal of this study
      was to evaluate the efficacy of several easy-to-produce crude or partially
      purified E. granulosus and E. multilocularis metacestode-derived antigens as
      tools for the serological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of patients
      suspicious for AE or CE. METHODS: The sera of 51 treatment-naive AE and 32 CE
      patients, 98 Swiss blood donors and 38 patients who were initially suspicious for
      echinococcosis but suffering from various other liver diseases (e.g., liver
      neoplasia, etc.) were analysed. RESULTS: According to the results of enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), metacestode-derived antigens of E.
      granulosus had sensitivities varying from 81 to 97% and >99.9% for the diagnosis
      of CE and AE, respectively. Antigens derived from E. multilocularis metacestodes
      had sensitivities ranging from 84 to 91% and >99.9% for the diagnosis of CE and
      AE, respectively. Specificities ranged from 92 to >99.9%. Post-test probabilities
      for the differential diagnosis of AE from liver neoplasias, CE from cystic liver
      lesions, and screening for AE in Switzerland were around 95, 86 and 2.2%,
      respectively. Cross-reactions with antibodies in sera of patients with other
      parasitic affections (fasciolosis, schistosomosis, amebosis, cysticercosis, and
      filarioses) did occur at variable frequencies, but could be eliminated through
      the use of confirmatory testing. CONCLUSIONS: Different metacestode-derived
      antigens of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis are valuable, widely accessible,
      and cost-efficient tools for the serological diagnosis of echinococcosis.
      However, confirmatory testing is necessary, due to the lack of species
      specificity and the occurrence of cross-reactions to other helminthic diseases.

PMID- 22076693
TI  - Eclecticism as the foundation of meta-theoretical, mixed methods and
      interdisciplinary research in social sciences.
AB  - This article examines the value of "eclecticism" as the foundation of meta
      theoretical, mixed methods and interdisciplinary research in social sciences. On
      the basis of the analysis of the historical background of the concept, it is
      first suggested that eclecticism-based theoretical scholarship in social sciences
      could benefit from the more systematic research method that has been developed
      for synthesizing theoretical works under the name metatheorizing. Second, it is
      suggested that the mixed methods community could base its research approach on
      philosophical eclecticism instead of pragmatism because the basic idea of
      eclecticism is much more in sync with the nature of the combined research
      tradition. Finally, the Kuhnian frame is used to support the argument for
      interdisciplinary research and, hence, eclecticism in social sciences (rather
      than making an argument against multiple paradigms). More particularly, it is
      suggested that integrating the different (inter)disciplinary traditions and
      schools into one is not necessarily desirable at all in social sciences because
      of the complexity and openness of the research field. If it is nevertheless
      attempted, experience in economics suggests that paradigmatic unification comes
      at a high price.

PMID- 22076694
TI  - Effects of water stress, organic amendment and mycorrhizal inoculation on soil
      microbial community structure and activity during the establishment of two heavy
      metal-tolerant native plant species.
AB  - Our aim was to examine the effect of water stress on plant growth and development
      of two native plant species (Tetraclinis articulata and Crithmum maritimum) and
      on microbial community composition and activity in the rhizosphere soil,
      following the addition of an organic amendment, namely sugar beet residue (SBR),
      and/or the inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, namely Glomus
      mosseae, in a non-sterile heavy metal-polluted soil. The AM inoculation did not
      have any significant effect on plant growth of both species. In T. articulata,
      SBR increased shoot growth, foliar P, total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA),
      fungi-related PLFA, AM fungi-related neutral lipid fatty acid, bacterial gram
      positive/gram-negative PLFA ratio and the beta-glucosidase and dehydrogenase
      activities. SBR and AM inoculation increased phosphatase activity in T.
      articulata plants grown under drought conditions. In both plants, there was a
      synergistic effect between AM inoculation and SBR on mycorrhizal colonisation
      under drought conditions. In C. maritimum, the increase produced by the SBR on
      total amounts of PLFA, bacterial gram-positive-related PLFA and bacterial gram
      negative-related PLFA was considerably higher under drought conditions. Our
      results suggest that the effectiveness of the amendment with regard to
      stimulating microbial communities and plant growth was largely limited by
      drought, particularly for plant species with a low degree of mycorrhizal
      colonisation.

PMID- 22076695
TI  - Update on thermal ablation of renal cell carcinoma: oncologic control, technique
      comparison, renal function preservation, and new modalities.
AB  - Recent studies report mid- and long-term oncologic control with thermal ablation
      for small renal tumors to be equivalent to surgery. Comparisons of cryoablation,
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and laparoscopic approaches to percutaneous
      approaches report equivalent results. Studies report little or no decrease in
      renal function after ablation of renal tumors. These studies support the use of
      percutaneous thermal ablation for treatment of small renal malignancies. Studies
      also report that percutaneous ablation is a safe and durable treatment of the
      primary tumor in stage IV patients, ultrasound guidance for percutaneous ablation
      can be effective, and chyluria is relatively common after RFA. Results were
      disappointing for newer ablation techniques, including microwave, irreversible
      electroporation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound. These techniques require
      improvements before their use in place of RFA and cryoablation. The rates of
      diagnostic and subtype-specific renal tumor biopsies can be improved by using
      both aspirate and core techniques.

PMID- 22076696
TI  - Behavioral medicine and the health of our nation: accelerating our impact.
AB  - PURPOSE: A key goal of this paper is to illustrate the impact of behavioral
      medicine on the factors that influence population health. A second goal is to
      consider the delicate balance between relevance and excellence as we bring our
      science to bear on important social and public health problems. If we are to
      increase the translation of our evidence and accelerate our impact, we must
      increase our relevance while maintaining excellence in our scientific methods.
      METHODS: What are the pressing questions facing those that we would like to use
      our work, and how we can increase our relevance to theirs? We must work on the
      marriage of relevance and excellence-use rigorous methodologies, but be flexible
      in our approach, using study designs and methods that will get rapid yet rigorous
      answers to the questions that are facing practice and policy settings.
      CONCLUSION: We have the tools and the knowledge to impact the health of our
      nation.

PMID- 22076698
TI  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods for the assessment of metabolic
      functions in the diseased brain.
AB  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique that can be
      used to detect and quantify multiple metabolites. This chapter will review some
      of the applications of MRS to the study of brain functions. Typically, (1)H-MRS
      can detect metabolites reflecting neuronal density and integrity, markers of
      energy metabolism or inflammation, as well as neurotransmitters. The complexity
      of the proton spectrum has however led to the development of other nuclei-based
      methods, such as (31)P- and (13)C-MRS, which offer a broader chemical shift range
      and therefore can provide more detailed information at the level of single
      metabolites. The versatility of MRS allows for a wide range of clinical
      applications, of which neurodegeneration is an interesting target for
      spectroscopy-based studies. In particular, MRS can identify patterns of altered
      brain chemistry in Alzheimer's patients and can help establish differential
      diagnosis in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Using MRS to follow less
      abundant neurotransmitters is currently out of reach and will most likely depend
      on the development of methods such as hyperpolarization that can increase the
      sensitivity of detection. In particular, dynamic nuclear polarization has opened
      up a new and exciting area of medical research, with developments that could
      greatly impact on the real-time monitoring of in vivo metabolic processes in the
      brain.

PMID- 22076697
TI  - Benefits of adherence to psychotropic medications on depressive symptoms and
      antiretroviral medication adherence among men and women living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychotropic medications are commonly used for depressive symptoms
      among people living with HIV/AIDS. PURPOSE: We examined the relationships between
      adherence to psychotropic medications, depressive symptoms, and antiretroviral
      adherence. METHODS: We assessed depressive symptoms among 324 people living with
      HIV/AIDS across a 3-month period (70% men; mean age 45 years; 90% African
      American). Psychotropic and antiretroviral adherence was assessed using monthly,
      unannounced telephone pill counts. Multiple-regression and mediation analyses
      were utilized to examine associations under investigation. RESULTS: Greater
      depressive symptoms were associated with lower antiretroviral and psychotropic
      medication adherence. Greater adherence to psychotropic medications regardless of
      medication class was positively related to higher antiretroviral adherence.
      Greater adherence to psychotropic medications also significantly mediated the
      association between depressive symptoms and antiretroviral adherence.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the benefits of adherence to psychotropic
      medications on both depressive symptoms and antiretroviral adherence. Future work
      examining psychotropic medication adherence on disease outcomes in people living
      with HIV/AIDS is warranted.

PMID- 22076699
TI  - Porous SnO2/layered titanate nanohybrid with enhanced electrochemical performance
      for reversible lithium storage.
AB  - A porous hybrid of titanate nanosheets with SnO(2) nanoparticles has been
      realized by an exfoliation and reassembling route. The present nanohybrid shows a
      large reversible capacity of 860 mA h g(-1) with a good capacity retention (about
      60% retention of the initial capacity after 50 cycles).

PMID- 22076700
TI  - Clinical images: peripheral retinal neovascularization in the antiphospholipid
      antibody syndrome.

PMID- 22076701
TI  - Retraction.

PMID- 22076703
TI  - Sialadenoma papilliferum of the parotid gland: case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - Sialadenoma papilliferum is a rare benign salivary gland tumor. We present an
      unusual case of sialadenoma papilliferum of the parotid gland, discuss clinical
      presentation, diagnostic challenges, and review of the literature. A 65-year-old
      male smoker presented with a large, exophytic, fungating, painless mass in the
      tail parotid for 8 years. The tumor developed an exophytic component 2 years
      before presentation. The patient subsequently underwent superficial parotidectomy
      with facial nerve preservation. Initial pathological analysis suggested a variant
      of Warthin's tumor. The pathology underwent extensive internal and external
      review. Final diagnosis was consistent with sialadenoma papilliferum. We present
      the fourth reported case of sialadenoma papilliferum within the parotid gland and
      only the second that has presented with breach of the overlying skin. The
      clinical presentation may mimic an advanced parotid malignancy. However, facial
      nerve preservation and good surgical outcomes can be obtained.

PMID- 22076704
TI  - Prognostic implication of earthquake-related loss and depressive symptoms in
      patients with heart failure following the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Earthquake exposure is associated with adverse consequences for
      cardiovascular disease. However, in the context of depressive symptoms, the
      prognostic significance of heart failure (HF) related to earthquake-related loss
      has not been characterized before. HYPOTHESIS: To determine the prognostic impact
      of earthquake-related loss on event-free survival in patients with HF, with
      depression as a modifying factor. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were assessed by
      using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale in 404 HF patients who were followed
      up for 2 years after the earthquake to collect data on mortality and readmission.
      The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare event-free survival between patients
      with and without earthquake-related loss. Cox proportional hazard regression
      modeling was used to examine the predicted outcomes for baseline variables.
      RESULTS: The proportion of patients with moderate/severe depressive symptoms
      among the HF patients with earthquake-related loss is much higher than their
      counterparts (27.038% vs 17.84%, P = 0.039). Heart failure patients without loss
      experienced longer event-free survival than patients with loss (P = 0.002),
      especially among patients without depressive symptoms (P = 0.003). Meanwhile, in
      a Cox proportional hazard regression model, the event-free survival was
      associated with earthquake-related loss, left ventricular ejection fraction,
      depressive symptoms, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.
      CONCLUSIONS: Heart failure patients without earthquake-related loss experienced
      longer event-free survival than did HF patients with severe loss. Earthquake
      related loss was a predictor of poor outcomes in HF patients, particularly in
      patients without depression.

PMID- 22076705
TI  - Design, synthesis and cytotoxicity of novel chalcone analogs derived from 1
      cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one and 2,3-dihydrobenzo[f]chromen-1-one.
AB  - Two divergent series of novel chalcone analogs, one derived from 1
      cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one and the other derived from 1-benzo[f]chromanone, were
      designed, synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity against two murine cancer
      cell lines. Two 1-benzo[f]chromanone analogs, 4g and 4j yielded moderate toxicity
      against both melanoma B16 and lymphoma L1210 cell lines with IC(50)  values
      between the range of 5 and 6 uM. With an IC(50)  value of 3.4 uM, compound 4g was
      also active against human MDA-MB-435 melanoma cells. X-ray structures of the beta
      hydroxy ketone product (4a) and the alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone (4h) were
      collected, and confirm the syn-configuration between the carbonyl moiety and the
      beta-vinylic proton in 4h. X-ray structures of two 1-cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one
      derivatives were also obtained, and both showed an E-configuration for the double
      bond.

PMID- 22076706
TI  - Physionomics and metabolomics-two key approaches in herbicidal mode of action
      discovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For novel herbicides identified in greenhouse screens, efficient
      research is important to discover and chemically optimise new leads with new
      modes of action (MoAs). RESULTS: The metabolic and physiological response pattern
      to a herbicide can be viewed as the result of changes elicited in the molecular
      and biochemical process chain. These response patterns are diagnostic of a
      herbicide's MoA. At the starting point of MoA characterisation, an array of
      bioassays is used for comprehensive physiological profiling of herbicide effects.
      This physionomics approach enables discrimination between known, novel or
      multiple MoAs of a compound and provides a first clue to a new MoA. Metabolic
      profiling is performed with the use of treated Lemna paucicostata plants. After
      plant extraction and chromatography and mass spectrometry, changes in levels of
      approximately 200 identified and 300 unknown analytes are quantified. Check for
      known MoA assignment is performed by multivariate statistical data analyses.
      Distinct metabolite changes, which can direct to an affected enzymatic step, are
      visualised in a biochemical pathway view. Subsequent target identification
      includes metabolite feeding and molecular, biochemical and microscopic methods.
      CONCLUSION: The value of this cascade strategy is exemplified by new herbicides
      with MoAs in plastoquinone, auxin or very-long-chain fatty acid synthesis.

PMID- 22076707
TI  - Lanthanide polyoxocationic complexes: experimental and theoretical stability
      studies and Lewis acid catalysis.
AB  - The [epsilon-PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(36)(OH)(4){Ln(III)(H(2)O)}(4)](5+) (Ln=La, Ce,
      Nd, Sm) polyoxocations, called epsilonLn(4), have been synthesized at room
      temperature as chloride salts soluble in water, MeOH, EtOH, and DMF. Rare-earth
      metals can be exchanged, and (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies have allowed a
      comparison of the affinity of the reduced {epsilon-PMo(12)} core, thus showing
      that the La(III) ions have the highest affinity and that rare earths heavier than
      Eu(III) do not react with the epsilon-Keggin polyoxometalate. DFT calculations
      provide a deeper insight into the geometries of the systems studied, thereby
      giving more accurate information on those compounds that suffer from disorder in
      crystalline form. It has also been confirmed by the hypothetical La->Gd
      substitution reaction energy that Ln ions beyond Eu cannot compete with La in
      coordinating the surface of the epsilon-Keggin molybdate. Two of these clusters
      (Ln=La, Ce) have been tested to evidence that such systems are representative of
      a new efficient Lewis acid catalyst family. This is the first time that the
      catalytic activity of polyoxocations has been evaluated.

PMID- 22076708
TI  - Validation of genetic sequence variants as prognostic factors in early-stage head
      and neck squamous cell cancer survival.
AB  - PURPOSE: From the published literature, we identified 23 germ line sequence
      variants in 17 genes from hypothesis-generating studies that were associated with
      prognosis of head and neck cancer, including sequence variants of DNA repair
      (ERCC1, ERCC4, ERCC5, MSH2, XPA, ERCC2, XRCC1, XRCC3), DNA methylation (DNMT3B),
      cell cycle and proliferation (CCND1, TP53), xenobiotic metabolism (GSTM1, GSTT1,
      CYP2D6), metastatic -potential (MMP3), immunologic (CTLA4), and growth factor
      pathways (FGFR4). The purpose of this study was to validate the role of these 23
      sequence variants for overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a large,
      comprehensive, well-annotated data set of patients with head and neck cancer.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We genotyped these sequence variants in 531 patients with
      stage I and II radiation-treated head and neck cancer (originally recruited for
      an alpha-tocopherol/beta-carotene placebo-controlled secondary prevention study),
      and analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, stratified by treatment arm,
      adjusting for clinical prognostic factors. RESULTS: Two OS associations were
      statistically significant for each variant allele when compared with the wild
      type: CTLA4: A49G [rs231775; adjusted HR (aHR), 1.32 (1.1-1.6); P = 0.01] and
      XRCC1: Arg339Gln [rs25487; aHR, 1.28 (1.05-1.57); P = 0.02]. Both of these
      sequence variants had significant results in the opposite direction as prior
      published literature. Two DFS associations were of borderline significance in the
      same direction as prior literature: ERCC2: Lys751Gln [rs13181; aHR, 0.80 (0.6
      1.0); P = 0.05] and TP53: Arg72Pro [rs1042522; aHR, 1.28 (1.0-1.6); P = 0.03],
      comparing number of variant alleles with reference of zero variants. CONCLUSIONS:
      None of the prognostic sequence variants previously published was validated for
      OS in our patients with early-stage radiation-treated head and neck cancer,
      though rs1381and rs1042522 had borderline significant association with DFS.

PMID- 22076709
TI  - Solution-processed reduced graphene oxide films as electronic contacts for
      molecular monolayer junctions.

PMID- 22076710
TI  - Innovation and creativity in education curricula for the medical home.

PMID- 22076711
TI  - Medical student awareness of the Patient-centered Medical Home.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) has come to
      the forefront of primary care practice redesign and can potentially improve
      health care outcomes and reduce costs. There are several initiatives in medical
      schools to teach concepts of the PCMH to students, but it is unknown what
      knowledge and attitudes medical students currently possess. We report students'
      awareness and opinions at two medical schools without comprehensive PCMH
      curricula. METHODS: A total of 1,408 first- through fourth-year students at both
      schools were invited to participate. We distributed an electronic survey to all
      students via institutional e-mail listserves. Descriptive statistics were used.
      RESULTS: A total of 359 students participated, for a response rate of 25.5%.
      Despite no comprehensive curricula, 40.9% students had still encountered the
      topic of the PCMH. Family medicine and primary care clerkships serve as the most
      frequent point of exposure for students. Although many students reported not
      understanding the overall PCMH concept, most cited "some" understanding when
      presented with individually defined PCMH principles with the one exception: Value
      based Payment. A significant portion of first-, second-, and third-year students
      rated learning about the PCMH by graduation as "important," while most fourth
      year students rated this as "somewhat important." Students performed well on one
      knowledge question about PCMH principles; however, 29.6% of respondents believed
      that primary care physicians function as gatekeepers in the PCMH model.
      CONCLUSIONS: Medical students appear to have limited exposure and knowledge of
      the PCMH concept, suggesting the need to develop curricula about the PCMH in
      medical schools.

PMID- 22076712
TI  - An evaluation of family medicine residents' attitudes before and after a PCMH
      innovation for patients with chronic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prior research indicates that primary care physicians
      have predominantly negative attitudes toward chronic pain patients, and chronic
      pain patients have predominantly low satisfaction with the care and treatment
      they receive in primary care. This current state of affairs highlights the need
      for Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) innovations for the treatment of chronic
      pain in primary care. The purpose of this study was to determine if a PCMH
      innovation for the treatment of chronic pain in a family medicine residency
      program can improve resident attitudes toward chronic pain patients. METHODS:
      From January 2010 to December 2010, 30 family medicine residents (two--three per
      month) participated in twice-a-month PCMH innovation for the treatment of chronic
      pain in primary care ("pain clinic"). De-identified data from a Likert-type
      measure of negative attitudes toward chronic pain patients were extracted from
      pain clinic evaluation information that was collected shortly before (pretest)
      and shortly after (posttest) the residents' pain clinic participation. Using
      these data, we conducted a paired-samples t test to determine if residents'
      negative attitudes toward chronic pain patients had improved. RESULTS: The
      difference between residents' pretest scores (M=51.2, SD=10.9) and posttest
      scores (M=45.2, SD=9.2) was significant, suggesting that residents' negative
      attitudes toward chronic pain patients improved after participating in pain
      clinic. CONCLUSIONS: A PCMH innovation for the treatment of chronic pain in
      primary care can improve family medicine residents' attitudes toward chronic pain
      patients.

PMID- 22076713
TI  - Evaluation of a group prenatal care-based curriculum in a family medicine
      residency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing trend within family medicine residency training
      programs to implement group prenatal care programs. While the clinical benefits
      of group prenatal care have been well documented, there have been no published
      studies to date evaluating the educational impact of using group prenatal care in
      residency training programs. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of both
      patient care performance and outcome measures over a 4-year time span in a pre-
      and post-intervention design in a single family medicine training program was
      used. RESULTS: A total of 184 women were cared for by residents educated under
      the old curriculum, and 195 women were cared for under the new curriculum.
      Patients cared for by residents under the new curriculum had significantly fewer
      cesarean sections compared to patients cared for under the old curriculum (17.53%
      versus 26.92%) and also trended toward having a lower rate of preterm births
      (4.15% versus 8.33%) that reached significance when controlled for parity and
      insurance status. CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate measure of how well we train our
      residents is how well they care for their patients. Our evaluation of teaching
      residents maternity care through group prenatal visits and the IMPLICIT quality
      improvement initiative found that we improved not only several processes of care
      outcomes but most importantly the key maternity care outcomes of cesarean section
      and preterm birth rates.

PMID- 22076714
TI  - The Patient-centered Medical Home: a new perspective for the family medicine
      clerkship.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) concept,
      essential functions of primary care, and an appropriate primary care workforce
      have been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs. This
      paper describes a curriculum that uses the PCMH and related health policy
      concepts as the foundation for didactic, clinical, and self-directed elements.
      The PCMH-focused curriculum improved overall student clerkship ratings and
      maintained student performance on the National Board of Medical Education subject
      exam.

PMID- 22076715
TI  - Shared decision making: skill acquisition for year III medical students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A foundation of care within a Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) is
      respect for patients' values and preferences. Shared decision making (SDM)
      involves a set of principles and approaches to working with patients that
      integrates medical information and data with the preferences, values, and support
      systems of individual patients facing medical decisions. The value of SDM is
      increasingly evidenced by the incorporation of principles of SDM into the
      definitions of patient-centered care and PCMHs, accountable care organizations,
      and the language of the Health Reform Act of 2010. METHODS: We developed and
      integrated a curriculum on SDM in the third-year Family Medicine Clerkship at
      Dartmouth Medical School. The curriculum consisted of a mix of experiential,
      classroom, and online experiences designed to provide students with opportunities
      to learn content, practice skills, and share observations from their
      preceptorships. RESULTS: Student feedback was an important component of
      evaluating the SDM curriculum. Themes identified from students' reflections on
      their own behavior in a Simulated Patient Encounter included an increase in
      confidence and competence in their ability to use SDM, while noting the
      disconnect that may exist between what is taught in the clerkship and what they
      experience in their preceptorships. CONCLUSIONS: As this curriculum has
      developed, we have acquired a deep appreciation of the benefits and challenges of
      attempting to teach sophisticated communication and decision-making precepts to
      medical students who are working to master fundamentals of clinical work and who
      may or may not see such precepts reinforced in practice.

PMID- 22076716
TI  - Applying health information technology and team-based care to residency
      education.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Training physicians capable of practicing within the
      Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) is an emerging area of scholarly inquiry
      within residency education. This study describes an effort to integrate PCMH
      principles into teaching practices within a university-based residency setting
      and evaluates the effect on clinical performance. METHODS: Using participant
      feedback and clinical data extracted from an electronic clinical quality
      management system, we retrospectively examined performance outcomes at two family
      medicine residency clinics over a 7-year period. Instructional approaches were
      identified and clinical performance patterns analyzed. RESULTS: Alumni ratings of
      the practice-based curriculum increased following institution of the PCMH model.
      Clinical performance outcomes indicated improvements in the delivery of clinical
      care to patients. Implementation of instructional methodologies posed some
      challenges to residency faculty, particularly in development of consistent
      scheduling of individualized feedback sessions. Residents required the greatest
      support and guidance in managing point-of-care clinical reminders during patient
      encounters. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching practices that take into consideration the
      integration of team-based care and use of electronic health technologies can
      successfully be used to deliver residency education in the context of the PCMH
      model. Ongoing assessment provides important information to residency directors
      and faculty in support of improving the quality of clinical instruction.

PMID- 22076717
TI  - Assessing teamwork: a reliable five-question survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently available tools to measure teamwork, an
      essential component of primary care, are generally very resource intensive and
      thus cannot be administered frequently. To explore the possibility of developing
      a brief teamwork-assessment instrument, we first administered 29 questions about
      teamwork from the Practice Environment Checklist (PEC) to all members of six
      clinical teams in a residency outpatient practice (n=56). We found that the scale
      assessed a single dimension of teamwork and that a five item survey has
      acceptable reliability (Cronbach alpha=0.89). In a subsequent validation study
      among an expanded sample of clinic staff (n=89), we found that the five-item
      questionnaire could be completed in less than 3 minutes. It continued to have an
      acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=0.82) and that all five items had
      sizeable item-total correlations. The resulting short form of the PEC may be
      useful for frequent assessment of team function.

PMID- 22076718
TI  - Performance enhancement using a balanced scorecard in a Patient-centered Medical
      Home.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oregon Health & Science University Family Medicine
      implemented a balanced scorecard within our clinics that embraces the inherent
      tensions between care quality, financial productivity, and operational
      efficiency. This data-driven performance improvement process involved: (1)
      consensus-building around specific indicators to be measured, (2) developing and
      refining the balanced scorecard, and (3) using the balanced scorecard in the
      quality improvement process. Developing and implementing the balanced scorecard
      stimulated an important culture shift among clinics; practice members now
      actively use data to recognize successes, understand emerging problems, and make
      changes in response to these problems. Our experience shows how Patient-centered
      Medical Homes can be enhanced through use of information technology and evidence
      based tools that support improved decision making and performance and help
      practices develop into learning organizations.

PMID- 22076719
TI  - Make room for teaching in the Patient-centered Medical Home.

PMID- 22076720
TI  - Meeting women's needs in the PCMH: stories from practice.

PMID- 22076721
TI  - How to integrate the PCMH concept.

PMID- 22076722
TI  - New ACGME resident duty hour impacts neurology and family medicine residents
      alike.

PMID- 22076724
TI  - Controlled synthesis of novel cyanopropyl polysilsesquioxane hollow spheres
      loaded with highly dispersed Au nanoparticles for catalytic applications.
AB  - The design and synthesis of novel cyanopropyl polysilsesquioxane hollow spheres
      lead to production of a highly active and stable catalyst in the reduction of 4
      nitrophenol catalyzed by Au nanoparticles.

PMID- 22076723
TI  - Visualization and functional analysis of the oligomeric states of Escherichia
      coli heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70/DnaK).
AB  - The molecular chaperone DnaK binds to exposed hydrophobic segments in proteins,
      protecting them from aggregation. DnaK interacts with protein substrates via its
      substrate-binding domain, and the affinity of this interaction is allosterically
      regulated by its nucleotide-binding domain. In addition to regulating interdomain
      allostery, the nucleotide state has been found to influence homo-oligomerization
      of DnaK. However, the architecture of oligomeric DnaK and its potential
      functional relevance in the chaperone cycle remain undefined. Towards that goal,
      we examined the structures of DnaK by negative stain electron microscopy. We
      found that DnaK samples contain an ensemble of monomers, dimers, and other small,
      defined multimers. To better understand the function of these oligomers, we
      stabilized them by cross-linking and found that they retained ATPase activity and
      protected a model substrate from denaturation. However, these oligomers had a
      greatly reduced ability to refold substrate and did not respond to stimulation by
      DnaJ. Finally, we observed oligomeric DnaK in Escherichia coli cellular lysates
      by native gel electrophoresis and found that these structures became noticeably
      more prevalent in cells exposed to heat shock. Together, these studies suggest
      that DnaK oligomers are composed of ordered multimers that are functionally
      distinct from monomeric DnaK. Thus, oligomerization of DnaK might be an important
      step in chaperone cycling.

PMID- 22076727
TI  - Perception of social participation in borderline personality disorder.
AB  - Interpersonal dysfunction is a key feature of borderline personality disorder
      (BPD). Distorted perception of participation in social situations and altered
      emotional responses could contribute to these typical interpersonal problems in
      BPD. Thirty patients with BPD were compared with a healthy control group (n = 30)
      in their perceptions and subjective emotional reactions to situations of social
      inclusion and exclusion. Participants played Cyberball, a virtual ball-tossing
      paradigm, in which social inclusion and exclusion are experimentally induced.
      Control participants reacted with an increase in sadness, anger and overall
      negative affect when excluded. In BPD patients, social exclusion also induced
      anger, while general participating in the game seemed to reduce levels of
      sadness. Compared with healthy controls, BPD patients felt more readily excluded
      independent of the condition of inclusion or exclusion. In conclusion, patients
      with BPD displayed a negative bias toward perceived participation in social
      situations. Key PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Patients with BPD have a biased perception
      for exclusion. Virtual ball-tossing games can be used to induce anger in patients
      with BPD. Participating in a virtual ball-tossing game may reduce levels of
      sadness in BPD in the short term.

PMID- 22076726
TI  - Rituximab therapy for systemic vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis:
      Results from the AutoImmunity and Rituximab Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rituximab improves articular symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
      it recently has been shown to be an effective induction therapy for
      antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. We assessed the
      efficacy and safety of rituximab in a real-life clinical setting among patients
      with systemic rheumatoid vasculitis (SRV). METHODS: We analyzed data from the
      AutoImmunity and Rituximab registry, which includes patients with autoimmune
      diseases treated with rituximab. RESULTS: Of the 1,994 patients with RA enrolled
      in the registry, 17 were treated with rituximab for active SRV. At baseline, the
      mean Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for RA (BVAS/RA) was 9.6, with a mean
      prednisone dosage of 19.2 mg/day. After 6 months of rituximab therapy, 12
      patients (71%) achieved complete remission of their vasculitis, 4 had a partial
      response, and 1 died with uncontrolled vasculitis. Mean BVAS/RA was reduced to
      0.6 and mean prednisone dosage to 9.7 mg/day. At 12 months, 14 patients (82%)
      were in sustained complete remission. Severe infection occurred in 3 patients,
      corresponding to a 6.4 per 100 patient-years rate. In the 6 patients who received
      further rituximab as maintenance therapy between months 6 and 12, no relapse of
      vasculitis was observed. However, among the 9 patients who did not, a relapse was
      observed in 3 patients who were treated with methotrexate alone. Remission was
      reestablished by reintroducing rituximab in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Complete
      remission of SRV was achieved in nearly three-fourths of patients receiving
      rituximab in daily practice, with a significant decrease in daily prednisone
      dosage and an acceptable toxicity profile. Rituximab represents a suitable
      therapeutic option to induce remission in SRV, but maintenance therapy seems to
      be necessary.

PMID- 22076728
TI  - Intraosseous capillary haemangioma of a metacarpal bone.

PMID- 22076729
TI  - First interosseous-plasty: a technique to reconstruct the radial collateral
      ligament of the MCP-joint of the index finger.

PMID- 22076730
TI  - Finger replantations after ring avulsion amputations.
AB  - The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess vascular repair
      modalities and function in type IV ring finger replantations. Thirty-seven of 43
      patients with complete ring avulsion amputations were replanted. After resection
      of the damaged arterial segments under microscopic magnification the arterial
      flow pattern was evaluated. The type of repair was chosen according to the
      adequacy of arterial flow and the defect between the vessels. The methods of
      bridging the arterial defect consisted of digital artery transfer from adjacent
      digit in 21 fingers, vein graft interposition in six fingers and end to end
      anastomosis in ten fingers. Thirty-one of the 37 fingers survived. The failures
      were due to four arterial and two venous insufficiencies. In our opinion, radical
      resection of damaged zones of vessels is important to evaluate the proximal flow
      pattern and decide which treatment modality is necessary for healthy vascular
      anastomosis.

PMID- 22076731
TI  - The effects of humidity and serum on the surface microhardness and morphology of
      five retrograde filling materials.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the surface morphology and surface
      hardness of five materials 24 h after filling, in conditions of 100% humidity,
      and fetal bovine serum. The five materials were ProRoot Mineral Trioxide
      Aggregate (MTA), Super-EBA, Intermediate Restorative Materials (IRM), Zinc Oxide
      Eugenol (ZOE), and Amalgam. The microhardness of these materials was evaluated by
      Vickers microhardness test, and their morphologies were compared by using
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the microhardness, the mixed five
      materials were measured with Vickers microhardness test. Differences between the
      experimental groups were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple
      comparison tests. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for
      the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). For the microstructural
      morphological evaluation, the cross cut and root-end cavity prepared surfaces
      followed by retrograde filling with five different materials were observed under
      a Scanning Electron Microscope (Steroscan 440; Leica, Cambridge, England) at
      *500. To summarize, Super EBA was less influenced by storage medium than the
      other materials, especially MTA. However, further long-term studies considering
      other factors, such as biocompatibility (i.e. cellular toxicity) and retention,
      are needed to be collaborated with these findings in the clinical context.

PMID- 22076732
TI  - Metal element excretion in 24-h urine in patients with Wilson disease under
      treatment of D-penicillamine.
AB  - Wilson disease is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder causing copper
      accumulation and consequent toxicity. D-Penicillamine, a potent metal chelator,
      is an important therapy for Wilson disease. To investigate the changes of metal
      elements under the treatment of D-penicillamine, we determined the levels of Cu,
      Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Se, Mn, Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Tl, and Al by ICP-MS in 24-h urine of 115
      Wilson disease patients who had received treatment with D: -penicillamine for 1
      month to 22 years at maintenance doses, as well as 115 age-matched, healthy
      controls. The levels of Cu, Mg, Ca, Zn, Hg, Pb, Tl, Cd, and Mn in the 24-h urine
      of the cases were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.05), and
      the observed increases in the levels of Mg, Ca, and Zn were directly correlated
      with the treatment duration with Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R) of 0.356
      (Mg), 0.329 (Ca), and 0.313 (Zn), respectively (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the
      levels of Al and As in the 24-h urine were lower than those of the controls (P <
      0.05) and were negatively correlated with the treatment time with R of -0.337
      (Al) and -0.398 (As), respectively, (P < 0.05). Thus, this study indicates that
      the levels of metal elements may be altered in patients with Wilson disease under
      the treatment of D-penicillamine.

PMID- 22076733
TI  - Effects of added CeCl3 on resistance of fifth-instar larvae of silkworm to Bombyx
      mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection.
AB  - One of the most important agents causing lethal disease in the silkworm is the
      Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), while low-dose rare earths are
      demonstrated to increase immune capacity in animals. However, very little is
      known about the effects of added CeCl(3) on decreasing BmNPV infection of
      silkworm. The present study investigated the effects of added CeCl(3) to an
      artificial diet on resistance of fifth-instar larvae of silkworm to BmNPV
      infection. Our findings indicated that added CeCl(3) significantly decreased
      inhibition of growth and mortality of fifth-instar larvae caused by BmNPV
      infection. Furthermore, the added CeCl(3) obviously decreased lipid peroxidation
      level and accumulation of reactive oxygen species such as O(2)(-), H(2)O(2),
      (.)OH, and NO and increased activities of the antioxidant enzymes including
      superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase,
      ascorbate, and glutathione contents in the BmNPV-infected fifth-instar larvae. In
      addition, the added CeCl(3) could significantly promote acetylcholine esterase
      activity and attenuate the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the
      BmNPV-infected fifth-instar larvae. These findings suggested that added CeCl(3)
      may relieve oxidative damage and neurotoxicity of silkworm caused by BmNPV
      infection via increasing antioxidant capacity and acetylcholine esterase
      activity.

PMID- 22076734
TI  - Cadmium stimulates the osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells in presence
      of osteoblasts.
AB  - Low level of cadmium exposure may have direct effects on bone. But the probable
      mechanism is far from clarified. Using a co-culture system, the present study
      investigated the effects of low level of cadmium exposure on osteoclast
      differentiation in the presence of osteoblasts. Primary osteoblasts were isolated
      from calvarial bone of newborn Sprague Dawley rats. Primary osteoblasts and
      RAW264.7 cells were exposed to cadmium (0-60 nmol/l) in a co-culture system.
      Then, osteoblast viability was observed by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,
      5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Osteoclast formation and tartrate-resistant
      acid phosphatase 5b levels were determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
      staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Osteoprotegerin and receptor
      activator of NF-kB ligand mRNA expression in osteoblasts were studied via reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction. Viability of osteoblast was obviously
      decreased by Cd exposure (P < 0.05). Cadmium significantly stimulated the
      formation of osteoclasts in co-culture system (7.5-60 nmol/l) compared with the
      control. The levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b in RAW264.7 cells
      co-cultured with osteoblasts were significantly enhanced by cadmium exposure
      compared with that without cadmium. The mRNA expression of receptor activator of
      NF-kB ligand was upregulated by cadmium at 15 and 60 nmol/l. But cadmium had no
      obvious influence on osteoprotegerin mRNA expression. This data suggested that
      osteoblasts might be involved in the progress of cadmium effects on osteoclasts.

PMID- 22076735
TI  - Robotic thyroid surgery: our experience with the infraclavicular approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy is an emerging
      surgical technique. Despite promising results it presents some limitations and
      remains controversial in terms of usefulness and validity. We developed an
      alternative robotic technique using a gasless infraclavicular approach. METHODS:
      We tested this approach using cadaveric dissection, then we performed the
      technique on a series of 21 patients from October 2009 to July 2010. RESULTS:
      Sixteen patients underwent total thyroidectomy and 5 patients underwent
      lobectomies. Mean total operative time was 197 minutes. We observed postoperative
      complications in 4 patients. Pathologic diagnoses included: benign follicular
      adenoma (19 patients) and single papillary carcinoma <1 cm in diameter pT1a (2
      patients). CONCLUSIONS: The infraclavicular approach for robotic thyroidectomy is
      feasible, but is not safe enough to be recommended, based on our experience and
      on the technical difficulties encountered. The use of 2 robotic arms instead of 3
      is a major limitation for this technique.

PMID- 22076736
TI  - Molecular characterization of boscalid- and penthiopyrad-resistant isolates of
      Didymella bryoniae and assessment of their sensitivity to fluopyram.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Didymella bryoniae has a history of developing resistance to single
      site fungicides. A recent example is with the succinate-dehydrogenase-inhibiting
      fungicide (SDHI) boscalid. In laboratory assays, out of 103 isolates of this
      fungus, 82 and seven were found to be very highly resistant (B(VHR) ) and highly
      resistant (B(HR) ) to boscalid respectively. Cross-resistance studies with the
      new SDHI penthiopyrad showed that the B(VHR) isolates were only highly resistant
      to penthiopyrad (B(VHR) -P(HR) ), while the B(HR) isolates appeared sensitive to
      penthiopyrad (B(HR) -P(S) ). In this study, the molecular mechanism of resistance
      in these two phenotypes (B(VHR) -P(HR) and B(HR) -P(S) ) was elucidated, and
      their sensitivity to the new SDHI fluopyram was assessed. RESULTS: A 456 bp cDNA
      amplified fragment of the succinate dehydrogenase iron sulfur gene (DbSDHB) was
      initially cloned and sequenced from two sensitive (B(S) -P(S) ), two B(VHR) 
      P(HR) and one B(HR) -P(S) isolate of D. bryoniae. Comparative analysis of the
      DbSDHB protein revealed that a highly conserved histidine residue involved in the
      binding of SDHIs and present in wild-type isolates was replaced by tyrosine
      (H277Y) or arginine (H277R) in the B(VHR) -P(HR) and B(HR) -P(S) variants
      respectively. Further examination of the role and extent of these alterations
      showed that the H/Y and H/R substitutions were present in the remaining B(VHR) 
      P(HR) and B(HR) -P(S) variants respectively. Analysis of the sensitivity to
      fluopyram of representative isolates showed that both SDHB mutants were sensitive
      to this fungicide as the wild-type isolates. CONCLUSION: The genotype-specific
      cross-resistance relationships between the SDHIs boscalid and penthiopyrad and
      the lack of cross-resistance between these fungicides and fluopyram should be
      taken into account when selecting SDHIs for gummy stem blight management.

PMID- 22076737
TI  - Group 4 dimethylsilylenebisamido complexes bearing the 6-[2
      (diethylboryl)phenyl]pyrid-2-yl motif: synthesis and use in tandem ring-opening
      metathesis/vinyl-insertion copolymerization of cyclic olefins with ethylene.
AB  - Two novel Zr(IV)- and Hf(IV)-based bisamido complexes bearing the 6-[2
      (diethylboryl)phenyl]pyrid-2-yl motif, that is, [ZrCl(2){Me(2)Si(DbppN)(2)}(thf)]
      (9) and [HfCl(2){Me(2)Si(DbppN)(2)}(thf)(2)] (10) (DbppN=6-[2
      (diethylboryl)phenyl]pyridine-2-amido) have been prepared. Their reactivities
      have been compared with that of a model precatalyst that does not bear the
      aminoborane motif. Upon activation with methylalumoxane, precatalysts 9 and 10
      are active in the homopolymerization of ethylene (E) yielding high-density
      polyethylene (HDPE). In the copolymerization of E with cyclopentene (CPE), for
      example by the action of 9, the presence of CPE resulted in a dramatic increase
      in the polymerization activity of E, while CPE incorporation remained close to or
      at zero. In the vinyl-insertion copolymerization of norborn-2-ene (NBE) with E by
      the action of 9, statistical cyclic olefin copolymers of these two monomers were
      obtained. At higher NBE concentrations, however, 9 gave rise to reversible ring
      opening metathesis (ROMP)/vinyl-insertion polymerization (VIP) of NBE with E,
      resulting in the formation of multi-block copolymers of the general formula
      poly(NBE)(ROMP)-co-poly(NBE)(VIP)-co-poly(E). This particular feature of
      precatalyst 9, that is, the ability to induce a reversible alpha-H
      elimination/alpha-H addition reaction, is attributed to the unique role of the 6
      [2-(diethylboryl)phenyl]pyrid-2-yl ligand. Accordingly, a model precatalyst
      lacking this ligand does not have the ability to induce alpha-H elimination/alpha
      H addition reactions. The different (11)B NMR shifts of various
      diethylborylphenylpyrid-2-ylamines and -amides permit a ranking of the strengths
      of the B-N bonds in these compounds. This strength of the B-N bond is correlated
      with the propensity of 9/MAO to produce poly(NBE)(ROMP)-co-poly(NBE)(VIP)-co
      poly(E) at different temperatures.

PMID- 22076738
TI  - Gold-catalyzed intermolecular [4+2] and [2+2+2] cycloadditions of ynamides with
      alkenes.

PMID- 22076739
TI  - A multifunctional nanocarrier based on nanogated mesoporous silica for enhanced
      tumor-specific uptake and intracellular delivery.
AB  - A multifunctional drug delivery system based on MCM-41-type mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles is described that behaves as if nanogates were covalently attached
      to the outlets of the mesopores through a highly acid-sensitive benzoic-imine
      linker. Tumor-specific uptake and intracellular delivery results from the pH
      dependent progressive hydrolysis of the benzoic-imine linkage that starts at
      tumor extracellular pH = 6.8 and increases with decreasing pH. The cleavage of
      the benzoic-imine bond leads to the removal of the polypseudorotaxane caps and
      subsequent release of the payload drugs at tumor sites. At the same time, the
      carrier surface becomes positively charged, which further facilitates cellular
      uptake of the nanocarriers, thus offering a tremendous potential for targeted
      tumor therapy.

PMID- 22076741
TI  - Mercury and carbon dioxide emissions: uncoupling a toxic relationship.

PMID- 22076742
TI  - Target recycling amplification for sensitive and label-free impedimetric
      genosensing based on hairpin DNA and graphene/Au nanocomposites.
AB  - The presence of exonuclease III leads to direct recycling and reuse of the target
      DNA, which in turn results in substantial signal amplification for highly
      sensitive, label-free impedimetric detection of specific DNA sequences.

PMID- 22076743
TI  - [Phacolysis after blunt trauma].

PMID- 22076744
TI  - Stable fluorophosphines: predicted and realized ligands for catalysis.

PMID- 22076745
TI  - Economical challenges to microbial producers of butanol: feedstock, butanol ratio
      and titer.
AB  - Butanol is an important solvent and transport fuel additive, and can be produced
      by microbial fermentation. Attempts to generate a superior microbial producer of
      butanol have been made through different metabolic engineering strategies.
      However, to date, butanol bio-production is still not economically competitive
      compared to petrochemical-derived production because of its major drawbacks, such
      as, high cost of the feedstocks, low butanol concentration in the fermentation
      broth and the co-production of low-value by-products acetone and ethanol. Here we
      analyze the main bottlenecks in microbial butanol production and summarize
      relevant advances from recently reported studies. Further needs and directions
      for developing real industrially applicable strains in butanol production are
      also discussed.

PMID- 22076747
TI  - Experimental comparison of aerial larvicides and habitat modification for
      controlling disease-carrying Aedes vigilax mosquitoes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microbial and insect-growth-regulator larvicides dominate current
      vector control programmes because they reduce larval abundance and are relatively
      environmentally benign. However, their short persistence makes them expensive,
      and environmental manipulation of larval habitat might be an alternative control
      measure. Aedes vigilax is a major vector species in northern Australia. A field
      experiment was implemented in Darwin, Australia, to test the hypotheses that (1)
      aerial microbial larvicide application effectively decreases Ae. vigilax larval
      presence, and therefore adult emergence, and (2) environmental manipulation is an
      effective alternative control measure. Generalised linear and mixed-effects
      modelling and information-theoretic comparisons were used to test these
      hypotheses. RESULTS: It is shown that the current aerial larvicide application
      campaign is effective at suppressing the emergence of Ae. vigilax, whereas
      vegetation removal is not as effective in this context. In addition, the results
      indicate that current larval sampling procedures are inadequate for quantifying
      larval abundance or adult emergence. CONCLUSIONS: This field-based comparison has
      shown that the existing larviciding campaign is more effective than a simple
      environmental management strategy for mosquito control. It has also identified an
      important knowledge gap in the use of larval sampling to evaluate the
      effectiveness of vector control strategies.

PMID- 22076748
TI  - Joint loading decreased by inexpensive and minimalist footwear in elderly women
      with knee osteoarthritis during stair descent.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate that flexible footwear, which mimics the
      biomechanics of walking barefoot, results in decreased knee loads in patients
      with knee osteoarthritis (OA) during walking. However, the effect of flexible
      footwear on other activities of daily living, such as descending stairs, remains
      unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of inexpensive and
      minimalist footwear (Moleca) on knee adduction moment (KAM) during stair descent
      of elderly women with and without knee OA. METHODS: Thirty-four elderly women
      were equally divided into an OA group and a control group (CG). Stair descent was
      evaluated in barefoot condition, while wearing the Moleca, and while wearing
      heeled shoes. Kinematics and ground reaction forces were measured to calculate
      KAM by using inverse dynamics. RESULTS: The OA group experienced a higher KAM
      during midstance under the barefoot condition (233.3%; P = 0.028), the Moleca
      (379.2%; P = 0.004), and heeled shoes (217.6%; P = 0.007). The OA group had a
      similar knee load during early, mid, and late stance with the Moleca compared
      with the barefoot condition. Heeled shoes increased the knee loads during the
      early-stance (versus barefoot [16.7%; P < 0.001] and versus the Moleca [15.5%; P
      < 0.001]), midstance (versus barefoot [8.6%; P = 0.014] and versus the Moleca
      [9.5%; P = 0.010]), and late-stance phase (versus barefoot [10.6%; P = 0.003] and
      versus the Moleca [9.2%; P < 0.001]). In the CG, the Moleca produced a knee load
      similar to the barefoot condition only during the early-stance phase. CONCLUSION:
      Besides the general foot protection, the inexpensive and minimalist footwear
      contributes to decreasing knee loads in elderly women with OA during stair
      descent. The loads are similar to the barefoot condition and effectively
      decreased when compared with heeled shoes.

PMID- 22076749
TI  - Recurrent laryngeal nerve landmarks revisited.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate, to prove their reliability, the
      different surgical landmarks previously proposed as a mean to locate the
      recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). METHODS: The necks of 143 (68 male and 76
      female) human adult embalmed cadavers were examined. RLN origin and length and
      its relationship to different landmarks were recorded and results compared with
      those previously reported. Statistical comparisons were performed using the chi
      square test (significance, p <= .05). RESULTS: Mostly, RLN is located anterior to
      the tracheoesophageal sulcus (41.6%), posterior to the inferior thyroid artery
      (35.8%), lateral to Berry's ligament (88.1%), below the inferior rim of the
      inferior constrictor muscle (90.4%), and entering the larynx before its terminal
      division (54.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The position of the RLN in relation to those
      structures classically considered as landmarks is highly variable. The most
      reliable relationships are those with Berry's ligament or the inferior
      constrictor muscle.

PMID- 22076750
TI  - Detection of erythrocytes in patient with iron deficiency anemia using atomic
      force microscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) disturbs the morphology and function of
      erythrocytes at molecular level. The purpose of this study was to show that
      pathophysiological changes to erythrocytes could be detected at the nanometer
      scale, which is important for the early diagnosis and effective therapies of the
      anemia. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from six healthy volunteers and six
      patients with IDA before and after therapy. Changes in the morphological and
      biomechanical properties of erythrocytes were studied at the nanometer level
      using atomic force microscopy (AFM). RESULTS: There were dramatic overall shape
      and surface membrane deformations of the erythrocytes associated with pre- and
      post-therapeutic IDA compared with healthy erythrocytes. Healthy and pathological
      erythrocytes of IDA could be distinguished by the morphologic parameters of
      width, length, the ratio of length to width, valley, peak, valley-to-peak,
      standard deviations, and surface fluctuation. Treatment effectiveness also could
      be evaluated by these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: AFM is a good tool for IDA study.
      Erythrocyte morphology is an important determinant for diagnosing and evaluating
      therapeutic effect of IDA disease.

PMID- 22076751
TI  - Effects of preoperative short term use of atorvastatin on endothelial progenitor
      cells after coronary surgery: a randomized, controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of short-term use of atorvastatin on
      CD34+/VEGF-R2+/CD133+/CD45- endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count after on-pump
      coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS: Between Feb-2010 and May-2010, we
      randomly assigned, in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 60 consecutive
      patients who underwent isolated, first-time CABG to receive either 14-day
      atorvastatin (40 mg/day) or placebo preoperatively. Urgent CABG and recent
      myocardial infarction were excluded. EPCs were quantified (cells/MUl) by flow
      cytometric phenotyping obtained from venous blood samples collected
      preoperatively (T(1)), 6-hours (T(2)), and on the 5th day postoperatively (T(3)).
      Levels of markers of inflammation and serum cardiac troponin I were also measured
      preoperatively and daily until day-5 after surgery. RESULTS: There were no
      differences in baseline risk factors including cholesterol profiles, and
      EuroSCORES between the groups. The composite primary end-point, favored statin
      group with higher amount of circulating, early EPC count (cells/MUl) at all time
      points compared with placebo (T(1), 2.30+/-0.02 versus 1.58+/-0.03, p<0.001;
      T(2), 5.00+/-0.06 versus 2.19+/-0.06, p<0.001; T(3), 3.03+/-0.08 versus 1.78+/
      0.02, p<0.001). Postoperative hsCRP rise were inversely correlated with EPC
      count, and were significantly lower in the statin group (T(1), 0.8 +/- 0.1 versus
      2.2+/-1.5, p<0.001; T(2), 72.9+/-3.2 versus 96.0+/-3.6, p<0.001; T(3), 4.3+/-1.2
      versus 11.4+/-4.1, p<0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative atrial
      fibrillation was significantly lower in the statin group compared to placebo
      (3.3% versus 23%, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term atorvastatin use increases
      circulating early EPCs both pre- and post-operatively and is associated with
      better preservation of sinus rhythm and reduced hsCRP levels. (ClinicalTrials.gov
      number, NCT01096875).

PMID- 22076753
TI  - Peering from the shadows: stem cell research and the quest for regulation in
      Argentina.

PMID- 22076752
TI  - Differentiation and transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell
      derived hepatocyte-like cells.
AB  - The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with a high
      differentiation potential provided a new source for hepatocyte generation not
      only for drug discovery and in vitro disease models, but also for cell
      replacement therapy. However, the reported hiPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells
      (HLCs) were not well characterized and their transplantation, as the most
      promising clue of cell function was not reported. Here, we performed a growth
      factor-mediated differentiation of functional HLCs from hiPSCs and evaluated
      their potential for recovery of a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-injured mouse liver
      following transplantation. The hiPSC-derived hepatic lineage cells expressed
      hepatocyte-specific markers, showed glycogen and lipid storage activity,
      secretion of albumin (ALB), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), urea, and CYP450 metabolic
      activity in addition to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and indocyanin green (ICG)
      uptake. Similar results were observed with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)
      derived HLCs. The transplantation of hiPSC-HLCs into a CCl4-injured liver showed
      incorporation of the hiPSC-HLCs into the mouse liver which resulted in a
      significant enhancement in total serum ALB after 1 week. A reduction of total
      serum LDH and bilirubin was seen when compared with the control and sham groups 1
      and 5 weeks post-transplantation. Additionally, we detected human serum ALB and
      ALB-positive transplanted cells in both the host serum and livers, respectively,
      which showed functional integration of transplanted cells within the mouse
      livers. Therefore, our results have opened up a proof of concept that functional
      HLCs can be generated from hiPSCs, thus improving the general condition of a CCl4
      injured mouse liver after their transplantation. These results may bring new
      insights in the clinical applications of hiPSCs once safety issues are overcome.

PMID- 22076754
TI  - Different rearrangement behaviour of the cation or anion derived from the Diels
      Alder adduct of 9-ferrocenylanthracene and 1,4-benzoquinone: ring-opening or
      paddlewheel formation.
AB  - Prototropic rearrangement of the Diels-Alder adduct (3a) of 9
      ferrocenylanthracene and 1,4-benzoquinone potentially furnishes 9-ferrocenyl-1,4
      dihydroxytriptycene (3b) incorporating a C(2v) symmetrical paddlewheel moiety.
      However, reaction of 3a with HBF(4) unexpectedly yields instead 9-ferrocenyl-10
      (2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)anthracene (4) via cleavage of the C9-C12 bond to generate
      initially a ferrocenyl-stabilized cation. Treatment of 3a with sodium hydride and
      iodomethane yields 1,4-dimethoxy-9-ferrocenyltriptycene (3c) in high yield but,
      surprisingly, also leads to fission of the C9-C12 bond resulting, after
      methylation, in the formation of 9-hydroxy-9-ferrocenyl-10-(2-hydroxy-5
      methoxyphenyl)dihydroanthracene (12), which readily dehydrates on silica to form
      9-ferrocenyl-10-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)anthracene (8). The X-ray crystal
      structures of 3a, 3c and 4 are reported.

PMID- 22076755
TI  - Enriching modern pharmacotherapy through synergy assessment for the combination
      of natural products and synthetic drugs.
AB  - 5-O-methylglovanon (5-O-MG) is a bioactive compound first isolated and
      characterized from Glycosmis plants. In this issue, Zhou et al. evaluated the
      anti-staphylococcal effects of 5-O-MG against ampicillin-resistant isolates of
      Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. The authors showed that the combination
      of 5-O-MG and ampicillin significantly increased the susceptibility of
      Staphylococcus strains to the drugs by decreasing MICs with a comparable anti
      staphylococcal effect to that of beta-lactamase inhibitors, suggesting that
      herbal compounds such as 5-O-MG may be potential candidates for the inhibitor of
      beta-lactamases. This study is another example of synergy assessment of natural
      products in drug development to likely enrich modern pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 22076756
TI  - A novel approach to cancer therapy using PX-478 as a HIF-1alpha inhibitor.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is a transcription factor produced
      by tumor cells under hypoxic conditions, and a key regulator of a number of genes
      important in cancer biology. Over-expression of HIF-1alpha in human tumors is
      associated with poor prognosis and poor therapeutic outcomes and HIF-1alpha has
      been suggested as a novel target for cancer therapy. This article provides a
      review of PX-478 as the first novel HIF-1alpha inhibitor in clinical stage for
      the treatment of solid tumors.

PMID- 22076757
TI  - A new furostanol saponin from Asparagus cochinchinensis.
AB  - A new furostanol saponin, (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-5beta-furost-20(22)-en
      3beta, 15beta,26-triol-3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)]-beta-D: 
      glucopyranoside, namely, aspacochioside D (1) were isolated from Asparagus
      cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr, along with three known saponins, aspacochioside C
      (2), (25S)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-yl-O-[O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)]-beta-D
      glucopyranoside (3), and pseudoprotoneodioscin (4). The structure of 1 was
      elucidated on the basis of chemical reactions and spectral analysis (IR, GC, ESI
      MS, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, DEPT, HMBC, HMQC and NOESY). The antiproliferative
      effects of 1-4 were evaluated in a cytotoxicity assay against the human tumor
      cell line, A549. Compound 2 (Aspacochioside C) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity
      against A-549, with an IC(50) value of 3.87 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22076758
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-stimulated dendritic cells of lupanetype
      triterpenoids from the leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum.
AB  - Acanthopanax koreanum is well known herb in traditional Korean, Chinese, and
      Japanese anti-inflammatory action without any adverse effects. In the current
      study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of isolated compounds 1-13 from the
      leaves of A. koreanum on the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Of these lupane
      type triterpenoids, 1 exhibited particularly high inhibitory effect on
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12 production with the
      values ranging from 45.0 to 84.5% at a concentration of 50 MUM. These results
      warrant further studies concerning the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of
      medicinal foods containing the leaves of A. koreanum.

PMID- 22076759
TI  - Isolation of phytosterols and antihyperlipidemic activity of Lagenaria siceraria.
AB  - Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl in the Cucurbitaceae family is a large,
      pubescent, climbing, or trailing herb cultivated throughout India and the
      tropical regions of the world. Phytochemical investigation of the methanol
      extract obtained from the fruits of the plant L. siceraria showed a positive
      Liebermann-Burchard test for sterols. The white sterol crystals or phytosterols
      from the methanol extract were isolated for the first time and identified as a
      mixture of four sterols, including fucosterol (1), racemosol (2), stigmasterol
      (3), and stigmasta-7,22-dien-3beta,4beta-diol (4). These compounds were
      identified by spectroscopic evidence including FTIR, (1)H-NMR, MS, and GC. The
      white sterol crystals, which are the mixture of four sterols, were evaluated for
      antihyperlipidemic activity in Wistar rats. The blood samples were collected from
      the retro-orbital plexus and serum was separated and analyzed for lipid profiles.
      These sterol crystals (30 mg/kg) showed significant reductions in lipid profiles
      which included cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL. In addition, a
      significant increase in HDL cholesterol observed, which is a good cholesterol
      that protects hearts from coronary artery diseases. These sterol crystals or
      phytosterols can be used as an antihyperlipidemic agent to treat the
      hyperlipidemic.

PMID- 22076760
TI  - Synthesis of novel quinoxalinone derivatives by conventional and microwave
      methods and assessing their biological activity.
AB  - In this study, twenty-one arylaminoquinoxalinone derivatives were synthesized and
      their antibacterial activities against Staphylococci aureus, Pseudomonas aureus,
      Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella pneumoniae
      were evaluated relative to known antibiotics; augmentin, ampicillin, and
      chloramphenicol. The insecticidal activities of the prepared compounds were also
      investigated against Tribolium castaneum using permethrin as a standard
      insecticide. The derivatives were synthesized using both conventional and
      microwave techniques. Their structures were confirmed using spectral techniques
      and elemental analysis.

PMID- 22076761
TI  - Synthesis of novel isatin-thiazoline and isatin-benzimidazole conjugates as anti
      breast cancer agents.
AB  - A series of new isatin-thiazoline 3a-h and isatin-benzimidazole 4a-h derivatives
      were synthesized via condensation of isatin Mannich bases 2a-h with either 2
      aminothiazoline or 2-aminobenzimidazole. The structures of the newly synthesized
      compounds were characterized by spectral data. The anti-breast cancer activity of
      some of the synthesized compounds was assessed in the MCF-7 human breast cancer
      cell line. The results showed that compounds 4b, 4d and 4g possess significant
      antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells.

PMID- 22076762
TI  - DNA binding, antiviral activities and cytotoxicity of new furochromone and
      benzofuran derivatives.
AB  - Bromination of visnagin (1) afforded 9-bromovisnagin (2) which on its alkaline
      hydrolysis afforded the 3-acetyl benzofuran derivative (3). The condensation of
      (3) with hydrazine hydrate, phenylhydrazine and/or hydroxylamine hydrochloride
      afforded the corresponding pyrazole derivatives (4a, b) and isoxazole derivative
      (4c). On the other hand, when compound 3 was condensed with some aromatic
      aldehydes, this yielded corresponding alpha, beta-unsaturated keto derivatives
      (5a-e). Furthermore, when 1 was subjected to chlorosulfonation, the
      visnaginsulfonylchloride derivative 6 was afforded, which on amidation using
      morpholine, a sulonamido derivative (7) was obtained. Alkaline hydrolysis of the
      latter compound yielded 7-N-morpholinosulsamidobenzofuran (8) which was condensed
      with some aromatic aldehydes to yield the corresponding chalcone compounds (9a
      e). Demethylation of visnagin afforded norvisnagin (10). The reaction of 10 with
      ethylbromoacetate in dry acetone yielded the ester benzopyran derivative (11)
      which reacted with hydrazine hydrate to afford the corresponding hydrazide
      derivative (12) and this was condensed with 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde to give
      the corresponding hydrazone (13). A thaizolidinone derivative (14) was obtained
      by condensation of (13) with thioglycolic acid. Chloromethylation of norvisnagin
      afforded a 4-chloromethyl derivative (15) which reacted with different primary
      and secondary amines to yield the corresponding ethylamino derivative (16a, b).
      Moreover, mannich bases (16a, b) and (17a-c) were obtained by reacting
      norvisnagin with different primary and secondary amines in the presence of
      formalin but benzoylation of (16a, b) and (17a-c) afforded 4-oxybenzoyl
      derivative (18a-e). The prepared compounds were tested for their interaction with
      DNA; bromovisnagin 2 showed the highest affinity and compounds 6, 15, 8a, > 14, >
      16b, 17a, and 16a showed moderate activity in decreasing potency. Moreover,
      compound 2 also was the most active as antiviral agent toward HS-I virus and
      compounds 6, 7, 15, 14, 16a, and 18a were found to be moderately active. CD(50)
      of the active compounds were also measured.

PMID- 22076763
TI  - A beta-resorcylic macrolide from the seagrass-derived fungus Fusarium sp. PSU
      ES73.
AB  - A new beta-resorcylic macrolide, 5'-hydroxyzearalenone (1), and six known beta
      resorcylic macrolides were isolated from the seagrass-derived fungus Fusarium sp.
      PSU-ES73. Their structures were established by analysis of spectral data. All of
      the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against
      Staphylococcus aureus, both standard and methicillin-resistant strains, as well
      as their antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. Only the known
      compound zearalenone (2) displayed weak antibacterial and antifungal activities.

PMID- 22076764
TI  - Synthesis of novel 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diols and their cytotoxic
      activity against human cancer cell lines.
AB  - One-pot synthesis of new biologically active 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene-l,3
      diols has been developed. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of aryl
      modified sulfinylbis[(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methanethione]s with benzene-l,2
      diamines. Their structures were identified using elemental, IR, (1)H-NMR, and
      mass spectra analyses. The developed method offers short reaction times,
      relatively large-scale synthesis, easy and quick isolation of the products, and
      good yields. The cytotoxicity in vitro against the 4 human cancer cell lines:
      SW707 (rectal), HCV29T (bladder), A549 (lung), and T47D (breast) was determined.
      The antiproliferative properties of some compounds studies were stronger than
      those of cisplatin, which was used as a comparator drug.

PMID- 22076765
TI  - Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel triazole derivatives.
AB  - A series of novel azoles (a-v), which are analogues of fluconazole, have been
      designed and synthesized as potential antifungal agents by the click reaction.
      The click reaction approach toward the synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazolyl linked
      triazole antifungal derivatives a-v was achieved by Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition of propargylated intermediate 5 with substituted azidomethyl
      benzene. In addition, the target compounds tested can increase antifungal
      activity.

PMID- 22076766
TI  - Effects of vegetative and flowering stages on the biosynthesis of artemisinin in
      Artemisia species.
AB  - Artemisinin is an endoperoxide sesquiterpene lactone, and has been proven to be
      very effective in treating drug resistant cases of malaria, cancer, etc. The
      compound is obtained from Artemisia species. In the current study, the effects of
      vegetative and flowering stages on artemisinin production were studied, to
      determine the proper harvesting time of naturally growing Artemisia species with
      the highest levels of artemisinin. Eight Artemisia species along with two
      varieties were selected for this analytical work. The results showed that
      artemisinin content was high in the leaves of Artemisia indica, A. sieversiana,
      A. roxburghiana var. roxburghiana, A. roxburghiana var. gratae, and A. parviflora
      at the flowering stage. The highest artemisinin content was measured in the
      leaves of A. dracunculus var. dracunculus. Upon comparisons of artemisinin
      content among the individual plant species, the highest amount of artemisinin was
      again in A. dracunculus var. dracunculus followed by A. sieversiana when
      harvested at the flowering stage. In overall comparisons, the plants at the
      flowering stage showed high levels of artemisinin, which is deemed the optimum
      harvesting time of Artemisia species in Pakistan for maximum artemisinin content.

PMID- 22076767
TI  - Moxifloxacin-Gelrite in situ ophthalmic gelling system against photodynamic
      therapy for treatment of bacterial corneal inflammation.
AB  - In this study, six in situ gelling formulations based on Gelrite were prepared
      and evaluated for the retained ophthalmic delivery of Moxifloxacin (Mox). The
      effectiveness of the best developed formula G5 was compared with photodynamic
      therapy (PDT), the recent expanding approach for the treatment of ophthalmologic
      disorders after the assessment of optimum photodynamic inactivation parameters
      that permit efficient pathogens eradication. It was found that, Staphylococcus
      aureus (S. aureus) (Gram-positive) was more susceptible to effective lethal
      photosensitization that reaches 93.5% reduction in viable count than Escherichia
      coli (E. coli) (Gramnegative) of 76.1% using 3 mg/mL Hematoporphyrin (HP),
      illuminated by 630 nm Light Emitting Diode (LED) at 9 J/cm(2) and incubated for
      15 min. Following topical instillation of G5 to rabbits corneas, higher amount of
      Mox was retained in the aqueous humor up to 24 h with significant 6-fold increase
      in the C(max) and AUC((0-infinity)) compared to vigamox commercial eye drops.
      After post corneal infection with S. aureus, both approaches were effectively
      treating the infection without causing ocular irritation or collateral damage to
      corneal tissue where G5 showed remarkable improvement after four days compared to
      seven days of PDT treatment.

PMID- 22076768
TI  - Anti-P-glycoprotein conjugated nanoparticles for targeting drug delivery in
      cancer treatment.
AB  - Targeting therapeutics to specific sites can enhance the efficacy of drugs,
      reduce required doses as well as unwanted side effects. In this work, using the
      advantages of the specific affinity of an immobilized antibody to membrane P-gp
      in two different nanoparticle formulations were thus developed for targeted drug
      delivery to multi-drug resistant cervical carcinoma (KB-V1) cells. Further, this
      was compared to the human drug sensitive cervical carcinoma cell line (KB-3-1)
      cells. The two nanoparticle preparations were: NP1, anti-P-gp conjugated with
      poly (DL-lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle and polyethylene glycol
      (PEG); NP2, anti-P-gp conjugated to a modified poloxamer on PLGA nanoparticles.
      The cellular uptake capacity of nanoparticles was confirmed by fluorescent
      microscopy. Comparing with each counterpart core particles, there was a higher
      fluorescence intensity of the targeted nanoparticles in KBV1 cells compared to KB
      3-1 cells suggesting that the targeted nanoparticles were internalized into KB-V1
      cells to a greater extent than KB-3-1 cell. The results had confirmed the
      specificity and the potential of the developed targeted delivery system for
      overcoming multi-drug resistance induced by overexpression of P-gp on the cell
      membrane.

PMID- 22076769
TI  - Formulation, development, and performance evaluation of metoclopramide HCl oro
      dispersible sustained release tablet.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate an oro-dispersible,
      sustained release tablet of metoclopramide HCl. The technology was comprised of
      developing sustained release microparticles, and compression of resultant
      microspheres into a fast dispersible tablet by direct compression. The
      microspheres of metoclopramide HCl were prepared by an emulsification-solvent
      evaporation method using ethylcellulose as the matrix polymer. The prepared
      microspheres were evaluated for morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency,
      and in vitro drug release characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy
      demonstrated spherical particles with a mean diameter of 81.27 +/- 5.87 MUm and
      the drug encapsulation efficiency was found to be 70.15 +/- 3.06%. The process
      and formulation variables such as rotation speed, polymer concentration, and drug
      concentration influenced the drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug
      release. Optimized microspheres were compressed into tablets which were comprised
      of metoclopramide HCl microspheres, 53% (w/v) of D-mannitol granules, 7% (w/w) of
      Polyplasdone XL 10, and 0.5% (w/w) of calcium stearate. The tablets demonstrated
      a hardness of 59 +/- 3 N, friability of 0.21% and disintegration time of 27 +/- 3
      sec. The formulations were subjected to stability studies as per ICH guidelines
      and were found to be stable after a 6 month study. In vivo experiments conducted
      in rats demonstrated that a constant level of metoclopramide HCl in plasma could
      be maintained for up to 20 h at a suitable concentration for antiemetic activity.
      An appropriate combination of excipients made it possible to obtain orally
      disintegrating sustained release tablets of metoclopramide HCl using simple and
      conventional techniques.

PMID- 22076770
TI  - Transmucosal delivery of domperidone from bilayered buccal patches: in vitro, ex
      vivo and in vivo characterization.
AB  - Bilayered mucoadhesive buccal patches for systemic administration of domperidone
      (DOM), a dopamine-receptor (D(2)) antagonist, were developed using hydroxy propyl
      methyl cellulose and PVPK30 as a primary layer and Eudragit RLPO and PEO as a
      secondary layer. Ex vivo drug permeation through porcine buccal membrane was
      performed. Bilayered buccal patches were developed by solvent casting technique
      and evaluated for in vitro drug release, moisture absorption, mechanical
      properties, surface pH, in vitro bioadhesion, in vivo residence time and ex vivo
      permeation of DOM through porcine buccal membrane from a bilayered buccal patch.
      Formulation DB4 was associated with 99.5% drug release with a higuchi model
      release profile and 53.9% of the drug had permeated in 6 h, with a flux of 0.492
      mg/h/cm(2) through porcine buccal membrane. DB4 showed 5.58 N and 3.28 mJ peak
      detachment force and work of adhesion, respectively. The physicochemical
      interactions between DOM and the polymer were investigated by differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.
      DSC and FTIR studies revealed no interaction between drug and polymer. Stability
      studies for optimized patch DB4 was carried out at 40 degrees C/75% relative
      humidity. The formulations were found to be stable over a period of 3 months with
      respect to drug content, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation through porcine
      buccal membrane. The results indicate that suitable bilayered mucoadhesive buccal
      patches with desired permeability could be prepared.

PMID- 22076771
TI  - Development of coated nifedipine dry elixir as a long acting oral delivery with
      bioavailability enhancement.
AB  - To develop the long acting nifedipine oral delivery with bioavailability
      enhancement, a nifedipine dry elixir (NDE) containing nifedipine ethanol solution
      in dextrin shell was prepared using a spray-dryer, and then coated nifedipine dry
      elixir (CNDE) was prepared by coating NDE with Eudragit acrylic resin. The
      physical characteristics and bioavailability of NDE and CNDE were evaluated, and
      then compared to those of nifedipine powder. NDE and CNDE, which were spherical
      in shape, had about 6.64 and 8.68-8.75 MUm of geometric mean diameters,
      respectively. The amount of nifedipine dissolved from NDE for 60 min increased
      about 7- and 40-fold compared to nifedipine powder in pH 1.2 simulated gastric
      fluid and pH 6.8 simulated intestinal fluid, respectively. Nifedipine released
      from CNDE was retarded in both dissolution media compared with that from NDE.
      After oral administration of NDE, the C(max) and AUC(0->8h) of nifedipine in rat
      increased about 13- and 7-fold, respectively, and the Tmax of nifedipine was
      reduced significantly compared with those after oral administration of nifedipine
      powder alone. The AUC(0->8h) and T(max) of nifedipine in CNDE increased markedly
      and the C(max) of nifedipine in CNDE was significantly reduced compared to those
      in NDE. It is concluded that CNDE, which could lower the initial burst-out plasma
      concentration and maintain the plasma level of nifedipine over a longer period
      with bioavailability enhancement, might be one of potential alternatives to the
      marketed long acting oral delivery system for nifedipine.

PMID- 22076772
TI  - Effect of pluronic P123 and F127 block copolymer on P-glycoprotein transport and
      CYP3A metabolism.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pluronic P123 (P123)
      and pluronic F127 (F127) on intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450
      3A using the specific substrates rhodamine-123 (R-123) and midazolam,
      respectively. Caco-2 cells and everted gut sacs were used as models of intestinal
      mucosa to assess intestinal absorption of R-123, while rat intestinal microsomes
      were utilized to examine the effect of P123 and F127 on in vitro midazolam
      metabolism. P123 and F127 were observed to increase the intracellular
      accumulation of R-123 in Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. P123
      significantly lowered the efflux ratio of R-123 at two concentrations in Caco-2
      monolayers, whereas F127 lowered the efflux ratio only at 1%. Moreover, both
      pluronics markedly enhanced mucosal to serosal absorption of R-123 in excised
      ileum of rats. However, no significant difference in relative enzyme activity
      were observed between P123- or F127-treated and control groups, regardless of the
      concentrations of P123 and F127 studied. Collectively, these results obtained
      from the present study demonstrated that P123 and F127 were capable of inhibiting
      the intestinal P-gp activity, but had little or no effect on intestinal
      cytochrome P450 3A activity, indicating that P123 and F127 can potentially be
      used as pharmaceutical ingredients to improve the oral bioavailability of
      coadministered P-gp substrates via P-gp efflux pump inhibition.

PMID- 22076773
TI  - Effects of morin on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in rats with 7,12
      dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors.
AB  - Docetaxel is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate and metabolized via cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) 3A subfamily in rats. Morin is an inhibitor of both CYPs and P-gp.
      Hence, the effects of morin on the intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of
      docetaxel were investigated using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced
      mammary tumor rats (DMBA rats) as an animal model of human breast cancer.
      Docetaxel was administered intravenously (4 mg/kg) and orally (20 mg/kg) without
      and with morin (15 mg/kg) in DMBA rats. After the intravenous administration of
      docetaxel in control and DMBA rats with and without morin, the values of non
      renal clearance and area under the plasma concentration-time (AUC) for docetaxel
      were comparable. Morin did not increase AUC or the absolute oral bioavailability
      (F) for docetaxel after the oral administration of docetaxel in control and DMBA
      rats with and without morin. The inhibition of hepatic and intestinal metabolism
      of docetaxel by morin and/or DMBA and the effect of intestinal P-gp inhibition by
      morin on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel did not seem to be considerable in
      DMBA-induced mammary tumor rats.

PMID- 22076774
TI  - Gene network analysis on the effect of Viscum album var. coloratum in T cells
      stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies.
AB  - A galactose- and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-specific lectin (Viscum album L. var.
      coloratum agglutinin, VCA), which is known for its anticancer activity, was
      isolated from Korean mistletoe. This study reports a microarray analysis of the
      effects of VCA on an activated human T cells under various times and
      concentrations. A total of over 3000 genes were identified whose expression
      levels were significantly altered against controls after treatment with VCA and
      anti-CD3/CD28 antibody stimulation on human T-cells over an 8 h period. An
      analysis of the gene expression profile induced by VCA following incubation in
      human T cells revealed the activation and inhibition of genes involved in a wide
      range of immune functions in line with the broad mechanisms of action of VCA.
      These functions include cytokine gene expression, cell adhesion, cell motility,
      cell growth and maintenance, cell death, and the response to stress and to
      external stimulus. This report is aimed at providing the mistletoe research
      community with a robust database on which further studies could be built.

PMID- 22076775
TI  - In vitro synergistic interaction of 5-O-methylglovanon and ampicillin against
      ampicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis
      isolates.
AB  - 5-O-methylglovanon (5-O-MG) is a bioactive compound that was first isolated and
      characterized from Glycosmis plants. In this study, we found that chemically
      synthesized 5-O-MG has antimicrobial ability against eleven clinical ampicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis isolates. The MICs of 5-O-MG
      against the S. aureus and S. epidermidis isolates were 12.5-50 MUg/mL and 25-50
      MUg/mL, respectively. In combination with ampicillin, a synergistic interaction
      between 5-O-MG and ampicillin against the eleven resistant Staphylococcus
      isolates was observed, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices of 0.03
      0125. Moreover, the anti-staphylococcal activity of 5-O-MG in combination with
      ampicillin was comparable with that of clavulanic acid in combination with
      ampicillin. The drug combination had no antagonistic effects when tested against
      any of the strains. Time-killing assays confirmed the synergy between 5-O-MG and
      ampicillin (p < 0.01). The combination of these two agents yielded greater than a
      2 log(10) cfu/mL decrease in comparison with 5-O-MG or ampicillin alone. These
      findings suggest that 5-O-MG is a promising compound with the potential for
      future anti-staphylococcal drug development.

PMID- 22076776
TI  - The mechanism of MAP kinase activation under acidic condition in feline
      esophageal smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Reflux esophagitis results from repeated exposure of the esophagus to acidic
      gastric juice or bile-containing duodenal contents. In Barrett's adenocarcinoma,
      acid increases proliferation via ERK and p38 MAPK activation. This study was
      focused on determination of the mechanism(s) underlying MAPKs (ERK 1/2, p38 MAPK,
      and JNK) activation induced by acidic medium at pH 4 in normal feline primary
      cultured esophageal smooth muscle cells (FESMCs). We detected ERK 1/2 and p38
      MAPK phosphorylation after exposure to pH 4 or neutral media in the presence or
      absence of several inhibitors and quantified the MAPK levels using western
      blotting analysis and densitometry. Acidic medium markedly increased the
      phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK within 10 min. Acid-induced ERK 1/2 and
      p38 MAPK activation was inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX-sensitive G(i/o)
      protein inhibitor), DEDA (phospholipase (PL) A(2) inhibitor), rhoCMB (PLD
      inhibitor), GF109203X (protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor) and D609
      (phosphatidylcholine-specific PLC inhibitor). But, genistein (tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor), forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator) and U73122
      (phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC inhibitor) had no effect on acid-induced
      ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation. These findings indicate that the activation of
      ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways by acidic conditions, at least in part, may be
      mediated by activation of the G(i/o) protein coupled receptors, PC-PLC, PLD,
      PLA(2), and PKC in FESMCs.

PMID- 22076778
TI  - Influence of ramiprilat and losartan on ischemia reperfusion injury in rat
      hearts.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS/INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to investigate whether a non-hypotensive
      dose of ramiprilat and losartan has myocardial protective effects during
      myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of
      rats were given 10 mg/kg per day of losartan for one (L-1W), four (L-4W) or 10 (L
      10W) weeks. Another three groups were given 50 ug/kg per day of ramiprilat for
      one (R-1W), four (R-4W) or 10 (R-10W) weeks. The animals underwent 30 min of left
      anterior descending artery occlusion and subsequent reperfusion for 120 min.
      RESULTS: Myocardial infarct size (IS) was reduced in R-1W (28.4 +/- 6.3%, p <
      0.001), R-4W (27.8 +/- 7.4, p < 0.001), L-4W (31.8 +/- 6%, p < 0.05) and L-10W
      (25.3 +/- 5.7, p < 0.001) groups compared with a saline group (48.3 +/- 7.8%). A
      significant reduction in the number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs) was noted
      in groups R-1W (209 +/- 41, p < 0.01), R-4W (176 +/- 39, p < 0.01), L-4W (215 +/-
      52, p < 0.05) and L-10W (191 +/- 61, p < 0.01 vs. saline 329 +/- 48). The
      incidence of irreversible ventricular fibrillation (VF) and mortality were
      decreased significantly only in L-10W group. There were no significant decreases
      in episodes of VT, the incidence of irreversible VF and mortality in all of the
      groups treated with ramiprilat. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that losartan and
      ramiprilat protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury independently of
      their hemodynamic effects but in a time-dependent manner.

PMID- 22076779
TI  - Highly active Pt@Au nanoparticles encapsulated in perfluorosulfonic acid for the
      reduction of oxygen.
AB  - The Pt@Au catalysts demonstrate remarkably high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
      activity compared with Pt/C catalysts. The ORR of Pt(2)@Au(1)/C and Pt(1)@Au(2)/C
      is 9.5 and 6.6 times that of Pt/C, respectively. This improvement is attributed
      to the electronic structure effect of the Au core on the Pt shell and
      introduction of PFSA.

PMID- 22076780
TI  - [Influence of nosocomial infections on resection of tracheal stenosis after
      tracheotomy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complications located at the tracheostoma often occur in combination
      with nosocomial infections. We posed the question: how is the surgical result in
      tracheal resections influenced by bacterial contamination with multiresistant
      germs? PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2009 we performed a primary end-to
      end-resection of the trachea after tracheotomy in 30 patients. The demographic
      basic data, the diagnostic data on tracheal stenosis after decanullation and type
      of tracheotomy were documented. Preoperatively all patients underwent a flexible
      bronchoscopy with bronchial lavage. All patients received an antibiotic
      inhalation therapy postoperatively. RESULTS: 16 patients presented a status post
      permanent tracheotomy (PT), in 14 cases after percutaneous dilatative tracheotomy
      (PDT). In 64 % of all cases the preoperative bronchial lavage was positive for
      bacterial contamination. The major pathogen was with 23 % a multiresistant
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MR). In three cases long-term-complications occurred, all
      of which were bacterially contaminated. CONCLUSION: After long-term intubation a
      bacterial contamination is very common and presents a negative predictor for the
      outcome of primary tracheal end-to-end resections. A prophylactic postoperative
      antibiotic therapy can improve the short- and long-term results.

PMID- 22076781
TI  - [Implementing in-patient smoking cessation interventions. Basic characteristics
      of smoking patients in a lung health department].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitals have a unique key role in promoting smoking cessation.
      However, cessation interventions are uncommon in clinical routine despite their
      proven effectiveness. For planning a tailored intervention for hospitalised
      patients we examined the characteristics of smokers in our department for lung
      diseases. METHODS AND PATIENTS: From July to September 2009 we evaluated the
      smoking status of all admitted patients. The smoking status was validated by
      measuring the CO-Hb. Smokers admitted for the first time on one of our regular
      wards received a comprehensive questionnaire. Patients with a duration of stay of
      2 days or less and patients with substantial cognitive or linguistic limitations
      were excluded. Clinical data was collected from the participating smokers.
      RESULTS: 25% of all admitted patients were smokers. The participation rate was
      almost 90% of the eligible smokers. Our questionnaire was very well accepted und
      provided multitude helpful information for a following cessation counselling. Up
      to 3 or 4 smokers per day should be anticipated for a cessation intervention at
      an 80-bed-hospital. At least one counselling contact could be enabled. Although
      75% of participants had experienced at least one unsuccessful quit attempt, only
      a minority used any support or help for cessation so far. CONCLUSIONS: Specific
      questionnaires to evaluate the smoking history of patients in hospitals are very
      suitable and facilitate a subsequent bedside-counseling. To come up with their
      key role in promoting smoking cessation more hospitals as yet should implement
      cessation interventions.

PMID- 22076782
TI  - [Endoscopy of peripheral lung nodule].
AB  - Pulmonary nodules of unknown dignity, often incidental findings, still present a
      diagnostic challenge. Next to operative resection, we find minimal invasive
      therapies such as transthoracal punctions and bronchoscopy with transbronchial as
      further options. By using modern navigation techniques, the validity of
      bronchoscopy in diagnosing pulmonary nodules, compared to x-ray fluoroscopy, has
      already been improved. Thus, the use of endobronchial ultrasound, electromagnetic
      navigation and virtual bronchoscopy--even without x-ray fluoroscopy--is possible
      and the combination augments sensitivity. These techniques already rate high in
      patients with unclear peripheral pulmonary nodules and high risk profiles to
      surgical operations, thus not to be operated, but still in need of further
      diagnostic procedures in order to plan therapy options. A future use of
      endoscopic therapies may possibly be a first approach.

PMID- 22076783
TI  - Multifunctional mesoporous composite nanocapsules for highly efficient MRI-guided
      high-intensity focused ultrasound cancer surgery.
AB  - Bloodless surgical knife: Nano-biotechnology has been introduced into imaging
      guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) cancer surgery by adopting
      engineered multifunctional manganese-based mesoporous composite nanocapsules as
      the contrast agents for T(1)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      simultaneously as synergistic agents for MRI-guided HIFU cancer surgery.

PMID- 22076784
TI  - Increased frequency of complement C4B deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the copy number variation of complement C4A and C4B genes in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: DNA samples were obtained from
      299 patients and controls and analyzed for copy number variation of total
      complement C4, C4A, and C4B genes. The results were compared by chi-square
      analysis, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were
      calculated. RESULTS: Chi-square analysis revealed similar distribution patterns
      of total C4 alleles in RA patients (n = 160), non-RA patients (n = 88), and
      healthy controls (n = 51). There was no trend toward C4A deficiency as in lupus.
      Significant differences in C4B distribution were observed in RA patients, in whom
      an ~2-fold increase in the frequency of homozygous and/or heterozygous C4B
      deficiency (0 or 1 allele) (40%) was present relative to non-RA patients or
      healthy controls (both 21.6%). C4B deficiency was more frequent in seropositive
      RA patients than in seronegative RA patients (44% versus 31%). The odds of C4B
      deficiency were 2.99 (95% CI 1.58-5.65) (P = 0.0006) in seropositive RA patients
      relative to non-RA controls. These findings were confirmed in a larger healthy
      control cohort, yielding an OR of 1.83 (95% CI 1.21-2.76) (P = 0.0056). The
      association of the shared epitope with C4B deficiency was significantly greater
      in seropositive RA patients than in non-seropositive RA controls (96% versus
      54.5%) (P < 0.0001), suggesting that C4B deficiency interacts with the shared
      epitope in the development of seropositive RA. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate
      a relationship between C4B copy number variation and RA that approximates that
      seen between C4A copy number variation and lupus. The concurrence of C4B
      deficiency and the shared epitope in seropositive RA may have broad implications
      for our understanding of RA pathogenesis.

PMID- 22076785
TI  - Phase II trial of capecitabine plus cisplatin as first-line therapy in patients
      with metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine with single-agent activity
      in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This multicenter phase II study was
      conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine plus cisplatin
      as a first-line treatment for metastatic NPC. METHODS: Patients with metastatic
      NPC received cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) day 1 plus capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) twice
      daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for 6-8 cycles. The primary endpoint was
      overall response rate. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were enrolled; 39 patients
      were evaluable for efficacy. The overall response rate was 53.8% (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 37%-70%), including 1 complete response. Median time to tumor
      progression was 7.3 months (95% CI, 5.6-9.9 months) and median overall survival
      was 28.0 months (95% CI, 14.5 months-not reached). Common grade 3/4 adverse
      events were neutropenia (50%), vomiting (11%), thrombocytopenia (9%), and nausea
      (7%). CONCLUSIONS: Capecitabine plus cisplatin is an active first-line
      combination in metastatic NPC that requires a short hospital stay.

PMID- 22076786
TI  - Is the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index reliable in the assessment of nail psoriasis
      by rheumatologists?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement and reliability of the Nail Psoriasis
      Severity Index (NAPSI) in the assessment of nail involvement in patients with
      psoriatic arthritis (PsA) when performed by rheumatologists with no experience in
      using this instrument. METHODS: In total, 3 women with PsA, satisfying the
      Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis Study Group criteria, with nail involvement
      were selected from an outpatient clinic devoted to PsA. The assessors consisted
      of 2 groups: 8 expert rheumatologists in the field of PsA who were members of the
      Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis and had
      extensive experience of >10 years, and 69 rheumatologists who had never
      previously used the NAPSI. A video showing the nail of each selected patient
      (patient A, patient B, and patient C) with the most nail PsA dystrophy was shown
      to these 2 groups. The 8 assessors of the first group, previously trained in
      using the NAPSI, evaluated the 3 videos independently by using the NAPSI score.
      The second group scored the NAPSI after an educational session. This evaluation
      was repeated after 6 hours with a different sequence of videos (unpaired
      fashion). Interreader and intrareader reliability were estimated by calculating
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and associated 95% confidence
      intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: The interreader reliability showed ICC 0.934 (95%
      CI 0.7504-0.9983). Intrareader reliability showed ICC 0.463 (95% CI 0.134-0.668),
      ICC 0.148 (95% CI 0.3767-0.4722), and ICC 0.354 (95% CI 0.0425-0.600) for patient
      A, patient B, and patient C, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results show that
      the NAPSI may be an unreliable instrument to assess nail involvement when used by
      untrained rheumatologists in clinical practice.

PMID- 22076787
TI  - Application of a classification system focusing on potential asphyxia for cases
      of sudden unexpected infant death.
AB  - Current classification schemes for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) may not
      be optimal for capturing scene events that potentially predispose to asphyxia.
      (1) To compare causes of death in a group of SUID cases assigned by multiple
      reviewers using our recently published classification scheme for SUID that is
      based on asphyxial risk at the death scene, and (2) To compare these newly
      assigned causes of death to that originally assigned by the medical examiners of
      record who performed the autopsies. Five reviewers independently assigned causes
      of death for 117 cases of SUID, including 83 originally diagnosed as sudden
      infant death syndrome (SIDS), accessioned into the San Diego SIDS/SUDC Research
      Project from the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office. The diagnostic
      categories are: A: SIDS; B: Unexplained-Potentially Asphyxia; C: Unexplained
      Other Potential Causes of Death; D: Unclassified-Other; E: Unclassified; and F:
      Known Cause of Death. The reviewers collectively opined that conditions at the
      death scene contributed to or caused death in 32-50% of all of the 117 cases as
      well as in 40-59% of the 83 originally diagnosed SIDS cases. Another cause of
      death was considered plausible in 2-12% of the SIDS cases. Application of this
      new classification system resulted in 55-69% decrease in SIDS diagnoses. Asphyxia
      as a potential contributor to, or as the specific cause of death, appears to
      exist in a large percentage of cases designated as SIDS using other
      classification schemes. When certifiers use a classification system that focuses
      upon potential asphyxia in determining the cause of death the incidence of SIDS
      dramatically declines.

PMID- 22076788
TI  - Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI): suggested classification and
      applications to facilitate research activity.

PMID- 22076790
TI  - On the mode of action of the herbicides cinmethylin and 5-benzyloxymethyl-1, 2
      isoxazolines: putative inhibitors of plant tyrosine aminotransferase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mode of action of the grass herbicides cinmethylin and 5
      benzyloxymethyl-1,2-isoxazolines substituted with methylthiophene (methiozolin)
      or pyridine (ISO1, ISO2) was investigated. RESULTS: Physiological profiling using
      a series of biotests and metabolic profiling in treated duckweed (Lemna
      paucicostata L.) suggested a common mode of action for the herbicides. Symptoms
      of growth inhibition and photobleaching of new fronds in Lemna were accompanied
      with metabolite changes indicating an upregulation of shikimate and tyrosine
      metabolism, paralleled by decreased plastoquinone and carotenoid synthesis.
      Supplying Lemna with 10 uM of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (4-HPP) reversed phytotoxic
      effects of cinmethylin and isoxazolines to a great extent, whereas the addition
      of L-tyrosine was ineffective. It was hypothesised that the herbicides block the
      conversion of tyrosine to 4-HPP, catalysed by tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), in
      the prenylquinone pathway which provides plastoquinone, a cofactor of phytoene
      desaturase in carotenoid synthesis. Accordingly, enhanced resistance to ISO1
      treatment was observed in Arabidopsis thaliana L. mutants, which overexpress the
      yeast prephenate dehydrogenase in plastids as a TAT bypass. In addition, the
      herbicides were able to inhibit TAT7 activity in vitro for the recombinant enzyme
      of A. thaliana. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that TAT7 or another TAT
      isoenzyme is the putative target of the herbicides.

PMID- 22076791
TI  - Blood exchange and malaria.

PMID- 22076793
TI  - FIB preparation and SEM investigations for three-dimensional analysis of cell
      cultures on microneedle arrays.
AB  - We report the investigation of the interfaces between microneedle arrays and cell
      cultures in patch-on-chip systems by using Focused Ion Beam (FIB) preparation and
      Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). First, FIB preparations of micro chips are
      made to determine the size and shape of the designed microneedles. In this essay,
      we investigate the cell-substrate interaction, especially the cell adhesion, and
      the microneedle's potential cell penetration. For this purpose, cross-sectional
      preparation of these hard/soft hybrid structures is performed by the FIB
      technology. By applying the FIB technology followed by high-resolution imaging
      with SEM, new insights into the cell-substrate interface can be received. One can
      clearly distinguish between cells that are only in contact with microneedles and
      cells that are penetrated by microneedles. A stack of slice images is collected
      by the application of the slice-and-view setup during FIB preparation and is used
      for three-dimensional reconstruction of cells and micro-needles.

PMID- 22076792
TI  - Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging: The coordinated use of multiple, mutually
      informative probes to understand brain structure and function.
AB  - Differing imaging modalities provide unique channels of information to probe
      differing aspects of the brain's structural or functional organization. In
      combination, differing modalities provide complementary and mutually informative
      data about tissue organization that is more than their sum. We acquired and
      spatially coregistered data in four MRI modalities--anatomical MRI, functional
      MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)-
      from 20 healthy adults to understand how interindividual variability in measures
      from one modality account for variability in measures from other modalities at
      each voxel of the brain. We detected significant correlations of local volumes
      with the magnitude of functional activation, suggesting that underlying variation
      in local volumes contributes to individual variability in functional activation.
      We also detected significant inverse correlations of NAA (a putative measure of
      neuronal density and viability) with volumes of white matter in the frontal
      cortex, with DTI-based measures of tissue organization within the superior
      longitudinal fasciculus, and with the magnitude of functional activation and
      default-mode activity during simple visual and motor tasks, indicating that
      substantial variance in local volumes, white matter organization, and functional
      activation derives from an underlying variability in the number or density of
      neurons in those regions. Many of these imaging measures correlated with measures
      of intellectual ability within differing brain tissues and differing neural
      systems, demonstrating that the neural determinants of intellectual capacity
      involve numerous and disparate features of brain tissue organization, a
      conclusion that could be made with confidence only when imaging the same
      individuals with multiple MRI modalities.

PMID- 22076794
TI  - Biophysical and cellular-uptake properties of mixed-sequence pyrrolidine-amide
      oligonucleotide mimics.
AB  - Previously we introduced the positively charged pyrrolidine-amide oligonucleotide
      mimics (POM), which possess a pyrrolidine ring and amide linkage in place of the
      sugar-phosphodiester backbone of natural nucleic acids. Short POM homo-oligomers
      have shown promising DNA and RNA recognition properties. However, to better
      understand the properties of POM and to assess their potential for use as
      modulators of gene expression and bioanalytical or diagnostic tools, more
      biologically relevant, longer, mixed-sequence oligomers need to be studied. In
      light of this, several mixed-sequence POM oligomers were synthesised, along with
      fluorescently labelled POM oligomers and a POM-peptide conjugate. UV thermal
      denaturation showed that mixed-sequence POMs hybridise to DNA and RNA with high
      affinity but slow rates of association and dissociation. The sequence
      specificity, influence of terminal amino acids, and the effect of pH and ionic
      strength on the DNA and RNA hybridisation properties of POM were extensively
      investigated. In addition, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to
      investigate the thermodynamic parameters of the binding of a POM-peptide
      conjugate to DNA. Cellular uptake experiments have also shown that a
      fluorescently labelled POM oligomer is taken up into HeLa cells. These findings
      demonstrate that POM has the potential for use in a variety of applications,
      alongside other modified nucleic acids developed to date, such as peptide nucleic
      acids (PNA) and phosphoramidate morpholino oligomers (PMO).

PMID- 22076795
TI  - Pseudorotaxane structure of a fullerene derivative--cyclodextrin 1:2 complex.
AB  - X-Ray crystallography revealed that the C(60) derivative.gamma-cyclodextrin
      (gamma-CDx) complex has a pseudorotaxane structure and the structure of the
      crystal clarified the importance of multi-point hydrogen bonds between two gamma
      CDxs for stabilising the 3.gamma-CDx complex.

PMID- 22076796
TI  - [Investigation on the 3 D geometric accuracy and on the image quality (MTF, SNR
      and NPS) of volume tomography units (CT, CBCT and DVT)].
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aims at investigating how far image quality (MTF and NPS)
      differs in between CT, CBCT and DVT units and how far the geometrical 3 D
      accuracy and the HU calibration differ in respect to surgical or radio
      therapeutic planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: X ray image stacks have been made
      using a new designed test device which contains structures for measuring MTF,
      NPS, the 3 D accuracy and the Hounsfield calibration (jaw or skull program). The
      image stacks of the transversal images were analyzed with a dedicated computer
      program. RESULTS: The MTF values are correlated with the physical resolution (CT
      and DVT) and are influenced by the used Kernel (CT). The NPS values are limited
      to an intra system comparison due to the insufficient HU accuracy. The 3 D
      accuracy is comparable in between the system types. CONCLUSIONS: The values of
      image quality are not yet correlated with dose values: NPS. Investigations to an
      appropriate dosimetry are ongoing to establish the ratio between dose and image
      quality (ALARA principle). No fundamental difference between the systems can be
      stated in respect radio therapeutic planning: improper HU calibration accuracy in
      CBCT and DVT units. The geometric 3 D accuracy of high performance DVT systems is
      greater than that of CT Systems.

PMID- 22076797
TI  - [Carotid artery agenesis: anatomic normal variant or a risk for the patient?].

PMID- 22076798
TI  - Synthesis of 5-alkyl[3,4-c]thienopyrrole-4,6-dione-based polymers by direct
      heteroarylation.

PMID- 22076799
TI  - Improvement in survival during the past 4 decades among patients with anterior
      skull base cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine the trends in survival of
      patients with anterior skull base cancer over several decades and to identify
      time-related changes in the demographic and clinical characteristics of this
      population. METHODS: In all, 282 patients who underwent craniofacial resection at
      Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Tel Aviv Medical Center were studied.
      Patients were categorized in accord with the period of surgery: early (1973-1984,
      n = 34), intermediate (1985-1996, n = 72), and later (1997-2008, n = 176).
      RESULTS: Patients operated after 1996 had higher rates of comorbidity, dural and
      pterygopalatine invasion, and multicompartmental involvement than those operated
      before 1996 (p <= .001). There was a significant improvement in 5-year overall
      and disease-specific survival, from 55% and 57%, respectively, for patients
      operated before 1996, to 66% and 70%, respectively, for those operated after 1996
      (p = .02 and p = .006, respectively). On multivariate analysis, surgery after
      1996 was an independent predictor of outcome (HR, 0.39, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      The survival of patients with anterior skull base cancer is improving. Surgery
      after 1996 is an independent prognostic factor for an improved outcome.

PMID- 22076801
TI  - Glycotranscriptome study reveals an enzymatic switch modulating glycosaminoglycan
      synthesis during B-cell development and activation.
AB  - B-cell fate and responses are modulated by soluble mediators and direct cellular
      interactions. Migration properties also vary during differentiation, commitment
      and activation. In many cells, modulation of responses to stimuli involves cell
      surface glycans, whose architecture depends on the simultaneous expression of
      multiple enzymes. By looking at the glycosylation-related gene expression
      patterns among B-cell populations, we determined in this study that the strongest
      variations were observed for CSGalNAcT-1 and EXTL1. These are enzymes involved in
      the biosynthesis of alternative forms of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), namely
      chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate, respectively. These two enzymes showed
      inverse fluctuations in progenitors, resting B cells and activated B cells,
      suggesting a developmentally regulated switch between chondroitin and heparan
      sulfate synthesis. To explore whether these variations contributed to optimal B
      cell differentiation, we overexpressed EXTL1 in the B-cell lineage of transgenic
      mice, yielding a partial differentiation blockade at the pro-B to pre-B
      transition. In the periphery, this defect was almost fully compensated for in
      vivo, with normal-size B-cell compartments and normal serum immunoglobulin levels
      in the transgenic EXTL1 mice. The peripheral B cells from EXTL1 transgenics were
      only affected with regard to their in vitro responses to polyclonal activation,
      showing reduced proliferation. Together the data suggest that despite their low
      amounts in lymphocytes, the heparan sulfate chains decorating the endogenous GAGs
      appear to be regulators of B-cell physiology.

PMID- 22076800
TI  - Suppression of calbindin-D28k expression exacerbates SCA1 phenotype in a disease
      mouse model.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurological
      disorder caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the mutant protein
      ataxin-1. The cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are the major targets of mutant
      ataxin-1. The mechanism of PC death in SCA1 is not known; however, previous work
      indicates that downregulation of specific proteins involved in calcium
      homeostasis and signaling by mutant ataxin-1 is the probable cause of PC
      degeneration in SCA1. In this study, we explored if targeted deprivation of PC
      specific calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k (CaB) exacerbates ataxin-1
      mediated toxicity in SCA1 transgenic (Tg) mice. Using behavioral tests, we found
      that though both SCA1/+ and SCA1/+: CaB null (-/+) double mutants exhibited
      progressive impaired performance on the rotating rod, a simultaneous enhancement
      of exploratory activity, and absence of deficits in coordination, the double
      mutants were more severely impaired than SCA1/+ mice. With increasing age, SCA1/+
      mice showed a progressive loss in the expression and localization of CaB and
      other PC specific calcium-binding and signaling proteins. In double mutants,
      these changes were more pronounced and had an earlier onset. Gene expression
      profiling of young mice exhibiting no behavior or biochemical deficits revealed a
      differential expression of many genes common to SCA1/+ and CaB-/+ lines, and
      unique to SCA1/+: CaB-/+ phenotype. Our study provides further evidence for a
      critical role of CaB in SCA1 pathogenesis, which may help identify new
      therapeutic targets to treat SCA1 or other cerebellar ataxias.

PMID- 22076802
TI  - Microfluidic synthesis of tunable poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) microparticles via
      PEG adjustment.
AB  - We present a microfluidic droplet method to synthesize a series of tunable poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microparticles by the addition of polyethylene
      glycols (PEGs). The PEGs are used as porogens and could be removed simply by
      washing step. By varying molecular weights and concentrations of the PEGs,
      morphologies and temperature-sensitive properties of the formed PNIPAM
      microparticles are flexibly tuned. It is found that PEG of lower molecular weight
      induces smaller micropore sizes, and results in faster response rate. The volume
      changes prior to and after shrinkage can also be regulated by the addition of
      PEGs due to tuned homogeneities of micropores. The microparticles tuned by
      PEG1000 with ratio of added PEGs to NIPAM of 2:1 respond the fastest (120 s),
      whereas with ratio of added PEGs to NIPAM of 1:1 display largest volume change
      (1/gamma=12.12). This simplicity and controllability of tunable microparticles
      synthesis are appealing for various applications ranging from chemical delivery,
      drug release control, to optical applications.

PMID- 22076803
TI  - Host-guest geometry in pores of zeolite ZSM-5 spatially resolved with multiplex
      CARS spectromicroscopy.

PMID- 22076804
TI  - [Right coronary artery arising from the left coronary sinus with interarterial
      course in an asymptomatic newborn].

PMID- 22076805
TI  - A search for SNCA 3' UTR variants identified SNP rs356165 as a determinant of
      disease risk and onset age in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA) polymorphisms have been associated with the common
      sporadic form of Parkinson's disease (PD). We searched for DNA variants at the
      SNCA 3' UTR through single strand conformation analysis and direct sequencing in
      a cohort of Spanish PD patients and controls. We have genotyped the rs356165 SNCA
      3' UTR polymorphism in a total of 1,135 PD patients and 772 healthy controls from
      two Spanish cohorts (Asturias and Navarre). We identified six SNCA 3' UTR
      variants. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs356165 was significantly
      associated with PD risk in the Spanish cohort (p = 0.0001; odd ratio = 1.37,
      95%CI = 1.19-1.58). This SNP was also significantly associated with early age at
      onset of PD. Our work highlights rs356165 as an important determinant of the risk
      of developing PD and early age at onset and encourages future research to
      identify a functional effect on SNCA expression.

PMID- 22076807
TI  - Well-dispersed bi-component-active CoO/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites with tunable
      performances as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - CoO/CoFe(2)O(4) nanocomposites, derived from scalably prepared CoFe-layered
      double hydroxide (CoFe-LDH) single-resource precursors, exhibit tunable cycle
      performances and rate capabilities, which are supported by the homogenous
      dispersion of bi-component active CoO and CoFe(2)O(4) phases.

PMID- 22076806
TI  - Independent association of serum retinol and beta-carotene levels with
      hyperuricemia: A national population study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uses of synthetic vitamin A derivatives (e.g., isotretinoin used for
      severe acne) and high doses of preformed vitamin A have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of hyperuricemia and gout, whereas a trial reported that beta
      carotene may lower serum uric acid (UA) levels. We evaluated the potential
      population impact of these factors on serum UA in a nationally representative
      sample of US adults. METHODS: Using data from 14,349 participants ages >=20 years
      in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994), we
      examined the relationship between serum retinol, beta-carotene, and UA levels
      using weighted linear regression. Additionally, we examined the relationship with
      hyperuricemia using weighted logistic regression. RESULTS: Serum UA levels
      increased linearly with increasing serum retinol levels, whereas serum UA levels
      decreased with increasing serum beta-carotene levels. After adjusting for age,
      sex, dietary factors, and other potential confounders, the serum UA level
      differences from the bottom (referent) to the top quintiles of serum retinol
      levels were 0, 0.16, 0.32, 0.43, and 0.71 mg/dl (P for trend <0.001), and for
      beta-carotene were 0, -0.15, -0.29, -0.27, and -0.40 mg/dl (P for trend <0.001),
      respectively. Similarly, the multivariate odds ratios of hyperuricemia from the
      bottom (referent) to top quintiles of serum retinol levels were 1.00, 1.30, 1.83,
      2.09, and 3.22 (P for trend <0.001) and for beta-carotene were 1.00, 0.85, 0.68,
      0.73, and 0.54 (P for trend <0.001), respectively. The graded associations
      persisted across subgroups according to cross-classification by both serum
      retinol and beta-carotene levels. CONCLUSION: These nationally representative
      data raise concerns that vitamin A supplementation and food fortification may
      contribute to the high frequency of hyperuricemia in the US population, whereas
      beta-carotene intake may be beneficial against hyperuricemia. The use of beta
      carotene as a novel preventive treatment for gout deserves further investigation.

PMID- 22076808
TI  - Impairment of executive performance after transcranial magnetic modulation of the
      left dorsal frontal-striatal circuit.
AB  - The dorsal frontal-striatal circuit is implicated in executive functions, such as
      planning. The Tower of London task, a planning task, in combination with off-line
      low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), was used to
      investigate whether interfering with dorsolateral prefrontal function would
      modulate executive performance, mimicking dorsal frontal-striatal dysfunction as
      found in neuropsychiatric disorders. Eleven healthy controls (seven females; mean
      age 25.5 years) were entered in a cross-over design: two single-session
      treatments of low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS (vs. sham rTMS) for 20 min on the left
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Directly following the off-line rTMS
      treatment, the Tower of London task was performed during MRI measurements. The
      low-frequency rTMS treatment impaired performance, but only when the subjects had
      not performed the task before: we found a TMS condition-by-order effect, such
      that real TMS treatment in the first session led to significantly more errors (P
      = 0.032), whereas this TMS effect was not present in subjects who received real
      TMS in the second session. At the neural level, rTMS resulted in decreased
      activation during the rTMS versus sham condition in prefrontal brain regions
      (i.e., premotor, dorsolateral prefrontal and anterior prefrontal cortices) and
      visuospatial brain regions (i.e., precuneus/cuneus and inferior parietal cortex).
      The results show that low-frequency off-line rTMS on the DLPFC resulted in
      decreased task-related activations in the frontal and visuospatial regions during
      the performance of the Tower of London task, with a behavioral effect only when
      task experience is limited.

PMID- 22076809
TI  - Unexpected influence of stereochemistry on the cytotoxicity of highly efficient
      Ti(IV) salan complexes: new mechanistic insights.
AB  - The effect of stereochemistry on the cytotoxicity of highly active and
      hydrolytically stable N-methylated Ti(IV)  salan complexes is reported. Four
      bis(isopropoxo) complexes incorporating N-methylated salan ligands with different
      aromatic substitution patterns have been prepared in racemic and optically active
      forms for the first time by ligand-to-metal chiral induction from trans
      diaminocyclohexyl-based chiral ligands. The configuration of the metal center
      that derives from that of the ligand has an enormous influence on cytotoxicity,
      with the racemic mixture mostly being more active than the single enantiomers
      that are of either similar or different activity. This implies that the active
      species is a salan-bound heterochiral polynuclear compound, interacting with a
      chiral target. Four additional complexes of achiral salan and chiral labile sec
      butoxo ligands, analyzed as racemic and as homochiral, revealed no influence of
      stereochemistry, supporting early dissociation of the labile ligands to give the
      polynuclear products.

PMID- 22076810
TI  - Comparative impact of an anthranilic diamide and other insecticidal chemistries
      on beneficial invertebrates and ecosystem services in turfgrass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlorantraniliprole, the first anthranilic diamide insecticide
      labeled for turf, combines strong selective activity against key pests with low
      vertebrate toxicity. The hypothesis that it is less disruptive to beneficial
      invertebrates and their ecosystem services than are other prevailing insecticide
      classes was tested. Plots in golf course settings were treated with
      chlorantraniliprole, or with a representative nicotinoid (clothianidin),
      pyethroid (bifenthrin) or a combination (clothianidin-bifenthrin) formulation.
      Non-target effects were assessed via pitfall traps (epigeal predators), Tullgren
      funnel extraction (soil microarthropods), hand sorting (earthworms), counting ant
      mounds and earthworm casts on tees and putting greens, assessing predation on
      sentinel pest eggs and comparing grass clipping decomposition in treated versus
      untreated turf. RESULTS: Chlorantraniliprole had little or, in most cases, no
      impact on predatory or soil invertebrates, predation or decomposition. Each of
      the other insecticides temporarily reduced abundance and activity of one or more
      predator groups. Clothianidin and the clothianidin-bifenthrin combination
      retarded grass clipping decomposition, and the combination suppressed earthworms
      and casts more than did carbaryl, a toxic standard. CONCLUSION:
      Chlorantraniliprole is compatible with conservation biocontrol and a good fit for
      industry initiatives to use relatively less toxic pesticides. One caveat is that
      its use on golf courses may require targeted management of ant mounds and
      earthworm casts that are suppressed as a side effect by some less selective
      insecticides.

PMID- 22076811
TI  - Dosimetric comparison of three different external beam whole breast irradiation
      techniques.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetries of three
      different external beam whole breast radiotherapy techniques: two-dimensional RT
      (2D-RT), three-dimensional conformal RT (3D-CRT), and field-in-field intensity
      modulated RT (FiF-IMRT). In addition, we aimed to evaluate the patients who
      needed more or less complex treatment modalities. METHODS: Thirty patients were
      included in the study. All the patients had early-stage breast cancer and
      conserving surgery had been performed. Plans that employed the three techniques
      were generated for each patient. Dosimetric comparisons were conducted, and
      correlations with patient characteristics and dosimetric outcomes were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The 2D-RT technique was found to be suboptimal for treating the intact
      breast. Its dose homogeneity index (DHI) was 20.68. The authors were unable to
      define a patient characteristic in which 2D-RT dosimetry would perform better.
      FiF-IMRT was found to be the superior technique with a better homogeneity in the
      breast (DHI=9.35 and P=0.000002 when compared to 3D-CRT). When compared according
      to patient characteristics, again the FiF-IMRT planning is the best for all
      subgroups, but the DHI gets worse by increased breast volume and separation.
      While FiF-IMRT achieves better DHI in the breast, it has little effect on heart
      and lung doses. But the normal tissues' volume (cc) that gets the 100% of the
      prescribed dose (V100) was lowered because of the treatment without wedges and
      scatter and with less monitor unit. CONCLUSIONS: 2D-RT could not be performed
      safely on the intact breast in any of the subgroups. FiF-IMRT is a superior
      technique for breast dosimetry, and normal tissue. For patients with large breast
      size or separation, further intensive techniques must be investigated.

PMID- 22076812
TI  - Stereotactic body radiation therapy for locally recurrent, previously irradiated
      nonsquamous cell cancers of the head and neck.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a promising
      salvage strategy for patients with recurrent, previously irradiated head and neck
      cancer; however, data are limited predominantly to squamous cell carcinomas.
      Herein, we report the efficacy of SBRT in recurrent, nonsquamous cell cancers of
      the head and neck (NSCHNs). METHODS: In all, 34 patients with pathologically
      proven NSCHN were re-irradiated with SBRT to a median dose of 40 Gy in 5
      fractions (interquartile range, 30-44 Gy). Toxicity and quality of life were
      followed prospectively. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 10 months (absolute range,
      0-55 months). The 6-month/1-year local control rate was 77/59%, with a 6-month/1
      year overall survival of 76/59%. Local control was significantly improved for
      tumors <25 mL (p = .030). Acute/late grade 3 toxicity was 15/6%, with no grade 4
      5 toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT for previously irradiated, locally recurrent NSCHN
      provides promising local control, especially for tumors <25 mL, with minimal
      toxicity. The optimal dose for larger tumors remains to be defined.

PMID- 22076813
TI  - Microfabricated particulate drug-delivery systems.
AB  - Micro- and nanoparticulate drug-delivery systems (DDSs) play a significant role
      in formulation sciences. Most particulate DDSs are scaffold-free, although some
      particles are encapsulated inside other biomaterials for controlled release.
      Despite rapid progress in recent years, challenges still remain in controlling
      the homogenicity of micro-/nanoparticles, especially for two crucial factors in
      particulate DDSs: the size and shape of the particles. Recent approaches make use
      of microfabrication techniques to generate micro-/nanoparticles with highly
      controllable architectures free of scaffolds. This review presents an overview of
      a burgeoning field of DDSs, which can potentially overcome some drawbacks of
      conventional techniques for particle fabrication and offer better control of
      particulate DDSs.

PMID- 22076815
TI  - New functionalities in the GROMOS biomolecular simulation software.
AB  - Since the most recent description of the functionalities of the GROMOS software
      for biomolecular simulation in 2005 many new functions have been implemented. In
      this article, the new functionalities that involve modified forces in a molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulation are described: the treatment of electronic
      polarizability, an implicit surface area and internal volume solvation term to
      calculate interatomic forces, functions for the GROMOS coarse-grained
      supramolecular force field, a multiplicative switching function for nonbonded
      interactions, adiabatic decoupling of a number of degrees of freedom with
      temperature or force scaling to enhance sampling, and nonequilibrium MD to
      calculate the dielectric permittivity or viscosity. Examples that illustrate the
      use of these functionalities are given.

PMID- 22076814
TI  - CCL2: a potential prognostic marker and target of anti-inflammatory strategy in
      HIV/AIDS pathogenesis.
AB  - Chemokines are critical components of the immune system that participate in
      immune homeostasis and alterations in chemokine balance can result in severe
      inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The role of chemokines and their receptors
      in viral infections including HIV-1 was predicted from the early studies of HIV-1
      co-receptor CCR5 and its ligands and a divergent role of C-C chemokines in HIV-1
      pathogenesis has been established. For example, CCL3 (MIP-1alpha), CCL4 (MIP
      1beta) and CCL5 (RANTES) have been shown to possess antiviral effects by binding
      to the HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5, whereas CCL2, a pro-inflammatory chemokine,
      supports HIV-1 replication despite being a member of same chemokine family.
      Furthermore, the well-established role of CCL2 in driving the Th2 immune response
      supports its potential role in HIV-1/AIDS. Recent reports suggest multiple
      pathways of CCL2 affect HIV-1 infection. In this review, we provide a
      comprehensive overview of the role and potential mechanisms of the HIV-1-CCL2
      interplay in driving virus-induced immuno-pathology, suggesting that CCL2 could
      be an anti-inflammatory target in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 22076816
TI  - A new fluorescent PET probe for hydrogen peroxide and its use in enzymatic assays
      for L-lactate and D-glucose.
AB  - We present a new probe for the determination of hydrogen peroxide (HP). It is
      based on the yellow fluorophore 4-amino-1,8-napththalimide, coupled to p
      anisidine (as a redox-active group) to form a probe that is based on photoinduced
      electron transfer (PET). The preparation of the probe (which we refer to as "HP
      Green") was accomplished in four steps with good yield. Its fluorescence is
      independent of pH in the physiological range and quenched by a PET process that
      occurs between the p-anisidine redox moiety and the naphthalimide luminophore. If
      the p-anisidine group is oxidized by HP, PET is suppressed and fluorescence
      intensity is strongly increased. Addition of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)
      enhances the oxidation of HP Green and further improves the detection limit of
      HP. The use of HRP and HP Green enables the determination of HP concentration in
      a range of 0.1 to 5 MUM, with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 64 nM (16 pmol
      per well in microtiter plates). HP Green and HRP also enable sensitive enzymatic
      assays of oxidase substrates in a kinetic format, as shown for L-lactate and D
      glucose. L-Lactate concentration can be rapidly determined between 0.5 and 10 MUM
      after 6 minutes of incubation at 30  degrees C, with an LOD of 164 nm (41 pmol
      per well). This LOD is more than sixfold lower than that of the best commercial
      assays for lactate. The detection range for D-glucose is 2 to 30 MUm, and the LOD
      is 644 nM (161 pmol per well). These are among the lowest concentrations
      detectable for oxidase-based assays. The hexanoic acid moiety in HP Green may be
      further used to immobilize the probe in order to obtain sensor layers for
      continuous assays.

PMID- 22076818
TI  - Surface acoustic wave sensing of linear alcohols using para-acylcalix[n]arenes.
AB  - para-Hexanoylcalix[4, 6 or 8]arenes have been used as surface acoustic wave
      sensor capture layers showing a high efficiency for the detection of linear
      alcohols, with high reproducibility and rapid response times.

PMID- 22076819
TI  - Practical approach to screening for scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial
      hypertension.

PMID- 22076820
TI  - Toxicity and horizontal transfer of chlorantraniliprole against the Asian
      subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann): effects of donor:recipient
      ratio, exposure duration and soil type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of chlorantraniliprole and other insecticides
      (bifenthrin, fipronil, indoxacarb, imidacloprid and chlorfenapyr) were tested
      against Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann). Four experiments were conducted: a topical
      bioassay, a horizontal transfer study, an insecticide bioavailability test and a
      feeding bioassay. RESULTS: The topical bioassay showed that chlorantraniliprole
      was significantly less active to C. gestroi at 24 h post-treatment compared with
      the other insecticides tested. Nevertheless, it is likely that a lesser amount of
      chlorantraniliprole was required to cause 50% mortality of C. gestroi at 7 and 14
      days post-treatment. The exposure duration and donor:recipient ratio affect the
      mortality of recipient termites. Mortality after exposure to chlorantraniliprole
      in sandy clay was significantly lower than in sand; however, by 14 days, > 90% of
      donor and recipient termites died in both substrates, irrespective of
      concentration. Fipronil and imidacloprid showed faster action, and high to
      moderate toxicity to C. gestroi. Termite workers also ceased to feed after
      exposure for 1 h to 50 mg kg(-1) chlorantraniliprole-treated sandy clay.
      CONCLUSION: Chlorantraniliprole demonstrated delayed toxicity at the lowest label
      rate (50 mg kg(-1) ) in sandy clay. Its slow action will enable greater transfer
      of toxicant between nestmates, while feeding cessation will promote greater
      social interaction between healthy and exposed termites.

PMID- 22076821
TI  - Catalytic 1,3-difunctionalisation of organic backbones through a highly
      stereoselective, one-pot, boron conjugate-addition/reduction/oxidation process.
AB  - A simple one-pot, three-step synthetic route to chiral 1,3-amino alcohols and 1,3
      diols has been established. Considering the overall stereocontrol of the
      synthetic protocol, the first and key step is an enantioselective beta-boration
      of alpha,beta-unsaturated imines and ketones, respectively. The
      enantioselectivity provided by the Cu(I) catalyst modified with Josiphos- and
      Mandyphos-type ligands has been examined. The oxidative substitution of the boryl
      unit with a hydroxyl group proceeds with complete retention of configuration at
      the C(beta)-atom. In parallel, the stoichiometric reduction of the imino or
      carbonyl group provides a second stereogenic centre. Depending on the nature of
      the reducing reagent, exceptionally high diastereoselectivity is achieved,
      especially for syn-1,3-amino alcohols and 1,3-diols.

PMID- 22076822
TI  - An endoscopic endonsal transethmoidal approach to olfactory groove meningioma.

PMID- 22076823
TI  - Functional brain connectivity at rest changes after working memory training.
AB  - Networks of functional connectivity are highly consistent across participants,
      suggesting that functional connectivity is for a large part predetermined.
      However, several studies have shown that functional connectivity may change
      depending on instructions or previous experience. In the present study, we
      investigated whether 6 weeks of practice with a working memory task changes
      functional connectivity during a resting period preceding the task. We focused on
      two task-relevant networks, the frontoparietal network and the default network,
      using seed regions in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and the medial
      prefrontal cortex (PFC), respectively. After practice, young adults showed
      increased functional connectivity between the right MFG and other regions of the
      frontoparietal network, including bilateral superior frontal gyrus, paracingulate
      gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, they showed reduced functional
      connectivity between the medial PFC and right posterior middle temporal gyrus.
      Moreover, a regression with performance changes revealed a positive relation
      between performance increases and changes of frontoparietal connectivity, and a
      negative relation between performance increases and changes of default network
      connectivity. Next, to study whether experience-dependent effects would be
      different during development, we also examined practice effects in a pilot sample
      of 12-year-old children. No practice effects were found in this group, suggesting
      that practice-related changes of functional connectivity are age-dependent.
      Nevertheless, future studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm this
      hypothesis.

PMID- 22076824
TI  - Resolution adapted finite element modeling of radio frequency interactions on
      conductive resonant structures in MRI.
AB  - Prediction of interactions between the radiofrequency electromagnetic field in
      magnetic resonance scanners and electrically conductive material surrounded by
      tissue plays an increasing role for magnetic resonance safety. Testing of
      conductive implants or instruments is usually performed by standardized
      experimental setups and temperature measurements at distinct geometrical points,
      which cannot always reflect worst-case situations. A finite element method based
      on Matlab (The Mathworks, Natick, MA) and the finite element method program
      Comsol Multiphysics (Stockholm, Sweden) with a spatially highly variable mesh
      size solving Maxwell's full-wave equations was applied for a comprehensive
      simulation of the complete geometrical arrangement of typical birdcage
      radiofrequency coils loaded with small conductive structures in a homogenous
      medium. Conductive implants like rods of variable length and closed and open ring
      structures, partly exhibiting electromagnetic resonance behavior, were modeled
      and evaluated regarding the distribution of the B(1)- and E-field, induced
      currents and specific absorption rates. Numerical simulations corresponded well
      with experiments using a spin-echo sequence for visualization of marked B(1)
      field inhomogeneities. Even resonance effects in conductive rods and open rings
      with suitable geometry were depicted accurately. The proposed method has high
      potential for complementation or even replacement of common experimental magnetic
      resonance compatibility measurements.

PMID- 22076826
TI  - Quantitative relationship between coronary artery calcium score and hyperemic
      myocardial blood flow as assessed by hybrid 15O-water PET/CT imaging in patients
      evaluated for coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incremental value of CAC over traditional risk factors to predict
      coronary vasodilator dysfunction and inherent myocardial blood flow (MBF)
      impairment is only scarcely documented (MBF). The aim of this study was therefore
      to evaluate the relationship between CAC content, hyperemic MBF, and coronary
      flow reserve (CFR) in patients undergoing hybrid (15)O-water PET/CT imaging.
      METHODS: We evaluated 173 (mean age 56 +/- 10, 78 men) patients with a low to
      intermediate likelihood for coronary artery disease (CAD), without a documented
      history of CAD, undergoing vasodilator stress (15)O-water PET/CT and CAC scoring.
      Obstructive coronary artery disease was excluded by means of invasive (n = 44) or
      CT-based coronary angiography (n = 129). RESULTS: 91 of 173 patients (52%) had a
      CAC score of zero. Of those with CAC, the CAC score was 0.1-99.9, 100-399.9, and
      >=400 in 31%, 12%, and 5% of patients, respectively. Global CAC score showed
      significant inverse correlation with hyperemic MBF (r = -0.32, P < .001). With
      increasing CAC score, there was a decline in hyperemic MBF on a per-patient basis
      [3.70, 3.30, 2.68, and 2.53 mL . min(-1) . g(-1), with total CAC score of 0, 0.1
      99.9, 100-399.9, and >=400, respectively (P < .001)]. CFR showed a stepwise
      decline with increasing levels of CAC (3.70, 3.32, 2.94, and 2.93, P < .05).
      Multivariate analysis, including age, BMI, and CAD risk factors, revealed that
      only age, male gender, BMI, and hypercholesterolemia were associated with reduced
      stress perfusion. Furthermore, only diabetes and age were independently
      associated with CFR. CONCLUSION: In patients without significant obstructive CAD,
      a greater CAC burden is associated with a decreased hyperemic MBF and CFR.
      However, this association disappeared after adjustment for traditional CAD risk
      factors. These results suggest that CAC does not add incremental value regarding
      hyperemic MBF and CFR over established CAD risk factors in patients without
      obstructive CAD.

PMID- 22076827
TI  - Relationship between paraglottic space invasion and cervical lymph node
      metastasis in patients undergoing supracricoid partial laryngectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between paraglottic space (PGS)
      invasion and lymph node metastasis in patients undergoing supracricoid partial
      laryngectomy. METHODS: The study included 98 subjects with squamous cell
      carcinoma of the glottis. RESULTS: The PGS invasion rate was 60.2% (59/98), and a
      significant correlation was found between PGS invasion and cervical lymph node
      metastasis (p = .022). Fifteen of the 59 patients (25.4%) with PGS invasion, only
      3 of the 39 patients (7.7%) without any evidence of PGS invasion had lymph node
      metastasis. Furthermore, a significant correlation was also found between PGS
      invasion and T classification (p < .001), vocal cord mobility (p < .001), and
      subglottic extension (p = .014), and patients with no evidence of PGS invasion
      possibly had a survival benefit (5-year disease-specific survival rate, 84% vs
      64%; p = .118). CONCLUSION: This study shows that PGS invasion is significantly
      related to cervical lymph node metastasis in patients undergoing supracricoid
      partial laryngectomy.

PMID- 22076828
TI  - The ribosomal exit tunnel as a target for optimizing protein expression in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - The folding of many cellular proteins occurs co-translationally immediately
      outside the ribosome exit tunnel, where ribosomal proteins and other associated
      factors coordinate the synthesis and folding of newly translated polypeptides.
      Here, we show that the large subunit protein L29, which forms part of the exit
      tunnel in Escherichia coli, is required for the productive synthesis of an array
      of structurally diverse recombinant proteins including the green fluorescent
      protein (GFP) and an intracellular single-chain Fv antibody. Surprisingly, the
      corresponding mRNA transcript level of these proteins was markedly less abundant
      in cells lacking L29, suggesting an unexpected regulatory mechanism that links
      defects in the exit tunnel to the expression of genetic information. To further
      highlight the importance of L29 in maintaining protein expression, we used
      mutagenesis and selection to obtain L29 variants that enhanced GFP expression.
      Overall, our results suggest that the ribosomal exit tunnel proteins may be key
      targets for optimizing the overproduction of active, structurally complex
      recombinant proteins in bacterial cells.

PMID- 22076829
TI  - Synthetic virus-like particles and conformationally constrained peptidomimetics
      in vaccine design.
AB  - Conformationally constrained peptidomimetics could be of great value in the
      design of vaccines targeting protective epitopes on viral and bacterial
      pathogens. But the poor immunogenicity of small synthetic molecules represents a
      serious obstacle for their use in vaccine development. Here, we show how a
      constrained epitope mimetic can be rendered highly immunogenic through
      multivalent display on the surface of synthetic virus-like nanoparticles. The
      target epitope is the V3 loop from the gp120 glycoprotein of HIV-1 bound to the
      neutralizing antibody F425-B4e8. The antibody-bound V3 loop adopts a beta-hairpin
      conformation, which is effectively stabilized by transplantation onto a D-Pro-L
      Pro template. The resulting mimetic after coupling to synthetic virus-like
      particles elicited antibodies in rabbits that recognized recombinant gp120. The
      elicited antibodies also blocked infection by the neutralization sensitive tier-1
      strain MN of HIV-1, as well as engineered viruses with the V1V2 loop deleted;
      this result is consistent with screening of V3 by the V1V2 loop in intact
      trimeric viral gp120 spikes. The results provide new insights into HIV-1 vaccine
      design based on the V3 loop, and illustrate how knowledge from structural biology
      can be exploited for the design of constrained epitope mimetics, which can be
      delivered to the immune system by using a highly immunogenic synthetic
      nanoparticle delivery system.

PMID- 22076830
TI  - Efficient synthesis of biazoles by aerobic oxidative homocoupling of azoles
      catalyzed by a copper(I)/2-pyridonate catalytic system.
AB  - A highly efficient and convenient CuCl/2-pyridonate catalytic system for
      oxidative homocoupling of azoles affording a biazole product has been developed.
      With this system, a variety of biazoles have been effectively synthesized in good
      to excellent yields in the presence of a very small amount of copper catalyst
      (1.0 mol%). It was feasible to employ air as a green oxidant.

PMID- 22076831
TI  - Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in G+/G- bacteremia in pediatric hematology/oncology
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of infection and appropriate choice of antibiotics
      are essential not only to improve the prognosis of the patients but also to
      prevent from the abuse of the antibiotics in hematology/oncology children at the
      time of neutropenia after intensive chemotherapy. PROCEDURE: We evaluated the
      quantification of Th1/Th2 cytokines with flow cytometry bead assay (CBA) in 145
      hospitalized febrile hematology/oncology children with positive blood culture to
      seek for a rapid diagnostic method to determine the type of infection. RESULTS:
      IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma levels from both G- and G+ bacteremia
      groups were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.001). The median
      levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha of Group G- were 525.4, 96.0, and 6.9 pg/ml,
      respectively, significantly higher than those of Group G+ (150.0, 22.6, and 4.5
      pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.001). According to the different degrees of increased
      IL-6 and IL-10 levels, we named the G- bacterial infection related cytokine
      profile G- BIRCP and the G+ BIRCP. The specificity and sensitivity of BIRCP
      prediction for G- and G+ bacteria cultures were 60.2% and 75.4%, 66.8% and 70.1%,
      respectively. Similar therapeutic efficacy was achieved between BIRCP-based and
      broad-spectrum antibiotics groups (86.1% vs. 89.3%, P > 0.05), which was
      significantly increased as compared with that (65.5%, P < 0.05) of empirical
      group. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed the promising use of the IL-6/IL-10/TNF
      alpha determination with CBA technology for the early and rapid diagnosis,
      evaluation of G+/G- bacteremia in pediatric hematology/oncology patients.

PMID- 22076832
TI  - Therapeutic complications in a patient with high-risk acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia and undiagnosed hereditary hemochromatosis.
AB  - Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal-recessive disorder of iron
      metabolism that most commonly manifests in the fourth or fifth decade of life.
      Here, we describe a 14-year-old male who presented with high-risk acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia and previously undiagnosed HH. His treatment course was
      remarkable for significant therapeutic complications, including iron overload,
      hepatic failure, cardiac dysfunction, and death. Postmortem testing revealed
      homozygosity for the C282Y mutation, confirming the diagnosis of HH. Since HH
      mutations occur commonly in select populations, screening patients with leukemia
      for HH may better inform treatment decisions regarding chemotherapy,
      transfusions, and/or iron chelation therapy.

PMID- 22076833
TI  - Oral low-dose chemotherapy: successful treatment of an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
      during pregnancy.
AB  - We report for the first time the impact of neoadjuvant oral low-dose chemotherapy
      consisting of oral trofosfamide, idarubicin, and etoposide (O-TIE) in the case of
      alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in the lower jaw of an 18-year-old woman at 27
      weeks of gestation, without fetal complications and a highly efficient anti-tumor
      response. Our study suggests the possible application of O-TIE treatment in a
      neoadjuvant setting during pregnancy and recommends a schedule that can be
      considered for the treatment of patients with high-risk sarcomas who cannot be
      treated with intensive chemotherapy for various reasons.

PMID- 22076834
TI  - Health consequences of obesity.
AB  - Epidemiologic studies have established that cardiovascular (CV) risk factors
      including obesity are identifiable in childhood. Childhood risk factors are
      predictive of adult cardiac risk and even premature death [Franks et al. (2010) N
      Engl J Med 362:485-493]. In the United States, CV diseases remains the leading
      causes of death. In fact, heart disease has become the major cause of death
      worldwide, surpassing undernutrition and infectious diseases, largely related to
      obesity in childhood [Wang and Lobstein (2006) Int J Pediatr Obes 1:11-25]. The
      concept that adult heart diseases begin in childhood is an outgrowth of extensive
      long-term epidemiologic studies in youth, that is, the Bogalusa Heart Study
      [Berenson et al. (1986) Causation of cardiovascular risk factors in children:
      Perspectives on cardiovascular risk in early life, Raven Press Books Ltd].

PMID- 22076836
TI  - Influence of discipline of provider and model of care on an arthritis educational
      intervention in primary care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify both provider and organizational characteristics that
      predicted outcomes following an educational intervention (9-hour workshop and
      followup reinforcement activities) developed to improve the management of
      arthritis in primary care. METHODS: Providers completed a survey at baseline and
      at 6 months postworkshop, including a case scenario for early rheumatoid
      arthritis. Providers were asked how they would manage the case and their
      responses were coded to calculate a best practice score, ranging from 0-7. Two
      level hierarchical linear modeling was used to determine which of the measured
      provider and organizational factors predicted best practice scores at followup.
      RESULTS: A total of 275 multidisciplinary providers from 131 organizations
      completed both baseline and followup surveys. Best practice scores increased by
      17% (P < 0.01); however, the mean score at 6-month followup remained relatively
      low (2.68). Significant predictors of best practice scores at followup were
      discipline of provider and model of primary care in which they worked (P < 0.05),
      adjusting for baseline practice scores and clustering of providers within
      organizations. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and rehabilitation therapists
      scored higher than nurses, students, and other health care providers (P < 0.01).
      Physician networks scored significantly lower than providers from
      multidisciplinary-oriented models of care (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These results
      have implications for the education of health professionals and the design of
      models of care to enhance arthritis care delivery.

PMID- 22076835
TI  - The endocannabinoid system: role in energy regulation.
AB  - Cannabis sativa has been used since antiquity to treat many ailments, including
      eating disorders. The primary psychoactive constituent of this plant, Delta(9) 
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an FDA approved medication to treat nausea and
      emesis caused by cancer chemotherapeutic agents as well as to stimulate appetite
      in AIDS patients suffering from cachexia. The effects of THC are mediated through
      the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which promotes a positive energy balance
      through stimulation of appetite as well as shifting homeostatic mechanisms toward
      energy storage. Here we discuss the physiological function of the ECS in energy
      balance and the therapeutic potential of targeting this system.

PMID- 22076837
TI  - A unified strategy for the asymmetric total syntheses of diversonol and lachnone
      C.
AB  - A unified synthetic strategy for the asymmetric syntheses of the natural products
      diversonol and lachnone C was developed by using the domino vinylogous aldol-oxa
      Michael reaction as the enantioselective key step. Further transformations
      include dihydroxylation, lactol-opening by a Wittig-reaction, and lactonization.
      The obtained chromone lactones, a class of mycotoxins, can further be converted
      to tetrahydroxanthones by a Dieckmann condensation. This general method allows
      for the first time the enantioselective access to these classes of natural
      products and should be applicable to other members of the tetrahydroxanthone and
      chromone lactone families.

PMID- 22076838
TI  - NMR study on iridium(III) complexes for identifying disulfonate substituted
      bathophenanthroline regio-isomers.
AB  - A series of novel biscyclometalated iridium (III) complexes with an ancillary
      disulfonated bathophenanthroline (DSBP(2-)) ligand, Ir(L)(2)DSBPNa, L = 2
      phenylpyridine (ppy), 2,4-difluorophenylpyridine (fppy), and 1-phenylisoquinoline
      (piq) were found to have two isomeric forms. The chemical structures of the
      isomers were determined by the one- and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR
      studies. The isomeric state was proved to have originated from the disulfonate
      related regio-isomer of the DSBP(2-) ligand.

PMID- 22076839
TI  - Epidermoid tumor of the cerebellopontine angle presenting with selective sudden
      hearing loss. Intraoperative evidence of a pearl tumor infiltrating and
      compressing the cochlear nerve.
AB  - Epidermoid tumors of the cerebellopontine angle are associated with a variety of
      symptoms, usually attributed to compression and displacement of involved cranial
      nerves. The authors present a case of a large epidermoid tumor in the left
      cerebellopontine angle with sudden hearing loss and tinnitus. The intraoperative
      finding of migration of two tumor pearls into the cochlear nerve was the origin
      of the clinical sign. The patient improved remarkably after removal of the tumor.
      This case demonstrates the mechanism for selective hearing loss associated with
      the large cerebellopontine angle. 

PMID- 22076840
TI  - Common structural correlates of trait impulsiveness and perceptual reasoning in
      adolescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trait impulsiveness is a potential factor that predicts both
      substance use and certain psychiatric disorders. This study investigates whether
      there are common structural cerebral correlates of trait impulsiveness and
      cognitive functioning in a large sample of healthy adolescents from the IMAGEN
      project. METHODS: Clusters of gray matter (GM) volume associated with trait
      impulsiveness, Cloningers' revised temperament, and character inventory
      impulsiveness (TCI-R-I) were identified in a whole brain analysis using optimized
      voxel-based morphometry in 115 healthy 14-year-olds. The clusters were tested for
      correlations with performance on the nonverbal tests (Block Design, BD; Matrix
      Reasoning, MT) of the Wechsler Scale of Intelligence for Children IV reflecting
      perceptual reasoning. RESULTS: Cloningers' impulsiveness (TCI-R-I) score was
      significantly inversely associated with GM volume in left orbitofrontal cortex
      (OFC). Frontal clusters found were positively correlated with performance in
      perceptual reasoning tasks (Bonferroni corrected). No significant correlations
      between TCI-R-I and perceptual reasoning were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The neural
      correlate of trait impulsiveness in the OFC matches an area where brain function
      has previously been related to inhibitory control. Additionally, orbitofrontal GM
      volume was associated with scores for perceptual reasoning. The data show for the
      first time structural correlates of both cognitive functioning and impulsiveness
      in healthy adolescent subjects.

PMID- 22076842
TI  - Unpureeing the tomato: layers of information revealed by microdissection and high
      throughput transcriptome sequencing.

PMID- 22076841
TI  - Comparison of the effects of continuous and pulsatile left ventricular-assist
      devices on ventricular unloading using a cardiac electromechanics model.
AB  - Left ventricular-assist devices (LVADs) are used to supply blood to the body of
      patients with heart failure. Pressure unloading is greater for counter-pulsating
      LVADs than for continuous LVADs. However, several clinical trials have
      demonstrated that myocardial recovery is similar for both types of LVAD. This
      study examined the contractile energy consumption of the myocardium with
      continuous and counter-pulsating LVAD support to ascertain the effect of the
      different LVADs on myocardial recovery. We used a three-dimensional
      electromechanical model of canine ventricles, with models of the circulatory
      system and an LVAD. We compared the left ventricular peak pressure (LVPP) and
      contractile ATP consumption between pulsatile and continuous LVADs. With the
      continuous and counter-pulsating LVAD, the LVPP decreased to 46 and 10%,
      respectively, and contractile ATP consumption decreased to 60 and 50%. The small
      difference between the contractile ATP consumption of these two types of LVAD may
      explain the comparable effects of the two types on myocardial recovery.

PMID- 22076843
TI  - Free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction in solid organ transplant
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck malignancies who have had solid organ
      transplant and require free tissue transfer are a unique population. This study
      was performed to evaluate the effect of immunosuppression on the rate of
      perioperative complications and the success of free tissue transfer in the head
      and neck. METHODS: Complications in solid organ transplant patients undergoing
      free tissue transfer for reconstruction of head and neck malignancies from 1998
      to 2010 were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 22 flaps in 17 patients were
      performed. Eight patients (11 of 22 flaps) had complications. The median hospital
      stay was 6 days (range, 4-26 days). The median length of follow-up was 13.5
      months (range, 3.5-49.9 months). CONCLUSIONS: Solid organ transplant patients are
      at an increased risk of de novo malignancies due to chronic immunosuppression.
      This study demonstrates that free tissue transfer is a viable option in
      transplant patients with morbidity similar to nontransplant patients.

PMID- 22076844
TI  - Screening of cell-penetrating peptides using mRNA display.
AB  - Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are attractive vectors for in vivo and in vitro
      cellular uptake. Their use is, however, limited by insufficient understanding of
      their preference for a target cell. Here, a new CPP screening method is presented
      that uses mRNA display. After incubating the target cell lines, such as human
      embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) and HeLa cells, with an mRNA display library for 3
      h at 37 degrees C, the CPP-mRNA nucleotide conjugates were harvested. These were
      amplified with PCR and subsequently sequenced. The screened CPPs for each cell
      line were identified after four rounds of selection. Among them, two peptides,
      MAMPGEPRRANVMAHKLEPASLQLR NSCA (CPPK) and MAPQRDTVGGRTTPPSWGPAKAQLRNSCA (CPPL)
      were selected, and the FITC-labeled peptides were evaluated for their ability to
      penetrate cells. The screened CPPs were superior to polyarginine (R(11) ), which
      is widely used as a standard peptide and shows good cell penetration efficiency.
      Our method can be applied to other target cells for which CPPs have not yet been
      elucidated.

PMID- 22076845
TI  - A late-stage intermediate in salinomycin biosynthesis is revealed by specific
      mutation in the biosynthetic gene cluster.

PMID- 22076846
TI  - Dihydronaphthyl-based [60]fullerene bisadducts for efficient and stable polymer
      solar cells.
AB  - Dihydronaphthyl-based [60]fullerene bisadduct derivative, NC(60)BA, was
      synthesized at mild temperature in high yield. NC(60)BA not only possesses a LUMO
      energy level 0.16 eV higher than PC(61)BM but also has amorphous nature that can
      overcome thermal-driven crystallization. The fabricated P3HT:NC(60)BA-based
      polymer solar cells exhibit superior photovoltaic performance and thermal
      stability compared to PC(61)BM-based devices under the same conditions.

PMID- 22076847
TI  - Consensus treatments for moderate juvenile dermatomyositis: beyond the first two
      months. Results of the second Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research
      Alliance consensus conference.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To use consensus methods and the considerable expertise contained
      within the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)
      organization to extend the 3 previously developed treatment plans for moderate
      juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) to span the full course of treatment. METHODS: A
      consensus meeting was held in Chicago on April 23-24, 2010, involving 30
      pediatric rheumatologists and 4 lay participants. Nominal group technique was
      used to achieve consensus on treatment plans that represented typical management
      of moderate juvenile DM. A preconference survey of CARRA, completed by 151 (56%)
      of 272 members, was used to provide additional guidance to the discussion.
      RESULTS: Consensus was reached on timing and rate of steroid tapering, duration
      of steroid therapy, and actions to be taken if patients were unchanged,
      worsening, or experiencing medication side effects or disease complications. Of
      particular importance, a single consensus steroid taper was developed.
      CONCLUSION: We were able to develop consensus treatment plans that describe
      therapy for moderate juvenile DM throughout the treatment course. These treatment
      plans can now be used clinically, and data collected prospectively regarding
      treatment effectiveness and toxicity. This will allow comparison of these
      treatment plans and facilitate the development of evidence-based treatment
      recommendations for moderate juvenile DM.

PMID- 22076848
TI  - Polymer coatings that display specific biological signals while preventing
      nonspecific interactions.
AB  - Control over cell-material surface interactions is the key to many new and
      improved biomedical devices. It can only be achieved if interactions that are
      mediated by nonspecifically adsorbed serum proteins are minimized and if cells
      instead respond to specific ligand molecules presented on the surface. Here, we
      present a simple yet effective surface modification method that allows for the
      covalent coupling and presentation of specific biological signals on coatings
      which have significantly reduced nonspecific biointerfacial interactions. To
      achieve this we synthesized bottle brush type copolymers consisting of
      poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and (meth)acrylates providing
      activated NHS ester groups as well as different spacer lengths between the NHS
      groups and the polymer backbone. Copolymers containing different molar ratios of
      these monomers were grafted to amine functionalized polystyrene cell culture
      substrates, followed by the covalent immobilization of the cyclic peptides cRGDfK
      and cRADfK using residual NHS groups. Polymers were characterized by GPC and NMR
      and surface modification steps were analyzed using XPS. The cellular response was
      evaluated using HeLa cell attachment experiments. The results showed strong
      correlations between the effectiveness of the control over biointerfacial
      interactions and the polymer architecture. They also demonstrate that optimized
      fully synthetic copolymer coatings, which can be applied to a wide range of
      substrate materials, provide excellent control over biointerfacial interactions.

PMID- 22076849
TI  - Conjugated polymer-grafted reduced graphene oxide for nonvolatile rewritable
      memory.

PMID- 22076851
TI  - [Psychiatry, an attractive career choice?].

PMID- 22076850
TI  - Annual change in Friedreich's ataxia evaluated by the Scale for the Assessment
      and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is independent of disease severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity to change
      of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (score, 0-40) in
      Friedreich's ataxia. METHODS: This was a follow-up study in adult patients with
      genetically confirmed Friedreich's ataxia evaluated at least twice (minimum
      interval, 6 months). Participants were outpatients at the Center for
      Neurogenetics of the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris. RESULTS: We included 84
      patients; 60% had 3 or more evaluations. The mean score on first assessment was
      22.7 +/- 9, and the mean follow-up was 1.84 +/- 1.10 years. The mean increase was
      1.36 +/- 2.3 points/year; this variation was not significantly linked to factors
      known to influence disease severity such as age at onset, disease duration, GAA
      expansion length, and wheelchair use. CONCLUSIONS: In adult Friedreich's ataxia
      patients the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia can detect annual
      changes independently of disease severity. In future therapeutic trials no
      patient stratification is globally required.

PMID- 22076852
TI  - [Ethnic differences between pre-trial suspected offenders].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Black and minority ethnic (BME) patients with a severe psychiatric
      disorder are compulsory admitted to psychiatric hospitals more often than Dutch
      native patients. AIM: To describe ethnic differences with regard to (1) the
      prevalence of psychiatric disorders, (2) the degree to which 'suspects' are
      considered to be accountable for their actions and (3) recommended treatment for
      reported pre-trial suspects. METHOD: 14,540 pre-trial reports in the Netherlands
      between 2000 and 2006 with a known ethnicity were assessed. Dutch native,
      Western, Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Antillean, and other non-Western
      defendants were compared with chi-square tests and logistic regression models.
      RESULTS: Psychotic and behavioural disorders were more prevalent among bme
      suspects, whereas all other psychiatric disorders occurred less frequently in the
      BME group. Compared to Dutch native suspects, BME suspects were more often deemed
      to be fully accountable for their actions. Antillean, Moroccan, Surinamese, and
      other non-Western suspects were more often recommended for compulsory admission
      to a psychiatric hospital or received no treatment and much less out-patient
      treatment. There were no ethnic differences with regard to the frequency with
      which suspects were recommended for compulsory admission to a penitentiary
      hospital or with regard to medication. CONCLUSION: Compared to Dutch native
      suspects, BME suspects are, on one hand, more often deemed accountable for their
      actions but, on the other hand, are more often recommended for compulsory
      admission to a psychiatric hospital.

PMID- 22076853
TI  - [Mania in late life: bipolar disorder as diagnosis by exclusion].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The underlying cause of mania in later life can be an early- or late
      onset bipolar disorder or it can be a mood disorder arising from a physical
      illness, also known as 'a secondary mania'. Thorough diagnostic tests are needed
      to differentiate between the two types of mania. AIM: To discuss the
      epidemiology, presentation, diagnostic considerations and treatment options when
      a mania develops in later life. METHOD: The literature was studied systematically
      with the help of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, specialist manuals, Dutch
      guidelines and references. RESULTS: So far, research into the incidence and
      prevalence of a mania in later life has been very limited. In making a
      differential diagnosis of this kind of mania the clinician has to consider not
      only the possibility of a bipolar disorder, severe depression or psychosis but
      also the possibility of delirium, dementia or secondary mania. According to some
      researchers, a mania can be caused by various neurological, systemic and
      pharmacological factors. Patients should be given somatic screening, including
      brain imaging. Lithium and antipsychotics are the agents of choice for treating a
      mania occurring as part of a bipolar disorder as well as for treating a secondary
      mania. CONCLUSION: Epidemiologic research into late-onset mania is limited. In
      older patients it is important to identify -or rule out- somatic causes
      (secondary mania, dementia, delirium). Symptomatic treatment is more or less on
      the same lines as the treatment for mania in young adults. In cases of secondary
      mania maintenance treatment is not always necessary, but must be considered if
      risk factors for bipolar disorder are present.

PMID- 22076854
TI  - [The Netherlands Association for Psychiatry: 140 years of lurching between
      differentiation and integration].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last 20 years the Netherlands Association for Psychiatry
      (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Psychiatrie) has undergone fundamental changes, both
      in its internal functioning and in its relationship to society. The 140th
      birthday of the Association is a fitting occasion on which to look back on its
      history. AIM: o give an overview of the Association's importance for psychiatry,
      psychiatrists and psychiatric care and to summarise the aspects that have
      continued those that have changed. METHOD: Primary sources (the Association's
      archives) and additional literature were studied. results: In view of the
      scholarly and professional heterogeneity of the Association it is amazing that
      the members have never really split up into factions, the only exception being
      the neurologists. CONCLUSION: Through out its history the medical identity of the
      Association has been the most important binding factor. Biopsychosocial
      generalism was undoubtedly a premise, although, in fact, major changes in
      emphasis did occur.

PMID- 22076855
TI  - [Conditional shared confidentiality with regard to the exchange of information
      between members of a team or network; ethical advice needs to be updated].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Care-givers not only work as a team, but increasingly they also
      participate in networks. This development represents an ethical challenge to the
      exchange of information and to confidentiality. OBJECTIVE: To revise and update
      earlier advice formulated by the Ethics Committee for Mental Health Care of the
      Brothers of Charity in Flanders, in particular concerning the question of whether
      shared confidentiality can be extended from a team to a network. METHOD: The
      Ethics Committee applied an appropriate method which combined ethical discussion
      and literature research. RESULTS: The earlier advice is no longer adequate
      because of certain practical and theoretical grounds. The Ethics Committee
      chooses to take a positive view of the developing cooperation between care-givers
      and networks. Consequently, the committee proposes shared confidentiality, but
      links this to five conditions: (1) the care-givers should participate in a
      clearly defined and identifiable team or network, (2) they should have a caring
      task in common, (3) they should be pledged to confidentiality, (4) they should
      consult with the patient and obtain his/her informed consent, (5) they should
      apply 'the filter of relevance'. CONCLUSION: Care-givers can exchange information
      with members of a team or network, but this should be done on the basis of
      conditional shared confidentiality.

PMID- 22076856
TI  - [Parents with severe mental illness. Epidemiological data].
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is becoming increasingly clear that people with severe mental
      illness (SMI) are in need of support with parenting. So far, however, little is
      known about how many persons fall into this category. AIM: To estimate how many
      SMI patients aged 18 to 65 are parents with children and how many need help with
      parenting. METHOD: We based our estimate on epidemiological studies and on
      official records and data relating to SMI patients for the year 2009. RESULTS: We
      estimated that 48% of patients with smi had children. The total number of such
      patients for the year 2009 was 68,000; this figure represents 0.9% of the Dutch
      population in the 18-64 age-group. CONCLUSION: Health professionals and carers
      need to be alerted to the fact that almost 50%of the patients with SMI require
      possibly help in fulfilling their parental role. Potential problems in the parent
      child relationship need to be registered in greater details so that more adequate
      care can be provided both at individual level and national level.

PMID- 22076857
TI  - [Contact with the child and adolescent psychiatric services is determined by
      cultural     and socio-economic differences].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands access to mental healthcare is not evenly
      distributed over ethnic groups. Young persons of non-Dutch origin make only
      limited use of Dutch child and adolescent psychiatric services. AIM: To
      investigate to what extent differences in the use of child and adolescent
      psychiatric services are related to ethnic cultural factors or socio-economic
      position. METHOD: On the basis of data from the Rotterdam psychiatric case
      register we calculated the incidence-related risks for different ethnic groups
      and according to income level. Poisson regression analysis enabled us to take
      into account differences in the composition of the groups according to age and
      gender. RESULTS: All ethnic groups have less contact than the native population
      with the psychiatric services, but there is also an effect of income level,
      irrespective of ethnicity. In the native population the number of persons seeking
      assistance from the psychiatric services was found to be higher in lower income
      categories. CONCLUSION: Access to the child and adolescent psychiatric services
      is influenced by both ethnic and socio-cultural differences.

PMID- 22076858
TI  - [Narcolepsy in children with a psychiatric disorder].
AB  - Children with a psychiatric disorder often have sleep problems. To interpret
      these problems correctly one needs to conduct a multimodal investigation at three
      levels: internal, psychiatric and neurological. On the basis of a case study we
      discuss the differential diagnostic considerations for narcolepsy and a
      diagnostic protocol for children.

PMID- 22076859
TI  - [Reaction on: vitamin D deficiency and psychiatric patients].

PMID- 22076860
TI  - Evidence of frontotemporal structural hypoconnectivity in social anxiety
      disorder: A quantitative fiber tractography study.
AB  - Investigation of the brain's white matter fiber tracts in social anxiety disorder
      (SAD) may provide insight into the underlying pathophysiology. Because models of
      pathological anxiety posit altered frontolimbic interactions, the uncinate
      fasciculus (UF) connecting (orbito-) frontal and temporal areas including the
      amygdala is of particular interest. Microstructural alterations in parts of the
      UF have been reported previously, whereas examination of the UF as discrete fiber
      tract with regard to more large-scale properties is still lacking. Diffusion
      tensor imaging was applied in 25 patients with generalized SAD and 25 healthy
      control subjects matched by age and gender. By means of fiber tractography, the
      UF was reconstructed for each participant. The inferior fronto-occipital
      fasciculus (IFOF), originating from the frontal cortex similarly to the UF, was
      additionally included as control tract. Volume and fractional anisotropy (FA)
      were compared between the groups for both tracts. Volume of left and right UF was
      reduced in patients with SAD, reaching statistical significance for the left UF.
      Bilateral IFOF volume was not different between groups. A similar pattern was
      observed for FA. Reduced volume of the left UF in SAD fits well into
      pathophysiological models of anxiety, as it suggests deficient structural
      connectivity between higher-level control areas in the orbitofrontal cortex and
      more basal limbic areas like the amygdala. The results point to a specific role
      of the left UF with regard to altered white matter volume in SAD. However,
      results should be replicated and functional correlates of altered UF volume be
      determined in future studies.

PMID- 22076861
TI  - Evaluating the suitability of planted forests for African forest monkeys: a case
      study from Kakamega forest, Kenya.
AB  - As natural forest cover declines, planted forests have come to occupy an
      increasing percentage of the earth's surface, yet we know little about their
      suitability as alternative habitat for wildlife. Although some primate species
      use planted forests, few studies have compared primate populations in natural and
      nearby planted forests. From March 2006 to July 2010, we conducted line transect
      surveys and assessed group sizes and compositions in natural and nearby 60-70
      year old mixed indigenous planted forest to determine the densities of diurnal
      primate species (Colobus guereza, Cercopithecus mitis, C. ascanius) in these two
      forest types at Isecheno, Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Line transect data were
      analyzed using the Encounter Rate, Whitesides, and Distance sampling methods,
      which all provided broadly consistent results. We found that all three diurnal
      primate species occupy both natural and planted forest at Isecheno. However,
      group densities of the two Cercopithecus species were 42-46% lower in planted
      than in natural forest. Colobus guereza achieved comparable group densities in
      the two forest types, although the species is found in smaller groups, and thus
      at lower (35%) individual density, in planted than in natural forest. Following a
      logging episode in the planted forest mid-way through our study, Cercopithecus
      ascanius group densities fell by 60% while C. mitis and Colobus guereza group
      densities remained stable over the next two years. Overall, our results suggest
      that while primate species vary in their response to habitat disturbance, planted
      forest has the potential to contribute to the conservation of some African monkey
      species. Even for the relatively flexible taxa in our study, however, 60-70 year
      old mixed indigenous planted forest failed to support densities comparable to
      those in nearby natural forest. From the perspective of Kakamega's primates,
      planted forests may supplement natural forest, but are not an adequate
      replacement for it.

PMID- 22076862
TI  - Tracheal intubation in an unanticipated difficult airway by advancing a
      bronchoscope and a tracheal tube introducer through a LMA SupremeTM.

PMID- 22076863
TI  - Histidine affinity tags affect MSP1(42)  structural stability and immunodominance
      in mice.
AB  - Inclusion of affinity tags has greatly facilitated process development for
      protein antigens, primarily for their recovery from complex mixtures. Although
      generally viewed as supportive of product development, affinity tags may have
      unintended consequences on protein solubility, susceptibility to aggregation, and
      immunogenicity. Merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), an erythrocytic stage protein
      of Plasmodium falciparum and a candidate malaria vaccine, was used to evaluate
      the impact of a metal ion affinity-tag on both protein structure and the
      induction of immunity. To this end, codon harmonized gene sequences from the P.
      falciparum MSP1(42)  of FVO and 3D7 parasites were cloned and purified with and
      without a histidine (His) tag. We report on the influence of His-affinity tags on
      protein expression levels, solubility, secondary structure, thermal denaturation,
      aggregation and the impact on humoral and cellular immune responses in mice.
      While the overall immunogenicity induced by His-tagged MSP1(42)  proteins is
      greater, the fine specificity of the humoral and cellular immune responses is
      altered relative to anti-parasitic antibody activity and the breadth of T-cell
      responses. Thus, the usefulness of protein tags may be outweighed by their
      potential impact on structure and function, stressing the need for caution in
      their use. See accompanying commentary by Randolph DOI: 10.1002/biot.201100459.

PMID- 22076864
TI  - Robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy in the treatment of sinonasal mucosal
      melanoma: report of four cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare entity originating from
      melanocytes of the sinonasal mucosa. Postoperative radiotherapy is recommended in
      all cases to increase local control. However, external radiotherapy is rarely
      used as a definitive treatment modality. In this report, we present 4 cases of
      SNMM treated with CyberKnife (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA). METHODS: All patients were
      immobilized with a thermoplastic mask. A planning CT scan with 1-mm thickness was
      obtained, and these images were fused with MRI for the contouring procedure.
      Multiplan (Accuray) inverse planning software was used for treatment planning.
      Robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) was delivered with CyberKnife.
      RESULTS: Median follow-up was 26 months. Three patients had complete response to
      CyberKnife, and 1 patient had partial response. CONCLUSION: Robotic SBRT seems to
      be an appealing treatment option for local control. Effective systemic treatment
      is required to prevent distant metastases.

PMID- 22076865
TI  - A two-color, self-controlled molecular beacon.
AB  - Control yourself! A two-color molecular beacon with non-nucleosidic chromophores
      in a triplex stem is presented. Pyrene and PDI fluorophores act as mutual
      quenchers by formation of a donor-acceptor complex in the closed form.
      Hybridization with the target results in two independent fluorescence signals.
      The two-color read-out provides a "self-control" feature, which helps to
      eliminate false positive signals in imaging and screening applications.

PMID- 22076866
TI  - Quantification of protein interaction in living cells by two-photon spectral
      imaging with fluorescent protein fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair
      devoid of acceptor bleed-through.
AB  - Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent proteins (FPs)
      is a powerful method to visualize and quantify protein-protein interaction in
      living cells. Unfortunately, the emission bleed-through of FPs limits the usage
      of this complex technique. To circumvent undesirable excitation of the acceptor
      fluorophore, using two-photon excitation, we searched for FRET pairs that show
      selective excitation of the donor but not of the acceptor fluorescent molecule.
      We found this property in the fluorescent cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)/yellow
      fluorescent protein (YFP) and YFP/mCherry FRET pairs and performed two-photon
      excited FRET spectral imaging to quantify protein interactions on the later pair
      that shows better spectral discrimination. Applying non-negative matrix
      factorization to unmix two-photon excited spectral imaging data, we were able to
      eliminate the donor bleed-through as well as the autofluorescence. As a result,
      we achieved FRET quantification by means of a single spectral acquisition, making
      the FRET approach not only easy and straightforward but also less prone to
      calculation artifacts. As an application of our approach, the intermolecular
      interaction of amyloid precursor protein and the adaptor protein Fe65 associated
      with Alzheimer's disease was quantified. We believe that the FRET approach using
      two-photon and fluorescent YFP/mCherry pair is a promising method to monitor
      protein interaction in living cells.

PMID- 22076867
TI  - Following aptamer-ricin specific binding by single molecule recognition and force
      spectroscopy measurements.
AB  - Single molecule recognition imaging and dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) analysis
      showed strong binding affinity between an aptamer and ricin, which was comparable
      with antibody-ricin interaction. Molecular simulation showed a ricin binding
      conformation with aptamers and gave different ricin conformations immobilizing on
      substrates that were consistent with AFM images.

PMID- 22076868
TI  - Rates and correlates of sexual activity and impairment among women with systemic
      sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess 1) the rates of sexual activity and impairment, 2) clinical
      correlates of sexual activity/impairment, and 3) common sources of pain during
      and after sex in a large sample of female patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc;
      scleroderma). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional multicenter study of female
      SSc patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. Patients
      underwent medical examinations and clinical histories and were asked whether they
      had engaged in sexual activities with their partner in the past 4 weeks. Sexually
      active patients completed a 9-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index
      (FSFI) and items related to problems that may be linked to sexual dysfunction in
      SSc. Multivariate logistic regressions assessed independent predictors of
      activity/inactivity and sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 226 (41%) of 547
      patients, including 215 (54%) of the 401 patients currently in relationships,
      reported having engaged in sexual activities with a partner in the past 4 weeks.
      Among 165 sexually active patients with complete data for all variables, 102
      (62%) had FSFI total scores <=22.5, indicating impaired function. Seventeen
      percent of the patients were sexually active and not impaired. Independent
      predictors (P < 0.05) of sexual activity were younger age, fewer gastrointestinal
      symptoms, and less severe Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms. Sexual impairment was
      independently associated with older age, higher skin scores, and more severe
      breathing problems. Vaginal pain was 8 times more likely among women with
      impairment. CONCLUSION: Research is needed to compare the extent of activity and
      impairment in SSc compared to women without SSc and to develop interventions to
      address impaired sexual function in women with SSc.

PMID- 22076869
TI  - Myrosinase hydrolysates of Brassica oleraceae L. var. italica reduce the risk of
      colon cancer.
AB  - By means of liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization (LC-ESI) mass
      spectrometry two glucosinolates, glucoiberin and 3-hydroxy,4(alpha-L
      rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate, were identified in the aqueous extract
      of Brassica oleraceae L var. italica. Further, two compounds were isolated after
      enzymatic hydrolysis of the aqueous extract by myrosinase, one of them was
      identified as 4-vinyl-3-pyrazolidinone. The second compound (sulphoraphane) 1
      isothiocyanate-4-methyl-sulphinyl butane, converted to the most stable form of
      thiourea (sulphoraphane thiourea). The crude extract (80% alcohol extract) of
      broccoli florets was examined for cytotoxic activity against different human
      cancer cell lines, it showed good inhibition of colon cancer (IC(50) 3.88 ug/mL).
      On the other hand each of the successive extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform,
      ethyl acetate and ethanol) showed no significant cytotoxic activity. When
      myrosinase hydrolysate was tested for cytotoxic activity on the colon cancer cell
      line it showed very high activity - 95% lethality up to 0.78 ug/mL.

PMID- 22076870
TI  - Prefrontal alterations in Parkinson's disease with levodopa-induced dyskinesia
      during fMRI motor task.
AB  - Levodopa-induced dyskinesia represents disabling complication of long-term
      therapy with dopaminergic drugs in treating Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently,
      our group demonstrated that PD patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesia were
      characterized by abnormal volumetric changes in the inferior prefrontal gyrus. In
      this study, the functional relevance of this structural abnormality was explored
      using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Ten dyskinetic PD patients and 10
      nondyskinetic PD patients were studied in the OFF phase with functional magnetic
      resonance imaging while performing externally and internally triggered visuomotor
      tasks. Although neither group demonstrated behavioral differences during
      execution of motor tasks, magnetic resonance imaging analysis detected
      significant changes in target cortical regions. In particular, PD patients with
      levodopa-induced dyskinesia showed significant overactivity in the supplementary
      motor area and underactivity in the right inferior prefrontal gyrus during
      execution of both tasks when compared with PD patients without levodopa-induced
      dyskinesia. Moreover, these prefrontal functional alterations were significantly
      correlated with Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores. This functional
      magnetic resonance imaging study together with our previous volumetric findings
      highlights the role of the prefrontal cortex in the neuronal mechanisms of
      dyskinesia.

PMID- 22076871
TI  - Does sleep restore the topology of functional brain networks?
AB  - Previous studies have shown that healthy anatomical as well as functional brain
      networks have small-world properties and become less optimal with brain disease.
      During sleep, the functional brain network becomes more small-world-like. Here we
      test the hypothesis that the functional brain network during wakefulness becomes
      less optimal after sleep deprivation (SD). Electroencephalography (EEG) was
      recorded five times a day after a night of SD and after a night of normal sleep
      in eight young healthy subjects, both during eyes-closed and eyes-open resting
      state. Overall synchronization was determined with the synchronization likelihood
      (SL) and the phase lag index (PLI). From these coupling strength matrices the
      normalized clustering coefficient C (a measurement of local clustering) and path
      length L (a measurement of global integration) were computed. Both measures were
      normalized by dividing them by their corresponding C-s and L-s values of random
      control networks. SD reduced alpha band C/C-s and L/L-s and theta band C/C-s
      during eyes-closed resting state. In contrast, SD increased gamma-band C/C-s and
      L/L-s during eyes-open resting state. Functional relevance of these changes in
      network properties was suggested by their association with sleep deprivation
      induced performance deficits on a sustained attention simple reaction time task.
      The findings indicate that SD results in a more random network of alpha-coupling
      and a more ordered network of gamma-coupling. The present study shows that SD
      induces frequency-specific changes in the functional network topology of the
      brain, supporting the idea that sleep plays a role in the maintenance of an
      optimal functional network.

PMID- 22076872
TI  - The influence of induction therapy for kidney transplantation after a non-renal
      transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-renal transplant recipients who subsequently
      develop ESRD and undergo kidney transplantation are medically and immunologically
      complex due to comorbidities, high cumulative exposure to immunosuppressants, and
      sensitization to alloantigen from the prior transplant. Although prior non-renal
      transplant recipients are one of the fastest growing segments of the kidney wait
      list, minimal data exist to guide the use of antibody induction therapy (IT+) at
      the time of kidney after lung (KALu), heart (KAH), and liver (KALi) transplant.
      DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This retrospective cohort study
      used national registry data to examine IT use and survival after kidney
      transplantation. Separate multivariate Cox regression models were constructed to
      assess patient survival for IT+ and IT- KALu (n=232), KAH (n=588), and KALi
      (n=736) recipients. RESULTS: Use of IT increased during the study period. The
      percentage of patients considered highly sensitized (panel reactive antibody
      >=20%) was not statistically significant between IT+ and IT- groups. IT+ was not
      associated with improvement in 1- and 10-year patient survival for KALu (P=0.20
      and P=0.22, respectively) or for KAH (P=0.90 and P=0.14, respectively). However,
      IT+ among KALi was associated with inferior patient survival at 1 and 10 years
      (P=0.04 and P=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Use of IT for kidney
      transplantation among prior non-renal transplant recipients may not offer a
      survival advantage in KALu or KAH. However, due to limited power, these findings
      should be interpreted cautiously. IT+ was associated with inferior outcomes for
      KALi. Use of IT should be judicially reconsidered in this complex group of
      recipients.

PMID- 22076873
TI  - Venous thromboembolism in patients with membranous nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the frequency
      of venous thromboembolic events in a large cohort of patients with idiopathic
      membranous nephropathy and to identify predisposing risk factors. DESIGN,
      SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We studied patients with biopsy-proven
      membranous nephropathy from the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network (n=412)
      and the Toronto Glomerulonephritis Registry (n=486) inception cohorts. The
      cohorts were pooled after establishing similar baseline characteristics (total
      n=898). Clinically apparent and radiologically confirmed venous thromboembolic
      events were identified. Potential risk factors were evaluated using multivariable
      logistic regression models. RESULTS: Sixty-five (7.2%) subjects had at least one
      venous thromboembolic event, and this rate did not differ significantly between
      registries. Most venous thromboembolic events occurred within 2 years of first
      clinical assessment (median time to VTE = 3.8 months). After adjusting for age,
      sex, proteinuria, and immunosuppressive therapy, hypoalbuminemia at diagnosis was
      the only independent predictor of a venous thromboembolic event. Each 1.0 g/dl
      reduction in serum albumin was associated with a 2.13-fold increased risk of VTE.
      An albumin level <2.8 g/dl was the threshold below which risk for a venous
      thromboembolic event was greatest. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that clinically
      apparent venous thromboembolic events occur in about 7% of patients with
      membranous nephropathy. Hypoalbuminemia, particularly <2.8 g/dl, is the most
      significant independent predictor of venous thrombotic risk.

PMID- 22076874
TI  - Early renal function decline in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Early decline in GFR may reflect progressive kidney
      disease in type 1 diabetes, but its predictive value in type 2 diabetes is
      uncertain. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In this longitudinal
      study, GFR was measured serially over approximately 4.0 years in 195 Pima Indians
      with type 2 diabetes. Renal function decline (RFD) was defined during this
      initial period by an average GFR loss >=3.3%/yr, as defined previously in type 1
      diabetes. Subsequently, participants were followed for up to 17.8 years to ESRD
      onset, death, or December 31, 2010, whichever came first. RESULTS: RFD prevalence
      during the initial period was 32% in 68 participants with normal baseline
      albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio [ACR] < 30 mg/g), 42% in 88 with
      microalbuminuria (ACR 30 to <300 mg/g), and 74% in 39 with macroalbuminuria (ACR
      >=300 mg/g; P<0.001). The cumulative incidence of ESRD 10 years after the initial
      period was 41% in those with RFD and 15% in those without (P<0.001); 41 of the 49
      ESRD cases (83.7%) occurred in participants who had or developed macroalbuminuria
      during the initial period. When adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, and
      hemoglobin A1c, the ESRD hazard rate was 4.78 times (95% confidence interval,
      2.39-9.58) as high in those with RFD as in those without; further adjustment for
      albuminuria attenuated this association (hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.82-3.91). CONCLUSIONS: In type 2 diabetes, loss of GFR often occurs
      before the onset of macroalbuminuria, but a decline predictive of ESRD is
      strongly dependent on progression to macroalbuminuria.

PMID- 22076876
TI  - Adding specialized clinics for remote-dwellers with chronic kidney disease: a
      cost-utility analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether opening a new
      clinic in a remote region would be a cost-effective means of improving care for
      remote-dwellers with CKD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This
      study is a cost-utility analysis from a public payer's perspective over a
      lifetime horizon, using administrative data from a large cohort of adults with
      stage 3b-4 CKD in Alberta, Canada. The association between the distance from each
      simulated patient's residence and the practice location of the closest
      nephrologist and clinical outcomes (quality of care, hospitalization, dialysis,
      and death) were examined. A Markov 6-month cycle economic decision model was
      analyzed; estimates of the effect of a new clinic were based on the association
      between residence location, resource use, and outcomes. Costs are reported in
      2009 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: The costs for equipping and operating a clinic
      for 321 remote-dwelling patients were estimated at $25,000 and $250,000/yr,
      respectively. The incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) ranged from $4000 to
      $8000/quality-adjusted life-year under most scenarios. However, if reducing
      distance to nephrologist care does not alter mortality or hospitalization among
      remote-dwellers, the cost-effectiveness becomes less attractive. All other one
      way sensitivity analyses had negligible effects on the ICUR. CONCLUSIONS: Given
      the low costs of equipping and operating new clinics, and the very attractive
      ICUR relative to other currently funded interventions, establishing new clinics
      for remote-dwellers could play an important role in efficiently improving
      outcomes for patients with CKD. High-quality controlled studies are required to
      confirm this hypothesis.

PMID- 22076875
TI  - Serum fibroblast growth factor-23 and risk of incident chronic kidney disease in
      older community-dwelling women.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Elevated circulating fibroblast growth factor 23
      (FGF23) predicts progression of CKD, but it is unknown whether circulating FGF23
      independently predicts incident CKD. This study aimed to determine whether
      circulating FGF23 predicts incident CKD in community-dwelling women. DESIGN,
      SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This study examined the relationship of
      intact serum FGF23, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25[OH](2)D), 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D (25[OH]D), parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate with prevalent and
      incident CKD in 701 disabled women, >=65 years of age, from the Women's Health
      and Aging Study I in Baltimore, Maryland, from 1993 to 1997. Incident CKD was
      defined as a low estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) only, low eGFR <60
      ml/min per 1.73 m(2) and a >=25% decline in eGFR from baseline, and an increase
      in serum creatinine (>=0.4 mg/dl) at follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, 381 women
      (54.3%) had stage 3 CKD. Of 307 women without CKD at baseline, 63 (20.5%)
      developed stage 3 CKD over 24 months of follow-up. After excluding prevalent
      cases of CKD, FGF23 (per 1 SD increase) was associated with incident stage 3 CKD
      (hazard ratio [HR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06, 2.16; P=0.02),
      low and declining eGFR (HR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.68, 8.11; P=0.001), and increase in
      serum creatinine (HR, 5.35; 95% CI, 1.27, 22.54; P=0.02) in respective
      multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for baseline eGFR, age,
      race, phosphate, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), parathyroid hormone, and other
      potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated FGF23 is an independent risk factor
      for incident CKD in older, disabled, community-dwelling women.

PMID- 22076878
TI  - Improving ascertainment of sudden cardiac death in patients with end stage renal
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Data collected by the US Renal Data System (USRDS)
      identify sudden cardiac death (SCD) as the leading cause of death among
      hemodialysis patients. However, evidence suggests that clinical events captured
      on the USRDS death notification form may be inaccurate. A new method for
      classifying SCD was recently developed to enhance the accuracy of SCD
      classification. This study examined the performance characteristics of this
      refined definition using a cohort of hemodialysis patients who experienced a
      witnessed SCD as the reference standard. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, &
      MEASUREMENTS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 363 patients who
      experienced a witnessed SCD in US Gambro (DaVita) outpatient dialysis clinics.
      Sensitivity of SCD defined by death notification forms and SCD defined using
      additional administrative sources was compared. Clinical data recorded near time
      of death were also examined. RESULTS: Existing USRDS death notification forms
      reported 70.8% of witnessed SCD as "cardiac arrest/cause unknown" or
      "arrhythmia." The refined definition significantly improved identification to
      83.8% of witnessed SCD events (P<0.001). Verified SCD cases that were not
      identified by either definition were more likely to be reported on the death
      notification form as death due to myocardial infarction, hyperkalemia, sepsis,
      malignancy, or unknown cause. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the death notification
      form alone, the refined SCD definition significantly improves the sensitivity of
      reporting of witnessed SCD occurring within outpatient hemodialysis clinics. More
      accurate reporting of cardiac events by clinicians and refinements to existing
      death notification forms may further improve recognition and understanding of
      SCD.

PMID- 22076879
TI  - Racial differences in the incidence of chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of ESRD is higher in African Americans
      than in whites, despite reports of a similar or lower prevalence of CKD. DESIGN,
      SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This study compared the incidence of CKD
      among young African-American and white adults over 20 years of follow-up in the
      community-based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.
      Participants included 4119 adults, 18-30 years of age, with an estimated GFR
      (eGFR) >=60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at baseline. Incident CKD was defined as an eGFR
      <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) and a >=25% decline in eGFR at study visits conducted
      10, 15, and 20 years after baseline. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean age of
      African Americans and whites was 24 and 26 years, respectively (P<0.001), and 56%
      and 53% of participants, respectively, were women (P=0.06). There were 43
      incident cases of CKD during follow-up, 29 (1.4%) among African Americans and 14
      (0.7%) among whites (P=0.02). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for
      incident CKD comparing African Americans to whites was 2.56 (95% confidence
      interval [95% CI], 1.35-5.05). After further adjustment for body mass index,
      systolic BP, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL cholesterol, the HR was 2.51 (95%
      CI, 1.25-5.05). After multivariable adjustment including albuminuria at year 10,
      the HR for CKD at year 15 or 20 was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.52-2.41). CONCLUSIONS: In
      this study, the 20-year CKD incidence was higher among African Americans than
      whites, a difference that is explained in part by albuminuria.

PMID- 22076877
TI  - Vascular access sites for acute renal replacement in intensive care units.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several temporary venous catheterizations are
      sometimes required for acute renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive
      care unit (ICU). This study compares first and second catheterizations in the
      femoral and jugular veins in terms of patient safety. DESIGN, SETTING,
      PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A crossover study from the catheter-dialysis
      randomized study (Cathedia), which was conducted among 736 critically ill adults
      requiring RRT, was performed. Catheter insertion complications, catheter-tip
      colonization, catheter dysfunction and urea reduction ratio (URR) were analyzed
      considering the crossover and longitudinal designs. RESULTS: This study analyzed
      134 patients who underwent two different sites of catheterization, 57 and 77 of
      whom were initially randomized in the femoral and jugular site, respectively.
      Using anatomic landmarks, time to insert a femoral catheter was shorter (P=0.01)
      and more successful (P=0.003) compared with catheterization in the jugular site.
      Time to catheter-tip colonization at removal was not significantly different
      between the two sites of insertion (median, 14 days in both groups; hazard ratio,
      0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.59; P=0.96), as well as time to
      dysfunction. URRs were analyzed from 395 dialysis sessions (n=48 patients). No
      significant difference (P=0.49) in mean URR was detected between sessions
      performed through femoral (n=213; 50.9%) and jugular (n=182; 49.5%) dialysis
      catheters. CONCLUSIONS: These results validate prior results of this study group
      and extend external validity to the second catheter used for RRT in the ICU.
      Femoral and internal jugular acute vascular access sites are both acceptable for
      RRT therapy in the ICU.

PMID- 22076880
TI  - Predictors of sudden cardiac death: a competing risk approach in the hemodialysis
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few data on risk factors for sudden cardiac
      death (SCD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The study objective was to
      identify predictors associated with various causes of death in the Hemodialysis
      (HEMO) Study and to develop a prediction model for SCD using a competing risk
      approach. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In this analysis of 1745
      HEMO participants, all-cause mortality was classified as SCD, non-SCD, and
      noncardiac death. Predictors for each cause of death were evaluated using cause
      specific Cox proportional hazards models, and a competing risk approach was used
      to calculate absolute risk predictions for SCD. RESULTS: During a median follow
      up of 2.5 years, 808 patients died. Rates of SCD, non-SCD, and noncardiac death
      were 22%, 17%, and 61%, respectively. Predictors of various causes of death
      differ somewhat in HD patients. Age, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease,
      ischemic heart disease, serum creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were
      independent predictors of SCD. The 3-year C-statistic for SCD was 0.75 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.70-0.79), and calibration was good (chi(2)=1.1; P=0.89).
      At years 3 and 5 of follow-up, the standard Cox model overestimated the risk for
      SCD as compared with the competing risk approach on the relative scale by 25% and
      46%, respectively, and on the absolute scale by 2% and 6%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of various causes of death differ in HD patients. The
      proposed prediction model for SCD accounts for competing causes of death.
      External validation of this model is required.

PMID- 22076882
TI  - Modeling depression in adult female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).
AB  - Depressive disorders are prevalent, costly, and poorly understood. Male rodents
      in stress paradigms are most commonly used as animal models, despite the two-fold
      increased prevalence of depression in women and sex differences in response to
      stress. Although these models have provided valuable insights, new models are
      needed to move the field forward. Social stress-associated behavioral depression
      in adult female cynomolgus macaques closely resembles human depression in
      physiological, neurobiological, and behavioral characteristics, including reduced
      body mass, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis perturbations, autonomic
      dysfunction, increased cardiovascular disease risk, reduced hippocampal volume,
      altered serotonergic function, decreased activity levels, and increased
      mortality. In addition, behaviorally depressed monkeys also have low ovarian
      steroid concentrations, even though they continue to have menstrual cycles.
      Although this type of ovarian dysfunction has not been reported in depressed
      women and is difficult to identify, it may be the key to understanding the high
      prevalence of depression in women. Depressive behavior in female cynomolgus
      monkeys is naturally occurring and not induced by experimental manipulation.
      Different social environmental challenges, including isolation vs. subordination,
      may elicit the depression-like response in some animals and not others.
      Similarly, social subordination is stressful and depressive behavior is more
      common in socially subordinate monkeys. Yet, not all subordinates exhibit
      behavioral depression, suggesting individual differences in sensitivity to
      specific environmental stressors and enhanced risk of behavioral depression in
      some individuals. The behavior and neurobiology of subordinates is distinctly
      different than that of behaviorally depressed monkeys, which affords the
      opportunity to differentiate between stressed and depressed states. Thus,
      behaviorally depressed monkeys exhibit numerous physiological, neurobiological,
      and behavioral characteristics same as those of depressed human beings. The
      nonhuman primate model represents a new animal model of depression with great
      promise for furthering our understanding of this prevalent and debilitating
      disease and identifying novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22076881
TI  - FDG PET in the management of patients with adrenal masses and adrenocortical
      carcinoma.
AB  - Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor with aggressive behavior, high
      recurrence rate, and rapid evolution. Surgery is the only curative modality,
      while systemic treatments such as mitotane and chemotherapy associated to
      locoregional therapeutic tools remain as palliative options. Imaging has an
      important role in the management of patients with ACC both at diagnosis and
      during follow-up. First, it is necessary to characterize undetermined adrenal
      masses, selecting patients for surgery. Then, in case of malignancy, it is
      mandatory to assess disease extension, to detect early relapse during follow-up,
      and to evaluate treatment response. Computed tomography scan and magnetic
      resonance imaging are actually the most used techniques for these intents as they
      are widely available in clinical practice. (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron
      emission tomography (FDG PET) is routinely used for other malignancies and, on
      the basis of published data, is also becoming a promising tool in the management
      of ACC. Not only is it a diagnostic tool complementary to morphological imaging
      in the characterization of adrenal masses and in tumoral lesions detection, but
      it can be also useful to evaluate tumor response to treatment. New tracers and
      indications for the clinical use of FDG PET in this specific disease still have
      to be evaluated to assess its role in clinical practice.

PMID- 22076883
TI  - High-affinity, selective sigma ligands of the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4'
      silaspiro[naphthalene-1,4'-piperidine] type: syntheses, structures, and
      pharmacological properties.
AB  - The 1'-organyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrospiro[naphthalene-1,4'-piperidine] derivatives 1
      a-4 a [for which organyl=benzyl (1 a), 4-methoxybenzyl (2 a), 2-phenylethyl (3
      a), or 3-methylbut-2-enyl (4 a)] are high-affinity, selective sigma1 ligands. The
      corresponding sila-analogues 1 b-4 b (replacement of the carbon spirocenter with
      a silicon atom) were synthesized in multistep syntheses, starting from
      dichlorodivinylsilane, and were isolated as the hydrochlorides 1 b?HCl-4 b?HCl.
      Compounds 1 a?HCl-4 a?HCl and 1 b?HCl-4 b?HCl were structurally characterized by
      NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 29Si) in solution, and the C/Si analogues 3 a?HCl and
      3 b?HCl were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These structural
      investigations were complemented by computational studies. The sigma1 and sigma2
      receptor affinities of the C/Si pairs 1 a/1 b-4 a/4 b were studied with
      radioligand binding assays. The sigma1 receptor affinity of the silicon compounds
      1 b-4 b is slightly higher than that of the corresponding carbon analogues 1 a-4
      a. Because affinity for the sigma2 receptor is decreased by the C/Si exchange,
      the sigma1/sigma2 selectivity of the silicon compounds is considerably improved,
      indicating that the C->Si switch strategy is a powerful tool for modulating both
      pharmacological potency and selectivity.

PMID- 22076884
TI  - Ischemic pancolitis: recognizing a rare form of acute ischemic colitis.

PMID- 22076885
TI  - Duplication of gallbladder.

PMID- 22076886
TI  - Bullous dermatosis of hemodialysis: pseudoporphyria.

PMID- 22076887
TI  - Primary splenic lymphoma.

PMID- 22076888
TI  - [Fever and bilateral cavitation: pulmonary infarction].

PMID- 22076889
TI  - [Primary colonic clear cell adenocarcinoma].

PMID- 22076890
TI  - Annular pancreas in adults.

PMID- 22076891
TI  - [Endometrial adenocarcinoma in young woman].

PMID- 22076892
TI  - [Evolution of a refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ring
      sideroblasts to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia].

PMID- 22076893
TI  - [Clinical characteristics of Rett Syndrome].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder, one of the least
      commonly occurring autism spectrum disorders (ASD),affecting mainly females. AIM:
      To describe features and molecular specificities of Rett syndrome. METHODS: To
      identify articles for this review, a Pubmed search was conducted using the
      following keywords: Rett syndrome, regression,mutation, stereotypes. RESULTS:
      This syndrome is characterized by cognitive impairment,communication dysfunction,
      stereotypic movement disorder, and growth failure. It is generally caused by
      mutations in the MECP2 gene. Rett Syndrome has a prevalence ranging from 10-20
      000 females. Specific treatment is not available, but patients need a careful
      planning for long-term care, with multidisciplinary approaches.

PMID- 22076894
TI  - [N-acetylcysteine in septic shock].
AB  - AIM: To focus on the various studies evaluating the effects of Nacetylcysteine in
      septic shock METHODS: Main references obtained from the medical database Medline
      using the keywords: N-acetylcysteine; septic shock, free radicals. RESULTS:
      Septic shock remains the leading cause of mortality in intensive care units. The
      progressive knowledge of the pathophysiology of septic shock, underline the
      production of free radicals and their cellular and microcirculatory effects. The
      Nacetylcysteine used mainly in paracetamol poisoning, has properties to control
      free radicals. The explosion of free radicals in septic shock has led to multiple
      studies assessing the role of N-acetylcysteine as an anti radical, and for its
      anti inflammatory action. CONCLUSION: NAC seems to play an important role in
      septic shock to control free radicals and the inflammatory response. But these
      results remain contradictory. Some larger and more standardized studies should
      allow to evaluate the actual effects of NAC in septic shock.

PMID- 22076895
TI  - [The causes of death of the women of childbearing age at the hospitals of Sfax].
AB  - AIM: To study the principal causes of death of the women dead at an age ranging
      between 15 and 49 years old and having been hospitalized in a public medical
      structures of the gouvernorat of Sfax. METHODS: Retrospective study concerning
      all the included deaths between 1999 and 2007. RESULTS: The study was related to
      728 deaths, which correspond to an average of 80.88 deaths FAR per year. Public
      highway accidents were the major cause of death (83 cases, 11.4 % of the causes
      of death) followed by the burns (37 cases, 5%) and the cerebral vascular
      accidents (31 cases, 4.25%). The classification of the causes of death according
      to groups of pathologies showed the prevalence of the cardio- vascular diseases
      (18.7%), the external causes of death (18.2%), cancers (11.6%) and the causes
      related to the pregnancy and the childbirth (8.5%). The maternal death rate was
      of 56.91 per 100000. The cause of maternal death was directly related to the
      pregnancy in 67.74 % of the cases. The immediate causes were prevailed by the
      hemorrhagic causes (27.5%). The death was avoidable in 48.83 % of the cases and
      the failures were related to the woman in 60% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The
      prevention of new practices of life (female nicotinism, obesity, bad food habits,
      lack of vigilance in traffic) and a better practice of the primary and secondary
      prevention in medicine could decrease the premature death rates in Tunisia.

PMID- 22076896
TI  - [Survival in patients with gastric lymphoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is a histological type of
      marginal zone non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Its clinical features and prognosis have
      seldom been reported because of its indolent clinical course. AIM: To establish
      prognostic factors that should be considered for the staging and management of
      this disease. METHODS: Clinical data of 40 pathologically confirmed gastric
      lymphoma patients, treated during a period of 13 years, were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Of the 40 patients, 65% had stage IE - II1E disease and 35% had stage II2E - IV
      disease. A total of 18 patients received surgeries.Eighteen patients had
      chemotherapy and 10 patients had Helicobacter Pylori eradication therapy. The
      complete remission rate after treatment was 50%. The patients were followed up
      for a median of 26.75 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 70%. Early
      stage at presentation, surgery, normal lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and
      Helicobacter Pylori infection were associated with longer survival in univariate
      analysis. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that surgery might be an important
      factor predicting the long-term survival of patients with primary gastric
      lymphoma. Patients with poor prognostic factors should be treated more
      aggressively.

PMID- 22076897
TI  - Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections
      requiring admission to a Tunisian pediatric intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited literature describing severe community acquired
      methicillin-resistant S aureus (CA-MRSA) in children admitted to an intensive
      care unit. AIM: To review clinical features and outcome of children admitted in a
      Tunisian pediatric intensive care with CA-MRSA. METHODS: Retrospective chart
      review of patients coded for CAMRSA over 10 years. RESULTS: There were 14 (0.32%
      of all admissions) patients identified with severe CA-MRSA. The median age was 3
      months (range,0.5-156 months). All patients had pulmonary involvement. Six
      children (42.8%) developed septic shock. Two (14.3%) patients had multifocal
      infection with deep venous thrombosis. Two (14.3%) patients died. CONCLUSION:
      Severe CA-MRSA pneumonia dominated presentation. The mortality of CA-MRSA
      infection in our series is lower than reported in the literature.

PMID- 22076898
TI  - [Obstetrical prognosis following ligation of hypogastric arteries].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ligation of hypogastric arteries is a conservative surgical treatment
      in cases of postpartum hemorrhage. AIM: To study the fertility and pregnancies
      outcome in women who required hypogastric artery ligation for severe post-partum
      haemorrhage in our hospital. METHODS: The fertility and pregnancy outcome
      parameters were retrieved from medical files and telephone interviews RESULTS: 34
      patients required hypogastric ligation on this period. 39 pregnancies were
      observed with 30 term deliveries, 1 ectopic pregnancies and 8 miscarriages. Two
      patients had infertility and pregnancy was obtained in less than 10 months most
      once desired.Pregnancy outcome was normal. 73,3% of deliveries were by caesarean.
      CONCLUSION: Hypogastric artery ligation for post-partum haemorrhage is not
      responsible for secondary infertility. Following pregnancies do not suffer
      complications from the ligation.

PMID- 22076899
TI  - [Epidemiology of domestic accidents of young children in Tunisia: impact of the
      training of health professionals on data collection quality].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Tunisia, several studies on domestic injuries have been carried
      out on children attending care facilities. Nevertheless,there is a lack of data
      on incidence and kinds of child domestic injuries amongst general population
      because of absence of a reliable data collect system. AIM: To estimate the
      incidence and kinds of domestic injuries through a prospective survey "here
      there" within two cohorts of young children attending two mother and child
      protection centers (MCPC) in Tunis during the three first years of their life and
      to analyze the importance of health professional training in improving data
      collect. METHODS: A prospective study "here-there" was carried out on two cohorts
      of children in two mother and child protection centers (MCPC) between January
      2007 and December 2009. Only children aged less than 3 months at their first
      contact with the centers were included and followed up until age of 3 years. In
      the MCPC2 (cohort2), health personnel have been trained on data collection
      importance related to child domestic accident and asked to monitor accidents by
      calling parents while a phone line got available for this aim. In the MCPC1,
      health personnel was asked to work as they used to do and to collect data on
      child domestic injuries when children attend the center. RESULTS: 192/435
      domestic accidents were recorded within cohort 2 vs only 1/686 within cohort 1.
      Annual incidence rate was 14.7% for the cohort 2. The kinds of accidents were:
      falls 78.2% (falls from high plans 84.6%), injuries15.1% (injury by cutting
      things 58.6%),burns 5.7% (burns by hot liquid 54.5%), intoxications 1%. In terms
      of damages, we recorded 4 cases of broken bones (thighbone, elbow,handwrist),
      stitches in 11 cases, broken teeth in 3 cases and nail pulled out in one case. No
      death was recorded. Training impact on accident prevention was not studied.
      CONCLUSION: Child domestic accidents are relatively frequent. Health personnel
      training allows to improve data. The kinds of recorded accidents indicate the
      need to educate parents on best practices towards strengthening prevention.

PMID- 22076900
TI  - [Handling the cases of school failure in an educational institute in Zaghouan].
AB  - AIM: To assess the main reasons for the school failure in a school in Zaghouan,
      how to handle these issues, to evaluate the work of the school social office.
      METHODS: A retrospective study included 86 failure cases in a school in Zaghouan,
      handled by the school social office for three years (2004 - 2007). He have
      detected the principals causes of school failure, detected by the educational
      staff or by the listening office. RESULTS: The causes of failure are mainly
      social (46%) as family problems and low income. These families received financial
      aids and free treatment cards. Discussions have been made with the parents in
      order to make them more conscious. The pedagogical reasons (28%) however are
      usually relationship' problems between the student and his teacher or the student
      and the administration, the three subjects were informed so that attitudes could
      be changed in the purpose of helping the student. Twelve students (14%) have a
      psychological case, depression and over worrying, led in some cases to
      addiction.These cases were diagnosed and transferred to specialized clinics.Sense
      and chronic diseases (12%), are considered as health reasons for school failure
      and caused several absences in the school. The school physicist took care of
      these cases by handling them medical guidance cards while observing the diagnose
      progress. As school results, 56 cases turned satisfaisant which is 65 % of all
      cases. CONCLUSION: The school failure became a priority of the "School Health"
      institute. That puss to create the school social program, his aim is protecting
      the students from all dangers, early school leaving and social disintegration,
      and delinquency. Thus, all parts must be responsible for the school failure,
      teachers, parents, students,psychiatrists and physicists, as well as introducing
      the social school work and listening offices and missions to the parents,
      students and teachers in order to guarantee the success of the operations.

PMID- 22076901
TI  - [Effectiveness of acupuncture in treating schizophrenia: a clinical randomized
      trial of 31 patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is one of the most popular types of
      complementary/alternative medicine in the world. It is sometimes used as a
      treatment for schizophrenia mainly in China. AIM: To assess the contribution of
      acupuncture in the treatment of patients treated for schizophrenia in Tunisian
      population. METHODS: Our study is a clinical randomized trial about 31
      hospitalized patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affectif disorder (DSM IV).
      They were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the
      Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Scale for the
      Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) the first and 23nd day of the study.
      Manual acupuncture was used for 10 sessions at the rate of three sessions per
      week. All patients were under drug therapy. Among them, 15 were treated by
      acupuncture and 16 by sham acupuncture. RESULTS: Scores of the PANSS, SAPS and
      SANS were similar in the two groups at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Our
      study did not provide any evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in
      treating schizophrenic symptoms.

PMID- 22076902
TI  - NY-ESO-1 expression and immunogenicity in prostate cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of men cancer-related
      death. Cancer immunotherapy has been investigated as a treatment which might be
      instituted at the point of detection of androgen-independent metastatic disease.
      AIM: to investigate the expression and humoral response against NYESO-1 in
      patients with prostate cancer (PC) and to analyze the relationship between
      expression of NY-ESO-1 and clinicopathological features. METHODS: NY-ESO-1 mRNA
      in surgically resected PC and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were examined by
      reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction. The antibody response to NY-ESO-1
      was examined by enzyme-linked Elisa assay using recombinant NYESO-1 protein.
      RESULTS: NY-ESO-1 mRNA was detected in 9 of 23 (39%) PC patients. Antibodies
      against NY-ESO-1 protein were detected in 12 of 23 (52%) sera of PC patients and
      in 5 of 9 (55%) of NY-ESO-1 expressing tumors. However, no mRNA copy or NY-ESO-1
      antibodies were detected in all BPH patients tested. CONCLUSION: The present
      study has demonstrated the expression of NY-ESO-1mRNA in prostate Cancer patients
      and NY-ESO-1 antibody production. Our data suggest that NY-ESO-1 could be used as
      a tumor marker and constitute a good candidate for vaccine-based immunotherapy
      for hormonal resistant prostate cancer patients.

PMID- 22076903
TI  - Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in the acute hospital care setting
      results of the Endorse study in Tunisia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are not information about the risk of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE) and its prophylaxis in Tunisia. AIM: To report the Tunisian results of a
      multinational crosssectional study, designed to assess the prevalence of VTE risk
      in the acute hospital care setting and to determine the proportion of at risk
      patients who receive effective prophylaxis. METHODS: All hospital inpatients aged
      40 years or over admitted to a medical ward or these aged 18 years or over
      admitted to surgical ward, in 5 Tunisian hospitals were assessed for risk of VTE
      on the basis of hospital chart review. The 2004 American College of chest
      physicians (ACCP) evidence based consensus guidelines were used to assess VTE
      risk and to determine whether patients were received recommended prophylaxis.
      RESULTS: 885 were enrolled, 212 (24%) were surgical and 673 (76%) were medical.
      408 (44, 9%) judged to be at risk, 95 (44, 8%) are surgical and 313 (46, 5%) are
      medical. LWMH are the most used. Mechanical prophylaxis was never used.
      CONCLUSION: The percentage of at risk patient in Tunisia is comparable to these
      of other countries. The majority of at risk patient are medical. The prophylaxis
      was under used. Hospital strategies to assess patient VTE risk and implementation
      of prophylaxis protocols are needed.

PMID- 22076904
TI  - Sister Mary Joseph's nodule showing adenocarcinoma of pancreas.

PMID- 22076905
TI  - [Bellini renal cell carcinoma : diagnosis and treatment. A report of 7 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Bellini collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a very rare form of
      renal cell carcinoma (1%) associated with an extremely poor prognosis. AIM: To
      study clinical and radiological characteristics of CDC. METHODS: From 1993 to
      2002, 7 patients with CDC were treated at our institution. The diagnosis of CDC
      was made by a nephrectomy specimen in all cases. Demographic, clinical,
      pathological and survival data were gathered. RESULTS: They were five men and two
      women with an average age of 63 years. Lumbar pain and hematuria were the main
      symptoms. At presentation 2 T1N0M0, 1 T2N0M0, 1 T3N0M0, 1 T3N+M0 and 2 T4N+M+
      tumors were seen. All patients underwent a radical nephrectomy. The two patients
      who had TNM stage I disease survived without evidence of disease at 5 years and
      11 years respectively. Patients with a T4N+M+ tumor experienced rapid progression
      and died respectively at 3 and 5 months after nephretomy. The 3 other patients
      with T3N+M0, T3N0M0 and T2N0M0 disease; respectively; progressed rapidly and were
      lost to follow-up after one year. CONCLUSION: CDC is an aggressive variety of
      kidney neoplasm that is often associated with nodal and visceral metastases at
      presentation.It is associated with poor prognosis. For the majority of patients
      surgical treatment will not result in a cure. Early detection may be the best
      method for prolonging patient survival.

PMID- 22076906
TI  - Aberrant expression of CD133 and musashi-1 in preneoplastic and neoplastic human
      oral squamous epithelium and their correlation with clinicopathological factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study focuses on the expression pattern of the stem cell
      markers CD133 and Musashi-1 in precancerous and cancerous tissues of oral
      epithelium. The study also aims to investigate the correlation of CD133 and
      Musashi-1 expression with clinicopathological factors. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical analysis was done to investigate the expression pattern of
      CD133 and Musashi-1, whereas, the coexpression of CD133 and Musashi-1 was studied
      using immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: A gradual increase in the expression
      of CD133 and Musashi-1 was observed from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma. In
      addition, the expression of CD133 and Musashi-1 shows significant difference
      between the stages and histological types of oral carcinoma. Interestingly,
      coexpression of CD133 and Musashi-1 was observed in oral carcinoma and CAL27
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: A gradual increase in the expression of CD133 and Musashi-1
      from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma suggests the possible involvement of these
      2 proteins in oral carcinogenesis. The overexpression of CD133 and Musashi-1 in
      advanced stages and also in poorly differentiated tumors reveals their
      relationship with invasion and differentiation status of oral carcinoma cells.
      Moreover, the significant positive correlation between CD133 and Musashi-1
      expression suggests that they might have a functional relationship in oral
      carcinoma cells, which needs further investigation.

PMID- 22076907
TI  - Triazole, benzotriazole, and naphthotriazole as copper corrosion inhibitors: I.
      Molecular electronic and adsorption properties.
AB  - The gas-phase adsorption of 1,2,3-triazole, benzotriazole, and naphthotriazole
      considered as corrosion inhibitors-on copper surfaces was studied and
      characterized using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We find that
      the molecule-surface bond strength increases with increasing molecular size, thus
      following the sequence: triazole<benzotriazole<naphthotriazole. This trend is
      explained in terms of molecular electronegativity and chemical hardness, which
      decrease monotonously as the molecular size increases. While the
      electronegativity of triazole is almost degenerate with the work function of
      Cu(111) surface, the electronegativity of larger acenotriazoles is smaller. The
      difference in electronegativity between the Cu(111) and the acenotriazoles thus
      increases with increasing the molecular size, which, together with decreasing the
      molecular hardness, results in larger molecule-to-metal electron charge transfer
      and stronger molecule-surface bonds.

PMID- 22076908
TI  - How to avoid bleeding in Forster resonance energy transfer.

PMID- 22076909
TI  - Acute and chronic pretreatment with essential oil of peppermint (Mentha *
      piperita L., Lamiaceae) influences drug effects.
AB  - The appearance of common and self-initiative usage of various herbal preparations
      in everyday practice and life imposes the question of possible interactions with
      drugs. This survey examined the influence of acute and chronic peppermint oil (PO
      -Mentha * piperita L., Lamiaceae; prepared as emulsion for oral use) on
      pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, analgesic effect of codeine and impairment
      of motor coordination caused by midazolam in mice. The chemical profile of
      essential oil was determined by GC-MS. Applied doses of PO were 0.1 and 0.2
      mL/kg. Chronic PO intake (in both doses) led to significant decrease of analgesic
      effect of codeine, while acute intake of PO did not change this effect. Acute PO
      pretreatment in higher dose caused significant prolongation of pentobarbitone
      induced sleeping time, while it was significantly shortened by chronic PO
      pretreatment at the same dose. Midazolam effect was enhanced and prolonged
      significantly by chronic PO intake at higher dose, while acute intake of PO did
      not change this effect. Gut motility was increased only by acute intake of higher
      PO dose. Regarding the fact that PO produces changes in tested drug effects, the
      interaction between drugs and phytopreparations containing PO should be
      additionally followed/confirmed in humans.

PMID- 22076910
TI  - A novel "turn-on" fluorescent chemosensor for the selective detection of Al3+
      based on aggregation-induced emission.
AB  - A water-soluble, 'turn-on' fluorescent chemosensor based on aggregation-induced
      emission (AIE) has been developed. It exhibits rapid response, excellent
      selectivity, and sensitivity to Al(3+).

PMID- 22076911
TI  - The antiepileptic effect of sodium valproate during different phases of the
      estrous cycle in PTZ-induced seizures in rats.
AB  - Catamenial epilepsy is a form of epilepsy which is related to the menstrual
      cycle. Cyclic variation in the levels of ovarian hormones plays a pivotal role in
      its pathogenesis. Sodium valproate (VPA) is one of the oldest antiepileptic drugs
      (AEDs) which inhibits hepatic metabolizing enzymes. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the antiepileptic effects of VPA during different phases of the estrous
      cycle in rats. 72 adult female Wistar rats in three groups (control, 75 and 100
      mg/kg VPA), each with four subgroups (proestrous, estrous, metestrous and
      diestrous) were used (n = 6). Initially, puberty was assessed using vaginal
      smears and rats with two regular cycles were selected. VPA with doses 75 and 100
      mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally (i.p) in the treatment groups followed
      by i.p. injection of 80 mg/kg pentylentetrazol (PTZ) in the treatment and control
      groups. After induction of seizure by PTZ, initiation time of myoclonic seizures
      (ITMS), initiation time of tonic-clonic seizures (ITTS), seizures duration (SD)
      and mortality rate (MR) were recorded for 30 min. Data were presented as mean+/
      SD, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison post hoc test were
      used for analysis of data (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that VPA
      significantly improved antiepileptic parameters including ITMS, ITTS, SD, and MR,
      in which they were significantly more prominent during the luteal phase than the
      follicular phase (P < 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference
      neither between proestrous and estrous nor between metestrous and diestrous in
      each separately group of rats (P > 0.05).

PMID- 22076912
TI  - Do levodopa treatments modify the morphology of the parkinsonian brain?

PMID- 22076913
TI  - Acute kidney injury during leukocyte engraftment after autologous stem cell
      transplantation in patients with light-chain amyloidosis.
AB  - Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a complication of hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation characterized by fever, rash, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary
      edema. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized but is considered a minor
      criterion in one and excluded another definition of ES. We have noted a high
      incidence of AKI in patients with immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL)
      undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) around the time of leukocyte
      engraftment. This study was conducted to further investigate the relationship
      between AKI and ES. Data were collected from 377 AL patients who underwent ASCT
      from 7/1997 to 10/2009. Patients who experienced an elevation of serum creatinine
      >0.5 mg/dL within 4 days of leukocyte engraftment and anyone who presented with
      signs associated with ES regardless of renal manifestations were included. Forty
      one patients met criteria. Twelve were excluded for positive cultures (10), acute
      interstitial nephritis (1), and acute cellular rejection (1). In addition to AKI
      (93.1%), patients also exhibit fever (82.7%), hypotension (51.7%), rash (48.2%),
      edema (93.1%), diarrhea (69.0%), conjunctival hemorrhage (31.0%), pulmonary edema
      (31.0%), pulmonary hemorrhage (13.8%), and transient encephalopathy (17.2%).
      Patient with pulmonary involvement were more likely to require dialysis but was
      not statistically significant. AKI was very common during leukocyte engraftment
      in AL patients. While infectious etiology accounted for some of the AKI, most
      appeared to be associated with ES. After infection is ruled out, ES should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating AKI in this population.

PMID- 22076914
TI  - Laser tissue welding analyzed using fluorescence, Stokes shift spectroscopy, and
      Huang-Rhys parameter.
AB  - Near infrared (NIR) continuous wave laser radiation at the 1,450 nm wavelength
      was used to weld porcine aorta and skin samples via the absorption of combitional
      vibrational modes of native water in the tissues. The fluorescence spectra were
      measured from the key native molecules of welded and non-welded tissues at
      specific excitation and emission wavelengths from collagen, elastin, and
      tryptophan. The changes in the fluorescence intensities and differences in Stokes
      shift (Deltanu(ss) ) of key native fluorophores were measured to differentiate
      the Huang-Rhys parameter values (S) of the chromophores. The strength of coupling
      depends on the local electron-vibration intra-tissue molecular environment and
      the amount of polar solvent water surrounding the net charges on collagen,
      elastin, and tryptophan. The S values for both non-welded and welded tissues were
      almost the same and less than 3, suggesting minimal changes in the local
      molecular environment as a result of welding.

PMID- 22076915
TI  - In vitro models.
AB  - The current resurgence of interest in the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis as
      possibly providing a unifying theory of cancer biology is fueled by the growing
      body of work on normal adult tissue stem cells and the promise that CSC may hold
      the key to one of the central problems of clinical oncology: tumor recurrence.
      Many studies suggest that the microenvironment plays a role, perhaps a seminal
      one, in cancer development and progression. In addition, the possibility that the
      stem cell-like component of tumors is capable of rapid and reversible changes of
      phenotype raises questions concerning studies with these populations and the
      application of what we learn to the clinical situation. These types of questions
      are extremely difficult to study using in vivo models or freshly isolated cells.
      Established cell lines grown in defined conditions provide important model
      systems for these studies. There are three types of in vitro models for CSCs: (a)
      selected subpopulations of existing tumor lines (derived from serum-containing
      medium; (b) creation of lines from tumor or normal cells by genetic manipulation;
      or (c) direct in vitro selection of CSC from tumors or sorted tumor cells using
      defined serum-free conditions. We review the problems associated with creating
      and maintaining in vitro cultures of CSCs and the progress to date on the
      establishment of these important models.

PMID- 22076916
TI  - Functionalized boranes for hydrogen storage.
AB  - Using density functional theory, the generalized gradient approximation for the
      exchange-correlation potential and Moller-Plesset perturbation theory we study
      the hydrogen uptake of Li- and Mg-doped boranes. Specifically, we calculate the
      structures and binding energies of hydrogen molecules sequentially attached to
      LiB(6)H(7), LiB(12)H(13), Li(2)B(6)H(6), Li(2)B(12)H(12), MgB(6)H(6), and
      MgB(12)H(12). Up to three H(2) molecules can be bound quasi-molecularly to each
      of the metal cations with binding energies per H(2) molecule ranging between 0.07
      eV and 0.27 eV. The corresponding gravimetric densities lie in the range of 3.49
      to 12 wt %, not counting the H atoms bound chemically to the B atoms.

PMID- 22076917
TI  - Impact of comorbidity on therapeutic decision-making in head and neck cancer:
      audit from a comprehensive cancer center in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer has increased incidence of comorbidity due to
      tobacco and alcohol use. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients were included
      in this cross-sectional study. Data on clinico-demographic characteristics and
      comorbidity was extracted from case records. Comorbidity was assessed with Adult
      Comorbidity Evaluation 27 (ACE-27) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Change
      in therapeutic decision-making from institutional evidence-based guidelines was
      classified as low, medium, or high-impact. RESULTS: Of 200 patients, 68(34%) had
      comorbidity while 15 had multimorbidity. No change in therapeutic decision-making
      was seen in 139 patients (69.5%), 61patients (30.5%) had change from
      institutional evidence-based guidelines. There was strong positive correlation
      (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.80; p < .001) between ACE-27 and change
      in therapeutic decision-making. For CCI, there was moderate positive correlation
      (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.50; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Comorbidity in
      patients with head and neck cancer can influence therapeutic decision-making.
      Prospective longitudinal rigorous collection of comorbidity data is warranted for
      correlation with outcomes. ACE-27 may be a clinically more meaningful tool for
      comorbidity assessment.

PMID- 22076918
TI  - Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 signal is a potent
      biomarker and therapeutic target for human rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox
      LDL) receptor 1 (LOX-1) and the soluble form of LOX-1 (sLOX-1) are novel target
      molecules for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS:
      Expression of ox-LDL and LOX-1 proteins in human RA synovium was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. Human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were assessed
      for ox-LDL-induced expression of LOX-1 and ox-LDL-induced production of matrix
      metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3. Levels of sLOX-1 in the plasma and
      synovial fluid of patients with RA, compared with patients with osteoarthritis
      (OA), were determined by a specific chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunoassay.
      In animal experiments, ox-LDL was injected into the knee joints of mice, with or
      without an anti-LOX-1 neutralizing antibody or sLOX-1, and the severity of
      arthritis was analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Oxidized
      LDL and LOX-1 proteins were detected in the RA synovial tissue. Levels of MMP-1
      and MMP-3 were enhanced by stimulation of RA FLS with ox-LDL, and the production
      of both MMPs was inhibited by blockade of the ox-LDL-LOX-1 interaction with the
      anti-LOX-1 neutralizing antibody or sLOX-1. Levels of sLOX-1 in the plasma and
      synovial fluid of RA patients were significantly higher than those in OA patients
      and healthy controls and were positively correlated with inflammation markers and
      the extent of RA disease activity. In the knees of mice, blockade of the ox-LDL
      LOX-1 interaction suppressed arthritic changes and reduced the expression of MMP
      3 induced by ox-LDL. CONCLUSION: These findings strongly indicate that sLOX-1 is
      a novel biomarker that may be useful for the diagnosis of RA and for the
      evaluation of disease activity in RA. Furthermore, the results suggest that LOX-1
      may be a potent therapeutic target for RA.

PMID- 22076919
TI  - A novel flow cytometric protocol for assessment of yeast cell adhesion.
AB  - Microbial adhesion is a field of recognized relevance and, as such, an impressive
      array of tools has been developed to understand its molecular mechanisms and
      ultimately for its quantification. Some of the major limitations found within
      these methodologies concern the incubation time, the small number of cells
      analyzed, and the operator's subjectivity. To overcome these aspects, we have
      developed a quantitative method to measure yeast cells' adhesion through flow
      cytometry. In this methodology, a suspension of yeast cells is mixed with green
      fluorescent polystyrene microspheres (uncoated or coated with host proteins).
      Within 2 h, an adhesion profile is obtained based on two parameters: percentage
      and cells-microsphere population's distribution pattern. This flow cytometry
      protocol represents a useful tool to quantify yeast adhesion to different
      substrata in a large scale, providing manifold data in a speedy and informative
      manner.

PMID- 22076920
TI  - MK615, a Prunus mume Steb. Et Zucc ('Ume') extract, attenuates the growth of A375
      melanoma cells by inhibiting the ERK1/2-Id-1 pathway.
AB  - The Japanese apricot, a commonly consumed food called 'Ume' in Japan, has been
      used for a traditional Japanese medicine for centuries. MK615, an extract of
      compounds from 'Ume', has strong antitumorigenic and antiinflammatory effects
      including the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of cytokine
      production mediated via the inhibition of MAPKs signaling including ERK-1/2, JNK
      and p38MAPK. The inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id-1), a basic helix-loop-helix
      (bHLH) transcription factor family, is essential for DNA binding and the
      transcriptional regulation of various proteins that play important roles in the
      development, progression and invasion of tumors. In melanoma, Id-1 is
      constitutively expressed in the late and early stages, suggesting it as a
      therapeutic target in patients with melanoma. This study reports that MK615
      profoundly reduced both the mRNA- and protein expression levels of Id-1 and
      inhibited cell growth in A375 melanoma cells. MK615 markedly inhibited the
      phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which is associated with Id-1 protein expression in
      A375 cells. Id-1-specific RNAi induced the death of A375 cells. Moreover, the
      expression of Bcl-2 was decreased by both MK615 and Id-1-specific RNAi in A375
      cells. The results suggest that MK615 is a potential therapeutic agent for
      treating malignant melanoma.

PMID- 22076921
TI  - Secondary-structure analysis of alcohol-denatured proteins by vacuum-ultraviolet
      circular dichroism spectroscopy.
AB  - To elucidate the structural characteristics of alcohol-denatured proteins, we
      measured the vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism (VUVCD) spectra of six
      proteins-myoglobin, human serum albumin, alpha-lactalbumin, thioredoxin, beta
      lactoglobulin, and alpha-chymotrypsinogen A-down to 170 nm in trifluoroethanol
      solutions (TFE: 0-50%) and down to 175 nm in methanol solutions (MeOH: 0-70%) at
      pH 2.0 and 25 degrees C, using a synchrotron-radiation VUVCD spectrophotometer.
      The contents of alpha-helices, beta-strands, turns, poly-L-proline type II
      helices (PPIIs), and unordered structures of these proteins were estimated using
      the SELCON3 program, including the numbers of alpha-helix and beta-strand
      segments. Furthermore, the positions of alpha-helices and beta-strands on amino
      acid sequences were predicted by combining these secondary-structure data with a
      neural-network method. All alcohol-denatured proteins showed higher alpha-helix
      contents (up to ~ 90%) compared with the native states, and they consisted of
      several long helical segments. The helix-forming ability was higher in TFE than
      in MeOH, whereas small amounts of beta-strands without sheets were formed in the
      MeOH solution. The produced alpha-helices were transformed dominantly from the
      beta-strands and unordered structures, and slightly from the turns. The content
      and mean length of alpha-helix segments decreased as the number of disulfide
      bonds in the proteins increased, suggesting that disulfide bonds suppress helix
      formation by alcohols. These results demonstrate that alcohol-denatured proteins
      constitute an ensemble of many long alpha-helices, a few beta-strands and PPIIs,
      turns, and unordered structures, depending on the types of proteins and alcohols
      involved.

PMID- 22076922
TI  - Identification of CD146 expression, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis as
      progression, metastasis, and poor-prognosis related markers for gallbladder
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Gallbladder cancers (GBC) are associated with high disease-specific mortality
      rates because of no means of early detection and effective therapies. In this
      study, we investigated CD146 expression, microvessel densities, and lymph vessel
      densities in 108 adenocarcinomas, 15 gallbladder polyps, 35 chronic cholecystitis
      tissues, and 46 peritumoral tissues using immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated
      that positive CD146 expression, and average microvessel and lymph vessel counts
      in gallbladder adenocarcinomas were significantly higher than those in
      peritumoral tissues, polyps, and chronic cholecystitis (ps < 0.01). Positive
      CD146 expression, and average microvessel and lymph vessel counts were also
      significantly lower in cases with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, maximal
      tumor diameter <2 cm, no metastasis of lymph node, and no invasion of regional
      tissues than in cases with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, maximal tumor
      diameter >= 2 cm, metastasis in lymph nodes, and invasion of regional tissues (p
      < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that increased
      expression of CD146 (p = 0.056), higher average microvessel counts (p < 0.05),
      and lymph vessel counts (p < 0.05) were associated with decreased overall
      survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that average microvessel
      and lymph vessel counts (ps < 0.05) were independent prognostic predictors in
      gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Our study suggested that the elevated expression of
      CD146, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis might be closely related to
      progression, invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22076924
TI  - Acquired facial atrophy: a neglected clinical sign of POEMS syndrome.

PMID- 22076923
TI  - PEBP4 gene expression and its significance in invasion and metastasis of non
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the function of
      phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4 (PEBP4) in invasion and metastasis of
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PEBP4 mRNA and protein expression in 56 cases
      of NSCLC tissues were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot, and the
      relationship between PEBP4 expression and invasion and metastasis of NSCLC was
      analyzed. The change in the invasive ability of human NSCLC cell line HCC827 was
      observed after knocking down PEBP4 expression using RNA interference. PEBP4 mRNA
      and protein expression in cancer tissues of patients with lymph node metastasis
      were significantly higher than those in patients without lymph node metastasis (p
      < 0.05). PEBP4 expression significantly decreased in HCC827 cells after
      transfection with PEBP4 siRNA (p < 0.01), and the number of HCC827 cells that
      migrated through Transwell chambers was significantly lower than that of non
      transfected control and transfected control cells (p < 0.01). PEBP4 over
      expression may promote the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC.

PMID- 22076925
TI  - Novel thermal effect at nanoshell heating by pulsed laser irradiation: hoop
      shaped hot zone formation.
AB  - Photonic nanotechnologies have good perspectives to be widely used in
      biophotonics. In this study we have developed an approach for calculation of
      nanoparticle temperature field accounting for absorbed local intensity at pulse
      laser radiation of composite spherical nanoparticles (nanoshells). This approach
      allowed us to analyze spatial inhomogeneities of light field diffracted into a
      nanoshell and corresponding distribution of the absorption energy and to provide
      numerical solution of time-dependent heat conduction equation accounting for
      corresponding spatially inhomogeneous distribution of heating sources. We were
      able to predict the appearance of a novel thermal effect - hoop-shaped hot zone
      on the nanoshell surface. The observed effect has potential applications in cell
      biology and medicine for controlled cell optoporation and nanosurgery, as well as
      cancer cell killing.

PMID- 22076926
TI  - Reproductive tissues maintain insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity.
AB  - Reproductive dysfunction is associated with obesity. We previously showed that
      female mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) exhibit infertility and thus serve as
      a model of human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We postulated that
      differential insulin signaling of tissues leads to reproductive dysfunction;
      therefore, a comparison of insulin signaling in reproductive tissues and energy
      storage tissues was performed. Pituitary-specific insulin receptor knockout mice
      were used as controls. High-fat diet-induced stress, which leads to insulin
      resistance, was also investigated by assaying macrophage infiltration and
      phosphorylated Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (pJNK) signaling. In lean mice,
      reproductive tissues exhibited reduced sensitivity to insulin compared with
      peripheral metabolic tissues. However, in obese mice, where metabolic tissues
      exhibited insulin resistance, the pituitary and ovary maintained insulin
      sensitivity. Pituitaries responded to insulin through insulin receptor substrate
      (IRS)2 but not IRS1, whereas in the ovary, both IRS1 and IRS2 were activated by
      insulin. Macrophage infiltration and pJNK signaling were not increased in the
      pituitary or ovary of lean mice relative to DIO mice. The lack of inflammation
      and cytokine signaling in the pituitary and ovary in DIO mice compared with lean
      mice may be one of the reasons that these tissues remained insulin sensitive.
      Retained sensitivity of the pituitary and ovary to insulin may contribute to the
      pathophysiology of PCOS.

PMID- 22076928
TI  - Myofibroblast persistence and collagen type I accumulation in the human stenotic
      trachea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) is associated with an
      increased use of assisted ventilation in intensive care units. We investigated
      both collagen type I accumulation and myofibroblast localization in human PITS
      lesions excised for surgical therapeutic procedures, compared with normal
      tracheas. METHODS: We analyzed 2 segments of normal tracheas and 10 segments of
      PITS that were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red techniques and
      processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies against both alpha-smooth
      muscle actin (alpha-sma) for myofibroblast detection, and collagen type I.
      RESULTS: We showed a significant increase in collagen deposition in PITS
      specimens compared with normal tracheas. We found spindle-shaped alpha-sma
      positive cells (myofibroblasts) in the subepithelial layer of all pathologic
      tracheas, and the persistence of an intense myofibroblast network at PITS sites.
      CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal wall thickening in PITS is due to a deranged collagen
      remodeling that is related to myofibroblast activation.

PMID- 22076927
TI  - Inotuzumab ozogamicin murine analog-mediated B-cell depletion reduces anti-islet
      allo- and autoimmune responses.
AB  - B cells participate in the priming of the allo- and autoimmune responses, and
      their depletion can thus be advantageous for islet transplantation. Herein, we
      provide an extensive study of the effect of B-cell depletion in murine models of
      islet transplantation. Islet transplantation was performed in hyperglycemic B
      cell-deficient(MUMT) mice, in a purely alloimmune setting (BALB/c into
      hyperglycemic C57BL/6), in a purely autoimmune setting (NOD.SCID into
      hyperglycemic NOD), and in a mixed allo-/autoimmune setting (BALB/c into
      hyperglycemic NOD). Inotuzumab ozogamicin murine analog (anti-CD22 monoclonal
      antibody conjugated with calicheamicin [anti-CD22/cal]) efficiently depleted B
      cells in all three models of islet transplantation examined. Islet graft survival
      was significantly prolonged in B-cell-depleted mice compared with control groups
      in transplants of islets from BALB/c into C57BL/6 (mean survival time [MST]: 16.5
      vs. 12.0 days; P = 0.004), from NOD.SCID into NOD (MST: 23.5 vs. 14.0 days; P =
      0.03), and from BALB/c into NOD (MST: 12.0 vs. 5.5 days; P = 0.003). In the
      BALB/c into B-cell-deficient mice model, islet survival was prolonged as well
      (MST: MUMT = 32.5 vs. WT = 14 days; P = 0.002). Pathology revealed reduced CD3(+)
      cell islet infiltration and confirmed the absence of B cells in treated mice.
      Mechanistically, effector T cells were reduced in number, concomitant with a
      peripheral Th2 profile skewing and ex vivo recipient hyporesponsiveness toward
      donor-derived antigen as well as islet autoantigens. Finally, an anti-CD22/cal
      and CTLA4-Ig-based combination therapy displayed remarkable prolongation of graft
      survival in the stringent model of islet transplantation (BALB/c into NOD). Anti
      CD22/cal-mediated B-cell depletion promotes the reduction of the anti-islet
      immune response in various models of islet transplantation.

PMID- 22076930
TI  - Relativistic Hamiltonians for chemistry: a primer.

PMID- 22076929
TI  - Barx2 is expressed in satellite cells and is required for normal muscle growth
      and regeneration.
AB  - Muscle growth and regeneration are regulated through a series of spatiotemporally
      dependent signaling and transcriptional cascades. Although the transcriptional
      program controlling myogenesis has been extensively investigated, the full
      repertoire of transcriptional regulators involved in this process is far from
      defined. Various homeodomain transcription factors have been shown to play
      important roles in both muscle development and muscle satellite cell-dependent
      repair. Here, we show that the homeodomain factor Barx2 is a new marker for
      embryonic and adult myoblasts and is required for normal postnatal muscle growth
      and repair. Barx2 is coexpressed with Pax7, which is the canonical marker of
      satellite cells, and is upregulated in satellite cells after muscle injury. Mice
      lacking the Barx2 gene show reduced postnatal muscle growth, muscle atrophy, and
      defective muscle repair. Moreover, loss of Barx2 delays the expression of genes
      that control proliferation and differentiation in regenerating muscle. Consistent
      with the in vivo observations, satellite cell-derived myoblasts cultured from
      Barx2(-/-) mice show decreased proliferation and ability to differentiate
      relative to those from wild-type or Barx2(+/-) mice. Barx2(-/-) myoblasts show
      reduced expression of the differentiation-associated factor myogenin as well as
      cell adhesion and matrix molecules. Finally, we find that mice lacking both Barx2
      and dystrophin gene expression have severe early onset myopathy. Together, these
      data indicate that Barx2 is an important regulator of muscle growth and repair
      that acts via the control of satellite cell proliferation and differentiation.

PMID- 22076931
TI  - Flow cytometry counting of bronchoalveolar lavage leukocytes with a new profile
      of monoclonal antibodies combination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differential cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has an
      important role in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. Optical microscopy method
      is usually chosen to identify BAL leukocyte populations despite its technical
      limitations. As there are no guidelines to make this analysis by flow cytometry
      (FCM), we propose a new monoclonal antibodies combination for this analysis.
      METHODS: Thirty-four BAL samples were stained with the monoclonal antibodies
      combination CD15/CD16/CD45/HLA-DR and analyzed in a 2-laser cytometer
      (FACSCalibur). The results were compared with those obtained by optical
      microscopy. RESULTS: Both methods showed a good correlation, but FCM
      overestimates lymphocyte population and conversely underestimates alveolar
      macrophage population. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed monoclonal antibodies
      combination is effective and reliable to identify leukocyte populations in BAL.

PMID- 22076932
TI  - Ten years' experience with needle biopsy in the early diagnosis of sacroiliitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of needle biopsy in the diagnosis of early
      sacroiliitis to improve the diagnostic level and outcome of ankylosing
      spondylitis (AS). METHODS: One hundred nine patients in whom early AS was highly
      suspected, but in whom only sacroiliitis of grade I or lower on
      radiography/computed tomography (CT) was seen, were recruited for study. CT
      guided needle biopsy of the sacroiliac joints was performed, and the patients
      were followed up for 5-10 years. RESULTS: Of the 109 patients, magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) was used to confirm the presence or absence of sacroiliitis in 77
      patients. Of these, 23 patients were determined to have sacroiliitis on MRI, and
      54 had no sacroiliitis on MRI. Needle biopsy was performed on all 109 patients.
      Features of inflammation were found in 85 patients, which included all 23
      patients with MRI evidence of sacroiliitis and 38 of the 54 patients without MRI
      evidence of sacroiliitis. No features of inflammation were found on needle biopsy
      in 24 of the patients, including the remaining 16 patients who did not have
      sacroiliitis on MRI. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for the early
      diagnosis of sacroiliitis in these patients were 37.7% and 100%, respectively.
      Thirty-four patients with pathologic evidence of sacroiliitis were followed up
      for 5-10 years. At the study end point, 16 of these 34 patients continued to show
      grade I or lower changes on CT, and 18 had changes of grade II or higher. These
      18 patients included 7 of the 8 patients with evidence of sacroiliitis on MRI and
      6 of the 20 patients confirmed not to have MRI evidence of sacroiliitis at
      baseline. CONCLUSION: MRI, though of low sensitivity, is specific for the
      diagnosis of early sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis can be detected earlier by needle
      biopsy than by MRI.

PMID- 22076934
TI  - Glial cells in adult neurogenesis.
AB  - Adult neurogenesis is an exceptional feature of the adult brain and in an
      intriguing way bridges between neuronal and glial neurobiology. Essentially, all
      classes of glial cells are directly or indirectly linked to this process. Cells
      with astrocytic features, for example, serve as radial glia-like stem cells in
      the two neurogenic regions of the adult brain, the hippocampal dentate gyrus and
      the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, producing new neurons, create
      a microenvironment permissive for neurogenesis, and are themselves generated
      alongside the new neurons in an associated but independently regulated process.
      Oligodendrocytes are generated from precursor cells intermingled with those
      generating neurons in an independent lineage. NG2 cells have certain precursor
      cell properties and are found throughout the brain parenchyma. They respond to
      extrinsic stimuli and injury but do not generate neurons even though they can
      express some preneuronal markers. Microglia have positive and negative regulatory
      effects as constituents of the "neurogenic niche". Ependymal cells play
      incompletely understood roles in adult neurogenesis, but under certain conditions
      might exert (back-up) precursor cell functions. Glial contributions to adult
      neurogenesis can be direct or indirect and are mediated by mechanisms ranging
      from gap-junctional to paracrine and endocrine. As the two neurogenic regions
      differ between each other and both from the non-neurogenic rest of the brain, the
      question arises in how far regionalization of both the glia-like precursor cells
      as well as of the glial cells determines site-specific "neurogenic
      permissiveness." In any case, however, "neurogenesis" appears to be an
      essentially glial achievement.

PMID- 22076933
TI  - Protective effect of Calamintha officinalis Moench leaves against alcohol-induced
      gastric mucosa injury in rats. Macroscopic, histologic and phytochemical
      analysis.
AB  - Calamintha officinalis Moench (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic plant used since ancient
      times for its preservative and medicinal properties. The plant, known as
      'Mentuccia' in Central Italy, is used in cooking as an aromatizant and to impart
      aroma and flavour to food. The methanol extract of the leaves was subjected to
      phytochemical and biological investigations. The extract contains polyphenols,
      catechic tannins and terpenes and shows radical scavenger activity. By means of
      HPLC analysis, eriocitrin, eriodyctiol, acacetin, linarin, benzoic acid and some
      phenolic acids, such as caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, were determined. The
      gastroprotective activity of the extract was investigated using ethanol-induced
      ulcer in rats, with sucralfate as a reference drug. Samples of gastric mucosa,
      stained by PAS and haematoxylin/eosin, were observed by light microscopy. The
      efficacy of the extract was comparable to that of the reference drug. Probably
      the gastroprotective effect depends on a synergistic action of all the compounds
      occurring in C. officinalis leaves, even if the antioxidant potential of the
      leaves plays an important role by removing damaging agents from the gastric
      mucosa.

PMID- 22076935
TI  - Resonance Raman quantification of the redox state of cytochromes b and c in-vivo
      and in-vitro.
AB  - We observe the redox state changes with respiration of cytochromes b and c in
      mitochondria in a living Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell as well as in isolated
      mitochondria with the very use of Raman microspectroscopy. The possibility of
      monitoring the respiration activity of mitochondria in vivo and in vitro by Raman
      microspectroscopic quantification of the cytochrome redox states is suggested. It
      will lead to a new means to assess mitochondrial respiration activity in vivo and
      in vitro without using any labelling or genetic manipulation.

PMID- 22076936
TI  - Prospective trial of chemotherapy-enhanced accelerated radiotherapy for larynx
      preservation in patients with intermediate-volume hypopharyngeal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered fractionation radiotherapy (RT) improves locoregional control
      in head and neck cancer without aggravation of late adverse events. To improve
      successful larynx-preservation rates in patients with resectable, intermediate
      volume hypopharyngeal cancer, a prospective trial of chemotherapy-enhanced
      accelerated RT was conducted. METHODS: Patients with T2 to T4 hypopharyngeal
      cancer received 40 Gray (Gy)/4 weeks to the entire neck followed by boost RT
      administering 30 Gy/2 weeks (1.5 Gy twice-daily fractionation). Cisplatin and 5
      fluorouracil were administered concomitantly only during boost RT. RESULTS:
      Thirty-five patients were enrolled in this study. All patients completed this
      protocol as planned. After a median follow-up period for surviving patients of 59
      months (24-90 months), overall survival and local control rates at 3 years were
      91% (95% confidence interval, 81% to 100%), and 88% (79% to 99%), respectively.
      All surviving patients maintained normalcy of diets. CONCLUSION: This regimen was
      feasible with encouraging oncological and functional outcomes.

PMID- 22076937
TI  - Substituents destabilize the molecule by increasing biradicaloid character and
      stabilize by intramolecular charge transfer in the derivatives of
      benzobis(thiadiazole) and thiadiazolothienopyrazine: a computational study.
AB  - Keeping in view the possible applications of singlet open-shell molecules as
      semiconductors, non-classical derivatives of the heterocyclic rings
      benzobis(thiadiazole) (BBT) and its positional isomer thiadiazolothienopyrazine
      (TTP) are characterized using DFT methodologies. M06-2X, B3LYP and BHandHLYP
      functionals were used to optimize the geometries and estimate the vertical
      transition energies. It is observed that unlike the BHandHLYP functional (50%
      exchange), which gives rise to spin-contaminated solutions for all molecules in
      the series, M06-2X (54% exchange) affords a wavefunction either with no
      instability or negligible instability for most of the molecules. The results are
      compared with the earlier reported experimental data and those obtained herein
      using the spin-flip (SF)-5050 method. It is found that B3LYP does not fare well
      while on the other hand the M06-2X and SF-50-50 are in good agreement with the
      experimental results. It is seen that M06-2X TD-DFT for the molecules can be
      carried out without major spin contamination and also that the more time
      consuming CI can be avoided for the calculation of transition energies. The
      biradical nature of the molecules is estimated by the singlet-triplet gap.
      Intramolecular charge transfer is calculated. It is found that the ring
      substituents donate charge in the ground state, creating a zwitterionic
      structure. Thus the substituents play an interesting dual role, decreasing the
      stability of the molecule by increasing the biradical character (small HOMO-LUMO
      gap), and stabilization of this ground state by intramolecular charge transfer.

PMID- 22076938
TI  - 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside induces G(1)/S arrest and Nanog
      downregulation via p53 and enhances erythroid differentiation.
AB  - Molecular mechanisms of how energy metabolism affects embryonic stem cell (ESC)
      pluripotency remain unclear. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator
      for controlling energy metabolism, is activated in response to ATP-exhausting
      stress. We investigated whether cellular energy homeostasis is associated with
      maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency in mouse ESCs (mESCs) by using 5
      aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) as an activator of AMPK. We
      demonstrate that AICAR treatment activates the p53/p21 pathway and markedly
      inhibits proliferation of R1 mESCs by inducing G(1) /S-phase cell cycle arrest,
      without influencing apoptosis. Treatment with AICAR also significantly reduces
      pluripotent stem cell markers, Nanog and stage-specific embryonic antigen-1, in
      the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor, without affecting expression of Oct4.
      H9 human ESCs also responded to AICAR with induction of p53 activation and
      repression of Nanog expression. AICAR reduced Nanog mRNA levels in mESCs
      transiently, an effect not due to expression of miR-134 which can suppress Nanog
      expression. AICAR induced Nanog degradation, an effect inhibited by MG132, a
      proteasome inhibitor. Although AICAR reduced embryoid body formation from mESCs,
      it increased expression levels of erythroid cell lineage markers (Ter119, GATA1,
      Klf1, Hbb-b, and Hbb-bh1). Although erythroid differentiation was enhanced by
      AICAR, endothelial lineage populations were remarkably reduced in AICAR-treated
      cells. Our results suggest that energy metabolism regulated by AMPK activity may
      control the balance of self-renewal and differentiation of ESCs.

PMID- 22076939
TI  - Role of interferon regulatory factor 7 in serum-transfer arthritis: regulation of
      interferon-beta production.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Innate immune responses activate synoviocytes and recruit inflammatory
      cells into the rheumatoid joint. Type I interferons (IFNs) play a role in
      autoimmunity, and IFN gene transcription is activated by IFN-regulatory factors
      (IRFs) in response to innate sensor recognition. The purpose of this study was to
      examine the effect of genetic deficiency of IRF-7 in a passive K/BxN serum
      transfer model of arthritis. METHODS: Passive-transfer arthritis was induced in
      IRF-7(-/-)  mice, and additional groups were treated with IFNbeta or poly(I-C).
      Clinical arthritis scoring, histologic assessment, micro-computed tomography, and
      synovial tissue quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed.
      Mouse serum was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS:
      In the passive K/BxN serum-transfer model, arthritis severity was significantly
      increased in IRF-7(-/-)  mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In addition,
      expression of IFNbeta in synovium and serum was decreased, potentially
      contributing to increased arthritis. IRF-7(-/-)  mice injected with replacement
      IFNbeta had a decrease in arthritis. Poly(I-C) treatment diminished arthritis in
      IRF-7(-/-)  mice, restored synovial IFNbeta gene expression, and increased serum
      levels of IFNbeta. In vitro studies demonstrated that poly(I-C) stimulation of
      fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from IRF-7(-/-)  mice resulted in increased
      induction of proinflammatory gene expression as compared with FLS from WT mice;
      however, IFNbeta expression was not significantly different. In contrast,
      peritoneal macrophages from IRF-7(-/-)  mice showed significantly less induction
      of IFNbeta in response to poly(I-C) stimulation. CONCLUSION: IRF-7 deficiency
      exacerbates arthritis and replacement treatment with IFNbeta or poly(I-C)
      decreases arthritis severity. Both macrophage- and synoviocyte-specific roles of
      IRF-7 likely contribute to the increased arthritis. IRF-7 might play an
      antiinflammatory role in passive-transfer arthritis through regulation of
      macrophage IFNbeta production.

PMID- 22076940
TI  - CD80 (B7.1) is expressed on both malignant B cells and nonmalignant stromal cells
      in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD80 is a member of the B7 family of immune coregulatory proteins
      that mediate both immune activation and suppression. CD80 in particular has
      recently been shown to play an important role in supporting immune suppression
      through interactions with B7-H1. CD80 has been identified as a therapeutic target
      in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) based on limited immunohistochemical studies of
      CD80 expression. Clinical studies have shown that the anti-CD80 antibody
      galiximab is safe and clinically efficacious in follicular NHL. However, the
      mechanisms through which targeting CD80 inhibits tumor progression remain poorly
      understood. METHODS: To further define the potential of CD80 as a therapeutic
      target in NHL, CD80 expression was evaluated by multicolor flow cytometric
      analysis of primary lymphoma cell suspensions generated from 241 diagnostic
      biopsies of patients with NHL. RESULTS: CD80 was expressed on malignant B cells
      in essentially all cases of follicular lymphoma (97%; n = 115), the majority of
      cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (90%; n = 69), marginal zone lymphoma
      (91%; n = 22), mantle cell lymphoma (75%; n = 12), and in about half of small
      lymphocytic lymphoma cases (43%; n = 23). CD80 was also present on tumor
      infiltrating T lymphocytes in nearly all cases. Additionally, CD80 was expressed
      by non-B, non-T cells in 68 and 44% of cases of follicular and diffuse large B
      cell NHL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CD80 is expressed on both malignant cells
      and the nonmalignant cells in NHL. Therapeutic targeting of CD80 will therefore
      modulate the complex intercellular interactions that define the tumor
      microenvironment in NHL.

PMID- 22076941
TI  - The beetroot component betanin modulates ROS production, DNA damage and apoptosis
      in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of betanin, one of the beetroot
      major components, on ROS production, DNA damage and apoptosis in human resting
      and stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate polymorphonuclear neutrophils,
      one of the key elements of the inflammatory response. Incubation of neutrophils
      with betanin in the concentration range 2-500 uM resulted in significant
      inhibition of ROS production (by 15-46%, depending on the ROS detection assay).
      The antioxidant capacity of betanin was most prominently expressed in the
      chemiluminescence measurements. This compound decreased also the percentage of
      DNA in comet tails in stimulated neutrophils, but only at the 24 h time point. In
      resting neutrophils an increased level of DNA in comet tails was observed.
      Betanin did not affect the activity of caspase-3, in resting neutrophils, but
      significantly enhanced the enzyme activity in stimulated neutrophils. The western
      blot analysis showed, however, an increased level of caspase-3 cleavage products
      as a result of betanin treatment both in resting and stimulated neutrophils. The
      results indicate that betanin may be responsible for the effect of beetroot
      products on neutrophil oxidative metabolism and its consequences, DNA damage and
      apoptosis. The dose and time dependent effects on these processes require further
      studies.

PMID- 22076942
TI  - A tale of two polymorphic pharmaceuticals: pyrithyldione and propyphenazone and
      their 1937 co-crystal patent.
AB  - A co-crystal of two polymorphic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), first
      reported and patented in 1937, has been prepared and thoroughly characterised,
      including crystal structure analysis. The existence of four crystal forms of one
      of the APIs, the sedative and hypnotic active pharmaceutical ingredient 3,3
      diethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyridinedione, pyrithyldione (PYR), and of three crystal forms
      of the co-crystal-forming second API, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
      1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one,
      propyphenazone (PROP), has been reported previously, but they have only been
      partly characterised. For both compounds, none of the metastable forms exist at
      room temperature. DSC, hot-stage microscopy, X-ray diffraction and powder
      synchrotron X-ray diffraction were employed to characterise the polymorphic forms
      and to determine the crystal structures of forms I-III of PYR and forms I and II
      of PROP.

PMID- 22076943
TI  - Environmental, lifestyle, and familial/ethnic factors associated with
      myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are characterized by overproduction of mature
      functional blood cells and are often associated with an acquired genetic mutation
      of Janus Kinase 2(V617F). The etiology of MPNs remains unknown. The aim of this
      article was to review and collate all known published data investigating
      environmental and lifestyle factors associated with MPNs. Medline, Embase,
      PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were systematically searched using terms for
      MPNs and observational study designs to identify studies investigating the risk
      factors for MPNs published before March 2010. Of 9,156 articles identified, 19
      met the selection criteria. Although the studies exhibited heterogeneity, in case
      definitions, study design, and risk factors investigated, several themes emerged.
      A strong association was found with Jewish descent, and with a family history of
      MPNs. Autoimmune conditions, specifically Crohn's disease, were more common in
      patients with MPNs. Certain occupational groups were significantly associated
      with MPNs including occupations with potential exposure to benzene and/or
      petroleum. Blood donation was associated with an increased risk of polycythemia
      vera specifically. The vast heterogeneity in studies identified as part of this
      review suggests that large scale systematic assessment of etiological factors
      associated with MPNs is warranted.

PMID- 22076944
TI  - Which dimensions of fatigue should be measured in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis? A Delphi study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients experience fatigue as a
      multidimensional symptom. The aim of the present study was to use health
      professionals and patients alike to identify which dimensions of fatigue should
      be measured in RA. METHODS: Twelve fatigue dimensions were constructed, based on
      items from traditional questionnaires and items generated from interviews. Health
      professionals and patients evaluated these dimensions, related to an initial pool
      of 294 items, in a Delphi procedure. Dimensions were selected if rated important
      by at least 80% of the participants. RESULTS: Ten rheumatologists, 20 nurses and
      15 patients participated. All fatigue dimensions were selected directly
      (severity, frequency, duration, changes in fatigue, perceived causes of fatigue,
      energy, sleep/rest, body feeling, cognition/concentration, coping, negative
      emotions/mood and consequences). No additional dimensions emerged from
      participants' comments and suggestions. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed 12
      fatigue dimensions. This underlines the multidimensionality of fatigue in RA and
      the need for comprehensive measurement.

PMID- 22076945
TI  - Acute-phase serum amyloid A regulates tumor necrosis factor alpha and matrix
      turnover and predicts disease progression in patients with inflammatory arthritis
      before and after biologic therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between acute-phase serum amyloid A (A
      SAA) and joint destruction in inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: Serum A-SAA and C
      reactive protein (CRP) levels, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and
      levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, tissue
      inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF), and type I and type II collagen-generated biomarkers C2C and C1,2C were
      measured at 0-3 months in patients with inflammatory arthritis commencing anti
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFalpha) therapy and were correlated with 1
      year radiographic progression. The effects of A-SAA on MMP/TIMP expression on RA
      fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), primary human chondrocytes, and RA/psoriatic
      arthritis synovial explant cultures were assessed using real-time polymerase
      chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, antibody protein arrays, and
      gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Serum A-SAA levels were significantly (P < 0.05)
      correlated with MMP-3, the MMP-3:TIMP-1 ratio, C1,2C, C2C, and VEGF. The baseline
      A-SAA level but not the ESR or the CRP level correlated with the 28-joint swollen
      joint count and was independently associated with 1-year radiographic progression
      (P = 0.038). A-SAA increased MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, and MMP/TIMP expression in RA
      FLS and synovial explants (P < 0.05). In chondrocytes, A-SAA induced MMP-1, MMP
      3, and MMP-13 messenger RNA and protein expression (all P < 0.01), resulting in a
      significant shift in MMP:TIMP ratios (P < 0.05). Gelatin zymography revealed that
      A-SAA induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Blockade of the A-SAA receptor SR-B1 (A
      SAA receptor scavenger receptor-class B type 1) inhibited MMP-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9
      expression in synovial explant cultures ex vivo. Importantly, we demonstrated
      that A-SAA has the ability to induce TNFalpha expression in RA synovial explant
      cultures (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A-SAA may be involved in joint destruction
      though MMP induction and collagen cleavage in vivo. The ability of A-SAA to
      regulate TNFalpha suggests that A-SAA signaling pathways may provide new
      therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

PMID- 22076947
TI  - Freezing tolerance and low molecular weight cryoprotectants in an invasive
      parasitic fly, the deer ked (Lipoptena cervi).
AB  - Insect cold hardiness is often mediated by low molecular weight cryoprotectants,
      such as sugars, polyols, and amino acids (AA). While many free-living northern
      insects must cope with extended periods of freezing ambient temperatures (Ta),
      the ectoparasitic deer ked Lipoptena cervi imago can encounter subfreezing Ta
      only during a short autumnal period between hatching and host location.
      Subsequently, it benefits from the body temperature of the cervid host for
      survival in winter. This study investigated the cold tolerance of the species by
      determining its lower lethal temperature (100% mortality, LLT100) during faster
      and slower cold acclimation, by determining the supercooling point (SCP) and by
      measuring the concentrations of potential low molecular weight cryoprotectants.
      The LLT100 of the deer ked was approximately -16  degrees  C, which would enable
      it to survive freezing nighttime Ta not only in its current area of distribution
      but also further north. The SCP was -7.8  degrees  C, clearly higher than the
      LLT100 , indicating that the deer ked displays freezing tolerance. The
      concentrations of free AA, especially nonessential AA, were higher in the cold
      acclimated deer keds similar to several other insects. The concentrations of
      proline increased together with gamma-aminobutyrate, arginine, asparagine,
      cystine, glutamate, glutamine, hydroxylysine, sarcosine, serine, and taurine. AA
      could be hypothesized to act as cryoprotectants by, e.g., protecting enzymes and
      lipid membranes from damage caused by cold.

PMID- 22076946
TI  - Guided migration of neural stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells by
      an electric field.
AB  - Small direct current (DC) electric fields (EFs) guide neurite growth and
      migration of rodent neural stem cells (NSCs). However, this could be species
      dependent. Therefore, it is critical to investigate how human NSCs (hNSCs)
      respond to EF before any possible clinical attempt. Aiming to characterize the EF
      stimulated and guided migration of hNSCs, we derived hNSCs from a well
      established human embryonic stem cell line H9. Small applied DC EFs, as low as 16
      mV/mm, induced significant directional migration toward the cathode. Reversal of
      the field polarity reversed migration of hNSCs. The galvanotactic/electrotactic
      response was both time and voltage dependent. The migration directedness and
      distance to the cathode increased with the increase of field strength. (Rho
      kinase) inhibitor Y27632 is used to enhance viability of stem cells and has
      previously been reported to inhibit EF-guided directional migration in induced
      pluripotent stem cells and neurons. However, its presence did not significantly
      affect the directionality of hNSC migration in an EF. Cytokine receptor [C-X-C
      chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)] is important for chemotaxis of NSCs in the
      brain. The blockage of CXCR4 did not affect the electrotaxis of hNSCs. We
      conclude that hNSCs respond to a small EF by directional migration. Applied EFs
      could potentially be further exploited to guide hNSCs to injured sites in the
      central nervous system to improve the outcome of various diseases.

PMID- 22076949
TI  - Detection of circulating tumor cells in advanced head and neck cancer using the
      CellSearch system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offers the
      possibility of improved outcome for patients with head and neck squamous cell
      cancer (HNSCC). METHODS: Patients with advanced-stage HNSCC (stage III/IV) were
      tested for CTCs using the CellSearch system (a registered trade name), which has
      been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for monitoring CTCs
      in other cancers. RESULTS: CTCs were detected in 6 of 15 patients with advanced
      stage HNSCC (range, 1-2 cells/7.5 mL of blood). CTCs were significantly
      associated with patients with lung nodules >1 cm (p = .04). There was also a
      suggestion of improved survival in the CTC-negative versus the CTC-positive
      patients (p = .11). CONCLUSIONS: CTCs can be successfully isolated in patients
      with advanced-stage HNSCC using the CellSearch system. CTC detection may be
      important for prognosis, evaluating treatment outcome, and for determining
      efficacy of adjuvant treatments.

PMID- 22076948
TI  - Artificial neural network in diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma in effusion
      cytology.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To build an artificial neural network (ANN) model for the
      detection of carcinoma in effusion cytology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected a
      total of 114 effusion cytology cases consisting of 57 each benign and malignant
      case. In all these cases, detailed cytological features, image morphometric data,
      densitometric data, and chromatin textural data were collected. Based on these
      data, we made a back propagation ANN model for diagnosing malignancy in effusion
      cytology. This network was designed as 25-2-1 (input nodes-hidden nodes-output
      node). Online back propagation method was applied for training the network. The
      training of the network was continued until the network error was reduced to
      0.000654. Simultaneously, we also performed logistic regression (LR) analysis
      test to compare with ANN model performance. RESULT: ANN model worked excellent
      after adequate training. With the help of this model, it was possible to identify
      correctly all the malignant cases in validation and test set. The result of the
      multivariate LR analysis was also similar as that of ANN model and all the cases
      were also classified correctly. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we successfully
      constructed an ANN model to diagnose metastatic carcinoma in effusion cytology.
      ANN is very promising in the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma in effusion
      cytology. In future, ANN model may help the cytopathologist to diagnose the
      difficult cases in effusion fluid.

PMID- 22076950
TI  - Gingko biloba extract inhibits oxidative stress and ameliorates impaired glial
      fibrillary acidic protein expression, but can not improve spatial learning in
      offspring from hyperhomocysteinemic rat dams.
AB  - We aimed to study the effects of gingko biloba extract (EGb) on oxidative stress,
      astrocyte maturation and cognitive disfunction in offspring of
      hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in the pregnant rats
      by administration of methionine (1 gr/kg body weight) dissolved in drinking water
      throughout pregnancy. One group of animals has received same amount of methionine
      plus 100 mg/kg/day EGb during pregnancy. On the postnatal day 1, half of the pups
      from all groups were sacrificed to study the lipid peroxidation (LPO) in
      different subfractions of brain. Other half of pups were tested in Morris water
      maze to assess differences in learning and memory performance at the 75 days of
      age. Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increased LPO levels especially
      in mitochondrial subfraction of fetal pup brains. EGb significantly prevented
      this LPO inrease. Methionine administration to animals reduced glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP) expression in pup brains significantly. EGb administration
      improved GFAP expression significantly. Offspring of hyperhomocysteinemic animals
      had poor long term spatial memory performance on Morris water maze and EGb
      administration had no effect on impaired spatial memory. In conclusion,
      maternally induced hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increased oxidative stress,
      decreased expression of GFAP and impaired learning performance.

PMID- 22076951
TI  - Ultrathin platinum nanowire catalysts for direct C-N coupling of carbonyls with
      aromatic nitro compounds under 1 bar of hydrogen.
AB  - Traditionally important in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and synthetic dye
      industries, C-N coupling has proved useful for the preparation of a number of
      valuable organic compounds. Here, a new method for the direct one-pot reductive C
      N coupling from carbonyl and aromatic nitro compounds is described. Employing
      ultrathin platinum nanowires as the catalyst and hydrogen as the reducing agent,
      N-alkylamines were achieved in high yields. Debenzylation products were not
      detected after prolonged reaction times. Time-dependent analysis, ReactIR
      spectroscopy and DFT calculations revealed that the C-N coupling proceeded
      through a different mechanism than traditional "reductive amination." N
      Alkylamines were directly obtained by intermolecular dehydration over platinum
      nanowires under a hydrogen atmosphere, instead of intramolecular water
      elimination and imine hydrogenation.

PMID- 22076952
TI  - The potential role of pre-transplant HBcIgG seroposivity as predictor of
      clinically relevant cytomegalovirus infection in patients with lymphoma
      undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a study from the
      Rome Transplant Network.
AB  - Despite the increased use of intensive immunosuppressive chemo-immunotherapies in
      patients with lymphoma observed in the last decade, current data on
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following autologous stem cell transplantation
      (Auto-SCT) are very limited. To address this peculiar aspect, a retrospective
      study on a cohort of 128 adult patients consecutively transplanted for lymphoma
      in three Hematology Institutions was performed with the aim to determine the
      incidence of and the risk factors for CMV symptomatic infection and/or end-organ
      disease. Sixteen patients (12.5%) required specific antiviral therapy and 4/16
      died (25%); transplant-related mortality (TRM) was significantly influenced by
      CMV infection (P = 0.005). In univariate analysis, a pre-transplant HBcIgG
      seropositivity, HBV infection according to clinical-virological definitions, a
      pre-transplant Rituximab treatment, a diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
      and age at transplant were significantly associated with the risk of developing a
      clinically relevant CMV infection. In multivariate analysis, only a pre
      transplant HBcIgG seropositivity (P = 0.008) proved to be an independent
      predictor of a clinically relevant CMV infection. These results suggest that a
      pre-transplant HBcIgG seropositivity could be considered as an independent
      predictor factor of clinically relevant CMV infection after Auto-SCT.

PMID- 22076953
TI  - The association of illness perceptions with physical and mental health in
      systemic sclerosis patients: an exploratory study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between
      illness perceptions and the ability to cope with physical and mental health
      problems in a large cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. METHODS: This
      was a cross-sectional study in 217 systemic sclerosis patients from the Belgian
      Systemic Sclerosis Cohort. Illness perception and coping were measured by the
      Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and a coping questionnaire--the Coping
      Orientation of Problem Experience inventory (COPE). Physical and mental health
      related quality of life was measured by the 36-item short-form health survey (SF
      36), as were disease activity and several severity parameters. The relationship
      between illness perceptions and the ability to cope with physical/mental health
      problems was examined using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS:
      According to LeRoy's classification, 49 patients had limited SSc (lSSc), 129 had
      limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and 39 had diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Median
      disease duration was five years and the modified Rodnan skin score was 4. Good
      physical health was significantly associated with the lcSSc subtype and low
      disease activity (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The perception of
      'serious consequences' and strong 'illness identity' correlated with poor
      physical health (p < 0.001). Good mental health was associated with low illness
      identity scores and low 'emotional response' scores (p < 0.001). Coping variables
      were less significantly correlated with physical and mental health compared with
      the illness perception items. CONCLUSION: Illness representations contribute more
      than classical disease characteristics to physical and mental health.

PMID- 22076954
TI  - New pemetrexed-peptide conjugates: synthesis, characterization and in vitro
      cytostatic effect on non-small cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H358) and human leukemia
      (HL-60) cells.
AB  - Pemetrexed (Pem) is a novel antimetabolite type of anticancer drug that
      demonstrated promising clinical activity in a wide variety of solid tumors,
      including non-small cell lung carcinoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma. It
      inhibits enzymes involved in the folate pathway, for which the presence of its
      free carboxylic groups is necessary. The heteroaromatic ring system of Pem has a
      modifiable amino group, which opens a possibility to apply a new strategy to
      conjugate Pem to carrier molecules. Considering this as well as the necessity of
      untouched carboxylic groups of Pem in the new conjugates, we developed a new
      synthesis strategy. Here, we describe the synthesis and the characterization of
      new Pem-peptide conjugates in which cell-penetrating octaarginine or/and lung
      targeting H-Ile-Glu-Leu-Leu-Gln-Ala-Arg-NH(2) peptide is attached to the drug by
      thioether bond. The conjugates characterized by RP-HPLC and MS exhibited
      cytostatic effect in vitro on non-small cell lung carcinoma as well as on human
      leukemia cell lines. The IC(50) values of the conjugates were similar, but the
      conjugates with H-Ile-Glu-Leu-Leu-Gln-Ala-Arg-NH(2) sequence were slightly more
      effective. Our data show that the in vitro cytostatic effect of the free Pem was
      essentially maintained after conjugation with cell-penetrating or cell-targeting
      peptides. Thus, the conjugation strategy reported could lead to the development
      of a new generation of active Pem conjugates.

PMID- 22076955
TI  - Pathways for plasmalemmal repair mediated by PKA, Epac, and cytosolic oxidation
      in rat B104 cells in vitro and rat sciatic axons ex vivo.
AB  - Plasmalemmal repair (sealing) is necessary for survival of damaged eukaryotic
      cells. Ca(2+) influx through plasmalemmal disruptions activates pathways that
      initiate sealing, which is commonly assessed by exclusion of extracellular dye.
      These sealing pathways include PKA, Epac, and cytosolic oxidation. In this
      article, we investigate whether PKA, Epac, and/or cytosolic oxidation, activate
      specific proteins required to produce a plasmalemmal seal. We report that toxin
      cleavage of proteins required for neurotransmitter release (SNAP-25), inhibition
      of Golgi trafficking (with Brefeldin A: Bref A) or inhibition of N-ethylmaleimide
      sensitive factor (NSF) all decrease sealing of rat B104 hippocampal cells with
      transected neuritis in vitro. Epac, but not PKA or cytosolic oxidation, partly
      overcomes the decrease in sealing produced by cleavage of SNAP-25. PKA and
      increased cytosolic oxidation, but not Epac, can partly overcome the decrease in
      sealing due to Bref A. PKA, Epac, and/or cytosolic oxidation cannot overcome NSF
      inhibition. Substances that affect plasmalemmal sealing of B104 neurites in vitro
      have similar effects on plasmalemmal sealing in rat sciatic axons ex vivo. From
      these and other data, we propose a model of plasmalemmal sealing having three
      redundant, evolutionarily conserved, parallel pathways that all converge on NSF.

PMID- 22076956
TI  - A grumpy old man.

PMID- 22076957
TI  - Exploring the effect of metal ions and counteranions on the structure and
      magnetic properties of five dodecanuclear Co(II) and Ni(II) clusters.
AB  - We present the synthesis, characterization of the structures, and magnetic
      properties of five isostructural dodecanuclear coordination clusters of Ni(II)
      and Co(II): [Co(12)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(EtOH)(6)](NO(3))(5) (1),
      [Ni(12)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(H(2)O)(3)(EtOH)(3)](NO(3))(5).2H(2)O (2),
      mixed-metal composition (Ni/Co 1:1)
      [Co(6)Ni(6)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(NO(3))(5) (3), and
      [M(12)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(EtOH)(6)](ClO(4))(5) (M=Co (4), Ni (5)), in
      which Hbm=(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methanol. They consist of analogous structural
      cores that are constructed by three cubanes (M(4)O(4)) that surround the
      templating nitrate and bridging auxiliary acetate and the directing ligands bm.
      They have different magnetic behaviors. Whereas there is the absence of the out
      of-phase ac susceptibility (chi'') for the Ni(II)-based compounds 2 and 5, the
      Co(II)-containing compounds 1, 3, and 4 have prominent chi'' signals that exhibit
      frequency dependence, which indicates slow magnetic relaxation behavior above 1.8
      K. In particular, the larger perchlorate counterions in 4 further change the
      overall correlation interaction between clusters, thus leading to an enhanced
      blocking temperature for the less-symmetrical 4 (pseudo-C(3)) relative to 1 and 3
      (true C(3)). Interestingly, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)
      indicates that the three dodecanuclear clusters of 1-3 retain their compositions
      in solution. The mixed-metal cluster cores of 3 are formed based on the nature of
      the interchangeability between metal centers in solution.

PMID- 22076958
TI  - CD133 and CD44 are universally overexpressed in GIST and do not represent cancer
      stem cell markers.
AB  - Although imatinib mesylate has been a major breakthrough in the treatment of
      advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), complete responses are rare and
      most patients eventually develop resistance to the drug. Thus, the possibility of
      an imatinib-insensitive cell subpopulation within GIST tumors, harboring stem
      cell characteristics, may be responsible for the clinical failures. However, the
      existence of a cancer stem cell component in GIST has not been yet established.
      This study was aimed to determine whether expression of commonly used stem cell
      markers in other malignancies, that is, CD133 and CD44, might identify cells with
      characteristics of cancer stem/progenitor cells in human GIST. CD133 and CD44
      expression in GIST explants was analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence,
      and gene expression. Their transcription levels were correlated with clinical and
      molecular factors in a large, well-annotated cohort of GIST patients. FACS sorted
      GIST cells based on CD133 and CD44 expression were isolated and used to assess
      phenotypic characteristics, ability to maintain their surface expression,
      sensitivity to imatinib, and expression signature. The enrichment in CD133/CD44
      cells in the side population (SP) assay was also investigated. CD133 expression
      was consistently found in GIST. CD133(-) cells formed more colonies, were more
      invasive in a matrigel assay, and showed enrichment in the SP cells, compared to
      CD133(+) cells. CD133 expression was also detected in the two imatinib-sensitive
      GIST cell lines, while was absent in the imatinib-resistant lines. Our results
      show that CD133 and CD44 are universally expressed in GIST, and may represent a
      lineage rather than a cancer stem cell marker.

PMID- 22076960
TI  - Frameless stereotactic targeting devices: technical features, targeting errors
      and clinical results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain biopsies (BB) and depth electrode placements (DEP) are
      increasingly performed using frameless stereotactic targeting devices. This paper
      is intended to provide a comprehensive review of the technical features,
      targeting errors and clinical results. METHODS: A PubMed literature search from
      1995-2010 was performed. RESULTS: (A) Modified stereotactic arcs, (B) arm-based
      devices with and without aiming facilities, and (C) skull affixed devices were
      found. Guidance technologies were navigation systems (all groups), prospective
      stereotaxy and custom designed platforms (group C). Mean total errors ranged
      between 4.4 and 5.4 mm for BB and 2.0 and 3.2 mm for DEP. Diagnostic yield of BB
      was 89-100%. The clinical success rate for DEP was 96-100%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Frameless stereotactic targeting devices may reach targeting errors and clinical
      results comparable with standard frame-based stereotaxy. Advantages and
      disadvantages of different devices should be acknowledged to ensure optimal
      technical performance.

PMID- 22076959
TI  - Sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry of syrinx and vocal tract in the
      European starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
AB  - Sexually dimorphic vocal behavior in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) is
      associated with a 100% larger syrinx in males and other morphological adaptations
      of the sound source. The songbird syrinx consists of two independent sound
      sources, whose specialization for different spectral ranges may be reflected in
      morphological properties, but the morphology of labia and syringeal skeleton have
      not been investigated for lateralized specializations. Similarly, little is known
      whether the morphology of the songbird vocal tract reflects differences in vocal
      behavior. Here, we tested the hypothesis that different vocal behavior and
      specialization is reflected in the morphology. We investigated syringeal and
      upper vocal tract morphology of male and female European starlings (Sturnus
      vulgaris). Female starlings exhibit smaller vocal repertoires and sing at lower
      rates than males. In males, the left syrinx produces mostly low frequencies,
      while the right one is used for higher notes. Macroscopic and histological
      techniques were used to record nineteen measurements from the syrinx and the
      vocal tract which were tested for sexual differences in syrinx and vocal tract
      and for lateral asymmetry within the syrinx. Sexually dimorphic vocal behavior is
      reflected in the morphology of the starling syrinx. Males have a larger syrinx
      with the size difference attributable to increased muscle mass and three enlarged
      elements of the syringeal skeleton. The upper vocal tract, however, does not
      differ between males and females. Distinct lateralization was found in two
      elements of the syringeal skeleton of females, and the labia in the left syrinx
      are larger than those on the right in both sexes. The sexual dimorphism of the
      syringeal size is smaller in starlings (35%) than in zebra finches (100%), which
      is consistent with the different vocal behavior of females in both species. The
      morphological differences between the two sound sources are discussed in relation
      to their vocal performance.

PMID- 22076961
TI  - Synthesis and NMR elucidation of novel tetrapeptides.
AB  - The synthesis and NMR elucidation of Ala-Val-Pro-Ile and five novel peptide-based
      derivatives are reported. These peptides mimic the natural second mitochondria
      derived activator of caspase (Smac) protein. Purification was achieved using
      preparative HPLC and the NMR elucidation of all compounds is reported for the
      first time. A series of overlapping signals were observed in the 1D NMR spectra
      thus making assignment a difficult task to undertake. The use of 2D NMR
      techniques with the inclusion of efficient adiabatic symmetrized ROESY proved to
      be an effective tool in overcoming these difficulties.

PMID- 22076962
TI  - Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bacteremia: an evaluation of treatment with
      linezolid or daptomycin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to high rates of resistance and a limited number of efficacious
      antimicrobials for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), appropriate
      antibiotic selection is vital to treatment success. The purpose of this study was
      to assess clinical and microbiologic outcomes associated with the use of
      linezolid or daptomycin in the treatment of VRE bacteremia. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of adult patients with VRE bacteremia between January 2004
      and July 2009 was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the United States.
      Clinical and microbiologic outcomes for both therapies were evaluated using
      multiple criteria. RESULTS: Of the 361 patients with VRE bacteremia identified,
      201 were included in the study (linezolid group, n = 138; daptomycin group, n =
      63). More patients in the daptomycin group had hematologic malignancies (33% vs
      14%) or received liver transplants (13% vs 4%). There was no difference in
      clinical or microbiologic cure between the linezolid and daptomycin groups (74%
      vs 75% and 94% vs 94%, respectively). Recurrence was documented in 3% of
      linezolid patients vs 12% of daptomycin patients (P = 0.0321). Reinfection was
      noted in 1% of patients in the linezolid group vs 6% of patients in the
      daptomycin group (P not significant). The average length of stay (LOS) was 37
      days for the linezolid group vs 40 days for the daptomycin group (P not
      significant). Overall mortality was 20%, occurring in 25/138 linezolid patients
      vs 15/63 daptomycin patients (P not significant). CONCLUSIONS: No differences in
      clinical or microbiologic cure rates, LOS, or mortality were identified between
      the groups. Various factors may have contributed to the significantly higher
      recurrence of VRE bacteremia in daptomycin patients. This study suggests that
      linezolid and daptomycin appear equally efficacious in the treatment of VRE
      bacteremia.

PMID- 22076964
TI  - Hippocampal activity during recognition memory co-varies with the accuracy and
      confidence of source memory judgments.
AB  - It has been proposed that the hippocampus selectively supports retrieval of
      contextual associations, but an alternative view holds that the hippocampus
      supports strong memories regardless of whether they contain contextual
      information. We employed a memory test that combined the 'Remember/Know' and
      source memory procedures, which allowed test items to be segregated both by
      memory strength (recognition accuracy) and, separately, by the quality of the
      contextual information that could be retrieved (indexed by the
      accuracy/confidence of a source memory judgment). As measured by fMRI, retrieval
      related hippocampal activity tracked the quality of retrieved contextual
      information and not memory strength. These findings are consistent with the
      proposal that the hippocampus supports contextual recollection rather than
      recognition memory more generally.

PMID- 22076965
TI  - The multiple roles of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory protein p57(KIP2) 
      in cerebral cortical neurogenesis.
AB  - The members of the CIP/KIP family of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitory
      proteins (CKIs), including p57(KIP2), p27(KIP1), and p21(CIP1), block the
      progression of the cell cycle by binding and inhibiting cyclin/CDK complexes of
      the G1 phase. In addition to this well-characterized function, p57(KIP2) and
      p27(KIP1) have been shown to participate in an increasing number of other
      important cellular processes including cell fate and differentiation, cell
      motility and migration, and cell death/survival, both in peripheral and central
      nervous systems. Increasing evidence over the past few years has characterized
      the functions of the newest CIP/KIP member p57(KIP2) in orchestrating cell
      proliferation, differentiation, and migration during neurogenesis. Here, we focus
      our discussion on the multiple roles played by p57(KIP2) during cortical
      development, making comparisons to p27(KIP1) as well as the INK4 family of CKIs.

PMID- 22076966
TI  - Microwave-induced formation of platinum nanostructured networks with superior
      electrochemical activity and stability.
AB  - Platinum nanostructured networks (PNNs) can be synthesized through the chemical
      reduction of H(2)PtCl(6) by benzyl alcohol under microwave irradiation without
      the introduction of any surfactants, templates, or seeds. The synthesis route
      utilizes benzyl alcohol as both the reductant and the structure-directing agent,
      and thus, the process is particularly simple and highly repeatable. The formation
      of the PNN structure was ascribed to the collision-induced fusion of Pt
      nanocrystals owing to the cooperative functions of microwave irradiation and
      benzyl alcohol. Compared with a commercial Pt/C catalyst, the as-prepared PNNs
      possessed superior electrochemical activity and stability on the oxidation of
      methanol because of the unique 3D nanostructured networks and abundant defects
      formed during the assembly process. This study may provide a facile microwave
      induced approach for the synthesis of other 3D nanostructured noble metals or
      their alloys.

PMID- 22076967
TI  - Microwave-assisted synthesis, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activity of some
      novel 2-(4-(2-Amino-6-(4-substituted phenyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl)-phenoxy)-2-methyl
      propanoic acid derivatives.
AB  - A novel series of aminopyrimidines containing the phenoxy isobutyric acid group
      as a pharmacophore was synthesized using conventional and microwave assisted
      methods of synthesis. The compounds were synthesized in good yields (70-89%) by
      the microwave-assisted one-pot protocol in much shorter reaction times. The
      synthesized compounds were evaluated for their hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic
      activity by high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in male
      Sprague-Dawley rats. The present investigation showed significant
      antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activity for all compounds of the series
      when compared with the standard drug. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) for
      the series were developed by comparing total lipid profile data of synthesized
      compounds with fenofibrate as standard drug.

PMID- 22076969
TI  - Anxiety disorders and risk for suicide: why such controversy?

PMID- 22076970
TI  - Cognitive-behavioral group therapy versus group psychotherapy for social anxiety
      disorder among college students: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this randomized controlled trial, cognitive-behavioral group
      therapy (CBGT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) was compared to group
      psychotherapy (GPT), a credible, structurally equivalent control condition that
      included only nonspecific factors of group treatment (such as group dynamics).
      METHODS: Participants were 45 college students at the University of Colorado with
      a primary diagnosis of SAD. Each treatment condition comprised eight group
      sessions lasting 2 hr each. Independent assessors (blind to treatment assignment)
      assessed participants at baseline and posttreatment with the Clinical Global
      Impression Scale (CGI) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). RESULTS:
      Both treatments were found to be equally credible. There were five noncompleters
      in the CBGT condition (21.7%) and only one in the GPT condition (4.3%). There
      were no statistically significant differences posttreatment (controlling for
      pretreatment scores) between the two treatment conditions, and both treatments
      were found to be efficacious. Effect sizes for CBGT were similar to earlier
      studies, and adherence ratings revealed excellent adherence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment of SAD appears to be moving toward individual CBT, partly because of
      high attrition rates and underutilization of group dynamics in group CBT.
      However, group therapy has unique therapeutic ingredients, and it may be too
      early to give up on group treatment altogether. Discussion of these findings
      included future directions with this treatment modality, especially whether these
      two types of group treatment could be combined and whether such combination might
      serve to decrease attrition, enhance efficacy, and facilitate dissemination.

PMID- 22076971
TI  - Fear conditioning is disrupted by damage to the postsubiculum.
AB  - The hippocampus plays a central role in spatial and contextual learning and
      memory, however relatively little is known about the specific contributions of
      parahippocampal structures that interface with the hippocampus. The postsubiculum
      (PoSub) is reciprocally connected with a number of hippocampal, parahippocampal
      and subcortical structures that are involved in spatial learning and memory. In
      addition, behavioral data suggest that PoSub is needed for optimal performance
      during tests of spatial memory. Together, these data suggest that PoSub plays a
      prominent role in spatial navigation. Currently it is unknown whether the PoSub
      is needed for other forms of learning and memory that also require the formation
      of associations among multiple environmental stimuli. To address this gap in the
      literature we investigated the role of PoSub in Pavlovian fear conditioning. In
      Experiment 1 male rats received either lesions of PoSub or Sham surgery prior to
      training in a classical fear conditioning procedure. On the training day a tone
      was paired with foot shock three times. Conditioned fear to the training context
      was evaluated 24 hr later by placing rats back into theconditioning chamber
      without presenting any tones or shocks. Auditory fear was assessed on the third
      day by presenting the auditory stimulus in a novel environment (no shock). PoSub
      lesioned rats exhibited impaired acquisition of the conditioned fear response as
      well as impaired expression of contextual and auditory fear conditioning. In
      Experiment 2, PoSub lesions were made 1 day after training to specifically assess
      the role of PoSub in fear memory. No deficits in the expression of contextual
      fear were observed, but freezing to the tone was significantly reduced in PoSub
      lesioned rats compared to shams. Together, these results indicate that PoSub is
      necessary for normal acquisition of conditioned fear, and that PoSub contributes
      to the expression of auditory but not contextual fear memory.

PMID- 22076973
TI  - DNA-binding small-ligand-immobilized surface plasmon resonance biosensor for
      detecting thymine-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
AB  - A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that carries DNA-binding small
      ligands has been developed for the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs). 3,5-Diaminopyrazine derivatives, with a hydrogen-bonding profile fully
      complementary to the thymine base, were utilized as recognition elements on the
      sensor surface, and a target single-stranded DNA sequence was hybridized with a
      DNA probe containing an abasic site to place this site opposite a nucleobase to
      be detected. In a continuous flow of sample solutions buffered to pH 6.4 (0.25 M
      NaCl), the 3,5-diaminopyrazine-based SPR sensor can detect an orphan nucleobase
      in the duplex with a clear selectivity for thymine over cytosine, guanine, and
      adenine (5'-GTT GGA GCT GXG GGC GTA GGC-3'/3'-CAA CCT CGA CNC CCG CAT CCG-5';
      X=abasic site, N=target nucleobase G, C, A, or T). The SPR response was linear in
      the concentration range 10-100 nM. Allele discrimination is possible based on the
      combination of different binding surfaces in a flow cell of the SPR system, which
      is demonstrated for the analysis of the thymine/cytosine mutation present in 63
      meric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification products (Ha-ras gene, codon
      12, antisense strand). Comparison with a bulk assay based on 3,5
      diaminopyrazine/DNA binding shows that the immobilization of 3,5-diaminopyrazine
      derivatives on the SPR sensor allows more sensitive detection of the target DNA
      sequence, and binding selectivity can be tuned by controlling the salt
      concentration of sample solutions. These features of the DNA-binding small
      molecule-immobilized SPR sensor are discussed as a basis for the design of SPR
      biosensors for SNP genotyping.

PMID- 22076974
TI  - Glutamate carboxypeptidase II and folate deficiencies result in reciprocal
      protection against cognitive and social deficits in mice: implications for
      neurodevelopmental disorders.
AB  - Interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors underlie a number of
      neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SZ) and autism (AD). Due to
      the complexity and multitude of the genetic and environmental factors attributed
      to these disorders, recent research strategies focus on elucidating the common
      molecular pathways through which these multiple risk factors may function. In
      this study, we examine the combined effects of a haplo-insufficiency of glutamate
      carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) and dietary folic acid deficiency. In addition to
      serving as a neuropeptidase, GCPII catalyzes the absorption of folate. GCPII and
      folate depletion interact within the one-carbon metabolic pathway and/or of
      modulate the glutamatergic system. Four groups of mice were tested: wild-type,
      GCPII hypomorphs, and wild-types and GCPII hypomorphs both fed a folate deficient
      diet. Due to sex differences in the prevalence of SZ and AD, both male and female
      mice were assessed on a number of behavioral tasks including locomotor activity,
      rotorod, social interaction, prepulse inhibition, and spatial memory. Wild-type
      mice of both sexes fed a folic acid deficient diet showed motor coordination
      impairments and cognitive deficits, while social interactions were decreased only
      in males. GCPII mutant mice of both sexes also exhibited reduced social
      propensities. In contrast, all folate-depleted GCPII hypomorphs performed
      similarly to untreated wild-type mice, suggesting that reduced GCPII expression
      and folate deficiency are mutually protective. Analyses of folate and
      neurometabolite levels associated with glutamatergic function suggest several
      potential mechanisms through which GCPII and folate may be interacting to create
      this protective effect.

PMID- 22076975
TI  - Does one keto group matter? Structure-activity relationships of glycyrrhetinic
      acid derivatives modified at position C-11.
AB  - Several triterpenoic acids display a remarkable cytotoxicity on tumor cells.
      Glycyrrhetinic acid - the main content of the licorice root - possesses an
      apoptotic effect on tumor cells. Previous studies pointed out the presence of a
      keto group at position C-11 in glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives as the main reason
      for its apoptotic activity. Several pairs of derivatives were synthesized
      differing only at position C-11. These compounds were tested in a sulforhodamine
      B colorimetric assay for cytotoxicity screening on 12 tumor cell lines and mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts (NIH3T3). Our results show that there is no direct relation
      between the existence of the C-11 keto group and the apoptotic activity of the
      compounds.

PMID- 22076976
TI  - Results of a prospective study of positron emission tomography-directed
      management of residual nodal abnormalities in node-positive head and neck cancer
      after definitive radiotherapy with or without systemic therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present our prospectively evaluated
      positron emission tomography (PET)-directed policy for managing the neck in node
      positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (N+HNSCC) after definitive
      radiotherapy (RT) with or without concurrent systemic therapy. METHODS: One
      hundred twelve consecutive patients who achieved a complete response at the
      primary site underwent a 12-week posttherapy nodal response assessment with PET
      and diagnostic CT. Patients with an equivocal PET underwent a repeat PET 4 to 6
      weeks later. Patients with residual CT nodal abnormalities deemed PET-negative
      were uniformly observed regardless of residual nodal size. RESULTS: Median follow
      up from commencement of RT was 28 months (range, 13-64 months). Residual CT nodal
      abnormalities were present in 50 patients (45%): 41 PET-negative and 9 PET
      positive. All PET-negative residual CT nodal abnormalities were observed without
      subsequent isolated nodal failure. CONCLUSION: PET-directed management of the
      neck after definitive RT in node-positive HNSCC appropriately spares neck
      dissections in patients with PET-negative residual CT nodal abnormalities.

PMID- 22076977
TI  - Preoperative ultrasonographic tumor characteristics as a predictive factor of
      tumor stage in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of tumor
      characteristics on ultrasonography for predicting the pathologic stage of
      papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: We evaluated 354 patients who underwent
      surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma (<=2 cm). We analyzed the preoperative
      ultrasonography findings such as tumor size, shape, margin, echogenicity,
      calcification, vascularity, and contact with the capsule. RESULTS: Tumor size,
      echogenicity, and contact with the capsule were predictive for the presence of
      extrathyroid extension. Size and echogenicity were significantly associated with
      central lymph node metastasis in the multivariate analysis. Some ultrasonography
      characteristics such as round shape, well-defined margin, and isoechoic
      echogenicity were negative predictive factors for extrathyroid extension and
      central lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Preoperative tumor characteristics on
      ultrasonography correlated with several prognostic factors for papillary thyroid
      carcinoma and may serve as preoperative supplementary markers for determining the
      optimal extent of surgery.

PMID- 22076978
TI  - (99m)TC-octreotide scintigraphy and somatostatin receptor subtype expression in
      juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main goal of the study was the analysis of somatostatin receptor
      (SSTR) expression on juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) cells and a
      subsequent analysis of the utility of SST analog-based scintigraphy in JNA
      diagnostics. METHODS: Nine JNA cases were analyzed. All tissue samples were
      analyzed for the expression of SSTRs. In 2 cases, scintigraphy was performed
      after the intravenous (IV) administration of an SST analog. MRI of the
      craniofacial region was subsequently performed. RESULTS: The SST analogues were
      accumulated in areas matching pathologic tissue in the nasopharynx.
      Immunohistochemical evaluation of the tissue samples proved the overexpression of
      SSTRs. CONCLUSIONS: SSTRs are overexpressed on JNA cells. The SST analog (99m)TC
      octreotide is effectively bound to JNA cells. SST analogues might be used in the
      diagnostics and treatment of primary, recurrent, or residual JNA.

PMID- 22076979
TI  - Adjuvant therapy with flutamide for presurgical volume reduction in juvenile
      nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although 2 studies totaling 11 cases have indicated some benefit of
      anti-androgen treatment with flutamide on juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
      (JNA), it is not part of contemporary practice. METHODS: Our approach was through
      a prospective, single-arm, before-and-after study, in which 20 patients with
      advanced JNA (Radkowski stage IIB-IIIB) were administered flutamide (per oral: 10
      mg kg(-1) day(-1) * 6 weeks) prior to surgical excision. Pretherapy and
      posttherapy tumor volume measurements were established by MRI. Periodic
      assessments were recorded of liver, kidney functions, testosterone levels, and
      secondary sexual characteristics. RESULTS: Prepubertal and postpubertal cases
      responded differently (p < .05). Prepubertal cases had inconsistent and minimal
      responses; 13/15 postpubertal cases demonstrated measurable volume reduction
      (mean, 16.5%; maximum, 40%). Two cases with optic nerve compression had visual
      improvement. Volume reduction correlated with serum testosterone level (r = .53;
      p < .05). No significant toxicity was noted, with the exception of transient
      breast tenderness. CONCLUSIONS: Prepubertal and postpubertal patients differ in
      their response to flutamide. In postpubertal patients, 6 weeks preoperative use
      is safe and leads to partial tumor regression. Tumor regression from adjacent
      vital structures may facilitate surgical excision and limit morbidity.

PMID- 22076980
TI  - Role of parathyroid hormone monitoring during parathyroidectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring in
      parathyroidectomy has been previously debated. METHODS: This retrospective
      analysis was of 240 patients, operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
      between January 2002 and January 2006 and categorized into 3 groups by
      preoperative and intraoperative modalities: group 1 (n = 109), technetium 99m
      sestamibi (MIBI), ultrasonography, and IOPTH; group 2 (n = 102), ultrasonography
      and MIBI; and group 3 (n = 29), ultrasonography and IOPTH. Sensitivity and
      specificity were calculated. RESULTS: In group 1, IOPTH increased the success
      rate from 97% to 99%. In group 2, ultrasonography and MIBI were concordant in 95%
      of cases. In group 3, IOPTH increased the sensitivity from 89% to 96%. The
      duration of surgery was longer (p < .0001) when IOPTH was applied. CONCLUSIONS:
      When ultrasonography and MIBI are used, the additional benefit of IOPTH is
      marginal, especially given the longer duration of surgery. Ultrasonography and
      additional IOPTH yield good success rates when MIBI is not available.

PMID- 22076981
TI  - Lymph node metastasis in nasal vestibule cancer: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (SCCNV) is an uncommon
      malignancy. Our purpose is to define the incidence of simultaneous and delayed
      regional metastasis in SCCNV according to the available literature. METHODS:
      Articles discussing SCCNV and addressing the issue of regional lymph node
      metastases were reviewed. CONCLUSION: SCCNV is an uncommon form of cancer,
      possibly originating in the mucocutaneous junction. The incidence of lymph node
      metastasis is variably reported. The data in the literature do not provide a
      solid basis for recommendations on elective treatment of the neck. Thorough
      examination of the neck is recommended, preferably with modern imaging
      techniques.

PMID- 22076982
TI  - Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck metastasizing to the
      parotid gland--a review of current recommendations.
AB  - Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck may metastasize in
      up to 5% of patients, with the parotid lymph nodes the most frequent site for
      spread. Metastases frequently show delayed presentation after the primary cancer
      had been treated. The optimum treatment should be surgery followed by adjuvant
      radiotherapy, with an appropriate parotidectomy, and preservation of the facial
      nerve if not involved by tumor and treatment to the neck. In a clinically N0
      neck, levels I to III should be cleared for facial primaries, levels II to III
      for anterior scalp and external ear primaries, and levels II to V for posterior
      scalp primaries. Approximate 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) after
      treatment was 70% to 75%. Patients with immunosuppression, in particular
      transplant recipients, are at high risk of developing aggressive metastatic
      cutaneous SCC. Modifications of the staging systems have demonstrated the
      prognostic benefits of accurately staging parotid and/or neck nodal disease.

PMID- 22076983
TI  - Characterization of the reaction path and transition states for RNA
      transphosphorylation models from theory and experiment.

PMID- 22076984
TI  - Fluid and mass transport modelling to drive the design of cell-packed hollow
      fibre bioreactors for tissue engineering applications.
AB  - A model for fluid and mass transport in a single module of a tissue engineering
      hollow fibre bioreactor (HFB) is developed. Cells are seeded in alginate
      throughout the extra-capillary space (ECS), and fluid is pumped through a central
      lumen to feed the cells and remove waste products. Fluid transport is described
      using Navier-Stokes or Darcy equations as appropriate; this is overlaid with
      models of mass transport in the form of advection-diffusion-reaction equations
      that describe the distribution and uptake/production of nutrients/waste products.
      The small aspect ratio of a module is exploited and the option of opening an ECS
      port is explored. By proceeding analytically, operating equations are determined
      that enable a tissue engineer to prescribe the geometry and operation of the HFB
      by ensuring the nutrient and waste product concentrations are consistent with a
      functional cell population. Finally, results for chondrocyte and cardiomyocyte
      cell populations are presented, typifying two extremes of oxygen uptake rates.

PMID- 22076985
TI  - Transition zones between healthy and diseased retina in choroideremia (CHM) and
      Stargardt disease (STGD) as compared to retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the structural changes across the transition zone (TZ) in
      choroideremia (CHM) and Stargardt disease (STGD) and to compare these to the TZ
      in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Frequency-domain (Fd)OCT line scans were
      obtained from seven patients with CHM, 20 with STGD, and 12 with RP and compared
      with those of 30 previously studied controls. A computer-aided manual
      segmentation procedure was used to determine the thicknesses of the outer segment
      (OS) layer, the outer nuclear layer plus outer plexiform layer (ONL+), the
      retinal pigment epithelium plus Bruch's membrane (RPE+BM), and the outer retina
      (OR). RESULTS: The TZ, while consistent within patient groups, showed differences
      across disease groups. In particular, (1) OS loss occurred before ONL+ loss in
      CHM and RP, whereas ONL+ loss occurred before OS loss in STGD; (2) ONL+ was
      preserved over a wider region of the retina in CHM than in RP; (3) RPE+BM
      remained normal across the RP TZ, but was typically thinned in CHM. In some CHM
      patients, it was abnormally thin in regions with normal OS and ONL+ thickness. In
      STGD, RPE+BM was thinned by the end of the TZ; and (4) the disappearances of the
      IS/OS and OLM were more abrupt in CHM and STGD than in RP. CONCLUSIONS: On fdOCT
      scans, patients with RP, CHM, and STGD all have a TZ between relatively healthy
      and severely affected retina. The patterns of changes in the receptor layers are
      similar within a disease category, but different across categories. The findings
      suggest that the pattern of progression of each disease is distinct and may offer
      clues for strategies in the development of future therapies.

PMID- 22076986
TI  - Differences in baseline dark and the dark-to-light changes in anterior chamber
      angle parameters in whites and ethnic Chinese.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the anterior chamber drainage angle width in the dark and the
      dark-to-light change (Delta) between Caucasians and Chinese aged 40 years and
      older. METHODS: The study groups comprised four age- and sex-matched cohorts:
      American Caucasians, American Chinese, southern mainland Chinese, and northern
      mainland Chinese. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) images of
      the anterior chamber angles were obtained under both light and dark conditions.
      The parameters analyzed included angle opening distance (AOD), angle recess area
      (ARA), and trabecular-iris space area (TISA). RESULTS: Data were obtained from
      121, 124, 121, and 120 participants who were American Caucasians, American
      Chinese, and southern and northern mainland Chinese, respectively. In a multiple
      linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, refractive status, pupil size,
      lens location, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) and width (ACW), the ethnic
      Chinese had significantly smaller ARAs (regression coefficient, beta = -0.06, P <
      0.001) and TISAs (beta = -0.01, P = 0.039), as well as greater DeltaAODs (beta =
      0.03, P = 0.009) and DeltaTISAs (beta = 0.02, P = 0.029) than did the Caucasians.
      For the dark-to-light change analysis, the independent associations between angle
      width and iris thickness (IT) and iris curvature (ICurv) were identified only in
      the Chinese. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the Caucasians, the ethnic Chinese had
      smaller ARA and TISA, but greater dark-to-light changes in AOD and TISA,
      independent of refractive status and overall ocular anterior segment dimensions.

PMID- 22076987
TI  - Imaging retrobulbar subarachnoid space around optic nerve by swept-source optical
      coherence tomography in eyes with pathologic myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the subarachnoid space (SAS) of eyes with pathologic myopia
      and analyze the characteristics of the SAS and the surrounding tissues by swept
      source optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: One hundred thirty-three eyes
      of 76 patients with pathologic myopia (spherical equivalent refractive error of >
      8.00 diopters (D) or an axial length >26.5 mm) and 32 eyes of 32 subjects with
      emmetropia were enrolled. The eyes in both groups were not tested to determine
      whether glaucoma was present. The papillary and peripapillary areas were examined
      with a swept-source OCT prototype system that uses a wavelength sweeping laser
      operated at 100,000 Hz A-scan repetition rate in 1-MUm wavelength. RESULTS: In
      the B-scan images, the arachnoid trabeculae inside the SAS were clearly observed
      as a pattern of reticular lines and dots interspersed with hyporeflective zones
      consistent with fluid, whereas orbital fat had more uniform features with gray
      intervening spaces. The SAS was triangular, with the base toward the eye
      surrounding the optic nerve in the region of the scleral flange. An SAS was found
      in 124 highly myopic eyes (93.2%) but not in the emmetropic eyes. The shortest
      distance between the inner surface of lamina cribrosa and SAS was 252.4 +/- 110.9
      MUm, and the thinnest region of peripapillary sclera above SAS (scleral flange
      thickness) was 190.6 +/- 51.2 MUm. In one myopic patient, there appeared to be
      direct communication between the intraocular cavity and SAS through pitlike
      pores. CONCLUSIONS: Optic SAS is seen in 93% of highly myopic eyes, and the SAS
      appears to be dilated in highly myopic eyes. The expanded area of exposure to CSF
      pressure along with thinning of the posterior eye wall may influence staphyloma
      formation and the way in which certain diseases, such as glaucoma, are
      manifested.

PMID- 22076988
TI  - Quantitative mapping of scleral fiber orientation in normal rat eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous work has suggested a major role of scleral biomechanics in the
      pathogenesis of glaucoma. Since fiber orientation in connective tissues is a key
      determinant of tissue biomechanics, experimental characterization of scleral
      fiber orientation is needed to fully understand scleral biomechanics. This is a
      report of baseline experimental measurements of fiber orientation in whole normal
      rat scleras. METHODS: Twenty ostensibly normal Norway brown rat eyes were fixed
      in 4% paraformaldehyde. The scleras were cleaned of intra- and extraorbital
      tissues and dissected into five patches, and each patch was glycerol treated to
      maximize its transparency. Fiber orientation was measured using small-angle light
      scattering (SALS). Scattering patterns were analyzed to extract two
      microstructural parameters at each measurement location-the preferred fiber
      orientation and the degree of alignment-yielding a fiber orientation map for each
      sclera. RESULTS: Rat sclera is structurally anisotropic with several consistent
      features. At the limbus, fibers were highly aligned and organized primarily into
      a distinct ring surrounding the cornea. In the equatorial region, the fibers were
      primarily meridionally aligned. In the posterior and peripapillary region, the
      scleral fibers were mostly circumferential but less aligned than those in the
      anterior and equatorial regions. CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential scleral fibers may
      act as reinforcing rings to limit corneal and optic nerve head deformations,
      whereas equatorial meridional fibers may either provide resistance against
      extraocular muscle forces or limit globe axial elongation.

PMID- 22076989
TI  - Prominin-1 localizes to the open rims of outer segment lamellae in Xenopus laevis
      rod and cone photoreceptors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prominin-1 expresses in rod and cone photoreceptors. Mutations in the
      prominin-1 gene cause retinal degeneration in humans. In this study, the authors
      investigated the expression and subcellular localization of xlProminin-1 protein,
      the Xenopus laevis ortholog of prominin-1, in rod and cone photoreceptors of this
      frog. METHODS: Antibodies specific for xlProminin-1 were generated.
      Immunoblotting was used to study the expression and posttranslational processing
      of xlProminin-1 protein. Immunocytochemical light and electron microscopy and
      transgenesis were used to study the subcellular distribution of xlProminin-1.
      RESULTS: xlProminin-1 is expressed and is subject to posttranslational
      proteolytic processing in the retina, brain, and kidney. xlProminin-1 is
      differently expressed and localized in outer segments of rod and cone
      photoreceptors of X. laevis. Antibodies specific for the N or C termini of
      xlProminin-1 labeled the open rims of lamellae of cone outer segments (COS) and
      the open lamellae at the base of rod outer segments (ROS). By contrast, anti
      peripherin-2/rds antibody, Xper5A11, labeled the closed rims of cone lamellae
      adjacent to the ciliary axoneme and the rims of the closed ROS disks. The extent
      of labeling of the basal ROS by anti-xlProminin-1 antibodies varied with the
      light cycle in this frog. The entire ROS was also faintly labeled by both
      antibodies, a result that contrasts with the current notion that prominin-1
      localizes only to the basal ROS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that
      xlProminin-1 may serve as an anti-fusogenic factor in the regulation of disk
      morphogenesis and may help to maintain the open lamellar structure of basal ROS
      and COS disks in X. laevis photoreceptors.

PMID- 22076990
TI  - Inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication by Monascus pigment derivatives that
      interfere with viral RNA polymerase activity and the mevalonate biosynthesis
      pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes chronic liver disease and is
      a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the potential of Monascus pigment derivatives, which were derived from a
      microbial secondary metabolite synthesized from polyketides by Monascus spp., as
      HCV antiviral agents. METHODS: We performed an in vitro RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase (RdRp) assay to screen for HCV RdRp inhibitors. The anti-HCV activity
      of RdRp inhibitors in HCV-replicating cells was evaluated by quantification of
      the RNA viral genome. Molecular docking analysis was performed to predict the
      binding sites of the selected RdRp inhibitors. RESULTS: We have identified a
      Monascus pigment and its derivatives as inhibitors of the HCV NS5B RdRp. A group
      of Monascus orange pigment (MOP) amino acid derivatives, in which the reactive
      oxygen moiety was changed to amino acids, significantly inhibited HCV
      replication. Further, combination of the MOP derivatives (Phe, Val or Leu
      conjugates) with interferon (IFN)-alpha inhibited HCV replication more than IFN
      alpha treatment alone. Lastly, molecular docking studies indicate the inhibitors
      may bind to a thumb subdomain allosteric site of NS5B. The antiviral activity of
      the MOP derivatives was related to a modulation of the mevalonate pathway, since
      the mevalonate-induced increase in HCV replication was suppressed by the MOP
      compounds. CONCLUSIONS: Our results identify amino acid derivatives of MOP as
      potential anti-HCV agents and suggest that their combination with IFN-alpha might
      offer an alternative strategy for the control of HCV replication.

PMID- 22076991
TI  - A-Z of nutritional supplements: dietary supplements, sports nutrition foods and
      ergogenic aids for health and performance--Part 27.

PMID- 22077059
TI  - Blocking IL-21 signaling ameliorates xenogeneic GVHD induced by human
      lymphocytes.
AB  - In rodent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) models, anti-IL-21 neutralizing mAb
      treatment ameliorates lethality and is associated with decreases in Th1 cytokine
      production and gastrointestinal tract injury. GVHD prevention was dependent on
      the in vivo generation of donor-inducible regulatory T cells (Tregs). To
      determine whether the IL-21 pathway might be targeted for GVHD prevention, skin
      and colon samples obtained from patients with no GVHD or grade 2 to 4 GVHD were
      analyzed for IL-21 protein expression. By immunohistochemistry staining, IL-21
      protein-producing cells were present in all gastrointestinal tract samples and
      54% of skin samples obtained from GVHD patients but not GVHD-free controls. In a
      human xenogeneic GVHD model, human IL-21-secreting cells were present in the
      colon of GVHD recipients and were associated with elevated serum IL-21 levels. A
      neutralizing anti-human IL-21 mAb given prophylactically significantly reduced
      GVHD-associated weight loss and mortality, resulting in a concomitant increase in
      Tregs and a decrease in T cells secreting IFN-gamma or granzyme B. Based on these
      findings, anti-IL-21 mAb could be considered for GVHD prevention in the clinic.

PMID- 22077060
TI  - MicroRNA regulation of STAT4 protein expression: rapid and sensitive modulation
      of IL-12 signaling in human natural killer cells.
AB  - IL-12 exerts several regulatory effects on natural killer (NK) cells by
      activating IL-12 signaling. IL-12 signaling is tightly auto-regulated to control
      its onset and termination, with prolonged IL-12 treatment resulting in IL-12
      hyporesponsiveness. However, the mechanisms underlying IL-12 auto-regulation are
      still unclear. In this study we report that prolonged IL-12 treatment
      significantly up-regulates microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-132, -212, and -200a
      in primary human NK cells. This up-regulation correlates temporally with
      gradually decreasing STAT4 levels and decreasing IFN-gamma expression, after an
      initial increase within the first 16 hours of IL-12 treatment. The IL-12
      hyporesponsiveness is dependent on IL-12 concentration, and associated up
      regulation of miR-132, -212, and -200a. Furthermore, IL-12-hyporesponsive cells
      regain responsiveness of IFN-gamma production 24 hours after IL-12 removal, which
      correlates with decreases in miR-132, -212, and -200a levels. Overexpression of
      miR-132, -212, and -200a by transfection into NK cells mimics IL-12 priming,
      inducing IL-12 hyporesponsiveness, whereas transfection of miR-132, -212, and 
      200a inhibitors largely abolishes IL-12 induction of IL-12 hyporesponsiveness.
      These data suggest that miR-132, -212, and -200a up-regulation during prolonged
      IL-12 treatment, negatively regulates the IL-12 signaling pathway by reducing
      STAT4 expression in primary human NK cells.

PMID- 22077061
TI  - DNMT3A mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: stability during disease evolution
      and clinical implications.
AB  - DNMT3A mutations are associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML), but the stability of this mutation during the clinical course remains
      unclear. In the present study of 500 patients with de novo AML, DNMT3A mutations
      were identified in 14% of total patients and in 22.9% of AML patients with normal
      karyotype. DNMT3A mutations were positively associated with older age, higher WBC
      and platelet counts, intermediate-risk and normal cytogenetics, FLT3 internal
      tandem duplication, and NPM1, PTPN11, and IDH2 mutations, but were negatively
      associated with CEBPA mutations. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the
      DNMT3A mutation was an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival
      and relapse-free survival in total patients and also in normokaryotype group. A
      scoring system incorporating the DNMT3A mutation and 8 other prognostic factors,
      including age, WBC count, cytogenetics, and gene mutations, into survival
      analysis was very useful in stratifying AML patients into different prognostic
      groups (P < .001). Sequential study of 138 patients during the clinical course
      showed that DNMT3A mutations were stable during AML evolution. In conclusion,
      DNMT3A mutations are associated with distinct clinical and biologic features and
      poor prognosis in de novo AML patients. Furthermore, the DNMT3A mutation may be a
      potential biomarker for monitoring of minimal residual disease.

PMID- 22077062
TI  - Synthetic retinoid Am80 ameliorates chronic graft-versus-host disease by down
      regulating Th1 and Th17.
AB  - Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) is a main cause of late death and morbidity after allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplantation, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. We
      investigated the roles of Th subsets in cGVHD with the use of a well-defined
      mouse model of cGVHD. In this model, development of cGVHD was associated with up
      regulated Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses. Th1 and Th2 responses were up-regulated
      early after BM transplantation, followed by a subsequent up-regulation of Th17
      cells. Significantly greater numbers of Th17 cells were infiltrated in the lung
      and liver from allogeneic recipients than those from syngeneic recipients. We
      then evaluated the roles of Th1 and Th17 in cGVHD with the use of IFN-gamma
      deficient and IL-17-deficient mice as donors. Infusion of IFN-gamma(-/-) or IL
      17(-/-) T cells attenuated cGVHD in the skin and salivary glands. Am80, a potent
      synthetic retinoid, regulated both Th1 and Th17 responses as well as TGF-beta
      expression in the skin, resulting in an attenuation of cutaneous cGVHD. These
      results suggest that Th1 and Th17 contribute to the development of cGVHD and that
      targeting Th1 and Th17 may therefore represent a promising therapeutic strategy
      for preventing and treating cGVHD.

PMID- 22077064
TI  - Transfusion in the absence of inflammation induces antigen-specific tolerance to
      murine RBCs.
AB  - Most human transfusion recipients fail to make detectable alloantibodies to
      foreign RBC antigens ("nonresponders"). Herein, we use a murine model to test the
      hypothesis that nonresponders may be immunologically tolerant. FVB mice
      transfused with RBCs expressing transgenic human glycophorin A (hGPA) antigen in
      the absence of inflammation produced undetectable levels of anti-hGPA
      immunoglobulins, unlike those transfused in the presence of
      polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-induced inflammation. Mice in the nonresponder
      group failed to produce anti-hGPA after subsequent transfusions in the presence
      of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, whereas anti-hGPA levels increased in the
      responder group. This tolerance was antigen specific, because nonresponders to
      hGPA produced alloantibodies to RBCs that expressed a different transgenic
      antigen. This tolerance was not an idiosyncrasy of the hGPA antigen nor of the
      recipient strain, because B10.BR mice transfused with membrane-bound hen egg
      lysozyme antigen-transgenic RBCs also demonstrated induced nonresponsiveness.
      These data demonstrate that RBCs transfused in the absence of inflammation can
      induce tolerance.

PMID- 22077065
TI  - The health status of the Negro today and in the future. 1967.

PMID- 22077063
TI  - Mutations of NOTCH1 are an independent predictor of survival in chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Analysis of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) coding genome has recently
      disclosed that the NOTCH1 proto-oncogene is recurrently mutated at CLL
      presentation. Here, we assessed the prognostic role of NOTCH1 mutations in CLL.
      Two series of newly diagnosed CLL were used as training (n = 309) and validation
      (n = 230) cohorts. NOTCH1 mutations occurred in 11.0% and 11.3% CLL of the
      training and validation series, respectively. In the training series, NOTCH1
      mutations led to a 3.77-fold increase in the hazard of death and to shorter
      overall survival (OS; P < .001). Multivariate analysis selected NOTCH1 mutations
      as an independent predictor of OS after controlling for confounding clinical and
      biologic variables. The independent prognostic value of NOTCH1 mutations was
      externally confirmed in the validation series. The poor prognosis conferred by
      NOTCH1 mutations was attributable, at least in part, to shorter treatment-free
      survival and higher risk of Richter transformation. Although NOTCH1 mutated
      patients were devoid of TP53 disruption in more than 90% cases in both training
      and validation series, the OS predicted by NOTCH1 mutations was similar to that
      of TP53 mutated/deleted CLL. NOTCH1 mutations are an independent predictor of CLL
      OS, tend to be mutually exclusive with TP53 abnormalities, and identify cases
      with a dismal prognosis.

PMID- 22077066
TI  - Bronchial thermoplasty for severe asthma.
AB  - Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a novel treatment of patients with severe asthma
      who continue to be symptomatic despite maximal medical treatment. It aims to
      reduce the smooth muscle mass in the airways by delivering controlled thermal
      energy to the airway walls during a series of three bronchoscopies. Randomized
      controlled clinical trials of BT in severe asthma have not been able to show a
      reduction in airway hyperresponsiveness or change in FEV(1) but have suggested an
      improvement in quality of life, as well as a reduction in the rate of severe
      exacerbations, emergency department visits, and days lost from school or work.
      Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria of these trials resulted in the
      elimination of patients with severe asthma who experienced more than three
      exacerbations per year. Therefore, the generalizability of this treatment to the
      broader severe asthma population still needs to be determined. The short-term
      adverse events consist primarily of airway inflammation and occasionally more
      severe events requiring hospitalization. Long-term safety data are evolving and
      have shown thus far clinical and functional stability up to 5 years after BT
      treatment. Additional studies on BT are needed to establish accurate phenotyping
      of positive responders, durability of effect, and long-term safety.

PMID- 22077067
TI  - DNA methylation in inflammatory genes among children with obstructive sleep
      apnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) leads to multiple end-organ
      morbidities that are mediated by the cumulative burden of oxidative stress and
      inflammation. Because not all children with OSA exhibit increased systemic
      inflammation, genetic and environmental factors may be affecting patterns of DNA
      methylation in genes subserving inflammatory functions. METHODS: DNA from matched
      children with OSA with and without high levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein (hsCRP) were assessed for DNA methylation levels of 24 inflammatory
      related genes. Primer-based polymerase chain reaction assays in a case-control
      setting involving 47 OSA cases and 31 control subjects were conducted to confirm
      the findings; hsCRP and myeloid-related protein (MRP) 8/14 levels were also
      assayed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and interferon
      regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) showed higher methylation in six children with OSA and
      high hsCRP levels compared with matched children with OSA and low hsCRP levels (P
      < 0.05). In the case-control cohort, children with OSA and high CRP levels had
      higher log FOXP3 DNA methylation levels compared with children with OSA and low
      CRP levels and control subjects. IRF1 did not exhibit significant differences.
      FOXP3 DNA methylation levels correlated with hsCRP and MRP 8/14 levels and with
      apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), BMI z score, and apolipoprotein B levels. A stepwise
      multiple regression model showed that AHI was independently associated with FOXP3
      DNA methylation levels (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The FOXP3 gene, which regulates
      expression of T regulatory lymphocytes, is more likely to display increased
      methylation among children with OSA who exhibit increased systemic inflammatory
      responses. Thus, epigenetic modifications may constitute an important determinant
      of inflammatory phenotype in OSA, and FOXP3 DNA methylation levels may provide a
      potential biomarker for end-organ vulnerability.

PMID- 22077068
TI  - Neonatal cytokine profile in the airway mucosal lining fluid is skewed by
      maternal atopy.
AB  - RATIONALE: Heredity from mother or father may impact differently in complex
      diseases, such as atopy. Maternal atopy is a stronger risk factor than paternal
      atopy for the development of atopy in the offspring. We hypothesized that
      mother's and father's atopy would have a differential imprinting on the cytokines
      and chemokines in the upper airway mucosal lining fluid of healthy neonates.
      OBJECTIVES: To study parental atopic imprinting on the cytokines and chemokines
      in the upper airway mucosal lining fluid of healthy neonates. METHODS: Eighteen
      cytokines and chemokines were quantified in nasal mucosal lining fluid in 309
      neonates from the novel unselected Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in
      Childhood (COPSAC) birth cohort. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Maternal, but not
      paternal, atopic status (asthma, hay fever, or eczema with or without
      sensitization) was associated with general down-regulation of all 18 mediators
      assessed by principal component analysis (overall P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS:
      Maternal atopy, but not paternal atopy, showed a strong linkage with a suppressed
      mucosal cytokine and chemokine signature in asymptomatic neonates, suggesting
      imprinting by the maternal milieu in utero or perinatal life.

PMID- 22077069
TI  - Targeting energetic metabolism: a new frontier in the pathogenesis and treatment
      of pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - This perspective highlights advances in the understanding of the role of cellular
      metabolism in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Insights gained in the
      past 20 years have revealed several similarities between the cellular processes
      underlying the pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension and those
      seen in cancer processes. In line with these insights, there is increasing
      recognition that abnormal cellular metabolism, notably of aerobic glycolysis (the
      "Warburg effect"), the potential involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor in this
      process, and alterations in mitochondrial function, are key elements in the
      pathogenesis of this disease. The glycolytic shift may underlie the resistance to
      apoptosis and increased vascular cell proliferation, which are hallmarks of
      pulmonary hypertension. These investigations have led to novel approaches in the
      diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 22077071
TI  - Structural mix-n-match reveals molecular secrets of platelets.

PMID- 22077070
TI  - Vitamin D levels and risk of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - RATIONALE: Low blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) have been associated
      with a higher risk of respiratory infections in general populations and higher
      risk of exacerbations of lung disease in people with asthma. We hypothesized that
      low blood levels of 25(OH)D in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) would be associated with an increased risk of acute exacerbations
      of COPD (AECOPD). OBJECTIVES: To determine if baseline 25(OH)D levels relate to
      subsequent AECOPD in a cohort of patients at high risk for AECOPD. METHODS:
      Plasma 25(OH)D was measured at baseline in 973 participants on entry to a 1-year
      study designed to determine if daily azithromycin decreased the incidence of
      AECOPD. Relationships between baseline 25(OH)D and AECOPD over 1 year were
      analyzed with time to first AECOPD as the primary outcome and exacerbation rate
      as the secondary outcome. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In this largely white
      (85%) sample of North American patients with severe COPD (mean FEV(1) 1.12L; 40%
      of predicted), mean 25(OH)D was 25.7 +/- 12.8 ng/ml. A total of 33.1% of
      participants were vitamin D insufficient (>=20 ng/ml but <30 ng/ml); 32% were
      vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/ml); and 8.4% had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10
      ng/ml). Baseline 25(OH)D levels had no relationship to time to first AECOPD or
      AECOPD rates. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe COPD, baseline 25(OH)D levels
      are not predictive of subsequent AECOPD. Clinical trial registered with
      www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00119860).

PMID- 22077072
TI  - Anti-CD20: tales of identical twins?

PMID- 22077073
TI  - SHEARiO, fast lane to oxidized VWF.

PMID- 22077074
TI  - Brewing blood.

PMID- 22077075
TI  - Training clinicians to lead.

PMID- 22077076
TI  - Prescribing bevacizumab off-label contravenes GMC advice.

PMID- 22077078
TI  - Doctors choosing not to be vaccinated is choosing to do harm.

PMID- 22077077
TI  - Risk of diabetes from statins may be higher in women.

PMID- 22077079
TI  - Doctors accepting flu vaccination is the sensible and responsible choice.

PMID- 22077080
TI  - Flu vaccination prevents nosocomial outbreaks.

PMID- 22077081
TI  - GPs need support to take on leadership roles.

PMID- 22077082
TI  - Food allergy information and deriving action levels for use.

PMID- 22077083
TI  - Clarity is necessary and only three labels may be needed.

PMID- 22077084
TI  - Deadly legacy of GMC's Southall hearings fiasco.

PMID- 22077085
TI  - GMC has repeatedly breached its duty of care to Professor Southall.

PMID- 22077086
TI  - Yes to careful introduction of robot assisted surgery.

PMID- 22077087
TI  - Trainee doctors may miss out on the robotic revolution.

PMID- 22077088
TI  - Consultation over children's heart surgery was unfair to Royal Brompton, judge
      rules.

PMID- 22077089
TI  - European drug regulator is being investigated by fraud agency.

PMID- 22077090
TI  - Pathology reports solve "new bowel disease" riddle.

PMID- 22077091
TI  - Commentary: We came to an overwhelming and uniform opinion that these reports do
      not show colitis.

PMID- 22077092
TI  - Commentary: I see no convincing evidence of "enterocolitis," "colitis," or a
      "unique disease process".

PMID- 22077093
TI  - Institutional research misconduct.

PMID- 22077094
TI  - Inkjet printed, high mobility inorganic-oxide field effect transistors processed
      at room temperature.
AB  - Printed electronics (PE) represents any electronic devices, components or
      circuits that can be processed using modern-day printing techniques. Field-effect
      transistors (FETs) and logics are being printed with intended applications
      requiring simple circuitry on large, flexible (e.g., polymer) substrates for low
      cost and disposable electronics. Although organic materials have commonly been
      chosen for their easy printability and low temperature processability, high
      quality inorganic oxide-semiconductors are also being considered recently. The
      intrinsic mobility of the inorganic semiconductors are always by far superior
      than the organic ones; however, the commonly expressed reservations against the
      inorganic-based printed electronics are due to major issues, such as high
      processing temperatures and their incompatibility with solution-processing. Here
      we show a possibility to circumvent these difficulties and demonstrate a room
      temperature processed and inkjet printed inorganic-oxide FET where the transistor
      channel is composed of an interconnected nanoparticle network and a solid polymer
      electrolyte serves as the dielectric. Even an extremely conservative estimation
      of the field-effect mobility of such a device yields a value of 0.8 cm(2)/(V s),
      which is still exceptionally large for a room temperature processed and printed
      transistor from inorganic materials.

PMID- 22077095
TI  - Electronic laboratory notebook: the academic point of view.
AB  - Based on a requirement analysis and alternative design considerations, a platform
      independent electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) has been developed that
      specifically targets academic users. Its intuitive design and numerous
      productivity features motivate chemical researchers and students to record their
      data electronically. The data are stored in a highly structured form that offers
      substantial benefits over laboratory notebooks written on paper with regard to
      data retrieval, data mining, and exchange of results.

PMID- 22077096
TI  - Frameworks for comparing emissions associated with production, consumption, and
      international trade.
AB  - While the problem of climate change is being perceived as increasingly urgent,
      decision-makers struggle to agree on the distribution of responsibility across
      countries. In particular, representatives from countries hosting emissions
      intensive exporting industries have argued that the importers of emissions
      intensive goods should bear the responsibility, and ensuing penalties. Indeed,
      international trade and carbon leakage appear to play an increasingly important
      role in the carbon emissions debate. However, definitions of quantities
      describing the embodiment of carbon emissions in internationally traded products,
      and their measurement, have to be sufficiently robust before being able to
      underpin global policy. In this paper we critically examine a number of emissions
      accounting concepts, examine whether the ensuing carbon balances are compatible
      with monetary trade balances, discuss their different interpretations, and
      highlight implications for policy. In particular, we compare the emissions
      embodied in bilateral trade (EEBT) method which considers total trade flows with
      domestic emission intensities, with the multi-regional input-output (MRIO) method
      which considers trade only into final consumption with global emission
      intensities. If consumption-based emissions of different countries were to be
      compared, we would suggest an MRIO approach because of the global emissions
      coverage inherent in this method. If trade-adjusted emission inventories were to
      be compared, we would suggest an EEBT approach due to the consistency with a
      monetary trade balance.

PMID- 22077097
TI  - Copper-mediated chelation-assisted ortho nitration of (hetero)arenes.
AB  - A novel copper-mediated chelation-assisted ortho C-H nitration of (hetero)arenes
      has been developed for the first time, which used dioxygen as terminal oxidant
      and 1,2,3-TCP as solvent, leading to the synthesis of nitroaromatics with
      excellent regioselectivity and in good yields. Mechanistic investigations
      indicate a mechanism involving a four-centered transition state, with
      simultaneous cleavage of an ortho C-H bond and a N-O bond of the nitrate anion on
      the 2-arylpyridine-coordinated copper(II) complex.

PMID- 22077098
TI  - Recurrent refractory Clostridium difficile colitis treated successfully with
      rifaximin and tigecycline: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Clostridium difficile colitis infection is on the rise and is considerably
      increasing the duration of hospital stay, as well as healthcare costs. The
      management of C. difficile colitis has become more challenging with the
      increasing failure of therapeutic response to metronidazole and oral vancomycin.
      Tigecycline is a new glycylcycline that has shown in vitro activity against C.
      difficile. We report herein a case of C. difficile colitis that failed to improve
      on a combination of metronidazole and oral vancomycin. The patient subsequently
      developed a surgical abdomen secondary to refractory C. difficile colitis, but
      was successfully treated with a combination of rifaximin and tigecycline after
      she refused to undergo surgical treatment.

PMID- 22077099
TI  - Pbx-dependent regulation of lbx gene expression in developing zebrafish embryos.
AB  - Ladybird (Lbx) homeodomain transcription factors function in neural and muscle
      development--roles conserved from Drosophila to vertebrates. Lbx expression in
      mice specifies neural cell types, including dorsally located interneurons and
      association neurons, within the neural tube. Little, however, is known about the
      regulation of vertebrate lbx family genes. Here we describe the expression
      pattern of three zebrafish ladybird genes via mRNA in situ hybridization.
      Zebrafish lbx genes are expressed in distinct but overlapping regions within the
      developing neural tube, with strong expression within the hindbrain and spinal
      cord. The Hox family of transcription factors, in cooperation with cofactors such
      as Pbx and Meis, regulate hindbrain segmentation during embryogenesis. We have
      identified a novel regulatory interaction in which lbx1 genes are strongly
      downregulated in Pbx-depleted embryos. Further, we have produced a transgenic
      zebrafish line expressing dTomato and EGFP under the control of an lbx1b enhancer
      -a useful tool to acertain neuron location, migration, and morphology. Using this
      transgenic strain, we have identified a minimal neural lbx1b enhancer that
      contains key regulatory elements for expression of this transcription factor.

PMID- 22077100
TI  - Structure of the borosilicate zeolite catalyst SSZ-82 solved using 2D-XPD charge
      flipping.
AB  - The structure of the calcined borosilicate zeolite catalyst SSZ-82
      ([Si(61.3)B(4.7)O(132)], Pmmn, a = 24.2783(4), b = 11.4665(2), and c = 14.1127(3)
      A) has been solved from X-ray powder diffraction (XPD) data using the recently
      developed 2D-XPD charge flipping approach. The electron density maps generated
      with the more conventional powder charge flipping (pCF) algorithm could not be
      interpreted easily, so this new method, which begins by phasing low-resolution,
      2D subsets of the data, was applied. Crystallographic phases were derived for the
      three main projections ([100], [010], and [001]) by using just the corresponding
      subsets of reflections (0kl, h0l, and hk0, respectively) from the full set of
      3039 extracted intensities. These phases were then imposed on the (otherwise
      random) starting phases in the application of the pCF algorithm to the full data
      set. The framework structure, with 11 Si/B atoms in the asymmetric unit and a
      novel 12-/10-ring 2D channel system, could be seen clearly in the resulting
      electron density map. This is the first application of the 2D-XPD method to data
      collected on a material of unknown structure. Rietveld refinement of the
      structure revealed the positions of the B atoms in the framework and indicated
      that some water had been readsorbed in the pores.

PMID- 22077101
TI  - The evolution of the OATP hepatic uptake transport protein family in DMPK
      sciences: from obscure liver transporters to key determinants of hepatobiliary
      clearance.
AB  - Over the last two decades the impact on drug pharmacokinetics of the organic
      anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs: OATP-1B1, 1B3 and 2B1), expressed on the
      sinusoidal membrane of the hepatocyte, has been increasingly recognized. OATP
      mediated uptake into the hepatocyte coupled with subsequent excretion into bile
      via efflux proteins, such as MRP2, is often referred to as hepatobiliary
      excretion. OATP transporter proteins can impact some drugs in several ways
      including pharmacokinetic variability, pharmacodynamic response and drug-drug
      interactions (DDIs). The impact of transporter mediated hepatic clearance is
      illustrated with case examples, from the literature and also from the Pfizer
      portfolio. The currently available in vitro techniques to study the hepatic
      transporter proteins involved in the hepatobiliary clearance of drugs are
      reviewed herein along with recent advances in using these in vitro data to
      predict the human clearance of compounds recognized by hepatic uptake
      transporters.

PMID- 22077103
TI  - Effects of the SLCO1B1*15 allele on the pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin.
AB  - The hepatic uptake of pitavastatin is mediated by carriers, especially OATP1B1,
      which is encoded by the SLCO1B1 gene. Because the liver is a target organ of
      pitavastatin, OATP1B1 is responsible for both the pharmacological effects and
      clearance of pitavastatin. The effects of the SLCO1B1*15 allele on the
      pharmacokinetics (PK) of pitavastatin were studied. Pitavastatin 2 mg was orally
      administered to 38 subjects with SLCO1B1*1a/*1b (n = 20), *1b/*15 (n = 13), or
      *15/*15 (n = 5). After pitavastatin administration, the plasma concentrations of
      pitavastatin and pitavastatin lactone were assayed for up to 48 h using liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In comparison to the SLCO1B1*1a/*1b
      subjects, only a C(max) was slightly higher in the SLCO1B1*1b/*15 subjects.
      However, the SLCO1B1*15/*15 subjects had a 1.74-fold higher AUC(inf) (285.5 +/-
      14.5 vs. 164.6 +/- 41.3 ng.h/mL; p < 0.001), a 2.21-fold higher C(max) (106.7 +/-
      15.1 vs. 48.3 +/- 13.4 ng/mL; p < 0.001), and a 47.3% lower apparent oral
      clearance (13.1 +/- 3.9 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.4 L/h; p < 0.001) of pitavastatin. For
      pitavastatin lactone, there were no significant differences in AUC(inf), C(max),
      t(1/2), and t(max) among the three genotypes. Unlike previous studies, the
      disposition of pitavastatin exposure was not altered in subjects with the
      SLCO1B1*1b/*15 genotype, except C(max). However, pitavastatin exposure was
      significantly increased in subjects with the SLCO1B1*15/*15 genotype due to
      reduced hepatic absorption.

PMID- 22077102
TI  - A new methodology for predicting human pharmacokinetics for inhaled drugs from
      oratracheal pharmacokinetic data in rats.
AB  - Prediction of pharmacokinetic (PK) profile for inhaled drugs in humans provides
      valuable information to aid toxicology safety assessment, evaluate the potential
      for systemic accumulation on multiple dosing and enable an estimate for the
      clinical plasma assay requirements. The accuracy in prediction of inhaled human
      PK profiles for seven inhaled drugs or drug candidates (salmeterol, salbutamol,
      formoterol, fluticasone propionate, budesonide, CP-325366 and UK-432097) was
      assessed using rat oratracheal solution and dry powder PK data. The prediction
      methodology incorporates allometric scaling and mean residence time (MRT)
      principles with a two compartmental PK approach. Across the range of compounds
      tested, the prediction of human inhaled maximum concentration (C(max)) and MRT
      was within 2-fold for 5 of the 7 compounds, providing an accuracy of prediction
      similar to the current methodologies used to predict human oral C(max) from
      preclinical data ( De Buck et al. 2007 ). Administering as a dry powder
      formulation slowed the rat lung absorption rate of the least soluble compound
      (fluticasone propionate), impacting the prediction of C(max) and MRT. This flags
      the potential for preclinical studies with dry powder formulations to positively
      influence predictive accuracy, although further studies with low solubility
      inhaled drugs are required to confirm this. This study illustrates the value of
      preclinical assessment of PKs following administration to the lung, and provides
      a viable means of predicting the human PK profile for inhaled drugs.

PMID- 22077104
TI  - Nephroprotective activity of Macrothelypteris oligophlebia rhizomes ethanol
      extract.
AB  - CONTEXT: Macrothelypteris oligophlebia (Bak.) Ching (Thelypteridaceae) is a
      Chinese herbal medicine used traditionally for the treatment of diseases such as
      edema, boils, burns, and roundworms. However, research about the nephroprotective
      potential of this plant is not available. OBJECTIVE: Present study was designed
      to evaluate the protective effect of ethanol extract of M. oligophlebia rhizomes
      (EMO) on gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were
      intraperitoneal (i.p.) injected with GM (100 mg/kg) to induce nephrotoxicity and
      simultaneously EMO (250 and 500 mg/kg) was orally given to GM-treated rats for 8
      days. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), malondialdehyde (MDA),
      nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione
      peroxidase (GSH-Px) were evaluated in renal tissues. Histopathological analysis
      was used for evaluation of the renal damage. RESULTS: Administration with GM
      induced renal dysfunction in rats. Pre-treatment with EMO (500 mg/kg)
      significantly decreased the levels of BUN, Cr, MDA and NO (decreased BUN from
      12.71 +/- 1.28 to 7.19 +/- 0.23 mmol/l, Cr from 39.77 +/- 5.34 to 19.17 +/- 0.90
      MUmol/l, MDA from 5.60 +/- 0.37 to 2.63 +/- 0.24 nmol/ml, and NO from 868.17 +/-
      22.67 to 589.51 +/- 8.83 MUmol/ml), and also restored the activities of renal
      antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) (restored SOD from 1.59 +/- 0.17 to
      2.94 +/- 0.13 U/mg protein, CAT from 3.22 +/- 0.34 to 10.57 +/- 0.27 U/mg
      protein, and GSH-Px from 9.11 +/- 1.29 to 20.72 +/- 1.83 U/mg protein).
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the rhizomes of M.
      oligophlebia potentially have a protective role in renal tissue against oxidative
      stress in acute renal failure.

PMID- 22077105
TI  - Porphyrins fused with unactivated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
AB  - A systematic study of the preparation of porphyrins with extended conjugation by
      meso,beta-fusion with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is reported. The
      meso-positions of 5,15-unsubstituted porphyrins were readily functionalized with
      PAHs. Ring fusion using standard Scholl reaction conditions (FeCl(3),
      dichloromethane) occurs for perylene-substituted porphyrins to give a porphyrin
      beta,meso annulated with perylene rings (0.7:1 ratio of syn and anti isomers).
      The naphthalene, pyrene, and coronene derivatives do not react under Scholl
      conditions but are fused using thermal cyclodehydrogenation at high temperatures,
      giving mixtures of syn and anti isomers of the meso,beta-fused porphyrins. For
      pyrenyl-substituted porphyrins, a thermal method gives synthetically acceptable
      yields (>30%). Absorption spectra of the fused porphyrins undergo a progressive
      bathochromic shift in a series of naphthyl (lambda(max) = 730 nm), coronenyl
      (lambda(max) = 780 nm), pyrenyl (lambda(max) = 815 nm), and perylenyl
      (lambda(max) = 900 nm) annulated porphyrins. Despite being conjugated with
      unsubstituted fused PAHs, the beta,meso-fused porphyrins are more soluble and
      processable than the parent nonfused precursors. Pyrenyl-fused porphyrins exhibit
      strong fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region, with a
      progressive improvement in luminescent efficiency (up to 13% with lambda(max) =
      829 nm) with increasing degree of fusion. Fused pyrenyl-porphyrins have been used
      as broadband absorption donor materials in photovoltaic cells, leading to devices
      that show comparatively high photovoltaic efficiencies.

PMID- 22077107
TI  - Clinical effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids versus montelukast in children
      with asthma: prescription patterns and patient adherence as key factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the real-life effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids
      (ICS) versus leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) monotherapy in children with
      mild or moderate asthma. METHODS: Using medical and drug records, we accrued a
      cohort of 227 children aged 2-17 years, prescribed daily LTRA or ICS monotherapy.
      LTRA-treated children were matched on age, gender, and previous acute-care visits
      in a 1:3 ratio to ICS-treated children. Outcomes included rescue oral
      corticosteroids, prescription duration and dispensing, acute-care visits,
      hospital admissions, and beta(2)-agonist use. RESULTS: More ICS- than montelukast
      treated children had persistent asthma (73 vs. 50%) and fewer had good asthma
      control (35 vs. 61%) at baseline, suggesting residual confounding by indication.
      Physician prescriptions covered 62% of the follow-up period for ICS compared to
      97% for montelukast (mean group difference [MGD]: -17%, 95% CI: -28%, -7%). In
      pharmacies, patients claimed 51 vs. 74% of prescribed ICS and montelukast,
      respectively (MGD = -12% [-20%, -4%]). Consequently, dispensed ICS and
      montelukast covered 24% and 38% of follow-up period, respectively (MGD = -14% [
      22%, -6%]). No group differences in oral corticosteroids (RR = 1.10 [0.66, 1.84])
      and acute-care visits (RR = 1.79 [0.96, 3.34]) were observed. ICS-treated
      children experienced more hospital admissions (RR = 3.63 [1.20, 11.03]) and
      needed more frequently rescue beta(2)-agonist use of >=4 doses per week (RR =
      2.54 [1.23, 5.23]). CONCLUSIONS: When compared to LTRA, the prescription of ICS
      monotherapy did not significantly reduce rescue oral corticosteroids or acute
      care visits and was associated with a higher rate of hospital admission for
      asthma and rescue beta(2)-agonist use. The findings may be due to paradoxical
      shorter ICS prescription duration and lower patient adherence, despite more
      persistent asthma and poorer control than in LTRA-treated children.

PMID- 22077108
TI  - Wildlife diseases in the Netherlands.

PMID- 22077109
TI  - Emerging diseases with a and the worldwide impact consequences for veterinary
      curricula.
AB  - Summary   Emerging infections are being recognized at an alarming rate. In the
      case of emerging viral infections involving free-ranging wildlife, the intrusion
      of urban and agricultural enterprises into wildlife habitats appears to be
      playing a major role in the exchange of infectious agents of domestic to wildlife
      species and vice-versa. It is important that the veterinary profession prepares
      itself to respond to the threatening challenges. Creation of a course which
      addressed the principles of infectious diseases, diagnostic medicine,
      epidemiology, public health, population medicine and control are all imperative.
      This paper attempts to address some of the principle subjects matter areas which
      should be included in the course offering.

PMID- 22077106
TI  - Efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg compared with cetirizine 10 mg and placebo
      in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bilastine is a non-sedating second-generation H(1) antihistamine with
      proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic
      rhinitis and urticaria. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the
      efficacy and safety of bilastine in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
      (PAR). METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind,
      parallel-group study, patients with symptomatic PAR (n = 650) from Argentina,
      Europe, and South Africa received bilastine 20 mg, cetirizine 10 mg, or placebo
      once daily for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the mean area under the
      curve (AUC) of reflective total 6-symptom scores (rT6SS) from baseline visit to
      day 28 (D28). Secondary outcome measures included mean AUC of instantaneous total
      6-symptom scores (iT6SS), and mean AUCs of reflective and instantaneous total 4
      nasal symptom scores (T4NSS) and total 2-ocular symptom scores (T2OSS) from
      baseline to D28. An open-label extension phase evaluated the safety of bilastine
      20 mg administered to patients (n = 513) for one year. RESULTS: In the overall
      population no significant differences in efficacy outcomes were found between
      active treatments and placebo. On account of the high placebo response in South
      Africa, a post-hoc analysis was conducted. This analysis demonstrated that
      statistically significant differences existed between active treatments and
      placebo in the mean AUC of rT6SS (p < 0.05) and T4NSS (p < 0.02), respectively,
      from baseline to D28 visit for the intent-to-treat population in patients from
      Europe and Argentina, whereas the difference was not statistically significant in
      South Africa. Whether this is related to differences in the demographic or
      clinical characteristics of South African patients (they had PAR for longer and
      reported more severe symptoms) and/or the disease management process compared
      with their European and Argentinean counterparts warrants further investigation.
      CONCLUSIONS: A post-hoc analysis indicated that bilastine and cetirizine were
      similarly effective and more effective than placebo during a 4-week treatment
      period in patients with PAR. In addition, bilastine was shown to be safe and well
      tolerated over a 1-year treatment period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER:
      NCT01127620.

PMID- 22077110
TI  - Effects of environmental contaminants in wildlife species.

PMID- 22077111
TI  - Fish diseases and environmental quality.

PMID- 22077112
TI  - The effect of parasites on wildlife.
AB  - Summary   Populations of animals which live in the wild are regulated by many
      biotic and abiotic factors. Parasites are one of the biotic factors. Parasites
      may influence their hosts in different ways. They may cause the death of the host
      due to a direct lethal effect or an indirect effect. Direct lethal effects may
      occur if killing is a part of the life cycle of the parasite or if hosts and
      parasites have not developed an equilibrium. The introduction of hosts or
      parasites into a new environment with suitable hosts or parasites is an example.
      Death by parasitism may also be caused by a combination of the emaciating effects
      of parasites combined with factors such as bad weather conditions, environmental
      pollution or human handling. Parasites may also influence the behaviour of their
      hosts. If the hosts are intermediate hosts in the life cycle of the parasites,
      the alterations in behaviour may make them an easier prey for their predators,
      the final hosts. Parasites may also influence the reproductive success of the
      hosts. In this respect the relationship between the red grouse (Lagopus lagopus
      scoticus) and the caecal nematode Trichostrongylus tenuis has been well worked
      out.

PMID- 22077113
TI  - Diseases in wild animals in relation to nature management.

PMID- 22077114
TI  - Survey of tick related problems in roe deer (capreolus capreolus) in the
      Netherlands.

PMID- 22077115
TI  - Leptospirosis in wild animals.

PMID- 22077116
TI  - Botulism in waterfowl.

PMID- 22077117
TI  - Veterinary science and nature management.

PMID- 22077119
TI  - Surgical management of urethral prolapse in girls: 13 years' experience.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Urethral prolapse (UP) is a rare condition,
      with a suggested incidence of one in 3000. It occurs most often in prepubertal,
      primarily Black, girls. The underlying cause of this condition remains uncertain,
      although a lack of oestrogen is thought to have a role, owing to the
      preponderance of the condition in the prepubertal and postmenopausal age groups.
      A popular theory is that the problem arises as a consequence of poor attachments
      between the two layers of smooth muscle surrounding the urethra, combined with
      episodic increases in intraabdominal pressure. The most common presentation of UP
      is genital bleeding or a mass. The classical appearance of UP (i.e. the
      'doughnut' sign) enables diagnosis to be made easily on clinical grounds alone.
      Optimum management of UP is less certain, with opinion divided on the merits of
      conservative therapy vs surgical excision. Conservative therapy aims to reduce
      mucosal oedema, improve local hygiene and counteract lack of oestrogen by using a
      combination of any or all of the following: Sitz baths, topical oestrogen cream,
      antibacterial wash/soap and topical antibiotics. Surgical management of UP
      involves excision of the prolapsed mucosa circumferentially. Several authors have
      reported success with surgical excision, but it carries a risk of developing
      stenosis of the urethral opening. The present study supports previously reported
      findings by other authors in terms of demographics and clinical presentation.
      Patient ages ranged from 2 to 15 years and all girls were of Black race. They
      most commonly presented with a mass (8/21 patients) or bleeding (6/21 patients)
      and diagnosis was confirmed on clinical examination, although one required a
      general anaesthetic (GA) to complete the examination. The present study shows
      that, in mild cases (usually where there is a mass without symptoms), UP can be
      successfully managed using conservative measures. In our practice, this involves
      the use of Sitz baths. More importantly, the study shows that in cases with more
      symptomatic prolapse or with evidence of vascular compromise, there is an
      alternative to a surgical procedure and its potential complications. We have
      found reducing the prolapse under a GA to be beneficial. Complete reduction was
      achieved in 3/7 patients, with no recurrence. The remaining four patients with
      partial reduction had improvement in symptoms, allowing conservative therapy to
      continue and resulting in complete or almost complete resolution of prolapse at
      follow-up. This approach has not been described previously in published
      literature on UP. OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of managing urethral
      prolapse (UP) in girls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 girls, all of whom
      were Black and whose age range was 2-15 years, were diagnosed with UP between
      1995 and 2008. Case notes were reviewed for age, symptoms, clinical findings,
      predisposing factors, management and outcomes. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were:
      mass (n= 8), bleeding (n= 6), dysuria/straining at micturition (n= 6), discharge
      (n= 1) and constipation (n= 1). In all, 13 patients were managed conservatively
      because their symptoms were mild. Seven patients underwent prolapse reduction
      under general anaesthetic (GA). In one patient, an examination under anesthesia
      was done to confirm the diagnosis as bedside examination was not possible.
      Prolapse reduction was complete in only three patients. Two patients had partial
      reduction, which resolved over the next 3 months. Two patients continue to have
      minimal residual prolapse. A causative/precipitating factor was found in only one
      patient (severe chronic constipation). She had a recurrence 2 years after
      reduction. There were no other recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: UP in girls can be
      diagnosed clinically in most cases. Girls with mild symptoms can be managed
      conservatively. For girls with more significant symptoms, we recommend a simple
      reduction under GA. This may be curative, or may reduce the prolapse
      significantly. Surgical excision is almost never required.

PMID- 22077120
TI  - Estimating updraft velocity components over large spatial scales: contrasting
      migration strategies of golden eagles and turkey vultures.
AB  - Soaring birds migrate in massive numbers worldwide. These migrations are complex
      and dynamic phenomena, strongly influenced by meteorological conditions that
      produce thermal and orographic uplift as the birds traverse the landscape. Herein
      we report on how methods were developed to estimate the strength of thermal and
      orographic uplift using publicly available digital weather and topography
      datasets at continental scale. We apply these methods to contrast flight
      strategies of two morphologically similar but behaviourally different species:
      golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, and turkey vulture, Cathartes aura, during
      autumn migration across eastern North America tracked using GPS tags. We show
      that turkey vultures nearly exclusively used thermal lift, whereas golden eagles
      primarily use orographic lift during migration. It has not been shown previously
      that migration tracks are affected by species-specific specialisation to a
      particular uplift mode. The methods introduced herein to estimate uplift
      components and test for differences in weather use can be applied to study
      movement of any soaring species.

PMID- 22077121
TI  - Aiming at a moving target: Period fertility and changing reproductive goals.
AB  - Summary   Common sense suggests that changes over time in aggregate period
      fertility rates should be closely, related to changes in desired completed
      fertility after controlling for contraceptive failure, and desired spacing and
      timing; the nature of the relationship is, however, far from clear. This paper
      shows that when desired completed fertility undergoes swings, like those in the
      United States in recent decades, the turning points in period fertility will
      precede those in desired completed fertility by as much as five years and the
      amplitude of the swings in period fertility will be more than twice as great.
      Cumulated fertility, on the other hand, will lag behind reproductive goals.
      Period fertility rates will exceed desired completed fertility when desires are
      increasing and fall below it when desires are decreasing. These theoretical
      results help to explain some salient features of the American baby boom and bust.
      It is also shown that during a demographic transition, period fertility will fall
      more rapidly than desired completed fertility, and that towards the end of the
      transition, period fertility will increase.

PMID- 22077122
TI  - On allocating resources for fertility reduction in developing countries.
AB  - Summary   Substantial resources are currently being devoted in attempts to reduce
      fertility in developing countries. Can their allocation be made more efficient,
      i.e. more effective per unit of investment? This is an exploratory attempt to
      apply benefit-cost analysis to various realistic interventions, as judged by
      knowledgeable experts in the absence of sound empirical information on such
      impacts. (Such judgements appear to represent essentially the same sort of
      judgements as are made by policy-makers in the field). The paper concentrates on
      the methods by which several such analyses are made and illustrates the
      difficulties and problems encountered, but it also presents certain findings and
      conclusions of substance that show what results can be derived.

PMID- 22077123
TI  - Further evidence on the decline in infant mortality in pre-industrial England:
      North Shropshire, 1561-1810.
AB  - Summary   There is growing evidence of a substantial decline in infant mortality
      in England from the late seventeenth century onwards. This trend is examined in
      detail using data from the parish registers of a group of rural parishes in North
      Shropshire. A major change in the whole pattern of first-year mortality during
      the period 1661-1810 is indicated, its main features being an increase in
      mortality between the ages of six and eleven months, and a marked fall in
      mortality during the first three months of life. Examination of the seasonal
      pattern of infant mortality shows very heavy mortality among young infants in the
      winter, presumably from respiratory causes, during the period before 1700. It is
      suggested that a fall in the number of deaths from these causes was the main
      reason for the decline in infant mortality since the late seventeenth century.

PMID- 22077124
TI  - The hospitals and population growth: The voluntary general hospitals, mortality
      and local populations in the English provinces in the eighteenth and nineteenth
      centuries part 2.
AB  - Summary   In the second part of this article the number and nature of hospital
      cases treated in the light of physical, medical and surgical limitations are
      examined. Each hospital's records of treatment are summarised and discussed.
      Whether or not the hospitals were able to tackle successfully some of the major
      diseases and causes of death and thereby exert a positive influence in reducing
      mortality rates is then considered.   Two main conclusions are drawn. First, that
      the hospitals had a positive role to play within their patient catchment areas,
      but that this was insufficient to affect national mortality trends decisively.
      Secondly, the hospitals' influence was of greater importance before the mid
      nineteenth century. Despite advances in medical knowledge and techniques,
      population pressure, overcrowding and the growing incidence of serious cases in
      hospitals coupled with outbreaks of 'hospital diseases' meant that the results of
      hospital treatment may have become less impressive. But even then, mortality
      levels in the hospitals were low and the hospitals did not merit their reputation
      of being 'gateways to death' or as institutions 'which positively did harm'.

PMID- 22077125
TI  - Forecasting births in Greater London: An application of the easterlin hypothesis.
AB  - Summary   A model for forecasting fertility is proposed in which an attempt is
      made to represent the cyclical fluctuations in fertility typical of developed
      societies. R. A. Easterlin has put forward the hypothesis that relative
      affluence, i.e. tension between material aspirations and resources, is an
      important determinant of fertility behaviour. Relative cohort size in turn
      affects relative affluence, because the size of a cohort influences its
      competitive position in the labour market. However, predictions based on relative
      cohort size alone neglect other sources of periodic fluctuations in fertility,
      such as those arising from generational cycles. A periodic component which
      expresses fertility variations as a direct function of time is, therefore,
      included in this model. A time series of age-specific fertility rates and
      population estimates for England and Wales and for Greater London is used to
      assess the relationship between fertility, relative cohort size, and the periodic
      time function. There is evidence of significant cyclic effects and some support
      for the Easterlin hypothesis in that the fertility of younger age groups is
      inversely related to the relative size of older cohorts. Projections are made of
      the future trend in total fertility assuming a continuation of the observed
      relationship. Use of different assumed periodicities permits the generation of
      variant projections of fertility.

PMID- 22077126
TI  - Trends in marriage and divorce in Peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - Summary   Median age at marriage for women has risen sharply for each of the
      three major ethnic groups - Malays, Chinese and Indians, in Peninsular Malaysia
      since 1957. The sharpest rise has been recorded for Malays and Indians, whose
      median age at marriage was barely over 17 in 1957. A shortage of potential
      husbands in the traditionally sanctioned ages contributed to the rise for Malays
      and Indians, but was probably not the paramount reason; average age differences
      between the spouses narrowed, but median age at marriage for men actually rose.
      During the same period, the previously extremely high divorce rates amongst
      Malays have fallen sharply, though wide inter-state differences remain. The sharp
      changes in marriage patterns reflect, and in turn are partly responsible for, far
      reaching social and economic changes. They have profoundly affected fertility
      levels and patterns, as well as intra-familial relationships.

PMID- 22077127
TI  - Social status and fertility: A study of a town and three villages in Northwestern
      Iran.
AB  - Summary   Studies of the relationship between social status and fertility in
      developing societies have shown diverse results. This study suggests that such
      findings result in part from problems in the conceptualization of social
      stratification and social status. In developing societies such as Iran the
      differentiation of modern and traditional cultural (and occupational) groups
      within social classes has resulted in the emergence of a dual hierarchy. Measures
      of social status must therefore reflect these conceptually distinct hierarchies,
      rather than be limited to linear scales. Figures from a study in a town and three
      villages in northwest Iran undertaken in 1973 are analyzed. Findings indicate
      that for women in towns, as social status increases within both traditional and
      modern occupational hierarchies (husband's occupation) and as measured by income,
      education and index of modern items, there is a general and almost monotonic
      decrease in the number of living children, children ever-born, and ideal number
      of children, with an increase in age at marriage and contraceptive use. The
      social and cultural homogeneity of the village sample is reflected in the
      relatively small variations in fertility-related behaviour and attitudes;
      however, fertility differences between landed and landless villages appear
      similar to the pattern found in the urban samples. The differences in the
      fertility behaviour of village and urban women of similar income and educational
      status indicate that fertility behaviour is related partially to class and
      partially to status distinctions between urban and rural communities.

PMID- 22077128
TI  - Neo-natal mortality in South Asia: The special role of tetanus.
AB  - Summary   First-year mortality in rural Uttar Pradesh is characterized by a
      predominance (60 per cent) of deaths during the first month of life, of which 66
      per cent are reported to be due to tetanus. This pattern is not typical of the
      historical experience of many developed countries and the current experience of
      some less developed countries where post-neo-natal mortality predominates. To
      examine this phenomenon, two causal models of neo-natal mortality (one for
      tetanus and one for all other diseases) are developed and tested using
      retrospective survey data from 2000 couples living in rural Uttar Pradesh.   Neo
      natal tetanus mortality is found to be primarily a function of opportunities for
      exposure to the disease (e.g. lack of antiseptic birth practices, ownership of
      large animals) rather than of socio-economic status or demographic variables. The
      importance of examining neo-natal mortality by cause, and the shortcomings
      inherent in making inferences from the historical experiences of Western nations
      are emphasized.

PMID- 22077129
TI  - Lactation and fertility in Rural Bangladesh.
AB  - Summary   Analysis of data from various phases of a study of post-partum
      amenorrhoea in Bangladesh illustrated good aggregate consistency of response on
      menstrual status, but less individual consistency on duration of post-partum
      amenorrhoea. Using life table techniques, the median duration of amenorrhoea was
      calculated as 19.9 months for women with births between February and September
      1974. There were substantial seasonal variations in duration, with the median
      decreasing from 21.5 months for women with February births to 16.9 months for
      those with September births. By contrast, the median duration of post-partum
      amenorrhoea varies by only two months for women in the lowest and highest
      quartiles of weight and weight for height. The seasonal pattern was similar for
      all weight groups.

PMID- 22077130
TI  - Estimating the completeness of death registration.
AB  - Summary   Death registration statistics, even when incomplete, can provide
      valuable information about mortality. In particular, the age structure of deaths
      can be used to estimate the completeness of registration, provided that this
      completeness does not vary substantially with age.   Two methods of estimating
      the completeness of death registration from the distribution of deaths by age are
      described. The first is derived from stable population theory and requires an
      estimate of the rate of natural increase of the population, as well as assuming
      stability. However, the technique can also be used to generate simultaneously
      estimates of the rate of natural increase and of death registration completeness.
      The second method which requires two census age distributions and intercensal
      deaths by age, estimates the relative enumeration completeness of the two
      censuses as well as the completeness of death registration and requires only that
      the population be closed. Results are sensitive to overstatement of age. The
      methods are illustrated by being applied to figures from Thailand for the period
      1960-70 and are found to work satisfactorily.

PMID- 22077131
TI  - Changes in acceptors' and users' ages: A test of an explanatory mechanism.
AB  - Summary   Acceptors in national family planning programmes are becoming steadily
      younger, with fewer children. In the present analysis, which makes use of the
      computerized component projection scheme CONVERSE, it is shown that saturation of
      the older groups with users has a relatively minor role to play in reducing the
      mean age of new acceptors. Even where acceptance and continuation rates are high
      and follow the usual pattern of higher levels for the older women, the build-up
      of users in the upper age groups is not enough to produce major changes in the
      age of acceptors. Yet acceptor ages have fallen consistently and sharply in most
      national programmes, regardless of the general strength, duration, or method mix.
      The finding that the mechanical effects investigated here play rather a small
      part in the large empirical declines in acceptor ages suggests the need to
      investigate other explanations. For this, a critical need is more data than are
      at present available on trends in age-specific rates of acceptance in national
      programmes.

PMID- 22077132
TI  - A modification for use in destabilized populations of brass's technique for
      estimating completeness of death registration.
AB  - Summary   Brass has developed a method of estimating completeness of death
      registration using only data on deaths and population by age and sex. In this
      paper, his method is briefly outlined and the assumptions upon which it is based
      are discussed. In particular, the implications of the failure of the assumption
      of stability of the population are investigated. It is found that in populations
      where mortality has been declining, use of the technique leads to underestimation
      of completeness. A modification of the technique based on knowledge of the
      duration and rate of mortality change is proposed for use in such populations.
      Using simulated destabilized populations, the modification is tested and found to
      yield more accurate estimates of completeness of death registration than the
      unmodified technique. The usefulness of the modified technique is further
      illustrated by applying it to data for Costa Rican females in 1963.

PMID- 22077133
TI  - Fecundability, coital frequency and the viability of Ova.
AB  - Summary   An extension of Barrett and Marshall's model expressing fecundability
      as a function of coital pattern is proposed. In particular, this extension
      includes the probability that the ovum remains alive. The extended model has been
      applied to Barrett and Marshall's data, a series of cycles for which basal body
      temperature curves and the date of coitus have been recorded. It was thus
      possible to estimate the daily probabilities of fertilization and, under certain
      assumptions, the proportion of lost ova. This proportion was estimated to be
      above 50 per cent, and increases with age. The increase of fecundability with
      frequency of intercourse is more moderate than that predicted by Barrett and
      Marshall's model.

PMID- 22077136
TI  - The association between social phobia, social anxiety cognitions and paranoid
      symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous research suggests high levels of comorbidity between social
      phobia and paranoid symptoms, although the nature of this association remains
      unclear. METHOD: Data were derived from the Early Developmental Stages of
      Psychopathology study, a 10-year longitudinal study in a representative German
      community sample of 3021 participants aged 14-24 years at baseline. The Munich
      Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess social phobia and
      paranoid symptoms, along with data on social phobia features. Cross-sectional and
      longitudinal analyses were conducted. Differential associations with
      environmental risk factors and temperamental traits were investigated. RESULTS:
      Lifetime social phobia and paranoid symptoms were associated with each other
      cross-sectionally (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.31-2.47). Lifetime paranoid symptoms
      were associated specifically with social anxiety cognitions. Lifetime cognitions
      of negative evaluation predicted later onset of paranoid symptoms, whereas onset
      of social phobia was predicted by cognitions of loss of control and
      fear/avoidance of social situations. Lifetime social phobia and paranoid symptoms
      shared temperamental traits of behavioural inhibition, but differed in
      environmental risks. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that paranoid symptoms
      and social phobia share similarities in cognitive profile and inhibited
      temperament. Avoidance appears to be important in the development of social
      phobia, whereas cannabis use and traumatic experiences may drive paranoid
      thinking in vulnerable individuals.

PMID- 22077137
TI  - Defective barrier function in melasma skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melasma is characterized by increased pigmentation and photodamaged
      features, which include solar elastosis. Recently, we detected the downregulation
      of the genes most associated with lipid metabolism using microarray analysis in
      melasma. These findings suggested that lesional skin may have different
      biophysical characteristics, and, in particular, an altered skin barrier
      function. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cutaneous biophysical characteristics of
      melasma. METHODS: The melanin index, erythema index, stratum corneum hydration,
      sebum content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured for lesional and
      perilesional normal skin of 16 melasma patients and then compared. In addition, a
      skin biopsy was performed on 11 of the 16 study subjects to measure stratum
      corneum thickness and to study the protein expressions of PPAR-alpha and ALOX15B.
      RESULTS: Melanin index, erythema index and stratum corneum hydration were
      significantly higher in lesional skin than in perilesional normal skin. No
      significant difference was found between lesional and normal skin in terms of
      basal TEWL level or sebum content. However, the rate of TEWL after barrier
      perturbation was significantly higher for lesional skin, and the barrier recovery
      rate was significantly delayed. Furthermore, a trend towards thinned stratum
      corneum was observed for lesional skin, and this was correlated with barrier
      recovery rate. The expressions of PPAR-alpha and ALOX15B were variable in the
      samples. CONCLUSIONS: Melasma skin is characterized by impaired stratum corneum
      integrity and a delayed barrier recovery rate.

PMID- 22077138
TI  - Is a new high-voltage lead necessary? 6.6-French ICD lead failure: a UK tertiary
      center experience.

PMID- 22077140
TI  - Transcriptional control of HIV replication by multiple modulators and their
      implication for a novel antiviral therapy.
AB  - Transcriptional regulation is critical for the human immunodeficiency virus 1
      (HIV-1) life cycle and is the only step at which the virus amplifies the content
      of its genetic information. Numerous known and still unknown transcriptional
      factors, both host and viral, regulate HIV-1 gene expression and latency. This
      article is a comprehensive review of transcription factors involved in HIV-1 gene
      expression and presents the significant implications of nuclear factor kappa B
      (NF-kappaB) and the HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein. We
      include recent findings on chromatin remodeling toward HIV transcription and its
      therapeutic implication is also discussed. The current status of small-molecular
      weight compounds that affect HIV transcription is also described.

PMID- 22077141
TI  - Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical
      characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present results from the United States (US) Cluster Headache Survey
      including data on cluster headache demographics, clinical characteristics,
      suicidality, diagnostic delay, triggers, and personal burden. BACKGROUND: There
      are few large-scale studies looking at cluster headache patients and none from
      the USA. This manuscript will present data from The US Cluster Headache Survey,
      the largest survey ever completed of cluster headache patients living in the USA.
      METHODS: The total survey was composed of 187 multiple-choice questions that
      dealt with issues related to cluster headache including demographics, clinical
      characteristics, comorbid medical conditions, family history, triggers, smoking
      history, and personal burden. The survey was placed on a Web site from October
      through December 2008. RESULTS: A total of 1134 individuals completed the survey
      (816 male, 318 female). Some key highlights from the survey include the
      following: (1) diagnostic delay: there remains a significant diagnostic delay for
      cluster headache patients on average 5+ years with only 21% receiving a correct
      diagnosis at time of initial presentation. (2) Suicidality: suicidal ideations
      are substantial, occurring in 55%. (3) Eye color: the predominant eye color in
      cluster headache patients is brown and blue, not hazel as suggested in previous
      descriptions. (4) Laterality: cluster headache has a right-sided predominance.
      (5) Attack profile: in US cluster headache sufferers, most attacks occur between
      early evening and early morning hours with peak time of headache onset between
      midnight and 3 am; the circadian periodicity for cluster headache is present but
      is not as predominant in the population as previously thought. (6) Triggers: beer
      is the most common type of alcohol trigger in US cluster headache patients; noted
      migraine triggers such as weather changes and smells are also very common cluster
      headache triggers. (7) Medical comorbidities: peptic ulcer disease does not have
      a high prevalence in US cluster headache patients as suggested by previous
      literature; cluster headache is associated with a low prevalence of cardiac
      disease as well as cerebrovascular disease even though the majority of patients
      are chronic heavy smokers. In US cluster headache sufferers, there appears to be
      comorbidity with restless leg syndrome, and this has not been demonstrated in non
      US cluster headache populations. (8) Personal burden: cluster headache is
      disabling to the individual as almost 20% of cluster headache patients have lost
      a job secondary to cluster headache, while another 8% are out of work or on
      disability secondary to their headaches. CONCLUSION: Some findings from the US
      Cluster Headache Survey expound on what is currently known about cluster
      headache, while some of the results contradict what has been previously written,
      while other information is completely new about this fascinating headache
      disorder.

PMID- 22077142
TI  - Social capital and knowledge sharing: effects on patient safety.
AB  - AIMS: This article is a report on a study that empirically examines the influence
      of social capital on knowledge sharing and the impact of knowledge sharing on
      patient safety. BACKGROUND: Knowledge sharing is linked to many desirable
      managerial outcomes, including learning and problem-solving, which are essential
      for patient safety. Rather than studying the tangible effects of rewards, this
      study examines whether social capital (including social interaction, trust and
      shared vision) directly supports individual knowledge sharing in an organization.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study analysed data collected through a
      questionnaire survey of nurses from a major medical centre in northern Taiwan.
      The data were collected over a 9-month period from 2008 to 2009. The data
      analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares Graph v3.0 program to
      evaluate the measurement properties and the structural relationships specified in
      the research model. FINDINGS: Based on a large-scale survey, empirical results
      indicate that Registered Nurses' perceptions of trust and shared vision have
      statistically significant and direct effects on knowledge sharing. In addition,
      knowledge sharing is significantly and positively associated with patient safety.
      CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that hospital administrators should foster group
      trust and initiate a common vision among Registered Nurses. In addition,
      administrators and chief knowledge officers of hospitals should encourage
      positive intentions towards knowledge sharing.

PMID- 22077143
TI  - An analysis examining socio-economic variations in the provision of NHS general
      dental practitioner care under a fee for service contract among adolescents:
      Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine socio-economic variations in the use of publicly funded
      general dental practitioner care by adolescents under a fee for service
      arrangement. METHOD: Publicly funded general practitioner reimbursement data were
      linked to census and vital statistics data within the Northern Ireland
      Longitudinal Study. Data relate to 12,846 adolescents aged 11 or 12 in April 2003
      included within the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (28% of the population).
      The main outcome measure was consumption of dental care between 2003/2004 and
      2007/2008 by socio-economic status (as measured by National Statistics Socio
      economic Classification of occupation and highest educational attainment of
      household reference person). RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, socio-economic
      status was a significant determinant of dental care consumed. Those of the lowest
      socio-economic status, according to both occupation and highest educational
      attainment of household reference person, were less likely to have consumed
      orthodontics OR 0.76 (0.62, 0.95) and OR 0.79 (0.69, 0.91), respectively. Those
      of lower socio-economic status were, however, more likely to have undergone an
      extraction and restorative treatment and also consumed on average more treatment
      than those of higher socio-economic status. CONCLUSION: A demand-led service, in
      which practitioners are reimbursed in part on a fee for service basis, may create
      incentives that contribute to different patterns of utilization between social
      groups. Such a system may not be providing equal access for equal need and may
      widen existing socio-economic disparities in oral health among adolescents.

PMID- 22077139
TI  - Climate-induced changes to the ancestral population size of two Patagonian
      galaxiids: the influence of glacial cycling.
AB  - Patagonia is one of the few areas in the Southern Hemisphere to have been
      directly influenced by Quaternary glaciers. In this study, we evaluate the
      influence that Quaternary glacial ice had on the genetic diversity of two
      congeneric fish species, the diadromous Galaxias maculatus and the nondiadromous
      Galaxias platei, using multilocus estimates of effective population size through
      time. Mid-Quaternary glaciations had far-reaching consequences for both species.
      Galaxias maculatus and G. platei each experienced severe genetic bottlenecks
      during the period when Patagonia ice sheet advance reached its maximum positions
      c. 1.1-0.6 Ma. Concordant drops in effective size during this time suggest that
      range sizes were under similar constraints. It is therefore unlikely that coastal
      (brackish/marine) environments served as a significant refuge for G. maculatus
      during glacial periods. An earlier onset of population declines for G. platei
      suggests that this species was vulnerable to modest glacial advances. Declines in
      effective sizes were continuous for both species and lasted into the late
      Pleistocene. However, G. maculatus exhibited a strong population recovery during
      the late-Quaternary (c. 400,000 bp). Unusually long and warm interglacials
      associated with the late-Quaternary may have helped to facilitate a strong
      population rebound in this primarily coastal species.

PMID- 22077145
TI  - Two series of multicomponent rare earth (Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+) polymeric hybrids:
      chemically bonded assembly and photophysical properties.
AB  - In the present work, two new chemical linkages (BPDA-PAM, BPDA-DG) are
      synthesized through the reaction between 4,4'-biphthalic anhydride (BPDA) and
      acrylamide (AM), diethylene glycol (DG), respectively. Then two novel series of
      multicomponent rare earth (Eu(3+), Tb(3+), Sm(3+)) polymeric hybrids have been
      assembled through the coordination bonding: one is from the linkage BPDA-PAM to
      form the hybrids BPDA-PAM-RE-phen(bipy) (2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10
      penanthroline (phen)), the other is from the linkage BPDA-DG to compose the
      hybrids BPDA-DG-RE-PVP and PVP (PVP = poly vinylpyridine). These hybrids are
      characterized and especially the photophysical properties (luminescence spectra,
      lifetimes and quantum efficiencies) are discussed in detail.

PMID- 22077146
TI  - Pediatric regional anesthesia: abdominal wall blocks.
AB  - Abdominal wall blocks are an effective regional anesthetic technique to provide
      sufficient analgesia in abdominal surgery. This article reviews the use of
      abdominal wall blocks in pediatric regional anesthesia.

PMID- 22077147
TI  - Restricted joint range of motion in patients with MPS II: correlation with
      height, age and functional status.
AB  - AIM: The aims of the study were to assess shoulder range of motion (ROM) in
      patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) and to correlate joint
      mobility with patients' height, age and functional status. METHODS: Passive ROM
      and Z-score of height were followed in 29 patients with MPS II (mean age 11.5
      years, range 2-29 years) between the years 2005 and 2010. Passive ROM was
      measured by a goniometer, and height, by a stadiometer. Functional status was
      assessed by an age-appropriate health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). RESULTS:
      (i) A strong correlation was observed between patients' age and Z-score of
      patients' height (R = 0.78, p < 0.001). (ii) A medium correlation was observed
      between Z-score of patients' height and passive shoulder flexion and abduction (R
      = 0.697, p < 0.001 and R = 0.63, p < 0.001, respectively). The progression of
      restriction was slower in attenuated patients. (iii) Restrictions in shoulder
      flexion and abduction were already observed before the second year of life. (iv)
      ROM limitations intensified and became more severe with age. (v) Activities of
      daily living depended on cognitive impairment of patients with MPS II.
      CONCLUSION: Range of motion limitations in patients with MPS II correlate with
      patients' height, increase with patients' age and are more pronounced in a severe
      form of MPS II.

PMID- 22077148
TI  - Lack of association of outcomes with treatment duration and microbiologic
      susceptibility data in Clostridium difficile infections in a non-NAP1/BI/027
      setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding the poor response of severe Clostridium difficile
      infection (CDI) treated with metronidazole have arisen over the last 5 y.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective, non-interventional study of CDI cases at our
      institution to evaluate the role of drug resistance, co-morbidities, and the
      emergence of hypervirulent strains on patient outcomes. A total of 118 adult
      inpatients with diarrhea and a positive stool for C. difficile toxin immunoassay
      had positive stool cultures and were included in the study. All 118 isolates had
      vancomycin and metronidazole susceptibility testing via the E-test method; rep
      PCR was performed on 47 isolates. Of the 118 study patients, 107 were treated
      with either metronidazole or vancomycin. RESULTS: Initial therapy was
      metronidazole in 98.1% (n = 105) and vancomycin in 1.9% (n = 2) patients.
      Evaluable clinical response within 5 days of treatment was noted in 52.5% (52/99)
      of cases. The mean duration of treatment was 11.7 +/- 7.2 days. The 30-day all
      cause mortality rate was 24.6% (29/118). Recurrence occurred in 23.6% (21/89). A
      recent stay in the intensive care unit was associated with increased 30-day
      mortality (odds ratio 3.58, p = 0.012). There were no isolates resistant to
      metronidazole or vancomycin. Only 1 isolate was possibly related to the
      NAP1/BI/027 reference strain. No strain-related differences in deaths or
      recurrence were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Deaths related to CDI in our study appear to
      be related to multiple factors and did not appear to be independently related to
      antibiotic susceptibility, strain type, or treatment duration.

PMID- 22077149
TI  - Intensity-dependent exciton dynamics of (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes:
      momentum selection rules, diffusion, and nonlinear interactions.
AB  - The exciton dynamics for an ensemble of individual, suspended (6,5), single
      walled carbon nanotubes revealed by single color E(22) resonant pump-probe
      spectroscopy for a wide range of pump fluences are reported. The optically
      excited initial exciton population ranges from approximately 5 to 120 excitons
      per ~725 nm nanotube. At the higher fluences of this range, the pump-probe
      signals are no longer linearly dependent on the pump intensity. A single,
      predictive model is described that fits all data for two decades of pump fluences
      and three decades of delay times. The model introduces population loss from the
      optically active zero momentum E(22) state to the rest of the E(22) subband,
      which is dark due to momentum selection rules. In the single exciton limit, the
      E(11) dynamics are well described by a stretched exponential, which is a direct
      consequence of diffusion quenching from an ensemble of nanotubes of different
      lengths. The observed change in population relaxation dynamics as a function of
      increasing pump intensity is attributed to exciton-exciton Auger de-excitation in
      the E(11) subband and, to a lesser extent, in the E(22) subband. From the fit to
      the model, an average defect density 1/rho = 150 nm and diffusion constants D(11)
      = 4 cm(2)/s and D(22) = 0.2 cm(2)/s are determined.

PMID- 22077151
TI  - Signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly malignancy characterized by a
      plethora of molecular alterations that include major and minor driving mutations,
      the presence of intense desmoplasia exhibiting numerous proliferating pancreatic
      stellate cells (PSC) and cancer-associated fibroblasts that produce fibronectin
      and collagens, and foci of inflammatory cells that produce mitogenic cytokines.
      This review will focus on signaling by tyrosine kinase receptors, and the role of
      transforming growth factor beta in this malignancy is described briefly.
      Potential for therapeutic interventions will be discussed in relation to specific
      pathways.

PMID- 22077144
TI  - Apixaban versus enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis in medically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of prolonging prophylaxis for venous
      thromboembolism in medically ill patients beyond hospital discharge remain
      uncertain. We hypothesized that extended prophylaxis with apixaban would be safe
      and more effective than short-term prophylaxis with enoxaparin. METHODS: In this
      double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned
      acutely ill patients who had congestive heart failure or respiratory failure or
      other medical disorders and at least one additional risk factor for venous
      thromboembolism and who were hospitalized with an expected stay of at least 3
      days to receive apixaban, administered orally at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily for
      30 days, or enoxaparin, administered subcutaneously at a dose of 40 mg once daily
      for 6 to 14 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the 30-day composite of death
      related to venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, symptomatic deep-vein
      thrombosis, or asymptomatic proximal-leg deep-vein thrombosis, as detected with
      the use of systematic bilateral compression ultrasonography on day 30. The
      primary safety outcome was bleeding. All efficacy and safety outcomes were
      independently adjudicated. RESULTS: A total of 6528 subjects underwent
      randomization, 4495 of whom could be evaluated for the primary efficacy outcome-
      2211 in the apixaban group and 2284 in the enoxaparin group. Among the patients
      who could be evaluated, 2.71% in the apixaban group (60 patients) and 3.06% in
      the enoxaparin group (70 patients) met the criteria for the primary efficacy
      outcome (relative risk with apixaban, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62 to
      1.23; P=0.44). By day 30, major bleeding had occurred in 0.47% of the patients in
      the apixaban group (15 of 3184 patients) and in 0.19% of the patients in the
      enoxaparin group (6 of 3217 patients) (relative risk, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.02 to 7.24;
      P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In medically ill patients, an extended course of
      thromboprophylaxis with apixaban was not superior to a shorter course with
      enoxaparin. Apixaban was associated with significantly more major bleeding events
      than was enoxaparin. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer;
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00457002.).

PMID- 22077150
TI  - Hdac-mediated control of endochondral and intramembranous ossification.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (Hdacs) remove acetyl groups (CH3CO-) from epsilon-amino
      groups in lysine residues within histones and other proteins. This
      posttranslational (de) modification alters protein stability, protein-protein
      interactions, and chromatin structure. Hdac activity plays important roles in the
      development of all organs and tissues, including the mineralized skeleton. Bone
      is a dynamic tissue that forms and regenerates by two processes: endochondral and
      intramembranous ossification. Chondrocytes and osteoblasts are responsible for
      producing the extracellular matrices of skeletal tissues. Several Hdacs
      contribute to the molecular pathways and chromatin changes that regulate tissue
      specific gene expression during chondrocyte and osteoblast specification,
      maturation, and terminal differentiation. In this review, we summarize the roles
      of class I and class II Hdacs in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. The effects of
      small molecule Hdac inhibitors on the skeleton are also discussed.

PMID- 22077152
TI  - Inflammatory mediators: tracing links between obesity and osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is associated with joint
      malfunction and chronic disability in the aged population. It is a multifactorial
      disorder to which several factors-such as age, sex, trauma, and obesity
      contribute significantly. Obesity is one of the most influential but modifiable
      risk factors because it exerts an increased mechanical stress on the tibiofemoral
      cartilage. However, the high prevalence of OA in obese individuals in non
      weightbearing areas, like finger joints, suggests that the link between being
      overweight and OA lies with factors other than simple biomechanics. An important
      correlation has been made between obesity and inflammation. Adipose tissues (and
      the infrapatellar fat pad) play an important role in this context because they
      are the major source of cytokines, chemokines, and metabolically active mediators
      called adipokines (or adipocytokines). These metabolic factors are known to
      possess catabolic and proinflammatory properties and to orchestrate the
      pathophysiological processes in OA. This review provides information on the
      relationship between obesity and OA through biomechanical and biochemical factors
      and highlights the functions of important obesity-related inflammatory products
      in the initiation and progression of OA. This information will broaden our
      thinking in identifying the targets for both prevention and intervention for OA.

PMID- 22077153
TI  - Molecular parameters of head and neck cancer metastasis.
AB  - Metastasis remains a major cause of mortality in patients with head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC patients with metastatic disease have
      extremely poor prognoses, with an average survival rate of less than a year.
      Metastasis is an intricate sequential process that requires a discrete population
      of tumor cells to possess the capacity to intravasate from the primary tumor into
      systemic circulation, survive in circulation, extravasate at a distant site, and
      proliferate in a foreign, hostile environment. Literature has accumulated to
      provide mechanistic insight into several signal transduction pathways, receptor
      tyrosine kinases (RTKs), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      (Stat3), Rho GTPases, protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCsepsilon), and nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB), that are involved in mediating a metastatic tumor cell
      phenotype in HN-SCC. Herein we highlight accrued information regarding the key
      molecular parameters of HNSCC metastasis.

PMID- 22077155
TI  - The role of BMP2 signaling in the skeleton.
AB  - While new roles for the adult skeleton as an endocrine organ continue to emerge,
      our understanding of how bone homeostasis is maintained is also changing. Here we
      focus on BMP2, a molecule identified by its ability to induce bone formation at
      extraskeletal sites. We detail specific roles for BMP2 in the adult skeleton,
      where it acts to regulate the differentiation of periosteal skeletal progenitors
      during fracture healing and also mediates osteoblast formation in the bone marrow
      microenvironment. We highlight two areas of BMP2 biology that deserve further
      study: the specific signaling pathways used by BMP2 to affect bone formation, and
      the factors that regulate BMP2 production in the adult skeleton. These activities
      serve to distinguish BMP2 from other members of the TGF-b/BMP/Activin gene
      superfamily.

PMID- 22077154
TI  - The synthesis of C8-aryl purines, nucleosides and phosphoramidites.
AB  - C8-Aryl purines, their nucleosides, and phosphoramidites has been synthetic
      targets for more than 60 years. Interest in these compounds stems from their
      utility as fluorescent markers, they have therapeutic uses, are biomarkers,
      biomolecular probes, supramolecular building blocks, and for conformational
      studies. Until recently, the selective arylation of the C8-position of purines
      has been a challenging task. Several approaches have been explored including
      building them up from a pyrimidine or selective C8-modification of an
      unsubstituted purine. Neither of these approaches has proven to have broad scope.
      The discovery that C8-aryl purine nucleosides can be made via the Suzuki cross
      coupling reaction has allowed a diverse array of analogues to be prepared and, in
      turn, the corresponding phosphoramidites. The latter is particularly significant
      as C8-aryl purine adducts are a major mutation observed from aromatic carcinogens
      and ready access to C8-aryl phosphoramidites will facilitate the synthesis and
      study of C8-aryl purine biomarkers and modified oligonucleotides.

PMID- 22077156
TI  - Understanding the skeletal pathology of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes affects over 25 million people and is characterized by hyperglycemia
      resulting from a lack of insulin or reduced insulin sensitivity. A serious
      complication of diabetes is the increase in fracture risk observed in both type 1
      and type 2 diabetic patients. This review focuses on some of the cellular and
      mechanistic causes of diabetes-induced fracture risk. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
      most likely have unique and overlapping mechanisms of bone loss. While type 1
      diabetes is associated with reduced bone mineral density, this is not usually
      seen in type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia, present in both type 1 and 2 diabetes,
      alters bone matrix proteins such as collagen I through nonenzymatic glycation,
      which can decrease bone toughness and increase fracture risk even in the absence
      of bone loss. Diabetes is also associated with increased inflammation and altered
      adipokine and calcitrophic hormone levels, which further contribute to bone
      pathophysiology. As medical advances significantly lengthen patient lifespan,
      exposure to diabetic conditions increases and correspondingly so do disease
      complications. Further research to identify molecular pathways in diabetes
      associated bone pathology will provide the basis for therapeutic
      targets/directions to increase treatment options and improve patient health and
      well-being.

PMID- 22077157
TI  - Antioxidant potential and radical-scavenging effects of flavonoids from the
      leaves of Psidium cattleianum grown in French Polynesia.
AB  - Psidium cattleianum J. Sabine (Myrtaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant in
      French Polynesia. The leaves and roots possess many medicinal properties. These
      effects may be correlated with the presence of antioxidant compounds. Seven
      flavonoids along with a benzoic acid were isolated from the leaves of P.
      cattleianum. The compounds indicated strong antioxidant and radical-scavenging
      activities in ALP, DPPH(.), ABTS(.-) and ORAC assays. This study demonstrates
      that the leaves of P. cattleianum possess main compounds with interesting
      antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities, as clarified by four biological
      assays. Our findings may justify the use of these leaves in the traditional
      medicine of French Polynesia. Among the total eight known compounds, reynoutrin
      and luteolin were isolated for the first time from the genus Psidium.

PMID- 22077158
TI  - Refractory hypotension due to Rogaine(r) (minoxidil) ingestion managed with
      midodrine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minoxidil (Rogaine(r)) is a direct vasodilator that can cause
      significant toxicity when ingested. We report a case of ingestion of topical
      minoxidil [Rogaine(r) (Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products, Division of McNeil
      PPC, Inc)] resulting in refractory hypotension that was successfully managed with
      the oral alpha (1) agonist midodrine. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old male who
      ingested an eight ounce bottle of Rogaine(r) presented to the emergency
      department. The patient presented with a blood pressure of 57/45 mmHg and a pulse
      of 84 beats per minute. The patient received IV fluids and multiple vasopressors
      to maintain an adequate mean arterial pressure. Midodrine, an oral alpha (1)
      vasopressor, was added 10 hours post ingestion and was able to maintain an
      adequate mean arterial pressure. Over the next two days, midodrine was titrated
      down as his blood pressure returned to baseline. CONCLUSION: Midodrine may serve
      as an additional option to treat toxicant induced hypotension.

PMID- 22077159
TI  - Examining the interrelationship of migraine onset, duration, and time to
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate migraines, both
      longitudinally and cross-sectionally, to understand the impact that time of
      treatment has on migraine duration and the patients' return to daily functioning.
      BACKGROUND: Several studies have explored the relationship between migraine
      treatment and its impact on migraine duration; however, the interrelationship of
      migraine onset and impact of treatment timing on migraine resolution is not
      completely understood. DESIGN/METHODS: Five hundred and nine migraineurs
      completed 1 online baseline survey and a diary survey after each of their next 3
      migraines. All subjects were 18 or older and were employed full time. RESULTS:
      Migraine episodes treated within 1 hour were significantly shorter on average
      than those treated after 1 hour (9.1 hours vs 12.3 hours) (P < .05). Over-the
      counter medication was the most frequently reported first-line treatment (44%)
      followed by an oral triptan (30%), another prescription medication (14%), and
      combination therapy (4%). Rescue treatment was reported in 57% of attacks. The
      majority of over-the-counter (69%) and another prescription (55%) treated attacks
      required rescue whereas only 39% of first-line triptan attacks required rescue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Treating migraines early with an oral triptan-containing therapy
      appears to be a very effective method for reducing migraine duration and
      preventing the need for additional medication. Our findings also suggest that
      physicians should spend more time educating patients how to identify migraines
      early. Understanding the relationship between these key factors will provide
      insight into appropriate treatment and management of migraines, and more
      importantly, equip patients with the tools necessary to improve their outcomes
      and overall impact on functioning.

PMID- 22077161
TI  - [2]Pseudorotaxanes based on the recognition of cryptands to vinylogous viologens.
AB  - Host-guest complexation between two crown ether-based cryptands and two
      vinylogous viologens has been studied. Formation of [2]pseudorotaxanes from a
      dibenzo-24-crown-8-based cryptand and these vinylogous viologens can be
      reversibly controlled by adding and removing potassium cation in acetone.
      Furthermore, the complexation between a bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based
      cryptand and a vinylogous viologen exhibits a high association constant, 1.18 *
      10(6) M(-1) in acetone, and leads to the formation of a supramolecular
      poly[2]pseudorotaxane in the solid state.

PMID- 22077160
TI  - Pinellia ternata agglutinin expression in chloroplasts confers broad spectrum
      resistance against aphid, whitefly, Lepidopteran insects, bacterial and viral
      pathogens.
AB  - Broad spectrum protection against different insects and pathogens requires
      multigene engineering. However, such broad spectrum protection against biotic
      stress is provided by a single protein in some medicinal plants. Therefore,
      tobacco chloroplasts were transformed with the agglutinin gene from Pinellia
      ternata (pta), a widely cultivated Chinese medicinal herb. Pinellia ternata
      agglutinin (PTA) was expressed up to 9.2% of total soluble protein in mature
      leaves. Purified PTA showed similar hemagglutination activity as snowdrop lectin.
      Artificial diet with purified PTA from transplastomic plants showed marked and
      broad insecticidal activity. In planta bioassays conducted with T0 or T1
      generation PTA lines showed that the growth of aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) was
      reduced by 89%-92% when compared with untransformed (UT) plants. Similarly, the
      larval survival and total population of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) on
      transplastomic lines were reduced by 91%-93% when compared with UT plants. This
      is indeed the first report of lectin controlling whitefly infestation. When
      transplastomic PTA leaves were fed to corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), tobacco
      budworm (Heliothis virescens) or the beet armyworm (spodoptera exigua), 100%
      mortality was observed against all these three insects. In planta bioassays
      revealed Erwinia population to be 10,000-fold higher in control than in PTA
      lines. Similar results were observed with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) challenge.
      Therefore, broad spectrum resistance to homopteran (sap-sucking), Lepidopteran
      insects as well as anti-bacterial or anti-viral activity observed in PTA lines
      provides a new option to engineer protection against biotic stress by hyper
      expression of an unique protein that is naturally present in a medicinal plant.

PMID- 22077163
TI  - Antidepressant-like effect of extract from Polygala paniculata: involvement of
      the monoaminergic systems.
AB  - CONTEXT: Polygala paniculata Linnaeus (Polygalaceae) has shown neuroprotective
      effects, but there is no report about its antidepressant potential. OBJECTIVE:
      The antidepressant-like effect of the hydroalcoholic extract from P. paniculata
      and some of the possible mechanisms involved in this effect were investigated in
      forced swimming test (FST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice received extract by oral
      route and were submitted to FST and open-field test. Animals were forced to swim
      and the total immobility time was registered (6-min period). A reduction in the
      immobility time is considered an antidepressant-like effect. In order to
      investigate the involvement of the monoaminergic systems, mice were treated with
      pharmacological antagonists before administration of the extract. RESULTS: The
      acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract from P. paniculata produced an
      antidepressant-like effect, since it significantly reduced the immobility time in
      FST (0.01-30 mg/kg) as compared to control group, without changing locomotor
      activity. Pretreatment of mice with yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p., alpha2-adrenoceptor
      antagonist), propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.p., beta-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390
      (0.05 mg/kg, s.c., dopamine D1 receptor antagonist) or sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p.,
      dopamine D2 receptor antagonist) prevented the antidepressant-like effect of the
      extract in FST (30 mg/kg). Moreover, ketanserin (5 mg/kg, i.p., preferential 5
      HT(2A) receptor antagonist) enhanced the effect of the extract in FST. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that the extract from
      P. paniculata has an antidepressant-like action that is likely mediated by an
      interaction with the serotonergic (5-HT2A receptors), noradrenergic (alpha2 and
      beta-receptor) and dopaminergic (D1 and D2 receptors) systems.

PMID- 22077164
TI  - Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes
      mellitus and hypertension in the Central Region of Togo.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Tem tribe in the Central Region of Togo is a population with an
      extensive knowledge of medicinal plants. However, little is known about their
      medical practices, principally the use of plants in the management of diabetes
      mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). OBJECTIVE: The present study documented the
      indigenous medicinal plant utilization for the management of DM and HTN in the
      Togo Central Region. METHODOLOGY: From March to October 2010, 55 traditional
      healers were interviewed about their knowledge on the use of plants for DM and
      HTN treatment. RESULTS: The results revealed that 35/55 (63.64%) healers had
      treated at least one case of DM and/or HTN. They highlighted the use of 64
      species belonging to 31 families in the treatment of DM and/or HTN. The most used
      plants against diabetes were Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Khaya senegalensis
      A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A. Bruce (Rubiaceae),
      Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Phyllanthaceae), and
      Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalacae), while Allium sativum L.
      (Liliaceae) and Parkia biglobosa Benth. (Fabaceae), followed by Khaya
      senegalensis A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. (Rubiaceae), and
      Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) were the most commonly cited as
      antihypertensive. CONCLUSION: The issue revealed that traditional healers of the
      above mentioned region have basic knowledge regarding herbal medicine for DM and
      HTN in comparison with previous published reports. Further pharmacological
      screening of the identified plants should be conducted to ascertain the
      effectiveness of these plants.

PMID- 22077165
TI  - A comparison study between different molecular weight polysaccharides derived
      from Lentinus edodes and their antioxidant activities in vivo.
AB  - CONTEXT: Polysaccharide purified Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing (Tricholomataceae)
      has been reported to attenuate oxidative stress in vitro. OBJECTIVE: This study
      investigated whether polysaccharides from L. edodes with different molecular
      weight have protective effects against oxidative stress induced by D-galactose (D
      gal) in vivo, and determined the specific relationship between molecular weight
      and antioxidant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we
      successfully obtained three purified polysaccharides, coded as LT1, LT2, and LT3,
      and their molecular weights were 25.5, 306.2, and 605.4 kDa, respectively. The D
      gal-treated mice received three polysaccharides once daily for 60 days. The
      activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the
      content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and erythrocyte membrane fluidity were measured
      to evaluate the changes of the antioxidant ability. RESULTS: It was demonstrated
      that the administration of LT1, LT2, and LT3 could improve the antioxidant status
      to different levels. Furthermore, LT2 exhibited the highest antioxidant ability
      among these samples in vivo. Indeed, LT2 significantly decreased the content of
      MDA in liver (15.91 +/- 0.31 versus 23.79 +/- 1.18 nmol/mg protein for the model
      group, p < 0.05), enhanced the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane (2.458 +/- 0.023
      versus 2.167 +/- 0.024 for the model group, p < 0.05), and increased the
      activities of SOD (147.19 +/- 4.90 versus 82.26 +/- 5.55 units/mg protein for the
      model group, p < 0.05) and GSH-Px (310.91 +/- 6.24 versus 243.64 +/- 6.77
      units/mg protein for the model group, p < 0.05) in liver. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: The LT2 had a potential to be used as a novel natural antioxidant.

PMID- 22077166
TI  - Effect of ether- and water-soluble fractions of Carica papaya ethanol extract in
      experimentally induced hyperlipidemia in rats.
AB  - CONTEXT: The papaya is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) used
      in India. Fruit and latex are both rich in an enzyme called papain. It is used as
      a folk remedy for contraception and abortion. OBJECTIVE: The present study
      explored the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the ether- and water-soluble fractions
      of C. papaya ethanol extract in olive oil-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The study
      also involved chromatographic studies of extract and fractions. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Flash chromatography was done for the most active fraction. The extract
      and fractions were administered orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight
      in rats. Olive oil (5 mL/kg oral dose) was administered 30 min after treatment.
      Blood was collected and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15-20 min and subjected to
      biochemical analysis. RESULT: The study dose-dependently inhibited the total
      cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) level, and
      significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Phytochemical
      screening revealed the presence of fats in the ether fraction, whereas the water
      fraction revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, glycosides. UV lambda(max)
      was found to be 217 nm with a melting point of 41 degrees C for the isolated
      component. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The anti-hyperlipidemic effect was
      evaluated in olive oil-loaded rats. Acute treatment caused stimulatory effect on
      HDL level and inhibition in TC and TG elevation induced by olive oil. The extract
      and water fraction showed protective action by increasing the HDL cholesterol
      level.

PMID- 22077167
TI  - Identification, quantification of bioactive constituents, evaluation of
      antioxidant and in vivo acute toxicity property from the methanol extract of
      Vernonia cinerea leaf extract.
AB  - CONTEXT: Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less [Compositae (Asteraceae)] is used
      traditionally for several medical purposes such as inflammation, pain, fever, and
      cancer. OBJECTIVES: The present study identified the bioactive constituents in
      the methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea leaf and evaluated its antioxidant
      activity and acute toxicity. METHODS: The identification of phytochemicals was
      accomplished by GC-MS and the major antioxidant phenolic compounds in the extract
      were quantified by HPTLC analysis. To quantify the essential elements, atomic
      absorption spectrophotometeric analysis was carried out. Total phenol and
      flavonoid content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and 2% aluminium
      chloride, respectively. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis identified the presence of 27
      phytoconstituents. The predominant phenolic compound in the extract as quantified
      by HPTLC was gallic acid (1.92 mg/g) followed by rutin (0.705 mg/g), quercetin
      (0.173 mg/g), caffeic acid (0.082 mg/g) and ferulic acid (0.033 mg/g). The
      following elements were quantified: Fe (0.050 ppm), Mn (0.022 ppm), Co (0.0180
      ppm), Pb (0.029 ppm), Hg (3.885 ppm) and Se (4.5240 ppm). The antioxidant
      activity of the extract increased with increasing concentration and the
      correlation (r2) for all in vitro assays were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: V.
      cinerea extract has significant (p < 0.05) antiradical activity. Hence, V.
      cinerea may have potential medicinal value and can be used in the formulation of
      pharmacological products for degenerative diseases.

PMID- 22077168
TI  - Self-assembled aggregates originated from the balance of hydrogen-bonding,
      electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions.
AB  - Rich phase behavior was observed in salt-free cationic and anionic (catanionic)
      mixtures of a double-tailed surfactant, di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid
      (abbreviated as DEHPA), and tetradecyldimethylamine oxide (C(14)DMAO) in water.
      At a fixed C(14)DMAO concentration, phase transition from L(1) phase to L(alpha)
      phase occurs with increasing amounts of DEHPA. Moreover, in the L(alpha) phase,
      with the increase in DEHPA concentration, a gradual transition process from
      vesicle phase (L(alphav)) to stacked lamellar phase (L(alphal)) was determined by
      cryo- and FF-TEM observations combining with (2)H NMR measurements. The
      rheological data show that the viscosity increases with DEHPA amounts for
      L(alphav) phase samples because of the increase in vesicle density. At a certain
      molar ratio of DEHPA to C(14)DMAO, i.e., 80:250, the samples are with the highest
      viscoelasticity, indicating the existence of densely packed vesicles. While for
      L(alphal) phase samples, with increasing DEHPA amount, a decrease of bilayer
      curvature was induced, leading to a decrease of viscosity obviously. Compared
      with general catanionic surfactant mxitures, in addition to the electrostatic
      interaction of ion pairs, the transition of the microstructures is also ascribed
      to the formation of the hydrogen bonding (-N(+)-O-H...O-N-) between C(14)DMAO
      molecules and protonated C(14)DMAOH(+), which induces the growth of aggregates
      and the decrease of aggregate curvatures.

PMID- 22077169
TI  - There is no low-level fertility and development trap.
AB  - Summary   The theory of the low-level equilibrium trap asserts that an increase
      in income stimulates population growth sufficiently so that the additional people
      'eat up' the 'surplus' over subsistence, and hence drive the level of income back
      to subsistence. Originally the theory referred primarily to mortality, but
      nowadays its application is to fertility. In the long-run equilibrium context in
      which the theory is ordinarily presented, the fact that the long-run elasticity
      of fertility with respect to income is negative in less developed countries
      fatally contradicts the accepted version of the trap. But to give every chance
      for trap theory to be meaningful, the paper presents a period-by-period analysis,
      embodying larger-than-observed positive elasticities during the early years and
      the logically necessary counterbalancing negative elasticities during the later
      years. These elasticities are combined with consumption and production figures
      for various age groups to estimate the effect in each year after the windfall,
      and altogether. The results show that even under assumptions not charitable to
      the conclusion of this paper, additional children do not even come close to
      'eating up' the increase in income which induced their births, so that the trap
      theory is falsified.

PMID- 22077170
TI  - Old age security and the utility of children in Rural India.
AB  - Summary   This study investigates old age security as a possible motivation for
      high fertility, using information gathered by means of questionnaires and
      participant observation in an Indian village during 1975-76. Results indicated
      that such motivation may be quite weak, and hence that population policies aimed
      at lowering the economic value of children through public social security
      programmes would achieve little. A variety of evidence pointed to the importance
      of economic assets, mainly land, in assuring security in old age rather than an
      abundance of sons. Moreover, given a low expectation of life the necessity to
      provide support to the aged was infrequent, a fact which seemed to be appreciated
      by the surveyed villagers.

PMID- 22077171
TI  - Returns to scale to family size - who gains from high fertility?
AB  - Summary   In this paper the hypothesis put forward by J. C. Caldwell in a number
      of recent articles, including one in this journal is tested, that there are
      social and economic increasing returns to scale to family size. Using two village
      samples of household data collected in Bangladesh in 1977, it is shown that there
      is a statistically significant inverse correlation between adjusted consumption
      of rice per head and family size. This result holds true when age and size of
      landholding are taken into account. From this, it is concluded that the
      hypothesis is not empirically supported by the data from Bangladesh. This result
      is partially explained by the extreme poverty of the region and the fact that
      women are exploited in Bangladesh society.

PMID- 22077172
TI  - Social, cultural, and economic determinants of age at birth of first child in
      Peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - Summary   In order to unravel the complex set of the determinants of fertility,
      we suggest that the child-bearing process be separated into a sequence of events
      and intervals. As the first step in the child-bearing process, age at first birth
      is a critical variable. Using data from the 1966-67 West Malaysia Family Survey,
      we formulate and test a model of the cultural, social and economic determinants
      of the timing of first birth among a sample of mothers, aged 30-44. Social
      origins, measured by the woman's father's occupation and the woman's birthplace
      are not important determinants, but education, early work experience, and
      ethnicity exercise very strong effects on the age at first birth. Age at first
      marriage mediates much of the effect of background variables, which suggest that
      there is little use of contraception to plan the first birth interval. The strong
      effect of ethnicity is consistent with a cultural interpretation, but important
      qualifications are noted.

PMID- 22077173
TI  - Fertility and socio-economic status in Rural Bangladesh: Differentials and
      linkages.
AB  - Summary   Socio-economic differentials in fertility are examined by using data
      collected from a daily registration system covering over 100,000 persons in rural
      Bangladesh during the period 1968 to 1970. The findings indicate that fertility
      was generally higher among women in the higher than in the lower socio-economic
      groups. Several factors associated with high socio-economic status and their
      relation with the intermediate variables are discussed as providing the linkages
      with high fertility. These include, health status, breastfeeding, the enforcement
      of 'purdah' and migration.

PMID- 22077174
TI  - On the relationship between household composition and population age
      distribution.
AB  - Summary   Composition of households by age of head and by age of other household
      members has recently been presented in a convenient algebraic expression, the
      household composition matrix. It has been shown that this matrix operates as a
      linear transformation from the vector of household distribution by age of head to
      the vector of population age distribution.   A further analysis will show that
      the first row of the matrix may be interpreted as representing a vector of
      average household fertility rates. If the linear relationship between household
      and population distributions is fully implemented, then a relationship between
      household fertility and the size of the youngest age group can be derived. If w
      is the population age distribution and w (1) is the number of persons in the
      youngest age group, then: where alpha is the first row of the household
      composition matrix with its first element eliminated, C is the household
      composition matrix with its first row and first column eliminated, and Psi is the
      vector w with its first element, w (1) eliminated.   Extension of this result
      will enable simultaneous projection of population and households, suitable for
      computer application to conventional five-year age groups.

PMID- 22077175
TI  - Can fertility be estimated from current pregnancy data?
AB  - Summary   This paper explores the feasibility of estimating fertility from
      reports on current pregnancies collected in single-round sample surveys. Data
      from 15 countries in the World Fertility Survey are used to evaluate the
      possibilities. The results indicate that neither the age pattern of fertility nor
      the total fertility ratio can be reliably estimated from current pregnancy data.
      For almost all countries, the total fertility ratio based on recent births is
      higher than that based on current pregnancies, even when the latter estimate is
      restricted to higher durations of pregnancy.

PMID- 22077176
TI  - Fertility and mortality estimation from the Panama Retrospective Demographic
      Survey, 1976.
AB  - Summary   Data from the Retrospective Demographic Survey of Panama offer a unique
      opportunity to test a wide range of methods for estimating indirectly basic
      demographic parameters from inaccurate and incomplete data. Our primary emphasis
      is to evaluate methods for estimating adult mortality from information on
      widowhood and orphanhood, though estimates of childhood mortality obtained from
      information on sibling and child survivorship are assessed as well. The results
      for most of the estimating procedures are consistent; this finding is encouraging
      because it lends support to the hypothesis that the techniques can provide good
      estimates of mortality. Methods which produce results which are inconsistent
      provide valuable lessons. In particular, methods for providing unconditional
      estimates of values ofl (x) for adults by combining directly information on
      childhood mortality and adult mortality are shown to produce estimates which
      predominantly reflect the level of childhood mortality employed. Furthermore,
      within-method consistency of estimates appears to be a very poor indicator of
      reliable performance of the estimating technique or quality of data, since most
      methods yielded estimates which were internally consistent, though estimates made
      by different methods could differ considerably. In summary, the analysis
      indicates a birth rate of around 35 per thousand, a death rate of around 7.5 per
      thousand, a total fertility ratio of about 4.8, and expectations of life at birth
      of approximately 59 and 64 years for men and women respectively.

PMID- 22077177
TI  - Some remarks on the paper by Julia Ericksen et al., 'Fertility patterns and
      trends among the Old Order Amish'.
AB  - Abstract   At the present time there are very few populations, whose members do
      not practise contraception at all, or only to a very limited extent, and for whom
      accurate data on nuptiality and fertility exist. Among populations of European
      residence or origin, there are only a few groups who reject any limitation of
      families for religious reasons. One of these, the Hutterites, has already been
      studied; the other, the Old Order Amish, is studied in Ericksen's papers, and my
      preceding remarks point to the importance of this study.

PMID- 22077178
TI  - Response to louis Henry.
AB  - Abstract   We have responded to Monsieur Henry's comments in the order in which
      he presents them.

PMID- 22077182
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22077179
TI  - On Das Gupta's 'Birth function in a two-sex model'.
AB  - Abstract   I have read with great interest Das Gupta's(1) critique of my
      approach(2) towards the development of a two sex-model. To set the records
      straight, I must state that his criticisms are not well founded due to the
      following reasons:

PMID- 22077183
TI  - Testing tubewell platform color as a rapid screening tool for arsenic and
      manganese in drinking water wells.
AB  - A low-cost rapid screening tool for arsenic (As) and manganese (Mn) in
      groundwater is urgently needed to formulate mitigation policies for sustainable
      drinking water supply. This study attempts to make statistical comparison between
      tubewell (TW) platform color and the level of As and Mn concentration in
      groundwater extracted from the respective TW (n = 423), to validate platform
      color as a screening tool for As and Mn in groundwater. The result shows that a
      black colored platform with 73% certainty indicates that well water is safe from
      As, while with 84% certainty a red colored platform indicates that well water is
      enriched with As, compared to WHO drinking water guideline of 10 MUg/L. With this
      guideline the efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity of the tool are 79%, 77%,
      and 81%, respectively. However, the certainty values become 93% and 38%,
      respectively, for black and red colored platforms at 50 MUg/L, the drinking water
      standards for India and Bangladesh. The respective efficiency, sensitivity, and
      specificity are 65%, 85%, and 59%. Similarly for Mn, black and red colored
      platform with 78% and 64% certainty, respectively, indicates that well water is
      either enriched or free from Mn at the Indian national drinking water standard of
      300 MUg/L. With this guideline the efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity of
      the tool are 71%, 67%, and 76%, respectively. Thus, this study demonstrates that
      TW platform color can be potentially used as an initial screening tool for
      identifying TWs with elevated dissolved As and Mn, to make further rigorous
      groundwater testing more intensive and implement mitigation options for safe
      drinking water supplies.

PMID- 22077185
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22077184
TI  - Examining the effect of the dipole moment on charge separation in donor-acceptor
      polymers for organic photovoltaic applications.
AB  - A new low band gap copolymer PBB3 containing [6,6']bi[thieno[3,4-b]thiophenyl]
      2,2'-dicarboxylic acid bis-(2-butyloctyl) ester (BTT) and 4,8-bis(2
      butyloctyl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) units was synthesized and tested
      for solar cell efficiency. PBB3 showed a broad absorbance in the near-IR region
      with a substantially red-shifted (by more than 100 nm) lambda(max) at 790 nm as
      compared to the PTB series of polymers, which have been previously reported. The
      PBB3 polymer also showed both a favorable energy level match with PCBM (with a
      LUMO energy level of -3.29 eV) and a favorable film domain morphology as
      evidenced by TEM images. Despite these seemingly optimal parameters, a bulk
      heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic device fabricated from a blend of PBB3 and
      PC(71)BM showed an overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of only 2.04% under
      AM 1.5G/100 mW cm(-2). The transient absorption spectra of PBB3 showed the
      absence of cationic and pseudo charge transfer states that were observed
      previously in the PTB series polymers, which were also composed of alternating
      thienothiophene (TT) and BDT units. We compared the spectral features and
      electronic density distribution of PBB3 with those of PTB2, PTB7, and PTBF2.
      While PTB2 and PTB7 have substantial charge transfer characteristics and also
      relatively large local internal dipoles through BDT to TT moieties, PTBF2 and
      PBB3 have minimized internal dipole moments due to the presence of two adjacent
      TT units (or two opposing fluorine atoms in PTBF2) with opposite orientations or
      internal dipoles. PBB3 showed a long-lived excitonic state and the slowest
      electron transfer dynamics of the series of polymers, as well as the fastest
      recombination rate of the charge-separated (CS) species, indicating that
      electrons and holes are more tightly bound in these species. Consequently,
      substantially lower degrees of charge separation were observed in both PBB3 and
      PTBF2. These results show that not only the energetics but also the internal
      dipole moment along the polymer chain may be critical in maintaining the
      pseudocharge transfer characteristics of these systems, which were shown to be
      partially responsible for the high PCE device made from the PTB series of low
      band gap copolymers.

PMID- 22077186
TI  - Serum soluble CD26 levels: diagnostic efficiency for atopic dermatitis, cutaneous
      T-cell lymphoma and psoriasis in combination with serum thymus and activation
      regulated chemokine levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD26 is a multifunctional type II transmembrane glycoprotein, which
      also exists as a secreted isoform, soluble CD26 (sCD26). The CD26 expression on
      circulating T cells is decreased in some skin diseases such as cutaneous T-cell
      lymphoma (CTCL) and psoriasis. It remains to be determined whether sCD26 can be
      used as a marker of skin diseases or not. OBJECTIVE: To investigate utility of
      sCD26 as a diagnostic marker of skin diseases in combination with thymus and
      activation-regulated chemokine (TARC). METHODS: Serum sCD26 levels were measured
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 130 participants including 32 patients
      with atopic dermatitis (AD); 45 patients with CTCL; 26 patients with psoriasis;
      and 27 healthy controls. RESULTS: Serum sCD26 levels in patients with CTCL and
      psoriasis (162.1 +/- 80.2 ng/mL and 125.4 +/- 82.1 ng/mL respectively) were
      significantly lower than those of healthy controls (392.6 +/- 198.7 ng/mL; P <
      0.01 and 0.01 respectively). In patients with CTCL, serum sCD26 levels of
      patients with advanced stage were 135.0 +/- 51.5 ng/mL and they were
      significantly lower than those with early stage (193.1 +/- 96.0 ng/mL; P < 0.05).
      When we used serum sCD26 and TARC levels for diagnostic criteria, sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for AD, CTCL
      and psoriasis were 65.2-73.7%, 81.4-97.6%, 65.2-94.4%, and 81.4-88.9%
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum sCD26 levels, combined with serum TARC levels,
      are helpful in diagnosis of AD, CTCL and psoriasis.

PMID- 22077187
TI  - Sex differences in newborn interaction with mother or father during skin-to-skin
      contact after Caesarean section.
AB  - AIM: To investigate differences between the breast-seeking and crying behaviour
      of girls and boys in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with their mother or their father
      after Caesarean section as well as the point-in-time for the first breastfeeding
      and to compare mothers' and fathers' interactive behaviour with their newborn
      girl or boy. METHODS: Twenty girls and 17 boys were randomized to 25 min of SSC
      with one or the other parent immediately after birth. The interaction was
      videotaped. RESULTS: Girls started rooting movements earlier than boys in SSC
      with either parent (p = 0.027). Infants started to breastfeed significantly
      earlier if having been in SSC with mothers compared with SSC with fathers during
      the first 5-30 min (p = 0.018). Girls cried more than boys in SSC with either
      parent (p = 0.02). Mothers used more touching behaviour towards their newborn
      infant than fathers (p = 0.001). Mothers touched girls less than boys (p =
      0.038). Fathers directed less speech towards girls compared with boys (p =
      0.042). CONCLUSION: Early mother-infant SSC immediately after Caesarean section
      should be promoted until the occurrence of the first breastfeed. If the mother is
      unable to provide SSC immediately after birth, the father-infant SSC is a
      valuable alternative because it enhances paternal interaction.

PMID- 22077188
TI  - Influence of initial strain on the force decay of currently available elastic
      chains over time.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dependence of force decay on the initial strain
      applied to currently available elastic chains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight
      different elastic chains from eight major companies were tested for force decay
      over a period of 3 weeks at 50% and 100% strain. They were stored in water and
      thermocycled between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C. An Instron 3344 was used for
      the force measurements. RESULTS: Absolute force values at 50% strain varied
      between 2.3 N and 4.1 N initially, and between 0.9 N and 1.6 N after 21 days.
      Thus, the force decay of the elastic chains varied from 37% to 75%. At 100%
      strain, the force values varied between 2.9 N and 4.7 N initially, and between
      1.3 N and 2.1 N after 21 days of continuous strain. The force decay varied
      between 39% and 67%. Most force decays between 24 hours and 21 days were not
      significant. This information should be taken into consideration when the
      appropriate elastic chain is selected for clinical use. CONCLUSION: A wide array
      of elastic chains with various force levels is available. However, differences
      between products of greater than 100% were measured for force decay over time.

PMID- 22077189
TI  - Effect of 10% papain gel on enamel deproteinization before bonding procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that enamel deproteinization with 10%
      papain gel does not increase the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets
      bonded with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      One hundred and twenty bovine incisors were used and divided into eight groups:
      1) Transbond XT according to the manufacturer's recommendations, 2) Transbond XT
      deproteinized with 10% papain gel, 3) RMGIC without enamel deproteinization and
      without etching, 4) RMGIC without enamel etching and with deproteinization with
      10% papain gel, 5) RMGIC deproteinized with 10% papain gel and etched with
      polyacrylic acid, 6) RMGIC deproteinized with 10% papain gel and etched with
      phosphoric acid, 7) RMGIC deproteinized with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and 8)
      RMGIC etched with polyacrylic acid. After bonding, the mechanical tests were
      performed in a Universal mechanical test machine. The values obtained were
      submitted to an analysis of variance and afterward to the Tukey test (P < .05).
      RESULTS: It was demonstrated that group 2 presented the highest shear bond
      strength value, and this differed statistically from the others; group 3
      presented the lowest value and showed no differences from groups 4, 5, 7, and 8.
      Regarding the Adhesive Remnant Index, groups 2 and 6 presented the best results
      and groups 3 and 8 the worst. It could be concluded that enamel deproteinization
      with 10% papain gel increases the shear bond strength, irrespective of the
      etching agent. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis is rejected. Papain gel was shown to
      be a new ally in the orthodontic clinic.

PMID- 22077190
TI  - Evaluation of palatal bone density in adults and adolescents for application of
      skeletal anchorage devices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To measure the cortical and cancellous bone densities of the palatal
      area in adolescents and adults and to compare bone quality among placement sites
      of temporary anchorage devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty cone
      beam computerized tomography scans were obtained from 60 adolescents (mean age,
      12.2 +/- 1.9 years) and 60 adults (24.7 +/- 4.9 years). The measurements of
      palatal bone density were made in Hounsfield units (HU) at 72 sites at the
      intersections of eight mediolateral and nine anterioposterior reference lines
      using InVivoDental software. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to
      analyze intragroup and intergroup differences. RESULTS: The cortical and
      cancellous bone densities in the adults (816 and 154 HU, respectively) were
      significantly higher than those in the adolescents (606 and 135 HU; P < .001 and
      P  =  .032, respectively). However, the anterior portion of the cortical bone in
      adolescents had similar density values to the posterior portion of the cortical
      bone in adults. Gender comparison revealed that females had greater cortical bone
      densities (769 HU) than their male counterparts did (654 HU; P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Palatal bone densities were significantly higher in adults than in
      adolescents, and the anterior palatal areas of adolescents were of similar values
      to those at the posterior palate of adults.

PMID- 22077191
TI  - Kin encounter rate and inbreeding avoidance in canids.
AB  - Mating with close kin can lead to inbreeding depression through the expression of
      recessive deleterious alleles and loss of heterozygosity. Mate selection may be
      affected by kin encounter rate, and inbreeding avoidance may not be uniform but
      associated with age and social system. Specifically, selection for kin
      recognition and inbreeding avoidance may be more developed in species that live
      in family groups or breed cooperatively. To test this hypothesis, we compared kin
      encounter rate and the proportion of related breeding pairs in noninbred and
      highly inbred canid populations. The chance of randomly encountering a full sib
      ranged between 1-8% and 20-22% in noninbred and inbred canid populations,
      respectively. We show that regardless of encounter rate, outside natal groups
      mates were selected independent of relatedness. Within natal groups, there was a
      significant avoidance of mating with a relative. Lack of discrimination against
      mating with close relatives outside packs suggests that the rate of inbreeding in
      canids is related to the proximity of close relatives, which could explain the
      high degree of inbreeding depression observed in some populations. The idea that
      kin encounter rate and social organization can explain the lack of inbreeding
      avoidance in some species is intriguing and may have implications for the
      management of populations at risk.

PMID- 22077193
TI  - Influence of application amount on sunscreen photodegradation in in vitro sun
      protection factor evaluation: proposal of a skin-mimicking substrate.
AB  - Widely used polymethylmethacrylate substrates for in vitro sun protection factor
      (SPF) testing of sunscreens do not mimic the rough surface structure of skin, and
      in addition, sample loading is less than that used in in vivo SPF testing (2.00
      mg cm(-2)). We have developed a skin-mimicking substrate (SMS), which has furrows
      and ridges on its surface, like human skin. A comparison of the photodegradation
      profiles of sunscreens on commercially available substrates (including SMS) at
      the recommended application amounts, and on SMS at various application amounts
      showed that the photodegradation rate of photounstable sunscreen was dependent on
      the application amount being higher at lower application amounts. SMS at the
      recommended application amount of 2.00 mg cm(-2) provided in vitro SPF values
      that were comparable with in vivo SPF values. Our results confirm that, in order
      to develop a reliable in vitro SPF method, which is consistent with in vivo SPF
      determination, it is important to use the same application amount of sample as in
      the in vivo method, in order to take proper account of sunscreen photostability.

PMID- 22077194
TI  - Cardiovascular implantable electronic device replacement infections and
      prevention: results from the REPLACE Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infection following cardiovascular implantable electronic device
      (CIED) replacement is a serious complication, and rates of infection have
      increased. Analysis of procedural and clinical data from device replacement
      procedures collected by the REPLACE Registry may provide insights into infection
      prevention strategies and outcomes. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated
      procedural complications in patients undergoing CIED replacement over 6 months
      from 72 U.S. sites. Major and minor infections were predefined and adjudicated by
      an independent blinded clinical events committee. Data regarding infection
      prevention strategies and infectious outcomes were analyzed for their potential
      relationships. RESULTS: A total of 1,744 patients were included in REPLACE. All
      patients received preoperative intravenous antibiotics and 68.7% received
      postoperative systemic antibiotic therapy. CIED infection developed in 22
      patients (1.3%), of which 14 cases were major (0.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      0.4%-1.3%) and eight were minor (0.5%, 95% CI 0.2%-0.9%). Patients with
      infections were more likely to have had postoperative hematomas (five of 22
      [22.7%] vs 17 of 1,722 [0.98%], P = 0.002). Participating sites experiencing
      infection rates >5% were more likely to use povidone-iodine for topical
      antisepsis, had lower implantation volume, and had patients with higher Charlson
      Comorbidity Index (2.79 vs 2.32, 95% CI for difference 0.08-0.86, P = 0.019).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter prospective study with 6 months of follow-up,
      infections associated with CIED replacements were surprisingly infrequent,
      possibly due to the use of preoperative antibiotics. Patients with infections
      were more likely to have had a postoperative hematoma, and sites with higher
      infection rates had sicker patients and lower overall procedural volume.

PMID- 22077196
TI  - The conformations of cyclooctene: consequences for epoxidation chemistry.
AB  - The conformational space of cyclooctene has been explored computationally in
      order to rationalize its high epoxidation selectivity. Four different
      conformations were identified. Each conformation is chiral and has two
      enantiomeric forms. The degeneracy is further increased by a ring-inversion
      process, yielding a total of 16 conformers. The potential energy surface for the
      interconversion of these conformers was characterized via intrinsic reaction
      coordinate analyses. Furthermore, an evaluation of the microcanonical partition
      functions allowed for a quantification of the entropy contributions and hence the
      calculation of the equilibrium composition at different temperatures. The results
      strongly suggest that the high epoxidation selectivity, typically observed for
      cyclooctene, is related to a poor sigma(C-alphaH)-pi(C?C) orbital overlap in the
      predominant conformation, disfavoring alphaH-abstraction by radical species and
      thus allylic byproduct formation via undesired homolytic side-reactions.

PMID- 22077195
TI  - Clinical efficacy of macrolide antibiotics against genetically determined
      macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in paediatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Since 2000, the prevalence of macrolide-resistant (MR)
      Mycoplasma pneumoniae has increased among paediatric patients in Japan. To
      determine the efficacy of macrolides against MR M. pneumoniae pneumonia,
      microbiological and clinical efficacies were compared during the antibiotic
      treatment. METHODS: Samples from a total of 30 children with M. pneumoniae
      pneumonia, as confirmed by PCR and serology, were analyzed. Primers for domain V
      of 23S rRNA were used, and DNA sequences of the PCR products were compared with
      the sequence of an M. pneumoniae reference strain. RESULTS: Isolates from 21
      patients demonstrated point mutations, and these patients were defined as MR. The
      remaining nine patients, whose isolates showed no point mutations, were
      categorized as control (macrolide-sensitive) patients. The number of M.
      pneumoniae in nasopharyngeal samples from the control group decreased rapidly 48
      h after initiation of macrolide treatment and showed a close relationship with
      clinical outcome. In contrast, the number of M. pneumoniae 48 h after initiation
      of macrolide treatment were significantly higher in samples from MR patients than
      in samples from macrolide-sensitive patients. In 15 of 21 MR patients, fever
      persisted for more than 48 h after the initiation of macrolide treatment. When
      treatment was changed to minocycline, fever disappeared within 48 h in all these
      MR patients. There were no differences between MR patients who demonstrated a
      reduction in fever and those in whom fever persisted after 48 h of macrolide
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The microbiological and clinical efficacies of macrolides
      for treating patients with MR M. pneumoniae pneumonia were low. These results
      show that macrolides are clearly less effective in patients with MR M. pneumoniae
      pneumonia.

PMID- 22077197
TI  - Evaluation of the clinical safety and efficacy of a newly developed 308-nm
      excimer lamp for vitiligo vulgaris.

PMID- 22077198
TI  - In vivo sustained release of siRNA from solid lipid nanoparticles.
AB  - Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a highly potent drug in gene-based therapy with
      a challenge of being delivered in a sustained manner. Nanoparticle drug delivery
      systems allow for incorporating and controlled release of therapeutic payloads.
      We demonstrate that solid lipid nanoparticles can incorporate and provide
      sustained release of siRNA. Tristearin solid lipid nanoparticles, made by
      nanoprecipitation, were loaded with siRNA (4.4-5.5 wt % loading ratio) using a
      hydrophobic ion pairing approach that employs the cationic lipid DOTAP.
      Intradermal injection of these nanocarriers in mouse footpads resulted in
      prolonged siRNA release over a period of 10-13 days. In vitro cell studies showed
      that the released siRNA retained its activity. Nanoparticles developed in this
      study offer an alternative approach to polymeric nanoparticles for encapsulation
      and sustained delivery of siRNA with the advantage of being prepared from
      physiologically well-tolerated materials.

PMID- 22077199
TI  - Interictal type 1 cannabinoid receptor binding is increased in female migraine
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare binding of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) between
      migraine patients and healthy volunteers. BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that
      endocannabinoid deficiency may play a role in the pathophysiology of migraine.
      Nonetheless, biochemical studies substantiating this idea remain scarce and are
      faced with methodological shortcomings partly because of the difficulty to
      perform measurements of endocannabinoids within the central nervous system
      itself. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 20
      female migraine patients and 18 healthy women matched for age and body mass
      index. Positron emission tomography acquisition was performed 90 minutes after
      intravenous injection of the radioligand [(18)F]MK-9470 to assess binding of
      [(18)F]MK-9470 to CB1R. RESULTS: Binding of CB1 R was globally increased in
      migraine patients vs healthy controls (average gray matter difference +16%; P =
      .009, 2-sample 2-sided Student's t-test). There were no correlations between CB1R
      binding and any predefined migraine characteristics. Increases in CB1R binding
      were most pronounced in the anterior cingulate, mesial temporal, prefrontal, and
      superior frontal cortices. CONCLUSION: The increased interictal CB1R binding,
      especially in brain regions that exert top-down influences to modulate pain,
      supports the idea that endocannibinoid deficiency is present in female patients
      suffering from episodic migraine.

PMID- 22077200
TI  - Bacteria and pH-sensitive polysaccharide-polymer films for colon targeted
      delivery.
AB  - The colon provides drug delivery opportunities for colon-specific and systemic
      delivery of various therapeutic agents. Different strategies have been utilized
      in targeting drugs to the colon. Recently, integrated systems which incorporate
      dual mechanisms in colon targeted delivery have received a lot of attention. Of
      particular interest is bacteria-aided biomaterials and pH-sensitive polymeric
      film (BPSF) coating for colon targeted drug delivery. The major constituents of
      these films are polysaccharides and pH-sensitive polymers. The pH-sensitive
      polymer retards drug release in the stomach and small intestine, while the
      polysaccharide is digested by colonic enzymes. Digestion of the polysaccharides
      by bacterial glycosidic enzymes increases the pore density in the film to
      facilitate drug release. Generally, bacteria-aided biomaterials and pH-sensitive
      films can be applied to the delivery of most small organic molecules to the
      colon. The review encompasses the pharmaceutical design parameters such as film
      digestibility, swelling index and dry mass loss (that provide molecular
      mechanistic analysis of film permeability) as well as tensile strength, elastic
      modulus, and elongation at break (that describe the desirable mechanical
      properties of the films). A critical analysis of formulation, techniques for
      characterization of film properties and drug-release kinetics from these systems
      are emphasized.

PMID- 22077201
TI  - Nanosuspensions in drug delivery: recent advances, patent scenarios, and
      commercialization aspects.
AB  - The interest in the preparation and application of nanometer-sized materials is
      increasing due to their tremendous potential as a drug delivery system with wide
      range of applications. Recently, nanoscale systems have received much interest as
      a way to resolve solubility issues because of their cost-effectiveness and
      technical simplicity compared to liposomes and other colloidal drug carriers.
      Nanosuspensions have proven to be a better alternative over other approaches
      currently available for improving bioavailability of number of drugs with low
      solubility. Nanosuspensions have been extensively developed for a wide range of
      drugs and have been evaluated for in vitro and in vivo applications by various
      routes: parenteral, oral, pulmonary, topical. They have also been used for drug
      targeting. Different preparation methods for nanosuspensions and their
      application are being reported and patented. In fact, the number of products
      based on nanosuspension in the market and under clinical study is higher than
      that of other nanotechnology-based applications. This article reviews the
      research and recent advances in formulation, characterization, application of
      nanosuspensions as well as patents on nanosuspension methods.

PMID- 22077202
TI  - Surfactant volume is an essential element in human toxicity in acute glyphosate
      herbicide intoxication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glyphosate, one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide, has
      been considered as minimally toxic to humans. However, clinical toxicologists
      occasionally encounter cases of severe systemic toxicity. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the effect of glyphosate-surfactants ("glyphosate
      surfactant toxicity") in patients with acute glyphosate intoxication. METHODS: In
      all, 107 patients (69 men and 38 women, aged 52.3 +/- 15.5 years) with acute
      glyphosate intoxication were enrolled in this study. From their medical records,
      we identified the formulation of ingested glyphosate products and derived
      clinical parameters, which focused on clinical outcome, admission days, duration
      in the intensive care unit, development of respiratory failure, cardiovascular
      deterioration, renal failure, altered mental status, and convulsions. The effect
      of surfactants on clinical complications was also assessed. RESULTS: For
      surfactant ingestion volumes of 8 mL, the incidence of clinical complications was
      (in rank order) as follows: hypotension, 47.1%; mental deterioration, 38.6%;
      respiratory failure, 30.0%; acute kidney injury, 17.1%; and arrhythmia, 10.0%.
      These complications were influenced by the volume of surfactant and not the type
      of surfactant-ingredient in the herbicide product. Two patients died of
      refractory shock, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory failure. However, the final
      clinical outcomes of the surviving patients were benign, and cardiovascular,
      respiratory, kidney, and mental functions were fully restored to normal levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that treatment of patients with acute
      glyphosate herbicide intoxication should take into account the volume and not the
      type of surfactants in herbicide formulations.

PMID- 22077203
TI  - Benzophenones and flavonoids from Hypericum maculatum and their antioxidant
      activities.
AB  - The occurrence of three known benzophenones, namely annulatophenonoside,
      acetylannulatophenonoside and annulatophenone as well as a flavonol O-glycoside
      guajaverin in the aerial parts of Hypericum maculatum Crantz was established. In
      addition, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and miquelianin were isolated from this
      plant, as well. Radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of the isolated
      compounds were examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino
      bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free
      radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and inhibition of lipid
      peroxidation in linoleic acid system by the ferric thiocyanate method.
      Isoquercitrin demonstrates the highest DPPH radical scavenging (96.6 +/- 0.3%),
      FRAP (23.8 +/- 0.2 Trolox equivalent, TE mol-1) and antioxidant activity in
      linoleic acid system. Guajaverin and acetylannulatophenonoside show significantly
      strong ABTS radical scavenging activity (93.9 +/- 0.4% and 93.4 +/- 0.6%,
      respectively), which is comparable to that of ascorbic acid (96.2 +/- 0.4%).

PMID- 22077204
TI  - Emigration from the british isles to the u.s.a. In 1831.
AB  - Abstract   This is a first attempt to use the original passenger manifests from
      immigrant ships entering U.S. ports to see what can be learned about emigration
      from the British Isles during the period of most rapid industrialization and
      urbanization between the Napoleonic Wars and the beginning of mass emigration in
      the late 1840s. Based on lists compiled during the years 1827 to 1831, the
      article demonstrates that these original lists contain more social and
      demographic information about migrants than was ever published by the U.S.
      government and also that the official statistics that were published were
      incomplete and exaggerated the fish share in the immigration through U.S ports.
      The English immigration is shown to have been predominantly a family movement in
      1831, but most migrants chose to emigrate at favourable moments in the life
      cycle. Occupations and countries with low incomes were not well represented among
      English migrants through U.S. ports. As early as 1831, the majority of men among
      the English immigrants were industrial workers, though farmers (as distinct from
      farm labourers) were over-represented.

PMID- 22077205
TI  - Regional patterns of nuptiality in Europe, 1870-1960.
AB  - Abstract   This paper is a study of changes in nuptiality by province in Europe
      between 1870 and 1960: nuptiality is measured by I(m)  a summary measure of the
      proportions married among women of childbearing age. In each of the approximately
      500 provinces of Europe the level of nuptiality increased between 1870 and 1960.
      In addition, in most countries the differences among provinces diminished over
      the period, so that the countries were more homogeneous with respect to
      provincial nuptiality in 1960 than they had been in 1870. Despite this tendency
      to convergence, traditional regional differences, linked to a common regional
      history, were often maintained, though within a narrower range.

PMID- 22077206
TI  - Estimating fertility trends from retrospective birth histories: Sensitivity to
      imputation of missing dates.
AB  - Abstract   In the birth history section of the Core Questionnaire adopted by the
      countries participating in the World Fertility Survey a question on the date of
      birth of each child born to the respondent is asked. When the woman cannot
      provide a date, as is often the case in many developing countries, she is asked
      how many 'years ago' the birth occurred. If the default is used, the month and
      year of the birth is imputed by a computer program: However, there can be two
      plausible interpretations of the 'years ago' response: as completed years, the
      demographer's usual definition of age, or as rounded years. In this paper, data
      from the WFS Survey in Bangladesh are used to determine the sensitivity of recent
      fertility estimates to the interpretation of 'years ago'. It is found that if the
      woman meant rounded years, but completed years were assumed for imputation, the
      resulting evidence of a recent decline could be either exaggerated or false. The
      results have implications for other surveys in which the 'years ago' response is
      not an explicit option.

PMID- 22077207
TI  - A note on synthethic cohort estimates of average desired family size.
AB  - Abstract   This note considers the problem of estimating average desired family
      size from parity-specific data on proportions wanting another child. Three
      procedures proposed in the literature are reviewed and shown to give seriously
      biased estimates, when women implement their fertility preferences. An
      alternative procedure is proposed which overcomes most of the deficiencies of
      previous methods. An example from Sri Lanka illustrates the fact that the
      differences among the methods may be quite substantial.

PMID- 22077210
TI  - Barotrauma-associated posterior tension pneumomediastinum, a rare cause of
      cardiac tamponade in a ventilated neonate: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Ventilation-associated neonatal barotrauma comprises a spectrum of conditions
      including pneumothorax, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumopericardium and
      pneumomediastinum. Whilst pneumothorax is common, mediastinal and particularly
      posterior mediastinal air collections are rare. We report the case of a neonate,
      presenting with life threatening pericardial tamponade secondary to posterior
      tension pneumomediastinum. The infant was successfully resuscitated with an
      emergency left lateral thoracotomy and chest drain insertion. We believe this to
      be the first such case reported in the literature. We discuss aspects of
      pathophysiology, diagnosis and management relating to posterior
      pneumomediastinum. CONCLUSION: Posterior pneumomediastinum is rare, but can
      potentially cause fatal tamponade. Such cases must be managed in a tertiary
      centre where cardiology and surgical expertize are available.

PMID- 22077212
TI  - Triazole-modified triphenylene derivative: self-assembly and sensing
      applications.
AB  - Triphenylene-based discotic liquid crystal 3 bearing 1,2,3-triazole groups has
      been synthesized using "click" chemistry. Discotic mesogen 3 has good thermal
      stability, and incorporation of triazole groups results in stabilization of
      columnar mesophases down to room temperature and formation of organogels in
      cyclohexane and mixed solvents such as hexane and dichloromethane (4:1 v/v).
      Characterization of the organogel of 3 in cyclohexane revealed a porous network.
      However, presence of Cd(2+) ions in solution obstructed the self-assembly of this
      derivative due to preferred interactions between Cd(2+) ions and triphenylene
      units over pi-pi interactions among triphenylene groups. Further, strong emission
      of derivative 3 in its nonaggregated form makes it a promising fluorescence
      sensory material for nitroaromatic compounds.

PMID- 22077211
TI  - Outcomes on the pharmacopsychometric triangle in bupropion-SR vs. buspirone
      augmentation of citalopram in the STAR*D trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare within the framework of a novel pharmacopsychometric
      triangle, augmentation treatment with bupropion vs. buspirone in the acute
      therapy of major depression in the STAR*D study. The triangle provides a
      composite view in three domains of antidepressive activity, side effects, and
      quality of life. METHOD: Within the pharmacopsychometric triangle, the short six
      item subscales of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D(17)) and of the Inventory
      of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-C(30)), referred to as HAM-D(6) and IDS-C(6),
      were focussed on pure antidepressive effect. Side-effects (tolerable vs.
      intolerable) and quality of life were measured using patient-administered
      questionnaires. A modified intention to treat sample was used. RESULTS: Within
      the pharmacopsychometric triangle, bupropion-SR (sustained release) was superior
      to buspirone when augmented to the current citalopram treatment. Thus, in the
      domain of pure antidepressive effect, bupropion-SR was superior (P = 0.05) on the
      HAM-D(6), IDS-C(6), and IDS-C(30), but not on the HAM-D(17). In the domain of
      side effects, the total scores on the Patient Rated Inventory of Side Effects
      (PRISE) were reduced significantly more by bupropion-SR than by buspirone (P =
      0.03). In the domain of quality of life, the total scores on the Quality of Life
      Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (QLES-Q) showed a trend (P = 0.10) from
      baseline to endpoint of a superiority for bupropion-SR compared with buspirone.
      CONCLUSION: In all domains of the pharmacopsychometric triangle, bupropion-SR was
      superior to buspirone as augmentation therapy in depressed outpatients not
      responding to citalopram.

PMID- 22077213
TI  - Interaction mechanism of anabolic steroid hormones with structural components of
      erythrocyte membranes.
AB  - The interaction of testosterone, androsterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and
      dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with erythrocyte membranes was studied. It
      was shown that testosterone and androsterone have a high constant of binding to
      the membranes (K(b) ~ 10(6) M(-1)), whereas K(b)'s for DHEA and DHEAS are 2
      orders of magnitude lower. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions play an
      important role in binding of anabolic steroids. Hydrogen bonds form with CO and
      NH groups both of membrane proteins and phospholipids. This results in the
      formation of complex domains rising above the surface of membranes. Strengthening
      of hydrophobic interactions in the domains promotes the displacement of water
      dipoles to adjacent regions, thus loosening the phospholipid bilayer. Overall,
      microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes strongly increases, which decreases the
      plasticity of erythrocytes and hampers their motion in blood capillaries. This
      mechanism may underlie the development of diffusion myocardial hypoxia and
      hypoxic cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22077192
TI  - Rivaroxaban in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndromes arise from coronary atherosclerosis with
      superimposed thrombosis. Since factor Xa plays a central role in thrombosis, the
      inhibition of factor Xa with low-dose rivaroxaban might improve cardiovascular
      outcomes in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: In this
      double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 15,526 patients with
      a recent acute coronary syndrome to receive twice-daily doses of either 2.5 mg or
      5 mg of rivaroxaban or placebo for a mean of 13 months and up to 31 months. The
      primary efficacy end point was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes,
      myocardial infarction, or stroke. RESULTS: Rivaroxaban significantly reduced the
      primary efficacy end point, as compared with placebo, with respective rates of
      8.9% and 10.7% (hazard ratio in the rivaroxaban group, 0.84; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.96; P=0.008), with significant improvement for both the
      twice-daily 2.5-mg dose (9.1% vs. 10.7%, P=0.02) and the twice-daily 5-mg dose
      (8.8% vs. 10.7%, P=0.03). The twice-daily 2.5-mg dose of rivaroxaban reduced the
      rates of death from cardiovascular causes (2.7% vs. 4.1%, P=0.002) and from any
      cause (2.9% vs. 4.5%, P=0.002), a survival benefit that was not seen with the
      twice-daily 5-mg dose. As compared with placebo, rivaroxaban increased the rates
      of major bleeding not related to coronary-artery bypass grafting (2.1% vs. 0.6%,
      P<0.001) and intracranial hemorrhage (0.6% vs. 0.2%, P=0.009), without a
      significant increase in fatal bleeding (0.3% vs. 0.2%, P=0.66) or other adverse
      events. The twice-daily 2.5-mg dose resulted in fewer fatal bleeding events than
      the twice-daily 5-mg dose (0.1% vs. 0.4%, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      a recent acute coronary syndrome, rivaroxaban reduced the risk of the composite
      end point of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
      Rivaroxaban increased the risk of major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage but
      not the risk of fatal bleeding. (Funded by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer
      Healthcare; ATLAS ACS 2-TIMI 51 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00809965.).

PMID- 22077214
TI  - Biology without walls: the novel endocrinology of bone.
AB  - Classical studies of vertebrate physiology have usually been confined to a given
      organ or cell type. The use of mouse genetics has changed this approach and has
      rejuvenated the concept of a whole-body study of physiology. One physiological
      system that has been profoundly influenced by mouse genetics is skeletal
      physiology. Indeed, genetic approaches have identified several unexpected organs
      that affect bone physiology. These new links have begun to provide a plausible
      explanation for the evolutionary involvement of hormones such as leptin with bone
      physiology. These genetic approaches have also revealed bone as a true endocrine
      organ capable of regulating energy metabolism and reproduction. Collectively, the
      body of work discussed below illustrates a new and unconventional role for bone
      in mammalian physiology.

PMID- 22077217
TI  - The interplay between lipoprotein phenotypes, adiponectin, and alcohol
      consumption.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Lipoproteins are involved in the pathophysiology of
      several metabolic diseases. Here we focus on the interplay between lipoprotein
      metabolism and adiponectin with the extension of alcohol intake. DESIGN AND
      SUBJECTS: Eighty-three low-to-moderate and 80 heavy alcohol drinkers were
      studied. Plasma adiponectin, other biochemical and extensive lipoprotein data
      were measured. Self-organizing maps were applied to characterize lipoprotein
      phenotypes and their interrelationships with biochemical measures and alcohol
      consumption. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption and plasma adiponectin had a strong
      positive association. Heavy alcohol consumption was associated with decreased low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Nevertheless, two distinct lipoprotein
      phenotypes were identified, one with elevated high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDL-C) and decreased very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides
      (VLDL-TG) together with low prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and the other vice
      versa. The HDL particles were enlarged in both phenotypes related to the heavy
      drinkers. The low-to-moderate alcohol drinkers were characterized with high LDL-C
      and C-enriched LDL particles. CONCLUSIONS: The analyses per se illustrated the
      multi-faceted and non-linear nature of lipoprotein metabolism. The heavy alcohol
      drinkers were characterized either by an anti-atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype
      (with also the highest adiponectin concentrations) or by a phenotype with pro
      atherogenic and metabolic syndrome-like features. Clinically this underlines the
      need to distinguish the differing individual risk for lipid-related metabolic
      disturbances also in heavy alcohol drinkers.

PMID- 22077215
TI  - Stop the flow: a paradigm for cell signaling mediated by reactive oxygen species
      in the pulmonary endothelium.
AB  - The lung endothelium is exposed to mechanical stimuli through shear stress
      arising from blood flow and responds to altered shear by activation of NADPH
      (NOX2) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review describes the
      pathway for NOX2 activation and the downstream ROS-mediated signaling events on
      the basis of studies of isolated lungs and flow-adapted endothelial cells in
      vitro that are subjected to acute flow cessation (ischemia). Altered mechanical
      stress is detected by a cell-associated complex involving caveolae and other
      membrane proteins that results in endothelial cell membrane depolarization and
      then the activation of specific kinases that lead to the assembly of NOX2
      components. ROS generated by this enzyme amplify the mechanosignal within the
      endothelial cell to regulate activation and/or synthesis of proteins that
      participate in cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and
      vascular remodeling. These responses indicate an important role for NOX2-derived
      ROS associated with mechanotransduction in promoting vascular homeostasis.

PMID- 22077218
TI  - Alternative therapies for Helicobacter pylori: probiotics and phytomedicine.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori is a common human pathogen infecting about 30% of children
      and 60% of adults worldwide and is responsible for diseases such as gastritis,
      peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. Treatment against H. pylori is based on the use
      of antibiotics, but therapy failure can be higher than 20% and is essentially due
      to an increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which has led
      to the search for alternative therapies. In this review, we discuss alternative
      therapies for H. pylori, mainly phytotherapy and probiotics. Probiotics are live
      organisms or produced substances that are orally administrated, usually in
      addition to conventional antibiotic therapy. They may modulate the human
      microbiota and promote health, prevent antibiotic side effects, stimulate the
      immune response and directly compete with pathogenic bacteria. Phytomedicine
      consists of the use of plant extracts as medicines or health-promoting agents,
      but in most cases the molecular mode of action of the active ingredients of these
      herbal extracts is unknown. Possible mechanisms include inhibition of H. pylori
      urease enzyme, disruption of bacterial cell membrane, and modulation of the host
      immune system. Other alternative therapies are also reviewed.

PMID- 22077216
TI  - Comparison of two yeast MnSODs: mitochondrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae versus
      cytosolic Candida albicans.
AB  - Human MnSOD is significantly more product-inhibited than bacterial MnSODs at high
      concentrations of superoxide (O(2)(-)). This behavior limits the amount of
      H(2)O(2) produced at high [O(2)(-)]; its desirability can be explained by the
      multiple roles of H(2)O(2) in mammalian cells, particularly its role in
      signaling. To investigate the mechanism of product inhibition in MnSOD, two yeast
      MnSODs, one from Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria (ScMnSOD) and the other
      from Candida albicans cytosol (CaMnSODc), were isolated and characterized.
      ScMnSOD and CaMnSODc are similar in catalytic kinetics, spectroscopy, and redox
      chemistry, and they both rest predominantly in the reduced state (unlike most
      other MnSODs). At high [O(2)(-)], the dismutation efficiencies of the yeast
      MnSODs surpass those of human and bacterial MnSODs, due to very low level of
      product inhibition. Optical and parallel-mode electron paramagnetic resonance
      (EPR) spectra suggest the presence of two Mn(3+) species in yeast Mn(3+)SODs,
      including the well-characterized 5-coordinate Mn(3+) species and a 6-coordinate L
      Mn(3+) species with hydroxide as the putative sixth ligand (L). The first and
      second coordination spheres of ScMnSOD are more similar to bacterial than to
      human MnSOD. Gln154, an H-bond donor to the Mn-coordinated solvent molecule, is
      slightly further away from Mn in yeast MnSODs, which may result in their unusual
      resting state. Mechanistically, the high efficiency of yeast MnSODs could be
      ascribed to putative translocation of an outer-sphere solvent molecule, which
      could destabilize the inhibited complex and enhance proton transfer from protein
      to peroxide. Our studies on yeast MnSODs indicate the unique nature of human
      MnSOD in that it predominantly undergoes the inhibited pathway at high [O(2)(-)].

PMID- 22077219
TI  - Interferon gamma release assay in diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - Although interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) have been widely used for the
      diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis in adults, a relative lack of
      validation studies in children has led to caution in their clinical
      interpretation. This meta-analysis systematically evaluated two IGRAs (ELISA and
      ELISPOT) and the tuberculin skin test (TST). We searched databases (PubMed,
      MEDLINE, Ovid) between January 2000 and January 2011 using search terms of latent
      tuberculosis infection or tuberculosis and interferon gamma release assay, or T
      SPOT.TB test, or QuantiFERON-TB Gold, or ESAT-6, or CFP-10, and child, or
      childhood, or pediatrics. We also collected data by performing a manual search of
      references from relevant articles and communicating with selected authors. The
      meta-analysis was conducted with random effects models to account for
      heterogeneity between selected studies. The sensitivities of all three tests in
      active tuberculosis were similar. The pooled sensitivity was 70% for ELISA
      studies, 62% for ELISPOT studies and 71% for TST. Calculated sensitivities for
      IGRAs and the TST differ in culture-confirmed tuberculosis [ELISA (85%) vs.
      ELISPOT (76%) vs. TST (85%)] and clinical diagnosed cases [ELISA (64%) vs.
      ELISPOT (58%) vs. TST (66%)]. The pooled specificity was 100% for ELISA and 90%
      for ELISPOT, but was much lower for TST [56% in all included studies and 49% in
      children with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination]. The agreement between
      the TST and IGRAs in non-BCG-vaccinated children is higher than that in BCG
      vaccinated children. In the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in children, the TST
      and IGRAs have similar sensitivity. By contrast, the specificity of IGRAs is far
      greater than the TST, particularly in children with previous BCG vaccination.

PMID- 22077220
TI  - Proteomic analysis of Proteus mirabilis outer membrane proteins reveals
      differential expression in vivo vs. in vitro conditions.
AB  - Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently causes complicated
      urinary tract infections. Among a wide spectrum of potential virulence factors,
      outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are critical for bacterial interactions and
      survival in different environments. In this work, we used a proteomic approach to
      assess P. mirabilis in vivo OMPs expression compared to in vitro, including iron
      replete and iron-restricted conditions. Three putative iron receptors, IreA,
      PMI0842, and PMI2596, were detected both in bacterium grown in vivo and in vitro
      under iron-restricted conditions. A prophage gene product, PMI1721, was detected
      only on in vivo growing bacterium, suggesting a potential role yet to be
      disclosed on the surface of P. mirabilis. Plasminogen, a host protein, was co
      purified with OMPs of in vivo grown bacteria, which is in accordance with
      previous observations and suggests that plasminogen bound to P. mirabilis surface
      may be associated to virulence as seen in other bacterial pathogens. Western
      blots using sera of experimentally challenged mice showed that iron-regulated
      proteins are expressed and highly immunogenic during infection. This work
      confirms observations made by others for P. mirabilis and reveals details not yet
      described, suggesting new aspects of the bacterium pathogenesis that remain
      unknown.

PMID- 22077221
TI  - Vgamma4+ T cells regulate host immune response to West Nile virus infection.
AB  - The Vgamma4(+) cells, a subpopulation of peripheral gammadelta T cells, are
      involved in West Nile virus (WNV) pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanism
      remains unclear. In this study, we found that WNV-infected Vgamma4(+) cell
      depleted mice had lower viremia and a reduced inflammatory response in the brain.
      The Vgamma4(+) cells produced IL-17 during WNV infection, but blocking IL-17
      signaling did not affect host susceptibility to WNV encephalitis. We also noted
      that there was an enhanced magnitude of protective splenic Vgamma1(+) cell
      expansion in Vgamma4(+) cell-depleted mice compared to that in controls during
      WNV infection. In addition, Vgamma4(+) cells of WNV-infected mice had a higher
      potential for producing TGF-beta. The gammadelta T cells of WNV-infected
      Vgamma4(+) cell-depleted mice had a higher proliferation rate than those of WNV
      infected controls upon ex vivo stimulation with anti-CD3, and this difference was
      diminished in the presence of TGF-beta inhibitor. Finally, Vgamma4(+) cells of
      infected mice contributed directly and indirectly to the higher level of IL-10,
      which is known to play a negative role in immunity against WNV infection. In
      summary, Vgamma4(+) cells suppress Vgamma1(+) cell expansion via TGF-beta and
      increase IL-10 level during WNV infection, which together may lead to higher
      viremia and enhanced brain inflammation.

PMID- 22077222
TI  - Minimal concentration of human IgM and IgG antibodies necessary to protect mice
      from challenges with live O6 Escherichia coli.
AB  - This work evaluated the ability of human anti-lipopolysaccharide O6 IgM and IgG
      antibodies to protect mice challenged with Escherichia coli serotype O6 : K2ac.
      Purified IgM-effluent, purified IgG, pools of normal human serum (NHS), or
      control group were injected into mice 18 h before challenges with O6 E. coli.
      Interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha were quantified in the sera of test
      and control groups. All mice receiving purified IgM-effluent (66.6 mg L(-1) of
      anti-lipopolysaccharide O6 IgM antibodies) and NHS survived. Purified IgG (1.1 mg
      L(-1) of anti-lipopolysaccharide O6 IgG antibodies) protected 87.5% of the
      animals. The control group showed no protective ability. The minimal
      concentration of anti-lipopolysaccharide O6 IgM antibodies, able to protect 50%
      of the animals was 33.3 mg L(-1) of purified IgM-effluent, whereas purified IgG
      was able to protect 50% of the animals with only 1.1 mg L(-1) of anti
      lipopolysaccharide O6 IgG antibodies. Serum from animals pretreated with purified
      IgM-effluent and purified IgG before challenges with lipopolysaccharide O6 did
      not have detectable pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hepatocytes of the control group
      were completely invaded by bacteria, whereas none was found in animals pretreated
      with purified IgM-effluent and purified IgG. Higher concentrations of anti
      lipopolysaccharide O6 IgM antibodies as compared to anti-lipopolysaccharide O6
      IgG antibodies were needed to protect mice from challenges with E. coli O6
      serotype.

PMID- 22077223
TI  - Bacillus cereus from blood cultures: virulence genes, antimicrobial
      susceptibility and risk factors for blood stream infection.
AB  - We characterized the profiles of virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility
      of Bacillus cereus isolates from blood cultures as well as the risk factors for
      blood stream infections (BSIs). The diversity of virulence gene patterns was
      found to be wide among 15 B. cereus isolates from BSIs and also among 11 isolates
      from contaminated blood cultures. The MicroScan broth microdilution method
      yielded results corresponding with those of the agar dilution (reference) method
      for levofloxacin, linezolid, and vancomycin, while the Etest results were
      consistent with the reference results for clindamycin, gentamicin, imipenem,
      levofloxacin, and linezolid. Compared with the reference values, however, some
      isolates showed marked differences of the minimum inhibitory concentrations
      (MICs) for ampicillin and clindamycin when determined using the MicroScan method,
      or the MICs for ampicillin, meropenem, and vancomycin when determined using the
      Etest method. Significantly more patients were treated with antimicrobials for
      more than 3 days during the 3-month period before isolation in the BSI group.
      Prior antimicrobial therapy may be a risk factor for BSIs due to B. cereus.

PMID- 22077224
TI  - Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis directly from urogenital and conjunctiva
      samples using an ompA gene pyrosequencing-based assay.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a multitarget
      pyrosequencing-based protocol for basic Chlamydia trachomatis genotyping directly
      from clinical samples and to characterize the distribution of genotypes among
      Slovenian sexually active population. The newly developed combination of assays
      that targets the variable domains VD-I and VD-IV of the C. trachomatis ompA gene,
      was optimized and validated with 11 reference C. trachomatis strains and by
      comparison to complete ompA conventional sequencing. In addition, 183 clinical
      specimens which were previously diagnosed as C. trachomatis positive were
      evaluated by pyrosequencing. The pyrosequencing products showed a 100% match to
      corresponding sections of the respective conventional ompA sequences. Based on
      our results the most frequent genotype in urogenital samples was E (51.1%)
      followed by F (21.4%), G and K (6.9%), D (6.1%), H (3.8%), J (2.3%) and Ia and Ja
      (0.8%). In conjunctiva samples the genotype distribution was E (63.3%), D and F
      (13.3%), K (6.7%) and G (3.3%). Pyrosequencing thus proved itself to be a rapid
      method for C. trachomatis typing, which is important for better understanding the
      pathogenesis and epidemiology of this pathogen.

PMID- 22077225
TI  - Effects of the microbial secondary metabolites pyrrolnitrin, phenazine and
      patulin on INS-1 rat pancreatic beta-cells.
AB  - The effects on pancreatic beta-cell viability and function of three microbial
      secondary metabolites pyrrolnitrin, phenazine and patulin were investigated,
      using the rat clonal pancreatic beta-cell line, INS-1. Cells were exposed to 10
      fold serial dilutions (range 0-10 MUg mL(-1)) of the purified compounds for 2, 24
      and 72 h. After 2 h exposure, only patulin (10 MUg mL(-1)) was cytotoxic. All
      compounds showed significant cytotoxicity after 24 h. None of the compounds
      altered insulin secretion with 2 and 20 mM glucose after 2 h. However, after 24 h
      treatment, phenazine and pyrrolnitrin (10 and 100 ng mL(-1)) potentiated insulin
      production and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas patulin had no
      effect. Exposure (24 h) to either phenazine (100 ng mL(-1)) or pyrrolnitrin (10
      ng mL(-1)) caused similar increases in the Ca(2+) content of INS-1 cells. The
      outward membrane current was inhibited after 24 h exposure to either phenazine
      (100 ng mL(-1)) or pyrrolnitrin (10 or 100 ng mL(-1)). This study presents novel
      data suggesting that high concentrations of pyrrolnitrin and phenazine are
      cytotoxic to pancreatic beta-cells and thus possibly diabetogenic, whereas at
      lower concentrations these agents are nontoxic and may be insulinotropic. The
      possible role of such agents in the development of cystic fibrosis-related
      diabetes is discussed.

PMID- 22077226
TI  - Astragalus polysaccharides enhance the humoral and cellular immune responses of
      hepatitis B surface antigen vaccination through inhibiting the expression of
      transforming growth factor beta and the frequency of regulatory T cells.
AB  - Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), extracted from the root of Astragalus
      membranaceus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, have extensive
      pharmacological and strong immunomodulatory effects. In this study, the potential
      adjuvant effect of APS on humoral and cellular immune responses to hepatitis B
      subunit vaccine was investigated. Coadministration of APS with recombinant
      hepatitis B surface antigen significantly increased antigen-specific antibody
      production, T-cell proliferation and CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocyte) activity.
      Production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 in
      CD4(+) T cells and of IFN-gamma in CD8(+) T cells were dramatically increased.
      Furthermore, expression of the genes PFP, GraB, Fas L and Fas were up-regulated;
      interestingly, expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and the
      frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) were down
      regulated. Expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was significantly increased
      by administration of APS. Together, these results suggest that APS is a potent
      adjuvant for the hepatitis B subunit vaccine and can enhance both humoral and
      cellular immune responses via activating the TLR4 signaling pathway and inhibit
      the expression of TGF-beta and frequency of Treg cells.

PMID- 22077227
TI  - Vancomycin promotes the bacterial autolysis, release of extracellular DNA, and
      biofilm formation in vancomycin-non-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus, an important human pathogen, is particularly adept at
      producing biofilms on implanted medical devices. Although antibiotic treatment of
      nonsusceptible bacteria will not kill these strains, the consequences should be
      studied. The present study focuses on investigating the effect of vancomycin on
      biofilm formation by vancomycin-non-susceptible S. aureus. Biofilm adherence
      assays and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that biofilm formation was
      significantly enhanced following vancomycin treatment. Bacterial autolysis of
      some subpopulations was observed and was confirmed by the live/dead staining and
      confocal laser scanning microscopy. A significant increase in polysaccharide
      intercellular adhesin (PIA) production was observed by measuring icaA transcript
      levels and in a semi-quantitative PIA assay in one resistant strain. We show that
      the release of extracellular DNA (eDNA) via cidA-mediated autolysis is a major
      contributor to vancomycin-enhanced biofilm formation. The addition of xenogeneic
      DNA could also significantly enhance biofilm formation by a PIA-overproducing S.
      aureus strain. The magnitude of the development of the biofilm depends on a
      balance between the amounts of eDNA and PIA. In conclusion, sublethal doses of
      cell wall-active antibiotics like vancomycin induce biofilm formation through an
      autolysis-dependent mechanism in vancomycin-non-susceptible S. aureus.

PMID- 22077228
TI  - Emerging dynamics of human campylobacteriosis in Southern Ireland.
AB  - Infections with Campylobacter spp. pose a significant health burden worldwide.
      The significance of Campylobacter jejuni/Campylobacter coli infection is well
      appreciated but the contribution of non-C. jejuni/C. coli spp. to human
      gastroenteritis is largely unknown. In this study, we employed a two-tiered
      molecular study on 7194 patient faecal samples received by the Microbiology
      Department in Cork University Hospital during 2009. The first step, using
      EntericBio((r)) (Serosep), a multiplex PCR system, detected Campylobacter to the
      genus level. The second step, utilizing Campylobacter species-specific PCR
      identified to the species level. A total of 340 samples were confirmed as
      Campylobacter genus positive, 329 of which were identified to species level with
      33 samples containing mixed Campylobacter infections. Campylobacter jejuni,
      present in 72.4% of samples, was the most common species detected, however, 27.4%
      of patient samples contained non-C. jejuni/C. coli spp.; Campylobacter fetus
      (2.4%), Campylobacter upsaliensis (1.2%), Campylobacter hyointestinalis (1.5%),
      Campylobacter lari (0.6%) and an emerging species, Campylobacter ureolyticus
      (24.4%). We report a prominent seasonal distribution for campylobacteriosis
      (Spring), with C. ureolyticus (March) preceeding slightly C. jejuni/C. coli
      (April/May).

PMID- 22077229
TI  - Extensive viral mimicry of 22 AIDS-related autoantigens by HIV-1 proteins and
      pathway analysis of 561 viral/human homologues suggest an initial treatable
      autoimmune component of AIDS.
AB  - HIV-1 viral proteins, particularly the env protein, are homologous to 22 AIDS
      autoantigens, suggesting their creation by antiviral antibodies subsequently
      targeting human homologues. They include antibodies to T-cell receptors, CD4 and
      CD95, complement components, IgG, TNF and other immune-related proteins.
      Autoantibodies may compromise the immune system via knockdown of these key
      proteins, and autoimmune attack on the immune system itself, as supported by
      immune activation in early stages of infection and during the transition to AIDS.
      Over 500 human proteins contain pentapeptides or longer consensi, identical to
      viral peptides. Such homology explains the extensive viral/human interactome,
      likely related to the ability of viral homologues to compete with human
      counterparts as binding partners. Pathway analysis of these homologous proteins
      revealed their involvement in immune-related networks (e.g. natural killer cell
      toxicity/toll, T-cell/B-cell receptor signalling/antigen processing) and viral
      and bacterial entry and defence pathways (phagosome/lysosome pathways, DNA
      sensing/NOD/RIG-1 pathways) relevant to AIDS pathogenesis. At its inception, AIDS
      may have an autoimmune component selectively targeting the immune system.
      Immunosuppressive therapy or antibody removal, which has already achieved some
      success, might be therapeutically beneficial, particularly if targeted at removal
      of the culpable antibodies, via affinity dialysis.

PMID- 22077230
TI  - Staphylococcus epidermidis polysaccharide intercellular adhesin activates
      complement.
AB  - Staphylococcus epidermidis is a frequent cause of nosocomial infections. The
      central virulence factor of S. epidermidis is biofilm formation. Polysaccharide
      intercellular adhesin (PIA) constitutes the major biofilm matrix-component. PIA
      and biofilm have been implicated in S. epidermidis evasion of host immune
      defence. We examined the effects of S. epidermidis PIA on the inflammatory
      response with focus on complement activation. We used a human whole-blood ex vivo
      model of infection and compared the effects of a PIA-positive S. epidermidis
      strain (SE1457) and its PIA-negative isogenic mutant (M10). The independent
      effect of purified PIA on complement activation was investigated. In glucose-rich
      media, the mutant formed a proteinacious DNA-rich biofilm, whereas SE1457 formed
      a thick PIA-biofilm. In biofilm growth, SE1457 induced a stronger activation of
      the complement system compared with M10. We verified that purified PIA was
      independently responsible for a strong activation of the complement system. In
      contrast, M10 induced higher granulocyte activation by expression of CD11b and
      higher secretion of cytokines. We conclude that PIA has potent pro-inflammatory
      properties by activating the complement system. However, in a complex balance of
      the immune response, the decreased activation of granulocytes and cytokines by a
      PIA biofilm may limit host eradication of S. epidermidis.

PMID- 22077231
TI  - Immunolocalization of IFN-gamma in the lesions of resistant and susceptible mice
      to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection.
AB  - The important role of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in protective immunity in
      mycosis is well established, except for its participation in fungal granulomas.
      Herein, we employ immunohistochemical reactions to describe the in situ
      localization of IFN-gamma in granulomas of susceptible (B10.A) and resistant
      (A/J) mice to infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). After infection
      with the highly virulent Pb18, IFN-gamma-positive lymphomononuclear cells were
      localized mainly at the periphery of granulomas in both mouse strains. The
      numbers of positive cells found in compact granulomas of A/J mice increased
      significantly from 15 to 120 days postinfection. At this time, significantly more
      positive cells were detected in the compact granulomas of resistant mice than in
      the loose, multifocal lesions of the susceptible ones. In infection with the
      slightly virulent Pb265, the same pattern of IFN-gamma localization was found as
      in Pb18 infection, but there was decreased staining at 120 days due to the
      presence of only residual lesions in both mouse strains. The marked IFN-gamma
      staining observed in the granulomas of resistant mice at the later stage of Pb
      infection confirms its importance in fungal dissemination control, and suggests a
      contribution to the development of paracoccidioidal granuloma.

PMID- 22077232
TI  - Immune responses of chickens inoculated with a recombinant fowlpox vaccine
      coexpressing glycoprotein B of infectious laryngotracheitis virus and chicken IL
      18.
AB  - Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is an alphaherpesvirus that causes
      severe and economically significant respiratory disease in poultry worldwide.
      Herein, the immunogenicity of two recombinant fowlpox viruses (rFPV-gB and rFPV
      gB/IL18) containing ILTV glycoprotein B (gB) and chicken interleukin-18 (IL-18)
      were investigated in a challenge model. One-day-old specific-pathogen-free
      chickens were vaccinated by wing-web puncture with the two rFPVs and challenged
      with the virulent ILTV CG strain. There were differences in antibody levels
      elicited by either rFPV-gB/IL18 or rFPV-gB as determined using ELISA. The ratios
      of CD4(+) to CD8(+) in chickens immunized with rFPV-gB/IL18 were higher (P <
      0.05) than in those immunized with rFPV-gB, and the level of proliferative
      response of the T cells in the rFPV-gB/IL18-vaccinated group was higher (P <
      0.05) than that in the rFPV-gB group. All chickens immunized with rFPV-gB/IL18
      were protected (10/10), whereas only eight of 10 of the chickens immunized with
      the rFPV-gB were protected. The results showed that the protective efficacy of
      the rFPV-gB vaccine could be enhanced by simultaneous expression of chicken IL
      18.

PMID- 22077234
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22077233
TI  - Multiple forms of DNA damage caused by UVA photoactivation of DNA 6-thioguanine.
AB  - Thiopurines are prescribed frequently as medication for cancer and for
      inflammatory disorders. One of them, azathioprine, has been the immunosuppressant
      of choice for organ transplant recipients for many years. Thiopurine use is
      associated with elevated sun sensitivity and skin cancer risk. Skin sensitization
      is selective for UVA. 6-TG integrates into DNA and unlike the canonical DNA
      bases, it is a strong UVA chromophore with an absorbance maximum at 342 nm. DNA 6
      TG is a photosensitizer and a source of reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen
      that is generated from the photochemical activation of DNA 6-TG causes extensive
      damage to DNA and proteins. This damage is mutagenic and extremely toxic to
      cultured human cells. Here we describe some of the lesions that are known to be
      generated from UVA irradiation of DNA 6-TG. We discuss how this photochemical
      damage might contribute to the toxic effect of thiopurine/UVA treatment on
      cultured cells and to the high risk of skin cancer in thiopurine-treated
      patients.

PMID- 22077235
TI  - Case of rippled-pattern sebaceoma with clinically yellowish surface and
      histopathological paucity of lipid-containing neoplastic cells.

PMID- 22077237
TI  - Is contrast-enhanced 3D spoiled gradient echo MRI a superior way to image
      pachymeningeal enhancement in intracranial hypotension?

PMID- 22077238
TI  - Aclarubicin enhances tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
      induced apoptosis through death receptor 5 upregulation.
AB  - Anthracycline drugs are potent anti-tumor agents. Tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death ligand with promising anti-cancer
      effects. However, some tumor types develop resistance to TRAIL. We examined the
      effect of aclarubicin (ACR), an anthracycline, in combination with TRAIL. The
      combination of TRAIL and ACR synergistically induced apoptosis in human acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells and human lung cancer A549 cells. In
      contrast, another anthracycline, doxorubicin (DOX), only slightly sensitized
      Jurkat cells and A549 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, with weaker enhancement
      of death receptor 5 (DR5) expression than ACR. The RNase protection assay, real
      time RT-PCR and western blot demonstrated that ACR upregulated the expression of
      a TRAIL receptor, DR5. Caspase inhibitors and dominant negative DR5 efficiently
      reduced the apoptotic response to the treatment with ACR and TRAIL, indicating
      that the combined effect depends on caspase activities and the interaction
      between TRAIL and its receptor. ACR but not DOX increased the activity of the DR5
      gene promoter in Jurkat cells carrying a mutation in the p53 gene, suggesting
      that ACR upregulates DR5 expression through p53-independent transcription. These
      results suggest the combination of TRAIL and ACR to be a promising treatment for
      malignant tumors.

PMID- 22077239
TI  - Dihydroxylation-based approach for the asymmetric syntheses of hydroxy-gamma
      butyrolactones.
AB  - A method of preparing enantiopure hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactones containing
      multiple contiguous stereocenters in high yield with good diastereoselectivity
      has been developed. Osmium tetroxide mediated dihydroxylation of a range of beta
      alkenyl-beta-hydroxy-N-acyloxazolidin-2-ones results in formation of triols that
      undergo spontaneous intramolecular 5-exo-trig cyclization reactions to provide
      hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactones. The stereochemistry of these hydroxy-gamma
      butyrolactones has been established using NOE spectroscopy, which revealed that 1
      substituted, 1,1-disubstituted, (E)-1,2-disubstituted, (Z)-1,2-disubstituted, and
      1,1,2-trisubstituted alkenes undergo dihydroxylation with anti
      diastereoselectivity, while 1,2,2-trisubstituted systems afford syn
      diastereoisomers. The synthetic utility of this methodology has been demonstrated
      for the asymmetric synthesis of the natural product 2-deoxy-D-ribonolactone.

PMID- 22077240
TI  - Embryonic exposure to dimethoate and/or deltamethrin impairs sexual development
      and programs reproductive success in adult male offspring mice.
AB  - Pesticides can be toxic to desirable plants and animals, including humans. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive effects of low doses of
      pesticides on male offspring of exposed pregnant mice. Three groups of five
      female mice were treated daily by oral gavage with dimethoate (5 mg kg(-1) per
      day), deltamethrin (5 mg kg(-1) per day) and their mixture at 5 mg kg(-1) per day
      from day 3 to day 21 of pregnancy. Fertility, sexual behaviour and a number of
      reproductive endpoints, such as organ weights, sperm evaluations and testicular
      histology, were examined on four adult male offspring of exposed pregnant mice.
      When compared with control, a dose of deltamethrin 5 mg kg j(-1) causes a
      decrease in the absolute and relative weight of the testes of exposed mice and it
      affects their fertility by reducing the density, mobility and vitality of sperm
      and increasing the number of abnormal forms of these cells (P <= 0.01). The same
      results were obtained in mice exposed to a dose of 5 mg kg j(-1) combination of
      dimethoate and deltamethrin. This study demonstrated that deltamethrin and
      combination of dimethoate and deltamethrin caused a decrease in the absolute and
      relative weight of the testes, which affected the sperm parameters of male
      offspring of exposed mice to a low dose of these pesticides during pregnancy.

PMID- 22077241
TI  - Hollow fiber membrane decorated with Ag/MWNTs: toward effective water
      disinfection and biofouling control.
AB  - The currently applied disinfection methods during water treatment provide
      effective solutions to kill pathogens, but also generate harmful byproducts,
      which are required to be treated with additional efforts. In this work, an
      alternative and safer water disinfection system consisting of silver
      nanoparticle/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Ag/MWNTs) coated on a
      polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hollow fiber membrane, Ag/MWNTs/PAN, has been developed.
      Silver nanoparticles of controlled sizes were coated on polyethylene glycol
      grafted MWNTs. Ag/MWNTs were then covalently coated on the external surface of a
      chemically modified PAN hollow fiber membrane to act as a disinfection barrier. A
      continuous filtration test using E. coli containing feedwater was conducted for
      the pristine PAN and Ag/MWNTs/PAN composite membranes. The Ag/MWNT coating
      significantly enhanced the antimicrobial activities and antifouling properties of
      the membrane against E. coli. Under the continuous filtration mode using E. coli
      feedwater, the relative flux drop over Ag/MWNTs/PAN was 6%, which was
      significantly lower than that over the pristine PAN (55%) at 20 h of filtration.
      The presence of the Ag/MWNT disinfection layer effectively inhibited the growth
      of bacteria in the filtration module and prevented the formation of biofilm on
      the surface of the membrane. Such distinctive antimicrobial properties of the
      composite membrane is attributed to the proper dispersion of silver nanoparticles
      on the external surface of the membrane, leading to direct contact with bacterium
      cells.

PMID- 22077242
TI  - Dialkyl phosphates as biomarkers of organophosphates: the current divide between
      epidemiology and clinical toxicology.
AB  - CONTEXT: Organophosphate insecticides are widely utilized throughout the world.
      The cholinergic toxidrome, resulting from cholinesterase inhibition, is the
      clinically relevant endpoint in organophosphate poisoning. In recent years,
      urinary dialkyl phosphates (DAPs) have emerged as a common method of assessing
      exposure to organophosphates in epidemiological investigations. Using dialkyl
      phosphates as biomarkers of exposure to organophosphates, several recent
      epidemiological studies have reported associations with adverse health outcomes.
      The purpose of this article is to review the application and limitations of
      urinary DAPs as biomarkers of exposure to organophosphate insecticides. METHODS:
      A literature search was conducted of the PubMed database, using keywords
      "dialkylphosphate" and "dialkyl phosphate." The scientific literature was
      reviewed to identify sources of dialkyl phosphate metabolites from in vivo
      metabolism of organophosphates, and as environmental degradation products.
      Epidemiological investigations were reviewed to summarize the use of use of DAPs
      as biomarkers in cross-sectional studies, occupational exposures, acute
      poisonings, and in health outcome studies. Emphasis was placed on the assessment
      of DAPs in the context of existing biomarker frameworks, as defined by the
      National Research Council. Studies were assessed for concurrent use of
      cholinesterase activity as a biomarker of effect, and whether a dose-response
      relationship could be determined between DAPs and cholinesterase depression or
      cholinergic effects. RESULTS: Over 184 publications were identified, describing
      dialkyl phosphates and their use as biomarkers of exposure. The in vivo
      metabolism of organophosphates yields different DAPs, depending upon whether they
      undergo bioactivation or detoxification. The detection of urinary DAPs does not
      provide specificity with respect to the organophosphate from which they were
      derived, or their toxicological potency. Several recent studies documented the
      common presence of DAPs in residential environments and foods. Experimental
      studies support that DAPs have significant oral bioavailability, and undergo
      little to no metabolism prior to urinary excretion. Cross-sectional studies in
      multiple countries confirm that urinary DAPs are commonly detectable in the
      general population. No occupational studies were identified supporting a dose
      response relationship between DAPs and significant cholinesterase inhibition. No
      occupational studies were identified supporting evidence of a threshold level of
      DAPs excretion at which clinical cholinergic signs or symptoms have been
      observed. Recent prospective epidemiological studies using DAPs as biomarkers
      have not concurrently assessed effects on cholinesterase activity, or conducted
      analyses that distinguish different DAPs that reflect bioactivation versus
      detoxification pathways. DISCUSSION: There are numerous limitations to the use of
      DAPs as biomarkers of exposure. These include a lack of specificity with respect
      to the organophosphate from which they were derived, and a growing body of
      evidence that toxicologically irrelevant DAPs are commonly encountered in food
      and the environment. Substantial intra- and inter-day variability has been
      reported for dialkyl phosphate excretion in humans, which is problematic for
      studies that rely on single measurements to assess exposure. The toxicological
      distinction between different DAPs reflecting biomarkers of activation and
      detoxification processes has not been considered in some prospective
      epidemiological studies. A relationship between DAPs as biomarkers of exposure
      and the critical biomarker of effect, cholinesterase activity, has not been
      established. CONCLUSIONS: The science of exposure assessment using DAPs as
      biomarkers is not advancing, and this complicates the interpretation of
      epidemiological studies. At the current time, DAPs have very limited utility in
      clinical toxicology or in the risk assessment process for organophosphates. Until
      these limitations are addressed, the appropriate role of DAPs in the assessment
      of human health risks from organophosphates is unclear.

PMID- 22077243
TI  - Use of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARSTM) for the management
      of acute poisoning with or without liver failure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing interest in recent developments in
      bioartificial and non-bioartificial devices, so called extracorporeal liver
      assist devices, which are now used widely not only to increase drug elimination,
      but also to enhance the removal of endogenous substances in acute liver failure.
      Most of the non-bioartificial techniques are based on the principle of albumin
      dialysis. The objective is to remove albumin-bound substances that could play a
      role in the pathophysiology of acute liver failure by dialysing blood against an
      albumin-containing solution across a high flux permeable membrane. The most
      widely used device is the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARSTM).
      METHODS: The relevant English and French literature was identified through
      Medline using the terms, 'molecular adsorbent recirculating system', 'MARS',
      'acute liver failure', 'acute poisoning', 'intoxication'. This search identified
      139 papers of which 48 reported on a toxic cause for the use of MARSTM. Of these
      48 papers, 39 specified the substance (eighteen different substances were
      identified); two papers reported on the same group of patients. BIOARTIFICIAL AND
      NON-BIOARTIFICIAL SYSTEMS: Bioartificial systems based on porcine hepatocytes
      incorporated in the extracorporeal circuit are no longer in use due to the
      possibility of porcine retroviral transmission to humans. Historically,
      experience with such devices was limited to a few cases of paracetamol poisoning.
      In contrast, an abundant literature exists for the non-bioartificial systems
      based on albumin dialysis. The MARSTM has been used more widely than other
      techniques, such as the one using fractionated plasma separation and adsorption
      (PrometheusTM). All the extracorporeal liver assist devices are able to some
      extent to remove biological substances (ammonia, urea, creatinine, bilirubin,
      bile acids, amino acids, cytokines, vasoactive agents) but the real impact on the
      patient's clinical course has still to be determined. Improvement in
      cardiovascular or neurological dysfunction has been shown both in acute liver
      failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure but no impact on mortality has been
      reported. ACUTE POISONING WITH LIVER FAILURE: Randomized controlled trials are
      very limited in number and patients poisoned by paracetamol or Amanita phalloides
      are usually included for outcome analysis in larger groups of acute liver failure
      patients. Initial results look promising but should be confirmed. Beyond its
      effect in liver failure, MARSTM could also enhance the elimination of the drug or
      toxin responsible for the failure, as is described with paracetamol. ACUTE
      POISONING WITHOUT LIVER FAILURE: Extracorporeal liver assist devices have also
      been used to promote elimination of drugs that are highly protein bound. Data in
      various case reports confirm a high elimination of phenytoin, theophylline and
      diltiazem. However, definite conclusions on the toxicokinetic or clinical
      efficacy cannot be drawn. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of large multicentre
      randomized trials on the use of MARSTM in patients with acute liver failure, the
      literature shows clinical and biological benefit from this technique. In drug or
      toxin-induced acute liver failure, such as paracetamol or mushroom poisoning,
      MARSTM has been used extensively, confirming in a non-randomized fashion, the
      positive effect observed in the larger population of acute liver failure
      patients. Furthermore, as MARSTM has been shown in experimental studies to remove
      protein-bound substances, it is potentially a promising treatment for patients
      with acute poisoning from drugs that have high protein-binding capacity and are
      metabolized by the liver, especially, if they develop liver failure
      concomitantly.

PMID- 22077244
TI  - Implications of the new EU legislation on chemicals for Poisons Centres.

PMID- 22077245
TI  - Interactive voice response systems for medication identification requests: poison
      or cure?
AB  - Interactive voice response systems (IVR) have traditionally been used by banking
      and credit card industries to rapidly process information requests for their
      customers. Today IVR technology is being used in clinical medicine to randomize
      patients in clinical studies, to collect patient data, and to follow-up on
      recently discharged patients. Use of IVR systems by poison centers is relatively
      new. This commentary explores the advantages and disadvantages of applying IVR
      technology to the medication identification requests in poison centers.

PMID- 22077246
TI  - Assessment of the severity of organophosphate (fenitrothion) poisoning based on
      its serum concentration and clinical parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fenitrothion (MEP) is the most frequent cause of organophosphate
      pesticides (OP) poisoning in Japan, but clinical parameters to predict its
      severity remain uncertain. METHOD: We evaluated 26 cases (12 males and 14
      females) of MEP poisoning brought to our critical care center. Regarding acute
      lung injury (ALI) as a hallmark complication leading to poor recovery, we divided
      patients into two groups: cases without ALI (Grp1, n = 14), and cases who
      developed ALI (Grp2, n = 12) at various points after the poisoning. Serial
      changes in clinical parameters and laboratory test results were compared between
      them. RESULTS: The median MEP concentrations on arrival (min~max) for Grp1 and
      Grp2 were 2.3 (0.5-5.1) and 4.6 (1.1-14.0) MUg/ml, respectively. Serum pseudo
      cholinesterase (PChE) levels on arrival were 21(< 10-59) U/L in Grp1 and < 10 in
      Grp2. Based on individual patient kinetics, we estimated MEP concentration at 2
      and 24 hours after ingestion, and determined cutoff values for differentiating
      the two groups for each time point as 4.0 MUg/ml and 0.5 MUg/ml, respectively. By
      logistic regression analysis, two groups were distinguished with accuracy of
      92.3% based on their time of arrival after ingestion and initial MEP
      concentration. Clinical parameters associated with ALI were days with miosis,
      days with PChE below 100 U/L, and days requiring administration of atropine.
      CONCLUSION: The severity of MEP poisoning is closely associated with both time to
      presentation after ingestion and initial MEP concentration. Serial monitoring of
      MEP concentrations in the first 24 hours is also useful in predicting the
      clinical course.

PMID- 22077247
TI  - Prediction of prognosis in acute paraquat poisoning using severity scoring system
      in emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to validate and compare the performance of
      serum paraquat level, severity index of paraquat poisoning (SIPP), Acute
      Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), modified Simplified
      Acute Physiology Score II (MSAPS II), and modified Expanded Simplified Acute
      Physiology Score II (MSAPS IIe) calculated immediately after arrival on emergency
      department (ED) for assessing the mortality of acute paraquat poisoning. METHODS:
      A retrospective study design was employed with the main outcome measure being
      mortality from year 2001 to 2010. MSAPS II and MSAPS IIe were employed in that
      assessment of the 24-hour urine output were not included. The performance of
      APACHE II, MSAPS II, MSAPS IIe, serum paraquat level and SIPP for prediction of
      mortality in acute paraquat poisoning were compared. RESULTS: A total of 102
      patients were enrolled in the study. The area under the ROC curve for APACHE II
      (0.800) was statistically lower than those for MSAPS II, MSAPS IIe, SIPP and
      serum paraquat (0.879, 0.893, 0.924,and 0.951, respectively). The Hosmer-Lemeshow
      goodness-of-fit test C statistic revealed that APACHE II, MSAPS II, MSAPS IIe and
      serum paraquat level showed good calibrations (chi-square 8.477 and p = 0.388,
      chi-square 4.614 and p = 0.798, chi-squared 5.301 and p = 0.725, chi-squared
      1.009 and p = 0.985 respectively), but poor calibration for SIPP (chi-square
      21.293 and p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Serum paraquat level is still the most
      reliable prognosis factor in acute paraquat poisoning. But MSAPS II or MSAPS IIe
      calculated immediately after arrival on ED may be helpful to predict mortality in
      acute paraquat poisoning especially when hospital has no facility to measure
      serum paraquat level.

PMID- 22077236
TI  - Intensive diabetes therapy and glomerular filtration rate in type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR) leads to end-stage renal
      disease and increases the risks of cardiovascular disease and death. Persons with
      type 1 diabetes are at high risk for kidney disease, but there are no
      interventions that have been proved to prevent impairment of the GFR in this
      population. METHODS: In the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), 1441
      persons with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to 6.5 years of intensive
      diabetes therapy aimed at achieving near-normal glucose concentrations or to
      conventional diabetes therapy aimed at preventing hyperglycemic symptoms.
      Subsequently, 1375 participants were followed in the observational Epidemiology
      of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study. Serum creatinine levels
      were measured annually throughout the course of the two studies. The GFR was
      estimated with the use of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration
      formula. We analyzed data from the two studies to determine the long-term effects
      of intensive diabetes therapy on the risk of impairment of the GFR, which was
      defined as an incident estimated GFR of less than 60 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2)
      of body-surface area at two consecutive study visits. RESULTS: Over a median
      follow-up period of 22 years in the combined studies, impairment of the GFR
      developed in 24 participants assigned to intensive therapy and in 46 assigned to
      conventional therapy (risk reduction with intensive therapy, 50%; 95% confidence
      interval, 18 to 69; P=0.006). Among these participants, end-stage renal disease
      developed in 8 participants in the intensive-therapy group and in 16 in the
      conventional-therapy group. As compared with conventional therapy, intensive
      therapy was associated with a reduction in the mean estimated GFR of 1.7 ml per
      minute per 1.73 m(2) during the DCCT study but during the EDIC study was
      associated with a slower rate of reduction in the GFR and an increase in the mean
      estimated GFR of 2.5 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) (P<0.001 for both comparisons).
      The beneficial effect of intensive therapy on the risk of an impaired GFR was
      fully attenuated after adjustment for glycated hemoglobin levels or albumin
      excretion rates. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term risk of an impaired GFR was
      significantly lower among persons treated early in the course of type 1 diabetes
      with intensive diabetes therapy than among those treated with conventional
      diabetes therapy. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
      Kidney Diseases and others; DCCT/EDIC ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00360815 and
      NCT00360893.).

PMID- 22077249
TI  - A regional poison information center IVR medication identification system: does
      it accomplish its goal?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2009 AAPCC NPDS report identified 1,057,632 medication
      identification requests to poison information centers. This represents 24.7% of
      all calls to US poison information centers. To reduce the impact of medication
      identification requests on a poison information center, a regional poison
      information center developed and implemented an automated medication
      identification system that utilized an interactive voice response (IVR) system.
      The objective of this project was to describe how the IVR affected the regional
      poison information center medication identification request call volume and
      workload of the staff. METHODS: All documented medication identification request
      inquiries from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2011 were extracted from the RPIC
      Visual Dotlab electronic medical record system. Descriptive statistics, presented
      as means, were used to characterize the monthly call volume inquiries. RESULTS:
      Over the 18 months (January, 2007 to June, 2008) preceding the implementation of
      the IVR medication identification request system, a mean of 4,389.6 medication
      identification requests per month required manual electronic documentation by
      SPI. In the immediate 12 months (August, 2008 to July, 2009) following the IVR
      medication identification request system implementation, a mean of 2132.6
      inquiries per month (54% reduction) were managed by the IVR. During the 12 month
      period of July, 2010 through June, 2011, the combined monthly mean of medication
      identification requests documented by SPI and the IVR decreased to a total of
      686.7 compared to the mean pre-implementation monthly total of 4,389.6.
      CONCLUSIONS: The IVR medication identification request system was successful in
      reducing the number of medication identification requests that required manual
      electronic documentation by SPI and freed up a substantial amount of time for SPI
      to perform other critical patient care-related responsibilities. The enhanced
      technology that was implemented to improve efficiency came with the unintended
      consequence of discouraging the public from using the RPIC medication
      identification service as extensively.

PMID- 22077248
TI  - Clinical and analytical features of severe suicidal quetiapine overdoses--a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Detailed data on severe overdoses with quetiapine are relatively
      sparsely reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe a cohort of 20 acute
      quetiapine overdoses and provide additional data on the pharmacokinetics and
      clinical features of intoxication with this drug. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      retrospective study was conducted on patients with quetiapine poisoning admitted
      to our institution. We included moderate to severe overdoses between 2005-2011
      who required admission to ICU. RESULTS: Predominantly female patients (n = 17)
      ingested a median dose of 9.8 g quetiapine. Poison Severity Score was moderate in
      9 patients, severe in 10 patients and in one case fatal. Quetiapine was
      analytically confirmed in all cases. Clinical manifestations included drowsiness
      or coma (all patients), tachycardia (12 patients) and hypotension (10 patients).
      Seizures and arrhythmia occurred in 4 patients, each. Intubation and mechanical
      ventilation was required in 14 patients due to seizures, respiratory depression
      or loss of airway protection and 15 patients developed pneumonia. Hypokalaemia
      and hyperglycaemia were present at admission in 10 and 5 patients, respectively.
      Despite frequent prolongation of the QT(c) in 13 patients, QT interval was normal
      in most cases and QRS-interval was prolonged in only one patient. Presumably
      anticholinergic delirium was recognised in 8 patients and 6 patients received
      physostigmine with good clinical response. In 13 cases quetiapine was analysed
      quantitatively in serum with a relevantly prolonged half-life (16 +/- 12 h) and a
      median peak serum concentration of 3074 ng/mL. In 4 of these 13 patients we
      observed an increase of quetiapine serum concentration in the further course.
      CONCLUSION: In this study, quetiapine overdoses were associated with significant
      toxicity and a fairly high number of complications. A careful and often prolonged
      clinical observation in the more severe cases of overdose seems mandatory.

PMID- 22077250
TI  - Cannabis body packing: two case reports.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Body packing is a well-known means of narcotic carriage across
      international borders. The most common drugs carried are cocaine and heroin. CASE
      DESCRIPTIONS: We describe 2 cases of cannabis body packing which occurred the
      same year in the South of France, one with complications: a 45-year-old male went
      to emergency for abdominal pain. A plain abdominal x-ray revealed multiple
      foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract. It was confirmed by abdominal CT.
      The laparatomy confirmed peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation, and 34
      filled condoms packages were extracted. After calling poison centre,
      toxicological analysis was performed on one package. The resin wrapped in
      cellophane contained 15% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The patient was discharged
      on day 12. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Cannabis body packing is rarely reported, and
      the only known complications have a mechanic etiology. Plain abdominal x-ray is
      the best method for detection and it can be confirmed by abdominal CT and
      toxicological analysis. Cannabis is the most important illicit drug used in the
      word. Also cannabis body packing is probably underestimated. Health care
      practitioners should be aware of the possibility of body packing when someone
      coming back from abroad complains of abdominal pain.

PMID- 22077251
TI  - Severe acute cardiomyopathy associated with venlafaxine overdose and possible
      role of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Venlafaxine (VEN) is a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake
      inhibitor that causes usually a mild cardiotoxicity when ingested in overdose. We
      report a patient who developed acute heart failure following overdose. As the
      toxicokinetic data suggested a prolonged metabolism, genetic polymorphisms for
      cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 were also investigated. CASE
      REPORT: A 34-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital 10 hours after the
      ingestion of an 11.25 g overdose of VEN. She was comatose and suffered two self
      limited seizures. The electrocardiogram showed diffuse ST segment depression, but
      normal QRS and QTc duration. The plasma levels on admission were 18,015 and 3,846
      ng/ml for VEN and the metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), respectively. The
      patient developed severe cardiodepression. The left ventricular shortening
      fraction was only 9% on echocardiography. The patient was oliguric and required
      continuous venovenous hemofiltration. The administration of milrinone was
      required for 12 days, and norepinephrine for 10 days. Left ventricular function
      recovered. The calculated elimination half-life was 30.8 and 72.2 hours for VEN
      and ODV, respectively. The patient genotype was CYP2D6*1/*5, the *5 allele
      corresponding to a complete deletion of CYP2D6 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Severe and
      sustained cardiotoxicity following VEN overdose may be related to the amount
      ingested, as well as to the genetic polymorphism for CYP2D6 leading to a delayed
      elimination of active metabolite.

PMID- 22077252
TI  - A fatal case of flufenoxuron-containing insecticide poisoning complicated by
      lactic acidosis, shock, abdominal compartment syndrome.

PMID- 22077253
TI  - Further case details regarding IV N-acetylcysteine overdoses.

PMID- 22077255
TI  - Transvaginal removal of ectopic pregnancy tissue and repair of uterine defect for
      caesarean scar pregnancy.

PMID- 22077257
TI  - Comparison of perinatal outcomes of shoulder dystocia alleviated by different
      type and sequence of manoeuvres: a retrospective review.

PMID- 22077260
TI  - Complications after surgery for deeply infiltrating pelvic endometriosis.

PMID- 22077261
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel or tablets for the induction of labour at term: a
      randomised controlled trial.

PMID- 22077262
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel or tablets for the induction of labour at term: a
      randomised controlled trial.

PMID- 22077266
TI  - Editors' choice.

PMID- 22077267
TI  - Evaluation of cost savings with ferric carboxymaltose in anemia treatment through
      its impact on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and blood transfusion: French
      healthcare payer perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the economic impact of intravenous iron (in the form of
      intravenous iron preparation of ferric carboxymaltose) in three different
      clinical settings of iron deficiency anemia: chemotherapy-induced anemia in
      breast cancer, chemotherapy-induced anemia in digestive cancer, and perioperative
      anemia in knee and hip surgery. METHODS: The economic model compared the usual
      therapeutic strategies of anemia without intravenous iron and strategies
      including intravenous iron, in each of the three clinical settings selected.
      Costs related to anemia treatment by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA),
      blood transfusion, and intravenous iron were estimated and compared inside each
      setting. Cost savings were calculated from the French healthcare payer
      perspective. Data included in the economic model were obtained from scientific
      literature, public health agencies, and medical experts. RESULTS: The most
      prominent annual cost savings were observed in chemotherapy-induced anemia in
      breast cancer (?997 and ?360 per patient for metastatic and non-metastatic breast
      cancers, respectively; global cost saving, ?33.6 million). This large impact of
      intravenous iron on costs was mainly explained by both a lower number of women
      treated and lower ESA dosing. Mean annual cost saving in digestive cancers and
      knee and hip surgery were estimated to ?168 and ?216 per patient and global cost
      savings of ?7.5 and ?12.1 million, respectively. Overall, annual cost savings in
      these three settings were estimated to ?53 million including ?39 million for ESA
      cost savings. Sensitivity analysis showed that strategies including intravenous
      iron remained cost-effective even with wide variations in the assumptions,
      particularly for cost savings on ESA. LIMITATIONS: Economic model based on
      literature data and expert opinions. CONCLUSIONS: The present economic model
      suggests that use of intravenous iron, according to recommendations of
      international guidelines, is cost saving, particularly in chemotherapy-induced
      anemia in breast cancers.

PMID- 22077268
TI  - Synthesis and anti-tumour activities of sulphated polysaccharide obtained from
      Momordica charantia.
AB  - A native polysaccharide (MCP2) was extracted and isolated from Momordica
      charantia. Four sulphated derivatives of MCP2 were prepared by chlorosulphonic
      acid method. The structures of the sulphated derivatives were characterised by FT
      IR spectra. Depending on the reaction conditions, the sulphated derivatives
      showed different degree of substitution (DS) ranging from 0.56 to 1.10, and
      different weight-average molecular mass (Mw) ranging from 7.2 to 9.3 KDa. It
      implied the efficient substitution of hydroxyl groups in the polysaccharides by
      sulphated groups with degradation. The effects of the sulphated derivatives on
      inhibiting the growth of HepG2 cells and Hela cells in vitro were compared with
      taking non-modified MCP2 as control. The sulphated derivatives inhibited the
      growth of HepG2 cells and Hela cells in vitro significantly, which indicated that
      sulphated modification could enhance the anti-tumour activity of MCP2.

PMID- 22077269
TI  - Acute kidney injury in a paediatric intensive care unit: comparison of the pRIFLE
      and AKIN criteria.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of our study was to evaluate and analyse the prevalence and
      association of acute kidney injury (AKI) as defined by paediatric Risk, Injury,
      Failure, Loss of kidney function and End-stage kidney disease (pRIFLE) and Acute
      Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classifications in a paediatric intensive care unit
      (PICU). METHODS: A prospective analysis of all patients that were admitted to our
      PICU between June 2009 and December 2010 was performed. Patients were classified
      according to AKIN and pRIFLE criteria. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-nine
      patients (mean age 45.9 +/- 54.7 months; 110 male, 79 female) were enrolled.
      Sixty-three (33.3%) patients developed AKI by AKIN criteria and 68 (35.9%)
      patients developed AKI by pRIFLE criteria. All patients that had AKI according to
      AKIN criteria also had this diagnosis with pRIFLE criteria. Five patients had
      developed AKI only according to pRIFLE classification, four of them owing to
      reduction in their estimated creatinine clearance and one of them owing to
      changes over 1-week period. The mean length of PICU stay was longer, need for
      mechanical ventilation and mortality rates were higher in patients with AKI when
      compared to patients without AKI. CONCLUSION: Although both pRIFLE and AKIN
      criteria were very helpful in the detection of patients with AKI even in the
      early stages of it, pRIFLE seems to be more sensitive in paediatric patients.

PMID- 22077270
TI  - Perspectives on family and fertility in developing countries.
AB  - Abstract   Two aspects of the family in relation to fertility in developing
      countries are discussed: set stratification within the family and extended family
      networks. As both these are central to J. C. Caldwell's theory of fertility
      transition, the paper is structured as a critique of his position. Drawing on
      examples and data from Asia, it is argued that the causal significance of sex
      stratification for fertility lies in the economic risks it imposes on women,
      deriving from their dependence on men, rather than, as Caldwell suggests, in the
      disproportionate gain that men derive from their dominant position within
      families. While Caldwell and others associate strong extended family networks of
      mutual obligation and support with persistent high fertility, it is argued here
      that such systems should, instead, facilitate fertility decline. Close-knit and
      strong kin networks can be viewed as alternatives to children as sources of
      insurance, and may facilitate fertility decline by preventing children from
      becoming the focal point of parental concerns for security.

PMID- 22077271
TI  - Child mortality and reproductive behaviour in German village populations in the
      past: A micro-level analysis of the replacement effect.
AB  - Abstract   Reproductive histories of couples married during the eighteenth and
      nineteenth centuries in a sample of 14 German villages are analysed in order to
      answer several questions regarding the relationship between child mortality and
      reproductive behaviour. An effort is made through selection of cases and use of
      multiple classification analysis to eliminate or control non-volitional or
      otherwise confounding influences on the relationship between a couple's
      experience with child mortality and their fertility. The results do not provide a
      decisive answer to the question of whether, under a regime of otherwise presumed
      natural fertility, previous experience of child mortality affected subsequent
      reproductive behaviour. The evidence was much clearer in indicating that
      behaviour consistent with replacement efforts emerged or strengthened as family
      limitation spread. Finally, the results indicated that though it was not
      necessary for overall child mortality to decline before family limitation
      practices were adopted, couples with the most favourable child mortality
      experience were most likely to practise family limitation and to reduce their
      fertility. Child mortality appeared at least to impede, if not totally prevent,
      efforts to reduce the number of children ever born or to cease childbearing at an
      earlier age or at a given parity.

PMID- 22077272
TI  - Fertility, union status and partners in the WFS Guyana and Jamaica Surveys, 1975
      1976.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper differences in the level of fertility are examined
      according to women's union status and their number mf partners. A number of
      approaches are used to analyse these relationships: differentials by current
      union status, the pattern of union history, and a measure of the sum synthetic
      composed of periods spent in each type of union, are discussed. The trend in
      these differentials is also analysed; using earlier surveys and census data
      forcomparison, we find that union status differentials have changed noticeably
      since the 1950s. Fertility differentials by number of partners (or the second
      measure proposed - number of dissolutioom) are also analysed. The data suggest
      that the long-existing interrelationship between union history and number of
      partners has now resulted in changing union status differentials within the new
      context of increasing use of contraception.

PMID- 22077273
TI  - Abortion and contraception in the Korean fertility transition.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper the relationship between the use of abortion and
      contraception among married women in a society experiencing uronid decline in
      fertility is analysed using data from the Korean National Fertility Survey of
      1974. The level and pattern of abortion before and after modern contraceptives
      became widely available are described, and the implications of the changing
      patterns of abortion and contraception are discussed.

PMID- 22077274
TI  - Mortality in Ghana: Evidence from the cape coast project data.
AB  - Abstract   This paper deals with the estimation of mortality for a rural
      community of about 20,000 persons in the rain-forest area of south-west Ghana.
      Specifically, infant, child and adult mortality estimates have been obtained by
      the application of a wide range of direct and indirect methods of measuring
      mortality from the different statistics collected by a longitudinal mortality and
      fertility project conducted during 1974-7. It was noted that infant and childhood
      mortality rates obtained from death registrations were consistent with those
      rates yielded by pregnancy histories and child survival statistics. However, the
      adult mortality estimates derived from orphanhood statistics tended to be lower
      than those suggested by death registrations. The analysis revealed an infant
      mortality rate of 100 for boys and 84 for girls, equal childhood mortality rates
      for boys and girls (85-6), a lower expectation of life at birth for men (45.8
      years) than for women (52.8), and a much more severe incidence of mortality among
      men aged over 40 than for women at the corresponding ages.

PMID- 22077275
TI  - Advances in the P/F ratio method for the analysis of birth histories.
AB  - Abstract   One of the most frequently used indirect techniques for deriving
      estimates of recent fertility from simple questions in censuses and surveys is
      the 'P/F ratio' method. Availability of detailed birth-history data, as in the
      World Fertility Survey, and applications of the P/F procedure as a diagnostic
      tool in the evaluation of the quality of data have led to simplifications and
      extensions of the original method. This analysis illustrates that when complete
      maternity histories are available, the P/F procedure can be simplified and made
      more powerful by (1) calculation of P/F values from cohort-period fertility rates
      and (2) use of two further indexing variables, namely duration since first
      marriage and duration since first birth, in addition to age. More generally, the
      paper indicates that a set of P/F values is only one of a battery of measures
      which aid in the analysis of trends and errors in data from maternity histories.
      Illustrative examples are given from various analyses of world Fertility Survey
      data.   Howard Goldberg has been independently pursuing an investigation of the
      P/F procedure by marriage duration at the Office of Population Research
      (Princeton University), and we have profited from recent discussions with him. We
      would also like to acknowledge useful comments and criticisms on earlier drafts
      from James Trussell and Kenneth Hill.

PMID- 22077276
TI  - A simple equation for estimating the expectation of life at old ages.
AB  - Abstract   There is much direct and indirect evidence that in a number of
      populations the ages of older persons tend to be exaggerated, both when reported
      in censuses and in records of deaths. This results in overestimated expectations
      of life at old ages. The bias may be corrected by estimating the expectation of
      life at age a, e(a), from the mortality rate and growth rate at age a and above,
      M(a+) and r(a+), using the equation developed in this paper: 1/e(a) = M(a+) exp
      (beta . r(a+). M(a+)(-alpha)). For a ?, 65, alpha = 1.4 and beta = 0.0951 have
      been chosen.   The value of the equation rests on the following: since ages of
      older persons tend to be exaggerated, there may be an age a such that most age
      transfer occurs above that age, and age transfer across the age is small or
      cancels, so that reasonably accurate values of M(a+) and r(a +) can be obtained,
      even though ages are badly reported above a. The analysis of artificial data on
      Gompertzian stable popultions aged over 50 and actual statistics for some
      selected populations has suggested that the equation provides quite accurate
      estimates of e(a). The equation also seems useful in closing life tables, since
      it provides a value of e(a) for the highest age group.

PMID- 22077279
TI  - Accelerated hematopoietic toxicity by high energy (56)Fe radiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is little information on the relative toxicity of highly charged
      (Z) high-energy (HZE) radiation in animal models compared to gamma or X-rays, and
      the general assumption based on in vitro studies has been that acute toxicity is
      substantially greater. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were irradiated with (56)Fe ions (1
      GeV/nucleon), and acute (within 30 d) toxicity compared to that of gamma rays or
      protons (1 GeV). To assess relative hematopoietic and gastrointestinal toxicity,
      the effects of (56)Fe ions were compared to gamma rays using complete blood count
      (CBC), bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage colony forming unit (GM-CFU), terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis
      in bone marrow, and intestinal crypt survival. RESULTS: Although onset was more
      rapid, (56)Fe ions were only slightly more toxic than gamma rays or protons with
      lethal dose (LD)(50/30) (a radiation dose at which 50% lethality occurs at 30
      day) values of 5.8, 7.25, and 6.8 Gy, respectively, with relative biologic
      effectiveness for (56)Fe ions of 1.25 and 1.06 for protons. CONCLUSIONS: (56)Fe
      radiation caused accelerated and more severe hematopoietic toxicity. Early
      mortality correlated with more profound leukopenia and subsequent sepsis. Results
      indicate that there is selective enhanced toxicity to bone marrow progenitor
      cells, which are typically resistant to gamma rays, and bone marrow stem cells,
      because intestinal crypt cells did not show increased HZE toxicity.

PMID- 22077280
TI  - An efficient route to tetrahydroindeno[2,1-b]pyrroles via a base-promoted
      reaction of (E)-2-alkynylphenylchalcone with 2-isocyanoacetate.
AB  - A base-promoted cascade reaction of (E)-2-alkynylphenylchalcone with 2
      isocyanoacetate provides a novel and efficient route for the synthesis of
      tetrahydroindeno[2,1-b]pyrroles. The reaction proceeds smoothly in air under mild
      conditions with high efficiency.

PMID- 22077281
TI  - DNA concentration modulation on supported lipid bilayers switched by surface
      acoustic waves.
AB  - Spatially addressable arrays of molecules embedded in or anchored to supported
      lipid bilayers are important for on-chip screening and binding assays; however,
      methods to sort or accumulate components in a fluid membrane on demand are still
      limited. Here we apply in-plane surface acoustic shear waves (SAWs) to laterally
      accumulate double-stranded DNA segments electrostatically bound to a cationic
      supported lipid bilayer. The fluorescently labeled DNA segments are found to
      segregate into stripe patterns with a spatial frequency corresponding to the
      periodicity of the standing SAW wave (~10 MUm). The DNA molecules are accumulated
      10-fold in the regions of SAW antinodes. The superposition of two orthogonal sets
      of SAW sources creates checkerboard like arrays of DNA demonstrating the
      potential to generate arrayed fields dynamically. The pattern relaxation time of
      0.58 s, which is independent of the segment length, indicates a sorting and
      relaxation mechanism dominated by lipid diffusion rather than DNA self-diffusion.

PMID- 22077282
TI  - Cosolute paramagnetic relaxation enhancements detect transient conformations of
      human uracil DNA glycosylase (hUNG).
AB  - The human DNA repair enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase (hUNG) locates and excises
      rare uracil bases that arise in DNA from cytosine deamination or through dUTP
      incorporation by DNA polymerases. Previous NMR studies of hUNG have revealed
      millisecond time scale dynamic transitions in the enzyme-nonspecific DNA complex,
      but not the free enzyme, that were ascribed to a reversible clamping motion of
      the enzyme as it scans along short regions of duplex DNA in its search for
      uracil. Here we further probe the properties of the nonspecific DNA binding
      surface of {(2)H(12)C}{(15)N}-labeled hUNG using a neutral chelate of a
      paramagnetic Gd(3+) cosolute (Gd(HP-DO3A)). Overall, the measured paramagnetic
      relaxation enhancements (PREs) on R(2) of the backbone amide protons for free
      hUNG and its DNA complex were in good agreement with those calculated based on
      their relative exposure observed in the crystal structures of both enzyme forms.
      However, the calculated PREs systematically underestimated the experimental PREs
      by large amounts in discrete regions implicated in DNA recognition and catalysis:
      active site loops involved in DNA recognition (268-274, 246-250), the uracil
      binding pocket (143-148, 169-170), a transient extrahelical base binding site
      (214-216), and a remote hinge region (129-132) implicated in dynamic clamping.
      These reactive hot spots were not correlated with structural, hydrophobic, or
      solvent exchange properties that might be common to these regions, leaving the
      possibility that the effects arise from dynamic sampling of exposed conformations
      that are distinct from the static structures. Consistent with this suggestion,
      the above regions have been previously shown to be flexible based on relaxation
      dispersion measurements and course-grained normal-mode analysis. A model is
      suggested where the intrinsic dynamic properties of these regions allows sampling
      of transient conformations where the backbone amide groups have greater average
      exposure to the cosolute as compared to the static structures. We conclude that
      PREs derived from the paramagnetic cosolute reveal dynamic hot spots in hUNG and
      that these regions are highly correlated with substrate binding and recognition.

PMID- 22077283
TI  - Synchronous fluorescence as a rapid method for the simultaneous determination of
      folic acid and riboflavin in nutritional beverages.
AB  - A rapid synchronous spectrofluorimetric method was first developed for the
      simultaneous determination of folic acid and riboflavin in nutrimental beverages.
      Folic acid could be detected by using H(2)O(2) plus Cu(II) as oxidation system to
      produce pterine-6-carboxylic acid, which had strong fluorescence in aqueous
      solution, and riboflavin itself was obviously fluorescent. Various operational
      parameters were thoroughly discussed in terms of their effects on the
      fluorescence signals, including instrumental parameters, concentration of the
      oxidation system, and pH. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curves were
      linear in the ranges of 100-250 MUg/L for folic acid and 1-250 MUg/L for
      riboflavin, and the detection limits were 2.0 and 0.014 MUg/L, respectively. In
      addition, this method was applied to the determination of folic acid and
      riboflavin in nutrimental beverages with satisfactory results.

PMID- 22077284
TI  - Modeling and verification of melanin concentration on human skin type.
AB  - Lasers are used in the minimalistic or noninvasive diagnosis and treatment of
      skin disorders. Less laser light reaches the deeper skin layers in dark skin
      types, due to its higher epidermal melanin concentration compared with lighter
      skin. Laser-tissue interaction modeling software can correct for this by adapting
      the dose applied to the skin. This necessitates an easy and reliable method to
      determine the skin's type. Noninvasive measurement of the skin's melanin content
      is the best method. However, access to samples of all skin types is often limited
      and skin-like phantoms are used instead. This study's objective is to compare
      experimentally measured absorption features of liquid skin-like phantoms
      representing Skin Types I-VI with a realistic skin computational model component
      of ASAP((r)). Sample UV-VIS transmittance spectra were measured from 370 to 900
      nm and compared with simulated results from ASAP((r)) using the same optical
      parameters. Results indicated nonmonotonic absorption features towards shorter
      wavelengths, which may allow for more accurate ways of determining melanin
      concentration and expected absorption through the epidermal layer. This suggests
      possible use in representing optical characteristics of real skin. However, a
      more comprehensive model and phantoms are necessary to account for the effects of
      sun exposure.

PMID- 22077285
TI  - Relation of high-pass filtered unipolar electrograms to bipolar electrograms
      during ventricular mapping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A filtered bipolar electrogram (EG) amplitude <1.5 mV is a robust
      indicator of relatively dense scar, but is influenced by the wavefront direction.
      Unipolar recordings are not subject to directional influence. We hypothesized
      that high-pass filtered unipolar EGs would provide similar information to bipolar
      EGs, without potential errors related to wavefront direction. METHODS:
      Simultaneous bipolar filtered at 30-500 Hz and unipolar (high-pass filtered at 30
      Hz) signals were recorded during ventricular voltage maps in 24 patients (group
      A). In five subsequent patients, low voltage surface areas were compared in
      electroanatomic maps (group B). RESULTS: Of 2,789 mapping points in group A,
      filtered unipolar EG amplitude correlated well with bipolar EG amplitude.
      Agreement of filtered unipolar recordings in classifying sites as >1.5 mV or <1.5
      mV with bipolar EG amplitude was 83%. Discordance was due to unipolar > bipolar
      amplitude at 83% of the discordant sites, consistent with possible reduction of
      bipolar amplitude due to direction dependence. Discordance was more frequent
      during epicardial than endocardial mapping. Double potentials were more
      frequently observed in bipolar than in unipolar recordings (3.2% vs 1.8%, P <
      0.0001). In group B, the mean low-voltage surface area (<1.5 mV) was 70.1 +/-
      48.9 cm(2) for bipolar and 61.3 +/- 52.2 cm(2) for filtered unipolar EG maps.
      CONCLUSION: Direction dependent effects on bipolar EG amplitude may influence the
      identification of substrate for arrhythmias. High-pass filtered unipolar EGs
      might be a reasonable alternative to bipolar recordings for creation of voltage
      maps.

PMID- 22077286
TI  - Color tuning in binding pocket models of the chlamydomonas-type
      channelrhodopsins.
AB  - We examined the shift of absorption maxima between the chlamydomonas-type
      channelrhodopsins (ChRs) and bacteriorhodopsin (BR). Starting from the BR X-ray
      structure, we modeled the color tuning in the binding pockets of the ChRs by
      mutating up to 28 amino acids in the vicinity of the chromophore. By applying the
      efficient self-consistent charge density functional tight binding (SCC-DFTB)
      method in a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) framework, including
      explicit polarization and calculating excitation energies with the semiempirical
      OM2/MRCI method and the ab initio SORCI method, we have shown that multiple
      mutations in the binding pocket of BR causes large hypsochromic shifts that are
      of the same order as the experimentally observed shifts of the absorption maxima
      between BR and the ChRs. This study further demonstrates that mutations in the
      proximity of the Schiff base and complex counterion lead to a stronger but more
      flexible interaction with the retinal, which could serve as a possible
      explanation for the spectral patterns found in the ChRs.

PMID- 22077287
TI  - Incorporation of amphiphilic ruthenium(II) ammine complexes into Langmuir
      Blodgett thin films with switchable quadratic nonlinear optical behavior.
AB  - Nine nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores with pyridinium electron acceptors have
      been synthesized by complexing new proligands with {Ru(II)(NH(3))(5)}(2+)
      electron-donor centers. The presence of long alkyl/fluoroalkyl chain substituents
      imparts amphiphilic properties, and these cationic complexes have been
      characterized as their PF(6)(-) salts by using various techniques including
      electronic absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Each complex shows
      three reversible/quasireversible redox processes; a Ru(III/II) oxidation and two
      ligand-based reductions. The energies of the intense visible d -> pi* metal-to
      ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorptions correlate to some extent with the
      ligand reduction potentials. (1)H NMR spectroscopy also provides insights into
      the relative electron-withdrawing strengths of the new ligands. Single crystal X
      ray structures have been determined for two of the proligand salts and one
      complex salt, [Ru(II)(NH(3))(5)(4-C(16)H(33)PhQ(+))]Cl(3).3.25H(2)O (PhQ(+) = N
      phenyl-4,4'-bipyridinium), showing centrosymmetric packing structures in each
      case. The PF(6)(-) analogue of the latter complex has been used to deposit
      reproducibly high-quality, multilayered Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films. These
      films show a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response from a 1064 nm
      laser; their MLCT absorbance increases linearly with the number of layers (N) and
      I(2omega)/I(omega)(2) (I(2omega) = intensity at 532 nm; I(omega) = intensity at
      1064 nm) scales quadratically with N, consistent with homogeneous deposition. LB
      films on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass show electrochemically induced
      switching of the SHG response, with a decrease in activity of about 50% on Ru(II)
      -> Ru(III) oxidation. This effect is reversible, but reproducible over only a few
      cycles before the signal from the Ru(II) species diminishes. This work
      extrapolates our original solution studies (Coe, B. J. et al. Angew. Chem., Int.
      Ed.1999, 38, 366) to the first demonstration of redox-switching of NLO activity
      in a molecular material.

PMID- 22077288
TI  - Differentiating infection from vaccination in foot-and-mouth disease.

PMID- 22077289
TI  - Differentiating foot-and-mouth disease virus-infected from vaccinated animals
      with baculovirus-expressed specific proteins.
AB  - Abstract   We had shown in preliminary studies with a small number of animals
      that antibodies against 2C could be detected in cattle and pigs which had been
      infected with FMDV but not in animals which had been vaccinated against the
      disease. To determine whether this test was generally applicable, seta from
      several hundred animals which had been vaccinated with different products in many
      countries have been tested in an ELISA using baculovirus expressed 2C. Our
      results show that only 1-2% of the sera gave a positive reaction by this method.
      In contrast, 100% of sera from convalescent animals gave a positive reaction.  
      To be useful in differentiating between convalescent and vaccinated animals it is
      necessary to know how long these antibodies can be detected by our ELISA. We have
      determined the levels of antibodies against 2C and also other virus-specific
      proteins which are present in cattle and pigs following infection with FMDV. Our
      results show that levels of anti-3ABC antibodies could be detected by ELISA with
      baculovirus-expressed protein up to one year after infection. In contrast, the
      levels of anti-2C antibodies fell more rapidly than those against 3ABC indicating
      that the latter protein may be preferable for detecting convalescent animals.
      Nevertheless, we envisage that the final test format should include several virus
      specific proteins to determine accurately the immune status of an animal.

PMID- 22077290
TI  - Cattle response to foot-and-mouth disease virus nonstructural proteins as
      antigens within vaccines produced using different concentrations.
AB  - Abstract   Four groups of ten nine-month-old Nelore heifers were used for this
      study. Each group received one of four foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) trivalent
      vaccines for the duration of the experiment. The four vaccine formulations
      (Normal, 2X, 4X and 8X) differed in 140S content to determine the serological
      reactivities to FMD virus (FMDV) nonstructural proteins 2C, 3ABC and 3D.
      Vaccination was by the intramuscular administration of vaccine on day 0, 180 and
      360. Bleedings were done at 30 days post vaccination (dpv), 90 dpv, 30 days post
      revaccination (dpr), 90 dpr, and 30 days post third administration (dprr). There
      was a general tendency to have higher mean 3D responses with increased vaccine
      application but not with increased concentration of antigen. With 2C and 3ABC
      this tendency was not seen, neither with repeated application of vaccine nor with
      increased antigen concentration. All individual animal observations to 2C and
      3ABC remained within three standard deviations of the average observed for naive
      bovids.   Percent of positive (PP) reactions was determined using an ELISA for
      nonstructural proteins 2C, 3ABC and 3D expressed in baculovirus as previously
      described. A value of >25 PP to 2C or 3ABC could be considered as an indication
      of previous infection or of the presence of viral activity. PP results between 18
      and 25 PP suggest viral activity and animals should be retested. Those responses
      below 15 PP are suggestive of vaccination or naive status. As diagnosis in the
      laboratory is not divorced from the field epidemiological scene, the intermediate
      zone between 10 and 20 PP should be considered and acted upon according to the
      overall zoosanitary situation of that country or region and the purposes of the
      ongoing FMD control efforts.

PMID- 22077291
TI  - Blocking ELISAs using the FMDV non-structural proteins 3D, 3AB, and 3ABC produced
      in the baculovirus expression system.

PMID- 22077292
TI  - Diagnostic potential of Mab-based ELISAs for antibodies to non-structural
      proteins of foot-and-mouth disease virus to differentiate infection from
      vaccination.
AB  - Abstract   This paper summarises the development of monoclonal antibody (Mab)
      based immunoassays measuring antibodies to non-structural proteins of FMDV to
      differentiate infection from vaccination.   Of the three non-structural proteins
      2C, 3C and 3ABC evaluated in this study, the polypeptide 3ABC was the most
      immunogenic. Three ELISAs for the detection of antibodies to 3ABC were developed.
      Two assays rely on the competition of test sera against either a anti-3A Mab or
      against antisera to 3ABC raised in rabbits and guinea-pigs. The third, 3ABC Mat
      ELISA, based on the direct binding of antibodies to the 3ABC trapped by a
      specific Mab, provided the best combination of specificity and sensitivity.   The
      3ABC Mat-ELISA was extensively validated for cattle, either in experimental and
      in field conditions, showing specificity of 99% in vaccinated and in naive cattle
      and the capacity to detect silent infections in FMD-vaccinated populations.   The
      test showed similar specificity and sensitivity in experimentally vaccinated and
      infected sheep.

PMID- 22077293
TI  - The possible use of native foot-and-mouth disease nonstructural protein 3A in a
      serological screening test.
AB  - Abstract   ELISA's for antibodies to non-structural proteins of foot-and-mouth
      disease developed to date use recombinant proteins as antigens. To compare the
      antibody response to recombinant antigen and native antigen we developed an
      antigen capture ELISA for foot-and-mouth protein 3A. The concentration of 3A
      protein in virus cultures was significantly higher in the cell debris than in the
      supernatant, which made it possible to use proteins directly eluted from cells
      separated from a virus culture using Filteraid. The antigen was trapped between
      one monoclonal antibody coated to the plate, and a second monoclonal antibody
      conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. The reaction of the second (conjugated)
      monoclonal antibody could be blocked by several post-infection sera. Further
      research has to be performed to determine whether or not this method can result
      in a reproducible serological test.

PMID- 22077294
TI  - Application of RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing in foot-and-mouth disease
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22077296
TI  - Detection of foot-and-mouth disease by reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction and virus isolation in contact sheep without clinical signs of foot-and
      mouth disease.
AB  - Summary   Two non-vaccinated sheep were experimentally, infected with FMDV and
      one day later 4 other sheep were brought in contact. Although the contact sheep
      showed no clinical signs, serology indicated that all sheep became infected.
      Various secretion samples, taken over a period of at least one month, and various
      tissue samples were examined for the presence of FMDV by RT-PCR and by virus
      isolation. FMDV was most often found in saliva (mouth swabs), followed by nasal
      secretion and sera. Faecal material, wool and milk were less suitable. The period
      of detection with the highest frequency of positive isolations was between 2 to 4
      days pi for the infected sheep and between 5 to 10 days pc for the contact
      animals. It was established that in subclinically infected sheep, with a very low
      amount of virus present, FMD viral RNA could be detected by a sensitive RT-PCR
      ELISA although virus isolation and standard RT-PCR remained negative. Moreover
      there was some evidence of active spreading of FMDV from the contact sheep to two
      sentinel pigs. This indicates that serologically positive contact sheep without
      clinical signs may be considered as a danger for the transmission of FMDV.

PMID- 22077295
TI  - RT-PCR in foot-and-mouth.
AB  - Summary   A RT-PCR assay for the specific detection of RNA sequences from foot
      and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been developed. The procedure permits also the
      detection of sequences that correlate with established FMDV serotypes. A computer
      program that allows selection of genotype-specific primers for RT-PCR
      amplification was used for the identification of FMDV specific sequences for PCR
      amplification on RNA replicase (3D) gene regions. Specific, rapid and highly
      sensitive detection was achieved for a wide collection of RNA samples from FMDV
      types C, A and O, either purified from tissue culture or extracted from lesions
      of infected animals. Similarly, serotype-specific primers were designed to
      amplify the carboxy-terminal end of the VP1 gene of FMDV types either C, A or O.
      The results of PCR amplification of diffefent FMDV RNAs using type-specific
      primers are in agreement with the serological typing of the corresponding
      viruses. A combination of this approach with a simplified sample processing,
      carried out following direct adsorption of viral suspensions to microtiter
      plates, provides a rapid, reliable method of viral diagnosis.

PMID- 22077298
TI  - A mad mayor of Fremantle: the mysterious illness of Edward Davies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to illustrate how a person's standing in a
      small, close-knit community can distort local medical and legal attitudes to
      their diagnosis. We examined various historical texts describing Edward Davies
      (1855?1904), Mayor of Fremantle, and the medical, legal and family responses to
      his illness. CONCLUSIONS: When Davies developed an apparently serious mental
      illness, his family was able to keep this behaviour hidden for some time.
      However, when evidence of his illness finally erupted into the public eye, it led
      to a ground-breaking 1903 case in the WA Supreme Court in Lunacy. It is clear
      that Davies? defenders wanted him to be diagnosed and treated as an alcoholic,
      when in fact he may have had late onset psychosis, complicated by alcohol abuse.
      With the increasing amount of historical material available through Australian
      digitized newspaper collections, new scope is opening up for retrospective
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22077299
TI  - Revisiting the hypothesis-driven interview in a contemporary context.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The "hypothesis-driven interview" was articulated by George Engel as a
      method of raising and testing hypotheses in the process of building a
      biopsychosocial formulation and determining the most likely diagnosis. This
      interview was a forerunner of the modern medical interview as well as the
      contemporary psychiatric assessment. The objective of this article is to describe
      the hypothesis-driven interview and to explore its relationship with the
      contemporary medical interview. METHOD: The literature on the medical and
      hypothesis-driven interview was reviewed. Key features of each were identified.
      RESULTS: The hypothesis-driven interview shares much with the contemporary
      medical interview. In addition, it enhances the application of communication
      skills and allows the interviewer to develop a formulation during the course of
      the assessment. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis-driven interview is well suited to the
      aims of a contemporary psychiatric assessment.

PMID- 22077300
TI  - Consumer participation in service evaluation and quality improvement: key
      ingredients for a system to deliver national indicators.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to describe the fundamental components of a
      system to ensure consumer participation in mental health service evaluation and
      quality improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The seven fundamental components identified
      provide the basis for a system to deliver national indicators for consumer
      participation in quality improvement under the National Health Performance domain
      of "responsiveness to consumers". The MH-CoPES Framework satisfies these criteria
      and may be drawn upon as the basis for developing local systems for consumer
      participation in quality improvement within mental health services.

PMID- 22077301
TI  - Hospital admissions for obsessive-compulsive disorder in NSW, 1997 to 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the characteristics of admissions to NSW hospitals with a
      diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHOD: Assessment of
      administrative data from all NSW hospital admissions from 1997 to 2010. RESULTS:
      The average admission rate for a primary diagnosis of OCD was 1.5 per 100,000
      population. This rate increased over the period assessed. OCD was much more
      common as a secondary diagnosis (6.1 per 100,000 population), often occurring
      with affective disorders in adults and other anxiety disorders in children.
      Adults admitted with OCD had an average length of stay of 24 days. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although hospital admissions of patients with OCD are uncommon, the high rates of
      comorbidity and increasing rates of admission alert us to the significance of
      screening patients for OCD and being able to offer outpatient treatment.

PMID- 22077302
TI  - The validity and utility of risk assessment for inpatient suicide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is widely assumed that identifying clinical risk factors can allow
      us to determine which patients are at high risk of suicide while in hospital, and
      that identifying those patients can help prevent inpatient suicide. We aimed to
      examine the validity and utility of categorizing psychiatric patients to be at
      either high or low risk of committing suicide while in hospital. METHOD: The
      assumption that high-risk categorizations are valid was examined by comparing
      factors included in high-risk models derived from individual studies of inpatient
      suicide with the results of a meta-analysis of factors associated with inpatient
      suicide. A valid high-risk model was then applied to a hypothetical clinical
      setting in order to test the assumption that high-risk categorizations are
      useful. RESULTS: The existing models for assessing whether inpatients are at high
      risk of suicide all include one or more factors that were not found to be
      associated with inpatient suicide by meta-analysis and were probably chance
      associations. Depressed mood and a prior history of self-harm are the only well
      established independent risk factors for inpatient suicide. Using these risk
      factors to classify patients as being at high or low risk would prevent few, if
      any, suicides, and would come at a considerable cost in terms of more restrictive
      care of many patients and the reduced level of care available to the remaining
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Risk categorization of individual patients has no role to
      play in preventing the suicide of psychiatric inpatients.

PMID- 22077303
TI  - Comment: To collude or not to collude with crimes against humanity - the question
      of Adam Czerniakow's suicide.

PMID- 22077304
TI  - Early onset eating disorders in male adolescents: a series of 10 inpatients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This case series aims to describe the demographic and clinical
      features of male inpatients with early onset eating disorders. METHOD:
      Retrospective review was made of medical files of male patients treated for
      eating disorders at two children's hospitals over a 2 year period, with an onset
      of eating disorder before age 14 years, presenting for index admission.
      Demographic characteristics, DSM-IV diagnosis, clinical characteristics and
      treatment received were reviewed. RESULTS: Ten male patients with a median age of
      12.8 years (range 10.2 to 13.5) were identified; three met the full criteria for
      anorexia nervosa (AN) and four met all except the weight criterion. There was
      high psychiatric comorbidity: four with a major depressive episode, seven an
      anxiety disorder, three with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Seven
      engaged in over-exercise. Seven were treated with an antidepressant, and five
      with an atypical antipsychotic; six required nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding.
      CONCLUSION: A minority of patients met full diagnostic criteria for AN, with many
      not meeting weight criteria despite medical instability. The main clinical
      features were food restriction, over-exercise and psychiatric comorbidity.
      Treatment with antidepressants, antipsychotics and NGT feeding was frequent.
      Future prospective studies could help identify gender-specific features as well
      as benefits and potential side effects of pharmacotherapy in this age group.

PMID- 22077306
TI  - Consultation-liaison psychiatry and prevention of severe neuroleptic sensitivity
      reactions in dementia with Lewy bodies.

PMID- 22077307
TI  - Health and wellbeing of the invisible: homeless women with young children.

PMID- 22077308
TI  - Inadequate psychological assessment for female to male gender reassignment.

PMID- 22077309
TI  - Yoga and mental health.

PMID- 22077314
TI  - Correlation of L-type amino acid transporter 1 and CD98 expression with triple
      negative breast cancer prognosis.
AB  - Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous, aggressive cancer for
      which there is no effective chemotherapy or targeted therapy. We aimed to
      evaluate L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1 and CD98 expression
      immunohistochemically in patients with breast cancer, especially TNBC. Out of 129
      patients, LAT1 was positive in 56 patients (43.4%), and CD98 was positive in 41
      patients (31.8%). The positive ratio of LAT1 expression in luminal A cases was
      7.9%, 30.0% in luminal B cases, 71.4% in HER2 cases and 64.0% in TN cases. HER2
      and TN subtypes expressed LAT1 and CD98 at higher levels than luminal A and B
      subtypes (both P < 0.001). LAT1 and CD98 expression correlated with tumor size
      (LAT1, P = 0.010; CD98, P = 0.007), nuclear grade (LAT1, P < 0.001; CD98, P <
      0.001) and Ki67 labeling index (LAT1, P < 0.001; CD98, P = 0.001). LAT1 and CD98
      expression was negatively associated with ER and PgR (both P < 0.001). In TNBC,
      the 5-year disease-free rate of CD98+ (63.6%) or LAT1+/CD98+ (61.9%) patients was
      significantly worse than that of CD98- (89.3%) patients or those with no co
      expression of LAT1 and CD98 (89.7%), respectively (P = 0.014, P = 0.009). The 5
      year survival rates of CD98 positive/negative patients were 77.3% and 100% (P =
      0.050), respectively, whereas that of patients with LAT1+/CD98+ (76.2%) was
      significantly worse (100%) (P = 0.040). Multivariate analysis confirmed that
      CD98+ or LAT1+/CD98+ expression were risk factors for relapse in TNBC (P = 0.023,
      P = 0.019). Thus, in the present study we show that LAT1 and CD98 expression are
      prognostic factors. Inhibition of these proteins might provide a new therapeutic
      strategy in TNBC.

PMID- 22077315
TI  - A headache which leaves you feeling bruised.

PMID- 22077316
TI  - Phenotyping sleep.

PMID- 22077317
TI  - Histopathological and behavioral effects of immediate and delayed hemorrhagic
      shock after mild traumatic brain injury in rats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the increased susceptibility of the
      brain, after a controlled mild cortical impact injury, to a secondary ischemic
      insult. The effects of the duration and the timing of the secondary insult after
      the initial cortical injury were studied. Rats anesthetized with isoflurane
      underwent a 3 m/sec, 2.5-mm deformation cortical impact injury followed by
      hypotension to 40 mm Hg induced by withdrawing blood from a femoral vein. The
      duration of hypotension was varied from 40 to 60 min. The timing of 60 min of
      hypotension was varied from immediately post-injury to 7 days after the injury.
      Outcome was assessed by behavioral tasks and histological examination at 2 weeks
      post-injury. A separate group of animals underwent measurement of the acute
      physiology including mean blood pressure (MAP), intracranial pressure (ICP), and
      cerebral blood flow (CBF) using a laser Doppler technique. Increasing durations
      of hypotension resulted in marked expansion of the contusion, from 6.5+/-1.8 mm3
      with sham hypotension to 27.1+/-3.9 mm3 with 60 min of hypotension. This
      worsening of the contusion was found only when then hypotension occurred
      immediately after injury or at 1 h after injury. CA3 neuron loss followed a
      similar pattern, but the injury group differences were not significant. Motor
      tasks, including beam balance and beam walking, were significantly worse
      following 50 and 60 min of hypotension. Performance on the Morris water maze task
      was also significantly related to the injury group. Studies of the acute cerebral
      hemodynamics demonstrated that CBF was significantly more impaired during
      hypotension in the animals that underwent the mild TBI compared to those that
      underwent sham TBI. The perfusion deficit was worst at the impact site, but also
      significant in the pericontusional brain. With 50 and 60 min of hypotension, CBF
      did not recover following resuscitation at the impact site, and recovered only
      transiently in the pericontusional brain. These results demonstrate that mild
      TBI, like more severe levels of TBI, can impair the brain's ability to maintain
      CBF during a period of hypotension, and result in a worse outcome.

PMID- 22077318
TI  - Influences of incorporating detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal in common carp
      (Cyprinus carpio L.) diet on the expression of growth hormone- and insulin-like
      growth factor-1-encoding genes.
AB  - Jatropha curcas is a drought-resistant shrub or small tree widespread all over
      the tropics and subtropics. The use of J. curcas (L) kernel meal in fish feed is
      limited owing to the presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents. In this
      study, it was detoxified using heat treatment and organic solvent extraction
      method. The detoxification process was carried out for 60 min to obtain the
      detoxified meal. Cyprinus carpio L. fingerlings (n = 180; avg. wt. 3.2 +/- 0.07
      g) were randomly distributed in five treatment groups with four replicates and
      fed isonitrogenous diets (crude protein 38%) for 8 weeks. The inclusion levels of
      the detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM) and soybean meal (SBM) were as
      follows: control diet was prepared with fish meal (FM) and wheat meal, without
      any DJKM and SBM; diets S(50)  and J(50) : 50% of FM protein replaced by SBM and
      DJKM respectively; diets S(75)  and J(75) : 75% of FM protein replaced by SBM and
      DJKM respectively. Highest body mass gain and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF
      1) gene expression in brain, liver and muscle were observed for the control
      group, which were statistically similar to those for J(50)  group and
      significantly (p < 0.05) higher than for all other groups, whereas growth hormone
      gene expression in brain, liver and muscle exhibited opposite trend. Insulin-like
      growth factor-1 concentration in plasma did not differ significantly among the
      five groups. Conclusively, growth performance was in parallel with IGF-1 gene
      expression and exhibited negative trend with GH gene expression.

PMID- 22077319
TI  - Augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic - a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine using meta-analysis the effect of adding a second
      antipsychotic to established clozapine monotherapy. METHOD: A literature search
      was conducted in April 2011, and randomised placebo-controlled double-blind
      studies were identified. We performed a meta-analysis of efficacy (as
      standardised mean difference) and tolerability (withdrawals from trials) and a
      regression analysis of duration of study versus effect size. We also examined
      publication bias using funnel-plot analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 14 studies were
      included (734 subjects). Individual study numbers ranged from 10 to 207 (mean
      52.6, median 40). Augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic conferred
      a small benefit over placebo (effect size -0.239 (95% CI: -0.452, -0.026); P =
      0.028). Meta-regression of the effect of length of treatment on effect size
      showed no relationship (P = 0.254). The risk of discontinuing antipsychotic
      augmentation was no greater than the risk of discontinuing placebo (RR = 1.20,
      95% CI 0.80-1.82). There was no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION:
      Augmentation with a second antipsychotic is modestly beneficial in patients not
      responding fully to clozapine. Tolerability seems not to be adversely affected,
      at least in the short term. Longer studies do not appear to increase the
      probability of showing positive effects for augmentation.

PMID- 22077320
TI  - Molecular responses of human lung epithelial cells to the toxicity of copper
      oxide nanoparticles inferred from whole genome expression analysis.
AB  - This study proposes a molecular mechanism for lung epithelial A549 cell response
      to copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) related to Cu ions released from CuO-NPs.
      Cells that survived exposure to CuO-NPs arrested the cell cycle as a result of
      the downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cell division
      control 2 (CDC2), cyclin B1 (CCNB1), target protein for Xklp2 (TPX2), and aurora
      kinase A (AURKA) and B (AURKB). Furthermore, cell death was avoided through the
      induced expression of nuclear receptors NR4A1 and NR4A3 and growth arrest and DNA
      damage-inducible 45 beta and gamma (GADD45B and GADD45G, respectively). The
      downregulation of CDC2, CCNB1, TPX2, AURKA, and AURKB, the expressions of which
      are involved in cell cycle arrest, was attributed to Cu ions released from CuO
      NPs into medium. NR4A1 and NR4A3 expression was also induced by Cu ions released
      into the medium. The expression of GADD45B and GADD45G activated the p38 pathway
      that was involved in escape from cell death. The upregulation of GADD45B and
      GADD45G was not observed with Cu ions released into medium but was observed in
      cells exposed to CuO-NPs. However, because the expression of the genes was also
      induced by Cu ion concentrations higher than that released from CuO-NPs into the
      medium, the expression appeared to be triggered by Cu ions released from CuO-NPs
      taken up into cells. We infer that, for cells exposed to CuO-NPs, those able to
      make such a molecular response survived and those unable to do so eventually
      died.

PMID- 22077321
TI  - Comparison of intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes between spermatozoa
      retrieved from testicular biopsy and from ejaculation in cryptozoospermic men.
AB  - The infrequent presence of spermatozoa in cryptozoospermic men ejaculate is a
      limiting factor in the treatment of them. Sometimes, this consideration impels us
      to apply meticulous microscopic search in ejaculate or testicular sperm
      extraction (TESE) method. The aim of this study was to assess putative
      effectiveness of sperm origin, ejaculated or testicular, in cryptozoospermia
      treatment. In this context, were evaluated intracytoplasmic sperm injection
      (ICSI) outcomes in two parameters including fertilisation rate (2PN) and embryo
      quality, independently. We compared the outcome in two groups: patients who
      underwent ejaculate/ICSI and ones who underwent TESE/ICSI process. Nineteen ICSI
      cycles performed with testicular spermatozoa and the rest of cycles (n = 208)
      carried out with ejaculated spermatozoa. Result analysis showed similar
      fertilisation rate between testicular and ejaculated spermatozoa (respectively,
      60% versus 68%, P >= 0.05). Also, on the other hand, embryo quality did not show
      significant differences between two groups, except grade A with low significance.
      With regard to almost equal performance of both methods in results and being
      invasive of TESE as surgical sperm retrieval method, the use of ejaculated sperm
      more than testicular sperm should be recommended in patients with
      cryptozoospermia whenever possible.

PMID- 22077322
TI  - Microbialites and global environmental change across the Permian-Triassic
      boundary: a synthesis.
AB  - Permian-Triassic boundary microbialites (PTBMs) are thin (0.05-15 m) carbonates
      formed after the end-Permian mass extinction. They comprise Renalcis-group
      calcimicrobes, microbially mediated micrite, presumed inorganic micrite, calcite
      cement (some may be microbially influenced) and shelly faunas. PTBMs are abundant
      in low-latitude shallow-marine carbonate shelves in central Tethyan continents
      but are rare in higher latitudes, likely inhibited by clastic supply on Pangaea
      margins. PTBMs occupied broadly similar environments to Late Permian reefs in
      Tethys, but extended into deeper waters. Late Permian reefs are also rich in
      microbes (and cements), so post-extinction seawater carbonate saturation was
      likely similar to the Late Permian. However, PTBMs lack widespread abundant
      inorganic carbonate cement fans, so a previous interpretation that anoxic
      bicarbonate-rich water upwelled to rapidly increase carbonate saturation of
      shallow seawater, post-extinction, is problematic. Preliminary pyrite framboid
      evidence shows anoxia in PTBM facies, but interbedded shelly faunas indicate
      oxygenated water, perhaps there was short-term pulsing of normally saturated
      anoxic water from the oxygen-minimum zone to surface waters. In Tethys, PTBMs
      show geographic variations: (i) in south China, PTBMs are mostly thrombolites in
      open shelf settings, largely recrystallised, with remnant structure of Renalcis
      group calcimicrobes; (ii) in south Turkey, in shallow waters, stromatolites and
      thrombolites, lacking calcimicrobes, are interbedded, likely depth-controlled;
      and (iii) in the Middle East, especially Iran, stromatolites and thrombolites
      (calcimicrobes uncommon) occur in different sites on open shelves, where controls
      are unclear. Thus, PTBMs were under more complex control than previously
      portrayed, with local facies control playing a significant role in their
      structure and composition.

PMID- 22077323
TI  - Enhanced transdermal delivery of 18beta-glycyrrhetic acid via elastic vesicles:
      in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to develop an elastic vesicular formulation
      to enhance the skin permeation of a poorly water-soluble 18beta-glycyrrhetic acid
      (GA) and treat dermatitis. METHODS: Elastic vesicles of GA were prepared by the
      film method with high pressure homogenizer and characterized by storage
      stability. In vitro permeation studies were carried on rat skin using Franz
      diffusion cell. In vivo skin deposition of GA was studied using HPLC assay.
      Chronic allergic contact dermatitis model was built to evaluate pharmacodynamic
      of GA elastic vesicles. RESULTS: The GA elastic vesicles developed have high
      flexibility and the storage stability was at least for 6 months at 4 degrees C
      and for 4 months at 25 degrees C. In vitro cumulative penetration of GA from
      elastic vesicles within 8 hours was 5.3-fold and 23.2-fold higher than that of
      conventional liposomes and saturated solution, respectively. After non-occlusive
      application to mice ears in vivo, skin deposition of GA increased immediately and
      reached the C(max) at 3 h (1.95 +/- 0.32 ug/cm2) and still detected, even after
      16 hours GA removed. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity study, GA elastic
      vesicles showed significant reduction in ear thickness and mass (25.52% and
      49.23%) (P < 0.05). The suppressive activity was comparable to that of positive
      control group (Triamcinolone Acetonide and Econazole Nitrate cream in market),
      while few side effects were observed in present model. CONCLUSION: The results
      suggested that of GA elastic vesicular was safe and effective in treatment of
      contact dermatitis by transdermal administration.

PMID- 22077324
TI  - Transient changes of intraocular pressure and anterior segment configuration
      after diagnostic mydriasis with 1% tropicamide in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association of transient changes in
      intraocular pressure (IOP) with changes in the anterior chamber configuration in
      children after diagnostic mydriasis with 1% tropicamide. METHODS: In this
      prospective case-control study, 163 hospital clinic-based samples of unrelated
      children with or without myopia were enrolled. Complete ophthalmological
      examinations, including visual acuities, cycloplegic refraction, slitlamp
      examination, fundus examination, IOP, axial length measurement and Pentacam
      examination were performed. RESULTS: Lens thickness in emmetropic children was
      significantly greater than in myopic children of both genders, both before and
      after mydriasis. In a comparison of the biometric differences before and after
      mydriasis, IOP was not different, but the lens thickness after mydriasis was
      significantly less in myopic and emmetropic children of both genders. The mean
      anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber volume
      significantly increased after mydriasis in myopic and emmetropic children of both
      genders. These parameters were not related to the changes of IOP under multiple
      regression analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between
      groups in either biometric parameters or anterior chamber configurations.
      CONCLUSION: While the present findings do not show a significant change in IOP
      following mydriasis, there was wide inter-individual variation, with some
      children showing an increase in IOP of up to 8.0 mmHg and some showing a decrease
      of a similar amount. This variation suggests that IOP should be monitored when
      mydriatics or cycloplegics are used in children.

PMID- 22077325
TI  - The sources of error in Brass's method for estimating child survival: the case of
      Bangladesh.
AB  - Abstract   Brass's method for estimating child mortality is based on an
      ingeniously simplified model. However, it frequently leads to values of q(x) that
      are not consistent with each other. This is most obvious for estimates of q(1).
      This paper examines the extent to which such inconsistencies are caused by
      simplifications in the model. Three assumptions are relaxed by adjusting for
      differences in infant mortality by birth order, taking account of annual
      fluctuations in mortality, and using a different age pattern of fertility for
      each cohort. These adjustments are applied to data from the 1974 Bangladesh
      Retrospective Survey of Fertility and Mortality and the 1975 Bangladesh Fertility
      Survey in which additional data from the Cholera Research Laboratory are used.
      The resulting estimates are more consistent both internally and with estimates
      from other surveys and by other procedures.

PMID- 22077326
TI  - Some remarks on the paper by A. Okore, 'Rural-urban fertility differentials in
      Southern Nigeria: An assessment of some available evidence'.
AB  - Abstract   In his paper Okore(1) critically examines the view of Olusanya and
      Ekanem that, partly because of shorter periods of breastfeeding and abstinence
      associated with 'modernization', urban fertility exceeds rural. Unfortunately,
      the proponents of this view have produced very few hard data on durations of
      breast-feeding and abstinence.(2).

PMID- 22077327
TI  - A rejoinder to David Lucas.
AB  - Abstract   In order to clarify the main points at issue, I shall pinpoint some of
      the major differences between my approach to the study of fertility differentials
      in Southern Nigeria and that of Lucas.

PMID- 22077330
TI  - Interconnected MoO2 nanocrystals with carbon nanocoating as high-capacity anode
      materials for lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - A facile one-pot hydrothermal method has been developed for the preparation of
      carbon-coated MoO(2) nanocrystals. The annealed MoO(2)-C nanocomposite consists
      of interconnected MoO(2)@C nanocrystals. When evaluated for lithium storage
      capabilities, these MoO(2)@C nanocrystals exhibit high specific capacities (~640
      mA h g(-1) at 200 mA g(-1) and ~575 mA h g(-1) at 400 mA g(-1)) and excellent
      cycling stability. In view of the excellent lithium storage properties and the
      ease in large-scale preparation, the as-synthesized MoO(2)-C nanocomposite might
      be used as promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

PMID- 22077331
TI  - Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the inflorescence essential
      oil of Capillipedium parviflorum (R. Br.) Stapf. from India.
AB  - Essential oil isolated from the inflorescences of Capillipedium parviflorum (R.
      Br.) Stapf., collected from Kumaon region of Western Himalaya, India, was
      investigated by GC and GC-MS. A total of 45 constituents representing 99.0% of
      the essential oil were identified. The major components of this oil were 4
      undecanone (33.2%), 4-undecanol (29.7%), 4-nonanol (13.9%), alpha-muurolol
      (5.3%), 4-tridecanone (3.6%), methyl-2-oxo-nonanoate (3.1%), trans-2-hexenyl
      butanoate (1.1%) and 1-tetradecanol (1.0%). The antimicrobial activity of the
      essential oil was determined against eight Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacterial strains, as well as two fungal strains. The bioassay showed that the
      essential oil possessed good antibacterial activity.

PMID- 22077332
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulations of low-ordered alzheimer beta-amyloid oligomers
      from dimer to hexamer on self-assembled monolayers.
AB  - Accumulation of small soluble oligomers of amyloid-beta (Abeta) in the human
      brain is thought to play an important pathological role in Alzheimer's disease.
      The interaction of these Abeta oligomers with cell membrane and other artificial
      surfaces is important for the understanding of Abeta aggregation and toxicity
      mechanisms. Here, we present a series of exploratory molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations to study the early adsorption and conformational change of Abeta
      oligomers from dimer to hexamer on three different self-assembled monolayers
      (SAMs) terminated with CH(3), OH, and COOH groups. Within the time scale of MD
      simulations, the conformation, orientation, and adsorption of Abeta oligomers on
      the SAMs is determined by complex interplay among the size of Abeta oligomers,
      the surface chemistry of the SAMs, and the structure and dynamics of interfacial
      waters. Energetic analysis of Abeta adsorption on the SAMs reveals that Abeta
      adsorption on the SAMs is a net outcome of different competitions between
      dominant hydrophobic Abeta-CH(3)-SAM interactions and weak CH(3)-SAM-water
      interactions, between dominant electrostatic Abeta-COOH-SAM interactions and
      strong COOH-SAM-water interactions, and between comparable hydrophobic and
      electrostatic Abeta-OH-SAM interactions and strong OH-SAM-water interactions.
      Atomic force microscopy images also confirm that all of three SAMs can induce the
      adsorption and polymerization of Abeta oligomers. Structural analysis of Abeta
      oligomers on the SAMs shows a dramatic increase in structural stability and beta
      sheet content from dimer to trimer, suggesting that Abeta trimer could act as
      seeds for Abeta polymerization on the SAMs. This work provides atomic-level
      understanding of Abeta peptides at interface.

PMID- 22077333
TI  - A concise total synthesis of (+/-)-minfiensine.
AB  - A concise total synthesis of (+/-)-minfiensine using all conventional methods and
      starting from commercial materials has been completed. The synthesis features a
      Fischer indole synthesis, a Heck alkylation of an intermediate ketone enolate,
      conversion of a ketone carbonyl into an epoxide, and transformation of the latter
      into an allylic alcohol.

PMID- 22077334
TI  - Mitophagy: a complex mechanism of mitochondrial removal.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Mitochondrial dynamics and turnover are crucial for cellular
      homeostasis and differentiation. The removal of damaged mitochondria that could
      contribute to cellular dysfunction or death is achieved through the process of
      mitochondrial autophagy, i.e., mitophagy. Moreover, mitophagy is responsible for
      removal of mitochondria during terminal differentiation of red blood cells and T
      cells. RECENT ADVANCES: Recent work is elucidating how mitochondria are
      recognized for selective mitophagy either by PINK1 and Parkin or mitophagic
      receptors Nix and Bnip3 and their accompanying modulators. PINK1/Parkin-mediated
      mitophagy reveals their role of cargo recognition through polyubiquitination of
      mitochondrial proteins, while Nix functions as a regulated mitophagy receptor.
      These recognized modes of capture by the autophagy machinery operate at different
      efficiencies, from partial to complete elimination of mitochondria. CRITICAL
      ISSUES: It is critical to understand that the distinct regulatory mechanisms
      involve not only autophagy machinery, but also proteins associated with
      mitochondrial fusion and fission and therefore, regulation of mitochondrial
      morphology. The end result is either finely tuned quality control of damaged
      mitochondria, or mitochondrial clearance during development- induced mitophagy.
      FUTURE DIRECTIONS: In this article, known mechanisms and future directions for
      deciphering the challenge of mitophagy regulation will be discussed.

PMID- 22077335
TI  - Comparative in vitro microdosimetric study of murine- and human-derived cancer
      cells exposed to alpha particles.
AB  - Diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) is a proposed new form of
      brachytherapy using alpha particles to treat solid tumors. The method relies on
      implantable 224Ra-loaded sources that continually release short-lived alpha
      particle-emitting atoms that spread inside the tumor over a few millimeters. This
      treatment was demonstrated to have a significant effect on tumor growth in murine
      and human-derived models, but the degree of tumor response varied across cell
      lines. Tumor response was found to correlate with the degree of radionuclide
      spread inside the tumor. In this work we examined the radiosensitivity of
      individual cells to determine its relationship to tumor response. Cells were
      irradiated in vitro by alpha particles using a 228Th irradiator, with the mean
      lethal dose, D0, estimated from survival curves generated by standard methods.
      The results were further analyzed by microdosimetric tools to calculate z0, the
      specific energy resulting in a survival probability of 1/e for a single cell,
      which is considered to better represent the intrinsic radiosensitivity of
      individual cells. The results of the study demonstrate that, as a rule, tumors
      that respond more favorably to the DaRT treatment are also characterized by
      higher intrinsic cellular radiosensitivities, with D0 ranging from 0.7 Gy to 1.5
      Gy for the extreme cases and z0 following the same trend.

PMID- 22077337
TI  - Overexpression of SKP2 promotes the radiation resistance of esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - SKP2 is the substrate recognition subunit of the SCF(SKP2) ubiquitin ligase
      complex. It is implicated in ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the cyclin
      dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27(KIP1) and positively regulates the G(1)/S
      transition. Overexpression of SKP2 has been found in many kinds of tumors. In the
      present study, we found that SKP2 expression levels increased in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma tissues. Elevated expression of SKP2 correlated
      significantly with tumor stage and positive lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05).
      Moreover, a significantly negative correlation was found between SKP2 expression
      and the survival of patients who received radiotherapy (P < 0.05). At the
      molecular level, induced expression of SKP2 promoted the radioresistance of
      EC9706 cells. Knockdown of SKP2 expression sensitized cancer cells to radiation,
      and a wobble mutant of SKP2 that was resistant to SKP2 siRNA was able to rescue
      this effect. Increased or decreased expression levels of SKP2 had effects on
      Rad51 expression after irradiation. These results demonstrate for the first time
      that overexpression of SKP2 was correlated with the increased radioresistance of
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Elevated expression of SKP2 promoted the
      radioresistance of cancer cells, and this effect was mediated at least in part by
      the Rad51 pathway.

PMID- 22077336
TI  - Intrachromosomal changes and genomic instability in site-specific microbeam
      irradiated and bystander human-hamster hybrid cells.
AB  - Exposure to ionizing radiation may induce a heritable genomic instability
      phenotype that results in a persisting and enhanced genetic and functional change
      among the progeny of irradiated cells. Since radiation-induced bystander effects
      have been demonstrated with a variety of biological end points under both in
      vitro and in vivo conditions, this raises the question whether cytoplasmic
      irradiation or the radiation-induced bystander effect can also lead to delayed
      genomic instability. In the present study, we used the Radiological Research
      Accelerator Facility charged-particle microbeam for precise nuclear or
      cytoplasmic irradiation. The progeny of irradiated and the bystander human
      hamster hybrid (A(L)) cells were analyzed using multicolor banding (mBAND) to
      examine persistent chromosomal changes. Our results showed that the numbers of
      metaphase cells involving changes of human chromosome 11 (including
      rearrangement, deletion and duplication) were significantly higher than that of
      the control in the progeny of both nuclear and cytoplasmic targeted cells. These
      chromosomal changes could also be detected among the progeny of bystander cells.
      mBAND analyses of clonal isolates from nuclear and cytoplasm irradiations as well
      as the bystander cell group showed that chromosomal unstable clones were
      generated. Analyses of clonal stability after long-term culture indicated no
      significant change in the number of unstable clones for the duration of culture
      in each irradiated group. These results suggest that genomic instability that is
      manifested after ionizing radiation exposure is not dependent on direct damage to
      the cell nucleus.

PMID- 22077338
TI  - Low (20 cGy) doses of 1 GeV/u (56)Fe--particle radiation lead to a persistent
      reduction in the spatial learning ability of rats.
AB  - Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is considered to be a potential
      health risk in long-term space travel, and it represents a significant risk to
      the central nervous system (CNS). The most harmful component of GCR is the HZE
      [high-mass, highly charged (Z), high-energy] particles, e.g. (56)Fe. In previous
      ground-based experiments, exposure to high doses of HZE-particle radiation
      induced pronounced deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in
      rodents. Recent data suggest that glutamatergic transmission in hippocampal
      synaptosomes is impaired after low (60 cGy) doses of 1 GeV/u (56)Fe particles,
      which could lead to impairment of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. To assess
      the effects of mission-relevant (20-60 cGy) doses of 1 GeV/u (56)Fe particles on
      hippocampus-dependent spatial memory, male Wistar rats either received sham
      treatment or were irradiated and tested 3 months later in the Barnes maze test.
      Compared to the controls, rats that received 20, 40 and 60 cGy 1 GeV/u (56)Fe
      particles showed significant impairments in their ability to locate the escape
      box in the Barnes maze, which was manifested by progressively increasing escape
      latency times over the 3 days of testing. However, this increase was not due to a
      lack of motivation of the rats to escape, because the total number of head pokes
      (and especially incorrect head pokes) remained constant over the test period.
      Given that rats exposed to X rays did not exhibit spatial memory impairments
      until >10 Gy was delivered, the RBE for 1 GeV/u (56)Fe-particle-induced
      hippocampal spatial memory impairment is ~50. These data demonstrate that mission
      relevant doses of 1 GeV/u (56)Fe particles can result in severe deficits in
      hippocampus-dependent neurocognitive tasks, and the extreme sensitivity of these
      processes to 1 GeV/u (56)Fe particles must arise due to the perturbation of
      multiple processes in addition to killing neuronal cells.

PMID- 22077339
TI  - Ionizing radiation enhances esophageal epithelial cell migration and invasion
      through a paracrine mechanism involving stromal-derived hepatocyte growth factor.
AB  - Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the
      seventh leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. male population. Ionizing
      radiation exposure is a risk factor for development of esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma, a histological subtype of esophageal cancer that is highly aggressive
      and is associated with poor patient prognosis. This study investigated the
      effects of ionizing radiation on the microenvironment and intercellular
      communication as it relates to esophageal carcinogenesis. We demonstrate that
      normal esophageal epithelial cells exhibited increased migration and invasion
      when cultured in the presence of irradiated stromal fibroblasts or with
      conditioned medium derived from irradiated stromal fibroblasts. Cytokine antibody
      arrays and ELISAs were used to identify hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as an
      abundant protein that is secreted by esophageal fibroblasts at twofold increased
      levels in culture medium after gamma irradiation. Reverse transcription qPCR
      analysis confirmed an approximately 50% increase in mRNA levels for HGF at 1 h in
      irradiated fibroblasts compared to unirradiated controls. Recombinant HGF
      stimulated increased wound healing, migration and invasion of esophageal
      epithelial cells, while blocking antibodies against HGF significantly decreased
      migration and invasion of epithelial cells in coculture with irradiated
      fibroblasts. Since HGF is known to direct cell migration, invasion and metastasis
      in a variety of tissues, including the esophagus, its modulation by ionizing
      radiation may have important implications for nontargeted pathways that influence
      radiation carcinogenesis in the esophagus.

PMID- 22077340
TI  - Management of osteonecrosis in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic
      leukaemia.
AB  - Osteonecrosis is a disabling complication in children and young adults with acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia. It can affect any or multiple joints but the hip and
      knee are most frequently involved and a cause of long-term disability. The
      problem is almost exclusively that of older children and young adults of whom
      over 70% have asymptomatic changes on screening magnetic resonance imaging and 15
      20% have resulting symptoms. Dexamethasone is associated with a higher risk than
      prednisolone in US but not European or UK trials and alternate week scheduling of
      dexamethasone in the intensification course is associated with a lower risk than
      a continuous 3-week schedule in US trials. Genetic factors and obesity contribute
      to the risk, as do metabolic abnormalities caused by drugs, such as asparaginase,
      which increase tissue exposure to steroids. Management is primarily supportive
      but a minority of patients require surgical intervention including replacement of
      the affected joint. A variety of surgical techniques and, latterly,
      bisphophonates, have been tried to prevent progression but their efficacy remains
      uncertain. Whether patients should continue to receive steroids after diagnosis
      of osteonecrosis is uncertain but most trial investigators recommend stopping
      them after completion of the intensification phase of treatment.

PMID- 22077342
TI  - Effect of 10% Sodium Ascorbate and 10% ?-tocopherol in Different Formulations on
      the Shear Bond Strength of Enamel and Dentin Submitted to a Home-use Bleaching
      Treatment.
AB  - Clinical Relevance   A significant reduction in bond strength of restorative
      materials to dentin and enamel after home-use bleaching treatment has been
      reported. Antioxidizing agents may be a procedure to increase bond strength
      values. Although no reversal of bond strength values was found for sodium
      ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol formulated in solution resulted in a significant
      increase in bond strength of bleached enamel.

PMID- 22077341
TI  - A patient with cluster headache--due to a brainstem lesion.

PMID- 22077343
TI  - Sex differences in nicotine dependence among addictions clients accessing a
      smoking cessation programme in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
AB  - Most individuals in drug treatment programmes use tobacco and are dependent on
      nicotine. For 323 participants (65% men, mean age = 49.3 years) with a history of
      substance use disorder (SUD) and/or psychiatric disorders (PD) enrolled in a
      tobacco dependence clinic programme, we compared baseline characteristics among
      women and men and examined factors associated with nicotine dependence (ND).
      Individuals with mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders were more likely to be
      female, whereas men were more likely to be characterized by alcohol, cocaine and
      marijuana use, older age, older age at smoking initiation and higher confidence
      in quitting smoking scores. In stratified multivariate analyses, among women,
      history of an anxiety disorder and a greater number of cigarettes smoked per day
      were associated with higher ND scores; among men, a greater number of cigarettes
      smoked per day and higher confidence in quitting scores were associated with
      higher ND scores. Given the differences in smoking, SUD and PD histories between
      women and men accessing addiction treatment, and differential associations with
      ND, it is important to further explore factors that may enhance tailored
      treatments and inform future studies examining biological and psychosocial
      factors for tobacco use in SUD and PD treatment populations.

PMID- 22077344
TI  - Systematic review: the treatment of noncardiac chest pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) remains a challenge. This
      is in part due to the heterogeneous nature of this disorder. Several conditions
      are associated with NCCP including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
      oesophageal dysmotility, oesophageal hypersensitivity as well as others. AIM: To
      determine the currently available therapeutic modalities for NCCP. METHODS: We
      performed a systematic review of the literature that was published between
      January, 1980 and March, 2011. We identified 734 studies; 68 of them met entry
      criteria. RESULTS: Patients with GERD-related NCCP should receive proton pump
      inhibitors (PPI) twice daily for at least 8 weeks. Smooth muscle relaxants are
      only recommended for temporary relief of NCCP with motility disorders. Botulinum
      toxin injection of the distal oesophagus may be effective in the treatment of
      NCCP and spastic oesophageal motility disorders. Studies assessing the value of
      tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
      in NCCP are relatively small, but suggest an oesophageal analgesic effect in NCCP
      patients that is limited by their side effects profile. The usage of theophylline
      to treat patients with non-GERD-related NCCP should be weighed against its
      potential toxicity. Use of complementary medicine has been scarcely studied in
      NCCP. Patients with coexisting psychological morbidity or those not responding to
      any medical therapy should be considered for psychological intervention.
      Cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnotherapy may be useful in the treatment of
      NCCP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GERD-related noncardiac chest pain should be
      treated with at least double dose PPI. The primary treatment for non-GERD-related
      noncardiac chest pain, regardless if oesophageal dysmotility is present, is pain
      modulators.

PMID- 22077346
TI  - Paradoxes of thermodynamics of swelling equilibria of polymers in liquids and
      vapors.
AB  - An automatic registration of the changing size of a single spherical microbead of
      a cross-linked polymer was applied for studying the swelling process of the bead
      by the sorption of vapors and/or liquids. Many representatives of all three basic
      types of polymeric networks, gel-type, hypercrosslinked, and macroporous, were
      examined. Only the first two display large volume changes and prove suitable for
      following the kinetics and extent of swelling by the above dilatometric
      technique. The results unambiguously prove that swelling of all polymeric
      networks in liquids is always higher than in corresponding saturated vapors
      (Schroeder's paradox). The general nature of this phenomenon implies that the
      absolute activity of any sorbate in its liquid form is always larger than in the
      form of its saturated vapor. Surprisingly, gels with any solvent contents, which
      fall into the broad range between the vapor-equilibrated and liquid-equilibrated
      extreme contents, retain their volumes constant in the saturated vapor
      atmosphere. This paradox of a wide range of gels swollen to a different extent
      and, nevertheless, standing in equilibrium with saturated vapor is explained by
      the specificity of the network polymers, namely, that the energy of the solvent
      polymer interactions is easily compensated by the energy of remaining between
      chain interactions at any solvent content in the above range. Therefore, the
      strain-free swollen gels do not generate enhanced vapor pressure, but neither
      display the ability to take up more sorbate from its vapor.

PMID- 22077345
TI  - Understanding the relationship between attachment style, pain appraisal and
      illness behavior in women.
AB  - Insecure attachment has been hypothesized to be an important factor for
      understanding the experience of pain. Considering the Attachment-Diathesis Model
      of Chronic Pain developed by Meredith, Ownsworth, and Strong (2008), this cross
      sectional study examines the relationship between attachment style, pain
      appraisal, and illness behavior. Two hundred healthy women recruited from
      community contexts completed a battery of self-report measures including the
      Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Anxiety
      Symptoms Scale-20, Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire, Illness Attitude
      Scales, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Experiences in
      Close Relationships Questionnaire-Revised. The results showed that attachment
      anxiety was significantly correlated with pain catastrophizing, pain-related
      fear, depression, and illness behavior. However, attachment anxiety and avoidance
      were not associated with pain intensity. Attachment anxiety moderated the
      relationship between pain catastrophizing and illness behavior, and between pain
      hypervigilance and illness behavior. Pain catastrophizing and pain-related fear
      partially mediated the effect of attachment anxiety on illness behavior. The
      findings highlight potential contributions of attachment style and pain appraisal
      for explaining illness behavior. This study supports earlier reports and suggests
      the usefulness of assessing attachment style for early identification of people
      who might exhibit a high risk of dysfunctional responses to pain. Our findings
      also suggest that increasing people's insight about their attachment style and
      modifying some associated dysfunctional responses may be important in the
      treatment of chronic pain.

PMID- 22077347
TI  - Glycosyl coumarin carbonic anhydrase IX and XII inhibitors strongly attenuate the
      growth of primary breast tumors.
AB  - A series of 7-substituted coumarins incorporating various glycosyl moieties were
      synthesized and investigated for the inhibition of the zinc enzyme carbonic
      anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). These coumarins were very weak or ineffective as
      inhibitors of the housekeeping, off target isoforms CA I and II, but some of them
      inhibited tumor-associated CA IX and XII in the low nanomolar range. They also
      significantly inhibited the growth of primary tumors by the highly aggressive 4T1
      syngeneic mouse mammary tumor cells at 30 mg/kg, constituting interesting
      candidates for the development of conceptually novel anticancer drugs. Because CA
      IX is overexpressed in hypoxic tumors and exhibits very limited expression in
      normal tissues, such compounds may be useful for treating cancers not responsive
      to classic chemo- and radiotherapy.

PMID- 22077348
TI  - Weaning piglets as a model for studying pathophysiology of diarrhea.
AB  - Abstract   During fifty years weaning age of piglets decreased from, in former
      days, ten to twelve weeks till, nowadays, three to five weeks. Early weaned
      piglets frequently have diarrhea. When piglets had diarrhea after weaning,
      enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) or rotavirus were generally detected in the
      faeces; however, they were also detected in faeces of piglets without diarrhea.
      So, other causal factors must be involved in the occurrence of diarrhea after
      weaning. Mortality, due to diarrhea, was associated with severe villus shortening
      and crypt deepening. Furthermore, weaning piglets was also associated with villus
      shortening and crypt deepening and giving supplementary feed during the suckling
      period was effective in preventing villus shortening after weaning. Giving
      piglets sow's milk immediately after weaning is also effective in preventing
      villus atrophy. As shown with a small intestine segment perfusion test weaning
      was also associated with a loss of net absorption in both uninfected and ETEC
      infected small intestine. The loss of net absorption was less in piglets that
      were given supplementary feed during the suckling period. Net absorption in the
      small intestine increased significantly one day after a rotavirus infection and
      decreased significantly after subsequent infection with ETEC. Function of the
      large intestine also influences the severity of diarrhea in just weaned piglets.
      It may be concluded that weaning piglets at an age of three to five weeks changes
      the flora, the morphology, and the function of the intestine; these changes
      together result frequently in diarrhea.

PMID- 22077349
TI  - Correlation between electrophysiological phenomena and transport of
      macromolecules in intestinal epithelium.
AB  - Summary   This review discuss some recent findings in the study of the regulation
      of the permeability of the intestinal epithelial layer. Comparison of electrical
      phenomena and transport of macromolecules suggests that secretory activity and
      increased transepithelial transport of macromolecules are related when secretion
      is mediated by the Ca(2+) and PKC dependend pathways. The transport of the
      macromolecules is via the transcellular and via the paracellular route. The
      barrier function of the intestinal epithelium may be diminished during nervous
      (acetylcholine)- and immuno-(histaminc) mediated secretion. It is hypothesised
      that some bacterial toxins may also induce Ca(2+) and PKC dependent secretion and
      thereby can reduce the epithelial barrier. The cAMP and cGMP mediated secretion,
      which can be recognised by their long-lasting transepithelial potential changes,
      are not coupled to increased transepithelial transport of macromolecules. Some
      forms of secretory diarrhea may therefore be related to the development of food
      allergy or inflammation.

PMID- 22077350
TI  - Food allergy, coeliac disease and chronic inflammatory bowel disease in man.
AB  - Abstract   It is often stated that the gastrointestinal tract has a limited
      number of responses to pathogens. Entirely different agents can produce a similar
      histopathological reaction. However, the expression of the disease in man is very
      heterogeneous, it varies with the age of the subject and is to a certain extent
      genetically determined. For example, food allergy is frequent in childhood and
      not common in adulthood. The intestinal mucosa in the child with cows milk
      allergy shows a 'flat' mucosa, which may be indistinguishable of that observed in
      gluten sensitive entero-pathy or coeliac disease. Subjects with other forms of
      food allergy may have a morphologically normal small intestinal mucosa,
      occasionally with increased IgE plasma cells and often only characterised by an
      increased intestinal permeability. An abnormal intestinal permeability is one of
      the hallmarks of an inflamed gut, however, subjects with a latent form of coeliac
      disease have an abnormal permeability only without overt signs of inflammation.  
      Recently, it has become clear that what determines the characteristics of the
      intestinal inflammatory response is dependent on the cytokines involved during
      the response and this seems to be the same in the stomach, the small intestine
      and the colon. A so-called Th1 response, with an increased production of IFN
      gamma, TNF-alpha and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, occurs in the stomach when
      infected by Helicobacter pylori, in the small intestine when the subject with
      coeliac disease consumes normal bread and during the active phases of Crohn's
      disease. A Th2 response is characteristic of the allergic subject and there is
      some evidence that it is the predominant response in subjects with ulcerative
      colitis. We still do not know the fine-tuning of the cytokine response but IL-12
      appears to be a key cytokine in polarising the response to a Thl type. More
      recently it has become clear that the intestinal mucosa has a unique subset of
      CD4(+) T cells that secrete TGF-beta (Th3 cells) that provide help for IgA. These
      cells have downregulatory properties for Th1 cells and therefore play an
      important role in the active suppression of oral tolerance and IgE response.  
      What determines that an individual develops one of these diseases? It is now
      clear that these different pathological entities are multifactorial. Different
      environmental factors and a complex genetic predisposition where more that one
      gene and more than one chromosome are involved. The extent and severity of the
      inflammatory response depends on the genetic diversity of the bacteria or the
      amount of the antigen on the one hand and on the genetic constitution of the host
      on the other. The abnormal immune response in the human gut is predominantly a
      Th1-like inflammatory response. This can be elicited by bacteria, peptides,
      possibly the bacterial flora and some viruses. The recent findings in the
      pathogenesis of the intestinal inflammatory response will probably alter the
      therapy of the future.

PMID- 22077351
TI  - Role of short-chain fatty acids in the hind gut.
AB  - Abstract   Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by microbial fermentation
      in the hindgut in considerable amounts. Most of the anions in hindgut contents
      are SCFA, mainly acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFA are rapidly absorbed.
      Mechanisms involved in the transepithelial transport are discussed.   Besides the
      contribution to the overall energy metabolism of animals or men, SCFA have a
      number of further important effects on the colonic mucosa. Factors affecting the
      pH of compartments in the mucosa, cell swelling, stimulation of mucin release and
      of mucosal blood flow are mentioned. Controversial reports are known on the role
      of SCFA in the metabolism of colonocytes. In spite of the conflicting opinions on
      the interaction between SCFA metabolism and the development of colitis ulcerosa,
      diverticulosis and colorectal cancer seems to exist. The obscure differences
      between the effects of SCFA on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis
      of colonocytes in vivo and in vitro indicate that besides direct effects of SCFA
      systemic effects such as neural and humoral factors are of crucial importance.
      The opposing effects of SCFA on proliferation and apoptosis in normal colonocytes
      and in colonic cancer cells may open possibilities for prevention and/or therapy
      of patients with colonic diseases.

PMID- 22077352
TI  - Non-starch polysaccharides in pig feeding.
AB  - Abstract   In pigs and humans, the nutrients starch, protein, fat and some
      minerals need to be digested prior to the terminal ileum for optimal use of these
      nutrients. In contrast, the non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are mainly fermented
      by microbes in the hindgut. Results of experiments in pigs showed that NSP
      negatively affected apparent digestion of protein, fat and some minerals. In
      addition, large amounts of fermented NSP increased the empty weight of the
      hindgut. Because tissue of organs like the intestinal tract are metabolically
      very active, it may have required more energy for maintenance, hence leaving less
      energy for growth. Despite all the negative effects as mentioned above, including
      NSP-rich ingredients in pig diets also has quite a lot of advantages. Their
      energy supply can cover the energy requirements for maintenance. In addition,
      positive effects on the well-being and health of pigs, and on the excretion of
      ammonia are claimed. In conclusion, in future pig diet formulation not only the
      nutritional aspects of NSP-rich ingredients should be taken into account, but
      also their non-nutritional aspects. This might be realized by developing nutrient
      based feed evaluation systems, rather than the energy based systems which are
      presently used.

PMID- 22077353
TI  - Weaning piglets, microbial fermentation, short chain fatty acids and diarrhoea.
AB  - Abstract   The effect of weaning on the absorptive capacity of the large
      intestine (LI) of weaned and unweaned pigs for short chain fatty acids (SCFA),
      sodium, potassium, and water has been determined by perfusion studies. Ligated
      loops were formed at four sites in the LI. In both groups the rate of absorption
      of SCFA, sodium and potassium was increased from the proximal to the distal
      sites, but this increase was not followed by an increase in the absorption of
      water. It is concluded that unweaned and weaned pigs can absorb SCFA and
      electrolytes immediately after weaning, but that a period of adaptation is
      required for the optimal absorption of water. This lower capacity for the
      absorption of water in the first two weeks after weaning makes the recently
      weaned pig vulnerable to a loss of fluid from the intestines.

PMID- 22077354
TI  - Enteric bacterial pathogens, villus atrophy and microbial growth.
AB  - Abstract   The effects of three bacterial pathogens on the villus architecture of
      small intestines and the role that bacterial virulence factors play in
      pathogenesis are described. Bacterial pathogens cause a spectrum of effects
      ranging from severe tissue damage to a lack of perceptible damage.
      Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, which cause acute and severe diarrhea, does so
      by producing potent toxins, but these toxins act by altering the biological
      activity in epithelial cells. However, the cells are not damaged.
      Enteropathogenic E. coli and Salmonella, on the other hand cause various degrees
      of tissue damage. As part of their pathogenesis, they employ a type III protein
      secretion system to orchestrate internal changes in target cells. The expression
      of many virulence related genes is tightly regulated and appears to be turned on
      in response to cues found in the intestinal tract. The consequences of this level
      of regulation also is discussed.

PMID- 22077355
TI  - Probiotics and E.coli infections in man.
AB  - Abstract   After oral administration of live oral vaccines COLIN-FANT and
      MUTAFLOR prepared from non-entero-pathogenic E.coli strains, both strains
      colonized effectively the intestine in full-term and preterm infants and remained
      for many weeks showing, that they were capable to establish themself as a
      resident strain in the infant's gut. The presence of E.coli stimulated
      significantly antibody production in gut, saliva and serum of colonized infants.
      An early induction of secretory IgA production is important particularly in
      formula-fed infants, where it partly replaces the lacking immunoglobulin supplied
      with mother milk.   In full-term and premature infants the early presence of non
      pathogenic E.coli strains in the intestine decreased significantly the presence
      of pathogenic bacterial strains in the intestine but also other mucosal surfaces
      of the body. The COLINFANT strain decreased the number of nosocomial infections,
      mortality rate in connection with infection, and the need for antibiotics. Both
      strains replaced successfully pathogenic strains in carriers after treatment with
      antibiotics.

PMID- 22077356
TI  - Passive and active protection against disorders of the gut.
AB  - Abstract   The large surface area of mucosal surfaces, particularly of the
      gastrointestinal tract, is protected against microorganisms and environmental
      antigens by various innate factors (e.g., mucins, lactoferrin, and others) and
      specific antibodies which are of IgA, or in some species, IgG Isotypes. Passive
      protection provided by effective prenatal transplacental transport of maternal
      antibodies and/or post-natal consumption of milk antibodies in breastfed
      newborns, is essential for the survival of neonates. Passive protection of
      mucosal surfaces by pre-formed antibodies in non-breast juveniles or adults is
      currently used only on an experimental basis: IgA-enriched preparations of gamma
      globulin have been successfully given to children, and antibodies specific for
      several gastrointestinal pathogens have been isolated from immunized cows' milk,
      hens' eggs, or transgenic plants. Systemic administration of pre-formed
      antibodies is effective for protection against intestinal pathogens in species
      (e.g., mice, rats) endowed with efficient hepato-biliary transport of IgA into
      the gut lumen. However, this route of antibody administration is of limited
      efficiency in other species, including humans, in which almost all intestinal
      antibodies are produced locally by plasma cells in the gut mucosa and are not
      derived to a significant degree from the circulation. Active immunization is
      preferable for long-lasting protection. The site of immunization and presence of
      lymphoid tissues with inductive potential play an essential role in generating
      humoral immune responses in mucosal secretions. The relative efficiency of
      immunization routes (e.g., oral, nasal, rectal or genital) in the induction of
      preferential antibody responses in the intestinal secretion has not been studied
      extensively. Furthermore, suitable antigen delivery systems for achieving this
      goal must also be considered.

PMID- 22077357
TI  - Prevention of diarrhoea using pathogen specific monoclonal antibodies in an
      experimental enterotoxigenic E. coli infection in germfree piglets.
AB  - Abstract   In the present study we describe the effect of oral application of mAB
      specific for ETEC F4(ac) fimbriae in an experimental ETEC challenge model in
      neonatal germfree piglets. The results show that mAB, specific for different
      F4(ac) epitopes protect animals against ETEC specific pathology. Moreover, the
      results show that protection is independent of F4(ac) epitope specificity.

PMID- 22077359
TI  - Carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22077358
TI  - Edible vaccines.
AB  - Summary   The ultimate vaccine is an oral vaccine which given once protects
      against a multitude of diseases. Furthermore this ultimate vaccine needs to be
      very stable and inexpensive to produce. Probably this latter condition can be met
      only if the vaccines are produced in plants. Such vaccines are called 'edible
      vaccines'. Edible vaccines can be produced in plants in many ways. Using
      recombinant plant-virus, CPMV, it was shown that plants can produce massive
      amounts of chimaeric virus particles which protect after a single injection the
      target animal against disease. The final step, oral adminstration, is being
      adressed at present. Preliminary experiments by others suggest that this step may
      be solved sooner than expected.

PMID- 22077361
TI  - Noncovalent interactions between a trinuclear monofunctional platinum complex and
      human serum albumin.
AB  - Interactions between platinum complexes and human serum albumin (HSA) play
      crucial roles in the metabolism, distribution, and efficacy of platinum-based
      anticancer drugs. Polynuclear monofunctional platinum(II) complexes represent a
      new class of anticancer agents that display distinct molecular characters of
      pharmacological action from those of cisplatin. In this study, the interaction
      between a trinuclear monofunctional platinum(II) complex,
      [Pt(3)LCl(3)](ClO(4))(3) (L = N,N,N',N',N",N"-hexakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3,5
      tris(aminomethyl)benzene) (1), and HSA was investigated using ultraviolet-visible
      spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism
      spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular docking, and inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The spectroscopic and thermodynamic data show
      that the interaction is a spontaneous process with the estimated enthalpy and
      entropy changes being 14.6 kJ mol(-1) and 145.5 J mol(-1) K(-1), respectively.
      The reactive sites of HSA to complex 1 mainly locate within its hydrophobic
      cavity in domain II. Noncovalent actions such as pi-pi stacking and hydrophobic
      bonding are the primary contributors to the interaction between HSA and complex
      1, which is different from the scenario for cisplatin in similar conditions. The
      results suggest that the connection between complex 1 and HSA is reversible, and
      therefore the cytotoxic activity of the complex could be preserved during blood
      circulation.

PMID- 22077362
TI  - Sebaceous hyperplasia within epidermis after scald.
AB  - A 16-year-old girl with polycystic ovarian syndrome presented with numerous
      rufous papules arising within a large depigmented macule that developed following
      a severe scald injury on the back. Histopathology revealed that many mature
      sebaceous glands were growing in the middle and bottom of the epidermis with
      slight acanthosis. On the basis of patient history, clinical manifestation and
      histopathology, we suggested that this patient's skin lesion be diagnosed as
      'sebaceous hyperplasia within epidermis after scald'.

PMID- 22077363
TI  - Molecular mechanisms underlying effects of neural stem cells against traumatic
      axonal injury.
AB  - Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) improves functional outcomes
      following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previously we demonstrated that human
      NSCs (hNSCs) via releasing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),
      preserved cognitive function in rats following parasagittal fluid percussion.
      However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we report that
      NSC grafts significantly reduce TBI-induced axonal injury in the fimbria and
      other brain regions by blocking abnormal accumulation of amyloid precursor
      protein (APP). A preliminary mass spectrometry proteomics study revealed the
      opposite effects of TBI and NSCs on many of the cytoskeletal proteins in the CA3
      region of the hippocampus, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), the
      main stress fiber component. Further, Western blot and immunostaining studies
      confirmed that TBI significantly increased the expression of alpha-SMA in
      hippocampal neurons, whereas NSC grafts counteracted the effect of TBI. In an in
      vitro model, rapid stretch injury significantly shortened lengths of axons and
      dendrites, increased the expression of both APP and alpha-SMA, and induced actin
      aggregation, effects offset by GDNF treatment. These GDNF protective effects were
      reversed by a GDNF-neutralizing antibody or a specific calcineurin inhibitor, and
      were mimicked by a specific Rho inhibitor. In summary, we demonstrate for the
      first time that hNSC grafts and treatment with GDNF acutely reduce traumatic
      axonal injury and promote neurite outgrowth. Possible mechanisms underlying GDNF
      mediated neurite protection include balancing the activity of calcineurin,
      whereas GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth may result from the reduction of the
      abnormal alpha-SMA expression and actin aggregation via blocking Rho signals. Our
      study also suggests the necessity of further exploring the roles of alpha-SMA in
      the central nervous system (CNS), which may lead to a new avenue to facilitate
      recovery after TBI and other injuries.

PMID- 22077364
TI  - The effect of normothermic recirculation before cold preservation on post
      transplant injury of ischemically damaged donor kidneys.
AB  - Kidneys recovered from donation after cardiac death (DCD) are increasingly used
      to enlarge the deceased donor pool. Such renal grafts, especially those derived
      from uncontrolled DCD, have inevitably sustained profound warm ischemic injury,
      which compromises post-transplant function. Normothermic recirculation (NR) of
      the deceased donor's body before organ cooling could be an interesting approach
      to mitigate the detrimental effect of warm ischemia. To date, however, there is
      no evidence coming from preclinical studies to support the principle of NR in
      kidney transplantation. In this study, we subjected 48 Lewis rat kidneys to 15 or
      30 min of warm ischemia, and subsequently 0, 1, or 2 h of NR. After 24 h cold
      storage, kidneys were transplanted into a recipient animal and 24 h later we
      measured the percentage of cortical necrosis, and determined gene expression of
      heme oxigenase-1, heat shock protein-70, transforming growth factor-beta, kidney
      injury molecule-1, interleukin-6, hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha, monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1, and alpha-smooth muscle actin in kidney tissue. We
      found that NR had no significant influence on any of these markers. Therefore, we
      conclude that this animal study by no means supports the presumed beneficial
      effect of NR on kidneys that have been severely damaged by warm ischemia.

PMID- 22077365
TI  - Drug eruption with eosinophilia and systemic syndrome associated with
      reactivation of human herpesvirus 7, not human herpesvirus 6.

PMID- 22077366
TI  - The present value of population growth in the western world.
AB  - Abstract   In conventional steady-state growth theory with technical progress
      exogenous, faster population growth causes lower consumption. This conclusion has
      influenced national policies. With technical progress endogenous, however, higher
      population growth causes higher consumption. Steady-state equilibrium analysis is
      not appropriate for policy decisions, though. Rather, appropriate analysis
      compares two or more growth rates beginning from equal initial positions, with
      comparison of the present value of consumption streams per person. In the paper
      the supply of and demand for knowledge is first analysed and the most plausible
      technical progress functions are derived. Various population growth rates are
      then simulated with different specifications and parameters. With virtually every
      variant, faster population growth shows better consumption with discount rates up
      to between five and ten per cent above the long-run adjusted riskless rate. With
      pensions included in the analysis, faster population growth would seem even more
      beneficial. Even at very high discount rates, lower population growth rates imply
      present values only a little higher than those for higher population growth
      rates. The advantage is overwhelmingly with higher population growth in this
      growth-theoretic analysis.

PMID- 22077367
TI  - Population dynamics based on birth intervals and parity progression.
AB  - Abstract   The Chinese population policy of 'later-longer-fewer' suggests a
      formulation of population dynamics in terms of birth intervals and parity
      progression. This leads to population projections based on birth interval
      distributions and parity progression ratios and to an alternative to Lotka's
      stable population theory in which age is replaced by parity and interval since
      last birth. A numerical comparison with Lotka's model indicates similarities and
      differences between the two approaches: The formulation suggests an approach to
      the analysis of birth interval and parity progression statistics that effectively
      solves censoring and selection problems.

PMID- 22077368
TI  - A census-based method for estimating adult mortality.
AB  - Abstract   A simple method is presented for converting an age distribution in any
      closed population into the stationary population corresponding to its current
      mortality conditions. The conversion only requires a set of age-specific growth
      rates, which will normally be available from successive censuses. From the
      stationary population, any life table mortality measure of interest can be
      computed. The index most robust to normal data errors in developing countries is
      life expectancy, and the paper focuses on its calculation.   The sensitivity of
      results to various forms of data error is considered, and procedures are proposed
      for removing errors resulting from differential census coverage completeness and
      from age misstatement at older ages. Applications of the procedures are made to
      data from Sweden, India and South Korea. Because of the absence of a radix,
      estimation of life expectancy usually will begin at the fifth birthday.

PMID- 22077369
TI  - A reducible four-parameter system of model life tables.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper a four-parameter extension of Brass's relational system
      of model life tables is suggested that (1) matches a wide range of empirical age
      patterns of mortality, (2) is easy to apply, especially to partial life tables,
      and (3) contains demographically meaningful parameters. A test of the model on a
      set of 62 empirical life tables indicates that four parameters are necessary and
      sufficient for fitting a wide range of mortality patterns. A further test on an
      historical series of Swedish life tables reveals a consistent pattern of
      mortality change. Examination of the parameters for a set of
      geographicallyrelated life tables suggests a way to define families of life
      tables. Identification of such temporal and spatial relationships allows the
      model to be reduced to a form with twoor three-parameters for application to
      incomplete or inaccurate data.

PMID- 22077370
TI  - The use of traditional and modern methods of fertility control in Kinshasa,
      Zaire.
AB  - Abstract   The practice of post-partum abstinence has been a long-standing
      tradition in many societies of tropical Africa, yet recent research suggests an
      erosion of the taboo on post-partum sexual relations as a means of fertility
      control. The current study among women in the lower income groups in Kinshasa,
      Zaire, provides evidence of this. There is strong motivation toward child
      spacing, as shown by 80 per cent of the women who reported to be currently
      practising some means of fertility control: 73 per cent with traditional methods,
      only 7 per cent with modern contraceptives. There appears to be some carry-over
      of traditional practice, in that abstinence is related to the age and nursing
      status of the last born child. However, the most widely practised method is
      withdrawal. This suggests a desire on the part of this population for
      alternatives to abstinence, an issue with important implications for future
      family planning programs in Zaire.

PMID- 22077373
TI  - Comparison of simple Eudragit microparticles loaded with prednisolone and
      Eudragit-coated chitosan-succinyl-prednisolone conjugate microparticles: Part I.
      Particle characteristics and in vitro evaluation as a colonic delivery system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Simple Eudragit microparticles loaded with prednisolone and chitosan
      succinyl-prednisolone conjugate microparticles coated with Eudragit were prepared
      and characterized in vitro in order to obtain their basic features as a colonic
      delivery system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both types of microparticles were
      prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation modified somewhat from the
      previous one. Their particle size, shape and their drug content were
      investigated, and in vitro release profiles were examined using JP-15 1st fluid
      (pH 1.2), JP-15 2nd fluid (pH 6.8) and PBS (pH 7.4) as release media.
      Furthermore, the regeneration of conjugate microparticles from Eudragit-coated
      microparticles was investigated under the same incubation conditions. RESULTS:
      Simple Eudragit S100 (EuS) microparticles (ES-M) were almost spherical, ca. 1.2
      MUm diameter, and PD content ca. 3.7% (w/w). Conjugate microparticles (CS-M1) and
      EuS-coated conjugate microparticles (CS-M1/S) had particle sizes of ca. 2.8 and
      15.3 MUm, respectively, and PD contents of 5.4 and 2.1% (w/w), respectively. ES-M
      exhibited suppressed release at pH 1.2, gradual release at pH 6.8 and rapid
      release at pH 7.4. CS-M1 showed no release at pH 1.2, and very slow release at pH
      6.8 and 7.4. CS-M1 regenerated poorly from CS-M1/S at pH 6.8. CONCLUSIONS: Simple
      Eudragit micrparticles and Eudragit-caoted conjugate microparticles, prepared by
      the present methods, were found in vitro to be possibly useful as the delivery
      systems of PD to the lower intestine, although there were differences in their
      release rate and morphological features.

PMID- 22077374
TI  - Healthcare burden associated with the post-thrombotic syndrome and potential
      impact of the new oral anticoagulants.
AB  - Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can have a significant impact on a patient's life. In
      particular, the development of post-thrombotic syndrome as a long-term
      complication of DVT can have devastating consequences for the individual and
      impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Anticoagulants are
      the mainstay of DVT treatment; however, the current standard of care, a
      parenteral anticoagulant followed by a vitamin K antagonist, is associated with
      complex patient management, often resulting in suboptimal therapy. New, oral
      anticoagulants have been developed, and a direct thrombin inhibitor--dabigatran
      etexilate--and two direct Factor Xa inhibitors--rivaroxaban and apixaban--have
      completed and/or have ongoing phase III trials in the treatment of venous
      thromboembolism. These agents do not have the drawbacks of the vitamin K
      antagonists and hold promise for more effective treatment of DVT, possibly
      resulting in a reduction in the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome.

PMID- 22077375
TI  - Properties of an Earth-like planet orbiting a Sun-like star: Earth observed by
      the EPOXI mission.
AB  - NASA's EPOXI mission observed the disc-integrated Earth and Moon to test
      techniques for reconnoitering extrasolar terrestrial planets, using the Deep
      Impact flyby spacecraft to observe Earth at the beginning and end of Northern
      Hemisphere spring, 2008, from a range of ~1/6 to 1/3 AU. These observations
      furnish high-precision and high-cadence empirical photometry and spectroscopy of
      Earth, suitable as "ground truth" for numerically simulating realistic
      observational scenarios for an Earth-like exoplanet with finite signal-to-noise
      ratio. Earth was observed at near-equatorial sub-spacecraft latitude on 18-19
      March, 28-29 May, and 4-5 June (UT), in the range of 372-4540 nm wavelength with
      low visible resolving power (lambda/Deltalambda=5-13) and moderate IR resolving
      power (lambda/Deltalambda=215-730). Spectrophotometry in seven filters yields
      light curves at ~372-948 nm filter-averaged wavelength, modulated by Earth's
      rotation with peak-to-peak amplitude of <=20%. The spatially resolved Sun glint
      is a minor contributor to disc-integrated reflectance. Spectroscopy at 1100-4540
      nm reveals gaseous water and carbon dioxide, with minor features of molecular
      oxygen, methane, and nitrous oxide. One-day changes in global cloud cover
      resulted in differences between the light curve beginning and end of <=5%. The
      light curve of a lunar transit of Earth on 29 May is color-dependent due to the
      Moon's red spectrum partially occulting Earth's relatively blue spectrum. The
      "vegetation red edge" spectral contrast observed between two long-wavelength
      visible/near-IR bands is ambiguous, not clearly distinguishing between the
      verdant Earth diluted by cloud cover versus the desolate mineral regolith of the
      Moon. Spectrophotometry in at least one other comparison band at short wavelength
      is required to distinguish between Earth-like and Moon-like surfaces in
      reconnaissance observations. However, measurements at 850 nm alone, the high
      reflectance side of the red edge, could be sufficient to establish periodicity in
      the light curve and deduce Earth's diurnal period and the existence of fixed
      surface units.

PMID- 22077376
TI  - Pregnancy in type 2B VWD: a case series.
AB  - Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a rare, inherited bleeding disorder
      resulting from a qualitative defect in von Willebrand factor (VWF). There is very
      little published information on how to quantify bleeding risk and manage
      haemostasis in type 2B VWD patients during pregnancy. This article presents the
      changes in VWF parameters and details of patient management and delivery outcomes
      for four pregnancies in three women with two different mutations causing type 2B
      VWD. We report an unexpected rise in the VWF:Ag at 37 weeks gestation in two
      sisters with R1306W associated with significant thrombocytopenia. These patients
      were supported with platelet transfusions as well as intermediate purity VWF
      FVIII plasma concentrates during the peri- and postpartum periods. No
      thrombocytopenia was observed in our third case with a mutation encoding an
      R1308C substitution; haemostatic support was with intermediate purity VWF-FVIII
      plasma concentrates alone. No adverse bleeding events occurred and in all cases a
      live healthy infant was delivered. One patient was readmitted post partum with
      bleeding symptoms due to retained placenta; no further haemostatic support was
      given at this time. This case series is the first to detail the progression of
      laboratory parameters, management and outcomes of pregnancy in patients with type
      2B VWD. The cases illustrate some of the challenges posed by the increased
      production of a VWF variant with a gain-of-function effect. The rapid coagulation
      changes observed in this series illustrate the need for continual monitoring of
      VWF parameters and platelet count throughout pregnancy in women with type 2B VWD.

PMID- 22077377
TI  - Charge, stereochemistry, or epitaxy? Toward controlled biomimetic nucleation at
      mixed monolayer templates.
AB  - Floating monolayer mixtures of cationic dioctadecyldimethyldiammonium bromide and
      anionic lipids were used as variable templates for the biomimetic nucleation of
      calcium carbonate and studied using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. Varying
      the ratio of constituents changes the monolayer charge, structure, and molecular
      tilt. The nucleating surface of calcite also changes as the mixture is varied,
      and at an 80:20 ratio the (012) face is seen under a floating monolayer template
      for the first time. Our results indicate that the average template lattice is the
      major controlling factor in the oriented nucleation of CaCO(3). This is in
      contrast to the current view that the orientation is controlled by the
      stereochemical matching of the terminal functional group and molecular tilt with
      respect to the carbonate groups in the crystal.

PMID- 22077378
TI  - A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge for the selective absorption of oil from
      water.
AB  - We present a sugar-templated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge for the selective
      absorption of oil from water. The process for fabricating the PDMS sponge does
      not require any intricate synthesis processes or equipment and it is not
      environmentally hazardous, thus promoting potential in environmental
      applications. The proposed PDMS sponge can be elastically deformed into any
      shape, and it can be compressed repeatedly in air or liquids without collapsing.
      Therefore, absorbed oils and organic solvents can be readily removed and reused
      by simply squeezing the PDMS sponge, enabling excellent recyclability.
      Furthermore, through appropriately combining various sugar particles, the
      absorption capacity of the PDMS sponge is favorably optimized.

PMID- 22077379
TI  - Ruthenium-catalyzed C-H/N-O bond functionalization: green isoquinolone syntheses
      in water.
AB  - Ruthenium-catalyzed isoquinolone syntheses with ample scope were accomplished
      through carboxylate assistance in environmentally benign water as a reaction
      medium. The high chemoselectivity of the ruthenium(II) carboxylate complex also
      set the stage for the direct use of free hydroxamic acids for annulations of
      alkynes.

PMID- 22077381
TI  - (18)F-FDG PET/CT may be useful when evaluating a patient for giant cell
      arteritis.

PMID- 22077382
TI  - A new phenylalkanoid from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale.
AB  - A new phenylalkanoid, (E)-3-hydroxy-1-(4'-dihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy-phenyl)
      dodecan-6-en-5-one (1) was isolated from the rhizomes of Chinese ginger (Zingiber
      officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae)). The structure of this new phenylalkanoid was
      elucidated by chemical and physical evidences.

PMID- 22077380
TI  - CCR5 blockade is well tolerated and induces changes in the tissue distribution of
      CCR5+ and CD25+ T cells in healthy, SIV-uninfected rhesus macaques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CCR5 is a main co-receptor for HIV, but also homes lymphocytes to
      sites of inflammation. We hypothesized that inhibition of CCR5 signaling would
      reduce HIV-associated chronic immune activation. METHODS: To test this
      hypothesis, we administered an antagonistic anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody
      (HGS101) to five uninfected rhesus macaques (RMs) and monitored lymphocyte
      dynamics in blood and tissue. RESULTS: CCR5 blockade resulted in decreased levels
      of CCR5+ T cells in blood and, at later timepoints, in lymph nodes. Additionally,
      the levels of CD25+ T cells increased in lymph nodes, but decreased in blood,
      bone marrow, and rectal mucosa. Finally, a profile of gene expression from HGS101
      treated RMs revealed a subtle, but consistent, in vivo signature of CCR5 blockade
      that suggests a mild immune-modulatory effect. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with anti
      CCR5 antibody induces changes in the tissue distribution of CCR5+ and CD25+ T
      cells that may impact on the overall levels of immune activation during HIV and
      SIV infection.

PMID- 22077383
TI  - Development of a measurement and feedback training tool for the arm strokes of
      high-performance luge athletes.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that the start plays a critical role in sliding
      events and explains more than 55% of the variance of the final time in luge.
      Experts evaluate the contribution of the arm strokes to be 23% of the total
      starting performance. The aim of the present study was to develop a measurement
      and feedback training tool (Speedpaddler) for the arm strokes of high-performance
      luge athletes. The construction is an aluminium alloy framework with a customary
      belt conveyor system, which is driven by two synchronized servo motors. Training
      is possible with constant speeds up to 12 m . s(-1) or several speed curves,
      which simulate the acceleration of different luge tracks. The construction
      facilitates variations in the inclination and speed of the conveyor belts and
      thereby the resistance and movement speed. If the athlete accelerates the
      conveyor belts during arm-paddling, the torque of the motors decreases. Torque
      measurements and high-speed video offer valuable insights into the several
      technique criteria. Comparisons of arm-paddle cycle durations on ice and on the
      Speedpaddler with 18 luge athletes (national team and juniors) showed no
      statistical differences. The Speedpaddler might be a useful tool to improve
      starting performance all year round.

PMID- 22077384
TI  - How hydrogen bonds influence the mobility of imidazolium-based ionic liquids. A
      combined theoretical and experimental study of 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      bromide.
AB  - The virtual laboratory allows for computer experiments that are not accessible
      via real experiments. In this work, three previously obtained charge sets were
      employed to study the influence of hydrogen bonding on imidazolium-based ionic
      liquids in molecular dynamics simulations. One set provides diffusion
      coefficients in agreement with the experiment and is therefore a good model for
      real-world systems. Comparison with the other sets indicates hydrogen bonding to
      influence structure and dynamics differently. Furthermore, in one case the total
      charge was increased and in another decreased by 0.1 e. Both the most acidic
      proton as well as the corresponding carbon atom were artificially set to zero,
      sequentially and simultaneously. In the final setup a negative charge was placed
      on the proton in order to introduce a barrier for the anion to contact the cation
      via this most acidic hydrogen atom. The following observations were made:
      changing the hydrogen bonding ability strongly influences the structure while the
      dynamic properties, such as diffusion and viscosity, are only weakly changed.
      However, the introduction of larger alterations (stronger hydrogen bonding and
      antihydrogen bonding) also strongly influences the diffusion coefficients. The
      dynamics of the hydrogen bond, ion pairing, and the ion cage are all affected by
      the level of hydrogen bonding. A change in total charges predominantly influences
      transport properties rather than structure. For ion cage dynamics with respect to
      transport porperties, we find a good correlation and a weak or no correlation for
      the ion pair or the hydrogen bond dynamics, respectively. Nevertheless, the
      hydrogen bond does influence ion cage dynamics. Therefore, we confirm that ionic
      liquids rather consist of loosely interacting counterions than of discrete ion
      pairs. Hydrogen bonding affects the properties only in a secondary or indirect
      manner.

PMID- 22077386
TI  - Conical intersection of the ground and first excited states of water: energies
      and reduced density matrices from the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrodinger
      equation.
AB  - A conical intersection between the ground and first-excited states of water is
      computed through the direct calculation of two-electron reduced density matrices
      (2-RDMs) from solutions of the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrodinger equation
      (ACSE). This study is an extension of a previous study in which the ACSE was used
      to compute the energies around a conical intersection in the triplet excited
      states of methylene [Snyder, J. W., Jr.; Rothman, A. E.; Foley, J. J.; Mazziotti,
      D. A. J. Chem. Phys. 2010, 132, 154109]. We compute absolute energies of the
      1(1)A' and 2(1)A' states of water (H(2)O) and the location of the conical
      intersection. The ACSE energies are compared to those from ab initio wave
      function methods. To treat multireference correlation, we seed the ACSE with an
      initial 2-RDM from a multiconfiguration self-consistent field (MCSCF)
      calculation. Unlike the situation for methylene, the two states in the vicinity
      of the conical intersection of water both have the same spatial symmetry. Hence,
      the study demonstrates the ability of the ACSE to resolve states of the same
      spatial symmetry that are nearly degenerate in energy. The 2-RDMs from the ACSE
      nearly satisfy necessary N-representability conditions. Comparison of the results
      from double-zeta and augmented double-zeta basis sets demonstrates the importance
      of augmented (or diffuse) functions for determining the location of the conical
      intersection.

PMID- 22077385
TI  - Hybrid schwannoma/perineurioma: a report of two cases including a possible
      radiation-induced case.
AB  - Hybrid schwannoma/perineurioma represents a recently characterized dermal or
      subdermal tumor showing schwannian cytomorphology and a perineurioma-like
      architecture composed of an admixture of both cell types. We report two
      additional cases of hybrid schwannoma/ perineurioma, one of which occurred after
      irradiation. Patient 1 was that of a 33-year-old man presented with a 2.8-cm
      dermal tumor on his left lower leg. Patient 2 was that of an 89-year-old woman
      with a history of uterine carcinoma treated by surgery and radiation therapy at
      the age of 35. She presented with a 1.2 * 1.0 cm dermal tumor on her left mons
      pubis with multiple coincidental basal-cell carcinomas around it. Both tumors
      were microscopically well circumscribed but unencapsulated and situated in the
      dermis and adipose tissue and showed a vague storiform and lamellar pattern.
      Cytologically, both tumors contained two-cell populations, i.e. spindled cells
      with plump nuclei, which were positive for S-100 protein and negative for
      epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), claudin-1 and CD34, as well as cells with very
      slender nuclei and elongated cytoplasmic processes, which were negative for S-100
      protein yet expressed EMA, claudin-1 and CD34. Claudin-1 was a better marker to
      highlight cells with very slender nuclei than EMA. Both tumors lacked expression
      of neurofilament.

PMID- 22077387
TI  - Galactose-decorated pH-responsive nanogels for hepatoma-targeted delivery of
      oridonin.
AB  - Nanogels based on the polymers of galactosylated chitosan-graft-poly (N
      isopropylacrylamide) (Gal-CS-g-PNIPAm) were used as carriers of oridonin (ORI)
      for tumor targeting. Three ORI-loaded nanogels with various degrees of galactose
      substitution were prepared, and their characteristics were evaluated. The release
      behavior of ORI from these nanogels was pH-dependent, and the release could be
      accelerated under mildly acidic conditions. The cytotoxicity of ORI-loaded
      nanogels was pH-sensitive. ORI-loaded nanogels exhibited a higher antitumor
      activity than drug-loaded nanogels without galactosylation, and the anticancer
      activity increased in relation to increases in the number of galactose moieties
      of the nanogels in HepG2 cells. In contrast, the cytotoxicity of ORI-loaded
      nanogels against MCF-7 cells decreased compared with that of drug-loaded nanogels
      without galactosylation. Results demonstrated that these nanogels could enhance
      the uptake of ORI into HepG2 cells via asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated
      endocytosis. These galactose-decorated pH-responsive nanogels were well-suited
      for targeted drug delivery to liver cancer cells.

PMID- 22077388
TI  - Interactions between killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and their human
      leucocyte antigen Class I ligands influence the outcome of unrelated
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassaemia: a novel predictive
      algorithm.
AB  - In a study conducted on 114 patients undergoing unrelated donor haematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for thalassaemia, we observed that the lack of
      activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) on donor natural killer
      (NK) cells significantly increased the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
      [hazard risk (HR) 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-10.1, P = 0.002] and
      transplantation-related mortality (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.6-14.2, P = 0.01). The risk
      of GvHD furthermore increased when recipients heterozygous for HLA-C KIR ligand
      groups (C1/C2) were transplanted from donors completely lacking activating KIRs
      (HR 6.1, 95% CI 1.9-19.2, P = 0.002). We also found that the risk of rejection
      was highest when the recipient was homozygous for the C2 HLA-KIR ligand group and
      the donor carried two or more activating KIRs (HR 6.8, 95% CI 1.9-24.4, P =
      0.005). By interpolating the number of donor activating KIRs with recipient HLA-C
      KIR ligands, we created an algorithm capable of stratifying patients according to
      the immunogenetic risk of complications following unrelated HSCT. In clinical
      practice, this predictive tool could serve as an important supplement to clinical
      judgement and decision-making.

PMID- 22077389
TI  - Privileged scaffolds or promiscuous binders: a comparative study on rhodanines
      and related heterocycles in medicinal chemistry.
AB  - Rhodanines and related five-membered heterocycles with multiple heteroatoms have
      recently gained a reputation of being unselective compounds that appear as
      "frequent hitters" in screening campaigns and therefore have little value in drug
      discovery. However, this judgment appears to be based mostly on anecdotal
      evidence. Having identified various rhodanines and related compounds in screening
      campaigns, we decided to perform a systematic study on their promiscuity. An
      amount of 163 rhodanines, hydantoins, thiohydantoins, and thiazolidinediones were
      synthesized and tested against several targets. The compounds were also
      characterized with respect to aggregation and electrophilic reactivity, and the
      binding modes of rhodanines and related compounds in published X-ray cocrystal
      structures were analyzed. The results indicate that the exocyclic, double bonded
      sulfur atom in rhodanines and thiohydantoins, in addition to other structural
      features, offers a particularly high density of interaction sites for polar
      interactions and hydrogen bonds. This causes a promiscuous behavior at
      concentrations in the "screening range" but should not be regarded as a general
      knockout criterion that excludes such screening hits from further development. It
      is suggested that special criteria for target affinity and selectivity are
      applied to these classes of compounds and that their exceptional and potentially
      valuable biomolecular binding properties are consequently exploited in a useful
      way.

PMID- 22077391
TI  - Communication.

PMID- 22077390
TI  - Low prevalence of inhibitor antibodies in the Canadian haemophilia population.
AB  - Annual reporting of inhibitors to factors (FVIII) and IX (FIX) to the Canadian
      Haemophilia Registry has suggested a lower prevalence than that published in the
      literature. We performed a prospective study to determine the prevalence of
      patients with inhibitors directed against either FVIII or FIX. Patients with
      inhibitors were classified as: (i) inhibitor test positive; (ii) inhibitor test
      negative but on immune tolerance induction (ITI); (iii) inhibitor test negative
      but bypass treatment recommended; or (iv) inhibitor resolved. One year later, the
      cohort was re-classified. The prevalence of inhibitors on 1 May, 2007 was 3.3%
      for haemophilia A, 0.6% for haemophilia B and 8.9% and 2.1% for severe
      haemophilia A and B. One year later 17 individuals gained and 11 individuals lost
      inhibitor status (10 of these with ITI). This study suggests that the prevalence
      of inhibitors in our population is lower than that was previously published. We
      hypothesize that this is primarily due to the increased use of ITI, but other
      factors may be the unselected nature of the cohort and the restriction of the
      study to one date thereby conforming as close as practical to the definition of
      prevalence rather than incidence. The classification system used in this study
      was easy for clinics to apply and was important in defining the population with
      inhibitors.

PMID- 22077392
TI  - Structure characterisation of a alpha beta-glucan polysaccharide from Auricularia
      polytricha.
AB  - A water-soluble alpha beta-glucan with a molecular weight of 1.62 * 10(5) Da,
      AAPS -1, was obtained from the fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Auricularia
      polytricha by a combined separation of high-speed countercurrent chromatography
      (HSCCC)-Sephacryl S-300 HR column chromatography. The structure of AAPS-1 was
      elucidated that the polysaccharide possesses a backbone composed of (1 -> 6)
      linked-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl and (1 -> 6)-linked-beta-D-glucopyranosyl residues,
      partially substituted at O-3 of beta-D-glucopyranosyl residue by side chain (1 ->
      4)-alpha-D-Glcp and terminated with non-reducing end alpha-D-Glcp-(1 -> on the
      basis of the analyses of partial hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, acetylation,
      methylation and NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C).

PMID- 22077393
TI  - Crystal structure and magnetic properties of two new antiferromagnetic spin dimer
      compounds; FeTe3O7X (X = Cl, Br).
AB  - Two new isostructural layered oxohalides FeTe(3)O(7)X (X = Cl, Br) were
      synthesized by chemical vapor transport reactions, and their crystal structures
      and magnetic properties were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,
      Raman spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements, and
      also by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic structure
      and the spin exchange parameters. FeTe(3)O(7)X crystallizes in the monoclinic
      space group P2(1)/c with the unit cell parameters a = 10.7938(5), b = 7.3586(4),
      c = 10.8714(6) A, beta = 111.041(5) degrees , Z = 4 for FeTe(3)O(7)Cl, and a =
      11.0339(10), b = 7.3643(10), c = 10.8892(10) A, beta = 109.598(10) degrees , Z =
      4 for FeTe(3)O(7)Br. Each compound has one unique Fe(3+) ion coordinating a
      distorted [FeO(5)] trigonal bipyramid. Two such groups share edges to form
      [Fe(2)O(8)] dimers that are isolated from each other by Te(4+) ions. The high
      temperature magnetic properties of the compounds as well as spectroscopic
      investigations are consistent with an isolated antiferromagnetic spin dimer model
      with almost similar spin gaps of ~35 K for X = Cl and Br, respectively. However,
      deviations at low temperatures in the magnetic susceptibility and the
      magnetization data indicate that the dimers couple via an interdimer coupling.
      This interpretation is also supported by DFT calculations which indicate an
      interdimer exchange which amounts to 25% and 10% of the intradimer exchange for X
      = Cl and Br, respectively. The magnetic properties support the counterion
      character and a weak integration of halide ions into the covalent network similar
      to that in many other oxohalides.

PMID- 22077395
TI  - Prurigo pigmentosa treated with Jessner's peel and irradiation with an 830-nm
      light-emitting diode.

PMID- 22077394
TI  - Short-duration treatment with the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 does not protect
      axonal transport in an in vivo model of traumatic axonal injury.
AB  - Traumatic axonal injury is characterized by early cytoskeletal proteolysis and
      disruption of axonal transport. Calpain inhibition has been shown to protect
      axons in rodent models of traumatic brain injury. However, in these models, both
      white and gray matter are injured, making it difficult to determine if calpain
      inhibitors are directly protecting injured axons. To address this issue, we used
      our rat optic nerve stretch model to test the hypothesis that early calpain
      inhibition directly protects central nervous system (CNS) axons following stretch
      injury. Rats were given an intravenous bolus of the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170
      (30 mg/kg) 30 min prior to unilateral optic nerve stretch, followed by a 15
      mg/kg/h intravenous infusion over the next 2.5 h. Immunohistochemical analysis of
      optic nerves 30 min after stretch injury revealed variable increases of calpain
      cleaved alpha-spectrin that appeared less evident in stretched nerves from drug
      treated rats, although this difference was not statistically significant.
      Retrograde axonal transport measured by Fluorogold(r) labeling of retinal
      ganglion cells was significantly impaired after stretch injury. However, there
      was no difference in the number of Fluorogold-labeled cells in the vehicle vs.
      drug treatment groups. These results suggest that early short-duration calpain
      inhibitor therapy with MDL-28170 is not an effective strategy to prevent
      disruption of axonal transport following isolated axonal stretch injury in the
      CNS.

PMID- 22077396
TI  - Altered redox homeostasis in human diabetes saliva.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes
      mellitus (DM). Levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-epi
      prostaglandin-F(2alpha) (8-epi-PGF2alpha), and total protein carbonyls were
      measured to assess whether DM is associated with altered salivary redox
      homeostasis. METHODS: A total of 215 patients with diabetes and 481 healthy
      controls were recruited from the Department of Endocrinology at the Jewish
      General Hospital in Montreal. Levels of oxidative biomarkers were assayed using
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in whole unstimulated saliva.
      Associations of the redox data with exposure to insulin, metformin and dietary
      control were assessed by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: We observed (i)
      significantly higher mean levels of 8-OHdG and protein carbonyls in whole
      unstimulated saliva of patients with diabetes compared to controls, (ii) higher
      mean levels of protein carbonyls in type 1 diabetes as well as higher mean levels
      of 8-OHdG and protein carbonyls in type 2 diabetes compared to controls, (iii)
      elevated levels of protein carbonyls in diet-controlled patients and in patients
      with diabetes on insulin and metformin, (iv) elevated levels of 8-OHdG in
      patients on metformin, and (v) significant associations between subjects with DM
      and salivary 8-OHdG and protein carbonyls. CONCLUSION: DM is associated with
      increased oxidative modification of salivary DNA and proteins. Salivary redox
      homeostasis is perturbed in DM and may inform on the presence of the disease and
      efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22077397
TI  - Induction of caspase-2 activation by a DNA enzyme evokes tumor cell apoptosis.
AB  - Caspase-2 is an enigmatic caspase that is now increasingly being associated with
      certain types of cell death in cells exposed to cytotoxic agents. It is now known
      that in some cases of cell stress, such as DNA damage, activation of this caspase
      is triggered, sometimes in the absence of activation of both the intrinsic and
      extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Part of the reason for this enigma has been lack
      of a suitable stimulus for this caspase, and with the discovery of DNAzyme 13
      (Dz13), a potent oligonucleotide-based caspase-2 activator, much more can now be
      elucidated. For instance, one thing that could be unraveled is whether caspase-8
      and Fas (CD95)-associated protein with death domain are indeed involved in
      caspase-2 activation as part of the death-inducing signaling complex. It is also
      becoming apparent that this enigmatic caspase may be important in the mechanisms
      behind which chemotherapeutic agents inhibit tumor cell growth. A better
      understanding of the true biological effects of this enzyme may indeed lead to
      more effective ways of managing tumors clinically. This review article briefly
      examines the different compounds capable of inducing activation of caspase-2 and
      proposes Dz13 as one that will be valuable for evaluation of the biological
      functions of caspase-2.

PMID- 22077398
TI  - Female metasternal gland odours mediate male aggregation in Rhodnius prolixus, a
      triatomid bug.
AB  - We investigated whether metasternal gland (MG) products mediate male aggregation
      during mating in Rhodnius prolixus (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) Stal, 1859, through
      selective occlusion of female MGs. Pairs of insects presenting intact MGs mated
      and other males aggregated around them confirming conclusions from previous
      studies. However, when female MGs were occluded, males did not aggregate.
      Conversely, the occlusion of male MGs did not affect aggregation of males. The
      present experiments demonstrated that the products emitted by the MGs of a mating
      R. prolixus female induce other males to aggregate around the mating pair.
      Aggregation behaviour of males probably results from the eventual release of
      volatiles from the female's MGs. We reinforce the hypothesis suggesting that the
      compounds produced by the MGs of R. prolixus act as sexual communication signals
      for this species.

PMID- 22077401
TI  - A bisferrocene-benzobisimidazole triad as a multichannel ditopic receptor for
      selective sensing of hydrogen sulfate and mercury ions.
AB  - The bisferrocene-benzobisimidazole triad behaves as a selective redox and
      fluorescent chemosensor for HSO(4)(-) and Hg(2+) ions, exhibiting an easily
      detectable signal change in both the redox potential of the ferrocene/ferrocinium
      redox couple and in the emission band which is red-shifted (Deltalambda = 10-13
      nm) and enhanced in intensity (Chelation Enhanced Fluorescence, CHEF = 486-225)
      upon complexation with these ions, in EtOH solutions.

PMID- 22077400
TI  - Alteration of seed storage protein composition in soybean [Glycine max (L.)
      Merrill] mutant lines induced by gamma-irradiation mutagenesis.
AB  - This study investigated the alteration of seed storage proteins in soybean
      mutants induced by gamma-irradiation. Five soybean cultivars and four landraces
      were irradiated with 250 Gy of gamma rays to induce variability. The seed storage
      protein profiles of 414 genetic fixed mutants (M(12)-M(20)) having excellent
      agricultural traits were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Among the 414 mutants, 58 were
      identifed as lacking lipoxygenase, 89 lacking the alpha' subunit, 113 lacking the
      alpha subunit, and 40 with an altered beta subunit. One hundred and forty-nine
      mutants lacked the A(3) subunit of glycinin. Fifty-four mutants showed higher
      trypsin inhibitor (TIA) activity, whereas 139 showed lower TIA activity compared
      to their original cultivars. The selected mutants with low amounts of
      antinutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitor, lipoxygenase, and alpha
      subunit will constitute genetic resources for improving soybean protein quality.

PMID- 22077402
TI  - Formation of polymeric toroidal-spiral particles.
AB  - Compared to spherical matrices, particles with well-defined internal structure
      provide large surface to volume ratio and predictable release kinetics for the
      encapsulated payloads. We describe self-assembly of polymeric particles, whereby
      competitive kinetics of viscous sedimentation, diffusion, and cross-linking yield
      a controllable toroidal-spiral (T-S) structure. Precursor polymeric droplets are
      splashed through the surface of a less dense, miscible solution, after which
      viscous forces entrain the surrounding bulk solution into the sedimenting polymer
      drop to form T-S channels. The intricate structure forms because low interfacial
      tension between the two miscible solutions is dominated by viscous forces. The
      biocompatible polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA), is used to
      demonstrate the solidification of the T-S shapes at various configurational
      stages by UV-triggered cross-linking. The dimensions of the channels are
      controlled by Weber number during impact on the surface, and Reynolds number and
      viscosity ratio during subsequent sedimentation. We anticipate applications of
      the T-S particle in drug delivery, wherein diffusion through these T-S channels
      and the polymer matrix would offer parallel release pathways for molecules of
      different sizes. Polyphosphate, as a model macromolecule, is entrained in T-S
      particles during their formation. The in vitro release kinetics of polyphosphate
      from the T-S particles with various channel length and width is reported. In
      addition, self-assembly of T-S particles occurs in a single step under benign
      conditions for delicate macromolecules, and appears conducive to scaleup.

PMID- 22077403
TI  - Foot loading characteristics during three fencing-specific movements.
AB  - Plantar pressure characteristics during fencing movements may provide more
      specific information about the influence of foot loading on overload injury
      patterns. Twenty-nine experienced fencers participated in the study. Three
      fencing-specific movements (lunge, advance, retreat) and normal running were
      performed with three different shoe models: Ballestra (Nike, USA), Adistar
      Fencing Lo (Adidas, Germany), and the fencers' own shoes. The Pedar system
      (Novel, Munich, Germany) was used to collect plantar pressures at 50 Hz. Peak
      pressures, force-time integrals and contact times for five foot regions were
      compared between four athletic tasks in the lunge leg and supporting leg. Plantar
      pressure analysis revealed characteristic pressure distribution patterns for the
      fencing movements. For the lunge leg, during the lunge and advance movements the
      heel is predominantly loaded; during retreat, it is the hallux. For the
      supporting leg, during the lunge and advance movements the forefoot is
      predominantly loaded; during retreat, it is the hallux. Fencing-specific
      movements load the plantar surface in a distinct way compared with running. An
      effective cushioning in the heel and hallux region would help to minimize foot
      loading during fencing-specific movements.

PMID- 22077404
TI  - Identification of genetic variation in 11 candidate genes of canine mammary
      tumour.
AB  - The incidence of canine mammary tumours (CMTs) differs significantly between
      breeds, strongly supporting an influence of genetic risk factors. We aimed at
      identifying germline genetic variations in mammary tumour-associated genes in
      dogs and survey whether these might alter the encoded proteins. We sequenced 11
      genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, EGFR, ESR1, HER2, PTEN, STK11 and TP53)
      and screened for genetic variations. Sixty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) were identified. Nine of the coding SNPs were non-synonymous, of which
      four were located in gene regions conserved across four species. Three of the non
      synonymous SNPs might be damaging according to PolyPhen predictions. One of the
      indels identified has previously been associated with CMTs. Because of the
      founder effects, genetic drift and inbreeding in many dog breeds the allele
      frequencies of the genes studied are likely to vary significantly between breeds
      and contribute to the considerable difference in genetic risk associated with
      cancer.

PMID- 22077405
TI  - Detection of the tumour suppressor gene TP53 and expression of p53, Bcl-2 and p63
      proteins in canine transmissible venereal tumour.
AB  - Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a neoplasm transmitted among
      healthy dogs by direct contact with injured skin and/or mucous tissue. This study
      aimed to identify the TP53 gene, messenger RNA (mRNA) as well as the expression
      of p53, Bcl-2 and p63 proteins in histological sections of 13 CTVT samples at
      different stages of evolution. The in situ hybridization (ISH) and in situ
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were used, which
      showed the DNA homologous to TP53 and its respective mRNA in 92.3% of the
      samples. We detected p53, p63 and Bcl-2 proteins in most of the cell samples in
      different grades of intensity. In addition, 46% of the samples were in the
      progressive and 54% in the regression phase. This is the first description of
      these proteins and a detailed study of their role in CTVT cells needs to be
      addressed in or to verify how these cells undergo apoptosis.

PMID- 22077406
TI  - Single-agent gemcitabine chemotherapy in dogs with hepatocellular carcinomas.
AB  - The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of
      gemcitabine in dogs diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Eighteen dogs
      were examined retrospectively (4 massive HCC, 10 nodular HCC and 4 diffuse HCC).
      All dogs received gemcitabine at 350-400 mg m(-2)  weekly for 5 weeks. Toxicity
      was graded using VCOG-CTCAE guidelines and response was monitored with serial
      abdominal ultrasounds. Fifteen dogs completed all five cycles. Toxicity was
      minimal and consisted of grade I/II vomiting, anorexia and diarrhoea and two
      episodes of grade III neutropenia. Median survival time for all dogs was 983
      days. Median progression free interval was 971 days. Based on the results of this
      study, surgery remains the best treatment for HCC, despite incomplete resection.
      There was no improvement in the survival of those diagnosed with nonresectable
      HCC treated with gemcitabine chemotherapy.

PMID- 22077407
TI  - Cytogenetic studies in peripheral blood of bovines afflicted by papillomatosis.
AB  - Ten types of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) have been described and there are
      reports of viral transmission via blood. The presence of viral DNA in lymphocytes
      was described to be associated with chromosome instability in these cells. This
      study presents an evaluation of chromosome instability in short-term peripheral
      lymphocyte cultures from cows presenting skin papillomatosis, compared with
      asymptomatic infected animals and non-infected healthy bovines. In a total of
      2203 cells, 918 (42%) showed at least one chromosome aberration: 42.7 (+/- 7.8)
      in animals with papillomatosis (BPV + W), 40.2 (+/- 11) in asymptomatic animals
      (BPV-W) and 4 (+/- 2) in control animals. Significant differences were found
      between the infected group (with or without symptoms) and the control group (P <
      0.0001). The increased frequencies of chromosome aberrations suggest an
      interaction between the virus and host cell chromatin.

PMID- 22077408
TI  - Phase I/II clinical trial of 2-difluoromethyl-ornithine (DFMO) and a novel
      polyamine transport inhibitor (MQT 1426) for feline oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Polyamines are essential for cell proliferation. Their production is dysregulated
      in many cancers and polyamine depletion leads to tumour regression in mouse
      models of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The purpose of this study was to
      determine the maximally tolerated dose of the polyamine transport inhibitor, MQT
      1426, when combined with the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor, DFMO, and
      to determine whether this therapy results in reduction in tumour polyamine
      levels. Thirteen cats with oral SCC received both drugs orally and serial tumour
      biopsies were obtained for polyamine measurement. Cats were monitored for
      response to therapy and toxicity. A maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MQT 1426 when
      combined with DFMO was determined. Dose-limiting toxicity was vestibular in
      nature, but was fully reversible. Spermidine and total polyamine levels decreased
      significantly in tissues, two cats experienced objective tumour regression and
      six cats had stable disease. These results suggest that further study of
      polyamine depletion therapies is warranted.

PMID- 22077409
TI  - A randomized controlled study into the efficacy and toxicity of pegylated
      liposome encapsulated doxorubicin as an adjuvant therapy in dogs with splenic
      haemangiosarcoma.
AB  - Safety and efficacy of pegylated liposome encapsulated doxorubicin (PL-DOX) was
      compared with free doxorubicin as an adjuvant monotherapy in dogs with splenic
      haemangiosarcoma after splenectomy in a randomized prospective clinical trial. A
      total of 17 dogs in each group were treated. No significant difference in
      survival between the two treatments was found. The calculated median overall
      survival time for the 34 dogs was 166 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 148
      184]. The 1/2 year and one-year survival was 41.2% (95% CI 24.8-56.9) and 22.7%
      (95% CI 9.9-37.4), respectively. In dogs treated with PL-DOX, a desquamating
      dermatitis like palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPES) was seen in two dogs,
      while three other dogs showed anaphylactic reactions. Cardiotoxicity was not seen
      in either treatment groups.

PMID- 22077410
TI  - Detection of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in dogs with lymphoma(*).
AB  - Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by malignant lymphoblasts has
      been identified in vitro and in vivo in mice and humans, respectively. The goals
      of this study were (1) to evaluate a novel single-sample TNF-alpha assay and (2)
      to determine whether TNF-alpha is increased in dogs with lymphoma prior to and
      following treatment. Canine TNF-alpha was analysed concurrently using the novel
      Siemens Immulite(r) single-sample automated ELISA and the previously validated
      Quantikine(r) standard ELISA. Serum from dogs with lymphoma and from breed-, age-
      and gender-matched control dogs was evaluated at two time points. Three of 25
      (12%) dogs with lymphoma had detectable TNF-alpha at diagnosis, whereas none had
      detectable TNF-alpha following complete or partial remission. TNF-alpha was not
      detectable in control dogs. Despite 91% homology between human and canine TNF
      alpha, the Immulite(r) automated ELISA failed to detect canine TNF-alpha. Serum
      TNF-alpha appears to have limited value as a tumour marker in dogs with lymphoma.

PMID- 22077411
TI  - Prognostic value of regional lymph node status in canine mammary carcinomas.
AB  - In this study, we have determined the prognostic value of the presence of the
      micrometastases and metastases greater than 2 mm in the regional lymph nodes for
      bitches with mammary carcinomas. The study involved 51 dogs diagnosed with a
      single malignant epithelial tumour in the 4th or 5th mammary gland. All animals
      underwent regional mastectomy; the 4th and 5th mammary glands were removed
      together with the inguinal lymph node. The lymph nodes were examined
      immunohistochemically using the anti-cytokeratin antibody, clone AE1/AE3. The
      bitches were followed up every 6 months for 2 years after surgery to determine
      the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The Kaplan-Meier
      analysis showed a statistically significant difference in DFS and OS only between
      the group of bitches without metastases and the group with lymph node metastases
      greater than 2 mm. No significant differences between these two groups versus
      bitches with lymph node micrometastases were found.

PMID- 22077412
TI  - Angiofibroma of the nasal cavity in 13 dogs.
AB  - This case series describes a rare entity, nasal angiofibroma, in 13 dogs that
      were presented to the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine from
      1988 to 2000. All dogs in this case series presented with clinical signs and
      radiographic changes that were strongly suggestive of a locally invasive
      neoplasm. However, histopathology completed on transnostral core biopsy samples
      revealed benign appearing vascular proliferation with secondary lymphosuppurative
      inflammation was established despite cytologic criteria of malignancy present in
      five dogs. On the basis of the outcomes in this case series, nasal angiofibroma
      should be considered a differential for dogs presenting with clinical signs
      consistent with a malignant nasal tumour.

PMID- 22077413
TI  - Mast cells in canine mammary gland tumour: number, distribution and EPOR
      positivity.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO)-mediated mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects involve all
      the cells expressing functional receptors for EPO (EPOR), as demonstrated by in
      vitro and in vivo studies. EPO shows pleiotropic effects and acts as an
      endogenous mediator of adaptive tissue response to metabolic stress protecting
      tissues from different injuries. Recently, the EPO/EPOR complex has been
      identified in several neoplastic cell lines and solid tumours. In this study, the
      authors investigated the mast cells (MCs) number, distribution and their
      immunoreactivity for EPOR in normal, dysplastic and neoplastic canine mammary
      gland. The results showed that MCs were more numerous in displastic glands
      compared with normal and neoplastic glands. As far as the EPOR immunoreactivity
      is concerned, we did not observe MCs reaction on cancer, in contrast with
      previously published data where epithelium of neoplastic gland showed an increase
      in EPOR expression along with the neoplastic progression. Overall, our results
      might be suggestive for MCs role in oncogenesis and offer new insight regarding
      to the expression of EPOR in mammary gland cancer in dog.

PMID- 22077415
TI  - Improving the energy and nutrient supply for common marmoset monkeys fed under
      long-term laboratory conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current knowledge about the optimal energy and nutrient supply for
      common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) is scarce, and more information is
      needed for establishing the underlying nutritional concepts for facilitating
      longevity of this species as laboratory animals for biomedical research. METHODS:
      Two feeding experiments were conducted to yield fundamental data about feed
      acceptance, real feed intake, and feed preferences under laboratory conditions.
      Newly developed feeding concepts for marmoset monkeys were also examined in
      preliminary investigations to compare the outcomes with those of a commercial
      pelletized mixed feed. RESULTS: The first experiments showed preferences for main
      protein sources in the diets studied, specifically that plant proteins are more
      accepted than fish meal or egg protein as the main protein source. Several aroma
      supplements did not modify the acceptance and feed intake markedly. CONCLUSIONS:
      The newly developed feeding concept yielded promising preliminary data for long
      term studies of energy and nutrient supply under laboratory conditions. However,
      studies of the fundamental requirements are still needed.

PMID- 22077414
TI  - The promoting vibration in human heart lactate dehydrogenase is a preferred
      vibrational channel.
AB  - We examine whether the rate-promoting vibration of lactate dehydrogenase is a
      preferred axis of thermal energy transfer. While it seems plausible that such a
      mechanistically important motion is also a favored direction of energy transfer,
      none of the previous studies of rate-promoting vibrations in enzymatic catalysis
      have addressed this question. It is equally likely that the promoting vibration,
      though catalytically important, has no different properties than any other axis
      in the protein. Resolution of this issue is important for two reasons: First, if
      energy is transferred along this axis in a preferred fashion, it shows that the
      protein is engineered in a way that transfers thermal energy into a motion that
      is coupled to the chemical step. Second, the discovery of a preferred direction
      of thermal transfer provides a potential route to experimental verification of
      the promoting vibration concept. Our computational experiments are specifically
      designed to mimic potential laser experiment with the deposition of thermal
      energy in an active-site chromophore with subsequent measurement of temperature
      at various points in the protein. Our results indicate that the promoting
      vibration is indeed a preferred channel of energy transfer. In addition, we study
      the vibrational structure of the protein via the dynamical structure factor to
      show preferred vibrational motion along the promoting vibration axis is an
      inherent property of the protein structure via thermal fluctuations.

PMID- 22077416
TI  - Hydroxylated analogues of ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers belonging to
      the group of 6- and/or 7-substituted 3-isopropylamino-4H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine
      1,1-dioxides: toward an improvement in sulfonylurea receptor 1 selectivity and
      metabolism stability.
AB  - Diversely substituted 3-isopropylamino-4H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides are
      known to be potent KATP channel openers, with several drugs being selective for
      the SUR1/Kir6.2 channel subtype. This work examined the biological activity,
      tissue selectivity, and in vitro metabolic stability of hydroxylated analogues of
      3-isopropylaminobenzothiadiazine dioxides. Because of the presence of a chiral
      center, the R and S isomers were prepared separately and characterized. R isomers
      were systematically found to be more potent and more selective than S isomers on
      pancreatic tissue (compared to vascular smooth muscle tissue), leading to
      compounds with an improved sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) selectivity. An in
      vitro metabolic study revealed that 7-chloro-3-isopropylamino-4H-1,2,4
      benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (1a) was rapidly biotransformed and led in part to a
      mixture of the corresponding (R)- and (S)-3-(1-hydroxy-2-propyl)amino-substituted
      derivatives. Radioisotopic experiments characterized one of the most potent and
      SUR1-selective enantiomers, (R)-7-chloro-3-(1-hydroxy-2-propyl)amino-4H-1,2,4
      benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide 13a, as being a KATP channel opener. Moreover, 13a
      exhibited an enhanced metabolic stability. Such a compound can be considered as a
      new lead candidate displaying improved physicochemical (hydrosolubility) and
      pharmacological (tissue selectivity) properties as well as improved metabolic
      stability compared to its nonhydroxylated counterpart, 1a.

PMID- 22077417
TI  - Current strategies in the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the
      central nervous system.
AB  - Lymphomas can arise within the central nervous system (CNS) as primary CNS
      lymphoma (PCNSL) typically involving the brain and less often the leptomeninges,
      eyes, and spinal cord. In contrast to PCNSL, secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) is
      considered to originate as quasi metastasis from systemic lymphoma spreading to
      the CNS. Both types of CNS lymphomas are predominantly tumours of the diffuse
      large B-cell type and represent aggressive diseases necessitating a rapid
      diagnosis. Following neuroimaging based on magnetic resonance imaging, stereotaxy
      and histopathological diagnosis of CNS lymphoma currently remain obligatory to
      plan treatment. However, progress in cytopathological, immunophenotypic, and
      molecular genetic analyses of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been achieved
      recently and potentially will facilitate lymphoma diagnosis in the future. This
      review describes the diagnostic procedures in patients with suspected CNS
      lymphomas, primarily PCNSL. In addition to a summary of the standard diagnostic
      work-up, an overview and discussion of current data on different techniques for
      evaluation of the CSF in CNS lymphoma are given.

PMID- 22077418
TI  - The estimation of body height from ulna length in healthy adults from different
      ethnic groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   Assessments of nutritional status frequently incorporate a measure
      of height to evaluate a person's relative thinness or fatness. Because height is
      often difficult to quantify, it may be predicted from alternative anthropometric
      measurements, including ulna length. Little information is available about the
      accuracy of these predictions in an ethnically diverse population. The present
      study aimed to evaluate published equations for predicting height from ulna
      length in adults from different ethnic groups. METHODS:   Ulna length and
      standing height were measured in a gender-stratified sample of 60 Asian, 69 Black
      and 65 White healthy volunteers, aged 21-65 years. Height was predicted from ulna
      length using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) equations and
      compared against the measured values. Linear regression analysis was used to
      develop equations to estimate height from ulna length and to explore the
      relationship between height and ulna length in subgroups. RESULTS:   The mean
      (SD) age for Asian, Black and White in men was 31.7 (11.0), 32.0 (10.3) and 38.6
      (12.5) years and in women was 26.2 (5.4), 32.6 (8.9) and 35.7 (11.7); the mean
      (SD) height in men was 170.9 (5.2), 178.1 (7.3) and 176.3 (7.7) cm and in women
      was 157.7 (4.7), 164.0 (5.9) and 163.7 (6.2) cm. Ulna length and measured height
      were significantly correlated among all subgroups, except Asian women (r=0.11,
      P=0.57). The mean (SD) difference between predicted and measured height showed
      significant overestimates for Asian and Black men [4.0 (4.8) and 6.7 (5.3) cm]
      and Asian and Black women [6.4 (4.9) and 4.4 (4.9) cm] but not for White men and
      women. CONCLUSIONS:   The MUST equations for predicting height from ulna length
      in healthy adults should be used with some caution among ethnically diverse
      populations, particularly in Asian women.

PMID- 22077419
TI  - Prophylactic administration of melatonin to the mother throughout pregnancy can
      protect against oxidative cerebral damage in neonatal rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether prophylactic
      administration of melatonin to the mother throughout pregnancy could protect
      against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative brain damage in neonatal
      rats. METHODS: The utero-ovarian arteries were occluded bilaterally for 30 min in
      female Wistar rats on day 16 of pregnancy to induce fetal ischemia. Reperfusion
      was achieved by releasing the occlusion and restoring circulation. A sham
      operation was performed in control rats. Melatonin solution or vehicle alone was
      administrated orally throughout pregnancy. We collected brain mitochondria from
      neonatal rats, evaluated mitochondrial structure by electron microscopy, and
      measured the respiratory control index (RCI) as an indicator of mitochondrial
      respiratory activity as well as the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive
      substances (TBARS), a marker of oxidative stress. Histological analysis was
      performed at the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) and Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) regions of the
      hippocampus. RESULTS: I/R significantly reduced the RCI and significantly
      elevated the concentration of TBARS. Melatonin treatment reversed these effects,
      resulting in values similar to that in untreated, sham-ischemic animals. Electron
      microscopic evaluation showed that the number of intact mitochondria decreased in
      the I/R group, while melatonin treatment preserved them. Histological analysis
      revealed a decrease in the ratio of normal to whole pyramidal cell number in the
      CA1 and CA3 regions in the I/R group. While melatonin administration protected
      against degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that prophylactic
      administration of melatonin to the mother throughout pregnancy may prevent I/R
      induced oxidative brain damage in neonatal rats.

PMID- 22077420
TI  - The antimicrobial effect of Iseganan HCl oral solution in patients receiving
      stomatotoxic chemotherapy: analysis from a multicenter, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, randomized, phase III clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic chemotherapy induces changes in the oral microflora that
      may cause oral and systemic infections in myelosuppressed cancer patients. These
      complications prompted us to assess the antimicrobial activity of a topical
      Iseganan HCl mouthwash vs. placebo on the aerobic and facultatively anaerobic
      oral flora in these patients. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-five chemotherapy
      patients were recruited into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial, conducted at multiple centers. The study compared the antimicrobial
      efficacy of Iseganan HCl vs. placebo (95% of the Iseganan and 97% of the control
      group received myeloablative chemotherapy). Iseganan HCl 9 mg/3 ml was
      administered as a swish and swallow solution, six times daily for 21-28 days.
      Microbial cultures were made before and after the daily Iseganan mouth rinse on
      the first and final days of chemotherapy. RESULTS: The reduction in total
      microbial load after the first day of treatment was statistically significant
      (1.59 vs. 0.18 log10 CFU for the Iseganan HCl and placebo groups, respectively, P
      < 0.0001). Iseganan HCl rinse had a cumulative effect demonstrated by the
      significant difference between the two groups on the last day of the study (i.e.
      completion of Iseganan daily treatment) (P < 0.05). The reduction was mainly due
      to decreased densities of viridans streptococci, non-hemolytic streptococci, and
      yeasts. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Iseganan HCl remained the
      same throughout the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Topical Iseganan HCl
      significantly reduces the total oral aerobic bacterial, streptococcal, and yeast
      load. Its potential as an oral antimicrobial agent in preventing these types of
      infections is clear.

PMID- 22077421
TI  - Surface modification with poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) to
      reduce fibrinogen adsorption, platelet adhesion, and plasma coagulation.
AB  - Zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) polymers were known to possess
      excellent antifouling properties due to high hydration capacity and neutral
      charge surface. In this study, copolymers of SBMA and acrylic acid (AA) with a
      variety of compositions were synthesized and were immobilized onto polymeric
      substrates with layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte films via electrostatic
      interaction. The amounts of platelet adhesion and fibrinogen adsorption were
      determined to evaluate hemocompatibility of poly(SBMA-co-AA)-modified substrates.
      Among various deposition conditions by modulating SBMA ratio in the copolymers
      and pH of the deposition solution, poly(SBMA(56)-co-AA(44)) deposited at pH 3.0
      possessed the best hemocompatibility. This work demonstrated that poly(SBMA-co
      AA) copolymers adsorbed on polyelectrolyte-base films via electrostatic
      interaction improve hemocompatibility effectively and are applicable for various
      substrates including TCPS, PU, and PDMS. Furthermore, poly(SBMA-co-AA)-coated
      substrate possesses great durability under rigorous conditions. The preliminary
      hemocompatibility tests regarding platelet adhesion, fibrinogen adsorption, and
      plasma coagulation suggest the potential of this technique for the application to
      blood-contacting biomedical devices.

PMID- 22077422
TI  - Analysis of the volatile compounds of Teucrium flavum L. subsp. flavum
      (Lamiaceae) by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas
      chromatography with flame ionisation and mass spectrometric detection.
AB  - In this study, a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method, in
      combination with gas chromatography flame ionisation detector and gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry, has been developed for use in the analysis of
      the volatile compounds of Teucrium flavum L. subsp. flavum, a plant whose
      particular fragrance is used in the preparation of flavoured wines, bitters and
      liqueurs, or as a substitute for hops in the flavouring of beer. The tested
      fibres were 100 um poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), the 65 um PDMS/divinylbenzene
      (DVB) and 50/30 um DVB-carboxen-PDMS. The best fibre was found to be PDMS when
      working in the following conditions: 60 degrees C temperature, 30 min extraction
      time, 30 mg sample amount, 1 mm sample particle size. The HS-SPME method
      permitted the identification (95.8-97.8%) of 76 (dry) and 66 (fresh) different
      volatiles. In addition, we discovered that the presence of water in the sample
      can enhance the absolute quantity of alcoholic compounds such as 1-octen-3-ol and
      reduce the presence of esters such as methyl geranate.

PMID- 22077423
TI  - Altered microRNA expression profile with miR-27b down-regulation correlated with
      disease activity of oral lichen planus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital
      role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The objective
      of this study was to investigate the altered miRNA expression profile in patients
      with oral lichen planus (OLP) and determine the miR-27b expression. METHODS: We
      compared miRNA expression patterns in oral biopsy specimens from patients with
      OLP (n=3) with those from normal controls (n=3) using microarray technology. We
      further assessed the miR-27b expression in specimens from patients with OLP
      (n=53) against controls (n=34) using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR), and
      miR-27b expression in specimens from patients with OLP (n=15) against controls
      (n=12) using in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS: Using microarray analysis, a
      total of 46 differentially expressed miRNAs with more than 2-fold change were
      identified, including 8 up-regulated and 38 down-regulated miRNAs. Both RT-QPCR
      and ISH analyses revealed that miR-27b was significantly down-regulated in OLP
      tissue, and miR-27b expression was even more suppressed in atrophic-erosive OLP
      than in reticular OLP. In addition, miR-27b was found to be expressed in the
      epithelial keratinocyte layer of both normal and OLP tissues. CONCLUSION: These
      data indicate that miRNAs may be the novel candidate biomarkers for the
      implication of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of OLP.

PMID- 22077424
TI  - Primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma with atypical morphological features
      on hematoxylin-eosin stained images.

PMID- 22077425
TI  - Schizosaccharomyces pombe, unlike Saccharomyces cerevisiae, may not directly
      regulate nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of spliced tRNAs in response to nutrient
      availability.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells adapt to changes in nutrient levels by regulating key processes,
      such as gene transcription, ribosome biogenesis, and protein translation. Several
      studies have shown that nuclear export of tRNAs is also regulated in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and rat hepatoma H4IIE cells during nutrient stress.
      However, recent studies suggest that nutrient stress does not affect nuclear tRNA
      export in several mammalian cell lines, including rat hepatoma H4IIE.
      Furthermore, in contrast to previous studies, data reported more recently
      established that nuclear export of mature tRNAs derived from intron-containing
      pre-tRNAs, but not mature tRNAs made from intronless precursors, is affected by
      nutrient stress in several species of Saccharomyces, but not in the yeast
      Kluyveromyces lactis . Here, we provide evidence suggesting that
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe, like mammalian cells and K. lactis, but unlike
      Saccharomyces, do not directly regulate nuclear export of mature tRNAs made from
      intron-containing pre-tRNAs in response to nutrient stress. These studies
      collectively suggest that regulation of nuclear export of spliced tRNAs to the
      cytoplasm in response to nutrient availability may be limited to the genus
      Saccharomyces, which unlike other yeasts and higher eukaryotes produce energy for
      fermentative growth using respiration-independent pathways by downregulating the
      citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain.

PMID- 22077426
TI  - The potential benefits of applying a narrative analytic approach for
      understanding the experience of fibromyalgia: a review.
AB  - PURPOSE: People with fibromyalgia (FM), a medically unexplained illness,
      habitually experience widespread pain and fatigue. While some qualitative
      research has aimed to understand the experiences of people with FM, studies from
      a specific narrative perspective are particularly lacking. This review argues
      that future research could be significantly enhanced by studies which analyse the
      narratives of people with FM. METHOD: This argument is made through reference to
      an examination of the extant qualitative literature on the experience of FM and
      theories and narrative studies on chronic illnesses and identity. RESULTS: The
      empirical literature is reviewed from a narrative perspective; this assumes that
      the stories people tell reveal much about their identities and social worlds. As
      such, it is proposed that narrative analysis is particularly well suited for
      exploring issues of self and culture and for appreciating how meanings evolve
      over time. Further, it is also argued that consideration of these issues is
      particularly relevant for understanding the experience of FM given the enigmatic
      nature of the syndrome and its chronic course. CONCLUSIONS: The review concludes
      by emphasizing that narrative analysis is a valuable method which offers the
      potential for uncovering novel insights about the illness experience for these
      individuals.

PMID- 22077427
TI  - Intra-operative vs pre-operative endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with
      gallbladder and common bile duct stones: cost-utility and value-of-information
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with gallbladder and common bile duct stones are generally
      treated by pre-operative endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) followed by laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy (POES). Recently, a meta-analysis has shown that intra-operative
      ES during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (IOES) results in fewer complications than
      POES, with similar efficacy. The cost effectiveness of IOES versus POES is
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the cost
      effectiveness of IOES versus POES from the UK NHS perspective. METHODS: A
      decision-tree model estimating and comparing costs to the UK NHS and QALYs gained
      following a policy of either IOES or POES was developed with a time horizon of 3
      years. Uncertainty was investigated with probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and
      the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) and partial information (EVPPI)
      were also calculated. RESULTS: IOES was less costly than POES (approximately 
      L623 per patient [year 2008 values]) and resulted in similar quality of life
      (+0.008 QALYs per patient) as POES. Given a willingness-to-pay threshold of L20
      000 per QALY gained, there was a 92.9% probability that IOES is cost effective
      compared with POES. Full implementation of IOES could save the NHS L2.8 million
      per annum. At a willingness to pay of L20 000 per QALY gained, the 10-year
      population EVPI was estimated at L0.6 million. CONCLUSIONS: IOES appears to be
      cost effective compared with POES.

PMID- 22077428
TI  - The power of reviews and marker vaccines.

PMID- 22077429
TI  - Investigating the adhesion of water droplets at low temperatures.
AB  - Adhesion of droplets to solid surfaces at low temperatures is crucial for
      antifogging and antifreezing, etc. So far, most reports on adhesion measurements
      have been carried out in air-liquid-solid systems, but it remains difficult to
      precisely investigate the adhesion at low temperatures due to the uncontrollable
      condensation. On the basis of the liquid-liquid-solid system, a new method to
      measure the adhesion of water droplets at low temperatures was developed and
      employed. Moreover, the reported method could be viable in other liquid-liquid
      solid systems with wider temperature window; thus, it will find applications in
      broad fields such as crude oil recovery, ore-dressing, and transfer printing.

PMID- 22077431
TI  - A brief history of this journal.

PMID- 22077430
TI  - Mechanisms and clinical implications of thrombosis in  paroxysmal nocturnal
      hemoglobinuria.
AB  - Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired disease
      characterized by a clone of blood cells lacking glycosyl phosphatidylinositol
      (GPI)-anchored proteins at the cell membrane. Deficiency of the GPI-anchored
      complement inhibitors CD55 and CD59 on erythrocytes leads to intravascular
      hemolysis upon complement activation. Apart from hemolysis, another prominent
      feature is a highly increased risk of thrombosis. Thrombosis in PNH results in
      high morbidity and mortality. Often, thrombosis occurs at unusual locations, with
      the Budd-Chiari syndrome being the most frequent manifestation. Primary
      prophylaxis with vitamin K antagonists reduces the risk but does not completely
      prevent thrombosis. Eculizumab, a mAb against complement factor C5, effectively
      reduces intravascular hemolysis and also thrombotic risk. Therefore, eculizumab
      treatment has dramatically improved the prognosis of PNH. The mechanism of
      thrombosis in PNH is still unknown, but the highly beneficial effect of
      eculizumab on thrombotic risk suggests a major role for complement activation.
      Additionally, a deficiency of GPI-anchored proteins involved in hemostasis may be
      implicated.

PMID- 22077432
TI  - Myocardial remodelling in left ventricular atrophy induced by caloric
      restriction.
AB  - Changes in body weight due to changes in food intake are reflected by
      corresponding changes in the cardiac phenotype. Despite a growing body of
      literature on cardiac hypertrophy associated with obesity, little is known on the
      atrophic remodelling of the heart associated with calorie restriction. We
      hypothesized that, besides the cardiomyocyte compartment, capillaries and nerve
      fibres are involved in the atrophic process. C57Bl6 mice were kept on normal diet
      (control group) or at a calorie-restricted diet for 3 or 7 days (n = 5 each). At
      the end of the protocol, mice were killed and the hearts were processed for light
      and electron microscopic stereological analysis of cardiomyocytes, capillaries
      and nerve fibres. Body, heart and left ventricular weight were significantly
      reduced in the calorie-restricted animals at 7 days. Most morphological
      parameters were not significantly different at 3 days compared with the control
      group, but at 7 days most of them were significantly reduced. Specifically, the
      total length of capillaries, the volume of cardiomyocytes as well as their
      subcellular compartments and the interstitium were proportionally reduced during
      caloric restriction. No differences were observed in the total length or the mean
      diameter of axons between the cardiomyocytes. Our data indicate that diet-induced
      left ventricular atrophy leads to a proportional atrophic process of
      cardiomyocytes and capillaries. The innervation is not involved in the atrophic
      process.

PMID- 22077433
TI  - Trend of contact allergy to cosmetic ingredients in Thais over a period of 10
      years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contact allergy to cosmetic ingredients is common. However, there are
      no recent comprehensive studies on contact allergy to cosmetic ingredients in
      Asia. OBJECTIVES: To identify positive patch test reactions in patients tested at
      Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand to allergens present in cosmetics. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of medical records from the outpatient contact dermatitis
      clinic was conducted from January 1999 to December 2008. Patients with at least
      one positive patch test reaction to allergens associated with cosmetic
      ingredients were studied. The results were evaluated using Pearson's chi(2) -test
      with Yates' continuity correction or Fisher's exact test where appropriate,and a
      p-value <0.002 was considered to be statistically significant by Bonferroni
      correction. RESULTS: There were 1247 cases (239 males and 1008 females; mean age
      38.5 years). Fragrance chemicals and preservatives were the most commonly
      recognized cosmetic allergens. Ammoniated mercury was the only allergen that
      showed a significantly increased frequency over the 10-year period (p = 0.0008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that ammoniated mercury is an emerging cosmetic
      allergen, showing an increased prevalence in recent years in Thailand. A focus is
      required on emerging cosmetic allergens and what may account for the upward trend
      of cosmetic contact dermatitis.

PMID- 22077434
TI  - The 'overall yield' with the baseline series - a useful addition to the array of
      MOAHLFA factors describing departmental characteristics of patch tested patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The proportion of patients with a positive patch test reaction to at
      least one allergen from the baseline series differs between departments.
      OBJECTIVES: To further define the above mentioned proportion, termed the 'P'
      measure, to examine factors associated with this measure, to describe its
      variation over time and between centres, and to discuss possible uses. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Eighteen departments have been 'long-term' participants in the
      Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK; www.ivdk.org), that is,
      since 1995 (1997 in two cases). In these departments, 80 919 consultations for
      patch testing with the baseline series, in the composition of the series valid at
      that time, were documented until December 2009. Bivariate and multifactorial
      analyses addressed factors associated with being patch test-positive to at least
      one baseline series allergen. RESULTS: Of the study population, 46.5% had at
      least one positive test reaction, with considerable variation being seen between
      centres and a general decline during the study period. Among other factors,
      female sex, occupational causation and a high suspicion of allergic contact
      dermatitis were significantly associated with having at least one positive patch
      test reaction to the baseline series. CONCLUSIONS: The 'P' measure should prove
      useful as another perspective on departmental characteristics, and should be
      reported along with established variables (MOAHLFA index).

PMID- 22077435
TI  - Excessive nickel release from mobile phones--a persistent cause of nickel allergy
      and dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the political intention to limit nickel allergy and
      dermatitis in Europeans, nickel allergy remains frequent. There are several
      explanations for the persistence of nickel allergy and dermatitis, including the
      increasing use of mobile phones. Before regulation of nickel release from mobile
      phones, we showed that eight (19.5%) of 41 mobile phones marketed in Denmark
      between 2003 and 2007 released nickel in concentrations that may result in nickel
      allergy and dermatitis. In 2009, the EU Nickel Directive was revised to include
      nickel-releasing mobile phones. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the proportion of
      mobile phones sold in Denmark that release nickel after regulation. METHODS:
      Metallic parts from 50 randomly selected mobile phones currently for sale in
      Denmark were tested for nickel release by use of the dimethylglyoxime (DMG)
      nickel spot test. RESULTS: Nine (18%) phones showed at least one positive DMG
      test reaction and two phones had more than one DMG test-positive spot.
      CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, the proportion of mobile phones with significant nickel
      release remains unchanged, despite the 2009 revision of the EU Nickel Directive.
      We encourage manufacturers to measure nickel release from metallic components
      used in the assembly of mobile phones to ensure safe products.

PMID- 22077436
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by sodium dehydroacetate, not hyaluronic acid,
      in Ialuset(r) cream.

PMID- 22077437
TI  - Widespread contact dermatitis caused by urushiol in kintsugi.

PMID- 22077438
TI  - Contact urticaria caused by carvone in toothpaste.

PMID- 22077439
TI  - Can reliable information sources be trusted?

PMID- 22077440
TI  - Fragrances in topical over-the-counter medicaments - a loophole in EU legislation
      should be closed.

PMID- 22077441
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by bis-diglycerylpolyacyladipate-2
      (Softisan(r) 649) owing to its 12-hydroxystearic acid content.

PMID- 22077442
TI  - Cutaneous myoepithelioma arising within hidradenoma of the scalp.
AB  - A 62-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of a 2-cm cystic mass involving
      his occiput. There had been recent enlargement, and the clinical impression was
      that of a pilar cyst. Histopathological sections showed a partially dermal solid
      and cystic proliferation. The tumor contained areas of glandular differentiation
      with cuboidal to columnar cells lining luminal and cystic spaces. A concurrent
      spindle cell proliferation was seen interspersed between glands and also formed
      broad, cellular sheets of cells. The stroma was sclerotic and without chondroid
      or myxoid elements. Immunohistochemistry showed that the spindled cells expressed
      S100 protein, cytokeratin and smooth muscle myosin. The immunohistochemical
      profile and the relationship with ductal elements supported myoepithelial
      differentiation. The proliferation warranted the diagnosis of myoepithelioma
      arising from a hidradenoma, which to our knowledge has not been previously
      described. In addition to discussing this case, we provide a brief review of
      epithelial-myoepithelial neoplasms encountered in the skin.

PMID- 22077443
TI  - Identification of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-histidine adducts that serve as ligands for
      human lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1.
AB  - LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1) is an endothelial
      scavenger receptor that is important for the uptake of OxLDL (oxidized low
      density lipoprotein) and contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
      However, the precise structural motifs of OxLDL that are recognized by LOX-1 are
      unknown. In the present study, we have identified products of lipid peroxidation
      of OxLDL that serve as ligands for LOX-1. We used CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary)
      cells that stably express LOX-1 to evaluate the ability of BSA modified by lipid
      peroxidation to compete with AcLDL (acetylated low-density lipoprotein). We found
      that HNE (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal)-modified proteins most potently inhibited the
      uptake of AcLDL. On the basis of the findings that HNE-modified BSA and oxidation
      of LDL resulted in the formation of HNE-histidine Michael adducts, we examined
      whether the HNE-histidine adducts could serve as ligands for LOX-1. The authentic
      HNE-histidine adduct inhibited the uptake of AcLDL in a dose-dependent manner.
      Furthermore, we found the interaction of LOX-1 with the HNE-histidine adduct to
      have a dissociation constant of 1.22*10(-8) M using a surface plasmon resonance
      assay. Finally, we showed that the HNE-histidine adduct stimulated the formation
      of reactive oxygen species and activated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase
      1/2 and NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) in HAECs (human aortic endothelial
      cells); these signals initiate endothelial dysfunction and lead to
      atherosclerosis. The present study provides intriguing insights into the
      molecular details of LOX-1 recognition of OxLDL.

PMID- 22077444
TI  - On stability, chirality measures, and theoretical VCD spectra of the chiral C58X2
      fullerenes (X = N, B).
AB  - The stability of all 23 C(58)N(2) and C(58)B(2) heterofullerenes in the singlet
      and triplet states was determined at the B3LYP/6-31G** level. In equilibrium
      mixture the achiral (1,4) C(58)N(2) isomer would be populated in ca. 95.8%, the
      chiral (1,16) one in ca. 3.3%, and the achiral (1,4) C(58)B(2) in 100%, whereas
      all triplet state isomers are less stable. Fourteen out of 23 C(58)X(2) are
      chiral. Four different chirality measures were calculated by our own CHIMEA
      program: pure geometrical, labeled, mass, and charge. Intercorrelations between
      the measures for all chiral compounds indicate that the pure geometrical
      chirality measure is unstable and should not be used in QSAR predictions of the
      other molecular properties, while the labeled and mass-weighted ones are
      promising QSAR descriptors. For each chiral C(58)N(2) molecule, some very strong
      VCD bands, of intensity comparable with that in the IR spectra, can serve in
      identification and characterization of the isomers.

PMID- 22077445
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 3: outcome
      predictors and risks after repeat radiosurgery.
AB  - OBJECT: The object of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and risks of repeat
      stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for incompletely obliterated cerebral
      arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS: Between 1987 and 2006, Gamma Knife
      surgery was performed in 996 patients with AVMs. During this period, repeat SRS
      was performed in 105 patients who had incompletely obliterated AVMs at a median
      of 40.9 months after initial SRS (range 27.5-139 months). The median AVM target
      volume was 6.4 cm(3) (range 0.2-26.3 cm(3)) at initial SRS but was reduced to 2.3
      cm(3) (range 0.1-18.2 cm(3)) at the time of the second procedure. The median
      margin dose at both initial SRS and repeat SRS was 18 Gy. RESULTS: The actuarial
      rate of total obliteration by angiography or MR imaging after repeat SRS was 35%,
      68%, 77%, and 80% at 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The median time to
      complete angiographic or MR imaging obliteration after repeat SRS was 39 months.
      Factors associated with a higher rate of AVM obliteration were smaller residual
      AVM target volume (p = 0.038) and a volume reduction of 50% or more after the
      initial procedure (p = 0.014). Seven patients (7%) had a hemorrhage in the
      interval between initial SRS and repeat SRS. Seventeen patients (16%) had
      hemorrhage after repeat SRS and 6 patients died. The cumulative actuarial rates
      of new AVM hemorrhage after repeat SRS were 1.9%, 8.1%, 10.1%, 10.1%, and 22.4%
      at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively, which translate to annual hemorrhage
      rates of 4.05% and 1.79% of patients developing new post-repeat-SRS hemorrhages
      per year for Years 0-2 and 2-10 following repeat SRS. Factors associated with a
      higher risk of hemorrhage after repeat SRS were a greater number of prior
      hemorrhages (p = 0.008), larger AVM target volume at initial SRS (p = 0.010),
      larger target volume at repeat SRS (p = 0.002), initial AVM volume reduction less
      than 50% (p = 0.019), and a higher Pollock-Flickinger score (p = 0.010).
      Symptomatic adverse radiation effects developed in 5 patients (4.8%) after
      initial SRS and in 10 patients (9.5%) after repeat SRS. Prior embolization (p =
      0.022) and a higher Spetzler-Martin grade (p = 0.004) were significantly
      associated with higher rates of adverse radiation effects after repeat SRS.
      Delayed cyst formation occurred in 5 patients (4.8%) at a median of 108 months
      after repeat SRS (range 47-184 months). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat SRS for incompletely
      obliterated AVMs increases the eventual obliteration rate. Hemorrhage after
      obliteration did not occur in this series. The best results for patients with
      incompletely obliterated AVMs were seen in patients with a smaller residual nidus
      volume and no prior hemorrhages.

PMID- 22077446
TI  - Using imaging to identify psychogenic parkinsonism before deep brain stimulation
      surgery. Report of 2 cases.
AB  - The frequency with which patients with atypical parkinsonism and advanced motor
      symptoms undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures is unknown. However, the
      potential exposure of these patients to unnecessary surgical risks makes their
      identification critical. As many as 15% of patients enrolled in recent early
      Parkinson disease (PD) trials have been found to lack evidence of a dopaminergic
      deficit following PET or SPECT imaging. This suggests that a number of patients
      with parkinsonism who are referred for DBS may not have idiopathic PD. The
      authors report on 2 patients with probable psychogenic parkinsonism who presented
      for DBS surgery. They found that both patients had normal caudate and putamen
      [(18)F]-fluorodopa uptake on PET imaging, along with normal expression of
      specific disease-related metabolic networks for PD and multiple system atrophy, a
      common form of atypical neurodegenerative parkinsonism. The clinical and PET
      findings in these patients highlight the role of functional imaging in assisting
      clinical decision making when the diagnosis is uncertain.

PMID- 22077447
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 6: multistaged
      volumetric management of large arteriovenous malformations.
AB  - OBJECT: The object of this study was to define the long-term outcomes and risks
      of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) management using 2 or more stages of
      stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for symptomatic large-volume lesions unsuitable
      for surgery. METHODS: In 1992, the authors prospectively began to stage the
      treatment of anatomical components to deliver higher single doses to AVMs with a
      volume of more than 10 cm(3). Forty-seven patients with such AVMs underwent
      volume-staged SRS. In this series, 18 patients (38%) had a prior hemorrhage and
      21 patients (45%) underwent prior embolization. The median interval between the
      first-stage SRS and the second-stage SRS was 4.9 months (range 2.8-13.8 months).
      The median target volume was 11.5 cm(3) (range 4.0-26 cm(3)) in the first-stage
      SRS and 9.5 cm(3) in the second-stage SRS. The median margin dose was 16 Gy
      (range 13-18 Gy) for both stages. RESULTS: In 17 patients, AVM obliteration was
      confirmed after 2-4 SRS procedures at a median follow-up of 87 months (range 0.4
      209 months). Five patients had near-total obliteration (volume reduction > 75%
      but residual AVM). The actuarial rates of total obliteration after 2-stage SRS
      were 7%, 20%, 28%, and 36% at 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The 5-year
      total obliteration rate after the initial staged volumetric SRS with a margin
      dose of 17 Gy or more was 62% (p = 0.001). Sixteen patients underwent additional
      SRS at a median interval of 61 months (range 33-113 months) after the initial 2
      stage SRS. The overall rates of total obliteration after staged and repeat SRS
      were 18%, 45%, and 56% at 5, 7, and 10 years, respectively. Ten patients
      sustained hemorrhage after staged SRS, and 5 of these patients died. Three of 16
      patients who underwent repeat SRS sustained hemorrhage after the procedure and
      died. Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis (excluding the second hemorrhage in the
      patient who had 2 hemorrhages), the cumulative rates of AVM hemorrhage after SRS
      were 4.3%, 8.6%, 13.5%, and 36.0% at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. This
      corresponded to annual hemorrhage risks of 4.3%, 2.3%, and 5.6% for Years 0-1, 1
      5, and 5-10 after SRS. Multiple hemorrhages before SRS correlated with a
      significantly higher risk of hemorrhage after SRS. Symptomatic adverse radiation
      effects were detected in 13% of patients, but no patient died as a result of an
      adverse radiation effect. Delayed cyst formation did not occur in any patient
      after SRS. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective volume-staged SRS for large AVMs unsuitable
      for surgery has potential benefit but often requires more than 2 procedures to
      complete the obliteration process. To have a reasonable chance of benefit, the
      minimum margin dose should be 17 Gy or greater, depending on the AVM location. In
      the future, prospective volume-staged SRS followed by embolization (to reduce
      flow, obliterate fistulas, and occlude associated aneurysms) may improve
      obliteration results and further reduce the risk of hemorrhage after SRS.

PMID- 22077448
TI  - Role of radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations.

PMID- 22077449
TI  - Radiosurgery.

PMID- 22077450
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 5: management of
      brainstem arteriovenous malformations.
AB  - OBJECT: In this paper, the authors' goal was to define the long-term outcomes and
      risks of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
      of the medulla, pons, and midbrain. METHODS: Between 1987 and 2006, the authors
      performed Gamma Knife surgery in 996 patients with brain AVMs; 67 patients had
      AVMs in the brainstem. In this series, 51 patients (76%) had a prior hemorrhage.
      The median target volume was 1.4 cm(3) (range 0.1-13.4 cm(3)). The median margin
      dose was 20 Gy (range 14-25.6 Gy). RESULTS: Obliteration of the AVMs was
      eventually documented in 35 patients at a median follow-up of 73 months (range 6
      269 months). The actuarial rates of documentation of total obliteration were 41%,
      70%, 70%, and 76% at 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Higher rates of AVM
      obliteration were associated only with a higher margin dose. Four patients (6%)
      suffered a hemorrhage during the latency period, and 2 patients died. The rate of
      AVM hemorrhage after SRS was 3.0%, 3.0%, and 5.8% at 1, 5, and 10 years,
      respectively. The overall annual hemorrhage rate was 1.9%. Permanent neurological
      deficits due to adverse radiation effects (AREs) developed in 7 patients (10%)
      after SRS, and a delayed cyst developed in 2 patients (3%). One patient died at
      an outside institution with symptoms of AREs and unrecognized hydrocephalus.
      Higher 12-Gy volumes and higher Spetzler-Martin grades were associated with a
      higher risk of symptomatic AREs. Ten of 22 patients who had ocular dysfunction
      before SRS had improvement, 9 were unchanged, and 3 were worse due to AREs. Eight
      of 14 patients who had hemiparesis before SRS improved, 5 were unchanged, and 1
      was worse. CONCLUSIONS: Although hemorrhage after obliteration did not occur in
      this series, patients remained at risk during the latency interval until
      obliteration occurred. Thirty-eight percent of the patients who had neurological
      deficits due to prior hemorrhage improved. Higher dose delivery in association
      with conformal and highly selective SRS is required for safe and effective
      radiosurgery.

PMID- 22077451
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 4: management of
      basal ganglia and thalamus arteriovenous malformations.
AB  - OBJECT: The authors conducted a study to define the long-term outcomes and risks
      of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the
      basal ganglia and thalamus. METHODS: Between 1987 and 2006, the authors performed
      Gamma Knife surgery in 996 patients with brain AVMs; 56 patients had AVMs of the
      basal ganglia and 77 had AVMs of the thalamus. In this series, 113 (85%) of 133
      patients had a prior hemorrhage. The median target volume was 2.7 cm(3) (range
      0.1-20.7 cm(3)) and the median margin dose was 20 Gy (range 15-25 Gy). RESULTS:
      Obliteration of the AVM eventually was documented on MR imaging in 78 patients
      and on angiography in 63 patients in a median follow-up period of 61 months
      (range 2-265 months). The actuarial rates documenting total obliteration after
      radiosurgery were 57%, 70%, 72%, and 72% at 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, respectively.
      Factors associated with a higher rate of AVM obliteration included AVMs located
      in the basal ganglia, a smaller target volume, a smaller maximum diameter, and a
      higher margin dose. Fifteen (11%) of 133 patients suffered a hemorrhage during
      the latency period and 7 patients died. The rate of post-SRS AVM hemorrhage was
      4.5%, 6.2%, 9.0%, 11.2%, and 15.4% at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The
      overall annual hemorrhage rate was 4.7%. When 5 patients with 7 hemorrhages
      occurring earlier than 6 months after SRS were removed from this analysis, the
      annual hemorrhage rate decreased to 2.7%. Larger volume AVMs had a higher risk of
      hemorrhage after SRS. Permanent neurological deficits due to adverse radiation
      effects (AREs) developed in 6 patients (4.5%), and in 1 patient a delayed cyst
      developed 56 months after SRS. No patient died of AREs. Factors associated with a
      higher risk of symptomatic AREs were larger target volume, larger maximum
      diameter, lower margin dose, and a higher Pollock-Flickinger score. CONCLUSIONS:
      Stereotactic radiosurgery is a gradually effective and relatively safe management
      option for deep-seated AVMs in the basal ganglia and thalamus. Although
      hemorrhage after obliteration did not occur in the present series, patients
      remain at risk during the latency interval between SRS and obliteration. The best
      candidates for SRS are patients with smaller volume AVMs located in the basal
      ganglia.

PMID- 22077452
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 1: management of
      Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II arteriovenous malformations.
AB  - OBJECT: The aim of this paper was to define the outcomes and risks of
      stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II arteriovenous
      malformations (AVMs). METHODS: Between 1987 and 2006, the authors performed Gamma
      Knife surgery in 996 patients with brain AVMs, including 217 patients with AVMs
      classified as Spetzler-Martin Grade I or II. The median maximum diameter and
      target volumes were 1.9 cm (range 0.5-3.8 cm) and 2.3 cm(3) (range 0.1-14.1
      cm(3)), respectively. The median margin dose was 22 Gy (range 15-27 Gy). RESULTS:
      Arteriovenous malformation obliteration was confirmed by MR imaging in 148
      patients and by angiography in 100 patients with a median follow-up of 64 months
      (range 6-247 months). The actuarial rates of total obliteration determined by
      angiography or MR imaging after 1 SRS procedure were 58%, 87%, 90%, and 93% at 3,
      4, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The median time to complete MR imaging
      determined obliteration was 30 months. Factors associated with higher AVM
      obliteration rates were smaller AVM target volume, smaller maximum diameter, and
      greater marginal dose. Thirteen patients (6%) suffered hemorrhages during the
      latency period, and 6 patients died. Cumulative rates of AVM hemorrhage 1, 2, 3,
      5, and 10 years after SRS were 3.7%, 4.2%, 4.2%, 5.0%, and 6.1%, respectively.
      This corresponded to rates of annual bleeding risk of 3.7%, 0.3%, and 0.2% for
      Years 0-1, 1-5, and 5-10, respectively, after SRS. The presence of a coexisting
      aneurysm proximal to the AVM correlated with a significantly higher hemorrhage
      risk. Temporary symptomatic adverse radiation effects developed in 5 patients
      (2.3%) after SRS, and 2 patients (1%) developed delayed cysts. CONCLUSIONS:
      Stereotactic radiosurgery is a gradually effective and relatively safe option for
      patients with smaller volume Spetzler-Martin Grade I or II AVMs who decline
      initial resection. Hemorrhage after obliteration did not occur in this series.
      Patients remain at risk for a bleeding event during the latency interval until
      obliteration occurs. Patients with aneurysms and an AVM warrant more aggressive
      surgical or endovascular treatment to reduce the risk of a hemorrhage in the
      latency period after SRS.

PMID- 22077454
TI  - Association fibers connecting the Broca center and the lateral superior frontal
      gyrus: a microsurgical and tractographic anatomy.
AB  - OBJECT: Recently, intraoperative mapping has disclosed that, in addition to the
      classic language centers (that is, the Broca and Wernicke centers), other
      cortical regions may also play an important role in language organization. In the
      prefrontal cortex, although the lateral superior frontal gyrus (LSFG) could have
      language-related functions, there are no detailed reports that demonstrate the
      anatomical connection between the LSFG and other well-known language cortices,
      such as the Broca center. To show the existence of the structural connection,
      white matter association fibers between the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the
      LSFG were examined using fiber dissection (FD) and diffusion tensor (DT) imaging
      based tractography. METHODS: Eight cadaveric cerebral hemispheres were dissected
      to reveal the association fibers between the IFG and LSFG. The DT imaging-based
      tractography studies targeting the prefrontal cortex were obtained in 53 right
      handed patients who had no organic cerebral lesions. RESULTS: The association
      fiber tract between Brodmann area 44/45 (the Broca center in the dominant
      hemisphere) and LSFG were detected in all specimens by FD. In the DT imaging
      based tractography studies, the tract was identified in all patients bilaterally,
      except for the 4 in whom the tract was detected only in the left hemisphere. This
      tract was spread significantly wider in the left than in the right hemisphere,
      and left lateralization was evident in male patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on its
      character, this tract was named the Broca-LSFG pathway. These findings suggest a
      close relationship between this pathway and language organization. The structural
      anatomy of the Broca-LSFG pathway may explain speech disturbances induced by LSFG
      stimulation that are sometimes observed during intraoperative language mapping.

PMID- 22077455
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations.

PMID- 22077456
TI  - Severe neonatal jaundice: is it a rare event in Australia?
AB  - Hyperbilirubinaemia is common in the newborn period, and while the vast majority
      of babies are unaffected, significant neurological impairment remains a risk
      associated with extremely high levels of bilirubin. There is concern
      internationally that the number of babies affected by severe neonatal
      hyperbilirubinaemia may be increasing. This review describes the most current
      published data pertaining to the incidence and causes of severe neonatal
      hyperbilirubinaemia in order to determine whether concern regarding the possible
      re-emergence of kernicterus in Australia is warranted. Seven incidence studies
      conducted internationally between 1988 and 2005 identify an estimated incidence
      of severe neonatal jaundice of between 7.1 and 45 per 100,000 births and of
      kernicterus at 0.4-2.7. Major pathophysiological causes or associations include
      ABO and other blood group incompatibility, glucose-6-phoshate-dehydrogenase
      deficiency, infection and haemolysis of other causes including spherocytosis.
      Other factors associated with poor outcomes include prematurity, male gender,
      ethnicity, breastfeeding and early hospital discharge. The management of severe
      neonatal jaundice requires multifaceted risk quantification in addition to the
      availability of adequate surveillance, particularly in the context of early
      hospital discharge. It is of concern that currently there is a paucity of
      incidence data in Australia relating to this potentially devastating yet
      generally preventable condition. Therefore, a surveillance study has been
      initiated through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit. It is anticipated
      that these data will accurately define the incidence in Australia and hopefully
      guide strategies to prevent a condition that we may have prematurely considered
      to be of historical interest only.

PMID- 22077457
TI  - Cytotoxic and antimicrobial aporphine alkaloids from Fissistigma poilanei
      (Annonaceae) collected in Vietnam.
AB  - Two new aporphine alkaloids: 8-hydroxy-9-methoxy-1,2-methylenedioxyaporphine (1)
      and 8-hydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy-1,2-methylenedioxyaporphine (2) were isolated from
      the ethyl acetate extract of Fissistigma poilanei along with five known
      compounds: oxocrebanine (3), kuafumine (4), (2R,3R)-3',4',5,7
      tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), (+)-catechin 3-O
      alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (6) and quercetine 3,7-dimethoxy-3'-O-alpha-L
      rhamnopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7). These two new aporphine
      alkaloids exhibited a moderate cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell
      lines (KB, Hep-G2, MCF-7, LU) as well as antimicrobial activity against
      Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus
      subtillis.

PMID- 22077458
TI  - Modulating antibacterial properties using nanotechnology.

PMID- 22077460
TI  - Sensitizing of gemcitabine-resistant human leukemia cells by stearoyl gemcitabine
      nanoparticles .

PMID- 22077461
TI  - Interview: Nanomedicine in oncology: miniaturized means to an enormous end.
      Interviewed by Cara Sutton.

PMID- 22077462
TI  - In vivo real-time fluorescence visualization and brain-targeting mechanisms of
      lipid nanocarriers with different fatty ester:oil ratios.
AB  - AIMS: The objective of the present work was to investigate the influence of the
      inner cores of lipid nanocarriers on the efficiency of brain targeting. Cetyl
      palmitate and squalene were respectively chosen as the solid lipid and liquid oil
      in the inner phase of the nanocarriers. MATERIALS & METHODS: Nanoparticulate
      systems with different cetyl palmitate/squalene ratios were compared by
      evaluating the size, zeta potential, molecular environment, and mobility of
      lipids in the systems. RESULTS: The particulate diameter ranged from 190 to 210
      nm, with systems containing 100% cetyl palmitate in the matrix (solid lipid
      nanoparticles [SLN]) showing the smallest size, followed by systems with both
      cetyl palmitate and squalene (nanostructured lipid carriers [NLC]) and with 100%
      squalene (lipid emulsions [LE]). A cationic surfactant, Forestall, was used to
      produce a positive surface charge of 40-55 mW. The in vitro release was evaluated
      using various dyes located in different phases of the nanocarriers. The release
      of sulforhodamine B occurred in a sustained manner from the shell of the
      nanocarriers. The in vivo brain distribution of lipid nanosystems after an
      intravenous injection into rats was monitored by a real-time fluorescence imaging
      system. LE showed higher brain accumulation than SLN and NLC. NLC only exhibited
      a slightly higher brain accumulation compared with the aqueous control.
      Incorporation of sulforhodamine B into LE could prolong its retention in the
      brain from 20 to 50 min. The results were further confirmed by imaging the entire
      brain and brain slices. The specific association of lipid nanocarriers with rat
      brain endothelial cells (bEnd3) was demonstrated using fluorescence microscopy.
      The cellular uptake of LE and SLN was higher compared with NLC and the aqueous
      control. LE were observed to be internalized by cells through caveola-mediated
      and macropinocytotic energy-dependent endocytosis. CONCLUSION: The experimental
      profiles indicated that LE with moderate additives are a promising brain
      targeting nanocarrier. The composition of the lipid matrix played a significant
      role in delivering compounds to the brain.

PMID- 22077463
TI  - Magnetic targeting strategies in gene delivery.
AB  - Gene delivery is a process of the insertion of transgenes into cells with the
      purpose to obtain the expression of encoded protein. The therapeutic application
      of this process is termed gene therapy, which is becoming a promising instrument
      to treat genetic and acquired diseases. Although numerous methods of gene
      transfer have already been developed, including biological, physical and chemical
      approaches, the optimal strategy has to be discovered. Importantly, it should be
      effective, selective and safe to be translated to the clinic. Magnetic targeting
      has been demonstrated as an effective strategy to decrease side effects of gene
      transfer, while increasing the selectivity and efficiency of the applied vector.
      This article will focus on the latest progress in the development of different
      magnetic vectors, based on both viral and nonviral gene delivery agents. It will
      also include a description of magnetic targeting applications in stem cells and
      in vivo, which has gained interest in recent years due to the rapid development
      of technology.

PMID- 22077465
TI  - Design of self-assembling peptides and their biomedical applications.
AB  - Combining physics, engineering, chemistry and biology, we can now design,
      synthesize and fabricate biological nanomaterials at the molecular scale using
      self-assembling peptide systems. These peptides have been used for fabrication of
      nanomaterials, including nanofibers, nanotubes and vesicles, nanometer-thick
      surface coating and nanowires. Some of these peptides are used for stabilizing
      membrane proteins and drug delivery, and others provide a more permissive
      environment for 3D cell culture, tissue engineering and repair of tissues in
      regenerative medicine. Self-assembling peptides are also useful for fabricating a
      wide spectrum of exquisitely fine architectures, nanomaterials and nanodevices
      for nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology. These peptide systems lie at the
      interface between molecular biology, chemistry, materials science and
      engineering. The studies of designed self-assembling peptides and their
      applications will help us to understand nature?s enormous power and how to apply
      it to benefit other disciplines and society.

PMID- 22077464
TI  - Improving delivery and efficacy of nanomedicines in solid tumors: role of tumor
      priming.
AB  - Effectiveness of nanomedicines in cancer therapy is limited in part by inadequate
      delivery and transport in tumor interstitium. This article reviews the
      experimental approaches to improve nanomedicine delivery and transport in solid
      tumors. These approaches include tumor vasculature normalization, interstitial
      fluid pressure modulation, enzymatic extracellular matrix degradation, and
      apoptosis-inducing tumor priming technology. We advocate the latter approach due
      to its ease and practicality (accomplished with standard-of-care chemotherapy,
      such as paclitaxel) and tumor selectivity. Examples of applying tumor priming to
      deliver nanomedicines and to design drug/RNAi-loaded carriers are discussed.

PMID- 22077466
TI  - Lipid-based nanoformulation of irinotecan: dual mechanism of action allows for
      combination chemo/angiogenic therapy.
AB  - A number of studies have outlined the antiangiogenic effects of cytotoxic agents
      when administered frequently at low doses. These studies suggest that the effect
      of the cytotoxic agent is on the vasculature within the tumor and it is assumed
      that there is little or negligible cytotoxicity. Liposomal drug delivery systems
      have the ability to provide a dual mechanism of activity where tumor accumulation
      can deliver high local concentrations of the drug at the site of action with
      concomitant slow release of the drug from carriers in the blood compartment that
      results in antivascular effects, similar to that achieved when dosing frequently
      at low levels. Although this dual mechanism of activity may be linked to other
      lipid nanoparticle formulations of anticancer drugs, this article summarizes the
      evidence supporting direct (cytotoxic) and indirect (antivascular) actions of a
      liposomal formulation of irinotecan.

PMID- 22077468
TI  - New variant of unclassified congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia: the concept of
      the erythroid regulator?

PMID- 22077469
TI  - Neuromonitoring.

PMID- 22077470
TI  - Laminectomy, durotomy, and piotomy effects on spinal cord intramedullary pressure
      in severe cervical and thoracic kyphotic deformity: a cadaveric study.
AB  - OBJECT: Previous studies have shown that cervical and thoracic kyphotic deformity
      increases spinal cord intramedullary pressure (IMP). Using a cadaveric model, the
      authors investigated whether posterior decompression can adequately decrease
      elevated IMP in severe cervical and thoracic kyphotic deformities. METHODS: Using
      an established cadaveric model, a kyphotic deformity was created in 16 fresh
      human cadavers (8 cervical and 8 thoracic). A single-level rostral laminotomy and
      durotomy were performed to place intraparenchymal pressure monitors in the spinal
      cord at C-2, C4-5, and C-7 in the cervical study group and at T4-5, T7-8, and T11
      12 in the thoracic study group. Intramedullary pressure was recorded at maximal
      kyphosis. Posterior laminar, dural, and pial decompressions were performed while
      IMP was monitored. In 2 additional cadavers (1 cervical and 1 thoracic), a
      kyphotic deformity was created and then corrected. RESULTS: The creation of the
      cervical and thoracic kyphotic deformities resulted in significant increases in
      IMP. The mean increase in cervical and thoracic IMP (change in IMP [DeltaIMP])
      for all monitored levels was 37.8 +/- 7.9 and 46.4 +/- 6.4 mm Hg, respectively.
      After laminectomies were performed, the mean cervical and thoracic IMP was
      reduced by 22.5% and 18.5%, respectively. After midsagittal durotomies were
      performed, the mean cervical and thoracic IMP was reduced by 62.8% and 69.9%,
      respectively. After midsagittal piotomies were performed, the mean cervical and
      thoracic IMP was reduced by 91.3% and 105.9%, respectively. In 2 cadavers in
      which a kyphotic deformity was created and then corrected, the DeltaIMP increased
      with the creation of the deformity and returned to zero at all levels when the
      deformity was corrected. CONCLUSIONS: In this cadaveric study, laminar
      decompression reduced DeltaIMP by approximately 15%-25%, while correction of the
      kyphotic deformity returned DeltaIMP to zero. This study helps explain the
      pathophysiology of myelopathy in kyphotic deformity and the failure of
      laminectomy alone for cervical and thoracic kyphotic deformities with myelopathy.
      In addition, the study emphasizes the need for correction of deformity during
      operative treatment of kyphotic deformity, the need for maintaining adequate
      intraoperative blood pressure during operative treatment, and the higher risk of
      spinal cord injury associated with operative treatment of kyphotic deformity.

PMID- 22077471
TI  - Percutaneous vertebroplasty.

PMID- 22077472
TI  - Cervical decompression and reconstruction without intraoperative
      neurophysiological monitoring.
AB  - OBJECT: The primary goal of this study was to review the immediate postoperative
      neurological function in patients surgically treated for symptomatic cervical
      spine disease without intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. The secondary
      goal was to assess the economic impact of intraoperative monitoring (IOM) in this
      patient population. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 720
      consecutively treated patients who underwent cervical spine procedures. The
      patients were identified and the data were collected by individuals who were not
      involved in their care. RESULTS: A total of 1534 cervical spine levels were
      treated in 720 patients using anterior, posterior, and combined (360 degrees )
      approaches. Myelopathy was present preoperatively in 308 patients. There were 185
      patients with increased signal intensity within the spinal cord on preoperative
      T2-weighted MR images, of whom 43 patients had no clinical evidence of
      myelopathy. Three patients (0.4%) exhibited a new neurological deficit
      postoperatively. Of these patients, 1 had a preoperative diagnosis of
      radiculopathy, while the other 2 were treated for myelopathy. The new
      postoperative deficits completely resolved in all 3 patients and did not require
      additional treatment. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for IOM
      during cervical decompression include 95925 and 95926 for somatosensory evoked
      potential monitoring of the upper and lower extremities, respectively, as well as
      95928 and 95929 for motor evoked potential monitoring of the upper and lower
      extremities. In addition to the charge for the baseline [monitoring] study,
      patients are charged hourly for ongoing electrophysiology testing and monitoring
      using the CPT code 95920. Based on these codes and assuming an average of 4 hours
      of monitoring time per surgical case, the savings realized in this group of
      patients was estimated to be $1,024,754. CONCLUSIONS: With the continuing
      increase in health care costs, it is our responsibility as providers to minimize
      expenses when possible. This should be accomplished without compromising the
      quality of care to patients. This study demonstrates that decompression and
      reconstruction for symptomatic cervical spine disease without IOM may reduce the
      cost of treatment without adversely impacting patient safety.

PMID- 22077473
TI  - Examination of the influence of ossification of the anterior longitudinal
      ligament on symptom progression and surgical outcome of ossification of the
      thoracic ligamentum flavum: a multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to provide the first evidence for the
      influence of an ossified anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) on the clinical
      features and surgical outcomes in an ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the
      thoracic region. METHODS: Sixty-three patients who underwent surgery for a 1
      level thoracic OLF were identified, and preoperative symptoms, severity of
      symptoms and myelopathy, disease duration, MR imaging and CT findings, surgical
      procedure, intraoperative findings, complications, and postoperative recovery
      were investigated in these patients. Entities of OALLs were found on sagittal CT
      images to be adjacent to or at the same vertebral level as the OLF were
      classified into 4 types: no discernible type (Type N), one-sided (Type O),
      discontinuous (Type D), and continuous (Type C). RESULTS: The duration of
      symptoms was especially long for Types D and C OALLs. Patients with Type D OALLs
      had a significantly worse percentage of recovery, as well as worse preoperative
      JOA scores. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results showed that a Type D OALL had
      strong associations with preoperative severity of symptoms and surgical outcomes.
      These findings may allow surgeons to determine the severity of preoperative
      symptoms and the probable surgical outcomes from the OALL classifications.
      Moreover, surgery with instrumentation for Type D OALLs may produce better
      surgical outcomes.

PMID- 22077474
TI  - Briakinumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 2% of
      individuals worldwide. An improved understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis
      has led to the development of targeted biologic therapies. Briakinumab (ABT-874)
      is a recombinant human antibody that blocks the biological activity of the
      cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 through their shared subunit p40. IL-12
      and IL-23 are key mediators in T-cell differentiation and have been shown to play
      a significant role in maintaining inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte function
      in psoriasis patients through development and stimulation of Th1 and Th17
      subsets, respectively. In one phase II and four phase III studies (including two
      52-week trials), the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-75 score at weeks
      12 and 52 was achieved by at least 80.6% and 66.2% (p < 0.001) of patients
      receiving more than one dose of briakinumab every 4 weeks, respectively, with
      high proportions of patients achieving PASI-90 and PASI-100 scores (at least
      55.4% and 28.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). These studies indicate safety and
      tolerance of briakinumab therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic
      plaque psoriasis. In one clinical trial, therapy was associated with increased
      incidence of major cardiac events. Available results from two briakinumab trials
      show its positive impact on health-related quality of life. However, the
      manufacturer has now withdrawn the application in the EU and US.

PMID- 22077476
TI  - The veterinary quarterly: Changing to a review journal on animal diseases.

PMID- 22077475
TI  - Effect of stressful life events on the onset and duration of recurrent aphthous
      stomatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common and painful oral
      mucosal disease. Possible etiologies include genetics, vitamin deficiencies,
      trauma, immune dysfunction, and stress. The goal of this study was to examine the
      relationship between the occurrence, type, and magnitude of stressful events and
      the onset and duration of RAS episodes. METHODS: One hundred and sixty subjects
      with a history of RAS completed a weekly phone survey for up to 1 year, providing
      data on the occurrence of RAS episodes and details of any stressful events they
      experienced during the previous week. During RAS episodes, subjects also
      completed daily paper diaries that recorded incidence and duration of the RAS
      episode. Stressful events were quantified using the validated Recent Life Changes
      Questionnaire (RLCQ) and were classified as mental or physical stressors.
      RESULTS: Stressful life events were significantly associated with the onset of
      RAS episodes (P < 0.001), however, not with the duration of the RAS episodes.
      Experiencing a stressful life event increased the odds of an RAS episode by
      almost three times (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 2.04-3.62). When controlled for each
      other, mental stressors had a larger effect (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.54-4.72) than
      physical stressors (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.04-1.99) on the occurrence of RAS
      episodes. RAS episodes did not occur more frequently or last longer with
      increasing stress severity. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a history of RAS,
      stressful events may mediate changes involved in the initiation of new RAS
      episodes. Mental stressors are more strongly associated with RAS episodes than
      physical stressors.

PMID- 22077478
TI  - Case of recurrent Sweet's syndrome in a patient with relapsing polychondritis and
      myelodysplastic syndrome.

PMID- 22077479
TI  - Retinoids and retinoid-metabolic gene expression in mouse adipose tissues.
AB  - Vitamin A and its analogs (retinoids) regulate adipocyte differentiation. Recent
      investigations have demonstrated a relationship among retinoids, retinoid-binding
      protein 4 (RBP4) synthesized in adipose tissues, and insulin-resistance status.
      In this study, we measured retinoid levels and analyzed the expression of
      retinoid homeostatic genes associated with retinol uptake, esterification,
      oxidation, and catabolism in subcutaneous (Sc) and visceral (Vis) mouse fat
      tissues. Both Sc and Vis depots were found to contain similar levels of all-trans
      retinol. A metabolite of retinol with characteristic ultraviolet absorption
      maxima for 9-cis retinol was observed in these 2 adipose depots, and its level
      was 2-fold higher in Sc than in Vis tissues. Vis adipose tissue expressed
      significantly higher levels of RBP4, CRBP1 (intracellular retinol-binding protein
      1), RDH10 (retinol dehydrogenase), as well as CYP26A1 and B1 (retinoic acid (RA)
      hydroxylases). No differences in STRA6 (RBP4 receptor), LRAT (retinol
      esterification), CRABP1 and 2 (intracellular RA-binding proteins), and RALDH1
      (retinal dehydrogenase) mRNA expressions were discerned in both fat depots.
      RALDH1 was identified as the only RALDH expressed in both Sc and Vis adipose
      tissues. These results indicate that Vis is more actively involved in retinoid
      metabolism than Sc adipose tissue.

PMID- 22077480
TI  - Gemcitabine-loaded innovative nanocarriers vs GEMZAR: biodistribution,
      pharmacokinetic features and in vivo antitumor activity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gemcitabine, an anticancer drug, is a nucleoside analog
      deoxycytidine antimetabolite, which acts against a wide range of solid tumors.
      The limitation of gemcitabine is its rapid inactivation by the deoxycytidine
      deaminase enzyme following its in vivo administration. AREAS COVERED: One of the
      most promising new approaches for improving the biopharmaceutical properties of
      gemcitabine is the use of innovative drug delivery devices. This review explains
      the current status of gemcitabine drug delivery, which has been under development
      over the past 5 years, with particular emphasis on liposomal delivery. In
      addition, the use of novel supramolecular vesicular aggregates (SVAs), polymeric
      nanoparticles and squalenoylation were treated as interesting innovative
      approaches for the administration of the nucleoside analog. EXPERT OPINION:
      Different colloidal systems containing gemcitabine have been realized, with the
      aim of providing important potential advancements through traditional ways of
      therapy. A possible future commercialization of modified gemcitabine is
      desirable, as was true in the case of liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil((r)),
      Caely((r))).

PMID- 22077481
TI  - Template-assisted assembly: scanning tunneling microscopy study of solvent
      dependent adlattices of alkyl-derivatized tetrathiafulvalene.
AB  - The self-assembly of an adsorbate as a function of the strength of solvent
      substrate adsorption is an important yet relatively unexplored subject. In this
      study, how the strength of solvent-substrate adsorption and solvent-solvent
      attraction affects the assembly of tetrakis(octadecylthio)tetrathiafulvalene (1)
      is scrutinized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). For solvents with strong
      intermolecular interactions and adsorption onto graphite, such as long n-alkanes
      (C(n)H(2n+2), n >= 13), STM reveals that the solvent molecules form lamellae
      which become a template to direct the assembly of 1 into one-dimensional arrays.
      The lengths of one of the unit cell vectors for the assemblies are increased and
      well correlated with the solvent sizes. In situ STM monitoring of 1 introduced
      onto graphite with preadsorbed n-tetradecane adlattices shows that the developed
      assemblies of 1 have striped features aligned parallel to the underlying
      template. In contrast, for solvents with weak adsorption, such as short n-alkanes
      (C(n)H(2n+2), n <= 12), toluene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, the adlattice
      structures of 1 are solvent-independent.

PMID- 22077483
TI  - Medical and interventional management of patients with severe  thrombocytopenia
      undergoing percutaneous coronary  intervention.

PMID- 22077482
TI  - Effect of oral phytoestrogen on androgenicity and insulin sensitivity in
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effect of treatment
      with transdermal oestrogen and phytoestrogen on insulin sensitivity and sex
      hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS:
      Forty-three healthy postmenopausal women aged 68 +/- 7 (mean +/- SD) years who
      were not receiving hormonal replacement therapy completed a 3 month randomized
      drug therapy study. The participants were randomized to one of four groups: 0.05
      mg or 0.1 mg transdermal oestrogen/day, or 40 or 80 mg oral phytoestrogen
      (Promensil)/day insulin sensitivity was indirectly measured using the
      quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). SHBG, total testosterone,
      oestradiol, and fasting glucose and insulin levels for calculation of insulin
      sensitivity were obtained at baseline and at monthly intervals during the 3
      months of therapy. RESULTS: In healthy nondiabetic postmenopausal women, the rate
      of change in QUICKI was significantly different between the red clover based
      phytoestrogen and transdermal oestrogen groups, so that after three months of
      therapy, QUICKI with red clover based phytoestrogen therapy was lower than that
      in the transdermal oestrogen group, p = 0.01. Red clover based phytoestrogen
      therapy was not associated with any changes in SHBG levels whereas transdermal
      estrogen therapy significantly increased SHBG levels, p = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: In
      contrast to transdermal oestrogen therapy, oral phytoestrogen therapy does not
      decrease androgenicity and is associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
      These effects are similar to those of raloxifene and consistent with
      phytoestrogen's selective oestrogen receptor modulator properties.

PMID- 22077484
TI  - Predicting the potential demographic impact of predators on their prey: a
      comparative analysis of two carnivore-ungulate systems in Scandinavia.
AB  - 1. Understanding the role of predation in shaping the dynamics of animal
      communities is a fundamental issue in ecological research. Nevertheless, the
      complex nature of predator-prey interactions often prevents researchers from
      modelling them explicitly. 2. By using periodic Leslie-Usher matrices and a
      simulation approach together with parameters obtained from long-term field
      projects, we reconstructed the underlying mechanisms of predator-prey demographic
      interactions and compared the dynamics of the roe deer-red fox-Eurasian lynx
      human harvest system with those of the moose-brown bear-gray wolf-human harvest
      system in the boreal forest ecosystem of the southern Scandinavian Peninsula. 3.
      The functional relationship of both roe deer and moose lambda to changes in
      predation rates from the four predators was remarkably different. Lynx had the
      strongest impact among the four predators, whereas predation rates by wolves, red
      foxes, or brown bears generated minor variations in prey population lambda.
      Elasticity values of lynx, wolf, fox and bear predation rates were -0.157, 
      0.056, -0.031 and -0.006, respectively, but varied with both predator and prey
      densities. 4. Differences in predation impact were only partially related to
      differences in kill or predation rates, but were rather a result of different
      distribution of predation events among prey age classes. Therefore, the age
      composition of killed individuals emerged as the main underlying factor
      determining the overall per capita impact of predation. 5. Our results confirm
      the complex nature of predator-prey interactions in large terrestrial mammals, by
      showing that different carnivores preying on the same prey species can exert a
      dramatically different demographic impact, even in the same ecological context,
      as a direct consequence of their predation patterns. Similar applications of this
      analytical framework in other geographical and ecological contexts are needed,
      but a more general evaluation of the subject is also required, aimed to assess,
      on a broader systematic and ecological range, what specific traits of a carnivore
      are most related to its potential impact on prey species.

PMID- 22077485
TI  - Recovery rates of bluetongue virus serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8 Spanish strains from
      orally infected Culicoides imicola in South Africa.
AB  - Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious disease of ruminants that has spread northwards
      in Europe during the last decade. The aetiological agent of the disease is an
      arbovirus [bluetongue virus (BTV)] that belongs to the genus Orbivirus (family
      Reoviridae). The virus is transmitted by certain species of biting midge within
      the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Information on the vector status
      of the Culicoides species in a specific area will be essential to predict the
      risk for BTV incursion. Field-collected Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer
      from South Africa were fed on blood containing several Spanish isolates of BTV.
      Despite the high virus concentrations in the bloodmeal (5.1-6.4 log(10)  TCID(50)
      /mL of blood), virus was recovered from <1% of midges assayed after incubation.
      Virus concentrations >2.5 log(10)  TCID(50) /midge in individual infected C.
      imicola suggest virus replication with possible risk for transmission to
      susceptible vertebrate hosts in the field for at least two of the serotypes
      assayed (BTV-1 and BTV-2). A third serotype (BTV-4) was very close to the
      estimated threshold for transmission. The relatively low to near refractory
      status of C. imicola compared with other vector species such as Culicoides
      bolitinos supports previous results, indicating that Culicoides species other
      than C. imicola may play a more important role in the epidemiology of BTV.

PMID- 22077486
TI  - Spiradenocarcinoma with low-grade basal cell adenocarcinoma pattern: report of a
      case with varied morphology and wild type TP53.
AB  - We present a patient with a 2-cm spiradenocarcinoma of the left arm resembling
      low-grade salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinoma. In addition to showing
      attributes of conventional spiradenoma, the benign component showed prominent
      areas of cystic change with focal apocrine differentiation, glands with and
      without mucinous differentiation, clear cell change and focal adenoid cystic
      carcinoma-like areas. The malignant component was composed of nodules of basaloid
      cells arranged in sheets with variable tendency to luminal differentiation. The
      nuclear atypia was low-grade, and the mitotic index was high in the malignant
      component (to 8/10 high power fields). Immunohistochemically, there was diffuse
      but variable positivity for cytokeratin 7 in both the benign and malignant
      components. Epithelial membrane antigen was focally positive, highlighting cells
      with ductal (luminal) differentiation. Expression of p63 was observed in 50 and
      80% of the cells in the benign and malignant components, respectively. Calponin
      was negative. The proliferative index (MIB-1/Ki-67) was <3% in the benign
      component and up to 10% in the malignant component. Although the malignant
      component displayed patchy areas with nuclear p53 immunoreactivity with variable
      intensity, no mutation in the TP53 gene was identified.

PMID- 22077487
TI  - T-cell activation genes differentially expressed at birth in CD4+ T-cells from
      children who develop IgE food allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presymptomatic immaturity in neonatal T-cell function is a consistent
      antecedent of allergic disease, including reduced responsiveness to polyclonal
      activation. METHODS: To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we examined for
      differences in T-cell gene expression in longitudinal samples collected at birth
      and at 1 year of age in children with (n = 30) and without IgE-mediated food
      allergy (n = 30). We employed a low-level soluble anti-CD3 stimulus to activate
      the T-cell receptor (TCR) and surveyed gene expression by DNA microarray in
      purified CD4(+) T-cells. Allergen-specific responses were assessed in parallel
      functional studies. RESULTS: At birth, the allergic group showed a reduced number
      of genes up regulated in response to anti-CD3 treatment on the microarray and a
      reduced lympho proliferative capacity, suggesting clear differences in T-cell
      signalling pathways. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) validation of candidate
      genes confirmed significantly lower expression of a number of genes in the
      allergic group including RELB, NFKB2, LIF and FAS. By 12 months of age, there
      were marked changes in the anti-CD3 response in all infants, culminating in
      upregulation of cytokine genes (IL-5, IL-13, IL-17 and IL-22). Neonatal
      differences were no longer apparent. Instead, the allergic group, all symptomatic
      by this age, showed differential expression of T-cell lineage pathways including
      GATA-3, MAL and FcER1 in unstimulated T-cells. Allergen stimulation induced
      significantly higher cytokines production (IL-5, IL-13 and IFNgamma) in the
      allergic group. CONCLUSION: Although transient, suboptimal neonatal T-cell
      activation pathways that signal through the NF-kappaB complex may affect the
      developmental transition of T-cell phenotypes in the periphery shortly after
      birth and may increase the risk of food allergy.

PMID- 22077488
TI  - Prophylactic effect of topical fluoroquinolones in a rabbit model of
      Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the prophylactic effects of topical gemifloxacin,
      pazufloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin for experimental Staphylococcus
      aureus endophthalmitis in a rabbit model. METHODS: Rabbits were randomly divided
      into 5 groups with 14 rabbits each. The control group received balanced salt
      solution (BSS); the other 4 groups received 1 drop of gemifloxacin, pazufloxacin,
      moxifloxacin, or levofloxacin ophthalmic solution, respectively, in the left eye
      at each of the following time points: 60, 45, 30, and 15 min before infection,
      immediately after infection, and then 6, 12, 18, and 24 h postinfection. S.
      aureus ATCC25923 [5*10(5) colony-forming units (CFUs) in 50 MUL] was injected
      into the aqueous humor of each eye, and the clinical severity of the eyes was
      assessed 24 h postinfection. Two random eyeballs from each group were collected
      for histopathologic observation. Aqueous and vitreous samples of 12 other eyes
      were collected, diluted, and plated to determine the number of recovered CFUs.
      RESULTS: Fluoroquinolone-treated eyes had significantly lower clinical scores and
      lower numbers of bacteria recovered from the aqueous humor than the BSS control
      group eyes. There was no difference, however, among the 4 fluoroquinolone-treated
      groups. In contrast, none of the fluoroquinolones reduced the number of bacteria
      recovered (CFUs) from the vitreous humor. In terms of the histopathologic
      results, less severe inflammation and relatively well-preserved ocular
      architecture were observed in fluoroquinolone-treated eyes, when compared with
      the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Gemifloxacin and pazufloxacin may be as effective
      as moxifloxacin and levofloxacin for topical prophylaxis and for the treatment of
      S. aureus-induced endophthalmitis in the rabbit model.

PMID- 22077490
TI  - Resonance Raman intensity analysis of the A band short-time photochemical
      dynamics of 4,5-ethylenedithio-1,3-dithiole-2-thione.
AB  - Resonance Raman spectra (RRs) for 4,5-ethylenedithio-1,3-dithiole-2-thione (EDDT)
      were obtained with 397.9 and 416 nm excitation wavelengths, and density
      functional calculations were performed to elucidate the electronic transitions
      and the RRs of EDDT in chloroform solvent. The RRs indicate that the Franck
      Condon region photodynamics have multidimensional character with nuclear motion
      predominantly along the C(4)?C(5) stretch and the C(4)?C(5) twist out-of-plane.
      Resonance Raman cross-sections of A-band absorption have been obtained for the
      vibrational modes of EDDT with its excitation frequencies spanning the 408 nm.
      Resonance Raman intensity analysis of the resulting RRs excitation profiles and
      absorption spectrum using a time-dependent wave packet formalism yields mode
      specific nuclear displacement and vibrational reorganizational energies. The
      intensity analysis results for EDDT were compared to previously reported results
      for dimethyl 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dicarboxylate (DDTD), which shows that the
      additional six-member heterocycle of EDDT strongly affects the reorganizational
      energy and energy participation. The authors briefly discuss the differences and
      similarities of the spectra in terms of molecular symmetry and electron density.

PMID- 22077489
TI  - Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates radiation-induced male germ cell loss in mice
      through reducing hydroxyl radicals.
AB  - Our recent studies suggest that H2 (hydrogen) has a potential as a novel
      radioprotector without known toxic side effects. The present study was designed
      to examine the underlying radioprotective mechanism of H2 and its protective role
      on irradiated germ cells. Produced by the Fenton reaction and radiolysis of H2O,
      hydroxyl radicals (*OH) were identified as the free radical species that were
      reduced by H2. We used a H2 microelectrode to dynamically detect H2 concentration
      in vivo, and found H2 significantly reduced in situ fluorescence intensity of
      hydroxyphenyl fluorescein; however, as we treated the mice with H2 after
      irradiation, the decrease is not significant. We found that pre-treatment of H2
      to IR (ionizing radiation) significantly suppressed the reaction of *OH and the
      cellular macromolecules which caused lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and
      oxidatively damaged DNA. The radioprotective effect of H2 on male germ cells was
      supported by ameliorated apoptotic findings examined by morphological changes and
      TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling) in
      testicular tissue, and by preserved viability of stem spermatogonia examined for
      testicular histological parameters, daily sperm production and sperm quality; we
      used WR-2721 [S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl phosphorothioic acid] as a reference
      compound. Our results represent the first in vivo evidence in support of a
      radioprotective role of H2 by neutralizing *OH in irradiated tissue with no side
      effects.

PMID- 22077491
TI  - Orthogonal test design for optimisation of extraction of trans-resveratrol from
      Pinot Noir-grape pomace.
AB  - Yield of trans-resveratrol from Pinot Noir-grape pomace obtained by microwave
      assisted extraction (MAE) through an orthogonal experiment (16 (4(4))) was
      investigated to get the best extraction conditions. In this method, the highest
      yield was obtained when the extraction solvent used ethanol; the ratio of raw
      material to solvent, the extraction time, the extraction temperature and
      microwave irradiation power were 1:20 (g  mL(-1)), 30 min, 55 degrees C and 1.0
      kW, respectively. The average yield of trans-resveratrol was 90.87%, and the
      recovery was in the range of 85.49-89.04% with relative standard deviation lower
      than 1.39%. Then, the extract of MAE was separated by NKA-9 macroporous resin and
      re-crystallisation. Finally, the purity of trans-resveratrol was 97.47%.

PMID- 22077492
TI  - Attitudinal and demographic determinants of diet quality and implications for
      policy targeting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor diet quality is a major public health concern that has prompted
      governments to introduce a range of measures to promote healthy eating. For these
      measures to be effective, they should target segments of the population with
      messages relevant to their needs, aspirations and circumstances. The present
      study investigates the extent to which attitudes and constraints influence
      healthy eating, as well as how these vary by demographic characteristics of the
      UK population. It further considers how such information may be used in segmented
      diet and health policy messages. METHODS: A survey of 250 UK adults elicited
      information on conformity to dietary guidelines, attitudes towards healthy
      eating, constraints to healthy eating and demographic characteristics. Ordered
      logit regressions were estimated to determine the importance of attitudes and
      constraints in determining how closely respondents follow healthy eating
      guidelines. Further regressions explored the demographic characteristics
      associated with the attitudinal and constraint variables. RESULTS: People who
      attach high importance to their own health and appearance eat more healthily than
      those who do not. Risk-averse people and those able to resist temptation also eat
      more healthily. Shortage of time is considered an important barrier to healthy
      eating, although the cost of a healthy diet is not. These variables are
      associated with a number of demographic characteristics of the population; for
      example, young adults are more motivated to eat healthily by concerns over their
      appearance than their health. CONCLUSIONS: The approach employed in the present
      study could be used to inform future healthy eating campaigns. For example,
      messages to encourage the young to eat more healthily could focus on the impact
      of diets on their appearance rather than health.

PMID- 22077493
TI  - Appearance of anatomical structures of mandible on panoramic radiographs in
      Iranian population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently panoramic radiography is used for diagnosis of dental and bone
      lesions, but anatomical structures also can be seen and may be useful in dental
      managements. This study aimed to investigate the visibility of some important
      mandibular features relating to neurovascular structures in Iranian population.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic radiographs were taken by Planmeca machine from
      412 patients using standard exposure. The position of patient was in compliance
      with standard protocol. Then mandibular incisive canal was evaluated and data
      were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mental foramen, anterior loop of mental
      nerve and incisive canal could be observed in 84.2, 66 and 51.7% of the cases.
      Respectively, lingual foramen was observed in only 6.1% of the radiographs.
      Gender doesn't affect on the visibility of these structures. There was a
      relationship between mandibular foramen and canal with age. CONCLUSION:
      Mandibular incisive canal was considered in 51.7% of cases, it was observed that
      the result obtained was more than those of other researches.

PMID- 22077495
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22077494
TI  - Factors associated with a drive for muscularity among gay and bisexual men.
AB  - Among gay and bisexual men, body dissatisfaction can manifest itself in the form
      of a desire for increased muscularity. Possibly in response to homophobia, the
      socio-sexual culture of gay and bisexual men privileges muscularity and may help
      to perpetuate a sense of body dissatisfaction. Little is known about factors
      associated with a drive for muscularity among gay and bisexual men. This study
      recruited participants (n = 400) at Toronto's 2008 lesbian, gay, bisexual and
      transgender festival to provide data used to examine the relationship between a
      drive for muscularity and demographics (age, race, education, HIV status),
      psychological factors (depression, disordered eating, internalised homophobia,
      substance use), body mass, a history of childhood sexual abuse and sexual risk.
      Multivariate analyses revealed that a drive for muscularity was associated with
      age, disordered eating, depression, sexual risk and internalised homonegativity.
      These findings can be used to advance the health and wellbeing of gay and
      bisexual men, particularly interventions designed to mitigate the effects of
      internalised homonegativity and policies aimed at reducing homophobia.

PMID- 22077497
TI  - Fundamental approaches to nonadiabaticity: toward a chemical theory beyond the
      Born-Oppenheimer paradigm.

PMID- 22077498
TI  - Increased natural killer cells and decreased CD3(+)CD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells in CML
      patients who sustained complete molecular remission after discontinuation of
      imatinib.

PMID- 22077499
TI  - Primary cutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia beijingensis in an
      immunocompromised patient with chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.

PMID- 22077501
TI  - Patient follow-up and monitoring medicines.

PMID- 22077503
TI  - Thrombocytopenia in adult cancer patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy:
      results from a retrospective hospital-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the frequency and relative risk (RR) of chemotherapy-induced
      thrombocytopenia (CIT) in patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy in
      clinical practice are limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate
      the frequency and RR of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with solid tumours
      receiving chemotherapy treatment. METHODS: For this retrospective, hospital-based
      study, adult patients with solid tumours who received chemotherapy at the
      University Medical Center Utrecht in the period 2004-6 were identified from the
      Utrecht Patient Oriented Database. We examined the frequency of (i) overall
      thrombocytopenia (defined as platelet count <100 * 109/L) with or without other
      cytopenias; (ii) isolated thrombocytopenia (i.e. without other cytopenias); and
      (iii) the frequency and RR of overall thrombocytopenia and isolated
      thrombocytopenia associated with different cytotoxic agents. RESULTS: A total of
      614 patients receiving one of 37 different chemotherapy regimens was included.
      Overall thrombocytopenia frequency was 21.8% and isolated thrombocytopenia
      frequency was 6.2%. The highest frequencies of thrombocytopenia were observed in
      patients receiving carboplatin monotherapy (81.8%) and combination therapies that
      included carboplatin (58.2%), gemcitabine (64.4%) or paclitaxel (59.3%). The
      highest RRs of thrombocytopenia, compared with cisplatin-based therapy, were
      observed for combination therapies of carboplatin/gemcitabine (RR 10.1; 95% CI
      5.5, 18.5) and carboplatin/paclitaxel/etoposide (RR 11.8; 95% CI 6.7, 20.8). In
      54% of cases, the thrombocytopenia was of grade 2-4, which are considered to be
      the most clinically relevant grades. The highest frequencies of isolated
      thrombocytopenia were found with combination therapies that included oxaliplatin
      (28.6%) or gemcitabine (28.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that CIT is a
      relevant problem in clinical practice. Further research is necessary to
      investigate the clinical consequences of thrombocytopenia. The observed
      frequencies of thrombocytopenia were lower than those observed in older studies,
      but comparable with that observed in a recent US-based study. The observed
      increased risks for possible immune-mediated thrombocytopenia associated with
      exposure to oxaliplatin and gemcitabine contribute to the suspicion that these
      drugs can cause immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and warrant further
      investigation. For clinicians, the mechanism has important consequences because
      in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia the drug must be avoided, while in dose
      dependent thrombocytopenia a dose reduction may be sufficient.

PMID- 22077502
TI  - Putting the cardiovascular safety of aromatase inhibitors in patients with early
      breast cancer into perspective: a systematic review of the literature.
AB  - In the adjuvant setting, the third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs)
      anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane are recommended at some point during
      treatment, either in the upfront, switch after tamoxifen or extended treatment
      setting after tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive
      early breast cancer. AIs have demonstrated superior disease-free survival and
      overall benefit-to-risk profiles compared with tamoxifen. Potential adverse
      events, including cardiovascular (CV) side effects, should be considered in the
      long-term management of patients undergoing treatment with AIs. AIs reduce
      estrogen levels by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, thus reducing the levels of
      circulating estrogen. This further reduction in estrogen levels may potentially
      increase the risk of developing CV disease. This systematic review evaluated
      published clinical data for changes in plasma lipoproteins and ischaemic CV
      events during adjuvant therapy with AIs in patients with hormone receptor
      positive early breast cancer. The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Derwent
      Drug File and BIOSIS were searched to identify English-language articles
      published from January 1998 to 15 April 2011 that reported data on AIs and plasma
      lipoproteins and/or ischaemic CV events. Overall, available data did not show any
      definitive patterns or suggest an unfavourable effect of AIs on plasma
      lipoproteins from baseline to follow-up assessment in patients with hormone
      receptor-positive early breast cancer. Changes that occurred in plasma
      lipoproteins were observed soon after initiation of AI therapy and generally
      remained stable throughout the studies. Available data do not support a
      substantial risk of ischaemic CV events associated with adjuvant AI therapy;
      however, studies with longer follow-up are required to better characterize the CV
      profile of AIs.

PMID- 22077504
TI  - Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and hyperprolactinaemia: a case/non-case study in
      the French pharmacovigilance database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperprolactinaemia is a common endocrinological disorder that can be
      caused by a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, although in a
      large proportion of cases hyperprolactinaemia is drug-induced. Serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors (SRIs) are reportedly associated with hyperprolactinaemia; however,
      the number of published cases in the literature is limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      the study was to investigate the association between exposure to SRIs and the
      risk of reporting of hyperprolactinaemia in a spontaneous reporting database.
      METHODS: All cases of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) involving hyperprolactinaemia
      spontaneously reported to the French Pharmacovigilance Database from 1985 to
      December 2009 were reviewed. Cases of hyperprolactinaemia in SRI users were
      described. In a case/non-case analysis, the association between reported cases of
      hyperprolactinaemia and the use of SRIs was assessed by calculating reporting
      odds ratios (ROR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of
      11 863 reports with SRIs were collected, of which 187 reported
      hyperprolactinaemia ADRs. Subjects were 39.7 +/- 13.5 years of age on average and
      mainly female (71%). We observed an increased risk of reporting of
      hyperprolactinaemia with the use of SRIs as antidepressants (overall ROR 3.3; 95%
      CI 2.8, 3.8), particularly with fluvoxamine (ROR 4.5; 95% CI 2.8, 7.2),
      citalopram (ROR 3.9; 95% CI 2.6, 5.8), fluoxetine (ROR 3.6; 95% CI 2.8, 4.7) and
      paroxetine (ROR 3.1; 95% CI 2.3, 4.2). Duloxetine, milnacipran and sertraline
      were not associated with an increased risk of reporting of hyperprolactinaemia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with SRIs is associated with an increased risk of reported
      hyperprolactinaemia. When investigating the aetiology of diagnosed
      hyperprolactinaemia, physicians should systematically enquire about treatment
      with SRIs. The risk of hyperprolactinaemia should be mentioned in the labelling
      of all SRI compounds.

PMID- 22077505
TI  - Pharmacogenetic risk for adverse reactions to irinotecan in the major ethnic
      populations of Singapore: regulatory evaluation by the health sciences authority.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For genetic polymorphisms known to alter drug effect or safety,
      regulatory authorities can tap into population genomic databases and other
      sources of allele and genotype distribution data to make a more informed decision
      about the anticipated impact of such variants on the main ethnic groups in a
      country's population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this short communication is to
      describe how the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) made use of allele and
      genotype distributions in the main ethnic groups in Singapore (Chinese, Malay,
      Indian) and population genetic tools to compare with North American Caucasians
      and Japanese. METHODS: Published papers and publicly accessible genomic databases
      were searched up to August 2009 to obtain allele and genotype frequencies for
      UGT1A1*6 and *28, two common variants of UGT1A1, a gene that encodes for a key
      enzyme in the pathway of irinotecan metabolism. These variants are associated
      with greater risk of serious toxicity. RESULTS: In Singapore, the combined
      prevalence of three high-risk genotypes, UGT1A1*6/*6, *6/*28 and *28/*28, is 9.7%
      in Chinese, 5.0% in Malays and 18.7% in Indians, compared with 11.5% in North
      American Caucasians and 8.1% in Japanese. Indians are at an elevated risk of
      irinotecan-induced neutropenia associated with UGT1A1*28 compared with Chinese
      and Japanese, and at an even higher risk compared with North American Caucasians.
      On the other hand, Chinese and Japanese are at an elevated risk of irinotecan
      induced neutropenia associated with UGT1A1*6 relative to Indians in Singapore or
      North American Caucasians. Population genotype data were the basis for the HSA to
      request revision of the package insert from manufacturers of irinotecan products.
      Moreover, the data provided the impetus for the HSA to publicize the availability
      of UGT1A1 genetic testing at the National Cancer Centre. CONCLUSION: With the
      growing volume of genomic data and pharmacogenomic associations, a regulatory
      authority is now able to more readily utilize population genetic information and
      tools to supplement evaluations of drug products pertinent to the country's
      ethnic demography.

PMID- 22077506
TI  - Examining the utilization and tolerability of the non-sedating antihistamine
      levocetirizine in England using prescription-event monitoring data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levocetirizine was launched onto the UK market in September 2001. It
      is indicated for symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), including
      persistent AR and chronic idiopathic urticaria. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study
      was to monitor the safety of levocetirizine prescribed in the primary care
      setting in England, in the immediate postmarketing period. METHODS: Exposure data
      were derived from dispensed prescriptions written by primary care physicians
      (general practitioners [GPs]) for levocetirizine (November 2001-November 2002):
      patient demographic, indication, pattern of use and outcome (event) data from
      enhanced prescription-event monitoring (PEM) questionnaires (with additional
      questions to gather further relevant information) returned by GPs. Incidence
      density observation rates (IDobs) [number of first reports/1000 patient-months]
      between months 1 and 2 (IDobs(m1/m2)) were compared for the whole cohort and by
      groups defined by indication and pattern of use. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 12
      367 patients (median age 37 years [interquartile range 22-55]; 58% female). The
      most frequent indication was AR (67%; n = 8275). After 2 months, 35.7% (n = 2414)
      of patients were still taking levocetirizine. 'Condition improved' was the most
      common event and reason for stopping treatment. Headache/migraine was uncommon
      but associated with starting treatment (IDobs(m1/m2) 2.4 [95% CI 1.1, 6.0]), as
      was drowsiness/sedation (IDobs(m1/m2) 11.5 [95% CI 4.2, 43.9]). Cardiovascular
      events occurred rarely or very rarely, as did most central and peripheral nervous
      system events. No serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported. Events
      related to effectiveness were more frequent in month 1 than month 2 for all
      patient subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This postmarketing surveillance study shows that
      levocetirizine is well tolerated when used in general practice in England. No
      previously unrecognized ADRs were detected. This study highlights how
      modifications to PEM, such as additional questions, are contributing to the
      evaluation of drug utilization factors in relation to risks.

PMID- 22077507
TI  - Comparing adverse event rates of oral blood glucose-lowering drugs reported by
      patients and healthcare providers: a post-hoc analysis of observational studies
      published between 1999 and 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-serious symptomatic adverse drug events (ADEs) affect the real
      benefit-risk ratio of a drug. Currently, such ADEs are quantified in different
      ways, often using reports from a healthcare provider or patients, resulting in
      large variations in estimated rates. Several studies showed that patients report
      bothersome or symptomatic ADEs more frequently than providers, but no comparisons
      to an external reference or gold standard have been made. OBJECTIVE: We conducted
      a literature review to assess the agreement and concurrent validity of healthcare
      provider- and patient-oriented methods for quantifying symptomatic ADEs of oral
      blood glucose-lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS:
      We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for observational studies
      reporting on rates of ADEs in patients treated for type 2 diabetes that were
      published between 1999 and 2011. We included nine observational studies reporting
      absolute rates of symptomatic ADEs in patients receiving monotherapy. We
      calculated 95% confidence intervals and assessed agreement between rates observed
      with different methods. We assessed concurrent validity using the range noted in
      the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) as the gold standard. RESULTS: A
      comparison of rates reported by patients and providers was only possible using
      three studies of metformin that assessed mainly gastrointestinal (GI) ADEs.
      Provider-oriented methods by means of medical record review gave lower rates for
      abdominal pain (0.6-3.7%), dyspepsia (1.3-2.8%) and constipation (0.6-1.0%) than
      a patient questionnaire method (8.5%, 11.9% and 20.7%, respectively). For
      diarrhoea, the patient-reported rate (5.2%) was in agreement with the provider
      based rates (1.6-7.6%). The majority of the rates reported by providers and
      patients were not corresponding with the ranges in the SPC. For GI ADEs the rates
      were all lower, whereas for lactic acidosis and hypoglycaemia the rates were
      higher. CONCLUSION: Although it has repeatedly been proposed that patients'
      reports on safety should be incorporated with providers' reports, especially for
      symptomatic ADEs, the number of observational studies using patient-oriented
      methods for assessing ADEs other than hypoglycaemia are limited. Provider-based
      measurement tended to underestimate symptomatic ADEs. Patient-oriented methods
      seemed to give ADE rates that were closer to the rates reported in the SPC.

PMID- 22077508
TI  - Modified prescription-event monitoring studies: a tool for pharmacovigilance and
      risk management.
AB  - Prescription-Event Monitoring (PEM) is a well established postmarketing
      surveillance technique designed to monitor the overall safety of newly marketed
      medicines as used in real-life clinical practice, usually in cohorts of at least
      10 000 patients. At the Drug Safety Research Unit in the UK we are now moving
      towards a more targeted safety surveillance known as Modified PEM (M-PEM). These
      studies combine the advantages of conventional PEM studies (in monitoring general
      safety and identification of unexpected risks of a medicine) with that of a more
      targeted safety study that addresses specific questions (to better understand
      known or partially known risks with a medicine). Through the use of enhanced data
      collection questionnaires, M-PEM expands the range of applications of
      conventional PEM, which include more detailed characterization of real-life drug
      use, adherence to prescribing recommendations and targeted analysis of events
      requiring special monitoring by regulatory authorities. A particularly useful
      application is the evaluation of the safety of a medicine in special populations
      or subgroups (e.g. patients switching from another therapy or patients with a
      particular risk factor) or following important changes in the product's lifecycle
      (e.g. a licensing or formulation change). M-PEM studies therefore have an
      important contribution to make to pharmacovigilance and the risk management of
      medicines by providing valuable information on the use of new medications under
      real-life situations.

PMID- 22077509
TI  - Family planning programmes and action in Western Europe.
AB  - Abstract   Neo-Malthusian organisations for spreading birth control propaganda
      were created in many West European countries in the 1870s and '80s. But the birth
      control movement proper, with its provision of clinics and other means of
      supplying advice on contraception, began much later-generally after World War I
      and largely on a welfare basis, divorced from Malthusianism. Legal and other
      difficulties impeded progress and conditioned the nature of the movement. Since
      World War II, however, the relevance of birth control has come increasingly to be
      recognized and the movement has expanded markedly. In some countries - especially
      in France, West Germany and Italy - there are still legal obstacles, though ways
      have been found of avoiding them. But even in other countries the direct impact
      of birth control clinics is far smaller than might have been expected and married
      couples still obtain their information on contraception from other sources. In
      recent years the various national movements have shown a greater interest in the
      evaluation of their activities. As a result, the near future may see substantial
      changes in their structure and in the approach to their potential clientele.

PMID- 22077510
TI  - A study of internal migration in England and Wales : Part I.
AB  - Abstract   Statistics ofpersons classified jointly by county of birth and county
      ofresidence have been published in the England and Wales census volumes since
      1851 and the present study draws mainly on these data. A group of persons
      recorded in a census as natives of county A and residents of county Bare
      sometimes referred to as lifetime migrants from county A to county B. Statistics
      of lifetime migrants have often been used in studies of internal migration but
      these have one great disadvantage. The number of lifetime migrants from A to B
      does not relate to a specific period of time. It is impossible, for example, in
      such studies to consider the association between specific migration streams and
      differential economic activity.   An attempt is made in this study to transform
      lifetime migration data into intercensal migration streams. Some of the results
      are presented and the most significant migration patterns during the period 1851
      1951 are described.

PMID- 22077511
TI  - Finite approximations in demography.
AB  - Abstract   Conventions exist for carrying out the arithmetic of population
      projection, finding the intrinsic rate of natural increase, and other demographic
      calculations. These are good approximations only for populations which are
      stationary or increasing very slowly. For rapidly increasing populations, which
      are presently the subject of much study, they can be readily improved. The
      improved formulae take account of the way in which the increase shifts the
      distribution of population within the five-year age group. A number of examples
      are given of the derivation of corrections to existing formulae. While the
      corrections are smaller than the error of the data available for most countries,
      such formulae are worth introducing in anticipation of better data. They in no
      way depend on machine computation, but the computer makes them especially easy to
      apply.

PMID- 22077512
TI  - An analytic simulation model of human reproduction with demographic and
      biological components.
AB  - Abstract   This Monte Carlo model for simulating the reproductive history of a
      cohort of women is described in detail. The model provides for patterns of
      survival, sterility, formation and dissolution of sexual unions, fecundability,
      lactation, foetal wastage, family planning practices etc. Natality indices
      specific for marital status, for duration of marriage and for age, as well as
      analyses of birth spacing patterns are among the results that may be obtained.  
      In the model, the experimental unit is an individual woman. The complete life
      history of a woman is generated and recorded before the history of the next woman
      is generated. The data for the whole cohort are analyzed at the end of the
      programme.   The model includes two kinds of states into which a woman may pass,
      namely: (1) permanent changes of status such as death, sterility, or becoming a
      family planner, and (2) temporary states, each with a probability distribution of
      length of stay. The probabilities of the various events or changes of state may
      vary from age, parity, and other features of a woman's status or history. Natural
      fecundability at any age may also vary from woman to woman.   In this programme
      natality patterns and specific indices such as age-specific fertility rates are
      produced, in a quasi-realistic fashion, by the interplay of the demographic and
      biological parameters postulated for any cohort. Consequently, the effect of
      changes in anyone factor can be studied, as well as the interaction resulting
      from changes in several factors.   The purposes and potentials of the model are
      both substantive and methodological. As an illustration, a series of computer
      runs attempting to simulate the reproductive patterns of Indian women is
      presented. These results, as well as some additional ones, indicate some effects
      of changes in marital patterns, levels of fecundability, duration of post-partum
      non-susceptibility, age incidence of sterility and foetal wastage.   In the final
      section of the paper, the advantages and possible applications of the model are
      discussed together with the limitations encountered to date in the efforts to
      apply the model.

PMID- 22077513
TI  - A problem of estimating a contingency table arising in demographic analysis.
AB  - Abstract   This note deals with a special problem of estimating a contingency
      table arising in demographic analysis. What we require are the estimates of the
      numbers of births and deaths in Malaya crossclassified by state and race for the
      years of the Japanese occcupation, 1942-45. For many reasons this period had an
      adverse effect on the Chinese and Indian Communities, and hence the two-fold
      result of a greater reduction in the number of births and a larger increase in
      the number of deaths in states with a smaller proportion of Malay population. The
      estimates are worked out by means of a technique which takes into consideration
      this actual demographic situation.

PMID- 22077514
TI  - Changing population characteristics in Tibet, 1959 to 1965.
AB  - Abstract   This research note records the most recent Chinese figures for the
      population of Tibet, together with the official explanation for a decline in
      1959, compared with the totals announced for 1953 and 1957, followed by a steady
      increase since 1960. Brief reference is made to political and economic changes
      which are affecting the composition of population.

PMID- 22077515
TI  - A note on nursing practices in an American isolate with a high birth rate.
AB  - Abstract   An unusually short interval between successive births in a non
      contracepting and breast-feeding population has been reported by Dr. Mindel C.
      Sheps (Pop. Studies, 19, 1). Nursing practices that might affect the interval
      between birth and pregnancy are reported here from systematic observations made
      in the field. Probable factors are: (1) a maternal diet high in calories and in
      protein; (2) although infants are nursed for many months, each nursing period is
      short in a busy and highly patterned community schedule; and (3) supplementary
      feeding is introduced at an early age.

PMID- 22077519
TI  - Unraveling the multiple myeloma genome in the next-generation sequencing era:
      challenges to translating knowledge into the clinic.

PMID- 22077518
TI  - Demetalation of Fe, Mn, and Cu chelates and complexes: application to the NMR
      analysis of micronutrient fertilizers.
AB  - The application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the quality control of
      fertilizers based on Fe(3+), Mn(2+), and Cu(2+) chelates and complexes is
      precluded by the strong paramagnetism of metals. Recently, a method based on the
      use of ferrocyanide has been described to remove iron from commercial iron
      chelates based on the o,o-EDDHA [ethylenediamine-N,N'bis(2
      hydroxyphenylacetic)acid] chelating agent for their analysis and quantification
      by NMR. The present work extended that procedure to other paramagnetic ions,
      manganese and copper, and other chelating, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic
      acid), IDHA [N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-d,l-aspartic acid], and complexing agents,
      gluconate and heptagluconate. Results showed that the removal of the paramagnetic
      ions was complete, allowing us to obtain (1)H NMR spectra characterized by narrow
      peaks. The quantification of the ligands by NMR and high-performance liquid
      chromatography showed that their complete recovery was granted. The NMR analysis
      enabled detection and quantification of unknown impurities without the need of
      pure compounds as internal standards.

PMID- 22077521
TI  - Recent advances in hematology: an update from the 16th Congress of the EHA.
AB  - The burden of hematological disorders on healthcare providers is reaching a new
      peak as the population continues to age, making current research and debate in
      hematology arguably of greater importance than ever before. At the 16th Congress
      of the European Hematology Association in London, UK, the latest advances in
      research, and their associated clinical implications, were highlighted. This
      article provides a brief overview of a selection of presentations taken from the
      extensive program.

PMID- 22077522
TI  - Stem cells and beyond: report on the 40th Annual Scientific Meeting of the
      International Society of Experimental Hematology.
AB  - The 40th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Experimental
      Hematology and Stem Cells was held in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, and was
      chaired by David Scadden, Gerald de Haan and Peter Lansdorp. Topics such as
      hematopoietic stem cell biology, development, aging, microenvironment, signaling,
      genomics and transcriptional control in the context of normal and malignant
      hematopoiesis were addressed by key speakers in the field.

PMID- 22077523
TI  - Prevalence, risk factors and mortality of pulmonary hypertension defined by right
      heart catheterization in patients with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 22077525
TI  - Classification and therapeutic approaches in autoimmune hemolytic anemia: an
      update.
AB  - Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon autoantibody-mediated immune
      disorder that affects both children and adults. The diagnosis of AIHA relies
      mainly on the direct antiglobulin test, which is a highly sensitive and
      relatively specific test. The classification of AIHA is based on the pattern of
      the direct antiglobulin test and on the immunochemical properties of the
      autoantibody (warm or cold type), but also on the presence or absence of an
      underlying condition or disease (secondary vs primary AIHAs) that may have an
      impact on treatment and outcome. The distinction between AIHAs due to warm
      antibody (wAIHA) and AIHAs due to cold antibody is a crucial step of the
      diagnostic procedure as it influences the therapeutic strategy. Whereas
      corticosteroids are the cornerstone of treatment in wAIHA, they have no or little
      efficacy in cold AIHA. In wAIHA that is refractory or dependent to
      corticosteroids, splenectomy and rituximab are both good alternatives and the
      benefit?risk ratio of each option must be discussed on an individual basis. In
      chronic agglutinin disease, the most common variety of cold AIHA in adults,
      beyond supportive measures, rituximab given either alone or in combination with
      chemotherapy may be helpful. In this article, the classification of AIHA and the
      recent progress in therapeutics are discussed.

PMID- 22077524
TI  - The epidemiology, evaluation and treatment of stroke in adults with sickle cell
      disease.
AB  - Stroke is a frequent and severe complication in adults with sickle cell disease.
      Ischemic stroke often causes physical and cognitive disability, while hemorrhagic
      stroke has a high mortality rate. As more children survive, the number of strokes
      in adults is increasing, yet stroke remains poorly understood. We review the
      epidemiology of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in adults with sickle cell
      disease and outline a practical approach to the evaluation of stroke including
      both sickle cell disease specific and general risk factors. We discuss the acute
      treatment and secondary prevention of stroke in this population based on the
      evidence in children with sickle cell disease and the general population, in
      addition to the limited studies in adults with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 22077526
TI  - Late-onset neutropenia following rituximab therapy: incidence, clinical features
      and possible mechanisms.
AB  - Late-onset neutropenia (LON) is emerging as a common adverse effect to rituximab
      therapy owing to widespread use of this drug in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas
      and autoimmune diseases. However, the true incidence and mechanisms are not fully
      understood. LON has been reported in 5?27% of rituximab-treated lymphoma
      patients. Similar figures apply for autoimmune patients but they appear to have
      more infections during the neutropenic period. Recent reports imply that host
      factors may play an intriguing role for development of LON, for example,
      polymorphisms in FCGR3. Pronounced B-lymphocyte depletion and lower serum IgM, as
      reported in LON patients during the period of neutropenia compared with matched
      controls, may play a role for understanding the mechanisms and risk
      stratification for emergence of LON.

PMID- 22077527
TI  - Splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis: complete, partial or not at all?
AB  - Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is an hematologic disorder, common in the Northern
      European population, which is characterized by hemolytic anemia and splenomegaly.
      The pathophysiological bedrock of HS consists of the retention and damage of
      abnormal red cells, caused by an intrinsic erythrocyte membrane defect. Hemolysis
      within the spleen is the main detrminant of erythrocyte destruction in patients
      with HS. Splenectomy removes the primary ?graveyard? for spherocytes and, thus,
      eliminates anemia and hyperbilirubinemia and lowers the high reticulocyte number
      to nearly normal levels. Spleen removal is an effective therapeutic option but it
      is not without risks. The incidence and public health impact of spleen surgery in
      children with HS is substantial. Unfortunately, splenectomy is sometimes
      recommended erroneously for young children who have a mild clinical phenotype or
      is performed without relying on careful assessment of the risks and benefits.
      This article aims to present criticism and address controversy about HS
      management. Unclear and still controversial issues are tackled according to the
      author?s personal viewpoint, because strong evidence in different aspects of HS
      management is lacking.

PMID- 22077528
TI  - A new era for IFN-alpha in the treatment of Philadelphia-negative chronic
      myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - In recent years, several studies have shown that IFN-?2 is able to induce
      molecular remissions with undetectable JAK2V617F in a subset of patients with
      essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV), even with
      normalization of the bone marrow and sustained molecular remissions after
      discontinuation of IFN-?2. Accordingly, interest in using IFN-?2 in the treatment
      of patients with PV and related neoplasms has been revived. This article
      highlights the current status of IFN-?2 in the treatment of patients with ET, PV,
      primary myelofibrosis and myelofibrosis following ET and PV. In the context of
      being able to induce ?minimal residual disease? in a subset of patients after
      long-term treatment with IFN-?2, the current risk-stratification systems used for
      treatment decisions are being challenged. It is argued that in 2011, the bulk of
      evidence for the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferons in treating
      patients with these neoplasms favors the upfront use of pegylated interferons,
      the goal being to influence the development of the disease at the molecular level
      and revert patients to a stage of ?minimal residual disease/operational cure?
      instead of progressive clonal evolution, genomic instability and leukemic or
      myelofibrotic transformation during long-term treatment with hydroxyurea.

PMID- 22077529
TI  - Treatment of warfarin-associated coagulopathy with vitamin K.
AB  - Warfarin is the most common form of oral anticoagulant therapy. Although it has
      indisputable benefit in the management of thromboembolic disease, warfarin
      associated coagulopathy (WAC) is a well-documented complication of its use. As
      warfarin exerts its effect by impairing formation of the vitamin K-dependent
      clotting factors, a cornerstone of WAC management is vitamin K replacement. Daily
      vitamin K supplementation is an emerging approach to regulate international
      normalized ratios in difficult-to-control patients. Mild WAC without bleeding can
      often be managed with warfarin withdrawal alone. For excessive international
      normalized ratio elevation in the absence of bleeding, low-dose oral vitamin K
      (1?2.5 mg) is sufficient and achieves the same degree of international normalized
      ratio correction by 24 h as intravenous therapy. The stable patient with WAC and
      minor bleeding can also be given oral vitamin K, with correction of the
      underlying defect. Major bleeding should first be managed with factor replacement
      for immediate correction of the coagulopathy, using either a prothrombin complex
      concentrate or fresh-frozen plasma. High-dose vitamin K (10 mg) should be given
      concurrently via intravenous infusion to confer lasting correction. Warfarin
      resistance and vitamin K-associated anaphylaxis are rare. Despite development of
      new oral anticoagulant therapy compounds, warfarin will probably retain a
      prominent role in thromboembolism management for several years to come.

PMID- 22077530
TI  - Optimizing management of myelodysplastic syndromes post-allogeneic
      transplantation.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is still the only potentially
      curative treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Improvements in
      donor selection, supportive care and the introduction of reduced-intensity
      conditioning have led to a decrease in early transplant mortality. However,
      relapse rates have not changed significantly in recent years. Furthermore,
      treatment options for patients relapsing after hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation are limited and often short-lived. Thus, optimizing the post
      transplant outcome by maintenance approaches or minimal residual disease-directed
      preemptive therapy is an important goal of current clinical research. Further
      strategies aiming at an improved prevention of graft-versus-host disease are
      currently under investigation.

PMID- 22077532
TI  - Use of data linkage to investigate the aetiology of acute lower respiratory
      infection hospitalisations in children.
AB  - AIM: To document the aetiology of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI)
      hospitalisations in Western Australian children by linking population-based
      laboratory data with hospital morbidity data. METHODS: Data from all ALRI
      hospitalisations and laboratory records related to respiratory pathogens between
      2000 and 2005 were extracted and linked through a population-based record linkage
      system. The proportion of specimens that were positive for each respiratory viral
      or bacterial pathogen was documented. RESULTS: Eight thousand nine hundred and
      eighty (45.2%) ALRI hospitalisations were linked to a laboratory record.
      Admissions to a private hospital and admissions from non-metropolitan areas were
      less likely to have a linked laboratory record. In 57.9% of linked
      hospitalisations, a respiratory virus and/or a bacterial pathogen was identified.
      Frequently identified viral pathogens included respiratory syncytial virus (RSV;
      n= 3226; 39.5% of those tested), influenza viruses (n= 664; 8.5%), parainfluenza
      virus type 3 (n= 348; 4.6%), picornaviruses (n= 292; 22.3%) and adenoviruses (n=
      211; 2.7%). RSV was identified in 63.7% of bronchiolitis admissions in those aged
      under 6 months and 33.1% of pneumonia admissions in those aged under 12 months.
      Influenza viruses were identified in 81.6% of influenza-coded admissions. When a
      test was requested, Bordetella pertussis was identified in 21.2% of ALRI
      hospitalisations (n= 354), including 86.8% of whooping cough-coded admissions.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of population-based data linkage between
      statewide laboratory data and hospitalisation records and demonstrates proof of
      principle. RSV continues to be an important pathogen in ALRI. As pathogens were
      identified across all diagnoses, relying on hospital diagnosis coding alone may
      not accurately estimate the burden of different categories of ALRI.

PMID- 22077533
TI  - Review of longitudinal studies of MRI brain volumetry in patients with traumatic
      brain injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Structural brain imaging in patients with traumatic brain injury
      (TBI) has progressed remarkably over the years with respect to technology and
      study design. METHODS: Published studies of patients with TBI which used magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), volumetric measures and a longitudinal design--that is,
      one in which data were collected at more than one point in time--were reviewed.
      Some of these studies also included analyses using a cross-sectional (one point
      in time) approach. RESULTS: Ten studies met the review criteria. Although methods
      varied, these studies showed a consistent pattern of brain atrophy which
      progressed over the months after injury. Effect sizes (brain size differences)
      between patients and normal control subjects generally were much larger for
      comparisons using the longitudinal approach than for those using a cross
      sectional approach. Furthermore, atrophy correlated significantly with important
      clinical variables. CONCLUSION: In comparison with the cross-sectional design,
      the longitudinal design may be preferable for understanding the progression of
      brain atrophy after injury and understanding its association with important
      clinical variables.

PMID- 22077534
TI  - The role of anxiety sensitivity in symptom perception after minor head injury: an
      exploratory study.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study examined the role of anxiety
      sensitivity (AS) as a factor contributing to outcome following minor head injury
      (MHI). Recent research has implicated AS in perception of pain intensity after
      orthopaedic trauma. AS, therefore, has the potential to mediate perception of and
      reaction to post-concussion symptoms at an early stage of recovery, increasing
      the risk of a protracted and incomplete recovery. RESEARCH DESIGN: A case series
      analysis. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Sixty-three head trauma patients referred from
      an accident and emergency unit to an acute minor head injury service were
      compared to 58 patients who had suffered recent orthopaedic injury. Participants
      completed the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ), to determine the
      number and severity of head injury-related symptoms, and the Anxiety Sensitivity
      Index (ASI), to measure their emotional reaction to symptoms. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found for both RPQ and ASI
      measures. The MHI group reported more serious symptoms. Both groups also recorded
      significant positive correlations between the RPQ and ASI measures, with a
      stronger relationship recorded for the MHI group. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      support the impression that anxiety sensitivity may be an important factor
      mediating perception of symptoms after injury, potentially influencing speed and
      quality of recovery.

PMID- 22077535
TI  - Assessment of symptoms in a concussion management programme: method influences
      outcome.
AB  - CONTEXT: Monitoring of subjective symptoms is the foundation of all sport
      concussion management programmes. The purpose of this study is to examine
      methodological variables that impact symptom reporting during baseline testing.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the administration method of a concussion
      assessment tool (self-report vs interview) affects the report of symptoms.
      DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a cross-sectional, semi-randomized
      study of 117 athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Subjects completed the Post
      Concussion Scale during pre-season evaluations. RESULTS: A two-factor ANOVA
      revealed a significant difference in total symptom scores (p = 0.02) and number
      of endorsed symptoms (p = 0.02) across administration modes. Athletes had a
      greater total symptom score and reported a greater number of symptoms in the self
      administration condition than in the interview condition. Furthermore, there was
      a significant difference in symptom reporting across interviewer gender. Athletes
      endorsed more symptoms when the interviewer was a woman. CONCLUSIONS: Because the
      method of collecting symptoms, as well as interviewer gender, can impact test
      results, self-report measures may be a better way of obtaining consistent
      results. Clinicians and researchers should be aware that both the nature and
      extent of symptom reporting is greater when using questionnaires than when
      athletes are interviewed.

PMID- 22077536
TI  - Independence in managing one's finances after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To establish whether the budgeting task of the Instrumental
      Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Profile discriminates individuals with a
      traumatic brain injury (TBI) from healthy controls and to identify the nature of
      the observed difficulties. METHOD: This study tested 27 adults with moderate or
      severe TBI and 27 controls matched for age, sex and education on the budgeting
      task of the IADL Profile. The budgeting task is a complex real-world problem
      involving the preparation of a yearly budget for an individual living on a fixed
      income with the goal of saving money to purchase a car. MAIN RESULTS: The results
      showed that TBI subjects, the majority of whom had documented frontal lesions
      and/or diffuse axonal injury based on CT scan reports, were more likely than
      control subjects to experience difficulties on all task-related operations
      (planning, carrying out and verifying attainment of goal), with planning being
      particularly affected. These deficits were shown to impact on financial
      abilities, an issue of particular concern for TBI individuals reporting full
      responsibility of their finances. CONCLUSIONS: The budgeting task of the IADL
      Profile discriminates TBI subjects from controls. Planning was shown to be the
      most significant difficulty underlying reduced independence in the task.

PMID- 22077537
TI  - To exclude or not to exclude: white matter hyperintensities in diffusion tensor
      imaging research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A practical methodological issue for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      researchers is determining what to do about incidental findings, such as white
      matter hyperintensities (WMHI). The purpose of this study was to compare healthy
      control subjects with or without WMHIs on whole brain DTI. METHOD: Participants
      were 30 subjects (age = 37.7, SD = 11.3, Range = 18-60; 70% female) who had no
      known developmental, general medical, neurological or psychiatric condition that
      could have had an adverse affect on brain morphology. RESULTS: MRI (3 Tesla)
      revealed, at minimum, a WMHI in eight subjects (26.7%). Fractional anisotropy
      (FA) was calculated for 19 regions of interest (ROI). Frequency distributions of
      FA scores for the 19 ROIs were calculated. The 10th percentile for each ROI was
      selected as a cut-off score. Having four or more low FA scores occurred in 16.7%.
      More subjects with incidental findings met criterion for low FA scores (37.5%),
      compared to 9.1% of subjects with no findings. When subjects with minor WMHIs
      were retained and only those with multiple incidental findings were excluded,
      8.3% of the retained subjects met criterion for low FA scores compared to 50.0%
      of the excluded subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to include or exclude
      subjects who have incidental findings can influence the results of a study.

PMID- 22077540
TI  - Everyday life for the spouses of patients with untreated OSA syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to generate a theoretical model describing concerns for
      spouses of patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and
      how they manage these concerns in their everyday life. Twelve spouses were
      interviewed about their experiences and how they manage everyday life. The
      interviews were analysed according to the Grounded Theory method as described by
      Strauss and Corbin. Two main categories emerged from the data: 'Social
      adjustment' and 'New feelings'. 'Social adjustment' reveals how the spouses made
      adjustments in their daily lives, both according to their partners' tiredness and
      owing to their own fatigue. 'New feelings' reveals emotional reactions related to
      the effects of their partner's illness and the impact it had on the spouse's
      everyday life. These two main categories could be seen in relation to four
      dimensions describing how the spouses manage their everyday life: 'Sacrificing',
      'Controlling', 'Changing' and 'Understanding'. The results show how the spouses
      made adjustments in everyday life and how their feelings were affected by their
      partner's OSAS. Healthcare personnel could use information from this study to
      gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of what spouses of untreated patients
      with OSAS experience as their main concerns and how they manage their everyday
      life. This knowledge can be used to improve the support to the spouses, as well
      as in the educational situation concerning the illness, as well as the treatment.

PMID- 22077541
TI  - Assessment of hospice health professionals' knowledge, views, and experience with
      medical marijuana.
AB  - The medicinal and recreational use of cannabis has been controversial, especially
      in the United States. Marijuana for medicinal use is approved in 14 U.S. states
      and has recently been considered for legalization in several additional states.
      Given its demonstrated efficacy in symptom management, marijuana has a potential
      role in palliative care. This study utilized a 16-item questionnaire to assess
      the knowledge, experience, and views of hospice professionals regarding the use
      of marijuana in terminally ill patients. The study results revealed that, like
      the general public, hospice health care providers are generally in favor of
      legalization of marijuana and, if legalized, would support its use in symptom
      management for their terminally ill patients.

PMID- 22077542
TI  - "My baby is a person": parents' experiences with life-threatening fetal
      diagnosis.
AB  - Diagnosis of a lethal fetal diagnosis (LFD) early in pregnancy is devastating for
      parents. Those who choose to continue with the pregnancy report intense emotional
      reactions and inconsistent, often insensitive treatment by health care providers.
      This qualitative descriptive study sought to clarify the experiences and needs of
      families in order to design responsive perinatal palliative care services, and to
      establish the feasibility and acceptability of conducting intensive interviews of
      pregnant women and their partners during their pregnancy with a LFD. We
      interviewed 2 women and 3 couples during pregnancy or just after birth, using
      open ended questions. Audiotaped responses were analyzed by two investigators.
      Two dimensions and six themes emerged. In the dimension of Personal Pregnancy
      Experience, "Grieving Multiple Losses" elucidates that parents grieve the loss of
      their normal pregnancy, healthy baby and future parenting. "Arrested Parenting"
      describes their sudden interruption in the normal process of becoming a parent.
      The theme "My Baby is a Person" reflects parents' unanimous desire to honor and
      legitimize the humanity of their unborn baby. In the dimension of Interactions of
      Others, three themes were found. "Fragmented Health Care" describes parent's
      disjointed and distant encounters with multiple providers. "Disconnected Family
      and Friends" describes the lack of understanding of what the families were
      experiencing. "Utterly Alone," which crosses both dimensions, expresses how the
      parents' sense of social isolation adds to their personal sense of loss and
      loneliness. Recommendations are made for palliative care's role in respecting and
      validating the experience of parents living through a doomed pregnancy.

PMID- 22077543
TI  - Freezing in sealed capillaries for preparation of frozen hydratedsections.

PMID- 22077544
TI  - Association of interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms with chronic and
      aggressive periodontitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms have been associated with
      interleukin-10 decreased production, thereby playing a role in the pathogenesis
      of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate whether interleukin-10 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms at positions -1087(G/A) and -597(C/A) are associated
      with generalised chronic periodontitis and localised aggressive periodontitis.
      METHODS: Genomic DNA samples were isolated from 276 unrelated Jordanian
      participants. Subjects were categorised into 86 periodontally healthy controls,
      105 chronic periodontitis patients and 85 localised aggressive periodontitis
      patients. Genotype frequencies were calculated, and differences were determined
      using Pearson chi-squared test, and odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were
      included. RESULTS: The frequencies of the -1087A and -597A alleles were
      significantly more common in chronic periodontitis patients than controls. The A
      positive allele genotypes (GA, AA) at position -1087 and A-positive allele
      genotypes (CA, AA) at position -597 appeared to increase the risk of having
      chronic periodontitis. No significant differences were observed in the genotype
      frequencies between localised aggressive periodontitis patients and controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the possible use of interleukin-10 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms as genetic markers in chronic periodontitis patients and
      further emphasise the molecular differences between chronic periodontitis and
      aggressive periodontitis.

PMID- 22077545
TI  - Urological litigation.

PMID- 22077547
TI  - Laparoscopic extravesical ureteric re-implantation.

PMID- 22077546
TI  - Management of low (favourable)-risk prostate cancer.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Most men who are
      diagnosed with favourable-risk prostate cancer undergo some form of active
      intervention, despite evidence that treatment will not improve health outcomes
      for many. The decision to undergo treatment after diagnosis is, in part, related
      to the inability to precisely determine the long-term risk of harm without
      treatment. Nevertheless, physicians should consider patient age, overall health,
      and preferences for living with cancer and the potential side effects of curative
      treatments, before recommending a management option. This is especially important
      for older men, given the high level of evidence that those with low-risk disease
      are unlikely to accrue any benefit from curative intervention. What is known on
      the subject: Over treatment of favourable-risk prostate cancer is common,
      especially among older men. What does the study add: A review of the natural
      history of favourable-risk prostate cancer in the context of choices for
      management of the disease. * The management of favourable-risk prostate cancer is
      controversial, and in the absence of controlled trials to inform best practice,
      choices are driven by personal beliefs with resultant wide variation in practice
      patterns. * Men with favourable-risk prostate cancer diagnosed today often
      undergo treatments that will not improve overall health outcomes. * A shared
      decision approach for selecting optimal management of favourable-risk disease
      should account for patient age, overall health, and preferences for living with
      cancer and the potential side effects of curative treatments.

PMID- 22077548
TI  - Vaginal extraction after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

PMID- 22077549
TI  - Will 2012 be a good year?

PMID- 22077551
TI  - Nepal Trek raises funds for prostate cancer research: 'There are no easy walks in
      the Himalayas'.

PMID- 22077552
TI  - Caveolin-1 and cancer metabolism in the tumor microenvironment: markers, models,
      and mechanisms.
AB  - Caveolins are a family of membrane-bound scaffolding proteins that
      compartmentalize and negatively regulate signal transduction. Recent studies have
      implicated a loss of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression in the pathogenesis of human
      cancers. Loss of Cav-1 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts results in an
      activated tumor microenvironment, thereby driving early tumor recurrence,
      metastasis, and poor clinical outcome in breast and prostate cancers. We describe
      various paracrine signaling mechanism(s) by which the loss of stromal Cav-1
      promotes tumor progression, including fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodeling,
      and the metabolic/catabolic reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblast, to
      fuel the growth of adjacent tumor cells. It appears that oxidative stress is the
      root cause of initiation of the loss of stromal Cav-1 via autophagy, which
      provides further impetus for the use of antioxidants in anticancer therapy.
      Finally, we discuss the functional role of Cav-1 in epithelial cancer cells.

PMID- 22077554
TI  - Optical absorption and emission properties of fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene,
      and their derivatives. A DFT study.
AB  - Fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene-based oligoarenes are good candidates for
      organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this work, the electronic structure and
      optical properties of fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and their derivatives
      have been studied using quantum chemical methods. The ground-state structures
      were optimized using the density functional theory (DFT) methods. The lowest
      singlet excited state was optimized using time-dependent density functional
      theory (TD-B3LYP) and configuration interaction singles (CIS) methods. On the
      basis of ground- and excited-state geometries, the absorption and emission
      spectra have been calculated using the TD-DFT method with a variety of exchange
      correlation functionals. All the calculations were carried out in chloroform
      medium. The results show that the absorption and emission spectra calculated
      using the B3LYP functional is in good agreement with the available experimental
      results. Unlikely, the meta hybrid functionals such as M06HF and M062X
      underestimate the absorption and emission spectra of all the studied molecules.
      The calculated absorption and emission wavelength are more or less basis set
      independent. It has been observed that the substitution of an aromatic ring
      significantly alters the absorption and emission spectra.

PMID- 22077553
TI  - Pathogenesis of plexiform neurofibroma: tumor-stromal/hematopoietic interactions
      in tumor progression.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disease that results from either
      heritable or spontaneous autosomal dominant mutations in the NF1 gene. A second
      hit mutation precedes the predominant NF1 neoplasms, which include myeloid
      leukemia, optic glioma, and plexiform neurofibroma. Despite this requisite NF1
      loss of heterozygosity in the tumor cell of origin, nontumorigenic cells
      contribute to both generalized and specific disease manifestations. In mouse
      models of plexiform neurofibroma formation, Nf1 haploinsufficient mast cells
      promote inflammation, accelerating tumor formation and growth. These recruited
      mast cells, hematopoietic effector cells long known to permeate neurofibroma
      tissue, mediate key mitogenic signals that contribute to vascular ingrowth,
      collagen deposition, and tumor growth. Thus, the plexiform neurofibroma
      microenvironment involves a tumor/stromal interaction with the hematopoietic
      system that depends, at the molecular level, on a stem cell factor/c-kit-mediated
      signaling axis. These observations parallel findings in other NF1 disease
      manifestations and are clearly relevant to medical management of these
      neurofibromas.

PMID- 22077555
TI  - Actinic granuloma occurring in an unusual association with cutaneous B-cell
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Granulomatous cutaneous reactions are well described in association with T-cell
      non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, but are rarely seen in association
      with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma or leukemia. We report a case of a 65-year-old
      woman with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma
      (SLL) who presented with multiple, tender, firm pink papules on the face, upper
      trunk and upper extremities 6 years after diagnosis of CLL. Biopsy revealed both
      palisading granulomatous dermatitis consistent with actinic granuloma and a dense
      perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate consistent with the patient's known history
      of leukemia. This is an unusual manifestation of cutaneous B-cell CLL that is
      rarely seen.

PMID- 22077557
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22077556
TI  - Safety of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine.

PMID- 22077560
TI  - Constrained density functional theory.

PMID- 22077559
TI  - Screening of antimicrobial activity of Cistus ladanifer and Arbutus unedo
      extracts.
AB  - In this work, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of different crude extracts
      obtained from Cistus ladanifer L. and Arbutus unedo L. was investigated. The
      ethanol, methanol and acetone/water extracts of Cistus ladanifer and Arbutus
      unedo were prepared using different extraction methods and their antimicrobial
      activities against reference strains, including three Gram-positive, five Gram
      negative and three yeasts, and against clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori
      and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were investigated. All the
      extracts inhibited more than one microorganism; moreover all of them presented
      antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria, Klebsiella pneumonia,
      Candida tropicalis and Helicobacter pylori. It is noteworthy that the most
      considerable in vitro effect was observed against Helicobacter pylori. These
      inhibitory effects can be considered relevant to the development of new agents
      for inclusion in the treatment or prevention of infections by the tested strains.

PMID- 22077561
TI  - Differential expression of canonical and non-canonical Wnt ligands in
      ameloblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways modulate diverse
      cellular processes during embryogenesis and post-natally. Their deregulations
      have been implicated in cancer development and progression. Wnt signaling is
      essential for odontogenesis. The ameloblastoma is an odontogenic epithelial
      neoplasm of enamel organ origin. Altered expressions of Wnts-1, -2, -5a, and -10a
      are detected in this tumor. The activity of other Wnt members remains
      unclarified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Canonical (Wnts-1, -2, -3, -8a, -8b, -10a,
      and -10b), non-canonical (Wnts-4, -5a, -5b, -6, 7a, -7b, and -11), and
      indeterminate groups (Wnts-2b and -9b) were examined immunohistochemically in 72
      cases of ameloblastoma (19 unicystic [UA], 35 solid/multicystic [SMA], eight
      desmoplastic [DA], and 10 recurrent [RA]). RESULTS: Canonical Wnt proteins
      (except Wnt-10b) were heterogeneously expressed in ameloblastoma. Their
      distribution patterns were distinctive with some overlap. Protein localization
      was mainly membranous and/or cytoplasmic. Overexpression of Wnt-1 in most subsets
      (UA = 19/19; SMA = 35/35; DA = 5/8; RA = 7/10) (P < 0.05), Wnt-3 in granular cell
      variant (n = 3/3), and Wnt-8b in DA (n = 8/8) was key observations. Wnts-8a and 
      10a demonstrated enhanced expression in tumoral buddings and acanthomatous areas.
      Non-canonical and indeterminate Wnts were absent except for limited Wnt-7b
      immunoreactivity in UA (n = 1/19) and SMA (n = 1/35). Stromal components
      expressed variable Wnt positivity. CONCLUSION: Differential expression of Wnt
      ligands in different ameloblastoma subtypes suggests that the canonical and non
      canonical Wnt pathways are selectively activated or repressed depending on the
      tumor cell differentiation status. Canonical Wnt pathway is most likely the main
      transduction pathway while Wnt-1 might be the key signaling molecule involved in
      ameloblastoma tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22077562
TI  - Functional rather than immunoreactive levels of IgG4 correlate closely with
      clinical response to grass pollen immunotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Induction of allergen-specific IgG(4) antibodies is the most
      consistent immunological finding in immunotherapy trials. However, quantitative
      assessments of IgG(4) antibodies have not proven beneficial in evaluating
      clinical changes during or after immunotherapy. In the current study, we
      investigated the relationship between clinical outcome and allergen-specific
      IgG(4) titres or functional antibody responses following immunotherapy. We
      hypothesized that functional assays of serum IgG-associated inhibitory activity
      such as inhibition of IgE-allergen interactions (IgE-blocking factor) and
      inhibition of CD23-dependent IgE-facilitated allergen binding (IgE-FAB) correlate
      more closely with clinical outcome and may be biomarkers of clinical response.
      METHODS: In an 8-month dose-response randomized double-blind placebo-controlled
      study, 221 polysensitized subjects with severe seasonal rhinitis received Alutard
      SQ, Phleum pratense 100,000 SQ-U, 10,000 SQ-U or placebo injections. Serum
      specimens were collected before treatment, after up-dosing, during the peak
      season and at the end of the study. Allergen-specific IgG(4) titres and IgG
      associated inhibitory activity were evaluated. RESULTS: A time- and dose
      dependent increase in serum inhibitory activity for both the IgE-blocking factor
      and IgE-FAB was observed, which paralleled increases in grass pollen-specific
      IgG(4) antibodies. A modest but significant inverse relationship was demonstrated
      between postimmunotherapy serum inhibitory activity and combined symptom-rescue
      medication scores (IgE-FAB: r = -0.25, P = 0.0002; IgE-blocking factor: r = 
      0.28, P < 0.0001), whereas this was not observed for immunoreactive IgG(4) levels
      (r = -0.11, P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Functional assays of inhibitory IgG(4) and
      IgE-blocking factor may be more useful surrogates of clinical response than
      IgG(4). Whether these antibody effects may serve as predictive biomarkers of
      clinical efficacy in individual patients requires further investigation.

PMID- 22077563
TI  - Are babies consumer durables? A Critique of the Economic Theory of Reproductive
      Motivation * The research discussed is supported by a grant from The Equitable
      Life Assurance Society to International Population and Urban Research, Institute
      of International Studies, University of California, Berkeley. The author wishes
      to thank Kingsley Davis for his advice and criticism, and Valerie Caires,
      Katherine Carter and Barbara Heyns for their assistance in processing the studies
      involved in this analysis. The report is also indebted to General Research
      Support Grant of the National Institutes of Health (1501-TR-544104) for
      assistance to Statistical Services, School of Public Health.
AB  - Abstract   Never before have couples been able to control so effectively the
      number of children they will have. Although involuntary factors still affect
      family size, continuing advances in contraceptive techniques make deliberate
      choice an ever more important determinant of fertility. But what factors
      determine the size of family people will choose ? One type of answer advanced in
      recent years by Gary Becker views reproductive performance simply as economic
      behaviour. Couples, he believes, desire fewer children when poor, more when rich.

PMID- 22077564
TI  - Natality and ethnocentrism: Some relationships suggested by an analysis of
      catholic-protestant differentials.
AB  - Abstract   At the time of writing, the Roman Catholic Church is engaged in a
      major re-evaluation of its position on contraception. Judging from newspaper
      interest, there exists a widespread assumption that Catholic teaching, together
      with the political and social influence of the Catholic clergy, is an important
      deterrent to the practice of contraception and, for that reason, to the reduction
      of human natality.

PMID- 22077565
TI  - A comparison of the size of families of roman catholics and non-catholics in
      Great Britain.
AB  - Abstract   In a recent study of family size ideals in the D.S.A. it was found
      that in the 1960'S the mean ideal family size of Catholics was about half a child
      higher than the mean ideal size of non-Catholics. This note describes an analysis
      of similar data for married women in Great Britain, derived from an investigation
      undertaken in 1966 for the Population Investigation Committee. A difference in
      ideal family size, which was of the same order as the American difference, was
      found; and, in addition, the actual fertility of Catholics was compared with that
      of others.

PMID- 22077566
TI  - The verification of data in historical demography.
AB  - Abstract   In all scientific studies care must be taken to work on data which are
      correct and hence to make sure of the quality of the observations. In the field
      of historical demography there is need for extra care. The data were collected a
      long time ago in circumstances which were sometimes good, sometimes bad, but
      often little known. Statisticians are, moreover, on a priori grounds, rather
      inclined to be more suspicious of observations made in the past than of those
      which are made currently. Results relating to past populations must therefore be
      more rigorously established than any others if they are to be accepted. The
      verification of the data thus forms an integral part of the work of the
      historical demographer.

PMID- 22077567
TI  - Fertility and nuptiality changes in Spain from the late 18th to the early 20th
      century.
AB  - Abstract   1.1. The course of Spanish population growth from the end of the 16th
      to the beginning of the 18th century was set by the effects of what demographers
      call 'catastrophic' mortality. As in most European populations, the occasional
      but recurrent ravages of epidemics, especially plague, wiped out the excess of
      births over deaths accumulated in 'normal' years. How accurate and close to
      reality this statement is cannot be discussed here; but we shall assume that,
      until the rSth century, short-term growth was offset by mortality above the
      normal levels caused by epidemics.

PMID- 22077568
TI  - Fertility trends in Europe since the second world war.
AB  - Abstract   Before discussing the movements in fertility in Europe since World War
      II, it is necessary to consider, both as a background and a yardstick for
      measurement, the general situation around the mid-1930's. This period has been
      chosen for several reasons. First, it was at about this time that the crude birth
      rates and other period indices of fertility in most Western and North-Western
      countries of Europe reached their lowest points. The decline initiated in the
      1870's and 1880's had proceeded without interruption except for the years
      immediately after World War I, and had gathered momentum in the 1920's. Only in
      France, in which the birth rate had been falling throughout the 19th century, did
      there appear to be some approach to stabilization. Secondly, pro-natalist
      policies began to expand in France, Belgium and Italy, and were initiated in
      Germany with the Nazi takeover. The very expansion of such policies reinforced
      the feeling of impending depopulation in other Western countries, a feeling made
      more intense by the increasingly frequent use of period net reproduction rates as
      indicators of national 'vitality' ('true' rates of natural increase were much
      less frequently cited: they required more elaborate computations and appeared to
      be less striking). Such rates were regarded as sophisticated and meaningful
      measures of replacement tendencies and they were given a semi-official status by
      inclusion in the League of Nations Statistical Yearbooks. The apparent
      implications of these rates were made even more sharply visible by the
      publication of population projections constructed on a component basis, and using
      essentially the same approach as that embodied in net reproduction rates - that
      is, with fertility measured in terms of age-specific fertility rates, and with no
      regard paid to nuptiality. Thirdly, the early thirties saw the great economic
      depression, with its correlate of mass unemployment, and offering a natural
      economic explanation for at least part of the apparent demographic depression.

PMID- 22077569
TI  - Fertility differentials in the Sudan (with reference to the nomadic and settled
      populations) * This paper is based on a chapter from a Ph.D. thesis completed at
      the London School of Economics, under the joint supervision of Professor D. V.
      Glass and Dr. J. G. C. Blacker, to whom I am deeply indebted for guidance,
      criticism and suggestions. I am also grateful to the Ford Foundation and the
      Population Council Inc. for the grants which made this work possible.
AB  - Abstract   Statistically valid records of birth and death registration do not yet
      exist in the Sudan. The 1955/56 sample census gave some evidence - though not
      very conclusive 1 The evidence from the 1955/56 sample census is not quite
      conclusive, partly because the administrative divisions for which the census data
      are available do not always coincide with the ethnic or mode of life divisions.
      Further, the available indices are inadequate and unreliable, and throw no light
      on the possible causes of the differentials. For further details see my article
      on 'Population of the Sudan' in Essays on Sudan Economy, forthcoming. - that
      there were fertility differentials in the country. These differentials were of
      three main types. First, there were differentials between the inhabitants of the
      three Southern provinces where recorded fertility levels were exceptionally -
      indeed suspiciously - high; and the Northern provinces where recorded fertility
      levels were considerably lower. Second, within the Northern populations, there
      appeared to be fertility differentials between the settled agricultural
      populations on the one hand, and the pastoral nomads on the other, fertility
      among the latter being apparently unusually low. Third, there was some evidence
      of urban-rural differentials.

PMID- 22077570
TI  - Some comments on Ursula M. Cowgill's article, 'life and death in the sixteenth
      century in the city of York' (Population Studies, July 1967).
AB  - Abstract   The initial purpose of Miss Cowgill's investigation was to study
      possible differences in mortality according to the season of birth, a study in
      which groups of people must be followed from birth to death. In the present case
      the groups were composed of people born in six parishes of the City of York
      between 1538 and 1601.

PMID- 22077571
TI  - A reply to M. Henry's comments on Cowgill's article (Population Studies, July
      1967).
AB  - Abstract   To settle the excellent question that M. Henry has raised will
      undoubtedly require more research. At present the 17th-eentury York situation is
      being investigated. The number of matched births and deaths will be considerably
      greater than that obtained from a study ofthe 16th-century records.

PMID- 22077576
TI  - QALYs and carers.
AB  - When going 'beyond the patient', to measure QALYs for unpaid carers, a number of
      additional methodological considerations and value judgements must be made. While
      there is no theoretical reason to restrict the measurement of QALYs to patients,
      decisions have to be made about which carers to consider, what instruments to use
      and how to aggregate and present QALYs for carers and patients. Current, albeit
      limited, practice in measuring QALY gains to carers in economic evaluation
      varies, suggesting that there may be inconsistency in judgements about whether
      interventions are deemed cost effective. While conventional health-related
      quality-of-life tools can, in theory, be used to estimate QALYs, there are both
      theoretical and empirical concerns over the suitability of their use with carers.
      Measures that take a broader view of health or well-being may be more
      appropriate. Incorporating QALYs of carers in economic evaluations may have
      important distributional consequences and, therefore, greater normative
      discussion over the appropriateness of incorporating these impacts is required.
      In the longer term, more flexible forms of cost-per-QALY analysis may be required
      to take account of the broader impacts on carers and the weight these impacts
      should receive in decision making.

PMID- 22077577
TI  - Modelling the cost effectiveness of treatments for Parkinson's disease: a
      methodological review.
AB  - The objective of this review was to assess models of cost effectiveness for
      Parkinson's disease (PD) published after July 2002 and to derive recommendations
      for future modelling. A systematic literature search was performed in the
      databases PubMed, Current Contents, EMBASE, EconLit, the Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews, and DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness),
      NHS EED (Economic Evaluation Database) and HTA (Health Technology Assessment) of
      the UK NHS Centre for Review and Dissemination (July 2002 to March 2010). Only
      fully published studies using decision trees, Markov models, individual
      simulation models or sets of mathematical equations were included. Most of the 11
      studies identified used Markov models (n = 9) and two employed were based on
      decision trees. Based on the Hoehn & Yahr (HY) scale, authors evaluated the cost
      effectiveness of drug treatments (n = 6), surgical approaches such as deep brain
      stimulation (n = 1) or striatal cell grafting (n = 1), and diagnostic procedures
      such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) testing (n = 3) over a
      time horizon of 1 year to lifetime. Costs were adapted to address a societal
      and/or healthcare provider/third-party payer perspective. All but one of the
      interventions investigated were considered cost effective or cost saving. Cost
      effectiveness modelling in PD between 2003 and 2010 showed only minor improvement
      when compared with our earlier review of models published from 1998 up to 2003.
      Cost-effectiveness modelling recommendations were complied with to only a limited
      extent, leaving room for quality improvement. More advanced modelling approaches
      may, so far, be under-represented, but may be used in the future, driven by the
      research question. Adverse events of treatment, co-morbidities or disease
      complications are not yet sufficiently included in the models to adequately
      represent clinical reality.

PMID- 22077578
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of prophylactic lamivudine use in preventing vertical
      transmission of hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As neonates born to mothers with positive hepatitis B e antigen may
      not be completely protected by hepatitis B vaccination, prophylactic lamivudine
      use in mothers with high viraemia has been proposed. However, the overall
      effectiveness and the balance between cost and benefit for such a prophylactic
      strategy have rarely been addressed. OBJECTIVE: Using a review of recent
      literature, we aimed to assess the cost effectiveness, from the Taiwanese
      societal perspective, of administering prophylactic lamivudine to mothers to
      reduce vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus and its long-term sequelae in
      neonates. METHODS: A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials was
      conducted to evaluate the efficacy of lamivudine versus placebo. A Markov
      decision model was constructed in which in both treatment arms infants received
      active and passive immunoprophylaxis. An economic evaluation was performed to
      calculate costs, acute infections averted, and QALYs gained. Probabilistic
      sensitivity analyses were conducted and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve
      drawn. All these analyses were from the societal perspective. Costs ($US) were
      valued in year 2008 prices. RESULT: Supplemental lamivudine use gained an
      additional 0.0024 QALYs and averted 0.23 acute infections per birth compared with
      the routine active-passive immunization without lamivudine. The cost
      effectiveness analysis suggested that the use of additional prophylactic
      lamivudine dominated the routine strategy. The acceptability curve suggested that
      the probability of being cost effective under the willingness-to-pay threshold of
      $US20,000 was 94%. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that supplemental use of
      lamivudine in mothers with high hepatitis B viraemia is effective in reducing
      vertical transmission and may be cost effective, from a Taiwanese societal
      perspective, compared with the routine active-passive immunization without
      lamivudine.

PMID- 22077579
TI  - Cost effectiveness of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for the treatment of chronic
      hepatitis B from a Canadian public payer perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous research has demonstrated that tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate (DF) is the most cost-effective nucleos(t)ide treatment for chronic
      hepatitis B (CHB) in the UK, Spain, Italy and France. However, to our knowledge,
      no published studies have yet evaluated the cost effectiveness of any treatments
      for CHB in a Canadian setting, where relative prices and management of CHB differ
      from those in Europe. AIM: Our objective was to determine the cost effectiveness
      of tenofovir DF compared with other nucleos(t)ide therapies licensed for CHB in
      Canada from the perspective of publicly funded healthcare payers. METHODS: A
      Markov model was used to calculate the costs and benefits of nucleos(t)ide
      therapy in three groups of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive
      and -negative CHB: nucleos(t)ide-naive patients without cirrhosis; nucleos(t)ide
      naive patients with compensated cirrhosis; and lamivudine-resistant patients.
      Disease progression was modelled as annual transitions between 18 disease states.
      Transition probabilities, quality of life and costs were based on published
      studies. Health benefits were measured in QALYs. The reference year for costs was
      2007 and costs and outcomes were discounted at 5% per annum. RESULTS: First-line
      tenofovir DF was the most effective nucleos(t)ide strategy for managing CHB,
      generating 6.85-9.39 QALYs per patient. First-line tenofovir DF was also the most
      cost-effective strategy in all patient subgroups investigated, costing between
      $Can43,758 and $Can48,015 per QALY gained compared with lamivudine then
      tenofovir. First-line tenofovir DF strongly dominated first-line entecavir.
      Giving tenofovir DF monotherapy immediately after lamivudine resistance developed
      was less costly and more effective than any other active treatment strategy
      investigated for lamivudine-resistant CHB, including second-line use of adefovir
      or adefovir + lamivudine. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated 50%
      confidence that first-line tenofovir DF is the most cost-effective nucleos(t)ide
      strategy for treatment-naive patients with CHB, at a $Can50,000 per QALY
      threshold, and confirmed that first-line tenofovir DF has the highest expected
      net benefits. CONCLUSIONS: First-line tenofovir DF appears to be the most cost
      effective nucleos(t)ide treatment for both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic CHB
      patients in Canada, providing that society is willing to pay at least $Can48,015
      per QALY gained, although sensitivity analyses highlighted uncertainty around the
      results.

PMID- 22077580
TI  - Girls' schooling and the perceived threat of adolescent sexual activity in rural
      Malawi.
AB  - Despite its relative infrequency, pregnancy is perceived by parents in rural
      Malawi as a leading cause of school dropout among female students. This paper
      explores parents' beliefs about adolescent sexual activity and schoolgirl
      pregnancy and how these perceptions frame parents' aspirations and expectations
      about girls' schooling. In-depth interviews were collected in rural Malawi from
      60 adults aged 25-50 who were the parent of at least one school-aged child. Four
      themes emerged from the data: how expectations about sexual activity frame
      parental expectations about schooling duration and dropout, the loss of parental
      control, the negative influence of classmates and schools as unsafe environments.
      These concerns frame how parents consider a daughter's schooling prospects and
      are active even for parents whose daughters are not sexually active or who are
      not yet old enough to have gone through puberty. Although all parents aspire for
      their children to attend secondary school, these perceptions of daughters'
      relative risk weaken parents' motivation to encourage daughters to remain in
      school.

PMID- 22077581
TI  - Novel clinical and molecular findings in Chinese families with dyschromatosis
      symmetrica hereditaria.

PMID- 22077583
TI  - In silico homology modeling to predict functional properties of cruciferin.
AB  - Cruciferin is the major storage protein in Brassicaceae family oilseeds. The
      predominant cruciferin isoforms in  Arabidopsis thaliana  were investigated using
      homology modeling (HM) for their molecular structures and functional properties.
      The structure of  Brassica napus  procruciferin was used as the template for HM
      to determine the molecular structures and hypervariable regions. Hydrophobicity
      and electrostatic surface potential distribution on the intradisulfide-containing
      face (IA) and the interdisulfide-containing face (IE) indicated favorable
      interfacial and solubility properties. More heat-induced structural changes were
      predicted for the CruC homotrimer than for the CruA or CruB homotrimers.
      Structural features that facilitate flavor binding and limit proteolytic
      digestion were more readily observed in CruA and CruB than in CruC. On the basis
      of these comparative models, structural differences among cruciferin isoforms and
      their relevance to potential technofunctionalities were identified. This approach
      of functional property prediction will link protein structure to utilities and
      will be valuable in designing proteins for targeted applications.

PMID- 22077584
TI  - Acute disc herniation in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute disc prolapse in young adults has been studied extensively.
      However, little is known about acute disc prolapse in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: We
      aimed to define the features of acute disc prolapse in the elderly. DESIGN,
      SETTING AND PATIENTS: Elderly (>= 65 years) patients who had lumbar or thoracic
      discectomy for acute (< 3 months) disc prolapse in our unit between July 2004 and
      March 2010 were identified. For comparison, we used a 'young' (25-45 years)
      patient cohort with acute thoracic or lumbar disc prolapse. Data collected
      included age, symptom onset, preoperative signs and spinal level. RESULTS: During
      the study period, 390 patients had discectomy, of which 59.7% were 'young' and
      7.4% 'elderly'. The young and elderly patients had significantly different
      distributions of prolapsed disc levels. In the young, 97% of all disc protrusions
      were at L4/5 or L5/S1, but < 50% were at these levels in the elderly. In the
      elderly, about 10% of disc protrusions were thoracic. CONCLUSIONS: Acute disc
      prolapse is rare in the elderly and primarily affects the upper lumbar and lower
      thoracic spine.

PMID- 22077582
TI  - Noninvasive detection of passively targeted poly(ethylene glycol) nanocarriers in
      tumors.
AB  - The present studies noninvasively investigate the passive tumor distribution
      potential of a series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanocarriers using a
      SkinSkan spectrofluorometer and an In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) 100. Fluorescein
      conjugated PEG nanocarriers of varying molecular weights (10, 20, 30, 40, and 60
      kDa) were prepared and characterized. The nanocarriers were administered
      intravenously to female balb/c mice bearing subcutaneous 4T1 tumors. Passive
      distribution was measured in vivo (lambda(exc), 480 nm; lambda(em), 515-520 nm)
      from the tumor and a contralateral skin site (i.e., control site). The signal
      intensity from the tumor was always significantly higher than that from the
      contralateral site. Trends in results between the two methods were consistent
      with tumor distribution increasing in a molecular weight-dependent manner (10 <
      20 < 30 ? 40 ? 60 kDa). The 10 kDa nanocarrier was not detected in tumors at 24
      h, whereas 40-60 kDa nanocarriers were detected in tumors for up to 96 h. The 30,
      40, and 60 kDa nanocarriers showed 2.1, 5.3, and 4.1 times higher passive
      distribution in tumors at 24 h, respectively, as compared to the 20 kDa
      nanocarrier. The 60 kDa nanocarrier exhibited 1.5 times higher tumor distribution
      than 40 kDa nanocarrier at 96 h. Thus, PEG nanocarriers (40 and 60 kDa) with
      molecular weights close to or above the renal exclusion limit, which for globular
      proteins is >=45 kDa, showed significantly higher tumor distribution than those
      below it. The hydrodynamic radii of PEG polymers, measured using dynamic light
      scattering (DLS), showed that nanocarriers obtained from polymers with
      hydrodynamic radii >=8 nm exhibited higher tumor distribution. Ex vivo mass
      balance studies revealed that nanocarrier tissue distribution followed the rank
      order tumor > lung > spleen > liver > kidney > muscle > heart, thus validating
      the in vivo studies. The results of the current studies suggest that noninvasive
      dermal imaging of tumors provides a reliable and rapid method for the initial
      screening of nanocarrier tumor distribution pharmacokinetics.

PMID- 22077585
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumour of the vagus nerve.
AB  - We describe the complete removal of a foramen magnum solitary fibrous tumour in a
      36-year-old woman. It originated on a caudal vagus nerve rootlet, classically
      described as the 'cranial' accessory nerve root. This ninth case of
      immunohistologically confirmed cranial or spinal nerve SFT is the first of the
      vagus nerve.

PMID- 22077587
TI  - A case of craniocervical abscess with sinus thrombosis in Lemierre's syndrome.
AB  - A 74-year old gentleman with a cranio-cervical abscess failed to improve after
      incision and drainage and standard intravenous antibiotic therapy. Imaging
      demonstrated thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus and
      transverse sinus; and microbiological analysis isolated Fusobacterium nucleatum.
      The diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome was confirmed, and he was effectively
      treated with appropriate antibiotics and anti-coagulation.

PMID- 22077586
TI  - Management of head trauma due to landmine explosions: from battle field to
      operation room.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head injuries due to landmine explosions are not well studied and the
      management of such injuries is not documented, even though there is,
      unfortunately, a regrettably high incidence of such injuries in the military and
      in civilians. METHODS: The data of 119 patients who underwent surgery for the
      head injuries due to landmine explosions were reviewed retrospectively. All of
      these patients were military personnel, and the mean age was 23 years. RESULTS: A
      total 83 (69.7%) of the cases were injured by the anti-personnel devices and 36
      (30.3%) by vehicle landmines. Fifty percent of the patients underwent surgery for
      depressed skull fracture, intraparenchymal foreign body, epidural haematoma or
      subdural haematoma. Six (0.05%) patients died in the emergency room. CONCLUSION:
      Landmine explosions can produce classic injury patterns from blunt and
      penetrating mechanisms to several organ systems, including the brain. They also
      produce unique injury patterns to the brain. Understanding this important
      difference is critical in management of these injuries. Early surgical treatment
      and appropriate management could save more lives.

PMID- 22077588
TI  - Intraoperative sealing of dura mater defects with a novel, synthetic, self
      adhesive patch: application experience in 25 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The quest for an ideal sealant for dura mater defects persists. The
      clinical experience with a novel, synthetic self-adhesive patch
      (TissuePatchDural((r)), Tissuemed, Leeds, UK) and its ability to prevent
      postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is described in this article.
      METHODS: A recently developed, synthetic, self adhesive patch was implanted in 25
      patients who underwent intradural neurosurgical procedures. The indication for
      use was to adjunctively seal dura mater defects. The device is a multi-laminate
      consisting of thin films of a commonly used structural polymer, poly(lactide-co
      glycolide) and a tissue reactive polymer providing fast and strong chemical
      bonding of the patch with the underlying biological surface. Intraoperative
      handling and efficacy, biocompatibility, and postoperative observations/follow-up
      were analysed. Infectious complications, surgical wound features, and
      postoperative MRI scans were especially reviewed. The mean follow up period was
      4.4 months. RESULTS: The device provided fast and efficacious sealing of
      circumscribed dura mater defects within 1 minute in 23 patients (92%). Two of 25
      patients developed a postoperative CSF leakage (8%), which may be secondary to
      particular factors predisposing these patients to CSF leaks. Surgical handling
      was straightforward. No infectious complications were recorded; furthermore,
      wound healing was unremarkable. No clinical evidence of foreign body reactions
      was observed. In 18 patients, postoperative MRI scans were available which did
      not show irregularities in any case. CONCLUSIONS: Safe and effective sealing can
      be accomplished with this bioabsorbable, purely synthetic and thin dural sealant,
      avoiding the application of foreign biologic material. The product has been shown
      to be effective in achieving watertight closure of the dura mater and has
      prevented CSF leakage in 92% of patients treated.

PMID- 22077589
TI  - Pattern of head injuries in Malta (EU): a small Mediterranean island.
AB  - We have reviewed all acute neurosurgical admissions between December 2007 and
      December 2009. Hundred and nine (46.6%) of our admissions were head injuries. A
      subdural haematoma(SDH) was found in 51.4%(56) of the head injuries. Of these,
      50/56 presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS) of 14 to 15, 41.1% (23) of these
      SDH needed surgery. The commonest mode of injury was falls [67.9%(74) of head
      injuries]. Risk factors for falls are co-morbidities which are particular to an
      elderly population, these include osteoarthritis and audio/ visual impairment.
      Falls are more common in rural areas where elderly are more likely to feel
      comfortable to walk and sustain trivial falls resulting in chronic subdural
      heamatomas.

PMID- 22077591
TI  - Prenuptial dental extractions in Acadian women: first report of a cultural
      tradition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenuptial tooth extractions, extractions of all teeth in at least
      one dental arch before marriage, are not identified in the dental literature.
      Driven by a professional encounter, the purpose of this study was to confirm the
      existence of this practice among Acadian women. METHODS: An 8-item survey
      instrument with space for comments was mailed to 182 dentists from traditionally
      Acadian regions of Canada. The survey was provided in English and French.
      RESULTS: Ninety dentists responded (50.3%); 8 of them (9%) had been asked to
      perform prenuptial extractions, and an additional 9 volunteered awareness of this
      practice. Awareness and requests were associated with dental practice in a county
      with a >=20% French-speaking population. CONCLUSIONS: Prenuptial extractions in
      this population have been confirmed by the current cohort of dentists. The
      potential public health, clinical, and systemic health research implications for
      women who are edentulous for most of their adult life merit further study.
      Additionally, it is important to determine if interventions are needed to curtail
      cultural expectations of such practices.

PMID- 22077590
TI  - The discoidin domain receptor 1 gene has a functional A2RE sequence.
AB  - Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is expressed in myelin oligodendrocytes and co
      localizes with myelin basic protein (MBP). Alternative splicing of DDR1 generates
      five isoforms designated DDR1a-e. The MBP mRNA contains an hnRNP A2 response
      element (A2RE) sequence that is recognized by heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1, which is responsible for transport of the MBP
      mRNA to oligodendrocyte processes. We hypothesized that DDR1 could have a
      functional A2RE sequence. By in silico analysis, we identified an A2RE-like
      sequence in the human DDR1 mRNA. We observed nuclear and dendrite cytoplasmic
      immunofluorescence, indicating that DDR1 and hnRNP A2/B1 co-localize in human
      oligodendrocytes and in differentiated HOG16 cells. The A2RE-like sequence of
      DDR1 contains the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2267641, and we found that in
      the human brain, the minor allele is associated with lower and higher levels
      DDR1b and DDR1c mRNA expression, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation
      between DDR1c and the myelin genes myelin-associated glycoprotein and
      oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 was found. Differentiated HOG16
      cells transfected with an hnRNP A2/B1 siRNA simultaneously show a decrease and an
      increase in the DDR1c and DDR1b mRNA expression levels, respectively, which was
      accompanied by a decrease in DDR1 protein levels at the cytoplasmic edges. These
      results suggest that the DDR1 A2RE sequence is functionally involved in the hnRNP
      A2/B1-mediated splicing and transport of the DDR1c mRNA.

PMID- 22077592
TI  - An essay about health professionals' attitudes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and
      transgender parents seeking healthcare for their children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper is a polemic essay about an important but sometimes
      controversial subject. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) clients can
      be reluctant to reveal their sexual orientation to health professionals from whom
      they may be seeking health care for their children. Family-centred care (FCC),
      where care is planned around the whole family not just the individual child, is
      widely used across the world, but unless all aspects of the families who present
      for care are respected, care delivery is compromised. This is particularly
      important for minority groups and potentially vulnerable families such as LGBT.
      AIM: This descriptive essay discusses the use of health services by LGBT parents,
      how seeking health care is influenced by perceived perceptions of LGBT people
      held by health professionals, and examines factors affecting such seeking of
      health care. DISCUSSION: We show that LGBT people may be unwilling to disclose
      sexual identity to health professionals when seeking health care for their
      children. Health professional's attitudes can be affected by factors such as
      gender, age, religious and political affiliations, education level and previous
      interactions with LGBT people. CONCLUSION: We conclude our argument with the
      assertion that all parents, including those from minority groups such as LGBT,
      who bring their children for health care need supportive family-centred care, and
      only by ensuring that the health professionals delivering care are well educated
      about all aspects of sexuality will care be family-centred.

PMID- 22077593
TI  - Transatlantic Consensus Group on active surveillance and focal therapy for
      prostate cancer.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Active surveillance for
      prostate cancer is gaining increasing acceptance for low risk prostate cancer.
      Focal therapy is an emerging tissue preservation strategy that aims for treat
      only areas of cancer. Early phase trials have shown that side-effects can be
      significantly reduced using focal therapy. There is significant uncertainty in
      both active surveillance and focal therapy. This consensus group paper provides a
      road-map for clinical practice and research for both tissue-preserving strategies
      in the areas of patient population, tools for risk stratification and cancer
      localisation, treatment interventions as well as comparators and outcome measures
      in future comparative trials. OBJECTIVE: To reach consensus on key issues for
      clinical practice and future research in active surveillance and focal therapy in
      managing localized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of expert
      urologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and computer scientists from
      North America and Europe met to discuss issues in patient population,
      interventions, comparators and outcome measures to use in both tissue-preserving
      strategies of active surveillance and focal therapy. Break-out sessions were
      formed to provide agreement or highlight areas of disagreement on individual
      topics which were then collated by a writing group into statements that formed
      the basis of this report and agreed upon by the whole Transatlantic Consensus
      Group. RESULTS: The Transatlantic group propose that emerging diagnostic tools
      such as precision imaging and transperineal prostate mapping biopsy can improve
      prostate cancer care. These tools should be integrated into prostate cancer
      management and research so that better risk stratification and more effective
      treatment allocation can be applied. The group envisaged a process of care in
      which active surveillance, focal therapy, and radical treatments lie on a
      continuum of complementary therapies for men with a range of disease grades and
      burdens, rather than being applied in the mutually exclusive and competitive way
      they are now. CONCLUSION: The changing landscape of prostate cancer epidemiology
      requires the medical community to re-evaluate the entire prostate cancer
      diagnostic and treatment pathway in order to minimize harms resulting from over
      diagnosis and over-treatment. Precise risk stratification at every point in this
      pathway is required alongside paradigm shifts in our thinking about what
      constitutes cancer in the prostate.

PMID- 22077594
TI  - Association of 3BP2 with SHP-1 regulates SHP-1-mediated production of TNF-alpha
      in RBL-2H3 cells.
AB  - Adaptor protein 3BP2, a c-Abl Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-binding protein, is
      tyrosine phosphorylated and positively regulates mast cell signal transduction
      after the aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI).
      Overexpression of the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of 3BP2 results in the dramatic
      suppression of antigen-induced degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3
      cells. Previously, a linker for activation of T cells (LAT) was identified as one
      of the 3BP2 SH2 domain-binding protein. In this report, to further understand the
      functions of 3BP2 in FcepsilonRI-mediated activation of mast cell, we explored
      the protein that associates with the SH2 domain of 3BP2 and found that SH2 domain
      containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) inducibly interacts with the SH2 domain of 3BP2
      after the aggregation of FcepsilonRI. The phosphorylation of Tyr(564)  in the
      carboxy (C)-terminal tail region of SHP-1 is required for the direct interaction
      of SHP-1 to the SH2 domain of 3BP2. The expression of the mutant form of SHP-1
      which was unable to interact with 3BP2 resulted in the significant reduction in
      SHP-1-mediated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production without any
      effects on the degranulation in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. These findings
      suggest that 3BP2 directly interacts with Tyr(564) -phosphorylated form of SHP-1
      and positively regulates the function of SHP-1 in FcepsilonRI-mediated signaling
      in mast cells.

PMID- 22077595
TI  - Spectroscopic structure-property relationships of a series of polyaromatic
      platinum acetylides.
AB  - To develop a structure-spectroscopic property relationship in platinum acetylides
      having poly(aromatic hydrocarbon) ligands, we synthesized a series of
      chromophores with systematic variation in the number of fused aromatic rings
      (nFAR) and ligand topology (polyacene (L), polyphenanthrene (Z), or compact(C)).
      We measured ground-state absorption, fluorescence, and phosphorescence spectra.
      We also performed nanosecond and femtosecond transient absorption experiments. To
      extend the range of compounds in the structure-property relationship, we did DFT
      calculations on an expanded series of chromophores. Both the DFT results and
      experiments show that the S(1) and T(1) state energies are a function of both
      nFAR and the ligand topology. In the L chromophores, the S(1) and T(1) state
      energies decrease linearly with nFAR. In contrast, the S(1) and T(1) state
      energies of the Z chromophores oscillate around a fixed value with increasing
      nFAR. The C chromophores have behavior intermediate between the L and Z
      chromophores. A parallel series of calculations on the ligands shows the same
      behavior. The S(1)-S(n) energy obtained from ultrafast time-resolved spectra has
      a linear variation in nFAR. The rate constant for nonradiative decay, k(nr), was
      calculated from the S(1) state lifetime and decreases with an increasing number
      of pi electrons in the aromatic ring. The result is consistent with the spin
      orbit coupling caused by the central platinum heavy atom decreasing with larger
      nFAR. The present work shows that the framework developed for the analysis of
      poly(aromatic hydrocarbon) properties is useful for the understanding of the
      corresponding platinum acetylide complexes.

PMID- 22077596
TI  - Kumada coupling of aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl chlorides catalyzed by amido
      pincer nickel complexes.
AB  - A series of amido pincer complexes of nickel were examined for their catalysis in
      the Kumada cross-coupling reaction. The P,N,O-pincer nickel complexes tested are
      active catalysts for the cross-coupling of aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl chlorides
      with aryl Grignard reagents. The reactions can proceed at room temperature and
      tolerate functional groups in aryl chlorides with the aid of LiCl and ZnCl(2)
      additives.

PMID- 22077597
TI  - Proteomic characterization of the greening process in rice seedlings using the MS
      spectral intensity-based label free method.
AB  - Illumination-induced greening in dark-grown plants is one of the most dramatic
      developmental processes known in plants. In our current study, we characterized
      the greening process of rice seedlings using comparative proteome analysis. We
      identified 886 different proteins in both whole cell lysates of illuminated and
      nonilluminated rice shoots and performed comparative proteome analysis based on
      the MS spectral intensities obtained for unique peptides from respective
      proteins. Furthermore, the changes in the levels of individual proteins were then
      compared with those of the corresponding mRNAs. The results revealed well
      coordinated increases in the enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle at both the
      protein and mRNA levels during greening, and that the changes at the mRNA level
      precede those at the protein level. Although a much lower effect of illumination
      was found on the enzymes associated with glycolysis and the TCA cycle,
      coordinated increases during greening were evident for the enzymes involved in
      photorespiration and nitrogen assimilation as well as the components of the
      chloroplastic translational machinery. These results thus define the differential
      regulation of distinct biological systems during greening in rice and demonstrate
      the usefulness of comprehensive and comparative proteome analysis for the
      characterization of biological processes in plant cells.

PMID- 22077598
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22077600
TI  - Hemifacial preferences for the perception of emotion and attractiveness differ
      with the gender of the one beheld.
AB  - Though the left cheek appears more emotive, perceptions of attractiveness vary
      with gender. For the first time, this study assessed the relationship between
      perceptions of emotion (happiness) and attractiveness in naturalistic
      photographic portraits. One hundred ninety-two participants (63 male; 129 female)
      viewed pairs of left and right cheek poses, and made a forced-choice decision
      indicating which image appeared (a) more emotive and (b) more attractive (order
      counterbalanced). Half the images were mirror-reversed to control for perceptual
      biases. Results indicated a striking gender difference: for males, the left cheek
      appears both more emotive and more attractive; for females, preferences are
      subject to stronger perceptual influences, with the right cheek bias for emotion
      and attractiveness reversing to a left cheek bias when images are mirror
      reversed. These findings suggest that if you want to show the world your "best
      side", men should lead with the left but for women, the right cheek is right.

PMID- 22077602
TI  - Update 1 of: C2-symmetric chiral bis(oxazoline) ligands in asymmetric catalysis.

PMID- 22077601
TI  - Primary cutaneous amyloidosis of the external ear: a clinicopathological and
      immunohistochemical study of 17 cases.
AB  - Primary cutaneous amyloidosis includes several forms of localized amyloidosis
      characterized by superficial amyloid deposits occurring at or near the dermal
      epidermal junction in the absence of systemic involvement. Primary cutaneous
      amyloidosis of the auricular concha and external ear represents a rarely
      described variant. There have been 27 cases reported in the English language
      literature, and herein we report 17 additional cases. This article demonstrates
      that the amyloid observed in this context is generally positive for Congo red,
      crystal violet and thioflavin T. It also expresses cytokeratin 34betaE12 via
      immunohistochemistry. Our immunohistochemical results and review of the
      literature suggest that the amyloid in amyloidosis of the external ear is the
      result of basal keratinocyte degeneration and does not signify deposition from a
      systemic or generalized process.

PMID- 22077603
TI  - Experiences of unmarried young abortion-seekers in Bihar and Jharkhand, India.
AB  - While several studies have documented the prevalence of unprotected pre-marital
      sex among young people in India, little work has explored one of its likely
      consequences, unintended pregnancy and abortion. This paper examines the
      experiences of 26 unmarried young abortion-seekers (aged 15-24) interviewed in
      depth as part of a larger study of unmarried abortion-seekers at clinics run by
      an NGO in Bihar and Jharkhand. Findings reveal that recognition of the unintended
      pregnancy was delayed for many and many who suspected so further delayed
      acknowledging it. Once recognised, most confided in the partner and, for the most
      part, partners were supportive; a significant minority, including those who had
      experienced forced sex, did not have partner support and delayed the abortion
      until the second trimester of pregnancy. Family support was absent in most cases;
      where provided, it was largely to protect the family reputation. Finally,
      unsuccessful attempts to terminate the pregnancy were made by several young
      women, often with the help of partners or family member. Findings call for
      programmes for young women and men, their potential partners, parents and
      families and the health system that will collectively enable unmarried young
      women to obtain safe abortions in a supportive environment.

PMID- 22077604
TI  - Pitfalls in benefit-cost analysis of birth prevention.
AB  - Abstract   The paper summarizes the procedure usually employed by Enke, Meier and
      others to estimate the benefit-cost ratio of a prevented birth. Some possible
      deficiencies in the formulation, the possible lack of relevance of the resulting
      computations, are considered. For example, since the benefit-cost ratios are
      exceptionally high they would imply unusually high rates of investment for family
      planning. The results would also apply for the birth prevention of not only high
      parity births, but also for first and second children. Some arguments are
      presented which suggest the possibility that the income distribution might be
      worsened as a consequence of the application of a family planning programme based
      on these principles - especially those which employ subsidies to induce the
      practice of family limitation. In addition it is also argued that the average
      economic quality of the population may be lower than otherwise as a consequence
      of such programmes, and that the consequences of such events are not taken into
      account in the usual formulation. Also the usual estimates of costs of such
      programmes are questioned since the relation between acceptances and births
      prevented are unknown given the lack of knowledge about the substitution between
      the proposed methods of family limitation and other means of population control.
      Finally, we present a model based on reasonable but different assumptions than
      the formulation popularized by Enke and others, and show that on the basis of
      this model it is possible to obtain results which are the exact opposite of the
      Enke model. Also it is argued that the model presented is much more sensitive to
      actual data than the usual formulation.

PMID- 22077605
TI  - The patterns and causes of fertility differentials in the Sudan (with reference
      to nomadic and settled populations).
AB  - Abstract   A demographic survey was undertaken in the Sudan for the purpose of
      studying fertility differentials between the nomadic and settled populations. In
      a previous publication the magnitude of these differentials was examined. The
      present paper examines the nature of the differentials and possible causes are
      then assessed. These causes are divided into two categories: those arising from
      the differential marriage patterns and those which are broadly termed 'medical
      and physiological'. Under the former heading it was found that larger proportions
      of nomadic women were still single, while those who had married had tended to do
      so at later ages, more had experienced broken marriages, and more were in
      polygamous marriages. Under the latter heading it was found that the nomadic
      women had experienced higher rates of pregnancy loss, appeared to show a high
      incidence of venereal disease and malaria, and tended to breast-feed their
      children for periods two to three times as long as the women in agricultural
      communities. Nutritional standards among the nomads were also substantially
      lower, and may well have affected fecundity.

PMID- 22077606
TI  - Size and structure of the household in England over three centuries.
AB  - Abstract   Data giving sizes and structures of households have been rare for any
      country before the institution of the official census, and have to be gleaned
      from surviving documents containing listings of inhabitants. This article, the
      first of two, describes the collection of listings of inhabitants of English
      communities which is being assembled by the Cambridge Group for the History of
      Population and Social Structure and the methods by which the hundred most
      informative of them have been submitted to analysis. When ranged alongside the
      information on mean household size derived from the official British census since
      its inception in 1801, the results of this analysis suggest the following. 1.    
      Mean household size in England and Wales as a whole was relatively constant at
      4.75 or a little below for the whole period from the sixteenth century until
      19II, and has only fallen since that date. The reduction of about one-third
      starting in 1921 may therefore be the first of considerable magnitude ever to
      occur: it seems to have been particularly rapid between 1911 and 1931. 2.    
      Mean household size in England and Wales has been surprisingly resistant to
      demographic fluctuation on the one hand and to the structural influences of
      industrialization on the other, until the last fifty or sixty years. 3.     The
      traditional household in England has never been extended on any definition, at
      least since the sixteenth century. Mean household size varied with social status,
      and a majority lived in households of six or more members. But this distribution
      was due to the very large numbers of servants living in and not to the presence
      of resident kin, who seem to have been rare. 4.     The relationship between
      fertility, mortality and mean household size is different from what has been
      supposed. This article ends by registering the paradox that proportion of
      children in a pre-industrial English community apparently seems to be negatively,
      not positively, related to its mean household size, and this theme will be taken
      up in the second article. These four points are illustrated by a series of tables
      drawn from the analysis of the one hundred communities.

PMID- 22077607
TI  - Expectancy of life at birth in 36 nationalities of the Soviet Union: 1958-60.
AB  - Abstract   In the 36 nationalities of the Soviet Union the estimated expectancy
      of life at birth ranged from 50.0 years for Chechens to 71.1 years for Latvians
      with a median of about 67.5 years for Russians.   In essence, the life table
      function e(0) was generated from the child-woman ratios with the use of intricate
      equations based on empirical data obtained from official Soviet publications. A
      modified version of Bourgeois-Pichat's model was used to estimate life
      expectancies at birth among the 36 nationalities on the basis of their crude
      death rates and the percentage of population aged 65 years and over. The 1959
      U.S.S.R. Census of Population provided information pertaining to the older age
      groups. The crude death rates were estimated separately with the aid of second
      degree polynomials fitted to the crude demographic measures for 109
      administrative areas of the Soviet Union for 1960.   Information about recent
      improvements in public health, as well as conjectural evaluations of economic
      advancement in recent years were examined and related to the past and present
      level of mortality among the Russian people and the remaining population of
      minorities.

PMID- 22077608
TI  - Inferences about abortion from foetal mortality data.
AB  - Abstract   In a longitudinal fertility study in Detroit the evidence indicates
      that the foetal mortality rate in the prospective periods are better reported
      than in retrospective parts of the fertility histories. While the data do not
      specifically differentiate between induced abortions and other foetal deaths, the
      foetal death rates vary in relation to other social and demographic
      characteristics of the couples in such a way as make induced abortion a
      consistently plausible explanation of differentials. Foetal mortality rates tend
      to be high among sub-groups which have the incentive, information and the
      financial means for induced abortions. If these inferences are correct, it is
      likely that there is a considerable practice of induced abortion.

PMID- 22077609
TI  - Contraceptive acceptance and pregnancy: a matrix approach to the analysis of
      competing risks.
AB  - Abstract   This paper represents an initial attempt to formalize the
      relationships among post-partum sterility, fecundability, and contraceptive
      acceptance in terms of absorbing Markov chains. Acceptance of contraception
      offered by family planning programmes is analyzed as a possible event in time for
      a cohort of recently delivered women as they pass through phases of temporary
      sterility and fecundability towards another possible pregnancy.   The results of
      the study indicate that once a woman leaves the post-partum anovulatory stage,
      the probability of her becoming pregnant again is large compared to the competing
      rates of contraceptive acceptance currently in force. Unless highly fecund non
      contracepting women are approached by family planning programmes shortly after a
      pregnancy has been terminated (by childbirth or abortion), they will quickly
      become ineligible to accept either the pill or IUD because of once again being
      'currently pregnant'.

PMID- 22077610
TI  - Desired family size and the efficacy of current family planning programmes.
AB  - Abstract   This paper takes a look at the belief that the number of couples
      currently desiring to limit family size is sufficiently large (and the intensity
      of their desire sufficiently strong) that the provision of supplies, services and
      education - the standard family planning package - will be adequate to bring the
      birth rate down to acceptable levels within a reasonable time period. Evidence
      comes from other countries, from attitude surveys and behavioural studies in
      India, from a priori considerations about what is reasonable to expect, and from
      certain demographic considerations. The most reasonable conclusion to draw from
      this evidence is that the belief is not correct. If the birth rate is to be
      brought down to target levels, additional methods - perhaps monetary incentives -
      seem to be necessary.

PMID- 22077611
TI  - Malaria eradication and its effect on mortality levels: A comment.
AB  - Abstract   In his article 'Malaria eradication and its effect on mortality
      levels' (Population Studies d21, 3, November 1967) Dr. S. A. Meegama criticised
      the approach followed by Professor Peter Newman in an earlier investigation of
      the effects of malaria eradication in Ceylon. In the present series of comments
      and rejoinders, Professor Newman and Dr. Meegama discuss in detail their
      interpretations of the data and the methods they have used in assessing the role
      of malaria eradication.

PMID- 22077612
TI  - The decline in maternal and infant mortality and its relation to malaria
      eradication.
AB  - Abstract   In his article 'Malaria eradication and its effect on mortality
      levels' (Population Studies d21, 3, November 1967) Dr. S. A. Meegama criticised
      the approach followed by Professor Peter Newman in an earlier investigation of
      the effects of malaria eradication in Ceylon. In the present series of comments
      and rejoinders, Professor Newman and Dr. Meegama discuss in detail their
      interpretations of the data and the methods they have used in assessing the role
      of malaria eradication.

PMID- 22077613
TI  - Rejoinder.

PMID- 22077614
TI  - A reply.

PMID- 22077617
TI  - An optimized growth factor cocktail for ovine mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Growth factors that regulate proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovine
      mesenchymal stem cells (oMSCs) are not well defined. In this study, we have
      evaluated five growth factors for their ability to initiate and support in vitro
      proliferation, migration, and invasion of oMSCs. oMSCs were exposed to different
      doses and combinations of the growth factors: basic fibroblast growth factor
      (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), epidermal growth factor
      (EGF), insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I), connective tissue growth factor, and
      platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB). Cellular proliferation, motility,
      and invasiveness were assayed. The most proliferative stimulating growth factors
      are PDGF-AB+TGF-beta and PDGF-AB+IGF-I. Combinations EGF+bFGF and EGF+bFGF+PDGF
      AB demonstrated the greatest ability to stimulate migration. Moreover, the triple
      cocktail EGF+bFGF+TGF-beta has the most significant effect on invasion. Different
      growth factor cocktails are required to enhance proliferation, migration, and
      invasion. These results may be useful for the development of a tissue-engineered
      heart valve by stimulating cellular repopulation.

PMID- 22077618
TI  - Effects of sarpogrelate hydrochloride on skin ulcers and quality of life in
      patients with systemic sclerosis.
AB  - 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A serotonin receptor (5-HT(2A) ) is associated with the
      contraction of vascular smooth muscle, platelet aggregation and thrombus
      formation and coronary artery spasms. Sarpogrelate hydrochloride (sarpogrelate)
      is a selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist and was supposed to be effective for Raynaud's
      phenomenon with collagen disease. Sarpogrelate has not been investigated
      regarding the effects, safety and quality of life (QOL) in patient with skin
      ulcers of collagen disease. Eleven patients with skin ulcers and systemic
      sclerosis (SSc) were administrated sarpogrelate p.o. three times a day for 3-6
      months. The area (mean +/- standard error) of skin ulcer at the pretreatment, and
      after 3 and 6 months of sarpogrelate intake was 2.1 +/- 0.8, 0.2 +/- 0.1 and 0.1
      +/- 0.1 mm(2), respectively. The reduction of skin ulcer area was significant
      after 3 months of sarpogrelate intake. In assessment of QOL, scores of symptoms
      and emotions but not of functioning were significantly improved after
      sarpogrelate intake. The global score (mean +/- SE) of Skindex-16 at
      pretreatment, and after 3 and 6 months of sarpogrelate intake was 31.8 +/- 8.7,
      23.7 +/- 8.3 and 10.9 +/- 4.6, respectively. The score was significantly improved
      after 6 months of sarpogrelate intake. There were no obvious side-effects during
      this study. Sarpogrelate was considered to be a useful drug to improve skin
      ulcers and QOL in patients with SSc.

PMID- 22077619
TI  - Patient preferences for first-line oral treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative
      colitis: a discrete-choice experiment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) frequently require long-term
      therapy to prevent relapse. Treatments such as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA
      [mesalazine]) are efficacious and well tolerated, but adherence to treatment is
      often poor. OBJECTIVE: This discrete-choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to
      estimate differences in patient preferences for 5-ASA treatment in mild-to
      moderate UC based on levels of self-reported adherence. Inclusion of patients
      residing in the US, UK, Germany, and Canada allowed for assessment of possible
      cultural differences in patient preferences. METHODS: DCE attributes were
      determined through literature review, clinician consultation, and patient
      interviews. Six treatment attributes were identified: ease of swallowing, time of
      day, quantity, extent of flare resolution, likelihood of flare occurrence, and
      cost. A total of 400 patients in four countries completed the DCE and adherence
      (Modified Morisky Scale) surveys. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating
      equations to estimate patient preference and willingness to pay (WTP) by levels
      of self-reported adherence and country of residence. RESULTS: All attributes had
      expected polarity and were significant predictors of patient preference. Self
      reported 'good' versus 'poor' adherers significantly preferred symptom control (p
      = 0.0108) and mucosal healing (p = 0.0190) attributes. All patients stated
      preference for symptom control/mucosal healing and flare risk attributes; the
      latter attribute was significantly preferred across all countries. Country
      differences in patient preference for convenience versus clinical attributes were
      found. Overall, patients were willing to pay L29.24 ($US46.27) per month for
      symptom control and mucosal healing, and an additional L78.81 ($US124.70) per
      month for reduction in flare risk to 10% per year (WTP costs were equalized
      between each country using the published 2008 purchasing power parity). Those
      with flares in the past year significantly preferred avoiding future flares (p <
      0.0001) versus other attributes, as well as lower risk of flares (10%, likelihood
      ratio: 0.64-0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that self-reported adherers to
      UC therapy have a stronger preference for clinical benefits over other treatment
      attributes, suggesting that positive patient assessment of effectiveness may
      influence adherence. Ongoing clinician assessment of patient preferences for
      treatment attributes, as well as education on the importance of adherence, may
      help improve treatment outcomes in UC.

PMID- 22077620
TI  - Job strain in relation to body mass index: pooled analysis of 160 000 adults from
      13 cohort studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence of an association between job strain and obesity is
      inconsistent, mostly limited to small-scale studies, and does not distinguish
      between categories of underweight or obesity subclasses. OBJECTIVES: To examine
      the association between job strain and body mass index (BMI) in a large adult
      population. METHODS: We performed a pooled cross-sectional analysis based on
      individual-level data from 13 European studies resulting in a total of 161 746
      participants (49% men, mean age, 43.7 years). Longitudinal analysis with a median
      follow-up of 4 years was possible for four cohort studies (n = 42 222). RESULTS:
      A total of 86 429 participants were of normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg m(-2) ),
      2149 were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg m(-2) ), 56 572 overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg
      m(-2) ) and 13 523 class I (BMI 30-34.9 kg m(-2) ) and 3073 classes II/III (BMI
      >= 35 kg m(-2) ) obese. In addition, 27 010 (17%) participants reported job
      strain. In cross-sectional analyses, we found increased odds of job strain
      amongst underweight [odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.25],
      obese class I (odds ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12) and obese classes II/III
      participants (odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28) as compared with participants of
      normal weight. In longitudinal analysis, both weight gain and weight loss were
      related to the onset of job strain during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis
      of European data, we found both weight gain and weight loss to be associated with
      the onset of job strain, consistent with a 'U'-shaped cross-sectional association
      between job strain and BMI. These associations were relatively modest; therefore,
      it is unlikely that intervention to reduce job strain would be effective in
      combating obesity at a population level.

PMID- 22077622
TI  - Human neutrophil alloantigen genotype frequencies among blood donors with Turkish
      and German descent.
AB  - Antibodies against the human neutrophil antigens (HNA) are able to stimulate
      transfusion reactions, autoimmune and neonatal neutropenia. The aim of this study
      was to determine the HNA allele frequencies in the largest ethnic minority group
      in Germany in comparison with the German population for predicting the risk of
      alloimmunization and associated transfusion reactions, as well as the risk of
      developing neonatal neutropenia for the newborn of racial mixed couples. However,
      there exists no data about HNA genotype distribution in Turkish population. DNA
      was isolated from blood samples of 119 German and 118 Turkish blood donors and
      typed them for HNA-1, -3, -4, and -5 by using a commercial polymerase chain
      reaction kit with sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR) and compared the HNA
      genotype distribution of both groups. In German blood donors, the gene
      frequencies for HNA-1a and HNA-1b were 0.391 and 0.601, for HNA-3a and -3b, 0.744
      and 0.256, for HNA-4a and -4b, 0.908 and 0.092, and for HNA-5a and -5bw, 0.731
      and 0.269. In Turkish blood donors, we observed 0.420/0.564, 0.737/0.263,
      0.881/0.119, and 0.754/0.246 for HNA-1a/1b, -3a/3b, -4a/4b, and -5a/5bw. No
      statistic significant difference between genotypes in these populations was
      observed. This study is the first to report HNA gene frequencies in a Turkish
      population. It showed that there is no difference of HNA genotype in blood donors
      with Turkish descent in comparison with German blood donors. The alternating
      transfusion of blood and blood components is no increased risk for developing
      alloantibodies against HNA antigens. In pregnancy of mixed couples no special
      screening programs for HNA are necessary.

PMID- 22077621
TI  - Natural killer cell engineering for cellular therapy of cancer.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells can kill transformed cells and represent a promising
      tool for the treatment of cancer. Their function is governed by a balance of
      stimulatory and inhibitory signals triggered by surface receptors. Advances in NK
      cell therapy require the development of dependable methods for obtaining an
      adequate number of effector cells; additional activation or genetic modification
      may further increase their anticancer capacity. A method for NK cell expansion
      used in our laboratory relies on a genetically modified form of the K562 myeloid
      leukemia cell line, engineered to express a membrane-bound form of interleukin-15
      and the ligand for the costimulatory molecule 4-1BB (CD137). Expanded NK cells
      can be transduced with genes encoding chimeric antigen receptors that stimulate
      tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity. These methods for NK cell expansion and genetic
      modification have been adapted to large-scale, clinical-grade, Current Good
      Manufacturing Practice conditions and support two active clinical trials.
      Summarized are current efforts for NK cell immunotherapy for cancer and future
      perspectives.

PMID- 22077623
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of extended pedigrees confirms IL2-IL21 linkage and shows
      additional regions of interest potentially influencing coeliac disease risk.
AB  - Coeliac disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the small intestine,
      triggered by dietary exposure to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals.
      Risk alleles at HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 are necessary for disease development, but
      are alone not sufficient for disease onset. We aimed to identify novel loci
      underlying susceptibility to coeliac disease through the use of extended Finnish
      and Hungarian families with multiple affected individuals. An initial whole
      genome linkage approach yielded several loci that were followed up further using
      the Immunochip custom array. Loci with a parametric logarithm of odds (LOD) score
      of >1.3 were identified at 4q, 6p [human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region], 6q, 7p,
      17p, 17q and at 22p. The 4q and 6q loci have been identified previously in
      coeliac disease risk, whereas follow-up analyses indicate that the 17p and 22p
      loci may be novel risk loci for coeliac disease. These loci harbour previously
      described risk variants for other autoimmune diseases, but their segregation
      patterns do not explain the linkage to coeliac disease. We followed up the
      linkage to the 4q region, containing the previously described interleukin (IL)2
      and IL21 genes. The risk variants at 4q in the studied pedigrees are most likely
      distinct from previously described risk variants, indicating that the observed
      linkage may be due to rare high-risk variants of still unknown nature. The
      importance of this locus to coeliac disease risk was further shown by the finding
      that serum levels of IL21 were elevated in both untreated and treated coeliac
      patients compared to controls.

PMID- 22077624
TI  - A CD40 single-nucleotide polymorphism affects the lymphocyte profiles in the
      bronchoalveolar lavage of Japanese patients with sarcoidosis.
AB  - CD40 plays a critical role in adaptive immunity, and alveolar macrophages in
      patients with sarcoidosis express higher levels of CD40. This study investigated
      the association of rs1883832, a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism in the
      CD40 gene with susceptibility to sarcoidosis and phenotypes of sarcoidosis.
      Genotyping of rs1883832 in 175 Japanese patients with sarcoidosis and 150 age-
      and sex-matched controls revealed no significant difference between the genotypes
      of the patient and control groups (CC/CT/TT, 32.8/52.0/14.7% in the patients;
      37.3/48.0/14.7% in the controls, P = 0.66; allele C, 59.1% in the patients, 61.3%
      in the controls, P = 0.57). T-cell and CD4+ cell counts in the bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid were significantly higher in the TT genotype group than in the CC
      and CT genotype group.

PMID- 22077625
TI  - Evaluation of DLA promoters in Doberman hepatitis.
AB  - Doberman hepatitis (DH) is associated with homozygous DLA
      DRB1*00601/DQA1*00401/DQB1*01303 indicating a role for the immune system in the
      development of the disease. The dog leucocyte antigen (DLA) class II expression
      is controlled at the transcriptional level with proximal promoters. Differential
      expression of DLA class II molecules of antigen-presenting cells is reported to
      affect susceptibility to or protection from different immune-mediated diseases.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether the variation in promoter areas of
      homozygous DLA-DRB1*00601/DQA1*00401/DQB1*01303 Dobermans could explain why some
      dogs become afflicted with DH and others do not. Our findings suggest that
      promoter variants are not associated as risk modifiers in homozygous DLA
      DRB1*00601/DQA1*00401/DQB1*01303 Dobermans, but additional factors are needed.
      Nevertheless, our study indicates that the whole DLA block is associated to the
      disease.

PMID- 22077626
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update July 2011.

PMID- 22077627
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update August 2011.

PMID- 22077628
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update September 2011.

PMID- 22077629
TI  - Bony presentations of childhood haematological malignancy to the emergency room.
AB  - AIM: Bony complaints are well-recognised symptoms of childhood haematological
      malignancy. However, this elusive symptom complex of haematological malignancy is
      not easily recognised in the emergency room (ER) where musculoskeletal problems
      are frequent. This study reviews bony complaints of childhood haematological
      malignancy in the ER. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 148 children
      diagnosed with haematological malignancy between March 2002 and February 2007.
      RESULTS: Twenty-one cases (14.2%) presented with bony complaints to the ER within
      3 months prior diagnosis of malignancy. The median age was 5.1 years, and
      majority (90.5%) had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Fifteen cases were
      undiagnosed for malignancy at first visit; diagnoses included pulled elbow, lower
      limb sprain and septic arthritis, with 21 days median time to correct diagnosis.
      In this undiagnosed group, history of trauma, fever, multiple bony site
      involvement, normal radiography and blood counts were common. Undiagnosed cases
      were referred to orthopaedics, paediatrics, rheumatology or the general
      practitioner, hospitalised or discharged without follow-up. CONCLUSION: The
      diagnosis of childhood haematological malignancy with first bony presentation to
      the ER was challenging, with a high prevalence of 71.4% undiagnosed cases at
      first visit. We highlight the common misdiagnoses because failure to correctly
      diagnose could delay timely institution of treatment. Trauma or normal
      investigations do not exclude an underlying haematological malignancy. This rare
      diagnosis in the ER should always be considered when challenged with recurrent
      bony complaints.

PMID- 22077630
TI  - Reappraisal of KIT mutation in adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary gland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While overexpression of KIT protein has been well documented in
      adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs), mutation of KIT gene has been a controversial
      issue. We wanted to evaluate clinical value of the KIT mutation and protein
      expression in ACC. METHODS: We analyzed 33 cases of ACC. Gene mutations in KIT
      exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 were analyzed using paraffin-embedded tissue, and two
      different sets of primers with direct sequencing after polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) for exon 9, 11, 13, and 17, and cloning of PCR products for exon 11. KIT
      protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between
      clinicopathological findings and these biomarkers was analyzed. RESULTS: No KIT
      mutation was observed in all of the 33 cases. With one primer set, KIT mutation
      was found in nine of 33 cases (27.3%). However, these mutations were not
      reproducible in the experiment using another primer set. KIT protein
      overexpression was detected in 22 of 33 patients (66.7%). KIT protein expression
      was not statistically correlated with either clinicopathological factors or
      survival. Patients with metastasis showed a tendency of longer progression-free
      survival (P = 0.052) and overall survival (P = 0.080) when the tumor
      overexpressed KIT protein. CONCLUSION: This study supports that mutational study
      using paraffin-embedded tissue should be interpreted with great caution. KIT gene
      mutation is very rare in ACC, and gene mutation is not the cause of protein
      overexpression. KIT protein expression may have a potential value for better
      prognostic factor in patients with metastasis.

PMID- 22077631
TI  - Herbivore-induced volatiles from tea (Camellia sinensis) plants and their
      involvement in intraplant communication and changes in endogenous nonvolatile
      metabolites.
AB  - As a defense response to attacks by herbivores such as the smaller tea tortrix (
      Adoxophyes honmai Yasuda), tea ( Camellia sinensis ) leaves emit numerous
      volatiles such as (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, linalool, alpha-farnesene, benzyl nitrile,
      indole, nerolidol, and ocimenes in higher concentration. Attack of Kanzawa spider
      mites ( Tetranychus kanzawai  Kishida), another major pest insect of tea crops,
      induced the emission of alpha-farnesene and ocimenes from tea leaves. The
      exogenous application of jasmonic acid to tea leaves induced a volatile blend
      that was similar, although not identical, to that induced by the smaller tea
      tortrix. Most of these herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPV) were not stored
      in the tea leaves but emitted after the herbivore attack. Both the adaxial and
      abaxial epidermal layers of tea leaves emitted blends of similar composition.
      Furthermore, HIPV such as alpha-farnesene were emitted mostly from damaged but
      not from undamaged leaf regions. A principal component analysis of metabolites
      (m/z 70-1000) in undamaged tea leaves exposed or not to HIPV suggests that
      external signaling via HIPV may lead to more drastic changes in the metabolite
      spectrum of tea leaves than internal signaling via vascular connections, although
      total catechin contents were slightly but not significantly increased in the
      external signaling via HIPV.

PMID- 22077632
TI  - Unraveling the intracellular efficacy of dextran-histidine polycation as an
      efficient nonviral gene delivery system.
AB  - In this study, we attempted to elucidate the capability of a natural polymer
      dextran, by modification with histidine, to be an efficient, safe and promising
      nucleic acid delivery system in gene therapy. Physicochemical characterizations
      were performed to get an insight into the derivative. The efficiency of the
      derivative as a gene delivery vehicle was also studied in depth using
      fluorescence microscopy. Extensive efforts were made to have a better
      understanding of the cellular dynamics involved. The derivative proved itself to
      be 6.7-fold more excelling than PEI in its transfecting capability. Mechanisms
      underlying cellular internalization, vector unpacking, intranuclear localization
      and transgene expression were also investigated. The possibility of recruiting
      intracellular histone to promote the entry of the gene into the nucleus seemed
      promising. Our findings also explored the links that mediate the correlation
      between the uptake of the derivative and various endocytic pathways. The results
      thus obtained reflect the success of the entire journey of the synthesized
      delivery vehicle.

PMID- 22077633
TI  - Prognostic value of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 in
      patients treated with radical prostatectomy.
AB  - Study Type - Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding
      protein 3 (IMP3) is associated with poor outcomes in a variety of malignancies.
      The role of IMP3 in protate cancer remains poorly understood. IMP3 expression was
      associated with features of aggressive biology and aggressive prostate cancer
      recurrence after surgery. Although IMP3 is differentially expressed in patients
      with features of biologically aggressive prostate cancer, it does not have
      independent prognostic value in patients treated with RP. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the association of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 (IMP3)
      with pathological features and outcomes in patients treated with radical
      prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for IMP3
      was performed on archival tissue microarray specimens from 232 consecutive
      patients treated with RP for clinically localized disease. None of the patients
      received neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation or hormone therapy. IMP3 expression
      was histologically categorized as normal or abnormal. Disease recurrence was
      classified as aggressive if metastases were present, post-recurrence prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) doubling time was less than 10 months, or if the patients
      failed to respond to salvage local radiation therapy. RESULTS: The median follow
      up was 69.8 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 40.1-99.5). IMP3 expression was
      abnormal in 42 (18.1%) of 232 patients. IMP3 expression was associated with
      extracapsular extension (P= 0.020), seminal vesicle invasion (P= 0.024),
      lymphovascular invasion (P= 0.036) and a high pathological Gleason score (P=
      0.009). The 5-year PSA recurrence-free survival for IMP3-negative patients was
      83% (standard error [SE]= 3) vs 67% (SE = 8) in IMP3-positive patients (log-rank
      test, P= 0.015). In a multivariable analysis that adjusted for the effects of
      surgical margins, extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion, PSA
      (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.04, P= 0.013), lymph node metastasis (HR: 16.7, P < 0.001)
      and a high pathological Gleason score (HR 4.3, P= 0.008) were significantly
      associated with PSA recurrence-free survival, whereas IMP3 expression was not (P=
      0.11). Similarly, IMP3 expression was only associated with aggressive recurrence
      (HR 3.2, P= 0.006). CONCLUSION: IMP3 expression is abnormal in approximately one
      fifth of prostate cancers. Although IMP3 is differentially expressed in patients
      with features of biologically aggressive prostate cancer, it does not have an
      independent prognostic value in patients treated with RP.

PMID- 22077635
TI  - An appropriate SCORE to assess cardiovascular risk in hypertension?

PMID- 22077634
TI  - Impaired mitochondrial biogenesis contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      brain. Our prior studies demonstrated reduced mitochondrial number in susceptible
      hippocampal neurons in the brain from AD patients and in M17 cells over
      expressing familial AD-causing amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutant (APPswe).
      In the current study, we investigated whether alterations in mitochondrial
      biogenesis contribute to mitochondrial abnormalities in AD. Mitochondrial
      biogenesis is regulated by the peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma
      coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha)-nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)-mitochondrial
      transcription factor A pathway. Expression levels of PGC-1alpha, NRF 1, NRF 2,
      and mitochondrial transcription factor A were significantly decreased in both AD
      hippocampal tissues and APPswe M17 cells, suggesting a reduced mitochondrial
      biogenesis. Indeed, APPswe M17 cells demonstrated decreased mitochondrial
      DNA/nuclear DNA ratio, correlated with reduced ATP content, and decreased
      cytochrome C oxidase activity. Importantly, over-expression of PGC-1alpha could
      completely rescue while knockdown of PGC-1alpha could exacerbate impaired
      mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial deficits in APPswe M17 cells,
      suggesting reduced mitochondrial biogenesis is likely involved in APPswe-induced
      mitochondrial deficits. We further demonstrated that reduced expression of p-CREB
      and PGC-1alpha in APPswe M17 cells could be rescued by cAMP in a dose-dependent
      manner, which could be inhibited by PKA inhibitor H89, suggesting that the
      PKA/CREB pathway plays a critical role in the regulation of PGC-1alpha expression
      in APPswe M17 cells. Overall, this study demonstrated that impaired mitochondrial
      biogenesis likely contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in AD.

PMID- 22077636
TI  - Hepatitis in dogs. An indexed bibliography of journal articles (1994-2004).

PMID- 22077638
TI  - Membrane-bound transporter controls the circadian transcription of clock genes in
      Drosophila.
AB  - Little is known about molecular mechanisms that control the Drosophila circadian
      clock beyond the transcriptional-translational feedback regulation of clock genes
      as an intracellular process. In this study, Early gene at 23 (E23) was identified
      as a novel clock gene that encodes the membrane-bound ABC transporter that is
      induced by the molting hormone ecdysone. E23 expresses in pacemaker neurons in
      fly head, and its knockdown flies lengthened circadian period with an increased
      expression of the clock gene vrille. E23 and vrille responded to both ecdysone
      and clock signals, whereas E23 protein specifically suppressed the ecdysone
      response and is necessary for rhythmicity. Thus, E23 forms its own feedback loop
      in the ecdysone response to control circadian oscillation through ecdysone
      mediated vrille expression. The ecdysone signaling pathway with E23 is essential
      not only in developmental stage but also for the circadian behavior in adult fly.

PMID- 22077639
TI  - Relative quantitation of proteins in expressed prostatic secretion with a stable
      isotope labeled secretome standard.
AB  - Expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) is a proximal fluid directly derived from the
      prostate and, in the case of prostate cancer (PCa), is hypothesized to contain a
      repertoire of cancer-relevant proteins. Quantitative analysis of the EPS proteome
      may enable identification of proteins with utility for PCa diagnosis and
      prognosis. The present investigation demonstrates selective quantitation of
      proteins in EPS samples from PCa patients using a stable isotope labeled proteome
      standard (SILAP) generated through the selective harvest of the "secretome" from
      the PC3 prostate cancer cell line grown in stable isotope labeled cell culture
      medium. This stable isotope labeled secretome was digested with trypsin and
      equivalently added to each EPS digest, after which the resultant mixtures were
      analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for peptide
      identification and quantification. Relative quantification of endogenous EPS
      peptides was accomplished by comparison of reconstructed mass chromatograms to
      those of the chemically identical SILAP peptides. A total of 86 proteins were
      quantified from 263 peptides in all of the EPS samples, 38 of which were found to
      be relevant to PCa. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a SILAP
      secretome standard to simultaneously quantify many PCa-relevant proteins in EPS
      samples.

PMID- 22077640
TI  - Brooke-Spiegler syndrome: report of two cases not associated with a mutation in
      the CYLD and PTCH tumor-suppressor genes.
AB  - Brooke-Spiegler syndrome represents an autosomal dominant disease characterized
      by the occurrence of multiple cylindromas, trichoepitheliomas and (sporadically)
      spiroadenomas. Patients with Brooke-Spiegler syndrome are also at risk of
      developing tumors of the major and minor salivary glands. Patients with Brooke
      Spiegler syndrome have various mutations in the CYLD gene, a tumor-suppressor
      gene located on chromosome 16q. To date, 68 unique CYLD mutations have been
      identified. We describe two families with Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, one with
      familial cylindromatosis and one with multiple familial trichoepithelioma, which
      showed wide inter-family phenotypic variability. Analysis of germline mutations
      of the CYLD and PTCH genes was performed using peripheral blood. In addition,
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples were analyzed for PTCH somatic
      mutations and cylindroma cell cultures were obtained directly from patients for
      further growth and analysis. Clinically, the major features of Brooke-Spiegler
      syndrome include the presence of heterogeneous skin tumors and wide inter- and
      intra-familial phenotypic variability. Histopathologically, both cylindromas and
      trichoepitheliomas were found in affected individuals. Mutations or loss of
      heterozygosity was not found in CYLD and PTCH genes. In CYLD and PTCH mutation
      negative patients, other genes may be affected and further studies are needed to
      clarify whether these patients may be affected by de novo germline mutations.

PMID- 22077641
TI  - Buonocore Memorial Lecture.
AB  - Abstract   For many years, operative dentistry has been using regenerative
      approaches to treat dental disease. The use of calcium hydroxide to stimulate
      reparative or reactionary dentin is clearly an example of such a therapeutic
      strategy. The advent of tissue engineering is allowing dentistry to move forward
      in the use of regeneration as an underlying principle for the treatment of dental
      disease. Tissue engineering is a multi-disciplinary science that brings together
      biology, engineering and clinical sciences with developing new tissues and
      organs. It is based on fundamental principles that involve the identification of
      appropriate cells, the development of conducive scaffolds and an understanding of
      the morphogenic signals required to induce cells to regenerate the tissues that
      were lost. This review is focused on the presentation and discussion of existing
      literature that covers the engineering of enamel, dentin and pulp, as well on the
      engineering of entire teeth. There are clearly major roadblocks to overcome
      before such strategies move to the clinic and are used regularly to treat
      patients. However, existing evidence strongly suggests that the engineering of
      new dental structures to replace tissues lost during the process of caries or
      trauma will have a place in the future of operative dentistry.

PMID- 22077642
TI  - Highly sensitive high-pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet light
      method detected the reduction of serum nitrite/nitrate levels after cold exposure
      in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

PMID- 22077644
TI  - Associations between serum homocysteine, holotranscobalamin, folate and cognition
      in the elderly: a longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between serum homocysteine (tHcy),
      holotranscobalamin (holoTC, the biologically active fraction of vitamin B12) and
      folate and cognitive functioning in a longitudinal population-based study of
      Finnish elderly subjects. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: tHcy, holoTC and folate were
      measured at baseline in 274 dementia-free subjects aged 65-79years from the
      Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia study. Subjects were re-examined
      7years later, and global cognition, episodic memory, executive functioning,
      verbal expression and psychomotor speed were assessed. RESULTS: Higher baseline
      tHcy levels were associated with poorer performance in global cognition, relative
      difference: 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-0.99]; episodic memory: 0.87
      (95% CI 0.77-0.99); executive functions: 0.86 (95% CI 0.75-0.98); and verbal
      expression: 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.97) at follow-up. Increased holoTC levels were
      related to better performance on global cognition: 1.09 (95% CI 1.00-1.19);
      executive functions: 1.11 (95% CI 1.01-1.21); and psychomotor speed: 1.13 (95% CI
      1.01-1.26). After excluding 20 cases of incident dementia, increased tHcy
      remained associated with poorer performance in episodic memory, execution
      functions and verbal expression. Higher holoTC levels tended to be related to
      better performance in executive functions and psychomotor speed, while elevated
      serum folate concentrations were significantly related to higher scores in global
      cognition and verbal expression tests. CONCLUSIONS: tHcy, holoTC and folate
      levels are related to cognitive performance 7years later even in nondemented
      elderly subjects. Randomized trials are needed to determine the impact of vitamin
      B12 and folate supplementation on preventing cognitive decline in the elderly.

PMID- 22077643
TI  - Cerebellum and processing of negative facial emotions: cerebellar transcranial DC
      stimulation specifically enhances the emotional recognition of facial anger and
      sadness.
AB  - Some evidence suggests that the cerebellum participates in the complex network
      processing emotional facial expression. To evaluate the role of the cerebellum in
      recognising facial expressions we delivered transcranial direct current
      stimulation (tDCS) over the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex. A facial emotion
      recognition task was administered to 21 healthy subjects before and after
      cerebellar tDCS; we also tested subjects with a visual attention task and a
      visual analogue scale (VAS) for mood. Anodal and cathodal cerebellar tDCS both
      significantly enhanced sensory processing in response to negative facial
      expressions (anodal tDCS, p=.0021; cathodal tDCS, p=.018), but left positive
      emotion and neutral facial expressions unchanged (p>.05). tDCS over the right
      prefrontal cortex left facial expressions of both negative and positive emotion
      unchanged. These findings suggest that the cerebellum is specifically involved in
      processing facial expressions of negative emotion.

PMID- 22077645
TI  - 'We never expected this to happen': narratives of ageing with HIV among gay men
      living in London, UK.
AB  - The proportion of HIV-positive people over the age of 50 is rapidly increasing in
      the UK. This reflects the use of antiretroviral therapies and the transformation
      of HIV from life-threatening disease to chronic treatable illness. In this study
      a biographical narrative approach was used to explore the lived experience of
      ageing in 10 HIV-positive gay men aged between 50 and 78. While some participants
      regarded ageing as an opportunity to continue progressing towards valued life
      goals, others were more ambivalent about their future prospects. The findings
      suggest that these differences were particularly influenced by an individual's
      biographic relationship to the history of the HIV epidemic rather than
      chronological age. Those with long histories of involvement with HIV were more
      likely to be disadvantaged by careers interrupted by illness, to be dependent on
      state benefits and to have social networks damaged by multiple AIDS-related
      bereavements. The research identifies a cohort of older gay men likely to require
      additional support in adapting to the challenge of growing older with HIV. The
      article also explores the construction of moral identities in relation to
      discourses of 'successful ageing' and the possibility of building supportive
      communities that are sensitive to the needs of older gay men.

PMID- 22077646
TI  - Large-scale screening of mitochondrial DNA mutations among Iranian patients with
      prelingual nonsyndromic hearing impairment.
AB  - Hereditary hearing impairment (HI) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused
      by mutations either in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The
      nDNA mutations account for the majority of prelingual nonsyndromic HI (NSHI). The
      present survey was conducted to screen for known pathogenic mtDNA mutations
      including A1555G, A3243G, C1494T, and A7445G to provide an accurate estimate of
      their prevalence in prelingual NSHI for the first time in the Iranian
      subpopulations. One thousand unrelated probands with NSHI (including both GJB2
      negative and GJB2 heterozygote cases) and 1000 healthy matched controls were
      investigated using the PCR/RFLP method followed by DNA sequencing to confirm the
      observed mtDNA mutations. Two of the studied mutations, namely A3243G and A7445G,
      were each found in a single family (a frequency of 0.1% for each). Mutation
      screening for A3243G followed by DNA sequencing led to the identification of
      G3316A substitution, with no prior link to HI. Surprisingly, screening for A3243G
      in the studied population identified 6 cases (0.6%) in probands and 10 (1%) in
      normal subjects. A1555G, the most common mtDNA mutation associated with deafness
      in other populations, was not found in the studied samples. To conclude, our
      findings indicate G3316A as a nonpathogenic variant in the prelingual NSHI
      subpopulations of Iran and suggest that mtDNA mutations do not play a major role
      in the etiology of NSHI in Iran.

PMID- 22077647
TI  - How to start research in general practice? Research workshop in Slovakia.

PMID- 22077648
TI  - Cancer risk in people with epilepsy using valproate-sodium.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Based on reports of antitumour properties of sodium-valproate, we
      hypothesised that valproate has a cancer-protective effect in people with
      epilepsy. We aimed to determine cancer risk in people with epilepsy using sodium
      valproate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Continuous data for 2997 people with epilepsy
      who had been prescribed valproate for at least two years, and for 11,988
      unexposed people were provided by the UK General Practice Research Database.
      Hazard ratios (HRs) for all cancers and individual cancers between the exposed
      and unexposed groups, with smoking and alcohol consumption and age as covariates,
      were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards method. RESULTS: Exposure to
      valproate had no influence on the incidence of the composite of all cancers [HR:
      1.19, 95% CI: 0.97-1.47, P = 0.10]; there was, however, a significant excess of
      colon cancers [HR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.97-7.92, P = 0.001] and a trend towards an
      excess of prostate neoplasms [HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 0.92-5.02, P = 0.08] and in
      addition, a trend towards reduced incidence of breast cancer [HR: 0.40, 95% CI:
      0.14-1.30, P = 0.08] in the exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of an inverse
      association between valproate use and hazard ratios for all cancers and several
      individual cancer sites does not lend support for a cancer-protective role for
      valproate.

PMID- 22077657
TI  - Angiographic findings of primary versus salvage varicoceles treated with
      selective gonadal vein embolization: an explanation for surgical treatment
      failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gonadal vein angioembolization is a successful means of
      primary and salvage treatment for symptomatic varicoceles. We aim to investigate
      angiographic findings during embolization of primary varicoceles vs those with
      failed surgical ligation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 2010, 106 cases
      referred to our interventional radiologists for primary or salvage
      varicocelectomy were reviewed. These patients underwent venography and gonadal
      vein embolization using a combination of embolization coils and vascular plugs.
      All images were reviewed by an interventional radiologist to determine the
      anatomic etiology of the varicocele. Primary and salvage embolization cohorts
      were compared using t test and chi-square analyses for continuous and categorical
      variables, respectively. Angiographic parameters were analyzed using univariate
      and multivariable regression models to determine significance in predicting
      primary vs salvage status. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients, 46 patients (57
      testicles) underwent primary and 60 patients (62 testicles) underwent salvage
      embolization. The salvage cohort of patients was younger (P<0.001) and comprised
      more solely left-sided pathology (P=0.002). An equivalent number of gonadal vein
      divisions and proportion of patent gonadal veins was found. However, there was a
      significantly higher proportion (27.8% vs 6.7%) of inguinal collateral vessels
      and combined presence of inguinal and retroperitoneal collateral veins (8.5% vs
      2.1%) identified in the cohort undergoing embolization after failed surgical
      varicocelectomy. Presence of inguinal collaterals (P=0.008) as well as presence
      of both inguinal and retroperitoneal collaterals (P=0.038) on multivariable
      regression analysis revealed both as independent prognosticators of salvage
      status. CONCLUSION: Recurrence after surgical varicocelectomy is associated with
      increased inguinal collaterals. The pitfall presented by this anatomic variant to
      surgical ligation may be successfully managed with selective gonadal vein
      embolization.

PMID- 22077658
TI  - Anxiety and depression in obese and normal-weight individuals with diabetes type
      2: a gender perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a problem that is increasing worldwide, leading to an
      increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Depression is more common
      among individuals with diabetes, and they are more likely than non-diabetic
      individuals to experience emotional problems. People with both T2DM and obesity
      bear an additional emotional burden, which affects their quality of life.
      OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in
      groups of obese and normal-weight individuals with T2DM who are undergoing
      primary care and to investigate possible differences between the groups and
      between genders. METHOD: Three hundred and thirty-nine patients with T2DM from
      nine primary-care centres participated in a cross-sectional study (n = 180 +
      159). The response rate was 67%. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
      and the Beck Depression Inventory - second edition (BDI-II) were employed to
      estimate the patients' symptoms of depression and anxiety. RESULTS: An
      association between T2DM, obesity and depression was observed in both genders.
      More than one in three women and one in five men with T2DM and obesity exhibited
      symptoms of anxiety or depression. In the normal-weight group, the females
      presented more symptoms of anxiety than did their male counterparts. CONCLUSION:
      In primary healthcare, the fact that both obese men and women with T2DM are at
      increased risk of anxiety and depression is an important finding, which must be
      recognised and considered in the course of primary healthcare consultations.
      Meeting the unique needs of each individual requires an understanding of both
      laboratory data and the individual's emotional status.

PMID- 22077660
TI  - Transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant
      cancer location in men with low-risk prostate cancer.
AB  - Study Type - Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on
      the subject? and What does the study add? The widespread use of serum PSA testing
      followed by TRUS-guided biopsy have resulted in profound prostate cancer stage
      migration with many patients presenting with focal rather than multifocal
      disease. There is increasing interest in the use of focal rather than whole-gland
      treatment. However, current biopsy schemes may still miss cancer or, even when
      cancer is identified, its extent or grade might not be accurately characterized.
      In order for focal therapy to be effective, the area of highest tumour volume
      and/or grade needs to localized accurately. The aim of this study was to assess
      how well biopsy, as currently performed, locates the focus of highest prostate
      cancer volume and/or grade. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of transrectal
      ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided extended core biopsy to identify the dominant
      tumour accurately in men with early stage prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients with early stage, low-risk prostate cancer who subsequently underwent
      radical prostatectomy (RP) and had complete surgical specimens were identified.
      Re-review was performed by a single uropathologist using ImageJ software to
      identify tumour location, dominant grade (DG) and dominant volume (DV). Pathology
      findings were then compared with biopsy results. RESULTS: A total of 51 men with
      early stage, low-risk prostate cancer, who had undergone RP, had complete
      specimens for review and a median of 15 biopsy cores taken for diagnosis and
      grading. Sixteen men had a single diagnostic biopsy, 21 had one repeat biopsy,
      and 14 had two or more repeat biopsies. Compared with surgical findings, biopsy
      correctly identified the sextant with the largest tumour volume in 55% (95% CI
      0.5-0.6) of specimens and the highest grade in 37% (95 CI 0.3-0.5). No
      demographic or clinical factors were significantly associated with identification
      of DG. Interval between last biopsy and RP, total tissue length taken and total
      length of tumour identified were significantly associated with correct
      identification of DV. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that TRUS-guided biopsy
      detects and localizes DV better than it does DG. Even with an extended scheme,
      TRUS-guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in this
      low-risk cohort of men with early stage prostate cancer. TRUS-guided biopsy may
      perform better in similar men with low stage, but higher volume disease.

PMID- 22077659
TI  - Proteome turnover in the green alga Ostreococcus tauri by time course 15N
      metabolic labeling mass spectrometry.
AB  - Protein synthesis and degradation determine the cellular levels of proteins, and
      their control hence enables organisms to respond to environmental change.
      Experimentally, these are little known proteome parameters; however, recently,
      SILAC-based mass spectrometry studies have begun to quantify turnover in the
      proteomes of cell lines, yeast, and animals. Here, we present a proteome-scale
      method to quantify turnover and calculate synthesis and degradation rate
      constants of individual proteins in autotrophic organisms such as algae and
      plants. The workflow is based on the automated analysis of partial stable isotope
      incorporation with (15)N. We applied it in a study of the unicellular pico-alga
      Ostreococcus tauri and observed high relative turnover in chloroplast-encoded
      ATPases (0.42-0.58% h(-1)), core photosystem II proteins (0.34-0.51% h(-1)), and
      RbcL (0.47% h(-1)), while nuclear-encoded RbcS2 is more stable (0.23% h(-1)).
      Mitochondrial targeted ATPases (0.14-0.16% h(-1)), photosystem antennae (0.09
      0.14% h(-1)), and histones (0.07-0.1% h(-1)) were comparatively stable. The
      calculation of degradation and synthesis rate constants k(deg) and k(syn)
      confirms RbcL as the bulk contributor to overall protein turnover. This study
      performed over 144 h of incorporation reveals dynamics of protein complex
      subunits as well as isoforms targeted to different organelles.

PMID- 22077663
TI  - BRCA2 is a mediator of RAD51- and DMC1-facilitated homologous recombination in
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - * Mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2) are correlated
      with hereditary breast cancer in humans. Studies have revealed that mammalian
      BRCA2 plays crucial roles in DNA repair. Therefore, we wished to define the role
      of the BRCA2 homologs in Arabidopsis in detail. * As Arabidopsis contains two
      functional BRCA2 homologs, an Atbrca2 double mutant was generated and analyzed
      with respect to hypersensitivity to genotoxic agents and recombination
      frequencies. Cytological studies addressing male and female meiosis were also
      conducted, and immunolocalization was performed in male meiotic prophase I. * The
      Atbrca2 double mutant showed hypersensitivity to the cross-linking agent
      mitomycin C and displayed a dramatic reduction in somatic homologous
      recombination frequency, especially after double-strand break induction. The loss
      of AtBRCA2 also led to severe defects in male meiosis and development of the
      female gametophyte and impeded proper localization of the synaptonemal complex
      protein AtZYP1 and the recombinases AtRAD51 and AtDMC1. * The results demonstrate
      that AtBRCA2 is important for both somatic and meiotic homologous recombination.
      We further show that AtBRCA2 is required for proper meiotic synapsis and mediates
      the recruitment of AtRAD51 and AtDMC1. Our results suggest that BRCA2 controls
      single-strand invasion steps during homologous recombination in plants.

PMID- 22077664
TI  - NF-kappaB signaling pathway is inhibited by heat shock independently of active
      transcription factor HSF1 and increased levels of inducible heat shock proteins.
AB  - NF-kappaB transcription factor regulates numerous genes important for
      inflammation, immune responses and cell survival. HSF1 is the primary
      transcription factor activated under stress conditions that is responsible for
      induction of genes encoding heat shock proteins. Previous studies have shown that
      the NF-kappaB activation pathway is blocked by heat shock possibly involving heat
      shock proteins. Here, we investigate whether active HSF1 inhibited this pathway
      in the absence of stress conditions. Activation of the NF-kappaB pathway and
      expression of NF-kappaB-dependent genes were analyzed in TNFalpha-stimulated U-2
      OS human osteosarcoma cells that were either heat-shocked or engineered to
      express a constitutively active form of HSF1 in the absence of heat shock. As
      expected, heat shock resulted in a general blockade in the degradation of the
      IkappaBalpha inhibitor, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and expression of NF
      kappaB-dependent target genes. In marked contrast, the presence of constitutively
      active HSF1 did not block TNFalpha-induced activation of the NF-kappaB pathway or
      expression of a set of the NF-kappaB-dependent genes. We conclude that in the
      absence of heat shock, the NF-kappaB activation pathway is inhibited by neither
      active HSF1 transcription factor nor by increased levels of HSF1-induced heat
      shock proteins.

PMID- 22077665
TI  - Evaluation of the key aroma compounds in beef and pork vegetable gravies a la
      chef by stable isotope dilution assays and aroma recombination experiments.
AB  - Although the aroma compounds of meat processed as such have been studied
      previously, data on complete homemade dishes containing beef and pork meat were
      scarcely studied. Recently, 38 odor-active compounds were characterized in beef
      and pork vegetable gravies using GC-olfactometry. In the present investigation,
      the most odor-active compounds were quantitated in a freshly prepared stewed beef
      vegetable gravy (BVG) as well as a stewed pork vegetable gravy (PVG) by means of
      stable isotope dilution assays. Calculation of odor activity values (OAVs; ratio
      of concentration to odor threshold) revealed 3-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1-ol,
      (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, (E)-2-decenal, (E)-2-undecanal, and 3
      hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone as the most potent odorants in both gravies.
      However, significantly different OAVs were found for 12-methyltridecanal, which
      was much higher in the BVG, whereas (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal showed a clearly higher
      OAV in the PVG. Aroma recombination experiments performed on the basis of the
      actual concentrations of the odorants in both gravies revealed a good similarity
      of the aromas of both model mixtures containing all odorants with OAVs > 1 with
      those of the original gravies.

PMID- 22077666
TI  - Herpes simplex virus-induced plasmacytic atypia.
AB  - The clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous herpes simplex virus
      (HSV) infection have been well described. Genital herpetic infections are largely
      induced by HSV type 2, but 30% of cases can be caused by HSV type 1.
      Immunocompromised patients are known to exhibit atypical patterns of clinical
      presentation with variable lesion morphology and anatomic location. A subset of
      patients may show morphology such as nodules or verrucous lesions. Analogously,
      some biopsy specimens may show unusual microscopical features, such as a lack of
      keratinocyte cytopathology, lymphocyte infiltration or vasculopathic changes that
      are expected irrespective of the patient's immune status. We present the case of
      a patient carrying a previous diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, status
      posttreatment with methotrexate and prednisone, who developed a perineal ulcer
      exhibiting significant numbers of plasma cells, many of which were cytologically
      atypical. This morphology was suggestive of a hematopoietic malignancy.
      Immunoperoxidase staining for HSV decorated a focal collection of keratinocytes
      that lacked appreciable viral changes expected of HSV infection.

PMID- 22077667
TI  - The half-size ABC transporters STR1 and STR2 are indispensable for mycorrhizal
      arbuscule formation in rice.
AB  - The central structure of the symbiotic association between plants and arbuscular
      mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is the fungal arbuscule that delivers minerals to the
      plant. Our earlier transcriptome analyses identified two half-size ABCG
      transporters that displayed enhanced mRNA levels in mycorrhizal roots. We now
      show specific transcript accumulation in arbusculated cells of both genes during
      symbiosis. Presently, arbuscule-relevant factors from monocotyledons have not
      been reported. Mutation of either of the Oryza sativa (rice) ABCG transporters
      blocked arbuscule growth of different AM fungi at a small and stunted stage,
      recapitulating the phenotype of Medicago truncatula stunted arbuscule 1 and 2
      (str1 and str2) mutants that are deficient in homologous ABCG genes. This
      phenotypic resemblance and phylogenetic analysis suggest functional conservation
      of STR1 and STR2 across the angiosperms. Malnutrition of the fungus underlying
      limited arbuscular growth was excluded by the absence of complementation of the
      str1 phenotype by wild-type nurse plants. Furthermore, plant AM signaling was
      found to be intact, as arbuscule-induced marker transcript accumulation was not
      affected in str1 mutants. Strigolactones have previously been hypothesized to
      operate as intracellular hyphal branching signals and possible substrates of STR1
      and STR2. However, full arbuscule development in the strigolactone biosynthesis
      mutants d10 and d17 suggested strigolactones to be unlikely substrates of
      STR1/STR2. Interestingly, rice STR1 is associated with a cis-natural antisense
      transcript (antiSTR1). Analogous to STR1 and STR2, at the root cortex level, the
      antiSTR1 transcript is specifically detected in arbusculated cells, suggesting
      unexpected modes of STR1 regulation in rice.

PMID- 22077668
TI  - 'It [HIV] is part of the relationship': exploring communication among HIV
      serodiscordant couples in South Africa and Tanzania.
AB  - In many sub-Saharan African countries, a high proportion of people living with
      HIV are in long-term serodiscordant relationships. This paper explores how HIV
      serodiscordance shapes communication among couples in long-term HIV
      serodiscordant relationships. A total of 36 couples were purposively recruited
      through healthcare providers and civil society organisations in South Africa (26)
      and Tanzania (10). We explored couples' portrayal of living in a serodiscordant
      relationship by conducting semi-structured interviews with each partner
      separately, followed by a joint interview with both partners. Using an adaptation
      of Persson's model on sero-silence and sero-sharing, we categorised coping style
      as 'sero-silent' if partners reported that they did not talk much with each other
      about issues related to their serodiscordant status or as 'sero-sharing' if they
      portrayed HIV as being an issue which they dealt with together. Some couples
      exhibited features of both coping styles and, at times, partners differed in
      their ways of coping.

PMID- 22077669
TI  - Excisional biopsy for management of lateral tongue leukoplakia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukoplakia of the lateral tongue is frequently associated with the
      risk of malignancy. Although incisional biopsy is accepted as a standard
      technique for evaluation, the possibility of underdiagnosis, and therefore missed
      diagnosis of malignancy, remains at all times. The aim of this study was to
      determine the rate of underdiagnosis by incisional biopsy for leukoplakia of the
      lateral tongue and to elucidate the underlying cause of for underdiagnosis.
      METHODS: Twenty-two patients with leukoplakia in the lateral tongue who had
      undergone excisional biopsy for suspicion of malignancy were included in the
      study. Pathology was reviewed and classified into 'no dysplasia,''dysplasia,' and
      'carcinoma'. Underdiagnosis was defined as a change of diagnosis to a graver
      classification following excisional biopsy. To analyze the factors contributing
      to underdiagnosis, incisional and excisional biopsy specimens were re-evaluated.
      RESULTS: Of the 22 patients with leukoplakia of the lateral tongue, 59.1% had
      coexistent malignancy, including nine squamous cell carcinomas and four verrucous
      carcinomas. Incisional biopsy resulted in underdiagnosis in 73.3% of the cases.
      Underdiagnosis was attributable to three common errors, which were mis-selection
      of sampling site within a large area of leukoplakia, error in pathology specimen
      preparation owing to small specimen size, and superficial biopsy frequently
      associated with punch biopsy. CONCLUSION: Leukoplakia of the lateral tongue is
      highly coexistent with malignancy, and incisional biopsy frequently leads to
      underdiagnosis. Therefore, complete excision with adequate margin is warranted
      for leukoplakia of the lateral tongue, preferably under general anesthesia, which
      could be performed with minimal morbidity and function preservation.

PMID- 22077670
TI  - Comparison of anion removal capacities of Octolig and Cuprilig.
AB  - Mixtures of sodium salts of phosphate, arsenate, and fluoride were used in
      chromatography and batch experiments to compare the capacity of two immobilized
      ligands (IMLIGs) to remove these anions: Octolig and its copper (II)-based
      metallolig, Cuprilig. The focus of this study was twofold. First, to find out
      which material, Octolig or Cuprilig, would remove these anions most effectively;
      and secondly to determine the optimal capacity for removal of representative
      anions. Removal capacity was evaluated by two methods: by chromatography and by a
      batch method. The methods gave identical results, but the batch method was more
      convenient. Cuprilig had a lower capacity for removal of phosphate than Octolig.
      The capability of Octolig for removing anions was: phosphate > arsenate >
      fluoride >>> chloride >>>> bromide. Replication of phosphate removal was good for
      a given batch of Octolig. Of three different samples of Octolig, two seemed to be
      alike based on the phosphate- removal capacity; the third was different on the
      basis of a Student's t-test. This distinction indicates the batch procedure could
      serve as a quality control/assurance technique.

PMID- 22077671
TI  - Enhanced screening of glutathione-trapped reactive metabolites by in-source
      collision-induced dissociation and extraction of product ion using UHPLC-high
      resolution mass spectrometry.
AB  - A selective and sensitive approach, called extraction of product ion (XoPI)
      method, was developed for the detection of l-glutathione (GSH)-trapped reactive
      metabolites employing an Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer.
      Fragmentation of GSH conjugates in the negative ion mode leads to a product ion,
      deprotonated gamma-glutamyl-dehydroalanyl-glycine (m/z 272.0888). As a means of
      utilizing this property, negative ion high resolution MS data were collected from
      in vitro incubations by monitoring ions from m/z 269.5 to 274.5 under in-source
      collision-induced dissociation. Extraction of product ions at m/z 272.0888 +/- 5
      ppm from this data resulted in a chromatogram exhibiting deprotonated gamma
      glutamyl-dehydroalanyl-glycine as the major peaks with no or very few
      interferences. Therefore, peaks in this extracted product ion chromatogram
      potentially came from GSH-trapped reactive metabolites. The GSH conjugate parent
      ions were then confirmed in the corresponding full scan MS data, and their
      structures were identified from their MS(2) fragmentation patterns. The
      effectiveness of the approach was assessed with four model compounds,
      amodiaquine, clozapine, diclofenac, and fipexide, all well-known to form GSH
      trapped reactive metabolites, following incubation in human liver microsomes
      supplemented with beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 2'-phosphate reduced
      tetrasodium salt (NADPH) and GSH. The results from XoPI method were compared to
      two other commonly employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
      methods: precursor ion scan method and mass defect filter method. Overall, the
      XoPI method was more selective and sensitive in detecting the GSH conjugates.
      Many GSH conjugates previously not reported were detected and characterized in
      this study.

PMID- 22077677
TI  - Use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy in hepatitis B virus carriers
      with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis: a case series in Taiwan.
AB  - The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy in patients with
      psoriasis who are hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers is usually not recommended,
      and routine antiviral prophylaxis is suggested for those who need the treatment.
      We report our experience on the safety of anti-TNF-alpha therapy in patients with
      psoriasis who are HBV carriers in our clinic using HBV viral load as a guide for
      HBV treatment. Between 2007 and 2011, seven HBV carriers receiving TNF-alpha
      inhibitors for psoriasis in our clinic were collected retrospectively. The HBV
      viral load and aminotransferase levels were regularly monitored. Two of the seven
      patients were inactive HBV carriers, and the other five patients had chronic
      hepatitis B. Only one patient received antiviral agents before the anti-TNF-alpha
      treatment. The mean duration of the anti-TNF-alpha treatment was 26.6 months
      (range, 14-45 months). These patients were followed up from the start of the anti
      TNF-alpha therapy for a mean duration of 28.9 months (range, 14-45 months). HBV
      reactivation was observed in three patients, one of whom required antiviral
      treatment. No HBV reactivation-related hepatitis was observed. In conclusion,
      prevention of HBV reactivation by monitoring of HBV viral load is cost-effective
      and may decrease the risk of developing drug resistance from routine anti-HBV
      prophylaxis treatment. It can be considered as an alternative in psoriasis
      patients treated by TNF-alpha inhibitors, especially in areas with a high HBV
      burden and in hepatitis B e-antigen-negative patients who have a lower risk of
      viral reactivation.

PMID- 22077678
TI  - Affective facilitation and inhibition of cultural influences on reasoning.
AB  - Research in South Korea and the United States examined how affective states
      facilitate or inhibit culturally dominant styles of reasoning. According to the
      affect-as-information hypothesis, affective cues of mood influence judgements by
      serving as embodied information about the value of accessible inclinations and
      cognitions. Extending this line of research to culture, we hypothesised that
      positive affect should promote (and negative affect should inhibit) culturally
      normative reasoning. The results of two studies of causal reasoning supported
      this hypothesis. Positive and negative affect functioned like "go" and "stop"
      signals, respectively, for culturally typical reasoning styles. Thus, in happy
      (compared to sad) moods, Koreans engaged in more holistic reasoning, whereas
      Americans engaged in more analytic reasoning.

PMID- 22077679
TI  - An appraisal and comparison of three methods of selecting patients for
      orthodontic treatment.
AB  - AIM: The selection of patients for orthodontic treatment is necessary where third
      party payment occurs. Selection can be based on one of several systems and in
      this report three methods are compared. METHODS: The examination was performed on
      a population of 790 Polish children with a mean age of 12 years and 2 months. In
      this report three methods of assessment are used. The authors' specific method
      relates malocclusion to the estimated risk of problems arising as a result of the
      malocclusion itself. The IOTN score system assesses the severity of different
      aspects of malocclusion, thus dividing patients into 5 groups. The DAL index
      quantifies the aesthetic appearance of the mouth. RESULTS: The results show that
      using our specific method, approximately 23% of patients should undergo
      treatment. The figure is approximately the same using the IOTN, though there is a
      slight difference in the actual patients chosen. The DAI results in an entirely
      different orthodontic treatment need. CONCLUSION: Our specific method is highly
      recommended.

PMID- 22077680
TI  - Halogen lamp and LED activation of resin-modified glass ionomer restorative
      material. In vitro microhardness after long-term storage.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activation of resin-modified
      glass ionomer restorative material (RMGI, Vitremer-3M-ESPE, A3) by halogen lamp
      (QTH) or light-emitting diode (LED) by Knoop microhardness (KHN) in two storage
      conditions: 24 hrs and 6 months and in two depths (0 and 2 mm). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The specimens were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 10)
      according to activation form and evaluated in depth after 24 h and after 6 months
      of storage. Activation was performed with QTH for 40s (700 mW/cm) and for 40 or
      20 s with LED (1,200 mW/cm2). After 24 hrs and 6 months of storage at 37 degrees
      C in relative humidity in light-proof container, the Knoop microhardness test was
      performed. Statistics Data were analysed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey post-tests
      (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All evaluated factors showed significant differences (p <
      0.05). After 24 hrs there were no differences within the experimental groups. KHN
      at 0 mm was significantly higher than 2 mm. After 6 months, there was an increase
      of microhardness values for all groups, being the ones activated by LED higher
      than the ones activated by QTH. CONCLUSION: Light-activation with LED positively
      influenced the KHN for RMGI evaluated after 6 months.

PMID- 22077681
TI  - Association between developmental enamel defects in the primary and permanent
      dentitions.
AB  - AIM: To determine if the presence of developmental enamel defects (DED) in the
      primary dentition is a risk indicator for the presence of DED in the permanent
      dentition in children with mixed dentition, as well as others factors. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 1296 school children ages
      six to 72 years. The DED [FDI; 1982] in both dentitions were identified by means
      of an oral exam scoring enamel opacities [classified as demarcated or diffused],
      and enamel hypoplasia. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables were
      collected through a questionnaire. Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined
      based on the occupation and maximum level of education of parents. Statistical
      analysis included logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 8.40
      +/- 1.68; 51.6% were boys. DED prevalence was 7.5% in the permanent dentition and
      10.0% in the primary dentition. The logistic regression model, adjusting for
      sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables, showed that for each primary tooth
      with DED, the odds of observing DED in the permanent dentition increased 7.38
      times [95% CI = 1.17-1.64; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: An association between DED
      presence in both permanent and primary dentitions was observed. Further studies
      are necessary to fully characterise such relationship.

PMID- 22077682
TI  - Retrospective study on the occurrence of primary incisor trauma in preschool
      children of a low-income area in Brazil.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of trauma in
      primary incisors in a sample of preschool Brazilian children living in a low
      income area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: For the study 527 dental records
      of a Municipal Children's Hospital were evaluated, and the following related
      factors were recorded: gender age, tooth affected, type and cause of trauma. Data
      were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (chi-square test). RESULTS:
      There were no significant differences in the prevalence of injuries among boys
      and girls. Children 10 to 24 months-old were the most affected (p < 0.05). The
      maxillary central incisor was the most affected tooth (p < 0.05), with
      predominance of lateral luxation and concussions (p > 0.05). The most common
      cause of trauma was associated with child's own-height fall (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it was concluded that the high incidence of
      incisor trauma in deciduous teeth should be viewed with concern, requiring the
      implementation of health policies aimed primarily at the prevention of such
      accidents.

PMID- 22077683
TI  - External apical root resorption caused by orthodontic treatment: a review of the
      literature.
AB  - AIM: External apical root resorption is a common consequence of orthodontic
      treatment. A number of treatment-related factors have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of root resorption in orthodontic patients; however recent evidence
      suggests that genetic factors also play a major role in the development of this
      condition. Herein, we review prevalence, diagnosis and aetiology of root
      resorption with a particular emphasis on the effect of genetic variation and
      orthodontic forces, as well as discuss effective prevention strategies.

PMID- 22077684
TI  - Dental health education programme for 6-year-olds: a cluster randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: Oral health is a reflection of general health and significantly influences
      the quality of life. Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases of
      childhood which may adversely affect physical, mental and social growth of
      children. Oral hygiene methods can effectively prevent oral and dental diseases,
      and oral hygiene education plays an important role in this regard. The aim of the
      present study was then to assess the effect of oral hygiene education on the oral
      and dental health of 6-year-olds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred and sixty 6
      year-old children from 4 pre-school centers were divided into two groups, case
      and control, in this cluster randomised controlled trail. The children in the
      case group received oral and dental education in one session. The parents of the
      case group were also instructed in one session. The children and parents of the
      control group did not receive any instructions. Plaque index (PI): Turesky
      Gilmore-Glickman; gingival index (GI): Loe & Silness; at a) baseline, b) 1.5 and
      c) 6 months after the first examination. Data were analysed by repeated measure
      ANOVA. RESULTS: PI: A significant difference was found between the baseline
      examination and the first follow-up (p < 0.01), and between the baseline
      examination and the second follow-up (p < 0.001). GI: Although values in the case
      group were lower, no statistically significant difference was found between the
      two groups and within each group (p > 0.05). Regarding the number of brushing
      times, a statistically significant difference was found between the first and the
      second follow-ups of the study groups (p > 0.05). The brushing type and the
      application of other hygienic measures did not show any difference (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that
      oral hygiene instruction to 6-year-old children and their parents improves their
      dental health.

PMID- 22077685
TI  - Influence of posture on swallowing.
AB  - AIM: This study investigates the relationship between posture disorders and
      swallowing, either of infantile type or affected by the presence of a short
      lingual frenulum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stabilometry examinations, taking
      into account the Romberg index and the LFS value, and when needed a frenectomy,
      showed positive variations in the recovery of a proper posture. The data were
      analysed by means of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This
      study showed that swallowing is able to modulate postural control and it can be a
      determining factor in postural syndromes that, if not promptly intercepted, may
      evolve into full-blown and irreversible musculoskeletal disorders for which
      treatment often proves ineffective.

PMID- 22077686
TI  - Incidence and distribution of deciduous molar ankylosis, a longitudinal study.
AB  - AIM: To study incidence and distribution of deciduous molar ankylosis. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: study design: longitudinal retrospective study. A total of 512
      consecutive subjects (aged 5 to 15 years) were examined at the Orthodontics and
      Paediatric Dentistry Department of the Genoa University School of Dentistry; for
      each subject an ortopantomography x-ray was taken. RESULTS: Thirty-four children
      were affected by deciduous molars ankylosis (6.6%). A statistically significant
      difference was revealed between the distributions: the lower deciduous molars
      were ankylosed more frequently than the upper ones (P < 0.001); the second
      deciduous molars were ankylosed more frequently than the first molars (P <
      0.001). No statistical significance was found between sex and number of
      infraoccluded teeth (P = 0.74). CONCLUSION: This study found an incidence of
      deciduous molar ankylosis of about 6.6%; the lower deciduous molars and second
      deciduous molars were ankylosed more frequently (P < 0.001).

PMID- 22077687
TI  - Morphological characteristics of primary enamel surfaces versus permanent enamel
      surfaces: SEM digital analysis.
AB  - AIM: The morphology of permanent and primary enamel surface merits further
      analysis. The objective of this study was to illustrate a method of SEM digital
      image processing able to quantify and discriminate between the morphological
      characteristics of primary and permanent tooth enamel. METHODS: Sixteen extracted
      teeth, 8 primary teeth and 8 permanent teeth, kept in saline solution, were
      analysed. The teeth were observed under SEM. The SEM images were analysed by
      means of digitally processed algorithms. The two algorithms used were: Local
      standard deviation to measure surface roughness with the roughness index (RI);
      Hough's theorem to identify linear structures with the linear structure index
      (LSI). RESULTS: The SEM images of primary teeth enamel show smooth enamel with
      little areas of irregularity. No linear structures are apparent. The SEM images
      of permanent enamel show a not perfectly smooth surface; there are furrows and
      irregularities of variable depth and width. CONCLUSION: In the clinical practice
      a number of different situations require the removal of a thin layer of enamel.
      Only a good morphological knowledge of both permanent and primary tooth enamel
      gives the opportunity to identify and exploit the effects of rotary tools on
      enamel, thus allowing for a correct finishing technique.

PMID- 22077688
TI  - The dental age in the child with coeliac disease.
AB  - AIM: The coeliac disease deprives affected individual of the main nutritive
      factors, which are essential to promote body development: coeliac children are
      often subject to weight loss and have a lower somatic growth rate compared to
      healthy children. In addition, it is proven that prolonged malnutrition can have
      irreversible effects on dental eruption: teeth development also suffers a delay
      or it is slowed down in coeliac children. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate and quantify the persistence of a delay in the dental age in children
      with coeliac disease and the presence of a possible constant relationship between
      the estimated delay in skeletal development and that referred to the dental age.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy children (24 males and 46 females) were selected,
      all affected by coeliac disease, aged between 5.3 and 13.8 years, with a mean age
      of 9 years +/- 22 months SD. Through teleradiography of the skull in latero
      lateral projection and orthopantomography of the dental arches, the estimate of
      the skeletal development and dental age was carried out for each patient,
      applying two specific methods extensively described in the literature. RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSION: The results obtained, in agreement with the literature, show how
      the dental age, which is delayed in children affected by coeliac disease, may be
      considered as a reliable indicator of somatic growth and also of biological age.
      Furthermore, a gluten-free diet has considerable beneficial effects on skeletal
      development in relation to the dental age, in agreement with the hypothesis that
      dental development is controlled by different regulatory mechanisms, totally
      independent from those that influence skeletal development and the somatic and
      sexual development of the individual, even if the delay of dental development
      decreases progressively from the time of diagnosis of coeliac disease to
      introduction of a gluten-free diet.

PMID- 22077689
TI  - Treatment outcomes of pulpotomy in primary molars using two endodontic
      biomaterials. A 2-year randomised clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: To compare the treatment outcomes of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement
      and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as pulp dressing biomaterials in vital
      pulpotomy of carious primary molars. STUDY DESIGN: split-mouth randomised
      clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children aged 4-8 years with 2
      carious teeth requiring pulpotomy were selected and randomly assigned to MTA (n =
      40) or CEM (n = 40) groups. After coronal pulp removal, the remaining radicular
      pulp was covered with an appropriate biomaterial; the teeth were then permanently
      restored. Clinical/radiographic success/failures were blindly evaluated at 6-, 12
      and 24-month follow-ups. STATISTICS: the recorded data were analyzed with
      McNemar test and GEE. RESULTS: A total of 36, 33 and 35 patients were available
      for 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups, respectively. At the 12-month follow-up only
      one and three teeth in the CEM and MTA groups had pathologic external root
      resorption, respectively. The resorbed teeth were then missed due to
      extraction/exfoliation at the 24-month follow-up; all other treated teeth were
      sign/symptom-free. Overall, clinical and radiographic outcomes in both MTA/CEM
      groups were comparable at the three follow-ups without significant differences.
      Time had no significant effect on the success. CONCLUSION: MTA and CEM
      demonstrated favourable treatment outcomes for pulpotomy of carious primary
      molars; CEM may be an effective pulp dressing biomaterial.

PMID- 22077690
TI  - Premature loss of maxillary primary incisor and delayed eruption of its
      successor: report of a case.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries to primary teeth represent one of the most common
      aetiologic factors of time-related eruption disturbances of permanent teeth.
      These include premature eruption, delayed eruption or impactions. CASE REPORT: A
      case of a 7.5-year-old male with delayed eruption of the maxillary permanent left
      incisor is presented. The case history revealed a trauma around the age of 3
      involving its primary tooth predecessor and its extraction by a dentist about one
      year later due to frequent abscesses. The clinical examination showed an early
      mixed dentition and the single presence of tooth 11 in the dental arch, with an
      obvious aesthetic problem that affected the child's self image. The periapical x
      ray ruled out any dimorphism on the impacted tooth, and it showed a root
      developed by two thirds. About 2 months after the examination, a simple
      gingivectomy was carried out, and the tooth could erupt completely 3 months later
      without any need for orthodontic traction. One year after surgery, a complete
      root development could be observed, as well as the presence of the lateral
      incisors with a moderate crowding.

PMID- 22077691
TI  - Crohn's disease of the mouth: report of a case.
AB  - AIM: Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory process, probably immunologically
      mediated, that may affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to
      anus, usually in a discontinuous fashion. Oral manifestations are important
      clinical findings in Crohn's disease. CASE REPORT: Description of a young male
      with oral manifestations of Crohn's disease is detailed and the current
      literature is briefly reviewed. Past medical history and oral clinical
      examination of the patient were analysed. He was treated with systemic
      prednisone. The case reports a significant reduction of lesion after six months
      of treatment.

PMID- 22077692
TI  - Pre-hospital delays and intravenous thrombolysis in urban and rural areas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is crucial to understand the reasons behind pre- and in-hospital
      delays to improve nationwide access to effective treatment for acute stroke.
      AIMS: To evaluate the pre- and in-hospital delays and to compare the intravenous
      (IV) thrombolysis rates in the urban and rural areas of the Province of
      Pomerania, Poland. MATERIALS & METHODS: We evaluated the medical records of 2134
      patients treated in the stroke units (SUs) and consecutively reported to the
      Pomeranian Stroke Register from June 2006-December 2007. RESULTS: The time of
      ischaemic stroke onset was known in 488 (59%) of the 834 urban patients and in
      744 (70%) of the 1063 rural patients (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who
      called the emergency medical services with a delay of >45 min was similar in both
      locations: urban, 314/488 (64.3%) vs rural, 490/744 (65.8%). Although the
      proportion of patients who reached the emergency room within 3 h was higher in
      the rural areas (29.0% vs 24.3%; P = 0.02), only 4.2% of these patients received
      IV thrombolysis compared with 23.1% in the urban areas (P < 0.001). The
      proportion of patients who did not seek any kind of professional medical help
      prior to admission was lower in the rural areas (29/744 (3.9%) vs urban 50/488
      (10.2%)) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital delays reduced the number of
      patients eligible for IV thrombolysis in both rural and urban areas. The low
      proportion of patients treated with IV thrombolysis in rural SUs may be
      attributed to ineffective in-hospital procedures.

PMID- 22077693
TI  - Surgical and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a Japanese
      multi-institutional study of 1375 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite clear trends toward minimally invasive surgery,
      information about laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in Japan is sparse. We
      conducted a retrospective survey to clarify time trends for LPN and analyze
      surgical and oncologic outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nationwide survey was
      performed. Between 1998 and 2008, 1375 patients underwent LPN at 54 institutions.
      Complications, patterns of tumor recurrence, and recurrence-free survival were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Renal pedicle clamping was used in 1031 (75%) cases, and renal
      cooling was performed in 64%. Median warm/cold ischemic time was 37/53 minutes.
      Median tumor size was 2.26 cm (interquartile range 1.6 to 2.7). Multivariate
      analysis identified total operative time, operative blood loss, and surgical
      margin status as independently associated with high grade (grade 3-5) urologic
      and nonurologic complications. Despite increases in central tumor, a trend was
      seen toward shorter warm/cold ischemic time in recent cases, and the overall
      complication rate did not change throughout the study period. With a median
      follow-up of 26 months for 1193 malignancies, recurrence occurred in 22 (1.7%)
      patients, including local recurrence in 7 (0.5%), lung in 8 (0.7%), lymph nodes
      in 2 (0.1%), and bone in 4 (0.3%). Of the 26 cases with positive surgical
      margins, local tumor recurrence occurred in only one. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first nationwide survey of LPN in Japan to be reported. LPN could be performed
      with acceptable positive margins and complication rates. Most tumor recurrences
      occur as metastases, and surgical margin status appears to have little impact on
      oncologic outcomes.

PMID- 22077694
TI  - Evaluation of GSTP1 and APC methylation as indicators for repeat biopsy in a high
      risk cohort of men with negative initial prostate biopsies.
AB  - Study Type - Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on
      the subject? and What does the study add? Hypermethylation of genes such as
      glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) occurs
      with high frequency in prostate tumour tissue but is much less common in the
      benign prostate; however, the potential value of gene methylation biomarkers as
      an adjunct to biopsy histopathology has had little study. When measured in
      histologically benign prostate biopsy tissue, APC gene hypermethylation was found
      to have high negative predictive value and high sensitivity. GSTP1
      hypermethylation was found to have lower performance than APC. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the performance of DNA methylation biomarkers in the setting of repeat
      biopsy in men with an initially negative prostate biopsy but a high index of
      suspicion for missed prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively
      evaluated 86 men with an initial histologically negative prostate biopsy and high
      risk features. All men underwent repeat 12-core ultrasonography-guided biopsy.
      DNA methylation of glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and adenomatous polyposis
      coli (APC) was determined using tissue from the initially negative biopsy and
      compared with histology of the repeat biopsy. The primary outcome was the
      relative negative predictive value (NPV) of APC compared with GSTP1, and its 95%
      confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: On repeat biopsy, 21/86 (24%) men had prostate
      cancer. APC and GSTP1 methylation ratios below the threshold (predicting no
      cancer) produced a NPV of 0.96 and 0.80, respectively. The relative NPV was 1.2
      (95% CI: 1.06-1.36), indicating APC has significantly higher NPV. Methylation
      ratios above the threshold yielded a sensitivity of 0.95 for APC and 0.43 for
      GSTP1. Combining both methylation markers produced a performance similar to that
      of APC alone. APC methylation patterns were consistent with a possible field
      effect or occurrence early in carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: APC methylation
      provided a very high NPV with a low percentage of false-negatives, in the first
      prospective study to evaluate performance of DNA methylation markers in a
      clinical cohort of men undergoing repeat biopsy. The potential of APC methylation
      to reduce unnecessary repeat biopsies warrants validation in a larger prospective
      cohort.

PMID- 22077695
TI  - Accuracy and precision of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory
      computer-adaptive tests (PEDI-CAT).
AB  - AIM: The aims of the study were to: (1) build new item banks for a revised
      version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) with four
      content domains: daily activities, mobility, social/cognitive, and
      responsibility; and (2) use post-hoc simulations based on the combined normative
      and disability calibration samples to assess the accuracy and precision of the
      PEDI computer-adaptive tests (PEDI-CAT) compared with the administration of all
      items. METHOD: Parents of typically developing children (n = 2205) and parents of
      children and adolescents with disabilities (n = 703) between the ages of 0 and 21
      years, stratified by age and sex, participated by responding to PEDI-CAT surveys
      through an existing Internet opt-in survey panel in the USA and by computer
      tablets in clinical sites. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses supported four
      unidimensional content domains. Scores using the real data post hoc demonstrated
      excellent accuracy (intraclass correlation coefficients >= 0.95) with the full
      item banks. Simulations using item parameter estimates demonstrated relatively
      small bias in the 10-item and 15-item CAT versions; error was generally higher at
      the scale extremes. INTERPRETATION: These results suggest the PEDI-CAT can be an
      accurate and precise assessment of children's daily performance at all functional
      levels.

PMID- 22077697
TI  - Roles of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the central nervous
      system.
AB  - 1. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), first isolated from the
      ovine hypothalamus, is a potential neurotransmitter widely distributed throughout
      the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in endocrine cells in the
      pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreatic islets and stomach. 2. Numerous studies
      have established the role of CART in food intake, maintenance of bodyweight,
      stress control, reward and pain transmission. Recently, it was demonstrated that
      CART, as a neurotrophic peptide, had a cerebroprotective against focal ischaemic
      stroke and inhibited the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid protein, which focused
      attention on the role of CART in the central nervous system (CNS) and
      neurological diseases. 3. In fact, little is known about the way in which CART
      peptide interacts with its receptors, initiates downstream cascades and finally
      exerts its neuroprotective effect under normal or pathological conditions. The
      literature indicates that there are many factors, such as regulation of the
      immunological system and protection against energy failure, that may be involved
      in the cerebroprotection afforded by CART. 4. The present review provides a brief
      summary of the current literature on CART synthesis and active fragments, its
      distribution in the CNS and, in particular, the role of CART peptide (and its
      receptors and signalling) in neurological diseases.

PMID- 22077696
TI  - The formamidopyrimidines: purine lesions formed in competition with 8-oxopurines
      from oxidative stress.
AB  - DNA is constantly exposed to agents that induce structural damage, from sources
      both internal and external to an organism. Endogenous species, such as oxidizing
      chemicals, and exogenous agents, such as ultraviolet rays in sunlight, together
      produce more than 70 distinct chemical modifications of native nucleotides. Of
      these, about 15 of the lesions have been detected in cellular DNA. This kind of
      structural DNA damage can be cytotoxic, carcinogenic, or both and is being linked
      to an increasingly lengthy list of diseases.  The formamidopyrimidine (Fapy)
      lesions are a family of DNA lesions that result after purines undergo oxidative
      stress. The Fapy lesions are produced in yields comparable to the 8-oxopurines,
      which, owing in part to a perception of mutagenicity in some quarters, have been
      subjected to intense research scrutiny. But despite the comparable abundance of
      the formamidopyrimidines and the 8-oxopurines, until recently very little was
      known about the effects of Fapy lesions on biochemical processes involving DNA or
      on the structure and stability of the genomic material.  In this Account, we
      discuss the detection of Fapy lesions in DNA and the mechanism proposed for their
      formation. We also describe methods for the chemical synthesis of
      oligonucleotides containing Fapy.dA or Fapy.dG and the outcomes of chemical and
      biochemical studies utilizing these compounds. These experiments reveal that the
      formamidopyrimidines decrease the fidelity of polymerases and are substrates for
      DNA repair enzymes. The mutation frequency of Fapy.dG in mammals is even greater
      than that of 8-oxodGuo (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, one of the 8
      oxopurines), suggesting that this lesion could be a useful biomarker and
      biologically significant.  Despite clear similarities, the formamidopyrimidines
      have lived in the shadow of the corresponding 8-oxopurine lesions. But the recent
      development of methods for synthesizing oligonucleotides containing Fapy.dA or
      Fapy.dG has accelerated research on these lesions, revealing that the
      formamidopyrimidines are repaired as efficiently and, in some cases, more rapidly
      than the 8-oxopurines. Fapy.dG appears to be a lesion of biochemical consequence,
      and further study of its mutagenicity, repair, and interactions with DNA
      structure will better define the cellular details involving this important
      product of DNA stress.

PMID- 22077698
TI  - Evaluation of online miRNA resources for biomedical applications.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous single-stranded, 22-nt (nucleotide) RNAs which
      complement mRNA to initiate post-transcriptional regulation. This review presents
      updates and evaluations of the public domain resources available for miRNA
      identification and target prediction toward their utilization in the biomedical
      research approach. This study discusses the basic principles of miRNA
      computational studies based on the nature and mechanism of action of miRNAs.
      Furthermore, we have explored fifty-nine current online miRNA tools that can be
      categorized into three classes in this paper: (i) miRNA identification; (ii)
      miRNA target prediction; and (iii) specialized miRNA tools.

PMID- 22077699
TI  - The school nursing profession in relation to Bourdieu's concepts of capital,
      habitus and field.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to define the work and professional role of school nurses, in
      terms of Bourdieu's key concepts of capital and habitus. METHOD: A qualitative
      study with a deductive approach, based on data from six focus-group interviews
      with 24 school nurses and 15 individual interviews with school nurses. Thus, a
      total of 39 school nurses participated in the study. The data were analysed using
      content analysis. RESULTS: The results explain, in terms of Bourdieu's key
      concepts of capital and habitus, how school nurses experience their work in the
      educational setting. A model including different aspects of school nurses' work
      is shown. CONCLUSION: The new Swedish Education Act focuses on promoting
      students' general health, so that they are able to reach their academic
      potential. In this task, the school nurse is to be one of a group of several
      professionals working together. The present study shows how school nurses
      experience their professional role and their work in relation to Bourdieu's
      concepts of capital, habitus and field. To strengthen the school nursing
      profession, school nurses need to show their competence in promoting students'
      health.

PMID- 22077700
TI  - Opportunities taken: the need for and effectiveness of secondary care
      opportunistic immunisation.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a formalised opportunistic immunisation
      (OI) system in a hospital setting. METHODS: Pre-post implementation audit of
      missed immunisation opportunities. RESULTS: Of 5583 children in the National
      Immunisation Register cohort seen in a hospital setting, 1641 (29.4%) were under
      immunised, compared with the concurrent regional cohort of 15%. Maori children
      were less likely to be age-appropriately immunised (36.9% under-immunised, P <
      0.0005, chi(2) = 41.4). Of the 1641 under-immunised children, 337 (20.5%) were
      deemed to have current medical reasons not to be immunised acutely, and of the
      remaining 1304, 244 (18.7%) declined immunisations. This left 1060 for whom
      immunisation was possible, and we immunised 880 (83.0%) of these. All children
      were re-engaged with primary care services. CONCLUSIONS: Children in contact with
      secondary care services have low immunisation rates with ethnic disparity.
      Appropriately resourced formalised OI is effective, with potential for further
      improvement. The system we have implemented enhances primary care involvement.

PMID- 22077701
TI  - DNA fingerprinting and new tools for fine-scale discrimination of Arabidopsis
      thaliana accessions.
AB  - One of the main strengths of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model species is the
      impressive number of public resources available to the scientific community.
      Exploring species genetic diversity--and therefore adaptation--relies on
      collections of individuals from natural populations taken from diverse
      environments. Nevertheless, due to a few mislabeling events or genotype mixtures,
      some variants available in stock centers have been misidentified, causing
      inconsistencies and limiting the potential of genetic analyses. To improve the
      identification of natural accessions, we genotyped 1311 seed stocks from our
      Versailles Arabidopsis Stock Center and from other collections to determine their
      molecular profiles at 341 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. These profiles
      were used to compare genotypes at both the intra- and inter-accession levels. We
      confirmed previously described inconsistencies and revealed new ones, and suggest
      likely identities for accessions whose lineage had been lost. We also developed
      two new tools: a minimal fingerprint computation to quickly verify the identity
      of an accession, and an optimized marker set to assist in the identification of
      unknown or mixed accessions. These tools are available on a dedicated web
      interface called ANATool (https://www.versailles.inra.fr/ijpb/crb/anatool) that
      provides a simple and efficient means to verify or determine the identity of A.
      thaliana accessions in any laboratory, without the need for any specific or
      expensive technology.

PMID- 22077703
TI  - Use of potassium iodide (KI) in a nuclear emergency.

PMID- 22077704
TI  - Economic motives for family limitation.
AB  - Abstract   Taiwan can boast one of the most rapid rates of economic development
      in the world over the past 20 years. Taiwan is also in the midst of the
      demographic transition. The nature of the connection between economic development
      and the onset and progress of the fertility decline is far from clear, however.
      Rather than explore the relation between income and fertility change, this paper
      will be concerned with some of the economic motivations which may be responsible
      for fertility decline during the demographic transition. Inquiries in this area
      have been handicapped by having to rely on aggregative or on household data which
      included only a very limited set of economic variables (other than income) along
      with demographic data. In order to re-examine the linkages between economic
      change and fertility change at the family level, a special survey was conducted
      in Taiwan in 1969. While recognizing that economic factors are not wholly,
      perhaps not even primarily, responsible for the lowering of the birth rate, the
      central interest of this paper is the complex of cost and benefit considerations
      which may contribute to a decline of the rate, using the new data for Taiwan.

PMID- 22077705
TI  - Fertility effects of the abolition of legal abortion in Romania.
AB  - Abstract   There is much interest to-day in governmental actions and regulations
      designed to have an effect on fertility. Widespread concern with the implications
      of population growth has led to unprecedented attention to the design and
      implementation of governmental policies intended to affect fertility.
      Unfortunately, there is very little empirical evidence of the effect of
      governmental action, largely because of the difficulty of interpreting the causal
      relations between changes in laws or programmes on the one hand, and fertility
      trends on the other. For this reason, the drastic alteration of the fertility
      laws in Romania in 1966 is of special interest in that it provides something
      approaching an experimental context for examining the effect of a legal code on
      fertility.

PMID- 22077706
TI  - The influence of labour force participation and education on fertility in
      Thailand.
AB  - Abstract   Increasingly, discussion of the appropriateness and effectiveness of
      methods to limit population growth have focussed both on measures which seek to
      provide new and efficient contraceptives to an ever larger target population and
      on those measures which go beyond family planning to emphasize the need for
      adoption of policies 'expressly related to family roles and opportunities for
      legitimate alternative satisfactions and activities'.(1) Proponents of the latter
      course of action argur that such policies offer greater promise of reduction in
      family size because they directly assault the motivational framework of
      reproduction. Among the means suggested for limiting reproductioe within marriage
      as well as postponing marriage is modification of the complementarity of the
      rolen of men and women.(2) Of particular interest in this regard is the nature of
      the relation betweens female labour force participation and education and
      fertility, and the implications these relations may have for future fertility
      reduction, particularly in the developing world.

PMID- 22077707
TI  - Implications of selective feedback in aspects of family planning research for
      policy-makers in India.
AB  - Abstract   Research and evaluation on any programme of the size and complexity of
      India's family planning programme provide essential feedback of information for
      policy-makers. In India's case the volume of feedback is very large (a cumulative
      total of about 300 KAP studies from the early fifties is reported). The
      methodology, utility and comparability of such studies have already attracted
      criticism.(1) In this article I hope to show that, in spite of an 'information
      overload' from KAP, communication, and evaluation studies (the aspects of family
      planning research considered here), the feedback is overwhelmingly selective in
      many important respects, leading to an unbalanced and unduly optimistic basis for
      further direction of the programme.

PMID- 22077708
TI  - Recent fertility decline in Ceylon.
AB  - Abstract   The crude birth rate for Ceylon has been falling steadily between 1960
      and 1970, except for a slight interruption in 1968. The fall between 1953 and
      1963 has been documented elsewhere and this paper will therefore deal with the
      period 1963-69.

PMID- 22077709
TI  - Social and economic factors in Hong Kong's fertility decline.
AB  - Abstract   In both developed and underdeveloped areas, many attempts have been
      made to alter the course of fertility through family planning intervention.
      Doubtless the availability of such services facilitates birth control for those
      who already desire to use it. Whether or not such exogenous interventions have
      any independent effect upon the operation of endogenous forces in the economy and
      society is, however, more problematical. Where fertility declines have been
      observed, family planning services have often been made widely available only
      after the decline in fertility had already set in. Nonetheless, observers have
      often attempted to attribute some fraction of the continuing decline in fertility
      to the operation of family planning activities. One especially notable case is
      that of Hong Kong, which provides some of the more persuasive evidence about the
      independent effects of family planning intervention.

PMID- 22077710
TI  - The integrative potential of a fertility model: An analytical test.
AB  - Abstract   In an earlier paper a working model of marital fertility was
      presented.(1) That model grew out of a close study of Becker's economic model for
      fertility analysis.(2) Becker's model was modified in several respects in order
      to meet a number of major objections levelled against it by Judith Blake, Deborah
      Freedman, and others.(3) The purpose of the present paper is to examine how far
      the model presented earlier can serve as a 'binder' for the interpretative
      schemes now available in the literature on fertility differentials. More
      specifically, the objective is to identify the underlying explanatory factors of
      a number of analytical hypotheses concerning fertility differentials, and to
      examine whether the factors thus identified can be located in the fertility model
      presented in the earlier paper.(4) Little attention will be paid to the causal
      directions, if any, recognized in the hypotheses studied, nor will we attempt to
      provide a systematic review of empirical findings.

PMID- 22077711
TI  - 'Continuation rate', 'use-effectiveness' and their assessment for the diaphragm
      and jelly method.
AB  - Abstract   The application of the life-table technique in the calculation of use
      effectiveness of a contraceptive was proposed by Potter in 1963.(1) The technique
      was also found to be useful in assessing the duration for which the use of a
      contraceptive was continued. The keen interest that existed in the use of IUD in
      the mid-1960's was reflected in the terminology developed for assessment of the
      continuity of use. 'Retention rate' was a frequently used index.(2) Because of
      the development of the concept of segments whose end-period determined either
      termination of the use of a method or its continuance on a cut-off date, 'closure
      rate' and 'termination rate' have been used as measures of the discontinuance of
      the use of methods primarily of the IUD.(3) While discussing concepts relating to
      acceptance, use and effectiveness of family planning methods, more generally, an
      expert group suggested that 'continuation' should be used to denote that a client
      (or a couple) had begun to practise a method and that the method was still being
      practised.(4) Since this group defined 'an acceptor' as a person taking service
      and/or advice, i.e. having an IUD insertion or a sterilization operation or
      receiving supplies (or advice on methods such as 'rhythm' or coitus-interruptus
      with the intent of using the method), the base for the assessment of continuation
      rates, according to this group, would be only those acceptors who had begun using
      the method. The lifetable method has also been used for the study of the
      continuation rate for pill acceptors.(5) Balakrishnan, et al., made a study of
      continuation rates of oral contraceptives using the multiple decrement life-table
      technique.(6).

PMID- 22077712
TI  - Some problems in the use of open birth intervals as indicators of fertility
      change.
AB  - Abstract   To measure changes in fertility brought about by specific family
      planning programmes has been one of the problems faced by demographers as well as
      policy-makers. This problem is particularly difficult in developing countries
      where the basic data are poor. Hence, there is a need to find indices of
      fertility that are easy to obtain, sensitive to changes in fertility and either
      not grossly affected by errors in data, or alternatively amenable to correction
      of data errors. Among many possible indices, the open live birth interval has
      attracted attention of many researchers and experts.(1).

PMID- 22077713
TI  - The time response in averted births.
AB  - Abstract   A calculation of the timing of births that are averted may seem a
      curious exercise, when not only do the births in question not occur, but the
      corresponding conceptions may never have existed. However, such a calculation may
      have considerable use. In order to assess the likely direct impact of a
      contraceptive programme on birth rates it is useful to estimate the number of
      births that would, in the absence of the programme, have occurred among the
      couples who accept it. Moreover, some time would necessarily elapse before a new
      'steady state' in fertility could be reached, even if the programme and the
      potentially fertile population did not change in any way; and it is worth while
      to seek to find the times (for a few years after the start of a programme) when
      the (averted) births would have occurred in its absence, and to examine any
      inherent oscillations produced in birth rates by it. This question is considered
      below only for groups of women aged 20 at marriage (a state which is taken to be
      the start of regular exposure to the risk of conception), but the same methods
      are applicable to other ages, (possibly allowing for mortality) and appropriate
      combinations of age groups and cohorts in the fertile range may be used to
      estimate changes in fertility and reproduction rates expected from a programme,
      subject to given conditions, for several years after its start. The methods can
      also be generalised, by means of convolution, to contraceptive programmes that
      change with time, but these are not considered further.

PMID- 22077716
TI  - Feelings of regret following uncommitted sexual encounters in Canadian university
      students.
AB  - In this study we explored the prevalence of regret following uncommitted sexual
      encounters (i.e., casual sex that occurs with someone once and only once or with
      someone known for less than 24 hours) among 138 female and 62 male Canadian
      university students, who were approximately 21 years of age. The majority of
      participants self-reported that they had experienced feelings of regret after an
      uncommitted sexual encounter. We found women reported feeling significantly more
      regret than men. However, men's regret was more closely tied to physical
      attributes than women's regrets. Regret was also influenced by the quality of the
      sex: high-quality sex rarely led to regret, while the reverse was true for poor
      quality sex. In keeping with past studies, intoxication by alcohol and/or drugs
      was often listed as a source of regret by both men and women.

PMID- 22077717
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative MALDI imaging of the positron emission tomography
      ligands raclopride (a D2 dopamine antagonist) and SCH 23390 (a D1 dopamine
      antagonist) in rat brain tissue sections using a solvent-free dry matrix
      application method.
AB  - The distributions of positron emission tomography (PET) ligands in rat brain
      tissue sections were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass
      spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI). The detection of the PET ligands was possible
      following the use of a solvent-free dry MALDI matrix application method employing
      finely ground dry alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA). The D2 dopamine
      receptor antagonist 3,5-dichloro-N-{[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}-2
      hydroxy-6-methoxybenzamide (raclopride) and the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist 7
      chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepin-8-ol (SCH 23390) were
      both detected at decreasing abundance at increasing period postdosing.
      Confirmation of the compound identifications and distributions was achieved by a
      combination of mass-to-charge ratio accurate mass, isotope distribution, and
      MS/MS fragmentation imaging directly from tissue sections (performed using MALDI
      TOF/TOF, MALDI q-TOF, and 12T MALDI-FT-ICR mass spectrometers). Quantitative data
      was obtained by comparing signal abundances from tissues to those obtained from
      quantitation control spots of the target compound applied to adjacent vehicle
      control tissue sections (analyzed during the same experiment). Following a single
      intravenous dose of raclopride (7.5 mg/kg), an average tissue concentration of
      approximately 60 nM was detected compared to 15 nM when the drug was dosed at 2
      mg/kg, indicating a linear response between dose and detected abundance. SCH
      23390 was established to have an average tissue concentration of approximately 15
      MUM following a single intravenous dose at 5 mg/kg. Both target compounds were
      also detected in kidney tissue sections when employing the same MSI methodology.
      This study illustrates that a MSI may well be readily applied to PET ligand
      research development when using a solvent-free dry matrix coating.

PMID- 22077718
TI  - Emerging concepts on the role of innate immunity in the prevention and control of
      HIV infection.
AB  - While neutralizing antibodies can provide sterilizing protection from HIV
      infection via their variable domains, the antibody constant domain provides a
      functional link between innate and adaptive immunity and offers a means to
      harness the potent antiviral properties of a wide spectrum of innate immune
      effector cells. There has been a growing appreciation of the role of these
      effector mechanisms across fields from cancer immunotherapy to autoimmunity and
      infectious disease, as well as speculation that this mechanism may be responsible
      for the protection observed in the RV144 HIV vaccine trial. This review
      summarizes these extraneutralizing humoral immune activities, progress in
      defining the importance of these effector mechanisms during progression in HIV
      infection, and the potential impact that such vaccine-induced immune responses
      may have on protection from infection.

PMID- 22077721
TI  - A collection of robust organic synthesis reactions for in silico molecule design.
AB  - A focused collection of organic synthesis reactions for computer-based molecule
      construction is presented. It is inspired by real-world chemistry and has been
      compiled in close collaboration with medicinal chemists to achieve high practical
      relevance. Virtual molecules assembled from existing starting material connected
      by these reactions are supposed to have an enhanced chance to be amenable to real
      chemical synthesis. About 50% of the reactions in the dataset are ring-forming
      reactions, which fosters the assembly of novel ring systems and innovative
      chemotypes. A comparison with a recent survey of the reactions used in early drug
      discovery revealed considerable overlaps with the collection presented here. The
      dataset is available encoded as computer-readable Reaction SMARTS expressions
      from the Supporting Information presented for this paper.

PMID- 22077719
TI  - Vaccines for malaria: how close are we?
AB  - Vaccines are the most powerful public health tools mankind has created, but
      malaria parasites are bigger, more complicated, and wilier than the viruses and
      bacteria that have been conquered or controlled with vaccines. Despite decades of
      research toward a vaccine for malaria, this goal has remained elusive.
      Nevertheless, recent advances justify optimism that a licensed malaria vaccine is
      within reach. A subunit recombinant protein vaccine that affords in the
      neighborhood of 50% protective efficacy against clinical malaria is in the late
      stages of clinical evaluation in Africa. Incremental improvements on this
      successful vaccine are possible and worth pursuing, but the best hope for a
      highly efficacious malaria vaccine that would improve prospects for malaria
      eradication may lie with the use of attenuated whole parasites and powerful
      immune-boosting adjuvants.

PMID- 22077722
TI  - Localized granulation tissue-like nodules: an unusual cutaneous presentation of
      secondary syphilis.

PMID- 22077723
TI  - Test-retest reliability of an emotion maintenance task.
AB  - Research on working memory has suggested domain-specific components for visual,
      verbal, and spatial information, and more recently for emotion. Affective working
      memory has been proposed as the set of processes involved in the maintenance of
      emotions to guide behaviour. The current study examined the reliability of an
      emotion maintenance/affective working memory task over two experimental sessions
      separated by one week. Subjective accuracy based on individual ratings was found
      to correlate over time and was highest for negatively valenced pictures. Results
      suggest that this paradigm is a reliable measure of emotion maintenance,
      underscoring the utility of this measure as an assessment tool for normative and
      clinical populations.

PMID- 22077724
TI  - An assessment of transgenomics as a tool for identifying genes involved in the
      evolutionary differentiation of closely related plant species.
AB  - * Transgenomics is the process of introducing genomic clones from a donor species
      into a recipient species and then screening the resultant transgenic lines for
      phenotypes of interest. This method might allow us to find genes involved in the
      evolution of phenotypic differences between species as well as genes that have
      the potential to contribute to reproductive isolation: potential speciation
      genes. * More than 1100 20-kbp genomic clones from Leavenworthia alabamica were
      moved into Arabidopsis thaliana by transformation. After screening a single
      primary transformant for each line, clones associated with mutant phenotypes were
      tested for repeatability and co-segregation. * We found 84 clones with possible
      phenotypic effects, of which eight were repeatedly associated with the same
      phenotype. One clone, 11_11B, co-segregated with a short fruit phenotype. Further
      study showed that 11_11B affects seed development, with as much as one-third of
      the seeds aborted in some fruit. * Transgenomics is a viable strategy for
      discovering genes of evolutionary interest. We identify methods to reduce false
      positives and false negatives in the future. 11_11B can be viewed as a potential
      speciation gene, illustrating the value of transgenomics for studying the
      molecular basis of reproductive isolation.

PMID- 22077725
TI  - Effects of estrogen metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol on tumor suppressor protein p53
      and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
AB  - An endogenous 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) metabolite, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME(2)),
      has been reported to exhibit estrogen receptor (ER)-independent anti-angiogenic
      and anti-tumor effects. Several mechanisms have been proposed for 2-ME(2)
      actions, but there is a lack of evidence for a common pathway for all of the cell
      types sensitive to this metabolite. We have examined potential alterations in p53
      in response to 2-ME(2), E(2) and the microtubule disruptor taxol in T47D breast
      cancer cells. Cells were cultured for six days in medium depleted of endogenous
      steroids or effectors. Semi-confluent cells were treated with 2-ME(2) (1 nM - 10
      uM), 10 nM E(2) and/or 1 uM taxol and subjected to SDS-PAGE and Western blot
      analysis, quantitative analysis, or laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Western
      blot analysis revealed a concentration-dependent biphasic trend in p53 levels.
      Addition of 10 nM - 1 uM 2-ME(2) induced significant up-regulation in p53, and
      this response gradually diminished to levels comparable to the control upon
      treatment with higher concentrations (2.5 - 10 uM). The observed upregulation of
      p53 induced by 2-ME(2) is inhibited by concurrent treatment with 1 uM taxol. Cell
      quantitation revealed a significant decrease (50 - 90%) in cell number upon
      treatment with 1 - 10 uM 2-ME(2) with minimal effect at lower concentrations. No
      additional effect on cell proliferation was observed when taxol was combined with
      10 nM or 1 uM 2-ME(2). In a concentration dependent manner, treatment with 2
      ME(2) for 24 h differentially influenced cellular localization of p53. These
      results may aid in further understanding the relationship between steroid
      receptors, tumor suppressor proteins, and effects of hormone metabolites on
      breast cancer cells.

PMID- 22077726
TI  - Autonomic dysfunction in ischemic stroke with carotid stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Impaired autonomic function is common in acute ischemic stroke.
      Previous limited studies have suggested that atherosclerosis may affect the
      distensibility of the carotid sinus and then impair the cardiovascular autonomic
      function. This study sought to investigate cardiovascular autonomic function in
      patients with ischemic stroke with carotid stenosis. METHODS: Eighty-five
      patients with ischemic stroke (58 ones without carotid stenosis and 27 ones with
      carotid stenosis, average 6 months after stroke onset) and 37 elderly controls
      were recruited. All performed Ewing's battery autonomic function tests. RESULTS:
      From Ewing's battery of autonomic function tests, atypical, definite, or severe
      autonomic dysfunction was identified in 69.0% patients without carotid stenosis
      and 88.9% with carotid stenosis, with significant difference between the two
      groups, and the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in both groups was higher
      than that in controls (21.6%). Patients with carotid stenosis showed impairment
      of all parasympathetic tests (all P < 0.05) and one of the sympathetic tests
      [Mean fall in systolic blood pressure (BP) on standing: P = 0.051], and those
      without carotid stenosis only showed impairment in two parasympathetic tests
      (Valsalva ratio: P = 0.014; heart rate response to deep breathing: P < 0.001) in
      comparison with controls. Patients with carotid stenosis had significantly more
      impairment than those without carotid stenosis in some autonomic parameters
      (Valsalva ratio: P < 0.05; mean fall in systolic BP on standing: P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular autonomic function is impaired in patients with
      ischemic stroke, but patients with carotid stenosis show more severely impaired
      parasympathetic and sympathetic functions.

PMID- 22077727
TI  - Neuropsychological evaluation and follow-up of children with cerebellar cortical
      dysplasia.
AB  - AIM: To describe neuropsychological disturbances and the developmental course
      associated with cerebellar cortical dysplasia (CCD). METHOD: The neuroimaging
      findings from 10 children (five males, five females; aged 3-10 y) with CCD were
      reviewed and classified. These children all underwent clinical neurological
      examination and neuropsychological assessment (NPA) on admission, then were
      followed for an average of 6 years using the cognitive Wechsler Scale, Vineland
      Adaptive Behavior Scales, and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure/McCarthy Drawing
      subtests. RESULTS: Based on magnetic resonance imaging, CCD was categorized as
      minor (n = 4), moderate (n = 1), and severe (n = 5). The first NPA disclosed
      mental retardation* in six (profound, three; moderate, one; mild, two) and normal
      intelligence in four (low, two; average, one; high, one), but with
      verbal/performance dissociation in three cases. Socio-adaptive functions were
      altered in all children except one. Visuospatial abilities were delayed in eight
      children. In the follow-up, no progression was observed in the three cases with
      profound mental retardation, whereas the remainder showed homogeneous or
      disharmonic progression, including improvement or deterioration of
      verbal/performance function. Cognitive impairment and evolution was not
      associated with the degree of cerebellar involvement. INTERPRETATION: The
      neuropsychological profile and evolution associated with CCD do not appear to be
      predictable, and some features might improve over time.

PMID- 22077728
TI  - Dental erosion and salivary flow rate in cerebral palsy individuals with
      gastroesophageal reflux.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) has been observed
      in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). One of the main risks for dental erosion
      is GERD. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of GERD, variables related to
      dental erosion and associated with GERD (diet consumption, gastrointestinal
      symptoms, bruxism), and salivary flow rate, in a group of 46 non
      institutionalized CP individuals aged from 3 to 13 years. METHODS: Twenty CP
      individuals with gastroesophageal reflux (GERDG) and 26 without gastroesophageal
      reflux (CG) were examined according to dental erosion criteria, drinking habits,
      presence of bruxism, and salivary flow rate. A face-to-face detailed
      questionnaire with the consumption and frequency of acid drinks, gastrointestinal
      symptoms (regurgitation and heart burn), and the presence of bruxism were
      answered by the caregivers of both groups. Unstimulated whole saliva was
      collected under slight suction, and salivary flow rate (ml/min) was calculated.
      RESULTS: The GERDG presented higher percentages of younger quadriplegics
      individuals compared to CG. The presence of regurgitation, heart burn, and tooth
      erosion (Grade 1) was significantly more prevalent in GERDG. It was observed
      difference in the salivary flow rate between the studied groups. On logistic
      multivariate regression analysis, the unique variable independently associated
      with the presence of GERD was dental erosion (P = 0.012, OR 86.64). CONCLUSION:
      The presence of GERD contributes significantly to dental erosion in the most
      compromised individuals with quadriplegics cerebral palsy individuals, increasing
      the risk of oral disease in this population.

PMID- 22077729
TI  - General application of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
      (NICE) guidance for active surveillance for men with prostate cancer is not
      appropriate in unscreened populations.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Active surveillance (AS) is a well
      recognised management strategy to minimise the morbidity associated with radical
      treatment of prostate cancer. The National Institute for Health and Clinical
      Excellence guidelines initially suggested that all men with low-risk prostate
      cancer should first be offered AS. The cohort of men with upstaging and upgrading
      of prostate cancer from diagnosis to final pathology has been described in North
      American and European populations. As the rate of PSA testing in Britain is lower
      than North America and parts of Europe, the risk of more advanced disease at
      diagnosis of prostate cancer is higher. The present study is one of the first to
      examine this cohort in a British population and found the rate of features of
      advanced disease (extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle involvement and
      Gleason 4 + 3, or 8-10) to be 37.2%. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the National
      Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for men with low
      risk prostate cancer were generally applicable in unscreened populations.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected case
      series from a single tertiary care centre in England. In all, 700 consecutive men
      treated for prostate cancer from 2005 by robot-assisted laparoscopic
      prostatectomy (RALP) were included. Patients satisfying NICE criteria for low
      risk disease (PSA level < 10 ng/mL and Gleason score <= 6 and cT1-2a) had their
      pathological samples analysed for advanced disease, defined as extracapsular
      extension (ECE: pT3), seminal vesicle involvement (SVI), Gleason sum 7, or 8-10
      or node-positive disease. RESULTS: In all, 275 patients (39.2%) met the NICE low
      risk criteria, but pathologically advanced disease was found in 37.2% of this
      group. There was ECE in 71 patients (25.8%), 10 had SVI (3.6%), nine (3.3%) had
      Gleason score 7(4 + 3), and 12 had Gleason sum 8-10 (4.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The NICE
      guidance was developed largely on data from North America where populations are
      highly screened using PSA testing. In the UK, many men with low-risk disease
      features have high-risk disease and the general applicability of the NICE
      guidance is questionable in unscreened populations. We recommend that radical
      therapy is discussed as an alternative option to active surveillance.

PMID- 22077730
TI  - Knowledge about patients' rights among professionals in public health care in
      Finland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The legal rights of patients include civil rights for patients and
      the duties of healthcare professionals. Knowledge of legislation and the ability
      to put juridical norms into practice are among the main aspects of professionals.
      AIM: The aim of the study was to describe the level of healthcare professionals'
      knowledge about patients' legal rights and to describe background variables
      associated with the knowledge. The legal rights are based on the Finnish Act on
      the Status and Rights of Patients. METHOD: The data were collected from
      healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians) in public health care in Finland
      (recruited N = 290, responded n = 191) with a questionnaire designed for the
      study. The response rate was 66%. The data were analysed statistically. RESULTS:
      Healthcare professionals were partially familiar with patients' legal rights. The
      right to good health care, treatment and access to care and right to self
      determination were the best-known areas. The respondents lacked knowledge on the
      right to information and the right to use the services of patient ombudsman.
      Based on self-evaluation, half of the respondents thought that they had weak
      knowledge of the legislation on patients' rights. However, they perceived
      knowledge about patients' rights as being important. There was no correlation
      between respondents' self-evaluated knowledge and actual scoring on the knowledge
      test. CONCLUSION: These results implicate a need for further education aimed at
      healthcare professionals and development of professional training about patients'
      legal rights.

PMID- 22077731
TI  - A primer for biomedical scientists on how to execute model II linear regression
      analysis.
AB  - 1. There are two very different ways of executing linear regression analysis. One
      is Model I, when the x-values are fixed by the experimenter. The other is Model
      II, in which the x-values are free to vary and are subject to error. 2. I have
      received numerous complaints from biomedical scientists that they have great
      difficulty in executing Model II linear regression analysis. This may explain the
      results of a Google Scholar search, which showed that the authors of articles in
      journals of physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry rarely use Model II
      regression analysis. 3. I repeat my previous arguments in favour of using least
      products linear regression analysis for Model II regressions. I review three
      methods for executing ordinary least products (OLP) and weighted least products
      (WLP) regression analysis: (i) scientific calculator and/or computer spreadsheet;
      (ii) specific purpose computer programs; and (iii) general purpose computer
      programs. 4. Using a scientific calculator and/or computer spreadsheet, it is
      easy to obtain correct values for OLP slope and intercept, but the corresponding
      95% confidence intervals (CI) are inaccurate. 5. Using specific purpose computer
      programs, the freeware computer program smatr gives the correct OLP regression
      coefficients and obtains 95% CI by bootstrapping. In addition, smatr can be used
      to compare the slopes of OLP lines. 6. When using general purpose computer
      programs, I recommend the commercial programs systat and Statistica for those who
      regularly undertake linear regression analysis and I give step-by-step
      instructions in the Supplementary Information as to how to use loss functions.

PMID- 22077732
TI  - Population policies in socialist countries of Europe.
AB  - Abstract   The emergence, in the mid-sixties, of policies aimed at counteracting
      rapid fertility decline in some socialist countries of Europe is discussed in the
      paper. Following a summary of recent population trends and policies in nine
      European socialist countries, and brief comments on ideological and theoretical
      considerations, factors relevant to policy decision are discussed. Population
      policies aiming at encouraging fertility exist in five countries, viz. German
      Demographic Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Recent
      developments appear to include attempts to stimulate third births with measures
      aiming to improve economic conditions of large families, the status of women,
      education and restriction of induced abortion.

PMID- 22077733
TI  - Vital rates in India 1961-71 estimated from 1971 census data.
AB  - Abstract   In the last decade the increase in the population of India, while, of
      course, very large, was smaller than predicted by official forecasts. With the
      use of recent census and sample registration data - in the absence of age
      specific rates and adequate vital statistics - this paper provides estimates of
      fertility and mortality through the reverse-survival and forward-projection
      methods. Birth rates are estimated as 40.5-42, death rates as 18-20, and life
      expectancy at birth as 45-46 years. Mortality decline had been smaller than
      forecast but more than during any comparable period in the past, even though
      current mortality levels, particularly infant mortality, are still high. Males
      continue to have a longer life expectation than females, with a difference that
      has widened in the past decade. The decline of between seven and ten per cent in
      the crude birth rate is largely due to changes in marital fertility and to some
      extent to changes in age and marital composition. Because of greater decline in
      death rates than birth rates, the 1961-71 decade shows a higher rate of
      population growth than previous periods.

PMID- 22077734
TI  - Regional trends in fertility and mortality in Brazil.
AB  - Abstract   Questions asked in the 1970 Brazilian census allow the application of
      fertility and childhood mortality techniques developed by W. Brass. Using some
      propositions based on fertility estimates from the 1970 census data it was
      possible to extend the analysis to the 1940, 1950 and 1960 censuses. Estimates
      are also provided for ten Brazilian regions, for 1940, 1950 and 1970.   These
      estimates show a slight decrease in the fertility level for the country as a
      whole, but two different trends at regional levels. Between 1940-50 and 1960-70
      the poorer regions experienced constant or increasing fertility levels while
      developed regions experienced declining ones, with only one exception. The
      mortality estimates indicate a consistent decline in the mortality level of all
      regions, but also a divergent trend between poor and developed regions, in life
      expectancies at birth. This work is a summarized version of Chapters II, III and
      IV of my Ph.D. thesis written under the supervision of Professor D. V. Glass and
      Mr J. Hobcraft at the University of London. I am most grateful to my supervisors
      as well as to Professor W. Brass for valuable comments on several aspects of the
      thesis. While carrying out this study, the author was supported by grants from
      the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the Ford Foundation.

PMID- 22077735
TI  - Demographic aspects of fertility in Thailand.
AB  - Abstract   Data from a national rural and urban sample survey are analysed in
      order to examine various demographic aspects of fertility in Thailand. Marital
      fertility rates found for Thailand are among the highest in Asia. Particularly
      noteworthy is the persistence of high fertility at older ages of childbearing for
      rural women.   Cumulative fertility shows a pronounced relationship with age at
      marriage and current marital status. Women who marry at an older age or who
      experience disruption of their marriages are clearly more likely to have fewer
      children ever born. Differences in both current and cumulative fertility are
      strongly associated with residence. Rural women who constitute the vast majority
      of Thai women, experience the highest fertility, Bangkok-Thonburi women
      experience the lowest fertility and provincial urban women are characterized by
      an intermediate fertility level which is closer, however, to the experience of
      their counterparts in the capital than in the countryside. Rural-urban fertility
      differences are mitigated but by no means eliminated by differences in infant
      mortality.   In both rural and urban areas a positive association between
      cumulative fertility and infant morality is evident. Breast-feeding, commonly
      practised for extended periods-among both rural and urban Thai women, undoubtedly
      serves to some extent as an intervening variable in this relationship. A
      comparison of current fertility with cumulative fertility strongly suggests that
      a decline in marital fertility has been under way recently among urban women,
      especially those residing in the capital, but not at all among rural women.
      Although it seems safe to assume that the urban fertility decline results in
      large part from an increasing use of contraception among urban women, those still
      in the reproductive ages who were using or had previously used birth control were
      characterized by higher cumulative fertility than women who had never practised
      contraception. Evidently couples resort to family planning only late in the
      family building process after they have already achieved or exceeded the number
      of children they wish to have.

PMID- 22077736
TI  - Fertility and number of partnerships in Barbados.
AB  - Abstract   This paper examines the relationship between the number of
      partnerships ever engaged in and fertility, as measured by the average number of
      live births. It was found that the larger the number of partnerships in which a
      woman had been engaged the higher is her fertility. This relationship between
      partnerships and fertility remains even when such variables as present age, age
      at first partnership, age at first pregnancy, time lost between unions, time
      spent in partnerships, time since entry into the first partnership, type of
      sexual union at first pregnancy, present type of sexual union, and current use or
      non-use of contraceptives are controlled by cross tabulation. Correlation
      analysis also bears out the positive relationship between partnerships and
      fertility. The data for this study came from a sample survey of 4,199 women of
      lower, and lower middle, socio-economic status who were interviewed in 1971 on
      the island of Barbados. The authors have confidence in the reliability and
      validity of their data and hence in their findings and conclusions.   The authors
      believe that their findings contradict the previously established positive
      relationship between patterns of stability of sexual unions and fertility in
      English-speaking Caribbean societies. They conclude that the relationship was
      either not rigorously examined in the past or else has undergone changes as these
      societies modernize economically and socially.

PMID- 22077737
TI  - The effect of an additional birth on low-income urban families.
AB  - Abstract   The effects of the birth of an additional child to families living in
      poverty areas of New York City are studied in this paper. Surveys conducted by
      the National Opinion Research Center in 1965 and 1967 provided the data in a
      panel of parous or married women of childbearing age. Control ling for the number
      of children in the family in 1965, the non-occurrence of an additional birth in
      the following two years was found to have a significant effect on current income,
      savings, reliance on public assistance, general ability to plan and organize
      one's household, and wife's employment. No significant effects were found with
      respect to possession of consumer durables or attending a school or training
      course. While many claims have been made about the beneficial effects of family
      planning on family welfare, this study is among a very small number where such
      effects are empirically documented.

PMID- 22077738
TI  - Systematic and chance components in fertility measurement.
AB  - Abstract   A Monte Carlo simulation model of fertility is developed to
      incorporate a decline in fecundability with age of women as well as a variation
      between women, and a family planning strategy in which couples prefer certain
      sizes of families and seek to lengthen the last planned birth interval. In the
      simulation of family planning and non-family planning populations, segmental
      parity tables are computed. These are tables in which the numbers of women in the
      columns representing the completed family sizes are sub-divided by rows
      representing the sizes of the families for shorter durations of marriage. The
      couples' success in their plans, under various conditions, and the rapidity with
      which family sizes stabilize, are among the results obtained from the simulation.
      The application of the tables to the estimation of family size preferences from
      observed family size distributions is also discussed.

PMID- 22077739
TI  - Risk, uncertainty and family formation: The social context of poverty groups.
AB  - Abstract   Despite the assumptions of many demographers that the net returns from
      children for non-elite groups in underdeveloped areas are likely to be negative,
      high fertility persists in most of these societies. Both cultural and
      institutional explanations have been proposed to account for this. We attempt to
      provide some mediation between these competing models, by introducing the
      elements of risk and uncertainty as factors likely to induce poverty and lead
      works to opt for the 'high fertility, low quality' pattern of investment of time
      and money in family formation. Drawing upon the work of Wharton in subsistence
      agriculture practices, several alternative decision-making models are proposed to
      account for both the persistence of high fertility, and the declines that have
      been registered in selected areas, such as Taiwan and perhaps China. The
      empirical work of Mueller on Taiwanese expectations of returns on children and
      the concomitant variation in family-size preferences is consistent with the
      models proposed. Some implications for uncertainty and risk-reduction strategies
      in family planning and other social welfare programmes are drawn.

PMID- 22077742
TI  - Effect of communication style and physician-family relationships on satisfaction
      with pediatric chronic disease care.
AB  - Over 8% of children have a chronic disease and many are unable to adhere to
      treatment. Satisfaction with chronic disease care can impact adherence. We
      examine how visit satisfaction is associated with physician communication style
      and ongoing physician-family relationships. We collected surveys and visit videos
      for 75 children ages 9-16 years visiting for asthma, diabetes, or sickle cell
      disease management. Raters assessed physician communication style (friendliness,
      interest, responsiveness, and dominance) from visit videos. Quality of the
      ongoing relationship was measured with four survey items (parent-physician
      relationship, child-physician relationship, comfort asking questions, and trust
      in the physician), while a single item assessed satisfaction. Correlations and
      chi square were used to assess association of satisfaction with communication
      style or quality of the ongoing relationship. Satisfaction was positively
      associated with physician to parent (p < 0.05) friendliness. Satisfaction was
      also associated with the quality of the ongoing parent-physician (p < 0.001) and
      child-physician relationships (p < 0.05), comfort asking questions (p < 0.001),
      and trust (p < 0.01). This shows that both the communication style and the
      quality of the ongoing relationship contribute to pediatric chronic disease visit
      satisfaction.

PMID- 22077743
TI  - A genome-wide phylogenetic reconstruction of family 1 UDP-glycosyltransferases
      revealed the expansion of the family during the adaptation of plants to life on
      land.
AB  - For almost a decade, our knowledge on the organisation of the family 1 UDP
      glycosyltransferases (UGTs) has been limited to the model plant A. thaliana. The
      availability of other plant genomes represents an opportunity to obtain a broader
      view of the family in terms of evolution and organisation. Family 1 UGTs are
      known to glycosylate several classes of plant secondary metabolites. A phylogeny
      reconstruction study was performed to get an insight into the evolution of this
      multigene family during the adaptation of plants to life on land. The
      organisation of the UGTs in the different organisms was also investigated. More
      than 1500 putative UGTs were identified in 12 fully sequenced and assembled plant
      genomes based on the highly conserved PSPG motif. Analyses by maximum likelihood
      (ML) method were performed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships existing
      between the sequences. The results of this study clearly show that the UGT family
      expanded during the transition from algae to vascular plants and that in higher
      plants the clustering of UGTs into phylogenetic groups appears to be conserved,
      although gene loss and gene gain events seem to have occurred in certain
      lineages. Interestingly, two new phylogenetic groups, named O and P, that are not
      present in A. thaliana were discovered.

PMID- 22077744
TI  - Editorial: Preventing suicide by using consumer peer specialists.

PMID- 22077745
TI  - Managing risk: clinical decision-making in mental health services.
AB  - Risk assessment and management is a major component of contemporary mental health
      practice. Risk assessment in health care exists within contemporary perspectives
      of management and risk aversive practices in health care. This has led to much
      discussion about the best approach to assessing possible risks posed by people
      with mental health problems. In addition, researchers and commentators have
      expressed concern that clinical practice is being dominated by managerial models
      of risk management at the expense of meeting the patient's health and social care
      needs. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the risk assessment
      practices of a multidisciplinary mental health service. Findings indicate that
      mental health professionals draw on both managerial and therapeutic approaches to
      risk management, integrating these approaches into their clinical practice.
      Rather than being dominated by managerial concerns regarding risk, the
      participants demonstrate professional autonomy and concern for the needs of their
      clients.

PMID- 22077746
TI  - Obstetric and neonatology nurses' attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to
      the management of symptoms of maternal depression.
AB  - Although maternal depression is a common emotional disorder, assessment and
      intervention rates are low. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we examined
      attitudes, beliefs, and practices of obstetrical and neonatology nurses toward
      the management of symptoms of maternal depression (SMD). Nurses believed they
      were responsible to assess for SMD and intervene with women showing SMD. However,
      only 50% assessed for SMD at least once monthly. Identified barriers to care
      were: lack of time, training, language, and patient and family beliefs. NICU
      nurses reported lower confidence, knowledge, and skills, than other nurses who
      participated in this study. This study shows there is a need to enhance nurses?
      confidence in assessing and intervening with SMD, and to clarify the referral
      process.

PMID- 22077747
TI  - Becoming a psychiatric/mental health nurse in the UK: a qualitative study
      exploring processes of identity formation.
AB  - Identity studies are well established across the social science literature with
      mental health nursing beginning to offer evidenced insights into what may, or may
      not, constitute key identity performances. For mental health nursing these
      performances remain contested, both from within the profession and from
      international contexts that favour generic constructions of mental health. This
      paper offers findings from a qualitative study that focused upon the process of
      how mental health nursing identity development is influenced, rather than what
      that identity may or may not be. These findings highlight that mental health
      nurses (MHNs) not only form their identity around service user centred education
      and training, but that many also use the education as a means to leave the
      profession. Through highlighting the impact of informal education (i.e., through
      work), formal education, and training upon the formation of mental health nursing
      identity, nurses are potentially alerted to the importance of clinically focussed
      mental health being prominent within curricula, rewarding mental health nursing
      skills specialisation, and the importance of the role of the service user in
      mental health nurse education and, hence, identity formation.

PMID- 22077749
TI  - A psychometric analysis of the functional social support questionnaire in low
      income pregnant women.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the
      Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) in pregnant women. A secondary
      analysis of data from 186 low-income pregnant women in their third trimester was
      conducted to assess the internal consistency reliability, dimensionality, and
      concurrent validity of the FSSQ. Cronbach's alpha was .83. Factor analysis
      supported the unidimensionality of the FSSQ. Correlations with the Interpersonal
      Support Evaluation List (ISEL) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression Scale (CES-D) supported concurrent and construct validity. This
      secondary analysis provided evidence of the psychometric soundness of the FSSQ in
      this sample.

PMID- 22077748
TI  - Depressive symptoms in extended-care employees: children, social support, and
      work-family conditions.
AB  - To examine the relation between having a child aged 18 years and under in the
      home and employee depressive symptoms, we analyzed cross-sectional data from four
      extended care facilities in Boston, MA (n = 376 employees). Results show that
      having a child is associated with slightly higher depressive symptoms. The
      strength of this relationship in our models is attenuated with the inclusion of
      social support at home (beta = 1.08 and beta = 0.85, with and without support,
      respectively) and may differ by gender. We recommend that future research examine
      the role of parenting and social support in predicting employee mental health.

PMID- 22077750
TI  - Knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian nurses towards patients with HIV/AIDS:
      findings from a nationwide survey.
AB  - This study explored the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian nurses toward
      patients with HIV/AIDS, particularly in regards to their sources of information
      and education. This survey utilized a cross-sectional design. A self-administered
      questionnaire developed by Eckstein was used in collecting the data. A total of
      922 nurses completed the questionnaire. Overall, Jordanian nurses expressed
      negative attitudes toward patients with HIV/AIDS, and their level of HIV/AIDS
      knowledge was weak. Weak knowledge level was recorded among nurses in the
      following subsections: agent and immunology; course and manifestation;
      transmission and incidence; and precaution and prevention. Only in one subsection
      (risk group), did nurses show a good level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. More than
      two-thirds of nurses (84%) refused to provide care to patients who tested
      positive for HIV/AIDS. Most of the nurse participants believed that currently
      provided HIV/AIDS information resources were inadequate (81.4 %). The majority of
      nurses were interested in support groups for staff nurses (96.5%). The major
      source of HIV/AIDS information obtained by Jordanian nurses was through Internet
      web sites (52.7%). The majority of nurses (96.2%) ranked their fear of getting
      AIDS from their nursing practice as overwhelming. The total attitude of
      participants towards patients with HIV/AIDS in all five subsections (i.e., fear
      of contagion, social stigma, fatal outcome of the disease, direct care, and
      education and counseling) was negative (84.3%). Accurate knowledge about HIV/AIDS
      along with an in-depth understanding of patients? needs can help alleviate much
      of the fear, anxiety, and stigma associated with caring for patients with
      HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 22077751
TI  - Examining the efficacy of no-suicide contracts in inpatient psychiatric settings:
      implications for psychiatric nursing.
AB  - Verbal and written no-suicide contracts are commonly practiced by psychiatric
      nurses in inpatient psychiatric facilities. However, evidence is sparse regarding
      whether no-suicide contracts are effective tools for maintaining patient safety.
      The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the verbal and written no
      suicide contracts, discuss the resulting implications for psychiatric nurses on
      inpatient units, and suggest alternative clinical practices for inpatient
      psychiatric nurses to utilize to increase patient safety.

PMID- 22077752
TI  - Heartbreak and physical pain linked in brain.

PMID- 22077756
TI  - Cerebellar haemorrhage in the extremely preterm infant.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors and
      developmental outcomes of cerebellar haemorrhage in the extremely preterm infant.
      METHODS: Over a 4-year period from January 2004, all patients with cerebellar
      haemorrhage born at 24-27 weeks gestation or with a birthweight < 1000 g were
      identified from database review. All patients had cranial ultrasound scans
      including views from the mastoid fontanelle. To verify the incidence, a review of
      all reports over the 4-year period and a review of all cranial imaging over a 2
      year period were carried out. RESULTS: From the data analysed on 339 neonates,
      five cases of cerebellar haemorrhage were identified, four on ultrasound scan
      (1.2%) and one on magnetic resonance imaging (1.5% total). Two cases were
      associated with grade III peri-intraventricular haemorrhage. The cases had
      diverse maternal, antenatal and post-natal risk factors. The two with associated
      peri-intraventricular haemorrhage have developmental delay. The cases with
      isolated cerebellar haemorrhage had good neurodevelopmental outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: A low incidence of cerebellar haemorrhage identified from the
      mastoid fontanelle was demonstrated. The neurodevelopmental outcome was better
      than that described in previous reports.

PMID- 22077757
TI  - Surface plasmon-enhanced nanopillar photodetectors.
AB  - We demonstrate nanopillar-(NP) based plasmon-enhanced photodetectors (NP-PEPDs)
      operating in the near-infrared spectral regime. A novel fabrication technique
      produces subwavelength elongated nanoholes in a metal surface self-aligned to
      patterned NP arrays that acts as a 2D plasmonic crystal. Surface plasmon
      Polariton Bloch waves (SPP-BWs) are excited by the metal nanohole array resulting
      in electric field intensity "hot spots" in the NP. The NP periodicity determines
      the peak responsivity wavelength while the nanohole asymmetry produces
      polarization-dependent coupling of the SPP-BW modes. Resulting photodetectors
      have 0.28 A/W responsivity peaked at 1100 nm at a reverse bias of -5 V. Designs
      for further increasing the optical coupling efficiency into the nanopillar are
      explored. This technology has potential applications for plasmonically enhanced
      focal plane arrays and plasmonic photovoltaics.

PMID- 22077759
TI  - The effect of facial expression and gaze direction on memory for unfamiliar
      faces.
AB  - We report data from an experiment that investigated the influence of gaze
      direction and facial expression on face memory. Participants were shown a set of
      unfamiliar faces with either happy or angry facial expressions, which were either
      gazing straight ahead or had their gaze averted to one side. Memory for faces
      that were initially shown with angry expressions was found to be poorer when
      these faces had averted as opposed to direct gaze, whereas memory for individuals
      shown with happy faces was unaffected by gaze direction. We suggest that memory
      for another individual's face partly depends on an evaluation of the behavioural
      intention of that individual.

PMID- 22077758
TI  - Effect of saliva viscosity on the co-aggregation between oral streptococci and
      Actinomyces naeslundii.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The co-aggregation of oral bacteria leads to their clearance from the
      oral cavity. Poor oral hygiene and high saliva viscosity are common amongst the
      elderly; thus, they frequently suffer from pneumonia caused by the aspiration of
      oral microorganisms. OBJECTIVES: To examine the direct effect of saliva viscosity
      on the co-aggregation of oral streptococci with actinomyces. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifteen oral streptococcal and a single actinomyces strain were used. Co
      aggregation was assessed by a visual assay in phosphate buffer and a
      spectrophotometric assay in the same buffer containing 0-60% glycerol or whole
      saliva. RESULTS: Nine oral streptococci co-aggregated with Actinomyces naeslundii
      ATCC12104 in the visual assay and were subsequently used for the
      spectrophotometric analysis. All tested strains displayed a decrease in co
      aggregation with increasing amounts of glycerol in the buffer. The co-aggregation
      of Streptococcus oralis with A. naeslundii recovered to baseline level following
      the removal of glycerol. The per cent co-aggregation of S. oralis with A.
      naeslundii was significantly correlated with the viscosity in unstimulated and
      stimulated whole saliva samples (correlation coefficients: -0.52 and -0.48,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that saliva viscosity affects the
      co-aggregation of oral streptococci with actinomyces and that bacterial co
      aggregation decreases with increasing saliva viscosity.

PMID- 22077760
TI  - An overview of swine influenza.
AB  - Summary   Swine influenza is a highly infectious viral disease of pigs, causing
      considerable economic impact. The causative agent is known as a type A
      orthomyxovirus with a segmented RNA genome. Influenza type A virus is a highly
      contagious pathogen among a limited number of birds and mammals. The objective of
      this review is to summarize the current knowledge in swine influenza infection in
      pigs with emphasizing on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques and
      control measures.

PMID- 22077761
TI  - First chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance of roe deer (Capreolus
      capreolus) in the Northern part of Belgium.
AB  - Summary   Cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild cervids have yet not
      been reported in Europe, Whereas the disease is considered enzootic in free
      ranging mule deer, Rocky mountain elk and White-tailed deer in the area of
      Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. New foci of CWD continue to be detected in other
      parts of the United States. However, no large-scale active epidemiosurveillance
      of European wild cervids is yet installed in Europe. In accordance with the
      opinion of the European Scientific Steering Conunittee, a preliminary (active)
      surveillance scheme was installed, in order to Improve the knowledge of the CWD
      status of wild cervids (roe deer) in the Northern part of Belgium. Spleen samples
      (n = 206) and brain samples (n = 222) of roe deer collected in the Northern part
      of Belgium, were examined for CWD using the antigen-capture enzyme-linked
      immunoassay (EIA) of IDEXX. Afterwards, the EIA was systematically confirmed by
      immunohistochemistry using three antibodies, namely R524, 2G11 and 12F10. There
      were no indications on the occurrence of TSE in any of the samples. A Bayesian
      framework was used for the estimation of the true prevalence of CWD in the
      Northern part of Belgium that was estimated to have a median value of zero with a
      95(th) percentile value of 0.0049 and 0.0045 for spleen and brain samples
      respectively.

PMID- 22077762
TI  - Borna Disease Virus (BDV) infection in cats a concise review based on current
      knowledge.
AB  - Summary   Persistent viral infections of the central nervous system have been the
      subject of intense interest for decades. One of these viral agents has been
      identified as Borna disease virus (BDV) of the family Bornaviridae. There have
      been various reports that link BDV to staggering disease in cats, with symptoms
      that include ataxia and behavioural disorders, and the disease is often referred
      to as feline Borna disease. Serological and molecular detection of BDV has been
      reported at a higher prevalence in cats with neurological disorders in comparison
      to healthy cats. The transmission route(s) of BDV remain largely unknown, and the
      hypothesis that BDV is a zoonotic agent is yet to be proven. This review
      summarises the current knowledge on BDV infection in cats and discusses
      epidemiological aspects of infection.

PMID- 22077763
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22077765
TI  - Protein-protein binding sites prediction by 3D structural similarities.
AB  - Identifying the location of binding sites on proteins is of fundamental
      importance for a wide range of applications including molecular docking, de novo
      drug design, structure identification, and comparison of functional sites. In
      this paper, we develop an efficient approach for finding binding sites between
      proteins. Our approach consists of four steps: local sequence alignment, protein
      surface detection, 3D structure comparison, and candidate binding site selection.
      A comparison of our method with the LSA algorithm shows that the binding sites
      predicted by our method are somewhat closer to the actual binding sites in the
      protein-protein complexes. The software package is available at 
      http://sites.google.com/site/guofeics/pro-bs  for noncommercial use.

PMID- 22077766
TI  - Resolution and quantification of complex mixtures of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in heavy fuel oil sample by means of GC * GC-TOFMS combined to
      multivariate curve resolution.
AB  - Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (GC * GC-TOFMS) combined to multivariate curve resolution-alternating least
      squares (MCR-ALS) is proposed for the resolution and quantification of very
      complex mixtures of compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in
      heavy fuel oil (HFO). Different GC * GC-TOFMS data slices acquired during the
      analysis of HFO samples and PAH standards were simultaneously analyzed using the
      MCR-ALS method to resolve the pure component elution profiles in the two
      chromatographic dimensions as well as their pure mass spectra. Outstandingly,
      retention time shifts within and between GC * GC runs were not affecting the
      results obtained using the proposed strategy and proper resolution of strongly
      coeluted compounds, baseline and background contributions was achieved.
      Calibration curves built up with standard samples of PAHs allowed the
      quantification of ten of them in HFO aromatic fractions. Relative errors in their
      estimated concentrations were in all cases below 6%. The obtained results were
      compared to those obtained by commercial software provided with GC * GC-TOFMS
      instruments and to Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC). Inspection of these
      results showed improvement in terms of data fitting, elution process description,
      concentration relative errors and relative standard deviations.

PMID- 22077767
TI  - Cerebellar contribution to cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions in
      children with cerebellar abnormalities.

PMID- 22077768
TI  - Gabapentin enacarbil for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gabapentin enacarbil is a new treatment for restless legs syndrome
      (RLS). It is a prodrug of the anticonvulsant gabapentin. However, unlike
      gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil does not demonstrate saturable absorption. This
      allows for once-daily dosing and less variability in serum levels. AREAS COVERED:
      This review focuses on therapies used to treat RLS, both historical and recent.
      Data from available trials are summarized, with a particular focus on the
      efficacy and safety of gabapentin enacarbil. Potential advantages and
      disadvantages of this therapy in comparison with other RLS treatment modalities
      are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Placebo-controlled trials of gabapentin enacarbil
      demonstrate considerable efficacy in the treatment of RLS. However, head-to-head
      trials comparing gabapentin enacarbil with other medications used in the
      treatment of RLS, including gabapentin, are lacking. Potential advantages with
      gabapentin enacarbil related to its pharmacokinetic profile are thus difficult to
      ascertain. Efficacy of gabapentin enacarbil appears comparable with that of the
      dopamine agonists, long considered the therapy of choice in patients with RLS.
      Given the lack of direct-comparison trials, and the significant cost differential
      of gabapentin enacarbil versus established therapies, the drug is likely to be
      used for patients who have failed other medication trials, or those who
      experience prolonged symptoms and prefer once-daily dosing.

PMID- 22077769
TI  - Pyrophthalones as blue wavelength absorbers in thermoplastic media.
AB  - We have explored the utility of pyrophthalones as violet-blue light filtering
      dyes in polymer matrices for wavelengths below 450 nm. Further, we have
      investigated the photodegradation of these molecules in thermoplastic media and
      the mechanisms behind their degradation. Finally, a range of additives have been
      explored to improve the photostability of these molecules to achieve the desired
      performance.

PMID- 22077770
TI  - Formal synthesis of berkelic acid: a lesson in alpha-alkylation chemistry.
AB  - The full details of our enantioselective formal synthesis of the biologically
      active natural product berkelic acid are described. The insertion of the C-18
      methyl group proved challenging, with three different approaches investigated to
      install the correct stereochemistry. Our initial Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons/oxa
      Michael approach to the berkelic acid core proved unsuccessful upon translation
      to the natural product itself. However, addition of a silyl enol ether to an
      oxonium ion, followed by a one-pot debenzylation/spiroketalisation/thermodynamic
      equilibration procedure, afforded the tetracyclic structure of the berkelic acid
      core as a single diastereoisomer.

PMID- 22077771
TI  - Vagal nerve modulation: a promising new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular
      diseases.
AB  - The physiological activities of the mammalian heart are regulated by the
      autonomic nervous system. An imbalanced autonomic nervous system with increased
      sympathetic tone and reduced vagal tone has been implicated in cardiovascular
      diseases. Experimental and clinical reports have demonstrated that vagal nerve
      activation is able to improve outcomes for multiple cardiovascular diseases, such
      as ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and hypertension. In this
      paper, we mainly focus on the potential cardioprotective mechanisms of vagal
      nerve activation. Based on the knowledge gained from our experiments and other
      published reports, vagal activation results in cardioprotection is not only
      associated with heart rate, anti-adrenergic effect but also related to anti
      inflammatory activity, regulation of cellular redox states and regulation of
      mitochondrial targets. In conclusion, vagal nerve activation may be a promising
      new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22077772
TI  - Risks with older adults in acute care settings: UK occupational therapists' and
      physiotherapists' perceptions of risks associated with discharge and professional
      practice.
AB  - Internationally, there is evidence that hospital discharge to home for older
      adults is a complex and challenging process that is dependent upon
      multidisciplinary team working. At the centre of the discharge process is the
      management of risk, which involves occupational therapists and other healthcare
      professionals managing perceived dangers and determining why some dangers are
      seen as presenting risks while others are not. This study did not aim to explore
      interprofessional differences but to ascertain a greater understanding of
      professionals' perceptions of risk in acute care settings. This qualitative study
      utilised 12 semi-structured interviews with seven occupational therapists and
      five physiotherapists in the United Kingdom (UK). During the interview,
      therapists were asked to read and answer questions on a validated vignette. The
      interview data were subjected to thematic content analysis and the vignettes to
      template analysis. Our research is one of the first studies to explore
      therapists' perceptions of risk with older adults in acute care settings. Our
      study has highlighted that perception of risk does have an impact on discharge
      decision-making and location. Therapists used negative terminology to refer to
      patients who wanted to take risks, which could be a reflection of the therapists'
      anxiety. Mental capacity, and patients' functioning and safety were key factors
      in risk decision-making with older adults. Our research has highlighted the
      potential value of multidisciplinary working to manage risk situations and the
      need for reflection and discussion regarding how persons who do not have capacity
      wishes are managed within acute care settings. There is a need to develop an
      interprofessional care pathway to guide clinicians through the risk decision
      making process which needs to ensure that the client's opinions and wishes are
      taken into account throughout.

PMID- 22077773
TI  - Recent fertility in Mexico: measurement and interpretation.
AB  - Summary   Mexican fertility has remained at a high level (a crude birth rate of
      42-46) in spite of rapid economic development and its concomitants: rising levels
      of urbanization, education, income, and female labour force participation, and
      falling levels of infant mortality and agricultural population, combined with
      rural-urban migration.   Data on child-woman ratios and children-ever-born
      statistics, for Mexico and each state, suggest that the constant crude birth rate
      is not masking age or region-specific declines in fertility.   Cross-section
      regressions are employed in an attempt to explain Mexico's paradoxical fertility
      behaviour. Using measures of income, education, urbanization, occupational
      status, industrial composition, labour force participation, and the sex ratio, in
      a weighted log-linear form, a large portion of the variation in state adjusted
      child-woman ratios is explained by the 'demographic transition' variables. The
      only two which might possibly explain the trend in Mexican fertility are the
      income variable and the sex ratio, which have positive influences on Mexican
      fertility in 1960 and 1970.

PMID- 22077774
TI  - The fertility of the asian community of East Africa.
AB  - Summary   Fertility indices of one sort or another can be calculated for the
      Asian populations of Uganda and Kenya back to 1931. These indices suggest that
      fertility has fallen sharply during the 1950s and 1960s. Considerable problems
      are experienced in trying to determine the actual level of fertility, however,
      since all the techniques developed to deal with defective data are so affected by
      the falling fertility and migratory movements of the population, as to be
      virtually useless. An analysis of the causes of the fertility decline suggests
      that both changes in marriage patterns and changes in fertility within marriage
      have contributed to the fall, and that these changes have come about as a result
      of the better education and economic opportunities available to the Asian
      community.

PMID- 22077775
TI  - Children as by-products, investment goods and consumer goods: A Review of some
      micro-economic models of fertility.
AB  - Summary   This paper is a review of a number of applications of traditional micro
      economics to the analysis of fertility. In this paper four general models of
      family size are developed and utilized for classifying previous work on the micro
      economic analysis of fertility.   The general models describe four family
      decision-making situations. The outcome of these decisions determines fertility
      either directly or indirectly. In the first model, parents are forced to choose
      between sexual activity and a higher standard of living. Children are the by
      products of the amount of sexual activity chosen. In the second model, children
      are an investment good and family size is determined by the choice between
      current and future consumption. The third and fourth models depict situations in
      which children are considered to be desirable in themselves, that is, they are
      consumption goods.

PMID- 22077777
TI  - Some principles of cost-benefit analysis of family planning services in
      developing countries.
AB  - Summary   A number of controversial issues are discussed, relating to the
      assessment of both costs and benefits of family planning services. All costs and
      benefits, whether accruing to society or the parents of the child whose birth is
      averted, and the child itself, should be included in the analysis, even if they
      cannot easily be measured or appear as externalities. Different rates of interest
      to be used in discounting to obtain present values apply to various items; these
      rates may vary between the commercial rates of interest and negative values. It
      is also shown that the costs of running a service include, in addition to current
      expenditure, not only basic investments, but also that the benefit accruing to
      society by averting births comprises a kind of investment, namely the amount
      spent on the subsistence of the child whose birth is averted before he would have
      started producing. Marginal values are to be preferred to average values for the
      calculation of costs and benefits. Thus, the costs of a family planning service
      should be expressed as the amount of money needed to avert one additional birth
      and the benefits as the amount saved by one additional averted birth. The latter
      cannot be measured by comparing the GNP per head when the birth is averted, with
      the situation when it is not. This can only be done by computing the excess of
      the child's life-time consumption over his life-time production.

PMID- 22077776
TI  - The influence of human fertility on the economic conditions of the rural
      population in poland.
AB  - Summary   In 1970, Polish women in agricultural households reported larger
      numbers of children born alive than women in other occupations. When controlling
      for the influence of age at marriage and duration of marriage, the average number
      of children born per women among the farming population increased directly with
      the amount of privately owned agricultural land. Consistently, women whose
      principal source of livelihood was derived from non-agricultural sources even
      though they resided in villages, showed lower fertility than those in the
      agricultural sector, but significantly higher fertility than city women.   This
      study is based on the five per cent sample of ever-married women between 15 and
      70 years of age interviewed about their past reproductive histories in Poland
      during the 1970 Census of Population.The conclusions identify the high level of
      human fertility in rural populations as the main determinant of economic status
      among Polish peasants whose sources of support derive primarily from farming.
      Additional evidence supporting the hypothesis of dependence of the agricultural
      economy on the force of human reproduction is based on data for Slovakia and the
      Czech regions.

PMID- 22077778
TI  - Migration and fertility in Ticino.
AB  - Summary   Migration in the Swiss canton of Ticino is one example of the wide
      variety of demographic systems that existed in pre-industrial Europe. The
      continuous movement of men was a consequence of economic, social and geographic
      conditions which restricted the demand for labour. Seasonal migration and
      overseas migration were both sex and age selective. They resulted in an imbalance
      of the sex ratio and a remarkably low female nuptiality. They also reduced
      fertility within marriage by separating husbands and wives during their
      childbearing years. The effect of long, medium and short-term migration on
      fertility can be isolated from census and vital registration sources.

PMID- 22077779
TI  - Population dynamics and drought: A village in Niger.
AB  - Summary   The paper reports the results of demographic research in a rural
      village of about 1500 Hausaspeaking farmers in southern Niger, during the winter
      of 1973-74. The research site lies at the heart of the Sahel-sudanic zone just to
      the south of the Sahara, where drought, and in some areas, famine have exacted a
      heavy human, animal, and economic toll since 1968. The study was designed to
      measure and explain the change in the size and structure of the population during
      the years 1969-73. Social anthropological field techniques were used to ensure
      full and accurate reporting by community residents on all census topics. Data on
      rainfall and crop yields, on health and sanitary conditions, and on the political
      economy, social organization, and culture of the village were gathered in order
      to interpret the demographic situation   The analysis of this data yields the
      following conclusions: 1.     The population of the village appears younger (mean
      age: 15 years) and growing faster (mean doubling time: 23 years) than reported
      for Niger as a whole in 1972. 2.     Contrary to what the researchers expected,
      the crude death rate, while relatively high to begin with, actually declined
      during the drought period (mean: 14.81); the crude birth rate remained very high
      (mean: 46.01), and the crude rate of increase rose from 1969 to 1973. 3.    
      There was virtually no family out-migration from the target village during the
      drought, although the number of adult males participating in seasonal migrations
      to large West African towns rose from 35 per cent in 1969-70 to 75 per cent in
      1973-74. 4.     Problems of food production and distribution were acute, but
      thanks to the availability of donated foods, these were sufficiently short-lived
      during this drought cycle to make no discernible impact on population, although
      prolonged protein/calorie malnutrition among the very young may affect future
      fecundity.

PMID- 22077780
TI  - Child survival and intervals between pregnancies in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
AB  - Summary   Intervals between births to 1934 women from poor areas of Guayaquil,
      Ecuador, were subjected to analysis to determine what effect on survival chances
      of their children, if any, was exerted by differences in these intervals. The
      analysis showed that risks of miscarriage and stillbirth were increased when the
      interval between last termination of pregnancy and conception was either very
      short or very long.   Post-neo-natal mortality was strongly influenced by the
      length of the interval, reaching a minimum where the interval was around three
      years. The influence of interval length diminished as the level of mortality fell
      (with improving health standards over time). The possibility could not be
      discarded that for neo-natal mortality and mortality in the second year of life,
      extremely short intervals (under three months) carried significant additional
      risks.   For both periods, intervals longer than three years increased the risk
      of infant mortality.   Evidence was found that the survival chances of the first
      child of a pair were seriously impaired during the first year of life where a
      fresh conception supervened during that period (the earlier this happened the
      more serious the impairment).   An analysis of'double intervals' (not presented
      here) showed that the effects of short intervals were exaggerated when two such
      intervals succeeded one another.   The principle conclusions remained valid when
      competing sources of association between short intervals and mortality were
      excluded, thus lending plausibility to the view that the two are connected by a
      causal chain.   While no great precision can be claimed, it seems likely that if
      effective measures were taken to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy intervals
      shorter than 27 months (corresponding to birth intervals of less than three
      years) spontaneous abortions might be reduced by one-third and infant mortality
      by one-half in populations similar to that studied here. These results justify a
      recommendation that the prescription of contraception for a limited period post
      partum in areas of moderate or high neo-natal mortality should become a routine
      of responsible obstetric or maternity and child welfare care.

PMID- 22077781
TI  - Comments on R. H. Gray's 'The decline in mortality in Ceylon and the demographic
      effects of malaria control'.
AB  - Abstract   With his article 'The Decline in Mortality in Ceylon and the
      Demographic Effects of Malaria Control', R. H. Gray has added a new contribution
      to the long discussion of the effects of malaria eradication on the abrupt
      mortality decline experienced by Ceylon immediately after World War II. He has
      used new information and at the same time introduced slight modifications in the
      statistical procedures designed to evaluate the validity of the hypothesis.
      However, certain aspects of his article need to be clarified; they are related to
      the methodology employed and to the theoretical approach used.

PMID- 22077782
TI  - A reply to Mr Palloni's comments.
AB  - Abstract   The protracted and inconclusive debate on the cause of the post-war
      mortality decline in Ceylon reflects our ignorance of this complex historical
      event and although I am reticent to prolong this already lengthy discussion, I
      feel that it is necessary to reply to certain points raised by Mr Palloni. The
      object of my paper 'The Decline of Mortality in Ceylon and the Demographic
      Effects of Malaria Control'(9) was to re-examine some of the past work on this
      subject in order to attempt a synthesis of previous theories, was not, however,
      intended to provide a definitive account of all the causal mechanisms underlying
      the decline of mortality as it is my view that the data are insufficient for such
      an undertaking. In the reappraisal I was mainly concerned with the validity of
      Newman's regression model and, as far as the data would permit, an assessment of
      Meegama's thesis that there were significant disturbing variables which
      confounded the simple regression of mortality decline and malaria prevalence. I
      will try first to respond to Mr Palloni's specific substantive points and then go
      on to consider the broader question of regression models.

PMID- 22077785
TI  - Bovine paratuberculosis: recent advances in vaccine development.
AB  - Bovine paratuberculosis is a highly prevalent chronic infection of the small
      intestine in cattle, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.
      Current control strategies based on test-and-cull and biosecurity measures do not
      suffice in lowering the prevalence of paratuberculosis in an adequate manner.
      Therefore, control programmes are in need of an effective vaccine, but at the
      moment no vaccine is registered for use in cattle in the European Union. This
      review provides a brief overview of the microbiology, epidemiology and immunology
      of bovine paratuberculosis, and focuses on recent advances in the development of
      vaccines against paratuberculosis.

PMID- 22077786
TI  - General application of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
      (NICE) guidance for active surveillance for men with prostate cancer is not
      appropriate in unscreened populations.

PMID- 22077787
TI  - Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) cellular biology: a review of recent
      advances in identifying physiological substrates and cellular functions.
AB  - Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most common
      forms of inheritable Parkinson's disease and likely play a role in sporadic
      disease as well. LRRK2 is a large multidomain protein containing two key groups,
      a Ras-like GTP binding domain and a serine, threonine kinase domain. Mutations in
      the LRRK2 gene that associate with Parkinson's disease reside primarily within
      the two functional domains of the protein, suggesting that LRRK2 function is
      critical to the pathogenesis of the disease. The most common LRRK2 mutation
      increases kinase activity, making LRRK2 kinase inhibition an attractive target
      for small molecule drug development. However, the physiological function of LRRK2
      kinase as well as its endogenous protein substrates remains poorly understood and
      has hindered drug development efforts. Recent advances in LRRK2 biology have
      revealed several potential cellular roles, interacting proteins, and putative
      physiological substrates. Together, a picture emerges of a complex
      multifunctional protein that exists in multiple cellular compartments. Through
      unclear mechanisms, LRRK2 kinase regulates cytoskeleton architecture through
      control of protein translation, phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins, and
      response to cellular stressors. This article will briefly cover some interesting
      recent studies in LRRK2 cellular biology and highlight emerging cellular models
      of LRRK2 kinase function.

PMID- 22077788
TI  - Serial developmental assessments in infants with deformational plagiocephaly.
AB  - AIM: An association between positional plagiocephaly and developmental problems
      has previously been noted, but whether delays persist over time has not been
      established. This study aimed to determine developmental outcomes for children
      with deformational plagiocephaly over 1 year of follow up. METHODS: This was a
      longitudinal cohort study of 126 infants with deformational plagiocephaly
      recruited at an outpatient clinic. Development was assessed with the parent
      completed Ages and Stages Questionnaires at recruitment and repeated at follow-up
      assessments in the home 3, 6 and 12 months later. Questionnaires were scored
      according to cut-off scores from the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third
      Edition. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of children were followed up for the full 12
      months. The existence of one or more delays initially was 30%; this rose to 42%
      at the 3-month follow up then dropped back to 23% by the 12-month follow up.
      Delays were predominantly in the gross motor domain. Ten percent had > 4 delays
      in total over the four assessments. Mothers with tertiary education were more
      likely to have infants showing delays that persisted over time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Infants with deformational plagiocephaly exhibited marked delays especially in
      early infancy. These delays were largely gross motor in type but had reduced to
      approach the expected level by the time of the 12-month follow up, at a mean age
      of 17 months.

PMID- 22077789
TI  - A population-based breast cancer screening programme: conducting a comprehensive
      survey to explore adherence determinants.
AB  - This research examines several important individual and environmental variables
      that can predict breast cancer screening practices among Portuguese women aged 45
      69 years old, under a population-based programme. A cross-sectional study was
      conducted to a convenience sample with 805 women in Aveiro municipality. Survey
      interviews were applied to adherents and non-adherents in two different settings
      (health centre, home places). A combination of bivariate (chi-squared test) and
      multivariate analysis [decision tree by the chi-squared automatic interaction
      detection (CHAID) algorithm] was performed to determine differences between the
      groups and predict the variables. Findings showed that there is a significant
      association between almost all 29 indicators with adherence and non-adherence.
      Younger women (<50 years) with 'concordant' Behaviour Profile to the guidelines
      are those who adhere more in comparison with the other age groups. On the other
      hand, those with non-adherent behaviour need to have a 'good' attendance of
      healthcare providers for becoming adherents to the screening programme. Multiple
      strategies that combine enhancing primary health care access, individual
      behaviour and knowledge must be addressed to uptake adherence. In this way, the
      health teams must act in accordance with the guidelines, targeting more effective
      health education practices to achieve the goals of the breast cancer screening.

PMID- 22077790
TI  - Second-generation platelet concentrate (PRF) as a pulpotomy medicament in a
      permanent molar with pulpitis: a case report.
AB  - AIM:   To discuss the clinical and radiographic success of a pulpotomy with
      second-generation platelet concentrate (PRF), in a human mature permanent molar
      tooth. SUMMARY:   A 19-year-old female patient reported to the Department of
      Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics with established pulpitis in tooth 36. The
      tooth had a carious pulp exposure, with a history of lingering pain. After
      isolation, caries removal and pulp exposure, pulpotomy with PRF was performed and
      a permanent restoration was placed immediately. At the first recall (+1 day), no
      postoperative pain was reported. At 6, 12, 18 and 22 months recall, the tooth
      responded positively to pulp sensibility tests, and radiographic examination
      revealed a normal periodontal ligament space. Positive results of this case imply
      the need for more studies with larger sample sizes and a longer recall period to
      justify the use of this novel material for the treatment of pulpitis in human
      permanent molar teeth. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Pulpotomy with PRF could be an
      alternate treatment to mineral trioxide aggregate or other materials in mature
      permanent teeth with pulpitis.

PMID- 22077791
TI  - Relationships between Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scores and general
      physical status in community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between
      Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and general physical status among
      community-dwelling older adults. BACKGROUND: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment
      Index is a patient-centred assessment of oral health for older adults. We
      hypothesised that GOHAI is a significant indicator of general physical status of
      older adults. METHODS: This study included 354 adults (age, >=65 years) living
      independently. Body mass index, handgrip strength and one-leg standing time with
      eyes open were used to evaluate the general physical status. Spearman's rank
      correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships between the
      GOHAI scores, its three subdivided categories (physical function, psychological
      function and pain and discomfort) and each physical status measurement. A
      stepwise linear regression model was applied with each physical status
      measurement as the dependent variable and the GOHAI scores and its subdivisions
      as the principal independent variable. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found
      between the GOHAI scores, its three subdivided categories and handgrip strength.
      The physical function category positively correlated with one-leg standing time.
      The GOHAI and the pain and discomfort category scores were retained in the final
      models of stepwise regression for handgrip strength, and significant
      relationships persisted after adjustments for demographic, psychosocial, medical
      and dental status. CONCLUSION: The GOHAI scores and its pain and discomfort
      category score may be significant indicators of body muscle strength.

PMID- 22077792
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22077794
TI  - Fotemustine for the treatment of melanoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Melanoma is a rare but very aggressive form of cancer. Survival in
      melanoma varies widely depending on the stage of the tumor. In metastatic
      melanoma, prognosis is usually poor and the treatment is based on chemotherapy.
      So far, dacarbazine has been the drug of reference, with an average response rate
      of 15 - 20% when used as a monotherapy. As single drugs go, fotemustine is
      considered the second-best treatment, after dacarbazine. AREAS COVERED: This
      review of the scientific literature focuses on the use of fotemustine in patients
      with cutaneous melanoma and discusses its clinical efficacy and safety. EXPERT
      OPINION: Fotemustine is a nitrosurea that has proved its efficacy in metastatic
      melanoma and particularly on cerebral metastases, given its high lipophilicity,
      facilitating its active penetration in all tissues including the central nervous
      system. However, overall response rates are low, with only few complete
      remissions and short response durations.

PMID- 22077795
TI  - Design and synthesis of new antioxidants predicted by the model developed on a
      set of pulvinic acid derivatives.
AB  - Antioxidative activity expressed as protection of thymidine has been investigated
      for a set of 30 pulvinic acid derivatives. A combination of in vitro testing and
      in silico modeling was used for synthesis of new potential antioxidants.
      Experimental data obtained from a primary screening test based on oxidation under
      Fenton conditions and by an UV exposure followed by back-titration of the amount
      of thymidine remaining intact have been used to develop a computer model for
      prediction of antioxidant activity. Structural descriptors of 30 compounds tested
      for their thymidine protection activity were calculated in order to define the
      structure-property relationship and to construct predictive models. Due to the
      potential nonlinearity, the counter-propagation artificial neural networks were
      assessed for modeling of the antioxidant activity of these compounds. The
      optimized model was challenged with 80 new molecules not present in the initial
      training set. The compounds with the highest predicted antioxidant activity were
      considered for synthesis. Among the predicted structures, some coumarine
      derivatives appeared to be especially interesting. One of them was synthesized
      and tested on in vitro assays and showed some antioxidant and radioprotective
      activities, which turned out as a promising lead toward more potent antioxidants.

PMID- 22077797
TI  - Faradaurate nanomolecules: a superstable plasmonic 76.3 kDa cluster.
AB  - Information on the emergence of the characteristic plasmonic optical properties
      of nanoscale noble-metal particles has been limited, due in part to the problem
      of preparing homogeneous material for ensemble measurements. Here, we report the
      identification, isolation, and mass spectrometric and optical characterization of
      a 76.3 kDa thiolate-protected gold nanoparticle. This giant molecule is far
      larger than any metal-cluster compound, those with direct metal-to-metal bonding,
      previously known as homogeneous molecular substances, and is the first to exhibit
      clear plasmonic properties. The observed plasmon emergence phenomena in
      nanomolecules are of great interest, and the availability of absolutely
      homogeneous and characterized samples is thus critical to establishing their
      origin.

PMID- 22077796
TI  - A tool kit for measuring functioning in children with neurodisability:
      calibrating activities.

PMID- 22077798
TI  - Filamentous actin is a substrate for protealysin, a metalloprotease of invasive
      Serratia proteamaculans.
AB  - Homologous bacterial metalloproteases ECP32/grimelysin from Serratia grimesii and
      protealysin from Serratia proteamaculans are involved in the invasion of the
      nonpathogenic bacteria in eukaryotic cells and are suggested to translocate into
      the cytoplasm [Bozhokina ES et al. (2011) Cell Biol Int35, 111-118]. The
      proteases have been characterized as actin-hydrolyzing enzymes with a narrow
      specificity toward intact cell proteins. However, cleavage of filamentous actin
      (F-actin) (i.e. the main actin species in the cell) and the properties of the
      cleaved F-actin have not been investigated previously. In the present study, we
      revealed the presence of protealysin in the cytoplasm of 3T3-SV40 cells infected
      with S. proteamaculans or recombinant Escherichia coli expressing the protealysin
      gene. We also show for the first time that purified protealysin and the lysates
      of the recombinant E. coli producing protealysin cleave 20-40% of F-actin.
      Cleavage limited predominantly to the bond Gly42-Val43 efficiently increases the
      steady-state ATPase activity (dynamics) of F-actin. abolishes this effect and
      promotes the nucleation of protealysin-cleaved Mg-globular-actin even in the
      absence of 0.1 m KCl, most likely as a result of the stabilization of lateral
      intermonomer contacts of actin subunits. The results obtained in the present
      study suggest that F-actin can be a target for protealysin upon its translocation
      into the host cell.

PMID- 22077799
TI  - Poly(3-hexylthiophene)/TiO2 nanoparticle-functionalized electrodes for visible
      light and low potential photoelectrochemical sensing of organophosphorus
      pesticide chlopyrifos.
AB  - A dramatic visible light photoelectrochemical sensing platform for the detection
      of pesticide molecules at zero potential (versus saturated calomel electrode) was
      first constructed using poly(3-hexylthiophene)-functionalized TiO(2)
      nanoparticles. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was synthesized via chemical
      oxidative polymerization with anhydrous FeCl(3) as the oxidant, 3-hexylthiophene
      as the monomer, and chloroform as the solvent, and the functional TiO(2)
      nanoparticles were facilely prepared by blending TiO(2) nanoparticles and P3HT in
      chloroform solution. The resulting photoelectrocatalysts were characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. Under
      visible light irradiation, P3HT generated the transition from the valence band to
      the conduction band, delivering the excited electrons into the conduction band of
      TiO(2) and then to the glassy carbon electrode. Simultaneously, a positive
      charged hole (h(+)) of TiO(2) may form and migrate to the valence band of P3HT,
      which can react with H(2)O to generate (*)OH, and then it converted chlopyrifos
      into chlopyrifos(*) that promoted the amplifying photocurrent response. On the
      basis of the proposed photoelectrochemical mechanism, a methodology for sensitive
      photoelectrochemical sensing for chlopyrifos at zero potential was thus
      developed. Under optimal conditions, the proposed photoelectrochemical method
      could detect chlopyrifos ranging from 0.2 to 16 MUmol L(-1) with a detection
      limit of 0.01 MUmol L(-1) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The
      photoelectrochemical sensor had an excellent specificity against the other
      pesticides and could be successfully applied to the detection of reduced
      chlopyrifos in green vegetables, showing a promising application in
      photoelectrochemical sensing.

PMID- 22077801
TI  - The emotional cost of charitable donations.
AB  - Donations in support of a charitable cause can create a conflict between moral
      intuitions (e.g., fulfilling moral obligations and helping as many individuals in
      need as possible) and the cost entailed by following one's moral intuitions
      (e.g., spending money). The present paper investigates this conflict by putting
      people in a situation in which they must choose whether to help three women by
      giving more money or help one woman by giving less. In addition, the paper uses
      the attraction effect paradigm to counteract the single victim effect and reduce
      the conflict. Experiment 1 demonstrates that in a two-alternative context the
      majority of participants choose to help one woman by giving ?150 instead of
      helping three women by giving ?450. Experiment 2 replicates this finding and
      highlights the role of emotion regulation strategies in the management of the
      emotional conflict arising in the two-alternative condition. In both studies, the
      introduction of a third, dominated alternative reduces the conflict and makes it
      easier to choose the programme asking for a higher donation and helping three
      women. Implications for charitable donations and the role of the conflict between
      moral intuitions and economic costs are discussed.

PMID- 22077800
TI  - Fluorescent acridine-based receptors for H2PO4(-).
AB  - Two new pseudopeptidic molecules (one macrocyclic and one open chain) containing
      an acridine unit have been prepared. The fluorescence response of these receptors
      to a series of acids was measured in CHCl(3). Receptors are selective to
      H(2)PO(4)(-) versus HSO(4)(-), and an even higher selectivity is found over other
      anions such as Cl(-), Br(-), CH(3)COO(-), and CF(3)COO(-). We show that the
      macrocyclic receptor is more selective for H(2)PO(4)(-) than the related open
      chain receptor. The supramolecular interactions of triprotonated receptors with
      different anions have been modeled in silico and have been studied by different
      experimental techniques. Optimized geometries obtained by computational
      calculations agree well with experimental data, in particular fluorescence
      experiments, suggesting that the selective supramolecular interaction takes
      places through coordination of the anions to the triprotonated form of the
      receptor.

PMID- 22077802
TI  - Nuptiality patterns in an agrarian society.
AB  - Summary   The paper deals with the non-European marital pattern and its
      determinants in an agrarian society before the onset of deliberate fertility
      decline. A wide range of patterns, from very early and almost universal to late
      marriage, existed among the populations of European Russia at the end of the
      nineteenth century. The analysis confirmed a close association, particularly
      between marital behaviour and socio-economic institutions. Scarcity of labour
      relative to land, the principle of landholding and land usage according to the
      amount of labour in the extensive type of family, and an equal-heir inheritance
      system were found to be conducive to early and common marriage. The spatial
      differentiation of marital patterns was found to be due to regional modifications
      in the above institutions, the degree of literacy, size of rural settlements,
      industrial and urban development, and the sex composition.

PMID- 22077803
TI  - Intermediate fertility variables and marital fertility rates.
AB  - Summary   Using relatively simple mathematical techniques, an analysis is made of
      a comprehensive reproductive model that describes the relationships between a set
      of intermediate fertility variables and the marital fertility rate. Two types of
      intermediate fertility variables are distinguished: (1) biological parameters and
      (2) control variables. A homogeneous model is outlined first. Next, this version
      is extended to include heterogeneity with respect to fecundability and coital
      rates. Tests of the model with data from two historical populations (i.e. Crulai,
      1674-1742, and Tourouvre au Perche, 1665-1765) demonstrate that the model is,
      indeed, consistent with observed reproductive behaviour in actual populations.

PMID- 22077804
TI  - An economist's non-linear model of self-generated fertility waves.
AB  - Summary   Standard one-sex linear models of Lotka or Bernardelli always approach
      asymptotically an exponential growth mode with stable age distribution. Realistic
      non-linear models need not possess this property. The present analysis uncovers a
      possibly realistic ease where an existent mode of balanced growth is 'unstable',
      giving way when slightly perturbed to an asymptotic every-other generation limit
      cycle of determinable amplitude, and which is stable. The nonlinear model
      utilizes the hypothesis of R. A. Easterlin that age-specific fertility will tend
      to be lower for age classes that are relatively swollen in total number. By
      virtue of the law of diminishing returns, wages and feeling of security will tend
      to be low for such swollen groups. A possible rebound in fertility in the 1980s
      is implicit in the Easterlin hypothesis.

PMID- 22077805
TI  - The effect of child mortality experience on subsequent fertility: in Pakistan and
      Bangladesh.
AB  - Summary   This paper presents an empirical analysis of the effects, behavioural
      and biological, of child mortality experience on subsequent fertility in two
      South Asian Islamic nations. Data for the investigation came from retrospective
      pregnancy histories of 2,910 currently married women interviewed in the Pakistan
      National Impact Survey (1968-69) and from longitudinal vital registration data
      (1966-2070) of 5,236 women residing in a rural area of Bangladesh collected by
      the Cholera Research Laboratory. The aim of this study was to assess the
      importance of the child-replacement motivational response to child death
      experience after biological effects have been controlled adequately. A common
      approach employed previously has been to examine cumulative fertility according
      to child death experience. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, a consistently positive
      relationship was demonstrated between the number of children ever born and the
      number of child deaths. This method, however, did not exclude the inverse
      relationship, the influence of fertility on mortality, nor did it dissect out
      behavioural from biological effects. Utilizing a measure of subsequent fertility,
      live-birth-to-live-birth intervals, the study further illustrated another common
      pitfall. Since the risk of infant death, which leads to shorter birth intervals,
      is associated with the mother's reproductive history, women with child mortality
      experience are more likely to experience shorter intervals because of the
      biological effect of subsequent infant death. Behavioural influences may,
      therefore, be observed by considering only those birth intervals in which the
      first-born child survives to the end of the interval. With these limitations
      controlled, very few, if any, behavioural influences were noted in the Pakistan
      and Bangladesh data. Median birth intervals in Pakistan varied between 35-43 and
      41-42 months, increasing with parity. Within each parity group, no consistent
      difference was observed between women with and without previous child loss. In
      Bangladesh, the median birth interval for all women with a surviving infant was
      37-2 months. This was shortened to 24-31 months by an infant death. When
      intervals with infant deaths were excluded, little or no behavioural influence
      was detected among women of the same parity, but with varying levels of previous
      child loss. Even without behavioural effects, elimination of infant mortality in
      Bangladesh would reduce fertility by prolonging the average period of post-partum
      sterility. In the Bangladesh setting, however, the size of the effect was only
      about four per cent. This modest effect, more-over, was counterbalanced by an
      overall increase of net reproduction by seven per cent due to better survivorship
      of infants.

PMID- 22077806
TI  - The child survival hypothesis.
AB  - Summary   Because of current interest in the child survival hypothesis, we have
      reviewed available evidence bearing upon the relationships of infant and child
      mortality to fertility and contraceptive behaviour. The evidence is drawn from
      time series data for local and national vital events, from special in-depth
      studies of the infant mortality-fertility relationships in family formation, and
      from service statistics from health and family planning programmes. As a result
      of this review, we suggest five clarifications which should be made in redefining
      the child survival hypothesis and assessing its potential programme implications.
      The child survival hypothesis states that improved child survival will contribute
      to increased family planning motivation and consequent fertility decline. The
      evidence presented here suggests that the effect is not automatic and probably
      not a necessary pre-condition for fertility decline. There is certainly not a
      reflexive one-to-one replacement, but a partial effect may still be important. In
      the clearly demonstrated reduction in inter-pregnancy intervals after a child
      death, the major component is undoubtedly the removal of the biological
      protection of lactational amenorrhoea. A separate but somewhat smaller effect has
      been demonstrated in situations where lactation did not seem to have been the
      explanation. It is expected that increased child survival will contribute to
      fertility decline mainly in countries experiencing rapid mortality decline and
      population growth. The replacement of children who die is probably not so much
      'volitional' as a result of alterations in sub-conscious expectations. It is
      apparent that in traditional agrarian populations, few direct and manipulable
      means of influencing motivation for fertility limitation are available, and,
      therefore, it must be stressed that integrated health and family planning
      programmes do provide opportunities for immediate programme development. By
      making parents aware of improved changes of survival through health services in
      which they develop confidence, the spontaneous linkages between mortality and
      fertility can presumably be reinforced. Family planning services must be provided
      as an essential initial step in programme development, but they can be made more
      effective, as well as politically more acceptable if appropriately integrated
      with maternal and child health and nutrition services.

PMID- 22077807
TI  - Infant mortality and birth intervals.
AB  - Summary   In the course of a demographic inquiry which also offered medical
      advice to the respondent women, information was obtained on the reproductive life
      and child mortality of women in three regions of Upper Volta. Foetal mortality
      rates are inversely correlated with fertility rates, whereas the opposite holds
      true of the mortality of children aged up to four years. An explanation of this
      phenomenon is attempted, showing how large variations in mortality rates continue
      to exist in developing countries. The second section of the paper deals with
      spontaneous abortions which happen much more frequently than is believed in Black
      Africa and with the effect of pathological sterility on birth intervals. Account
      is taken of the taboo on sexual relations after children have been born, a taboo
      which continues to be kept in the region studied and which as an important effect
      on inter-birth intervals.

PMID- 22077808
TI  - Purposive concealment of death in household surveys in Misamis Oriental Province.
AB  - Summary   The randomized response technique was used in a household survey of
      approximately 2,000 rural and 2,000 urban households in Misamis Oriental Province
      in the southern Philippines in order to determine the extent of purposive
      concealment of death. The estimated number of deaths deliberately not revealed to
      the interviewers was 50 per cent or higher. Adjusted crude death rates of 11.5
      and 13.4 per 1,000 population were computed for urban and rural areas,
      respectively, by adding estimated concealed deaths to deaths reported to the
      interviewers. Application of stable population techniques and of model life
      tables suitable to the Philippine setting, while not permitting definite
      conclusions, provided reasons for believing that these adjusted death rates are
      close to the true mortality situation in the study areas. Randomized response
      data further indicate that approximately 75 per cent of urban deaths and 47 per
      cent of rural deaths of the population studied were not registered with municipal
      authorities. The authors postulate that failure to register deaths with municipal
      authorities, together with fear of legal involvement if this failure becomes
      known outside the immediate neighbourhood, is a major reason for the purposive
      concealment of death in household surveys.

PMID- 22077809
TI  - Facts and artifacts in the study of intra-uterine mortality: A reconsideration
      from pregnancy histories.
AB  - Summary   The analysis of intra-uterine mortality is made difficult by the
      interaction of many factors, some of them being pure artifacts resulting from the
      way in which the data are collected, or from the under-reporting of induced
      abortions. This paper deals with some 'real factors' of variation in the risk of
      spontaneous abortion (mother's age, pregnancy order, number of previous
      abortions), and with some of these 'artifacts' (inclusion of induced abortion,
      memory effect, differential continuation rates). Special attention is paid to the
      effect of heterogeneity of the risk of abortion. After a discussion of problems
      of observation, data from two different samples are analysed, first in a classic
      way: variation with age and pregnancy order, comparison between the rates of
      abortion for current and previous abortion. Next, detailed data on successive
      pregnancies are used to derive estimates of the distribution of risk between
      women. It is concluded that this distribution could and should be taken into
      account, and that its effects are different from those of age. The possibility of
      differential continuation rates by outcome of pregnancy is discussed briefly, in
      connection with previous points.

PMID- 22077810
TI  - Population planning in Asia in the 1970s.
AB  - Summary   To what extent is family planning integrated with broader population
      planning in the countries of East Asia and South Asia? To what degree do these
      countries combine population planning with economic and social planning in their
      development plans? An attempt to answer these questions suggests that, despite
      variability from country to country in development goals and policy
      implementation, family planning has been largely separated from economic
      planning, and birth control programmes have often been substituted for
      intermediate and long-range population planning. Demographic factors have been
      treated as exogenous variables rather than as integral parts of social-economic
      demographic plans. Such comprehensive planning is difficult for both technical
      and political reasons, but in any case is unlikely to be achieved so long as
      family planning and population planning continue to be confused.

PMID- 22077813
TI  - Erratum: Systematic and chance components in fertility measurement.

PMID- 22077811
TI  - Extrapolation of IUD continuation curves.
AB  - Summary   Calculation of the number of contraceptive acceptors needed to register
      predesignated effects on birth or growth rates presupposes that it is known for
      how long couples practise each contraceptive method. Life table techniques may be
      used to estimate proportions continuing with a given method: but most follow-up
      studies yield data for durations no longer than from two to three years. To
      estimate continuation rates for the longer durations relevant to a five-or ten
      year target period, the curve of continuation must be extrapolated. Four
      functions, including the one most commonly used and three new ones, are compared
      on the basis of data from the Taichung IUD Follow-up Study that commands an
      effective observation period of eight years. This unusual length makes it
      possible to perform the experiment of pretending that observation length is only
      one, two, ... five years and then compare results based on these varyingly
      abbreviated spans with those based on the full observation period. No one of the
      four functions is found to be ideal under all circumstances. A strategy for
      choosing among the functions is suggested.

PMID- 22077814
TI  - Photocatalytic synthesis of urea from in situ generated ammonia and carbon
      dioxide.
AB  - TiO(2) and Fe-titanate (different wt%) supported on zeolite were prepared by sol
      gel and solid-state dispersion methods. The photocatalysts prepared were
      characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet
      (UV)-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. Photocatalytic
      reduction of nitrate in water and isopropanol/oxalic acid as hole scavengers are
      investigated in a batch reactor under UV illumination. The yield of urea
      increased notably when the catalysts were supported on zeolite. The Fe-titanate
      supported catalyst promotes the charge separation that contributes to an increase
      in selective formation of urea. The product formation is because of the high
      adsorption of in situ generated CO(2) and NH(3) over shape-selective property of
      the zeolite in the composite photocatalyst. The maximum yield of urea is found to
      be 18 ppm while 1% isopropanol containing solution over 10 wt% Fe-titanate/HZSM-5
      photocatalyst was used.

PMID- 22077815
TI  - Operating theatre nurses' experience of patient-related, intraoperative nursing
      care.
AB  - The way patient-related, intraoperative nursing care is performed by operating
      theatre nurses' has not been elucidated in any great detail. The aim of this
      study therefore was to describe theatre nurses' experience of patient-related,
      intraoperative nursing care. The study draws on qualitative, interpretive
      description methodology. Sixteen specialists in operating theatre nursing care,
      working in rural or metropolitan hospitals in Sweden, were included in the study.
      Data were collected by means of interviews and analysed using an inductive,
      qualitative, descriptive analysis technique. The data analysis resulted in 15
      overarching nursing care procedures and three motives for nursing care procedures
      in the field of intraoperative nursing care with the goal of achieving the best
      surgical outcome for the patient. The operating theatre nurses' experience of
      patient-related, intraoperative nursing care was described as procedures to
      create a continuous, confidence-based relationship and situation-related well
      being; procedures to guarantee patient safety and well-being by keeping a
      watchful eye; and procedures to create a secure environment that promotes wound
      healing, recovery and well-being.

PMID- 22077817
TI  - Long-term expression of human coagulation factor VIII in a tolerant mouse model
      using the phiC31 integrase system.
AB  - We generated a mouse model for hemophilia A that combines a homozygous knockout
      for murine factor VIII (FVIII) and a homozygous addition of a mutant human FVIII
      (hFVIII). The resulting mouse, having no detectable FVIII protein or activity and
      tolerant to hFVIII, is useful for evaluating FVIII gene-therapy protocols. This
      model was used to develop an effective gene-therapy strategy using the phiC31
      integrase to mediate permanent genomic integration of an hFVIII cDNA deleted for
      the B-domain. Various plasmids encoding phiC31 integrase and hFVIII were
      delivered to the livers of these mice by using hydrodynamic tail-vein injection.
      Long-term expression of therapeutic levels of hFVIII was observed over a 6-month
      time course when an intron was included in the hFVIII expression cassette and
      wild-type phiC31 integrase was used. A second dose of the hFVIII and integrase
      plasmids resulted in higher long-term hFVIII levels, indicating that incremental
      doses were beneficial and that a second dose of phiC31 integrase was tolerated.
      We observed a significant decrease in the bleeding time after a tail-clip
      challenge in mice treated with plasmids expressing hFVIII and phiC31 integrase.
      Genomic integration of the hFVIII expression plasmid was demonstrated by junction
      PCR at a known hotspot for integration in mouse liver. The phiC31 integrase
      system provided a nonviral method to achieve long-term FVIII gene therapy in a
      relevant mouse model of hemophilia A.

PMID- 22077819
TI  - Screening urine analysis before bacille Calmette-Guerin instillation does not
      reduce the rate of infectious complications.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Infectious complication is a risk of
      bacille Calmette-Guerin instillation. Urine analysis in asymptomatic patients has
      been used as a measure to reduce infections. This study suggests that screening
      urine analysis prior to bacille Calmette-Guerin instillation did not affect the
      rate of urinary tract infections. OBJECTIVE: * To discover if the routine use of
      urine analysis decreases the rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) complications
      after bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) administration. METHODS: * A retrospective
      review of the outcomes of 202 patients undergoing BCG treatment for bladder
      cancer at two medical centres with different pre-BCG screening strategies was
      performed. * The medical records of 100 patients who received BCG by one
      urologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) were reviewed. No
      patient received a urine analysis immediately prior to BCG treatment. *
      Similarly, 102 patients who received BCG at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH)
      were reviewed. Patients at NMH were screened by urine analysis for pyuria and
      bacteriuria before BCG treatment, and, if clinically indicated, BCG instillation
      was delayed for the results of the urine culture. * If the urine culture
      confirmed infection, then the patient was treated before restarting BCG
      instillation. RESULTS: * At MSKCC, 100 patients underwent 600 BCG treatments. *
      After BCG administration, symptomatic UTI occurred in three patients (3%),
      successfully treated with antibiotics. * No patients developed BCG sepsis or
      required hospitalization due to infection. * At NMH, 102 patients underwent 612
      BCG treatments. * Pre-BCG urine analysis was positive for pyuria (defined as
      white blood cells >5 per high-power field) in 27.8%, and positive for bacteriuria
      (defined as any bacteria on microscopy) in 18.1%. * Based on the results of pre
      screening urine analysis, BCG instillation was delayed 15 times (2.5%). *
      Overall, three patients (3%) had culture-proven UTIs after BCG instillation. * No
      patients developed BCG sepsis or required hospitalization in either group and
      there were no significant differences in the frequency of UTIs. CONCLUSIONS: *
      Urine analysis can safely be omitted before administration of BCG in asymptomatic
      patients. * Omission of urine analysis could save time and expense during the
      office-based treatment of bladder cancer.

PMID- 22077818
TI  - Maternal pre-pregnant body mass index, maternal weight change and offspring
      birthweight.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between maternal pre-pregnant body mass
      index (BMI) and maternal weight change during pregnancy and offspring birthweight
      using the BMI classification developed by World Health Organization (WHO) and
      adopted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009. DESIGN: The Norwegian Mother
      and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) is a population-based pregnancy cohort study
      conducted by The Norwegian Institute of Public Health. SETTING: Women were
      recruited from all geographic areas of Norway. POPULATION: The study includes
      58,383 pregnant women. METHODS: Women were enrolled in 2000-2007 by a postal
      invitation offered to women in Norway at 17-18 weeks of gestation. Linear
      regression analyses are based on exposure data from two questionnaires during
      pregnancy and on birthweight data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Birthweight. RESULTS:
      Mean pre-pregnancy BMI was 24kg/m(2) (SD 4.3), mean maternal weight change in the
      first 30 weeks of gestation was 9.3kg (SD 4.4), mean birthweight was 3675g (SD
      487) and mean age 30.3 years. Of the women, 65.2% had a normal pre-pregnancy
      weight, 2.9% were underweight, 22.3% overweight, and 9.5% obese (Classes 1-3).
      Linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders showed that
      offspring birthweight increased with increasing maternal pre-pregnant BMI, and
      with increasing maternal weight gain during pregnancy in all six categories of
      pre-pregnancy BMI. Women with the highest level of education had the highest
      offspring birthweight. CONCLUSION: Offspring birthweight increased with both
      increasing maternal pre-pregnant BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy in
      all six categories of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.

PMID- 22077820
TI  - High prevalence of childhood asthma in Northern Israel is linked to air pollution
      by particulate matter: evidence from GIS analysis and Bayesian Model Averaging.
AB  - The medical records of 3922 school children residing in the Greater Haifa
      Metropolitan Area in Northern Israel were analyzed. Individual exposure to
      ambient air pollution (SO(2) and PM(10)) for each child was estimated using
      Geographic Information Systems tools. Factors affecting childhood asthma risk
      were then investigated using logistic regression and the more recently developed
      Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) tools. The analysis reveals that childhood asthma
      in the study area appears to be significantly associated with particulate matter
      of less than 10 MUm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(10)) (Odds Ratio (OR) = .11;
      P<0.001). However, no significant association with asthma prevalence was found
      for SO(2) (P >0.2), when PM(10) and SO(2) were introduced into the models
      simultaneously. When considering a change in PM(10) between the least and the
      most polluted parts of the study area (9.4 MUg/m(3)), the corresponding OR,
      calculated using the BMA analysis, is 2.58 (with 95% posterior probability limits
      of OR ranging from 1.52 to 4.41), controlled for gender, age, proximity to main
      roads, the town of a child's residence, and family's socio-economic status. Thus,
      it is concluded that exposure to airborne particular matter, even at relatively
      low concentrations (40-50 MUg/m(3)), generally below international air pollution
      standards (55-70 MUg/m(3)), appears to be a considerable risk factor for
      childhood asthma in urban areas. This should be a cause of concern for public
      health authorities and environmental decision-makers.

PMID- 22077821
TI  - Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder carcinoma:
      development of novel bladder preservation approach, Osaka Medical College
      regimen.
AB  - Cisplatin-based chemotherapy has been widely used in a neoadjuvant as well as
      adjuvant setting. Furthermore, trimodal approaches including complete
      transurethral resection of the bladder tumor followed by combined chemotherapy
      and radiation have generally been performed as bladder preservation therapy.
      However, none of the protocols have achieved a 5-year survival rate of more than
      70%. Additionally, the toxicity of chemotherapy and/or a decreased quality of
      life due to urinary diversion cannot be ignored, as most patients with bladder
      cancer are elderly. We therefore newly developed the novel trimodal approach of
      "combined therapy using balloon-occluded arterial infusion of anticancer agent
      and hemodialysis with concurrent radiation, which delivers an extremely high
      concentration of anticancer agent to the site of a tumor without systemic adverse
      effects ("Osaka Medical College regimen" referred to as the OMC regimen). We
      initially applied the OMC regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally
      advanced bladder cancer. However, since more than 85% of patients with
      histologically-proven urothelial cancer achieved complete response with no
      evidence of recurrence after a mean follow-up of 170 (range 21-814) weeks, we
      have been applying the OMC-regimen as a new approach for bladder sparing therapy.
      We summarize the advantage and/or disadvantage of chemotherapy in neoadjuvant as
      well as adjuvant settings, and show the details of our newly developed bladder
      sparing approach OMC regimen in this review.

PMID- 22077822
TI  - Short communication: HIV type 1 escapes inactivation by saliva via rapid escape
      into oral epithelial cells.
AB  - Saliva contains anti-HIV-1 factors, which show unclear efficacy in thwarting
      mucosal infection. When incubated in fresh, unfractionated whole saliva,
      infectious HIV-1 IIIb and BaL (X4- and R5-tropic, respectively) persisted from 4
      to at least 30 min in a saliva concentration-dependent manner. In salivary
      supernatant for up to 6 h, both infectious HIV-1 strains "escaped" into
      immortalized oral epithelial cells; infectious BaL showed selectively enhanced
      escape in the presence of saliva. Fluorescently labeled HIV-1 virus-like
      particles entered oral epithelial cells within minutes of exposure. Using a
      previously unrecognized mechanism, therefore, strains of HIV-1 escape
      inactivation by saliva via rapid uptake into oral epithelial cells.

PMID- 22077824
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22077823
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22077825
TI  - A negative cooperativity mechanism of human CYP2E1 inferred from molecular
      dynamics simulations and free energy calculations.
AB  - Human cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) participates in the metabolism of over 2% of
      all the oral drugs. A hallmark peculiar feature of this enzyme is that it
      exhibits a pronounced negative cooperativity in substrate binding. However the
      mechanism by which the negative cooperativity occurs is unclear. Here, we
      performed molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations on human
      CYP2E1 to examine the structural differences between the substrate-free and the
      enzymes with one and two aniline molecules bound. Our results indicate that
      although the effector substrate does not bind in the active site cavity, it still
      can directly interact with the active site residues of human CYP2E1. The
      interaction of the effector substrate with the active site leads to a
      reorientation of active site residues, which thereby weakens the interactions of
      the active substrate with this site. We also identify a conserved residue T303
      that plays a crucial role in the negative cooperative binding on the short-range
      effects. This residue is a key factor in the positioning of substrates and in
      proton delivery to the active site. Additionally, a long-range effect of the
      effector substrate is identified in which F478 is proposed to play a key role. As
      located in the interface between the active and effector sites, this residue
      structurally links the active and effector sites and is found to play a
      significant role in affecting substrate access and ligand positioning within the
      active site. In the negative cooperative binding, this residue can decrease the
      interactions of the active substrate with the active site by pi-pi stacking which
      then lowers the hydroxylation activity for the active substrate. These findings
      are in agreement with previous experimental observations and thus provide
      detailed atomistic insight into the poorly understood mechanism of the negative
      cooperativity in human CYP2E1.

PMID- 22077826
TI  - Preparation of shape-persistent macrocycles with a single pyridine unit by double
      cross-coupling reactions of aryl bromides and alkynes.
AB  - A double Sonogashira-type coupling reaction between aryl bromides and alkynes
      using a catalytic Pd/XPhos (2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2',4',6'
      triisopropylbiphenyl) system was introduced as an efficient method for the
      synthesis of shape-persistent macrocycles (SPMs). This approach is advantageous
      in the synthesis of SPMs with a single pyridine unit.

PMID- 22077828
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22077827
TI  - "First reports": Recent publications on (aspects) of animal diseases not reported
      before.

PMID- 22077830
TI  - Nitrogen-doped graphene: efficient growth, structure, and electronic properties.
AB  - A novel strategy for efficient growth of nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) on
      a large scale from s-triazine molecules is presented. The growth process has been
      unveiled in situ using time-dependent photoemission. It has been established that
      a postannealing of N-graphene after gold intercalation causes a conversion of the
      N environment from pyridinic to graphitic, allowing to obtain more than 80% of
      all embedded nitrogen in graphitic form, which is essential for the electron
      doping in graphene. A band gap, a doping level of 300 meV, and a charge-carrier
      concentration of ~8*10(12) electrons per cm2, induced by 0.4 atom % of graphitic
      nitrogen, have been detected by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, which
      offers great promise for implementation of this system in next generation
      electronic devices.

PMID- 22077832
TI  - Telmisartan: just an antihypertensive agent? A literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The modulation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS)
      is an important pathway in managing high blood pressure, and its overexpression
      plays a key role in target end-organ damage. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II
      receptor blocker (ARB) with unique pharmacologic properties, including the
      longest half-life among all ARBs; this leads to a significant and 24-h sustained
      reduction of blood pressure. Telmisartan has well-known antihypertensive
      properties, but there is also strong clinical evidence that it reduces left
      ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness and the recurrence of atrial
      fibrillation, and confers renoprotection. AREAS COVERED: This paper reviews
      telmisartan's pharmacological properties in terms of efficacy for hypertension
      control and, importantly, focuses on its new therapeutic indications and their
      clinical implications. EXPERT OPINION: ONTARGET (ongoing telmisartan alone and in
      combination with ramipril global endpoint trial) demonstrated, that telmisartan
      confers cardiovascular protective effects similar to those of ramipril, but with
      a better tolerability. Moreover, recent investigations focused on the capability
      of telmisartan to modulate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
      (PPAR-gamma), an established target in the treatment of insulin resistance,
      diabetes and metabolic syndrome, whose activation is also correlated to anti
      inflammatory and, finally, anti-atherosclerotic properties. Telmisartan shows
      peculiar features that go beyond blood pressure control. It presents promising
      and unique protective properties against target end-organ damage, potentially
      able to open a scenario of new therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22077833
TI  - Telavancin for the treatment of serious gram-positive infections, including
      hospital acquired pneumonia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a common infection, associated with
      substantial mortality. Despite the increasing prevalence of nosocomial pneumonia
      caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), approved treatment
      options for this pathogen are limited. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the
      pharmacokinetics, dosing, preclinical studies and clinical efficacy, and safety
      of telavancin, with a particular focus on results from trials in nosocomial
      pneumonia. PubMed and Congress websites were searched for relevant articles
      published between 2003 and 2010. EXPERT OPINION: Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide
      antibiotic with rapid, bactericidal activity against MRSA, and may provide
      another option for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, owing to Gram-positive
      pathogens.

PMID- 22077831
TI  - Blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 as a new therapeutic approach for
      advanced melanoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of melanoma continues to rise, and prognosis in
      patients with metastatic melanoma remains poor. The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
      antigen-4 (CTLA-4) serves as one of the primary immune check points and
      downregulates T-cell activation pathways. Enhancing T-cell activation by antibody
      blockade of CTLA-4 provides a new approach to overcome tumor-induced immune
      tolerance. Recently, anti-CTLA-4 therapy demonstrated significant clinical
      benefits in patients with metastatic melanoma, which led to the approval of
      ipilimumab by the FDA in early 2011. AREAS COVERED: The fundamental concepts
      underlying CTLA-4 blockade-potentiated immune activation are presented in this
      paper, along with the scientific rationale for and the preclinical evidence
      supporting CTLA-4-targeted cancer immunotherapy. It also provides an update on
      clinical trials with anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors and discusses the associated
      autoimmune toxicity. EXPERT OPINION: Given that overall survival is the only
      validated end point for anti-CTLA-4 therapy, the clinical implications of the
      antigen or tumor-specific immunity in patients remain to be clarified. Additional
      research is necessary to elucidate the prognostic significance of immune-related
      side effects and significantly optimize the treatment regimens. An improved
      understanding of the mechanisms of action of CTLA-4 antibodies may also culminate
      in wide-ranging clinical applications of this new therapy for other tumor types.

PMID- 22077835
TI  - Catalytically active filaments - pyruvate decarboxylase from Neurospora crassa.
      pH-controlled oligomer structure and catalytic function.
AB  - Pyruvate decarboxylase is a key enzyme in organisms whose energy metabolism is
      based on alcoholic fermentation. The enzyme catalyses the nonoxidative
      decarboxylation of 2-oxo acids in the presence of the cofactors thiamine
      diphosphate and magnesium ions. Pyruvate decarboxylase species from yeasts and
      plant seeds studied to date are allosterically activated by their substrate
      pyruvate. However, detailed kinetic studies on the enzyme from Neurospora crassa
      demonstrate for the first time the lack of substrate activation for a yeast
      pyruvate decarboxylase species. The quaternary structure of this enzyme species
      is also peculiar because it forms filamentous structures. The complex enzyme
      structure was analysed using a number of methods, including small-angle X-ray
      solution scattering, transmission electron microscopy, analytical
      ultracentrifugation and size-exclusion chromatography. These measurements were
      complemented by detailed kinetic studies in dependence on the pH.

PMID- 22077836
TI  - Depression and anxiety in episodic and chronic cluster headache: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In contrast to migraine and tension-type headache, the psychiatric
      comorbidities of cluster headache (CH) have not been well-studied. OBJECTIVE: We
      assessed the presence of depression and anxiety in groups of episodic CH (ECH)
      and chronic CH (CCH) patients and compared CH patients with and without
      depression and anxiety. METHODS: Sociodemographics, comorbidities, and selected
      headache features were ascertained from a clinic-based sample in a cross
      sectional fashion from January 2007 to July 2010. Active depression and anxiety
      were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized
      Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scales. RESULTS: Of 49 CH patients, ECH patients
      (n=32) had an earlier age of onset and consumed less caffeine than CCH patients
      (n=17). Rates of depression as defined by a PHQ-9 score >=10 were low in both ECH
      (6.3%) and in CCH (11.8%) with similar mean PHQ-9 scores (3.1 vs 3.7, P=.69).
      Rates of anxiety as defined by a GAD-7 score >=10 were also low in both ECH
      (15.6%) and CCH (11.8%) with similar mean GAD-7 scores (3.8 vs 3.4, P=.76). ECH
      patients in and out of active attack periods had similar levels of depression and
      anxiety. Depression and anxiety usually occurred together in ECH and CCH
      patients. CH patients who were depressed or anxious were more likely to present
      at a younger age and have attack-related nausea and prodromal symptoms. Depressed
      CH patients were also more likely to have another pain disorder and had
      undertaken twice as many prophylactic medication trials. CONCLUSION: In this
      clinic-based cross-sectional study, ECH and CCH patients had similarly low rates
      of depression and anxiety. Rates were lower than those reported for both episodic
      and chronic migraine.

PMID- 22077837
TI  - TSH-secreting pituitary carcinoma with intrathecal drop metastases.

PMID- 22077838
TI  - The role of marital sexual abstinence in determining fertility: A study of the
      Yoruba in Nigeria.
AB  - Summary   Although sexual abstinence has probably been the single most important
      factor in restricting human fertility, Western researchers have tended to regard
      it as a phenomenon mostly found outside marriage. The research reported here was
      carried out amongst the Yoruba, a sub Saharan people, among whom it is more
      desirable in terms of social stability to practise female sexual abstinence
      mainly within marriage, rather than outside it. A similar situation is found
      widely in tropical Africa. Data are reported from five surveys carried out in
      1973-75 in the Changing African Family and Nigerian Family Projects. Three types
      of marital abstinence are shown to have an effect in reducing fertility: post
      natal abstinence (often wrongly described as a 'taboo'), terminal abstinence, and
      abstinence at other times. Female sexual abstinence is not paralleled by an equal
      practice of male abstinence, and the main reason for abstinence is to preserve
      long birth intervals and periods of lactation in a society prone to high rates of
      infant malnutrition and mortality. It is shown that the Index of Proportions
      Married (I ( m )) is only one of a number of fertility-weighted indices which can
      be employed to sub-divide the female reproductive span, and that a complete
      series of indices adding to unity can be constructed. The duration of lactation
      and abstinence are found to be related but, because abstinence is traditionally
      of longer duration, lactation amenorrhoea is of little importance in containing
      fertility. Married women spend less than half their reproductive lives in periods
      when sexual relations are possible and marital abstinence is between three and
      four times more important than delayed marriage in restricting fertility. The
      period of abstinence is shown to be changing and it is probable that it has never
      been of an agreed length; the concept of 'natural fertility' is examined in this
      light. The partial substitution of contraception for the abstinence period is
      analysed, and the possible effect on fertility considered.

PMID- 22077839
TI  - Family limitation and the fertility transition: Evidence from the age patterns of
      fertility in Europe and Asia.
AB  - Summary   The age patterns of marital fertility levels and decline in modern Asia
      and historical Europe are analysed in order to answer two questions: (1) How
      closely do the age patterns of marital fertility in both areas prior to a
      systematic fertility decline conform to the age pattern of natural fertility? (2)
      How similar are the age patterns of the fertility transition experienced in
      Europe in the past, and the age pattern of fertility decline now under way in a
      number of Asian populations? The answers have important implications for our
      understanding of the fertility transition. They suggest that modern family
      limitation (i.e. parity-specific fertility control) was largely absent prior to a
      secular decline in marital fertility in both Europe and Asia. Furthermore, the
      evidence indicates that once the practice of family limitation starts to spread
      among the broader strata of the population, it seems almost inevitably to
      increase until it becomes a common behavioural norm. In this respect, the modern
      fertility transition appears to result from the spread of innovative behaviour
      and cannot be viewed simply as an adjustment to new socio-economic circumstances
      based on previously established behavioural mechanisms.

PMID- 22077840
TI  - Family limitation among the Old Order Amish.
AB  - Summary   This paper shows that the Indiana Amish, a high-fertility Anabaptist
      population, regulate their marital fertility according to their family finances.
      We linked demographic data from the Indiana Amish Directory with personal
      property tax records at 5, 15 and 25 years after marriage and found fertility
      differences by occupation and wealth. Correlations between family size and wealth
      at the beginning, middle and end of childbearing years were positive. Wealthier
      women exhibited higher marital fertility, had longer first birth intervals, were
      older at the birth of their last child, and had larger families than poorer
      women. Over the past 30 years, marital fertility has remained constant among
      older women; but birth rates among younger women have been rising rapidly.

PMID- 22077841
TI  - Further developments in indirect mortality estimation.
AB  - Summary   A variety of indirect estimators of mortality; survival of children by
      marriage duration of mother, survival of first spouse by marriage duration and by
      age, maternal orphanhood, and survival of siblings, are investigated by the use
      of a wide range of model fertility and mortality situations. Survival
      probabilities are then related by regression analysis to the proportions with a
      particular characteristic, to yield an equation which can then be used to
      estimate the survival probability in a population. Maternal orphanhood and
      survival of first spouse by age have already shown themselves to be useful, and
      the new developments are only simplifications of the existing methodology.
      Survival of first spouse by duration of marriage, and survival of siblings are,
      however, new methods which have yet to be justified by field experience. In
      conclusion, the features common to all indirect mortality estimation procedures
      are outlined, and the direction future developments may take in response to
      gradually improving data quality is suggested.

PMID- 22077842
TI  - Problems in using birth-history analysis to estimate trends in fertility.
AB  - Summary   The problem investigated is the adequacy of birth-history analysis as a
      method for estimating fertility change. The analysis demonstrates that inaccurate
      reporting of the dates of birth of live-born children can, under reasonable
      assumptions, significantly distort cohort fertility schedules in such a way that
      estimates of change in fertility will be biased in the direction of exaggerating
      declines in fertility. This kind of bias is shown to exist in fertility estimates
      obtained from survey data in El Salvador and Bangladesh. An important implication
      is that birth history questionnaires should begin with the most recent, rather
      than the earliest, event in a respondent's experience.

PMID- 22077843
TI  - Religious differentials in fertility: Lebanon, 1971.
AB  - Summary   The principal objects of this study are the description and explanation
      of the effects of religious affiliation on fertility in the multi-religious
      society of Lebanon. The data are derived from the 1971 National Fertility and
      Family Planning Survey which is the first probability sample ever taken of
      Lebanese couples with wives aged 15-49 years. The present inquiry yields two
      major results. First, significant fertility differences do exist among Muslims
      and among Christians. To speak of Muslim-Christian fertility differences is,
      therefore, misleading. Secondly, religious fertility differentials, based on
      cumulative fertility, are dependent on the level of wife's education. At low
      levels of wife's education, differentials are great; at high levels, religious
      differentials in fertility are insignificant. These findings are believed to be
      of importance not only to researchers concerned with religious fertility
      differentials, but also to those concerned with framing population policies in
      countries where religious composition is a sensitive matter.

PMID- 22077844
TI  - Decomposing the re-marriage process.
AB  - Summary   For those who experience marital disruption because of discord, the re
      marriage process consists of a series of steps including divorce and re-marriage.
      This paper analyses the overall differentials in re-marriage, decomposing them
      into two distinct parts: differentials in propensity to divorce following
      separation and re-marriage given that a divorce has occurred. The results
      indicate that differentials in re-marriage depend in important ways on both steps
      in the process.

PMID- 22077847
TI  - Toward a final common pathway of depression: an editorial comment to Jarnum H,
      Eskildsen SF, Steffensen EG et al. 'Longitudinal MRI study of cortical thickness,
      perfusion, and metabolite levels in depressed patients' (1).

PMID- 22077848
TI  - The heterogeneity of depression: an old debate renewed.

PMID- 22077849
TI  - A new era in secondary prevention after acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 22077850
TI  - The development of children's regret and relief.
AB  - Previous research found that children first experience regret at 5 years and
      relief at 7. In two experiments, we explored three possibilities for this lag:
      (1) relief genuinely develops later than regret; (2) tests of relief have
      previously been artefactually difficult; or (3) evidence for regret resulted from
      false positives. In Experiment 1 (N=162 4- to 7-year-olds) children chose one of
      two cards that led to winning or losing tokens. Children rated their happiness
      then saw a better (regret) or worse (relief) alternative. Children re-rated their
      happiness. Regret after winning was first experienced at 4, regret after losing
      and relief after winning were experienced at 5 years and relief after losing at 7
      years. Experiment 2 (N=297 5- to 8-year-olds) used a similar task but manipulated
      children's responsibility for the outcome. Greater responsibility for the outcome
      resulted in a greater likelihood of an experience of regret and relief. Results
      support that previous tests of relief were artefactually difficult and regret and
      relief are experienced earlier than previously thought.

PMID- 22077851
TI  - Wheat germ: not only a by-product.
AB  - The wheat germ (embryonic axis and scutellum) represents about 2.5-3.8% of total
      seed weight and is an important by-product of the flour milling industry. The
      germ contains about 10-15% lipids, 26-35% proteins, 17% sugars, 1.5-4.5% fibre
      and 4% minerals, as well as significant quantities of bioactive compounds such as
      tocopherols [300-740 mg/kg dry matter (DM)], phytosterols (24-50 mg/kg),
      policosanols (10 mg/kg), carotenoids (4-38 mg/kg), thiamin (15-23 mg/kg) and
      riboflavin (6-10 mg/kg). Oil recovery is achieved by mechanical pressing or
      solvent extraction, which retrieve about 50% or 90% lipids, respectively;
      innovative approaches, such as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, are also
      proposed. The oil is rich in triglycerides (57% of total lipids), mainly linoleic
      (18:2), palmitic (16:0) and oleic (18:1) acids, but relevant amounts of sterols,
      mono- and diglycerides, phospho- and glycolipids are present. The lypophilic
      antioxidants tocopherols and carotenoids are also abundant. The main by-product
      of oil extraction is defatted germ meal, which has high protein content (30-32%),
      is rich in albumin (34.5% of total protein) and globulin (15.6%), and thus
      presents a well-balanced amino acid profile. Its principal mineral constituents
      are potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and manganese, in decreasing order. Total
      flavonoid content is about 0.35 g rutin equivalent/100 g DM. The wheat germ is
      therefore a unique source of concentrated nutrients, highly valued as food
      supplement. While the oil is widely appreciated for its pharmaceutical and
      nutritional value, the defatted germ meal is a promising source of high-quality
      vegetable proteins. Better nutrient separation from the kernel and improved
      fractioning techniques could also provide high-purity molecules with positive
      health benefits.

PMID- 22077852
TI  - Quality-of-care framework in urological cancers: where do we stand?
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Provision of high
      quality care necessitates the identification and measurement of relevant quality
      indicators. Urological surgery currently does not have a validated quality-of
      care framework to guide surgical quality improvement. This article aims to
      delineate quality of care processes, current status of quality indicators for
      major urological cancers as well as recommend a provisional framework for
      evaluation of quality for urological procedures. Growing demands for patient
      safety, lower cost and quality of care have resulted in several initiatives of
      quality measurement across urological surgery. Although candidate indicators have
      been proposed in various procedures, the field still lacks a valid quality
      framework. Better understanding of the interplay between patient selection,
      surgical expertise, preoperative-, intraoperative, postoperative processes and
      outcomes is needed. Consensus needs to be achieved in which validated structural,
      process and outcomes measures to employ, how this data should be collected, which
      agencies to share this data with and how to use this data to effect change in
      health policy. Compliance with quality framework needs to be continuously audited
      with its outcomes frequently benchmarked against international standards. Pursuit
      of quality improvement schemes require significant investment and need to be
      weighed against current budgetary constraints.

PMID- 22077853
TI  - Bacterial meningitis among children under the age of 2 years in a high human
      immunodeficiency virus prevalence area after Haemophilus influenzae type b
      vaccine introduction.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to describe bacterial causes of meningitis among
      children < 2 years in a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence area
      after introduction of routine Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination. METHODS:
      Data collected between April 2003 and December 2008 were extracted from a
      surveillance database and medical records of children < 2 years admitted in
      Mbarara Hospital, Uganda with suspected bacterial meningitis. HIV infection was
      confirmed using rapid tests and polymerase chain reaction and bacterial
      meningitis by using cerebrospinal fluid culture. RESULTS: Between April 2003 and
      December 2008, 1464 children under 5 years were admitted with suspected bacterial
      meningitis of which 1235 (84.4%) had cerebrospinal fluid collected; 894 (72.4%)
      of these samples were from children < 2 years. Of the 894 samples, 64 (7.2%) grew
      an organism including Streptococcus pneumoniae (26; 41%), Salmonella species (20;
      31%), H. influenzae (6; 9%) and coliforms (7; 11%), and five (8%) grew
      contaminants that are all coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Of the 894 children,
      468 (52.3%) were tested for HIV; 16.7% were positive. Fifty-one children had a
      pathogenic isolate and a treatment outcome, and 23 (45%) died; 13 (56.6%) deaths
      were due to S. pneumoniae, eight (34.8%) were due to Salmonella spp., one (4.3%)
      was due to H. influenzae and one (4.3%) was due to coliforms. HIV infection was
      associated with a threefold increase in mortality, increased likelihood of a
      bacterial isolate and decreased likelihood of malaria parasitaemia. CONCLUSION:
      Following H. influenzae type b vaccine introduction, S. pneumoniae and Salmonella
      spp. are the major causes of bacterial meningitis among children < 2 years in
      Uganda. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and reduction in mother to child
      transmission of HIV could reduce the observed mortality.

PMID- 22077816
TI  - Thrombin-receptor antagonist vorapaxar in acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vorapaxar is a new oral protease-activated-receptor 1 (PAR-1)
      antagonist that inhibits thrombin-induced platelet activation. METHODS: In this
      multinational, double-blind, randomized trial, we compared vorapaxar with placebo
      in 12,944 patients who had acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation.
      The primary end point was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes,
      myocardial infarction, stroke, recurrent ischemia with rehospitalization, or
      urgent coronary revascularization. RESULTS: Follow-up in the trial was terminated
      early after a safety review. After a median follow-up of 502 days (interquartile
      range, 349 to 667), the primary end point occurred in 1031 of 6473 patients
      receiving vorapaxar versus 1102 of 6471 patients receiving placebo (Kaplan-Meier
      2-year rate, 18.5% vs. 19.9%; hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      0.85 to 1.01; P=0.07). A composite of death from cardiovascular causes,
      myocardial infarction, or stroke occurred in 822 patients in the vorapaxar group
      versus 910 in the placebo group (14.7% and 16.4%, respectively; hazard ratio,
      0.89; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.98; P=0.02). Rates of moderate and severe bleeding were
      7.2% in the vorapaxar group and 5.2% in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 1.35;
      95% CI, 1.16 to 1.58; P<0.001). Intracranial hemorrhage rates were 1.1% and 0.2%,
      respectively (hazard ratio, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.78 to 6.45; P<0.001). Rates of
      nonhemorrhagic adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with acute coronary syndromes, the addition of vorapaxar to standard
      therapy did not significantly reduce the primary composite end point but
      significantly increased the risk of major bleeding, including intracranial
      hemorrhage. (Funded by Merck; TRACER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00527943.).

PMID- 22077854
TI  - Nerve supply of the proximal sesamoid bone in the horse.
AB  - Summary   In chronical proximal sesamoid bone lameness it is difficult to
      localise the exact site of pain. A specific diagnostic analgesia is not available
      because of a deficiency of detailed information about the nerve supply to the
      proximal sesamoid bones and surrounding area.   A macroscopic study of the nerve
      distribution to the proximal sesamoid bones of 10 foals and 5 adult horses
      revealed that these bones are innervated by two branches, in this study called
      the medial and lateral sesamoidean nerve, respectively, originating from the
      medial and lateral palmar nerve. Histology of the left forelimbs of two fetuses
      and one foal confirmed the macroscopic findings. Additionally, histology of ten
      proximal sesamoid bones of adult horses showed that myelinated nerve fibres are
      present in the nutrient foramina and in the trabecular bone, accompanying the
      larger arteries.   This study provides possibilities for future diagnostics of
      proximal sesamoid bone lameness by specific local perineural analgesia.

PMID- 22077855
TI  - Clinical and force plate evaluation of the effect of a high plantar nerve block
      in lameness caused by induced mid-metatarsal tendinitis.
AB  - Summary   To answer the question whether it is possible to differentiate, by
      means of a high plantar nerve block in the hind limb, flexor tendon lameness from
      a suspensory ligament lameness, mid-plantar tendinitis or desmitis was induced
      with collagenase in five Standardbred horses in two trials.   Before the
      induction of lameness, and on the fourth (D4) and fourteenth day (D14) after the
      induction of lameness the horses were evaluated subjectively (clinical lameness
      score), objectively (ground reaction force (GRF) measurements), and
      ultrasonographically.   Clinical evaluation and GRF measurements were also done
      on D4 and D14 after a high plantar nerve block. From the GRF measurements
      variables were selected and analysed and related to the clinical lameness score.
      The horses were significantly lame on D4; this lameness had decreased on D14. The
      clinical findings were supported by the GRF data. In the flexor tendon group, a
      high plantar nerve block resulted in soundness or lameness in the other hind
      limb, whereas in the suspensory ligament group the effect was less conclusive.
      The correlation between the subjective clinical lameness score and several
      objectively measured GRF variables proved to be moderate to high. The collagenase
      model proved to be useful to study the effect of a high plantar nerve block on
      lameness resulting from induced tendon/ligament lesion. However, a high plantar
      nerve block cannot be used to differentiate between flexor tendon and suspensory
      ligament lesions.

PMID- 22077856
TI  - Ultrasonographic evaluation and long term follow-up of flexor tendonitis/desmitis
      in the metacarpal/metatarsal region in Dutch warmblood horses and standardbred
      racehorses.
AB  - Summary   Over a 2 year-period, the ultrasonographic localization and
      distribution of flexor tendinous and ligamentous injuries, the long-term follow
      up, and the outcome were studied in 101 Dutch Warmblood horses (DW) with a mean
      age of 8.7 years and in 71 Standardbred racehorses (ST) with a mean age of 5.2
      years.   The ratio between forelimb and hind limb flexor tendonitis/desmitis in
      the DW-group was 4:1 and in the ST-group 4:3. In the DW-group,
      tendonitis/desmitis of the suspensory ligament (32%), the superficial digital
      flexor tendon (29%), the distal carpal check ligament (17%) of the forelimb (SLf,
      SDFf, and CL, respectively) and the suspensory ligament (11%) of the hind limb
      (SLh) occurred the most often. In the ST-group, tendonitis of the SDFf (34%) and
      desmitis of the SLh (34%) and SLf (18%) were the most common injuries.   Of the
      60 Dutch Warmblood horses available for follow-up, 25% showed full-functional
      recovery. Of the 61 Standardbreds available for follow-up, 18% showed full
      functional recovery. Overall, local axial lesions seemed to have a worse
      prognosis than local abaxial or diffusive lesions.

PMID- 22077857
TI  - The effect of toe weights on linear and temporal stride characteristics of
      standardbred trotters.
AB  - Summary   Toe weights are applied to influence the stride characteristics of
      trotters. The quantitative effect of 88-g toe weights on the stride
      characteristics of Standardbred trotters was evaluated in a kinematic study using
      a CODA-3 analysis system. Six trotters were studied at a speed of 11 m/s on a
      treadmill. Temporal gait variables, joint angles, and the trajectories of the
      forelimb hoof were calculated.   The stride patterns of the individual trotters
      were assessed by a judge and compared to the CODA-output. Those trotters with
      poor flexion of the carpal joint during the swing phase or with insufficient knee
      action responded with better carpal flexion and more knee action when toe weights
      were attached.   No effect of toe weights on the protraction of the forelimb
      could be demonstrated. Stride length, stride duration, and the relative duration
      of the stance and swing phase as a percentage of the stride did not respond to
      toe weights. It is concluded that toe weights can be useful in Standardbred
      trotters, but their effect depends on the individual gait pattern.

PMID- 22077858
TI  - Accessory carpal bone fractures in the horse.
AB  - Summary   The clinical signs, the radiographic appearance, and the treatment of
      two cases of fracture of the accessory carpal bone are described. The fractures
      were in the vertical plane. Surgical intervention consisted out of fixation of
      the fracture with two lag screws. Follow-up information revealed that one horse
      became sound and returned to complete athletic activity whereas the other horse
      remained lame.   A brief literature review is given and the surgical treatment
      and the complications are discussed.

PMID- 22077859
TI  - Cancellous bone grafting in the treatment of bovine septic physitis.
AB  - Summary   Eleven young cattle (8-24 months of age) were treated for septic
      physitis of the metacarpal or metatarsal bones. Two new elements were added to
      the traditional treatment. Firstly, homologous cancellous bone grafts were used
      for their osteoinductive properties even in an infected surrounding. (Actinomyces
      pyogenes was recovered most commonly.) Secondly, a walking cast was applied for
      better immobilization of the lower limb with minimal discomfort to the animal.
      After surgery, the 11 bovine patients needed an average walking cast period of
      4.5 weeks and 1 to 2 weeks' treatment with antibiotics. The new treatment regime
      expedites the healing process and shows a success rate of 100%. Follow-up after 6
      months revealed that all animals were completely sound without recurrence of the
      physitis.

PMID- 22077860
TI  - A modified technique for implantation of polypropylene mesh for the repair of
      external abdominal hernias in horses: A review of 21 cases.
AB  - Summary   During a 3-year period 21 horses were surgically treated because of
      large abdominal wall defects. In each case the defect was bridged with a
      polypropylene mesh, which was placed on the outside of the hernial ring. This was
      in contrast with the technique for mesh herniorrhaphy generally described in
      human and veterinary literature, in which the mesh is always implanted on the
      inside of the hernial ring. One horse was destroyed on the first postoperative
      day because of postanaesthetic myelomalacia. Surgical repair as described was
      successful in 18 patients. Recurrence of herniation occurred in two horses. On re
      herniorrhaphy a second and larger mesh was successfully implanted.

PMID- 22077861
TI  - Single intraoperative administration of antibiotic to cows with caecal torsion:
      Wound infection and postoperative performance. A retrospective and prospective
      study.
AB  - Summary   Wound infection and postoperative performance after a single intra
      abdominal administration of 9 g sodium ampicillin in cows operated on for caecal
      dilatation or torsion (n=33) were evaluated. In the 25 animals that left the
      clinic in good health (76% short-term survival), no wound infection occurred.
      Postoperative performance was normal in 21 of these animals (84%). The figures
      for short-term survival and postoperative performance are comparable to those
      from a retrospective study of 169 animals operated on between 1985 and 1990.
      Single intra- abdominal administration of sodium ampicillin during surgery
      provides good protection against infection without negative effects on the
      postoperative performance.

PMID- 22077862
TI  - Oral bioavailability of pivampicillin in foals at different ages.
AB  - Summary   The plasma disposition of ampicillin after intravenous administration
      at a dose rate of 15 mg/kg was studied in six healthy, 1-month-old foals. The
      oral bioavailability of pivampicillin was determined in the same foals at four
      ages, ranging from 11 days to 4 months. Pivampicillin was administered orally at
      a dose rate of 19.9 mg/kg, which is equivalent on a molecular basis to 15 mg/kg
      ampicillin. Ampicillin concentrations in plasma were determined up to 12 hours
      after administration.   After intravenous administration, the mean distribution
      and elimination half-lives of ampicillin were 0.121 and 0.624 h, respectively.
      The volume of distribution (Vss) appeared to be 0.334 1/kg. Orally administered
      pivampicillin was rapidly absorbed in all age groups, producing mean peak plasma
      concentrations of 3.83 to 5.69 MUg/ml 1 h after administration. The mean
      bioavailability of pivampicillin in the different age groups ranged from 39.4 to
      52.9 %.   There was no statistically significant difference in peak plasma
      concentration or bioavailability between the age groups. It is concluded that
      pivampicillin at a dose rate of 19.9 mg/kg orally gives satisfactory plasma
      concentrations in foals of all ages.

PMID- 22077863
TI  - Laboratory and clinical evaluation of a chromogenic endotoxin assay for horses
      with acute intestinal disorders.
AB  - Summary   In this study the laboratory and clinical performance of a chromogenic
      endotoxin assay for equine plasma was evaluated. The assay was sensitive
      (detection limit 3 ng LPS/L plasma), reproducible (within and between-assay CV at
      50 ng LPS/L E.coli 0111:B4 LPS standard addition was 5% and 7.5%, respectively),
      and not substantially affected by enhancement or inhibition phenomena (recovery
      of an in vitro spike was 75-125% in 80% of the samples). LPS added to whole blood
      was rapidly inactivated upon incubation at 37  degrees C but not at 0  degrees C.
      A recently developed blood collection tube for LPS testing was found suitable,
      i.e. LPS-free and providing non-contaminated samples. In 48 horses suffering from
      acute abdominal diseases requiring surgical treatment, LPS levels were
      significantly higher in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) than in platelet-poor plasma
      (PPP), and the proportional difference was related to the PRP platelet count
      (r=0.52, p<0.001, mean difference 48%, range 8-77%). LPS levels were also
      significantly higher in horses that died or were euthanized than in surviving
      horses (mean 16.5 and 7.1 ng/L PRP, respectively, p<0.05). We conclude that LPS
      can be measured in equine plasma with picogram sensitivity and recommend the use
      of PRP instead of PPP for clinical LPS testing. For clinical use a decision limit
      for endotoxaemia of 5 ng LPS/L PRP appeared to be inadequate. Analysis at a
      higher cut-off level for endotoxaemia and the evaluation of clinical,
      pathological, and laboratory parameters would be more meaningful.

PMID- 22077864
TI  - Intravenous anaesthesia in horses by guaiphenesinketamine-detomidine infusion:
      Some effects.
AB  - Summary   The effects of total intravenous anaesthesia with an intravenous
      infusion of a combination of guaiphenesin, ketamine and detomidine were studied
      in 10 patients scheduled for elective surgery. Anaesthesia was maintained by the
      infusion of guaiphenesin (100 mg/ml), ketamine (2 mg/ml) and detomidine (0.02
      mg/ml). The infusion rate was 1 ml/kg/hr.   During anaesthesia, pulse rate and
      mean arterial blood pressure were continuously recorded. Arterial blood gases and
      pH were determined immediately after induction and at stated times during
      anaesthesia. Venous blood was sampled to determine plasma glucose, lactate,
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST) concentrations.   Values were compared with those
      determined in blood sampled before the premedication.   All determined parameters
      with the exception of the plasma glucose concentration, the arterial oxygen
      tension and the AST concentration did not change significantly and remained
      within normal ranges. The plasma glucose concentration increased significantly
      after the induction of anaesthesia compared to the control value but decreased to
      normal values during anaesthesia.   The arterial oxygen tension was on average
      30% lower than normally wished. Compared to the control value the plasma
      concentration of AST was significantly decreased at the end of anaesthesia.  
      Based upon the results of this study an infusion of guaiphenesin, ketamine and
      detomidine appears to be useful for the maintenance of total anaesthesia in
      horses.

PMID- 22077866
TI  - Increasing the exchange time-scale that can be probed by CPMG relaxation
      dispersion NMR.
AB  - Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill relaxation dispersion NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a
      valuable tool to characterize conformational exchange between major and minor
      states in a large variety of biomolecules. The window of exchange that is
      amenable for study, corresponding to rates on the order of 2000 s(-1) or less, is
      limiting, however. Here we show that a combined analysis of both amide (15)N and
      (1)H(N) CPMG profiles and major state exchange induced (15)N chemical shift
      changes leads to significant increases in the exchange time scale for which
      accurate exchange parameters and chemical shift differences between the
      interconverting states can be obtained. The utility of the approach is
      illustrated with examples involving a pair of protein systems that are in the
      moderately fast exchange regime. In these cases the analysis of dispersion
      profiles alone is not sufficient to obtain robust measures of exchange parameters
      and chemical shift differences. Inclusion of major state exchange induced (15)N
      chemical shift changes measured in ((15)N-(1)H(N)) HMQC and HSQC data sets in
      addition to the (15)N and (1)H(N) dispersion profiles in the analysis "breaks"
      the correlation in parameters, allowing accurate values to be obtained. The
      approach is straightforward to implement and makes use of HMQC/HSQC data sets
      that are recorded as a matter of routine to obtain chemical shifts of the excited
      state. It promises to increase the range of exchanging systems involving low
      populated, transiently formed excited states that can be studied by relaxation
      dispersion NMR.

PMID- 22077867
TI  - Osteopontin--a fibrosis-related marker--in dilated cardiomyopathy in patients
      with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As osteopontin (OPN) may be assumed to have diagnostic/prognostic
      value in heart diseases, it is worth assessing whether it is also involved in the
      pathogenesis and can be applied in the diagnosis of the dilated cardiomyopathy
      (DCM) in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). METHODS: Serum levels of
      osteopontin were quantified by means of sandwich immunoassay in 25 EDMD patients
      (10 laminopathies AD-EDMD and 15 emerinopathies--X-EDMD), eight carriers of X
      EDMD, nine disease controls (patients with dystrophinopathy) and 20 age-matched
      healthy controls. RESULTS: The levels of circulating OPN were elevated in all AD
      EDMD and X-linked EDMD patients, as well as in X-EDMD carriers and patients
      suffering progressive muscular dystrophy. There was no correlation between the
      osteopontin level and different cardiac parameters, including left-ventricular
      end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter, the left ventricular ejection
      fraction and the CK-MB level. There was a slight negative correlation with the
      ages of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presented results indicate that
      assessments of circulating OPN levels may help to identify EDMD patients at risk
      of dilated cardiomyopathy and might be therefore included among the set of
      biomarkers referred to with a view to appropriate early cardiologic diagnosis and
      therapy being commenced with in time.

PMID- 22077868
TI  - Investigation of six selected bacterial species in endo-periodontal lesions.
AB  - AIM: To investigate and determine possible associations of six tested bacteria
      belonging to 'orange' and 'green' complexes, in endo-periodontal lesions:
      Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium
      nodatum, Eikenella corrodens and Capnocytophaga sputigena. METHODOLOGY: Forty-six
      patients presenting with different types of endo-periodontal lesions were
      investigated. Clinical examinations, periapical radiographs and microbiological
      sampling from the canal system (endo) and periodontal pockets (perio) were
      performed. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation of bacteria was performed
      by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA-DNA hybridization (micro-IDent plus;
      Hain Lifescience, Germany). RESULTS: Extremely high bacterial loads in endodontic
      samples were recorded for P. micra, F. nucleatum and C. sputigena, while
      periodontal samples were often colonized by the same species, plus C. rectus.
      Significant association was recorded between F. nucleatum-endo and P. micra-endo
      (P = 0.03, Fisher's exact test). There was marginal evidence of associations
      between: (i) C. sputigena-endo and C. sputigena-perio (P = 0.06, Fisher's exact
      test); (ii) P. micra-endo and P. micra-perio (P = 0.05, Fisher's exact test).
      Sensitivity to percussion was associated with an increased chance of cases with
      P. micra-endo (P = 0.03, Pearson chi-square test). CONCLUSION: The findings
      suggest that F. nucleatum, P. micra and C. sputigena may play a role in the
      pathogenesis of endo-periodontal lesions.

PMID- 22077869
TI  - Effects of hydrocortisone on acute beta-adrenoceptor blocker and histamine
      induced bronchoconstriction.
AB  - AIMS: beta-adrenoceptor blockers are avoided in asthma due to concerns of
      bronchoconstriction. We investigated the safety of acute exposure to propranolol
      in asthmatics, sequentially challenged with histamine to mimic an asthma
      exacerbation and evaluated the role of intravenous hydrocortisone in potentiating
      salbutamol reversibility. METHODS: Persistent atopic asthmatics, requiring <=
      1000 ug day(-1) budesonide, performed a randomized double-blind placebo
      controlled crossover study. Following 10 mg or 20 mg of oral propranolol,
      patients received 400 mg intravenous hydrocortisone or placebo, followed by
      histamine challenge with nebulized salbutamol 5 mg and ipratropium 500 ug
      recovery. RESULTS: Thirteen patients completed per protocol. Hydrocortisone did
      not potentiate salbutamol recovery post propranolol and histamine challenge vs.
      placebo (mean difference in FEV(1) 0.04 ml, 95% CI -0.07, 0.15, P= 0.417). beta
      adrenoceptor blocker induced bronchoconstriction was demonstrated by spirometry
      and impulse oscillometry. For the placebo visit, FEV(1) fell 4.7% 2 hours post
      propranolol (95% CI 1.8, 7.5, P= 0.008) whilst total airway resistance (R5%)
      increased 31.3% (95% CI 15.6, 47.0, P= 0.04). On both visits FEV(1) % and R5%
      returned to baseline after salbutamol post histamine. CONCLUSION: Nebulized
      salbutamol and ipratropium produced a full recovery after propranolol and
      histamine induced bronchoconstriction, independent of hydrocortisone use. Since
      the greatest risk of beta-adrenoceptor blockade is after first dose, our findings
      offer reassurance to those undertaking further evaluation of chronic beta
      adrenoceptor blockade as a potential treatment for mild-to-moderate asthma.

PMID- 22077870
TI  - Diversity of human hair pigmentation as studied by chemical analysis of eumelanin
      and pheomelanin.
AB  - Hair colour is one of the most conspicuous phenotypes in humans, ranging from
      black, brown, blond to red. This diversity arises mostly from the quantity and
      ratio of the black-dark brown eumelanin and the reddish-brown pheomelanin. To
      study the chemical basis underlying the diversity of hair colour, we have
      developed several chemical methods to quantify those two pigments. Alkaline H(2)
      O(2)  oxidation affords pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) as a eumelanin
      marker and thiazole-2,4,5-tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) as a pheomelanin marker.
      Pheomelanin can also be analysed as 4-amino-3-hydroxyphenylalanine (4-AHP) after
      hydroiodic acid hydrolysis. Using those methods, we evaluated the contents of
      eumelanin and pheomelanin (the 'chemical' phenotype) in human hairs of black,
      dark brown, brown, light brown, blond and red colour (the 'visual' phenotype).
      Eumelanin contents decrease in that order, with a trace but constant level of
      pheomelanin, except for red hair which contains about equal levels of pheomelanin
      and eumelanin. Thus, the chemical phenotype correlates well with the visual
      phenotype. The genotype of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a gene regulating the
      red hair phenotype, is predictive of hair melanin expressed as the log value of
      eumelanin to pheomelanin ratio, with a dosage effect evident. Hair melanin
      contents were also analysed in patients with various hypopigmentary disorders
      including Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Menkes disease, proopiomelanocortin
      deficiency, cystinosis, malnutrition and trace metal deficiency. The chemical
      phenotype helped evaluate the precise effects of each disease on pigmentation. In
      studies of human hair, the chemical phenotype will find more and more application
      as an objective measure of pigmentation.

PMID- 22077871
TI  - Localized Wegener's granulomatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare granulomatous necrotizing
      vasculitis of small and medium vessels which has predilection for upper airways,
      lungs and kidney. However, any other organ, including the skin and oral cavity,
      can be involved. Although mucocutaneous lesions are relatively common, they have
      only rarely been reported as localized manifestation of the disease. OBJECTIVES:
      Our aim was to evaluate the type and sites of skin and mucosal lesions, clinical
      course and response to treatment, histologic features and laboratory findings in
      localized WG. METHODS: The medical records of three patients (two women and one
      man) with localized WG followed up at our hospitals for a mean time of 10 years
      were studied. RESULTS: All patients presented with facial plaques infiltrating
      the nasal and palatal mucosae and cartilages and, in one case, perforating the
      palatal bone. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, which are the marker for
      multisystem WG, were negative. The disease, refractory to various
      immunosuppressants, responded well, albeit incompletely, to prednisone plus
      cyclophosphamide. LIMITATIONS: The limited number of patients is counterbalanced
      by the rarity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our cases may represent a rare
      distinctive subset of WG limited to the facial region and upper airway mucosa but
      showing a locally aggressive behaviour leading to cartilage and bony destruction.

PMID- 22077872
TI  - Usefulness of the script concordance test in dermatology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The script concordance test (SCT) measures clinical data
      interpretation in the context of uncertainty. To our knowledge, its feasibility
      has not yet been demonstrated in dermatology. OBJECTIVES: This study describes
      the feasibility, reliability and validity of the SCT for use in dermatology
      teaching to family medicine residents. METHODS: We designed an SCT for
      dermatology teaching, adapted to the level of family medicine students. The
      family medicine residents attending a dermatology lecture course and a reference
      panel of dermatologists underwent the test. Software available on the SCT
      dedicated website was used to determine the scores. The Cronbach's alpha was
      calculated. The scores were described by means, standard deviation, and minimum
      and maximum scores. Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare resident and
      reference panel scores. RESULTS: The test contained 33 vignettes of four
      questions each. Cronbach's alpha was 0.80. Mean scores were 75.6 for the
      reference panel and 65.0 for the residents (P = 0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      confirmed the SCT's capacity to distinguish groups on the basis of experience.
      This study demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the SCT in the field
      of dermatology.

PMID- 22077874
TI  - The role of cholesterol in UV light B-induced apoptosis.
AB  - Modification of major lipid raft components, such as cholesterol and ceramide,
      plays a role in regulation of programmed cell death under various stimuli.
      However, the relationship between cholesterol level modification and the
      activation of apoptotic signaling cascades upon UVB light has not been
      established. In this report, we demonstrate that upon UVB irradiation cholesterol
      levels in membrane rafts of skin cells increase, which leads to Fas-receptor
      (Fas) aggregation in the rafts. Utilizing a continuous velocity floatation
      technique, we show that Fas accumulated in the lipid rafts of human melanoma M624
      cells after UVB irradiation. The subsequent events of death-inducing signaling
      complex formation were also detected in the lipid raft fractions. Depletion of
      cholesterol by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin reduces Fas aggregation, while
      overloading increases. Disruption of lipid rafts also prevents Fas death domain
      associated protein (Daxx) from dissociating from Fas in the lipid rafts, which is
      accompanied with a reduced apoptotic, but increased nonapoptotic death of UVB
      irradiated human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. Results indicate that cholesterol
      located in the plasma membrane of skin cells is required for lipid raft domain
      formation and activation of UVB-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22077875
TI  - Isolation and biological characterization of non-B HIV type 1 from Kenya.
AB  - The isolation and characterization of primary strains of human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) is a vital tool for assessing properties of viruses replicating in
      HIV-infected subjects. HIV-1 isolation was carried out from 30 HIV-1-infected
      patients from a Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) after informed consent. Virus was
      successfully isolated from 9 out of the 30 samples investigated. Seven of the
      isolates were from drug-naive patients while two were from patients on
      antiretroviral drugs. The isolates were biologically phenotyped through
      measurement of the syncytium-inducing capacity in MT2 cells. Six of the isolates
      exhibited syncytia induction (SI) associated with CXCR4 coreceptor usage while
      three of the isolates were non-syncytia-inducing (NSI) isolates associated with
      CCR5 coreceptor usage. In addition, the replication capacity of the isolates was
      further determined in established cell line CD4(+) C8166. Indirect
      immunofluorescence assay was used to check the antigen expression on the cells as
      a supplementary test. HIV-1 isolation success was 70% (7/10) and 20% (2/20) in
      naive and drug-experienced patients, respectively. The majority of the viral
      isolates obtained (6/9) were of the SI phenotype, though SI virus strains are
      rare among non-B subtypes. A significant correlation between virus isolation
      success and viral load was established. Coreceptor use data for heavily treatment
      experienced patients with limited treatment options are scanty and this is the
      group with perhaps the most urgent need of novel antiretroviral agents.

PMID- 22077876
TI  - Molecular docking and competitive binding study discovered different binding
      modes of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 inhibitors.
AB  - Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is a newly recognized therapeutic
      target for the treatment of inflammation, pain, cancer, atherosclerosis, and
      stroke. Many mPGES-1 inhibitors have been discovered. However, as the structure
      of the binding site is not well-characterized, none of these inhibitors was
      designed based on the mPGES-1 structure, and their inhibition mechanism remains
      to be fully disclosed. Recently, we built a new structural model of mPGES-1 which
      was well supported by experimental data. Based on this model, molecular docking
      and competition experiments were used to investigate the binding modes of four
      representive mPGES-1 inhibitors. As the inhibitor binding sites predicted by
      docking overlapped with both the substrate and the cofactor binding sites, mPGES
      1 inhibitors might act as dual-site inhibitors. This inhibitory mechanism was
      further verified by inhibitor-cofactor and inhibitor-substrate competition
      experiments. To investigate the potency-binding site relationships of mPGES-1
      inhibitors, we also carried out molecular docking studies for another series of
      compounds. The docking results correlated well with the different inhibitory
      effects observed experimentally. Our data revealed that mPGES-1 inhibitors could
      bind to the substrate and the cofactor binding sites simultaneously, and this
      dual-site binding mode improved their potency. Future rational design and
      optimization of mPGES-1 inhibitors can be carried out based on this binding
      mechanism.

PMID- 22077877
TI  - Selective transition state stabilization via hyperconjugative and conjugative
      assistance: stereoelectronic concept for copper-free click chemistry.
AB  - Dissection of stereoelectronic effects in the transition states (TSs) for
      noncatalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions suggests two approaches to selective
      transition state stabilization in this reaction. First, the formation of both 1,4
      and 1,5-isomers is facilitated via hyperconjugative assistance to alkyne bending
      and C...N bond formation provided by antiperiplanar sigma-acceptors at the
      propargylic carbons. In addition, the 1,5-TS can be stabilized via attractive C
      H...F interactions. Although the two effects cannot stabilize the same transition
      state for the cycloaddition to alpha,alpha-difluorocyclooctyne (DIFO), they can
      act in a complementary, rather than competing, fashion in acyclic alkynes where
      B3LYP calculations predict up to ~1 million-fold rate increase relative to 2
      butyne. This analysis of stereoelectronic effects is complemented by the
      distortion analysis, which provides another clear evidence of selective TS
      stabilization. Changes in electrostatic potential along the reaction path
      revealed that azide polarization may create unfavorable electrostatic
      interactions (i.e., for the 1,5-regioisomer formation from 1-fluoro-2-butyne and
      methyl azide). This observation suggests that more reactive azides can be
      designed via manipulation of charge distribution in the azide moiety. Combination
      of these effects with the other activation strategies should lead to the rational
      design of robust acyclic and cyclic alkyne reagents for fast and tunable "click
      chemistry". Further computational and experimental studies confirmed the
      generality of the above accelerating effects and compared them with the
      conjugative TS stabilization by pi-acceptors.

PMID- 22077879
TI  - Comment on "do some NOx emissions have negative environmental damages? Evidence
      and implications for policy".

PMID- 22077880
TI  - The lived experiences of parents of children diagnosed with cancer in Iran.
AB  - Threatening nature of childhood cancer and the aggressiveness of prescribed
      treatments place enormous stress on the family of children suffering from cancer.
      This study was conducted to better understand the lived experiences of parents of
      children suffering from cancer and to document their account of such experiences.
      The aim of this research was to describe the lived experiences of parents of
      children diagnosed with cancer in Iran. This hermeneutic phenomenological study
      was conducted between June 2008 and May 2009. Data were generated from 15 parents
      using in-depth interviews to capture their experiences of having children with
      cancer. Analysis is based on the framework of Diekelmann enabled data
      interpretation and elaboration of shared themes. One constitutive pattern
      'Feeling trapped in the cancer dead end' and four related themes, namely
      'Contradiction in reconciliation with situation', 'Doomed to accept', 'Isolation
      from others' and 'Devastated life', were identified. The results of this study
      showed that parents feel as if they are trapped by their child's disease. They
      are affected by several mental, social and familial issues while trying to
      tolerate their child's illness and conform to the new order of life.

PMID- 22077881
TI  - Myocardial performance index derived from preejection period: a novel and
      feasible parameter in evaluation of cardiac performance in patients with
      permanent atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using tissue Doppler echocardiography, we can measure preejection
      period (PEPa), defined as the interval measured from the onset of QRS to the
      onset of the systolic mitral annular velocity pattern, isovolumic relaxation time
      (IVRTa), defined as the interval measured from the end of systolic mitral annular
      velocity pattern to the onset of diastolic mitral annular velocity pattern, and
      ejection time (ETa), defined as the interval measured from the onset to the end
      of systolic mitral annular velocity pattern on the same cardiac cycle. The aim of
      this study is to test the applicability of PEPa-derived myocardial performance
      index (MPI), defined as the ratio of PEPa + IVRTa to ETa, as an indicator of
      combined left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with
      permanent atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Echocardiographic examination was
      performed in 54 consecutive patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Clinical
      and echocardiographic parameters were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: After a
      multivariate analysis, the average RR interval on the tissue Doppler image (beta=
      0.328, P = 0.002), left ventricular ejection fraction (beta=-0.260, P = 0.024),
      and early diastolic mitral annular velocity (beta=-0.408, P < 0.001) were the
      major determinants of PEPa-derived MPI. CONCLUSIONS: PEPa-derived MPI had a
      significant correlation with echocardiographic left ventricular diastolic and
      systolic function. It may be a novel and feasible indicator in assessment of
      global left ventricular function in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22077883
TI  - Mitral valve regurgitation in patients supported on continuous flow pumps.

PMID- 22077884
TI  - The mixing mechanism during lithiation of Si negative electrode in Li-ion
      batteries: an ab initio molecular dynamics study.
AB  - In order to realize Si as a negative electrode material in commercial Li-ion
      batteries, it is important to understand the mixing mechanism of Li and Si, and
      stress evolution during lithiation in Si negative electrode of Li-ion batteries.
      Available experiments mainly provide the diffusivity of Li in Si as an averaged
      property, neglecting information regarding diffusivity of Si. However, if Si can
      diffuse as fast as Li, the stress generated during Li diffusion can be reduced.
      We, therefore, studied the diffusivity of Li as well as Si atoms in the Si-anode
      of Li-ion battery using an ab initio molecular dynamics-based methodology. The
      electrochemical insertion of Li into crystalline Si prompts a crystalline-to
      amorphous phase transition. We considered this situation and thus examined the
      diffusion kinetics of Li and Si atoms in both crystalline and amorphous Si. We
      find that Li diffuses faster in amorphous Si as compared to crystalline Si, while
      Si remains relatively immobile in both cases and generates stresses during
      lithiation. To further understand the mixing mechanism and to relate the
      structure with electrochemical mixing, we analyzed the evolution of the structure
      during lithiation and studied the mechanism of breaking of Si-Si network by Li.
      We find that Li atoms break the Si rings and chains and create ephemeral
      structures such as stars and boomerangs, which eventually transform to Si-Si
      dumbbells and isolated Si atoms in the LiSi phase. Our results are found to be in
      agreement with the available experimental data and provide insights into the
      mixing mechanism of Li and Si in Si negative electrode of Li-ion batteries.

PMID- 22077885
TI  - Cu(I)- and proton-binding properties of the first N-terminal soluble domain of
      Bacillus subtilis CopA.
AB  - CopA, a P-type ATPase transporter involved in copper detoxification in Bacillus
      subtilis, contains two soluble Atx1-like domains separated by a short linker at
      its N-terminus, an arrangement that occurs widely in copper transporters from
      both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Both domains were previously found to bind Cu(I)
      with very high affinity. Above a level of 1 Cu(I) per CopAab, dimerization
      occurred, leading to a highly luminescent multinuclear Cu(I) species [Singleton C
      & Le Brun NE (2009) Dalton Trans, 688-696]. To try to understand the
      contributions of each domain to the complex Cu(I)-binding behaviour of this and
      related proteins, we purified a wild-type form of the first domain (CopAa). In
      isolation, the domain bound Cu(I) with very high affinity (K = ~ 1 * 10(18) m(-1)
      ) and underwent Cu(I)-mediated protein association, resulting in a mixture of
      dimer and tetramer species. Addition of further Cu(I) up to 1 Cu(I) per CopAa
      monomer led to a weakly luminescent species, whereas further additions [2 Cu(I)
      per CopAa monomer] resulted in protein unfolding. Analysis of the MTCAAC binding
      motif Cys residue acid-base properties revealed pK(a) values of 5.7 and 7.3,
      consistent with the pH dependence of Cu(I) binding, and with the proposal that
      low proton affinity is associated with high Cu(I) affinity. Finally, Cu(I)
      exchange between CopAa and the chelator bathocuproine sulfonate revealed rapid
      exchange in both directions, demonstrating an interaction between the protein and
      the chelator that catalyses metal ion transfer. Overall, CopAa exhibits
      similarities to CopAab in terms of affinity and complexity of Cu(I) binding, but
      the details of Cu(I) binding are distinct.

PMID- 22077887
TI  - Headache among patients with HIV disease: prevalence, characteristics, and
      associations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Headache is one of the most common medical complaints reported by
      individuals suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune
      deficiency syndrome (AIDS), but limited and conflicting data exist regarding
      their prevalence, prototypical characteristics, and relationship to HIV disease
      variables in the current era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
      OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present cross-sectional study were to characterize
      headache symptoms among patients with HIV/AIDS and to assess relations between
      headache and HIV/AIDS disease variables. METHODS: Two hundred HIV/AIDS patients
      (49% female; mean age = 43.22 +/- 12.30 years; 74% African American) from an
      internal medicine clinic and an AIDS outreach clinic were administered a
      structured headache diagnostic interview to assess headache characteristics and
      features consistent with International Classification of Headache Disorders
      (ICHD)-II diagnostic semiologies. They also completed 2 measures of headache
      related disability. Prescribed medications, most recent cluster of
      differentiation (CD4) cell count, date of HIV diagnosis, possible causes of
      secondary headache, and other relevant medical history were obtained via review
      of patient medical records. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients (53.5%) reported
      headache symptoms, the large majority of which were consistent with
      characteristics of primary headache disorders after excluding 4 cases
      attributable to secondary causes. Among those who met criteria for a primary
      headache disorder, 88 (85.44%) met criteria for migraine, most of which fulfilled
      ICHD-II appendix diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine. Fifteen patients
      (14.56%) met criteria for episodic or chronic tension-type headache. Severity of
      HIV (as indicated by CD4 cell counts), but not duration of HIV or number of
      prescribed antiretroviral medications, was strongly associated with headache
      severity, frequency, and disability and also distinguished migraine from TTH.
      CONCLUSIONS: Problematic headache is highly prevalent among patients with
      HIV/AIDS, most of which conform to the semiology of chronic migraine, although
      with some atypical features such as bilateral location and pressing/tightening
      quality. A low frequency of identifiable secondary causes is likely attributable
      to reduced frequency of opportunistic infections in the current era of HAART.
      Disease severity is strongly predictive of headache, highlighting the importance
      of physician attention to headache symptoms and of patient adherence to
      treatment.

PMID- 22077889
TI  - David victor glass (1911-1978).

PMID- 22077888
TI  - Association of prostate cancer risk alleles with unfavourable pathological
      characteristics in potential candidates for active surveillance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: * To assess whether the carrier status of 35 risk alleles for prostate
      cancer (CaP) is associated with having unfavourable pathological features in the
      radical prostatectomy specimen in men with clinically low risk CaP who fulfil
      commonly accepted criteria as candidates for active surveillance. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: * We studied men of European ancestry with CaP who fulfilled the
      commonly accepted clinical criteria for active surveillance (T1c, prostate
      specific antigen <10 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason <=6, three or fewer positive cores,
      <=50% tumour involvement/core) but instead underwent early radical prostatectomy.
      * We genotyped these men for 35 CaP risk alleles. We defined 'unfavourable'
      pathological characteristics to be Gleason >=7 and/or >= pT2b in their radical
      prostatectomy specimen. RESULTS: * In all, 263 men (median age 60 [46-72] years)
      fulfilled our selection criteria for active surveillance, and 58 of 263 (22.1%)
      were found to have 'unfavourable' pathological characteristics. * The frequencies
      of three CaP risk alleles (rs1447295 [8q24], P= 0.004; rs1571801 [9q33.2], P=
      0.03; rs11228565 [11q13], P= 0.02) were significantly higher in men with
      'unfavourable' pathological characteristics. * Two other risk alleles were
      proportionately more frequent (rs10934853 [3q21], P= 0.06; rs1859962 [17q24], P=
      0.07) but did not achieve nominal statistical significance. * Carriers of any one
      of the significantly over-represented risk alleles had twice the likelihood of
      unfavourable tumour features (P= 0.03), and carriers of any two had a sevenfold
      increased likelihood (P= 0.001). * Receiver-operator curve analysis demonstrated
      an area under the curve of 0.66, suggesting that the number of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms carried provided discrimination between men with 'favourable' and
      'unfavourable' tumour features in their prostatectomy specimen. CONCLUSION: * In
      potential candidates for active surveillance, certain CaP risk alleles are more
      prevalent in patients with 'unfavourable' pathological characteristics in their
      radical prostatectomy specimen.

PMID- 22077890
TI  - The Decline of marital fertility in Japan.
AB  - Summary   Studies concerning the demographic history of Tokuwara and Meiji Japan
      suggest that fertility rose substantially before declining during the twentieth
      century. Were the motivations and circumstances which held down natality during
      the feudal period similar to those which account for the modern fertility decline
      and the low birth rate obtaining in the Japan of to-day? The thesis of this paper
      is that the pre-modern situation was fundamentally different from the modern one.
      During the Tokugawa era infanticide and abortion were used, independently of
      parity, to eliminate weak offspring whose chances of survival were deemed poor.
      Desired natality generally exceeded natural fertility. With the rise of income
      per head during the Meiji period the population's need for these desparate
      practices vanished. To-day parity-specific control characterizes fertility.
      Parityspecific control was diffused throughout Japan in response to declining
      desired fertility. Desired fertility fell significantly below natural fertility
      sometime during the late nineteenth or early twentieth century and the wish to
      reduce actual fertility to the desired level stimulated the adoption of parity
      specific control. The speed of decline in marital fertility was partially
      governed by official policies toward contraception and abortion, contraception
      and abortion.

PMID- 22077891
TI  - The Relevance of the 'Easterlin hypothesis' and the 'new home economics' to
      fertility movements in Great Britain.
AB  - Summary   The hypothesis that a family's economic status relative to its
      aspirations (relative economic status) is an important determinant of its
      fertility behaviour has been developed and applied to the explanation of swings
      in American fertility by R. A. Easterlin. However, a recent application by Butz
      and Ward of a model derived from the 'new home economics' (pioneered by Becker
      and Mincer) strongly suggests that relative economic status is not the dominant
      factor in explaining fertility movements in the U.S.A. Rather, both current men's
      and women's wages operate independently in explaining the movement in fertility,
      and in particular the decline in fertility is attributed to rising women's wages.
      In this paper we explore the relevance of both the Easterlin hypothesis and the
      hypotheses derived from the 'new home economics' to the 1955-75 fertility swing
      in Great Britain. We find that we must reject the Easterlin hypothesis on the
      basis of the measures of relative economic status suggested by Easterlin and
      Wachter. A variant of the Easterlin hypothesis suggested by Oppenheimer does
      receive some support from the available evidence, and the evidence provides
      strong support for the model of fertility behaviour derived from the 'new home
      economics', which emphasizes the distinction between the effects of changes in
      men's and women's real wages on fertility decisions. The cause of the fertility
      decline is attributed to rising women's wages and employment opportunities
      through their direct effect on the opportunity cost of time and children among
      working wives and through their effect on the labour force participation of
      married women of childbearing age. The test of this model and the estimates of
      its parameters are not definitive, however, because of deficiencies in the data
      and problems of statistical estimation. We nevertheless conclude that both this
      model and the Oppenheimer variant of the Easterlin hypothesis, as well as other
      elements of a more comprehensive economic theory of fertility, point to a
      continuation of low fertility and the possibility of a secular decline with
      fertility approaching some lower asymptote.

PMID- 22077892
TI  - Models of contemporary Dutch family building.
AB  - Summary   Recent data suggest that the level of use of oral contraceptives in the
      Netherlands is perhaps the highest in the world. Moreover, the greatest recent
      change in family building patterns is the tendency of newly weds to postpone
      their first birth. A micro-simulation model was developed to test the effect on
      fertility of such a change. An attempt was made to employ input data compatible
      with conditions obtaining in the Netherlands, and the distributions of family
      building patterns were based on recent survey evidence. The aim was not to
      duplicate Dutch fertility, but rather to estimate the range over which marital
      duration-specific fertility can be expected to vary with an increase in the
      proportion of couples who space their first birth. Such an increase was found to
      lower fertility dramatically after five years of marriage, although completed
      fertility was seen to vary very little. This result indicates the care that must
      be taken in ascribing a decline in the fertility of the early years of marriage
      to an overall fertility decline.

PMID- 22077893
TI  - The four-parameter logit life table system.
AB  - Summary   Brass's model life table system, which is a two parameter system based
      on the logit transformation of survivorship values, has been widely and
      successfully used to describe age patterns of mortality in many populations. As
      more reliable information has become available for populations with mortality
      patterns which differ in important ways from the assumed standard pattern of
      mortality, a more flexible model system is needed. This paper shows how Brass's
      system can be expanded into a four-parameter model, and evaluates the performance
      of the new system by examining how well it can fit observed life table data.

PMID- 22077894
TI  - Fertility and mortality in Finland since 1750.
AB  - Summary   In this paper the development of fertility and mortality in Finland,
      and their interrelations with each other and with economic factors is discussed.
      An analysis by individual years shows that rises and falls in mortality and
      fertility rates did not always coincide with poor and good harvests.   Fertility
      in Finland decreased slightly at the turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth
      centuries, but fell sharply over the period 1876-1925. This fall corresponded
      closely to changes in the death rate, especially for infants, and appears to
      justify the conclusion that the changes were connected. These population shifts
      have been called the first and second demographic transitions, of which the
      latter was the more dramatic.   Factors tending to reduce mortality among infants
      and in other age groups during the second demographic transition are obvious;
      those underlying the first demographic transition are less clear. In this
      connection, the importance of breast feeding and campaigns designed to favour the
      practice are stressed. These helped to reduce infant mortality and were one of
      the main reasons for the first demographic transition. Finnish material also
      suggests that some kind of family planning existed during the pre-industrial
      period; it is only by making this assumption that the various figures can be made
      compatible.

PMID- 22077895
TI  - Emigration from Canada in the 1960s.
AB  - Summary   Emigration from Canada can be assessed only by indirect means. Here,
      survival ratios have been applied to the total population enumerated in the 1961
      Census and to particular segments of it, so that a comparison of the calculated
      numbers in 1971 with the population actually enumerated indicates the volume of
      emigration during the decade, both in the whole population and in certain groups.
      Amounting to two-thirds of the number of immigrants during the same period, the
      estimate for the ten years is exactly double the volume of emigration reported to
      the Joint Parliamentary Committee on immigration policy of 1975. Since 1971, the
      level of emigration has probably fallen.   Of the 960,000 emigrants during the
      decade, 42 per cent were Canadian-born. Their favourite destination was the
      United States; immigrants, on the other hand, tended to return home.   Many
      immigrants now stay in Canada for only a few years. Fewer Canadians emigrate to
      the United States. These two factors have contributed to a new pattern of
      emigration, up-to-date details of which will not be ascertained before the Census
      of 1981.

PMID- 22077896
TI  - The population policy of China.
AB  - Summary   China has a consistent and well-defined policy to regulate the growth
      of her population. Population policy is considered as an integral part of overall
      social and economic development policy. It promotes the reduction of the growth
      rate in densely populated areas but encourages the increase of population in
      sparsely populated areas and among national minorities. A series of planned
      internal migration policies has regulated the spatial distribution of population.
      Main factors affecting the implementation of China's population policy are the
      establishment of an effective organization and communication system, the
      participation of the masses in the work, the socialist transformation of the
      national economy, the changes in the structure and functions of the Chinese
      family, the changing status of Chinese women, the development of public health
      services and the campaign for late marriage and family planning.

PMID- 22077897
TI  - Cholera epidemics and their control in Ceylon.
AB  - Summary   Although cholera was never endemic in Ceylon, the country was subject
      to frequent (and in many instances explosive) cholera epidemics, due to its many
      contacts with the Indian sub-continent, the source where the disease was endemic.
      The frequency of epidemics was caused by the heavy movement of Indian labour
      working on the plantations of Ceylon between the two countries. This study charts
      the course of cholera in Ceylon beginning in the nineteenth century and seeks to
      identify the causes which led to its decline.   Although there has always been
      doubt regarding the efficacy of quarantine in controlling cholera, its history in
      Ceylon indicates that whatever the drawbacks, quarantine was one of the major
      factors leading to the decline of this disease in the country. In addition, one
      of the essential elements in the battle against cholera in Ceylon was the
      development of a public health department which had the capacity to restrict the
      spread of an epidemic. This was done by the timely enforcement of various public
      health measures when the disease escaped the quarantine net. This survey also
      indicates that in the case of Ceylon, medical treatment and hospitalization was
      of no significance in controlling the number of deaths among those who contracted
      cholera, since all the great cholera epidemics occurred before treatment by
      intravenous re-hydration was introduced.

PMID- 22077898
TI  - The differential attainment of family size goals by Race.
AB  - Summary   The 1973 U.S. National Survey of Family Growth is used to examine the
      effects of removing number and timing failures from the reproductive histories of
      various cohorts of white and black married women. Blacks are more fertile than
      whites primarily because of their greater unwanted fertility. Removing number and
      timing failures from the past reproductive histories of American women would have
      reduced their fertility considerably. These reductions would have been greater
      for blacks than for whites and would be greater if some wanted pregnancies had
      continued to terminate in foetal loss.

PMID- 22077899
TI  - A method for deriving mortality estimates from incomplete vital Statistics.
AB  - Summary   Although they are available in many developing countries vital
      registration records are very little used for mortality estimation which is still
      mainly based on census returns. However, defective death records may yield
      accurate estimations of mortality. This procedure requires few data only; a sex
      age distribution of the population (preferably at the middle of a period) and a
      sexage distribution of deaths, either derived from vital records or from census
      returns to questions relating to deaths during the preceding twelve months. This
      method is based on the observation that for a fixed age structure of the
      population, there is a one-one relation between the age structure of deaths
      (measured by the proportion of deaths at older ages) and the level of mortality
      (measured by the death rate above a certain minimum age). It is assumed that at
      ages above this minimum the rate of underregistration of deaths does not vary
      significantly with age. Therefore, the age distribution of registered deaths
      makes it possible to estimate the true proportion of deaths at older ages. This
      in its turn will permit the estimation of the true level of mortality, because of
      the relation which exists between age structure of deaths and level of mortality.
      The true level is then compared with the observed, to estimate the rate of
      underregistration, and observed age-specific death rates can be adjusted in the
      light of this knowledge.

PMID- 22077900
TI  - A study of the correlation bias of unrecorded events by two independent
      enumeration systems.
AB  - Summary   In this paper the allegation that, when using the Chandrasekar-Deming
      technique with two independent enumeration systems to record the incidence of
      vital events and migrations, each individual system misses the same type of event
      is investigated. If this correlation bias were to occur frequently enough, it
      could result in a serious underestimation of a given type of event. Using vital
      events and migrations data derived from a longitudinal survey conducted in
      Liberia between 1969 and 1973, the estimated number of recorded events is
      tabulated into homogeneous groups that are demonstrated to affect omission rates.
      The proportion of missed eyents is computed separately for each enumeration
      system, and the presence or absence of a significant correlation mathematically
      determined. The results of this study suggest that no significant correlation
      could be demonstrated in the type of birth, death or infant death that was
      commonly missed by each individual enumeration system. This indicates that the
      omission of a birth, death or infant death was apparently a random occurrence as
      far as the individual casefinding systems were concerned. The authors conclude
      that any underestimation of vital events from this type of correlation bias may
      not be as serious as originally imagined.   In contrast to this observation, the
      omission of particular types of migrations by each enumeration system was
      apparently not a random occurrence, but was associated with the direction of
      migration. This implies that selected migration rates in the liberian survey were
      probably understated and this could happen in other longitudinal surveys, unless
      specific precautions are taken to avoid it.

PMID- 22077903
TI  - Ustekinumab in clinical practice: response depends on dose and previous
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of ustekinumab in a series of patients with
      moderate to severe psoriasis treated according to the European Medicines Agency
      (EMA) label and to identify factors such as dose, baseline PASI or previous
      treatment potentially related to therapeutic outcome. METHODS: Retrospective
      review of the clinical records from 36 consecutive patients treated with
      ustekinumab during at least 36 weeks at a single referral center. Candidates for
      treatment had a PASI>=10 or a BSA>=10 and either failure to respond to, or a
      contraindication to, or intolerance to some systemic or another biologic
      treatment. The main outcome measures were PASI improvement with respect to
      baseline at weeks 12 and 24 (prior to the third injection of ustekinumab).
      RESULTS: Overall 75%, 69%, and 86% patients achieved PASI75 response rates at
      weeks 12, 24 and 36, respectively. Patients weighing<=100 kg and treated with 45
      mg doses had better PASI 50, PASI75 and PASI90 response rates than heavier
      patients (treated with 90 mg) at every point in time, and the differences were
      statistically significant at week 24. PASI75 response rates at week 24 were
      significantly better in patients with no prior exposure to TNFalpha blocking
      agents (85% vs. 50%, P=0.0235). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, ustekinumab is
      effective both in biologic-nayve patients and as salvage therapy when other
      biological treatments have failed. The response rates prior to the third
      injection in our series were better in patients weighing<=100 kg and in those
      without previous exposure to biologics.

PMID- 22077905
TI  - Increasing diversity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 subtypes circulating
      in Australia.
AB  - Characterization of HIV subtypes can provide a more comprehensive understanding
      of the epidemic within a distinct region, and when combined with notification
      data, may also be helpful in enhancing current HIV prevention strategies. In this
      study, we characterized 1056 HIV-positive individuals (948 males and 108 females)
      living in Victoria and whose infection was detected for the first time between
      2005 and 2010 inclusive. HIV-1 strains were subtyped based on pol gene sequence.
      Phylogenetic analysis was performed on all non-B subtype sequences identified. Of
      the 1056 sequences analyzed, 825 were subtype B and 231 were non-B. Overall 6 HIV
      1 subtypes, 6 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs), and 12 unique recombinant
      forms (URFs) were identified. Regardless of gender, the majority of individuals
      were infected with a subtype B virus (78%). Subtype B was dominant in males
      (n=806, 85%). In contrast, the majority of females were infected with non-B
      subtypes (n=89, 82%), in particular subtype C (n=48, 45%). Phylogenetic analysis
      of the non-B subtypes revealed that the majority of clustering, and thereby
      transmission, occurred with CRF01_AE strains. Despite the relatively high numbers
      identified in females there was very little clustering of subtype C viruses.
      Subtypes C and A1 both historically associated with heterosexual transmission,
      and CRF01_AE often associated with IVDU, were also associated with transmission
      within the MSM population, demonstrating the potential for non-B subtypes to
      expand into the MSM population. The observation of increasing numbers of females
      and heterosexual males infected with non-subtype B viruses, the majority imported
      through migration and travel to countries where there is a high prevalence of
      HIV, suggests a targeted public health message may be required to prevent further
      increases within these two groups.

PMID- 22077904
TI  - Miconazole induces fungistasis and increases killing of Candida albicans
      subjected to photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Cutaneous and mucocutaneous Candida infections are considered to be important
      targets for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT). Clinical application of
      antimicrobial PDT will require strategies that enhance microbial killing while
      minimizing damage to host tissue. Increasing the sensitivity of infectious agents
      to PDT will help achieve this goal. Our previous studies demonstrated that
      raising the level of oxidative stress in Candida by interfering with fungal
      respiration increased the efficiency of PDT. Therefore, we sought to identify
      compounds in clinical use that would augment the oxidative stress caused by PDT
      by contributing to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation themselves. Based on
      the ability of the antifungal miconazole to induce ROS in Candida, we tested
      several azole antifungals for their ability to augment PDT in vitro. Although
      miconazole and ketoconazole both stimulated ROS production in Candida albicans,
      only miconazole enhanced the killing of C. albicans and induced prolonged
      fungistasis in organisms that survived PDT using the porphyrin TMP-1363 and the
      phenothiazine methylene blue as photosensitizers. The data suggest that
      miconazole could be used to increase the efficacy of PDT against C. albicans, and
      its mechanism of action is likely to be multifactorial.

PMID- 22077906
TI  - Early family context and development of adolescent ruminative style: moderation
      by temperament.
AB  - We know very little about the development of rumination, the tendency to
      passively brood about negative feelings. Because rumination is a risk factor for
      many forms of psychopathology, especially depression, such knowledge could prove
      important for preventing negative mental health outcomes in youth. This study
      examined developmental origins of rumination in a longitudinal sample (N=337; 51%
      girls) studied in preschool (ages 31/2 and 41/2 years) and early adolescence
      (ages 13 and 15 years). Results indicated that family context and child
      temperament, assessed during the preschool period, were risk factors for a
      ruminative style in adolescence. Specifically, early family contexts
      characterised by over-controlling parenting and a family style of negative
      submissive expressivity predicted higher levels of later rumination. These
      associations were moderated by children's temperamental characteristics of
      negative affect and effortful control. Further, the interaction of these
      temperament factors exerted an additional influence on later rumination.
      Implications for prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.

PMID- 22077907
TI  - A randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of supported employment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   Although numerous randomised controlled trials indicated the
      superiority of supported employment (SE), we still have too little evidence that
      SE is more effective than traditional vocational rehabilitation programmes (TVR)
      in Western European countries with highly developed social security and welfare
      systems, sophisticated rehabilitation programmes and high thresholds to the open
      labour market. The aim of this study is to prove the efficacy of SE in
      Switzerland. METHOD:   Following a 2-week intake assessment, 100 unemployed
      persons with stabilised severe mental illness (SMI) were randomly assigned to
      either the SE programme (n=46) or to the most viable locally available TVR
      (n=54). Follow-up lasted 24 months. RESULTS:   After the first year, the rate of
      competitive employment reached a mean level of 48.2% in the SE group and of 18.5%
      in the TVR group. 58.7% of the SE group were ever competitively employed as
      opposed to 25.9% of the TVR group. In the second year, SE group participants were
      competitively employed for 24.5 weeks as compared with 10.2 in the TVR group. The
      groups showed no significant differences in the non-vocational outcome criteria.
      CONCLUSION:   The SE programme in Switzerland also proved more effective than TVR
      and seems to be applicable to the socio-economic context of Western European
      countries.

PMID- 22077908
TI  - "Lighthouse in the dark": a qualitative study of the role of breast care nurse
      specialists in Israel.
AB  - This study gains insight into the role of the breast care nurse specialist
      through an analysis of thank you letters written by women with breast cancer in a
      tertiary hospital in Israel. Descriptive content analysis was used to analyze 125
      thank you letters. The findings revealed three aspects of the role of the breast
      care nurse specialist: instrumental, cognitive, and emotional. The women
      described these aspects as "paving the way through bureaucracy" (instrumental),
      being a "traffic light at a crossroad in life" (cognitive), and treating each one
      of them "as if I am your only patient" (emotional). This analysis highlighted the
      significance of the breast care nurse specialist in a holistic and integrative
      role that fills a gap within the biomedical healthcare system. Transferability of
      the findings to other nurse specialist roles in different clinical settings
      should be investigated.

PMID- 22077910
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22077909
TI  - Abciximab and heparin versus bivalirudin for non-ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The combination of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and heparin has
      not been compared with bivalirudin in studies specifically involving patients
      with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). We compared the two treatments in this patient
      population. METHODS: Immediately before PCI, we randomly assigned, in a double
      blind manner, 1721 patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction to receive abciximab plus unfractionated heparin (861 patients) or
      bivalirudin (860 patients). The study tested the hypothesis that abciximab and
      heparin would be superior to bivalirudin with respect to the primary composite
      end point of death, large recurrent myocardial infarction, urgent target-vessel
      revascularization, or major bleeding within 30 days. Secondary end points
      included the composite of death, any recurrent myocardial infarction, or urgent
      target-vessel revascularization (efficacy end point) and major bleeding (safety
      end point) within 30 days. RESULTS: The primary end point occurred in 10.9% of
      the patients in the abciximab group (94 patients) and in 11.0% in the bivalirudin
      group (95 patients) (relative risk with abciximab, 0.99; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 0.74 to 1.32; P=0.94). Death, any recurrent myocardial infarction, or
      urgent target-vessel revascularization occurred in 12.8% of the patients in the
      abciximab group (110 patients) and in 13.4% in the bivalirudin group (115
      patients) (relative risk, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.25; P=0.76). Major bleeding
      occurred in 4.6% of the patients in the abciximab group (40 patients) as compared
      with 2.6% in the bivalirudin group (22 patients) (relative risk, 1.84; 95% CI,
      1.10 to 3.07; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Abciximab and unfractionated heparin, as
      compared with bivalirudin, failed to reduce the rate of the primary end point and
      increased the risk of bleeding among patients with non-ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction who were undergoing PCI. (Funded by Nycomed Pharma and
      others; ISAR-REACT 4 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00373451.).

PMID- 22077911
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese
      version of the Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the internal reliability and validity
      of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale
      (DASS) among cardiovascular patients. BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation is widely
      used to prevent and treat thromboembolic events in several conditions, especially
      in cardiovascular diseases; however, this therapy can induce dissatisfaction and
      reduce the quality of life. DESIGN: Methodological and cross-sectional research
      design. METHODS: The cultural adaptation of the DASS included the translation and
      back-translation, discussions with healthcare professionals and patients to
      ensure conceptual equivalence, semantic evaluation and instrument pretest. The
      Brazilian-Portuguese version of the DASS was tested among subjects followed in a
      university hospital anticoagulation outpatient clinic. The psychometric
      properties were assessed by construct validity (convergent, known groups and
      dimensionality) and internal consistency/reliability (Cronbach's alpha). RESULTS:
      A total of 180 subjects under oral anticoagulation formed the baseline validation
      population. DASS total score and SF-36 domain correlations were moderate for
      General health (r=-0.47, p<0.01), Vitality (r=-0.44, p<0.01) and Mental health
      (r=-0.42, p<0.01) (convergent). Age and length on oral anticoagulation therapy
      (in years) were weakly correlated with total DASS score and most of the
      subscales, except Limitation (r=-0.375, p<0.01) (Known groups). The Cronbach's
      alpha coefficient was 0.79 for the total scale, and it ranged from 0.76 (hassles
      and burdens)-0.46 (psychological impact) among the domains, confirming the
      internal consistency reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian-Portuguese version
      of the DASS has shown levels of reliability and validity comparable with the
      original English version. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare
      practitioners and researchers need internationally validated measurement tools to
      compare outcomes of interventions in clinical management and research tools in
      oral anticoagulation therapy.

PMID- 22077913
TI  - Could head circumference be used to screen for autism in young males with
      developmental delay?
AB  - AIM: Research has suggested an abnormal acceleration in head circumference growth
      in children with autism within the first 12 months of life. This study aimed to
      examine head circumference at birth and head circumference growth rates in young
      children with autism and developmental delay, and young children with
      developmental delay without autism. METHODS: This study assessed head
      circumference at birth and rate of change in head circumference in young children
      with autism (n=86) and children with developmental delay without autism (n=40).
      RESULTS: For both groups of children, head circumference at birth and head
      circumference growth were compared with Centers for Disease Control normative
      data. No differences were found between the group of children with autism and
      developmental delay compared with the group with developmental delay only.
      However, when the sample was compared with a range of selected Centers for
      Disease Control normative medians, the children with autism were found to have
      significantly smaller head circumferences at birth and significantly larger head
      circumference at 18.5 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: These results are discussed in
      relation to the potential of accelerated head circumference growth as an early
      marker for autism. This study failed to find a difference in the head
      circumferences of children with autism and developmental delay and children with
      developmental delay only, thus suggesting that head circumference measurement has
      limited value as an early marker for autism.

PMID- 22077912
TI  - The behavioral activation system and mania.
AB  - For over two decades, theorists have suggested that mania relates to heightened
      sensitivity of the behavioral activation system (BAS). In this article, we review
      a burgeoning empirical literature on this model, drawing on both cross-sectional
      and prospective studies. As evidence has emerged for this model, we argue that it
      is time to consider more specific aspects of BAS sensitivity in this disorder. We
      review evidence that bipolar disorder relates to an increased willingness to
      expend effort toward reward and to increases in energy and goal pursuit after an
      initial reward. We conclude by considering the strengths and weaknesses of this
      literature, with an eye toward future directions and implications for treatment.

PMID- 22077914
TI  - Low- vs. high-pressure suction drainage after total knee arthroplasty: a double
      blind randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of continuous low-pressure
      suction drainage compared with closed high-pressure suction following total knee
      arthroplasty. BACKGROUND: Closed wound drainage systems are used in surgical
      interventions to reduce the incidence of haematomas, promote wound healing and
      reduce infections. However, evidence shows that using a closed wound drainage
      system can increase transfusion requirements. DATA SOURCES: A randomized, double
      blind and parallel controlled trial was performed. Adult knee replacement
      patients recruited between May 2006 and March 2007 were assigned to receive low
      pressure suction of 50 mmHg (experimental drainage) or high-pressure suction of
      700 mmHg (comparator drainage). METHODS: The primary outcome was total blood loss
      after surgery. Secondary outcomes were incidence of transfusion, complications
      and mortality. Statistical analysis was based on an intention-to-treat approach.
      Linear regression was performed to account for factors that could influence blood
      loss. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were included. Mean age was 73 (+/-6)
      years, 128 women and 41 men. A total of 84 patients were randomized to the
      experimental drainage and 85 to the comparator drainage. Analysis showed a total
      postoperative blood loss of 541.8 mL in the experimental group and 524.4 mL in
      the comparator group (P = 0.734). The only factor that showed an association with
      blood loss was the length of surgery. Linear regression did not show differences
      between the groups. CONCLUSION: Continuous low-pressure suction of 50 mmHg is not
      more effective than the higher aspiration pressure system to diminish the blood
      loss in total knee arthroplasty. The results do not support any change in current
      nursing practice relating to the use of this drain system.

PMID- 22077915
TI  - Effectiveness of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments against
      Enterococcus faecalis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal
      medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and six
      single-rooted human teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and
      incubated in an microaerophilic environment for 21 days. Teeth were divided
      according to the medicaments and period: G1 - Calen (7 days); G2 - Calen (14
      days); G3 - Calen/camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CMCP) (7 days); G4 -
      Calen/CMCP (14 days); G5 - Calen/0.4% chlorhexidine (CHX) (7 days); G6 -
      Calen/0.4% CHX (14 days); G7 - Calen/1% CHX (7 days); G8 - Calen/1% CHX (14
      days); G9 - chemo-mechanical preparation with no medication and G10 - no chemo
      mechanical preparation and no medication. Microbial samples were harvested
      immediately after removal of the intracanal dressing and 7 days later. Data were
      subjected to anova (P < 0.05). RESULTS: All medicaments were associated with a
      reduction in E. faecalis after removal of the dressing (post-medication harvest).
      However, all specimens were associated with an increase in CFU mL(-1) values
      after 7 days (final harvest). Calen/CMCP and Calen/CHX had the lowest CFU mL(-1)
      values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this laboratory study using extracted teeth all
      calcium hydroxide-based medicaments were able to significantly reduce the CFU mL(
      1) values of E. faecalis in the root canal system.

PMID- 22077916
TI  - Discovery of alpha7-nicotinic receptor ligands by virtual screening of the
      chemical universe database GDB-13.
AB  - The chemical universe database GDB-13 enumerates 977 million organic molecules up
      to 13 atoms of C, N, O, Cl, and S that are virtually possible following simple
      rules for chemical stability and synthetic feasibility. Analogs of nicotine were
      identified in GDB-13 using the city-block distance in MQN-space (CBD(MQN)) as a
      similarity measure, combined with a restriction eliminating problematic
      structural elements. The search was carried out with a Web browser available at 
      www.gdb.unibe.ch . This virtual screening procedure selected 31 504 analogs of
      nicotine from GDB-13, from which 48 were known nicotinic ligands reported in
      Chembl. An additional 60 virtual screening hits were purchased and tested for
      modulation of the acetylcholine signal at the human alpha7 nAChR expressed in 
      Xenopus  oocytes, which led to the identification of three previously unknown
      inhibitors. These experiments demonstrate for the first time the use of GDB-13
      for ligand discovery.

PMID- 22077917
TI  - Coronary artery fistula: 64-slice computed tomographic delineation and
      correlation with multiplane transesophageal echocardiography and surgical
      findings.
AB  - A 49-year-old female who presented with 3 weeks of exertional chest pain had an
      abnormal mediastinal finding at chest x-ray imaging. Conventional, nongated
      computed tomography of the chest revealed a "mass" in proximity to the right
      atrium. 64-slice, cardiac gated computed tomographic coronary angiography, and
      transesophageal echocardiography delineated the "mass" as a coronary artery
      fistula structure. The fistula originated from the left main as a tubular vessel
      that continued into an aneurysmal sac-like cavity that emptied into the superior
      vena cava near the right atrium. Computed tomographic coronary angiography showed
      otherwise normal coronary arteries. Findings were ultimately confirmed at cardiac
      catheterization. Coronary steal was clinically diagnosed and she underwent
      surgical ligation and resection of the fistula and aneurysm. Her subsequent
      course was uncomplicated.

PMID- 22077918
TI  - Endocrine Society Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Guidelines: great content but
      how to deliver?

PMID- 22077919
TI  - Benzobisoxazole cruciforms: heterocyclic fluorophores with spatially separated
      frontier molecular orbitals.
AB  - We report the synthesis of nine conjugated cruciform-shaped molecules based on
      the central benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d']bisoxazole nucleus, at which two conjugated
      currents intersect at a ~90 degrees  angle. Cruciforms' substituents were varied
      pairwise among the electron-neutral phenyl groups, electron-rich 4-(N,N
      dimethylamino)phenyl substituents, and electron-poor pyridines. Hybrid density
      functional theory calculations revealed that the highest occupied molecular
      orbitals (HOMOs) are localized (24-99%) in all cruciforms, in contrast to the
      lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) which are strongly dependent on the
      substitution and less localized (6-64%). Localization of frontier molecular
      orbitals (FMOs) along different axes of these cruciforms makes them promising as
      sensing platforms, since analyte binding to the cruciform should mandate a change
      in the HOMO-LUMO gap and the resultant optical properties. This prediction was
      verified using UV/vis absorption and emission spectroscopy: cruciforms'
      protonation results in hypsochromic and bathochromic shifts consistent with the
      preferential stabilization of HOMO and LUMO, respectively. In donor-acceptor
      substituted systems, a two-step optical response to protonation was observed,
      wherein an initial bathochromic shift is followed by a hypsochromic one with
      continued acidification. X-ray diffraction studies of three selected cruciforms
      revealed the expected ~90 degrees  angle between the cruciform's substituents,
      and crystal packing patterns dominated by [pi...pi] stacking and edge-to-face [C
      H...pi] contacts.

PMID- 22077921
TI  - Co-administration of haloperidol and drugs affecting the angiotensin pathway:
      effect on the extrapyramidal system.
AB  - The present study investigates the extrapyramidal effects of co-administration of
      enalapril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) or losartan (angiotensin
      receptor blocker) with haloperidol in mice. Enalapril/losartan (as a suspension
      in 1% gum acacia) was administered by oral gavage and haloperidol was
      administered as an intraperitoneal injection to all the animals for seven days.
      Catalepsy was measured 30 min after the administration of haloperidol (1 mg/kg
      i.p.) on days 1 and 7. Observations on day 1 constituted the acute study (single
      dose administration) and observations on day 7, constituted the chronic study
      (repeated dose administration). Both acute and chronic administration of
      enalapril/losartan produced an increase in the duration of haloperidol induced
      catalepsy at the highest dose (20 mg/kg). Enalapril produced a more pronounced
      increase in the duration of catalepsy as compared to losartan on both acute and
      chronic administration. Results of our study suggest that co-administration of
      anti-psychotics and drugs affecting the angiotensin system can lead to an
      increase in motor side effects and therefore should be used with caution in
      patients with these co-morbid conditions.

PMID- 22077920
TI  - An immunoassay to evaluate human/environmental exposure to the antimicrobial
      triclocarban.
AB  - A sensitive, competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for
      the detection of the antimicrobial triclocarban (TCC) was developed. The haptens
      were synthesized by derivatizing the para position of a phenyl moiety of TCC. The
      rabbit antisera were screened and the combination of antiserum 1648 and a
      heterologous competitive hapten containing a piperidine was further
      characterized. The IC(50) and detection range for TCC in buffer were 0.70 and
      0.13-3.60 ng/mL, respectively. The assay was selective for TCC, providing only
      low cross-reactivity to TCC-related compounds and its major metabolites except
      for the closely related antimicrobial 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4'-dichlorocarbanilide.
      A liquid-liquid extraction for sample preparation of human body fluids resulted
      in an assay that measured low part per billion levels of TCC in small volumes of
      the samples. The limits of quantification of TCC were 5 ng/mL in blood/serum and
      10 ng/mL in urine, respectively. TCC in human urine was largely the N- or N'
      glucuronide. TCC concentrations of biosolids measured by the ELISA were similar
      to those determined by LC-MS/MS. This immunoassay can be used as a rapid,
      inexpensive, and convenient tool to aid researchers monitoring
      human/environmental exposure to TCC to better understand the health effects.

PMID- 22077922
TI  - Outcome of HIV-1-associated cryptococcal meningitis, Denmark 1988-2008.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The risk of HIV-1-associated Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis
      (CM) has decreased and the outcome has improved with the use of combination
      antiretroviral therapy (cART). Outcome has not been reported in Denmark in the
      cART era. METHODS: A review of all cases of HIV-1-associated CM treated at 2
      hospitals in Denmark was carried out. Survival was compared by time-updated Cox
      proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: A total of 45 cases were evaluated. Six
      individuals (13.3%) died within 30 days of being diagnosed with CM. cART was
      initiated a median of 15 days (range 3-53) after a diagnosis of CM for 12
      individuals and did not affect 30-day outcome. Older age, however, was associated
      with an increased risk of death at 30 days (mortality rate ratio (MMR) 1.16 (95%
      confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05-1.30) per y increment). Twenty-four (55.8%) of
      43 individuals (2 had emigrated) died within the 1(st) y. Initiation of cART
      significantly improved 1-y outcome (MMR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.77). Mental status,
      CD4 T cell count, and antifungal did not affect short- or long-term outcome.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that long-term survival after HIV-1-associated CM has
      improved significantly with the use of cART. Short-term mortality was not
      affected by initiation of cART and remained high.

PMID- 22077923
TI  - Src family kinases in the nervous system.
AB  - Src family kinases (SFKs) are key factors in the process of coupling signals from
      the cell surface to intracellular machinery and critically involved in the
      regulation of many neural functions mediated through growth factors, G-protein
      coupled receptors or ligand-gated ion channels. The three minireviews here focus
      on recent findings dealing with the regulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptors by SFKs.

PMID- 22077924
TI  - Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms syndrome
      as the initial manifestation of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis.
AB  - This is the first report of 2 patients presenting with short-lasting unilateral
      neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms as the initial manifestation of
      idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. They both had acute retro
      orbital pain ipsilateral to the dural thickening on magnetic resonance imaging of
      brain, and one had transient miosis as an additional parasympathetic feature.
      Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms syndrome
      may be associated with secondary central nervous system pathology, and
      neuroimaging should be considered in all patients with trigeminal autonomic
      cephalalgia.

PMID- 22077925
TI  - Carbendazim impends hepatic necrosis when combined with imazalil or cypermethrin.
AB  - Imazalil, cypermethrin and carbendazim are detected in plants for human
      nutrition. To explore whether their combinations, applied orally in low doses,
      would induce changes in metabolic patterns and hepatotoxicity, a subchronic in
      vivo experiment was conducted. Doses of 10mg/kg of imazalil (im) and cypermethrin
      (cy) and 20 mg/kg of carbendazim (car) and their combinations (im, 10 mg/kg+cy,
      10mg/kg; im, 10mg/kg+car, 20mg/kg; car, 20 mg/kg + im, 10 mg/kg) were given to
      Swiss mice daily over 28 days. After 24 hr from the last dose, the relationships
      of cytotoxicity biomarkers were analysed: serum lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate
      transaminase, alanine transferase, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine
      kinase, creatinine and total proteins. Individual pesticides showed different
      toxic potential (cy>im car) generally characterized by increase in enzyme
      activities. Histological analysis showed that cypermethrin, but not imazalil or
      carbendazim, alone can cause mild necrosis. Combinations generally caused
      decrease in the activity of enzymes, indicating liver damage. Low doses of
      carbendazim in combination with low doses of imazalil or cypermethrin caused very
      pronounced hepatic necrosis, more than any of the three individually applied
      pesticides or combination of imazalil and cypermethrin. In fruits and vegetables
      for human consumption, residues of these three pesticides and prolonged combined
      intake of low doses, which by themselves acutely would not cause any effect, may
      have similar hepatotoxic effects.

PMID- 22077926
TI  - Inter-doctor variations in the assessment of functional incapacities by insurance
      physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the--largely unexplored-
      extent of systematic variation in the work disability assessment by Dutch
      insurance physicians (IPs) of employees on long-term sick leave, and to ascertain
      whether this variation was associated with the individual characteristics and
      opinions of IPs. METHODS: In March 2008 we conducted a survey among IPs on the
      basis of the 'Attitude--Social norm--self-Efficacy' (ASE) model. We used the
      ensuing data to form latent variables for the ASE constructs. We then linked the
      background variables and the measured constructs for IPs (n = 199) working at
      regional offices (n = 27) to the work disability assessments of clients (n =
      83,755) and their characteristics. These assessments were carried out between
      July 2003 and April 2008. We performed multilevel regression analysis on three
      important assessment outcomes: No Sustainable Capacity or Restrictions for
      Working Hours (binominal), Functional Incapacity Score (scale 0-6) and Maximum
      Work Disability Class (binominal). We calculated Intra Class Correlations (ICCs)
      at IP level and office level and explained variances (R2) for the three outcomes.
      A higher ICC reflects stronger systematic variation. RESULTS: The ICCs at IP
      level were approximately 6% for No Sustainable Capacity or Restrictions for
      Working Hours and Maximum Work Disability Class and 12% for Functional Incapacity
      Score. Background IP variables and the measured ASE constructs for physicians
      contributed very little to the variation--at most 1%. The ICCs at office level
      ranged from 0% to around 1%. The R2 was 11% for No Sustainable Capacity or
      Restrictions for Working Hours, 19% for Functional Incapacity Score and 37% for
      Maximum Work Disability Class. CONCLUSION: Our study uncovered small to moderate
      systematic variations in the outcome of disability assessments in the
      Netherlands. However, the individual characteristics and opinions of insurance
      physicians have very little impact on these variations. Our findings provided no
      indications of other reasons for these variations. They may be related to
      different work routines or to different views on the workload of a 'normal'
      employee. If so, they could be reduced by well-developed and comprehensively
      implemented guidelines. Therefore, further research is needed.

PMID- 22077928
TI  - A pilot study to evaluate the effect of soy isolate protein on the serum lipid
      profile and other potential cardiovascular risk markers in moderately
      hypercholesterolemic Chinese adults.
AB  - This article examines the effect of soy isolate protein on the serum lipids and
      other potential cardiovascular risk markers in 90 moderately hypercholesterolemic
      Chinese adults (64 women and 26 men, aged 25 to 70 years). Fasting blood samples
      were taken before and after consuming 24 g of protein supplied by soy isolate
      protein supplement (including 18 g soy protein and 6 g milk protein) or milk
      protein supplement daily for 8 weeks. Dietary intake was assessed by a 3-day
      record collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8 of the study. The results
      indicate that the two kinds of protein can modestly improve serum lipids and
      markers associated with obesity and inflammation.

PMID- 22077927
TI  - Analysis of genome-wide association study data using the protein knowledge base.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aim to identify causal
      variants and genes for complex disease by independently testing a large number of
      SNP markers for disease association. Although genes have been implicated in these
      studies, few utilise the multiple-hit model of complex disease to identify causal
      candidates. A major benefit of multi-locus comparison is that it compensates for
      some shortcomings of current statistical analyses that test the frequency of each
      SNP in isolation for the phenotype population versus control. RESULTS: Here we
      developed and benchmarked several protocols for GWAS data analysis using
      different in-silico gene prediction and prioritisation methodologies. We adopted
      a high sensitivity approach to the data, using less conservative statistical SNP
      associations. Multiple gene search spaces, either of fixed-widths or proximity
      based, were generated around each SNP marker. We used the candidate disease gene
      prediction system Gentrepid to identify candidates based on shared biomolecular
      pathways or domain-based protein homology. Predictions were made either with
      phenotype-specific known disease genes as input; or without a priori knowledge,
      by exhaustive comparison of genes in distinct loci. Because Gentrepid uses
      biomolecular data to find interactions and common features between genes in
      distinct loci of the search spaces, it takes advantage of the multi-locus aspect
      of the data. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest testing multiple SNP-to-gene search
      spaces compensates for differences in phenotypes, populations and SNP platforms.
      Surprisingly, domain-based homology information was more informative when
      benchmarked against gene candidates reported by GWA studies compared to
      previously determined disease genes, possibly suggesting a larger contribution of
      gene homologs to complex diseases than Mendelian diseases.

PMID- 22077929
TI  - Psychosocial variables and obesity-risk-reduction behaviors in Chinese Americans.
AB  - The objective of this study was to utilize social-psychological theories to
      explain obesity-risk-reduction behaviors. A questionnaire based on the health
      belief model and theory of planned behavior was administered to a convenience
      sample of 300 Chinese Americans in the New York metropolitan area. Psychosocial
      variables accounted for 40.4% of the variance of obesity-risk-reduction
      behaviors. Self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and perceived benefits emerged as
      most influential variables. Forty-eight percent of the variance of behavioral
      intention was accounted with self-efficacy predominating. Health professionals
      targeting Chinese Americans need to address self-efficacy, behavioral intention,
      and perceived benefits of adopting obesity-risk-reduction behaviors.

PMID- 22077930
TI  - The gathering and consumption of wild edible plants in Nhema communal area,
      Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.
AB  - The study documented 67 wild edible plant species belonging to 45 genera and 30
      families. Anacardiaceae and Moraceae were the dominant botanical families with 6
      species each. Of the reported food plants, 67.7% were fruits, 14.9% vegetables,
      and the remainder were edible roots, inner bark, seed kernel, juice, and gum. Of
      edible plants, 79.1% had multiple uses, which included medicinal and construction
      timber. Only 20.9% of the species were used exclusively for food. Wild edible
      plants are a significant contributor to the socioeconomic well-being of the local
      people as they contribute a recognizable source of income especially for women.

PMID- 22077931
TI  - Nutritional value of 10 traditional dishes of the United Arab Emirates.
AB  - In the present study, 10 traditional dishes commonly consumed in the United Arab
      Emirates (U.A.E.) were chemically analyzed for proximate composition and mineral
      content. In addition, exchange lists for meal planning were developed for those
      dishes. Significant variations in nutritional value were found among the dishes.
      Protein content was lowest in chicken harese (3.33%) and highest in maleh
      (23.57%). The fat content ranged from 1.19% in ragag bread to15.47% in legemat (a
      sweet dish) while carbohydrate levels ranged from traces in maleh to 76.83% in
      ragag bread. Significant variations were also observed in major elements and
      trace elements among the dishes. Data from this study will be useful in
      calculating nutrient contributions from common traditional dishes in the U.A.E.
      as well as in planning normal and therapeutic diets. Further studies on the
      nutritional contributions of other traditional dishes in the U.A.E. are needed.

PMID- 22077933
TI  - Randomized controlled trial comparing treatment outcome of two compression
      bandaging systems and standard care without compression in patients with venous
      leg ulcers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Hong Kong, at the time of the study, compression treatment was not
      considered usual care for venous leg ulcer patients. AIM: This randomized
      controlled trial compared quality of life (QOL) aspects in venous leg ulcer
      patients of over 55-years of age, of short-stretch compression (SSB), four-layer
      compression bandaging (4LB) and usual care (UC) (moist wound healing dressing, no
      compression). METHOD: Study period was 24-weeks, the primary outcome was the
      patient functional status, disease-specific and generic health-related QOL
      measures and ulcer healing rates, comparing week 1 vs. week 24 (end) results.
      Assessments included photogrammetry, Brief Pain Inventory, SF-12 Health Survey,
      Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire and Frenchay Activity Index. Data
      analysis was performed using, where appropriate; Kaplan Meier and log rank chi
      square and the repeated measures analysis of variance test. RESULTS: A total of
      321 patients participated in the study, 45 (14%) withdrew for various reasons.
      Compression bandaging in both groups significantly reduced pain (P < 0.0001) and
      improved functional status and QOL. Healing rate at 24 weeks for both compression
      groups was significant (P < 0.001); for SSB this was 72.0% (77/107) vs. 67.3% in
      the 4LB group (72/107) and 29.0% (31/107) with usual care. The reduction in ulcer
      area from weeks 12 to 24 was significant only for SSB (P < 0.047). CONCLUSION:
      Compression was shown to be feasible for elderly community care patients in Hong
      Kong and is currently implemented as part of standard venous leg ulcer treatment.

PMID- 22077935
TI  - Far eastern patterns of Mortality.
AB  - Summary   In this paper a mortality pattern is identified which has not
      previously been described by model mortality schedules and seems to have occurred
      only in populations in the Far East. Mortality schedules in Taiwan, Hong Kong,
      Singapore, and Korea during the past several decades have been characterized by
      excessively high death rates of men at the older ages. This excess mortality has
      progressively diminished and most recent death rates for men show only slight
      deviations from West model life tables. An examination of statistics on causes of
      death suggests that tuberculosis is at least partly responsible for the excess
      mortality of men.

PMID- 22077934
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of Prostate Health Index for prostate cancer detection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: * To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early prostate cancer
      detection with the Beckman Coulter Prostate Health Index (phi) (not currently
      available in the USA) adding to the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
      compared with the PSA test alone from the US societal perspective. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: * Phi was developed as a combination of PSA, free PSA, and a PSA
      precursor form [-2]proPSA to calculate the probability of prostate cancer and was
      used as an aid in distinguishing prostate cancer from benign prostatic conditions
      for men with a borderline PSA test (e.g. PSA 2-10 ng/mL or 4-10 ng/mL) and non
      suspicious digital rectal examination. * We constructed a Markov model with
      probabilistic sensitivity analysis to estimate expected costs and utilities of
      prostate cancer detection and consequent treatment for the annual prostate cancer
      screening in the male population aged 50-75 years old. * The transition
      probabilities, health state utilities and prostate cancer treatment costs were
      derived from the published literature. The diagnostic performance of phi was
      obtained from a multi-centre study. Diagnostic related costs were obtained from
      the 2009 Medicare Fee Schedule. * Cost-effectiveness was compared between the
      strategies of PSA test alone and PSA plus phi under two PSA thresholds (>=2 ng/mL
      and >=4 ng/mL) to recommend a prostate biopsy. RESULTS: * Over 25 annual
      screening cycles, the strategy of PSA plus phi dominated the PSA-only strategy
      using both thresholds of PSA >=2 ng/mL and PSA >=4 ng/mL, and was estimated to
      save $1199 or $443, with an expected gain of 0.08 or 0.03 quality adjusted life
      years, respectively. * The probabilities of PSA plus phi being cost effective
      were approximately 77-70% or 78-71% at a range of $0-$200,000 willingness to pay
      using PSA thresholds >=2 ng/mL and >=4 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: * The
      strategy PSA plus phi may be an important strategy for prostate cancer detection
      at both thresholds of PSA >=2 ng/mL and PSA >=4 ng/mL to recommend a prostate
      biopsy compared with using PSA alone.

PMID- 22077936
TI  - Polygyny and the rate of population growth.
AB  - Summary   The roots, motives and feasibility of practising polygyny in societies
      with a balanced sex structure and the effect of polygyny on the rate of
      population growth are considered. High demand for labour combined with limited
      supply over the last several centuries, had been conducive to the evolution of a
      polygynous nuptiality pattern. The unprecedentedly high rates of population
      growth during the last several decades combined with progressive economic
      development have led to a change in the role of the labour factor and
      consequently diminished its impact upon polygyny. Polygyny is feasible because of
      a sex-age differential at first marriage, which enables younger cohorts of women
      to enter the marriage market, and thus results in a very early age at first
      marriage and universal incidence of marriage among women. A very young pattern of
      nuptiality inevitably evolves under polygyny, which tends to raise the rate of
      population growth. No significant variation in fertility between polygynous and
      monogamous women was found but substantial gaps in standards of living, child
      mortality, and educational attainment were noted for polygynous households. The
      findings imply that during the transition from polygyny to monogamy family size
      will tend to diminish, although initially fertility may not decline concurrently
      with changing socio-economic status. The most important effects on the rate of
      population growth thus result from the increase in age at first marriage and
      declining proportions of ever married women.

PMID- 22077937
TI  - Estimating infant mortality trends from child survivorship data.
AB  - Summary   Brass's procedure for estimating mortality from census or survey data
      on numbers of children born to women by age group and numbers of children
      surviving is generalized to allow the estimation of mortality trends. The new
      procedure is applied to data for Costa Rica and peninsular Malaysia. The
      resulting infant mortality rate estimates are compared with rates calculated from
      vital registration figures. The comparisons suggest, surprisingly, that the
      estimates derived from statistics for women aged 30-50 are not noticeably
      inferior to those derived from those for women aged 20-30. This suggests that the
      common practice of disregarding statistics for women aged over 30 or 35 years may
      be a mistake. Figures are presented which suggest that estimates based on women
      aged less than 20 are likely to be very seriously biased because of differential
      infant mortality by age of mother at birth.

PMID- 22077938
TI  - Estimating infant and childhood mortality under conditions of changing mortality.
AB  - Summary   It is well known that estimates of infant mortality obtained using
      Brass's technique are very accurate. Biases are introduced, however, when one or
      more of the assumptions on which it relies are violated. Departures from the
      assumption of constant fertility may be handled by using a variant of the
      technique which depends on information on the age distribution of surviving
      children, rather than on indexes of the fertility function. Violations of the
      assumption of constant mortality - an increasingly common situation in most
      developing societies - produce upward biases in the estimates. The amount of bias
      is a function of the speed of mortality decline, the characteristics of the
      fertility pattern and, finally, of the age of the mother. This paper presents a
      simple technique which corrects these biases, and in addition, generates
      estimates of the parameters of the mortality trend. It differs from others in
      that it uses a cohort definition of mortality decline and relies on knowledge of
      the age structure of surviving children rather than on indexes of the fertility
      pattern.

PMID- 22077939
TI  - The post-partum non-susceptible period: Development and application of model
      schedules.
AB  - Summary   The duration of the post-partum non-susceptible period is a major
      determinant of birth intervals in populations with relatively low levels of
      contraception. Since it depends largely on the length of breast-feeding, it may
      change rapidly with socio-economic development. Its study is, however, seriously
      hampered by the limited and defective nature of most data that can be obtained.
      In the absence of intensive, large-scale prospective studies, sizeable reporting
      errors and/or sampling fluctuations are almost inevitable. A system of model
      schedules that summarise the underlying regularities found in empirical schedules
      is proposed. With a logit transformation, observed schedules of breast-feeding
      can be related to a standard breast-feeding schedule by just two parameters.
      Similarly, observed schedules of post-partum amenorrhoea can be related to a
      standard amenorrhoea schedule. The two systems provide a means of obtaining
      relatively robust estimates of the duration of lactation or amenorrhoea from
      partial and flawed data. Several applications of the models for estimation
      problems, for simulation purposes and for the analysis of the relationships
      between breast-feeding, amenorrhoea and post-partum abstinence are discussed.

PMID- 22077940
TI  - Rural-Urban fertility differentials in Southern Nigeria: An assessment of some
      available evidence.
AB  - Summary   The dearth of information on fertility in Nigeria has hitherto impeded
      efforts to arrive at a consistent pattern of rural-urban fertility differentials
      in Nigeria. Attempts were made from the mid-sixties onwards to analyse the
      pattern of rural-urban fertility differentials in some parts of Southern Nigeria
      from a few independent sources. One such attempt was made by Olusanya; in his
      study of Western Nigeria in 1966 and in 1969 he reported a higher urban than
      rural fertility for that region. This result was supported by Ekanem on the basis
      of data from his 1972 survey of parts of Eastern Nigeria. Given the relatively
      wider range of available data presently available for Southern Nigeria, this
      paper examines the Olusanya - Ekanem data together with recent statistics
      collected from Western, Mid-Western, and Eastern parts of Nigeria by other
      workers and points out certain inconsistencies and contradictions in the data and
      conclusions of Olusanya and Ekanem. It suggests that the bulk of available
      evidence to date suggests either that there is a trend towards the convergence of
      rural-urban fertility or a definite pattern of higher fertility in the
      countryside than in the towns. The conclusion also discusses some technical
      problems of comparing urban and rural fertility.

PMID- 22077943
TI  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis on Australia's northern border.

PMID- 22077944
TI  - Management of chronic kidney disease in the elderly.
AB  - Both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease are strongly age
      related. Although the morbidity and mortality of CKD have significantly improved
      in recent years because of a greater understanding of its pathophysiology and
      evidence-based approach to management, the application of this evidence to the
      elderly CKD patients is often fraught with difficulty. This is because, besides
      age, the clinical and biological variables that are widely prevalent in the
      elderly, such as multiple co-morbidities, functional impairments and
      polypharmacy, and quality of life and functional outcome measures, which are
      pertinent to this age group, have generally not been incorporated into the
      available evidence. This paper reviews the current evidence with a view to
      providing a framework for diagnosing and managing CKD in the elderly. Special
      references are made to age-related physiological changes in the renal system,
      assessment of renal function, and management of metabolic complications and end
      stage renal disease.

PMID- 22077945
TI  - Prosthetic valve endocarditis: what is the evidence for anticoagulant therapy?
AB  - The use of anticoagulant therapy in prosthetic valve endocarditis is a
      controversial management issue. Some authorities believe that anticoagulation
      increases the potential risk of cerebral haemorrhage after a thromboembolism
      whereas others, however, affirm that cessation of anticoagulation itself
      increases the risk of thromboembolism and subsequent morbidity and mortality. We
      reviewed the association of anticoagulant therapy and cerebral complications in
      patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis. Our results suggest that
      anticoagulant therapy reduces the risk of thromboembolism and is not associated
      with increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage.

PMID- 22077946
TI  - Right-sided pyriform sinus fistula.

PMID- 22077947
TI  - Delayed isolated gallbladder rupture after blunt abdominal trauma.

PMID- 22077948
TI  - Focal hyperperfusion on ictal cerebral perfusion computed tomography in partial
      seizures mimicking acute stroke.

PMID- 22077949
TI  - Sodium valproate - a rare cause of eosinophilic pleural effusion.

PMID- 22077950
TI  - Flow sensing of single cell by graphene transistor in a microfluidic channel.
AB  - The electronic properties of graphene are strongly influenced by electrostatic
      forces arising from long-range charge scatterers and by changes in the local
      dielectric environment. This makes graphene extremely sensitive to the surface
      charge density of cells interfacing with it. Here, we developed a graphene
      transistor array integrated with microfluidic flow cytometry for the "flow-catch
      release" sensing of malaria-infected red blood cells at the single-cell level.
      Malaria-infected red blood cells induce highly sensitive capacitively coupled
      changes in the conductivity of graphene. Together with the characteristic
      conductance dwell times, specific microscopic information about the disease state
      can be obtained.

PMID- 22077951
TI  - Integrins and their ligands in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Integrins play an important role in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and
      other cells. Upon ligand binding, signaling is initiated and several
      intracellular pathways are activated. This leads to a wide variety of effects,
      depending on cell type. Integrin activation has been linked to proliferation,
      secretion of matrix-degrading enzymes, cytokine production, migration, and
      invasion. Dysregulated integrin expression is often found in malignant disease.
      Tumors use integrins to evade apoptosis or metastasize, indicating that integrin
      signaling has to be tightly controlled. During the course of rheumatoid
      arthritis, the synovial tissue is infiltrated by immune cells that secrete large
      amounts of cytokines. This pro-inflammatory milieu leads to an upregulation of
      integrin receptors and their ligands in the synovial tissue. As a consequence,
      integrin signaling is enhanced, leading to enhanced production of matrix
      degrading enzymes and cytokines. Furthermore, in analogy to invading tumors,
      synovial fibroblasts start invading and degrading cartilage, thereby generating
      extracellular matrix debris that can further activate integrins.

PMID- 22077952
TI  - In search of causality: a systematic review of the relationship between the built
      environment and physical activity among adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Empirical evidence suggests that an association between the built
      environment and physical activity exists. This evidence is mostly derived from
      cross-sectional studies that do not account for other causal explanations such as
      neighborhood self-selection. Experimental and quasi-experimental designs can be
      used to isolate the effect of the built environment on physical activity, but in
      their absence, statistical techniques that adjust for neighborhood self-selection
      can be used with cross-sectional data. Previous reviews examining the built
      environment-physical activity relationship have not differentiated among findings
      based on study design. To deal with self-selection, we synthesized evidence
      regarding the relationship between objective measures of the built environment
      and physical activity by including in our review: 1) cross-sectional studies that
      adjust for neighborhood self-selection and 2) quasi-experiments. METHOD: In
      September 2010, we searched for English-language studies on built environments
      and physical activity from all available years in health, leisure,
      transportation, social sciences, and geographical databases. Twenty cross
      sectional and 13 quasi-experimental studies published between 1996 and 2010 were
      included in the review. RESULTS: Most associations between the built environment
      and physical activity were in the expected direction or null. Land use mix,
      connectivity and population density and overall neighborhood design were however,
      important determinants of physical activity. The built environment was more
      likely to be associated with transportation walking compared with other types of
      physical activity including recreational walking. Three studies found an
      attenuation in associations between built environment characteristics and
      physical activity after accounting for neighborhood self-selection. CONCLUSION:
      More quasi-experiments that examine a broader range of environmental attributes
      in relation to context-specific physical activity and that measure changes in the
      built environment, neighborhood preferences and their effect on physical activity
      are needed.

PMID- 22077953
TI  - Visualization of multipolar longitudinal and transversal surface plasmon modes in
      nanowire dimers.
AB  - We study the transversal and longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonances in
      single nanowires and nanowire dimers excited by the fast traveling electron beam
      in a transmission electron microscope equipped with high-resolution electron
      energy-loss spectroscopy. Bright and dark longitudinal modes up to the fifth
      order are resolved on individual metallic nanowires. On nanowire dimers, mode
      splitting into bonding and antibonding is measured up to the third order for
      several dimers with various aspect ratio and controlled gap size. We observe that
      the electric field maxima of the bonding modes are shifted toward the gap, while
      the electric field maxima of the antibonding modes are shifted toward the dimer
      ends. Finally, we observe that the transversal mode is not detected in the region
      of the dimer gap and decays away from the rod more rapidly than the longitudinal
      modes.

PMID- 22077954
TI  - Exploring leadership in community nursing teams.
AB  - AIMS: This article is a report on a study investigating how leadership is
      perceived in community nursing teams and how these perceptions are translated
      into working practices of team leaders. BACKGROUND: The consensus in community
      nursing literature is that leadership is important, and especially so in a time
      of change. However, little empirical evidence exists on how leadership works in
      practice. METHOD: The study adopted an exploratory descriptive design, utilising
      individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups in four case-studies, with
      a total of 54 participants. Two case-studies focussed on district nursing teams
      and two involved public health nursing teams, located in two geographical areas.
      Participants debated their understanding of the concept of leadership, its
      associated practices and behaviours in teams, if they saw themselves as leaders,
      and what preparation was required. The study was undertaken in 2009. Framework
      analysis techniques were employed to analyse the data. FINDINGS: A 'quasi-family'
      model of leadership emerged, with significant emphasis on the importance of
      personal relationships and support. Nursing grade had a greater impact on
      perceptions of leadership than geographical context or professional and clinical
      focus. CONCLUSION: No clear fit with any existing theoretical framework was
      identified. However, nurses in the highest grade banding, in particular,
      demonstrated practices associated with transformational leadership. Nurses
      expressed the very clear need to be acknowledged, respected and valued, and that
      those who provided this support were regarded as good leaders.

PMID- 22077955
TI  - Regioselective stepwise bromination of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes.
AB  - Halogenated BODIPYs are important synthetic precursors and potential sensitizers
      for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Electrophilic bromination of pyrrolic
      unsubstituted BODIPYs using bromine regioselectively generated mono- to
      heptabromoBODIPYs in a stepwise fashion in good to excellent yields. These
      resultant bromoBODIPYs were applied for regioselective substitution and Suzuki
      coupling reaction to generate BODIPYs 4, 5, 6, and 7 in good to excellent yields.
      According to NMR and X-ray analysis results, the stepwise bromination first takes
      place at 2,6-, then at 3,5-, and eventually at 1,7-positions, whereas the
      regioselective substitution occurs first at 3,5- then at 1,7-positions of the
      chromophore. The spectroscopic properties of these resultant BODIPYs were
      studied, which shows the potential application of these bromoBODIPYs as
      sensitizers for PDT.

PMID- 22077957
TI  - The use of high doses of OROS hydromorphone in an acute palliative care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize patients who received high doses of OROS
      hydromorphone (OROD-HY), a retrospective study of patients admitted in an acute
      pain relief and palliative care unit for a period of two years (from June 2009 to
      June 2011) was performed. METHODS: Globally, 79 patients were prescribed OROS-HY
      during admission at mean maximum doses of 68 mg/day (+/-42). Twenty-two patients
      were switched from other opioids to OROS-HY and 16 patients were switched from
      OROS-HY to other opioids. Sixty-three patients were discharged home with a
      prescription of OROS-HY with doses of 53 mg/day (+/-44). Doses were significantly
      lower in older patients (p < 0.005). The mean admission time was 6.1 days (+/
      3.2). During admission 10 patients (12.6%) were prescribed doses of OROS-HY of
      more than 64 mg/day. RESULTS: The maximum mean doses of this group of patients
      reached during admission were 238 mg/day. Eight of them were successfully treated
      and discharged home with doses of 175 mg/day. Two patients did not achieve an
      adequate balance between analgesia and adverse effects and received alternative
      treatments. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that OROS-HY administered in
      larger doses was relatively safe and effective, showing versatility and
      flexibility similar to other opioids.

PMID- 22077956
TI  - Radioresistance of human glioma spheroids and expression of HSP70, p53 and EGFr.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is routinely prescribed for high-grade malignant
      gliomas. However, the efficacy of this therapeutic modality is often limited by
      the occurrence of radioresistance, reflected as a diminished susceptibility of
      the irradiated cells to undergo cell death. Thus, cells have evolved an elegant
      system in response to ionizing radiation induced DNA damage, where p53, Hsp70
      and/or EGFr may play an important role in the process. In the present study, we
      investigated whether the content of p53, Hsp70 and EGFr are associated to
      glioblastoma (GBM) cell radioresistance. METHODS: Spheroids from U-87MG and MO59J
      cell lines as well as spheroids derived from primary culture of tumor tissue of
      one GBM patient (UGBM1) were irradiated (5, 10 and 20 Gy), their relative
      radioresistance were established and the p53, Hsp70 and EGFr contents were
      immunohistochemically determined. Moreover, we investigated whether EGFr-phospho
      Akt and EGFr-MEK-ERK pathways can induce GBM radioresistance using inhibitors of
      activation of ERK (PD098059) and Akt (wortmannin). RESULTS: At 5 Gy irradiation
      UGBM1 and U-87MG spheroids showed growth inhibition whereas the MO59J spheroid
      was relatively radioresistant. Overall, no significant changes in p53 and Hsp70
      expression were found following 5 Gy irradiation treatment in all spheroids
      studied. The only difference observed in Hsp70 content was the periphery
      distribution in MO59J spheroids. However, 5 Gy treatment induced a significant
      increase on the EGFr levels in MO59J spheroids. Furthermore, treatment with
      inhibitors of activation of ERK (PD098059) and Akt (wortmannin) leads to
      radiosensitization of MO59J spheroids. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that
      the PI3K-Akt and MEK-ERK pathways triggered by EGFr confer GBM radioresistance.

PMID- 22077959
TI  - Field-scale reduction of PCB bioavailability with activated carbon amendment to
      river sediments.
AB  - Remediation of contaminated sediments remains a technological challenge because
      traditional approaches do not always achieve risk reduction goals for human
      health and ecosystem protection and can even be destructive for natural
      resources. Recent work has shown that uptake of persistent organic pollutants
      such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the food web is strongly influenced
      by the nature of contaminant binding, especially to black carbon surfaces in
      sediments. We demonstrate for the first time in a contaminated river that
      application of activated carbon to sediments in the field reduces biouptake of
      PCBs in benthic organisms. After treatment with activated carbon applied at a
      dose similar to the native organic carbon of sediment, bioaccumulation in
      freshwater oligochaete worms was reduced compared to preamendment conditions by
      69 to 99%, and concentrations of PCBs in water at equilibrium with the sediment
      were reduced by greater than 93% at all treatment sites for up to three years of
      monitoring. By comparing measured reductions in bioaccumulation of tetra- and
      penta-chlorinated PCB congeners resulting from field application of activated
      carbon to a laboratory study where PCBs were preloaded onto activated carbon, it
      is evident that equilibrium sorption had not been achieved in the field. Although
      other remedies may be appropriate for some highly contaminated sites, we show
      through this pilot study that PCB exposure from moderately contaminated river
      sediments may be managed effectively through activated carbon amendment in
      sediments.

PMID- 22077958
TI  - Responses of immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and
      apical periodontitis/abscess to revascularization procedures.
AB  - AIM: To report several types of response of immature permanent teeth with
      infected necrotic pulp tissue and either apical periodontitis or abscess to
      revascularization procedures. METHODOLOGY: Twenty immature permanent teeth with
      infected necrotic pulp tissue and either apical periodontitis or abscesses from
      20 patients were included. The teeth were isolated with rubber dam, and pulp
      chambers was accessed through the crowns. The canals were gently irrigated with
      5.25% sodium hypochlorite with minimal mechanical debridement. Calcium hydroxide
      was used as an inter-appointment intracanal medicament and placed into the
      coronal half of the canal space. After resolution of clinical signs and symptoms,
      bleeding was induced into the canal space from the periapical tissues using K
      files. The coronal canal space was sealed with a mixture of mineral trioxide
      aggregate (MTA) and saline solution. The access cavity was filled with composite
      resin. These immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and
      apical periodontitis/abscesses were followed up from 6 to 26 months. RESULTS:
      Five types of responses of these immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic
      pulp tissue and apical periodontitis/abscess to revascularization procedures were
      observed: type 1, increased thickening of the canal walls and continued root
      maturation; type 2, no significant continuation of root development with the root
      apex becoming blunt and closed; type 3, continued root development with the
      apical foramen remaining open; type 4, severe calcification (obliteration) of the
      canal space; type 5, a hard tissue barrier formed in the canal between the
      coronal MTA plug and the root apex. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this case series, the
      outcome of continued root development was not as predictable as increased
      thickening of the canal walls in human immature permanent teeth with infected
      necrotic pulp tissue and apical periodontitis/abscess after revascularization
      procedures. Continued root development of revascularized immature permanent
      necrotic teeth depends on whether the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath survives
      in case of apical periodontitis/abscess. Severe pulp canal calcification
      (obliteration) by hard tissue formation might be a complication of internal
      replacement resorption or union between the intracanal hard tissue and the apical
      bone (ankylosis) in revascularized immature permanent necrotic teeth.

PMID- 22077960
TI  - Peripheral CD300a+CD8+ T lymphocytes with a distinct cytotoxic molecular
      signature increase in pregnant women with chronic chorioamnionitis.
AB  - PROBLEM:   CD300a is an immunomodulatory molecule of the immunoglobulin receptor
      superfamily expressed in the leukocytes of myeloid and lymphoid lineages.
      However, its biological function on CD8+ T lymphocytes remains largely unknown.
      This study was conducted to assess the biological significance of CD300a
      expression in T lymphocytes and to determine whether its expression in peripheral
      T lymphocytes changes in pregnant women presenting with antifetal rejection.
      METHODS OF STUDY: Microarray analysis was performed using total RNA isolated from
      peripheral CD300a+ and CD300a- T lymphocytes. Flow cytometric analysis of the
      peripheral blood samples of pregnant women and pathologic examination of the
      placentas were conducted. RESULTS:   A large number of genes (N = 1245) were
      differentially expressed between CD300a- and CD300a+ subsets of CD8+ T
      lymphocytes, which included CCR7, CD244, CX3CR1, GLNY, GZMB, GZMK, IL15, ITGB1,
      KLRG1, PRF1, and SLAMF7. Gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes
      demonstrated enrichment of biological processes such as immune response, cell
      death, and signal transduction. CD300a expression in CD8+ T lymphocytes was
      coupled to a more cytotoxic molecular signature. Of note, the proportion of
      CD300a+CD8+ T lymphocytes increased in pregnant women with chronic
      chorioamnionitis (antifetal rejection of the chorioamniotic membranes; P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION:   The findings of this study strongly suggest an increase in systemic
      T-lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in pregnant women with chronic
      chorioamnionitis as a manifestation of maternal antifetal rejection.

PMID- 22077961
TI  - Higher free thyroxine levels are associated with frailty in older men: the Health
      In Men Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Frailty is common in the elderly and predisposes to ill-health. Some
      symptoms of frailty overlap those of thyroid dysfunction, but it is unclear
      whether differences in thyroid status influence risk of frailty. We evaluated
      associations between thyroid status and frailty in older men. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional epidemiological study. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling men aged 70-89
      years. MEASUREMENTS: Circulating thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT(4) )
      were assayed. Frailty was assessed as >=3 of the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation,
      Illnesses and Loss (FRAIL) scale's 5 domains: fatigue; resistance (difficulty
      climbing flight of stairs); ambulation (difficulty walking 100 m); illness (>5);
      or weight loss (>5%), blinded to hormone results. RESULTS: Of 3943 men, 27 had
      subclinical hyperthyroidism, 431 subclinical hypothyroidism and 608 were
      classified as being frail (15.4%). There was an inverse log-linear association of
      TSH with FT(4). There was no association between TSH and frailty. After adjusting
      for covariates, men with FT(4) in the highest two quartiles had increased odds of
      being frail (Q3:Q1, odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01
      1.73 and Q4:Q1, OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.04-1.79, P = 0.010 for trend). Higher FT(4)
      was associated with fatigue (P = 0.038) and weight loss (P < 0.001). The
      association between FT(4) and frailty remained significant when the analysis was
      restricted to euthyroid men. CONCLUSIONS: High-normal FT(4) level is an
      independent predictor of frailty among ageing men. This suggests that even within
      the euthyroid range, circulating thyroxine may contribute to reduced physical
      capability. Further studies are needed to clarify the utility of thyroid function
      testing and the feasibility of preventing or reversing frailty in older men.

PMID- 22077962
TI  - Efficacy and safety of topical WBI-1001 in patients with mild to moderate
      psoriasis: results from a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled, phase II
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need for the development of novel non-steroidal topical
      drugs for the treatment of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and
      safety of topical 1.0% WBI-1001 in patients with mild to moderate plaque
      psoriasis. METHODS: A total of 61 patients with 1-10% body surface area (BSA)
      covered with plaque psoriasis and a physician's global assessment score (PGA) of
      2-4 were randomized (2:1) to receive either 1% WBI-1001 in a cream formulation or
      placebo, applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using PGA, BSA
      and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The primary endpoint was the change
      from baseline (Day 0) in PGA at week 12. RESULTS: The improvement in PGA at week
      12 was 62.8% for patients randomized to WBI-1001 when compared with 13.0% for
      patients randomized to placebo (P<0.0001). At week 12, the proportion of patients
      who achieved a PGA of clear or almost clear and the mean improvement in BSA were
      67.5% and 79.1%, respectively, for patients randomized to WBI-1001, when compared
      with 4.8% (P<0.0001) and an increase of 9.4% (P<0.0001), respectively, for
      patients randomized to placebo. More application site adverse drug reactions were
      observed in patients randomized to WBI-1001 than in those randomized to placebo.
      These adverse drug reactions were all mild or moderate in intensity. CONCLUSION:
      Topical WBI-1001 induces rapid and significant improvement in patients with
      plaque psoriasis.

PMID- 22077963
TI  - Predictive factors for urinary retention following kidney transplantation in male
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Urinary retention frequently occurs in patients after kidney
      transplantation. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for urinary
      retention requiring transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) following
      kidney transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy male patients (median age
      56 years, range 37-73 years) who underwent kidney transplantation between 1995
      and 2006, and experienced urinary retention and consecutively required TURP, were
      studied retrospectively. Residual diuresis before transplantation, duration of
      dialysis, patient age, prostate size, rejection reactions, transplant loss,
      combined kidney and pancreas transplantation, type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, and
      carcinoma of the prostate were evaluated as predictive factors. RESULTS: Duration
      of dialysis longer than 120 months (p = 0.0174), patient age over 60 years (p =
      0.0045) and the absence of diabetes (n = 46, p = 0.0029) were associated with a
      significantly higher risk of urinary retention requiring TURP following kidney
      transplantation. Residual diuresis, prostate size, frequency of rejection
      reactions, transplant loss and detection of carcinoma, however, could not be
      identified as predictive factors. CONCLUSIONS: In male patients after kidney
      transplantation with a long history of dialysis, early TURP due to urinary
      retention must be anticipated. Surprisingly, the presence of type 1 or 2 diabetes
      seems to prevent the occurrence of retention, independently of age.

PMID- 22077964
TI  - Extensive polymorphism in the porcine Toll-like receptor 10 gene.
AB  - The great importance of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in innate immunity is well
      established, but one family member--TLR10--remains elusive. TLR10 is expressed in
      various tissues in several species, but its ligand is not known and its function
      is still poorly understood. The open reading frame of TLR10 was sequenced in 15
      wild boars, representing three populations, and in 15 unrelated domestic pigs of
      Hampshire, Landrace and Large White origin. Amino acid positions corresponding to
      detected nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analysed in
      the crystal structures determined for the human TLR1-TLR2-lipopeptide complex and
      the human TLR10 Toll/Interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) dimer. SNP occurrence in wild
      boars and domestic pigs was compared, and haplotypes for the TLR10 gene and the
      TLR6-1-10 gene cluster were reconstructed. Despite the limited number of animals
      sequenced in the present study (N = 30), a larger number of SNPs were found in
      TLR10 than recently reported for TLR1, TLR6 and TLR2. Thirty-three SNPs were
      detected, of which 20 were nonsynonymous. The relative frequency of nonsynonymous
      (d(N) ) and synonymous (d(S) ) SNPs between wild boars and domestic pigs was
      higher in TLR10 than recently reported for TLR1, TLR6 and TLR2. However, the
      polymorphism reported in the present study seems to leave the function of the
      TLR10 molecule unaffected. Furthermore, no nonsynonymous SNPs were detected in
      the part of the gene corresponding to the hinge region of the receptor, probably
      reflecting rigorously acting functional constraint. The total number of SNPs and
      the number of nonsynonymous SNPs were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the wild
      boars than in the domestic pigs, and fewer TLR10 haplotypes were present in the
      wild boars. The majority of the TLR6-1-10 haplotypes were specific for either
      wild boars or domestic pigs, probably reflecting differences in microbial
      environment and population history.

PMID- 22077965
TI  - Carry-over effect of host nutritional quality on performance of spruce budworm
      progeny.
AB  - The effect of host nutritional quality on spruce budworm (Choristoneura
      fumiferana (Clemens)) parental and offspring performance was studied using field
      and laboratory rearing experiments, and foliar chemical analyses. Foliage of
      balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss)
      and black spruce (P. mariana (Mill.) BSP) was used to rear the parental
      generation in the field, whereas an artificial diet was used to rear the progeny
      under laboratory conditions. Important differences in the food quality were
      provided by the three hosts. Black spruce foliage had higher concentrations of
      certain monoterpene deterrents and total phenolics, together with stronger
      seasonal declines in nutrients such as N, P and Mg, compared with the other
      hosts. We hypothesise that this trend may be related to poor performance and
      survival of the progeny. Laboratory rearing showed that progeny of parents that
      fed on black spruce exhibited longer developmental times and greater mortality,
      and had lower pupal mass than progeny of parents fed on the other hosts. Further,
      artificial food-fed progeny of insects reared on black spruce reached sixth
      instar later, with lower mass, and exhibited higher relative growth rate (RGR)
      than progeny of parents fed on the other hosts. These results suggest
      nutritionally-based parental effects. These results also confirmed that the
      quality of food consumed by the parents can influence the fitness of the next
      generation.

PMID- 22077966
TI  - Monofunctionalization of protein nanocages.
AB  - Surface monofunctionalization of protein nanostructures will enable precise
      topological control over the protein-templated assembly of nanoscale motifs,
      however, this remains a formidable challenge. Here we demonstrated a novel
      strategy for this purpose with a protein nanocage, virus-based nanoparticle (VNP)
      of simian virus 40 as a model system. By simultaneously incorporating a function
      modality (cysteine) and a purification modality (polyhistidine tag) into the
      building block (VP1) of VNPs through rational design and genetic engineering, the
      monofunctionalized cysteine-VNPs are readily obtained through a routine affinity
      chromatography in virtue of the purification modality of polyhistidine tag, after
      the coassembly of the functional VP1 and the nonfunctional VP1 at an optimal
      ratio. This strategy has proved to be highly efficient in constructing
      monofunctionalized protein nanostructures as highlighted by the
      monofunctionalized-VNP-guided Au/QD-VNP nanostructures. These nanostructures
      could be utilized in a wide range of disciplines, including basic biological
      research, novel nanostructures, and nanodevices fabrication, etc.

PMID- 22077967
TI  - Infrared spectroscopy of wafer-scale graphene.
AB  - We report spectroscopy results from the mid- to far-infrared on wafer-scale
      graphene, grown either epitaxially on silicon carbide or by chemical vapor
      deposition. The free carrier absorption (Drude peak) is simultaneously obtained
      with the universal optical conductivity (due to interband transitions) and the
      wavelength at which Pauli blocking occurs due to band filling. From these, the
      graphene layer number, doping level, sheet resistivity, carrier mobility, and
      scattering rate can be inferred. The mid-IR absorption of epitaxial two-layer
      graphene shows a less pronounced peak at 0.37 +/- 0.02 eV compared to that in
      exfoliated bilayer graphene. In heavily chemically doped single-layer graphene, a
      record high transmission reduction due to free carriers approaching 40% at 250
      MUm (40 cm(-1)) is measured in this atomically thin material, supporting the
      great potential of graphene in far-infrared and terahertz optoelectronics.

PMID- 22077968
TI  - Analysis of medication errors of health care providers on the basis of data from
      the Czech Toxicological Information Centre over an 11-year period (2000-2010).
AB  - This study aimed to analyse medication errors committed by health care
      professionals leading to toxicological consultations at the Czech Toxicological
      Information Centre and to identify the categories of special concern for further
      interventions of health care quality experts.

PMID- 22077969
TI  - Characterization of the genome of bald cypress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) is a coniferous tree
      of tremendous ecological and economic importance. It is a member of the family
      Cupressaceae which also includes cypresses, redwoods, sequoias, thujas, and
      junipers. While the bald cypress genome is more than three times the size of the
      human genome, its 1C DNA content is amongst the smallest of any conifer. To learn
      more about the genome of bald cypress and gain insight into the evolution of
      Cupressaceae genomes, we performed a Cot analysis and used Cot filtration to
      study Taxodium DNA. Additionally, we constructed a 6.7 genome-equivalent BAC
      library that we screened with known Taxodium genes and select repeats. RESULTS:
      The bald cypress genome is composed of 90% repetitive DNA with most sequences
      being found in low to mid copy numbers. The most abundant repeats are found in
      fewer than 25,000 copies per genome. Approximately 7.4% of the genome is
      single/low-copy DNA (i.e., sequences found in 1 to 5 copies). Sequencing of
      highly repetitive Cot clones indicates that most Taxodium repeats are highly
      diverged from previously characterized plant repeat sequences. The bald cypress
      BAC library consists of 606,336 clones (average insert size of 113 kb) and
      collectively provides 6.7-fold genome equivalent coverage of the bald cypress
      genome. Macroarray screening with known genes produced, on average, about 1.5
      positive clones per probe per genome-equivalent. Library screening with Cot-1 DNA
      revealed that approximately 83% of BAC clones contain repetitive sequences
      iterated 103 to 104 times per genome. CONCLUSIONS: The BAC library for bald
      cypress is the first to be generated for a conifer species outside of the family
      Pinaceae. The Taxodium BAC library was shown to be useful in gene isolation and
      genome characterization and should be an important tool in gymnosperm comparative
      genomics, physical mapping, genome sequencing, and gene/polymorphism discovery.
      The single/low-copy (SL) component of bald cypress is 4.6 times the size of the
      Arabidopsis genome. As suggested for other gymnosperms, the large amount of SL
      DNA in Taxodium is likely the result of divergence among ancient repeat copies
      and gene/pseudogene duplication.

PMID- 22077970
TI  - Abundant pleiotropy in human complex diseases and traits.
AB  - We present a systematic review of pleiotropy among SNPs and genes reported to
      show genome-wide association with common complex diseases and traits. We find
      abundant evidence of pleiotropy; 233 (16.9%) genes and 77 (4.6%) SNPs show
      pleiotropic effects. SNP pleiotropic status was associated with gene location (p
      = 0.024; pleiotropic SNPs more often exonic [14.5% versus 4.9% for
      nonpleiotropic, trait-associated SNPs] and less often intergenic [15.8% versus
      23.6%]), "predicted transcript consequence" (p = 0.001; pleiotropic SNPs more
      often predicted to be structurally deleterious [5% versus 0.4%] but not more
      often in regulatory sequences), and certain disease classes. We develop a method
      to calculate the likelihood that pleiotropic links between traits occurred more
      often than expected and demonstrate that this approach can identify etiological
      links that are already known (such as between fetal hemoglobin and malaria risk)
      and those that are not yet established (e.g., between plasma campesterol levels
      and gallstones risk; and between immunoglobulin A and juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis). Examples of pleiotropy will accumulate over time, but it is already
      clear that pleiotropy is a common property of genes and SNPs associated with
      disease traits, and this will have implications for identification of molecular
      targets for drug development, future genetic risk-profiling, and classification
      of diseases.

PMID- 22077971
TI  - A fatal mitochondrial disease is associated with defective NFU1 function in the
      maturation of a subset of mitochondrial Fe-S proteins.
AB  - We report on ten individuals with a fatal infantile encephalopathy and/or
      pulmonary hypertension, leading to death before the age of 15 months.
      Hyperglycinemia and lactic acidosis were common findings. Glycine cleavage system
      and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) activities were low. Homozygosity
      mapping revealed a perfectly overlapping homozygous region of 1.24 Mb
      corresponding to chromosome 2 and led to the identification of a homozygous
      missense mutation (c.622G > T) in NFU1, which encodes a conserved protein
      suggested to participate in Fe-S cluster biogenesis. Nine individuals were
      homozygous for this mutation, whereas one was compound heterozygous for this and
      a splice-site (c.545 + 5G > A) mutation. The biochemical phenotype suggested an
      impaired activity of the Fe-S enzyme lipoic acid synthase (LAS). Direct
      measurement of protein-bound lipoic acid in individual tissues indeed showed
      marked decreases. Upon depletion of NFU1 by RNA interference in human cell
      culture, LAS and, in turn, PDHC activities were largely diminished. In addition,
      the amount of succinate dehydrogenase, but no other Fe-S proteins, was decreased.
      In contrast, depletion of the general Fe-S scaffold protein ISCU severely
      affected assembly of all tested Fe-S proteins, suggesting that NFU1 performs a
      specific function in mitochondrial Fe-S cluster maturation. Similar biochemical
      effects were observed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae upon deletion of NFU1,
      resulting in lower lipoylation and SDH activity. Importantly, yeast Nfu1 protein
      carrying the individuals' missense mutation was functionally impaired. We
      conclude that NFU1 functions as a late-acting maturation factor for a subset of
      mitochondrial Fe-S proteins.

PMID- 22077972
TI  - Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M3 Mutation Causes Urinary Bladder Disease and
      a Prune-Belly-like Syndrome.
AB  - Urinary bladder malformations associated with bladder outlet obstruction are a
      frequent cause of progressive renal failure in children. We here describe a
      muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (CHRM3) (1q41-q44) homozygous frameshift
      mutation in familial congenital bladder malformation associated with a prune
      belly-like syndrome, defining an isolated gene defect underlying this sometimes
      devastating disease. CHRM3 encodes the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor,
      which we show is present in developing renal epithelia and bladder muscle. These
      observations may imply that M3 has a role beyond its known contribution to
      detrusor contractions. This Mendelian disease caused by a muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptor mutation strikingly phenocopies Chrm3 null mutant mice.

PMID- 22077973
TI  - Whole-exome-sequencing identifies mutations in histone acetyltransferase gene
      KAT6B in individuals with the Say-Barber-Biesecker variant of Ohdo syndrome.
AB  - Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS or Ohdo syndrome) is a
      multiple anomaly syndrome characterized by severe intellectual disability,
      blepharophimosis, and a mask-like facial appearance. A number of individuals with
      SBBYSS also have thyroid abnormalities and cleft palate. The condition usually
      occurs sporadically and is therefore presumed to be due in most cases to new
      dominant mutations. In individuals with SBBYSS, a whole-exome sequencing approach
      was used to demonstrate de novo protein-truncating mutations in the highly
      conserved histone acetyltransferase gene KAT6B (MYST4/MORF)) in three out of four
      individuals sequenced. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm truncating mutations
      of KAT6B, clustering in the final exon of the gene in all four individuals and in
      a further nine persons with typical SBBYSS. Where parental samples were
      available, the mutations were shown to have occurred de novo. During mammalian
      development KAT6B is upregulated specifically in the developing central nervous
      system, facial structures, and limb buds. The phenotypic features seen in the Qkf
      mouse, a hypomorphic Kat6b mutant, include small eyes, ventrally placed ears and
      long first digits that mirror the human phenotype. This is a further example of
      how perturbation of a protein involved in chromatin modification might give rise
      to a multisystem developmental disorder.

PMID- 22077974
TI  - Accuracy of two-dimensional echocardiography in determining aortic valve
      structure in patients >50 years of age having aortic valve replacement for aortic
      stenosis.
AB  - We sought to measure the accuracy of 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography
      in determining aortic valve structure in patients with aortic stenosis (AS)
      undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Few studies have compared aortic valve
      structure determined by echocardiogram to that determined by examination of the
      operatively excised stenotic aortic valve. Two-dimensional echocardiograms were
      reviewed and interpreted by an expert echocardiographer in blinded fashion in 100
      patients >50 years of age (mean 70) who had undergone AVR for isolated AS +/-
      aortic regurgitation and the aortic valve structure (unicuspid, bicuspid,
      tricuspid) was compared to that from examination of the operatively excised
      stenotic valve. After excluding 14 cases in which echocardiograms were
      uninterpretable because of heavy calcium and/or poor image quality, congenitally
      malformed valves were present in 44 patients (51%) and tricuspid valves in 42 of
      the 86 patients (49%). Ten of the 14 patients (71%) with uninterpretable
      echocardiograms had congenitally malformed valves. Valve structure by
      echocardiogram was concordant with morphologic interpretation in 57 of 86
      patients (66% accuracy, kappa = 0.33). Accuracy trended toward improvement as
      degree of AS decreased. In patients with valve areas similar to those enrolled in
      the recent transcatheter aortic valve implantation trial (PARTNER; 0.7 +/- 0.2
      cm(2)), aortic valve structure was accurately determined by echocardiography in
      21 of 35 patients (60%). In conclusion, aortic valve structure was interpretable
      by transthoracic echocardiogram in 86 of 100 patients and accurate in 57 of these
      86 patients (66%).

PMID- 22077975
TI  - Aortic medial elastic fiber loss in acute ascending aortic dissection.
AB  - The cause of acute aortic dissection continues to be debated. One school of
      thought suggests that underlying aortic medial cystic necrosis is the common
      denominator. The purpose of the present study was to determine if there was loss
      and, if so, how much loss of medial elastic fibers in the ascending aorta in
      patients with acute aortic dissection with the entrance tear in the ascending
      aorta. We examined operatively excised ascending aortas in 69 patients having
      acute dissection with tears in the ascending aorta. Patients with previous
      aortotomy, healed dissection, and connective tissue disorders were excluded. The
      69 patients' ages ranged from 31 to 88 years (mean 56); 49 were men and 20 were
      women. Loss of aortic medial elastic fibers was graded as 0 (no loss), 1+
      (trace), 2+ (mild), 3+ (moderate), and 4+ (full thickness loss). Of these 69
      patients, 56 (82%) had 0 or 1+ elastic fiber loss; 13 patients (18%), 2+ to 4+
      loss including 4 with 2+, 6 with 3+, and 2 with 4+. Nearly all patients (97%) had
      a history of systemic hypertension and/or had received antihypertensive drug
      therapy. In conclusion, most patients (82% in this study) having acute aortic
      dissection with entrance tears in the ascending aorta have normal numbers or only
      trace loss of aortic medial elastic fibers. Thus, underlying abnormal ascending
      aortic structure uncommonly precedes acute dissection.

PMID- 22077976
TI  - Frequency and relevance of ischemic electrocardiographic findings in patients
      with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) but often remains unrecognized. Ischemic electrocardiographic
      (ECG) changes are associated with a higher risk of dying from coronary heart
      disease but have never been systematically evaluated in COPD. Also, their
      relation to clinical outcome has not been studied. We aimed to determine the
      frequency of ischemic ECG changes and its relevance in relation to clinical
      outcome and predictors of impaired survival in patients with COPD. Clinical
      characteristics, pulmonary function, and co-morbidities were assessed in 536
      patients with COPD during baseline assessment of a comprehensive pulmonary
      rehabilitation program. Moreover, electrocardiograms at rest were obtained in all
      patients. All electrocardiograms were scored independently by 2 cardiologists
      using the Minnesota scoring system. Major or minor Q or QS pattern, ST junction
      and segment depression, T-wave items, or left bundle branch block were considered
      ischemic ECG changes. One hundred thirteen patients (21%) had ischemic ECG
      changes. Moreover, 42 of 293 patients (14%) without self-reported cardiovascular
      co-morbidities had ischemic ECG changes. In addition, patients with ischemic ECG
      changes had higher dyspnea grades (Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) 2.9
      +/- 1.1 vs 2.6 +/- 1.1, p = 0.032), worse exercise performance (6-minute walking
      distance 387 +/- 126 vs 425 +/- 126 m, p = 0.004), more systemic inflammation
      (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein 11.2 +/- 16.2 vs 7.9 +/- 10.7 mmol/l, p =
      0.01), higher scores on the Charlson Co-morbidity Index (1.8 +/- 0.9 vs 1.5 +/-
      0.8 points), and higher scores BODE (5.3 +/- 3.7 vs 4.5 +/- 3.4 points, p =
      0.033) and on ADO indexes (5.2 +/- 1.7 vs 4.8 +/- 1.7 points, p = 0.029) compared
      to patients without ischemic ECG changes, whereas forced expiratory volume in the
      first second was similar (40.8 +/- 15.2% vs 42.6% +/- 15.9%, p = 0.30). In
      conclusion, ischemic ECG changes are common in patients with COPD and associated
      with poor clinical outcome irrespective of forced expiratory volume in the first
      second. These results suggest an important role for cardiovascular disease in
      impaired survival in these patients.

PMID- 22077977
TI  - Rotational mechanics of the left ventricle in amyloid light chain amyloidosis.

PMID- 22077978
TI  - Underuse of anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22077979
TI  - Flow limitation in coronary artery disease.

PMID- 22077980
TI  - Anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: underused or wrongly used?

PMID- 22077981
TI  - Anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibodies: the past and the future in clinical
      application.
AB  - Recently, two studies using ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (mab)
      demonstrated improvements in overall survival in the treatment of advanced
      melanoma. These studies utilized two different schedules of treatment in
      different patient categories (first and second line of treatment). However, the
      results were quite similar despite of different dosage used and the combination
      with dacarbazine in the first line treatment. We reviewed the result of
      randomized phase II-III clinical studies testing anti-CTLA-4 antibodies
      (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) for the treatment of melanoma to focus on practical
      or scientific questions related to the broad utilization of these products in the
      clinics. These analyses raised some considerations about the future of these
      compounds, their potential application, dosage, the importance of the schedule
      (induction/manteinance compared to induction alone) and their role as adjuvants.
      Anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy represents the start of a new era in the treatment
      of advanced melanoma but we are on the steep slope of the learning curve toward
      the optimization of their utilization either a single agents or in combination.

PMID- 22077982
TI  - Basal progenitor cells in the embryonic mouse thalamus - their molecular
      characterization and the role of neurogenins and Pax6.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The size and cell number of each brain region are influenced by the
      organization and behavior of neural progenitor cells during embryonic
      development. Recent studies on developing neocortex have revealed the presence of
      neural progenitor cells that divide away from the ventricular surface and undergo
      symmetric divisions to generate either two neurons or two progenitor cells. These
      'basal' progenitor cells form the subventricular zone and are responsible for
      generating the majority of neocortical neurons. However, not much has been
      studied on similar types of progenitor cells in other brain regions. RESULTS: We
      have identified and characterized basal progenitor cells in the embryonic mouse
      thalamus. The progenitor domain that generates all of the cortex-projecting
      thalamic nuclei contained a remarkably high proportion of basally dividing cells.
      Fewer basal progenitor cells were found in other progenitor domains that generate
      non-cortex projecting nuclei. By using intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD) as a
      marker for radial glial cells, we found that basally dividing cells extended
      outside the lateral limit of radial glial cells, indicating that, similar to the
      neocortex and ventral telencephalon, the thalamus has a distinct subventricular
      zone. Neocortical and thalamic basal progenitor cells shared expression of some
      molecular markers, including Insm1, Neurog1, Neurog2 and NeuroD1. Additionally,
      basal progenitor cells in each region also expressed exclusive markers, such as
      Tbr2 in the neocortex and Olig2 and Olig3 in the thalamus. In Neurog1/Neurog2
      double mutant mice, the number of basally dividing progenitor cells in the
      thalamus was significantly reduced, which demonstrates the roles of neurogenins
      in the generation and/or maintenance of basal progenitor cells. In Pax6 mutant
      mice, the part of the thalamus that showed reduced Neurog1/2 expression also had
      reduced basal mitosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our current study establishes the existence
      of a unique and significant population of basal progenitor cells in the thalamus
      and their dependence on neurogenins and Pax6. These progenitor cells may have
      important roles in enhancing the generation of neurons within the thalamus and
      may also be critical for generating neuronal diversity in this complex brain
      region.

PMID- 22077983
TI  - Evidence of a role for Th17 cells in the breach of immune tolerance in arthritis.
AB  - Th17 cells are thought to play a pathogenic role in various autoimmune diseases.
      Cytokines secreted by Th17 cells like IL-17, IL-17F and IL-22 have the capacity
      to mediate a massive inflammatory response. These proinflammatroy cytokines are
      likely to mediate the pathogenic potential of Th17 cells. Recent evidence
      suggests a role for Th17 cells in the breach of immune tolerance. This might shed
      some new light on the pathogenic role of Th17 cells in autoimmunity.

PMID- 22077984
TI  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with increased GHBP and reduced
      GH/IGF-I levels.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been described in
      adult GH deficiency syndrome. Furthermore, chronic liver disease can be
      associated with significant changes in levels of IGF-I, GH-binding protein
      (GHBP), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and acid-labile subunit (ALS). However, the
      effect of liver steatosis on the GHBP production has not been investigated yet.
      AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore whether GH secretion and/or levels of IGF-I, IGFBP
      3, ALS and GHBP could be altered in obese patients in relation to the presence of
      liver steatosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 115 obese patients (BMI > 30)
      were enrolled in the protocol (65 patients with liver steatosis and 50 age- and
      BMI-matched controls). In all patients, the following parameters were studied:
      serum levels of glucose, insulin, the HOMA index, IGF-I, GHBP, IGFBP-3, ALS and
      GH after GHRH and arginine stimulation test. RESULTS: As expected, patients with
      NAFLD had blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-R significantly higher than controls,
      indicating a more severe insulin-resistance state in NAFLD. Furthermore, patients
      with NAFLD had higher levels of GHBP and IGFBP-3 and lower GH peak and IGF-I
      levels as compared to controls. No difference was found in ALS levels between the
      groups. In a multivariate analysis, GHBP was positively associated with hepatic
      steatosis while IGF-1 was negatively associated with hepatic steatosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that in patients with NAFLD, the GHBP levels
      are increased, and that the GH/IGF-I axis is significantly altered probably
      leading to reduced IGF-I bioavailability at tissue level.

PMID- 22077985
TI  - Development of a brief multidisciplinary education programme for patients with
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent progressive musculoskeletal
      disorder, leading to pain and disability. Patient information and education are
      considered core elements in treatment guidelines for OA; however, there is to our
      knowledge no evidence-based recommendation on the best approach, content or
      length on educational programmes in OA. OBJECTIVE: to develop a brief, patient
      oriented disease specific multidisciplinary education programme (MEP) to enhance
      self-management in patients with OA. METHOD: Twelve persons (80% female mean age
      59 years) diagnosed with hand, hip or knee OA participated in focus group
      interviews. In the first focus group, six participants were interviewed about
      their educational needs, attitudes and expectations for the MEP. The interviews
      were transcribed verbatim and thereafter condensed.Based on results from focus
      group interviews, current research evidence, clinical knowledge and patients'
      experience, a multidisciplinary OA team (dietist, nurse, occupational therapist,
      pharmacist, physical therapist and rheumatologist) and a patient representative
      developed a pilot-MEP after having attended a work-shop in health pedagogics.
      Finally, the pilot-MEP was evaluated by a second focus group consisting of four
      members from the first focus group and six other experienced patients, before
      final adjustments were made. RESULTS: The focus group interviews revealed four
      important themes: what is OA, treatment options, barriers and coping strategies
      in performing daily activities, and how to live with osteoarthritis. Identified
      gaps between patient expectations and experience with the pilot-programme were
      discussed and adapted into a final MEP. The final MEP was developed as a 3.5 hour
      educational programme provided in groups of 6-9 patients. All members from the
      multidisciplinary team are involved in the education programme, including a
      facilitator who during the provision of the programme ensures that the individual
      questions are addressed. As part of an ongoing process, a patient representative
      regularly attends the MEP and gives feedback concerning content and perceived
      value. CONCLUSION: A MEP has been developed to enhance self-management in
      patients with OA attending a multidisciplinary OA outpatient clinic. The
      effectiveness of the MEP followed by individual consultations with members of the
      multidisciplinary team is currently evaluated in a randomised controlled trial
      with respect to patient satisfaction and functioning.

PMID- 22077986
TI  - Effects of chemical, biological, and physical aging as well as soil addition on
      the sorption of pyrene to activated carbon and biochar.
AB  - In this study, the suitability of biochar and activated carbon (AC) for
      contaminated soil remediation is investigated by determining the sorption of
      pyrene to both materials in the presence and absence of soil and before as well
      as after aging. Biochar and AC were aged either alone or mixed with soil via
      exposure to (a) nutrients and microorganisms (biological), (b) 60 and 110 
      degrees C (chemical), and (c) freeze-thaw cycles (physical). Before and after
      aging, the pH, elemental composition, cation exchange capacity (CEC), microporous
      SA, and sorption isotherms of pyrene were quantified. Aging at 110  degrees C
      altered the physicochemical properties of all materials to the greatest extent
      (for example, pH increased by up to three units and CEC by up to 50% for
      biochar). Logarithmic K(Fr) values ranged from 7.80 to 8.21 (ng kg(-1))(ng L(
      1))(-nF) for AC and 5.22 to 6.21 (ng kg(-1))(ng L(-1))(-nF) for biochar after the
      various aging regimes. Grinding biochar to a smaller particle size did not
      significantly affect the sorption of d(10) pyrene, implying that sorption
      processes operate on the subparticle scale. Chemical aging decreased the sorption
      of pyrene to the greatest extent (up to 1.8 log unit for the biochar+soil). The
      sorption to AC was affected more by the presence of soil than the sorption to
      biochar was. Our results suggest that AC and biochar have a high sorption
      capacity for pyrene that is maintained both in the presence of soil and during
      harsh aging. Both materials could therefore be considered in contaminated land
      remediation.

PMID- 22077988
TI  - The epidemiology of fractures of the proximal ulna.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to report the epidemiological
      characteristics of fractures of the proximal ulna. METHODS: From our prospective
      trauma database of 6872 fractures, we identified all acute fractures of the
      proximal ulna from a 1-year period between July 2007 and June 2008. Age, gender,
      mode of injury, fracture classifications, associated injuries and treatment were
      the factors documented and analysed. RESULTS: There were 78 fractures of the
      proximal ulna with a mean age of 57 years (15-97). Males (n=35) sustained their
      fracture at a significantly younger age than females (p=0.041), with no gender
      predominance seen (p=0.365). The overall fracture distribution was a unimodal
      older male and unimodal older female type-F curve. The most common mode of injury
      was a simple fall from standing height (n=52, 67%), with younger patients more
      likely to sustain their injuries following a high-energy mechanism such as sports
      or a motor vehicle collision (p<0.001). Seventeen (22%) patients sustained
      associated injuries to the ipsilateral limb, with an associated proximal radial
      fracture most frequent (n=13, 17%). Open fractures were seen in five (6.4%)
      patients. A total of 64 patients had a fracture of the olecranon, with the Mayo
      2A most frequently seen (n=47, 60%). CONCLUSIONS: Fractures of the proximal ulna
      are fragility fractures that predominantly occur in elderly patients. Given the
      number of elderly patients sustaining these injuries, research is needed to
      determine the role of non-operative treatment for these fractures, particularly
      in patients with multiple co-morbidities and low functional demands.

PMID- 22077989
TI  - UK triage--an improved tool for an evolving threat.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A key challenge at a major incident is to quickly identify those
      casualties most urgently needing treatment in order to survive - triage. The UK
      Triage Sieve (TS) advocated by the Major Incident Medical Management (MIMMS)
      Course categorises casualties by ability to walk, respiratory rate (RR) and heart
      rate (HR) or capillary refill time. The military version (MS) includes assessment
      of consciousness. We tested whether the MS better predicts need for life-saving
      intervention in a military trauma population. Ideal HR, RR and Glasgow Coma Score
      (GCS) thresholds were calculated. METHODS: A gold standard Priority 1 casualty
      was defined using resource-based criteria. Pre-hospital data from a military
      trauma database allowed calculation of triage category, which was compared with
      this standard, and presented as 2*2 tables. Sensitivity and specificity of each
      physiological parameter was calculated over a range of values to identify the
      ideal cut-offs. RESULTS: A gold standard could be ascribed in 1657 cases. In 1213
      both the MS and TS could ascribe a category. MS was significantly more sensitive
      than TS (59% vs 53%, p<0.001) with similar specificity (89 vs 88%). Varying the
      limits for each parameter allowed some improvements in sensitivity (70-80%) but
      specificity dropped rapidly. DISCUSSION: Previous studies support the inclusion
      of GCS assessment for blunt as well as penetrating trauma. Optimising the
      physiological cut-offs increased sensitivity in this sample to only 71% - a Sieve
      based purely on physiological parameters may not be capable of an acceptable
      level of sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The MS is more sensitive than the TS. Major
      incident planners utilising the Sieve should consider adopting the military
      version as their first line triage tool. If validated, altering the HR and RR
      thresholds may further improve the tool.

PMID- 22077987
TI  - Global protein synthesis in human trophoblast is resistant to inhibition by
      hypoxia.
AB  - Placental growth and function depend on syncytial cell processes which require
      the continuing synthesis of cellular proteins. The substantial energy demands of
      protein synthesis are met primarily from oxidative metabolism. Although the
      responses of individual proteins produced by the syncytiotrophoblast to oxygen
      deprivation have been investigated previously, there is no information available
      on global protein synthesis in syncytiotrophoblast under conditions of hypoxia.
      These studies were designed to test the hypothesis that syncytial protein
      synthesis is decreased in a dose-dependent manner by hypoxia. Experiments were
      performed to measure amino acid incorporation into proteins in primary
      syncytiotrophoblast cells exposed to oxygen concentrations ranging from 0 to 10%.
      Compared to cells exposed to normoxia (10% O2), no changes were observed
      following exposure to 5% or 3% O2, but after exposure to 1% O2, protein synthesis
      after 24 and 48 h decreased by 24% and 23% and with exposure to 0% O2, by 65% and
      50%. As a consequence of these results, we hypothesized that global protein
      synthesis in conditions of severe hypoxia was being supported by glucose
      metabolism. Additional experiments were performed therefore to examine the role
      of glucose in supporting protein synthesis. These demonstrated that at each
      oxygen concentration there was a significant, decreasing linear trend in protein
      synthesis as glucose concentration was reduced. Under conditions of near-anoxia
      and in the absence of glucose, protein synthesis was reduced by >85%. Even under
      normoxic conditions (defined as 10% O2) and in the presence of oxidative
      substrates, reductions in glucose were accompanied by decreases in protein
      synthesis. These experiments demonstrate that syncytiotrophoblast cells are
      resistant to reductions in protein synthesis at O2 concentrations greater than
      1%. This could be explained by our finding that a significant fraction of protein
      synthesis in the syncytiotrophoblast is sustained by glycolytic metabolism. This
      suggests that with increasing degrees of chronic hypoxia there is a shift from
      oxidative to glycolytic pathways, allowing a substantial degree of protein
      synthesis to be maintained.

PMID- 22077990
TI  - Discharge destination following lower limb fracture: development of a prediction
      model to assist with decision making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of the likelihood of discharge to inpatient
      rehabilitation following lower limb fracture made on admission to hospital may
      assist patient discharge planning and decrease the burden on the hospital system
      caused by delays in decision making. AIMS: To develop a prognostic model for
      discharge to inpatient rehabilitation. METHOD: Isolated lower extremity fracture
      cases (excluding fractured neck of femur), captured by the Victorian Orthopaedic
      Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR), were extracted for analysis. A training data
      set was created for model development and validation data set for evaluation. A
      multivariable logistic regression model was developed based on patient and injury
      characteristics. Models were assessed using measures of discrimination (C
      statistic) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) statistic). RESULTS: A total of
      1429 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly split into training
      and test data sets. Increasing age, more proximal fracture type, compensation or
      private fund source for the admission, metropolitan location of residence, not
      working prior to injury and having a self-reported pre-injury disability were
      included in the final prediction model. The C-statistic for the model was 0.92
      (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88, 0.95) with an H-L statistic of chi(2)=11.62,
      p=0.17. For the test data set, the C-statistic was 0.86 (95% CI 0.83, 0.90) with
      an H-L statistic of chi(2)=37.98, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: A model to predict
      discharge to inpatient rehabilitation following lower limb fracture was developed
      with excellent discrimination although the calibration was reduced in the test
      data set. This model requires prospective testing but could form an integral part
      of decision making in regards to discharge disposition to facilitate timely and
      accurate referral to rehabilitation and optimise resource allocation.

PMID- 22077991
TI  - Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) gene polymorphisms in pulmonary
      tuberculosis patients of south India.
AB  - CXCL12 gene polymorphisms influence CXCL12 levels and may be associated with the
      outcome of host-pathogen interaction. Hence, the present study was carried out to
      find out whether CXCL12 gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility or
      resistance to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Intron and 3' untranslated region
      (UTR) polymorphisms of CXCL12 gene were investigated among 184 patients with PTB
      and 187 healthy controls (HC) using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. The
      results revealed an increased frequency of G/A genotype of In2 +5887 [P = 0.034;
      odds ratio (OR) 1.66; 95% confidence intervals 1.04-2.66] and a decreased
      frequency of G/A genotype of 3'UTR +12197 polymorphisms (P = 0.051; OR 0.64; 95%
      CI 0.4-1.00) among patients than HCs. When the study subjects were categorized
      based on sex, significantly increased frequencies of G/A genotype (P = 0.013 P(c)
      = 0.039; OR 2.41) of In2 +5887 and G/G genotype (P = 0.005, P(c) = 0.015; OR
      2.48) of 3'UTR +12197 polymorphisms were observed among female patients with PTB
      as compared to female HC. A significantly decreased frequency of the haplotype G
      C-A-T (P = 0.006, P(c) = 0.030; OR 0.48) was noticed among female patients with
      PTB as compared to female HC. The study suggests that G/A genotype of In2 +5887
      and G/G genotype of 3'UTR +12197 polymorphisms may be associated with
      susceptibility to PTB among females, and the haplotype G-C-A-T of CXCL12 gene may
      be associated with protection in females.

PMID- 22077992
TI  - Lab-on-a-bubble: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of buoyant gold
      nanoparticle-coated silica spheres.
AB  - This paper describes the development and preparation of a new class of materials
      for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) consisting of gold nanoparticles
      coated onto hollow, buoyant silica microspheres. These materials allow for a new
      type of molecular assay designated as a lab-on-a-bubble (LoB). LoB materials
      serve as a convenient platform for the detection of analytes in solution and
      offer several advantages over traditional colloidal gold and planar SERS
      substrates, such as the ability to localize and concentrate analytes for
      detection. An example assay is presented using the LoB method and cyanide
      detection. Cyanide binds to SERS-active, gold-coated LoBs and is detected
      directly from the corresponding SERS signal. The abilities of LoBs and a gold
      colloid to detect cyanide are compared, and in both cases, a detection limit of
      ~170 ppt was determined. Differences in measurement error using LoBs versus gold
      colloid are also described, as well as an assay for 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic
      acid) that shows the benefit of using LoBs over SERS analyses in colloids, which
      are often plagued by particle aggregation.

PMID- 22077993
TI  - Biphasic peptide amphiphile nanomatrix embedded with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
      for stimulated osteoinductive response.
AB  - Formation of the native bone extracellular matrix (ECM) provides an attractive
      template for bone tissue engineering. The structural support and biological
      complexity of bone ECM are provided within a composite microenvironment that
      consists of an organic fibrous network reinforced by inorganic hydroxyapatite
      (HA) nanoparticles. Recreating this biphasic assembly, a bone ECM analogous
      scaffold comprising self-assembling peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofibers and
      interspersed HA nanoparticles was investigated. PAs were endowed with
      biomolecular ligand signaling using a synthetically inscribed peptide sequence
      (i.e., RGDS) and integrated with HA nanoparticles to form a biphasic nanomatrix
      hydrogel. It was hypothesized the biphasic hydrogel would induce osteogenic
      differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and improve bone healing
      as mediated by RGDS ligand signaling within PA nanofibers and embedded HA
      mineralization source. Viscoelastic stability of the biphasic PA hydrogels was
      evaluated with different weight concentrations of HA for improved gelation. After
      demonstrating initial viability, long-term cellularity and osteoinduction of
      encapsulated hMSCs in different PA hydrogels were studied in vitro. Temporal
      progression of osteogenic maturation was assessed by gene expression of key
      markers. A preliminary animal study demonstrated bone healing capacity of the
      biphasic PA nanomatrix under physiological conditions using a critical size
      femoral defect rat model. The combination of RGDS ligand signaling and HA
      nanoparticles within the biphasic PA nanomatrix hydrogel demonstrated the most
      effective osteoinduction and comparative bone healing response. Therefore, the
      biphasic PA nanomatrix establishes a well-organized scaffold with increased
      similarity to natural bone ECM with the prospect for improved bone tissue
      regeneration.

PMID- 22077995
TI  - Effects of intramammary inoculation of Lactobacillus perolens CRL1724 in
      lactating cows' udders.
AB  - Bovine mastitis is the most important infectious disease on dairy farms.
      Conventional antibiotic therapy is often unsatisfactory and alternative
      treatments are continually under investigation. Lactobacillus (Lb.) perolens CRL
      1724 and Lactobacillus plantarum CRL 1716 were previously isolated from milk of
      dairy cows and selected according to their potential probiotic properties. In the
      present work the in-vitro capacity of Lactobacillus strains to adhere to bovine
      teat canal epithelial cells (BTCEC) and to inhibit and co-aggregate 14 mastitis
      causing pathogens (MCPs) was investigated. The effect of Lb. perolens CRL 1724
      after intramammary inoculation in lactating cows was evaluated through
      determination of clinical signs of mastitis, milk appearance, somatic cell counts
      and Lb. perolens CRL 1724 recovery from milk. Lb. perolens CRL 1724 was able to
      inhibit 12 of 14 MCPs (85.7%) in vitro, especially those considered to be major
      pathogens. In addition, Lb. perolens CRL 1724 co-aggregated with all of them. Lb.
      plantarum CRL 1716 was able to inhibit 7 of 14 MCPs (50%) in vitro and showed co
      aggregation ability similar to Lb. perolens CRL 1724. Lb. perolens CRL 1724
      showed a higher efficacy of adhesion to BTCEC (values of percentage of adhesion
      and adhesion index of 75% and 14.4, respectively) than Lb. plantarum CRL 1716
      (37% and 7.4, respectively). Lb. perolens CRL 1724 was recovered from all mammary
      quarters and no clinical signs or teat damage were observed after the inoculation
      of 106 cfu/ml. The udders presented a normal aspect and there were no changes in
      the appearance of the milk. The results obtained will serve as the basis for
      further trials to evaluate the potential of Lb. perolens CRL 1724 to be included
      in a non-antibiotic formulation for the prevention of bovine mastitis.

PMID- 22077994
TI  - Developing a community-based genetic nomenclature for anole lizards.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparative studies of amniotes have been hindered by a dearth of
      reptilian molecular sequences. With the genomic assembly of the green anole,
      Anolis carolinensis available, non-avian reptilian genes can now be compared to
      mammalian, avian, and amphibian homologs. Furthermore, with more than 350 extant
      species in the genus Anolis, anoles are an unparalleled example of tetrapod
      genetic diversity and divergence. As an important ecological, genetic and now
      genomic reference, it is imperative to develop a standardized Anolis gene
      nomenclature alongside associated vocabularies and other useful metrics. RESULTS:
      Here we report the formation of the Anolis Gene Nomenclature Committee (AGNC) and
      propose a standardized evolutionary characterization code that will help
      researchers to define gene orthology and paralogy with tetrapod homologs, provide
      a system for naming novel genes in Anolis and other reptiles, furnish
      abbreviations to facilitate comparative studies among the Anolis species and
      related iguanid squamates, and classify the geographical origins of Anolis
      subpopulations. CONCLUSIONS: This report has been generated in close consultation
      with members of the Anolis and genomic research communities, and using public
      database resources including NCBI and Ensembl. Updates will continue to be
      regularly posted to new research community websites such as lizardbase. We
      anticipate that this standardized gene nomenclature will facilitate the
      accessibility of reptilian sequences for comparative studies among tetrapods and
      will further serve as a template for other communities in their sequencing and
      annotation initiatives.

PMID- 22077996
TI  - The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in candidates for Fontan operation:
      proposal of a new algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To propose a new diagnostic algorithm for candidates for Fontan and
      identify those who can skip cardiac catheterization (CC). METHODS: Forty-four
      candidates for Fontan (median age 4.8 years, range: 2-29 years) were
      prospectively evaluated by trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), Cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance (CMR) and CC. Before CC, according to clinical, echo and CMR
      findings, patients were divided in two groups: Group I comprised 18 patients
      deemed suitable for Fontan without requiring CC; group II comprised 26 patients
      indicated for CC either in order to detect more details, or for interventional
      procedures. RESULTS: In Group I ("CC not required") no unexpected new information
      affecting surgical planning was provided by CC. Conversely, in Group II new
      information was provided by CC in three patients (0 vs 11.5%, p = 0.35) and in
      six an interventional procedure was performed. During CC, minor complications
      occurred in one patient from Group I and in three from Group II (6 vs 14%, p =
      0.7). Radiation Dose-Area product was similar in the two groups (Median 20
      Gycm(2), range: 5-40 vs 26.5 Gycm(2), range: 9-270 p = 0.37). All 18 Group I
      patients and 19 Group II patients underwent a total cavo-pulmonary anastomosis;
      in the remaining seven group II patients, four were excluded from Fontan; two are
      awaiting Fontan; one refused the intervention. CONCLUSION: In this paper we
      propose a new diagnostic algorithm in a pre-Fontan setting. An accurate non
      invasive evaluation comprising TTE and CMR could select patients who can skip CC.

PMID- 22077997
TI  - Effects of pelvic suspension of beef carcasses on quality and physical traits of
      five muscles from four gender-age groups.
AB  - Pelvic and Achilles suspension methods for beef carcasses were compared for four
      gender-age groups (24month bulls, 34month bulls, heifers, and cows) and five
      muscles [M. longissimus dorsi (LD), M. semimembranosus (SM), M. adductor (AD), M.
      psoas major (PM), and M. gluteus medius (GM)]. Pelvic suspension increased muscle
      and sarcomere lengths in the SM, LD, GM, and AD muscles. The following effects
      were significant (p<0.05). Peak force was reduced by pelvic suspension in the LD
      and GM of bulls-24 and bulls-34, but not heifers and cows. Furthermore, peak
      forces decreased for the SM after pelvic suspension in bulls-24, bulls-34, and
      heifers. For the AD, the only decrease in peak force was for bulls-34. Water
      holding capacity increased and purge in vacuum bags decreased for pelvic
      suspension of all muscles except the PM. Although the effects of pelvic
      suspension varied somewhat between gender-age groups and muscles, this method of
      hanging carcasses merits industrial consideration because it improves muscle
      yields, tenderness, and reduces variation within muscles.

PMID- 22077998
TI  - Exposure to a workday environment results in an increase in anterior tilting of
      the scapula in dental hygienists with greater employment experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental hygienists suffer a high incidence of shoulder pathology that
      seems to increase with job longevity. It has been hypothesized that occupational
      injuries could be due to local muscle fatigue caused by repetitive low level work
      and awkward and constrained working postures. In the laboratory, scapular
      kinematics can be temporarily altered using fatiguing protocols. It is unknown
      whether or not workday fatigue causes changes to scapular kinematics. The aim of
      this study was to examine if changes in scapular tilt and rotation occurs after a
      workday in dental hygienists. METHODS: The pre and post workday scapular
      kinematics were recorded from dental hygienists using an electromagnetic tracking
      system. All data were recorded within the place of employment of the dental
      hygienist. RESULTS: Following the workday, there was significantly more scapular
      anterior tilt in dental hygienists (P<0.05); however, no changes were found for
      upward or internal rotation. Greater kinematic differences were found for
      hygienists with greater job longevity. INTERPRETATION: The increase in scapular
      anterior tilting could be due to post workday fatigue. Anterior tilting of the
      scapula may have an influence on the development of subacromial impingement
      syndrome. Hygienists with greater duration of work experience may be at greater
      risk for developing shoulder injuries as they have more anterior tilting of the
      scapula post workday.

PMID- 22078000
TI  - Ancient founder mutation is responsible for Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome among
      diverse ethnicities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome (IGS) was described just over 50 years
      ago by Olga Imerslund and Ralph Grasbeck and colleagues. IGS is caused by
      specific malabsorption of cobalamin (Cbl) due to bi-allelic mutations in either
      the cubilin gene (CUBN) or the human amnionless homolog (AMN). Mutations in the
      two genes are commonly seen in founder populations or in societies with a high
      degree of consanguineous marriages. One particular mutation in AMN, c.208-2A>G,
      causing an out-of-frame loss of exon 4 in the mRNA, is responsible for some 15%
      of IGS cases globally. We present evidence that this founder mutation causes a
      substantial percentage of cases among diverse ethnicities and that the mutation
      is as old as human civilization. METHODS: Partial genotyping indicated a founder
      event but its presence in diverse peoples of Arabic, Turkish, Jewish, and
      Hispanic ancestry suggested that the mutation might be recurrent. We therefore
      studied the flanking sequence spanning 3.5 Mb to elucidate the origin of the
      haplotype and estimate the age of the mutation using a Bayesian inference method
      based on observed linkage disequilibrium. RESULTS: The mutation's distribution,
      the size of the shared haplotype, and estimates of growth rate and carrier
      frequency indicated that the mutation was a single prehistoric event. Dating back
      to the ancient Middle East around 11,600 BC, the mutation predates the advent of
      writing, farming, and the monotheistic religions of the region. CONCLUSIONS: This
      mutation causes over 50% of the IGS cases among Arabic, Turkish, and Sephardic
      Jewish families, making it a primary target for genetic screening among diverse
      IGS cases originating from the Middle East. Thus, rare founder mutations may
      cause a substantial number of cases, even among diverse ethnicities not usually
      thought to be related.

PMID- 22077999
TI  - Adiponectin associates with markers of cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis
      and induces production of proinflammatory and catabolic factors through mitogen
      activated protein kinase pathways.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adiponectin is an adipokine that regulates energy metabolism and
      insulin sensitivity, but recent studies have pointed also to a role in
      inflammation and arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate
      the association and effects of adiponectin on inflammation and cartilage
      destruction in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Cartilage and blood samples were
      collected from 35 male OA patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery.
      Preoperative radiographs were evaluated using Ahlback classification criteria for
      knee OA. Circulating concentrations of adiponectin and biomarkers of OA, that is,
      cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP
      3), were measured. Cartilage samples obtained at the time of surgery were
      cultured ex vivo, and the levels of adiponectin, nitric oxide (NO), IL-6, MMP-1
      and MMP-3 were determined in the culture media. In addition, the effects of
      adiponectin on the production of NO, IL-6, MMP-1 and MMP-3 were studied in
      cartilage and in primary chondrocyte cultures. RESULTS: Plasma adiponectin levels
      and adiponectin released from OA cartilage were higher in patients with the
      radiologically most severe OA (Ahlback grades 4 and 5) than in patients with less
      severe disease (Ahlback grades 1 to 3). Plasma adiponectin concentrations
      correlated positively with biomarkers of OA, that is, COMP (r = 0.55, P = 0.001)
      and MMP-3 (r = 0.34, P = 0.046). Adiponectin was released by OA cartilage ex
      vivo, and it correlated positively with production of NO (r = 0.43, P = 0.012),
      IL-6 (r = 0.42, P = 0.018) and MMP-3 (r = 0.34, P = 0.051). Furthermore,
      adiponectin enhanced production of NO, IL-6, MMP-1 and MMP-3 in OA cartilage and
      in primary chondrocytes in vitro in a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that adiponectin
      is associated with, and possibly mediates, cartilage destruction in OA.

PMID- 22078001
TI  - Evaluation of thyroid nodules--combined use of (99m)Tc-methylisobutylnitrile
      scintigraphy and aspiration cytology to assess risk of malignancy and stratify
      patients for surgical or nonsurgical therapy--a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem, and differentiation
      between benign and malignant nodules is essential. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate an approach for cold thyroid nodules including (99m)Tc
      methylisobutylnitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy to assess risk of malignancy and
      stratify patients for therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; 391 patients
      with at least one cold thyroid nodule were consecutively admitted (between 1
      January 2004 and 31 December 2006) and recommended for surgical or nonsurgical
      therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Thyroid ultrasonography, (99m)Tc-pertechnetate
      scintigraphy, laboratory tests, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and MIBI
      scintigraphy. RESULTS: 57.3% (224/391) had one cold nodule, 17.9% (70/391) had
      several cold nodules, and 24.8% (97/391) had both cold and hot nodules. MIBI
      scintigraphy was classified into 'positive' (16.1%, 63/391), 'weakly positive'
      (19.2%, 75/391) or 'negative' (64.7%, 253/391). FNAC was classified into benign
      (87.9%, 247/281), nondiagnostic (6.8%, 19/281) or suspicious/malignant (5.3%,
      15/281). 127 patients received surgery, revealing malignancy in 13.3% (17/127),
      predominantly papillary (64.7%, 11/17) and follicular carcinoma (23.5%, 4/17).
      MIBI scintigraphy was 'positive' (64.7%, 11/17) or 'weakly positive' (23.5%,
      4/17) in most patients with malignant findings. FNAC was unavailable in 23.5%
      (4/17) with malignancy, positive in 38.5% (5/13) and negative in 61.5% (8/13).
      Among patients undergoing surgery, sensitivity, specificity, negative and
      positive predictive values for MIBI scintigraphy were 88.2%, 35.5%, 95.1% and
      17.4%, for FNAC 38.5%, 90.6%, 90.6% and 38.5%, respectively, and for the
      combination (MIBI scan + FNAC) 92.3%, 30.6%, 96.3% and 16.9%. Benign MIBI
      positive nodules were predominantly follicular adenomas (68%, 33/48). CONCLUSION:
      Evaluation of cold thyroid nodules by MIBI scintigraphy aids therapeutic
      decisions: MIBI-negative findings support nonsurgical management in about two
      thirds of patients, while MIBI-positive findings have an increased risk of
      malignancy, supporting surgical therapy. However, the positive predictive value
      was low, which requires further research.

PMID- 22078003
TI  - The clinical results of arthroscopic transtendinous repair of grade III partial
      articular-sided supraspinatus tendon tears.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of
      arthroscopic transtendinous repair of deep partial articular-sided rotator cuff
      tears. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the results of 53 patients who
      underwent arthroscopic transtendinous repair for Ellman grade III articular-sided
      rotator cuff tears (>50% of the thickness of the rotator cuff). The intact bursal
      side of the cuff was not detached, and all associated pathology was treated.
      Fifty patients available for follow-up were evaluated with the American Shoulder
      and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire. RESULTS: American Shoulder and Elbow
      Surgeons scores improved from a mean of 48.0 to 89.4 (+41.4) (P < .0001). Pain
      scores on a visual analog scale improved from 5.7 to 1.0 (P < .0001). Ninety
      eight percent of patients were satisfied with the results of surgery. Results for
      the 50 patients available for follow-up were excellent in 32 (64%), good in 6
      (12%), fair in 6 (12%), and poor in 6 (12%). Articular-sided rotator cuff tears
      rarely occurred in isolation but were typically found in association with
      coexisting pathology suggestive of the tears' etiology. Most common were
      impingement lesions, seen in 94% of patients, and instability lesions such as
      labral tears, seen in 30% of patients. Associated procedures included
      acromioplasty in 47, distal clavicle resection in 29, treatment of biceps
      pathology in 7, and instability repair in 15. One patient sustained a
      postoperative pulmonary embolism, which represented the only complication. Tears
      varied in size from 50% to 90% of the thickness of the cuff insertion.
      Significant differences were identified in the results of Workers' Compensation
      patients. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance
      arthrography were accurate in identifying a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear
      in less than 40% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic transtendinous repair of
      partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears is a safe and effective treatment that
      allows identification of commonly associated pathology and reliable improvement
      in pain and function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

PMID- 22078002
TI  - The interest of gait markers in the identification of subgroups among
      fibromyalgia patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a heterogeneous syndrome and its classification
      into subgroups calls for broad-based discussion. FM subgrouping, which aims to
      adapt treatment according to different subgroups, relies in part, on
      psychological and cognitive dysfunctions. Since motor control of gait is closely
      related to cognitive function, we hypothesized that gait markers could be of
      interest in the identification of FM patients' subgroups. This controlled study
      aimed at characterizing gait disorders in FM, and subgrouping FM patients
      according to gait markers such as stride frequency (SF), stride regularity (SR),
      and cranio-caudal power (CCP) which measures kinesia. METHODS: A multicentre,
      observational open trial enrolled patients with primary FM (44.1 +/- 8.1 y), and
      matched controls (44.1 +/- 7.3 y). Outcome measurements and gait analyses were
      available for 52 pairs. A 3-step statistical analysis was carried out. A
      preliminary single blind analysis using k-means cluster was performed as an
      initial validation of gait markers. Then in order to quantify FM patients
      according to psychometric and gait variables an open descriptive analysis
      comparing patients and controls were made, and correlations between gait
      variables and main outcomes were calculated. Finally using cluster analysis, we
      described subgroups for each gait variable and looked for significant differences
      in self-reported assessments. RESULTS: SF was the most discriminating gait
      variable (73% of patients and controls). SF, SR, and CCP were different between
      patients and controls. There was a non-significant association between SF, FIQ
      and physical components from Short-Form 36 (p = 0.06). SR was correlated to FIQ
      (p = 0.01) and catastrophizing (p = 0.05) while CCP was correlated to pain (p =
      0.01). The SF cluster identified 3 subgroups with a particular one characterized
      by normal SF, low pain, high activity and hyperkinesia. The SR cluster identified
      2 distinct subgroups: the one with a reduced SR was distinguished by high FIQ,
      poor coping and altered affective status. CONCLUSION: Gait analysis may provide
      additional information in the identification of subgroups among fibromyalgia
      patients. Gait analysis provided relevant information about physical and
      cognitive status, and pain behavior. Further studies are needed to better
      understand gait analysis implications in FM.

PMID- 22078004
TI  - Correlation between anterior cruciate ligament graft obliquity and tibial
      rotation during dynamic pivoting activities in patients with anatomic anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction: an in vivo examination.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of coronal- and sagittal-plane anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) graft obliquity on tibial rotation (TR) range of motion
      (ROM) during dynamic pivoting activities after ACL reconstruction with bone
      patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft. METHODS: We evaluated 19 ACL-reconstructed
      patients (mean age, 29 years; age range, 18 to 38 years; mean time interval
      postoperatively, 19.9 months) and 19 matched control subjects (mean age, 30.6
      years; age range, 24 to 37 years) using motion analysis during (1) descending a
      stairway and pivoting and (2) landing from a jump and pivoting. Magnetic
      resonance imaging was used to measure the coronal and sagittal ACL graft angle.
      The dependent variables were TR ROM during pivoting and the side-to-side
      difference (SSD) in TR ROM between the reconstructed knee and the contralateral
      intact knee. RESULTS: TR ROM of the ACL-reconstructed knee was significantly
      increased compared with both the contralateral intact knee and the healthy
      control knee (P < .05). A significant positive correlation was observed between
      TR ROM and coronal ACL graft angle (r = 0.727, P = .0006 for descending and
      pivoting; r = 0.795, P = .0001 for landing and pivoting) as well as between SSD
      of TR ROM and coronal ACL graft angle (r = 0.789, P < .0001 for descending and
      pivoting; r = 0.799, P < .0001 for landing and pivoting). No correlation was
      found with the sagittal ACL graft angle. CONCLUSIONS: After ACL reconstruction
      with a BPTB graft, patients' knees showed higher TR values than their uninjured
      knees and the knees of uninjured control volunteers during dynamic pivoting
      activities. The findings of this study show that TR was better restored in ACL
      reconstructed patients with a more oblique graft in the coronal plane. A similar
      relation was not observed for graft orientation in the sagittal plane. Although
      these data do not imply a cause-and-effect relation between the 2 variables, they
      may indicate that a more oblique placement of a single BPTB ACL graft in the
      coronal plane is correlated with better control of TR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      IV, case series.

PMID- 22078005
TI  - Anti-angiogenic therapy: concept to clinic.
AB  - It has been 40 years since Folkman hypothesized the use of anti-angiogenic
      therapy as a strategy in the treatment of cancer. Since then, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as the most potent cytokine
      to induce angiogenesis and drugs targeting VEGF, principally the humanized
      monoclonal antibody bevacizumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitors sunitinib and
      sorafenib, have proven therapeutic benefit. The initial high expectations of
      tumor vascular targeting agents, however, have yet to be fulfilled. In unselected
      patient populations, the benefits of these agents is often marginal, they cause
      harmful side effects, and drug resistance is quickly established. Biomarkers to
      identify patients suitable for anti-angiogenic therapy will be key to the future
      development of these drugs.

PMID- 22078006
TI  - Tissue-specific LCPUFA accretion in fetal humans.

PMID- 22078007
TI  - Synthesis and antitubercular activity of novel amino acid derivatives.
AB  - In this work, 17 new N-acylhydrazone derivatives of amino acids have been
      evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis H37Rv. The compounds 8b, 8e, 8f, 9a-d, and 10c exhibited an
      important minimum inhibitory concentration activity between 12.5 and 50 MUg/mL,
      which can be compared with that of the tuberculostatic drug d-cycloserine (20
      MUg/mL).

PMID- 22078008
TI  - Sex-dimorphism in cardiac nutrigenomics: effect of trans fat and/or monosodium
      glutamate consumption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A paucity of information on biological sex-specific differences in
      cardiac gene expression in response to diet has prompted this present
      nutrigenomics investigation. Sexual dimorphism exists in the physiological and
      transcriptional response to diet, particularly in response to high-fat feeding.
      Consumption of Trans-fatty acids (TFA) has been linked to substantially increased
      risk of heart disease, in which sexual dimorphism is apparent, with males
      suffering a higher disease rate. Impairment of the cardiovascular system has been
      noted in animals exposed to Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) during the neonatal
      period, and sexual dimorphism in the growth axis of MSG-treated animals has
      previously been noted. Processed foods may contain both TFA and MSG. METHODS: We
      examined physiological differences and changes in gene expression in response to
      TFA and/or MSG consumption compared to a control diet, in male and female
      C57BL/6J mice. RESULTS: Heart and % body weight increases were greater in TFA-fed
      mice, who also exhibited dyslipidemia (P < 0.05). Hearts from MSG-fed females
      weighed less than males (P < 0.05). 2-factor ANOVA indicated that the TFA diet
      induced over twice as many cardiac differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in males
      compared to females (P < 0.001); and 4 times as many male DEGs were downregulated
      including Gata4, Mef2d and Srebf2. Enrichment of functional Gene Ontology (GO)
      categories were related to transcription, phosphorylation and anatomic structure
      (P < 0.01). A number of genes were upregulated in males and downregulated in
      females, including pro-apoptotic histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2). Sexual dimorphism
      was also observed in cardiac transcription from MSG-fed animals, with both sexes
      upregulating approximately 100 DEGs exhibiting sex-specific differences in GO
      categories. A comparison of cardiac gene expression between all diet combinations
      together identified a subset of 111 DEGs significant only in males, 64 DEGs
      significant in females only, and 74 transcripts identified as differentially
      expressed in response to dietary manipulation in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Our
      model identified major changes in the cardiac transcriptional profile of TFA
      and/or MSG-fed mice compared to controls, which was reflected by significant
      differences in the physiological profile within the 4 diet groups. Identification
      of sexual dimorphism in cardiac transcription may provide the basis for sex
      specific medicine in the future.

PMID- 22078009
TI  - Involvement of viral factors with head and neck cancers.
AB  - The incidence of head and neck cancer remains high and is associated with many
      deaths in both Western and Asian countries. Common risk factors in head and neck
      carcinoma are smoking and alcohol abuse, however, in an increasing proportion of
      cases, no significant smoking or drinking history has been reported. The
      infectious nature of oncogenic viruses sets them apart from other carcinogenic
      agents. As such, a thorough study of both the pathogenesis of viral infection and
      the host response is crucial to a full understanding of the resulting cancers.
      Such an understanding, in turn, has increased our knowledge of cellular pathways
      involved in growth and differentiation and neoplasia as a whole. Even though
      human oncogenic viruses belong to different virus families and utilize diverse
      strategies to contribute to cancer development, they share many common features.
      Viruses linked to cancers in humans are the human papilloma viruses, Epstein-Barr
      virus, hepatitis C virus and human herpesvirus-8. The potential role and
      involvement of these viruses in head and neck cancers along with brief
      description of vaccine development is provided.

PMID- 22078010
TI  - Oral oocyst-induced mouse model of toxoplasmosis: effect of infection with
      Toxoplasma gondii strains of different genotypes, dose, and mouse strains
      (transgenic, out-bred, in-bred) on pathogenesis and mortality.
AB  - Humans and other hosts acquire Toxoplasma gondii infection by ingesting tissue
      cysts in undercooked meat, or by food or drink contaminated with oocysts.
      Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent clinical disease due this parasite in
      humans, although, various T. gondii vaccine candidates are being developed. Mice
      are generally used to test the protective efficacy of vaccines because they are
      susceptible, reagents are available to measure immune parameters in mice, and
      they are easily managed in the laboratory. In the present study, pathogenesis of
      toxoplasmosis was studied in mice of different strains, including Human Leukocyte
      Antigen (HLA) transgenic mice infected with different doses of T. gondii strains
      of different genotypes derived from several countries. Based on many experiments,
      the decreasing order of infectivity and pathogenicity of oocysts was: C57BL/6
      background interferon gamma gene knock out (KO), HLA-A*1101, HLA-A*0201, HLA
      B*0702, Swiss Webster, C57/black, and BALB/c. Mice fed as few as 1 oocyst of Type
      I and several atypical strains died of acute toxoplasmosis within 21 days p.i.
      Some Type II, and III strains were less virulent. The model developed herein
      should prove to be extremely useful for testing vaccines because it is possible
      to accurately quantitate a challenge inoculum, test the response to different
      strains of T. gondii using the same preparations of oocysts which are stable for
      up to a year, and to have highly reproducible responses to the infection.

PMID- 22078011
TI  - Minimal residual disease and circulating tumor cells in breast cancer.
AB  - Tumor cell dissemination in bone marrow or other organs is thought to represent
      an important step in the metastatic process. The detection of bone marrow
      disseminated tumor cells is associated with worse outcome in early breast cancer.
      Moreover, the detection of peripheral blood circulating tumor cells is an adverse
      prognostic factor in metastatic breast cancer, and emerging data suggest that
      this is also true for early disease. Beyond enumeration, the characterization of
      these cells has the potential to improve risk assessment, treatment selection and
      monitoring, and the development of novel therapeutic agents, and to advance our
      understanding of the biology of metastasis.

PMID- 22078012
TI  - A rare bladder cancer--small cell carcinoma: review and update.
AB  - Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is rare, highly aggressive and
      diagnosed mainly at advanced stages. Hematuria is the main symptom of this
      malignancy. The origin of the disease is unknown; however the multipotent stem
      cell theory applies best to this case. Histology and immunohistochemistry shows a
      tumour which is indistinguishable from small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).
      Coexistence of SCCB with other types of carcinoma is common. The staging system
      used is the TNM-staging of bladder transitional cell carcinoma. The treatment is
      extrapolated from that of SCLC. However, many patients with SCCB undergo radical
      resection which is rarely performed in SCLC. Patients with surgically resectable
      disease (< or = cT1-4aN0M0) should be managed with multimodal therapy associating
      chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy using four
      chemotherapy cycles followed by radical cystectomy is the most effective
      therapeutic sequence. Patients with unresectable disease (> or = cT4bN+M+) should
      be managed with palliative chemotherapy based on neuroendocrine type regimens
      comprising a platinum drug (cisplatin in fit patients). The prognosis of the
      disease is poor mainly in the case of pure small cell carcinoma. Other research
      programs are needed to improve the outcome of SCCB.

PMID- 22078016
TI  - Clinical practice guideline for abnormal uterine bleeding: hysterectomy versus
      alternative therapy.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations in selecting treatments for abnormal
      uterine bleeding (AUB). DESIGN: Clinical practice guidelines. SETTING: Randomized
      clinical trials compared bleeding, quality of life, pain, sexual health,
      satisfaction, the need for subsequent surgery, and adverse events between
      hysterectomy and less-invasive treatment options. PATIENTS: Women with AUB,
      predominantly from ovulatory disorders and endometrial causes. INTERVENTIONS: On
      the basis of findings from a systematic review, clinical practice guidelines were
      developed. Rating the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations
      followed the Grades for Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation
      system. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This paper identified few high-quality
      studies that directly compared uterus-preserving treatments (endometrial
      ablation, levonorgestrel intrauterine system and systemically administered
      medications) with hysterectomy. The evidence from these randomized clinical
      trials demonstrated that there are trade-offs between hysterectomy and uterus
      preserving treatments in terms of efficacy and adverse events. CONCLUSION:
      Selecting an appropriate treatment for AUB requires identifying a woman's most
      burdensome symptoms and incorporating her values and preferences when weighing
      the relative benefits and harms of hysterectomy versus other treatment options.

PMID- 22078015
TI  - A systematic review comparing hysterectomy with less-invasive treatments for
      abnormal uterine bleeding.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare hysterectomy with less-invasive alternatives for
      abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in 7 clinically important domains. DESIGN:
      Systematic review. SETTING: Randomized clinical trials comparing bleeding,
      quality of life, pain, sexual health, satisfaction, need for subsequent surgery,
      and adverse events between hysterectomy and less-invasive treatment options.
      PATIENTS: Women with AUB, predominantly from ovulatory disorders and endometrial
      causes. INTERVENTIONS: Systematic review of the literature (from inception to
      January 2011) comparing hysterectomy with alternatives for AUB treatment.
      Eligible trials were extracted into standardized forms. Trials were graded with a
      predefined 3-level rating, and the strengths of evidence for each outcome were
      evaluated with the Grades for Recommendation, Assessment, Development and
      Evaluation system. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Nine randomized clinical trials
      (18 articles) were eligible. Endometrial ablation, levonorgestrel intrauterine
      system, and medications were associated with lower risk of adverse events but
      higher risk of additional treatments than hysterectomy. Compared to ablation,
      hysterectomy had superior long-term pain and bleeding control. Compared with the
      levonorgestrel intrauterine system, hysterectomy had superior control of
      bleeding. No other differences between treatments were found. CONCLUSION: Less
      invasive treatment options for AUB result in improvement in quality of life but
      carry significant risk of retreatment caused by unsatisfactory results. Although
      hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for AUB, it carries the highest risk
      for adverse events.

PMID- 22078017
TI  - Editorial: economies of scale: the future of ageing.

PMID- 22078018
TI  - Guest editorial: beyond knowledge translation, towards the 'public scholar'.

PMID- 22078020
TI  - Best practice in fall prevention: roles of informal caregivers, health care
      providers and the community.
AB  - Falls are an important public health problem for older adults, resulting in
      significant morbidity and mortality, as well as healthcare costs. Evidence
      supports the assessment of older adults' fall risks and implementation of
      interventions to reduce these risks. Older adults are the key stakeholder in
      preventing falls, but need the support of their informal caregivers, healthcare
      providers, and community groups. This article addresses the roles of these
      additional stakeholders in providing and supporting best practices in fall
      prevention. Together these stakeholders can assist older adults in self
      management of fall prevention, based on the preferences of the individual, local
      resources, and available programmes and healthcare services.

PMID- 22078019
TI  - Older people's perspectives on fall risk and fall prevention programs: a
      literature review.
AB  - Despite evidence supporting fall prevention methods, fall-related injury and
      death rates continue to rise. Understanding older people's views on fall risk and
      prevention will help nurses and other health professionals in the design of fall
      prevention strategies that will broaden their scope, reach and adoption. This
      literature review synthesised 19 qualitative and quantitative studies examining
      older people's perspectives about fall risk and prevention using a social
      ecological framework. Three themes emerged about fall risk; fearing
      vulnerability, maintaining autonomy and independence and interpreting risk. Four
      themes emerged about fall prevention programs: influence of participant and
      program characteristics, need for personal relevance and preference, maintaining
      autonomy and independence and increased support for and access to programs.
      Implications for practice include individual, interpersonal, organizational and
      community level considerations for improving fall prevention efforts.

PMID- 22078021
TI  - Falls prevention and support: translating research, integrating services and
      promoting the contribution of service users for quality and innovative programmes
      of care.
AB  - Falls are a significant threat to the safety, health and independence of older
      citizens. Despite the substantial evidence that is available around effective
      falls prevention programmes and interventions, their translation into falls
      reduction programmes and policies has yet to be fully realised. While hip
      fracture rates are decreasing, the number and incidence of fall-related hospital
      admissions among older people continue to rise. Given the demographic trends that
      highlight increasing numbers of older people in the UK, which is broadly
      reflected internationally, there is a financial and social imperative to minimise
      the rate of falls and associated injuries. Falling is closely aligned to growing
      older (Slips, Trips and Falls Update: From Acute and Community Hospitals and
      Mental Health Units in England and Wales, Department of Health, HMSO, London,
      2010). According to the World Health Organization, around 30% of older people
      aged over 65 and 50% of those over 80 will fall each year (Falls Fact Sheet
      Number 344, WHO, Geneva, 2010). Falls happen as a result of many reasons and can
      have harmful consequences, including loss of mobility and independence,
      confidence and in many cases even death (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 15, 2009,
      146; Slips, Trips and Falls Update: From Acute and Community Hospitals and Mental
      Health Units in England and Wales, Department of Health, HMSO, London, 2010;
      Falling Standards, Broken Promises: Report of the National Audit of Falls and
      Bone Health in Older People 2010, Health Care Quality Improvement Partnership,
      London, 2011). What is neither fair nor correct is the common belief by old and
      young alike that falls are just another inconvenience to put up with. The
      available evidence justifiably supports the view that well-organised services,
      based upon national standards and expert guidance, can prevent future falls among
      older people and reduce death and disability from fractures. This paper will draw
      from the UK, as an exemplar for policy and practice, to discuss the strategic
      direction of falls prevention programmes for older people and the partnerships
      that need to exist between researchers, service providers and users of services
      to translate evidence to the clinical setting. Second, it will propose some
      mechanisms for disseminating evidence to healthcare professionals and other
      stakeholders, to improve the quality and capacity of the clinical workforce.

PMID- 22078022
TI  - Nutritional supplementation for hip fracture aftercare in older people.

PMID- 22078024
TI  - Annealing of gold nanostructures sputtered on polytetrafluoroethylene.
AB  - Gold nanolayers sputtered on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface and their
      changes induced by post-deposition annealing at 100 degrees C to 300 degrees C
      are studied. Changes in surface morphology and roughness are examined by atomic
      force microscopy, electrical sheet resistance by two point technique, zeta
      potential by electrokinetic analysis and chemical composition by X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in dependence on the gold layer thickness.
      Transition from discontinuous to continuous gold coverage takes place at the
      layer thicknesses 10 to 15 nm and this threshold remains practically unchanged
      after the annealing at the temperatures below 200 degrees C. The annealing at 300
      degrees C, however, leads to significant rearrangement of the gold layer and the
      transition threshold increases to 70 nm. Significant carbon contamination and the
      presence of oxidized structures on gold-coated samples are observed in XPS
      spectra. Gold coating leads to a decrease in the sample surface roughness.
      Annealing at 300 degrees C of pristine PTFE and gold-coated PTFE results in
      significant increase of the sample surface roughness.

PMID- 22078023
TI  - Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in Morocco: clinico-epidemiological study at the
      National Institute of Oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) is a rare disease likely associated
      with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) infection, and occurs predominantly in Jewish,
      Mediterranean and middle eastern men. There is a dearth of data in Moroccan
      patients with CKS regarding epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcomes.
      This report examines a cohort of patients with CKS evaluated at the national
      institute of oncology over 11-year period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of
      patients referred to the national institute of oncology with classical Kaposi
      sarcoma, between January 1998 and February 2008, was performed. Reviewed
      information included demographics, clinical and pathological staging, death or
      last follow-up. RESULTS: During the study period, 56 patients with a diagnosis of
      CKS have been referred to our hospital. There were 11 (19.7%) females and 45
      (80.3%) males (male-to-female ratio: 4:1). Mean age at diagnosis was 61.7 +/- 15
      (range: 15-86 years). Nodules and/or plaques were the most frequent type of
      lesion. The most common location was the lower limbs, particularly the distal
      lower extremity (90%). In addition to skin involvement, visceral spread was
      evident in 9 cases. The most common visceral involvement sites were lymph nodes
      (44%), lung (22%), and gastrointestinal tract (22%). Associated lymphoedema was
      seen in 24 (42%) of the patients. There were 18 stage I patients (32.14%), 8:
      stage II (14.28%), 21 stage III (37.5%) and 9 stage IV (16.07%). A second primary
      malignancy was diagnosed in 6 cases (10.7%), none of the reticuloendothelial
      system. With a median follow-up of 45 months, 38 (67.8) patients are alive, of
      whom 25 (65.78%) patients with stable disease, five with progressive disease
      currently under systemic chemotherapy and 8 (21.05%) are alive and free of
      disease, over a mean interval of 5 years. CONCLUSION: This is the largest
      reported series in our context. In Morocco, CKS exhibits some special
      characteristics including a disseminated skin disease at diagnosis especially in
      men, a more common visceral or lymph node involvement and a less frequent
      association with second malignancies.

PMID- 22078025
TI  - An assessment of the use of drug and non-drug interventions in the treatment of
      Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876, a protozoan parasite of freshwater
      fish.
AB  - Infection by the ciliate protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876
      causes significant economic losses in freshwater aquaculture worldwide. Following
      the ban on the use of malachite green for treating food fish, there has been
      extensive research aimed at identifying suitable replacements. In this paper we
      critically assess drug and non-drug interventions, which have been tested for use
      or have been employed against this parasite and evaluate possibilities for their
      application in farm systems. Current treatments include the administration of
      formaldehyde, sodium chloride (salt), copper sulphate and potassium permanganate.
      However, purportedly more environmentally friendly drugs such as humic acid,
      potassium ferrate (VI), bronopol and the peracetic acid-based products have
      recently been tested and represent promising alternatives. Further investigation,
      is required to optimize the treatments and to establish precise protocols in
      order to minimize the quantity of drug employed whilst ensuring the most
      efficacious performance. At the same time, there needs to be a greater emphasis
      placed on the non-drug aspects of management strategies, including the use of non
      chemical interventions focusing on the removal of free-swimming stages and
      tomocysts of I. multifiliis from farm culture systems. Use of such strategies
      provides the hope of more environmentally friendly alternatives for the control
      of I. multifiliis infections.

PMID- 22078026
TI  - The microenvironment in breast cancer progression: biology and implications for
      treatment.
AB  - Breast cancer comprises a heterogeneous group of malignancies derived from the
      ductal epithelium. The microenvironment of these cancers is now recognized as a
      critical participant in tumor progression and therapeutic responses. Recent data
      demonstrate significant gene expression and epigenetic alterations in cells
      composing the microenvironment during disease progression, which can be explored
      as biomarkers and targets for therapy. Indeed, gene expression signatures derived
      from tumor stroma have been linked to clinical outcomes. There is increasing
      interest in translating our current understanding of the tumor microenvironment
      to the development of novel therapies.

PMID- 22078028
TI  - A multi-season national estimate of adult influenza vaccination by U.S. office
      based pediatricians, 2006-2011.
AB  - There is no national estimate of adult influenza vaccination by U.S. office-based
      pediatricians. De-identified patient-level data from an electronic healthcare
      claims database submitted to private and public insurers were analyzed for
      pediatric offices from the 2006-2007 through 2010-2011 seasons. An average of
      321,000 (range: 225,000-434,000) influenza vaccinations per year were estimated
      to be administered to adults; 52%, 22%, and 26% were given to adults 19-49, 50
      64, and >=65 years of age, respectively. Consistent with the 2010 changes to
      national guidelines, recommending influenza vaccination of all individuals 6
      months of age and older, pediatricians appear to be providing an increasing
      proportion of adult vaccinations against influenza to adults 19-49 years of age
      (probably parents of their pediatric patients).

PMID- 22078027
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) spleen in
      response to Singapore grouper iridovirus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is an economically
      important marine fish cultured in China and Southeast Asian countries. The
      emergence of infectious viral diseases, including iridovirus and betanodavirus,
      have severely affected food products based on this species, causing heavy
      economic losses. Limited available information on the genomics of E. coioides has
      hampered the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie host-virus
      interactions. In this study, we used a 454 pyrosequencing method to investigate
      differentially-expressed genes in the spleen of the E. coioides infected with
      Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). RESULTS: Using 454 pyrosequencing, we
      obtained abundant high-quality ESTs from two spleen-complementary DNA libraries
      which were constructed from SGIV-infected (V) and PBS-injected fish (used as a
      control: C). A total of 407,027 and 421,141 ESTs were produced in control and
      SGIV infected libraries, respectively. Among the assembled ESTs, 9,616 (C) and
      10,426 (V) ESTs were successfully matched against known genes in the NCBI non
      redundant (nr) database with a cut-off E-value above 10-5. Gene ontology (GO)
      analysis indicated that "cell part", "cellular process" and "binding" represented
      the largest category. Among the 25 clusters of orthologous group (COG)
      categories, the cluster for "translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis"
      represented the largest group in the control (185 ESTs) and infected (172 ESTs)
      libraries. Further KEGG analysis revealed that pathways, including cellular
      metabolism and intracellular immune signaling, existed in the control and
      infected libraries. Comparative expression analysis indicated that certain genes
      associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), chemokine, toll-like
      receptor and RIG-I signaling pathway were alternated in response to SGIV
      infection. Moreover, changes in the pattern of gene expression were validated by
      qRT-PCR, including cytokines, cytokine receptors, and transcription factors,
      apoptosis-associated genes, and interferon related genes. CONCLUSION: This study
      provided abundant ESTs that could contribute greatly to disclosing novel genes in
      marine fish. Furthermore, the alterations of predicted gene expression patterns
      reflected possible responses of these fish to the virus infection. Taken
      together, our data not only provided new information for identification of novel
      genes from marine vertebrates, but also shed new light on the understanding of
      defense mechanisms of marine fish to viral pathogens.

PMID- 22078029
TI  - The logic layout of the TOL network of Pseudomonas putida pWW0 plasmid stems from
      a metabolic amplifier motif (MAM) that optimizes biodegradation of m-xylene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genetic network of the TOL plasmid pWW0 of the soil bacterium
      Pseudomonas putida mt-2 for catabolism of m-xylene is an archetypal model for
      environmental biodegradation of aromatic pollutants. Although nearly every
      metabolic and transcriptional component of this regulatory system is known to an
      extraordinary molecular detail, the complexity of its architecture is still
      perplexing. To gain an insight into the inner layout of this network a logic
      model of the TOL system was implemented, simulated and experimentally validated.
      This analysis made sense of the specific regulatory topology out on the basis of
      an unprecedented network motif around which the entire genetic circuit for m
      xylene catabolism gravitates. RESULTS: The most salient feature of the whole TOL
      regulatory network is the control exerted by two distinct but still intertwined
      regulators (XylR and XylS) on expression of two separated catabolic operons
      (upper and lower) for catabolism of m-xylene. Following model reduction, a
      minimal modular circuit composed by five basic variables appeared to suffice for
      fully describing the operation of the entire system. In silico simulation of the
      effect of various perturbations were compared with experimental data in which
      specific portions of the network were activated with selected inducers: m-xylene,
      o-xylene, 3-methylbenzylalcohol and 3-methylbenzoate. The results accredited the
      ability of the model to faithfully describe network dynamics. This analysis
      revealed that the entire regulatory structure of the TOL system enables the
      action an unprecedented metabolic amplifier motif (MAM). This motif synchronizes
      expression of the upper and lower portions of a very long metabolic system when
      cells face the head pathway substrate, m-xylene. CONCLUSION: Logic modeling of
      the TOL circuit accounted for the intricate regulatory topology of this otherwise
      simple metabolic device. The found MAM appears to ensure a simultaneous
      expression of the upper and lower segments of the m-xylene catabolic route that
      would be difficult to bring about with a standard substrate-responsive single
      promoter. Furthermore, it is plausible that the MAM helps to avoid biochemical
      conflicts between competing plasmid-encoded and chromosomally-encoded pathways in
      this bacterium.

PMID- 22078031
TI  - [Ethics and medical techniques: a transcultural approach].

PMID- 22078030
TI  - Inhibitory effect of aqueous Dandelion extract on HIV-1 replication and reverse
      transcriptase activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is an immunosuppressive disease that results
      in life-threatening opportunistic infections. The general problems in current
      therapy include the constant emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains, adverse
      side effects and the unavailability of treatments in developing countries.
      Natural products from herbs with the abilities to inhibit HIV-1 life cycle at
      different stages, have served as excellent sources of new anti-HIV-1 drugs. In
      this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-HIV-1 activity of aqueous dandelion
      extract. METHODS: The pseudotyped HIV-1 virus has been utilized to explore the
      anti-HIV-1 activity of dandelion, the level of HIV-1 replication was assessed by
      the percentage of GFP-positive cells. The inhibitory effect of the dandelion
      extract on reverse transcriptase activity was assessed by the reverse
      transcriptase assay kit. RESULTS: Compared to control values obtained from cells
      infected without treatment, the level of HIV-1 replication and reverse
      transcriptase activity were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The data
      suggest that dandelion extract has a potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1
      replication and reverse transcriptase activity. The identification of HIV-1
      antiviral compounds from Taraxacum officinale should be pursued. CONCLUSIONS: The
      dandelion extract showed strong activity against HIV-1 RT and inhibited both the
      HIV-1 vector and the hybrid-MoMuLV/MoMuSV retrovirus replication. These findings
      provide additional support for the potential therapeutic efficacy of Taraxacum
      officinale. Extracts from this plant may be regarded as another starting point
      for the development of an antiretroviral therapy with fewer side effects.

PMID- 22078032
TI  - [Iatrogenic Kaposi's disease in Morocco in a non-transplant context].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kaposi's disease (KD) is a multifocal disease affecting the skin and
      viscera. KD can occur in an endemic setting: it may be associated with human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or it may occur as a complication of
      immunosuppression, particularly of iatrogenic origin in transplant patients. The
      purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and
      therapeutic profile and the course of iatrogenic KD in Morocco in a setting not
      involving organ transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study
      conducted at the dermatology department of the Ibn Sina hospital centre in Rabat,
      Morocco, covering a 21-year period and including 14 patients presenting
      histologically confirmed iatrogenic KD. RESULTS: Eight men and six women were
      included with a mean age of 56 years. All patients received corticosteroids, in
      combination with cyclophosphamide in three cases and with azathioprine in one
      case. The mean time to onset of lesions after the start of treatment was 16.5
      months. The presentation in all cases was cutaneous. Impaired mucosal membrane
      was seen in 35.7% of patients, with visceral involvement being seen in only one
      patient. HIV serology tests were negative in all patients but HHV8 serology tests
      were positive in 78.5% of patients. Treatment consisted primarily of reduction or
      withdrawal of the immunosuppressant. The outcome was favourable in the majority
      of cases. CONCLUSION: In Morocco, KD is a rare but not exceptional complication
      of immunosuppressant therapy, particularly corticosteroids. The disease presented
      as a skin disorder in all of our patients, thus emphasising the value of regular
      follow-up and routine dermatological examination of patients on immunosuppressant
      therapy, and suggesting the value of screening for HHV8 infection before
      initiating such therapy.

PMID- 22078033
TI  - [Multiple cutaneous osteomas of the face in a setting of chronic acne].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple cutaneous osteomas are a rare complication of chronic
      inflammatory acne that often goes unrecognized. We report a case concerning a 35
      year-old woman. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 35-year-old woman had been treated for
      acne since the age of 22 years, as part of which she received two courses of oral
      isotretinoin. We noted the secondary appearance of several microcysts on the face
      for which the excision was very difficult. Curiously, these small formations did
      not contain keratin but were very callous. Histological examination revealed foci
      of osseous metaplasia, probably of postinflammatory origin. Treatment consisted
      solely of excision of the lesions. DISCUSSION: Osteoma cutis comprises two
      distinct groups (primary and secondary). In our case, there were multiple
      cutaneous osteomas of the face resulting from chronic acne. The differential
      diagnosis was idiopathic miliary osteomatosis of the face, but this was ruled out
      by the young age of the patient, the improvement of the acneiform lesions under
      isotretinoin (confirming the initial diagnosis of acne) and the subsequent
      appearance of microcysts. Although there are as yet no codified treatments,
      excision appears to yield good results.

PMID- 22078034
TI  - [Anti-p200 pemphigoid: a spectacular response to dapsone].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Types of subepidermal autoimmune bullous dermatosis (AIBD) are
      classified by anatomoclinical picture and target antigen. A new entity has
      recently been identified: anti-p200 pemphigoid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An 82-year
      old man consulted for a profuse pruritic bullous eruption refractory to the
      standard treatments for bullous pemphigoid (BP). Direct immunofluorescence
      examination of a skin biopsy revealed linear deposits of IgG and of C3 at the
      dermal-epidermal junction, but Elisa screening for circulating anti-BP180 and
      anti-BP230 antibodies was negative. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) testing of
      cleaved skin revealed a deposit of IgG4 antibodies on the dermal side.
      Immunoblotting was negative for a dermal extract but showed an antibody directed
      against a 200-kD epidermal antigen. A diagnosis of anti-p200 pemphigoid was
      eventually made and the patient was successfully treated with dapsone.
      DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of anti-p200 pemphigoid was made in this case in spite
      of discrepancy between the IIF and immunoblotting results, and despite the fact
      that the target antigen in this disease is considered as being restricted to
      dermal sites. Anti-p200 pemphigoid usually begins in the second part of life and
      differs from standard bullous pemphigoid in terms of more frequent mucous
      membrane and cephalic involvement, as well as a greater degree of miliary
      scarring. This disease appears more prominent in males and is associated with
      psoriasis in around one third of cases. Autoantibodies recognize laminin gamma-1,
      an extra-desmosomal protein that contributes to dermal-epidermal adhesion.
      CONCLUSION: This recently described disease as probably under-diagnosed in
      France. It should be considered in atypical presentations of bullous disease.
      Diagnosis is confirmed by immunoblotting detection of autoantibodies directed
      against a 200-kD antigen normally present in the extract. Dapsone appears to be
      the most effective treatment.

PMID- 22078035
TI  - [Associated Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Erdheim-Chester disease].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis with multiple organ involvement affecting middle-aged adults. A
      case of ECD associated with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is reported
      herein. CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old woman presented maculopapular skin lesions on
      her trunk, associated with constrictive pericarditis and pleurisy present for 1
      year. The skin biopsy militated in favour of LCH since it revealed a histiocytic
      infiltrate with a positive CD1a marker at immunohistochemistry (IHC). The
      association with ECD was diagnosed on the basis of pericarditis, periaortitis,
      pleurisy, pulmonary involvement and retroperitoneal fibrosis. The patient was
      treated with interferon-alpha2a with good initial results, but died from septic
      shock a year and a half later, a few months after discontinuing interferon due to
      poor tolerability. DISCUSSION: The clinical, radiographic and histological
      arguments in favour of ECD clearly differ from those for LCH. However, as already
      reported, the two illnesses may be associated, thus underlining the possible
      existence of a link between these two histiocytic proliferations emanating from
      the same medullary precursor. Two hypotheses have been advanced in an attempt to
      explain this association: the first involves a stimulus that might lead to
      independent proliferation of the two cell lines while the second suggests the
      existence of a transformation pathway from one form of proliferation to the
      other. CONCLUSION: Screening for associated ECD should be routinely performed in
      patients presenting LCH with signs evocative of ECD.

PMID- 22078036
TI  - [Unilateral purpura of a limb revealing a periprosthetic abscess in an HIV
      infected patient].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many diagnoses may be evoked in the presence of purpuric lesions of
      the lower limbs in HIV-positive patients. We report here on a Staphylococcus
      aureus abscess around a vascular prosthesis revealed by unilateral purpuric
      lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 43-year-old HIV-positive man was referred to us
      with febrile purpura of the left lower limb. His past medical history included a
      crossover iliofemoral arterial bypass. Clinical examination revealed fever and
      infiltrated purpuric lesions on the left ankle associated with cyanotic left
      toes. A skin biopsy showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis. A voluminous right iliac
      abscess was demonstrated by abdominal and pelvic CT scans. S. aureus was isolated
      from the skin biopsy, two blood cultures and the periprosthetic abscess. The
      abscess was drained without replacing the prosthesis and antibiotic therapy
      consisting of oxacillin was given for 6 months, resulting in complete healing.
      DISCUSSION: Vascular prosthetic infections are rare events that can occur early
      or late after surgery. S. aureus is usually the causative infectious agent.
      Clinical signs are non-specific and include purpuric lesions, which rarely reveal
      these infections. The organism may generally be isolated from prosthetic
      materials and blood cultures. CT scan is the recommended test to visualize
      prosthetic impairment. Treatment comprises prolonged antibiotic therapy adapted
      in accordance with the bacterial antibiogram, along with surgical debridement
      and, preferably, prosthetic replacement. CONCLUSION: This case report describes a
      unilateral purpura revealing a periprosthetic abscess. Dermatologists must be
      aware of this sign as a potential indicator of prosthetic infection.

PMID- 22078037
TI  - [Pityriasis rubra pilaris after vaccination].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) following vaccination is rarely
      described in the literature. We report a case of PRP occurring two weeks after
      measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination. CASE REPORT: A 17-month-old infant was
      referred for a rash appearing two weeks previously. The child was presenting
      diffuse erythematous scaly exanthema with follicular papules and orange
      palmoplantar keratoderma. The clinical features were highly evocative of PRP. The
      histology was non-specific, displaying epidermal acanthosis with a regular and
      thick parakeratosis, and without any impairment of the follicular infundibulum.
      An MMR vaccination had been given two weeks before onset of the rash. Treatment
      with topical corticosteroids and emollients proved effective. DISCUSSION: Post
      vaccinal PRP is rarely described in the literature. We report only the 3rd case.
      The first case concerned a 32-year-old woman presenting two episodes of PRP 10
      days after diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination. The second case concerned a 47
      year-old woman presenting PRP 18 days after anti-influenza vaccination and
      requiring treatment with acitretin. No cases have been described with MMR. These
      three vaccines (DTP, Tetragrip and ROR) have no shared pharmacological
      constituents, and the trigger mechanism could be immunological or parainfectious.
      CONCLUSION: Questioning about recent vaccination during history taking appears
      necessary to assess the importance of this trigger factor as well as the
      mechanism responsible for the onset of PRP.

PMID- 22078038
TI  - [Groove sign in cat-scratch disease].

PMID- 22078039
TI  - [Aggressive universal calcinosis complicating dermatomyositis].

PMID- 22078040
TI  - [Digital ulcers in systemic scleroderma].

PMID- 22078041
TI  - [Cultural diversity: ethical issues for the dermatologist].

PMID- 22078042
TI  - [Histopathology of leprosy].

PMID- 22078043
TI  - [Histopathological diagnosis of inherited epidermolysis bullosa].

PMID- 22078044
TI  - [Of genes and nails].

PMID- 22078045
TI  - [Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma, or Ferguson-Smith disease:
      demonstration of mutations in the TGFbeta-receptor].

PMID- 22078046
TI  - [A case of bullous lupus in black skin].

PMID- 22078047
TI  - [Molluscum contagiosum on the buttocks of neonates].

PMID- 22078048
TI  - [Giant cutaneous xanthomas revealing homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia].

PMID- 22078049
TI  - [Linear porokeratosis].

PMID- 22078050
TI  - [Ballroom dancing and consort allergic contact dermatitis].

PMID- 22078051
TI  - [Careful: skins cancers and voriconazole].

PMID- 22078052
TI  - Transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy resulting in bilateral fracture of
      the neck of the femur.

PMID- 22078053
TI  - The effect of time of day on unscheduled cesarean delivery and perinatal outcome.

PMID- 22078054
TI  - Initiation of prenatal genetic diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies in Cameroon.

PMID- 22078055
TI  - Sociological approaches to the study of drug use and drug policy.

PMID- 22078056
TI  - A case of lymphomatoid gastropathy: An indolent CD56-positive atypical gastric
      lymphoid proliferation, mimicking aggressive NK/T cell lymphomas.
AB  - Lymphomatoid gastropathy (LyGa) is a new evolving pathological entity that has
      been introduced recently. It is designated to describe CD56-positive atypical
      gastric lymphoid proliferation, mimicking NK/T cell lymphomas, that shows an
      indolent clinical course with spontaneous regression. We here present our
      experience with one new case diagnosed and treated in our hospital. An annual
      upper endoscopic check-up of a 50-year-old male with an unremarkable past history
      revealed a small reddish lesion on the posterior wall of the gastric angle.
      Endoscopic biopsy showed atypical cells of NK-cell lineage expressing CD56, CD16,
      CD3, perforin, and TIA-1, but not CD4, CD5, and CD8. Epstein-Barr virus encoded
      RNA was negative. The lesion regressed spontaneously after one month without
      treatment, but recurred two years later in a different site of the stomach with
      spontaneous regression again one month later. The recurrence of lymphomatoid
      gastropathy is very rare and should be diagnosed carefully to distinguish it from
      the aggressive lymphoma.

PMID- 22078057
TI  - Spectrum of cardiac tumors excluding myxoma: Experience of a tertiary center with
      review of the literature.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the histological spectrum of operated
      cardiac tumors, excluding myxoma, at a tertiary center in India. Between 1995 and
      2010, we encountered 188 cases of operated cardiac tumors that had been subjected
      to histopathological examination. Morphological characterization was done by
      light microscopy along with histochemical stains. Immunohistochemistry using a
      panel of antibodies, i.e., vimentin, desmin, myogenin, smooth muscle actin (SMA),
      epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratins, factor VIII-related antigen,
      S100-protein, synaptophysin, chromogranin, Bcl2, MIB-1, leukocyte common antigen
      (LCA), CD 3, CD20, CD34, and CD 99 (MIC-2) was performed wherever applicable. Out
      of the 188 cases, 184 were primary cardiac tumors, including 170 cases of benign
      cardiac tumors. Among the benign tumors, myxomas were the most frequent ones (168
      cases), followed by fibroma (2 cases). Primary malignancy was diagnosed in 14
      cases, including undifferentiated sarcomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumor,
      rhabdomyosarcoma non-Hodgkin lymphoma, angiosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and
      leiomyosarcoma. Metastatic (secondary) tumors were seen in four cases, including
      one each of adenocarcinoma, choriocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and alveolar
      soft part sarcoma. Hence, out of the total of 188 cases, 20 were non-myxoma
      cardiac tumors (NMCTs), including 2 benign tumors, 14 malignant tumors, and 4
      metastatic tumors. In our series, the majority of cardiac tumors were primary in
      nature. The malignant primary tumors outnumbered benign ones, excluding myxomas,
      and the most common malignant histology was undifferentiated sarcoma, as opposed
      to the literature.

PMID- 22078058
TI  - Association of family history of ESRD, prevalent albuminuria, and reduced GFR
      with incident ESRD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of albuminuria to the increased risk of incident end
      stage renal disease (ESRD) in individuals with a family history of ESRD has not
      been well studied. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. STUDY SETTING &
      PARTICIPANTS: We analyzed data for family history of ESRD collected from 19,409
      participants of the Renal REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences
      in Stroke) cohort study. PREDICTOR: Family history of ESRD was ascertained by
      asking "Has anyone in your immediate family ever been told that he or she had
      kidney failure? This would be someone who is on or had been on dialysis or
      someone who had a kidney transplant." STUDY OUTCOMES: Incidence rate for ESRD.
      MEASUREMENTS: Morning urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Incident cases of ESRD were identified through
      the US Renal Data System. RESULTS: A family history of ESRD was reported by 11.1%
      of participants. Mean eGFRs for those with and without a family history of ESRD
      were 87.5 +/- 22.2 (SD) and 86.5 +/- 19.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively (P =
      0.05) and the respective geometric mean ACRs were 12.2 and 9.7 mg/g (P < 0.001).
      ESRD incidence rates for those with and without a family history of ESRD were
      244.3 and 106.1/100,000 person-years, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex,
      and race, the ESRD HR for those with versus those without a family history of
      ESRD was 2.13 (95% CI, 1.18-3.83). Adjustment for comorbid conditions and
      socioeconomic status attenuated this association (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.00-3.28),
      and further adjustment for baseline eGFR and ACR completely attenuated the
      association between family history of ESRD and incident ESRD (HR, 1.12; 95% CI,
      0.69-1.80). LIMITATIONS: The report of a family history of ESRD was not
      validated. CONCLUSION: Family history of ESRD is common in older Americans and
      the increased risk of ESRD associated with a family history reflects lower GFR,
      higher albuminuria, and comorbid conditions.

PMID- 22078059
TI  - Using experimental human influenza infections to validate a viral dynamic model
      and the implications for prediction.
AB  - The aim of this work was to use experimental infection data of human influenza to
      assess a simple viral dynamics model in epithelial cells and better understand
      the underlying complex factors governing the infection process. The developed
      study model expands on previous reports of a target cell-limited model with
      delayed virus production. Data from 10 published experimental infection studies
      of human influenza was used to validate the model. Our results elucidate,
      mechanistically, the associations between epithelial cells, human immune
      responses, and viral titres and were supported by the experimental infection
      data. We report that the maximum total number of free virions following infection
      is 10(3)-fold higher than the initial introduced titre. Our results indicated
      that the infection rates of unprotected epithelial cells probably play an
      important role in affecting viral dynamics. By simulating an advanced model of
      viral dynamics and applying it to experimental infection data of human influenza,
      we obtained important estimates of the infection rate. This work provides
      epidemiologically meaningful results, meriting further efforts to understand the
      causes and consequences of influenza A infection.

PMID- 22078061
TI  - [Prevention of drug administration errors: proposition of improved presentation
      using a double packing technique for high-risk drugs].

PMID- 22078060
TI  - Epigenetics in breast cancer: what's new?
AB  - Epigenetic changes are critical for development and progression of cancers,
      including breast cancer. Significant progress has been made in the basic
      understanding of how various epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone
      modification, miRNA expression, and higher order chromatin structure affect gene
      expression. The present review will focus on methylation and demethylation of
      histones. While the acetylation of histones has been at the forefront of well
      characterized post-translational modifications of histones, including the
      development of inhibitors targeting de-acetylating enzymes, the past few years
      have witnessed a dramatic increase in knowledge regarding the role of histone
      methylation/demethylation. This is an exciting and rapidly evolving area of
      research, with much promise for potential clinical intervention in several
      cancers including breast cancer. We also summarize efforts to identity DNA
      methylation signatures that could be prognostic and/or predictive markers in
      breast cancer, focusing on recent studies using genome-wide approaches. Finally,
      we briefly review the efforts made by both the National Institutes of Health
      Epigenome Project and The Cancer Genome Atlas, especially highlighting the study
      of breast cancer epigenetics, exciting technological advances, potential
      roadblocks, and future directions.

PMID- 22078062
TI  - Environmentally coordinated epigenetic silencing of FLC by protein and long
      noncoding RNA components.
AB  - In Arabidopsis, the role of the vernalization pathway is to repress expression of
      a potent floral repressor, FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), after a sufficient period of
      winter cold has been perceived. Following winter, the lack of FLC expression
      allows unimpeded operation of the photoperiod pathway and hence rapid flowering
      of vernalized plants in spring via the activation of floral integrator genes.
      Molecular studies revealed that regulation of the key floral repressor, FLC, is
      under the control of the interplay between Trithorax group (TrxG)-mediated
      activation and Polycomb group (PcG)-mediated repression. On-off switch of genes
      by TrxG and PcG is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to coordinate cellular
      identity in eukaryotes. Regulation of FLC by external cues provides an excellent
      model system to study mechanisms in which cell identity is influenced by
      environment. In this review, we discuss coordinated contributions by protein and
      long noncoding RNA components to this environmentally induced epigenetic switch
      of a developmental program in plants.

PMID- 22078063
TI  - Secondary cell wall patterning during xylem differentiation.
AB  - Xylem cell differentiation involves temporal and spatial regulation of secondary
      cell wall deposition. The cortical microtubules are known to regulate the spatial
      pattern of the secondary cell wall by orientating cellulose deposition. However,
      it is largely unknown how the microtubule arrangement is regulated during
      secondary wall formation. Recent findings of novel plant microtubule-associated
      proteins in developing xylem vessels shed new light on the regulation mechanism
      of the microtubule arrangement leading to secondary wall patterning. In addition,
      in vitro culture systems allow the dynamics of microtubules and microtubule
      associated proteins during secondary cell wall formation to be followed.
      Therefore, this review focuses on novel aspects of microtubule dynamics leading
      to secondary cell wall patterning with a focus on microtubule-associated
      proteins.

PMID- 22078064
TI  - The epidemiology of chronic pain in children and adolescents revisited: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Chronic and recurrent pain not associated with a disease is very common in
      childhood and adolescence, but studies of pain prevalence have yielded
      inconsistent findings. This systematic review examined studies of chronic and
      recurrent pain prevalence to provide updated aggregated prevalence rates. The
      review also examined correlates of chronic and recurrent pain such as age, sex,
      and psychosocial functioning. Studies of pain prevalence rates in children and
      adolescents published in English or French between 1991 and 2009 were identified
      using EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. Of 185 published papers
      yielded by the search, 58 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed, and 41 were
      included in the review. Two independent reviewers screened papers for inclusion,
      extracted data, and assessed the quality of studies. Prevalence rates ranged
      substantially, and were as follows: headache: 8-83%; abdominal pain: 4-53%; back
      pain: 14-24%; musculoskeletal pain: 4-40%; multiple pains: 4-49%; other pains: 5
      88%. Pain prevalence rates were generally higher in girls and increased with age
      for most pain types. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher pain
      prevalence especially for headache. Most studies did not meet quality criteria.

PMID- 22078065
TI  - Advising people with back pain to take time off work: a survey examining the role
      of private musculoskeletal practitioners in the UK.
AB  - Research has demonstrated that health care practitioners' adherence to guidelines
      for managing low back pain (LBP) remain suboptimal in recommending work absence,
      but specific beliefs about their role in maintaining patients at work have not
      been adequately researched. We examined private musculoskeletal practitioners'
      (chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists) beliefs and reported clinical
      behaviours in reference to patients' work. A cross-sectional postal questionnaire
      of 900 musculoskeletal practitioners included the Attitudes to Back pain in
      musculoskeletal practitioners questionnaires, reported frequency of four work
      related behaviours, and a new measure of practitioners' work-related beliefs.
      Data from 337 respondents (37%) were analysed. Eighty percent of respondents
      reported recommending work absence to patients with LBP sometimes, and 14%
      recommended a work absence often or always. Seventy percent of practitioners
      never visit the patient's workplace. Most practitioners report that they
      prescribe exercises that can be carried out at work. Physiotherapists visited the
      workplace more frequently and gave less sick leave certification than either of
      the other groups. They also regarded work as more beneficial and less of a threat
      to exacerbate patients' LBP. There were small but significant correlations
      between work-related beliefs and reported behaviours. Our study confirms that, in
      contrast to current guidelines, many practitioners believe that LBP necessitates
      work absence. Overall, practitioners perceived their role in returning patients
      to work as limited, and believed that direct contact with employers was beyond
      their remit. In the UK, physiotherapists appear to be better placed to liaise
      with work in terms of both their beliefs and activities.

PMID- 22078066
TI  - Mobilization of lymphoblasts from bone marrow to peripheral blood in childhood
      acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: role of 9-O-acetylated sialoglycoproteins.
AB  - Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is characterized by aberrant
      proliferation and accumulation of malignant lymphoblasts in bone marrow (BM),
      followed by their migration into circulation. An enhanced cell-surface expression
      of ALL-associated 9-O-acetylated sialoglycoproteins (Neu5,9Ac(2)-GPs) was
      demonstrated. Present investigation reports a positive correlation between the
      increased density of Neu5,9Ac(2)-GPs on lymphoblasts and their mobilization from
      BM involving enhanced Neu5,9Ac(2) on CD45 demonstrating modulation of FAK and ERK
      molecules. In contrast, a small population of cells, identified as haematopoietic
      precursors, with comparatively lesser Neu5,9Ac(2)-GPs showed increased binding
      towards BM stroma. Thus, Neu5,9Ac(2)-GPs is a developmentally regulated
      oncofoetal antigen, whose up-regulation is imperative in the interaction between
      lymphoblasts and BM stroma, governing their mobilization into circulation.

PMID- 22078067
TI  - Blockade of leukocyte haptokinesis and haptotaxis by ketoprofen, diclofenac and
      SC-560.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) represent a one of the
      most widely used anti-inflammatory substances. Their anti-inflammatory effects
      are mainly based on inhibition of cyclooxygenase. The potential direct effect of
      NSAID on leukocyte migration was poorly investigated. Using time-lapse microscopy
      and 96-well fluorescence-based assay, we studied the effect of three different
      NSAID, ketoprofen, diclofenac and SC-560, on leukocyte haptokinesis and
      haptotaxis in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: NSAID induced an immediate inhibiting
      effect on leukocyte migration both in vitro and in vivo. This effect was dose
      dependent and was not restricted to a specific type of leukocytes. The inhibition
      of leukocyte migration by NSAID was partially re-stored after removal of
      inhibiting agent. Only complete blockade of leukocyte migration was accompanied
      by a strong reduction of [Ca(2+)]i. CONCLUSIONS: NSAID strongly supress leukocyte
      migration. The results of the present study may have important clinical
      implications since blockade of leukocyte migration can be achieved after topical
      application of NSAID.

PMID- 22078068
TI  - Centromedian thalamic nuclei deep brain stimulation in refractory status
      epilepticus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is associated with high
      mortality. We report a potential treatment alternative. HYPOTHESIS: Deep brain
      stimulation (DBS) of the centromedian thalamic nuclei (CMN) can be effective in
      the treatment of RSE. METHODS: Report of the evolution of RSE after DBS of the
      CMN in a 27-year-old man. RESULTS: In the course of an encephalopathy of unknown
      origin, and after a cardiac arrest, the patient developed RSE with myoclonic
      jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The EEG showed continuous
      generalized periodic epileptiform discharges (GPEDS). Five weeks after RSE onset,
      bilateral DBS of the CMN was started. This treatment was immediately followed by
      disappearance of tonic-clonic seizures and GPEDS, suggesting a resolution of RSE.
      The patient continued having multifocal myoclonic jerks, probably subcortical in
      origin, which resolved after 4 weeks. The patient remained clinically stable for
      2 months in a persistent vegetative state. CONCLUSIONS: The remission of RSE, the
      abolition of GPEDS, and the patient survival suggest that DBS of the CMN may be
      efficacious in the treatment of refractory, generalized status epilepticus.

PMID- 22078069
TI  - Atomistic aspects of ductile responses of cubic silicon carbide during nanometric
      cutting.
AB  - Cubic silicon carbide (SiC) is an extremely hard and brittle material having
      unique blend of material properties which makes it suitable candidate for
      microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectromechanical systems applications.
      Although, SiC can be machined in ductile regime at nanoscale through single-point
      diamond turning process, the root cause of the ductile response of SiC has not
      been understood yet which impedes significant exploitation of this ceramic
      material. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation has been carried out to
      investigate the atomistic aspects of ductile response of SiC during nanometric
      cutting process. Simulation results show that cubic SiC undergoes sp3-sp2 order
      disorder transition resulting in the formation of SiC-graphene-like substance
      with a growth rate dependent on the cutting conditions. The disorder transition
      of SiC causes the ductile response during its nanometric cutting operations. It
      was further found out that the continuous abrasive action between the diamond
      tool and SiC causes simultaneous sp3-sp2 order-disorder transition of diamond
      tool which results in graphitization of diamond and consequent tool wear.

PMID- 22078070
TI  - Growth, seed development and genetic analysis in wild type and Def mutant of
      Pisum sativum L.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The def mutant pea (Pisum sativum L) showed non-abscission of seeds
      from the funicule. Here we present data on seed development and growth pattern
      and their relationship in predicting this particular trait in wild type and
      mutant lines as well as the inheritance pattern of the def allele in F2 and F3
      populations. FINDINGS: Pod length and seed fresh weight increase with fruit
      maturity and this may affect the abscission event in pea seeds. However, the seed
      position in either the distal and proximal ends of the pod did not show any
      difference. The growth factors of seed fresh weight (FW), width of funicles
      (WFN), seed width (SW) and seed height (SH) were highly correlated and their
      relationships were determined in both wild type and def mutant peas. The
      coefficient of determination R2 values for the relationship between WFN and FW,
      SW and SH and their various interactions were higher for the def dwarf type.
      Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that variation of WFN was associated
      with SH and SW. Pearson's chi square analysis revealed that the inheritance and
      segregation of the Def locus in 3:1 ratio was significant in two F2 populations.
      Structural analysis of the F3 population was used to confirm the inheritance
      status of the Def locus in F2 heterozygote plants. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      investigated the inheritance of the presence or absence of the Def allele,
      controlling the presence of an abscission zone (AZ) or an abscission-less zone
      (ALZ) forming in wild type and mutant lines respectively. The single major gene
      (Def) controlling this phenotype was monogenic and def mutants were characterized
      and controlled by the homozygous recessive def allele that showed no palisade
      layers in the hilum region of the seed coat.

PMID- 22078071
TI  - Quality of hospital care for sick newborns and severely malnourished children in
      Kenya: a two-year descriptive study in 8 hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the high mortality associated with neonatal illnesses and
      severe malnutrition and the development of packages of interventions that provide
      similar challenges for service delivery mechanisms we set out to explore how well
      such services are provided in Kenya. METHODS: As a sub-component of a larger
      study we evaluated care during surveys conducted in 8 rural district hospitals
      using convenience samples of case records. After baseline hospitals received
      either a full multifaceted intervention (intervention hospitals) or a partial
      intervention (control hospitals) aimed largely at improving inpatient paediatric
      care for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea/dehydration. Additional data were
      collected to: i) examine the availability of routine information at baseline and
      their value for morbidity, mortality and quality of care reporting, and ii)
      compare the care received against national guidelines disseminated to all
      hospitals. RESULTS: Clinical documentation for neonatal and malnutrition
      admissions was often very poor at baseline with case records often entirely
      missing. Introducing a standard newborn admission record (NAR) form was
      associated with an increase in median assessment (IQR) score to 25/28 (22-27)
      from 2/28 (1-4) at baseline. Inadequate and incorrect prescribing of penicillin
      and gentamicin were common at baseline. For newborns considerable improvements in
      prescribing in the post baseline period were seen for penicillin but potentially
      serious errors persisted when prescribing gentamicin, particularly to low-birth
      weight newborns in the first week of life. Prescribing essential feeds appeared
      almost universally inadequate at baseline and showed limited improvement after
      guideline dissemination. CONCLUSION: Routine records are inadequate to assess
      newborn care and thus for monitoring newborn survival interventions. Quality of
      documented inpatient care for neonates and severely malnourished children is poor
      with limited improvement after the dissemination of clinical practice guidelines.
      Further research evaluating approaches to improving care for these vulnerable
      groups is urgently needed. We also suggest pre-service training curricula should
      be better aligned to help improve newborn survival particularly.

PMID- 22078072
TI  - Starting or switching to biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in type 2
      diabetes: a multicenter, observational, primary care study conducted in Finland.
AB  - AIMS: Assess safety and glycaemic control in patients initiating insulin with, or
      switching from basal insulin to, biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in
      primary care in Finland. METHODS: A non-randomised, non-interventional, open
      label, 26-week study of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients prescribed BIAsp 30 by
      their physician, who determined starting dose, titration and injection frequency.
      RESULTS: 496 patients provided safety data (insulin-naive n=197; prior insulin
      n=299 [84.9% received NPH insulin]). Three patients (0.6%) reported four SADRs
      (three hypoglycaemia, one hypoglycaemia with unconsciousness). HbA1c was
      significantly (p<0.0001) reduced after 26 weeks' BIAsp 30 therapy (final dose):
      insulin-naive -1.4% (44.4 IU); prior insulin -1.1% (77.4 IU). HbA1c<7.0% was
      achieved by 10% of insulin-naive patients at baseline and 51% at 26-week follow
      up. In the prior insulin group, 7% and 30% of patients had HbA1c<7.0% at baseline
      and 26 weeks, respectively. Minor hypoglycaemia increased significantly from
      baseline to study end: insulin-naive 0.66-6.45 events/patient/year (p<0.0001);
      prior insulin 5.11-8.58 events/patient/year (p<0.05). Weight increased by 1.0 kg
      (insulin-naive) and 1.3 kg (previous insulin). CONCLUSION: BIAsp 30, initiated
      and titrated in T2D patients in primary care in Finland, showed a good safety
      profile and significantly improved glycaemic control.

PMID- 22078073
TI  - Metabolic syndrome in adult cancer survivors: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies have reported inconsistent findings on
      whether the risk of metabolic syndrome is high among cancer survivors. We
      conducted a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. METHODS: We searched
      MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE in April 2010. Two evaluators independently reviewed
      and selected articles, based on pre-determined selection criteria. RESULTS: Out
      of 257 articles meeting our initial criteria, 9 cross-sectional studies, which
      involved 6763 participants (1762 cases and 5001 controls) were included in the
      final analysis. Compared with the healthy control groups, the cancer survivors
      were at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, in the random-effects meta
      analysis of all 9 cross-sectional studies (OR=1.84; 95% CI=1.14-2.97; I(2)=80.5).
      In the subgroup meta-analysis by cancer type, a significant positive association
      was observed for hematologic malignancies, including ALL (acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia), AML (acute myelogenous leukemia), NHL (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), and
      CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia) (OR=1.94; 95% CI=1.06-3.55; I(2)=68.1%),
      whereas no significant association was found for non-hematologic malignancies,
      including testicular tumor, prostate cancer, sarcoma, and epithelial ovarian
      cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies found that
      adult cancer survivors with hematologic malignancies were at an increased risk of
      metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22078074
TI  - Elevated micronuclei frequency in type 2 diabetes with high glycosylated
      hemoglobin.
AB  - AIM: The role of oxidative damage to DNA due to hyperglycemia is well known. In
      the current study we have evaluated the induction of micronuclei due to increased
      glycosylation in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Forty-nine subjects divided into two
      groups of normoglycemic controls and type 2 diabetic cases were recruited in the
      study. Whole blood was cultured and micronuclei were scored in all the cases.
      This was correlated with age, sex, blood glucose levels and glycosylated
      hemoglobin. RESULTS: Age and sex matched diabetic patients had an increased
      micronuclei frequency in response to elevated glycosylation of hemoglobin
      (R(2)=0.229, p=0.037) compared to normoglycemic subjects. CONCLUSION: The
      increased glycosylation seems to induce oxidative damage in the DNA of the
      diabetic patients, which manifests as an increased micronuclei frequency. This
      has a potential to be used as a biomarker for subsequent diabetic complications.

PMID- 22078075
TI  - Detection of benzo(a)pyrene photodegradation products using DNA electrochemical
      sensors.
AB  - The reactivity of photodegradation products of benzo(a)pyrene vs. DNA has been
      assessed using both genomic and oligonucleotide based DNA electrochemical
      sensors. The kinetic of a photooxidation reaction of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) carried
      out in controlled conditions using a 6 W UV lamp peaked at 365 nm has been
      studied using LC with fluorimetric detection. Degradation of benzo(a)pyrene by
      both UV and UV/H(2)O(2) exhibited pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics with half
      lives ranging from 3.0 to 9.8h depending on the pH and on the amount of H(2)O(2).
      The oxidation products of benzo(a)pyrene obtained in different conditions were
      tested on genomic ssDNA electrochemical sensors obtained via immobilisation of
      salmon testis ss-DNA on graphite screen-printed electrodes. Guanines oxidation
      signals obtained using chronopotentiometry were used to detect the interaction of
      the products with DNA. The dose-response curve obtained with benzo(a)pyrene
      incubated 24 h at pH 4.7 was different from that of the parent compound
      indicating a different type of interaction with DNA. A DNA hybridisation sensor
      was also assembled using a thiolated/biotynilated 24-mer oligonucleotide
      immobilised on a gold screen-printed electrode and avidin-alkaline phosphatase
      conjugate. A voltammetric detection of naphtol was used to detect the
      hybridisation reaction. A net inhibition of the hybridisation reaction was
      observed after incubation with benzo(a)pyrene oxidation products that was
      attributed to the formation of stable adducts with the guanines of the
      biotinylated strand. LC-MS-MS studies of the oxidation products confirmed the
      presence of chemical species potentially forming adducts with DNA. The data
      reported demonstrate that DNA electrochemical sensors have the potential to be
      used to monitor remediation processes and to assess the potential toxicity vs.
      DNA of chemicals forming stable DNA adducts.

PMID- 22078076
TI  - Staff outcomes from the caring for aged dementia care resident study (CADRES): a
      cluster randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dementia care mapping and person centred care are well-accepted as
      processes for improving care and well-being for persons with dementia living in
      the residential setting. However, the impact of dementia care mapping and person
      centred care on staff has not been well researched. OBJECTIVES: The impact of
      person centred care and dementia care mapping compared to each other and to usual
      dementia care on staff outcomes was examined in terms of staff burnout, general
      well-being, attitudes and reactions towards resident behavioural disturbances,
      perceived managerial support, and quality of care interactions. DESIGN: A cluster
      randomised, controlled trial. SETTINGS: The study was conducted between 2005 and
      2007 in 15 residential aged care sites in the Sydney metropolitan area,
      Australia, with comparable management structures, staffing mix and ratios, and
      standards of care. PARTICIPANTS: 194 consenting managers, nurses, therapists and
      nurse assistants working in the participating sites. METHODS: Intervention care
      sites received training and support in either person centred care (n=5) or
      dementia care mapping (n=5); control sites continued with usual dementia care
      (n=5). Staff outcomes of those three groups were assessed before, directly after
      the four month intervention (post) and after a further four months (follow-up).
      The primary outcome measures were the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services
      Survey and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Analysis involved repeated
      measures analyses of variance for each of the outcome measures and adjustment for
      potential confounders to limit bias. RESULTS: The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human
      Services Survey results showed that change over time in emotional exhaustion
      scores differed between the three groups. Post-hoc analyses for each group
      separately revealed that the only significant time effect was in the dementia
      care mapping group (p=0.006), with emotional exhaustion scores declining over
      time. At baseline, more perceived support from management was associated with
      less emotional exhaustion (r(s)=0.26, p=0.004, n=122) and less depersonalisation
      (r(s)=0.21, p=0.023, n=122), but not for any of the other outcome measures.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that person centred approaches of care, in
      particular with dementia care mapping, may contribute to reducing staff job
      related burnout. The findings also highlight a potentially important role of
      managerial support and a whole of system approach.

PMID- 22078077
TI  - Optical properties of organic nonlinear optical crystal--a combined experimental
      and theoretical study.
AB  - The optical properties of the synthesized imidazole derivative, 1-(4
      methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-2-styryl-1H-imidazole, has been studied both
      experimentally and theoretically. Fluorescence enhancement have been found in the
      presence of transition metal ions and this may result from the suppression of
      radiationless transitions from the n-pi* state in the chemosensors. Quantum
      chemical calculations of heat of formation, optimized geometry, NLO, HOMO-LUMO,
      MEP and NBO analysis of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-2-styryl-1H-imidazole
      (mpdsi) have been carried out by using density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP)
      method with 6-31G(d,p) as basis set. This chromophore possess more appropriate
      ratio of off-diagonal versus diagonal beta tensorial component
      (r=beta(xyy)/beta(xxx)=-0.002) which reflects the inplane non-linearity
      anisotropy. Since they have largest MUbeta(0) value, the reported imidazole can
      be used as potential NLO material. The solvent effect on the absorption and
      fluorescence has been analyzed simultaneously.

PMID- 22078078
TI  - Reliability of dissociation constants and resolution capability of SQUAD(84) and
      SPECFIT/32 in the regression of multiwavelength spectrophotometric pH-titration
      data.
AB  - The resolving power of multicomponent spectral analysis and the computation
      reliability of the stability constants and molar absorptivities determined for
      five variously protonated anions of physostigmine salicylate by the SQUAD(84) and
      SPECFIT/32 programs has been examined with the use of simulated and experimental
      spectra containing overlapping spectral bands. The reliability of the
      dissociation constants of drug was proven with goodness-of-fit tests and by
      examining the influence of pre-selected noise level s(inst)(A) in synthetic
      spectra regarding the precision s(pK) and also accuracy of the estimated
      dissociation constants. Precision was examined as the linear regression model
      s(pK)=beta(0)+beta(1)s(inst)(A). In all cases the intercept beta(0) was
      statistically insignificant. When an instrumental error s(inst)(A) is small and
      less than 0.5 mAU, the parameters' estimates are nearly the same as the bias
      DeltapK=pK(a,calc)-pK(a,true) is quite negligible. In all four dissociation
      constants the bias seems to be quite small even though for pK(a4) it is a little
      bit higher, i.e., +0.05 for s(inst)(A) about 1.0 mAU. In the interval of
      s(inst)(A) from 0.1 to 1.0 mAU all four dissociation constants pK(i) are accurate
      enough. Of the various regression diagnostics considered, the goodness-of-fit is
      the most efficient criterion of whether the parameters found adequately represent
      the data. The magnitude of instrumental error s(inst)(A) only slightly affects
      the shape of a Cattel's scree graph s(k)(A)=f(k) to determine the true number of
      light-absorbing species in the equilibrium mixture.

PMID- 22078079
TI  - Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of a double-helical zinc(II)
      coordination polymer with Ozagrel drug.
AB  - By the reaction of Zn(OAc)(2).2H(2)O with Ozagrel, (E)-3-(4-((1H-imidazol-1
      yl)methyl)phenyl)acrylic acid (Himpaa), a novel coordination polymer
      [Zn(impaa)(2)](n)(1) was synthesized and was characterized by IR, elemental
      analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, photoluminescence
      spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The four
      coordinate Zn(II) ions are linked into 1D double-helical chain by the
      deprotonated impaa(-), which is extended into a 3D supramolecular structure
      through intermolecular C-H...O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22078080
TI  - Vibrational spectra, structure and antioxidant activity of gossypol imine
      derivatives.
AB  - The structures and tautomeric equilibria of natural polyphenol gossypol and four
      its imine derivatives were studied by FT-IR-, NMR-spectroscopy and quantum
      chemistry methods. It was shown that gossypol Schiff bases exist in solution as
      enamine-enamine tautomer and hydrazones as imine-imine tautomer. Infrared
      absorption spectra of studied compounds were simulated using the PM3 method. The
      fundamental vibrational frequencies were evaluated using various scale factors
      which yield a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. Free
      radical scavenging activity of gossypol and its imine derivatives was evaluated
      using DPPH method. Antioxidant activity of studied compounds was characterized.
      Gossypol hydrazones were shown to be more efficient, while Schiff base to be less
      efficient as antioxidants in comparison with gossypol itself.

PMID- 22078081
TI  - Associations between child sexual abuse and negative sexual experiences and
      revictimization among women: does measuring severity matter?
AB  - Women with histories of child sexual abuse (CSA) are more likely than those
      without such experiences to report a variety of negative sexual outcomes. This
      study examines the explanatory power of a CSA summed composite versus dichotomous
      (presence/absence) measurement in predicting a comprehensive negative sexual
      behavior outcome. Study participants were obtained from a community based sample
      examining women's sexual decision-making. The continuous CSA measurement reflects
      cumulative histories of CSA through a composite score capturing abuse specific
      characteristics. Using a cross-validation approach, the sample (n=835) was
      randomly split and the explanatory power of each measure was examined through a
      series of multiple linear regressions comparing model fit indexes and performing
      a formal likelihood ratio test of one model against another. All CSA measures
      explained a similar percentage of variance but overall the CSA summed composite
      explained the data significantly better in terms predicting negative sexual
      experiences and revictimization than a binary measure as demonstrated with the
      likelihood ratio test. The results were replicated by cross-validating the
      predictive power of the CSA composite score between the split samples.
      Consistency of CSA regression estimates for the summed composite between training
      and validation samples were also confirmed. Given the superiority of the CSA
      summed composites over the binary variable, we recommend using this measure when
      examining associations between CSA histories and negative sexual experiences and
      revictimization.

PMID- 22078082
TI  - Mercury, chronic hepatitis and hepatoma.

PMID- 22078083
TI  - A comparison of the degree of retraction of full-thickness supraspinatus tears
      with the Goutallier grading system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tears of the supraspinatus are common and incompletely understood.
      The degree of fatty infiltration into the muscle is perceived to be a determining
      factor of successful surgical repair and postoperative function. It is the
      hypothesis of this study that the degree of central tendon retraction (CTR) as
      seen on magnetic resonance imaging corresponds to the amount of fatty
      infiltration classified according to the Goutallier grading system. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the supraspinatus were reviewed in 2
      identifiable groups: 143 scans with no tear (NT) and 148 scans with a full
      thickness tear (FTT) and CTR. The degree of CTR and the corresponding Goutallier
      grade were measured. The difference in Goutallier grade between the NT and FTT
      groups was measured with the Mann-Whitney test. The relationship between
      Goutallier grade and increasing amount of CTR was described by use of Spearman
      rank correlation. Studying the difference between the Goutallier grades and CTR
      was achieved by use of Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Of NT scans, 100% showed
      Goutallier grade 0 or 1. Among FTT scans, 2 showed grade 0, 21 showed grade 1, 35
      showed grade 2, 14 showed grade 3, and 76 showed grade 4. The difference was
      statistically significant (P < .001) between the Goutallier grade 3 and 4 scans,
      and the degree of Goutallier grade increased with increasing CTR (P < .001).
      CONCLUSION: Fatty infiltration can be directly linked to CTR and, as such, may
      help to determine surgical intervention between groups.

PMID- 22078084
TI  - A challenging diagnosis of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency: identification of a
      patient with a novel F/Null phenotype.
AB  - Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a genetic disease characterized by low
      levels and/or function of A1AT protein. A1AT deficiency can result in the
      development of COPD, liver disease, and certain skin conditions. The disease can
      be diagnosed by demonstrating a low level of A1AT protein and genotype screening
      for S and Z mutations, which are the most common. However, there are many genetic
      variants in A1AT deficiency, and this screening may miss rarer cases, such as
      those caused by dysfunctional protein. We identified a patient with a previously
      unreported F/null phenotype that was missed by routine screening. This case
      highlights the wide variation in possible mutations, limitations in diagnostics,
      and the importance of combining clinical suspicion with measurement of protein
      levels, phenotypic analysis, and in appropriate cases expanded genetic analysis.

PMID- 22078085
TI  - [Refractory thyroid cancers].
AB  - Refractory thyroid cancers include medullary and differentiated cancers with
      locally advanced disease that is not amenable to surgery or with distant
      metastases, differentiated thyroid carcinomas being refractory to radio-iodine
      treatment and all anaplastic carcinomas. These carcinomas are rare, with an
      estimated incidence in France of 350 new cases per year. Their management may
      benefit from the TUTHYREF network. Kinase inhibitors inhibit kinases of the VEGF
      receptors, and this inhibits angiogenesis, and some of these agents also inhibit
      other kinases of the MAPkinase pathway. These inhibitors are effective in
      differentiated and medullary thyroid cancers, and induce a partial response or a
      long-term stabilisation in more than half of patients. Their toxicity is
      significant and these treatments should be given only to selected patients with
      locally advanced or metastatic disease, with progression or with clinical
      symptoms.

PMID- 22078086
TI  - Lung function and quality of life in survivors of the acute respiratory distress
      syndrome (ARDS).
AB  - Recent studies have begun to describe the long-term outcomes of acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors. These patients experience a number of
      physical, mental and psychological morbidities that significantly impair their
      health-related quality of life (HRQL). The trajectory of pulmonary recovery in
      survivors of ARDS, as it relates to lung function, structure and health-related
      quality of life (HRQL), is predictable and often persists years after hospital
      discharge. True pulmonary parenchymal morbidity is uncommon and when present,
      persistent restrictive disease is likely related to diaphragmatic weakness with a
      mild reduction in diffusion capacity (DLCO). Future research should focus on
      identifying patients at risk for long-term functional limitations and the design
      of rehabilitation interventions tailored to individual patient needs.

PMID- 22078087
TI  - Long-term successful management of an aortoesophageal fistula secondary to the
      ingestion of a bone.

PMID- 22078088
TI  - [Thyroid dysfunctions and pregnancy].
AB  - Advances in understanding the physiology of the thyroid function in normal
      pregnancy have highlighted the importance of the consequences of abnormal thyroid
      function on mother and fetal outcomes. Thyroid diseases are common in young women
      of childbearing age while management of thyroid diseases is relatively
      straightforward. For each thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism,
      hyperthyroidism, postpartum thyroiditis), the issues with the obstetric
      complications of the mother and the fetus are considered. Indeed, early
      recognition of thyroid diseases during pregnancy and appropriate management has
      the potential to improve outcome for the mother and the fetus.

PMID- 22078089
TI  - Prone positioning in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): when and how?
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of respiratory
      failure. It remains one of the most devastating conditions in the intensive care
      unit. Mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure is a
      cornerstone therapy for ARDS patients. One adjuvant alternative is to place the
      patient in a prone position. Since it was first described in 1976, prone
      positioning has been safely employed to improve oxygenation in many patients with
      ARDS. Prone positioning may also minimize secondary lung injury induced by
      mechanical ventilation, although this benefit has not been investigated as
      extensively, despite its potential. In spite of a strong physiological
      justification, prone positioning is still not widely accepted as an adjunct
      therapy in ARDS patients and it is only used regularly in only 10% of ICUs. This
      may be explained in part by the reluctance to change position, risks and unclear
      effects on relevant outcomes. In this paper, we review all aspects of prone
      positioning, from the pathophysiology to the clinical studies of patient outcome,
      and we also discuss the latest controversies surrounding this treatment.

PMID- 22078090
TI  - [The treatment of Graves' disease: current views and controversies].
AB  - One of the more prevalent among the organ-specific autoimmune diseases, Graves'
      disease share their chronic evolution and lack of immunomodulatory treatment.
      Treatment strategy has to consider as opposite options as medical conservatory or
      ablative approach which requires much expertise and attention to patients' wish.
      Whatever treatment option, it is mandatory to prevent any risk of iatrogenic
      hypothyroidism, especially a rise of TSH above normal limit. The long-lasting
      benefit-risk ratio of treatment options is of primordial importance in this
      usually benign but enduring disease. Occurrence of Graves' orbitopathy, a
      significant complication, requires a special multidisciplinary management; the
      same is true in the case of a current or planned pregnancy. Overall quality-of
      life is often markedly affected by Graves' disease; this should not be
      overlooked. Smoking increases relapse risk after a course of antithyroid drug; it
      also increases the risk and severity of Graves' orbitopathy. Patients must be
      made aware of these deleterious effects and encouraged to quit smoking.

PMID- 22078091
TI  - Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy: a tool to detect the presence of pulmonary
      artery involvement in Takayasu's arteritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large-vessel vasculitis that can also
      involve pulmonary arteries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency
      of pulmonary artery involvement in TA patients using pulmonary perfusion
      scintigraphy (PPS) and to determine the characteristics of patients with
      pulmonary artery involvement. METHODS: Twenty-one patients classified as having
      TA underwent PPS. PPS positivity was defined as the presence of perfusion defects
      with normal ventilation. TA diagnosis was assessed using American College of
      Rheumatology (ACR) and/or Ishikawa's modified criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      patients (median age 36 years [range; 21-78]; 18 females) were analyzed. PPS was
      positive in 12 (57%) patients. Pulmonary symptoms were present in 4/12 patients
      with positive PPS, but none in patients with negative PPS. Among the 12 patients
      with positive PPS, eight patients (67%) were asymptomatic with regard to
      pulmonary involvement. No difference was noted between patients with positive and
      negative PPS with respect to general characteristics, vascular involvement,
      biological parameters or treatment regimen. PPS sensitivity was 100%, specificity
      at 53% and predictive negative value at 100% in patients with TA relative to the
      presence of pulmonary symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although frequent, pulmonary artery
      involvement in TA is often asymptomatic. Its systematic detection by PPS could be
      valuable in the diagnosis of TA.

PMID- 22078092
TI  - [Thyroid: model or victim?].

PMID- 22078093
TI  - Noninvasive detection of intimal xanthoma using combined ultrasound, strain rate
      and photoacoustic imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION: The structure, composition and mechanics of carotid
      artery are good indicators of early progressive atherosclerotic lesions. The
      combination of three imaging modalities (ultrasound, strain rate and
      photoacoustic imaging) which could provide corroborative information about the
      named arterial properties could enhance the characterization of intimal xanthoma.
      METHODS: The experiments were performed using a New Zealand white rabbit model of
      atherosclerosis. The aorta excised from an atherosclerotic rabbit was scanned ex
      vivo using the three imaging techniques: (1) ultrasound imaging of the
      longitudinal section: standard ultrasound B-mode (74Hz frame rate); (2) strain
      rate imaging: the artery was flushed with blood and a 1.5Hz physiologic pulsation
      was induced, while the ultrasound data were recorded at higher frame rate
      (296Hz); (3) photoacoustic imaging: the artery was irradiated with nanosecond
      pulsed laser light of low fluence in the 1210-1230nm wavelength range and the
      photoacoustic data was recorded at 10Hz frame rate. Post processing algorithms
      based on cross-correlation and optical absorption variation were implemented to
      derive strain rate and spectroscopic photoacoustic images, respectively. RESULTS:
      Based on the spatio-temporal variation in displacement of different regions
      within the arterial wall, strain rate imaging reveals differences in tissue
      mechanical properties. Additionally, spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging can
      spatially resolve the optical absorption properties of arterial tissue and
      identify the location of lipid pools. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that
      ultrasound, strain rate and photoacoustic imaging can be used to simultaneously
      evaluate the structure, the mechanics and the composition of atherosclerotic
      lesions to improve the assessment of plaque vulnerability.

PMID- 22078094
TI  - Anisotropy of Lamb and SH waves propagation in langasite single crystal plates
      under the influence of dc electric field.
AB  - Paper is presented the results of computer simulation. Effect of the homogeneous
      dc electric field influence on the propagation of zero and first order Lamb and
      SH waves in piezoelectric langasite single crystal plates for a lot of cuts and
      directions have been calculated. Crystalline directions and cuts with maximal and
      minimal influence of dc electric field have indicated. Effect of hybridization of
      plate modes has been discussed.

PMID- 22078095
TI  - Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in The Netherlands in 1996 and 2007.
AB  - We aimed to assess differences in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      infection in The Netherlands between 1996 and 2007, and to identify risk factors
      for HBV infection in 2007. Representative samples of the Dutch population in 1996
      and 2007 were tested for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc),
      hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA. In 2007, the weighted anti-HBc
      prevalence was 3.5% (95% CI 2.2-5.5) and the HBsAg prevalence was 0.2% (95% CI
      0.1-0.4). In indigenous Dutch participants, the anti-HBc prevalence was lower in
      2007 than in 1996 (P=0.06). First-generation migrants (FGMs) had a 13-fold
      greater risk of being HBsAg- and/or HBV-DNA-positive than indigenous Dutch
      participants. In indigenous Dutch participants, risk factors for anti-HBc
      positivity were older age and having received a blood product before 1990. In
      FGMs, being of Asian origin was a risk factor. In second-generation migrants,
      having a foreign-born partner and injecting drug use were risk factors. FGMs are
      the main target group for secondary HBV prevention in The Netherlands.

PMID- 22078096
TI  - A new simple approach for the determination of pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase
      activity in human erythrocytes using an ELISA reader.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pyrimidine 5' nucleotidase type I (P5'N-1) deficiency is the most
      frequent abnormality of cell nucleotide metabolism causing hereditary non
      spherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA). The aim of this study was to develop a
      simple method of determination of P5'N-1 activity in human erythrocytes using an
      ELISA reader METHODS: Determination of P5'N-1 activity is based on the liberation
      of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) after incubation with uridine monophosphate/cytidine
      monophosphate. Inorganic phosphorus (Pi), a product of the enzymatic reaction is
      directly quantitated from its ultraviolet absorbance. Purine/Pyrimidine
      nucleotides ratio (OD 260: OD 280) was also measured RESULTS: P5'N-1 deficient
      patients showed reduction in P5'N-1 activity (Mean +/- SD; 4.06 +/- 0.66 using an
      ELISA reader & 6.25 +/- 1.37 using a spectrophotometer) as compared to the normal
      control group (ELISA reader: 13.24 +/- 3.42 & Spectrophotometer: 18.25 +/- 3.20).
      Heterozygotes showed intermediate activity (ELISA reader: 6.06 +/- 0.48 &
      Spectrophotometer: 8.06 +/- 1.28), however they would have been missed on
      screening using the Purine/Pyrimidine nucleotides ratio CONCLUSION: Determination
      of P5'N-1 activity by using an ELISA reader is a new, simple, less time consuming
      and reliable method. It also avoids the use of radioactive material or HPLC which
      is a significant advantage.

PMID- 22078098
TI  - Myoblasts generated by lentiviral mediated MyoD transduction of myotonic
      dystrophy type 1 (DM1) fibroblasts can be used for assays of therapeutic
      molecules.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscle dystrophy
      in adults. The disease is caused by a triplet expansion in the 3'end of the
      myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. In order to develop a human cell
      model for investigation of possible effects of antisense and RNAi effector
      molecules we have used lentiviral mediated myoD-forced myogenesis of DM1 patient
      fibroblasts. FINDINGS: Transduced fibroblasts show a multinuclear phenotype and
      express the differentiation marker myogenin. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed a statistical significant increase in the
      amount of nuclear foci in DM1 patient fibroblasts after myogenesis. Finally, no
      nuclear foci were found after treatment with oligonucleotides targeting the
      repeat expansions. CONCLUSIONS: The abundance of nuclear foci in DM1 patient
      fibroblasts increase following myogenesis, as visualized by FISH analysis. Foci
      were eradicated after treatment with antisense oligonucleotides. Thus, we propose
      that the current cell model is suitable for testing of novel treatment
      modalities.

PMID- 22078097
TI  - Breast cancer epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition: examining the functional
      consequences of plasticity.
AB  - The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical developmental
      process that has recently come to the forefront of cancer biology. In breast
      carcinomas, acquisition of a mesenchymal-like phenotype that is reminiscent of an
      EMT, termed oncogenic EMT, is associated with pro-metastatic properties,
      including increased motility, invasion, anoikis resistance, immunosuppression and
      cancer stem cell characteristics. This oncogenic EMT is a consequence of cellular
      plasticity, which allows for interconversion between epithelial and mesenchymal
      like states, and is thought to enable tumor cells not only to escape from the
      primary tumor, but also to colonize a secondary site. Indeed, the plasticity of
      cancer cells may explain the range of pro-metastatic traits conferred by
      oncogenic EMT, such as the recently described link between EMT and cancer stem
      cells and/or therapeutic resistance. Continued research into this relationship
      will be critical in developing drugs that block mechanisms of breast cancer
      progression, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

PMID- 22078100
TI  - Dr. Vince Hetherington and the Federation Internacionale des Podologues.

PMID- 22078099
TI  - Fortunella margarita transcriptional reprogramming triggered by Xanthomonas citri
      subsp. citri.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Citrus canker disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas
      citri subsp. citri (Xcc) has become endemic in areas where high temperature,
      rain, humidity, and windy conditions provide a favourable environment for the
      dissemination of the bacterium. Xcc is pathogenic on many commercial citrus
      varieties but appears to elicit an incompatible reaction on the citrus relative
      Fortunella margarita Swing (kumquat), in the form of a very distinct delayed
      necrotic response. We have developed subtractive libraries enriched in sequences
      expressed in kumquat leaves during both early and late stages of the disease. The
      isolated differentially expressed transcripts were subsequently sequenced. Our
      results demonstrate how the use of microarray expression profiling can help
      assign roles to previously uncharacterized genes and elucidate plant pathogenesis
      response related mechanisms. This can be considered to be a case study in a
      citrus relative where high throughput technologies were utilized to understand
      defence mechanisms in Fortunella and citrus at the molecular level. RESULTS:
      cDNAs from sequenced kumquat libraries (ESTs) made from subtracted RNA
      populations, healthy vs. infected, were used to make this microarray. Of 2054
      selected genes on a customized array, 317 were differentially expressed (P <
      0.05) in Xcc challenged kumquat plants compared to mock-inoculated ones. This
      study identified components of the incompatible interaction such as reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) and programmed cell death (PCD). Common defence mechanisms
      and a number of resistance genes were also identified. In addition, there were a
      considerable number of differentially regulated genes that had no homologues in
      the databases. This could be an indication of either a specialized set of genes
      employed by kumquat in response to canker disease or new defence mechanisms in
      citrus. CONCLUSION: Functional categorization of kumquat Xcc-responsive genes
      revealed an enhanced defence-related metabolism as well as a number of resistant
      response-specific genes in the kumquat transcriptome in response to Xcc
      inoculation. Gene expression profile(s) were analyzed to assemble a comprehensive
      and inclusive image of the molecular interaction in the kumquat/Xcc system. This
      was done in order to elucidate molecular mechanisms associated with the
      development of the hypersensitive response phenotype in kumquat leaves. These
      data will be used to perform comparisons among citrus species to evaluate means
      to enhance the host immune responses against bacterial diseases.

PMID- 22078101
TI  - What stops children with a chronic illness accessing health care: a mixed methods
      study in children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
      (CFS/ME).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
      (CFS/ME) is relatively common and disabling with a mean time out of school of
      more than one academic year. NICE guidelines recommend referral to specialist
      services immediately if severely affected, within 3 months if moderately affected
      and within 6 months if mildly affected. However, the median time-to-assessment by
      a specialist service in the UK is 18 months. This study used a mixed-methods
      approach to examine factors associated with time taken to access specialist
      services. METHODS: Time-to-assessment was analysed as a continuous "survival
      time" variable in Cox regression models using data from self-completed assessment
      forms for children attending a regional specialist CFS/ME service between January
      2006 and December 2009. Semi-structured interviews about barriers experienced in
      accessing healthcare for their child were conducted with nine parents of children
      aged < 17 years (8 individual and one parent couple). Interviews were digitally
      recorded and analysed using "thematic analysis". RESULTS: 405 children were
      assessed between 2006 and 2009 and information on school attendance was available
      on 388. Only 1/125 with severe CFS/ME and 49/263 (19%) with mild to moderate
      CFS/ME were seen within NICE recommended timeframe. Increased fatigue was
      associated with shorter time to assessment (HR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.03, 1.29 per unit
      increase in Chalder fatigue score; P = 0.01). Time-to-assessment was not
      associated with disability, mood, age or gender. Parents described difficulties
      accessing specialist services because of their own as well as their GP's and
      Paediatrician's lack of knowledge. They experienced negative attitudes and
      beliefs towards the child's condition when they consulted GPs, Paediatricians and
      Child Psychiatrists. Parents struggled to communicate an invisible illness that
      their child and not themselves were experiencing. CONCLUSIONS: GPs, Child
      Psychiatrists and Paediatricians need more knowledge about CFS/ME and the
      appropriate referral pathways to ensure timeliness in referral to specialist
      services.

PMID- 22078102
TI  - Long-term outcome of cap polyposis, with special reference to the effects of
      steroid therapy.

PMID- 22078103
TI  - Routine brush cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization for assessment of
      pancreatobiliary strictures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The specificity of brush cytology for detection of malignant
      pancreatobiliary strictures is high, but its sensitivity is moderate.
      Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used to detect chromosomal
      aneuploidy in biliary brushing specimens, and, according to some reports, it may
      improve the sensitivity of routine cytology. OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of
      routine cytology and FISH in detection of malignant pancreatobiliary strictures.
      DESIGN: Prospective study performed between September 2008 and August 2010.
      SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: This study involved 81 patients with bile
      duct or pancreatic duct strictures. INTERVENTION: Brush cytology obtained during
      ERCP from pancreatic duct or bile duct strictures and analysis of smears by
      routine cytology and FISH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity,
      and positive and negative predictive values of routine cytology and FISH
      calculated with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The sensitivity of routine
      cytology was 35.19%, and specificity was 100%. When atypia was identified as
      positive, the resultant sensitivity was 53.7%, and specificity was 100%.
      Sensitivity of FISH was 51.85%, and specificity was 88.89%. When either routine
      cytology was positive or atypia was observed or when the FISH result was
      positive, sensitivity was the highest (72.22%), and it was statistically
      significant in comparison with both routine cytology with atypia (P < .036) and
      FISH (P < .023), but specificity was lower than that of routine cytology (88.89%
      vs 100%). LIMITATIONS: Use of a DNA probe set that was designed for detection of
      urothelial carcinoma. Limited number of patients. CONCLUSION: FISH improved the
      sensitivity of routine cytology. Pancreatic duct brushings were a reliable
      material for detection of chromosomal abnormalities by FISH. The best diagnostic
      result was achieved by combining routine cytology with FISH.

PMID- 22078104
TI  - US-guided ethanol ablation of insulinomas: a new treatment option.

PMID- 22078105
TI  - Free-hand direct insertion ability into a simulated ex vivo model using a
      prototype multibending peroral direct cholangioscope (with videos).

PMID- 22078106
TI  - The contextual effects of social capital on health: a cross-national instrumental
      variable analysis.
AB  - Past research on the associations between area-level/contextual social capital
      and health has produced conflicting evidence. However, interpreting this rapidly
      growing literature is difficult because estimates using conventional regression
      are prone to major sources of bias including residual confounding and reverse
      causation. Instrumental variable (IV) analysis can reduce such bias. Using data
      on up to 167,344 adults in 64 nations in the European and World Values Surveys
      and applying IV and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, we estimated the
      contextual effects of country-level social trust on individual self-rated health.
      We further explored whether these associations varied by gender and individual
      levels of trust. Using OLS regression, we found higher average country-level
      trust to be associated with better self-rated health in both women and men.
      Instrumental variable analysis yielded qualitatively similar results, although
      the estimates were more than double in size in both sexes when country population
      density and corruption were used as instruments. The estimated health effects of
      raising the percentage of a country's population that trusts others by 10
      percentage points were at least as large as the estimated health effects of an
      individual developing trust in others. These findings were robust to alternative
      model specifications and instruments. Conventional regression and to a lesser
      extent IV analysis suggested that these associations are more salient in women
      and in women reporting social trust. In a large cross-national study, our
      findings, including those using instrumental variables, support the presence of
      beneficial effects of higher country-level trust on self-rated health. Previous
      findings for contextual social capital using traditional regression may have
      underestimated the true associations. Given the close linkages between self-rated
      health and all-cause mortality, the public health gains from raising social
      capital within and across countries may be large.

PMID- 22078107
TI  - Smart pump alerts: all that glitters is not gold.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The implementation of smart pump technology can reduce the
      incidence of errors in the administration of intravenous drugs. This approach
      involves developing drug libraries for specific units and setting hard and soft
      limits for each drug. If a programming error occurs and these limits are
      exceeded, an alarm sounds and the infusion can be blocked. A detailed analysis of
      these alarms is essential in order not to bias the results in favor of a positive
      impact of this technology. PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the first analysis
      of the use of smart infusion pumps and to assess the significance and practical
      implications of the alarms sounded. METHODS: The study was performed by a
      multidisciplinary team that consisted of a clinical pharmacist, a pediatrician
      from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and the chief nurse of the unit. A
      library of 108 drugs was developed over a 7-month period and introduced into 40
      syringe pumps and 12 volumetric pumps (Alaris((r)) with Plus software) before
      being applied in 6 of the 11 beds in the PICU. After four month's use, data were
      analyzed using the Guardrails((r)) CQI v4.1 Event Reporter program. RESULTS:
      Following the first four months of implementation, compliance with the drug
      library was 87%. By analyzing the alerts triggered, we were able to detect
      problems such as the need to increase user training, readjust limits that did not
      correspond to clinical practice, correct errors in the editing of the drug
      library and including a training profile. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to obtain
      accurate data on the true impact of this technology in the early stages of its
      implementation. This preliminary analysis allowed us to identify improvement
      measures to distinguish, in future evaluations, the alarms triggered by a real
      programming error from those caused by incorrect use.

PMID- 22078108
TI  - The role of novelty detection in food memory.
AB  - Memory plays a central role in food choice. Recent studies focusing on food
      memory in everyday eating and drinking behaviour used a paradigm based on
      incidental learning of target foods and unexpected memory testing, demanding
      recognition of the target among distractors, which deviate slightly from the
      target. Results question the traditional view of memory as reactivation of
      previous experiences. Comparison of data from several experiments shows that in
      incidentally learned memory, distractors are rejected, while original targets are
      not recognised better than by chance guessing. Food memory is tuned at detecting
      novelty and change, rather than at recognising a previously encountered food.

PMID- 22078109
TI  - Prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal ankle-brachial index in patients with
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine abnormalities in the
      ankle-brachial index (ABI) and related risk factors in patients with type 2
      diabetes. METHODS: Between September 2003 and June 2010, the ABI was determined
      in 3924 outpatients attending the Diabetes Center of the People's Liberation Army
      306th Hospital. In addition, demographic and laboratory data were collected. The
      risk factors for an abnormal ABI were determined using univariate and stepwise
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The ABI was normal (0.91-1.3) in 93.1% of
      patients, low (<0.9) in 5.2%, and high (>1.3) in 1.7%. The prevalence of abnormal
      lower ABI was greater in elderly (>= 65 years) patients (12.2%) than in younger
      (< 65 years) patients (3.6%). Using normal ABI as the reference, low ABI in
      younger patients was found to be independently associated with HbA1c, the urinary
      albumin:creatinine ratio, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy,
      and cerebrovascular disease. A low ABI in elderly patients was found to be
      independently associated with age, smoking, HbA1c, uric acid, total cholesterol,
      diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and
      cerebrovascular disease. A high ABI in younger patients was associated with being
      male. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of an abnormal ABI was high in patients with
      type 2 diabetes, especially elderly patients. Early identification and intensive
      treatment are needed to improve the quality of life and overall prognosis of
      patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22078110
TI  - Mutations in VP2 and VP1 capsid proteins increase infectivity and mouse lethality
      of enterovirus 71 by virus binding and RNA accumulation enhancement.
AB  - Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. EV71
      infection occasionally associates with severe neurological sequelae such as
      brainstem encephalitis or poliovirus-like paralysis. We demonstrated that mouse
      adapted strain increases infectivity, resulting in higher cytotoxicity of neuron
      cells and mortality to neonatal mice than a non-adapted strain. Results pointed
      to EV71 capsid region determining viral infectivity and mouse lethality. Mutant
      virus with lysine to methionine substitution at VP2(149) (VP2(149M)) or glutamine
      to glutamic acid substitution at VP1(145) (VP1(145E)) showed greater viral titers
      and apoptosis. Synergistic effect of VP2(149M) and VP1(145E) double mutations
      enhanced viral binding and RNA accumulation in infected Neuro-2a cells. The dual
      substitution mutants markedly reduced value of 50% lethal dose in neonatal mice
      infection, indicating they raised mouse lethality in vivo. In sum, VP2(149M) and
      VP1(145E) mutations cooperatively promote viral binding and RNA accumulation of
      EV71, contributing to viral infectivity in vitro and mouse lethality in vivo.

PMID- 22078111
TI  - Human adenovirus species C (HAdV-C) fiber protein.

PMID- 22078112
TI  - Dissipation and residue of fenpropidin in wheat and soil under field conditions.
AB  - The residue levels and dissipation rate of fenpropidin in wheat and soil were
      investigated by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. The dissipation rates of
      fenpropidin were described using first-order kinetics and its half-life ranged
      from 3.1 to 3.3 days in wheat plants and 13.4-16.5 days in soils. During harvest
      time, the terminal residues of fenpropidin in wheat were below the EUs maximum
      residue limit (MRL, 0.5 mg kg(-1)) when collected 20 days after the final
      application, which suggested that the use of this fungicide was safe for humans.
      The residues persistence varied between two geographically separated experimental
      sites, indicating that it might be influenced by climate, soil properties and
      growth dilution factor. These results would be helpful in setting MRL guidance of
      fenpropidin in wheat in China.

PMID- 22078113
TI  - Interaction of silver nanoparticles with biological surfaces of Caenorhabditis
      elegans.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being used in an increasing number of industrial
      and commercial applications; this has resulted in an increased release of AgNPs
      into the environment. Understanding the interaction of AgNPs with biological
      surfaces is important, as such understanding will facilitate predictions of the
      further effects of nanoparticles on biological systems. This study highlights the
      interaction of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (cAgNPs) with the biological
      surfaces of the nematode C. elegans. General toxicity, as proxied by factors such
      as mortality and reproduction, was evaluated in nematode growth medium (NGM),
      which provides a more homogeneous distribution of cAgNPs than in K-medium. The
      survival and reproduction of C. elegans evidenced a clear reduction in up to 100
      mg/L and 10 mg/L of cAgNPs, respectively. We also noted significant interactions
      of cAgNPs with the biological surfaces of C. elegans. Severe epidemic edema and
      burst were detected in the exposure group, which may be associated with secondary
      infections in soil ecosystems. We observed no evidence of cAgNPs intake by C.
      elegans. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report to investigate
      the nanotoxicity of cAgNPs as related to biological surfaces of C. elegans;
      further research is needed to study the fate of cAgNPs inside of C. elegans.

PMID- 22078114
TI  - Effects of the commercial formulation containing fipronil on the non-target
      organism Cyprinus carpio: implications for rice-fish cultivation.
AB  - The aim of this research was to evaluate possible toxic effects of commercial
      formulation containing fipronil on Cyprinus carpio tissues under rice field
      conditions. Antioxidant profile (SOD, catalase, glutathione S-transferase),
      oxidative stress parameters (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein
      carbonyl), and growth were investigated in carp exposed to fipronil under rice
      field conditions for 7, 30, and 90 days. Waterborne insecticide concentrations
      were measured and the detectable concentration of fipronil was observed up to 45
      day after application. Common carp survival and growth was not affected by
      fipronil. Liver superoxide dismutase activity was enhanced while liver catalase
      activity was inhibited at 7, 30, and 90 days. Alterations were not observed in
      the glutathione S-transferase activity in any experimental periods. Protein
      carbonyl increased only after 30 and 90 days of exposure. The thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances levels were enhanced in all analyzed tissues (liver, muscle,
      and brain) and periods of exposure. This study demonstrates that fipronil
      insecticides cause alterations in the biochemical parameters in different tissues
      of carp without affecting the growth or the survival of the fish.

PMID- 22078116
TI  - Microbial contamination of ultrasound biomicroscopy probes: evaluation of cross
      infection risk.

PMID- 22078117
TI  - Comparison of a new-generation sectorial addition multifocal intraocular lens and
      a diffractive apodized multifocal intraocular lens.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare visual, refractive, and satisfactory outcomes between a new
      generation sectorial addition multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Lentis Mplus LS
      312; study group) and a diffractive apodized multifocal IOL (Restor SN6AD1;
      control group). SETTING: Private practice, Driebergen, and Department of
      Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. DESIGN:
      Comparative case series. METHODS: Refractive and visual outcomes at near and
      distance, patient satisfaction, and dysphotopsia scores were recorded 3, 6, and
      12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study group comprised 90 eyes and the
      control group, 143 eyes. Three months postoperatively, the mean uncorrected
      distance visual acuity (UDVA) was not statistically significantly different
      between the study group and the control group (0.04 +/- 0.15 logMAR [SD] versus
      0.06 +/- 0.25 logMAR). The control group had significantly better uncorrected
      near visual acuity than the study group at 30 cm (0.05 +/- 0.14 logMAR versus
      0.15 +/- 0.08 logMAR) and 40 cm (0.05 +/- 0.14 versus 0.16 +/- 0.21) (P<.01 and
      P<.03, respectively). Patients in the control group were more satisfied with
      their vision (P<.001). Dissatisfaction was related to younger age at surgery and
      male sex (P<.0001 and P<.033 respectively). Dysphotopsia occurred in
      approximately 18% of cases in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The new sectorial
      addition multifocal IOL performed comparably to the diffractive apodized
      multifocal IOL in terms of UDVA and the presence of dysphotopsia. The diffractive
      apodized multifocal IOL performed better at 30 cm and 40 cm reading distances and
      had higher patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22078115
TI  - Following the genes: a framework for animal modeling of psychiatric disorders.
AB  - The number of individual cases of psychiatric disorders that can be ascribed to
      identified, rare, single mutations is increasing with great rapidity. Such
      mutations can be recapitulated in mice to generate animal models with direct
      etiological validity. Defining the underlying pathogenic mechanisms will require
      an experimental and theoretical framework to make the links from mutation to
      altered behavior in an animal or psychopathology in a human. Here, we discuss key
      elements of such a framework, including cell type-based phenotyping,
      developmental trajectories, linking circuit properties at micro and macro scales
      and definition of neurobiological phenotypes that are directly translatable to
      humans.

PMID- 22078118
TI  - Recurrent iris cyst discharge.
AB  - A 23-year-old woman with the diagnosis of anterior uveitis in the left eye was
      referred to our clinic. Circumferential midzonal iris epithelial cysts were
      observed in the right eye and corneal endothelial pigment precipitates and
      diffuse pigment discharge in the anterior chamber of the left eye. Topical
      prednisolone acetate was prescribed. After 2 days, hyperemia and pain decreased
      in the left eye and started in the right eye. During the following 3 months, the
      patient experienced 3 similar episodes, which resulted in diffuse pigment
      deposition in the anterior chamber angles. Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation
      was observed after 1 week and 3 weeks in the left eye and right eye,
      respectively. Topical antiglaucomatous medication was prescribed. Nine months
      after the last episode, the uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 and the
      IOP was 15 mm Hg bilaterally. The iris showed diffuse transillumination, and the
      pupils were unresponsive to light.

PMID- 22078119
TI  - Desktop auxiliary apparatus for A-scan ultrasound: repeatability and validity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraobserver repeatability and validity of biometric
      measurements with a newly developed auxiliary A-scan ultrasound apparatus at a
      rural clinic. SETTING: Rural county hospital in China. DESIGN: Evaluation of
      diagnostic technology. METHODS: Patients awaiting surgery for age-related
      cataract were consecutively enrolled for preoperative A-scan biometric
      measurements. The applanation A-scan was performed by 2 experienced nurses, with
      1 using the conventional handheld method and the other using the new method with
      the auxiliary desktop apparatus. Two consecutive measurements were performed with
      each method. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and Bland-Altman plot were used to
      assess and compare the intersession measurement repeatability between the 2
      methods. RESULTS: Data for 75 eyes of 75 consecutive patients were available for
      analysis. The mean age of the patients was 74.3 years +/- 7.4 (SD); 40.0% were
      men. The desktop method had a smaller standard deviation and coefficient of
      variance than the conventional handheld method for both measurement sessions. For
      intersession repeatability, the desktop method had a narrower 95% LoA range than
      the handheld method for all the biometry parameters. The axial length (AL)
      obtained with the desktop method was significantly longer than that with the
      handheld method (23.32 mm versus 23.14 mm; P<.01). CONCLUSION: The newly
      developed auxiliary device had better intraobserver repeatability and more
      accurate AL measurements than the conventional handheld method, making it a
      better option for preoperative biometric measurement of cataract patients.

PMID- 22078120
TI  - Toxicity comparison of intraocular azithromycin with and without a bioadhesive
      delivery system in rabbit eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the addition of a bioadhesive drug-delivery system
      to topical azithromycin induces intraocular inflammation and damage when
      introduced intraocularly by different approaches and in varying doses. SETTING:
      John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. DESIGN: Experimental study.
      METHODS: Commercial topical azithromycin 1.0% was duplicated, including the
      benzalkonium chloride, but without inclusion of the Durasite bioadhesive drug
      delivery system. Injections of 50 MUL, 25 MUL, and 10 MUL of the antibiotic
      solutions were administered in a masked fashion to 2 rabbits; 1 eye (study eye)
      in each rabbit was randomized to receive azithromycin with the delivery system
      and the fellow eye (control eye) to receive azithromycin without the delivery
      system. Two rabbits had topical drops of each solution placed after a 2.8 mm
      incision was created. Masked slitlamp examinations, pachymetry, and intraocular
      pressure (IOP) were determined 1 day and 2 days postoperatively. The animals were
      humanely killed, and the endothelial density and histopathology were examined.
      RESULTS: The IOP (P<.001), pachymetry (P<.001), and signs of inflammation (P=.38
      to .003) were consistently higher in the study eye, especially at the 50 MUL
      dose, than in the control eye. This was confirmed by histopathology. CONCLUSION:
      If the drug-delivery system gains access to the anterior chamber, it may cause
      substantial corneal edema and inflammation, even at low doses and after topical
      administration.

PMID- 22078121
TI  - Development of a questionnaire to assess the relative subjective benefits of
      presbyopia correction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a standardized questionnaire of near visual function and
      satisfaction to complement visual function evaluations of presbyopic corrections.
      SETTING: Eye Clinic, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University,
      Midland Eye Institute and Solihull Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. DESIGN:
      Questionnaire development. METHODS: A preliminary 26-item questionnaire of
      previously used near visual function items was completed by patients with
      monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs,
      multifocal contact lenses, or varifocal spectacles. Rasch analysis was used for
      item reduction, after which internal and test-retest reliabilities were
      determined. Construct validity was determined by correlating the resulting Near
      Activity Visual Questionnaire (NAVQ) scores with near visual acuity and critical
      print size (CPS), which was measured using the Minnesota Low Vision Reading Test
      chart. Discrimination ability was assessed through receiver-operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty patients
      completed the questionnaire. Item reduction resulted in a 10-item NAVQ with
      excellent separation (2.92), internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.95), and
      test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.72). Correlations
      of questionnaire scores with near visual acuity (r = 0.32) and CPS (r = 0.27)
      provided evidence of validity, and discrimination ability was excellent (area
      under ROC curve = 0.91). CONCLUSION: Results show the NAVQ is a reliable, valid
      instrument that can be incorporated into the evaluation of presbyopic
      corrections.

PMID- 22078122
TI  - Self medication with antibiotics in Yogyakarta City Indonesia: a cross sectional
      population-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self medication with antibiotics has become an important factor
      driving antibiotic resistance. This study investigated the period prevalence,
      patterns of use, and socio-demographic factors associated with self medication
      with antibiotics in Yogyakarta City Indonesia. This cross-sectional population
      based survey used a pre-tested questionnaire which was self-administered to
      randomly selected respondents (over 18 years old) in Yogyakarta City Indonesia in
      2010 (N = 625). Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression were
      applied. RESULTS: A total of 559 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate =
      90%). The period prevalence of self medication with antibiotics during the month
      prior to the study was 7.3%. Amoxicillin was the most popular (77%) antibiotic
      for self medication besides ampicilline, fradiomisin-gramisidin, tetracycline,
      and ciprofloxacin to treat the following symptoms: the common-cold including
      cough and sore throat, headache, and other minor symptoms; with the length of use
      was mostly less than five days. Doctors or pharmacists were the most common
      source of information about antibiotics for self medication (52%). Antibiotics
      were usually purchased without prescription in pharmacies (64%) and the cost of
      the purchases was commonly less than US $1 (30%). Previous experience was
      reported to be the main reason for using non-prescribed antibiotics (54%). There
      were no socio-demographic variables significantly associated with the actual
      practice of using non-prescribed antibiotics. However, gender, health insurance,
      and marital status were significantly associated with the intent to self medicate
      with antibiotics (P < 0.05). Being male (Odds Ratio = 1.7 (1.2 - 2.6)) and having
      no health insurance (Odds Ratio = 1.5 (1.0 -2.3)) is associated with the intent
      to self medicate with antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first
      population-based study of self-medication with antibiotics among the Indonesian
      population. Usage of non-prescribed antibiotics as well as intent of doing so is
      common across socio-demographic categories. Given the findings, factors
      influencing people's intentions to self medicate with antibiotics are required to
      be investigated to better understand such behavior. Impact of health insurance
      coverage on self medication with antibiotics should also be further investigated.

PMID- 22078123
TI  - Lactase non-persistent genotype influences milk consumption and gastrointestinal
      symptoms in Northern Russians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Milk is an important source of nutrients. The consumption of milk,
      however, may cause abdominal complaints in lactose intolerant individuals. The
      frequency of -13910C/C genotype is known to be high among Northern Russians,
      exceeding the prevalence in northern Europe. In our study we tested two
      hypotheses: 1) subjects with lactase non-persistent genotype (-13910C/C) have
      more gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms associated with milk 2) subjects with lactase
      non-persistence avoid using milk. METHODS: In total, 518 students aged 17 to 26
      years were randomly selected from different departments in the Northern State
      Medical University (NSMU) for genotyping the lactase activity-defining -13910C/T
      variant. All subjects filled in a questionnaire covering their personal data,
      self-reported GI symptoms and milk consumption habits. RESULTS: Northern Russians
      consume very small amounts of milk daily. Among carriers of the lactase non
      persistent (LNP) genotype there were 10 percentage units of milk-consumers fewer
      than among lactase-persistent (LP) subjects (p = 0.03). Complaints of GI
      disorders caused by milk were different between the genotypes (p = 0.02). Among
      all types of food analyzed only milk was associated with increased GI symptoms
      among subjects with the LNP genotype (OR = 1.95, CI 1.03-3.69) CONCLUSIONS:
      Subjects with -13910C/C have more GI symptoms from milk. Subjects with lactase
      non-persistent genotype avoid using milk. In the case of increasing milk
      consumption symptoms may increase the need for medical consultation. It is thus
      important either for people themselves or for health care staff to be aware of
      lactase persistence/non-persistence.

PMID- 22078124
TI  - Cell-based detection of electrochemical oxidative stress by a fluorescent
      tryptophan intermediate.
AB  - The present study suggests a sensitive and rapid cell analysis method to evaluate
      the oxidative stress produced in a physiological culture medium, by anodic
      electrochemical products. The detection of these oxidizing agents, probably
      involving hypochlorite, is carried out by measuring the presence of an oxidized
      tryptophan intermediate, entrapped and stabilized in the cell cytoplasm. The
      formation of this tryptophan intermediate depends solely on the presence of a
      free tryptophan in the extracellular medium near the anode. This intermediate
      possesses a characteristic emission maximum at lambda~560 nm, which can be
      abolished by the presence of anti-oxidants in the media during the cells'
      exposure to electric current. However, this intermediate's emission is unaffected
      by increased concentrations of intracellular anti-oxidants. This suggests that
      the anodic produced unstable tryptophan intermediate permeates the cell plasma
      membrane and becomes stabilized by cytoplasmic proteins. Tryptophan oxidative
      intermediates with similar spectra could also be formed by the chemical reaction
      of hypochlorite with tryptophan in solution. The analysis of the intracellularly
      stabilized tryptophan intermediate by flow cytometry can be used for measuring
      external oxidation stress without the disturbance of intracellular anti-oxidative
      capacity.

PMID- 22078125
TI  - Hybrid biobattery based on arylated carbon nanotubes and laccase.
AB  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were covalently modified with anthracene
      and anthraquinone and used for the construction of cathodes for biocatalytic
      reduction of dioxygen. The nanotubes with aromatic groups casted onto the
      electrode increased the working surface of the electrode and enabled efficient
      direct electron transfer (DET) between the enzyme and the electrode. The aryl
      groups enter the hydrophobic pocket of the T1 center of laccase responsible for
      exchanging electrons with the substrate. Glassy carbon electrode covered with
      arylated SWCNT and coated with a layer of neutralized Nafion containing laccase
      was found to be a very efficient cathode in the hybrid battery. Zn wire covered
      with a Nafion film served as the anode. The cell parameters were determined:
      power density was 2 mW/cm(2) and the open circuit potential was 1.5 V.

PMID- 22078126
TI  - The end of gonad-centric sex determination in mammals.
AB  - The 20th-century theory of mammalian sex determination states that the embryo is
      sexually indifferent until the differentiation of gonads, after which sex
      differences in phenotype are caused by the differential effects of gonadal
      hormones. However, this theory is inadequate because some sex differences precede
      differentiation of the gonads and/or are determined by non-gonadal effects of the
      sexual inequality in the number and type of sex chromosomes. In this article, I
      propose a general theory of sex determination, which recognizes multiple parallel
      primary sex-determining pathways initiated by genes or factors encoded by the sex
      chromosomes. The separate sex-specific pathways interact to synergize with or
      antagonize each other, enhancing or reducing sex differences in phenotype.

PMID- 22078127
TI  - A single nucleotide polymorphism assay for the identification of unisexual
      Ambystoma salamanders.
AB  - Unisexual (all female) salamanders in the genus Ambystoma are animals of variable
      ploidy (2N-5N) that reproduce via a unique system of 'leaky' gynogenesis. As a
      result, these salamanders have a diverse array of nuclear genome combinations
      from up to five sexual species: the blue-spotted (A. laterale), Jefferson (A.
      jeffersonianum), smallmouth (A. texanum), tiger (A. tigrinum) and streamside (A.
      barbouri) salamanders. Identifying the genome complement, or biotype, is a
      critical first step in addressing a broad range of ecological and evolutionary
      questions about these salamanders. Previous work relied upon genome-related
      differences in allele size distributions for specific microsatellite loci, but
      overlap in these distributions among different genomes makes definitive
      identification and ploidy determination in unisexuals difficult or impossible.
      Here, we develop the first single nucleotide polymorphism assay for the
      identification of unisexual biotypes, based on species-specific nucleotide
      polymorphisms in noncoding DNA loci. Tests with simulated and natural unisexual
      DNA samples show that this method can accurately identify genome complement and
      estimate ploidy, making this a valuable tool for assessing the genome composition
      of unisexual samples.

PMID- 22078129
TI  - Rizatriptan for treatment of acute migraine in patients taking topiramate for
      migraine prophylaxis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and tolerability of rizatriptan orally
      disintegrating tablet (ODT) for treatment of acute migraine in patients using
      topiramate for migraine prophylaxis. BACKGROUND: There are limited data from
      prospective controlled trials demonstrating the benefit of triptans in patients
      who experience migraine attacks while taking prophylactic medication. METHODS:
      This was a worldwide, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiple
      attack study in adults with a >1-year history of migraine taking a stable dose of
      topiramate for migraine prophylaxis and experiencing >=2 moderate/severe attacks
      per month. Participants treated 3 moderate/severe attacks in crossover fashion (2
      with rizatriptan 10-mg ODT, 1 with placebo) following random assignment to 1 of 3
      treatment sequences. The primary end point was 2-hour pain relief. RESULTS: Two
      hour pain relief was significantly greater with rizatriptan compared with placebo
      (55.0% vs 17.4%, P < .001). Response rates also favored rizatriptan for sustained
      pain relief from 2-24 hours (32.6% vs 11.1%, P < .001), 2-hour pain freedom
      (36.0% vs 6.5%, P < .001), normal functional ability at 2 hours (42.2% vs 12.7%,
      P < .001), and overall treatment satisfaction at 24 hours (60.8% vs 33.6%, P <
      .001). Few participants reported adverse experiences (16 [15.8%] with
      rizatriptan, 3 [3.2%] with placebo); none were serious. CONCLUSION: Rizatriptan
      10-mg ODT was superior to placebo at all pain end points for treatment of acute
      migraine in patients using topiramate for migraine prophylaxis. Rizatriptan was
      generally well tolerated in this population. These results are comparable with
      those from clinical trials in patients not using prophylaxis, suggesting that the
      use of topiramate does not affect the efficacy or tolerability of rizatriptan for
      acute migraine treatment.

PMID- 22078128
TI  - Diagnosis of chronic conditions with modifiable lifestyle risk factors in
      selected urban and rural areas of Bangladesh and sociodemographic variability
      therein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bangladesh suffers from a lack of healthcare providers. The growing
      chronic disease epidemic's demand for healthcare resources will further strain
      Bangladesh's limited healthcare workforce. Little is known about how Bangladeshis
      with chronic disease seek care. This study describes chronic disease patients'
      care seeking behavior by analyzing which providers diagnose these diseases.
      METHODS: During 2 month periods in 2009, a cross-sectional survey collected
      descriptive data on chronic disease diagnoses among 3 surveillance populations
      within the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh
      (ICDDR, B) network. The maximum number of respondents (over age 25) who reported
      having ever been diagnosed with a chronic disease determined the sample size.
      Using SAS software (version 8.0) multivariate regression analyses were preformed
      on related sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Of the 32,665 survey respondents,
      8,591 self reported having a chronic disease. Chronically ill respondents were
      63.4% rural residents. Hypertension was the most prevalent disease in rural
      (12.4%) and urban (16.1%) areas. In rural areas chronic disease diagnoses were
      made by MBBS doctors (59.7%) and Informal Allopathic Providers (IAPs) (34.9%). In
      urban areas chronic disease diagnoses were made by MBBS doctors (88.0%) and IAP
      (7.9%). Our analysis identified several groups that depended heavily on IAP for
      coverage, particularly rural, poor and women. CONCLUSION: IAPs play important
      roles in chronic disease care, particularly in rural areas. Input and cooperation
      from IAPs are needed to minimize rural health disparities. More research on IAP
      knowledge and practices regarding chronic disease is needed to properly utilize
      this potential healthcare resource.

PMID- 22078130
TI  - New studies in atherosclerosis research.

PMID- 22078131
TI  - Association between sleep apnea, snoring, incident cardiovascular events and all
      cause mortality in an adult population: MESA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed the association between sleep apnea, snoring, incident
      cardiovascular (CV) events and all-cause mortality in the Multi Ethnic Study of
      Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort. METHODS: Out of 5338 respondents to a sleep
      questionnaire administered during the second MESA exam period, 208 had physician
      diagnosed sleep apnea (PDSA), 1452 were habitual snorers (HS) and 3678 were
      neither a habitual snorer nor had PDSA (normal participants). Cox proportional
      hazard analysis was used to assess the associations adjusting for age, gender,
      race/ethnicity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, HDL,
      triglycerides, BMI, current alcohol use, benzodiazepine use, BP medications and
      statin use. RESULTS: Over a 7.5 year average follow-up period, 310 adjudicated CV
      events including MI, stroke, angina, resuscitated cardiac arrest, stroke death
      and CVD death and 189 deaths occurred. Compared to HS, PDSA was associated with
      higher incident CV rates in both univariate and multivariable models [hazard
      ratio (95%); 1.89 (1.22-2.93), p = 0.004 and 1.91 (1.20-3.04), p = 0.007,
      respectively]. PDSA was also associated with a higher death rates compared with
      HS [hazard ratio (95%); 2.13 (1.25-3.63), p = 0.006 and 2.70 (1.52-4.79), p =
      0.007, respectively]. Compared with normal participants, PDSA had higher incident
      CV event rates in both univariate and multivariable models [hazard ratio (95%);
      2.23 [1.39-3.60], p = 0.001 and 2.16 [1.30-3.58], p = 0.003, respectively].
      Similarly, PDSA had a higher death rate compared with normal participants in both
      the univariate and multivariable models [hazard ratio (95% CI); 2.44 (1.36-4.37),
      p = 0.003 and 2.71 (1.45-5.08), p =0 .002, respectively]. Habitual snorers had
      similar incident CV event rates and death rates in both univariate and
      multivariable models compared with normal participants. CONCLUSION: PDSA but not
      habitual snoring was associated with high incident CV events and all-cause
      mortality in a multi-ethnic population based study of adults free of clinical CV
      disease at baseline.

PMID- 22078132
TI  - The role of lactate clearance in the resuscitation bundle.
AB  - The sepsis resuscitation bundle is the result of an effort on behalf of the
      Surviving Sepsis Campaign and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to
      translate individual guideline recommendations into standardized, achievable
      goals for physicians caring for the critically ill patient. Implementation of
      this bundle is associated with decreased mortality. Many of the bundle items
      reflect components of therapy shown to improve mortality in the seminal early
      goal-directed therapy trial for severe sepsis and septic shock, including an
      initial lactate measurement. Elevations in serum lactate are associated with
      increased mortality, and may result from either increased lactate production or
      impaired lactate clearance. Lactate clearance may be an important addition to the
      monitoring and management bundles of patients with severe sepsis and septic
      shock, However, specific mechanisms of lactate clearance, the relation of lactate
      clearance to traditional hemodynamic parameters, and the importance of lactate
      clearance as a therapeutic target or monitoring tool remain unclear.

PMID- 22078133
TI  - Consciousness versus responsiveness: insights from general anesthetics.

PMID- 22078134
TI  - Drifting policies are wasting billions.

PMID- 22078135
TI  - [Management of symptomatic fibroids: role of supracervical hysterectomy and
      laparoscopy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relevance of supracervical hysterectomy, in particular by
      laparoscopy, in the treatment of symptomatic myomas. METHODS: Examination of the
      literature in the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, between 1960 and 2010. RESULTS:
      Because of reduced or identical complications when performed in laparotomy or
      laparoscopy, respectively, subtotal hysterectomy is a possible alternative to
      total hysterectomy (grade B). In case of previous or current cervical dysplasy,
      total hysterectomy is preferable to subtotal hysterectomy (grade B). Conical
      resection of the endocervix is recommended in case of subtotal hysterectomy
      (grade C). There is no advantage to subtotal hysterectomy for the sole purpose of
      avoiding functional or sexual pelvic troubles (grade A). CONCLUSION: In case of
      symptomatic myomas, subtotal hysterectomy can be beneficial.

PMID- 22078136
TI  - [Management of post-term pregnancies: the role for AFI, biophysical score and
      doppler].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ultrasound and doppler assessment in the
      management of prolonged pregnancies and to state its modalities. METHOD: Medline,
      PubMed, embase and the Cochrane library were searched using terms prolonged
      pregnancy, post date pregnancy amniotic fluid, ultrasound assessment, doppler,
      biophysical profile. RESULTS: Single deepest vertical pool measurement is the
      method of choice of the assessment of amniotic fluid. Indeed, when this method
      was used, significantly fewer case of oligohydramnios were diagnosed and fewer
      women had inductions of labor. However, this method is not superior to the
      amniotic fluid index in the prevention of poor perinatal outcomes. There is a
      significant difference in the incidence of fetal distress, meconium stained fluid
      and caesarean section for fetal distress when the amniotic fluid is reduced as
      compared with normal amniotic fluid. However, sensibility and predictive positive
      value of oligohydramnios to predict poor perinatal outcomes is moderate.
      Similary, in most studies, diagnosis of an abnormal uterine, umbilical, aortic or
      cerebral blood flow doppler was associated with a weak prediction of a poor
      perinatal outcome. Therefore, we do not recommend its use in management of
      prolonged pregnancy. There were significantly more diagnosis of oligoamnios and
      more abnormal antenatal monitoring results in the modified biophysical profile
      group as compared with the group managed with only single deepest pool but no
      differences in cord blood gases, neonatal outcome, or in outcomes related to
      labour and delivery were noted between the two groups. Therefore, biophysical
      profile including AFI offers no advantage in detecting adverse outcomes and may
      cause more interventions. CONCLUSION: Close monitoring of fetal condition
      including assessment of amniotic fluid by single deepest pool twice a week from
      41 weeks of gestation is recommended in the management of prolonged pregnancy.
      Induction of labor could be considered when oligohydramnios is diagnosed by
      single deepest pool less than 2 cm.

PMID- 22078137
TI  - [Therapeutic alternatives of uterine fibroids except medicinal treatment and
      embolization].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To summarize the existing literature on therapeutic alternatives to
      hysterectomy and myomectomy for management of symptomatic uterine fibroids other
      than medicinal treatment and embolization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pubmed, Cochrane
      and Embase contents were searched up to December 2010. RESULTS: The Nd:YAG laser
      appeared to be effective but equipment's cost and postoperative adherence risk
      limited its development. Bipolar, microwave and cryomyolysis are still
      investigational. Radiofrequency thermal ablation is a less aggressive alternative
      when feasible under ultrasound guidance. Focused ultrasound surgery MR or
      ultrasound guided is accessible to approximately 10% of uterine fibroids with a
      rate of 60-70% of long-term symptom relief. Data following laparoscopic uterine
      artery occlusion suggest that outcomes are similar to those with uterine artery
      embolization (UAE) but with less long-term durability; by transvaginal way, there
      seem to be more complications. The efficiency of acupuncture remains uncertain.
      CONCLUSION: Numerous technical innovations have been developed. However,
      comparative studies with validated conservative options are still needed.

PMID- 22078138
TI  - [Prolonged pregnancy term and beyond: guidelines for clinical practice - text of
      the guidelines (short text)].

PMID- 22078139
TI  - [Update of myoma management: guidelines for clinical practice - text of the
      guidelines].

PMID- 22078140
TI  - Misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage: moving from evidence to practice.
AB  - Clinical and operational evidence indicates that misoprostol is a safe and
      effective technology for addressing postpartum hemorrhage, a major cause of
      maternal death. This research has not yet been translated into effective
      policies, programs, and practice in many parts of the world. Efforts to expand
      evidence-based use of misoprostol are often complicated by misoprostol's range of
      indications, insufficient availability, a lack of evidence-based guidelines and
      provider training, and misconceptions about the drug. The medical and health
      policy communities need to work together to translate research findings into
      changes in policy, knowledge, and clinical practice so that we can deliver on the
      world's promise to improve maternal health.

PMID- 22078141
TI  - [Superficial acral fibromyxoma: a CD34+ periungual tumor].

PMID- 22078142
TI  - [Painless ulcers on the fingers: an unusual presentation of severe bilateral
      carpal tunnel syndrome].

PMID- 22078143
TI  - [Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma: a study from the national dermatology
      center of Colombia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colombia is home to one of the areas with the highest levels of
      exposure to UV radiation in the world, namely, the Andes Mountains, which stretch
      along the equator. Recent studies have reported an increase in the incidence of
      basal cell carcinoma in Colombia, but the risk factors associated with the
      development of this disease have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      risk factors for basal cell carcinoma in patients from the National Dermatology
      Center of Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study
      involving 406 individuals, and analyzed sociodemographic, epidemiological, and
      clinical factors using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The following risk
      factors were identified: skin phototypes I to III (odds ratio [OR], 15.4), family
      history of skin cancer (OR, 5.8), past history of actinic keratosis (OR, 3.3),
      continued residence in a rural area after the age of 30 years (OR, 2.96),
      practice of outdoor sports (OR, 2.67), history of 10 or more episodes of sunburn
      (OR, 2.3), actinic conjunctivitis (OR, 2.26), and failure to use a hat in
      childhood (OR, 2.11). CONCLUSIONS: Different factors specific to Colombia
      increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma. In particular, the association with
      phototype III could partly explain the increase in incidence detected in this
      country. Preventive programs should target the risk groups detected and highlight
      the importance of basing decisions on local evidence.

PMID- 22078144
TI  - [Correlation between face-to-face assessment and telemedicine for the diagnosis
      of skin disease in case conferences].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Panama, weekly case conferences are held in which all
      dermatologists from throughout the country agree on a second opinion for the
      diagnosis of complicated cases. Unfortunately, patients from the interior of the
      country may have difficulty attending these case conferences. An alternative in
      such situations is the use of telemedicine. To date, however, no studies have
      been undertaken on the effectiveness of this approach in Panama. The aim of this
      study was to assess the degree of correlation between the diagnoses obtained in
      case conferences involving face-to-face examination and those involving
      telemedicine. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A quasi-experimental nonblinded analysis of
      correlation was carried out in which dermatologists were randomly assigned to 2
      groups: face-to-face examination and telemedicine. Both groups were asked to
      assess 30 cases and the degree of correlation (Cohen kappa coefficient) between
      the diagnoses made by each group was assessed. RESULTS: The patient group
      included 19 women (63.3%) and 9 patients (30%) were aged between 50 and 59 years.
      There was a good correlation (kappa=0.6512) between the results of
      teledermatology and face-to-face examination. Significant differences in the
      diagnostic skills of the 2 groups were ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: Teledermatology
      can be used effectively to facilitate diagnosis in case conferences involving
      patients who cannot attend in person (gold standard).

PMID- 22078145
TI  - KI-impregnated oyster shell as a solid catalyst for soybean oil
      transesterification.
AB  - Research on inexpensive and green catalysts is needed for economical production
      of biodiesel. The goal of the research was to test KI-impregnated calcined oyster
      shell as a solid catalyst for transesterification of soybean oil. Specific
      objectives were to characterize KI-impregnated oyster shell, determine the effect
      of reaction variables and reaction kinetics. The catalyst was synthesized by
      impregnating KI on calcined oyster shells. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated
      the presence of portlandite and potassium iodide on the surface and a 31-fold
      increase in surface as a result of calcination and KI impregnation. Under the
      conditions tested, ideal reaction variables were 1 mmol g(-1) for catalyst
      loading, 50  degrees C for temperature, 10:1 for methanol/oil, and 4h for
      reaction time. The transesterification followed a first-order reaction (k=0.4385
      h(-1)). The option of using oyster shell for the production of
      transesterification catalysts could have economic benefits to the aquaculture
      industry in the US.

PMID- 22078146
TI  - An outbreak of severe respiratory tract infection due to human metapneumovirus in
      a long-term care facility for the elderly in Oregon.
AB  - Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was demonstrated to be responsible for an outbreak
      of acute respiratory tract infection with high morbidity and mortality among
      residents of a long-term care facility for the elderly during the late spring
      summer in Oregon. Respiratory virus infections are a common cause of death in the
      elderly and the burden of human metapneumovirus may be underestimated. This case
      report stresses the importance of hMPV in causing outbreaks in long-term care
      facilities for the elderly. Cough and elevated temperature were common to all the
      resident patient cases. Six resident patient cases had hMPV laboratory
      confirmation of which 5 had the diagnosis of pneumonia and 4 were hospitalized.
      The fatality rate was 33.3% among laboratory confirmed cases and 31.3.0% among
      probable resident patient cases. The signs and symptoms observed in the elderly
      with acute respiratory infection caused by hMPV are difficult to distinguish from
      those associated with other respiratory viruses and direct testing for hMPV with
      molecular methods should be routinely pursued to prevent nosocomial infections.

PMID- 22078147
TI  - Cost effectiveness analysis of the New Jersey rapid testing algorithm for HIV
      testing in publicly funded testing sites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Before 2009, New Jersey (NJ) publicly funded counseling and testing
      sites (CTS) tested for HIV using a single rapid test followed, when positive, by
      a Western Blot (WB) for confirmation. With this strategy, 74.8% of confirmed
      positive clients returned to receive test results. To improve the client
      notification rate at these centers, the New Jersey (NJ) Division of HIV, STD and
      TB Services (DHSTS) implemented a rapid testing algorithm (RTA) which utilizes a
      second, different, rapid test to verify a preliminary positive. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the cost-effectiveness of the two testing algorithms. STUDY DESIGN: This
      was a retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis. DATA SOURCES: New Jersey HIV
      Rapid Testing Support Program (NJHIV) records, DHSTS grant documents, counseling
      time estimates from an online survey of site supervisors. Costs included test
      kits and personnel costs from month of RTA implementation through 11/30 in 2008
      and 2009. The incremental cost of the RTA was calculated per additional percent
      of positive clients who were notified and per day earlier notification. RESULTS:
      In 2008, 215 of 247 clients with a positive rapid HIV test were confirmed
      positive by WB. 90.9% of clients were notified a mean of 11.4 days after their
      initial test. 12 refused confirmatory WB. In 2009, 152 of 170 clients with one
      positive rapid test had a confirmatory second positive rapid test and were
      notified on the same day. The incremental cost of the RTA was $20.31 per
      additional positive person notified and $24.31 per day earlier notification or
      $3.23 per additional positive person and $3.87 per day earlier notification if
      the WB were eliminated. CONCLUSIONS: The RTA is a cost-effective strategy
      achieving 100% notification of newly HIV positive clients a mean of 11.4 days
      earlier compared to standard testing.

PMID- 22078148
TI  - Molecular characterization of a novel entecavir mutation pattern isolated from a
      multi-drug refractory patient with chronic hepatitis B infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolonged antiviral treatment results in selection and accumulation
      of resistant strains in quasispecies pool in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterise a novel HBV pattern which
      shows resistance to lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil and entecavir using in vitro
      phenoyping assay. STUDY DESIGN: A male 36 years old patient diagnosed with anti
      HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) had received lamivudine treatment for 7
      years following an initial unsuccessfull interferon treatment. The therapy had
      been switched to adefovir and then to entecavir when breakthrough occcured during
      each treatment. This led only to a temporary HBV DNA decline which soon was
      followed by viral breakthrough despite the lack of known entecavir resistance
      mutations. Patient died after 9 months of entecavir treatment from liver failure.
      A total of 434 clones from 6 different serum samples were analysed
      retrospectively. HBV genomes bearing mutation patterns suggestive of antiviral
      resistance were analysed by in vitro phenotyping assay. RESULTS: Dominance of a
      clone carrying L80LV, L91I, M204I, S219A, N238D, Y245H changes was detected in
      the last serum sample of the patient just before his death. This pattern
      displayed 30.4 fold resistance to entecavir when compared with the wild type HBV
      by in vitro phenotyping assay. CONCLUSION: A novel mutation pattern showing a
      high degree of resistance to entecavir was documented. In this pattern, the S219A
      and Y245H mutations mainly seem to contribute to the emergence of ETV resistance.

PMID- 22078150
TI  - Impact of ezetimibe coadministered with statins on cardiovascular events
      following acute coronary syndrome: a 3-year population-based retrospective cohort
      study in taiwan.

PMID- 22078152
TI  - Effects of acarbose versus glibenclamide on glycemic excursion and oxidative
      stress in type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled by metformin: a 24
      week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycemic excursion is significantly associated with oxidative stress,
      which plays a role in the development of chronic complications in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM). Acarbose has been reported to reduce cardiovascular risk in
      patients with impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM. We hypothesize that treatment
      with acarbose could attenuate glycemic excursions and reduce oxidative stress in
      patients with T2DM. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of
      acarbose versus glibenclamide on mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) and
      oxidative stress in patients with T2DM who are insufficiently controlled by
      metformin. METHODS: T2DM outpatients aged 30 to 70 years who were taking single
      or dual oral antidiabetic drugs for >=3 months and had a glycosylated hemoglobin
      (HbA(1c)) value between 7.0% and 11.0% were eligible. Patients were treated with
      metformin monotherapy (1500 mg daily) for 8 weeks, followed by randomization to
      either acarbose or glibenclamide add-on for 16 weeks. The dosage of acarbose and
      glibenclamide was 50 mg TID and 2.5 mg TID, respectively, for the first 4 weeks.
      In the following 12 weeks, the dosage was doubled in both groups. Continuous
      glucose monitoring (CGM) for 72 hours and a meal tolerance test (MTT) after a 10
      hour overnight fast were conducted before randomization and at the end of study.
      MAGE was calculated from CGM data. beta-cell response to postprandial glucose
      increments was assessed by the ratio between incremental AUC of insulin and
      glucose during MTT. Oxidative stress was estimated by plasma oxidized LDL (ox
      LDL) and urinary excretion rates of 8-iso prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso
      PGF(2alpha)). The primary outcomes included changes in MAGE, plasma ox-LDL, and
      urinary excretion of 8-iso PGF(2alpha). Adverse events, including hypoglycemia,
      were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were randomized (mean age, 54
      years; males, 47%; mean body mass index, 25.9 kg/m(2); mean duration of diabetes,
      6.9 years; mean HbA(1c), 8.3%) and 51 patients completed this study (acarbose, n
      = 28; glibenclamide, n = 23). HbA(1c) decreased significantly in both treatment
      groups (acarbose: 8.2 [0.8]% to 7.5 [0.8]% [P < 0.001]; glibenclamide: 8.6 [1.6]%
      to 7.4 [1.2]% [P < 0.001]). MAGE did not change significantly in glibenclamide
      treated patients (6.2 [2.8] mmol/L to 6.3 [2.3] mmol/L; P = 0.82), whereas ox-LDL
      (242.4 [180.9] ng/mL to 470.7 [247.3] ng/mL; P = 0.004) and urinary excretion of
      8-iso PGF(2alpha) (121.6 [39.6] pmol/mmol creatinine to 152.5 [41.8] pmol/mmol
      creatinine; P = 0.03) increased significantly. Acarbose decreased MAGE (5.6 [1.5]
      mmol/L to 4.0 [1.4] mmol/L; P < 0.001) without significant change in ox-LDL
      levels (254.4 [269.1] ng/mL to 298.5 [249.8) ng/mL; P = 0.62) or 8-iso
      PGF(2alpha) excretion rates (117.9 [58.1] pmol/mmol creatinine to 137.8 [64.4]
      pmol/mmol creatinine; P = 0.12). Body weight and serum triglycerides (fasting and
      2-hour postprandial) decreased (all, P < 0.01) and serum adiponectin increased (P
      < 0.05) after treatment with acarbose, whereas HDL-C decreased (P < 0.01) after
      treatment with glibenclamide. beta-cell response to postprandial glucose
      increments was negatively correlated with MAGE (r = 0.570, P < 0.001) and
      improved significantly with acarbose (35.6 [32.2] pmol/mmol to 56.4 [43.7]
      pmol/mmol; P = 0.001) but not with glibenclamide (27.9 [17.6] pmol/mmol to 36.5
      [24.2] pmol/mmol; P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: In this select population of adult
      Taiwanese patients with T2DM who were inadequately controlled by metformin, add
      on acarbose or glibenclamide significantly reduced HbA(1c). However, treatment
      with acarbose decreased MAGE, body weight, and serum triglyceride and increased
      serum adiponectin without significant effect on oxidative stress. Treatment with
      glibenclamide had no statistically significant effect on MAGE but increased
      oxidative stress and decreased HDL-C. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00417729.

PMID- 22078153
TI  - Impact of a fixed-dose combination of naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium on
      serum thromboxane B2 inhibition by low-dose aspirin over 5 days in healthy
      adults: a phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-dose aspirin (LDA) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) are often used concomitantly; however, some NSAIDs may interfere with
      LDA antiplatelet activity. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the impact of coadministered
      enteric-coated naproxen 500 mg and immediate-release esomeprazole magnesium 20 mg
      (fixed-dose combination) on LDA-mediated platelet cyclooxygenase (COX)-1
      inhibition. METHODS: In this Phase I, single-center, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study, healthy volunteers (50-75 years) received enteric-coated LDA 81
      mg once daily (QD) on days 1 to 5 (open-label), then enteric-coated LDA 81 mg QD
      plus either naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium or placebo twice daily (BID) on days
      6 to 10 (randomized). Serum thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) inhibition from baseline to
      day 11 was the primary end point. The primary analysis excluded volunteers with
      <=95% inhibition at day 6. Assay sensitivity and noninferiority of
      naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium versus placebo were concluded if the 90% CI lower
      limit for percent inhibition of TXB(2) was >90.0% in both treatment groups
      (prespecified criterion). Tolerability was a secondary end point. RESULTS:
      Overall, 42 volunteers were enrolled, 40 randomized, and 32 included in the
      primary pharmacodynamic analysis (day 6 TXB(2) inhibition >=95%). Most volunteers
      (86%) were white, and 57% were female. Mean age was 60 (7) years, and mean body
      mass index was 26.4 (2.6) kg/m(2). Day 11 mean serum TXB(2) inhibition was 99.1%
      (90% CI, 98.7-99.6) in the LDA plus placebo group (n = 18) versus 99.6% (90% CI,
      99.4-99.8) in the LDA plus naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium group (n = 14).
      Noninferiority of naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium versus placebo was established
      (CI lower limit >90.0%). Adverse event (AE) incidence was 40% (n = 8/20) in the
      LDA plus placebo group and 15% (n = 3/20) in the LDA plus naproxen/esomeprazole
      magnesium group. No serious AEs or discontinuations due to AEs were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: This pilot investigation suggests that LDA coadministered with
      naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium is noninferior to LDA alone for platelet COX-1
      inhibition, as measured by serum TXB(2) concentration, in healthy volunteers.
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01094483.

PMID- 22078154
TI  - Susceptibility to tigecycline and linezolid among gram-positive isolates
      collected in the United States as part of the tigecycline evaluation and
      surveillance trial (TEST) between 2004 and 2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (TEST) was
      initiated in 2004 to chart the activity of tigecycline and comparator
      antimicrobial agents against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms globally.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide an analysis of the antimicrobial
      susceptibility of gram-positive organisms collected from the 9 census regions of
      the United States between 2004 and 2009. METHODS: The MICs and antimicrobial
      susceptibility were determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
      methodology. For tigecycline, US Food and Drug Administration susceptibility
      criteria were used. RESULTS: A total of 8782 Staphylococcus aureus isolates
      (54.5% methicillin-resistant S aureus) were collected, with the highest
      percentage of MRSA isolates collected from the South Central region (67.9%). All
      S aureus isolates were susceptible to tigecycline, linezolid, and vancomycin.
      Overall, 4.6% of Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3753) and 69.1% of Enterococcus
      faecium (n = 1417) isolates were vancomycin resistant, with the highest rates in
      the East North Central region for E faecalis (7.1%) and the South Atlantic region
      for E faecium (79.5%). Small numbers of linezolid nonsusceptible E faecalis (n =
      13) were identified. MIC(90) values for tigecycline were <=0.25 mg/L against E
      faecalis and 0.12 mg/L against E faecium. Of the Streptococcus pneumoniae
      isolates collected (n = 4541), 1.1% were penicillin resistant. All S pneumoniae
      isolates were susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin; susceptibility to
      tigecycline varied between 80.9% (Pacific region) and 95.2% (West North Central
      region). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of MRSA and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp
      varied among the 9 census regions; however, susceptibility to linezolid,
      vancomycin, and tigecycline remained consistent, with low MIC(90) values and high
      rates of antimicrobial susceptibility.

PMID- 22078155
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of nasal versus intravenous midazolam in
      healthy Dutch volunteers: a single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2
      period crossover pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intranasal (IN) midazolam is a potential alternative to rectal
      diazepam for the acute treatment of epileptic seizures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this pilot study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of IN
      midazolam (50 mg/mL) compared with intravenous (IV) midazolam (2.5 mg) in healthy
      adult volunteers. METHODS: In this single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label,
      2-period crossover pilot study subjects were randomly assigned to receive IN or
      IV midazolam, with a washout period of at least 5 days between treatments. The 50
      mg/mL IN midazolam formulation consisted of 5 mg midazolam base per 0.1 mL (1
      spray) and was administered once in 1 nostril. The IV midazolam solution (2.5 mg)
      was infused over 10 seconds. Blood samples were taken before and at regular
      intervals up to 240 minutes after dosing. Pharmacokinetic data (ie, C(max),
      T(max), t(1/2), and AUC) were analyzed using a 2-compartment model. RESULTS: Of 9
      volunteers screened and enrolled, 7 completed the study (mean age 34.1 [9.0]
      years; mean weight, 68.6 [10.4] kg, range 53-89 kg; 6 men, 3 women; all white).
      The mean C(max) of 78 (40) ng/mL was reached 44 minutes after IN administration,
      whereas the mean C(max) was 51 (5) ng/mL after IV administration. The mean
      estimated C(t=5 min) was 31.4 (28.1) ng/mL after IN administration. The
      elimination t(1/2) was 1.9 (0.41) hours for IN midazolam and 2.3 (0.19) hours for
      IV midazolam. The bioavailability of IN midazolam was 82%. There were few adverse
      events, with a local burning feeling in the nose being the most reported event (6
      of 7 subjects). CONCLUSIONS: In this select group of healthy volunteers,
      concentrations of midazolam >30 ng/mL were reached within 5 minutes of IN
      administration at a dose of 5 mg/0.1 mL. A burning feeling in the nostril was the
      main adverse effect. Additional research is needed to evaluate the safety
      profile, convenience, satisfaction, and efficacy of nasal midazolam in the
      treatment of adults with seizures. This trial is registered at www.isrctn.org,
      No. ISRCTN79059168.

PMID- 22078156
TI  - Removal of osteoid osteoma of the tibia using two-portal posterior ankle
      arthroscopy.
AB  - The case of a 30-year-old male with a history of pain in his left ankle is
      presented. The pain was described as predominantly nocturnal and frequently
      relieved by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Computed tomography
      indicated a diagnosis of an osteoid osteoma in the posteromedial portion of the
      tibia. The patient underwent excision of the tumor using 2-portal posterior ankle
      arthroscopy. A clearly visualized nidus was removed using a combination of a
      cochlea and shaver. Histopathologic analysis of the resected tissue confirmed the
      diagnosis of an osteoid osteoma. The patient reported immediate relief of the
      pain and was rapidly allowed to bear weight on the foot. During regular follow
      up, he had no pain recurrence and his joint mobility was normal. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of the removal of an osteoid osteoma of the
      ankle using 2-portal posterior ankle arthroscopy.

PMID- 22078157
TI  - Diabetic heel ulcer in the Sudan: determinants of outcome.
AB  - Heel ulceration, on average, costs 1.5 times more than metatarsal ulceration. The
      aim of this study was to analyze the determinant factors of healing in diabetic
      patients with heel ulcers and the late outcomes at Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic Centre
      Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan. Data were collected prospectively for 96 of 100
      diabetic patients presenting with heel ulcers at the Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic
      Centre Khartoum from May 2003 to January 2005. Late outcome was assessed 3 years
      later (February 2008). Heeling was achieved in one half of the patients (n = 48).
      In the remaining 48 patients, 22 ended with major lower extremity amputation and
      22 were still receiving wound care. A total of 8 patients died, 4 in each group,
      the healed and unhealed. The most significant determinants of healing using a
      logistic multivariate regression model, 95% confidence intervals, and odds ratios
      included a shorter duration of diabetes (p < .009), adequate lower limb perfusion
      (p < .043), and a superficial foot ulcer (p < .012). Three years later, of the 88
      patients who could be traced, 78 were alive and 59 had healed ulcers (7 had died
      of unrelated causes and 3 of diabetic-related complications), and no additional
      lower extremity amputation was recorded. Mortality in the series was 18 patients,
      of whom 14 had undergone a previous lower extremity amputation. Superficial heel
      ulcers in diabetic patients with a short history of diabetes and with good limb
      circulation are more likely to heal within an average duration of 25 weeks. At 3
      years of follow-up, 75% showed a favorable outcome for ulcer healing, and 22
      patients underwent lower extremity amputation (25%), of whom 14 were dead within
      3 years.

PMID- 22078158
TI  - Deep soft tissue leiomyoma mimicking fibromatosis in a 5-year-old male.
AB  - Leiomyomas of the deep soft tissue in the extremities of children are very rare.
      These benign soft tissue tumors occur more frequently in adults between the
      fourth and sixth decades of age. Women are more commonly affected than men, with
      the uterus the most common location. We present a rare case of deep soft tissue
      leiomyoma in the foot of a 5-year-old male. The tumor was misdiagnosed as a
      desmoid-type fibromatosis from the findings of both magnetic resonance imaging
      and needle biopsy. The unusual age of presentation, atypical location, and
      failure of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy in
      diagnosing the lesion make the case interesting. The case also highlights the
      importance of treating such patients at specialist tertiary centers with a
      multidisciplinary setting.

PMID- 22078159
TI  - Two patients walk into a clinic...a genomics perspective on the future of
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Progress is being made in schizophrenia genomics, suggesting that this complex
      brain disorder involves rare, moderate to high-risk mutations and the cumulative
      impact of small genetic effects, coupled with environmental factors. The genetic
      heterogeneity underlying schizophrenia and the overlap with other
      neurodevelopmental disorders suggest that it will not continue to be viewed as a
      single disease. This has radical implications for clinical practice, as diagnosis
      and treatment will be guided by molecular etiology rather than clinical
      diagnostic criteria.

PMID- 22078160
TI  - Impulsivity and pathological gambling: Is it a state or a trait problem?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study tested 37 Chinese male pathological gamblers and 40
      controls to understand the relationship between pathological gambling and
      impulsivity as a long-term trait or a short-term state in the cognitive and
      affective domain. RESULTS: Trait impulsivity was measured by the Barratt
      Impulsiveness Scale-11. State impulsivity in the cognitive and affective domains
      were measured by the Stroop Color Word Test and the Emotional Conflict Task,
      respectively. The pathological gamblers scored significantly higher than the
      controls on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. However, there were no
      significant group differences in performance on the Stroop Color Word Test or the
      Emotional Conflict Task. CONCLUSIONS: Findings clearly show that pathological
      gambling is associated with trait but not state impulsivity. In other words,
      pathological gambling is associated with an impulsivity stemming from enduring
      personality characteristics that lead gamblers to focus on short-term gains
      (trait impulsivity) rather than momentary cognitive or affective disinhibition
      (state impulsivity). Interventions should aim to change pathological gamblers'
      habitual functioning style by cultivating healthy reflection habits and focusing
      on long-term rewards.

PMID- 22078161
TI  - Experimental Study of Cement - Sandstone/Shale - Brine - CO2 Interactions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reactive-transport simulation is a tool that is being used to
      estimate long-term trapping of CO2, and wellbore and cap rock integrity for
      geologic CO2 storage. We reacted end member components of a heterolithic
      sandstone and shale unit that forms the upper section of the In Salah Gas Project
      carbon storage reservoir in Krechba, Algeria with supercritical CO2, brine, and
      with/without cement at reservoir conditions to develop experimentally constrained
      geochemical models for use in reactive transport simulations. RESULTS: We observe
      marked changes in solution composition when CO2 reacted with cement, sandstone,
      and shale components at reservoir conditions. The geochemical model for the
      reaction of sandstone and shale with CO2 and brine is a simple one in which
      albite, chlorite, illite and carbonate minerals partially dissolve and boehmite,
      smectite, and amorphous silica precipitate. The geochemical model for the
      wellbore environment is also fairly simple, in which alkaline cements and rock
      react with CO2-rich brines to form an Fe containing calcite, amorphous silica,
      smectite and boehmite or amorphous Al(OH)3. CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that
      relatively simple geochemical models can describe the dominant reactions that are
      likely to occur when CO2 is stored in deep saline aquifers sealed with overlying
      shale cap rocks, as well as the dominant reactions for cement carbonation at the
      wellbore interface.

PMID- 22078162
TI  - The persisting burden of invasive pneumococcal disease in HIV patients: an
      observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      and pneumococcal immunization along with shifting community exposures may have
      altered the burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae disease in HIV-infected persons.
      We describe the burden and risk factors for pneumococcal disease in the modern
      era of HIV care and evaluate the use of a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide
      vaccine (PPV-23). METHODS: The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
      between January 1st, 2000 and January 1st, 2010 in a regional HIV population in
      Southern Alberta, Canada was determined by linking comprehensive laboratory and
      hospital surveillance data. Clinical and epidemiologic data including risk
      factors for S. pneumoniae, history of pneumococcal immunization, serotypes of
      infections, and length of any hospitalizations for pneumococcal disease were
      evaluated with multivariate analysis. CD4 count and viral load at immunization
      were evaluated with a nested case-control analysis. RESULTS: In 1946 HIV-patients
      with 11,099 person-years of follow up, there were 68 distinct episodes of
      pneumococcal disease occurring in 50 patients. Increased risk was seen if female,
      age >60, Aboriginal ethnicity, lower education, injection drug use, smoking,
      nadir CD4 <200/MUL, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hepatitis C.
      Overall, the incidence of IPD was 342/100,000 person-years and was reduced to
      187/100,000 within three years of PPV-23 immunization (P < 0.01). Although 78% of
      patients received PPV-23, 74% of IPD episodes were caused by PPV-23 serotypes. In
      a case-control analysis, HIV viral load at immunization was significantly
      predictive of PPV-23 failure, while CD4 count was not. 80% of IPD cases required
      hospitalization: median length of stay was 7 days (range: 1-71); four patients
      died. CONCLUSIONS: Despite universal access to intensive measures to prevent
      pneumococcal disease including the widespread use of HAART and PPV-23
      immunization, the incidence of IPD remains high in HIV patients with its
      associated morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22078163
TI  - Turnip yellow mosaic virus forms infectious particles without the native beta
      annulus structure and flexible coat protein N-terminus.
AB  - Structural studies have implicated the TYMV N-terminal amino acids of the coat
      protein (CP) in both static (virion stabilization) and dynamic (RNA encapsidation
      and disencapsidation) roles. We have deleted residues 2-5, 2-10 and 2-26 from the
      N-terminus and expressed the mutant CPs in E. coli to assess assembly in the
      absence of genomic RNA and in plant infections to assess infectivity and virion
      properties. In E. coli, the deletion constructs formed virus-like particles, but
      in decreased yield. All mutants were infectious in Chinese cabbage, producing
      normal symptoms but with a slight delay and decreased viral yields. Virions were
      progressively less stable with increasing deletion size and also more accessible
      to small molecules. These results show that the N-terminal 26 amino acids are not
      essential for viral processes in vivo, although removal of these residues
      decreases stability and increases porosity, both important factors for virion
      integrity and survival outside the host.

PMID- 22078165
TI  - Full genome analysis of a novel adenovirus from the South Polar skua (Catharacta
      maccormicki) in Antarctica.
AB  - Adenoviruses have been identified in humans and a wide range of vertebrate
      animals, but not previously from the polar region. Here, we report the entire
      26,340-bp genome of a novel adenovirus, detected by PCR, in tissues of six of
      nine South Polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki), collected in Lake King Sejong,
      King George Island, Antarctica, from 2007 to 2009. The DNA polymerase, penton
      base, hexon and fiber genes of the South Polar skua adenovirus (SPSAdV) exhibited
      68.3%, 75.4%, 74.9% and 48.0% nucleotide sequence similarity with their
      counterparts in turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus. Phylogenetic analysis based
      on the entire genome revealed that SPSAdV belonged to the genus Siadenovirus,
      family Adenoviridae. This is the first evidence of a novel adenovirus, SPSAdV,
      from a large polar seabird (family Stercorariidae) in Antarctica.

PMID- 22078164
TI  - Hepatitis C virus epitope exposure and neutralization by antibodies is affected
      by time and temperature.
AB  - A recent study with flaviviruses suggested that structural dynamics of the virion
      impact antibody neutralization via exposure of ostensibly cryptic epitopes. To
      determine whether this holds true for the distantly related hepatitis C virus
      (HCV), whose neutralizing epitopes may be obscured by a glycan shield,
      apolipoprotein interactions, and the hypervariable region on the E2 envelope
      protein, we assessed how time and temperature of pre-incubation altered
      monoclonal antibody (MAb) neutralization of HCV. Notably, several MAbs showed
      increased inhibitory activity when pre-binding was performed at 37 degrees C or
      after longer pre-incubation periods, and a corresponding loss-of-neutralization
      was observed when pre-binding was performed at 4 degrees C. A similar profile of
      changes was observed with acute and chronic phase sera from HCV-infected
      patients. Our data suggest that time and temperature of incubation modulate
      epitope exposure on the conformational ensembles of HCV virions and thus, alter
      the potency of antibody neutralization.

PMID- 22078167
TI  - SAS macro programs for geographically weighted generalized linear modeling with
      spatial point data: applications to health research.
AB  - An increasing interest in exploring spatial non-stationarity has generated
      several specialized analytic software programs; however, few of these programs
      can be integrated natively into a well-developed statistical environment such as
      SAS. We not only developed a set of SAS macro programs to fill this gap, but also
      expanded the geographically weighted generalized linear modeling (GWGLM) by
      integrating the strengths of SAS into the GWGLM framework. Three features
      distinguish our work. First, the macro programs of this study provide more kernel
      weighting functions than the existing programs. Second, with our codes the users
      are able to better specify the bandwidth selection process compared to the
      capabilities of existing programs. Third, the development of the macro programs
      is fully embedded in the SAS environment, providing great potential for future
      exploration of complicated spatially varying coefficient models in other
      disciplines. We provided three empirical examples to illustrate the use of the
      SAS macro programs and demonstrated the advantages explained above.

PMID- 22078166
TI  - Genetic analysis and antigenic characterization of swine origin influenza viruses
      isolated from humans in the United States, 1990-2010.
AB  - Swine influenza viruses (SIV) have been recognized as important pathogens for
      pigs and occasional human infections with swine origin influenza viruses (SOIV)
      have been reported. Between 1990 and 2010, a total of twenty seven human cases of
      SOIV infections have been identified in the United States. Six viruses isolated
      from 1990 to 1995 were recognized as classical SOIV (cSOIV) A(H1N1). After 1998,
      twenty-one SOIV recovered from human cases were characterized as triple
      reassortant (tr_SOIV) inheriting genes from classical swine, avian and human
      influenza viruses. Of those twenty-one tr_SOIV, thirteen were of A(H1N1), one of
      A(H1N2), and seven of A(H3N2) subtype. SOIV characterized were antigenically and
      genetically closely related to the subtypes of influenza viruses circulating in
      pigs but distinct from contemporary influenza viruses circulating in humans. The
      diversity of subtypes and genetic lineages in SOIV cases highlights the
      importance of continued surveillance at the animal-human interface.

PMID- 22078168
TI  - Recommendations for the incorporation of biomarkers into Alzheimer clinical
      trials: an overview.

PMID- 22078169
TI  - Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: plasma Abeta40 and Abeta42, and
      genetic variants.
AB  - Identifying a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease that can be obtained from a blood
      sample has been a goal of researchers for many years. Over the past few years a
      number of investigators have studied several plasma biomarkers but most
      frequently plasma amyloid beta (Abeta)40 and Abeta42 while others have explored
      the use of genetic variants as biomarkers for diagnosis or risk. This review
      considers the cross-sectional and longitudinal data regarding plasma Abeta40 and
      Abeta42 as diagnostic biomarkers as well as risk biomarkers. Review of recent
      genome-wide association studies indicates as many as 10 genetic variants have
      been associated with susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further analysis
      suggests that these factors have modest effects on risk and are thus not helpful,
      as yet, in the diagnosis of disease. Until the function of these genes is
      understood, their role in risk and diagnosis will remain uncertain. Thus, there
      are several types of peripheral biomarkers under investigation, but more work is
      required before they can be deemed clinically useful.

PMID- 22078170
TI  - Amyloid imaging as a biomarker for cerebral beta-amyloidosis and risk prediction
      for Alzheimer dementia.
AB  - Since the introduction of amyloid imaging nearly 10 years ago, this technique has
      gained widespread use and acceptance. More recently, published reports have begun
      to appear in which amyloid imaging is used to detect the effects of antiamyloid
      therapies. This review will consider the issues involved in the use of amyloid
      imaging in the development and evaluation of drugs for the treatment of
      Alzheimer's disease. Current evidence regarding the postmortem correlates of in
      vivo amyloid imaging data are considered. The application of amyloid imaging to
      screening subjects for trials and use as an outcome measure is discussed in light
      of longitudinal changes in the in vivo amyloid signal. While the bulk of this
      review is directed at symptomatic patients with dementia, consideration is given
      to the use of amyloid imaging in nondemented subjects as well. Similarities and
      differences of cerebral amyloid assessment by amyloid imaging and cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) measurements are delineated and an agenda for further research to
      improve the applicability of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) to
      clinical trials is proposed.

PMID- 22078171
TI  - Potential of functional MRI as a biomarker in early Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a relative newcomer in the field
      of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). fMRI has several potential
      advantages, particularly for clinical trials, as it is a noninvasive imaging
      technique that does not require the injection of contrast agent or radiation
      exposure and thus can be repeated many times during a longitudinal study. fMRI
      has relatively high spatial and reasonable temporal resolution, and can be
      acquired in the same session as structural magnetic resonance imaging. Perhaps
      most importantly, fMRI may provide useful information about the functional
      integrity of brain networks supporting memory and other cognitive domains,
      including the neural correlates of specific behavioral events, such as successful
      versus failed memory formation.

PMID- 22078172
TI  - CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: current utility and potential future use.
AB  - Over the past 15 years, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have been shown to
      be useful for both the diagnosis as well as the prognosis in Alzheimer's disease.
      It has been shown the CSF levels of amyloid-beta (Abeta)(42) are a very good
      marker for the presence of amyloid deposition in the brain regardless of clinical
      status and that total tau and phosphorylated forms of tau are useful in detection
      of neurodegeneration. When combined together, these CSF markers are useful not
      only in differential diagnosis but also in predicting conversion and rate of
      progression from mild cognitive impairment/very mild dementia to more severe
      impairment. The markers are also useful in predicting conversion from cognitive
      normalcy to very mild dementia. This field is briefly reviewed and
      recommendations for future studies in this area are provided.

PMID- 22078173
TI  - Alliance for aging research AD biomarkers work group: structural MRI.
AB  - Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are increasingly important. All modern AD
      therapeutic trials employ AD biomarkers in some capacity. In addition, AD
      biomarkers are an essential component of recently updated diagnostic criteria for
      AD from the National Institute on Aging--Alzheimer's Association. Biomarkers
      serve as proxies for specific pathophysiological features of disease. The 5 most
      well established AD biomarkers include both brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) measures--cerebrospinal fluid Abeta and tau, amyloid positron emission
      tomography (PET), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography, and
      structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article reviews evidence
      supporting the position that MRI is a biomarker of neurodegenerative atrophy.
      Topics covered include methods of extracting quantitative and semiquantitative
      information from structural MRI; imaging-autopsy correlation; and evidence
      supporting diagnostic and prognostic value of MRI measures. Finally, the place of
      MRI in a hypothetical model of temporal ordering of AD biomarkers is reviewed.

PMID- 22078174
TI  - Changes in cognition.
AB  - The clinical hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a gradual decline in
      cognitive function. For the majority of patients the initial symptom is an
      impairment in episodic memory, i.e., the ability to learn and retain new
      information. This is followed by impairments in other cognitive domains (e.g.,
      executive function, language, spatial ability). This impairment in episodic
      memory is evident among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and can
      be used to predict likelihood of progression to dementia, particularly in
      association with AD biomarkers. Additionally, cognitively normal individuals who
      are likely to progress to mild impairment tend to perform more poorly on tests of
      episodic memory than do those who remain stable. This cognitive presentation is
      consistent with the pathology of AD, showing neuronal loss in medial temporal
      lobe structures essential for normal memory. Similarly, there are correlations
      between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of medial temporal lobe
      structures and memory performance among individuals with mild cognitive
      impairment. There are recent reports that amyloid accumulation may also be
      associated with memory performance in cognitively normal individuals.

PMID- 22078175
TI  - Who attends antenatal care and expanded programme on immunization services in
      Chad, Mali and Niger? The implications for insecticide-treated net delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria remains one of the largest public health problems facing the
      developing world. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are an effective intervention
      against malaria. ITN delivery through routine health services, such as antenatal
      care (ANC) and childhood vaccination (EPI), is a promising channel of delivery to
      reach individuals with the highest risk (pregnant women and children under five
      years old). Decisions on whether to deliver ITNs through both channels depends
      upon the reach of each of these systems, whether these are independent and the
      effectiveness and cost effectiveness of each. Predictors of women attending ANC
      and EPI separately have been studied, but the predictors of those who attend
      neither service have not been identified. METHODS: Data from Chad, Mali and Niger
      demographic and health surveys (DHS) were analyzed to determine risk factors for
      attending neither service. A conceptual framework for preventative health care
      seeking behaviour was created to illustrate the hierarchical relationships
      between the potential risk factors. The independence of attending both ANC and
      EPI was investigated. A multivariate model of predictors for non-attendance was
      developed using logistic regression. RESULTS: ANC and EPI attendance were found
      to be strongly associated in all three countries. However, 47% of mothers in
      Chad, 12% in Mali and 36% in Niger did not attend either ANC or EPI. Region,
      mother's education and partner's education were predictors of non-attendance in
      all three countries. Wealth index, ethnicity, and occupation were associated with
      non-attendance in Mali and Niger. Other predictors included religion, healthcare
      autonomy, household size and number of children under five. CONCLUSIONS:
      Attendance of ANC and EPI are not independent and therefore the majority of
      pregnant women in these countries will have the opportunity to receive ITNs
      through both services. Although attendance at ANC and EPI are not independent,
      delivery through both systems may still add incrementally to delivery through one
      alone. Therefore, there is potential to increase the proportion of women and
      children receiving ITNs by delivering through both of these channels. However,
      modelling is required to determine the level of attendance and incremental
      potential at which it's cost effective to deliver through both services.

PMID- 22078176
TI  - [Haemoglobin C/OArab: About a family].

PMID- 22078177
TI  - Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA within Tunisian patients: Confirmation of the two novel
      GALNS gene mutations.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA or Morquio A disease is an autosomal recessive
      disease resulting from a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine
      6-sulfate-sulfatase, which hydrolyses N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate and
      galactose-6-sulfate in glycosaminoglycans. Phenotypes in Morquio A disease vary
      from the classical form with severe bone dysplasia, heart valve involvement,
      corneal opacity, short trunk dwarfism and a life span of 20 to 30 years, to
      attenuated forms with normal life span, mild bone involvement and mild visceral
      organ involvement. Unlike the other forms of mucopolysaccharidoses, Morquio A
      disease is characterized by normal intelligence. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aims of
      this study were to determine if the novel GALNS anomalies IVS1+1G-A and G66R
      identified in Tunisia are mutations or polymorphisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This
      study was carried out on six Morquio A patients recruited from many regions of
      Tunisia. We have used SCCP, sequencing and enzymatic digestion. RESULTS: IVS1+1G
      A and G66R were two deleterious mutations and not polymorphisms. CONCLUSION:
      Screening of mutations and polymorphisms in GALNS gene provide useful information
      on genotype/phenotype correlations. It should also facilitate more accurate
      genetic counselling of newly diagnosed cases and their family members.

PMID- 22078178
TI  - Effects of gamma irradiation and repetitive freeze-thaw cycles on the
      biomechanical properties of human flexor digitorum superficialis tendons.
AB  - An increasing number of tissue banks have begun to focus on gamma irradiation and
      freeze-thaw in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments using
      allografts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical
      properties of human tendons after exposure to gamma radiation and repeated freeze
      thaw cycles and to compare them with fresh specimens. Forty flexor digitorum
      superficialis tendons were surgically procured from five fresh cadavers and
      divided into four groups: fresh tendon, gamma irradiation, freeze-thaw and gamma
      irradiation+freeze-thaw. The dose of gamma irradiation was 25 kGy. Each freeze
      thaw cycle consisted of freezing at -80  degrees C for 7 day and thawing at 25 
      degrees C for 6 h. These tendons underwent 4 freeze-thaw cycles. Biomechanical
      properties were analyzed during load-to-failure testing. The fresh tendons were
      found to be significantly different in ultimate load, stiffness and ultimate
      stress relative to the other three groups. The tendons of the gamma+freeze-thaw
      group showed a significant decrease in ultimate load, ultimate stress and
      stiffness compared with the other three groups. Gamma irradiation and repeated
      freezing-thawing (4 cycles) can change the biomechanical properties. However, no
      significant difference was found between these two processes on the effect of
      biomechanical properties. It is recommended that gamma irradiation (25 kGy) and
      repetitive freeze-thaw cycles (4 cycles) should not be adopted in the processing
      of the allograft tendons.

PMID- 22078179
TI  - Haemodynamic optimisation: are we dynamic enough?
AB  - Perioperative haemodynamic optimisation of high-risk surgical patients has long
      been documented to improve both short-term and long-term outcomes, as well as to
      reduce the rate of postoperative complications. Based on the evidence, cardiac
      output monitoring and fluid resuscitation, combined with the use of inotropes,
      would seem to be the gold standard of care for these difficult surgical cases.
      However, clinicians do not universally apply these techniques and principles in
      their everyday practice. By exploring the reasons why this is so, perhaps we
      could move forward in the standardisation of care and the application of evidence
      based practice.

PMID- 22078180
TI  - The paradox of disability in abortion debates: bringing the pro-choice and
      disability rights communities together.

PMID- 22078181
TI  - Egon R. Diczfalusy, the discovery of the fetoplacental unit and much more.

PMID- 22078182
TI  - Ovulation inhibition doses of progestins: a systematic review of the available
      literature and of marketed preparations worldwide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this analysis was to provide a comprehensive review
      of ovulation inhibition data of progestins currently available worldwide. This
      analysis may serve as a reference tool for research on new progestin molecules.
      STUDY DESIGN: We used literature search engines to detect data of progestin
      monotherapies on ovulation inhibition in humans. Only treatments with stable
      dosing during a cycle were accepted. In a second step, we tried to estimate the
      99% ovulation inhibiting doses and their fiducial confidence limits using the
      probit dose-response model. Finally, we analyzed the progestin doses of combined
      oral contraceptives currently on the market. RESULTS: We found original data on
      29 marketed and nonmarketed progestins in a total of 60 publications, published
      between 1956 and May 2010. Details on methods used for determining ovulation,
      number of doses and daily dose of each tested progestin, number of subjects,
      cycles and ovulations are summarized in a table. We designed one example of a
      dose-response curve using the statistical model. For most progestins, literature
      data were insufficient for this purpose. A total of 13 progestins are components
      of oral contraceptives currently on the market worldwide, five of them in
      combination with 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE). CONCLUSION: This review provides
      a comprehensive overview of all progestins ever tested for their ovulation
      inhibition potency and a summary of all preparations currently on the world
      market, including their regimens and their combinations with EE.

PMID- 22078183
TI  - Choice of birth control methods among European women and the role of partners and
      providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The choice of a birth control method is influenced by sociocultural
      and personal factors. We explored the perceived influences in women's choice of a
      birth control method in five European countries (Germany, France, the UK, Romania
      and Sweden), where contraception is widely used. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross
      sectional study of 1137 randomly selected women aged 18-49 years. An anonymous,
      31-item questionnaire related to birth control methods was used. Logistic
      regression was used to identify variables associated with partner participation
      in choice of a contraceptive. RESULTS: Oral contraceptives were mainly used in
      Germany (54.3%), France (50.5%) and Sweden (34.6%) and condoms in the UK (29.6%)
      and Romania (22.9%). Sweden showed the highest use of intrauterine devices (IUD,
      19%). Romania had the lowest use of contraception. Oral contraceptives and IUDs
      use were frequently suggested by providers instead of by women. Choosing the
      method with the partner was associated with age [odds ratio (OR)=0.97, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.94-0.99], being a university graduate (OR=1.59, 95% CI
      1.01-2.29), married (OR=1.52, 95% CI 1.01-2.29) and with using a method that
      requires partner's cooperation (OR=8.18, 95% CI 5.46-12.27). CONCLUSIONS:
      Hormonal contraceptives and IUDs are commonly recommended by providers rather
      than requested by women. Partner preferences are taken into account when his
      cooperation in the use of the method is needed. As fertility care is a male and
      female issue, there is still more room for actively involving both women and men
      in their choice of a birth control method.

PMID- 22078184
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after subcutaneous and
      intramuscular administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate (25 mg) and estradiol
      cypionate (5 mg).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of contraceptives is affected by its route and ease of
      administration. Herein, both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the once-a
      month combined injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) plus
      estradiol cypionate (E(2)-Cyp) were compared after intramuscular (IM) or
      subcutaneous (SC) injection in women of reproductive age. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty
      women were randomly assigned to the SC (n=15) or IM (n=15) route of MPA 25
      mg+E(2)-Cyp 5 mg administration. Serum samples were obtained daily for 7 days and
      then three times a week for 40 days in order to quantify E(2), progesterone and
      MPA. In addition, three ultrasounds were performed on each subject to determine
      follicular development, and a daily record of the bleeding pattern and side
      effects was maintained. RESULTS: A comparative analysis showed that the main
      pharmacokinetic (peak serum concentration, peak serum time, area under the serum
      concentration vs. time curve, absorption half-life and elimination half-life) and
      pharmacodynamic parameters, such as follicular development and ovulation, were
      similar in the SC vs. IM groups. Complete suppression in ovarian function was
      present in all women. The bleeding patterns and side effects were similar in both
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented herein demonstrate that the injection
      of 25 mg of MPA plus 5 mg of E(2)-Cyp has similar efficacy and safety with either
      the SC or IM route of administration. The SC option can be considered a viable
      self-administered contraceptive option that might increase women's compliance to
      contraceptive use.

PMID- 22078185
TI  - Comparison of contraceptive method chosen by women with and without a recent
      history of induced abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women undergoing induced abortion may be more motivated to choose
      long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), including the intrauterine device
      (IUD) and implant, than women without a history of abortion. Our objective was to
      determine whether the contraceptive method chosen is influenced by a recent
      history of induced abortion and access to immediate postabortion contraception.
      STUDY DESIGN: This was a subanalysis of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. We
      compared contraception chosen by women with a recent history of abortion to women
      without a recent history. Participants with a recent history of abortion were
      divided into immediate postabortion contraception and delayed-start contraception
      groups. RESULTS: Data were available for 5083 women: 3410 women without a recent
      abortion history, 937 women who received immediate postabortion contraception and
      736 women who received delayed-start postabortion contraception. Women offered
      immediate postabortion contraception were more than three times as likely to
      choose an IUD [adjusted relative risk (RR(adj)) 3.30, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 2.67-4.85] and 50% more likely to choose the implant (RR(adj) 1.51, 95%CI
      1.12-2.03) compared to women without a recent abortion. There was no difference
      in contraceptive method selected among women offered delayed-start postabortion
      contraception compared to women without a recent abortion. CONCLUSION: Women
      offered immediate postabortion contraception are more likely to choose the IUD
      and implant than women without a recent abortion history. Increasing access to
      immediate postabortion LARC is essential to preventing repeat unintended
      pregnancies.

PMID- 22078186
TI  - Contraceptive experiences among adolescents who experience unintended birth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at high risk of unintended pregnancy due to
      contraceptive nonuse and inconsistent use. STUDY DESIGN: We examined associations
      between contraception and mistimed/unwanted birth among adolescents. For
      contraceptive nonusers, we analyzed factors contributing to unintended birth.
      RESULTS: Half of adolescents with unintended births did not use contraception at
      conception. Those ambivalent about pregnancy reported fewer unwanted [relative
      risk (RR)=0.06] compared to wanted births. Amongst contraceptive nonusers,
      difficulty accessing birth control was the only factor associated with more
      unwanted birth (RR=3.05). For Black adolescents, concerns of side effects
      (RR=7.03), access issues (RR=10.95) and perceived sterility (RR=3.20) were
      associated with unwanted birth. For younger teens, falsely perceived subfertility
      increased unwanted birth (RR=2.74), whereas access issues were significant for
      older teens (RR=3.97). CONCLUSIONS: Access issues and misconceptions around
      contraceptive side effects and fertility place adolescents at higher risk for
      unintended pregnancy, especially among younger and Black teens. Ambivalence
      represents an additional area for intervention.

PMID- 22078187
TI  - Patients' attitudes and experiences related to receiving contraception during
      abortion care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High risk for additional unintended pregnancies among abortion
      patients makes the abortion care setting an ideal one for facilitating access to
      contraception. This study documents attitudes of abortion patients about
      contraceptive services during their receipt of abortion services and identifies
      patient characteristics associated with desire for contraception and interest in
      using a long-acting reversible contraceptive method (LARC). STUDY DESIGN:
      Structured surveys were administered to 542 patients at five US abortion
      providing facilities between March and June of 2010. Supplementary information
      was collected from 161 women who had had abortions in the past 5 years through an
      online survey. RESULTS: Among abortion patients, two thirds reported wanting to
      leave their appointments with a contraceptive method and 69% felt that the
      abortion setting was an appropriate one for receiving contraceptive information.
      Having Medicaid and having ever used oral contraceptives were predictive of
      wanting to leave with a method. Women having a second or higher-order abortion
      were over twice as likely as women having a first abortion to indicate interest
      in LARC, while black women were half as likely as white women to indicate this
      interest. CONCLUSION: Many women are interested in learning about and obtaining
      contraceptive methods, including LARC, in the abortion care setting.

PMID- 22078188
TI  - A survey of provider experience with misoprostol to facilitate intrauterine
      device insertion in nulliparous women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a significant need for research on treatments that provide
      pain relief during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Misoprostol is frequently
      used before IUD insertion but is not always necessary and its use may increase
      pain and side effects. This survey evaluated how providers who perform IUD
      insertion in nulliparous women report using misoprostol to facilitate the
      procedure. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous Internet-based survey was distributed to
      members of three professional organizations with family planning providers.
      RESULTS: Of 2211 survey respondents, 1905 (86%) reported providing IUDs to
      nulliparous women. Of those providing IUDs to nulliparous women, 947/1905 (49.7%)
      reported using misoprostol, and 380 (40%) of 947 of misoprostol users reported
      using the treatment empirically with all nulliparous IUD insertions. There was
      wide variation reported in dose, route and timing of misoprostol administration.
      Providers most commonly reported learning of misoprostol use for IUD insertion by
      word of mouth rather than through the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      conflicting published data, nearly half of survey respondents use misoprostol
      before IUD insertion. Considerable variation in the timing of misoprostol use may
      explain differences in perception of its effectiveness. Evidence-based
      information about misoprostol for IUD insertion in nulliparous women, including
      pharmacokinetics, efficacy and optimal dosing, is needed.

PMID- 22078189
TI  - A randomized study of the effect of mifepristone alone or in conjunction with
      ethinyl estradiol on ovarian function in women using the etonogestrel-releasing
      subdermal implant, Implanon(r).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mifepristone alone or in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE) can
      effectively stop an episode of uterine bleeding in women using the etonogestrel
      releasing contraceptive implant, Implanon(r) but could impair contraceptive
      efficacy. AIM: To examine the effects of administration of mifepristone alone or
      with EE on ovarian function and cervical mucus consistency in women using
      Implanon. STUDY DESIGN: Women using Implanon were randomized to mifepristone 25
      mg twice daily on day 1 plus placebo 1 daily for 4 days or plus EE 20 mcg daily
      for days 2-5. Measurements of serum estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)),
      luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), cervical mucus
      examination and maximal follicle size (by vaginal ultrasound) were carried out at
      various times. RESULTS: Following mifepristone intake, there was a dramatic
      increase in E(2) levels ranging from 543 to 1183 pmol/L (p=.000), which was not
      correlated with maximal follicle size or preceded by LH or FSH increase. The
      increase in E(2) triggered an LH increase resulting in development of a
      luteinized follicle in four women with no evidence of ovulation. One of these
      women had estradiol and progesterone levels suggestive of ovulation, but no
      corpus luteum was seen. Almost all women had very low mucus scores, which did not
      correlate with E(2) levels. DISCUSSION: Despite a transient increase in E(2)
      levels after mifepristone, there was no evidence of subsequent ovulation
      irrespective of whether they also received EE. The mechanism by which
      mifepristone in the presence of etonogestrel results in a rapid increase in E(2)
      levels remains unclear and could not be related to any significant changes in
      FSH, LH, ovarian follicle dynamics or subsequent possible ovulation. CONCLUSION:
      Pregnancy is very unlikely to occur if mifepristone and EE are given during use
      of Implanon to stop an episode of bleeding.

PMID- 22078190
TI  - Mifepristone-induced abortion and vaginal bleeding in subsequent pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of first-trimester
      mifepristone-induced abortion on vaginal bleeding in subsequent pregnancy. STUDY
      DESIGN: This observational cohort study was conducted during 1998-2001 at
      antenatal clinics in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai, China. The study enrolled
      4,931 women with one previous mifepristone-induced abortion, 4,925 women with no
      history of induced abortion, and 4,800 women with one previous surgical abortion
      and followed them through pregnancy and childbirth. RESULTS: The rates of vaginal
      bleeding in pregnant women with a history of medical abortion, no abortion, and
      surgical abortion were 16.5%, 13.9%, and 17.3%, respectively. The women with
      medical abortion had a higher risk (adjusted relative risk (aRR)=1.17, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.29) of vaginal bleeding compared with those
      with no abortion but similar risk to prior surgical abortion. When the
      correlation between medical abortion and vaginal bleeding was examined by period,
      increased risk was observed only in the early period (<16 gestational weeks)
      (aRR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.39). The comparison between subgroups of medical
      abortion and no abortion showed that the observed risks increased particularly in
      those with abortion at gestational age <= 7 weeks (aRR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.49),
      those followed by a postabortion curettage (aRR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.84) or
      complications (aRR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.67, 2.37). There was no difference between
      women with medical abortion and women with surgical abortion in the occurrence of
      vaginal bleeding for either period. CONCLUSIONS: One previous mifepristone
      induced abortion increased the risk of vaginal bleeding in early gestation period
      of subsequent pregnancy compared with no abortion, especially if abortion
      occurred before 7 weeks of gestation and was followed by a curettage or
      complications.

PMID- 22078191
TI  - Can nurses perform manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) as safely and effectively as
      physicians? Evidence from India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although legal, access to safe abortion remains limited in India.
      Given positive experiences of task-shifting from other developing countries,
      there is a need to explore the feasibility of expanding the manual vacuum
      aspiration (MVA) provider base to include nurses in India. STUDY DESIGN: A
      prospective, two-sided equivalence study was undertaken in five facilities of a
      non-government organisation in Bihar and Jharkhand to explore whether efficacy
      and safety rates associated with MVA provided by newly trained nurses were
      equivalent to those provided by physicians. Eight hundred and ninety-seven
      consenting women with gestation ages of <= 10 weeks were recruited. RESULTS:
      Nurses were as skilled as physicians in assessing gestation age and completed
      abortion status, performing MVA and obtaining patient compliance. Overall failure
      and complication rates were low and equivalent between the two provider types,
      and both provider types were equally acceptable to women who underwent the
      procedure (98%). CONCLUSION: Findings of the study make a compelling case for
      amending existing laws to expand the MVA provider base in order to increase
      access to safe abortion in India.

PMID- 22078192
TI  - Menstrual bleeding: perspective of Brazilian women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Menstrual patterns, induced amenorrhea and the use of some
      contraceptive methods which induce non-bleeding are issues under debate among
      health professionals and women. The objective of the study was to describe
      perspectives and attitudes of Brazilian women regarding menstruation and its
      interference in daily activities. STUDY DESIGN: A semistructured questionnaire
      was applied to nonpregnant, nonlactating women between 18 and 45 years old, who
      were menstruating, consulting at public health services for other complaints than
      gynecological or reproductive health care, and staff members and teachers of
      public universities in one city of each geographic region of Brazil and the
      Federal District. RESULTS: Of the 885 women interviewed, 51.5% were aged 20-29
      years, almost 60% reported normal frequency of bleeding, 22% and 43% reported
      interference of menstruation in their school activities and in the relationship
      with their partner, respectively. The value attributed to each interference (<5;
      >= 5; in a scale up to 10) was >5 for more than 60% of the women in all evaluated
      domains. The most common reason for disliking menstruation was inconvenient
      and/or discomfort, and for liking menstruation were feeling healthy and
      confirmation of not being pregnant. The variables associated to liking
      menstruation were attending <8 years of school and low economic class, having
      more than one child and no history of premenstrual tension. CONCLUSION: A great
      proportion of the interviewed women disliked having menstruation even when they
      did not present menstrual-related problems. However, some women still preferred
      monthly menstruation because they felt healthy and it was a free pregnancy test.

PMID- 22078193
TI  - A prospective double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the use of
      letrozole pretreatment with misoprostol for second-trimester medical abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate the abortion rate of
      combined regimen of letrozole and misoprostol in second-trimester abortion. STUDY
      DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 130
      women requesting legal termination of pregnancy at gestational age between 12 and
      20 weeks. Letrozole 7.5 mg or placebo were given for 3 days, followed by
      misoprostol 400 mcg vaginally every 3 h up to a maximum of five doses on the
      third day. RESULTS: The abortion rate in 24 and 48 h were similar for the
      letrozole and placebo groups (24 h: 93.8% vs. 90.8%, respectively, p=.718; 48 h:
      98.5% vs. 95.4%, respectively, p=.496). The median induction-to-abortion interval
      was also similar for the letrozole and placebo groups (9.6 h vs. 10.6 h, p=.145).
      All the side effects were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The use
      of letrozole pretreatment (7.5 mg daily for 3 days) with misoprostol in second
      trimester abortion does not significantly improve the abortion rate of the
      misoprostol-only regimen.

PMID- 22078194
TI  - Oral contraceptive therapy modulates hemispheric asymmetry in spatial attention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional cerebral asymmetries (FCAs) are known to fluctuate across
      the menstrual cycle. The visual line-bisection task administered to normally
      cycling women showed different patterns of the interhemispheric interactions
      during menses and the midluteal cycle phase. However, the contribution of
      estrogens and progestins hormones to this phenomenon is still unclear. STUDY
      DESIGN: The aim of our study was to show a variation of FCAs in women
      administered oral contraceptives (OCs) using the visual line-bisection task.
      Visual line-bisection task with three horizontal lines was administered to 36
      healthy women taking a 21-day OC. Twenty-nine patients were right handed. The
      task was administered during OC intake (day 10) and at the end of the pill-free
      period. RESULTS: The right-handed women showed a significant leftward bias of
      veridical center on the first and third lines during OC intake compared with an
      opposite rightward bias during the pill-free period. The same phenomenon of
      contralateral deviation was observed in left-handed women on day 10 of OC intake.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm a hormonal modulation on
      interhemispheric interaction and suggest that OCs may improve the
      interhemispheric interaction reducing FCAs compared with the low hormone level
      period. This opens new insights in OC prescription and choice of administration
      schedule in order to improve cognitive performances.

PMID- 22078195
TI  - Effect of copper intrauterine device on the cyclooxygenase and inducible nitric
      oxide synthase expression in the luteal phase endometrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of copper intrauterine device (IUD) on the
      expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in
      the luteal phase endometrium. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical study was
      conducted on 30 women who were willing to use a copper IUD contraception.
      Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were taken before and 3 months after the
      insertion of the IUD on Day 3 and Days 20-24 of the cycle. Main outcome measures
      were to evaluate the effect of copper IUD on uterine artery blood flow using
      pulsed color Doppler ultrasonography and the relationship of bleeding
      abnormalities and menstrual pain level with the uterine blood flow, COX-2 and
      iNOS expression. RESULTS: Only the left uterine artery pulsatility and resistance
      indices decreased statistically significantly (p=.005 and p=.039, respectively).
      Other Doppler parameters showed no change. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression of both
      endometrial luminal epithelium (p=.03) and gland epithelium (p=.03) increased
      significantly. Inducible NOS expression of the endometrial surface epithelium
      decreased significantly after IUD insertion (p=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although COX-2
      expression increased 3 months after copper IUD insertion, iNOS expression of the
      luminal epithelium decreased. Local hypoxia caused by copper and vasoconstrictor
      prostanoids may play a role in IUD-related menstrual abnormalities.

PMID- 22078196
TI  - Serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride
      (AEBSF) inhibits the rat embryo implantation in vivo and interferes with cell
      adhesion in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to observe the in vivo effect of 4-(2
      aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) on embryo implantation
      in rats and its in vitro effect on cell adhesion. STUDY DESIGN: The anti
      implantation efficacy of AEBSF in rats was determined by counting the number of
      visible implanted embryos on day 8 of pregnancy following intrauterine (5 mg and
      10 mg AEBSF per horn) or tail vein (10 mg AEBSF per rat) administration on day 3
      of pregnancy. The effects of AEBSF on cell adhesion were detected, respectively,
      by using the mouse blastocysts-endometrial cells or the human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs)-HeLa cells co-culture model. The alteration in protein
      secretion pattern of HUVECs and HeLa cells was detected by the proteome analysis.
      RESULTS: 4-(2-Aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride showed an in vivo
      inhibitory effect on embryo implantation in rat. In vitro, AEBSF could disturb
      the growth of blastocysts on endometrial cells and inhibit the adhesion of HeLa
      cells on HUVECs. The treatment of AEBSF could alter the protein secretion pattern
      of co-cultured HUVEC-HeLa cells. CONCLUSION: 4-(2-Aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl
      fluoride hydrochloride might be a potential leading compound for novel
      contraceptives, and its inhibitory effect on implantation might result from the
      interference in extracellular matrix remodeling process.

PMID- 22078197
TI  - Etonorgestrel concentrations in morbidly obese women following Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass surgery: three case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy should be avoided for 12 to 18 months after Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The etonorgestrel (ENG)-releasing implant
      (Implanon(r)) may represent a safe and effective contraceptive method in morbidly
      obese women who are candidates for bariatric surgery. In addition, the
      subcutaneous delivery of steroid is unaffected by malabsorptive surgery. METHODS:
      Three cases of young women with ENG-releasing implant are reported. The device
      was inserted 1-2 months prior to RYGB. RESULTS: Their initial weights were 130 to
      176 kg, and the mean weight loss was 33.6 kg at 6 months. The concomitant serum
      ENG concentrations decreased currently with weight loss but remained above the
      minimum concentration required for effective contraceptive effect of the implant
      for at least 6 months following RYGB (average, 170 pg/mL). The concentrations
      observed before weight loss were lower than in normal-weight women, but decreases
      in ENG concentrations following implant insertion were similar. CONCLUSION: These
      unique data in morbidly obese women highlight the need for further
      pharmacokinetic studies of contraceptive agents in obese women during weight
      loss.

PMID- 22078198
TI  - Response by the leadership of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology
      (SART) to the article "Assisted reproduction and choices in the biotech age".

PMID- 22078199
TI  - Recognizing existing framework for regulation of assisted reproductive
      technologies in the United States.

PMID- 22078200
TI  - Support for more research and evaluation of assisted reproductive technologies.

PMID- 22078202
TI  - Repeat use of emergency contraception in Kenya: letter to the editor.

PMID- 22078204
TI  - The impact of out-of-pocket expense on IUD utilization among women with private
      insurance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket
      expense on intrauterine device (IUD) utilization among women with private
      insurance. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the records of all women with private
      insurance who requested an IUD for contraception from an urban academic
      gynecology practice from May 2007 through April 2008. For each patient, we
      determined the out-of-pocket expense that would be incurred and whether she
      ultimately had an IUD placed. The total charge for placement of a copper or
      levonorgestrel IUD (including the device) was $815. RESULTS: Ninety-five women
      requested an IUD during the study period. The distribution of out-of-pocket
      expense was bimodal: less than $50 for 35 (37%) women and greater than $500 for
      52 (55%) women. Intrauterine device insertion occurred in 24 (25%) women, 19 of
      whom had an out-of-pocket expense less than $50. In univariate and multivariable
      analysis, women with insurance coverage that resulted in less than $50 out-of
      pocket expense for the IUD were more likely to have an IUD placed than women
      required to pay $50 or more (adjusted odds ratio=11.4, 95% confidence
      interval=3.6-36.6). CONCLUSIONS: Women requesting an IUD for contraception are
      significantly more likely to have an IUD placed when out-of-pocket expense is
      less than $50.

PMID- 22078205
TI  - Reciprocal coordination of a combination oral contraceptive containing
      desogestrel+ethinyl estradiol on the expression of LOX-1 and LDLR in placental
      trophoblast cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the consistency of
      antiatherosclerotic potential of a combination oral contraceptive steroid
      (ethinyl estradiol+desogestrel) by rating its effect on the differential
      expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and lectin-like
      oxidized LDL (LOX-1) receptor. STUDY DESIGN: Cells from placental trophoblast
      cell line (JAR) and differentiated primary placental trophoblast cells isolated
      from term human placentae were used for this study. Expressions of LOX-1 and LDLR
      were assessed by immunoblot and immunocytochemistry assays. Differential effects
      of the constituent steroids in the combination of ethinyl estradiol and
      desogestrel were verified on the expression profile of the receptors. RESULTS:
      Desogestrel opposed the effect of ethinyl estradiol on LOX-1 expression, and when
      used in combination, the combination oral contraceptive reduced the expression of
      LOX-1 in contrast to LDLR. The characteristic change in the expressions of LOX-1
      and LDLR showed an antiatherosclerotic improvisation at the unique combination of
      ethinyl estradiol (10 ng/mL) and desogestrel (20 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The
      aforesaid combination of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel keeps LOX-1 and LDLR
      reciprocally expressed in antiatherosclerotic mode.

PMID- 22078206
TI  - What helps the mother of a preterm infant become securely attached, responsive
      and well-adjusted?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the predictor variables of
      experiential avoidance, relationship satisfaction, prenatal expectations
      (compared to postnatal experience) and postpartum support, and the criterion
      variables of maternal attachment, maternal psychological symptoms and maternal
      responsiveness, after controlling for birth weight. DESIGN: A quantitative survey
      study. METHOD: The participants were 127 mothers of preterm infants (delivery
      prior to 37 weeks gestation, <24 months corrected age) recruited through parent
      support organisations. The web-based survey included measures of: demographics,
      postpartum support and prenatal expectations (compared to postnatal experience)
      all designed for this study, as well as maternal attachment, (MPAS) maternal
      responsiveness (MIRI), experiential avoidance (AAQ), maternal psychological
      symptoms (DASS-21) and relationship satisfaction (RQI). Three standard multiple
      regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The combined effects of experiential
      avoidance, relationship satisfaction, prenatal expectations (compared to
      postnatal experience) and postpartum support accounted for a significant 21% of
      variance in maternal attachment, Fch (4,121)=8.01, p<.001, a significant 38% of
      variance in maternal psychological symptoms Fch (4,121)=18.38, p<.001, and a
      significant 11% of variance in maternal responsiveness, Fch (4,121)=3.78, p=.013
      after controlling for birth weight. CONCLUSION: The four predictor variables
      predicted maternal attachment, psychological symptoms and responsiveness after
      controlling for birth weight, with experiential avoidance being the most
      important predictor, followed by prenatal expectations (compared to postnatal
      experience), relationship satisfaction, then postpartum support. This has
      implications for designing interventions to optimise attachment and
      responsiveness, and minimise psychological symptoms, in mothers of infants born
      preterm.

PMID- 22078207
TI  - Bee venom protects SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells from 1-methyl-4
      phenylpyridinium-induced apoptotic cell death.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized by progressive selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the
      substantia nigra. Recently, bee venom was reported to protect dopaminergic
      neurons in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine induced mice PD
      model, however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The objective
      of the present study is to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of bee venom
      against Parkinsonian toxin, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP(+)), in SH-SY5Y human
      neuroblastoma cells. Our results revealed that bee venom pretreatment (1-100
      ng/ml) increased the cell viability and decreased apoptosis assessed by DNA
      fragmentation and caspase-3 activity assays in MPP(+)-induced cytotoxicity in SH
      SY5Y cells. Bee venom increased the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and decreased
      the pro-apoptotic Bax, cleaved PARP expressions. In addition, bee venom prevented
      the MPP(+)-induced suppression of Akt phosphorylation, and the neuroprotective
      effect of bee venom against MPP(+)-induced cytotoxicity was inhibited by a
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. These results suggest
      that the anti-apoptotic effect of bee venom is mediated by the cell survival
      signaling, the PI3K/Akt pathway. These results provide new evidence for
      elucidating the mechanism of neuroprotection of bee venom against PD.

PMID- 22078208
TI  - Novel regulatory mechanism and functional implication of plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in CpG-ODN-stimulated macrophages.
AB  - Macrophages are activated by recognizing bacterial DNA and CpG
      oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) through Toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9).
      Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been shown to be an important
      factor in inflammation-induced macrophage migration which is essential for
      defense functions. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the molecular
      mechanism associated with the regulation of PAI-1 expression and its biological
      significance in CpG-ODN-stimulated mouse macrophages. Our results clearly show
      that PAI-1 expression in macrophages was highly up-regulated by CpG-ODN
      stimulation in vitro and in vivo. The TLR-9-mediated stimulation of PAI-1
      expression was independent of the NF-kappaB pathway and involved the synergistic
      activation of Sp1 and Elk-1 by the MEK1/2-ERK and JNK signaling pathways. The
      elevated PAI-1 expression resulted in significantly enhanced transmigration of
      RAW264.7 cells through vitronectin but not through fibronectin. We suggest that
      CpG-ODN plays a role in regulating macrophage migration by stimulating the
      expression of PAI-1, and the migration is modulated depending on the
      microenvironmental extracellular matrix components.

PMID- 22078210
TI  - Expanding the scope of decision-making research for nursing and midwifery
      practice.
AB  - Decision making embedded in clinical situations is studied to inform nursing and
      midwifery practice and to enhance clinical effectiveness. To date this knowledge
      has mainly been derived from classical decision-making research approaches that
      are limited in capturing cognition in rapidly changing 'real-world' clinical
      environments. A naturalistic decision making approach can strengthen the
      ecological validity of descriptive investigations in certain dynamic clinical
      decision situations that include urgency and complexity. This paper presents a
      discussion about naturalistic decision making, its relevance for studying certain
      clinical decision situations in the 'real world' of nursing and midwifery
      practice and its application in a midwifery decision-making situation. In
      conclusion classical decision-making research approaches can be extended to
      include the naturalistic decision making approach that can capture decision
      making in dynamic clinical situations and show the underlying knowledge that
      distinguishes more experienced clinicians.

PMID- 22078209
TI  - Modulation of CD40-activated B lymphocytes by N-acetylcysteine involves decreased
      phosphorylation of STAT3.
AB  - B lymphocyte activation, maturation and reshaping require the interaction of its
      receptor CD40 with its ligand CD154, which is expressed on activated T
      lymphocytes. Metabolism in activated B lymphocytes is also characterized with
      several REDOX changes including fluctuation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
      Herein, we first confirm that stimulation of human peripheral blood B lymphocyte
      with CD154 increases intracellular ROS level. Then, by treatments with two well
      known antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Trolox, we further investigate the
      influence of REDOX fluctuation in CD40-activated B lymphocyte homeostasis in long
      term culture (13 days). Treatments with NAC increase viability, decrease
      proliferation and Ig secretion and enhance homoaggregation of B lymphocytes while
      Trolox only induces a marginal increase of their Ig secretion. The NAC-induced
      homoaggregation phenotype is paralleled with increased expressions of CD54,
      CD11a, CD27 and CD38. Mechanistically, a 24h exposure of B lymphocytes with NAC
      is sufficient to show strong inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Besides, the
      treatment of B lymphocytes with the STAT3 inhibitor VI increases viability and
      decreases proliferation and secretion as in NAC-treated cells thus showing a role
      for STAT3 in these NAC-induced phenotypes. This study done in a human-based model
      provides new findings on how REDOX fluctuations may modulate CD40-activated B
      lymphocytes during immune response and provide additional hints on NAC its
      immunomodulatory functions.

PMID- 22078211
TI  - Tools for measuring the impact of informal caregiving of the elderly: a
      literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) Describe available tools to assess the impact of informal
      caregiving of home-dwelling elderly, (2) identify an acceptable and appropriate
      tool for a study aiming at the evaluation of the impact of innovative projects
      for care and support of care for elderly at home, on their main informal
      caregiver and (3) find a definition of 'main informal caregiver'. STUDY DESIGN:
      Literature review by searches of the following electronic databases: MEDLINE,
      CINAHL, EMBASE, using firstly keywords and exclusion criteria, then citations and
      reference search. RESULTS: This review has identified 105 scales assessing the
      impact of informal caregiving of the elderly. Those scales were described in
      terms of characteristics of the care receiver population, content and
      psychometric properties. Most retrieved scales are intended to measure the impact
      of caregiving on caregivers' health of elderly with dementia (n=49), overall
      elderly (n=21), cancer patients (n=7), chronically ill patients (n=7),
      psychiatric patients (n=7) and stroke patients (n=3). Dimensions of the impact of
      caregiving were classified into its positive (n=34), negative (n=55) or neither
      positive nor negative (n=16) consequences on the informal caregiver's health.
      Internal consistency varied from 0.48 to 0.99 and in half of the cases (n=52),
      construct validity was reported. Scales comprised 1-200 questions. The Zarit
      Burden Interview (ZBI-12) was selected for the study and an operational
      definition of the concept of "main informal caregiver" was constructed.
      CONCLUSION: This review identified a large number of scales that can be used to
      assess the impact of caregiving, viewed through different dimensions. The Zarit
      Burden Interview can be a useful tool for researchers and clinicians due to its
      user-friendliness, extensively validation and international use, making
      comparisons between groups possible. Despite the fact that only the original
      version of each scale was selected, this inventory should be a useful tool for
      intervention studies and even clinicians work.

PMID- 22078212
TI  - Challenges in transition from intervention to end of life care in intensive care:
      a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providing quality end of life care is a challenging area in intensive
      care practice. The most demanding aspect for doctors and nurses in this setting
      is not the management of care at end of life per se, but facilitating the
      transition from active intervention to palliation and finally, end of life care.
      Whilst there is understanding about some aspects of this transition, recognition
      of the complex and inter-related processes that work to shift the patient's
      trajectory from cure to end of life care is required. This is important in order
      to work towards solutions for issues that continue to pose problems for health
      care professionals. OBJECTIVES: To identify the challenges for health care
      professionals when moving from a recovery trajectory to an end of life trajectory
      in intensive care. DESIGN: Qualitative methods of enquiry. METHODS AND SETTING:
      Single semi-structured interviews with 13 medical staff and 13 nurses associated
      with 17 decedents who underwent treatment withdrawal in intensive care were
      carried out. Participants were drawn from two Intensive Care Units in a large
      university-affiliated hospital in England. FINDINGS: Patients who died in
      intensive care appeared to follow a three-stage end of life trajectory: admission
      with hope of recovery; transition from intervention to end of life care; a
      controlled death. The transition from intervention to end of life care was
      reported as being the most problematic and ambiguous stage in the end of life
      trajectory, with potential for conflict between medical teams, as well as between
      doctors and nurses. CONCLUSIONS: End of life care policy emphasises the
      importance of end of life care for all patients regardless of setting. These
      findings demonstrate that in intensive care, there is need to focus on transition
      from curative intervention to end of life care, rather than end of life care
      itself so that effective and timely decision making underpins the care of the 20%
      of intensive care patients who die in this setting each year.

PMID- 22078213
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of a novel (99m)Tc-labeled bioreductive probe for tumor
      hypoxia imaging.
AB  - Tumor hypoxia is closely associated with the malignant progression and/or the
      high metastatic ability of tumors and often induces resistance to chemo- and/or
      radiotherapy. Thus, the detection and evaluation of hypoxia is important for the
      optimization of cancer therapy. We designed a novel (99m)Tc-labeled probe for
      tumor hypoxia imaging that utilizes bioreductive reactions in hypoxic cells. This
      probe, which contains a 4-nitrobenzyl ester group, is reduced in hypoxic cells to
      produce a corresponding carboxylate anion that cannot penetrate cell membranes
      because of its hydrophilicity and negative charge; therefore, it is expected to
      be trapped inside hypoxic cells. Based on this unique strategy, we synthesized
      the Technetium-99m ((99m)Tc)-labeled probe (99m)Tc-SD32. The uptake of (99m)Tc
      SD32 in tumor cells was investigated under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
      (99m)Tc-SD32 showed sufficient accumulation and good retention in hypoxic cells.
      In addition, we demonstrated that (99m)Tc-SD32 was subjected to bioreduction in
      hypoxic cells and was trapped as the corresponding carboxylate anion. These
      results indicated that (99m)Tc-SD32 would be a promising agent for in vivo
      hypoxia imaging.

PMID- 22078214
TI  - Synthesis and SAR development of novel P2X7 receptor antagonists for the
      treatment of pain: part 2.
AB  - Novel P2X(7) antagonists were developed using a purine scaffold. These compounds
      were potent and selective at the P2X(7) receptor in human and rodent as well as
      efficacious in rodent pain models. Compound 15a was identified to have oral
      potency in several pain models in rodent similar to naproxen, gabapentin and
      pregabalin. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) development and results of pain
      models are presented.

PMID- 22078215
TI  - Biaryl analogues of teriflunomide as potent DHODH inhibitors.
AB  - The structure-activity relationships of a novel series of biaryl dihydroorotate
      dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors related to teriflunomide are disclosed. These
      biaryl derivatives were the result of structure-based design and proved to be
      potent DHODH inhibitors which in addition showed good antiproliferative
      activities on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and good efficacies in vivo in
      the rat adjuvant-induced-arthritis model.

PMID- 22078216
TI  - 2,6-Naphthyridines as potent and selective inhibitors of the novel protein kinase
      C isozymes.
AB  - The present study describes a novel series of ATP-competitive PKC inhibitors
      based on the 2,6-naphthyridine template. Example compounds potently inhibit the
      novel Protein Kinase C (PKC) isotypes delta, epsilon, eta, theta (in particular
      PKCepsilon/eta, and display a 10-100-fold selectivity over the classical PKC
      isotypes. The prototype compound 11 was found to inhibit PKCtheta-dependent
      pathways in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, a-CD3/a-CD28-induced lymphocyte
      proliferation could be effectively blocked in 10% rat whole blood. In mice, 11
      dose-dependently inhibited Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B-triggered IL-2
      serum levels after oral dosing.

PMID- 22078217
TI  - Chronic pain in older adults: a controlled pilot trial of a brief cognitive
      behavioural group treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a common condition among older adults. While
      cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been tested in numerous studies on adults
      and children there are fewer studies on older persons. The objective of this
      study was to investigate the effects of a six-session CBT group treatment for
      older persons with chronic pain. As a secondary aim we investigated whether
      treatment credibility was associated with outcome. METHOD: We included 21 persons
      (mean age = 72.0 years) who were randomly allocated to either a waitlist
      condition or treatment consisting of applied relaxation, with the addition of
      problem solving, assertiveness, communication strategies, sleep management, and
      relapse prevention. RESULTS: Few statistically significant effects were found on
      measures of pain, mood, anxiety, and quality of life; however, a significant
      treatment effect with a between group effect size of d = 1.0 was observed with
      respect to perceived ability to function despite the discomfort of pain.
      CONCLUSION: The study provides some preliminary support for the use of group
      based CBT with a focus on applied relaxation for older adults with chronic pain.

PMID- 22078218
TI  - Outcome after repair of cor triatriatum.
AB  - Cor triatriatum represents <0.1% of all congenital cardiac malformations.
      Symptoms in patients with cor triatriatum are related to pulmonary venous
      obstruction and pressure loading of the right side of the heart. The aim of this
      study was to describe our institutional experience with repair of cor
      triatriatum. From June 1963 to June 2010, 65 patients underwent repair at a
      median age of 7.2 months (range 2 days to 47.6 years). Among these patients, 49
      (75%) had associated congenital heart defects. Atrial septal defect (n = 29),
      ventricular septal defect (n = 15), partially or totally anomalous pulmonary
      venous return (n = 14), mitral valve abnormalities (n = 11), and supravalvar
      mitral ring (n = 5) were the most common associated defects. Surgical treatment
      consisted of excision of the membrane, along with additional procedures in 47
      patients (72%). Five patients had new postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias.
      During a median follow-up period of 5.4 years, no patients underwent
      reintervention for recurrent left atrial obstruction, 7 patients were noted to
      have minor residual cor triatriatum without obstruction, and 8 patients
      (including 4 diagnosed before cor triatriatum repair) had pulmonary vein
      stenosis, 6 of whom underwent intervention for that reason. In conclusion, in
      this large surgical series of patients who underwent repair of cor triatriatum,
      there were no cases of significant residual or recurrent cor triatriatum.
      Although the association between cor triatriatum and pulmonary vein stenosis has
      been described previously, the relative frequency of this condition in our cohort
      (>10%, including patients diagnosed before and after cor triatriatum repair) is
      noteworthy. Abnormalities of the mitral valve and a supravalvar mitral ring were
      also seen more often than the existing research would suggest, which may be
      another important consideration in evaluating and following these patients.

PMID- 22078219
TI  - Association of myocardial fibrosis, B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac
      magnetic resonance parameters of remodeling in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - The left ventricular (LV) scar size detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)
      imaging in ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) has been correlated with mortality.
      However, the associations among myocardial fibrosis, ventricular geometry, and
      physiologic measures of myocardial performance remain to be defined. A
      retrospective analysis of patients with stable chronic IC (LV ejection fraction
      <=50%) who underwent CMR imaging from 2004 to 2010 and had plasma B-type
      natriuretic peptide (BNP) measured within 14 days of the CMR study was
      undertaken. A total of 38 patients met the criteria (mean age 66 +/- 10 years; 31
      men [82%]). The duration of IC was 67 +/- 69 months. The CMR characteristics
      included LV dilation (LV end-diastolic dimension 62 +/- 8 mm) and severe systolic
      dysfunction (LV ejection fraction 28 +/- 11%). The average quantitated myocardial
      fibrosis was 20 +/- 12% of the LV mass. When stratified by fibrotic mass,
      increased myocardial scar size was associated with increased LV cavity size (p =
      0.007), lower LV ejection fraction (p = 0.04), and higher BNP (p = 0.013). In
      comparison, when stratified by median BNP (475 pg/ml), an elevated BNP level was
      associated, not only with LV size, function, and degree of fibrosis, but also
      with increased meridional wall stress (p = 0.002) and worse New York Heart
      Association functional class (p = 0.006). In conclusion, in chronic IC,
      quantitated myocardial fibrosis is associated with CMR structural and functional
      LV abnormalities. Elevated BNP levels are related to high-risk structural and
      functional CMR abnormalities and wall stress and functional status. Myocardial
      fibrosis appears to be related to plasma BNP through the processes of ventricular
      remodeling.

PMID- 22078220
TI  - Analysis of echocardiograms in a large heterogeneous cohort of patients with
      friedreich ataxia.
AB  - Although Friedreich ataxia (FA) is associated with cardiomyopathy, the severity
      and evolution of cardiac disease is poorly understood. To identify factors
      predicting cardiomyopathy in FA, we assessed echocardiograms from a large
      heterogenous cohort and their relation to disease traits. The most recent
      echocardiograms from 173 subjects with FA were analyzed in a core laboratory to
      determine their relation to disease duration, subject age, age of onset,
      functional disability score, and GAA repeat length. Mean age of the cohort was
      19.7 years, mean age of disease onset was 10.6 years, and mean shorter GAA length
      was 681 repeats. Echocardiograms collectively illustrated systolic dysfunction,
      diastolic dysfunction, and hypertrophy. Measurements of hypertrophy correlated
      moderately with each other (r = 0.39 to 0.79) but not with measurements of
      diastolic dysfunction (r <0.35). Diastolic measurements correlated poorly with
      each other, although 26% of the cohort had multiple diastolic abnormalities. The
      most common diastolic dysfunction classification was pseudonormalization.
      Classification of diastolic dysfunction was predicted by GAA repeat length but
      not by age or gender. Ejection fraction was below normal in 20% of the cohort. In
      linear regression analysis, increasing age predicted decreasing ejection
      fraction. Functional disability score, a measurement of neurologic ability, did
      not predict any echocardiographic measurements. In conclusion, hypertrophy and
      diastolic and systolic dysfunctions occur in FA and are substantially
      independent; diastolic dysfunction is the most common abnormality with most
      patients having an assigned diastolic dysfunction class of pseudonormalization.

PMID- 22078221
TI  - Comparison of incidence of bleeding and mortality of men versus women with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolysis.
AB  - Gender-related differences in the incidence of bleeding and its relation to
      subsequent mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) treated with fibrinolysis are not well understood. We studied patients
      with STEMI receiving fibrinolysis enrolled in 6 clinical trials. Outcomes
      included moderate or severe bleeding defined using Global Utilization of
      Strategies to Open Occluded Arteries (GUSTO) criteria and adjusted 1-year
      mortality (excluding deaths in first 24 hours). Moderate or severe bleeding was
      1.9-fold higher in women compared to men (13.3% vs 7.1%, p <0.0001). Bleeding
      remained higher in women even after adjustment for baseline differences (odd
      ratios 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42 to 1.62). In fact, female gender
      was second most important prognostic factor (Wald chi-square 153.6) after older
      age (Wald chi-square 241.2) in the multivariable bleeding model. Overall 1-year
      mortality was similar in women and men after adjusting for prognostically
      important baseline differences (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.17).
      However, after adjustment for baseline confounders and bleeding, female gender
      was associated with a lower risk of 1-year death. Thus, adjusted 1-year mortality
      was similar in women compared to men without bleeding (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97 to
      1.19) but lower in women compared to men with bleeding (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 to
      0.98, p for interaction of gender by bleeding = 0.0016). The highest adjusted 1
      year mortality was observed in men with bleeding (HR 2.42, 95% CI 2.20 to 2.66)
      followed by women with bleeding (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.80 to 2.33) and women without
      bleeding (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.19, referent men without bleeding). In
      conclusion, in patients with fibrinolytic-treated STEMI, women had a higher
      incidence but lower mortality with bleeding than men. These data highlight the
      importance of understanding factors associated with gender-related differences in
      bleeding and represent an opportunity for improving outcomes of women and men
      with fibrinolytic-treated STEMI.

PMID- 22078223
TI  - Trauma networks: present and future challenges.
AB  - In England, trauma is the leading cause of death across all age groups, with over
      16,000 deaths per year. Major trauma implies the presence of multiple, serious
      injuries that could result in death or serious disability. Successive reports
      have documented the fact that the current ad hoc unstructured management of this
      patient group is associated with considerable avoidable death and disability. The
      reform of trauma care in England, especially of the severely injured patient, has
      already begun. Strong clinical leadership is embraced as the way forward. The
      present article summarises the steps that have been made over the last decade
      that led to the recent decision to move towards a long anticipated restructure of
      the National Health Service (NHS) trauma services with the introduction of
      Regional Trauma Networks (RTNs). While, for the first time, a genuine political
      will and support exists, the changes required to maintain the momentum for the
      implementation of the RTNs needs to be marshalled against arguments, myths and
      perceptions from the past. Such an approach may reverse the disinterest attitude
      of many, and will gradually evolve into a cultural shift of the public,
      clinicians and policymakers in the fullness of time.

PMID- 22078222
TI  - Monophosphorylation of CD79a and CD79b ITAM motifs initiates a SHIP-1 phosphatase
      mediated inhibitory signaling cascade required for B cell anergy.
AB  - Anergic B cells are characterized by impaired signaling and activation after
      aggregation of their antigen receptors (BCR). The molecular basis of this
      impairment is not understood. In studies reported here, Src homology-2 (SH2)
      containing inositol 5-phosphatase SHIP-1 and its adaptor Dok-1 were found to be
      constitutively phosphorylated in anergic B cells, and activation of this
      inhibitory circuit was dependent on Src-family kinase activity and consequent to
      biased BCR immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)
      monophosphorylation. B cell-targeted deletion of SHIP-1 caused severe lupus-like
      disease. Moreover, absence of SHIP-1 in B cells led to loss of anergy as
      indicated by restoration of BCR signaling, loss of anergic surface phenotype, and
      production of autoantibodies. Thus, chronic BCR signals maintain anergy in part
      via ITAM monophosphorylation-directed activation of an inhibitory signaling
      circuit involving SHIP-1 and Dok-1.

PMID- 22078224
TI  - Consistent Differential Expression Pattern (CDEP) on microarray to identify genes
      related to metastatic behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To utilize the large volume of gene expression information generated
      from different microarray experiments, several meta-analysis techniques have been
      developed. Despite these efforts, there remain significant challenges to
      effectively increasing the statistical power and decreasing the Type I error rate
      while pooling the heterogeneous datasets from public resources. The objective of
      this study is to develop a novel meta-analysis approach, Consistent Differential
      Expression Pattern (CDEP), to identify genes with common differential expression
      patterns across different datasets. RESULTS: We combined False Discovery Rate
      (FDR) estimation and the non-parametric RankProd approach to estimate the Type I
      error rate in each microarray dataset of the meta-analysis. These Type I error
      rates from all datasets were then used to identify genes with common differential
      expression patterns. Our simulation study showed that CDEP achieved higher
      statistical power and maintained low Type I error rate when compared with two
      recently proposed meta-analysis approaches. We applied CDEP to analyze microarray
      data from different laboratories that compared transcription profiles between
      metastatic and primary cancer of different types. Many genes identified as
      differentially expressed consistently across different cancer types are in
      pathways related to metastatic behavior, such as ECM-receptor interaction, focal
      adhesion, and blood vessel development. We also identified novel genes such as
      AMIGO2, Gem, and CXCL11 that have not been shown to associate with, but may play
      roles in, metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: CDEP is a flexible approach that borrows
      information from each dataset in a meta-analysis in order to identify genes being
      differentially expressed consistently. We have shown that CDEP can gain higher
      statistical power than other existing approaches under a variety of settings
      considered in the simulation study, suggesting its robustness and insensitivity
      to data variation commonly associated with microarray experiments. AVAILABILITY:
      CDEP is implemented in R and freely available at:
      http://genomebioinfo.musc.edu/CDEP/. CONTACT: zhengw@musc.edu.

PMID- 22078225
TI  - The impact of bromide/iodide concentration and ratio on iodinated trihalomethane
      formation and speciation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the formation and speciation of
      iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) from preformed chloramination of waters
      containing bromide (Br(-)) and iodide (I(-)) at a Br(-)/I(-) weight ratio of
      10:1. The factors investigated were pH, iodide to dissolved organic carbon (I(
      )/DOC) ratio, and NOM characteristics, specifically SUVA(254). A Br(-)/I(-) ratio
      of 1:2 was also evaluated to determine the importance of Br(-) and I(-)
      concentrations and ratio on I-THM formation and speciation. Regulated
      triholamethanes (THMs) were measured alongside I-THMs for a more complete
      understanding of trihalomethane formation. The results showed that, in general,
      both I-THM and THM formation increased with decreased pH. Greater formation at
      lower pH was likely attributed to monochloramine decomposition and the formation
      of additional oxidants and substituting agents, most notably chlorine. For pH >=
      7.5, I-THM yield increased with increasing I(-)/DOC ratio and decreasing specific
      ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA(254)) of the water. The Br(-)/I(-), Br(-)/DOC and I(
      )/DOC ratios were important factors for I-THM and THM speciation. At pH 6,
      dichloroiodomethane (CHCl(2)I) and bromochloroiodomethane (CHBrClI) were the
      dominant species at the common bromide and iodide levels. For pH >= 7.5 and for
      elevated bromide and iodide levels, iodoform (CHI(3)) was always the dominant
      specie regardless of the Br(-)/I(-) ratio. The results demonstrated that it is
      important to examine I-THM formation and speciation at typical Br(-)/I(-) ratios
      (~ 10) of natural waters, which have often been overlooked in previous
      investigations, in order to obtain practical and relevant results.

PMID- 22078226
TI  - Recycled water: potential health risks from volatile organic compounds and use of
      1,4-dichlorobenzene as treatment performance indicator.
AB  - Characterisation of the concentrations and potential health risks of chemicals in
      recycled water is important if this source of water is to be safely used to
      supplement drinking water sources. This research was conducted to: (i) determine
      the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in secondary treated
      effluent (STE) and, post-reverse osmosis (RO) treatment and to; (ii) assess the
      health risk associated with VOCs for indirect potable reuse (IPR). Samples were
      examined pre and post-RO in one full-scale and one pilot plant in Perth, Western
      Australia. Risk quotients (RQ) were estimated by expressing the maximum and
      median concentration as a function of the health value. Of 61 VOCs analysed over
      a period of three years, twenty one (21) were detected in STE, with 1,4
      dichlorobenzene (94%); tetrachloroethene (88%); carbon disulfide (81%) and;
      chloromethane (58%) most commonly detected. Median concentrations for these
      compounds in STE ranged from 0.81 MUg/L for 1,4-dichlorobenzene to 0.02 MUg/L for
      carbon disulphide. After RO, twenty six (26) VOCs were detected, of which 1,4
      dichlorobenzene (89%); acrylonitrile (83%) chloromethane (63%) and carbon
      disulfide (40%) were the more frequently detected. RQ(max) were all below health
      values in the STE and after RO. Median removal efficiency for RO was variable,
      ranging from -77% (dichlorodifluoromethane) to 91.2% (tetrachloroethene). The
      results indicate that despite the detection of VOCs in STE and after RO, their
      human health impact in IPR is negligible due to the low concentrations detected.
      The results indicate that 1,4-dichlorobenzene is a potential treatment chemical
      indicator for assessment of VOCs in IPR using RO treatment.

PMID- 22078227
TI  - Boron bioremoval by a newly isolated Chlorella sp. and its stimulation by growth
      stimulators.
AB  - It has been well documented that excess concentrations of boron (B) causes toxic
      effects on many of the environmental systems. Although Chlorella sp. has been
      studied to remove pollutants from water, its capacity to remove B has not been
      investigated yet. Boron removal levels of newly isolated Chlorella sp. were
      investigated in BG 11 media with stimulators as triacontanol (TRIA) and/or sodium
      bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) and without them, to test if they could increase the
      removal efficiency by increasing biomass. The assays were performed to determine
      the effect of different medial compositions, B concentrations, pH and biomass
      concentrations onto removal efficiency. Boron removal was investigated at 5-10
      mg/L range at pH 8 in different medial compositions and maximum removal yield was
      found as 32.95% at 5.45 mg/L B in media with TRIA and NaHCO(3). The effect of
      different pH values on the maximum removal yield was investigated at pH 5-9, and
      the optimum pH was found again 8. The interactive effect of biomass concentration
      and B removal yield was also investigated at 0.386-1.061 g wet weight/L biomass.
      The highest removal yield was found as 38.03% at the highest biomass range. This
      study highlights the importance of using new isolate Chlorella sp. as a new
      biomaterial for B removal process of waters containing B.

PMID- 22078228
TI  - Effect of moderate pre-oxidation on the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa by
      KMnO4-Fe(II) process: significance of the in-situ formed Fe(III).
AB  - This study developed a novel KMnO(4)-Fe(II) process to remove the cells of
      Microcystis aeruginosa, and the mechanisms involved in have been investigated. At
      KMnO(4) doses of 0-10.0 MUM, the KMnO(4)-Fe(II) process showed 23.4-53.3% higher
      efficiency than the KMnO(4)-Fe(III) process did. This was first attributed to the
      moderate pre-oxidation of M. aeruginosa by KMnO(4), achieved by dosing Fe(II)
      after a period of pre-oxidation, to cease the further release of intracellular
      organic matter (IOM) and the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM). The
      extensive exposure of M. aeruginosa to KMnO(4) in KMnO(4)-Fe(III) process led to
      high levels and insufficient molecular weight of DOM, inhibiting the subsequent
      Fe(III) coagulation. Additionally, Fe(II) contributed to lower levels of the in
      situ formed MnO(2), the reduction product of KMnO(4) which adversely affected
      algae removal by Fe(III) coagulation. However, the in-situ formed Fe(III), which
      was derived from the oxidation of Fe(II) by KMnO(4), in-situ MnO(2), and
      dissolved oxygen, dominated the remarkably high efficiency of KMnO(4)-Fe(II)
      process with respect to the removal of M. aeruginosa. On one hand, in-situ formed
      Fe(III) had more reactive surface area than pre-formed Fe(III). On the other
      hand, the continuous introduction of fresh Fe(III) coagulant showed higher
      efficiency than one-off dosage of coagulant to destabilize M. aeruginosa cells
      and to increase the flocs size. Moreover, the MnO(2) precipitated on algae cell
      surfaces and contributed to the formation of in-situ formed Fe(III), which may
      act as bridges to enhance the removal of M. aeruginosa.

PMID- 22078229
TI  - Microscale geochemical gradients in Hanford 300 Area sediment biofilms and
      influence of uranium.
AB  - The presence and importance of microenvironments in the subsurface at
      contaminated sites were suggested by previous geochemical studies. However, no
      direct quantitative characterization of the geochemical microenvironments had
      been reported. We quantitatively characterized microscale geochemical gradients
      (dissolved oxygen (DO), H(2), pH, and redox potential) in Hanford 300A subsurface
      sediment biofilms. Our results revealed significant differences in geochemical
      parameters across the sediment biofilm/water interface in the presence and
      absence of U(VI) under oxic and anoxic conditions. While the pH was relatively
      constant within the sediment biofilm, the redox potential and the DO and H(2)
      concentrations were heterogeneous at the microscale (<500-1000 MUm). We found
      microenvironments with high DO levels (DO hotspots) when the sediment biofilm was
      exposed to U(VI). On the other hand, we found hotspots (high concentrations) of
      H(2) under anoxic conditions both in the presence and in the absence of U(VI).
      The presence of anoxic microenvironments inside the sediment biofilms suggests
      that U(VI) reduction proceeds under bulk oxic conditions. To test this, we
      operated our biofilm reactor under air-saturated conditions in the presence of
      U(VI) and characterized U speciation in the sediment biofilm. U L(III)-edge X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS) showed that 80-85% of the U was in the
      U(IV) valence state.

PMID- 22078230
TI  - Constitutive expression of a grapevine polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein
      affects gene expression and cell wall properties in uninfected tobacco.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) directly limit the
      effective ingress of fungal pathogens by inhibiting cell wall-degrading
      endopolygalacturonases (ePGs). Transgenic tobacco plants over-expressing
      grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Vvpgip1 have previously been shown to be resistant to
      Botrytis infection. In this study we characterized two of these PGIP over
      expressing lines with known resistance phenotypes by gene expression and hormone
      profiling in the absence of pathogen infection. RESULTS: Global gene expression
      was performed by a cross-species microarray approach using a potato cDNA
      microarray. The degree of potential cross-hybridization between probes was
      modeled by a novel computational workflow designed in-house. Probe annotations
      were updated by predicting probe-to-transcript hybridizations and combining
      information derived from other plant species. Comparing uninfected Vvpgip1
      overexpressing lines to wild-type (WT), 318 probes showed significant change in
      expression. Functional groups of genes involved in metabolism and associated to
      the cell wall were identified and consequent cell wall analysis revealed
      increased lignin-levels in the transgenic lines, but no major differences in cell
      wall-derived polysaccharides. GO enrichment analysis also identified genes
      responsive to auxin, which was supported by elevated indole-acetic acid (IAA)
      levels in the transgenic lines. Finally, a down-regulation of xyloglucan
      endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTHs), which are important in cell wall
      remodeling, was linked to a decrease in total XTH activity. CONCLUSIONS: This
      evaluation of PGIP over-expressing plants performed under pathogen-free
      conditions to exclude the classical PGIP-ePG inhibition interaction indicates
      additional roles for PGIPs beyond the inhibition of ePGs.

PMID- 22078231
TI  - Preparation and full characterization of a micro-immunoaffinity monolithic column
      and its in-line coupling with capillary zone electrophoresis with Ochratoxin A as
      model solute.
AB  - A micro-immunoaffinity monolithic column (MUIAC) was developed and in-line
      coupled with capillary zone electrophoresis in a fully automated way with
      Ochratoxin A as test solute. The in-line micro-immunoaffinity columns based on
      monolithic methacrylate polymers (EDMA-GMA) were prepared in situ at the inlet
      end of a PTFE coated fused silica capillary by UV initiated polymerization and
      subsequently grafted with antibodies. These MUIACs were thoroughly characterized.
      The synthesis of the polymeric support was first demonstrated to be reproducible
      in terms of permeability, surface properties and efficiency. The antibodies
      immobilization was then studied by a new original hydrodynamic method (ADECA)
      allowing the in situ quantitative determination (at a miniaturized scale) of the
      total amount of immobilized antibodies. The combination of this measurement with
      the binding capacity of the MUIAC allowed, for the first time, the in situ
      determination of immobilized antibody activity. A total of 260 +/- 15 ng (1.6 +/-
      0.1 pmol) of IgG antibodies/cm in 75 MUm i.d. monolithic column (i.e. 18 MUgmg(
      1)) was obtained with (anti-Ochratoxin A/Ochratoxin A) as antibody/antigen model.
      40% of the immobilized antibodies remain active corresponding to a binding
      capacity of 1.2 +/- 0.2 pmol antigen/cm (i.e. 600 pg/cm of our test solute OTA),
      a very high capacity when dealing with trace analysis and with regard to the
      detection limits (30 pg and 0.5 pg with UV and LIF detection, respectively). The
      recovery yields were quantitative with negligible non-specific adsorption and
      allow analysis of diluted samples (1 ngmL(-1)) for a percolated volume of 10 MUL.
      It was also demonstrated that despite the progressive denaturation of antibodies
      consecutive to the elution step, the binding capacity of the MUIAC remained high
      enough to implement at least 15 consecutive analyses with the same column and in
      a fully automated way.

PMID- 22078232
TI  - A sub-two minutes method for monoclonal antibody-aggregate quantification using
      parallel interlaced size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - In process development and during commercial production of monoclonal antibodies
      (mAb) the monitoring of aggregate levels is obligatory. The standard assay for
      mAb aggregate quantification is based on size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
      performed on a HPLC system. Advantages hereof are high precision and simplicity,
      however, standard SEC methodology is very time consuming. With an average
      throughput of usually two samples per hour, it neither fits to high throughput
      process development (HTPD), nor is it applicable for purification process
      monitoring. We present a comparison of three different SEC columns for mAb
      aggregate quantification addressing throughput, resolution, and reproducibility.
      A short column (150 mm) with sub-two micron particles was shown to generate high
      resolution (~1.5) and precision (coefficient of variation (cv)<1) with an assay
      time below 6 min. This column type was then used to combine interlaced sample
      injections with parallelization of two columns aiming for an absolute minimal
      assay time. By doing so, both lag times before and after the peaks of interest
      were successfully eliminated resulting in an assay time below 2 min. It was
      demonstrated that determined aggregate levels and precision of the throughput
      optimized SEC assay were equal to those of a single injection based assay. Hence,
      the presented methodology of parallel interlaced SEC (PI-SEC) represents a
      valuable tool addressing HTPD and process monitoring.

PMID- 22078233
TI  - Synthesis and application of a macroporous boronate affinity monolithic column
      using a metal-organic gel as a porogenic template for the specific capture of
      glycoproteins.
AB  - A macroporous boronate affinity monolithic column was prepared and applied to
      specifically capture glycoproteins using metal-organic gels (MOGs) as a porogenic
      template. This newly explored application of MOGs has proven to be a more
      convenient method for the formation of macropores in contrast to traditional
      porogenic methods. The poly (3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid-co-ethylene
      dimethacrylate) monolithic columns were synthesized in stainless columns by in
      situ polymerization. To fabricate the macroporous formation with a uniformed open
      channel network, the preparation conditions, such as reaction temperature, the
      concentration of the MOGs and the ratio of monomers were systematically
      investigated. The prepared macroporous monoliths were characterized by scanning
      electron microscope (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Furthermore,
      horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and transferrin (TF) were chosen as test
      glycoproteins, and the chromatographic analysis demonstrated that the macroporous
      boronate affinity monoliths exhibited a higher selectivity and better dynamic
      binding capacity toward glycoproteins compared with non-glycoproteins. The
      resulted affinity monolithic column was successfully employed to specifically
      capture TF from a bovine serum sample.

PMID- 22078234
TI  - Ionic liquids as silica deactivating agents in gas chromatography for direct
      analysis of primary amines in water.
AB  - Analysis of primary amines in aqueous samples remains a challenging analytical
      issue. The preferred approach by gas chromatography is hampered by interactions
      of free silanol groups with the highly reactive amine groups, resulting in
      inconsistent measurements. Here, we report a method for direct analysis of
      aliphatic amines and diamines in aqueous samples by gas chromatography (GC) with
      silanol deactivation using ionic liquids (ILs). ILs including
      trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis 2,4,4-(trimethylpentyl)phosphinate (Cyphos IL
      104), 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
      [pmim][Tf(2)N] and N"-ethyl-N,N,N',N'-tetramethylguanidinium
      tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate [etmg][FAP] were tested as deactivating
      media for the GC liner. Solutions of these ILs in methanol were injected in the
      system prior to the analysis of primary amines. Butane-1,4-diamine (putrescine,
      BDA) was used as a reference amine. The best results were obtained using the
      imidazolium IL [pmim][Tf(2)N]. With this deactivator, excellent reproducibility
      of the analysis was achieved, and the detection limit of BDA was as low as 1mM.
      The applicability of the method was proven for the analysis of two different
      primary amines (C4-C5) and pentane-1,5-diamine.

PMID- 22078235
TI  - Determination of phenylureas herbicides in food stuffs based on matrix solid
      phase dispersion extraction and capillary electrophoresis with
      electrochemiluminescence detection.
AB  - A new method based on matrix solid phase dispersion-capillary electrophoresis
      with electrochemiluminescence detection (MSPD-CE-ECL) has been developed for the
      simultaneous determination of three kinds of phenylurea herbicides (PHUs). Poly
      beta-cyclodextrin (poly-beta-CD) was used as an additive in the running buffer to
      improve the separation of three analytes. The conditions for CE separation, ECL
      detection and effect of poly-beta-CD were investigated in detail. Under the
      optimal conditions, three kinds of herbicides (isoproturon, linuron and diuron)
      were well separated and detected within 8 min. The linear ranges of the standard
      solution for isoproturon and linuron were 1-300 MUg L(-1) with a detection limit
      (S/N=3) of 0.1 MUg L(-1), and for diuron was 2-500 MUg L(-1) with a detection
      limit of 0.2 MUg L(-1). The average recoveries were in the range of 86.9-102.8%,
      and all relative standard deviation of the migration time and the ECL intensity
      in intraday and interday were less than 9.0%. The proposed method was also
      applied to the determination of three kinds of herbicides in green vegetable and
      rice samples with recoveries in the range from 78.1 to 93.8%.

PMID- 22078236
TI  - A multi-fiber handling device for in vivo solid phase microextraction-liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry applications.
AB  - Solid phase microextraction, an in vivo and ex vivo sample preparation method,
      continues to capture growing interest among researchers for bioanalytical
      applications. When coupled with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, the
      procedure often involves large numbers of fibers in, for example, both
      pharmacokinetic and pharmadynamic studies as well as other bioapplications. In
      this regard, appropriate and adequate precaution will be critical in preventing
      the fibers firstly from any possible external contamination and damage to
      maintain high analytical data integrity. In addition, improving the offline
      desorption of fibers specifically for in vivo SPME will not only help in
      improving data quality, but will also significantly decrease the overall analysis
      time. This article introduces a prototype multi-fiber handling device capable of
      simultaneous extraction/desorption of multiple solid phase microextraction (SPME)
      fibers on a 96-deep well plate format. This device thus provides an alternative
      approach to improving higher sample throughput for in vivo SPME liquid
      chromatography mass spectrometry applications. The portable design of the device
      ensures effective protection and prevention of fibers against damage and possible
      contamination and thus maintains analytical data reliability. To ensure its
      suitability for parallel extraction/desorption, the device was carefully
      evaluated using four benzodiazepines (diazepam, nordiazepam, oxazepam and
      lorazepam) as model drugs by monitoring inter- and intra-well variability. The
      effect of agitation speed on data precision and accuracy, effect of device weight
      on data precision, and comparison of the overall performance of the device with
      traditional manual desorption approach were also assessed. Results obtained from
      evaluation of the device with particular focus on the desorption process
      indicated that the weight of the device has no effect on the reliability and
      reproducibility of data acquired using the device. The average amount of diazepam
      obtained for 20 selected wells with and without device was 48.8pg and 49.4pg,
      respectively. Intra-, inter-well, and inter fiber variations recorded were all
      <=13% indicating an excellent precision and reproducibility can be attained with
      the device.

PMID- 22078237
TI  - Opposite effects of interferon-beta on new B and T cell release from production
      sites in multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - The release of newly produced B and T lymphocytes from the production sites was
      analyzed in 30 multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon-beta by
      measuring T-cell receptor excision circles and k-deleting recombination excision
      circles. We found that the therapy induces opposite effects on B- and T-cell
      mobilization in 33% of patients. New B-cell production, which peaks after 6
      months of therapy and then decreases to levels that, however, are still higher
      than in controls, may cause a renewal of the B-cell compartment. On the contrary,
      the decreased number of newly produced T lymphocytes observed at 12 months of
      treatment and the association between reduced thymic output and low peripheral T
      lymphocytes can be a cause of leukopenia, a frequent side effect of the therapy.

PMID- 22078238
TI  - Galanin and alpha-MSH autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropeptides galanin and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha
      MSH) are involved in the regulation of memory and appetite. Increased galanin and
      decreased alpha-MSH levels were reported in postmortem brains of patients with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Here we
      studied if autoantibodies (autoAbs) reacting with galanin and alpha-MSH are
      altered in AD. METHODS: Levels of free and total IgG autoAbs reacting with
      galanin and alpha-MSH were measured in sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 18
      subjects with AD and in 15 age-matched non-demented controls. Values were
      correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, body mass index (BMI)
      and CSF levels of AD biomarkers. RESULTS: CSF levels of total but not free IgG
      autoAbs against galanin were increased in AD, resulting in increased percentage
      of galanin autoAbs present as immune complexes. CSF levels of galanin total
      autoAbs and alpha-MSH free autoAbs correlated negatively with the severity of
      cognitive impairment as measured by MMSE. Both total and free autoAbs against
      galanin and alpha-MSH in CSF correlated negatively with age in AD patients but
      not in controls. CSF levels of galanin autoAbs and free alpha-MSH AutoAbs
      negatively correlated with CSF levels of t-Tau, p-Tau and ratios of t-Tau/Abeta42
      or p-Tau/Abeta42 in AD patients but not in controls. CONCLUSIONS: AutoAbs
      reacting with galanin and alpha-MSH are present in CSF and are associated with
      clinical characteristics of AD patients. The functional significance and
      therapeutic potential of these autoAbs should be further clarified.

PMID- 22078239
TI  - SvO2 to monitor resuscitation of septic patients: let's just understand the basic
      physiology.
AB  - Real-time monitoring of mixed venous oxygen blood saturation (SvO2) or of central
      venous oxygen blood saturation is often used during resuscitation of septic
      shock. However, the meaning of these parameters is far from straightforward. In
      the present commentary, we emphasize that SvO2--a global marker of tissue oxygen
      balance--can never be simplistically used as a marker of preload responsiveness,
      which is an intrinsic marker of cardiac performance. In some septic shock
      patients, because of profound hypovolemia or myocardial dysfunction, SvO2 can be
      low but obviously cannot alone indicate whether a fluid challenge would increase
      cardiac output. In other patients, because of a profound impairment of oxygen
      extraction capacities, SvO2 can be abnormally high even in patients who are still
      able to respond positively to fluid infusion. In any case, other reliable dynamic
      parameters can help to address the important question of fluid
      responsiveness/unresponsiveness. However, whether fluid administration in fluid
      responders and high SvO2 would be efficacious to reduce tissue dysoxia in the
      most injured tissues is still uncertain.

PMID- 22078240
TI  - Fruit and vegetables intake among elderly Iranians: a theory-based interventional
      study using the five-a-day program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefit of FV intake in old age is well documented. However,
      there is evidence that old people do not consume enough FV. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored nutrition intervention that
      aimed to increase the FV intake among elderly Iranians aged 60 and over. METHODS:
      This quasi-experimental study was performed among a community-based sample of
      elderly in Tehran, Iran in year 2008 to 2009. Data were collected at baseline and
      4 weeks follow-up. At baseline face-to-face interviews were conducted using a
      structured questionnaire including items on demographic information, stages of
      change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, daily servings of FV intake. Follow-up
      data were collected after implementing the intervention. RESULTS: In all 400
      elderly were entered into the study (200 individuals in intervention group and
      200 in control group). The mean age of participants was 64.06 +/- 4.48 years and
      overall two-third of participants were female. At baseline total FV intake was
      not differed between two groups but it was significantly increased in the
      intervention group at posttest assessment (mean serving/day in intervention group
      3.08 +/- 1.35 vs. 1.79 +/- 1.08 in control group; P = 0.001). Further analysis
      also indicated that elderly in intervention group had higher FV intake, perceived
      benefits and self-efficacy, and lower perceived barriers. Compared with control
      group, greater proportions of elderly in intervention group moved from pre
      contemplation to contemplation/preparation and action/maintenance stages (P <
      0.0001), and from contemplation/preparation to action/maintenance stages (P =
      0.004) from pretest to posttest assessments. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that
      the Transtheoretical Model is a useful model that can be applied to dietary
      behavior change, more specifically FV consumption among elderly population in
      Iran and perhaps elsewhere with similar conditions.

PMID- 22078242
TI  - The importance of worry across diagnostic presentations: prevalence, severity and
      associated symptoms in a partial hospital setting.
AB  - Although excessive worry has been linked primarily with Generalized Anxiety
      Disorder (GAD), recent work suggests worry is dimensional, with potential
      relevance to a range of psychiatric disorders. The current study examined
      associations between worry and psychological symptoms across several primary
      diagnoses and tested worry's hypothesized unique relation to GAD in an acute
      psychiatric setting. Participants were 568 patients with primary diagnoses of
      Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder-Depressed, Bipolar Disorder-Manic, and
      Psychosis. Participants completed a structured diagnostic interview and
      questionnaires at admission. Partial correlations controlling for GAD diagnosis
      indicated that worry correlated with higher depression and poorer overall well
      being in the Depressed, Bipolar-Depressed, and Psychosis groups and decreased
      functioning in the Depressed, Bipolar-Manic, and Psychosis groups. Depressed and
      Bipolar-Depressed groups endorsed the highest level of worry. A comorbid anxiety
      disorder was associated with higher worry across primary diagnoses, even after
      controlling for GAD. Of the anxiety disorders, GAD and Panic Disorder diagnoses
      predicted higher worry scores. Results discussed in terms of conceptual
      implications for worry as a transdiagnostic concept and clinical interventions.

PMID- 22078241
TI  - Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial of directly observed
      hepatitis C treatment delivered in methadone clinics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most methadone-maintained injection drug users (IDUs) have been
      infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but few initiate HCV treatment. Physicians
      may be reluctant to treat HCV in IDUs because of concerns about treatment
      adherence, psychiatric comorbidity, or ongoing drug use. Optimal HCV management
      approaches for IDUs remain unknown. We are conducting a randomized controlled
      trial in a network of nine methadone clinics with onsite HCV care to determine
      whether modified directly observed therapy (mDOT), compared to treatment as usual
      (TAU), improves adherence and virologic outcomes among opioid users.
      METHODS/DESIGN: We plan to enroll 80 HCV-infected adults initiating care with
      pegylated interferon alfa-2a (IFN) plus ribavirin, and randomize them to mDOT
      (directly observed daily ribavirin plus provider-administered weekly IFN) or TAU
      (self-administered ribavirin plus provider-administered weekly IFN). Our outcome
      measures are: 1) self-reported and pill count adherence, and 2) end of treatment
      response (ETR) or sustained viral response (SVR). We will use mixed effects
      linear models to assess differences in pill count adherence between treatment
      arms (mDOT v. TAU), and we will assess differences between treatment arms in the
      proportion of subjects with ETR or SVR with chi square tests. Of the first 40
      subjects enrolled: 21 have been randomized to mDOT and 19 to TAU. To date, the
      sample is 77% Latino, 60% HCV genotype-1, 38% active drug users, and 27% HIV
      infected. Our overall retention rate at 24 weeks is 92%, 93% in the mDOT arm and
      92% in the TAU arm. DISCUSSION: This paper describes the design and rationale of
      a randomized clinical trial comparing modified directly observed HCV therapy
      delivered in a methadone program to on-site treatment as usual. Our trial will
      allow rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of directly observed HCV therapy (both
      pegylated interferon and ribavirin) for improving adherence and clinical
      outcomes. This detailed description of trial methodology can serve as a template
      for the development of future DOT programs, and can also guide protocols for
      studies among HCV-infected drug users receiving methadone for opiate dependence.

PMID- 22078243
TI  - Validation of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale's obsessive compulsive subscale
      in a clinical and community sample.
AB  - This study describes the validation of the obsessive compulsive subscale on the
      Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS OCD) for use as a clinical assessment tool.
      Data from 196 anxious children (102 males, ages 7-18) and their parent collected
      during a diagnostic assessment were compared to data from 420 children (206
      males, ages 8-13) from the community collected by mail. The validity of the SCAS
      OCD parent- and child-report forms were supported by correlations with the
      Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and continuous OCD symptom
      variables from the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule: Child Version. In
      addition, children with OCD were found to have higher scores on the SCAS OCD
      subscale than patients without OCD and children from the community without a
      reported anxiety diagnosis. The sensitivity of the SCAS OCD to treatment effects
      was also demonstrated in a subset of the clinical sample that received exposure
      and response prevention therapy. Finally, cut-scores were identified that examine
      the sensitivity and predictive utility of the scales.

PMID- 22078244
TI  - Covalent linkage of N-methyl-6-oxyquinolinium betaine to trehalose.
AB  - The common route to link quinolinium and pyridinium fluorophores to biomolecules
      via bromoacetic acid has failed in labeling the disaccharide trehalose with N
      methyl-6-oxyquinolinium betaine: the unexpected, extremely high instability of
      the N-carboxymethyl ester was overcome by direct N-alkylation of the quinoline
      derivative with trehalose triflate.

PMID- 22078245
TI  - C1-esterase inhibitor protects against early vein graft remodeling under arterial
      blood pressure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Arterial pressure induced vein graft injury can result in endothelial
      loss, accelerated atherosclerosis and vein graft failure. Inflammation, including
      complement activation, is assumed to play a pivotal role herein. Here, we
      analyzed the effects of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1inh) on early vein graft
      remodeling. METHODS: Human saphenous vein graft segments (n=8) were perfused in
      vitro with autologous blood either supplemented or not with purified human C1inh
      at arterial pressure for 6h. The vein segments and perfusion blood were analyzed
      for cell damage and complement activation. In addition, the effect of purified
      C1inh on vein graft remodeling was analyzed in vivo in atherosclerotic
      C57Bl6/ApoE3 Leiden mice, wherein donor caval veins were interpositioned in the
      common carotid artery. RESULTS: Application of C1inh in the in vitro perfusion
      model resulted in significantly higher blood levels and significantly more
      depositions of C1inh in the vein wall. This coincided with a significant
      reduction in endothelial loss and deposition of C3d and C4d in the vein wall,
      especially in the circular layer, compared to vein segments perfused without
      supplemented C1inh. Administration of purified C1inh significantly inhibited vein
      graft intimal thickening in vivo in atherosclerotic C57Bl6/ApoE3 Leiden mice,
      wherein donor caval veins were interpositioned in the common carotid artery.
      CONCLUSION: C1inh significantly protects against early vein graft remodeling,
      including loss of endothelium and intimal thickening. These data suggest that it
      may be worth considering its use in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass
      grafting.

PMID- 22078248
TI  - Experience of nursing leaders.

PMID- 22078247
TI  - Age- and sex-related differences in vascular function and vascular response to
      mental stress. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in a cohort of healthy
      children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Limited data, especially from longitudinal studies, are available
      regarding vascular health assessment in childhood. In this study, we performed
      longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in healthy children and adolescents to
      investigate age- and sex-related differences in vascular functions and vascular
      response to mental stress. METHODS: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured by
      tonometry. Endothelial function and vascular response to mental arithmetic test
      were assessed using a peripheral artery tonometry device. Data were obtained in
      162 adolescents (mean age of 17 years, 94 girls) in a 3-year follow-up study and
      241 children (mean age of 10 years, 115 girls) in a first-time investigation.
      Physical activity was assessed in adolescents by a self-report questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Our 3-year follow-up study revealed that the increased PWV was greater
      in male adolescents (0.79+/-0.79m/s) than in females (0.27+/-0.89m/s, p<0.001).
      Adolescents who reported decreased physical activity over the 3-year period had
      increased arterial stiffness. Comparing the cross-sectional data, we found that
      sex-related differences in reactive hyperemic response was more apparent by
      evaluating the overall response curve than measuring the reactive hyperemic index
      from one arbitrary time point, with lower peak response and smaller area-under
      curve found in boys. Moreover, we found that, in response to mental stress, male
      adolescents had a more vasoconstrictive response, followed by a less vasodilatory
      response, and needed longer time to return to baseline level than the females.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that boys are likely to have adverse changes
      in vascular health earlier than the age-matched girls.

PMID- 22078246
TI  - Relationship between hemodynamics and atherosclerosis in aortic arches of
      apolipoprotein E-null mice on 129S6/SvEvTac and C57BL/6J genetic backgrounds.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationships between hemodynamics and
      differential plaque development at the aortic arch of apolipoprotein E (apoE)
      null mice on 129S6/SvEvTac (129) and C57BL/6J (B6) genetic backgrounds. METHODS:
      Mean flow velocities at the ascending and descending aorta (mVAA and mVDA) were
      measured by Doppler ultrasound in wild type and apoE-null male mice at 3 and 9
      months of age. Following dissection of the aortic arches, anatomical parameters
      and plaque areas were evaluated. RESULTS: Arch plaques were five times bigger in
      129-apoE than in B6-apoE mice at 3 months, and twice as large at 9 months. The
      geometric differences, namely larger vessel diameter in the B6 strain and broader
      inner curvature of the aortic arch in the 129 strain, were exaggerated in 9-month
      old apoE-null mice. Cardiac output and heart rate under anesthesia were
      significantly higher in the B6 strain than in the 129 strain. The values of mVAA
      were similar in the two strains, while mVDA was lower in the 129 strain. However,
      there was a 129-apoE-specific reduction of flow velocities with age, and both
      mVAA and mVDA were significantly lower in 129-apoE than in B6-apoE mice at 9
      months. The mean relative wall shear stress (rWSS) over the aortic arch in 129
      apoE and B6-apoE mice were not different, but animals with lower mean rWSS had
      larger arch plaques within each strain. CONCLUSIONS: The plaque formation in the
      arch of apoE-null mice is accompanied by strain-dependent changes in both arch
      geometry and hemodynamics. While arch plaque sizes negatively correlate with mean
      rWSS, additional factors are necessary to account for the strain differences in
      arch plaque development.

PMID- 22078249
TI  - A position paper: the continuing dilemma in nursing education.

PMID- 22078250
TI  - Characterisation and application of a novel positively charged nanofiltration
      membrane for the treatment of textile industry wastewaters.
AB  - The present study demonstrates the high potential for the application of a novel
      self assembled positively charged nanofiltration membrane, PA6DT-C, in processes
      such as the recovery of valuable cationic macromolecules in the bioprocess and
      pharmaceutical industries or removal of multi-valent cations such as dyes and
      heavy metals in the paper and pulp, textiles, nuclear, and automotive industries.
      The nanofiltration membrane, prepared in this laboratory, is further
      characterised and then tested for the removal and recovery of Methylene Blue from
      a synthetic dye house wastewater. The characterisation process involved the
      construction of a rejection profile for NaCl over a wide range of pH and
      concentration, which illustrates that the optimal process conditions for the
      removal of small cations using this membrane is in the region pH <8.0 and
      concentration less than 15 mol m(-3). The salt rejection data was used to
      calculate the magnitude of the effective membrane charge density and this was
      found to be significantly higher for the PA6DT-C membrane than two commercially
      available membranes (Desal-DK and Nanomax-50). The membrane flux for this new
      membrane is also superior to the commercial membranes with an approximate
      increase of 3-4 fold. The PA6DT-C membrane was successful in removal of Methylene
      Blue dye from synthetic dye house wastewaters achieving 98% rejection and a
      membrane flux of ~ 17 LMH bar(-1). Thus, this new membrane both adds to and
      complements the existing short supply of positively charged NF membranes.

PMID- 22078251
TI  - Polyaluminum chloride with high Al30 content as removal agent for arsenic
      contaminated well water.
AB  - Polyaluminum chloride (PACl) is a well-established coagulant in water treatment
      with high removal efficiency for arsenic. A high content of Al(30) nanoclusters
      in PACl improves the removal efficiency over broader dosage and pH range. In this
      study we tested PACl with 75% Al(30) nanoclusters (PACl(Al30)) for the treatment
      of arsenic-contaminated well water by laboratory batch experiments and field
      application in the geothermal area of Chalkidiki, Greece, and in the Pannonian
      Basin, Romania. The treatment efficiency was studied as a function of dosage and
      the nanoclusters' protonation degree. Acid-base titration revealed increasing
      deprotonation of PACl(Al30) from pH 4.7 to the point of zero charge at pH 6.7.
      The most efficient removal of As(III) and As(V) coincided with optimal
      aggregation of the Al nanoclusters at pH 7-8, a common pH range for groundwater.
      The application of PACl(Al30) with an Al(tot) concentration of 1-5mM in
      laboratory batch experiments successfully lowered dissolved As(V) concentrations
      from 20 to 230 MUg/L to less than 5 MUg/L. Field tests confirmed laboratory
      results, and showed that the WHO threshold value of 10 MUg/L was only slightly
      exceeded (10.8 MUg/L) at initial concentrations as high as 2300 MUg/L As(V).
      However, As(III) removal was less efficient (<40%), therefore oxidation will be
      crucial before coagulation with PACl(Al30). The presence of silica in the well
      water improved As(III) removal by typically 10%. This study revealed that the
      Al(30) nanoclusters are most efficient for the removal of As(V) from water
      resources at near-neutral pH.

PMID- 22078252
TI  - TiO2 and Fe (III) photocatalytic ozonation processes of a mixture of emergent
      contaminants of water.
AB  - A mixture of three emergent contaminants: testosterone (TST), bisphenol A (BPA)
      and acetaminophen (AAP) has been treated with different photocatalytic oxidation
      systems. Homogeneous catalysts as Fe(III) alone or complexed with oxalate or
      citrate ions, heterogeneous catalysts as titania, and oxidants such as hydrogen
      peroxide and/or ozone have been used to constitute the oxidation systems. For the
      radiation type, black light lamps mainly emitting at 365 nm have been used. The
      effects of pH (3 and 6.5) have been investigated due to the importance of this
      variable both in ozone and Fe(III) systems. Removal of initial compounds and
      mineralization (total organic carbon: TOC) were followed among other parameters.
      For the initial compounds removal ozonation alone, in many cases, allows the
      highest elimination rates, regardless of the presence or absence of UVA light and
      catalyst. For mineralization, however, ozone photocatalytic processes clearly
      leads to the highest oxidation rates.

PMID- 22078253
TI  - Risk prioritisation of stormwater pollutant sources.
AB  - This paper describes the development of a pollutant risk prioritisation
      methodology for the comparative assessment of stormwater pollutants discharged
      from differing land use types and activities. Guidelines are presented which
      evaluate available data with respect to 'likelihood of occurrence' and 'severity
      of impact'. The use of the developed approach is demonstrated through its
      application to total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, lead and
      cadmium. The proposed benchmarking scheme represents a transparent and auditable
      mechanism to support the synthesis of data from a variety of sources and is
      sufficiently flexible to incorporate the use of chemical, physical and/or
      ecological data sets. Practitioners involved in developing and implementing
      pollutant mitigation programmes are assisted in two key ways. Firstly through
      enabling the risks to receiving waters from diffuse pollution on a source-by
      source and/or pollutant-by-pollutant basis at a catchment scale to be
      comparatively assessed and prioritised. Secondly, the methodology informs the
      selection of appropriate diffuse pollution control strategies.

PMID- 22078254
TI  - Efficient electricity generation from sewage sludge using biocathode microbial
      fuel cell.
AB  - Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with abiotic cathodes require expensive catalyst
      (such as Pt) or catholyte (such as hexacynoferrate) to facilitate oxidation
      reactions. This study incorporated biocathodes into a three-chamber MFC to yield
      electricity from sewage sludge at maximum power output of 13.2 +/- 1.7 W/m(3)
      during polarization, much higher than those previously reported. After 15 d
      operation, the total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) removal and coulombic
      efficiency (CE) of cell reached 40.8 +/- 9.0% and 19.4 +/- 4.3%, respectively.
      The anolyte comprised principally acetate and propionate (minor) as metabolites.
      The use of biocathodes produced an internal resistance of 36-46 Omega, lower than
      those reported in literature works, hence yielding higher maximum power density
      from MFC. The massively parallel sequencing technology, 454 pyrosequencing
      technique, was adopted to probe microbial community on anode biofilm, with
      dominant phyla belonging to Proteobacteria (45% of total bacteria), Bacteroidetes
      (19%), Uncultured bacteria (9%), Actinobacteria (7%), Firmicutes (7%), Chloroflex
      (7%). At genera level, Rhodoferax, Ferruginibacter, Propionibacterium,
      Rhodopseudomonas, Ferribacterium, Clostridium, Chlorobaculum, Rhodobacter,
      Bradyrhizobium were the abundant taxa (relative abundances>2.0%).

PMID- 22078255
TI  - Influence of temperature and salinity on Ostreopsis cf. ovata growth and
      evaluation of toxin content through HR LC-MS and biological assays.
AB  - In the Mediterranean Sea, blooms of Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Ostreopsis siamensis
      have become increasingly frequent in the last decade and O. cf. ovata was found
      to produce palytoxin-like compounds (putative palytoxin, ovatoxin-a, -b, -c, -d
      and -e), a class of highly potent toxins. The environmental conditions seem to
      play a key role in influencing the abundance of Ostreopsis spp. High cell
      densities are generally recorded in concomitance with relatively high temperature
      and salinity and low hydrodynamics conditions. In this study the effects of
      temperature and salinity on the growth and toxicity of an Adriatic O. cf. ovata
      isolate were investigated. The highest growth rates of the Adriatic strain were
      recorded for cultures grown at 20  degrees C and at salinity values of 36 and 40,
      in accordance with natural bloom surveys. Toxicity was affected by growth
      conditions, with the highest toxin content on a per cell basis being measured at
      25  degrees C and salinity 32. However, the highest total toxin content on a per
      litre basis was recorded at 20  degrees C and salinity 36, since under such
      conditions the growth yield was the highest. O. cf. ovata had lethal effects on
      Artemia nauplii and juvenile sea basses, and produced haemolysis of sheep
      erythrocytes. A comparison between haemolysis neutralization assay and HR LC-MS
      results showed a good correlation between haemolytic effect and total toxin
      content measured through HR LC-MS. Considering the increasing need for rapid and
      sensitive methods to detect palytoxin in natural samples, the haemolytic assay
      appears a useful method for preliminary quantification of the whole of palytoxin
      like compounds in algal extracts.

PMID- 22078256
TI  - Effects of microcystin-LR on the metal bioaccumulation and toxicity in
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most notorious toxins liberated from
      cyanobacteria in eutrophicated freshwater ecosystems. Its effects on the
      bioaccumulation and toxicity of Cd(2+), CrO(4)(2-), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) in a green
      alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were investigated in the present study. The metal
      bioaccumulation in the alga was unaffected by MC-LR. The surface-adsorbed and
      intracellular metal concentrations in the treatments with and without the
      addition of MC-LR could be well simulated by a single Freundlich isotherm for
      each metal with their accumulation ability following the order of Cu(2+) > Cd(2+)
      > Zn(2+) > CrO(4)(2-). The bioavailable metal concentrations measured by
      diffusion gradients in thin-films remained unchanged when MC-LR was applied.
      Accordingly, the growth of C. reinhardtii was similarly inhibited at the same
      metal concentration regardless of the addition of MC-LR. The metal toxicity could
      also be well delineated with the classic free ion activity and biotic ligand
      models. However, the intracellular metal concentration was found to have the best
      predictability suggesting its more direct relationship with metal toxicity. Metal
      exposure induced the accumulation of MC-LR in the alga, which was leveled off at
      high metal levels. The underlying uptake mechanisms need to be further examined.

PMID- 22078257
TI  - The functional coding variant Asn107Ile of the neuropeptide S receptor gene
      (NPSR1) is associated with schizophrenia and modulates verbal memory and the
      acoustic startle response.
AB  - Recently, the neuropeptide S (NPS) neurotransmitter system has been identified as
      a promising psychopharmacological drug target given that NPS has shown anxiolytic
      like and stress-reducing properties and memory-enhancing effects in rodent
      models. NPS binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor encoded by the neuropeptide S
      receptor gene (NPSR1). A functional variant within this gene leads to an amino
      acid exchange (rs324981, Asn107Ile) resulting in a gain-of-function in the Ile107
      variant which was recently associated with panic disorder in two independent
      studies. A potential psychopharmacological effect of NPS on schizophrenia
      psychopathology was demonstrated by showing that NPS can block NMDA antagonist
      induced deficits in prepulse inhibition. We therefore explored a potential role
      of the NPSR1 Asn107Ile variation in schizophrenia. A case-control sample of 778
      schizophrenia patients and 713 healthy control subjects was successfully
      genotyped for NPSR1 Asn107Ile. Verbal declarative memory and acoustic startle
      response were measured in subsamples of the schizophrenia patients. The case
      control comparison revealed that the low-functioning NPSR1 Asn107 variant was
      significantly associated with schizophrenia (OR 1.19, p=0.017). Moreover,
      specifically decreased verbal memory consolidation was found in homozygous Asn107
      carriers while memory acquisition was unaffected by NPSR1 genotype. The
      schizophrenia patients carrying the Ile107 variant demonstrated significantly
      reduced startle amplitudes but unaffected prepulse inhibition and habituation.
      The present study confirms findings from rodent models demonstrating an effect of
      NPS on memory consolidation and startle response in schizophrenia patients. Based
      on these findings, we consider NPS as a promising target for antipsychotic drug
      development.

PMID- 22078258
TI  - INbreast: toward a full-field digital mammographic database.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) systems
      have been developed in the past two decades to assist radiologists in the
      detection and diagnosis of lesions seen on breast imaging exams, thus providing a
      second opinion. Mammographic databases play an important role in the development
      of algorithms aiming at the detection and diagnosis of mammary lesions. However,
      available databases often do not take into consideration all the requirements
      needed for research and study purposes. This article aims to present and detail a
      new mammographic database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images were acquired at a
      breast center located in a university hospital (Centro Hospitalar de S. Joao
      [CHSJ], Breast Centre, Porto) with the permission of the Portuguese National
      Committee of Data Protection and Hospital's Ethics Committee. MammoNovation
      Siemens full-field digital mammography, with a solid-state detector of amorphous
      selenium was used. RESULTS: The new database-INbreast-has a total of 115 cases
      (410 images) from which 90 cases are from women with both breasts affected (four
      images per case) and 25 cases are from mastectomy patients (two images per case).
      Several types of lesions (masses, calcifications, asymmetries, and distortions)
      were included. Accurate contours made by specialists are also provided in XML
      format. CONCLUSION: The strengths of the actually presented database-INbreast
      relies on the fact that it was built with full-field digital mammograms (in
      opposition to digitized mammograms), it presents a wide variability of cases, and
      is made publicly available together with precise annotations. We believe that
      this database can be a reference for future works centered or related to breast
      cancer imaging.

PMID- 22078259
TI  - The cerebellum in dystonia - help or hindrance?
AB  - Dystonia has historically been considered a disorder of the basal ganglia. This
      review aims to critically examine the evidence for a role of the cerebellum in
      the pathophysiology of dystonia. We compare and attempt to link the information
      available from both clinical and experimental studies; work detailing cerebellar
      connectivity in primates; data that suggests a role for the cerebellum in the
      genesis of dystonia in murine models; clinical observation in humans with
      structural lesions and heredodegenerative disorders of the cerebellum; and
      imaging studies of patients with dystonia. The typical electrophysiological
      findings in dystonia are the converse to those found in cerebellar lesions.
      However, certain subtypes of dystonia mirror cerebellar patterns of increased
      cortical inhibition. Furthermore, altered cerebellar function can be demonstrated
      in adult onset focal dystonia with impaired cerebellar inhibition of motor cortex
      and abnormal eyeblink classical conditioning. We propose that abnormal, likely
      compensatory activity of the cerebellum is an important factor within
      pathophysiological models of dystonia. Work in this exciting area has only just
      begun but it is likely that the cerebellum will have a key place within future
      models of dystonia.

PMID- 22078260
TI  - Reversibility of cadmium sorption to calcite revisited.
AB  - Cadmium sorption to calcite was studied in aqueous solution at calco-carbonic
      (CO(2)-H(2)O-CaCO(3)) equilibrium and at concentrations below the solubility
      product of otavite (<10(-7) mol L(-1)). Experiments were conducted in a stirred
      flow-through reactor, lasting for 15 and 60 h at flow rates of 1.6 and 0.5 mL
      min(-1), respectively. Under both flow conditions, the cadmium breakthrough
      curves reached steady state after a flow time of about 50 reactor volumes, but
      different calcite saturation levels were achieved, which implied time-dependent
      sorption rates. Desorption of cadmium was induced by switching from Cd-containing
      to Cd-free solution in the reactor inflow. Reversibility of sorption was then
      evaluated by comparing amounts sorbed and desorbed over identical time intervals.
      On average, the desorption/sorption ratio was 95+/-10%. Desorption rates were
      close to those for sorption and showed the same time dependency: Initially, rates
      were fast and slowed down with time. "Irreversible" surface reactions such as
      solid-solution formation could not be inferred. In previous research, cadmium
      sorption was often shown to be partly irreversible. We surmise that calcite
      surface ripening is conditioned by the concentration of lattice-building ions in
      the EDL. At calco-carbonic equilibrium, these ion concentrations at the surface
      are lowest. Therefore, irreversible binding of cadmium is not favoured.

PMID- 22078261
TI  - Reduced inflammation accompanies diminished myelin damage and repair in the NG2
      null mouse spinal cord.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which blood
      derived immune cells and activated microglia damage myelin in the central nervous
      system. While oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are essential for
      generating oligodendrocytes for myelin repair, other cell types also participate
      in the damage and repair processes. The NG2 proteoglycan is expressed by OPCs,
      pericytes, and macrophages/microglia. In this report we investigate the effects
      of NG2 on these cell types during spinal cord demyelination/remyelination.
      METHODS: Demyelinated lesions were created by microinjecting 1% lysolecithin into
      the lumbar spinal cord. Following demyelination, NG2 expression patterns in wild
      type mice were studied via immunostaining. Immunolabeling was also used in wild
      type and NG2 null mice to compare the extent of myelin damage, the kinetics of
      myelin repair, and the respective responses of OPCs, pericytes, and
      macrophages/microglia. Cell proliferation was quantified by studies of BrdU
      incorporation, and cytokine expression levels were evaluated using qRT-PCR.
      RESULTS: The initial volume of spinal cord demyelination in wild type mice is
      twice as large as in NG2 null mice. However, over the ensuing 5 weeks there is a
      6-fold improvement in myelination in wild type mice, versus only a 2-fold
      improvement in NG2 null mice. NG2 ablation also results in reduced numbers of
      each of the three affected cell types. BrdU incorporation studies reveal that
      reduced cell proliferation is an important factor underlying NG2-dependent
      decreases in each of the three key cell populations. In addition, NG2 ablation
      reduces macrophage/microglial cell migration and shifts cytokine expression from
      a pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of NG2
      expression leads to decreased proliferation of OPCs, pericytes, and
      macrophages/microglia, reducing the abundance of all three cell types in
      demyelinated spinal cord lesions. As a result of these NG2-dependent changes, the
      course of demyelination and remyelination in NG2 null mice differs from that seen
      in wild type mice, with both myelin damage and repair being reduced in the NG2
      null mouse. These studies identify NG2 as an important factor in regulating
      myelin processing, suggesting that therapeutic targeting of the proteoglycan
      might offer a means of manipulating cell behavior in demyelinating diseases.

PMID- 22078263
TI  - Constraints to universal coverage: inequities in health service use and
      expenditures for different health conditions and providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is need for new information about the socio-economic and
      geographic differences in health seeking and expenditures on many health
      conditions, so to help to design interventions that will reduce inequity in
      utilisation of healthcare services and ensure universal coverage. OBJECTIVES: The
      paper contributes additional knowledge about health seeking and economic burden
      of different health conditions. It also shows the level of healthcare payments in
      public and private sector and their distribution across socioeconomic and
      geographic population groups. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to collect data
      from randomly selected householders from 4,873 households (2,483 urban and 2,390
      rural) in southeast Nigeria. Data was collected on: health problems that people
      had and sought care for; type of care sought, outpatient department (OPD) visits
      and inpatient department (IPD) stays; providers visited; expenditures; and
      preferences for improving access to care. Data was disaggregated by socio
      economic status (SES) and geographic location (urban versus rural) of the
      households. RESULTS: Malaria and hypertension were the major communicable and non
      communicable diseases respectively that required OPD and IPD. Patent medicine
      dealers (PMDs) were the most commonly used providers (41.1%), followed by private
      hospitals (19.7%) and pharmacies (16.4%). The rural dwellers and poorer SES
      groups mostly used low-level and informal providers. The average monthly
      treatment expenditure in urban area was 2444 Naira (US$20.4) and 2267 Naira
      (US$18.9) in the rural area. Higher SES groups and urbanites incurred higher
      health expenditures. People that needed healthcare services did not seek care
      mostly because the health condition was not serious enough or they could not
      afford the cost of services. CONCLUSION: There were inequities in use of the
      different providers, and also in expenditures on treatment. Reforms should aim to
      decrease barriers to access to public and formal health services and also
      identify constraints which impede the equitable distribution and access of public
      health services for the general population especially for poor people and rural
      dwellers.

PMID- 22078262
TI  - SCFIA: a statistical corresponding feature identification algorithm for LC/MS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying corresponding features (LC peaks registered by identical
      peptides) in multiple Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) datasets
      plays a crucial role in the analysis of complex peptide or protein mixtures.
      Warping functions are commonly used to correct the mean of elution time shifts
      among LC-MS datasets, which cannot resolve the ambiguity of corresponding feature
      identification since elution time shifts are random. We propose a Statistical
      Corresponding Feature Identification Algorithm(SCFIA) based on both elution time
      shifts and peak shape correlations between corresponding features. SCFIA first
      trains a set of statistical models, and then, all candidate corresponding
      features are scored by the statistical models to find the maximum likelihood
      solution. RESULTS: We test SCFIA on publicly available datasets. We first compare
      its performance with that of warping function based methods, and the results show
      significant improvements. The performance of SCFIA on replicates datasets and
      fractionated datasets is also evaluated. In both cases, the accuracy is above
      90%, which is near optimal. Finally the coverage of SCFIA is evaluated, and it is
      shown that SCFIA can find corresponding features in multiple datasets for over
      90% peptides identified by Tandem MS. CONCLUSIONS: SCFIA can be used for accurate
      corresponding feature identification in LC-MS. We have shown that peak shape
      correlation can be used effectively for improving the accuracy. SCFIA provides
      high coverage in corresponding feature identification in multiple datasets, which
      serves the basis for integrating multiple LC-MS measurements for accurate peptide
      quantification.

PMID- 22078264
TI  - Differential function of NBS1 and ATR in neurogenesis.
AB  - MRN (MRE11/RAD50/NBS) helps to activate ATM in response to DNA double strand
      breaks (DSBs) and also facilitates ATR activation by catalyzing the formation and
      extension of DNA single strand breaks (SSBs). Mutations of NBS1 and ATR cause
      human genomic instability syndrome NBS and ATR-Seckel, respectively, both of
      which feature neurodevelopmental defects. Whether these two DNA damage response
      components interact to prevent neuropathology is largely unknown. Here we show
      that a deletion of Nbs1 or Atr in the mouse central nervous system (CNS) results
      in neurodevelopmental defects characterized by reduced proliferation and
      increased apoptosis in embryonic brains. In contrast to Nbs1, deletion of Atr
      alone and both Nbs1 and Atr in the CNS causes early postnatal lethality,
      indicating a wider function of Atr. Importantly, deletion of Nbs1 and Atr
      together results in dramatic proliferation defects in neuroprogenitors. Whereas
      most apoptosis in the Nbs1-deleted cortex is restricted to the highly
      proliferating progenitors, Atr knockout induces apoptosis in both proliferating
      and non-proliferating neural cells. Consistently, an inducible deletion of Atr or
      Nbs1-Atr, but not of Nbs1, triggers a p53-independent cell death pathway in
      differentiated neurons, albeit elevated DNA damage in Nbs1 null neurons.
      Altogether, we identify a distinct function of Nbs1 and Atr in neurogenesis,
      namely a specific function of Nbs1 in proliferating neuroprogenitors and of Atr
      in both proliferating and non-dividing cells.

PMID- 22078265
TI  - Adiponectin receptor-1 expression is associated with good prognosis in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is inversely related to BMI, positively correlates with
      insulin sensitivity, and has anti-atherogenic effects. In recent years,
      adiponectin has been well studied in the field of oncology. Adiponectin has been
      shown to have antiproliferative effects on gastric cancer, and adiponectin
      expression is inversely correlated with clinical staging of the disease. However,
      no studies have reported the correlation between serum adiponectin and receptor
      expression with disease progression. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated
      expression levels of 2 adiponectin receptors--AdipoR1 and AdipoR2--and attempted
      to correlate their expression with prognosis in gastric cancer patients. AdipoR1
      and AdipoR2 expression in gastric cancer cell lines (MKN45, TMK-1, NUGC3, and
      NUGC4) was evaluated by western blotting analysis, and the antiproliferative
      potential of adiponectin was examined in vitro. Serum adiponectin levels were
      evaluated in 100 gastric cancer patients, and the expression of AdipoR1 and
      AdipoR2 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: MKN45 and NUGC3
      expressed higher levels of AdipoR1 compared to NUGC4, even though there was no
      significance in AdipoR2 expression. The antiproliferative effect of adiponectin
      was confirmed in MKN45 and NUGC3 at 10 MUg/ml. No significant associations were
      observed between serum adiponectin levels and clinicopathological
      characteristics, but lymphatic metastasis and peritoneal dissemination were
      significantly higher in the negative AdipoR1 immunostaining group (24/32, p =
      0.013 and 9/32, p = 0.042, respectively) compared to the positive AdipoR1 group
      (lymphatic metastasis, 33/68; peritoneal dissemination, 8/68). On the other hand,
      AdipoR2 expression was only associated with histopathological type (p = 0.001).
      In survival analysis, the AdipoR1 positive staining group had significantly
      longer survival rates than the negative staining group (p = 0.01). However,
      multivariate analysis indicated that AdipoR1 was not an independent prognostic
      factor on patient's survival on gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In gastric cancer,
      adiponectin has the possibility to be involved in cell growth suppression via
      AdipoR1. The presence of AdipoR1 could be a novel anticancer therapeutic target
      in gastric cancer.

PMID- 22078266
TI  - FIBTEM provides early prediction of massive transfusion in trauma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prediction of massive transfusion (MT) among trauma patients is
      difficult in the early phase of trauma management. Whole-blood thromboelastometry
      (ROTEM(r)) tests provide immediate information about the coagulation status of
      acute bleeding trauma patients. We investigated their value for early prediction
      of MT. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients admitted to the AUVA
      Trauma Centre, Salzburg, Austria, with an injury severity score >=16, from whom
      blood samples were taken immediately upon admission to the emergency room (ER).
      ROTEM(r) analyses (extrinsically-activated test with tissue factor (EXTEM),
      intrinsically-activated test using ellagic acid (INTEM) and fibrin-based
      extrinsically activated test with tissue factor and the platelet inhibitor
      cytochalasin D (FIBTEM) tests) were performed. We divided patients into two
      groups: massive transfusion (MT, those who received >=10 units red blood cell
      concentrate within 24 hours of admission) and non-MT (those who received 0 to 9
      units). RESULTS: Of 323 patients included in this study (78.9% male; median age
      44 years), 78 were included in the MT group and 245 in the non-MT group. The
      median injury severity score upon admission to the ER was significantly higher in
      the MT group than in the non-MT group (42 vs 27, P < 0.0001). EXTEM and INTEM
      clotting time and clot formation time were significantly prolonged and maximum
      clot firmness (MCF) was significantly lower in the MT group versus the non-MT
      group (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Of patients admitted with FIBTEM MCF 0 to
      3 mm, 85% received MT. The best predictive values for MT were provided by
      hemoglobin and Quick value (area under receiver operating curve: 0.87 for both
      parameters). Similarly high predictive values were observed for FIBTEM MCF (0.84)
      and FIBTEM A10 (clot amplitude at 10 minutes; 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: FIBTEM A10 and
      FIBTEM MCF provided similar predictive values for massive transfusion in trauma
      patients to the most predictive laboratory parameters. Prospective studies are
      needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22078267
TI  - Phyt'Eaux Cites: application and validation of a programme to reduce surface
      water contamination with urban pesticides.
AB  - This paper presents first results of Phyt'Eaux Cites, a program put in place by
      the local water supply agency, the SEDIF (Syndicat des Eaux d'Ile-de-France), in
      collaboration with 73 local authorities, private societies and institutional
      offices (365 km(2)). The challenges included: measurement of the previous surface
      water contamination, control of urban pesticide applications, prevention of
      pesticide hazard on users and finally a overall reduction of surface water
      contamination. An inquiry on urban total pesticide amount was coupled with a
      surface water bi-weekly monitoring to establish the impact of more than 200
      molecules upon the Orge River. For 2007, at least 4400 kg and 92 type of
      pesticides (essentially herbicides) were quantified for all urban users in the
      Phyt'Eaux Cites perimeter. At the outlet of the Orge River (bi-weekly sampling in
      2007), 11 molecules were always detected above 0.1 MUg L(-1). They displayed the
      mainly urban origin of pesticide surface water contamination. Amitrole, AMPA
      (Aminomethyl Phosphonic Acid), demethyldiuron, diuron, glyphosate and atrazine
      were quantified with a 100% of frequency in 2007 and 2008 at the Orge River
      outlet. During the year, peaks of contamination were also registered for MCCP,
      2,4 MCPA, 2,4 D, triclopyr, dichlorprop, diflufenican, active substances used in
      large amount in the urban area. However, some other urban molecules, such as
      isoxaben or flazasulfuron, were detected with low frequency. During late spring
      and summer, contamination patterns and load were dominated by glyphosate,
      amitrole and diuron, essentially applied by cities and urban users. Both
      isoproturon and chlortoluron were quantified during autumn and winter months
      according to upstream agricultural practices. In conclusion, 3 years after the
      beginning of this programme, the cities reduced the use of 68% of the total
      pesticide amount. An improvement on surface water quality was found from 2008 and
      during 2009 for all pesticides. In particular, glyphosate showed a decrease of
      the load above 60% in 2008, partly related to the Phyt'Eaux Cites action.

PMID- 22078268
TI  - Lesser than diabetes hyperglycemia in pregnancy is related to perinatal
      mortality: a cohort study in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes related morbidity increases along the continuum
      of the glycemic spectrum. Perinatal mortality, as a complication of gestational
      diabetes, has been little investigated. In early studies, an association was
      found, but in more recent ones it has not been confirmed. The Brazilian Study of
      Gestational Diabetes, a cohort of untreated pregnant women enrolled in the early
      1990's, offers a unique opportunity to investigate this question. Thus, our
      objective is to evaluate whether perinatal mortality increases in a continuum
      across the maternal glycemic spectrum. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled and
      followed 4401 pregnant women attending general prenatal care clinics in six
      Brazilian state capitals, without history of diabetes outside of pregnancy,
      through to birth, and their offspring through the early neonatal period. Women
      answered a structured questionnaire and underwent a standardized 2-hour 75-g oral
      glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Obstetric care was maintained according to local
      protocols. We obtained antenatal, delivery and neonatal data from hospital
      records. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: We
      ascertained 97 perinatal deaths (67 fetal and 31 early neonatal). Odds of dying
      increased according to glucose levels, statistically significantly so only for
      women delivering at gestational age >=34 weeks (p < 0.05 for glycemia-gestational
      age interaction). ORs for a 1 standard deviation difference in glucose, when
      analyzed continuously, were for fasting 1.47 (95% CI 1.12, 1.92); 1-h 1.55 (95%
      CI 1.15, 2.07); and 2-h 1.53 (95% CI 1.15, 2.02). The adjusted OR for IADPSG
      criteria gestational diabetes was 2.21 (95% CI 1.15, 4.27); and for WHO criteria
      gestational diabetes, 3.10 (95% CI 1.39, 6.88). CONCLUSIONS: In settings of
      limited detection and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus, women across a
      spectrum of lesser than diabetes hyperglycemia, experienced a continuous rise in
      perinatal death with increasing levels of glycemia after 34 weeks of pregnancy.
      Current GDM diagnostic criteria identified this increased risk of mortality.

PMID- 22078269
TI  - MUC1 mucin is expressed on human T-regulatory cells: function in both co
      stimulation and co-inhibition.
AB  - MUC1 mucin, an important protein of epithelial cells and epithelial-derived
      carcinomas, is also expressed on activated T cells, showing both positive and
      negative regulatory functions. It is currently unknown whether MUC1 is a true
      regulatory protein of T cells and what conditions lead to MUC1 co-stimulation
      versus co-inhibition. We have found that MUC1 is expressed on the majority of T
      regulatory cells (CD4(+)/CD25(+)/FoxP3(+)) in humans (>90%) and that CD3/MUC1 co
      stimulation leads to an increased number of T-regulatory cells. We also
      discovered that the immunoregulatory function is dependent upon the number of
      accessory (CD3(-)) cells present, with co-inhibition occurring with <5-10%
      accessory cells while co-stimulation begins with a reconstitution of ~50%
      accessory cells. Co-inhibition was also found to not be the result of the
      apoptosis but a separate and unknown pathway. This data further characterizes
      MUC1 as an immunoregulatory protein of T cells capable of giving a positive or
      negative stimulus.

PMID- 22078270
TI  - The role of PIM kinases in human and mouse CD4+ T cell activation and
      inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - PIM kinases are a family of three serine/threonine kinases expressed following T
      cell activation. Using potent selective small molecule antagonists of PIM-1/3
      kinases, we demonstrate a potential role for these enzymes in naive and effector
      CD4+ T cell activation. PIM-1/3 inhibition prevented CD4+ T cell proliferation by
      inducing a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest without affecting cellular survival. In the
      absence of PIM-1/3 kinase activity, naive CD4+ T cells failed to fully
      differentiate into effector cells both in vitro and in vivo. Therapeutic dosing
      of a PIM-1/3 inhibitor was efficacious in a CD4+ T cell-mediated model of
      inflammatory bowel disease suggesting that PIM-1 and PIM-3 kinase activity
      contributes to sustained disease severity. These results demonstrate that PIM-1/3
      kinases have an important role in CD4+ T cell responses and inhibition of this
      activity may provide a therapeutic benefit in T cell-mediated diseases.

PMID- 22078272
TI  - Effect of walking speed on inter-joint coordination differs between young and
      elderly adults.
AB  - Investigating inter-joint coordination at different walking speeds in young and
      elderly adults could provide insights to age-related changes in neuromuscular
      control of gait. We examined effects of walking speed and age on the pattern and
      variability of inter-joint coordination. Gait analyses of 10 young and 10 elderly
      adults were performed with different self-selected speeds, including a preferred,
      faster, and slower speed. Continuous relative phase (CRP), derived from phase
      planes of two adjacent joints, was used to assess the inter-joint coordination.
      CRP patterns were examined with cross-correlation measures and root-mean-square
      (RMS) differences when comparing ensemble mean curves of the faster or slower
      speed to preferred speed walking. Variability of coordination for each
      participant was assessed with the average value of all standard deviations
      calculated for each data point over a gait cycle from all CRP curves, namely the
      deviation phase (DP). For hip-knee CRP pattern, RMS differences were
      significantly greater between the slower and preferred walking speeds than
      between the faster and preferred walking speeds in young adults, but this was not
      found in elderly adults. Significant group differences in RMS differences and
      cross-correlation measures were detected in hip-knee CRP patterns between the
      slower and preferred walking speeds. No significant walking speed or age effects
      were detected for the knee-ankle CRP. Significant walking speed effects were also
      detected in hip-knee DP values. However, no significant group differences were
      detected for all three speeds. These findings suggested that young and elder
      adults compromise changes of walking speed with different neuromuscular control
      strategies.

PMID- 22078271
TI  - Histamine H(1) receptor signaling regulates effector T cell responses and
      susceptibility to coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis.
AB  - Susceptibility to autoimmune myocarditis has been associated with histamine
      release by mast cells during the innate immune response to coxsackievirus B3
      (CVB3) infection. To investigate the contribution of histamine H(1) receptor
      (H(1)R) signaling to CVB3-induced myocarditis, we assessed susceptibility to the
      disease in C57BL/6J (B6) H(1)R(-/-) mice. No difference was observed in mortality
      between CVB3-infected B6 and H(1)R(-/-) mice. However, analysis of their hearts
      revealed a significant increase in myocarditis in H(1)R(-/-) mice that is not
      attributed to increased virus replication. Enhanced myocarditis susceptibility
      correlated with a significant expansion in pathogenic Th1 and Vgamma4(+)
      gammadelta T cells in the periphery of these animals. Furthermore, an increase in
      regulatory T cells was observed, yet these cells were incapable of controlling
      myocarditis in H(1)R(-/-) mice. These data establish a critical role for
      histamine and H(1)R signaling in regulating T cell responses and susceptibility
      to CVB3-induced myocarditis in B6 mice.

PMID- 22078273
TI  - Biomechanical response of human spleen in tensile loading.
AB  - Blunt splenic injuries are most frequently caused as a result of motor vehicle
      collisions and are associated with high mortality rates. In order to accurately
      assess the risk of automotive related spleen injuries using tools such as finite
      element models, tissue level tolerance values and suitable material models must
      be developed and validated based on appropriate biomechanical data. This study
      presents a total of 41 tension tests performed on spleen parenchyma coupons and
      29 tension tests performed on spleen capsule/parenchyma coupons. Standard dog
      bone coupons were obtained from fresh human spleen and tested within 48 h of
      death. Each coupon was tested once to failure at one of the four loading rates to
      investigate the effects of rate dependence. Load and acceleration data were
      obtained at each of the specimen grips. High-speed video and optical markers
      placed on the specimens were used to measure local displacement. Failure stress
      and strain were calculated at the location of failure in the gage length of the
      coupon. The results of the study showed that both the spleen parenchyma and the
      capsule are rate dependent, with higher loading rates yielding higher failure
      stresses and lower failure strains. The results also show that the failure stress
      of the splenic capsule is significantly greater than that of the underlying
      parenchyma. Overall, this study provides novel biomechanical data that
      demonstrate the rate dependent tissue level tolerance values of human spleen
      tissue in tensile loading, which can aid in the improvement of finite element
      models used to assess injury risk in blunt trauma.

PMID- 22078274
TI  - Axial speed of sound is related to tendon's nonlinear elasticity.
AB  - Axial speed of sound (SOS) measurements have been successfully applied to
      noninvasively evaluate tendon load, while preliminary studies showed that this
      technique also has a potential clinical interest in the follow up of tendon
      injuries. The ultrasound propagation theory predicts that the SOS is determined
      by the effective stiffness, mass density and Poisson's ratio of the propagating
      medium. Tendon stiffness characterizes the tissue's mechanical quality, but it is
      often measured in quasi-static condition and for entire tendon segments, so it
      might not be the same as the effective stiffness which determines the SOS. The
      objectives of the present study were to investigate the relationship between
      axial SOS and tendon's nonlinear elasticity, measured in standard laboratory
      conditions, and to evaluate if tendon's mass density and cross-sectional area
      (CSA) affect the SOS level. Axial SOS was measured during in vitro cycling of 9
      equine superficial digital tendons. Each tendon's stiffness was characterized
      with a tangent modulus (the continuous derivative of the true stress/true strain
      curve) and an elastic modulus (the slope of this curve's linear region). Tendon's
      SOS was found to linearly vary with the square root of the tangent modulus during
      loading; tendon's SOS level was found correlated to the elastic modulus's square
      root and inversely correlated to the tendon's CSA, but it was not affected by
      tendon's mass density. These results confirm that tendon's tangent and elastic
      moduli, measured in laboratory conditions, are related to axial SOS and they
      represent one of its primary determinants.

PMID- 22078275
TI  - Mechanical coupling between transverse plane pelvis and thorax rotations during
      gait is higher in people with low back pain.
AB  - This study investigated whether people with low back pain (LBP) reduce
      variability of movement between the pelvis and thorax (trunk) in the transverse
      plane during gait at different speeds compared to healthy controls. Thirteen
      people with chronic LBP and twelve healthy controls walked on a treadmill at
      speeds from 0.5 to 1.72 m/s, with increments of 0.11 m/s. Step-to-step
      variability of the trunk, pelvis, and thorax rotations were calculated. Step-to
      step deviations of pelvis and thorax rotations from the average pattern (residual
      rotations) were correlated to each other, and the linear regression coefficients
      between these deviations calculated. Spectral analysis was used to determine the
      frequencies of the residual rotations, to infer the relation of reduced trunk
      variability to trunk stiffness and/or damping. Variability of trunk motion
      (thorax relative to pelvis) was lower (P=0.02), covariance between the residual
      rotations of pelvis and thorax motions was higher (P=0.03), and the linear
      regression coefficients were closer to 1 (P=0.05) in the LBP group. Most power of
      segmental residual rotations was below stride frequency (~1 Hz). In this
      frequency range, trunk residual rotations had less power than pelvis or thorax
      residual rotations. These data show that people with LBP had lower variability of
      trunk rotations, as a result of the coupling of deviations of residual rotations
      in one segment to deviations of a similar shape (correlation) and amplitude
      (regression coefficient) in the other segment. These results support the argument
      that people with LBP adopt a protective movement strategy, possibly by increased
      trunk stiffness.

PMID- 22078276
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and sensitivity to tulathromycin in goat
      respiratory bacterial isolates.
AB  - Bacterial pneumonia is a common and often life-threatening respiratory problem in
      both meat and dairy goats. Options for approved antibiotic therapy in goats to
      combat these bacterial infections are severely limited and frequently drugs must
      be used in an extra-label manner. Tulathromycin, a triamilide macrolide
      antimicrobial drug shown to be effective against swine and cattle respiratory
      bacterial agents, has been identified as a potentially useful drug in caprines.
      The present study was conducted to determine the susceptibility of recognized
      bacterial respiratory pathogens to commonly prescribed antimicrobials, with a
      particular emphasis on the efficacy of tulathromycin against these agents.
      Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing using microbroth dilution was
      performed on a collection of 45 Mannheimia haemolytica, 11 Pasteurella multocida,
      and 11 Bibersteinia trehalosi isolates from the lungs of goats with clinical
      pneumonia. To further characterize efficacy of tulathromycin against these
      pathogens, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) testing and kinetic killing
      assays were conducted. Most isolates were susceptible to the antimicrobials
      tested; however, increased resistance as demonstrated by higher MIC values was
      seen in all species to penicillin, in P. multocida to sulfadimethoxine, and in B.
      trehalosi to the tetracyclines. All isolates were susceptible to tulathromycin,
      which demonstrated a high killing efficiency in both bactericidal assays. Results
      of this study indicate that most goat pneumonic bacterial pathogens remain
      susceptible to commonly prescribed antibiotics, although some evidence of
      resistance was seen to certain drugs; and that tulathromycin is highly effective
      against goat respiratory pathogens which could make it a valuable medication in
      this species.

PMID- 22078277
TI  - Pestivirus and alphaherpesvirus infections in Swedish reindeer (Rangifer tarandus
      tarandus L.).
AB  - Herding semi-domesticated reindeer has economic and social value for Sami people
      in the northern territories of Fennoscandia. However, with the intensification of
      reindeer husbandry, interspecies transmission of pathogens between reindeer and
      domestic animals may become a problem, especially for countries such as Sweden,
      Norway, and Finland where pestivirus and alphaherpesvirus have been eradicated in
      domestic ruminants. This study, which included 1158 Swedish reindeer, showed
      relatively high prevalence of antibodies against bovine viral diarrhoea virus
      (BVDV) (32%) and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (53%). Adult animals were more
      often seropositive for BVDV and BoHV-1 (50% and 78%, respectively) than were
      calves (18 and 11%, respectively). While the seroprevalence of alphaherpesvirus
      was similar in different herding districts, pestivirus seropositivity was highest
      in the South and diminished towards the North of the Swedish reindeer herding
      area. High correlation of the seropositivity against both pathogens at both
      individual and herd levels may indicate possible mutual synergetic effects and
      may be explained by the immunosuppressive nature of the viruses. While
      alphaherpesvirus seroprevalence was probably related to putative cervid
      herpesvirus 2 (CvHV-2), the pestivirus infecting reindeer remains undefined. The
      virus neutralisation test of reindeer sera using different pestivirus strains,
      revealed higher titres against Border disease virus strains like 137/4 (BDV-1)
      and Reindeer-1 (BDV-2) than against BVDV-1. However, the virus was not identified
      by real time RT-PCR in any of the samples (n=276) from seronegative reindeers.
      The study showed that pestivirus and alphaherpesvirus infections are endemic in
      the Swedish reindeer population.

PMID- 22078278
TI  - Are postoperative consequences of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell
      lung cancer more severe in elderly patients?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative morbidity
      of patients >=75 years with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy, comparing them to younger patients. METHODS: We
      performed a case-control study over a 5-year period using Epithor, the French
      Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery database, including to date more
      than 160,000 procedures from 103 institutions. We collected prospectively the
      data concerning 1510 patients with NSCLC who underwent preoperative chemotherapy,
      from January 2005 to December 2009. In order to compare patients with similar
      characteristics, we matched the 81 patients >=75 to 81 controls (<75) for gender,
      American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score, Performance Status (PS), Forced
      Expiratory Volume (FEV1) and histological subtype of the tumor. The patients of
      the control group were randomized within the 1429 patients <75 included. Lung
      cancer surgical treatment, post-operative morbidity and mortality rates, and
      length of stay (LOS) were compared between the two age groups. RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in type of resection between the two groups (p=0.07):
      pneumonectomy 15% (n=12) for patients >=75 vs 28% (n=23) for younger patients,
      lobectomy 65% (n=53) vs 54% (n=44), bilobectomy 14% (n=11) vs 6% (n=5) and sub
      lobar resection 4% (n=3) for the two groups. There was no significant difference
      in type of mediastinal lymphadenectomy (p=0.48) between the two age groups.
      Elderly patients presented a more important number of postoperative complications
      (p=0.04) and these ones were more severe (p=0.03). There was no significant
      difference in postoperative mortality with 30-day mortality: 4.9%, n=4, versus
      2.5%, n=2, (p=0.83); 60-day mortality: 6.2%, n=5, versus 2.5%, n=2, (p=0.61); and
      90-day mortality was the same. Hospital LOS was longer for the elderly (14.9
      days, CI95%[12.5;17.4] vs 11.9 days, CI95%[10.7;13.3], p<0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Postoperative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is more important in
      elderly patients. These data should be taken into account when considering the
      interest of preoperative treatment in elderly patients with resectable NSCLC.

PMID- 22078279
TI  - Purification of alginate and feasible production of monoclonal antibodies by the
      alginate-immobilized hybridoma cells.
AB  - Alginate has an extensive usage in the immobilization of many cell types.
      Although they have high biocompatibility, commercial alginates contain various
      degrees of contaminants such as polyphenols, endotoxins and proteins. Thus, these
      alginates show cytotoxicity against sensitive cell types such as hybridoma cells.
      In the studies so far, owing to this fact, commercially purchased high-priced
      ultrapure alginates have been used in the immobilization of hybridoma cells for
      monoclonal antibody production. However in this study, as a novelty, low-priced
      commercial alginate was purified, and then the cultivation of alginate
      immobilized hybridoma cells was performed for feasible monoclonal antibody
      production. Low-priced commercial alginate was purified with a profitability
      ratio of 40%. Then, an optimized immobilization procedure was conducted
      effectively by using the purified alginate. During more than 25 days of
      cultivation, serum concentration was kept low, and approximately 2 times greater
      monoclonal antibody production was achieved, in comparison with its free
      suspended counterpart. The results showed that the efficiency of monoclonal
      antibody production via alginate-immobilized hybridoma cultivation can be
      increased by performing a proved in-house purification method. By shedding light
      on the efficiency of the in-house purification method, the results also indicated
      a feasible way of monoclonal antibody production.

PMID- 22078280
TI  - Influence of mercury exposure on blood pressure, resting heart rate and heart
      rate variability in French Polynesians: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Populations which diet is rich in seafood are highly exposed to
      contaminants such as mercury, which could affect cardiovascular risk factors
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the associations between mercury and blood pressure (BP),
      resting heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) among French Polynesians
      METHODS: Data were collected among 180 adults (>= 18 years) and 101 teenagers (12
      17 years). HRV was measured using a two-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram
      (Holter) and BP was measured using a standardized protocol. The association
      between mercury and HRV and BP parameters was studied using analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) RESULTS: Among teenagers, the high
      frequency (HF) decreased between the 2nd and 3rd tertile (380 vs. 204 ms2, p =
      0.03) and a similar pattern was observed for the square root of the mean squared
      differences of successive R-R intervals (rMSSD) (43 vs. 30 ms, p = 0.005) after
      adjusting for confounders. In addition, the ratio low/high frequency (LF/HF)
      increased between the 2nd and 3rd tertile (2.3 vs. 3.0, p = 0.04). Among adults,
      the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) tended to decrease between the 1st
      and 2nd tertile (84 vs. 75 ms, p = 0.069) after adjusting for confounders.
      Furthermore, diastolic BP tended to increase between the 2nd and 3rd tertile (86
      vs. 91 mm Hg, p = 0.09). No significant difference was observed in resting HR or
      pulse pressure (PP) CONCLUSIONS: Mercury was associated with decreased HRV among
      French Polynesian teenagers while no significant association was observed with
      resting HR, BP, or PP among teenagers or adults.

PMID- 22078281
TI  - [Managment of head and neck cancers during pregnancy].
AB  - The coincidence of malignant disease during pregnancy is uncommon. The incidence
      of cancer in pregnancy has increased, due to the tendency to postpone childbirth
      to an older age. Cancer complicates approximately 0.1% of all pregnancies.
      Managing head and neck cancers during pregnancy requires additional pregnancy
      related understanding of the aetiological effect of pregnancy on cancer,
      knowledge of the direct and indirect effects of cancer on pregnancy, and the
      effect of diagnostic and treatment modalities on pregnancy. The timing of
      treatment is an important determinant on foetal wellbeing. A multidisciplinary
      approach should be adopted to enable parents and clinicians to make the best
      clinical decision. Clinicians must be cognizant with the ethical dilemmas of
      treatment. In head and neck cancers, pregnancy has no effect on maternal
      prognosis when compared to non-pregnant patients matched by age, cancer stage and
      treatment.

PMID- 22078282
TI  - Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to air conduction (AC oVEMP): useful
      in clinical practice?
AB  - Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) and ocular VEMP (oVEMP)
      stimuli can be used to measure otolith function using air (AC) and bone conducted
      (BC) stimuli. Cervical VEMPs reflect saccular function and can be recorded using
      air conduction (AC), whereas oVEMPs reflect probably predominantly utricular
      function. Air- and bone-conducted vibration can be used, because AC oVEMP
      methodology seems to be fast and simple in clinical practice to measure otolith
      function. In this study we discuss the advantages and problems of AC oVEMP
      stimulation. AC oVEMP can be easily and quickly obtained within a few seconds.
      N10 (first negative peak) and p15 (first positive peak) latencies may be used as
      parameters for clinical interpretation but amplitude fluctuations are relatively
      large. For daily clinical use of VEMP visualization in a normogram seems
      feasible. Especially the AC oVEMP methodology (100 dB nHL, tone burst 500 Hz) is
      fast and efficient in clinical practice to measure otolith function,
      predominantly utricular function.

PMID- 22078283
TI  - [Assessment of the efficiency of the auditory training in children with dyslalia
      and auditory processing disorders].
AB  - AIM: To assess effectiveness of the auditory training in children with dyslalia
      and central auditory processing disorders. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Material
      consisted of 50 children aged 7-9-years-old. Children with articulation disorders
      stayed under long-term speech therapy care in the Auditory and Phoniatrics
      Clinic. All children were examined by a laryngologist and a phoniatrician.
      Assessment included tonal and impedance audiometry and speech therapists' and
      psychologist's consultations. Additionally, a set of electrophysiological
      examinations was performed - registration of N2, P2, N2, P2, P300 waves and
      psychoacoustic test of central auditory functions: FPT - frequency pattern test.
      Next children took part in the regular auditory training and attended speech
      therapy. Speech assessment followed treatment and therapy, again psychoacoustic
      tests were performed and P300 cortical potentials were recorded. After that
      statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that application
      of auditory training in patients with dyslalia and other central auditory
      disorders is very efficient. CONCLUSIONS: Auditory training may be a very
      efficient therapy supporting speech therapy in children suffering from dyslalia
      coexisting with articulation and central auditory disorders and in children with
      educational problems of audiogenic origin.

PMID- 22078284
TI  - [Our experience in the treatment advanced neoplasms of floor of the mouth].
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate results of our surgical treatment of
      advanced neoplasms of the floor of the mouth, treated from 2005-2011 in
      Department of Otolaryngology and Department of Plastic Surgery Medical University
      of Gdansk MATERIAL: We analyzed group of 12 patients (aged 36 to 70 years, mean
      55) treated by primary surgical excision of neoplasms of the floor of the mouth
      (with tracheotomy and mandibulotomy) and selective or radical neck dissection
      (uni- or bilateral) in combination with chemoradiotherapy. All patients referees
      with advancement of locoregional disease: primary tumors (T3 or T4) and neck
      metastases (N1 or N2b) Most of the patients required to use free microvascular
      reconstruction with free forearm skin flaps. Histological examinations revealed
      squamous cell carcinoma (11/12) and adenocarcinoma (1/12). RESULTS: Two patients
      die in 1 and 4 months after surgery. Three die from 2 to 3 years after surgery.
      Rest live from 6 month to 6 year after therapy. CONCLUSION: Free forearm skin
      microvascular flap is good (anatomical and functional) for reconstruction for
      large defects after resection neoplasms of the floor of the mouth.

PMID- 22078285
TI  - [Major salivary gland disorders in children and adolescents].
AB  - The aim of this study was a review of 67 children treated for salivary gland
      tumors in the ENT Department Medical University of Gdansk since 1974 to 2008. In
      that group we observed 52 children with tumor of the parotid gland, 13 with tumor
      of submandibular gland and 2 with subligual gland tumors. Tumor-like lesions were
      stated the largest group of tumors and were observed in 33 (49%) of children,
      mainly of chronic sialadenitis (17 cases). Predominant number of tumors was
      observed in scholarship children. The most common symptoms were slow enlargement
      of tumor and swelling of the salivary gland. In the group of benign tumors most
      common was pleomorphic adenoma (19 cases) and in the group of malignant tumors
      most common was clear cell carcinoma (2 cases) and rhabdomyosarcoma (2 cases). In
      this report the authors describe basic epidemiological and clinical data (age,
      sex, duration of symptoms, histological structure of tumor, diagnostic methods,
      methods and results of treatment) and observations connected with differences of
      salivary gland tumors in that group of patients.

PMID- 22078286
TI  - [The analysis of mean arterial pressure and heart rate in patients treated with
      laryngological surgery within pre- and peri- and postoperative periods].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This work aimed to analyse the mean arterial blood pressure (MBP)
      and heart rate (HR) in patients who underwent laryngological surgery within the
      preoperative, perioperative and postoperative periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study covered 502 patients, including 209 women and 293 men, aged 18-85, who were
      divided into 6 groups according to the type of surgery: I - FESS (Functional
      Endoscopic Sinus Surgery), II - septoplasty, III - endoscopic re-operation of the
      paranasal sinuses, IV - microlaryngoscopy, V - tonsillectomy, VI - middle ear
      surgery. Only the patients with BP below 140/90 mmHg and maximum class 2 in the
      ASA scale were qualified for the surgical procedure. On admission, the arterial
      blood pressure was measured and diagnostic investigations like FBC, blood
      grouping determination, coagulogram, ESR, CRP and imaging studies were performed
      in each patient. Every operation was conducted under TIVA. BT and HR were
      monitored during an operation as well as through the four following hours in a
      recovery room. RESULTS: The youngest group of patients with chronic palatine
      tonsillitis showed the lowest pressure values while the oldest studied group
      consisted of patients who were operated due to chronic otitis media and this
      group demonstrated the highest BP values. The patients with treated or untreated
      hypertension should be pharmacologically normalised by an anaesthesiologist.
      However, considerable lowering of BP can often be not possible, contrary to the
      patients with normal BP. CONCLUSIONS: The own experience indicates that
      perioperative lowering of BP, including hypotension, ought to be avoided in
      cardiology patients. The postoperative BP raise, usually accompanied by pain, was
      noticed in the own studies. Therefore, effective analgesic treatment should be
      implemented in a recovery room.

PMID- 22078287
TI  - [The results and toxicity of organ preservation treatment for locoregionally
      advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer].
AB  - The most frequent malignant tumor of the head and neck region is a squamous cell
      cancer of the larynx. Squamous cell cancer of the hypopharynx is diagnosed
      rarely, but it has poorer prognosis than laryngeal cancer. The surgical
      treatment, especially in advanced disease, is a laryngectomy with the definitive
      tracheostomy, what negatively influenced the quality of life. Therefore,
      oncologists have been interested in new alternative methods of conservative
      treatment from many years. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The evaluation of efficacy and
      toxicity of the organ preservation treatment in patients with locally advanced
      laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients with
      diagnosed squamous cell laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer in III and IVa
      clinical status were treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy with intention of
      the organ preservation. Conformal 3D radiotherapy and SIB-IMRT technique was
      applied in all cases. Concomitant chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin in daily
      dose100mg/m(2) given two times during irradiation (1 and 22 day of treatment) or
      once weekly in dose 40mg/m(2). Between January 2004 and November 2008 146
      patients were treated with this method. There were 83 patients diagnosed with
      laryngeal cancer and 62 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer in this group.
      RESULTS: The median follow up is 42 months. Five years overall survival is 75%
      and disease free survivak is 63%. Three years laryngectomy free survival (LFS) is
      82% and 5-years LFS is 76%. This group of patients is alive with larynx
      preservations. In 17.3% patients local recurrence was observed (4.5% regional
      recurrence and 1.8% locoregional). Those patients underwent salvage surgery or
      were treated with palliative chemotherapy. No severe life risking early and late
      complications were observed. Only 7% of patients have required temporary
      tracheostomy because of difficulties in breathing due to larynx edema.
      CONCLUSION: We can conclude that organ preservation treatment is a valuable
      alternative to surgical procedure in patients diagnosed with laryngeal and
      hypopharyngeal cancer in III and IVa clinical status.

PMID- 22078288
TI  - [Fungal rhinosinusitis - still unsolved problem].
AB  - Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease affecting the nose and
      paranasal sinuses. Fungi are considered to be one of the pathogens responsible
      for some kinds of CRS. Fungal rhinosinusitis - the classifications schemes, the
      diagnostic criteria and methods of treatment are still being discussed. 338
      patients underwent the endoscopic sinus surgery due to CRS in the Otolaryngology
      Department of the Medical University of Lodz in the years 2009-2011 (February).
      The histopathological examination revealed fungi only in three patients. The
      authors report three cases of patients with fungal rhinosinustis - the fungal
      ball of the sphenoid sinus in one patients, the fungal ball of the maxillary
      sinus in the second one and non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. The different
      classifications and diagnostic criteria are also presented. Based on the
      publications using updated diagnostic standards and sensitive techniques to
      detect fungi, a higher number of patients can now be diagnosed with fungal
      rhinosinusitis.

PMID- 22078289
TI  - [Diagnostic difficulties of the patient with sinonasal tract tumor; therapeutic
      dilemmas - a case report and up to date review].
AB  - Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignancy unique to the sinonasal tract.
      It arises from the olfactory epithelium and has a tendency to originate from one
      side of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with frequent extension into the
      cranial cavity and orbit. There is a bimodal age distribution between 11 and 20
      years and between 51 and 60 years. ENB accounts for approximately 2-3% of
      intranasal cancers. Due to the non-specific nature of the initial presentation
      and slow growth of the tumor, patients often have a long history before
      diagnosis. Physicians including pathologists are not always aware of distinctive
      features of ENB especially radiographic, histologic and immunohistochemical
      characteristics. Additional difficulty can be the fact that Esthesioneuroblastoma
      can histologically mimic many tumors within the sinonasal tract. We report on a
      38-year-old male patient with a Kadish stage C tumor with frontal lobe invasion.
      The patient underwent a craniofacial resection with a combined head neck and
      neurosurgeon team. After the surgery postoperative radiotherapy was used. The aim
      of this study is to present the natural history of the malignancy, the diagnostic
      process, treatment and prognosis, based on the literature review.

PMID- 22078290
TI  - Histologic abnormalities of placental tissues in Fabry disease: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of
      alpha-galactosidase A, resulting in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide.
      Many women experience symptoms, but the understanding of placental and fetal
      aspects of the disease is limited. We report the pregnancy outcome in and
      placental pathology of a 37-year-old woman with Fabry disease. She became
      pregnant 2 years after starting enzyme replacement therapy and continued therapy
      throughout her pregnancy. At 38 weeks' gestation, she gave birth to a healthy boy
      with the same maternal Fabry mutation. The present case describes more extensive
      placental involvement by Fabry disease than has been previously reported.
      Globotriaosylceramide deposits were found within multiple cell types of the
      placenta, cord, and membranes. Because of the small numbers of cases described in
      the literature for comparison, it remains unclear if placental tissues are also
      targeted by enzyme replacement therapy.

PMID- 22078291
TI  - Relationship between alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase expression and mucin
      phenotype in gastric cancer.
AB  - Alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase controls beta-oxidation of branched-chain
      fatty acid and their derivatives. Many investigators have described alpha
      methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase expression in various neoplasias and their
      precursor lesions. Although there have been a few reports regarding alpha
      methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase expression in gastric neoplasia, these reports did
      not discuss the relationship between alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase
      expression and mucin phenotype. This study analyzed alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A
      racemase expression of gastric carcinomas with regard to mucin phenotype. Alpha
      methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase expression was evaluated in 85 cases of gastric
      biopsies including gastric epithelial neoplasia and nonneoplasia and in 108 cases
      of surgically resected early gastric cancer. In biopsy cases, alpha-methylacyl
      coenzyme A racemase was more highly expressed in neoplasia (69.7%, 23/33) than in
      nonneoplasia (0%, 0/42) (P = .001). Alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase was
      overexpressed in 20.0% (2/10) of cases that were indefinite for neoplasia, and
      the 2 positive cases were ultimately diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. In resected
      cases of early gastric adenocarcinoma, alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase
      expression significantly correlated with mucin phenotype (P = .003), but not with
      tumor progression, histologic classification, or clinicopathologic features.
      Alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase expression was significantly higher in
      intestinal-phenotype carcinoma (90.2%, 37/40) than in gastric-phenotype carcinoma
      (56.3%, 18/31) (P = .006) and also correlated with an increase in CDX2 expression
      (P = .018) and a decrease in MUC5AC expression (P = .048). This tendency was
      observed in all histologic types. Our results indicate that alpha-methylacyl
      coenzyme A racemase is a useful marker for distinguishing gastric neoplasia from
      nonneoplasia even at an early stage. Alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase
      expression is associated with mucin phenotypes of gastric neoplasia, particularly
      with the expression of CDX2 and MUC5AC.

PMID- 22078292
TI  - Efficient alpha, beta-motif finder for identification of phenotype-related
      functional modules.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microbial communities in their natural environments exhibit
      phenotypes that can directly cause particular diseases, convert biomass or
      wastewater to energy, or degrade various environmental contaminants.
      Understanding how these communities realize specific phenotypic traits (e.g.,
      carbon fixation, hydrogen production) is critical for addressing health,
      bioremediation, or bioenergy problems. RESULTS: In this paper, we describe a
      graph-theoretical method for in silico prediction of the cellular subsystems that
      are related to the expression of a target phenotype. The proposed (alpha, beta)
      motif finder approach allows for identification of these phenotype-related
      subsystems that, in addition to metabolic subsystems, could include their
      regulators, sensors, transporters, and even uncharacterized proteins. By
      comparing dozens of genome-scale networks of functionally associated proteins,
      our method efficiently identifies those statistically significant functional
      modules that are in at least alpha networks of phenotype-expressing organisms but
      appear in no more than beta networks of organisms that do not exhibit the target
      phenotype. It has been shown via various experiments that the enumerated modules
      are indeed related to phenotype-expression when tested with different target
      phenotypes like hydrogen production, motility, aerobic respiration, and acid
      tolerance. CONCLUSION: Thus, we have proposed a methodology that can identify
      potential statistically significant phenotype-related functional modules. The
      functional module is modeled as an (alpha, beta)-clique, where alpha and beta are
      two criteria introduced in this work. We also propose a novel network model,
      called the two-typed, divided network. The new network model and the criteria
      make the problem tractable even while very large networks are being compared. The
      code can be downloaded from http://www.freescience.org/cs/ABClique/

PMID- 22078293
TI  - The removal of post-sclerotherapy pigmentation following sclerotherapy alone or
      in combination with crossectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sclerotherapy is a widely used method for the obliteration of blood
      vessels. Hyperpigmentation is a frequent complication that results from
      haemosiderin (FeO) accumulation. Hyperpigmentation and changes in the skin can be
      observed with ultrasound. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      efficacy of hyperpigmentation elimination using an intense pulse light generator
      (IPL) equipped with radio waves (RF) under ultrasonography (US) control. METHODS:
      Twenty-one women with permanent hyperpigmentation (after sclerotherapy or
      crossectomy combined with sclerotherapy) underwent a hyperpigmentation
      eliminating therapy with the use of IPL + RF and were monitored by using US. The
      thicknesses of the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue as well as the
      echogenicities of each layer were assessed. RESULTS: As a result of the therapy,
      a complete regression of hyperpigmentation was achieved in 90.48% of the women,
      and in 9.52% of the women, the therapy led to a reduction in hyperpigmentation
      but did not cause its complete disappearance. An increase in dermal echogenicity
      and a decrease in subcutaneous tissue echogenicity were observed, but there was
      no change in their thicknesses. After the therapy, the ultrasound images of areas
      of previous hyperpigmentation corresponded with images that were characteristic
      of healthy skin. CONCLUSION: IPL + RF therapy is effective for eliminating
      permanent skin hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy. US is also useful in this
      therapeutic method.

PMID- 22078294
TI  - Angioplasty of below-the-elbow arteries in critical hand ischaemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical hand ischaemia (CHI) due to pure below-the-elbow (BTE)
      artery obstruction is a disabling disease and there is still no consensus
      concerning the most appropriate revascularisation strategy. The aim of this study
      was to assess the feasibility, safety and outcomes of percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty (PTA) in the treatment of CHI due to pure BTE artery disease. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (age 62 +/- 11 years; three females) with a
      total of 34 hands affected by CHI (one pain at rest; 18 non-healing ulcer; 15
      gangrene) due to pure BTE artery disease underwent PTA. Most of the patients were
      males with a long history of diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on
      haemodialysis and systemic atherosclerosis. The interosseous artery was free of
      disease in all cases, whereas the radial and ulnar arteries were simultaneously
      involved in 31/34 hands with long stenosis/occlusions (91%; mean length 155 +/-
      64 mm). The technical success rate was 82% (28/34), with only three minor
      complications. In the three cases with a functioning radial arteriovenous
      fistula, we successfully treated the ulnar artery. PTA was unsuccessful in 18%
      (6/34) hands due to inability to cross severely calcified lesions. The hand
      healing rate was 65% (22/34). The predictors of hand healing were PTA technical
      success (odds ratio (OR) 0.5, confidence interval (CI) 0.28-0.88; p <= 0.0001)
      and digital run-off (OR 0.37, CI 0.19-0.71; p <= 0.003). The mean follow-up
      period was 13 +/- 9 months. Six patients (18%) underwent secondary procedures due
      to symptomatic restenosis. In all these cases, a successful re-PTA was performed
      at a mean 6 months after the index procedure, and there were no major procedure
      related events. Ten patients (36%) died during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Angioplasty of BTE vessels for CHI is a feasible and safe procedure with
      acceptable rates of technical success and hand healing. Poor digital run-off due
      to obstructive disease of the digital vessels can reduce the hand-healing rate
      after a successful PTA. Pure isolated BTE vessel disease seems to characterise
      patients with ESRD and diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22078295
TI  - Priming of spatial distance enhances children's creative performance.
AB  - According to construal level theory, psychological distance promotes more
      abstract thought. Theories of creativity, in turn, suggest that abstract thought
      promotes creativity. Based on these lines of theorizing, we predicted that
      spatial distancing would enhance creative performance in elementary school
      children. To test this prediction, we primed spatial distance by presenting 6- to
      9-year-olds with pictures of increasingly distal objects (from their own desk to
      the galaxy) or increasingly proximal objects (from the galaxy to their own desk)
      and then assessed the fluency and originality of their ideas in a creativity
      test. We found, consistent with the hypothesis, that after priming of spatial
      distance, compared with priming of spatial proximity, children were more
      creative, as reflected in higher scores of both fluency and originality. This
      result was not qualified by children's age or gender.

PMID- 22078296
TI  - Cerebral thrombosis complicating Crohn's disease: two cases.
AB  - Cerebrovenous thrombosis is quite rare in infammatory bowel disease. There are
      only a few reports of this association in the literature. We report 2 cases of
      patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who developed cerebral thrombophlebitis
      confirmed by neuroimaging. The first case was a 35-year-old man with a history of
      CD who presented with acute confusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging
      demonstrated a left temporoparietal infarction and thrombosis of the left lateral
      sinus. Coagulation studies showed a marked protein S deficiency. His condition
      improved significantly after initiation of anticoagulant therapy. The second case
      was a 38-year-old woman who was admitted for a sudden loss of consciousness with
      tetraplegia. Brain computed tomography revealed a profound cerebrovenous
      thrombosis. She died within a few days after admission. Inflammatory bowel
      disease carries an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. Although the
      pathogenic mechanisms of this predisposition are unclear, a possible role of
      inherited risk factors for thrombosis in determining this predisposition has been
      suggested. In these cases, both fibrinolysis and coagulation are activated as
      well.

PMID- 22078297
TI  - Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.
AB  - Orchestration of the growth and remodeling of tissues and responses of cells to
      their extracellular environment is mediated by metalloproteinases of the
      Metzincin clan. This group of proteins comprises several families of
      endopeptidases in which a zinc atom is liganded at the catalytic site to three
      histidine residues and an invariant methionine residue. Tissue inhibitors of
      metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are endogenous protein regulators of the matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMPs) family, and also of families such as the disintegrin
      metalloproteinases (ADAM and ADAMTS). TIMPs therefore have a pivotal role in
      determining the influence of the extracellular matrix, of cell adhesion
      molecules, and of many cytokines, chemokines and growth factors on cell
      phenotype. The TIMP family is an ancient one, with a single representative in
      lower eukaryotes and four members in mammals. Although much is known about their
      mechanism of action in proteinase regulation in mammalian cells, less is known
      about their functions in lower organisms. Recently, non-inhibitory functions of
      TIMPs have been identified in mammalian cells, including signaling roles
      downstream of specific receptors. There are clearly still questions to be
      answered with regard to their overall roles in biology.

PMID- 22078298
TI  - Neuroimmune modulation following traumatic stress in rats: evidence for an
      immunoregulatory cascade mediated by c-Src, miRNA222 and PAK1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroimmune modulation following traumatic stress is accompanied by
      cortical upregulation of c-Src expression, but the mechanistic details of the
      potential regulatory link between c-Src expression and immunosuppression have not
      been established. METHODS: We used a combination of techniques to measure
      temporal changes in: (i) the parallel expression of c-Src and microRNA222; (ii)
      levels of PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1); and (iii) the association between PAK1
      and interleukin 1beta signaling, both in cortex of rats following traumatic
      stress and in primary cortical neurons. Techniques included real-time PCR,
      immunoprecipitation, western blotting and subcellular fractionation by
      discontinuous centrifugation. We also measured lymphocyte proliferation and
      natural killer (NK) cell activity. RESULTS: We confirm robust upregulation of c
      Src expression following traumatic stress. c-Src upregulation was accompanied by
      marked increases in levels of miRNA222; other studied miRNAs were not affected by
      stress. We also established that PAK1 is a primary target for miRNA222, and that
      increased levels of miRNA222 following traumatic stress are accompanied by
      downregulation of PAK1 expression. PAK1 was shown to mediate the association of
      IL-1RI with lipid rafts and thereby enhance IL-1 signaling. Detailed analyses in
      cultured neurons and glial cells revealed that PAK1-mediated enhancement of IL
      1RI activation is governed to a large extent by c-Src/miRNA222 signaling; this
      signaling played a central role in the modulation of lymphocyte proliferation and
      NK cell activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that neuroimmune modulation
      following traumatic stress is mediated by a cascade that involves c-Src-mediated
      enhancement of miRNA222 expression and downregulation of PAK1, which in turn
      impairs signaling via IL-1beta/IL1-RI, leading to immunosuppression. The
      regulatory networks involving c-Src/miRNA222 and PAK1/IL-1RI signaling have
      significant potential for the development of therapeutic approaches designed to
      promote recovery following traumatic injury.

PMID- 22078299
TI  - An evolutionary based social rank explanation of why low income predicts mental
      distress: a 17 year cohort study of 30,000 people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper presents a new psychological model of why low income
      increases risk of mental distress. Consistent with evolutionary perspectives on
      disorder, income was predicted to relate to mental distress only through acting
      as an indirect proxy for social rank. METHODS: Participants were part of a
      longitudinal cohort sample of 30,000 people who were representative of the
      British population and who completed measures annually for up to 17 years. Mental
      distress was assessed via the General Health Questionnaire which measures
      anxiety, depression, and general functioning. RESULTS: Both income and the rank
      of the income within the region (and the rank of income within other comparison
      groups, such as similar individuals) predicted current and future distress.
      However, when distress was jointly regressed on income and income rank, only
      income rank remained a significant predictor. LIMITATIONS: The outcome measure
      was self-report (although the predictor was objective). CONCLUSIONS: The results
      support psychosocial rather than material explanations of why income relates to
      distress, and suggest that a concern for social rank is the mechanism through
      which these effects occur. This mechanism is consistent with an evolutionarily
      based "involuntary defeat syndrome" where hard wired responses to low social rank
      increase risk for disorder and the Decision by Sampling model of how people make
      relative judgments. Negative cognitions associated with low social rank
      (particularly defeat and entrapment) may be clinically targetable in both
      prevention and treatment programs to reduce socio-economic mental health
      disparities.

PMID- 22078301
TI  - Response of spermatozoa from the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) to rapid cooling,
      hyperosmotic conditions and dimethylacetamide (DMA).
AB  - Three experiments conducted to improve the survival of emu sperm during
      cryopreservation aimed to: (1) minimize chilling injury during the cooling phase;
      (2) determine the osmotic effects of dimethylacetamide (DMA), sucrose and
      trehalose; and (3) investigate the timing and nature of cryoprotectant toxicity.
      We measured sperm membrane integrity, motility, morphology and egg membrane
      penetration. In Experiment 1, semen diluted 1:1 with a pre-cooled diluent (5
      degrees C) prevented chilling injury. In Experiment 2, semen was diluted with
      DMA, trehalose or sucrose (300-2400mOsm/L) in deionized water. Only added DMA
      decreased the percentage of morphologically normal sperm. The percentage of
      motile sperm was higher with DMA than with the sugars, but membrane intact sperm
      were comparable amongst all cryoprotectants. As for the osmotic effects, the
      percentage of membrane intact sperm decreased with 2400mOsm/L and sperm motility
      decreased with 1200-2400mOsm/L, but sperm morphology was similar at all
      osmolarities. In Experiment 3, sperm membrane integrity, motility and morphology
      were comparable at all DMA osmolarities between sperm equilibrated for 0 and
      15min, and remained unchanged after removal of DMA. We conclude that: (a) loss of
      sperm function during the cooling phase can be avoided by using a diluent
      maintained at 5 degrees C; (b) emu spermatozoa tolerate upto 1400mOsm/L; (c) DMA
      results in a permanent change in sperm morphology when it is dissolved in
      deionized water, but does not alter sperm membrane integrity and motility; and
      (d) equilibration time of sperm with DMA can be less than 10min.

PMID- 22078300
TI  - Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) of brain function during active
      balancing using a video game system.
AB  - Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a portable, non-invasive, brain
      imaging technology that uses low levels of non-ionizing light to record changes
      in cerebral blood flow in the brain through optical sensors placed on the surface
      of the scalp. These signals are recorded via flexible fiber optic cables, which
      allow neuroimaging experiments to be conducted on participants while performing
      tasks such as standing or walking. FNIRS has the potential to provide new
      insights into the evolution of brain activation during ambulatory motor learning
      tasks and standing tasks to probe balance and vestibular function. In this study,
      a 32 channel fNIRS system was used to record blood flow changes in the frontal,
      motor, sensory, and temporal cortices during active balancing associated with
      playing a video game simulating downhill skiing (Nintendo WiiTM; Wii-fitTM).
      Using fNIRS, we found activation of superior temporal gyrus, which was modulated
      by the difficulty of the balance task. This region had been previously implicated
      in vestibular function from other animal and human studies.

PMID- 22078302
TI  - Obstetrical outcome valuations by patients, professionals, and laypersons:
      differences within and between groups using three valuation methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decision-making can be based on treatment preferences of the patient,
      the doctor, or by guidelines based on lay people's preferences. We compared
      valuations assigned by three groups: patients, obstetrical care professionals,
      and laypersons, for health states involving both mother and (unborn) child. Our
      aim was to compare the valuations of different groups using different valuation
      methods and complex obstetric health outcome vignettes that involve both maternal
      and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Patients (n = 24), professionals (n = 30), and
      laypersons (n = 27) valued the vignettes using three valuation methods: visual
      analogue scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and discrete choice experimentation
      (DCE). Each vignette covered five health attributes: maternal health ante partum,
      time between diagnosis and delivery, process of delivery, maternal outcome, and
      neonatal outcome. We used feasibility questionnaires, Generalization theory, test
      retest reliability and within-group reliability to compare the valuation patterns
      between groups and methods. We assessed relative weights from each valuation
      method to test for consistency across groups. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability
      was equal across groups, but different across methods: highest for VAS (ICC =
      0.61-0.73), intermediate for TTO (ICC = 0.24-0.74) and lowest for DCE (kappa =
      0.15-0.37). Within-group reliability was highest in all groups with VAS (ICC =
      0.70-0.73), intermediate with DCE (kappa = 0.56-0.76) and lowest with TTO (ICC =
      0.20-0.66). Effects of groups were smaller than effects of methods. Differences
      between groups were largest for severe health states. CONCLUSION: Based on our
      results, decision making among laypersons should use TTO or DCE; patients should
      use VAS or TTO.

PMID- 22078303
TI  - Association study of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies using several hundred thousand
      anonymous markers present limited statistical power. Alternatively, association
      studies restricted to common nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (nsSNPs) have the advantage of strongly reducing the multiple testing problem,
      while increasing the probability of testing functional single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS: We performed a case-control association study of
      common nsSNPs in Galician (northwest Spain) samples using the Affymetrix GeneChip
      Human 20k cSNP Kit, followed by a replication study of the more promising
      results. After quality control procedures, the discovery sample consisted of 5100
      nsSNPs at minor allele frequency >5% analyzed in 476 schizophrenia patients and
      447 control subjects. The replication sample consisted of 4069 cases and 15,128
      control subjects of European origin. We also performed multilocus analysis, using
      aggregated scores of nsSNPs at liberal significance thresholds and cross
      validation procedures. RESULTS: The 5 independent nsSNPs with false discovery
      rate q <= .25, as well as 13 additional nsSNPs at p < .01 and located in
      functional candidate genes, were genotyped in the replication samples. One SNP,
      rs13107325, located at the metal ions transporter gene SLC39A8, reached
      significance in the combined sample after Bonferroni correction (trend test, p =
      2.7 * 10(-6), allelic odds ratio = 1.32). This SNP presents minor allele
      frequency of 5% to 10% in many European populations but is rare outside Europe.
      We also confirmed the polygenic component of susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: Taking
      into account that another metal ions transporter gene, SLC39A3, is associated to
      bipolar disorder, our findings reveal a role for brain metal homeostasis in
      psychosis.

PMID- 22078304
TI  - Human proteome analysis by using reversed phase monolithic silica capillary
      columns with enhanced sensitivity.
AB  - We have developed one-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      systems with meter-scale reversed phase monolithic silica-C18 capillary columns
      for human proteome analysis. When tryptic peptides from 4 MUg HeLa cell lysate
      proteins were directly injected onto a 4-m, 100 MUm i.d. monolithic silica-C18
      column and an 8-h gradient was applied at 500 nL/min, 41,319 non-redundant
      tryptic peptides from 5,970 proteins were successfully identified from
      quadruplicate measurements; this is the best result yet reported without the use
      of exhaustive pre-fractionation. Because separation efficiency in the 4-m long
      monolithic column system (8-h gradient, 26,805 peptides identified on average)
      was much higher than that in a 15-cm long, conventional particle-packed column
      system (65-min gradient, 10,183 peptides identified), ion suppression caused by
      co-elution of peptides was drastically reduced, resulting in a 5-fold improvement
      in MS responses on average. However, we did not observe dynamic range extension
      for the identified human peptides, whereas 78-fold extension was observed in our
      previous analysis of the Escherichia coli proteome (Anal. Chem., 82 (2010) 2616).
      This was probably because the current analytical technologies are still not
      adequate to allow acquisition of MS/MS spectra for detected precursor ions from
      highly complex human peptide mixtures, even though MS sensitivity was enhanced by
      the improved separation in this LC system. More efficient LC separation and
      faster MS/MS scanning are still needed for complete human proteome analysis.

PMID- 22078305
TI  - The offline combination of thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid
      chromatography with diode array detection and micrOTOF-Q mass spectrometry for
      the separation and identification of spinochromes from sea urchin
      (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) shells.
AB  - Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with off-line high-performance liquid
      chromatography coupled to diode array detection and micrOTOF-Q mass spectrometry
      (HPLC-DAD-MS) resulted in the successful fractionation, separation and
      identification of spinochrome pigments from sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus
      droebachiensis) shells. Two fractions of pigments were separated by TLC and
      eluted with methanol using a TLC-MS interface. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the
      fractions indicated the presence of six sea urchin pigments: spinochrome monomers
      B and D, three spinochrome dimers (anhydroethylidene-6,6'-bis(2,3,7
      trihydroxynaphthazarin) and its isomer and ethylidene-6,6'-bis(2,3,7
      trihydroxynaphthazarin)), and one pigment that was preliminary identified as a
      spinochrome dimer with the structural formula C(22)H(16)O(16).

PMID- 22078306
TI  - Management of perioperative endoleaks during endovascular treatment of juxta
      renal aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evolution of stentgraft and vascular imaging technologies allows
      endovascular treatment (ET) of juxta-renal aneurysms (JRA). However, endoleaks
      rates and implants stability are not well documented. The aim of this study was
      to report the incidence and the perioperative treatment of the endoleaks
      occurring during ET for JRA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and April
      2010, a total of 957 treated aneurysms were prospectively collected in a
      database. ET cases for JRA were selected from this database. Pre- and
      postoperative imaging was retrospectively analyzed to determine the incidence,
      localization, and treatment of the endoleaks detected following this technique.
      RESULTS: The series included 50 patients (5%; age, 73 +/- 12 years; 44 men). Mean
      diameter was 60 +/- 12 mm. The ET included 38 fenestrated and/or branched
      endografts and 12 endografts implanted according to the chimney technique. One
      hundred and forty-three target vessels were perfused. Immediately after endograft
      deployment, angiography showed endoleaks in 15 patients (30%): 11 type Ia, 1 type
      II, and 3 type III endoleaks. These endoleaks were treated by aortic endograft
      modeling and/or stenting in 11 patients, and by placing an aortic extension in
      two patients. Despite modeling, two patients had a persistent type Ia endoleak
      and were respectively treated by placing a Palmaz stent and by performing
      proximal embolization. Despite these procedures, completion angiography showed
      five residual endoleaks (10%): two type Ia, two type II, and one type III.
      Immediate postoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography showed endoleaks in
      13 patients (28%): six type I, six type II, and one mixed type II/III. Among
      these 13 patients, on the initial angiography, nine presented with an endoleak,
      three with a type II and one with a type Ib. Early mortality (<30 days) was 8%
      (four patients). With a mean follow-up of 12 months, (range, 1-42), six patients
      presented with a persisting endoleak (four type II, one type Ia, and one multiple
      type). Aneurysm growth (>=5 mm) was reported in two patients (4%), and nine
      secondary endovascular procedures were performed to treat these endoleaks.
      CONCLUSION: Endoleaks are frequent during ET of JRA. They are treated not only
      according to their type but also according to the implant characteristics
      (fenestrated or chimney). Although most endoleaks can be perioperatively treated
      with simple endovascular means, treatment of persisting type Ia endoleaks remains
      challenging.

PMID- 22078307
TI  - Positive selection on a bacterial oncoprotein associated with gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a vertically inherited gut commensal that is
      carcinogenic if it possesses the cag pathogenicity island (cag PaI); infection
      with H.pylori is the major risk factor for gastric cancer, the second leading
      cause of death from cancer worldwide (WHO). The cag PaI locus encodes the cagA
      gene, whose protein product is injected into stomach epithelial cells via a Type
      IV secretion system, also encoded by the cag PaI. Once there, the cagA protein
      binds to various cellular proteins, resulting in dysregulation of cell division
      and carcinogenesis. For this reason, cagA may be described as an oncoprotein. A
      clear understanding of the mechanism of action of cagA and its benefit to the
      bacteria is lacking. RESULTS: Here, we reveal that the cagA gene displays strong
      signatures of positive selection in bacteria isolated from amerindian
      populations, using the Ka/Ks ratio. Weaker signatures are also detected in the
      gene from bacteria isolated from asian populations, using the Ka/Ks ratio and the
      more sensitive branches-sites model of the PAML package. When the cagA gene
      isolated from amerindian populations was examined in more detail it was found
      that the region under positive selection contains the EPIYA domains, which are
      known to modulate the carcinogenicity of the gene. This means that the
      carcinogenicity modulating region of the gene is undergoing adaptation. The
      results are discussed in relation to the high incidences of stomach cancer in
      some latin american and asian populations. CONCLUSION: Positive selection on cagA
      indicates antagonistic coevolution between host and bacteria, which appears
      paradoxical given that cagA is detrimental to the human host upon which the
      bacteria depends. This suggests several non-exclusive possibilities; that gastric
      cancer has not been a major selective pressure on human populations, that cagA
      has an undetermined benefit to the human host, or that horizontal transmission of
      H.pylori between hosts has been more important in the evolution of H.pylori than
      previously recognized, reducing the selective pressure to lower the pathogenicity
      of the bacteria. The different patterns of adaptation of the gene in different
      human populations indicates that there are population specific differences in the
      human gut environment - due either to differences in host genetics or diet and
      other lifestyle features.

PMID- 22078308
TI  - [Preliminary validation of the Simulap((r)) physical simulator and its assessment
      system for laparoscopic surgery].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our aim is to assess the face and content validities of the
      physical simulator Simulap((r)), as well as the construct validity of its
      assessment method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five novice surgeons (G1) and five
      experts (G2) performed seven basic tasks and one suturing exercise on
      Simulap((r)), which were assessed through an exam based on mistakes and
      performance time. Face and content validations were carried out by novice
      surgeons and expert surgeons, respectively. Both validations consisted of a
      questionnaire graded on a five-point scale about the Simulap((r)) and its tasks.
      Construct validity of the assessment system was determined by comparing the
      scores of both groups. RESULTS: Surgeons rated the Simulap((r)) simulator and its
      training program positively, obtaining an average score of 4+/-1.1 for G1 and of
      4.9+/-0.6 for G2. G2 considered training on Simulap((r)) very useful for the
      training of residents and surgeons, obtaining a maximum score of 5. G2
      outperformed G1 in all task scores, with statistically significant differences in
      the eye-hand coordination (G1: 52.2+/-6.7 vs. G2: 39.6+/-6.5; P=.027), dissection
      (G1: 301.8+/-100.2 vs. G2: 150.8+/-66.7; P=.028) and suturing exercises (G1:
      258.5+/-87.0 vs. G2: 108.4+/-20.2; P=.009). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment method
      for Simulap((r)) is able to distinguish different levels of experience in
      laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, this simulator showed a great acceptance by
      surgeons for the learning of basic skills.

PMID- 22078309
TI  - Emergency medical dispatch - more than merely sending the ambulance!

PMID- 22078310
TI  - Early human dispersals into the Iberian Peninsula: a comment on Martinez et
      al.(2010) and Garcia et al. (2011).
AB  - Garcia et al. (2011) recently discussed early human dispersals into the Iberian
      Peninsula, describing several putative lithic artifacts (Martinez et al., 2010)
      recovered from layer 7 of the Vallpara dissection (Madurell-Malapeira et al.,
      2010) in Terrassa (Valles-Penedes Basin, Catalonia, Spain). According to the
      authors' opinion, such evidence (1) fills a gap in the chronology of early human
      occupation in Iberia, (2) indicates that these populations had primary and early
      access to carcasses, and (3) confirms that early human populations were equipped
      with advanced cultural traits enabling them to survive in unfavourable climatic
      conditions. We argue below that the record of human activity at Vallparadis
      (Martinez et al., 2010;Garcia et al., 2011) is doubtful and even that if
      confirmed, a chronological gap would remain (contra Garcia et al., 2011).
      Additional remarks on assertions by these authors on the Vallparadis geology,
      taphonomy and paleonvironment are also provided.

PMID- 22078311
TI  - The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of management strategies for
      sciatica: systematic review and economic model.

PMID- 22078312
TI  - Exact score distribution computation for ontological similarity searches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Semantic similarity searches in ontologies are an important component
      of many bioinformatic algorithms, e.g., finding functionally related proteins
      with the Gene Ontology or phenotypically similar diseases with the Human
      Phenotype Ontology (HPO). We have recently shown that the performance of semantic
      similarity searches can be improved by ranking results according to the
      probability of obtaining a given score at random rather than by the scores
      themselves. However, to date, there are no algorithms for computing the exact
      distribution of semantic similarity scores, which is necessary for computing the
      exact P-value of a given score. RESULTS: In this paper we consider the exact
      computation of score distributions for similarity searches in ontologies, and
      introduce a simple null hypothesis which can be used to compute a P-value for the
      statistical significance of similarity scores. We concentrate on measures based
      on Resnik's definition of ontological similarity. A new algorithm is proposed
      that collapses subgraphs of the ontology graph and thereby allows fast score
      distribution computation. The new algorithm is several orders of magnitude faster
      than the naive approach, as we demonstrate by computing score distributions for
      similarity searches in the HPO. It is shown that exact P-value calculation
      improves clinical diagnosis using the HPO compared to approaches based on
      sampling. CONCLUSIONS: The new algorithm enables for the first time exact P-value
      calculation via exact score distribution computation for ontology similarity
      searches. The approach is applicable to any ontology for which the annotation
      propagation rule holds and can improve any bioinformatic method that makes only
      use of the raw similarity scores. The algorithm was implemented in Java, supports
      any ontology in OBO format, and is available for non-commercial and academic
      usage under: https://compbio.charite.de/svn/hpo/trunk/src/tools/significance/

PMID- 22078314
TI  - Loss of air sacs improved hominin speech abilities.
AB  - In this paper, the acoustic-perceptual effects of air sacs are investigated.
      Using an adaptive hearing experiment, it is shown that air sacs reduce the
      perceptual effect of vowel-like articulations. Air sacs are a feature of the
      vocal tract of all great apes, except humans. Because the presence or absence of
      air sacs is correlated with the anatomy of the hyoid bone, a probable minimum and
      maximum date of the loss of air sacs can be estimated from fossil hyoid bones.
      Australopithecus afarensis still had air sacs about 3.3 Ma, while Homo
      heidelbergensis, some 600 000 years ago and Homo neandethalensis some 60 000
      years ago, did no longer. The reduced distinctiveness of articulations produced
      with an air sac is in line with the hypothesis that air sacs were selected
      against because of the evolution of complex vocal communication. This relation
      between complex vocal communication and fossil evidence may help to get a firmer
      estimate of when speech first evolved.

PMID- 22078313
TI  - Reduction of post-surgical pericardial adhesions using a pig model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-surgical pericardial adhesions pose an increased risk of
      complications during redo sternotomies. Adhesive tissue formation is a normal
      response to tissue injury and involves complex patho-physiological processes
      including the actions of prostaglandins to cause plasma leakage and fibrin
      formation. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of two non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (Indomethacin and Rofecoxib) and a barrier
      (Coseal, a polyethylene glycol) to limit adhesion formation following cardiac
      surgery in a pig model. METHODS: Forty-four piglets were allocated equally to
      four treatment groups: Group 1: Control, Group 2: intramuscular Indomethacin,
      Group 3: oral Rofecoxib and Group 4: Coseal sprayed on the heart. A full median
      sternotomy was performed on each animal and the heart exposed. Adhesions were
      induced by rubbing tissues with gauze, applying sutures and leaving blood in the
      pericardial sac before chest closure. Plasma inflammatory markers including
      prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane B(2) were measured preoperatively and on Days
      2, 5 and 10 after surgery. Eight animals from each group were slaughtered after
      12 weeks and 3 after 25 weeks. Adhesions were assessed macroscopically and
      microscopically. RESULTS: Compared to the Control group, the extent of adhesions
      was significantly less in all other groups whilst adhesion density was least in
      the Indomethacin and Coseal groups. Indomethacin and less so Rofecoxib, inhibited
      the synthesis of prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane B(2) but there were no
      significant changes in other inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that
      systemic Indomethacin, and locally applied Coseal are suitable methods to
      markedly reduce pericardial and retrosternal adhesions.

PMID- 22078315
TI  - An introduction to the special section on application of leading pretreatments to
      switchgrass by the Biomass Refining Consortium for Applied Fundamentals and
      Innovation (CAFI).

PMID- 22078318
TI  - Differential expression of FCRLA in naive and activated mouse B cells.
AB  - FCRLA is an intracellular B cell protein that belongs to the FcR-like family.
      Using newly generated FCRLA-specific antibodies, we studied the constitutive
      expression pattern of mouse FCRLA and monitored changes during an immune response
      and following in vitro B cell activation. All B cell subpopulations examined
      expressed FCRLA. However, the level of FCRLA expression is determined by the
      stage of B cell differentiation. Low expression of FCRLA is characteristic of
      naive follicular and marginal zone B cells. High expression was detected in a
      small fraction of activated B cells scattered along migratory pathways in the
      lymphoid tissues. FCRLA-bright cells could be subdivided into two subpopulations,
      with high and low/undetectable level of intracellular immunoglobulins, which
      phenotypically resemble either plasma or memory B cells. High expression of FCRLA
      in subset(s) of terminally differentiated B-cells suggests that, being an ER
      protein, FCRLA may participate in the regulation of immunoglobulin assembly and
      secretion.

PMID- 22078316
TI  - Papillomavirus E5: the smallest oncoprotein with many functions.
AB  - Papillomaviruses (PVs) are established agents of human and animal cancers. They
      infect cutaneous and mucous epithelia. High Risk (HR) Human PVs (HPVs) are
      consistently associated with cancer of the uterine cervix, but are also involved
      in the etiopathogenesis of other cancer types. The early oncoproteins of PVs: E5,
      E6 and E7 are known to contribute to tumour progression. While the oncogenic
      activities of E6 and E7 are well characterised, the role of E5 is still rather
      nebulous. The widespread causal association of PVs with cancer makes their study
      worthwhile not only in humans but also in animal model systems. The Bovine PV
      (BPV) system has been the most useful animal model in understanding the oncogenic
      potential of PVs due to the pivotal role of its E5 oncoprotein in cell
      transformation. This review will highlight the differences between HPV-16 E5
      (16E5) and E5 from other PVs, primarily from BPV. It will discuss the targeting
      of E5 as a possible therapeutic agent.

PMID- 22078319
TI  - Overlapping and distinct roles of GRK5 in TLR2-, and TLR3-induced inflammatory
      response in vivo.
AB  - G-protein coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5) is a recently described NFkappaB
      regulator in TLR4 signaling pathway. To determine whether the role of GRK5 is
      MyD88- or TRIF-dependent, we injected wild type and GRK5 knockout mice with
      Pam3CSK4 (MyD88-dependent TLR1/2 ligand) and Poly(I:C) (TRIF-dependent TLR3
      ligand) and examined the in vivo systemic inflammatory response. Our results
      demonstrate that GRK5 regulates IL-12p40 and G-CSF via a mechanism that is common
      to both MyD88 and TRIF. However, GRK5 regulates IL-5 and MCP-1 in a MyD88
      dependent but TNFalpha in a TRIF-dependent manner. Together, our results
      demonstrate multiple roles of GRK5 in TLR signaling.

PMID- 22078320
TI  - Gender effect on in vitro lymphocyte subset levels of healthy individuals.
AB  - Differences in gender immune response have resulted in differences in immune
      protection and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. Cultured peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) are widely used in immunomodulation studies, yet the
      influence of gender is usually not considered. We examined the effect of in vitro
      culture and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation on PBMC lymphocyte subsets
      using flowcytometry. Full blood counts of whole blood showed higher levels of
      lymphocyte in male subjects. Lymphocyte subsets enumeration revealed higher NK
      cell counts in males and higher B cells in females. Cultured PBMC resulted in
      significant increases in B and total T cell percentages among females and NK
      cells among males. PHA stimulated significantly increased percentages of NK and
      total T cells in males and total activated T cells (CD69+) in females. Our
      results showed significant gender differences in lymphocyte subsets in cultured
      conditions. This may affect experimental outcome.

PMID- 22078322
TI  - A ten-year radiologic comparison of two-all polyethylene glenoid component
      designs: a prospective trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aseptic glenoid component loosening remains a common problem in total
      shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). This study presents long-term prospective follow-up
      of 2 cemented all-polyethylene glenoid components with different backside design
      geometry and the effect on the presence and progression of radiolucent lines
      (RLLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six TSAs were performed for primary
      osteoarthritis. Two surgeons used an identical technique to implant 32 flat-back
      and 24 convex-back glenoids. In particular, the glenoid components were cemented
      after a minimal reaming and bone compaction. Standardized postoperative
      radiologic and clinical follow-up was at 2 and 10 years. Three independent
      observers evaluated the x-ray images for RLLs around the base plate and keel. The
      results were analyzed for progression and influencing factors. RESULTS: At 10
      years, progression of RLL was seen in both components, but there was no
      difference between the 2 glenoid designs (P = .16). Younger patient age (P =
      .03), hand dominance (P = .017), and presence of early RLLs (P = .018) were
      significant factors for progression of RLLs. Constant scores deteriorated with
      progression of RLLs (P = .006). The glenoid revision rate at 10 years was 5%.
      CONCLUSION: At 10 years there was no difference in the presence or progression of
      RRLs between a flat-back and a convex-back glenoid all-polyethylene design. Young
      age, hand dominance, and poor implantation technique influence glenoid RLLs and
      affect the clinical result of TSA.

PMID- 22078323
TI  - Implant sonication for the diagnosis of prosthetic elbow infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infection is a potentially devastating complication of
      elbow arthroplasty, associated with formation of microbial biofilm on the implant
      surface. The definitive microbiologic diagnosis of periprosthetic infection after
      elbow arthroplasty may be difficult to establish. Our study aim was to compare
      the diagnostic accuracy of conventional periprosthetic tissue culture and culture
      of fluid derived from vortexing and bath sonication of the explanted hardware (a
      biofilm-sampling strategy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing revision
      elbow arthroplasty at our institution between July 2007 and July 2010, from each
      of whom 2 or more periprosthetic tissue cultures and 1 implant sonicate culture
      were obtained, were studied. A standardized definition of orthopedic implant
      associated infection was applied. RESULTS: We identified 27 subjects with aseptic
      failure and 9 with prosthetic elbow infection. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most
      common underlying disorder. The Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis was the most common
      type of implant used. The sensitivities of implant sonicate and periprosthetic
      tissue culture were 89% and 55%, respectively (P = .18), and the specificities
      were 100% and 93%, respectively (P = .16). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (n =
      7) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 2) were isolated in cases of infection.
      CONCLUSION: Culture of the implant by sonication is at least as sensitive as
      periprosthetic tissue culture to detect prosthetic elbow infection.

PMID- 22078324
TI  - Treatment of proximal humeral dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica with custom
      hemiarthroplasty: a case report.

PMID- 22078325
TI  - The emerging NDM carbapenemases.
AB  - Carbapenems were the last beta-lactams retaining near-universal anti-Gram
      negative activity, but carbapenemases are spreading, conferring resistance. New
      Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) enzymes are the latest carbapenemases to be
      recognized and since 2008 have been reported worldwide, mostly in bacteria from
      patients epidemiologically linked to the Indian subcontinent, where they occur
      widely in hospital and community infections, and also in contaminated urban
      water. The main type is NDM-1, but minor variants occur. NDM enzymes are present
      largely in Enterobacteriaceae, but also in non-fermenters and Vibrionaceae.
      Dissemination predominantly involves transfer of the blaNDM-1 gene among
      promiscuous plasmids and clonal outbreaks. Bacteria with NDM-1 are typically
      resistant to nearly all antibiotics, and reliable detection and surveillance are
      crucial.

PMID- 22078326
TI  - Burn resuscitation.
AB  - Fluid resuscitation following burn injury must support organ perfusion with the
      least amount of fluid necessary and the least physiological cost. Under
      resuscitation may lead to organ failure and death. With adoption of weight and
      injury size-based formulas for resuscitation, multiple organ dysfunction and
      inadequate resuscitation have become uncommon. Instead, administration of fluid
      volumes well in excess of historic guidelines has been reported. A number of
      strategies including greater use of colloids and vasoactive drugs are now under
      investigation to optimize preservation of end organ function while avoiding
      complications which can include respiratory failure and compartment syndromes.
      Adjuncts to resuscitation, such as antioxidants, are also being investigated
      along with parameters beyond urine output and vital signs to identify endpoints
      of therapy. Here we briefly review the state-of-the-art and provide a sample of
      protocols now under investigation in North American burn centers.

PMID- 22078327
TI  - Role and expression of FRS2 and FRS3 in prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: FGF receptor substrates (FRS2 and FRS3) are key adaptor proteins that
      mediate FGF-FGFR signalling in benign as well as malignant tissue. Here we
      investigated FRS2 and FRS3 as a means of disrupting global FGF signalling in
      prostate cancer. METHODS: FRS2 and FRS3 manipulation was investigated in vitro
      using over-expression, knockdown and functional assays. FRS2 and FRS3 expression
      was profiled in cell lines and clinical tumors of different grades. RESULTS: In a
      panel of cell lines we observed ubiquitous FRS2 and FRS3 transcript and protein
      expression in both benign and malignant cells. We next tested functional
      redundancy of FRS2 and FRS3 in prostate cancer cells. In DU145 cells, specific
      FRS2 suppression inhibited FGF induced signalling. This effect was not apparent
      in cells stably over-expressing FRS3. Indeed FRS3 over-expression resulted in
      enhanced proliferation (p = 0.005) compared to control cells. Given this
      functional redundancy, we tested the therapeutic principle of dual targeting of
      FRS2 and FRS3 in prostate cancer. Co-suppression of FRS2 and FRS3 significantly
      inhibited ERK activation with a concomitant reduction in cell proliferation (p <
      0.05), migration and invasion (p < 0.05). Synchronous knockdown of FRS2 and FRS3
      with exposure to cytotoxic irradiation resulted in a significant reduction in
      prostate cancer cell survival compared to irradiation alone (p < 0.05).
      Importantly, this synergistic effect was not observed in benign cells. Finally,
      we investigated expression of FRS2 and FRS3 transcript in a cohort of micro
      dissected tumors of different grades as well as by immunohistochemistry in
      clinical biopsies. Here, we did not observe any difference in expression between
      benign and malignant biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest functional
      overlap of FRS2 and FRS3 in mediating mitogenic FGF signalling in the prostate.
      FRS2 and FRS3 are not over-expressed in tumours but targeted dual inhibition may
      selectively adversely affect malignant but not benign prostate cells.

PMID- 22078328
TI  - Assessment and analysis of non-point source nitrogen and phosphorus loads in the
      Three Gorges Reservoir Area of Hubei Province, China.
AB  - Eutrophication due to non-point source (NPS) of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)
      has become a serious pollution problem in many Chinese rivers. In this paper, the
      export coefficient model (ECM) was used to assess the influence of NPS on N and P
      loading to the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) of Hubei Province, People's
      Republic of China. Data from the main non-point sources were analyzed from 1995
      to 2007, including rural domestic wastes, distributed livestock farms,
      fertilizers and soil erosion. Additionally, the potential N and P loading from
      NPS originated from a variety of sources were estimated and analyzed from 1995 to
      2007, including runoff from rural domestic waste, livestock farms, land use, and
      atmospheric deposition, using the ECM. These gave the temporal distributions of
      the potential NPS loads within the reservoir area. The results indicated that the
      potential total nitrogen (TN) load was much higher than the potential total
      phosphorus (TP) load. The calculated TN load was 2.83*10(4) tonnes, while the TP
      load was 2.14*10(3) tonnes in 2007, with a ratio of TN/TP of 13.23. Record shows
      that "algae blooms" occurred 8 times in TGRA that year. Therefore, there may be a
      correlation between the eutrophication potential in the inlet water of TGRA and
      the TN/TP ratio of potential NPS loads. These findings demonstrate that the
      export coefficient model could provide a simple and reliable approach to evaluate
      the potential N and P loading to the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of Hubei
      Province in the People's Republic of China and may be useful for the planning and
      management of the local agricultural watersheds.

PMID- 22078329
TI  - Influence of urban shapes on environmental noise: a case study in Aracaju-Brazil.
AB  - This paper discusses the results of a study about the influence of urban shapes
      on environmental noise in the city of Aracaju (Brazil). The study, which involved
      in situ measurements and acoustic simulations using SoundPLAN software, began
      with an analysis of the current acoustic scenario, followed by the creation and
      simulation of hypothetical scenarios in as yet unoccupied sectors of the region
      under study. The acoustic modeling and simulations were based on measurements of
      equivalent-continuous sound pressure level, LAeq, and vehicle flow data, and on
      the region's geometrics. The results reveal that the physical characteristics of
      the urban shape, such as construction density, the existence of open spaces, and
      the shape and physical position of buildings exert a significant influence on
      environmental noise.

PMID- 22078330
TI  - Sediment-adsorbed total mercury flux through Yolo Bypass, the primary floodway
      and wetland in the Sacramento Valley, California.
AB  - The fate and transport of mercury are of critical concern in lowland floodplains
      and wetlands worldwide, especially those with a history of upstream mining that
      increases the mobility of both dissolved and sediment-bound Hg in watersheds. A
      mass budget of total mercury (THg) quantifies sources and storage for particular
      areas - knowledge that is required for understanding of management options in
      lowland floodplains. In order to assess contaminant risk in the largest flood
      control bypass, prime wetland, and restoration target in the Sacramento River
      basin, we estimated empirical relationships between THg, suspended sediment
      concentration (SSC), and streamflow (Q) for each of the major inputs and outputs
      using data from various publicly available sources. These relationships were
      improved by incorporating statistical representations of the dynamics of seasonal
      and intra-flood exhaustion (hysteresis) of sediment and mercury. Using continuous
      records of Q to estimate SSC suspended sediment flux and SSC to estimate THg
      flux, we computed the net transfer of sediment-adsorbed mercury through the Yolo
      Bypass over a decade, 1993-2003. Flood control weirs spilling Sacramento River
      floodwaters into the bypass deliver ~75% of the water and ~50% of the river's
      suspended sediment load, while one Coast Range tributary of the bypass, Cache
      Creek, contributes twice the THg load of the mainstem Sacramento. Although
      estimated sediment flux entering Yolo Bypass is balanced by efflux to the
      Sacramento/San Francisco Bay-Delta, there is much evidence of deposition and
      remobilization of sediment in Yolo Bypass during flooding. These factors point to
      the importance of the bypass as sedimentary reservoir and as an evolving
      substrate for biogeochemical processing of heavy metals. The estimates of mercury
      flux suggest net deposition of ~500 kg in the 24,000 ha floodway over a decade,
      dominated by two large floods, representing a storage reservoir for this
      important contaminant.

PMID- 22078332
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes in bladder pain syndrome: qui auget dolorem, auget et
      scientiam (as pain increases, so increases knowledge).

PMID- 22078333
TI  - Preoperative prostate-specific antigen isoform p2PSA and its derivatives, %p2PSA
      and prostate health index, predict pathologic outcomes in patients undergoing
      radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently available predictive models fail to assist clinical
      decision making in prostate cancer (PCa) patients who are possible candidates for
      radical prostatectomy (RP). New biomarkers would be welcome. OBJECTIVE: Test the
      hypothesis that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform p2PSA and its derivates,
      percentage of p2PSA to free PSA (%p2PSA) and the Prostate Health Index (PHI),
      predict PCa characteristics at final pathology after RP. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: An observational prospective study was performed in 350 consecutive
      men diagnosed with clinically localised PCa who underwent RP. MEASUREMENTS: We
      determined the predictive accuracy of serum total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA),
      fPSA-to-tPSA ratio (%fPSA), p2PSA, %p2PSA, and PHI. The primary end point was to
      determine the accuracy of these biomarkers in predicting the presence of pT3
      disease, pathologic Gleason sum>=7, Gleason sum upgrading, and tumour volume<0.5
      ml. INTERVENTION: Open retropubic and robot-assisted laparoscopic RP was
      performed. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed according to baseline oncologic
      parameters and the surgeon's judgement. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The %p2PSA and
      PHI levels were significantly higher in patients with pT3 disease, pathologic
      Gleason sum>=7, and Gleason sum upgrading (all p values<0.001). Conversely,
      %p2PSA and PHI levels were significantly lower in patients with tumour volume<0.5
      ml (p<0.001). By univariate analysis, both %p2PSA and PHI were accurate
      predictors of pT3 disease, pathologic Gleason sum>=7, Gleason sum upgrading, and
      tumour volume<0.5 ml. By multivariate analyses, the inclusion of both %p2PSA and
      PHI significantly increased the predictive accuracy of a base multivariate model
      (excluding the tumour volume prediction for both variables, and Gleason sum
      upgrading for the model including %p2PSA) that included patient age, tPSA, fPSA,
      f/tPSA, clinical stage, and biopsy Gleason sum. CONCLUSIONS: We found that p2PSA
      and its derivatives are predictors of PCa characteristics at final pathology
      after RP and are more accurate than currently available markers.

PMID- 22078334
TI  - Residual tumor size and IGCCCG risk classification predict additional vascular
      procedures in patients with germ cell tumors and residual tumor resection: a
      multicenter analysis of the German Testicular Cancer Study Group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residual tumor resection (RTR) after chemotherapy in patients with
      advanced germ cell tumors (GCT) is an important part of the multimodal treatment.
      To provide a complete resection of residual tumor, additional surgical procedures
      are sometimes necessary. In particular, additional vascular interventions are
      high-risk procedures that require multidisciplinary planning and adequate
      resources to optimize outcome. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to identify parameters
      that predict additional vascular procedures during RTR in GCT patients. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 402 GCT
      patients who underwent 414 RTRs in 9 German Testicular Cancer Study Group (GTCSG)
      centers. Overall, 339 of 414 RTRs were evaluable with complete perioperative data
      sets. MEASUREMENTS: The RTR database was queried for additional vascular
      procedures (inferior vena cava [IVC] interventions, aortic prosthesis) and
      correlated to International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG)
      classification and residual tumor volume. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In 40 RTRs,
      major vascular procedures (23 IVC resections with or without prosthesis, 11
      partial IVC resections, and 6 aortic prostheses) were performed. In univariate
      analysis, the necessity of IVC intervention was significantly correlated with
      IGCCCG (14.1% intermediate/poor vs 4.8% good; p=0.0047) and residual tumor size
      (3.7% size < 5 cm vs 17.9% size >= 5 cm; p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis,
      IVC intervention was significantly associated with residual tumor size >= 5 cm
      (odds ratio [OR]: 4.61; p=0.0007). In a predictive model combining residual tumor
      size and IGCCCG classification, every fifth patient (20.4%) with a residual tumor
      size >= 5 cm and intermediate or poor prognosis needed an IVC intervention during
      RTR. The need for an aortic prosthesis showed no correlation to either IGCCCG
      (p=0.1811) or tumor size (p=0.0651). CONCLUSIONS: The necessity for IVC
      intervention during RTR is correlated to residual tumor size and initial IGCCCG
      classification. Patients with high-volume residual tumors and intermediate or
      poor risk features must initially be identified as high-risk patients for
      vascular procedures and therefore should be referred to specialized surgical
      centers with the ad hoc possibility of vascular interventions.

PMID- 22078335
TI  - Re: Guillaume Ploussard, Alexandre de la Taille, Younes Bayoud, et al. The risk
      of upstaged disease increases with body mass index in low-risk prostate cancer
      patients eligible for active surveillance. Eur Urol 2012;61:356-62.

PMID- 22078336
TI  - How do you know if you are any good? A surgeon performance feedback system for
      the outcomes of radical prostatectomy.

PMID- 22078337
TI  - Prospective randomised controlled trial comparing trigone-sparing versus trigone
      including intradetrusor injection of abobotulinumtoxinA for refractory idiopathic
      detrusor overactivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A is effective for treatment of idiopathic detrusor
      overactivity (IDO). The trigone is generally spared because of the theoretical
      risk of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), although studies assessing injection sites
      are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate efficacy and safety of trigone-including versus
      trigone-sparing intradetrusor injections of abobotulinumtoxinA in patients with
      IDO. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients from one centre were
      randomised to trigone-including or trigone-sparing injections. INTERVENTION:
      Injection of 500 U abobotulinumtoxinA diluted to 20ml into 20 trigone-including
      or trigone-sparing sites. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was total
      overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) at 6 wk. The OABSS questionnaire was
      completed at 0, 6, 12, and 26 wk. Baseline and postinjection urodynamic studies
      and micturating cystourethrograms were performed. Baseline values and subsequent
      time points were compared by t test. A mixed-effect model was used for repeated
      measures in time. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: For symptom scores at baseline
      compared with scores at 6 wk postinjection, the mean total OABSS improved from
      22.4 to 8.7 (p<0.001) in the trigone-including group compared with 22.7 to 13.4
      (p<0.03) in the trigone-sparing group. The difference in mean change from
      baseline was 4.4 points in favour of the trigone-including group (p=0.03). The
      total OABSS at 12 and 26 wk and the urgency subscale scores at 6, 12, and 26 wk
      showed significant improvement in favour of the trigone-including group. Mean
      postvoid residual volumes and clean intermittent self-catheterisation rates
      between the two groups were similar. No patients developed VUR. Performing
      injections under general anaesthetic was a limitation, as tolerability under
      local anaesthetic was not assessed. A further limitation is the lack of a trigone
      only arm. CONCLUSIONS: Trigone-including injections are superior to trigone
      sparing injections for the treatment of refractory IDO and did not cause VUR in
      this study.

PMID- 22078338
TI  - Updated nomogram predicting lymph node invasion in patients with prostate cancer
      undergoing extended pelvic lymph node dissection: the essential importance of
      percentage of positive cores.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few predictive models aimed at predicting the presence of lymph node
      invasion (LNI) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with extended
      pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) are available to date. OBJECTIVE: Update a
      nomogram predicting the presence of LNI in patients treated with ePLND at the
      time of radical prostatectomy (RP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study
      included 588 patients with clinically localised PCa treated between September
      2006 and October 2010 at a single tertiary referral centre. INTERVENTION: All
      patients underwent RP and ePLND invariably including removal of obturator,
      external iliac, and hypogastric nodes. MEASUREMENTS: Prostate-specific antigen,
      clinical stage, and primary and secondary biopsy Gleason grade as well as
      percentage of positive cores were included in univariable (UVA) and multivariable
      (MVA) logistic regression models predicting LNI and formed the basis for the
      regression coefficient-based nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) method was
      used to quantify the predictive accuracy (PA) of the model. RESULTS AND
      LIMITATIONS: The mean number of lymph nodes removed and examined was 20.8
      (median: 19; range: 10-52). LNI was found in 49 of 588 patients (8.3%). All
      preoperative PCa characteristics differed significantly between LNI-positive and
      LNI-negative patients (all p<0.001). In UVA predictive accuracy analyses,
      percentage of positive cores was the most accurate predictor of LNI (AUC: 79.5%).
      At MVA, clinical stage, primary biopsy Gleason grade, and percentage of positive
      cores were independent predictors of LNI (all p<=0.006). The updated nomogram
      demonstrated a bootstrap-corrected PA of 87.6%. Using a 5% nomogram cut-off, 385
      of 588 patients (65.5%) would be spared ePLND. and LNI would be missed in only 6
      patients (1.5%). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value
      associated with the 5% cut-off were 87.8%, 70.3%, and 98.4%, respectively. The
      relatively low number of patients included as well as the lack of an external
      validation represent the main limitations of our study. CONCLUSIONS: We report
      the first update of a nomogram predicting the presence of LNI in patients treated
      with ePLND. The nomogram maintained high accuracy, even in more contemporary
      patients (87.6%). Because percentage of positive cores represents the foremost
      predictor of LNI, its inclusion should be mandatory in any LNI prediction model.
      Based on our model, those patients with a LNI risk<5% might be safely spared
      ePLND.

PMID- 22078340
TI  - Mesoporous hollow spheres from soap bubbling.
AB  - The smaller and more stable bubbles can be generated from the large parent
      bubbles by rupture. In the presence of a bubble blowing agent, hollow spheres can
      be prepared by bubbling a silica sol. Herein, the trapped gas inside the bubble
      acts as a template. When the porogen, i.e., other surfactant, is introduced, a
      mesostructured shell forms by the co-assembly with the silica sol during sol-gel
      process. Morphological evolution emphasizes the prerequisite of an intermediate
      interior gas flow rate and high exterior gas flow rate for hollow spheres. The
      method is valid for many compositions from inorganic, polymer to their
      composites.

PMID- 22078339
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted preparation and characterization of crystalline cellulose
      ionic liquid blend polymeric material: a prelude to the study of its application
      toward the effective adsorption of chromium.
AB  - The molecular interaction of biopolymers with an array of substrates offers
      interesting insight into the adsorption phenomenon. The present work proposes the
      preparation and characterization of cellulose-methyltrioctylammonium chloride
      (MeTOACl)-a room temperature ionic liquid (IL) blend polymeric sorbent and its
      application for the adsorption of carcinogenic chromium(VI). The blend adsorbent
      material was synthesized in a relatively green solvent (methylisobutylketone)
      medium by ultrasonication. The mechanism of interaction of biopolymer with the
      ionic liquid could be conceptualized as electrostatic attraction, hydrogen
      bonding, and Van der Waals force of attraction with the hydroxyl groups of
      cellulose as a bilayer assembly. The composition, crystallinity, and the surface
      area of the prepared material were comprehensively characterized using FT-IR,
      solid-state (13)C NMR, TGA, XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS, and BET isotherm study. The
      adsorption capacity of chromium(VI) calculated from Langmuir isotherm model was
      found to be 38.94 mg g(-1) with adherence to the second-order kinetics. The study
      of thermodynamic parameters that affect the sorption process indicated the
      spontaneity and exothermic nature of adsorption. The green aspect in the
      methodology is brought out in the regeneration of the adsorbent, where Cr(VI)
      could be effectively reduced to the less toxic Cr(III) using ascorbic acid.

PMID- 22078341
TI  - Advances in information and communication technology (ICT): issues, challenges
      and opportunities for health care professionals.

PMID- 22078342
TI  - Thoracic epidural anaesthesia for open cholecystectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative pain relief and vomiting and the length
      of hospital stay in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy under general
      anaesthesia versus those receiving thoracic epidural anaesthesia. STUDY DESIGN:
      Quasi experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Combined Military
      Hospital, Skardu, from February 2009 to July 2010. METHODOLOGY: American Society
      of Anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status (PS) I and II patients of either gender
      undergoing un-complicated open cholecystectomy were randomly divided into two
      groups, group 1 (n=51) received general anaesthesia (GA) and group 2 (n=49)
      received thoracic epidural anaesthesia (EA). Patients of both the groups were
      assessed for postoperative pain, vomiting and length of hospital stay. Chi-square
      test was applied to compare the two groups and obtain the p-value. P-value of
      less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Thirty six patients of GA
      group did not require additional analgesics for postoperative pain relief;
      however, injection Ketorolac had to be administered to 15 patients (29.4%) for
      pain relief in the postoperative period. Two patients (4.1%) in the EA group
      required additional analgesic during that period. Eleven patients (21.5%) in the
      GA group had postoperative vomiting. In the EA group only 1 patient (2%) had
      postoperative vomiting. Patients in EA group had better postoperative pain relief
      (p = 0.001) and remained free from vomiting than the GA group (p = 0.003). Thirty
      six patients (70.5%) of the GA group and 34 patients (69.4%) in the EA group were
      discharged within 36 hours postoperatively (p = 0.896). CONCLUSION: The use of
      intra-operative epidural anaesthesia combined with postoperative epidural
      analgesia was found to be associated with reduction in the postoperative pain and
      vomiting in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy.

PMID- 22078343
TI  - Personal and social factors regarding medical non-compliance in cardiac failure
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and association of various personal and
      social factors with medical non-compliance in cardiac failure patients. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:
      National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi from January to
      August 2010. METHODOLOGY: Patients admitted in the medical wards of NICVD, who
      were being treated for cardiac failure, were included. Information regarding
      basic demographics, education level, self engagement in therapy and status of
      compliance was obtained by questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out by
      using Fisher's exact test and chi-square. Level of significance was < 0.05. Data
      was analyzed using SPSS V-15. RESULTS: Out of 267 patients, 73 (27.3%) were
      compliant while 194 (72.7%) were non-compliant. Educated, self caring patient,
      and those who knew names of their medications were more compliant than the rest.
      CONCLUSION: Medical non-compliance is very common in heart failure patients.
      Illiteracy and no self engagement in therapy are associated with non-compliance.

PMID- 22078344
TI  - Factors associated with tobacco smoking among 6-10 grade school students in an
      urban Taluka of Sindh.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors related to tobacco smoking among students of
      grade 6-10 in an urban setting in Sindh, Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted in public and
      private schools of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, from January 2008 to June 2009.
      METHODOLOGY: A sample of 501 students from grade 6-10 were selected through
      simple random sampling and probability proportional to size. Students answered to
      a pre-tested questionnaire on sociodemography and tobacco use. Descriptive
      statistics were used to determine frequency distribution. RESULTS: About 9% of
      the students were smoking some form of tobacco. Ten percent had tried cigarette
      smoking and about 80% and 61% were chewing Areca nuts and 'Paan' (concoction of
      Areca nuts, tobacco, hydrated lime, herbs and spices wrapped in betel leaf. Being
      old, male gender, peer influence, personal attitude toward future smoking,
      chewing 'Gutka' (concoction of tobacco, Areca nuts and hydrated lime) and having
      a more educated mother was associated with greater frequency of smoking any form
      of tobacco. CONCLUSION: High frequency of tobacco smoking, the attitude toward
      tobacco consumption and a very high consumption of Areca nuts and other chewable
      tobacco products by the children warrants urgent action in order to control the
      tobacco epidemic in Pakistan.

PMID- 22078345
TI  - Efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate as an adjuvant therapy in cirrhotic patients
      with hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) as an
      adjuvant therapy in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). STUDY
      DESIGN: Randomized placebo controlled study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga
      Khan University Hospital, Karachi in the year 2003-2004. METHODOLOGY: Patients
      with HE were randomized to receive LOLA or placebo medicine as an adjuvant to
      treatment of HE. Number connection test-A (NCT-A), ammonia level, clinical grade
      of HE and duration of hospitalization were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 120
      patients, there were 62 males with mean age of 57 +/- 11 years. Improvement in HE
      was higher (n=40, 66.7%) in LOLA group as compared to the placebo group (n=28,
      46.7%, p=0.027). In patients with grade I or less encephalopathy, improvement was
      seen in 6 (35.3%) and 3 (20%) patients in LOLA and placebo groups respectively
      (p=0.667). Patients with HE grade II and above showed improvement in 34 (79.1%)
      and 25 (55.6%) cases in LOLA and placebo group respectively (p=0.019). On
      multivariate analysis patients with HE of grade II and above showed prothrombin
      time, creatinine level and use of LOLA influencing the outcome. Duration of
      hospitalization was 93.6 +/- 25.7 hours and 135.2 +/- 103.5 hours in LOLA and
      placebo groups respectively (p=0.025). No side effects were observed in either
      groups. CONCLUSION: In cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatic encephalopathy
      treatment with LOLA was safe and associated with relatively rapid improvement and
      shorter hospital stay.

PMID- 22078346
TI  - Surgical management of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms secondary to drug abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of surgical management of mycotic false
      aneurysms due to local injury after intravenous injection of drugs. STUDY DESIGN:
      Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Surgery, Kerman Medical
      School of Sciences, Kerman, Iran, from July 2001 to June 2009. METHODOLOGY:
      Twenty one consecutive patients presenting with infected femoral artery
      pseudoaneurysms (IFAPs) secondary to parenteral drug abuse treated in our
      department were studied. Data analyzed included demographic characteristics,
      modes of presentation, side of involvement, management and outcome. RESULTS: All
      patients were male with mean age of 32.2 +/- 5.2 years. All presented with pain
      and swelling in the groin. Five patients presented with significant hemorrhage.
      The locations were the left side in 9 cases and the right side in 12 cases. The
      injured artery was the common femoral artery and its bifurcation. In 14 patients
      (64%), ligation-excision was carried out. In 5 patients (26%), primary repair of
      the artery with over-sewing was done. In 2 patients (10%), revascularization with
      saphenous interposition was carried out. Below-knee amputation was necessary in 1
      patient who underwent ligationexcision. One patient died due to severe
      septicemia. CONCLUSION: Ligation of IFAPs is an effective, safe and simple
      option. Primary repair with preservation of the native vessel is suggested if
      infection is limited.

PMID- 22078347
TI  - Ocular digital massage for the management of post- trabeculectomy underfiltering
      blebs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ocular digital massage (ODM) in
      the management of underfiltering blebs after trabeculectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi
      experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Glaucoma Clinic of Al-Shifa
      Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2007 to November 2008. METHODOLOGY:
      ODM was performed 3-4 times daily in 20 eyes having intraocular pressure (IOP)
      above the target level after trabeculectomy. Equal number of eyes with
      satisfactory IOP after trabeculectomy were taken as controls. Both groups were
      evaluated at 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Mean IOP,
      frequency of complications and required number of IOP lowering medicines in both
      groups were compared using 't' test. RESULTS: Massage group had a significantly
      higher mean IOP than the control group before the initiation of massage (p <
      0.001). After initiating ODM, there were no significant differences in the mean
      IOP of two groups at 1 week (p = 0.421), 3 weeks (p = 0.073), 6 weeks (p =
      0.575), 3 months (p = 0.071), 6 months (p = 0.085) and 9 months (p = 0.369). The
      difference in terms of required number of IOP lowering medicines (p = 0.075) and
      complication rates (p = 0.411) was also not significant. CONCLUSION: ODM is an
      effective method for controlling IOP after trabeculectomy, and thus contributes
      to long-term surgical success with an acceptable risk / benefit ratio.

PMID- 22078348
TI  - BRCA1 status in Pakistani breast cancer patients with moderate family history.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine BRCA1 status in breast carcinoma patients of Pakistani
      origin. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The
      Oncology Clinics of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, between May 2005
      and December 2009. METHODOLOGY: Fifty three breast cancer patients based on
      clinical and laboratory diagnosis were recruited for this study. Moderate family
      history was defined as having a close relative (mother, daughter, sister)
      diagnosed with breast cancer under 45 years. Peripheral blood samples were
      collected from each patient in a 5 ml tube containing EDTA as anticoagulant.
      Subsequent to DNA extraction, mutational analysis of BRCA1 exons 2, 5, 6, 16, 20
      and 22 was carried out using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay
      while protein truncation test (PTT) was used to examine mutations in exon 11. All
      BRCA1 sequence variants were confirmed by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Twenty-three
      patients were diagnosed with early onset breast cancer, 30 patients had moderate
      family history. At the time of diagnosis, the median age of enrolled patients was
      39 years (range 24-65 years). Out of 53 patients, analyzed by SSCP assay,
      mobility shift was detected in exon 6, 16 and 20 of three patients, whereas one
      patient was tested positive for mutation in exon 11 by PTT assays. All patients
      with BRCA1 mutations were further confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis. In exon
      16 c.4837A > G was confirmed, which is a common polymorphism reported in several
      populations including Asians. Moreover, mutations in exon 6 (c.271T > G), exon 20
      (c.5231 delG) and exon 11 (c.1123 T > G) were reported first time in the
      Pakistani population. CONCLUSION: Several BRCA1 mutations were observed in
      Pakistani breast cancer patients with moderate family history. Therefore,
      mutation-based genetic counselling for patients with moderate family history can
      facilitate management, if one first or second degree relative or early onset
      disease is apparent.

PMID- 22078349
TI  - Clinical applicability of variations in arch dimensions and arch forms among
      various vertical facial patterns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare dental arch dimensions and arch forms in various vertical
      facial patterns. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND
      DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from June 2007 to
      May 2008. METHODOLOGY: Cases of age ranging 13-30 years were reviewed having full
      complement of teeth (upto second permanent molars) with less than 7 mm crowding.
      Exclusion criteria included presence of dental anomalies, previous dentoalveolar
      surgery, trauma or orthodontic treatment and craniofacial syndromes. One hundred
      cases including 40 normodivergent, 30 hypodivergent and 30 hyperdivergent facial
      patterns were selected. Occlusograms were made and various arch dimensions were
      measured. Arch forms were calculated according to ratios of three sagittal to
      three transverse dimensions. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 21 years and
      5 months. Significant differences in arch dimensions were found only in maxillary
      total arch length (p=0.03) and mandibular posterior intermolar width (p=0.04).
      Wide lower arches were predominant in all face types. Wide upper arches were
      predominant only in hypo- and hyperdivergent subjects. CONCLUSION: Statistically
      significant difference in arch dimensions was found only in maxillary total arch
      length and mandibular posterior intermolar width. A non-linear relationship was
      found between arch length and arch width. Wide lower arches were predominant in
      all face types whereas wide upper arches were predominant in hypo- and
      hyperdivergent subjects.

PMID- 22078350
TI  - The burnt child: an epidemiological profile and outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiologic pattern and outcome of childhood burns
      by finding the presenting features of the burn victims, causes / circumstances of
      burn injury, involvement of body area, need for hospitalization, duration of
      hospital stay and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF
      STUDY: The Burns Care Centre (BCC), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
      (PIMS), Islamabad, from January 2008 to June 2010. METHODOLOGY: All children of
      either gender with burn injuries who were managed at the centre after primarily
      presenting to the study centre were included. Children over 15 years were
      excluded. Lund and Browder chart was used to calculate the total body surface
      area (TBSA) burnt. Children with extensive and critical burns, high voltage
      electric burns and those needing any surgical interventions were admitted for
      indoor management. Data were recorded on a proforma. RESULTS: A total of 1725
      children were included in the study. Out of those, 66.84% (n=1153) were males and
      33.15% (n=572) were females. The mean age was 5.04 +/- 2.78 years. Majority
      (67.47%) of children were aged 3-6 years. Scalds were the commonest burns
      (70.31%). Household environment was the commonest site of acquisition of burns
      (91.47%). Winter was the most frequent season of sustaining burn injury (63%).
      The commonest anatomic regions affected were hands / upper limbs (65.68%).
      Overall the affected mean TBSA was 9.37 +/- 9.61 %, while for the hospitalized
      children it was 27.07 +/- 10.84%. Two hundred and ninety seven children (17.21%)
      were admitted. The mean hospital stay was 15.59 +/- 5.61 days. The mortality rate
      was 9.09% for the hospitalized children and 1.56% for the entire study sample.
      CONCLUSION: Male gender, age of 3-6 years and winter season were found to have an
      increased frequency of childhood burns. Scalds were the commonest type of
      injuries, and hands/ upper limbs were the most frequently affected body parts.
      There is a need to revisit the health care system and institute focused burn
      prevention strategies consistent with our local circumstances.

PMID- 22078351
TI  - Mortality in meconium aspiration syndrome in hospitalized babies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of the babies in terms of mortality with the
      diagnosis of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). STUDY DESIGN: An observational
      study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Neonatal Unit of Services Institute of
      Medical Sciences and Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from February 2008 to
      January 2009. METHODOLOGY: All the babies admitted to the neonatal unit during
      the period of study with the diagnosis of MAS were included. At admission,
      demographic, maternal, antenatal and natal data were recorded on a specific form.
      The progress of the baby, including need for ventilation, medications,
      complications and outcome were also followed and documented. RESULTS: One hundred
      and nine babies admitted with MAS, 32% died. Most of the babies (n=73) were
      admitted from our obstetrical unit and the rest through the emergency department.
      Majority (60 of 109) were admitted within the 1st hour of life. Most (14 of 15)
      of the newborns requiring intubation within 1st hour of life, died. Forty four
      babies were ventilated and 35 of these babies succumbed. Of ventilated babies, 11
      developed pneumothoraces. Seventy two percent (13 out of 18) of expired babies
      stayed for less than 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Mortality rate for MAS was higher in
      the study group as compared to international figures. It was especially high in
      babies requiring mechanical ventilation in 1st hour of life or with co-existing
      severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

PMID- 22078352
TI  - Right sided single coronary artery origin: surgical interventions without
      clinical consequences.
AB  - Congenital coronary anomalies are uncommon and are usually diagnosed incidentally
      during coronary angiogram or autopsy. Isolated coronary artery anomalies and the
      anomalous origin of left main stem (LMS) from the proximal portion of the right
      coronary artery or from the right sinus of valsalva are extremely rare. A 68
      years old woman with atypical chest pains was referred for risk assessment for
      the general anaesthesia. A stress exercise treadmill test and myocardial
      perfusion scan revealed evidence of mild myocardial ischemia. Her coronary
      angiography revealed her left coronary artery to have a single origin with the
      right coronary artery. There were no flowlimiting lesions. A CT aortography
      confirmed a retro-aortic course of the left coronary artery. She successfully
      underwent multiple surgical procedures under general anaesthesia including total
      abdominal hysterectomy, Burch colposuspension (twice) for stress incontinence,
      intravesical botox injection for urge incontinence and haemorrhoidectomy for
      recurrent rectal mucosal prolapse. Various anaesthetic agents including
      halothane, thiopentone, suxamethonium, pancuronium, enflurane, fentanyl, propofol
      and isoflurane were used without any adverse clinical consequences. She remained
      well on 48 months follow-up.

PMID- 22078353
TI  - Paraurethral leiomyoma.
AB  - Vaginal leiomyoma is a rare solid tumour with a variable presentation that can
      lead to pre-operative misdiagnosis. Local recurrence and transformation into
      sarcoma are also rare and surgical excision is recommended. Here, we present the
      case of a 23-year-old woman with a painless vaginal mass associated with severe
      dyspareunia since marriage (2 months ago) and dysmenorrhoea. She underwent
      surgery by vaginal route and histological findings confirmed a leiomyoma. After 2
      months, the patient was disease-free and symptoms disappeared.

PMID- 22078354
TI  - Lingual tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis is a common disease in developing countries like Pakistan. Although
      it can involve almost any region of the body, some presentations are still very
      rare. This is a case report of a 36 years old male with tuberculous lesion on the
      tongue presenting as a lump. Patient also had disseminated disease. There are
      very few cases reported of this rare presentation across the globe.

PMID- 22078355
TI  - Amyloidosis of the nasopharynx: an unexpected cause of unilateral middle ear
      effusion.
AB  - Amyloidosis is an idiopathic disease that is characterized by the extracellular
      deposition of fibrillar proteins. The disease can be categorized as primary or
      secondary where deposits occur in conjunction with chronic diseases such as
      rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis. The deposits can be localized or
      systemically distributed. It can mimic, and also be associated with underlying
      malignancy. Primary amyloidosis is a rare cause of a nasopharyngeal lesion, and
      less so of a secondary middle ear effusion. Its association with underlying
      chronic and malignant disease must not be over-looked if serious complications
      are to be avoided. It is, therefore, important to consider this as a differential
      diagnosis in such patients.

PMID- 22078356
TI  - Digital gangrene in end-stage renal disease.
AB  - Ischemic complications presenting as digital gangrene occurring in a patient of
      end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis is rarely reported in
      literature. We report one such case of dry gangrene of a single finger in a 53
      years old male undergoing haemodialysis. The condition was likely a steal
      phenomenon secondary to the surgical angioaccess for dialysis.

PMID- 22078357
TI  - Zygodactyly with thumb aplasia: an unusual variant in a male subject.
AB  - This is a presentation of a male subject with unusual combination of limb
      malformations. The subject had unilateral zygodactyly of the left foot with thumb
      aplasia in the right hand. Further, the webbing between second and third toes was
      complete culminating in osseous fusion of the terminal phalanges and valgus
      deviation of the affected digits of the foot. The nails were also involved but
      had separate origins. In the right hand, first digital ray was observed to be
      completely omitted. There was aplasia of certain carpals while the radius showed
      minimal clinical symptoms. The subject was the product of first cousins union. To
      the best of our knowledge, this combination of limb phenotype has not been
      described before.

PMID- 22078358
TI  - Primary renal leiomyosarcoma.
AB  - Primary renal sarcomas are very rare. We report a case of renal leiomyosarcoma
      with 36 months follow-up. Neither ultrasonography, computed tomography nor
      magnetic resonance imaging are able to differentiate between leiomyosarcoma and
      renal cell carcinoma. Radical nephrectomy and adrenalectomy was curative.
      Diagnosis was established on histology and immunohistochemistry. There were no
      metastases. Histology and later on immunohistochemistry is the only mean by which
      these tumours can be diagnosed. After a period of 36 months, patient is alive and
      well.

PMID- 22078359
TI  - Demographic and clinical profile of children under two years of age with
      recurrent wheezing.
AB  - Sixty-seven children less than two years of age with recurrent wheezing were
      evaluated clinically and demographically by proper history and clinical
      examinations. The mean age of the study subjects at enrolment and at onset of
      wheezing was 10.8 + 5.24 months and 7.1 + 3.857 months, respectively. The male
      female ratio was 9:2. The majority of these cases (82%) had onset of wheezing at
      less than 1 year of age. One-third of the cases were diagnosed as asthma and
      viral infection associated wheeze. Increasing age in the first 2 years of life
      was significantly associated with decreasing trend of cases with history
      suggestive of reflux. The children with wheeze due to causes other than
      gastroesophageal reflux were more likely to be not exclusively breast fed. The
      present study did not find any significant difference in the prevalence of
      various socioeconomic, environmental factors and clinical factors among the
      various types of the early wheezers.

PMID- 22078360
TI  - Deferasirox induced liver injury in haemochromatosis.

PMID- 22078361
TI  - Iatrogenic severe protein deficiency in a child.

PMID- 22078363
TI  - Meta-analytic approach to the accurate prediction of secreted virulence effectors
      in gram-negative bacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many pathogens use a type III secretion system to translocate
      virulence proteins (called effectors) in order to adapt to the host environment.
      To date, many prediction tools for effector identification have been developed.
      However, these tools are insufficiently accurate for producing a list of putative
      effectors that can be applied directly for labor-intensive experimental
      verification. This also suggests that important features of effectors have yet to
      be fully characterized. RESULTS: In this study, we have constructed an accurate
      approach to predicting secreted virulence effectors from Gram-negative bacteria.
      This consists of a support vector machine-based discriminant analysis followed by
      a simple criteria-based filtering. The accuracy was assessed by estimating the
      average number of true positives in the top-20 ranking in the genome-wide
      screening. In the validation, 10 sets of 20 training and 20 testing examples were
      randomly selected from 40 known effectors of Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium LT2. On average, the SVM portion of our system predicted 9.7 true
      positives from 20 testing examples in the top-20 of the prediction. Removal of
      the N-terminal instability, codon adaptation index and ProtParam indices
      decreased the score to 7.6, 8.9 and 7.9, respectively. These discrimination
      features suggested that the following characteristics of effectors had been
      uncovered: unstable N-terminus, non-optimal codon usage, hydrophilic, and less
      aliphathic. The secondary filtering process represented by coexpression analysis
      and domain distribution analysis further refined the average true positive counts
      to 12.3. We further confirmed that our system can correctly predict known
      effectors of P. syringae DC3000, strongly indicating its feasibility.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully developed an accurate prediction system for
      screening effectors on a genome-wide scale. We confirmed the accuracy of our
      system by external validation using known effectors of Salmonella and obtained
      the accurate list of putative effectors of the organism. The level of accuracy
      was sufficient to yield candidates for gene-directed experimental verification.
      Furthermore, new features of effectors were revealed: non-optimal codon usage and
      instability of the N-terminal region. From these findings, a new working
      hypothesis is proposed regarding mechanisms controlling the translocation of
      virulence effectors and determining the substrate specificity encoded in the
      secretion system.

PMID- 22078364
TI  - The smallest insects evolve anucleate neurons.
AB  - The smallest insects are comparable in size to unicellular organisms. Thus, their
      size affects their structure not only at the organ level, but also at the
      cellular level. Here we report the first finding of animals with an almost
      entirely anucleate nervous system. Adults of the smallest flying insects of the
      parasitic wasp genus Megaphragma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) have only 339
      372 nuclei in the central nervous system, i.e., their ganglia, including the
      brain, consist almost exclusively of processes of neurons. In contrast, their
      pupae have ganglia more typical of other insects, with about 7400 nuclei in the
      central nervous system. During the final phases of pupal development, most
      neuronal cell bodies lyse. As adults, these insects have many fewer nucleated
      neurons, a small number of cell bodies in different stages of lysis, and about
      7000 anucleate cells. Although most neurons lack nuclei, these insects exhibit
      many important behaviors, including flight and searching for hosts.

PMID- 22078365
TI  - Self-reported tobacco smoke exposure and plasma cotinine levels during pregnancy-
      a validation study in Northern Japan.
AB  - Maternal smoking is a critical public health concern requiring the establishment
      of its prevalence rate and clinical impact. Maternal self-reported information of
      tobacco smoke exposure requires validation using accurate biochemical analysis.
      This study examined the association between self-reported exposure to tobacco
      smoke and plasma cotinine level in Japanese pregnant women. We collected
      information about smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy
      from 5128 pregnant women in a prospective cohort design, and analyzed
      biochemically maternal blood samples using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) technique. Based on self-reports, the subjects were classified into three
      groups: 650 smokers, 728 ex-smokers and 3750 non-smokers. Using the receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve, plasma cotinine cut-off value of 11.48
      ng/mL was established for separating smokers from non-smokers, resulting in a
      smoking prevalence of 14%. A cotinine cut-off value of 0.21 ng/mL for
      discriminating exposed and unexposed nonsmokers resulted in a 63% prevalence of
      exposure to tobacco smoke among nonsmokers. Cotinine biomarker analysis proved
      accurate in validating self-reported smoking information in the subjects. Lower
      validity of SHS exposure suggests a need to confirm questionnaire information
      with biochemical analysis.

PMID- 22078366
TI  - Three decades of atmospheric metal deposition in Norway as evident from analysis
      of moss samples.
AB  - Monitoring of atmospheric deposition of metals in Norway on a nationwide scale
      using samples of terrestrial moss started in 1977 and has been repeated every 5
      years. This has facilitated a detailed record of temporal and spatial trends of
      metal deposition all over the country as a supplement to measurements based on
      bulk deposition sampling on a small number of sites. Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Sb, V, Sn,
      Mo, and Bi all show highest deposition in the far south due to trans-boundary
      pollution from other parts of Europe, but the contribution from long-range
      atmospheric transport to metal deposition has decreased substantially over the
      years. The distributions of Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Co are more affected by local
      sources, but a decreasing time trend is also evident for these elements. Se is
      mainly derived from processes in the marine environment. Deposition of metals
      from Cu-Ni smelters in Russia situated close to the Norwegian border has shown a
      steadily increasing trend over the time period concerned.

PMID- 22078367
TI  - Inclusion of soil arsenic bioaccessibility in ecological risk assessment and
      comparison with biological effects.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to conduct an ecological risk assessment (ERA) for
      meadow voles (Microtus pennslvanicus) found at three arsenic contaminated sites
      in Nova Scotia, Canada (as well as two background locations) and to compare the
      numeric results to measured biomarkers of exposure and effect. The daily intake
      of arsenic by meadow voles was determined by three separate calculations:
      estimated daily intake (EDI), bioaccessible estimated daily intake (BEDI, with
      bioaccessibility of soil included), and actual daily intake (ADI, which is
      calculated with arsenic concentrations in the stomach contents). The median
      bioaccessibility of arsenic in soils from the contaminated locations was
      significantly greater than at background locations. The bioaccessible arsenic
      concentration in soil from all samples (both contaminated and background) was
      significantly less than the total concentration. Use of site-specific
      bioaccessibility (hazard quotients=38 at Upper Seal Harbour (USH); 60 at Lower
      Seal Harbour (LSH); and 120 at Montague tailings (MONT)) and stomach arsenic
      contents (hazard quotients=2.1 at USH; 7.9 at LSH; and 6.7 at MONT) in the ERA
      resulted in lower numeric risk than compared to risk calculated with 100%
      bioavailability (hazard quotient=180 at USH; 75 at LSH; and 680 at MONT).
      Further, the use of bioaccessibility on the calculation of risk was aligned with
      biomarker results (changes in glutathione and micronucleated erythrocytes) in
      voles captured at the sites. This study provides evidence that using site
      specific bioaccessibility in ERAs may provide a more realistic level of
      conservatism, thereby enhancing the accuracy of predicting risk to wildlife
      receptors. Furthermore, when numeric risk assessments are combined with site
      specific biological data (i.e., biomarkers of exposure and effect), both lines of
      evidence can be used to make informed decisions about ecological risk and site
      management.

PMID- 22078368
TI  - A systematic examination of a random sampling strategy for source apportionment
      calculations.
AB  - Estimating the relative contributions from multiple potential sources of a
      specific component in a mixed environmental matrix is a general challenge in
      diverse fields such as atmospheric, environmental and earth sciences. Perhaps the
      most common strategy for tackling such problems is by setting up a system of
      linear equations for the fractional influence of different sources. Even though
      an algebraic solution of this approach is possible for the common situation with
      N+1 sources and N source markers, such methodology introduces a bias, since it is
      implicitly assumed that the calculated fractions and the corresponding
      uncertainties are independent of the variability of the source distributions.
      Here, a random sampling (RS) strategy for accounting for such statistical bias is
      examined by investigating rationally designed synthetic data sets. This random
      sampling methodology is found to be robust and accurate with respect to
      reproducibility and predictability. This method is also compared to a numerical
      integration solution for a two-source situation where source variability also is
      included. A general observation from this examination is that the variability of
      the source profiles not only affects the calculated precision but also the
      mean/median source contributions.

PMID- 22078369
TI  - Possible social relevance of illicit psychotropic substances present in the
      atmosphere.
AB  - Although the worldwide presence of illicit psychotropic compounds in the
      environment is well known, the social impact of drug abuse on the community has
      yet to be determined. Besides, the possibility of deriving indicators of the
      prevalence of drug abuse from the content of illicit substances in the air
      remains unexplored. In this study, the atmospheric concentrations of psychotropic
      compounds recorded in Italy were plotted vs. a series of criminal statistics.
      Meaningful links were found between atmospheric cocaine and the amount of drugs
      seized, the number of drug related crimes and the demand for clinical treatment
      recorded in the Italian regions. Atmospheric cocaine and cannabinoids also seemed
      to be correlated with tumour insurgence and mental disease frequency,
      respectively. However, further investigations are necessary to
      elucidate/explain/clarify if the behaviours observed for cocaine vs. the
      parameters usually adopted to estimate drug abuse prevalence (correspond to an
      effective relationships)/are directly linked, and to understand why the same
      approach failed when applied to cannabinoids. Moreover, according to our study
      illicit drugs are suspected to promote long-term ill health effects even when
      present at low concentrations the air.

PMID- 22078370
TI  - Land-ocean contributions of arsenic through a river-estuary-ria system (SW
      Europe) under the influence of arsenopyrite deposits in the fluvial basin.
AB  - Water was sampled monthly from September 2005 to August 2006 at 14 stations
      distributed throughout the coastal system of Anllons-Laxe, from where 30 surface
      sediment samples were also taken. After filtration through 0.22 MUm polycarbonate
      filters, dissolved inorganic and total arsenic (UV oxidation) concentration was
      determined by HG-AFS. After microwave digestion, the arsenic in SPM and sediment
      was determined by AAS. Ultra-clean procedures were adopted during sampling,
      handling and analysis and the analytical accuracy was checked using certified
      reference material. Spatial distribution of As in water (0.2-4.0 MUg L(-1)), SPM
      (21-169 mg kg(-1)) and sediment of the river reservoir was altered by the
      presence of arsenopyrite deposits in the middle fluvial basin that increases
      2.1+/-0.5 and 1.7+/-0.5 times the concentrations of inorganic dissolved (DI-As)
      and particulate (P-As) arsenic, respectively. At the termination fluvial zone As
      fluxes can be calculated to be: [DI-As]=7.09.Q(-0.69). The Anllons River exports
      to its estuary 460 kg a(-1) of dissolved (<7% as organic) arsenic annually. It is
      higher (i.e. 0.83 kgs(-1) km(-2) of DI-As) than that of most of European rivers.
      In the estuary reservoir, the influence of arsenopyrite is also evident as the
      river concentration of DI-As, which was lower than in seawater during the wet
      season and higher during the dry season. Arsenic has non-conservative behaviour,
      as in other European estuaries, but the Anllons shows an ambivalent pattern: as
      it usually gains DI-As during the wet season and loses it during the dry season,
      whilst P-As seems to behave contrary to the DI-As. When the fluvial arsenic
      reaches the ria its concentration varies due to the estuarine processes. In the
      wet season DI-As increases its concentration by one third whilst in the dry
      season it decreases by one fifth and the annual contribution to the ria is 10%
      higher than the fluvial output. In the case of P-As more data are necessary to
      quantify its behaviour; however, the estuarine sediments are contaminated by
      arsenic. In the ria reservoir DI-As levels were similar to those of the ocean, DO
      As comprises 9-22% of the inorganic, P-As ranges from 3 to 40 mg kg(-1), and As
      sedimentary can be classified as uncontaminated (4-18 mg kg(-1)), except in the
      fishing ports. The ria circulation, reinforced by upwelling favours the
      exportation of arsenic to the ocean. In the Anllons-Laxe system as a whole, the
      freshwater-saline interface processes do not lead to a decrease in the dissolved
      fluvial arsenic flux to the ocean.

PMID- 22078371
TI  - Arsenic in Chinese coals: distribution, modes of occurrence, and environmental
      effects.
AB  - Arsenic, one of the most hazardous elements occurring in coals, can be released
      to the environment during coal processing and combustion. Based on the available
      literature and published results obtained in our laboratory, the content,
      distribution and the modes of occurrence of As in Chinese coals, and its
      environmental and impacts are reviewed in this article. With the 4763 sets of
      data (from the literature) rearranged, the arithmetic mean As concentration of
      each province and weighted mean As concentration of the entire country (using the
      expected coal reserves as the weighting factor) were calculated. The weighted
      mean As concentration in Chinese coals is 3.18 mg/kg, with As concentration
      increasing from northern China to southern China. The As concentration in coal
      varies with coal-forming ages and coal ranks. Arsenic has several modes of
      occurrence in coals. According to results obtained by other studies and our own
      experiments, As is mainly associated with mineral matter (such as pyrite and
      other sulfide minerals) in coals, although a significant amount of arsenic is
      associated with organic matter. The accumulation of As in coal is controlled by
      many geological factors during coal-forming processes, including plant
      decomposition, sedimentary environments, and epigenetic hydrothermal activity.
      During the combustion of coal, As is released to the air, water, and soil,
      causing serious environmental pollution. More than 45% of the coal consumed in
      China is utilized by power plants, and it is estimated that nearly 522 tonnes, 21
      tonnes and 252 tonnes of As are emitted into the atmosphere by industries,
      residential buildings and coal-fired power plants, respectively, every year.

PMID- 22078372
TI  - Mercury emission inventory and its spatial characteristics in the Pearl River
      Delta region, China.
AB  - A 3 km * 3 km gridded mercury emission inventory in the Pearl River Delta (PRD)
      region for 2008 was compiled from the best available emission factors and
      official statistical data. The inventory presented a comprehensive estimation of
      anthropogenic mercury sources and roughly estimated the emissions from natural
      sources. The total mercury emissions in the PRD region for the year of 2008 are
      estimated to be 17,244 kg, of which 85% released as Hg(0), 11% as Hg(2+), and 4%
      as Hg(P). Anthropogenic activities are dominant sources, accounting for 91% of
      the total emissions, while natural sources constitute the remaining emissions.
      Ranking by cities, Foshan produces the largest mercury emissions, followed by
      Dongguan, Guangzhou and Jiangmen. Coal combustion, municipal solid waste (MSW)
      incineration, fluorescent lamp and battery production are dominant contributors,
      responsible for 28%, 21%, 19% and 16% of the anthropogenic emissions,
      respectively. The high contribution of MSW incineration results from the rapid
      growth of MSW incineration in this region, reflecting a new trend of mercury
      emissions in China, especially in the fast developing regions. This implies the
      urgent need for further investigation of mercury emissions and the importance of
      controlling mercury emissions from MSW incineration.

PMID- 22078373
TI  - Dendritic cell lineage commitment is instructed by distinct cytokine signals.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DC) develop from hematopoietic stem cells, which is guided by
      instructive signals through cytokines. DC development progresses from multipotent
      progenitors (MPP) via common DC progenitors (CDP) into DC. Flt3 ligand (Flt3L)
      signaling via the Flt3/Stat3 pathway is of pivotal importance for DC development
      under steady state conditions. Additional factors produced during steady state or
      inflammation, such as TGF-beta1 or GM-CSF, also influence the differentiation
      potential of MPP and CDP. Here, we studied how gp130, GM-CSF and TGF-beta1
      signaling influence DC lineage commitment from MPP to CDP and further into DC. We
      observed that activation of gp130 signaling promotes expansion of MPP.
      Additionally, gp130 signaling inhibited Flt3L-driven DC differentiation, but had
      little effect on GM-CSF-driven DC development. The inflammatory cytokine GM-CSF
      induces differentiation of MPP into inflammatory DC and blocks steady state DC
      development. Global transcriptome analysis revealed a GM-CSF-driven gene
      expression repertoire that primes MPP for differentiation into inflammatory DC.
      Finally, TGF-beta1 induces expression of DC-lineage affiliated genes in MPP,
      including Flt3, Irf-4 and Irf-8. Under inflammatory conditions, however, the
      effect of TGF-beta1 is altered: Flt3 is not upregulated, indicating that an
      inflammatory environment inhibits steady state DC development. Altogether, our
      data indicate that distinct cytokine signals produced during steady state or
      inflammation have a different outcome on DC lineage commitment and
      differentiation.

PMID- 22078374
TI  - Interaction between boron and aluminum and their effects on phenolic metabolism
      of Linum usitatissimum L. roots.
AB  - Aluminum toxicity is the most important limiting factor for plant growth and
      development in acidic soils (pH < 5.5). Inhibition of root growth has been
      considered as a sensitive marker of aluminum toxicity and the best indicator of
      boron deficiency as well. On the other hand cell wall phenolics (lignin and
      phenolic acids) have important roles in the reduction of extensibility of cell
      wall under stress conditions. Therefore, the interaction between boron and
      aluminum on phenolic compounds and the activity of the enzymes involved in their
      biosynthesis were investigated in flax seedlings. The seedlings were grown in
      Hoagland's solution and were treated with 3 B levels (4.5, 45 and 450 MUM of
      H3BO3 at deficient, normal, and excess conditions, respectively) and 3 Al levels
      (0, 50 and 100 MUM of AlCl3.6H2O). The results showed that Al treatment did not
      affect B content of roots (B content of Al-treated and non-treated plants were
      identical), while B treatment, particularly in higher concentrations, decreased
      Al content of roots compared with the control plants. In addition, the highest B
      concentration prevented the inhibitory effect of Al on the root length of plants.
      High concentrations of B also resulted in the decrease of enzyme activities
      involved in phenolic compounds (i.e., phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol
      oxidase and peroxidase), decrease of lignin content and wall-bound phenols under
      Al stress, thereby ameliorating Al toxicity. The results suggest that the
      requirement of flax plants for B under Al stress conditions is higher than that
      required for growth in normal conditions without Al.

PMID- 22078375
TI  - Induced over-expression of the transcription factor OsDREB2A improves drought
      tolerance in rice.
AB  - The DREB and CBF transcription factors play a critical role in plant development
      and abiotic stress responses and, therefore, represent attractive targets for a
      molecular plant breeding approach. In this study, the rice OsDREB2A gene was
      isolated and expressed under the control of a stress-inducible promoter (4ABRC)
      to improve the abiotic stress tolerance of japonica rice variety TNG67. T2 and T3
      transgenic lines over-expressing OsDREB2A were found to have improved survival
      rates under severe drought and salt stress conditions relative to non-transgenic
      rice plants or rice plants transformed with the empty vector control. OsDREB2A
      expression was found to be markedly induced by drought and ABA treatment. The
      results indicate that the induced over-expression of OsDREB2A driven by the 4ABRC
      promoter in engineered rice plants may protect cells during stress.

PMID- 22078376
TI  - Variegation in Arum italicum leaves. A structural-functional study.
AB  - The presence of pale-green flecks on leaves (speckling) is a frequent character
      among herbaceous species from shady places and is usually due to local loosening
      of palisade tissue (air space type of variegation). In the winter-green Arum
      italicum L. (Araceae), dark-green areas of variegated leaf blades are ca. 400 MUm
      thick with a chlorophyll content of 1080 mg m-2 and a palisade parenchyma
      consisting of a double layer of oblong cells. Pale-green areas are 25% thinner,
      have 26% less chlorophyll and contain a single, loose layer of short palisade
      cells. Full-green leaves generally present only one compact layer of cylindrical
      palisade cells and the same pigment content as dark-green sectors, but the leaf
      blade is 13% thinner. A spongy parenchyma with extensive air space is present in
      all leaf types. Green cells of all tissues have normal chloroplasts. Assays of
      photosynthetic activities by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and O2 exchange
      measurements showed that variegated pale-green and dark-green sectors as well as
      full-green leaves have comparable photosynthetic activities on a leaf area basis
      at saturating illumination. However, full-green leaves require a higher
      saturating light with respect to variegated sectors, and pale-green sectors
      support relatively higher photosynthesis rates on a chlorophyll basis. We
      conclude that i) variegation in this species depends on number and organization
      of palisade cell layers and can be defined as a "variable palisade" type, and ii)
      the variegated habit has no limiting effects on the photosynthetic energy budget
      of A. italicum, consistent with the presence of variegated plants side by side to
      full-green ones in natural populations.

PMID- 22078377
TI  - Differential salinity-induced variations in the activity of H+-pumps and Na+/H+
      antiporters that are involved in cytoplasm ion homeostasis as a function of
      genotype and tolerance level in rice cell lines.
AB  - The characterisation of cellular responses to salinity in staple crops is
      necessary for the reliable identification of physiological markers of salinity
      tolerance. Under saline conditions, variations in proton gradients that are
      generated by membrane-bound H+ pumps are crucial for maintaining cytoplasm
      homeostasis. We examined short (15 h) and longer term effects (4 days) of NaCl
      stress on the H+ pumping activities that are associated with the plasma membrane
      (P-ATPase) and the tonoplast (V-ATPase and V-PPase) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
      callus lines that displayed different levels of NaCl tolerance and were
      established from two japonica rice cultivars. The applied stress conditions were
      based on those that were used in the induction of a stress-responsive
      polyubiquitin gene promoter (UBI1) in transgenic rice calli. The most remarkable
      effect of NaCl stress on H+ pumping was the rapid activation of tonoplast-bound
      pumps; this was particularly observed in cv. Bomba, in which the response of the
      P-ATPase was slower and showed a higher level of activity after 4 days of stress.
      The responses were cultivar-dependent; however, in general, a stronger activation
      occurred in the lines that had a higher tolerance (L-T) than in the less-tolerant
      (L-S) lines. Substrate hydrolysis was less affected than H+ pumping, and it
      yielded higher H+/substrate coupling ratios, which is indicative of an enhanced
      H+ pumping efficiency under saline conditions. The Na+/H+ antiport activity was
      generally limited to salt-stressed calli, and higher values and stronger
      activation of the tonoplast antiporter were observed in the L-T lines than in the
      L-S lines. The results that were obtained with the NaCl-stressed transgenic lines
      confirmed the close relationship between metabolic activity, H+ pumping and the
      induction of Na+/H+ exchange activities.

PMID- 22078378
TI  - Differential responses of the antioxidant defence system and ultrastructure in a
      salt-adapted potato cell line.
AB  - Changes in lipid peroxidation and ion content and the possible involvement of the
      antioxidant system in salt tolerance at the cellular level was studied in a
      potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) callus line grown on 150 mM NaCl (salt-adapted) and
      in a non-adapted line exposed to 150 mM NaCl (salt-stressed). Salinity reduced
      the growth rate and increased lipid peroxidation in salt-stressed line, which
      remained unaltered in the adapted line. Na+ and Cl- content increased due to
      salinity in both lines, but the adapted line displayed greater K+/Na+ ratio than
      the stressed one. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate
      peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2)
      activities decreased in both salt-exposed lines; catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6)
      activity did not change in the adapted line, but decreased in the stressed cell
      line. Salinity caused the suppression of one GR isoform, while the isozyme
      patterns of SOD, APX, and CAT were not affected. Ascorbate and reduced
      glutathione increased in both salt-exposed calli lines. alpha-Tocopherol
      increased as a result of salt exposure, with higher levels found in adapted
      calli. Electron microscopy showed that neither the structural integrity of the
      cells nor membrane structure were affected by salinity, but plastids from adapted
      cells had higher starch content. The results suggest that the enzymic and non
      enzymic components of the antioxidant system are differentially modulated by
      salt. Different concentrations of antioxidant metabolites are more relevant to
      the adaptive response to salinity in potato calli than the differences in
      activity of the antioxidant enzymes.

PMID- 22078379
TI  - Heat shock response in tomato brassinosteroid mutants indicates that
      thermotolerance is independent of brassinosteroid homeostasis.
AB  - Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroid hormones and, when applied exogenously,
      they induce physiological responses, including tolerance to heat shock (HS). How
      endogenous BR content and altered perception of BRs influence thermal tolerance
      is poorly understood. BR-induced thermotolerance in tomato seedlings with altered
      BR homeostasis was examined by assessing the survival, ion leakage and lipid
      peroxidation of seedlings from a BR-deficient mutant (extreme dwarf d(x)), a
      partially BR-insensitive mutant curl3(-abs) allele (curl3 altered brassinolide
      sensitivity) and a line overexpressing the Dwarf, BR-biosynthesis gene (35SD). We
      confirmed that treatment with 1 MUM of epi-brassinolide (EBL) induces
      thermotolerance of wild type seedlings following a HS regime at 45  degrees C.
      The curl3(-abs) seedlings had the highest basal tolerance to heat, whereas the
      EBL-induced thermal tolerance of d(x) seedlings was greatest and responded to
      lower EBL concentrations. The d(x) and 35SD seedlings had similar thermal
      tolerance; however, they showed increased signs of oxidative stress. EBL reduced
      the induction of lipid peroxidation of seedlings after recovery from heat.
      Highest oxidative stress and peroxidase (POX) activity (EC 1.11.1.7) was in BR
      deficient d(x) mutant seedlings. EBL was able of inducing POX activity but not
      other antioxidant enzymes; however, effects of HS on POX activity of seedlings
      were absent or less marked. Taking together, results indicate that thermal
      tolerance is independent of endogenous BR content, but HS-mediated oxidative
      stress depends on BR levels.

PMID- 22078380
TI  - HbMyb1, a Myb transcription factor from Hevea brasiliensis, suppresses stress
      induced cell death in transgenic tobacco.
AB  - Tapping panel dryness (TPD) is a complex physiological syndrome found widely in
      rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations that causes severe yield loss in
      natural rubber-producing countries. In an earlier study, we confirmed that there
      is a negative correlation between HbMyb1 expression and TPD severity. To further
      investigate the function of HbMyb1 in TPD, HbMyb1 was over-expressed in tobacco
      controlled by a CaMV 35S promoter. In transgenic plants expressing HbMyb1, cell
      death induced by UV-B irradiation, paraquat and the hypersensitive reaction to
      necrotrophic fungal infection (Botrytis cinerea) was suppressed with a close
      correlation between HbMyb1 protein levels and the extent of suppression. In
      addition the nuclear condensation and degradation were observed in laticifer
      cells of TPD trees, while the nucleus of laticifer cells of healthy trees was
      morphologically normal. On the basis of the results described above, we propose
      that HbMyb1 maybe suppress stress induced cell death in rubber trees.

PMID- 22078381
TI  - SCOF-1-expressing transgenic sweetpotato plants show enhanced tolerance to low
      temperature stress.
AB  - Low-temperature stress represents one of the principal limitations affecting the
      distribution and productivity of many plant species, including crops such as
      sweetpotato. Transgenic sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. cv. Yulmi) plants
      expressing the soybean cold-inducible zinc finger protein (SCOF-1) under control
      of an oxidative stress-inducible peroxidase (SWPA2) promoter (referred to as SF
      plants), were developed and evaluated for enhanced tolerance to low-temperature
      conditions. Following 4  degrees C treatment of SF plants, SCOF-1 expression
      correlated positively with tolerance to low-temperature stress at the leaf disc
      level. Increased SCOF-1 expression also correlated with enhanced tolerance to
      different low-temperature treatments at the whole plant level. SF plants treated
      with low-temperature stress (4 or 10  degrees C for 30 h) exhibited less of a
      reduction in photosynthetic activity and lipid peroxidation levels than non
      transgenic (NT) plants. Furthermore, the photosynthetic activity and lipid
      peroxidation levels of SF plants recovered to near pre-stress levels after 12 h
      of recovery at 25  degrees C. In contrast, these activities remained at a reduced
      level in NT plants after the same recovery period. Thus, this study has shown
      that low-temperature stress in sweetpotato can be efficiently modulated by
      overexpression of SCOF-1.

PMID- 22078382
TI  - Effect of root age on the allocation of metals, amino acids and sugars in
      different cell fractions of the perennial grass Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass).
AB  - This work aimed to compare the allocation of Al, Fe, Cu, Ni, amino acids and
      sugars in different fractions of root cells of Paspalum notatum with 21 and 120
      days old grown in quartz sand. In general younger roots showed a higher content
      of Al, Fe, Cu Ni, amino acids and sugars, compared to older roots. This can be
      due to a higher metabolic activity of younger roots and/or to structural changes
      that can occur with cell ageing. Al and Fe were mainly allocated to fractions
      with pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose, both in younger and older roots.
      However, older roots also showed a significant fraction of Al allocated to the
      intracellular fraction. It seems that older roots were less able to prevent the
      entry of Al in the cytoplasm. The proportion of Cu was higher in intracellular
      components, both in younger and older roots, as expected from an essential
      nutrient. Ni content was very low in older roots and in younger roots it was
      mainly allocated to the intracellular fraction and to the cell wall
      polysaccharides fraction. The amino acids were mainly allocated to the cytoplasm
      and polysaccharide fraction. Although younger roots showed a higher total amount
      of amino acids compared to older roots, the amino acids profile and allocation,
      mainly in the cytoplasm polysaccharides, was quite similar. Arabinose, a major
      component of structural glycoproteins of the primary cell wall matrix, was only
      detected in younger roots. Thus, it seems that root cells of P. notatum suffered
      changes in the composition of the cell wall components with ageing. To further
      understand the structural changes of root cells with ageing and its effect on
      metal allocation, it is important to quantify several components of the cell wall
      matrix, namely pectins and glycoproteins.

PMID- 22078383
TI  - Induced accumulation of cuticular waxes enhances drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
      by changes in development of stomata.
AB  - Cuticular waxes are involved in the regulation of the exchange of gases and water
      in plants and can impact tolerance to drought. However, the molecular mechanisms
      of the relationship between wax accumulation and drought tolerance are largely
      unknown. We applied the methoxyfenozide gene switching system to regulate
      expression of the WIN1/SHN1 gene (WAX INDUCER 1/SHINE1; At1G15360), a
      transcriptional activator, to regulate production of cuticular waxes and cutin
      and followed changes of gene expression, metabolites, and drought tolerance.
      Treatment with the inducer resulted in expression of the target gene and specific
      downstream genes, and gradually increased cuticular waxes. Induction of cuticular
      wax conferred tolerance to drought and recovery from drought, and was correlated
      with reduced numbers of stomata. Quantitative RT-PCR assays using RNAs from
      transgenic plants revealed that when expression of the WIN1/SHN1 gene was induced
      there was increased expression of genes involved in wax development, and reduced
      expression of selected genes, including SPCH (At5g53210); MUTE (At3g06120); and
      FAMA (At3g241400); and YODA (At1g63700), each of which is involved in stomatal
      development. These studies suggest that drought tolerance caused by the induction
      of WIN1/SHIN gene may be due to reduced numbers of stomata as well as to
      cuticular wax accumulation.

PMID- 22078384
TI  - Exogenous nitrate induces root branching and inhibits primary root growth in
      Capsicum chinense Jacq.
AB  - The effects of nitrate (NO3-) on the root system are complex and depend on
      several factors, such as the concentration available to the plant, endogenous
      nitrogen status and the sensitivity of the species. Though these effects have
      been widely documented on Arabidopsis and cereals, no reports are available in
      the Capsicum genus. In this paper, we have determined the effect of an exogenous
      in vitro application of this nutrient on root growth in habanero pepper (Capsicum
      chinense Jacq.). Exposure to NO3- inhibited primary root growth in both, dose-
      and time-dependent manners. The highest inhibition was attained with 0.1 mM NO3-
      between the fourth and fifth days of treatment. Inhibition of primary root growth
      was observed by exposing the root to both homogeneous and heterogeneous
      conditions of the nutrient; in contrast, ammonium was not able to induce similar
      changes. NO3--induced inhibition of primary root growth was reversed by treating
      the roots with IAA or NPA, a polar auxin transport inhibitor. Heterogeneous NO3-
      application stimulated the formation and elongation of lateral roots in the
      segment where the nutrient was present, and this response was influenced by
      exogenous phytohormones. These results demonstrate that habanero pepper responds
      to NO3- in a similar fashion to other species with certain particular
      differences. Therefore, studies in this model could help to elucidate the
      mechanisms by which roots respond to NO3- in fluctuating soil environments.

PMID- 22078385
TI  - Enhanced in vitro regeneration and change in photosynthetic pigments, biomass and
      proline content in Withania somnifera L. (Dunal) induced by copper and zinc ions.
AB  - In the present study the effect of inorganic nutrients (CuSO4 & ZnSO4) on
      morphogenic and biochemical responses from nodal explants in Withania somnifera
      L. was investigated. Incorporation of either Copper sulphate (25-200 MUM) or Zinc
      sulphate (50-500 MUM) in the optimized Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium highly
      influenced the shoot bud formation and subsequent elongation, which induced
      maximum percentage (95%) regeneration, number (61.7 +/- 0.25) of shoots with
      shoot length (5.46 +/- 0.16 cm) on CuSO4 (100 MUM) and maximum percentage
      regeneration (100%), number of shoots (66.1 +/- 0.96) with shoot length (6.24 +/-
      0.21 cm) on ZnSO4 (300 MUM) after 12 weeks of culture. Healthy growing in vitro
      microshoots rooted efficiently on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 MUM),
      which induced (16.2 +/- 0.12) roots with root length (3.30 +/- 0.12 cm) after 4
      weeks. Pigment content increased with increasing concentration of Cu and Zn and
      the maximum Chl. a (0.47), (0.41); Chl. b (0.52), (0.42); total Chl. (0.99),
      (0.83) and Carotenoid (0.16), (0.16) mg/g FW contents in regenerants were found
      on CuSO4 (100 MUM) and ZnSO4 (300 MUM), respectively. Maximum proline content
      (0.17), (0.16) MUg/g FW was observed on high concentrations of CuSO4 (200 MUM)
      and ZnSO4 (500 MUM) respectively, in the basal medium. Regenerated plantlets were
      acclimatized successfully in soilrite with a survival rate of 95%. No
      morphological variations were detected among the micropropagated plants when
      compared with seedling raised plants of the same age.

PMID- 22078387
TI  - Improving the quality of reviews in veterinary science: the author's
      responsibility.

PMID- 22078386
TI  - Long noncoding intronic RNAs are differentially expressed in primary and
      metastatic pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is known by its
      aggressiveness and lack of effective therapeutic options. Thus, improvement in
      current knowledge of molecular changes associated with pancreatic cancer is
      urgently needed to explore novel venues of diagnostics and treatment of this
      dismal disease. While there is mounting evidence that long noncoding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) transcribed from intronic and intergenic regions of the human genome
      may play different roles in the regulation of gene expression in normal and
      cancer cells, their expression pattern and biological relevance in pancreatic
      cancer is currently unknown. In the present work we investigated the relative
      abundance of a collection of lncRNAs in patients' pancreatic tissue samples
      aiming at identifying gene expression profiles correlated to pancreatic cancer
      and metastasis. METHODS: Custom 3,355-element spotted cDNA microarray
      interrogating protein-coding genes and putative lncRNA were used to obtain
      expression profiles from 38 clinical samples of tumor and non-tumor pancreatic
      tissues. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to characterize structure and
      conservation of lncRNAs expressed in pancreatic tissues, as well as to identify
      expression signatures correlated to tissue histology. Strand-specific reverse
      transcription followed by PCR and qRT-PCR were employed to determine strandedness
      of lncRNAs and to validate microarray results, respectively. RESULTS: We show
      that subsets of intronic/intergenic lncRNAs are expressed across tumor and non
      tumor pancreatic tissue samples. Enrichment of promoter-associated chromatin
      marks and over-representation of conserved DNA elements and stable secondary
      structure predictions suggest that these transcripts are generated from
      independent transcriptional units and that at least a fraction is under
      evolutionary selection, and thus potentially functional.Statistically significant
      expression signatures comprising protein-coding mRNAs and lncRNAs that correlate
      to PDAC or to pancreatic cancer metastasis were identified. Interestingly, loci
      harboring intronic lncRNAs differentially expressed in PDAC metastases were
      enriched in genes associated to the MAPK pathway. Orientation-specific RT-PCR
      documented that intronic transcripts are expressed in sense, antisense or both
      orientations relative to protein-coding mRNAs. Differential expression of a
      subset of intronic lncRNAs (PPP3CB, MAP3K14 and DAPK1 loci) in metastatic samples
      was confirmed by Real-Time PCR. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal sets of intronic
      lncRNAs expressed in pancreatic tissues whose abundance is correlated to PDAC or
      metastasis, thus pointing to the potential relevance of this class of transcripts
      in biological processes related to malignant transformation and metastasis in
      pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22078388
TI  - Investigation of the aetiology of udder-thigh dermatitis in French dairy cattle.
AB  - Udder-thigh dermatitis (UTD) is a common disease in dairy cattle. The aim of this
      study was to define UTD incidence, its risk factors and the involved pathogens.
      Of 74 respondents, 72 (97%) reported having had the disease. On those farms the
      incidence was 5.3 cases per 100 cow years. The odds ratio (OR) of UTD in
      primiparous compared to multiparous cows was 23.4 (95% CI 17.3-33.8). Compared to
      tied stalls, the ORs of UTD were 0.65 (95% CI 0.45-0.92) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.24
      0.71) for free stalls and straw yards, respectively. Udder oedema was reported in
      98.3% of cows with UTD. The most common bacteria isolated from affected skin were
      Fusobacterium spp. (12/14 cases). This study suggests that UTD management should
      focus on local treatment, reducing udder oedema and increasing exercise.

PMID- 22078389
TI  - Ultrasonographic appearance of bony abnormalities at the dorsal aspect of the
      fetlock joint in geriatric cadaver horses.
AB  - This article describes the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of bony abnormalities
      on the dorsal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone of the equine
      fetlock in cadavers with radiographic signs of osteoarthrosis. After US, computed
      tomography was undertaken to better characterise the lesions. Twelve fetlock
      joints were collected and all had more than one bone abnormality on US. Normal
      subchondral bone appeared on US as a well-defined and regular hyperechoic line
      with distal acoustic shadowing. Bone abnormalities detected on US included (1)
      gaps in the proximal subchondral bone filled with material of heterogeneous
      echogenicity, (2) bone fragments represented as small straight smoothly
      delineated hyperechoic lines with distal shadowing located superficial to the
      surface of the adjacent bone, (3) proximal new bone formation visible as mild to
      severe cortical protrusions, (4) marginal osteophytoses seen as an elevation of
      the hyperechoic surface of the subchondral bone at the edges of the joint
      surfaces, (5) indentations in subchondral bone seen as a concave deviation of the
      hyperechoic line without interruption, (6) focal or diffuse irregularities of the
      subchondral bone seen as disruptions of the normal smooth bony contours, and (7)
      focal hyperechoic spikes originating from the subchondral plate and invading the
      articular cartilage. These findings are discussed.

PMID- 22078390
TI  - The mystery of sudden death in Williams-Beuren syndrome: cardiomyopathy or Kounis
      syndrome?

PMID- 22078391
TI  - Poliomyelitis and left ventricular hypertrabeculation (noncompaction).

PMID- 22078392
TI  - Optimal treatment of ACS patients: issues and considerations for upstream
      antiplatelet therapy.
AB  - Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) caused by atherosclerotic plaque rupture are
      clinically manifested as an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction, or unstable angina. Regardless of the management strategy
      chosen, antithrombotic therapy is necessary to optimize patient outcomes. The
      American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines provide a
      degree of flexibility in the use of antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapies;
      although this is largely influenced by the clinical severity of the ACS
      presentation, it can still be difficult for clinicians to decide which
      antiplatelet therapy regimen should be used. In this article, current
      recommendations for the use of antiplatelet therapy in the management of ACS are
      reviewed, along with an overview of the timing of upstream treatment and the
      decision points involved in choosing the appropriate antiplatelet regimen.

PMID- 22078393
TI  - Comparison of bleeding complications and one-year survival of low molecular
      weight heparin versus unfractioned heparin for acute myocardial infarction in
      elderly patients. The FAST-MI registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the safety and efficacy of low molecular
      weight heparin (LMWH) in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
      METHODS: We aimed to compare LMWH with unfractioned heparin (UFH) in the
      management of AMI in elderly patients. FAST-MI is a nationwide registry carried
      out over a 1-month period in 2005, including consecutive patients with AMI
      admitted to intensive care unit <48 h from symptom onset in 223 participating
      centers. We assessed the impact of LMWH on bleeding, the need for blood
      transfusion and one-year survival in elderly patients (>= 75 years). RESULTS: 963
      patients treated with heparin were included (mean age 82 +/- 5 years; 51% women;
      42.5% ST-elevation myocardial infarction). Major bleeding (2.4% vs. 6.1%,
      P=0.004) and blood transfusions (4.6% vs. 9.7%, P=0.002) were significantly less
      frequent with LMWH compared with the UFH, a difference that persisted after
      multivariate adjustment (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.20-0.83 and OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.28
      0.85, respectively). One-year survival and stroke and reinfarction-free survival
      were also significantly higher with LMWH compared with UFH (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.50
      0.85 and OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.91, respectively). In two cohorts of patients
      matched on a propensity score for getting LMWH and with similar baseline
      characteristics (328 patients per group), major bleeding and transfusion were
      significantly lower while one-year survival was significantly higher in patients
      receiving LMWH. CONCLUSIONS: The present data show that in elderly patients
      admitted for AMI, use of LMWH is associated with less bleeding, less need for
      transfusion, and higher survival, compared with the use of UFH.

PMID- 22078394
TI  - Comparison of heart-type fatty acid binding protein and sensitive troponin for
      the diagnosis of early acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current development of serological biomarkers allows detection of
      smaller myocardial necrosis and early acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We
      evaluated the relevance of the heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP)
      assay, which has recently been approved in Japan, for early diagnosis of AMI as
      compared with the sensitive troponin assay. METHODS: This is an observational
      study in a single center. From 2010 July to 2011 January, 114 patients who
      presented with symptoms suggestive of AMI were enrolled. RESULTS: AMI was
      adjudicated in 45 patients (40%). The diagnostic accuracy of measurements
      obtained at presentation for AMI, as quantified by the area under the receiver
      operating-characteristic curve (AUC), was significantly lower with H-FABP assay
      than the sensitive troponin assay [AUC for H-FABP, 0.59; 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.48-0.70; and for troponin I, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.94; P<.0001]. Among
      patients who presented within 2h after the onset of chest pain, the AUC for H
      FABP was even low as compared with sensitive troponin (0.55; 0.39-0.72 vs. 0.89;
      0.80-0.98, p<0.001). The clinical sensitivity for the diagnosis of AMI with the
      cutoff point of 99 th percentile was similar in both assays (81% and 81%,
      respectively), however, the specificity was extremely low in the H-FABP assay as
      compared with sensitive troponin assay (19% and 79%, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      The measurement of H-FABP in 114 consecutive patients with chest pain suggestive
      of AMI showed no improvement of diagnosis for early AMI as compared with the
      current sensitive troponin assay because of its extremely low specificity.

PMID- 22078395
TI  - Cross-cultural analysis of type D (distressed) personality in 6222 patients with
      ischemic heart disease: a study from the International HeartQoL Project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type D (distressed) personality, the conjoint effect of negative
      affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI), predicts adverse cardiovascular
      outcomes, and is assessed with the 14-item Type D Scale (DS14). However,
      potential cross-cultural differences in Type D have not been examined yet in a
      direct comparison of countries. AIM: To examine the cross-cultural validity of
      the Type D construct and its relation with cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac
      symptom severity, and depression/anxiety. METHODS: In 22 countries, 6222 patients
      with ischemic heart disease (angina, 33%; myocardial infarction, 37%; or heart
      failure, 30%) completed the DS14 as part of the International HeartQoL Project.
      RESULTS: Type D personality was assessed reliably across countries (alphaNA>.80;
      alphaSI>.74; except Russia, which was excluded from further analysis). Cross
      cultural measurement equivalence was established for Type D personality at all
      measurement levels, as the factor-item configuration, factor loadings, and error
      structure were not different across countries (fit: CFI=.91; NFI=.88;
      RMSEA=.018), as well as across gender and diagnostic subgroups. Type D
      personality was more prevalent in Southern (37%) and Eastern (35%) European
      countries compared to Northern (24%) and Western European and English-speaking
      (both 27%) countries (p<.001). Type D was not confounded by cardiac symptom
      severity, but was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, smoking,
      sedentary lifestyle, and depression. CONCLUSION: Cross-cultural measurement
      equivalence was demonstrated for the Type D scale in 21 countries. There is a pan
      cultural relationship between Type D personality and some cardiovascular risk
      factors, supporting the role of Type D personality across countries and cardiac
      conditions.

PMID- 22078396
TI  - Large and small artery endothelial dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome.

PMID- 22078397
TI  - Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with history of paroxysmal
      supraventricular tachycardia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of atrial
      fibrillation (AF) in patients seen for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
      (PSVT) and to identify factors favoring AF. AF incidence is increased in patients
      with PSVT, but AF risk factors are unknown. POPULATION: 1187 patients, mean age
      50 +/- 19 years, were consecutively studied for spontaneous PSVT confirmed by
      electrophysiological study (EPS). Patients with anterograde conduction through an
      accessory pathway were excluded. METHODS: Clinical factors, age, gender, heart
      disease (HD) and electrophysiological data were noted. Patients with and without
      AF were compared. Mean follow-up was 4.48 +/- 4.9 years. RESULTS: 61 patients
      developed documented paroxysmal or permanent AF or atrial flutter (5%). They were
      older than patients without AF (59 vs 49 years, p<0.0005), were more frequently
      men (59% vs 37%) (p<0.002), had more frequently prior AF (24.5% vs 0.5%)
      (p<0.0001) and associated HD (18% vs 5%) (p<0.004). There were no differences at
      EPS concerning the mechanism of re-entry. AF induction or occurrence during EPS
      was more frequent in patients with AF (31%) than in patients without AF (9%)
      (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed age, male gender, prior AF, HD and atrial
      vulnerability during EPS were independent predictors of AF. Univariate comparison
      between both groups suggests no effect of PSVT ablation on the incidence of AF.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AF in our population was only 5%. The risk of AF
      was correlated with the classical risk factors of AF and atrial vulnerability
      during electrophysiological study. Patients with these risk factors should be
      followed.

PMID- 22078398
TI  - Successful shunt closure and improvement of hemodynamics in an ASD patient with
      severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and small shunt following a long-term use
      of bosentan.

PMID- 22078399
TI  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or non-compaction? How the first impression can be
      wrong.

PMID- 22078400
TI  - Participation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the effects of
      ischemic preconditioning in hypertrophied hearts: role of NO and mitoKATP.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) plays an
      important role in ischemia-reperfusion in normotensive animals. Our study aims to
      define their participation in the ischemic preconditioning (IP) in hypertrophied
      hearts and to assess the role played by NO and mitochondrial ATP-dependent K
      channels (mitoKATP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Isolated hearts from spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHR) and age-matched normotensive rats Wistar Kyoto (WKY) were
      subjected to 35-min or 50-min global ischemia (GI) followed by 2-hour reperfusion
      (R). IP was induced by a single cycle of 5-min GI and 10-min R (IP1) or three
      cycles of 2-min GI and 5-min R (IP3) applied before to prolonged ischemia. L-NAME
      (NOS inhibitor) or 5-HD (mitoKATP blocker) to investigate the role played by NO
      and mitoKATP, respectively were administered. Infarct size (IS), myocardial
      function, reduced glutathione (GSH) - as marker of oxidative stress and MnSOD
      cytosolic activity - as an index of mPTP opening were determined. RESULTS: IP1
      significantly decreased the IS in WKY hearts at both ischemia duration times. In
      SHR, IP1 decreased the IS observed in GI35 but it did not modify that detected at
      50-min GI, which was limited by IP3. IP preserved GSH content and decreased MnSOD
      cytosolic activity in both rat strains. These protective effects were annulled by
      L-NAME and 5-HD for both ischemic periods in SHR, whereas in WKY they were only
      effective for 50-min GI. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that the
      cardioprotection achieved by ischemic preconditioning in hearts from SHR hearts
      involves an attenuation of mPTP opening NO and mitoKATP-mediated.

PMID- 22078401
TI  - Systemic inflammation impairs cardiac glucose uptake.

PMID- 22078402
TI  - Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory indicators as predictive biomarkers of
      metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22078403
TI  - [Spontaneous drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst into the colon].

PMID- 22078404
TI  - Molecular imaging of the small renal mass.

PMID- 22078405
TI  - Highlights of the 2010 SUO Annual Meeting.

PMID- 22078406
TI  - Warm ischemia less than 30 minutes is not necessarily safe during partial
      nephrectomy: every minute matters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: At the 11th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO),
      an expert panel discussed the importance of warm ischemia time on renal function
      during partial nephrectomy. The position of this manuscript is that every minute
      of warm ischemia time has a deleterious effect on renal function outcomes
      following partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presentation was
      derived from a review of the published urologic, nephrology, and transplant
      literature related to warm ischemia time and renal function outcomes. RESULTS:
      There exist numerous clinical models to study the effects of warm ischemia on
      renal function. These include the bilateral kidney, unilateral partial
      nephrectomy, solitary kidney partial nephrectomy, and transplant kidney model.
      Each of these models provides evidence for minimizing warm ischemia time to
      prevent acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, and end stage renal failure.
      In the best available model, solitary kidney partial nephrectomy, each minute of
      warm ischemia was found to be associated with a 6% increased risk of acute renal
      failure, 7% increased risk of acute-onset end stage renal disease (ESRD), and 4%
      increased risk of new-onset ESRD while controlling for preoperative renal
      function, tumor size, and surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: There is ample
      evidence, consistent across multiple human kidney models, supporting the
      potentially deleterious renal effects of warm ischemia during partial
      nephrectomy. There does not appear to be a known safe threshold of warm ischemia
      since each minute sequentially contributes to the risk of developing acute kidney
      injury and renal function decline. Ultimate renal function following PN is
      dependent on the "3 Qs": quality (renal function prior to surgery), quantity
      (renal parenchyma preserved during surgery), and quickness (ischemia time).

PMID- 22078407
TI  - Argument in favor of performing partial nephrectomy for tumors greater than 7 cm:
      the metastatic prescription has already been written.
AB  - The acceptance of partial nephrectomy over the past few decades has been gradual
      with initial utilization of nephron sparing approach for tumors up to 4 cm and
      more recently up to 7 cm. The arbitrary cutoff values used in the historic
      recommendations are based on the oncologic outcomes documenting the increase in
      metastatic potential of renal lesions that is strongly associated with increase
      in tumor size. Despite these observations, radical nephrectomy has not been found
      to be protective from development of metastatic disease, and oncologic outcomes
      of partial nephrectomy for tumors matched for size or stage have not been
      inferior to radical nephrectomy. The present manuscript argues for avoidance of
      specific size cutoffs as patients with larger masses may benefit from maximal
      preservation of nephrons. These are the very patients at higher risk for
      metastatic disease, who may benefit from preserved renal function to allow for
      future additional therapies or adjuvant trials.

PMID- 22078408
TI  - Surgical therapy for intermediate risk prostate cancer.
AB  - Optimal surgical management of intermediate risk prostate cancer has yet to be
      defined. This is in part due to the heterogeneity of the disease burden in this
      patient population. When choosing the surgical approach for intermediate risk
      prostate cancer, urologists should attempt to maximize oncologic outcomes while
      balancing quality of life concerns. Due to significant risk of failure following
      solo treatment, multi-modality therapy should be available for those patients
      with poor pathologic outcomes following surgical therapy.

PMID- 22078409
TI  - The management of subcentimeter residual mass in NSGCT: pcRPLND vs. observation.
AB  - Patients with advanced non-seminomatous germ cell tumors may achieve a serologic
      and radiographic complete response (CR) to first-line chemotherapy (defined as a
      residual mass < 1 cm in size). Recent reports suggest that these patients may be
      observed with a low rate of relapse but there remain compelling arguments for
      surgical excision. The arguments for and against post-chemotherapy
      retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) are presented. There is clear
      consensus that patient's with residual masses > 1 cm should undergo post
      chemotherapy surgery.

PMID- 22078410
TI  - Time-dependent slowly-reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase A by N
      substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines.
AB  - A novel class of N-substituted tetrahydropyridine derivatives was found to have
      multiple kinetic mechanisms of monoamine oxidase A inhibition. Eleven
      structurally similar tetrahydropyridine derivatives were synthesized and
      evaluated as inhibitors of MAO-A and MAO-B. The most potent MAO-A inhibitor in
      the series, 2,4-dichlorophenoxypropyl analog 12, displayed time-dependent mixed
      noncompetitive inhibition. The inhibition was reversed by dialysis, indicating
      reversible enzyme inhibition. Evidence that the slow-binding inhibition of MAO-A
      with 12 involves a covalent bond was gained from stabilizing a covalent
      reversible intermediate product by reduction with sodium borohydride. The reduced
      enzyme complex was not reversible by dialysis. The results are consistent with
      slowly reversible, mechanism-based inhibition. Two tetrahydropyridine analogs
      that selectively inhibited MAO-A were characterized by kinetic mechanisms
      differing from the kinetic mechanism of 12. As reversible inhibitors of MAO-A,
      tetrahydropyridine analogs are at low risk of having an adverse effect of
      tyramine-induced hypertension.

PMID- 22078411
TI  - Structure-based rational design of novel hit compounds for pyruvate dehydrogenase
      multienzyme complex E1 components from Escherichia coli.
AB  - Pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex (PDHc) E1 component plays a pivotal
      role in cellular metabolism to convert the product of glycolysis (pyruvate) to
      acetyl-CoA, and has been reported as a potential target for anti-microbial and
      herbicide. In present study, based on the thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) site, four
      novel hit compounds with high inhibitory activity against the PDHc-E1 from
      Escherichia coli were firstly designed by using structure-based molecular docking
      methods. As expected, among four compounds, the compound 3a is the best inhibitor
      by far, with IC(50) value of 6.88 MUM against PDHc-E1 from E. coli. To elucidate
      the interaction mechanism between the active site of PDHc-E1 and its inhibitor,
      the docking-based molecular dynamics simulation (MD) and MD-based ab initio
      fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations were also further performed. The
      positive results indicated that all modeling strategies presented in the current
      study most like to be an encouraging way in design of novel lead compounds with
      structural diversity for PDHc-E1 in the future.

PMID- 22078412
TI  - Disulfide and amide-bridged cyclic peptide analogues of the VEGF81-91 fragment:
      synthesis, conformational analysis and biological evaluation.
AB  - The design, synthesis, conformational studies and binding affinity for VEGFR-1
      receptors of a collection of linear and cyclic peptide analogues of the beta
      hairpin fragment VEGF(81-91) are described. Cyclic 11-mer peptide derivatives
      were prepared from linear precursors with conveniently located Cys, Asp or Dap
      residues, by the formation of disulfide and amide bridges, using solid-phase
      synthesis. Molecular modelling studies indicated a tendency to be structured
      around the central beta-turn of the VEGF(81-91) beta-hairpin in most synthesized
      cyclic compounds. This structural behavior was confirmed by NMR conformational
      analysis. The NHCO cyclic derivative 7 showed significant affinity for VEGFR-1,
      slightly higher than the native linear fragment, thus supporting the design of
      mimics of this fragment as a valid approach to disrupt the VEGF/VEGFR-1
      interaction.

PMID- 22078413
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of fluorinated styryl benzazoles as amyloid
      probes.
AB  - The formation of proteinaceous aggregates is a pathognomonic hallmark of several
      neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. To
      date, the final diagnostic for these diseases can only be achieved by
      immunostaining of post-mortem brain tissues with the commonly used congo red and
      Thioflavin T/S amyloid-dyes. The interest in developing amyloid-avid radioprobes
      to be used for protein aggregates imaging by positron emission tomography has
      grown substantialy, due to the promise in assisting diagnosis of these disorders.
      To this purpose, the present work describes the synthesis and characterization of
      four novel fluorinated styryl benzazole derivatives 1-4 by means of the Wittig
      reaction, as well as their in vitro evaluation as amyloid-probing agents. All
      compounds were obtained as mixtures of geometric E and Z isomers, with the
      preferable formation of the E isomer. Photoisomerization reactions allowed for
      the maximization of the minor Z isomers. The authentic 1-4E/Z isomers were
      isolated after purification by column chromatography under dark conditions.
      Profiting from the fluorescence properties of the different geometric isomers of
      1-4, their binding affinities towards amyloid fibrils of insulin, alpha-synuclein
      and beta-amyloid peptide were also measured. These compounds share similarities
      with Thioflavin T, interacting specifically with fibrillary species with a red
      shift in the excitation wavelengths along with an increase in the fluorescence
      emission intensity. Apparent binding constants were determined and ranged between
      1.22 and 23.96 MUM(-1). The present data suggest that the novel fluorinated
      styryl benzazole derivatives may prove useful for the design of (18)F-labeled
      amyloid radioprobes.

PMID- 22078414
TI  - Small interfering RNA targeting mcl-1 enhances proteasome inhibitor-induced
      apoptosis in various solid malignant tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is a promising approach
      for anticancer strategies. Recently, we found Bik accumulation in cancer cell
      lines after they were treated with bortezomib. However, recent evidence indicates
      that proteasome inhibitors may also induce the accumulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl
      2 family members. The current study was designed to analyze the levels of several
      anti-apoptotic members of Bcl-2 family in different human cancer cell lines after
      they were treated with proteasome inhibitors. METHODS: Different human cancer
      cell lines were treated with proteasome inhibitors. Western blot were used to
      investigate the expression of Mcl-1 and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic
      signaling. Cell viability was investigated using SRB assay, and induction of
      apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: We found elevated Mcl-1
      level in human colon cancer cell lines DLD1, LOVO, SW620, and HCT116; human
      ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3; and human lung cancer cell line H1299, but not in
      human breast cancer cell line MCF7 after they were treated with bortezomib. This
      dramatic Mcl-1 accumulation was also observed when cells were treated with other
      two proteasome inhibitors, MG132 and calpain inhibitor I (ALLN). Moreover, our
      results showed Mcl-1 accumulation was caused by stabilization of the protein
      against degradation. Reducing Mcl-1 accumulation by Mcl-1 siRNA reduced Mcl-1
      accumulation and enhanced proteasome inhibitor-induced cell death and apoptosis,
      as evidenced by the increased cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP
      ribose) polymerase. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that it was not only Bik but
      also Mcl-1 accumulation during the treatment of proteasome inhibitors, and
      combining proteasome inhibitors with Mcl-1 siRNA would enhance the ultimate
      anticancer effect suggesting this combination might be a more effective strategy
      for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22078416
TI  - Short-term and long-term outcome of anti-Jo1-positive patients with anti-Ro52
      antibody.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to (1) assess clinical features
      and long-term outcome in anti-Jo1-positive patients with anti-Ro52 antibody; (2)
      compare characteristics of anti-Jo1-positive patients with and without anti-Ro52
      antibody; and (3) compare features of anti-Ro52-positive patients with and
      without anti-Jo1 antibody. METHODS: The medical records of 89 consecutive anti
      Jo1-positive patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) were reviewed; 36 of
      these patients had coexistent anti-Ro52 antibody. Furthermore, the medical
      records of 13 consecutive anti-Ro52-positive patients without anti-Jo1 antibody
      were also reviewed. RESULTS: Nine anti-Jo1-positive patients (25%) with anti-Ro
      52 antibody achieved remission of ASS, whereas 19 other patients (52.8%) improved
      and 8 patients (22.2%) worsened their clinical status. Anti-Jo1-positive patients
      with anti-Ro52 antibody experienced ASS-related complications: interstitial lung
      disease (n = 28), esophageal dysfunction (n = 9), and joint manifestations (n =
      25), including periarticular hydroxyapatite calcifications and erosions of
      metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and wrists (n = 3); 7 anti-Ro52
      positive patients (19.4%) had cancer. Anti-Jo1-positive patients with anti-Ro52
      antibody, compared with those without, more commonly experienced deterioration of
      myositis and joint involvement, symptomatic form of ILD, and cancer; they also
      had decreased survival rate (P = 0.05). We further found that anti-Ro52-positive
      patients with anti-Jo1 antibody, compared with those without, were younger and
      more frequently exhibited ILD with poorer prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our series
      underlines that the presence of anti-Ro52 antibody is associated with a
      particular phenotype of ASS, leading to more severe myositis and joint
      impairment. Moreover, the coexistence of anti-Ro52 antibody seems to be
      associated with an increased risk of cancer. We therefore suggest that anti-Jo1
      positive patients should routinely undergo the search for anti-Ro52 antibody, as
      this autoantibody appears to impact patients' prognosis.

PMID- 22078415
TI  - Aflatoxin levels, plasma vitamins A and E concentrations, and their association
      with HIV and hepatitis B virus infections in Ghanaians: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Micronutrient deficiencies occur commonly in people infected with the
      human immunodeficiency virus. Since aflatoxin exposure also results in reduced
      levels of several micronutrients, HIV and aflatoxin may work synergistically to
      increase micronutrient deficiencies. However, there has been no report on the
      association between aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient deficiencies in HIV
      infected people. We measured aflatoxin B1 albumin (AF-ALB) adduct levels and
      vitamins A and E concentrations in the plasma of HIV-positive and HIV-negative
      Ghanaians and examined the association of vitamins A and E with HIV status,
      aflatoxin levels and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted in which participants completed a demographic
      survey and gave a 20 mL blood sample for analysis of AF-ALB levels, vitamins A
      and E concentrations, CD4 counts, HIV viral load and HBV infection. RESULTS: HIV
      infected participants had significantly higher AF-ALB levels (median for HIV
      positive and HIV-negative participants was 0.93 and 0.80 pmol/mg albumin,
      respectively; p <0.01) and significantly lower levels of vitamin A (-16.94
      MUg/dL; p <0.0001) and vitamin E (-0.22 mg/dL; p <0.001). For the total study
      group, higher AF-ALB was associated with significantly lower vitamin A (-4.83
      MUg/dL for every 0.1 pmol/mg increase in AF-ALB). HBV-infected people had
      significantly lower vitamin A (-5.66 MUg/dL; p = 0.01). Vitamins A and E levels
      were inversely associated with HIV viral load (p = 0.02 for each), and low
      vitamin E was associated with lower CD4 counts (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      finding of the significant decrease in vitamin A associated with AF-ALB suggests
      that aflatoxin exposure significantly compromises the micronutrient status of
      people who are already facing overwhelming health problems, including HIV
      infection.

PMID- 22078417
TI  - Feasibility of using a handheld electronic device for the collection of patient
      reported outcomes data from children.
AB  - The manner in which a communication disorder affects health-related quality of
      life (QOL) in children is not known. Unfortunately, collection of quality of life
      data via traditional paper measures is labor intensive and has several other
      limitations, which hinder the investigation of pediatric quality of life in
      children. Currently, there is not sufficient research regarding the use of
      electronic devices to collect pediatric patient reported outcomes in order to
      address such limitations. Thus, we used a cross-over design to compare responses
      to a pediatric health quality of life instrument (PedsQL 4.0) delivered using a
      handheld electronic device to those from a traditional paper form. Respondents
      were children with (n=9) and without (n=10) a speech or voice disorder. For paper
      versus the electronic format, we examined time to completion, number of
      incomplete or inaccurate question responses, intra-rater reliability, ease of
      use, and child and parent preference. There were no significant differences
      between children's scores, time to complete the measure, or ratings related to
      ease of answering questions. The percentage of children who made answering errors
      or omissions with paper and pencil was significantly greater than the percentage
      of children who made such errors using the device. This preliminary study
      demonstrated that use of an electronic device to collect QOL or patient-reported
      outcomes (PRO) data from children is more efficient than and just as feasible,
      reliable, and acceptable as using paper forms. The development of hardware and
      software applications for the collection of QOL and/or PRO data in children with
      speech disorders is likely warranted. LEARNING OUTCOMES: The reader will be able
      to understand: (1) The potential benefits of using electronic data capture via
      handheld devices for collecting pediatric patient reported outcomes; (2) The
      Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 is a measure of the perception of general
      health quality that has distinguished between healthy children and those with
      chronic health conditions; (3) Past research in communication disorders indicates
      that voice and speech disorders may impact quality of life in children; (4) Based
      on preliminary data, electronic collection of patient reported outcomes in
      children with and without speech/voice disorders is more efficient and equally
      feasible, reliable, and acceptable when compared to paper forms.

PMID- 22078418
TI  - Tocilizumab treatment for neuro-Behcet's disease, the first report.

PMID- 22078419
TI  - Stroke associated with surgical and transcatheter treatment of aortic stenosis: a
      comprehensive review.
AB  - Stroke is a potential complication of treating patients with aortic stenosis via
      surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), transcatheter aortic valve replacement
      (TAVR), and balloon aortic valvuloplasty. Because there are limited and
      heterogeneous data on the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of stroke among
      patients being treated for aortic stenosis, we performed a comprehensive review
      of the literature. The risk of stroke after AVR in the general population is
      approximately 1.5%, and the risk is increased (to approximately 2% to 4%) in
      older and higher-risk patients. Strokes were reported in 1.5% to 6% of patients
      treated with TAVR, and in the only randomized trial of AVR versus TAVR, there was
      an increased risk of 30-day strokes (minor and major strokes and transient
      ischemic attacks) with TAVR (5.5% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.04).

PMID- 22078420
TI  - Clinical outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis at increased surgical
      risk according to treatment modality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the role of transcatheter aortic
      valve implantation (TAVI) compared with medical treatment (MT) and surgical
      aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) at
      increased surgical risk. BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with comorbidities are at
      considerable risk for SAVR. METHODS: Since July 2007, 442 patients with severe AS
      (age: 81.7 +/- 6.0 years, mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative
      Risk Evaluation: 22.3 +/- 14.6%) underwent treatment allocation to MT (n = 78),
      SAVR (n = 107), or TAVI (n = 257) on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation
      protocol as part of a prospective registry. RESULTS: Baseline clinical
      characteristics were similar among patients allocated to MT and TAVI, whereas
      patients allocated to SAVR were younger (p < 0.001) and had a lower predicted
      peri-operative risk (p < 0.001). Unadjusted rates of all-cause mortality at 30
      months were lower for SAVR (22.4%) and TAVI (22.6%) compared with MT (61.5%, p <
      0.001). Adjusted hazard ratios for death were 0.51 (95% confidence interval: 0.30
      to 0.87) for SAVR compared with MT and 0.38 (95% confidence interval: 0.25 to
      0.58) for TAVI compared with MT. Medical treatment (<0.001), older age (>80
      years, p = 0.01), peripheral vascular disease (<0.001), and atrial fibrillation
      (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality at 30 months in
      the multivariate analysis. At 1 year, more patients undergoing SAVR (92.3%) or
      TAVI (93.2%) had New York Heart Association functional class I/II as compared
      with patients with MT (70.8%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with severe
      AS with increased surgical risk, SAVR and TAVI improve survival and symptoms
      compared with MT. Clinical outcomes of TAVI and SAVR seem similar among carefully
      selected patients with severe symptomatic AS at increased risk.

PMID- 22078421
TI  - Are you too young?

PMID- 22078422
TI  - Multimodality imaging in transcatheter aortic valve implantation and post
      procedural aortic regurgitation: comparison among cardiovascular magnetic
      resonance, cardiac computed tomography, and echocardiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine imaging predictors of
      aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)
      and the agreement and reproducibility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR),
      cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in
      aortic root assessment. BACKGROUND: The optimal imaging strategy for planning
      TAVI is unclear with a paucity of comparative multimodality imaging data. The
      association between aortic root morphology and outcomes after TAVI also remains
      incompletely understood. METHODS: A total of 202 consecutive patients assessed by
      CMR, CCT, and TTE for TAVI were studied. Agreement and variability among and
      within imaging modalities was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. Postoperative AR
      was assessed by TTE. RESULTS: Of the 202 patients undergoing TAVI assessment with
      both CMR and TTE, 133 also underwent CCT. Close agreement was observed between
      CMR and CCT in dimensions of the aortic annulus (bias, -0.4 mm; 95% limits of
      agreement: -5.7 to 5.0 mm), and similarly for sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular
      junction, and ascending aortic measures. Agreement between TTE-derived measures
      and either CMR or CCT was less precise. Intraobserver and interobserver
      variability were lowest with CMR. The presence and severity of AR after TAVI were
      associated with larger aortic valve annulus measurements by both CMR (p = 0.03)
      and CCT (p = 0.04) but not TTE-derived measures (p = 0.10). Neither CCT nor CMR
      measures of annulus eccentricity, however, predicted AR after TAVI (p = 0.33 and
      p = 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing imaging assessment
      for TAVI, the presence and severity of AR after TAVI were associated with larger
      aortic annulus measurements by both CMR and CCT, but not TTE. Both CMR and CCT
      provide highly reproducible information in the assessment of patients undergoing
      TAVI.

PMID- 22078423
TI  - The evolution from surgery to percutaneous mitral valve interventions: the role
      of the edge-to-edge technique.
AB  - The edge-to-edge technique is a versatile procedure for mitral valve repair. Its
      technical simplicity has been the prerequisite for the development of a number of
      transcatheter technologies to perform percutaneous mitral valve repair. The
      evolution from a standard open heart surgical to percutaneous procedure involved
      the application of the technique in minimally invasive robotic surgery and direct
      access (transatrial) off-pump suture-based repair and finally in the fully
      percutaneous approach with either suture-based or device (clip)-based approach.
      The MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, California) is currently available
      for clinical use in Europe, and it is mainly applied to treat high-risk patients
      with functional mitral regurgitation. A critical review of the surgical as well
      as the early percutaneous repair data is necessary to elucidate the clinical role
      and the potential for future developments of the edge-to-edge repair in the
      treatment of mitral regurgitation.

PMID- 22078424
TI  - Correction of mitral regurgitation in nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization
      therapy by MitraClip improves symptoms and promotes reverse remodeling.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and effect of MitraClip
      treatment on symptoms and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in nonresponders to
      cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). BACKGROUND: Moderate to severe
      functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) frequently persists after CRT, contributing
      to reduced or no response to CRT. Percutaneous repair with the MitraClip has been
      proposed as an additional therapeutic option in select patients with significant
      FMR. METHODS: Fifty-one severely symptomatic CRT nonresponders with significant
      FMR (grade >=2, 100%) underwent MitraClip treatment. Changes in New York Heart
      Association functional class, degree of FMR, LV ejection fraction (EF), and LV
      end-diastolic/end-systolic volumes (EDV/ESV) before and after (3, 6, and 12
      months) MitraClip implantation were recorded. Mortality data, including cause of
      death, were collected. RESULTS: MC treatment was feasible in all patients (49% 1
      clip, 46% 2 clips). There were 2 periprocedural deaths. Median follow-up was 14
      months (25th to 75th percentile: 8 to 17 months). New York Heart Association
      functional class improved acutely at discharge (73%) and continued to improve
      progressively during follow-up (regression model, p < 0.001). The proportion of
      patients with significant residual FMR (grade >=2) progressively decreased during
      follow-up (regression model, p < 0.001). Reverse LV remodeling and improved LVEF
      were detected at 6 months, with further improvement at 12 months (regression
      model, p = 0.001, p = 0.008, and p = 0.031 for ESV, EDV, and LVEF, respectively).
      Overall 30-day mortality was 4.2%. Overall mortality during follow-up was 19.9
      per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 10.3 to 38.3). Nonsurvivors had
      more compromised clinical baseline conditions, longer QRS duration, and a more
      dilated heart. CONCLUSIONS: FMR treatment with the MitraClip in CRT nonresponders
      was feasible, safe, and demonstrated improved functional class, increased LVEF,
      and reduced ventricular volumes in about 70% of these study patients.

PMID- 22078425
TI  - Echocardiographic and clinical outcomes of MitraClip therapy in patients not
      amenable to surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients at
      prohibitive surgical risk undergoing MitraClip therapy (Abbott Vascular, Redwood
      City, California) for severe mitral regurgitation (MR). BACKGROUND: The safety of
      percutaneous mitral valve repair has been documented. However, midterm
      development of mitral valve function, ventricular remodeling, and clinical
      outcomes in patients not amenable to surgery are unknown. METHODS: A total of 104
      consecutive patients (mean age 74 +/- 9 years; 64 men; 49 and 54 with MR 3+ and
      4+, respectively; 69 with functional MR; 59 and 45 in New York Heart Association
      classes III and IV, respectively) were followed for a median of 359 days.
      RESULTS: Device success was achieved in 96 patients (92%). In patients with
      successful index procedures, MR grade <=2+ was present at follow-up in 82.5%,
      left ventricular end-diastolic and -systolic volumes were reduced, and forward
      stroke volumes were significantly increased. Improvements in New York Heart
      Association functional class were observed in 80% of patients, with 69% in class
      I or II; 75% improved in the 6-min walk test; and 74% reported improvements in
      quality of life. One-year estimates of mortality and rehospitalization were 22%
      and 31%, respectively. Forward stroke volume at discharge emerged as a predictor
      of event-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: MitraClip therapy improves clinical and
      echocardiographic outcomes at 1 year in about three-quarters of critically ill,
      elderly patients with moderate to severe MR not amenable to surgery.

PMID- 22078426
TI  - Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failed surgical bioprosthetic
      valves.
AB  - When bioprosthetic cardiac valves fail, reoperative valve replacement carries a
      higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared with initial valve replacement.
      Transcatheter heart valve implantation may be a viable alternative to surgical
      aortic valve replacement for high-risk patients with native aortic stenosis, and
      valve-in-valve (V-in-V) implantation has been successfully performed for failed
      surgical bioprostheses in the aortic, mitral, pulmonic, and tricuspid positions.
      Despite some core similarities to transcatheter therapy of native valve disease,
      V-in-V therapy poses unique clinical and anatomic challenges. In this paper, we
      review the challenges, selection criteria, techniques, and outcomes of V-in-V
      implantation.

PMID- 22078427
TI  - Clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous closure of periprosthetic
      paravalvular leaks.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and
      efficacy of the percutaneous device closure of a consecutive series of patients
      with periprosthetic paravalvular leaks referred to our structural heart disease
      center with congestive heart failure and hemolytic anemia. BACKGROUND: Clinically
      significant periprosthetic paravalvular leak is an uncommon but serious
      complication after surgical valve replacement. Percutaneous closure has been
      utilized as an alternative to surgical repair of this defect in high-risk
      surgical patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 57 percutaneous
      paravalvular leak closures that were performed in 43 patients (67% male, mean age
      69.4 +/- 11.7 years) between April 2006 and September 2010. Integrated imaging
      modalities were used for the evaluation, planning, and guidance of the
      interventions. RESULTS: Closure was successful in 86% of leaks and in 86% of
      patients. Twenty-eight of 35 patients improved by at least 1 New York Heart
      Association functional class. The percentage of patients requiring blood
      transfusions and/or erythropoietin injections post-procedure decreased from 56%
      to 5%. Clinical success was achieved in 89% of the patients in whom procedure was
      successful. The survival rates for patients at 6, 12, and 18 months after
      paravalvular leak closures were 91.9%, 89.2%, and 86.5%, respectively. Freedom
      from cardiac-related death at 42 months post-procedure was 91.9%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Percutaneous closure of symptomatic paravalvular leaks, facilitated by integrated
      imaging modalities has a high rate of acute and long-term success and appears to
      be effective in managing symptoms of heart failure and hemolytic anemia.

PMID- 22078428
TI  - Long-term follow-up of percutaneous repair of paravalvular prosthetic
      regurgitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine the long-term clinical
      efficacy of percutaneous repair of paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation.
      BACKGROUND: Percutaneous repair has emerged as an effective therapy for patients
      with paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation. METHODS: We retrospectively
      identified 126 patients who underwent catheter-based treatment of symptomatic
      prosthetic paravalvular regurgitation. Patients were contacted for symptoms,
      clinical events, and vital status. RESULTS: The 3-year estimate for survival was
      64.3% (95% confidence interval: 52.1% to 76.8%). Mortality occurred due to
      cardiac, noncardiac, and unknown causes in 9.5%, 7.1%, and 5.6% of patients,
      respectively. Among survivors, 72% of patients who had presented with heart
      failure were free of severe symptoms and need for cardiac surgery. Severity of
      residual regurgitation was not related to overall survival but was an important
      determinant of other clinical events. For those with no, mild, or moderate or
      severe residual regurgitation, 3-year estimate of survival free of death or need
      for surgery was 63.3%, 58.3%, and 30.3% (p = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Percutaneous repair of paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation can lead to durable
      symptom relief in selected patients. Nonetheless, mortality remains significant
      in symptomatic patients with paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation. Long-term
      clinical efficacy is highly dependent on residual regurgitation.

PMID- 22078430
TI  - Wrinkles in the atrium: age, atrial fibrillation, or something else.

PMID- 22078429
TI  - Structural abnormalities in atrial walls are associated with presence and
      persistency of atrial fibrillation but not with age.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between
      structural changes in human atria, age, and history of atrial fibrillation (AF).
      BACKGROUND: Development of fibrosis in atrial walls is associated with
      deterioration of atrial conduction and predisposes to AF in experiment. Human
      data, however, are scarce, and whether fibrosis is a cause or consequence of AF
      is not known. METHODS: Medical records for consecutive autopsies were checked for
      AF history and duration. Atrial specimens from 30 patients (ages 64 +/- 12 years)
      were collected in 3 equal age-matched groups as patients without AF history, with
      paroxysmal AF, or with permanent AF. Tissue samples were obtained at the level of
      superior pulmonary veins, inferior pulmonary veins, center of posterior left
      atrial wall, terminal crest, and Bachmann's bundle. Histology sections were
      assessed for extent of fibrosis, fatty tissues, and inflammatory infiltration at
      each location. RESULTS: No correlation was observed between age and fibrosis at
      any location. Fibrosis extent and fatty infiltration were twofold to threefold
      higher at all locations in patients with history of AF and correlated with
      lymphomononuclear infiltration. Patients with permanent AF had greater fibrosis
      extent than did patients with paroxysmal AF. CONCLUSIONS: In post-mortem
      material, structural changes in the atria were not associated with age, but were
      significantly correlated with presence of AF and its severity. Our findings
      suggest that age-related changes per se are unlikely to be the sole cause of
      advanced fibrosis underlying AF.

PMID- 22078431
TI  - Transcatheter patch occlusion of the left atrial appendage using surgical
      adhesives in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using the
      Transcatheter Patch (TP) (Custom Medical Devices, Athens, Greece) in conjunction
      with surgical adhesives was assessed. BACKGROUND: The TP is a bioabsorbable
      device that can be adjusted for the shape and size of the LAA without the risk of
      perforation. It is attached by a surgical adhesive and is released in 45 min.
      METHODS: Occlusion of the LAA was performed in 20 high-risk patients, 59 to 89
      years of age, with atrial fibrillation. A 2-stage polyethylene glycol surgical
      adhesive was applied to the distal half of the device. Activation of the adhesive
      was achieved by direct injection of alkaline solution. Fluoroscopy and
      transesophageal echocardiography only were used for device placement in 17
      patients. In 3 patients, angiography was used as well. Follow-up transesophageal
      echocardiography was performed upon discharge. RESULTS: The procedure was
      successful in 17 cases. In the 3 patients in whom angiography was performed, the
      patch did not attach and was retrieved. In 1 case, the patch was placed beyond
      the mouth of the appendage, resulting in a residual opening. There was further
      improvement of the occlusion rate on the follow-up transesophageal
      echocardiography. There was 1 complication related to the procedure, namely,
      thrombus was released from the long sheath in the left atrium upon withdrawal and
      required treatment to be dissolved. No recurrent strokes were reported.
      CONCLUSIONS: Occlusion of the LAA by the TP is feasible and effective in most
      patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk for embolic stroke. Angiography
      before placement probably affects patch adhesion and is contraindicated.

PMID- 22078432
TI  - Birth prevalence of congenital heart disease worldwide: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Congenital heart disease (CHD) accounts for nearly one-third of all major
      congenital anomalies. CHD birth prevalence worldwide and over time is suggested
      to vary; however, a complete overview is missing. This systematic review included
      114 papers, comprising a total study population of 24,091,867 live births with
      CHD identified in 164,396 individuals. Birth prevalence of total CHD and the 8
      most common subtypes were pooled in 5-year time periods since 1930 and in
      continent and income groups since 1970 using the inverse variance method.
      Reported total CHD birth prevalence increased substantially over time, from 0.6
      per 1,000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4 to 0.8) in 1930 to 1934
      to 9.1 per 1,000 live births (95% CI: 9.0 to 9.2) after 1995. Over the last 15
      years, stabilization occurred, corresponding to 1.35 million newborns with CHD
      every year. Significant geographical differences were found. Asia reported the
      highest CHD birth prevalence, with 9.3 per 1,000 live births (95% CI: 8.9 to
      9.7), with relatively more pulmonary outflow obstructions and fewer left
      ventricular outflow tract obstructions. Reported total CHD birth prevalence in
      Europe was significantly higher than in North America (8.2 per 1,000 live births
      [95% CI: 8.1 to 8.3] vs. 6.9 per 1,000 live births [95% CI: 6.7 to 7.1]; p <
      0.001). Access to health care is still limited in many parts of the world, as are
      diagnostic facilities, probably accounting for differences in reported birth
      prevalence between high- and low-income countries. Observed differences may also
      be of genetic, environmental, socioeconomical, or ethnic origin, and there needs
      to be further investigation to tailor the management of this global health
      problem.

PMID- 22078433
TI  - Percutaneous implantation of the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve for
      conduit failure in the pulmonary position: early phase 1 results from an
      international multicenter clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and
      effectiveness of the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve (Edwards
      Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, California) in the pulmonary position in patients with
      moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation with or without stenosis. BACKGROUND:
      Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement is evolving, but to date, experience
      has been limited to the Melody valve (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota).
      METHODS: Eligible patients with dysfunctional right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery
      conduits were screened if body weight was >=35 kg and the in situ conduit
      diameter was >=16 mm and <=24 mm. Standardized implantation and follow-up
      protocols were used. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients from 4 centers were recruited
      between April 2008 and May 2010. Mean body weight was 73.4 +/- 22.9 kg.
      Successful valve deployment was achieved in 33 of 34 attempts (97.1%). Valve
      migration occurred in 3 patients, with 2 requiring surgical retrieval; however, 1
      patient underwent successful perventricular valve implantation. Further
      intraprocedure complications included pulmonary hemorrhage (n = 2), ventricular
      fibrillation (n = 1), and stent migration (n = 1). Pullback gradient across the
      conduit decreased from 26.8 +/- 18.4 mm Hg to 11.7 +/- 8.0 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The
      right ventricular/aortic pressure ratio decreased from 0.6 +/- 0.2 to 0.4 +/- 0.1
      (p < 0.001). Peak Doppler gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract
      decreased from 41.9 +/- 27.9 mm Hg to 19.1 +/- 13.3 mm Hg (p < 0.001). At 6-month
      follow-up, all patients were alive. The number of patients with New York Heart
      Association functional class I increased from 5 at baseline to 27 at follow-up.
      Pulmonary regurgitation was <=2+ in 97% of patients. Freedom from reintervention
      was 97% with 1 patient undergoing elective placement of a second valve due to
      conduit-induced distortion of the initial implant. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter
      pulmonary valve replacement using the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve is
      safe and effective in patients with dysfunctional right ventricle-to-pulmonary
      artery conduits.

PMID- 22078434
TI  - Permanent right-to-left shunt is the key factor in managing patent foramen ovale.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to prospectively evaluate risk of stroke and impact of
      transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in patients with permanent right
      to left shunt compared with those with Valsalva maneuver-induced right-to-left
      shunt. BACKGROUND: Pathophysiology and properly management of PFO still remain
      far from being fully clarified: in particular, the contribution of permanent
      right-to-left shunt remains unknown. METHODS: Between March 2006 and October
      2010, we enrolled 180 (mean age 44 +/- 10.9 years, 98 women) of 320 consecutive
      patients referred to our center for transcatheter PFO closure, who had
      spontaneous permanent right-to-left shunt on transcranial Doppler and
      transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography. All patients fulfilled the
      standard current indications for transcatheter closure and underwent preoperative
      transesophageal echocardiography and brain magnetic resonance imaging, with
      subsequent intracardiac echocardiographic-guided transcatheter PFO closure. We
      compared the clinical echocardiographic characteristics of these patients
      (Permanent Group) with the rest of 140 patients with right-to-left shunt only
      during Valsalva maneuver (Valsalva Group). RESULTS: Compared with the Valsalva
      Group patients, patients of the Permanent Group had increased frequency of
      multiple ischemic brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, previous recurrent
      stroke, previous peripheral arteries embolism, migraine with aura, and-more
      frequently-atrial septal aneurysm and prominent Eustachian valve. The presence of
      permanent shunt confers the highest risk of recurrent stroke (odds ratio: 5.9,
      95% confidence interval: 2.0 to 12, p < 0.001). No differences were recorded
      between the 2 groups with regard to recurrence of ischemic events after the
      closure procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its small-sample nature, our study
      suggests that patients with permanent right-to-left shunt have potentially a
      higher risk of paradoxical embolism compared with those without.

PMID- 22078435
TI  - SIGNATURE: a workbench for gene expression signature analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The biological phenotype of a cell, such as a characteristic visual
      image or behavior, reflects activities derived from the expression of collections
      of genes. As such, an ability to measure the expression of these genes provides
      an opportunity to develop more precise and varied sets of phenotypes. However, to
      use this approach requires computational methods that are difficult to implement
      and apply, and thus there is a critical need for intelligent software tools that
      can reduce the technical burden of the analysis. Tools for gene expression
      analyses are unusually difficult to implement in a user-friendly way because
      their application requires a combination of biological data curation, statistical
      computational methods, and database expertise. RESULTS: We have developed
      SIGNATURE, a web-based resource that simplifies gene expression signature
      analysis by providing software, data, and protocols to perform the analysis
      successfully. This resource uses bayesian methods for processing gene expression
      data coupled with a curated database of gene expression signatures, all carried
      out within a GenePattern web interface for easy use and access. CONCLUSIONS:
      SIGNATURE is available for public use at
      http://genepattern.genome.duke.edu/signature/.

PMID- 22078436
TI  - Hyperalgesia by synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP): an update.
AB  - Long-term potentiation of synaptic strength (LTP) in nociceptive pathways shares
      principle features with hyperalgesia including induction protocols,
      pharmacological profile, neuronal and glial cell types involved and means for
      prevention. LTP at synapses of nociceptive nerve fibres constitutes a
      contemporary cellular model for pain amplification following trauma,
      inflammation, nerve injury or withdrawal from opioids. It provides a novel target
      for pain therapy. This review summarizes recent progress which has been made in
      unravelling the properties and functions of LTP in the nociceptive system and in
      identifying means for its prevention and reversal.

PMID- 22078437
TI  - Obesity and pulmonary embolism: the mounting evidence of risk and the mortality
      paradox.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of pulmonary embolism in obese patients
      according to age, gender and comorbid conditions and explore the relation of
      obesity to mortality. METHODS: The number of patients discharged from short-stay
      hospitals throughout the United States from 1998-2008 with pulmonary embolism who
      were obese or not obese, and in-hospital all-cause mortality were determined from
      the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. RESULTS: From 1998-2008, 203,500 of 17,979,200
      (1.1%) obese patients were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism compared with
      2,034,100 of 346,049,800 (0.6%) non-obese patients [relative risk (RR) =2.03].
      Relative risk for pulmonary embolism was highest among obese patients aged 11-20
      years (RR=5.80) and was higher in obese women (RR=2.08) than in obese men
      (RR=1.74). Mortality was 4.3% in obese patients with pulmonary embolism compared
      with 9.5% in non-obese patients (RR=0.45). Obesity had the greatest effect on
      mortality in older patients and little effect in teenagers and young adults.
      Among stable patients who did not receive thrombolytic therapy, mortality was
      3.8% in obese patients and 8.4% in non-obese patients (RR=0.45). Among unstable
      patients, obesity had little effect on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of
      pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients was higher in obese patients than in
      non-obese patients. Mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism was lower in
      obese patients than in non-obese patients, with the greatest effects in women,
      older patients and stable patients.

PMID- 22078438
TI  - [Intranasal vaccination with mycobacterial 65-kD heat-shock protein can prevent
      insulitis and diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice].
AB  - AIM: To study the efficacy of heat shock protein 65 kDa (HSP65) of Mybobacterium
      tuberculosis var. bovis in prevention of autoimmune diabetes by intranasal.
      METHODS: The HSP65 gene was derived from Mybobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis
      genome by PCR and successfully expressed as soluble protein in Escherichia coli.
      The recombinant protein HSP65 was purified by anion exchange column
      chromatography,  then used to immunize prediabetic NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice
      via three intranasal (i.n.) delivery in absence of adjuvants. Serum samples from
      the immunized mice were collected at monthly intervals. The anti-HSP65 antibody
      was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and verified by Western
      blot analysis. The concentration of blood glucose was measured by automatic
      analyzer. RESULTS: Specific anti-HSP65 antibodies were successfully induced in
      mice immunized via intranasal routes. Histochemical analysis of mice pancreas
      tissue showed that HSP65 intranasal vaccination could decrease pathological
      changes in NOD mice. CONCLUSION: Intranasal vaccination with HSP65 in NOD mice
      could prevent the development of diabetes. Our results demonstrate that
      intranasal vaccination with HSP65 reduces significantly the inflammatory process
      associated with auto-immune diabetes. This approach may offer novel therapeutic
      avenues for the treatment for of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22078439
TI  - [Prokaryotic expression and immunogenicity analysis of the chimeric HBcAg
      containing APP beta cleavage site peptide and Abeta(1-15);].
AB  - AIM: To construct the recombinant prokaryotic expression plasmid pET/c-ABCSP
      Abeta(15-c);,  and evaluate the immunogenicity of the fusion protein expressed in
      E.coli. METHODS: The gene fragment HBc88-144 was amplified by PCR and subcloned
      to pUC19. The  APP beta cleavage site  peptide(ABCSP) and  Abeta(1-15);
      gene(ABCSP-Abeta(15);)  was amplified by PCR and inserted downstream of HBc1-71
      in pGEMEX/c1-71. After restriction enzyme digestion,  c1-17-ABCSP-Abeta(15); were
      connected with  HBc88-144,  yielding the recombinant gene c-ABCSP-Abeta(15-c);. c
      ABCSP-Abeta(15-c); gene was  subcloned into pET-28a(+).The fusion protein
      expressed in transformed E.coli BL21 was induced with IPTG and analyzed by SDS
      PAGE. The virus-like particles (VLP) formed by fusion protein was observed with
      Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). 4 Kunming (KM) mice received
      intraperitoneal injection (i.p) of fusion protein VLP. The antibody was detected
      by indirect ELISA. RESULTS: The recombinant gene was confirmed by restriction
      enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. After IPTG induction,  fusion protein was
      expressed and mainly existed in the sediment of the bacterial lysate. The
      expression level was 40% of all the proteins in the sediment. The fusion protein
      could form VLP. After 5 times of immunization,  the titer of anti-ABCSP and anti
      Abetaantibody in sera of KM mice reached up to 1:5 000 and 1:10 000 respectively,
      while the anti-HBc antibody was undetectable. CONCLUSION: Recombinant c-ABCSP
      Abeta(15-c); gene can be expressed in E.coli. The expressed protein could form
      VLP and has a strong immunogenicity. This study lays the foundation for the study
      of AD genetic engineering vaccine.

PMID- 22078440
TI  - [Synthesis and identification of artificial complete antigen 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D(3);].
AB  - AIM: To synthesize the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3); artificial complete antigen and to
      prepare the specific antibody against 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3);. METHODS: The
      active group carboxyl was introduced into 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3); and formed 25
      hydroxyvitamin D(3);-hemisuccinate which possessed the structure of the hapten by
      chemical modification. The EDC method was applied to conjugate 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D(3);-hemisuccinate to bovine serum albumin as an artificial immunogen. The
      coating antigen 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3);-hemisuccinate-OVA was obtained in the
      same way. Ultraviolet,  SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF were used to identify 25
      hydroxyvitamin D(3);-hemisuccinate-BSA. RESULTS: BALB/c mice were immunized with
      25-hydroxyvitamin D(3);-hemisuccinate-BSA to generate the polyclonal antibody of
      the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3); worth high titer and the immunogen,  25
      hydroxyvitamin D(3);-hemisuccinate-BSA,  was successfully prepared with coupling
      ratio (12+/-0.16):1(N=3) coupling. CONCLUSION: The high titer and good
      sensitivity of anti-25-hydroxyvitamin D(3); antibody are produced in sera
      immunized BALB/c mice,  which made it possible to develop a clinical diagnostics
      for illness.

PMID- 22078441
TI  - [Identification and expression analysis of a novel splice variant of  human tumor
      necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2].
AB  - AIM: Identification of a novel splice variant of tumor necrosis factor receptor
      associated factor 2 and its expression analysis. METHODS: By PCR analysis,  we
      identified the existence of a new splice variant of TRAF2 using human brain cDNA
      library as template. RNA isolated from various cell lines and tissues was
      subjected to RT-PCR and differential expression analysis of TRAF2 splice variants
      was carried out. RESULTS: An amplification of about 1 500 bp was found using P1
      and P2 as the primers. we performed PCR using exon 6 flanking primers P3 and P4, 
      yielding a full-length transcript of 268 bp (including exon 6) and a novel splice
      variant of 193 bp lacking the 75 bp of exon 6. The full-length transcript of
      TRAF2 was found to be dominant in T47D, glioma of grade II and grade III. However
      the novel splice lacking exon 6 was dominant in Hep3B, GC-1,  MCF7,  fetus brain
      and glioma of grade I, the two splices of TRAF2 were similar in PANCI,  Hek293
      and SW480.We couldn't find any expression of TRAF2 in HepG2, HBL100, A549 and
      HeLa . CONCLUSION: TRAF2 has a novel splice lacking 6 exon in human beside the
      full-length splice. The two splices are differential expression in tissues and
      cell lines.

PMID- 22078442
TI  - [The study of anti-tumor activities of DC vaccine loaded with multi-epotipes of
      survivin].
AB  - AIM: To observe the anti-tumor activity of dendritic cell (DC)vaccine loaded with
      multi-epitopes of survivin. METHODS: The recombinant plasmid pPIRESneo3.0
      survivin (4)/Th which include four survivin HLA-A2-restricted CD8(+); CTL
      epitopes and a CD4(+);Th epitope, pPIRESneo3.0-survivin (4) which include four
      survivin CD8(+); CTL epitopes, were transfected into human dendritic cells
      respectively. There were five groups,  which included survivin(4)/Th group, 
      survivin(4)group,  empty plasmid group,  untransfected group and T lymphocytes
      group The expression of CD83 and CD86 on the surface of DCs,  the expression of
      CD4 and CD8a on the surface of T lymphocytes,  the apoptotic rates of MCF-7 cells
      after treated by DC vaccine were measured by flow cytometry;  IFN-gamma levels of
      all groups were detected by ELISA and the growth inhibition of MCF-7 cells after
      being treated with DC vaccine was tested by MTT colorimetry. RESULTS: The results
      of flow cytometry revealed that high levels CD83 and CD86 were expressed on the
      surface of DCs;  high levels CD4 and CD8a were expressed on the surface of T
      lymphocytes;  the IFN-gamma levels in survivin(4)/Th group [(66.50+/
      3.34)ng/L]were significantly higher than that in survivin(4)group[(46.10+/
      1.35)ng/L],  empty plasmid group[(25.17+/-0.32)ng/L],  untransfected group
      [(25.47+/-0.95)ng/L]  or T lymphocytes group[(23.73+/-0.50)ng/L](P<0.05).  The
      inhibition rate of MCF-7 cells in survivin(4)/Th group was significantly higher
      than that in survivin(4)group,  empty plasmid group,  untransfected group or T
      lymphocytes group(P<0.05). The apoptotic rate of MCF-7 cells in survivin(4)/Th
      group was (10.63+/-0.29)% after treated by DC vaccine,  which was significantly
      higher than that in in survivin(4)group,  empty plasmid group,  untransfected
      group or T lymphocytes group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The DCs vaccine loaded with
      multi- CD8(+); CTL epitopes of survivin has strong anti-tumor effects. CD4(+); Th
      cells can promote the anti-tumor activity of CD8(+);CTL.

PMID- 22078443
TI  - [Construction of recombinant shuttle plasmid pIMP1-eHER2/neu and screening and
      identification of its stable Clostridium sporogenes transformants].
AB  - AIM: To construct recombinant clostridium sporogenes modified with the
      extracellular domain of human oncogene HER2/neu,  to lay a foundation for further
      study of its antitumor effect. METHODS: The extracellular domain (ECD) of
      HER2/neu gene was attached to the downstream of promoter and signal sequence of
      clostridia endo-1, 4-glucanase (eglAp) by SOE-PCR to construct fusion gene eglAp
      HER2/neu,  which was then inserted into E.coli-clostridia shuttle plasmid pIMP1
      to construct recombinant plasmid pIMP1-eHER2/neu. The recombinant plasmid was
      firstly transformed into E.coli DH5alpha.Then the correct construct was
      identified and introduced into C. sporogenes by electroporation. Positive clones
      were selected by erythromycin resistance,  bacteria PCR were used for
      verification. RESULTS: Restriction map and sequencing result showed that the
      sequence and ORF of fusion gene eglAp-HER2/neu in recombinant plasmid pIMP1
      eHER2/neu was correct. Bacteria PCR results indicated that the recombinant
      plasmid pIMP1-eHER2/neu was successfully transformed into C.sporogenes. After
      more than 20 passages under antibiotic pressure,  C.sporogenes transformants
      could stably carry the recombinant plasmid pIMP1-eHER2/neu. CONCLUSION: Stable
      C.sporogenes transformants with the recombinant plasmid pIMP1-eHER2/neu are
      successfully acquired,  which laid a foundation for further anti-tumor study.

PMID- 22078445
TI  - [The Enhanceing effect of IL-12 on phagocytosis and killing of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis by neutrophils in tuberculosis patients].
AB  - AIM: To explore the effects of IL-12 on phagocytosis and killing of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis by neutrophils or polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)  in tuberculosis
      patients. METHODS: The fresh peripheral blood samples from TB patients and
      healthy adults were incubated with M.tb labeled with FITC,  and the percentages
      of phagocytosis of M.tb by PMNs was measured by flow cytometry (FCM). The fresh
      peripheral blood samples were incubated with DCFH-DA,  and with or without M.tb
      for different times,  the percentage of activation and the ROS production of PMNs
      were measured by FCM. Whole blood samples were pretreated with IL-12,  the
      changes of phagocytosis,  activation and ROS production of PMNs were measured by
      FCM. RESULTS: The percentages of phagocytosis by PMNs,  activation and ROS
      production of PMNs in both TB patients and healthy adults increased dependent on
      the time of incubation with M.tb. Only the phagocytosis of M.tb by PMNs at 5 min
      in TB patients of tuberculosis patients (51.82+/-6.93)% was obviously higher than
      that in healthy adults (47.20+/-4.26)%,  (P<0.05). Pretreatment of whole blood
      with IL-12 before incubation with M.tb,  the percentages of phagocytosis, 
      activation and ROS production of PMNs in both TB patients and healthy adults
      increased in dose dependent manner,  but no significant difference was found
      between both groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the phagocytosis of
      M.tb and ROS production by PMNs in TB patients were almost the same as that in
      healthy controls,  except for phagocytosis is higher at early stage. Furthermore,
      IL-12 can enhance the responsiveness to the phagocytosis and ROS production of
      PMNs.

PMID- 22078444
TI  - [Mechanism of ING4 mediated inhibition of the proliferation and migration of
      human glioma cell line U251].
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effect of Ad-ING4 on proliferation and migration of
      glioma cells and explore its probable mechanism. METHODS: U251 were infected with
      Ad-ING4. ING4 gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. MTT assay was adopted to
      evaluate the effect of ING4 on proliferation of U251; Boyden chamber assay was
      used to check the effect of ING4 on the migration of U251. In ING4 transfected
      U251,  Western blot was used for detecting NGF and TrkA expression;  Pull-down
      assay was used for detecting active RhoA expression. RESULTS: ING4 was
      overexpressed in Ad-ING4 transfected U251 cells. ING4 inhibited proliferation and
      migration of U251 significantly. Moreover,  overexpression of ING4 result in
      depression of NGF,  TrkA and active RhoA. CONCLUSION: ING4 mediated inhibition of
      the proliferation and migration of human glioma cells by down regulating NGF, 
      TrkA and active RhoA expression.

PMID- 22078446
TI  - [Study on macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra in vitro].
AB  - AIM: To study the production of nitric oxide and secretion of cytokines after
      infection of macrophages with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. METHODS: 24 hours
      after infection of RAW264.7 cells with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra,  the
      production of NO and H(2);O(2); as well as the secretion levels of IL-12 and TNF
      alpha in the supernatants of culture were determined by Griess method,  chemical
      method and ELISA assay respectively. The expression of IL-12 and TNF-alpha mRNA
      in macrophages was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      (RT- PCR). RESULTS: Macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra
      produced effectively more NO,  H(2);O(2);,  and enhanced the release of IL-12, 
      TNF-alpha and the expression of IL-12,  TNF-alpha mRNA (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra can induce the production of more nitric oxide
      and cytokines which play important roles in the host immune response.

PMID- 22078447
TI  - [Effect of the ethanol extracts of starfish Asterias amurensis on the levels of
      serum IL-4 and IFN-gamma in mice].
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effect of the ethanol extracts of the starfish Asterias
      amurensis on the levels of serum IL-4 and IFN-gamma in mice. METHODS: The whole
      bodies of the starfish were chopped and extracted with ethanol. The ethanol
      extracts were chromatographed on silica gel column. The separating fractions of
      the ethanol extracts were intraperitoneally injected into mice,  respectively.
      The levels of serum IL-4 and IFN-gamma in mice were detected by ELISA. RESULTS:
      The ethanol extracts from the starfish were separated through silica gel column
      chromatography to obtain 8 fractions (I-VIII). The high levels of IL-4 and IFN
      gamma were produced in serum of the mice injected with fractions III and VIII of
      the ethanol extracts from the starfish Asterias amurensis. CONCLUSION: The
      fractions III and VIIII separated from the ethanol extracts of the starfish
      Asterias amurensis can stimulate the mice to produce high lelves of IL-4 and IFN
      gamma,  which has the characteristic of natural kill T (NKT) cells activator. It
      is suggests that there is the active substance that can activate NKT cells in the
      starfish Asterias amurensis.

PMID- 22078448
TI  - [Construction and expression of human anti-HER2 scFv-9R fusion protein and
      identification of its activity].
AB  - AIM: To construct,  express and purify a human fusion protein,  which is composed
      of a single-chain antibody fragment scFv that recognizes HER2 protein and an
      oligo-9-arginine,  and to analyze the binding activity of the expressed fusion
      protein. METHODS: Pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed and used to
      amplify the scFv-9R. The fusion protein gene scFv-9R was then cloned into
      expression vector pQE30 and expressed in E.coli M15.Expressed protein was
      detected by SDS-PAGE and Western blot and purified by Ni-NTA chelating agarose.
      Then, the purified protein was refolded by dialysis and concentrated by
      ultrafiltration. The antigen-binding activity of the scFv-9R fusion protein was
      confirmed by ELISA,  and the siRNA binding ability was confirmed by
      electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS: HER2 scFv-9R encoding
      sequence was correctly cloned into the expression vector.  The recombinant
      protein was insolubly expressed in E.coli M15 induced by IPTG.  ELISA confirmed
      that it had specific antigen binding activity; EMSA assured that it had siRNA
      binding activity. CONCLUSION: The scFv-9R fusion protein can specially bind with
      both HER2 antigen and siRNA.

PMID- 22078449
TI  - [Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for CjaA
      protein of Campylobacter jejuni].
AB  - AIM: Expression,  purification of Campylobacter jejuni CjaA protein and
      development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against this protein. METHODS: The C.
      jejuni cjaA gene was amplified and inserted into the expression plasmids,  pGEX
      6p-1 and pET30a (+). The purified rGST-CjaA protein was used as an immunogen in 8
      week-old BALB/c mice,  and injected subcutaneously. The purified rHis-CjaA
      protein used as a detecting antigen for screening mAbs against CjaA was prepared.
      The specificity of mAbs was characterized by Dot-ELISA and Western blot assays.
      RESULTS: The recombinant expression plasmids,  pGEX-6p-1-cjaA and pET30a(+)-cjaA
      were obtained. The sizes of the recombinant proteins,  rGST-CjaA and rHis-CjaA, 
      were consistent with their predicted size. Specific reaction was found between
      CjaA positive serum and expressed protein by Western blot assay,  confirming its
      identification as a Campylobacter jejuni immunogen. Three hybridoma cell lines, 
      designated 2B6,  3C2 and 4F11,  secreting mAbs against CjaA were obtained. Their
      immunoglobulin subclasses were all IgG1. The ELISA titers of the ascites fluid
      were 1:1*10(5);,  1:2*10(5); and 1:4*10(5);,  respectively. Western blot analysis
      confirmed that the three mAbs reacted with the rHis-CjaA fusion protein but not
      the His tag. The Dot-ELISA results demonstrated that the three mAbs only with
      CjaA and not the tags for the expression vectors. CONCLUSION: The successful
      preparation of three mAbs specific for the CjaA protein lays the foundation for
      further study regarding the biological characteristics of CjaA and the
      pathogenesis of C. jejuni.

PMID- 22078450
TI  - [Preparation and characterization of three novel monoclonal antibodies against
      human PD-L1].
AB  - AIM: To prepare a functional mouse anti-human PD-L1 monoclonal antibody and to
      characterize its biological activities. METHODS: A stable human PD-L1 transfected
      cell line L929/PD-L1 was used as an antigen to immunize BALB/c mice. By means of
      the cell fusion technique, multiple cell subcloning, repeated screening with
      L929/ PD-L1 as target cells and the L929/mock cells used as the negative control,
      the hybridomas specifically secreting mouse anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies were
      generated. Then its biological characterization was investigated by rapid murine
      Ig-subclass typing, Western blotting, indirect immune of luorescene assay, mutual
      competitive inhibition test. By means of MTT incorporation assay, detected the
      infection of mAb to T cell proliferation. Three mouse anti-human PD-L1 monoclonal
      antibodies were generated, named as 11G8, 2G5 and 5C3. RESULTS: The results of
      characterization study showed that the monoclonal antibodies could recognize the
      PD-L1 on the activated T cells. The mAbs could promote T cells proliferation.
      CONCLUSION: It is evident that the functional monoclonal antibodies for human PD
      L1 have been generated, and it would provide the initial material for further
      study on the role of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways.

PMID- 22078451
TI  - [Primary detection of biological functions of anti-hGITR(aa27-165);PcAb].
AB  - AIM: To detect the rabbit-derived polyclonal antibodies against extracellular
      protein segments of human glucocorticoid-inducible tumor necrosis factor
      receptors (anti-hGITR(aa27-165);PcAb) with regard to its capacity of linkage to
      natural GITR molecules and the function on CD4(+); T cells. METHODS: Human
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cultured under
      stimulation;  flow cytometry was applied to check the capacity of anti-hGITR(aa27
      165);PcAb for linkage to natural GITR molecules on PBMCs;  human CD4(+); T cells
      were isolated by immunological magnetic beads and (3);H-TdR incorporation tests
      were performed to observe improving-proliferation action of anti-hGITR(aa27
      165);PcAb while CD4(+); T cells were cultured with or not with some cytokines.
      RESULTS: Anti-hGITR(aa27-165);PcAb was able to bind GITR molecules with natural
      conformation in a concentration-dependent way;  furthermore,  this PcAb could
      improve the reproduction of CD4(+); T cells. CONCLUSION: The rabbit-derived anti
      hGITR(aa27-165);PcAb prepared in our laboratory is capable of linking to natural
      target molecules and possesses the activation function upon CD4(+); T cells,  the
      further exploration should allow for its applications for diagnosis and treatment
      of relavent diseases.

PMID- 22078452
TI  - [Association between polymorphisms of interleukin-6 gene promoter and breast
      cancer].
AB  - AIM: To study possible association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (-597G/A,   -572C/G and -174G/C) of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene promoter and breast
      cancer. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from the venous blood leukocytes from
      176 unrelated patients with breast cancer and 200 healthy unrelated females
      (control group). Polymorphisms of -597G/A,   -572C/G and -174G/C,   were
      genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP). SPSS 11.5
      software was employed for statistical analysis and the association of IL-6
      polymorphisms with breast cancer was evaluated by x(2); test. RESULTS: There was
      significant differences in both allele and genotype frequencies of -572C/G in
      case group compared with control group. The allele G of -572C/G was significantly
      higher in cancer patients than the controls(x(2);=15.438,   P<0.01). CONCLUSION:
      There is an association between -572C/G polymorphism and breast cancer risk. The
      females with G allele of -572C/G are susceptible to breast cancer compared with
      non-carrying females.

PMID- 22078453
TI  - [Study on functions and mechanism of curcumin in inducing gastric carcinoma BGC
      apoptosis].
AB  - AIM: discuss the biological function and regulation mechanism of curcumin in
      promoting human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 apoptosis. METHODS: Conventional in
      virto culture in logarithmic phase gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells;  cells are
      divided into four groups:  control group,  low treatment group,  middle treatment
      group and high treatment group,  with curcumin concentration being 0 mg/L,  5
      mg/L,  10 mg/L,  and 20 mg/L,  respectively. 24 hours after curcumin is treated, 
      cell proliferation level and apoptosis rate are measured with MTT colorimetry and
      flow cytometry,  Bax,  Bcl-2 protein expression is measured with
      immunohistochemistry;  mRNA of Caspase-3 is tested by means of PCR. RESULTS: MTT
      test indicates that curcumin can inhibit human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cell
      proliferation,  showing concentration dependency;  flow cytometry shows that
      curcumin can effectively induce apoptosis,  showing concentration dependency, 
      where the apoptosis rate is 48.3% 24 hours after 20 mg/L curcumin is treated; 
      immunohistochemistry test shows that curcumin treatment enables Bax expression
      level in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells to go up,  meanwhile,  the Bcl-2
      protein expression level to go down,  besides,  the mRNA expression level of
      Caspase-3 in cells increases through induction of curcumin. CONCLUSION: Curcumin
      has obvious inhibitory effect on human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cell
      proliferation,  showing concentration dependency to promote apoptosis. Such
      biological effect may be associated with activating Caspase-3 signal channel by
      activating Bax protein expression and inhibiting Bcl-2 protein. This study lays
      an important foundation for further discussing the mechanism of curcumin in
      inducing human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 apoptosis.

PMID- 22078454
TI  - [Expression and clinical significance of Nrf2 in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma].
AB  - AIM: To study the expression and clinical significance of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor E2
      p45-related factor 2) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: The
      expression of Nrf2 in 32 cases of EC tissues,  30 cases of adjacent tissues,  21
      positive Lymph node tissues and 24 negative Lymph node tissues was assessed by SP
      immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The main location of Nrf2 was nuclear,  and
      the positive rates of Nrf2 in the cancer tissues was 78.13%,  while that in the
      adjacent tissues group was 13.33%,  and showed 66.67% and 20.83% in the positive
      Lymph node tissues and negative Lymph node tissues respectively,  there was  a
      significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The Nrf2 positive rate
      was closely correlated with the lymph node metastasis (P<0.05),  but showed no
      statistical associated with age,  sex,  TNM stage,  degree of tumor
      differentiation and the location of tumor. CONCLUSION: The Nrf2 has high
      expression in ESCC tissues,  and the positive rate is closely correlated with the
      lymph node metastasis,  The Nrf2 may play an important role in ESCC oncogenesis
      and drug resistence.

PMID- 22078455
TI  - Characterization of a naturally occurring degradation product of the LDL
      receptor.
AB  - In this study we have characterized a naturally occurring truncated form of the
      low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Western blot analysis of transfected
      cells indicated that the truncated form (?N-LDLR) is a degradation product of the
      full-length LDLR generated by cleavage in the linker region between ligand
      binding repeats 4 and 5 of the ligand-binding domain. The cleavage of the linker
      was not caused by components of the culture media, as heat inactivation of the
      media did not prevent cleavage. Rather, it is assumed that cleavage was caused by
      an enzyme secreted from the cells. Biotinylation experiments showed that ?N-LDLR
      is located on the cell surface and is detectable approximately 5 h after
      synthesis of the full-length LDLR. Flow cytometric analysis showed that ?N-LDLR
      was not able to bind and internalize low density lipoprotein (LDL). ?N-LDLR
      appeared to be equally stable as the full-length LDLR. Thus, generation of ?N
      LDLR does not appear to be the first signal for degradation of the LDLR. The
      existence of two functionally different populations of LDLRs on the cell surface,
      of which ?N-LDLR constitutes 28%, must be taken into account when interpreting
      results of experiments to study LDLRs on the cell surface. Furthermore, if the
      cleavage of the linker between ligand-binding repeats 4 and 5 could be prevented
      by an enzyme inhibitor, this could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to
      increase the number of functioning LDLRs and thereby decrease the levels of
      plasma LDL cholesterol.

PMID- 22078456
TI  - Developing treatment options for metachromatic leukodystrophy.
AB  - Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) represents a devastating lysosomal storage
      disease characterized by intralysosomal accumulation of the sphingolipid
      sulfatide in various tissues. Three types of the disease are currently
      distinguished: the late-infantile, which is the most commonly observed, the
      juvenile and the adult type. Demyelination represents the main histopathological
      feature of the disorder, leading to neurological impairment with no curative
      treatment currently available. Nevertheless, the increased scientific interest on
      the disease has led to the experimental use of innovative therapeutic approaches
      in animal models, aiming to provide an effective therapeutic regimen for human
      patients, as well. This paper provides an overview of developing treatment
      options among patients with MLD. Apart from hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation, already in use for decades, other recent data discussed includes
      umbilical cord blood and stem cell transplantation, enzyme replacement therapy,
      gene therapy and autologous hematopoietic transplantation of genetically modified
      stem cells. Gene therapy with oligodedroglial, neural progenitor, embryonic and
      microencapsulated recombinant cells represents add-on treatment options still on
      experimental level.

PMID- 22078457
TI  - Neurologic considerations in propionic acidemia.
AB  - Propionic acidemia (PA) is an organic acidemia which has a broad range of
      neurological complications, including developmental delay, intellectual
      disability, structural abnormalities, metabolic stroke-like episodes, seizures,
      optic neuropathy, and cranial nerve abnormalities. As the PA consensus conference
      hosted by Children's National Medical Center progressed from January 28 to 30,
      2011, it became evident that neurological complications were common and a major
      component of morbidity, but the role of imaging and the basis for brain
      pathophysiology were unclear. This paper reviews the hypothesized
      pathophysiology, presentation and uses the best available evidence to suggest
      programs for treatment, imaging, and monitoring the neurological complications of
      PA.

PMID- 22078458
TI  - Rheological and dielectric properties of different gold nanoparticle sizes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have found themselves useful for
      diagnostic, drug delivery and biomedicine applications, but one of the important
      concerns is about their safety in clinical applications. Nanoparticle size has
      been shown to be an extremely important parameter affecting the nanoparticle
      uptake and cellular internalization. The rheological properties assume to be very
      important as it affects the pressure drop and hence the pumping power when nano
      fluids are circulated in a closed loop. The rheological and dielectric properties
      have not been documented and identified before. The aim of the present study was
      to investigate the rheology and the dielectric properties of different GNPs sizes
      in aqueous solution. METHODS: 10, 20 and 50 nm GNPs (Product MKN-Au, CANADA) was
      used in this study. The rheological parameters were viscosity, torque, shear
      stress, shear rate, plastic viscosity, yield stress, consistency index, and
      activation energy. These rheological parameters were measured using Brookfield
      LVDV-III Programmable rheometer supplied with temperature bath and controlled by
      a computer. RESULTS: The shear stress and shear rate of GNPs have shown a linear
      relationship and GNPs exhibited Newtonian behaviour. The GNPs with larger
      particle size (50 nm) exhibited more viscosity than those with smaller particle
      sizes (10 and 20 nm). Viscosity decreased with increasing the temperature for all
      the examined GNP sizes. The flow behaviour index (n) values were nearly <= 1 for
      all examined GNP sizes. Dielectric data indicated that the GNPs have strong
      dielectric dispersion in the frequency range of 20-100 kHz. The conductivity and
      relaxation time decreased with increasing the GNP size. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      indicates that the GNP size has considerable influence on the viscosity of GNPs.
      The strong dielectric dispersion was GNP size dependent. The decrease in
      relaxation time might be attributed to increase in the localized charges
      distribution within the medium confirmed by the conductivity data. This study
      suggests that further experiments are required to be done after the
      administration of GNPs through different routes in rats in vivo.

PMID- 22078459
TI  - Evaluation of PAN-based manganese dioxide composite for the sorptive removal of
      cesium-137 from aqueous solutions.
AB  - Hydrous manganese dioxide-polyacrylonitrile (MnO(2)-PAN) was chemically
      synthesized and evaluated, as an organic-inorganic composite material, for the
      removal of radio-contaminant cesium-137 from aqueous solutions. The physico
      chemical characterization was carried out by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), CHN elemental analysis,
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies and
      thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC). Batch experiments
      were carried out as a function of contact time, interference of the coexisting
      ions and initial pH of adsorptive solution applying a radiotracer technique. The
      effect of temperature on the distribution coefficient of cesium has been utilized
      in order to evaluate the changes in the standard thermodynamic parameters. The
      results indicated that Cs(+) ions could be efficiently removed using MnO(2)-PAN
      composite in the pH range of 4-9 from aqueous solutions and the uptake of cesium
      is affected to varying degrees by the presence of some diverse co-ions. The
      equilibrium isotherms have been determined and the sorption data were
      successfully modeled using Freundlich model.

PMID- 22078461
TI  - Accuracy of MRI findings in chronic lateral ankle ligament injury: comparison
      with surgical findings.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in
      chronic lateral ankle ligament injury in comparison with that of surgical
      findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight cases (25 men, 23 women, mean age 36
      years) of clinically suspected chronic ankle ligament injury underwent MRI
      studies and surgery. Sagittal, coronal, and axial, T1-weighted, spin-echo, proton
      density and T2-weighted, fast spin-echo images with fat saturation were obtained
      in all patients. MRI examinations were read in consensus by two fellowship
      trained academic musculoskeletal radiologists who evaluated the lateral ankle
      ligaments, including the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular
      ligament (CFL) without clinical information. The results of the MRI studies were
      then compared with the surgical findings. RESULTS: The MRI findings of ATFL
      injury showed a sensitivity of detection of complete tears of 75% and specificity
      of 86%. The sensitivity of detection of partial tears was 75% and the specificity
      was 78%. The sensitivity of detection of sprains was 44% and the specificity was
      88%. Regarding the MRI findings of CFL injury, the sensitivity of detection of
      complete tears was 50% and the specificity was 98%. The sensitivity of detection
      of partial tear was 83% and the specificity was 93%. The sensitivity of detection
      of sprains was 100% and the specificity was 90%. Regarding the ATFL, the
      accuracies of detection were 88, 58, 77, and 85% for no injury, sprain, partial
      tear, and complete tear, respectively, and for the CFL the accuracies of
      detection were 90, 90, 92, and 96% for no injury, sprain, partial tear, and
      complete tear, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of a complete tear of the
      ATFL on MRI is more sensitive than the diagnosis of a complete tear of the CFL.
      MRI findings of CFL injury are diagnostically specific but are not sensitive.
      However, only normal findings and complete tears were statistically significant
      between ATFL and CFL (p < 0.001).

PMID- 22078460
TI  - Cataract research using electronic health records.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The eMERGE (electronic MEdical Records and Genomics) network, funded
      by the National Human Genome Research Institute, is a national consortium formed
      to develop, disseminate, and apply approaches to research that combine DNA
      biorepositories with electronic health record (EHR) systems for large-scale, high
      throughput genetic research. Marshfield Clinic is one of five sites in the eMERGE
      network and primarily studied: 1) age-related cataract and 2) HDL-cholesterol
      levels. The purpose of this paper is to describe the approach to electronic
      evaluation of the epidemiology of cataract using the EHR for a large biobank and
      to assess previously identified epidemiologic risk factors in cases identified by
      electronic algorithms. METHODS: Electronic algorithms were used to select
      individuals with cataracts in the Personalized Medicine Research Project
      database. These were analyzed for cataract prevalence, age at cataract, and
      previously identified risk factors. RESULTS: Cataract diagnoses and surgeries,
      though not type of cataract, were successfully identified using electronic
      algorithms. Age specific prevalence of both cataract (22% compared to 17.2%) and
      cataract surgery (11% compared to 5.1%) were higher when compared to the Eye
      Diseases Prevalence Research Group. The risk factors of age, gender, diabetes,
      and steroid use were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Using electronic health records can
      be a viable and efficient tool to identify cataracts for research. However, using
      retrospective data from this source can be confounded by historical limits on
      data availability, differences in the utilization of healthcare, and changes in
      exposures over time.

PMID- 22078462
TI  - Thrombosis and obesity: cellular bases.
AB  - The prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased during the past two decades.
      Epidemiological studies suggest that obesity is an independent, modifiable risk
      factor for coronary heart disease, possibly due, at least in part, to the
      development of a pro-inflammatory and a pro-thrombotic state in obese subjects.
      In addition, numerous cohort studies have shown a link between obesity and
      different types of cancer. Accordingly, the regulation of body weight is becoming
      a serious concern for public health experts and scientists. Although the
      mechanisms responsible for these associations are still to be fully elucidated, a
      key role has been assigned to adipokines, a family of hormones which act as
      modulators of metabolism or inflammation, secreted by adipocytes. Tissue factor,
      the major physiological trigger of the blood coagulation cascade in vivo, which
      plays a central role in atherothrombosis and tumor biology, has also been
      proposed as one of the key molecules responsible for these associations.

PMID- 22078463
TI  - Access to safe abortion: building choices for women living with HIV and AIDS.
AB  - In many areas of the world where HIV prevalence is high, rates of unintended
      pregnancy and unsafe abortion have also been shown to be high. Of all pregnancies
      worldwide in 2008, 41% were reported as unintended or unplanned, and
      approximately 50% of these ended in abortion. Of the estimated 21.6 million
      unsafe abortions occurring worldwide in 2008 (around one in 10 pregnancies),
      approximately 21.2 million occurred in developing countries, often due to
      restrictive abortion laws and leading to an estimated 47,000 maternal deaths and
      untold numbers of women who will suffer long-term health consequences. Despite
      this context, little research has focused on decisions about and experiences of
      women living with HIV with regard to terminating a pregnancy, although this
      should form part of comprehensive promotion of sexual and reproductive health
      rights.In this paper, we explore the existing evidence related to global and
      country-specific barriers to safe abortion for all women, with an emphasis on
      research gaps around the right of women living with HIV to choose safe abortion
      services as an option for dealing with unwanted pregnancies. The main focus is on
      the situation for women living with HIV in Brazil, Namibia and South Africa as
      examples of three countries with different conditions regarding women's access to
      safe legal abortions: a very restrictive setting, a setting with several
      indications for legal abortion but non-implementation of the law, and a rather
      liberal setting.Similarities and differences are discussed, and we further
      outline global and country-specific barriers to safe abortion for all women,
      ending with recommendations for policy makers and researchers.

PMID- 22078464
TI  - Neural dynamics of saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movement coordination during
      visual tracking of unpredictably moving targets.
AB  - How does the brain coordinate saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements to track
      objects that move in unpredictable directions and speeds? Saccadic eye movements
      rapidly foveate peripheral visual or auditory targets, and smooth pursuit eye
      movements keep the fovea pointed toward an attended moving target. Analyses of
      tracking data in monkeys and humans reveal systematic deviations from predictions
      of the simplest model of saccade-pursuit interactions, which would use no
      interactions other than common target selection and recruitment of shared
      motoneurons. Instead, saccadic and smooth pursuit movements cooperate to cancel
      errors of gaze position and velocity, and thus to maximize target visibility
      through time. How are these two systems coordinated to promote visual
      localization and identification of moving targets? How are saccades calibrated to
      correctly foveate a target despite its continued motion during the saccade? The
      neural model proposed here answers these questions. Modeled interactions
      encompass motion processing areas MT, MST, FPA, DLPN and NRTP; saccade planning
      and execution areas FEF, LIP, and SC; the saccadic generator in the brain stem;
      and the cerebellum. Simulations illustrate the model's ability to functionally
      explain and quantitatively simulate anatomical, neurophysiological and behavioral
      data about coordinated saccade-pursuit tracking.

PMID- 22078465
TI  - CYR61 controls p53 and NF-kappaB expression through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways in
      carboplatin-induced ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - CYR61 over-expression promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting carboplatin
      induced apoptosis, decreasing Bax expression, and increasing Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and
      Bcl-2. At the same time, down-regulating p53 expression, while up-regulated NF
      kappaB expression. Additionally, p21 and p53 promoter activities were reduced,
      while NF-kappaB and Bcl-2 activities increased. In parallel, CYR61-expressing
      cells, during carboplatin-induced apoptosis, resulted in an increase of Akt
      phosphorylation, while rapamycin-treated cells were not affected. Carboplatin
      effectively inhibited the activation of mTOR signaling cascade, which includes
      mTOR, 4E-BP1, p70S6K, HIF-1alpha, and VEGF. These results provide evidence that
      CYR61 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis.

PMID- 22078466
TI  - Strategy for improving extracellular lipolytic activities by a novel
      thermotolerant Staphylococcus sp. strain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracellular bacterial lipases received much attention for their
      substrate specificity and their ability to function under extreme environments
      (pH, temperature...). Many staphylococci produced lipases which were released
      into the culture medium. Reports of extracellular thermostable lipases from
      Staphylococcus sp. and active in alkaline conditions are not previously
      described. RESULTS: This study focused on novel strategies to increase
      extracellular lipolytic enzyme production by a novel Staphylococcus sp. strain
      ESW. The microorganism needed neutral or alkaline pH values between 7.0 and 12.0
      for growth. For pH values outside this range, cell growth seemed to be
      significantly inhibited. Staphylococcus sp. culture was able to grow within a
      wide temperature range (from 30 to 55 degrees C). The presence of oils in the
      culture medium leaded to improvements in cells growth and lipolytic enzyme
      activity. On the other hand, although chemical surfactants leaded to an almost
      complete inhibition of growth and lipolytic enzyme production, their addition
      along the culture could affect the location of the enzyme. In addition, our
      results showed that this novel Staphylococcus sp. strain produced biosurfactants
      simultaneously with lipolytic activity, when soapstock (The main co-product of
      the vegetable oil refining industry), was used as the sole carbon source.
      CONCLUSION: A simultaneous biosurfactant and extracellular lipolytic enzymes
      produced bacterial strain with potential application in soap stock treatment.

PMID- 22078467
TI  - Tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin by the FAK-Src complex at focal adhesions
      regulates cell motility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell migration plays an important role in many physiological and
      pathological processes, including immune cell chemotaxis and cancer metastasis.
      It is a coordinated process that involves dynamic changes in the actin
      cytoskeleton and its interplay with focal adhesions. At the leading edge of a
      migrating cell, it is the re-arrangement of actin and its attachment to focal
      adhesions that generates the driving force necessary for movement. However, the
      mechanisms involved in the attachment of actin filaments to focal adhesions are
      still not fully understood. RESULTS: Signaling by the FAK-Src complex plays a
      crucial role in regulating the formation of protein complexes at focal adhesions
      to which the actin filaments are attached. Cortactin, an F-actin associated
      protein and a substrate of Src kinase, was found to interact with FAK through its
      SH3 domain and the C-terminal proline-rich regions of FAK. We found that the
      autophosphorylation of Tyr(397) in FAK, which is necessary for FAK activation,
      was not required for the interaction with cortactin, but was essential for the
      tyrosine phosphorylation of the associated cortactin. At focal adhesions,
      cortactin was phosphorylated at tyrosine residues known to be phosphorylated by
      Src. The tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin and its ability to associate with
      the actin cytoskeleton were required in tandem for the regulation of cell
      motility. Cell motility could be inhibited by truncating the N-terminal F-actin
      binding domains of cortactin or by blocking tyrosine phosphorylation
      (Y421/466/475/482F mutation). In addition, the mutant cortactin phosphorylation
      mimic (Y421/466/475/482E) had a reduced ability to interact with FAK and promoted
      cell motility. The promotion of cell motility by the cortactin phosphorylation
      mimic could also be inhibited by truncating its N-terminal F-actin binding
      domains. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that cortactin acts as a bridging
      molecule between actin filaments and focal adhesions. The cortactin N-terminus
      associates with F-actin, while its C-terminus interacts with focal adhesions. The
      tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin by the FAK-Src complex modulates its
      interaction with FAK and increases its turnover at focal adhesions to promote
      cell motility.

PMID- 22078468
TI  - Predominant localization of the major Alternaria allergen Alt a 1 in the cell
      wall of airborne spores.

PMID- 22078469
TI  - Predetermined challenge eligibility and cessation criteria for oral food
      challenges in the HealthNuts population-based study of infants.

PMID- 22078470
TI  - Lung function after viral early childhood wheezing.

PMID- 22078473
TI  - Comparing activation and recoil forces generated by epinephrine autoinjectors and
      their training devices.

PMID- 22078471
TI  - Excellent survival after sibling or unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for
      chronic granulomatous disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Matched related donor (MRD) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT) is a successful treatment for chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), but the
      safety and efficacy of HSCT from unrelated donors is less certain. OBJECTIVE: We
      evaluated the outcomes and overall survival in patients with CGD after HSCT.
      METHODS: We report the outcomes for 11 children undergoing HSCT from an MRD (n =
      4) or an HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD) (n = 7); 9 children were boys, and the
      median age was 3.8 years (range, 1-13 years). We treated both X-linked (n = 9)
      and autosomal recessive (n = 2) disease. Nine children had serious clinical
      infections before transplantation. The conditioning regimens contained busulfan,
      cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, or fludarabine according to the donor used. All
      patients received alemtuzumab (anti-CD52 antibody). Additional graft-versus-host
      disease (GvHD) prophylaxis included cyclosporine and methotrexate for MUD
      recipients and cyclosporine and prednisone for MRD recipients. RESULTS:
      Neutrophil recovery took a median of 16 days (range, 12-40 days) and 18 days
      (range, 13-24 days) for MRD and MUD recipients, respectively. Full donor
      neutrophil engraftment occurred in 9 patients, and 2 had stable mixed chimerism;
      all patients had sustained correction of neutrophil oxidative burst defect. Four
      patients had grade I skin acute GVHD responding to topical treatment. No patient
      had grade II to IV acute GvHD or chronic GvHD. All patients are alive between 1
      and 8 years after HSCT. CONCLUSION: For CGD, equivalent outcomes can be obtained
      with MRD or MUD stem cells, and HSCT should be considered an early treatment
      option.

PMID- 22078474
TI  - Aggression.

PMID- 22078475
TI  - Evolutionary aspects of aggression the importance of sexual selection.
AB  - Aggressive behaviors in animals, for example, threat, attack, and defense, are
      commonly related to competition over resources, competition over mating
      opportunities, or fights for survival. In this chapter, we focus on aggressive
      competition over mating opportunities, since this competition explains much of
      the distribution of weaponry and large body size, but also because this type of
      competition sheds light on the sex skew in the use of violence in mammals,
      including humans. Darwin (1871) termed this type of natural selection, where
      differences in reproductive success are caused by competition over mates, sexual
      selection. Not all species have a pronounced competition over mates, however.
      Instead, this aspect of sociality is ultimately determined by ecological factors.
      In species where competition over mates is rampant, this has evolutionary effects
      on weaponry and body size such that males commonly bear more vicious weapons and
      are larger than females. A review of sexual selection in mammals reveals how
      common aggressive competition over mating opportunities is in this group. Nearly
      half of all mammal species exhibit male-biased sexual size dimorphism, a pattern
      that is clearly linked to sexual selection. Sexual selection is also common in
      primates, where it has left clear historical imprints in body mass differences,
      in weaponry differences (canines), and also in brain structure differences.
      However, when comparing humans to our closest living primate relatives, it is
      clear that the degree of male sexual competition has decreased in the hominid
      lineage. Nevertheless, our species displays dimorphism, polygyny, and sex
      specific use of violence typical of a sexually selected mammal. Understanding the
      biological background of aggressive behaviors is fundamental to understanding
      human aggression.

PMID- 22078476
TI  - Signaling aggression.
AB  - From psychological and sociological standpoints, aggression is regarded as
      intentional behavior aimed at inflicting pain and manifested by hostility and
      attacking behaviors. In contrast, biologists define aggression as behavior
      associated with attack or escalation toward attack, omitting any stipulation
      about intentions and goals. Certain animal signals are strongly associated with
      escalation toward attack and have the same function as physical attack in
      intimidating opponents and winning contests, and ethologists therefore consider
      them an integral part of aggressive behavior. Aggressive signals have been molded
      by evolution to make them ever more effective in mediating interactions between
      the contestants. Early theoretical analyses of aggressive signaling suggested
      that signals could never be honest about fighting ability or aggressive
      intentions because weak individuals would exaggerate such signals whenever they
      were effective in influencing the behavior of opponents. More recent game theory
      models, however, demonstrate that given the right costs and constraints,
      aggressive signals are both reliable about strength and intentions and effective
      in influencing contest outcomes. Here, we review the role of signaling in lieu of
      physical violence, considering threat displays from an ethological perspective as
      an adaptive outcome of evolutionary selection pressures. Fighting prowess is
      conveyed by performance signals whose production is constrained by physical
      ability and thus limited to just some individuals, whereas aggressive intent is
      encoded in strategic signals that all signalers are able to produce. We
      illustrate recent advances in the study of aggressive signaling with case studies
      of charismatic taxa that employ a range of sensory modalities, viz. visual and
      chemical signaling in cephalopod behavior, and indicators of aggressive intent in
      the territorial calls of songbirds.

PMID- 22078477
TI  - Self-structuring properties of dominance hierarchies a new perspective.
AB  - Using aggressive behavior, animals of many species establish dominance
      hierarchies in both nature and the laboratory. Rank in these hierarchies
      influences many aspects of animals' lives including their health, physiology,
      weight gain, genetic expression, and ability to reproduce and raise viable
      offspring. In this chapter, we define dominance relationships and dominance
      hierarchies, discuss several model species used in dominance studies, and
      consider factors that predict the outcomes of dominance encounters in dyads and
      small groups of animals. Researchers have shown that individual differences in
      attributes, as well as in states (recent behavioral experiences), influence the
      outcomes of dominance encounters in dyads. Attributes include physical,
      physiological, and genetic characteristics while states include recent
      experiences such as winning or losing earlier contests. However, surprisingly, we
      marshal experimental and theoretical evidence to demonstrate that these
      differences have significantly less or no ability to predict the outcomes of
      dominance encounters for animals in groups as small as three or four individuals.
      Given these results, we pose an alternative research question: How do animals of
      so many species form hierarchies with characteristic linear structures despite
      the relatively low predictability based upon individual differences? In answer to
      this question, we review the evidence for an alternative approach suggesting that
      dominance hierarchies are self-structuring. That is, we suggest that linear forms
      of organization in hierarchies emerge from several kinds of behavioral processes,
      or sequences of interaction, that are common across many different species of
      animals from ants to chickens and fish and even some primates. This new approach
      inspires a variety of further questions for research.

PMID- 22078478
TI  - Neurogenomic mechanisms of aggression in songbirds.
AB  - Our understanding of the biological basis of aggression in all vertebrates,
      including humans, has been built largely upon discoveries first made in birds. A
      voluminous literature now indicates that hormonal mechanisms are shared between
      humans and a number of avian species. Research on genetics mechanisms in birds
      has lagged behind the more typical laboratory species because the necessary tools
      have been lacking until recently. Over the past 30 years, three major technical
      advances have propelled forward our understanding of the hormonal, neural, and
      genetic bases of aggression in birds: (1) the development of assays to measure
      plasma levels of hormones in free-living individuals, or "field endocrinology";
      (2) the immunohistochemical labeling of immediate early gene products to map
      neural responses to social stimuli; and (3) the sequencing of the zebra finch
      genome, which makes available a tremendous set of genomic tools for studying gene
      sequences, expression, and chromosomal structure in species for which we already
      have large datasets on aggressive behavior. This combination of hormonal,
      neuroendocrine, and genetic tools has established songbirds as powerful models
      for understanding the neural basis and evolution of aggression in vertebrates. In
      this chapter, we discuss the contributions of field endocrinology toward a
      theoretical framework linking aggression with sex steroids, explore evidence that
      the neural substrates of aggression are conserved across vertebrate species, and
      describe a promising new songbird model for studying the molecular genetic
      mechanisms underlying aggression.

PMID- 22078480
TI  - The neurochemistry of human aggression.
AB  - Various data from scientific research studies conducted over the past three
      decades suggest that central neurotransmitters play a key role in the modulation
      of aggression in all mammalian species, including humans. Specific
      neurotransmitter systems involved in mammalian aggression include serotonin,
      dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and neuropeptides such as vasopressin and
      oxytocin. Neurotransmitters not only help to execute basic behavioral components
      but also serve to modulate these preexisting behavioral states by amplifying or
      reducing their effects. This chapter reviews the currently available data to
      present a contemporary view of how central neurotransmitters influence the
      vulnerability for aggressive behavior and/or initiation of aggressive behavior in
      social situations. Data reviewed in this chapter include emoiric information from
      neurochemical, pharmaco-challenge, molecular genetic and neuroimaging studies.

PMID- 22078479
TI  - Genetics of aggression in voles.
AB  - Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are socially monogamous rodents that form
      pair bonds-a behavior composed of several social interactions including
      attachment with a familiar mate and aggression toward conspecific strangers.
      Therefore, this species has provided an excellent opportunity for the study of
      pair bonding behavior and its underlying neural mechanisms. In this chapter, we
      discuss the utility of this unique animal model in the study of aggression and
      review recent findings illustrating the neurochemical mechanisms underlying pair
      bonding-induced aggression. Implications of this research for our understanding
      of the neurobiology of human violence are also discussed.

PMID- 22078482
TI  - Perinatal risk factors in the development of aggression and violence.
AB  - Over the past several decades, the relative contribution of both environmental
      and genetic influences in the development of aggression and violence has been
      explored extensively. Only fairly recently, however, has it become increasingly
      evident that early perinatal life events may substantially increase the
      vulnerability toward the development of violent and aggressive behaviors in
      offspring across the lifespan. Early life risk factors, such as pregnancy and
      birth complications and intrauterine exposure to environmental toxins, appear to
      have a profound and enduring impact on the neuroregulatory systems mediating
      violence and aggression, yet the emergence of later adverse behavioral outcomes
      appears to be both complex and multidimensional. The present chapter reviews
      available experimental and clinical findings to provide a framework on perinatal
      risk factors that are associated with altered developmental trajectories leading
      to violence and aggression, and also highlights the genetic contributions in the
      expression of these behaviors.

PMID- 22078481
TI  - Human aggression across the lifespan: genetic propensities and environmental
      moderators.
AB  - This chapter reviews the recent evidence of genetic and environmental influences
      on human aggression. Findings from a large selection of the twin and adoption
      studies that have investigated the genetic and environmental architecture of
      aggressive behavior are summarized. These studies together show that about half
      (50%) of the variance in aggressive behavior is explained by genetic influences
      in both males and females, with the remaining 50% of the variance being explained
      by environmental factors not shared by family members. Form of aggression
      (reactive, proactive, direct/physical, indirect/relational), method of assessment
      (laboratory observation, self-report, ratings by parents and teachers), and age
      of the subjects-all seem to be significant moderators of the magnitude of genetic
      and environmental influences on aggressive behavior. Neither study design (twin
      vs. sibling adoption design) nor sex (male vs. female) seems to impact the
      magnitude of the genetic and environmental influences on aggression. There is
      also some evidence of gene-environment interaction (G * E) from both
      twin/adoption studies and molecular genetic studies. Various measures of family
      adversity and social disadvantage have been found to moderate genetic influences
      on aggressive behavior. Findings from these G * E studies suggest that not all
      individuals will be affected to the same degree by experiences and exposures, and
      that genetic predispositions may have different effects depending on the
      environment.

PMID- 22078483
TI  - Neurocriminology.
AB  - In the past several decades there has been an explosion of research into the
      biological correlates to antisocial behavior. This chapter reviews the state of
      current research on the topic, including a review of the genetics, neuroimaging,
      neuropsychological, and electrophysiological studies in delinquent and antisocial
      populations. Special attention is paid to the biopsychosocial model and gene
      environment interactions in producing antisocial behavior.

PMID- 22078484
TI  - Prognostic significance of weight changes during treatment of feline lymphoma.
AB  - The study purpose was to determine the prognostic significance of weight changes
      during feline lymphoma treatment. A secondary purpose was to compare weight
      changes according to baseline body weight, cell type and location. Records of 209
      cats treated for lymphoma with chemotherapy from 1995 to 2007 were evaluated.
      Signalment, cell type, lymphoma location, baseline body weight, weight during
      treatment, and outcome information were collected. Lymphoma specific survival
      (LSS) was compared according to baseline weight and weight changes during
      treatment. Weight change over time was compared according to cell type (small
      versus large), location (gastrointestinal versus non-gastrointestinal) and
      baseline weight. Cats with large cell lymphoma that lost >= 5% body weight at 1
      month had significantly shorter LSS than those that gained or had stable weight
      (P = 0.004). Percentage weight change over time differed significantly according
      to baseline weight group. These findings demonstrate the prognostic importance of
      weight loss in feline large cell lymphoma.

PMID- 22078486
TI  - VCP mutations in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Mutations in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene were recently reported to
      be the cause of 1%-2% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases. VCP
      mutations are known to cause inclusion body myopathy (IBM) with Paget's disease
      (PDB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The presence of VCP mutations in
      patients with sporadic ALS, sporadic ALS-FTD, and progressive muscular atrophy
      (PMA), a known clinical mimic of inclusion body myopathy, is not known. To
      determine the identity and frequency of VCP mutations we screened a cohort of 93
      familial ALS, 754 sporadic ALS, 58 sporadic ALS-FTD, and 264 progressive muscular
      atrophy patients for mutations in the VCP gene. Two nonsynonymous mutations were
      detected; 1 known mutation (p.R159H) in a patient with familial ALS with several
      family members suffering from FTD, and 1 mutation (p.I114V) in a patient with
      sporadic ALS. Conservation analysis and protein prediction software indicate the
      p.I114V mutation to be a rare benign polymorphism. VCP mutations are a rare cause
      of familial ALS. The role of VCP mutations in sporadic ALS, if present, appears
      limited.

PMID- 22078485
TI  - Coronary risk correlates with cerebral amyloid deposition.
AB  - This study investigated the hypothesis that vascular risk factors are
      amyloidogenic. Participants were 43 persons, most with normal cognition or mild
      cognitive impairment. Vascular risk was quantified using the Framingham Coronary
      Risk Profile (FCRP) score. Cerebral amyloid was measured by [(11)C]Pittsburgh
      compound B (PIB) positron emission tomography (PET) and quantified with a Global
      PIB index, which is the average of distribution volume ratios in selected
      cortical regions of interest. In a bivariate model FCRP accounted for 16% of the
      variance in PIB index (p < 0.008) and the positive association remained
      significant controlling for age and sex. The effect of FCRP was independent of
      apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, which was also associated as expected with PIB.
      Carotid intima-media thickness was not associated with PIB index. Effects of
      individual FCRP component risk factors, cholesterol, and glycemic status on PIB
      index were all nonsignificant, suggesting an aggregate effect of risk factors.
      Although this is a correlational observation it may represent a causal
      relationship as there are multiple, plausible, amyloidogenic mechanisms of
      vascular risk factors.

PMID- 22078487
TI  - Targeting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 as a promising approach for
      immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis?
AB  - Despite significant advancement in developing therapies for multiple sclerosis
      (MS), drugs that cure this devastating disorder are an unmet need. Among the
      remedies showing efficacy in preclinical MS models, inhibitors of poly(ADP
      ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 have gained great momentum. Emerging evidence
      demonstrates that PARP-1 inhibitors epigenetically regulate gene expression and
      finely tune transcriptional activation in immune and neural cells. In this
      review, we present an appraisal of the effects of PARP-1 and its inhibitors on
      immune activation, with particular emphasis on the processes taking place during
      the autoimmune attack directed against the central nervous system. One
      explanation is that drugs inhibiting PARP-1 activity protect from
      neuroinflammation in MS models via immunomodulation and direct neuroprotection.
      PARP-1 inhibitors have already reached the clinical arena as cancer treatments,
      and observations made in treating these patients could help advance treatments
      for MS.

PMID- 22078488
TI  - Prognostic factors for short-term improvement in acute and persistent
      musculoskeletal pain consulters in primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the costs associated with the management of musculoskeletal
      pain in primary care, predicting the course of these conditions remains a
      research priority. Much of the research into prognostic indicators however
      considers musculoskeletal conditions in terms of single pain sites whereas in
      reality, many patients present with pain in more than one site. The aim of this
      study was to identify prognostic factors for early improvement in primary care
      consulters with acute and persistent musculoskeletal conditions across a range of
      pain sites. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a new episode of musculoskeletal
      pain completed self-report questionnaires at baseline, and then again at the
      4/5th treatment visit, and if they were still consulting, at the 10th visit. The
      outcome was defined as patient self-report improvement sufficient to make a
      meaningful difference. Independent predictors of outcome were identified using
      multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Acute (<7 weeks) patients, on average,
      had more severe conditions in terms of pain, disability, anxiety and work fear
      avoidance behaviour than patients with persistent (>=7 weeks) pain, but were more
      likely to be better by the 4/5th visit. Several variables at baseline were
      associated with improvement at the 4/5th visit, but the predictive models were
      weak and unable to discriminate between patients who were improved and those who
      were not. In contrast, it was possible to elicit a predictive model for
      improvement later on at the 10th visit, but only in patients with persistent
      pain. Being employed, reporting a decline in work fear-avoidance behaviour at the
      4/5th visit, and being better by the 4/5th visit, were all independently
      associated with improvement. This model accounted for 34.3% (p < 0.001) of the
      variation in observed improvement, and had good discriminative ability (the area
      under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.80 (95%CI 0.73 to
      0.86)) and approximate balance in correctly identifying improved and non-improved
      cases (79.0% and 68% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to identify
      baseline characteristics that predicted early outcome in musculoskeletal pain
      patients. However, early self-reported improvement and decline in work fear
      avoidance behaviour as predictors of later improvement highlighted the importance
      of speedy recovery in persistent musculoskeletal pain consulters. Our findings
      reinforce the elusive nature of baseline predictors, and the need for more
      emphasis on early changes as prognostic predictors in musculoskeletal conditions.

PMID- 22078489
TI  - A kinetic study of SDF-1, VEGF and MCP-1 blood and tissue levels after aortic
      transplantation in mice.
AB  - Vascular rejection is characterized by intimal proliferation and perivascular
      inflammation. We hypothesize that recipient stem cell therapy could prevent or
      ameliorate the development of the obliterative lesion. We studied the kinetic
      expression of three cytokines (SDF-1, MCP-1, VEGF) implicated in mobilization,
      homing and differentiation of progenitor cells during vascular aggression. An
      aortic allograft mouse model was used (BALBc donor-C57BL6/j recipient). Ten mice
      were sacrificed at Day 0, D1, D3, D6, D9, D12, and D20. Cytokine rates were
      measured in blood and in graft tissue by an ELISA technique. Results showed that
      in the allograft, SDF-1 and VEGF tissue levels were significantly increased at
      D12 as compared to the isograft (SDF-1: 22.16 ng/mg vs. 5.69 ng/mg, t=3.38; VEGF:
      28.3 pg/mg vs. 9.3 pg/mg, t=3.06). In allografted and isografted groups, MCP-1
      tissue levels were higher at D0 as compared to the other time points, without any
      difference between the two groups. These results prompt us to consider cell
      therapy at D0 and D12 in this mouse model of aortic graft.

PMID- 22078491
TI  - Dissolution kinetics of Pd and Pt from automobile catalysts by naturally
      occurring complexing agents.
AB  - Powder samples prepared from gasoline (Pt, Pd, Rh, new GN/old GO) and diesel (Pt,
      new DN/old DO) catalysts and recycled catalyst NIST 2556 were tested using
      kinetic leaching experiments following 1, 12, 24, 48, 168, 360, 720 and 1440-h
      interactions with solutions of 20mM citric acid (CA), 20 mM Na(2)P(4)O(7)
      (NaPyr), 1 g L(-1) NaCl (NaCl), a fulvic acid solution (FA-DOC 50 mg L(-1)) and
      20 mM CA at pH 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The mobilisation of platinum group
      elements (PGEs) was fastest in solutions of CA and NaPyr. In the other
      interactions (NaCl, FA), the release of PGEs was probably followed by
      immobilisation processes, and the interactions were not found to correspond to
      the simple release of PGEs into solution. Because of their low concentrations,
      the individual complexing agents did not have any effect on the speciation of Pd
      and Pt in the extracts; both metals are present in solution as the complexes
      Me(OH)(2), Me(OH)(+). Immobilisation can take place through the adsorption of the
      positively charged hydroxyl complexes or flocculation of fulvic acid, complexing
      the PGEs on the surface of the extracted catalysts. The calculated normalised
      bulk released NRi values are similar to the reaction rate highest in the
      solutions of CA and NaPyr.

PMID- 22078492
TI  - The use of carbon black to catalyze the reduction of nitrobenzenes by sulfides.
AB  - Using carbon black (CB) as catalyst, the reduction of nitrobenzenes (NBs) to
      anilines by sulfides at room temperature was studied. In the reactions, CB serves
      as an intermedium to accelerate the reduction of NBs by sulfides. In the presence
      of 0.3g/L CB and 3.0 mM sulfides at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C, our results showed
      that CB-catalyzed reduction of NBs were pseudo-first order. The reduction rate
      constant of nitrobenzene was 0.0367 h(-1) in the presence of CB-1, which was 10
      times more than the reduction rate constant in the absence of CB-1. Other
      experiments of different CB samples produced by different methods and different
      raw materials indicated that some active oxygenated functional groups on CB
      surface should be the reactive sites and play the dominant role in catalyzing the
      reduction of NBs. The catalytic reactions of different NBs by sulfides indicated
      that the reduction rate constants of chloronitrobenzenes to chloroanilines were
      greater than those of methylnitrobenzenes to methylanilines. And due to the
      effect of different substituent positions, the nitro group with meta substituent
      was reduced most easily while the nitro group with ortho substituent was reduced
      most difficulty.

PMID- 22078490
TI  - Effectiveness of a structured motivational intervention including smoking
      cessation advice and spirometry information in the primary care setting: the
      ESPITAP study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is current controversy about the efficacy of smoking cessation
      interventions that are based on information obtained by spirometry. The objective
      of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness in the primary care setting of
      structured motivational intervention to achieve smoking cessation, compared with
      usual clinical practice. METHODS:  DESIGN: Multicentre randomized clinical trial
      with an intervention and a control group. SETTING: 12 primary care centres in the
      province of Tarragona (Spain). SUBJECTS OF STUDY: 600 current smokers aged
      between 35 and 70 years with a cumulative habit of more than 10 packs of
      cigarettes per year, attended in primary care for any reason and who did not meet
      any of the exclusion criteria for the study, randomly assigned to structured
      intervention or standard clinical attention. INTERVENTION: Usual advice to quit
      smoking by a general practitioner as well as a 20-minute personalized visit to
      provide detailed information about spirometry results, during which FEV1, FVC,
      FEF 25-75% and PEF measurements were discussed and interpreted in terms of
      theoretical values. Additional information included the lung age index (defined
      as the average age of a non-smoker with the same FEV1 as the study participant),
      comparing this with the chronological age to illustrate the pulmonary
      deterioration that results from smoking. MEASUREMENTS: Spirometry during the
      initial visit. Structured interview questionnaire administered at the primary
      care centre at the initial visit and at 12-month follow-up. Telephone follow-up
      interview at 6 months. At 12-month follow-up, expired CO was measured in patients
      who claimed to have quit smoking. MAIN VARIABLES: Smoking cessation at 12 months.
      ANALYSIS: Data will be analyzed on the basis of "intention to treat" and the unit
      of analysis will be the individual smoker. EXPECTED RESULTS: Among active smokers
      treated in primary care we anticipate significantly higher smoking cessation in
      the intervention group than in the control group. DISCUSSION: Application of a
      motivational intervention based on structured information about spirometry
      results, improved abstinence rates among smokers seen in actual clinical practice
      conditions in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov, number
      NCT01194596.

PMID- 22078493
TI  - Left ventricular outflow tract: intraoperative measurement and changes caused by
      mitral valve surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of mitral valve surgery on left ventricular outflow tract
      (LVOT) dimensions is unclear. Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal
      echocardiography permits excellent visualization of the LVOT and might improve
      standard two-dimensional measurements. In this study, LVOT area and shape were
      assessed before and after mitral valve surgery. METHODS: Thirty-five patients
      undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement were retrospectively included in
      the study and compared with 15 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass
      grafting. LVOT area was measured by planimetry. Maximum possible methodologic
      errors by assuming a circular LVOT and an eccentricity index were calculated.
      LVOT diameter in a midesophageal long-axis view served to calculate the error for
      the circular LVOT determined in common intraoperative practice. RESULTS: Common
      intraoperative two-dimensional measurements underestimated actual LVOT area by
      21%. Mitral valve surgery led to a significant reduction of LVOT area by 7%.
      Although LVOT height remained unchanged, width decreased from 2.72 to 2.53 cm (
      7%), resulting in a more circular shape of the LVOT. This effect was more
      pronounced the smaller the size of the implanted annuloplasty ring or prosthesis.
      Coronary artery bypass grafting did not affect the LVOT. Left ventricular
      ejection fraction was significantly correlated with LVOT eccentricity. Impaired
      ventricular function and higher end-systolic volumes were associated with a
      rounder shape. CONCLUSIONS: The eccentric LVOT shape leads to a distinct
      underestimation of its area with two-dimensional measurements. LVOT eccentricity
      is less distinct in patients with low ejection fractions and higher end-systolic
      volumes. LVOT width is decreased through annuloplasty rings and prostheses, and
      the smaller the implanted device, the more profound the reduction.

PMID- 22078494
TI  - Probucol alleviates atherosclerosis and improves high density lipoprotein
      function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Probucol is a unique hypolipidemic agent that decreases high density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). However, it is not definite that whether
      probucol hinders the progression of atherosclerosis by improving HDL function.
      METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into the
      control, atherosclerosis and probucol groups. Control group were fed a regular
      diet; the atherosclerosis group received a high fat diet, and the probucol group
      received the high fat diet plus probucol. Hepatocytes and peritoneal macrophages
      were isolated for [(3)H] labeled cholesterol efflux rates and expression of ABCA1
      and SR-B1 at gene and protein levels; venous blood was collected for serum
      paraoxonase 1, myeloperoxidase activity and lipid analysis. Aorta were prepared
      for morphologic and immunohistochemical analysis after 12 weeks. RESULTS:
      Compared to the atherosclerosis group, the paraoxonase 1 activity, cholesterol
      efflux rates, expression of ABCA1 and SR-BI in hepatocytes and peritoneal
      macrophages, and the level of ABCA1 and SR-BI in aortic lesions were remarkably
      improved in the probucol group, But the serum HDL cholesterol concentration,
      myeloperoxidase activity, the IMT and the percentage plaque area of aorta were
      significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Probucol alleviated atherosclerosis by
      improving HDL function. The mechanisms include accelerating the process of
      reverse cholesterol transport, improving the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant
      functions.

PMID- 22078495
TI  - Association of an ACSL1 gene variant with polyunsaturated fatty acids in bovine
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The intramuscular fat deposition and the fatty acid profiles of beef
      affect meat quality. High proportions of unsaturated fatty acids are related to
      beef flavor and are beneficial for the nutritional value of meat. Moreover, a
      variety of clinical and epidemiologic studies showed that particularly long-chain
      omega-3 fatty acids from animal sources have a positive impact on human health
      and disease. RESULTS: To screen for genetic factors affecting fatty acid profiles
      in beef, we initially performed a microsatellite-based genome scan in a F(2)
      Charolais * German Holstein resource population and identified a quantitative
      trait locus (QTL) for fatty acid composition in a region on bovine chromosome 27
      where previously QTL affecting marbling score had been detected in beef cattle
      populations. The long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) gene was identified as
      the most plausible functional and positional candidate gene in the QTL interval
      due to its direct impact on fatty acid metabolism and its position in the QTL
      interval. ACSL1 is necessary for synthesis of long-chain acyl-CoA esters, fatty
      acid degradation and phospholipid remodeling. We validated the genomic annotation
      of the bovine ACSL1 gene by in silico comparative sequence analysis and
      experimental verification. Re-sequencing of the complete coding, exon-flanking
      intronic sequences, 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) and partial promoter region of
      the ACSL1 gene revealed three synonymous mutations in exons 6, 7, and 20, six
      noncoding intronic gene variants, six polymorphisms in the promoter region, and
      four variants in the 3' UTR region. The association analysis identified the gene
      variant in intron 5 of the ACSL1 gene (c.481-233A>G) to be significantly
      associated with the relative content of distinct fractions and ratios of fatty
      acids (e.g., n-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated
      fatty acids, trans vaccenic acid) in skeletal muscle. A tentative association of
      the ACSL1 gene variant with intramuscular fat content indicated that an indirect
      effect on fatty acid composition via modulation of total fat content of skeletal
      muscle cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS: The initial QTL analysis suggested the
      ACSL1 gene as a positional and functional candidate gene for fatty acid
      composition in bovine skeletal muscle. The findings of subsequent association
      analyses indicate that ACSL1 or a separate gene in close proximity might play a
      functional role in mediating the lipid composition of beef.

PMID- 22078497
TI  - Occurrence, types and severity of associated injuries of paediatric patients with
      fractures of the frontal skull base.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To clarify the occurrence, sites, and types of associated injuries in
      paediatric patients with fractures of the anterior skull base. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective analysis of files of 49 patients aged up to 18 years. RESULTS:
      Associated injuries were observed in 91.8% of the patients. Observed most
      frequently were fractures of the skull vault (85.7%), brain injury (59.2%),
      facial fracture (42.9%), lung contusion (18.4%) and fractures of the upper
      extremities (14.3%). Multiple injuries were observed in 55.1% and polytrauma in
      42.9%. The mortality rate was 10.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric patients with
      fractures of the anterior skull base frequently present with associated injuries,
      with many having, multiple associated injuries including polytrauma. These
      patients should be treated in multidisciplinary trauma units.

PMID- 22078496
TI  - Molecular basis for interaction of let-7 microRNAs with Lin28.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene
      expression. Among these, members of the let-7 miRNA family control many cell-fate
      determination genes to influence pluripotency, differentiation, and
      transformation. Lin28 is a specific, posttranscriptional inhibitor of let-7
      biogenesis. We report crystal structures of mouse Lin28 in complex with sequences
      from let-7d, let-7-f1, and let-7 g precursors. The two folded domains of Lin28
      recognize two distinct regions of the RNA and are sufficient for inhibition of
      let-7 in vivo. We also show by NMR spectroscopy that the linker connecting the
      two folded domains is flexible, accommodating Lin28 binding to diverse let-7
      family members. Protein-RNA complex formation imposes specific conformations on
      both components that could affect downstream recognition by other processing
      factors. Our data provide a molecular explanation for Lin28 specificity and a
      model for how it regulates let-7.

PMID- 22078498
TI  - Three-dimensional analyses of facial soft tissue configuration of Japanese
      females with jaw deformity--a trial of polygonal view of facial soft tissue
      deformity in orthognathic patients.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue configuration
      of Japanese females with/without jaw deformity in order to establish the
      polygonal view of facial soft tissue deformity three-dimensionally. A polygonal
      chart was applied to assess the outcomes of orthognathic surgery for patients
      with mandibular hyperplasia with/without deviation. The study included 20
      Japanese females with mandibular hyperplasia with/without deviation. All patients
      received mandibular setback surgery, and 3D measurements were carried out pre
      operation, and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively using a non-contact laser
      scanning system. Eighteen soft tissue landmarks were set on each 3D image and
      used to calculate a set of selected parameters. As controls, 20 Japanese females
      with class I occlusion were included. A polygonal chart was constructed based on
      the mean and S.D. of the control group. Patients with mandibular protrusion
      characteristically demonstrated significant variances in the items around the
      lower face. In asymmetric patients, deviation in the mental area disappeared
      postoperatively, but a small deviation remained when compared to the controls.
      The method used in this study seems to be a useful index for diagnosis and as a
      treatment plan for patients with mandibular hyperplasia with/without deviation.

PMID- 22078499
TI  - The clinical application of the dental mini C-arm for the removal of broken
      instruments in soft and hard tissue in the oral and maxillofacial area.
AB  - Many kinds of broken instruments, such as needles, probes, scalpels and
      catheters, are reported to be left in patients after surgery. These parts should
      be removed as soon as possible to prevent further complications. However, it is
      not easy to identify the exact location of the instrument intraoperatively, and a
      risk of damage exists for neighbouring nerves or vessels during the removal. The
      C-arm used in orthopaedic surgery, is seen as a useful and safe way to detect
      metal materials intraoperatively. However, its application for removal of broken
      instruments in the oral and maxillofacial area is not practical because of its
      large size. In our experiences with the removal of eight broken instruments in
      the oral and maxillofacial area, the newly developed dental mini C-arm was useful
      in finding broken instruments in soft tissue (five cases) and in paranasal sinus
      (one case), because it gives real time in situ information. This is important,
      because the position of the broken instrument can be changed due to traction of
      the soft tissue or swelling. The dental mini C-arm was less helpful in finding
      broken instruments in soft tissues compared to hard tissues (two cases) as the
      position of instruments did not change.

PMID- 22078500
TI  - A statistical study of the factors influencing the extent of respiratory motion
      blur in PET imaging.
AB  - Respiratory motion results in significant motion blur in thoracic and abdomen PET
      imaging. The extent of respiratory motion blur is mainly correlated with
      breathing amplitude, tumor size and location. In this paper we introduce a
      statistical study to quantitatively show the factors influencing the extent of
      respiratory motion blur in thoracic PET images. The study is centered on two
      regression models, one is linked with motion blur induced loss of mean
      intensity(LMI), tumor motion magnitude and tumor size, and another is to
      investigate the influence of tumor location, patient gender and patient height on
      tumor motion magnitude. We use the blur identification and image restoration
      technique to estimate the tumor motion and compute the LMI. The regression model
      was validated by simulation and phantom data before extended to 39 cases of
      clinical lung tumor PET images corrupted with blurring artifact. Results show
      that the motion magnitude of lung tumor during breathing is 10.9+/-3.7mm in
      transaxial plane, and it is significantly greater in lower lung lobes than in
      upper lobes. The LMI is 7.1+/-2.4% in the region of interest (ROI) above 40% of
      the image's maximum intensity. The least-square estimate of regression equations
      demonstrates that LMI is proportional to tumor motion magnitude and is inversely
      proportional to tumor size; the two factors play the same role in determining the
      extent of respiratory motion blur in thoraco-abdominal PET imaging. The location
      of tumor was shown as the major factor determining its motion magnitude, while
      the influencing of patient gender and height on tumor motion was not shown
      significant.

PMID- 22078501
TI  - Special issue on techniques for measuring brain connectivity.

PMID- 22078502
TI  - Motor neurons and the sense of place.
AB  - Seventy years ago George Romanes began to document the anatomical organization of
      the spinal motor system, uncovering a multilayered topographic plan that links
      the clustering and settling position of motor neurons to the spatial arrangement
      and biomechanical features of limb muscles. To this day, these findings have
      provided a structural foundation for analysis of the neural control of movement
      and serve as a guide for studies to explore mechanisms that direct the wiring of
      spinal motor circuits. In this brief essay we outline the core of Romanes's
      findings and place them in the context of recent studies that begin to provide
      insight into molecular programs that assign motor pool position and to resolve
      how motor neuron position shapes circuit assembly. Romanes's findings reveal how
      and why neuronal positioning contributes to sensory-motor connectivity and may
      have relevance to circuit organization in other regions of the central nervous
      system.

PMID- 22078503
TI  - Computational mechanisms of sensorimotor control.
AB  - In order to generate skilled and efficient actions, the motor system must find
      solutions to several problems inherent in sensorimotor control, including
      nonlinearity, nonstationarity, delays, redundancy, uncertainty, and noise. We
      review these problems and five computational mechanisms that the brain may use to
      limit their deleterious effects: optimal feedback control, impedance control,
      predictive control, Bayesian decision theory, and sensorimotor learning.
      Together, these computational mechanisms allow skilled and fluent sensorimotor
      behavior.

PMID- 22078504
TI  - Neuroplasticity subserving motor skill learning.
AB  - Recent years have seen significant progress in our understanding of the neural
      substrates of motor skill learning. Advances in neuroimaging provide new insight
      into functional reorganization associated with the acquisition, consolidation,
      and retention of motor skills. Plastic changes involving structural
      reorganization in gray and white matter architecture that occur over shorter time
      periods than previously thought have been documented as well. Data from
      experimental animals provided crucial information on plausible cellular and
      molecular substrates contributing to brain reorganization underlying skill
      acquisition in humans. Here, we review findings demonstrating functional and
      structural plasticity across different spatial and temporal scales that mediate
      motor skill learning while identifying converging areas of interest and possible
      avenues for future research.

PMID- 22078505
TI  - Neuronal basis for object location in the vibrissa scanning sensorimotor system.
AB  - An essential issue in perception is how the location of an object is estimated
      from tactile signals in the context of self-generated changes in sensor
      configuration. Here, we review the pathways and dynamics of neuronal signals that
      encode touch in the rodent vibrissa sensorimotor system. Rodents rhythmically
      scan an array of long, facial hairs across a region of interest. Behavioral
      evidence shows that these animals maintain knowledge of the azimuthal position of
      their vibrissae. Electrophysiological measurements have identified a reafferent
      signal of the azimuth that is coded in normalized coordinates, broadcast
      throughout primary sensory cortex and provides strong modulation of signals of
      vibrissa contact. Efferent signals in motor cortex report the range of the scan.
      Collectively, these signals allow the rodent to form a percept of object
      location.

PMID- 22078506
TI  - Are we ready for a natural history of motor learning?
AB  - Here we argue that general principles with regard to the contributions of the
      cerebellum, basal ganglia, and primary motor cortex to motor learning can begin
      to be inferred from explicit comparison across model systems and consideration of
      phylogeny. Both the cerebellum and the basal ganglia have highly conserved
      circuit architecture in vertebrates. The cerebellum has consistently been shown
      to be necessary for adaptation of eye and limb movements. The precise
      contribution of the basal ganglia to motor learning remains unclear but one
      consistent finding is that they are necessary for early acquisition of novel
      sequential actions. The primary motor cortex allows independent control of joints
      and construction of new movement synergies. We suggest that this capacity of the
      motor cortex implies that it is a necessary locus for motor skill learning, which
      we argue is the ability to execute selected actions with increasing speed and
      precision.

PMID- 22078508
TI  - What is optimal about motor control?
AB  - This article poses a controversial question: is optimal control theory useful for
      understanding motor behavior or is it a misdirection? This question is becoming
      acute as people start to conflate internal models in motor control and perception
      (Poeppel et al., 2008; Hickok et al., 2011). However, the forward models in motor
      control are not the generative models used in perceptual inference. This
      Perspective tries to highlight the differences between internal models in motor
      control and perception and asks whether optimal control is the right way to think
      about things. The issues considered here may have broader implications for
      optimal decision theory and Bayesian approaches to learning and behavior in
      general.

PMID- 22078507
TI  - Sensing with the motor cortex.
AB  - The primary motor cortex is a critical node in the network of brain regions
      responsible for voluntary motor behavior. It has been less appreciated, however,
      that the motor cortex exhibits sensory responses in a variety of modalities
      including vision and somatosensation. We review current work that emphasizes the
      heterogeneity in sensorimotor responses in the motor cortex and focus on its
      implications for cortical control of movement as well as for brain-machine
      interface development.

PMID- 22078509
TI  - The future of automated seizure detection and prediction: foreword.

PMID- 22078510
TI  - Computational model prospective on the observation of proictal states in
      epileptic neuronal systems.
AB  - Epilepsy is a pathological condition of the human central nervous system in which
      normal brain functions are impaired by unexpected transitions to states called
      seizures. We developed a lumped neuronal model that has the property of switching
      between two states as a result of intrinsic or extrinsic perturbations, such as
      noisy fluctuations. In one version of the model, seizure risk is controlled by a
      single connectivity parameter representing excitatory couplings between two model
      lumps. We show that this risk can be reconstructed from calculation of the cross
      covariance between the activities of the two neural populations during the
      nonictal phase. In a second simulation sequence, we use a system of 10
      interconnected lumps with randomly generated connectivity matrices. We show again
      that the tendency to develop seizures can be inferred from the cross-covariances
      calculated during the nonictal states. Our conclusion is that the risk of
      epileptic transitions in biological systems can be objectively quantified. This
      article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated
      Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078511
TI  - Electrical probing of cortical excitability in patients with epilepsy.
AB  - Standard methods for seizure prediction involve passive monitoring of
      intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) in order to track the 'state' of the
      brain. This paper introduces a new method for measuring cortical excitability
      using an electrical probing stimulus. Electrical probing enables feature
      extraction in a more robust and controlled manner compared to passively tracking
      features of iEEG signals. The probing stimuli consist of 100 bi-phasic pulses,
      delivered every 10 min. Features representing neural excitability are estimated
      from the iEEG responses to the stimuli. These features include the amplitude of
      the electrically evoked potential, the mean phase variance (univariate), and the
      phase-locking value (bivariate). In one patient, it is shown how the features
      vary over time in relation to the sleep-wake cycle and an epileptic seizure. For
      a second patient, it is demonstrated how the features vary with the rate of
      interictal discharges. In addition, the spatial pattern of increases and
      decreases in phase synchrony is explored when comparing periods of low and high
      interictal discharge rates, or sleep and awake states. The results demonstrate a
      proof-of-principle for the method to be applied in a seizure anticipation
      framework. This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The
      Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078512
TI  - Anticipating the unobserved: prediction of subclinical seizures.
AB  - Subclinical seizures (SCS) have rarely been considered in the diagnosis and
      therapy of epilepsy and have not been systematically analyzed in studies on
      seizure prediction. Here, we investigate whether predictions of subclinical
      seizures are feasible and how their occurrence may affect the performance of
      prediction algorithms. Using the European database of long-term recordings of
      surface and invasive electroencephalography data, we analyzed the data from 21
      patients with SCS, including in total 413 clinically manifest seizures (CS) and
      3341 SCS. Based on the mean phase coherence we investigated the predictive
      performance of CS and SCS. The two types of seizures had similar prediction
      sensitivities. Significant performance was found considerably more often for SCS
      than for CS, especially for patients with invasive recordings. When analyzing
      false alarms triggered by predicting CS, a significant number of these false
      predictions were followed by SCS for 9 of 21 patients. Although currently
      observed prediction performance may not be deemed sufficient for clinical
      applications for the majority of the patients, it can be concluded that the
      prediction of SCS is feasible on a similar level as for CS and allows a
      prediction of more of the seizures impairing patients, possibly also reducing the
      number of false alarms that were in fact correct predictions of CS. This article
      is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure
      Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078513
TI  - Toward a probabilistic definition of seizures.
AB  - This writing (1) draws attention to the intricacies inherent to the pursuit of a
      universal seizure definition even when powerful, well-understood signal analysis
      methods are used to this end; (2) identifies this aim as a multi-objective
      optimization problem and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of adopting
      or rejecting a unitary seizure definition; and (3) introduces a probabilistic
      measure of seizure activity to manage this thorny issue. The challenges posed by
      the attempt to define seizures unitarily may be partly related to their fractal
      properties and understood through a simplistic analogy to the so-called
      "Richardson effect." A revision of the time-honored conceptualization of seizures
      may be warranted to further advance epileptology. This article is part of a
      Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure Detection and
      Prediction.

PMID- 22078514
TI  - A few thoughts on "What is a seizure?".

PMID- 22078515
TI  - An algorithm for seizure onset detection using intracranial EEG.
AB  - This article addresses the problem of real-time seizure detection from
      intracranial EEG (IEEG). One difficulty in creating an approach that can be used
      for many patients is the heterogeneity of seizure IEEG patterns across different
      patients and even within a patient. In addition, simultaneously maximizing
      sensitivity and minimizing latency and false detection rates has been challenging
      as these are competing objectives. Automated machine learning systems provide a
      mechanism for dealing with these hurdles. Here we present and evaluate an
      algorithm for real-time seizure onset detection from IEEG using a machine
      learning approach that permits a patient-specific solution. We extract temporal
      and spectral features across all intracranial EEG channels. A pattern recognition
      component is trained using these feature vectors and tested against unseen
      continuous data from the same patient. When tested on more than 875 hours of IEEG
      data from 10 patients, the algorithm detected 97% of 67 test seizures of several
      types with a median detection delay of 5 seconds and a median false alarm rate of
      0.6 false alarms per 24-hour period. The sensitivity was 100% for 8 of 10
      patients. These results indicate that a sensitive, specific, and relatively short
      latency detection system based on machine learning can be employed for seizure
      detection from EEG using a full set of intracranial electrodes to individual
      patients. This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The
      Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078516
TI  - A machine-learning algorithm for detecting seizure termination in scalp EEG.
AB  - Efforts to develop algorithms that can robustly detect the cessation of seizure
      activity within scalp EEGs are now underway. Such algorithms can facilitate novel
      clinical applications such as the estimation of a seizure's duration; the
      delivery of therapies designed to mitigate postictal period symptoms; or
      detection of the presence of status epilepticus. In this article, we present and
      evaluate a novel, machine learning-based method for detecting the termination of
      electrographic seizure activity. When tested on 133 seizures from a public
      database, our method successfully detected the end of 132 seizures within 10.3 +/
      5.5 seconds of the time determined by an electroencephalographer to represent
      the electrographic end of seizure. Furthermore, by pairing our seizure end
      detector with a previously published seizure onset detector, we could
      automatically estimate the duration of 85% of test electrographic seizures within
      a 15-second error margin compared with electroencephalographer determinations.
      This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of
      Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078517
TI  - Automated EEG detection algorithms and clinical semiology in epilepsy: importance
      of correlations.
AB  - With advances in technological innovation, electroencephalography has remained
      the gold standard for classification and localization of epileptic seizures. Like
      other diagnostic modalities, technological advances have opened new avenues for
      assessment of data, and hold great promise to improve interpretive capabilities.
      However, proper overall interpretation and application of electroencephalographic
      findings relies on valid correlations of associated clinical semiology. This
      article addresses interpretation of clinical signs and symptoms in the context of
      the diagnostic predictive value of electroencephalographic, clinical, and
      electrographic definitions of seizures, and upcoming challenges of interpreting
      intracranial high-frequency electroencephalographic data. This article is part of
      a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure Detection
      and Prediction.

PMID- 22078518
TI  - Improving early seizure detection.
AB  - Over the last decade, the search for a method able to reliably predict seizures
      hours in advance has been largely replaced by the more realistic goal of very
      early detection of seizure onset, which would allow therapeutic or warning
      devices to be triggered prior to the onset of disabling clinical symptoms. We
      explore in this article the steps along the pathway from data acquisition to
      closed-loop applications that can and should be considered to design the most
      efficient early seizure detection. Microelectrodes, high-frequency oscillations,
      high sampling rate, high-density arrays, and modern analysis techniques are all
      elements of the recording and detection process that in combination with modeling
      studies can provide new insights into the dynamics of seizure onsets. Each of
      these steps needs to be considered if detection devices that will favorably
      impact the quality of life of patients are to be implemented. This article is
      part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure
      Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078519
TI  - Quickest detection of drug-resistant seizures: an optimal control approach.
AB  - Epilepsy affects 50 million people worldwide, and seizures in 30% of the cases
      remain drug resistant. This has increased interest in responsive
      neurostimulation, which is most effective when administered during seizure onset.
      We propose a novel framework for seizure onset detection that involves (i)
      constructing statistics from multichannel intracranial EEG (iEEG) to distinguish
      nonictal versus ictal states; (ii) modeling the dynamics of these statistics in
      each state and the state transitions; you can remove this word if there is no
      room. (iii) developing an optimal control-based "quickest detection" (QD)
      strategy to estimate the transition times from nonictal to ictal states from
      sequential iEEG measurements. The QD strategy minimizes a cost function of
      detection delay and false positive probability. The solution is a threshold that
      non-monotonically decreases over time and avoids responding to rare events that
      normally trigger false positives. We applied QD to four drug resistant epileptic
      patients (168 hour continuous recordings, 26-44 electrodes, 33 seizures) and
      achieved 100% sensitivity with low false positive rates (0.16 false
      positive/hour). This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The
      Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078520
TI  - Multistage seizure detection techniques optimized for low-power hardware
      platforms.
AB  - Closed-loop neurostimulation devices that stimulate the brain to treat epileptic
      seizures have shown great promise in treating more than a third of the 2 million
      people with epilepsy in the United States alone whose seizures are currently
      nonresponsive to pharmaceutical treatment. Seizure detection algorithms
      facilitate responsive therapeutic intervention that is believed to increase the
      efficacy of neurostimulation by improving on its spatial and temporal
      specificity. Translating these signal processing algorithms into battery-powered,
      implantable devices poses a number of challenges that severely limit the
      computational power of the chosen algorithm. We propose a cascaded two-stage
      seizure detection algorithm that is computationally efficient (resulting in a low
      power hardware implementation) without compromising on detection efficacy. Unlike
      traditional detection algorithms, the proposed technique does not explicitly
      require a "training" phase from individual to individual and, instead, relies on
      using features that result in distinct "patterns" at the electrographic seizure
      onset. We tested the algorithm on spontaneous clinical seizures recorded using
      depth electrodes from patients with focal intractable epilepsy and annotated by
      epileptologists at the University of Freiburg Medical Center, via the Freiburg
      database. The algorithm performs with a specificity and sensitivity of 99.82 and
      87.5%, detecting seizures in less than 9.08% of their duration after onset. The
      proposed technique is also shown to be computationally efficient, facilitating
      low-power hardware implementation. This article is part of a Supplemental Special
      Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078521
TI  - Quantitative EEG analysis for automated detection of nonconvulsive seizures in
      intensive care units.
AB  - Because of increased awareness of the high prevalence of nonconvulsive seizures
      in critically ill patients, use of continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring is rapidly
      increasing in ICUs. However, cEEG monitoring is labor intensive, and manual
      review and interpretation of the EEG are impractical in most ICUs. Effective
      methods to assist in rapid and accurate detection of nonconvulsive seizures would
      greatly reduce the cost of cEEG monitoring and enhance the quality of patient
      care. In this study, we report a preliminary investigation of a novel ICU EEG
      analysis and seizure detection algorithm. Twenty-four prolonged cEEG recordings
      were included in this study. Seizure detection sensitivity and specificity were
      assessed for the new algorithm and for the two commercial seizure detection
      software systems. The new algorithm performed with a mean sensitivity of 90.4%
      and a mean false detection rate of 0.066/hour. The two commercial detection
      products performed with low sensitivities (12.9 and 10.1%) and false detection
      rates of 1.036/hour and 0.013/hour, respectively. These findings suggest that the
      novel algorithm has potential to be the basis of clinically useful software that
      can assist ICU staff in timely identification of nonconvulsive seizures. This
      study also suggests that currently available seizure detection software does not
      perform sufficiently in detection of nonconvulsive seizures in critically ill
      patients. This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The
      Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078522
TI  - Automated seizure detection: unrecognized challenges, unexpected insights.
AB  - One of epileptology's fundamental aims is the formulation of a universal,
      internally consistent seizure definition. To assess this aim's feasibility three
      signal analysis methods were applied to a seizure time series and performance
      comparisons were undertaken among them and with respect to a validated algorithm.
      One of the methods uses a Fisher's matrix weighted measure of the rate of
      parameters change of a 2nd order auto-regressive model, another is based on the
      Wavelet Transform Maximum Modulus for quantification of changes in the logarithm
      of the standard deviation of ECoG power and yet another employs the ratio of
      short-to-long term averages computed from cortical signals. The central finding,
      fluctuating concordance among all methods' output as a function of seizure
      duration, uncovers unexpected hurdles in the path to a universal definition,
      while furnishing relevant knowledge in the dynamical (spectral non
      stationarity/varying ictal signal complexity) and clinical (potential un
      attainability of consensus) domains. This article is part of a Supplemental
      Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078523
TI  - Resetting of brain dynamics: epileptic versus psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.
AB  - We investigated the possibility of differential diagnosis of patients with
      epileptic seizures (ES) and patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
      (PNES) through an advanced analysis of the dynamics of the patients' scalp EEGs.
      The underlying principle was the presence of resetting of brain's preictal
      spatiotemporal entrainment following onset of ES and the absence of resetting
      following PNES. Long-term (days) scalp EEGs recorded from five patients with ES
      and six patients with PNES were analyzed. It was found that: (1) Preictal
      entrainment of brain sites was reset at ES (P<0.05) in four of the five patients
      with ES, and not reset (P=0.28) in the fifth patient. (2) Resetting did not occur
      (p>0.1) in any of the six patients with PNES. These preliminary results in
      patients with ES are in agreement with our previous findings from intracranial
      EEG recordings on resetting of brain dynamics by ES and are expected to
      constitute the basis for the development of a reliable and supporting tool in the
      differential diagnosis between ES and PNES. Finally, we believe that these
      results shed light on the electrophysiology of PNES by showing that occurrence of
      PNES does not assist patients in overcoming a pathological entrainment of brain
      dynamics. This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The
      Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078524
TI  - Extracerebral detection of seizures: a new era in epileptology?
AB  - The medical and psycho-socio-economic burden imposed on patients, caregivers, and
      health systems by pharmacoresistant epilepsies is enormous. Intracranial devices
      for automated detection, warning, and delivery of therapy, the presently
      preferred "line of attack" for an abundance of weighty reasons, would be
      insufficient to adequately address said burden on a global scale. Reliance on
      signals that, although extracerebral, are under cortical modulation or control
      and are altered by seizures, such as cardiac or motor signals, emerges as a
      viable research direction with potentially fruitful clinical applications. The
      greater ease of implementation and lower cost of automated real-time detection,
      warning, and therapy systems based on extracerebral signals, compared with those
      requiring intracranial placement, make them worthy of investigation. This article
      is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure
      Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078525
TI  - The role of high-quality EEG databases in the improvement and assessment of
      seizure prediction methods.
AB  - Initially, seizure prediction was based on the analysis of brief EEG segments
      preceding clinically manifest seizures. Whereas such approaches suggested that
      the sensitivities of various EEG-derived features in predicting seizures were
      high, the inclusion of longer interictal periods and the combined assessment of
      sensitivity and specificity and the application of statistical validation methods
      have put into question the validity of such claims. We here show that the
      duration of EEG on which analyses are based and the number of seizures assessed
      negatively correlate with the reported sensitivities of prediction studies.
      Methodological aspects of seizure prediction are discussed in the framework of
      currently existing databases and of the newly established European Union
      database. This article is part of a Supplemental Special Issue entitled The
      Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078527
TI  - Intracellular production of recombinant serpins in yeast.
AB  - Yeast are a valuable system for recombinant serpin production due to their
      ability to synthesize large amounts of heterologous gene products as well as
      their expression of folding chaperones and lack of endogenous serpin genes. In
      this chapter, we describe a method for intracellular expression of cytoplasmic
      serpins in the yeast Pichia pastoris. We also give details on how this system can
      be exploited to produce polymer-forming mutants of secretory serpins.

PMID- 22078526
TI  - Seizure prediction: methods.
AB  - Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases, affects over 50 million
      people worldwide. Epilepsy can have a broad spectrum of debilitating medical and
      social consequences. Although antiepileptic drugs have helped treat millions of
      patients, roughly a third of all patients have seizures that are refractory to
      pharmacological intervention. The evolution of our understanding of this dynamic
      disease leads to new treatment possibilities. There is great interest in the
      development of devices that incorporate algorithms capable of detecting early
      onset of seizures or even predicting them hours before they occur. The lead time
      provided by these new technologies will allow for new types of interventional
      treatment. In the near future, seizures may be detected and aborted before
      physical manifestations begin. In this chapter we discuss the algorithms that
      make these devices possible and how they have been implemented to date. We also
      compare and contrast these measures, and review their individual strengths and
      weaknesses. Finally, we illustrate how these techniques can be combined in a
      closed-loop seizure prevention system. This article is part of a Supplemental
      Special Issue entitled The Future of Automated Seizure Detection and Prediction.

PMID- 22078528
TI  - Production of recombinant serpins in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Serpins represent a diverse family of proteins that are found in a wide range of
      organisms and cellular locations. In order to study them, most need to be
      produced recombinantly, as isolation from their source is not always possible.
      Due to their relatively uncomplicated structure (single domain, few
      posttranslational modifications), the serpins are usually amenable to expression
      in Escherichia coli, which offers a fast and cost-effective solution for the
      generation of large amounts of protein. This chapter outlines the general
      procedures used in the expression and subsequent purification of serpins in E.
      coli, with a particular focus on the methods used for antitrypsin, the archetypal
      member of the family.

PMID- 22078529
TI  - Isolation and characterization of the nuclear serpin MENT.
AB  - A balance between proteolytic activity and protease inhibition is required to
      maintain the appropriate function of biological systems in which proteases play a
      role. The Myeloid and Erythroid Nuclear Termination protein, MENT, is a
      nonhistone heterochromatin-associated serpin that is an effective inhibitor of
      the papain-like cysteine proteases. Our laboratories have extensively
      investigated the dual functions of this protein, namely, chromatin condensation
      and protease inhibition. Unlike other serpins to date, MENT contains a unique
      insertion between the C- and D-helices known as the "M-loop." This loop contains
      two critical functional motifs that allow the nuclear function of MENT, namely,
      nuclear localization and DNA binding. However, the nuclear function of MENT is
      not restricted to the activities of the M-loop alone. In vitro, MENT brings about
      the dramatic remodeling of chromatin into higher-order structures by forming
      protein bridges via its reactive center loop. Further, we have determined that in
      a protease-mediated effect, DNA can act as a cofactor to accelerate the rate at
      which MENT can inhibit its target proteases. In this chapter, we discuss the
      isolation of MENT from native chicken blood as well as recombinant protein
      produced in Escherichia coli. Various techniques including in vitro functional
      assays and biophysical characterization are explained that can be used to
      elucidate the ability of the protein to interact with DNA and other
      deoxynucleoprotein complexes. In situ chromatin precipitation using natively
      purified MENT is also detailed.

PMID- 22078530
TI  - Solving serpin crystal structures.
AB  - Essentially the same steps are required to solve the crystal structure of a
      serpin as for any other protein: produce and purify protein, grow crystals,
      collect diffraction data, find estimates of the phase angles, and then refine and
      validate the structure. For the phasing step, experimental phasing methods
      involving heavy atom soaks were required for the first few structures, but with
      the large number of serpin structures now available, molecular replacement has
      become the method of choice. Two things are special about serpins. First, because
      of the central role of conformational change in serpin mechanism, it is advisable
      to consider a variety of molecular replacement models in different conformations
      and then to allow for rigid-body motions in the initial refinement steps. Second,
      probably owing to the flexibility of serpins, the average serpin crystal is
      significantly less well ordered than the average crystal of another protein,
      which increases the difficulty of solving and refining their structures.

PMID- 22078531
TI  - Crystallography of serpins and serpin complexes.
AB  - The serpin superfamily of protease inhibitors undergoes a remarkable
      conformational change to inhibit target proteases. To date, over 80 different
      serpin crystal structures have been determined. These data reveal that the serpin
      monomer can adopt five different conformations (native, partially inserted
      native, delta-form, latent, and cleaved). Further, recent studies have also
      revealed that serpins can domain swap; biochemical data suggest such an event
      underlies serpin polymerization in diseases such as antitrypsin deficiency. Here,
      we provide a comprehensive analysis on crystallization of serpins in context of
      the structural landscape of the serpin superfamily.

PMID- 22078532
TI  - Serpins as hormone carriers: modulation of release.
AB  - The hormone-carrying serpins, thyroxine- and corticosteroid-binding globulins,
      TBG and CBG, provide a clear example of the way the serpin conformational
      mechanism can be adapted not only to give an irreversible switching-off of
      function but also more significantly to allow a constant dynamic modulation of
      activity. This is illustrated here with the demonstration that hormone release
      from both TBG and CBG is responsive to changes in ambient temperature and
      specifically to changes in body temperature. An exception to this adaptation of
      the serpin mechanism is seen with another family member, angiotensinogen, in
      which hormone release is modulated by a redox switch and is apparently
      independent of changes in the serpin framework.

PMID- 22078533
TI  - Serpin-glycosaminoglycan interactions.
AB  - Serpins (serine protease inhibitors) have traditionally been grouped together
      based on structural homology. They share common structural features of primary
      sequence, but not all serpins require binding to cofactors in order to achieve
      maximal protease inhibition. In order to obtain physiologically relevant rates of
      inhibition of target proteases, some serpins utilize the unbranched sulfated
      polysaccharide chains known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to enhance inhibition.
      These GAG-binding serpins include antithrombin (AT), heparin cofactor II (HCII),
      and protein C inhibitor (PCI). The GAGs heparin and heparan sulfate have been
      shown to bind AT, HCII, and PCI, while HCII is also able to utilize dermatan
      sulfate as a cofactor. Other serpins such as PAI-1, kallistatin, and alpha(1)
      antitrypsin also interact with GAGs with different endpoints, some accelerating
      protease inhibition while others inhibit it. There are many serpins that bind or
      carry ligands that are unrelated to GAGs, which are described elsewhere in this
      work. For most GAG-binding serpins, binding of the GAG occurs in a conserved
      region of the serpin near or involving helix D, with the exception of PCI, which
      utilizes helix H. The binding of GAG to serpin can lead to a conformational
      change within the serpin, which can lead to increased or tighter binding to the
      protease, and can accelerate the rates of inhibition up to 10,000-fold compared
      to the unbound native serpin. In this chapter, we will discuss three major GAG
      binding serpins with known physiological roles in modulating coagulation: AT
      (SERPINC1), HCII (SERPIND1), and PCI (SERPINA5). We will review methodologies
      implemented to study the structure of these serpins and those used to study their
      interactions with GAG's. We discuss novel techniques to examine the serpin-GAG
      interaction and finally we review the biological roles of these serpins by
      describing the mouse models used to study them.

PMID- 22078534
TI  - Targeting serpins in high-throughput and structure-based drug design.
AB  - Native, metastable serpins inherently tend to undergo stabilizing conformational
      transitions in mechanisms of health (e.g., enzyme inhibition) and disease
      (serpinopathies). This intrinsic tendency is modifiable by ligand binding, thus
      structure-based drug design is an attractive strategy in the serpinopathies. This
      can be viewed as a labor-intensive approach, and historically, its intellectual
      attractiveness has been tempered by relatively limited success in development of
      drugs reaching clinical practice. However, the increasing availability of a range
      of powerful experimental systems and higher-throughput techniques is causing
      academic and early-stage industrial pharmaceutical approaches to converge. In
      this review, we outline the different systems and techniques that are bridging
      the gap between what have traditionally been considered distinct disciplines. The
      individual methods are not serpin-specific. Indeed, many have only recently been
      applied to serpins, and thus investigators in other fields may have greater
      experience of their use to date. However, by presenting examples from our work
      and that of other investigators in the serpin field, we highlight how techniques
      with potential for automation and scaling can be combined to address a range of
      context-specific challenges in targeting the serpinopathies.

PMID- 22078535
TI  - Development of inhibitors of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.
AB  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) belongs to the serine protease
      inhibitor super family (serpin) and is the primary inhibitor of both the tissue
      type (tPA) and urokinase-type (uPA) plasminogen activators. PAI-1 has been
      implicated in a wide range of pathological processes where it may play a direct
      role in a variety of diseases. These observations have made PAI-1 an attractive
      target for small molecule drug development. However, PAI-1's structural
      plasticity and its capacity to interact with multiple ligands have made the
      identification and development of such small molecule PAI-1 inactivating agents
      challenging. In the following pages, we discuss the difficulties associated with
      screening for small molecule inactivators of PAI-1, in particular, and of
      serpins, in general. We discuss strategies for high-throughput screening (HTS) of
      chemical and natural product libraries, and validation steps necessary to confirm
      identified hits. Finally, we describe steps essential to confirm specificity of
      active compounds, and strategies to examine potential mechanisms of compound
      action.

PMID- 22078536
TI  - Bioinformatic approaches for the identification of serpin genes with multiple
      reactive site loop coding exons.
AB  - In several branches of the tree of life, alternative splicing of a single primary
      transcript may give rise to multiple serpin isoforms exhibiting different target
      enzyme specificities. Though the continuously increasing number of genome
      sequencing projects has been paralleled by a rapidly rising number of serpin
      genes, the full spectrum of isoforms that some of these genes can encode has
      often not been recognized in routine database searches. In this chapter, we
      introduce procedures that enable the systematic extraction of multi-isoform
      generating serpin genes from genomic sequences. Spot checking of a model organism
      demonstrates that the phyletic distribution of such genes appears to be largely
      underestimated. The bioinformatic approach presented here may help to dissect the
      complete antiproteolytic spectrum of a genome's serpin complement and to register
      the occurrence of multitasking serpin genes in eukaryotes for functional and
      evolutionary studies.

PMID- 22078537
TI  - Methods to measure the kinetics of protease inhibition by serpins.
AB  - The serpin molecule has evolved an unusual mechanism of inhibition, involving an
      exposed reactive center loop (RCL) and conformational change to covalently trap a
      target protease. Successful inhibition of the protease is dependent on the rate
      of serpin-protease association and the efficiency with which the RCL inserts into
      beta-sheet A, translocating the covalently bound protease and thereby completing
      the inhibition process. This chapter describes the kinetic methods used for
      determining the rate of protease inhibition (k(a)) and the stoichiometry of
      inhibition. These kinetic variables provide a means to examine different serpin
      protease pairings, assess the effects of mutations within a serpin on protease
      inhibition, and determine the physiologically cognate protease of a serpin.

PMID- 22078538
TI  - Predicting serpin/protease interactions.
AB  - Proteases are tightly regulated by specific inhibitors, such as serpins, which
      are able to undergo considerable and irreversible conformational changes in order
      to trap their targets. There has been a considerable effort to investigate serpin
      structure and functions in the past few decades; however, the specific
      interactions between proteases and serpins remain elusive. In this chapter, we
      describe detailed experimental protocols to determine and characterize the
      extended substrate specificity of proteases based on a substrate phage display
      technique. We also describe how to employ a bioinformatics system to analyze the
      substrate specificity data obtained from this technique and predict the potential
      inhibitory serpin partners of a protease (in this case, the immune protease,
      granzyme B) in a step-by-step manner. The method described here could also be
      applied to other proteases for more generalized substrate specificity analysis
      and substrate discovery.

PMID- 22078539
TI  - Amino-Terminal Oriented Mass Spectrometry of Substrates (ATOMS) N-terminal
      sequencing of proteins and proteolytic cleavage sites by quantitative mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Edman degradation is a long-established technique for N-terminal sequencing of
      proteins and cleavage fragments. However, for accurate data analysis and amino
      acid assignments, Edman sequencing proceeds on samples of single proteins only
      and so lacks high-throughput capabilities. We describe a new method for the high
      throughput determination of N-terminal sequences of multiple protein fragments in
      solution. Proteolytic processing can change the activity of bioactive proteins
      and also reveal cryptic binding sites and generate proteins with new functions
      (neoproteins) not found in the parent molecule. For example, extracellular matrix
      (ECM) protein processing often produces multiple proteolytic fragments with the
      generation of cryptic binding sites and neoproteins by ECM protein processing
      being well documented. The exact proteolytic cleavage sites need to be identified
      to fully understand the functions of the cleavage fragments and biological roles
      of proteases in vivo. However, the identification of cleavage sites in complex
      high molecular proteins such as those composing the ECM is not trivial. N
      terminal microsequencing of proteolytic fragments is the usual method employed,
      but it suffers from poor resolution of sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis gels and is inefficient at identifying multiple cleavages,
      requiring preparation of numerous gels or membrane slices for analysis. We
      recently developed Amino-Terminal Oriented Mass spectrometry of Substrates
      (ATOMS) to overcome these limitations as a complement for N-terminal sequencing.
      ATOMS employs isotopic labeling and quantitative tandem mass spectrometry to
      identify cleavage sites in a fast and accurate manner. We successfully used ATOMS
      to identify nearly 100 cleavage sites in the ECM proteins laminin and
      fibronectin. Presented herein is the detailed step-by-step protocol for ATOMS.

PMID- 22078540
TI  - Computational methods for studying serpin conformational change and structural
      plasticity.
AB  - Currently, over a hundred high-resolution structures of serpins are available,
      exhibiting a wide range of conformations. However, our understanding of serpin
      dynamics and conformational change is still limited, mainly due to challenges of
      monitoring structural changes and characterizing transient conformations using
      experimental methods. Insight can be provided, however, by employing theoretical
      and computational approaches. In this chapter, we present an overview of such
      methods, focusing on molecular dynamics and simulation. As serpin conformational
      dynamics span a wide range of timescales, we discuss the relative merits of each
      method and suggest which method is suited to specific conformational phenomena.

PMID- 22078541
TI  - Probing serpin conformational change using mass spectrometry and related methods.
AB  - The folding, misfolding, and inhibitory mechanisms of serpins are linked to both
      thermodynamic metastability and conformational flexibility. Characterizing the
      structural distribution of stability and flexibility in serpins in solution is
      challenging due to their large size and propensity for aggregation. Structural
      mass spectrometry techniques offer powerful tools for probing the mechanisms of
      serpin function and disfunction. In this chapter, we review the principles of the
      two most commonly employed structural mass spectrometry techniques-
      hydrogen/deuterium exchange and chemical footprinting--and describe their
      application to studying serpin flexibility, stability, and conformational change
      in solution. We also review the application of both hydrogen/deuterium exchange
      and ion mobility mass spectrometry to probe the mechanism of serpin
      polymerization and the structure of serpin polymers.

PMID- 22078542
TI  - Determining serpin conformational distributions with single molecule
      fluorescence.
AB  - Conformational plasticity is key to inhibitory serpin function, and this
      plasticity gives serpins relatively easy access to alternative, dysfunctional
      conformations. Thus, a given serpin population may contain both functional and
      dysfunctional proteins. Single molecule fluorescence (SMF), with its ability to
      interrogate one fluorescently labeled protein at a time, is a powerful method for
      elucidating conformational distributions and monitoring how these distributions
      change over time. SMF and related methods have been particularly valuable for
      characterizing serpin polymerization. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
      experiments have revealed a second lag phase during in vitro alpha(1)-antitrypsin
      polymerization associated with the formation of smaller oligomers that then
      condense to form longer polymers [Purkayastha, P., Klemke, J. W., Lavender, S.,
      Oyola, R., Cooperman, B. S., and Gai, F. (2005). Alpha 1-antitrypsin
      polymerization: A fluorescence correlation spectroscopic study. Biochemistry44,
      2642-2649.]. SMF studies of in vitro neuroserpin polymerization have confirmed
      that a monomeric intermediate is required for polymer formation while providing a
      test of proposed polymerization mechanisms [Chiou, A., Hagglof, P., Orte, A.,
      Chen, A. Y., Dunne, P. D., Belorgey, D., Karlsson-Li, S., Lomas, D., and
      Klenerman, D. (2009). Probing neuroserpin polymerization and interaction with
      amyloid-beta peptides using single molecule fluorescence. Biophys. J.97, 2306
      2315.]. SMF has also been used to monitor protease-serpin interactions. Single
      pair Forster resonance energy transfer studies of covalent protease-serpin
      complexes suggest that the extent of protease structural disruption in the
      complex is protease dependent [Liu, L., Mushero, N., Hedstrom, L., and
      Gershenson, A. (2006). Conformational distributions of protease-serpin complexes:
      A partially translocated complex. Biochemistry45, 10865-10872.]. SMF techniques
      are still evolving and the combination of SMF with encapsulation methods has the
      potential to provide more detailed information on the conformational changes
      associated with serpin polymerization, protease-serpin complex formation, and
      serpin folding.

PMID- 22078543
TI  - Serpin polymerization in vitro.
AB  - Serpin polymerization is an event which generally occurs within living tissue as
      a consequence of a folding defect caused by point mutations. Major advances in
      cell biology and imaging have allowed detailed studies into subcellular
      localization, processing, and clearance of serpin polymers, but to understand the
      molecular basis of the misfolded state and polymeric linkage, it has been and
      continues to be necessary to generate polymers in vitro. The goal of this chapter
      is to outline the principal techniques that have been developed over the past 20
      years to produce and characterize serpin polymerization in vitro. For the
      majority of this time, all data were interpreted in accordance with the so-called
      "loop-sheet" hypothesis, where polymers form through the intermolecular
      incorporation of the reactive center loop (RCL) of one serpin monomer into the
      beta-sheet A of another. This hypothesis is supported by the ability of serpins
      to incorporate exogenous peptides into sheet A in an identical manner to the
      insertion of its own RCL upon cleavage by protease or conversion to the latent
      state. However, a recent crystal structure of an intact serpin dimer showed that
      much larger "domain swaps" are possible that would also lead to hyperstable
      linkage between serpin monomers. This chapter is therefore not limited to a
      description of experimental technique, but discusses the findings in light of the
      two current models of serpin polymerization. We would encourage readers to
      reevaluate the literature on serpin polymerization and to expand on the
      experiments outlined here in order to differentiate between possible domain
      swapping mechanisms.

PMID- 22078545
TI  - Serpin structure and evolution. Preface.

PMID- 22078544
TI  - The serpinopathies studying serpin polymerization in vivo.
AB  - The serpinopathies result from point mutations in members of the serine protease
      inhibitor or serpin superfamily. They are characterized by the formation of
      ordered polymers that are retained within the cell of synthesis. This causes
      disease by a "toxic gain of function" from the accumulated protein and a "loss of
      function" as a result of the deficiency of inhibitors that control important
      proteolytic cascades. The serpinopathies are exemplified by the Z (Glu342Lys)
      mutant of alpha1-antitrypsin that results in the retention of ordered polymers
      within the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes. These polymers form the
      intracellular inclusions that are associated with neonatal hepatitis, cirrhosis,
      and hepatocellular carcinoma. A second example results from mutations in the
      neurone-specific serpin-neuroserpin to form ordered polymers that are retained as
      inclusions within subcortical neurones as Collins' bodies. These inclusions
      underlie the autosomal dominant dementia familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin
      inclusion bodies or FENIB. There are different pathways to polymer formation in
      vitro but not all form polymers that are relevant in vivo. It is therefore
      essential that protein-based structural studies are interpreted in the context of
      human samples and cell and animal models of disease. We describe here the
      biochemical techniques, monoclonal antibodies, cell biology, animal models, and
      stem cell technology that are useful to characterize the serpin polymers that
      form in vivo.

PMID- 22078546
TI  - [Population pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine applied to personalize the dosage
      used in cancer patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and internally validate a population pharmacokinetic model
      for gemcitabine and its metabolite 2',2'-difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU); and to
      evaluate its predictive perfomance for personalizing the dosage used in cancer
      patients. METHODS: Gemcitabine and dFdU plasma concentrations were determined in
      18 cancer patients. A 2-compartment pharmacokinetic model was implemented in the
      NONMEN VI program to determine the appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters. The
      power to identify the parameters was assessed by parametric bootstrap, and the
      internal model validation was performed using nonparametric bootstrap and visual
      and numerical predictive check methods. The final predictive performance of the
      model was assessed for accuracy and precision during the first (a priori) and
      second (a posteriori) chemotherapy cycles. RESULTS: The mean and interpatient
      variability of gemcitabine and dFdU clearance was 2.70 L/min (31.0%) and 0.0515
      L/min (35.8%), respectively. The estimated distribution volume at steady state
      was 30 L for gemcitabine and 238 L for dFdU. Internal validation confirmed that
      the population pharmacokinetic model was appropriate for describing the plasma
      concentrations of gemcitabine and dFdU over time, as well as its variability in
      the study population. The accuracy and precision of a posteriori gemcitabine
      plasma concentrations improved by 67% and 46%, respectively, compared to the a
      priori prediction. CONCLUSION: The population pharmacokinetic model adequately
      characterised the gemcitabine and dFdU plasma concentrations in the study
      population over time, and can be used to accurately and precisely optimise
      gemcitabine dosing regimens in cancer patients.

PMID- 22078547
TI  - Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in
      human serum and adipose tissue from Bolivia.
AB  - Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic
      chemicals that are highly resistant to biodegradation and have proven adverse
      health effects. The objectives of this study were to determine concentrations of
      three selected organochlorine pesticides (p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, HCB) and three
      specific PCB congeners (PCB 138, 153, 180) in adipose tissue and serum samples
      from an urban adult population (n=112) in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra,
      Bolivia, and to investigate their relationships within and between the two
      matrices and with selected socio-demographic characteristics. The percentages of
      samples positive for these compounds ranged from 40% for PCB 180 to 100% for p,p'
      DDE in adipose tissue, and from 21% for HCB to 93% for p,p'-DDE in serum. Median
      number of residues per sample was five for adipose tissue and three for serum.
      Geometric mean concentrations indicate a considerable historical and recent
      exposure to organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in this population. Adipose
      tissue:serum ratios ranged from 149.3 to 590.3 (wet basis) and from 0.9 to 3.5
      (lipid basis). We found positive and statistically significant correlations
      between adipose tissue and serum concentrations only in p,p'-DDE and HCB. This
      novel study in Bolivia underlines the need for human biomonitoring to assess
      exposure to environmental pollutants in South America.

PMID- 22078548
TI  - Phenotypic and molecular characterization of serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis
      associated with an outbreak in Bahia, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize meningococcal strains isolated from five cases of
      meningococcal disease (MD) associated with an outbreak in Trancoso - BA, occurred
      in October 2009. All cases, with the exception of a 39-year-old male, attended a
      dance party with approximately 1000 youngsters in a rural site. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The epidemiological investigation was conducted by the Epidemiological
      Surveillance Service of Bahia State. Meningococcal strains were characterized at
      Adolfo Lutz Institute, the Brazilian National Reference Laboratory for Bacterial
      Meningitis by conventional techniques (serotype, serosubtype and antimicrobial
      susceptibility test) and by molecular methods (Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis -
      PFGE and Multilocus Sequence Typing - MLST). RESULTS: The PFGE showed 2 closely
      related restriction profiles, designated as PFGE types A and A1, having 92%
      relatedness to each other. MLST characterization showed both A and A1 clones were
      ST-3780, which belongs to the ST-103 complex. All isolates displayed the
      phenotype C:23:P1.5 and were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first reported MD outbreak associated with serogroup C ST-103 complex
      in Brazil, as well as the party and illicit drug-use associated outbreak.

PMID- 22078549
TI  - Differential Gene Expression to Investigate the Effects of Low-level
      Electrochemical Currents on Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - With the emergence and spread of multidrug resistant bacteria, effective methods
      to eliminate both planktonic bacteria and those embedded in surface-attached
      biofilms are needed. Electric currents at MUA-mA/cm2 range are known to reduce
      the viability of bacteria. However, the mechanism of such effects is still not
      well understood. In this study, Bacillus subtilis was used as the model Gram
      positive species to systematically investigate the effects of electrochemical
      currents on bacteria including the morphology, viability, and gene expression of
      planktonic cells, and viability of biofilm cells. The data suggest that weak
      electrochemical currents can effectively eliminate B. subtilis both as planktonic
      cells and in biofilms. DNA microarray results indicate that the genes associated
      with oxidative stress response, nutrient starvation, and membrane functions were
      induced by electrochemical currents. These findings suggest that ions and
      oxidative species generated by electrochemical reactions might be important for
      the killing effects of these currents.

PMID- 22078550
TI  - Cutting-hedge research into bacterial invasion.
AB  - Glycoside hydrolases are the tools that pathogenic bacteria use to cut through
      the defensive glycan structure on host cell surfaces. In this issue of Structure,
      Pluvinage et al. (2011) report how a bacterial polypeptide with more than one
      hydrolase module broadens the effective substrate specificity.

PMID- 22078551
TI  - Fibrinogen unfolding mechanisms are not too much of a stretch.
AB  - Molecular explanations for the extraordinary elasticity and extensibility of
      fibrin fibers are still lacking. Now, Zhmurov et al. (2011) use force
      spectroscopy experiments, and innovative simulations that match the time and
      force scales of these experiments, to study fibrinogen behavior under an applied
      force providing deeper insights into this process.

PMID- 22078552
TI  - Tackling the legs of mannan-binding lectin.
AB  - The recognition of pathogen surfaces by mannan-binding lectin activates MASP
      proteases, leading to complement activation. A crystal structure by Gingras et
      al. (2011) in this issue of Structure now shows how the collagen-like stems of
      mannan-binding lectin bind MASP-1 through a minimalist set of interactions.

PMID- 22078553
TI  - Type II ABC permeases: are they really so different?
AB  - Structural and biochemical data reported by Tirado-Lee et al. (2011) in this
      issue of Structure reveal the existence of high and low affinity ABC transporters
      for the same substrate in a single organism, thus raising questions about
      structural and mechanistic differences within the ABC superfamily.

PMID- 22078554
TI  - Cell membranes: the lipid perspective.
AB  - Although cell membranes are packed with proteins mingling with lipids, remarkably
      little is known about how proteins interact with lipids to carry out their
      function. Novel analytical tools are revealing the astounding diversity of lipids
      in membranes. The issue is now to understand the cellular functions of this
      complexity. In this Perspective, we focus on the interface of integral
      transmembrane proteins and membrane lipids in eukaryotic cells. Clarifying how
      proteins and lipids interact with each other will be important for unraveling
      membrane protein structure and function. Progress toward this goal will be
      promoted by increasing overlap between different fields that have so far operated
      without much crosstalk.

PMID- 22078555
TI  - Toward the fourth dimension of membrane protein structure: insight into dynamics
      from spin-labeling EPR spectroscopy.
AB  - Trapping membrane proteins in the confines of a crystal lattice obscures dynamic
      modes essential for interconversion between multiple conformations in the
      functional cycle. Moreover, lattice forces could conspire with detergent
      solubilization to stabilize a minor conformer in an ensemble thus confounding
      mechanistic interpretation. Spin labeling in conjunction with electron
      paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy offers an exquisite window into
      membrane protein dynamics in the native-like environment of a lipid bilayer.
      Systematic application of spin labeling and EPR identifies sequence-specific
      secondary structures, defines their topology and their packing in the tertiary
      fold. Long range distance measurements (60 A-80 A) between pairs of spin labels
      enable quantitative analysis of equilibrium dynamics and triggered conformational
      changes. This review highlights the contribution of spin labeling to bridging
      structure and mechanism. Efforts to develop methods for determining structures
      from EPR restraints and to increase sensitivity and throughput promise to expand
      spin labeling applications in membrane protein structural biology.

PMID- 22078556
TI  - Molecular simulation approaches to membrane proteins.
AB  - Molecular simulations are an invaluable tool for understanding membrane proteins.
      Improvements to both hardware and simulation methods have allowed access to
      physiologically relevant timescales and have permitted the simulation of large
      multimeric complexes. This, coupled to the recent expansion in membrane protein
      structures, provides a means to elucidate the relationship between protein
      structure and function. In this review, we discuss the progress in using
      simulations to understand the complex processes that occur at the boundary of a
      cell, ranging from the transport of solutes and the interactions of ligands with
      ion channels to the conformational rearrangements required for gating of channels
      and the signaling by membrane-associated complexes.

PMID- 22078558
TI  - Identifying conformational states of macromolecules by eigen-analysis of
      resampled cryo-EM images.
AB  - We present the codimensional principal component analysis (PCA), a novel and
      straightforward method for resolving sample heterogeneity within a set of cryo-EM
      2D projection images of macromolecular assemblies. The method employs PCA of
      resampled 3D structures computed using subsets of 2D data obtained with a novel
      hypergeometric sampling scheme. PCA provides us with a small subset of dominating
      "eigenvolumes" of the system, whose reprojections are compared with experimental
      projection data to yield their factorial coordinates constructed in a common
      framework of the 3D space of the macromolecule. Codimensional PCA is unique in
      the dramatic reduction of dimensionality of the problem, which facilitates rapid
      determination of both the plausible number of conformers in the sample and their
      3D structures. We applied the codimensional PCA to a complex data set of Thermus
      thermophilus 70S ribosome, and we identified four major conformational states and
      visualized high mobility of the stalk base region.

PMID- 22078557
TI  - Direct visualization of HIV-1 with correlative live-cell microscopy and cryo
      electron tomography.
AB  - Cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) allows 3D visualization of cellular structures
      at molecular resolution in a close-to-native state and therefore has the
      potential to help elucidate early events of HIV-1 infection in host cells.
      However, structural details of infecting HIV-1 have not been observed, due to
      technological challenges in working with rare and dynamic HIV-1 particles in
      human cells. Here, we report structural analysis of HIV-1 and host-cell
      interactions by means of a correlative high-speed 3D live-cell-imaging and cryoET
      method. Using this method, we showed under near-native conditions that intact
      hyperstable mutant HIV-1 cores are released into the cytoplasm of host cells. We
      further obtained direct evidence to suggest that a hyperstable mutant capsid,
      E45A, showed delayed capsid disassembly compared to the wild-type capsid.
      Together, these results demonstrate the advantages of our correlative live-cell
      and cryoET approach for imaging dynamic processes, such as viral infection.

PMID- 22078559
TI  - Crystal structure of human Mre11: understanding tumorigenic mutations.
AB  - Mre11 plays an important role in repairing damaged DNA by cleaving broken ends
      and by providing a platform for other DNA repair proteins. Various Mre11
      mutations have been identified in several types of cancer. We have determined the
      crystal structure of the human Mre11 core (hMre11), which contains the nuclease
      and capping domains. hMre11 dimerizes through the interfaces between loop beta3
      alpha3 from one Mre11 and loop beta4-beta5 from another Mre11, and between loop
      alpha2-beta3 from one Mre11 and helices alpha2 and alpha3 from another Mre11, and
      assembles into a completely different dimeric architecture compared with
      bacterial or archaeal Mre11 homologs. Nbs1 binds to the region containing loop
      alpha2-beta3 which participates in dimerization. The hMre11 structure in
      conjunction with biochemical analyses reveals that many tumorigenic mutations are
      primarily associated with Nbs1 binding and partly with nuclease activities,
      providing a framework for understanding how mutations inactivate Mre11.

PMID- 22078560
TI  - Inhibition of the pneumococcal virulence factor StrH and molecular insights into
      N-glycan recognition and hydrolysis.
AB  - The complete degradation of N-linked glycans by the pathogenic bacterium
      Streptococcus pneumoniae is facilitated by the large multimodular cell wall
      attached exo-beta-D-N-acetylglucosaminidase StrH. Structural dissection of this
      virulence factor using X-ray crystallography showed it to have two structurally
      related glycoside hydrolase family 20 catalytic domains, which displayed the
      expected specificity for complex N-glycans terminating in N-acetylglucosamine but
      exhibited unexpected differences in their preferences for the substructures
      present in these glycans. The structures of the two catalytic domains in complex
      with unhydrolyzed substrates, including an N-glycan possessing a bisecting N
      acetylglucosamine residue, revealed the specific architectural features in the
      active sites that confer their differential specificities. Inhibitors of StrH are
      demonstrated to be effective tools in modulating the interaction of StrH with
      components of the host, such as the innate immune system. Overall, new structural
      and functional insight into a carbohydrate-mediated component of the pneumococcus
      host interaction is provided.

PMID- 22078561
TI  - Mechanism of fibrin(ogen) forced unfolding.
AB  - Fibrinogen, upon enzymatic conversion to monomeric fibrin, provides the building
      blocks for fibrin polymer, the scaffold of blood clots and thrombi. Little has
      been known about the force-induced unfolding of fibrin(ogen), even though it is
      the foundation for the mechanical and rheological properties of fibrin, which are
      essential for hemostasis. We determined mechanisms and mapped the free energy
      landscape of the elongation of fibrin(ogen) monomers and oligomers through
      combined experimental and theoretical studies of the nanomechanical properties of
      fibrin(ogen), using atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule unfolding and
      simulations in the experimentally relevant timescale. We have found that
      mechanical unraveling of fibrin(ogen) is determined by the combined molecular
      transitions that couple stepwise unfolding of the gamma chain nodules and
      reversible extension-contraction of the alpha-helical coiled-coil connectors.
      These findings provide important characteristics of the fibrin(ogen)
      nanomechanics necessary to understand the molecular origins of fibrin
      viscoelasticity at the fiber and whole clot levels.

PMID- 22078562
TI  - Structural basis of mannan-binding lectin recognition by its associated serine
      protease MASP-1: implications for complement activation.
AB  - Complement activation contributes directly to health and disease. It neutralizes
      pathogens and stimulates immune processes. Defects lead to immunodeficiency and
      autoimmune diseases, whereas inappropriate activation causes self-damage. In the
      lectin and classical pathways, complement is triggered upon recognition of a
      pathogen by an activating complex. Here we present the first structure of such a
      complex in the form of the collagen-like domain of mannan-binding lectin (MBL)
      and the binding domain of its associated protease (MASP-1/-3). The collagen binds
      within a groove using a pivotal lysine side chain that interacts with Ca(2+)
      coordinating residues, revealing the essential role of Ca(2+). This mode of
      binding is prototypic for all activating complexes of the lectin and classical
      pathways, and suggests a general mechanism for the global changes that drive
      activation. The structural insights reveal a new focus for inhibitors and we have
      validated this concept by targeting the binding pocket of the MASP.

PMID- 22078563
TI  - Enhanced selectivity for sulfatide by engineered human glycolipid transfer
      protein.
AB  - Human glycolipid transfer protein (GLTP) fold represents a novel structural motif
      for lipid binding/transfer and reversible membrane translocation. GLTPs transfer
      glycosphingolipids (GSLs) that are key regulators of cell growth, division,
      surface adhesion, and neurodevelopment. Herein, we report structure-guided
      engineering of the lipid binding features of GLTP. New crystal structures of wild
      type GLTP and two mutants (D48V and A47D||D48V), each containing bound N
      nervonoyl-sulfatide, reveal the molecular basis for selective anchoring of
      sulfatide (3-O-sulfo-galactosylceramide) by D48V-GLTP. Directed point mutations
      of "portal entrance" residues, A47 and D48, reversibly regulate sphingosine
      access to the hydrophobic pocket via a mechanism that could involve
      homodimerization. "Door-opening" conformational changes by phenylalanines within
      the hydrophobic pocket are revealed during lipid encapsulation by new crystal
      structures of bona fide apo-GLTP and GLTP complexed with N-oleoyl
      glucosylceramide. The development of "engineered GLTPs" with enhanced specificity
      for select GSLs provides a potential new therapeutic approach for targeting GSL
      mediated pathologies.

PMID- 22078564
TI  - Structural investigation of rimantadine inhibition of the AM2-BM2 chimera channel
      of influenza viruses.
AB  - The M2 channel of influenza A is a target of the adamantane family antiviral
      drugs. Two different drug-binding sites have been reported: one inside the pore,
      and the other is a lipid-facing pocket. A previous study showed that a chimera of
      M2 variants from influenza A and B that contains only the pore-binding site is
      sensitive to amantadine inhibition, suggesting that the primary site of
      inhibition is inside the pore. To obtain atomic details of channel-drug
      interaction, we determined the structures of the chimeric channel with and
      without rimantadine. Inside the channel and near the N-terminal end, methyl
      groups of Val27 and Ala30 from four subunits form a hydrophobic pocket around the
      adamantane, and the drug amino group appears to be in polar contact with the
      backbone oxygen of Ala30. The structures also reveal differences between the drug
      bound and -unbound states of the channel that can explain drug resistance.

PMID- 22078565
TI  - Membrane binding of the N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain of kindlin-2 is crucial
      for its regulation of integrin activation.
AB  - Kindlin-2 belongs to an emerging class of regulators for heterodimeric
      (alpha/beta) integrin adhesion receptors. By binding to integrin beta cytoplasmic
      tail via its C-terminal FERM-like domain, kindlin-2 promotes integrin activation.
      Intriguingly, this activation process depends on the N terminus of kindlin-2 (K2
      N) that precedes the FERM domain. The molecular function of K2-N is unclear. We
      present the solution structure of K2-N, which displays a ubiquitin fold similar
      to that observed in kindlin-1. Using chemical shift mapping and mutagenesis, we
      found that K2-N contains a conserved positively charged surface that binds to
      membrane enriched with negatively charged phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)
      bisphosphate. We show that while wild-type kindlin-2 is capable of promoting
      integrin activation, such ability is significantly reduced for its membrane
      binding defective mutant. These data suggest a membrane-binding function of the
      ubiquitin-like domain of kindlin-2, which is likely common for all kindlins to
      promote their localization to the plasma membrane and control integrin
      activation.

PMID- 22078566
TI  - Structural insights into Ail-mediated adhesion in Yersinia pestis.
AB  - Ail is an outer membrane protein from Yersinia pestis that is highly expressed in
      a rodent model of bubonic plague, making it a good candidate for vaccine
      development. Ail is important for attaching to host cells and evading host immune
      responses, facilitating rapid progression of a plague infection. Binding to host
      cells is important for injection of cytotoxic Yersinia outer proteins. To learn
      more about how Ail mediates adhesion, we solved two high-resolution crystal
      structures of Ail, with no ligand bound and in complex with a heparin analog
      called sucrose octasulfate. We identified multiple adhesion targets, including
      laminin and heparin, and showed that a 40 kDa domain of laminin called LG4-5
      specifically binds to Ail. We also evaluated the contribution of laminin to
      delivery of Yops to HEp-2 cells. This work constitutes a structural description
      of how a bacterial outer membrane protein uses a multivalent approach to bind
      host cells.

PMID- 22078568
TI  - Classification of a Haemophilus influenzae ABC transporter HI1470/71 through its
      cognate molybdate periplasmic binding protein, MolA.
AB  - molA (HI1472) from H. influenzae encodes a periplasmic binding protein (PBP) that
      delivers substrate to the ABC transporter MolB(2)C(2) (formerly HI1470/71). The
      structures of MolA with molybdate and tungstate in the binding pocket were solved
      to 1.6 and 1.7 A resolution, respectively. The MolA-binding protein binds
      molybdate and tungstate, but not other oxyanions such as sulfate and phosphate,
      making it the first class III molybdate-binding protein structurally solved. The
      ~100 MUM binding affinity for tungstate and molybdate is significantly lower than
      observed for the class II ModA molybdate-binding proteins that have nanomolar to
      low micromolar affinity for molybdate. The presence of two molybdate loci in H.
      influenzae suggests multiple transport systems for one substrate, with molABC
      constituting a low-affinity molybdate locus.

PMID- 22078567
TI  - Structural basis for MU-opioid receptor binding and activation.
AB  - Opioids that stimulate the MU-opioid receptor (MOR1) are the most frequently
      prescribed and effective analgesics. Here we present a structural model of MOR1.
      Molecular dynamics simulations show a ligand-dependent increase in the
      conformational flexibility of the third intracellular loop that couples with the
      G protein complex. These simulations likewise identified residues that form
      frequent contacts with ligands. We validated the binding residues using site
      directed mutagenesis coupled with radioligand binding and functional assays. The
      model was used to blindly screen a library of ~1.2 million compounds. From the 34
      compounds predicted to be strong binders, the top three candidates were examined
      using biochemical assays. One compound showed high efficacy and potency. Post hoc
      testing revealed this compound to be nalmefene, a potent clinically used
      antagonist, thus further validating the model. In summary, the MOR1 model
      provides a tool for elucidating the structural mechanism of ligand-initiated cell
      signaling and for screening novel analgesics.

PMID- 22078569
TI  - A conformational switch in the CRIB-PDZ module of Par-6.
AB  - Here, we report a novel mechanism of PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) domain regulation that
      distorts a conserved element of PDZ ligand recognition. The polarity regulator
      Par-6 assembles a conserved multiprotein complex and is directly modulated by the
      Rho GTPase Cdc42. Cdc42 binds the adjacent Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB)
      and PDZ domains of Par-6, increasing C-terminal ligand binding affinity by 10
      fold. By solving structures of the isolated PDZ domain and a disulfide-stabilized
      CRIB-PDZ, we detected a conformational switch that controls affinity by altering
      the configuration of the conserved "GLGF" loop. As a result, lysine 165 is
      displaced from the PDZ core by an adjacent hydrophobic residue, disrupting
      coordination of the PDZ ligand-binding cleft. Stabilization of the CRIB:PDZ
      interface restores K165 to its canonical location in the binding pocket. We
      conclude that a unique "dipeptide switch" in the Par-6 PDZ transmits a signal for
      allosteric activation to the ligand-binding pocket.

PMID- 22078570
TI  - Improving blood safety and patient outcomes with pathogen reduction technology.

PMID- 22078571
TI  - Heterogeneous telomere defects in patients with severe forms of dyskeratosis
      congenita.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telomeres represent the tips of linear chromosomes. In human subjects
      telomere maintenance deficiency leads to dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a rare
      genetic disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, accelerated
      aging, and cancer predisposition. Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome (HH) is a severe
      variant of DC in which an early onset of bone marrow failure leading to combined
      immunodeficiency is associated with microcephaly, cerebellar hypoplasia, and
      growth retardation. OBJECTIVES: Limited information is available on the cellular
      and molecular phenotypes of cells from patients with HH. We analyzed fibroblasts
      and whole blood cells from 5 patients with HH, 3 of them of unknown molecular
      origin. METHODS: Telomere length, cellular senescence rate, telomerase activity,
      telomeric aberration, and DNA repair pathways were investigated. RESULTS:
      Although patients' cells exhibit dysfunctional telomeres, sharp differences in
      the telomeric aberrations and telomere lengths were noted among these patients.
      In some patients the dysfunctional telomere phenotype was unprecedented and
      associated with either normal telomere length or with telomeric aberrations akin
      to fragile telomeres. This result is of particular importance because the
      molecular diagnosis of these patients is primarily based on telomere length,
      which therefore misses a subset of patients with telomere dysfunction.
      CONCLUSION: These observations provide the notions that (1) various telomere
      defects can lead to similar clinical features, (2) telomere dysfunction in cells
      from patients with DC/HH is not always associated with short telomeres, and (3)
      additional factors, likely involved in telomere protection rather than in length
      regulation, are responsible for a subset of DC/HH.

PMID- 22078572
TI  - A rapid screening method to detect autosomal-dominant ectodermal dysplasia with
      immune deficiency syndrome.

PMID- 22078573
TI  - Effect of Lactobacillus GG on tolerance acquisition in infants with cow's milk
      allergy: a randomized trial.

PMID- 22078574
TI  - CD4-mediated regulatory T-cell activation inhibits the development of disease in
      a humanized mouse model of allergic airway disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on their potency to control allergic diseases, regulatory T
      (Treg) cells represent a promising target for novel strategies to interfere with
      allergic airway inflammation. We have previously demonstrated that stimulation of
      the CD4 molecule on human Treg cells activates their suppressive activity in
      vitro and in vivo. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effect of CD4-mediated
      Treg-cell activation on pulmonary inflammation in a humanized mouse model of
      allergic airway inflammation. METHODS: PBMCs obtained from donors allergic to
      birch pollen or from healthy donors were injected into NOD-severe combined
      immunodeficiency gammac(-/-) mice, followed by allergen airway challenges and
      analysis of airway responsiveness and inflammation. For Treg-cell activation,
      mice were treated with the CD4-binding, lck-activating recombinant HIV-1 surface
      protein gp120 after sensitization prior to allergen challenge. Control
      experiments with CD25-depleted PBMCs were performed to evaluate the role of Treg
      cells. RESULTS: PBMCs from allergic donors but not from healthy donors induced
      airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Treatment with gp120 prior to
      allergen challenge abrogated airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced the
      inflammatory immune response. In contrast, treatment had no effect on
      inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in mice that received CD25-depleted
      PBMCs, demonstrating Treg-cell dependency of disease prevention. CONCLUSION:
      Allergic airway inflammation can be prevented by stimulation of human Treg cells
      by CD4. These results suggest a clinical potential of Treg-cell activation by
      high-affinity CD4 ligands in allergic diseases.

PMID- 22078575
TI  - Generalized linear mixed model for segregation distortion analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Segregation distortion is a phenomenon that the observed genotypic
      frequencies of a locus fall outside the expected Mendelian segregation ratio. The
      main cause of segregation distortion is viability selection on linked marker
      loci. These viability selection loci can be mapped using genome-wide marker
      information. RESULTS: We developed a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) under
      the liability model to jointly map all viability selection loci of the genome.
      Using a hierarchical generalized linear mixed model, we can handle the number of
      loci several times larger than the sample size. We used a dataset from an F(2)
      mouse family derived from the cross of two inbred lines to test the model and
      detected a major segregation distortion locus contributing 75% of the variance of
      the underlying liability. Replicated simulation experiments confirm that the
      power of viability locus detection is high and the false positive rate is low.
      CONCLUSIONS: Not only can the method be used to detect segregation distortion
      loci, but also used for mapping quantitative trait loci of disease traits using
      case only data in humans and selected populations in plants and animals.

PMID- 22078576
TI  - Reliability analysis for a proposed critical appraisal tool demonstrated value
      for diverse research designs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability of scores obtained from a proposed critical
      appraisal tool (CAT). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Based on a random sample of 24
      health-related research papers, the scores from the proposed CAT were examined
      using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), generalizability theory, and
      participants' feedback. RESULTS: The ICC for all research papers was 0.83
      (consistency) and 0.74 (absolute agreement) for four participants. For individual
      research designs, the highest ICC (consistency) was for qualitative research
      (0.91) and the lowest was for descriptive, exploratory and observational research
      (0.64). The G study showed a moderate research design effect (32%) for scores
      averaged across all papers. The research design effect was mainly in the
      Sampling, Results, and Discussion categories (44%, 36%, and 34%, respectively).
      The scores for research designs showed a majority paper effect for each (53-70%),
      with small to moderate rater or paper*rater interaction effects (0-27%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Possible reasons for the research design effect were that the
      participants were unfamiliar with some of the research designs and that papers
      were not matched to participants' expertise. Even so, the proposed CAT showed
      great promise as a tool that can be used across a wide range of research designs.

PMID- 22078577
TI  - Re: ICUD-EAU International Consultation on Kidney Cancer 2010: Treatment of
      metastatic disease.

PMID- 22078578
TI  - Re: The impact of targeted molecular therapies on the level of renal cell
      carcinoma vena caval tumor thrombus.

PMID- 22078579
TI  - Re: Safety of presurgical targeted therapy in the setting of metastatic renal
      cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22078580
TI  - Re: Primary tumor response to targeted agents in patients with metastatic renal
      cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22078582
TI  - Discrepancy between clinical and pathological stage: external validation of the
      impact on prognosis in an international radical cystectomy cohort.

PMID- 22078583
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor-C associated with computed tomography used in
      the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of bladder carcinoma.

PMID- 22078584
TI  - Re: Abiraterone and increased survival in metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 22078585
TI  - Re: Denosumab versus zoledronic acid for treatment of bone metastases in men with
      castration-resistant prostate cancer: a randomised, double-blind study.

PMID- 22078586
TI  - Re: Management of seminomatous testicular cancer: a binational prospective
      population-based study from the Swedish Norwegian testicular cancer study group.

PMID- 22078587
TI  - Re: A clinically relevant approach to imaging prostate cancer: review.

PMID- 22078588
TI  - Re: Depressive disorders and panic attacks in women with bladder pain
      syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a population-based sample.

PMID- 22078589
TI  - Re: Genitourinary infections after a routine pelvic exam.

PMID- 22078590
TI  - Re: Normalization of proliferation and tight junction formation in bladder
      epithelial cells from patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder
      syndrome by d-proline and d-pipecolic acid derivatives of antiproliferative
      factor.

PMID- 22078591
TI  - Re: Bladder pain syndrome treated with triple therapy with gabapentin,
      amitriptyline, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

PMID- 22078592
TI  - Re: Evaluating an evidence-based bundle for preventing surgical site infection: a
      randomized trial.

PMID- 22078593
TI  - Re: Microperforations of surgical gloves in urology: minimally invasive versus
      open surgeries.

PMID- 22078594
TI  - Re: Body mass index and the risk of infections in institutionalised geriatric
      patients.

PMID- 22078595
TI  - Re: Urine cultures from indwelling bladder catheters in nursing home patients: a
      point prevalence study in a Swedish county.

PMID- 22078600
TI  - Re: Does timing of presentation of penile fracture affect outcome of surgical
      intervention?

PMID- 22078599
TI  - Re: The use of penile skin graft versus penile skin flap in the repair of long
      bulbo-penile urethral stricture: a prospective randomized study.

PMID- 22078601
TI  - Re: Penile implant utilization following treatment for prostate cancer: analysis
      of the SEER-Medicare database.

PMID- 22078602
TI  - Re: Intra-abdominal reservoir placement during penile prosthesis surgery in post
      robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy patients: a case report
      and practical considerations.

PMID- 22078603
TI  - Re: Effective surgical safety checklist implementation.

PMID- 22078604
TI  - Re: Preoperative risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) after urological
      surgery in the elderly.

PMID- 22078605
TI  - Re: Management of rectal injury during robotic radical prostatectomy.

PMID- 22078606
TI  - Re: Factors affecting recovery of functional status in older adults after cancer
      surgery.

PMID- 22078607
TI  - Re: Accumulated frailty characteristics predict postoperative discharge
      institutionalization in the geriatric patient.

PMID- 22078608
TI  - Re: Readmissions in the postoperative period following urinary diversion.

PMID- 22078610
TI  - Re: The diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasound, urine cytology and prostate
      specific antigen testing in the lower urinary tract symptoms clinic.

PMID- 22078612
TI  - Re: Kidney transplantation from donation after cardiac death donors: lack of
      impact of delayed graft function on post-transplant outcomes.

PMID- 22078611
TI  - Re: Mortality trends for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer in
      English populations 1979-2006.

PMID- 22078613
TI  - Re: Risk of window period HIV infection in high infectious risk donors:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 22078614
TI  - Re: Ex-vivo ureteroscopy at the time of live donor nephrectomy.

PMID- 22078615
TI  - Re: Native nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in transplant recipients.

PMID- 22078616
TI  - Re: Validating the patient safety indicators in the Veterans Health
      Administration: are they ready for prime time?

PMID- 22078617
TI  - Re: Assessment of quality of cancer-related follow-up care from the cancer
      survivor's perspective.

PMID- 22078618
TI  - Re: Perioperative surgical findings in congenital and acquired undescended
      testis.

PMID- 22078619
TI  - Re: Outcomes of scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of
      testicular torsion: a consecutive case series of 173 patients.

PMID- 22078621
TI  - Re: Are antibiotics necessary for pediatric epididymitis?

PMID- 22078620
TI  - Re: The Cleveland Clinic experience with adult hypospadias patients undergoing
      repair: their presentation and a new classification system.

PMID- 22078622
TI  - Re: Reduction of plasma oxalate levels by oral application of Oxalobacter
      formigenes in 2 patients with infantile oxalosis.

PMID- 22078624
TI  - Re: Role of autonomous androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer initiation
      is dichotomous and depends on the oncogenic signal.

PMID- 22078625
TI  - Re: Differential transformation capacity of Src family kinases during the
      initiation of prostate cancer.

PMID- 22078626
TI  - Re: The cancer/testis antigen prostate-associated gene 4 (PAGE4) is a highly
      intrinsically disordered protein.

PMID- 22078627
TI  - Re: Developmental control of apoptosis by the immunophilin aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor-interacting protein (AIP) involves mitochondrial import of the survivin
      protein.

PMID- 22078628
TI  - Re: Pioglitazone attenuates prostatic enlargement in diet-induced insulin
      resistant rats by altering lipid distribution and hyperinsulinaemia.

PMID- 22078629
TI  - A successful approach to long-acting contraceptive implants in primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subdermal implants of etonogestrol are an effective method of
      contraception but have a high discontinuation rate often due to irregular uterine
      bleeding. Implants are often placed in specialist environments away from the
      woman's usual primary health care provider in the UK. STUDY DESIGN: The aim of
      the study was to assess the rate of (and reasons for) discontinuation of the
      implant using a two-stage procedure for device placement in primary care.
      RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one implants were placed between July 2005 and
      September 2009. Follow-up was complete at 9th November 2010, with the exception
      of seven women who left the practice area. The median age at placement was 24.0
      years (interquartile range, 18.0-32.8 years). At 1 year, 90% of implants were
      still in place. Twelve implants (10%) were removed: seven were for irregular
      bleeding, three were for weight gain and one each was for acne and wishing to
      conceive. Over the next year, a further nine were removed (three for irregular
      bleeding, one to conceive and one each for acne, low mood, abdominal pain and
      amenorrhea). Two more were removed at 25 and 27 months (both for irregular
      bleeding), with no further implants removed thereafter other than to exchange for
      a new implant at 36 months. There were no pregnancies in 3595 women-months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Etonogestrel implants can be safely and successfully inserted in
      primary care by well-trained users. It is possible for well-trained users to
      achieve a very high device retention rate in primary care compared with published
      data from other practice settings.

PMID- 22078630
TI  - When did family planning become a risky proposition?

PMID- 22078631
TI  - Evaluation of oxidative stress after treatment with low estrogen contraceptive
      either alone or associated with specific antioxidant therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of low estrogen
      contraceptives (OC) on oxidative stress (OS) and concomitantly also the changes
      produced by different treatments using physiological modulators (PMs) with
      antioxidant action. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-four female volunteers using a low
      estrogen OC regimen were analyzed for their OS status through the reactive oxygen
      metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) test, during 5 different cycles (Cycle I
      to V). Three experiments were performed. RESULTS: In the first experiment (Cycle
      I), OS showed almost a constant 50% increase in all the determinations. In the
      second experiment (Cycles II and III), the participants were divided into two
      groups and treated double-blind with a placebo or with a PM (MF Templar(r)) that
      significantly reduced OS, on average by 69%, while the placebo had no effect. In
      the third experiment (Cycles IV and V), the placebo group was divided into three
      subgroups, A, B, C and treated, respectively, with MF Templar(r), green tea
      containing the same amount of catechins present in MF Templar(r) or with MF
      Templar(r) devoid of catechins. Only the complete product, MF Templar(r), was
      able to reduce OS levels, on average by 70%. CONCLUSION: We conclude that to
      control the OS generated by OC, specific types of PMs are needed. In particular
      MF Templar(r) was able to induce a significant reduction of OS levels.

PMID- 22078632
TI  - The effect of obesity and low-dose oral contraceptives on carbohydrate and lipid
      metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination oral contraceptives (OCs) have little effect on
      carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in normal-weight women. Based on lack of change
      in intermediate markers, as well as results of epidemiologic studies, low-dose
      OCs do not increase the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a
      risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes and coronary artery disease,
      and most previous OC studies excluded these women; thus, we have limited
      information about carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in obese OC users. STUDY
      DESIGN: This study compared changes in carbohydrate and lipid parameters in 71
      normal-weight and 38 obese women initiating the OC. Women were randomized to two
      pills: 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE)/150 mcg levonorgestrel (LNG) or 20 mcg
      EE/100 mcg LNG. Participants underwent baseline and cycle-3 measurements of
      fasting serum glucose; insulin; triglycerides and total, low-density lipoprotein
      (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. RESULTS: Normal-weight and
      obese participants experienced similar changes in mean glucose, insulin and log
      homeostatic model assessment, as well as similar changes in total cholesterol,
      HDL and triglycerides; however, change in mean LDL (-4.9+/-20.6 mg/dL vs. +3.8+/
      17.3 mg/dL) was different between the obese and normal-weight groups,
      respectively. Among the obese participants, change in glucose was marginally
      greater with the higher dose pill (p=.06); otherwise, changes between the body
      mass index groups were not modified by pill dose. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity had little
      effect on any OC-induced changes in carbohydrate or lipid metabolism except for a
      borderline adverse interaction between obesity and OC dose with respect to
      fasting glucose and a positive interaction between obesity and OC use with
      respect to LDL cholesterol.

PMID- 22078633
TI  - Cytokine & chemokine response in the lungs, pleural fluid and serum in thoracic
      surgery using one-lung ventilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic surgery mandates usually a one-lung ventilation (OLV)
      strategy with the collapse of the operated lung and ventilation of the non
      operated lung. These procedures trigger a substantial inflammatory response. The
      aim of this study was to analyze the cytokine and chemokine reaction in both
      lungs, pleural space and blood in patients undergoing lung resection with OLV
      with special interest in the chemokine growth-regulated peptide alpha (GROalpha)
      which is the human equivalent to the rat cytokine-induced neutrophil
      chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1). METHODS: Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of both
      the collapsed, operated and the ventilated, non-operated lung, respectively,
      pleural space drainage fluid and blood was collected and the concentrations of
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1RA and GROalpha were determined with enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays in 15 patients. RESULTS: Substantial inter-individual
      differences in the BAL fluid between patients in cytokine and chemokine levels
      occurred. In the pleural fluid and the blood these inter-individual differences
      were less pronounced. Both sides of the lung were affected and showed a
      significant increase in IL-6 and IL-1RA concentrations over time but not in
      GROalpha concentrations. Except for IL-6, which increased more in the collapsed,
      operated lung, no difference between the collapsed, operated and the ventilated,
      non-operated lung occurred. In the blood, IL-6 and IL-1RA increased early,
      already at the end of surgery. GROalpha was not detectable. In the pleural fluid,
      both cytokine and chemokine concentrations increased by day one. The increase was
      significantly higher in the pleural fluid compared to the blood. CONCLUSION: The
      inflammatory response of cytokines affects both the collapsed, operated and the
      ventilated, non-operated lungs. The difference in extent of response underlines
      the complexity of the inflammatory processes during OLV. In contrast to the
      cytokines, the chemokine GROalpha concentrations did not react in the BAL fluid
      or in the blood. This indicates that GROalpha might not be useful as marker for
      the inflammatory reaction in complex surgical procedures.

PMID- 22078634
TI  - Interleukin-13 enhanced Ca2+ oscillations in airway smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Physiological mechanisms associated with interleukin-13 (IL-13), a key cytokine
      in asthma, in intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in airway smooth muscle cells
      (ASMCs) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess effects of IL-13 on
      Ca(2+) oscillations in response to leukotriene D4 (LTD4) in human cultured ASMCs.
      LTD4-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in ASMCs pretreated with IL-13 were imaged by
      confocal microscopy. mRNA expressions of cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptors
      (CysLT1R), CD38, involved with the ryanodine receptors (RyR) system, and
      transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC), involved with store-operated
      Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), were determined by real-time PCR. In IL-13-pretreated ASMCs,
      frequency of LTD4-induced Ca(2+) oscillations and number of oscillating cells
      were significantly increased compared with untreated ASMCs. Both xestospongin C,
      a specific inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP(3)R), and
      ryanodine or ruthenium red, inhibitors of RyR, partially blocked LTD4-induced
      Ca(2+) oscillations. Ca(2+) oscillations were almost completely inhibited by 50
      MUM of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), which dominantly blocks SOCE but not
      IP(3)R at this concentration. Pretreatment with IL-13 increased the mRNA
      expressions of CysLT1R and CD38, but not of TRPC1 and TRPC3. We conclude that IL
      13 enhances frequency of LTD4-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in human ASMCs, which
      may be cooperatively modulated by IP(3)R, RyR systems and possibly by SOCE.

PMID- 22078635
TI  - IL-4 acts as a potent stimulator of IFN-gamma expression in CD8+ T cells through
      STAT6-dependent and independent induction of Eomesodermin and T-bet.
AB  - CD8+ T cell synthesis of IFN-gamma is an important component of the CD8+ T cell
      immune response. In short-term cultures of murine pan-T cells, we found that IL-4
      was the principal cytokine responsible for driving IFN-gamma synthesis by
      CD3/CD28-activated CD8+ T cells. IL-4 was able to induce low levels of IFN-gamma
      mRNA in CD8+ T cells even in the absence of CD3/CD28 engagement, although
      concomitant CD3/CD28 stimulation was necessary for IFN-gamma secretion. IL-4
      induction of IFN-gamma was explained by its ability to induce Eomesodermin and T
      bet transcription factors whose expression was further increased by CD3/CD28.
      Expression of Eomesodermin, T-bet and IFN-gamma induced by IL-4 was partially
      dependent upon activation of MAPK and PI3K but independent of the canonical IL-4
      activated transcription factor, STAT6. In contrast, expression of IFN-gamma
      induced by IL-4/CD3/CD28 stimulation showed additional dependency upon STAT6
      which functions to increase expression of Eomesodermin specifically. These novel
      findings point to a function for IL-4 as a direct regulator of IFN-gamma
      expression in CD8+ T cells and reveal the molecular mechanisms involved.

PMID- 22078636
TI  - Urine IgM-excretion as a prognostic marker for progression of type 2 diabetic
      nephropathy.
AB  - Although the clinical manifestations of type 2 diabetic nephropathy and decline
      in kidney function are similar to those in type 1, the clinical course and the
      renal structural changes are more heterogeneous in type 2 diabetic patients.
      Previous studies have shown that an increased urine IgM excretion in patients
      with type 1 diabetic nephropathy was associated with poor outcome. In the present
      follow-up study we examine the prognostic value of baseline urine IgM excretion
      in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A cohort of 106 (74 male and
      32 female) patients with type 2 diabetes regularly attending our diabetes out
      patient clinic at Skane University Hospital in Lund. They were recruited
      prospectively under the period between 1992 and 2004. Patients were followed-up
      until January 2009. The end point was cardiovascular (CV) death or end-stage
      renal disease (ESRD). The median follow-up time was 5 years (0.5-13 years).
      Participants were divided according to degree of albuminuria and IgM-uria.
      RESULTS: During follow-up time, 28 (19 male and 9 female) patients died of CV
      events and 41 (26 male and 15 female) developed ESRD. The risk of CV mortality
      was 2.4 fold, and the risk of renal failure 4.9 fold higher in patients with
      increased urine IgM excretion compared to patients with low urine IgM excretion.
      Stratified analysis showed that an increased urine IgM excretion was an
      independent predictor of renal and cardiovascular death irrespective of the
      degree of albuminuria (HR=3.6, 95% CI: 2.1-6.0, P<0.001). In conclusion, type 2
      diabetic nephropathy patients with high urine IgM excretion rates carry an
      increased risk of renal and cardiovascular death.

PMID- 22078637
TI  - Health problems and disability in long-term sickness absence: ICF coding of
      medical certificates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of
      International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and to
      explore the distribution, including gender differences, of health problems and
      disabilities as reflected in long-term sickness absence certificates. METHODS: A
      total of 433 patients with long sick-listing periods, 267 women and 166 men, were
      included in the study. All certificates exceeding 28 days of sick-listing sent to
      the local office of the Swedish Social Insurance Administration of a municipality
      in the Stockholm area were collected during four weeks in 2004-2005. ICD-10
      medical diagnosis codes in the certificates were retrieved and free text
      information on disabilities in body function, body structure or activity and
      participation were coded according to ICF short version. RESULTS: In 89.8% of the
      certificates there were descriptions of disabilities that readily could be
      classified according to ICF. In a reliability test 123/131 (94%) items of
      randomly chosen free text information were identically classified by two of the
      authors. On average 2.4 disability categories (range 0-9) were found per patient;
      the most frequent were 'Sensation of pain' (35.1% of the patients), 'Emotional
      functions' (34.1%), 'Energy and drive functions' (22.4%), and 'Sleep functions'
      (16.9%). The dominating ICD-10 diagnostic groups were 'Mental and behavioural
      disorders' (34.4%) and 'Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective
      tissue' (32.8%). 'Reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders' (14.7%),
      and 'Depressive episode' (11.5%) were the most frequent diagnostic codes.
      Disabilities in mental functions and activity/participation were more commonly
      described among women, while disabilities related to the musculoskeletal system
      were more frequent among men. CONCLUSIONS: Both ICD-10 diagnoses and ICF
      categories were dominated by mental and musculoskeletal health problems, but
      there seems to be gender differences, and ICF classification as a complement to
      ICD-10 could provide a better understanding of the consequences of diseases and
      how individual patients can cope with their health problems. ICF is feasible for
      secondary classifying of free text descriptions of disabilities stated in sick
      leave certificates and seems to be useful as a complement to ICD-10 for sick
      listing management and research.

PMID- 22078638
TI  - Adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening in Spanish women with diabetes:
      associated factors and trend between 2006 and 2010.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to assess the adherence to breast and cervical cancer
      screening of women with diabetes mellitus (DM), and the associated factors and
      trend of use over time of these preventative services between 2006 and 2010 in
      Spain. METHODS: The study used data from a population of women aged greater or
      equal to 18 years (n=11,957) who participated in the European Health Interview
      Survey in Spain (EHISS, 2009). Diabetes status was self-reported and included
      those with type 2 DM. Adherence to screening for cancer prevention was assessed
      by asking women aged greater or equel to 40 years whether they had undergone
      mammography and a Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical smear (in those aged 18-69 years)
      within the previous 2 and 3 years, respectively. Independent variables included
      sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Also, the age-standardized
      prevalences of mammography and Pap smear uptake were compared in women with
      diabetes between 2006 and 2010. RESULTS: Among the diabetic women, 37.9%
      underwent mammography and 49.1% had a Pap smear vs 53.8% and 64%, respectively,
      in women without diabetes, with corresponding adjusted odds ratios of 0.81 (95%
      CI: 0.68-0.97) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.60-0.91). Among diabetic women, attending more
      "physician visits" was a positive predictor of having both screening tests. Also,
      a higher monthly income level was associated with mammography uptake, and a
      higher educational level with Pap smear uptake. There was also a significant
      decrease in mammography screening uptake between 2006 and 2010 compared with a
      stable rate of uptake of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: Spanish women
      with diabetes consistently underuse breast and cervical cancer screening tests
      compared with non-diabetic women. The decline in mammography uptake rates needs
      to be carefully monitored and may even call for intervention.

PMID- 22078639
TI  - The question shapes the answer: the neural correlates of task differences reveal
      dynamic semantic processing.
AB  - Task effects in semantic processing were investigated by contrasting the neural
      activation associated with two semantic categorization tasks (SCT) using event
      related fMRI. The two SCTs involved different decision categories: is it an
      animal? vs. is it a concrete thing? Participants completed both tasks and, across
      participants, the same core set of items were presented in both tasks. Results
      showed task differences in the neural activation associated with these items: in
      the animal SCT there was greater activation in a number of frontal and temporal
      regions, including left superior and middle temporal gyri, while in the concrete
      SCT there was greater activation in left medial frontal gyrus and bilaterally in
      the precentral gyri. These results are interpreted as evidence of top-down
      modulation of semantic processing; participants make adjustments to optimize
      performance in a given task and these adjustments have consequences for the
      activation observed.

PMID- 22078640
TI  - From TAVI to TAVR: transforming imagination into reality.

PMID- 22078641
TI  - Absence of circadian variation of acute coronary syndrome onset in chronic kidney
      disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported on the circadian variation in acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) onset. The influence of morning blood pressure surge,
      platelet aggregation and sympathetic activity is believed to cause this circadian
      variation. At the same time, a high frequency of ACS and sympathetic nerve
      hyperactivity has been reported in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we
      investigated the relationship between CKD and the circadian variation in ACS.
      METHODS: This study included 460 consecutive patients undergoing primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS between 2003 and 2009. Patients
      undergoing hemodialysis were excluded. The subjects were divided into two groups
      according to the value of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): CKD group
      [eGFR <= 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)
      equation] and No CKD group (eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 by MDRD equation). Clinical
      and angiographic characteristics, as well as the time distribution of ACS, were
      compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences
      in clinical and angiographic characteristics between the two groups. A
      significant increase in morning coronary events was observed in the No CKD group.
      This increase was absent in the CKD group. CONCLUSIONS: The existence of CKD
      affected the circadian variation associated with the more frequent ACS onset
      observed in the No CKD group patients. Probably, these data may suggest the cause
      of frequent cardiovascular events in CKD patients.

PMID- 22078642
TI  - Improving patient outcomes in glioblastoma through integration of recent data:
      introduction.

PMID- 22078643
TI  - The impact of recent data on the optimization of standards of care in newly
      diagnosed glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a poor long-term
      prognosis. Treatment regimens for newly diagnosed disease range from surgical
      resection alone to surgery followed by radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant
      chemotherapy. Ongoing investigations are focused on optimization of chemotherapy
      by improving dosing and duration schedules and utilization of biomarkers for
      patient selection. Our understanding of glioblastoma tumor biology, the role of
      molecular signaling pathways, cellular repair mechanisms, and angiogenesis has
      increased greatly over the past few years, leading to the investigation of a
      variety of targeted therapies. In addition, advances in radiographic assessment
      have significantly impacted not only improvement in diagnosis, but interpretation
      of response to therapy. In order to effectively evaluate the clinical utility of
      new agents, as well as incorporate advances in radiographic assessment, changes
      to current clinical trial design need to be considered. This article reviews the
      care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma, as well as how recent findings might be
      incorporated into patient care.

PMID- 22078644
TI  - Understanding glioblastoma tumor biology: the potential to improve current
      diagnosis and treatments.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant brain cancer characterized by
      uncontrolled cellular proliferation, diffuse infiltration, a tendency for
      necrosis, significant angiogenesis, intense resistance to apoptosis, and
      widespread genomic aberrations. Prognosis is poor and treatments are largely
      palliative, although there are subsets of patients that have prolonged survival.
      Greater understanding of the tumor biology of GBM has been achieved in the past
      decade, leading to the prospect of novel targeted therapies and biomarker-based
      individualization of therapy. The goal of this review is to describe the tumor
      biology and pathologic features of GBM, guidelines for classification and
      diagnosis, the current status of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and the
      role of the blood-brain barrier in delivering therapy for GBM.

PMID- 22078645
TI  - Recurrent glioblastoma: a fresh look at current therapies and emerging novel
      approaches.
AB  - Despite international efforts, the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM)
      remains challenging. Although advances in surgical resection, the use of
      radiotherapy, and, predominantly, improved medical therapies have led to
      incremental improvements in median survival, few options exist for the management
      of recurrent or resistant disease. Insight into the molecular pathogenesis of GBM
      has led to the recent development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at the
      interruption of key molecular signaling pathways. However, due to the complex and
      redundant activation of the signaling mechanisms in GBM tumors, the evaluation of
      targeted agents in clinical trials has been largely limited. The ongoing effort
      to identify effective strategies for the treatment of recurrent GBM includes
      combination strategies with agents that target complementary or redundant
      pathways. Incorporation of novel trial designs that permit simultaneous
      evaluation of several agent combinations and allow for rapid discontinuation of
      ineffective regimens can accelerate the clinical evaluation of such candidate
      regimens. This review discusses strategies and outcomes of existing and emerging
      treatment approaches, and the challenges associated with the integration of novel
      therapies into clinical practice.

PMID- 22078646
TI  - Altered inhibition of negative emotions in subjects at family risk of major
      depressive disorder.
AB  - Unaffected 1st degree relatives of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD)
      are more likely to develop MDD than healthy controls. The aim of our study was to
      establish neuronal correlates of familial susceptibility in the process of
      inhibition of emotional information. Unaffected 1st degree relatives of patients
      with MDD (N = 21) and matched healthy controls (N = 25) underwent a functional
      magnetic resonance imaging procedure with an inhibition task. Blood oxygenated
      level dependent signal was evaluated for the two groups during inhibition of
      positive, negative and neutral information. In a 2 * 3 ANOVA unaffected relatives
      of patients with MDD were compared to healthy controls, jointly and separately
      for all three levels of emotional valence of the information. The interaction
      between group and emotional valence of the inhibited information was significant,
      indicating "a negative neural drift" in unaffected relatives of patients with
      MDD. The unaffected relatives of patients with MDD displayed an increased
      activation during inhibiting of negative material in the right middle cingulate
      cortex and the left caudate nucleus (p < 0.05, family wise error corrected).
      There was no difference between the two groups in terms of inhibiting positive or
      neutral stimuli. Our findings provide the first evidence that unaffected
      relatives of patients with MDD differ from the standard population in terms of
      neural correlates of inhibition of negative emotional information. Overactivation
      of cingulate cortex and caudate nucleus may indicate a learnt strategy aimed at
      coping with increased susceptibility to negative information schemata and may
      have future consequences for therapy.

PMID- 22078647
TI  - Usefulness of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in the acute meningitis in the
      emergency department.

PMID- 22078648
TI  - Spanish consensus on the use of natalizumab (Tysabri((r)))--2011.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Natalizumab is very effective at reducing relapses and delaying
      disease progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
      (RRMS). However, treatment has also been associated with a risk of progressive
      multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The aim of this article is to provide a
      consensus view on the assessment and stratification of these risks, and to
      improve the management of natalizumab-treated patients. DEVELOPMENT: At an
      initial meeting of experts on multiple sclerosis (the authors of this consensus),
      the relevant topics of the consensus were determined and assigned for further
      elaboration. Topics included how to establish benefit and risk in general,
      stratification for risk of PML, informing patients of benefits/risks, and how to
      monitor patients during treatment and after discontinuing treatment. During the
      drafting phase, all available information published or presented at international
      meetings was reviewed. After a series of review sessions and meetings, the final
      draft was produced. CONCLUSIONS: Although natalizumab is a very effective drug,
      its use needs to be considered carefully in view of possible adverse effects and
      the risk of PML in particular. The neurologist should carefully explain the risks
      and benefits of treatment in terms the patient can best understand. Before
      starting treatment, baseline laboratory tests and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) should be available for future comparisons in the event of suspected PML.
      The risk of PML should be stratified into high, medium and low risk groups
      according to presence or absence of anti-JC virus antibodies, prior
      immunosuppressive therapy, and treatment duration. The follow-up, and frequency
      of MRI scans in particular, should depend on the risk group to which patient
      belongs. As our understanding of the risk factors for PML develops, it should be
      possible to offer patients increasingly individualised therapy. This is a
      consensus that establishes general recommendations, but neurologists must use
      their clinical expertise to monitor patients individually.

PMID- 22078649
TI  - [Whipple's disease: multiple systemic and neurological relapses. Reply].

PMID- 22078650
TI  - Unilateral eyelid myokymia as a form of presentation of multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 22078651
TI  - Drug-resistant epilepsy: current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment in
      Spain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is a top-priority social health
      problem which requires early individual treatment due to its dramatic
      repercussions for the patient and society. DEVELOPMENT: The International League
      Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has recently defined DRE as that in which the seizures
      are not controlled after having correctly taken two appropriate and well
      tolerated anti-epileptic drugs, with lack of control being understood as the
      appearance of seizures within one year or in a period less than three times the
      inter-seizure interval before starting treatment. This International Society
      recommends a rapid and detailed assessment of all patients in an Epilepsy Unit. A
      Clinical Epilepsy Unit (CEU) is understood as a group of professionals who,
      acting in collaboration, have the diagnosis and treatment of the patient with
      epilepsy as their primary objective. CEUs in Spain may be stratified into
      different levels depending on the activity carried out in each of them. The
      specific epilepsy clinic is considered the fundamental type of CEU and includes
      the necessary figure of an expert in epilepsy. Prolonged video-monitoring is
      performed in medical CEUs. In medical-surgical CEUs epilepsy surgery with varying
      degrees of difficulty is also performed. CONCLUSIONS: All CEUs must cooperate
      with consensus protocols, and there must be a two-way flow between them.
      Stratification of CEUs increases efficacy and efficiency, due to there being a
      sufficient number of them to ensure easy access by all patients with epilepsy.

PMID- 22078653
TI  - A patient with convulsive syndrome and partial tetrasomy of chromosome 15.

PMID- 22078652
TI  - Consensus-recommended diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for drug-resistant
      epilepsy in Spain (Consenso RATE-Espana).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the opinions of an Epilepsy Expert Group and prepare a
      consensus document on the definition of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) according
      to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the different healthcare
      levels for the patient with epilepsy in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      was conducted using the Delphi method, by means of successive rounds of
      questionnaires. A scientific committee prepared a preliminary document and
      fourteen associated questions, which were sent by e-mail to the panel of experts.
      They included items related to the concept of DRE, health care levels and the
      route between these levels for patients with DRE. RESULTS: A total of 41 experts
      answered the questionnaire. They agreed regarding the necessity and applicability
      of the DRE definition according to the ILAE, the need for an expert panel on
      epilepsy, specialist epilepsy clinics, and clinical epilepsy units stratified
      depending on the level of activities they carried out. There was moderate
      consensus on the resources and activity of the clinical units of reference and
      there was no consensus on the referral of patients who have suffered an epileptic
      seizure to an epilepsy clinic. CONCLUSIONS: The expert panel agreed with the
      definition of DRE according to the ILAE and on referring patients with DRE for a
      detailed study in an epilepsy clinic or epilepsy clinical unit. They highlighted
      the need for video-EEG monitoring in the study of patients with DRE and the need
      to propose other forms of treatment in selected patients.

PMID- 22078654
TI  - Acute persistent dysarthria and dizziness with previous neurological study: is it
      enough to establish a diagnosis?

PMID- 22078656
TI  - Altered patterns of toll-like receptor gene expression in cull cows infected with
      Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
AB  - Johne's disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a
      chronic enteric disease of cattle. The mechanism how MAP can co-exist in the
      gastro-intestinal tract despite a massive infiltration of immune cells is not
      known. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are known to play an important role in both
      innate and acquired immune responses but it is unclear what role different TLRs
      play in response to MAP. In this study, 38 cull cows from herds infected with MAP
      were classified into four groups, based on MAP culture from gut tissues and
      histopathological lesion scores. The expression of TLR1, 2 and 4 mRNA from MAP
      antigen-stimulated mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cultures and peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in the MLN and ileum tissues of these animals was
      determined. MAP antigen-specific expression of TLR1 in MLN and PBMC was
      significantly lower in the MAP-infected groups than the non-infected control
      group, suggesting that in MAP-infected animals there is impairment in the up
      regulation of TLR1 in response to MAP antigen. TLR4 expression in MLN tissues was
      significantly higher in the severely infected group than the control group
      suggesting up-regulation of endogenous TLR4 expression at a site of MAP infection
      in animals severely affected with Johne's disease. A preliminary screening of
      TLR1, 2 and 4 in the cull cows revealed the presence of polymorphisms in TLR1 and
      TLR2. In summary, one mechanism how MAP may subvert the immune system is that
      there is an apparent lack of recognition of MAP antigens as foreign by TLR1 in
      MAP-infected cows.

PMID- 22078655
TI  - The feasibility of age-specific travel restrictions during influenza pandemics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown that imposing travel restrictions
      to prevent or delay an influenza pandemic may not be feasible. To delay an
      epidemic substantially, an extremely high proportion of trips (~99%) would have
      to be restricted in a homogeneously mixing population. Influenza is, however,
      strongly influenced by age-dependent transmission dynamics, and the effectiveness
      of age-specific travel restrictions, such as the selective restriction of travel
      by children, has yet to be examined. METHODS: A simple stochastic model was
      developed to describe the importation of infectious cases into a population and
      to model local chains of transmission seeded by imported cases. The probability
      of a local epidemic, and the time period until a major epidemic takes off, were
      used as outcome measures, and travel restriction policies in which children or
      adults were preferentially restricted were compared to age-blind restriction
      policies using an age-dependent next generation matrix parameterized for
      influenza H1N1-2009. RESULTS: Restricting children from travelling would yield
      greater reductions to the short-term risk of the epidemic being established
      locally than other policy options considered, and potentially could delay an
      epidemic for a few weeks. However, given a scenario with a total of 500 imported
      cases over a period of a few months, a substantial reduction in the probability
      of an epidemic in this time period is possible only if the transmission potential
      were low and assortativity (i.e. the proportion of contacts within-group) were
      unrealistically high. In all other scenarios considered, age-structured travel
      restrictions would not prevent an epidemic and would not delay the epidemic for
      longer than a few weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Selectively restricting children from
      traveling overseas during a pandemic may potentially delay its arrival for a few
      weeks, depending on the characteristics of the pandemic strain, but could have
      less of an impact on the economy compared to restricting adult travelers.
      However, as long as adults have at least a moderate potential to trigger an
      epidemic, selectively restricting the higher risk group (children) may not be a
      practical option to delay the arrival of an epidemic substantially.

PMID- 22078657
TI  - A model of delivering multi-disciplinary care to people with 46 XY DSD.
AB  - In 2006, a consensus statement was jointly produced by the Lawson Wilkins
      Pediatric Endocrine Society (LWPES) and the European Society of Paediatric
      Endocrinology (ESPE) concerning the management of disorders of sex development
      (DSD) [1]. A recommendation provided by this consensus was that evaluation and
      long-term care for people affected by DSD should be performed at medical centers
      with multi-disciplinary teams experienced in such conditions. Here we provide our
      team's interpretation of the 2006 consensus statement recommendations and its
      translation into a clinical protocol for individuals affected by 46 XY DSD with
      either female, or ambiguous, genitalia at birth. Options for medical and surgical
      management, transitioning of care, and the use of mental health services and peer
      support groups are discussed. Finally, we provide preliminary data to support the
      application of our model for delivering multi-disciplinary care and support to
      patients and their families.

PMID- 22078659
TI  - Model of care for women at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22078658
TI  - Iodine deficiency influences thyroid autoimmunity in old age--a comparative
      population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess thyroid autoimmunity among elderly people living in an area
      with low iodine intake compared to the sustained recommended iodine intake from a
      natural source, and to estimate the importance of migration. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Iodine content of drinking water is highly different in the Danish towns Randers
      and Skagen. We collected blood and spot urine samples from 430 long-term Randers
      and Skagen dwellers aged 75-80 years, who filled in a questionnaire. We measured
      thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) in serum
      and iodine and creatinine in urine. RESULTS: Participation rate was 47% (n=212
      (men/women 82/130) in Randers; 218 (84/134) in Skagen). Iodine deficiency
      prevailed in Randers while Skagen dwellers were iodine replete (median urinary
      iodine 74 MUg/24h vs. 184 MUg/24h, p<0.001). Thyroid antibodies were more
      frequent in Randers than in Skagen residents (42% vs. 32%; p=0.006) and more
      likely with iodine excretion <50 MUg/24h (OR, 95%CI: 1.9, 1.1-3.4). Differences
      between towns increased with longer duration of residence as trends in the
      occurrence of TGAb and TPOAb were opposite (p<0.001; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS:
      Thyroid autoantibodies were common in old age, influenced by the iodine intake
      level, and the lowest frequency was found at the recommended iodine intake level.

PMID- 22078660
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of calcium, vitamin D and a plant-based omega-3 oil for
      osteopenia: a pilot RCT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our pilot study tested the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability
      of DHA supplementation in addition to calcium and vitamin D in individuals with
      osteopenia. STUDY DESIGN: 40 participants were randomised to either algal oil
      containing 400mg docosahexanoic acid (DHA) daily or placebo. All participants
      received 1200 mg calcium carbonate with vitamin D(3) 1000 IU daily. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at baseline and 12 months. Bone
      turnover was assessed with serum c-terminal telopeptides (CTx) at baseline and 12
      months. Tolerability and acceptability were assessed using a validated
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean CTx was suppressed after 12 months for all
      participants (p=0.04) with no difference in effect size between DHA and control
      groups (p=0.53). Changes in CTx at 12 months were significantly correlated with
      changes in BMD at the lumbar spine (p=0.01) and total proximal femur (TPF)
      (p=0.03). There was a non-significant trend towards rising BMD at 12 months.
      Participants rated the supplements as tolerable and acceptable, with few adverse
      events. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of oral calcium, vitamin D(3) and DHA was
      safe, tolerable and acceptable when used for 12 months by osteopenic individuals
      in this pilot study. The combination had a positive effect on bone health as
      indicated by serum CTx, with no effect demonstrated from the addition of DHA
      400mg. Changes in BMD at the lumbar spine and TPF were significantly correlated
      with changes in CTx, which may be useful in monitoring bone health and response
      to treatment.

PMID- 22078661
TI  - Spinal cord stimulation of dorsal columns in a rat model of neuropathic pain:
      evidence for a segmental spinal mechanism of pain relief.
AB  - Although spinal cord stimulation (SCS) of the dorsal columns is an established
      method for treating chronic neuropathic pain, patients still suffer from a
      substantial level of pain. From a clinical perspective it is known that the
      location of the SCS is of pivotal importance, thereby suggesting a segmental
      spinal mode of action. However, experimental studies suggest that SCS acts also
      through the modulation of supraspinal mechanisms, which might suggest that the
      location is unimportant. Here we investigated the effect of the rostrocaudal
      location of SCS stimulation and the effectiveness of pain relief in a rat model
      of chronic neuropathic pain. Adult male rats (n=45) were submitted to a partial
      ligation of the sciatic nerve. The majority of animals developed tactile
      hypersensitivity in the nerve lesioned paw. All allodynic rats were submitted to
      SCS (n=33) for 30 minutes (f=50 Hz; pulse width 0.2 ms). In one group (n=16) the
      electrodes were located at the level where the injured sciatic nerve afferents
      enter the spinal cord (T13), and in a second group (n=17) the electrodes were
      positioned at more rostral levels (T11) as verified by X-ray. A repositioning
      experiment of electrodes from T12 to T13 was performed in 2 animals. Our data
      demonstrate that SCS of the dorsal columns at the level where the injured fibers
      enter the spinal cord dorsal horn result in a much better pain-relieving effect
      than SCS at more rostral levels. From this we conclude that SCS in treatment of
      neuropathic pain acts through a segmental spinal site of action.

PMID- 22078662
TI  - [Marketing-based prescribing].

PMID- 22078663
TI  - A web-based normative calculator for the uniform data set (UDS)
      neuropsychological test battery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With the recent publication of new criteria for the diagnosis of
      preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a need for neuropsychological
      tools that take premorbid functioning into account in order to detect subtle
      cognitive decline. Using demographic adjustments is one method for increasing the
      sensitivity of commonly used measures. We sought to provide a useful online z
      score calculator that yields estimates of percentile ranges and adjusts
      individual performance based on sex, age and/or education for each of the
      neuropsychological tests of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform
      Data Set (NACC, UDS). In addition, we aimed to provide an easily accessible
      method of creating norms for other clinical researchers for their own, unique
      data sets. METHODS: Data from 3,268 clinically cognitively-normal older UDS
      subjects from a cohort reported by Weintraub and colleagues (2009) were included.
      For all neuropsychological tests, z-scores were estimated by subtracting the raw
      score from the predicted mean and then dividing this difference score by the root
      mean squared error term (RMSE) for a given linear regression model. RESULTS: For
      each neuropsychological test, an estimated z-score was calculated for any raw
      score based on five different models that adjust for the demographic predictors
      of SEX, AGE and EDUCATION, either concurrently, individually or without
      covariates. The interactive online calculator allows the entry of a raw score and
      provides five corresponding estimated z-scores based on predictions from each
      corresponding linear regression model. The calculator produces percentile ranks
      and graphical output. CONCLUSIONS: An interactive, regression-based, normative
      score online calculator was created to serve as an additional resource for UDS
      clinical researchers, especially in guiding interpretation of individual
      performances that appear to fall in borderline realms and may be of particular
      utility for operationalizing subtle cognitive impairment present according to the
      newly proposed criteria for Stage 3 preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22078664
TI  - Mollicutes contamination: a new strategy for an effective rescue of cancer cell
      lines.
AB  - Mollicutes contaminations of cellular models can have marked effects on gene
      expression and cell behaviour in vitro leading to the production of unreliable
      data, unsafe biopharmaceutical drugs or to the loss of cell culture itself.
      Fortunately, irreplaceable cell culture can be cured by decontamination with the
      specific antibiotic regimen. Here, we describe the treatment of 35 mycoplasma
      positive cell lines by the use of the novel antibiotic Mycozap((r)) as well as
      evaluate its eradication performance versus the well-known routinely employed BM
      Cyclins and fluoroquinolones molecules (175 treatments). Our data evidenced: i)
      the permanent elimination of mycoplasma infection by MycoZap((r)), MRA,
      Enrofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and BM-Cyclins in 46%, 29%, 40%, 43%, and 57% of the
      cultures, respectively; ii) a significant correlation between MRA and
      Ciprofloxacin eradication profile, as determined by the Spearman correlation
      coefficient (r = 0.3469, p < 0.05); iii) a mycoplasma eradication in 100% of cell
      lines by the exclusive adoption of MycoZap((r)), Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, BM
      Cyclin 1-2 antibiotic regimen, with the MRA exclusion; iv) the MycoZap((r))
      effectiveness even in case of a mycoplasmal load higher than 50 CFU/mL, as for SH
      SY5Y and Neuro2A cells. In conclusion, we want to suggest an optimized antibiotic
      panel to get 100% mycoplasma-clearance especially in case of unique or treatment
      resistant cellular models.

PMID- 22078665
TI  - Evaluation of the equity of age-sex adjusted primary care capitation payments in
      Ontario, Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several innovative primary care models have recently been introduced
      in Ontario, Canada. Two of these models are funded primarily through age-sex
      based capitation. There is concern that adjusting capitation rates for age and
      sex alone does not take into account the increased morbidity burden and health
      care needs that are associated with lower socioeconomic status. This study
      assesses the extent to which the current age-sex capitation rates in Ontario
      reflect health care needs of patients across socioeconomic status by comparing
      Ontario's age-sex adjusted capitation remuneration rate index with relative
      expected health care resource use by socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: This
      study used administrative data collected by the Ontario Ministry of Health and
      Long-Term Care. The study sample was those patients who were enrolled to a FHN
      continuously from September 1, 2005 to August 31, 2006. Standardized expected
      health care utilization was calculated based on morbidity burden using The Johns
      Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) Case-mix System and compared with
      standardized capitation rates across and within neighbourhood income quintiles.
      RESULTS: Among those in the lowest income group expected utilization was much
      higher than the age-sex capitation rates, while the opposite was true for those
      in the highest income group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggests that under the
      physician reimbursement system used in Family Health Networks in Ontario,
      physicians are under-compensated for the health care needs of low income patients
      and over-compensated for the needs of high income patients. Adjusting capitation
      rates for morbidity burden in addition to age and sex may reduce incentives to
      preferentially enrol patients with higher socioeconomic status.

PMID- 22078666
TI  - Lipoprotein(a) and inflammation in patients with atrial fibrillation after
      electrical cardioversion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently few studies tried to confirm the association between AF and
      lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), however the results remained conflicted. In present study
      we evaluated the possible interaction between Lp(a), inflammatory state and
      echocardiographic characteristics in patients after successful electrical
      cardioversion (EC) of persistent AF. We also tried to investigate the role of
      Lp(a) as a possible prognostic factor for AF recurrence after successful EC.
      RESULTS: Data of 79 patients admitted due to planned EC was analyzed. After
      successful procedure patients were monitored for 2 years. For analytical purposes
      patients were divided in two groups according to AF recurrence. There was no
      significant difference between Lp(a) levels in both groups. We also didn't find
      any positive correlation between Lp(a) and CRP levels, as well as between Lp(a)
      levels and left atrium diameter. For logistic and survival analysis optimal cut
      off value of Lp(a)>=0.32 (upper quartile) was used. In logistic regression model
      with AF recurrence as dependent variable Lp(a) didn't show any statistically
      significant association with AF recurrence. Survival analysis showed slightly
      higher AF recurrence rate in group with higher Lp(a) levels but not to the level
      of statistical significance (log rank test, p=0.62). CONCLUSIONS: We weren't able
      to confirm the association between Lp(a) levels and AF recurrence, inflammation
      and left atrium diameter in patients after successful EC of persistent AF.
      Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of Lp(a) in this clinical
      setting.

PMID- 22078667
TI  - Identifying socio-demographic and socioeconomic determinants of health
      inequalities in a diverse London community: the South East London Community
      Health (SELCoH) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Responses to public health need require information on the
      distribution of mental and physical ill health by demographic and socioeconomic
      factors at the local community level. METHODS: The South East London Community
      Health (SELCoH) study is a community psychiatric and physical morbidity survey.
      Trained interviewers conducted face-to-face computer assisted interviews with
      1698 adults aged 16 years and over, from 1076 randomly selected private
      households in two south London boroughs. We compared the prevalence of common
      mental disorders, hazardous alcohol use, long standing illness and general
      physical health by demographic and socioeconomic indicators. Unadjusted and
      models adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic indicators are presented for
      all logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of those in the sample, 24.2% reported
      common mental disorder and 44.9% reported having a long standing illness, with
      15.7% reporting hazardous alcohol consumption and 19.2% rating their health as
      fair or poor. The pattern of indicators identifying health inequalities for
      common mental disorder, poor general health and having a long term illness is
      similar; individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged have poorer health
      and physical health worsens as age increases for all groups. The prevalence of
      poor health outcomes by ethnic group suggests that there are important
      differences between groups, particularly for common mental disorder and poor
      general health. Higher socioeconomic status was protective for common mental
      disorder, fair or poor health and long standing illness, but those with higher
      socioeconomic status reported higher levels of hazardous alcohol use. The
      proportion of participants who met the criteria for common mental disorder with
      co-occurring functional limitations was similar or greater to those with poor
      physical health. CONCLUSIONS: Health service providers and policy makers should
      prioritise high risk, socially defined groups in combating inequalities in
      individual and co-occurring poor mental and physical problems. In population
      terms, poor mental health has a similar or greater burden on functional
      impairment than long term conditions and perceived health.

PMID- 22078668
TI  - When parents' affection depends on child's achievement: parental conditional
      positive regard, self-aggrandizement, shame and coping in adolescents.
AB  - We examined the idea that adolescents' perceptions of their mothers as using
      parental conditional positive regard (PCPR) to promote academic achievement are
      associated with maladaptive self feelings and coping. A study of 153 adolescents
      supported the hypothesis that PCPR predicts self-aggrandizement following success
      and self devaluation and shame following failure, which then predict compulsive
      over-investment. PCPR functioned as a unique predictor of maladaptive self
      feelings and coping also when the effects of perceived parental conditional
      negative regard or psychological control were controlled for. The findings
      suggest that the experience of one's mother as using conditional positive regard
      to promote achievement leads to a non-optimal self-esteem dynamics, in which
      people vacillate between feelings of grandiosity following success and self
      derogation and shame following failure, which in turn promote a rigid and
      stressful mode of coping. Thus, the practice of PCPR, although seemingly benign,
      appears to carry significant emotional and coping costs for adolescents.

PMID- 22078669
TI  - Documenting different domains of promotion of autonomy in families.
AB  - Parental promotion of autonomy for offspring well-being has been widely
      recognized in developmental psychology. Recent studies, however, show that this
      association varies across cultures. Such variation may reflect inappropriate
      measurement of this dimension of parenting. Therefore, three existing measures of
      promotion of autonomy were used to derive different dimensions related to the
      promotion of autonomy in three different domains - promotion of autonomous
      thought, promotion of autonomous decision-making, and promotion of physical
      separation. The cross-cultural significance of this three-component model was
      tested in samples of late adolescents (n = 1361) from four nations- the US,
      Belgium, Italy and China. Data from all four countries best fit a three
      dimensional model but the covariance between the three dimensions was moderated
      by culture. Culture also moderated the impact of promotion of autonomy on
      offspring well-being.

PMID- 22078670
TI  - Non-medical use of painkillers in the USA.

PMID- 22078671
TI  - Improving rates of surgery for lung cancer.

PMID- 22078672
TI  - Moving toward precision medicine.

PMID- 22078673
TI  - Targeting of household air pollution: interpretation of RESPIRE.

PMID- 22078674
TI  - Reporting quality of life in clinical trials: a CONSORT extension.

PMID- 22078676
TI  - William Seeley: brain explorer.

PMID- 22078678
TI  - Outpatient treatment for pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 22078679
TI  - Outpatient treatment for pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 22078680
TI  - Use of research evidence in practice.

PMID- 22078681
TI  - Use of research evidence in practice.

PMID- 22078682
TI  - Use of research evidence in practice.

PMID- 22078683
TI  - Political will ushers in a new era for tobacco control in Israel.

PMID- 22078685
TI  - Value-based pricing: time for a NICEr way of measuring health?

PMID- 22078686
TI  - Effect of reduction in household air pollution on childhood pneumonia in
      Guatemala (RESPIRE): a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia causes more child deaths than does any other disease.
      Observational studies have indicated that smoke from household solid fuel is a
      significant risk factor that affects about half the world's children. We
      investigated whether an intervention to lower indoor wood smoke emissions would
      reduce pneumonia in children. METHODS: We undertook a parallel randomised
      controlled trial in highland Guatemala, in a population using open indoor wood
      fires for cooking. We randomly assigned 534 households with a pregnant woman or
      young infant to receive a woodstove with chimney (n=269) or to remain as controls
      using open woodfires (n=265), by concealed permuted blocks of ten homes.
      Fieldworkers visited homes every week until children were aged 18 months to
      record the child's health status. Sick children with cough and fast breathing, or
      signs of severe illness were referred to study physicians, masked to intervention
      status, for clinical examination. The primary outcome was physician-diagnosed
      pneumonia, without use of a chest radiograph. Analysis was by intention to treat
      (ITT). Infant 48-h carbon monoxide measurements were used for exposure-response
      analysis after adjustment for covariates. This trial is registered, number
      ISRCTN29007941. FINDINGS: During 29,125 child-weeks of surveillance of 265
      intervention and 253 control children, there were 124 physician-diagnosed
      pneumonia cases in intervention households and 139 in control households (rate
      ratio [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.63-1.13; p=0.257). After multiple imputation, there
      were 149 cases in intervention households and 180 in controls (0.78, 0.59-1.06,
      p=0.095; reduction 22%, 95% CI -6% to 41%). ITT analysis was undertaken for
      secondary outcomes: all and severe fieldworker-assessed pneumonia; severe
      (hypoxaemic) physician-diagnosed pneumonia; and radiologically confirmed, RSV
      negative, and RSV-positive pneumonia, both total and severe. We recorded
      significant reductions in the intervention group for three severe outcomes
      fieldworker-assessed, physician-diagnosed, and RSV-negative pneumonia--but not
      for others. We identified no adverse effects from the intervention. The chimney
      stove reduced exposure by 50% on average (from 2.2 to 1.1 ppm carbon monoxide),
      but exposure distributions for the two groups overlapped substantially. In
      exposure-response analysis, a 50% exposure reduction was significantly associated
      with physician-diagnosed pneumonia (RR 0.82, 0.70-0.98), the greater precision
      resulting from less exposure misclassification compared with use of stove type
      alone in ITT analysis. INTERPRETATION: In a population heavily exposed to wood
      smoke from cooking, a reduction in exposure achieved with chimney stoves did not
      significantly reduce physician-diagnosed pneumonia for children younger than 18
      months. The significant reduction of a third in severe pneumonia, however, if
      confirmed, could have important implications for reduction of child mortality.
      The significant exposure-response associations contribute to causal inference and
      suggest that stove or fuel interventions producing lower average exposures than
      these chimney stoves might be needed to substantially reduce pneumonia in
      populations heavily exposed to biomass fuel air pollution. FUNDING: US National
      Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and WHO.

PMID- 22078687
TI  - Fever of unknown origin.

PMID- 22078689
TI  - The remaining smallpox stocks: the wrong debate?

PMID- 22078690
TI  - The local burden of emotional disorders. An analysis based on a large health
      survey in Catalonia (Spain).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mental health conditions are associated with a significant burden on
      individuals. Using data from a large population health survey, the present study
      aimed to quantify the burden of emotional disorders (depression and anxiety) on
      health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the region of Catalonia (Spain) for
      evidence-informed policy making. METHODS: Regression models were used to estimate
      the impact of emotional disorders on HRQoL, controlling by socioeconomic factors
      and somatic health problems. The rate of emotional disorders was based on the
      General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and quality of life scores were based on
      the EQ-5D. RESULTS: The impact of emotional disorders on HRQoL was equal to a
      reduction of 0.17 in the EQ-5D score. Translation of this individual impact to
      population figures yielded a total loss of 78,742 quality-adjusted life years
      (QALYs) for 2006. This strong impact highlights the need for global policies
      aiming to reduce this burden. CONCLUSION: The negative relation between emotional
      disorders and the HRQoL of individuals was confirmed and quantified for the
      population of Catalonia. The use of quality of life scales such as the SF or EQ
      5D, combined with data on quasi-specific health conditions provides substantial
      information for prioritizing and planning health programs.

PMID- 22078691
TI  - [Introducing the new editor of Reumatologia Clinica].

PMID- 22078692
TI  - [Participation of T lymphocytes in the development and perpetuation of rheumatoid
      arthritis].

PMID- 22078693
TI  - [Teaching ultrasonography to Spanish rheumatologists: 15 years of experience].

PMID- 22078694
TI  - [2011 Up-date of the consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology
      on osteoporosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Due to increasing improvement in the diagnosis, evaluation and
      management of osteoporosis and the development of new tools and drugs, the
      Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has promoted the development of
      recommendations based on the best evidence available. These recommendations
      should be a reference to rheumatologists and other health professionals involved
      in the treatment of patients with osteoporosis. METHODS: Recommendations were
      developed following a nominal group methodology and based on a systematic review.
      The level of evidence and degree of recommendation were classified according to
      the model proposed by the Center for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level
      of agreement was established through Delphi technique. Evidence from previous
      consensus and available clinical guidelines was used. RESULTS: We have produced
      recommendations on diagnosis, evaluation and management of osteoporosis. These
      recommendations include the glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, premenopausal
      and male osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: We present the SER recommendations related to
      the biologic therapy risk management.

PMID- 22078695
TI  - [Annual trends in knee and hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis 1998-2007].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the annual number and trend of prostheses implanted in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at our hospital during the past decade.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study. Patients were collected
      through an extensive search of the database of the Clinical Documentation Service
      between 1998 and 2007. The data was extracted from medical records using a
      predesigned questionnaire. Statistical analysis of longitudinal prostheses was
      made by Cochrane's Q test and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Sixty-one RA
      patients were operated on with 78 prostheses as a direct result of their disease
      at our hospital between 1998 and 2007. Most were women (80%) with positive
      rheumatoid factor (84%). The mean age was 58 years, and the average time since
      onset of RA was 13 years. All but one had previously received antirheumatic drugs
      (88% methotrexate), but only 11% had biological therapy. No changes were observed
      in the number of arthroplasties as a whole over a decade, although there was a
      trend towards reduction in the number of patients that required a knee
      replacement for the first time (Cochrane Q, P=0.05). CONCLUSION: We observed no
      significant changes in trends in the number of new joint replacement procedures
      as a whole in the past decade at our hospital, although the number of patients
      that required knee replacement for the first time as a direct result of their
      underlying disease seems to have declined in the last decade.

PMID- 22078696
TI  - [Duration of treatment with etanercept and motives for discontinuation in a
      cohort of patients with rheumatic disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration of etanercept (ETN) treatment and motives for
      discontinuation in our local cohort of patients with rheumatic pathology and
      compare them to the group with other biological treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Prospective observational cohort study. Disease diagnosis, start and end date and
      motive for discontinuation were recorded. Survival estimation was explored using
      Kaplan-Meier analysis with remaining patients censored at 1-year, 2-years and 5
      years follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety-two (45%) out of 205 patients started ETN
      treatment. Disease diagnoses recorded were: 48% rheumatoid arthritis, 33%
      ankylosing spondylitis, 11% psoriatic arthritis, 8% others (juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease related spondylitis, SAPHO syndrome). 52%
      of patients are still on the drug. The motives for discontinuation were:
      inefficacy (65%), adverse events (33%) and lack of compliance (2%). Two patients
      discontinued ETN due to prolonged disease control. Adverse events were: infection
      (4 patients), post-injection skin reaction (3), uveitis (3), neoplasia (2) and
      others (3). Using a Kaplan-Meier analysis, at 1-year 64% (CI(95%) 54-74) of
      patients with ETN treatment had not experienced treatment failure, at 2-years,
      59% (48-69) and at 5-years, 43% (30-52). With the rest of biologicals estimated
      survival was 61% (51-68), 47,5% (40-55) and 23% (10,5-32) respectively.
      Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (log-rank: P=.024; Breslow:
      P=.068; Tarone-Ware: P=.040). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients treated with
      ETN the estimated survival was better than patients treated with other biological
      drugs at 1-year, 2-years and 5-years.

PMID- 22078698
TI  - [Efficacy and safety of abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and no
      prior treatment with biologics].
AB  - Abatacept (ABA) is a recombinant human fusion protein that blocks co-stimulation
      signals on T lymphocytes, impeding their activation. Randomized and controlled
      trials examining efficacy and safety have been performed with ABA combined with
      methotrexate (MTX), vs MTX monotherapy and vs infliximab (IFB) combined with MTX
      in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and who are naive to biologic therapy. ABA
      has shown to be more effective than MTX and at least as effective as IFB+MTX, in
      terms of activity and clinical remission, physical function and reduction in
      radiological progression. Safety data at 7 years have shown that the drug is
      comparable to MTX in monotherapy and safer than the IFB+MTX combination, although
      infections still constitute the main risk when using ABA. This review summarizes
      the safety and efficacy data of the AIM, ATTEST, Phase IIb IM101-100 and AGREE
      trials.

PMID- 22078697
TI  - [Systemic autoimmune diseases and depressive disorders].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of depression accompanying medical pathologies is
      elevated and have prognostic importance. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of
      depression in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD), as well as to
      determine the frequency of pain, fatigue and sleep disorders in these patients
      and their relation with depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a
      descriptive, prospective study on 88 patients with AID. The CES-D depression
      questionnaire, FSS fatigue questionnaire and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index
      were administered. RESULTS: 69% (n=61) of patients were depressed. Pain was found
      in 97% (59/61) of depressed patients and in 62% (17/27) of non-depressed patients
      (P=.0006). Sleep disorders were found in 95% of depressed patients, whereas 60%
      of non-depressed patients presented them (P=.00008). Depression was associated
      with fatigue: 80% (49/61) for depressed and 44% for non-depressed (p=0,001)
      persons. DISCUSSION: A very elevated prevalence of depression was found in SAD:
      69%; constituting the most frequent comorbidity. Depression was significantly
      associated with pain, fatigue and sleep disorders.

PMID- 22078699
TI  - [Use of etanercept in amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis, a report of
      two cases].
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common causes of AA amyloidosis.
      Most patients are asymptomatic and only when there are large deposits in certain
      organs, functional problems arise. We report two patients with amyloidosis
      secondary to RA, with renal and intestinal involvement, who responded to
      treatment with etanercept.

PMID- 22078701
TI  - [Unilateral generalized morphea: a case and literature review].
AB  - Localized scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder generally involving de
      entire dermis and usually limited to the subcutaneous tissue; however, it may
      progress to large indurated plaques, growth retardation, muscle atrophy, and even
      to flexion deformities or poorly healing ulcers. Unilateral generalized morphea
      is an extremely rare variant of localized scleroderma which has seldom been
      reported in the literature. We report the case of a girl who developed unilateral
      generalized morphea on the right side of the body.

PMID- 22078700
TI  - [Meningeal and Guillain-Barre syndrome in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
      receiving adalimumab therapy].
AB  - Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that blocks the effects of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and is presently used for treatment of rheumatoid
      arthritis, with demyelination being a potential adverse effect. A 31 year-old
      male with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis presented with diarrhea after the
      second injection of adalimumab. He was treated with ciprofloxacin. In a few days
      he developed a Guillain-Barre syndrome confirmed by electromyography, and his
      cerebrospinal fluid was compatible with meningeal syndrome or partially treated
      bacterial meningitis. Adalimumab may be associated with the development of
      demyelination and infectious diseases. Moreover, both the central nervous system
      and the peripheral nervous system can be affected.

PMID- 22078702
TI  - [Glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis: almost always or hardly ever?].
AB  - The use of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis has been the source of
      frequent debate in the last decades. There is evidence on its anti-inflammatory
      capacity and its power to decrease radiologic progression, particularly if used
      in recent onset rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are still some voices
      questioning its use. Their arguments are its potential side-effects, especially
      when the glucocorticoids are used in high doses and/or for extended periods of
      time. In this review, we will try to summarize the evidence regarding this issue,
      from the beginning of the discussion in the fifties to the last releases.

PMID- 22078703
TI  - [Vaccines and chemo-prophylaxis in rhemautoid arthritis: is a vaccine calendar
      necessary?].
AB  - Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of infection
      compared to healthy individuals. The increased risk may be associated with the
      underlying disease, comorbidities and immunosuppressive therapy required to
      control RA activity. In several recent studies, influenza, pneumococcal and
      hepatitis B vaccines administered to RA patients were reported to be safe and
      serologically effective. However, several lines of evidence suggest a possible
      aberrant immunologic response following vaccination due to the compromised
      immunity of these patients. Therefore, vaccination of RA patients prior to
      immunosuppressive treatment may serve as an alternative prophylactic approach and
      should be considered for future investigation. Besides, prophylactic health
      measures should be taken to avoid latent chronic infections as tuberculosis and
      hepatitis B, during therapy with biological agents.

PMID- 22078704
TI  - [Tuberculous arthritis in a 2 year old toddler].

PMID- 22078705
TI  - [Ischiopubic pain in a patient with Paget's disease].

PMID- 22078706
TI  - [Introduction of a day-care hospital model: proposals for measures that guarantee
      the specific needs of rheumatology services in the Community of Valencia
      (Spain)].

PMID- 22078707
TI  - TRIM5alpha associates with proteasomal subunits in cells while in complex with
      HIV-1 virions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The TRIM5 proteins are cellular restriction factors that prevent
      retroviral infection in a species-specific manner. Multiple experiments indicate
      that restriction activity requires accessory host factors, including E2-enzymes.
      To better understand the mechanism of restriction, we conducted yeast-two hybrid
      screens to identify proteins that bind to two TRIM5 orthologues. RESULTS: The
      only cDNAs that scored on repeat testing with both TRIM5 orthologues were the
      proteasome subunit PSMC2 and ubiquitin. Using co-immunoprecipitation assays, we
      demonstrated an interaction between TRIM5alpha and PSMC2, as well as numerous
      other proteasome subunits. Fluorescence microscopy revealed co-localization of
      proteasomes and TRIM5alpha cytoplasmic bodies. Forster resonance energy transfer
      (FRET) analysis indicated that the interaction between TRIM5 and PSMC2 was
      direct. Previous imaging experiments demonstrated that, when cells are challenged
      with fluorescently-labeled HIV-1 virions, restrictive TRIM5alpha orthologues
      assemble cytoplasmic bodies around incoming virion particles. Following virus
      challenge, we observed localization of proteasome subunits to rhTRIM5alpha
      cytoplasmic bodies that contained fluorescently labeled HIV-1 virions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the results presented here suggest that localization
      of the proteasome to TRIM5alpha cytoplasmic bodies makes an important
      contribution to TRIM5alpha-mediated restriction.

PMID- 22078708
TI  - miRNA profiling for biomarker discovery in multiple sclerosis: from microarray to
      deep sequencing.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the
      post-transcriptional level. miRNAs are highly expressed in cells of the immune
      and nervous system, attesting to their importance in Neuroimmunology. Besides
      their involvement in modulation of physiological and pathological processes,
      miRNAs hold high promise as disease biomarkers, therapeutic agents and/or drug
      targets. Several studies have recently explored the involvement of miRNAs in
      Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using a variety of miRNA profiling techniques. In this
      review, we discuss basic miRNA biology and nomenclature, the techniques available
      for miRNA profiling research and recent miRNA profiling studies in Multiple
      Sclerosis.

PMID- 22078709
TI  - Role of gammadelta T cells in West Nile virus-induced encephalitis: friend or
      foe?
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV)-induced encephalitis has been a public health concern in
      North America over the past decade. No therapeutics or vaccines are available for
      human use. Studies in animal models have provided important information for
      investigations of WNV pathogenesis and the host immune response in humans. This
      article will give an overview of the role of gammadelta T cells, one of the non
      classical T cell subsets in the murine model of WNV encephalitis.

PMID- 22078710
TI  - Late reoperations after repaired acute type A aortic dissection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Late complications can develop in patients after surgery for aortic
      type A dissection, mandating redo surgery on the ascending aorta and arch.
      METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, 23 patients (aged 41-69 years) who had late
      complications related to previous aortic surgery for acute type A dissection
      underwent redo surgery. Initial surgery included ascending aorta replacement in
      all cases. RESULTS: The main indications for reoperation were progressive
      enlargement of the false lumen of the aortic arch or descending aorta and suture
      line dehiscence in 10 patients each. All patients with progressive aneurysm
      formation in nonresected aortic segments had persistent dissection within the
      aortic arch since initial surgery. Suture line dehiscence led to a localized
      hematoma in most cases. Three patients presented with graft infection and
      extensive perigraft hematoma. The average time interval from the initial repair
      to the redo procedure was 71+/-56 months. Exchange of the formerly implanted
      Dacron graft in the ascending aorta was the most frequently used surgical
      procedure. Implantation of a valved conduit was deemed necessary in 4 cases, and
      isolated aortic valve replacement was necessary in 2 cases. A hybrid stent graft
      was used in 6 patients. All patients survived surgery, and 1 patient died of
      postoperative low output cardiac failure in hospital. Only 1 major stroke was
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: Complex reoperations for repaired acute type A dissection can
      be performed safely. The concern for the reoperative risk should not dictate the
      operative strategy during the initial procedure in acute type A dissection.

PMID- 22078711
TI  - Changes in left atrioventricular valve geometry after surgical repair of complete
      atrioventricular canal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The most common reason for late surgical reintervention after repair
      of complete atrioventricular canal defects is the development of left
      atrioventricular valve regurgitation. We sought to determine the changes in left
      atrioventricular valve geometry after surgical repair that may predispose to
      regurgitation. METHODS: Atrioventricular valve measurements were obtained by 2
      dimensional echocardiography at 3 different time points (preoperative, early
      postoperative, and midterm postoperative [6-12 months]). Left atrioventricular
      valve annulus area and left ventricular volume were calculated; vena contracta of
      the regurgitant jet orifice was measured. All measurements were normalized
      relative to an appropriate power of body surface area. RESULTS: From January 2000
      to January 2008, 101 patients with complete atrioventricular canal repair were
      included. Left atrioventricular valve annulus was noted to remodel from an
      elliptical shape to a circular shape after surgery. Left atrioventricular valve
      annulus area increased early postoperatively (systole: 4.1 +/- 0.2 cm(2)/m(2) vs
      6.1 +/- 0.3 cm(2)/m(2), P < .001; diastole: 7.2 +/- 0.4 cm(2)/m(2) vs 10.0 +/-
      0.5 cm(2)/m(2), P < .001, pre- vs postoperative, respectively). This increase was
      sustained in the midterm postoperative period (systole: 6.1 +/- 0.3 cm(2)/m(2), P
      = .85, vs diastole: 10.0 +/- 0.4 cm(2)/m(2), P = .78, early vs midterm
      postoperative). Left ventricular volume increased in the early and midterm
      postoperative periods compared with preoperative (systole: 16.9 +/- 1.2 mL/m(2)
      vs 26.2 +/- 1.7 mL/m(2), P < .001; diastole: 35.0 +/- 2.4 mL/m(2) vs 52.5 +/- 3.2
      mL/m(2), P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Complete atrioventricular canal repair leads to
      left atrioventricular valve annular shape change with increased area and circular
      shape. The change in left atrioventricular valve annulus shape appeared to be
      mainly due to increased circumference in the posterior free wall of the annulus.
      These findings may provide a mechanism for the progression of central
      regurgitation seen after complete atrioventricular canal repair and a potential
      solution.

PMID- 22078712
TI  - Qualitative description of college students' dinner groups.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discover how college students conduct dinner groups and perceptions
      of the benefits and difficulties of participation. DESIGN: Qualitative study
      conducted with 7 focus groups. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A university campus,
      with 36 students participating in dinner groups, defined as a group of 3 people
      or more cooking for one another (or together) and eating together at least 4
      times a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Dinner groups. ANALYSIS: The focus group
      recordings were transcribed, coded, and reconciled. NUDIST NVivo software
      (version 8, QSR International, Victoria, Australia, 2008) assisted in coding data
      to identify themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Dinner groups were composed of
      roommates or students living nearby. They rotated who made each dinner. Benefits
      identified included social interaction, increasing confidence in cooking, saving
      money and time, and eating more varied and healthful foods. Difficulties, which
      were uncommon, included increased time spent on days the student cooked and
      stresses related to cooking on a schedule. Students found that the benefits far
      outweighed the difficulties and universally wanted to continue in a dinner group.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: College students enjoyed dinner groups, and
      promoting them may be an option for improving college students' eating habits.
      Nearly all students believed that they ate better in a dinner group, but research
      is needed to assess actual intake.

PMID- 22078713
TI  - Biological versus cultural evolution: beyond a false dichotomy. Comment on
      "Modeling the cultural evolution of language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22078714
TI  - Extracranial primary and secondary meningiomas.
AB  - Meningioma is a well-recognized tumour of the central nervous system. However,
      extracranial non-dural or ectopic meningiomas are rare and in most of the
      reported cases, meningiomas are diagnosed only after histopathologic examination.
      Over the last 5 years, the authors have seen three cases. In these case reports,
      they discuss the salient features of these lesions, which can aid the
      preoperative diagnosis and management of these patients. One of the cases is a
      rarity, owing to the extreme extracranial position which allowed the pressure of
      the tumour abrade the adjacent structures. In one case, reconstruction of the
      skull bone using polymeric materials (Acrylic matter) was necessary. In the other
      two cases, titanium plates and screws were used to reconstruct the jaw.

PMID- 22078715
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22078717
TI  - A comparison of integrated and discrete depth sampling for monitoring toxic
      species of Dinophysis.
AB  - Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis acuta produce lipophilic toxins that cause
      most shellfish harvesting closures in the Atlantic coastal waters of Europe.
      Dinophysis often exhibit patchy distributions and sampling with conventional
      methods may fail to detect them. A 6-month calibration study in 2006, plus an
      additional sampling in 2010 were carried out in Galicia to compare Dinophysis
      counts obtained from weekly high vertical resolution bottle samples with depth
      integrated hose samples. Counts with these two methods were comparable at some
      depth-ranges, but hose maxima were over one order of magnitude lower under thin
      layer scenarios. Estimates from hose samplers should be used with caution in
      programmes using a "Dinophysis index", either to trigger shellfish sampling or to
      establish precautionary harvesting closures. In general, hose samplers provide
      reliable information on the occurrence of Dinophysis except under extreme site
      specific hydrodynamic conditions. This study adds new information about the
      heterogeneous, specific vertical distributions of two Dinophysis spp.

PMID- 22078716
TI  - Lupus nephritis: current update.
AB  - Lupus nephritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with
      systemic lupus erythematosus. The general consensus is that 60% of lupus patients
      will develop clinically relevant nephritis at some time in the course of their
      illness. Prompt recognition and treatment of renal disease is important, as early
      response to therapy is correlated with better outcome. The present review
      summarizes our current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying
      lupus nephritis and how the disease is currently diagnosed and treated.

PMID- 22078718
TI  - High prevalence of hyperglycaemia and the impact of high household income in
      transforming rural China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hyperglycaemia and its association with
      socioeconomic factors have been well studied in developed countries, however,
      little is known about them in transforming rural China. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was carried out in 4 rural communities of Deqing County located
      in East China in 2006-07, including 4,506 subjects aged 18 to 64 years. Fasting
      plasma glucose (FPG) was measured. Subjects were considered to have impaired
      fasting glucose (IFG) if FPG was in the range from 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L and to have
      diabetes mellitus (DM) if FG was 7.0 mmol/L or above. RESULTS: The crude
      prevalences of IFG and DM were 5.4% and 2.2%, respectively. The average ratio of
      IFG/DM was 2.5, and tended to be higher for those under the age of 35 years than
      older subjects. After adjustment for covariates including age (continuous), sex,
      BMI (continuous), smoking, alcohol drinking, and regular leisure physical
      activity, subjects in the high household income group had a significantly higher
      risk of IFG compared with the medium household income group (OR: 1.74, 95% CI:
      1.11-2.72) and no significant difference in IFG was observed between the low and
      medium household income groups. Education and farmer occupation were not
      significantly associated with IFG. CONCLUSIONS: High household income was
      significantly associated with an increased risk of IFG. A high ratio of IFG/DM
      suggests a high risk of diabetes in foreseeable future in the Chinese
      transforming rural communities.

PMID- 22078719
TI  - Assessment of the burden of influenza in children.

PMID- 22078720
TI  - Community management of severe pneumonia in children.

PMID- 22078721
TI  - Community case management of severe pneumonia with oral amoxicillin in children
      aged 2-59 months in Haripur district, Pakistan: a cluster randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First dose oral co-trimoxazole and referral are recommended for WHO
      defined severe pneumonia. Difficulties with referral compliance are reported in
      many low-resource settings, resulting in low access to appropriate treatment. The
      objective in this study was to assess whether community case management by lady
      health workers (LHWs) with oral amoxicillin in children with severe pneumonia was
      equivalent to current standard of care. METHODS: In Haripur district, Pakistan,
      28 clusters were randomly assigned with stratification in a 1:1 ratio to
      intervention and control clusters by use of a computer-generated randomisation
      sequence. Children were included in the study if they were aged 2-59 months with
      WHO-defined severe pneumonia and living in the study area. In the intervention
      clusters, community-based LHWs provided mothers with oral amoxicillin (80-90
      mg/kg per day or 375 mg twice a day for infants aged 2-11 months and 625 mg twice
      a day for those aged 12-59 months) with specific guidance on its use. In control
      clusters, LHWs gave the first dose of oral co-trimoxazole (age 2-11 months,
      sulfamethoxazole 200 mg plus trimethoprim 40 mg; age 12 months to 5 years,
      sulfamethoxazole 300 mg plus trimethoprim 60 mg) and referred the children to a
      health facility for standard of care. Participants, carers, and assessors were
      not masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was treatment failure by
      day 6. Analysis was per protocol with adjustment for clustering within groups by
      use of generalised estimating equations. This study is registered, number
      ISRCTN10618300. FINDINGS: We assigned 1995 children to treatment in 14
      intervention clusters and 1477 in 14 control clusters, and we analysed 1857 and
      1354 children, respectively. Cluster-adjusted treatment failure rates by day 6
      were significantly reduced in the intervention clusters (165 [9%] vs 241 [18%],
      risk difference -8.9%, 95% CI -12.4 to -5.4). Further adjustment for baseline
      covariates made little difference (-7.3%, -10.1 to -4.5). Two deaths were
      reported in the control clusters and one in the intervention cluster. Most of the
      risk reduction was in the occurrence of fever and lower chest indrawing on day 3
      (-6.7%, -10.0 to -3.3). Adverse events were diarrhoea (n=4) and skin rash (n=1)
      in the intervention clusters and diarrhoea (n=3) in the control clusters.
      INTERPRETATION: Community case management could result in a standardised
      treatment for children with severe pneumonia, reduce delay in treatment
      initiation, and reduce the costs for families and health-care systems. FUNDING:
      United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

PMID- 22078722
TI  - A pilot programme of organ donation after cardiac death in China.
AB  - China's aims are to develop an ethical and sustainable organ transplantation
      system for the Chinese people and to be accepted as a responsible member of the
      international transplantation community. In 2007, China implemented the
      Regulation on Human Organ Transplantation, which was the first step towards the
      establishment of a voluntary organ donation system. Although progress has been
      made, several ethical and legal issues associated with transplantation in China
      remain, including the use of organs from executed prisoners, organ scarcity, the
      illegal organ trade, and transplantation tourism. In this Health Policy article
      we outline the standards used to define cardiac death in China and a legal and
      procedural framework for an organ donation system based on voluntary donation
      after cardiac death that adheres to both China's social and cultural principles
      and international transplantation standards.

PMID- 22078723
TI  - Global burden of respiratory infections due to seasonal influenza in young
      children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global burden of disease attributable to seasonal influenza virus
      in children is unknown. We aimed to estimate the global incidence of and
      mortality from lower respiratory infections associated with influenza in children
      younger than 5 years. METHODS: We estimated the incidence of influenza episodes,
      influenza-associated acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), and influenza
      associated severe ALRI in children younger than 5 years, stratified by age, with
      data from a systematic review of studies published between Jan 1, 1995, and Oct
      31, 2010, and 16 unpublished population-based studies. We applied these incidence
      estimates to global population estimates for 2008 to calculate estimates for that
      year. We estimated possible bounds for influenza-associated ALRI mortality by
      combining incidence estimates with case fatality ratios from hospital-based
      reports and identifying studies with population-based data for influenza
      seasonality and monthly ALRI mortality. FINDINGS: We identified 43 suitable
      studies, with data for around 8 million children. We estimated that, in 2008, 90
      million (95% CI 49-162 million) new cases of influenza (data from nine studies),
      20 million (13-32 million) cases of influenza-associated ALRI (13% of all cases
      of paediatric ALRI; data from six studies), and 1 million (1-2 million) cases of
      influenza-associated severe ALRI (7% of cases of all severe paediatric ALRI; data
      from 39 studies) occurred worldwide in children younger than 5 years. We
      estimated there were 28,000-111,500 deaths in children younger than 5 years
      attributable to influenza-associated ALRI in 2008, with 99% of these deaths
      occurring in developing countries. Incidence and mortality varied substantially
      from year to year in any one setting. INTERPRETATION: Influenza is a common
      pathogen identified in children with ALRI and results in a substantial burden on
      health services worldwide. Sufficient data to precisely estimate the role of
      influenza in childhood mortality from ALRI are not available. FUNDING: WHO; Bill
      & Melinda Gates Foundation.

PMID- 22078724
TI  - Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of heart failure due to volume overload in
      a rat aorto-caval fistula model provides support for new potential therapeutic
      targets - monoamine oxidase A and transglutaminase 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic hemodynamic overloading leads to heart failure (HF) due to
      incompletely understood mechanisms. To gain deeper insight into the molecular
      pathophysiology of volume overload-induced HF and to identify potential markers
      and targets for novel therapies, we performed proteomic and mRNA expression
      analysis comparing myocardium from Wistar rats with HF induced by a chronic aorto
      caval fistula (ACF) and sham-operated rats harvested at the advanced,
      decompensated stage of HF. METHODS: We analyzed control and failing myocardium
      employing iTRAQ labeling, two-dimensional peptide separation combining peptide
      IEF and nano-HPLC with MALDI-MS/MS. For the transcriptomic analysis we employed
      Illumina RatRef-12v1 Expression BeadChip. RESULTS: In the proteomic analysis we
      identified 2030 myocardial proteins, of which 66 proteins were differentially
      expressed. The mRNA expression analysis identified 851 differentially expressed
      mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: The differentially expressed proteins confirm a switch in the
      substrate preference from fatty acids to other sources in the failing heart.
      Failing hearts showed downregulation of the major calcium transporters SERCA2 and
      ryanodine receptor 2 and altered expression of creatine kinases. Decreased
      expression of two NADPH producing proteins suggests a decreased redox reserve.
      Overexpression of annexins supports their possible potential as HF biomarkers.
      Most importantly, among the most up-regulated proteins in ACF hearts were
      monoamine oxidase A and transglutaminase 2 that are both potential attractive
      targets of low molecular weight inhibitors in future HF therapy.

PMID- 22078725
TI  - [Sudden decrease in visual acuity and pulmonary infiltrates].

PMID- 22078726
TI  - [Clinical management of acute and chronic human immunodeficiency virus infection
      before starting antiretroviral treatment].
AB  - The evaluation of new cases of HIV infection is relatively common in Spain, where
      several thousands of patients with new infections are diagnosed each year. Eighty
      per cent of them have a chronic HIV infection at the first clinical evaluation,
      which is symptomatic (late presenters) in up to 30% of patients. The initial
      evaluation of HIV infection is not only directed at determining the clinical,
      virological (plasma HIV RNA viral load, resistance test and viral tropism) and
      immunological (CD4+ T-cell cell count) situation of the patients, but must also
      address the study of their co-infections (hepatitis, tuberculosis) and
      comorbidities (cardiovascular, hepatic, renal and bone) and the risk of HIV
      transmission. This is needed in order to decide, whether or not to start
      antiretroviral treatment, and with which combined antiretroviral treatment to
      start with, the prophylaxis of opportunistic infections, and the treatment of
      coinfections and comorbidities. The past and current medical history, the
      physical examination and laboratory tests will help us decide if the patient is
      to receive therapeutic intervention. The level of CD4+ T-cell lymphocytes is the
      best marker to suggest when to start combined antiretroviral treatment,
      indicating whether or not to start prophylaxis against opportunistic infections
      (if patients have a CD4+ T-cell count below 200 cells/mm(3)), and in advanced
      patients should make us suspect the presence of active opportunistic diseases in
      symptomatic cases. The management of patients with HIV infection must also
      include appropriate health education on the modes of transmission and prevention
      of HIV infection, and also to explain its natural history and how it can be
      modified with proper antiretroviral treatment, as well as to promote a healthy
      life. No less important is the psychological support, as these patients must
      learn to live with a chronic infection, which managed properly can ensure a very
      good long-term prognosis and quality of life.

PMID- 22078727
TI  - Combining microRNA-449a/b with a HDAC inhibitor has a synergistic effect on
      growth arrest in lung cancer.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Over
      expression of HDACs has been reported in lung cancer. The mechanism of highly
      expressed HDAC1 in lung cancer has yet not been determined. In the present study,
      we showed that miR-449a/b regulates HDAC1 by directly binding with the 3'
      untranslated region of the HDAC1. The expression of miR-449a/b was down-regulated
      and the expression of HDAC1 was up-regulated in primary lung cancer. The down
      expression of miR-449a/b might be one mechanism for over-expression of HDAC1 in
      lung cancer. miR-449a/b inhibited cell growth and anchorage-independent growth.
      Furthermore, co-treatment with miR-449a and HDAC inhibitors had a significant
      growth reduction compared with HDAC inhibitor mono-treatment. These results
      suggest that miR-449a/b may have a tumor suppressor function and might be a
      potential therapeutic candidate in patients with primary lung cancer.

PMID- 22078728
TI  - Sympathetic skin response (SSR) in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated
      syndrome: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) in patients with
      multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and healthy
      controls. METHODS: SSR was recorded on both hands and feet in 30 patients and 20
      healthy controls. SSR results (latency measurements) were compared in patients
      with normal or abnormal brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), visual
      evoked potentials (VEPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). RESULTS:
      Twenty-three (76.6%) and sixteen patients (53.3%) with MS had abnormal SSR
      recordings based on 2-standard deviation (SD) or 3-SD (from the mean of the
      control group) abnormality criteria, respectively. Sixty-six percent and 40
      percent of patients had abnormal (>2SD) SSR in at least one hand and one foot,
      respectively. Patients with absent SSR had more severe disease and higher
      Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Fourteen patients had an EDSS of
      zero, of whom nine had abnormal SSR and others had at least one abnormal EP
      study. Patients with abnormal SSR had significantly more abnormal BAEPs and SEPs
      than patients with normal SSR. SSR latencies were significantly correlated with
      EDSS and disease duration (P<0.01). All patients had at least one abnormal
      electrophysiological study. ROC-curve analysis showed that a cut-off score of
      7008 ms as the sum of all-4-limb SSR latencies had a 80% sensitivity and 95%
      specificity for differentiating MS patients from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests that SSR is a useful tool for assessment of autonomic
      function and can be complementary to EDSS and other electrophysiological studies
      in patients with MS and CIS.

PMID- 22078729
TI  - A new electrode placement for recording the compound motor action potential of
      the first dorsal interosseous muscle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper describes a new electrode placement for recording compound
      muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) to
      determine the distal motor latency (DML) and study nerve conduction of the ulnar
      nerve across the wrist. METHODS: The DML to the FDI was evaluated bilaterally in
      90 subjects after stimulation 1cm proximal to the distal wrist crease and at the
      palm. The CMAP was recorded with a pair of disposable surface electrodes fixed
      over the FDI and wrist. RESULTS: The CMAP never exhibited a positive initial
      deflection, with a gain of 0.5 mV per division. DML to the FDI was 2.65+/-0.26 ms
      (mean+/-SD), and CMAP amplitude was 14.7+/-3.3 mV. A prolonged DML was taken as
      3.4 ms (mean+3 standard deviation [SD]). CONCLUSIONS: This new electrode
      placement offers more reproducible results for determining the DML to the FDI as
      it provides the shortest DML, and the tightest SD values. SIGNIFICANCE: This
      result is obtained through the respect of fundamental rules for CMAP recording,
      as it shows no positive wave at the onset of the CMAP of the FDI. Its use should
      improve the diagnosis of ulnar nerve lesions at the wrist and more especially of
      the deep motor branch.

PMID- 22078730
TI  - Repeatability and variability of baropodometric and spatio-temporal gait
      parameters--results in healthy subjects and in stroke patients.
AB  - AIMS OF THE STUDY: Our purpose was to determine the repeatability and variability
      of baropodometric and spatio-temporal gait parameters in both hemiparetic
      patients and healthy subjects. HYPOTHESIS: parameters with a good repeatability
      and a low variability could be used to follow gait evolution. POPULATION AND
      METHOD: Twelve stroke patients and 10 healthy subjects were included. Each
      participant performed trials (F-Scan(r) system and Bessou Locometer) at 48 h
      intervals under identical conditions. The following parameters were analyzed:
      displacement of the center of pressure (COP), peaks of pressure under forefoot
      and hindfoot, step length, single and double support time, and walking velocity.
      Comparisons were made within and between sessions, inter-trials and between
      sides. RESULTS: Neither visit effects in either population nor side effects in
      healthy subjects were observed. Repeatability assessed by the intraclass
      correlation coefficient ("ICC agreement" ICC) was excellent to adequate overtime
      for anterior-posterior (AP) displacement of the COP, step length, simple support
      time and walking velocity in both hemiparetic patients (ICC 0.92; 0.84; 0.91;
      0.94) and healthy subjects (ICC 0.85; 0.44; 0.64; 0.56). The coefficient of
      variation (CV) was low in paretic side for AP and single support time, and at a
      less degree for the lateral deviation of the COP (ML) and the posterior margin
      (PM). CONCLUSION: In this study, baropodometric (AP and PM) and spatio-temporal
      gait (step length, single support time and walking velocity) parameters were
      found to show good repeatability overtime; these parameters are the ones most
      likely to be useful in assessing the effects of treatments that are proposed to
      improve gait in stroke patients.

PMID- 22078731
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: comparison between polysomnography and
      portable sleep monitoring based on jaw recordings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) constitutes a new major
      public health problem because of its several pathophysiologic consequences such
      as cognitive disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness with risks of traffic
      accidents, cardiovascular implications, and decrease of quality of life. The
      necessity of a gold-standard polysomnography to ensure an accurate diagnosis
      implies an expensive, technical and time-consuming examination. Thus, it seems
      logical to develop new systems so as to diagnose SAS and to make it possible to
      detect apnoeas/hypopnoeas easily during sleep even at home. AIM OF THE STUDY: To
      assess a novel type-3 portable monitoring (PM) device, the Somnolter, and
      dedicated automatic analysis of several signals, one of which is the mandibular
      movement signal. METHOD: We studied patients suffering from OSAS. For all the
      patients, a nocturnal diagnosis polysomnography (PSG) was recorded in hospital
      settings, based on six EEG channels, two EOG channels, chin EMG channel, EKG, and
      respiratory parameters. At the same time, the Somnolter PM device recorded the
      physiological parameters from its own nasal prongs, thoracic belt, pulse
      oxymeter, body position, and jaw movement sensors. A visual analysis of PSG
      recordings was made leading to the detection of apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI-PSG)
      and an automatic analysis of the Somnolter traces was performed to get automatic
      apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI-A). The added value of the mandible movement signals
      was the particular jaw movements related to arousals, to respiratory efforts and
      to sleep/wake state. A comparison was made between the automatic and gold AHIs
      standard and the correlation was calculated between them. RESULTS: Ninety
      patients, aged between 47 and 70 years (mean age: 55.4+/-8.7) took part in the
      study. The linear regression and the correlation coefficient between AHI-PSG and
      AHI-A showed the good reliability of the automatic method. The Bland Altman
      analysis shows a correlation of 0.95 with a sensitivity of 83.6 and specificity
      of 81.8. CONCLUSION: The dedicated automatic analysis based on mandibular
      movements presents a good potential for the diagnosis of OSAS. The AHI computed
      by the automatic method is correlated with the AHI-PSG and the Somnolter could
      easily be used both in hospital, and in ambulatory settings.

PMID- 22078732
TI  - Millard the magician.

PMID- 22078733
TI  - A new era for lignocellulosics utilization through biotechnology.

PMID- 22078734
TI  - Low impact strategies to improve ligninolytic enzyme production in filamentous
      fungi: the case of laccase in Pleurotus ostreatus.
AB  - The ever-increasing demand of laccases for biodelignification, industrial
      oxidative processes and environmental bioremediation requires the production of
      large quantities of enzymes at low cost. The present work was carried out to
      reduce laccase production costs in liquid fermentations of the white-rot fungus
      Pleurotus ostreatus through two different approaches. In the first, screening of
      fungal spent media as natural laccase inducer was performed, eliminating the
      presence of potentially toxic/recalcitrant and expensive exogenous inducers in
      the culture broth. In the latter, breeding of different strains of P. ostreatus,
      screened for their laccase productivity, was performed by cross-hybridisation,
      avoiding genetic transformation and mutagenic treatments that could produce
      organisms not suitable for "natural or safe processes". A laccase production
      level close to 80,000U/L by combining the two approaches was achieved.
      Autoinduction and classical breeding represent promising tools for the
      improvement of fungal fermentation without affecting the disposable costs that
      also depend on the eco-compatibility of the whole process.

PMID- 22078735
TI  - Fungal laccases: versatile tools for lignocellulose transformation.
AB  - Conversion of lignocellulosic materials to useful, high value products normally
      requires a pre-treatment step to transform or deconstruct the recalcitrant and
      heterogeneous lignin fraction. The development of "green tools" for the
      transformation of lignocellulosic feedstocks is in high demand for a sustainable
      exploitation of such resources. This multi-faceted challenge is being addressed
      by an ever-increasing suite of ligninolytic enzymes isolated from various
      sources. Among these, fungal laccases are known to play an important role in
      lignin degradation/modification processes. The white-rot fungus Pleurotus
      ostreatus expresses multiple laccase genes encoding isoenzymes with different
      properties. The availability of established recombinant expression systems for P.
      ostreatus laccase isoenzymes has allowed to further enrich the panel of P.
      ostreatus laccases by the construction of mutated, "better performing" enzymes
      through molecular evolution techniques. New oxidative catalysts with improved
      activity and stability either at high temperature and at acidic and alkaline pH
      have been isolated and characterized.

PMID- 22078736
TI  - Pleurotus ostreatus heme peroxidases: an in silico analysis from the genome
      sequence to the enzyme molecular structure.
AB  - An exhaustive screening of the Pleurotus ostreatus genome was performed to search
      for nucleotide sequences of heme peroxidases in this white-rot fungus, which
      could be useful for different biotechnological applications. After sequence
      identification and manual curation of the corresponding genes and cDNAs, the
      deduced amino acid sequences were converted into structural homology models. A
      comparative study of these sequences and their structural models with those of
      known fungal peroxidases revealed the complete inventory of heme peroxidases of
      this fungus. This consists of cytochrome c peroxidase and ligninolytic
      peroxidases, including manganese peroxidase and versatile peroxidase but not
      lignin peroxidase, as representative of the "classical" superfamily of plant,
      fungal, and bacterial peroxidases; and members of two relatively "new" peroxidase
      superfamilies, namely heme-thiolate peroxidases, here described for the first
      time in a fungus from the genus Pleurotus, and dye-decolorizing peroxidases,
      already known in P. ostreatus but still to be thoroughly explored and
      characterized.

PMID- 22078737
TI  - Transcription analysis of lignocellulolytic enzymes of Penicillium decumbens 114
      2 and its catabolite-repression-resistant mutant.
AB  - Penicillium decumbens 114-2 is a fast-growing filamentous fungus which secretes a
      variety of lignocellulolytic enzymes. Its catabolite-repression-resistant mutant
      JU-A10 with high secretion capacity of cellulolytic enzymes has been used
      industrially for biomass hydrolysis. Transcription levels of 6 important
      lignocellulolytic enzymes genes (cel5A, cel6A, cel7A, cel7B, xyn10A, and xyn11A)
      from both strains were determined on different carbon sources (glucose, sorbose,
      lactose, cellobiose, cellulose, and cellulose-wheat bran), by means of a real
      time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. For both strains, the 6 genes are
      coordinately regulated at transcriptional level. Glucose and cellobiose repressed
      whereas cellulose and cellulose-wheat bran induced expression of 6 genes in both
      strains. Expression levels of all genes tested in the mutant strain JU-A10 were
      substantially higher than those in wild-type strain 114-2 on all carbon sources.
      On glucose repression condition, the mutant JU-A10 appeared obviously
      derepressed. Lactose was first proved to have an inductive effect on
      lignocellulolytic enzyme genes expression at lower concentration in Penicillium
      spp.

PMID- 22078738
TI  - Mechanism of the positive effect of poly(ethylene glycol) addition in enzymatic
      hydrolysis of steam pretreated lignocelluloses.
AB  - The efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulses can be increased by
      addition of surfactants and polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The
      effect of PEG addition on the cellulase adsorption was tested on various steam
      pretreated lignocellulose substrates (spruce, willow, hemp, corn stover, wheat
      straw, sweet sorghum bagasse). A positive effect of PEG addition was observed, as
      protein adsorption has decreased and free enzyme activities (FP, beta
      glucosidase) have increased due to the additive. However, the degree of
      enhancement differed among the substrates, being highest on steam pretreated
      spruce. Results of lignin analysis (pyrolysis-GC/MS, (31)P NMR) suggest that the
      effect of PEG addition is in connection with the amount of unsubstituted phenolic
      hydroxyl groups of lignin in the substrate. Adsorption experiments using two
      commercial enzyme preparations, Celluclast 1.5L (Trichoderma reesei cellulase)
      and Novozym 188 (Aspergillus niger beta-glucosidase) suggested that enzyme
      origins affected on the adsorptivity of beta-glucosidases.

PMID- 22078739
TI  - Impact of epiphytic and endogenous enzyme activities of senescent maize leaves
      and roots on the soil biodegradation process.
AB  - This study was focused on investigating the role of the initial residue
      community, i.e. microorganisms and enzymes from the epiphytic and endophytic
      compartments, in soil decomposition processes. Aerial and underground parts
      (leaves and roots) of maize (Zea mays L.) plants were gamma-irradiated, surface
      sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)/ethanol or non-sterilized (controls),
      while the outer surface morphology of maize leaves and roots was examined by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Non-sterilized and sterilized maize leaves
      and roots were incubated in soil to study carbon (C) mineralization kinetics and
      enzyme dynamics (L-leucine aminopeptidase, CBH-1, xylanase, cellulase and
      laccase). SEM results showed that initial microbial colonization was more
      pronounced on non-sterilized leaf and root surfaces than on sterilized samples.
      The hypochlorite treatment removed a part of the soluble components of leaves by
      washing and no specific effect of any type of colonizing microorganisms was
      observed on C mineralization. In contrast, gamma irradiation and hypochlorite
      treatments did not affect root chemical characteristics and the quantitative
      effect of initial residue-colonizing microorganisms on C mineralization was
      demonstrated. The variations in C mineralization and enzyme dynamics between non
      sterilized and sterilized roots suggested that activities of epiphytic and
      endogenic microorganisms were of the same order of magnitude.

PMID- 22078740
TI  - Structure and optical properties of plant cell wall bio-inspired materials:
      cellulose-lignin multilayer nanocomposites.
AB  - Interfacial affinity between lignin model compound (dehydrogenation polymer
      [DHP]) and cellulose nanocristals (CN) was studied before building a
      nanocomposite cellulose/lignin in multilayer form by spin-coating method. The
      adsorption isotherm of DHP was measured by ellipsometry at the liquid/CN film
      interface and showed that the surface concentration of adsorbed DHP increases
      with the bulk concentration in solution. The DHP appeared as globular structures
      on cellulosic film, as observed by AFM. Spreading a dense lignin layer on CN film
      gave rise to the disappearance of the InfraRed resonance bands related to the DHP
      aromatics. The film obtained from alternate layers of cellulose/DHP was
      transparent in visible light and had weak absorption in UV wavelengths. Optical
      properties measured in the visible wavelength range by ellipsometry and
      spectrophotometry indicated that beyond six bilayers (cellulose/DHP), the
      composite exhibits antireflexion properties.

PMID- 22078741
TI  - Saccharification of Miscanthus x giganteus, incorporation of lignocellulosic by
      product in cementitious matrix.
AB  - Given the non competition of miscanthus with food and animal feed, this
      lignocellulosic species has attracted attention as a possible biofuel resource.
      However, sustainability of ethanol production from lignocelluloses biomass would
      imply reduction in the consumption of chemicals and/or energetic means, but also
      valorization of the lignocellulosic by-product remaining from enzymatic
      saccharification. Introduction of these by-products into a cementitious matrix
      could be used in manufacturing a lightweight composite. Miscanthus biomass was
      submitted to chemical pretreatments followed by saccharification using an
      enzymatic cocktail. Residues from saccharification were then mixed with a
      cementitious matrix. Given their mechanical properties and a good adherence
      between cement and by-product, the hardened materials could be used. However, the
      delay in the beginning of setting time is too long, which prevents the direct use
      of by-product into cementitious matrix. Preliminary experiments using a setting
      accelerator in the cementitious matrix permitted significant reduction in the
      setting time delay.

PMID- 22078742
TI  - [Lung transplantation in internal medicine].

PMID- 22078743
TI  - Congenital hairy polyp of the soft palate.
AB  - Hairy polyp is an unusual developmental malformation that is most frequently seen
      as a pedunculated tumor in the neonate. They are benign lesions containing
      elements of both ectodermal and mesodermal origin. The symptoms of hairy polyps
      relate both to their location and their size. Larger lesions produce symptoms due
      to feeding difficulties and airway obstruction while smaller lesions cause
      intermittent symptoms resulting from a ball-valve type of obstruction. We present
      two cases of a soft palate hairy polyp causing respiratory and feeding
      difficulties and review the literature.

PMID- 22078744
TI  - EXIT (Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment) in lymphatic malformations of the head and
      neck: discussion of three cases and proposal of an EXIT-TTP (Team Time Procedure)
      list.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a technique to secure the
      fetal airway while oxygenation is maintained through utero-placental circulation.
      The aim of the study is to present three cases of fetal lymphatic malformation of
      the head and neck that required EXIT and to summarize EXIT details. METHODS: The
      cases were studied before the delivery and EXIT was planned with a
      multidisciplinary team. The key factors of EXIT are considered and the type,
      stage and clinical score of the three lymphatic malformations are defined.
      RESULTS: In the three cases of EXIT the time working on placental support to
      secure the airway was 9, 7, and 9 min, respectively (from the hysterotomy to
      clamping the umbilical cord). Procedures performed on the airway were laryngo
      tracheo-bronchoscopy in the first case, laryngoscopy and intubation in the second
      one, laryngoscopy, drainage of the lymphatic macro-cyst, and intubation in the
      third case. A sketching to detail the EXIT steps are presented: EXIT-Team Time
      Procedure list (EXIT-TTP list). Lymphatic malformations were classified as mixed
      (micro/macro-cystic) in two cases, and macro-cystic in one. de Serres Stage was
      IV, V and II. Therapy varied in the three neonates (surgery alone,
      surgery+Picibanil+Nd-YAG, or Picibanil alone). CONCLUSIONS: In case of prenatal
      suspicion of airway obstruction, EXIT should be planned with a multidisciplinary
      team. The EXIT-Team Time Procedure list (EXIT-TTP list), reviews the most
      critical phases of the procedure when different teams are working together. The
      type of lymphatic malformation, the anatomic location and the clinical score
      predict the outcome.

PMID- 22078745
TI  - Functional neuroanatomy of vocalization in patients with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - In Parkinson's disease (PD) both speech production and self-monitoring of voiced
      speech are altered. METHODS: In our previous study we used functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine which brain areas are involved in overt
      reading in nine female PD patients (mean age 66.0 +/- 11.6 years) compared with
      eight age-matched healthy female controls (mean age 62.2 years +/- 12.3). Here we
      performed the post-hoc seed-based functional connectivity analysis of our data to
      assess the functional connectivity between the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG;
      i.e. the core subcortical structure involved in human vocalization) and other
      brain regions in the same groups of PD patients and controls. RESULTS: In PD
      patients as compared with controls we observed increased connectivity between PAG
      and basal ganglia, posterior superior temporal gyrus, supramarginal and fusiform
      gyri and inferior parietal lobule on the right side. In the PD group, the
      connectivity strength in the right putamen and the right sypramarginal gyrus was
      correlated with variability of pitch while the connectivity strength in the right
      posterior superior temporal gyrus and in the right inferior parietal lobule was
      correlated with speech loudness. CONCLUSION: We observed functional
      reorganization in PD patients as compared with controls in both the motor basal
      ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuitry and cortical areas known to be engaged in
      auditory and somatosensory feedback control of voiced speech. These changes were
      hemisphere-specific and might either reflect effects of dopaminergic treatment or
      at least partially successful compensatory mechanisms involved in early-stage PD.

PMID- 22078746
TI  - Control of social monogamy through aggression in a hermaphroditic shrimp.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sex allocation theory predicts that in small mating groups
      simultaneous hermaphroditism is the optimal form of gender expression. Under
      these conditions, male allocation is predicted to be very low and overall per
      capita reproductive output maximal. This is particularly true for individuals
      that live in pairs, but monogamy is highly susceptible to cheating by both
      partners. However, certain conditions favour social monogamy in hermaphrodites.
      This study addresses the influence of group size on group stability and moulting
      cycles in singles, pairs, triplets and quartets of the socially monogamous shrimp
      Lysmata amboinensis, a protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite. RESULTS: The effect
      of group size was very strong: Exactly one individual in each triplet and exactly
      two individuals in each quartet were killed in aggressive interactions, resulting
      in group sizes of two individuals. All killed individuals had just moulted. No
      mortality occurred in single and pair treatments. The number of moults in the
      surviving shrimp increased significantly after changing from triplets and
      quartets to pairs. CONCLUSION: Social monogamy in L. amboinensis is reinforced by
      aggressive expulsion of supernumerous individuals. We suggest that the high risk
      of mortality in triplets and quartets results in suppression of moulting in
      groups larger than two individuals and that the feeding ecology of L. amboinensis
      favours social monogamy.

PMID- 22078748
TI  - Anthelmintic resistance in non-strongylid parasites of horses.
AB  - Since 2002, selected populations of Parascaris equorum in several countries have
      been reported to survive treatment with macrocyclic lactone (M/L) anthelmintics.
      Clinical treatment failures are characterized by negligible fecal egg count
      reduction, but M/L resistance has been confirmed in ascarids by controlled
      efficacy testing. Resistance was selected by current parasite control practices
      for foals, which often include exclusive and excessively frequent use of M/L
      dewormers, thereby minimizing refugia within the host and in the environment.
      Chemical control of M/L-resistant isolates can be accomplished with pyrimidine
      and/or benzimidazole anthelmintics, but a few M/L-resistant populations have
      recently exhibited resistance to pyrantel pamoate as well. Some specimens of
      Oxyuris equi regularly survive treatment with macrocyclic lactones, but it is
      uncertain whether this constitutes resistance or merely confirms the incomplete
      oxyuricidal efficacy of virtually all broad spectrum equine anthelmintics.
      Variations in other biological parameters of Oxyuris and Parascaris, specifically
      atypical infection of older hosts and shorter prepatent periods, have been
      reported anecdotally. These changes may represent genetic modifications that have
      evolved in parallel with resistance as a result of anthelmintic selection
      pressure.

PMID- 22078749
TI  - Screening for uterine tumours.
AB  - The most prevalent uterine tumours are leiomyomas, which are benign and have a
      prevalence of about 50% at menopause. The incidence of endometrial cancer and
      uterine sarcomas is about 25 per 100,000 and 0.7 per 100,000, respectively.
      Reported risk factors for endometrial cancer are advanced age, unopposed
      oestrogen stimulation, late menopause, obesity, diabetes mellitus, nulliparity,
      feminising ovarian tumours, polycystic ovarian syndrome, tamoxifen and belonging
      to a hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer family. Unopposed oestrogen
      stimulation and tamoxifen have also been confirmed to induce uterine sarcomas.
      Cervical cytology, endometrial sampling and ultrasound have been proposed in the
      early diagnosis of endometrial cancer. No pathognomonic ultrasound, magnetic
      resonance imaging or computed tomography features are able to differentiate
      between a leiomyoma and a uterine sarcoma, and reliable serum markers for
      sarcomas are lacking. To date, mass screening for uterine malignancies is not
      feasible or effective.

PMID- 22078747
TI  - Modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function by the ketogenic diet.
AB  - The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet that is used as a
      therapy for intractable epilepsy. However, the mechanism(s) by which the KD
      achieves neuroprotection and/or seizure control are not yet known. The broad
      efficacy of the KD in diverse epilepsies coupled with its profound influence on
      metabolism suggests that mitochondrial functions may be critical in its
      mechanism(s) of seizure control. Mitochondria subserve important cellular
      functions that include the production of cellular ATP, control of apoptosis,
      maintenance of calcium homeostasis and the production and elimination of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). This review will focus on recent literature reporting the
      regulation of mitochondrial functions and redox signaling by the KD. The review
      highlights a potential mechanism of the KD involving the production of low levels
      of redox signaling molecules such as H(2)O(2) and electrophiles e.g. 4
      hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which in turn activate adaptive pathways such as the
      protective transcription factor, NF E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). This can
      ultimately result in increased production of antioxidants (e.g. GSH) and
      detoxification enzymes which may be critical in mediating the protective effects
      of the KD.

PMID- 22078751
TI  - In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of Asparagopsis taxiformis from the
      Straits of Messina against pathogens relevant in aquaculture.
AB  - Ethanol extracts of Asparagopsis taxiformis collected from the Straits of Messina
      (Italy) were screened for antibacterial activity against pathogenic shellfish and
      fish bacteria previously isolated from local marine and brackish environments.
      Genetic labelling by DNA barcoding allowed us to identify the algal population as
      a biogeographical strain conspecific to A. taxiformis. The extract obtained in
      May showed the broadest antibacterial activity against all tested pathogenic
      bacteria, especially against Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and
      Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida. Moderate activity was observed against
      Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae and Photobacterium damselae subsp.
      piscicida, Salmonella sp., Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio
      parahaemolyticus. The absence of cytotoxic effects of active algal extracts was
      verified using trypan blue exclusion test on cells of digestive glands of Mytilus
      galloprovincialis. The results indicated that ethanol extracts of A. taxiformis
      could represent a source of antibacterial substances with potential use in
      aquaculture.

PMID- 22078750
TI  - Mechanisms of B cell autoimmunity in SLE.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is known
      to be associated with polyclonal B-cell hyperreactivity. The underlying causes of
      the diffuse B-cell over-reactivity are unclear, but potential candidates include
      (a) intrinsic hyper-reactivity leading to polyclonal B-cell activation with
      disturbed activation thresholds and ineffective negative selection; (b) lack of
      immunoregulatory functions; (c) secondary effects of an overactive inflammatory
      environment, such as overactive germinal center and ectopic follicular activity;
      and/or (d) disturbed cytokine production by non-B immune cells. These mechanisms
      are not mutually exclusive and may operate to varying extents and at varying
      times in SLE. Phenotypic and molecular studies as well as the results of recent
      clinical trials have begun to provide new insights to address these
      possibilities. Of importance, new information has made it possible to distinguish
      between the contribution played by abnormalities in central checkpoints that
      could lead to a pre-immune repertoire enriched in autoreactive B cells, on the
      one hand, and the possibility that autoimmunity arises in the periphery from
      somatic hypermutation and abnormal selection during T cell-dependent B-cell
      responses on the other. There is an intriguing possibility that apoptotic
      material bound to the surface of follicular dendritic cells positively selects
      autoreactive B cells that arise from non-autoreactive B-cell precursors as a
      result of somatic hypermutation and thereby promotes the peripheral emergence of
      autoimmunity.

PMID- 22078752
TI  - Reproductive morbidity among Iranian women; issues often inappropriately
      addressed in health seeking behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reproductive morbidity has a huge impact on the health and quality of
      life of women. We aimed to determine the prevalence of reproductive morbidities
      and the health seeking behavior of a nationally representative sample of Iranian
      urban women. METHODS: A sample of 1252 women, aged 18-45 years, was selected
      using the multi stage, stratified probability sampling procedure. Data were
      collected through interviews and physical, gynecological and ultrasonographic
      examinations. RESULTS: Reproductive tract infection (RTIs), pelvic organ prolapse
      (POP) and menstrual dysfunction were the three main groups of morbidities with a
      prevalence of 37.6%, 41.4% and 30.1%., respectively. Our study demonstrated that
      35.1, 34.5 and 9.6 percent of women experienced one, two or these reproductive
      organ disorders mentioned, respectively, while 20.6 percent of participants had
      none of these disorders. Findings also showed that the majority of women who
      suffered from reproductive morbidities (on average two out of three) had not
      sought appropriate care for these except for infertility. CONCLUSIONS:
      Reproductive health morbidities impose a large burden among Iranian women and
      have negative impact on their reproductive health and wellbeing.

PMID- 22078753
TI  - Effects of hyperinsulinemia on lipoprotein lipase, angiopoietin-like protein 4,
      and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding
      protein 1 in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Our aims were to compare the systemic effects of insulin on lipoprotein lipase
      (LPL) in tissues from subjects with different degrees of insulin sensitivity. The
      effects of insulin on LPL during a 4-hour hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp were
      studied in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and postheparin plasma from young
      healthy subjects (YS), older subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DS), and
      older control subjects (CS). In addition, we studied the effects of insulin on
      the expression of 2 recently recognized candidate genes for control of LPL
      activity: angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol
      anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1. As an effect of insulin, LPL
      activity decreased by 20% to 25% in postheparin plasma and increased by 20% to
      30% in adipose tissue in all groups. In YS, the levels of ANGPTL4 messenger RNA
      in adipose tissue decreased 3-fold during the clamp. In contrast, there was no
      significant change in DS or CS. Regression analysis showed that the ability of
      insulin to reduce the expression of ANGPTL4 was positively correlated with M
      values and inversely correlated with factors linked to the metabolic syndrome.
      Expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein
      binding protein 1 tended to be higher in YS than in DS or CS, but the expression
      was not affected by insulin in any of the groups. Our data imply that the insulin
      mediated regulation of LPL is not directly linked to the control of glucose
      turnover by insulin or to ANGPTL4 expression in adipose tissue or plasma.
      Interestingly, the response of ANGPTL4 expression in adipose tissue to insulin
      was severely blunted in both DS and CS.

PMID- 22078754
TI  - One day of motor training with amphetamine impairs motor recovery following
      spinal cord injury.
AB  - It has previously been reported that a single dose of amphetamine paired with
      training on a beam walking task can enhance locomotor recovery following brain
      injury (Feeney et al., 1982). Here, we investigated whether this same
      drug/training regimen could enhance functional recovery following either thoracic
      (T9) or cervical (C5) spinal cord injury. Different groups of female Sprague
      Dawley rats were trained on a beam walking task, and in a straight alley for
      assessment of hindlimb locomotor recovery using the BBB locomotor scale. For rats
      that received C5 hemisections, forelimb grip strength was assessed using a grip
      strength meter. Three separate experiments assessed the consequences of training
      rats on the beam walking task 24 h following a thoracic lateral hemisection with
      administration of either amphetamine or saline. Beginning 1 h following drug
      administration, rats either received additional testing/retraining on the beam
      hourly for 6 h, or they were returned to their home cages without further
      testing/retraining. Rats with thoracic spinal cord injuries that received
      amphetamine in conjunction with testing/retraining on the beam at 1 day post
      injury (DPI) exhibited significantly impaired recovery on the beam walking task
      and BBB. Rats with cervical spinal cord injuries that received training with
      amphetamine also exhibited significant impairments in beam walking and
      locomotion, as well as impairments in gripping and reaching abilities. Even when
      administered at 14 DPI, the drug/training regimen significantly impaired reaching
      ability in cervical spinal cord injured rats. Impairments were not seen in rats
      that received amphetamine without training. Histological analyses revealed that
      rats that received training with amphetamine had significantly larger lesions
      than saline controls. These data indicate that an amphetamine/training regimen
      that improves recovery after cortical injury has the opposite effect of impairing
      recovery following spinal cord injury because early training with amphetamine
      increases lesion severity.

PMID- 22078755
TI  - Response to the report, "A re-assessment of a combinatorial treatment involving
      Schwann cell transplants and elevation of cyclic AMP on recovery of motor
      function following thoracic spinal cord injury in rats" by Sharp et al. (this
      volume).

PMID- 22078756
TI  - Replication and reproducibility in spinal cord injury research.
AB  - This special issue of Experimental Neurology compiles a series of papers that
      either explicitly replicate published studies or retest phenomena reported in
      previous publications. The explicit replications were carried out as part of the
      "Facilities of Research Excellence-Spinal Cord Injury" (FORE-SCI) program
      launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
      in 2003. Here, we review the FORE-SCI replication experiments published prior to
      those in this special issue. We then discuss emerging issues regarding
      replication and reproducibility in spinal cord injury research, especially in
      terms of potential translation to clinical trials.

PMID- 22078757
TI  - Anti-CD11d monoclonal antibody treatment for rat spinal cord compression injury.
AB  - This paper by Hurtado et al. examined responses of spinal cord-injured rats to
      treatment with a monoclonal antibody to the CD11d integrin, as a replication
      study of the paper by Gris et al. published in J. Neuroscience, 2004. The Hurtado
      et al. study addressed a portion of our investigation and obtained similar
      findings in the experiments that closely replicated ours in methodology and
      design, specifically the open field locomotor study. The high variability in
      their study of mechanical allodynia probably precluded detection of effects of
      the anti-CD11d treatment on this form of neuropathic pain. The lesion assessments
      were greatly different from those done in the Gris et al. study, and may not have
      been ideal for the extent of injury produced in this model, but did reveal a
      trend toward myelin preservation. The positive aspects of the study by Hurtado et
      al. encourage us to investigate this novel treatment further, in different
      animals and in different models of spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22078758
TI  - Oncomodulin affords limited regeneration to injured sensory axons in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - Oncomodulin, an ~12 kDa Ca(2+)-binding protein secreted from activated
      macrophages, has been shown to promote axonal regeneration from retinal ganglion
      cells (RGCs) following optic nerve injury. However, to date, the axonal growth
      promoting capacity of oncomodulin in other models of 'regenerative failure' has
      not been evaluated. We assessed the capability of preconditioning treatment with
      oncomodulin to promote sensory axonal regeneration in an in vitro spot model of
      regenerative failure, and across the dorsal root zone (DREZ) after root crush
      injury. Neither the direct exposure of adult rat DRGs to oncomodulin, nor
      preconditioning of DRGs by intraganglionic injection of oncomodulin, stimulated
      axonal outgrowth in the in vitro proteoglycan spot gradient assay. However,
      direct exposure of unconditioned DRGs to both oncomodulin and db-cAMP in vitro,
      as well as preconditioning of DRGs with the combined treatment in vivo, resulted
      in significant, albeit modest, neurite extension across the inhibitory
      proteoglycan barrier. We next quantified axon regeneration through the C8 DREZ in
      adult rats after oncomodulin and/or db-cAMP preconditioning and chondroitinase
      (ChABC) injection into the DREZ immediately following a root crush injury. Axonal
      regeneration across the DREZ was not observed in control animals, or after
      injection of ChABC-alone. Treatment with oncomodulin- or db-cAMP-alone resulted
      in extremely sparse regeneration. However, significant, but meager, sensory axon
      regeneration across the DREZ was observed using the oncomodulin/ db-cAMP
      combination (p<0.001), supporting findings from previous studies suggesting that
      cAMP is necessary for the growth-promoting effects of oncomodulin. Although our
      results support a role for oncomodulin in macrophage-induced axonal regeneration,
      the effects of oncomodulin/db-cAMP on sensory regeneration were extremely limited
      in comparison to previous studies in the same injury model using zymosan.

PMID- 22078759
TI  - When replication teaches more than the original experiment--the saga of the
      unknown unknown.
AB  - We recently published a description of the molecular mechanism involved in
      "progressive hemorrhagic necrosis", a pathological process that evolves during
      several hours after spinal cord injury, that is attributable to progressive
      capillary fragmentation, and that is due to upregulation and activation of SUR1
      regulated channels in microvascular endothelium. In this commentary, we reflect
      on the independent replication of our original experiment by Dr. Phillip Popovich
      and colleagues, and how their initial attempt at replication led to the
      unexpected finding that anisotropy of spinal cord tissues strongly influences the
      patterns of both primary and secondary hemorrhage that are observed after impact
      injury to the spinal cord.

PMID- 22078761
TI  - A re-assessment of the effects of treatment with an epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) inhibitor on recovery of bladder and locomotor function following
      thoracic spinal cord injury in rats.
AB  - This study was undertaken as part of the NIH "Facilities of Research Excellence
      Spinal Cord Injury" project to support independent replication of published
      studies. Here, we repeat an experiment in which rats that received an inhibitor
      of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exhibited greater sparing/recovery
      of bladder and motor function and enhanced sparing at the lesion site after
      contusion injuries at the thoracic level. Young adult female Sprague-Dawley rats
      received moderate contusions with the NYU impactor (10 g from 12.5 mm, 2 mm rod
      diameter), and then were implanted with catheters attached to osmotic minipumps
      for intra-spinal delivery of either PD168393 dissolved in 5% DMSO and HBSS or
      vehicle alone. Motor function was assessed with the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan
      Locomotor Rating Scale (BBB) and with a grid walk task. Bladder function was
      assessed by measuring the amount of urine retained in the bladder. Tactile
      sensitivity was assessed using von Frey hairs and heat and cold sensitivity were
      assessed by testing hindlimb sensitivity to ethylchloride spray and a hotplate
      respectively. Rats that received PD168393 were more impaired on motor assessments
      and also showed greater bladder impairment (larger amounts of retained urine)
      than rats that received vehicle. These results thus fail to confirm previous
      studies reporting enhanced recovery following treatment with PD168393.

PMID- 22078760
TI  - A reassessment of P2X7 receptor inhibition as a neuroprotective strategy in rat
      models of contusion injury.
AB  - These experiments were completed as part of an NIH "Facilities of Research
      Excellence in Spinal Cord Injury" contract to support independent replication of
      published studies that could be considered for eventual clinical testing. Recent
      studies have reported that selective inhibition of the P2X7 receptor improves
      both the functional and histopathological consequences of a contusive spinal cord
      injury (SCI) in rats. We repeated two published studies reporting the beneficial
      effects of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2'-4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) or
      Brilliant blue G (BBG) treatment after SCI (Wang et al., 2004 and Peng et al.,
      2009). Mild thoracic SCI was first produced in Experiment 1 by means of the
      MASCIS impactor at T10 (height 6.25 mm, weight 10 g) followed by intraspinal
      administration of a P2X7 antagonist (2 MUl/10 mM) after injury. Treatment with
      PPADS or another highly selective P2X7R antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG) (2
      MUl/02 mM) did not improve locomotive (BBB rating scale) over a 7 week period
      compared to vehicle treated rats. Also, secondary histopathological changes in
      terms of overall lesion and cavity volume were not significantly different
      between the PPADS, BBG, and vehicle treated animals. In the second experiment,
      the systemic administration of BBG (10 or 50 mg/kg, iv) 15 min, 24 and 72 h after
      moderate (12.5 mm) SCI failed to significantly improve motor recovery or
      histopathological outcome over the 6 week observational period. Although we
      cannot conclude that there will be no long-term beneficial effects in other
      spinal cord injury models using selective P2X7 receptor antagonists at different
      doses or treatment durations, we caution researchers that this potentially
      exciting therapy requires further preclinical investigations before the
      implementation of clinical trials targeting severe SCI patients.

PMID- 22078762
TI  - [Glycemic control in non-critical hospitalized patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess in hospitalized patients the prevalence of hyperglycemia,
      degree of glycemic control, rate of hypoglycemia, and treatment used. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: A prospective, observational study. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia was found
      in 185 (26.7%) of 691 patients, of whom 85% had been diagnosed with diabetes and
      15% had no diabetes. Preprandial mean blood glucose was 169 mg/dL (95% CI 160
      177). Control goals were achieved by 34.5% of patients (blood glucose <=140
      mg/dL). In 121 patients only sliding-scale regular insulin was used, while 64
      patients received both basal and regular insulin. The mean daily insulin dose
      used was 19.5 units. Oral antidiabetics were given to 11.4% of patients. Thirteen
      patients (7%) experienced hypoglycemia (< 70 mg/dL), none of them severe.
      CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control is not adequate in hospitalized patients, probably
      because of overuse of sliding scales and the low insulin doses used.

PMID- 22078763
TI  - [Postprandial lipemia induces endothelial dysfunction and higher insulin
      resistance in healthy subjects].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of postprandial lipemia on endothelial function,
      insulin resistance, and lipid profile in healthy subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      A prospective', interventional study in 14 healthy young men aged 18-25 years who
      were given a high-fat meal. Endothelial function was measured using flow-mediated
      dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery, flow velocity, mean arterial pressure and
      serum nitrite/nitrate levels (NO(2)/NO(3)). Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol,
      and triglyceride levels were also tested. Insulin resistance was determined by
      calculating the HOMA-IR index (Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance).
      RESULTS: Baseline FMD was 5.9 +/- 1.1%. Postprandial lipemia reduced endothelial
      function by approximately 50% in the first (3.3 +/- 0.5%, p=0.03) and second (3.3
      +/- 0.4%, p=0.04) moment respectively. This finding was associated to an
      increased flow rate in the brachial artery and lower NO(2)/NO(3) levels (p<0.05).
      Higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels were found 1h and 2h postprandial
      (p<0.05). HOMA-IR was significantly increased 1h and 2h postprandial (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Postprandial lipemia causes changes in circulating lipid profile and
      induces endothelial dysfunction and higher insulin resistance.

PMID- 22078764
TI  - Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on niobium-doped fluorapatite
      glass-ceramics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to characterize the response of human mesenchymal stem
      cells (hMSCs) to a niobium-doped fluorapatite-based glass-ceramic (FAp). METHODS:
      The glass was prepared by twice melting at 1525  degrees C for 3 h, and cast into
      cylindrical ingots later sectioned into discs and heat-treated to promote
      crystallization of fluorapatite submicrometer crystals. Tissue culture
      polystyrene (TCP) was used as control. The surface of the FAp discs was either
      left as-heat treated, ground or etched. Initial cell attachment was assessed at 3
      h. Proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression data were collected at
      days 1, 4, and 8. Cell morphology was examined using SEM, at days 2 and 4.
      Mineralization was evaluated by Alizarin Red staining and SEM. RESULTS: Initial
      cell attachment on as heat-treated, etched, or ground surfaces was similar to
      that of the positive control group (p>0.05). The percentage of area covered by
      living cells increased significantly on as heat-treated, etched, or ground
      surfaces between days 1 and 8 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference among
      groups in cell coverage at day 8, compared to TCP control. SEM revealed well
      spread polygonal cells with numerous filopodia, either attached to the ceramic
      surface or connected to neighboring cells. ALP expression at day 8 was
      significantly higher in osteogenic media compared to growth media on both FAp and
      control. FAp discs stained positively with Alizarin Red and calcium-rich
      mineralized granules associated with fibrils were observed by SEM at day 35.
      SIGNIFICANCE: hMSCs displayed excellent attachment, proliferation, and
      differentiation on niobium-doped FAp glass-ceramic.

PMID- 22078765
TI  - Molecular docking of gamma-sitosterol with some targets related to diabetes.
AB  - gamma-sitosterol isolated from Lippia nodiflora was taken as ligand for molecular
      docking. The molecular targets, glucokinase, Fructose 1, 6- bisphosphatase 1,
      Human multidrug resistance protein 1 and Cytochromes P450 whose crystallographic
      structures are available on the PDB database as 1V4S, 2JJK, 3LC4, 2CBZ
      respectively, were used for the docking analysis using the Autodock tool v 4.2
      and ADT v1.5.4 programs. The docking studies of the ligand gamma- sitosterol with
      four different target proteins showed that this is a good molecule which docks
      well with various targets related to diabetes mellitus. Hence gamma-sitosterol
      can be considered for developing into a potent antidiabetic drug.

PMID- 22078766
TI  - Phylogenetic inference for function-valued traits: speech sound evolution.
AB  - Phylogenetic models have recently been proposed for data that are best
      represented as a mathematical function (i.e. function valued). Such methods can
      be used to model the change over time in function-based descriptions of various
      data of interest to evolutionary biologists, including the sound of speech. This
      approach to phylogenetic inference and analysis is challenging, both in terms of
      modeling the phylogenetics of functions and in engaging with previously existing
      evidence for character-state change. Nevertheless, it is both a real and exciting
      prospect. Our approach could provide those interested in investigating a greater
      range of evolutionary processes with the ability to use statistical hypothesis
      testing procedures and to create estimates of the states of function-valued
      characteristics (e.g. speech sounds) at earlier historical times.

PMID- 22078767
TI  - [Anogenital granulomatosis].

PMID- 22078768
TI  - [Lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can progress to
      malignancy. The literature indicates an association with anogenital squamous cell
      carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma. Two pathogenic pathways, differentiated vulvar
      and penile intraepithelial neoplasias, which have recently been described in
      relation to squamous cell carcinoma, are both highly associated with genital
      lichen sclerosus independently of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.
      Furthermore, tumor-promoting molecular changes unrelated to HPV infection have
      been demonstrated and may explain the malignant potential of lichen sclerosus.
      The possible relationship between HPV and genital lichen sclerosus currently
      remains open to discussion, and the prognostic importance of the overlapping of
      these 2 diseases is still unclear. This review considers the relationship between
      lichen sclerosus and squamous cell and verrucous carcinomas, the possible
      oncogenic mechanisms involved, and their possible association with HPV infection.

PMID- 22078769
TI  - Review our reviews: JNEB 2011.

PMID- 22078770
TI  - The new Society for Nutrition Education... "and Behavior".

PMID- 22078771
TI  - Food perceptions and concerns of aboriginal women coping with gestational
      diabetes in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe how Aboriginal women in an urban setting perceive dietary
      treatment recommendations associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
      DESIGN: Semi-structured explanatory model interviews explored Aboriginal women's
      illness experiences with GDM. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine self-declared
      Aboriginal women who had received a diagnosis of GDM within the last 5 years in
      Winnipeg, Manitoba. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Factors influencing Aboriginal women's
      prenatal food perceptions with GDM. ANALYSIS: Thematic analysis was used through
      coding linkages and matrix queries to assist in identifying and categorizing
      patterns or relationships. RESULTS: Participants associated fear, anxiety, and
      frustration with GDM. Emotional reactions appeared alongside negative
      relationships with food and other prescribed lifestyle treatments. Collectively,
      these results suggested that the experience of living with GDM can be
      overwhelming, as suggested by some of the complex factors influencing women's
      perceptions and reported behaviors. Discussions indicated many felt socially
      isolated and had a poor self-image and sense of failure resulting from
      ineffective GDM management practices. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Future
      efforts should focus on self-efficacy and security in Aboriginal women's own
      interpretation of GDM, providing them with the understanding that there is
      potential for prevention and change.

PMID- 22078772
TI  - Accessing the food systems in urban and rural Minnesotan communities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Explore how urban and rural Minnesotans access the food system and to
      investigate whether community infrastructure supports a healthful food system.
      DESIGN: Eight (4 urban and 4 rural) focus groups were conducted. SETTING AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Eight counties with urban influence codes of 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10.
      Fifty-nine (urban, n = 27; rural, n = 32) adults. The sample was of mixed race
      and had a range of incomes. Almost half of the sample was obese. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: Food systems access and the role of community infrastructure, civic
      engagement, and reciprocal relationships in food provisioning in counties with
      different urban influence codes. ANALYSES: Themes and subthemes were identified
      through emerging concepts. RESULTS: Food access varied based on rurality and
      community infrastructure. Three themes emerged: community infrastructure around
      the conventional food system and food provisioning, alternative food resources,
      and perceptions of the effect food and of the influence diet and exercise have on
      health. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Civic engagement and community
      infrastructure affected food access. Rural residents rely more on retail grocery
      stores, gardening, hunting, and informal food exchange systems, whereas urban
      residents rely more on the retail grocery stores and food safety net systems.
      Hunting and gardening may contribute valuable nutrients to the diet.

PMID- 22078773
TI  - Qualitative investigation of the Cooking with Kids program: focus group
      interviews with fourth-grade students, teachers, and food educators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Focus group (FG) interviews with students and adults were used to
      obtain a rich understanding of the Cooking with Kids classroom experience from
      the child and adult participant perspectives. METHODS: FG topics included
      students' cooking experiences at school and home and perceptions of Cooking with
      Kids. Verified transcripts of recorded interviews were entered into NVivo, coded
      for themes, and confirmed through intercoder reliability. RESULTS: Twenty-two FGs
      were conducted with fourth-grade students (n = 178), 3 FG with teachers (n = 17),
      and 1 FG with 5 Cooking with Kids food educators. Students in cooking
      interventions described positive experiences with curriculum integration into
      academic subjects and were more likely to consider classmates friends.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: FG revealed student perspectives to strengthen
      content and implementation of experiential foods programs. This study provides an
      example of how qualitative methods can add "student voice" to evaluation of
      school-based programs.

PMID- 22078774
TI  - Variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior are associated with family meal
      frequency among adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between Theory of Planned Behavior variables
      and the family meal frequency. METHODS: Fifth-through seventh-grade students (n =
      236) completed a self-administered questionnaire in their classrooms. The
      relationships between Theory of Planned Behavior variables (intention, attitudes,
      subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and family meal frequency
      were examined with Spearman correlations and multiple logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Positive intention, positive subjective norm of family eating
      together, and lower perceived difficulty of making time increased the odds of
      adolescents having family dinners at least 5 d/wk compared with adolescents
      having family dinners 2 days or fewer per week. Positive intention and lower
      perceived difficulty for making time increased odds of having family breakfasts
      at least 5 d/wk. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: To increase family meal frequency,
      nutrition educators are encouraged to focus on increasing intention, creating
      positive norms about the family meal, and reducing perceived barriers caused by
      time conflicts.

PMID- 22078776
TI  - Recruiting EFNEP participants: process and materials.

PMID- 22078775
TI  - Identifying and clarifying values and reason statements that promote effective
      food parenting practices, using intensive interviews.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Generate and test parents' understanding of values and associated
      reason statements to encourage effective food parenting practices. METHODS: This
      study was cross-sectional. Sixteen parents from different ethnic groups (African
      American, white, and Hispanic) living with their 3- to 5-year-old child were
      recruited. Interested parents were directed to a Web site, where they provided
      screening information and informed consent. Two types of telephone interviews
      were used: semistructured intensive interviews and cognitive interviews. RESULTS:
      The most common core values identified in the semistructured interview were
      religion/spirituality, family, and health, which appeared invariant across parent
      ethnicity. Parent responses to cognitive interviews enabled rephrasing of
      statements that were not well understood, the list of values was increased, and
      reason statements were added to cover the spectrum cited by parents. CONCLUSIONS
      AND IMPLICATIONS: Values and reason statements will be used to tailor intrinsic
      motivational messages for effective food parenting practices.

PMID- 22078777
TI  - Recruiting EFNEP agency partners: process and materials.

PMID- 22078778
TI  - Survival and differentiation of transplanted neural stem cells derived from human
      induced pluripotent stem cells in a rat stroke model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although administration of various stem cells has shown promise in
      stroke models, neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human induced pluripotent
      stem cells (iPSCs) have advantages over other cell types. We studied whether
      these cells could survive, differentiate, and improve stroke recovery in an
      ischemic stroke model. METHODS: Human iPSCs were induced in vitro to an early NSC
      stage. One week after focal cerebral ischemia, 20 rats received cells or vehicle
      by intracerebral injection. Graft cell fate, infarct volume, and behavioral
      deficits were assessed. RESULTS: Graft cells were found in 8 of the transplanted
      rats (80%), with estimated mean graft cell numbers nearly double the amount
      transplanted 1 month later. Graft cells also expressed markers of NSCs in 5 rats
      (63%), neurons in all 8 rats (100%), rare astrocytes in 4 rats (50%), and signs
      of proliferation in 4 rats (50%), but no tumor formation was observed. Stroke
      volume and behavioral recovery were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: To
      our knowledge, this is the first report of transplantation of NSCs derived from
      human iPSCs in a stroke model. Human iPSC-derived NSCs survived in the
      postischemic rat brain and appeared to differentiate, primarily into neurons.
      This cell transplantation approach for stroke appears to be feasible, but further
      optimization is needed.

PMID- 22078779
TI  - Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on spasticity in patients with
      hemiparesis after stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to examine the effects of constraint-induced movement
      therapy on spasticity in patients with hemiparesis after stroke in 10 patients
      with chronic hemiparesis in their upper extremities. METHODS: Patients underwent
      a modified version of constraint-induced movement therapy (5 hours daily for 10
      weekdays over 2 consecutive weeks). Motor function was assessed by the Fugl-Meyer
      Assessment, Wolf Motor Function Test, and the Motor Activity Log. Spasticity was
      assessed by the modified Ashworth scale and electromyography (F frequency, mean
      F/M ratio). These assessments were obtained immediately before and after the 2
      week intervention. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed on these data (P <
      .05). RESULTS: Constraint-induced movement therapy significantly improved hand
      and arm function as indicated by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Wolf Motor Function
      Test, and the Motor Activity Log scores. Constraint-induced movement therapy also
      reduced spasticity as assessed by the modified Ashworth scale, F frequency, and
      mean F/M ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable to motor function, constraint-induced
      movement therapy effectively reduces spasticity as confirmed by electromyography.

PMID- 22078780
TI  - Risk factors among stroke subtypes in Brazil.
AB  - Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability in Brazil. Among the risk
      factors for cerebrovascular disease, some have more influence than others in
      certain stroke subtypes. Little data are available in the literature on the
      prevalence of stroke subtypes in Latin America. We analyzed data from 688
      patients with acute ischemic stroke (52.3% women; mean age, 65.7 years) who were
      enrolled in a stroke data bank. Standardized data assessment and stroke subtype
      classification were used. The most common stroke subtype was large-artery
      atherosclerosis (n = 223; 32.4%), followed by cardioembolism (n = 195; 28.3%),
      and microangiopathy (n = 127; 18.5%). Stroke risk factors differ among stroke
      subtypes. The population of South America is ethnically diverse, and few previous
      studies have describe the distribution of risk factors among stroke subtypes in
      this population. In this study, the most important risk factors were hypertension
      and dyslipidemia.

PMID- 22078781
TI  - Are racial disparities in stroke care still prevalent in certified stroke
      centers?
AB  - Racial differences in stroke risk and risk factor prevalence are well
      established. The present study explored racial differences in the delivery of
      care to patients with acute stroke between Joint Commission (JC)-certified
      hospitals and noncertified hospitals. A retrospective chart review was conducted
      in patients sustaining ischemic stroke admitted to 5 JC-certified centers and 5
      noncertified hospitals. Demographic data, risk factors, utilization of acute
      stroke therapies, and compliance with core measures were recorded. Racial
      disparities were investigated in the entire group as well as for JC-certified and
      noncertified hospitals separately. A total of 574 patients (25.1% African
      Americans) were included. African Americans were significantly younger and more
      likely to have previous stroke, whereas Caucasians were more likely to have
      coronary disease and atrial fibrillation. There were no racial differences in
      other risk factors or baseline functions. Median National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale scores were similar in African Americans and Caucasians, as were
      proportions receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy
      (2.1% in African Americans, 3.5% in Caucasians; P = .40) and intervention (4.2%
      in African Americans, 6.8% in Caucasians; P = .26). Caucasians were more likely
      to arrive by emergency medical services (65.5% vs 51.5%; P = .004), to be
      evaluated by a stroke team (19.1% vs 7.7%; P = .001), and to have a documented
      National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (40.2% vs 29.9%; P = .03).
      African Americans often did not receive intravenous tPA because of a delay in
      arrival. African Americans performed better on virtually all stroke care
      variables in JC-certified centers. JC certification reduced disparity in certain
      variables, including tPA and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis administration.
      Important racial disparities exist in the delivery of several acute stroke care
      variables. Efforts must be focused on eliminating disparities in prehospital
      delays. Guideline-based care tendered at JC-certified centers might help narrow
      disparities in acute stroke care delivery.

PMID- 22078782
TI  - Androgen signaling in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells enhances
      resistance to oxidative stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of androgens on the expression of genes
      involved in oxidative stress resistance in decidualized human endometrial stromal
      cells (HESCs). DESIGN: In vitro experiment. SETTING: University hospital.
      PATIENT(S): Premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine fibroids.
      INTERVENTION(S): Human endometrial stromal cells isolated from hysterectomy
      specimens were decidualized with 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-br
      cAMP) and P in the presence or absence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at various
      concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide was used as a source of reactive oxygen
      species. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prolactin secretion, apoptosis, FOXO1, and the
      free radical scavengers superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and SOD1 protein
      expression. RESULT(S): Prolactin production was induced in HESCs in response to 8
      br-cAMP and P. Dihydrotestosterone further enhanced the secretion of PRL in cells
      treated with 8-br-cAMP plus P. The effect of DHT was blocked by the antiandrogen
      flutamide. Dihydrotestosterone enhanced resistance to oxidative stress-induced
      apoptosis on decidualized HESCs. Moreover, DHT enhanced FOXO1 expression in
      parallel with increased SOD2 protein but not with SOD1. CONCLUSION(S): Androgens
      might play a critical role in the decidualization process at the time of embryo
      implantation and trophoblast invasion by promoting resistance to oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 22078784
TI  - Ovarian response to stimulation for fertility preservation in women with
      malignant disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current available data regarding ovarian performance
      of patients diagnosed with malignant disease undergoing controlled ovarian
      hyperstimulation (COH) for fertility preservation, before radio/chemotherapy,
      compared with age-matched, healthy patients undergoing COH for in vitro
      fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). DESIGN: Meta-analysis
      of the data available from a systematic review of the literature. SETTING:
      Academic centers of infertility and IVF. PATIENT(S): Patients with malignant
      disease, before radio/chemotherapy, undergoing COH for fertility preservation
      within comparative studies with healthy, age-matched controls. INTERVENTION(S):
      None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Peak estradiol levels on day of human chorionic
      gonadotropin administration, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate,
      incidence of low ovarian response, and cycle cancellation. RESULT(S): Only seven
      retrospective, case-controlled studies were found to match our objective.
      Overall, the results of the meta-analysis indicate that the number of retrieved
      oocytes rate was statistically significantly lower compared with age-matched
      healthy IVF patients. The incidence of poor ovarian performance and risk of cycle
      cancellation as well as the calculated number of two pronuclei zygotes achieved
      among patients with cancer were comparable with their age-matched controls.
      CONCLUSION(S): Women with malignant disease should expect a lower number of
      oocytes retrieved after COH for fertility preservation, compared with healthy,
      age-matched patients. Presently, there is paucity of evidence to assess the
      effect of a specific malignant disease on ovarian response to COH before IVF for
      fertility preservation. Multicentric studies should be conducted to resolve these
      important issues.

PMID- 22078783
TI  - Food intake and social habits in male patients and its relationship to
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the male partner's lifestyle,
      including eating and social habits, on semen quality and intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (ICSI) success. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Private fertility
      clinic. PATIENT(S): Two hundred fifty male patients undergoing ICSI cycles.
      INTERVENTION(S): We recorded dietary and social habits using a food frequency
      questionnaire adapted to meet specific study objectives. Evaluation of semen
      parameters and ICSI outcomes were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Frequency
      of intake of food items and social habits were registered on a scale with five
      categories ranging from no consumption to repeated daily consumption. RESULT(S):
      The sperm concentration was negatively influenced by body mass index (BMI) and
      alcohol consumption and was positively influenced by cereal consumption and the
      number of meals per day. The sperm motility was also negatively influenced by
      BMI, alcohol consumption, and smoking habit, whereas it was positively influenced
      by the consumption of fruits and cereals. The consumption of alcohol had a
      negative influence on the fertilization rate. The consumption of red meat as well
      as being on a weight loss diet had a negative impact on the implantation rate. In
      addition, the consumption of red meat and being on a weight loss diet had an
      effect on the pregnancy chance. CONCLUSION(S): Couples seeking assisted
      reproduction treatments must be advised about the drastic effect of both the male
      and female lifestyle on treatment success.

PMID- 22078785
TI  - A novel method based on curvature analysis for estimating the dietary vitamin K
      requirement in adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Few studies have investigated the association between vitamin
      K status and bone health in adolescents. We established a novel method for
      estimating the vitamin K status in adolescents by curvature analysis using the
      serum concentrations of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC)-a sensitive
      biomarker of vitamin K status in the bone. We also compared the vitamin K
      concentrations required for good bone health and for normal blood coagulation.
      METHOD: We enrolled 1183 healthy adolescents. For the curvature analysis, we used
      a logarithmic regression equation obtained from vitamin K intake and serum ucOC
      or plasma abnormal prothrombin (PIVKA-II) concentrations (marker for blood
      coagulation). The cut-off point was determined to be the vitamin K intake that
      showed the highest curvature. RESULTS: In adolescents, the serum ucOC
      concentration was negatively correlated with vitamin K intake. In the curvature
      analysis, requirement of vitamin K intake for good bone health and normal blood
      coagulation were 155-188 MUg/d and 62-54 MUg/d [1 MUg/(kg d)], respectively; the
      latter result was consistent with that of a previous report. CONCLUSION: Our
      novel method is useful for estimating the vitamin K status; moreover, this method
      showed that bone metabolism requires more vitamin K than blood coagulation.

PMID- 22078788
TI  - A new paradigm for surgical procedural training.

PMID- 22078789
TI  - Latent myofascial trigger points are associated with an increased antagonistic
      muscle activity during agonist muscle contraction.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate motor unit activity from a latent
      myofascial trigger point (MTP) in an antagonist muscle during isometric agonist
      muscle contraction. Intramuscular activity was recorded with an intramuscular
      electromyographic (EMG) needle inserted into a latent MTP or a non-MTP in the
      posterior deltoid muscle at rest and during isometric shoulder flexion performed
      at 25% of maximum voluntary contraction in 14 healthy subjects. Surface EMGs were
      recorded from the anterior and posterior deltoid muscles. Maximal pain intensity
      and referred pain induced by EMG needle insertion were recorded on a visual
      analogue scale. The results showed that higher local pain was observed following
      needle insertion into latent MTPs (4.64 +/- .48 cm) than non-MTPs (2.35 +/- .43
      cm, P < .005). Referred pain was reported in 6/14 subjects following needle
      insertion into latent MTPs, but none into the non-MTPs. The intramuscular EMG
      activity, but not surface EMG activity, in the antagonist muscle was
      significantly higher at rest and during shoulder flexion at latent MTPs than non
      MTPs (P < .05). The current study provides the first evidence that increased
      motor unit excitability is associated with reduced antagonist reciprocal
      inhibition. PERSPECTIVE: This study shows that MTPs are associated with reduced
      efficiency of reciprocal linhibition, which may contribute to the delayed and
      incomplete muscle relaxation following exercise, disordered fine movement
      control, and unbalanced muscle activation. Elimination of latent MTPs and/or
      prevention of latent MTPs from becoming active may improve motor functions.

PMID- 22078790
TI  - Swearing as a response to pain-effect of daily swearing frequency.
AB  - Previously we showed that swearing produces a pain lessening (hypoalgesic) effect
      for many people.(20) This paper assesses whether habituation to swearing occurs
      such that people who swear more frequently in daily life show a lesser pain
      tolerance effect of swearing, compared with people who swear less frequently.
      Pain outcomes were assessed in participants asked to repeat a swear word versus a
      nonswear word. Additionally, sex differences and the roles of pain
      catastrophizing, fear of pain, and daily swearing frequency were explored.
      Swearing increased pain tolerance and heart rate compared with not swearing.
      Moreover, the higher the daily swearing frequency, the less was the benefit for
      pain tolerance when swearing, compared with when not swearing. This paper shows
      apparent habituation related to daily swearing frequency, consistent with our
      theory that the underlying mechanism by which swearing increases pain tolerance
      is the provocation of an emotional response. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents
      further evidence that, for many people, swearing (cursing) provides readily
      available and effective relief from pain. However, overuse of swearing in
      everyday situations lessens its effectiveness as a short-term intervention to
      reduce pain.

PMID- 22078791
TI  - Atypical myocardial delayed enhancement after surgical ventricle restoration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate delayed enhancement after surgical
      ventricle restoration (SVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with post
      ischemic akinetic dilatation underwent cine and gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced
      MRI before and 2-6 months after SVR. End-diastolic volume (EDV) normalized to
      body surface area (EDV index, EDVI), end-systolic volume index (ESVI), and
      ejection fraction (EF) of the left ventricle were obtained. Delayed enhancement
      involving subendocardial myocardium was considered typical (TDE) while
      enhancement apparently not involving subendocardium in its typical location was
      considered atypical (ADE). Wilcoxon signed-rank, Mann-Whitney U, and chi2 tests
      were used. RESULTS: All 30 patients showed TDE prior to surgery but 16 of them
      (53%) showed ADE after SVR. Before SVR, EDVI (ml/m2) was 171+/-101 in patients
      with ADE and 127+/-41 in patients with TDE, ESVI (ml/m2) was 130+/-105 and 94+/
      36, EF was 25+/-6% and 24+/-9%, respectively, without significant differences
      (P>0.347). After SVR, EDVI (ml/m2) was 99+/-24 and 89+/-28 (P=0.275), ESVI
      (ml/m2) 66+/-24 and 65+/-30, respectively, without significant differences
      (P>0.275) while EF was 37+/-12% and 29+/-13%, respectively, with a near
      significant difference (P=0.077). The increase in EF before/after SVR was
      significant only for patients with ADE (P=0.006). Of 20 patients in whom a patch
      had been used for SVR, 14 showed ADE and 6 TDE; of 10 patients without patch, 2
      and 8, respectively (P=0.010). CONCLUSION: ADE was found in about half of SVR
      patients and was associated with the use of patch and EF improvement.

PMID- 22078792
TI  - MRI of the cuboid bone: analysis of changes in diabetic versus non-diabetic
      patients and their clinical significance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate the association between diabetes and marrow
      changes in the cuboid; and (2) to evaluate the influence of age, gender, body
      mass index (BMI) and use of insulin in the occurrence of marrow changes in the
      cuboid. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: MR and X-ray foot examinations of 237
      patients [94 males, 143 females; mean age, 47.1 years (range 16-93 years)], five
      of whom underwent bilateral examinations, were reviewed. MR and radiographic
      studies were analyzed for the presence of marrow edema and fractures in the
      cuboid. Findings were correlated with demographic data (age, gender) and clinical
      information (BMI and use of insulin). RESULTS: Two hundred and forty two feet -
      69 diabetic and 173 non-diabetic - were retrospectively evaluated. There was a
      higher prevalence of marrow edema and fractures in the diabetic cuboid (n=31,
      45%) compared to non-diabetic cuboid (n=25, 14%, p=0.02). A fracture line was
      seen in fourteen (20%) diabetic cuboid bones compared to 4 (2%) in non-diabetic
      cuboid bones (p<0.0001). Eleven (79%) cases of cuboid fractures in the diabetic
      population were radiographically occult. Multivariate data analysis revealed an
      adjusted odds ratio of 4.416 (95% CI; 2.307, 8.454) for the relationship between
      marrow changes (edema and fractures) in the cuboid and diabetes. For each year of
      age, the odds of changes in the cuboid increased by 2.2% (95% CI; 1.001, 1.044).
      CONCLUSION: Despite not bearing weight, the cuboid bone is more vulnerable to
      marrow edema and fractures in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic
      patients. Age seems to be an influential factor.

PMID- 22078793
TI  - Simulation of a MR-PET protocol for staging of head-and-neck cancer including
      Dixon MR for attenuation correction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To simulate and optimize a MR protocol for squamous cell cancer of the
      head and neck (HNSCC) patients for potential future use in an integrated whole
      body MR-PET scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a clinical 3T scanner, which is
      the basis for a recently introduced fully integrated whole-body MR-PET, 20
      patients with untreated HNSCC routinely staged with 18F-FDG PET/CT underwent a
      dedicated MR protocol for the neck. Moreover, a whole-body Dixon MR-sequence was
      applied, which is used for attenuation correction on a recently introduced hybrid
      MR-PET scanner. In a subset of patients volume-interpolated-breathhold (VIBE) T1w
      sequences for lungs and liver were added. Total imaging time was analyzed for
      both groups. The quality of the delineation of the primary tumor (scale 0-3) and
      the presence or absence of lymph node metastases (scale 1-5) was evaluated for
      CT, MR, PET/CT and a combination of MR and PET to ensure that the MR-PET fusion
      does not cause a loss of diagnostic capability. PET was used to identify distant
      metastases. The PET dataset for simulated MR/PET was based on a segmentation of
      the CT data into 4 classes according to the approach of the Dixon MR-sequence for
      MR-PET. Standard of reference was histopathology in 19 cases. In one case no
      histopathological confirmation of a primary tumor could be achieved. RESULTS:
      Mean imaging time was 35:17 min (range: 31:08-42:42 min) for the protocol
      including sequences for local staging and attenuation correction and 44:17 min
      (range: 35:44-54:58) for the extended protocol. Although not statistically
      significant a combination of MR and PET performed better in the delineation of
      the primary tumor (mean 2.20) compared to CT (mean 1.40), MR (1.95) and PET/CT
      (2.15) especially in patients with dental implants. PET/CT and combining MR and
      PET performed slightly better than CT and MR for the assessment of lymph node
      metastases. Two patients with distant metastases were only identified by PET.
      CONCLUSION: We established a potential MR-protocol to be used for HNSCC patients
      in a recently introduced MR-PET scanner. The proposed protocol can be performed
      in an acceptable time frame and did not lead to a loss of diagnostic capability
      compared to PET/CT.

PMID- 22078794
TI  - The relationship between positive development and psychopathology during the
      transition to adulthood: a person-centred approach.
AB  - The transition to adulthood is characterised by potential for both positive
      development and problem outcomes such as psychopathology, yet little is known
      about relationships between the two. Given the diversity of pathways observed
      during this transition period, there is likely to be significant heterogeneity in
      young people's experiences of these outcomes. Drawing on data from 1158 19-20
      year olds in the Australian Temperament Project and using latent profile
      analysis, we identified six subgroups. For most, higher positive development was
      associated with lower psychopathology and vice versa. One group (33.6%) was high
      across all positive development measures and low on psychopathology, and another
      (47.7%) average in both areas. The remaining four groups were low on positive
      development but differentiated by average psychopathology (4.7%), high
      internalising (5.5%), and moderate (7.2%) and severe (1.3%) externalising
      problems. Tailored intervention strategies that address both the promotion of
      competence and prevention of problem outcomes are needed.

PMID- 22078795
TI  - Preeclampsia activates 15-lipoxygenase and its metabolite 15
      hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid enhances constriction in umbilical arteries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the differential expression of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO)
      isoenzymes, 15-LO-1 and 15-LO-2 in preeclampsia (PE), and normal pregnancy and
      its metabolite 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) on the vasoconstriction
      of human umbilical artery (HUA) rings. STUDY DESIGN: We performed western
      blotting and isometric tension studies and t-test analysis on data from 6 women
      with normal pregnancy and 8 women with PE. RESULTS: Expressions of 15-LO-1 and 15
      LO-2 in placentas and HUA rings in PE increased more than that in normal groups
      (P<0.01). 15-HETE increased HUA rings tension in a dose-dependence manner, which
      were significantly greater in PE than in normal pregnant controls (P<0.01).
      However, the constriction of HUA rings was completely eliminated by 2
      aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) in both normal pregnancy and PE (P<0.01) and
      attenuated partly by nifedipine in dose-dependence in normal pregnancy (10(
      8)mol/L P>0.05; 10(-7), 10(-6)mol/L P<0.05) and in PE (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: PE
      upregulates 15-LO pathway via 15-HETE, which increased intercellular calcium
      level to cause constriction of HUA rings.

PMID- 22078796
TI  - Multicenter stability of diffusion tensor imaging measures: a European clinical
      and physical phantom study.
AB  - Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) detects white matter damage in neuro-psychiatric
      disorders, but data on reliability of DTI measures across more than two scanners
      are still missing. In this study we assessed multicenter reproducibility of DTI
      acquisitions based on a physical phantom as well as brain scans across 16
      scanners. In addition, we performed DTI scans in a group of 26 patients with
      clinically probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 12 healthy elderly controls at
      one single center. We determined the variability of fractional anisotropy (FA)
      measures using manually placed regions of interest as well as automated tract
      based spatial statistics and deformation based analysis. The coefficient of
      variation (CV) of FA was 6.9% for the physical phantom data. The mean CV across
      the multicenter brain scans was 14% for tract based statistics, and 29% for
      deformation based analysis. The degree of variation was higher in less organized
      fiber tracts. Our findings suggest that a clinical and physical phantom study
      involving more than two scanners is indispensable to detect potential sources of
      bias and to reliably estimate effect size in multicenter diagnostic trials using
      DTI.

PMID- 22078797
TI  - Transmembrane mutations in Toll-like receptor 9 bypass the requirement for
      ectodomain proteolysis and induce fatal inflammation.
AB  - Recognition of nucleic acids as a signature of infection by Toll-like receptors
      (TLRs) 7 and 9 exposes the host to potential self-recognition and autoimmunity.
      It has been proposed that intracellular compartmentalization is largely
      responsible for reliable self versus nonself discrimination by these receptors.
      We have previously shown that TLR9 and TLR7 require processing prior to
      activation, which may further reinforce receptor compartmentalization and
      tolerance to self, yet this possibility remains untested. Here we report that
      residues within the TLR9 transmembrane (TM) region conferred the requirement for
      ectodomain proteolysis. TLR9 TM mutants responded to extracellular DNA, and mice
      expressing such receptors died from systemic inflammation and anemia. This
      inflammatory disease did not require lymphocytes and appeared to require
      recognition of self-DNA by dendritic cells. To our knowledge, these results
      provide the first demonstration that TLR-intrinsic mutations can lead to a break
      in tolerance.

PMID- 22078798
TI  - Flt3 signaling-dependent dendritic cells protect against atherosclerosis.
AB  - Early events in atherosclerosis occur in the aortic intima and involve monocytes
      that become macrophages. We looked for these cells in the steady state adult
      mouse aorta, and surprisingly, we found a dominance of dendritic cells (DCs) in
      the intima. In contrast to aortic adventitial macrophages, CD11c(+)MHC II(hi) DCs
      were poorly phagocytic but were immune stimulatory. DCs were of two types
      primarily: classical Flt3-Flt3L signaling-dependent, CD103(+)CD11b(-) DCs and
      macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)-dependent, CD14(+)CD11b(+)DC-SIGN(+)
      monocyte-derived DCs. Both types expanded during atherosclerosis. By crossing
      Flt3(-/-) to Ldlr(-/-) atherosclerosis-prone mice, we developed a selective and
      marked deficiency of classical CD103(+) aortic DCs, and they were associated with
      exacerbated atherosclerosis without alterations in blood lipids. Concomitantly,
      the Flt3(-/-)Ldlr(-/-) mice had fewer Foxp3(+) Treg cells and increased
      inflammatory cytokine mRNAs in the aorta. Therefore, functional DCs are dominant
      in normal aortic intima and, in contrast to macrophages, CD103(+) classical DCs
      are associated with atherosclerosis protection.

PMID- 22078799
TI  - Receptor-like tyrosine phosphatases CD45 and CD148 have distinct functions in
      chemoattractant-mediated neutrophil migration and response to S. aureus.
AB  - Neutrophils, critical innate immune effectors, use bacterial-derived
      chemoattractant-induced G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling for their
      pursuit of bacteria. Tyrosine phosphorylation pathways and receptor-like tyrosine
      phosphatases (RPTPs) are rarely considered in chemoattractant-mediated GPCR
      signaling. Here, we report that two RPTPs, CD45 and CD148, previously shown to
      share redundant roles in positively regulating Src family kinases (SFKs) in
      immunoreceptor signaling pathways in B cells and macrophages, are critical in the
      neutrophil response to S. aureus infection and, surprisingly, in chemoattractant
      mediated chemotaxis. Remarkably, deficiency in either of these RPTPs influenced
      neutrophil GPCR responses in unique ways. Our results reveal that CD45 positively
      while CD148 positively and negatively regulate GPCR function and proximal signals
      including Ca(2+), phosphatidylinositol 3'OH kinase (PI3K), and phospho
      extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) activity. Moreover, our results suggest
      that CD45 and CD148 preferentially target different SFK members (Hck and Fgr
      versus Lyn, respectively) to positively and negatively regulate GPCR pathways.

PMID- 22078801
TI  - [Respiratory tract infections and travels].

PMID- 22078800
TI  - A comparison of daily and occasional smokers' implicit affective responses to
      smoking cues.
AB  - Previous research has not compared implicit affective responses to smoking
      related stimuli in occasional (i.e., those who smoke less than one cigarette per
      day) and daily smokers (i.e., those who smoke at least once per day). In addition
      to assessing their motivations for smoking, implicit affective responses were
      measured using the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) in occasional (n=19) and
      daily smokers (n=34) to smoking-related and neutral cues. Half of the cues
      depicted a human interacting with an object (i.e., active), whereas the remaining
      cues depicted objects alone (i.e., inactive). Results indicated that for the
      active cues, daily smokers responded more positively to smoking-related than to
      neutral cues, whereas occasional smokers showed no difference in their implicit
      responses. In addition to smoking frequency, relative differences in implicit
      responses to active cues were related to cognitive enhancement motivation. For
      inactive cues, implicit responses were related to cognitive enhancement as well
      as reinforcement. Because daily smokers have more positive implicit responses to
      active smoking-related cues than occasional smokers, these cues may play an
      important role in maintaining smoking behavior in daily smokers.

PMID- 22078802
TI  - [Dermatologic manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome].
AB  - A wide variety of dermatologic manifestations has been described in the
      antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The most frequent skin lesion is livedo
      reticularis, present not only on the limbs but also on the trunk, with a fine
      irregular pattern. It belongs to the arterial subset of APS. Circumscribed
      ulcerations, resembling livedoid vasculitis, may be the first manifestation of
      APS. Ulcerations may also occur as a late complication of recurrent venous
      thrombosis. Extensive skin necrosis is a classic manifestation of catastrophic
      APS. Pseudo-vasculitis lesions are misdiagnosed if a skin biopsy is not
      performed, especially in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus. In systemic
      lupus erythematosus, primary anetoderma is always associated with
      antiphospholipid antibodies.

PMID- 22078803
TI  - The use of Suprathel((r)) in deep dermal burns: first results of a prospective
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While autologous skin grafting has been the standard for coverage
      of full-thickness areas, several options for deep-partial-thickness defects
      exist. With regard to economising donor sites, we compared a copolymer based on
      DL-lactid acid (Suprathel((r))) as temporary wound dressing with autologous skin,
      and analysed time to healing and scar quality in matched areas of deep-partial
      thickness burn. METHODS: We recruited 18 patients with a median age of 45 years
      (range: 25-83 years), for this prospective, non-blinded controlled non
      inferiority study, suffering from deep-partial-thickness burns from November 2009
      to July 2010. After early tangential excision, matched deep-partial-thickness
      areas were covered with 1:1.5 meshed autologous skin grafts and the copolymer for
      direct intra-individual comparison. Scars were evaluated by means of the
      Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale
      (POSAS) and suction cutometry (MPA 580, Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH,
      Cologne, Germany) on days 30 and 90, postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifteen days after
      surgery, complete wound closure was present in 44.4% (8/18) of all areas covered
      with copolymer and 88.9% (16/18) in the split-thickness skin graft (STSG) area
      (p=0.008). Evaluation of the total VSS, POSAS and cutometry satisfied the
      criterion of non-inferiority for Suprathel((r)) on day 30. Ninety days after
      surgery, only the Observer Scar Scale showed that Suprathel is non-inferior to
      STSG, albeit the mean total VSS and Patient Scar Scale were better in
      Suprathel((r)) areas. CONCLUSION: Suprathel((r)) represents a solid, reliable
      epidermal skin substitute with longer healing times in comparison to skin grafts
      but comparable results concerning early scar formation. Suprathel((r)) can serve
      as a tool in treatment portfolio for adult patients suffering from deep dermal
      burns. Especially in patients with extensive burns, Suprathel((r)) can be used to
      cover the deep dermal burn wounds to save STSGs and its donor sites for the
      coverage of full-thickness burned areas.

PMID- 22078804
TI  - A systematic review of the evidence for telemedicine in burn care: with a UK
      perspective.
AB  - A comprehensive systematic review of telemedicine in burn care was carried out.
      Studies published between 1993 and 2010 were included. The main outcome measures
      were the level of evidence, technical feasibility, clinical feasibility, clinical
      management and cost effectiveness. The search strategy yielded 24 studies, none
      of which were randomised. There were only five studies with a control group, and
      in three of these the patients act as their own controls. Four studies performed
      quantitative cost analysis, and five more provide qualitative cost analysis. All
      studies demonstrate technical and clinical feasibility. If the significant
      potentials of telemedicine to assist in the acute triage, management guidance and
      outpatient care are to be realised, then research needs to be undertaken to
      provide evidence for such investment.

PMID- 22078805
TI  - Predictors of health-care needs in discharged burn patients.
AB  - Patients' health-care needs are an important issue, but have not been studied in
      the burn field. The aims of this study were to explore discharged burn patients'
      health-care needs and related factors. This cross-sectional study used
      convenience sampling and four questionnaires, including basic information, Mental
      Status Inventory, Burn Patients' Social Support and Burn Patients' Healthcare
      Needs for data collection. There were 93 adults, injured on average 45% of total
      body surface area, who completed the study. Results indicated that the level of
      psychosocial care needs were higher than physiological needs. The level of
      physiological care needs changed over time, but psychosocial needs did not
      change. Self-reported psychosocial needs and physiological care needs correlated
      with each other. The multiple regressions showed that the most important
      predictors of overall health-care needs were numbers of visible scarred areas,
      time since discharge and previous psychiatric history. The findings revealed the
      burn patients provided clinically useful information and supported further
      evaluation in the area of care needs for burn patients.

PMID- 22078806
TI  - Molecular characterization and antiviral activity test of common drugs against
      echovirus 18 isolated in Korea.
AB  - Genetic diversity and antiviral activity for five common antiviral drugs of
      echovirus (ECV) 5 isolated in Korea have been described. The present study
      extended these tests to a Korean ECV 18 isolate. An outbreak of aseptic
      meningitis caused by the ECV 18 isolate was reported in Korea in 2005, marking
      the first time this virus had been identified in the country since enterovirus
      surveillance began in 1993. Using a sample isolated from stool specimen of a 5
      year-old male patient with aseptic meningitis, the complete genome sequence was
      obtained and was compared it with the Metcalf prototype strain. Unlike the ECV5
      isolate, the 3' untranslated region had the highest identity value (94.2%) at the
      nucleotide level, while, at the amino acid level, the P2 region displayed the
      highest identity value (96.9%). These two strains shared all cleavage sites, with
      the exception of the 2B/2C site, which was RQ/NN in the Metcalf strain but RQ/NS
      in the Korean ECV 18 isolate. In Vero cells infected with the Korean ECV 18
      isolate, no cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of azidothymidine,
      acyclovir, amantadine, lamivudine, or ribavirin, when the drugs were administered
      at a CC50 value >100 MUg/mL. Of the five drugs, only amantadine (IC50: 4.97 +/-
      0.77 MUg/mL, TI: 20.12) and ribavirin (IC50: 7.63 +/- 0.87 MUg/mL, TI: 13.11) had
      any antiviral activity against the Korean ECV 18 isolate in the five antiviral
      drugs. These antiviral activity effects were similar with results of the Korean
      ECV5 isolate.

PMID- 22078807
TI  - The enhancement of cancer stem cell properties of MCF-7 cells in 3D collagen
      scaffolds for modeling of cancer and anti-cancer drugs.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) culture could partially simulate in vivo conditions. In
      this work, we developed a 3D collagen scaffold to investigate cellular properties
      of MCF-7 cells. The porous scaffolds not only induced the diversification of cell
      morphologies but also extended cell proliferation. The expression of pro
      angiogenic growth factors and the transcriptions of matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs) were significantly increased in cells cultured in 3D collagen scaffolds.
      In addition, 3D collagen scaffolds could generate a cell population with the
      properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The upregulation of EMT markers and the
      downregulation of the epithelial cell marker were observed in cells cultured in
      collagen scaffolds. The expression of stem cell markers, including OCT4A and
      SOX2, and breast cancer stem cell signatures, including SOX4, JAG1 and CD49F, was
      significantly unregulated in 3D collagen scaffolds. The proportion of cells with
      CSC-like CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) phenotype was notably increased. High-level
      expression of CSC-associated properties of MCF-7 cells cultured in 3D was further
      confirmed by high tumorigenicity in vivo. Moreover, xenografts with 3D cells
      formed larger tumors. The properties of MCF-7 cells in 3D may have partially
      simulated their in vivo behaviors. Thus, 3D collagen scaffolds might provide a
      useful platform for anti-cancer therapeutics and CSC research.

PMID- 22078808
TI  - Control of cell attachment on pH-responsive chitosan surface by precise
      adjustment of medium pH.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to demonstrate pH-responsive chitosan is able to
      control cell behavior in response to small changes in environmental pH, which is
      at useful pH suitable for recovering cultured cells without additional enzymatic
      treatment and extensive washing steps. HeLa cells attached and spread well on
      chitosan at pH 6.99 and 7.20. When the pH was increased to 7.65, over 90% of
      cells would rapidly detached from chitosan surface within 1 h. Similarly,
      fibronectin adsorbed on chitosan at pH 7.20 also rapidly desorbed after
      increasing the medium pH. Most importantly and interestingly, medium pH
      adjustment could be facilitated by altering environment pCO(2). It was found over
      80% of HeLa cells could be recovered from chitosan surface within 1 h and the
      viability of detached cells was more than 95% by transferring the culture plate
      from incubator to atmospheric condition. Additionally, chitosan substrate could
      effectively control attachment/detachment of various types of cells including
      cell lines HaCaT, H1299, NIH-3T3, and primary corneal fibroblasts, indicating the
      technology described here is easily reproducible and should be promising for
      controlling rapid fibronectin adsorption/desorption and cell
      attachment/detachment for tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 22078809
TI  - Recovery of cardiac function mediated by MSC and interleukin-10 plasmid
      functionalised scaffold.
AB  - Stem cell transplantation has been suggested as a treatment for myocardial
      infarction, but clinical studies have yet to demonstrate conclusive, positive
      effects. This may be related to poor survival of the transplanted stem cells due
      to the inflammatory response following myocardial infarction. To address this, a
      scaffold-based stem cell delivery system was functionalised with anti
      inflammatory plasmids (interleukin-10) to improve stem cell retention and
      recovery of cardiac function. Myocardial infarction was induced and these
      functionalised scaffolds were applied over the infarcted myocardium. Four weeks
      later, stem cell retention, cardiac function, remodelling and inflammation were
      quantified. Interleukin-10 gene transfer improved stem cell retention by more
      than five-fold and the hearts treated with scaffold, stem cells and interleukin
      10 had significant functional recovery compared to the scaffold control
      (scaffold: -10 +/- 7%, scaffold, interleukin-10 and stem cells: +7 +/- 6%). This
      improved function was associated with increased infarcted wall thickness and
      increased ratios of collagen type III/type I, decreased cell death, and a change
      in macrophage markers from mainly cytotoxic in the scaffold group to mainly
      regulatory in scaffold, stem cells and interleukin-10 group. Thus, treatment of
      myocardial infarction with stem cells and interleukin-10 gene transfer
      significantly improved stem cell retention and ultimately improved overall
      cardiac function.

PMID- 22078811
TI  - The cytotoxicity of cadmium-based quantum dots.
AB  - Semiconductor Quantum dots (QDs) have raised great attention because of their
      superior optical properties and wide utilization in biological and biomedical
      studies. More recently, there have been intense concerns on cytotoxicity
      assessment of QDs. Most QDs are made of heavy metal ions (e.g., Cd(2+)), which
      may result in potential in vitro toxicity that hampers their practical
      applications. In this article, we aim to summarize recent progress on mechanistic
      studies of cytotoxicity of II-IV QDs. We have studied the cytotoxicity of a
      series of aqueous synthesized QDs (aqQDs), i.e. CdTe, CdTe/CdS core-shell
      structured and CdTe/CdS/ZnS core-shell-shell structured aqQDs. Our results
      suggested that released cadmium ions are responsible for the observed
      cytotoxicity of cadmium-based QDs. The fact that CdTe/CdS/ZnS core-shell-shell
      structured QDs are nearly nontoxic to cells further confirmed the role of
      released cadmium ions on cytotoxicity, and the effective protection of the ZnS
      shell. However, intracellular level of Cd(2+) ions cannot be the only reason
      since the comparison with CdCl(2)-treated cells suggests there are other factors
      contributed to the cytotoxicity of aqQDs. Our studies on genome-wide gene
      expression profiling and subcellular localization of aqQDs with synchrotron-based
      scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) further suggest that the
      cytotoxicity of CdTe QDs not only comes from the release of Cd(2+) ions but also
      intracellular distribution of QD nanoparticles in cells and the associated
      nanoscale effects.

PMID- 22078810
TI  - An activatable multimodal/multifunctional nanoprobe for direct imaging of
      intracellular drug delivery.
AB  - Multifunctional nanoparticles integrated with imaging modalities (such as
      magnetic resonance and optical) and therapeutic drugs are promising candidates
      for future cancer diagnostics and therapy. While targeted drug delivery and
      imaging of tumor cells have been the major focus in engineering nanoparticle
      probes, no extensive efforts have been made towards developing sensing probes
      that can confirm and monitor intracellular drug release events. Here, we present
      quantum dot (Qdot)-iron oxide (IO) based multimodal/multifunctional nanocomposite
      probe that is optically and magnetically imageable, targetable and capable of
      reporting on intracellular drug release events. Specifically, the probe consists
      of a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle core (IONP) decorated with
      satellite CdS:Mn/ZnS Qdots where the Qdots themselves are further functionalized
      with STAT3 inhibitor (an anti-cancer agent), vitamin folate (as targeting motif)
      and m-polyethylene glycol (mPEG, a hydrophilic dispersing agent). The Qdot
      luminescence is quenched in this nanocomposite probe ("OFF" state) due to
      combined electron/energy transfer mediated quenching processes involving IONP,
      folate and STAT3 agents. Upon intracellular uptake, the probe is exposed to the
      cytosolic glutathione (GSH) containing environment resulting in restoration of
      the Qdot luminescence ("ON" state), which reports on uptake and drug release.
      Probe functionality was validated using fluorescence and MR measurements as well
      as in vitro studies using cancer cells that overexpress folate receptors.

PMID- 22078812
TI  - Cisplatin@US-tube carbon nanocapsules for enhanced chemotherapeutic delivery.
AB  - The use of chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy is often limited by problems
      with administration such as insolubility, inefficient biodistribution, lack of
      selectivity, and inability of the drug to cross cellular barriers. To overcome
      these limitations, various types of drug delivery systems have been explored, and
      recently, carbon nanotube (CNT) materials have also garnered attention in the
      area of drug delivery. In this study, we describe the preparation,
      characterization, and in vitro testing of a new ultra-short single-walled carbon
      nanotube (US-tube)-based drug delivery system for the treatment of cancer. In
      particular, the encapsulation of cisplatin (CDDP), a widely-used anticancer drug,
      within US-tubes has been achieved, and the resulting CDDP@US-tube material
      characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM),
      energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and
      inductively-coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Dialysis studies
      performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37  degrees C have demonstrated
      that CDDP release from CDDP@US-tubes can be controlled (retarded) by wrapping the
      CDDP@US-tubes with Pluronic-F108 surfactant. Finally, the anticancer activity of
      pluronic-wrapped CDDP@US-tubes has been evaluated against two different breast
      cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and found to exhibit enhanced
      cytotoxicity over free CDDP after 24 h. These studies have laid the foundation
      for developing US-tube-based delivery of chemotherapeutics, with drug release
      mainly limited to within cancer cells only.

PMID- 22078814
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging versus endoscopic ultrasonography for the detection of
      pancreatic tumours in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, the main risk factor for
      metastases is pancreatic tumour size. We and others recommend limiting surgery to
      non-functioning pancreatic tumors >=20 mm or growing, based on their size
      measured with endoscopic ultrasonography. Because endoscopic ultrasonography is
      invasive, we compared endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to non-invasive magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of pancreatic tumours >=10 mm in
      multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 patients. METHODS: A prospective study was
      performed in nine participating centres; 90 patients with multiple endocrine
      neoplasia type 1 underwent EUS and MRI with gadolinium infusion.
      Gastroenterologists and radiologists were blinded to the results, magnetic
      resonance images were reviewed centrally. RESULTS: EUS detected 86 tumours >=10
      mm, and 48 (53.3%) patients had at least one tumour >=10 mm. MRI detected 67
      tumours >=10 mm, and 46 (51.1%) patients had at least one tumour >=10 mm. EUS and
      MRI agreement was moderate for detection of tumours >=10 mm (Kappa
      coefficient=0.49), and for selection of patients with tumours >=10 mm (Kappa
      coefficient=0.55). EUS and MRI missed 11/24 and 4/24 lesions >=20 mm,
      respectively. EUS failed to identify 9/57 (15.7%) patients with pancreatic
      tumours >=10 mm, and MRI failed to identify 11/57 (19.3%) patients with
      pancreatic tumours >=10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: EUS and MRI are complementary and should
      be performed at initial evaluation in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
      patients. Whether follow-up should be based on either technique or both, requires
      further evaluation.

PMID- 22078813
TI  - The engineering of organized human corneal tissue through the spatial guidance of
      corneal stromal stem cells.
AB  - Corneal stroma is an avascular connective tissue characterized by layers of
      highly organized parallel collagen fibrils, mono-disperse in diameter with
      uniform local interfibrillar spacing. Reproducing this level of structure on a
      nano- and micro-scale may be essential to engineer corneal tissue with strength
      and transparency similar to that of native cornea. A substrate of aligned
      poly(ester urethane) urea (PEUU) fibers, 165 +/- 55 nm in diameter, induced
      alignment of cultured human corneal stromal stem cells (hCSSCs) which elaborated
      a dense collagenous matrix, 8-10 MUm in thickness, deposited on the PEUU
      substratum. This matrix contained collagen fibrils with uniform diameter and
      regular interfibrillar spacing, exhibiting global parallel alignment similar to
      that of native stroma. The cells expressed high levels of gene products unique to
      keratocytes. hCSSCs cultured on PEUU fibers of random orientation or on a cast
      film of PEUU also differentiated to keratocytes and produced abundant matrix, but
      lacked matrix organization. These results demonstrate the importance of
      topographic cues in instructing organization of the transparent connective tissue
      of the corneal stroma by differentiated keratocytes. This important information
      will help with design of biomaterials for a bottom-up strategy to bioengineer
      spatially complex, collagen-based nano-structured constructs for corneal repair
      and regeneration.

PMID- 22078815
TI  - Jejunal pseudomelanosis.

PMID- 22078818
TI  - Persistence and metallic composition of paint particles in sediments from a tidal
      inlet.
AB  - Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn have been determined in sediment (<500 MUm)
      and macroscopic paint particles (>500 MUm) retrieved from sections of two cores
      collected from a tidal inlet of the Plym estuary, southwest England. Paint
      particles contributed up to about 0.2% of the total mass retrieved from each
      section and were most abundant towards the base of the cores where, according to
      (210)Pb dating, deposition took place about a decade prior to sampling. Metal
      concentrations in the paint particles pooled from the sections were highly
      variable, typically spanning two orders of magnitude in each core, and were
      greatest for Cu and Zn (up to 460,000 and 170,000 MUg g(-1), respectively) due to
      their use in contemporary antifouling formulations applied to boat hulls.
      Concentrations of metals in the sediment were, however, relatively invariant, an
      effect attributed to the abundance and dispersion of microscopic paint particles
      throughout the cores.

PMID- 22078820
TI  - [The occupational radiation-induced cataract in five industrial radiographers].
AB  - The industrial uses of ionizing radiation in Tunisia are expanding, especially in
      industry and most particularly in the nondestructive testing of welds. Thus
      workers operating in the non-destructive testing of welds may develop a radiation
      induced cataract varying in time to onset depending on the dose. OBJECTIVES: To
      describe the characteristics of the radiation-induced cataract in patients
      exposed to ionizing radiation, determine the risk factors of radiation-induced
      cataracts. METHODS: This was an anamnestic, clinical, and environmental study of
      five cases of radiation-induced cataract in workers employed in non-destructive
      testing of welds. RESULTS: This series of five cases had a mean age of 30.2 years
      and 5.53 years of work experience, ranging from 14 months to 15 years. All the
      patients were male and industrial radiographers specialized in nondestructive
      testing of welds. The average duration of exposure to ionizing radiation was 5.53
      years. None of the patients had worn protective gear such as eye goggles. The
      ophthalmic check-up for the five special industrial radiographers showed
      punctuate opacities in three cases, punctiform opacities in one eye in one case,
      and phacosclerosis with bilateral lens multiple crystalline stromal opacities in
      a case of micro-lens opacities in both eyes with opalescence of both eyes in one
      case. These cataracts had been declared as occupational diseases. CONCLUSION: The
      value of a specialized ophthalmologic surveillance among these workers and the
      early diagnosis of lens opacities must be emphasized.

PMID- 22078821
TI  - Clinically irrelevant circulating human leukocyte antigen antibodies in the
      presence of ventricular assist devices.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identification of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies by
      single-antigen beads (SAB) allows for prediction of donor-specific crossmatches
      (virtual crossmatches), thus facilitating the allocation of organs from deceased
      donors. However, the clinical relevance of HLA antibodies identified by SAB has
      been less than clear. This study demonstrates that sera from cardiac transplant
      candidates with a ventricular assist device (VAD) or infection may contain
      clinically irrelevant antibodies that bind to the beads but not to lymphocytes.
      METHODS: Investigated were 5 cardiac transplant candidates (3 with VAD, all with
      infections, and 1 retransplant) with positive HLA antibodies detected by SAB, but
      negative by cytotoxicity. To determine clinical relevance of the antibodies, flow
      cytometric crossmatches (FCXM) were performed. Untreated beads and elution buffer
      treated beads to dissociate the beta-2 microglobulin and the peptide from the
      heavy chain were used. RESULTS: The virtual crossmatch data were compared with
      data from actual FCXMs. Of 40 T-cell and B-cell FCXM, SAB-identified HLA
      antibodies were predictive for only 1 T-cell and 9 B-cell FCXM outcomes.
      Patients' sera contained a mixture of antibodies directed against cryptic
      epitopes on the heavy chain and exposed epitopes. The mean fluorescence intensity
      of antibodies varied from 1,040 to 11,000. CONCLUSIONS: Sera from cardiac
      transplant candidates with or without VAD may contain natural antibodies that do
      not bind to intact antigens on the cell surface. Therefore, great care must be
      exercised before denying a life-saving transplant to these patients simply on the
      basis of SAB results.

PMID- 22078822
TI  - There is no difference with regard to hard and/or soft tissue safety between
      oscillating-rotating powered brushes and manual toothbrushes.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Safety of oscillating-rotating
      powered brushes compared to manual toothbrushes: a systematic review. Van der
      Weijden FA, Campbell SL, Dorfer CE, Gonzalez-Cabezas C, Slot DE. J Periodontol
      2011;82(1):5-24. REVIEWERS: Nada J. Farsi, BDS, MSc, Belinda Nicolau, DDS, PhD.
      PURPOSE/QUESTION: To compare the soft and/or hard tissue safety between manual
      and oscillating-rotating brushes through a systematic review of the pertinent
      literature. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Industry (Procter & Gamble). TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN:
      Systematic review LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1: Good-quality, patient-oriented
      evidence. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade A: Consistent, good-quality
      patient-oriented evidence.

PMID- 22078823
TI  - Essential oil mouthwash (EOMW) may be equivalent to chlorhexidine (CHX) for long
      term control of gingival inflammation but CHX appears to perform better than EOMW
      in plaque control.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Essential oils compared to
      chlorhexidine with respect to plaque and parameters of gingival inflammation: a
      systematic review. Van Leeuwen MPC, Slot DE, Van der Weijden GA. J Periodontol
      2011 Feb;82(2):174-94. Epub 2010 Nov 2. REVIEWER: Anthony L. Neely, DDS, MDentSc,
      PhD. PURPOSE/QUESTION: To determine whether essential oil mouthwash is comparable
      to chlorhexidine gluconate with respect to reducing plaque and gingival
      inflammation and promoting calculus accumulation and extrinsic staining. SOURCE
      OF FUNDING: Some support came from the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam,
      University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam. TYPE OF STUDY DESIGN:
      Systematic review with meta-analysis of data. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1: Good
      quality, patient-oriented evidence. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade B:
      Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence.

PMID- 22078824
TI  - Stepwise excavation may enhance pulp preservation in permanent teeth affected by
      dental caries.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Ways of enhancing pulp preservation
      by stepwise excavation-a systematic review. Hayashi M, Fujitani M, Yamaki C,
      Momoi Y. J Dent 2011;39(2):95-107. Epub 2010 Dec 3. REVIEWER: Lars Bjorndal, DDS,
      PhD, Dr Odont PURPOSE/QUESTION: To determine the clinical effectiveness of
      stepwise excavation for pulp preservation SOURCE OF FUNDING: Japanese Society of
      Conservative Dentistry TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review LEVEL OF EVIENCE:
      Level 2: Limited-quality patient-oriented evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION
      GRADE: Grade B: Limited-quality patient-oriented evidence.

PMID- 22078825
TI  - The effectiveness of lasers to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity remains unclear.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Effectiveness of laser in dentinal
      hypersensitivity treatment: a systematic review. Sgolastra F, Petrucci A, Gatto
      R, Monaco A. J Endod 2011;37(3):297-303. REVIEWER: Asbjorn Jokstad, DDS, PhD.
      PURPOSE/QUESTION: Do patients with dentinal hypersensitivity subjected to laser
      light application compared to placebo "light experience" reduced hypersensitivity
      or any adverse outcomes? SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available TYPE OF
      STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality,
      patient-oriented evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade B: Inconsistent
      or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence.

PMID- 22078826
TI  - Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RM-GIC) may provide greater caries
      preventive effect compared with composite resin, but high-quality studies are
      needed.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Caries-preventive effect of resin
      modified glass-ionomer cement (RM-GIC) versus composite resin: a quantitative
      systematic review. Yengopal V, Mickenautsch S. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent
      2011;12(1):5-14. REVIEWER: David G. Pendrys, DDS, PhD. PURPOSE/QUESTION: Does
      light-cured resin-modified glass-ionomer cement provide a better caries
      preventive effect as compared with composite resin? SOURCE OF FUNDING:
      Information not available. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence. STRENGTH OF
      RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade B: Inconsistent, limited-quality patient-oriented
      evidence.

PMID- 22078827
TI  - Administration of articaine anesthesia may lead to superior profound pulpal
      anesthesia compared with lidocaine in adult patients.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: The pulpal anesthetic efficacy of
      articaine versus lidocaine in dentistry: a meta-analysis. Brandt RG, Anderson PF,
      McDonald NJ, Sohn W, Peters MC. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;42(5):493-504. REVIEWER:
      Khaled Balto, BDS, DMSc PURPOSE/QUESTION: Does articaine anesthesia in the
      management of irreversible pulpitis result in superior pain control compared with
      the traditionally used lidocaine? SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available
      TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence STRENGTH OF
      RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented
      evidence.

PMID- 22078828
TI  - Blood loss following orthognathic surgery varies widely and sometimes
      transfusions are needed.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Blood loss in orthognathic surgery:
      a systematic review. Pineiro-Aguilar A, Somoza-Martin M, Gandara-Rey JM, Garcia
      Garcia A. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2011;69(3):885-92. REVIEWER: Thomas B. Dodson,
      DMD, MPH PURPOSE/QUESTION: To determine the range of information available to
      help surgeons better prepare themselves, their patients, and the auxiliary
      support for orthognathic surgery and transfusion requirements SOURCE OF FUNDING:
      Information not available TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence STRENGTH OF
      RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade C: Consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual
      practice, expert opinion, or case series for studies of diagnosis, treatment,
      prevention, or screening.

PMID- 22078829
TI  - Glycemic control is not related to postextraction healing in patients with
      diabetes.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: The relationship of glycemic control
      to the outcomes of dental extractions. Aronovich S, Skope L, Kelly J, Kyriakides
      T. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010;68:2955-61. REVIEWER: Kaumudi Joshipura, BDS, MS,
      ScD. PURPOSE/QUESTION: To determine whether glycemic control among patients with
      diabetes influences healing after tooth extraction. SOURCE OF FUNDING:
      Information not available. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION
      GRADE: Not applicable.

PMID- 22078830
TI  - Zinc-replacement therapy may not reduce oral pain in patients with zinc-deficient
      burning mouth syndrome (BMS).
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Zinc deficiency may be a cause of
      burning mouth syndrome as zinc replacement therapy has therapeutic effects. Cho
      GS, Han MW, Lee B, Roh J, Choi S, Cho K, et al. J Oral Pathol Med 2010;39(9):722
      7. REVIEWERS: Vinodh Bhoopathi, BDS, MPH, DScD, Ana Karina Mascarenhas, BDS, MPH,
      DrPH PURPOSE/QUESTION: In patients with BMS and low serum zinc levels, does zinc
      replacement therapy reduce pain? Authors using an animal model also attempted to
      demonstrate a causal relationship between BMS and zinc deficiency SOURCE OF
      FUNDING: Information not available TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Randomized controlled
      trial LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence
      STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable.

PMID- 22078831
TI  - Orthognathic surgical treatment may produce improved temporomandibular functional
      status in adults with pretreatment dysfunction.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Factors of importance for the
      functional outcome in orthognathic surgery patients: a prospective study of 118
      patients. Oland J, Jensen J, Melsen B. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010;68:2221-31.
      REVIEWER: Michael D. Martin, DMD, MSD, MPH, MA, PhD. PURPOSE/QUESTION: To examine
      the effect of orthognathic surgery on perceived and clinically assessed
      functional (TMJ-related) status in addition to patients' satisfaction with
      function after treatment. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available. TYPE OF
      STUDY/DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient
      oriented evidence. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable.

PMID- 22078832
TI  - Low-dose doxycycline plus additional therapies may lower systemic inflammation in
      postmenopausal women with periodontitis.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: The effect of subantimicrobial-dose
      doxycycline periodontal therapy on serum biomarkers of systemic inflammation: a
      randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Payne JB, Golub LM,
      Stoner JA, Lee H-M, Reinhardt RA, Sorsa T, Slepian MJ. J Am Dent Assoc
      2011;142;262-73. REVIEWER: Walter A. Bretz, DDS, PhD. PURPOSE/QUESTION: To
      determine whether long-term subantimicrobial-dose-doxycycline (SDD) periodontal
      therapy could reduce serum biomarkers of systemic inflammation and improve lipid
      profiles in postmenopausal women who have systemic osteopenia and chronic
      periodontitis. SOURCE OF FUNDING: NIH/NIDCR grant R01DE012872. TYPE OF
      STUDY/DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited
      quality, patient-oriented evidence. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not
      applicable.

PMID- 22078833
TI  - Female and older adult patients (age >= 21 Years) had slower recovery after third
      molar surgery compared with males and younger adults in a US study.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Recovery after third-molar surgery:
      the effects of age and sex. Phillips C, Gelesko S, Proffit WR, White RP Jr. Am J
      Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;138(6):700.e1-8 REVIEWERS: Poramate Pitak-Arnnop,
      DDS, PGDipClinSc (OMS), MSc, PhD, DSc Niels Christian Pausch, MD, DMD, PhD.
      PURPOSE/QUESTION: To assess the effects of age and gender on quality-of-life
      recovery after third-molar surgery in patients treated in either community
      practices or academic centers. SOURCE OF FUNDING: The Oral and Maxillofacial
      Surgery Foundation, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons,
      and the Dental Foundation of North America. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Cohort study.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence. STRENGTH
      OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable.

PMID- 22078834
TI  - Using toluidine blue as an adjunct to oral visual cancer screening among high
      risk individuals may lead to increased detection of oral submucous fibrosis.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: A community-based RCT for oral
      cancer screening with toluidine blue. Su WW, Yen AM, Chiu SY, Chen TH. J Dent Res
      2010;89(9):933-7. REVIEWER: Mark D. Macek, DDS, DrPH PURPOSE/QUESTION: Does using
      toluidine blue as an adjunctive tool for oral visual cancer screening lead to
      higher detection rates of oral premalignant lesions among high-risk populations?
      SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Randomized
      controlled trial LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented
      evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable.

PMID- 22078835
TI  - Computer-aided designed/computer-assisted manufactured (CAD/CAM) all-ceramic
      crowns appear to perform better than all-composite resin crowns following the
      first 3 years of placement.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Computer-aided designed/computer
      assisted manufactured composite resin versus ceramic single-tooth restorations: a
      3-year clinical study. Vanoorbeek S, Vandamme K, Lijnen I, Naert I. Int J
      Prosthodont 2010;23(3):223-30. REVIEWER: J. Robert Kelly, DDS, MS, DMedSc
      PURPOSE/QUESTION: To ascertain the 3-year success and survival rates of all
      composite resin and all-ceramic single-tooth restorations manufactured with a
      CAD/CAM system SOURCE OF FUNDING: GC Corporation Europe and UNI-DENT University
      Hospitals Dental Laboratories, Leuven, Belgium, provided some support for this
      study TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Cohort study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited
      quality, patient-oriented evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not
      applicable.

PMID- 22078836
TI  - Flapless dental implant surgery may improve hard and soft tissue outcomes.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: A 1-year prospective clinical study
      of soft tissue conditions and marginal bone changes around dental implants after
      flapless implant surgery. Jeong S-M, Choi B-H, Kim J, Xuan F, Lee D-H, Mo DY, et
      al. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;111:41-6. REVIEWER:
      Richard Oliver, BDS, BSc, PhD, FDSRCPS, FDS(OS)RCPS PURPOSE/QUESTION: To evaluate
      the soft tissue and marginal bone levels after 1 year around dental implants
      placed using flapless surgery SOURCE OF FUNDING: Korea Science and Engineering
      Foundation (KOSEF) funded by the Korean Government TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Case
      series LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3: Other evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION
      GRADE: Grade C: Consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert
      opinion, or case series for studies of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or
      screening.

PMID- 22078837
TI  - High PCR copy-counts of periodontal pathogens in saliva are associated with
      periodontal disease status.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Salivary infectious agents and
      periodontal disease status. Saygun I, Nizam SI, Keskiner N, Bal V, Kubar A,
      Acikel C, et al. J Periodont Res 2011:46:235-9. REVIEWER: Paul I. Eke, PhD, MPH,
      PhD. PURPOSE/QUESTION: To determine if salivary counts of 6 periodontal pathogens
      and Epstein-Barr virus could distinguish between persons with periodontal health,
      gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis. SOURCE OF
      FUNDING: Information not available. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Cross-sectional study
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3: Other evidence. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not
      applicable.

PMID- 22078838
TI  - Child abuse pediatrics: research, policy and practice.

PMID- 22078839
TI  - Promoting equity through primary care and health services research: honoring the
      legacy of Dr. Barbara Starfield.

PMID- 22078840
TI  - The only person in the room who looks like me.

PMID- 22078841
TI  - Augmented home exercise program for a 37-year-old female with a clinical
      presentation of femoroacetabular impingement.
AB  - Previous researchers have reported on the use of augmented home exercise programs
      with potential carry-over effects from manual therapy treatment. While there is
      no direct evidence to support augmented manual therapy, tangential evidence
      demonstrates that specific, supervised, and adherent exercises result in improved
      outcomes. The purpose of this case report is to describe an augmented home
      program simulating the manual techniques provided by the therapist. A 37-year-old
      female presented with symptoms and signs consistent with femoroacetabular
      impingement (FAI). Grade III lateral and inferior femoral glides decreased
      reported pain from 5/10 to 0/10. Given the immediate response to hip
      mobilizations, the patient was prescribed standing lateral glides and supine
      inferior glides of the hip with the use of a belt. During this time, the
      patient's Lower Extremity Functional Scale score improved from 74 to 78 and she
      reported increased ability to self-manage her symptoms. The immediate report of
      decreased pain helped determine the specific home program selected for this
      individual patient. This case highlights the importance of a specific augmented
      home exercise program unique to the individual patient resulting in self
      management of pain associated with FAI.

PMID- 22078842
TI  - Segmentation of 3D radio frequency echocardiography using a spatio-temporal
      predictor.
AB  - This paper presents an algorithm for segmenting left ventricular endocardial
      boundaries from RF ultrasound. Our method incorporates a computationally
      efficient linear predictor that exploits short-term spatio-temporal coherence in
      the RF data. Segmentation is achieved jointly using an independent identically
      distributed (i.i.d.) spatial model for RF intensity and a multiframe conditional
      model that relates neighboring frames in the image sequence. Segmentation using
      the RF data overcomes challenges due to image inhomogeneities often amplified in
      B-mode segmentation and provides geometric constraints for RF phase-based speckle
      tracking. The incorporation of multiple frames in the conditional model
      significantly increases the robustness and accuracy of the algorithm. Results are
      generated using between 2 and 5 frames of RF data for each segmentation and are
      validated by comparison with manual tracings and automated B-mode boundary
      detection using standard (Chan and Vese-based) level sets on echocardiographic
      images from 27 3D sequences acquired from six canine studies.

PMID- 22078843
TI  - Characterization of compounds and potential neuraminidase inhibitors from the n
      butanol extract of Compound Indigowoad Root Granule using ultrafiltration and
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods were used
      to identify the pharmacologically active n-butanol extract from Compound
      Indigowoad Root Granule. As a result, eighteen compounds belonging to various
      structural classes such as nucleosides, purines, flavonoids and amino acid were
      unambiguously identified. Then an in vitro neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay
      was carried out to examine the inhibitory activity of the standard samples and
      extracts on NA. After which, ultrafiltration liquid chromatography with
      photodiode array detection coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass
      spectrometry (ultrafiltration LC-MS/MS) was used to study NA inhibitory activity
      of standard flavones and n-butanol extract of Compound Indigowoad Root Granule.
      This method is highly selective and sensitive, and it could be used for
      characterization of bioactive compounds and botanical extracts. The result
      provides some enlightenment for the explanation of the antiviral activity of
      Compound Indigowoad Root Granule and some guidance for natural anti-influenza
      medicine development.

PMID- 22078844
TI  - Simultaneous detection of multiple mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor
      based on fluorescence quenching of quantum dots.
AB  - We have developed a simultaneous detection method for two common mutations in the
      epidermal growth factor receptor gene based on the fluorescence quenching
      phenomenon caused by aggregation of CdSe quantum dots. For detection of the in
      frame deletion in exon 19 and the L858R point mutation in exon 21, water-soluble
      CdSe quantum dots with two sizes were functionalized using four different types
      of probe oligonucleotides. Addition of target oligonucleotides with the deletion
      mutation in exon 19 into the suspensions caused crosslinking-induced aggregation
      of green-emitting quantum dots, followed by the fluorescence quenching while that
      with the L858R point mutation resulted in aggregation of yellow-emitting quantum
      dots. In addition, targets with both deletion and point mutations caused
      aggregation of both green- and yellow-emitting quantum dots. This method allows a
      simultaneous detection of mutations in exon 19 and 21 of EGFR gene in a single
      experiment. We found that minimum mutant concentration that could be detected by
      this method was as low as 2% for deletion mutation, and 5% for point mutation.
      PCR products of EGFR gene were also used to confirm that our method could be used
      to detect mutation in amplified DNA fragments.

PMID- 22078845
TI  - A novel combined thermometric and amperometric biosensor for lactose
      determination based on immobilised cellobiose dehydrogenase.
AB  - A novel method for lactose determination in milk is proposed. It is based on
      oxidation of lactose by cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from the basidiomycete
      Phanerochaete chrysosporium, immobilised in an enzyme reactor. The reactor was
      prepared by cross-linking CDH onto aminopropyl-silanised controlled pore glass
      (CPG) beads using glutaraldehyde. The combined biosensor worked in flow injection
      analysis (FIA) mode and was developed for simultaneous monitoring of the
      thermometric signal associated with the enzymatic oxidation of lactose using p
      benzoquinone as electron acceptor and the electrochemically generated current
      associated with the oxidation of the hydroquinone formed. A highly reproducible
      linear response for lactose was obtained between 0.05 mM and 30 mM. For a set of
      more than 500 samples an R.S.D. of less than 10% was achieved. The assay time was
      ca. 2 min per sample. The sensor was applied for the determination of lactose in
      dairy milk samples (milk with a fat content of 1.5% or 3% and also "lactose free"
      milk). No sample preparation except dilution with buffer was needed. The proposed
      method is rapid, suitable for repeated use and allows the possibility to compare
      results from two different detection methods, thus providing a built-in quality
      assurance. Some differences in the response observed between the methods indicate
      that the dual approach can be useful in mechanistic studies of redox enzymes. In
      addition, a dual system opens up interesting possibilities for studies of enzyme
      properties and mechanisms.

PMID- 22078846
TI  - Treating anemia associated with chronic renal failure with erythropoiesis
      stimulators: recombinant human erythropoietin might be the best among the
      available choices.
AB  - Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a widespread medical problem commonly accompanied
      by a hypoproliferative anemia ("renal anemia") due to erythropoietin deficiency.
      Anemia greatly contributes to reduced quality of life (Hr-QoL) and high morbidity
      and mortality in CRF patients. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHu-Epo) was
      introduced to medical practice some 20years ago. It enables correction of anemia
      (hemoglobin levels, Hb) with dramatic immediate (Hr-QoL improvement) and long
      term effects (reduced morbidity and mortality). Newer experimental data suggest
      that long-term benefits could be due not only to antianemic effect, but also to a
      direct organoprotective effect of (rHu)-Epo mediated through a receptor complex
      different from the "erythropoietic" erythropoietin receptor. During the last
      decade, two alternative treatments for renal anemia have been approved:
      darbepoetin and CERA. Both are direct agonists of the "erythropoietic" receptors
      and both were derived from rHu-Epo. Molecularly, they differ from rHu-Epo in that
      they are much larger molecules (darbepoetin is genetically modified rHu-Epo with
      a higher sugar content and CERA is pegylated rHu-Epo) with lower affinity for the
      erythropoietin receptor but with a longer circulating time. In terms of renal
      anemia correction, they are non-inferior to rHu-Epo and allow for less frequent
      dosing. They have never been compared to rHu-Epo regarding the long-term
      outcomes. It is hypothesized that regarding the long-term outcomes (morbidity,
      mortality), rHu-Epo might be superior to those larger molecules. The hypothesis
      is based on two types of observations. First, experimental data emphasize the
      role of small, erythropoietically less valuable rHu-Epo isoforms in its
      organoprotective effects. Second, clinical observations suggest that rHu-Epo
      enables for less variable Hb correction than the larger molecules, and pronounced
      within-subject Hb variability has been suggested as an independent predictor of
      poor long-term outcomes of renal anemia management.

PMID- 22078847
TI  - Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the nasal cavity mimicking juvenile angiofibroma.
AB  - Juvenile angiofibroma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and lymphoepithelial
      carcinoma of the nasal cavity (LEC NC) all could be found as a hyper-vascular
      mass in the nasopharynx area. Performing biopsy for histopathologic confirmation
      is necessary in the case of NPC or LEC NC but could be fatal in the case of
      angiofibroma. In our case, a 21-year-old male who was suffering from unilateral
      nasal stuffiness and frequent epistaxis had a mass with an easily bleeding
      tendency in his right nasal cavity. Juvenile angiofibroma was suspected by
      clinical and radiologic examinations. We performed preoperative angiography and
      the feeding vessel from the right internal maxillary artery was obliterated with
      polyvinyl alcohol nanoparticle. The mass was completely removed endoscopically,
      and there was profound hemorrhage in spite of the preoperative embolization. The
      mass turned out to be LEC NC by postoperative histopathologic examination. To
      avoid this misdiagnosis, the authors suggest that we should perform biopsy under
      rigid endoscopy 24h after angiographic embolization. If the result of frozen
      biopsy is juvenile angiofibroma, we could perform surgery another 24h later. If
      the result is nasopharyngeal carcinoma or LEC NC, we could avoid unnecessary
      surgical removal and perform radiotherapy. In terms of treatment strategies, we
      suggest endoscopic removal of gross tumor and postoperative combination of
      chemoradiotherapy as the more curative regimen with less complications related
      with radiotherapy.

PMID- 22078848
TI  - A huge chondromyxoid fibroma of the nasal cavity in a newborn baby.
AB  - Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare benign tumor that usually occurs in the long
      bones. A 2-month newborn presented with huge masses in the both nasal cavities,
      which turned out to be chondromyxoid fibroma. The masses originated from both
      inferior turbinates. Total turbinectomy on the left side and submucosal mass
      excision on the right side were performed. No recurrence or new lesion was
      observed during the 2 years of follow up. We report here on a rare case of nasal
      cavity chondromyxoid fibroma in a neonate and we review the relevant literature.

PMID- 22078850
TI  - Rotation vectors of slow and quick phase of caloric nystagmus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the rotation axes of the
      slow and quick phase of the caloric nystagmus using the video-oculographic
      technique. METHODS: Subjects were placed in a supine position and cold-water
      stimulation was applied to the right ear canal. The eye movements were recorded
      in complete darkness by a high-speed infrared CCD camera. The sampling time of
      the camera was 132Hz with 640*480 effective pixels. RESULTS: The rotation vectors
      were calculated from the printed-out chart of the 3D analysis data of the caloric
      nystagmus. The directions of the rotation vector of the quick phase of the
      nystagmus were almost opposite to those of the slow phase. The average planer
      equations of the slow and quick phase of the nystagmus in all subjects were
      0.399x+0.1477y-0.8656z=0 and -0.3970x-0.1940y+0.8559z=0, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the slow phase and quick phase of the vestibular
      nystagmus are along with the same axes in human subjects.

PMID- 22078849
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with eosinophilic
      infiltration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with eosinophilic infiltration is a type
      of intractable rhinosinusitis often associated with asthma. The oxidants are well
      known to induce aggravate asthma. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective
      enzyme against oxidant, has been extensively studied in airway diseases. However,
      no study that observed HO-1 in both epithelial and subepithelial tissues of CRS
      has been reported. METHODS: Part of each specimen derived from the nasal polyps
      of CRS with and without eosinophilic infiltration was promptly fixed for
      hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis for HO-1 and
      macrophages. RESULTS: We found that the expression of HO-1 in the epithelial
      layers of CRS without eosinophilic infiltration was significantly enhanced as
      compared with that of CRS with eosinophilic infiltration. On the other hand, the
      number of macrophages with HO-1 positive reactions was significantly greater in
      CRS with eosinophilic infiltration compared with CRS without eosinophilic
      infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that both a reduction of HO-1
      expression in epithelial cells and an increase of infiltration of macrophages
      positive for HO-1 are related to the epithelial damage of CRS with eosinophilic
      infiltration.

PMID- 22078851
TI  - Efficacy and safety of garenoxacin in the treatment of upper respiratory tract
      infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of garenoxacin, a new generation
      of quinolone antimicrobial agent, in the treatment of adult upper respiratory
      tract infections. METHODS: A total of 113 subjects were enrolled in this study.
      Garenoxacin (400mg/day) was administered to patients with pharyngolaryngitis,
      tonsillitis, and otitis media for 5-7 days and to those with sinusitis for 7-10
      days. Clinical symptoms and findings were examined and quantitatively evaluated
      using a scoring system. RESULTS: We found 80 to 100% improvement rate in symptoms
      and findings for each infection. In addition, we found significant improvement in
      subjective evaluations from patient questionnaires even in the early stage of the
      treatment. X-ray examination for acute sinusitis demonstrated that the clinical
      efficacy was 84% (27/32) and 76% (19/25) patients were already improved within
      seven days. Among the detected 84 bacteria, 75 (89%) were identified as the major
      pathogenic bacteria of respiratory tract infections such as Streptococcus
      pneumoniae (27 strains) and Haemophillus influenzae (14 strains). Garenoxacin
      administration completely eradicated bacteria in 53 out of 54 cases (98%). There
      were 8 adverse events (8.3%) including 3 diarrhea cases (3.1%). CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that garenoxacin is a highly effective and safe antimicrobial
      agent in the treatment of community-acquired upper respiratory infections.
      Additionally, garenoxacin did not induce the growth of resistant bacteria because
      of its strong antimicrobial activity.

PMID- 22078853
TI  - Reply to "A critical review of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2
      trials in spinal surgery: emerging safety concerns and lessons learned".

PMID- 22078854
TI  - Comparison of stent free cell area and cerebral lesions after unprotected carotid
      artery stent placement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the correlation between closed, semi-closed and
      open-cell stent design and the association between stent type and clinical
      outcome as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. DESIGN: A total of
      194 patients who underwent unprotected carotid artery stenting (CAS) as well as
      diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) before and after
      intervention were retrospectively reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three stent
      designs were studied: closed cell, semi-closed cell and open cell. Spearman's Rho
      test was performed between the stent free cell area and the number and area of
      ischaemic lesions found after intervention. Adverse events were evaluated.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between the
      three stent groups (Zilver, Cook Europe, Denmark; Smart, Codman, MA; and
      Wallstent, Stryker, MN, USA). A significant correlation was found between the
      stent free cell area and the number and area of new ischaemic lesions on DW-MRI
      (P = 0.023). There were significantly fewer new lesions with an open-cell design
      (Zilver; 12.76 mm(2) free cell area) than with a closed-cell design (Wallstent;
      1.08 mm(2) free cell area). CONCLUSIONS: Open-cell stent was related to a lower
      number and area of silent cerebral ischaemic lesions after unprotected CAS.
      However, clinical outcome, measured by incidence of adverse events and clinical
      neurologic assessment, was not significantly different between patients with
      different stent designs.

PMID- 22078855
TI  - Bedside detection of awareness in the vegetative state: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed as vegetative have periods of wakefulness, but
      seem to be unaware of themselves or their environment. Although functional MRI
      (fMRI) studies have shown that some of these patients are consciously aware,
      issues of expense and accessibility preclude the use of fMRI assessment in most
      of these individuals. We aimed to assess bedside detection of awareness with an
      electroencephalography (EEG) technique in patients in the vegetative state.
      METHODS: This study was undertaken at two European centres. We recruited patients
      with traumatic brain injury and non-traumatic brain injury who met the Coma
      Recovery Scale-Revised definition of vegetative state. We developed a novel EEG
      task involving motor imagery to detect command-following--a universally accepted
      clinical indicator of awareness--in the absence of overt behaviour. Patients
      completed the task in which they were required to imagine movements of their
      right-hand and toes to command. We analysed the command-specific EEG responses of
      each patient for robust evidence of appropriate, consistent, and statistically
      reliable markers of motor imagery, similar to those noted in healthy, conscious
      controls. FINDINGS: We assessed 16 patients diagnosed in the vegetative state,
      and 12 healthy controls. Three (19%) of 16 patients could repeatedly and reliably
      generate appropriate EEG responses to two distinct commands, despite being
      behaviourally entirely unresponsive (classification accuracy 61-78%). We noted no
      significant relation between patients' clinical histories (age, time since
      injury, cause, and behavioural score) and their ability to follow commands. When
      separated according to cause, two (20%) of the five traumatic and one (9%) of the
      11 non-traumatic patients were able to successfully complete this task.
      INTERPRETATION: Despite rigorous clinical assessment, many patients in the
      vegetative state are misdiagnosed. The EEG method that we developed is cheap,
      portable, widely available, and objective. It could allow the widespread use of
      this bedside technique for the rediagnosis of patients who behaviourally seem to
      be entirely vegetative, but who might have residual cognitive function and
      conscious awareness. FUNDING: Medical Research Council, James S McDonnell
      Foundation, Canada Excellence Research Chairs Program, European Commission, Fonds
      de la Recherche Scientifique, Mind Science Foundation, Belgian French-Speaking
      Community Concerted Research Action, University Hospital of Liege, University of
      Liege.

PMID- 22078856
TI  - Measurements of consciousness in the vegetative state.

PMID- 22078857
TI  - [Case 42. Multifocal facial and orbital lymphoma].

PMID- 22078858
TI  - [Case 48. Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with an isolated reversible lesion of
      the corpus callosum splenium].

PMID- 22078859
TI  - [Case 50. Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica].

PMID- 22078860
TI  - [Case 41].

PMID- 22078861
TI  - NMR field-cycling at ultralow magnetic fields.
AB  - The paper describes some significant technical improvements of a home built NMR
      field cycling relaxometer [O. Lips, A. Privalov, S. Dvinskikh, F. Fujara, J.
      Magn. Reson. 149 (2001) 22-28] now allowing for fast switching of polarization
      fields (up to more than 1T) to evolution fields down to the sub-MUT range. The
      most important instrumental details such as the description of an involved 3
      dimensional resistive coil setup are given. Fields below about 5 MUT can only be
      stabilized by incorporation of an active field drift and fluctuation compensation
      tool. In this way, the smallest 1H Larmor frequency obtained and measured so far
      has been 12 Hz.

PMID- 22078862
TI  - Medication errors during patient transitions into nursing homes: characteristics
      and association with patient harm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients transitioning to a nursing home from their home or other
      facility are at high risk for medication errors. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to
      describe characteristics of medication errors occurring during transitions to
      nursing homes, to compare characteristics of transition errors with errors not
      involving a transition, and to evaluate the impact of these errors on patient
      harm. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of individual medication error
      incidents reported by North Carolina nursing homes to the Medication Error
      Quality Initiative during fiscal years 2007 through 2009. Bivariate associations
      between errors in transition with patient factors, error-related factors,
      reported causes of errors, and impact on patients were tested using a chi(2)
      test. Multivariate logistic regression explored whether medication errors during
      transitions were more harmful than errors not occurring during transitions.
      Patient-related factors included in the model were age, sex, and cognitive
      ability. Error-related factors were primary type of error, process phase when
      error began, primary personnel involved, and an indicator for repeat error.
      RESULTS: A total of 27,759 individual medication error incidents were reported
      over a 3-year period in North Carolina nursing homes. Of these errors, 2919
      incidents (11%) involved a patient transitioning to a nursing home. Errors
      involved in transitions were found to have higher odds of patient harm compared
      with errors not involved in transitions (odds ratio = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.30-2.63).
      Staff communication, order transcription, medication availability, pharmacy
      issues, and name confusion were particularly important contributors to medication
      errors during transitions (P < 0.05 for comparison with nontransition errors).
      CONCLUSIONS: Transitions across care settings introduce risk for patient harm,
      and medication errors are an important area for improvement during transitions.

PMID- 22078863
TI  - Potentially harmful drug-drug interactions in the elderly: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are vulnerable to drug interactions because of age
      related physiologic changes, an increased risk for disease associated with aging,
      and the consequent increase in medication use. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      narrative review was to describe findings from rigorously designed observational
      cohort and case-control studies that have assessed specific drug interactions in
      elderly patients. METHODS: The PubMed and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts
      databases were searched for studies published in English over the past 10 years
      (December 2000-December 2010) using relevant Medical Subject Headings terms
      (aged; aged, 80 and over; and drug interactions) and search terms (drug
      interaction and elderly). Search strategies were saved and repeated through
      September 2011 to ensure that the most recent relevant published articles were
      identified. Additional articles were found using a search of review articles and
      reference lists of the identified studies. Studies were included if they were
      observational cohort or case-control studies that reported specific adverse drug
      interactions, included patients aged >=65 years, and evaluated clinically
      meaningful end points. Studies were excluded if they used less rigorous
      observational designs, assessed pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties,
      evaluated drug-nutrient or drug-disease interactions or interactions of drug
      combinations used for therapeutic benefit (eg, dual antiplatelet therapy), or had
      inconclusive evidence. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria.
      Sixteen studies reported an elevated risk for hospitalization in older adults
      associated with adverse drug interactions. The drug interactions included:
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics,
      ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and
      sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, benzodiazepines or zolpidem and interacting
      medications, calcium channel blockers and macrolide antibiotics, digoxin and
      macrolide antibiotics, lithium and loop diuretics or ACE inhibitors, phenytoin
      and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, sulfonylureas and antimicrobial agents,
      theophylline and ciprofloxacin, and warfarin and antimicrobial agents or
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. One study reported the risk for breast
      cancer-related death as a function of paroxetine exposure among women treated
      with tamoxifen. CONCLUSIONS: Several population-based studies have reported
      significant harm associated drug interactions in elderly patients. Increased
      awareness and interventions aimed at reducing exposure and minimizing the risks
      associated with potentially harmful drug combinations are needed.

PMID- 22078864
TI  - [Therapeutic hypothermia after pediatric cardiac arrest].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves neurological outcome in
      adults after ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest and in neonates with hypoxic
      ischemic encephalopathy. The effect of TH in children is under investigation.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of a pilot program of
      TH in pediatric cardiac arrest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study in a
      pediatric intensive care unit. An external cooling method with a servo system was
      used on all patients according to an established protocol. Values expressed as
      median (IQ range). RESULTS: Six patients were included, of whom 5 had an out of
      hospital cardiac arrest. The mean age was 33 months (16-120) and Glasgow coma
      scale 6 (4-7). The T degrees  prior to the induction of TH was 39.2 degrees  C
      (39.1-39.4). The median T degrees  used was 34.0 degrees  C (33.5-34.8 degrees 
      C), which was reached in 4h. (3-7) after the start and maintained for 48h. (45
      54). The rewarming was carried out over a period of 14h. (12-16). Hypokalemia was
      the most common adverse event found. Five patients survived to hospital discharge
      with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13 (11-14). At 6 months follow up the Pediatric
      Cerebral Performance Category score was <= 2 in three patients. CONCLUSION: In
      this pilot study, the use of mild therapeutic hypothermia with a protocol that
      included rapid sequence induction with an external surface cooling technique was
      feasible, effective and safe in children with cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22078865
TI  - Dissecting the journey: nursing student experiences with collaboration during the
      group work process.
AB  - Since the outset of nursing care, group work processes have evolved into
      essential components of a nurse's role and responsibilities within the health
      care system. To reflect this trend, group work is often utilized as a medium to
      promote professional socialization in undergraduate nursing curricula. The
      purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the ways undergraduate nursing
      students experience collaboration during group work activities. Braun and
      Clarke's (2006) theoretical thematic analysis combined with Pollio et al.'s
      (2006) interpretive framework was utilized to capture the students' lived
      experiences regarding group work. The participants of this study consisted of 96
      undergraduate students enrolled in a nursing program in Canada. Written
      descriptions of their perceptions of their group work practices were analyzed to
      determine the extent to which these adhere to the collaborative practice
      essential elements (Jones and Way, 2006). Analysis of the results revealed an
      unexpected element of collaboration that of the psychosocial element in group
      work. The results from this study expose advantages and disadvantages of group
      work processes during group work in nursing education. This type of insight is
      valuable for educators to prepare nursing students for the complex demands of
      working with interdisciplinary teams.

PMID- 22078866
TI  - Student nurses' perceptions of how they learn drug calculation skills.
AB  - AIMS AND OUTCOMES: This study explored the area of learning styles in relation to
      drug calculations. Student nurses' perceptions of how they learn drug calculation
      skills were investigated in order to inform future teaching and learning
      strategies. METHODOLOGY: A semi-structured questionnaire was given to 67 student
      nurses to explore their perceptions of teaching and learning strategies
      implemented during a 2nd year nursing module. The results were analysed using
      descriptive statistics and grounded theory. RESULTS: From this analysis three
      main themes emerged; students being able to measure their skills and gain
      feedback about their progress; being able to learn in their 'own way' and being
      given opportunities for this to happen; and being focussed on the goal of being
      able to calculate drugs in the 'real world'. The implications of these findings
      are explored in relation to nurse education.

PMID- 22078867
TI  - Staff and students' perceptions and experiences of teaching and assessment in
      Clinical Skills Laboratories: interview findings from a multiple case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Clinical Skills Laboratory has become an essential structure in
      nurse education and several benefits of its use have been identified. However,
      the literature identifies the need to examine the transferability of skills
      learned there into the reality of practice. OBJECTIVE: This research explored the
      role of the Clinical Skills Laboratory in preparing nursing students for the real
      world of practice. This paper focuses specifically on the perceptions of the
      teaching and assessment strategies employed there. DESIGN: Qualitative multiple
      case study design. SETTING: Five case study sites. PARTICIPANTS: Interviewees
      (n=58) included academic staff, clinical staff and nursing students. METHODS:
      Semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The Clinical Skills Laboratory can provide a
      pathway to practice and its authenticity is significant. Teaching strategies need
      to incorporate communication as well as psychomotor skills. Including audio
      visual recording into assessment strategies is beneficial. Effective
      relationships between education institutions and clinical settings are needed to
      enhance the transferability of the skills learned. CONCLUSIONS: The Clinical
      Skills Laboratory should provide an authentic learning environment, with the
      appropriate use of teaching strategies. It is crucial that effective links
      between educators and clinical staff are established and maintained.

PMID- 22078868
TI  - Co-existence of multiple strains of porcine circovirus type 2 in the same pig
      from China.
AB  - Pigs are often co-infected by different viral strains from the same virus. Up to
      now, there are few reports about co-existence of different porcine circovirus
      type 2 (PCV2) strains in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate it in
      Chinese swine herds. 118 PCV2 positive DNAs isolated from diseased pigs
      identified by classic PCR were re-detected using a modified differential PCR
      assay. The results indicated that co-existence rates of PCV2 were 32.2% (38/118)
      in diseased pigs and 0% (0/41) in asymptomatic pigs. Four PCV2 complete genomes
      were cloned from two co-infected samples and their nucleotide (nt) identities
      were 95%-97.3%. The phylogenetic analysis showed that four PCV2 strains were
      divided into different genotypes, PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2d and PCV2e, respectively. In
      addition, co-existence were not detected in 41 serum samples from healthy pigs
      but PCV2 single infection (31.7%, 13/41) existed. These data revealed that the co
      existence of different strains of PCV2 might contribute to the development of
      more severe clinical symptoms for pigs. This is the first report confirming the
      co-existence of different PCV2 strains in Chinese swine herds. Meanwhile, this
      study could help us to understand new infection and prevalence forms of PCV2
      clinically.

PMID- 22078869
TI  - Options on fertility preservation in female cancer patients.
AB  - Infertility following treatment of cancer is a quality of survival's recognized
      issue and efforts should be made to help young cancer patients retaining their
      fertility potential. Options to preserve fertility in female patients include
      well established methods such as shielding to reduce radiation damage to
      reproductive organs, fertility-sparing surgery and emergency in vitro
      fertilization after controlled ovarian stimulation, aiming at freezing embryos.
      Transfer of frozen/thawed embryos today is a clinical routine in fertility
      clinics worldwide and it has been used for over 25 years. Mature oocytes after
      ovarian stimulation can also be frozen unfertilized, nevertheless overall
      pregnancy rates after fertilization of frozen-thawn oocytes are still relatively
      lower than those with embryo freezing. Remaining fertility preservation options
      are still in development and include the freezing of immature oocytes aiming at
      later in vitro maturing and fertilizing them and the cryopreservation of ovarian
      tissue for future retransplantation or for in vitro growth and maturation of
      follicles, both still experimental.

PMID- 22078870
TI  - Altered expression of neuropeptides in the primary somatosensory cortex of the
      Down syndrome model Ts65Dn.
AB  - Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder associated with mental
      retardation. Subjects and mice models for Down syndrome (such as Ts65Dn) show
      defects in the formation of neuronal networks in both the hippocampus and the
      cerebral cortex. The principal neurons display alterations in the morphology,
      density and distribution of dendritic spines in the cortex as well as in the
      hippocampus. Several evidences point to the possibility that the atrophy observed
      in principal neurons could be mediated by changes in their inhibitory inputs and,
      in fact, an imbalance between excitation and inhibition has been observed in
      Ts65Dn mice in these regions, which are crucial for learning and information
      processing. These animals have an increased density of interneurons in the
      primary somatosensory cortex, especially of those expressing calretinin and
      calbindin D-28k. Here, we have analysed the expression and distribution of
      several neuropeptides in the primary somatosensory cortex of Ts65Dn mice in order
      to investigate whether these subpopulations of interneurons are affected. We have
      observed an increase in the total density of somatostatin expressing interneurons
      and of those expressing VIP in layer IV in Ts65Dn mice. The typology of the
      somatostatin and VIP interneurons was unaltered as attested by the pattern of co
      expression with other markers. Somatostatin immunoreactive neurons co-express
      mainly D-28k calbindin and VIP expressing interneurons maintain its pattern of co
      expression with calcium binding proteins. These alterations, in case they were
      also present in subjects with Down syndrome, could be related to their impairment
      in cognitive profile and could be involved in the neurological defects observed
      in this disorder.

PMID- 22078871
TI  - Derepressing nuclear receptors for metabolic adaptation.
AB  - NCoR is a corepressor of several transcription factors, including the PPAR family
      of nuclear receptors in fat and muscle. By specifically deleting NCoR in these
      tissues, Li et al. and Yamamoto et al. now uncover an important role for NCoR in
      regulating lipid homeostasis through the coordinated control of different nuclear
      receptors.

PMID- 22078872
TI  - New driver for lipid synthesis.
AB  - Cholesterol regulates activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein
      (SREBP) through a classic feedback loop. Walker et al. (2011) extend the
      regulatory inputs governing SREBP activity to include an independent loop
      modulated by phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cellular methylation capacity. These
      findings suggest a link between lipid synthesis and cellular pathways involved in
      methylation.

PMID- 22078873
TI  - PINK1 and Parkin flag Miro to direct mitochondrial traffic.
AB  - The Parkinson's disease proteins PINK1 and Parkin are proposed guardians of
      mitochondrial fidelity, targeting damaged mitochondria for degradation by
      mitophagy. In this issue of Cell, Wang et al. (2011) now show that PINK1 and
      Parkin also regulate mitochondrial trafficking and quarantine damaged
      mitochondria by severing their connection to the microtubule network.

PMID- 22078874
TI  - Feedback on fat: p62-mTORC1-autophagy connections.
AB  - Metabolic homeostasis requires integration of multiple signals and cellular
      activities. Without this integration, conditions of obesity and diabetes often
      develop. Recent in vivo studies explore the molecular basis for metabolic
      homestasis, showing that p62 links autophagy and mTORC1 activation to regulate
      adipogenesis and energy control.

PMID- 22078875
TI  - Autophagy: renovation of cells and tissues.
AB  - Autophagy is the major intracellular degradation system by which cytoplasmic
      materials are delivered to and degraded in the lysosome. However, the purpose of
      autophagy is not the simple elimination of materials, but instead, autophagy
      serves as a dynamic recycling system that produces new building blocks and energy
      for cellular renovation and homeostasis. Here we provide a multidisciplinary
      review of our current understanding of autophagy's role in metabolic adaptation,
      intracellular quality control, and renovation during development and
      differentiation. We also explore how recent mouse models in combination with
      advances in human genetics are providing key insights into how the impairment or
      activation of autophagy contributes to pathogenesis of diverse diseases, from
      neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease to inflammatory disorders
      such as Crohn disease.

PMID- 22078877
TI  - The Hippo transducer TAZ confers cancer stem cell-related traits on breast cancer
      cells.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to drive tumor initiation and progression.
      Yet, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie CSC
      properties is limited. Here we show that the activity of TAZ, a transducer of the
      Hippo pathway, is required to sustain self-renewal and tumor-initiation
      capacities in breast CSCs. TAZ protein levels and activity are elevated in
      prospective CSCs and in poorly differentiated human tumors and have prognostic
      value. Gain of TAZ endows self-renewal capacity to non-CSCs. In epithelial cells,
      TAZ forms a complex with the cell-polarity determinant Scribble, and loss of
      Scribble--or induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)--disrupts
      the inhibitory association of TAZ with the core Hippo kinases MST and LATS. This
      study links the CSC concept to the Hippo pathway in breast cancer and reveals a
      mechanistic basis of the control of Hippo kinases by cell polarity.

PMID- 22078876
TI  - Programmed cell death in animal development and disease.
AB  - Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a fundamental role in animal development and
      tissue homeostasis. Abnormal regulation of this process is associated with a wide
      variety of human diseases, including immunological and developmental disorders,
      neurodegeneration, and cancer. Here, we provide a brief historical overview of
      the field and reflect on the regulation, roles, and modes of PCD during animal
      development. We also discuss the function and regulation of apoptotic proteins,
      including caspases, the key executioners of apoptosis, and review the nonlethal
      functions of these proteins in diverse developmental processes, such as cell
      differentiation and tissue remodeling. Finally, we explore a growing body of work
      about the connections between apoptosis, stem cells, and cancer, focusing on how
      apoptotic cells release a variety of signals to communicate with their cellular
      environment, including factors that promote cell division, tissue regeneration,
      and wound healing.

PMID- 22078879
TI  - A quantitative model for ordered Cdk substrate dephosphorylation during mitotic
      exit.
AB  - After sister chromatid splitting at anaphase onset, exit from mitosis comprises
      an ordered series of events. Dephosphorylation of numerous mitotic substrates,
      which were phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk), is thought to bring
      about mitotic exit, but how temporal ordering of mitotic exit events is achieved
      is poorly understood. Here, we show, using budding yeast, that dephosphorylation
      of Cdk substrates involved in sequential mitotic exit events occurs with ordered
      timing. We test different models of how ordering might be achieved by modulating
      Cdk and Cdk-counteracting phosphatase Cdc14 activities in vivo, as well as by
      kinetic analysis of Cdk substrate phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in vitro.
      Our results suggest that the gradual change of the phosphatase to kinase ratio
      over the course of mitotic exit is read out by Cdk substrates that respond by
      dephosphorylation at distinct thresholds. This provides an example and a
      mechanistic explanation for a quantitative model of cell-cycle progression.

PMID- 22078878
TI  - ncRNA- and Pc2 methylation-dependent gene relocation between nuclear structures
      mediates gene activation programs.
AB  - Although eukaryotic nuclei contain distinct architectural structures associated
      with noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), their potential relationship to regulated
      transcriptional programs remains poorly understood. Here, we report that
      methylation/demethylation of Polycomb 2 protein (Pc2) controls relocation of
      growth-control genes between Polycomb bodies (PcGs) and interchromatin granules
      (ICGs) in response to growth signals. This movement is the consequence of binding
      of methylated and unmethylated Pc2 to the ncRNAs TUG1 and MALAT1/NEAT2, located
      in PcGs and ICGs, respectively. These ncRNAs mediate assembly of multiple
      corepressors/coactivators and can serve to switch mark recognition by "readers"
      of the histone code. Additionally, binding of NEAT2 to unmethylated Pc2 promotes
      E2F1 SUMOylation, leading to activation of the growth-control gene program. These
      observations delineate a molecular pathway linking the actions of subnuclear
      structure-specific ncRNAs and nonhistone protein methylation to relocation of
      transcription units in the three-dimensional space of the nucleus, thus achieving
      coordinated gene expression programs.

PMID- 22078880
TI  - Adipocyte NCoR knockout decreases PPARgamma phosphorylation and enhances
      PPARgamma activity and insulin sensitivity.
AB  - Insulin resistance, tissue inflammation, and adipose tissue dysfunction are
      features of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. We generated adipocyte-specific Nuclear
      Receptor Corepressor (NCoR) knockout (AKO) mice to investigate the function of
      NCoR in adipocyte biology, glucose and insulin homeostasis. Despite increased
      obesity, glucose tolerance was improved in AKO mice, and clamp studies
      demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity in liver, muscle, and fat. Adipose
      tissue macrophage infiltration and inflammation were also decreased. PPARgamma
      response genes were upregulated in adipose tissue from AKO mice and CDK5-mediated
      PPARgamma ser-273 phosphorylation was reduced, creating a constitutively active
      PPARgamma state. This identifies NCoR as an adaptor protein that enhances the
      ability of CDK5 to associate with and phosphorylate PPARgamma. The dominant
      function of adipocyte NCoR is to transrepress PPARgamma and promote PPARgamma ser
      273 phosphorylation, such that NCoR deletion leads to adipogenesis, reduced
      inflammation, and enhanced systemic insulin sensitivity, phenocopying the TZD
      treated state.

PMID- 22078881
TI  - NCoR1 is a conserved physiological modulator of muscle mass and oxidative
      function.
AB  - Transcriptional coregulators control the activity of many transcription factors
      and are thought to have wide-ranging effects on gene expression patterns. We show
      here that muscle-specific loss of nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) in mice
      leads to enhanced exercise endurance due to an increase of both muscle mass and
      of mitochondrial number and activity. The activation of selected transcription
      factors that control muscle function, such as MEF2, PPARbeta/delta, and ERRs,
      underpins these phenotypic alterations. NCoR1 levels are decreased in conditions
      that require fat oxidation, resetting transcriptional programs to boost oxidative
      metabolism. Knockdown of gei-8, the sole C. elegans NCoR homolog, also robustly
      increased muscle mitochondria and respiration, suggesting conservation of NCoR1
      function. Collectively, our data suggest that NCoR1 plays an adaptive role in
      muscle physiology and that interference with NCoR1 action could be used to
      improve muscle function.

PMID- 22078882
TI  - Systematic discovery of TLR signaling components delineates viral-sensing
      circuits.
AB  - Deciphering the signaling networks that underlie normal and disease processes
      remains a major challenge. Here, we report the discovery of signaling components
      involved in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) response of immune dendritic cells
      (DCs), including a previously unkown pathway shared across mammalian antiviral
      responses. By combining transcriptional profiling, genetic and small-molecule
      perturbations, and phosphoproteomics, we uncover 35 signaling regulators,
      including 16 known regulators, involved in TLR signaling. In particular, we find
      that Polo-like kinases (Plk) 2 and 4 are essential components of antiviral
      pathways in vitro and in vivo and activate a signaling branch involving a dozen
      proteins, among which is Tnfaip2, a gene associated with autoimmune diseases but
      whose role was unknown. Our study illustrates the power of combining systematic
      measurements and perturbations to elucidate complex signaling circuits and
      discover potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22078883
TI  - CD14 controls the LPS-induced endocytosis of Toll-like receptor 4.
AB  - The transport of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) to various organelles has emerged as
      an essential means by which innate immunity is regulated. While most of our
      knowledge is restricted to regulators that promote the transport of newly
      synthesized receptors, the regulators that control TLR transport after microbial
      detection remain unknown. Here, we report that the plasma membrane localized
      Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) CD14 is required for the microbe-induced
      endocytosis of TLR4. In dendritic cells, this CD14-dependent endocytosis pathway
      is upregulated upon exposure to inflammatory mediators. We identify the tyrosine
      kinase Syk and its downstream effector PLCgamma2 as important regulators of TLR4
      endocytosis and signaling. These data establish that upon microbial detection, an
      upstream PRR (CD14) controls the trafficking and signaling functions of a
      downstream PRR (TLR4). This innate immune trafficking cascade illustrates how
      pathogen detection systems operate to induce both membrane transport and signal
      transduction.

PMID- 22078884
TI  - A network of broadly expressed HLH genes regulates tissue-specific cell fates.
AB  - Spatial and temporal expression of specific basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH)
      transcription factors defines many types of cellular differentiation. We find
      that a distinct mechanism regulates the much broader expression of the
      heterodimer partners of these specific factors and impinges on differentiation.
      In Drosophila, a cross-interacting regulatory network links expression of the E
      protein Daughterless (Da), which heterodimerizes with bHLH proteins to activate
      them, with expression of the Id protein Extramacrochaetae (Emc), which
      antagonizes bHLH proteins. Coupled transcriptional feedback loops maintain the
      widespread Emc expression that restrains Da expression, opposing bHLH-dependent
      differentiation while enhancing growth and cell survival. Where extracellular
      signals repress emc, Da expression can increase. This defines regions of
      proneural ectoderm independently from the proneural bHLH genes. Similar
      regulation is found in multiple Drosophila tissues and in mammalian cells and
      therefore is likely to be a conserved general feature of developmental regulation
      by HLH proteins.

PMID- 22078885
TI  - PINK1 and Parkin target Miro for phosphorylation and degradation to arrest
      mitochondrial motility.
AB  - Cells keep their energy balance and avoid oxidative stress by regulating
      mitochondrial movement, distribution, and clearance. We report here that two
      Parkinson's disease proteins, the Ser/Thr kinase PINK1 and ubiquitin ligase
      Parkin, participate in this regulation by arresting mitochondrial movement. PINK1
      phosphorylates Miro, a component of the primary motor/adaptor complex that
      anchors kinesin to the mitochondrial surface. The phosphorylation of Miro
      activates proteasomal degradation of Miro in a Parkin-dependent manner. Removal
      of Miro from the mitochondrion also detaches kinesin from its surface. By
      preventing mitochondrial movement, the PINK1/Parkin pathway may quarantine
      damaged mitochondria prior to their clearance. PINK1 has been shown to act
      upstream of Parkin, but the mechanism corresponding to this relationship has not
      been known. We propose that PINK1 phosphorylation of substrates triggers the
      subsequent action of Parkin and the proteasome.

PMID- 22078886
TI  - Regulation of the probability of mouse odorant receptor gene choice.
AB  - Each olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) in mouse chooses one of 1,200 odorant
      receptor (OR) genes for expression. OR genes are chosen for expression by greatly
      varying numbers of OSNs. The mechanisms that regulate the probability of OR gene
      choice remain unclear. Here, we have applied the NanoString platform of
      fluorescent barcodes and digital readout to measure RNA levels of 577 OR genes in
      a single reaction, with probes designed against coding sequences. In an inbred
      mouse strain with a targeted deletion in the P element, we find that this element
      regulates OR gene choice differentially across its cluster of 24 OR genes.
      Importantly, the fold changes of NanoString counts in DeltaP or DeltaH mice are
      in very close agreement with the fold changes of cell counts, determined by in
      situ hybridization. Thus, the P and H elements regulate the probability of OR
      gene choice, not OR transcript level per OSN.

PMID- 22078887
TI  - The neural circuits and synaptic mechanisms underlying motor initiation in C.
      elegans.
AB  - C. elegans is widely used to dissect how neural circuits and genes generate
      behavior. During locomotion, worms initiate backward movement to change
      locomotion direction spontaneously or in response to sensory cues; however, the
      underlying neural circuits are not well defined. We applied a multidisciplinary
      approach to map neural circuits in freely behaving worms by integrating
      functional imaging, optogenetic interrogation, genetic manipulation, laser
      ablation, and electrophysiology. We found that a disinhibitory circuit and a
      stimulatory circuit together promote initiation of backward movement and that
      circuitry dynamics is differentially regulated by sensory cues. Both circuits
      require glutamatergic transmission but depend on distinct glutamate receptors.
      This dual mode of motor initiation control is found in mammals, suggesting that
      distantly related organisms with anatomically distinct nervous systems may adopt
      similar strategies for motor control. Additionally, our studies illustrate how a
      multidisciplinary approach facilitates dissection of circuit and synaptic
      mechanisms underlying behavior in a genetic model organism.

PMID- 22078888
TI  - A mechanism for the evolution of phosphorylation sites.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation provides a mechanism for the rapid, reversible control of
      protein function. Phosphorylation adds negative charge to amino acid side chains,
      and negatively charged amino acids (Asp/Glu) can sometimes mimic the
      phosphorylated state of a protein. Using a comparative genomics approach, we show
      that nature also employs this trick in reverse by evolving serine, threonine, and
      tyrosine phosphorylation sites from Asp/Glu residues. Structures of three
      proteins where phosphosites evolved from acidic residues (DNA topoisomerase II,
      enolase, and C-Raf) show that the relevant acidic residues are present in salt
      bridges with conserved basic residues, and that phosphorylation has the potential
      to conditionally restore the salt bridges. The evolution of phosphorylation sites
      from glutamate and aspartate provides a rationale for why phosphorylation
      sometimes activates proteins, and helps explain the origins of this important and
      complex process.

PMID- 22078889
TI  - SnapShot: Mitochondrial quality control.

PMID- 22078890
TI  - Coffers brimming, ethically bankrupt.

PMID- 22078894
TI  - [36th Congress of the French Maxillo-Facial Association (AFCMF), La Pedrera,
      Barcelona, Spain].

PMID- 22078891
TI  - Successful treatment of activated occult hepatitis B in a non-responder chronic
      hepatitis C patient.
AB  - We reported a 23 years old male with chronic hepatitis C virus infection,
      discontinued from pegylated interferon/ribavirin combination therapy due to a
      lack of early virological response. He has developed activation of occult
      hepatitis B virus that was successfully treated by a one year of lamivudine
      therapy.

PMID- 22078895
TI  - [Stability of Le Fort I impaction osteotomies].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Long-term results of Le Fort I osteotomy with vertical impaction
      for maxillary vertical excess may be not stable. We had for aim to analyze
      postoperative maxillary and dental displacement after a Le Fort I vertical
      impaction osteotomy, to identify causes of relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      clinical and radiological evaluation was made on postoperative occlusion (early
      and late). The position of three bone (O: lower orbit; P: greatest palatine
      convexity; T: lowest part of the mandibular foramen) and of three dental
      landmarks (I: occlusal edge of the upper incisor; i: occlusal edge of the lower
      incisor; m: first molar distal vestibular cuspid) was measured in a standardized
      method on pre-surgical, early and late (1 to 2.5 years) postoperative
      cephalometric X rays. Eighteen patients were operated by the same surgeon for
      maxillary anterior vertical excess and underwent Le Fort I impaction osteotomy,
      alone or associated with a mandibular osteotomy. Stability was defined by a
      postoperatory displacement smaller than 1mm. RESULTS: All patients had stable
      bone landmarks. Three patients had unstable dental landmarks due to relapse.
      DISCUSSION: Impaction maxillary osteotomy provides stable bone results for
      maxillary facial height excess. Unsatisfactory outcome is always due to
      postoperative dental and alveolar displacement. These results correlate to
      published data.

PMID- 22078896
TI  - [A giant radiolucent maxillary lesion].

PMID- 22078897
TI  - [Identity and facial graft].

PMID- 22078898
TI  - [Maxillary sinus septa. Prevalence and anatomy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinus septa may complicate sinus elevation procedures,
      especially when they are not diagnosed prior to surgery. The authors had for aim
      to review published data, to analyze the etiology, the prevalence, the
      localization, and the size of maxillary sinus septa, and to determine what were
      the best preoperative radiological examinations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The
      Medline search was made with keywords such as "maxillary sinus anatomy, maxillary
      sinus augmentation, maxillary sinus septa, sinus graft/complications, dental
      implants". The search was limited to studies published in English from 1980 to
      January 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were analyzed. The prevalence of
      maxillary sinus septa ranged between 14.3% and 33.3%. There was no specific
      geographic distribution within the sinuses. The mean heights of septa ranged
      between 2.8 and 8.1 mm. DISCUSSION: It is recommended to systematically use
      preoperative CT or CBCT scan imaging because of the prevalence, the variable
      anatomy, and the bad contribution of conventional X-rays.

PMID- 22078899
TI  - [Severe vascular complications of Le Fort I osteotomy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Le Fort I osteotomy is a common orthognathic procedure. This
      surgery presents risk of severe vascular complications because of local anatomy.
      The aim of our study was to collect data on vascular complications of Le Fort I
      osteotomies performed in our department, describe the diagnostic and therapeutic
      aspects, and discuss prevention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis
      was made on the files of patient having undergone Le Fort 1 osteotomy, between
      1998 and 2007. Severe vascular complications were recorded, defined as
      postoperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications severe enough to require a
      specific procedure. RESULTS: Nine hundred and sixteen patient files were included
      (39% male and 61% female patients, mean-age: 24.42 years; range: 13 to 59 years).
      Five patients presented with severe hemorrhagic complication. There was no
      ischemic complication. Three hemorrhagic episodes occurred in the immediate
      postoperative phase. In two cases, delayed hemorrhagic complication occurred,
      diagnosed as a pseudo-aneurysm by angiography. These were treated by
      hyperselective embolization. DISCUSSION: Vascular complications of Le Fort I
      osteotomies are rare (0.55% in our series). They are most frequently hemorrhagic
      complications.

PMID- 22078900
TI  - Weighing in on risk factors for body dissatisfaction: a one-year prospective
      study of middle-adolescent girls.
AB  - Body dissatisfaction is a common problem among adolescent girls that is linked to
      serious outcomes, including the development of eating disorders. This study
      tested to what degree five theorized risk factors (weight-related teasing, thin
      ideal internalization, body mass index [BMI], self-esteem, and perfectionism)
      predicted prospective changes in body dissatisfaction. At baseline, 393 10th and
      11th grade girls (M=15.8 years) completed questionnaires and had their height and
      weight measured. One year later, 316 participants' body dissatisfaction was
      reassessed (80.4% retention). Results suggested that self-esteem was the most
      potent risk factor, followed by BMI, when used to categorize girls into high- and
      low-risk groups for body dissatisfaction at follow-up. However, weight-related
      teasing, thin-ideal internalization, and perfectionism did not prove to be risk
      factors. These results suggest self-esteem and BMI are relevant variables for
      helping to identify middle-adolescent girls who may be at risk for subsequent
      increases in body dissatisfaction.

PMID- 22078901
TI  - Choice of analytic approach for eye-specific outcomes: one eye or two?
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the use of analytic approaches for eye-specific outcomes
      in ophthalmology publications. DESIGN: A review of analytic approaches used in
      original research articles published in ophthalmology journals. METHODS: All 161
      research articles published in 5 ophthalmology journals in the first 2 months of
      2008 were considered. Publications were categorized according to analytic
      approach: 1 eye selected, both eyes contribute, or per-individual outcome.
      Studies were considered suboptimal when criteria for eye selection were not
      provided or when measurements from both eyes were included without interocular
      correlation being considered. Visual impairment prevalence data were used to
      illustrate analytic approach choices. RESULTS: Measurements from both eyes were
      included in 38% of the 112 studies that used statistical inferential techniques.
      In 31 (74%), there was no mention of possible correlation. Only 7% used
      statistical methods appropriate for correlated outcomes. In 35 studies (31%),
      measurements from 1 eye were selected; 31% of these did not provide selection
      criteria. In 67%, only univariate tests were used. A review of 47 articles
      published in 2011 produced similar findings. Characteristics of studies were not
      found to differ according whether the studies were suboptimal. Using a test
      appropriate for correlated outcomes resulted in a P value 3.5 times that obtained
      ignoring the correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Between-eye correlation seems not to be
      assessed commonly in ophthalmology publications, although its knowledge aids the
      choice of analytic approach when eye-specific variables are of interest.
      Statistical methods appropriate for correlated ocular outcome data are not being
      applied widely.

PMID- 22078902
TI  - Combined intravitreal ranibizumab and photodynamic therapy for retinal
      angiomatous proliferation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the efficacy of combined therapy with intravitreal
      ranibizumab injections and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with
      symptomatic retinal angiomatous proliferation. DESIGN: Retrospective,
      interventional, consecutive case series. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20
      treatment-naive eyes of 16 patients (8 men, 8 women; age range, 79 to 92 years;
      mean age, 84.8 years) treated with 3 consecutive monthly intravitreal injections
      of ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) and PDT and followed up for at least 12 months.
      PDT was applied 1 or 2 days after the initial injection. Retreatment was
      performed as a combined therapy of a single intravitreal ranibizumab injection
      and PDT. RESULTS: The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) levels
      significantly improved from 0.24 at baseline to 0.43 at 12 months (P < .001). The
      mean improvement in BCVA at 12 months from baseline was 2.51 lines. The BCVA at
      12 months improved in 10 eyes (improved by 3 lines or more) and was stable
      (defined as a loss of less than 3 lines of vision) in 10 eyes. No patient had a
      decrease in the BCVA of 3 lines or more during any 12 months. The central retinal
      thickness decreased significantly from 444 MUm at baseline to 143 MUm at 12
      months (P < .0001). Complete occlusion of the retinal-retinal anastomosis was
      achieved in 17 of the 19 eyes at 12 months. The mean numbers of PDT treatments
      and injections during 12 months, including the treatments in the initial regimen,
      were 1.8 and 3.8, respectively. No complications or systemic adverse events
      developed. CONCLUSIONS: Combined intravitreal ranibizumab and PDT for patients
      with retinal angiomatous proliferation effectively maintained or improved visual
      acuity and reduced the exudation without adverse events.

PMID- 22078903
TI  - Molecular characterization of drug-resistant and -susceptible Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis isolated from patients with tuberculosis in Korea.
AB  - We investigated the causal relationship between genotype and phenotype of drug
      resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates obtained from patients with
      pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Korea. Of 80 isolates tested, 17, 20, 1, and 7
      isolates were mono-resistant to ethambutol (EMB), isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide
      (PZA), and rifampicin (RFP), respectively, and 31 isolates (38.8%) were multidrug
      resistant (MDR). Sequencing analysis showed that 78% (32/41) of RFP-resistant
      strains had mutations in the rifampicin resistance-determining region (RRDR) of
      rpoB, and the mutation at rpoB531 (59.4%) was most abundant. In 52 INH-resistant
      strains, mutations were found mostly at C-15T (n = 21, 40.4%) in the inhA
      promoter region as well as at katG315 (n = 12, 23.1%). Mutations at embB306 were
      mostly found in 26.7% (12/45) of EMB-resistant isolates. New mutations found here
      in MDR isolates include rpoB523 (Gly523Glu) and embB319 (Tyr319Ser).
      Consequently, mutations in the rpoB531, C-15T in the inhA promoter region,
      embB306, and katG315 would be a useful marker for rapid detection of MDR M.
      tuberculosis isolates in Korea.

PMID- 22078904
TI  - Detection and discrimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
AB  - A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was developed for
      detection and discrimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv and H37Ra) and
      M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
      (MTBC) from mycobacterial other than tuberculosis (MOTT). It was based on the
      melting curve (Tm) analysis of the gyrB gene using SYBR((r)) Green I detection
      dye and the LightCycler 1.5 system. The optimal conditions for the assay were
      0.25 MUmol/L of primers with 3.1 mmol/L of MgCl(2) and 45 cycles of
      amplification. For M. tuberculosis (H37Rv and H37Ra) and M. bovis BCG of the
      MTBC, we detected the crossing points (Cp) at cycles of 16.96 +/- 0.07, 18.02 +/-
      0.14, and 18.62 +/- 0.09, respectively, while the Tm values were 90.19 +/- 0.06 
      degrees C, 90.27 +/- 0.09  degrees C, and 89.81 +/- 0.04  degrees C,
      respectively. The assay was sensitive and rapid with a detection limit of 10 pg
      of the DNA template within 35 min. In this study, the Tm analysis of the qPCR
      assay was applied for the detection and discrimination of MTBC from MOTT.

PMID- 22078905
TI  - Detection and quantification of the K103N mutation in HIV reverse transcriptase
      by pyrosequencing.
AB  - Prolonged treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with
      nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) might result in the
      selection of resistant mutants, the most frequent being the K103N mutation in
      reverse transcriptase. Resistance mutations are routinely detected by Sanger
      sequencing of the whole viral population, which does not detect sequence variants
      with frequencies below 20%. We have developed a pyrosequencing approach for the
      analysis of codon 103 of the HIV reverse transcriptase gene in the circulating
      viral population that detects variants below the limit of conventional
      sequencing. The method was tested with samples from 5 controls (not exposed to
      NNRTIs), 6 from patients exposed to NNRTIs and having a K103N mutant virus
      population detected by conventional sequencing, and 9 from patients previously
      exposed to NNRTIs that had a wild-type virus population by conventional
      sequencing. In 7 of 9, samples the mutation could not be detected by either the
      standard assay or pyrosequencing, while in 2 samples persistence of the mutation
      could be detected by pyrosequencing. The method might be of practical use in
      detecting minority variants of HIV in the clinical setting, in epidemiological
      studies with large numbers of samples, or as a complement to more complex
      approaches.

PMID- 22078906
TI  - Emergence in Japan of an imipenem-susceptible, meropenem-resistant Klebsiella
      pneumoniae carrying blaIMP-6.
AB  - We identified 5 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates showing high resistance to beta
      lactams except imipenem and designated them ISMRK (imipenem-susceptible but
      meropenem-resistant Klebsiella). They carried the bla(IMP-6) and bla(CTX-M-2) on
      a self-transmissible plasmid. ISMRK may be falsely categorized as susceptible to
      carbapenems if imipenem is used to screen carbapenem resistance.

PMID- 22078907
TI  - Molecular characterization of group G Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp.
      equisimilis recovered from patients and healthy people in China.
AB  - Beta-Hemolytic group G streptococci cause a considerable invasive disease burden
      and sometimes disease outbreaks. Little is known about the critical epidemiologic
      parameter of genetic relatedness between isolates. We determined the emm types of
      65 Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis isolates. We formulated
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST) primers with 6 of the 7 loci corresponding to
      the Streptococcus pyogenes MLST scheme. We performed MLST with 69 S. dysgalactiae
      subsp. equisimilis isolates to represent each emm type identified. These strains
      were further analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing. Sixteen
      emm types were observed. Eighteen unique combinations of allelic profiles
      (sequence types [STs]) were obtained with 12 profiles each accounting for
      multiple isolates. Forty-one MLST STs were observed. Analysis of the PFGE
      patterns generated revealed 10 clones. Over 80% of the isolates were distributed
      in 3 large clones. Isolates within 16 redundantly represented S. dysgalactiae
      subsp. equisimilis emm types shared identical or nearly identical STs and
      subtypes of PFGE, demonstrating concordance between the emm type and genetic
      relatedness. It is conceivable that some particular characteristics in the
      genomes of these strains are responsible for their predominance in different
      regions.

PMID- 22078908
TI  - Molecular diagnosis and species identification of imported malaria in returning
      travellers in Italy.
AB  - A new seminested polymerase chain reaction (sn-PCR)-based protocol was developed
      and used to detect and identify Plasmodium species in 1226 whole-blood samples
      from patients (872 Italians and 354 foreigners) with at least 1 symptom
      compatible with clinical malaria. The results were compared with those obtained
      by microscopy: 187 samples were positive by microscopy for malaria parasites and
      196 were positive by sn-PCR. When compared to microscopy, the sn-PCR detected
      different malaria parasite species in 11 cases. In 4 of 11 cases, the sn-PCR
      identified 1 additional malaria parasite species not observed microscopically,
      suggesting increased sensitivity. In 4 samples with levels of parasitemia too low
      for accurate identification of species by microscopy, the sn-PCR detected 2 P.
      falciparum, 1 P. ovale, and 1 P. falciparum plus P. ovale. Moreover, 9 negative
      samples by microscopy were positive by sn-PCR. Follow-up analysis demonstrated a
      parasite clearance of P. falciparum DNA up to 3 days after the disappearance of
      parasitemia at microscopy. In conclusion, sn-PCR-based diagnosis of malaria
      appears to be a useful tool when the results of conventional techniques are
      negative in the presence of a syndrome consistent with malaria, yielding accurate
      species identification and consequential correct treatment.

PMID- 22078909
TI  - Telavancin activity tested against a contemporary collection of Gram-positive
      pathogens from USA Hospitals (2007-2009).
AB  - This study updates the activity of telavancin against Gram-positive pathogens
      collected from USA hospitals (2007-2009). Telavancin (MIC(50/90), 0.12/0.25
      MUg/mL) was active against coagulase-negative staphylococci and methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (100% susceptible), for which only daptomycin
      (MIC(50/90), 0.25/0.5 MUg/mL; 99% susceptible) and quinupristin/dalfopristin
      (MIC(50/90), <= 0.25-0.5/0.5 MUg/mL; 99% susceptible) exhibited similar activity.
      Telavancin (MIC(50/90), 0.25/0.5 MUg/mL) inhibited 96.5% of Enterococcus faecalis
      at the Food and Drug Administration breakpoint (MIC, <= 1 MUg/mL), where
      ampicillin (99.9% susceptible), daptomycin (99.9% susceptible), and linezolid
      (100% susceptible) also demonstrated high-level coverage. Telavancin inhibited,
      respectively, 100.0% and 91.7% of VanB-phenotype E. faecalis and E. faecium at <=
      1 MUg/mL, whereas it was less active against VanA strains. Telavancin was
      uniformly active against Streptococcus pneumoniae and resistant subsets, and
      demonstrated good potency (MIC(90), 0.06-0.12 MUg/mL) against other streptococci,
      regardless of resistance to other drugs. This assessment reveals potent activity
      of telavancin against Gram-positive isolates collected from USA hospitals with no
      evidence of emergence of resistance.

PMID- 22078910
TI  - Pharmacology of commonly used analgesics and sedatives in the ICU:
      benzodiazepines, propofol, and opioids.
AB  - The ideal sedative or analgesic agent should have a rapid onset of activity, a
      rapid recovery after drug discontinuation, a predictable dose response, a lack of
      drug accumulation,and no toxicity. Unfortunately, none of the earlier analgesics,
      the benzodiazepines,or propofol share all of these characteristics. Patients who
      are critically ill experience numerous physiologic derangements and commonly
      require high doses and long durations of analgesic and sedative therapy. There is
      a paucity of well designed clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of
      earlier sedative and analgesic agents in the ICU. In addition, the ever-changing
      dynamics of patients who are critically ill makes the use of sedation a continual
      challenge during the course of each patient's admission. To optimize care,
      clinicians should be familiar with the many pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and
      pharmacogenetic variables that can affect the safety and efficacy of sedatives
      and analgesics.

PMID- 22078911
TI  - Pharmacology of sedative-analgesic agents: dexmedetomidine, remifentanil,
      ketamine, volatile anesthetics, and the role of peripheral Mu antagonists.
AB  - In this article, the authors discuss the pharmacology of sedative-analgesic
      agents like dexmedetomidine, remifentanil, ketamine, and volatile anesthetics.
      Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 agonist that provides anxiolysis
      and cooperative sedation without respiratory depression. It has organ protective
      effects against ischemic and hypoxic injury, including cardioprotection,
      neuroprotection, and renoprotection. Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid
      that acts as a mu-receptor agonist. Ketamine is a nonbarbiturate phencyclidine
      derivative and provides analgesia and apparent anesthesia with relative
      hemodynamic stability. Volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, and
      desflurane are in daily use in the operating room in the delivery of general
      anesthesia. A major advantage of these halogenated ethers is their quick onset,
      quick offset, and ease of titration in rendering the patient unconscious,
      immobile, and amnestic.

PMID- 22078912
TI  - Current sedation practices: lessons learned from international surveys.
AB  - Limitations are inherent to surveys. Most surveys have low response rates, which
      raises the issue of responder bias. Another limitation of self-report surveys
      stems from the possible differences between stated and actual practice. That is,
      what physicians report that they do in surveys often contrasts significantly with
      what they do in observational studies, as highlighted by the Canadian surveys
      conducted in 2002 and 2008. Some surveys report estimates provided by ICU nurse
      managers or physician directors, potentially resulting in inaccurate estimates or
      data reflecting the individuals practice rather than the entire ICU. Surveys may
      not reflect how different specialists practice; for example, the German surveys
      collected data only in ICUs run by anesthesiologists.Notwithstanding these
      limitations, surveys provide a wealth of information on current practice and
      determinants of practice, and serve as a useful tool to guide future research and
      educational interventions. The authors identified substantial international
      variation in the use of sedative and analgesic drugs, and marked changes over the
      last 10 years. Overall, there is a trend toward lighter sedation, along with a
      shift from benzodiazepines toward propofol, and from morphine toward fentanyl and
      remifentanil. Despite the publication of numerous studies and guidelines for
      sedation and analgesia, actual practice differs from recommended practice,
      suggesting that the impact of clinical trials and guidelines on physician
      practice is quite low. It is clear that there remain substantial barriers to the
      incorporation of sedation scales, protocols,and daily interruption into routine
      ICU care.

PMID- 22078913
TI  - Protocolized and target-based sedation and analgesia in the ICU.
AB  - Protocolized target-based sedation and analgesia is central to effective
      management of sedation. Important components include identifying goals and
      specific targets,using valid and reliable tools to measure pain, agitation, and
      sedation, and titrating a logically selected combination of sedatives and
      analgesics to defined end-points.A variety of approaches to structured management
      have been tested in controlled trials with major categories of (1) sedation
      algorithms and protocols and (2) daily interruption of sedation. Although not all
      studies that compare new interventions to "usual care" document dramatic
      improvements, many studies show that by reducing oversedation, using a structured
      approach, faster recovery from respiratory failure may ensue. The somewhat
      discrepant results illustrate, however, that various approaches,such as DIS, may
      not be optimal for all patients. Further research will be necessary to define
      these patients and examine alternative strategies. Finally, implementation of
      structured approaches to sedation management is a challenging, time-consuming
      process for clinicians that must be supported with sufficient resources to be
      successful.

PMID- 22078914
TI  - Sedation and weaning from mechanical ventilation: linking spontaneous awakening
      trials and spontaneous breathing trials to improve patient outcomes.
AB  - The use of sedation has long been integrated into critical care. Because pain,
      discomfort, anxiety, and agitation are commonly experienced by critically ill
      patients, the use of medications to alleviate and control these symptoms will
      continue; however, data showing that prolonged use of sedating medications
      imparts harm to patients obligate physicians to use agents and methods of
      sedation that minimize these negative side effects. Numerous observational
      studies and clinical trials have proven that decisions in sedation management
      play a crucial role in determining outcomes for mechanically ventilated ICU
      patients, and recent evidence supports the use of protocols that streamline
      efforts to discontinue sedation and mechanical ventilation in a safe and parallel
      fashion. Regardless of choice of sedating agent, and even when patient-targeted
      sedation protocols are used to minimize oversedation, the use of spontaneous
      awakening trials dramatically improves patient outcomes for critically ill
      patients. Intensive care physicians must continue to study the delivery of
      sedation in efforts to maximize patient comfort while minimizing patient harm.

PMID- 22078915
TI  - Altering intensive care sedation paradigms to improve patient outcomes.
AB  - Providing sedation and comfort for intensive care patients has evolved in the
      last 30 years but remains difficult for clinicians. As research has focused on
      this challenging area, the authors have identified ways to improve practice,
      including providing analgesia before sedation, strategies to help recognize
      dangerous adverse effects associated with the medications that are used, and
      better ways to monitor pain and delirium in patients. Dexmedetomidine and
      propofol have become the preferred sedatives for many ICU situations, and
      creative ways to administer them, such as linking awakening and breathing trials,
      are emerging. Finally, screening survivors for cognitive impairments may allow
      clinicians to refer them for the focused rehabilitation they require.

PMID- 22078916
TI  - Sedation and sleep disturbances in the ICU.
AB  - Sedation in the ICU is, paradoxically, both a cause and a potential treatment for
      the sleep disruption almost universally observed in the critically ill. A patient
      focused sedation strategy that minimizes unnecessary medication, avoids
      medication withdrawal, addresses the specific impediments to sleep, and serves as
      an adjunct to attentive environmental control may ultimately serve patients best.

PMID- 22078917
TI  - Sedation & immunomodulation.
AB  - As the armamentarium for sedation in the critically ill expands, opportunities
      will develop to modulate the immune responses of patients by way of the direct
      immune and neural-immune interactions of the sedatives. Control of autonomic
      activity through the use of appropriate sedation may be critical in this matter.
      Likewise analgesic-based sedation, with increased opioid dosage, may not prove
      beneficial in the setting of infection; whether avoidance of morphine in
      preference for a fentanyl derivative will help is unclear. However, as the immune
      effects seem dependent on the m receptor, it is improbable that a significant
      difference would be uncovered. Similarly, the present evidence suggests
      benzodiazepines are deleterious in infection; further studies are required
      urgently to evaluate this evidence. As an alternative to benzodiazepine-based
      sedation, dexmedetomidine has shown a remarkable 70% mortality benefit in a small
      secondary analysis of septic patients from the MENDS trial. Further powered
      clinical studies should now be undertaken to investigate the potential benefit of
      the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist in this setting, with comparisons with propofol.

PMID- 22078918
TI  - Pharmacoeconomics of sedation in the ICU.
AB  - Despite considerable information on the pharmacotherapy of sedation in the ICU,
      there is little published on the pharmacoeconomics of sedation in patients who
      are critically ill. The purpose of this article is to discuss the various
      components that contribute to the cost of treating the agitated ICU patient and
      to critically review the articles published since 2000 that evaluated costs and
      cost-effectiveness in ICU patients receiving drugs for agitation and/or pain.
      Clinicians should look beyond the acquisition cost of a sedative and include the
      effect of sedatives on the cost of care when selecting the most appropriate
      sedative.

PMID- 22078919
TI  - Delirium prevention and treatment.
AB  - Little is known of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic delirium prevention and
      treatment in the critical care setting. Trials emphasizing early mobilization
      suggest that this nonpharmacologic approach is associated with an improvement in
      delirium incidence. Titration and reduction of opiate analgesics and sedatives
      may improve subsyndromal delirium rates. All critical care caregivers should
      rigorously screen for alcohol abuse, apply alcohol withdrawal scales in alcoholic
      patients, and titrate sedative drugs accordingly. No nonpharmacologic approach or
      drug has been shown to be beneficial once delirium is established. Considering
      the importance and the consequences of delirium in the critical care setting,
      studies to further address prevention and rigorous trials addressing
      pharmacologic intervention are urgently needed.

PMID- 22078920
TI  - Delirium: an emerging frontier in the management of critically ill children.
AB  - Delirium is a syndrome of acute brain dysfunction that commonly occurs in
      critically ill adults and most certainly is prevalent in critically ill children
      all over the world. The dearth of information about the incidence, prevalence,
      and severity of pediatric delirium stems from the simple fact that there have not
      been well-validated instruments for routine delirium diagnosis at the bedside.
      This article reviewed the emerging solutions to this problem, including
      description of a new pediatric tool called the pCAM-ICU. In adults, delirium is
      responsible for significant increases in both morbidity and mortality in
      critically ill patients. The advent of new tools for use in critically ill
      children will allow the epidemiology of this form of acute brain dysfunction to
      be studied adequately, will allow clinical management algorithms to be developed
      and implemented following testing, and will present the necessary incorporation
      of delirium as an outcome measure for future clinical trials in pediatric
      critical care medicine.

PMID- 22078921
TI  - Cognitive functioning, mental health, and quality of life in ICU survivors: an
      overview.
AB  - The significant and sometimes permanent effects of critical illness on wide
      ranging aspects of functioning are increasingly recognized. Among the areas
      affected are acute and long-term cognitive functioning, depression, anxiety,
      PTSD, and quality of life. These and other areas are increasingly being studied
      and indeed are increasingly the focus of clinical attention and investigations.
      These conditions have been a focus of attention for more than a dozen years, with
      much improvement occurring in the ability to characterize these phenomena. For
      instance, in intervening years, it has been learned that cognitive impairment is
      highly prevalent and functionally disruptive and that it occurs in wide-ranging
      domains. Key questions remain unanswered with regard to vital questions such as
      determining causes, risk factors, and mechanisms as well as the degree to which
      brain injuries associated with critical illness are amenable to rehabilitation.
      Little remains known about the effects of critical illness on elderly ICU cohorts
      and on the neurologic functioning of individuals with preexisting impairment
      versus those who are normal. Few data exist regarding the development of
      strategies designed to prevent the emergence of neuropsychological deficits after
      critical illness. Although great progress has been made and is ongoing, a
      pressing need exists for additional investigation of cognitive impairment and
      other conditions,such as PTSD and quality of life after critical illness, that
      will seek to untangle the many pertinent questions related to this condition and
      that will ultimately offer help and hope to the thousands of survivors affected
      by this condition.

PMID- 22078923
TI  - Sedation and analgesia in the ICU: pharmacology, protocolization, and clinical
      consequences. Preface.

PMID- 22078924
TI  - Surface charging and dimensions of chitosan coacervated nanoparticles.
AB  - Chitosan nanoparticles have been used in several systems destined to controlled
      release of active agents. In this manuscript the process of formation of chitosan
      nanoparticles, obtained employing the coacervation method with sodium sulfate is
      analyzed using zeta potential and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
      measurements. Dispersions were obtained at pH=1 and pH=3 and presented a
      behavior, in terms of surface charging, that was independent of pH. However, SAXS
      results indicated a dependence of size-related behavior on pH. The difference in
      terms of behavior was explained through the influence of enthalpic and
      entropically driven components.

PMID- 22078925
TI  - Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules with quantum dots for biomedical
      applications.
AB  - The aim of this work was to encapsulate the CdTe quantum dots within the
      nanocapsules that were prepared by the layer-by-layer adsorption of
      polyelectrolytes. Two different polyelectrolyte pairs were used as components of
      the shell: synthetic polycation poly(allyamine hydrochloride) (PAH), together
      with anionic poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (PSS), and biocompatible cationic
      poly-L-lysine hydrobromide in a pair with biocompatible anionic poly-D-glutamic
      acid sodium salt (PGA). The saturation method was used for formation of
      consecutive layers on the initial CdTe-polyelectrolyte complex. A growth of the
      polyelectrolyte shell was followed with the electrophoretic mobility and light
      scattering measurements, in order to determine the zeta potential and the size of
      capsules, respectively. The fluorescent spectra of the quantum dots, which are
      embedded within the capsules, were characterized with spectrofluorimeter. Later
      on, they were deposited on a negatively charged mica surface and studied by the
      means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). In order to estimate the cytotoxicity of
      capsules, their influence on the B-lymphoblastoid cell line proliferation and on
      unspecific binding to the P-blood mononuclear cells was examined using the flow
      cytometry.

PMID- 22078926
TI  - The phenotypic response of bovine corneal endothelial cells on
      chitosan/polycaprolactone blends.
AB  - Although various behaviors of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) have been
      investigated, the interaction of CECs with different biodegradable biomaterials
      has not been systematically well explored. Thus, two common biodegradable
      biomaterials with dissimilar characteristics, chitosan and polycaprolactone
      (PCL), were examined in bovine CEC (BCEC) culture systems to elucidate their
      possible impact on clinical demand and scientific interest. The interaction
      between cells and matrices was also surveyed. Pure PCL could not be used for
      observation because of its opacity. Nevertheless, BCECs did not adhere and
      proliferate well on chitosan. To overcome this drawback, we developed blends
      using various proportions of chitosan and PCL: PCL 25, PCL 50, and PCL 75. As the
      content of PCL increased in the blends, BCECs showed greater degrees of adhesion
      and proliferation. Furthermore, cells reached confluence and maintained their
      typical hexagonal shape at day 7 on blends PCL 50 and PCL 75. In addition, when
      BCECs were cultured on the blends, the expressions of the differentiation marker
      N-cadherin and tight junction marker ZO-1 were well developed, resembling the
      physiological phenotypes. A possible explanation for the increased proliferation
      and preservation of BCECs on the blends is that blending chitosan and PCL could
      create a bioactive substratum. This method could regulate gene expression to
      synthesize more extracellular matrix type IV collagen, paving an important way to
      provide a favorable environment for BCEC cultures. Accordingly, promoting CEC
      growth effects by blending may be applied to the tissue engineering of corneal
      endothelium.

PMID- 22078928
TI  - Synthesis of glucose-responsive bioconjugated gel particles using surfactant-free
      emulsion polymerization.
AB  - Bioconjugated gel particles that have complexes composed of lectin concanavalin A
      (ConA) and 2-glucosyloxyethyl methacrylate (GEMA) were synthesized by the
      surfactant-free emulsion copolymerization of N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate
      (DEAEMA), poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), GEMA, and modified-ConA
      with polymerizable groups. The resultant gel particles having GEMA-ConA complexes
      (GEMA-ConA gel particles) were colloidally stable in a phosphate buffer solution
      and had a diameter of approximately 750nm. Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements
      implied that GEMA-ConA gel particles have core-shell structures consisting of a
      hydrophobic core of DEAEMA and a hydrophilic shell of GEMA and PEGDMA containing
      ConA. GEMA-ConA gel particles underwent a change in size in response to glucose
      in a phosphate buffer solution. The swelling ratio of GEMA-ConA gel particles
      gradually increased with an increase in the glucose concentration. On the other
      hand, the swelling ratio of GEMA-ConA gel particles remained unchanged in a
      phosphate buffer solution containing galactose. The glucose-responsive swelling
      of GEMA-ConA gel particles was induced by the dissociation of GEMA-ConA complexes
      acting as reversible cross-links, because free glucose behaved as an inhibitor of
      GEMA-ConA complexes. These results indicate that GEMA-ConA gel particles can
      recognize glucose selectively and undergo changes in size in response to the
      glucose concentration. The smart functions of glucose-responsive gel particles
      can provide tools for constructing self-regulated drug delivery systems and
      sensor systems useful for treating diabetes.

PMID- 22078927
TI  - Cancer nanomedicines targeting tumor extracellular pH.
AB  - Tumors have been a highlight in the research of nanomedicine for decades. Despite
      all the efforts in the decoration of the nano systems, tumor specific targeting
      is still an issue due to the heterogeneous nature of tumors. Hypoxia is
      frequently observed in solid tumors. The consequent acidification of tumor
      extracellular matrices may bring new insight to tumor targeting. In this review,
      we present the polymeric nano systems that target tumor extracellular pH (pH(e)).

PMID- 22078929
TI  - Perceptual consciousness overflows cognitive access.
AB  - One of the most important issues concerning the foundations of conscious
      perception centers on the question of whether perceptual consciousness is rich or
      sparse. The overflow argument uses a form of 'iconic memory' to argue that
      perceptual consciousness is richer (i.e., has a higher capacity) than cognitive
      access: when observing a complex scene we are conscious of more than we can
      report or think about. Recently, the overflow argument has been challenged both
      empirically and conceptually. This paper reviews the controversy, arguing that
      proponents of sparse perception are committed to the postulation of (i) a
      peculiar kind of generic conscious representation that has no independent
      rationale and (ii) an unmotivated form of unconscious representation that in some
      cases conflicts with what we know about unconscious representation.

PMID- 22078930
TI  - Cortical electrophysiological network dynamics of feedback learning.
AB  - Understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms of learning is important for both
      fundamental and clinical neuroscience. We present a neurophysiologically inspired
      framework for understanding cortical mechanisms of feedback-guided learning. This
      framework is based on dynamic changes in systems-level oscillatory
      synchronization, reflecting changes in synaptic plasticity between stimulus
      processing and motor areas that are modulated in a top-down fashion by different
      areas of the prefrontal cortex. We make new and testable predictions for how
      large-scale cortical networks support learning from feedback. Testing these
      predictions may provide new insights into the basic mechanisms underlying
      learning and how these mechanisms may be impaired in clinical disorders in which
      feedback learning is compromised.

PMID- 22078931
TI  - Psychobiological allostasis: resistance, resilience and vulnerability.
AB  - The brain and body need to adapt constantly to changing social and physical
      environments. A key mechanism for this adaptation is the 'stress response', which
      is necessary and not negative in and of itself. The term 'stress', however, is
      ambiguous and has acquired negative connotations. We argue that the concept of
      allostasis can be used instead to describe the mechanisms employed to achieve
      stability of homeostatic systems through active intervention (adaptive
      plasticity). In the context of allostasis, resilience denotes the ability of an
      organism to respond to stressors in the environment by means of the appropriate
      engagement and efficient termination of allostatic responses. In this review, we
      discuss the neurobiological and organismal factors that modulate resilience, such
      as growth factors, chaperone molecules and circadian rhythms, and highlight its
      consequences for cognition and behavior.

PMID- 22078932
TI  - Phase 2 trial of linifanib (ABT-869) in patients with advanced renal cell cancer
      after sunitinib failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of linifanib in patients
      with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who were previously treated with
      sunitinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This open-label, multicentre, phase 2 trial of
      oral linifanib 0.25 mg/kg/day enrolled patients who had prior nephrectomy and
      adequate organ function. The primary end-point was objective response rate (ORR)
      per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) by central imaging.
      Secondary end-points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS)
      and time to progression (TTP). Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-three
      patients, median age 61 years (range 40-80) were enrolled (August 2007 to October
      2008) across 12 North-American centres. Median number of prior therapies was 2
      (range 1-4); 43 patients (81%) had clear-cell histology. ORR was 13.2%, median
      PFS was 5.4 months (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.6, 6.0) and TTP was the same;
      median OS was 14.5 months (95% CI: 10.8, 24.1). The most common treatment-related
      adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea (74%), fatigue (74%) and hypertension (66%),
      and the most common treatment-related Grade 3/4 AE was hypertension (40%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Linifanib demonstrated clinically meaningful activity in patients
      with advanced RCC after sunitinib failure. At 0.25 mg/kg/day, significant dose
      modifications were required. An alternative, fixed-dosing strategy is being
      evaluated in other trials.

PMID- 22078934
TI  - Comment on: Outcome of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and the prevalence
      of band revision and explantation at academic centers: 2007-2009.

PMID- 22078933
TI  - Proatherogenic abnormalities of lipid metabolism in SirT1 transgenic mice are
      mediated through Creb deacetylation.
AB  - Dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis are associated with reduced insulin sensitivity
      and diabetes, but the mechanism is unclear. Gain of function of the gene encoding
      deacetylase SirT1 improves insulin sensitivity and could be expected to protect
      against lipid abnormalities. Surprisingly, when transgenic mice overexpressing
      SirT1 (SirBACO) are placed on atherogenic diet, they maintain better glucose
      homeostasis, but develop worse lipid profiles and larger atherosclerotic lesions
      than controls. We show that transcription factor cAMP response element binding
      protein (Creb) is deacetylated in SirBACO mice. We identify Lys136 is a substrate
      for SirT1-dependent deacetylation that affects Creb activity by preventing its
      cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, leading to reduced expression of glucogenic genes
      and promoting hepatic lipid accumulation and secretion. Expression of
      constitutively acetylated Creb (K136Q) in SirBACO mice mimics Creb activation and
      abolishes the dyslipidemic and insulin-sensitizing effects of SirT1 gain of
      function. We propose that SirT1-dependent Creb deacetylation regulates the
      balance between glucose and lipid metabolism, integrating fasting signals.

PMID- 22078935
TI  - Interim results at 48 weeks of LAP-BAND AP experience (APEX) study: prospective,
      multicenter, open-label longitudinal patient observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding marked a
      breakthrough in minimally invasive bariatric surgery. The unique features of
      gastric banding, including device adjustability, lack of malabsorption, and easy
      reversibility, have contributed to its widespread use. Since Food and Drug
      Administration approval of the first laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, the
      device design has undergone engineering improvements. The LAP-BAND AP (LBAP)
      system received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2006. Little is known
      about the safety and efficacy of this new system. Our objective was to
      prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of the LBAP system in real-world
      clinical settings at 50 clinical centers throughout the United States. METHODS:
      In an open-label 5-year evaluation, 508 severely or morbidly obese patients from
      50 centers in the United States underwent surgery using the LBAP system. The
      present interim report describes the results from 323 patients after >= 48 weeks
      of follow-up. RESULTS: By week 48, the patients had experienced a mean percentage
      of excess weight loss of 46% and a mean +/- standard deviation reduction in the
      body mass index of 8.4 +/- 3.69 kg/m(2). Sixteen patients (3.1%) experienced a
      severe device- or procedure-related adverse event. There were no deaths.
      CONCLUSION: These 48-week interim data demonstrate that the LBAP system offers a
      safe and effective therapy to reduce weight in severely obese patients.

PMID- 22078936
TI  - Combined group and individual model for postbariatric surgery follow-up care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of bariatric surgery in the United States has
      increased significantly during the past decade, increasing the number of patients
      requiring postbariatric surgery follow-up care. Our objective was to develop and
      implement an efficient, financially viable, postbariatric surgery practice model
      that would be acceptable to patients. The setting was the Mayo Clinic (Rochester,
      MN). METHODS: By monitoring the attendance rates and using patient surveys, we
      tested patient acceptance of a new, shared medical appointment practice model in
      the care of postbariatric surgery patients. Efficiency was assessed by comparing
      differences in time per patient and total provider time required between the
      former and new care models. Individual-only patient/provider visits were replaced
      by combined group and individual visits (CGV). RESULTS: Our CGV model was well
      attended and accepted. The patient attendance rate was >90% at all postoperative
      follow-up points. Furthermore, 83%, 85.2%, and 75.7% of the 3-, 6-, and 12-month
      postbariatric surgery patients, respectively, responded that they would not
      prefer to have only individual visits with their healthcare providers. The CGV
      model also resulted in greater time efficiency and cost reduction. On average, 5
      patients were seen within 4.9 provider hours compared with 10.4 provider hours
      with the individual-only patient/provider visit model. Furthermore, the average
      billable charge for the CGV model's group medical nutrition therapy was 50-64%
      less than the equivalent individual medical nutrition therapy used in the
      individual-only patient/provider visit model. CONCLUSION: Shared medical
      appointments have a valuable role in the care of the postbariatric surgery
      population, offering a time- and cost-effective model for healthcare provision
      that is well-accepted by patients.

PMID- 22078937
TI  - Decreased insulin secretion in islets from protein malnourished rats is
      associated with impaired glutamate dehydrogenase function: effect of leucine
      supplementation.
AB  - We herein studied the role of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), in response to
      leucine (LEU) supplementation, upon insulin secretion of malnourished rats.
      Weaned male Wistar rats were fed normal-protein (17%) or low-protein diet (6%,
      LP) for 8 weeks. Half of the rats of each group were supplemented with LEU (1.5%)
      in the drinking water for the following 4 weeks. Gene and protein expressions,
      static insulin secretion, and cytoplasmic Ca(2+) oscillations were measured.
      Glutamate dehydrogenase messenger RNA was 58% lower in LP islets, and LEU
      supplementation augmented it in 28%. The LP islets secreted less insulin when
      exposed to 20 mmol/L LEU, 20 mmol/L LEU + 2 mmol/L glutamine (with or without 5
      mmol/L aminooxyacetic acid, a branched chain aminotransferase inhibitor, or 20
      MUmol/L epigallocatechin gallate, a GDH inhibitor), 20 mmol/L alpha
      ketoisocaproate, glutamine + 20 mmol/L beta-2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2
      carboxylic acid (a GDH activator), and 22.2 mmol/L glucose. Leucine
      supplementation augmented insulin secretion to levels found in normal-protein
      islets in all the above conditions, an effect that was blunted when islets were
      incubated with epigallocatechin gallate. The glutamine + beta-2
      aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid-induced increased [Ca(2+)](i) and
      oscillations were higher than those for LP islets. Leucine supplementation
      normalized these parameters in LP islets. Impaired GDH function was associated
      with lower insulin release in LP islets, and LEU supplementation normalized
      insulin secretion via restoration of GDH function. In addition, GDH may
      contribute to insulin secretion through ameliorations of Ca(2+) handling in LP
      islets.

PMID- 22078938
TI  - In mammalian muscle, SIRT3 is present in mitochondria and not in the nucleus; and
      SIRT3 is upregulated by chronic muscle contraction in an adenosine monophosphate
      activated protein kinase-independent manner.
AB  - In selected cell lines, it appears (a) that metabolic stressors induce the
      translocation of SIRT3 from the nucleus to mitochondria and (b) that SIRT3 may
      contribute to the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and/or fatty acid
      utilization. We have examined in mammalian muscle (1) the association between
      SIRT3 protein content and muscle oxidative capacity and mitochondrial fatty acid
      oxidation, (2) the subcellular location of SIRT3, (3) whether exercise induces
      the translocation of SIRT3 from the nucleus to the mitochondria, and (4) the
      response of SIRT3 protein to stressors known to induce mitochondrial biogenesis
      (chronic muscle stimulation and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d
      ribofuranoside administration). SIRT3 protein displayed hierarchical expression
      based on oxidative potential of muscle tissues (heart >> red >> white). In
      contrast to studies in some cell lines, metabolic stress (exercise) did not
      induce the translocation of SIRT3 from the nucleus to mitochondria, as SIRT3 was
      only present in subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria, not
      in the nucleus. Chronic stimulation increased muscle mitochondrial content and
      SIRT3 protein in SS (+33%) and IMF (+27%) mitochondria (P < .05). In contrast,
      chronic 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside administration,
      while inducing mitochondrial biogenesis, did not alter SS or IMF mitochondrial
      SIRT3 protein content. These studies have shown that, in muscle, SIRT3 (a) scales
      with muscle oxidative capacity and with enzymes regulating fatty acid oxidation,
      (b) in resting muscle is localized to SS and IMF mitochondria and not nuclei, (c)
      in contracting muscle is not acutely translocated to mitochondria, and (d) is
      upregulated with chronic stimulation in an adenosine monophosphate-activated
      protein kinase-independent manner.

PMID- 22078939
TI  - Ultrasound-aided resorbable osteosynthesis of fractures of the mandibular
      condylar base: an experimental study in sheep.
AB  - We evaluated the osteosynthesis of condylar fractures using resorbable mini
      plates and ultrasound-aided insertion of pins clinically and histologically.
      Stability was greater than that with resorbable screws because of the fusion of
      pin and plate. Long term evaluation showed complete resorption of the polymeric
      osteosynthesis material.

PMID- 22078940
TI  - Transcriptional deregulation of homeobox gene ZHX2 in Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - Recently, we identified a novel chromosomal rearrangement in Hodgkin lymphoma
      (HL), t(4;8)(q27;q24), which targets homeobox gene ZHX2 at the recurrent
      breakpoint 8q24. This aberration deletes the far upstream region of ZHX2 and
      results in silenced transcription pinpointing loss of activatory elements. Here,
      we have looked for potential binding sites within this deleted region to analyze
      the transcriptional deregulation of this tumor suppressor gene in B-cell
      malignancies. SiRNA-mediated knockdown and reporter gene analyses identified two
      transcription factors, homeodomain protein MSX1 and bZIP protein XBP1, directly
      regulating ZHX2 expression. Furthermore, MSX1-cofactor histone H1C mediated
      repression of ZHX2 and showed enhanced expression levels in cell line L-1236. As
      demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization and genomic array analysis,
      the gene loci of MSX1 at 4p16 and H1C at 6p22 were rearranged in several HL cell
      lines, correlating with their altered expression activity. The expression of XBP1
      was reduced in 6/7 HL cell lines as compared to primary hematopoietic cells.
      Taken together, our results demonstrate multiple mechanisms decreasing expression
      of tumor suppressor gene ZHX2 in HL cell lines: loss of enhancing binding sites,
      reduced expression of activators MSX1 and XBP1, and overexpression of MSX1
      corepressor H1C. Moreover, chromosomal deregulations of genes involved in this
      regulative network highlight their role in development and malignancy of B-cells.

PMID- 22078942
TI  - Modelling Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection: parameter estimates for
      mortality rate and infectiousness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an economically important oncogenic
      herpesvirus of poultry. Since the 1960s, increasingly virulent strains have
      caused continued poultry industry production losses worldwide. To understand the
      mechanisms of this virulence evolution and to evaluate the epidemiological
      consequences of putative control strategies, it is imperative to understand how
      virulence is defined and how this correlates with host mortality and
      infectiousness during MDV infection. We present a mathematical approach to
      quantify key epidemiological parameters. Host lifespan, virus latent periods and
      host viral shedding rates were estimated for unvaccinated and vaccinated birds,
      infected with one of three MDV strains. The strains had previously been
      pathotyped to assign virulence scores according to pathogenicity of strains in
      hosts. RESULTS: Our analyses show that strains of higher virulence have a higher
      viral shedding rate, and more rapidly kill hosts. Vaccination enhances host life
      expectancy but does not significantly reduce the shedding rate of the virus.
      While the primary latent period of the virus does not vary with challenge strain
      nor vaccine treatment of host, the time until the maximum viral shedding rate is
      increased with vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach provides the tools
      necessary for a formal analysis of the evolution of virulence in MDV, and
      potentially simpler and cheaper approaches to comparing the virulence of MDV
      strains.

PMID- 22078941
TI  - A point prevalence survey of health care-associated infections in Canadian
      pediatric inpatients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) cause considerable morbidity
      and mortality to hospitalized patients. The objective of this point prevalence
      study was to assess the burden of HAIs in the Canadian pediatric population,
      updating results reported from a similar study conducted in 2002. METHODS: A
      point prevalence survey of pediatric inpatients was conducted in February 2009 in
      30 pediatric or combined adult/pediatric hospitals. Data pertaining to one 24
      hour period were collected, including information on HAIs, microorganisms
      isolated, antimicrobials prescribed, and use of additional (transmission based)
      precautions. The following prevalent infections were included: pneumonia, urinary
      tract infection, bloodstream infection, surgical site infection, viral
      respiratory infection, Clostridium difficile infection, viral gastroenteritis,
      and necrotizing enterocolitis. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients had 1 or
      more HAI, corresponding to a prevalence of 8.7% (n = 118 of 1353, 95% confidence
      interval: 7.2-10.2). Six patients had 2 infections. Bloodstream infections were
      the most frequent infection in neonates (3.0%), infants (3.1%), and children
      (3.5%). Among all patients surveyed, 16.3% were on additional precautions, and
      40.1% were on antimicrobial agents, whereas 40.7% of patients with a HAI were on
      additional precautions, and 89.0% were on antimicrobial agents. CONCLUSION:
      Overall prevalence of HAI in 2009 has remained similar to the prevalence reported
      from 2002. The unchanged prevalence of these infections nonetheless warrants
      continued vigilance on their prevention and control.

PMID- 22078943
TI  - High prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira in wild and domesticated animals in an
      endemic area of China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of Leptospira detected in wildlife and
      domesticated animals in Jiangxi Province, China, in. METHODS: Urine samples from
      28 buffaloes and kidney samples from 50 pigs, 50 dogs and 38 rats were collected
      from Fuliang and Shangrao County, Jiangxi Province, China, in October 2009.
      Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and culture analyses were used to detect
      Leptospira. The cultured isolates were typed using the microscopic agglutination
      test(MAT). RESULTS: The results showed that rats potentially serve as the main
      reservoir of leptospiral infection, followed by dogs. Although 16% of rats (6/38)
      were positive using culture analysis, PCR analysis using the diagnostic primers
      G1/G2 and B64I/B64II or lipL32 showed identification as 50% and 24%,
      respectively, of the rat samples as positive for the presence of leptospiral DNA.
      CONCLUSIONS: PCR-based detection of leptospiral DNA in infected kidney tissues of
      reservoirs is more efficient when using G1/G2 primers than lipL32 primers.
      However, the latter primers have a potential application for detection in urine
      samples. The alarmingly high prevalence of leptospiral DNA in the wild rat
      population near human habitation underscores the utility of routine Leptospira
      surveillance, preferably using PCR methods, which are more sensitive than
      traditional culture-based methods.

PMID- 22078944
TI  - Molecular characterization of VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 genes of group B rotavirus
      strains from outbreaks of gastroenteritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 genes of representative GBR
      strains (NIV-005625, NIV-04622 and NIV-094456) detected as the major etiologic
      agent in the outbreaks of gastroenteritis in western India. METHODS: Fecal
      specimens collected during the outbreaks of gastroenteritis were processed for
      RNA isolation, RT-PCR using GBR VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 gene specific primers,
      nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons and phylogenetic analysis of the
      sequences. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis of all of the VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4
      gene sequences revealed clustering of GBR strains in Indian-Bangladeshi lineage
      of genotype G2 with 95.8%-99.4% nucleotide and 97.3%-100.0% amino acid
      identities. However, all three strains showed the presence of unique amino acid
      substitutions in the VP4 protein suggesting alteration in the antigenicity of
      outbreak strains of GBR. The VP8* and VP5* regions of VP4 proteins showed
      respectively 0.5%-6.3% and 0.2%-1.1% amino acid divergence from human GBR strains
      of Indian-Bangladeshi lineage. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the reported
      variability of VP8* region and suggest the possible role of this region in the
      perpetuation of GBR infections in the environment. This is the first study to
      document the phylogenetic relationship of VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 genes of GBR
      strains detected in the outbreaks of gastroenteritis from India with the GBR
      strains from other parts of world.

PMID- 22078945
TI  - Bioinformatics analysis on ORF1 protein of Torque teno virus (SANBAN isolate).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sequence of ORF1 protein of Torque teno virus to
      prepare for the future hybrid experiments. METHODS: The sequence of ORF1 protein
      of Torque teno virus was analyzed by bioinformatics using some web tools.
      RESULTS: The most likely cleavage site was between position 14aa and 15aa and
      signal peptide may be position 1aa-14aa. Two possible transmembrane helices from
      inside to outside and three possible transmembrane helices from outside to inside
      were found. The position 509 (NKTN) was the potential N-glycosylation site. The
      speculative molecular weight of TTV ORF1 protein, which may be a kind of unstable
      protein was 88 705.7 Da. 1aa-91aa and 278aa-361aa were localized in non-regular
      secondary structure region. CONCLUSIONS: TTV ORF1 protein may be a nuclear
      protein which contains two non-regular secondary structure region. 265aa to 486aa
      and 510aa to 679aa may be the two approciate fragments to construct the plasmids,
      which would be prepared for the future hybrid experiments to study the functional
      positions of the protein and the interactions between TTV and its hosts.
      Bioinformatics analysis would possibly make it easier to study the protein's
      function.

PMID- 22078946
TI  - Immunochemical characterization of antigens of Brucella canis and their use in
      seroprevalence study of canine brucellosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore immunochemical characterization of antigens of Brucella
      canis (B. canis), and the use in seroprevalence study of canine brucellosis.
      METHODS: External hot phosphate buffer saline extract (HPBSE) and internal
      sonicated (SA) antigens were prepared from B. canis strain MEX 51 and
      immunochemically characterized. These antigens were used to test 527 serum
      samples of dogs by 2-mercaptoethanol-tube agglutination test (2 ME-TAT), agar gel
      immunodiffusion test (AGID), dot-ELISA and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (I-ELISA) to assess the seroprevalence of canine brucellosis. RESULTS: The
      protein content of HPBSE and SA antigens was 0.387 mg/mL and 0.195 mg/mL,
      respectively, whereas carbohydrate content was 0.174 mg/mL and 0.150 mg/mL,
      respectively. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      (12.5%) of HPBSE and SA, revealed 6 and 8 visible peptide bands ranging from 18
      80 kDa and 12-45 kDa, respectively. Western blot analysis showed immunodominant
      bands of MW 12, 28, 39 and 45 kDa for HPBSE and 20-24 kDa for SA. The AGID
      revealed HPBSE as more specific antigen than SA but both I-ELISA and dot-ELISA
      indicated SA antigen to be more specific and reliable than HPBSE. The
      seroprevalence of canine brucellosis was 2.27% by 2ME-TAT, 1.5% by AGID, 3.03% by
      dot-ELISA and 16.12% by I-ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results of
      present study, we concluded that HPBSE is suitable antigen for AGID, which is
      more specific; whereas SA antigen is suitable for I-ELISA, which is highly
      sensitive. Therefore, initial screening of serum samples should be carried out by
      I-ELISA followed by confirmation with AGID.

PMID- 22078947
TI  - In vitro antiplasmodial activity of methanolic extracts from seaweeds of South
      West Coast of India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of seaweed plants
      against Plasmodium falciparumstrains. METHODS: A total of eight seaweeds were
      collected from Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu, India. The in vitro
      antiplasmodial activity was performed in 96 well plates against Plasmodium
      falciparum, and preliminary phytochemcial analysis were performed for the
      extracts. RESULTS: Of the selected plants Enteromorpha intestinalis (2.61%)
      showed maximum percentage of extraction. The minimum concentration of inhibitory
      (IC50) value was observed with Chaetomorpha antennina [(26.37+/-4.14) MUg/mL]
      further, the positive controls such as chloroquine and artemether showed
      antiplasmodial activities (IC50) with (19.10+/-5.93) and (6.03+/-0.21) MUg/mL
      concentrations, respectively. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the
      seaweed extracts showed a variety of phytochemical constituents such as
      carboxylic acids, phenols, protein, resins, steroids and sugars. CONCLUSIONS: The
      antiplasmodial activity of the seaweed extract might due to the presence of
      sugars and phenolic compounds. From the present findings, it is concluded that,
      the seaweed extract of Chaetomorpha antennina can be further used as a putative
      antiplasmodial drugs in near future.

PMID- 22078948
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of novel analogues of mangiferin as potent antipyretic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen different analogues of mangiferin pharmacologically for
      antipyretic activity. METHODS: The naturally occurring xanthone glycoside
      mangiferin was isolated by column chromatography from the ethanolic extract of
      stem bark of Mangifera indica. Mangiferin was further converted to 5-(N
      phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-p-chlorophenylamino methyleno)
      mangiferin, 5-(N-2-methyl phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-p-methoxy
      phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N, N-diphenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5
      (N-alpha-napthylamino methyleno) mangiferin and 5-(N-4-methyl phenylamino
      methyleno) mangiferin analogues. The synthesized compounds were further screened
      for antipyretic activity along with mangiferin at a dose level of 100 and 200
      mg/kg. Mangiferin and its analogues were characterized by melting point
      andR(f)value determination and through spectral technique like UV, IR, and NMR
      spectral analysis. RESULTS: The antipyretic activity of mangiferin as well as all
      analogues was found to be more significant in at higher dose ie. 200 mg/kg which
      was depicted through a decrease in rectal temperature up to 3 h. CONCLUSIONS: The
      antipyretic activity of mangiferin and its analogues may be attributed to
      inhibition in synthesis of TNF-alpha and anti-oxidant activity associated with
      amelioration of inflammatory actions of cytokines.

PMID- 22078949
TI  - Protective effect of Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume. tuber against
      thioacetamide induced oxidative stress in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the phytochemical constituents of Amorphophallus
      campanulatus (A. campanulatus) tuber and to evaluate its antioxidant potential
      through in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS: Phytochemical screening and in
      vitro antioxidant activities of A. campanulatus tuber n-hexane extract (ACHE) and
      methanolic extract (ACME) were evaluated using DPPH, hydroxyl radical, reducing
      power and total antioxidant capacity assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid
      contents were also investigated. The protective potential of two different doses
      of ACME (125 and 250 mg/kg) was also evaluated against thioacetamide (TAA)
      induced oxidative stress in rats. Silymarin used as a standard drug control.
      Hepatotoxicity was assessed by quantifying the serum levels of aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The antioxidant potential of ACME were
      also evaluated by the estimation of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
      glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione
      (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in hepatic
      and renal tissues. Histopathologic changes of liver were also evaluated. RESULTS:
      In vitro studies revealed that ACME has higher antioxidant and radical scavenging
      activity than ACHE, which may be attributed to its higher phenolic and flavonoid
      content. ACME significantly prevented the elevation of serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH,
      and tissue malondialdehyde levels(P < 0.05). Hepatic and renal GSH, GST, GR, GPx,
      and catalase levels were remarkably increased by the treatment with the extract.
      Quantification of histopathological changes also supported the dose dependent
      protective effects of ACME. CONCLUSIONS: The results do suggest that A.
      campanulatus tuber could be considered as a potential source of natural
      antioxidant.

PMID- 22078950
TI  - Comparison of anti-atherosclerotic effects of two different extracts from leaves
      of Mallotus furetianus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the anti-atherosclerotic effects of two different extracts
      from the leaves of Mallotus furetianus by using rat model of atherosclerosis.
      METHODS: The air-dried powdered Mallotus furetianus leaves were extracted with
      ethanol and then evaporated. The ethanol extract was experienced Diaion HP-20 CC
      with a gradient of MeOH and H2O (50:50, 100:0, v/v) and two fractions, Mallotus
      furetianus A (Mf A) and Mallotus furetianus B (Mf B) were obtained. Rats were
      divided into control, atherosclerosis and vitamin E, Mf A and Mf B treated
      groups. Atherosclerotic model was established by administering a loading dose of
      vitamin D3 and feeding standard diet enriched with 2% cholesterol, 0.5% porcine
      cholate, 0.2% methimazole, 5% sugar, 10% pork fat. Vitamin E (0.20 g/kg), Mf A
      (0.053 g/kg), Mf B (0.057 g/kg) (with the potential) were administered to
      interfere with the development of atherosclerosis. After 9 weeks, rats were
      sacrificed and the blood lipid as well as composition of bile was examined. In
      addition, the thoracic aorta was harvested to evaluate histological changes and
      the intima-media thickness ratio. RESULTS: Atherosclerosis model was successfully
      established, administration of vitamin E, Mf A and Mf B increased excretion of
      total bilirubin in bile, decreased triglyeride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low
      density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, enhanced ratio of high density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol and LDL-C in blood, improved histological changes and
      diminished intima-media thickness ratio of thoracic aorta in atherosclerotic
      rats. As for the difference in anti-atherosclerotic effects betweenMf A and Mf B,
      Mf A may be more powerful in declining TG level and Mf B may be more effective in
      decreasing TC level. CONCLUSIONS: The two different extracts, Mf A and Mf B can
      prevent the development of atherosclerosis, In detail, Mf A is more effective in
      regulating TG level and Mf B is more powerful in modulating TC level in
      atherosclerotic rats.

PMID- 22078951
TI  - Pharmacological effects of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Hibiscus rosasinensis on
      volume and acidity of stimulated gastric secretion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of extract of Hibiscus rosasinensis (H.
      rosasinensis) on the volume, free and total acidity of gastric secretion induced
      by carbachol. METHODS: Animals were kept on fasting for 48 h, then the pylorus of
      each animal was ligated. They were randomly divided into 5 groups and treated by
      carbachol at 600 MUg/kg. Then animals in group II - V were treated by H.
      rosasinensis extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, cimetidine at 2.5 mg/kg
      and verapamil at 10 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally, respectively. The
      volume, free and total acidity of gastric secretion were observed and compared.
      RESULTS: It was found that the extract significantly reduced the volume, free and
      total acidity of gastric secretion (P<0.01). These reductions were comparable to
      cimetidine and verapamil. And the reduction in the volume and free acidity were
      more significant in cimetidine and verapamil treated group indicating that
      cimetidine and verapamil were more effective. CONCLUSIONS: The extract of H.
      rosasinensis can reduced the volume, free and total acidity of gastric secretion,
      and can be used effectively in the treatment of peptic ulcer.

PMID- 22078952
TI  - Antioxidant and antipyretic studies on Pothos scandens L.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate Pothos scandens for the in vitro antioxidant and
      antipyretic activity. METHODS: Preliminary phytochemicals, total phenolics and
      flavonoid contents were analyzed in leaf, stem and root samples. In vitro
      antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays such as 2, 2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6
      sulphonic acid (ABTS*+) radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power
      (FRAP) assay, phosphomolybdenum reduction assay, metal chelating activity,
      superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide
      scavenging assay. The antipyretic activity of root methanol extract was studied
      by pyrexia induced by brewer's yeast on Wistar albino rats at concentration of
      200 and 400 mg/kg using paracetamol as standard drug. RESULTS: The total
      phenolics and tannin content were found to be higher in ethanol extract of stem,
      whereas total flavonoid content was higher in acetone extract of root. The
      methanol extract of root showed highest free radical scavenging activity in
      assays namely ABTS assay (8 221.5 MUM TE/g extract), FRAP assay [514.4 mM Fe
      (II)/g extract], hydrogen peroxide (60.3%) and nitric oxide scavenging assays
      (58.7%). The DPPH assay and superoxide radical assay results revealed that the
      ethanol extract of root has remarkable free radical scavenging capacity (IC50
      0.284 mg/mL and 70.84%). The antipyretic studies on methanol extract of root
      showed significant reduction of temperature in pyrexia induced rats at 200 and
      400 mg/kg doses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings justify that Pothos scandens can be
      a valuable natural antioxidant and antipyretic source which seemed to provide
      potential nutraceuticals for human health.

PMID- 22078953
TI  - Antidiabetic activity of methanolic bark extract of Albizia odoratissima Benth.
      in alloxan induced diabetic albino mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of methanolic extract of
      Albizia odoratissima Benth. bark in alloxan induced diabetic mice. METHODS: Group
      I (normal control) mice received only basal diet without any treatment. In Group-
      II (Diabetic control) mice, diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg i.p.) and
      received only Tween 80, 5% v/v in normal saline. Group- III and Group- IV mice
      received metformin (10mg/kg) and gliclazide (10 mg/kg) as standard drugs. Group-
      V and VI mice received methanolic bark extract of Albizia odoratissimaat doses of
      250 and 500 mg/kg body weight p.o., respectively. RESULTS: The results of the
      study indicates that Albizia odoratissima bark extract significantly (P<0.01)
      reduced the blood sugar level. The bark extract also significantly reduced the
      levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic
      transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and
      decreases level of total proteins in alloxan induced diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS:
      Methanolic extract of Albizia odoratissima has protective effects on the
      protection of vital tissues (pancreas, kidney, liver, heart and spleen), thereby
      reducing the causation of diabetes in experimental animals.

PMID- 22078954
TI  - Antidiabetic activity of alcoholic leaves extract of Alangium lamarckii Thwaites
      on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate antidiabetic potential of alcoholic leaves extract of
      Alangium lamarckii (A. lamarckii) on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2
      diabetic rats. METHODS: Oral glucose tolerance test was done by inducing
      hyperglycemic state via administration of glucose in water (2g/kg). Single dose
      of alcoholic leaves extract of A. lamarckii (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) were
      administered to normoglycemic, hyperglycemic rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced by
      single intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) followed by
      streptozotocin (65mg/kg). The study also included estimations of blood plasma
      glucose, lipid profile, liver glycogen, body weight and antioxidant status in
      normal and diabetic rats. RESULTS: Admistration of alcoholic extract of A.
      lamarckii at two dosage 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. did not showed any significant
      change in blood glucose level of normoglycemic rats (P>0.05), whereas, oral
      glucose tolerance test depicted reduction in blood glucose level (P<0.05). The
      streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats, significantly decreased the
      blood plasma glucose level (P<0.001) comparable to glibenclamide (10 mg/kg),
      restored the lipid profile and showed improvement in liver glycogen, body weight
      and antioxidant status in diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Present finding
      demonstrated the significant antidiabetic activity of alcoholic leaves extract of
      A. lamarckii.

PMID- 22078955
TI  - In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity cycloart-23-ene-3beta,-25-diol
      (B2) isolated from Pongamia pinnata (L. Pierre).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of
      cycloart-23-ene-3beta, 25-diol (called as B2) isolated from stem bark of Pongamia
      pinnata. METHODS: In vitro antioxidant activity of B2 was determined by methods
      for determination of DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, superoxide anion
      radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging,
      metal chelating and nitric oxide radical scavenging at the doses of 20, 40, 60,
      80 and 100 MUg/mL, respectively. beta-tocopherol with same concentration was used
      as a standard antioxidant. In vitro antimicrobial activity of B2 was determined
      by cup plate method in different concentration range of 10-100 MUg/mL. RESULTS:
      The results indicated that dose dependent % reduction against DPPH radical,
      reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging,
      metal chelating, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and nitric oxide radical scavenging
      by B2 and beta-tocopherol. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that cycloart 23-ene
      3beta, 25 diol (B2) showed dose dependent antioxidant activity. B2 showed more
      DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, superoxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical
      scavenging, metal chelating scavenging, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging and
      nitric oxide radical scavenging activity than beta-tocopherol and in case of
      antimicrobial activity B2 exhibited broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and
      strong activity against yeast type of fungi.

PMID- 22078956
TI  - Inhibition of the emergence of multi drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus by
      Withania somnifera root extracts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To search systematically for an alternative therapy with compounds
      particularly from plant origin. METHODS: Efficacy test of different root extracts
      of Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) (L) Dunal against multi drug resistant (MDR)
      Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) variants was performed following the agar well
      diffusion method. Evaluation of susceptibility pattern of the isolates was
      carried out by employing disk diffusion method using standard antibiotic disks.
      RESULTS: In vitro study with W. somnifera root extracts was found to be effective
      against all the MDR S. aureus strains isolated from local and patient sources.
      Different root extracts of WS showed different degree of effectiveness against
      the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The major active principles responsible for the
      antibacterial efficacy were mainly present in methanol (MeOH)extract and ethanol
      (EtOH) extracts as well as in butanol (BuOH) extract fraction. Amongst all the
      extracts the BuOH fraction was found to be most active against all the isolates
      but aqueous extract was the least active one. Finally it may be concluded that
      the antimicrobials from W. somnifera may raise an alternative therapy for MDR
      staphylococcal infections in near future.

PMID- 22078957
TI  - Healing promoting potentials of roots of Ficus benghalensis L. in albino rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen the wound healing activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract
      of roots of Ficus benghalensis. METHODS: Both the extracts were evaluated for
      wound healing by three modelsie. incision, excision and dead space wound. In
      incision and dead space the extracts were applied daily topically till the 10 th
      post wounding days while in excision model it was till the complete
      epithelialization process. Standard group were administered Povidone iodine
      ointment topically daily. The breaking strength, percentage of wound contraction,
      period of epithelialization, dry granulation weight and hydroxyproline content
      were observed. RESULTS: The result of the present study showed that both extracts
      were able to increase the breaking strength (incision model), decrease period of
      epithelialization, increase percentage wound contraction (excision model),
      increase hydroxyproline content (Dead space wound model) significantly compared
      with control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on result we conclude that
      aqueous extract is more effective than ethanolic extract. However, it is needed
      more research to be carried out especially on toxicity studies of ethanolic
      extract.

PMID- 22078958
TI  - New insights into the mechanisms of cytomotive actin and tubulin filaments.
AB  - Dynamic, self-organizing filaments are responsible for long-range order in the
      cytoplasm of almost all cells. Actin-like and tubulin-like filaments evolved
      independently in prokaryotes but have converged in terms of many important
      properties. They grow, shrink, and move directionally within cells, using energy
      and information provided by nucleotide hydrolysis. In the case of microtubules
      and FtsZ filaments, bending is an essential part of their mechanisms. Both
      families assemble polar linear protofilaments, with highly conserved interfaces
      between successive subunits; the bonding at these longitudinal interfaces is
      nucleotide dependent. Better understanding of the mechanisms by which nucleotide
      hydrolysis affects the bonding between subunits in filaments, and other
      structural changes related to the nucleotide hydrolysis cycles, has emerged from
      recent X-ray crystallographic and electron microscopic structures, showing
      eukaryotic or prokaryotic protofilaments in various states. Detailed comparisons
      of the structures of related proteins from eubacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes
      are helping to illuminate the course of evolution.

PMID- 22078959
TI  - New insights into the role of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum
      membrane.
AB  - The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) is a specialized
      subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane that regulates ER
      mitochondria communications. The MAM is characterized by direct apposition to a
      mitochondrion, a unique lipid profile, and the expression of a unique set of
      proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling, phospholipid biosynthesis, protein
      folding, and membrane tethering. The association of the MAM with a mitochondrion
      is in part cytoskeleton independent and dynamically changed by an elevation of
      the cytosolic Ca(2+) level. The mechanisms underlying the genesis of MAM are
      unclear but might involve COPI-dependent vesicular transport and soluble NSF
      attachment protein receptor. The MAM is recognized as a center for intermembrane
      transport of phospholipids and for direct Ca(2+) transmission to mitochondria
      that activates the tricarboxylic acid cycle. However, MAM might be also involved
      in the interorganelle transport of cholesterol, ceramides, ATP, and proteins as
      well as in proteasomal protein degradation and lipid droplet formation. Recent
      studies have begun to unveil the importance of interorganelle communication in
      the innate immune response to virus infection and in the pathophysiology of
      neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, drug discovery aimed at
      regulating ER-to-mitochondria communication may open a new avenue in treatments
      of human diseases.

PMID- 22078960
TI  - Strategies for silencing and escape: the ancient struggle between transposable
      elements and their hosts.
AB  - Over the past several years, there has been an explosion in our understanding of
      the mechanisms by which plant transposable elements (TEs) are epigenetically
      silenced and maintained in an inactive state over long periods of time. This
      highly efficient process results in vast numbers of inactive TEs; indeed, the
      majority of many plant genomes are composed of these quiescent elements. This
      observation has led to the rather static view that TEs represent an essentially
      inert portion of plant genomes. However, recent work has demonstrated that TE
      silencing is a highly dynamic process that often involves transcription of TEs at
      particular times and places during plant development. Plants appear to use
      transcripts from silenced TEs as an ongoing source of information concerning the
      mobile portion of the genome. In contrast to our understanding of silencing
      pathways, we know relatively little about the ways in which TEs evade silencing.
      However, vast differences in TE content between even closely related plant
      species suggest that they are often wildly successful at doing so. Here, we
      discuss TE activity in plants as the result of a constantly shifting balance
      between host strategies for TE silencing and TE strategies for escape and
      amplification.

PMID- 22078961
TI  - Current progress and potential practical application for human pluripotent stem
      cells.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells are able to give rise to all cell types of the organism.
      There are two sources for human pluripotent stem cells: embryonic stem cells
      (ESCs) derived from surplus blastocysts created for in vitro fertilization and
      induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated by reprogramming of somatic
      cells. ESCs have been an area of intense research during the past decade, and two
      clinical trials have been recently approved. iPSCs were created only recently,
      and most of the research has been focused on the iPSC generation protocols and
      investigation of mechanisms of direct reprogramming. The iPSC technology makes
      possible to derive pluripotent stem cells from any patient. However, there are a
      number of hurdles to be overcome before iPSCs will find a niche in practice. In
      this review, we discuss differences and similarities of the two pluripotent cell
      types and assess prospects for application of these cells in biomedicine.

PMID- 22078962
TI  - Protein quality control, retention, and degradation at the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - In order to maintain proper cellular functions, all living cells, from bacteria
      to mammalian cells, must carry out a rigorous quality control process in which
      nascent and newly synthesized proteins are examined. An important role of this
      process is to protect cells against pathological accumulation of unfolded and
      misfolded proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has evolved as a staging
      ground for secretory protein synthesis with distinct sites for entry, quality
      control, and exit. In the ER, most proteins are N-glycosylated, a
      posttranslational modification that defines the quality control pathway that the
      protein will undergo. The folding state of glycoproteins is revealed by specific
      modifications of their N-glycans. Regardless of size and posttranslational
      modifications, the folding states of all proteins must be identified as unfolded,
      properly folded, or terminally misfolded and accordingly subjected to ER
      retention and continued folding attempts, export and maturation, or
      retrotranslocation to the cytosol for degradation. These processes involve
      specialized machineries that utilize molecular chaperones, protein- and N-glycan
      modifying enzymes, and lectins for protein folding and quality control and
      ubiquitination and degradation machineries for disposal. All these machineries
      are regulated by a signaling pathway, the unfolded protein response, which
      upregulates ER functions when under the stress of high protein load. Here, we
      describe the molecular mechanisms that are implicated and discuss recent data
      that underline the importance of compartmentalization in the segregation of the
      various functions of the ER for their correct function.

PMID- 22078963
TI  - Relation of left ventricular end diastolic pressure to right ventricular end
      diastolic volume after operative treatment of tetralogy of fallot.
AB  - Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes
      after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, although its cause is not known, and its
      relation to right ventricular (RV) performance has never been examined. The aim
      of this study was to test the hypothesis that RV dilation leads to LV diastolic
      dysfunction after TOF repair. Patients with repaired TOF who underwent cardiac
      catheterization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging within 6 months from
      January 2003 and April 2011 were reviewed to assess the relation of LV end
      diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and indexed RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDVi). Thirty
      eight patients were included at a median age of 10.1 years (range 0.6 to 54.7).
      There was a significant linear association between RVEDVi and LVEDP (p = 0.05).
      RV end-diastolic pressure (p <0.001), right pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p
      = 0.009), left pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p = 0.02), and total
      cardiopulmonary support time (p = 0.04) during TOF repair were also significantly
      associated with LVEDP. Compared to patients with LVEDP <12 mm Hg, those with
      LVEDP >=12 mm Hg had significantly higher mean RVEDVi (135.2 +/- 47.8 vs 98.6 +/-
      28 ml/m(2), p = 0.007) and mean RV end-diastolic pressure (11.7 +/- 1.6 vs 8.5 +/
      2.8 mm Hg, p = 0.0003). In conclusion, after TOF repair, LVEDP is significantly
      associated with RVEDVi. Furthermore, mean RVEDVi is significantly higher in
      patients with LVEDP >=12 mm Hg. These findings support the theory that RV
      dilation may impair LV diastolic function and that LV parameters may also be
      important to consider in determining timing of pulmonary valve replacement.

PMID- 22078964
TI  - Predictors of depressed left ventricular function in patients presenting with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - Early in the course of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI),
      therapies that may harm patients who develop left ventricular (LV) dysfunction,
      such as beta-blockers, are often administered. The investigators analyzed the
      ACTIVATE-SF database, a registry of consecutive STEMI activations presenting to 2
      medical centers at the University of California, San Francisco. LV dysfunction
      was defined as an ejection fraction <=40% on echocardiography. Of 211 patients
      included in the analysis, 66 (31%) had LV ejection fractions <=40%. Patients with
      LV dysfunction were older (63 +/- 15 vs 56 +/- 13 years, p = 0.002). In
      multivariate regression models, decreased renal function (reference group,
      creatinine <1.0 mg/dl; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] creatinine >1.5 mg/dl 6.35, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.66 to 24.31, p = 0.007), a history of coronary artery
      disease (AOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.71, p = 0.014), ST-segment elevation >2 mm on
      12-lead electrocardiography (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.87, p = 0.008), and need
      for mechanical ventilation (AOR 3.98, 95% CI 1.41 to 11.19, p = 0.009) increased
      the odds of LV dysfunction. Inferior ST-segment elevations were associated with
      88% decreased odds of LV dysfunction (AOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.35, p <0.001). A
      prediction score using these characteristics stratified patients into low-,
      intermediate-, and high-risk groups for LV dysfunction; positive likelihood
      ratios for LV dysfunction in these groups were 0.07, 1.14, and 4.93,
      respectively. In conclusion, 5 key predictors of in-hospital LV dysfunction after
      STEMI were identified; a risk score based on these predictors helps to quickly
      identify patients presenting with STEMI who are at the highest risk for
      developing significant LV dysfunction and could guide optimal therapeutic
      choices.

PMID- 22078965
TI  - Implications of ST-segment elevation in leads V5 and V6 in patients with
      reperfused inferior wall acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - During inferior acute myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation (ST?) often
      occurs in leads V(5) to V(6), but its clinical implications remain unclear. We
      examined the admission electrocardiograms from 357 patients with a first inferior
      acute myocardial infarction who had Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow
      of the right coronary artery or left circumflex artery within 6 hours after
      symptom onset. The patients were divided according to the presence (n = 76) or
      absence (n = 281) of ST? >2 mm in leads V(5) and V(6). Patients with ST? in leads
      V(5) and V(6) were subdivided into 2 groups according to the degree of ST? in
      leads III and V(6): ST? in lead III greater than in V(6) (n = 53) and ST? in lead
      III equal to or less than in V(6) (n = 23). The perfusion territory of the
      culprit artery was assessed using the angiographic distribution score, and a mega
      artery was defined as a score of >=0.7. ST? in leads V(5) and V(6) with ST? in
      lead III greater than in V(6) and ST? in leads V(5) and V(6) with ST? in lead III
      equal to or less than in V(6) were associated with mega-artery occlusion and
      impaired myocardial reperfusion, as defined by myocardial blush grade 0 to 1.
      Right coronary artery occlusion was most common (96%) in the former, and left
      circumflex artery occlusion was most common (96%) in the latter, especially
      proximal left circumflex occlusion (74%). Multivariate analysis showed that ST?
      in leads V(5) and V(6) with ST? in lead III greater than that in V(6) (odds ratio
      4.81, p <0.001) and ST? in leads V(5) and V(6) with ST? in lead III equal or less
      than that in V(6) (odds ratio 5.96, p <0.001) were independent predictors of
      impaired myocardial reperfusion. In conclusion, ST? in leads V(5) and V(6)
      suggests a greater risk area and impaired myocardial reperfusion in patients with
      inferior acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, comparing the degree of ST? in
      lead V(6) with that in lead III is useful for predicting the culprit artery.

PMID- 22078966
TI  - Relation between previous angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use and in
      hospital outcomes in acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use in patients at high risk of
      coronary artery disease has been associated with a decrease in the risk of
      myocardial infarction (MI) and death. However, it is unclear whether chronic use
      of these agents modifies the course and outcome of an acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). This study assessed the association between chronic use of ACE inhibitors
      and clinical outcomes in patients with ACS. From 1999 through 2008, 13,632
      Canadian patients with ACS were identified in the Global Registry of Acute
      Coronary Events (GRACE), the expanded GRACE (GRACE(2)), and the Canadian Registry
      of Acute Coronary Events (CANRACE). Patients were stratified by previous use of
      an ACE inhibitor. Clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatment, and outcomes
      were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis
      adjusting for GRACE risk score and other clinical factors was performed. Patients
      receiving an ACE inhibitor before the ACS had a higher prevalence of diabetes
      (40.6% vs 21.2%, p <0.001), previous MI (51.8% vs 23.3%, p <0.001), heart failure
      (18.0% vs 6.9%), and higher GRACE scores at presentation (133 vs 124, p <0.001).
      Multivariable analysis demonstrated no significant association between previous
      ACE inhibitor use and death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.15, confidence interval
      [CI] 0.90 to 1.49, p = 0.27), in-hospital re-MI (adjusted OR 0.99, CI 0.78 to
      1.25, p = 0.91), or the composite end point of death/re-MI (adjusted OR 1.01, CI
      0.84 to 1.20, p = 0.94). In conclusion, previous use of an ACE inhibitor is not
      independently associated with improved in-hospital outcomes after an ACS.

PMID- 22078967
TI  - The effect of vessel depth, diameter, and location on ultrasound-guided
      peripheral intravenous catheter longevity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheters (USGPIVs) have
      been observed to have poor durability. The current study sets out to determine
      whether vessel characteristics (depth, diameter, and location) predict USGPIV
      longevity. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed on a prospectively
      gathered database of patients who underwent USGPIV placement in an urban,
      tertiary care emergency department. All patients in the database had a 20-gauge,
      48-mm-long catheter placed under ultrasound guidance. The time and reason for
      USGPIV removal were extracted by retrospective chart review. A Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: After 48 hours from USGPIV placement,
      32% (48/151) had failed prematurely, 24% (36/151) had been removed for routine
      reasons, and 44% (67/151) remained in working condition yielding a survival
      probability of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.70). Survival
      probability was perfect (1.00) when placed in shallow vessels (<0.4 cm), moderate
      (0.62; 95% CI, 0.51-0.71) for intermediate vessels (0.40-1.19 cm), and poor
      (0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.51) for deep vessels (>=1.2 cm); P < .0001. Intravenous
      survival probability was higher when placed in the antecubital fossa or forearm
      locations (0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91) and lower in the brachial region (0.50; 95%
      CI, 0.38-0.61); P = .0002. The impact of vessel depth and location was
      significant after 3 hours and 18 hours, respectively. Vessel diameter did not
      affect USGPIV longevity. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of deep and proximal vessels is
      associated with poor USGPIV survival. Careful selection of target vessels may
      help improve success of USGPIV placement and durability.

PMID- 22078968
TI  - Removal of trace organic contaminants by a membrane bioreactor-granular activated
      carbon (MBR-GAC) system.
AB  - The removal of trace organics by a membrane bioreactor-granular activated carbon
      (MBR-GAC) integrated system were investigated. The results confirmed that MBR
      treatment can be effective for the removal of hydrophobic (log D>3.2) and readily
      biodegradable trace organics. The data also highlighted the limitation of MBR in
      removing hydrophilic and persistent compounds (e.g. carbamazepine, diclofenac,
      and fenoprop) and that GAC could complement MBR very well as a post-treatment
      process. The MBR-GAC system showed high removal of all selected trace organics
      including those that are hydrophilic and persistent to biological degradation at
      up to 406 bed volumes (BV). However, over an extended period, breakthrough of
      diclofenac was observed after 7320 BV. This suggests that strict monitoring
      should be applied over the lifetime of the GAC column to detect the breakthrough
      of hydrophilic and persistent compounds which have low removal by MBR treatment.

PMID- 22078969
TI  - Cloning and expression of a gene with phospholipase B activity from Pseudomonas
      fluorescens in Escherichia coli.
AB  - A gene from Pseudomonasfluorescens BIT-18 encoding a protein with phospholipase B
      activity (Pf-PLB) was cloned in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The open reading frame
      consists of 1272 bp and potentially encodes a protein of 423 amino acid residues
      with a calculated molecular mass of 45.8 kDa. The nucleotide sequence of Pf-PLB
      is 45%, 42%, 41%, 40%, 33%, and 31% identical to that of Bifidobacterium animals,
      Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum, Acidobacterium capsulatum, Lactobacillus
      johnsonii, Moraxella bovis, and Moraxella catarrhalis, respectively. The His
      tagged protein was purified by affinity chromatography and the eluted protein
      hydrolyzed both the 1- and 2-ester bond of phosphatidylcholine. The recombinant
      Pf-PLB had optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 30  degrees C, and it showed 20.1%
      higher efficiency in the conversion rate of the phosphorus content than the wild
      type.

PMID- 22078971
TI  - Radiotherapy and cervix cancer - university hospitals Birmingham experience with
      patients not suitable for concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin.

PMID- 22078970
TI  - Removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) in a synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater by a
      sequential anaerobic multichamber bed reactor (AMCBR)/completely stirred tank
      reactor (CSTR) system: biodegradation and inhibition kinetics.
AB  - An anaerobic multichamber bed reactor (AMCBR) was effective in removing both
      molasses-chemical oxygen demand (COD), and the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC).
      The maximum COD and OTC removals were 99% in sequential AMCBR/completely stirred
      tank reactor (CSTR) at an OTC concentration of 300 mg L(-1). 51%, 29% and 9% of
      the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) was composed of acetic, propionic acid and
      butyric acids, respectively. The OTC loading rates at between 22.22 and 133.33 g
      OTC m(-3) d(-1) improved the hydrolysis of molasses-COD (k), the maximum specific
      utilization of molasses-COD (k(mh)) and the maximum specific utilization rate of
      TVFA (k(TVFA)). The direct effect of high OTC loadings (155.56 and -177.78 g OTC
      m(-3) d(-1)) on acidogens and methanogens were evaluated with Haldane inhibition
      kinetic. A significant decrease of the Haldane inhibition constant was indicative
      of increases in toxicity at increasing loading rates.

PMID- 22078972
TI  - Early chronotropic response analysis in head up tilt table test.

PMID- 22078973
TI  - Superior approach for radiofrequency ablation of common atrial flutter in patient
      with heterotaxy syndrome.

PMID- 22078974
TI  - An unexpected cause of acute ST-elevation: an unconsciously swallowed sewing
      needle migrating to the heart.

PMID- 22078975
TI  - Long-term course of stemi complicated by a moderate to severe pericardial
      effusion. Frequency of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 22078976
TI  - Double right coronary artery or split right coronary artery?
AB  - The prevalence of congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries (CAAs) is
      reported to be approximately 0.2-1.4% of the general population. Of them, The
      double right coronary artery (RCA) is one of the rarest coronary anomalies.
      Nonetheless, there is no consensus of the definition of a double RCA until now.
      Several concepts have been proposed in order to define what is and is not a
      double RCA. So far, it was been reported 37 times and in 44 cases after a
      comprehensive literature search through the PubMed database, using the keywords
      "double right coronary artery," "duplicated right coronary artery," "dual right
      coronary artery" and "split right coronary artery." Most of the published
      articles (28 of 37 articles) used the name "double right coronary artery."
      Nevertheless, some investigators contended that a split RCA is anatomically the
      same anomaly as the improperly named "double right coronary artery". The debate
      between those who favor "double RCA" and those who favor "split RCA" indicate the
      need for a consensus regarding the nomenclature as well diagnostic criteria of
      such coronary anomalies. It is the time we need to reach a consensus of the
      nomenclature of this congenital coronary anomaly.

PMID- 22078977
TI  - Vectorcardiography shows cardiac memory and repolarization heterogeneity after
      ablation of accessory pathways not apparent on ECG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pacing induced cardiac memory is an established phenomenon, but
      following successful WPW ablation, cardiac memory was present on ECG in variable
      proportions of patients depending on accessory pathway (AP) location. We
      hypothesized that vectorcardiography (VCG), which is more sensitive than ECG,
      would show cardiac memory after WPW ablation independent of AP location. METHODS:
      Thirty-six patients were followed after successful AP ablation, 11 with overt
      posteroseptal (PS), 13 with overt left-sided (LS) and 12 with concealed APs
      (controls). VCGs were recorded the day before and after the procedure, >=
      once/week for 6-8 weeks and after >= 3 months. T vector and T-vector loop
      parameters were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: After ablation of overt APs,
      there was a correlation between the directions of the preexcited maximum QRS
      vector and the post-ablation maximum T-vector, confirming the presence of cardiac
      memory. Ablation of overt APs was followed by cardiac memory apparent in
      different directions. Thus, ablation of PS APs was followed by most pronounced
      changes in T-vector elevation and LS APs with significant changes only in T
      vector azimuth. Cardiac memory disappeared within a month in > 80% of cases.
      Furthermore, T-vector loop morphology changes suggested a period of
      repolarization heterogeneity immediately after ablation of overt APs.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to VCG analysis cardiac memory was present after ablation
      of overt APs independent of location as consistently as after ventricular pacing,
      and disappeared within a similar time frame during normal ventricular activation.
      In addition, signs of transient repolarization heterogeneity were observed after
      ablation of overt APs.

PMID- 22078978
TI  - Unruptured aneurysms of all sinus of Valsalva causing non-ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction.

PMID- 22078979
TI  - Effects of nebivolol or irbesartan in combination with hydrochlorothiazide on
      vascular functions in newly-diagnosed hypertensive patients: the NINFE
      (Nebivololo, Irbesartan Nella Funzione Endoteliale) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension affects endothelial function and arterial
      stiffness. The angiotensin (AT1) receptor antagonist irbesartan improves
      endothelial function and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. Nebivolol,
      a beta(1)-selective beta blocker, reduces systemic vascular resistance and
      stimulates nitric oxide release thus exerting positive effects on vascular
      function. However, comparative studies on the vascular effects of third
      generation beta-blockers and AT1 receptor blockers are lacking. Aim of this
      randomized, double-blind study was to test the hypothesis of non-inferiority of
      nebivolol to irbesartan, both in association with hydrochlorothiazide, on
      endothelial function, arterial stiffness and central hemodynamic parameters in
      patients with arterial hypertension naive on therapy. METHODS: Sixty-five
      patients were randomized to receive irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide (150 mg/12.5
      mg day) or nebivolol/hydrochlorothiazide (5mg/12.5 mg day) for 8-weeks.
      Endothelial function, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, central and
      brachial blood pressures were measured at baseline and at the end of the study.
      RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic central blood pressure, as well as brachial
      arterial pressure, decreased to a similar extent after both treatments. Similar
      changes in endothelial function between groups were detected at the end of the
      study. A significant reduction in pulse wave velocity, central blood pressure,
      and augmentation index adjusted for heart rate, was found in both the treatment
      groups at the end of the study, without significant differences between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the hypothesis of non-inferiority
      of short-term treatment with nebivolol compared to irbesartan, both in
      association with hydrochlorothiazide, on endothelial function, arterial stiffness
      and central hemodynamic parameters in hypertensive patients naive on therapy.

PMID- 22078980
TI  - Dissociation between anatomical and functional results after MitraClip
      implantation.

PMID- 22078981
TI  - Short-term effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on P wave signal-averaged
      electrocardiogram in patients with coronary artery disease.

PMID- 22078982
TI  - A case of myocardial infarction in a young female with subclinical
      hyperthyroidism.

PMID- 22078983
TI  - Circumferential myocardial contraction patterns in patients with idiopathic
      frequent premature ventricular complexes from the right ventricular outflow
      tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs)
      in patients without overt cardiovascular disease is considered idiopathic.
      Idiopathic PVCs are predominantly from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT)
      and considered a reversible cause of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.
      OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether alternations in LV contraction patterns exist
      in patients with idiopathic frequent PVCs originating from the RVOT. METHODS:
      Segmental myocardial circumferential strain (CS)-time curves were acquired from
      29 patients with idiopathic frequent RVOT-PVCs and 30 healthy subjects. Peak CS
      and the time to peak CS (TPcs) of each segment were analyzed, with the standard
      deviation of TPcs for 18 LV segments (SDtpcs) calculated. All values of patients
      with RVOT-PVCs were recorded during both sinus beats (PVC-S) and ventricular
      extrasystoles (PVC-V), respectively. RESULTS: The distribution of peak CS and
      TPcs in the PVC-V was opposite that of the healthy subjects. The distribution of
      TPcs of PVC-S within the different layers differed from that of healthy subjects.
      These patients had significantly greater dyssynchrony compared with the healthy
      subjects assessed by SDtpcs (healthy subjects: 6.7%+/-1.9%, PVC-S: 8.1%+/-3.1%,
      PVC-V: 9.7%+/-3.4%, healthy subjects vs. PVC-S p=0.04; healthy subjects vs. PVC-V
      p=0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between PVC frequency
      and SDtpcs of PVC-S (r=0.44, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic frequent RVOT-PVCs
      can induce alterations in the LV myocardial contractile pattern during both sinus
      beats and ventricular extrasystoles. Circumferential contraction dyssynchrony of
      patients during sinus beats relates to PVC frequency. Therefore, attention should
      be paid to patients with frequent RVOT-PVCs, especially those with a high
      prevalence of PVCs.

PMID- 22078984
TI  - Autonomic activation during sleep and new-onset ambulatory hypertension in the
      elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sympathetic "overactivity" during night is a well recognized factor
      of hypertension development in adults. However, the deleterious effect of
      nocturnal autonomic activation in elderly remains controversial. METHODS:
      Subjects, all aged 65 years at baseline, were selected from the PROOF cohort
      study, a prospective observational cohort of subjects. Exclusion criteria were
      previous myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, type-1 diabetes, atrial
      fibrillation or anti-arrhythmic drug. Normotensive subjects were selected
      according to: 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements <135/85 mm Hg,
      absence of self-report antihypertensive treatment. Autonomic activation during
      sleep was evaluated from night-time ECG Holter recording. According the %VLFI
      (Very-Low Frequency component of Interbeat Interval Increment evaluated from
      heart rate variability analysis). Subjects with new-onset ambulatory hypertension
      were identified after two years when daytime ambulatory blood pressure was higher
      than 135/85 mm Hg or when they used an antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: Among
      428 normotensive subjects at inclusion, 62 (14.5%) were considered as
      hypertensives after two years. Univariate logistic regression model showed a
      significant association between abnormal %VLFI (>4%) and new-onset hypertension:
      OR = 1.78 (1.03-3.07). Male gender, increased body mass index and ambulatory
      systolic BP were also associated with increased risk of hypertension. After
      adjustment in the stepwise logistic regression, abnormal %VLFI was associated
      with an 82% increase in odds of new-onset hypertension, independently of systolic
      ABPM and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Repeated autonomic activation during sleep,
      whatever the origin of the phenomenon, may trigger hypertension development in
      the elderly.

PMID- 22078985
TI  - Dose-response relationship of baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability
      to individually-tailored exercise training in patients with heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Baroreflex Sensitivity (BRS) are
      impaired in patients with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) and carry negative
      prognosis. Exercise training improves these parameters. However, the relationship
      between exercise training with HRV and BRS has been investigated without regard
      for individual training loads. We tested the hypothesis that in CHF patients
      changes in HRV and BRS are dose-response related to individual volume/intensity
      training load (TL). METHODS: Twenty patients with stable postinfarction CHF under
      optimal medical treatment were randomized to either aerobic continuous training
      (ACT) or aerobic interval training (AIT) for 12weeks. Individualized TL was
      monitored by the Training Impulses (TRIMPi) method, which was determined using
      the individual HR and lactate profiling determined during a treadmill test at
      baseline. HRV (standard deviation of mean R-R interval) and BRS were assessed at
      rest and 3weeks apart, throughout the study. RESULTS: HRV, BRS and R-R interval
      increased significantly with training, being very highly correlated to the dose
      of exercise with a second-order regression model (r(2) ranged from 0.75 to 0.96;
      P<0.001), resembling a bell-shaped in the ACT, and an asymptotic-shaped curve in
      the AIT groups, respectively. These changes were accompanied by a significant
      increase in functional capacity. No significant differences were detected between
      ACT and AIT in any variable. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that improvements
      in HRV and BRS by exercise training in CHF patients are dose related to TL in a
      non-linear fashion on an individual basis, with optimal results at moderate doses
      of exercise.

PMID- 22078986
TI  - CoreValve deployment during cardiopulmonary resuscitation without angiographic
      injections guidance: an additional capability of Accutrak system?

PMID- 22078987
TI  - Response to "Sirolimus or paclitaxel drug eluting stent in left main disease: the
      winner is...".

PMID- 22078988
TI  - Systemic administration of bevacizumab increases the risk of cardiovascular
      events in patients with metastatic cancer.

PMID- 22078989
TI  - Acute Q fever myocarditis: thinking about a life-threatening but potentially
      curable condition.

PMID- 22078990
TI  - Navigating the mini-maze: systematic review of the first results and progress of
      minimally-invasive surgery in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this paper we present a systematic literature overview and
      analysis of the first results and progress made with minimally-invasive surgery
      using RF energy in the treatment of AF. The minimally-invasive treatment for
      atrial fibrillation (AF) tries to combine the success rate of surgical treatment
      with a less invasive approach to surgery. It has the additional potential
      advantage of ganglion plexus (GP) ablation and left atrial appendage exclusion.
      Furthermore, additional left atrial ablation lines (ALAL) can be created in non
      paroxysmal AF patients. METHODS: For the search query multiple databases were
      used. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied to select the publications to
      be screened. All remaining articles were critically appraised and only relevant
      and valid articles were included in our results. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies
      were included. In 15 studies GPs around the pulmonary veins were ablated. In four
      studies ALAL were performed. Single procedure success rate was 69% (95% CI, range
      58%-78%) without antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) and 79% (95% CI, range 71%-85%) with
      AAD at one year follow-up. Mortality was 0.4%, and various complications were
      reported (3.2% surgical, 3.2% post-surgical, 2.6% cardiac, 2.1% pulmonary, 1.7%
      other). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-three studies of minimally-invasive surgery for AF
      have been reviewed with success rates between that of the standard maze procedure
      and catheter ablation. These first combined results show promise; however,
      minimally-invasive surgery is still evolving, for instance by the recent
      inclusion of electrophysiological endpoints. Furthermore, the type of ALAL and
      the additional value of GP ablation have to be elucidated.

PMID- 22078991
TI  - Quantification of serum ferritin in the acute coronary syndrome: a puzzle still
      to be resolved?

PMID- 22078992
TI  - Heart failure and comorbid diabetes mellitus or chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease: effects on mood in outpatients.

PMID- 22078993
TI  - Subsequent silent plaque rupture of nonculprit lesion in a patient with acute
      myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22078994
TI  - Advances in the chemistry of small molecule fluorescent probes.
AB  - Small molecule fluorophores are essential tools for chemical biology. A benefit
      of synthetic dyes is the ability to employ chemical approaches to control the
      properties and direct the position of the fluorophore. Applying modern synthetic
      organic chemistry strategies enables efficient tailoring of the chemical
      structure to obtain probes for specific biological experiments. Chemistry can
      also be used to activate fluorophores; new fluorogenic enzyme substrates and
      photoactivatable compounds with improved properties have been prepared that
      facilitate advanced imaging experiments with low background fluorescence.
      Finally, chemical reactions in live cells can be used to direct the spatial
      distribution of the fluorophore, allowing labeling of defined cellular regions
      with synthetic dyes.

PMID- 22078995
TI  - Differential gene expression in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) calli with different
      morphologies and catechin contents.
AB  - Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a commercially important crop that contains valuable
      secondary metabolites. To understand the molecular regulation of secondary
      metabolism in tea, we selected and analyzed two cell lines of tea callus
      (Yunjing63Y and Yunjing63X) that showed different morphological characteristics
      and catechin contents. Yunjing63Y callus was yellow and tight, while yunjing63X
      callus was white and loose. HPLC analyses showed that Yunjing63Y contained 3.71
      times higher levels of catechins than Yunjing63X. Using cDNA amplified fragment
      length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) we identified 68 genes that were differentially
      expressed between the two lines. Of the 68 differentially expressed ESTs, 40
      showed higher expressions in Yunjing63Y and 28 showed higher expressions in
      Yunjing63X. BLASTX comparisons classified these ESTs into seven functional
      groups; phenylpropanoid metabolism (2.9%), UDPG-dependent glucosyl transferase
      (8.8%), transcription factors (11.8%), transporters (13.2%), signal transduction
      (19.1%), other metabolism (26.5%), and unknown (17.7%). We used qRT-PCR to
      validate the expression of genes and ESTs, and found that genes associated with
      flavan-3-ols biosynthesis and metabolism were expressed at higher levels in
      Yunjing63Y than in Yunjing63X. In addition, the expression of ESTs associated
      with flavonoid biosynthesis, regulation and transport were higher in Yunjing63Y
      than in Yunjing63X. The full-length cDNA of a EST coding for a putative MYB
      transcription factor was amplified using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).
      The resulting 1270 bp long cDNA, named CsMYB1, contained a 933-bp ORF encoding a
      310-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 105.27 kDa and a
      predicted isoelectric point of 4.85 and showed highest homology to plant MYBs
      likely involved in stress signaling.

PMID- 22078996
TI  - Immunolocalization of H(+)-ATPase and IRT1 enzymes in N(2)-fixing common bean
      nodules subjected to iron deficiency.
AB  - The demand for iron in leguminous plants increases during symbiosis, as the metal
      is utilised for the synthesis of various Fe-containing proteins in both plant and
      bacteroids. However, the acquisition of this micronutrient is problematic due to
      its low bioavailability at physiological pH under aerobic conditions. Induction
      of root Fe(III)-reductase activity is necessary for Fe uptake and can be coupled
      to the rhizosphere acidification capacity linked to the H(+)-ATPase activity. Fe
      uptake is related to the expression of a Fe(2+) transporter (IRT1). In order to
      verify the possible role of nodules in the acquisition of Fe directly from the
      soil solution, the localization of H(+)-ATPase and IRT1 was carried out in common
      bean nodules by immuno-histochemical analysis. The results showed that these
      proteins were particularly abundant in the central nitrogen-fixing zone of
      nodules, around the periphery of infected and uninfected cells as well as in the
      vascular bundle of control nodules. Under Fe deficiency an over-accumulation of
      H(+)-ATPase and IRT1 proteins was observed especially around the cortex cells of
      nodules. The results obtained in this study suggest that the increase in these
      proteins is differentially localized in nodules of Fe-deficient plants when
      compared to the Fe-sufficient condition and cast new light on the possible
      involvement of nodules in the direct acquisition of Fe from the nutrient
      solution.

PMID- 22078997
TI  - Bone mineral density, fracture, and vitamin D in adolescents and young women
      using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents and young
      adults treated with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). DESIGN, SETTING,
      PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-three healthy subjects, 13-20 years old, who received at
      least 3 DMPA injections in an urban adolescent clinic and underwent dual energy x
      ray absorptiometry (DXA) were evaluated by chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Anthropometric data, DMPA use, BMD of the spine and hip, fracture history, and
      vitamin D status were collected. RESULTS: Subjects were a median age of 16.4
      years old (range 13-20 years) when DMPA was initiated. The median number of DMPA
      injections was 5 (range 3-18) before the first DXA. At the spine and hip,
      respectively, BMD was normal (Z-score > -1.0 SD) for most subjects (79%, 86%).
      Subjects who received > 5 injections were more likely to have low spinal BMD (Z
      score <= -2.0 SD) at first DXA (P = .018). In 15 subjects with repeat DXA
      measurements, after an additional median 6 injections, spinal BMD Z-score
      decreased by -0.33 +/- 0.10 (mean +/- SD, P = .004), as did absolute BMD at the
      hip (-0.019 +/- 0.007 g/cm(2), P = .014). History of fracture was not associated
      with initial or subsequent BMD measurements. Most (12/13, 92.3%) subjects with
      vitamin D measurements were deficient (25-hydroxy vitamin D < 20 ng/mL).
      CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects on DMPA had normal BMD at first DXA. Low spinal BMD
      was associated with longer DMPA use, and some BMD measurements declined with
      prolonged use. Fracture history is not an absolute contraindication to DMPA use
      in this population. Studies are needed to determine possible benefits of vitamin
      D supplementation in DMPA users.

PMID- 22078998
TI  - Paraspinal muscle function assessed with the flexion-relaxation ratio at baseline
      in a population of patients with back-related leg pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess back muscle status at baseline
      in patients with back-related leg pain (BRLP) and to correlate those findings
      with baseline demographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Surface electromyography
      (EMG) and electromagnetic motion-tracking detected flexion-relaxation response in
      135 patients with BRLP. Surface EMG electrodes were attached with standard skin
      preparation over the right and left paraspinal muscles at L3. Participants moved
      from upright standing into full forward flexion, rested flexed for 1 second, and
      returned to the upright position. A flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) factor was
      calculated as the root mean square EMG amplitude during forward flexion divided
      by the activity at full flexion. RESULTS: High repeatability was found
      (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]([1,3]) = 0.94 and 0.86) between 3
      cycles of assessment at the same session. Patients with BRLP exhibited low FRR
      values, indicating a loss of the flexion-relaxation response similar to that seen
      in low back pain patients. Patients with very low FRR had higher Roland-Morris
      Disability Questionnaire scores than the other patients, had increased incidence
      of straight leg raise test, and had decreased range and rate of forward flexion.
      CONCLUSIONS: A subgroup of patients with BRLP was identified with very low FRR
      who exhibited more disability and clinical findings and decreased motion. The use
      of the inverted FRR factor, expressing muscle activity at the fully flexed and
      resting position as a percentage of peak activity during flexion, provides more
      stable numerical behavior and another perspective on interpreting FRRs.

PMID- 22078999
TI  - Postural assessment of lumbar lordosis and pelvic alignment angles in adolescent
      users and nonusers of high-heeled shoes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the influence of wearing
      high-heeled shoes on lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclinations among adolescents
      aged between 13 and 20 years were users and nonusers of high-heeled shoes and (2)
      to correlate these postural angles with age. METHODS: Fifty adolescents from the
      nonuser group (NUG) of high-heeled shoes and 50 from the user group (UG) were
      evaluated. Postural assessments were obtained by photogrammetry under 2
      conditions-barefoot and with high-heeled shoes-and analyzed using the evaluation
      postural software. The measured angles included lumbar lordosis and the
      horizontal alignment of the pelvis. Descriptive analyses were carried out, with a
      significance level of 5%. RESULTS: With high-heeled use, the NUG demonstrated
      rectification of the lumbar spine and pelvic retroversion, whereas the UG
      demonstrated hyperlordosis and pelvic anteversion. When barefoot, smaller lumbar
      lordosis angles for both groups were observed. However, the pelvic angles were
      lower for the UG group and higher for the NUG. The studied angles showed high
      reliabilities. Age was correlated with lumbar lordosis angles for the NUG in the
      barefoot condition and with pelvic alignments in both conditions for the UG.
      CONCLUSION: For the subjects in this study, the use of high-heeled shoes is
      correlated with increased lumbar lordosis and pelvic anteversions. Lumbar
      lordosis angles are correlated with age for the NUG when barefoot.

PMID- 22079000
TI  - Human subject research: reporting ethics approval and informed consent in 3
      chiropractic journals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To date, there have been no reports of ethics board approval or
      informed consent within the chiropractic literature or within chiropractic
      research. The purpose of this study was to assess the reporting of ethics
      approval and informed consent in articles published during the 2008 volume year
      of 3 chiropractic research journals included in PubMed. METHODS: A quantitative
      assessment of the articles published in each journal for the 2008 volume year was
      performed. Information collected included if the article involved human subject
      research, if it reported ethics board approval, and if informed consent was given
      to subjects. Data were collected as descriptive statistics (frequency counts and
      percentages). RESULTS: In aggregate, 50 articles of a total of 143 published
      involved human subject research (35%). 44 reported ethics board approval (88%),
      and 28 reported that informed consent had been obtained (56%). Forty-five percent
      of articles published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological
      Therapeutics involved human subject research (39/87), of which 95% reported
      ethics board approval (37/39) and 64% reported informed consent (25/39); 12.5% of
      articles from the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association involved human
      subject research (5/40), of which 80% reported ethics board approval (4/5) and
      40% reported informed consent (2/5); and 37.5% of articles published in
      Chiropractic and Osteopathy involved human subject research (6/16), of which 50%
      reported ethics board approval (3/6) and 17% reported informed consent (1/6).
      CONCLUSION: Overall, most articles reported ethics approval, and more than half
      reported consent. This was harmonious with research on this topic from other
      disciplines. This situation indicates a need for continued quality improvement
      and for better instruction and dissemination of information on these issues to
      researchers, to manuscript reviewers, to journal editors, and to the readers.

PMID- 22079001
TI  - Human subjects research.

PMID- 22079002
TI  - Cell adhesion on an artificial extracellular matrix using aptamer-functionalized
      PEG hydrogels.
AB  - The development of an artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) is important to
      regenerative medicine because the ECM plays complex and dynamic roles in the
      regulation of cell behavior. In this study, nucleic acid aptamers were applied to
      functionalize hydrogels for mimicking the adhesion sites of the ECM. The results
      showed that nucleic acid aptamers could be incorporated into polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) hydrogels via free radical polymerization. The incorporation of the
      aptamers produced only a moderate effect on the mechanical properties of the PEG
      hydrogels. Importantly, the results also showed that the aptamers effectively
      induced cell type-specific adhesion to the PEG hydrogels without affecting cell
      viability. The cell adhesion was a function of the aptamer concentration, the
      spacer length and the cell seeding time. In addition, cell adhesion to the
      aptamer-functionalized hydrogel could be attenuated by means of aptamer
      inactivation in a physiological condition. Thus, aptamer-functionalized hydrogels
      are promising biomaterials for the development of artificial ECMs.

PMID- 22079003
TI  - Preclinical pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and anti-cancer efficacy studies of
      a docetaxel-carboxymethylcellulose nanoparticle in mouse models.
AB  - We have developed a polymer conjugate (Cellax) composed of acetylated
      carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), docetaxel (DTX), and PEG, designed to enhance the
      pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumor efficacy of DTX. Our design placed an
      emphasis on nanoparticle self-assembly to protect DTX during blood transport,
      stability of the nanoparticle, and PEGylation to enhance PK. Compared to
      Taxotere, Cellax exhibited a 38.6 times greater area under the curve (AUC), and
      significantly lower clearance (2.5%) in PK. Less than 10% of DTX was released
      from Cellax in the blood circulation, indicating that Cellax were stable during
      blood transport. Cellax reduced non-specific distribution of DTX to the heart,
      lung and kidney by 48, 90, and 90%, respectively, at 3 h, compared to Taxotere.
      The uptake of Cellax at 3 h in the liver and spleen was high (15-45 MUg DTX/g)
      but declined rapidly to <10 MUg DTX/g in 24 h, and induced no measurable toxicity
      at 170 mg DTX/kg. Taxotere, on the other hand, displayed non-specific uptake in
      all the examined normal tissues and induced significant apoptosis in the lung and
      kidney at 40 mg DTX/kg. The tumor uptake of Cellax was 5.5-fold more than that by
      Taxotere and the uptake occurred within 3 h after injection and persisted for 10
      days. The conjugate exhibited enhanced efficacy in a panel of primary and
      metastatic mouse tumor models. These results clearly demonstrated that Cellax
      improved the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and efficacy of DTX compared to
      Taxotere with reduced toxicity.

PMID- 22079004
TI  - In vivo treatment of tumors using host-guest conjugated nanoparticles
      functionalized with doxorubicin and therapeutic gene pTRAIL.
AB  - The combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy may increase the therapeutic
      efficacy in the treatment of patients. In this work, the anti-cancer drug Dox and
      therapeutic gene pTRAIL-loaded host-guest co-delivery system was assayed for the
      possibility of in vivo synergistically treating tumors. The introduced Dox could
      act as an auxiliary component to human tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis
      inducing ligand-encoding plasmid gene pTRAIL. Such delivery system possessed the
      good ability of in vivo retention of chemotherapeutic drugs, achieved good
      therapeutic effects in the inhibition of tumor growth and significantly prolonged
      the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. With the efficient ability to co-deliver
      drug and gene, such host-guest assembly should have great potential applications
      in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22079005
TI  - Impact of processing parameters on the haemocompatibility of Bombyx mori silk
      films.
AB  - Silk has traditionally been used for surgical sutures due to its lasting strength
      and durability; however, the use of purified silk proteins as a scaffold material
      for vascular tissue engineering goes beyond traditional use and requires
      application-orientated biocompatibility testing. For this study, a library of
      Bombyx mori silk films was generated and exposed to various solvents and
      treatment conditions to reflect current silk processing techniques. The films,
      along with clinically relevant reference materials, were exposed to human whole
      blood to determine silk blood compatibility. All substrates showed an initial
      inflammatory response comparable to polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), and a low to
      moderate haemostasis response similar to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
      substrates. In particular, samples that were water annealed at 25  degrees C for
      6 h demonstrated the best blood compatibility based on haemostasis parameters
      (e.g. platelet decay, thrombin-antithrombin complex, platelet factor 4,
      granulocytes-platelet conjugates) and inflammatory parameters (e.g. C3b, C5a,
      CD11b, surface-associated leukocytes). Multiple factors such as treatment
      temperature and solvent influenced the biological response, though no single
      physical parameter such as beta-sheet content, isoelectric point or contact angle
      accurately predicted blood compatibility. These findings, when combined with
      prior in vivo data on silk, support a viable future for silk-based vascular
      grafts.

PMID- 22079006
TI  - Recombinant spider silk particles for controlled delivery of protein drugs.
AB  - The engineered and recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(C16) has been shown to
      be a promising biomaterial for the use as drug delivery system. In previous
      studies, eADF4(C16) particles were loaded with low molecular weight drugs
      exhibiting a positive net-charge and sufficient hydrophobicity. Here, we
      demonstrate that also macromolecular drugs like proteins can be loaded on
      eADF4(C16) particles. Using lysozyme as a model protein, remarkably high loading
      of up to 30% [w/w] was feasible and high loading efficiencies of almost 100% were
      obtained. Furthermore, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, it is
      demonstrated that fluorescently labeled lysozyme is not only adsorbed to the
      negatively charged particles' surface, but also diffusing into the matrix of
      eADF4(C16) particles. The release of lysozyme is shown to be dependent on the
      ionic strength and pH of the release medium. To improve the long-term stability
      of eADF4(C16) containing dispersions, lyophilization is shown as a suitable tool.
      Disaccharides (sucrose, trehalose) and mannitol served as stabilizers to prevent
      aggregation and/or particle degradation during freeze-drying. The slowly
      biodegradable eADF4(C16) particles are a promising new particulate drug carrier
      system for the delivery of susceptible drugs like therapeutic proteins.

PMID- 22079007
TI  - Influence of cell culture configuration on the post-cryopreservation viability of
      primary rat hepatocytes.
AB  - Cryopreservation has been identified as a necessary barrier to overcome in the
      production of tissue engineered products for clinical application. Liver
      engineering and bioartificial liver assisting devices are on the forefront of
      tissue engineering research due to its high demand and clinical potential. In
      this study we propose that the cryopreservation of primary mammalian hepatocytes
      yields better results when these cells are in a tissue-like culture configuration
      since cell attachment is essential for cell survival in this cell type. We used
      two different tissue-engineered culture configurations: monolayers and spheroid
      culture; and two different concepts of cryopreservation, namely vitrification and
      freezing. Cell suspensions were also cryopreserved using both approaches and
      results were compared to the engineered cultures. Both engineered configurations
      and suspension were cryopreserved using both conventional freezing (cooling at 1 
      degrees C/minute using 10% DMSO in foetal calf serum) and vitrification (using
      40% ethylene glycol 0.6 m sucrose supplemented with 9% Ficoll). These two
      approaches differ on the degree of mechanical stress they inflict on the material
      to be cryopreserved. The maintenance of cell-to-cell and the integrity of the
      actin cytoskeleton were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and
      immunohistochemistry respectively. Results showed that while there was no
      significant difference between the degree of integrity shown between vitrified
      and control engineered cultures, the same did not happen to the frozen engineered
      constructs. The disruption of the cytoskeletal structure correlated with
      increased levels of apoptotic markers. With cryopreserved suspensions there was
      evidence of disruption of the cytoskeletal structure. This study concluded that
      cell-to-cell contact is beneficial in the maintenance of viability post
      cryopreservation and that the vitrification approach was far superior to those of
      conventional freezing when applied to 2D and 3D hepatocyte based engineered
      cultures.

PMID- 22079008
TI  - Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding surfaces for characterizing GAG-protein
      interactions.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans play an important role in tissue organisation through
      interactions with a diverse range of proteins, growth factors and other
      chemokines. In this report, we demonstrate the GAG-binding 'fingerprint' of two
      important GAG-binding proteins - osteoprotogerin and TIMP-3. The technique uses a
      straightforward method for attaching GAGs to assay surfaces in a non-covalent
      manner using plasma polymerization that leaves the adsorbed GAG able to
      participate in subsequent ligand binding. We show that OPG and TIMP-3 bind
      preferentially to different GAGs in a simple ELISA and that this binding does not
      correlate directly with simple GAG properties such as degree of sulfation. The
      methods outlined in this report can be easily applied to tissue engineering
      scaffolds in order to exploit the potential of surface-bound GAGs in influencing
      the structure of engineered tissues.

PMID- 22079009
TI  - Parental duties and prenatal screening: does an offer of prenatal screening lead
      women to believe that they are morally compelled to test?
AB  - BACKGROUND: in debates around prenatal screening, it is frequently argued that
      responsible parenthood implies the acquisition of all available medical
      information about the health of a fetus, and use of this information to benefit
      the future child. OBJECTIVE: to analyse whether an offer of a prenatal test leads
      women to believe that they are morally obliged to control the health of their
      fetus. DESIGN: a substudy within a randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to
      assess the decision-making process of women when confronted with an offer of a
      prenatal screening test. PARTICIPANTS: 111 women participating in an RCT were
      retrospectively asked their views on the meaning of testing within their parental
      duties. FINDINGS: testing was described as a personal option that goes beyond the
      normal parental responsibilities. Participants did not believe that they ought to
      control the health of the fetus or to avoid disability. A duty to test was only
      reported when the birth of a disabled child would have a negative impact on
      family life. CONCLUSION: women's accounts suggest that two main factors are
      involved in making testing morally obligatory: (1) the woman's views on her moral
      duties to her family; and (2) the expected burden of a disabled child on the well
      being of the family. A family-centred approach would be more suitable to assess
      the moral imperative character of testing than women's ethical views about their
      moral duties towards their unborn child. IMPLICATIONS: a test offer should not be
      limited to communication of the characteristics of screening and the meaning of
      the test results. In helping women to assess the meaning of testing within their
      parental duties, counselling should include the family situation in which women
      have to decide, the women's expectations about living with a child with Down's
      syndrome or any other disability, and the women's views on their commitments
      towards their family.

PMID- 22079010
TI  - An exploration of clinical decision-making among students and newly qualified
      midwives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to explore how midwifery students and newly qualified midwives learnt
      to make clinical decisions. DESIGN: an ethnographic approach was taken. Data
      collection methods included: 3 focus groups, 15 observations of practice and 27
      interviews. The data analysis followed the principles of category and theme
      identification as described by Garner (1991) and Ely et al. (1997). Vignettes
      were created to represent the findings. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: the study took
      place in the School of Nursing Sciences and 2 NHS Trusts in the Eastern region of
      England. Participants included 36 midwifery students, 5 midwives who had been
      qualified for less than 1 year and 12 midwifery mentors. KEY CONCLUSIONS:
      decision-making was learnt primarily by working alongside midwifery mentors and
      through situated learning in practice. Decision-making was not necessarily a solo
      activity, it was common for midwives to use each other as a resource, which
      established there was a social dimension to midwifery decision-making. Learners
      had to navigate through workplace culture, which consisted of: the practices
      shared by some midwives and not others, covert rules of practice, midwifery and
      institutional authoritarianism. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: learners need to work
      with mentors who actively encourage participation in decision-making and provide
      discussion and feedback on decision-making abilities. When a staged and active
      approach to decision-making is not provided this may have negative implications
      on the transition to qualified practitioner.

PMID- 22079011
TI  - Hypnosis: a twilight zone of the top-down variety Few have never heard of
      hypnosis but most know little about the potential of this mind-body regulation
      technique for advancing science.
AB  - An early form of psychotherapy, hypnosis has been tarnished by a checkered
      history: stage shows, movies and cartoons that perpetuate specious myths; and
      individuals who unabashedly write 'hypnotist' on their business cards. Hypnosis
      is in the twilight zone alongside a few other mind-body exemplars. Although
      scientists are still unraveling how hypnosis works, little is mystical about this
      powerful top-down process, which is an important tool in the armamentarium of the
      cognitive scientist seeking to unlock topical conundrums.

PMID- 22079012
TI  - Implementing the Mental Health Act 2007 in British general practice: Lessons from
      Ireland.
AB  - Changes in mental health legislation (e.g. Mental Health Act 2007 in England and
      Wales, Mental Health Act 2001 in Ireland) have generally improved adherence to
      international human rights standards, but also present challenges to primary care
      providers. When mental health legislation was substantially reformed in Ireland,
      62.9% of general practitioners (GPs) felt the new legislation was not user
      friendly. Majorities of GPs who felt the legislation affected their practice
      reported increased workloads (85%) and various other difficulties (53%). GPs who
      had received training about the legislation were more likely to find it user
      friendly (43% versus 30.9%), and informal training (e.g. from colleagues) was
      just as likely as formal training to be associated with a GP finding it user
      friendly. With similar changes to mental health legislation being introduced in
      England and Wales, it is significant that informal training is just as good as
      formal training in helping GPs work with new mental health legislation.

PMID- 22079013
TI  - Crosstalk between NDR kinase pathways coordinates cell cycle dependent actin
      rearrangements.
AB  - Regulation of cytoskeletal remodeling is essential for cell cycle transitions.
      In fission yeast two NDR kinase signaling cascades, MOR and SIN, regulate the
      actin cytoskeleton to promote polarized growth during interphase and cytokinesis
      respectively. Our understanding of how these signaling pathways are coordinated
      to assist transition between the two cell-cycle stages is limited. Here, we
      review work from our laboratory, which reveals that cross talk between the SIN
      and MOR pathways is required for inhibition of interphase polarity programs
      during cytokinesis. Given the conservation of NDR kinase signaling pathways, our
      results may define general mechanisms by which these pathways are coordinated in
      higher organisms.

PMID- 22079014
TI  - Exploring and optimising maternal and infant nutrition in North West Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: the aim of this study was to explore and contextualise meanings,
      beliefs and practices surrounding maternal and infant nutrition in North West
      Pakistan and to use the findings to inform the development of a nutritional
      improvement programme adapted to local needs. DESIGN: the Context-Mechanism
      Outcome framework was used to gather contextual data, formulate questions and
      conduct focus groups to inform the design of a culturally appropriate nutritional
      health programme with the overall goal of improving practices related to maternal
      and infant nutrition. Two focus groups were conducted with the team of local lady
      health workers (n=16), one prior to implementing a nutritional improvement
      programme and one 6 months after implementation. SETTINGS: the study was
      conducted in communities surrounding and served by the Emergency Satellite
      Hospital (ESH) in Nahaqi in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP) (formally known as the
      Northwest Frontier Province), Pakistan. FINDINGS: poverty and specific cultural
      practices impeded the achievement of optimum maternal and infant nutrition. A
      nutrition support programme was implemented; it involved cookery demonstration
      kitchens and free food supplements, coupled with nutrition and health-care
      information-giving for pregnant and lactating women. Focus group discussions
      revealed that women had positive perceptions of the impact of the nutritional
      health improvement programme, feeling that knowledge and practices were enhanced.
      However, structural and cultural factors continued to have a powerful influence
      on their practices. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: this study
      highlights that despite structural, cultural and practical barriers, a culturally
      sensitive health improvement programme has the potential to enhance maternal and
      infant nutritional practices. However, we should not underestimate the powerful
      influence of poverty and culturally embedded norms upon women's decisions and
      practices.

PMID- 22079015
TI  - An exploratory study of traditional birthing practices of Chinese, Malay and
      Indian women in Singapore.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to explore the traditional birthing practices of Singaporean women.
      RESEARCH DESIGN: a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Data were
      collected using individual interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed
      verbatim. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used to analyse the data.
      SETTING: obstetric outpatient clinics in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.
      PARTICIPANTS: a purposive sample of 30 women, 1-3 months postpartum. FINDINGS:
      two broad themes emerged-following tradition and challenging tradition. KEY
      CONCLUSIONS: Singaporean women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth follow
      tradition through the influence of their mother and mother-in-law and because of
      worry over consequences that may result if they do not. Tradition is also
      challenged through the modification or rejection of traditional practices and
      changing family roles and expectations. IMPLICATIONS: health professionals need
      to provide accurate information on traditional birthing practices and scientific
      evidence to support or refute such practices with the aim of preventing women
      from adhering to practices that are hazardous to them and the baby.

PMID- 22079016
TI  - Bugs and battles during the American Civil War.

PMID- 22079017
TI  - Genetics for the general internist.
AB  - The internist's goal is to determine a patient's disease risk and to implement
      preventative interventions. Genetic evaluation is a powerful risk assessment
      tool, and new interventions target previously untreatable genetic disorders. The
      purpose of this review is to educate the general internist about common genetic
      conditions affecting adult patients, with special emphasis on diagnoses with an
      effective intervention, including hereditary cancer syndromes and cardiovascular
      disorders. Basic tenets of genetic counseling, complex genetic disease, and
      management of adults with genetic diagnoses also are discussed.

PMID- 22079018
TI  - Systematic review of guidelines on peripheral artery disease screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening may be performed to prevent
      progression of PAD or future cardiovascular disease in general. Recommendations
      for PAD screening have to be derived indirectly because no randomized trials
      comparing screening versus no screening have been performed. We performed a
      systematic review of guidelines to evaluate the value of PAD screening in
      asymptomatic adults. METHODS: Guidelines in English published between January 1,
      2003 and January 20, 2011 were retrieved using MEDLINE, CINAHL, the National
      Guideline Clearinghouse, the National Library for Health, the Canadian Medication
      Association Infobase, and the G-I-N International Guideline Library. Guidelines
      developed by national and international medical societies from Western countries,
      containing recommendations on PAD screening, were included. Two reviewers
      independently assessed rigor of guideline development using the Appraisal of
      Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument. One reviewer performed
      full extraction of recommendations, which was validated by a second reviewer.
      RESULTS: Of 2779 titles identified, 8 guidelines were included. AGREE scores
      varied from 33% to 81%. Five guidelines advocated PAD screening, others found
      insufficient evidence for PAD screening or were against it. Measurement of the
      ankle-brachial index (ABI) was generally recommended for middle-aged populations
      with elevated cardiovascular risk levels. Those identified as having PAD are
      reclassified as high risk, warranting intensive preventive interventions to
      reduce their risk of a cardiovascular event. The underlying evidence mainly
      consisted of studies performed in patients with established PAD. A meta-analysis
      that evaluated ABI testing in the context of traditional cardiovascular risk
      assessment was interpreted differently. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations on PAD
      screening vary across current guidelines, making the value of PAD screening
      uncertain. The variation seems to reflect lack of studies that show added value
      of detection of early PAD beyond expectant management and traditional risk
      assessment.

PMID- 22079019
TI  - Preoperative thienopyridine use and outcomes after surgery: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although studies have demonstrated excess risk of ischemic events if
      aspirin is withheld preoperatively, it is unclear whether preoperative
      thienopyridine use influences postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a
      systematic review of 37 studies (31 cardiac and 6 noncardiac surgery, 3
      randomized, 34 observational) comparing postoperative outcomes in patients who
      were versus were not exposed to thienopyridine in the 5 days before surgery.
      RESULTS: Exposure to thienopyridine in the 5 days preceding surgery (compared
      with no exposure) was not associated with any reduction in postoperative
      myocardial infarction (23 studies, 12,872 patients, 3.4% vs 3.0%, odds ratio [OR]
      0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.34), but was associated with increased
      risks of stroke (16 studies, 10,265 patients, 1.9% vs 1.4%, OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08
      2.20), reoperation for bleeding (32 studies, 19,423 patients, 4.3% vs 1.8%, OR
      2.62; 95% CI, 1.96-3.49), and all-cause mortality (28 studies, 22,990 patients,
      3.7% vs 2.6%, OR 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13-1.69). Results were identical when analyses
      were restricted to long-term users of thienopyridines who continued versus held
      the medication in the 5 days before surgery. Although all associations were
      similar in direction for the subset of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery,
      97% of the outcome data in this meta-analysis came from cardiac surgery trials.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data support withholding thienopyridines 5 days before cardiac
      surgery; there was insufficient evidence to make definitive recommendations for
      elective noncardiac surgery although the direction and magnitude of associations
      were similar.

PMID- 22079020
TI  - Use of anti-infective drugs during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth.

PMID- 22079022
TI  - Redotex(r) revisited: intentional overdose with an illegal weight loss product.

PMID- 22079021
TI  - T lymphocyte recruitment into renal cell carcinoma tissue: a role for chemokine
      receptors CXCR3, CXCR6, CCR5, and CCR6.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that some patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
      respond to immunomodulatory therapies that activate T lymphocytes. A prerequisite
      for effective T cell therapy is efficient targeting of effector T cells to the
      tumour site, yet the molecular basis of T cell recruitment to RCC is unknown.
      Furthermore, some T cells that naturally infiltrate this cancer are regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) that may suppress antitumour immune responses. OBJECTIVE: Determine
      the mechanisms of effector and regulatory T cell recruitment to RCC to allow
      targeted therapy that promotes local anti-tumour immunity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Tumour-infiltrating and peripheral blood T cells were collected
      from 70 patients undergoing nephrectomy for RCC. MEASUREMENTS: T cells were
      analysed by multicolour flow cytometry for expression of 19 chemokine receptors
      and 7 adhesion molecules. Receptors that were expressed at higher levels on
      tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) compared with matched peripheral blood
      lymphocytes (PBLs) were analysed further for their ability to mediate migration
      responses in TILs and for expression of corresponding ligands in tumour tissue.
      RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Three chemokine receptors-CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR6-were
      significantly overexpressed on TILs compared with matched PBLs (n=16 cases) and
      were capable of promoting migration in vitro. Their corresponding ligands CCL4-5,
      CXCL9-11, and CXCL16 were all detected in RCC tissue. However, since they were
      present in all cases studied, it was not possible to correlate ligand expression
      with levels of T cell infiltration. Foxp3(+) Tregs were enriched within TILs
      compared with matched PBLs and expressed high levels of CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR6,
      as well as CCR6, the ligand for which (CCL20) was detectable in RCC tissue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a role for CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR6 in the selective
      recruitment of T cells into RCC tissue and, together with CCR6, in the
      recruitment of Tregs.

PMID- 22079023
TI  - Burnout syndrome.

PMID- 22079024
TI  - A case of sudden, painless, and persistent urinary incontinence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is not a common emergency department (ED)
      complaint, and it is hard to imagine that a case involving this complaint could
      turn out to be interesting. We report the case of a patient who presented with
      the complaint of sudden onset of painless urinary incontinence for 1 day, who had
      an unexpected diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of incontinence with an
      unexpected diagnosis and to review the various causes of incontinence. CASE
      REPORT: A 52-year-old woman with a history of kidney stones recently treated with
      lithotripsy, nephrostomy tubes, and ureteral stents, presented to the ED
      complaining of new-onset incontinence. The patient had awakened on the morning of
      presentation with urinary incontinence that persisted throughout the day. On
      examination she had normal vital signs, and other than a functioning nephrostomy
      tube, she had a normal examination. In addition to a urinalysis, a KUB (kidney,
      ureter, and bladder) X-ray study was performed, which showed that her recently
      placed right ureteral stent had migrated from its original location into the
      urethra. The stent was found by the urologist protruding from the urethral meatus
      and removed without difficulty. The patient's incontinence resolved immediately
      after the stent was removed. CONCLUSION: Emergency physicians frequently see
      patients with ureteral stents, but may not be aware of how frequently those
      stents can migrate or malfunction. Our experience suggests that radiologic
      determination of stent location may be helpful in patients who present with new
      onset stress or overflow incontinence.

PMID- 22079025
TI  - alpha-Haemoglobin stabilising protein expression is influenced by mean cell
      haemoglobin and HbF levels in HbE/beta-thalassaemia individuals.
AB  - The alpha haemoglobin stabilising protein (AHSP) acts as a molecular chaperone
      for alpha-globin by stabilising nascent alpha-globin before transferring it to
      waiting free beta-globin chains. Binding of AHSP to alpha-globin renders alpha
      globin chemically inert whereby preventing it from precipitating and forming
      reactive oxygen species byproducts. The AHSP has been actively studied in the
      recent years, particularly in its relation to beta-thalassaemia. Studies have
      shown that AHSP is a modifier in beta-thalassaemia mice models. However, this
      relationship is less established in humans. Studies by some groups showed no
      correlation between the AHSP haplotypes and the severity of beta-thalassaemia,
      whereas others have shown that certain AHSP haplotype could modify the phenotype
      of beta-thalassaemia intermedia patients. We investigated the expression of AHSP
      in relation to selected demographic data, full blood count, HPLC results,
      HbE/beta-thalassaemia genotype, Xmn-1 Ggamma polymorphism, alpha-globin, beta
      globin and gamma-globin expression. We found that AHSP expression was
      significantly correlated to mean cell haemoglobin level, HbF %, alpha-globin,
      beta-globin and excess alpha-globin expression. We concluded that AHSP could be a
      secondary compensatory mechanism in red blood cells to counterbalance the excess
      alpha-globin chains in HbE/beta-thalassaemia individuals.

PMID- 22079026
TI  - Novel 2-(2-(4-aryloxybenzylidene) hydrazinyl)benzothiazole derivatives as anti
      tubercular agents.
AB  - A series of structurally novel, substituted 2-(2-(4-aryloxybenzylidene)
      hydrazinyl)benzothiazole derivatives incorporating 2-hydrazinyl benzothiazole and
      4-(aryloxy)benzaldehyde were designed and synthesized using molecular
      hybridization approach. All the synthesized compounds exhibited promising
      activity (MIC 1.5-29.00MUg/ml) against Mycobacteriumtuberculosis H37Rv strains of
      using REMA. Five of the evaluated compounds exhibit MIC <3.0MUg/ml. Compound (E)
      6-chloro-2-(2-(4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)benzylidene)hydrazinyl) benzothiazole
      showed MIC of 1.5MUg/ml. Thus, this compound could act as a potential lead for
      further development of new anti-tubercular drugs.

PMID- 22079027
TI  - Conformationally restricted analog and biotin-labeled probe based on
      beauveriolide III.
AB  - A conformationally restricted oxazoline analog 7 was designed on the basis of a
      SAR study of beauveriolide III (2) and its analogs reported previously.
      Conformational analysis by molecular mechanics calculation suggested that the
      three side chains of 7 mostly occupy the same spaces as those of 2. The analog 7
      was synthesized by peptide coupling of the d-cyclohexylglycine-containing ester
      11 and d-Ser-containing dipeptide 12, macrolactamization, and cyclodehydration of
      6 for the construction of an oxazoline ring. The bicyclic 7 exhibited potential
      inhibitory activity for cholesteryl ester synthesis similar to that by 2. These
      results revealed biologically important 3D spaces of the three side chains in
      inhibitory activity for cholesteryl ester synthesis. In addition, we accomplished
      the synthesis of a biotin-labeled probe 8 by copper-catalyzed (3+2) cycloaddition
      of a biotin-containing alkyne 16 and azido-containing beauveriolide analog 15
      prepared from 6.

PMID- 22079028
TI  - Facile synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole analogs of SGLT2 inhibitors by 'click
      chemistry'.
AB  - Novel analogs of SGLT2 inhibitors containing the 1,2,3-triazole motif were
      designed and synthesized for urinary glucose excretion evaluation. The C
      glucosides with triazole aglycone can be easily constructed by click chemistry.
      Most of the synthesized compounds increased urinary glucose excretion and
      demonstrated inhibition of glucose transport.

PMID- 22079029
TI  - [Contraception news].
AB  - Although contraception is widely available in France, contraceptive failure
      remains high. However a number of modifications in contraceptive methods have
      been developed and should help reduce contraceptive failure. Among those,
      information and improvement of access to contraception are very important. Recent
      advances in contraceptive practice have also contributed to improve clinical
      tolerance and subsequently compliance. Finally, emergency contraception has
      evolved as well.

PMID- 22079030
TI  - Endemic sheep scab: risk factors and the behaviour of upland sheep flocks.
AB  - Since the deregulation of sheep scab in 1992, the number of scab outbreaks per
      year in the UK has increased rapidly; there has been an estimated 60-fold
      increase in outbreak incidence between 1992 and 2007. How best to focus
      management or eradication efforts has therefore been an issue of ongoing debate.
      Previous work has shown that scab outbreaks occur repeatedly on some farms
      whereas others never or rarely experience outbreaks. Here, to consider why this
      pattern occurs, and to quantify the risk of scab associated with different
      husbandry practices, face-to-face interviews with farmers at 16, randomly
      selected, repeat-outbreak farms and 16 matched farms with no or little history of
      scab over the previous 10 years, were used to identify associated risk factors.
      This showed that farms using common grazing were at significantly higher risk of
      infestation than farms not using common grazing, as were farms that had direct
      contact with neighbours' sheep and that had neighbours with scab. To further
      demonstrate the risk of common grazing, a survey of sheep on one common in south
      Wales showed that there was significant mixing of sheep from three farms,
      highlighting the potential for scab transmission between flocks. Common grazing,
      associated with upland regions, would appear to be the largest single obstacle to
      effective national scab control in the UK. The results suggest that a cost
      effective approach to scab control may be to consider upland and lowland farms as
      separate epidemiological systems, with upland regions requiring a co-ordinated,
      systematic approach to achieve any significant management of the problem. In
      contrast, on lowland farms outbreaks are already largely contained effectively
      through good biosecurity and treated on a case-by-case basis if they occur.

PMID- 22079031
TI  - How do supervising surgeons evaluate guidance provided in the operating room?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study explored the amount of guidance provided to residents in
      the operating room (OR) and the relationship of OR guidance with postgraduate
      year (PGY) and operative performance rating (OPR). METHODS: We used OPR
      instruments to collect data from supervising surgeons after each performance.
      External expert raters blindly rated the amount of guidance for 5 videotaped
      performances. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-eight performances were analyzed for 5
      procedures performed by 26 residents with 16 supervising surgeons over 6 months.
      Guidance ratings varied with procedure, individual supervising surgeons varied in
      the amount of guidance reported, the amount of guidance decreased as residents'
      PGY level increased, and the correlation between guidance rating and overall
      performance was .62. In comparison cases, most supervising surgeons
      underestimated the amount of guidance provided. CONCLUSIONS: Controlling for the
      amount of supervising surgeon guidance has important implications for training
      and evaluation as we strive to prepare residents to practice independently.

PMID- 22079032
TI  - Assessment of the learning curve for pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Experience with the Whipple procedure has been associated with
      improved outcomes, but the learning curve for this complex procedure is not well
      defined. METHODS: Outcomes with 162 consecutive Whipple procedures during the 1st
      11.5 years of practice was documented in a prospective database. A period of low
      (<=11/y) and high (>=23/y) case volume was compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum
      test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: With low case volume, blood loss was higher
      (800 vs 400 mL, P = .001), more patients were transfused (44% vs 18%, P = .027),
      there were more complications (58% vs 46%, P = .0337), and a longer length of
      stay (10 vs 7 days, P = .006). There was only 1 mortality (.7%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Frequent repetition of the Whipple procedure is associated with an improvement in
      quantifiable quality benchmarks, and improvement continues with extensive
      experience. However, with proper training and the right environment, this
      procedure can be performed during the learning curve with acceptable outcomes.

PMID- 22079033
TI  - A preliminary review of a pilot curriculum to teach open surgical skills during
      general surgery residency with initial feedback.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to provide a preliminary review of a pilot
      curriculum to teach open surgical skills during general surgery residency and
      obtain initial feedback. DATA SOURCE: The general surgery residency program
      introduced an open surgical skills training curriculum in 2009. The skills
      sessions are undertaken under the guidance of the faculty. An annual survey was
      distributed to the residents and faculty to obtain their feedback. CONCLUSIONS: A
      total of 50 sessions were conducted over the last 2 years. Ninety-five percent of
      the residents perceived this educational activity to be above average to
      exceptional with nearly 70% rating it as exceptional. Sixty-three percent of the
      faculty perceived it as above average to exceptional, with nearly 40% rating it
      as exceptional. The open surgical skills training curriculum was rated as the
      most educational activity in the program by residents and faculty alike.

PMID- 22079034
TI  - Sleep deprivation increases cognitive workload during simulated surgical tasks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting reports of the effects of modest sleep
      deprivation on surgical skills. The aim of this study was to assess the effects
      of a 24-hour call shift on technical and cognitive function, as well as the
      ability to learning a new skill. METHODS: Thirty-one students trained to expert
      proficiency on a virtual reality part-task trainer. They then were randomized to
      either a control or sleep-deprived group. On the second testing day they were
      given a novel task. Fatigue was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The
      National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index was used to assess
      cognitive capabilities. RESULTS: There was no difference between the control and
      sleep-deprived groups for performance or learning of surgical tasks.
      Subjectively, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale showed an increase in sleepiness. The
      National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index showed an increase
      in total subjective mental workload for the sleep-deprived group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Sleep-deprived subjects were able to complete the tasks despite the increased
      workload, and were able to learn a new task proficiently, despite an increase in
      sleepiness.

PMID- 22079035
TI  - Studies of the myocardial uptake and excretion mechanisms of a novel 99mTc heart
      perfusion agent.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: (99m)Tc-TMEOP is a novel heart perfusion radiotracer exhibiting
      high initial and persistent heart uptake associated with rapid blood and liver
      clearance. This study aimed at determining the mechanisms of myocardial
      localization and fast liver clearance of (99m)Tc-TMEOP. METHODS: Subcellular
      distribution of (99m)Tc-TMEOP was determined in excised rat heart tissue by
      differential centrifugation. The effect of cyclosporin A on the pharmacokinetic
      behaviour of (99m)Tc-TMEOP was evaluated by both ex vivo biodistribution and in
      vivo planar imaging studies. RESULTS: Subcellular distribution studies showed
      that more than 73% of (99m)Tc-TMEOP was associated with the mitochondrial
      fraction. Comparison with subcellular distribution of (99m)Tc-sestamibi showed no
      significant difference in the mitochondrial accumulation between the two tracers.
      Biodistribution studies in the presence of cyclosporin A revealed an increase in
      kidneys and liver uptake of (99m)Tc-TMEOP, suggesting the involvement of
      multidrug resistance transporters in determining its pharmacokinetic profile.
      CONCLUSIONS: The heart uptake mechanism of (99m)Tc-TMEOP is similar to that of
      the other reported monocationic (99m)Tc cardiac agents and is associated with its
      accumulation in the mitochondria. Cyclosporin A studies indicate that the fast
      liver and kidney clearance kinetics is mediated by P-glycoprotein (Pgp),
      supporting the potential interest of this radiotracer for imaging Pgp function
      associated with multidrug-resistant tumours.

PMID- 22079036
TI  - Combining dose and injection volume for good performance of a specific
      radiopharmaceutical for sentinel node detection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to quantify the effects of injection
      volume at different technetium-99m specific radiotracer doses on its lymphatic
      movement in animal model. PROCEDURES: Effects of injection volume (50, 100 MUl)
      at different doses (0.05, 0.135, 0.22 nmol) on popliteal node (PN) detection were
      studied in rats. The radiotracer under study was (99m)Technetium-cysteine-mannose
      dextran conjugate (30 kDa). RESULTS: At 0.05 nmol dose, higher PN uptake was
      observed at 50 MUl injection volume (2.6 fold increase). Conversely, at 0.135
      nmol dose, an increase of radiotracer retention in PN was achieved at 100 MUl
      volume, 78% higher than 50 MUl. However, at 0.22 nmol dose, the injection volume
      changes did not influence on the PN uptake. Considering as suitable radiotracer
      performance: high PN uptake and extraction, better combinations were 0.05 nmol/50
      MUl, 0.135 nmol/100 MUl, 0.22/50 MUl. CONCLUSION: Suitable performances could be
      reached by proper combinations of dose, injection volume and concentration for a
      specific radiotracer used in sentinel lymph node detection.

PMID- 22079037
TI  - [18F]-fluoroestradiol quantitative PET imaging to differentiate ER+ and ERalpha
      knockdown breast tumors in mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to develop a noninvasive model in
      tumor-bearing mice to investigate the use of 16alpha-[(18)F]fluoro-17beta
      estradiol (FES) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging as a tool to
      discriminate between tumors having different estrogen receptor (ER) alpha status.
      METHODS: MC7-L1 and MC4-L2 murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines (ER+)
      received a small hairpin RNA targeting the ERalpha gene by lentiviral infection.
      In vitro assessment of ERalpha levels of the new cell lines (MC7-L1 and MC4-L2
      ERalpha-knockdown; ERalphaKD), compared to the parental cell lines, was performed
      by immunoblotting (-75% ERalpha protein) and binding assays (-50% estrogen
      binding). These cell lines were implanted subcutaneously in Balb/c mice and
      allowed to grow up to a volume of at least 20 mm(3). FES and
      [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET images were acquired to measure FES and FDG
      uptake in the various tumors. RESULTS: FES uptake as assessed by PET imaging was
      1.06+/-0.21 percent injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) for MC7-L1 tumors
      and 0.47+/-0.08 %ID/g for MC7-L1 ERalphaKD tumors. MC4-L2 tumors had a FES uptake
      of 1.03+/-0.30 %ID/g, whereas its ERalphaKD equivalent was 0.51+/-0.19 %ID/g.
      Each ERalphaKD tumor had a significantly lower %ID/g value, by ~50%, than its ER+
      counterpart. Biodistribution studies confirmed these findings and gave %ID/g
      values that were not significantly different from PET imaging data. FDG PET
      showed no significant uptake difference between the ER+ and ERalphaKD tumors,
      indicating that the metabolic phenotype of the ERalphaKD cell lines was not
      altered. CONCLUSION: FES PET imaging was able to reliably differentiate between
      tumors having differences in their ERalpha expression in vivo, in a mouse model.
      Quantitative data obtained by FES PET were in concordance with biodistribution
      studies and in vitro assays. It is concluded that FES PET imaging can likely be
      used to monitor subtle ER status changes during the course of hormone therapy.

PMID- 22079039
TI  - Combination of nitric oxide stimulation with high-dose 18F-FDG promotes apoptosis
      and enhances radiation therapy of endothelial cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High-dose (18)F-FDG can provide targeted nuclear therapy of cancer.
      Endothelial cell injury is a key determinant of tumor response to radiotherapy.
      Here, we tested the hypothesis that activation of endothelial cell glycolytic
      metabolism with nitric oxide can enhance the therapeutic effect of high-dose
      (18)F-FDG. METHODS: Calf pulmonary artery endothelial (CPAE) cells were treated
      with graded doses of (18)F-FDG. Glycolysis was stimulated by 24 h of exposure to
      the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Cell viability was assessed
      by MTT and clonogenic assays. Apoptosis was evaluated by ELISA of cytosolic DNA
      fragments and Western blots of cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS: SNP stimulation (0.1
      and 1 mM) augmented CPAE cell (18)F-FDG uptake to 2.6- and 4.6-fold of controls
      without adverse effects. Treatment with 333 MUCi/ml (18)F-FDG alone reduced
      viable cell number to 35.4% of controls by Day 3. Combining 0.1 mM SNP
      stimulation significantly enhanced the killing effect, reducing cell numbers to
      19.2% and 39.2% of controls by 333 and 167 MUCi/ml of (18)F-FDG, respectively.
      (18)F-FDG also suppressed clonogenic survival to 80.8% and 43.2% of controls by
      83 and 167 MUCi/ml, which was again intensified by SNP to 59.7% and 21.1% of
      controls. The cytotoxic effect of (18)F-FDG was attributed to induction of
      apoptosis as shown by increased cytosolic fragmented DNA and cleaved caspase-3
      levels (26.4% and 30.7% increases by 167 MUCi/ml). Combining SNP stimulation
      significantly increased both of these levels to 1.8-fold of control cells.
      CONCLUSION: High-dose (18)F-FDG combined with nitric oxide-stimulated glycolysis
      is an effective method to inhibit endothelial cell survival and promote
      apoptosis. These results suggest a potential role of this strategy for targeted
      radiotherapy of angiogenic vasculature.

PMID- 22079038
TI  - [11C]Acetate rest-stress protocol to assess myocardial perfusion and oxygen
      consumption reserve in a model of congestive heart failure in rats.
AB  - This study describes an [(11)C]acetate rest-stress method to obtain an indirect
      estimate of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial oxygen consumption
      (MVO(2)) in rats. Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity was used to test the usefulness of
      this approach for the assessment of congestive heart failure. METHODS:
      [(11)C]Acetate rest-stress studies have been used in clinical research to assess
      the capacity of the coronary arteries to respond to stress. In this article, we
      used this approach to assess the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin in a rat model.
      The method was first validated in a group of healthy rats and then used to follow
      the effect of doxorubicin chemotherapy on cardiac function. The effect of
      doxorubicin on myocardial perfusion and oxygen consumption reserve was measured
      at rest and under dobutamine stimulation. RESULTS: Validation of the protocol
      showed a good correlation between the MBF and MVO(2) (r(2)=.68). The doxorubicin
      treated group showed a significant (P=.04) decrease in cardiovascular perfusion
      reserve at 1.3+/-0.2 compared with the control animals at 1.6+/-0.2. Similar
      results were obtained for the MVO(2) reserve (treated 1.8+/-0.4 vs. controls
      2.3+/-0.3; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: We describe an [(11)C]acetate PET rest-stress
      protocol for the assessment of congestive heart failure in rats and its
      application to the follow-up of cardiotoxicity under doxorubicin chemotherapy.
      This is a rapid and reliable approach to the measurement of cardiac perfusion and
      oxygen consumption reserve that could be applied to the development of new
      strategies to reduce the cardiotoxicity of anthracycline.

PMID- 22079040
TI  - Radiohalogenated 4-anilinoquinazoline-based EGFR-TK inhibitors as potential
      cancer imaging agents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in
      tumors underlines the recent interest in EGFR as attractive target for the
      development of new cancer imaging agents. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR
      TKIs) based on the anilinoquinazoline scaffold have been explored as potential
      probes for EGFR imaging. However, up to now, no optimal radiotracer is available.
      Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of three novel
      halogenated 6-substituted 4-anilinoquinazoline based EGFR-TKIs. Radiosynthesis
      ((125)I and (18)F) of the corresponding analogues was also performed. METHODS:
      6a, 6b and 8 were obtained by reaction of 6-amino-4-anilinoquinazoline (5) with 3
      /4-iodobenzoyl and 4-fluorobenzoyl chlorides. Inhibition of EGFR
      autophosphorylation and A431 cellular proliferation were assessed by Western blot
      and MTT assays. (125)I-anilinoquinazolines [(125)I]6a/b were prepared via
      destannylation of the corresponding tributylstannyl precursors with [(125)I]NaI.
      Cellular uptake studies were conducted in A431 cells. Optimization of the
      radiosynthesis of the (18)F-anilinoquinazoline [(18)F]8 was attempted by
      nucleophilic substitution of the trimethylammonium- and nitro-6-substituted 4
      anilinoquinazoline precursors. RESULTS: 6a, 6b and 8 were synthesized in high
      chemical yield. All of them are inhibitors of EGFR autophosphorylation
      (0.1<IC(50)<1 MUM) and A431 cell proliferation (IC(50)<3.5 MUM). [(125)I]6a/b,
      obtained in high radiochemical purity and specific activity, were highly taken up
      by A431 cells. Biodistribution profile in mice indicated fast blood clearance and
      hepatobiliary excretion. Despite all attempts, [(18)F]8 was only formed in 4%
      yield, hampering further biological evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests
      that these quinazoline derivatives can act as EGFR-TKI, warranting further
      modifications in the chemical structure in order to be explored as potential
      molecular imaging agents for single photon emission computerized tomography and
      positron emission tomography.

PMID- 22079041
TI  - Are patients with psoriasis being screened for cardiovascular risk factors? A
      study of screening practices and awareness among primary care physicians and
      cardiologists.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increasing literature suggests that patients with psoriasis who
      have severe disease appear to have increased frequency of cardiovascular (CV)
      diseases. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends screening for CV risk
      factors as early as 20 years of age. The extent to which these screening
      guidelines are implemented in practice is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess
      CV risk factor screening practices in patients with psoriasis and to assess
      primary care physician (PCP) and cardiologist awareness of worse CV outcomes in
      patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We distributed 1200 questionnaires to PCPs and
      cardiologists between October 1, 2010, and April 15, 2011. A representative
      national sample of physicians was obtained by random selection from professional
      medical societies. RESULTS: A total of 251 PCPs and cardiologists responded to
      the questionnaire. Among these physicians, 108 (43%) screened for hypertension,
      27 (11%) screened for dyslipidemia, 75 (30%) screened for obesity, and 67 (27%)
      screened for diabetes. Physicians who cared for a greater number of patients with
      psoriasis were significantly more likely to screen for CV risk factors
      (hypertension P = .0041, dyslipidemia P = .0143, and diabetes P = .0065).
      Compared with PCPs, cardiologists were 3.5 times more likely to screen for
      dyslipidemia (95% confidence interval 1.32-9.29, P = .012). A total of 113 (45%)
      physicians were aware that psoriasis was associated with worse CV outcomes.
      LIMITATIONS: The questionnaire response rate was modest. CONCLUSIONS: Most PCPs
      and cardiologists did not routinely screen patients with psoriasis for CV risk
      factors. Educating physicians regarding potentially increased CV risk in
      psoriasis and adopting a multidisciplinary approach in the care of patients with
      psoriasis will likely lead to improved patient outcomes.

PMID- 22079042
TI  - High cell-density expression system: a novel method for extracellular production
      of difficult-to-express proteins.
AB  - Yeast's extracellular expression provides a cost-efficient means of producing
      industrially useful recombinant proteins. However, depending on the protein to be
      expressed, the production results in a poor yield, which is occasionally
      accompanied with loss of the expression plasmid and hence hampered growth of the
      host in the inducing medium. Here we propose an alternative approach, high cell
      density expression, to improve the yield of a certain range of so-called
      difficult-to-express proteins. In this expression system, recombinant yeast cells
      resting in stationary phase (OD(660)=3-4) are suspended in a small aliquot of
      inducing medium to form a high cell-density culture (e.g., OD(660)=15). When
      applied to the yeast strains harboring Lentinula edodes laccase (Lcc1 or Lcc4)
      expressing plasmids, the high cell-density system allowed the host cells to
      synthesize elevated amounts of the laccase which resulted in >1000- to 6000-fold
      higher yield than those synthesized in a classical growth-associated manner. The
      resting cells required aerobic agitation for the maximum production. The
      production system also worked for other foreign enzymes but not for beta
      galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae or Escherichia coli, likely suggesting an
      involvement of chaperons that act on a certain range of secretory proteins.

PMID- 22079043
TI  - The relationship of work, self-care, and quality of life in a sample of older
      working adults with cardiovascular disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to describe the self-care behaviors of
      adherence to medication, diet, exercise, and symptom monitoring of older workers
      with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and explore the relationship among job
      characteristics (job demands, job control, and workplace support), self-care, and
      quality of life. More than 3.5 million workers have CVD with significant work
      limitations and increased disability. Workers must meet the challenges of today's
      work processes that include increased stress and intense production demands while
      managing the complexities of their CVD. METHODS: A total of 129 workers (aged >=
      45 years) with CVD completed standardized instruments about self-care (Specific
      Adherence Scale alpha = .74), job characteristics (Job Content Questionnaire
      alpha = .71), and quality of life (MacNew health-related quality of life alpha =
      .84). Regression analyses were used to examine relationships between variables.
      RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 59.16 +/- 8.83 years, 56.3% were female,
      and 36.5% were African-American. Self-care behaviors varied. Most workers (71.4%)
      reported medication adherence, and few adhered to diet (27%), exercise (18%), or
      symptom monitoring (31.3%). Psychologic job demands were negatively correlated to
      self-care (r = -.217, P = .02). Better adherence was reported by those with
      workplace support (r = .313, P = .001). Job characteristics explained 22% of
      variance in self-care adherence behaviors. Adherence was a significant
      determinant of general quality of life. CONCLUSION: Because job characteristics
      may interfere with self-care, clinicians should assess job demands and discuss
      stress management with employed patients. Interventions that foster worksite
      programs and facilitate self-care among workers with CVD are needed.

PMID- 22079044
TI  - Determination of resveratrol and its sulfate and glucuronide metabolites in
      plasma by LC-MS/MS and their pharmacokinetics in dogs.
AB  - An analytical approach for the determination of trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'
      trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) and its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in dog
      plasma by LC-MS/MS (without enzymatic hydrolysis of the conjugates) was validated
      to support pre-clinical toxicological and pharmacological studies. The approach
      required two independent sample extractions and consequent instrument runs.
      Samples for resveratrol determination were prepared by protein precipitation with
      acetonitrile; acetonitrile-methanol was used instead for resveratrol metabolites.
      Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column (30 mm * 2.0 mm) at a
      flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. For resveratrol the mobile phase consisted of A: 5mM
      ammonium acetate in water-isopropanol (98:2, v/v) and B: methanol-isopropanol
      (98:2, v/v) and for metabolites the mobile phase was modified as follows: A: 0.1%
      (v/v) formic acid in water and B: 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile. Total
      run time was 12 min for each run with retention times of about 4-5 min for all
      analytes. A turbo ion spray source was used operating in negative mode for
      resveratrol and resveratrol sulfate and in positive mode for resveratrol
      glucuronide. Calibration curves were linear from 5 to 1000 ng/mL for resveratrol
      and its glucuronide, and 10-2000 ng/mL for resveratrol sulfate. Linearity was
      assessed using the internal standard method for resveratrol and the external
      standard method for the metabolites. Method accuracy was 90-112% of the true
      value for all analytes with precision of 9% RSD or less for all validation
      experiments. The validated method was applied to a preclinical toxicology study
      in dogs after oral administration (200-1200 mg/kg) of the agent. Peak plasma
      resveratrol concentration (C(max)) for most animals was observed within 1-5 h of
      dosing, with group mean values in the 1.7-9.9 MUg/mL (7.5-43 MUM) range. Area
      under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) mean values for resveratrol
      ranged from 3.6 to 44 h MUg/mL for all study groups and were generally
      proportional to the dose, with no consistent statistically significant changes
      observed for gender or number of doses. Mean molecular-weight adjusted ratios of
      resveratrol metabolites to resveratrol for AUC ranged from 1 to 9 for resveratrol
      glucuronide and from 2 to 11 for resveratrol sulfate.

PMID- 22079045
TI  - Antioxidant activity-guided phytochemical investigation of Artemisia gmelinii
      Webb. ex Stechm.: isolation and spectroscopic challenges of 3,5-O-dicaffeoyl
      (epi?) quinic acid and its ethyl ester.
AB  - Although Artemisia gmelinii Webb. ex Stechm. has long been used in south and
      south-east Asia to treat many kinds of inflammatory diseases, up until now its
      bioactivity-coupled phytochemical characterization has not been reported. We
      identified one fraction of the methanolic extract of A. gmelinii as a hit in our
      antioxidant screening (DPPH) campaign. In order to identify the active radical
      scavenger components of the extract, a DPPH-HPLC spiking assay was carried out.
      Out of six detected known compounds caffeic acid and scopoletin had already been
      identified in the plant, but four of them, namely chlorogenic acid, 4-O
      caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside are first
      described here. Moreover, the two most active compounds of the mixture, 3,5-O
      dicaffeoylquinic acid (7) and its ethyl ester derivative (8) were isolated with
      preparative HPLC. The spectroscopic identification of 7 and 8 presented a
      surprising challenge due to literature ambiguities. These questions are discussed
      in detail.

PMID- 22079046
TI  - NMR analysis and site-specific protonation constants of streptomycin.
AB  - Streptomycin, the classical aminoglycoside antibiotic, generally considered the
      most basic drug compound was characterized in terms of protonation macro- and
      microconstants. 1H NMR-pH and 1H-13C HSQC-pH titrations were carried out on
      streptomycin and streptidine, a symmetrical constituent compound of reduced
      complexity to monitor the proton-binding processes of the basic sites. Accurate,
      undistorted, electrodeless pH measurement was ensured by a new set of in tube
      indicators. The microscopic protonation constants of the two guanidino groups of
      streptomycin were calculated by evaluating the various NMR-pH data and
      transferring the pair-interactivity parameter from streptidine to streptomycin.
      Inherent guanidino basicities fall in the range of 13.03-13.39 log k units, which
      drop to 12.48-12.85 upon protonation of the other site. pH-dependent distribution
      of the major microspecies and charge-related biological consequences are
      provided.

PMID- 22079047
TI  - Quantification of cabazitaxel in human plasma by liquid chromatography/triple
      quadrupole mass spectrometry: a practical solution for non-specific binding.
AB  - A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of
      cabazitaxel, a novel tubulin-binding taxane, in 100 MUl aliquots of human lithium
      heparinized plasma with deuterated cabazitaxel as internal standard. The sample
      extraction and cleaning-up involved a simple liquid-liquid extraction with 20 MUl
      aliquots of 4% ammonium hydroxide, 100 MUl aliquots of acetonitrile and 1 ml
      aliquots of n-butylchloride. Chromatographic separations were achieved on a
      reversed phase C18 column eluted at a flow-rate of 0.20 ml/min on a gradient of
      acetonitrile. The overall cycle time of the method was 5 min, with cabazitaxel
      eluting at 3.0 min. The multiple reaction monitoring transitions were set at
      836>555 (m/z), and 842>561 (m/z) for cabazitaxel and the internal standard,
      respectively. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 1.00-100 ng/ml
      with the lower limit of quantitation validated at 1.00 ng/ml. The within-run and
      between-run precisions, also at the level of the LLQ, were within 8.75%, while
      the accuracy ranged from 88.5 to 94.1%. As dilution of samples prior to
      extraction resulted in a loss of cabazitaxel of approximately 6.5% per dilution
      step, a second calibration curve ranging from 40.0 to 4000 ng/ml was validated
      and was also linear. The within-run and between-run precisions in this range were
      within 4.99%, while the accuracy ranged from 95.8 to 100.3%. The method was
      successfully applied to samples derived from a clinical study.

PMID- 22079048
TI  - Prediction of short linear protein binding regions.
AB  - Short linear motifs in proteins (typically 3-12 residues in length) play key
      roles in protein-protein interactions by frequently binding specifically to
      peptide binding domains within interacting proteins. Their tendency to be found
      in disordered segments of proteins has meant that they have often been
      overlooked. Here we present SLiMPred (short linear motif predictor), the first
      general de novo method designed to computationally predict such regions in
      protein primary sequences independent of experimentally defined homologs and
      interactors. The method applies machine learning techniques to predict new motifs
      based on annotated instances from the Eukaryotic Linear Motif database, as well
      as structural, biophysical, and biochemical features derived from the protein
      primary sequence. We have integrated these data sources and benchmarked the
      predictive accuracy of the method, and found that it performs equivalently to a
      predictor of protein binding regions in disordered regions, in addition to having
      predictive power for other classes of motif sites such as polyproline II helix
      motifs and short linear motifs lying in ordered regions. It will be useful in
      predicting peptides involved in potential protein associations and will aid in
      the functional characterization of proteins, especially of proteins lacking
      experimental information on structures and interactions. We conclude that,
      despite the diversity of motif sequences and structures, SLiMPred is a valuable
      tool for prioritizing potential interaction motifs in proteins.

PMID- 22079049
TI  - The structure of the extracellular domain of the jumping translocation breakpoint
      protein reveals a variation of the midkine fold.
AB  - Jumping Translocation Breakpoint (JTB) is an orphan receptor that is conserved
      from nematodes to humans and whose gene expression in humans is strikingly
      upregulated in diverse types of cancers. Translocations occur frequently at the
      hJTB genomic locus, leading to multiple copies of a truncated JTB gene, which
      potentially encodes a soluble secreted ectodomain. In addition, JTB and its
      orthologs likely represent a unique and ancient protein family since homologs
      could not be identified by direct sequence comparison. In the present study, we
      have determined the NMR solution structure of the N-terminal ectodomain of human
      JTB, showing that its fold architecture is a new variant of a three-beta-strand
      antiparallel beta-meander. The JTB structure has a distant relationship to the
      midkine/pleiotrophin fold, particularly in the conservation of distinctive
      disulfide bridge patterns. The structure of this newly characterized small
      cysteine-rich domain suggests potential involvement of JTB in interactions with
      proteins or extracellular matrix and may help to uncover the elusive biological
      functions of this protein.

PMID- 22079050
TI  - Different binding modes of free and carrier-protein-coupled nicotine in a human
      monoclonal antibody.
AB  - Nicotine is the principal addictive component of tobacco. Blocking its passage
      from the lung to the brain with nicotine-specific antibodies is a promising
      approach for the treatment of smoking addiction. We have determined the crystal
      structure of nicotine bound to the Fab fragment of a fully human monoclonal
      antibody (mAb) at 1.85 A resolution. Nicotine is almost completely (>99%) buried
      in the interface between the variable domains of heavy and light chains. The high
      affinity of the mAb is the result of a charge-charge interaction, a hydrogen
      bond, and several hydrophobic contacts. Additionally, similarly to nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors in the brain, two cation-pi interactions are present
      between the pyrrolidine charge and nearby aromatic side chains. The selectivity
      of the mAb for nicotine versus cotinine, which is the major metabolite of
      nicotine and differs in only one oxygen atom, is caused by steric constraints in
      the binding site. The mAb was isolated from B cells of an individual immunized
      with a nicotine-carrier protein conjugate vaccine. Surprisingly, the nicotine was
      bound to the Fab fragment in an orientation that was not compatible with binding
      to the nicotine-carrier protein conjugate. The structure of the Fab fragment in
      complex with the nicotine-linker derivative that was used for the production of
      the conjugate vaccine revealed a similar position of the pyridine ring of the
      nicotine moiety, but the pyrrolidine ring was rotated by about 180 degrees . This
      allowed the linker part to reach to the Fab surface while high-affinity
      interactions with the nicotine moiety were maintained.

PMID- 22079051
TI  - Toxicity and cosmesis outcomes after single fraction partial breast irradiation
      in early stage breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report the clinical outcome after a Single Shot 3D-CRT PBI (SSPBI)
      in breast cancer patients after conservative surgery (ClinicalTrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT01316328). METHODS: A dose of 18 Gy (in the first 4 patients) and
      21 Gy (in the remaining 60 patients) was prescribed in a single session and
      delivered to the index area (i.e. the area of breast including the primary tumor
      bed and the surrounding tissue) using 3D-CRT with patients in prone position.
      Acute and late toxicity was assessed using the National Cancer Institute's CTC
      for Adverse Events. Cosmesis was defined based on modified Harvard criteria.
      Differences between dosimetric or clinical parameters of patients with/without G2
      or more late toxicity or unsatisfactory (poor or fair) cosmetic outcome were
      evaluated with the Mann-Whitney test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval
      were calculated for cosmesis and fibrosis. Univariate and multivariate
      analyses(UVA/MVA) were used to determine covariates associated with an increase
      in fibrosis or fat necrosis rate. RESULTS: Sixty four patients were enrolled.
      With a median follow-up of 3 years, G2 and G3 subcutaneous fibrosis was detected
      in 20(31%) and in 8(13%) patients, and >=G2 fat necrosis was observed in 2(3%)
      patients. Good to excellent, fair and poor cosmesis was observed in 38(59%),
      23(36%) and 3(5%) patients, respectively. Based on UVA, the breast volume
      receiving more than 21 Gy (V21 Gy) was found to be a predictor of the >=G1 or
      >=G2 fibrosis/fat necrosis. Based on MVA, V21 Gy was confirmed as a predictor for
      >=G1 fibrosis/fat necrosis, the results correlated as a trend for >=G2. Cosmesis
      was correlated with whole breast (WB) mean dose (p=0.030). CONCLUSION: Our choice
      of a single dose of 21 Gy significantly increased the treatment related toxicity.
      However, this should not discourage novel SSPBI approaches with lower equivalent
      doses.

PMID- 22079052
TI  - Intraoral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorder: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies investigating the efficacy of intraoral myofascial therapies
      (IMTs) for chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are rare. The present study
      was an expansion of a previously published pilot study that investigated whether
      chiropractic IMT and the addition of education and self-care were superior to no
      treatment or IMT alone for 5 outcome measures-interincisal opening range, jaw
      pain at rest, jaw pain upon opening, jaw pain upon clenching, and global
      reporting of change-over the course of 1 year. METHODS: Ninety-three participants
      with myogenous TMD between the ages of 18 and 50 years experiencing chronic jaw
      pain of longer than 3 months in duration were recruited for the study. Successful
      applicants were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: (1) IMT consisting of 2 treatment
      interventions per week for 5 weeks, (2) IMT plus education and "self-care"
      exercises (IMTESC), and (3) wait-list control. The main outcome measures were
      used. Range of motion findings were measured by vernier callipers in millimeters,
      and pain scores were quantified using an 11-point self-reported graded chronic
      pain scale. Global reporting of change was a 7-point self-reported scale,
      balanced positively and negatively around a zero midpoint. RESULTS: There were
      statistically significant differences in resting, opening and clenching pain,
      opening scores, and global reporting of change (P < .05) in both treatment groups
      compared with the controls at 6 months and 1 year. There were also significant
      differences between the 2 treatment groups at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The study
      suggests that both chiropractic IMT and IMTESC were superior to no-treatment of
      chronic myogenous TMD over the course of 1 year, with IMTESC also being superior
      to IMT at 1 year.

PMID- 22079053
TI  - Effect of cervical spine manipulative therapy on judo athletes' grip strength.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform an investigation evaluating
      if cervical spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) can increase grip strength on judo
      athletes in a top 10 national-ranked team. METHODS: A single-blinded,
      prospective, comparative, pilot, randomized, clinical trial was performed with 18
      athletes of both sexes from a judo team currently competing on a national level.
      The athletes were randomly assigned to 2 groups: chiropractic SMT and sham. Three
      interventions were performed on each of the athletes at different time points.
      Force measurements were obtained by a hydraulic dynamometer immediately before
      and after each intervention at the same period before training up to 3 weeks with
      at least 36 hours between interventions. RESULTS: Analysis of grip strength data
      revealed a statistically significant increase in strength within the treatment
      group after the first intervention (6.95% right, 12.61% left) as compared with
      the second (11.53% right, 17.02% left) and the third interventions (10.53% right,
      16.81% left). No statistically significant differences were found in grip
      strength comparison within the sham group. Overall differences in strength were
      consistently significant between the study groups (P = .0025). CONCLUSION: The
      present study suggests that the grip strength of national level judo athletes
      receiving chiropractic SMT improved compared to those receiving sham.

PMID- 22079054
TI  - Perinatal morbidity and risk of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy associated with
      intrapartum sentinel events.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine perinatal morbidity and rate of hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy in infants exposed to intrapartum sentinel events. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study from 2000-2005. Perinatal mortality, perinatal
      morbidity and rate of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were compared in 3 groups
      of infants exposed to different risk factors for perinatal asphyxia (sentinel
      events, nonreassuring fetal status, elective cesarean section). RESULTS: Five
      hundred eighty-six infants were studied. Perinatal mortality was 6% in the
      sentinel event group and 0.3% in the nonreassuring fetal status group (relative
      risk, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-2.94). Perinatal morbidity was 2-6 times
      more frequent in infants exposed to sentinel events; the incidence of hypoxic
      ischemic encephalopathy was 10%, compared with 2.5% in the nonreassuring fetal
      status group (relative risk, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-2.52). No infant
      in the elective cesarean section group died, had perinatal morbidity, or
      developed encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: Intrapartum sentinel events are associated
      with a high incidence of perinatal morbidity and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

PMID- 22079055
TI  - Using light to see and control membrane traffic.
AB  - Cellular compartmentalization into discrete organelles is maintained by membrane
      trafficking including vesiculation and tubulation. Recent advances in
      superresolution imaging have begun to bring these small and dynamic events into
      focus. Most nanoscopes exploit, and are limited by, switching dyes ON and OFF.
      Using ground state depletion to switch dyes into long-lived dark states can
      exploit specific photophysical properties of dyes, such as redox potential or
      pK(a), and expand the repertoire of nanoscopy probes for multicolor imaging.
      Seeing is not enough, and new technologies based on homodimerization,
      heterodimerization and selective release can manipulate membrane trafficking in
      pulse-chase and light-controlled ways. Herein we highlight the utility and
      promise of these strategies and discuss their current limitations.

PMID- 22079056
TI  - Non-coding RNAs in cancer initiation and progression and as novel biomarkers.
AB  - Cancer represents a complex group of heterogeneous diseases. While many cancers
      share fundamental biological processes (hallmarks of cancer) necessary for their
      development and progression, cancers also distinguish themselves by their
      dependence on distinct oncogenic pathways. Over the last decade, targeted
      therapies have been introduced to the clinic with variable success. In truth,
      single targeted therapies may be successful in only a subset of malignancies but
      insufficient to address malignancies that often rely on multiple pathways, thus
      evading single targeted agents. Investigators have recently identified
      potentially functional components of the human genome that were previously
      thought to have no biological function. This discovery has added to the already
      established complexity of gene regulation in the pathogenesis of cancer. Non
      coding RNAs represent key regulators of gene expression. Improved knowledge of
      their biogenesis and function may in turn lead to a better understanding of the
      heterogeneity of malignancies and eventually be leveraged as diagnostic,
      prognostic and therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) for example, have
      the capacity for the regulation of multiple genes and thus redirection or
      reprogramming of biological pathways. However, several other members of the non
      coding RNA family may be of equal biological relevance. In this review, we
      provide a perspective on emerging concepts in the clinical application of miRNA
      and other non-coding RNAs as biomarkers in cancer with an eye on the eventual
      integration of both miRNA and other non-coding RNA biology into our understanding
      of cancer pathogenesis and treatment.

PMID- 22079058
TI  - C1824T mutation in the LMNA gene has no association with senile cataract.
AB  - Mutations in the LMNA gene encoding lamins A/C are responsible for Hutchinson
      Gilford syndrome (HGS), a disorder of premature aging. Cataract is 1 of the main
      manifestations. The most prevalent mutation in Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is
      C1824T, which activates a cryptic splice donor site to produce an abnormal lamin
      A protein. The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible association of
      the C1824T mutation with age-related cataract. Anterior lens capsule material was
      collected during cataract extraction surgery from 178 patients with senile
      cataract during 2007-2008. DNA and mRNA were extracted and sequenced for the LMNA
      gene. DNA and cDNA were screened for the C1824T mutation, which was not detected.
      Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was normal, with no truncation. We found that
      human age-related nuclear cataract is not associated with LMNA gene mutations or
      truncation of lamin A.

PMID- 22079057
TI  - The 5-HT(2A) receptor and serotonin transporter in Asperger's disorder: A PET
      study with [11C]MDL 100907 and [11C]DASB.
AB  - Evidence from biochemical, imaging, and treatment studies suggest abnormalities
      of the serotonin system in autism spectrum disorders, in particular in
      frontolimbic areas of the brain. We used the radiotracers [(11)C]MDL 100907 and
      [(11)C]DASB to characterize the 5-HT(2A) receptor and serotonin transporter in
      Asperger's Disorder. Seventeen individuals with Asperger's Disorder (age=34.3 +/-
      11.1 years) and 17 healthy controls (age=33.0 +/- 9.6 years) were scanned with
      [(11)C]MDL 100907. Of the 17 patients, eight (age=29.7 +/- 7.0 years) were also
      scanned with [11C]DASB, as were eight healthy controls (age=28.7 +/- 7.0 years).
      Patients with Asperger's Disorder and healthy control subjects were matched for
      age, gender, and ethnicity, and all had normal intelligence. Metabolite-corrected
      arterial plasma inputs were collected and data analyzed by two-tissue compartment
      modeling. The primary outcome measure was regional binding potential BP(ND).
      Neither regional [11C]MDL 100907 BP(ND) nor [11C]DASB BP(ND) was statistically
      different between the Asperger's and healthy subjects. This study failed to find
      significant alterations in binding parameters of 5-HT(2A) receptors and serotonin
      transporters in adult subjects with Asperger's disorder.

PMID- 22079059
TI  - Do image modality and registration method influence the accuracy of craniofacial
      navigation?
AB  - PURPOSE: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly used in
      craniofacial imaging and may be an interesting option for navigated surgery. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of various registration
      techniques in CBCT compared with intraoperative and diagnostic multislice spiral
      computed tomography (MSCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution images of an
      anthropomorphic skull phantom with target markers were obtained using 2 CBCT
      machines (KaVo 3D eXam, ILUMA), an intraoperative MSCT (Sensation Open), and the
      standard diagnostic MSCT (LightSpeed VCT). Bone markers, a registration template,
      and an external registration frame were used for registration with an optical
      based navigation system. Target registration errors (TREs) were evaluated and
      statistically analyzed in SPSS (P < .05). RESULTS: The mean +/- standard
      deviation for overall TREs of the KaVo 3D eXam, ILUMA, Sensation Open, and
      LightSpeed VCT devices were 1.37 +/- 0.54, 1.67 +/- 0.65, 1.27 +/- 0.52, and 1.31
      +/- 0.30 mm, respectively. The KaVo 3D eXam showed no significant differences
      compared with the MSCTs. The ILUMA imaged the external registration frame only
      marginally and showed significant higher TREs compared with the other
      registration methods (P < .001). In the 2 MSCTs, no significant differences
      between the registration methods were found. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT and intraoperative
      MSCT may show comparable TREs as standard diagnostic MSCT. Bone markers are the
      gold standard. Registration templates and external registration frames are
      valuable alternatives. When using only external registration frames, CBCTs with a
      large scan field are recommended.

PMID- 22079060
TI  - Concomitant removal of mandibular third molars during sagittal split osteotomy
      minimizes neurosensory dysfunction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is 1 of the most important
      postoperative complications after sagittal split osteotomy (SSO). The purpose of
      our study was to investigate the effects of the presence or absence of a
      mandibular third molar on the neurosensory recovery of the IAN after SSO.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled a sample composed of
      patients who underwent SSO to correct mandibular deformities. The primary
      predictor variable was the status of the mandibular third molar at the time of
      SSO and it was divided into two levels, present at the time of SSO (Group I) or
      absent at the time of SSO (Group II). The primary outcome variable was
      neurosensory recovery of the IAN, assessed using the Medical Research Council
      scale, functional sensory recovery, and subjective evaluation. Neurosensory
      status was measured 3 times (preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively).
      Appropriate bivariate and multivariate statistics were computed, and the level of
      statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: A total of 120 SSOs were
      performed in 60 patients. Group I included 64 SSOs (mean patient age +/- SD 19.3
      +/- 8.0 years) and group II, 56 SSOs (mean patient age 24.9 +/- 10.0 years). The
      Medical Research Council scale scores showed that the presence of third molars
      during SSO was associated with a statistically significant decreased incidence of
      neurosensory disturbance of the IAN at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (all P <
      .01). Functional sensory recovery was achieved more frequently in group I, but
      this difference remained significant only at 3 months after adjusting (P = .01).
      A "normal sensation" was subjectively reported more frequently in group I at 3
      and 6 months postoperatively (P <= .05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of third
      molars during SSO minimizes postoperative neurosensory disturbance of the IAN.

PMID- 22079061
TI  - An evaluation of face-bow transfer for the planning of orthognathic surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the error magnitude in the
      clinical application of face-bow devices. Technical and methodologic
      inaccuracies, as well as deviations from reference planes, were determined.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presented method is part of a 3-dimensional virtual
      planning procedure for orthognathic surgery and included 15 patients with
      dentoskeletal deformities. Cone beam computed tomography datasets obtained from
      patients with a referenced face-bow plane and a centric registration splint were
      matched with cone beam computed tomography datasets of the registered plaster
      model of the maxilla mounted in an articulator. To assess potential sources of
      methodologic errors, angulations were measured between the virtual face-bow plane
      and the horizontal cross bar of the virtual articulator. To evaluate the
      reproducibility of the anatomic reference plane, angulations between the
      Frankfort plane and the horizontal cross bar of the articulator were measured.
      Statistical significance was set at P < .05 and tested by univariate analysis of
      variance. RESULTS: Technical and methodologic errors showed a mean deviation of
      3.5 degrees , with a median of 3.6 degrees  and SD of 2.7 degrees . The values
      did not reach statistical significance (P = .1). However, there was a significant
      error (P < .05) in determining the position of the anatomic reference plane by
      face-bow transfer. The mean deviation was 7.7 degrees  (values ranged between 1.2
      degrees  and 18.9 degrees ), with a median of 6.7 degrees  and SD of 5.3 degrees
      . CONCLUSIONS: In this study the traditional use of face-bow devices showed
      inaccuracies in model mounting as well as in assignment of anatomic reference
      planes. Three-dimensional virtual computer-assisted planning seems to be more
      accurate than conventional methods.

PMID- 22079062
TI  - Free vascularized flaps for reconstruction of the mandible: complications,
      success, and dental rehabilitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate complications and success of mandibular reconstruction with
      free fibula flaps, iliac crest flaps, and forearm flaps with reconstruction
      plates and to evaluate dental rehabilitation after these reconstructions.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-three patients with segmental mandibular defects
      were included. Correlation analyses were used to determine the relationship
      between reconstruction type and clinical parameters with recipient-site
      complications and success. The dental rehabilitation was evaluated in
      successfully reconstructed survivors. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses showed
      significant correlations between flap type and success (P < .0001). Of the
      patients, 51 (61%) were alive 2 years after the reconstruction. Mandibular
      reconstruction with a free forearm flap and reconstruction plate was associated
      with higher complication rates at the recipient site and higher failure rates
      compared with reconstruction with free vascularized bone flaps. Of the 32
      successfully reconstructed survivors, 14 (44%) had a complete dental
      rehabilitation, of which 10 had dental implants and 4 did not. Only 6 (29%) of
      the edentulous survivors ultimately had an implant-supported prosthesis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the mandible with a free vascularized bone flap is
      superior to reconstruction with a free forearm flap with a reconstruction plate.
      Complete dental rehabilitation was reached in fewer than half of the surviving
      patients.

PMID- 22079063
TI  - Can an arch bar replace a second lag screw in management of anterior mandibular
      fractures?
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of using a single lag screw combined with an
      arch bar in the management of anterior mandibular fractures and to compare this
      method with the traditional application of 2 lag screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We designed and implemented a randomized clinical trial and enrolled a sample of
      patients with anterior mandibular fractures. Twenty adult male patients were
      randomly divided into 2 equal groups according to the number of lag screws used
      for fracture fixation after securing the occlusion with intermaxillary fixation.
      In group A, the fractures were treated using 2 lag screws. In group B, the
      fractures were treated using a single lag screw and an arch bar on the teeth,
      spanning the fracture line. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were used to
      evaluate the efficacy of each fixation method immediately and at 2 and 4 months
      postoperatively. RESULTS: The clinical examination showed stable fixation with no
      mobility or infection in all cases. One patient in group A showed a slight
      occlusal discrepancy that was managed with occlusal adjustment. The pretraumatic
      occlusal relationship of all other patients was re-established. Postoperative
      radiographs showed properly reduced fracture segments with gradual bone healing.
      No significant difference was noted (P > .05) between the 2 groups in the
      development of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 1 lag screw
      in conjunction with an arch bar across the fracture line is rigid and stable
      enough to manage anterior mandibular fractures without the need for supplemental
      intermaxillary fixation. The use of a single lag screw offers several advantages
      compared with the traditional use of 2 lag screws. These advantages include
      decreased cost, use of materials, healing time, and risk of associated morbidity.

PMID- 22079064
TI  - Three-dimensionally printed polycaprolactone and beta-tricalcium phosphate
      scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: an in vitro study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate porcine bone marrow-derived
      progenitor cell (pBMPC) proliferation and penetration into a novel 3
      dimensionally printed scaffold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different tissue
      engineering scaffolds to evaluate pBMPC proliferation and penetration were
      examined. Scaffolds were fabricated from polycaprolactone (PCL) or the
      combination of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and PCL (50:50), with 2
      separate channel sizes (1 mm [small (S)] vs 2 mm [large (L)]). Scaffolds were
      fabricated into 20 * 20 * 7-mm blocks by use of a TheriForm machine (Integra Life
      Sciences, Akron, OH). Four groups of scaffolds were examined for pBMPC
      proliferation and penetration: group 1, beta-TCP/PCL S; group 2, beta-TCP/PCL L;
      group 3, PCL S; and group 4, PCL L. Nonparametric mean (Kruskal-Wallis) and
      multiple comparisons tests were used to compare the 4 groups. RESULTS: No
      shrinkage or deformation was noted in any of the scaffold groups after 2 weeks of
      culture. Mean surface cell counts ranged from 13.4 to 87.8 cells/0.57 mm(2), with
      group 1 (beta-TCP/PCL S) having statistically significantly higher counts than
      the other groups (P < .001). Mean interior cell counts ranged from 10.9 to 75.6
      cells/0.57 mm(2), with group 1 having the greatest interior cell count (P <
      .001). Total collagen formation ranged from 0.2% to 86%, with group 1 having the
      highest collagen formation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-dimensionally printed
      scaffold (beta-TCP/PCL) with 1-mm channels showed greater cellular proliferation,
      penetration, and collagen formation after a 2-week in vitro culture than the
      other scaffolds evaluated. beta-TCP/PCL S scaffolds warrant further evaluation
      for bone tissue engineering in vivo.

PMID- 22079065
TI  - Clinical significance of computed tomographic assessment and anatomic features of
      the inferior alveolar canal as risk factors for injury of the inferior alveolar
      nerve at third molar surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the clinical features of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC)
      using computed tomography (CT) and to analyze the significance of CT examination
      at third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was
      performed involving 99 patients (145 teeth). The relationship between cortication
      status, buccolingual position, and shape of the IAC on the CT image and inferior
      alveolar nerve (IAN) injury after third molar surgery were statistically
      analyzed. RESULTS: The shape of the IAC was categorized into 3 groups:
      round/oval, teardrop, and dumbbell. IAN injury was observed in 7 of 145 cases
      (4.8%). All 7 cases exhibited absence of cortication; 3 were dumbbell shape and 4
      were round/oval. According to logistic regression analysis of cases with absence
      of cortication, IAC shape was closely related to IAN injury. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that assessment of the IAC shape and cortication status at third
      molar surgery may be clinically useful.

PMID- 22079066
TI  - How should the articular disk position be analyzed?
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare 2 methods used to determine the disk position based on
      sagittal magnetic resonance images. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      of patients with the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders was
      conducted. The patients' ages and gender distributions were collected. The disk
      position diagnosis from the clinical examination was considered the primary
      outcome. Three observers evaluated the presence of anterior displacement on
      magnetic resonance images according to 2 criteria: method 1 (12-o'clock position)
      and method 2 (location of the intermediate zone). To assess the intraobserver
      variability of the 2 methods, the examiners evaluated the same magnetic resonance
      images at the beginning of the study (time 1) and 40 days later (time 2). The
      intraobserver agreement was assessed using the observed agreement and the kappa
      statistic. McNemar's test was used to assess the differences between each method
      and the clinical examination findings (P < .05). The accuracy, sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated by
      comparing the diagnosis from each method with that from the clinical examination
      (considered the reference standard). RESULTS: The final sample was composed of 20
      subjects with a mean age of 33.0 +/- 33.7 years; 3 were men (15%) and 17 were
      women (85%). A statistically significant difference between the 2 methods was
      found. Method 1 yielded a greater percentage of anterior displaced disks (52.5%).
      The agreement between the clinical diagnosis and method 1 was lower (70.0%) than
      that between the clinical diagnosis and method 2 (87.5%). No statistically
      significant difference was found between the clinical diagnosis and method 2.
      CONCLUSION: The disk position should be judged according to the intermediate zone
      criterion.

PMID- 22079067
TI  - Streptococci-human papilloma virus interaction with ethanol exposure leads to
      keratinocyte damage.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ethanol, human papilloma virus (HPV), and poor oral hygiene are risk
      factors that have been attributed to oral carcinogenesis. Streptococci sp and HPV
      infections are common in the head and neck, often associated with sexual
      activity. Although HPV is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, it is
      unclear whether there is a similar role for Streptococci sp. This cell study
      examines whether Streptococci sp and HPV-16 with exposure to ethyl alcohol (ETOH)
      can act as cofactors in the malignant transformation of oral keratinocytes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: ETOH (0.1%-20% vol/vol) was used to investigate
      Streptococci sp attachment with immortalized E6-expressing HPV/HOK-16B cells,
      human oral buccal keratinocytes, and foreskin keratinocytes. Streptococci sp
      (Streptococci mutans [LT11]) and various strains of acetaldehyde (AA) producer
      and nonproducer Streptococcus salivarius (110-1, 109-2, 101-7, and 107-1) and a
      lactic acid producer bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (24-1 and 25-2), were
      examined for interactions with keratinocytes by use of a green dye (percent of
      cells with colonies after 24 hours). Carcinogens, AA, malondialdehyde, DNA
      damage, and proliferation (5'-bromo-2-deoxyuridine) among keratinocytes were also
      quantified. RESULTS: AA and malondialdehyde production from permissible
      Streptococci sp significantly increased with attachment to keratinocytes, whereas
      L rhamnosus did not significantly attach to keratinocytes. This attachment was
      associated with enhanced levels of AA adduct formation, proliferation (5'-bromo-2
      deoxyuridine incorporation), and enhanced migration through integrin-coated
      basement membrane by HPV oral keratinocytes, which are characteristics of a
      malignant phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: These cell studies suggest that oral
      Streptococci sp and HPV (HPV-16) cooperate to transform oral keratinocytes after
      low-level ETOH (1%) exposure. These results appear to suggest a significant
      clinical interaction, but further validation is warranted.

PMID- 22079068
TI  - Comparison of current perception threshold electrical testing to clinical sensory
      testing for lingual nerve injuries.
AB  - PURPOSE: We performed a retrospective study of lingual nerve injury assessment
      comparing the techniques of current perception threshold testing versus clinical
      sensory testing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We designed and implemented a cross
      sectional study and enrolled a patient sample with lingual nerve injuries
      presenting for treatment to the principal investigator. The predictor variables
      were clinical sensory testing modalities (ie, temperature, nocioception,
      vibration, 2-point discrimination, brush stroke, and von Frey monofilament
      perception). The primary outcome variable was the electrical current perception
      thresholds of the tongue dorsum (neurometer measurements at 5, 250, and 2,000
      Hz). Comparisons were established with the ipsilateral affected and contralateral
      unaffected lingual nerve distributions. The associations between the clinical
      sensory testing and current perception threshold measurements were assessed using
      correlation coefficients, with the level of statistical significance set at P <
      .05. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients (13 males and 27 females) were included in
      the present study. The average age of these patients was 34 years (range 13 to
      66). Significant correlations were observed between the electrical stimulation
      thresholds at 2,000 Hz and the 2-point discrimination, reaction to brushing,
      reaction to vibration, and von Frey fiber thresholds, between the electrical
      stimulation thresholds at 250 Hz to the nociceptive and thermal thresholds, and
      between the electrical stimulation thresholds at 5 Hz to thermal stimuli.
      CONCLUSIONS: The significant correlations observed in the present study indicate
      that current perception threshold can be a complementary or alternative tool in
      the assessment and evaluation of lingual nerve injuries.

PMID- 22079069
TI  - Human immunodeficiency virus-associated Burkitt's lymphoma in oral cavity of
      Japanese patient.

PMID- 22079070
TI  - Sialadenoma papilliferum of the hard palate: a case report.

PMID- 22079071
TI  - Yolk-sac tumor of the postauricular region: case report and review of the
      literature.

PMID- 22079072
TI  - Responses of dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic networks to acute levo
      tetrahydropalmatine administration in naive rats detected at 9.4 T.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to understand the neuropharmacological
      characteristics of levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP), a recently found potential
      treatment for drug addiction, and discover its neural correlates and sites of
      action. METHODS: High-field pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI)
      was used to detect activation induced by acute l-THP administration in the naive
      rat brain at dose levels of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg. RESULTS: Interestingly, the
      pharmacological profile of l-THP selectively binds to the receptors of the
      dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems. Using the phMRI method, it
      was demonstrated that l-THP selectively activated the key brain regions of the
      dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in a dose-dependent manner.
      CONCLUSION: Numerous studies suggest a critical role of monoamines in the
      behavioral, pharmacological and addictive properties of psychostimulants. It is
      suggested that l-THP holds great potential to be a therapeutic medication for
      drug addiction.

PMID- 22079073
TI  - Subject-specific changes in brain white matter on diffusion tensor imaging after
      sports-related concussion.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Current approaches to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      analysis do not permit identification of individual-level changes in DTI indices.
      We investigated the ability of wild bootstrapping analysis to detect subject
      specific changes in brain white matter (WM) before and after sports-related
      concussion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in
      nine high school athletes engaged in hockey or football and six controls.
      Subjects underwent DTI pre- and postseason within a 3-month interval. One athlete
      was diagnosed with concussion (scanned within 72 h), and eight suffered between
      26 and 399 subconcussive head blows. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean
      diffusivity (MD) were measured in each WM voxel. Bootstrap samples were
      generated, and a permuted t test was used to compare voxel-wise FA/MD changes in
      each subject pre- vs. postseason. RESULTS: The percentage of WM voxels with
      significant (p<.05) pre-post FA changes was highest for the concussion subject
      (3.2%), intermediary for those with subconcussive head blows (mean 1.05%+/-.15%)
      and lowest for controls (mean 0.28%+/-.01%). Similarly, the percentage of WM
      voxels with significant MD changes was highest for the concussion subject
      (3.44%), intermediary for those with subconcussive head blows (mean 1.48%+/-.17%)
      and lowest for controls (mean 0.48%+/-.05%). Significantly changed FA and MD
      voxels colocalized in the concussion subject to the right corona radiata and
      right inferior longitudinal fasciculus. CONCLUSIONS: Wild bootstrap analysis
      detected significantly changed WM in a single concussed athlete. Athletes with
      multiple subconcussive head blows had significant changes in a percentage of
      their WM that was over three times higher than controls. Efforts to understand
      the significance of these WM changes and their relationship to head impact forces
      appear warranted.

PMID- 22079074
TI  - International collaborative proficiency study of Human Papillomavirus type 16
      serology.
AB  - We performed an international proficiency study of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
      type 16 serology. A common methodology for serology based on virus-like particle
      (VLP) ELISA was used by 10 laboratories in 6 continents. The laboratories used
      the same VLP reference reagent, which was selected as the most stable, sensitive
      and specific VLP preparation out of VLPs donated from 5 different sources. A
      blinded proficiency panel consisting of 52 serum samples from women with PCR
      verified HPV 16-infection, 11 control serum samples from virginal women and the
      WHO HPV 16 International Standard (IS) serum were distributed. The mean plus 3
      standard deviations of the negative control serum samples was the most generally
      useful "cut-off" criterion for distinguishing positive and negative samples.
      Using sensitivity of at least 50% and a specificity of 100% as proficiency
      criteria, 6/10 laboratories were proficient. In conclusion, an international
      Standard Operating Procedure for HPV serology, an international reporting system
      in International Units (IU) and a common "cut-off" criterion have been evaluated
      in an international HPV serology proficiency study.

PMID- 22079075
TI  - Diverse microbial exposure - consequences for vaccine development.
AB  - Numerous epidemiological studies suggest that there is an inverse relationship
      between "immunologically mediated diseases of affluence", such as allergy,
      diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease on one hand and few infections
      encountered in early childhood, on the other hand. Careful analysis of the
      epidemiological, clinical and animal studies taken together, however, suggests
      that the protection is mediated by broad exposure to a wealth of commensal, non
      pathogenic microorganisms early in life, rather than by infections. Microbial
      exposure has little relationship with "hygiene" in the usual meaning of the word
      and the term "hygiene hypothesis" is therefore misleading. A better term would be
      "microbial deprivation hypothesis". The suggestion that childhood infections
      would protect against allergic disease led to unfortunate speculations that
      vaccinations would increase the risk for allergies and diabetes. Numerous
      epidemiological studies have therefore been conducted, searching for a possible
      relationship between various childhood vaccinations on one hand and allergy on
      the other hand. It is reasonable from these studies to conclude that vaccinations
      against infectious agents neither significantly increase, nor reduce the
      likelihood of immunologically mediated diseases. It is established that the
      postnatal maturation of immune regulation is largely driven by exposure to
      microbes. Germ free animals manifest excessive immune responses when immunised
      and they do not develop normal immune regulatory function. The gut is by far the
      largest source of microbial exposure, as the human gut microbiome contains up to
      1014 bacteria, i.e. ten times the number of cells in the human body. Several
      studies in recent years have shown differences in the composition of the gut
      microbiota between allergic and non-allergic individuals and between infants
      living in countries with a low and a high prevalence of immune mediated diseases.
      The administration of probiotic bacteria to pregnant mothers and postnatal to
      their infants has immune modulatory effects. So far, however, probiotic bacteria
      do not seem to significantly enhance immune responses to vaccines. The potential
      to improve vaccine responses by modifying the gut microbiota in infants and the
      possibility to employ probiotic bacteria as adjuvants and/or delivery vehicles,
      is currently explored in several laboratories. Although to date few clinical
      results have been reported, experimental studies have shown some encouraging
      results.

PMID- 22079076
TI  - Process optimization and scale-up for production of rabies vaccine live
      adenovirus vector (AdRG1.3).
AB  - Rabies virus is an important causative agent of disease resulting in an acute
      infection of the nervous system and death. Although curable if treated in a
      timely manner, rabies remains a serious public health issue in developing
      countries, and the indigenous threat of rabies continues in developed countries
      because of wildlife reservoirs. Control of rabies in wildlife is still an
      important challenge for governmental authorities. There are a number of rabies
      vaccines commercially available for control of wildlife rabies infection.
      However, the vaccines currently distributed to wildlife do not effectively
      immunize all at-risk species, particularly skunks. A replication competent
      recombinant adenovirus expressing rabies glycoprotein (AdRG1.3) has shown the
      most promising results in laboratory trials. The adenovirus vectored vaccine is
      manufactured using HEK 293 cells. This study describes the successful scale-up of
      AdRG1.3 adenovirus production from 1 to 500 L and the manufacturing of large
      quantities of bulk material required for field trials to demonstrate efficacy of
      this new candidate vaccine. The production process was streamlined by eliminating
      a medium replacement step prior to infection and the culture titer was increased
      by over 2 fold through optimization of cell culture medium. These improvements
      produced a more robust and cost-effective process that facilitates
      industrialization and commercialization. Over 17,000 L of AdRG1.3 adenovirus
      cultures were manufactured to support extensive field trials. AdRG1.3 adenovirus
      is formulated and packaged into baits by Artemis Technologies Inc. using
      proprietary technology. Field trials of AdRG1.3 rabies vaccine baits have been
      conducted in several Canadian provinces including Ontario, Quebec and New
      Brunswick. The results from field trials over the period 2006-2009 demonstrated
      superiority of the new vaccine over other licensed vaccines in immunizing wild
      animals that were previously difficult to vaccinate.

PMID- 22079077
TI  - Vaccination with BM86, subolesin and akirin protective antigens for the control
      of tick infestations in white tailed deer and red deer.
AB  - Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are
      hosts for different tick species and tick-borne pathogens and play a role in tick
      dispersal and maintenance in some regions. These factors stress the importance of
      controlling tick infestations in deer and several methods such as culling and
      acaricide treatment have been used. Tick vaccines are a cost-effective
      alternative for tick control that reduced cattle tick infestations and tick-borne
      pathogens prevalence while reducing the use of acaricides. Our hypothesis is that
      vaccination with vector protective antigens can be used for the control of tick
      infestations in deer. Herein, three experiments were conducted to characterize
      (1) the antibody response in red deer immunized with recombinant BM86, the
      antigen included in commercial tick vaccines, (2) the antibody response and
      control of cattle tick infestations in white-tailed deer immunized with
      recombinant BM86 or tick subolesin (SUB) and experimentally infested with
      Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and (3) the antibody response and control of
      Hyalomma spp. and Rhipicephalus spp. field tick infestations in red deer
      immunized with mosquito akirin (AKR), the SUB ortholog and candidate protective
      antigen against different tick species and other ectoparasites. The results
      showed that deer produced an antibody response that correlated with the reduction
      in tick infestations and was similar to other hosts vaccinated previously with
      these antigens. The overall vaccine efficacy was similar between BM86 (E=76%) and
      SUB (E=83%) for the control of R. microplus infestations in white-tailed deer.
      The field trial in red deer showed a 25-33% (18-40% when only infested deer were
      considered) reduction in tick infestations, 14-20 weeks after the first
      immunization. These results demonstrated that vaccination with vector protective
      antigens could be used as an alternative method for the control of tick
      infestations in deer to reduce tick populations and dispersal in regions where
      deer are relevant hosts for these ectoparasites.

PMID- 22079078
TI  - An adjunctive therapeutic vaccine against reactivation and post-treatment relapse
      tuberculosis.
AB  - Preventing latently infected or inadequately treated individuals from progressing
      to active disease could make a major impact on tuberculosis (TB) control
      worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new approach to prevent
      reactivation and TB relapse that combines drug treatment and vaccination.
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis harbors a gene called mce1R that, in vivo, negatively
      regulates a 13-gene cluster called the mce1 operon. In a Cornell mouse model,
      BALB/c mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv disrupted in mce1R consistently
      develop latent infection and reactivation disease. We used this new mouse model
      to test a recombinant M. tuberculosis cell wall protein (Mce1A), encoded by a
      gene in the mce1 operon, for its ability to prevent post-treatment TB. At 32
      weeks of follow-up, a complete sterilizing protection was observed in lungs of
      the vaccinated mice. Mce1A but not phosphate-buffered saline administered
      intraperitoneally during the period of latent infection prevented disease
      progression and proliferation of M. tuberculosis mce1R mutant. The only visible
      lung lesions in vaccinated mice included small clusters of lymphocytes, while the
      unvaccinated mice showed progressively enlarging granulomas comprised of foamy
      macrophages surrounded by lymphocytes. The combination of anti-TB drugs and a
      vaccine may serve as a powerful treatment modality against TB reactivation and
      relapse.

PMID- 22079079
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of a novel nanoemulsion mucosal adjuvant W805EC
      combined with approved seasonal influenza antigens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving the systemic and mucosal immune response following
      intranasal vaccination could enhance disease protection against respiratory
      pathogens. We assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a novel nanoemulsion
      mucosal adjuvant W(80)5EC combined with approved seasonal influenza antigens.
      METHODS: This was a first-in-human Phase I study in 199 healthy adult volunteers
      randomized to receive a single intranasal administration of 5%, 10%, 15% or 20%
      W(80)5EC, combined with 4 or 10 MUg strain-specific Fluzone((r)) HA, compared
      with intranasal PBS, intranasal Fluzone((r)), or 15 ug strain-specific
      intramuscular Fluzone((r)). Safety was evaluated by physical examination,
      laboratory parameters, symptom diaries, and adverse event reports. Serum HAI
      titers and nasal wash IgA were assessed at baseline as well as 28 and 60 days
      after vaccination. RESULTS: W(80)5EC adjuvant combined with seasonal influenza
      antigens was well tolerated without safety concerns or significant adverse
      events. The highest dose of 20% W(80)5EC combined with 10 MUg strain-specific HA
      elicited clinically meaningful systemic immunity based on increases in serum HAI
      GMT and >= 70% seroprotection for all 3 influenza strains, as well as a rise in
      antigen-specific IgA in nasal wash specimens. CONCLUSIONS: W(80)5EC adjuvant was
      safe and well tolerated in healthy adult volunteers and elicited both systemic
      and mucosal immunity following a single intranasal vaccination.

PMID- 22079080
TI  - The non-toxic and biodegradable adjuvant Montanide ISA 720/CpG can replace
      Freund's in a cancer vaccine targeting ED-B--a prerequisite for clinical
      development.
AB  - We have recently shown that immunization against the extra domain-B (ED-B) of
      fibronectin, using Freund's adjuvant, reduces tumor growth in mice by 70%. In the
      present study we compare the immune response generated against ED-B using the non
      toxic and biodegradable adjuvant Montanide ISA 720/CpG with the response elicited
      by Freund's adjuvant. Montanide ISA 720/CpG induced anti-ED-B antibodies with
      higher avidity and less variable levels between individuals than Freund's.
      Moreover, the duration of the immune response was longer and the generation of
      anti-ED-B antibodies in naive mice was faster, when Montanide ISA 720/CpG was
      used. We conclude that it is possible to replace the mineral oil based adjuvant
      Freund's with an adjuvant acceptable for human use, which is a prerequisite for
      transfer of the ED-B vaccine to the clinic.

PMID- 22079081
TI  - The untold truth about "bath salt" highs: A case series demonstrating local
      tissue injury.
AB  - The epidemic of injecting cathinone derivatives, marketed as "bath salts", by
      intravenous drug users among inner city Dubliners led to an associated rise in
      soft tissue complications. The spectrum of the cases encountered, ranging from
      self-limiting cellulitis to extensive abscess formation, at a single institution
      is described.

PMID- 22079082
TI  - [Evaluation of the immunoblotting for the detection of immunoglobulin G
      Toxoplasma antibodies in immunocompetent patients].
AB  - The serological tests commonly used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis raise the
      problem of the interpretation of the borderline immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and
      discordant results between various tests. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was
      to evaluate the contribution of the immunoblotting in the detection of specific
      IgG in acquired toxoplasmosis of immunocompetent patients especially when levels
      are equivocal or discordant in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) and
      indirect fluorescent antigen test (IFAT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: [corrected] We
      tested three groups of sera. The first included 87 positive sera, the second 33
      negative sera, and the last one 29 equivocal sera. RESULTS: Results obtained with
      the first and the second group of sera led us to identify the bands 30kDa and
      32kDa as markers of the toxoplasmic infection. The simultaneous presence of both
      bands showed a sensitivity of 91.5%, a specificity of 96.9%, a VPP of 98.7%, a
      VPN of 74.4% and a Youden's index of 0.88. Our findings suggest that the presence
      of these two bands is a reliable criterion for the confirmation of the presence
      of anti-toxoplasmic IgG in the corresponding serum. The immunoblot allowed us to
      ascertain serological status of 27 (93.1%) patients from the third group in which
      results were discrepant or equivocal in Elisa and/or in IFAT. CONCLUSION:
      Immunoblot is a useful serological test for detection of very low or equivocal
      titers.

PMID- 22079083
TI  - Transgenic inactivation of murine myostatin does not decrease the severity of
      disease in a model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
AB  - Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and is a
      leading genetic cause of infantile death. SMA is caused by the homozygous loss of
      Survival Motor Neuron-1 (SMN1). The presence of a nearly identical copy gene
      called SMN2 has led to the development of several strategies that are designed to
      elevate SMN levels, and it is clear that SMN2 is an important modifier gene.
      However, the possibility exists that SMN-independent strategies to lessen the
      severity of the SMA phenotype could provide insight into disease development as
      well as aid in the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Muscle
      enhancement has been considered an interesting target for a variety of
      neurodegenerative diseases, including SMA. Previously we have shown in SMA mice
      that delivery of recombinant follistatin resulted in an extension in survival and
      a general lessening of disease severity. Follistatin is known to functionally
      block myostatin (MSTN), a potent inhibitor of muscle development. However,
      follistatin is a multifaceted protein involved in a variety of cellular pathways.
      To determine whether MSTN inhibition was the primary pathway associated with the
      previously reported follistatin results, we generated an animal model of SMA in
      which Mstn was genetically inactivated. In this report we characterize the novel
      SMA/Mstn model and demonstrate that Mstn inactivation does not significantly
      enhance muscle development in neonatal animals, nor does it result in an
      amelioration of the SMA phenotype.

PMID- 22079084
TI  - Potential legal protection problems in the use of compulsory commitment in mental
      health care in Norway.
AB  - Compulsory commitment in mental health care represents a dramatic infringement on
      an individual's life. In Norway, this deprivation of liberty is based on a
      professional medical assessment that does not require a court verdict. This
      article presents possible changes that may increase legal protection for the
      mentally ill. The concept of legal protection has at least two definitions: the
      state's protection of the individual's legal rights (including the right to
      health care) and the protection afforded to citizens from abuse and arbitrary
      actions by the state. Infringements on personal liberty without consent require
      such legal authority as is found in the Human Rights Conventions. These
      Conventions have precedence over national laws. Norwegian legislation is based on
      confidence in psychiatry as a profession. This confidence allows professionals to
      treat patients against their will. In some countries, initial court action is
      necessary before compulsory mental health care can be implemented. This should
      also be possible in Norway in most cases, with the exception of life-threatening
      situations.

PMID- 22079085
TI  - The "untreatability" of psychopathy and hospital commitment in the USA.
AB  - One argument in support of a public policy of not subjecting persons with
      psychopathic disorders to civil or criminal commitment is that these disorders do
      not improve with treatment. This article examines the relationship between the
      assumption of untreatability of psychopathic disorders and outpatient civil
      commitment, inpatient civil commitment, and insanity acquittee commitment.
      Research on the treatability of psychopathy is reviewed and the treatment of
      conditions co-morbid with psychopathy is considered. Research evidence is
      insufficient to support the conclusion that psychopathy is improved, worsened or
      not affected by treatment. Evidence does support effective treatments for
      conditions that can be co-morbid with psychopathic disorders including impulsive
      aggression which can be interpreted as a manifestation of psychopathic disorder.
      The absence of evidence based treatment efficacy for psychopathic disorders is a
      logical reason for not subjecting individuals with only a psychopathic disorder
      to involuntary hospitalization. This assumption should not becloud the
      possibility of treatable co-morbid conditions which may or may not qualify for
      involuntary hospitalization. Where the primary mental disorder, for which an
      individual is involuntarily hospitalized, results in behavioral improvement, the
      continued presence of a psychopathic disorder itself, should not be sufficient
      reason to continue coerced confinement. Even so, where the primary disorder is
      incompletely treated, psychopathy can be considered a risk factor when deciding
      upon the appropriate time for discharge and when formulating a safe and effective
      after care plan.

PMID- 22079086
TI  - The right of caregivers to access health information of relatives with mental
      illness.
AB  - This article reviews the legal, ethical and practical challenges of complying
      with the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) within the
      context of a Canadian mental health system that is overburdened and under
      resourced. The advent of deinstitutionalization has placed significantly
      increased responsibilities on the families of mentally ill individuals. While
      research evidences that involving family members in the care of their mentally
      ill relatives improves treatment outcomes, mental health practitioners constantly
      face the challenge of engaging family caregivers while also complying with
      privacy laws. The authors propose an Ontario Caregiver Recognition Act (OCRA) to
      formally recognize family caregivers as informal health information custodians
      based on the practice of other jurisdictions which incorporate the rights of
      family members actively engaged in providing care to their mentally ill
      relatives.

PMID- 22079087
TI  - Methodological issues in monitoring the use of coercive measures.
AB  - PURPOSE: In many European countries, initiatives have emerged to reduce the use
      of seclusion and restraint in psychiatric institutions. To study the effects of
      these initiatives at a national and international level, consensus on definitions
      of coercive measures, assessment methods and calculation procedures of these
      coercive measures are required. The aim of this article is to identify problems
      in defining and recording coercive measures. The study contributes to the
      development of consistent comparable measurements definitions and provides
      recommendations for meaningful data-analyses illustrating the relevance of the
      proposed framework. METHODS: Relevant literature was reviewed to identify various
      definitions and calculation modalities used to measure coercive measures in
      psychiatric inpatient care. Figures on the coercive measures and epidemiological
      ratios were calculated in a standardized way. To illustrate how research in
      clinical practice on coercive measures can be conducted, data from a large
      multicenter study on seclusion patterns in the Netherlands were used. RESULTS:
      Twelve Dutch mental health institutes serving a population of 6.57 million
      inhabitants provided their comprehensive coercion measure data sets. In total 37
      hospitals and 227 wards containing 6812 beds were included in the study. Overall
      seclusion and restraint data in a sample of 31,594 admissions in 20,934 patients
      were analyzed. Considerable variation in ward and patient characteristics was
      identified in this study. The chance to be exposed to seclusion per capita
      inhabitants of the institute's catchment areas varied between 0.31 and 1.6 per
      100.000. Between mental health institutions, the duration in seclusion hours per
      1000 inpatient hours varied from less than 1 up to 18h. The number of seclusion
      incidents per 1000 admissions varied between 79 up to 745. The mean duration of
      seclusion incidents of nearly 184h may be seen as high in an international
      perspective. CONCLUSION: Coercive measures can be reliably assessed in a
      standardized and comparable way under the condition of using clear joint
      definitions. Methodological consensus between researchers and mental health
      professionals on these definitions is necessary to allow comparisons of seclusion
      and restraint rates. The study contributes to the development of international
      standards on gathering coercion related data and the consistent calculation of
      relevant outcome parameters.

PMID- 22079088
TI  - Safety and efficacy of sitaxsentan 50 and 100 mg in patients with pulmonary
      arterial hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and efficacy of sitaxsentan 50 and 100 mg in patients
      with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). BACKGROUND: Sitaxsentan is a highly
      selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist that was recently withdrawn by the
      manufacturer because of a pattern of idiosyncratic liver injury. METHODS: Before
      sitaxsentan withdrawal, this 18-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study
      randomized patients with PAH to receive placebo or sitaxsentan 50 or 100 mg once
      daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in 6-min walk
      distance (6MWD) at week 18. Changes in World Health Organization (WHO) functional
      class and time to clinical worsening (TTCW) were secondary endpoints. The primary
      efficacy analysis was powered for sitaxsentan 100 mg versus placebo. RESULTS: Of
      98 randomized patients, 61% were WHO functional class II at baseline. Improvement
      from baseline to week 18 in 6MWD occurred with sitaxsentan 100 but not 50 mg; a
      strong placebo effect was observed. At week 18, WHO functional class was improved
      or maintained in more patients receiving sitaxsentan 100 mg than placebo (P =
      0.038); 0% versus 12% of patients deteriorated, respectively. TTCW was not
      significantly different for 100-mg sitaxsentan patients than placebo (P = 0.090).
      Adverse events (AEs) occurring more frequently with sitaxsentan (50 or 100 mg)
      included headache, peripheral edema, dizziness, nausea, extremity pain, and
      fatigue; most AEs were of mild or moderate severity. CONCLUSION: Sitaxsentan 100
      mg improved functional class but not 6MWD in PAH patients who were mostly WHO
      functional class II at baseline. No patient receiving sitaxsentan 100 mg
      experienced clinical worsening; sitaxsentan was well tolerated.

PMID- 22079089
TI  - Thrombolytic treatment of simultaneous pulmonary embolism and impending
      paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale: a different thrombolytic
      regimen.
AB  - A 72 year-old woman was admitted with a one-week history of weakness, right limb
      pain and progressive breathlessness. Her blood pressure was 60/40 mmHg, ECG
      showed inverted T waves in the precordial leads and incomplete right bundle
      branch block (RBBB). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large serpentine
      mobile mass across the atrial septum and mitrale valve extending into the left
      ventricular cavity. The right ventricle was dilated and peak systolic tricuspid
      annular velocity (RV-Sm) was 6.5 cm/sn, indicate right ventricular systolic
      function was severely depressed. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed a
      large, mobile thrombus in the foramen ovale, extending into the left atrium and
      ventricle. As the patient was in a haemodynamically compromised condition, high
      dose rapid infusion of streptokinase was administered. However, the thrombus did
      not fully resolve with this intervention. Therefore, low dose continuous
      streptokinase infusion was administered for an additional 72 h resulting in full
      resolution of the lesion by the third day of therapy. The optimal management of
      impending paradoxical embolism remains unclear. Prolonged continuous thrombolytic
      infusion may be a option for patients who do not experience full resolution of
      high risk thrombi with conventional thrombolytic therapy.

PMID- 22079090
TI  - Epigenetic involvement of Alien/ESET complex in thyroid hormone-mediated
      repression of E2F1 gene expression and cell proliferation.
AB  - The ligand-bound thyroid hormone receptor (TR) is known to repress via a negative
      TRE (nTRE) the expression of E2F1, a key transcription factor that controls the
      G1/S phase transition. Alien has been identified as a novel interacting factor of
      E2F1 and acts as a corepressor of E2F1. The detailed molecular mechanism by which
      Alien inhibits E2F1 gene expression remains unclear. Here, we report that the
      histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase (HMT) ESET is an integral component
      of the corepressor Alien complex and the Alien/ESET complex is recruited to both
      sites, the E2F1 and the nTRE site of the E2F1 gene while the recruitment to the
      negative thyroid hormone response element (nTRE) is induced by the ligand-bound
      TRbeta1 within the E2F1 gene promoter. We show that, overexpression of ESET
      promotes, whereas knockdown of ESET releases, the inhibition of TRbeta1-regulated
      gene transcription upon T3 stimulation; and H3K9 methylation is required for
      TRbeta1-repressed transcription. Furthermore, depletion of ESET impairs thyroid
      hormone-repressed proliferation as well as the G1/S transition of the cell cycle.
      Taken together, our data indicate that ESET is involved in TRbeta1-mediated
      transcription repression and provide a molecular basis of thyroid hormone-induced
      repression of proliferation.

PMID- 22079091
TI  - Clathrin-mediated endocytic proteins are upregulated in the cortex of the Tg2576
      mouse model of Alzheimer's disease-like amyloid pathology.
AB  - Amyloid-beta (Abeta) is cleaved from amyloid precursor protein (APP)
      predominantly after APP has trafficked through the secretory pathway and then
      become re-internalised by endocytosis. Clathrin-mediated and, more recently,
      clathrin-independent endocytosis have both been implicated in this process.
      Furthermore, endocytic abnormalities have been identified in cases of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), however, the relevance of these changes to the aetiology of the
      disease remains unclear. We therefore examined the expression of proteins related
      to these endocytic processes in the cortex of Tg2576 mice that overexpress the
      Swedish mutation in APP, and consequently overexpress Abeta, to determine if
      there were any changes in their associated pathways. We identified significant
      increases in the levels of clathrin, dynamin and PICALM, all proteins intimately
      involved with the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway, in the transgenic animals.
      However, levels of proteins associated with flotillin or caveolin-mediated
      endocytic pathways remained unchanged. These results emphasise the importance of
      clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the aetiology of AD and reinforce the results of
      the recent GWAS studies that identified genes for clathrin-mediated endocytosis
      as susceptibility genes for AD. Such studies in transgenic mice will allow us to
      learn more about the role of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in AD.

PMID- 22079092
TI  - Transmembrane myosin chitin synthase involved in mollusc shell formation produced
      in Dictyostelium is active.
AB  - Several mollusc shells contain chitin, which is formed by a transmembrane myosin
      motor enzyme. This protein could be involved in sensing mechanical and structural
      changes of the forming, mineralizing extracellular matrix. Here we report the
      heterologous expression of the transmembrane myosin chitin synthase Ar-CS1 of the
      bivalve mollusc Atrina rigida (2286 amino acid residues, M.W. 264 kDa/monomer) in
      Dictyostelium discoideum, a model organism for myosin motor proteins. Confocal
      laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy (CLSM), chitin binding GFP detection
      of chitin on cells and released to the cell culture medium, and a radiochemical
      activity assay of membrane extracts revealed expression and enzymatic activity of
      the mollusc chitin synthase in transgenic slime mold cells. First high-resolution
      atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of Ar-CS1 transformed cellulose synthase
      deficient D. discoideumdcsA(-) cell lines are shown.

PMID- 22079093
TI  - Proteomic analysis of the 20S proteasome (PSMA3)-interacting proteins reveals a
      functional link between the proteasome and mRNA metabolism.
AB  - The 26S proteasome is a large multi-subunit protein complex that exerts specific
      degradation of proteins in the cell. The 26S proteasome consists of the 20S
      proteolytic particle and the 19S regulator. In order to be targeted for
      proteasomal degradation most of the proteins must undergo the post-translational
      modification of poly-ubiquitination. However, a number of proteins can also be
      degraded by the proteasome via a ubiquitin-independent pathway. Such degradation
      is exercised largely through the binding of substrate proteins to the PSMA3
      (alpha 7) subunit of the 20S complex. However, a systematic analysis of proteins
      interacting with PSMA3 has not yet been carried out. In this report, we describe
      the identification of proteins associated with PSMA3 both in the cytoplasm and
      nucleus. A combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) and tandem
      mass-spectrometry revealed a large number of PSMA3-bound proteins that are
      involved in various aspects of mRNA metabolism, including splicing. In vitro
      biochemical studies confirmed the interactions between PSMA3 and splicing
      factors. Moreover, we show that 20S proteasome is involved in the regulation of
      splicing in vitro of SMN2 (survival motor neuron 2) gene, whose product controls
      apoptosis of neurons.

PMID- 22079094
TI  - Topical timolol for the treatment of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic
      telangiectasia.

PMID- 22079095
TI  - Comparative audiometric evaluation of hearing loss between the premenopausal and
      postmenopausal period in young women.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the audiologic status and severity of
      hearing loss in different frequencies between the premenopausal and
      postmenopausal period in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study
      involved 28 premenopausal and 27 postmenopausal women. Premenopausal and
      postmenopausal women were younger than 46 years. Age range for premenopausal and
      menopause patients was 37 to 46 years. The mean age of menopause women with
      sensorineural hearing loss in our study was not suitable for the age range of
      presbyacousis that is commonly seen. Each subject was tested with low- (250-2000
      Hz) and high-frequency (4000-8000 Hz) audiometry. For each set of tests, mean
      values of air conduction at each frequency were calculated for the premenopausal
      and postmenopausal groups and compared. RESULTS: The mean ages of the women on
      premenopausal and postmenopausal groups were 42.0 +/- 2.4 and 43.4 +/- 2.6 years,
      respectively. Duration of menopausal period in second group was 2.03 +/- 0.85
      years. The corresponding mean body mass indexes were 29.7 +/- 2.9 and 31.1 +/-
      3.8 kg/m(2). There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups in mean
      ages and mean body mass indexes. Hearing thresholds at low and high frequencies
      were analyzed between the 2 groups in Table 2. At low (250, 500, 1000, and 2000
      Hz) and high frequencies (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz), the mean air-conduction
      threshold values between the 2 groups were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSION: Estrogen deficiency may not elevate hearing thresholds in early
      postmenopausal period; however, further studies of larger series are needed to
      confirm this.

PMID- 22079096
TI  - A potential in silico antibody-antigen based diagnostic test for precise
      identification of Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii is a problematic nosocomial pathogen. The resistance to a
      wide range of antimicrobial agents, attributable to its biofilm phenotype, makes
      the treatment very difficult. Biofilm is a common feature of most pathogens.
      Biofilm associated proteins (Bap) are cellular surface components directly
      involved in biofilm formation process. The dearth of a fast precise diagnostic
      test and versatility of Bap sequences in A. baumannii were intuitions to design
      this study. In silico analysis is a reliable alternative to laborious
      experimental work in this connection. Databases were searched for an antigenic
      conserved region of Bap specific to A. baumannii. The region was selected based
      on alignments and propensity scales. Tertiary structure for this region was built
      and predicted B-cell epitopes were mapped on the surface of the built model. Our
      protein subunit was found to be a potential antigen, possessing several antigenic
      determinants, eliciting antibody. Hence this subunit could be used as a suitable
      agent for antibody-antigen based diagnostic test. This specific antigen can
      minimize laboratory errors in identification of A. baumannii and thus help
      clinicians to quick and precise diagnosis of the bacteria and initiatives to the
      treatment of the infection. Antigenicity of the region could also be explored for
      elicitation of antibody to protect the individuals exposed to A. baumannii.

PMID- 22079097
TI  - Deconvolution of the vestibular evoked myogenic potential.
AB  - The vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) and the associated variance
      modulation can be understood by a convolution model. Two functions of time are
      incorporated into the model: the motor unit action potential (MUAP) of an average
      motor unit, and the temporal modulation of the MUAP rate of all contributing
      motor units, briefly called rate modulation. The latter is the function of
      interest, whereas the MUAP acts as a filter that distorts the information
      contained in the measured data. Here, it is shown how to recover the rate
      modulation by undoing the filtering using a deconvolution approach. The key
      aspects of our deconvolution algorithm are as follows: (1) the rate modulation is
      described in terms of just a few parameters; (2) the MUAP is calculated by Wiener
      deconvolution of the VEMP with the rate modulation; (3) the model parameters are
      optimized using a figure-of-merit function where the most important term
      quantifies the difference between measured and model-predicted variance
      modulation. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated with simulated
      data. An analysis of real data confirms the view that there are basically two
      components, which roughly correspond to the waves p13-n23 and n34-p44 of the
      VEMP. The rate modulation corresponding to the first, inhibitory component is
      much stronger than that corresponding to the second, excitatory component. But
      the latter is more extended so that the two modulations have almost the same
      equivalent rectangular duration.

PMID- 22079098
TI  - Enhancement of the male effect on reproductive performance in female
      Mediterranean goats with long day and/or melatonin treatment.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether the male effect on reproductive
      performance in female Mediterranean goats could be enhanced if used in
      combination with long day and/or melatonin treatments. Thirty-two does were
      exposed to long days (16 h of light/day) for 95 days. At the end of this period,
      16 received one melatonin implant (group LD-M) and 16 did not (group LD).
      Simultaneously, 16 does under natural photoperiod were implanted with melatonin
      (group M) or given no treatment (group C, n=16). On April 14th, after 49 days of
      isolation from males, all does were exposed to bucks fitted with marking
      harnesses. Oestrous activity, as detected by visual observation, was recorded
      daily. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to record ovulation, and ovarian
      activity confirmed by determining plasma progesterone concentration. Oestrous
      activity, ovulation and fertility were greater in all treatment groups compared
      with group C (P<0.05), but no differences in ovulation rate or litter size were
      observed (P>0.05). Productivity (mean number of kids per female) of the LD-M and
      M groups was significantly greater than in group C (1.50 +/- 0.01 and 1.37 +/-
      0.01 vs. 0.69 +/- 0.01 kids, respectively) (P<0.05). Combining melatonin
      treatment with natural or artificial long days adds to the impact of the male
      effect.

PMID- 22079099
TI  - Mapping of VSG similarities in Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei switches its variant surface
      glycoprotein (VSG) to subvert its mammalian hosts' immune responses. The T.
      brucei genome contains as many as 1600 VSG genes (VSGs), but most are silent
      noncoding pseudogenes. Only one functional VSG, located in a telomere-linked
      expression site, is transcribed at a time. Silent VSGs are copied into a VSG
      expression site through gene conversion. Truncated gene conversion events can
      generate new mosaic VSGs with segments of sequence identity to other VSGs. To
      examine the VSG family sub-structure within which these events occur, we combined
      the available VSG sequences and annotations with scripted BLAST searches to map
      the relationships among VSGs in the T. brucei genome. Clusters of related VSGs
      were visualized in 2- and 3-dimensions for different N- and C-terminal regions.
      Five types of N-termini (N1-N5) were observed, within which gene recombinational
      events are likely to occur, often with fully-coding 'functional' or
      'atypical'VSGs centrally located between more dissimilar VSGs. Members of types
      N1, N3 and N4 are most closely related in the middle of the N-terminal region,
      whereas type N2 members are more similar near the N-terminus. Some preference
      occurs in pairing between specific N- and C-terminal types. Statistical analyses
      indicated no overall tendency for more related VSGs to be located closer in the
      genome than less related VSGs, although exceptions were noted. Many potential
      mosaic gene formation events within each N-terminal type were identified,
      contrasted by only one possible mosaic gene formation between N-terminal types
      (N1 and N2). These data suggest that mosaic gene formation is a major contributor
      to the overall VSG diversity, even though gene recombinational events between
      members of different N-terminal types occur only rarely.

PMID- 22079100
TI  - Weekly and 3-weekly cisplatin concurrent with intensity-modulated radiotherapy in
      locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer.
AB  - In loco-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC),
      concurrent 3-weekly cisplatin improves overall survival (OS) compared to
      radiotherapy alone, but is often associated with renal toxicity. The use of
      radiotherapy with accelerated fractionation schedules has been reported to
      improve survival but its optimal combination with chemotherapy is unclear.
      Retrospective analysis of treatment outcome and nephrotoxicity of radiotherapy
      given with an intensity-modulated approach (IMRT) concurrent with either 3-weekly
      or weekly cisplatin in 94 patients with stage III/IV HNSCC. Patients treated with
      weekly cisplatin were significantly older (p=0.0014) and received a significantly
      lower total cisplatin dose (p=0.0002). With a median follow-up of 2.8 years, at
      univariate analysis, 3-weekly cisplatin shows a longer OS (p=0.041) but
      progression-free survival (PFS) is similar for both schedules (p=0.47). Cisplatin
      doses >240 mg/m(2) were associated with better OS but not PFS. Chronic renal
      failure rate was significantly higher with 3-weekly cisplatin (p=0.04).
      Multivariate analysis (Cox regression controlling for age) confirmed the
      significant and independent impact of alcohol and smoking habits on both PFS (HR,
      2.2) and OS (HR, 2.3), while the treatment schedule affected only OS (HR, 2.2).
      Weekly cisplatin is less nephrotoxic. Both schedules can be combined to curative
      IMRT. PFS was not significantly different even if patients treated with the
      weekly schedule were significantly older and received reduced cisplatin doses.
      The study suggests that the different cisplatin dose doesn't affect the PFS
      results if concomitant to IMRT. Controlled prospective studies are needed.

PMID- 22079101
TI  - [Recurrent cerebral vasospasm: interest of brain tissue oxygen monitoring].

PMID- 22079102
TI  - Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect with aortopulmonary collaterals
      in an adult dog.
AB  - Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) was diagnosed in a 2
      year-old castrated male Terrier mix. Transthoracic echocardiography identified a
      large ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta and severe right ventricular
      hypertrophy. A main pulmonary artery could not be identified, consistent with
      pulmonary atresia or persistent truncus arteriosus. Transesophageal
      echocardiography and angiography confirmed PA-VSD with aortopulmonary collateral
      circulation arising from the descending thoracic aorta. This case report
      describes the antemortem diagnosis of the rare congenital defect PA-VSD in an
      adult dog.

PMID- 22079103
TI  - Energy and water use by invasive goats (Capra hircus) in an Australian rangeland,
      and a caution against using broad-scale allometry to predict species-specific
      requirements.
AB  - Feral goats (Capra hircus) are ubiquitous across much of Australia's arid and
      semi-arid rangelands, where they compete with domestic stock, contribute to
      grazing pressure on fragile ecosystems, and have been implicated in the decline
      of several native marsupial herbivores. Understanding the success of feral goats
      in Australia may provide insights into management strategies for this and other
      invasive herbivores. It has been suggested that frugal use of energy and water
      contributes to the success of feral goats in Australia, but data on the energy
      and water use of free-ranging animals are lacking. We measured the field
      metabolic rate and water turnover rate of pregnant and non-pregnant feral goats
      in an Australian rangeland during late summer (dry season). Field metabolic rate
      of pregnant goats (601 +/- 37 kJ kg(-0.73)d(-1)) was 1.3 times that of non
      pregnant goats (456 +/- 24 kJ kg(-0.73)d(-1)). The water turnover rate of
      pregnant goats (228 +/- 18 mL kg(-0.79)d(-1)) was also 1.3 times that of non
      pregnant goats (173 +/- 18 kg(-0.79)d(-1)), but the difference was not
      significant (P=0.07). There was no significant difference in estimated dry matter
      digestibility between pregnant and non-pregnant goats (mean ca. 58%), blood or
      urine osmolality, or urine electrolyte concentrations, indicating they were
      probably eating similar diets and were able to maintain osmohomeostasis. Overall,
      the metabolic and hygric physiology of non-pregnant goats conformed statistically
      to the predictions for non-marine, non-reproductive placental mammals according
      to both conventional and phylogenetically independent analyses. That was despite
      the field metabolic rate and estimated dry matter intake of non-pregnant goats
      being only 60% of the predicted level. We suggest that general allometric
      analyses predict the range of adaptive possibilities for mammals, but that
      specific adaptations, as present in goats, result in ecologically significant
      departures from the average allometric curve. In the case of goats in the arid
      Australian rangelands, predictions from the allometric regression would
      overestimate their grazing pressure by about 40% with implications for the
      predicted impact on their local ecology.

PMID- 22079104
TI  - Cutaneous water loss and lipids of the stratum corneum in two syntopic species of
      bats.
AB  - The lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (SC), the outer layer of the epidermis of
      mammals and birds, constitutes the barrier to diffusion of water vapor through
      the skin. The lipids of the SC are structured in the intercellular spaces of the
      mammalian epidermis in ordered layers, called lamellae, which have been
      postulated to prevent water loss. Lipids in the mammalian SC are mainly
      cholesterol, free fatty acids and ceramides, the latter forming the structural
      support for the lamellae. However, knowledge on how the lipid composition of the
      SC alters cutaneous water loss (CWL) in mammals is rudimentary, and is largely
      derived from studies on laboratory animals and humans. We measured CWL of
      individuals of two species of syntopic bats, Tadarida brasiliensis and Myotis
      velifer. In the first study of its kind on wild mammals, we correlated CWL with
      the lipid composition of the SC, measured using thin layer chromatography and
      high performance liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure
      photoionization mass spectrometry. Surface-specific CWL was 20.6% higher in M.
      velifer than in T. brasiliensis, although differences were not significant.
      Compared with individuals of M. velifer, individuals of T. brasiliensis had more
      classes, and a higher proportion, of polar ceramides in the SC, a feature
      associated with lower CWL. Individuals of T. brasiliensis also had a class of non
      polar ceramides that presumably spans the lamellae and gives more cohesiveness to
      the lipid matrix of the SC. We conclude that qualitative and quantitative
      modifications of the lipid composition of the SC contribute to regulate CWL of
      these two species of bats.

PMID- 22079105
TI  - Rhythmic release of prothoracicotropic hormone from the brain of an adult insect
      during egg development.
AB  - Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) is a brain neurohormone that has been studied
      for over 80 years. The only known target of PTTH is the prothoracic glands (PGs)
      of larvae, which synthesize the insect molting hormones (ecdysteroids) and a
      massive literature exists on this axis. The PGs degenerate around the time of
      adult emergence, yet presence of PTTH has been reported in the brains of several
      adult insects. Using an in vitro bioassay system, we confirm that PTTH is present
      in the adult female brain of Rhodnius prolixus. The material is
      electrophoretically, immunologically and biologically indistinguishable from
      larval PTTH. The amount of PTTH in the brain shows a daily rhythm during egg
      development. We show that brains in vitro release PTTH with a daily rhythm over
      this period of time. PTTH is released at each scotophase. This is the first
      report that PTTH is released from the adult brain and functions as a hormone,
      inviting explanation of its function. Larval PTTH is also known to be released
      with a daily rhythm, and the clock in the brain controls both larval and adult
      rhythms. The potential significance of rhythmic PTTH release in female adults is
      discussed in relation to the regulation of ecdysteroids, egg development and the
      concept of internal temporal order.

PMID- 22079106
TI  - The inhibitory effects of carboxymethyl inulin on the seeded growth of calcium
      carbonate.
AB  - Kinetics of precipitation of calcite (CaCO(3)) from aqueous solution in the
      presence of carboxymethyl inulin (CMI) was investigated under strictly controlled
      temperature, pH, supersaturation ratio (S=4.8) and ionic strength (I=0.1M). The
      highly reproducible constant composition technique was used to study the
      influence of biopolymers of crystal growth of CaCO(3), on CaCO(3) seed crystals
      at pH 8.5 and 25 degrees C. The crystal growth of calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) was
      inhibited in the presence of CMI at low concentration (2.5*10(-9) to 25*10(
      9)mol/L). The larger number of negatively charged functional groups exhibited a
      95% growth rate inhibition at a concentration of 15*10(-9)mol/L. The higher
      inhibition efficiency is related to the maximum surface charge density due to
      adsorbed polymer.

PMID- 22079107
TI  - Engineering the cytokinin-glucoside specificity of the maize beta-D-glucosidase
      Zm-p60.1 using site-directed random mutagenesis.
AB  - The maize beta-D-glucosidase Zm-p60.1 releases active cytokinins from their
      storage/transport forms, and its over-expression in tobacco disrupts zeatin
      metabolism. The role of the active-site microenvironment in fine-tuning Zm-p60.1
      substrate specificity has been explored, particularly in the W373K mutant, using
      site-directed random mutagenesis to investigate the influence of amino acid
      changes around the 373 position. Two triple (P372T/W373K/M376L and
      P372S/W373K/M376L) and three double mutants (P372T/W373K, P372S/W373K and
      W373K/M376L) were prepared. Their catalytic parameters with two artificial
      substrates show tight interdependence between substrate catalysis and protein
      structure. P372T/W373K/M376L exhibited the most significant effect on natural
      substrate specificity: the ratio of hydrolysis of cis-zeatin-O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside versus the trans-zeatin-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside shifted from 1.3
      in wild-type to 9.4 in favor of the cis- isomer. The P372T and M376L mutations in
      P372T/W373K/M376L also significantly restored the hydrolytic velocity of the
      W373K mutant, up to 60% of wild-type velocity with cis-zeatin-O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside. These findings reveal complex relationships among amino acid
      residues that modulate substrate specificity and show the utility of site
      directed random mutagenesis for changing and/or fine-tuning enzymes. Preferential
      cleavage of specific isomer-conjugates and the capacity to manipulate such
      preferences will allow the development of powerful tools for detailed probing and
      fine-tuning of cytokinin metabolism in planta.

PMID- 22079108
TI  - Motor inhibition and cognitive flexibility in eating disorder subtypes.
AB  - Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) are complex Eating Disorders
      (EDs). Even if are considered two different diagnostic categories, they share
      clinical relevant characteristics. The evaluation of neurocognitive functions,
      using standardized neuropsychological assessment, could be a interesting approach
      to better understand differences and similarities between diagnostic categories
      and clinical subtypes in EDs thus improving our knowledge of the pathophisiology
      of EDs spectrum. This study explored cognitive flexibility and motor inhibition
      in patients with AN considering both Restricter and Binge/Purge subtypes,
      patients with BN and healthy comparisons subjects (HC). Intra-Extra Dimentional
      Set shifting Test and Stop Signal Task, selected from CANTAB battery, were
      administered to analyzed set-shifting and motor inhibition respectively. AN
      patients showed a deficient motor inhibition compared to HC, while no evidence
      for impaired motor inhibition was found in BN patients; a significant
      relationship between commission errors in the Stop Signal Task and attentional
      impulsiveness was found. Moreover, no difference in set-shifting abilities was
      found comparing all clinician groups and HC. So our results indicated no
      cognitive impairment in these two cognitive functions in BN patients, while AN
      and BN showed different performances in motor inhibition. A similar cognitive
      profile was found in other obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders. Finally, the
      paper suggests a new interactive approach for the study of cognitive profile in
      psychiatric disorders; it might be more useful since it is more closely related
      to the executive functions complexity.

PMID- 22079109
TI  - Striatal and cortical midline circuits in major depression: implications for
      suicide and symptom expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In major depression, the neural mechanisms underlying suicide related
      thoughts and behaviors as well as the expression of other depressive symptoms are
      incompletely characterized. Evidence indicates that both the striatum and
      cortical midline structures (CMS) may be involved with both suicide and emotional
      dysregulation in unipolar illness. The aim of this study was to identify striatal
      CMS circuits associated with current depression severity and suicidal ideation
      (SI) as well as a history of self-harm. METHODS: Twenty-two male subjects with
      recurrent unipolar depression were studied using functional MRI. All subjects
      were unmedicated and without current psychiatric comorbidity. Correlational
      analyses were used to determine whether striatal-CMS functional connectivity was
      associated with any of the three clinical variables. RESULTS: A network involving
      the bilateral striatum and anterior CMS was found to be associated with
      depressive symptom severity. Current SI was associated with a similar but less
      extensive circuit in the left hemisphere. A distinct striatal motor/sensory
      network was associated with self-harm behaviors, but not current SI or depression
      severity. CONCLUSIONS: The striatal-anterior CMS circuit likely plays a
      significant role in the expression of depressive symptoms and SI. In contrast, a
      striatum-motor/sensory cortex network may be a trait marker of suicide-related
      behaviors. If replicated, this result might eventually lead to the development of
      a biomarker that would be useful for studies of pharmacologic and/or
      psychotherapeutic suicide prevention interventions.

PMID- 22079110
TI  - Sexually dimorphic fin regeneration in zebrafish controlled by androgen/GSK3
      signaling.
AB  - Certain fish and amphibians regenerate entire fins and limbs after amputation,
      whereas such potential is absent in birds and limited in mammals to digit tips
      [1, 2]. Additionally, regenerative success can change during life stages. Anuran
      tadpoles gradually lose the capacity to regenerate limbs [3, 4], and digit
      regeneration occurs more effectively in fetal mice and human children than adults
      [5-8]. Little is known about mechanisms that control regenerative capacity. Here,
      we identify an unexpected difference between male and female zebrafish in the
      regenerative potential of a major appendage. Males display regenerative defects
      in amputated pectoral fins, caused by impaired blastemal proliferation. This
      regenerative failure emerges after sexual maturity, is mimicked in androgen
      treated females, and is suppressed in males by androgen receptor antagonism.
      Androgen signaling maintains expression of dkk1b and igfbp2a, which encode
      secreted inhibitors of Wnt and Igf signaling, respectively. Furthermore, the
      regulatory target of Wnts and Igfs, GSK3beta, is inefficiently inactivated in
      male fin regenerates compared with females. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 in
      males increases blastemal proliferation and restores regenerative pattern. Our
      findings identify a natural sex bias in appendage regenerative capacity and
      indicate an underlying regulatory circuit in which androgen locally restricts key
      morphogenetic programs after amputation.

PMID- 22079112
TI  - Positional information by differential endocytosis splits auxin response to drive
      Arabidopsis root meristem growth.
AB  - In the Arabidopsis root meristem, polar auxin transport creates a transcriptional
      auxin response gradient that peaks at the stem cell niche and gradually decreases
      as stem cell daughters divide and differentiate [1-3]. The amplitude and extent
      of this gradient are essential for both stem cell maintenance and root meristem
      growth [4, 5]. To investigate why expression of some auxin-responsive genes, such
      as the essential root meristem growth regulator BREVIS RADIX (BRX) [6], deviates
      from this gradient, we combined experimental and computational approaches. We
      created cellular-level root meristem models that accurately reproduce
      distribution of nuclear auxin activity and allow dynamic modeling of regulatory
      processes to guide experimentation. Expression profiles deviating from the auxin
      gradient could only be modeled after intersection of auxin activity with the
      observed differential endocytosis pattern and positive autoregulatory feedback
      through plasma-membrane-to-nucleus transfer of BRX. Because BRX is required for
      expression of certain auxin response factor targets, our data suggest a cell-type
      specific endocytosis-dependent input into transcriptional auxin perception. This
      input sustains expression of a subset of auxin-responsive genes across the root
      meristem's division and transition zones and is essential for meristem growth.
      Thus, the endocytosis pattern provides specific positional information to
      modulate auxin response.

PMID- 22079111
TI  - Ubiquitination of Cdc20 by the APC occurs through an intramolecular mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cells control progression through late mitosis by regulating Cdc20
      and Cdh1, the two mitotic activators of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). The
      control of Cdc20 protein levels during the cell cycle is not well understood.
      RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that Cdc20 is degraded in budding yeast by multiple
      APC-dependent mechanisms. We find that the majority of Cdc20 turnover does not
      involve a second activator molecule but instead depends on in cis Cdc20
      autoubiquitination while it is bound to its activator-binding site on the APC
      core. Unlike in trans ubiquitination of Cdc20 substrates, the APC ubiquitinates
      Cdc20 independent of APC activation by Cdc20's C box. Cdc20 turnover by this
      intramolecular mechanism is cell cycle regulated, contributing to the decline in
      Cdc20 levels that occurs after anaphase. Interestingly, high substrate levels in
      vitro significantly reduce Cdc20 autoubiquitination. CONCLUSION: We show here
      that Cdc20 fluctuates through the cell cycle via a distinct form of APC-mediated
      ubiquitination. This in cis autoubiquitination may preferentially occur in early
      anaphase, following depletion of Cdc20 substrates. This suggests that distinct
      mechanisms are able to target Cdc20 for ubiquitination at different points during
      the cell cycle.

PMID- 22079113
TI  - Mesopelagic cephalopods switch between transparency and pigmentation to optimize
      camouflage in the deep.
AB  - Animals in the lower mesopelagic zone (600-1,000 m depth) of the oceans have
      converged on two major strategies for camouflage: transparency and red or black
      pigmentation [1]. Transparency conveys excellent camouflage under ambient light
      conditions, greatly reducing the conspicuousness of the animal's silhouette [1,
      2]. Transparent tissues are seldom perfectly so, resulting in unavoidable
      internal light scattering [2]. Under directed light, such as that emitted from
      photophores thought to function as searchlights [3-8], the scattered light
      returning to a viewer will be brighter than the background, rendering the animal
      conspicuous [2, 4]. At depths where bioluminescence becomes the dominant source
      of light, most animals are pigmented red or black, thereby reflecting little
      light at wavelengths generally associated with photophore emissions and visual
      sensitivities [3, 9-14]. However, pigmented animals are susceptible to being
      detected via their silhouettes [5, 9-11]. Here we show evidence for rapid
      switching between transparency and pigmentation under changing optical conditions
      in two mesopelagic cephalopods, Japetella heathi and Onychoteuthis banksii.
      Reflectance measurements of Japetella show that transparent tissue reflects twice
      as much light as pigmented tissue under direct light. This is consistent with a
      dynamic strategy to optimize camouflage under ambient and searchlight conditions.

PMID- 22079114
TI  - The origin of phragmoplast asymmetry.
AB  - The phragmoplast coordinates cytokinesis in plants [1]. It directs vesicles to
      the midzone, the site where they coalesce to form the new cell plate. Failure in
      phragmoplast function results in aborted or incomplete cytokinesis leading to
      embryo lethality, morphological defects, or multinucleate cells [2, 3]. The
      asymmetry of vesicular traffic is regulated by microtubules [1, 4, 5, 6], and the
      current model suggests that this asymmetry is established and maintained through
      treadmilling of parallel microtubules. However, we have analyzed the behavior of
      microtubules in the phragmoplast using live-cell imaging coupled with
      mathematical modeling and dynamic simulations and report that microtubules
      initiate randomly in the phragmoplast and that the majority exhibit dynamic
      instability with higher turnover rates nearer to the midzone. The directional
      transport of vesicles is possible because the majority of the microtubules
      polymerize toward the midzone. Here, we propose the first inclusive model where
      microtubule dynamics and phragmoplast asymmetry are consistent with the
      localization and activity of proteins known to regulate microtubule assembly and
      disassembly.

PMID- 22079115
TI  - Distinct cellular mechanisms of blood vessel fusion in the zebrafish embryo.
AB  - Although many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis have been
      intensely studied [1], little is known about the processes that underlie vascular
      anastomosis. We have generated transgenic fish lines expressing an EGFP-tagged
      version of the junctional protein zona occludens 1 (ZO1) to visualize individual
      cell behaviors that occur during vessel fusion and lumen formation in vivo. These
      life observations show that endothelial cells (ECs) use two distinct
      morphogenetic mechanisms, cell membrane invagination and cord hollowing to
      generate different types of vascular tubes. During initial steps of anastomosis,
      cell junctions that have formed at the initial site of cell contacts expand into
      rings, generating a cellular interface of apical membrane compartments, as
      defined by the localization of the apical marker podocalyxin-2 (Pdxl2). During
      the cord hollowing process, these apical membrane compartments are brought
      together via cell rearrangements and extensive junctional remodeling, resulting
      in lumen coalescence and formation of a multicellular tube. Vessel fusion by
      membrane invagination occurs adjacent to a preexisting lumen in a proximal to
      distal direction and is blood-flow dependent. Here, the invaginating inner cell
      membrane undergoes concomitant apicobasal polarization and the vascular lumen is
      formed by the extension of a transcellular lumen through the EC, which forms a
      unicellular or seamless tube.

PMID- 22079116
TI  - The dynamic range of human lightness perception.
AB  - Natural viewing challenges the visual system with images that have a dynamic
      range of light intensity (luminance) that can approach 1,000,000:1 and that often
      exceeds 10,000:1 [1, 2]. The range of perceived surface reflectance (lightness),
      however, can be well approximated by the Munsell matte neutral scale (N 2.0/ to N
      9.5/), consisting of surfaces whose reflectance varies by about 30:1. Thus, the
      visual system must map a large range of surface luminance onto a much smaller
      range of surface lightness. We measured this mapping in images with a dynamic
      range close to that of natural images. We studied simple images that lacked
      segmentation cues that would indicate multiple regions of illumination. We found
      a remarkable degree of compression: at a single image location, a stimulus
      luminance range of 5,905:1 can be mapped onto an extended lightness scale that
      has a reflectance range of 100:1. We characterized how the luminance-to-lightness
      mapping changes with stimulus context. Our data rule out theories that predict
      perceived lightness from luminance ratios or Weber contrast. A mechanistic model
      connects our data to theories of adaptation and provides insight about how the
      underlying visual response varies with context.

PMID- 22079117
TI  - Validated LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of the
      glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor miglustat in mouse plasma and human plasma
      and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method has been
      developed to quantify miglustat in mouse plasma and in human plasma. The method
      involved simple protein precipitation with methanol. N-(n-nonyl)deoxynojirimycin
      was used as internal standard. Separation was performed on a Gemini C18 column
      (2.1 mm * 50 mm, particle size 5 MUm) with a binary gradient at a flow rate of
      600 MUl/min. The mobile phases were methanol and water both containing 0.01% of a
      25% ammonium hydroxide solution. The triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer
      was operated in APCI mode using the transitions m/z 220.1 >= 158.0 for miglustat
      and m/z 290.1 >= 228.0 for the internal standard. The method was linear over a
      range of 10-10,000 ng/ml. The intra-day coefficients of variation for mouse
      plasma were equal to or smaller than 14.1%. The intra- and inter-day accuracies
      were 84.5-107.2% and 90.9-104.0%, respectively. For human plasma the intra-day
      coefficients of variation were equal to or smaller than 13.5%, while accuracies
      ranged between 93.6% and 100.0%. The validated method offered increased
      sensitivity (10 times higher) and decreased cycle times compared to other
      methods. It was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic assessment of
      miglustat during treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 22079118
TI  - Comparison of high-resolution ultrasonic resonator technology and Raman
      spectroscopy as novel process analytical tools for drug quantification in self
      emulsifying drug delivery systems.
AB  - Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are complex mixtures in which drug
      quantification can become a challenging task. Thus, a general need exists for
      novel analytical methods and a particular interest lies in techniques with the
      potential for process monitoring. This article compares Raman spectroscopy with
      high-resolution ultrasonic resonator technology (URT) for drug quantification in
      SEDDS. The model drugs fenofibrate, indomethacin, and probucol were
      quantitatively assayed in different self-emulsifying formulations. We measured
      ultrasound velocity and attenuation in the bulk formulation containing drug at
      different concentrations. The formulations were also studied by Raman
      spectroscopy. We used both, an in-line immersion probe for the bulk formulation
      and a multi-fiber sensor for measuring through hard-gelatin capsules that were
      filled with SEDDS. Each method was assessed by calculating the relative standard
      error of prediction (RSEP) as well as the limit of quantification (LOQ) and the
      mean recovery. Raman spectroscopy led to excellent calibration models for the
      bulk formulation as well as the capsules. The RSEP depended on the SEDDS type
      with values of 1.5-3.8%, while LOQ was between 0.04 and 0.35% (w/w) for drug
      quantification in the bulk. Similarly, the analysis of the capsules led to RSEP
      of 1.9-6.5% and LOQ of 0.01-0.41% (w/w). On the other hand, ultrasound
      attenuation resulted in RSEP of 2.3-4.4% and LOQ of 0.1-0.6% (w/w). Moreover,
      ultrasound velocity provided an interesting analytical response in cases where
      the drug strongly affected the density or compressibility of the SEDDS. We
      conclude that ultrasonic resonator technology and Raman spectroscopy constitute
      suitable methods for drug quantification in SEDDS, which is promising for their
      use as process analytical technologies.

PMID- 22079119
TI  - Leucine limitation regulates myf5 and myoD expression and inhibits myoblast
      differentiation.
AB  - Satellite cells are the major pool of muscle stem cells after birth; they
      represent an important component required to maintain muscle mass and
      functionality during life. The molecular mechanisms involved in myogenic
      differentiation are relatively well-known. However, the role of extracellular
      stimulus in the control of differentiation remains largely unresolved. Notably
      little is known about the impact of nutrients on this process. Here we have
      studied the role of leucine, an essential amino acid, in the control of myogenic
      differentiation. Leucine is a well-known regulator of muscle protein synthesis.
      It acts not only as a substrate for translation but also as a regulator of gene
      expression and signaling pathways such as those involving mTOR and GCN2. In this
      study we demonstrated that the lack of leucine abolishes the differentiation of
      both C2C12 myoblasts and primary satellite cells. This effect is associated with
      a modification of the pattern of expression of the myogenic regulatory factors
      (MRF) myf5 and myoD. We report an up-regulation of myf5 mRNA and a decrease of
      myoD protein level during leucine starvation. This study demonstrates the
      importance of a nutrient, leucine, in the control of the myogenic differentiation
      program.

PMID- 22079120
TI  - How vitamin A metabolizing dendritic cells are generated in the gut mucosa.
AB  - CD103(+) dendritic cells (DCs) represent the major migratory DC population in the
      intestinal lamina propria and are believed to play an essential role in the
      initiation and regulation of mucosal adaptive immune responses. Small intestine
      (SI) CD103(+) DCs have an enhanced capacity to generate the vitamin A metabolite,
      retinoic acid, a property that underlies their ability to induce the gut homing
      receptors CC chemokine receptor 9 and alpha4beta7 on responding T and B cells,
      and enhance forkhead box P3(+) T regulatory and IgA plasma cell differentiation
      in vitro. In this review, we discuss the environmental signals that appear to
      promote vitamin A metabolising activity in SI CD103(+) DCs in the steady state
      and thus which may contribute to driving the unique nature of SI immune
      responses.

PMID- 22079121
TI  - Can only focusing on physical health make you sick?

PMID- 22079122
TI  - Direct repair of 3,N(4)-ethenocytosine by the human ALKBH2 dioxygenase is blocked
      by the AAG/MPG glycosylase.
AB  - Exocyclic ethenobases are highly mutagenic DNA lesions strongly implicated in
      inflammation and vinyl chloride-induced carcinogenesis. While the alkyladenine
      DNA glycosylase, AAG (or MPG), binds the etheno lesions 1,N(6)-ethenoadenine (EA)
      and 3,N(4)-ethenocytosine (EC) with high affinity, only EA can be excised to
      initiate base excision repair. Here, we discover that the human AlkB homolog 2
      (ALKBH2) dioxygenase enzyme catalyzes direct reversal of EC lesions in both
      double- and single-stranded DNA with comparable efficiency to canonical ALKBH2
      substrates. Notably, we find that in vitro, the non-enzymatic binding of AAG to
      EC specifically blocks ALKBH2-catalyzed repair of EC but not that of methylated
      ALKBH2 substrates. These results identify human ALKBH2 as a repair enzyme for
      mutagenic EC lesions and highlight potential consequences for substrate-binding
      overlap between the base excision and direct reversal DNA repair pathways.

PMID- 22079123
TI  - Congenital malignant rhabdoid tumor of the scalp.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT) are rare but aggressive tumors
      presenting in the pediatric population. First thought a variant of Wilms' tumor
      in the kidney, it is recognized as presenting at renal, central nervous system
      and other extra-renal primary sites. It is uniformly of very poor prognosis,
      however. CASE REPORT AND DISCUSSION: We present a case of congenital MRT of the
      scalp, which we believe to be the first described at this site. The clinical and
      histopathological features of the tumor are discussed in light of the current
      literature on MRT at other sites. The bleak prognosis at this site appears to be
      no different from others - the child succumbed at 10 months old despite surgical
      resection and initial excellent response to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Malignant
      rhabdoid tumor has a very poor prognosis and needs to be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of similar lesions by clinicians involved in pediatric
      head and neck care.

PMID- 22079124
TI  - Criteria for the request of preoperative tests among oral and maxillofacial
      surgeons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the criteria employed for the
      requesting of preoperative tests among maxillofacial surgeons. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty maxillofacial surgeons working in Aracaju (Brazil) received a
      questionnaire to fill out. The study inquired about the practice of requesting
      preoperative tests for healthy patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery.
      RESULTS: Most of the surgeons interviewed requested tests that are not
      recommended for the case in question. The highest frequency of requests was a
      complete blood count, coagulation test, blood glucose test and chest radiograph.
      CONCLUSION: The absence of strict rules for the requesting of preoperative tests
      causes uncertainty and a lack of criteria regarding pre-surgical conduct. It was
      not possible to clearly define the criteria used by surgeons for requesting such
      tests, as the clinical characteristics of the hypothetical case presented suggest
      a smaller number of tests.

PMID- 22079125
TI  - Distributions of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in the human
      maxillary sinus of Japanese cadavers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are
      released by the nociceptive sensory nerve and are involved in blood flow, pain
      and inflammation in the nasal mucosa. The purpose of this study was to assess the
      distribution of the SP and CGRP nerve fibres related to blood supply within human
      Schneiderian membrane of the maxillary sinus (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this
      study, the MS from Japanese cadavers was examined by whole-mount
      immunohistochemistry. Human male cadavers (ranging in age from 80 to 90 years)
      were used in this study. RESULTS: SP- and CGRP-positive fibres were found around
      large vessels of the medialis superior alveolar branches and also within the
      floor region of the MS. The floor region of the MS was composed of complex
      branches of these fibres. CONCLUSION: Our results give useful information for
      surgical sinus floor elevation in this region of the MS. These anatomical
      features may assist in the execution of a successful surgical procedure.

PMID- 22079126
TI  - Evaluation of surgical treatment in mandibular condyle fractures.
AB  - AIM: In the past, fractures of the mandibular condylar process were, as a rule,
      treated conservatively. At the Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery of
      the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia, our doctrine was changed in
      2002 on the basis of preliminary results and reports in the literature, and these
      fractures were started to be treated surgically by open reduction and internal
      fixation with miniplates and screws, which led to good results and a shorter
      rehabilitation period. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and
      efficiency of surgical treatment, as well as to compare long-term results of
      surgical and conservative treatment, as objectively as possible. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Two groups of patients, which had all sustained a unilateral, extra
      articular mandibular condyle fracture, were compared. In the test group, there
      were 42 surgically treated patients, and in the control group, 20 conservatively
      treated patients. Clinical parameters and X-ray images were assessed in both
      groups and compared by the two tailed Student t test, and in case of attributive
      variables by the chi(2) test. Within the surgically treated group, postoperative
      and intraoperative complications were noted: temporary facial nerve palsy,
      development of a parotid salivary fistula, disturbance of auricle sensibility due
      to injury of the greater auricular nerve, miniplate fracture, as well as
      intraoperative bleeding, postoperative haematoma formation, infection,
      reoperation due to fragment malposition and other complications. Postoperative
      scars were also assessed. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between
      the surgically and conservatively treated patients were found when comparing
      clinical parameters as well as X-ray images, the results being better in the
      surgically treated group. Complications of surgical treatment were also noted,
      the most important among them temporary paresis of facial nerve branches, which
      occurred in 10 patients (24%). Plate fractures occurred in five patients (12%),
      in four of them miniplates of sizes less than 2.0mm were used. There were no
      cases of significant intraoperative bleeding, two cases (5%) required drainage of
      postoperative haematomas, and one patient (2%) experienced a mild postoperative
      infection, which was easily controlled with amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. The
      scar was hidden best if a facelift incision was used, and a hypertrophic scar
      developed in only one patient (2%). CONCLUSION: Results of surgical treatment of
      condylar process fractures are superior to the results of conservative treatment,
      and the procedure is safe with the transparotid surgical approach and adequate
      surgical technique.

PMID- 22079128
TI  - Existence, multiplicity and stability of endemic states for an age-structured S-I
      epidemic model.
AB  - We study an S-I type epidemic model in an age-structured population, with
      mortality due to the disease. A threshold quantity is found that controls the
      stability of the disease-free equilibrium and guarantees the existence of an
      endemic equilibrium. We obtain conditions on the age-dependence of the
      susceptibility to infection that imply the uniqueness of the endemic equilibrium.
      An example with two endemic equilibria is shown. Finally, we analyse numerically
      how the stability of the endemic equilibrium is affected by the extra-mortality
      and by the possible periodicities induced by the demographic age-structure.

PMID- 22079127
TI  - Prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease and adverse events among
      symptomatic patients with coronary artery calcification scores of zero undergoing
      coronary computed tomography angiography: results from the CONFIRM (Coronary CT
      Angiography Evaluation for Clinical Outcomes: An International Multicenter)
      registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and severity
      of coronary artery disease (CAD) in relation to prognosis in symptomatic patients
      without coronary artery calcification (CAC) undergoing coronary computed
      tomography angiography (CCTA). BACKGROUND: The frequency and clinical relevance
      of CAD in patients without CAC are unclear. METHODS: We identified 10,037
      symptomatic patients without CAD who underwent concomitant CCTA and CAC scoring.
      CAD was assessed as <50%, >=50%, and >=70% stenosis. All-cause mortality and the
      composite endpoint of mortality, myocardial infarction, or late coronary
      revascularization (>=90 days after CCTA) were assessed. RESULTS: Mean age was 57
      years, 56% were men, and 51% had a CAC score of 0. Among patients with a CAC
      score of 0, 84% had no CAD, 13% had nonobstructive stenosis, and 3.5% had >=50%
      stenosis (1.4% had >=70% stenosis) on CCTA. A CAC score >0 had a sensitivity,
      specificity, and negative and positive predictive values for stenosis >=50% of
      89%, 59%, 96%, and 29%, respectively. During a median of 2.1 years, there was no
      difference in mortality among patients with a CAC score of 0 irrespective of
      obstructive CAD. Among 8,907 patients with follow-up for the composite endpoint,
      3.9% with a CAC score of 0 and >=50% stenosis experienced an event (hazard ratio:
      5.7; 95% confidence interval: 2.5 to 13.1; p < 0.001) compared with 0.8% of
      patients with a CAC score of 0 and no obstructive CAD. Receiver-operator
      characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the CAC score did not add
      incremental prognostic information compared with CAD extent on CCTA for the
      composite endpoint (CCTA area under the curve = 0.825; CAC + CCTA area under the
      curve = 0.826; p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic patients with a CAC score
      of 0, obstructive CAD is possible and is associated with increased cardiovascular
      events. CAC scoring did not add incremental prognostic information to CCTA.

PMID- 22079129
TI  - Evaluation of specificity of tuberculosis diagnostic assays in caprine flocks
      under different epidemiological situations.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the specificity of the most widely used
      tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic tests, single intradermal tuberculin (SIT) and
      single comparative intradermal tuberculin (SCIT) tests and interferon-gamma (IFN
      gamma) assay in 937 animals from eight TB-free caprine flocks under different
      epidemiological situations. Maximum specificity was found using SCIT test (99.4
      100% depending on the interpretation criteria) while SIT test and IFN-gamma assay
      showed a slightly lower overall specificity (97.6-99.2% and 96.4-98.4%
      respectively). Specificity of the SIT test in a Corynebacterium
      pseudotuberculosis infected flock was significantly (P<0.05) lower if a severe
      interpretation criterion was applied. Similarly, specificity values of SIT test
      and particularly IFN-gamma assay in a paratuberculosis (PTB)-vaccinated flock
      were lower than those observed in non-vaccinated flocks. Higher proportion of
      false positive reactors to TB tests (SIT and IFN-gamma assay) were observed among
      animals positive in the PTB-ELISA in PTB vaccinated flock. These results
      demonstrate that TB diagnostic tests show an adequate specificity when performed
      in goats from TB-free flocks in most situations. However, certain factors such as
      C. pseudotuberculosis infection and paratuberculosis vaccination can have a
      negative impact in the most sensitive tests.

PMID- 22079130
TI  - Epilepsy and cerebral palsy: characteristics and trends in children born in 1976
      1998.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although epilepsy is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP), no
      data exists on prevalence rates of CP and epilepsy. AIMS: To describe epilepsy in
      children with CP, and to examine the association between epilepsy and neonatal
      characteristics, associated impairments and CP subtypes. METHODS: Data on 9654
      children with CP born between 1976 and 1998 and registered in 17 European
      registers belonging to the SCPE network (Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in
      Europe) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 3424 (35%) children had a history of
      epilepsy. Among them, seventy-two percent were on medication at time of
      registration. Epilepsy was more frequent in children with a dyskinetic or
      bilateral spastic type and with other associated impairments. The prevalence of
      CP with epilepsy was 0.69 (99% CI, 0.66-0.72) per 1000 live births and followed a
      quadratic trend with an increase from 1976 to 1983 and a decrease afterwards.
      Neonatal characteristics independently associated with epilepsy were the presence
      of a brain malformation or a syndrome, a term or moderately preterm birth
      compared with a very premature birth, and signs of perinatal distress including
      neonatal seizures, neonatal ventilation and admission to a neonatal care unit.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CP with epilepsy followed a quadratic trend in
      1976-1998 and mirrored that of the prevalence of CP during this period. The
      observed relationship between epilepsy and associated impairments was expected;
      however it requires longitudinal studies to be better understood.

PMID- 22079131
TI  - Atypical onset in a series of 122 cases with FacioScapuloHumeral Muscular
      Dystrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: FacioScapuloHumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), a disease linked to
      a heterozygous D4Z4 deletion on chromosome 4q35, typically starts with shoulder
      girdle and facial muscle involvement. Atypical presentations have occasionally
      been reported, but their frequency has still not been defined. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We studied the occurrence rate of FSHD with atypical onset in 122
      symptomatic subjects from 76 unrelated families with genetically confirmed FSHD.
      These 75 males and 47 females, with a mean age of 49 years (range: 11-85), had a
      mean EcoRI fragment of 25 kb (range: 11-38). RESULTS: Typical shoulder-girdle or
      facial weakness at onset was reported by 88 patients (72%). Unusual presentations
      included: foot drop in 16 (13%) and proximal lower limb weakness in eight
      patients (7%). Two cases at onset manifested quite atypical, apparently non-FSHD
      related syndromes: a 42-year-old woman presented with infantile epilepsy and a 41
      year-old man with myoglobinuria. In the latter patient, DNA analysis detected a
      4q35 deletion associated to an heterozygous CAPN3 mutation. CONCLUSION: FSHD
      presentation with foot drop or lower limb proximal weakness appeared to be more
      frequent than expected. This type of weakness at onset has to be considered
      premature, but still representative of disease-related muscle involvement. Quite
      atypical onset appears very rare and calls for further investigation on non-FSHD
      related etiology.

PMID- 22079132
TI  - [Respiratory and hemodynamic changes during lung recruitment maneuvering through
      progressive increases and decreases in PEEP level].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the respiratory and hemodynamic changes during lung
      recruitment maneuvering (LRM) through stepwise increases and decreases in PEEP
      level. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study in a 17-bed ICU was carried out.
      PATIENTS: Twenty-one patients with acute respiratory failure and bilateral
      pulmonary infiltration. INTERVENTION: LRM was carried out, consisting of stepwise
      increases in PEEP (4 cmH(2)O every 3 minutes), with fixed ventilation pressure,
      until reaching a maximal value of 36 cmH(2)O PEEP (ascending branch), followed by
      progressive decreases in PEEP (2 cmH(2)O every 3 minutes) until establishing the
      open-lung PEEP at the value associated to maximum respiratory compliance (Crs)
      (descending branch). Continuous hemodynamic monitoring was performed using an
      esophageal echodoppler probe. RESULTS: Crs gradually decreased in the ascending
      branch of the LRM, and progressively increased surpassing the initial value after
      establish the open-lung PEEP in the descending branch, reducing the ventilation
      pressure and increasing the SpO(2)/FiO(2) ratio. Hemodynamic changes primarily
      consisted of a fall in cardiac output and left ventricular preload, together with
      an increased heart rate and cardiac contractility. At comparable levels of PEEP
      and mean airway pressure, these changes were more pronounced during the
      descending branch of the LRM. CONCLUSIONS: 1) LRM increased Crs, improving
      oxygenation and decreasing ventilation pressure; 2) the main hemodynamic
      consequence was the drop in cardiac output and left ventricular preload; and 3)
      the unequal hemodynamic derangement in both branches, at the same level of PEEP
      and mean airway pressure, showed that, along with intrathoracic pressure, other
      factor such as Crs and hypercapnia may have influenced the hemodynamic
      consequences of this type of LRM.

PMID- 22079133
TI  - The electrosurgical knife in an optimized intermittent cutting mode for the
      endoscopic treatment of benign web-like tracheobronchial stenosis.
AB  - The established endoscopic treatment of web-like tracheobronchial stenosis is
      laser vaporization, but the appearance on the market of a new cutting mode with a
      lower coagulation effect has been proposed as an alternative to laser due to less
      injury to the tissue. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical and functional
      consequences, as well as the side effects of this technique. Afterwards, we
      investigated whether the use of an electrosurgical knife with this technique is
      as effective and convenient as an ND-YAG-laser. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between
      March 2005 and July 2007, included for study were 22 patients who had undergone
      34 interventional bronchoscopy procedures with the VIO-300-D radiofrequency
      system, using a mode of the Endo-cut I program in conjunction with the reusable
      knife electrode. RESULTS: All of the patients treated (100%) presented
      improvements in their symptoms, in the tracheobronchial lumen diameter and in
      lung function, which were statistically significant. Symptom-free time was 157 +/
      93 days. There was an overall decrease observed in mean obstruction (P<.001).
      Improvements in FVC (P=.01), Raw (P=.0016) and RV/TLC (P=.01) were significantly
      significant. Less than 50% of the patients needed a second intervention. These
      patients were compared retrospectively with a similar group of 22 patients
      treated with Nd-YAG laser. The follow-up analysis showed that only 18% (4/22) of
      the patients treated with this new technique presented fibrin, compared with 41%
      (9/22) of those treated with laser therapy (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The use of this
      technique is effective for the treatment of benign web-like tracheobronchial
      stenosis as all the patients showed clinical and functional improvement, and less
      than 50% required a second intervention. In comparison with laser therapy, an
      advantage of this technique is that less fibrin is produced, probably due to the
      reduced anti-coagulation effect.

PMID- 22079134
TI  - Innate and adaptive immunity in bacteria: mechanisms of programmed genetic
      variation to fight bacteriophages.
AB  - Bacteria are constantly challenged by bacteriophages (viruses that infect
      bacteria), the most abundant microorganism on earth. Bacteria have evolved a
      variety of immunity mechanisms to resist bacteriophage infection. In response,
      bacteriophages can evolve counter-resistance mechanisms and launch a 'virus
      versus host' evolutionary arms race. In this context, rapid evolution is
      fundamental for the survival of the bacterial cell. Programmed genetic variation
      mechanisms at loci involved in immunity against bacteriophages generate diversity
      at a much faster rate than random point mutation and enable bacteria to quickly
      adapt and repel infection. Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) and phase
      variation mechanisms enhance the generic (innate) immune response against
      bacteriophages. On the other hand, the integration of small bacteriophage
      sequences in CRISPR loci provide bacteria with a virus-specific and sequence
      specific adaptive immune response. Therefore, although using different molecular
      mechanisms, both prokaryotes and higher organisms rely on programmed genetic
      variation to increase genetic diversity and fight rapidly evolving infectious
      agents.

PMID- 22079135
TI  - Isolation and identification of native membrane glycoproteins from living cell by
      concanavalin A-magnetic particle conjugates.
AB  - The discovery, isolation, and subsequent identification of cell membrane
      glycoproteins involved in the structure and function of the cell surface are
      becoming more and more important. Here, concanavalin A-magnetic particle
      conjugates were employed to isolate the special membrane glycoproteins from
      living HepG-2 cells. The isolated glycoproteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl
      sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry as well as annotated. A total of 37 membrane glycoproteins were
      identified, and 25 of them were ascertained to locate in the extracellular
      region.

PMID- 22079136
TI  - Assay of enzymes forming AMP+PPi by the pyrophosphate determination based on the
      formation of 18-molybdopyrophosphate.
AB  - The formation of 18-molybdopyrophosphate anion has been studied to develop a
      simple and rapid assay of the enzymatic reaction involving ATP
      >AMP+PPi(P(2)O(7)(4-)). By the addition of P(2)O(7)(4-) anion to an acidic
      acetonitrile-water solution containing MoO(4)(2-) anion, the colorless Mo(VI)
      solution immediately became yellow due to the formation of 18
      molybdopyrophosphate anion. The absorbance of the P(2)O(7)(4-)-Mo(VI) mixture at,
      for example, 450nm was proportional to the analytical concentration of P(2)O(7)(4
      ) anion. Although the test Mo(VI) solution remained colorless by the addition of
      AMP, it gradually turned to yellow by ATP. The undesired color development is
      attributed to the formation of a yellow molybdophosphate species accompanied by
      the dissociation of PO(4)(3-) from the unstable ATP molecule. However, the color
      development became much slower when ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was added
      into an assay mixture, where ATP may form a kinetically stable species. Thus,
      P(2)O(7)(4-) anion can be determined spectrophotometrically in the enzymatic
      reaction mixture containing ATP. By the addition of ascorbic acid, the yellow
      P(2)O(7)(4-)-Mo(VI) mixture turned to blue due to the reduction of the
      molybdopyrophosphate anion. Thus, P(2)O(7)(4-) anion can be detected
      colorimetrically by the blueness. The spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods
      could be applied advantageously to the assay of acetyl-CoA synthetase.

PMID- 22079137
TI  - Antitumoral activity and toxicity of PEG-coated and PEG-folate-coated pH
      sensitive liposomes containing 159Gd-DTPA-BMA in Ehrlich tumor bearing mice.
AB  - In the present study, PEG-coated pH-sensitive and PEG-folate-coated pH-sensitive
      liposomes containing the 159Gd-DTPA-BMA were prepared and radiolabeled through
      neutron activation technique, aiming to study the in vivo antitumoral activity
      and toxicity on mice bearing a previously-developed solid Ehrlich tumor. The
      treatment efficacy was verified through tumoral volume increase and
      histomorphometry studies. The toxicity of formulations was investigated through
      animal weight variations, as well as hematological and biochemical tests. The
      results showed that after 31 days of treatment, animals treated with radioactive
      formulations had a lower increase in tumor volume and a significantly higher
      percentage of necrosis compared with controls revealed by histomorphometry
      studies. Furthermore, mice treated with radioactive formulations exhibited lower
      weight gain without significant hematological or biochemical changes, except for
      toxicity to hepatocytes which requires more detailed studies. From the results
      obtained to date, we believe that the radioactive formulations can be considered
      potential therapeutic agents for cancer.

PMID- 22079138
TI  - Preparation of complex nano-particles based on alginic acid/poly[(2
      dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] and a drug vehicle for doxorubicin release
      controlled by ionic strength.
AB  - Monodispersed complex nano-particles were synthesized simply by mixing alginic
      acid (ALG-H) with poly[(2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PDEMA) in pure
      water without any surfactants or additives. The structure and properties of the
      nano-particles were extensively studied. The surface charges and average sizes of
      the nano-particles were varied with the composition of ALG-H and PDEMA. The nano
      particles were formed through electrostatic attraction force, and they were very
      stable in pure water, but dissociated in salt solutions. An anticancer drug
      (doxorubicin) was loaded in the nano-particles and released in different saline
      solutions. The release profiles revealed that the drug release could be
      controlled by adjusting the pH and salt concentrations. The nano-particles
      displayed apparent advantages such as simple preparation process, low cost, free
      of organic solvents, size controllable, biodegradable and biocompatible.

PMID- 22079140
TI  - Diagnosis of pneumococcal empyema using immunochromatographic test on pleural
      fluid and serotype distribution in Korean children.
AB  - To evaluate the diagnostic value of immunochromatographic test (ICT) on pleural
      fluid in diagnosing pneumococcal empyema in children and to determine
      pneumococcal serotypes, 62 exudative parapneumonic effusions from Korean children
      were tested with culture, ICT for S. pneumoniae, pneumococcal autolysin
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subsequent sequencing. Of the 62 patients,
      culture was positive in 3 patients only (4.8%). Pneumococci were identified in 13
      samples (21.0%) by sequencing-confirmed PCR and ICT, respectively. When
      pneumococcal empyema was defined by either positive culture or sequence
      confirmation, the sensitivity of ICT was 76.9% (10/13) and the specificity of ICT
      was 93.9%. Eight of 10 patients with positive ICT and culture-negative results
      had a history of prior antibiotics use, whereas none of the culture-proven cases
      had. Serotypes of PCR-positive samples were determined by multiplex PCR assays.
      Multiplex PCR detected serotypes 19A (6), 1 (1), 14 (1), 34 (1), and untypable
      (4). ICT on pleural fluid is a relatively sensitive and highly specific method
      for diagnosis of pneumococcal empyema, especially in children given prior
      antibiotics.

PMID- 22079139
TI  - [Standardization of the quantification of iron concentration in the liver by
      magnetic resonance imaging].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To calibrate 1.5 tesla magnetic resonance scanners for the
      quantification of the concentration of iron in the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We analyzed twenty-eight 1.5 tesla magnetic resonance scanners using a phantom
      with four tubes containing different concentrations of iron (III) chloride and
      one tube without iron. The phantom represented two typical patients: one with
      moderate iron overload and one with high iron overload. We measured the signal
      intensity ratio between each iron-containing tube and the tube without iron; then
      we calculated the theoretical levels of iron concentration in each scanner
      according to the model for the two levels of overload. We compared the results of
      each scanner with those of the reference scanner in which the model and the
      phantom had been designed, and we calculated the percentage of difference between
      the two scanners. RESULTS: The mean difference in the ratios compared to the
      reference center was 11% (0.3-39). The mean concentration of iron was 71 MUmol
      Fe/g for moderate overload and 193 MUmol Fe/g for high overload. The mean
      difference was 6% (1.2- 7%) and 3.4% (0-16%). respectively. In two scanners, we
      applied a correction factor so that the difference was below 25% in all cases.
      CONCLUSION: We calibrated twenty-eight 1.5 tesla scanners for the concentration
      of iron in the liver and achieved variability less than 25%.

PMID- 22079141
TI  - Infratentorial supracerebellar resection of a pineal tumor using a high
      definition video exoscope (VITOM(r)).
AB  - A telescope based high definition (HD) video system (VITOM(r), Karl Storz GmBH &
      Co., Tuttlingen, Germany) has recently been proposed as an alternative to the
      operating microscope for microneurosurgery. It remains unclear which clinical
      situations will benefit from its advantages. In light of the uncomfortable
      surgeon position and fatigue often associated with pineal region surgery, we used
      the VITOM(r) HD exoscope system to perform an infratentorial supracerebellar
      resection of a pineal tumor. The VITOM(r) dramatically improved surgeon comfort
      and ease of operating by permitting the surgeon to stand upright and in a
      comfortable position and avoid the need to extend the arm or assume an awkward.
      position commonly encountered when using the microscope for these approaches. The
      marked improvement in surgeon comfort afforded by the VITOM(r) exoscope indicates
      that this system may have significant advantages over traditional microscope
      based surgery for tumors of the pineal region approached using an infratentorial
      supracerebellar approach.

PMID- 22079142
TI  - Cadaveric dissection identifying the left superior anastomotic vein of Trolard
      communicating indirectly with the superior sagittal sinus via a lateral lacuna.
AB  - A cadaveric dissection of the calvarium of a 90 year old woman demonstrated a
      left superior anastomotic vein of Trolard communicating indirectly with the
      superior sagittal sinus via a left lateral lacunae. This is an anatomical variant
      contrary to the textbook description of a direct communication between the vein
      of Trolard and the superior sagittal sinus. A literature search failed to
      identify a previous description of this variation. Possible clinical implications
      of this finding will be discussed.

PMID- 22079143
TI  - Negative reinforcement learning is affected in substance dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Negative reinforcement results in behavior to escape or avoid an
      aversive outcome. Withdrawal symptoms are purported to be negative reinforcers in
      perpetuating substance dependence, but little is known about negative
      reinforcement learning in this population. The purpose of this study was to
      examine reinforcement learning in substance dependent individuals (SDI), with an
      emphasis on assessing negative reinforcement learning. We modified the Iowa
      Gambling Task to separately assess positive and negative reinforcement. We
      hypothesized that SDI would show differences in negative reinforcement learning
      compared to controls and we investigated whether learning differed as a function
      of the relative magnitude or frequency of the reinforcer. METHODS: Thirty
      subjects dependent on psychostimulants were compared with 28 community controls
      on a decision making task that manipulated outcome frequencies and magnitudes and
      required an action to avoid a negative outcome. RESULTS: SDI did not learn to
      avoid negative outcomes to the same degree as controls. This difference was
      driven by the magnitude, not the frequency, of negative feedback. In contrast,
      approach behaviors in response to positive reinforcement were similar in both
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are consistent with a specific deficit in
      negative reinforcement learning in SDI. SDI were relatively insensitive to the
      magnitude, not frequency, of loss. If this generalizes to drug-related stimuli,
      it suggests that repeated episodes of withdrawal may drive relapse more than the
      severity of a single episode.

PMID- 22079144
TI  - Evaluation of the presence of Leishmania spp. by real-time PCR in the lacrimal
      glands of dogs with leishmaniosis.
AB  - Leishmania infantum infection is highly prevalent in endemic areas. Dogs with
      leishmaniosis may develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The goals of this
      study were (1) to quantify Leishmania amastigotes in the Meibomian glands (MG),
      main lacrimal gland (MLG) and nictitating membrane gland (NMG) from dogs with
      leishmaniosis; (2) to compare these results to immunohistochemistry (IHC), and
      (3) to explore the association between the Leishmania parasite load and the
      presence of ocular clinical signs. Twenty-five dogs diagnosed with leishmaniosis
      were included. MG, MLG and NMG from both eyes were collected. Histopathology, IHC
      and real-time PCR were performed. All specimens yielded positive real-time PCR
      results. For all three glands, samples from dogs with ocular clinical signs had
      mean DeltaCt (cycle threshold) values significantly lower (higher parasite loads)
      than those from dogs without signs. Cut-off values of DeltaCt<0, DeltaCt<4 and
      DeltaCt<4.9 for MG, MLG and NMG, resulted in a likelihood ratio of positives of
      5.9, 6.38 and 6.38, respectively. Samples with DeltaCt values below the reported
      cut-off were significantly more likely to display clinical signs related to KCS
      than those with results above the cut-off, for all three glands. Similarly,
      DeltaCt values below the cut-off were significantly associated with positive IHC.
      In this study real-time PCR has been standardised for use in MG, MLG and NMG. A
      cut-off value established for each of these tissues may aid the clinician in the
      discrimination between ocular signs related to Leishmania from those associated
      with other causes of KCS.

PMID- 22079145
TI  - In vivo and ex vivo assessment of the interaction between ivermectin and
      danofloxacin in sheep.
AB  - The impact of an efflux pump-related interaction between ivermectin and
      danofloxacin on their intestinal transport (ex vivo) and disposition kinetics (in
      vivo) was assessed. Eighteen male Corriedale sheep were randomly assigned to one
      of three groups. Animals in Group A received 0.2mg/kg ivermectin by SC injection,
      those in Group B were given 6 mg/kg danofloxacin SC on two occasions 48 h apart
      and those in Group C were treated with both compounds at the same rates. Plasma
      concentrations of ivermectin and danofloxacin were measured by HPLC using
      fluorescence detection. Ex vivo intestinal drug transport activity was measured
      by the use of the Ussing chamber technique. Plasma concentrations of ivermectin
      in the first 6 days after injection tended to be higher in Group C than Group A.
      Contemporaneous treatment with ivermectin significantly increased systemic
      exposure to danofloxacin (AUC values were 32-35% higher) and prolonged the
      elimination half-life of danofloxacin (40-52% longer). Ex vivo, incubation with
      ivermectin significantly decreased the efflux transport of rhodamine 123, a P
      glycoprotein substrate, in sheep intestine, but no significant effect of
      danofloxacin on transport activity was observed. Evaluation of the interaction of
      danofloxacin with the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) showed that
      pantoprazole and ivermectin significantly decreased danofloxacin secretion in the
      rat intestine. Thus, the ivermectin-induced reduction of danofloxacin efflux
      transport observed in this study may involve BCRP activity but the involvement of
      P-glycoprotein cannot be ruled out.

PMID- 22079146
TI  - Complex polysaccharide inclusions in the skeletal muscle of stranded cetaceans.
AB  - Skeletal muscle samples were examined post-mortem in 148 cetaceans over a 12-year
      period. Histological analysis included haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic
      acid-Schiff (PAS) staining with and without diastase digestion. In addition,
      histological muscle sections were immunostained for ubiquitin and fast and slow
      heavy-chain myosin isoforms. PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions were
      detected in 26 animals from 11 different species. Older cetaceans were
      preferentially affected. These intrafibre inclusions varied from large aggregates
      to multiple coarse granules and were typically associated with type II fibres.
      All diastase-resistant inclusions were positive for ubiquitin. These features
      resembled those inclusions described as complex polysaccharide in horses. Based
      on these histological findings and the ubiquitin staining pattern, a
      morphological diagnosis of complex polysaccharide storage myopathy is proposed.

PMID- 22079147
TI  - Failure of PFNA: helical blade perforation and tip-apex distance.

PMID- 22079148
TI  - Monitoring and risk assessment of pesticides in fresh omija (Schizandra chinensis
      Baillon) fruit and juice.
AB  - Schizandra chinensis Baillon, or omija, is a fruit native to northeast Asia that
      is cultivated in South Korea and China. Fresh omija fruit has been used in
      beverages, traditional East Asian medicine and cosmetics because of its complex
      flavor and pharmacological effectiveness. The objective of this study was to
      analyze residue levels of 33 kinds of pesticides on fresh omija fruits and in
      omija juices produced in South Korea. A risk assessment of the pesticides in
      omija juice was conducted by calculating EDI and ADI. Most of the pesticide
      levels were below the LOD in fresh omija fruits. Among the detected compounds,
      the most frequently detected pesticide was ethoprophos. The EDIs of ethoprophos,
      pendimethalin and hexaconazole were 5.89E-03, 7.08E-04 and 4.73E-05,
      respectively. The percent of EDI to ADI of ethoprophos, pendimethalin and
      hexaconazole was 28.0%, 13.6% and 4.5%, respectively. The results of this
      research concluded that the detected pesticides are not harmful to human beings.

PMID- 22079149
TI  - Glycan-modifying bacteria-derived soluble factors from Bacteroides
      thetaiotaomicron and Lactobacillus casei inhibit rotavirus infection in human
      intestinal cells.
AB  - Rotaviruses attach to intestinal cells in a process that requires glycan
      recognition. Some bacteria from the gut microflora have been shown to modify cell
      surface glycans. In this study, human intestinal cultured cells were incubated
      with bacteria-derived soluble factors and infected with rotavirus. Results show
      that only bacterial soluble factors that increase cell-surface galactose namely,
      those of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Lactobacillus casei were able to
      efficiently block rotavirus infections. Increasing cell-surface galactose using
      galactosyltransferase resulted in a similar blockage of rotavirus infections.
      These results indicate that manipulation of cell-surface intestinal glycans by
      bacterial soluble factors can prevent rotavirus infection in a species-specific
      manner, and should now be considered a potential therapeutic approach against
      rotavirus infection.

PMID- 22079151
TI  - Risk of adverse events in treatment-resistant depression: propensity-score
      matched comparison of antidepressant augment and switch strategies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess differences in adverse events between
      major depressive patients augmented with a second medication and patients
      switched to an alternative monotherapy after failing first-step treatment with
      citalopram. METHOD: Adverse event profiles for second-step switch and augment
      medication strategies were compared using public data files from the Sequenced
      Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial. In the STAR*D trial,
      participants failing citalopram selected acceptable next-step strategies and were
      randomized within acceptable strategies. This design resulted in clinically
      important differences when comparing across strategies, so a propensity-score
      matched sample was created to compare switch (n=269) and augment (n=269)
      strategies. RESULTS: Incidence proportions of any adverse event and specific
      adverse events were similar between the augment and switch groups. The overall
      incidence proportion of any distressing event was 0.78 [95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.72-0.84] in the augment group and 0.80 (95% CI 0.74-0.85) in the switch
      group. This contrasts unmatched analyses where distressing adverse events were
      less common in the augment group than the switch group (risk ratio 0.85, 95% CI
      0.81-0.90). CONCLUSION: After adjusting for selection bias inherent in the STAR*D
      comparison of augment with switch, clinically meaningful differences in the
      adverse event profiles between these treatment strategies were not observed.

PMID- 22079150
TI  - Nucleoside-diphosphate-kinase: a pleiotropic effector in microbial colonization
      under interdisciplinary characterization.
AB  - Emerging evidence identifies multiple roles for nucleoside-diphosphate-kinase in
      host-microbe interaction. We provide the first synopsis of utilization of this
      molecule by various microorganisms during colonization of host tissues.
      Additionally, we propose novel mechanisms this effector may participate in, which
      could be crucial for microbial adaptation in chronic host infection.

PMID- 22079152
TI  - Cingulate cortex aplasia and callosal dysgenesia combined with schizencephaly in
      a patient with chronic lying.
AB  - We report on a 19-year-old patient with a 4-year history of lying and cheating
      who presented neuropsychological abnormalities regarding attention deficits,
      hyperactivity and impulsivity. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed
      schizencephaly of the right central region, dysgenesia of the corpus callosum, a
      noneverted gyrus cinguli and hypoplasia of the left cerebellar hemisphere.
      Although the patient did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder, we suggest that the patient's behavioral
      alteration could be related to the neuroanatomical alterations, especially the
      aplasia of the gyrus cinguli.

PMID- 22079153
TI  - Partial interruption of axonal transport due to microtubule breakage accounts for
      the formation of periodic varicosities after traumatic axonal injury.
AB  - Due to their viscoelastic nature, white matter axons are susceptible to damage by
      high strain rates produced during traumatic brain injury (TBI). Indeed, diffuse
      axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most common features of TBI, characterized by
      the hallmark pathological profiles of axonal bulbs at disconnected terminal ends
      of axons and periodic swellings along axons, known as "varicosities." Although
      transport interruption underlies axonal bulb formation, it is unclear how
      varicosities arise, with multiple sites accumulating transported materials along
      one axon. Recently, axonal microtubules have been found to physically break
      during dynamic stretch injury of cortical axons in vitro. Here, the same in vitro
      model was used in parallel with histopathological analyses of human brains
      acquired acutely following TBI to examine the potential role of mechanical
      microtubule damage in varicosity formation post-trauma. Transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) following in vitro stretch injury revealed periodic breaks of
      individual microtubules along axons that regionally corresponded with undulations
      in axon morphology. However, typically less than a third of microtubules were
      broken in any region of an axon. Within hours, these sites of microtubule breaks
      evolved into periodic swellings. This suggests axonal transport may be halted
      along one broken microtubule, yet can proceed through the same region via other
      intact microtubules. Similar axonal undulations and varicosities were observed
      following TBI in humans, suggesting primary microtubule failure may also be a
      feature of DAI. These data indicate a novel mechanism of mechanical microtubule
      damage leading to partial transport interruption and varicosity formation in
      traumatic axonal injury.

PMID- 22079154
TI  - Overexpression of apolipoprotein E4 increases kainic-acid-induced hippocampal
      neurodegeneration.
AB  - Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has an intricate biological function in modulating immune
      responses and apoE isoforms exhibit diverse effects on neurodegenerative and
      neuroinflammatory disorders. In the present study, we investigated the individual
      roles of apoE isoforms in the kainic acid (KA)-induced hippocampal
      neurodegeneration with focus on immune response and microglia functions. ApoE2, 3
      and 4 transgenic mice as well as wild-type (WT) mice were treated with KA by
      intranasal route. ApoE4 overexpressing mice revealed several peculiarities as
      compared with other transgenic mice and WT mice, i.e. (1) they had more severe KA
      induced seizures than apoE2 and 3 mice, (2) they exhibited neuron loss in
      hippocampus that was higher than in apoE2, 3 and WT mice, (3) KA administration
      resulted in higher counts of their head drops in the cross-area of elevated plus
      maze, (4) they showed lower KA-induced rearing activity than apoE2 mice in the
      open-field test, (5) their KA-induced microglial expression of MHC-II and CD86
      was elevated compared to apoE3 mice, (6) the KA-induced increase of microglial
      iNOS was higher than that in the other groups of mice, and (7) the TNF-alpha and
      IL-6 expression was decreased 7 days after KA application compared to untreated
      mice and mice treated 1 day with KA. However, the signaling pathway of NFkappaB
      or Akt seemed not to be involved in apoE-isoform dependent susceptibility to KA
      induced neurotoxicity. In conclusion, over-expression of apoE4 deteriorated KA
      induced hippocampal neurodegeneration in C57BL/6 mice, which might result from a
      higher up-regulation of microglia activation compared to apoE2 and 3 transgenic
      mice and WT mice.

PMID- 22079155
TI  - Pairing tone trains with vagus nerve stimulation induces temporal plasticity in
      auditory cortex.
AB  - The selectivity of neurons in sensory cortex can be modified by pairing
      neuromodulator release with sensory stimulation. Repeated pairing of electrical
      stimulation of the cholinergic nucleus basalis, for example, induces input
      specific plasticity in primary auditory cortex (A1). Pairing nucleus basalis
      stimulation (NBS) with a tone increases the number of A1 neurons that respond to
      the paired tone frequency. Pairing NBS with fast or slow tone trains can
      respectively increase or decrease the ability of A1 neurons to respond to rapidly
      presented tones. Pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with a single tone alters
      spectral tuning in the same way as NBS-tone pairing without the need for brain
      surgery. In this study, we tested whether pairing VNS with tone trains can change
      the temporal response properties of A1 neurons. In naive rats, A1 neurons respond
      strongly to tones repeated at rates up to 10 pulses per second (pps). Repeatedly
      pairing VNS with 15 pps tone trains increased the temporal following capacity of
      A1 neurons and repeatedly pairing VNS with 5 pps tone trains decreased the
      temporal following capacity of A1 neurons. Pairing VNS with tone trains did not
      alter the frequency selectivity or tonotopic organization of auditory cortex
      neurons. Since VNS is well tolerated by patients, VNS-tone train pairing
      represents a viable method to direct temporal plasticity in a variety of human
      conditions associated with temporal processing deficits.

PMID- 22079156
TI  - Microthrombosis after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: time course and
      effect of red blood cell-bound thrombin-activated pro-urokinase and clazosentan.
AB  - Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality
      for patients surviving the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. Despite an
      association between vasospasm and DCI, thrombosis and thromboembolism may also
      contribute to DCI. In this study we investigate the time course of intravascular
      microclot formation after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and assess
      the effects of the following two drugs on microclot burden: mutant thrombin
      activated urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scFv/uPA-T), which is bound to
      red blood cells for use as a thromboprophylactic agent, and clazosentan, an
      endothelin antagonist. In the first study, adult male C57BL/6 mice were
      sacrificed at 24 (n=5), 48 (n=6), 72 (n=8), and 96 (n=3) hours after SAH induced
      by filament perforation of the anterior cerebral artery. Sham animals (n=5)
      underwent filament insertion without puncture. In the second study, animals
      received scFv/uPA-T (n=5) 3 hours after hemorrhage, clazosentan (n=5) by bolus
      and subcutaneous pump after SAH just prior to skin closure, or a combination of
      scFv/uPA-T and clazosentan (n=4). Control (n=6) and sham (n=5) animals received
      saline alone. All animals were sacrificed at 48 hours and underwent intra-cardiac
      perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde. The brains were then extracted and sliced
      coronally on a cryostat and processed for immunohistochemistry. An antibody
      recognizing thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes was used to detect microclots on
      coronal slices. Microclot burden was calculated for each animal and compared
      among groups. Following SAH, positive anti-thrombin staining was detected
      bilaterally in the following brain regions, in order of decreasing frequency:
      cortex; hippocampus; hypothalamus; basal ganglia. Few microclots were found in
      the shams. Microclot burden peaked at 48 hours and then decreased gradually.
      Animals receiving scFv/uPA-T and scFv/uPA-T+clazosentan had a lower microclot
      burden than controls, whereas animals receiving clazosentan alone had a higher
      microclot burden (p<0.005). The overall mortality rate in the time course study
      was 40%; mortality was highest among control animals in the second study.
      Intravascular microclots form in a delayed fashion after experimental SAH.
      Microclots may be safely reduced using a novel form of thromboprophylaxis
      provided by RBC-targeted scFv/uPA-T and represent a potential target for
      therapeutic intervention in the treatment of DCI.

PMID- 22079158
TI  - Does frequency matter? ERP and behavioral correlates of monitoring for rare and
      frequent prospective memory targets.
AB  - Behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) correlates of monitoring in an event
      based prospective memory (PM) task were compared during blocks with rare versus
      frequent PM target presentations relative to an ongoing-task only condition. For
      both rare and frequent PM conditions, behavioral interference costs in terms of
      longer reaction times (RTs) were observed. Likewise, during both PM blocks a
      sustained ERP positivity with a frontal focus was identified on ongoing-task
      trials. While PM target identification and RT interference costs were larger
      during the PM-frequent relative to the PM-rare condition, the same sustained
      frontal positivity was observed during both PM blocks. These findings suggest
      that successful monitoring is associated with the adoption of a more general
      prospective retrieval mode, irrespective of target frequency. Moreover,
      preparatory attentional modulations directed at relevant target features played
      an important role for subsequent PM performance, as evident in larger P2
      amplitudes during PM blocks.

PMID- 22079157
TI  - Increased regional cerebral glucose uptake in an APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder,
      is characterized by the invariant cerebral accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide.
      This event occurs early in the disease process. In humans, [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D
      glucose ([18F]-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is largely used to follow
      up in vivo cerebral glucose utilization (CGU) and brain metabolism modifications
      associated with the Alzheimer's disease pathology. Here, [18F]-FDG positron
      emission tomography was used to study age-related changes of cerebral glucose
      utilization under resting conditions in 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old
      APP(SweLon)/PS1(M146L), a mouse model of amyloidosis. We showed an age-dependent
      increase of glucose uptake in several brain regions of APP/PS1 mice but not in
      control animals and a higher [18F]-FDG uptake in the cortex and the hippocampus
      of 12-month-old APP/PS1 mice as compared with age-matched control mice. We then
      developed a method of 3-D microscopic autoradiography to evaluate glucose uptake
      at the level of amyloid plaques and showed an increased glucose uptake close to
      the plaques rather than in amyloid-free cerebral tissues. These data suggest a
      macroscopic and microscopic reorganization of glucose uptake in relation to
      cerebral amyloidosis.

PMID- 22079159
TI  - Pharmacological interference with metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 but
      not subtype 5 differentially affects within- and between-session extinction of
      Pavlovian conditioned fear.
AB  - Fear extinction is defined as the attenuation of a conditioned-fear memory by re
      exposing animals to the conditioned stimulus without the aversive stimulus. This
      process is known to be effectively enhanced via administration of D-cycloserine
      (DCS), a partial NMDA-receptor agonist. However, other glutamatergic mechanisms,
      such as interference with metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtypes 5 and
      7 in the extinction of aversive memories are insufficiently understood. Using the
      allosteric mGluR5 receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP),
      the mGluR7 allosteric agonist N,N'-dibenzyhydryl-ethane-1,2-diamine
      dihydrochloride (AMN082), and DCS for comparison, we aimed to study how
      pharmacological blockade of mGluR5 and activation of mGluR7 influenced within-
      and between-session conditioned-fear extinction training and extinction retention
      in rats. We show that when injected before extinction training, mGluR7 activation
      with AMN082 enhanced freezing and thereby attenuated within-session fear
      extinction, whereas both DCS and the mGluR5 receptor antagonist MPEP had no
      effect on this process. However, these differential drug effects were not long
      lasting, as no difference in extinction retention were observed 24 h later.
      Therefore, we assessed whether the compounds affect 24 h consolidation of
      extinction training following incomplete extinction training (between-session
      extinction). Similar to DCS, AMN082- but not MPEP-treated rats showed facilitated
      extinction retention, as exhibited by decreased freezing. Finally, using
      fluoxetine, we provide evidence that the effect of AMN082 on between-session
      extinction retention is most likely not via increasing 5-HT transmission. These
      findings demonstrate that mGluR7 activation differentially modulates conditioned
      fear extinction, in dependence on the protocol employed, and suggests drugs with
      AMN082-like mechanisms as potential add-on drugs following exposure-based
      psychotherapy for fear-related human disorders.

PMID- 22079160
TI  - Deltamethrin, a type II pyrethroid insecticide, has neurotrophic effects on
      neurons with continuous activation of the Bdnf promoter.
AB  - Pyrethroids, widely used insecticides with low acute toxicity in mammals, affect
      sodium channels in neurons. In a primary culture of rat cortical neurons,
      deltamethrin (DM), a type II pyrethroid, markedly enhanced the expression of
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon IV-IX (Bdnf eIV-IX) mRNA. In this
      study, we found that DM has a neurotrophic effect on cultured neurons and
      investigated the mechanisms responsible for it. One MUM DM increased cell
      survival, neurite complexity and length. Neurite complexity and length were
      reduced not only by a blockade of cellular excitation with GABA or Ca(2+) influx
      via L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels with nicardipine, but also by a
      blockade of TrkB, a specific receptor for BDNF, with TrkB/Fc. These data indicate
      DM has neurotrophic actions. DM-induced Bdnf eIV-IX mRNA expression through the
      calcineurin and ERK/MAPK pathways, the increase of which was reduced by GABA(A)
      receptor activation. Using a promoter assay, we found that Ca(2+)-responsive
      elements including a CRE are involved in the DM-induced activation of the Bdnf
      promoter IV (Bdnf-pIV). The intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) and activation
      of Bdnf-pIV remained elevated for, at least, 1 and 24 h, respectively. Moreover,
      GABA(A) receptor activation or a blockade of Ca(2+) influx even after starting
      the incubation with DM reduced the elevated activity of Bdnf-pIV. These data
      demonstrated that the prolonged activation of Bdnf-pIV occurred because of this
      continuous increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Thus, DM has
      neurotrophic effects on neurons, likely due to prolonged activation of Bdnf
      promoter in neurons. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post
      Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22079161
TI  - Retigabine, a K(V)7 (KCNQ) potassium channel opener, attenuates L-DOPA-induced
      dyskinesias in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.
AB  - L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LID) represent a severe complication of long-time
      pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's disease that necessitates novel therapeutics. The
      acute and chronic effects of K(V)7.2-7.5 channel openers (retigabine, flupirtine)
      on the severity of LID and parkinsonian signs were examined in comparison to the
      glutamate receptor antagonist amantadine (positive control) in a rat model of
      LID. Acute treatment with retigabine (2.5, 5 mg/kg i.p.) and flupirtine (5, 10
      mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the severity of abnormal involuntary movements
      (AIM) to a comparable extent as amantadine (20, 40 mg/kg s.c.), but flupirtine
      delayed the disappearance of AIM. Chronic treatment with retigabine (daily 5
      mg/kg i.p. over 19 days combined with l-DOPA 10 mg i.p.) did not prevent or delay
      the development of LID, but reduced the severity of AIM, while antidyskinetic
      effects of amantadine (40 mg/kg i.p.) were restricted to the first day of
      treatment. Retigabine caused sedation and ataxia which declined during the
      chronic treatment, but did not reduce the antiparkinsonian effects of l-DOPA in
      these experiments. Acute co-injections of retigabine (5 mg) together with l-DOPA
      (10 mg/kg) neither reduced the motor performance in the rotarod test nor exerted
      negative effects on the antiparkinsonian efficacy of l-DOPA in the block and
      stepping test. Nevertheless, the sedative effects of retigabine may limit its
      therapeutic potential for the treatment of LID. The present data indicate that
      K(V)7 channels deserve attention in the research of the pathophysiology of
      dyskinesias. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic
      Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22079162
TI  - The Anisakis allergy debate: does an evolutionary approach help?
AB  - Allergic phenomena share common pathways with the immune response against
      helminth parasites. The definitions regarding allergens and their related
      concepts have their roots in the area of allergy research. The experience with
      the fish parasite Anisakis simplex-associated allergic features still nurtures an
      open debate on the necessity of larvae being alive to induce allergic reactions
      such as urticaria or anaphylaxis. Conceptual definitions of allergen, major
      allergen, as well as putatively crossreacting antibodies, as are used in food
      allergy, depend on the clinical relevance of specific IgE and deserve careful
      interpretation in the various forms of A. simplex-associated allergic features.
      Conversely, an evolutionary based interpretation of the presence of specific IgE
      depends on the viability of A. simplex.

PMID- 22079163
TI  - What ails Wolbachia transinfection to control disease vectors?

PMID- 22079164
TI  - The placenta: a main role in congenital toxoplasmosis?
AB  - Systemic infections, such as toxoplasmosis, acquired during pregnancy can lead to
      placental infection and have profound effects on the mother-to-child relationship
      and the success of pregnancy. Placental permeability to Toxoplasma gondii is a
      main parameter that determines parasite transmission to the foetus, and the use
      of antibiotics to decrease placental parasite load and prevent congenital
      toxoplasmosis has been suggested for decades. Although parasitological
      examination of the placenta at birth is commonly used to diagnose neonatal
      congenital toxoplasmosis, this approach can be controversial. Here we argue in
      favour of placental examination for both diagnostic and epidemiological purposes.

PMID- 22079165
TI  - Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) in combination with antibiotics
      for treatment of Burkholderia cepacia complex infection.
AB  - This study aimed to determine if Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT)
      was effective in the treatment of Burkholderia cepacia complex infection and
      whether a synergistic effect was evident if PACT was used in combination with
      antibiotics. The susceptibility of both planktonic and biofilm cultures of B.
      cepacia complex strains to methylene blue (MB) and meso-tetra(n-methyl-4
      pyridyl)porphine tetra-tosylate (TMP)-mediated PACT was determined alone and in
      combination with antibiotics used in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis pulmonary
      infection caused by these bacteria. When B. cepacia complex strains were grown
      planktonically, high levels of kill of were achieved with both TMP and MB
      mediated PACT with strain and photosensitizer specific differences apparent. When
      strains were grown in biofilm, antibiotic treatment alone was bactericidal in
      17/36 (47%) strain/antibiotic combinations tested. When antibiotic treatment was
      combined with PACT, bactericidal activity was apparent for 33/36 (92%)
      strain/antibiotic combinations. No antagonism was detected between PACT and
      antibiotic treatment with the combination synergistic for 6/36 (17%) and
      indifferent for 30/36 (83%) strain/antibiotic combinations. PACT could be a
      viable treatment option, either alone or in combination with antibiotics for
      treatment of B. cepacia complex pulmonary infection.

PMID- 22079167
TI  - The many faces of aspartate kinases.
AB  - Based on recent X-ray structures and biochemical characterizations of aspartate
      kinases from different species, we show in this review how various organizations
      of a regulatory domain have contributed to the different mechanisms of control
      observed in aspartate kinases allowing simple to complex allosteric controls in
      branched pathways. The aim of this review is to show the relationships between
      domain organization, effector binding sites, mechanism of inhibition and
      regulatory function of an allosteric enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway.

PMID- 22079166
TI  - The structure and allosteric regulation of mammalian glutamate dehydrogenase.
AB  - Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a homohexameric enzyme that catalyzes the
      reversible oxidative deamination of l-glutamate to 2-oxoglutarate. Only in the
      animal kingdom is this enzyme heavily allosterically regulated by a wide array of
      metabolites. The major activators are ADP and leucine, while the most important
      inhibitors include GTP, palmitoyl CoA, and ATP. Recently, spontaneous mutations
      in the GTP inhibitory site that lead to the hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia (HHS)
      syndrome have shed light as to why mammalian GDH is so tightly regulated.
      Patients with HHS exhibit hypersecretion of insulin upon consumption of protein
      and concomitantly extremely high levels of ammonium in the serum. The atomic
      structures of four new inhibitors complexed with GDH complexes have identified
      three different allosteric binding sites. Using a transgenic mouse model
      expressing the human HHS form of GDH, at least three of these compounds were
      found to block the dysregulated form of GDH in pancreatic tissue. EGCG from green
      tea prevented the hyper-response to amino acids in whole animals and improved
      basal serum glucose levels. The atomic structure of the ECG-GDH complex and
      mutagenesis studies is directing structure-based drug design using these
      polyphenols as a base scaffold. In addition, all of these allosteric inhibitors
      are elucidating the atomic mechanisms of allostery in this complex enzyme.

PMID- 22079168
TI  - Minimizing radiation exposure to the vascular surgeon.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine radiation exposure for members of an endovascular
      surgery team during imaging procedures by varying technique. METHODS: Digital
      subtraction angiography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis (Innova 4100; GE,
      Fairfield, Conn) was performed on cadavers, varying positioning and technique
      within the usual bounds of clinical practice. Radiation exposure was monitored in
      real-time with dosimeters (DoseAware; Philips, Andover, Mass) to simulate the
      position of the operator, assistant, and anesthesiologist. The DoseAware system
      reports radiation exposure in 1-second intervals. Three to five consecutive data
      points were collected for each imaging configuration. RESULTS: Operator radiation
      exposure is minimized with detector-to-patient distance <5 cm (2.1 mSv/h) in
      contrast to 10 to 15 cm (2.8 mSv/h); source-to-image distance of <15 cm (2.3
      mSv/h) in contrast to 25 cm (3.3 mSv/h). Increasing image magnification from 0
      (2.3 mSv/h) to 3 (0.83 mSv/h) decreases operator exposure by 74%. Increasing
      linear image collimation from 0 (2.3 mSv/h) to 10 cm (0.30 mSv/h) decreases
      operator exposure by 87%. The anesthesiologist's radiation exposure is 11% to 49%
      of the operator's, greatest in the left anterior oblique (LAO) 90 degree
      projection. The assistant's radiation exposure is 23% to 46% of the operator's.
      The highest exposure to the operator was noted to be in the LAO 90 degree
      projection (30.3 mSv/h) and lowest exposure with 10-cm vertical collimation (0.28
      mSv/h). CONCLUSIONS: Varying imaging techniques results in different radiation
      exposure to members of an endovascular surgery team. Knowledge of the variable
      intensity of radiation exposure may allow modification of the technique to
      minimize radiation exposure to the team while providing suitable imaging.

PMID- 22079169
TI  - In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of a new silver-triclosan vs a
      silver collagen-coated polyester vascular graft against methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vascular graft infection is a rare but serious complication of
      vascular reconstructive surgery. This in vitro study investigated the
      antimicrobial efficacy of a new, silver-triclosan collagen-coated polyester
      vascular graft compared with a silver collagen-coated polyester vascular graft
      alone during the first 24 hours. METHODS: The antimicrobial efficacy of the
      investigated vascular grafts was assessed by performing a time-kill kinetic assay
      following Clinical and Laboratory Institute Standards-approved guidelines M26-A.
      For the purpose of the experimental study, the ATCC 33591 strain of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va)
      was used. All assays were repeated sixfold. Bacterial survival numbers were
      obtained at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours using a standard plate count procedure.
      Bactericidal activity was defined as a 3 log(10) reduction factor (logRF),
      according to the approved guideline M26-A. RESULTS: Both antimicrobial vascular
      grafts achieved >3 logRF and fulfilled the efficacy criterion for bactericidal
      activity but performed differently in their speed of antimicrobial action. The
      silver-triclosan vascular graft achieved 3.37 logRF after 8 hours, and the silver
      vascular graft showed a 4.19 logRF after 24 hours. The silver-triclosan graft
      yielded significantly lower colony-forming units/mL counts after 4 hours compared
      with the silver graft (4.29 * 10(4) vs 1.03 * 10(6); P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Both
      antimicrobial collagen-coated polymer vascular grafts showed bactericidal
      activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Although
      the silver-triclosan vascular graft showed a faster antimicrobial efficacy, the
      silver graft exhibited its antimicrobial properties after 24 hours. Which concept
      will protect an implanted vascular prosthetic graft better from bacterial
      contamination and subsequent infection needs to be investigated further in in
      vivo animal and clinical studies.

PMID- 22079170
TI  - Two cases of endobronchial carcinoid masked by superimposed aspergillosis: a
      review of the literature of primary lung cancers associated with Aspergillus.
AB  - We describe 2 cases of endobronchial pulmonary carcinoid tumor with superimposed
      Aspergillus colonization. The Aspergillus hyphae were associated with fibrin,
      ulcer debris, and granulomatous inflammation in part masking the carcinoid tumor.
      Presence of necrotic debris made diagnosis on biopsy difficult, and atypical
      carcinoid could not be ruled out. The association of carcinoid tumor with
      aspergillosis is rare and has been reported in 4 other cases thus far. A review
      of the literature reveals at least 35 cases of lung carcinoma with coexisting
      Aspergillus upon presentation. Most of these carcinomas are either cavitary
      squamous cell or adenocarcinomas harboring an aspergilloma. The other carcinomas
      are associated with bronchial obstruction as in carcinoids or are a minor
      component of a preexisting cavity raising the possibility of "scar carcinoma." As
      in aspergillomas not associated with carcinoma, upper lobe involvement
      predominates. Diagnosis can be challenging with delayed discovery of underlying
      neoplasm leading to suboptimal treatment.

PMID- 22079171
TI  - Correlation between the endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of gastritis.
AB  - Our aims were to determine the rate of concordance between endoscopic and
      pathologic diagnoses of gastritis and to determine if there was any common factor
      in discordant cases. A retrospective analysis of data from 400 patients was
      performed. The endoscopic diagnoses were compared with the pathologic diagnoses,
      and histologic slides from discordant cases were reviewed. Of the 400 patients,
      there was discordance between endoscopy and histology in 136 (34%; kappa
      statistic, 0.31). These discordant cases comprised 56 with normal endoscopy but
      abnormal histology and 80 with abnormal endoscopy but normal histology. In 13
      patients, there was normal histology, although erosions had been diagnosed
      endoscopically. No consistent histologic features were found in the discordant
      cases. These findings show that standard endoscopy is a poor predictor of
      pathologic changes. Biopsies are required for accurate diagnosis of gastritis.

PMID- 22079172
TI  - Factors associated with failure to follow-up at a medical clinic after an ED
      visit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although emergency department (ED) discharge is often based on the
      presumption of continued care, the reported compliance rate with follow-up
      appointments is low. STUDY OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to
      identify factors associated with missed follow-up appointments from the ED and to
      assess the ability of clinicians to predict which patients will follow-up.
      METHODS: Patients without insurance or an outpatient primary care provider (PCP)
      were given a follow-up clinic appointment before discharge. Information
      identifying potential follow-up barriers was collected, and the physician's
      perception of the likelihood of follow-up was recorded. Patients who missed their
      appointment were contacted via telephone and were offered a questionnaire and a
      rescheduled clinic appointment. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients with no PCP were
      enrolled. Sixty (48%; 95% confidence interval, 39-57) kept their scheduled
      appointment. Sex, distance from clinic, availability of transportation, or time
      since last nonemergent physician visit was associated with attendance to the
      follow-up visit. Clinicians were unable to predict which patients would follow
      up. Contact by telephone was made in 48 (74%) of patients who failed to follow
      up. Of the 14 patients willing to reschedule, none returned for follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Among ED patients who lack a PCP and are given a clinic appointment
      from the ED, less than half keep the appointment. Moreover, clinicians are unable
      to predict which patients will follow up. This study highlights the difficulty in
      maintaining continuity of care in populations who are self-pay or have Medicaid
      and lack regular providers. This may have implications on discharge planning from
      the ED.

PMID- 22079173
TI  - Clinical protection, sub-clinical infection and persistence following vaccination
      with extinction payloads of O1 Manisa Foot-and-Mouth Disease monovalent vaccine
      and challenge in goats and comparison with sheep.
AB  - Small ruminants play an important role in the epidemiology of Foot-and-Mouth
      Disease (FMD). Small ruminants are vaccinated with one-half or one-third of
      cattle dose of oil-based or aqueous vaccines respectively. The extinction antigen
      payload in vaccine for protection in small ruminants is poorly studied. FMD
      seronegative Nellore sheep (n=30) and Osmanabadi goats (n=30) were vaccinated
      with different payloads of O(1) Manisa vaccine (0.45-5 MUg). Vaccinated and sero
      negative unvaccinated sheep (n=6) and goats (n=6) were challenged intradermally
      into the coronary band with O(1) Manisa virus. The sheep and goats were monitored
      for signs of FMD and samples were collected for measuring viraemia and virus
      associated with nasal swabs and probang samples. Clotted blood was collected for
      serology. Vaccines containing antigen payload up to 0.94 MUg protected sheep and
      goats against challenge. Sheep and goats vaccinated with 0.45 MUg antigen payload
      were poorly protected against challenge. An antigen payload of 0.94 MUg was
      sufficient to offer complete protection and also absence of carrier status. Sheep
      and goats with no vaccination or with poor sero conversion to vaccination showed
      sub-clinical infection and became carriers. The results of the study suggest that
      vaccination offers protection from clinical disease even at a low payload of 0.94
      MUg and hence one-half of cattle dose of the oil-based vaccine formulations is
      sufficient to induce protective immune response in sheep and goats. Since no live
      virus could be isolated after 5 days post challenge from the nasal swab or
      probang samples even though viral RNA was detected, the risk of these animals
      transmitting disease was probably very low.

PMID- 22079174
TI  - Residual transglutaminase in collagen - effects, detection, quantification, and
      removal.
AB  - In the present study, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      for microbial transglutaminase (mTG) from Streptomyces mobaraensis to overcome
      the lack of a quantification method for mTG. We further performed a detailed
      follow-on-analysis of insoluble porcine collagen type I enzymatically modified
      with mTG primarily focusing on residuals of mTG. Repeated washing (4 *) reduced
      mTG-levels in the washing fluids but did not quantitatively remove mTG from the
      material (p < 0.000001). Substantial amounts of up to 40% of the enzyme utilized
      in the crosslinking mixture remained associated with the modified collagen.
      Binding was non-covalent as could be demonstrated by Western blot analysis.
      Acidic and alkaline dialysis of mTG treated collagen material enabled complete
      removal the enzyme. Treatment with guanidinium chloride, urea, or sodium chloride
      was less effective in reducing the mTG content.

PMID- 22079175
TI  - Nuclear mechanics in differentiation and development.
AB  - The nucleus is by far one of the stiffest organelles within cells of higher
      eukaryotes. Its mechanical properties are determined by contributions from the
      nuclear lamina and chromatin. Together they allow a viscoelastic response of the
      nucleus to applied stresses, where the lamina is thought to behave as an elastic
      shell, while the nucleoplasm contributes as a largely viscous material. Nuclear
      mechanics changes during differentiation and development. Altered nuclear
      mechanics reflects but might also influence global re-arrangements in chromatin
      architecture, which take place when cells commit themselves into distinct
      lineages. Thus it is likely that the mechanical characteristics of nuclei
      significantly contribute to proper differentiation.

PMID- 22079176
TI  - Evaluation of portable Raman spectrometer with 1064 nm excitation for geological
      and forensic applications.
AB  - The development of miniaturized Raman instrumentation is in demand for
      applications relevant to forensic, pharmaceutical and art analyses, as well as
      geosciences, and planetary exploration. In this study we report on evaluation of
      a portable dispersive Raman spectrometer equipped with 1064 nm laser excitation.
      Selected samples from geological, geobiological and forensic areas of interest
      have been studied from which the advantages, disadvantages and the analytical
      potential of the instrument are assessed based on a comparison with bench
      instrumentation and other portable Raman spectrometers using 785 nm excitation.
      It is demonstrated that the instrument operating with 1064 nm excitation has
      potential for expanding the number and types of samples that can be measured by
      miniaturized Raman spectroscopy without interfering fluorescence background
      emission. It includes inorganic and organic minerals, biomolecules within living
      lichen and endolithic cyanobacteria as well as drugs of abuse and explosives.

PMID- 22079178
TI  - Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to weight control in an overweight
      cohort. Results from a pan-European dietary intervention trial (DiOGenes).
AB  - Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this study investigates weight
      control in overweight and obese participants (27 kg/m(2)<=BMI<45 kg/m(2)) taking
      part in a dietary intervention trial targeted at weight loss maintenance (n=932).
      Respondents completed TPB measures investigating "weight gain prevention" at
      three time points. Correlation and regression analyses were used to investigate
      the relationship between TPB variables and weight regain. The TPB explained up to
      27% variance in expectation, 14% in intention and 20% in desire scores. No
      relationship was established between intention, expectation or desire and
      behaviour at Time 1 or Time 2. Perceived need and subjective norm were found to
      be significantly related to weight regain, however, the model explained a maximum
      of 11% of the variation in weight regain. Better understanding of overweight
      individuals' trajectories of weight control is needed to help inform studies
      investigating people's weight regain behaviours. Future research using the TPB
      model to explain weight control should consider the likely behaviours being
      sought by individuals.

PMID- 22079177
TI  - An alpha-lactalbumin-enriched and symbiotic-supplemented v. a standard infant
      formula: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised trial.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety, tolerance and preventive
      effect on atopic dermatitis of an experimental alpha-lactalbumin-enriched and
      symbiotic-supplemented infant formula. A total of ninety-seven non-breastfed term
      neonates were enrolled into a double-blind, multicentre, randomised controlled
      trial in which they received experimental (n 48) or standard formula (n 49) for 6
      months. The primary outcome was weight at 6 months of age. Secondary outcomes
      were gastrointestinal tolerance and manifestation of atopic dermatitis. Faecal
      secretory IgA (SIgA) concentration and microbiota composition of forty-three
      infants were analysed at 1 and 6 months. Growth was similar in both groups. At 1
      month, compared to those in the control group, infants in the experimental group
      exhibited less crying or agitation, and more quiet behaviour (P=0.03). At 6
      months, atopic dermatitis was less frequently observed in the experimental group
      (P<0.05). Decrease of faecal SIgA concentration between 1 and 6 months was mainly
      observed in the control group. This decrease was significantly associated with
      atopic dermatitis (P<0.014) and negatively correlated to the level of
      colonisation by bifidobacteria (P<0.005). In conclusion, compared to the control
      formula, the experimental formula guaranteed a similar growth, was better
      tolerated at 1 month and had a protective effect against the development of
      atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 22079179
TI  - Evolution of neutrophil apoptosis in septic shock survivors and nonsurvivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims were to analyze the temporal evolution of neutrophil apoptosis,
      to determine the differences in neutrophil apoptosis among 28-day survivors and
      nonsurvivors, and to evaluate the use of neutrophil apoptosis as a predictor of
      mortality in patients with septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective
      multicenter observational study carried out between July 2006 and June 2009. The
      staining solution study included 80 patients with septic shock and 25 healthy
      volunteers. Neutrophil apoptosis was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate
      (FITC)-conjugated annexin V and aminoactinomycin D staining. RESULTS: The
      percentage of neutrophil apoptosis was significantly decreased at 24 hours, 5
      days, and 12 days after the diagnosis of septic shock (14.8% +/- 13.4%, 13.4% +/-
      8.4%, and 15.4% +/- 12.8%, respectively; P < .0001) compared with the control
      group (37.6% +/- 12.8%). The difference in apoptosis between 28-day surviving and
      nonsurviving patients was nonsignificant (P > .05). The mortality rate at 28 days
      was 53.7%. The crude hazard ratio for mortality in patients with septic shock did
      not differ according to the percentage of apoptosis (hazard ratio, 1.006; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.98-1.03; P = .60). CONCLUSIONS: During the first 12 days
      of septic shock development, the level of neutrophil apoptosis decreases and does
      not recover normal values. No differences were observed between surviving and
      nonsurviving patients.

PMID- 22079180
TI  - Etiological diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction: computed tomography
      compared with coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the capability of multidetector computed
      tomography to diagnose the coronary etiology of left ventricular dysfunction
      compared with using invasive coronary angiography and magnetic resonance.
      METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with left ventricular dysfunction of
      uncertain etiology underwent invasive coronary angiography and contrast magnetic
      resonance. All patients were evaluated with multidetector computed tomography
      including coronary calcium presence and score, noninvasive coronary angiography,
      and myocardial tissue assessment. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the
      presence of coronary calcium to identify left ventricular dysfunction was 100%
      and 31%, respectively. If an Agatston calcium score of >100 is taken, specificity
      increases to 58% with sensitivity still 100%. Sensitivity and specificity for
      coronary angiography by multidetector computed tomography was 100% and 96%,
      respectively; for identifying necrosis in contrast acquisition it was 57% and
      100%, respectively; and in late acquisition, 84% and 96%, respectively. To
      identify coronary ventricular dysfunction with necrosis, the sensitivity and
      specificity was 92% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the diagnostic
      tools available in multidetector computed tomography, coronary angiography is the
      most accurate in determining the coronary origin of left ventricular dysfunction.
      A combination of coronary angiography and myocardial tissue study after contrast
      allows a single test to obtain similar information compared with the combination
      of invasive coronary angiography and contrast magnetic resonance.

PMID- 22079181
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in three pelagic fish species from
      Atlantic Ocean: inter-specific and inter-season comparisons and assessment of
      potential public health risks.
AB  - The concentrations of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined
      in three commercially valuable fish species (sardine, Sardina pilchardus; chub
      mackerel, Scomber japonicus; and horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus) from the
      Atlantic Ocean. Specimens were collected seasonally during 2007-2009. Only low
      molecular weight PAHs were detected, namely, naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene
      and phenanthrene. Chub mackerel (1.80-19.90MUg/kgww) revealed to be significantly
      more contaminated than horse mackerel (2.73-10.0MUg/kgww) and sardine (2.29
      14.18MUg/kgww). Inter-specific and inter-season comparisons of PAHs
      bioaccumulation were statistically assessed. The more relevant statistical
      correlations were observed between PAH amounts and total fat content (significant
      positive relationships, p?0.05), and season (sardine displayed higher amounts in
      autumn-winter while the mackerel species showed globally the inverse behavior).
      The health risks by consumption of these species were assessed and shown to
      present no threat to public health concerning PAH intakes.

PMID- 22079182
TI  - Induction of uncoupling protein-1 and -3 in brown adipose tissue by kaki-tannin
      in type 2 diabetic NSY/Hos mice.
AB  - Kaki-tannin, a highly polymerized-tannin from the young fruits of persimmon
      (Diospyros kaki 'Hachiya'), has been shown to have bile acid-binding activity. To
      verify the effect of kaki-tannin on the metabolism of lipid and glucose in type 2
      diabetes, type 2 diabetic NSY/Hos mice were fed an AIN76-modified high fat diet
      supplemented with 1% (w/w) kaki-tannin for 8weeks. Kaki-tannin induced a 2-fold
      increase in fecal bile acid excretion and was significantly effective in the
      prevention of a rise in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels.
      Kaki-tannin treatment also prevented fatty liver. To identify the molecular
      mechanism underlying these effects, gene expression analysis was performed on
      liver, brown adipose tissue (BAT), and skeletal muscle. The genes related to
      cholesterol metabolism, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase
      and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, were increased in the liver of
      the kaki-tannin group. Interestingly, the uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) gene and
      the UCP3 gene were significantly increased in the BAT of the kaki-tannin group,
      which was also confirmed at the protein level. These findings indicated that
      induction of UCP1 and UCP3 in the BAT by kaki-tannin treatment might influence
      the energy metabolism, thus contributing beneficial effects to type 2 diabetic
      NSY/Hos mice.

PMID- 22079183
TI  - The effects of chronic aluminum exposure on learning and memory of rats by
      observing the changes of Ras/Raf/ERK signal transduction pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of chronic aluminum (Al) exposure on
      learning and memory function of rats by observing the changes of Ras/Raf/ERK
      (Ras/ERK) signaling pathway. METHODS: Eighty weaned Wistar rats were divided into
      four groups ad libitum, 20 rats in each group. The four groups were fed with
      drinking water containing 0% (control), 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% (Al exposure) AlCl(3)
      for 3months individually to set up aluminum exposure models. The laboratory was
      maintained at 18-23 degrees C and 45-55% relative humidity. Graphite furnace
      atomic absorption spectrometry was used to detect the content of Al in brain and
      blood. Western blot and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to determine the protein
      and mRNA expression levels for Ras, Raf1, ERK2 and CREB. RESULTS: Chronic Al
      exposure increased the content of Al in rats' blood and brain. It increased
      expression of Ras in the hippocampi compared with the control but the expression
      decreased along the Al exposure groups (p<0.05). Similarly, Raf1, ERK2 and CREB
      expressions decreased compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic Al exposure may affect learning and memory through
      impact on Ras/ERK signal pathway.

PMID- 22079184
TI  - Study of the potential toxicity of commercial crispy breads by evaluation of
      bioaccessibility and bioavailability of minor Fusarium mycotoxins.
AB  - Enniatins (ENs) are bioactive compounds produced by the secondary metabolism of
      several Fusarium strains and known to have several biological activities, such as
      acting as enzyme inhibitors, antifungal and antibacterial agents, and
      immunomodulatory substances. This study has investigated the ENs
      bioaccessibility, spiked in commercial wheat crispy bread at 1.5 and 3.0MUmol/g
      concentrations, their transepithelial transport and bioavailability using Caco-2
      cells as a model of the human intestinal epithelium. The content (%) of the four
      ENs contained in the gastric fluid has resulted variable from 69% to 91%,
      considering the two concentrations assayed. The mean bioaccessibility data for
      the compounds studied, resulted of 80%. The compounds that evidenced the highest
      absorption, using the in vitro model which simulated the transepithelial
      transport, were the EN A (70.8+/-1.3% of absorption) and A(1) (73.8+/-0.9%) at
      1.5 and 3.0MUmol/g concentrations, respectively. The compound with the lowest
      transport value (50.7+/-1.3%) was the EN A at 3.0MUmol/g concentration. The
      bioavailability data evidenced by the other ENs employed ranged from 55.2+/-1.1%
      to 66.1+/-1.0%.

PMID- 22079185
TI  - Enhanced degradation of trichloroethylene in nano-scale zero-valent iron Fenton
      system with Cu(II).
AB  - Degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in nano-scale zero-valent iron (nZVI)
      Fenton system with Cu(II) was investigated in a closed batch system. TCE was
      significantly degraded (95%) in 10 min in nZVI Fenton system with 20mM Cu(II) at
      initial pH 3, while slight degradation (25%) was observed in nZVI Fenton system
      without Cu(II) at the same experimental condition. Aqueous Fe(II) concentration
      proportionally increased (1.2-19.6mM) with increasing Cu(II) concentration (1
      20mM). Surface analyses using X-ray spectroscopy showed that metallic Cu was
      formed on the nZVI surface and surface Fe(0) decreased by 1.4 times after the
      addition of Cu(II) to nZVI suspension. Kinetic rate constant for TCE degradation
      at 15.3mM nZVI (4.1989 min(-1)) increased by 1.8 times till the increase of nZVI
      concentration by 5 times and then showed a saturation pattern at higher nZVI
      concentration. As Cu(II) concentrations increased in the Cu/nZVI Fenton system,
      the rate constant increased linearly (R(2)=0.979). No significant difference has
      been observed in the degradation kinetics of TCE by Cu/nZVI Fenton at pH 3 and pH
      6 (4.8720 min(-1) vs. 4.9858 min(-1)), whereas the kinetics by nZVI Fenton at pH
      6 were 1.6 times faster (0.0318 min(-1)) than at pH 3 (0.0194 min(-1)).

PMID- 22079186
TI  - Photo-Fenton degradation of the insecticide esfenvalerate in aqueous medium using
      a recirculation flow-through UV photoreactor.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiencies of photo-Fenton (Fe(2+))
      and (Fe(3+)) processes in the degradation of high-concentrations of esfenvalerate
      (in the form of aqueous emulsion of a commercial formulation) using a
      recirculation flow-through photoreactor irradiated with UV light from a 15 W lamp
      (254 nm emission peak). The results obtained using a basic photo-Fenton (Fe(2+))
      reaction (esfenvalerate 17 mg L(-1); ferrous sulphate 1 mM; hydrogen peroxide 25
      mM; pH 2.5) were compared with those acquired when ferrioxalate (1, 3 or 5 mM)
      served as the iron source. Degradation of the active component of the commercial
      formulation was significantly greater, and the rate of oxidation more rapid,
      using a photo-Fenton (Fe(3+)) process compared with its Fe(2+) counterpart. The
      most efficient degradation of the insecticide (75% in 180 min) was achieved with
      a reaction mixture containing 5mM ferrioxalate. However, under the same
      experimental conditions, degradation of pure esfenvalerate preceded much faster
      (99% in 60 min) and was 100% complete within 180 min reaction time.

PMID- 22079187
TI  - Novel KMnO4-modified iron oxide for effective arsenite removal.
AB  - This work demonstrates the synthesis of a novel KMnO(4)-modified form of iron
      oxide, MnBT-4, using a fluidized bed reactor (FBR) for the adsorptive removal of
      arsenic (III)/(V). Characterization by XRD, BET, and SEM indicated that the BT-4
      support was poorly crystallized goethite (alpha-FeOOH) with a specific surface
      area of 229 m(2) g(-1). In FBR experiments of synthesizing MnBT-4, the Fe and Mn
      salts were found to have an optimal dosage ratio of less than 4, which maximized
      the KMnO(4) immobilization efficiency. The immobilized Mn compounds on MnBT-4
      underwent an additional oxidation step of As (III), promoting arsenic adsorption.
      When applied MnBT-4 for As (III) removal from solution, the sorption isotherm was
      accurately fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich models, while the maximum
      adsorption capacity of 27.4 mg g(-1) exceeded those of other adsorbents in the
      literature. Batch experimental results revealed that both raw BT-4 and MnBT-4
      could take up a large amount of As (V). However, the MnBT-4 provided a
      substantially higher As (III) removal efficiency than BT-4.

PMID- 22079188
TI  - Stabilization of nickel-laden sludge by a high-temperature NiCr2O4 synthesis
      process.
AB  - The feasibility of stabilizing nickel-laden sludge by a high-temperature
      NiCr(2)O(4) synthesis process was investigated with different sintering
      temperatures, salt contents, molar ratios, and reaction atmospheres. The
      crystalline phases of species were investigated by using an X-ray diffraction,
      and the surface characteristics of particles were observed by scanning electron
      microscopy. The leaching behavior of the stabilized sludge was evaluated by
      Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test. The results indicated
      that NiCr(2)O(4) was formed at around 800 degrees C by transforming NiO and
      Cr(2)O(3) into a spinel structure. Leaching concentrations of both nickel and
      chromium decreased with an increase in the sintering temperature. The existence
      of salt in the sludge disturbed the formation of spinel, but a moderate salt
      content contributed to stabilization efficiency. A Cr/Ni molar ratio >2 also
      contributed to the stabilization efficiency of heavy metals after the thermal
      process. NiCr(2)O(4) was transformed from simulated sludge under both an N(2) and
      air atmosphere. The sintering strategy designed for nickel-laden sludge was
      proven to be beneficial in stabilizing nickel and chromium.

PMID- 22079190
TI  - Residual structure and dynamics in DMSO-d6 denatured dynein light chain protein.
AB  - Structural and motional features in the denatured state of a protein dictate the
      early folding events starting from that state and these features vary depending
      upon the nature of the denaturant used. Here, we have attempted to decipher the
      early events in the folding of Dynein Light Chain protein (DLC8), starting from
      DMSO-d6 denatured state. Multinuclear NMR experiments were used to obtain the
      full spectral assignment. The HSQC spectrum shows the presence of two sets of
      peaks for the residues Met 1, Ser 2, Arg 4, Ala 11, Met 17, Thr 26, Lys 44, Tyr
      50, Asn 51, Trp 54, His 55, Val 58, Gly 59, Ser 64, Tyr 65, His 68, Phe 86, Lys
      87 indicating the presence of slow conformational transition in the heterogeneous
      ensemble. Analysis of residual structural propensities with secondary (13)C
      chemical shifts, (3)J(H(N)(-)H(alpha)) coupling constants and (1)H-(1)H NOE
      revealed the presence of local preferences which encompass both native and non
      native like structures. The spectral density calculations, as obtained from
      measured R(1), R(2) and (1)H-(15)N steady state NOE values provide insights into
      the backbone dynamics on the milli to picosecond timescale. The segment Ser 14 -
      His 55 exhibits slow motions on the milli- to microsecond timescale arising from
      conformational exchange. The presence of native like structural preference, as
      well as conformational exchange classifies the above segment as the nucleation
      site of folding. Based on the observations, we propose here, the probable
      hierarchy of folding of DLC8 on dilution of denaturant: the two helices are
      formed first followed by the formation of beta2 and beta5.

PMID- 22079189
TI  - The ATM protein kinase and cellular redox signaling: beyond the DNA damage
      response.
AB  - The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein kinase is best known for its role
      in the DNA damage response, but recent findings suggest that it also functions as
      a redox sensor that controls the levels of reactive oxygen species in human
      cells. Here, we review evidence supporting the conclusion that ATM can be
      directly activated by oxidation, as well as various observations from ATM
      deficient patients and mouse models that point to the importance of ATM in
      oxidative stress responses. We also discuss the roles of this kinase in
      regulating mitochondrial function and metabolic control through its action on
      tumor suppressor p53, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1), and how the regulation of
      these enzymes may be affected in ATM-deficient patients and in cancer cells.

PMID- 22079191
TI  - Getting the most out of your IP--patent management along its life cycle.
AB  - Effectively managing and optimizing the value of the patent portfolio is a major
      challenge for many firms, especially those in knowledge intensive industries,
      such as the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and chemical industry. However,
      insights on effective patent portfolio strategies are rare. Therefore, in this
      article we investigate in detail how firms successfully manage and optimize their
      patent portfolios to increase their overall competitiveness. We discover that
      successful patent portfolio management is rooted in managing the patents along
      their life cycles. Based on the findings of ten case studies, we develop a
      holistic patent life cycle management model reflecting five distinctive phases of
      patent management: explore, generate, protect, optimize and decline. We conclude
      with how our findings can be used in practice.

PMID- 22079192
TI  - Intrathecally synthesized IgG in multiple sclerosis cerebrospinal fluid
      recognizes identical epitopes over time.
AB  - Intrathecal antibody production manifest as oligoclonal bands (OCBs) is a
      hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS). Once present, OCBs can be detected in CSF
      throughout the lifetime of MS patients. To determine the specificity of the OCBs,
      we applied CSF IgG obtained from 2 consecutive lumbar punctures of 5 MS patients
      to screen phage-displayed random peptide libraries, and selected identical and
      related peptides that reacted with the paired CSF IgGs from each patient. Highly
      sensitive phage-mediated immuno-PCR revealed that the phage peptides bound
      specifically to IgG in MS CSF collected over time. IEF immunoblots also showed
      that these peptides were recognized by OCBs in MS CSF. We further demonstrated
      that the peptides represented linear epitopes, indicating that they represent
      natural epitopes of corresponding protein antigens. A database search combined
      with alanine scan mutagenesis of peptides that bound to CSF IgG from 3 MS
      patients revealed that they are derived from proteins including serine/threonine
      protein kinase, protein ZIP2 and MHC class II. Identification of epitopes that
      are recognized by IgG in MS CSF over time provides a critical tool to investigate
      the specificity of OCBs, which may determine the cause of disease, leading to
      strategies for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22079193
TI  - Human T-cell responses to botulinum neurotoxin. Responses in vitro of lymphocytes
      from patients with cervical dystonia and/or other movement disorders treated with
      BoNT/A or BoNT/B.
AB  - We have previously reported that botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A)-specific T
      cell responses occur in a majority of patients treated with botulinum neurotoxins
      (BoNT). In this study, we first determined if T-cell responses against BoNT/A and
      tetanus toxin (TeNT) differ between cervical dystonia (CD) patients and other
      movement disorder cases. Secondly, we have examined in CD cases the treatment
      parameters that may have an effect on the T-cell responses against BoNT/A. We
      found that T-cell responses to BoNT/A were significantly higher in patients with
      CD than in those with other movement disorders. An increase in TeNT T-cell
      response in CD was observed when compared to un-treated controls. CD patients who
      were injected with BoNT/B mounted higher responses to BoNT/A than patients
      treated with BoNT/A only. Frequent injections (more than 2.1/year) were
      associated with a significantly higher T-cell response to BoNT/A in CD. T cell
      responses to BoNT/A did not differ between CD patients who had clinically
      responsive and non-responsive status at the time of enrollment.

PMID- 22079195
TI  - Social interaction with a rhythmic rat enhances the circadian pattern of the
      motor activity and temperature of LL-induced arrhythmic rats.
AB  - Although light is the main factor that influences circadian rhythms, social
      interaction may also have a role on their regulation. Here, the influence of
      social interaction on rat circadian behavior was investigated, addressing the
      question of whether cohabitation would induce the appearance of a circadian
      rhythm in arrhythmic rats due to constant light. To this end, circadian rhythms
      of motor activity and body temperature of male and female LL-induced arrhythmic
      rats were studied before, during and after a 20-day period in which rats stayed
      in the same cage with a rat of the same sex but with stronger rhythm. Results
      showed that the manifestation of the circadian motor activity rhythm of LL
      induced arrhythmic rats increased after cohabitation. In the case of the
      expression of the body temperature rhythm, there was a progressive daily increase
      in the power content of a daily 24 hour pattern throughout the cohabitation days,
      which remained when animals were again isolated. Thus, the presence of a rhythmic
      rat increases the strength of the circadian behavior of rats showing a weak
      circadian rhythm.

PMID- 22079194
TI  - 'q-Titration' of long-chain and short-chain lipids differentiates between
      structured and mobile residues of membrane proteins studied in bicelles by
      solution NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - 'q-Titration' refers to the systematic comparison of signal intensities in
      solution NMR spectra of uniformly (15)N labeled membrane proteins solubilized in
      micelles and isotropic bicelles as a function of the molar ratios (q) of the long
      chain lipids (typically DMPC) to short-chain lipids (typically DHPC). In general,
      as q increases, the protein resonances broaden and correspondingly have reduced
      intensities due to the overall slowing of protein reorientation. Since the
      protein backbone signals do not broaden uniformly, the differences in line widths
      (and intensities) enable the narrower (more intense) signals associated with
      mobile residues to be differentiated from the broader (less intense) signals
      associated with "structured" residues. For membrane proteins with between one and
      seven trans-membrane helices in isotropic bicelles, we have been able to find a
      value of q between 0.1 and 1.0 where only signals from mobile residues are
      observed in the spectra. The signals from the structured residues are broadened
      so much that they cannot be observed under standard solution NMR conditions. This
      q value corresponds to the ratio of DMPC:DHPC where the signals from the
      structured residues are "titrated out" of the spectrum. This q value is unique
      for each protein. In magnetically aligned bilayers (q>2.5) no signals are
      observed in solution NMR spectra of membrane proteins because the polypeptides
      are "immobilized" by their interactions with the phospholipid bilayers on the
      relevant NMR timescale (~10(5)Hz). No signals are observed from proteins in
      liposomes (only long-chain lipids) either. We show that it is feasible to obtain
      complementary solution NMR and solid-state NMR spectra of the same membrane
      protein, where signals from the mobile residues are present in the solution NMR
      spectra, and signals from the structured residues are present in the solid-state
      NMR spectra. With assigned backbone amide resonances, these data are sufficient
      to describe major features of the secondary structure and basic topology of the
      protein. Even in the absence of assignments, this information can be used to help
      establish optimal experimental conditions.

PMID- 22079196
TI  - Foxp3 is critical for human natural CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells to suppress
      alloimmune response.
AB  - Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) that express high level
      of Foxp3 actively suppress pathological and physiological immune responses,
      contributing to the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune
      homeostasis. Although Foxp3 is required for nTreg development and appears to be
      necessary for mature murine Treg function, the precise role of Foxp3 in
      regulating natural human Treg function in alloimmune response is unclear. In this
      study, we used siRNA-mediated gene silencing to knockdown Foxp3 expression in
      natural human Tregs and investigated the importance of Foxp3 in maintaining human
      nTreg suppressive function. We showed that Foxp3 knockdown resulted in impaired
      phenotype and nonresponsiveness, downregulated expression of function molecules,
      and reduced production of suppressive cytokines in nTregs. These changes
      correlated with diminished nTreg activity in suppressing proliferation of
      effector CD4+CD25- T cells, their cytotoxicity against allogeneic target cells
      and production of effector cytokines in response to allogeneic stimulation. Thus,
      this study shows that ongoing Foxp3 expression is required for natural human
      Tregs to maintain their phenotype and suppressive function in the alloimmune
      response.

PMID- 22079197
TI  - [Doctor-patient communication: one of the basic competencies, but different].
AB  - Effective communication skills form part of being a good doctor. Today there is
      solid evidence to support the teaching of effective communication skills in all
      medical schools. This article describes how communication is different from the
      other skills that medical students and residents need to learn, how this affects
      teaching and learning, and the application of these ideas in a Chilean medical
      school. We describe the premises that need to be taken into consideration when
      planning teaching communication in medicine and illustrate how these affected the
      development of our teaching of communication in our undergraduate curriculum. All
      medical education programmes should include formal teaching on the doctor-patient
      relationship, but must take into consideration the aspects of communication
      teaching that make it different from teaching other aspects of medicine.

PMID- 22079198
TI  - Validation of the Chinese version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary
      Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual
      Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) in a Chinese population. METHODS: The PISQ-12
      was translated into Chinese; 106 women with pelvic floor disorders then completed
      the questionnaire and the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12). The
      reliability and validity of the PISQ-12 were analyzed. RESULTS: The PISQ-12 had
      an adequate and high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=0.725) and a high test
      retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient coefficient=0.745;
      P<0.01). Scoring of the PISQ-12 was positively correlated with that of the SF-12
      (P<0.01). Factor analysis showed strong construct validity. CONCLUSION: The
      Chinese version of the PISQ-12 has a high reliability and validity in the Chinese
      population and, therefore, is highly recommended for clinical treatment and
      research.

PMID- 22079200
TI  - Active site intermediates in the reduction of O(2) by cytochrome oxidase, and
      their derivatives.
AB  - The mechanism of dioxygen activation and reduction in cell respiration, as
      catalysed by cytochrome c oxidase, has a long history. The work by Otto Warburg,
      David Keilin and Britton Chance defined the dioxygen-binding heme iron centre,
      viz. das Atmungsferment, or cytochrome a(3). Chance brought the field further in
      the mid-1970's by ingenious low-temperature studies that for the first time
      identified the primary enzyme-substrate (ES) Michaelis complex of cell
      respiration, the dioxygen adduct of heme a(3), which he termed Compound A.
      Further work using optical, resonance Raman, EPR, and other sophisticated
      spectroscopic techniques, some of which with microsecond time resolution, has
      brought us to the situation today, where major principles of how O(2) reduction
      occurs in respiration are well understood. Nonetheless, some questions have
      remained open, for example concerning the precise structures, catalytic roles,
      and spectroscopic properties of the breakdown products of Compound A that have
      been called P, F (for peroxy and ferryl), and O (oxidised). This nomenclature has
      been known to be inadequate for some time already, and an alternative will be
      suggested here. In addition, the multiple forms of P, F and O states have been
      confusing, a situation that we endeavour to help clarifying. The P and F states
      formed artificially by reacting cytochrome oxidase with hydrogen peroxide are
      especially scrutinised, and some novel interpretations will be given that may
      account for previously unexplained observations.

PMID- 22079201
TI  - Comparison of the alpha and beta isomeric forms of the detergent n-dodecyl-D
      maltoside for solubilizing photosynthetic complexes from pea thylakoid membranes.
AB  - Mild non-ionic detergents are indispensable in the isolation of intact integral
      membrane proteins and protein-complexes from biological membranes.
      Dodecylmaltoside (DM) belongs to this class of detergents being a glucoside-based
      surfactant with a bulky hydrophilic head group composed of two sugar rings and a
      non-charged alkyl glycoside chain. Two isomers of this molecule exist, differing
      only in the configuration of the alkyl chain around the anomeric center of the
      carbohydrate head group, axial in alpha-DM and equatorial in beta-DM. In this
      paper, we have investigated the solubilizing properties of alpha-DM and beta-DM
      on the isolation of photosynthetic complexes from pea thylakoids membranes
      maintaining their native architecture of stacked grana and stroma lamellae.
      Exposure of these stacked thylakoids to a single step treatment with increasing
      concentrations (5-100mM) of alpha-DM or beta-DM resulted in a quick partial or
      complete solubilization of the membranes. Regardless of the isomeric form used:
      1) at the lowest DM concentrations only a partial solubilization of thylakoids
      was achieved, giving rise to the release of mainly small protein complexes mixed
      with membrane fragments enriched in PSI from stroma lamellae; 2) at
      concentrations above 30mM a complete solubilization occurred with the further
      release of high molecular weight protein complexes identified as dimeric PSII,
      PSI-LHCI and PSII-LHCII supercomplexes. However, at concentrations of detergent
      which fully solubilized the thylakoids, the alpha and beta isomeric forms of DM
      exerted a somewhat different solubilizing effect on the membranes: higher
      abundance of larger sized PSII-LHCII supercomplexes retaining a higher proportion
      of LHCII and lower amounts of PSI-LHCI intermediates were observed in alpha-DM
      treated membranes, reflecting the mildness of alpha-DM compared with its isomer.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosynthesis Research for
      Sustainability: from Natural to Artificial.

PMID- 22079199
TI  - Biogenesis of cbb(3)-type cytochrome c oxidase in Rhodobacter capsulatus.
AB  - The cbb(3)-type cytochrome c oxidases (cbb(3)-Cox) constitute the second most
      abundant cytochrome c oxidase (Cox) group after the mitochondrial-like aa(3)-type
      Cox. They are present in bacteria only, and are considered to represent a
      primordial innovation in the domain of Eubacteria due to their phylogenetic
      distribution and their similarity to nitric oxide (NO) reductases. They are
      crucial for the onset of many anaerobic biological processes, such as anoxygenic
      photosynthesis or nitrogen fixation. In addition, they are prevalent in many
      pathogenic bacteria, and important for colonizing low oxygen tissues. Studies
      related to cbb(3)-Cox provide a fascinating paradigm for the biogenesis of
      sophisticated oligomeric membrane proteins. Complex subunit maturation and
      assembly machineries, producing the c-type cytochromes and the binuclear heme
      b(3)-Cu(B) center, have to be coordinated precisely both temporally and spatially
      to yield a functional cbb(3)-Cox enzyme. In this review we summarize our current
      knowledge on the structure, regulation and assembly of cbb(3)-Cox, and provide a
      highly tentative model for cbb(3)-Cox assembly and formation of its heme b(3)
      Cu(B) binuclear center. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled:
      Biogenesis/Assembly of Respiratory Enzyme Complexes.

PMID- 22079203
TI  - The cytoskeletal proteins in the contractile tissues of the testis and its
      excurrent ducts of the passerine bird, Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus).
AB  - The cellular composition of the testicular capsule, seminiferous peritubular
      tissue, the epithelia as well as periductal muscle cell layers of the excurrent
      ducts was studied, in sexually mature and active Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)
      birds of the passerine family, Ploceidae. Ultrastructure of the contractile cells
      in the testicular capsule, peritubular and periductal tissues showed that these
      cells were smooth muscles of typical morphological characteristics. Variability
      in the immunohistochemical co-expression of microfilaments and intermediate
      filaments in the different tissues was evident. Actin and desmin proteins were co
      expressed immunohistochemically in the testicular capsule and seminiferous
      peritubular smooth muscle layer. Actin was singly and very weakly expressed in
      the rete testis epithelium while cytokeratins and desmin were co-expressed in the
      epithelium of the excurrent ducts. The periductal muscle layer of all ducts of
      the epididymis, the ductus deferens as well as the seminal glomus, strongly co
      expressed actin and desmin. Vimentin was absent in all cells and tissue types
      studied. There is clear evidence that the tissues of the male gonad and its
      excurrent ducts in the Masked Weaver, as has been reported for members of the
      Galloanserae and Ratitae, contain well-formed contractile tissues whose function
      would include the transportation of luminal through-flow from the testis into,
      and through, its excurrent ducts. The microtubule helix in the head and of the
      mid-piece, of elongating spermatids, as well as of the mature spermatozoa in the
      various excurrent ducts, including some spermatozoa in the seminal glomus, also
      co-expressed these three proteins.

PMID- 22079202
TI  - LHON/MELAS overlap mutation in ND1 subunit of mitochondrial complex I affects
      ubiquinone binding as revealed by modeling in Escherichia coli NDH-1.
AB  - Defects in complex I due to mutations in mitochondrial DNA are associated with
      clinical features ranging from single organ manifestation like Leber hereditary
      optic neuropathy (LHON) to multiorgan disorders like mitochondrial myopathy,
      encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome.
      Specific mutations cause overlap syndromes combining several phenotypes, but the
      mechanisms of their biochemical effects are largely unknown. The m.3376G>A
      transition leading to p.E24K substitution in ND1 with LHON/MELAS phenotype was
      modeled here in a homologous position (NuoH-E36K) in the Escherichia coli enzyme
      and it almost totally abolished complex I activity. The more conservative
      mutation NuoH-E36Q resulted in higher apparent K(m) for ubiquinone and diminished
      inhibitor sensitivity. A NuoH homolog of the m.3865A>G transition, which has been
      found concomitantly in the overlap syndrome patient with the m.3376G>A, had only
      a minor effect. Consequences of a primary LHON-mutation m.3460G>A affecting the
      same extramembrane loop as the m.3376G>A substitution were also studied in the E.
      coli model and were found to be mild. The results indicate that the overlap
      syndrome-associated m.3376G>A transition in MTND1 is the pathogenic mutation and
      m.3865A>G transition has minor, if any, effect on presentation of the disease.
      The kinetic effects of the NuoH-E36Q mutation suggest its proximity to the
      putative ubiquinone binding domain in 49kD/PSST subunits. In all, m.3376G>A
      perturbs ubiquinone binding, a phenomenon found in LHON, and decreases the
      activity of fully assembled complex I as in MELAS.

PMID- 22079204
TI  - Language in calculation: a core mechanism?
AB  - Although there is evidence that exact calculation recruits left hemisphere
      perisylvian language systems, recent work has shown that exact calculation can be
      retained despite severe damage to these networks. In this study, we sought to
      identify a "core" network for calculation and hence to determine the extent to
      which left hemisphere language areas are part of this network. We examined
      performance on addition and subtraction problems in two modalities: one using
      conventional two-digit problems that can be easily encoded into language; the
      other using novel shape representations. With regard to numerical problems, our
      results revealed increased left fronto-temporal activity in addition, and
      increased parietal activity in subtraction, potentially reflecting retrieval of
      linguistically encoded information during addition. The shape problems elicited
      activations of occipital, parietal and dorsal temporal regions, reflecting visual
      reasoning processes. A core activation common to both calculation types involved
      the superior parietal lobule bilaterally, right temporal sub-gyral area, and left
      lateralized activations in inferior parietal (BA 40), frontal (BA 6/8/32) and
      occipital (BA 18) regions. The large bilateral parietal activation could be
      attributed to visuo-spatial processing in calculation. The inferior parietal
      region, and particularly the left angular gyrus, was part of the core calculation
      network. However, given its activation in both shape and number tasks, its role
      is unlikely to reflect linguistic processing per se. A possibility is that it
      serves to integrate right hemisphere visuo-spatial and left hemisphere linguistic
      and executive processing in calculation.

PMID- 22079205
TI  - Puerarin prevents isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice by reduction
      of myocardial TGF-beta1 expression.
AB  - It has been reported that soy isoflavones could significantly increase peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma gene expressions, while the
      activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma may
      attenuate myocardial fibrosis. Puerarin is the main isoflavone isolated from the
      root of the wild leguminous creeper Pueraria lobata (Willd) Ohwi, so we thought
      that puerarin could inhibit myocardial fibrotic formation. A mouse myocardial
      fibrotic model was induced by hypodermic injection of isoprenaline when these
      mice were simultaneously treated with puerarin 600 and 1200 mg/kg by gavage for
      40 days, respectively. The results showed that puerarin could significantly
      improve myocardial fibrosis and decrease the collagen accumulation, collagen
      volume fraction, hydroxyproline content in myocardial tissue and cardiac weight
      index. The results from reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated
      that the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in
      myocardial tissue was decreased, while the mRNA expressions of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma were increased, in the puerarin
      groups as compared with the model group. Importantly, puerarin could
      significantly decrease the protein expressions of transforming growth factor
      beta1 and nuclear factor-kappaB in myocardial tissue. These results suggested
      that puerarin could prevent isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice, and
      its mechanisms might be related to reduction of transforming growth factor-beta1
      expression via activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      alpha/gamma and subsequent inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB in myocardial
      tissue.

PMID- 22079206
TI  - Molecular signature of kappa-carrageenan mimics chondroitin-4-sulfate and
      dermatan sulfate and enables interaction with arylsulfatase B.
AB  - The common food additive kappa-carrageenan (kappa-CGN) is a sulfated
      polysaccharide that resembles chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S) and dermatan sulfate
      (DS). All have a sulfate group on C4 of a glycoside (galactose for CGN and N
      acetylgalactosamine for C4S), and the sulfate-bearing glycoside is linked in a
      beta-1,4-configuration to an unsulfated, six-carbon sugar (galactose for CGN,
      glucuronate for C4S and iduronate for DS). The enzyme arylsulfatase B (ARSB; N
      acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfate) is the highly selective enzyme that removes the
      four-sulfate group from the nonreducing terminus of C4S and DS, thereby
      regulating subsequent degradation. In this report, kappa-CGN is shown to be a
      substrate for recombinant human ARSB (rhARSB). Sulfate was generated from both
      C4S and kappa-CGN following incubation with rhARSB. Exposure of human colonic
      epithelial cells to kappa-CGN, but not to C4S, produced reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and increased interleukin (IL)-8 secretion. The ROS production from kappa
      CGN was reduced by exposure to rhARSB, but increased by competition from C4S or
      DS, but not from chondroitin-6-sulfate. Prior treatment of either lambda- or iota
      CGN with rhARSB had no impact on ROS, IL-8 or inorganic sulfate production,
      demonstrating a specific effect of the molecular configuration of kappa-CGN. By
      mimicry of C4S and DS and by interaction with ARSB, kappa-CGN can directly
      interfere with the normal cellular functions of C4S, DS and ARSB. Since C4S and
      DS are present in high concentration in tissues, the impact of kappa-CGN exposure
      may be due to some extent to interference with the normal biological functions of
      ARSB, C4S and DS.

PMID- 22079207
TI  - Protein restriction during gestation alters histone modifications at the glucose
      transporter 4 (GLUT4) promoter region and induces GLUT4 expression in skeletal
      muscle of female rat offspring.
AB  - Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is an intrauterine factor that results in
      alteration of the offspring genome and associates with disease risk in the
      offspring. We investigated the impact of a maternal low-protein (LP) diet on the
      expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in offspring skeletal muscle. GLUT4
      is an insulin-regulated glucose transporter involved in insulin sensitivity and
      carbohydrate metabolism in muscle cells. We observed sex-dependent GLUT4 mRNA
      expression and increased GLUT4 protein content in female pup skeletal muscle with
      maternal LP. Analysis of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of increased
      skeletal muscle GLUT4 expression in offspring rats revealed the regulatory
      mechanisms involved. The protein level of myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A),
      which has been known as an activator of GLUT4 transcription via the ability to
      carry out specific binding to the GLUT4 MEF2 binding sequence, increased in
      female pups whose mothers were fed a LP diet. Modifications of chromatin
      structure, including acetylated histone H3, acetylated histone H4 and di
      methylated histone H3 at lysine 4, were detected at a significantly increased
      level at the GLUT4 promoter region in female pup muscle following a maternal LP
      diet. Glycogen content was also detected as up-regulated, accompanied by
      increased glycogen synthase in LP female offspring muscle. These results document
      that maternal protein restriction during pregnancy induces GLUT4 expression in
      female offspring skeletal muscle but not in males, which may indicate sex
      dependent adaptation of glucose metabolism to a maternal LP diet.

PMID- 22079209
TI  - Transferable cell-secreted extracellular matrices enhance osteogenic
      differentiation.
AB  - The coating of synthetic biomaterials with cell-derived decellularized
      extracellular matrices (DMs) represents a promising approach to confer
      bioactivity to otherwise inert materials and direct cell fate of host or
      transplanted cells. These coatings are typically deposited on biomaterials by
      culturing matrix-depositing cells for a sufficient duration on the target,
      followed by decellularization of the substrate. We hypothesized that DMs created
      in monolayer culture could be collected and then transferred to a secondary
      substrate while retaining their instructive potential. Transferred decellularized
      matrices (tDMs) were created by culturing human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on
      tissue culture plastic (TCP) under a controlled microenvironment to deposit a
      highly osteogenic DM, followed by collection, mechanical homogenization and
      transfer to a secondary culture surface. We then investigated its capacity to
      accelerate naive hMSC osteogenic differentiation by quantifying gene expression,
      intracellular alkaline phosphatase production, and calcium deposition when
      cultured on DMs or tDMs. All markers were significantly higher in hMSCs seeded on
      DMs or tDMs compared to cells on TCP. The osteogenic response of naive hMSCs to
      tDMs was dose dependent. We observed a reduction in ERK phosphorylation in hMSCs,
      as well as a possible role of the cell surface integrin alpha2beta1, when probing
      the mode of efficacy for tDMs. This study represents a proof-of-principle that
      cell-derived matrix coatings can be deposited and effectively transferred while
      retaining the ability to instruct cell phenotype, thus offering a novel approach
      toward the development of hybrid biomaterials that mimic the complex interactions
      between cells and the extracellular matrix.

PMID- 22079208
TI  - Accelerated skeletal muscle recovery after in vivo polyphenol administration.
AB  - Acute skeletal muscle damage results in fiber disruption, oxidative stress and
      inflammation. We investigated cell-specific contributions to the regeneration
      process after contusion-induced damage (rat gastrocnemius muscle) with or without
      chronic grape seed-derived proanthocyanidolic oligomer (PCO) administration. In
      this placebo-controlled study, male Wistar rats were subjected to PCO
      administration for 2 weeks, after which they were subjected to a standardised
      contusion injury. Supplementation was continued after injury. Immune and
      satellite cell responses were assessed, as well as oxygen radical absorption
      capacity and muscle regeneration. PCO administration resulted in a rapid
      satellite cell response with an earlier peak in activation (Pax7+, CD56+, at 4 h
      post-contusion) vs. placebo groups (PLA) (P<.001: CD56+ on Day 5 and Pax7+ on Day
      7). Specific immune-cell responses in PLA followed expected time courses
      (neutrophil elevation on Day 1; sustained macrophage elevation from Days 3 to 5).
      PCO dramatically decreased neutrophil elevation to nonsignificant, while
      macrophage responses were normal in extent, but significantly earlier (peak
      between Days 1 and 3) and completely resolved by Day 5. Anti-inflammatory
      cytokine, IL-10, increased significantly only in PCO (Day 3). Muscle fiber
      regeneration (MHC(f) content and central nuclei) started earlier and was complete
      by Day 14 in PCO, but not in PLA. Thus, responses by three crucial cell types
      involved in muscle recovery were affected by in vivo administration of a specific
      purified polyphenol in magnitude (neutrophil), time course (macrophages), or time
      course and activation state (satellite cell), explaining faster effective
      regeneration in the presence of proanthocyanidolic oligomers.

PMID- 22079210
TI  - Ensemble fits of restrained peptides' conformational equilibria to NMR data.
      Dependence on force fields: AMBER/8 ff03 versus ECEPP/3.
AB  - Two variants of NMR-based conformational analyses of flexible peptides are
      compared using two examples meeting the formula Tyr-D-Daa-Phe-Daa-NH2
      (Daa=diamino acid): 1 combining D-Dab2 (alpha,gamma-diaminobutyryl) with Lys4,
      and 2 -D-Dap2 (alpha,beta-diaminopropionyl) with Orn4. The omega-amino groups of
      D-Daa2 and Daa4 are coupled with C=O into the urea, restraining 1 and 2 with 16-
      and 14-membered rings and leading to potent and impotent MU/delta opioid
      peptides, respectively. To the current task, we took from an earlier work (Filip
      et al, J. Pept. Sci. 11 (2005) 347-352) the NMR NOE- and J-data in H2O/D2O; and
      the selection of the ensembles of 1 and 2, 822 and 788 conformational families,
      respectively, obtained by using the EDMC/ECEPP3 method. Here, we generated
      ensembles of 1 and 2 using AMBER molecular dynamics in explicit water to
      eventually selected 686 and 761 conformers for 1 and 2, respectively. We did
      numbers of fits for both types of the conformational ensembles of 1 and 2 to
      their NOE- and J-data using a common method i.e. maximum entropy approach (Groth
      et al, J. Biomol. NMR 15 (1999) 315-330). Both types of the well structurally
      diversified ensembles fit to quite different equilibria in regressions to common
      experimental NOE- and J-restraints using maximum entropy principle, which is a
      disappointing message. Intriguing is startlingly small standard deviation in J
      couplings: sigma(JNHalphaH) ~ 0.01 Hz for LES-MD/AMBER ensemble, contrary to
      sigma(JNHalphaH) = 0.8 - 1.1 Hz for the EDMC/ECEPP ensemble, over the wide range
      of entropy, i.e. relatively insensitive to it. A similar feature is not the case
      when comparing sigma(NOE) in both methods. Hence, at minute entropy
      contributions, it follows that J does or does not transpose "overfitted" into the
      final sigma(J) in the AMBER or ECEPP ensemble, respectively. Could this be an
      effect of softness of the AMBER flexible-valence force field compared to ECEPP
      rigid-geometry, and its effect on ensemble sampling? We do not know an answer.

PMID- 22079211
TI  - The importance of patient-centered care for various patient groups.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in the importance ascribed to patient-centered
      care between various patient groups and demographic groups. METHODS: Survey data
      collected using questionnaires were analyzed for patients that underwent hip or
      knee surgery (n=214), patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (n=343),
      spinal disk herniation (n=145), breast abnormalities (n=596) or congestive heart
      failure (n=118). A composite for patient-centered care priorities was constructed
      (alpha=0.82) and compared to the average importance over all healthcare aspects
      in the surveys. RESULTS: All patient groups considered patient-centered care to
      be of above-average importance (p's<0.001). Small but significant differences
      were observed: patient-centered care was more important for patients suffering
      from congestive heart failure (p<0.001) and patients who were younger, female,
      well-educated and healthier (p's<0.05). Patients who had undergone hip or knee
      surgery considered patient-centered care more important than patients with spinal
      disk herniation did (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patient-centered care is important to
      all patient groups. Differential policies regarding patient-centered care for
      patient subgroups do not seem required. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Given the
      importance attributed to patient-centered care, it is essential that elements of
      patient-centered care are included in surveys, indicators of quality of care, and
      the training of doctors and nurses.

PMID- 22079212
TI  - Random inducible controlled expression (RICE) for identification of mycobacterial
      virulence genes.
AB  - We have developed Random Inducible Controlled Expression (RICE), a high
      throughput genetic approach to identify regulated virulence pathways in
      pathogenic mycobacteria. RICE allows expression of bacterial genes under
      conditions where they are normally off, e.g. under laboratory growth conditions,
      via the use of an inducible or constitutive promoter as well as gene dosage
      effects due to the presence of the gene on a plasmid. Mycobacterial genomic DNA
      can be digested to yield random fragments for cloning into a suicide expression
      vector downstream of a mycobacterial promoter or with their own promoter on a
      replicating plasmid increasing expression by gene dosage effects. The plasmid DNA
      is normally amplified in Escherichia coli and delivered into mycobacteria to
      select for recombinants or plasmid transformants. The resulting library is then
      directly screened for enhanced host cell interactions in functional assays that
      evaluate the efficiency of adherence, entry and replication inside host cells.
      This approach has resulted in identification of several virulence factors from
      pathogenic mycobacteria. Our analysis of one such locus identified by RICE, the
      mycobacterial enhanced entry locus (mel2), found that the genes present
      facilitate bacterial persistence inside the host by protecting the pathogen
      against oxidative damage. Thus, we have developed a genetic strategy that offers
      several advantages: (i) it allows identification of bacterial genetic elements
      that have a direct role during host-pathogen interactions (ii) it can be used to
      identify virulence factors in a broad range of pathogens and (iii) it can reveal
      genes that are only induced at specific stages of infection.

PMID- 22079213
TI  - Pleiotropic cellular, hemostatic, and biological actions of Ankaferd hemostat.
AB  - Sustaining hemostasis in clinical hemorrhages is a challenging task and requires
      extensive effort to stabilize medically hard-to-treat traumatic injuries. Several
      hemostatic agents are preferred to control external and internal bleedings, yet
      commercially available products are not sufficiently effective or fast-acting to
      achieve hemostasis in extreme cases. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a herbal
      extract traditionally used as a hemostatic agent. Recent studies have shown that
      ABS could be utilized successfully as a hemostatic agent for the management of
      clinical hemorrhages when conventional methods were ineffective. This review
      serves as a basis to provide recent findings on several applications of ABS,
      specifically preclinical, biological, and clinical studies both in vitro and in
      vivo. Another section focuses on the ultrastructural morphology and protein
      network formation of ABS in an effort to understand the hemostatic mechanisms of
      this unique agent at tissue level.

PMID- 22079214
TI  - Assessing the latent structure of the intolerance of uncertainty construct: an
      initial taxometric analysis.
AB  - Researchers have increasingly suggested that people with anxiety disorders share
      a common fear that the uncertain future will be catastrophic. Intolerance of
      uncertainty (IU) - the tendency to consider possible negative events as
      unacceptable and threatening, irrespective of probabilities - is representative
      of such fears. A key role has been indicated for IU in several anxiety and mood
      disorders; however, the present study appears to be the first latent structure
      examination of IU. Responses were obtained from a large sample (n=977; 65% women)
      unselected with regard to IU level, comprising anxiety disorder outpatients
      (i.e., putative taxon members), and community residents (i.e., putative
      complement class members). MAXEIG, MAMBAC, and L-Mode were performed with
      indicator sets drawn from the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12. Assessments
      also included objective Comparison Curve Fit Indices. Results yielded converging
      evidence that IU symptoms have a dimensional latent structure. Comprehensive
      findings, implications, and future research directions are discussed.

PMID- 22079215
TI  - Changes in risk-taking over the course of an internet-delivered cognitive
      behavioral therapy treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
AB  - It has been proposed that a persistent and pervasive tendency to avoid risks is
      involved in the development and maintenance of clinically significant anxiety.
      Few studies, however, have examined the clinical implications of risk-aversion,
      and particularly the association between risk-aversion and treatment outcome. The
      current study investigated how risk-aversion in specific domains (Social and
      Recreational) related to treatment outcome in a clinical sample of patients with
      generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) undergoing internet-delivered cognitive
      behavioral therapy (CBT). We hypothesized that: (i) risk-taking would increase as
      a result of treatment and (ii) risk-taking would mediate changes in symptom
      severity and impairment as a result of treatment. Individuals recruited online
      (N=44) meeting diagnostic criteria for GAD were randomized to the treatment
      (n=24) or control group (n=20). Participants completed measures of symptom
      severity, impairment and risk-taking before and after treatment. Results
      partially confirmed our hypotheses, demonstrating that participants in the
      treatment group significantly increased social and recreational risk-taking
      scores relative to the control group and risk-taking mediated treatment outcome
      for depression, but not for anxiety symptoms. The results of this study suggest
      that social and recreational risk-avoidance decreases following CBT treatment,
      and this change may mediate treatment outcome for depression. Clinical
      implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 22079217
TI  - The germfree murine animal: an important animal model for research on the
      relationship between gut microbiota and the host.
AB  - Scientific findings in recent decades have demonstrated that the commensal
      intestinal microbiota has profound effects on the physiology and diseases of the
      host. It is estimated that the human microbiota is composed of 10(14) bacterial
      cells, a number 10 times greater than the total number of human cells. The
      variety and the complex interactions of the intestinal microbiota are associated
      with physiological details that remain largely unknown. Germfree hosts,
      especially murine (rat or mouse) animals that have been maintained free from
      demonstrable microbial associates such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
      throughout life, have become a powerful tool for exploring the interplay between
      the host and microorganisms inhabiting the human intestine. This review and
      survey of recent findings will argue that the germfree mouse model can produce
      its greatest potential benefits in the study of the metabolism and immunity of
      the host.

PMID- 22079216
TI  - Diversity and zoonotic potential of rotaviruses in swine and cattle across
      Europe.
AB  - Group A rotaviruses can infect both humans and animals. Individual rotavirus
      strains can occasionally cross species barriers and might hereby contribute to
      the emergence of new genotypes in heterologous hosts. The incidence and impact of
      zoonotic rotavirus are not well defined, and one reason for this is a lack of
      data about strains circulating in suspected reservoir animal hosts. In this study
      we report the incidence, genetic diversity, and molecular epidemiology of
      rotaviruses detected in domestic cattle and swine in 6 European countries. From
      2003 to 2007, 1101 and more than 2000 faecal specimens were collected from swine
      and cattle, both healthy and diarrhoeic, and tested for rotaviruses. Viruses from
      positive stools were genotyped and a subset of strains was characterized by
      nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) genes.
      Rotaviruses were detected in 43% of bovine samples and in 14% of porcine samples.
      In cattle, 10 different combinations of G and P types were identified and the
      most common strains were G6P[11] and G6P[5]. In swine, the number of identified G
      P combinations was higher (n=21), however, no single combination was predominant
      across Europe. Newly described genotype specificities, P[27] and P[32], were
      identified in swine. When compared at the nucleotide sequence level, the
      identified porcine rotavirus strains and contemporary human strains grouped
      together phylogenetically, whereas bovine rotavirus strains formed separate
      clades. These data demonstrate large genetic diversity of porcine and bovine
      rotavirus strains across Europe, and suggest that livestock herds may serve as
      potential reservoirs for human infections.

PMID- 22079218
TI  - Detection of avian rotaviruses of groups A, D, F and G in diseased chickens and
      turkeys from Europe and Bangladesh.
AB  - Avian rotaviruses (AvRVs) represent a diverse group of intestinal viruses, which
      are suspected as the cause of several diseases in poultry with symptoms of
      diarrhoea, growth retardation or runting and stunting syndrome (RSS). To assess
      the distribution of AvRVs in chickens and turkeys, we have developed specific PCR
      protocols. These protocols were applied in two field studies investigating faecal
      samples or intestinal contents of diseased birds derived from several European
      countries and Bangladesh. In the first study, samples of 166 chickens and 33
      turkeys collected between 2005 and 2008 were tested by PAGE and conventional RT
      PCR and AvRVs were detected in 46.2%. In detail, 16.1% and 39.2% were positive
      for AvRVs of groups A or D, respectively. 11.1% of the samples contained both of
      them and only four samples (2.0%) contained rotaviruses showing a PAGE pattern
      typical for groups F and G. In the second study, samples from 375 chickens and 18
      turkeys collected between 2009 and 2010 were analyzed using a more sensitive
      group A-specific and a new group D-specific real-time RT-PCR. In this survey,
      85.0% were AvRV-positive, 58.8% for group A AvRVs, 65.9% for group D AvRVs and
      38.9% for both of them. Although geographical differences exist, the results
      generally indicate a very high prevalence of group A and D rotaviruses in chicken
      and turkey flocks with cases of diarrhoea, growth retardation or RSS. The newly
      developed diagnostic tools will help to investigate the epidemiology and clinical
      significance of AvRV infections in poultry.

PMID- 22079219
TI  - Isolated exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis of brachialis and brachioradialis
      muscles: an atypical clinical case.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND PATIENT: To report an atypical case of exercise-induced bilateral
      brachialis and brachioradialis rhabdomyolysis in a 25-year-old woman. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSION: Persistent focal muscle pain, atypical by its duration and
      intensity, even after moderate exercise, should prompt the search for
      rhabdomyolysis and discuss the possibility of acute compartment syndrome. MRI
      images can validate the muscle edema. Progressive and adapted training as well as
      respecting individual limits are necessary measures to prevent rhabdomyolysis.

PMID- 22079220
TI  - Pc16a, the first characterized peptide from Conus pictus venom, shows a novel
      disulfide connectivity.
AB  - A novel conotoxin, pc16a, was isolated from the venom of Conus pictus. This is
      the first peptide characterized from this South-African cone snail and it has
      only 11 amino acid residues, SCSCKRNFLCC*, with the rare cysteine framework XVI
      and a monoisotopic mass of 1257.6Da. Two peptides were synthesized with two
      possible conformations: globular (pc16a_1) and ribbon (pc16a_2). pc16a_1 co
      eluted with the native peptide, which indicates a disulfide connectivity I-III,
      II-IV. The structure of pc16a_1 was determined by NMR. Both synthetic peptides
      were used to elucidate the biological activity. Bioassays were performed on
      crickets, ghost shrimps, larvae of the mealworm beetle and mice, but no effect
      was seen. Using two-electrode voltage clamp, a range of voltage-gated ion
      channels (Na(v) and K(v)) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were screened,
      but again no activity was found. Hence, the specific target of pc16a still
      remains to be discovered.

PMID- 22079221
TI  - The cardioprotective effect of different doses of vasopressin (AVP) against
      ischemia-reperfusion injuries in the anesthetized rat heart.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of various
      doses of exogenous vasopressin (AVP) against ischemia-reperfusion injury in
      anesthetized rat heart. Anesthetized rats were randomly divided into seven groups
      (n=4-13) and all of them subjected to prolonged 30 min regional ischemia and 120
      min reperfusion. Group I served as saline control with ischemia, in treatment
      groups II, III, IV and V, respectively different doses of AVP (0.015, 0.03, 0.06
      and 1.2 MUg/rat) were infused within 10 min prior to ischemia, in group VI, an
      AVP-selective V1 receptor antagonist (SR49059, 1mg/kg, i.v.) was administrated
      prior to effective dose of AVP injection and in group VII, SR49059 (1 mg/kg,
      i.v.) was only administrated prior to ischemia. Various doses of AVP
      significantly prevented the decrease in heart rate (HR) at the end of reperfusion
      compared to their baseline and decreased infarct size, biochemical parameters
      [LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) and MDA
      (malondialdehyde) plasma levels], severity and incidence of ventricular
      arrhythmia, episodes and duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT) as compared to
      control group. Blockade of V1 receptors by SR49059 attenuated the
      cardioprotective effect of AVP on ventricular arrhythmias and biochemical
      parameters, but partially returned infarct size to control. AVP 0.03 MUg/rat was
      known as effective dose. Our results showed that AVP owns a cardioprotective
      effect probably via V1 receptors on cardiac myocyte against ischemia/reperfusion
      injury in rat heart in vivo.

PMID- 22079222
TI  - Investigation of the potential involvement of eicosanoid metabolites in anti
      diuretic hormone signaling in Rhodnius prolixus.
AB  - The use of naturally occurring plant-derived compounds for controlling insect
      pests remains an attractive alternative to potentially dangerous synthetic
      chemical compounds. One prospective plant-based compound, isoforms of the so
      called jack bean urease (JBU) from the jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis, as well a
      derived peptide, Jaburetox-2Ec, have insecticidal effects on an array of insect
      species. In the Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus, some of the
      physiological effects attributed to these urease isoforms include inhibition of
      serotonin (5-HT)-stimulated fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules (MTs).
      Here, we investigated whether the effects of these exogenous urease isoforms were
      targeting the neuroendocrine network involved in the anti-diuretic hormone
      (RhoprCAPA-2) signaling cascade. We show that pharmacological agents known to
      interfere with eicosanoid metabolite biosynthesis do not affect RhoprCAPA-2
      inhibition of 5-HT-stimulated fluid secretion by MTs. In addition, we demonstrate
      that RhoprCAPA-2 inhibition of MTs is independent of extracellular or
      intracellular calcium. Using a heterologous system for analysis of receptor
      activation, we show that neither JBU nor Jaburetox-2Ec are agonists of the anti
      diuretic hormone receptor, RhoprCAPAr1. Finally, activation of the receptor using
      sub-maximal doses of the natural ligand, RhoprCAPA-2, was not influenced by the
      presence of either JBU or Jaburetox-2Ec indicating that the urease isoforms do
      not compete with RhoprCAPA-2 for binding and activation of RhoprCAPAr1. Taken
      together, these results suggest that at least two distinct mechanisms leading to
      inhibition of fluid secretion by MTs exist in R. prolixus and, unlike the urease
      related effects, the eicosanoid metabolite pathway is not involved in RhoprCAPA-2
      mediated anti-diuresis.

PMID- 22079223
TI  - Estradiol-activated estrogen receptor alpha does not regulate mature microRNAs in
      T47D breast cancer cells.
AB  - Breast cancers are sensitive to hormones such as estrogen, which binds to and
      activates estrogen receptors (ER) leading to significant changes in gene
      expression. microRNAs (miRNA) have emerged as a major player in gene regulation,
      thus identification of miRNAs associated with normal or disrupted estrogen
      signaling is critical to enhancing our understanding of the diagnosis and
      prognosis of breast cancer. We have previously shown that 17beta-estradiol (E2)
      induced activation of ERalpha in T47D cells results in significant changes in the
      expression of protein-coding genes involved in cell cycle, proliferation, and
      apoptosis. To identify miRNAs regulated by E2-activated ERalpha, we analysed
      their expression in T47D cells following E2-activation using both dual-color
      microarrays and TaqMan Low Density Arrays, and validations were carried out by
      real-time PCR. Although estrogen treatment results in altered expression of up to
      900 protein-coding transcripts, no significant changes in mature miRNA expression
      levels could be confirmed. Whereas previous studies aiming to elucidate the role
      of miRNA in ER-positive breast cancers cell lines have yielded conflicting
      results, the work presented here represents a thorough investigation of and
      significant step forward in our understanding of ERalpha mediated miRNA
      regulation.

PMID- 22079224
TI  - [Visceral leishmaniasis in two patients treated with methotrexate for rheumatoid
      arthritis].

PMID- 22079225
TI  - [Serological profile of immigrant pregnant women against HIV, HBV, HCV, rubella,
      Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum, and Trypanosoma cruzi].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The increase in immigration is changing the prevalence of mother to
      child infectious diseases. Our aim is to determine the serological profile of
      foreign pregnant women against these infections. METHODS: A retrospective cross
      sectional study was performed in a tertiary hospital from Madrid between August
      2007 and October 2008. The seroprevalence against HIV, HBV, HCV, rubeola, T.
      gondii, T. pallidum and T. cruzi was determined in every pregnant immigrant, as
      well as in a representative group of Spanish pregnant women. RESULTS: A total of
      2526 immigrant and 157 Spanish pregnant women were studied. None of the Spanish
      and 0.5% of the foreigners showed antibodies against HIV; 18.9% of them were Sub
      Saharan women. Antigen HBs was detected in 2% of the immigrant women and in 1.1%
      of the Spanish women. Asian women had the highest rate of type B Hepatitis
      (10.9%). There was 0.9% of type C Hepatitis among the immigrants and 1% among the
      Spanish. Within the cases with RPR >= 1/8, 1.6% were immigrants, most of whom
      were Latin American. Thirty-one per cent of the immigrants showed antibodies
      against T. gondii (37.5% from Central America, 2.5% from the Far East). More than
      95% of the Spanish women had antibodies against Rubella, this being lower in the
      rest of the areas (75.5% in Sub-Saharan Africa). T. cruzi infection was detected
      in 12.1% of the Bolivian women studied. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mother-to
      child transmitted infections depends on the origin of pregnant women. Knowledge
      of these differences may lead to improved control these diseases.

PMID- 22079226
TI  - [Severe pneumonia in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].

PMID- 22079227
TI  - [Taxonomy and biology of fungi causing human infection].
AB  - The advent of molecular techniques, mainly DNA sequencing, has led to important
      changes in the taxonomy of pathogenic fungi and a better understanding of the
      phylogenetic relationships among them. The number of fungal species potentially
      pathogenic for humans has increased dramatically. Most of them are cryptic
      species belonging to complex species that have replaced traditional single
      morphospecies. This has occurred in several genera of mucorales and particularly
      in different ascomycetous genera, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Sporothrix and
      Scedosporium, among others. The correct identification of these species is
      crucial for a better management of patients, since on many occasions those
      species show different virulence and different antifungal responses. This review
      summarises some of the most striking recent taxonomic changes produced in
      pathogenic fungi.

PMID- 22079228
TI  - [Relapses of leishmaniasis in an HIV infected patient: a therapeutic challenge].

PMID- 22079229
TI  - [Memories of AIDS: lost opportunities].

PMID- 22079230
TI  - [Does the cost of the drugs influence the choice of antiretroviral treatment
      regimens?].

PMID- 22079231
TI  - [Skin lesions and fever in an VIH-infected patient].

PMID- 22079232
TI  - [General epidemiology of invasive fungal disease].
AB  - Invasive mycoses associated with high morbidity and mortality rates are
      increasing among immunocompromised or severely ill patients. Candida,
      Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis and Aspergillus are most prevalent agents with varying
      distribution as regards geography, patient condition and hospital units. The
      latest multicentre candidaemia survey conducted in Spain, showed C. albicans as
      the most frequently isolated species followed by C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C.
      tropicalis and C. krusei in contrast with other European or American studies
      where C. glabrata was second in rank. Aspergillus spp. is the leading agent
      causing invasive mycoses among filamentous fungi followed by Fusarium spp.,
      Scedosporium spp. and zygomycetes. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common agent
      in invasive aspergillosis (and azole-resistant isolates have been reported) but
      in the last few years Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus
      terreus have been isolated with increasing frequency variable with geographical
      factors, patients' underlying conditions or previous antifungal treatments.

PMID- 22079233
TI  - Somatic mtDNA mutations in lung tissues of pesticide-exposed fruit growers.
AB  - Some pesticides have been considered potential chemical mutagens and their
      widespread use involves the assessment of their potentially hazardous effects.
      The mitochondrial genome is especially prone to DNA damage and thus can serve as
      a biomarker to monitor the genotoxicity of pesticides to human DNA. We performed
      a screening for somatic mutations in lung tissues from pesticide-exposed fruit
      growers, by direct comparing the entire mtDNA sequences of the lung tissue and
      the matched peripheral blood from the same individual. A phylogenetic approach
      and a high standard procedure were utilized to avoid potential errors in data
      generation and analysis. We observed a significantly increased frequency of mtDNA
      somatic mutations in lung tissues which had been exposed to pesticides multiple
      times by inhalation, and the potential biological significance of these mutations
      was further discussed. The samples represented in this observational study, which
      has multiple exposures to pesticides, experience a significant greater incidence
      of mtDNA mutations, suggesting that multiple exposures to pesticides could damage
      human mtDNA and cause somatic mutations.

PMID- 22079234
TI  - Mechanisms in cancer-chemotherapeutic drugs-induced peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - Anti-cancer drugs such as vincristine, paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, cisplatin and
      bortezomib are well reported to exert direct and indirect effects on sensory
      nerves to alter the amplitude of action potential, conduction velocity and induce
      pain. It results in patient suffering and also limits the treatment with
      potentially useful anticancer drugs. The different scientists have worked in this
      area to explore the mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis. Anti-cancer
      agents activate plasma membrane localized ion channels on dorsal root ganglia and
      dorsal horn neurons including sodium, calcium, potassium, glutamate activated
      NMDA receptors to alter cytosolic ionic mileu particularly intracellular calcium
      that trigger secondary changes to induce neuropathic pain. These may include
      opening of mPTP pore on mitochondria to induce intracellular calcium release;
      activation of protein kinase C; phosphorylation of TRPV; activation of
      calpases/calpains; generation of nitric oxide and free radicals to induce
      cytotoxicity to axons and neuronal cell bodies. Furthermore, the inflammatory
      process initiated in glial cells and macrophages also trigger changes in the
      sensory neurons to alter nociceptive processing. The present review elaborates
      the role of all these individual targets in the pathogenesis of anticancer agents
      induced neuropathic pain to develop effective therapeutic modalities for pain
      management.

PMID- 22079235
TI  - Gene expression and epigenetic changes by furan in rat liver.
AB  - Furan, a widely used industrial compound, has been found in a number of heated
      food items. Furan is carcinogenic to rats and mice, but the mechanism behind its
      carcinogenic effect is still not well understood. In this study, we tested the
      hypothesis that alteration of gene expression relating to cell cycle, apoptosis,
      DNA damage and of epigenetic modifications including miRNA and DNA methylation
      may contribute to rodent carcinogenicity of furan. Using quantitative PCR arrays
      specific to cell cycle-, apoptosis- and DNA damage-related genes, we found that
      three months furan treatment at 30 mg/kg (5 daily doses per week) induced
      extensive mRNA expression changes (largely up-regulation) in male Sprague Dawley
      rat liver, and the gene expression changes did not fully recover after a one
      month withdrawal of furan. We also found 18 miRNAs were up-regulated and 12 were
      down-regulated by PCR arrays. Many of these deregulated miRNAs were also found to
      have similar changes in furan-induced tumour samples. Both hyper- and hypo
      methylation of specific gene promoter regions were identified and validated in
      the 3-month samples and tumour samples by microarray and COBRA (combined
      bisulfite restriction analysis). No global DNA methylation change was found in
      the 3 month treatment groups by LC-MS/MS, while furan-induced tumour samples
      showed global hypomethylation compared to non-tumour tissues. In conclusion,
      three months furan treatment at a carcinogenic dose resulted in irreversible gene
      expression changes, miRNA modulation and DNA methylation alteration in
      combination with a DNA-damage response, which suggests that non-genotoxic
      mechanisms are important for furan carcinogenicity.

PMID- 22079236
TI  - Emerging dysfunctions consequent to combined monoaminergic depletions in
      Parkinsonism.
AB  - The loss of dopamine (DA) neurons has been the pathophysiological focus of the
      devastating conditions of Parkinson's disease, but depletion of DA alone in
      animal models has failed to simultaneously elicit both the motor and non-motor
      deficits of PD. The present study aimed to investigate, in rats, the respective
      role of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) depletions on
      motor and non-motor behaviors and on subthalamic (STN) neuronal activity. We show
      that NA or DA depletion significantly decreased locomotor activity and enhanced
      the proportion of bursty and irregular STN neurons. Anxiety-like states required
      DA depletion plus the depletion of 5-HT or NA. Anhedonia and "depressive-like"
      behavior emerged only from the combined depletion of all three monoamines, an
      effect paralleled by an increase in the firing rate and the proportion of bursty
      and irregular STN neurons. Here, we provide evidence for the exacerbation of
      behavioral deficits when NA and/or 5-HT depletions are combined with DA
      depletion, bringing new insight into the combined roles of the three monoamines
      in PD.

PMID- 22079238
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genomes of Diplogonoporus balaenopterae and Diplogonoporus
      grandis (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) and clarification of their taxonomic
      relationships.
AB  - Although the diplogonadic human tapeworm, Diplogonoporus grandis, has long been
      considered to be a synonym of the whale tapeworm, Diplogonoporus balaenopterae,
      the identity of the both species at the complete mitochondrial genomes and
      nuclear DNA levels has been not sufficiently undertaken to date. In the present
      study, to clarify the taxonomic relationships between D. balaenopterae and D.
      grandis at the molecular level, the complete mitochondrial genomes of both
      species were sequenced and compared. In addition, the genetic variation in the
      mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) and the nuclear internal
      transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region of the ribosomal RNA gene were examined. The
      complete mitochondrial genomes of D. balaenopterae and D. grandis consisted of
      13,724 bp and 13,725 bp, respectively. These mitochondrial genomes contained 12
      protein-coding, 22 transfer RNA and 2 ribosomal RNA genes and two longer non
      coding regions. Except for Hymenolepis diminuta, the genomic organization in both
      species was essentially identical to that in other cestode genomes examined to
      date. However, differences were observed between Diplogonoporus and
      Diphyllobothrium species in abbreviated stop codons, sequences and the number of
      repeat units in the 2nd non-coding regions. The genetic differences observed in
      the mitochondrial genomes, cox1 and ITS-1 regions of both species were considered
      typical of intraspecific variation. In conclusion, D. balaenopterae is a
      taxonomically valid species and D. grandis is a junior synonym of D.
      balaenopterae based on the zoological nomenclature. Further, molecular
      phylogenetic analysis confirmed that D. balaenopterae is more closely related to
      Diphyllobothrium stemmacephalum, the type-species of the genus Diphyllobothrium,
      and the taxonomical validity of the genera Diplogonoporus and Diphyllobothrium
      was also discussed.

PMID- 22079239
TI  - Central auditory nervous system dysfunction in infants with non-syndromic cleft
      lip and/or palate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Peripheral hearing loss has been commonly reported in children with
      non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCLP) but few studies have provided
      information about central auditory nervous system (CANS) functioning for this
      group. The main objective of this study was to explore CANS functioning in
      infants with NSCLP through analysis of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs).
      METHODS: AEPs including auditory brainstem response (ABR), middle latency
      response (MLR), and mismatch negativity (MMN) recordings were conducted in 34
      infants of Chinese ethnicity with NSCLP and an equivalent number of normal
      controls. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in ABR (all measurements,
      including wave I, III, V latencies, I-V inter-wave latency, and wave V
      amplitude), or MLR (recordable components, Na, Pa latencies, and Na-Pa amplitude)
      findings between the two groups. However, infants with NSCLP had a significantly
      smaller MMN response than their normal controls, using MMN strength as the
      measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Significant abnormal auditory evoked potential findings
      at the cortical level suggest that infants with NSCLP may be at risk of central
      auditory discrimination dysfunction. Further effort is needed to determine
      auditory processing abilities in infants with NSCLP.

PMID- 22079237
TI  - Microarray analysis of CA1 pyramidal neurons in a mouse model of tauopathy
      reveals progressive synaptic dysfunction.
AB  - The hTau mouse model of tauopathy was utilized to assess gene expression changes
      in vulnerable hippocampal CA1 neurons. CA1 pyramidal neurons were microaspirated
      via laser capture microdissection followed by RNA amplification in combination
      with custom-designed microarray analysis and qPCR validation in hTau mice and
      nontransgenic (ntg) littermates aged 11-14months. Statistical analysis revealed
      ~8% of all the genes on the array platform were dysregulated, with notable
      downregulation of several synaptic-related markers including synaptophysin (Syp),
      synaptojanin, and synaptobrevin, among others. Downregulation was also observed
      for select glutamate receptors (GluRs), Psd-95, TrkB, and several protein
      phosphatase subunits. In contrast, upregulation of tau isoforms and a calpain
      subunit were found. Microarray assessment of synaptic-related markers in a
      separate cohort of hTau mice at 7-8months of age indicated only a few alterations
      compared to the 11-14month cohort, suggesting progressive synaptic dysfunction
      occurs as tau accumulates in CA1 pyramidal neurons. An assessment of SYP and PSD
      95 expression was performed in the hippocampal CA1 sector of hTau and ntg mice
      via confocal laser scanning microscopy along with hippocampal immunoblot analysis
      for protein-based validation of selected microarray observations. Results
      indicate significant decreases in SYP-immunoreactive and PSD-95-immunoreactive
      puncta as well as downregulation of SYP-immunoreactive and PSD-95-immunoreactive
      band intensity in hTau mice compared to age-matched ntg littermates. In summary,
      the high prevalence of downregulation of synaptic-related genes indicates that
      the moderately aged hTau mouse may be a model of tau-induced synaptodegeneration,
      and has profound effects on how we perceive progressive tau pathology affecting
      synaptic transmission in AD.

PMID- 22079240
TI  - Internet skill-related problems in accessing online health information.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite the amount of health information available online, there are
      several barriers that limit the Internet from being adopted as a source of health
      information. The purpose of this study was to identify individual skill-related
      problems that users experience when accessing the Internet for health information
      and services. METHODS: Between November 2009 and February 2010, 88 subjects
      participated in a performance test in which participants had to complete health
      related assignments on the Internet. Subjects were randomly selected from a
      telephone book. A selective quota sample was used and was divided over equal
      subsamples of gender, age, and education. Each subject was required to complete
      nine assignments on the Internet. RESULTS: The general population experiences
      many Internet skill-related problems, especially those related to information and
      strategic Internet skills. Aging and lower levels of education seemed to
      contribute to the amount of operational and formal skill-related problems
      experienced. Saving files, bookmarking websites, and using search engines were
      troublesome for these groups of people. With respect to information skills, the
      higher the level of educational attainment, the less problems the participants
      experienced. Although younger subjects experienced far less operational and
      formal skill-related problems, it was revealed that older subjects were less
      likely to select and use irrelevant search results and unreliable sources.
      Concerning the strategic Internet skills it was revealed that older subjects were
      less likely to make inappropriate decisions based on information gathered.
      CONCLUSIONS: The amount of online health-related information and services is
      consistently growing; however, it appears that the general population experiences
      many skill-related problems, particularly those related to information and
      strategic Internet skills, and they become very important when it comes to
      health. These skills are also problematic for younger generations who are often
      seen as skilled Internet users. The results of the study call for policies that
      account for low levels of Internet skills.

PMID- 22079241
TI  - Chronic conditions (such as heart disease and stroke).

PMID- 22079242
TI  - Development and evaluation of data entry templates based on the entity-attribute
      value model for clinical decision support of pressure ulcer wound management.
AB  - PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the functionality
      of structured data entry templates using the entity-attribute-value (EAV) model
      for clinical decision support of pressure ulcer wound management. METHODS: A data
      set for wound assessment of pressure ulcers that has commonly been recommended by
      clinical practice guidelines was identified, and then the EAV models on each data
      were developed. Structured data entry templates and a database were developed
      based on these EAV models. These were integrated with a knowledge engine into the
      clinical decision support system (CDSS) to provide patient-specific
      recommendations on pressure ulcer wound management. The functionality of the EAV
      model and structured data entry templates for the CDSS was evaluated
      heuristically by five nurse experts using clinical scenarios. RESULTS: The data
      set containing 13 entities was identified and EAV models of these entities were
      created. Cardinalities and data types of attributes were defined to represent the
      models in more detail. Terms used in the EAV models were mapped to SNOMED CT
      concepts. Six data entry templates and the relational database with ten tables
      were developed. Five nurses successfully entered all data in the scenarios except
      one data element and retrieved expected recommendations successfully from the
      clinical decision support system when all data were entered correctly.
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical data models and structured data entry templates
      developed in this study were useful in supporting clinical decision making on
      pressure ulcer wound management.

PMID- 22079243
TI  - Regulation of human CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 promoters by transposable elements and
      conserved cis elements.
AB  - CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 responsible for the final steps of cortisol and aldosterone
      synthesis, respectively, are believed to be duplicate genes with distinctive
      promoters. Our sequence analysis uncovers that these two genes share great
      homology in the proximal upstream regions, but insertion of Alu and L1 elements
      drives promoters divergent. Each CYP11B promoter contains two Alu elements
      embedded in a truncated L1 element, breaking L1 into three disconnected
      fragments. Alu functions as an enhancer in both genes regardless of orientation
      and copy number. Insertion of Alu upstream of a SV40 promoter also elevates
      promoter activity. However, the effect of Alu on CYP11B1 is blocked by a second
      L1 element (CYP11B1-L1.2) inserted between the first one and the conserved
      proximal upstream region. Although CYP11B1-L1.2 is 5'-truncated and lacks a
      functional ORF, replacing it with a fluorescent gene demonstrates that the
      element can be transcribed from the CYP11B1 core promoter in an opposite
      direction and a smaller magnitude compared to CYP11B1. Deletion of CYP11B1-L1.2
      greatly increases CYP11B1 promoter activity and restores the enhancing effect of
      Alu. The Ad5 and SF-1 binding elements conserved in the proximal core promoter
      play a role in basal expression of both genes. Mutation of the Ad5 site reduces
      promoter activity to the minimal level. ERRalpha is the transcription factor
      interacting with Ad5 during basal expression. The core promoters of both genes
      are also conserved in mouse and rat despite the fact that the sites corresponding
      to cre, Ad5, and SF-1 in rodent Cyp11b1 promoters deviate from consensus.

PMID- 22079244
TI  - Recent and potential developments of biofluid analyses in metabolomics.
AB  - Metabolomics, one of the 'omic' sciences in systems biology, is the global
      assessment and validation of endogenous small-molecule metabolites within a
      biologic system. Analysis of these key metabolites in body fluids has become an
      important role to monitor the state of biological organisms and is a widely used
      diagnostic tool for disease. A majority of these metabolites are being applied to
      metabolic profiling of the biological samples, for example, plasma and whole
      blood, serum, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, semen, and
      tissue homogenates. However, the recognition of the need for a holistic approach
      to metabolism led to the application of metabolomics to biological fluids for
      disease diagnostics. A recent surge in metabolomic applications which are
      probably more accurate than routine clinical practice, dedicated to
      characterizing the biological fluids. While developments in the analysis of
      biofluid samples encompassing an important impediment, it must be emphasized that
      these biofluids are complementary. Metabolomics provides potential advantages
      that classical diagnostic approaches do not, based on following discovery of a
      suite of clinically relevant biomarkers that are simultaneously affected by the
      disease. Emerging as a promising biofocus, metabolomics will drive biofluid
      analyses and offer great benefits for public health in the long-term.

PMID- 22079245
TI  - Proteomic analysis of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to cyclosporine A.
AB  - Cyclosporine A, a potent immunosuppressive agent extensively used to prevent
      allograft rejections, is under scrutiny due to severe toxic effects. CsA therapy
      is often continued during pregnancy in conditions such as organ transplantations
      and autoimmune diseases. Herein, we investigated the effects of CsA on early
      morphogenesis of zebrafish and identified a spectrum of proteins whose expression
      was altered in the drug treated embryos. Time-lapse fluorescence imaging of germ
      line double transgenic zebrafish embryos treated with CsA revealed severe blood
      regurgitation in heart chambers, absence of blood circulation in vessels,
      pericardial and yolk sac edema. We also observed lack of mature blood vessels and
      down-regulation of endothelial markers in CsA treated embryos. Proteomic analysis
      using 2D-DIGE followed by mass-spectrometry led to the identification of 37
      proteins whose expression was significantly modulated in presence of the drug.
      These proteins were mostly associated with cytoskeletal/structural assembly,
      lipid-binding, stress response and metabolism. Furthermore, mRNA expression
      analysis of eight proteins and Western blotting of actin revealed consistency
      between the changes observed in protein expression and its corresponding mRNA
      levels. Our findings demonstrate that CsA administration during early
      morphogenesis in zebrafish modulates the expression of some proteins which are
      known to be involved in important physiological processes.

PMID- 22079246
TI  - Analytical constraints for the analysis of human cell line secretomes by shotgun
      proteomics.
AB  - Human cell line secretome represents a valuable source of therapeutic targets and
      candidate biomarkers. Secreted proteins found in biological fluids or culture
      media are by essence highly diluted. Secretome investigation with proteomic
      approaches is hardly compatible with the high content of proteins found in
      complete cell culture media. Therefore, many studies are currently done with
      media containing few or no protein. Such conditions may perturb cell metabolism
      and proliferation. Here, we compared seventeen different compositions of culture
      media for the human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cell line. Cell viability,
      proliferation rate and initial protein charge were systematically compared. We
      have shown that an important difficulty for the proteomic analysis is due to the
      presence of detergents such as Pluronic F-68 which hinders peptide mass
      spectrometry. The high glucose containing DMEM medium which is free of proteins
      was shown to preserve a good viability and proliferation of cells. With this
      conditioning medium, we identified 81 extracellular proteins in the secretome of
      BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, to illustrate this approach, we exposed BEAS-2B cells to
      a low toxic dose of CoCl(2,) and found 24 extracellular proteins modulated by
      cobalt. This study highlights the possible contribution of such proteomic
      approach in the field of toxicology.

PMID- 22079247
TI  - Physiological response and differential leaf proteome pattern in the European
      invasive Asteraceae Solidago canadensis colonizing a former cokery soil.
AB  - Derelict contaminated sites are often colonized spontaneously by plant species
      leading to a vegetal cover thought to limit particle dispersal and polluted water
      infiltration. Those plants must cope with soil pollutants through tolerance
      mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Here, we focused our attention on a
      particular Asteraceae plant, Solidago canadensis, considered as invasive in
      Europe. S. canadensis spontaneously growing on either polluted (NM soil) or
      control soils dumped on experimental plots were studied for their physiological
      status, oxidative stress and 2D-DIGE of leaf extracts. S. canadensis tolerance to
      soil pollutants was demonstrated since growth rates, allocation to reproduction
      ratios and Fv/Fm ratios were similar in plants from control and NM soil. At the
      cell level, the catalase activity level was increased in plants collected on NM
      soil while lipoperoxidation was unaffected. Also, the leaf proteomic study
      revealed thirty down-regulated and sixty-six up-regulated proteins. Abundances of
      proteins related to oxidative stress, carbohydrate metabolism, ion transport were
      mainly up-regulated while those of proteins involved in cell cycle and
      transcription/translation were mostly down-regulated. Proteins associated to
      protein metabolism were either down- or up-regulated. Considered altogether, we
      highlighted that S. canadensis exhibited a complex proteome response when
      experiencing a multicontaminated soil.

PMID- 22079248
TI  - Dynamic proteome changes in Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 after high pressure shock
      and subsequent recovery.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most intriguing human foodborne bacterial
      pathogen. Its survival throughout the food processing chain and its pathogenesis
      mechanisms in humans remain enigmatic. Living in the animal guts and particularly
      in avian intestine as a commensal bacterium, this microorganism is frequently
      isolated from meat products. Ultra high pressure (HP) is a promising alternative
      to thermal technology for microbial safety of foodstuffs with less organoleptic
      and nutritional alterations. Its application could be extended to meat products
      potentially contaminated by C. jejuni. To evaluate the response of Campylobacter
      to this technological stress and subsequent recovery at a molecular level, a
      dynamic 2-DE-based proteomic approach has been implemented. After cultivation, C.
      jejuni cells were conditioned in a high-pressure chamber and transferred to fresh
      medium for recovery. The protein abundance dynamics at the proteome scale were
      analyzed by 2-DE during the cellular process of cell injury and recovery.
      Monitoring protein abundance through time unraveled the basic metabolisms
      involved in this cellular process. The significance of the proteome evolution
      modulated by HP and subsequent recovery is discussed in the context of a specific
      cellular response to stress and recovery of C. jejuni with 69 spots showing
      significant changes through time.

PMID- 22079249
TI  - Integrin-associated protein (CD47) is a putative mediator for soluble fibrinogen
      interaction with human red blood cells membrane.
AB  - Fibrinogen is a multifunctional plasma protein that plays a crucial role in
      several biological processes. Elevated fibrinogen induces erythrocyte
      hyperaggregation, suggesting an interaction between this protein and red blood
      cells (RBCs). Several studies support the concept that fibrinogen interacts with
      RBC membrane and this binding, due to specific and non-specific mechanisms, may
      be a trigger to RBC hyperaggregation in inflammation. The main goals of our work
      were to prove that human RBCs are able to specifically bind soluble fibrinogen,
      and identify membrane molecular targets that could be involved in this process.
      RBCs were first isolated from blood of healthy individuals and then separated in
      different age fractions by discontinuous Percoll gradients. After isolation RBC
      samples were incubated with human soluble fibrinogen and/or with a blocking
      antibody against CD47 followed by fluorescence confocal microscopy, flow
      cytometry acquisitions and zeta potential measurements. Our data show that
      soluble fibrinogen interacts with the human RBC membrane in an age-dependent
      manner, with younger RBCs interacting more with soluble fibrinogen than the older
      cells. Importantly, this interaction is abrogated in the presence of a specific
      antibody against CD47. Our results support a specific and age-dependent
      interaction of soluble fibrinogen with human RBC membrane; additionally we
      present CD47 as a putative mediator in this process. This interaction may
      contribute to RBC hyperaggregation in inflammation.

PMID- 22079250
TI  - Comparing the greenhouse gas emissions from three alternative waste combustion
      concepts.
AB  - Three alternative condensing mode power and combined heat and power (CHP) waste
      to-energy concepts were compared in terms of their impacts on the greenhouse gas
      (GHG) emissions from a heat and power generation system. The concepts included
      (i) grate, (ii) bubbling fluidised bed (BFB) and (iii) circulating fluidised bed
      (CFB) combustion of waste. The BFB and CFB take advantage of advanced combustion
      technology which enabled them to reach electric efficiency up to 35% and 41% in
      condensing mode, respectively, whereas 28% (based on the lower heating value) was
      applied for the grate fired unit. A simple energy system model was applied in
      calculating the GHG emissions in different scenarios where coal or natural gas
      was substituted in power generation and mix of fuel oil and natural gas in heat
      generation by waste combustion. Landfilling and waste transportation were not
      considered in the model. GHG emissions were reduced significantly in all of the
      considered scenarios where the waste combustion concepts substituted coal based
      power generation. With the exception of condensing mode grate incinerator the
      different waste combustion scenarios resulted approximately in 1 Mton of fossil
      CO(2)-eq. emission reduction per 1 Mton of municipal solid waste (MSW)
      incinerated. When natural gas based power generation was substituted by
      electricity from the waste combustion significant GHG emission reductions were
      not achieved.

PMID- 22079251
TI  - Modeling of the reburning process using sewage sludge-derived syngas.
AB  - Gasification of sewage sludge can provide clean and effective reburning fuel for
      combustion applications. The motivation of this work was to define the reburning
      potential of the sewage sludge gasification gas (syngas). A numerical simulation
      of the co-combustion process of syngas in a hard coal-fired boiler was done. All
      calculations were performed using the Chemkin programme and a plug-flow reactor
      model was used. The calculations were modelled using the GRI-Mech 2.11 mechanism.
      The highest conversions for nitric oxide (NO) were obtained at temperatures of
      approximately 1000-1200K. The combustion of hard coal with sewage sludge-derived
      syngas reduces NO emissions. The highest reduction efficiency (>90%) was achieved
      when the molar flow ratio of the syngas was 15%. Calculations show that the
      analysed syngas can provide better results than advanced reburning (connected
      with ammonia injection), which is more complicated process.

PMID- 22079252
TI  - Organic and nitrogen removal from landfill leachate in aerobic granular sludge
      sequencing batch reactors.
AB  - Granule sequencing batch reactors (GSBR) were established for landfill leachate
      treatment, and the COD removal was analyzed kinetically using a modified model.
      Results showed that COD removal rate decreased as influent ammonium concentration
      increasing. Characteristics of nitrogen removal at different influent ammonium
      levels were also studied. When the ammonium concentration in the landfill
      leachate was 366 mg L(-1), the dominant nitrogen removal process in the GSBR was
      simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND). Under the ammonium
      concentration of 788 mg L(-1), nitrite accumulation occurred and the accumulated
      nitrite was reduced to nitrogen gas by the shortcut denitrification process. When
      the influent ammonium increased to a higher level of 1105 mg L(-1), accumulation
      of nitrite and nitrate lasted in the whole cycle, and the removal efficiencies of
      total nitrogen and ammonium decreased to only 35.0% and 39.3%, respectively.
      Results also showed that DO was a useful process controlling parameter for the
      organics and nitrogen removal at low ammonium input.

PMID- 22079253
TI  - Discovery of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator MK-5932.
AB  - A series of partial agonists of the Glucocorticoid Receptor were prepared
      targeting reduced transactivation activity, while maintaining significant
      transrepression activity. Incorporation of an ortho-aryl amide produced compounds
      with the desired in vitro profile. Bioreactors consisting of Suspension cultures
      of Sf21 cells co expressing a CYP3A4 and NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxireductase were
      used to prepare the major metabolites of these compounds and revealed that
      oxidative N-dealkylation provided a pathway for formation of metabolites that
      were more agonistic than the parent partial agonists. Oxidative N-dealkylation
      was blocked in a new series of compounds, however oxidation alone was capable of
      producing full agonist metabolites. Incorporation of an ortho-primary amide and
      utilization of fluorine to modulate agonism afforded partial agonist MK-5932.
      Synthesis of the major metabolites of MK-5932 using bioreactor technology
      revealed that no significant GR-active metabolites were formed. Orally
      administered MK-5932 displayed anti-inflammatory efficacy in a Rat Oxazolone
      induced chronic dermatitis model, while sparing plasma insulin.

PMID- 22079254
TI  - Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of 6-aryl-11-iminoindeno[1,2
      c]quinoline derivatives.
AB  - A number of 6-aryl-11-iminoindeno[1,2-c]quinoline derivatives were synthesized
      and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities. Among them, (E)-6-{4-[3
      (dimethylamino)propoxy]phenyl}-2-fluoro-9-hydroxy-11H-indeno[1,2-c]quinolin-11
      one O-3-(dimethylamino)propyl oxime (23a) was the most active, exhibited GI(50)
      values of 0.64, 0.39, 0.55, 0.67, and 0.65MUM against the growth of Hep G2, Hep
      3B, A549, H1299, and MDA-MB-231, respectively. Compound 23a inhibited the growth
      of hepatoma cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The proportion of
      cells was decreased in the G1 and accumulated in G2/M phase after 12h treatment
      of 23a, while the hypodiploid (sub-G0/G1 phase) cells increased. Further
      investigations have shown that 23a induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and
      induce apoptosis via activation of p53, Bax, and caspase-8 which consequently
      cause cell death.

PMID- 22079255
TI  - Characterization and use of a rabbit-anti-mouse VPAC1 antibody by flow cytometry.
AB  - Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 signaling in lymphocytes has been shown
      to regulate chemotaxis, proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. During T
      cell activation, VPAC1 mRNA is downregulated, but the effect on its protein
      levels is less clear. A small number of studies have reported measurement of
      human VPAC1 by flow cytometry, but murine VPAC1 reagents are unavailable.
      Therefore, we set out to generate a reliable and highly specific alpha-mouse
      VPAC1 polyclonal antibody for use with flow cytometry. After successfully
      generating a rabbit alpha-VPAC1 polyclonal antibody (alpha-mVPAC1 pAb), we
      characterized its cross-reactivity and showed that it does not recognize other
      family receptors (mouse VPAC2 and PAC1, and human VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1) by flow
      cytometry. Partial purification of the rabbit alpha-VPAC1 sera increased the
      specific-activity of the alpha-mVPAC1 pAb by 20-fold, and immunofluorescence
      microscopy (IF) confirmed a plasma membrane subcellular localization for mouse
      VPAC1 protein. To test the usefulness of this specific alpha-mVPAC1 pAb, we
      showed that primary, resting mouse T cells express detectable levels of VPAC1
      protein, with little detectable signal from activated T cells, or CD19 B cells.
      These data support our previously published data showing a downregulation of
      VPAC1 mRNA during T cell activation. Collectively, we have established a well
      characterized, and highly species specific alpha-mVPAC1 pAb for VPAC1 surface
      measurement by IF and flow cytometry.

PMID- 22079257
TI  - Insights antifibrotic mechanism of methyl palmitate: impact on nuclear factor
      kappa B and proinflammatory cytokines.
AB  - Fibrosis accompanies most chronic liver disorders and is a major factor
      contributing to hepatic failure. Therefore, the need for an effective treatment
      is evident. The present study was designed to assess the potential antifibrotic
      effect of MP and whether MP can attenuate the severity of oxidative stress and
      inflammatory response in chronic liver injury. Male albino rats were treated with
      either CCl(4) (1 ml/kg, twice a week) and/or MP (300 mg/kg, three times a week)
      for six weeks. CCl(4)-intoxication significantly increased liver weight, serum
      aminotransferases, total cholesterol and triglycerides while decreased albumin
      level and these effects were prevented by co-treatment with MP. As indicators of
      oxidative stress, CCl(4)-intoxication caused significant glutathione depletion
      and lipid peroxidation while MP co-treatment preserved them within normal values.
      As markers of fibrosis, hydroxyproline content and alpha-SMA expression increased
      markedly in the CCl(4) group and MP prevented these alterations.
      Histopathological examination by both light and electron microscope further
      confirmed the protective efficacy of MP. To elucidate the antifibrotic mechanisms
      of MP, the expression of NF-kappaB, iNOS and COX-2 and the tissue levels of TNF
      alpha and nitric oxide were assessed; CCl(4) increased the expression of NF
      kappaB and all downstream inflammatory cascade while MP co-treatment inhibited
      them. Collectively these findings indicate that MP possesses a potent
      antifibrotic effect which may be partly a consequence of its antioxidant and anti
      inflammatory properties.

PMID- 22079256
TI  - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) protects against chromate-induced toxicity in
      vitro.
AB  - Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a human carcinogen that results in the generation
      of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a variety of DNA lesions leading to cell
      death. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol present in green
      tea, possesses potent antioxidative activity capable of protecting normal cells
      from various stimuli-induced oxidative stress and cell death. Here we
      demonstrated that co-treatment with EGCG protected human normal bronchial
      epithelial BEAS-2B cells from Cr(VI)-induced cell death in a dose-dependent
      manner. Cr(VI) induces apoptosis as the primary mode of cell death. Co-treatment
      of BEAS-2B cells with EGCG dose-dependently suppressed Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis.
      Fluorescence microscopic analyses and quantitative measurement revealed that EGCG
      significantly decreased intracellular levels of ROS induced by Cr(VI) exposure.
      Using a well-established K(+)/SDS precipitation assay, we further showed that
      EGCG was able to dose-dependently reduce DNA-protein cross-links (DPC), lesions
      that could be partially attributed to Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress. Finally,
      analyses of Affymetrix microarray containing 28,869 well-annotated genes revealed
      that, among the 3412 genes changed more than 1.5-fold by Cr(VI) treatment,
      changes of 2404 genes (70%) were inhibited by pretreatment of EGCG. Real-time PCR
      confirmed the induction of 3 genes involved in cell death and apoptosis by
      Cr(VI), which was eliminated by EGCG. In contrast, Cr(VI) reduced the expression
      of 3 genes related to cellular defense, and this reduction was inhibited by EGCG.
      Our results indicate that EGCG protects BEAS-2B cells from Cr(VI)-induced
      cytotoxicity presumably by scavenging ROS and modulating a subset of genes. EGCG,
      therefore, might serve as a potential chemopreventive agent against Cr(VI)
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22079258
TI  - Asymmetric loss of parietal activity causes spatial bias in prodromal and mild
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Alzheimer's disease (AD), loss of effective neuronal activity is
      reflected by cortical glucose hypometabolism. Hypometabolism in the posterior
      parietal cortex (PPC) is among the first in vivo signs of AD; however, its
      functional impact on large-scale brain mechanisms and behavior is poorly
      understood. The lateral PPC contributes to spatial attention constituting a basic
      function of the human brain. We hypothesized 1) that lateral PPC hypometabolism
      is associated with impaired spatial attention in very early AD and 2) that
      impaired competition of effective neuronal activity across hemispheres might
      underlie this deficit in terms of brain mechanisms. METHODS: A model-based
      imaging approach was applied to assess patients with prodromal (n = 28) and mild
      (n = 7) AD. Quantitative attention parameters, derived from performance on simple
      psychophysical tasks and analyzed by Bundesen's computational theory of visual
      attention, were related to brain metabolism, measured by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography. RESULTS: Patients' left and right lateral PPC
      metabolism was reduced. Nine patients had significant spatial attentional bias on
      the left side and two patients on the right. Direction and degree of spatial bias
      was correlated with direction and degree of an interhemispheric metabolism bias
      in the inferior parietal lobe and temporoparietal junction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      provide evidence that in very early AD, asymmetric hypometabolism of the lateral
      PPC causes spatial attentional bias. Results are broadly consistent with the
      model that asymmetrically impaired effective neuronal PPC activity in AD biases
      the competition of visual objects for cortical representation and access to
      awareness to one side.

PMID- 22079259
TI  - Prognostic models for outcome following liver resection for colorectal cancer
      metastases: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver resection provides the best chance for cure in colorectal
      cancer (CRC) liver metastases. A variety of factors that might influence survival
      and recurrence have been identified. Predictive models can help in risk
      stratification, to determine multidisciplinary treatment and follow-up for
      individual patients. AIMS: To systematically review available prognostic models
      described for outcome following resection of CRC liver metastases and to assess
      their differences and applicability. METHODS: The Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane
      Library databases were searched for articles proposing a prognostic model or risk
      stratification system for resection of CRC liver metastases. Search terms
      included 'colorectal', 'liver', 'metastasis', 'resection', 'prognosis' and
      'prediction'. The articles were systematically reviewed. RESULTS: Fifteen
      prognostic systems were identified, published between 1996 and 2009. The median
      study population was 305 patients and the median follow-up was 32 months. All
      studies used Cox proportional hazards for multi-variable analysis. No prognostic
      factor was common in all models, though there was a tendency towards the number
      of metastases, CRC spread to lymph nodes, maximum size of metastases,
      preoperative CEA level and extrahepatic spread as representing independent risk
      factors. Seven models assigned more weight to selected factors considered of
      higher predictive value. CONCLUSION: The existing predictive models are diverse
      and their prognostic factors are often not weighed according to their impact. For
      the development of future predictive models, the complex relations within
      datasets and differences in relevance of individual factors should be taken into
      account, for example by using artificial neural networks.

PMID- 22079260
TI  - Patient, practice and organisational influences on asthma control: observational
      data from a national study on primary care in the United Kingdom.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Achieving asthma control is central to optimising patient quality of
      life and clinical outcome. Contemporary models of chronic disease management
      across a variety of countries point to the importance of micro, meso and macro
      level influences on patient care and outcome. However, asthma outcomes research
      has almost invariably concentrated on identifying and addressing patient
      predictors. Little is known about higher level organisational influences.
      OBJECTIVE: This paper explores the contribution of organisational factors on poor
      asthma control, allowing for patient factors, at three organisational levels: the
      individual patient, local service deliverers, and strategic regional providers.
      DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective cross-sectional observational
      cohort study of 64,929 people with asthma from 1205 primary care practices spread
      throughout the United Kingdom (UK). Patient clinical data were recorded during a
      routine asthma review. METHOD: Data were analysed using simple descriptive,
      multiple regression and complex multi-level modelling techniques, accounting for
      practice clustering of patients. RESULTS: Poor asthma control was associated with
      areas of higher deprivation [regression coefficient 0.026 (95% confidence
      intervals 0.006; 0.046)] and urban practice [-0.155 (-0.275; -0.035)] but not all
      local and regional variation was explained by the data. In contrast, patient
      level predictors of poor control were: short acting bronchodilator overuse [2.129
      (2.091; 2.164)], days-off due to asthma [1.203 (1.148; 1.258)], PEFR<80 [0.76
      (0.666; 0.854)], non-use of a self-management plan (SMP) [0.554 (0.515; 0.593)],
      poor inhaler technique [0.53 (0.475; 0.585)], poor medication compliance [0.385 (
      0.007; 0.777)], and gender [0.314 (0.281; 0.347)]. Pattern of medication use,
      smoking history, age, body mass index (BMI), and health service resource use were
      also significant factors for predicting control. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting of health
      service resource requires knowledge of the factors associated with poor control
      of asthma symptoms. In the UK the contribution of local and regional structures
      appears minimal in explaining variation in asthma outcomes. However, unexplained
      variation in the data suggests other unrecorded factors may play a part. While
      patient personal characteristics (including self-management plan use, inhaler
      technique, medication compliance) appear to be the predominant influence the
      complex nature of the disease means that some, perhaps more subtle, influences
      are affecting the variability at all levels and this variance needs to be
      explored. Further research in other international contexts is required to
      identify the likely applicability of these findings to other health care systems.

PMID- 22079261
TI  - Having to focus on doing rather than being-nurse assistants' experience of
      palliative care in municipal residential care settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care should be provided, irrespective of setting to all
      patients facing a life-threatening illness and to their families. The situation
      and needs of older people differ from those of younger people since they often
      have several co-existing diseases and health complaints. This implies an
      extensive need for care and for longer periods of palliative care. The main
      providers of palliative care for older people are nurse assistants, who are also
      those with the shortest education. AIM: The aim of this study was to illuminate
      nurse assistants' experience of palliative care for older people in residential
      care. DESIGN: The study had an explorative, descriptive design. SETTINGS:
      Thirteen residential care units in three different districts in a large city in
      southern Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five nurse assistants selected to represent
      variations in age, gender workplace and work experience. METHODS: Data were
      collected from six focus-group interviews and subjected to content analysis to
      gain an understanding of the phenomenon. RESULTS: The nurse assistants described
      palliative care as a contrast to the everyday care they performed in that they
      had a legitimate possibility to provide the care needed and a clear assignment in
      relation to relatives. Palliative care also meant having to face death and dying
      while feeling simultaneous that it was unnatural to talk about death and having
      to deal with their own emotions. They emphasised that they were in need of
      support and experienced leadership as invisible and opaque, but gained strength
      from being recognized. CONCLUSION: In order to support nurse assistants in
      providing high quality end-of-life care, more focus is needed on the trajectory
      of older peoples' dying, on the importance of involving relatives throughout the
      period of care provision, and on support when encountering death and dying. There
      is also a need for engaged care leaders, both registered nurses and managers, to
      recognize the work of nurse assistants and to support care provision for older
      people within the framework of palliative care philosophy.

PMID- 22079262
TI  - Long-term outcome of ulcerative colitis in patients who achieve clinical
      remission with a first course of corticosteroids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the early outcomes of ulcerative colitis after a first
      course of corticosteroids are well known, data on long-term disease evolution in
      patients responding to a first corticosteroid course are scarce. AIMS: To
      evaluate the long-term clinical evolution in ulcerative colitis patients
      responding to a first course of corticosteroids and to identify those factors
      associated with a poorer outcome. METHODS: Retrospective review of 114 patients
      diagnosed with ulcerative colitis who responded to the first corticosteroid
      course, and did not start thereafter maintenance therapy with thiopurines were
      included. RESULTS: Corticosteroids were prescribed because of a moderate (78%) or
      a severe flare (22%). All but two patients followed maintenance treatment with
      mesalazine after corticosteroid discontinuation. After a median follow-up of 83
      months (7-156), 72% of patients suffered new relapses leading to corticosteroid
      reintroduction in 65% of patients. The earlier corticosteroids were introduced in
      the course of ulcerative colitis, the higher the risk of relapse and
      corticosteroid reintroduction. Thiopurines were started in 51%, and infliximab in
      19%. Eleven percent of patients underwent colectomy. No predictors of thiopurine
      use or colectomy were found. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the ulcerative colitis patients
      responding to a first course of corticosteroids will require immunosuppressors
      mainly because of steroid-dependence.

PMID- 22079263
TI  - Update on the mechanism of action and on clinical efficacy of extracorporeal
      photopheresis in the treatment of acute and chronic graft versus host disease in
      children.
AB  - Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for treatment of steroid
      refractory graft versus host disease (GVHD) with encouraging results. Although
      its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, photoapheresed cells seem
      to induce a selective immune response directed against alloreactive T cell
      populations without causing generalized immunosuppression. Current pediatric
      experience with ECP for GVHD is available in the form of a few retrospective
      small studies concerning children with steroid refractory GVHD. Reviewing these
      data we conclude that ECP is a safe procedure, well tolerated even in low-weight
      pediatric patients, which warrants further evaluation in well-designed,
      prospective, controlled studies.

PMID- 22079264
TI  - Comparative levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor, procalcitonin,
      osteoprotegerin, interleukin-8, hs-C reactive protein, D-dimer in febrile
      neutropenia, newly diagnosed cancer patients, and infectious fever.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of procalcitonin
      (PCT), IL-8 (interleukin-8), MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor),
      osteoprotegerin (OPG), hs-CRP and D-dimer during fever above 38.3 degrees C due
      to various causes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples taken from a total of
      consecutive 65 hospitalized patients during fever were prospectively tested for
      hsCRP, PCT, IL-8, OPG, MIF and D-dimer. Of these patients, there were 26 patients
      presenting with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia who had no infectious agents
      found; 23 patients, who had a malignancy with a febrile episode which was neither
      a microbiologically documented infection nor a chemotherapy-induced neutropenia,
      and 16 patients who did not have a malignancy and were considered to have a
      clinically and microbiologically documented infection. RESULTS: IL-8 and D-dimer
      levels were higher in patients with febrile neutropenia than in the other two
      groups. Although MIF and OPG were higher in patients with newly diagnosed
      cancers, there were no differences among the three groups regarding PCT and hs
      CRP values. CONCLUSION: High serum IL-8 and D-dimer levels can be useful markers
      to identify hospitalized chemotherapy-induced neutropenia patients. MIF and OPG
      were found to be higher in patients with newly diagnosed cancer.

PMID- 22079266
TI  - Saponins from the Spanish saffron Crocus sativus are efficient adjuvants for
      protein-based vaccines.
AB  - Protein and peptide-based vaccines provide rigorously formulated antigens.
      However, these purified products are only weakly immunogenic by themselves and
      therefore require the addition of immunostimulatory components or adjuvants in
      the vaccine formulation. Various compounds derived from pathogens, minerals or
      plants, possess pro-inflammatory properties which allow them to act as adjuvants
      and contribute to the induction of an effective immune response. The results
      presented here demonstrate the adjuvant properties of novel saponins derived from
      the Spanish saffron Crocus sativus. In vivo immunization studies and tumor
      protection experiments unambiguously establish the value of saffron saponins as
      candidate adjuvants. These saponins were indeed able to increase both humoral and
      cellular immune responses to protein-based vaccines, ultimately providing a
      significant degree of protection against tumor challenge when administered in
      combination with a tumor antigen. This preclinical study provides an in depth
      immunological characterization of a new saponin as a vaccine adjuvant, and
      encourages its further development for use in vaccine formulations.

PMID- 22079265
TI  - Protective immunity against mouse upper genital tract pathology correlates with
      high IFNgamma but low IL-17 T cell and anti-secretion protein antibody responses
      induced by replicating chlamydial organisms in the airway.
AB  - To search for optimal immunization conditions for inducing protective immunity
      against upper genital tract pathologies caused by chlamydial intravaginal
      infection, we compared protection efficacy in mice immunized intranasally or
      intramuscularly with live or inactivated Chlamydia muridarum organisms. Mice
      immunized intranasally with live organisms developed strong protection against
      both vaginal shedding of infectious organisms and upper genital tract
      pathologies. The protection correlated with a robust antigen-specific T cell
      response with high IFNgamma but low IL-17. Although a significant level of IL-5
      was also detected, these mice maintained an overall Th1-dorminant immunity
      following immunization and challenge infection. On the contrary, mice immunized
      intranasally with inactivated organisms or intramuscularly with live or
      inactivated organisms produced high levels of IL-17 and still developed
      significant upper genital tract pathologies. High titers of antibodies against
      chlamydial secretion antigens were detected only in mice immunized intranasally
      with live organisms but not mice in other groups, suggesting that the
      intranasally inoculated live organisms were able to undergo replication and
      immune responses to the chlamydial secretion proteins may contribute to
      protective immunity. These observations have provided important information on
      how to develop subunit vaccines for inducing protective immunity against
      urogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis organisms.

PMID- 22079267
TI  - Birth order and private voluntary immunization--a study of 110,902 children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Introduction of new private, voluntary immunizations often results in
      low vaccine uptake among certain sub-groups within the population. Revealing
      factors associated with underimmunization is crucial in vaccine endorsement and
      distribution. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to investigate the effect of child's birth
      order on private voluntary varicella vaccination. METHODS: A nested case-control
      study was conducted on a cohort of 110,902 Israeli children under the age of 5
      years. We compared social and demographic factors of immunized and unimmunized
      participants. Logistic regression models were built to examine the association
      between birth order and vaccination, controlling for child's age, gender, country
      of birth, ethnicity, parents' country of birth, area of residence, and
      socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS: Ethnicity had the highest association with
      varicella immunization status. The odds of vaccination in the general Jewish and
      Ultra-Orthodox Jewish populations were 25.55- (95%CI:20.13;32.42) and 15.04-
      (95%CI:10.18;22.22) times the odds in Arab population, respectively. Child's
      birth order was inversely related to vaccination status and presented a nonlinear
      exposure-response relationship. This relationship was maintained in different
      ethnicity and SES groups. Child's birth order was associated with vaccination
      differently in large (> 3 siblings) and small to average-sized sibships (<= 3
      siblings). Other parameters associated with vaccination were child's and parents'
      country of origin, area of residence and SES. CONCLUSIONS: Birth order is an
      independent risk factor for underimmunization, associated with child's
      vaccination status beyond economic, social, and demographic parental
      characteristics.

PMID- 22079269
TI  - Transcriptional networks and chromatin remodeling controlling adipogenesis.
AB  - Adipocyte differentiation is tightly controlled by a transcriptional cascade,
      which directs the extensive reprogramming of gene expression required to convert
      fibroblast-like precursor cells into mature lipid-laden adipocytes. Recent global
      analyses of transcription factor binding and chromatin remodeling have revealed
      'snapshots' of this cascade and the chromatin landscape at specific time-points
      of differentiation. These studies demonstrate that multiple adipogenic
      transcription factors co-occupy hotspots characterized by an open chromatin
      structure and specific epigenetic modifications. Such transcription factor
      hotspots are likely to represent key signaling nodes which integrate multiple
      adipogenic signals at specific chromatin sites, thereby facilitating coordinated
      action on gene expression.

PMID- 22079268
TI  - Genetic defects in the hotspot of inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels and
      their metabolic consequences: a review.
AB  - Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are essential for maintaining normal
      potassium homeostasis and the resting membrane potential. As a consequence,
      mutations in Kir channels cause debilitating diseases ranging from cardiac
      failure to renal, ocular, pancreatic, and neurological abnormalities.
      Structurally, Kir channels consist of two trans-membrane domains, a pore-forming
      loop that contains the selectivity filter and two cytoplasmic polar tails. Within
      the cytoplasmic structure, clusters of amino acid sequences form regulatory
      domains that interact with cellular metabolites to control the opening and
      closing of the channel. In this review, we present an overview of Kir channel
      function and recent progress in the characterization of selected Kir channel
      mutations that lie in and near a C-terminal cytoplasmic 'hotspot' domain. The
      resultant molecular mechanisms by which the loss or gain of channel function
      leads to organ failure provide potential opportunities for targeted therapeutic
      interventions for this important group of channelopathies.

PMID- 22079270
TI  - A neural model of sequential movement planning and control of eye movements: Item
      Order-Rank working memory and saccade selection by the supplementary eye fields.
AB  - How does working memory store multiple spatial positions to control sequences of
      eye movements, particularly when the same items repeat at multiple list
      positions, or ranks, during the sequence? An Item-Order-Rank model of working
      memory shows how rank-selective representations enable storage and recall of
      items that repeat at arbitrary list positions. Rank-related activity has been
      observed in many areas including the posterior parietal cortices (PPC),
      prefrontal cortices (PFC) and supplementary eye fields (SEF). The model shows how
      rank information, originating in PPC, may support rank-sensitive PFC working
      memory representations and how SEF may select saccades stored in working memory.
      It also proposes how SEF may interact with downstream regions such as the frontal
      eye fields (FEF) during memory-guided sequential saccade tasks, and how the basal
      ganglia (BG) may control the flow of information. Model simulations reproduce
      behavioral, anatomical and electrophysiological data under multiple experimental
      paradigms, including visually- and memory-guided single and sequential saccade
      tasks. Simulations reproduce behavioral data during two SEF microstimulation
      paradigms, showing that their seemingly inconsistent findings about saccade
      latency can be reconciled.

PMID- 22079272
TI  - Emotional memory: synthesis of a study proposal.

PMID- 22079273
TI  - Occiput to thoracic fusion after surgical resection of desmoid tumor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Desmoid tumors are rare clinical entities that cause significant
      morbidity based on their locally aggressive nature. Complete resection with wide
      margins is the standard of care; however, when arising in the neck, resection is
      limited due to proximity of the lesion to critical structures. CASE DESCRIPTION:
      We describe a complete resection of a desmoid tumor requiring extensive resection
      of cervical extensor musculature. We were able to achieve a total resection of a
      cervical desmoid tumor with no evidence of recurrence at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Complete resection of desmoid tumors is the standard of care. In this case, we
      felt that complete resection would lead to iatrogenic instability; therefore, an
      occiput to thoracic fusion was performed at the time of the resection.

PMID- 22079274
TI  - Stereotactic biopsy with electrical monitoring for deep-seated brain tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The stereotactic biopsy is widely integrated into clinical practice as
      an efficient and safe procedure for histologic diagnoses. However, the surgical
      risk increases when the lesions are close to the eloquence of the adjacent brain.
      The present report describes two patients with deep-seated brain tumors who
      underwent a stereotactic biopsy with electrical monitoring and demonstrates the
      importance of this technique. METHODS: The tentative target and trajectory were
      determined on a stereotactic map from the Schaltenbrand and Wahren atlas. A
      Cosman-Roberts-Wells stereotactic frame was applied to the patient. Electrical
      recording along a single trajectory was used to identify the circumscribed
      neuronal structures, and electrical simulation was administered to the target.
      The biopsy point was decided when no adverse events were observed with a low
      electric current level. RESULTS: A 34-year-old male patient with anaplastic
      astrocytoma in the putamen and thalamus and an 81-year-old female patient with
      malignant lymphoma in the midbrain underwent stereotactic biopsies with
      electrical monitoring. The biopsies were successfully performed without any
      resulting neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes two patients
      with deep-seated brain tumors who underwent stereotactic biopsies with electrical
      recording and stimulation. The electrical monitoring appears to be a useful
      technique to complement the ordinary image-guided biopsy.

PMID- 22079275
TI  - Predicting symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid
      hemorrhage: are we there yet?

PMID- 22079276
TI  - Surgical strategies in the management of cervical degenerative disorders.

PMID- 22079277
TI  - Motor palsy after posterior cervical foraminotomy: anatomical consideration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor palsy is a serious complication that can result from cervical
      surgery. We introduced cases of motor palsy after posterior cervical foraminotomy
      (PCF) and consider cervical anatomy. METHODS: Between January 2007 and August
      2010, 133 PCFs were performed on 106 consecutive patients with radiculopathy
      caused by foraminal stenosis or posterolateral disc herniation. RESULTS: Three of
      133 (2.3%) levels that underwent PCF developed a motor palsy. Two cases involved
      the C5 nerve root, and one case involved the C6 nerve root. The cause of the C5
      palsy may have been excessive retraction, whereas the cause of the C6 palsy may
      have been thermal damage caused by drilling. The rate of C5 palsy (22.2%) was
      much higher than that seen with other nerves. Anatomically, the C5 nerve root is
      thinner and covers the entire intervertebral disc at a relatively sharper angle
      than the other nerve roots. The removal of an extruded disc at C4-5 forces more
      excessive retraction of the C5 nerve root. CONCLUSIONS: Although PCF is a good
      alternative treatment with minimal morbidity for cervical radiculopathy, surgeons
      should keep in mind the possibility of motor palsy, especially at C4-5.

PMID- 22079278
TI  - Intraoperative patient-specific reconstruction of partial bone flap defects after
      convexity meningioma resection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate implant accuracy and cosmetic outcome of a new
      intraoperative patient-specific cranioplasty method after convexity meningioma
      resection. METHODS: The patient's own bone flap served as a template to mold a
      negative form with the use of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The area of bone
      invasion was determined and broadly excised under white light illumination with a
      safety margin of at least 1 cm. The definitive replica was cast within the
      remaining bone flap frame and the imprint. Clinical and radiologic follow-up
      examinations were performed 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Four women and two
      men (mean age 51.4 years+/-12.8) underwent reconstruction of bone flap defects
      after meningioma resection. Mean duration of intraoperative reconstruction of the
      partial bone flap defects was 19 minutes+/-4 (range 14-24 minutes). Implant sizes
      ranged from 17-35 cm2 (mean size 22 cm2+/-8). Radiologic and clinical follow-up
      examinations revealed excellent implant alignment and favorable cosmesis (visual
      analogue scale for cosmesis [VASC]=97+/-5) in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patient
      specific reconstruction of partial bone flap defects after convexity meningioma
      resection using the presented intraoperative PMMA cast method resulted in
      excellent bony alignment and a favorable cosmetic outcome. Relatively low costs
      and minimized operation time for adjustment and insertion of the cranioplasty
      implant justify use of this method in small bony defects as well.

PMID- 22079279
TI  - Analysis of venous drainage from sylvian veins in clinoidal meningiomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To categorize clinoidal meningiomas according to their venous drainage
      patterns, and use each category as a guideline to establish an appropriate
      surgical strategy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 22
      consecutive surgically treated patients with clinoidal meningioma who underwent
      preoperative digital subtraction angiography to examine the characteristics of
      the venous drainage system. These patients were categorized into: 1) cortical
      type in which the sylvian vein did not drain medially but drained to cortical
      veins, 2) sphenobasal type in which the sylvian vein drained into the pterygoid
      plexus, or 3) cavernous type in which the sylvian vein drained into the cavernous
      sinus directly through the sphenoparietal sinus. We tailored the surgical
      strategy to preserve these draining veins. RESULTS: Preoperative angiographic
      evaluation demonstrated 14 patients (63.6%) with cortical type, 6 patients
      (27.3%) with sphenobasal type, and 2 patients (9.1%) with the cavernous type. In
      most cases, no restriction from the venous structure was observed because the
      sylvian vein belonged to the cortical type. However, in the case of the
      sphenobasal or sphenoparietal type, the surgical strategy seemed to be tailored
      to preserve the venous drainage system. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical risk from
      venous complication in the treatment of clinoidal meningiomas appears to be low;
      however, there are likely to be patients that require a tailored surgical
      approach to avoid venous complications. Detailed preoperative assessment of
      anatomic structure and consideration of the optimal surgical strategy are
      critical to improve treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22079280
TI  - Adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pituitary carcinoma with intracranial
      metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pituitary carcinomas are rare and challenging clinical entities.
      Because of the paucity of cases, there is limited information in the literature
      on how best to diagnose and treat pituitary carcinomas. METHODS: We review the
      literature and describe a woman who presented with an adrenocorticotropic hormone
      (ACTH)-secreting pituitary macroadenoma that later evolved into a carcinoma with
      intracranial metastases. RESULTS: A 39-year-old woman presented at age 27 with
      classic findings of Cushing's syndrome and a pituitary macroadenoma. Her initial
      treatment was transsphenoidal surgery, during which we confirmed an ACTH
      secreting pituitary neoplasm. For 5 years, she was asymptomatic before her first
      recurrence. During the next 6 years, she underwent four transsphenoidal surgeries
      and two craniotomies. After each surgery, there was some reduction in the size of
      the macroadenoma but the residual tumor mass would rapidly enlarge.
      Immunochemical staining was positive for ACTH, and a stain for Ki-67 antigen
      showed a high mitotic index. Eleven years after her initial presentation,
      magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral hippocampal and tempero-occipital
      masses. The patient's health continued to deteriorate, largely from complications
      of severe hypercortisolemia, and she died from sepsis. At postmortem, the
      hippocampus and tempero-occipital lobe masses proved to be a pituitary tumor with
      positive ACTH staining. CONCLUSIONS: Pituitary carcinomas are rare, may present
      many years after diagnosis of a primary pituitary adenoma, and should be
      suspected in patients with persistent or recurrent disease. Reliable
      histopathologic ways to distinguish between carcinoma and adenoma are difficult
      because the features of hypercellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitotic
      figures are not always helpful.

PMID- 22079281
TI  - Male only progeny in Anastrepha suspensa by RNAi-induced sex reversion of
      chromosomal females.
AB  - In Tephritidae sex determination is established by orthologs to the Drosophila
      melanogaster transformer and transformer-2 genes, though the primary signals for
      sex determination differ. The presence of the Y chromosome in the tephritid
      species is critical for male differentiation, while the ratio of X chromosomes to
      autosome ploidy is critical in drosophilids. Here the isolation, expression and
      function of tra and tra-2 orthologs are described for the agriculturally
      important tephritid, Anastrepha suspensa, and their possible use in genetically
      modified organisms for biologically-based pest management. The Astra and Astra-2
      genes are highly conserved in structure, regulation and function with respect to
      those known from other tephritid species. Sex-specific transcripts for Astra were
      detected, one in females and three in males, whereas Astra-2 had a single common
      transcript found in both sexes. To test the function of these genes, Astra and
      Astra-2 dsRNA was injected into A. suspensa embryos from a transgenic strain
      having a Y-linked DsRed marker integration, allowing XY males to be distinguished
      from XX phenotypic males. Nearly all XX embryos developed into fully masculinized
      phenotypic male adults with no apparent female morphology. Upon dissection
      abnormal hypertrophic gonads were revealed in XX pseudomales but not in the XY
      males. Our findings suggest that Astra and Astra-2 are both necessary for female
      development, and that the potential exists for producing a male-only population
      when either gene alone, or both genes simultaneously, are knocked-down.

PMID- 22079282
TI  - Dentistry and population approaches for preventing dental diseases.
AB  - Dental professionals are expected to engage in oral disease prevention, but their
      tools limit the approach to chair side activities based on the common notion that
      the major dental diseases, dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, are
      behavioural diseases shaped by individual lifestyles. However, lifestyles also
      have causes and individual behaviours reflect cultural norms, expectations and
      opportunities that are socio-economically determined and structurally maintained.
      Importantly, the effects of the societal and socio-economic determinants reach
      way above their influences as individual attributes, and effective approaches to
      the prevention and control of oral diseases are aligned with this causal chain.
      Unfortunately, the ethos and philosophy of dentistry is focused to a downstream,
      patient-centred, curative and rehabilitative approach to oral diseases. Whilst
      such services are needed to care for those who have already suffered the
      consequences of oral diseases, they do not influence population oral health. A
      more balanced distribution of efforts and resources along the whole range of
      intervention points from the downstream curative to the upstream structural
      healthy policy approaches is required if appropriate, evidence-based, effective,
      cost-effective, sustainable, equitable, universal, comprehensive and ethical
      delivery of health care, including oral health care, is the goal. The
      implementation of healthy policies and sound approaches to population oral health
      will require substantial commitment and political will on the part of the public
      and their elected officials.

PMID- 22079284
TI  - Glucose: a vital toxin and potential utility of melatonin in protecting against
      the diabetic state.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms including elevated oxidative and nitrosative reactants,
      activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors and subsequent inflammation
      appear as a unified pathway leading to metabolic deterioration resulting from
      hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Consistent evidence reveals
      that chronically-elevated blood glucose initiates a harmful series of processes
      in which toxic reactive species play crucial roles. As a consequence, the
      resulting nitro-oxidative stress harms virtually all biomolecules including
      lipids, proteins and DNA leading to severely compromised metabolic activity.
      Melatonin is a multifunctional indoleamine which counteracts several
      pathophysiologic steps and displays significant beneficial effects against
      hyperglycemia-induced cellular toxicity. Melatonin has the capability of
      scavenging both oxygen and nitrogen-based reactants and blocking transcriptional
      factors which induce pro-inflammatory cytokines. These functions contribute to
      melatonin's antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and possibly epigenetic regulatory
      properties. Additionally, melatonin restores adipocyte glucose transporter-4 loss
      and eases the effects of insulin resistance associated with the type 2 diabetic
      state and may also assist in the regulation of body weight in these patients.
      Current knowledge suggests the clinical use of this non-toxic indoleamine in
      conjunction with other treatments for inhibition of the negative consequences of
      hyperglycemia for reducing insulin resistance and for regulating the diabetic
      state.

PMID- 22079283
TI  - Regulation of reactionary dentin formation by odontoblasts in response to
      polymicrobial invasion of dentin matrix.
AB  - Odontoblast synthesis of dentin proceeds through discrete but overlapping phases
      characterized by formation of a patterned organic matrix followed by remodelling
      and active mineralization. Microbial invasion of dentin in caries triggers an
      adaptive response by odontoblasts, culminating in formation of a structurally
      altered reactionary dentin, marked by biochemical and architectonic modifications
      including diminished tubularity. Scanning electron microscopy of the collagen
      framework in reactionary dentin revealed a radically modified yet highly
      organized meshwork as indicated by fractal and lacunarity analyses. Immuno-gold
      labelling demonstrated increased density and regular spatial distribution of
      dentin sialoprotein (DSP) in reactionary dentin. DSP contributes putative
      hydroxyapatite nucleation sites on the collagen scaffold. To further dissect the
      formation of this altered dentin matrix, the associated enzymatic machinery was
      investigated. Analysis of extracted dentin matrix indicated increased activity of
      matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the reactionary zone referenced to
      physiologic dentin. Likewise, gene expression analysis of micro-dissected
      odontoblast layer revealed up-regulation of MMP-2. Parallel up-regulation of
      tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and membrane type 1- matrix
      metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was observed in response to caries. Next, modulation
      of odontoblastic dentinogenic enzyme repertoire was addressed. In the odontoblast
      layer expression of Toll-like receptors was markedly altered in response to
      bacterial invasion. In carious teeth TLR-2 and the gene encoding the
      corresponding adaptor protein MyD88 were down-regulated whereas genes encoding
      TLR-4 and adaptor proteins TRAM and Mal/TIRAP were up-regulated. TLR-4 signalling
      mediated by binding of bacterial products has been linked to up-regulation of MMP
      2. Further, increased expression of genes encoding components of the TGF-beta
      signalling pathway, namely SMAD-2 and SMAD-4, may explain the increased synthesis
      of collagen by odontoblasts in caries. These findings indicate a radical adaptive
      response of odontoblasts to microbial invasion of dentin with resultant synthesis
      of modified mineralized matrix.

PMID- 22079285
TI  - Bradykinin receptor 2 extends inflammatory cell recruitment in a model of acute
      gouty arthritis.
AB  - The aim of this study was determine the effect of bradykinin receptor antagonism
      on MSU crystal-induced chemokine production and leukocyte recruitment. Mice were
      injected intraperitoneally with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals +/- bradykinin B1
      or B2 receptor antagonists, Des-Arg-HOE-140 and HOE-140, respectively. MSU
      crystal-induced chemokine production and leukocyte recruitment in the peritoneum
      were measured over 24h and B1 and B2 receptor expression on leukocytes and
      peritoneal membrane was determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.
      Data analysis showed that only B2 receptor antagonism decreased monocyte and
      neutrophil infiltration 24 h post MSU crystal administration. Decreased leukocyte
      infiltration was associated with reduced monocyte (CCL2) chemokine levels. MSU
      crystal-induced damage to the surrounding visceral membrane was also attenuated
      in the presence of B2 receptor antagonism. Together, these data show that
      bradykinin receptor 2 plays a role in maintaining MSU crystal-induced leukocyte
      infiltration and membrane permeability and identify the B2 receptor as a
      potential therapeutic target for managing inflammation in gout.

PMID- 22079286
TI  - Adrenomedullin: a possible regulator of germinal vesicle breakdown.
AB  - Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a multifunctional hormone that regulates processes as
      diverse as blood pressure and cell growth. Although expressed in the ovary, the
      role of ADM in this organ is not clear. In the present study, we found the
      expression of ADM receptor and receptor activity-modifying proteins in mouse
      cumulus cells but not in the oocytes. We report that germinal vesicle breakdown
      (GVBD), which is required for oocyte maturation, is not inhibited by ADM alone.
      However, ADM in the presence of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP)
      significantly inhibited GVBD. Furthermore, the ADM- and SNP-dependent inhibition
      of GVBD was abrogated by Akt blockade. Additionally, Akt expression and
      phosphorylation was exhibited by ADM, suggesting that Akt signaling upstream in
      cumulus cells is responsible. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed
      that ADM was localized in the granulosa cells of developed follicles, implying
      the possibility that ADM physiologically affects oocyte maturation in vivo. Our
      results provide the evidence that ADM can act as a GVBD regulator.

PMID- 22079287
TI  - 5-Hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid is an endogenous GPR119 agonist and enhances
      glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
AB  - GPR119 is one of the G-protein-coupled receptors expressed in pancreatic beta
      cells and intestinal endocrine cells. Since agonists to GPR119 stimulate glucose
      dependent insulin secretion, GPR119 agonists are anticipated to promote anti
      diabetic effects and control of glucose homeostasis. Here, we reported that an
      omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid metabolite, 5-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid (5
      HEPE), was a potent agonist for GPR119 and enhanced glucose-dependent insulin
      secretion. 5-HEPE stimulated cAMP accumulation in mouse MIN6 insulinoma cells and
      human HuTu80 intestinal adenocarcinoma cells. These effects were blunted by
      GPR119-specific siRNA. Recombinant GPR119 also responded to 5-HEPE as well as
      authentic agonists. Several previous reports have indicated the beneficial
      biological effects of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, and epidemiological
      studies have suggested that these fatty acids plays a protective role against
      diabetes. However, the molecular pharmacology and receptor identifications of
      omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites have not yet been well
      investigated. It is hoped that our findings will encourage novel investigations
      into the molecular relationships between omega-3 fatty acids and diabetes.

PMID- 22079288
TI  - Quercetin inhibits amyloid fibrillation of bovine insulin and destabilizes
      preformed fibrils.
AB  - Growing interest and research efforts have recently been focused on elucidating
      the molecular mechanism of amyloid formation and the screening of effective
      inhibitors to interrupt amyloid structures. In the present study, the anti
      amyloidogenic effects of quercetin were investigated in vitro using bovine
      insulin as a model protein. The results demonstrated that quercetin dose
      dependently inhibited amyloid formation of insulin. Moreover, quercetin
      destabilized the preformed insulin fibrils and transformed the fibrils into
      amorphous aggregates. Hemolysis was observed when human erythrocytes were co
      incubated with insulin fibrils. Quercetin inhibited fibril-induced hemolysis in a
      dose-dependent manner. SDS-PAGE showed that insulin fibrils induced the
      aggregation of cytoskeletal proteins of erythrocyte membranes and that quercetin
      attenuated this fibril-induced cytoskeletal aggregation. The results of the
      present work suggest that quercetin may serve as a lead structure for the design
      of novel anti-amyloidogenic drugs.

PMID- 22079289
TI  - Increased salt and drought tolerance by D-ononitol production in transgenic
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - The methylation of myo-inositol forms O-methyl inositol (D-ononitol) when plants
      are under abiotic stress in a reaction catalyzed by myo-inositol
      methyltransferase (IMT). D-Ononitol can serve as an osmoprotectant that prevents
      water loss in plants. We isolated the IMT cDNA from Glycine max and found by RT
      PCR analysis that GmIMT transcripts are induced by drought and salinity stress
      treatments in the leaves of soybean seedlings. We confirmed the protein product
      of GmIMT and its substrate using a recombinant system in E. coli. Transgenic
      Arabidopsis plants over-expressing GmIMT displayed improved tolerance to
      dehydration stress treatment and to a lesser extent high salinity stress
      treatment. These results indicate that GmIMT is functional in heterologous
      Arabidopsis plants.

PMID- 22079290
TI  - High density cultures of embryoid bodies enhanced cardiac differentiation of
      murine embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Murine embryonic stem cell (mESC)-derived cardiomyocytes represent a promising
      source of cells for use in the development of models for studying early cardiac
      development as well as cell-based therapies in postnatal pathologies. Here, we
      report a highly efficient cardiac differentiation system in which high density
      embryoid body (EB) cultures leads to a marked increase of cardiomyocytes
      production from multiple mESC lines without the addition of any cardiogenic
      growth factors. Our results show that high density EB cultures significantly
      increase the yield of functional cardiomyocytes, which express typical cardiac
      markers, exhibit normal rhythmic Ca(2+) transients, and respond to both beta
      adrenergic and electric stimulations. During the differentiation period, the
      inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling significantly attenuates
      the increase of cardiac differentiation as well as the increased expression of
      cardiac-specific genes, NK2 transcription factor related 5 (Nkx2.5) and myosin
      light chain 2v (Mlc2v) by high density EB cultures. Therefore, we believe that we
      offer a novel and efficient means of cardiomyocyte production for practical use
      of mESCs in cardiac regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22079291
TI  - SAXS data analysis and modeling of tetravalent neutralizing antibody CD4-IgG2 -/+
      HIV-1 gp120 revealed that first two gp120 bind to the same Fab arm.
AB  - This communication describes SAXS data based global structures of tetravalent
      antibody CD4-IgG2 and its dimeric to pentameric complexes with gp120s. Comparison
      of models brought forth that while the two CD4s grafted on each arm remain
      tightly packed in the unliganded antibody, they enable binding of first two
      gp120s preferentially to the same Fab arm in an asymmetric manner. Retention of
      residues in the CD4-Fab linker earlier reasoned to enable bi-fold collapse of
      gp120-bound soluble CD4, and observed asymmetry of the (CD4-IgG2)/(gp120)(2)
      complex suggest that encoded flexibility in CD4-Fab linker is a critical
      structure-function factor for this broad spectrum neutralizing antibody.

PMID- 22079293
TI  - Protein prenylation: a new mode of host-pathogen interaction.
AB  - Post translational modifications are required for proteins to be fully
      functional. The three step process, prenylation, leads to farnesylation or
      geranylgeranylation, which increase the hydrophobicity of the prenylated protein
      for efficient anchoring into plasma membranes and/or organellar membranes.
      Prenylated proteins function in a number of signaling and regulatory pathways
      that are responsible for basic cell operations. Well characterized prenylated
      proteins include Ras, Rac and Rho. Recently, pathogenic prokaryotic proteins,
      such as SifA and AnkB, have been shown to be prenylated by eukaryotic host cell
      machinery, but their functions remain elusive. The identification of other
      bacterial proteins undergoing this type of host-directed post-translational
      modification shows promise in elucidating host-pathogen interactions to develop
      new therapeutics. This review incorporates new advances in the study of protein
      prenylation into a broader aspect of biology with a focus on host-pathogen
      interaction.

PMID- 22079292
TI  - Store-operated calcium entry is present in HL-1 cardiomyocytes and contributes to
      resting calcium.
AB  - Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) has recently been shown to be of physiological
      and pathological importance in the heart, particularly during cardiac
      hypertrophy. However, measuring changes in intracellular Ca(2+) during SOCE is
      very difficult to study in adult primary cardiomyocytes. As a result there is a
      need for a stable and reliable in vitro model of SOCE which can be used to test
      cardiac drugs and investigate the role of SOCE in cardiac pathology. HL-1 cells
      are the only immortal cardiomyocyte cell line available that continuously divides
      and spontaneously contracts while maintaining phenotypic characteristics of the
      adult cardiomyocyte. To date the role of SOCE has not yet been investigated in
      the HL-1 cardiac cell line. We report for the first time that these cells
      expressed stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and the Ca(2+) release-activated
      Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel Orai1, which are essential components of the SOCE
      machinery. In addition, SOCE was tightly coupled to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)
      Ca(2+) release in HL-1 cells, and such response was not impaired in the presence
      of voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels (L-type and T-type channels) or reverse mode
      Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) inhibitors. We were able to abolish the SOCE
      response with known SOCE inhibitors (BTP-2 and SKF-96365) and by targeted
      knockdown of Orai1 with RNAi. In addition, knockdown of Orai1 resulted in lower
      baseline Ca(2+) and an attenuated response to thapsigargin (TG) and caffeine,
      indicating that SOCE may play a role in Ca(2+) homeostasis during unstressed
      conditions in cardiomyocytes. Currently, there is little knowledge about SOCE in
      cardiomyocytes, and the present results suggest that HL-1 cells will be of great
      utility in investigating the role of SOCE in the heart.

PMID- 22079294
TI  - An epifluorescence microscopy method for generalized polarization imaging.
AB  - Generalized polarization (GP) microscopy represents an excellent tool to study
      lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions in situ and in vitro. Here, we present
      an efficient and cost effective method to perform GP microscopy using a standard
      light-emitting diode (LED) epifluorescence microscope equipped with a digital
      color camera.

PMID- 22079295
TI  - The AMPA receptor potentiator Org 26576 modulates stress-induced transcription of
      BDNF isoforms in rat hippocampus.
AB  - Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of brain plasticity.
      The modulation of its expression and function is important for cognition and
      represents a key strategy to enhance neuronal resilience. Within this context,
      there exists a close interaction between glutamatergic neurotransmission and BDNF
      activity towards regulating cellular homeostasis and plasticity. The aim of the
      current study was to investigate the ability of the AMPA receptor potentiator Org
      26576 to modulate BDNF expression in selected brain regions under basal
      conditions or in response to an acute swim stress. Rats subjected to a single
      intraperitoneal injection with Org 26576 (10mg/kg) or saline were exposed to a
      swim stress session (5 min) and sacrificed 15 min after the end of stress. Real
      time PCR assay was used to determine changes in BDNF transcription in different
      brain regions. Total BDNF mRNA levels were significantly increased in the
      hippocampus of animals exposed to the combination of Org 26576 and stress
      whereas, in prefrontal and frontal cortices, BDNF mRNA levels were modulated by
      the acute stress, independently from drug treatment. The analysis of BDNF
      transcripts in the hippocampus revealed a major contribution of exons I and IV.
      Our results suggest that AMPA receptor potentiation by Org 26576 exerts a
      positive modulatory influence on BDNF expression during ongoing neuronal
      activity. Given that these mechanisms are critical for neuronal plasticity, we
      hypothesized that such changes may facilitate learning/coping mechanisms
      associated with a mild stressful experience.

PMID- 22079296
TI  - Ecological and molecular consequences of prolonged drought and subsequent
      rehydration in Folsomia candida (Collembola).
AB  - Drought tolerance in water-permeable, soil-living Collembola (e.g. Folsomia
      candida) is achieved due to a unique water vapour absorption mechanism, where
      accumulation of sugars and polyols is essential. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying such adaptation as well as the maintenance of this survival
      strategy and the responses to rehydration after prolonged drought in these soil
      living Collembola are unclear. In the present study, the functional relationships
      between ecological drought responses and expression of related target genes were
      investigated in F. candida exposed to mild and severe drought for up to 5 weeks
      by relating survival, moulting and reproduction rate with mRNA-level expression
      of 7 target genes during drought, dehydration and rehydration. Prolonged drought
      and subsequent rehydration induced significant changes in gene expression which
      could be related to the fitness traits studied. In F. candida the ecological and
      molecular responses to mild drought differed from those of severe drought. From
      the changes in gene expression, where significantly increased expression of
      Glucose-6-phosphate-isomerase (gpi) and Heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) was
      dominating, it is proposed that protection of cellular structure and function
      during prolonged mild drought (98.2% RH) is partly achieved from a continuous
      accumulation of compatible osmolytes in F. candida. To achieve protection during
      and after prolonged severe drought (96.1% RH), components related to cell
      division and development such as inositol monophosphatase and one of the small
      heat shock proteins (sHsps), Heat shock protein23 (hsp23), seem to play an
      important role in F. candida.

PMID- 22079297
TI  - Venom lethality and diet: differential responses of natural prey and model
      organisms to the venom of the saw-scaled vipers (Echis).
AB  - The composition of snake venoms shows a high degree of variation at all taxonomic
      levels, and natural selection for diet has been implicated as a potential cause.
      Saw-scaled vipers (Echis) provide a good model for studying this phenomenon. The
      venoms of arthropod feeding species of Echis are significantly more toxic to
      natural scorpion prey than those of species which feed predominantly upon
      vertebrate prey. Although testing venom activity on natural prey is important for
      our understanding of the evolution of venom, natural prey species are often
      difficult to obtain in sufficient numbers for toxinological work. In order to
      test the viability of using cheaper and more easily available model organisms for
      toxicity assessments in evolutionary research, and the extent to which toxicity
      of arthropod-eating Echis venoms is increased to arthropods in general or
      targeted to certain groups, we conducted median lethal dosage (LD(50)) and time
      to death trials using the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) as a model
      arthropod, rarely consumed by wild Echis. The venoms of arthropod specialist
      Echis were found to be significantly more toxic to locusts than the venom of a
      vertebrate feeding outgroup (Bitis arietans), and one arthropod specialist venom
      was found to be more toxic than those species which feed upon arthropods
      infrequently or not at all. The venoms of arthropod specialists were also found
      to cause death and incapacitation faster than the vertebrate feeding outgroup.
      Despite some similarity of trends, there are considerable differences between the
      response of natural prey (scorpions) and a model arthropod (locust) to the venoms
      of Echis species. This suggests that when possible, natural prey rather than
      convenient model organisms should be used to gain an understanding of the
      functional significance of variation in venom composition in snakes.

PMID- 22079298
TI  - BJcuL, a lectin purified from Bothrops jararacussu venom, induces apoptosis in
      human gastric carcinoma cells accompanied by inhibition of cell adhesion and
      actin cytoskeleton disassembly.
AB  - We show that BJcuL, a lectin purified from Bothrops jararacussu venom, exerts
      cytotoxic effects to gastric carcinoma cells MKN45 and AGS. This effect was due
      to the direct interaction with specific glycans on the cells surface and was
      observed by cell viability decrease, disorganization of actin filaments and
      apoptosis. In addition, BJcuL was able to reduce tumor cell adhesion to matrigel,
      what was inhibited by specific carbohydrate or partially inhibited when cells
      were pre-incubated with matrigel. Our results suggest that BJcuL was able to
      promote apoptosis in both tumor cells lines and therefore has a prospect for
      potential use in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22079299
TI  - High-resolution picture of a venom gland transcriptome: case study with the
      marine snail Conus consors.
AB  - Although cone snail venoms have been intensively investigated in the past few
      decades, little is known about the whole conopeptide and protein content in venom
      ducts, especially at the transcriptomic level. If most of the previous studies
      focusing on a limited number of sequences have contributed to a better
      understanding of conopeptide superfamilies, they did not give access to a
      complete panorama of a whole venom duct. Additionally, rare transcripts were
      usually not identified due to sampling effect. This work presents the data and
      analysis of a large number of sequences obtained from high throughput 454
      sequencing technology using venom ducts of Conus consors, an Indo-Pacific living
      piscivorous cone snail. A total of 213,561 Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) with an
      average read length of 218 base pairs (bp) have been obtained. These reads were
      assembled into 65,536 contiguous DNA sequences (contigs) then into 5039 clusters.
      The data revealed 11 conopeptide superfamilies representing a total of 53 new
      isoforms (full length or nearly full-length sequences). Considerable isoform
      diversity and major differences in transcription level could be noted between
      superfamilies. A, O and M superfamilies are the most diverse. The A family
      isoforms account for more than 70% of the conopeptide cocktail (considering all
      ESTs before clustering step). In addition to traditional superfamilies and
      families, minor transcripts including both cysteine free and cysteine-rich
      peptides could be detected, some of them figuring new clades of conopeptides.
      Finally, several sets of transcripts corresponding to proteins commonly recruited
      in venom function could be identified for the first time in cone snail venom
      duct. This work provides one of the first large-scale EST project for a cone
      snail venom duct using next-generation sequencing, allowing a detailed overview
      of the venom duct transcripts. This leads to an expanded definition of the
      overall cone snail venom duct transcriptomic activity, which goes beyond the
      cysteine-rich conopeptides. For instance, this study enabled to detect proteins
      involved in common post-translational maturation and folding, and to reveal
      compounds classically involved in hemolysis and mechanical penetration of the
      venom into the prey. Further comparison with proteomic and genomic data will lead
      to a better understanding of conopeptides diversity and the underlying mechanisms
      involved in conopeptide evolution.

PMID- 22079300
TI  - Graphene nanosheets modified glassy carbon electrode for simultaneous detection
      of heroine, morphine and noscapine.
AB  - In the present study, the graphene nanosheets (GNSs) modified glassy carbon (GC)
      electrode is employed for simultaneous determination of morphine, noscapine and
      heroin. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of the simultaneous
      determination of these three important opiate drugs based on their direct
      electrochemical oxidation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)
      technique is utilized in order to study the surface morphology of the modified
      electrode. The modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity
      toward oxidation of morphine, noscapine and heroin at reduced overpotentials in
      wide pH range. In the performed experiments, differential pulse voltammetric
      determination of morphine, noscapine and heroin yields calibration curves with
      the following characteristics; linear dynamic range up to 65, 40 and 100 MUM,
      sensitivity of 275, 500 and 217 nA MUM(-1) cm(-2), and detection limits of 0.4,
      0.2 and 0.5 MUM at 3S(B), respectively. Fast response time, signal stability,
      high sensitivity, low cost and ease of preparation method without using any
      specific electron-transfer mediator or specific reagent are the advantageous of
      the proposed sensor. The modified electrode can be used for simultaneous or
      individual detection of three major narcotic components, heroin, noscapine and
      morphine at micromolar concentration without any separation or pretreatment
      steps.

PMID- 22079301
TI  - Size characterization of the associations between carbon nanotubes and humic
      acids in aqueous media by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation combined
      with multi-angle light scattering.
AB  - This work focuses on the influence of humic acids (HAs) on the fate of carbon
      nanotubes (CNTs) in aqueous media. This influence was demonstrated by mixing CNT
      powder with HAs in aqueous solution in varying concentrations. The aqueous media
      containing HAs and CNTs were size-characterized by asymmetrical flow field-flow
      fractionation (AsFlFFF) coupled with multi-angle light scattering (MALS). This
      coupling yielded information concerning the size distribution of single- and
      multi-walled CNTs (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) and HAs under different physico-chemical
      conditions that can occur in environmental water. HAs can disperse individual
      CNTs in aqueous media. However, the difference in the physical structure between
      SWCNTs and MWCNTs leads to significant differences in the quantity of HA that can
      adsorb onto the nanotube surface and in the stability of the CNT/HA complex.
      Compared with MWCNTs, SWCNTs suspended in HAs are less affected by changing ionic
      strength with respect to stability and the amount suspended.

PMID- 22079302
TI  - Zerovalent iron encapsulated chitosan nanospheres - a novel adsorbent for the
      removal of total inorganic arsenic from aqueous systems.
AB  - Evaluation of Chitosan zerovalent Iron Nanoparticle (CIN) towards arsenic removal
      is presented. Addition of chitosan enhances the stability of Fe(0) nano particle.
      Prepared adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR, SEM EDX, BET and XRD. It was found
      that, with an initial dose rate of 0.5 g L(-1), concentrations of As (III) and As
      (V) were reduced from 2 mg L(-1) to <5 MUg L(-1) in less than 180 min and the
      adsorbent was found to be applicable in wide range of pH. Langmuir monolayer
      adsorption capacity was found to be 94+/-1.5 mg g(-1) and 119+/-2.6 mg g(-1) at
      pH 7 for As (III) and As (V) respectively. Major anions including sulfate,
      phosphate and silicate did not cause significant interference in the adsorption
      behavior of both arsenite and arsenate. The adsorbent was successfully recycled
      five times and applied to the removal of total inorganic arsenic from real life
      groundwater samples.

PMID- 22079303
TI  - Parotitis associated with Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal tick
      borne viral disease, the course of which may accompanied by various clinical
      findings. OBJECTIVES: We describe a picture of non-suppurative parotitis
      developing in association with CCHF virus. STUDY DESIGN: A 48-year-old patient
      presenting to our hospital with lethargy, hemorrhage and pain and swelling below
      the left ear was diagnosed with CCHF through IgM antibody and polymerase chain
      reaction positivity in serum investigated for CCHF virus. A picture of non
      suppurative parotitis developed on the 3rd day of admission. RESULTS: Other
      causes of parotitis were excluded with the help of serological tests, and the
      case was regarded as one of CCHF-associated parotitis. The patient was put on
      adjuvant therapy, an improvement in clinical findings was observed and he was
      discharged in a healthy condition on the 8th day. CONCLUSIONS: Ours is the first
      case in the literature of parotitis seen during CCHF. CCHF should be considered
      in differential diagnosis in addition to other frequently encountered viral
      agents in patients from endemic regions presenting with a picture of non
      suppurative parotitis.

PMID- 22079304
TI  - Molecular epidemiology of a large community-based outbreak of hepatitis B in
      Bristol, U.K.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large outbreak of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the U.K.
      occurred between 2001 and 2005 in Bristol, U.K. OBJECTIVES: To identify HBV
      strains circulating amongst risk groups in the HBV outbreak cohort. STUDY DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study of acute HBV outbreak cases in Bristol. RESULTS: HBV
      sequences from sera of 95 of the 237 cases (40%) were characterised. The majority
      of cases (77%) were found to carry an HBV variant belonging to genotype D,
      designated HBV(BV). Eighty-eight percent (36/41) of sequences from injection drug
      users were HBV(BV) as were 70% (19/27) from those with heterosexual intercourse
      as the primary identified risk factor. Of 15 sequences characterised from cases
      of pre-outbreak acute or chronic hepatitis B residing in Bristol, 40% also
      carried HBV(BV); the earliest was from a case identified in 1994. CONCLUSION: The
      findings from this study link the spread of HBV(BV) from injecting drug users to
      the general population through heterosexual intercourse during the outbreak. The
      molecular sequencing of specimens from this outbreak reports the emergence of
      HBV(BV), a HBV strain circulating in Bristol and South West England, as the cause
      of one of the largest outbreaks of acute hepatitis B in the U.K.

PMID- 22079305
TI  - Use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) as a diagnostic tool for
      influenza infection in a vaccine efficacy trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conventional techniques for diagnosing influenza based on viral cell
      culture or disease serology have limitations, and molecular assays, such as real
      time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) are increasingly used. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the use of rtPCR as a diagnostic tool for the determination of influenza
      virus infection. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, randomised efficacy study was conducted in persons aged 18-64 years.
      Cases of influenza-like-illness (ILI), defined as at least one systemic symptom
      [fever >=37.8 degrees C and/or myalgia] and at least one respiratory symptom
      [cough and/or sore throat] were identified by active and passive surveillance.
      For each case of suspected ILI, nasal and throat swabs were collected and
      analysed by viral culture and rtPCR. RESULTS: 227 ILI cases were positive by
      rtPCR while 64% (145/227) were positive by both rtPCR and culture. For both
      assays, the maximum percentage of swabs that tested positive was on Day 0,
      thereafter positive samples by rtPCR remained constant until Day 5 but decreased
      progressively by culture. All rtPCR positive cases with a viral load of below
      4.5log(10) copies/sample were negative by culture. There were however culture
      negative cases with high viral loads. Vaccine efficacy for influenza was
      estimated as 54.7% by rtPCR (culture positive or negative) and 61.6% by culture
      irrespective of match to vaccine strain. Clinical severity was not significantly
      different between culture positive cases and culture negative but rtPCR positive
      cases. CONCLUSIONS: rtPCR is a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for
      influenza vaccine efficacy studies.

PMID- 22079306
TI  - [Multidisciplinary meetings in oncology do not impact the physician-patient
      relationship].
AB  - CONTEXT: The setting of multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) by the French Cancer Plan
      has introduced new decisional elements in the patient-physician relationship in
      oncology. METHODS: To assess the potential impact of MDM on this relationship, a
      study was conducted at the Tours Hospital: 145 questionnaires were collected from
      patients whose files have been discussed in MDM, 40 questionnaires were collected
      from physicians attending these meetings and an analysis of 324 files was
      performed. RESULTS: Patients recognize the decisional process of MDM as
      reassuring for 80% of them. However, a majority (73%) expressed that the most
      important for them is the relationship with the referring physician, almost all
      (96%) having a total or great confidence in him. The results emphasize that trust
      appears to be related to the quality of communication, open dialogue and the
      competence of the doctor in particular in the choice of treatment. A review of
      files shows that in 91% of cases, the opinion of the RCP is applied and that, in
      69% of cases, the referring doctor delivers the information to the patient after
      MDM. From the physicians' perspective, 33/40 report that the MDM do not alter
      their relationship with the patient. We note that 35/40 express that the
      consultation after MDM facilitates the presentation of the decision and 37/40
      that the decision is always or often applied in accordance with the opinion of
      the MDM. CONCLUSION: MDM appears in most cases in this study not to modify the
      patient-physician relationship. Due to the patient confidence into the referring
      physician, the role of this one is essential in integrating the decisional
      multidisciplinary opinion of MDM and it is important to ensure from his/her
      disengagement in the decisional process.

PMID- 22079307
TI  - [History of robotic surgery in surgery: a progressive evolution towards a
      surgical revolution].

PMID- 22079308
TI  - Predictors of warm ischemia time and perioperative complications in a
      multicenter, international series of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Warm ischemia time (WIT) and complication rates are two important
      parameters for evaluating the perioperative results of robot-assisted partial
      nephrectomy (RAPN). Few data are available about the clinical predictors of WIT
      and overall complications. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical predictors of WIT and
      perioperative complications. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a
      retrospective study including 347 patients who underwent RAPN for suspicious
      renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at four referral centers from September 2008 to
      September 2010. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent RAPN using the da Vinci S
      Surgical System with hilar clamping. MEASUREMENTS: WIT >20 min and overall
      complication rates were the main outcomes. Postoperative complications were
      classified according to the Clavien/Dindo system. Moreover, the following
      perioperative variables were considered: clinical tumor size, anatomical tumor
      characteristics according to Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an
      Anatomical (PADUA) classification score, surgeon experience, console time, blood
      loss, and upper collecting system (UCS) repair. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: WIT >20
      min was reported in 125 (36%) cases. Intraoperative and postoperative
      complications were observed in 10 (2.9%) and 41 (11.8%) cases, respectively.
      Surgeon experience (odds ratio [OR]: 6.381; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.687
      11.042; p<0.001), clinical tumor size (OR: 1.022; 95% CI, 1.002-1.044; p=0.03),
      the other anatomic characteristics determined by the PADUA classification score
      (OR: 1.294; 95% CI, 1.080-1.549; p=0.005), and the UCS repair (OR: 2.987; 95% CI,
      1.728-5.165; p<0.001) turned out to be independent predictors of WIT >20 min.
      Similarly, surgeon experience (OR: 3.937; 95% CI, 2.011-7.705; p<0.001), clinical
      tumor size (OR: 1.033; 95% CI, 1.009-1.058; p=0.007), and the other anatomical
      characteristics determined by the PADUA classification score (OR: 1.427; 95% CI,
      1.149-1.773; p<0.001) turned out to be independent predictors of overall
      complication rates. The retrospective design is the main limitation of this
      multicenter, international study. Therefore, some patient characteristics and
      comorbidities were not recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic tumor characteristics as
      determined by the PADUA classification score were independent predictors of WIT
      and overall complications, once adjusted for the effects of surgeon experience
      and clinical tumor size.

PMID- 22079309
TI  - In vitro evaluation of tectoridin, tectorigenin and tectorigenin sodium sulfonate
      on antioxidant properties.
AB  - Tectoridin (4',5,7-thrihydroxy-6-methoxyisoflavone-7-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside)
      isolated from the flowers of Pueraria thunbergiana is reported to have less
      hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antiallergic and anaphylaxis inhibitory activity
      than its aglycone form tectorigenin. To obtain tectorigenin, tectoridin was
      hydrolyzed in the current study. However, practical limitations of tectorigenin
      do exist due to its poor water-solubility. To increase its water-solubility,
      tectorigenin was sulfonated with sulfuric acid (98wt.%) and mixed with saturated
      salt water to produce tectorigenin sodium sulfonate. Tectoridin and the two
      transfer products were identified by UV, IR, HPLC-MS, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR, and
      the solubility of tectorigenin sodium sulfonate was increased about 9-fold than
      tectorigenin. Antioxidant experiments of tectoridin, tectorigenin and modified
      tectorigenin in vitro including reducing power, superoxide anion radical
      scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl
      hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and anti-lipid peroxidation were
      carried on comparing with ascorbic acid (Vc) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
      The results suggested that the antioxidant activity in all the experimental
      systems exhibited the same order as follows: tectorigenin sodium
      sulfonate>tectorigenin>tectoridin. Due to the high water-solubility and good
      antioxidant properties with tectorigenin sodium sulfonate, appropriate chemical
      modifications could greatly improve the biological activities of the naturally
      occurring products.

PMID- 22079310
TI  - Effect on pro-inflammatory and antioxidant genes and bioavailable distribution of
      whole turmeric vs curcumin: Similar root but different effects.
AB  - Curcuma longa is a perennial member of the Zingiberaceae family, and cultivated
      mainly in India, and Southeast Asia. The hypothesis for this study is that
      turmeric will have distinctive effects from curcumin due to the presence of other
      bioactive compounds. Thirty Eight-week old Sprague-Dawley rats were separated
      into three oral feeding groups. Group 1, standard rat chow, Control diet - AIN
      93M, group 2 - Curcumin - 700ppm or 0.7g/kg diet, and group 3 - Turmeric -
      14,000ppm or 14g/kg diet for a total of 3weeks. One group of rats were feed all
      three diets only and another group underwent esophagoduodenal anastomosis to
      evaluate the effects of bioavailability. Curcumin diet did not increase the
      transcription of mRNA of TNF-alpha, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2. The average fold
      change in the mRNAs level was not significant. Whereas turmeric diet increases
      the levels of IL-6 (1.9-fold, p=0.05), iNOS (4.39-fold, p=0.02), IL-8 (3.11-fold,
      p=0.04), and COX-2 (2.02-fold, p=0.05), suggesting that turmeric either was more
      bioavailable or had more affect on pro-inflammatory genes compare to curcumin
      diet. We have demonstrated the molecular effects of curcumin and turmeric in the
      role as an anti-inflammatory therapy. However, significant bioavailable
      differences do occur and must be considered in further chemopreventative
      investigative trials the setting of reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and
      other upper gastrointestinal cancers.

PMID- 22079311
TI  - Antioxidant activities of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and their role on DNA
      damage in mice induced by cobalt-60 gamma-irradiation.
AB  - In this study, the radio-protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides
      (GLP) were investigated in a mouse animal model exposed to (60)Co gamma
      irradiation. Each of three batches of mice were divided into five groups
      (negative control, positive gamma irradiated control, and low, middle and high
      dosage GLP groups). Different batches of animals were used to evaluate the impact
      of GLP on peripheral white blood cell count, immune organ index; DNA damage,
      lipid peroxidation; micronuclei formation, and nucleated cell count in bone
      marrow induced by (60)Co gamma-irradiation. DNA strand-break and micronuclei
      frequency were significantly reduced and glutathione peroxidase activity and
      nucleated cell count in bone marrow were significantly increased by GLP treatment
      in a dose-dependent manner. GLP intervention also increased the activity of
      superoxide dismutase and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in middle and
      high GLP treatment groups. No adverse effects were observed on peripheral white
      blood cells and immune organ or body weight in either the control groups or GLP
      treated gamma exposed mice. These findings suggest that GLP possesses marked
      antioxidant capacity which plays an important role in the prevention of radiation
      damage in mice induced by (60)Co gamma-irradiation.

PMID- 22079313
TI  - Fish consumption during child bearing age: a quantitative risk-benefit analysis
      on neurodevelopment.
AB  - The fish ingredient N3-docosahexaenoic acid 22:6 n-3 (DHA) stimulates brain
      development. On the other hand methylmercury (MeHg) in fish disturbs the
      developing central nervous system. In this Context the IQ score in children is
      considered as an aggregate measure of in utero brain development. To determine
      the effect of DHA exposure on prenatal neurodevelopment the maternal DHA intake
      during pregnancy was compared with its epidemiologically observed effect on the
      IQ score of children. For MeHg the maternal intake was converted into its
      accumulation in the maternal body. The maternal body burden then was compared
      with its epidemiologically observed relationship with the IQ score. Taking the
      MeHg and DHA content of 33 fish species the net effect of these compounds on the
      IQ score was quantified. For most fish species the adverse effect of MeHg on the
      IQ score exceeded the beneficial effect of DHA. In the case of long-living
      predators a negative effect up to 10 points on the IQ score was found. The
      results of this study indicate that food interventions aiming at the beneficial
      effects of fish consumption should focus on fish species with a high DHA content,
      while avoiding fish species with a high MeHg content.

PMID- 22079312
TI  - Cancer chemoprevention by dietary chlorophylls: a 12,000-animal dose-dose matrix
      biomarker and tumor study.
AB  - Recent pilot studies found natural chlorophyll (Chl) to inhibit carcinogen uptake
      and tumorigenesis in rodent and fish models, and to alter uptake and
      biodistribution of trace (14)C-aflatoxin B1 in human volunteers. The present
      study extends these promising findings, using a dose-dose matrix design to
      examine Chl-mediated effects on dibenzo(def,p)chrysene (DBC)-induced DNA adduct
      formation, tumor incidence, tumor multiplicity, and changes in gene regulation in
      the trout. The dose-dose matrix design employed an initial 12,360 rainbow trout,
      which were treated with 0-4000ppm dietary Chl along with 0-225ppm DBC for up to
      4weeks. Dietary DBC was found to induce dose-responsive changes in gene
      expression that were abolished by Chl co-treatment, whereas Chl alone had no
      effect on the same genes. Chl co-treatment provided a dose-responsive reduction
      in total DBC-DNA adducts without altering relative adduct intensities along the
      chromatographic profile. In animals receiving DBC alone, liver tumor incidence
      (as logit) and tumor multiplicity were linear in DBC dose (as log) up to their
      maximum-effect dose, and declined thereafter. Chl co-treatment substantially
      inhibited incidence and multiplicity at DBC doses up to their maximum-effect
      dose. These results show that Chl concentrations encountered in Chl-rich green
      vegetables can provide substantial cancer chemoprotection, and suggest that they
      do so by reducing carcinogen bioavailability. However, at DBC doses above the
      optima, Chl co-treatments failed to inhibit tumor incidence and significantly
      enhanced multiplicity. This finding questions the human relevance of
      chemoprevention studies carried out at high carcinogen doses that are not proven
      to lie within a linear, or at least monotonic, endpoint dose-response range.

PMID- 22079314
TI  - Pu-erh black tea extract supplementation attenuates the oxidative DNA damage and
      oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats with renal dysfunction induced by
      subchronic 3-methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1,4-dioxide exposure.
AB  - 3-Methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1,4-dioxide (Quinocetone, QCT), has been
      used to treat dysentery and promote growth in animal feeding. However, available
      data show that QCT has potential nephrotoxicity. The present study was designed
      to investigate the protective effects of Pu-erh black tea extract (PBTE) which is
      a traditional remedy in China with antioxidant properties against oxidative DNA
      damage and oxidative stress in a rat model of QCT-induced renal dysfunction.
      Increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, pathological lesions, urinary 8
      hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and renal DNA damage were observed in the QCT
      fed rats. These were accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species
      accumulation, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and inhibited antioxidant system,
      i.e., glutathione glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and
      glutathione reductase. Oral administration of PBTE effectively suppressed QCT
      induced renal dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced serum creatinine, urinary 8
      OHdG and DNA damage in isolated renal cells, amelioration of oxidative stress and
      modulation of antioxidative system. In conclusion, PBTE administration
      ameliorated QCT-induced nephrotoxicity by maintaining DNA's double-helix
      architecture and mitigating oxidative stress.

PMID- 22079316
TI  - Effects of acute nicotine administration on behavioral and neural (EEG)
      correlates of working memory in non-smokers.
AB  - Enhancements in working memory (WM) performance have been previously reported
      following acute smoking/nicotine. Neuroimaging and behavioral assessments of
      nicotine's effects on WM have yielded inconsistent findings. Few studies,
      however, have examined the effects of nicotine on WM-related neural activity in
      non-smokers. The present study examined the effect of acute nicotine gum
      administration (6 mg) on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity (alpha(1),
      alpha(2) and theta bands) and performance on the parametrically manipulated N
      back task of WM in 20 non-smoking adults. EEG activity varied with WM load (e.g.
      alpha(1) decreasing and theta increasing). Performance on the N-back was also
      load-sensitive, with slower reaction times and decreased accuracy associated with
      increasing memory load. Neither response speed nor accuracy measures were
      affected by nicotine but EEG was, with the effects varying by load and brain
      region. Nicotine-induced increases in alpha(2) and theta were observed under
      lower (0-, 1-back) memory load conditions Additionally, nicotine significantly
      reduced signal detection sensitivity values and altered response bias toward
      being more conservative at all levels of the N-back. Taken together, these
      findings suggest that while nicotine may boost WM neural processes at lower
      levels of WM load in non-smokers, it also may activate concurrent behavioral
      inhibition networks that negate any effects on behavioral performance.
      Additionally, nicotine appears to have no impact, or perhaps a negative impact,
      on these processes under more demanding (2-back, 3-back) conditions in non
      smokers.

PMID- 22079315
TI  - The mechanism of word crowding.
AB  - Word reading speed in peripheral vision is slower when words are in close
      proximity of other words (Chung, 2004). This word crowding effect could arise as
      a consequence of interaction of low-level letter features between words, or the
      interaction between high-level holistic representations of words. We evaluated
      these two hypotheses by examining how word crowding changes for five
      configurations of flanking words: the control condition - flanking words were
      oriented upright; scrambled - letters in each flanking word were scrambled in
      order; horizontal-flip - each flanking word was the left-right mirror-image of
      the original; letter-flip - each letter of the flanking word was the left-right
      mirror-image of the original; and vertical-flip - each flanking word was the up
      down mirror-image of the original. The low-level letter feature interaction
      hypothesis predicts similar word crowding effect for all the different flanker
      configurations, while the high-level holistic representation hypothesis predicts
      less word crowding effect for all the alternative flanker conditions, compared
      with the control condition. We found that oral reading speed for words flanked
      above and below by other words, measured at 10 degrees  eccentricity in the nasal
      field, showed the same dependence on the vertical separation between the target
      and its flanking words, for the various flanker configurations. The result was
      also similar when we rotated the flanking words by 90 degrees  to disrupt the
      periodic vertical pattern, which presumably is the main structure in words. The
      remarkably similar word crowding effect irrespective of the flanker
      configurations suggests that word crowding arises as a consequence of
      interactions of low-level letter features.

PMID- 22079317
TI  - Genistein inhibits aggregation of exogenous amyloid-beta1-40 and alleviates
      astrogliosis in the hippocampus of rats.
AB  - We addressed the question of whether injection of Amyloid beta (Abeta)(1-40) in
      the rat brain is associated with pathology in the hippocampus, and if genistein
      has any protective effect against the neuronal damage caused by Abeta(1-40).
      Genistein is a plant-derived compound with a structure similar to that of the
      female sex hormone estrogen and it was recently shown that pretreatment with a
      single dose of genistein ameliorated learning and memory deficits in an (Abeta)(1
      40) rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report that injection of the
      amyloid peptide into the hippocampus of rats led to formation of Abeta(1-40)
      positive aggregates close to the lateral blade of the dentate gyrus (DGlb). We
      also observed the following in the hippocampus: extensive cell death in the DGlb
      (P<0.0001), CA1 (P=0.03), and CA3 (P=0.002); an increased number of iNOS
      expressing cells (P=0.01) and gliosis. Genistein given to rats by gavage 1h
      before injection of Abeta(1-40) inhibited the formation of Abeta(1-40) positive
      aggregates in the brain tissue and led to increased number of nNOS(+) (P=0.0001)
      cells in the hippocampus compared to sham-operated genistein-treated controls.
      Treatment with genistein also alleviated the extensive astrogliosis that occurred
      in Abeta(1-40)-injected hippocampus to a level similar to that observed in sham
      operated rats. We conclude that the neurons in the DGlb are most sensitive to
      Abeta(1-40), and a single dose of genistein can ameliorate Abeta(1-40) induced
      pathology.

PMID- 22079318
TI  - Effects of A-CREB, a dominant negative inhibitor of CREB, on the expression of c
      fos and other immediate early genes in the rat SON during hyperosmotic
      stimulation in vivo.
AB  - Intraperitoneal administration of hypertonic saline to the rat supraoptic nucleus
      (SON) increases the expression of several immediate early genes (IEG) and the
      vasopressin gene. These increases have usually been attributed to action of the
      cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB). In this paper, we study the
      role of CREB in these events in vivo by delivering a potent dominant-negative
      form of CREB, known as A-CREB, to the rat SON through the use of an adeno
      associated viral (AAV) vector. Preliminary experiments on HEK 293 cells in vitro
      showed that the A-CREB vector that we used completely eliminated CREB-induced c
      fos expression. We stereotaxically injected this AAV-A-CREB into one SON and a
      control AAV into the contralateral SON of the same rat. Two weeks following these
      injections we injected hypertonic saline intraperitoneally into the rat. Using
      this paradigm, we could measure the relative effects of inhibiting CREB on the
      induced expression of c-fos, ngfi-a, ngfi-b, and vasopressin genes in the A-CREB
      AAV injected SON versus the control AAV injected SON in the same rat. We found
      only a small (20%) decrease of c-fos expression and a 30% decrease of ngfi-b
      expression in the presence of the A-CREB. There were no significant changes in
      expression found in the other IEGs nor in vasopressin that were produced by the A
      CREB. This suggests that CREB may play only a minor role in the expression of
      IEGs and vasopressin in the osmotically activated SON in vivo.

PMID- 22079319
TI  - Dose-dependent effects of neonatal SSRI exposure on adult behavior in the rat.
AB  - Neonatal exposure to antidepressants produces lasting impairments in male sexual
      behavior. Although perturbation of the serotonin system during neonatal life has
      been implicated in the long-term behavioral effects of neonatal antidepressant
      exposure, dose-response studies were necessary to confirm that inhibition of the
      serotonin transporter during the neonatal period is sufficient to produce
      impairments in sexual behavior. Therefore, the present study examined the dose
      response effects of neonatal citalopram exposure on sexual behavior. In addition,
      the effects of exposure on anxiety-related behavior were examined since
      alterations in this behavioral measure could affect sexual behavior. Male Long
      Evans rats were injected subcutaneously with citalopram (CTM) in one of three
      doses (5, 10 or 20mg/kg/d), or saline (SAL) in a volume of 0.1 ml twice daily
      (07:00 and 14:00 h) from PD8 to PD21. The rats were tested as adults (>PD90) for
      anxiety-like behavior and exploration in the elevated plus maze test and sexual
      behavior. Neonatal citalopram exposure produced persistent reductions in male
      sexual behavior characterized by significant dose-dependent reductions in the
      percentage of male rats displaying mounting as well as dose-dependent reductions
      in the number of mounts and mount latency. Neonatal citalopram exposure also
      produced significant dose-dependent linear trends for reductions in intromission
      and ejaculation behavior. However, neonatal SSRI exposure was not found to
      produce any effects on exploration or anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus
      maze test. The present findings support the hypothesis that inhibition of the
      serotonin transporter during neonatal life by an SSRI is directly responsible for
      the long-term effects on male sexual behavior.

PMID- 22079320
TI  - A single administration of methamphetamine to mice early in the light period
      decreases running wheel activity observed during the dark period.
AB  - Repeated intermittent administration of amphetamines acutely increases appetitive
      and consummatory aspects of motivated behaviors as well as general activity and
      exploratory behavior, including voluntary running wheel activity. Subsequently,
      if the drug is withdrawn, the frequency of these behaviors decreases, which is
      thought to be indicative of dysphoric symptoms associated with amphetamine
      withdrawal. Such decreases may be observed after chronic treatment or even after
      single drug administrations. In the present study, the effect of acute
      methamphetamine (METH) on running wheel activity, horizontal locomotion,
      appetitive behavior (food access), and consummatory behavior (food and water
      intake) was investigated in mice. A multi-configuration behavior apparatus
      designed to monitor the five behaviors was developed, where combined measures
      were recorded simultaneously. In the first experiment, naive male ICR mice showed
      gradually increasing running wheel activity over three consecutive days after
      exposure to a running wheel, while mice without a running wheel showed gradually
      decreasing horizontal locomotion, consistent with running wheel activity being a
      positively motivated form of natural motor activity. In experiment 2, increased
      horizontal locomotion and food access, and decreased food intake, were observed
      for the initial 3h after acute METH challenge. Subsequently, during the dark
      phase period decreased running wheel activity and horizontal locomotion were
      observed. The reductions in running wheel activity and horizontal locomotion may
      be indicative of reduced dopaminergic function, although it remains to be seen if
      these changes may be more pronounced after more prolonged METH treatments.

PMID- 22079321
TI  - Developmental changes in the expression of Kappav1 potassium channels in rat
      vestibular ganglion cells.
AB  - The primary afferent neurons of the vestibular ganglion convey sensory
      information from hair cells in the semicircular canals and otolith organs to the
      vestibular nuclei, the adjacent brainstem and the cerebellum. The intrinsic
      firing properties of vestibular ganglion cells (VGCs) are heterogeneous and have
      been classified into phasic, intermediate and tonic firing types on the basis of
      their response to injected depolarizing currents. A previous study from our group
      showed that the proportion of phasic discharging VGCs decreased during the first
      postnatal weeks. Moreover, alpha-dendrotoxin (alpha-DTX), a Kv1 potassium
      channels antagonist, turned neuron phasic firing to tonic, thus suggesting that
      these channels play an important role in the developmental changes of VGCs firing
      patterns. Here, by using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and quantitative
      real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we explored
      the change in the expression of alpha-DTX-sensitive K(+) channels, Kv1.1, Kv1.2
      and Kv1.6 in rat VGCs during early postnatal periods. We showed that expression
      of Kv1.6 protein is down-regulated together with expression of Kv1.6 mRNA after
      postnatal day 7 in rat VGCs whereas expression of Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 proteins did
      not change during the same developmental period. Our results suggest that down
      regulation of the Kv1.6 protein and mRNA may be associated with maturation of
      excitable properties of primary vestibular neurons.

PMID- 22079322
TI  - Ex vivo detection for chronic ethanol consumption-induced neurochemical changes
      in rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the chronic ethanol
      induced cerebral metabolic changes in various regions of the rat brain, using the
      proton high resolution magic angle spinning spectroscopy technique. The rats were
      divided into two groups (control group: N=11, ethanol-treated group: N=11) and
      fed with the liquid diets for 10 weeks. In each week, the mean intake volumes of
      liquid diet were measured. The brain tissues, including cerebellum (Cere),
      frontal cortex (FC), hippocampus (Hip), occipital cortex (OC) and thalamus
      (Thal), were harvested immediately after the end of experiments. The ex vivo
      proton spectra for the five brain regions were acquired with the Carr-Purcell
      Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence at 500-MHz NMR spectrometer. All of the
      spectra were processed using the LCModel software, with simulated basis-set file,
      and the metabolite levels were referenced to total creatine. In the ethanol
      liquid diet group, there were significant increases in the metabolites ratio
      levels, as compared to control (Cere: alanine, glutathione, and N
      acetlyaspartate; FC: phosphocholine and taurine; Hip: alanine, glutamine, and N
      acetylaspartate; OC: glutamine; Thal: alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid,
      glutamate, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, taurine, and free choline).
      However, in the ethanol liquid diet group, the myo-inositol levels of the OC were
      significantly lower. The present study demonstrates how chronic ethanol
      consumption affects cerebral metabolites in the chronic ethanol-treated rat.
      Therefore, this result could be useful to pursue clinical applications for
      quantitative diagnosis in human alcoholism.

PMID- 22079323
TI  - Cortical thickness analysis and optimized voxel-based morphometry in children and
      adolescents with prelingually profound sensorineural hearing loss.
AB  - Crossmodal neuroplastic changes following auditory deprivation in individuals
      with profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) have been well documented in
      previous literature. However, previous studies have shown very little evidence of
      structural brain changes in individuals with prelingually profound SNHL and no
      studies have reported significant differences of gray matter (GM) in deaf
      subjects. Therefore, it is essential to employ a more specific and sensitive
      technique to detect subtle structural brain differences in deaf individuals. The
      objective of our study was to investigate neuroanatomical differences in children
      and adolescents with profound SNHL by cortical thickness analysis and optimized
      voxel-based morphometry (VBM). T1-weighted volumetric images of 16 children and
      adolescents with prelingually profound SNHL and 16 hearing controls were
      analyzed. The ANCOVA analysis revealed a statistically significant decreased
      average cortical thickness of the whole brain. As to vertex-based analysis,
      cortical thickness of the deaf subjects showed significant thinning in the left
      precentral gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, the left superior occipital gyrus and
      the left fusiform gyrus compared with the hearing subjects. VBM revealed
      statistically significant focal reduction of white matter (WM) volume in the left
      middle frontal gyrus and the right inferior occipital gyrus in deaf subjects
      without statistically significant differences in GM volume between the two
      groups. These findings demonstrated that structural changes happened not only in
      the WM but also in the GM of the subjects with prelingually profound SNHL, which
      have never been reported before in any previous literature. Our results also
      implicated the potential neuroplastic changes associated with crossmodal
      reorganization in the brain after auditory deprivation in the early deafness.

PMID- 22079324
TI  - Downregulation of miR-199a may play a role in 3-nitropropionic acid induced
      ischemic tolerance in rat brain.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miR) are single-stranded short RNA molecules that regulate gene
      expression by degradation or translational repression of mRNA. It has been
      reported that the downregulation of miR-199a plays an important role in cardiac
      ischemic tolerance. We examined the expression of miR-199a after 3-nitropropionic
      acid (3-NPA) preconditioning in rat brain. 3-NPA (20mg/kg), an irreversible
      inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, was injected intraperitoneally to induce
      ischemic tolerance in rats. For comparison, the control group received
      intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride). Quantitative RT-PCR
      assay was applied to detect the expression of miR-199a. Luciferase reporter
      assays and Western blotting were used to verify the target genes of miR-199a. In
      cortex and striatum, miR-199a was downregulated at two separate time intervals
      (the 2nd and 4th day), while in the hippocampus, it was downregulated on the 2nd
      day after 3-NPA preconditioning. The maximum reduction of miR-199a was 66.3% in
      striatum (4th day), 54.9% in hippocampus (2nd day), and 27.6% in cortex (2nd
      day). The level of sirt1 protein, a putative target of miR-199a and a known
      mediator of neuroprotective effect in brain ischemic tolerance, decreased
      significantly in hippocampal neurons by overexpression of miR-199a, while it
      increased with knockdown of miR-199a. Taking these results together, we
      hypothesize miR-199a may have a role in the formation of cerebral ischemic
      tolerance.

PMID- 22079325
TI  - Increased expression of placental growth factor in patients with temporal lobe
      epilepsy and a rat model.
AB  - Placental growth factor (PIGF) plays a role in angiogenesis and neuroprotection.
      It has been suggested that angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier damage are
      involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. In this study, we investigated the
      PIGF expression in the temporal neocortices of 11 patients with pharmaco
      resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 6 non-epileptic controls, using double
      immunofluorescence labeling, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. We also
      assessed PIGF expression pattern in a rat model of TLE induced by lithium
      chloride-pilocarpine. We found that PIGF expression was significantly elevated in
      patients with TLE than in control. TLE patients with initial injuries had
      significantly higher PIGF level than those without initial injuries. In the TLE
      rat model, PIGF upregulation started at 6h after status epilepticus and
      maintained at significant high level for up to 60 days. These results suggest
      that the augmentation of brain PIGF is associated with development of epilepsy.

PMID- 22079326
TI  - The ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine does not predict
      integrity of growing MT58 Chinese hamster ovary cells.
AB  - Phosphatidylcholine (PC) homeostasis is important for maintaining cellular growth
      and survival. Cellular growth and apoptosis may also be influenced by the PC to
      phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) ratio as a reduction in this ratio can result in a
      loss of membrane integrity. To investigate whether a reduced PC:PE ratio
      influences cellular growth and apoptosis, we utilized the MT58 cell line, which
      contains a thermo-sensitive mutation in CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase
      alpha, the rate-limiting enzyme for PC biosynthesis. Incubation of MT58 cells at
      the restrictive temperature of 41 degrees C results in a reduction of cellular PC
      and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, MT58 cells have a 50% reduction in the PC:PE
      ratio when incubated at 41 degrees C. In an attempt to normalize the PC:PE ratio,
      which may stabilize cellular membranes and rescue MT58 cells from apoptosis, the
      cells were treated with either silencing RNA to impair PE biosynthesis or
      lysophosphatidylcholine to increase PC mass. Impairing PE biosynthesis in MT58
      cells reduced cellular PE and PC concentrations by 30% and 20%, but did not
      normalize the PC:PE ratio. Loss of both phospholipids enhanced the onset of
      apoptosis in MT58 cells. Lysophosphatidylcholine normalized cellular PC,
      increased PE mass by 10%, restored cellular growth and prevented apoptosis of
      MT58 cells without normalizing the PC:PE ratio. Furthermore, total amount of
      cellular PC and PE, but not the PC:PE ratio, correlated with cellular growth
      (R(2)=0.76), and inversely with cellular apoptosis (R(2)=0.97). These data
      suggest the total cellular amount of PC and PE, not the PC:PE ratio, influences
      growth and membrane integrity of MT58 cells.

PMID- 22079327
TI  - How to recognise collateral damage in partial nerve injury models of neuropathic
      pain.

PMID- 22079329
TI  - CETP inhibition in perspective.

PMID- 22079328
TI  - The spectrum of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency: clinical, biochemical
      and genetic features in 371 patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) deficiency is a genetic
      mitochondrial disorder commonly associated with lactic acidosis, progressive
      neurological and neuromuscular degeneration and, usually, death during childhood.
      There has been no recent comprehensive analysis of the natural history and
      clinical course of this disease. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed 371 cases of PDC
      deficiency, published between 1970 and 2010, that involved defects in subunits
      E1alpha and E1beta and components E1, E2, E3 and the E3 binding protein of the
      complex. DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION: English language peer-reviewed publications
      were identified, primarily by using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines.
      RESULTS: Neurodevelopmental delay and hypotonia were the commonest clinical signs
      of PDC deficiency. Structural brain abnormalities frequently included
      ventriculomegaly, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum and neuroimaging findings
      typical of Leigh syndrome. Neither gender nor any clinical or neuroimaging
      feature differentiated the various biochemical etiologies of the disease.
      Patients who died were younger, presented clinically earlier and had higher blood
      lactate levels and lower residual enzyme activities than subjects who were still
      alive at the time of reporting. Survival bore no relationship to the underlying
      biochemical or genetic abnormality or to gender. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      clinical spectrum of PDC deficiency is broad, the dominant clinical phenotype
      includes presentation during the first year of life; neurological and
      neuromuscular degeneration; structural lesions revealed by neuroimaging; lactic
      acidosis and a blood lactate:pyruvate ratio <=20.

PMID- 22079330
TI  - Development of IgA nephropathy-like glomerulonephritis associated with Wiskott
      Aldrich syndrome protein deficiency.
AB  - Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked disorder caused by mutations in
      the WAS gene. Glomerulonephritis is a frequent complication, however,
      histopathological data from affected patients is scarce because the
      thrombocytopenia that affects most patients is a contraindication to renal
      biopsies. We found that WASp-deficient mice develop proliferative
      glomerulonephritis reminiscent of human IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We examined
      whether increased aberrant IgA production is associated with the development of
      glomerulonephritis in WASp-deficient mice. Serum IgA and IgA production by
      splenic B cells was increased in WASp-deficient mice compared to wild-type (WT)
      mice. A lectin-binding study revealed a reduced ratio of sialylated and
      galactosylated IgA in the sera from old WASp-deficient mice. Circulating IgA
      containing immune complexes showed significantly higher titers in WASp-deficient
      mice compared to WT mice. These results indicate that the increased IgA
      production and aberrant glycosylation of IgA may be critically involved in the
      pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis in WAS.

PMID- 22079331
TI  - Targeted immunosuppression: no longer naive.

PMID- 22079332
TI  - Patterns of estrous cycles, estrous behavior, and circulating prolactin in spring
      and summer in ewes selected for autumn lambing and exposed to ambient or long-day
      photoperiods.
AB  - Estrous behavior in response to ambient and long-day photoperiods was evaluated
      in ewes developed by 10 years of selection for ability to lamb in autumn.
      Following October lambing, 67 ewes were moved indoors and exposed to long-day
      (16L:8D) or ambient photoperiods from February 2 until July 6. Two vasectomized
      rams with marking harnesses were housed with each group. Estrous behavior was
      monitored twice weekly. Ewes from the selection line were unresponsive to long
      days, with no effects on estrous behavior, frequency of ovulation, or circulating
      prolactin. Adult ewes were anestrus for only 34+/-3 d, but 2- and 3-years-old
      ewes were anestrus for 72+/-7 and 57+/-10 d, respectively. Frequencies of
      ovulation based on circulating progesterone concentrations in March, May, and
      June were 97%, 95% and 52%, respectively, indicating that many ewes that did not
      exhibit estrus still ovulated. Prolactin concentrations increased from 10 ng/ml
      in February to 27 ng/ml in March and 173 ng/ml in June but were not affected by
      light treatment. Ten ewes that failed to exhibit estrus behavior for at most 24 d
      during the main study were then monitored for 74 additional long days. Nine of 10
      ewes did not exhibit estrus for periods similar to 1 or 2 estrus cycles during
      this period, but eight ewes re-initiated cycles by the end of the study on
      September 18. Selection for ability to lamb in autumn thus resulted in ewes with
      an abbreviated seasonal anestrus and reduced sensitivity to long days.

PMID- 22079333
TI  - [The social value of informal care provided to elderly dependent people in
      Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze one part of the social benefit derived from non
      professional (informal) caregivers by analyzing the hypothetical amount of
      resources that would need to be invested if informal care were substituted by
      formal care. METHODS AND DATA: Using data from the Survey of Disabilities,
      Personal Autonomy and Situations of Dependency (EDAD-2008), we estimated the cost
      to society if informal care were substituted by formal care of the population
      aged 65 years and older. For this purpose, first we computed the total amount of
      informal caregiving hours provided in Spain in 2008, and then we obtained its
      monetary worth by using the proxy good method. RESULTS: The monetary worth of
      informal care provided in 2008 ranged from 25,000 and 40,000 million euros,
      depending on the shadow price used to value one hour of care. These figures
      represented between 2.3% and 3.8% of the GDP for the same year. In regional
      terms, the valuation of informal care across Spain's autonomous regions showed a
      significant degree of dispersion, and in some regions, amounted to 6% of their
      GDP. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive approach to the care of the elderly should
      take the role and needs of informal caregivers into consideration. Caregivers
      should be given greater social recognition.

PMID- 22079334
TI  - IL-33 enhances Siglec-8 mediated apoptosis of human eosinophils.
AB  - IL-33 activates eosinophils directly via the ST2 receptor. Like IL-5, IL-33
      induces eosinophilia and eosinophilic airway inflammation in mouse models and
      primes human eosinophil responses. Previously, we reported that IL-5 priming
      enhances Siglec-8 mediated mitochondrial and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      dependent eosinophilic apoptosis and eliminates caspase dependence of this cell
      death process. Whether IL-33, like IL-5, augments pro-apoptotic pathways
      involving receptors such as Siglec-8 and in a similar manner has not been
      explored. Annexin-V labeling was performed to detect apoptosis in human
      eosinophils pre-incubated with or without a range of concentrations of IL-33
      and/or IL-5 in the presence or absence of Siglec-8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C4
      and inhibitors of caspases. Tetramethyl-rhodamine staining was used as a marker
      of mitochondrial membrane potential loss and injury. ROS production was
      determined by measuring the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of
      cytochrome c. Cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was assessed using
      Western blotting. Eosinophils cultured alone or with mAb 2C4 underwent low levels
      of apoptosis at 24h. 2C4-induced eosinophil apoptosis was markedly and equally
      enhanced after culture for 24h with either IL-33 or IL-5, although IL-5 was more
      potent. Effects on apoptosis with IL-33 and IL-5 were synergistic. In contrast,
      percentages of cells exhibiting reduced mitochondrial membrane potential were
      greater with IL-33 than IL-5 and effects of these cytokines were also
      synergistic. Antimycin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport, almost
      completely inhibited 2C4-induced apoptosis with either IL-33 or IL-5.
      Surprisingly, 2C4-induced eosinophil ROS production was significantly enhanced
      with IL-5 but not IL-33. Siglec-8-mediated apoptosis in the presence of IL-33 was
      more sensitive in magnitude than IL-5 to inhibition by the pan-caspase inhibitor
      Z-VAD-FMK, yet both cytokine conditions were associated with PARP cleavage. These
      data demonstrate that IL-33 is as effective but less potent than IL-5 in
      enhancing Siglec-8-mediated eosinophil apoptosis, and can synergize with IL-5.
      Eosinophils primed by IL-33 and/or IL-5 in vivo would be expected to display
      enhanced susceptibility to undergoing Siglec-8-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22079335
TI  - Hematopoiesis sculpted by pathogens: Toll-like receptors and inflammatory
      mediators directly activate stem cells.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) repopulate the immune system during normal
      replenishment as well as under the burden of pathogen stress, but the respective
      outcomes of differentiation are not the same. Under homeostatic conditions such
      as those which accompany turnover of immune cell subsets, HSCs appear to co
      equally prime genes associated with the major downstream lineages: lymphoid,
      myeloid, and megakaryocyte/erythroid. Recent studies reveal, however, that during
      pathogen exposure, hematopoiesis may yield progeny in proportions different than
      those produced under homeostasis. At least some of these effects may be due to
      pathogen engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed on HSCs. HSCs are
      also responsive to inflammatory cytokines that are produced in response to
      pathogen burden and are present in the bone marrow microenvironment. Thus,
      hematopoiesis is not a formulaic process that produces the same, predictable
      outcome regardless of the specific environmental context. Rather, hematopoiesis
      represents a dynamic biological system that can be appreciably responsive to
      environmental factors, an influence that extends to the level of the HSC itself.
      Knowledge of functional consequences of TLR ligation on HSCs may be
      therapeutically exploited and applied to treatment of hematopoietic insufficiency
      in the setting of infection and disease.

PMID- 22079336
TI  - Point-to-point registration with mandibulo-maxillary splint in open and closed
      jaw position. Evaluation of registration accuracy for computer-aided surgery of
      the mandible.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Computer navigation plays an increasingly important role in
      craniomaxillofacial surgery. The difficulties in computer navigation at the
      craniomaxillofacial site lie in the accurate transmission of the dataset to the
      operating room. This study investigates the accuracy of the dental-splint
      registration method for the skull, midface, and mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      synthetic human skull model was prepared with landmarks and scanned with cone
      beam computer tomography (CBCT). Two registration splints fixed the mandible
      against the viscerocranium in two different positions (closed vs. open). The
      target registration error was computed in all 278 landmarks spread over the
      entire skull and mandible in 10 repeated measurements using the VectorVision(2)
      (BrainLAB Inc., Feldkirchen, Germany) navigation system. RESULTS: If registered
      in the closed position an average precision of 2.07 mm with a standard deviation
      (SD) of 0.78 mm was computed for all landmarks distributed over the whole skull.
      Registration in the open position resulted in an average precision of 1.53 mm
      (SD=0.55 mm). For single landmarks the precision decreases linearly with distance
      from the reference markers. The longer the three-dimensional distance between the
      registration points, the more precise the computer navigation is, mainly in the
      most posterior area of the cranium. CONCLUSION: Our findings in the cranium are
      comparable with those of other studies. Artificial fixation of the lower jaw via
      splint seems to introduce no additional error. The registration points should be
      as far apart from each other as possible during navigation with the splint.

PMID- 22079337
TI  - A fast and accurate automatic lung segmentation and volumetry method for MR data
      used in epidemiological studies.
AB  - In modern epidemiological population-based studies a huge amount of magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) data is analysed. This requires reliable automatic
      methods for organ extraction. In the current paper, we propose a fast and
      accurate automatic method for lung segmentation and volumetry. Our approach
      follows a "coarse-to-fine" segmentation strategy. First, we extract the lungs and
      trachea excluding the main pulmonary vessels. This step is executed very fast and
      allows for measuring the volume of both structures. Thereafter, we start a
      refinement procedure that consists of three main stages: trachea extraction, lung
      separation, and filling the cavities on the final lung masks. After the trachea
      extraction step the volumes of both lungs without the main vessels can be
      measured. The final segmentation step results in the volumes of the left and
      right lungs including the vessels. The method has been tested by processing MR
      datasets from ten healthy participants. We compare our results with manually
      produced masks and obtain high agreement between the expert reading and our
      method: the True Positive Volume Fraction is more than 95%. The proposed
      automatic approach is fast and accurate enough to be applied in clinical routine
      for processing of thousands of participants.

PMID- 22079338
TI  - Mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with leukoaraiosis in the apparently
      healthy elderly.
AB  - Leukoaraiosis refers to diffuse white matter abnormalities on MR brain scans,
      which have been suggested to be associated with cerebral microangiopathy and
      geriatric syndromes such as cognitive impairment, depressive mood and gait
      disturbance. MPV is a simple indicator of platelet size and has been known to be
      a marker of platelet activity. MPV is now considered a link between inflammation
      and thrombosis in multiple cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders including
      hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. This cross-sectional study
      aims to evaluate the association between MPV and leukoaraiosis for 223 healthy
      elderly subjects (142 men, 81 women; mean age 66.0+/-5.2 years) in a health
      examination program including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The
      overall prevalence rate of leukoaraiosis was 15.3%. The mean MPV was
      significantly higher in the leukoaraiosis group than control group: 8.4+/-0.8 and
      8.1+/-1.0, respectively (p=0.036). A higher value of MPV was independently
      associated with an increased risk of leukoaraiosis. In the multivariate logistic
      analysis, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for leukoaraiosis
      was 1.61 (1.02-2.53) with 1 fL of MPV increment after adjusting for confounding
      variables. In conclusion, MPV was found to be independently and positively
      associated with leukoaraiosis. This finding indicates that MPV values may be a
      useful additional measure in assessing the risk of leukoaraiosis in the clinical
      setting.

PMID- 22079339
TI  - Mapping of the binding sites for the OX1 orexin receptor antagonist, SB-334867,
      using orexin/hypocretin receptor chimaeras.
AB  - The binding sites for agonists and antagonist of orexin receptors are not know,
      hampering progressive drug design approaches. In the current study, we utilized
      chimaeric orexin receptor approach to map the receptor areas contributing to the
      selectivity of the classical antagonist, SB-334867, for OX(1) receptors.
      Altogether ten chimaeras between OX(1) and OX(2) orexin receptors were utilized.
      The receptors were transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells. The ability (K(B)) of
      SB-334867 to inhibit orexin-A-induced inositol phosphate release (phospholipase C
      activity) was measured. The results, in synthesis, suggest that there are several
      possible interactions contributing to the high affinity binding, all of which are
      not required simultaneously. This is indicated by the fact that most of the
      chimaeras display affinity (at least somewhat) higher than OX(2). As previously
      shown for the agonist distinction, the second quarter of the receptor, from the C
      terminal part of the transmembrane helix 2 to the transmembrane helix 4 seems to
      be most central also for SB-334867 binding, but also the third quarter, from the
      transmembrane helix 4 to the transmembrane helix 6 is able to contribute (and
      compensate for loss of other sites). A previous study has suggested that amino
      acids conserved between OX(1) and OX(2) receptors would somehow confer
      selectivity for subtype-selective antagonists. In contrast to previous findings,
      our results indicate that the amino acids distinct between the receptor subtypes
      are in key position.

PMID- 22079340
TI  - Multi-organ investigation in 16 CADASIL families from central Italy sharing the
      same R1006C mutation.
AB  - Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and
      leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) may involve many target organs with relevant
      variability among affected individuals. We performed a multi-organ assessment
      tapping nervous system, skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system in thirty-nine
      individuals belonging to 16 families from Central Italy sharing the same R1006C
      CADASIL mutation. Stroke prevalence was larger in female patients (66.7%) than in
      males (23.8%); high levels of CKemia were quite frequent (21.6%) and were related
      to a myopathy without mitochondrial alterations; several individuals had atrial
      septal aneurysm (10.3%). No specific relationships between common cardiovascular
      risk factors and clinical manifestations were found. The present systematic study
      thus identified several gender-related, myopathic and cardiovascular
      peculiarities of R1006C mutation. This kind of comprehensive approach is
      necessary to define clinical course, prognosis and treatment options for a multi
      organ disease such as CADASIL.

PMID- 22079341
TI  - Investigation of the mechanisms of progesterone protection following oxygen
      glucose deprivation in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.
AB  - This study aimed to test the hypothesis that progesterone is neuroprotective
      against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) through its conversion to the active
      metabolite allopregnanolone (AlloP) and the potentiation of GABA(A) receptors.
      Organotypic hippocampal cultures were exposed to 2h of OGD and the resulting cell
      death was quantified 24h later using combined propidium iodide and Hoechst
      immunostaining. Initially, we confirmed, that both progesterone and AlloP were
      protective in terms of reducing cell death following OGD in hippocampal cultures
      and for both, the optimal level of protection was observed at a concentration of
      0.1MUM. However, the protective effect of progesterone was absent in the presence
      of finasteride (10MUM) which inhibits the metabolism of progesterone to active
      metabolites, including AlloP. In addition, the concurrent application of
      picrotoxin (100MUM), a potent GABA(A) receptor antagonist, prevented the
      protection previously seen by either progesterone or AlloP alone. These results
      indicate that progesterone protects hippocampal cultures from cell death
      following OGD largely due to its conversion to AlloP and that GABA(A) receptors
      are important mediators of the protective effects of both progesterone and AlloP.

PMID- 22079342
TI  - Cervical dermoid sinus in a cat: case presentation and review of the literature.
AB  - A 6-month-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation
      of a focal subcutaneous swelling on the dorsal neck at the level of atlas. The
      magnetic resonance imaging and surgical treatment of a dermoid sinus associated
      with the cervical vertebrae is described. To the authors' knowledge, a dermoid
      sinus in this location has not been described previously in the cat. The
      prognosis following surgical resection appears favorable.

PMID- 22079343
TI  - Mycobacterial disease in cats in Great Britain: I. Culture results, geographical
      distribution and clinical presentation of 339 cases.
AB  - This study investigated 339 cases of feline mycobacterial disease from cats with
      cutaneous lesions or masses found at exploratory laparotomy. Tissue samples were
      submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for mycobacterial culture over a
      4-year period to December 2008. The study assessed which species of culturable
      mycobacteria were involved, where the cats lived, and their clinical presentation
      (physical findings, serum biochemistry, radiography, feline leukaemia virus and
      feline immunodeficiency virus status). Mycobacterium microti was cultured from
      19%, Mycobacterium bovis 15%, Mycobacterium avium 7%, non-M avium non-tuberculous
      mycobacteria 6%, with no growth in 53% of samples. M microti, M bovis and M avium
      were found in almost mutually exclusive clusters within Great Britain (GB) (ie, M
      bovis in South-West England/Wales/Welsh Border, M avium in eastern England and M
      microti south of London and in South-West Scotland). While differences were seen
      in the clinical presentation and distribution of lesions caused by the different
      infections, these were not sufficiently different to be diagnostic. Cats commonly
      presented with single or multiple cutaneous lesions (74%), which were sometimes
      ulcerated or discharging, located most frequently on the head (54%). Lymph nodes
      were usually involved (47%); typically the submandibular nodes. Systemic or
      pulmonary signs were rarely seen (10-16%). When a cat is suspected of having
      mycobacteriosis, accurate identification of the species involved helps to
      determine appropriate action. Our findings show that knowing the cat's geographic
      location can be helpful, while the nature of the clinical presentation is less
      useful. Most cases of feline mycobacterial disease in GB are cutaneous.

PMID- 22079345
TI  - Effect of remote ischemic conditioning on dendritic cell number in blood after
      renal transplantation--flow cytometry in a porcine model.
AB  - Delayed graft function after transplantation increases the risk of rejection.
      Remote ischemic conditioning (rIC) consists of repetitive, brief, non-damaging
      periods of ischemia in a limb. For reasons not fully understood, rIC protects the
      target organ against subsequent ischemia-reperfusion injury. Because ischemic
      endothelium attracts dendritic cells (DCs), we hypothesised that rIC protects the
      organ by "trapping" circulating DCs in the limb exposed to rIC. With fewer DCs
      thus available to infiltrate the graft, a strong T-cell mediated immune response
      toward the graft is less likely. To test this hypothesis, we measured the number
      of circulating DCs in a porcine model of renal transplantation with and without
      rIC. Brain death was induced in eight 65-kg donor pigs. After 22 h of cold
      ischemia, the kidneys were transplanted into sixteen 15-kg recipient pigs. The
      recipients were randomised to either non-rIC or rIC before reperfusion of the
      graft and observed 10 h after reperfusion. The number of DCs was determined by
      flow cytometry. DCs were identified on the basis of forward- and side-scatter
      characteristics of CD14-negative mononuclear cells with expression of CD172a.
      Dendritic cells were subclassified as either plasmacytoid (pDCs) (CD172a(dim),
      CD4(+), CD14(-)) or conventional (cDCs) (CD172a(high), CD4(-), CD14(-)). Remote
      ischemic conditioning did not affect the number of circulating cDCs or pDCs
      within the 10h after transplantation studied. Regardless of rIC, the number of
      pDCs decreased after graft reperfusion and then returned to baseline levels. In
      contrast, the number of circulating cDCs increased after reperfusion and later
      returned to baseline levels.

PMID- 22079344
TI  - The enzymatic activity of human aldehyde dehydrogenases 1A2 and 2 (ALDH1A2 and
      ALDH2) is detected by Aldefluor, inhibited by diethylaminobenzaldehyde and has
      significant effects on cell proliferation and drug resistance.
AB  - There has been a new interest in using aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity as
      one marker for stem cells since the Aldefluor flow cytometry-based assay has
      become available. Diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB), used in the Aldeflour assay,
      has been considered a specific inhibitor for ALDH1A1 isoform. In this study, we
      explore the effects of human ALDH isoenzymes, ALDH1A2 and ALDH2, on drug
      resistance and proliferation, and the specificity of DEAB as an inhibitor. We
      also screened for the expression of 19 ALDH isoenzymes in K562 cells using TaqMan
      Low Density Array (TLDA). We used lentiviral vectors containing the full cDNA
      length of either ALDH2 or ALDH1A2 to over express the enzymes in K562 leukemia
      and H1299 lung cancer cell lines. Successful expression was measured by activity
      assay, Western blot, RT-PCR, and Aldefluor assay. Both cell lines, with either
      ALDH1A2 or ALDH2, exhibited higher cell proliferation rates, higher clonal
      efficiency, and increased drug resistance to 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and
      doxorubicin. In order to study the specificity of known ALDH activity inhibitors,
      DEAB and disulfiram, we incubated each cell line with either inhibitor and
      measured the remaining ALDH enzymatic activity. Both inhibitors reduced ALDH
      activity of both isoenzymes by 65-90%. Furthermore, our TLDA results revealed
      that ALDH1, ALDH7, ALDH3 and ALDH8 are expressed in K562 cells. We conclude that
      DEAB is not a specific inhibitor for ALDH1A1 and that Aldefluor assay is not
      specific for ALDH1A1 activity. In addition, other ALDH isoenzymes seem to play a
      major role in the biology and drug resistance of various malignant cells.

PMID- 22079346
TI  - Exercise-induced galanin release facilitated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes of
      type 2 diabetic rats.
AB  - Although galanin has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in skeletal
      muscle of rats, there is no literature available about the effect of galanin on
      Glucose Transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation from intracellular membrane pools to
      plasma membranes in adipocytes of type 2 diabetic rats. In the present study M35,
      a galanin antagonist was used to elucidate whether exercise-induced galanin
      release increased GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes of streptozotocin-induced
      diabetic rats. The present findings showed that plasma galanin levels after
      swimming training in all four trained groups were higher compared with each
      sedentary control. M35 treatment had an inhibitory effect on glucose infusion
      rates in the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp test and GLUT4 mRNA expression
      levels in adipocytes. Moreover, M35 treatment reduced GLUT4 concentration in both
      plasma membranes and total cell membranes. The ratios of GLUT4 contents in plasma
      membranes to total cell membranes in four drug groups were lower compared with
      each control. These data demonstrate a beneficial role of endogenous galanin to
      transfer GLUT4 from internal stores to plasma membranes in adipocytes of type 2
      diabetic rats. Galanin plays a significant role in regulation of glucose
      metabolic homeostasis and is an important hormone relative to diabetes.

PMID- 22079347
TI  - Augmentation of methamphetamine-induced behaviors in transgenic mice lacking the
      trace amine-associated receptor 1.
AB  - The trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor
      that is functionally activated by amphetamine-based psychostimulants, including
      amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA. Previous studies have shown that in
      transgenic mice lacking the TAAR1 gene (TAAR1 knockout; KO) a single injection of
      amphetamine can produce enhanced behavioral responses compared to responses
      evoked in wild-type (WT) mice. Further, the psychostimulant effects of cocaine
      can be diminished by selective activation of TAAR1. These findings suggest that
      TAAR1 might be implicated in the rewarding properties of psychostimulants. To
      investigate the role of TAAR1 in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, the
      psychomotor stimulating effects of amphetamine and methamphetamine and the
      conditioned rewarding effects of methamphetamine and morphine were compared
      between WT and TAAR1 KO mice. In locomotor activity studies, both single and
      repeated exposure to d-amphetamine or methamphetamine generated significantly
      higher levels of total distance traveled in TAAR1 KO mice compared to WT mice. In
      conditioned place preference (CPP) studies, TAAR1 KO mice acquired
      methamphetamine-induced CPP earlier than WT mice and retained CPP longer during
      extinction training. In morphine-induced CPP, both WT and KO genotypes displayed
      similar levels of CPP. Results from locomotor activity studies suggest that TAAR1
      may have a modulatory role in the behavioral sensitization to amphetamine-based
      psychostimulants. That methamphetamine-but not morphine-induced CPP was augmented
      in TAAR1 KO mice suggests a selective role of TAAR1 in the conditioned
      reinforcing effects of methamphetamine. Collectively, these findings provide
      support for a regulatory role of TAAR1 in methamphetamine signaling.

PMID- 22079348
TI  - Tolerance to cocaine's effects on schedule-controlled behavior: role of delay
      between pause-ending responses and reinforcement.
AB  - The schedule of reinforcement under which behavior is maintained is an important
      contributor to whether tolerance to the behavioral effects of cocaine develops.
      Schedule parameter value (for example, fixed-ratio size) has been shown to affect
      the development of tolerance under some schedule types but not others, but the
      specific procedural variables causing this effect remain to be identified. To
      date, schedule-parameter-related tolerance has developed when a longer pause
      after reinforcement does not lead to a shorter delay between the response that
      ends the pause and reinforcement. The current study investigated the importance
      of this variable in pigeons using a multiple chained Fixed-Ratio 1, Fixed-Time x
      schedule, in which the first key peck in a trial produced a stimulus change and
      initiated a delay at the end of which food was presented regardless of whether or
      not additional pecks were made during the delay. Dose-response curves were
      assessed before, during and after chronic (daily) administration of cocaine.
      Tolerance to the pause-increasing effects of cocaine occurred to a similar degree
      regardless of the scheduled time between the end of the pause and reinforcement.
      Therefore, the relationship between pause length and delay to reinforcement does
      not provide an explanation for schedule-parameter-related tolerance.

PMID- 22079349
TI  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase and leukocyte tyrosine kinase: functions and genetic
      interactions in learning, memory and adult neurogenesis.
AB  - Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (Alk) is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed
      throughout the adult mammalian hippocampus. Recent studies in Drosophila and
      prior studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have implicated Alk signaling in learning
      and neurogenesis. We have studied the roles of Alk and the closely related
      receptor Leukocyte Tyrosine Kinase (Ltk) in learning, behavior and neurogenesis.
      In the hippocampus, both receptors are expressed throughout the dentate gyrus,
      CA1 and CA3. To assess the functional roles of Alk and Ltk in the mammalian
      brain, we analyzed phenotypes in Alk mutant, Ltk mutant and Alk/Ltk double-mutant
      mice compared to wild-type littermates. Similar to Drosophila, we found enhanced
      performance in spatial memory in Alk mutant mice. Also similar to Drosophila, we
      observed reduced neurogenesis associated with loss of Alk function. We also
      report genetic interactions between Alk and Ltk with respect to neurogenesis and
      behavioral measures such as activity, anxiety levels, and retention of spatial
      memory.

PMID- 22079350
TI  - Mechanical analysis of Drosophila indirect flight and jump muscles.
AB  - The genetic advantages of Drosophila make it a very appealing choice for
      investigating muscle development, muscle physiology and muscle protein structure
      and function. To take full advantage of this model organism, it has been vital to
      develop isolated Drosophila muscle preparations that can be mechanically
      evaluated. We describe techniques to isolate, prepare and mechanically analyze
      skinned muscle fibers from two Drosophila muscle types, the indirect flight
      muscle and the jump muscle. The function of the indirect flight muscle is similar
      to vertebrate cardiac muscle, to generate power in an oscillatory manner. The
      indirect flight muscle is ideal for evaluating the influence of protein mutations
      on muscle and cross-bridge stiffness, oscillatory power, and deriving cross
      bridge rate constants. Jump muscle physiology and structure are more similar to
      skeletal vertebrate muscle than indirect flight muscle, and it is ideal for
      measuring maximum shortening velocity, force-velocity characteristics and steady
      state power generation.

PMID- 22079351
TI  - New trends in fluorescence in situ hybridization for identification and
      functional analyses of microbes.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has become an indispensable tool for
      rapid and direct single-cell identification of microbes by detecting signature
      regions in their rRNA molecules. Recent advances in this field include new web
      based tools for assisting probe design and optimization of experimental
      conditions, easy-to-implement signal amplification strategies, innovative
      multiplexing approaches, and the combination of FISH with transmission electron
      microscopy or extracellular staining techniques. Further emerging developments
      focus on sorting FISH-identified cells for subsequent single-cell genomics and on
      the direct detection of specific genes within single microbial cells by advanced
      FISH techniques employing various strategies for massive signal amplification.

PMID- 22079352
TI  - Clostridia: the importance of their exceptional substrate and metabolite
      diversity for biofuel and biorefinery applications.
AB  - Clostridia are anaerobic Firmicutes producing a large array of metabolites by
      utilizing simple and complex carbohydrates, such as cellulose, as well as CO2/H2
      or CO. Their exceptional substrate diversity is enhanced by their ability to
      produce a broad spectrum of chemicals that can be used as precursors to or
      directly as biofuels and industrial chemicals. Genetic and genomic tools are
      under intense development, and recent efforts to metabolically engineer
      clostridia demonstrate their potential for biofuel and biorefinery applications.
      Pathway engineering to combine established substrate-utilization programs, such
      as for cellulose, CO2/H2 or CO, with desirable metabolic programs could lead to
      modular design of strains suitable for many applications. Engineering complex
      phenotypes--aerotolerance, abolished sporulation, and tolerance to toxic
      chemicals--could lead to superior bioprocessing strains.

PMID- 22079353
TI  - Low energy microcolumn for large field view inspection.
AB  - Since the development of microcolumn system, it attracted much attention because
      multiple microcolumns can be assembled into arrayed form, which is expected to
      generate multiple electron beams and overcome the disadvantage of electron beam
      inspection equipments, low throughput. However, it is not easy to apply a
      microcolumn to the practical inspection or testing equipment since its scanning
      area is too small. Even if the arrayed operation using multiple microcolumns can
      overcome this limit, it requires complicated supporting systems and related
      technologies to operate a number of microcolumns simultaneously. Therefore, we
      tried to modify microcolumn design itself so that it can have a large field of
      view. In this work, two kinds of modified columns will be suggested and the
      preliminary results showing their performance of scanning large area will be
      discussed.

PMID- 22079354
TI  - Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma arising in a sessile serrated adenoma: a
      novel observation.
AB  - A 68-year-old woman underwent polypectomy of 2 right-sided colonic polyps
      identified by screening colonoscopy. Histologic examination of both polyps showed
      features of sessile serrated adenoma. The larger polyp harbored an invasive tumor
      composed of large, high-grade cells arranged in nests and cords without tumoral
      mucin production. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated synaptophysin, cdx-2,
      cytokeratin 7, and cytokeratin 20 positivity. Both invasive carcinoma and sessile
      serrated adenoma showed a decreased expression level to focal negative expression
      of hMLH-1 by immunohistochemistry. Combined morphologic and immunohistochemical
      features favored large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma arising in a sessile
      serrated adenoma. Specific carcinoma subtypes and special histologic features
      (eg, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) have been previously reported in carcinomas
      arising from sessile serrated adenomas. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma has
      not yet been reported in association with sessile serrated adenomas, with this
      case suggesting a rare but potentially novel end point for the microsatellite
      instability pathway.

PMID- 22079355
TI  - Composition and significance of splenic Gamna-Gandy bodies in sickle cell anemia.
AB  - Children with sickle cell anemia may undergo acute splenic sequestration.
      Splenectomy is performed in an attempt to reduce further events. Histologic
      studies of spleens have revealed the presence of granuloma-like nodules, known as
      Gamna-Gandy bodies with amorphous inclusions; however, their significance is
      unknown. The medical case records and histologic samples of consecutive children
      with sickle cell anemia treated with splenectomy between 2001 and 2007 at Our
      Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, were reviewed. Seventeen patients were
      identified. Gamna-Gandy bodies were studied by scanning electron microscopy and x
      ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Gamna-Gandy bodies were identified in 7 (41%)
      patients, and amorphous inclusions were always seen. Patient age correlated
      significantly with Gamna-Gandy bodies (P = .002). Scanning electron microscopic
      analysis demonstrated the crystalline nature of Gamna-Gandy bodies and the
      chemical composition (C 47.1%; O(2) 29.7%; P 9.0%; K(+) 0.4%; Ca(2+) 6.4%; Fe(2+)
      7.4%), whereas x-ray diffraction studied the structure (CaPO(4) ? FeOH). A
      crystal-formation gradient was observed, increasing from the red pulp to the
      white pulp. Our study shows that Gamna-Gandy bodies contain crystals and that
      their formation is age dependent. We also demonstrated the crystal structure and
      chemical composition and the relationship between Gamna-Gandy bodies and chest
      crises presplenectomy or postsplenectomy.

PMID- 22079356
TI  - E-cadherin nuclear staining is useful for the diagnosis of ovarian adult
      granulosa cell tumor.
AB  - We recently have demonstrated nuclear localization of E-cadherin in ovarian adult
      granulosa cell tumors (Histopathology 2011;58:423). The purpose of the present
      study is to investigate the diagnostic utility of E-cadherin nuclear staining for
      the differential diagnosis between ovarian adult granulosa cell tumor and its
      morphological mimics. Tissue samples taken from 81 ovarian tumors and 20
      extraovarian tumors were immunohistochemically stained using monoclonal anti-E
      cadherin antibody recognizing cytoplasmic domain (clone 36 supplied by BD
      Biosciences, San Jose, CA). The ovarian tumors consisted of 30 adult granulosa
      cell tumors, 3 Sertoli-stromal cell tumors, 14 fibrothecomas, 5 carcinoid tumors,
      1 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, 18 endometrioid adenocarcinomas, and 10
      poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinomas. Extraovarian tumors consisted of 16
      uterine endometrial stromal neoplasms and 4 pulmonary small cell carcinomas. Only
      tumor cells with nuclear staining were considered positive in this study. Ninety
      percent of adult granulosa cell tumors, 67% of Sertoli-stromal cell tumors, 64%
      of fibrothecomas, 75% of endometrial stromal neoplasms, 75% of small cell
      carcinomas, and the one large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma showed E-cadherin
      nuclear expression, whereas all the ovarian carcinoid tumors, endometrioid
      adenocarcinomas, and poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinomas were negative.
      E-cadherin nuclear staining is useful in distinguishing between adult granulosa
      cell tumors and ovarian adenocarcinomas or carcinoid tumors. However, it is of
      limited use for distinguishing between adult granulosa cell tumors and
      endometrial stromal neoplasms or small cell carcinomas. E-cadherin should be
      included in the immunohistochemical panel for an accurate diagnosis of ovarian
      adult granulosa cell tumors.

PMID- 22079357
TI  - Nosology: infarction hematoma, a placental infarction encasing a hematoma.
AB  - Six cases of mothers whose placentas demonstrate multiple infarctions with a
      central intraparenchymal hematoma are presented. The histology is distinct from
      intervillous thrombus and Kline hemorrhage. The mothers have a history of
      multiple fetal losses, eclampsia/preeclampsia, and at least 1 case of documented
      recurrence. A distinct name is proposed for this lesion, infarction hematoma,
      which would help clarify further studies.

PMID- 22079358
TI  - The effect of luminance on simulated driving speed.
AB  - Perceived speed is modulated by a range of stimulus attributes such as contrast,
      luminance and adaptation duration. It has been suggested that such changes in
      perceived speed may influence driving behaviour. In order to evaluate the effect
      of luminance on driving speed we have measured subjects' driving speed in a
      driving simulator for a range of luminance and speed over time. The results
      indicate that reducing luminance results in a decrease in driving speed for all
      speeds measured. This reduction in driving speed at low luminance is consistent
      with previous findings that perceived speed increases at low luminance. However,
      the results also indicated that driving speed remained stable over a 30s period.
      The stability of driving speed over time is inconsistent with previous findings
      that perceived speed reduces exponentially as a function of adaptation duration.
      The results are suggestive of a scheme whereby driving speed is consistent with
      the known effects of luminance upon perceived speed but may also be modulated by
      higher order processes that serve to maintain a constant speed over time.

PMID- 22079359
TI  - Initial experience with repetitive transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a
      third line treatment of ovarian cancer metastasis to the liver: indications,
      outcomes and role in patient's management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate local tumor control and survival data after transarterial
      chemoembolization (TACE) with different drug combinations in the palliative third
      line treatment of patients with ovarian cancer liver metastases. METHODS: Sixty
      five patients (mean age: 51.5 year) with unresectable hematogenous hepatic
      metastases of ovarian cancer who did not respond to systemic chemotherapy were
      repeatedly treated with TACE in 4-week intervals. The local chemotherapy protocol
      consisted of Mitomycin (group 1) (n=14; 21.5%), Mitomycin with Gemcitabine (group
      2) (n=26; 40%), or Mitomycin with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin (group 3) (n=25;
      38.5%). Embolization was performed with Lipiodol and starch microspheres. Local
      tumor response was evaluated by MRI according to RECIST criteria. Survival data
      were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The local tumor
      control was: partial response (PR) in 16.9% (n=11), stable disease (SD) in 58.5%
      (n=38) and progressive disease (PD) in 24.6% (n=16) of patients. In group 1, we
      observed SD in 78.6% (11/14), and PD in 21.4% (3/14) of patients. In group 2, PR
      in 7.7% (2/26), SD in 57.7% (15/26), and PD in 34.6% (9/26) of patients. In group
      3, PR in 36% (9/25), SD in 48% (12/25), and PD in 16% (4/25) of patients.
      Survival rate from the start of TACE was 58% after 1-year, 19% after 2-years, and
      13% after 3-years. The median and mean survival times were 14 and 18.5 months
      without statistically significant difference for the 3 groups of patients
      (p=0.502). CONCLUSION: Transarterial chemoembolization is effective palliative
      treatment in achieving local control in selected patients with liver metastases
      from ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22079360
TI  - Combined methotrexate-dactinomycin: an effective therapy for low-risk gestational
      trophoblastic neoplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the outcomes of combined
      chemotherapy using methotrexate and dactinomycin in the management of women with
      low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). The primary outcome is the
      total number of cycles of chemotherapy required to achieve a normal level of
      human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The secondary outcome is treatment-related
      toxicity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients with GTN treated
      between 1996-2007 and 1991-2007 was performed at the Alberta Cross Cancer
      Institute and the British Columbia Cancer Agency, respectively. Patients with low
      risk GTN, treated with 0.6 mg/m(2) dactinomycin (days 1 and 2) and methotrexate
      100mg/m(2) were included. Toxicities were graded using the National Cancer
      Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. The number of cycles to
      achieve normalization of hCG was determined, and multivariate analyses were
      performed to identify factors associated with treatment duration. RESULTS: One
      hundred women were eligible. The average age was 29 years (range 15-46). The
      median number of cycles to achieve a normal hCG was 3 (range 1-11). Two patients
      required second-line treatment and one patient chose to proceed with
      hysterectomy. Ninety-eight percent of patients were primarily cured with this
      regimen, and 2 were cured with second line treatment. Grade 3 and 4 hematologic
      toxicities were experienced by 12% and 8% of patients, respectively. Grade 2 and
      3 stomatitis or mucositis were noted in 44% and 3% of patients, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Low-risk GTN is reliably and rapidly cured with combined
      methotrexate-dactinomycin. Toxicity is modest.

PMID- 22079361
TI  - A phase II trial of radiation therapy and weekly cisplatin chemotherapy for the
      treatment of locally-advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a gynecologic
      oncology group study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy and
      concurrent weekly cisplatin chemotherapy in achieving a complete clinical and
      pathologic response when used for the primary treatment of locally-advanced
      vulvar carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with locally-advanced (T3 or T4 tumors not
      amenable to surgical resection via radical vulvectomy), previously untreated
      squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were treated with radiation (1.8 Gy daily *
      32 fractions=57.6 Gy) plus weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m(2)) followed by surgical
      resection of residual tumor (or biopsy to confirm complete clinical response).
      Management of the groin lymph nodes was standardized and was not a statistical
      endpoint. Primary endpoints were complete clinical and pathologic response rates
      of the primary vulvar tumor. RESULTS: A planned interim analysis indicated
      sufficient activity to reopen the study to a second stage of accrual. Among 58
      evaluable patients, there were 40 (69%) who completed study treatment. Reasons
      for prematurely discontinuing treatment included: patient refusal (N=4), toxicity
      (N=9), death (N=2), other (N=3). There were 37 patients with a complete clinical
      response (37/58; 64%). Among these women there were 34 who underwent surgical
      biopsy and 29 (78%) who also had a complete pathological response. Common adverse
      effects included leukopenia, pain, radiation dermatitis, pain, or metabolic
      changes. CONCLUSIONS: This combination of radiation therapy plus weekly cisplatin
      successfully yielded high complete clinical and pathologic response rates with
      acceptable toxicity.

PMID- 22079362
TI  - Experiences of care delivery: endometrial cancer survivors at end of treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To gain a better understanding of the experiences of endometrial
      cancer patients at the transition from acute cancer treatment to well follow up
      care. METHODS: Cross-sectional mixed methods (survey and focus groups) study to
      examine and describe endometrial cancer survivor's experience of the transition
      to survivorship including their knowledge of survivorship issues, feeling of
      preparedness, health related distress and perspectives on care delivery and end
      of treatment transitions. RESULTS: Survey data (n=169) and focus group data
      (n=14) suggests that a large majority of endometrial cancer survivors are not
      provided with any formal transition planning or documentation and as a result
      feel ill-prepared for the post treatment phase of survivorship. The majority of
      women in this study reported that they were not aware of their risk for
      recurrence or how to monitor for this and they were not provided with clear
      information in this regard. They were also unsure of the health risks and long
      term and late effects of cancer and how to find information about them and
      resources to manage them. A substantial minority (30-40%) of women continued to
      be frustrated and discouraged by their health problems. Few participants had been
      told about the resources and supports that are available to them and their
      families/friends or were not provided with any information about self-management
      tools or education that could be helpful for them in their recovery. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both the quantitative and qualitative results in our study suggest that quality
      of care for endometrial cancer survivors must begin to shift from a purely
      disease-focused approach to a wellness-centered approach that provides
      coordinated, patient-centered, comprehensive care and more formalized transition
      care planning.

PMID- 22079363
TI  - Comparison of platelet clumping and complete blood count results with Sysmex XT
      2000iV in feline blood sampled on EDTA or EDTA plus CTAD (citrate, theophylline,
      adenosine and dipyridamole).
AB  - False thrombocytopenia may result from platelet aggregation, especially in feline
      ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) blood specimens. Citrate, theophylline,
      adenosine and dipyridamole (CTAD) was added to 46 feline EDTA specimens to test
      its anti-aggregation action. Platelet aggregation was estimated from blood films
      and a complete blood count was performed with a Sysmex XT-2000iV analyser.
      Platelet aggregation score was >2 in 11/46 EDTA tubes and only in one EDTA+CTAD
      specimen. The platelet count was higher in all CTAD-supplemented tubes except
      one, medians measured by cytometry being 225.5 * 10(9)/l and 249.0 * 10(9)/l in
      EDTA and EDTA+CTAD, respectively (P = 0.007). Adding CTAD had statistically and
      analytically significant but moderate effects on other blood variables, the most
      intense variations being observed for reticulocytes (about 3% higher in EDTA
      specimens) and reticulocyte indexes. Addition of CTAD to EDTA when sampling
      feline blood is a useful option to reduce platelet clumping.

PMID- 22079364
TI  - Phosphorylated smooth muscle heavy meromyosin shows an open conformation linked
      to activation.
AB  - Smooth muscle myosin and smooth muscle heavy meromyosin (smHMM) are activated by
      regulatory light chain phosphorylation, but the mechanism remains unclear.
      Dephosphorylated, inactive smHMM assumes a closed conformation with asymmetric
      intramolecular head-head interactions between motor domains. The "free head" can
      bind to actin, but the actin binding interface of the "blocked head" is involved
      in interactions with the free head. We report here a three-dimensional structure
      for phosphorylated, active smHMM obtained using electron crystallography of two
      dimensional arrays. Head-head interactions of phosphorylated smHMM resemble those
      found in the dephosphorylated state but occur between different molecules, not
      within the same molecule. The light chain binding domain structure of
      phosphorylated smHMM differs markedly from that of the "blocked" head of
      dephosphorylated smHMM. We hypothesize that regulatory light chain
      phosphorylation opens the inhibited conformation primarily by its effect on the
      blocked head. Singly phosphorylated smHMM is not compatible with the closed
      conformation if the blocked head is phosphorylated. This concept has implications
      for the extent of myosin activation at low levels of phosphorylation in smooth
      muscle.

PMID- 22079365
TI  - The structure of Aquifex aeolicus ribosomal protein S8 reveals a unique subdomain
      that contributes to an extremely tight association with 16S rRNA.
AB  - The assembly of ribonucleoprotein complexes occurs under a broad range of
      conditions, but the principles that promote assembly and allow function at high
      temperature are poorly understood. The ribosomal protein S8 from Aquifex aeolicus
      (AS8) is unique in that there is a 41-residue insertion in the consensus S8
      sequence. In addition, AS8 exhibits an unusually high affinity for the 16S
      ribosomal RNA, characterized by a picomolar dissociation constant that is
      approximately 26,000-fold tighter than the equivalent interaction from
      Escherichia coli. Deletion analysis demonstrated that binding to the minimal site
      on helix 21 occurred at the same nanomolar affinity found for other bacterial
      species. The additional affinity required the presence of a three-helix junction
      between helices 20, 21, and 22. The crystal structure of AS8 was solved,
      revealing the helix-loop-helix geometry of the unique AS8 insertion region, while
      the core of the molecule is conserved with known S8 structures. The AS8 structure
      was modeled onto the structure of the 30S ribosomal subunit from E. coli,
      suggesting the possibility that the unique subdomain provides additional backbone
      and side-chain contacts between the protein and an unpaired base within the three
      way junction of helices 20, 21, and 22. Point mutations in the protein insertion
      subdomain resulted in a significantly reduced RNA binding affinity with respect
      to wild-type AS8. These results indicate that the AS8-specific subdomain provides
      additional interactions with the three-way junction that contribute to the
      extremely tight binding to ribosomal RNA.

PMID- 22079366
TI  - YhiQ is RsmJ, the methyltransferase responsible for methylation of G1516 in 16S
      rRNA of E. coli.
AB  - Ten methyltransferases and one pseudouridine synthase are required for complete
      modification of the small ribosomal subunit in Escherichia coli. Nine
      methyltransferases, as well as the pseudouridine synthase, are already known.
      Here, we identify RsmJ, the last unknown methyltransferase required for
      methylation of m(2)G1516 in 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), as the protein encoded by
      yhiQ. Reverse transcription primer extension analysis reveals that rRNA extracted
      from a yhiQ deletion strain is not methylated at G1516. Moreover, methylation is
      restored upon gene complementation. Also, purified recombinant YhiQ specifically
      methylates 30S subunits extracted from the deletion strain. The absence of the
      yhiQ gene leads to a cold-sensitive phenotype. Based on these data, we propose
      that the yhiQ gene be renamed rsmJ.

PMID- 22079368
TI  - Treatment of osteoporosis in women intolerant of oral bisphosphonates.
AB  - In the past 15 years, oral bisphosphonate therapy has become the mainstay of
      pharmacological management in patients with osteoporosis. In the UK, alendronate
      is the drug of first choice, based on clinical efficacy data and cost. However,
      some patients are unable to take oral bisphosphonates for a number of reasons. In
      this article, we review the practical management of such cases, including
      strategies for monitoring adherence and switching to alternative oral agents
      (e.g. risedronate, strontium ranelate, raloxifene). In some cases, alternative
      parenteral agents may be considered, including intravenous bisphosphonates,
      parathyroid hormone therapies and denosumab. Specific concerns about safe
      prescribing are considered, when prescribing potent anti-resorptive medications,
      particularly relating to renal function and vitamin D deficiency. Finally,
      consideration is given to clinical risk factors, including aspects of lifestyle
      which may be modified to decrease fracture risk.

PMID- 22079367
TI  - Intra-chain 3D segment swapping spawns the evolution of new multidomain protein
      architectures.
AB  - Multidomain proteins form in evolution through the concatenation of domains, but
      structural domains may comprise multiple segments of the chain. In this work, we
      demonstrate that new multidomain architectures can evolve by an apparent three
      dimensional swap of segments between structurally similar domains within a single
      chain monomer. By a comprehensive structural search of the current Protein Data
      Bank (PDB), we identified 32 well-defined segment-swapped proteins (SSPs)
      belonging to 18 structural families. Nearly 13% of all multidomain proteins in
      the PDB may have a segment-swapped evolutionary precursor as estimated by more
      permissive searching criteria. The formation of SSPs can be explained by two
      principal evolutionary mechanisms: (i) domain swapping and fusion (DSF) and (ii)
      circular permutation (CP). By large-scale comparative analyses using structural
      alignment and hidden Markov model methods, it was found that the majority of SSPs
      have evolved via the DSF mechanism, and a much smaller fraction, via CP.
      Functional analyses further revealed that segment swapping, which results in two
      linkers connecting the domains, may impart directed flexibility to multidomain
      proteins and contributes to the development of new functions. Thus, inter-domain
      segment swapping represents a novel general mechanism by which new protein folds
      and multidomain architectures arise in evolution, and SSPs have structural and
      functional properties that make them worth defining as a separate group.

PMID- 22079369
TI  - TNFRSF11B gene haplotype and its association with bone mineral density variations
      in postmenopausal Mexican-Mestizo women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is a complex health disease characterized by low bone
      mineral density (BMD), which is determined by an interaction of genetics with
      metabolic and environmental factors. The tumor necrosis factor receptor
      superfamily, member 11b (TNFRSF11B) gene, has been investigated in relation to
      BMD. Three polymorphisms in/nearby TNFRSF11B have been associated with BMD
      variations in some populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      possible association among three SNPs of TNFRSF11B and their haplotypes with the
      presence of BMD variations in postmenopausal Mexican Mestizo women. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: One thousand unrelated postmenopausal women of Mexican-Mestizo ethnic
      origin, who attended the outpatient clinic for routine, general medical
      evaluation, were invited and 750 women accepted to participate in the study. A
      structured questionnaire for risk factors was applied and BMD was measured in
      total hip and lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. DNA was obtained
      from blood leukocytes. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TNFRSF11B gene
      were studied: rs4355801, rs2073618, and rs6993813. Real-time PCR allelic
      discrimination was used for genotyping. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium were tested. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium between single
      nucleotide polymorphisms was calculated by direct correlation r(2), and haplotype
      analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Of the subjects, 31% had osteoporosis, 45.1% had
      osteopenia, and 23.9% had normal BMD. Genotype and allele distributions showed no
      significant differences; however, A-G-T haplotype was associated with variations
      in femoral neck BMD (P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, analysis of
      the haplotypes of TNFRSF11B is a better genetic marker for variations in BMD.

PMID- 22079370
TI  - Degradation resistance of ormocer- and dimethacrylate-based matrices with
      different filler contents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of matrix and filler content on
      degradation resistance of an experimental pure-ormocer and an dimethacrylate
      based composite derived from a commercially available material. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A dimethacrylate- Grandio (GR) and a model pure ormocer-based-matrix
      ORMOCER (ORM) were used. Each material had three different types according to
      their filler content (% w/w): regular (87% and 86%), flowable (80% and 79%) and
      fissure sealer (70% and 69%) for GR and ORM respectively. Disc-shaped (1 mm
      thickness*10 mm diameter) samples were prepared for each material (n=6). Water
      sorption and solubility tests were adapted from ISO4049. To evaluate porosity,
      specimens were scanned at a resolution of 19.4 MUm and 3D reconstructions were
      made. The volume ratio of pores in the specimens were calculated and expressed as
      percentages. The results were submitted to 2-way ANOVA (factors: matrix and
      filler content) and Tukey post-hoc statistic test (p=0.05). RESULTS: Filler
      content influenced the water sorption for the ormocer-matrix and the water
      solubility for the dimethacrylates. ORMOCER regular was a less porous material
      compared to flowable and sealer formulations. On the other hand, the filler
      content had no effect on porosity for Grandio. CONCLUSION: Modifications made in
      the pure ormocer-matrix formulation were not significantly important to produce a
      more water-stable material compared to the dimethacrylate-matrix composite
      materials.

PMID- 22079371
TI  - Clinical guidelines for treating caries in adults following a minimal
      intervention policy--evidence and consensus based report.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2002, FDI (World Dental Federation) published a policy advocating
      that caries be treated by minimal intervention (MI). This MI policy has been
      accepted worldwide and is taught in universities. But acceptance in general
      dental practice has been slower, especially in Japan where healthcare payment and
      practice favour drilling and filling. To help disseminate this MI policy into
      general practice, the Japanese Society of Conservative Dentistry developed an
      evidence-based clinical guideline for restoring carious permanent teeth in adult
      patients. METHODS: The guideline was developed by a committee of nine university
      clinicians and a librarian. The committee selected the most frequent clinical
      questions in treating caries and used electronic databases to search and assess
      the best scientific evidence for each. Members then added their clinical
      experience and discussed to reach consensus on each question on treating caries
      with MI policy. Graded recommendations and guidance were made for each clinical
      question. The provisional guideline was strengthened after review and discussion
      with university researchers and general practitioners. RESULTS: The guideline
      addresses the 16 most frequent clinical questions in treating adult caries,
      including restorative methods and how to tackle root caries. Recommendations for
      treatment using MI policy were developed using the best scientific evidence and
      consensus of experienced clinicians. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The guideline offers
      a practical expert view of treating caries with the MI policy that incorporates
      the best scientific evidence, the latest techniques, the most preferable
      materials and the general consensus of expert clinicians.

PMID- 22079372
TI  - Outcome after homograft redo operation in aortic position.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Since 1992, homografts have been implanted in our institution. After
      initial sub-coronary implantation of the homograft, our preferred technique for
      aortic-valve replacement with homografts became root replacement, which poses a
      surgical challenge whenever redo procedures are necessary. The aim of the present
      study was to evaluate the outcome after homograft redo surgery, based on
      prospective data from the biggest patient cohort in Germany for this procedure.
      METHODS: Between May 1992 and August 2009, 363 adult patients underwent aortic
      valve replacement with homografts in our cardiac surgery department. Homograft
      replacement was indicated in 90 of these 363 patients due to degenerative or
      infective conditions, and these were analysed. RESULTS: In these 73 male and 17
      female patients (mean age at redo operation 62.0 years), homograft explantation
      was necessary due to infection (n = 14) or degeneration (stenosis n = 19,
      regurgitation > II degrees  n = 57). Mean time between homograft implantation and
      redo operation was 8.4 +/- 3.6 years (range 0.0-15.5 years). Redo valve
      replacement through the aorta/homograft was done in 86 cases (valve into
      homograft wall = 80, total replacement of the homograft = 6) and trans-apical
      homograft replacement with an Edwards Sapien(r) Trans-catheter valve in four.
      Thirteen additional procedures were performed: bypass surgery (n = 1), mitral
      valve repair (n = 6), replacement of the ascending aorta (n = 5) and tricuspid
      valve repair (n = 1). Thirty-day mortality was 8.9% (n = 8, all of these patients
      presented with a homograft infection; five patients had a homograft reinfection).
      Survival rates after 1 and 5 years were 86.0% and 77.4%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The risk for a redo procedure after aortic-valve replacement with a
      homograft seems to be acceptable when compared with other prostheses. Mortality
      was, however, elevated in patients with a homograft infection. Trans-apical
      procedures are safe and feasible and might be our preferred technique for the
      future. Valve infections still remain a contraindication for trans- apical
      procedures.

PMID- 22079373
TI  - Expression of recombinant HAO3 from an Iranian isolate of Hyalomma anatolicum
      anatolicum in Pichia pastoris and evaluation of its antigenicity.
AB  - Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum tick is considered as one of the main problem of
      ruminants' productivity in endemic countries such as parts of Africa, the Middle
      East and India. The disease is economically important and hence, its control and
      eradication is a priority. This problem reinforces the need for alternative
      approach like vaccine to control tick infestations instead of continuous
      application of acaricide which led to the natural selection of the acaricide
      resistant ticks. Therefore, the present study provided evidence for the
      construction of transformant containing the chromosomally integrated multi-copy
      expression cassettes of HAO3, its successful and efficient expression in Pichia
      pastoris yeast and purification of the secreted protein by ultrafiltration (UF)
      system in a high level yield and purity. The result of antigenicity assay for the
      rHAO3 protein pointed well toward its capability for the elicitation of antibody
      response in immunized rabbits. Interestingly, the results indicated that the
      expressed HAO3 protein reacted well with mid gut antigen (MGAg) and rBm86 (Gavac)
      antisera in ELISA and western blot assays making it evident that the epitopes
      present in expressed protein are well recognized by the antibodies against MGAg
      and rBm86 proteins. Moreover, the presence of cross-reactive epitopes between
      rHAO3 protein with its native antigen from mid gut cells was also determined.

PMID- 22079374
TI  - Improved detection of Trypanosoma brucei by lysis of red blood cells,
      concentration and LED fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Confirmatory diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis relies on demonstration of
      parasites in body fluids by bright field microscopy. The parasitaemia in infected
      patients and animals is usually low, and concentration methods are used to try
      and increase the chances of seeing parasites. Recently, fluorescence microscopes
      using light-emitting diodes (LED) have been developed. Since they emit strong
      light, their use does not require a dark room, making field application a
      possibility. We have combined LED fluorescence microscopy with lysis of red blood
      cells (RBC) to improve the sensitivity and speed of detecting trypanosomes. In
      studies conducted at four centers in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the
      Congo, parasitaemic blood was serially diluted and the RBCs lysed using
      commercial buffer. Samples were then concentrated by centrifugation, and
      different volumes of the sediment used to make thin and thick smears. Next, these
      were stained with acridine orange or Giemsa, and examined using an LED microscope
      under fluorescence or bright light, respectively. Detection of parasites was
      significantly improved by RBC lysis and concentration, regardless of the staining
      and microscopy method used. Further improvements were made when smears were
      prepared using larger volumes of sediment. The best results were obtained with
      thin smears prepared using 20 MUl of sediment and stained with acridine orange.
      The time taken to see the first parasite was dramatically reduced when smears
      were examined by LED fluorescence microscopy, compared to bright light. LED
      fluorescence microscopy was found to be easier and requiring less visual effort
      than bright field microscopy. These studies demonstrate the potential for
      incremental improvement in detection of Trypanosoma brucei by combining LED
      fluorescence microscopy with RBC lysis and concentration. The lysis and
      concentration method may also be useful in sample preparation for other
      diagnostic tests for trypanosomiasis.

PMID- 22079375
TI  - The subgenus Adlerius Nitzulescu (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotomus) in Iran.
AB  - Phlebotomine sandflies of the subgenus Adlerius (Diptera: Psychodidae) includes
      20 described species and two unnamed from Afghanistan. The female sandflies of
      this subgenus are considered as indistinguishable morphologically and their
      identification is based on the identification of associated males. Some species
      of Adlerius are suspected vectors of visceral leishmaniasis and at least one
      species has been implicated as a vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Four species
      of Adlerius have been recorded in Iran in the past: P. brevis Theodor and
      Mesghali, 1964, P. halepensis Theodor, 1948, P. longiductus Parrot, 1928 and P.
      balcanicus Theodor, 1948. The present study based on a field work carried out all
      over Iran reports two new species in the country: Phlebotomus turanicus Artemiev
      1974 and Phlebotomus salangensis Artemiev, 1978. They have been caught from the
      North-East of Iran in provinces bordering Turkmenistan and Afghanistan,
      respectively. A review of the distribution of the Adlerius species of Iran is
      proposed.

PMID- 22079376
TI  - Mammalian cell invasion by closely related Trypanosoma species T. dionisii and T.
      cruzi.
AB  - Protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma can infect virtually all mammalian
      species. Within this genus, Trypanosoma dionisii from bats and Trypanosoma cruzi
      that causes Chagas' disease, belonging to the subgenus Schizotrypanum, can invade
      mammalian cells. The mechanisms of cell invasion by T. dionisii are poorly
      understood. To address that question, metacyclic trypomastigotes (MT) and human
      epithelial HeLa cells were used. Similarly to genetically divergent T. cruzi
      strains G (TcI) and CL (TcVI), associated, respectively with marsupial and human
      infections, T. dionisii infectivity increased under nutritional stress, a
      condition that induces host cell lysosome exocytosis required for parasite
      internalization. For efficient internalization, T. dionisii depended on MT
      protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and Ca(2+) mobilization from acidocalcisomes,
      whereas T. cruzi strains also relied on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K),
      protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca(2+) released from thapsigargin-sensitive
      compartments. T. dionisii-induced signaling in host cells implicated PKC and
      Ca(2+) mobilized from thapsigargin-sensitive stores, like T. cruzi, but without
      PI3K involvement. Unlike T. cruzi, T. dionisii metacyclic forms did not use l
      proline as source of energy required for internalization. Molecules related to T.
      cruzi surface glycoproteins involved in MT-host cell interaction were
      undetectable in T. dionisii. The difference in the surface profile of the two
      species was also inferred from the susceptibility of T. dionisii metacyclic forms
      to complement-mediated lysis, as opposed to complete resistance of T. cruzi. In
      summary, the two Trypanosoma species display distinct surface profiles but invade
      host cells through a common mechanism involving lysosome mobilization to the site
      of parasite entry.

PMID- 22079377
TI  - Chicken oviduct-specific expression of transgene by a hybrid ovalbumin enhancer
      and the Tet expression system.
AB  - We generated genetically manipulated chickens and quail by infecting them with a
      retroviral vector expressing the human growth hormone under the control of
      chicken ovalbumin promoter/enhancer up to -3861 bp from the transcriptional start
      site. The growth hormone was expressed in an oviduct-specific manner and was
      found in egg white, although its level was low. The DNA sequence of the
      integrated form of the viral vector in the packaging cells was shown to be
      truncated and contained only the sequence spanning -3861 to -1569 bp. This
      represented only the DNase I hypersensitive site (DHS) III of the 4 DHSs and
      lacked the proximal promoter of the ovalbumin control region. We found several
      TATA-like and other promoter motifs of approximately -1800 bp and considered that
      these promoter motifs and DHS III may cause weak but oviduct-specific expression
      of the growth hormone. To prove this hypothesis and apply this system to oviduct
      specific expression of the transgene, the truncated regulatory sequence was fused
      to an artificial transactivator-promoter system. In this system, initial weak but
      oviduct-specific expression of the Tet activator from the promoter element in the
      ovalbumin control sequence triggered a self-amplifying cycle of expression. DsRed
      was specifically expressed in oviduct cells of genetically manipulated chickens
      using this system. Furthermore, deletion of a short region possibly containing
      the promoter elements (-2112 to -1569 bp) completely abrogated oviduct-specific
      expression. Taken together, these results suggest that weak expression of this
      putative promoter causes oviduct-specific expression of the transgene.

PMID- 22079378
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro antiproliferative evaluation of pyrimido[5,4-c]quinoline-4
      (3H)-one derivatives.
AB  - A series of pyrimido[5,4-c]quinoline-4-(3H)-one derivatives variously substituted
      at positions 2 and 3 were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro
      antiproliferative activities against a panel of six human cancer cell lines.
      Biological evaluation revealed that the vast majority of derivatives exhibited
      moderate tumor growth inhibitory activities. In particular, compound 7e showed
      effective anti-tumor activity with broad-spectrum toward numerous cell lines and
      the most active member in this study. This derivative displaying significant
      activity against KB (IC(50): 4.9 MUM), CNE2 (IC(50): 13.8 MUM), MGC-803 (IC(50):
      4.8 MUM), GLC-82 (IC(50): 7.88 MUM), MDA-MB-453 (IC(50): 18.2 MUM) and MCF-7
      (IC(50): 10.1 MUM) cell lines could be considered as the most promising and
      useful template for future development to obtain more potent anti-tumor agent(s).

PMID- 22079379
TI  - Synthesis and antibacterial activity of naphthyridone derivatives containing
      mono/difluoro-methyloxime pyrrolidine scaffolds.
AB  - A series of novel naphthyridone derivatives containing mono/difluoro-methyloxime
      pyrrolidine scaffolds were designed and synthesized. These derivatives were
      initially evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity and compounds 13a1,
      b1 were chosen for further evaluation their in vivo activity against systemic
      infections in mice. The results indicate that all of the target compounds have
      considerable in vitro antibacterial activity. In the in vivo experiments, 13b1
      was found to be more effective than the parent drug gemifloxacin against the
      tested five strains, and especially its activity (ED(50):21.27 mg/kg) is 5.2-6.1
      times more potent than gemifloxacin and ciprofloxacin against clinically
      important Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PMID- 22079380
TI  - Scandium oxide coated polycrystalline tungsten studied using emission microscopy
      and photoelectron spectroscopy.
AB  - Thermionic electron emission from 200 to 500 nm thick coatings of scandium oxide
      on tungsten foil have been examined in thermionic emission microscopy,
      spectroscopic photoelectron microcopy, synchrotron radiation and ultraviolet
      photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). A clear dependence of the scandium oxide-W
      electron yield on the grain orientation of the polycrystalline tungsten is
      observed in thermionic emission and photoelectron emission.

PMID- 22079381
TI  - Gertrude Rempfer and the development of high resolution focused ion beam
      technology.
AB  - High resolution focused ion beam (FIB) technology depends on electrostatic
      optics. As a longtime researcher on electrostatic optics Dr. Gertrude Rempfer has
      had a great impact not only on the development of FIB technology but, as a
      result, also on several technology areas dependent on it. This paper provides a
      brief description of how that came about.

PMID- 22079382
TI  - Changes in ribosome biogenesis may induce cancer by down-regulating the cell
      tumor suppressor potential.
AB  - Many human pathological conditions, not linked to genetic alterations of
      oncogenes or tumor suppressors, are nevertheless associated with an increased
      risk of developing cancer, and some of them are characterized by quantitative
      and/or qualitative changes in ribosome biogenesis. Indeed, there is evidence that
      both an up-regulation of ribosome biogenesis, such as that occurring during the
      abnormal stimulation of cell growth, and intrinsic dysfunctions of ribosomes,
      such as those characterizing a series of inherited disorders, show an increased
      incidence of tumor onset. Here we discuss some recent insights into the
      mechanisms by which these alterations in ribosome biogenesis may facilitate
      tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22079383
TI  - Navigating the fine line between benefit and risk in chronic atrial fibrillation:
      rationale and design of the Standard versus Atrial Fibrillation spEcific
      managemenT studY (SAFETY).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health outcomes associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) continue to
      be poor and standard management often does not provide clinical stability. The
      Standard versus Atrial Fibrillation spEcific managemenT studY (SAFETY) compares
      the efficacy of a post-discharge, nurse-led, multi-disciplinary programme to
      optimise AF management with usual care. METHODS: SAFETY is a prospective, multi
      centre, randomised controlled trial with blinded-endpoint adjudication. A target
      of 320 hospitalised patients with a chronic form of AF will be randomised
      (stratified by "rate" versus "rhythm" control) to usual post-discharge care or
      the SAFETY Intervention (SI). The SI involves home-based assessment, extensive
      clinical profiling and the application of optimal gold-standard pharmacology
      which is individually tailored according to a "traffic light" framework based on
      clinical stability, risk profile and therapeutic management. The primary endpoint
      is event-free survival from all-cause death or unplanned readmission during 18-36
      months follow-up. Secondary endpoints include rate of recurrent hospital stay,
      treatment success (i.e. maintenance of rhythm or rate control and/or application
      of anti-thrombotic therapy without a bleeding event) and cost-efficacy. RESULTS:
      With study recruitment to be completed in early 2012, the results of this study
      will be available in early 2014. CONCLUSIONS: If positive, SAFETY will represent
      a potentially cost-effective and readily applicable strategy to improve health
      outcomes in high risk individuals discharged from hospital with chronic AF.

PMID- 22079384
TI  - Flow patterns and wall shear stress distribution in human internal carotid
      arteries: the geometric effect on the risk for stenoses.
AB  - It has been widely observed that atherosclerotic stenosis occurs at sites with
      complex hemodynamics, such as arteries with high curvature or bifurcations. These
      regions usually have very low or highly oscillatory wall shear stress (WSS). In
      the present study, 3D sinusoidally pulsatile blood flow through the models of
      internal carotid artery (ICA) with different geometries was investigated with
      computational simulation. Three preferred sites of stenoses were found along the
      carotid siphon with low and highly oscillatory WSS. The risk for stenoses at
      these sites was scaled with the values of time-averaged WSS and oscillating shear
      index (OSI). The local risk for stenoses at every preferred site of stenoses was
      found different between 3 types of ICA, indicating that the geometry of the blood
      vessel plays significant roles in the atherogenesis. Specifically, the large
      curvature and planarity of the vessel were found to increase the risk for
      stenoses, because they tend to lower WSS and elevate OSI. Therefore, the
      geometric study makes it possible to estimate the stenosis location in the ICA
      siphon as long as the shape of ICA was measured.

PMID- 22079385
TI  - The shear mechanical properties of diabetic and non-diabetic plantar soft tissue.
AB  - Changes in the plantar soft tissue shear properties may contribute to ulceration
      in diabetic patients, however, little is known about these shear parameters. This
      study examines the elastic and viscoelastic shear behavior of both diabetic and
      non-diabetic plantar tissue. Previously compression tested plantar tissue
      specimens (n=54) at six relevant plantar locations (hallux, first, third, and
      fifth metatarsal heads, lateral midfoot, and calcaneus) from four cadaveric
      diabetic feet and five non-diabetic feet were utilized. Per in vivo data (i.e.,
      combined deformation patterns of compression followed by shear), an initial
      static compressive strain (36-38%) was applied to the tissue followed by target
      shear strains of 50% and 85% of initial thickness. Triangle waves were used to
      quantify elastic parameters at both strain levels and a stress relaxation test
      (0.25 s ramp and 300 s hold) was used to quantify the viscoelastic parameters at
      the upper strain level. Several differences were found between test groups
      including a 52-62% increase in peak shear stress, a 63% increase in toe shear
      modulus, a 47% increase in final shear modulus, and a 67% increase in middle
      slope magnitude (sharper drop in relaxation) in the diabetic tissue. Beyond a 54%
      greater peak compressive stress in the third metatarsal compared to the lateral
      midfoot, there were no differences in shear properties between plantar locations.
      Notably, this study demonstrates that plantar soft tissue with diabetes is
      stiffer than healthy tissue, thereby compromising its ability to dissipate shear
      stresses borne by the foot that may increase ulceration risk.

PMID- 22079386
TI  - The knee adduction moment measured with an instrumented force shoe in patients
      with knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - The external knee adduction moment (KAdM) during gait is an important parameter
      in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). KAdM measurement is currently
      restricted to instruments only available in gait laboratories. However,
      ambulatory movement analysis technology, including instrumented force shoes (IFS)
      and inertial and magnetic measurement systems (IMMS), can measure kinetics and
      kinematics of human gait free of laboratory restrictions. The objective of this
      study was a quantitative validation of the accuracy of the KAdM in patients with
      knee OA, when estimated with an ambulatory-based method (AmbBM) versus a
      laboratory-based method (LabBM). AmbBM is employing the IFS and a linked-segment
      model, while LabBM is based on a force plate and optoelectronic marker system.
      Effects of ground reaction force (GRF), centre of pressure (CoP), and knee joint
      position measurement are evaluated separately. Twenty patients with knee OA were
      measured. The GRFs showed differences up to 0.22 N/kg, the CoPs showed
      differences up to 4 mm, and the medio-lateral and vertical knee position showed
      differences to 9 mm, between AmbBM and LabBM. The GRF caused an under-estimation
      in KAdM in early stance. However, this effect was counteracted by differences in
      CoP and joint position, resulting in a net 5% over-estimation. In midstance and
      late stance the accuracy of the KAdM was mainly limited by use of the linked
      segment model for joint position estimation, resulting in an under-estimation
      (midstance 6% and late stance 22%). Further improvements are needed in the
      estimation of joint position from segment orientation.

PMID- 22079387
TI  - Accuracy of finite element predictions in sideways load configurations for the
      proximal human femur.
AB  - Subject-specific finite element models have been used to predict stress-state and
      fracture risk in individual patients. While many studies analysed quasi-axial
      loading configurations, only few works simulated sideways load configurations,
      such as those arising in a fall. The majority among these latter directly
      predicted bone strength, without assessing elastic strain prediction accuracy.
      The aim of the present work was to evaluate if a subject-specific finite element
      modelling technique from CT data that accurately predicted strains in quasi-axial
      loading configurations is suitable to accurately predict strains also when
      applying low magnitude loads in sideways configurations. To this aim, a combined
      numerical-experimental study was performed to compare finite element predicted
      strains with strain-gauge measurements from three cadaver proximal femurs
      instrumented with sixteen strain rosettes and tested non-destructively under
      twelve loading configurations, spanning a wide cone (0-30 degrees  for both
      adduction and internal rotation angles) of sideways fall scenarios. The results
      of the present study evidenced a satisfactory agreement between experimentally
      measured and predicted strains (R(2) greater than 0.9, RMSE% lower than 10%) and
      displacements. The achieved strain prediction accuracy is comparable to those
      obtained in state of the art studies in quasi-axial loading configurations.
      Still, the presence of the highest strain prediction errors (around 30%) in the
      lateral neck aspect would deserve attention in future studies targeting bone
      failure.

PMID- 22079388
TI  - Thalassaemia in pregnancy.
AB  - Thalassaemia is the most common monogenetic disease worldwide. Antenatal
      screening is effective and simple, and accurate genetic prenatal diagnosis can be
      achieved in early gestation. Less invasive methods are feasible with ultrasound
      fetal assessment for alpha-thalassaemia, analysis of circulating fetal nucleic
      acid in maternal plasma, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Women with
      thalassaemia major and intermedia are at risk of various maternal complications,
      such as cardiac failure, alloimmunisation, viral infection, thrombosis, endocrine
      and bone disturbances. Therefore, it is prudent to adhere to a standard
      management plan in this group of pregnant women. Close monitoring of the maternal
      and fetal condition during pregnancy is essential, and various treatments, such
      as blood transfusion or postpartum prophylaxis for thromboembolism, may be
      indicated. After birth, resumption of iron chelation and bisphosphonates
      treatment is needed, and counselling on breast feeding and contraception should
      be given.

PMID- 22079389
TI  - Thrombophilia and early pregnancy loss.
AB  - Early pregnancy loss is the most common pregnancy complication. About 15% of
      pregnancies result in pregnancy loss and 1% of women experience recurrent
      miscarriage (more than three consecutive miscarriages). The influence of
      thrombophilia in pregnancy is a popular research topic in recurrent miscarriage.
      Both acquired and inherited thrombophilia are associated with a risk of pregnancy
      failure. Antiphospholipid syndrome is the only thrombophilia known to have a
      direct adverse effect on pregnancy. Historically, clinical research studying
      thrombophilia treatment in recurrent miscarriage has been of limited value owing
      to small participant numbers, poor study design and heterogeneity. The debate on
      the efficacy of aspirin and heparin has advanced with recently published
      randomised-controlled trials. Multi-centre collaboration is required to ascertain
      the effect of thrombophilia on early pregnancy loss and to establish an evidence
      based treatment protocol.

PMID- 22079390
TI  - Coenzyme Q(10), vitamin E, selenium, and methionine in the treatment of chronic
      recurrent viral mucocutaneous infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Host defense and latency determinants in viral recurrent dermatologic
      infections are not entirely understood, as conventional protocols are inadequate
      to achieve fast healing and relapse prevention. Endogenously produced
      oxygen/nitrogen reactive species (ROS/RNS) are essential for antiviral immune
      defense, while their excess may aggravate skin inflammation. Here, we sought a
      nutritional approach capable of controlling ROS/RNS balance to accelerate
      recovery and inhibit recurrences of two mucocutaneous chronic DNA-virus
      infections. METHODS: Two controlled clinical trials evaluated the feasibility of
      ROS/RNS-modulating nutriceutical dosages of coenzyme Q(10), RRR-alpha-tocopherol,
      selenium aspartate, and L-methionine associated with established therapies.
      Clinical trial 1 evaluated 68 patients with relapsing human papillomavirus skin
      warts treated with cryotherapy followed by 180 d of nutriceutical/placebo
      administration. Clinical trial 2 compared the combination of acyclovir followed
      by 90 d of nutriceutical administration versus acyclovir alone in patients with
      recurrences of herpes simplex genitalis (n = 60) or herpes zoster (n = 29). Viral
      DNA levels were assessed by polymer chain reaction, biomarkers of antiviral
      defense (peroxynitrite and IFNalpha/gamma) and antioxidant capacity (lipophilic
      antioxidants and glutathione) were assayed by biochemical/enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay techniques in blood fractions. RESULTS: In both trials, the
      nutriceutical induced significantly faster healing (P < 0.01-0.05) with reduced
      incidence of relapses (P < 0.05) as compared to control groups, which was
      confirmed by decreased viral load and increased antiviral cytokine and
      peroxynitrite plasma levels. Plasma antioxidant capacity was higher (P < 0.01) in
      the experimental versus control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results document positive
      clinical outcomes of the selected nutriceutical associated with conventional
      protocols in the management of relapsing mucocutaneous human papillomavirus and
      herpes infections.

PMID- 22079391
TI  - Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The theoretically beneficial effects of coenzyme Q10 (Q10) on exercise
      related oxidative stress and physical capacity have not been confirmed to our
      knowledge by interventional supplementation studies. Our aim was to investigate
      further whether Q10 supplementation at a dose recommended by manufacturers
      influences these factors. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind, controlled
      design, we investigated the effect on physical capacity of 8 wk of treatment with
      a daily dose of 90 mg of Q10 (n = 12) compared with placebo (n = 11) in
      moderately trained healthy men 19 to 44 y old. Two days of individualized
      performance tests to physical exhaustion were performed before and after the
      intervention. Primary outcomes were maximal oxygen uptake, workload, and heart
      rate at the lactate threshold. Secondary outcomes were creatine kinase,
      hypoxanthine, and uric acid. RESULTS: No significant differences between the
      groups were discerned after the intervention for maximal oxygen uptake (-0.11
      L/min, 95% confidence interval -0.31 to 0.08, P = 0.44), workload at lactate
      threshold (6.3 W, -13.4 to 25.9, P = 0.36), or heart rate at lactate threshold
      (2.0 beats/min, -4.9 to 8.9, P = 0.41). No differences between the groups were
      detected for hypoxanthine or uric acid (serum markers of oxidative stress) or
      creatine kinase (a marker of skeletal muscle damage). CONCLUSION: Although in
      theory Q10 could be beneficial for exercise capacity and in decreasing oxidative
      stress, the present study could not demonstrate that such effects exist after
      supplementation with a recommended dose.

PMID- 22079392
TI  - Effects of high-fat diet on plasma lipids, adiposity, and inflammatory markers in
      ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that a high-fat (HF) diet aggravates ovariectomy
      related complications. To test this hypothesis, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were
      fed a HF diet, and we investigated the lipid metabolism, adipose tissue
      remodeling, adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: To investigate the
      situation in a mouse model of ovariectomy, OVX and SHAM C57BL/6 mice fed a HF
      diet (60% fat) or standard chow (SC, 10% fat) were monitored for 18 wk. We
      evaluated daily food intake and weekly body weight. Mice were killed at 30 wk of
      age. Blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for biochemical, histologic,
      and molecular analysis. RESULTS: OVX groups showed atrophied uterus compared to
      the SHAM groups, ensuring the success of surgically induced menopause. Despite
      lower food intake, OVX-HF mice gained about 52% more weight and had heavier total
      body fats, especially in relation to ovarian fat pad (372%)-a visceral fat which
      is associated with increased pathogenicity in obesity, and showed larger
      adipocytes (30%) when compared to OVX-SC mice. Biochemical analysis showed that
      the OVX-HF mice had increased levels of serum total cholesterol (51%), greater
      serum triglycerides (158%), lower serum adiponectin (40%), and higher plasma
      leptin (323%) than OVX-SC mice. The obese group (OVX-HF) also had higher IL-6
      levels than both SHAM-HF (241%) and OVX-SC mice (870%). CONCLUSION: OVX C57BL/6
      mice fed HF diet had greater adipose fat pad, larger adipocytes, and increased
      inflammatory markers, reinforcing the idea that a HF diet aggravates the
      complications of ovariectomy-associated inflammation.

PMID- 22079393
TI  - Hypermethylation of repetitive DNA elements in livers of mice fed an atherogenic
      diet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: DNA methylation status was examined in C57BL/6J obese mice fed an
      atherogenic diet (AD) to establish the correlation between epigenetic alterations
      and obesity-related abnormalities. METHODS: Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were
      fed a normal diet (ND) or AD for 8 wk. Methylation levels of global DNA and
      repetitive DNA elements in livers of ND-fed mice and AD-fed mice were examined.
      RESULTS: The total amounts of 5-MeC genomic contents in livers of AD-fed mice
      were increased as compared with those of ND-fed mice. Hypermethylation of
      repetitive DNA elements was observed in livers of AD-fed mice. CONCLUSION:
      Hypermethylation of repetitive DNA elements in livers of AD-fed mice proposes
      epigenetic changes by nutritional intervention.

PMID- 22079394
TI  - Effects of leucine supplementation and resistance exercise on dexamethasone
      induced muscle atrophy and insulin resistance in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance exercise (RE) and
      leucine (LEU) supplementation on dexamethasone (DEXA)-induced muscle atrophy and
      insulin resistance. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into DEXA
      (DEX), DEXA + RE (DEX-RE), DEXA + LEU (DEX-LEU), and DEXA + RE + LEU (DEX-RE-LEU)
      groups. Each group received DEXA 5 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1) for 7 d from drinking
      water and were pair-fed to the DEX group; LEU-supplemented groups received 0.135
      g . kg(-1) . d(-1) through gavage for 7 d; the RE protocol was based on three
      sessions of squat-type exercise composed by three sets of 10 repetitions at 70%
      of maximal voluntary strength capacity. RESULTS: The plantaris mass was
      significantly greater in both trained groups compared with the non-trained
      groups. Muscle cross-sectional area and fiber areas did not differ between
      groups. Both trained groups displayed significant increases in the number of
      intermediated fibers (IIa/IIx), a decreased number of fast-twitch fibers (IIb),
      an increased ratio of the proteins phospho(Ser2448)/total mammalian target of
      rapamycin and phospho(Thr389)/total 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and a
      decreased ratio of phospho(Ser253)/total Forkhead box protein-3a. Plasma glucose
      was significantly increased in the DEX-LEU group compared with the DEX group and
      RE significantly decreased hyperglycemia. The DEX-LEU group displayed decreased
      glucose transporter-4 translocation compared with the DEX group and RE restored
      this response. LEU supplementation worsened insulin sensitivity and did not
      attenuate muscle wasting in rats treated with DEXA. Conversely, RE modulated
      glucose homeostasis and fiber type transition in the plantaris muscle.
      CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise but not LEU supplementation promoted fiber type
      transition and improved glucose homeostasis in DEXA-treated rats.

PMID- 22079396
TI  - Accuracy of GFR predictive equations in renal transplantation: validation of a
      new turbidimetric cystatin C assay on Architect c8000.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Sentinel-PETIA cystatin C on Architect c8000
      analyzer. DESIGN AND METHODS: We assessed analytical performances and clinical
      relevance by comparison with a reference isotopic method in kidney transplant
      recipients. RESULTS: This assay exhibited reliable precision and was close to the
      non standardized Siemens-PENIA method. All tested equations allowed reliable
      assessment of GFR. CONCLUSIONS: Cystatin C improved GFR determination at the
      critical level of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. New formulas might be necessary after IFCC
      standardization.

PMID- 22079395
TI  - Impact of barbecued meat consumed in pregnancy on birth outcomes accounting for
      personal prenatal exposure to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Birth
      cohort study in Poland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We previously reported an association between prenatal exposure to
      airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and lower birth weight, birth
      length, and head circumference. The main goal of the present analysis was to
      assess the possible impact of coexposure to PAH-containing barbecued meat
      consumed during pregnancy on birth outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The birth
      cohort consisted of 432 pregnant women who gave birth at term (>36 wk of
      gestation). Only non-smoking women with singleton pregnancies, 18-35 y of age,
      and who were free from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, were
      included in the study. Detailed information on diet over pregnancy was collected
      through interviews and the measurement of exposure to airborne PAHs was carried
      out by personal air monitoring during the second trimester of pregnancy. The
      effect of barbecued meat consumption on birth outcomes (birth weight, length, and
      head circumference at birth) was adjusted in multiple linear regression models
      for potential confounding factors such as prenatal exposure to airborne PAHs,
      child's sex, gestational age, parity, size of mother (maternal prepregnancy
      weight, weight gain in pregnancy), and prenatal environmental tobacco smoke.
      RESULTS: The multivariable regression model showed a significant deficit in birth
      weight associated with barbecued meat consumption in pregnancy (coeff = -106.0 g;
      95%CI: -293.3, -35.8). The effect of exposure to airborne PAHs was about the same
      magnitude order (coeff. = -164.6 g; 95%CI: -172.3, -34.7). Combined effect of
      both sources of exposure amounted to birth weight deficit of 214.3 g (95%CI: 
      419.0, -9.6). Regression models performed for birth length and head circumference
      showed similar trends but the estimated effects were of borderline significance
      level. As the intake of barbecued meat did not affect the duration of pregnancy,
      the reduced birth weight could not have been mediated by a shortened gestation
      period. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study results provided epidemiologic
      evidence that prenatal PAH exposure from diet including grilled meat might be
      hazardous for fetal development.

PMID- 22079397
TI  - Reduction of butyrylcholinesterase activity in plasma from patients with
      disorders of propionate metabolism is prevented by treatment with L-carnitine and
      protein restriction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)
      activity and lipid oxidative damage in patients with disorders of propionate
      metabolism, before and after treatment with protein restriction and L-carnitine.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: BuChE activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in
      plasma from eight untreated patients (at diagnosis) and from seven patients under
      treatment with protein restriction and L-carnitne supplementation (100mg/kg/day).
      RESULTS: We verified a significant reduction of butyrylcholinesterase activity,
      as well as an increased MDA formation in plasma from untreated patients. However,
      treated patients presented MDA and BuChE activity similar to controls.
      Furthermore, butyrylcholinesterase activity was negatively correlated with MDA
      concentrations in these patients. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that an
      increased free radicals formation may be involved in the decrease of
      butyrylcholinesterase activity, possibly contributing to the neurological damage
      of these disorders, and that treatment with L-carnitine and low-protein diet
      possibly is able to prevent this damage.

PMID- 22079398
TI  - Social memories in rodents: methods, mechanisms and modulation by stress.
AB  - Intact social memory forms the basis of meaningful interactions between
      individuals. Many factors can modulate the quality of social memory, and these
      have been studied in detail in rodents. Social memory, however, cannot be
      considered a single entity. The term social memory reflects different processes,
      such as social recognition of a novel conspecific individual and social learning
      (or 'learning from others'). This review summarizes the findings obtained with
      behavioral paradigms that were developed for the study of memory formation by
      social recognition and social learning. In particular, we focus on studies that
      include tests for social habituation/discrimination paradigms, tests for memory
      of a previously established social hierarchy and the social transmission of the
      food preference test. The role of individual differences and the main
      neurobiological mechanisms (i.e., the brain regions and neurochemical systems
      involved) that have been implicated in each of these types of social-related
      memories are reviewed. In addition, we address the key modulatory influence of
      stress on the formation of these types of memories; discussing the contribution
      of central (corticotropin-releasing factor, CRF) and peripheral (glucocorticoids)
      stress systems and their interactions with the social neuropeptide systems.
      Overall, we present here a general overview of the current state of a thriving
      research area within the field of social neuroscience.

PMID- 22079399
TI  - Structural and physiological phenotypes of disease-linked lamin mutations in C.
      elegans.
AB  - The nuclear lamina is a major structural element of the nucleus and is
      predominately composed of the intermediate filament lamin proteins. Missense
      mutations in the human lamins A/C cause a family of laminopathic diseases, with
      no known mechanistic link between the position of the mutation and the resulting
      disease phenotypes. The Caenorhabditis elegans lamin (Ce-lamin) is structurally
      and functionally homologous to human lamins, and recent advances have allowed
      detailed structural analysis of Ce-lamin filaments both in vitro and in vivo.
      Here, we studied the effect of laminopathic mutations on Ce-lamin filament
      assembly in vitro and the corresponding physiological phenotypes in animals. We
      focused on three disease-linked mutations, Q159K, T164P, and L535P, which have
      previously been shown to affect lamin structure and nuclear localization.
      Mutations prevented the proper assembly of Ce-lamin into filament and/or
      paracrystalline arrays. Disease-like phenotypes were observed in strains
      expressing low levels of these mutant lamins, including decreased fertility and
      motility coincident with muscle lesions. In addition, the Q159K- and T164P
      expressing strains showed a reduced lifespan. Thus, different disease-linked
      mutations in Ce-lamin exhibit major effects in vivo and in vitro. Using C.
      elegans as a model system, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of specific
      lamin mutations from the level of in vitro filament assembly to the physiology of
      the organism will help uncover the mechanistic differences between these
      different lamin mutations.

PMID- 22079400
TI  - Finding rigid bodies in protein structures: Application to flexible fitting into
      cryoEM maps.
AB  - We present RIBFIND, a method for detecting flexibility in protein structures via
      the clustering of secondary structural elements (SSEs) into rigid bodies. To test
      the usefulness of the method in refining atomic structures within cryoEM density
      we incorporated it into our flexible fitting protocol (Flex-EM). Our benchmark
      includes 13 pairs of protein structures in two conformations each, one of which
      is represented by a corresponding cryoEM map. Refining the structures in
      simulated and experimental maps at the 5-15A resolution range using rigid bodies
      identified by RIBFIND shows a significant improvement over using individual SSEs
      as rigid bodies. For the 15A resolution simulated maps, using RIBFIND-based rigid
      bodies improves the initial fits by 40.64% on average, as compared to 26.52% when
      using individual SSEs. Furthermore, for some test cases we show that at the sub
      nanometer resolution range the fits can be further improved by applying a two
      stage refinement protocol (using RIBFIND-based refinement followed by an SSE
      based refinement). The method is stand-alone and could serve as a general
      interactive tool for guiding flexible fitting into EM maps.

PMID- 22079401
TI  - Microstructure-stiffness relationships of ten European and tropical hardwood
      species.
AB  - Hardwood species exhibit a huge anatomical variability. This makes them perfect
      study objects for exploring relations between structural features at different
      length scales and corresponding stiffness properties of wood. We carry out
      microscopic analysis, nanoindentation tests, as well as macroscale ultrasonic and
      quasi-static tension tests and build a complete set of microstructural and
      corresponding micromechanical data of ten different (European and tropical)
      hardwood species. In addition, we apply micromechanical modeling to further
      elucidate the individual influences of particular structural features, which
      might appear only in a superimposed manner in experiments. The test results
      confirm the dominant influences of the microfibril angle on the stiffness at cell
      wall level and of density at the macroscopic scale. Vessels and ray cells affect
      the macroscopic stiffness of the wood tissue not only through their content, but
      also through their arrangement and shape: A ring-porous structure results in
      comparably higher longitudinal but lower radial stiffness than a diffuse-porous
      one. As for ray cells, large and particularly compactly shaped bundles might
      reduce the stiffness in tangential direction because of the fiber deviations they
      cause. Moreover, vessel and ray content might affect the relation between
      nanoindentation modulus and density-corrected macroscopic longitudinal stiffness.

PMID- 22079402
TI  - Adaptive volumetric modulated arc treatment planning for esophageal cancers using
      cone beam computed tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the potential of cone beam CT (CBCT) derived adaptive RapidArc
      treatment for esophageal cancers in reducing the dose to organs at risk (OAR).
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ten patients with esophageal cancer were CT scanned in
      free breathing pattern. The PTV is generated by adding a 3D margin of 1 cm to the
      CTV as per ICRU 62 recommendations. The double arc RapidArc plan (Clin_RA) was
      generated for the PTV. Patients were setup using kV orthogonal images and kV-CBCT
      scan was acquired daily during first week of therapy, then weekly. These images
      were exported to the Eclipse TPS. The adaptive CTV which includes tumor and
      involved nodes was delineated in each CBCT image set for the length of the PTV.
      The composite CTV from first week CBCT was generated using Boolean union operator
      and 5 mm margin was added circumferentially to generate adaptive PTV (PTV1).
      Adaptive RapidArc plan (Adap_RA) was generated. NTCP and DVH of the OARs of the
      two plans were compared. Similarly, PTV2 was generated from weekly CBCT. PTV2 was
      evaluated for the coverage of 95% isodose of Adap_RA plan. RESULTS: The PTV1 and
      PTV2 volumes covered by 95% isodose in adaptive plans were 93.51 +/- 1.17% and
      94.59 +/- 1.43% respectively. The lung V(10Gy,)V(20Gy) and mean dose in Adap_RA
      plan was reduced by 17.43% (p = 0.0012), 34.64% (p = 0.0019) and 16.50% (p =
      0.0002) respectively compared to Clin_RA. The Adap_RA plan reduces the heart
      D(35%) and mean dose by 17.35% (p = 0.0011) and 17.16% (p = 0.0012). No
      significant reduction in spinal cord and liver doses were observed. NTCP for the
      lung (0.42% vs. 0.08%) and heart (1.39% vs. 0.090%) was reduced significantly in
      adaptive plans. CONCLUSION: The adaptive re-planning strategy based on the first
      week CBCT dataset significantly reduces the doses and NTCP to OARs.

PMID- 22079403
TI  - Gait characteristics when walking with rounded soft sole shoes.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the effect of shoes with a rounded soft sole (Stretch
      Walker: SW) on gait. Fifteen healthy male (mean age: 23.2) walked under three
      conditions (SW, Flat-bottomed Shoe: FS, Barefoot: BF). Including walking speed,
      stance time, step length were selected as temporal-spatial parameters. The angle
      of hip, knee, and ankle joints during particular phases were selected as
      kinematic parameters. Walking speed, stance time, step length and flexion angle
      of the ankle joint at initial contact were greater when wearing either shoe than
      walking BF; cadence was faster walking BF than wearing either shoe; double
      support time increased (FS>SW>BF); step width was greater (FS>SW>BF); walking
      angle was greater wearing the SW than wearing the FS and walking BF; and range of
      motion and maximum flexion angle of the hip and knee joints were greater wearing
      the FS than walking BF. In conclusion, wearing the SW with a heel-to-toe rocker
      and soft sole changes the double support time, step width, and walking angle and
      increases step length and walking speed compared to walking BF. The difference of
      the range of motion in hip and knee joints was larger between walking BF and
      wearing the FS than between walking BF and wearing the SW.

PMID- 22079404
TI  - Incidence, risk factors for amputation among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in
      a North Indian tertiary care hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for
      amputation among patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 162 DFU in patients treated in a
      multidisciplinary based diabetes and endocrinology centre of Jawaharlal Nehru
      Medical College of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India during the period of
      December 2008-March 2011. Detailed history and physical examination was carried
      out for every subject. Risk factors for amputation were determined by univariate
      analysis with 95% of CI. RESULTS: The overall amputation rate was 28.4%. On
      univariate analysis, male sex [OR 2.8, RR 1.28], hypertension [OR 2.83, RR 1.31],
      neuropathy [OR 3.01, RR 1.35], nephropathy [OR 2.24, RR 1.26], LDL-C (>100mg/dl)
      [OR 2.53, RR 1.28], total cholesterol (>150mg/dl) [OR 3.74, RR
      1.52],HDLC(<40mg/dl) [OR 1.19, RR 1.18], triglycerides (>200mg/dl) [OR 5.44,
      RR1.76], previous antibiotic use [OR 9.12, RR 1.92], osteomyelitis [OR 6.97, RR
      2.43] and biofilm infection [OR 4.52, RR 1.41] were significant risk factors.
      CONCLUSION: The risk factors for amputation were presence of PVD, leukocytosis,
      neuropathy, nephropathy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, over use of antibiotics,
      osteomyelitis, biofilm production and higher grade of ulcer.

PMID- 22079405
TI  - Somatic mutations in aging, cancer and neurodegeneration.
AB  - The somatic mutation theory of aging posits that the accumulation of mutations in
      the genetic material of somatic cells as a function of time results in a decrease
      in cellular function. In particular, the accumulation of random mutations may
      inactivate genes that are important for the functioning of the somatic cells of
      various organ systems of the adult, result in a decrease in organ function. When
      the organ function decreases below a critical level, death occurs. A significant
      amount of research has shown that somatic mutations play an important role in
      aging and a number of age related pathologies. In this review, we explore
      evidence for increases in somatic nuclear mutation burden with age and the
      consequences for aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration. We then review evidence
      for increases in mitochondrial mutation burden and the consequences for
      dysfunction in the disease processes.

PMID- 22079406
TI  - Serum concentration of an inflammatory glycotoxin, methylglyoxal, is associated
      with increased cognitive decline in elderly individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advanced glycations end products increase oxidant stress,
      inflammation, and neurotoxicity. Serum levels are increased in diabetes and
      aging. We examined the relationship between serum methylglyoxal derivatives
      (sMG), and cognitive decline, in 267 non-demented elderly. METHODS: Tobit mixed
      regression models assessed the association of baseline sMG with cognitive decline
      in the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) over time, controlling for sociodemographic
      factors (age, sex, and years of education), cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes
      and presence of an ApoE4 allele), and kidney function. sMG was assessed by ELISA.
      RESULTS: The fully adjusted model showed an annual decline of 0.26 MMSE points
      per unit increase in baseline sMG (p = 0.03). Significance was unchanged as
      additional risk factors were added to the model. The interactions of sMG with
      diabetes, sex, age, kidney function, and ApoE4 genotype were not significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of baseline sMG were associated with a faster rate of
      cognitive decline, after adjusting for several sociodemographic and clinical
      characteristics. This relationship did not differ by sex, ApoE4 genotype, or
      diabetes status suggesting its generality. Since subjects were cognitively normal
      at the beginning of the study, elevated sMG may be indicative of brain cell
      injury initiated before clinically evident cognitive compromise.

PMID- 22079407
TI  - Membrane proteins in four acts: function precedes structure determination.
AB  - Studies on four membrane protein systems, which combine information derived from
      crystal structures and biophysical studies have emphasized, as a precursor to
      crystallization, demonstration of functional activity. These assays have relied
      on sensitive spectrophotometric, electrophysiological, and microbiological assays
      of activity to select purification procedures that lead to functional complexes
      and with greater likelihood to successful crystallization: (I), Hetero-oligomeric
      proteins involved in electron transport/proton translocation. (1) Crystal
      structures of the eight subunit hetero-oligomeric trans-membrane dimeric
      cytochrome b(6)f complex were obtained from cyanobacteria using a protocol that
      allowed an analysis of the structure and function of internal lipids at specific
      intra-membrane, intra-protein sites. Proteolysis and monomerization that
      inactivated the complex and prevented crystallization was minimized through the
      use of filamentous cyanobacterial strains that seem to have a different set of
      membrane-active proteases. (2) An NADPH-quinone oxido-reductase isolated from
      cyanobacteria contains an expanded set of 17 monotopic and polytopic hetero
      subunits. (II) beta-Barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs). High resolution
      structures of the vitamin B(12) binding protein, BtuB, solved in meso and in
      surfo, provide the best example of the differences in such structures that were
      anticipated in the first application of the lipid cubic phase to membrane
      proteins [1]. A structure of the complex of BtuB with the colicin E3 and E2
      receptor binding domain established a "fishing pole" model for outer membrane
      receptor function in cellular import of nuclease colicins. (III) A modified
      faster purification procedure contributed to significantly improved resolution
      (1.83A) of the universal porin, OmpF, the first membrane protein for which
      meaningful 3D crystals have been obtained [2]. A crystal structure of the N
      terminal translocation domain of colicin E3 complexed to OmpF established the
      role of OmpF as an import channel for colicin nuclease cytotoxins. (IV) alpha
      Synuclein, associated with the etiology of Parkinson's Disease, is an example of
      a protein, which is soluble and disordered in solution, but which can assume an
      ordered predominantly alpha-helical conformation upon binding to membranes. When
      subjected in its membrane-bound form to a trans-membrane electrical potential,
      alpha-synuclein can form voltage-gated ion channels. Summary of methods to assay
      functions/activities: (i) sensitive spectrophotometric assay to measure electron
      transfer activities; (ii) hydrophobic chromatography to deplete lipids, allowing
      reconstitution with specific lipids for studies on lipid-protein interactions;
      (iii) microbiological screen to assay high affinity binding of colicin receptor
      domains to Escherichia coli outer membrane receptors; (iv)
      electrophysiology/channel analysis (a) to select channel-occluding ligands for co
      crystallization with ion channels of OmpF, and (b) to provide a unique
      description of voltage-gated ion channels of alpha-synuclein.

PMID- 22079408
TI  - Microbiological and meteorological analysis of two Australian dust storms in
      April 2009.
AB  - Dust is an important source of bioaerosols including bacteria. In this study, the
      microbiology and meteorology of specific dust storms in Australia were
      investigated. The samples were collected from two dust events in April 2009 that
      were characterised by intense cold fronts that entrained dust from the highly
      erodible and drought-stricken Mallee and Riverina regions of Victoria and central
      NSW. In the first storm, the dust travelled eastward over Canberra and Sydney,
      and in the second storm, the dust travelled east/southeastward over Canberra and
      Melbourne. Rain fell on both cities during the second dust storm. Dust and rain
      samples were collected, cultured, and the composition compared using polymerase
      chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Multiple bands
      were evident on DGGE indicative of a diverse microflora, and identification of
      several bands confirmed the presence of multiple genera and species representing
      three phyla. Numerous bands represented Bacillus species, and these were present
      in multiple dust samples collected from both Canberra and Melbourne.
      Interestingly, the microflora present in rain samples collected in Canberra
      during the second dust storm was quite different and the DGGE banding patterns
      from these samples clustered separately to most dust samples collected at the
      same time. Identification of several DGGE bands and PCR products from these rain
      samples indicated the presence of Pseudomonas species. These results indicate
      that Australian dust and rain have a diverse microflora and highlights the
      contribution of dust events to the distribution of microbes in the environment.

PMID- 22079411
TI  - Gamma knife radiosurgery for giant cell tumor of the petrous bone.

PMID- 22079410
TI  - Comparison of relative and actual chest compression depths during cardiac arrest
      in children, adolescents, and young adults.
AB  - AIM: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines recommend specific chest
      compression (CC) target depths for children. We quantitatively describe relative
      anterior-posterior diameter (APD) depth, actual depth, and force of CCs during
      real CPR events in children. METHODS: CC depth and force were recorded during
      real CPR events in children >=8 years using FDA-approved CC sensor. Patient chest
      APD was measured at conclusion of each CPR event. CC data was stratified and
      analyzed according to age (pre-puberty, 8-14 years; post-puberty, 15+ years).
      Relative (% APD) and actual CC depth, corrected for mattress deflection, were
      assessed and compared with American Heart Association (AHA) 2005 and 2010
      pediatric CPR guidelines. RESULTS: 35 events in 32 subjects included 16,158 CCs
      for data analysis: 16 pre-puberty (CCs=7484, age 11.9+/-2 years, APD 164.6+/-25.1
      mm); 19 post-puberty (CCs=8674, age 18.0+/-2.7 years, APD 196.5+/-30.4 mm). After
      correction for mattress deflection, 92% of CC delivered to pre-puberty were <1/3
      relative APD and 60% of CC were <38 mm actual depth. Mean actual CC depth (36.2+/
      9.6 mm vs. 36.8+/-9.9 mm, p=0.64), mean relative APD (22.5%+/-7.0% vs. 19.5+/
      6.7%, p=0.13), and mean CC force (30.7+/-7.6 kg vs. 33.6+/-9.4 kg, p=0.07) were
      not significantly less in pre-puberty vs. post-puberty. CONCLUSIONS: During in
      hospital cardiac arrest of children >=8 years, CCs delivered by resuscitation
      teams were frequently <1/3 relative APD and <38 mm actual depth after mattress
      deflection correction, below pediatric and adult target guidelines. Mean CC
      actual depth and force were not significantly different in pre-puberty and post
      puberty. Additional investigation to determine depth of CCs to optimize
      hemodynamics and outcomes is needed to inform future CPR guidelines.

PMID- 22079412
TI  - Transcriptome profiling of female alates and egg-laying queens of the Formosan
      subterranean termite.
AB  - Termites are known to have an extraordinary reproductive plasticity and capacity,
      but the underlying genetic patterns of termite reproductive biology are
      relatively understudied. The goal of this study was to identify genes for which
      expression levels differ between dealated precopulatory females (virgins) and egg
      laying queens of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus
      Shiraki. We constructed a normalized polyphenic expressed sequence tag (EST)
      library that represents genomic material from most of the castes and life stages
      of the Formosan subterranean termite. Microarrays were designed using probes from
      this EST library and public genomic resources. Virgin females and queens were
      competitively hybridized to these microarrays and differentially expressed
      candidate genes were identified. Differential expression of eight genes was
      subsequently confirmed via reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR). When
      compared to virgins, queens had higher expression of genes coding for proteins
      related to immunity (gram negative binding protein), nutrition (e.g., termite
      derived endo-beta-1,4-glucanase), protein storage, regulation of caste
      differentiation and reproduction (hexamerin, juvenile hormone binding protein).
      Queens also had higher transcript levels for genes involved in metabolism of
      xenobiotics, fat, and juvenile hormone (glutathione-S-transferase-like proteins,
      and cytochrome P450), among others. In particular, hexamerin, juvenile hormone
      binding protein, and a cytochrome P450 from the 4C subfamily are likely to be
      involved in initiating the inactive period during the reproductive cycle of the
      queen. Vice versa, virgins had higher expression than queens of genes related to
      respiration, probably due to recent flight activity, and several genes of unknown
      function.

PMID- 22079413
TI  - Insights into the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis: contributions from
      animal models.
AB  - The introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor strategies has significantly
      changed the perspective and outcome of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and
      related spondyloarthritides. This breakthrough has also boosted further research
      efforts into the mechanisms of disease. As human tissue specimens of the spine
      and sacroiliac joints are very difficult to obtain and rarely allow mechanistic
      studies, most of the new concepts have emerged from different animal models of
      disease. In this review, we summarize insights into the role of HLA-B27 based on
      transgenic rat and mouse models, efforts into the identification of cell
      populations stimulating inflammation and molecular studies of pathological bone
      formation leading to ankylosis. Important progress has been made and novel
      hypotheses were put forward. These include the impact of HLA-B27 on endoplasmic
      reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response, the role of stromal cells in
      inflammation, the entheseal stress hypothesis and the identification of the bone
      morphogenetic protein and WNT signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for
      ankylosis.

PMID- 22079415
TI  - Bone tissue and muscle dystrophin deficiency in mdx mice.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease caused by the lack of
      dystrophin that affects skeletal muscles, causing degeneration of muscle fibers
      and replacing them with fibrous and adipose tissue, events that gradually lead to
      functional loss. Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have shown that bones
      become more fragile with age and with advancement of the disease. Muscle weakness
      and reduced mobility have been suggested to be the factors that promote bone
      deterioration. However, it seems that this does not occur in mdx mice. It has
      been identified in mdx mice the existence of a factor related or not to the lack
      of dystrophin that also participates in the impairment of bone quality. Mdx mice
      also exhibit muscle degeneration, but unlike human, it is compensated by muscle
      regeneration. In consequence, there is an increase in the muscle mass, but not
      necessarily of muscle contractile strength. The accommodation of this increased
      muscle mass promotes bone formation at specific sites, such as at tendo-osseous
      junctions. In addition, the inflammatory response to muscle injury may be
      responsible for the increase in angiogenesis and regeneration observed in mdx
      mice, inducing the release of cytokines and chemokines that play an important
      role in the recruitment of leukocytes and macrophages. Then, mdx mice may possess
      compensatory mechanisms in bone in response to a genetic defect.

PMID- 22079417
TI  - Disease associated cytokine SNPs database: an annotation and dissemination model.
AB  - Cytokines mediate crucial functions in innate and adaptive immunity. They play
      valuable roles in immune cell growth and lineage specification, and are
      associated with various disease pathologies. A large number of low, medium and
      high throughput studies have implicated association of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes with diseases. A preponderance of such
      experiments has not shown any causality of an identified SNP to the associated
      disease. Instead, they have identified statistically significant SNP-disease
      associations; it is likely that some of these cytokine gene variants may directly
      or indirectly cause the disease phenotype(s). To fill this knowledge gap and
      derive study parameters for cytokine SNP-disease causality relationships, we have
      designed and developed the disease associated cytokine SNP database (DACS-DB).
      DACS-DB has data on 456 cytokine genes, approximately 63,000 SNPs, and 853 SNP
      associated diseases. In DACS-DB, among other attributes, we present functional
      annotation, and heterozygosity allele frequency for the SNPs, and literature
      validated SNP association for diseases. Users of the DB can run queries such as
      the ones to find disease-associated SNPs in a cytokine gene, and all the SNPs
      involved in a disease. We have developed a web front end (available at
      http://www.iupui.edu/~cytosnp) to disseminate this information for immunologists,
      biomedical researchers, and other interested biological researchers. Since there
      is no such comprehensive collection of disease associated cytokine SNPs, this DB
      will be vital to understand the role of cytokine SNPs as markers in disease, and
      more importantly, in causality to disease thus helping to identify drug targets
      for common inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22079418
TI  - Identification, organ expression and ligand-dependent expression levels of
      peroxisome proliferator activated receptors in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon
      idella).
AB  - The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-dependent
      transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor family, and can regulate
      various genes involved in lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the tissue distribution patterns of PPARs and their ligand
      specificities in grass carp. We cloned three PPAR isotypes of the species and
      evaluated their organ distribution patterns using real-time PCR. Through
      analyzing the deduced amino acid sequences identities between the products cloned
      in grass carp and those described in other species, we concluded that the same
      type of PPAR amino acid sequences in different species were with high homology,
      and different subtypes of PPAR in the same species were with low homology. The
      mRNA constitutive expression level of PPARalpha predominated in the liver, but
      was weak in other tested tissues. PPARbeta was present in all tested organs, and
      particularly abundant in heart, liver and muscle. PPARgamma was only detected in
      the liver, and to a lesser extent in brain, muscle and visceral adipose tissue.
      Grass carp were intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg kg(-1) body mass (bw) dose
      of clofibrate, 42 mg kg(-1) bw dose of 2-bromo palmitate and 1 mg kg(-1) bw dose
      of 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14) prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), respectively, and the
      relative changes of the mRNA abundance of PPARs in liver were analyzed by real
      time PCR. Clofibrate was able to increase the expressions of both PPARalpha and
      beta, but was not able to for PPARgamma. 2-bromo palmitate could affect the
      expressions of both PPARbeta and gamma, but was not able to for PPARalpha. 15d
      PGJ2 was able to induce PPARbeta expression, but PPARalpha and gamma were not
      enhanced. Consequently, these results indicate that clofibrate, 2-bromo palmitate
      and 15d-PGJ2 could be applied as the activators of grass carp PPARs.

PMID- 22079420
TI  - [Ocular syphilis. A report of two patients].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Whereas syphilis is a classical cause of uveitis, it is still often
      under-recognized. Treatment recommendations are not based on specific clinical
      studies. CASE REPORTS: We report two patients with syphilitic uveitis diagnosed
      and treated at the University Hospital of Angers. Ocular involvement was
      inaugural in both patients. Each had a specific treatment but none had a complete
      recovery of visual function. CONCLUSION: Syphilis must be discussed in all
      patients diagnosed with uveitis or papillitis. Although not evidence-based,
      prompt therapy may lead to functional recovery.

PMID- 22079416
TI  - Neurodegeneration the RNA way.
AB  - The expression, processing, transport and activities of both coding and non
      coding RNAs play critical roles in normal neuronal function and differentiation.
      Over the past decade, these same pathways have come under scrutiny as potential
      contributors to neurodegenerative disease. Here we focus broadly on the roles of
      RNA and RNA processing in neurodegeneration. We first discuss a set of
      "RNAopathies", where non-coding repeat expansions drive pathogenesis through a
      surprisingly diverse set of mechanisms. We next explore an emerging class of "RNA
      binding proteinopathies" where redistribution and aggregation of the RNA binding
      proteins TDP-43 or FUS contribute to a potentially broad range of
      neurodegenerative disorders. Lastly, we delve into the potential contributions of
      alterations in both short and long non-coding RNAs to neurodegenerative illness.

PMID- 22079419
TI  - Estimating the transmission potential of supercritical processes based on the
      final size distribution of minor outbreaks.
AB  - Use of the final size distribution of minor outbreaks for the estimation of the
      reproduction numbers of supercritical epidemic processes has yet to be
      considered. We used a branching process model to derive the final size
      distribution of minor outbreaks, assuming a reproduction number above unity, and
      applying the method to final size data for pneumonic plague. Pneumonic plague is
      a rare disease with only one documented major epidemic in a spatially limited
      setting. Because the final size distribution of a minor outbreak needs to be
      normalized by the probability of extinction, we assume that the dispersion
      parameter (k) of the negative-binomial offspring distribution is known, and
      examine the sensitivity of the reproduction number to variation in dispersion.
      Assuming a geometric offspring distribution with k=1, the reproduction number was
      estimated at 1.16 (95% confidence interval: 0.97-1.38). When less dispersed with
      k=2, the maximum likelihood estimate of the reproduction number was 1.14. These
      estimates agreed with those published from transmission network analysis,
      indicating that the human-to-human transmission potential of the pneumonic plague
      is not very high. Given only minor outbreaks, transmission potential is not
      sufficiently assessed by directly counting the number of offspring. Since the
      absence of a major epidemic does not guarantee a subcritical process, the
      proposed method allows us to conservatively regard epidemic data from minor
      outbreaks as supercritical, and yield estimates of threshold values above unity.

PMID- 22079421
TI  - [Autoimmune channelopathies].
AB  - Autoimmune channelopathies are rare neuromuscular diseases that have been
      characterized clinically for several decades but for which the evidence of
      associated antibodies has only been recently demonstrated. Ion channels have an
      important role of activation, inhibition and regulation in neuromuscular
      transmission. Myasthenia gravis, generally associated with the presence of anti
      acetylcholine receptor antibody, is the best-known channelopathy. Other anti
      channel antibodies, including voltage-dependent, are associated with several
      neurological diseases, as illustrated by anti-voltage-gated calcium channels
      found in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia,
      and anti-voltage-gated potassium channels found in neuromyotonia, Morvan's
      syndrome and limbic encephalitis. The treatment of autoimmune channelopathies is
      logically based on corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, intravenous
      immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis.

PMID- 22079422
TI  - [From HLA to cell therapy].

PMID- 22079423
TI  - Spatio-temporal epidemiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1)
      outbreaks in Nigeria, 2006-2008.
AB  - From 2006 to 2008, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) virus
      of the H5N1 subtype occurred among poultry in Nigeria. We described the spatio
      temporal patterns of the HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in Nigeria. Data of suspected and
      laboratory confirmed outbreaks maintained at the National Veterinary Research
      Institute Vom was analyzed using descriptive and exploratory analyses, GIS
      mapping, global and local spatial statistical analyses using the Cuzick-Edwards'
      (C-E) test and SaTScan Space-Time Scan Statistic. A total of 1654 suspected
      outbreaks were reported from 32 of the 36 States and the Federal Capital
      Territory (FCT), 299 were confirmed HPAI H5N1 positive from 27 states and FCT.
      The outbreaks occurred as three distinct epidemic waves with peak periods of
      January-March mainly in the North-West, North-Central and North-East regions
      during 2006 and 2007 and July-September in the South-West and South-South regions
      in 2007. Three spatio-temporal clusters were identified extending across States
      and international borders, consistent with disease transmission occurring through
      local and long-distance spread. This calls for enhanced strategies by the states
      and regional authorities to improve surveillance, prevention and control measures
      at the states, national and international levels.

PMID- 22079424
TI  - The inhibitory potency of local anesthetics on NMDA receptor signalling depends
      on their structural features.
AB  - Development of postoperative hyperalgesia depends on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor activation. Local anesthetics protect against those hyperalgesic pain
      states and inhibit NMDA receptor activation. To outline what structural features
      of local anesthetics are responsible for NMDA receptor inhibition we evaluated a
      series of experimental lidocaine analogs (carbanilic derivates). Human
      GluN1/GluN2A NMDA receptors were expressed recombinantly in Xenopus laevis
      oocytes. Peak currents were measured by voltage clamp technique. Oocytes were
      stimulated with glutamate/glycine (EC(50)). The responses following a 10min
      incubation with in total 13 experimental derivates of local anesthetics (10(-3)M
      10(-7)M) were measured to obtain the IC(50). Furthermore the Comprehensive
      Descriptors for Structural and Statistical Analysis CODESSA software was used to
      design a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR)-model for all
      substances. The IC(50) values were in the range of 2.74*10(-5)M-2.26*10(-3)M,
      strongly affected by the position and the length of the aliphatic side chain in
      the aromatic part of the local anesthetic molecule. Substance with no substituent
      on the aromatic ring showed the highest inhibitory activity. The obtained QSAR
      model predicted that lidocaine derivatives with free positions 2 and 6 on the
      aromatic ring had a higher efficacy than clinically used local anesthetics for
      inhibition of NMDA receptor signaling. Structural changes of local anesthetic
      molecules can alter the potency to inhibit NMDA receptor signaling and are
      independent of the local anesthetic (sodium-channel blocking) potency. The
      development of novel drugs based on local anesthetic like structures may be a new
      approach for the protection or treatment of NMDA receptor mediated hyperalgesia
      and may be associated with a low side effect profile.

PMID- 22079425
TI  - A Vegetation Index qualifying pasture edges is related to Ixodes ricinus density
      and to Babesia divergens seroprevalence in dairy cattle herds.
AB  - Babesia divergens, transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus, is the main agent of
      bovine piroplasmosis in France. This Apicomplexa often is present in asymptomatic
      carriers; however, clinical cases are rare. While numerous factors are known to
      influence tick density, no risk factor of contact with B. divergens has been
      identified for cattle. Our study aimed to explore whether a Vegetation Index
      could serve as an indirect indicator of within-herd B. divergens seroprevalence.
      In February 2007, blood samples were taken from all of the cows in 19 dairy
      cattle herds in Western France and IFAT serology was performed individually to
      measure B. divergens seroprevalence. The following spring, I. ricinus nymphs were
      collected by drag sampling along transects on the vegetation of each farm's
      pasture perimeters. Tick density was related significantly to a Vegetation Index
      (V.I., ranging from 1 to 5) that took into account the abundance of trees and
      bushes on the edge of pastures: most ticks (57%) were found in transects with the
      highest V.I. (covering 15% of the explored surface in the study area). At the
      farm level, the proportion of transects presenting I. ricinus nymphs was
      significantly related to B. divergens seroprevalence: the farms with more than
      15% of transects with I. ricinus had a significantly higher risk of high
      seroprevalence. The proportion of pasture perimeters where the V.I.=5 also was
      significantly related to B. divergens seroprevalence: the farms where more than
      20% of transects had a V.I.=5 had a significantly higher risk of high
      seroprevalence. Given that the Vegetation Index is a steady indicator of the
      potential I. ricinus density in the biotope, we recommend that the risk of high
      B. divergens seroprevalence in cows be evaluated using this tool rather than drag
      samplings.

PMID- 22079426
TI  - Levels of some antioxidant molecules and lipid peroxidation during in vivo
      transformation of the progenetic metacercaria of Clinostomum complanatum to
      ovigerous adult worms.
AB  - The levels of oxidative stress markers are an important indicator of the
      physiological state of the parasite and its host. In the present study levels of
      lipid peroxidation, glutathione S transferase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase
      and catalase were determined in the Clinostomum complanatum progenetic
      metacercaria, obtained from the fish peritoneum (a hypoxic habitat). The in vivo
      transformed ovigerous adult worms were obtained from the aerobic environment of
      the buccopharyngeal region of experimentally infected chickens. Levels of
      antioxidant molecules were also determined in the blood of experimentally
      infected chickens. An increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation, and a
      significant decrease in the levels of glutathione S transferase, glutathione,
      superoxide dismutase and catalase was observed in the infected host as compared
      to the controls. In the ovigerous worms, the levels of lipid peroxidation,
      glutathione S transferase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase were found to be
      significantly less than the levels observed in the progenetic metacercaria. Since
      the establishment of worm in the buccal cavity of the avian host would lead to
      its exposure to oxygen and the haematophagous nature of the parasite also exposes
      it to the free radicals in the host blood, the progenetic metacercaria has
      evolved to produce excess free radical scavenging molecules reserved to combat
      the oxidative stress encountered within the microhabitat of the definitive host.

PMID- 22079427
TI  - A respiratory syncytial virus isolate enables the testing of virucidal products.
AB  - The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known as a major cause of respiratory
      infections and nosocomial diseases. Testing this virus is rather difficult due to
      the problems encountered in producing it at a high titer without using any
      purification method. A RSV isolate which replicates to high level on a Hep-2 cell
      line with an infectious titer of at least 10(7)TCID(50)mL(-1) in culture
      supernatant fluids has been identified. Thanks to this isolate, the virucidal
      effects of two products, a hand rub solution and a surface disinfectant, were
      conveniently tested according to the EN 14476:2007-02 procedure.

PMID- 22079428
TI  - Absence of mannose-binding lectin prevents hyperglycemic cardiovascular
      complications.
AB  - Diabetes, stress, pharmaceuticals, surgery, and physical trauma can lead to
      hyperglycemic conditions. A consistent relationship has been found between
      chronic inflammation and the cardiovascular complications of hyperglycemia. We
      hypothesized that cardiomyopathy and vasculopathy resulting from acute
      hyperglycemia are dependent on mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and lectin complement
      pathway activation. Hyperglycemia was induced in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and MBL
      null mice after streptozotocin administration. Echocardiographic data and tissue
      samples were collected after 4, 7, or 14 days of acute hyperglycemia.
      Hyperglycemic WT mice demonstrated dilated cardiomyopathy with significantly
      increased short and long axis area measurements during systole and diastole
      compared to hyperglycemic MBL-null mice. The EC(50) for acetylcholine-induced
      relaxation of mesenteric arterioles in WT mice after 4 days of hyperglycemia
      demonstrated a significant loss of nitric oxide-mediated relaxation compared to
      normoglycemic WT or hyperglycemic MBL-null mice. Myocardial histochemistry and
      Western blot analysis revealed a significant influx of macrophages, altered
      morphology, and increased elastin and collagen deposition in hyperglycemic WT
      hearts compared to MBL-null hearts. Serum transforming growth factor-beta1 levels
      were significantly lower in hyperglycemic MBL-null compared to WT mice,
      suggesting decreased profibrotic signaling. Together, these data suggest that MBL
      and the lectin complement pathway play a significant role in vascular dysfunction
      and cardiomyopathy after acute hyperglycemia.

PMID- 22079429
TI  - Elastase/LPS-exposed mice exhibit impaired innate immune responses to bacterial
      challenge: role of scavenger receptor A.
AB  - Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is an important bacterial pathogen
      associated with lower respiratory tract colonization and with acute exacerbations
      and disease progression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Why the
      immune system fails to eliminate NTHi and the exact contribution of the organism
      to COPD progression are not well understood, in part because we lack an animal
      model that mimics all aspects of COPD. For this study, we used an established
      murine model that exhibits typical features of COPD. Elastase/LPS-exposed mice
      infected with NTHi showed persistence of bacteria up to 5 days after infection,
      whereas mice exposed to elastase, LPS, or PBS cleared all bacteria by 3 days.
      Elastase/LPS-exposed mice also showed sustained lung neutrophilic inflammation,
      goblet cell metaplasia, airway hyperresponsiveness, and progression of emphysema
      at 15 days after infection. Alveolar macrophages isolated from elastase/LPS
      exposed mice showed impaired bacterial phagocytosis, reduced expression of MARCO
      and of mannose receptor, and absent expression of scavenger receptor-A (SR-A).
      Neutralization of SR-A significantly decreased phagocytosis of NTHi by normal
      alveolar macrophages. Our results suggest that elastase/LPS-exposed mice show
      impaired bacterial clearance and sustained lung inflammation. Lack of SR-A
      expression may, in part, be responsible for impaired phagocytosis of bacteria by
      alveolar macrophages of elastase/LPS-exposed mice. These data validate the
      suitability of elastase/LPS model for investigating NTHi pathogenesis and
      progression of disease in COPD.

PMID- 22079430
TI  - Platelet-activating factor receptor is essential for the development of
      experimental cerebral malaria.
AB  - Cerebral malaria is a severe form of the disease that may result, in part, from
      an overt inflammatory response during infection by Plasmodium falciparum. The
      understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria may aid in the development
      of better therapeutic strategies for patients. The immune response in cerebral
      malaria involves elevation of circulating levels of cytokines and chemokines
      associated with leukocyte accumulation and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier
      in the central nervous system. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a mediator of
      inflammation shown to orchestrate inflammatory processes, including recruitment
      of leukocytes and increase of vascular permeability. Using mice lacking the PAF
      receptor (PAFR(-/-)), we investigated the relevance of this molecule for the
      outcome and the neuroinflammatory process triggered by P. berghei ANKA, an
      experimental model of cerebral malaria. In PAFR(-/-) mice, lethality was markedly
      delayed and brain inflammation was significantly reduced, as demonstrated by
      histology, accumulation, and activation of CD8(+) T cells, changes in vascular
      permeability and activation of caspase-3 on endothelial cells and leukocytes.
      Similarly, treatment with the PAFR antagonist UK-74,505 delayed lethality. Taken
      together, the results suggest that PAFR signaling is crucial for the development
      of experimental cerebral malaria. Mechanistically, PAFR activation is crucial for
      the cascade of events leading to changes in vascular permeability, accumulation,
      and activation of CD8(+) T cells and apoptosis of leukocytes and endothelial
      cells.

PMID- 22079432
TI  - Renal dendritic cells adopt a pro-inflammatory phenotype in obstructive uropathy
      to activate T cells but do not directly contribute to fibrosis.
AB  - Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well-characterized murine model of
      renal inflammation leading to fibrosis. Renal dendritic cells (DCs) constitute a
      significant portion of kidney leukocytes and may participate in local
      inflammation and have critical roles in antigen presentation. The heterogeneity
      in renal DC populations and surface marker overlap with monocytes/macrophages has
      made studying renal DCs difficult. These studies used CD11c-promoter driven
      reporter/depletion mice to study DCs in vivo. Studying early local inflammatory
      events (day 3 of UUO), in vivo multiphoton imaging of the intact kidney of CD11c
      reporter mice revealed more dendrite extensions and increased activity of renal
      DCs in real time. Phenotypic analysis suggested resident DC maturation in
      obstructed kidneys with increased CD11b and less F4/80 expressed. CD11b(hi) Gr
      1(+) inflammatory DCs were also present in obstructed kidneys. T-cell receptor
      transgenic mice revealed enhanced antigen-presenting capacity of renal DCs after
      UUO, with increased antigen-specific T-cell proliferation in vivo and ex vivo.
      However, conditional DC ablation at days 0, 2, or 4 did not attenuate fibrosis or
      apoptosis 7 days after UUO, and depletion at 7 days did not alter outcomes at day
      14. Therefore, after UUO, renal DCs exhibit inflammatory morphological and
      functional characteristics and are more effective antigen-presenting cells, but
      they do not directly contribute to tubulointerstitial damage and fibrosis.

PMID- 22079431
TI  - Minor histocompatibility antigens are expressed in syncytiotrophoblast and
      trophoblast debris: implications for maternal alloreactivity to the fetus.
AB  - The fetal semi-allograft can induce expansion and tolerance of antigen-specific
      maternal T and B cells through paternally inherited major histocompatibility
      complex and minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs). The effects of these
      antigens have important consequences on the maternal immune system both during
      and long after pregnancy. Herein, we investigate the possibility that the
      placental syncytiotrophoblast and deported trophoblastic debris serve as sources
      of fetal mHAgs. We mapped the expression of four mHAgs (human mHAg 1, pumilio
      domain-containing protein KIAA0020, B-cell lymphoma 2-related protein A1, and
      ribosomal protein S4, Y linked) in the placenta. Each of these proteins was
      expressed in several placental cell types, including the syncytiotrophoblast.
      These antigens and two additional Y chromosome-encoded antigens [DEAD box
      polypeptide 3, Y linked (DDX3Y), and lysine demethylase5D] were also identified
      by RT-PCR in the placenta, purified trophoblast cells, and cord blood cells.
      Finally, we used a proteomic approach to investigate the presence of mHAgs in the
      syncytiotrophoblast and trophoblast debris shed from first-trimester placenta. By
      this method, four antigens (DDX3Y; ribosomal protein S4, Y linked; solute carrier
      1A5; and signal sequence receptor 1) were found in the syncytiotrophoblast, and
      one antigen (DDX3Y) was found in shed trophoblast debris. The finding of mHAgs in
      the placenta and in trophoblast debris provides the first direct evidence that
      fetal antigens are present in debris shed from the human placenta. The data,
      thus, suggest a mechanism by which the maternal immune system is exposed to fetal
      alloantigens, possibly explaining the relationship between parity and graft
      versus-host disease.

PMID- 22079433
TI  - Melatonin inhibits glucocorticoid-dependent GR-TIF2 interaction in newborn
      hamster kidney (BHK) cells.
AB  - The antagonism exerted by melatonin on the glucocorticoid response has been well
      established, being strongly dependent on the cellular context. Previously, we
      found that melatonin inhibits glucocorticoid receptor (GR) dissociation from the
      chaperone hetero-complex and nuclear translocation on mouse thymocytes. Here, by
      performing confocal fluorescence microscopy and the Number and Brightness assay
      we show that in newborn hamster kidney cells (BHK21) melatonin neither affects GR
      nuclear translocation nor GR homodimerization. Instead, co-immunoprecipitation
      studies suggest that physiological concentrations of melatonin impair GR
      interaction with the transcriptional intermediary factor 2 (TIF2). This melatonin
      effect was not blocked by the MT(1)/MT(2) receptor antagonist luzindole.
      Curiously, luzindole behaved as an antiglucocorticoid per se by impairing the
      glucocorticoid-dependent MMTV-driven gene expression affecting neither GR
      translocation nor GR-TIF2 interaction.

PMID- 22079434
TI  - Stimulation of inflammatory gene expression in human preadipocytes by macrophage
      conditioned medium: upregulation of IL-6 production by macrophage-derived IL
      1beta.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the effects of macrophage secretions on
      global gene expression in human preadipocytes using microarrays. Preadipocytes
      were cultured with unconditioned or conditioned medium from U937 macrophages, and
      gene expression examined with Agilent arrays (43,000 probes). 472 transcripts
      were differentially regulated (>2-fold difference; P<0.05) between preadipocytes
      in the conditioned medium compared to the unconditioned; 401 were upregulated and
      71 downregulated. The upregulated transcripts were particularly linked to
      inflammation, including IL-1beta, IL-6, and CCL20 (16.8-, 10.0-, and 8.9-fold
      increases, respectively) together with matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3, MMP9 and
      MMP12). Major pathways regulated by the conditioned medium were linked to
      inflammation, macrophage infiltration and lipid accumulation. Network analysis
      identified NFkB and IL-1beta as central nodes in the upregulation of multiple
      inflammation-related genes. Treatment with an IL-1beta neutralising antibody
      abolished the stimulation of IL-6 secretion by conditioned medium, indicating
      that IL-1beta is a key regulator of preadipocyte IL-6 production. Macrophages
      evoke extensive changes in preadipocyte gene expression.

PMID- 22079435
TI  - The era of systems developmental biology.

PMID- 22079436
TI  - Ictal headache: headache as first ictal symptom in focal epilepsy.
AB  - Headache may be associated with seizures as a preictal, ictal, or postictal
      phenomenon, but it is often neglected because of the dramatic neurological
      manifestations of the seizure. Headache can also be the sole or predominant
      clinical manifestation of epileptic seizures, although this is a relatively rare
      condition. We describe two cases of focal symptomatic drug-resistant epilepsy
      with headache as the first ictal symptom. In both cases, the headache, which
      lasted a few seconds, was contralateral to the ictal discharge and did not have
      the clinical features of migraine. Ictal headache is a rare epilepsy symptom that
      can help to localize ictal EEG discharges. Recently, the term ictal epileptic
      headache has been proposed in cases in which headache is the sole ictal epileptic
      manifestation Diagnosis requires the simultaneous onset of headache with EEG
      demonstrated ictal discharges.

PMID- 22079437
TI  - Prevalence of autism-caused disability among Chinese children: a national
      population-based survey.
AB  - Few articles in English have discussed the prevalence of autism in China. The
      work described here was aimed at estimating the prevalence rate of autism-caused
      disability among Chinese children and exploring family environmental factors
      associated with autism based on a national population sample. Data for this study
      were derived from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability. A
      weighted number of 77,301 disabled children affected by autism were identified,
      yielding a prevalence rate of 2.38/10,000. A history of mental disorders in
      adults was strongly associated with autism. The prevalence of autism in Chinese
      children was underestimated, and the lack of qualified professionals able to
      identify and diagnose autism was the main reason. Countermeasures are warranted
      to obtain a more precise overview of autism in China.

PMID- 22079438
TI  - What makes a simple partial seizure complex?
AB  - The assessment of ictal consciousness has been the landmark criterion for the
      differentiation between simple and complex partial seizures over the last three
      decades. After review of the historical development of the concept of "complex
      partial seizure," the difficulties surrounding the simple versus complex
      dichotomy are addressed from theoretical, phenomenological, and
      neurophysiological standpoints. With respect to consciousness, careful analysis
      of ictal semiology shows that both the general level of vigilance and the
      specific contents of the conscious state can be selectively involved during
      partial seizures. Moreover, recent neuroimaging findings, coupled with classic
      electrophysiological studies, suggest that the neural substrate of ictal
      alterations of consciousness is twofold: focal hyperactivity in the limbic
      structures generates the complex psychic phenomena responsible for the altered
      contents of consciousness, and secondary disruption of the network involving the
      thalamus and the frontoparietal association cortices affects the level of
      awareness. These data, along with the localization information they provide,
      should be taken into account in the formulation of new criteria for the
      classification of seizures with focal onset.

PMID- 22079439
TI  - R-Isovaline: a subtype-specific agonist at GABA(B)-receptors?
AB  - The R-enantiomer of isovaline, an analgesic amino acid, has a chemical structure
      similar to glycine and GABA. Although its actions on thalamic neurons are
      strychnine-resistant and independent of the Cl(-) gradient, R-isovaline increases
      membrane conductance for K(+). The purpose of this study was to determine if R
      isovaline activated metabotropic GABA(B) receptors. We used whole-cell voltage
      clamp recordings to characterize the effects of R-isovaline applied by bath
      perfusion and local ejection from a micropipette to thalamic neurons in 250 MUm
      thick slices of rat brain. The immunocytochemical methods that we employed to
      visualize GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) receptor subunits showed extensive staining for
      both subunits in ventrobasal nuclei, which were the recording sites. Bath or
      local application of R-isovaline caused a slowly developing increase in
      conductance and outward rectification in 70% (54/77) of neurons, both effects
      reversing near the K(+) Nernst potential. As with the GABA(B) agonist baclofen, G
      proteins likely mediated the R-isovaline effects because they were susceptible to
      blockade by non-hydrolyzable substrates of guanosine triphosphate. The GABA(B)
      antagonists CGP35348 and CGP52432 prevented the conductance increase induced by R
      isovaline, applied by bath or local ejection. The GABA(B) allosteric modulator
      CGP7930 enhanced the R-isovaline induced increase in conductance. At high doses,
      antagonists of GABA(A), GABA(C), glycine(A), MU-opioid, and nicotinic receptors
      did not block R-isovaline responses. The observations establish that R-isovaline
      increases the conductance of K(+) channels coupled to metabotropic GABA(B)
      receptors. Remarkably, not all neurons that were responsive to baclofen responded
      to R-isovaline. The R-isovaline-induced currents outlasted the fast baclofen
      responses and persisted for a 1-2-h period. Despite some similar actions, R
      isovaline and baclofen do not act at identical GABA(B) receptor sites. The
      binding of R-isovaline and baclofen to the GABA(B) receptor may not induce the
      same conformational changes in receptor proteins or components of the
      intracellular signaling pathways.

PMID- 22079440
TI  - Somatotopic direct projections from orofacial areas of primary somatosensory
      cortex to pons and medulla, especially to trigeminal sensory nuclear complex, in
      rats.
AB  - The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) projects to the thalamus and brainstem
      somatosensory nuclei and modulates somatosensory information ascending to the S1
      itself. However, the projections from the S1 to the brainstem second-order
      somatosensory neuron pools have not been fully studied. To address this in rats,
      we first revealed the somatotopic representation of orofacial areas in the S1 by
      recording cortical surface potentials evoked by stimulation of the lingual,
      mental, infraorbital, and frontal nerves. We then examined the morphology of
      descending projections from the electrophysiologically defined orofacial S1 areas
      to the pons and medulla after injections of an anterograde tracer, biotinylated
      dextranamine (BDA), into the orofacial S1 areas. BDA-labeled axon terminals were
      seen mostly in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex (TSNC) and had a strong
      contralateral predominance. They also showed a somatotopic arrangement in
      dorsoventral and superficial-deep directions within almost all rostrocaudal TSNC
      levels, and in a rostrocaudal direction within the trigeminal caudal subnucleus.
      In the principal nucleus (Vp) or oral subnucleus (Vo) of TSNC, the BDA-labeled
      axon terminals showed a somatotopic arrangement closely matched to that of the
      electrophysiologically defined projection sites of orofacial primary afferents;
      these projection sites were marked by injections of a retrograde tracer,
      Fluorogold (FG), into the Vp or Vo. The FG injections labeled a large number of
      S1 neurons, with a strong contralateral predominance, in a somatotopic manner,
      which corresponded to that presented in the electrophysiologically defined
      orofacial S1 areas. The present results suggest that the orofacial S1 projections
      to somatotopically matched regions of trigeminal second-order somatosensory
      neuron pools may allow the orofacial S1 to accurately modulate orofacial
      somatosensory transmission to higher brain centers including the orofacial S1
      itself.

PMID- 22079441
TI  - A massive basal cell adenocarcinoma of the palatal minor salivary gland that
      progressed into the pterygopalatine fossa.
AB  - Basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) is a rare malignant neoplasm in the salivary
      glands and BCAC of the minor salivary glands is exceedingly rare. Only nine cases
      of palatal BCACs of the minor salivary gland have been reported. BCAC is a low
      grade malignant tumour which shares many histologic characteristics with basal
      cell adenoma. Histological differentiation between the two is difficult and they
      are often discriminated only by invasion of local structures or by perineural or
      vascular invasive figures. The authors describe the case of a 69-year-old man
      with a massive BCAC of a palatal minor salivary gland that progressed into the
      nasal cavity and pterygopalatine fossa and was treated by a subtotal
      maxillectomy. This is a highly locally advanced case which required a wider
      surgical excision range than other previously reported BCAC cases of the palatal
      minor salivary glands. In this case, the proper diagnosis could not be made by
      local biopsy alone. It should be kept in mind that it may be difficult to
      distinguish BCAC from basal cell adenoma by microscopic examination of biopsy
      specimens alone.

PMID- 22079442
TI  - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
      neuropsychological status among older adults in New York.
AB  - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are emerging environmental contaminants,
      but little is known about their possible human health effects. The objective of
      this study is to evaluate the association between exposure to PBDEs and
      neuropsychological function among older adults and the possibility of effect
      modification with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Serum samples were analyzed
      for concentrations of 9 PBDE and 30 PCB congeners and 34 tests of cognitive and
      motor function, affective state, and olfactory function were assessed among 144
      men and women of 55-74 years of age. After adjustment for relevant confounders,
      no overall associations were observed between the sum of the PBDE congener
      concentrations in serum (? PBDE) and scores on the neuropsychological tests.
      However, statistically significant interactions were found between PBDEs and PCBs
      for some measures of verbal learning and memory. Among persons with ? PCB
      concentrations at or above the median of 467ppb (lipid basis), an increase in ?
      PBDE concentrations from the 25th to 75th percentile was associated with
      decreases between 7% and 12% on scores for certain subscales of the California
      Verbal Learning Test. In contrast, no statistically significant associations were
      observed for PBDEs among persons with ? PCB levels below the median. The results
      suggest that PBDEs and PCBs may interact to affect verbal memory and learning
      among persons 55-74 years old. This is the first study to evaluate the
      neuropsychological effects of PBDEs in adults and the possibility of synergy with
      PCBs in humans.

PMID- 22079443
TI  - Thrombin generation in clinical conditions.
AB  - Commercial assays for determining thrombin generation in plasma are being tested
      in clinical conditions associated with thrombosis or bleeding. While pre
      analytical conditions remain a source of inter laboratory variation, demanding
      for further standardization, clinical research proceeds. In patients at risk of
      venous thrombosis thrombin generation (TG) analysis may be utilized to detect
      underlying thrombophilia and this has been achieved both with addition of
      thrombomodulin or activated protein C, to test the contribution of the protein C
      system. In patients with documented venous thromboembolism, increased TG values
      are seen in those patients at greatest risk for recurrence, although the data are
      not consistent yet. In patients with arterial vascular disease, effects on TG
      patterns are seen that both reflect atherosclerosis (and its risk factors) and
      link to risk of recurrent atherothrombosis (coronary or stroke), but the data are
      limited. In patients with a bleeding diathesis, like hemophilia, the main
      importance of TG assays lies in the application for monitoring replacement
      therapy, either with factor concentrate or rFVIIa. An interesting application is
      in conjunction with thromboelastography, for monitoring peri-operative
      transfusion policy. Finally, TG analysis may contribute to monitoring
      anticoagulant drug treatment, but these and other applications would greatly
      benefit from whole blood, point of care applications of TG testing.

PMID- 22079445
TI  - Liporetro-D-peptides - a novel class of highly selective thrombin inhibitors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Plasma serine protease thrombin plays a key role in coagulation,
      haemostasis and thromboembolic diseases. Direct thrombin inhibitors could be
      beneficial for future anticoagulant therapy. We have synthesized and studied
      liporetro-D-peptides - efficient thrombin inhibitors resistant to enzymatic
      degradation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compounds X-D-Arg-D-Phe-OMe, where X=residue
      of lauric or myristic acid or 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, have been synthesized
      by conventional peptide synthesis in solution and their comparative inhibitory
      analysis in relation to thrombin, factor X, plasmin and trypsin has been
      conducted. RESULTS: Modification of the synthetic liporetro-D-peptides with the
      myristic acid residue was the most successful one. This modification has
      dramatically increased the inhibition efficacy (Ki=0,17 MUM) and selectivity
      toward the chosen target enzyme, thrombin, in comparison to factor X, plasmin and
      trypsin (more than 600, 900, and 5000-fold, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings establish an important role of the fatty moiety in the structure of
      peptide inhibitors with regards to their potency and selectivity toward thrombin.

PMID- 22079444
TI  - Controlled reperfusion with intravenous bivalirudin and intracoronary abciximab
      combination therapy in the porcine myocardial infarction model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The reperfusion injury (RI) remains a significant limitation of
      primary PCI, therefore we evaluated the role of intracoronary abciximab and
      bivalirudin for anticoagulation on myocardial salvage and RI in the porcine model
      of ischemia/reperfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced
      in 23 pigs by 60-minute over-the-wire (OTW) balloon occlusion of the LAD. Animals
      received intravenous bivalirudin and then five minutes prior to reperfusion,
      either a coronary downstream infusion of abciximab (n=11) or saline (n=12)
      through the central lumen of an OTW catheter. All animals were followed for 48
      hours. RESULTS: Histological analysis showed that infarct area (IA) and area at
      risk (AAR) were comparable between groups (IA/AAR%: 57.6 +/- 8% vs. 57.1 +/- 7%,
      p=0.8). Confirming this trend, biochemical markers (troponin I, TNF-alpha, IL-6,
      hsCRP, adiponectin, and VCAM) and left ventricular ejection fraction were also
      similar at 48 hours. Adhesion markers like ICAM and P-selectin were significantly
      decreased in the study group, nevertheless histological evidence of leukocyte
      extravasation was similar. The enhancement of apoptosis by TUNEL was comparable
      in both groups. The number of hemorrhagic infarctions confirmed by micro and
      macroscopic evaluation tended to be higher in the study group (70% vs. 20%,
      p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Despite lowered concentrations of adhesion molecules,
      intracoronary abciximab with peripheral bivalirudin is not superior to
      bivalirudin unaided in terms of myocardial salvage caused by RI in the porcine
      ischemia/reperfusion model. This might be due to local hemorrhage caused by
      abciximab.

PMID- 22079446
TI  - Evaluation of the procoagulant activity of endogenous phospholipids in the
      platelet-free plasma of children with sickle cell disease using functional
      assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of hypercoagulability in sickle cell disease (SCD) are
      poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the procoagulant activity of
      endogenous phospholipids (ePL) in the platelet-free plasma of SCD children.
      METHODS: A factor Xa clotting time (XACT), thrombin generation (TG) and a capture
      based assay for the detection of procoagulant microparticles (PMP) were used.
      Forty three SCD children (35 SS, 6 SC and 2 Sbeta+) were evaluated at steady
      state and compared to 20 controls. Fourteen patients were also evaluated during
      vaso-occlusive crisis. TG was performed using 10 pM tissue factor without
      addition of exogenous phospholipids. A control condition was also performed using
      10 pM tissue factor and 4 MUM phospholipids. Percentages of the test/control
      conditions were calculated for the peak height (% peak), endogenous thrombin
      potential (% ETP) and velocity index (% VI). RESULTS: XACT times were shorter,
      PMP levels, peak height and velocity index of thrombin generation were higher in
      SCD patients than controls. Lag time and ETP were not different between the two
      groups. % peak, % ETP and % VI were higher in patients than controls. Significant
      correlations were found between PMP levels and XACT, also between PMP levels and
      peak height, velocity index, ETP and their respective percentages to the control
      condition, but not with lag time. Double heterozygous patients showed
      intermediate values for XACT and TG parameters. No significant difference was
      observed when comparing patients at steady-state versus vaso-occlusive crisis.
      CONCLUSION: High procoagulant activity of ePL was observed in the platelet-free
      plasma of SCD children, probably borne by procoagulant microparticles. This may
      contribute to a high hemostatic potential and predisposition to thrombotic
      complications in these patients.

PMID- 22079447
TI  - Socio-demographic characteristics of children experiencing socioeconomic
      disadvantage who meet physical activity and screen-time recommendations: the
      READI study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify socio-demographic characteristics of children from
      socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods who meet physical activity and
      screen recommendations. METHOD: Children aged 5-12 years (n=373; 45% boys) were
      recruited in 2007 from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban and rural areas of
      Victoria, Australia. Children's physical activity, height and weight were
      objectively measured. Mothers reported their highest level of education, and
      proxy-reported their child's usual screen-time. Odds ratios (OR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CI) examined odds of meeting physical activity (>60
      minutes/day) and screen (<= 120 minutes/day) recommendations according to socio
      demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Approximately 84% of children met physical
      activity and 43% met screen recommendations. Age was inversely associated with
      odds of meeting physical activity and screen recommendations, and
      overweight/obese status was associated with lower odds of meeting screen
      recommendations (boys: OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.16-0.95; girls: OR=0.47, 95%CI=0.26
      0.83). Among boys, living in a rural area was positively associated with meeting
      screen recommendations (OR=3.08, 95%CI=1.42-6.64). Among girls, high levels of
      maternal education were positively associated with meeting screen recommendations
      (OR=2.76, 95%CI=1.33-5.75). CONCLUSION: Specific socio-demographic
      characteristics were associated with odds of meeting physical activity and screen
      recommendations. Identifying factors associated with such 'resilience' among this
      group may provide important learnings to inform future physical activity
      promotion initiatives.

PMID- 22079448
TI  - Neural insensitivity to upticks in value is associated with the disposition
      effect.
AB  - The disposition effect is a phenomenon in which investors hold onto losing assets
      longer than they hold onto gaining assets. In this study, we used functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the response of valuation regions in
      the brain during the decision to keep or to sell an asset that followed a random
      walk in price. The most common explanation for the disposition effect is
      preference-based: namely, that people are risk-averse over gains and risk-seeking
      over losses. This explanation would predict correlations between individuals'
      risk-preferences, the magnitude of their disposition effect, and activation in
      valuation structures of the brain. We did not observe these correlations. Nor did
      we find evidence for a realization utility explanation, which would predict
      differential responses in valuation regions during the decision to sell versus
      keep an asset that correlated with the magnitude of the disposition effect.
      Instead, we found an attenuated ventral striatum response to upticks in value
      below the purchase price in some individuals with a large disposition effect.
      Given the role of the striatum in signaling prediction error, the blunted
      striatal response is consistent with the expectation that an asset will rise when
      it is below the purchase price, thus spurring loss-holding behavior. This
      suggests that for some individuals, the disposition effect is likely driven by a
      belief that the asset will eventually return to the purchase price, also known as
      mean reversion.

PMID- 22079449
TI  - Common inhibitory prefrontal activation during inhibition of hand and foot
      responses.
AB  - Previous neuroimaging studies using manual Stop signal task showed the inhibitory
      related areas in the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and ventrolateral
      prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). However, most previous studies employed the manual
      response inhibition task and the brain representation of the response inhibition
      of the other body parts has been rarely studied. To further understand the
      precise brain processing of response inhibition, we performed the event-related
      fMRI study of Stop signal tasks using the hand and foot response to reveal the
      common prefrontal region relevant for response inhibition in 13 subjects. We
      found that the pre-SMA and bilateral VLPFC were commonly activated in successful
      response inhibition both for hand and foot tasks. The comparison of brain
      activation between hand and foot response inhibition tasks did not show any
      significant difference in the prefrontal area. In addition, there was no
      significant difference for peak coordinates in the pre-SMA and bilateral VLPFC
      between hand and foot tasks. These findings indicate the common neural network
      for inhibition of initiated responses regardless of the hand and foot.

PMID- 22079450
TI  - Phase stability in fMRI time series: effect of noise regression, off-resonance
      correction and spatial filtering techniques.
AB  - Although the majority of fMRI studies exploit magnitude changes only, there is an
      increasing interest regarding the potential additive information conveyed by the
      phase signal. This integrated part of the complex number furnished by the MR
      scanners can also be used for exploring direct detection of neuronal activity and
      for thermography. Few studies have explicitly addressed the issue of the
      available signal stability in the context of phase time-series, and therefore we
      explored the spatial pattern of frequency specific phase fluctuations, and
      evaluated the effect of physiological noise components (heart beat and
      respiration) on the phase signal. Three categories of retrospective noise
      reduction techniques were explored and the temporal signal stability was
      evaluated in terms of a physiologic noise model, for seven fMRI measurement
      protocols in eight healthy subjects at 3T, for segmented CSF, gray and white
      matter voxels. We confirmed that for most processing methods, an efficient use of
      the phase information is hampered by the fact that noise from physiological and
      instrumental sources contributes significantly more to the phase than to the
      magnitude instability. Noise regression based on the phase evolution of the
      central k-space point, RETROICOR, or an orthonormalized combination of these were
      able to reduce their impact, but without bringing phase stability down to levels
      expected from the magnitude signal. Similar results were obtained after targeted
      removal of scan-to-scan variations in the bulk magnetic field by the dynamic off
      resonance in k-space (DORK) method and by the temporal off-resonance alignment of
      single-echo time series technique (TOAST). We found that spatial high-pass
      filtering was necessary, and in vivo a Gaussian filter width of 20mm was
      sufficient to suppress physiological noise and bring the phase fluctuations to
      magnitude levels. Stronger filters brought the fluctuations down to levels
      dictated by thermal noise contributions, and for 62.5mm(3) voxels the phase
      stability was as low as 5 mrad (0.27 degrees ). In conditions of low SNR(o) and
      high temporal sampling rate (short TR); we achieved an upper bound for the phase
      instabilities at 0.0017 ppm, which is close to the dHb contribution to the GM/WM
      phase contrast.

PMID- 22079451
TI  - Self-face evaluation and self-esteem in young females: an fMRI study using
      contrast effect.
AB  - Self-evaluation is affected by facial attractiveness, particularly in females,
      and may be related to self-esteem. Self-face evaluation is relative to the
      attractiveness of others ("contrast effect"). In this functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we examined both the neural correlates of self
      face evaluation using the contrast effect and a neural relationship between self
      face evaluation and self-esteem. We prepared the following three types of "target
      faces": one's own face (S), a close friend's face (F), and an unfamiliar face
      (O). They were randomly intermingled among same-sex unfamiliar foils during two
      block-types. Our intention was to evoke positive evaluations of target faces
      using unattractive foils in one block-type, and negative evaluations using
      attractive foils in the other. The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and ventral
      tegmental area (VTA) exhibited greater activation from the positive modulation
      for S than for O. Activation in these regions was positively correlated with self
      esteem and showed the same tendency between S and F. PCC and VTA, which have been
      implicated in the processing of self-relatedness and reward, respectively, might
      play a role in the processing of positive self-face evaluation as self
      referential stimuli and social rewards, respectively. These results suggested
      that the PCC and the VTA are the neural correlates of positive self-face
      evaluation, and that there is a neural relationship between self-face evaluation
      and self-esteem. The positive evaluation of a close friend's face might be
      perceived and processed in the same way as one's own face.

PMID- 22079452
TI  - A short-scan method for k(3) estimation with moderately reversible PET ligands:
      application of irreversible model to early-phase PET data.
AB  - Long dynamic scans (60-120 min) are often required for estimating the k(3) value,
      an index of receptor density, by positron emission tomography (PET). However, the
      precision of k(3) is usually low in kinetic analyses for reversible PET ligands
      compared with irreversible ligands. That is largely due to unstable estimation of
      the dissociation rate constant, k(4). We propose a novel '3P+' method for
      estimating k(3) of moderately reversible ligands, where a 3-parameter model
      without k(4) is applied to early-phase PET data to obtain a good model-fit of
      k(3) estimation. By using [(11)C] Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) (k(4) = 0.018/min)
      as an example of a moderately reversible ligand, the 3P+ method simulation with a
      28 min PET scan yielded less than 3% k(3) relative bias with a +100% k(3) change.
      In [(11)C]PIB PET scans of 15 normal controls (NC) and nine patients with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), the 3P+ method provided a precise k(3) estimate (mean
      SE of 13.6% in parietal cortex; covariance matrix method). The results revealed
      linear correlations (r = 0.964) of parietal k(3) values in 24 subjects between
      28minute 3P+ method and conventional 90 minute 4-parameter method. A good
      separation of k(3) between NC and AD groups (P < 0.001; t-test) was replicated in
      28 minute 3P+ method. The short-scan 3P+ method may be a practical alternative
      method for analyzing reversible ligands.

PMID- 22079453
TI  - Gray matter nulled and vascular space occupancy dependent fMRI response to visual
      stimulation during hypoxic hypoxia.
AB  - Two cerebral blood volume (CBV)-weighted fMRI techniques, gray matter nulled
      (GMN) and vascular space occupancy (VASO)-dependent techniques at spatial
      resolution of 2 * 2 * 5 mm(3), were compared in the study investigating
      functional responses in the human visual cortex to stimulation in normoxia
      (inspired O(2) = 21%) and mild hypoxic hypoxia (inspired O(2) = 12%). GMN and
      VASO signals and T(2)* were quantified in activated voxels. While the CBV
      weighted signal changes in voxels activated by visual stimulation were similar in
      amplitude in both fMRI techniques in both oxygenation conditions, the number of
      activated voxels during hypoxic hypoxia was significantly reduced by 72 +/- 22%
      in GMN fMRI and 66 +/- 23% in VASO fMRI. T(2)* prolonged in GMN and VASO
      activated voxels in normoxia by 1.6 +/- 0.5 ms and 1.7 +/- 0.5 ms, respectively.
      In hypoxia, however, T(2)* shortened in GMN-activated voxels by 0.7 +/- 0.6 ms (p
      < 0.001 relative to normoxia), but prolonged in VASO-activated ones by 1.1 +/-
      0.6 ms (p < 0.05 relative to normoxia). The data show that the hemodynamic
      responses to visual stimulation were not affected by hypoxic hypoxia, but T(2)*
      increases by both CBV-weighted fMRI techniques were smaller in activated voxels
      in hypoxia. The mechanisms influencing GMN fMRI signal in both oxygenation
      conditions were explored by simulating effects of the oxygen extraction fraction
      (OEF) and partial voluming with cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and white matter in
      imaging voxels. It is concluded that while GMN fMRI data point to increased,
      rather than decreased OEF during visual stimulation in hypoxia, partial voluming
      by CSF is likely to affect the CBV quantification by GMN fMRI under the
      experimental conditions used.

PMID- 22079454
TI  - Genome-wide supported risk variant for bipolar disorder alters anatomical
      connectivity in the human brain.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is a devastating, highly heritable mental disorder related to
      disturbed connectivity between limbic and frontal brain areas. A meta-analysis of
      genome-wide association studies as well as independent replications showed
      ankyrin 3 (ANK3) to be one of the best-supported risk genes for bipolar disorder.
      Using an imaging genetics approach employing diffusion tensor imaging in 88
      healthy volunteers, we show decreased white matter integrity, indicated by lower
      fractional anisotropy and longitudinal diffusivity, in healthy carriers of the
      ANK3 rs10994336 risk genotype in the anterior limb of the internal capsule. We
      are also able to show that the resulting alterations of cortical-striatal
      thalamic circuits are related to impaired set-shifting and increased risk-taking.
      For risk-allele carriers of ANK3 rs9804190 no white matter alterations or
      neuropsychological impairments were observed. In sum, our findings show that ANK3
      rs10994336 or a variant in linkage-disequilibrium is functional in the human
      brain and also influences behavioral phenotypes related to bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22079455
TI  - The link between visual exploration and neuronal activity: a multi-modal study
      combining eye tracking, functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial
      magnetic stimulation.
AB  - In the present multi-modal study we aimed to investigate the role of visual
      exploration in relation to the neuronal activity and performance during
      visuospatial processing. To this end, event related functional magnetic resonance
      imaging er-fMRI was combined with simultaneous eye tracking recording and
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Two groups of twenty healthy subjects
      each performed an angle discrimination task with different levels of difficulty
      during er-fMRI. The number of fixations as a measure of visual exploration effort
      was chosen to predict blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes using
      the general linear model (GLM). Without TMS, a positive linear relationship
      between the visual exploration effort and the BOLD signal was found in a
      bilateral fronto-parietal cortical network, indicating that these regions reflect
      the increased number of fixations and the higher brain activity due to higher
      task demands. Furthermore, the relationship found between the number of fixations
      and the performance demonstrates the relevance of visual exploration for
      visuospatial task solving. In the TMS group, offline theta bursts TMS (TBS) was
      applied over the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) before the fMRI experiment
      started. Compared to controls, TBS led to a reduced correlation between visual
      exploration and BOLD signal change in regions of the fronto-parietal network of
      the right hemisphere, indicating a disruption of the network. In contrast, an
      increased correlation was found in regions of the left hemisphere, suggesting an
      intent to compensate functionality of the disturbed areas. TBS led to fewer
      fixations and faster response time while keeping accuracy at the same level,
      indicating that subjects explored more than actually needed.

PMID- 22079456
TI  - Quadratic component analysis.
AB  - I present a method for analyzing multichannel recordings in response to repeated
      stimulus presentation. Quadratic Component Analysis (QCA) extracts responses that
      are stimulus-induced (triggered by the stimulus but not precisely locked in
      time), as opposed to stimulus-evoked (time-locked to the stimulus). Induced
      responses are often found in neural response data from magnetoencephalography
      (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), or multichannel electrophysiological and
      optical recordings. The instantaneous power of a linear combination of channels
      can be expressed as a weighted sum of instantaneous cross-products between
      channel waveforms. Based on this fact, a technique known as Denoising Source
      Separation (DSS) is used to find the most reproducible "quadratic component"
      (linear combination of cross-products). The linear component with a square most
      similar to this quadratic component is taken to approximate the most reproducible
      evoked activity. Projecting out the component and repeating the analysis allows
      multiple induced components to be extracted by deflation. The method is
      illustrated with synthetic data, as well as real MEG data. At unfavorable signal
      to-noise ratios, it can reveal stimulus-induced activity that is invisible to
      other approaches such as time-frequency analysis.

PMID- 22079457
TI  - Cloning, identification and functional characterization of a pi-class glutathione
      S-transferase from the freshwater mussel Cristaria plicata.
AB  - Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional phase II detoxification
      enzymes that catalyze the attachment of electrophilic substrates to glutathione
      and play an important role in protecting organisms against the toxicity of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). The piGST cDNA was cloned and sequenced after
      rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) from the freshwater mussel Cristaria
      plicata. The comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences with GSTs from other
      species showed that the enzymes belonged to the pi-class and the amino acids
      defining the binding sites of glutathione (G-site) and for xenobiotic substrates
      (H-site) were highly conserved. The Cp-piGST cDNA is 816 nucleotides (nt) in
      length and contained a 615 nt open reading frame (ORF) encoding 205 amino acid
      residues, and has 19 nt of 5' untranslated region (UTR) and a 3' UTR of 182 nt
      including a tailing signal (AATAAA) and a poly (A) tail. The molecular weight of
      the predicted piGST is 23.4 kDa, with the calculated PI being 5.2. The mRNA
      transcript of Cp-piGST could be detected in all the examined tissues with highest
      expression level in hepatopancreas. The expression level of Cp-piGST in
      hepatopancreas and gill showed similar trend that were significantly increased
      after bacterial challenge compared to the control group at 12 h. Furthermore, the
      recombinant Cp-piGST with high enzyme activity was induced to be expressed as a
      soluble form by IPTG at 20 degrees C for 8 h, and then was purified by using the
      native Ni(2+) affinity chromatography. The specific activity of the purified
      soluble Cp-piGST enzyme into pET30 was 2.396 MUmol/min/mg, and which into pET32
      was 1.706 MUmol/min/mg. The recombinant Cp-piGST had a maximum activity at
      approximately pH 8.0, and its optimum temperature was 37 degrees C. The
      recombinant Cp-piGST enzyme activity became lower gradually with the denaturant
      concentration increasing.

PMID- 22079458
TI  - Preoperative inpatient hospitalization and risk of perioperative infection
      following elective vascular procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care-associated infections are not uncommon after elective
      vascular surgery and can negatively impact mortality rates and hospital resource
      utilization. Identification of modifiable risk factors for perioperative
      infection is critical for efforts aimed toward reducing their incidence. We
      evaluated the associations between preoperative inpatient hospitalization and
      perioperative surgical site infection (SSI), pneumonia, and urinary tract
      infection (UTI) following elective vascular surgery procedures. METHODS: Vascular
      procedures were identified from the 2005 to 2008 American College of Surgeons
      National Safety Quality Improvement Participant User Data File by using primary
      Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Perioperative infections were
      evaluated as outcomes based on three categories: SSI, pneumonia, and UTI.
      Patients admitted >=1 day before operation were considered inpatients before
      surgery. Associations between preoperative inpatient hospitalization and
      perioperative SSI, pneumonia, and UTI were evaluated using the Cochran-Armitage
      trend test and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In total 40,669
      elective vascular procedures were identified, of which 7,514 (18.5%) were
      preoperative inpatients. Patients with preoperative inpatient hospitalization had
      a greater frequency of age >80 years and dependent functional status and also had
      higher rates of several comorbid conditions, including congestive heart failure,
      severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, >10% weight loss over the past 6
      months, history of bleeding disorder, and current smoker within 1 year, than
      patients admitted on the same day of their procedure. The overall rates of SSI,
      pneumonia, and UTI were 3.2%, 1.9%, and 1.4%, respectively. Patients with
      preoperative inpatient hospitalization had higher 30-day incidence of SSI (4.5
      vs. 2.9%), pneumonia (3.1 vs. 1.6%), and UTI (2.3 vs. 1.2%). In multivariable
      models including preoperative risk factors, preoperative inpatient
      hospitalization was associated with increased 30-day risk of SSI (odds ratio
      [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.39; p = 0.0066), pneumonia (OR,
      1.64; 95% CI: 1.39-1.94; p < 0.0001), and UTI (OR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.20-1.77; p <
      0.0001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative inpatient hospitalization is associated with
      higher rates of perioperative SSI, pneumonia, and UTI in patients undergoing
      elective vascular surgery procedures. Avoidance of unnecessary preoperative
      hospitalization has potential to reduce rates of perioperative infection, but
      additional research is needed to develop evidence-based management strategies
      when hospitalization before elective procedures is necessary.

PMID- 22079459
TI  - Alternative management of iliac vein injury during anterior lumbar spine
      exposure.
AB  - Vascular injuries are, unfortunately, common complications during anterior
      approach to lumbar spine, with venous injuries occurring most frequently. The L4
      L5 level of exposure is associated most commonly with venous injuries because it
      requires significant mobilization of the vascular structures. We present two
      cases of left common iliac vein tears encountered during redo anterior exposure
      for spine revision. This was in the setting of an anterior lumbar interbody
      fusion at the L4-L5 level and for the repeat disc arthroplasty at the L5-S1
      level. We describe the endovascular technique used to successfully repair venous
      tear with the deployment of a covered stent across the injury, preventing the
      ligation of the left common iliac vein.

PMID- 22079460
TI  - Thromboexclusion of the complete aorta in the treatment of chronic type B
      aneurysm.
AB  - We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who was referred to us with a huge
      chronic postdissection thoracoabdominal aneurysm of a maximal intrathoracic
      diameter of 13.5 cm and signs of intrathoracic imminent rupture with subparietal
      pleural hemorrhagic effusion. Computed tomography examination revealed that the
      left lung had undergone complete atelectasis and carnification owing to
      compression of the left principal bronchus. There were also signs of left kidney
      atrophy because of the left renal artery originating from the thrombosed false
      lumen. Owing to delicate preoperative condition, we decided to perform
      thromboexclusion of the complete aorta with reattachment of all the supra-aortic
      and visceral branches and complete bipolar exclusion of thoracoabdominal aorta.
      The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 35th postoperative day in a
      good condition. Following computed tomography scan revealed complete thrombosis
      of the excluded portion of the aorta.

PMID- 22079461
TI  - Socioeconomic position, comorbidity, and mortality in aortic aneurysms: a 13-year
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate factors associated with incidence and 3-year all-cause
      mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm (AA). The design is sex and age
      stratified (60-79 and 80-90 years) prospective cohort. By using the population
      register, we constituted a cohort of all men and women born between 1900 and 1930
      and living in Scania by 1991, and followed them for 13 years. Identification of
      AA was based on hospital discharge diagnosis obtained from the Swedish Patient
      Register or from the information on death certificates from the Cause of Death
      Register. METHODS: We applied stepwise Cox regression and investigated both AA
      incidence (1991-2003) as well as 3-year survival after the first hospitalization
      for AA. RESULTS: We found an inverse relation between AA incidence and previous
      hospitalization by diabetes mellitus in women (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.41; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.88) and in men (HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.24-0.61)
      aged 60-79 years. Three-year all-cause mortality after diagnosis of AA was 58.6%
      in women, 50.2% in men, 72.9% in octogenarians, and 43.7% for nonoctogenarians.
      Low income, chronic respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, dementia,
      systemic connective tissue disorders, renal failure, and malignant neoplasms were
      independent factors for mortality in 60-79-year-old men with AA. CONCLUSIONS:
      Inferior socioeconomic position is associated with increased 3-year all-cause
      mortality in 60-79-year-old men with AA.

PMID- 22079462
TI  - Mesocavoatrial shunt for Budd-Chiari syndrome: a case report with long-term
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A case of mesocavoatrial shunting for the treatment of Budd-Chiari
      syndrome (BCS) with long-term follow-up is reported. METHODS: A 25-year-old man
      with stage II BCS was treated with a mesocavoatrial shunt to decompress the
      portal and IVC hypertension. During the 6-year follow-up, the patient was able to
      resume work as a salesperson and has since led a normal life. His graft remains
      patent. CONCLUSION: A mesocavoatrial shunt can simultaneously decompress portal
      and IVC hypertension and has satisfactory long-term patency. A mesocavoatrial
      shunt can be used to treat patients with severe BCS who could not be successfully
      treated with medical therapy and intervention.

PMID- 22079463
TI  - Symptomatic aneurysm of a perforating peroneal artery after a blunt trauma.
AB  - A 48-year-old woman was referred to us for a pulsatile and painful mass on the
      right leg after a trauma occurred 2 months earlier. The duplex scan revealed the
      presence of an aneurysm of the perforating peroneal artery. The patient underwent
      an endovascular coil embolization of the aneurysm. The duplex-scan follow-up
      showed the patency of the peroneal vessel and the complete aneurysm thrombosis.
      The patient was discharged in good condition without pain. In literature, only
      four cases of aneurysm of perforating peroneal artery aneurysm, all with a clear
      traumatic etiology, are reported. In this case, the endovascular treatment was
      safe and effective.

PMID- 22079464
TI  - Case report of a patient with iliac occlusive disease due to pseudoxantoma
      elasticum and review of the bibliography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare genetic disorder
      characterized by progressive calcification and fragmentation of elastic fibers in
      the skin, the retina, and the cardiovascular system, and is also termed as
      elastorrhexia. The purpose of this case presentation is to report the case of a
      PXE patient with an atypical localization of atherosclerotic lesion (iliac
      arteries) and that this rare disease should always be included in the
      differential diagnosis of patients with premature atheromatosis. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A 58-year-old patient, suffering from PXE, came to our clinic to seek
      advice for his severe lower limb claudication. The image of the magnetic
      resonance angiography of his aorta, iliac arteries, and lower limb arteries
      demonstrated total occlusion of the left common iliac artery and preocclusive
      stenosis of the orifice on the right common iliac artery. The patient was treated
      successfully by angioplasty with kissing stent placement at the iliac arteries,
      and 6 months later, he is symptom-free, with ankle-brachial indexes of 1.0 and
      1.05 on the left and right legs, respectively. CONCLUSION: This case report
      presentation has a primary goal to show that the disease may cause atypical
      localizations of atherosclerosis (iliac arteries) and a secondary goal to
      demonstrate that endovascular treatment in these patients may be a safe and
      viable option. It is also a good opportunity for a brief review of the
      bibliography.

PMID- 22079465
TI  - Using indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography and lymphatic-venous anastomosis
      for cancer-related lymphedema.
AB  - Advances in cancer therapy have increased the importance of improvement of
      quality of life after cancer survival. Cancer-related lymphedema or secondary
      lymphedema that occurs after lymph node dissection in resection of tumors of
      abdominal visceral organs can impair quality of life. However, standard curative
      treatment for secondary lymphedema has not been established. This may be due to
      the lack of a method for early diagnosis of lymphedema, and because of selection
      of conservative treatment such as compression therapy to delay edema progression
      in many cases. To develop a curative approach, we have performed definite
      diagnosis of early-stage lymphedema using magnetic resonance imaging and an
      indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography, followed by surgical treatment with
      lymphatic-venous anastomosis using supermicrosurgery. Herein, we report the first
      case of secondary lymphedema in which we performed early diagnosis and surgery
      using these techniques and achieved an almost complete cure of lymphedema. We
      suggest that early diagnostic imaging and early microsurgery is the key of
      lymphedema treatment.

PMID- 22079466
TI  - CD133+ liver cancer stem cells modulate radioresistance in human hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - CD133 is a cancer stem-cell (CSC) marker associated with radioresistance and
      chemoresistance in various cancers. In the present study, CD133-expressing liver
      cancer cells following radiation exposure showed higher activation of MAPK/PI3K
      signaling pathway and reduction in reactive oxygen species levels compared to
      CD133- cells. The in vivo study with a xenograft model showed increased tumor
      formation in irradiated CD133+ cell-injected nude mice compared to the CD133-
      group, suggesting that CD133 contributes to radioresistance in HCC. Therefore,
      CD133-expressing liver cancer cells have anti-apoptotic and radioresistance
      properties that may be useful to improve anti-cancer treatments, including
      chemotherapy/radiotherapy of HCC.

PMID- 22079467
TI  - Differential function of lysophosphatidic acid receptors in cell proliferation
      and migration of neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator that induces diverse
      cellular biological effects and interacts with G protein-coupled transmembrane
      LPA receptors. In the present study, to assess biological roles of LPA receptors
      in the pathogenesis of tumor cells, each LPA receptor (Lpar1, Lpar2 or Lpar3)
      expressing rat neuroblastoma B103 cells (lpa1-1, lpa2-2 or lpa3-3-2 cells,
      respectively) were used. In cell motility and invasion assay, lpa2-2 and lpa3-3-2
      cells showed significant higher intrinsic activity without LPA treatment than LPA
      receptor-unexpressing AB2-1bf cells. LPA treatment further increased cell
      motility of these cells, which was suppressed by the pretreatment with inhibitors
      of Gi, Gq protein, or ROCK. By contrast, lpa1-1 cells markedly decreased
      intrinsic cell motility and invasion, compared with AB2-1bf cells. Constitutively
      active mutant Lpar1-expressing cells (lpa1Delta-1) showed significant high
      motility, comparable with those of lpa2-2 and lpa3-3-2. In soft agar assay, lpa3
      3-2 and lpa1Delta-1 cells showed colony formation, but other cells failed. These
      results suggest that LPA receptors may play different roles in cell proliferation
      and migration of rat neuroblastoma cells.

PMID- 22079468
TI  - Significance of increased blastic-appearing cells in bone marrow following
      myeloablative unrelated cord blood transplantation in adult patients.
AB  - An abnormal increase of nonleukemic blastic-appearing lymphocytes in bone marrow
      (BM) specimens has been reported after unrelated cord blood transplantation
      (UCBT). This study analyzed the incidence, chronology, biological features, and
      clinical significance of elevated numbers of these cells in a series of 165
      consecutive adult patients demonstrating myeloid engraftment after myeloablative
      UCBT in a single institution. The patients' BM samples were routinely evaluated
      by cytomorphology at different time points after UCBT. When >=5% of blastic
      appearing cells were detected by cytomorphology in the BM, samples were also
      evaluated by multiparametric flow cytometry to characterize these cells.
      Systematic chimerism analyses of BM samples using PCR amplification of short
      tandem repeat markers were performed. Forty-three patients (cumulative incidence,
      26.1%) demonstrated >=5% of nonmalignant blastic-appearing cells in BM after a
      median of 101 days after UCBT (range, 28-377 days). All of these patients had
      full-donor chimerism and a clinical course without leukemic relapse.
      Multiparametric flow cytometry analyses performed in 36 of the 43 patients showed
      a polyclonal expansion of B lymphocytes with a broad spectrum of maturation
      stages. An increased number of nonmalignant blastic-appearing cells was
      significantly associated with a high number of lymphocytes infused at the time of
      UCBT and with low rates of acute and chronic extensive graft-versus-host disease,
      suggesting a potential immunoregulatory role of these cells. The observation of
      >=5% nonmalignant blastic-appearing cells in BM samples after myeloablative UCBT
      is frequent, and these should be distinguished from malignant blasts.

PMID- 22079469
TI  - Evaluation of oral beclomethasone dipropionate for prevention of acute graft
      versus-host disease.
AB  - Results from two randomized trials have shown that oral beclomethasone
      dipropionate (BDP) is effective for treatment of acute gastrointestinal graft
      versus-host disease. Here, we report results of a double-blind, randomized
      placebo-controlled phase II study designed to test the hypothesis that acute
      graft-versus-host disease could be prevented by administration of oral BDP,
      beginning before hematopoietic cell transplantation and continuing until day 75
      after hematopoietic cell transplantation after myeloablative conditioning. Study
      drug (BDP or placebo) was administered as 1-mg immediate-release formulation plus
      1-mg delayed-release formulation orally four times daily. According to the
      primary endpoint, systemic glucocorticoid treatment for graft-versus-host disease
      was given to 60 of the 92 participants (65%) in the BDP arm, versus 31 of 46
      participants (67%) in the placebo arm. The secondary efficacy endpoints showed no
      statistically significant differences between the two arms. The proportion of
      participants who took at least 90% of the prescribed study drug during the first
      4 weeks after hematopoietic cell transplantation was 54% overall. Lower severity
      of mucositis strongly correlated with higher adherence to the schedule of study
      drug administration. Inconsistent adherence related to mucositis during recovery
      after myeloablative conditioning may have obscured a beneficial therapeutic
      effect in the current study.

PMID- 22079470
TI  - Phase I-II study of clofarabine-melphalan-alemtuzumab conditioning for allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - We conducted a phase I-II study of transplantation conditioning with clofarabine
      melphalan-alemtuzumab for patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. Ten
      patients were accrued to the phase I portion, which utilized an accelerated
      titration design. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and clofarabine 40
      mg/m(2) * 5, melphalan 140 mg/m(2) * 1, and alemtuzumab 20 mg * 5 was adopted for
      the phase II study, which accrued 72 patients. Median age was 54 years. There
      were 44 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes, 27
      with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and nine patients with other hematologic malignancies.
      The largest subgroup of 35 patients had American Society for Blood and Marrow
      Transplantation high-risk, active disease. All evaluable patients engrafted with
      a median time to neutrophil and platelet recovery of 10 and 18 days,
      respectively. The cumulative incidence of treatment-related mortality was 26% at
      1 year. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 29% at 1 year. Overall survival was
      80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71-89) at 100 days and 59% (95% CI, 47-71) at
      1 year. Progression-free-survival was 45% (95% CI, 33-67) at 1 year. Rapid-onset
      renal failure was the main toxicity in the phase II study and more frequent in
      older patients and those with baseline decrease in glomerular filtration rate.
      Grade 3-5 renal toxicity was observed in 16 of 74 patients (21%) treated at the
      phase II doses. Clofarabine-melphalan-alemtuzumab conditioning yields promising
      response and duration of response, but renal toxicity poses a considerable risk
      particularly in older patients.

PMID- 22079472
TI  - Transplantation for lymphoma: good for the brain as well as the body?

PMID- 22079471
TI  - A Phase I study of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) in combination with busulfan and
      cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children
      with poor-risk CD33+ AML: a new targeted immunochemotherapy myeloablative
      conditioning (MAC) regimen.
AB  - Children with high-risk acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (induction failure [IF],
      refractory relapse [RR], third complete remission [CR3]) have dismal outcomes.
      Over 80% of AML patients express CD33, a target of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO). GO
      is an active drug in childhood AML but has not been studied in a myeloablative
      conditioning regimen. We sought to determine the safety of GO in combination with
      busulfan/cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) conditioning before allogeneic hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). GO was administered on day -14 at doses of
      3.0, 4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 mg/m(2), busulfan on days -7, -6, -5, -4 (12.8-16.0
      mg/kg), and cyclophosphamide on days -3 and -2 (60 mg/kg/day). GVHD prophylaxis
      consisted of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. We enrolled 12 patients: 8 IF,
      3 RR, 1 CR3; median age: 3 years (1-17); median follow-up: 1379 days (939-2305).
      Nine received umbilical cord blood (UCB), 2 matched unrelated donors (MUDs) and 1
      HLA-matched sibling donor: 3 patients each at GO doses of 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, or 7.5
      mg/m(2). No dose-limiting toxicities secondary to GO were observed. Day 100
      treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 0%. Myeloid and platelet engraftment was
      observed in 92% and 75% of patients at median day 22 (12-40) and 42 (21-164),
      respectively. Median day +30 donor chimerism was 99% (85%-100%). The probability
      of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 42% and chronic GVHD
      (cGVHD) was 28%. One-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) was
      50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.8-73.6). GO combined with Bu/Cy regimen
      followed by alloSCT is well tolerated in children with poor-risk AML. GO at 7.5
      mg/m(2) in combination with Bu/Cy is currently being tested in a phase II study.

PMID- 22079473
TI  - Disinfection of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria using DynaJets(r)
      hydrodynamic cavitating jets.
AB  - Cavitating jet technologies (DynaJets(r)) were investigated as a means of
      disinfection of gram-negative Escherichia coli, Klebsiellapneumoniae, Pseudomonas
      syringae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. The
      hydrodynamic cavitating jets were found to be very effective in reducing the
      concentrations of all of these species. In general, the observed rates of
      disinfection of gram-negative species were higher than for gram-positive species.
      However, different gram-negative species also showed significant differences (P.
      syringae 6-log(10) reduction, P. aeruginosa 2-log(10) reduction) under the same
      conditions. Disinfection of E. coli repeatedly showed five orders of magnitude
      reduction in concentration within 45-60-min at low nozzle pressure (2.1 bar).
      Optimization of nozzle design and operating pressures increased disinfection
      rates per input energy by several orders of magnitude. The power efficiencies of
      the hydrodynamic cavitating jets were found to be 10-100 times greater than
      comparable ultrasonic systems.

PMID- 22079474
TI  - Protein contact map prediction using multi-stage hybrid intelligence inference
      systems.
AB  - Proteins are one of the most important molecules in organisms. Protein function
      can be inferred from its 3D structure. The gap between the number of discovered
      protein sequences and the number of structures determined by the experimental
      methods is increasing. Accurate prediction of protein contact map is an important
      step toward the reconstruction of the protein's 3D structure. In spite of
      continuous progress in developing contact map predictors, highly accurate
      prediction is still unresolved problem. In this paper, we introduce a new
      predictor, JUSTcon, which consists of multiple parallel stages that are based on
      adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference System (ANFIS) and K nearest neighbors (KNNs)
      classifier. A smart filtering operation is performed on the final outputs to
      ensure normal connectivity behaviors of amino acids pairs. The window size of the
      filter is selected by a simple expert system. The dataset was divided into
      testing dataset of 50 proteins and training dataset of 450 proteins. The system
      produced an average accuracy of 45.2% for the sequence separation of six amino
      acids. In addition, JUSTcon outperformed SVMcon and PROFcon predictors in the
      cases of large separation distances. JUSTcon produced an average accuracy of 15%
      for the sequence separation of 24 amino acids after applying it on CASP9 targets.

PMID- 22079475
TI  - Antimetastatic potential of cardiotoxin III involves inactivation of PI3K/Akt and
      p38 MAPK signaling pathways in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to determine whether cardiotoxin III (CTX III)
      inhibited the metastasis in MDA-MB-231 cells and to further explain its possible
      mechanisms. MAIN METHODS: The MTT assay, wound healing assay, Boyden chamber
      invasion assay, zymography analysis, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), inhibitor assay,
      and Western blot analysis were used to reveal molecular events of CTX III in this
      study. KEY FINDINGS: During treatment with non-toxic doses of CTX III, not only
      cell migration and invasion were markedly suppressed but the expression/activity
      of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was also significantly and selectively
      suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, CTX III decreased
      the nuclear protein level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), and pretreatment
      with NF-kappaB inhibitor (PDTC) or IkappaB protease inhibitor (TPCK) also reduced
      MMP-9 expression/activity and cell migration. Our biochemical assays indicated
      that CTX III potently suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt.
      Additionally, the treatment of inhibitors specific for p38 MAPK (SB203580) or
      PI3K (wortmannin) to cells could result in a reduced expression of NF-kappaB and
      MMP-9 expression, concomitantly with an inhibition on cell metastasis.
      SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrated that CTX III inhibition of MDA-MB-231
      cells may occur through inactivation of both PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling
      pathways, exerting inhibitory effects on NF-kappaB transcriptional factor,
      thereby decreasing the activity of MMP-9 and then posing an anti-metastatic
      effect in the cells.

PMID- 22079476
TI  - Applying radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in transfusion
      medicine.
AB  - ISO/IEC 18000-3 mode 1 standard 13.56 MHz RFID tags have been accepted by the
      International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the United States Food and
      Drug Administration (FDA) as data carriers to integrate with and augment ISBT 128
      barcode data carried on blood products. The use of 13.56 MHz RFID carrying ISBT
      128 data structures allows the global deployment and use of RFID, supporting both
      international transfer of blood and international disaster relief. The deployment
      in process at the BloodCenter of Wisconsin and testing at the University of Iowa
      Health Center is the first FDA-permitted implementation of RFID throughout in all
      phases of blood banking, donation through transfusion. RFID technology and
      equipment selection will be discussed along with FDA-required RF safety testing;
      integration with the blood enterprise computing system and required RFID tag
      performance. Tag design and survivability is an issue due to blood bag
      centrifugation and irradiation. Deployment issues will be discussed. Use of RFID
      results in significant return on investment over the use of barcodes in the blood
      center operations through labor savings and error reduction.

PMID- 22079477
TI  - Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases: critical modulators of endocrine,
      metabolic, and cardiovascular function and appealing therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22079478
TI  - Experimental SSM-CVB3 infection in macaques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pathogenicity of SSM-CVB3 in a macaque model. METHODS:
      The clinical symptoms of macaques were recorded; hematological, biochemical and
      histopathological evaluations were completed; viral titers and neutralization
      titers (NT-titers) in sera were tested; and the mRNA levels of SSM-CVB3,
      coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and decay accelerating factor (DAF)
      were determined. RESULTS: After SSM-CVB3 infection, the macaques showed a lack of
      activity, a poor appetite, a higher body temperature, and severe diarrhea. The
      macaques also developed hematuria and albuminuria at 4 to 10 days post
      inoculation. Virus titers (5.1-6.5 LogTCID(50)/mL) were higher at 6 to 10 days
      post-inoculation, and NT-titers (6.5-7.3 Log2) reached plateaus at 8 to 14 days
      post-inoculation. The infected macaques developed serious anemia with decreased
      RBC and WBC, but the percentages of LYM were increased. The levels of CK, CK-MB,
      AST and ALT in the sera were 84-169 U/L, 87.6-271.1 U/L, 43-87 U/L and 43-82 U/L,
      respectively, and all of those were higher than normal. Histological analysis
      showed obvious cardiac, hepatic and renal damages in the infected macaques and
      the mRNA contents of SSM-CVB3, CAR and DAF in the heart, liver and kidneys of
      infected macaques were higher (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This was the first report on
      experimental SSM-CVB3 infections in macaques with serious hepatic and renal
      damage, except for myocarditis. The information obtained from this study suggests
      that the SSM-CVB3 strain and this macaque model could be used for studying CVB3
      induced cardiac, hepatic or renal diseases.

PMID- 22079480
TI  - The image of nursing as perceived by nurses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the image of nursing as perceived by nurses. BACKGROUND:
      Nurses' image has always been a concern among those in the profession. The
      decision to enter nursing, to remain in nursing, to promote nursing, and to
      further a career in nursing may be the result of nurses' perception of the image
      of the profession. No recent studies have been done on how nurses perceive the
      profession METHODS: A purposeful sample of 13 participants ranging in experience
      from senior student nurses to Registered Nurses with over 21 years of experience
      in direct patient care, participated in in-depth interviews. For this descriptive
      exploratory design, qualitative data were collected and analyzed. FINDINGS: Three
      broad categories that were significant in how nurses perceive the profession
      emerged: a) role of nurses, b) nursing knowledge, and c) attitude of nurses.
      Those about to enter the profession have a positive image of nursing based on
      their roles and their nursing knowledge. Attitude of nurses significantly
      influenced participants' perceptions of nursing's professional image. As they
      progress through their career, nurses have negative perceptions of the
      profession, influenced by working environment and interactions with others in the
      health care arena. CONCLUSION: Overall, nurses working in hospitals have negative
      perceptions of the profession; nurses working in maternal-child health have
      positive perceptions; nurses' perceptions of nurses working in areas different
      from theirs are negative; nurses perceive senior nurses in a negative light and
      senior nurses have negative perceptions of new nurses.

PMID- 22079479
TI  - Autophagy in the brains of young patients with poorly controlled T1DM and fatal
      diabetic ketoacidosis.
AB  - Semi-quantitative neuroradiologic studies, quantitative neuron density studies
      and immunocytochemistry markers of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation
      indicate neuronal injury and deficits in young patients with chronic poorly
      controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Present data suggest that
      pathogenesis of the neuronal deficits in young patients, who die as the result of
      diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and brain edema (BE), does not involve apoptosis, a
      prominent form of regulated cell death in many disease states. To further address
      this we studied mediators of macroautophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      and apoptosis. In all areas studied we demonstrated increased levels of
      macroautophagy-associated proteins including light chain-3 (LC3) and autophagy
      related protein-4 (Atg4), as well as increased levels of the ER-associated
      glucose-regulated protein78/binding immunoglobulin protein (GRP78/BiP) in T1DM.
      In contrast, cleaved caspase-3 was rarely detected in any T1DM brain regions.
      These results suggest that chronic metabolic instability and oxidative stress may
      cause alterations in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway but not apoptosis, and
      macroautophagy-associated molecules may serve as useful candidates for further
      study in the pathogenesis of early neuronal deficits in T1DM.

PMID- 22079481
TI  - Essaying the essay: nursing scholarship and the hegemony of the laboratory.
AB  - It might appear odd or even perverse to be arguing for the essay as a vehicle for
      academic thought and writing, particularly given the current emphasis on
      scientific research and evidence-based practice. In fact, the scholarly essay has
      virtually ceased to exist as an academic form in practice disciplines such as
      nursing, excluded by what we will identify and refer to as the hegemony of the
      laboratory. In a practical as well as an intellectual attempt to reinstate it,
      this paper is structured in the form of two consecutive short essays. In the
      first, we identify the character, features and purpose of the scholarly essay and
      examine its demise as an academic form. In the second, we explore some possible
      reasons why the essay never became fully accepted as an academic form in nursing.
      We suggest that the essay is thematically eclectic and stylistically promiscuous,
      drawing from a broad range of cultural, disciplinary and academic reference
      points. As such, it presents a challenge to the dominant technical rational
      approach to academic nursing in both its form and its content, particularly in
      its disregard for the rigidly imposed genres and structures increasingly demanded
      by academic nursing journals.

PMID- 22079482
TI  - Optimization of preparative chromatographic separation of multiple rare earth
      elements.
AB  - This work presents a method to optimize multi-product chromatographic systems
      with multiple objective functions. The system studied is a neodymium, samarium,
      europium, gadolinium mixture separated in an ion exchange chromatography step. A
      homogeneous Langmuir Mobile Phase Modified model is calibrated to fit the
      experiments, and then used to perform the optimization task. For the optimization
      a multi-objective Differential Evolution algorithm was used, with weighting based
      on relative value of the components to find optimal operation points along the
      Pareto front. The objectives of the Pareto front are weighted productivity and
      weighted yield with purity as an equality constraint. A prioritizing scheme based
      on relative values is applied for determining the pooling order. A simple rule of
      thumb for pooling strategy selection is presented. The multi-objective
      optimization gives a Pareto front which shows the rule of thumb, as a gap in one
      of the objective functions.

PMID- 22079483
TI  - Chromatographic and spectroscopic data fusion analysis for interpretation of
      photodegradation processes.
AB  - Photodegradation processes are of high relevance in environmental and
      pharmaceutical contexts, since the fate and identity of photoproducts are often
      linked to contamination or toxicology issues. The aim of this work is proposing a
      new general methodology to monitor and interpret photodegradation processes based
      on chromatographic and spectroscopic measurements and data fusion analysis. The
      new approach relies on two steps: (a) data fusion of HPLC-DAD-MS runs coming from
      process monitoring and analysis by soft-modeling multivariate curve resolution
      (MCR) to achieve the identification of photoproducts and a first insight on their
      kinetic behavior; and (b) data fusion of UV-vis spectroscopic monitoring data
      with HPLC-DAD process runs and analysis by hybrid hard- and soft-modeling MCR (HS
      MCR) to complete the description of the kinetic mechanism of the process and to
      provide the related rate constants. These data fusions overcome limitations of
      previous approaches and have never been reported in real examples of process
      analysis. The ketoprofen photodegradation has been selected as the real case
      study to illustrate the possibilities of the described approach. In this
      particular case, a comprehensive description of the kinetics linked to the
      photochemical degradation of the ketoprofen, with all successive steps, related
      rate constants and photoproducts formed has been proposed. Four photodegradation
      products (3-(1-hydroperoxyethyl)benzophenone, 3-acetylbenzophenone, 3-(1
      hydroxyethyl)benzophenone and 3-ethvlbenzophenone) could be resolved as a result
      of the decarboxylation of ketoprofen under UV light and the photodegradation
      process could be described with a kinetic model including parallel and
      consecutive reactions.

PMID- 22079484
TI  - Silicon speciation by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in
      gasolines.
AB  - A method for the speciation of silicon compounds in petroleum products was
      developed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Prior to
      analysis, several precautions about storage and conservation were applied for all
      samples. In spiked gasoline samples, limits of detection between 24 and 69 MUg
      kg(-1) for cyclic siloxanes (D(4)-D(6)) and between 1 and 7 MUg kg(-1) for other
      species were obtained. In this study, cyclic siloxanes (D(n)) and one
      ethoxysilane were quantified for the first time in petroleum products by a
      specific method based on response factor calculation to an internal standard.
      This method was applied to four samples of naphthas and gasolines obtained from a
      steam cracking process. Cyclic siloxanes were predominant in four investigated
      samples with concentrations ranging between 101 and 2204 MUg kg(-1). Cyclic
      siloxane content decreased with an increase in their degree of polymerization.
      During a steam cracking process, silicon concentrations determined by GC-MS SIM
      (single ion monitoring) significantly increase. This trend was confirmed by ICP
      OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) measurements but a
      difference on the total silicon content was observed, certainly highlighting the
      presence of unknown silicon species. GC-MS SIM method gives access to the
      chemical nature of the silicon species, which is crucial for the understanding of
      hydrotreatment catalyst poisoning in the oil and gas industry.

PMID- 22079485
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma arising from hepatocellular adenoma in a hepatitis B
      virus-associated cirrhotic liver.
AB  - Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare, benign proliferation of hepatocytes that
      occurs mostly in a normal liver and in extreme rare cases, occurs in a cirrhotic
      liver. Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) arising within HCA through malignant
      transformation is rare. The specific incidence and mechanism of malignant
      transformation has not been established, but the long term use of oral
      contraceptives is considered a causative agent. We report a case of HCC arising
      from HCA detected in a hepatitis B-related cirrhotic liver with serial radiologic
      images.

PMID- 22079486
TI  - Variant obturator artery complicating uterine artery embolization.

PMID- 22079487
TI  - Three-dimensional hydrogel structures as optical sensor arrays, for the detection
      of specific DNA sequences.
AB  - The fabrication and characterization of surface-attached PEG-diacrylate hydrogel
      structures and their application as sensing platforms for the detection of
      specific target sequences are reported. Hydrogel structures were formed by a
      photopolymerization process, using substrate-bound Eosin Y molecules for the
      production of free radicals. We have demonstrated that this fabrication process
      allows for control over hydrogel growth down to the micrometer scale. Confocal
      imaging revealed relatively large pore structures for 25% (v/v) PEG-diacrylate
      hydrogels, which appear to lie in tightly packed layers. Our data suggest that
      these pore structures decrease in size for hydrogels with increasing levels of
      PEG-diacrylate. Surface coverage values calculated for hydrogels immobilized with
      21-mer DNA probe sequences were significantly higher compared to those previously
      reported for 2- and 3-dimensional sensing platforms, on the order of
      10(16)molecules cm(-2). Used as sensing platforms in DNA hybridization assays, a
      detection limit of 3.9 nM was achieved for hybridization reactions between 21-mer
      probe and target sequences. The ability of these hydrogel sensing platforms to
      discriminate between wild-type and mutant allele sequences was also demonstrated,
      down to target concentrations of 1-2 nM. A reduction in the hybridization time
      down to a period of 15 min was also achieved, while still maintaining confident
      results, demonstrating the potential for future integration of these sensing
      platforms within Lab-on-Chip or diagnostic devices.

PMID- 22079488
TI  - Is health-related quality of life an independent prognostic factor for 12-month
      mortality and nursing home placement among elderly patients hospitalized via the
      emergency department?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess whether health-related quality of life is an independent
      prognostic factor for mortality or nursing home placement in frail elderly
      patients. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter study with a 12-month follow-up.
      SETTING: Nine French hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1306 patients aged 75
      and older hospitalized through an emergency department. MEASUREMENTS: Data
      obtained from sociodemographic characteristics, Comprehensive Geriatric
      Assessment and the Duke Health Profile (DHP) were used into a Cox model to
      identify prognostic variables for 12-month mortality and institutionalization.
      RESULTS: Crude mortality and nursing home placement rates were 34.1% (n = 445)
      and 16.1% (n = 210), respectively. Independent prognostic factors identified for
      mortality were: Comorbidity level (moderate: hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence
      interval (CI)] = 1.40 [1.09-1.78]; severe: 2.70 [1.63-4.46]), dependence for
      activities of daily living (1.68 [1.06-2.67]), pressure sore risk (1.49 [1.16
      1.90]), risk of malnutrition (2.09 [1.46-3.00]), delirium (2.25 [1.75-2.90]), and
      10-point increase in the DHP perceived health score (0.96 [0.93-0.99]).
      Independent prognostic factors identified for nursing home placement were the
      following: living alone at home (1.82 [1.30-2.55]), having 2 children or more
      (0.71 [0.51-0.99]), dependence for activities of daily living (2.48 [1.39-4.44]),
      dementia (1.93 [1.39-2.69]), unplanned hospital readmission during follow-up
      (2.05 [1.45-2.91]), and 10-point increase in the DHP social health score (0.90
      [0.83-0.99]). Balance troubles and risk of malnutrition were no more significant
      when adjusted for the DHP scores and other clinical variables. CONCLUSION: The
      perceived health and social health scores of the DHP were independent prognostic
      factors of survival and nursing home placement among hospitalized elderly
      patients, respectively. When associated with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment,
      they could help screen frail patients to set up as early as possible targeted
      interventions to restore/maintain modifiable prognostic factors, such as
      nutritional status, functional ability, and social support.

PMID- 22079489
TI  - Changes in the cannabinoid (CB1) receptor expression level and G-protein
      activation in kainic acid induced seizures.
AB  - It has been known for centuries that exogenous cannabinoids, such as
      tetrahydrocannabinol have anticonvulsant activity. Recent studies have advanced
      our understanding of the endogenous cannabinoid system and renewed the interest
      in cannabinoids as a potential treatment for epilepsy. The endogenous cannabinoid
      system is rapidly activated after seizure activity but still little is known
      about the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of the cannabinoid system in
      epilepsy. In this study epileptiform activity was induced by kainic acid (KA) and
      effects of the CB1 receptor agonists N-(2-Chloroethyl)-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z
      eicosatetraenamide (ACEA) on G-protein signaling using the agonist-stimulated
      [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assay were evaluated. Control and KA treated rat
      hippocampus and cortex membranes were used. Our results showed that the ACEA
      displayed a high potency and efficacy in stimulating the G-proteins and when
      compared to the control animals, significant enhancements were observed in
      tissues from the KA treated animals. Potency and efficacy values were in
      particular increased in the hippocampus tissues. Furthermore, gene expression
      levels of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) receptor and cannabinoid receptor
      interacting protein 1 (CRIP1) were measured by RT-PCR, where both CB1 and CRIP1
      expressions were found to be elevated in the KA treated animals.

PMID- 22079490
TI  - Are estimates of the value of a statistical life exaggerated?
AB  - The magnitude of the value of a statistical life (VSL) is critical to the
      evaluation of many health and safety initiatives. To date, the large and rigorous
      VSL research literature has not explicitly accommodated publication selectivity
      bias (i.e., the reduced probability that insignificant or negative VSL values are
      reported). This study demonstrates that doing so is essential. For studies that
      employ hedonic wage equations to estimate VSL, correction for selection bias
      reduces the average value of a statistical life by 70-80%. Our meta-regression
      analysis also identifies several sources for the wide heterogeneity found among
      reported VSL estimates.

PMID- 22079491
TI  - Regional specific alterations in brain acetylcholinesterase activity after
      repeated blast exposures in mice.
AB  - Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the
      neurotransmitter acetylcholine has been recognized as one of the major regulators
      of stress responses after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Repeated blast exposure
      induces TBI (blast TBI) with a variable neuropathology at different brain
      regions. Since AChE inhibitors are being used as a line of treatment for TBI, we
      sought to determine the time course of AChE activity in the blood and different
      brain regions after repeated blast exposures using modified Ellman assay. Our
      data showed that repeated blast exposures significantly reduced AChE activity in
      the whole-blood and erythrocytes by 3-6h, while plasma AChE activity was
      significantly increased by 3h post-blast. In the brain, significant increase in
      AChE activity was observed at 6h in the frontal cortex, while hind cortex and
      hippocampus showed a significant decrease at 6h post-blast, which returned to
      normal levels by 7 days. AChE activity in the cerebellum and mid brain showed a
      decrease at 6h, followed by significant increase at 3 days and that was decreased
      significantly at 14 days post-blast. Medulla region showed decreased AChE
      activity at 24h post-blast, which was significantly increased at 14 days. These
      results suggest that there are brain regional and time-related changes in AChE
      activity after tightly coupled repeated blast exposures in mice. In summary,
      acute and chronic regional specific changes in the AChE activity after repeated
      blast exposures warrant systematic evaluation of the possibility of AChE
      inhibitor therapeutics against blast TBI.

PMID- 22079492
TI  - Innate IL-13-producing nuocytes arise during allergic lung inflammation and
      contribute to airways hyperreactivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 are thought to be central to the allergic
      asthmatic response. Previous work supposed that the essential source of these
      cytokines was CD4(+) T(H)2 cells. However, more recent studies have suggested
      that other innate production of type 2 cytokines might be as important.
      OBJECTIVES: Nuocytes are a novel population of IL-13-producing innate cells,
      which are critical for protective immunity in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
      infection. Given this, we investigated the potential existence and functional
      importance of nuocytes in experimental allergic asthma. METHODS: We generated
      Il4(+/eGFP)Il13(+/Tomato) dual-reporter mice to study cytokine-producing cells
      during allergic inflammation. We adoptively transferred innate IL-13-producing
      cells to investigate their role in airways hyperreactivity (AHR). RESULTS: We
      show that allergen-induced nuocytes infiltrate the lung and are a major innate
      source of IL-13. CD4(+) T cells in the lung almost exclusively express only IL
      13, whereas IL-4-producing T cells were restricted to the draining lymph nodes.
      Intranasal administration of IL-25 or IL-33 induced IL-13-producing nuocytes in
      the BAL fluid. Strikingly, adoptive transfer of wild-type nuocytes, but not Il13(
      /-) nuocytes, into Il13(-/-) mice, which are normally resistant to IL-25-induced
      AHR, restored airways resistance and lung cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings identify nuocytes as a novel cell type in allergic lung inflammation and
      an innate source of IL-13 that can directly induce AHR in the absence of IL-13
      producing CD4(+) T cells. These data highlight nuocytes as an important new
      consideration in the development of future allergic asthma therapy.

PMID- 22079493
TI  - Molecular characterization and expression analysis of two new C-reactive protein
      genes from common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
AB  - C-Reactive protein (CRP) plays an important role in the acute phase response.
      Transcripts encoding two new CRP-like molecules (ccCRP1 and ccCRP2) from European
      common carp have been characterized which has enabled seven CRP-like genes to be
      identified in zebrafish. 79.3% (ccCRP1) and 74.5% (ccCRP2) identity to CRP from
      East-Asian common carp occurs and fish CRP genes form a distinct clade. ccCRP2
      gene organization comprises four exons and three introns, in contrast to the two
      exons/one intron organization of mammalian CRP genes. Gene expression assays
      showed both ccCRP-like molecules are constitutively expressed in liver, skin,
      gill, gut, muscle, kidney, spleen and blood. Protein levels of ccCRP in serum and
      spleen were significantly different from other organs analyzed, and levels were
      greatest in the liver. It is proposed that the two carp CRP genes defined differ
      in their expression profiles which may suggest differences in their biological
      activities.

PMID- 22079494
TI  - Excitation, inhibition, local oscillations, or large-scale loops: what causes the
      symptoms of schizophrenia?
AB  - What causes the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia? The
      importance of circuits is underscored by the finding that no single gene
      contributes strongly to the disease. Thus, some circuit abnormality to which many
      proteins can contribute is the likely cause. There are several major hypotheses
      regarding the circuitry involved: first, a change in the balance of
      excitation/inhibition in the prefrontal cortex (PFC); second, abnormal EEG
      oscillations in the gamma range; third, an increase in theta/delta EEG power
      related to changes in the thalamus (particularly midline nuclei); fourth,
      hyperactivity in the hippocampus and consequent dopamine hyperfunction; and
      fifth, deficits in corollary discharge. Evidence for these hypotheses will be
      reviewed.

PMID- 22079495
TI  - Episodic memory on the path to Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - This review is focused on specific circuits of the medial temporal lobe that have
      become better understood in recent years for their computational properties
      contributing to episodic memory and to memory impairment associated with aging
      and other risk for AD. The layer II neurons in the entorhinal cortex and their
      targets in the dentate gyrus and CA3 region of hippocampus comprise a system that
      rapidly encodes representations that are distinct from prior memories. Frank
      neuron loss in the entorhinal cortex is specific for AD, and related structural
      and functional changes across the network comprised of the entorhinal cortex and
      the dentate/CA3 regions hold promise for predicting progression on the path to
      AD.

PMID- 22079496
TI  - Multi-scale simulations of field ion microscopy images--image compression with
      and without the tip shank.
AB  - Multi-scale simulations of field ion microscopy images of faceted and
      hemispherical samples are performed using a 3D model. It is shown that faceted
      crystals have compressed images even in cases with no shank. The presence of the
      shank increases the compression of images of faceted crystals quantitatively in
      the same way as for hemispherical samples. It is hereby proven that the shank
      does not influence significantly the local, relative variations of the
      magnification caused by the atomic-scale structure of the sample.

PMID- 22079497
TI  - A software tool for automatic analysis of selected area diffraction patterns
      within Digital MicrographTM.
AB  - A software package "SADP Tools" is developed as a complementary diffraction
      pattern analysis tool. The core program, called AutoSADP, is designed to
      facilitate automated measurements of d-spacing and interplaner angles from TEM
      selected area diffraction patterns (SADPs) of single crystals. The software uses
      iterative cross correlations to locate the forward scattered beam position and to
      find the coordinates of the diffraction spots. The newly developed algorithm is
      suitable for fully automated analysis and it works well with asymmetric
      diffraction patterns, off-zone axis patterns, patterns with streaks, and noisy
      patterns such as Fast Fourier transforms of high-resolution images. The AutoSADP
      tool runs as a macro for the Digital Micrograph program and can determine d
      spacing values and interplanar angles based on the pixel ratio with an accuracy
      of better than about 2%.

PMID- 22079499
TI  - Inspection of collapse cause of Sampoong Department Store.
AB  - On June 29, 1995, the Sampoong Department Store in Seoul, South Korea, completely
      collapsed. It was a five story reinforced concrete (RC) building with underground
      4 floors and was built using a technique called "flat slab construction". The
      collapse is the largest peacetime disaster in South Korean history - 502 people
      died, 6 missing, and 937 sustained injuries. The Sampoong Department Store was
      completed in late 1989, and it opened to the public on July 7, 1990, attracting
      an estimated 40,000 people per day during the building's 5 years in service.
      After the collapse, intense investigation was conducted to find out the direct
      causes of the collapse through (1) survey on the present collapse situation and
      ground condition, (2) strength test of the concrete and steel collected at the
      site, (3) design documents and construction/management reports, and (4)
      structural analysis. The investigation revealed that the Sampoong Department
      Store collapsed because so many direct and indirect causes such as flaws in
      design phase and mistakes in construction and management process were overlapped.

PMID- 22079498
TI  - Detection of polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pediatric hair as a tool
      for determining in utero exposure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cryptorchidism, or undescended/maldescended testis, is the most
      common birth defect of male genitalia. Its prevalence has been increasing over
      the past few decades. This may be due to an increase in the prevalence of anti
      androgenic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, organochloride
      pesticides, plasticizers and fungicides. A newer group of chemicals, brominated
      flame retardants (BFRs), are being implicated as endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
      These chemicals are used worldwide in polymers that are incorporated into a
      variety of consumer products (e.g., textile, computers and televisions,
      insulating foam, electrical equipment and kitchen appliances). In order to
      quantify BFRs we introduce the use of hair levels of polybrominated diphenyl
      esters (PBDEs) as biomarkers of systemic exposure. This approach will allow for
      the estimation of in utero BFR exposure, in the process of evaluating the
      potential link between the incidence of cryptorchidism in newborn males and level
      of exposure of the pregnant mother to environmentally relevant BFRs. For that end
      we have developed a GC/MS assay in which children's hair is analyzed for the
      presence of polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs). METHODS: In this pilot, 10
      40mg of hair from 24 children (12 newborn and 12 from children 1 to 15 years) was
      extracted overnight at 40 degrees C with 4N HCl and hexane (4:1). The samples
      were eluted from 2g NaSO(4):2g Florisil SPE columns with 8mL hexane. Dried
      samples are reconstituted with anhydrous isooctane and injected onto a GC/MS and
      analyzed for BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183 and BDE
      209. RESULTS: PBDEs were detected in all of the newborn and child hair. The
      SigmaPBDE ranged from 0.038 to 1.01pg/mg newborn hair and from 0.208 to
      2.695ng/mg child hair. The most abundant PBDE in newborn hair was BDE-153 while
      in child hair the variable PBDEs were BDE-47 and BDE-99. The highest molecular
      weight congener BDE-209 was detected in 10/24 pediatric hair samples. The LOQ is
      0.0625pg/mg (BDE-209 0.625pg/mg) and the efficiency of extraction was between 70
      and 90%. CONCLUSION: This GC/MS method is sufficiently sensitive to detect the
      presence of all 8 PBDE congeners tested in as little as 10mg of pediatric hair.
      The results show that PBDEs are present in newborn hair, making this matrix
      useful in examining in utero exposure to PBDEs and linking it to cryptorchidism.

PMID- 22079500
TI  - Single genotypes underestimate the prevalence of antiretroviral resistance in
      patients with perinatally acquired HIV.

PMID- 22079501
TI  - Procalcitonin improves the differentiation between infectious and
      cryptogenic/secondary organizing pneumonia.

PMID- 22079502
TI  - Short course amphotericin B with high dose fluconazole for HIV-associated
      cryptococcal meningitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define more rapidly effective initial antifungal regimens
      sustainable in resource-constrained settings. METHODS: Cohort study in SW Uganda:
      Thirty HIV-seropositive, antiretroviral therapy-naive, patients with first
      episode cryptococcal meningitis were treated with high dose fluconazole (1200
      mg/d for 2 weeks, then 800 mg/d until ART started) plus amphotericin B (AmB, 1
      mg/kg/d), with routine normal saline and potassium supplementation, for the
      initial 5 days. Outcome measures were early fungicidal activity (EFA), determined
      by serial quantitative CSF cultures, safety, and mortality. RESULTS: EFA was 
      0.30 +/- 0.11 log CFU/day calculated over the first 2 weeks of treatment, with no
      reduction in the rate of clearance between days 5 and 14. There was no grade IV
      hypokalemia or elevated creatinine, and no grade III or IV anemia or elevation of
      ALT. AmB or high dose fluconazole were not stopped early in any patient.
      Mortality was 23% at 2, and 28% at 10 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Short course AmB was
      associated with rapid clearance of infection and was well-tolerated, suggesting
      it could be used safely in many centres currently relying on fluconazole
      monotherapy. Phase III trials are needed in African centres to compare short
      course with the standard 2-week course of AmB.

PMID- 22079503
TI  - Glucose starvation stimulates Zn2+ toxicity in cultures of cerebellar granule
      neurons.
AB  - Zinc chloride (0.02 mM, 3h) did not have any influence on the survival of
      cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) incubated in balanced salt solution (BSS).
      However, in the absence of glucose ZnCl(2) caused severe neuronal damage,
      decreasing cell survival to 12+/-2%. Either the blockade of ionotropic glutamate
      NMDA-receptors with MK-801 or APV or supplementation the medium with ruthenium
      red (mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter blocker) almost entirely protected CGNs from
      the toxic effect of ZnCl(2) during glucose deprivation (GD). However, NBQX
      (AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor blocker) did not show protective effect.
      Measurements of intracellular calcium ions concentration using fluorescent probe
      (Fluo-4 AM) and zinc ions (FluoZin-3AM) demonstrated that 1.5h-exposure to GD
      induced intensive increase of Fluo-4 fluorescence and small increase of FluoZin-3
      fluorescence in neurons. The supplementation of medium with ZnCl(2) caused equal
      increase of FluoZin-3 fluorescence at both GD and normoglycemia, whereas the
      potentiation of Fluo-4 fluorescence by zinc was observed only under GD and could
      be prevented by MK-801. However, neither MK-801 nor NBQX could influence
      [Zn(2+)](i) increase caused by zinc addition under GD, while ruthenium red did
      cause significant increase of [Zn(2+)](i). This data implies that zinc ions
      during GD induce an additional overload of CGNs with calcium ions that get
      transported through activated NMDA-channel. Zinc and calcium ions accumulate in
      mitochondria and amplify individual destructive action on these organelles
      leading to neuronal death.

PMID- 22079504
TI  - Single pulse TMS induced disruption to right and left parietal cortex on addition
      and multiplication.
AB  - Whether or not mathematical operations are dependent on verbal codes in left
      hemisphere areas - particularly the left intraparietal sulcus - remains an issue
      of intense debate. Using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation directed
      at horizontal and ventral regions of the left and right intraparietal sulcus, we
      examined disruption to reaction times in simple addition and multiplication.
      Results indicate that these two operations differ in the pattern of
      lateralization across time for the two areas studied. These show that
      computational efficiency is not specifically dependent on left hemisphere regions
      and, in particular, that efficiency in multiplication is dependent on the ventral
      region of the intraparietal sulcus in the right hemisphere considered to be
      critical for motion representation and automatization.

PMID- 22079505
TI  - Time course of word production in fast and slow speakers: a high density ERP
      topographic study.
AB  - The transformation of an abstract concept into an articulated word is achieved
      through a series of encoding processes, which time course has been repeatedly
      investigated in the psycholinguistic and neuroimaging literature on single word
      production. The estimates of the time course issued from previous investigations
      represent the timing of process duration for mean processing speed: as production
      speed varies significantly across speakers, a crucial question is how the timing
      of encoding processing varies with speed. Here we investigated whether between
      subjects variability in the speed of speech production is distributed along all
      encoding processes or if it is accounted for by a specific processing stage. We
      analysed event-related electroencephalographical (ERP) correlates during overt
      picture naming in 45 subjects divided into three speed subgroups according to
      their production latencies. Production speed modulated waveform amplitudes in the
      time window ranging from about 200 to 350 ms after picture presentation and the
      duration of a stable electrophysiological spatial configuration in the same time
      period. The remaining time windows from picture onset to 200 ms before
      articulation were unaffected by speed. By contrast, the manipulation of a
      psycholinguistic variable, word age-of-acquisition, modulated ERPs in all speed
      subgroups in a different and later time period, starting at around 400 ms after
      picture presentation, associated with phonological encoding processes. These
      results indicate that the between-subject variability in the speed of single word
      production is principally accounted for by the timing of a stable
      electrophysiological activity in the 200-350 ms time period, presumably
      associated with lexical selection.

PMID- 22079506
TI  - Single-trial magnetoencephalography signals encoded as an unfolding decision
      process.
AB  - The model of a stochastic decision process unfolding in motor and premotor
      regions of the brain was encoded in single-trial magnetoencephalographic (MEG)
      recordings while ten healthy subjects performed a sensorimotor Reaction Time (RT)
      task. The duration of single-trial MEG signals preceding the motor response,
      recorded over the motor cortex contralateral to the responding hand, co-varied
      with RT across trials according to the model's prediction. Furthermore, these
      signals displayed the same properties of a "rising-to-a-fixed-threshold" decision
      process as posited by the model and observed in the activity of single neurons in
      the primate cortex. The present findings demonstrate that non-averaged, single
      trial MEG recordings can be used to test models of cognitive processes, like
      decision-making, in humans.

PMID- 22079507
TI  - Inflammation selectively enhances amygdala activity to socially threatening
      images.
AB  - Although social withdrawal is a prominent symptom of sickness, the mechanisms
      associated with this behavioral change remain unclear. In animals, the amygdala
      is a key neural region involved in sickness-induced social withdrawal. Consistent
      with this, in humans, heightened amygdala activity to negative social cues is
      associated with social avoidance tendencies. Based on these findings, we
      investigated whether an experimental inflammatory challenge selectively increased
      amygdala activity to socially threatening images as well as whether this activity
      related to feelings of social disconnection. Thirty-nine participants were
      randomly assigned to receive either placebo or low-dose endotoxin, which
      increases inflammatory activity. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed at 7
      hourly time points via blood draws; self-reported feelings of social
      disconnection and physical sickness symptoms were assessed hourly as well. Two
      hours post-injection, participants underwent an fMRI procedure to assess amygdala
      reactivity during the presentation of socially threatening images (fear faces) as
      well as non-socially threatening images (guns), socially non-threatening images
      (happy faces), and non-social, non-threatening images (household objects).
      Endotoxin led to greater amygdala activity in response to socially threatening
      vs. all other types of images. No such differences were found for placebo
      participants. Additionally, increased amygdala activity in endotoxin participants
      during the viewing of socially vs. non-socially threatening images was associated
      with increased feelings of social disconnection. These findings highlight the
      amygdala as a neural region that may be important for sickness-induced social
      withdrawal. The implications of amygdalar involvement in sickness-induced social
      withdrawal are discussed.

PMID- 22079508
TI  - Generation of continuous packed bed reactor with PVA-alginate blend immobilized
      Ochrobactrum sp. DGVK1 cells for effective removal of N,N-dimethylformamide from
      industrial effluents.
AB  - Effective removal of dimethylformamide (DMF), the organic solvent found in
      industrial effluents of textile and pharma industries, was demonstrated by using
      free and immobilized cells of Ochrobactrum sp. DGVK1, a soil isolate capable of
      utilizing DMF as a sole source of carbon, nitrogen. The free cells have
      efficiently removed DMF from culture media and effluents, only when DMF
      concentration was less than 1% (v/v). Entrapment of cells either in alginate or
      in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) failed to increase tolerance limits. However, the
      cells of Ochrobactrum sp. DGVK1 entrapped in PVA-alginate mixed matrix tolerated
      higher concentration of DMF (2.5%, v/v) and effectively removed DMF from
      industrial effluents. As determined through batch fermentation, these immobilized
      cells have retained viability and degradability for more than 20 cycles. A
      continuous packed bed reactor, generated by using PVA-alginate beads, efficiently
      removed DMF from industrial effluents, even in the presence of certain organic
      solvents frequently found in effluents along with DMF.

PMID- 22079509
TI  - An algorithm for risk assessment and intervention of mother to child transmission
      of hepatitis B virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite immunoprophylaxis, mother to child transmission (MTCT)
      of hepatitis B virus (HBV) still occurs in infants born to hepatitis B surface
      antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers. We analyzed methods of risk assessment and
      interventions for MTCT. METHODS: We reviewed 63 articles and abstracts published
      from 1975-2011 that were relevant to MTCT; articles were identified using the
      PubMed bibliographic database. RESULTS: Administration of HB immunoglobulin and
      HB vaccine to infants at birth (within 12 hours), followed by 2 additional doses
      of vaccines within 6-12 months, prevented approximately 95% of HBV transmission
      from HBsAg-positive mothers to their infants. However, HBV was still transmitted
      from 8%-30% of mothers with high levels of viremia. It is important to assess the
      risk for MTCT and identify mothers who are the best candidates for intervention.
      The most important risk factor is maternal level of HBV DNA >200,000 IU (10(6)
      copies)/mL; other factors include a positive test result for the HB e antigen,
      pregnancy complications such as threatened preterm labor or prolonged labor, and
      failure of immunoprophylaxis in prior children. Antiviral therapy during late
      stages of pregnancy is the most effective method to reduce transmission from
      mothers with high levels of viremia, but elective cesarean section might also be
      effective. Antepartum administration of HB immunoglobulin, giving infants a
      double dose of HB vaccine, or avoiding breastfeeding had no impact on MTCT.
      CONCLUSIONS: HBsAg-positive mothers should be assessed for risk of MTCT, and
      infants should receive immunoprophylaxis. Pregnant women with levels of HBV DNA
      >200,000 IU/mL should be considered for strategies to reduce the risk for MTCT.
      We propose an algorithm for risk assessment and patient management that is based
      on a review of the literature and the opinion of a panel of physicians with
      expertise in preventing MTCT.

PMID- 22079510
TI  - Spontaneous intramural hematoma of colon.

PMID- 22079511
TI  - Tinkering with a tarnished technique: isn't it time to abandon celiac plexus
      blockade for the treatment of abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis?

PMID- 22079512
TI  - Baclofen improves symptoms and reduces postprandial flow events in patients with
      rumination and supragastric belching.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: In patients with clinically suspected rumination, esophageal
      impedance manometry differentiates episodes of rumination (involuntary straining
      with intragastric pressure increases) from aerophagia/supragastric belching.
      Treatment options are limited and focused on behavioral therapy. Baclofen, an
      agonist of the gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor, increases lower esophageal
      sphincter pressure and decreases swallowing rate. We investigated its effects in
      these patients. METHODS: High-resolution manometry-impedance recordings were
      taken from 12 patients (8 women; mean age, 45 years; range, 18-89 years) with
      clinically suspected rumination or supragastric belching before and during
      treatment with baclofen (10 mg, 3 times daily). After 30 minutes of recordings,
      patients received a 1000-kcal solid meal; recordings were then continued for 1
      hour. Patients were asked to register symptoms with an event marker. The number
      of symptoms registered and number and type of flow events were compared before
      and during treatment. RESULTS: An average of 20 symptom markers (range, 14-34)
      were recorded at baseline (10 [range, 4-25] for belching and 9 [range, 0-11] for
      regurgitation). This was significantly reduced to 6 (range, 2-22) (3 [range, 1
      15] for belching and 1 [range, 0-13] for regurgitation) during baclofen treatment
      (P = .01). The number of flow events (473 at baseline [42 reflux, 192 rumination,
      188 supragastric belching, and 42 aerophagia]) was significantly reduced to 282
      (32 reflux, 99 rumination, 123 supragastric belching, and 13 aerophagia) during
      baclofen therapy (P = .02). The reduction in flow events correlated with the
      increase in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (r = -0.62; P = .03) and
      reduction in swallowing frequency (r = 0.64; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Baclofen is
      an effective treatment for patients with rumination or supragastric
      belching/aerophagia.

PMID- 22079513
TI  - Telomerase and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common manifestation of telomere
      mediated disorders. Germline mutations in the essential telomerase genes, hTERT
      and hTR, are the causal genetic defect in up to one-sixth of pulmonary fibrosis
      families. The presence of telomerase mutations in this subset is significant for
      clinical decisions as affected individuals can develop extra-pulmonary
      complications related to telomere shortening such as bone marrow failure and
      cryptogenic liver cirrhosis. There is also evidence that IPF is an ancestral
      manifestation of autosomal dominant telomere syndromes where, with successive
      generations, the disease evolves from pulmonary fibrosis into a bone marrow
      failure-predominant disorder, defining a unique form of genetic anticipation.
      Here I review the significance of telomere defects for understanding the
      genetics, disease patterns and pathophysiology of IPF. The importance of this
      diagnosis for patient care decisions will also be discussed.

PMID- 22079514
TI  - [Results and reflections of the Scientific Committee of the XXVIII Conference of
      the Spanish Society of Quality in Healthcare].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the objectives entrusted to the Scientific
      Committee (SC) of the 28th National Conference have been met, and to determine
      whether the results differed from those of previous conferences. METHODS: A
      chronological description of the work of the SC and a comparison with the results
      of the previous two Conferences of the Spanish Society for Quality in health care
      (SSQHC). RESULTS: A total of 869 papers were submitted, of which 32.6%
      corresponded to the area of patient safety. Galicia was the community that
      presented more communications (28%), followed by Catalonia (12.9%) and Murcia
      (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The methodology used by the SC helped in the compliance
      with the deadlines in the SSQHC Conference manual and contributed to achieve its
      objectives. Abstract presentations were classified accordingly to their quality.
      The Conference has been consolidated as a multidisciplinary meeting with
      participation by doctors, nurses, managers and open to the Latin-American
      community.

PMID- 22079515
TI  - Dodecafluoropentane emulsion decreases infarct volume in a rabbit ischemic stroke
      model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe), a
      nanodroplet emulsion with significant oxygen transport potential, in decreasing
      infarct volume in an insoluble-emboli rabbit stroke model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      New Zealand White rabbits (N = 64; weight, 5.1 +/- 0.50 kg) underwent angiography
      and received embolic spheres in occluded internal carotid artery branches.
      Rabbits were randomly assigned to groups in 4-hour and 7-hour studies. Four-hour
      groups included control (n = 7, embolized without treatment) and DDFPe treatment
      30 minutes before stroke (n = 7), at stroke onset (n = 8), and 30 minutes (n =
      5), 1 hour (n = 7), 2 hours (n = 5), or 3 hours after stroke (n = 6). Seven-hour
      groups included control (n = 6) and DDFPe at 1 hour (n = 8) and 6 hours after
      stroke (n = 5). DDFPe dose was a 2% weight/volume intravenous injection (0.6
      mL/kg) repeated every 90 minutes as time allowed. After euthanasia, infarct
      volume was determined by vital stains on brain sections. RESULTS: At 4 hours,
      median infarct volume decreased for all DDFPe treatment times (pretreatment,
      0.30% [P = .004]; onset, 0.20% [P = .004]; 30 min, 0.35% [P = .009]; 1 h, 0.30%
      [P = .01]; 2 h, 0.40% [P = .009]; and 3 h, 0.25% [P = .003]) compared with
      controls (3.20%). At 7 hours, median infarct volume decreased with treatment at 1
      hour (0.25%; P = .007) but not at 6 hours (1.4%; P = .49) compared with controls
      (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous DDFPe in an animal model decreases infarct
      volumes and protects brain tissue from ischemia, justifying further
      investigation.

PMID- 22079516
TI  - Radioembolization versus standard care of hepatic metastases: comparative
      retrospective cohort study of survival outcomes and adverse events in salvage
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and survival of patients with
      chemotherapy-refractory liver metastases treated with yttrium-90 ((90)Y) resin
      microspheres, and to compare survival in this patient group versus survival after
      standard/supportive care to assess whether radioembolization contributes to
      survival gains in the salvage setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: While 339 patients
      with chemotherapy-refractory liver metastases underwent (90)Y microspheres
      radioembolization at a single institution between 2006 and 2011, 51 patients were
      referred back to their treating physician for conservative treatment or best
      supportive care. Adverse events were assessed at the time of treatment and at 1
      and 3 months after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by the Kaplan
      Meier method for the radioembolization cohort (as a whole and according to two
      subcohorts: patients with colorectal primary cancer and patients with all other
      primary cancers, eg, breast or neuroendocrine) and the standard-care cohort.
      RESULTS: The median OS after (90)Y radioembolization (339 patients) was 12.0
      months, versus 6.3 months for the standard-care cohort (51 patients; P < .001).
      The median OS times for the two subcohorts were 11.9 months and 12.7 months,
      respectively. At the 3-month follow-up, the incidence of more serious adverse
      events was low, with 11 cases (3%) of ulceration, 10 cases (2.9%) of radiation
      induced liver disease, and six complications (1.8%) involving the gallbladder
      (eg, cholecystitis). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that
      radioembolization shows promise as an effective and safe treatment for patients
      with chemotherapy-refractory hepatic metastases and improves overall survival in
      a select population of patients in a salvage setting compared with best
      supportive care alone.

PMID- 22079517
TI  - On the conjunction fallacy and the meaning of and, yet again: a reply to Hertwig,
      Benz, and Krauss (2008).
AB  - In this paper we question the theoretical tenability of Hertwig, Benz, and
      Krauss's (2008) (HBK) argument that responses commonly taken as manifestations of
      the conjunction fallacy should be instead considered as reflecting "reasonable
      pragmatic and semantic inferences" because the meaning of and does not always
      coincide with that of the logical operator ?. We also question the relevance of
      the experimental evidence that HBK provide in support of their argument as well
      as their account of the pertinent literature. Finally, we report two novel
      experiments in which we employed HBK's procedure to control for the
      interpretation of and. The results obtained overtly contradict HBK's data and
      claims. We conclude with a discussion on the alleged feebleness of the
      conjunction fallacy, and suggest directions that future research on this topic
      might pursue.

PMID- 22079518
TI  - Visualizing the effect of hypoxia on fluorescence kinetics in living HeLa cells
      using the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (Fucci).
AB  - Fluorescent proteins are widely used for the direct visualization of events such
      as gene expression and subcellular localization in mammalian cells. It is well
      established that oxygen is required for formation of functional chromophore;
      however, the effect of hypoxia on fluorescence emission has rarely been studied.
      For this purpose, under hypoxic conditions, we investigated the kinetics of red
      and green fluorescence in HeLa cells from two fluorescent proteins, monomeric
      Kusabira Orange 2 (mKO2) and monomeric Azami Green (mAG), respectively, using the
      fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (Fucci). In this system,
      cells in G1 or other phases emit red or green fluorescence, respectively. We
      found that hypoxia abrogated both red and green fluorescence about ~10h after the
      treatment, although their protein levels were almost maintained. The treatment
      did not significantly affect fluorescence in cells constitutively expressing the
      same fluorescent proteins lacking the ubiquitin ligase-binding domains. The
      abrogation of fluorescence resulted from a combination of ubiquitination
      dependent degradation of pre-existing functional proteins during specific cell
      cycle phases, and the expression of newly synthesized non-fluorescent proteins
      containing non-oxidized chromophore during hypoxic treatment. Indeed, non
      fluorescent cells after hypoxic treatment gradually developed fluorescence after
      reoxygenation in the presence of cycloheximide; kinetics of recovery were much
      faster for mAG than for mKO2. Using the Fucci system, we could clearly visualize
      for the first time the effect of hypoxia on the fluorescence kinetics of proteins
      expressed in living mammalian cells.

PMID- 22079519
TI  - The interaction of an azo compound with a surfactant and ion pair adsorption to
      solid phases.
AB  - The adsorption of SPADNS (trisodium salt of 2-(p-sulfophenylazo)-1,8
      dihydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid) onto resins XAD 2, XAD 7 and silica gel
      was studied in the presence and in the absence of the cationic surfactant CTAB
      (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide). At a ratio of 2.5 CTAB to 1 SPADNS, the
      surfactant caused a marked increase in SPADNS adsorption. The experimental
      results for adsorption versus time were applied on the basis of three kinetic
      models (pseudo-first-order Lagergren, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle
      diffusion). The interaction between CTAB and SPADNS was investigated using
      spectrophotometric, conductometric, and computational techniques. Theoretical
      results point to the formation of an ion pair between CTAB and SPADNS that
      influences the solution spectra, in agreement with conductometric and
      spectrophotometric data.

PMID- 22079520
TI  - Cobalt oxide silica membranes for desalination.
AB  - This work shows for the first time the potential of cobalt oxide silica
      (CoO(x)Si) membranes for desalination of brackish (1 wt.% NaCl), seawater (3.5
      wt.% NaCl) and brine (7.5-15 wt.% NaCl) concentrations at feed temperatures
      between 25 and 75  degrees C. CoO(x)Si xerogels were synthesised via a sol-gel
      method including TEOS, cobalt nitrate hydrate and peroxide. Initial hydrothermal
      exposure (<2 days) of xerogels prepared with various pH (3-6) resulted in
      densification of the xerogel via condensation reactions within the silica matrix,
      with the xerogel synthesised at pH 5 the most resistant. Subsequent exposure was
      not found to significantly alter the pore structure of the xerogels, suggesting
      they were hydrostable and that the pore sizes remained at molecular sieving
      dimensions. Membranes were then synthesised using identical sol-gel conditions to
      the xerogel samples and testing showed that elevated feed temperatures resulted
      in increased water fluxes, whilst increasing the saline feed concentration
      resulted in decreased water fluxes. The maximum flux observed was 1.8 kg m(-2) h(
      1) at 75  degrees C for a 1 wt.% NaCl feed concentration. The salt rejection was
      consistently in excess of 99%, independent of either the testing temperature or
      salt feed concentration.

PMID- 22079521
TI  - Uniform distribution of TiO2 nanocrystals on reduced graphene oxide sheets by the
      chelating ligands.
AB  - Reduced graphene oxide-TiO(2) hybrids were successfully prepared by the
      hydrothermal approach using triethanolamine and acetylacetone as the chelating
      agents. Without any additive, large aggregated TiO(2) clusters were randomly
      distributed dominantly at the edge and less on the basil plane of coagulated
      reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layers. The presence of chelating ligands remarkably
      facilitated the selective growth and regular spread of TiO(2) nanocrystals onto
      individually exfoliated RGO sheet. Such sandwich-like structure with stronger
      coupling and chemical interaction resulted in the surface area increase, the
      rearrangement of energy level, the enhanced concentration of oxygen vacancies,
      leading to much higher adsorbability and photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine
      B under both UV and visible irradiations. These RGO-TiO(2) hybrid systems are
      potentially beneficial for widely practical applications in air/water
      purification, electronic devices, batteries, solar cells or supercapacitors.

PMID- 22079522
TI  - Dynamic control of gold nanoparticle morphology in a microchannel flow reactor by
      glucose reduction in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.
AB  - Continuous flow synthesis of gold nanoparticles was demonstrated using a
      microchannel reactor with glucose reduction in aqueous alkaline medium. Particle
      size, morphology, and visual/optical properties of the dispersion liquid were
      controlled dynamically by tuning of the rate of NaOH addition. Characteristic
      star-like nanoparticles formed spontaneously as a quasi-stable state, but they
      changed the morphology to round shape and showed spectral change over time.

PMID- 22079524
TI  - The effects of gait impairment with and without freezing of gait in Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of gait impairment without freezing of gait
      (FOG) versus FOG without gait impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) on
      disability and quality of life. BACKGROUND: FOG is frequently characterized as
      the major cause of gait-related disability in PD. However, gait impairment may
      also result from other PD symptoms including slowing, motor asymmetry, gait
      variability, dystonia or stooped posture. METHODS: The Unified Parkinson's
      Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Older Americans Resources and Services Disability
      Scale (OARS) and the SF-12 Health Status Survey were used to evaluate patients
      with PD. Responses to UPDRS Items #14 (Freezing) and # 29 (Gait) were used to
      create 4 subgroups: 1) No FOG or gait impairment, 2) FOG, no gait impairment, 3)
      Gait impairment, no FOG, and 4) Both FOG and gait impairment. Disease severity,
      disability, and quality of life were compared across the subgroups with ANOVAs,
      and between subgroups with t-tests. RESULTS: 916 PD patients were divided into 4
      subgroups based on their gait and freezing score (#1: n = 213, #2: n = 41, #3: n
      = 323 and #4: n = 339). Total UPDRS progressively increased from Group 1 through
      Group 4 (1 = 25.2, 2 = 33.7, 3 = 39.2, 4 = 59.2; p < 0.001). Motor UPDRS also
      progressively increased (1 = 17.4, 2 = 19.7, 3 = 26.9, 4 = 36.5; p < 0.0001).
      Similarly, disability and health-related quality of life progressively increased
      from Group 1 through Group 4 (Total OARS: 1 = 15.3, 2 = 17.2, 3 = 18.9, 4 = 28.4;
      p < 0.001). Group 3 (Gait impairment, no FOG) showed greater disease severity
      than Group 2 (FOG, no gait impairment; Total and Motor UPDRS; p < 0.05), but the
      difference did not reach significance for disability or quality of life.
      CONCLUSIONS: Gait impairment without FOG was associated with greater disease
      severity than FOG without gait impairment. The combination of gait impairment and
      FOG was associated with the greatest disease severity and disability. These
      results show differential effects of diverse features of gait impairment in PD
      and demonstrate the importance of gait features unrelated to freezing.

PMID- 22079523
TI  - Rates of brain atrophy and clinical decline over 6 and 12-month intervals in PSP:
      determining sample size for treatment trials.
AB  - Imaging biomarkers are useful outcome measures in treatment trials. We compared
      sample size estimates for future treatment trials performed over 6 or 12-months
      in progressive supranuclear palsy using both imaging and clinical measures. We
      recruited 16 probable progressive supranuclear palsy patients that underwent
      baseline, 6 and 12-month brain scans, and 16 age-matched controls with serial
      scans. Disease severity was measured at each time-point using the progressive
      supranuclear palsy rating scale. Rates of ventricular expansion and rates of
      atrophy of the whole brain, superior frontal lobe, thalamus, caudate and midbrain
      were calculated. Rates of atrophy and clinical decline were used to calculate
      sample sizes required to power placebo-controlled treatment trials over 6 and 12
      months. Rates of whole brain, thalamus and midbrain atrophy, and ventricular
      expansion, were increased over 6 and 12-months in progressive supranuclear palsy
      compared to controls. The progressive supranuclear palsy rating scale increased
      by 9 points over 6-months, and 18 points over 12-months. The smallest sample size
      estimates for treatment trials over 6-months were achieved using rate of midbrain
      atrophy, followed by rate of whole brain atrophy and ventricular expansion.
      Sample size estimates were further reduced over 12-month intervals. Sample size
      estimates for the progressive supranuclear palsy rating scale were worse than
      imaging measures over 6-months, but comparable over 12-months. Atrophy and
      clinical decline can be detected over 6-months in progressive supranuclear palsy.
      Sample size estimates suggest that treatment trials could be performed over this
      interval, with rate of midbrain atrophy providing the best outcome measure.

PMID- 22079525
TI  - Cross-species investigation of the functions of the Rhodobacter PufX polypeptide
      and the composition of the RC-LH1 core complex.
AB  - In well-characterised species of the Rhodobacter (Rba.) genus of purple
      photosynthetic bacteria it is known that the photochemical reaction centre (RC)
      is intimately-associated with an encircling LH1 antenna pigment protein, and this
      LH1 antenna is prevented from completely surrounding the RC by a single copy of
      the PufX protein. In Rba. veldkampii only monomeric RC-LH1 complexes are
      assembled in the photosynthetic membrane, whereas in Rba. sphaeroides and Rba.
      blasticus a dimeric form is also assembled in which two RCs are surrounded by an
      S-shaped LH1 antenna. The present work established that dimeric RC-LH1 complexes
      can also be isolated from Rba. azotoformans and Rba. changlensis, but not from
      Rba. capsulatus or Rba. vinaykumarii. The compositions of the monomers and dimers
      isolated from these four species of Rhodobacter were similar to those of the well
      characterised RC-LH1 complexes present in Rba. sphaeroides. Pigment proteins were
      also isolated from strains of Rba. sphaeroides expressing chimeric RC-LH1
      complexes. Replacement of either the Rba. sphaeroides LH1 antenna or PufX with
      its counterpart from Rba. capsulatus led to a loss of the dimeric form of the RC
      LH1 complex, but the monomeric form had a largely unaltered composition, even in
      strains in which the expression level of LH1 relative to the RC was reduced. The
      chimeric RC-LH1 complexes were also functional, supporting bacterial growth under
      photosynthetic conditions. The findings help to tease apart the different
      functions of PufX in different species of Rhodobacter, and a specific protein
      structural arrangement that allows PufX to fulfil these three functions is
      proposed.

PMID- 22079526
TI  - Elimination of onchocerciasis from Africa: possible?
AB  - Human onchocerciasis, a parasitic disease found in 28 African countries, six
      Latin American countries and Yemen, causes blindness and severe dermatological
      problems. In 1987, efforts to control this infection shifted from vector
      approaches to include the mass distribution of ivermectin - a drug donated by
      Merck & Co. for disease control in Africa and for disease elimination in the
      Americas. Currently, almost 25 years later, with the Americas being highly
      successful and now approaching elimination, new evidence points towards the
      possibility of successful elimination in Africa. We suggest several major changes
      in the programmatic approach that through focused goal-directed effort could
      achieve global elimination of onchocerciasis by 2025.

PMID- 22079527
TI  - Fear conditioning occludes late-phase long-term potentiation at thalamic input
      synapses onto the lateral amygdala in rat brain slices.
AB  - Late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) of excitatory synaptic transmission at
      thalamic input synapses onto the lateral amygdala (T-LA synapses) has been
      proposed as a cellular substrate for long-term fear memory. This notion is
      evidenced primarily by previous reports in which the same pharmacological
      treatments block both T-LA L-LTP and the consolidation of fear memory. In this
      study, we report that fear conditioning occludes L-LTP at T-LA synapses in brain
      slices prepared after fear memory consolidation. L-LTP was restored either when
      synaptic depotentiation was induced prior to L-LTP induction in brain slices
      prepared from conditioned rats or when brain slices were prepared from
      conditioned rats that had been exposed to subsequent fear extinction, which is a
      behavior paradigm known to induce in vivo synaptic depotentiation at T-LA
      synapses. These results suggest that fear conditioning recruits L-LTP-like
      mechanisms that are reversible and saturable at T-LA synapses.

PMID- 22079528
TI  - Radiotherapy with curative intent for lung cancer: a continuing success story.

PMID- 22079529
TI  - Adjuvant radiotherapy after extrapleural pneumonectomy for mesothelioma.
      Prospective analysis of a multi-institutional series.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate survival, locoregional control and toxicity
      in a series of 56 mesothelioma patients treated from May 2005 to May 2010 with
      post-operative radiotherapy after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) in three
      Italian Institutions (Brescia, Florence, and Modena). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty
      six patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) after EPP were analyzed.
      Four patients were treated with 3DCRT, 50 with IMRT and two with helical
      tomotherapy. Forty-five to 50 Gy in 25 fractions were given to the affected
      hemithorax and to ipsilateral mediastinum, with a simultaneous integrated boost
      to the sites of microscopically involved margins up to 60 Gy in 20/56 cases.
      RESULTS: Three year locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis free (DMF),
      disease free (DF), disease specific (DSS) and overall survival (OS) rates are
      90%, 66%, 57%, 62%, and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Postoperative RT with
      modern techniques is an effective method to obtain excellent local control and
      cure rates in mesothelioma patients submitted to EPP.

PMID- 22079530
TI  - Soy isoflavones radiosensitize lung cancer while mitigating normal tissue injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have demonstrated that soy isoflavones radiosensitize cancer
      cells. Prostate cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) and soy tablets had
      reduced radiation toxicity to surrounding organs. We have now investigated the
      combination of soy with RT in lung cancer (NSCLC), for which RT is limited by
      radiation-induced pneumonitis. METHODS: Human A549 NSCLC cells were injected i.v.
      in nude mice to generate lung tumor nodules. Lung tumor-bearing mice were treated
      with left lung RT at 12 Gy and with oral soy treatments at 1mg/day for 30 days.
      Lung tissues were processed for histology. RESULTS: Compared to lung tumor
      nodules treated with soy isoflavones or radiation, lung tissues from mice treated
      with both modalities showed that soy isoflavones augmented radiation-induced
      destruction of A549 lung tumor nodules leading to small residual tumor nodules
      containing degenerating tumor cells with large vacuoles. Soy isoflavones
      decreased the hemorrhages, inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation in lung
      tissue, suggesting protection of normal lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Soy isoflavones
      augment destruction of A549 lung tumor nodules by radiation, and also mitigate
      vascular damage, inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation injury to normal
      lung tissue. Soy could be used as a non-toxic complementary approach to improve
      RT in NSCLC.

PMID- 22079531
TI  - The role of CXC chemokines in the transition of chronic inflammation to
      esophageal and gastric cancer.
AB  - Chronic inflammation may increase the risk to develop cancer, for instance
      esophagitis or gastritis may lead to development of esophageal or gastric cancer,
      respectively. The key molecules attracting leukocytes to local inflammatory sites
      are chemokines. We here provide a systematic review on the impact of CXC
      chemokines (binding the receptors CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CXCR4) on the
      transition of chronic inflammation in the upper gastrointestinal tract to
      neoplasia. CXCR2 ligands, including GRO-alpha,beta,gamma/CXCL1,2,3, ENA-78/CXCL5
      and IL-8/CXCL8 chemoattract pro-tumoral neutrophils. In addition, angiogenic
      CXCR2 ligands stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, facilitating tumor
      progression. The CXCR4 ligand SDF-1/CXCL12 also promotes tumor development by
      stimulating angiogenesis and by favoring metastasis of CXCR4-positive tumor cells
      to distant organs producing SDF-1/CXCL12. Furthermore, these angiogenic
      chemokines also directly enhance tumor cell survival and proliferation. In
      contrast, the CXCR3 ligands Mig/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10 and I-TAC/CXCL11 are
      angiostatic and attract anti-tumoral T lymphocytes and may therefore mediate
      tumor growth retardation and regression. Thus, chemokines exert diverging,
      sometimes dual roles in tumor biology as described for esophageal and gastric
      cancer. Therefore extensive research is needed to completely unravel the complex
      chemokine code in specific cancers. Possibly, chemokine-targeted cancer therapy
      will have to be adapted to the individual's chemokine profile.

PMID- 22079532
TI  - Interplay between mutational and horizontally acquired resistance mechanisms and
      its association with carbapenem resistance amongst extensively drug-resistant
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA).
AB  - Between 2003 and 2009, the prevalence of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa (XDR-PA) increased significantly in northern Taiwan from 1.0% to 2.1%.
      Molecular methods were used to investigate the genetic relatedness and carbapenem
      resistance mechanisms of a collection of 203 non-repetitive XDR-PA isolates
      available for study. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), 52 genotypes
      were observed; one predominant genotype (pulsotype 1) was found in 57.6% of the
      isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing and quantitative reverse
      transcriptase PCR analyses demonstrated that one horizontally acquired mechanism
      [metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) genes] and two mutational mechanisms (efflux and
      porins) accounted for the carbapenem resistance. The most predominant
      horizontally acquired mechanism was carriage of bla(VIM-3), which was found in
      61.1% of isolates. Decreased expression of oprD was the most prevalent mutational
      mechanism and was found in 70.0% of the XDR-PA isolates, whereas overexpression
      of mexA was found in 27.6% of the isolates. The highlight of this study was the
      discovery of statistically significant relationships between certain horizontally
      acquired and mutational resistance mechanisms and their contribution to
      carbapenem susceptibility. MBL-producers expressed significantly lower MexAB and
      higher OprD than non-MBL-producers. Amongst isolates without an acquired beta
      lactamase gene, oprD expression was significantly reduced, whilst expression of
      efflux pumps was increased. Reduced OprD expression alone or the production of
      VIM-type MBLs showed similar contributions to a low to intermediate MIC(50)
      (minimum inhibitory concentration for 50% of the organisms) for carbapenems.
      Isolates with reduced OprD expression that simultaneously harboured bla(VIM)
      exhibited high levels of resistance to carbapenems, which implied that these two
      mechanisms had a synergistic effect on the MICs.

PMID- 22079534
TI  - Effect of antibiotic prescribing in primary care on meticillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus carriage in community-resident adults: a controlled
      observational study.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between primary
      care antibiotics prescribed within 2 months and 12 months and the carriage of
      meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nasal flora from a large
      representative sample of community-resident adults. S. aureus isolates were
      obtained from nasal samples submitted by UK resident adults aged >= 16 years
      registered with 12 general practices in the former Avon and Gloucestershire
      health authority areas. Individual-level antibiotic exposure data during the 12
      months prior to providing the samples were collected from the primary care
      electronic records. MRSA status was determined by measuring resistance to
      cefoxitin. In total, 6937 adults were invited to take part, of whom 5917 returned
      a nasal sample. S. aureus was identified in 946 samples and a total of 761
      participants consented to primary care record review and had complete data for
      the analyses. There was no evidence of an association between any antibiotic in
      the previous 2 months and MRSA isolation, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of
      1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-15; P=0.8]. There was a suggestion of an
      association between any antibiotic use in the previous 12 months and MRSA, with
      an aOR of 2.45 (95% CI 0.95-6.3; P=0.06). In conclusion, there is a suggestion
      that antibiotics prescribed within 12 months is associated with the carriage of
      MRSA, but not within 2 months, although the 2-month analysis had fewer data
      subjects and was therefore underpowered to detect this association. A larger
      study would be able to clarify these associations further.

PMID- 22079533
TI  - An antibacterial from Hypericum acmosepalum inhibits ATP-dependent MurE ligase
      from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - In a project to characterise new antibacterial chemotypes from plants, hyperenone
      A and hypercalin B were isolated from the hexane and chloroform extracts of the
      aerial parts of Hypericum acmosepalum. The structures of both compounds were
      characterised by extensive one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR) spectroscopy and were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Hyperenone A and
      hypercalin B exhibited antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains
      of Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibition concentration ranges of 2-128
      mg/L and 0.5-128 mg/L, respectively. Hyperenone A also showed growth-inhibitory
      activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and Mycobacterium bovis BCG at
      75 mg/L and 100mg/L. Neither hyperenone A nor hypercalin B inhibited the growth
      of Escherichia coli and both were non-toxic to cultured mammalian macrophage
      cells. Both compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the ATP-dependent
      MurE ligase of M. tuberculosis, a crucial enzyme in the cytoplasmic steps of
      peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Hyperenone A inhibited MurE selectively, whereas
      hypercalin B did not have any effect on enzyme activity.

PMID- 22079535
TI  - Antibiotic resistance and an in vitro biofilm model.

PMID- 22079536
TI  - Demonstration of the use of the ICF framework in detailing complex functional
      deficits after major burn.
AB  - Burns can result in long term impairments, activity limitations and participation
      restrictions in a patients' life. The focus of current surgeries and therapy is
      to improve body functions and structures. However, often this does not translate
      to an improvement in activity and participation for the patient. Improvement in
      activity and participation is the ultimate goal of all therapy to enhance
      patient's quality of life. The incorporation of assessment measures at all levels
      of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
      can assist in a holistic, patient centred approach to identify the complex
      impairments that impact on activity and participation, with a view to
      appropriately targeting future therapeutic interventions. This paper presents an
      example case of how implementing measures at all levels of the ICF can improve
      our understanding of a patient's body functions and structures, activity and
      participation. A number of the outcome measures utilised in this study are novel
      in the burns population, such that video footage supplements the methodology
      where relevant.

PMID- 22079537
TI  - Epidemiology and mortality of burned patients treated in the University Hospital
      Center in Tirana, Albania: an analysis of 2337 cases during the period 1998-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The basis for qualitative changes concerning everyday clinical
      practice are created from epidemiological studies, which not only generalize
      situations but at the same time provide specific details of the country's
      features; especially during periods of social transition. The aim of this study
      was to present demographic and epidemiological features of severe burns treated
      in the Service of Burns in UHC (University Hospital Center) in Albania and to
      analyze burn mortality as an important outcome measure. METHOD: The data used was
      obtained by the analysis of the medical records of 2337 patients hospitalized in
      Burns Service ICU near in Tirana, Albania during 1998-2008. Statistical analysis
      is done with SPSS 15 software. Descriptive analyses, inferential statistics and
      Chi-square test and Kendall's tau_b are calculated. Logistic regression is used
      for the prediction of death probability by two risk variables, BSA burned and
      age. RESULTS: The severe burn incidence was 7 patients per 100,000 persons/year.
      The overall mean estimated BSA (%) is 22.8+/-14.7. The main causes of the burn
      were found to be the scalds in 61.8% of the cases followed by flame (23%),
      chemicals (10.7%) and electrical injury in 4.5% of the cases. The mean hospital
      period is 11.6+/-10. The overall mortality is 10.5%. Based on probability of
      death, we noticed that older age and larger burn size were associated with a
      higher likelihood of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term studies and the
      comparison of our results with the ones of other burn centers has allowed us to
      determine the actual level of care and as well as to build up contemporary
      protocols in order to improve the treatment with the objection of decreasing the
      mortality.

PMID- 22079538
TI  - Characterisation of the cell suspension harvested from the dermal epidermal
      junction using a ReCell(r) kit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of non-cultured autologous cells to promote wound healing and
      in reconstructive procedures is increasing. One common method for preparing these
      cells is the use of the ReCell((r)) device. However, despite its current clinical
      use, no characterisation of the cell suspension produced using a ReCell((r))
      device has been published. OBJECTIVE: To characterise the ReCell suspension that
      is applied to wounds for cell type, viability, yield, stability and proliferative
      potential. METHODS: The ReCell((r)) device was used to harvest cells from a 2
      cm(2) piece of split-thickness skin isolated using a dermatome. The resulting
      cell suspension was analysed for cell yield, cell type, viability over time,
      proliferative potential and reproducibility. RESULTS: Average viable cell yield
      was 1.7*10(6)/cm(2) of tissue, with 75.5% of the total cell isolate viable. Total
      viable cell number was not significantly reduced after 4 h storage at 22 degrees
      C or 4 degrees C, and was stable for 24 h at 4 degrees C. Proliferative potential
      was assessed using a colony forming assay, with 0.3% of viable cells isolated
      forming keratinocyte colonies. Predominantly the suspension contained
      keratinocytes (64.3+/-28.8%) and fibroblasts (30.3+/-14.0%), with a small
      population of melanocytes also identified (3.5+/-0.5%). Finally, the supernatant
      contained low total protein (0.92 mg/ml) and the supernatant had no significant
      effects on cell viability or growth when applied ex vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest the ReCell((r)) device provides a method for the preparation of a
      cell suspension with high viability and proliferative potential, containing
      viable melanocytes and no apparent toxic cell debris. Further work on the
      sustained viability of these cells in vivo, and in particular after application
      to the wound, will be important to better understand the potential of the
      ReCell((r)) device in the clinic.

PMID- 22079539
TI  - Effect of Poloxamer 188 on deepening of deep second-degree burn wounds in the
      early stage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect of Poloxamer 188 (P188) on deepening of deep
      second-degree burn wounds in the early stage after burn. METHODS: We divided
      Wistar rats with deep second-degree burn wounds on the backs thereof into two
      groups, then intravenously injected P188 for the treatment group and
      intravenously injecting physiological saline for the control group, detecting the
      activity of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase),
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the content of malonaldehyde (MDA) and succinic
      dehydrogenase (SDH) in the burn wound, and showing the degree of necrosis in the
      wound by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)
      immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: In the control group and treatment group,
      the activity of SDH and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase dropped to the lowest point 24 h after
      the burn took place, and then increased gradually, but was still far lower than
      the normal level at the furthest time point. At 24 h after burn, activity of SDH
      and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the treatment group was higher than that of the control
      group (P<0.05); the activity of MPO of the control group reached the highest
      point at 24 h while that of MPO of the treatment group reached the highest point
      after 48 h; later, that of MPO of both groups decreased, but was still higher
      than the normal level. Compared with the highest values of the activity of MPO of
      both groups, that of the control group was higher than that of the treatment
      group (p<0.05); the contents of MDA of both groups kept increasing after the
      burn; 72 h later, that of the control group was higher than that of the treatment
      group (p<0.05). HE and PCNA staining showed progressive damage of the wound in
      the treatment group, which was decreased with treatment, particularly at the
      early stages. CONCLUSION: Systemic application of P188 on deep second-degree burn
      wounds at the early stage may alleviate wound deepening, whose mechanism may be
      related to timely sealing up the damaged cell membrane and inhibiting the
      inflammatory reaction.

PMID- 22079540
TI  - Analysis of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 genetic polymorphisms as risk factors for
      sepsis development in burned patients.
AB  - Infection risk, sepsis and mortality after severe burn are primarily determined
      by patient age, burn size, and depth. Whether genetic differences contribute to
      otherwise unexpected variability in outcomes is unknown. We sought to determine
      whether there was an association between IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 polymorphisms with
      cytokine production and development of sepsis. We evaluated 71 patients with
      burns >=15% TBSA and 109 healthy subjects. The genotypes of IL-6 (-174C/G), IL-10
      (-819C/T and -1082A/G) and IL-17 (7488T/C) polymorphisms were identified applying
      polymerase chain reaction protocols. The cytokine levels in serum were determined
      with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays. Our results demonstrated no
      significant differences in the genotype frequencies studied between burn patients
      and healthy subjects. No significant associations were found among IL-6 and IL
      17F genotypes and the related cytokine serum levels. Only IL-10 promoter -1082GG
      genotype was related to an increased IL-10 production in burned patients. In
      addition, septic subjects bearing -1082G/G genotype have shown the highest and
      non-septic bearing -1082A/* genotypes the lowest IL-10 serum levels. All together
      these data seem to indicate that genetically determined individual difference in
      IL-10 production might influence the susceptibility to septic complications in
      burned patients and suggest that these markers might be useful in burned patient
      management.

PMID- 22079541
TI  - The protective role of ascorbic acid in burn-induced testicular damage in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of ascorbic acid to protect the testes from
      damage in severe burns. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University of Lagos
      Medical School, Department of Anatomy. ANIMALS: 28 adult male Wistar rats (250
      300 g). INTERVENTION: Third degree burn was induced on 40% body surface area of
      rats and they were given ascorbic acid at 4 mg/kg over 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURED: Weight of reproductive organs and epididymal sperm parameters were
      measured. Oxidative status was assayed and a semi-quantitative assessment of
      histologic changes was also carried out. RESULTS: Burn caused severe seminiferous
      tubular damage, especially germ cell loss (p<0.05). This was matched by
      significant reduction in sperm density and morphology (p<0.05). Burn also
      increased oxidative stress, with elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p<0.01)
      and changes in catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme levels. Ascorbic acid
      prevented the changes in all sperm parameters. It normalized MDA levels (p<0.01)
      and attenuated changes in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase.
      Ascorbic acid treatment also significantly reduced histologic damage to
      seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSION: This study shows that severe thermal injury
      causes significant testicular damage and impairs spermatogenesis. It also shows
      that ascorbic acid protects the testis from such damage and therefore has the
      potential to be a useful adjunct therapy during treatment of young males with
      severe burns.

PMID- 22079542
TI  - Effects of Ligustrazine on pancreatic and renal damage after scald injury.
AB  - Organ protection is a routine therapeutic application to severe burn/scald
      injuries, and organic damage following early scald injury is not absolutely
      elucidated. Our aim is to verify the good effects of Ligustrazine on pancreatic
      and renal damage associated with early scald injury. A total of 120 Lewis rats
      subjected to 30% total body surface area (TBSA) scald injury, were randomly
      divided into simple scald group (S group) and Ligustrazine treated group (L
      group). Both pancreatic and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) were determined. Serum amylase, serum creatinine (Scr) and blood
      urea nitrogen (BUN) were identified as well as examining the kidneys
      histologically with Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for major histocompatability
      complex class I chain-related antigen A (MICA) and Bcl-2 at 0, 1, 6, 12, 18, 24,
      48 and 72 h after scald. Ligustrazine decreased MDA levels and ameliorated the
      downregulation of SOD activity. MICA was up-regulated after scald, and the up
      regulation could be greatly diminished by Ligustrazine. Bcl-2 was up-regulated
      after scald, especially in the L group. From 24 to 72 h, in comparison with the L
      group, higher levels of BUN, Scr and serum amylase were observered in the S
      group, which were also higher than the common upper limits. Therefore, our
      results demonstrated potential pancreatic and renal damage associated with
      autoimmunity and oxidant attack occurred following early scald injury.
      Ligustrazine exhibits significant protective effects.

PMID- 22079543
TI  - Burn patients' experience of pain management: a qualitative study.
AB  - Pain is a major problem after burns and researchers continue to report that pain
      from burns remains undertreated. The inadequate pain control results in adverse
      sequalae physically and psychologically in the burn victims. A better
      understanding of a burn patient's experience is important in identifying the
      factors responsible for undertreated pain and establishing effective pain
      management guidelines or recommendation in the practice of pain relief for burn
      injuries. This study sought to explore and describe the experience that patients
      have about pain related to burn-injury during hospitalization. Semi-structured
      interviews were conducted on eight patients with moderate to severe pain from
      burn injuries recruited from a Burn Centre in Northwest China. Data was collected
      by in-depth interviews and qualitative description after full transcription of
      each interview. Analysis involved the identification of themes and the
      development of a taxonomy of patients' experience of burn pain and its
      management. Three themes were indentified: (1) patients' experience of pain
      control, (2) patients' perception on burn pain management, and (3) patients'
      expectation of burn pain management. Findings from this study suggested that
      patients experience uncontrolled pain both physically and psychologically which
      may serve as an alert for awareness of health professionals to recognize and
      establish a multidisciplinary pain management team for burn victims, including
      surgeons, critical care specialists, anesthesiologists, nurses, psychologists,
      and social workers to accomplish safe and effective strategies for pain control
      to reach an optimal level of pain management in burn patients. It also provides
      insights and suggestions for future research directions to address this
      significant clinical problem.

PMID- 22079545
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of indole-3-acetamide-mediated IAA
      biosynthesis in plant-associated Fusarium species.
AB  - The plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) can be synthesized from tryptophan
      via the intermediate indole-3-acetamide (IAM). The two genes, IaaM (encoding
      tryptophan monooxygenase) and IaaH (encoding indole-3-acetamide hydrolase) that
      constitute the IAM pathway have been described in plant-associated bacteria. We
      have identified putative homologs of the bacterial IaaM and IaaH genes in four
      Fusarium species -Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium
      fujikuroi, and Fusarium oxysporum. In all four species the two genes are
      organized next to each other in a head to head orientation and are separated by a
      short non-coding region. However, the pathway is fully functional only in the
      orchid endophytic strain F. proliferatum ET1, which produces significant amounts
      of IAM and IAA. Minor amounts of IAM are produced by the corn pathogen F.
      verticillioides strain 149, while in the two other species, the rice pathogen F.
      fujikuroi strain m567 and the tomato pathogen F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
      strain 42-87 the IAM pathway is inactive. Deletion of the entire gene locus in F.
      proliferatum ET1 resulted in drastic reduction of IAA production. Conversely,
      transgenic strains of F. fujikuroi over-expressing the F. proliferatum IAM genes
      produced elevated levels of both IAM and IAA. Analysis of the intergenic promoter
      region in F. proliferatum showed that transcriptional activation in direction of
      the IaaH gene is about 3-fold stronger than in direction of the IaaM gene. The
      regulation of the IAM genes and the limiting factors of IAA production via the
      IAM pathway are discussed.

PMID- 22079546
TI  - Prevalence of specific and phylogenetically closely related genotypes in the
      population of Candida albicans associated with genital candidiasis in China.
AB  - Genitourinary candidiasis, which is most frequently caused by Candida albicans,
      is a common problem worldwide. The pathogenesis of the infection, especially
      recurrence of the infection, remains to be elucidated. This study analyzed 199
      independent Chinese C. albicans isolates using multilocus sequence typing (MLST)
      and microsatellite typing, with the focus on the isolates associated with
      vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) of Chinese women. MLST data of 221 vaginal
      isolates from other countries available from the consensus MLST database of C.
      albicans were retrieved for comparison. A total of 124 diploid sequence types
      (DSTs) were recognized from the Chinese C. albicans isolates, among which, 98
      (79.0%) have not been reported in the MLST database of the species. The majority
      of the VVC (71.6%) and balanitis (92.3%) isolates from China were located in
      clade 1 of C. albicans; while only 40.6% of the vaginal isolates and 7.8% of the
      oral isolates from healthy volunteers were found in the same clade. Furthermore,
      69.1% of the VVC and 84.5% of the balanitis isolates concentrated in a cluster of
      clade 1 with DST 79 as the primary founder. The isolates in this cluster
      possessed microsatellite genotypes CAI 30-45, CAI 32-46 and their close
      derivatives. Interestingly, a remarkable difference in genotype distribution
      patterns between Chinese and non-Chinese vaginal isolates of C. albicans was
      observed. Only 11.3% of the non-Chinese vaginal isolates compared were located in
      the cluster concentrated with Chinese VVC isolates. The results suggest
      significant association of specific and genetically similar genotypes with
      genital infections in China.

PMID- 22079548
TI  - Proteins: histones and chromatin.

PMID- 22079544
TI  - Update on Wnt signaling in bone cell biology and bone disease.
AB  - For more than a decade, Wnt signaling pathways have been the focus of intense
      research activity in bone biology laboratories because of their importance in
      skeletal development, bone mass maintenance, and therapeutic potential for
      regenerative medicine. It is evident that even subtle alterations in the
      intensity, amplitude, location, and duration of Wnt signaling pathways affects
      skeletal development, as well as bone remodeling, regeneration, and repair during
      a lifespan. Here we review recent advances and discrepancies in how Wnt/Lrp5
      signaling regulates osteoblasts and osteocytes, introduce new players in Wnt
      signaling pathways that have important roles in bone development, discuss
      emerging areas such as the role of Wnt signaling in osteoclastogenesis, and
      summarize progress made in translating basic studies to clinical therapeutics and
      diagnostics centered around inhibiting Wnt pathway antagonists, such as
      sclerostin, Dkk1 and Sfrp1. Emphasis is placed on the plethora of genetic studies
      in mouse models and genome wide association studies that reveal the requirement
      for and crucial roles of Wnt pathway components during skeletal development and
      disease.

PMID- 22079549
TI  - Age-related changes in endothelial function and blood flow regulation.
AB  - Vascular endothelial dysfunction is regarded as a primary phenotypic expression
      of normal human aging. This senescence-induced disorder is the likely culprit
      underlying the increased cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks associated
      with aging. The rate of this age-dependent deterioration is largely influenced by
      the poor-quality lifestyle choice, such as smoking, sedentary daily life, chronic
      alcohol ingestion, high salt intake, unbalanced diet, and mental stress; and it
      is accelerated by cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although minimizing
      these detrimental factors is the best course of action, nonetheless chronological
      age steadily impairs endothelial function through reduced endothelial nitric
      oxide synthase (eNOS) expression/action, accelerated nitric oxide (NO)
      degradation, increased phosphodiesterase activity, inhibition of NOS activity by
      endogenous NOS inhibitors, increased production of reactive oxygen species,
      inflammatory reactions, decreased endothelial progenitor cell number and
      function, and impaired telomerase activity or telomere shortening. Endothelial
      dysfunction in regional vasculatures results in cerebral hypoperfusion triggering
      cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery insufficiency,
      penile erectile dysfunction, and circulatory failures in other organs and
      tissues. Possible prophylactic measures to minimize age-related endothelial
      dysfunction are also summarized in this review.

PMID- 22079550
TI  - Species identification in the taxonomically neglected, highly diverse,
      neotropical parasitoid wasp genus Notiospathius (Braconidae: Doryctinae) based on
      an integrative molecular and morphological approach.
AB  - Various DNA sequence-based methods for species delineation have recently been
      developed to assess the species-richness of highly diverse, neglected
      invertebrate taxa. These methods, however, need to be tested under a variety of
      conditions, including the use of different markers and parameters. Here, we
      explored the species diversity of a species-rich group of braconid parasitoid
      wasps, the Neotropical genus Notiospathius, including 233 specimens from 10
      different countries. We examined sequences of two mitochondrial (mt) (COI, cyt b)
      and one nuclear (wg) gene fragments. We analysed them separately as well as
      concatenating the mt data with the general mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC) model for
      species delineation using different tree-building methods and parameters for
      reconstructing ultrametric trees. We evaluated the performance of GMYC analyses
      by comparing their species delineations with our morphospecies identifications.
      Reconstructing ultrametric trees with a relaxed lognormal clock rate using the
      program BEAST gave the most congruent results with morphology for the two mt
      markers. A tree obtained with wg using the programs MrBayes+Pathd8 had the fewest
      cases of incongruence with morphology, though the performance of this nuclear
      marker was considerably lower than that of COI and cyt b. Species delimitation
      using the coalescent prior to obtain ultrametric trees was morphologically more
      congruent with COI, whereas the Yule prior was more congruent with cyt b. The
      analyses concatenating the mt datasets failed to recover some species supported
      both by morphology and the separate analyses of the mt markers. The highest
      morphological congruence was obtained with the GMYC analysis on an ultrametric
      tree reconstructed with cyt b using the relaxed lognormal clock rate and the Yule
      prior, thus supporting the importance of using alternative markers when the
      information of the barcoding locus (COI) is not concordant with morphological
      evidence. Seventy-one species were delimited based on the congruence found among
      COI, cyt b and morphology. Both mt markers also revealed the existence of seven
      potential cryptic species. This high species richness from a scattered
      geographical sampling indicates that there is a remarkable number of
      Notiospathius species that remains undiscovered.

PMID- 22079551
TI  - Phylogenetic and functional analyses of the cytochrome P450 family 4.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 family 4 (CYP4) proteins metabolize fatty acids, eicosanoids, and
      vitamin D and are important for chemical defense. The purpose of this study was
      to determine the evolutionary relationships between vertebrate CYP4 subfamilies
      and raise functional hypotheses regarding CYP4 subfamilies with little empirical
      data. 132 CYP4 sequences from 28 species were utilized for phylogenetic
      reconstructions by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Monophyly was not
      found with the CYP4T and CYP4B subfamilies. CYP4V clustered with invertebrate
      subfamilies. Evolutionary rates of functional divergence were high in pairwise
      comparison with CYP4X yet, comparisons with mammalian CYP4F22 genes generally had
      no statistically significant divergence. Radical biochemical changes were
      detected in regions associated with substrate binding and the active site in
      comparisons among the CYP4A, CYP4X, and CYP4B subfamilies. Lastly, gene
      expression patterns, determined in silico with EST libraries from human, chicken,
      frog and fish, for CYP4V was markedly different between human and actinopterygian
      species. Further consideration should be given to the nomenclature of the CYP4T
      and CYP4B subfamily genes. Strong support was seen for the placement of CYP4A as
      a basal subfamily to CYP4X and CYP4Z. The B, B', J', K', K" helices and a region
      at the end of C-terminus were suggested as conserved regions in CYP4 genes. The
      function of CYP4X was hypothesized to specialize in metabolism of long chain
      fatty acids. CYP4F22 genes may share a similar function to other CYP4F genes,
      although gene expression sites were different.

PMID- 22079552
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of hipposiderid bats from Southeast Asia and evidence of
      cryptic diversity.
AB  - Old World leaf-nosed bats (Hipposideridae) are among the most widespread and
      ecologically diverse groups of insectivorous bats in the Old World tropics.
      However, phylogenetic relationships in Hipposideridae are poorly resolved at both
      the generic and species levels, and deep genetic divergence within several
      Southeast Asian species suggests that current taxonomy underestimates
      hipposiderid diversity in this region. We used mitochondrial and nuclear sequence
      data to conduct the first extensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of Southeast
      Asian hipposiderid bats. Inclusion of multiple samples per taxon allowed testing
      for evidence of evolutionarily distinct lineages within taxa currently defined as
      single species. In contrast to earlier phylogenies based on morphometrics,
      molecular data support monophyly of Hipposideros, but are ambiguous regarding the
      monophyly of Hipposideridae. With a few exceptions, molecular data also support
      currently recognized species groups classified by qualitative morphological
      characters. Widespread paraphyly and polyphyly within many currently recognized
      species of Hipposideros indicates that evolutionary diversity in the genus is
      underrepresented by current nomenclature. Comparison of available morphological
      and echolocation data suggest that both geographic isolation and ecological
      selection have contributed to the diversification of Southeast Asian hipposiderid
      bats.

PMID- 22079553
TI  - Failure to eradicate the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus on dairy farms by a
      single mass-treatment before turnout.
AB  - On two dairy farms it was attempted to eradicate lungworm, Dictyocaulus
      viviparus, by means of a single mass-treatment of all cattle that had been grazed
      the previous year(s), before turnout in the spring. Both farms experienced two
      years of lungworm outbreaks in the adult dairy herd prior to this study.
      Following confirmation that both herds contained lungworm carriers, all animals
      older than approximately 6 months were treated with eprinomectin in March 2007.
      One week after treatment none of the animals were shedding lungworm larvae.
      Subsequently, animals were pastured according to normal farm routine. From August
      to November all first-calving heifers were coprologically and serologically
      monitored for lungworm infection. During 2007 both farms remained lungworm
      negative and did not report any clinical sign indicative for a lungworm
      infection. The following year, on one of the farms replacements grazing on cow
      pastures, started showing signs of parasitic bronchitis which was serologically
      confirmed. The other herd remained free of parasitic bronchitis until at least
      the fourth year after the mass treatment, although some coughing was noticed in
      2008 among first-lactation heifers. It was concluded that a single mass-treatment
      before the grazing season may be useful to break a series of annual lungworm
      outbreaks. However, it is not a secure method to prevent parasitic bronchitis for
      more than one year.

PMID- 22079554
TI  - Racial differences in sudden cardiac death among hypertensive patients during
      antihypertensive therapy: the LIFE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the general population, blacks appear to have a higher risk of
      sudden cardiac death (SCD). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether black hypertensive
      patients have a higher SCD incidence. METHODS: The incidence of SCD was examined
      in 533 black and 8660 nonblack hypertensive patients with electrocardiographic
      left ventricular hypertrophy randomly assigned to losartan- or atenolol-based
      treatment. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 4.8 +/- 0.9 years, SCD occurred in
      178 patients (1.9%); 5-year SCD incidence was significantly higher in black than
      in nonblack patients (3.9% vs 1.9%; P = .007). In univariate Cox analyses, black
      patients had a 97% higher risk of SCD (hazard ratio 1.97; 95% confidence interval
      1.19-3.25; P = .015). In multivariate Cox analyses adjusting for randomized
      treatment, age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, history of heart failure, atrial
      fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, stroke, peripheral
      vascular disease, smoking, serum total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      level, creatinine level, glucose level, and urine albumin/creatinine ratio and
      for incident myocardial infarction, in-treatment heart rate, QRS duration,
      diastolic and systolic pressure, Cornell voltage-duration product, and Sokolow
      Lyon voltage left ventricular hypertrophy treated as time-varying covariates,
      black race remained associated with a 98% increased risk of SCD (hazard ratio
      1.98; 95% confidence interval 1.12-3.59; P = .020). CONCLUSIONS: Black
      hypertensive patients are at increased risk of SCD. The higher risk of SCD in
      black patients persists after adjusting for the higher prevalence of risk factors
      in black patients, in-treatment blood pressure, and the established predictive
      value of in-treatment electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy and heart
      rate for SCD in this population.

PMID- 22079555
TI  - Antitachycardia pacing or shock therapy-trick or treat?

PMID- 22079556
TI  - Shock-induced focal arrhythmias: not driven by calcium?

PMID- 22079557
TI  - Prospective evaluation of electrocardiographic parameters in cardiac
      resynchronization therapy: detecting nonresponders by left ventricular pacing.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective evaluation of
      electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters was to identify predictive parameters for
      cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. METHODS: One hundred two
      patients undergoing first CRT implantation were evaluated prospectively.
      Symptomatic response was defined as improvement in New York Heart Association
      functional class of at least 1 class within 3-month follow-up. Twelve-lead ECG of
      the intrinsic rhythm during biventricular (BIV), right ventricular (RV), and left
      ventricular (LV) pacing was obtained and analyzed in terms of QRS width and QRS
      axis (Datinf Measure Software, Datinf GmbH, Tubingen, Germany). In total, 77.5%
      (n = 79) of patients fulfilled the predefined clinical criterion for response.
      Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were more likely to respond to CRT than were
      patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (85% vs 71.8%, P = .034). A shorter QRS
      duration during LV pacing and, in particular, a shorter LV paced than RV paced
      QRS width were strong and independent predictors for response (-20.13 +/- 33.2 ms
      in responders vs 6.05 +/- 27.3 ms in nonresponders, P = .001). No statistically
      significant differences were found in RV and BIV paced QRS width or in QRS axis
      (P >.5). CONCLUSION: This study describes novel and easily obtainable ECG
      measurements that can be performed during LV lead positioning to optimize
      clinical outcome of CRT in heart failure patients.

PMID- 22079558
TI  - Full report from the first annual Heart Rhythm Society Research Forum: a vision
      for our research future, "dream, discover, develop, deliver".

PMID- 22079559
TI  - Repeated assessment of orthotopic glioma pO(2) by multi-site EPR oximetry: a
      technique with the potential to guide therapeutic optimization by repeated
      measurements of oxygen.
AB  - Tumor hypoxia plays a vital role in therapeutic resistance. Consequently,
      measurements of tumor pO(2) could be used to optimize the outcome of oxygen
      dependent therapies, such as, chemoradiation. However, the potential
      optimizations are restricted by the lack of methods to repeatedly and
      quantitatively assess tumor pO(2) during therapies, particularly in gliomas. We
      describe the procedures for repeated measurements of orthotopic glioma pO(2) by
      multi-site electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry. This oximetry approach
      provides simultaneous measurements of pO(2) at more than one site in the glioma
      and contralateral cerebral tissue. The pO(2) of intracerebral 9L, C6, F98 and
      U251 tumors, as well as contralateral brain, were measured repeatedly for five
      consecutive days. The 9L glioma was well oxygenated with pO(2) of 27-36 mm Hg,
      while C6, F98 and U251 glioma were hypoxic with pO(2) of 7-12mm Hg. The potential
      of multi-site EPR oximetry to assess temporal changes in tissue pO(2) was
      investigated in rats breathing 100% O(2). A significant increase in F98 tumor and
      contralateral brain pO(2) was observed on day 1 and day 2, however, glioma
      oxygenation declined on subsequent days. In conclusion, EPR oximetry provides the
      capability to repeatedly assess temporal changes in orthotopic glioma pO(2). This
      information could be used to test and optimize the methods being developed to
      modulate tumor hypoxia. Furthermore, EPR oximetry could be potentially used to
      enhance the outcome of chemoradiation by scheduling treatments at times of
      increase in glioma pO(2).

PMID- 22079560
TI  - [New insights in oncology: epigenetics and cancer stem cells].
AB  - Cancer is a multi-etiologic, multistage disease with a prevalent genetic
      component, which happens when a large number of genes, critical for cell growth,
      death, differentiation, migration, and metabolic plasticity are altered
      irreversibly, so as to either "gain" (oncogenes) or "lose" (tumour suppressors)
      their function. Recent discoveries have revealed the previously underestimated
      etiologic importance of multiple epigenetic, that is to say, reversible factors
      (histone modifications, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA) involved in the
      transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of proteins, indispensable
      for the control of cancerous phenotype. Stable alterations of epigenetic
      machinery ("epimutations") turn out to play a critical role at different steps of
      carcinogenesis. In addition, due to substantial recent progress in stem cell
      biology, the new concept of cancer stem cells has emerged. This, along with newly
      discovered epigenetic cancer mechanisms, gives rise to a hope to overcome radio-
      and chemo-resistance and to eradicate otherwise incurable neoplasms.

PMID- 22079561
TI  - tPA in the injured central nervous system: different scenarios starring the same
      actor?
AB  - When in 1947, Astrup and Permin reported that animal tissues contain
      fibrinokinase, a plasminogen activator, and when Pennica and colleagues (Pennica
      et al., 1983) cloned and expressed human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in
      Escherichia coli in 1983, they might did not realize how much their pioneer work
      would impact the life of millions of patients suffering from myocardial
      infarction or ischemic stroke. Some years after, accumulating evidence shows that
      tPA is not just a plasminogen activator of endothelial origin. Indeed, the main
      function of tPA released from the endothelium is to convert fibrin-bound
      plasminogen into active plasmin, thus dissolving the fibrin meshwork of blood
      clots. But this serine protease is also expressed by several cell types, and its
      beneficial and deleterious actions stand beyond fibrinolysis or even proteolysis.
      We will review here the reported effects and mechanisms of action of tPA in the
      course of three different pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS): spinal
      cord injury, ischemic stroke and multiple sclerosis. While these three disorders
      have distinct aetiologies, they share some pathogenic mechanisms. We will depict
      the main "good" and "bad" sides of tPA described to date during each of these
      pathological situations, as well as the proposed mechanisms explaining these
      effects. We speculate that due to common pathogenic pathways, tPA's actions
      described in one particular disease could in fact occur in the others. Finally,
      we will evaluate if tPA could be a therapeutic target for these pathologies. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22079562
TI  - Determinants of neurologic deterioration and stroke-free survival after
      spontaneous cervicocranial dissections: a multicenter study.
AB  - Patients with spontaneous cervicocranial dissection (SCCD) may experience new or
      recurrent ischemic events despite antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.
      Treatment with stent placement is an available option; however, the literature on
      patient selection is limited. Thus, identifying patients at high risk for
      neurologic deterioration after SCCD is of critical importance. The present study
      examined the rate of neurologic deterioration in medically treated patients with
      SCCD and evaluated demographic, clinical, and radiologic factors affecting this
      deterioration. We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with SCCD over
      a 7-year period from 3 medical institutions, and evaluated the relationships
      between demographic data, clinical characteristics, and angiographical findings
      and subsequent neurologic outcomes. Neurologic deterioration was defined as
      transient ischemic attack (TIA), ischemic stroke, or death occurring during
      hospitalization or within 1 year of diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to
      determine neurologic event-free survival up to 12 months. A total of 69 patients
      (mean age, 47.8 +/- 14 years; 45 males) with SCCD were included in the study.
      Eleven patients (16%) experienced in-hospital neurologic deterioration (TIA in 9,
      ischemic stroke in 1) or death (1 patient). An additional 8 patients developed
      neurologic deterioration within 1 year after discharge (TIA in 5, ischemic stroke
      in 2, and death in 1). The overall 1-year event-free survival rate was 72%. Women
      (P = .046), patients with involvement of both vertebral arteries (P = .02), and
      those with intracranial arterial involvement (P = .018) had significantly higher
      rates of neurologic deterioration. Our findings indicate that neurologic
      deterioration is relatively common after SCCD despite medical treatment in women,
      patients with bilateral vertebral artery involvement, and those with intracranial
      vessel involvement.

PMID- 22079563
TI  - Inhibition of hypoxia-induced [(3)H]glycine release from chicken retina by the
      glycine transporter type-1 (GlyT-1) inhibitors NFPS and Org-24461.
AB  - Chicken posterior eyecup lined by the retina were prepared, loaded with
      [(3)H]glycine and superfused in order to determine its release in various
      experimental conditions. Electrical field stimulation of the retina evoked
      [(3)H]glycine release with a voltage- and frequency-dependent manner and this
      release may be originated from glycinergic amacrine cell processes of the inner
      plexiform layer of the retina. Glycine released from an abundance of different
      amacrine cells may modulate retinal circuitry by activation of inhibitory glycine
      receptors and by acting as a coagonist on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors on AII
      amacrine cells and retinal ganglion cells. The latter effect of glycine may be
      modulated by glycine transporter type-1. Cells with glycine transporter type-1
      immunopositive staining were visualized in the inner nuclear layer and dens
      immunolabeling was also detected throughout the inner plexiform layer of chicken
      retina. Glycine and the substrate-type glycine transporter type-1 inhibitor
      sarcosine increased [(3)H]glycine release from glycinergic amacrine cells and/or
      glial cells by extrusion of glycine from cytoplasmic pools by homo- and
      heteroexchange mechanisms. Deprivation of oxygen and glucose from the buffer used
      for superfusion evoked a marked increase in [(3)H]glycine efflux, an effect
      probably due to reverse mode operation of glycine transporter type-1. The non
      transportable glycine transporter type-1 inhibitors NFPS and Org-24461, which did
      not alter [(3)H]glycine efflux from isolated chicken retina by themselves in
      normoxic condition, inhibited oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced
      [(3)H]glycine release. It is concluded that reduction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate
      receptor coagonist glycine concentrations in hypoxic conditions by glycine
      transporter type-1 inhibitors may decrease N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-mediated
      neuronal toxicity and cell death in retinal tissue.

PMID- 22079564
TI  - Characterization of daptomycin oligomerization with perylene excimer
      fluorescence: stoichiometric binding of phosphatidylglycerol triggers oligomer
      formation.
AB  - Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic that binds to and depolarizes bacterial
      cell membranes. Its antibacterial activity requires calcium and correlates with
      the content of phosphatidylglycerol in the target membrane. Daptomycin has been
      shown to form oligomers on liposome membranes. We here use perylene excimer
      fluorescence to further characterize the membrane-associated oligomer. To this
      end, the N-terminal fatty acyl chain was replaced with perylene-butanoic acid.
      The perylene derivative retains one third of the antibacterial activity of native
      daptomycin. On liposomes containing phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol,
      as well as on Bacillus subtilis cells, the perylene-labeled daptomycin forms
      excimers, which shows that the N-terminal acyl chains of neighboring oligomer
      subunits are in immediate contact with one another. In a lipid bicelle system,
      oligomer formation can be titrated with stoichiometric amounts of
      phosphatidylglycerol. Therefore, the interaction of daptomycin with a single
      molecule of phosphatidylglycerol is sufficient to trigger daptomycin
      oligomerization.

PMID- 22079565
TI  - Comparison of sensory recovery at the subfascial and suprafascial donor sites of
      the free radial flap.
AB  - The radial flap may be raised using a subfascial or suprafascial approach. The
      latter donor site is associated with fewer healing complications. We
      retrospectively evaluated the quality of sensory recovery within two comparable
      groups of 30 patients with subfascial and suprafascial donor sites. When
      considering the two groups, two-point discrimination was the modality most
      commonly reduced, with 97% of patients in both groups having reduced sensation in
      at least one anatomical zone. Sensation of sharp touch was most often lost; 90%
      in the subfascial and 83% in the suprafascial groups lost sensation in at least
      one anatomical zone. Roughly half the patients had reduced perception of light
      touch (43% and 50%), whilst perception of heat (27% and 17%) and cold (33% and
      27%) were lost least often. At least one modality in at least one anatomical zone
      was lost or reduced in all patients, and roughly two-thirds (73% and 63%) had a
      reduction in 3 or more. The only significant difference between the donor and non
      donor arms was reduced perception of sharp touch in the anterior forearm in both
      groups (p<0.001). Perception at the two sites (including the anatomical snuff
      box) was similar except for superior thenar palmar light touch (p=0.015) in the
      suprafascial group, which may indicate injury to the thenar cutaneous sensory
      branches during subfascial dissection.

PMID- 22079566
TI  - Distraction osteogenesis after irradiation in rabbit mandibles.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of irradiation on the
      formation of bone after distraction osteogenesis in rabbit mandibles. Sixteen
      rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: one was given 50Gy (n=6), one was
      given 60Gy (n=6), and one acted as a control group (n=4). One month after
      irradiation, the distractors were inserted. The control group was not irradiated.
      After a latency period of 8 days, distraction was activated at a rate of 0.4mm
      twice a day. The mandibles were harvested 6 weeks after consolidation. The
      specimens and histological examination showed good formation of bone.
      Histological slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin confirmed that the
      regeneration was bone. The bony trabeculae of the control group were much better
      than those of the irradiated groups. However, the nuclei of osteocytes were round
      and the osteoblasts around the trabeculae were columnar or cubic in shape in the
      irradiated groups. Osteoid was present in the dense fibrous connective tissue.
      There were significant differences in the surface:volume ratio of areas of bony
      trabeculae between the control and both experimental groups (p=0.010 and
      p=0.001), but there was no significant difference between the 50Gy and 60Gy
      groups. The results suggested that preoperative radiation prevented optimal
      regeneration of bone. However, the microscopic appearance of osteocytes and
      osteoblasts and the osteoid in the dense fibrous connective tissue in both
      irradiated groups showed that osteogenesis was still active and in progress.
      These findings may indicate that bone formation had only been delayed. The
      evidence was similar for both 50Gy and 60Gy.

PMID- 22079567
TI  - Evaluation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in canine mast cell tumours.
AB  - Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are among the most common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs
      and have a highly variable clinical behaviour. Cyclooxygenase (Cox) catalyzes the
      rate-limiting step in prostanoid biosynthesis and has recently gained attention
      as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in human and animal oncology. In
      order to evaluate the potential value of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) in the treatment of canine MCTs, expression of Cox-2 was determined in
      49 such tumours (14 of grade I, nine of grade II and 22 of grade III). Cox-2 was
      expressed by 86% of the tumours studied. The percentage of labelled cells ranged
      from isolated positive cells throughout the tumour (n=8) to localized foci of
      labelled cells (n=3) or diffuse labelling of >50% of the cells (n=31). The
      intensity of Cox-2 labelling ranged from weak (n=4) to moderate (n=16) and strong
      (n=22) and was greatest at the advancing margin of the tumour. The intensity of
      Cox-2 labelling was significantly different between the three histological groups
      (P=0.018). However, no significant differences were noted for the percentage of
      Cox-2 positive cells (P=0.122) and for the immunoreactivity score (P=0.348)
      between the histological grades. The results of this study suggest that NSAIDs,
      particularly Cox-2 inhibitors, may be of value in the treatment of canine MCTs.

PMID- 22079568
TI  - StackTIS: a stacked generalization approach for effective prediction of
      translation initiation sites.
AB  - The prediction of the translation initiation site in an mRNA or cDNA sequence is
      an essential step in gene prediction and an open research problem in
      bioinformatics. Although recent approaches perform well, more effective and
      reliable methodologies are solicited. We developed an adaptable data mining
      method, called StackTIS, which is modular and consists of three prediction
      components that are combined into a meta-classification system, using stacked
      generalization, in a highly effective framework. We performed extensive
      experiments on sequences of two diverse eukaryotic organisms (Homo sapiens and
      Oryza sativa), indicating that StackTIS achieves statistically significant
      improvement in performance.

PMID- 22079569
TI  - Cyclin-dependent kinases 5 template: useful for virtual screening.
AB  - The present study reports the development of a template for the active binding
      site of Cdk5 for structure-based drug design. The developed template of Cdk5 was
      validated by redocking with ligands I (PBD code 1UNG), II (PBD code 1UNL) and III
      (PBD code 1UNH). The results demonstrate a good match of the docked and the
      crystallographic binding orientations with RMSD less than 2.0A. The validation
      results show that the constructed Cdk5 template is a good model system for
      predicting ligand binding orientations and binding affinities. Furthermore, the
      developed template was applied to predict binding mode and binding affinity of
      thirty-six known Cdk5 inhibitors. The results showed that the binding energy of
      almost Cdk5 inhibitors related to their biological evaluation.

PMID- 22079570
TI  - Clinical expectations: what facilitators expect from ESL students on clinical
      placement.
AB  - Many nursing students for whom English is a second language (ESL) face challenges
      related to communication on clinical placement and although clinical facilitators
      are not usually trained language assessors, they are often in a position of
      needing to assess ESL students' clinical language performance. Little is known,
      however, about the particular areas of clinical performance facilitators focus on
      when they are assessing ESL students. This paper discusses the results of a study
      of facilitators' written assessment comments about the clinical performance of a
      small group of ESL nursing students over a two and a half year period. These
      comments were documented on students' clinical assessment forms at the end of
      each placement. The results provide a more detailed insight into facilitators'
      expectations of students' language performance and the particular challenges
      faced by ESL students and indicate that facilitators have clear expectations of
      ESL students regarding communication, learning styles and professional demeanour.
      These findings may help both ESL students and their facilitators better prepare
      for clinical placement.

PMID- 22079571
TI  - Ultrastructural characterization of rat neurons in primary culture.
AB  - Few studies have addressed the ultrastructure and morphology of neurons in
      primary pure culture. We therefore use immunohistochemistry and electron
      microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of cultured neurons during extended
      incubation in vitro. Rat cerebral cortex neurons were cultured in NeurobasalTM
      medium. Adherent cells developed as networks of single neurons or clusters
      depending on the plating density. Almost all surviving cells were neurons as
      demonstrated by neurofilament immunolabeling. The number of cultured neurons
      increased substantially to 14-21 days in vitro (DIV) and then plateaued and
      subsequently declined. From DIV 1-10 neurons extended large neurites, followed by
      the development of fine and dense neurites, and neurones survived until DIV 30
      50. Notably, numerous mitochondria were observed along fibrous elements within
      neurites, suggestive of active intracellular trafficking. Electron microscopy
      also revealed that multiple types of synapses were formed between neurons. These
      ultrastructural results confirm previous reports of electrophysiological activity
      in cultured neurons. However many neurons contained distorted mitochondria and
      abnormal organelles including multilamellar vesicles and multivesicular myeloid
      bodies. The proportion of neurons containing abnormal organelles increased
      significantly in culture medium supplemented with antibiotics. On long-term
      culture neuronal death and apoptotic nuclei were observed. Despite the presence
      of abnormal organelles, the ultrastructure of cultured neurons was very similar
      to that of in vivo neurons; in vitro culture therefore provides a useful tool for
      studies on neuronal development, aging, and neurotransmission.

PMID- 22079572
TI  - Meta-analysis of microarray gene expression studies on intracranial aneurysms.
AB  - The rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is one of the most devastating
      neurological conditions known to date. Although treatment has changed
      dramatically throughout the last decades, the outcome of patients still has a
      poor prognosis. Besides environmental factors, genomics seem to be a very
      important factor in the genesis of this disease. Different approaches to decrypt
      genomic causes were pursued throughout the last years. Microarray gene expression
      studies comparing aneurysmal and healthy tissue seem to be one of the most
      promising approaches. However, large amounts of data created with each study,
      make a comparison or interpretation of results difficult. We analyzed microarray
      gene expression studies on IAs (vs. control tissue) and compared lists of genes
      with altered expression provided by the authors. Additionally functional pathway
      analysis was performed. We identified five microarray gene expression studies
      analyzing a total of 60 samples of IA tissue (30 ruptured IA, 30 unruptured IA).
      A total of 507 genes with altered expression were listed, of which 57 showed
      differences in more than two studies and seven in more than three studies (BCL2,
      COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A2, CXCL12, TIMP4, TNC). The meta-analysis of five microarray
      gene expression studies on IAs revealed seven genes that are very likely to be
      involved in the genesis of IAs. Further analysis of these genes might provide
      valuable information on mechanisms causing this disease.

PMID- 22079573
TI  - Identification of neuroglobin-interacting proteins using yeast two-hybrid
      screening.
AB  - Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a globin protein that is highly and specifically expressed
      in brain neurons. A large volume of evidence has proven that Ngb is a
      neuroprotective molecule against hypoxic/ischemic brain injury and other related
      neurological disorder; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly
      understood. Aiming to provide more clues in understanding the molecular
      mechanisms of Ngb's neuroprotection, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening to
      search for proteins that interact with Ngb. From a mouse brain cDNA library, we
      found totally 36 proteins that potentially interact with Ngb, and 10 of them were
      each identified in multiple positive clones. The shared sequences within these
      multiple clones are more likely to be Ngb-interacting domains. In primary
      cultured mouse cortical neurons, immuno-precipitation was performed to confirm
      the interactions of selected proteins with Ngb. The discovered Ngb-interacting
      proteins in this study include those involved in energy metabolism, mitochondria
      function, and signaling pathways for cell survival and proliferation. Our
      findings provide molecular targets for investigating protein interaction-based
      biological functions and neuroprotective mechanisms of Ngb.

PMID- 22079574
TI  - To believe or not to believe: trust choice modulates brain responses in outcome
      evaluation.
AB  - Making a trust decision in interpersonal relationship involves forming positive
      expectation toward the decision outcome. Previous studies have suggested that
      trust and distrust are qualitatively distinct and have differential
      neurocognitive substrates. In this study, we investigated how trust choice would
      modulate brain responses to decision outcome in a modified coin-toss game.
      Participants received statements from partners concerning the results of coin
      toss and decided whether to believe the truthfulness of the statements. In two
      experiments, event-related potentials (ERPs) to the real results revealed after
      the trust choice demonstrated differential patterns following trust and distrust
      choices. Both the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the P300 showed effects
      of outcome valence following trust choices, but the FRN effect was reduced
      following distrust choices. Thus, trust choice creates different contexts in
      which aspects of decision outcome can be encoded simultaneously by the FRN. The
      FRN may reflect the subjective evaluation of decision outcome in a specific
      context rather than a general expectancy towards the outcome.

PMID- 22079575
TI  - alpha-synuclein phosphorylation and truncation are normal events in the adult
      human brain.
AB  - alpha-synuclein is a key protein in Lewy body diseases (LBDs) and a major
      component of Lewy bodies and related aberrant cytoplasmic and neuritic
      inclusions. Regional differences in alpha-synuclein have been associated with
      selective neuronal vulnerability to Lewy pathology. Furthermore, phosphorylation
      at serine 129 (Ser129) and alpha-synuclein truncation have been considered
      crucial in the pathogenesis of Lewy inclusions. The present study shows
      consistent reduction in alpha-synuclein protein expression levels in the human
      substantia nigra and nucleus basalis of Meynert compared with other brain regions
      independently of age and pathology. Phosphorylated alpha-synuclein at Ser129 is
      naturally increased in these same regions, thus inversely related with the total
      amount of alpha-synuclein. In contrast, truncated alpha-synuclein is naturally
      observed in control and diseased brains and correlating with the total amount of
      alpha-synuclein. Several truncated variants have been identified where some of
      these variants are truncated at the C-terminal domain, whereas others are
      truncated at the N-terminal domain, and all are present in cases with and without
      Lewy pathology. Although accumulation of truncated alpha-synuclein variants and
      phosphorylated alpha-synuclein occurs in Lewy bodies, alpha-synuclein
      phosphorylation and truncation can be considered constitutive in control and
      diseased brains.

PMID- 22079576
TI  - Nicotinic cholinergic mechanisms causing elevated dopamine release and abnormal
      locomotor behavior.
AB  - Firing rates of dopamine (DA) neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and
      ventral tegmental area (VTA) control DA release in target structures such as
      striatum and prefrontal cortex. DA neuron firing in the soma and release
      probability at axon terminals are tightly regulated by cholinergic transmission
      and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). To understand the role of alpha6*
      nAChRs in DA transmission, we studied several strains of mice expressing
      differing levels of mutant, hypersensitive (leucine 9' to serine [L9'S]) alpha6
      subunits. alpha6 L9'S mice harboring six or more copies of the hypersensitive
      alpha6 gene exhibited spontaneous home-cage hyperactivity and novelty-induced
      locomotor activity, whereas mice with an equal number of WT and L9'S alpha6 genes
      had locomotor activity resembling that of control mice. alpha6-dependent,
      nicotine-stimulated locomotor activation was also more robust in high-copy alpha6
      L9'S mice versus low-copy mice. In wheel-running experiments, results were also
      bi-modal; high-copy alpha6 L9'S animals exhibited blunted total wheel rotations
      during each day of a 9-day experiment, but low-copy alpha6 L9'S mice ran normally
      on the wheel. Reduced wheel running in hyperactive strains of alpha6 L9'S mice
      was attributable to a reduction in both overall running time and velocity. ACh
      and nicotine-stimulated DA release from striatal synaptosomes in alpha6 L9'S mice
      was well-correlated with behavioral phenotypes, supporting the hypothesis that
      augmented DA release mediates the altered behavior of alpha6 L9'S mice. This
      study highlights the precise control that the nicotinic cholinergic system exerts
      on DA transmission and provides further insights into the mechanisms and
      consequences of enhanced DA release.

PMID- 22079577
TI  - The opiate analgesic buprenorphine decreases proliferation of adult hippocampal
      neuroblasts and increases survival of their progeny.
AB  - Although opiate drugs of abuse have been shown to decrease adult hippocampal
      neurogenesis, the impact of opiate analgesics has not been tested. North American
      regulatory boards governing the ethical treatment of experimental animals require
      the administration of analgesics, such as buprenorphine, following minor surgical
      interventions. Here, we show that two commonly used post-operative buprenorphine
      dosing regimes significantly inhibit the proliferation of doublecortin-positive
      neuroblasts but not other hippocampal stem and progenitor cell populations in
      adult mice. Buprenorphine, administered in schedules of three 0.05 mg/kg
      subcutaneous injections over a single day or seven 0.05 mg/kg injections over a 3
      day period decreased the number of actively proliferating 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine
      labeled doublecortin-positive cells for up to 6 days after opiate withdrawal. The
      minimal (three injection), but not standard (seven injection), analgesic paradigm
      also reduced basal indices of hippocampal progenitor cell apoptosis and enhanced
      survival of newly born cells for up to 28 days. Taken together, these data
      provide the first evidence that the routine administration of opiate analgesics
      has transient but long-lasting effects on neurogenesis and further emphasize that
      analgesic dosage and schedule should be reported and considered when interpreting
      the magnitude of neural stem and progenitor cell activation in response to in
      vivo intervention.

PMID- 22079578
TI  - Temporal and spatial regulation of interneuron distribution in the developing
      cerebral cortex--an in vitro study.
AB  - GABAergic interneurons are local circuit cells that control the excitatory
      balance in most regions of the nervous system, particularly the cerebral cortex.
      Because they are integrated in every cortical module, we posed the question
      whether interneuronal precursors would display some topographic specificity
      between their origin at the ventral telencephalon and their cortical location
      after migration. If this was true, GABAergic cells would have to be provided with
      intrinsic features that would make them able to perform specific functional roles
      in each specific module. On the other hand, if no topography was found, one would
      conclude that inhibitory precursors would be functionally naive, being able to
      integrate anywhere in the cortex, with equal capacity of performing their
      functions. This issue was approached by use of organotypic cultures of wild mice
      embryonic slices, into which fragments of the ganglionic eminence taken from
      enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) mice were implanted, observing the
      topographic location of both the implant and its destination. Despite the
      existence of different genetic domains in the ventricular zone of the medial
      ganglionic eminences (MGE), we found that cells originating in different regions
      spread in vitro all over the mediolateral axis of the developing cortical wall,
      independently of their sites of origin. Results favor the hypothesis that
      GABAergic precursors are functionally naive, integrating into modules
      irrespective of which cortical area they belong to.

PMID- 22079579
TI  - Inducing pluripotency in somatic cells from the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), an
      endangered felid.
AB  - Induced pluripotency is a new approach to produce embryonic stem-like cells from
      somatic cells that provides a unique means to understand both pluripotency and
      lineage assignment. To investigate whether this technology could be applied to
      endangered species, where the limited availability of gametes makes production
      and research on embryonic stem cells difficult, we attempted generation of
      induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
      fibroblasts by retroviral transfection with Moloney-based retroviral vectors
      (pMXs) encoding four factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and cMYC). This resulted in the
      formation of small colonies of cells, which could not be maintained beyond four
      passages (P4). However, addition of NANOG, to the transfection cocktail produced
      stable iPS cell colonies, which formed as early as D3. Colonies of cells were
      selected at D5 and expanded in vitro. The resulting cell line was positive for
      alkaline phosphatase (AP), OCT4, NANOG, and Stage-Specific embryonic Antigen-4
      (SSEA-4) at P14. RT-PCR also confirmed that endogenous OCT4 and NANOG were
      expressed by snow leopard iPS cells from P4. All five human transgenes were
      transcribed at P4, but OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG transgenes were silenced as early as
      P14; therefore, reprogramming of the endogenous pluripotent genes had occurred.
      When injected into immune-deficient mice, snow leopard iPS cells formed teratomas
      containing tissues representative of the three germ layers. In conclusion, this
      was apparently the first derivation of iPS cells from the endangered snow leopard
      and the first report on induced pluripotency in felid species. Addition of NANOG
      to the reprogramming cocktail was essential for derivation of iPS lines in this
      felid. The iPS cells provided a unique source of pluripotent cells with utility
      in conservation through cryopreservation of genetics, as a source of reprogrammed
      donor cells for nuclear transfer or for directed differentiation to gametes in
      the future.

PMID- 22079580
TI  - Spices and energy balance.
AB  - The sensory properties of foods and beverages are primary determinants of food
      choice. Some flavor components have an inherent hedonic valence that influences
      ingestive behavior. However, these hedonic impressions may be modified and others
      newly formed through their association with the post-ingestive consequences of
      food and beverage consumption. Flavor-active compounds, including spices, also
      modify digestive, absorptive and metabolic processes through direct activation of
      signaling pathways or via neurally-mediated cephalic phase responses. These may
      modify energy balance through effects on food digestion, energy absorption and
      metabolism. Thus, collectively, flavor has the potential to modify energy
      balance. Attempts to purposefully augment energy and nutrient intake have largely
      focused on the aging population where flavor fortification is posited to correct
      for diminishing sensory function. Evidence of efficacy is not strong, possibly
      due to methodological issues such as low statistical power and failure to match
      documented sensory limitations with the nature of the intervention. More rigorous
      testing should determine the viability of this therapeutic application of food
      flavors. The use of flavor compounds for weight reduction has yielded mixed
      results. Most trials have delivered the compounds via capsule precluding
      assessment of flavor to outcomes. Work with red pepper suggests there is an
      independent, albeit subtle, sensory effect on substrate oxidation coupled with a
      more general reduction of appetite and enhancement of energy expenditure. Flavor
      active compounds hold some promise for being more a part of the solution than the
      problem of disordered eating and unhealthy weight.

PMID- 22079581
TI  - Sensitization of depressive-like behavior during repeated maternal separation is
      associated with more-rapid increase in core body temperature and reduced plasma
      cortisol levels.
AB  - Infant guinea pigs exhibit a 2-stage response to maternal separation: an initial
      active stage, characterized by vocalizing, and a second passive stage marked by
      depressive-like behavior (hunched posture, prolonged eye-closure, extensive
      piloerection) that appears to be mediated by proinflammatory activity. Recently
      we found that pups showed an enhanced (i.e., sensitized) depressive-like
      behavioral response during repeated separation. Further, core body temperature
      was higher during the beginning of a second separation compared to the first,
      suggesting a more-rapid stress-induced febrile response to separation the second
      day, though the possibility that temperature was already elevated prior to the
      second separation could not be ruled out. Therefore, the present study examined
      temperature prior to, and during, 2 daily separations. We also examined the
      temperature response to a third separation conducted 3 days after the second, and
      assessed the effect of repeated separation on plasma cortisol levels. Core
      temperature did not differ just prior to the separations, but showed a more-rapid
      increase and then decline during both a second and third separation than during a
      first. Temperature responses were not associated with changes in motor activity.
      Depressive-like behavior was greater during the second and third separations.
      Pups separated a first time showed a larger plasma cortisol response at the
      conclusion of separation than did animals of the same age separated a third time.
      In all, the results indicate that the sensitization of depressive-like behavior
      during repeated separations over several days is accompanied by a more-rapid
      febrile response that may be related to a reduction of glucocorticoid
      suppression.

PMID- 22079583
TI  - The lifespan consequences of early life stress.
AB  - Early life stress (ELS), an experience of severe stress due for example to
      parental loss, abuse or neglect during the childhood years, may have profound
      long-term effects on the individual's physiology and psychology. Here we review
      the findings of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study 1934-44 (n=13,345), of whom
      approximately 14% were temporarily separated from both their parents due to child
      evacuations in World War II. The children were evacuated from Finland,
      unaccompanied by their parents, to other countries in Scandinavia (Sweden and
      Denmark) at the average age of 4.7 years (SD=2.4 years) and for an average period
      of 1.7 years (SD=1.0 years). Information on these separations for each member of
      the HBCS was derived from the Finnish National Archives. We found significant
      effects of ELS on psychiatric morbidity and mortality, intellectual ability,
      stress reactivity, reproductive history, and inter-generational social mobility.

PMID- 22079584
TI  - Mediators of allostasis and systemic toxicity in bipolar disorder.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is associated with a high rate of medical and psychiatric
      comorbidities. This burden of illness, along with cognitive impairment, is seen
      particularly in late cases, after multiple episodes. These changes in clinical
      presentation that take place over time have been recently conceptualized as
      "neuroprogression". The concept of allostatic load is instrumental in
      understanding how the cumulative stress associated with psychiatric disorders
      translates into bodily wear and tear, thus providing an underlying explanation
      for illness progression. Allostatic load is engendered by several factors which
      interact in a nonlinear manner. Glucocorticoids are fundamental mediators; when
      chronically in excess, glucocorticoids initiate a series of bodily dysfunctions
      that may include cortisol-related mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress,
      inflammation and decrease in the expression of neuroprotective factors. In the
      present review we examine the role of allostatic load in the illness progression
      that takes place in bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22079582
TI  - Oxytocin, vasopressin and estrogen receptor gene expression in relation to social
      recognition in female mice.
AB  - Inter- and intra-species differences in social behavior and recognition-related
      hormones and receptors suggest that different distribution and/or expression
      patterns may relate to social recognition. We used qRT-PCR to investigate
      naturally occurring differences in expression of estrogen receptor-alpha
      (ERalpha), ER-beta (ERbeta), progesterone receptor (PR), oxytocin (OT) and
      receptor, and vasopressin (AVP) and receptors in proestrous female mice.
      Following four 5 min exposures to the same two conspecifics, one was replaced
      with a novel mouse in the final trial (T5). Gene expression was examined in mice
      showing high (85-100%) and low (40-60%) social recognition scores (i.e.,
      preferential novel mouse investigation in T5) in eight socially-relevant brain
      regions. Results supported OT and AVP involvement in social recognition, and
      suggest that in the medial preoptic area, increased OT and AVP mRNA, together
      with ERalpha and ERbeta gene activation, relate to improved social recognition.
      Initial social investigation correlated with ERs, PR and OTR in the dorsolateral
      septum, suggesting that these receptors may modulate social interest without
      affecting social recognition. Finally, increased lateral amygdala gene activation
      in the LR mice may be associated with general learning impairments, while
      decreased lateral amygdala activity may indicate more efficient cognitive
      mechanisms in the HR mice.

PMID- 22079585
TI  - Adh1 and Adh1/4 knockout mice as possible rodent models for presymptomatic
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) catalyze the reversible metabolism of many types of
      alcohols and aldehydes to prevent the possible toxic accumulation of these
      compounds. ADHs are of interest in Parkinson's disease (PD) since these compounds
      can be harmful to dopamine (DA) neurons. Genetic variants in ADH1C and ADH4 have
      been found to associate with PD and lack of Adh4 gene activity in a mouse model
      has recently been reported to induce changes in the DA system. Adh1 knockout
      (Adh1-/-) and Adh1/4 double knockout (Adh1/4-/-) mice were investigated for
      possible changes in DA system related activity, biochemical parameters and
      olfactory function compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Locomotor activity was tested
      at ~7 (adult) and >15 months of age to mimic the late onset of PD. Adh1-/- and
      Adh1/4-/- mice displayed a significantly higher spontaneous locomotor activity
      than WT littermates. Both apomorphine and d-amphetamine increased total distance
      activity in Adh1-/- mice at both age intervals and in Adh1/4-/- mice at 7 months
      of age compared to WT mice. No significant changes were found regarding olfactory
      function, however biochemical data showed decreased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic
      acid (DOPAC)/DA ratios in the olfactory bulb and decreased homovanillic acid
      (HVA)/DA ratios in the olfactory bulb, frontal cortex and striatum of Adh1/4-/-
      mice compared to WT mice. Our results suggest that lack of Adh1 alone or Adh1 and
      Adh4 together lead to changes in DA system related behavior, and that these
      knockout mice might be possible rodent models to study presymptomatic PD.

PMID- 22079586
TI  - Targeted gene delivery to the mouse brain by MRI-guided focused ultrasound
      induced blood-brain barrier disruption.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of targeted gene transfer into
      central nervous system (CNS) by MRI-guided focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) disruption. Before each sonication, T2-weighted images were
      obtained to select the target region. Followed by injecting DNA-loaded
      microbubbles into the tail vein, sonication was performed. The state of local
      BBB, distribution of plasmid DNA through the opened BBB, the ultrastructural
      changes of neurons and BDNF expression were detected. The results showed that MRI
      guided focused ultrasound (FUS) could accomplish noninvasive, transient, and
      local BBB disruption, at 1h after sonication, plasmid DNA across the opened BBB
      had been internalized into the neurons presenting heterogeneous distribution and
      numerous transparent vesicles were observed in the cytoplasm of the neurons at
      the sonicated region, suggesting vesicle-mediated endocytosis. At 48 h after
      sonication, the expressions of exogenous gene pBDNF-EGFP were observed in the
      cytoplasm of some neurons, and BDNF expressions were markedly enhanced by the
      combination of ultrasound and pBDNF-EGFP-loaded microbubbles about 20-fold than
      that of the control group (P<0.01). The method by using MRI-guided FUS to induce
      the local BBB disruption could accomplish effective targeted exogenous gene
      transfer in CNS. This technique may provide a new option for the treatment of
      various CNS diseases.

PMID- 22079588
TI  - The central versus peripheral antinociceptive effects of MU-opioid receptor
      agonists in the new model of rat visceral pain.
AB  - This study describes the antinociceptive effects of MU-opioid agonists, d
      Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO) and morphine in a model of rat
      visceral pain in which nociceptive responses were triggered by 2% acetic acid
      intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. DAMGO and morphine were administered i.p., to
      the same site where acetic acid was delivered or intracerebroventricularly
      (i.c.v.). The antinociceptive actions of i.p. versus i.c.v. administered DAMGO or
      morphine were evaluated in the late phase of permanent visceral nociceptive
      responses. Both compounds inhibited the nociceptive responses in a dose-dependent
      manner and exhibited more potent agonist activity after i.c.v. than i.p.
      administration. DAMGO and morphine showed comparable ED(50) values after i.p.
      injections. However, DAMGO was much stronger than morphine after central
      administration. Co-administration of the peripherally restricted opioid
      antagonist, naloxone methiodide (NAL-M), significantly attenuated the
      antinociceptive effects of i.p. DAMGO or morphine. On the other hand, i.c.v.
      injections of NAL-M partially antagonized the antinociceptive effect of i.p.
      morphine and failed to affect the antinociceptive action of i.p. DAMGO indicating
      the partial and pure peripheral antinociceptive effects of morphine and DAMGO,
      respectively. These results suggest the role of either central or peripheral MU
      opioid receptors (MOR) in mediating antinociceptive effects of i.p. MU-opioid
      agonists in the rat late permanent visceral pain model which closely resembles
      the clinical situation.

PMID- 22079587
TI  - System x(c)(-) regulates microglia and macrophage glutamate excitotoxicity in
      vivo.
AB  - It is widely believed that microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages
      (collectively referred to as central nervous system (CNS) macrophages) cause
      excitotoxicity in the diseased or injured CNS. This view has evolved mostly from
      in vitro studies showing that neurotoxic concentrations of glutamate are released
      from CNS macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent
      inflammogen. We hypothesized that excitotoxic killing by CNS macrophages is more
      rigorously controlled in vivo, requiring both the activation of the
      glutamate/cystine antiporter (system x(c)(-)) and an increase in extracellular
      cystine, the substrate that drives glutamate release. Here, we show that non
      traumatic microinjection of low-dose LPS into spinal cord gray matter activates
      CNS macrophages but without causing overt neuropathology. In contrast, neurotoxic
      inflammation occurs when LPS and cystine are co-injected. Simultaneous injection
      of NBQX, an antagonist of AMPA glutamate receptors, reduces the neurotoxic
      effects of LPS+cystine, implicating glutamate as a mediator of neuronal cell
      death in this model. Surprisingly, neither LPS nor LPS+cystine adversely affects
      survival of oligodendrocytes or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Ex vivo
      analyses show that redox balance in microglia and macrophages is controlled by
      induction of system x(c)(-) and that high GSH:GSSG ratios predict the neurotoxic
      potential of these cells. Together, these data indicate that modulation of redox
      balance in CNS macrophages, perhaps through regulating system x(c)(-), could be a
      novel approach for attenuating injurious neuroinflammatory cascades.

PMID- 22079589
TI  - A current review of infection control for childhood tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) infection control recommendations in healthcare settings were
      developed to decrease nosocomial transmission from adults. In the absence of
      pediatric-specific guidelines, these infection control recommendations have been
      incorporated, in almost unmodified format, for childhood TB. We will review the
      evidence concerning the contagiousness of TB in children, scenarios in which
      transmission is more likely, review United States national recommendations, and
      consider the family unit, as opposed to the patient, to be the transmission unit
      for childhood TB.

PMID- 22079590
TI  - Toward a low-cost compact array microscopy platform for detection of
      tuberculosis.
AB  - This paper describes the development of a microscope array capable of imaging
      separate fields of view without the need for opto-mechanical scanning components.
      This microscope array can be integrated with array illuminating optics, a full
      frame digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, and automated algorithms for the
      detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The entire array will fit within
      the area of a typical sputum smear. A custom miniature objective has been
      designed for this microscope array that has a numerical aperture of 0.5, optical
      resolution of 0.63 MUm, and a field of view that is 0.54 mm in diameter. A single
      prototype miniature objective of this design has been built, and images are
      presented demonstrating its imaging performance. Images are sufficiently high
      quality for diagnostic use. When fully integrated, this device has the potential
      to significantly improve performance compared to conventional microscopy systems
      and to enable more effective diagnosis of tuberculosis at the point of care.

PMID- 22079591
TI  - Ruscogenin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice:
      involvement of tissue factor, inducible NO synthase and nuclear factor (NF)
      kappaB.
AB  - Acute lung injury is still a significant clinical problem with a high mortality
      rate and there are few effective therapies in clinic. Here, we studied the
      inhibitory effect of ruscogenin, an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic natural
      product, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in mice basing on
      our previous studies. The results showed that a single oral administration of
      ruscogenin significantly decreased lung wet to dry weight (W/D) ratio at doses of
      0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg 1 h prior to LPS challenge (30 mg/kg, intravenous
      injection). Histopathological changes such as pulmonary edema, coagulation and
      infiltration of inflammatory cells were also attenuated by ruscogenin. In
      addition, ruscogenin markedly decreased LPS-induced myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity and nitrate/nitrite content, and also downregulated expression of tissue
      factor (TF), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p-p65
      (Ser 536) in the lung tissue at three doses. Furthermore, ruscogenin reduced
      plasma TF procoagulant activity and nitrate/nitrite content in LPS-induced ALI
      mice. These findings confirmed that ruscogenin significantly attenuate LPS
      induced acute lung injury via inhibiting expressions of TF and iNOS and NF-kappaB
      p65 activation, indicating it as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI or sepsis.

PMID- 22079592
TI  - Deficiency of claudin-18 causes paracellular H+ leakage, up-regulation of
      interleukin-1beta, and atrophic gastritis in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although defects in tight junction (TJ) epithelial
      paracellular barrier function are believed to be a primary cause of inflammation,
      the mechanisms responsible remain largely unknown. METHODS: We generated knockout
      mice of stomach-type claudin-18, a major component of TJs in the stomach.
      RESULTS: Cldn18(-/-) mice were afflicted with atrophic gastritis that started on
      postnatal day 3. This coincided with a decrease in intragastric pH due to H(+)
      secretion from parietal cells and concomitant up-regulation of the cytokines,
      interleukin-1beta, cyclooxygenase-2, and KC, resulting in spasmolytic polypeptide
      expressing metaplasia (SPEM). Oral administration of hydrochloric acid on
      postnatal day 1 induced the expression of these cytokines in Cldn18(-/-) infant
      stomach, but not in Cldn18(+/+) mice. A paracellular H(+) leak in Cldn18(-/-)
      stomach was detected by electrophysiology and H(+) titration, and freeze-fracture
      electron microscopy showed structural defects in the TJs, in which the tightly
      packed claudin-18 (stomach-type)-based TJ strands were lost, leaving a loose
      meshwork of strands consisting of other claudin species. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings provide evidence that claudin-18 normally forms a paracellular barrier
      against H(+) in the stomach and that its deficiency causes paracellular H(+)
      leak, a persistent up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, chronic
      recruitment of neutrophils, and the subsequent development of SPEM in atrophic
      gastritis.

PMID- 22079593
TI  - The copolymer P(HEMA-co-SS) binds gluten and reduces immune response in gluten
      sensitized mice and human tissues.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate and styrene sulfonate
      complex with isolated gliadin (the toxic fraction of gluten) and prevent damage
      to the intestinal barrier in HLA-HCD4/DQ8 mice. We studied the activity toward
      gluten and hordein digestion and biologic effects of poly(hydroxyethyl
      methacrylate-co-styrene sulfonate (P(HEMA-co-SS)). We also investigated the
      effect of gliadin complex formation in intestinal biopsy specimens from patients
      with celiac disease. METHODS: We studied the ability of P(HEMA-co-SS) to reduce
      digestion of wheat gluten and barley hordein into immunotoxic peptides using
      liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetic
      profile of orally administered P(HEMA-co-SS) was established in rodents using
      tritium-labeled polymer. We assessed the capacity of P(HEMA-co-SS) to prevent the
      immunologic and intestinal effects induced by a gluten-food mixture in gluten
      sensitized HLA-HCD4/DQ8 mice after short-term and long-term administration. We
      measured the effects of gliadin complex formation on cytokine release ex vivo
      using intestinal biopsy specimens from patients with celiac disease. RESULTS:
      P(HEMA-co-SS) reduced digestion of wheat gluten and barley hordein in vitro,
      thereby decreasing formation of toxic peptides associated with celiac disease.
      After oral administration to rodents, P(HEMA-co-SS) was predominantly excreted in
      feces, even in the presence of low-grade mucosal inflammation and increased
      intestinal permeability. In gluten-sensitized mice, P(HEMA-co-SS) reduced
      paracellular permeability, normalized anti-gliadin immunoglobulin A in intestinal
      washes, and modulated the systemic immune response to gluten in a food mixture.
      Furthermore, incubation of P(HEMA-co-SS) with mucosal biopsy specimens from
      patients with celiac disease showed that secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      was reduced in the presence of partially digested gliadin. CONCLUSIONS: The
      copolymer P(HEMA-co-SS) reduced digestion of wheat gluten and barley hordein and
      attenuated the immune response to gluten in a food mixture in rodents. It might
      be developed to prevent or reduce gluten-induced disorders in humans.

PMID- 22079594
TI  - CCR9+ macrophages are required for acute liver inflammation in mouse models of
      hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are involved in the induction
      of liver inflammation. We investigated the roles of specific APCs in the
      pathogenesis of acute liver injury in mice. METHODS: We used concanavalin A (con
      A) or carbon tetrachloride to induce acute liver inflammation in mice and studied
      the roles of macrophages that express CCR9. RESULTS: After injection of con A, we
      detected CCR9(+)CD11b(+)CD11c(-) macrophages that express tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha in livers of mice, whereas CCR9(+)Siglec-H(+)CD11b(-)CD11c(low)
      plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), which are abundant in normal livers, disappeared. The
      CCR9(+) macrophages were also detected in the livers of RAG-2(-/-) mice, which
      lack lymphocytes and natural killer T cells, after injection of con A. Under
      inflammatory conditions, CCR9(+) macrophages induced naive CD4(+) T cells to
      become interferon gamma-producing Th1 cells in vivo and in vitro. CCR9(-/-) mice
      injected with con A did not develop hepatitis unless they also received CCR9(+)
      macrophages from mice that received con A; more CCR9(+) macrophages accumulated
      in their inflamed livers than CCR9(+) pDCs, CCR9(-) pDCs, or CCR9(-) macrophages
      isolated from mice that had received injections of con A. Levels of CCL25
      messenger RNA increased in livers after injection of con A; neutralizing
      antibodies against CCL25 reduced the induction of hepatitis by con A by blocking
      the migration of CCR9(+) macrophages and their production of TNF-alpha.
      Peripheral blood samples from patients with acute hepatitis had greater numbers
      of TNF-alpha-producing CCR9(+)CD14(+)CD16(high) monocytes than controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: CCR9(+) macrophages contribute to the induction of acute liver
      inflammation in mouse models of hepatitis.

PMID- 22079595
TI  - Severe defects in absorptive ion transport in distal colons of mice that lack ClC
      2 channels.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The fluid secretion model predicts that intestinal obstruction
      disorders can be alleviated by promoting epithelial Cl(-) secretion. The
      adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-activated anion channel CFTR mediates
      Cl(-)-dependent fluid secretion in the intestine. Although the role of the ClC-2
      channel has not been determined in the intestine, this voltage-gated Cl(-)
      channel might compensate for the secretory defects observed in patients with
      cystic fibrosis and other chronic constipation disorders. We investigated whether
      mice that lack ClC-2 channels (Clcn2(-/-)) have defects in intestinal ion
      transport. METHODS: Immunolocalization and immunoblot analyses were used to
      determine the cellular localization and the amount of ClC-2 expressed in mouse
      early distal colon (EDC) and late distal colon (LDC). Colon sheets from wild-type
      and Clcn2(-/-) littermates were mounted in Ussing chambers to determine
      transepithelial bioelectrical parameters and Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) fluxes.
      RESULTS: Expression of ClC-2 was higher in the basolateral membrane of surface
      cells in the EDC compared with the LDC, with little expression in crypts. Neither
      cAMP nor Ca(2+)-induced secretion of Cl(-) was affected in the EDC or LDC of
      Clcn2(-/-) mice, whereas the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current was
      increased approximately 3-fold in Clcn2(-/-) EDC compared with control
      littermates. Conversely, electroneutral Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) absorption was
      dramatically reduced in colons of Clcn2(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS: Basolateral ClC-2
      channels are required for colonic electroneutral absorption of NaCl and KCl. The
      increase in the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current in Clcn2(-/-) mice
      revealed a compensatory mechanism that is activated in the colons of mice that
      lack the ClC-2 channel.

PMID- 22079596
TI  - Restricted heterochromatin formation links NFATc2 repressor activity with growth
      promotion in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Transcriptional silencing of the p15(INK4b) tumor suppressor
      pathway overcomes cellular protection against unrestrained proliferation in
      cancer. Here we show a novel pathway involving the oncogenic transcription factor
      nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) c2 targeting a p15(INK4b)-mediated
      failsafe mechanism to promote pancreatic cancer tumor growth. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and
      immunofluorescence microscopy were used for expression studies. Cancer growth was
      assessed in vitro by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, colony formation assays, and
      in vivo using xenograft tumor models. Protein-protein interactions, promoter
      regulation, and local histone modifications were analyzed by immunoprecipitation,
      DNA pull-down, reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS: Our
      study uncovered induction of NFATc2 in late-stage pancreatic intraepithelial
      neoplasia lesions with increased expression in tumor cell nuclei of advanced
      cancers. In the nucleus, NFATc2 targets the p15(INK4b) promoter for inducible
      heterochromatin formation and silencing. NFATc2 binding to its cognate promoter
      site induces stepwise recruitment of the histone methyltransferase Suv39H1,
      causes local H3K9 trimethylation, and allows docking of heterochromatin protein
      HP1gamma to the repressor complex. Conversely, inactivation of NFATc2 disrupts
      this repressor complex assembly and local heterochromatin formation, resulting in
      restoration of p15(INK4b) expression and inhibition of pancreatic cancer growth
      in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Here we describe a novel mechanism for NFATc2
      mediated gene regulation and identify a functional link among its repressor
      activity, the silencing of the suppressor pathway p15(INK4b), and its pancreatic
      cancer growth regulatory functions. Thus, we provide evidence that inactivation
      of oncogenic NFATc2 might be an attractive strategy in treatment of pancreatic
      cancer.

PMID- 22079597
TI  - A coupled experimental and computational approach to quantify deleterious
      hemodynamics, vascular alterations, and mechanisms of long-term morbidity in
      response to aortic coarctation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with morbidity despite
      treatment. Although mechanisms remain elusive, abnormal hemodynamics and vascular
      biomechanics are implicated. We present a novel approach that facilitates
      quantification of coarctation-induced mechanical alterations and their impact on
      vascular structure and function, without genetic or confounding factors. METHODS:
      Rabbits underwent thoracic CoA at 10weeks of age (~9 human years) to induce a
      20mmHg blood pressure (BP) gradient using permanent or dissolvable suture thereby
      replicating untreated and corrected CoA. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was
      performed using imaging and BP data at 32weeks to quantify velocity, strain and
      wall shear stress (WSS) for comparison to vascular structure and function as
      revealed by histology and myograph results. RESULTS: Systolic and mean BP was
      elevated in CoA compared to corrected and control rabbits leading to vascular
      thickening, disorganization and endothelial dysfunction proximally and distally.
      Corrected rabbits had less severe medial thickening, endothelial dysfunction, and
      stiffening limited to the proximal region despite 12weeks of normal BP (~4 human
      years) after the suture dissolved. WSS was elevated distally for CoA rabbits, but
      reduced for corrected rabbits. DISCUSSION: These findings are consistent with
      alterations in humans. We are now poised to investigate mechanical contributions
      to mechanisms of morbidity in CoA using these methods.

PMID- 22079598
TI  - Common interlimb asymmetries and neurogenic responses during upper limb
      neurodynamic testing: implications for test interpretation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement pilot study. INTRODUCTION: Upper limb
      neurodynamic testing (ULNT1) uses interlimb comparisons to investigate nerve
      sensitivity to movement. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To establish the magnitude of
      range of motion asymmetries between limbs and the frequency of neurogenic sensory
      responses during ULNT1. METHODS: Elbow extension range of motion (EE-ROM) and
      sensory responses were measured during ULNT1 in dominant and nondominant limbs
      for 40 asymptomatic participants. Structural differentiation was performed to
      examine if sensory responses were associated with neurogenic sources. RESULTS:
      The average intraindividual EE-ROM asymmetry was 7.28 deg (6.68 standard
      deviation) (95% confidence interval: 5.18, 9.28). Sensory responses in the limbs
      during ULNT1 were altered by structural differentiation in 95% of participants.
      An intraindividual, interlimb difference of >=10 deg exceeds the range of common
      asymmetry during ULNT1. CONCLUSIONS: Neurogenic sensory responses are common
      findings in healthy individuals and should be acknowledged when interpreting
      ULNT1 findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3a.

PMID- 22079599
TI  - [Computed tomography of the normal and pathologic temporal bone].
AB  - High-resolution computed tomography scanning (CT) allows depiction of
      microanatomic structures of the temporal bone. CT is useful for detecting several
      pathologic conditions of the temporal bone such as congenital malformations,
      particularly in young children with sensorineural hearing loss. Some external,
      middle and inner ear structures are difficult to evaluate. The objective of this
      study has been to provide the key planes in coronal and axial planes (five
      coronal planes and three axial planes) but also with oblique planes
      reconstruction (two planes) for normal temporal bones evaluation. These
      standardized planes help to improve visualization of the main congenital
      malformations. Identification of obvious morphogenetic malformations (Michel
      aplasia, Mondini deformity....) is not difficult. However, less severe dysplasia
      may be missed or normal micro anatomic structures in newborn misreaded.

PMID- 22079600
TI  - [Absence of the musculocutaneous nerve and its distribution from median nerve:
      About two cases and literature review].
AB  - Musculocutaneous nerve arises mostly from the lateral cord of brachial plexus.
      Nevertheless, variations have been reported and, among them: the total absence of
      musculocutaneous nerve (from 1.4 to 15%), the absence of its passage through the
      coracobrachial muscle, its variable level of penetration as measured from the tip
      of the coracoid process, and its communicating branches with the median nerve. We
      report two cases of unilateral musculocutaneous nerve absence in a 66-year-old
      male and a 95-year-old female cadavers, on the right and the left side,
      respectively. The nerve fibers normally coming from musculocutaneous nerve
      emerged from the median nerve. The knowledge of this anatomical variation is
      important specially when performing plexus bloc or Latarjet's procedure.

PMID- 22079601
TI  - Are all cases of low-grade mosaic trisomy 13 in amniotic fluid with no fetal
      malformation in fact confined placental mosaicism? A case report.
AB  - We report on a case of true prenatal mosaic trisomy 13 on amniotic fluid
      associated with a normal phenotype at the age of 6 years. The amniocentesis was
      performed because of advanced maternal age and was controlled by a second sample.
      Morphological and cardiac ultrasonography did not reveal any fetal malformations.
      No trisomic cells were found in the fetal blood and a nuclear magnetic resonance
      imaging (IRM) of the brain was performed during the third trimester found no
      abnormality of the brain. Finally, at birth cytogenetic analysis was performed on
      two placental samples for chromosomal analysis: one in an area where the placenta
      seemed normal, and the other one in an area with infarcted and hemorrhagic
      aspect. We found a high rate of trisomic cells in the sample with abnormal
      aspect. Furthermore, no trisomic cell was observed by fluorescent in situ
      hybridation (FISH) on the buccal smears of the baby. We concluded to a confined
      placental mosaicism. The good outcome of the child aged 6 years confirms this
      diagnosis. So in the aim to predict a good development for the child in case of
      low rate mosaic trisomy 13 in amniotic fluid, we propose at birth: i) to take
      several samples from the placenta to confirm placental mosaicism; ii) to label by
      FISH buccal smears with a LSI 13 probe to prove that the baby is not a carrier of
      the trisomy.

PMID- 22079602
TI  - Pilot study of home self-administration of subcutaneous depo-medroxyprogesterone
      acetate for contraception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) offers the
      possibility of self-administration. STUDY DESIGN: This is a pilot study of self
      administration of DMPA-SC. Existing users of the intramuscular preparation (DMPA
      IM) who wished to self-inject (n=64) were taught self-administration using DMPA
      SC. The main outcome was the continuation rate of the method at 12 months
      compared to a control group of existing users of DMPA-IM (n=64) who continued to
      attend a clinic to receive the method. Women's satisfaction with the method and
      the proportion of self-injections given at correct time were also determined.
      RESULTS: The 12-month discontinuation rate of the DMPA-SC group (12%) did not
      differ significantly from that of the DMPA-IM group (22%) (95% confidence
      intervals of 13%-33% and 6%-23% for DMPA-SC and DMPA-IM, respectively; p=.23).
      All self-injections were given within the appropriate interval. There was no
      significant difference in the proportion of women in either group who were
      satisfied with the method. CONCLUSION: Self-administration of DMPA-SC for
      contraception is feasible and is associated with similar continuation rates and
      satisfaction to clinician-administered DMPA-IM.

PMID- 22079603
TI  - Predictors of noncompliance in an oral contraceptive clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This analysis was conducted to identify the participant
      characteristics associated with noncompliance in an oral contraceptive (OC)
      clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN: We studied ovarian suppression among normal-weight
      and obese women during the use of levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing combination
      OCs. Participants underwent twice weekly phlebotomy during the study cycle and
      received up to $360 for participation. Along with other study assays, we analyzed
      903 specimens from 181 women to measure LNG to assess OC compliance. Consistently
      undetectable LNG levels indicated noncompliance. To evaluate predictors of OC
      noncompliance during this study, we compared the characteristics of compliant and
      noncompliant participants using multivariable logistic regression. We assigned
      each participant to a relative poverty level based on US census data; all other
      individual characteristics came directly from participant responses during the
      baseline interview. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one women completed the study; 31
      were noncompliant (17%). In multivariable analyses, poverty level was the
      strongest predictor of noncompliance. Compared with those women in the quartile
      with the lowest level of residential poverty, other women were far more likely to
      be noncompliant, especially women in the quartile with the greatest prevalence of
      poverty (adjusted odds ratio, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-46.1). Additional
      factors associated with noncompliance were education level less than a bachelor's
      degree and Hispanic ethnicity. Other demographic and psychometric measures were
      not associated with compliance. CONCLUSIONS: We found that noncompliance was
      strongly associated with residential poverty level, an indirect measure of
      individual income. In the United States, poverty is associated with female
      obesity, Hispanic ethnicity and low education, which were also associated here
      with noncompliance. Study compensation may motivate poor individuals to
      participate in clinical trials for income. Noncompliance in clinical trials,
      particularly differential noncompliance, jeopardizes study validity.

PMID- 22079604
TI  - Music for surgical abortion care study: a randomized controlled pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study objective was to explore the effect of music as an adjunct
      to local anesthesia on pain and anxiety during first-trimester surgical abortion.
      Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and coping. STUDY DESIGN: We
      conducted a randomized controlled pilot study of 26 women comparing music and
      local anesthesia to local anesthesia alone. We assessed pain, anxiety and coping
      with 11-point verbal numerical scales. Patient satisfaction was measured via a 4
      point Likert scale. RESULTS: In the music group, we noted a trend toward a faster
      decline in anxiety postprocedure (p=.065). The music group reported better coping
      than the control group (mean+/-S.D., 8.5+/-2.3 and 6.2+/-2.8, respectively;
      p<.05). Both groups reported similarly high satisfaction scores. There were no
      group differences in pain. CONCLUSIONS: Music as an adjunct to local anesthesia
      during surgical abortion is associated with a trend toward less anxiety
      postprocedure and better coping while maintaining high patient satisfaction.
      Music does not appear to affect abortion pain.

PMID- 22079605
TI  - Self-administration of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for
      contraception: feasibility and acceptability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of the study were to assess feasibility, continuation
      rates and patient satisfaction with self-administration of subcutaneous depot
      medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included
      50 DMPA-seeking women between the ages of 18 and 49 years enrolled at two Florida
      Planned Parenthood health centers. Participants were taught self-injection during
      their initial study visit and, upon proficiency, self-injected one dose in
      clinic. Participants then injected a series of three more doses outside the
      health center over 9 months. Continuation rates, feasibility and acceptability
      were determined by analysis of four postinjection surveys. RESULTS: Continuation
      of DMPA-SC at injection 4 was 74% (95% confidence interval 62%-86%). Overall,
      survey responses from the three at-home injections indicated the method to be
      convenient (95%), easy (87%) and recommendable to others (94%). Twenty percent of
      injections were met with difficulty, most commonly cited as plunger resistance.
      No pregnancies occurred in study. CONCLUSIONS: Continuation was high with DMPA-SC
      self-injection. Participants reported injection to be easy and convenient and are
      likely to recommend self-administration to other women. Device issues are one
      potential deterrent.

PMID- 22079606
TI  - In vitro cytotoxicity of Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+ and their mixtures on primary human
      endometrial epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To avoid the inherent disadvantages of copper-containing intrauterine
      device (Cu-IUD) induced by free Cu2+, two other well-performing metal ions,
      namely, Ag+, with long-effective antimicrobial properties, and Zn2+, as an
      essential trace element, are being considered for use in the future as
      multifunctional IUDs. The purpose of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of
      these metal ions and their mixtures on primary human endometrial epithelial cells
      (HEECs) cultured in vitro and to provide several choices of alternative potential
      materials for creating excellent IUDs in the future. STUDY DESIGN: With the use
      of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide-formazan (MTT-f)
      production, the cytotoxic effects of single metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+) on HEECs
      after exposure for 24, 48 or 72 h were investigated, and the synergistic and
      antagonistic effects of two ions applied simultaneously were also assessed.
      RESULTS: The cytotoxicity of the metal ions on HEECs ranked as follows:
      Ag+>Cu2+>Zn2+. All combinations of those tested indicated that the Cu2++Zn2+
      system exhibited an antagonistic effect absolutely, the Zn2++Ag+ system showed
      both antagonism and slight synergism, and asynergistic effect was observed in the
      Cu2++Ag+ system. CONCLUSION: From a perspective of favorable biocompatibility,
      Zn2+ and the Cu2++Zn2+ mixture showed evidence of potential components for use in
      future IUDs. Although having strong cytotoxicity, Ag+ with its low release rate
      and broad-spectrum antibiotic activity may also be considered. The study also
      demonstrated the relative stability of Cu2+ as a classic material of IUD.

PMID- 22079607
TI  - Second- and third-trimester termination of pregnancy in women with uterine scar -
      a retrospective analysis of 111 gemeprost-induced terminations of pregnancy after
      previous cesarean delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate and analyze the efficacy and
      safety of using gemeprost for second- and third-trimester termination of
      pregnancy (TOP) in women with uterine scar due to previous cesarean section.
      STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 111 medical TOPs for fetal anomaly or
      death at 14 to 34 weeks of gestation in women with a history of cesarean section
      was performed at a German tertiary care center from 2005 to 2009. Abortion was
      induced via intravaginal application of the prostaglandin analogue gemeprost (1
      mg) every 6 h. RESULTS: One hundred eleven women with one (89.2%) or two (10.8%)
      previous cesarean sections underwent medical TOP with gemeprost. The median
      induction-to-expulsion interval was 18 h 24 min (range, 2 h 20 min-168 h 28 min),
      and in 34 (30.6%) cases, the induction interval was longer than 24 h. The overall
      incidence of severe complications was 9/111 (8.1%), including one case of silent
      uterine rupture (with the need for blood transfusion), four cases of atonic and
      three secondary hemorrhages and one case of peritonitis due to uterine
      perforation during curettage. Failure of induction (induction-to-expulsion >48 h)
      occurred in 11 cases (9.9%). CONCLUSION: Gemeprost-induced TOP in the second and
      third trimester in women with uterine scar due to previous cesarean section is
      effective and has a low complication rate.

PMID- 22079608
TI  - Inhibition of proprotein convertase 5/6 activity: potential for nonhormonal women
      centered contraception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase 5/6 (PC6) is critical for endometrial
      epithelial receptivity and stromal cell decidualization for embryo implantation
      in women. We hypothesized that inhibiting PC6 could block implantation for
      contraception. The aim of this study was to prove this concept using human cell
      models and rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: A potential PC6 inhibitor, C1239-PEG-Poly R,
      was biochemically confirmed to be a potent PC6 inhibitor. The potential
      contraceptive action of the inhibitor was then tested in decidualization of
      primary human endometrial stromal cells in a human trophoblast spheroid
      attachment model and in vivo in rabbits. RESULTS: The PC6 inhibitor C1239-PEG
      Poly R inhibited in a dose-dependent manner both decidualization and spheroid
      attachment. Vaginal delivery of 200 MUL of the inhibitor at a final concentration
      of 5 mM to rabbits over a 3-day period starting 6 days after mating resulted in a
      60% decrease in implantation and, hence, pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      presents proof of concept that PC6 inhibition has the potential to block embryo
      implantation, providing nonhormonal contraception for women.

PMID- 22079609
TI  - The catalytic phosphoinositol 3-kinase isoform p110delta is required for glioma
      cell migration and invasion.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive and aggressive primary brain
      tumour in which loss of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10
      (PTEN), a negative regulator of PI3K signalling, is a common feature.
      PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling is involved in the regulation of proliferation,
      apoptosis and cell migration. Deregulation of PI3K signalling is considered an
      essential driver in gliomagenesis. However, the role of different PI3K isoforms
      in glioma is still largely unclear. Here we show that the catalytic PI3K isoform
      p110delta is consistently expressed at a high level in various glioma cell lines.
      We used small interfering RNA to selectively deplete p110delta and to determine
      its tumourigenic roles in PTEN-deficient cells. Interestingly, knockdown of
      p110delta decreased the cell migration and invasion ability of all GBM cell lines
      tested. Mechanistically, p110delta knockdown reduced the protein levels of focal
      adhesion kinase and cell division cycle 42, key regulators of cellular migration.
      In contrast, pharmacologic inhibition of p110delta by IC87114 or CAL-101 also
      clearly impaired glioma cell migration but had no obvious effect on the invasion
      capacity thus pinpointing to possible kinase-dependent and -independent roles of
      p110delta in glioma pathology. In summary, our data provide novel evidence that
      in glioma cells p110delta is a key regulator of cell movement and thus may
      contribute to the highly invasive phenotype of GBM. Isoform specific targeting of
      PI3Kdelta may be beneficial in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme by
      specifically inhibiting tumour cell migration capacity.

PMID- 22079610
TI  - Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of suspended particulate matter in the Seine river
      estuary.
AB  - Highly mutagenic compounds such as some PAHs have been identified in surface
      waters and sediments of the Seine river estuary. Suspended particulate matter
      (SPM) represents a dynamic medium that may contribute to the exposure of aquatic
      organisms to toxic compounds in the water column of the estuary. In order to
      investigate major sources of mutagenic contaminants along the estuary, water
      samples were taken at 25 m downstream of the outlet of an industrial wastewater
      treatment plant (WWTP). SPM samples were analyzed for their genotoxicity with two
      short-term tests, the Salmonella typhimurium mutagenicity assay (TA98+S9 mix) and
      the comet assay in the human HepG2 cell line. Sampling sites receiving effluents
      from a chemical dye industry and WWTP showed the highest mutagenic potencies,
      followed by petrochemical industries, petroleum refinery and pulp and paper
      mills. These data indicate that frame-shift mutagens are present in the Seine
      river estuary. Furthermore, the comet assay revealed the presence of compounds
      that were genotoxic for human hepatocytes (HepG2 cells). We also observed a high
      level of mutagenic potency in the sediment of the lower estuary (3 * 104
      revertants/g). The source of mutagenic and genotoxic compounds seems to be
      associated with various types of effluents discharged in the Seine river estuary.
      Both test systems resulted in the same assessment of the genotoxicity of
      particulate matter, except for three of the 14 samples, underlying the
      complementarity of bioassays.

PMID- 22079611
TI  - Profile of the distal femur anterior cortex--a computer-assisted cadaveric study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accurate positioning and sizing of the femoral component in total
      knee arthroplasty is important for stability and functional outcome. The purpose
      of the study was to evaluate the bony profiles of the distal anterior femoral
      cortex (AFC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anatomical bony landmarks on 50 adult
      cadaveric femora were collected. Critical points were used to identify the distal
      AFC surface. RESULTS: There were four anterior cortex profiles: (1) lateral side
      highest and medial side lowest (56%); (2) lowest height in median area (26%); (3)
      highest height in median area (14%); (4) medial side highest and lateral side
      lowest (4%). DISCUSSION: Anterior referencing in TKA needs to represent the
      anterior shape of the distal femoral cortex to prevent notching, femoro-patellar
      overstuffing or flexion gap mismanagement. Due to the variability of the AFC,
      surgeons have to carefully select the AFC landmark to be sure of avoiding
      complications.

PMID- 22079612
TI  - Is there a link between osteofibrous dysplasia and adamantinoma?
AB  - Because of the relative frequency of osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) and the gravity
      of adamantinoma, it is important to know whether there is a link between these
      two entities. A young boy had been followed from the age of 5 years for OFD of
      the right tibia. At the age of 10, biopsy performed because of pain, revealed OFD
      like adamantinoma. Surgery was undertaken, with en bloc proximal tibial resection
      of 14 cm and reconstruction by free vascularized fibula and internal fixation.
      This observation illustrates the risk of evolution of OFD-like adamantinoma,
      showing the same unfavorable evolution as classic adamantinoma. Strict
      surveillance is mandatory in OFD, with systematic biopsy in case of onset of pain
      or increased tumor volume.

PMID- 22079613
TI  - Risk factors and impact of orthopaedic monitoring on the outcome of avascular
      necrosis of the femoral head in adults with sickle cell disease: 215 patients
      case study with control group.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease is a public health problem. The WHO has
      recommended that global management be implemented to reduce mortality and
      morbidity. Since no comprehensive care programme for bone and joint complications
      exists, the Caribbean Sickle Cell Disease Center added orthopaedic consultation
      to screen for and monitor these complications in 1992. HYPOTHESIS: Comprehensive
      medical and surgical care of patients with sickle cell disease will reduce the
      complications and disability associated with this disease. POPULATIONS AND
      METHODS: Two populations were compared to evaluate the impact of comprehensive
      disease management on the occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral
      head (femoral head AVN). The case-control series, [E-1994], included 115 patients
      (58 SS and 57 S) without orthopaedic monitoring and was evaluated
      retrospectively. The other patient series, [E-2008], included 215 patients (94 SS
      and 121 SC) with systematic orthopaedic care and was followed prospectively. Age,
      gender, duration of follow-up, haemoglobin levels, genotype, pain before
      treatment, associated humerus AVN and leg ulcers were analysed. RESULTS: Femoral
      head AVN occurred in young adult patients (35.3 +/- 4 years for [E-1994] and 29
      +/- 3.4 years for [E-2008]). Only elevated haemoglobin levels were associated
      with the occurrence of femoral head AVN, which suggests that increased blood
      viscosity contributes to the condition ([E-1994], P<0.0001; [E-2008], P=0.001).
      Treatment in [E-2008] patients reduced the number of femoral head AVN cases from
      36.5% in [E-1994] to 14.4% in [E-2008] (P<0.0001). DISCUSSION: The prevention and
      management of femoral head AVN must include medical treatment of the disease to
      reduce the occurrence of painful vaso-occlusive crises, which are known to
      trigger femoral head AVN. The effectiveness of this programme hinged on
      identifying risk factors and using simple approaches (hydration, pain medication,
      rest and crutches) to manage painful joint crises before femoral head AVN
      appeared. These approaches could be implemented in disadvantaged countries where
      sickle cell disease is prevalent. CONCLUSION: By knowing the risk factors,
      symptomatic patients who are at risk for femoral head AVN can be identified and
      additional evaluations can be performed early on in cases of hip pain.

PMID- 22079614
TI  - Mechanistic profiling of the cAMP-dependent steroidogenic pathway in the H295R
      endocrine disrupter screening system: new endpoints for toxicity testing.
AB  - The need for implementation of effects on steroid synthesis and hormone
      processing in screening batteries of endocrine disruptive compounds is widely
      acknowledged. In this perspective, hormone profiling in the H295R adrenocortical
      cell system is extensively examined and recently OECD validated (TG 456) as a
      replacement of the minced testis assay. To further elucidate the complete
      mechanisms and endocrine responsiveness of this cell system, microarray-based
      gene expression profiling of the cAMP response pathway, one of the major pathways
      in steroidogenesis regulation, was examined in H295R cells. Next to the steroid
      synthesis pathway, a broader lipid metabolic pathway, including cholesterol
      uptake/biosynthesis, hormone metabolization and many hormone and nuclear
      receptors, are sensitive towards cAMP stimulation in this cell system. Moreover,
      these pathways were clearly dose and time responsive, indicating early regulation
      (10 h) of cholesterol uptake and mobilization genes and later expression (24-48
      h) of cholesterol biosynthesis and steroid synthesis. Transcription network
      analysis suggested several important transcription factors that could be involved
      in regulation of the steroid hormone pathway, of which HNF4alpha, a broader lipid
      metabolism related transcription factor, might indicate some new transcription
      regulation patterns in this cell line. Overall we can conclude that the time
      dependent gene expression patterns of the strongly coordinated cholesterol supply
      and steroidogenesis pathways in the H295R cell system seem to reflect well the in
      vivo ACTH/cAMP signalling cascade in adrenal cells. Moreover, the completeness of
      the steroidogenic related pathways in terms of gene expression sensitivity,
      indicates the H295R cell line as a promising cell line in omics-based endocrine
      disruption screening.

PMID- 22079615
TI  - Protective effect of methylprednisolone on paraquat-induced A549 cell
      cytotoxicity via induction of efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein expression.
AB  - Paraquat (PQ) is the third most extensively used herbicide in the world, causing
      thousands of deaths due to accidental or intentional self-poisoning in developing
      countries. Although many therapeutic treatments for PQ-induced poisonings have
      been proposed and developed, the efficacy of these treatments is still poor and
      requires further investigation. Methylprednisolone (trade name Solumedrol,
      hereinafter MP) is a widely used steroid for the treatment of various diseases
      but the function of MP has not yet been studied in the context of PQ-induced
      intoxication. The aim of this study was to determine if MP can ameliorate PQ
      induced toxicity in an alveolar A549 cell line by inducing ATP-dependent
      transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression. P-gp expression and activity in the
      PQ-treated A549 cell line were enhanced by MP treatment and cytotoxicity by PQ
      was dramatically decreased. We also found that MP per se or together with PQ
      induced P-gp expression by both Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses. In addition,
      induced P-gp transporter was shown to improve the efflux effect on PQ-treated
      A549 cell lines as was demonstrated using the Calcein-AM fluorescence
      accumulation assay. In summary, MP induces the transmembrane ATP-dependent
      transporter P-gp expression, which greatly improves PQ-treated A549 cell
      viability, reduces accumulation of intracellular PQ and prevents PQ induced
      cytotoxicity but it should be further evaluated in in vivo studies.

PMID- 22079616
TI  - Hair analysis for biomonitoring of environmental and occupational exposure to
      organic pollutants: state of the art, critical review and future needs.
AB  - This paper presents the current state of the art in human hair analysis for the
      detection of organic pollutants associated with environmental and occupational
      exposure. The different chemical classes are reviewed with a special focus set on
      compounds that were only recently investigated. The importance of methods
      sensitivity and particularly the influence of this parameter on the results
      presented in previous publications is highlighted. This report also investigates
      the relevance of hair analysis as an indicator of subjects' level of exposure and
      underlines limitations that are still associated with this matrix. This study
      also presents a critical assessment of some specific aspects presented in the
      literature as well as future needs to strengthen the position of hair as a
      relevant biomarker of exposure to be used in epidemiological studies.

PMID- 22079617
TI  - Use of PCR-based assays for the detection of the adventitious agent porcine
      circovirus type 1 (PCV1) in vaccines, and for confirming the identity of cell
      substrates and viruses used in vaccine production.
AB  - Safety and quality are important issues for vaccines. Whereas reversion to
      virulence poses a safety risk with live attenuated vaccines, the potential for
      the presence of adventitious agents is also an issue of vaccine quality. The
      recent detection or porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) in human vaccines has
      further highlighted the importance of quality control in vaccine production. The
      purpose of this study was to use a novel conventional PCR to detect PCV1, and
      subsequently screen materials used in the manufacture of vaccines at Bharat
      Biotech International Limited, India. The genome or gene fragments of PCV1 were
      not detected in any of the vaccines and materials tested, including the live
      attenuated rotavirus vaccine candidate ROTAVAC((r)). Further, the identity of the
      cells and the viruses used as starting materials in the manufacture of these
      vaccines was confirmed by species-specific PCR or virus-specific RT-PCR, and no
      cross-contamination was detected in any case. The methods can be applied for
      regular in-house quality control screening of raw materials and seeds/banks, as
      well as formulated vaccines.

PMID- 22079618
TI  - Expression of the influenza M2 protein in three different eukaryotic cell lines.
AB  - Current influenza virus vaccines provide protection in part by antibodies induced
      to the two surface glycoproteins, the hemagglutinin and the neuraminidase. As a
      result of the continuous antigenic drift of these glycoproteins, a frequent
      update of the composition of influenza vaccines is required. The search for more
      conserved viral epitopes which would induce protective immunity against seasonal
      influenza viruses and eventually also to novel pandemic influenza viruses has a
      long history. The ectodomain of the Influenza A Virus M2 Protein has been
      identified as a possible candidate immunization against influenza. The present
      study describes the expression of cloned M2 gene in MDCK, HeLa, and COS-7 cells,
      i.e., in three established eukaryotic cell lines. The expression efficiency was
      demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining of transfected cells by ELISA, by SDS
      PAGE-, and by Western blot-analysis. High level of expression was observed in COS
      7 cells. Expression in HeLa and MDCK cells was less efficient. The plasmids
      constructed in this study may, after modifications, be used for the production of
      a DNA vaccine. Alternatively the expression product could be refined and used as
      a purified antigen for the vaccine. Thus, the M2 recombinant protein provides an
      ideal product for further antigenic, biochemical, structural and functional
      characterization of the protein and for evaluating its potential for
      immunodiagnosis and in vaccine studies.

PMID- 22079619
TI  - Standardization of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for
      discrimination of Victoria and Yamagata lineages of influenza B.
AB  - In this study, a PCR-DGGE protocol was standardized in order to distinguish
      Victoria and Yamagata influenza B lineages directly from clinical samples. After
      routine multiplex PCR characterization, amplicons of the haemagglutinin gene
      bearing a 40bp-length GC clamp were generated by nested-PCR and analyzed by
      electrophoresis in 6% polyacrylamide gel with a 25-45% urea-formamide gradient.
      The results showed a perfect correlation between DGGE and phylogenetic analyses
      for all compared samples, besides some distinct profiles in Victoria and Yamagata
      groups that could be used to infer variability inside these groups. In summary,
      this DGGE protocol for the haemagglutinin gene is rapid, useful and efficient,
      being an alternative for discrimination between the influenza B lineages.

PMID- 22079620
TI  - Rapid detection of sacbrood virus in honeybee using ultra-rapid real-time
      polymerase chain reaction.
AB  - A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was
      developed for the fast and highly sensitive detection of the sacbrood virus (SBV)
      genome and applied to honeybee samples. Using plasmid DNA containing a partial
      SBV genome and diluted serially, as few as 1*10(2)copies/MUl (correlation co
      efficiency >0.99) were detected by the qRT-PCR assay, whereas 1*10(3)copies/MUl
      were detected by the conventional RT-PCR assay. As a rapid detection method,
      ultra-rapid real-time PCR (URRT-PCR) was carried out with a GenSpector TMC-1000
      silicon-glass chip-based thermal cycler, which has a 6MUl micro-chamber volume
      and a fast outstandingly heating/cooling rate. Using this method, 10(3)copies of
      pBX-SBV3.8 clone were detected within 17 min after 40 PCR cycles, including
      melting point analysis. To reduce the detection time for SBV, synthesis of the
      cDNA of the SBV genome from a honeybee sample was attempted for different
      reaction times and the cDNA was used as the template for URRT-PCR assays. The
      results indicated that a 5 min reaction time was sufficient to synthesize cDNA as
      the template for the SBV URRT-PCR assay. This study described a novel PCR-based
      method that is able to detect an RNA virus in environmental samples within 22
      min, including reverse transcription, PCR detection and melting point analysis in
      real-time.

PMID- 22079621
TI  - Development and evaluation of a real-time RT-PCR assay for Sindbis virus
      detection.
AB  - Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arthropod-borne alphavirus found widely in Eurasia,
      Africa and Oceania. Clinical SINV infection, characterized by rash and arthritis,
      is reported primarily in Northern Europe. The laboratory diagnosis of SINV
      infection is based currently on serology. A one-step TaqMan((r)) real-time RT-PCR
      assay was developed for the detection of SINV and evaluated its clinical
      performance with acute-phase serum samples. The specificity and sensitivity of
      the real-time PCR assay were assessed using cell cultured Finnish SINV strains.
      The applicability of the assay for diagnostic use was evaluated using 58 serum
      samples from patients infected with SINV. The real-time RT-PCR assay was specific
      and sensitive for the detection of SINV in cell culture supernatants with a 95%
      detection limit of 9 genome copies/reaction determined by probit analysis.
      However, in the assay only 7/58 (12%) of serum samples were positive of which two
      were also positive by conventional nested PCR assay and none by virus isolation.
      This novel assay is specific and sensitive for detection of SINV and can be used
      for example for screening SINV in wildlife. However, molecular diagnostic
      techniques using serum samples seem to be of limited value for the diagnosis of
      human SINV infection due to the short and low viraemia of infection with SINV.

PMID- 22079622
TI  - Ethnic differences in burn mechanism and severity in a UK paediatric population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burns in children are a major public health problem with long-lasting
      physical and psychological sequelae. Previous studies have identified that
      children from ethnic minorities have higher rates of burns. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to analyse the differences in paediatric burn mechanism
      and severity within different ethnic groups. METHODS: Demographic and burn data
      from all paediatric patients presenting with burn at the Burns Service, Alder Hey
      Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK were collected over a 5 year
      period. RESULTS: 766 paediatric patients (age range: 7 days to 16 years old,
      mean: 4.5 years) were included in the study. Ethnic minority children had higher
      total body surface area of burn (p<0.001) and length of stay (p<0.001) compared
      with non-ethnic minority children. Chinese children had most burns from hot food
      (60%), whereas non-ethnic minority children had most burns from hot beverages
      (35.8%). Ethnic minority children were more deprived compared with non-ethnic
      minority children (Index of Multiple Deprivation 48.7 vs. 40.9; p=0.02).
      CONCLUSION: These results show that there are significant differences in the
      patterns of burns in ethnic minority groups. This data should guide targeted
      public health prevention and educational strategies.

PMID- 22079623
TI  - Developing the first Bi-National clinical quality registry for burns--lessons
      learned so far.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior to 2004, Australia and New Zealand lacked a systematic method
      to measure burn incidence, aetiology and quality of care or outcomes for burn
      patients. The Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA) commenced the
      Bi-National Burns Registry (Bi-NBR) at that time. As a result of the limitations
      identified with the registry, ANZBA collaborated with Monash University to
      develop the registry as a clinical quality registry [1]. METHOD: A Steering
      Committee was formed to oversee the conduct and development of the registry. A
      Reference Committee revised the minimum dataset and working parties developed
      clinical quality indicators, and an outcome pilot project. RESULTS: Institutional
      ethics approval has been obtained for 16 out of 17 sites and a formalised
      governance process developed. The minimum dataset was improved and includes
      clinical quality indicators. The Bi-NBR clinical quality registry was launched on
      July 1st 2009. A long-term outcome pilot project has been developed with five
      burn units participating (recruitment commenced October 2009). CONCLUSION:
      Through a rigorous development process, a clinical quality registry for burns has
      been established which allows benchmarking of processes and outcomes between
      units. The intention is that all burns units across Australia and New Zealand
      will contribute to the registry.

PMID- 22079624
TI  - Exploring the mother's perception of latching difficulty in the first days after
      birth: an interview study in an Italian hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to explore Italian mothers' perception of latching difficulty in the
      first days postpartum. Latching difficulty is the only qualitative item included
      in the Breastfeeding Assessment Score (BAS) that has proven to be a valid
      instrument to identify women at risk of early breast-feeding cessation. DESIGN
      AND SETTING: a phenomenologic-hermeneutic study was conducted at the Mangiagalli
      Clinic, Milan, Italy. PARTICIPANTS: fifteen women who received a BAS <8
      (indicating an early breast-feeding cessation risk) were interviewed before
      discharge, and later by phone, for member checking. FINDINGS: six main themes
      emerged from the interviews: (1) Breast feeding can be difficult due to both the
      mother and newborn, and encountered problems are mainly physical. (2) Women have
      developed different strategies to overcome latching difficulties. (3) Early
      breast feeding, even if difficult, is mostly related to positive feelings. (4)
      Breast-feeding sustains the child-mother relationship. (5) Mothers have already
      developed constructive theories about human colostrum, breast milk and artificial
      milk. (6) Receiving integrated health-care support and education is fundamental
      to overcome early breast-feeding problems. CONCLUSIONS: the interviews suggest
      that although mothers experience difficulties during early breast feeding,
      positive feelings seem to prevail over the negative ones, and mothers have
      already developed strategies to overcome their latching problems. Receiving
      support is fundamental, but this must be consistent among health-care
      professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: when evaluating the BAS item 'latching
      difficulty', midwives should consider that difficulties are primarily related to
      physical problems. Furthermore, to sustain lactation, mothers should be helped to
      elicit their experience of early breast feeding, as it can be extremely
      satisfying, even when difficulties in latching the babies occur.

PMID- 22079625
TI  - Reproductive health services in Malawi: an evaluation of a quality improvement
      intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: this study was to evaluate the impact of a quality improvement
      initiative in Malawi on reproductive health service quality and related outcomes.
      DESIGN: (1) post-only quasi-experimental design comparing observed service
      quality at intervention and comparison health facilities, and (2) a time-series
      analysis of service statistics. SETTING: sixteen of Malawi's 23 district
      hospitals, half of which had implemented the Performance and Quality Improvement
      (PQI) intervention for reproductive health at the time of the study.
      PARTICIPANTS: a total of 98 reproductive health-care providers (mostly nurse
      midwives) and 139 patients seeking family planning (FP), antenatal care (ANC),
      labour and delivery (L&D), or postnatal care (PNC) services. INTERVENTION: health
      facility teams implemented a performance and quality improvement (PQI)
      intervention over a 3-year period. Following an external observational assessment
      of service quality at baseline, facility teams analysed performance gaps,
      designed and implemented interventions to address weaknesses, and conducted
      quarterly internal assessments to assess progress. Facilities qualified for
      national recognition by complying with at least 80% of reproductive health
      clinical standards during an external verification assessment. MEASUREMENTS: key
      measures include facility readiness to provide quality care, observed health-care
      provider adherence to clinical performance standards during service delivery, and
      trends in service utilisation. FINDINGS: intervention facilities were more likely
      than comparison facilities to have the needed infrastructure, equipment,
      supplies, and systems in place to offer reproductive health services. Observed
      quality of care was significantly higher at intervention than comparison
      facilities for PNC and FP. Compared with other providers, those at intervention
      facilities scored significantly higher on client assessment and diagnosis in
      three service areas, on clinical management and procedures in two service areas,
      and on counselling in one service area. Service statistics suggest that the PQI
      intervention increased the number of Caesarean sections, but showed no impact on
      other indicators of service utilisation and skilled care. CONCLUSIONS: the PQI
      intervention showed a positive impact on the quality of reproductive health
      services. The effects of the intervention on service utilisation had likely not
      yet been fully realized, since none of the facilities had achieved national
      recognition before the evaluation. Staff turnover needs to be reduced to maximise
      the effectiveness of the intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the PQI
      intervention evaluated here offers an effective way to improve the quality of
      health services in low-resource settings and should continue to be scaled up in
      Malawi.

PMID- 22079626
TI  - A hermeneutic phenomenological study of Belgian midwives' views on ideal and
      actual maternity care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to explore midwives' views on ideal and actual maternity care. DESIGN:
      a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study based on the method of van Manen
      (1997) using individual in-depth interviews to gather data. SETTING: Flanders,
      Belgium. PARTICIPANTS: 12 purposively sampled midwives, of whom nine from three
      different non-university hospitals and three independent midwives conducting home
      births. FINDINGS: five major themes were identified: 'woman-centred care',
      'cultural change', 'support', 'midwife and obstetrician as equal partners' and
      'inter-collegial harmony'. In this paper 'woman-centred care', 'cultural change'
      and 'support' are discussed along with their subthemes. Midwives thought ideal
      maternity care should be woman-centred in which there were no unnecessary
      interventions, women were able to make an informed choice and there was
      continuity of care. Furthermore, ideal maternity care should be supported by
      midwifery education and an adequate staffing level. Also, a cultural change was
      wanted as actual maternity care was perceived to be highly medicalised. Barriers
      to achieving woman-centred care and possible strategies to overcome these were
      described. CONCLUSIONS: findings from this study were consistent with those of
      other studies on midwives' experience with obstetric-led care. Despite the
      medicalised care, midwives still held a woman-centred ideology. In order to be
      able to work according to their ideology, different barriers need to be
      addressed. Although midwives suggested strategies to overcome these barriers,
      some were considered to be very difficult to overcome.

PMID- 22079627
TI  - Identification of alternatively spliced multiple transcripts of 5
      hydroxytryptamine receptor in mouse.
AB  - 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors (HTRs) are coded by seventeen different genes in
      mouse. One of them is htr4 that codes for the HTR4 receptor, a G-protein coupled
      receptor containing seven transmembrane domains. In mouse, the gene is reported
      to contain 6 exons and 5 introns. Our present study reports the presence of four
      transcript variants of this gene encoding different N-termini. These transcripts
      are expressed in neuronal as well as non-neuronal tissues of mouse. We have
      identified five novel coding exons present at the 5' end of the gene which splice
      with the published internal exon in an alternative manner making a total of five
      transcripts, four new transcript variants (T1, T2l, T2s and T3) and one published
      earlier. All five transcripts encoding different N-termini were expressed in
      mouse brain. It was interesting to note the expression of only T3 transcript that
      was also detected in heart muscle and is the only htr4 transcript expressed in
      heart. For the first time a transcript of htr4 gene was detected in the heart of
      the mouse which might help us to make use of small laboratory animals to study
      HTR4 in heart. As this transcript is unique to the heart it can serve as
      potential therapeutic target for various cardiovascular disorders and
      dysregulation of heart rate, atrial contraction and atrial relaxation. These
      variants display heterogeneous properties in terms of the presence of signal
      peptide, acetylation, phosphorylation and glycosylation. Thus alternative
      splicing of htr4 producing heterogeneous N-termini increases the diversity of the
      receptor.

PMID- 22079628
TI  - Sigma-1Rs are upregulated via PERK/eIF2alpha/ATF4 pathway and execute protective
      function in ER stress.
AB  - Sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) are the ER resident proteins. Sig-1Rs in the brain
      have been reported to be significantly reduced in patients with schizophrenia.
      The impediment of regulating Sig-1Rs expression levels increases the risk for
      schizophrenia. Thus elucidating the mechanism regulating Sig-1Rs expression might
      provide the strategy to prevent mental disorders. In this study, we have
      demonstrated that Sig-1Rs were transcriptionally upregulated by ATF4 in ER
      stress. Moreover, ATF4 directly bounds to the 5' flanking region of Sig-1R gene.
      The reporter activities using this region were enhanced in ER stress, or by ATF4
      alone. The reporter activities with the pathogenic polymorphisms (GC-241-240TT, T
      485A) were reduced. In addition, the processing of Caspase-4 was inhibited by Sig
      1Rs. These results indicate that Sig-1Rs are transcriptionally upregulated via
      the PERK/eIF2alpha/ATF4 pathway and ameliolate cell death signaling. This study
      is the first report identifying the transcription factor regulating Sig-1Rs
      expression.

PMID- 22079629
TI  - Tetraspanins regulate the protrusive activities of cell membrane.
AB  - Tetraspanins have gained increased attention due to their functional versatility.
      But the universal cellular mechanism that governs such versatility remains
      unknown. Herein we present the evidence that tetraspanins CD81 and CD82 regulate
      the formation and/or development of cell membrane protrusions. We analyzed the
      ultrastructure of the cells in which a tetraspanin is either overexpressed or
      ablated using transmission electron microscopy. The numbers of microvilli on the
      cell surface were counted, and the radii of microvillar tips and the lengths of
      microvilli were measured. We found that tetraspanin CD81 promotes the microvillus
      formation and/or extension while tetraspanin CD82 inhibits these events. In
      addition, CD81 enhances the outward bending of the plasma membrane while CD82
      inhibits it. We also found that CD81 and CD82 proteins are localized at
      microvilli using immunofluorescence. CD82 regulates microvillus morphogenesis
      likely by altering the plasma membrane curvature and/or the cortical actin
      cytoskeletal organization. We predict that membrane protrusions embody a common
      morphological phenotype and cellular mechanism for, at least some if not all,
      tetraspanins. The differential effects of tetraspanins on microvilli likely lead
      to the functional diversification of tetraspanins and appear to correlate with
      their functional propensity.

PMID- 22079631
TI  - Myostatin induces autophagy in skeletal muscle in vitro.
AB  - Myostatin is an important regulator of muscle mass that contributes to the loss
      of muscle mass in a number of chronic diseases. Myostatin is known to activate
      the expression of components of the ubiquitin-proteosomal pathway but its effect
      on the autophagic pathway is not known. We therefore analysed the effect of
      myostatin and TGF-beta on autophagy in C2C12 cells by determining the effect of
      these proteins on LC3 processing, autophagosome formation and autophagy gene
      expression. Both myostatin and TGF-beta increased LC3II expression and turnover
      as well as autophagosome formation (marked by the formation of puncta in LC3-GFP
      transfected cells). Myostatin also significantly increased the expression of ATG
      4B and ULK-2 mRNA while TGF-beta caused a trend towards an increase in these
      genes. We conclude that myostatin and TGF-beta increase autophagy in skeletal
      muscle cells.

PMID- 22079630
TI  - Reduction in number of sarcolemmal KATP channels slows cardiac action potential
      duration shortening under hypoxia.
AB  - The cardiovascular system operates under demands ranging from conditions of rest
      to extreme stress. One mechanism of cardiac stress tolerance is action potential
      duration shortening driven by ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels. K(ATP)
      channel expression has a significant physiologic impact on action potential
      duration shortening and myocardial energy consumption in response to physiologic
      heart rate acceleration. However, the effect of reduced channel expression on
      action potential duration shortening in response to severe metabolic stress is
      yet to be established. Here, transgenic mice with myocardium-specific expression
      of a dominant negative K(ATP) channel subunit were compared with littermate
      controls. Evaluation of K(ATP) channel whole cell current and channel
      number/patch was assessed by patch clamp in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes.
      Monophasic action potentials were monitored in retrogradely perfused, isolated
      hearts during the transition to hypoxic perfusate. An 80-85% reduction in cardiac
      K(ATP) channel current density results in a similar magnitude, but significantly
      slower rate, of shortening of the ventricular action potential duration in
      response to severe hypoxia, despite no significant difference in coronary flow.
      Therefore, the number of functional cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels is a
      critical determinant of the rate of adaptation of myocardial membrane
      excitability, with implications for optimization of cardiac energy consumption
      and consequent cardioprotection under conditions of severe metabolic stress.

PMID- 22079632
TI  - Characterization of residues in the cytoplasmic domain of the LDL receptor
      required for exit from the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Newly synthesized low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) exit the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) as the first step in the secretory pathway. In this study we have
      generated truncating deletions and substitutions within the 50 amino acid
      cytoplasmic domain of the LDLR in order to identify residues required for the
      exit from the ER. Western blot analysis was used to determine the relative
      amounts of the 120 kDa precursor form of the LDLR located in the ER and the 160
      kDa mature form that has exited the ER. These studies have shown that the exit of
      an LDLR lacking the cytoplasmic domain, is markedly reduced. Moreover, the longer
      the cytoplasmic domain, the more efficient is the exit from the ER. At least 30
      residues were required for the LDLR to efficiently exit the ER. Mutations in the
      two di-acidic motifs ExE(814) and/or ExD(837) had only a small effect on the exit
      from the ER. The requirement for a certain length of the cytoplasmic domain for
      efficient exit from the ER, could reflect the distance needed to interact with
      the COPII complex of the ER membrane or the requirement for the LDLR to undergo
      dimerization.

PMID- 22079633
TI  - The intriguing enhancement of chloroperoxidase mediated one-electron oxidations
      by azide, a known active-site ligand.
AB  - Azide is a well-known inhibitor of heme-enzymes. Herein, we report the counter
      intuitive observation that at some concentration regimes, incorporation of azide
      in the reaction medium enhances chloroperoxidase (CPO, a heme-enzyme) mediated
      one-electron abstractions from several substrates. A diffusible azidyl radical
      based mechanism is proposed for explaining the phenomenon. Further, it is
      projected that the finding could have significant impact on routine in situ or in
      vitro biochemistry studies involving heme-enzyme systems and azide.

PMID- 22079634
TI  - Characterization of neuritin as a novel angiogenic factor.
AB  - Neuritin (NRN1), a neurotrophic factor, plays an important role in neurite growth
      and neuronal survival. In this study, we identify a new function of neuritin as a
      novel angiogenic factor in vitro and in vivo. Recombinant neuritin protein had no
      effect on the proliferation and adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial
      cells (HUVEC), but it dose-dependently increased endothelial cell migration.
      Furthermore, overexpression of neuritin significantly promoted tumor
      angiogenesis, and surprisingly, it inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft tumor
      model. Thus, our results indicate that neuritin may act as an important
      angiogenic factor and serve as a potential target for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22079635
TI  - Regulation of MMP10 expression by the transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 is mediated
      by multiple E boxes.
AB  - The cardiovascular restricted bHLH transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 has been
      reported to play an important role in regulation of vascular smooth muscle
      phenotype and gene expression, but the downstream target genes that mediate these
      effects have not been completely elucidated. We have previously found that loss
      of CHF1/Hey2 in vascular smooth muscle cells leads to dysregulated expression of
      the matrix metalloproteinase gene MMP10 after treatment with PDGF. Here we report
      that loss or knockdown of CHF1/Hey2 in vascular smooth muscle cells leads to
      increased expression and activity of MMP10 at baseline, suggesting a direct
      effect of CHF1/Hey2 on MMP10 promoter regulation. To test this hypothesis, we
      assessed the effects of CHF1/Hey2 on a 2.5 kb MMP10 promoter region upstream of
      the transcriptional start site. We found that this region contains multiple
      elements including 12 E-boxes that mediate constitutive activity and repression
      by CHF1/Hey2 in 293T cells and A7r5 smooth muscle cells. Surprisingly, mutation
      of these E-boxes not only abolished CHF1/Hey2 repression, but also diminished
      constitutive expression. In addition, we observed that some of these mutations
      unmasked an activator function for CHF1/Hey2, which has not been previously
      described. These findings support the hypothesis that CHF1/Hey2 is an important
      regulator of MMP10 expression.

PMID- 22079636
TI  - Barrier characteristics of epithelial cultures modelling the airway and
      intestinal mucosa: a comparison.
AB  - The barrier characteristics of polarized layers of Calu-3 and Caco-2 cell lines,
      as commonly used in vitro models of intestinal and airway mucosa, respectively,
      were investigated by assessing the translocation of model macromolecules and
      nanoparticles. The barrier capacity of the cell layers towards the movement of
      macromolecules and nanoparticulates differed considerably between the cell lines.
      Permeability studies revealed the existence of a notably larger solute molecular
      weight limit for paracellular diffusion in Caco-2 monolayers compared to Calu-3
      cells. Removal of mucus in Calu-3 cells resulted in cell layers exhibiting a
      larger macromolecular permeability, in addition to improved nanoparticle
      translocation. Microscopic examination of the tight junctions, as cellular
      features that play a major role in preventing transepithelial movement of
      macromolecules, revealed that the appearance of cell-cell boundaries was notably
      different in the two cell lines, which could explain the differences in
      macromolecular permeability. The data overall showed that epithelial layers of
      airway Calu-3 and intestinal Caco-2 cell cultures in vitro exhibit a different
      level of restrictiveness and this is due to the cell morphology and the presence
      of mucus.

PMID- 22079637
TI  - Structure-activity relationship of T-cell receptors based on alanine scanning.
AB  - T-cell receptors (TCR) recognize complexes between human leukocyte antigens (HLA)
      and peptides derived from intracellular proteins. Their therapeutic use for
      antigen targeting, however, has been hindered by the very low binding affinity of
      TCRs, typically in the 1- to 100-MUM range. Therefore, to construct mutant TCRs
      with high binding affinity, we need to understand the relationship between the
      structure and activity of these molecules. Here, we attempted to identify the
      amino acids of the TCR that are important for binding to the peptide/HLA complex.
      We used a TCR that recognizes complexes between HLA-A(*)0201 and the peptide from
      tyrosinase, antigen overexpressed in melanoma. We changed 16 amino acids in the
      third complementarity-determining region within the TCR to alanine and examined
      the effect on binding affinity. Five alanine substitutions decreased the binding
      affinity to below 10% compared with that of wild-type TCR. In contrast, one
      alanine substitution caused a faster on-rate and slower off-rate, and increased
      the binding affinity to three times that of the wild-type TCR. Our results
      provide fundamental information for constructing mutant TCRs with high binding
      affinity.

PMID- 22079638
TI  - MicroRNA-34a regulates migration of chondroblast and IL-1beta-induced
      degeneration of chondrocytes by targeting EphA5.
AB  - MicroRNAs function as an endogenous mode of fine gene regulation and have been
      implicated in multiple differentiation and developmental processes. In the
      present study, we investigated the role of miRNA-34 during chondrogenic
      differentiation of chick limb mesenchymal cells. We found that the expression of
      miR-34a increased upon chondrogenic inhibition. Blockade of miR-34a via PNA-based
      antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) recovered the chondro-inhibitory actions of JNK
      inhibitor on migration of chondrogenic progenitors and the formation of
      precartilage condensation. Furthermore, we determined that EphA5 is a relevant
      target of miR-34a during chondrogenesis. MiR-34a was necessary and sufficient to
      down-regulate EphA5 expression, and up-modulation of EphA5 is sufficient to
      overcome inhibitory actions of miR-34 inhibition on cell migration and
      condensation of chick limb mesenchymal cells on collagen substrate. Taken
      together, our data suggest that miR-34a is a negative modulator of
      chondrogenesis, particularly in migration of chondroblasts, by targeting EphA5
      and resulting inhibition of cellular condensation during chondrogenesis of chick
      limb mesenchymal cells.

PMID- 22079639
TI  - Differential expression of nanog1 and nanogp8 in colon cancer cells.
AB  - Nanog, a homeodomain transcription factor, is an essential regulator for
      promotion of self-renewal of embryonic stem cells and inhibition of their
      differentiation. It has been demonstrated that nanog1 as well as nanogp8, a
      retrogene of nanog1, is preferentially expressed in advanced stages of several
      types of cancer, suggesting their involvement during cancer progression. Here, we
      investigated the expression of Nanog in well-characterized colon cancer cell
      lines. Expression of Nanog was detectable in 5 (HCT116, HT29, RKO, SW48, SW620)
      out of seven cell lines examined. RNA expression analyses of nanog1 and nanogp8
      indicated that, while nanog1 was a major form in SW620 as well as in teratoma
      cells Tera-2, nanogp8 was preferentially expressed in HT29 and HCT116. In
      accordance with this, shRNA-mediated knockdown of nanog1 caused the reduction of
      Nanog in SW620 but not in HT29. Inhibition of Nanog in SW620 cells negatively
      affected cell proliferation and tumor formation in mouse xenograft. Biochemical
      subcellular fractionation and immunostaining analyses revealed predominant
      localization of Nanog in cytoplasm in SW620 and HT29, while it was mainly
      localized in nucleus in Tera-2. Our data indicate that nanog1 and nanogp8 are
      differentially expressed in colon cancer cells, and suggest that their expression
      contributes to proliferation of colon cancer cells.

PMID- 22079640
TI  - [Diagnostic value of clinical signs and clinical scoring for deep vein thrombosis
      after hip and knee arthroplasty].
AB  - AIM: To assess the most accurate clinical signs and clinical scoring for
      selecting patients who could benefit from duplex sonography screening of deep
      venous thrombosis (DVT) after total hip replacement (THR) and total knee
      replacement (TKR). METHODS: Four hundred and eighty consecutive patients with THR
      or TKR were included. Post-operative physical examination and venous duplex
      sonography (day 6-10) were performed in all of them. DVT was diagnosed in
      presence of at least 3mm thick and 3 cm long incomplete venous compressibility.
      Clinical prediction scores were built from clinical parameters, which were
      significantly associated with DVT in univariate analysis, one of them weighted
      from logistic multivariate regression coefficients. RESULTS: Recent DVT was
      diagnosed in 74 patients (15.7%) (29.6% after TKR and 8.4% after THR). There was
      no isolated proximal DVT and extensive DVTs were very rare (TKR 1.2% vs. THR 1%).
      Two TKR patients developed pulmonary embolism (1.2%). One died (0.6%). Univariate
      analysis showed significant association between provoked localized limb pain,
      pitting edema and difference in calf circumference (DCC), and DVT (P<0.0001).
      DCC> 3 cm was significantly associated with DVT (32.4% vs. 16.6%, OR 2.4 [1.3
      4.2] ; P=0.001). In multivariate analysis the only two clinical manifestations
      independently associated with DVT were provoked localized limb pain (adjusted OR
      2.3 [1.3-4.1] ; P<0.01) and DCC> 3 cm (adjusted OR 2.0 [1.1-3.8] ; P=0.04). A
      clinical score value greater or equal to 4 was associated with a risk of DVT of
      34%, and a value<4 with a risk of 9%. CONCLUSIONS: After THR or TKR, DCC> 3 cm or
      a clinical risk score greater or equal to 4 could be used as an accurate and easy
      clinical test for assessing the need for further DVT screening by sonography.

PMID- 22079641
TI  - A 48-year-old woman with amnesia.

PMID- 22079642
TI  - Experience talks.

PMID- 22079643
TI  - What factors increase the accuracy and inter-rater reliability of the Emergency
      Severity Index among emergency nurses in triaging adult patients?

PMID- 22079644
TI  - Have fun, be safe: the start of an ED community outreach program.

PMID- 22079645
TI  - Assessment of stroke: a review for ED nurses.

PMID- 22079646
TI  - Serotonin syndrome-muscle rigidity and confusion in the older adult.

PMID- 22079647
TI  - Do nurses eat their young? Truth and consequences.

PMID- 22079648
TI  - Early detection and treatment of severe sepsis in the emergency department:
      identifying barriers to implementation of a protocol-based approach.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite evidence to support efficacy of early goal-directed therapy
      for resuscitation of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in the
      emergency department, implementation remains incomplete. To identify and address
      specific barriers at our institution and maximize benefits of a planned sepsis
      treatment initiative, a baseline assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and
      behaviors regarding detection and treatment of severe sepsis was performed.
      METHODS: An online survey was offered to nurses and physicians in the emergency
      department of a major urban academic medical center. The questionnaire was
      designed to assess (1) baseline knowledge and self-reported confidence in
      identification of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis; (2) current
      practices in treatment; (3) difficulties encountered in managing sepsis cases;
      (4) perceived barriers to implementation of a clinical pathway based on early
      quantitative resuscitation goals; and (5) to elicit suggestions for improvement
      of sepsis treatment within the department. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 101)
      identified barriers to a quantitative resuscitation protocol for sepsis. These
      barriers included the inability to perform central venous pressure/central venous
      oxygen saturation monitoring, limited physical space in the emergency department,
      and lack of sufficient nursing staff. Among nurses, the greatest perceived
      contributor to delays in treatment was a delay in diagnosis by physicians; among
      physicians, a delay in availability of ICU beds and nursing delays were the
      greatest barriers. Despite these issues, respondents indicated that a written
      protocol would be helpful to them. DISCUSSION: Knowledge gaps and procedural
      hurdles identified by the survey will inform both educational and process
      components of an initiative to improve sepsis care in the emergency department.

PMID- 22079649
TI  - The war against warfarin: evaluating current treatment guidelines for patients
      who have had an acute ischemic stroke and are taking warfarin.

PMID- 22079650
TI  - Lessons learned in developing and implementing the nurse practitioner role in an
      urban Canadian emergency department.

PMID- 22079651
TI  - Preventing downstream Clostridium difficile infections with upstream antibiotic
      management.
AB  - Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains a devastating cause of hospital
      acquired diarrhea. Treatment modalities have centered traditionally on two
      antibiotics, metronidazole and oral vancomycin. Both drugs, however, have been
      associated with variable relapse rates up to 20%. Fidaxomicin, a new oral agent
      with targeted C. difficile activity, may reduce the chance of relapse, but has
      not yet entered mainstream clinical practice. CDI is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. In the past decade, the emergence of hypervirulent
      strains has led to medical management failures and the increased need for
      surgical intervention. Control of the disease requires excellent infection
      prevention practices, yet can remain a difficult operational challenge. Selective
      pressure of antibiotic therapy can increase or lessen the risk depending on the
      agent used. We believe that antibiotic selection for the treatment of patients
      with any infectious disease must account for the possibility of subsequent severe
      CDI. We posit 'upstream' antibiotic selection will prevent 'downstream' CDI and
      potentially ameliorate deficiencies in infection prevention practices. Formal
      studies evaluating such an endpoint would be useful in this era of dangerous CDI.

PMID- 22079652
TI  - Leprosy and the natural selection for psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a genetically determined, almost worldwide-distributed inflammatory
      skin disease with overall higher prevalence among people of northern European
      ancestry. Since enhanced innate immunity is an important feature of the
      pathophysiology of this disease, it has been proposed that differences in the
      prevalence of psoriasis in different populations mainly result from differences
      in natural selection for gene polymorphisms associated with more vigorous
      immunity against infectious agents. However the infectious agent(s) that could
      have acted upon human population as selection pressure for psoriasis is still
      obscure. Based on the remarkable clinical observation that psoriasis and leprosy
      are almost mutually exclusive, a fact that is further supported by divergent HLA
      patterns in patients with psoriasis and leprosy we propose that "resisting
      leprosy" may have been the evolutionary advantage that favoured the expansion of
      some psoriasis-associated genotypes especially in the progenitors of modern
      Europeans. Moreover, we suggest that the spreading out of a certain genetic
      resistance trait may offer a supplementary explanation for the better
      understanding of the relatively rapid decline of leprosy in the late medieval
      epoch in Europe. Both genetic and paleoepidemiologic methods could be employed in
      order to challenge the present hypothesis.

PMID- 22079653
TI  - Extensive abnormality of brain white matter integrity in pathological gambling.
AB  - Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in substance use disorders have
      shown brain white matter integrity abnormalities, but there are no studies in
      pathological gambling, a form of behavioral addiction. Our objective was to
      investigate possible changes in regional brain gray and white matter volumes, and
      axonal white matter integrity in pathological gamblers compared to healthy
      controls. Twenty-four subjects (12 clinically diagnosed male pathological
      gamblers and 12 age-matched healthy male volunteers) underwent structural and
      diffusion weighted brain MRI scans, which were analyzed with voxel-based
      morphometry and tract based spatial statistics. In pathological gamblers,
      widespread lower white matter integrity (lower fractional anisotropy, higher mean
      diffusivity) was seen in multiple brain regions including the corpus callosum,
      the cingulum, the superior longitudinal fascicle, the inferior fronto-occipital
      fascicle, the anterior limb of internal capsule, the anterior thalamic radiation,
      the inferior longitudinal fascicle and the uncinate/inferior fronto-occipital
      fascicle. There were no volumetric differences in gray or white matter between
      pathological gamblers and controls. The results suggest that pathological
      gambling is associated with extensive lower integrity of several brain white
      matter tracts. The diffusion abnormality closely resembles previous findings in
      individuals with substance addictions.

PMID- 22079654
TI  - Use of inverse probability weighting to adjust for non-participation in
      estimating brain volumes in schizophrenia patients.
AB  - Low participation is a potential source of bias in population-based studies. This
      article presents use of inverse probability weighting (IPW) in adjusting for non
      participation in estimation of brain volumes among subjects with schizophrenia.
      Altogether 101 schizophrenia subjects and 187 non-psychotic comparison subjects
      belonging to the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort were invited to participate
      in a field study during 1999-2001. Volumes of grey matter (GM), white matter (WM)
      and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared between the 54 participating
      schizophrenia subjects and 100 comparison subjects. IPW by illness-related
      auxiliary variables did not affect the estimated GM and WM mean volumes, but
      increased the estimated CSF mean volume in schizophrenia subjects. When adjusted
      for intracranial volume and family history of psychosis, IPW led to smaller
      estimated GM and WM mean volumes. Especially IPW by a disability pension and a
      higher amount of hospitalisation due to psychosis had effect on estimated mean
      brain volumes. The IPW method can be used to improve estimates affected by non
      participation by reflecting the true differences in the target population.

PMID- 22079655
TI  - Short term vs. long term test-retest reproducibility of 123I-ADAM for the binding
      of serotonin transporters in the human brain.
AB  - Previous brain imaging studies have demonstrated a seasonal difference of
      serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in the human brain. However, the results
      were somewhat contradictory. We conducted test-retest study with single photon
      emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 123I-ADAM as ligand in 28 healthy
      subjects. Ten of the subjects were studied within 1 month, whereas 18 were
      randomly assigned to be studied over a period of up to 1 year. The primary
      measure was the specific uptake ratio (SUR). Regions of interest included the
      midbrain, thalamus, putamen and caudate. The intra-class correlation coefficient
      (ICC) was 0.52-0.94 across different brain regions over 1 month, whereas the ICC
      was -0.24-0.63 over a 1-year period. The 1-month variability ranged from 6.5 +/-
      5.1% to 12.5 +/- 10.6% across different brain regions, and the 1-year variability
      ranged from 16.5 +/- 9.6% to 41.9 +/- 35.5%. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a
      significant difference of variability across months. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks
      Test showed the SUR between test-retest scans was of borderline significance.
      Curve fitting, using a 4th degree polynomial model, revealed a significant
      circadian correlation between the variability and interval of test-retest
      measurements. Our findings demonstrate the test-retest reproducibility of 123I
      ADAM in different time periods and suggest that circadian variation of SERT
      levels in the human brain might exist.

PMID- 22079656
TI  - "I won, but I'm not getting my hopes up": depression moderates the relationship
      of outcomes and reward anticipation.
AB  - Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is characterized by alterations in
      positive emotions and reward processing. Recent investigations using functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) find depression-related differences in reward
      anticipation. However, it is unknown whether feedback influences subsequent
      reward anticipation, which may highlight the context of reward processing. Ten
      youth with MDD and 16 youth with no history of MDD completed an fMRI assessment
      using a reward task. Reward anticipation was indexed by blood oxygen level
      dependent signal change in the striatum following winning, losing, non-winning,
      and non-losing outcomes. A significant interaction between diagnostic status and
      outcome condition predicted reward anticipation in the caudate. Decomposition of
      the interaction indicated that following winning outcomes, depressed youth
      demonstrated reduced reward anticipation relative to healthy youth. However, no
      significant differences between depressed and healthy youth were found after
      other outcomes. Reward anticipation is altered following winning outcomes. This
      finding has implications for understanding the developmental pathophysiology of
      MDD and suggests specific contexts where altered motivational system functioning
      may play a role in maintaining depression.

PMID- 22079657
TI  - Reduced prefrontal oxygenation during object and spatial visual working memory in
      unpolar and bipolar depression.
AB  - Altered prefrontal brain activity (e.g. hypofrontality) during cognitive tasks
      such as working memory is a core neuroimaging marker in unipolar (UNI) and
      bipolar (BI) depression. The present study investigated for the first time UNI
      (n=16) and BI patients (n=14) in a working memory task including different
      processes (storage and matching) and components (object and spatial visual) with
      functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) over the prefrontal cortex. In
      healthy controls (n=15) comparable to both patient groups, changes of oxygenated
      and deoxygenated haemoglobin indicated increased ventro-lateral, dorso-lateral
      prefrontal and superior frontal cortex activity for object and spatial visual
      working memory storage as compared to the control condition. In contrast, both
      patient groups showed diminished brain activity in all working memory conditions.
      Results revealed unspecific deficits that did not allow the differentiation
      between unipolar and bipolar depression in dependence of working memory processes
      or components. However, fNIRS can be considered as a valid, easy manageable, low
      cost and rapid tool for measuring (diminished) prefrontal cortex functions.

PMID- 22079658
TI  - Major depressive disorder is characterized by greater reward network activation
      to monetary than pleasant image rewards.
AB  - Anhedonia, the loss of interest or pleasure in normally rewarding activities, is
      a hallmark feature of unipolar Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A growing body of
      literature has identified frontostriatal dysfunction during reward anticipation
      and outcomes in MDD. However, no study to date has directly compared responses to
      different types of rewards such as pleasant images and monetary rewards in MDD.
      To investigate the neural responses to monetary and pleasant image rewards in
      MDD, a modified Monetary Incentive Delay task was used during functional magnetic
      resonance imaging to assess neural responses during anticipation and receipt of
      monetary and pleasant image rewards. Participants included nine adults with MDD
      and 13 affectively healthy controls. The MDD group showed lower activation than
      controls when anticipating monetary rewards in right orbitofrontal cortex and
      subcallosal cortex, and when anticipating pleasant image rewards in paracingulate
      and supplementary motor cortex. The MDD group had relatively greater activation
      in right putamen when anticipating monetary versus pleasant image rewards,
      relative to the control group. Results suggest reduced reward network activation
      in MDD when anticipating rewards, as well as relatively greater hypoactivation to
      pleasant image than monetary rewards.

PMID- 22079660
TI  - Neural correlates of emotional recognition memory in schizophrenia: effects of
      valence and arousal.
AB  - Schizophrenia patients are often impaired in their memory for emotional events
      compared with healthy subjects. Investigations of the neural correlates of
      emotional memory in schizophrenia patients are scarce in the literature. The
      present study aimed to compare cerebral activations in schizophrenia patients and
      healthy controls during memory retrieval of emotional images that varied in both
      valence and arousal. In a study with functional magnetic resonance imaging, 37
      schizophrenia patients were compared with 37 healthy participants while
      performing a yes/no recognition paradigm with positive, negative (differing in
      arousal intensity) and neutral images. Schizophrenia patients performed worse
      than healthy controls in all experimental conditions. They showed less cerebral
      activation in limbic and prefrontal regions than controls during retrieval of
      negatively valenced stimuli, but had a similar pattern of brain activation
      compared with controls during retrieval of positively valenced stimuli
      (particularly in the high arousal condition) in the cerebellum, temporal lobe and
      prefrontal cortex. Both groups demonstrated increased brain activations in the
      high relative to low arousing conditions. Our results suggest atypical brain
      function during retrieval of negative pictures, but intact functional circuitry
      of positive affect during episodic memory retrieval in schizophrenia patients.
      The arousal data revealed that schizophrenia patients closely resemble the
      control group at both the behavioral and neurofunctional level.

PMID- 22079659
TI  - Default mode network dysfunction in adults with prenatal alcohol exposure.
AB  - Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is known to cause significant cognitive and
      attentional dysfunction. Given the relationship between default mode network
      (DMN) activity and task-related attentional modulation, it is possible that PAE
      affects activity of this network. In the present study, task-related deactivation
      as well as structural and resting state functional connectivity of the DMN were
      examined using diffusional tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance
      imaging in non-dysmorphic and dysmorphic PAE populations and compared to healthy
      controls. The dysmorphic PAE group was found to have reduced DMN deactivation as
      compared to controls, indicating poorer attentional modulation during the
      cognitive task. Additionally, structural connectivity and baseline functional
      connectivity were lower in both PAE groups as compared to controls. Primarily the
      findings suggest that learning problems seen with PAE may be a combination of
      general attentional and specific cognitive deficits. A secondary implication is
      that DMN activity is affected to varying extents depending on the degree of PAE.

PMID- 22079661
TI  - Prefrontal hyperactivation during a working memory task in early-onset
      schizophrenia spectrum disorders: an fMRI study.
AB  - Working memory (WM) dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a core feature of
      schizophrenia, but few studies have investigated prefrontal activation during WM
      tasks in early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorder (EOS). Our aim was to
      explore prefrontal activation during a WM-task in EOS patients compared to
      healthy controls using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Fifteen
      patients with EOS and 15 matched healthy controls performed a 0-back and a 2-back
      task while fMRI data were acquired. Results indicated that even though
      performance between patients and controls was comparable on both tasks, there was
      a hyperactivation in patients' ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) during the
      2-back task compared to healthy controls. This pattern of activation suggests
      that, in patients with EOS, the VLPFC compensated in order to match performance
      of the controls. The activations in the EOS group may reflect the use of a
      compensatory, cognitive strategy while solving WM-tasks.

PMID- 22079662
TI  - Assessment of white matter abnormalities in paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar
      mania patients.
AB  - White matter abnormalities have been repeatedly reported in both schizophrenia
      and bipolar disorder (BD) in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies, but the
      empirical evidence about the diagnostic specificity of white matter abnormalities
      in these disorders is still limited. This study sought to investigate the
      alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter throughout the entire
      brain of patients from Chengdu, China with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar
      mania. For this purpose, DTI was used to assess white matter integrity in
      patients with paranoid schizophrenia (n=25) and psychotic bipolar mania (n=18)
      who had been treated with standard pharmacotherapy for fewer than 5 days at the
      time of study, as well as in normal controls (n=30). The differences in FA were
      measured by use of voxel-based analysis. The results show that reduced FA was
      found in the left posterior corona radiata (PCR) in patients with psychotic
      bipolar mania and paranoid schizophrenia compared to the controls. Patients with
      psychotic bipolar mania also showed a significant reduction in FA in right
      posterior corona radiata and in right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR). A direct
      comparison between the two patient groups found no significant differences in any
      regions, and none of the findings were associated with illness duration.
      Correlation analysis indicated that FA values showed a significant negative
      correlation with positive symptom scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale in the left frontal-parietal lobe in the paranoid schizophrenia. It was
      concluded that common abnormalities in the left PCR might imply an overlap in
      white matter pathology in the two disorders and might be related to shared risk
      factors for the two disorders.

PMID- 22079663
TI  - Switchable fluorophores for protein labeling in living cells.
AB  - Numerous synthetic fluorophores have been developed that can switch their
      spectroscopic properties upon interaction with other molecules or by irradiation
      with light. In recent years, protein-labeling techniques have been introduced
      that permit the specific attachment of such molecules to proteins of interest in
      living cells. We review here how the attachment of switchable fluorophores to
      selected proteins of interest via self-labeling protein tags enables new
      applications in different areas of biology and discuss how these molecules could
      be further improved.

PMID- 22079664
TI  - Assembly of different length of polyubiquitins on the catalytic cysteine of E2
      enzymes without E3 ligase; a novel application of non-reduced/reduced 2
      dimensional electrophoresis.
AB  - In this study using non-reduced/reduced 2-dimensional electrophoresis (NR/R-2DE),
      we clearly demonstrated that E3-independent ubiquitination by Ube2K produced not
      only unanchored but also Ube2K-linked polyubiquitins through thioester and
      isopeptide bonds. E3-independent assembly of polyubiquitins on the catalytic
      cysteine of Ube2K strongly supports the possibility of 'en bloc transfer' for
      polyubiquitination. From the same analyses of E3-independent ubiquitination
      products by other E2s, we also found that different lengths of polyubiquitins
      were linked to different E2s through thioester bond; longer chains by Cdc34 like
      Ube2K, short chains by Ube2g2, and mono-ubiquitin by UbcH10. Our results suggest
      that E2s possess the different intrinsic catalytic activities for
      polyubiquitination.

PMID- 22079665
TI  - Following G-quadruplex formation by its intrinsic fluorescence.
AB  - We characterized and compared the fluorescence properties of various well-defined
      G-quadruplex structures. The increase of intrinsic fluorescence of G-rich DNA
      sequences when they form G-quadruplexes can be used to monitor the folding and
      unfolding of G-quadruplexes as a function of cations and temperature. The
      temperature-dependent fluorescence spectra of different G-quadruplexes also
      exhibit characteristic patterns. Thus, the stability and possibly also the
      structure of G-quadruplexes can be characterized and distinguished by their
      intrinsic fluorescence spectra.

PMID- 22079666
TI  - Hydrophobic residues of terminal protein domain of hepatitis B virus polymerase
      contribute to distinct steps in viral genome replication.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its DNA genome via reverse transcription.
      Precise roles of the terminal protein domain of HBV polymerase remain unknown. To
      gain insight, we created alanine substitution mutations at hydrophobic residues
      (i.e., tyrosine, tryptophan, and isoleucine), and then examined the extent by
      which these mutants carry out viral genome replication. Evidence indicated that
      three hydrophobic residues of the terminal protein domain (i.e., W74, Y147, and
      Y173) contribute to distinct steps of viral genome replication: the former two
      residues are important for viral DNA synthesis, while the latter is important for
      viral RNA encapsidation.

PMID- 22079667
TI  - Functional interaction between purinergic receptors: effect of ligands for A2A
      and P2Y12 receptors on P2Y1 receptor function.
AB  - A(2A) adenosine receptor (A(2A)R), P2Y(1) receptor (P2Y(1)R) and P2Y(12) receptor
      (P2Y(12)R) are predominantly expressed on human platelets. The individual role of
      each of these receptors in platelet aggregation has been actively reported.
      Previously, hetero-oligomerization between these three receptors has been shown
      to occur. Here, we show that Ca(2+) signaling evoked by the P2Y(1)R agonist, 2
      methylthioladenosine 5' diphosphate (2MeSADP) was significantly inhibited by the
      A(2A)R antagonist (ZM241385 (4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3
      alpha][1,3,5]triazin-5-yl amino]ethyl) phenol) and SCH442416) and the P2Y(12)R
      antagonist (ARC69931MX) (N6-(2-methyl-thioethyl)-2-(3,3,3-trifluoropropylthio)
      beta,gamma-dichloromethylene-ATP)) using HEK293T cells expressing the three
      receptors. It was confirmed that inhibition of P2Y(1)R signaling by A(2A)R and
      P2Y(12)R antagonists was indeed mediated through A(2A)R and P2Y(12)R using 1321N1
      human astrocytoma cells which do not express P2Y receptors. We expect that
      intermolecular signal transduction and specific conformational changes occur
      among components of hetero-oligomers formed by these three receptors.

PMID- 22079669
TI  - Top-down control in a patchy environment: revisiting the stabilizing role of food
      dependent predator dispersal.
AB  - In this paper, we revisit the stabilizing role that predator dispersal and
      aggregation have in the top-down regulation of predator-prey systems in a
      heterogeneous environment. We consider an environment consisting of sites
      interconnected by dispersal, and propose a novel mechanism of stabilization for
      the case with a non-sigmoid functional response of predators. We assume that the
      carrying capacity of the prey is infinitely large in each site, and show that
      successful top-down regulation of this otherwise globally unstable system is made
      possible through an interplay between the unevenness of prey fitness across the
      sites and the rapid food-dependent migration of predators. We argue that this
      mechanism of stabilization is different from those previously reported in the
      literature: in particular, it requires a high degree of synchronicity in local
      oscillations of species densities across the sites. Prey outbreaks take place
      synchronously, but the unevenness of prey growth rates across the sites results
      in a pronounced difference in the species densities, and so the predator quickly
      disperses to the sites with the highest prey abundances. For this reason, the
      consumption of prey mostly takes place in the sites with high densities of prey,
      which assures an efficient suppression of outbreaks. Furthermore, when the total
      size of prey population is low, the distribution of both species among the sites
      becomes more even, and this prevents overconsumption of the prey by the predator.
      Finally, we put forward the hypothesis that this mechanism, when considered in a
      tri-trophic plankton community in the water column, can explain the stability of
      the nutrient-rich low-chlorophyll open ocean regions.

PMID- 22079668
TI  - Superoxide dismutases: ancient enzymes and new insights.
AB  - Superoxide dismutases (SODs) catalyze the de toxification of superoxide. SODs
      therefore acquired great importance as O(2) became prevalent following the
      evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. Thus the three forms of SOD provide
      intriguing insights into the evolution of the organisms and organelles that carry
      them today. Although ancient organisms employed Fe-dependent SODs, oxidation of
      the environment made Fe less bio-available, and more dangerous. Indeed, modern
      lineages make greater use of homologous Mn-dependent SODs. Our studies on the Fe
      substituted MnSOD of Escherichia coli, as well as redox tuning in the FeSOD of E.
      coli shed light on how evolution accommodated differences between Fe and Mn that
      would affect SOD performance, in SOD proteins whose activity is specific to one
      or other metal ion.

PMID- 22079670
TI  - Evolutionary jumping and breakthrough in tree masting evolution.
AB  - Many long-lived plants such as trees show masting or intermittent and
      synchronized reproduction. In a coupled chaos system describing the dynamics of
      individual-plant resource budgets, masting occurs when the resource depletion
      coefficient k (ratio of the reproductive expenditure to the excess resource
      reserve) is large. Here, we mathematically studied the condition for masting
      evolution. In an infinitely large population, we obtained a deterministic
      dynamical system, to which we applied the pairwise invasibility plot and
      convergence stability of evolutionary singularity analyses. We prove that plants
      reproducing at the same rate every year are not evolutionarily stable. The
      resource depletion coefficient k increases, and the system oscillates with a
      period of 2 years (high and low reproduction) if k<1. Alternatively, k may evolve
      further and jump to a value >1, resulting in the sudden start of intermittent
      reproduction. We confirm that a high survivorship of young plants (seedlings) in
      the light-limited understory favors masting evolution, as previously suggested by
      computer simulations and field observations. The stochasticity caused by the
      finiteness of population size also promotes masting evolution.

PMID- 22079672
TI  - Increased Y-chromosome resolution of haplogroup O suggests genetic ties between
      the Ami aborigines of Taiwan and the Polynesian Islands of Samoa and Tonga.
AB  - The Austronesian expansion has left its fingerprint throughout two thirds of the
      circumference of the globe reaching the island of Madagascar in East Africa to
      the west and Easter Island, off the coast of Chile, to the east. To date, several
      theories exist to explain the current genetic distribution of Austronesian
      populations, with the "slow boat" model being the most widely accepted, though
      other conjectures (i.e., the "express train" and "entangled bank" hypotheses)
      have also been widely discussed. In the current study, 158 Y chromosomes from the
      Polynesian archipelagos of Samoa and Tonga were typed using high resolution
      binary markers and compared to populations across Mainland East Asia, Taiwan,
      Island Southeast Asia, Melanesia and Polynesia in order to establish their
      patrilineal genetic relationships. Y-STR haplotypes on the C2 (M38), C2a (M208),
      O1a (M119), O3 (M122) and O3a2 (P201) backgrounds were utilized in an attempt to
      identify the differing sources of the current Y-chromosomal haplogroups present
      throughout Polynesia (of Melanesian and/or Asian descent). We find that, while
      haplogroups C2a, S and K3-P79 suggest a Melanesian component in 23%-42% of the
      Samoan and Tongan Y chromosomes, the majority of the paternal Polynesian gene
      pool exhibits ties to East Asia. In particular, the prominence of sub-haplogroup
      O3a2c* (P164), which has previously been observed at only minimal levels in
      Mainland East Asians (2.0-4.5%), in both Polynesians (ranging from 19% in Manua
      to 54% in Tonga) and Ami aborigines from Taiwan (37%) provides, for the first
      time, evidence for a genetic connection between the Polynesian populations and
      the Ami.

PMID- 22079671
TI  - GRP94: An HSP90-like protein specialized for protein folding and quality control
      in the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Glucose-regulated protein 94 is the HSP90-like protein in the lumen of the
      endoplasmic reticulum and therefore it chaperones secreted and membrane proteins.
      It has essential functions in development and physiology of multicellular
      organisms, at least in part because of this unique clientele. GRP94 shares many
      biochemical features with other HSP90 proteins, in particular its domain
      structure and ATPase activity, but also displays distinct activities, such as
      calcium binding, necessitated by the conditions in the endoplasmic reticulum.
      GRP94's mode of action varies from the general HSP90 theme in the conformational
      changes induced by nucleotide binding, and in its interactions with co
      chaperones, which are very different from known cytosolic co-chaperones. GRP94 is
      more selective than many of the ER chaperones and the basis for this selectivity
      remains obscure. Recent development of molecular tools and functional assays has
      expanded the spectrum of clients that rely on GRP94 activity, but it is still not
      clear how the chaperone binds them, or what aspect of folding it impacts. These
      mechanistic questions and the regulation of GRP94 activity by other proteins and
      by post-translational modification differences pose new questions and present
      future research avenues. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heat
      Shock Protein 90 (HSP90).

PMID- 22079673
TI  - The forms and functions of peer social support for people living with HIV.
AB  - Peers may be important sources of coping assistance, but their impact can be
      better understood if we examine their influence across various contexts. Although
      social support studies focused on people living with HIV have examined peer
      support in various contexts, they do not comprehensively account for situations
      in which peer support might be provided. The specific aims of this study were to
      (a) describe the various forms and functions of peer support for people living
      with HIV and (b) validate the Dennis (2003) concept analysis of peer support
      within health contexts. Results indicate that peer support is a potentially
      important adjunct to clinical care for enhancing coping skills, thereby improving
      the psychosocial functioning of people living with HIV. It is important to (a)
      assess patient access to peer support, (b) provide opportunities for peer support
      in the clinical setting, and (c) enhance disclosure and support-seeking skills to
      facilitate this benefit.

PMID- 22079674
TI  - A qualitative description of women's HIV self-management techniques: context,
      strategies, and considerations.
AB  - Women living with HIV face unique challenges managing their disease. The purpose
      of this descriptive qualitative study was to describe self-management techniques
      reported by 48 women living with HIV in the United States. Participants were
      involved in one 90-minute, digitally recorded focus group exploring aspects of
      HIV self-management strategies. Descriptive statistics, qualitative description,
      and content analysis were used to analyze the data. Participants had been living
      with HIV for an average of 12 years, and most (69%) were engaged in routine HIV
      care (85%) and were currently receiving antiretroviral therapy. Participants
      reported using self-management techniques: taking personal time (n = 23; 48%),
      advocacy (n = 12; 25%), sleeping (n = 17, 35%), attending support groups (n = 10;
      21%), and attending medical appointments (n = 8; 17%). Nurses can add strategies
      to enhance HIV self-management to routine clinical care, which may have a
      positive impact on the health of women living with HIV.

PMID- 22079675
TI  - Parental support and condom use among transgender female youth.
AB  - Evidence suggests that transgender female youth (TFY), much like their adult
      transgender female peers, are at high risk for HIV. Yet little attention has been
      given to important developmental experiences of TFY that may impact HIV risk for
      this youth population. The overall purpose of this study was to explore HIV risk
      in TFY. A reoccurring theme from the qualitative data was the importance of
      parents. To better understand the impact of parents on HIV risk among TFY, in
      depth individual interview data from 21 TFY in Los Angeles and Chicago were
      analyzed, suggesting a potential link between HIV-related risk behavior and
      parental support. Youth with parental support in this sample reported regular
      condom use, while those without such support reported inconsistent condom use.
      Implications for the unique research and interventions needs of TFY related to
      parental support and sexual risk behaviors are discussed.

PMID- 22079676
TI  - Response to commentary by P.H. Noh.

PMID- 22079677
TI  - Hematological malignancy associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
AB  - The aims of this present study were to: 1) assess the characteristics of
      hematological malignancies in polymyositis/polymyositis (PM/DM) patients; and 2)
      determine predictive variables of hematological malignancies in PM/DM patients.
      We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 patients (14 PM, 18 DM)
      associated with hematological malignancies. In our 32 PM/DM patients,
      hematological malignancy was concurrently identified (18.8%) or occurred during
      the course of PM/DM (31.2%); although, PM/DM more often preceded hematological
      malignancy onset (50%). We observed that the types of hematological malignancies
      varied, consisting of: B-cell lymphoma (n=20), T-cell lymphoma (n=4), Hodgkin's
      disease (n=2), multiple myeloma (n=1), myelodysplastic syndrome without excess of
      blasts (n=3), hairy cell (n=1) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (n=1). In 21
      patients of our 32 patients with PM/DM-associated hematological malignancy (65.6%
      of cases), PM/DM paralleled the course of hematological malignancy. Finally, we
      observed that patients with PM/DM-associated hematological malignancies had a
      poor prognosis, the survival status ranging from 96.9%, 78.1% and 51.4% at 1, 3
      and 5years, respectively. Interestingly, we found that patients with
      hematological malignancies, compared with those without were older and more
      frequently had DM; on the other hand, these patients less commonly exhibited:
      joint involvement (p=0.017), interstitial lung disease (p=0.06) and anti-Jo1
      antibody (p=0.001). Taken together, our study underscores that the association
      between PM/DM and hematological malignancy, especially lymphoma, should not be
      ignored. Our findings also suggest that antisynthetase syndrome may be a
      protective factor of hematological malignancy in PM/DM patients.

PMID- 22079678
TI  - Predictors of resolution of complex atypical hyperplasia or grade 1 endometrial
      adenocarcinoma in premenopausal women treated with progestin therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and pathologic predictors of response to
      progestin treatment in premenopausal women with complex atypical hyperplasia
      (CAH) and Grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma (Grade 1 EA). METHODS: Forty
      premenopausal patients with Grade 1 EA or CAH who underwent progestin therapy for
      a minimum of 8 weeks were retrospectively identified. Patient characteristics and
      histopathologic features of pretreatment and first follow-up endometrial
      specimens were evaluated as predictors of resolution, defined as absence of
      hyperplasia or carcinoma. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated 63% resolution
      at 18 months of follow-up. Multivariate classification analysis showed that
      resolution rates were higher in individuals with a low pre-treatment qualitative
      abnormal architecture score and a BMI <35 (Standardized Resolution Ratio
      (SRR)=1.48, p=0.03). The diagnosis of benign endometrium or simple hyperplasia on
      the first follow-up specimen was highly predictive of resolution (SRR=2.25,
      p=0.002). Resolution rates were lower among subjects with a high pre-treatment
      qualitative abnormal architecture score (SRR=0.37, p<0.03) and lowest in subjects
      whose first follow-up specimen showed persistent complexity, atypia, or carcinoma
      with adjacent stromal decidualization (SRR=0.24, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical
      and pathologic parameters can predict response to progestin therapy in
      premenopausal women with CAH and Grade 1 EA. A low likelihood of resolution is
      predicted by an unfavorable pre-treatment architectural score and lack of
      pathological response in the first specimen, despite adjacent stromal
      decidualization.

PMID- 22079679
TI  - Robotic-assisted surgery in gynecologic oncology: a Society of Gynecologic
      Oncology consensus statement. Developed by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology's
      Clinical Practice Robotics Task Force.

PMID- 22079680
TI  - Autoimmune disease and gender: plausible mechanisms for the female predominance
      of autoimmunity.
AB  - A large number of autoimmune diseases (ADs) are more prevalent in women. The more
      frequent the AD and the later it appears, the more women are affected. Many ideas
      mainly based on hormonal and genetic factors that influence the autoimmune
      systems of females and males differently, have been proposed to explain this
      predominance. These hypotheses have gained credence mostly because many of these
      diseases appear or fluctuate when there are hormonal changes such as in late
      adolescence and pregnancy. Differences in X chromosome characteristics between
      men and women with an AD have led researchers to think that the genetic
      background of this group of diseases also relates to the genetic determinants of
      gender. These hormonal changes as well as the genetic factors that could explain
      why women are more prone to develop ADs are herein reviewed.

PMID- 22079681
TI  - Sequential osteoporosis treatments.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a major public health concern due both to its high prevalence and
      to its association with potentially serious fractures. The chronic nature of
      osteoporosis, together with the aging of the population, may result in a need for
      prolonged treatment consisting in the sequential use of several osteoporosis
      drugs. Situations in which switching from one osteoporosis drug to another may be
      considered include the occurrence of a fracture despite treatment, poor treatment
      adherence, side effects, and completion of a first-line treatment course. The
      available recommendations for postmenopausal women deal only with the indications
      for first-line osteoporosis treatment. Studies on drug sequences used an open
      label design and failed to collect data on fractures. Thus, there is no
      scientific evidence supporting a specific treatment sequence, the only exception
      being teriparatide followed by a bone resorption inhibitor. Consequently,
      selection of the second drug in an osteoporotic woman is a matter of clinical
      judgment, which can be guided by several factors such as health insurance
      reimbursement restrictions, characteristics of the osteoporosis (e.g., severity
      and whether there is a predominant risk of peripheral fractures), co-morbidities,
      contraindications to specific drugs, and patient adherence to prescriptions.

PMID- 22079682
TI  - Bird schistosomes in planorbid snails in the Czech Republic.
AB  - Bird schistosomes have been in focus as causative agents of cercarial dermatitis
      of humans in the last years; however, our knowledge of their species spectrum and
      intermediate host specificity is still insufficient. Our study focused on bird
      schistosomes developing in planorbid snails that have been less studied so far.
      From 2001 to 2010, cercariae of bird schistosomes were found in four snail
      species (Gyraulus albus, Segmentina nitida, Anisus vortex and Planorbis
      planorbis) from seven localities in the Czech Republic. Based on morphology and
      results of molecular analysis, the isolates found belong to at least six species.
      Five of them are probably undescribed species, and one species appears to be
      identical with Gigantobilharzia vittensis Reimer, 1963 (syn. G. suebica Donges,
      1964). The finding from S. nitida represents the first report of a bird
      schistosome from this snail.

PMID- 22079683
TI  - IDF diabetes atlas: global estimates of the prevalence of diabetes for 2011 and
      2030.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is an increasingly important condition globally and robust
      estimates of its prevalence are required for allocating resources. METHODS: Data
      sources from 1980 to April 2011 were sought and characterised. The Analytic
      Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to select the most appropriate study or studies
      for each country, and estimates for countries without data were modelled. A
      logistic regression model was used to generate smoothed age-specific estimates
      which were applied to UN population estimates for 2011. RESULTS: A total of 565
      data sources were reviewed, of which 170 sources from 110 countries were
      selected. In 2011 there are 366 million people with diabetes, and this is
      expected to rise to 552 million by 2030. Most people with diabetes live in low-
      and middle-income countries, and these countries will also see the greatest
      increase over the next 19 years. DISCUSSION: This paper builds on previous IDF
      estimates and shows that the global diabetes epidemic continues to grow. Recent
      studies show that previous estimates have been very conservative. The new IDF
      estimates use a simple and transparent approach and are consistent with recent
      estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study. IDF estimates will be updated
      annually.

PMID- 22079684
TI  - Asyntactic comprehension, working memory, and acute ischemia in Broca's area
      versus angular gyrus.
AB  - We evaluated sentence comprehension of variety of sentence constructions and
      components of short-term memory (STM) in 53 individuals with acute ischemic
      stroke, to test some current hypotheses about the role of Broca's area in these
      tasks. We found that some patients show structure-specific, task-independent
      deficits in sentence comprehension, with chance level of accuracy on passive
      reversible sentences, more impaired comprehension of object-cleft than subject
      cleft sentences, and more impaired comprehension of reversible than irreversible
      sentences in both sentence-picture matching and enactment tasks. In a dichotomous
      analysis, this pattern of "asyntactic comprehension" was associated with
      dysfunctional tissue in left angular gyrus, rather than dysfunctional tissue in
      Broca's area as previously proposed. Tissue dysfunction in left Brodmann area
      (BA) 44, part of Broca's area, was associated with phonological STM impairment
      defined by forward digit span<=4. Verbal working memory (VWM) defined by backward
      digit span<=2 was associated with tissue dysfunction left premotor cortex (BA 6).
      In a continuous analysis, patients with acute ischemia in left BA 44 were
      impaired in phonological STM. Patients with ischemia in left BA 45 and BA 6 were
      impaired in passive, reversible sentences, STM, and VWM. Patients with ischemia
      in left BA 39 were impaired in passive reversible sentences, object-cleft
      sentences, STM, and VWM. Therefore, various components of working memory seem to
      depend on a network of brain regions that include left angular gyrus and
      posterior frontal cortex (BA 6, 44, 45); left BA 45 and angular gyrus (BA 39) may
      have additional roles in comprehension of syntax such as thematic role checking.

PMID- 22079685
TI  - The role of oxidized phospholipids, lipoprotein (a) and biomarkers of oxidized
      lipoproteins in chronically occluded coronary arteries in sudden cardiac death
      and following successful percutaneous revascularization.
AB  - AIMS: OxPL are pro-inflammatory and may mediate atherogenesis, thrombosis and
      endothelial dysfunction. We studied the histological presence and temporal
      increases in oxidized phospholipids on apolipoprotein B-100 particles
      (OxPL/apoB), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and biomarkers of oxidized lipoproteins in
      subjects with chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) with sudden cardiac death
      (SCD) and following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Eight
      subjects with SCD and CTO and 33 patients with successful PCI of CTO were
      included. Blood samples were drawn before PCI, immediately post-PCI, at 6 and 24
      h, at 3 days and at 1 week. Plasma levels of OxPL/apoB, Lp(a), IgG and IgM
      autoantibodies to malondialdehyde (MDA) low-density lipoprotein and apoB-immune
      complexes were measured in all samples and compared with previous data from 141
      patients undergoing PCI of non-CTO vessels. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry of
      coronary CTOs revealed OxPL and MDA-like epitopes, particularly in areas of
      recanalized and organized thrombus and neovascularization. Following PCI,
      OxPL/apoB and Lp(a) levels, expressed as percent change from baseline levels
      before PCI, rose gradually and progressively over the next 7 days. In contrast,
      levels of OxPL/apoB and Lp(a) in non-CTO vessels rose immediately post PCI and
      then dropped rapidly to baseline within 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: CTOs contain
      immunohistological evidence of OxPL and MDA-like epitopes. Successful PCI of CTOs
      results in a slower increase in OxPL/apoB and Lp(a) but higher increase in IgM
      immune complexes compared to non-CTO vessels. Pro-inflammatory oxidation-specific
      epitopes may impact development of CTOs and affect outcomes following PCI that
      can be evaluated in larger clinical trials.

PMID- 22079686
TI  - Growth of the microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans at high partial oxygen pressures
      and sub-saturating light intensity.
AB  - The effect of partial oxygen pressure on growth of Neochloris oleoabundans was
      studied at sub-saturating light intensity in a fully-controlled stirred tank
      photobioreactor. At the three partial oxygen pressures tested (P(O)2= 0.24; 0.63;
      0.84 bar), the specific growth rate was 1.38; 1.36 and 1.06 day(-1),
      respectively. An increase of the P(CO)2from 0.007 to 0.02 bar at P(O2) of 0.84
      bar resulted in an increase in the growth rate from 1.06 to 1.36 day(-1). These
      results confirm that the reduction of algal growth at high oxygen concentrations
      at sub-saturating light conditions is mainly caused by competitive inhibition of
      Rubisco. This negative effect on growth can be overcome by restoring the
      O(2)/CO(2) ratio by an increase in the partial carbon dioxide pressure. In
      comparison to general practice (P(O(2)) = 0.42 bar), working at partial O(2)
      pressure of 0.84 bar could reduce the energy requirement for degassing by a
      factor of 3-4.

PMID- 22079687
TI  - Assessing the environmental impact of biobleaching: effects of the operational
      conditions.
AB  - The environmental impact of enzyme bleaching stages applied to oxygen-delignified
      eucalypt kraft pulp was assessed via the chemical oxygen demand (COD), color,
      absorbance spectrum, residual enzyme activity and Microtox toxicity of the
      effluents from a laccase-HBT (1-hydoxybenzotriazole) treatment. The influence of
      the laccase and HBT doses, and reaction time, on these effluent properties was
      also examined. The laccase dose was found to be the individual variable most
      strongly affecting COD, whereas the oxidized form of HBT was the main source of
      increased color and toxicity in the effluents. Moreover, it inactivated the
      enzyme. Oxidation of the mediator was very fast and essentially dependent on the
      laccase dose. Using the laccase-mediator treatment after a xylanase stage
      improved pulp properties without affecting effluent properties. This result holds
      great promise with a view to the industrial implementation of biobleaching
      sequences involving the two enzymes in the future.

PMID- 22079688
TI  - Activation of lignocellulosic biomass by ionic liquid for biorefinery
      fractionation.
AB  - Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive solution to develop an
      economically viable biorefinery by providing a saccharide fraction to produce
      fuels and a lignin stream that can be converted into high value products such as
      carbon fibers. In this study, the analysis of ionic liquid-activated biomass
      demonstrates that in addition of decreasing crystallinity, the selected ILs (1
      butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and 1
      ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) deacetylate Yellow poplar under mild
      conditions (dissolution at 60-80  degrees C), and lower the degradation
      temperature of each biomass polymeric component, thereby reducing the
      recalcitrance of biomass. Among the three tested ILs, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium
      acetate performed the best, providing a strong linear relationship between the
      level of deacetylation and the rate of enzymatic saccharification for Yellow
      poplar.

PMID- 22079689
TI  - Acetate and propionate impact on the methanogenesis of landfill leachate and the
      reduction of clogging components.
AB  - Synthetic leachate with different initial concentrations of acetate (500-2500 mg
      HAc/L) and propionate (500-3500 mg HPr/L) was treated with active biomass
      acclimated to landfill leachate under anaerobic mesophilic conditions for 72 h.
      Methanogenesis was observed within all samples during the first 48 h. The
      greatest removal of acetate (80-100%) and propionate (15-35%) was achieved in
      tests with initial concentrations ranging from 1500 to 190 0mg HAc/L and from
      1000 to 1800mgHPr/L. Concurrent with the removal of acids, pH increased between
      0.3 and 0.45 units, to above the threshold pH for precipitation of CaCO(3).
      Therefore, some 50-70% of dissolved Ca(2+) was removed from solution. This study
      suggests that by using an equalization tank (prior to the anaerobic digester) to
      maintain the acetate and propionate concentrations to within their optimum range
      would help to alleviate clogging through the removal of dissolved Ca(2+) and
      maximizing CH(4) production.

PMID- 22079690
TI  - Efficient transposition of IS204-derived plasmids in Streptomyces coelicolor.
AB  - In order to study functional gene expression in Streptomyces coelicolor, a mini
      transposon encoding the apramycin resistance gene aac(3)IV within its inverted
      repeat (IR) boundaries was constructed based on IS204, which was previously
      identified in the genome of Nocardia asteroides YP21. The mini-transposon and
      IS204 transposase gene were then put on a kanamycin-resistant conjugative plasmid
      pDZY101 that can only replicate in Escherichia coli. After mating with S.
      coelicolor A3(2) M145, resistant colonies arose efficiently on both apramycin and
      kanamycin plates. Plasmid rescue indicated that entire plasmids were inserted
      into the M145 genome with cleavage at an inverted repeat junction formed by the
      right inverted repeat (IRR) and the last 18bp of the transposase gene, while the
      left inverted repeat (IRL) was untouched. Southern blot analysis of the mutants
      using an aac(3)IV gene probe showed that transposition of plasmid pDZY101 was
      genetically stable, with a single-copy insertion within the S. coelicolor M145
      genome. Several mutagenesis libraries of S. coelicolor M145 were constructed
      using plasmid pDZY101 derivatives and the transposon insertion site was
      determined. The correlation between novel mutant phenotypes and previously
      uncharacterized genes was established and these transposon locations were widely
      scattered around the genome.

PMID- 22079691
TI  - Full and surface tibial cementation in total knee arthroplasty: a biomechanical
      investigation of stress distribution and remodeling in the tibia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aseptic tibial component loosening remains a major cause of total
      knee arthroplasty failure. The cementation technique used to achieve fixation may
      play a major role in loosening. Despite this, the optimum technique remains
      unanswered. This study aims to investigate stress and strain distributions in the
      proximal tibia for full cementation and surface cementation of the Genesis II
      tibial component. METHODS: Principal cortical bone strains were measured
      experimentally in intact, surface cemented and fully cemented synthetic tibiae
      using strain gauges. Both axial and 15 degrees  flexion loading were considered.
      Finite element models were used to assess both cortical and cancellous bone
      stresses and strains. Using a bone remodeling algorithm potential sites of bone
      formation and resorption were identified post-implantation. FINDINGS: Principal
      cortical bone strain results demonstrate strong correlations between the
      experimental and finite element analyses (R(2)>=0.81, RMSE(%)<=17.5%). Higher
      cortical strains are measured for surface cementation, as full cementation
      creates a stiffer proximal tibial structure. Simulations reveal that both
      cementation techniques result in lower cancellous stresses under the baseplate
      compared to the intact tibia, with greater reductions being computed for full
      cementation. The surface cementation model displays the closest cancellous stress
      distribution to the intact model. In addition, bone remodeling simulations
      predict more extensive bone resorption under the baseplate for full cementation
      (43%) than for surface cementation (29%). INTERPRETATION: Full cementation
      results in greater stress reduction under the tibial baseplate than surface
      cementation, suggesting that surface cementation will result in less proximal
      bone resorption, thus reducing the possibility of aseptic loosening.

PMID- 22079692
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum MLH is schizont stage specific endonuclease.
AB  - Malaria is one of the most important infectious diseases in many regions around
      the world including India. Plasmodium falciparum is the cause of most lethal form
      of malaria while Plasmodium vivax is the major cause outside Africa. Regardless
      of considerable efforts over the last many years there is still no commercial
      vaccine against malaria and the disease is mainly treated using a range of
      established drugs. With time, the malaria parasite is developing drug resistance
      to most of the commonly used drugs. This drug resistance might be due to
      defective mismatch repair in the parasite. Previously we have reported that the
      P. falciparum genome contains homologues to most of the components of mismatch
      repair (MMR) complex. In the present study we report the detailed biochemical
      characterization of one of the main component of MMR complex, MLH, from P.
      falciparum. Our results show that MLH is an ATPase and it can incise covalently
      closed circular DNA in the presence of Mn(2+) or Mg(2+) ions. Using the truncated
      derivatives we show that full length protein MLH is required for all the
      enzymatic activities. Using immunodepletion assays we further show that the
      ATPase and endomuclease activities are attributable to PfMLH protein. Using
      immunofluorescence assay we report that the peak expression of MLH in both 3D7
      and Dd2 strains of P. falciparum is mainly in the schizont stages of the
      intraerythrocytic development, where DNA replication is active. MMR also
      contributes to the overall fidelity of DNA replication and the peak expression of
      MLH in the schizont stages suggests that MLH is most likely involved in
      correcting the mismatches occurring during replication. This study should make a
      significant contribution in our better understanding of DNA metabolic processes
      in the parasite.

PMID- 22079693
TI  - EB-virus associated primary CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disease of the
      maxillary gingival in an immunocompetent woman.

PMID- 22079694
TI  - Progressive tarsal patterning in the Drosophila by temporally dynamic regulation
      of transcription factor genes.
AB  - The morphology of insect appendages, such as the number and proportion of leg
      tarsal segments, is immensely diverse. In Drosophila melanogaster, adult legs
      have five tarsal segments. Accumulating evidence indicates that tarsal segments
      are formed progressively through dynamic changes in the expression of
      transcription factor genes, such as Bar genes, during development. In this study,
      to examine further the basis of progressive tarsal patterning, the precise
      expression pattern and function of several transcription factor genes were
      investigated in relation to the temporal regulation of Bar expression. The
      results indicate that nubbin is expressed over a broad region at early stages but
      gradually disappears from the middle of the tarsal region. This causes the
      progressive expansion of rotund expression, which in turn progressively represses
      Bar expression, leading to the formation of the tarsal segment 3. The region
      corresponding to the tarsal segment 4 is formed when apterous expression is
      initiated, which renders Bar expression refractory to rotund. In addition, the
      tarsal segment 2 appears to be derived from the region that expresses Bar at a
      very early stage. Cessation of Bar expression in this region requires the
      function of spineless, which also regulates rotund expression. These findings
      indicate that the temporally dynamic regulatory interaction of these
      transcription factor genes is the fundamental basis of the progressive patterning
      of the tarsal region.

PMID- 22079695
TI  - Human hypoblast formation is not dependent on FGF signalling.
AB  - Mouse embryos segregate three different lineages during preimplantation
      development: trophoblast, epiblast and hypoblast. These differentiation processes
      are associated with restricted expression of key transcription factors (Cdx2,
      Oct4, Nanog and Gata6). The mechanisms of segregation have been extensively
      studied in the mouse, but are not as well characterised in other species. In the
      human embryo, hypoblast differentiation has not previously been characterised.
      Here we demonstrate co-exclusive immunolocalisation of Nanog and Gata4 in human
      blastocysts, implying segregation of epiblast and hypoblast, as in rodent
      embryos. However, the formation of hypoblast in the human is apparently not
      dependent upon FGF signalling, in contrast to rodent embryos. Nonetheless, the
      persistence of Nanog-positive cells in embryos following treatment with FGF
      inhibitors is suggestive of a transient naive pluripotent population in the human
      blastocyst, which may be similar to rodent epiblast and ES cells but is not
      sustained during conventional human ES cell derivation protocols.

PMID- 22079696
TI  - Evaluation of impact of Herba Erigerontis injection, a Chinese herbal
      prescription, on rat hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by cocktail probe drugs.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Herba Erigerontis injection (HEI), one of the
      most popular herbal prescription in China, is made from the aqueous extracts of
      Erigeron breviscapus whole plant. Now HEI is widely used for the treatment of
      cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart
      disease, anginapectoris and paralysis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the in vivo effect of HEI on rat cytochrome P450 enzymes
      (CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP2D4, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2) to assess its safety through its
      potential to interact with co-administered drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats
      were randomly divided into five groups. Rats were intravenous administrated with
      HEI via the caudal vein at the dosage of 1.8ml/kg or 7.2ml/kg once daily for
      consecutive 3 days or 14 days. On the fourth or the fifteenth day, a cocktail
      solution at a dose of 5ml/kg, which contained caffeine (2.5mg/kg), tolbutamide
      (2.5mg/kg), chlorzoxazone (5mg/kg), midazolam (5mg/kg) and metoprolol (10mg/kg),
      was injected via the lingual vein to all rats. Then 0.8ml blood samples were
      collected at a set of time-points. The plasma concentrations of probe drugs were
      simultaneously determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters simulated by DAS
      software were used for the evaluation of HEI on the activities of rat CYP1A2,
      CYP2C11, CYP2D4, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 enzymes. ANOVA and Dunnett's test was used for
      data analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant influence of pharmacokinetic
      parameters of caffeine, tolbutamide and chlorzoxazone in HEI pretreated rats. But
      many pharmacokinetic parameters of metoprolol and midazolam in HEI pretreated
      rats were affected significantly (P<0.05), which indicated that metabolism of
      metoprolol and midazolam in these treatment groups was evidently slowed down.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present in vivo study suggested that HEI showed
      no effects on rat CYP1A2, CYP2C11 and CYP2E1, however, it demonstrated potential
      inhibitory effects on rat CYP2D4 and CYP3A2. Therefore, caution is needed when
      HEI is co-administered with drugs metabolized by human CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 in
      clinic, which may result in increased concentrations of these drugs and relevant
      herb-drug interactions.

PMID- 22079697
TI  - Wet or dry bandages for plaster back-slabs?
AB  - Cotton crepe and stretch bandages are commonly used in back-slabs and casts in
      orthopaedic practice. In theory they allow swelling to occur after injury while
      splinting the fracture. The application of a wet bandage prevents the Plaster-of
      Paris (POP) setting too rapidly, giving time to apply a mould or attain correct
      limb position. However, we hypothesised that a wet bandage contracts upon drying
      and may cause constriction of the splint. This study aimed at determining whether
      there was any significant change in length of commonly used bandages when wet as
      well as any further change when left to dry again. Two types of bandage were
      evaluated. 250 mm strips of bandage were dipped into water, gently squeezed and
      laid flat on a bench. The bandage was then immediately measured in length. The
      strips were then left to dry and re-measured. This experimental study shows that
      both cotton crepe and cling significantly shrink by around 7% when wet. This
      phenomenon has the potential to significantly increase the pressure exerted on
      the limb by a back-slab. We speculate that the application of wet bandages is why
      some back-slabs may need released. It is therefore recommended that bandages
      should be applied only in the dry form.

PMID- 22079698
TI  - Peptide derived from Pvfp-1 as bioadhesive on bio-inert surface.
AB  - Surface property is one important characteristic of materials, especially for
      ones that are bio-inert but designed for bio-medical application. In this study,
      we designed a series of peptides and compared their capacities as bioadhesive to
      improve the surface bioactivity of bio-inert material. The peptides were designed
      according to the sequence of Perna viridis foot protein 1 (Pvfp-1), one of the
      Mfp-1s (mussel foot protein 1) which play key roles in wet adhesion of mussel
      byssus. And the Teflon (PTFE) was chosen as a model of bio-inert material. With
      adsorption, adhesion and coating analysis, it was found that peptide C2 (M)
      (derived from the non-repeating region of Pvfp-1, contains modified DOPA) has
      superior coating and adhesion abilities especially on the bio-inert surface of
      PTFE. After coating with peptide C2 (M), the cell adhesion and spreading of
      osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells on PTFE were significantly improved compared with those
      on non-coated surface, and the peptide-coating did not show any cell toxicity.
      Therefore, peptide C2 (M) is effective for improving the bioactivity of bio-inert
      PTFE, and could be potentially used as a bioadhesive on other bio-inert materials
      for biomedical application. Moreover, this study also provided new insights in
      designing other peptide-based bioadhesive materials.

PMID- 22079700
TI  - Physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) care pathways: "patients after knee
      ligament surgery".
AB  - This document is part of a series of documents designed by the French Physical
      and Rehabilitation Medicine Society (Sofmer) and the French Federation of PRM
      (Fedmer). These documents describe the needs for or a specific type of patients;
      PRM care objectives, human and material resources to be implemented, chronology
      as well as expected outcomes. "Care pathways in PRM" is a short document designed
      to enable the reader (physicians, decision-maker, administrator, lawyer or
      finance manager) to quickly apprehend the needs of these patients and the
      available therapeutic care structures for proper organization and pricing of
      these activities. Patients after knee ligament surgery are classified into four
      care sequences and two clinical categories, taking into account personal and
      environmental factors that could influence patients' needs, in accordance with
      the International Classification of Functioning (WHO).

PMID- 22079701
TI  - Age-dependent competition of porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) with
      different fimbria genes - short communication.
AB  - To investigate the association of pathogenic Escherichia coli fimbrial adhesins
      with the development of diarrhoea in piglets of different age groups and to test
      their relative competitiveness, piglets were orally inoculated with a mixture of
      E. coli strains harbouring F4, F5, F6, F18 and F41 fimbrial genes. A total of 537
      E. coli strains with haemolytic activity were isolated from 36 diarrhoeic
      piglets. The F4 fimbrial gene was observed in 98.5%, 97.6% and 80.6% strains
      carrying fimbrial genes isolated from diarrhoeic piglets that were infected at 1,
      3 and 5 weeks of age, respectively. These data demonstrate that F4 fimbriae are
      highly associated with diarrhoea in piglets of all age groups. Interestingly, the
      F18 fimbrial gene was observed in 2.4% and 25.4% strains carrying fimbrial genes
      isolated from the 3- and 5-week-old groups, respectively, which confirms that F18
      fimbriae are associated with diarrhoea in piglets from late stages of suckling to
      post-weaning, and are more related to diarrhoea in weaned than in unweaned
      piglets.

PMID- 22079699
TI  - Hyaluronic acid-based nanocarriers for intracellular targeting: interfacial
      interactions with proteins in cancer.
AB  - The therapeutic efficacy of most drugs is greatly depends on their ability to
      cross the cellular barrier and reach their intracellular target sites. To
      transport the drugs effectively through the cellular membrane and to deliver them
      into the intracellular environment, several interesting smart carrier systems
      based on both synthetic or natural polymers have been designed and developed. In
      recent years, hyaluronic acid (HA) has emerged as a promising candidate for
      intracellular delivery of various therapeutic and imaging agents because of its
      innate ability to recognize specific cellular receptors that overexpressed on
      diseased cells. The aim of this review is to highlight the significance of HA in
      cancer, and to explore the recent advances of HA-based drug carriers towards
      cancer imaging and therapeutics.

PMID- 22079702
TI  - The presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on large pig breeding
      farms in Croatia.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have emerged worldwide and
      have become resistant to a variety of antibiotics. MRSA colonisation in pigs was
      first reported from the Netherlands in 2005, where pigs were implicated as a
      source of human MRSA infections (Voss et al., 2005). This paper presents the
      first report on the presence of MRSA on large pig breeding farms in Croatia,
      together with the determination of the mecA gene, the results of spa typing and
      susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials. Dust samples (7-11 per farm) were
      collected from eight large pig farms in Croatia. Of the total 68 swabs, the mecA
      gene was detected in 24 isolates growing on the MRSA agar. All isolates were
      resistant to oxacillin, tetracycline and streptomycin, and susceptible only to
      vancomycin, while 92% of the strains were susceptible to ciprofloxacin.
      Genotyping of the MRSA strains was performed by spa typing, and revealed t011 (n
      = 17), t034 (n = 5) and t1451 (n = 2). The results presented here predict that
      MRSA is present on a large number of pig farms in Croatia.

PMID- 22079703
TI  - Postmortem small babesia-like morphology of Babesia canis - short communication.
AB  - Here we report a case of canine babesiosis with unusual morphology of the
      causative agent. A male, seven-week-old Labrador retriever puppy, exhibiting
      severe anaemia and haemoglobinuria, was presented at the Clinic of Internal
      Medicine in February 2011. The puppy was euthanised. The most relevant
      pathological changes were icterus, severe splenomegaly, generalised
      lymphadenopathy and haemoglobin nephrosis. Samples were collected from various
      organs for histology within one hour post mortem. Impression smears were also
      prepared from the spleen after overnight storage at 4  degrees C. Tissue sections
      and smears showed the presence of multiple, coccoid intraerythrocytic bodies that
      measured 1-2 MUm and resembled small babesiae. No large piroplasms were seen. DNA
      was extracted from the spleen, and a conventional PCR was performed for the
      amplification of a 450-bp region of the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasms. The
      causative agent was identified as Babesia canis canis, with 99% sequence identity
      to other European isolates. Sequence identity to B. gibsoni was only 91%. This is
      the first account to verify that the morphology of the large canine piroplasm, B.
      canis, can be uniformly small babesia-like post mortem or following the storage
      of tissue samples.

PMID- 22079704
TI  - Osteoblastic osteosarcoma in a Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus) - short
      communication.
AB  - The Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus) is a nocturnal lemur species that lives
      only in Madagascar. It is one of the most abundant lemur species and its native
      populations are not endangered, but animals belonging to this species are rarely
      exhibited in zoos. While tumours are quite frequently described in other
      primates, there are very few publications about neoplasia in lemurs. In this case
      report we describe a mandibular osteoblastic osteosarcoma in a Grey Mouse Lemur
      (Microcebus murinus). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first
      scientific article describing osteosarcoma in a prosimian and also reporting a
      tumour in the mandible in this taxon.

PMID- 22079705
TI  - Solitary adenoma in the proventriculus of a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
      diagnosed by immunochemistry - short communication.
AB  - The authors describe a solitary adenoma in a 5.5-year-old female Budgerigar
      (Melopsittacus undulatus). The tumour was partially blocking the lumen of the
      proventriculus and filled it almost completely. Decreased passage of food towards
      the gizzard and the intestines developed in the bird as result of the
      obstruction, which periodically hindered the passage, leading to slow emaciation.
      An epithelial tumour composed of irregular glandular acini was diagnosed by
      histological examination. Immunohistochemical reaction with pancytokeratin showed
      a positive cytoplasmic reaction both in the neoplastic and the normal glandular
      structures.

PMID- 22079706
TI  - Effect of the periparturient period on serum lipid and cholesterol lipoprotein
      concentrations in goats (Capra hircus).
AB  - Blood samples were taken from 12 goats during the periparturient period (4 and 1
      weeks before and 2, 10 and 30 days after delivery), and from 10 nonpregnant
      goats. The following variables were determined: total lipids (TL),
      triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TCH) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fractions. One week
      before delivery TL (2.32 +/- 0.12 g/l, P <= 0.05), TG (0.32 +/- 0.16 mmol/l, P <=
      0.001) and TCH concentrations (1.65 +/- 0.42 mmol/l, P <= 0.05) were
      significantly increased as compared to non-pregnant goats (2.08 +/- 0.28 g/l,
      0.15 +/- 0.05 mmol/l, 1.38 +/- 0.19 mmol/l, respectively). After delivery, the
      concentrations of TL, TG, TCH and HDL decreased significantly. The lowest TG
      concentration was observed 2 days after delivery (0.18 +/- 0.02 mmol/l), while TL
      (1.73 +/- 0.21 g/l), TCH (0.95 +/- 0.21 mmol/l) and HDL (0.74 +/- 0.16 mmol/l)
      reached the lowest level 10 days after delivery. Two days after delivery a
      significant increase of LDL concentration was observed (0.38 +/- 0.04 mmol/l);
      however, ten days after delivery a threefold decrease was shown in the LDL
      concentration (0.12 +/- 0.04 mmol/l). A month after delivery all the variables
      studied reached levels similar to those measured in non-pregnant goats.

PMID- 22079707
TI  - Tetrodotoxin- and resiniferatoxin-induced changes in paracervical ganglion ChAT-
      and nNOS-IR neurons supplying the urinary bladder in female pigs.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of intravesical
      administration of resiniferatoxin (RTX) and tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the chemical
      coding of paracervical ganglion (PCG) neurons supplying the urinary bladder in
      the pig. In order to identify the PCG neurons innervating the bladder, retrograde
      tracer Fast Blue was injected into the bladder wall prior to intravesical RTX or
      TTX administration. Consequent application of immunocytochemical methods revealed
      that in the control group 76.82% of Fast Blue positive PCG neurons contain nitric
      oxide synthetase (nNOS), and 66.92% contain acetylcholine transferase (ChAT).
      Intravesical infusion of RTX resulted in a reduction of the nNOS-IR neurons to
      57.74% and ChAT-IR to 57.05%. Alternative administration of TTX induced an
      increase of nNOS-IR neurons up to 79.29% and a reduction of the ChAT-IR
      population down to 3.73% of the Fast Blue positive PCG cells. Our data show that
      both neurotoxins affect the chemical coding of PCG cells supplying the porcine
      urinary bladder, but the effects of their action are different. Moreover, these
      results shed light on the possible involvement of NO-ergic and cholinergic
      neurons in the mechanisms of therapeutic action exerted by RTX and TTX in curing
      the overactive bladder disorder.

PMID- 22079708
TI  - Impact of oxidative stress on male fertility - a review.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a state related to increased cellular damage caused by oxygen
      and oxygen-derived free radicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is a
      serious condition, as ROS and their metabolites attack DNA, lipids and proteins,
      alter enzymatic systems and cell signalling pathways, producing irreparable
      alterations, cell death and necrosis. While small amounts of ROS have been shown
      to be required for several functions of spermatozoa, their excessive levels can
      negatively impact the quality of spermatozoa and impair their overall fertilising
      capacity. These questions have recently attracted the attention of the scientific
      community; however, research aimed at exploring the role of oxidative stress and
      antioxidants associated with male fertility is still at its initial stages. This
      review summarises the current facts available in this field and intends to
      stimulate interest in basic and clinical research, especially in the development
      of effective methods for the diagnosis and therapy of semen damage caused by
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 22079709
TI  - Plasma progesterone, metabolic hormones and beta-hydroxybutyrate in Holstein
      Friesian cows after superovulation.
AB  - Metabolic hormones [insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I),
      thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)], progesterone (P4) and beta
      hydroxybutyrate (BHB) serum concentrations were evaluated and their effect on the
      superovulation results of donor cows was investigated in a semi-arid environment.
      Body weight, body condition score (BCS) and lactation stage were also included in
      the analysis. Twenty-three Holstein-Friesian cows were superovulated with 600 IU
      FSHp following the routine procedure and flushed on day 7 in a Multiple Ovulation
      and Embryo Transfer Centre in the semi-arid area of Brazil. The corpora lutea
      (CL) were counted and blood samples were collected for assays. All of the
      hormones investigated and BHB serum concentrations were within the physiological
      ranges. There was a positive correlation between hormones, except between BHB and
      all the others. The leptin level was influenced by feeding status, as indicated
      by the BCS. Insulin, T4, T3 and BHB levels were affected by milking status. Dry
      cows had higher levels of all hormones except BHB. An optimum level of leptin
      resulted in the highest number of CL, while the linear increase of P4, T4 and IGF
      significantly increased the number of CL.

PMID- 22079710
TI  - Effect of season and photoperiod on the time of first postpartum ovulation in
      Awassi ewes.
AB  - Seasonal differences in the resumption of postpartum ovarian activity, milk
      production and periparturient metabolic status were investigated in lactating non
      suckling dairy Awassi sheep in two consecutive experiments. In Experiment 1,
      autumn-lambing (AL, n = 27) and spring-lambing (SL, n = 37) ewes were
      investigated. Ovarian activity was monitored by means of individual progesterone
      (P4) profiles from day 5 to day 100 post partum. Most of the AL dams (89%)
      ovulated till day 35 after parturition and became cyclic thereafter. Incidence of
      persistent corpus luteum (CLP) and short luteal phases (sCL) was frequent (18%
      and 29%, respectively) among non-conceiving dams. In contrast, only 24% of the SL
      ewes ovulated before day 35. P4 levels during the luteal phase were lower in
      cyclic animals, and the cycle was longer in SL than in AL animals. No CLP or sCL
      was detected in the spring-lambing group, and 61% of SL ewes remained acyclic
      till the end of the trial. Lactation length was significantly longer in SL dams
      than in AL ewes (P = 0.008). According to the plasma metabolites (BHB, NEFA) and
      metabolic hormones (insulin, IGF-I, thyroxine) examined, negative energy balance
      did not appear in any of the animals. However, seasonal differences were seen in
      IGF-I and thyroxine levels, which were higher in the SL dams. In Experiment 2,
      influence of additional lighting was studied in autumn-lambing ewes. The long-day
      photoperiod (LD, n = 23) group was exposed to artificial light from sunset till
      midnight (approx. 16 h light/8 h dark) from some weeks before the expected date
      of delivery in mid-September until the end of December. The control group (n =
      25) experienced only natural daylength. The first postpartum ovulation tended to
      occur later in the LD animals than in the controls (P = 0.047). The lactation of
      the LD group tended to be longer (P = 0.061). NEFA, BHB, insulin, IGF-I and
      thyroxine levels did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: (i) The ovarian
      function of the Awassi population is seasonal under temperate continental climate
      conditions. (ii) The first postpartum ovulation of non-suckling, autumn-lambing
      dams may occur very early, even before the completion of uterine involution.
      (iii) Additional artificial lighting may delay the time of first postpartum
      ovulation in AL ewes. (iv) Postpartum negative energy balance is unlikely to
      occur in dairy Awassi ewes even in high-producing intensive systems.

PMID- 22079711
TI  - Profiles of seroconversion to porcine circovirus type 2 in herds affected and not
      affected by postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of serological methods
      in the diagnosis of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The study
      was carried out in 4 PMWS-affected and 6 control farms. Based on the serological
      profiles, infection with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was determined to take
      place at 3-7 weeks of age in the PMWS-affected and at 3-11 weeks of age in the
      control farms. To compare the dynamics of seroconversion to PCV2 among farms,
      cross-sectional serological profiles were normalised in relation to the inferred
      age of infection. The results indicated that the proportion of seropositive pigs
      increased significantly slower in the affected herds. The most pronounced
      difference was observed about 4 weeks after infection, when the proportion of
      seropositive pigs ranged from 0 to 53.3% and from 70 to 100% in PMWS-affected and
      control herds, respectively. Mean antibody titres at that age were also
      significantly lower in the affected farms. These observations suggest a delay in
      the production of PCV2-specific antibodies and indicate that serological methods
      may be helpful in identifying herds with a high risk of PMWS.

PMID- 22079712
TI  - Chitosan nanoconstructs for improved oral delivery of low molecular weight
      heparin: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - The aim of present study was to investigate the potential of mucoadhesive polymer
      chitosan (CS) and N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) based nanoparticulate systems for
      oral bioavailability enhancement of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The TMC
      was synthesized by methylation of chitosan followed by characterization using
      infrared spectroscopy and (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. The IR and NMR spectra of TMC
      confirmed the presence of trimethyl groups and estimated the degree of
      quaternization for TMC about 46%. TMC nanoparticles were then prepared by ionic
      gelation method. The developed CS-NPs and TMC-NPs were characterized for various
      parameters including morphology, particle size, zeta potential, entrapment
      efficiency, in vitro release behavior and storage stability at different
      temperature and simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions. The fluorescent
      microscopy study confirmed the higher particle uptake of TMC-NPs by
      gastrointestinal epithelium in comparison to the CS-NPs. The concentration of
      LMWH in the systemic circulation followed by oral administration of formulations
      was estimated using FXa chromogenic assay. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the
      oral bioavailability of LMWH was observed with TMC-NPs than both CS-NPs as well
      as plain LMWH solution. These findings suggested that TMC nanoparicles hold
      promise for oral delivery of LMWH and clinical applicability for the treatment of
      vascular disorders like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, etc.

PMID- 22079713
TI  - Evaluation of the influence of ionization states and spacers in the thermotropic
      phase behaviour of amino acid-based cationic lipids and the transfection
      efficiency of their assemblies.
AB  - The influence of both the ionization states and the hydrocarbon chain spacer of a
      series of amino acid-based cationic lipids was evaluated in terms of gene
      delivery efficiency and cytotoxicity to the COS-7 cell line and compared with
      that of Lipofectamine 2000. We synthesized a series of amino acid-based cationic
      lipids with different ionization states (i.e., -NH(2), -NH(3)(+)Cl(-) or 
      NH(3)(+)TFA(-)) in the lysine head group and different hydrocarbon chain spacers
      (i.e., 0, 3, 5 or 7 carbon atoms) between the hydrophilic head group and
      hydrophobic moieties. In the 3-carbon series, the cationic assemblies formed a
      micellar structure in the presence of -NH(3)(+)Cl(-) and a vesicular structure
      both in the presence of -NH(2) and -NH(3)(+)TFA(-). Differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC) data revealed a significantly lower (8.1 degrees C) gel-to
      liquid crystalline phase transition temperature for cationic assemblies bearing 
      NH(3)(+)TFA(-) when compared to their -NH(2) counterparts. Furthermore, the zeta
      potential of cationic assemblies having -NH(3)(+)TFA(-) in the hydrophilic head
      group was maximum followed by -NH(3)(+)Cl(-) and -NH(2) irrespective of their
      hydrocarbon chain spacer length. The gene delivery efficiency in relation to the
      ionization states of the hydrophilic head group was as follows: -NH(3)(+)TFA(-)>
      NH(3)(+)Cl(-)>-NH(2).

PMID- 22079714
TI  - Cocrystallization and amorphization induced by drug-excipient interaction
      improves the physical properties of acyclovir.
AB  - Although acyclovir is one of the most important antiviral drugs used today, there
      are several problems with its physical properties. The aim of this study is to
      prepare cocrystals or amorphous complex of acyclovir using drug-excipient
      interactions to improve the physical properties of the drug, especially its
      dissolution rate and transdermal absorption. Screening for formation of
      cocrystals and the presence of amorphous acyclovir was conducted with various
      pharmaceutical excipinents, with the use of the solution-crystallization method
      and liquid-assisted cogrinding. The potential cocrystalline phase and the
      amorphized complex were characterized by PXRD, TG/DTA, IR, DSC and HPLC
      techniques. The screening indicated that acyclovir formed novel cocrystals with
      tartaric acid and was amorphized with citric acid. The acyclovir-tartaric acid
      cocrystal (ACV-TA cocrystal) structure was determined from synchrotron X-ray
      powder diffraction data. T(g) of the amorphous acyclovir-citric acid compound
      (ACV-CA amorphous) was determined by DSC. The initial dissolution rate of the ACV
      TA cocrystals was considerably faster than that of anhydrous acyclovir. In vitro
      skin permeation of ACV-CA amorphous from polyethylene glycol (PEG) ointment was
      remarkably higher than that of the crystalline acyclovir. We successfully
      improved the physical properties of acyclovir by the cocrystallization and
      amorphization techniques, using pharmaceutical excipients.

PMID- 22079715
TI  - Investigation of preparation methods on surface/bulk structural relaxation and
      glass fragility of amorphous solid dispersions.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of preparation methods
      on the surface/bulk molecular mobility and glass fragility of solid dispersions.
      Solid dispersions containing indomethacin and PVP K30 were chosen as the model
      system. An inverse gas chromatography method was used to determine the surface
      structural relaxation of the solid dispersions and these data were compared to
      those for bulk relaxation obtained by DSC. The values of tau(beta) for the
      surface relaxation were 4.6, 7.1 and 1.8h for melt quenched, ball milled and
      spray dried solid dispersions respectively, compared to 15.6, 7.9 and 9.8h of the
      bulk. In all systems, the surface had higher molecular mobility than the bulk.
      The glass fragility of the solid dispersions was also influenced by the
      preparation methods with the most fragile system showing the best stability. The
      zero mobility temperature (T(0)) was used to correlate with the physical
      stability of the solid dispersions. Despite having similar T(g) (65 degrees C),
      the T(0) of the melt quenched, ball milled and spray dried samples were 21.6, 
      4.2 and 16.7 degrees C respectively which correlated well with their physical
      stability results. Therefore, T(0) appears to be a better indicator than T(g) for
      predicting stability of amorphous materials.

PMID- 22079716
TI  - Novel diphenyl dimethyl bicarboxylate provesicular powders with enhanced
      hepatocurative activity: preparation, optimization, in vitro/in vivo evaluation.
AB  - Diphenyl dimethyl bicarboxylate (DDB) is a hepatocurative agent used for
      treatment of various liver diseases. However, DDB therapeutic effectiveness is
      restricted by its low oral bioavailability that arises from its poor solubility
      and dissolution. Aiming at surmounting the aforementioned restrictions, DDB
      provesicular dry powders exemplified by proniosomes and proliposomes were
      prepared using film-deposition technique employing sorbitol as a carrier. Upon
      dilution with water, the provesicular powders rapidly transformed into vesicular
      dispersions, either liposomes or niosomes, which were characterized regarding
      their percent encapsulation efficiency (EE%), vesicle size and distribution,
      morphology and in vitro drug release. The revealed optimal provesicular powder
      was exposed to solid state characterization, stability testing and in vivo
      performance evaluation. Results showed that provesicular powders with acceptable
      flowability can be prepared using a weight ratio of lipids mixture to sorbitol of
      1:20. Proniosomal powder composed of Tween 80:cholesterol:stearylamine in molar
      ratio 7:3:0.5 loaded on sorbitol was selected as the optimal formulation as it
      showed the highest EE% and dissolution enhancement for DDB. The elevated levels
      of liver enzymes in hepatically injured Albino Wister rats were significantly
      reduced (P<0.05) after oral administration of the optimal proniosomal powder in
      comparison to free DDB. This improvement was confirmed histopathologically by
      minimizing the associated hepatic injury. Accordingly, proniosomes can be
      assertively considered as a promising stable precursor for immediate preparation
      of niosomal carrier for DDB with enhanced dissolution and hepatocurative
      activity.

PMID- 22079717
TI  - Coated chitosan pellets containing rutin intended for the treatment of
      inflammatory bowel disease: in vitro characteristics and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - Preparation of coated pellets intended for rutin colon delivery, their evaluation
      in vitro and in vivo in experimental colitis in rats was the purpose of this
      study. Pellets were obtained using extrusion/spheronization and coated with three
      types of coatings (caffeic acid/hypromellose/alginic acid; sodium
      alginate/hypromellose/zinc acetate; sodium alginate/chitosan). Dissolution using
      buffers of pH values, beta-glucosidase and times corresponding to
      gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was provided. Pellets coated with alginate/chitosan
      showed low rutin dissolution (12-14%) in upper GIT conditions and fast release
      (87-89%) under colon conditions; that is a good presumption of intended rutin
      release. After colitis induction and development, the rats were treated with
      pellets and rutin solution administered orally, solution also rectally.
      Colon/body weight ratio, myeloperoxidase activity and histological evaluation
      were performed. Rutin was able to promote colonic healing at the dose of 10mg/kg:
      colon/body weight ratio decreased and myeloperoxidase activity was significantly
      suppressed. Pellets coated with alginate/chitosan applied orally and rutin
      solution administered rectally showed the best efficacy. The combination of rutin
      as natural product, mucoadhesive chitosan degraded in the colon and sodium
      alginate as the main coating substance in the form of pellets create a promising
      preparation for therapy of this severe illness.

PMID- 22079718
TI  - Stable and efficient delivery of docetaxel by micelle-encapsulation using a
      tripodal cyclotriphosphazene amphiphile.
AB  - Docetaxel micelle-encapsulated by a tripodal cyclotriphosphazene amphiphilile
      [NP(PEG750)(GlyPheLeu)(2)Et](3) (CP750) exhibited outstanding drug-loaded micelle
      stability in aqueous solution compared with the polymeric micelles assembled from
      linear block copolymers. Furthermore, docetaxel micelle-encapsulated by CP750 is
      obtainable in solvent free powder form, which is immediately soluble in any
      aqueous media including saline and PBS and very stable to photo-degradation even
      in the room light at room temperature. Although docetaxel micelle-encapsulated by
      CP750 did not display highly improved pharmacokinetic profile compared with
      Taxotere currently in clinical use, its in vivo xenograft trials exhibited
      excellent antitumor efficacy by showing complete tumor regression against the
      breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) at a lower dose of 5mg/kg and better efficacy
      against gastric cancer cells (MKN-28) compared with Taxotere. Furthermore,
      according to the comparative acute toxicity study, toxicities associated with
      Taxotere may be remarkably reduced by micelle-encapsulation of docetaxel using
      CP750, which afforded a much higher LD(50) value of 75 mg/kg compared with 28
      mg/kg of docetaxel in Taxotere. Thus docetaxel micelle-encapsulated by CP750 has
      entered the stage of preclinical studies.

PMID- 22079719
TI  - Polymorphic and kinetic investigation of adefovir dipivoxil during phase
      transformation.
AB  - To search polymorphs of adefovir dipivoxil (AD), the polymorphic transformation
      approach in solution was developed. Also, the kinetics of polymorphic
      transformation was investigated to effectively control polymorphs. The AD
      crystals were obtained by crystallization at -10 degrees C, and then the
      polymorphic transformation was induced by raising temperature. The polymorphs of
      AD were confirmed using DSC, XRD and solubility analyses. The polymorphic
      fraction during transformation was monitored for kinetic investigation. Via
      polymorphic transformation in solution, four polymorphs of AD were found and two
      of them were new (NF-I, NF-II). The DSC analysis revealed that solvate form (NF
      I) was changed to form-V in solid state, and then re-crystallized to NF-II at 93
      degrees C, and finally became form-I at 97 degrees C. This serial change of
      polymorphs in DSC was identical to polymorphic transformation sequence in
      solution. The kinetic rates of polymorphic transformation described by nucleation
      and mass transfer theories were well matched with experimental measurement. The
      polymorphic transformation approach was effective to search polymorphs of which
      the structure was changed to the other one in the solution. The kinetic
      information of polymorphic transformation predicted by Volmer's nucleation model
      and Stokes-Einstein diffusion equation was valuable for exact control of
      polymorphic purity.

PMID- 22079720
TI  - Aerosolized semifluorinated alkanes as excipients are suitable for inhalative
      drug delivery--a pilot study.
AB  - Semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs) have been described as potential excipients for
      pulmonary drug delivery, but proof of their efficacy is still lacking. We tested
      whether SFA formulations with the test drug ibuprofen can be nebulised and
      evaluated their pharmacokinetics. Physico-chemical properties of five different
      ibuprofen formulations were evaluated: an aqueous solution (H2O), two different
      SFAs (perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8), perfluorobutylpentane (F4H5)) with and without
      ethanol (SFA/EtOH). Nebulisation was performed with a jet catheter system.
      Inhalative characteristics were evaluated by laser diffraction. A confirmative
      animal study with an inhalative single-dose (6 mg/kg) of ibuprofen with each
      formulation was performed in anaesthetised healthy rabbits. Plasma samples at
      defined time points and lung tissue harvested after the 6-h study period were
      analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetics were calculated using a non-compartment
      model. All formulations were nebulisable. No differences in aerodynamic diameters
      (MMAD) were detected between SFA and SFA/EtOH. The ibuprofen plasma concentration
      time curve (AUC) was highest with F4H5/EtOH. In contrast, F6H8/EtOH had the
      highest deposition of ibuprofen into lung tissue but the lowest AUC. All tested
      SFA and SFA/EtOH formulations are suitable for inhalation. F4H5/EtOH formulations
      might be used for rapid systemic availability of drugs. F6H8/EtOH showed
      intrapulmonary deposition of the test drug.

PMID- 22079721
TI  - Variation in use of androgen suppression with external-beam radiotherapy for
      nonmetastatic prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe practice patterns associated with androgen suppression (AS)
      stratified by disease risk group in patients undergoing external-beam
      radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We
      identified 2,184 low-risk, 2,339 intermediate-risk, and 2,897 high-risk patients
      undergoing EBRT for nonmetastatic prostate cancer diagnosed between January 1,
      2004, and December 31, 2005, in the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
      Results-Medicare database. We examined the association of patient, clinical, and
      demographic characteristics with AS use by multivariate logistic regression.
      RESULTS: The proportions of patients receiving AS for low-risk, intermediate
      risk, and high-risk prostate cancer were 32.2%, 56.3%, and 81.5%, respectively.
      AS use among men in the low-risk disease category varied widely, ranging from
      13.6% in Detroit to 47.8% in Kentucky. We observed a significant decline in AS
      use between 2004 and 2005 within all three disease risk categories. Men aged >=75
      years or with elevated comorbidity levels were more likely to receive AS.
      CONCLUSION: Our results identified apparent overuse and underuse of AS among men
      within the low-risk and high-risk disease categories, respectively. These results
      highlight the need for clinician and patient education regarding the appropriate
      use of AS. Practice patterns among intermediate-risk patients reflect the
      clinical heterogeneity of this population and underscore the need for better
      evidence to guide the treatment of these patients.

PMID- 22079722
TI  - Risk factors of developing long-lasting breast pain after breast cancer
      radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Postoperative radiotherapy decreases breast cancer mortality. However,
      studies have revealed a long-lasting breast pain among some women after
      radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that
      contribute to breast pain after breast cancer radiotherapy. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: We identified 1,027 recurrence-free women in two cohorts of Swedish
      women treated for breast cancer. The women had breast-conserving surgery and
      postoperative radiotherapy, the breast was treated to 48 Gy in 2.4-Gy fractions
      or to 50 Gy in 2.0-Gy fractions. Young women received a boost of up to 16 Gy.
      Women with more than three lymph node metastases had locoregional radiotherapy.
      Systemic treatments were given according to health-care guidelines. Three to 17
      years after radiotherapy, we collected data using a study-specific questionnaire.
      We investigated the relation between breast pain and potential risk modifiers:
      age at treatment, time since treatment, chemotherapy, photon energy,
      fractionation size, boost, loco-regional radiotherapy, axillary surgery,
      overweight, and smoking. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventy-seven women (85%)
      returned the questionnaires. Among women up to 39 years of age at treatment,
      23.1% had breast pain, compared with 8.7% among women older than 60 years (RR
      2.66; 95% CI 1.33-5.36). Higher age at treatment (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98,
      annual decrease) and longer time since treatment (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88-0.98,
      annual decrease) were related to a lower occurrence of breast pain. Chemotherapy
      increased the occurrence of breast pain (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.19-2.47). In the
      multivariable model only age and time since treatment were statistically
      significantly related to the occurrence of breast pain. We found no statistically
      significant relation between breast pain and the other potential risk modifiers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Younger women having undergone breast-conserving surgery with
      postoperative radiotherapy report a higher occurrence of long-lasting breast pain
      compared to older women. Time since treatment may decrease the occurrence of
      pain.

PMID- 22079723
TI  - Prognostic factors for survival in patients treated with stereotactic
      radiosurgery for recurrent brain metastases after prior whole brain radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate prognostic factors for survival after stereotactic
      radiosurgery (SRS) for new, progressive, or recurrent brain metastases (BM) after
      prior whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients treated
      between 1991 and 2007 with Gamma Knife SRS for BM after prior WBRT were
      retrospectively reviewed. Potential prognostic factors were analyzed overall and
      by primary site using univariate and stepwise multivariate analyses and recursive
      partitioning analysis, including age, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), primary
      tumor control, extracranial metastases, number of BM treated, total SRS target
      volume, and interval from WBRT to SRS. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients were
      analyzed, including 90 breast, 113 non-small-cell lung, 31 small-cell lung, 42
      melanoma, and 34 miscellaneous patients. The median age was 56, KPS 80, number of
      BM treated 3, and interval from WBRT to SRS 8.1 months; 76% had controlled
      primary tumor and 60% had extracranial metastases. The median survival was 8.4
      months overall and 12.0 vs. 7.9 months for single vs. multiple BM treated (p =
      0.001). There was no relationship between number of BM and survival after
      excluding single-BM patients. On multivariate analysis, favorable prognostic
      factors included age <50, smaller total target volume, and longer interval from
      WBRT to SRS in breast cancer patients; smaller number of BM, KPS >60, and
      controlled primary in non-small-cell lung cancer patients; and smaller total
      target volume in melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients treated with
      salvage SRS for BM after prior WBRT, prognostic factors appeared to vary by
      primary site. Although survival time was significantly longer for patients with a
      single BM, the median survival time of 7.9 months for patients with multiple BM
      seems sufficiently long for salvage SRS to appear to be worthwhile, and no
      evidence was found to support the use of a cutoff for number of BM appropriate
      for salvage SRS.

PMID- 22079724
TI  - Biochemical control with radiotherapy improves overall survival in intermediate
      and high-risk prostate cancer patients who have an estimated 10-year overall
      survival of >90%.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify subgroups of patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated
      with radical radiotherapy that have improved overall survival when disease is
      biochemically controlled. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cohort of 1,060 prostate
      cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy was divided into nine subgroups
      based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk category and estimated 10
      year overall survival (eOS 10y) derived from the age adjusted Charlson
      Comorbidity Index. Patients with and without biochemical control were compared
      with respect to overall survival. Actuarial estimates of overall survival were
      calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox
      proportional hazards models were used for analysis of overall survival. RESULTS:
      Median follow-up was 125 months (range, 51-176 months). Only the subgroups with
      high or intermediate risk disease and an eOS 10y of >90% had a statistically
      significantly improved overall survival when prostate cancer was biochemically
      controlled. In all other groups, biochemical control made no significant
      difference to overall survival. In the subgroup with high-risk disease and eOS
      10y >90%, actuarial overall survival was 86.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]
      78.5%-94.1%) and 62.1% (95% CI 52.9%-71.3%) for patients with biochemical control
      and biochemical relapse respectively (p = 0.002). In the intermediate risk group
      with eOS >90%, actuarial overall survival was 95.3% (95% CI 89.0%-100%) and 79.8%
      (95% CI 68.0%-91.6%) for biochemically controlled and biochemically relapsed
      patients (p = 0.033). On multivariate analysis, National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network risk group (p = 0.005), biochemical control (p = 0.033) and eOS 10y (p <
      0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Biochemical control translates
      into improved overall survival in patients with high or intermediate risk disease
      and an estimated 10-year overall survival of >90%.

PMID- 22079725
TI  - Phase II study of short-course radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant
      temozolomide in elderly patients with glioblastoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy may prolong survival in older
      patients (age >=70 years) with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), although the
      survival benefits remain poor. This Phase II multicenter study was designed to
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of an abbreviated course of RT plus concomitant
      and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) in older patients with GBM. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Seventy-one eligible patients 70 years of age or older with newly diagnosed GBM
      and a Karnofsky performance status >=60 were treated with a short course of RT
      (40 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks) plus TMZ at the dosage of 75 mg/m(2) per day
      followed by 12 cycles of adjuvant TMZ (150-200 mg/m(2) for 5 days during each 28
      day cycle). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints
      included progression-free survival and toxicity. RESULTS: The Median OS was 12.4
      months, and the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 58% and 20%, respectively. The
      median and 1-year rates of progression-free survival were 6 months and 20%,
      respectively. All patients completed the planned programme of RT. Grade 3 or 4
      adverse events occurred in 16 patients (22%). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia and/or
      thrombocytopenia occurred in 10 patients (15%), leading to the interruption of
      treatment in 6 patients (8%). Nonhematologic Grade 3 toxicity was rare, and
      included fatigue in 4 patients and cognitive disability in 1 patient.
      CONCLUSIONS: A combination of an abbreviated course of RT plus concomitant and
      adjuvant TMZ is well tolerated and may prolong survival in elderly patients with
      GBM. Future randomized studies need to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of
      different schedules of RT in association with chemotherapy.

PMID- 22079726
TI  - A Phase I study of chemoradiotherapy with use of involved-field conformal
      radiotherapy and accelerated hyperfractionation for Stage III non-small cell lung
      cancer: WJTOG 3305.
AB  - PURPOSE: A Phase I study to determine a recommended dose of thoracic radiotherapy
      using accelerated hyperfractionation for unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer
      was conducted. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with unresectable Stage III non
      small-cell lung cancer were treated intravenously with carboplatin (area under
      the concentration curve 2) and paclitaxel (40 mg/m(2)) on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22
      with concurrent twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy (1.5 Gy per fraction) beginning
      on Day 1 followed by two cycles of consolidation chemotherapy using carboplatin
      (area under the concentration curve 5) and paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2)). Total doses
      were 54 Gy in 36 fractions, 60 Gy in 40 fractions, 66 Gy in 44 fractions, and 72
      Gy in 48 fractions at Levels 1 to 4. The dose-limiting toxicity, defined as Grade
      >=4 esophagitis and neutropenic fever and Grade >=3 other nonhematologic
      toxicities, was monitored for 90 days. RESULTS: Of 26 patients enrolled, 22
      patients were assessable for response and toxicity. When 4 patients entered Level
      4, enrollment was closed to avoid severe late toxicities. Dose-limiting
      toxicities occurred in 3 patients. They were Grade 3 neuropathy at Level 1 and
      Level 3 and Grade 3 infection at Level 1. However, the maximum tolerated dose was
      not reached. The median survival time was 28.6 months for all patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose was not reached, although the dose of
      radiation was escalated to 72 Gy in 48 fractions. However, a dose of 66 Gy in 44
      fractions was adopted for this study because late toxicity data were
      insufficient.

PMID- 22079727
TI  - Long-term results of radiochemotherapy for solitary lymph node metastasis after
      curative resection of esophageal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and toxicity of definitive
      radiochemotherapy for solitary lymph node metastasis after curative surgery of
      esophageal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a retrospective review of
      35 patients who underwent definitive radiochemotherapy at Tohoku University
      Hospital between 2000 and 2009 for solitary lymph node metastasis after curative
      esophagectomy with lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer. Radiotherapy
      doses ranged from 60 to 66 Gy (median, 60 Gy). Concurrent chemotherapy was
      platinum based in all patients. The endpoints of the present study were overall
      survival, cause-specific survival, progression-free survival, irradiated-field
      control, overall tumor response, and prognostic factors. RESULTS: The median
      observation period for survivors was 70.0 months. The 5-year overall survival was
      39.2% (median survival, 39.0 months). The 5-year cause-specific survival,
      progression-free survival, and irradiated-field control were 43.3%, 31.0% and
      59.9%, respectively. Metastatic lesion, size of the metastatic lymph node, and
      performance status before radiochemotherapy were significantly correlated with
      prognosis. Complete response and partial response were observed in 22.9% and
      57.1% of the patients, respectively. There was no Grade 3 or higher adverse
      effect based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3.0)
      in the late phase. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study findings, approximately 40% of
      patients with solitary lymph node metastasis after curative resection for
      esophageal cancer have a chance of long-term survival with definitive
      radiochemotherapy.

PMID- 22079728
TI  - Early-stage primary bone lymphoma: a retrospective, multicenter Rare Cancer
      Network (RCN) Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) represents less than 1% of all malignant
      lymphomas. In this study, we assessed the disease profile, outcome, and
      prognostic factors in patients with Stages I and II PBL. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Thirteen Rare Cancer Network (RCN) institutions enrolled 116 consecutive patients
      with PBL treated between 1987 and 2008 in this study. Eighty-seven patients
      underwent chemoradiotherapy (CXRT) without (78) or with (9) surgery, 15
      radiotherapy (RT) without (13) or with (2) surgery, and 14 chemotherapy (CXT)
      without (9) or with (5) surgery. Median RT dose was 40 Gy (range, 4-60). The
      median number of CXT cycles was six (range, 2-8). Median follow-up was 41 months
      (range, 6-242). RESULTS: The overall response rate at the end of treatment was
      91% (complete response [CR] 74%, partial response [PR] 17%). Local recurrence or
      progression was observed in 12 (10%) patients and systemic recurrence in 17
      (15%). The 5-year overall survival (OS), lymphoma-specific survival (LSS), and
      local control (LC) were 76%, 78%, and 92%, respectively. In univariate analyses
      (log-rank test), favorable prognostic factors for OS and LSS were International
      Prognostic Index (IPI) score <=1 (p = 0.009), high-grade histology (p = 0.04),
      CXRT (p = 0.05), CXT (p = 0.0004), CR (p < 0.0001), and RT dose >40 Gy (p =
      0.005). For LC, only CR and Stage I were favorable factors. In multivariate
      analysis, IPI score, RT dose, CR, and CXT were independently influencing the
      outcome (OS and LSS). CR was the only predicting factor for LC. CONCLUSION: This
      large multicenter retrospective study confirms the good prognosis of early-stage
      PBL treated with combined CXRT. An adequate dose of RT and complete CXT regime
      were associated with better outcome.

PMID- 22079729
TI  - Expansion/de-expansion tool to quantify the accuracy of prostate contours.
AB  - PURPOSE: Accurate delineation of the prostate gland on computed tomography (CT)
      remains a persistent challenge and continues to introduce geometric uncertainty
      into the planning and delivery of external beam radiotherapy. We, therefore,
      developed an expansion/de-expansion tool to quantify the contour errors and
      determine the location of the deviations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A planning CT
      scan and magnetic resonance imaging scan were prospectively acquired for 10
      patients with prostate cancer. The prostate glands were contoured by 3
      independent observers using the CT data sets with instructions to contour the
      prostate without underestimation but to minimize overestimation. The standard
      prostate for each patient was defined using magnetic resonance imaging and CT on
      multiple planes. After registration of the CT and magnetic resonance imaging data
      sets, the CT-defined prostates were scored for accuracy. The contours were
      defined as ideal if they were within a 2.5-mm expansion of the standard without
      underestimation, acceptable if they were within a 5.0-mm expansion and a 2.5-mm
      de-expansion, and unacceptable if they extended >5.0 mm or underestimated the
      prostate by >2.5 mm. RESULTS: A total of 636 CT slices were individually
      analyzed, with the vast majority scored as ideal or acceptable. However, none of
      the 30 prostate contour sets had all the contours scored as ideal or acceptable.
      For all 3 observers, the unacceptable contours were more likely from
      underestimation than overestimation of the prostate. The errors were more common
      at the base and apex than the mid-gland. CONCLUSIONS: The expansion/de-expansion
      tool allows for directed feedback on the location of contour deviations, as well
      as the determination of over- or underestimation of the prostate. This metric
      might help improve the accuracy of prostate contours.

PMID- 22079730
TI  - Factors associated with optimal long-term cosmetic results in patients treated
      with accelerated partial breast irradiation using balloon-based brachytherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate factors associated with optimal cosmetic results at 72
      months for early-stage breast cancer patients treated with Mammosite balloon
      based accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A
      total of 1,440 patients (1,449 cases) with early-stage breast cancer undergoing
      breast-conserving therapy were treated with balloon-based brachytherapy to
      deliver APBI (34 Gy in 3.4-Gy fractions). Cosmetic outcome was evaluated at each
      follow-up visit and dichotomized as excellent/good (E/G) or fair/poor (F/P).
      Follow-up was evaluated at 36 and 72 months to establish long-term cosmesis,
      stability of cosmesis, and factors associated with optimal results. RESULTS: The
      percentage of evaluable patients with excellent/good (E/G) cosmetic results at 36
      months and more than 72 months were 93.3% (n = 708/759) and 90.4% (n = 235/260).
      Factors associated with optimal cosmetic results at 72 months included: larger
      skin spacing (p = 0.04) and T1 tumors (p = 0.02). Using multiple regression
      analysis, the only factors predictive of worse cosmetic outcome at 72 months were
      smaller skin spacing (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.99)
      and tumors greater than 2 cm (OR, 4.96, CI, 1.53-16.07). In all, 227 patients had
      both a 36-month and a 72-month cosmetic evaluation. The number of patients with
      E/G cosmetic results decreased only slightly from 93.4% at 3 years to 90.8% (p =
      0.13) at 6 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: APBI delivered with balloon-based
      brachytherapy produced E/G cosmetic results in 90.4% of cases at 6 years. Larger
      tumors (T2) and smaller skin spacing were found to be the two most important
      independent predictors of cosmesis.

PMID- 22079731
TI  - Four-week neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiation therapy with concurrent
      capecitabine and oxaliplatin in locally advanced rectal cancer patients: a
      validation phase II trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate tolerance and pathological complete response rate (pCR) of a
      4-week preoperative course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with
      concurrent capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in patients with locally advanced
      rectal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with T3 to T4 and/or N+ rectal
      cancer received preoperative IMRT (47.5 Gy in 19 fractions) with concurrent
      capecitabine (825 mg/m(2) b.i.d., Monday to Friday) and oxaliplatin (60 mg/m(2)
      on Days 1, 8, and 15). Surgery was scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after the completion of
      chemoradiation. Primary end points were toxicity and pathological response rate.
      Local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were
      also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were evaluated. Grade 1 to 2
      proctitis was observed in 73 patients (73%). Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 9% of
      the patients. Grade 3 proctitis in 18% of the first 50 patients led to reduction
      of the dose per fraction to 47.5 Gy in 20 treatments. The rate of Grade 3
      proctitis decreased to 4% thereafter (odds ratio, 0.27). A total of 99 patients
      underwent surgery. A pCR was observed in 13% of the patients, major response (96
      100% of histological response) in 48%, and pN downstaging in 78%. An R0 resection
      was performed in 97% of the patients. After a median follow-up of 55 months, the
      LC, DFS, and OS rates were 100%, 84%, and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Preoperative CAPOX-IMRT therapy (47.5 Gy in 20 fractions) is feasible and safe,
      and produces major pathological responses in approximately 50% of patients.

PMID- 22079732
TI  - Beta-carotene antioxidant use during radiation therapy and prostate cancer
      outcome in the Physicians' Health Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The safety of antioxidant supplementation during radiation therapy (RT)
      for cancer is controversial. Antioxidants could potentially counteract the pro
      oxidant effects of RT and compromise therapeutic efficacy. We performed a
      prospective study nested within the Physicians' Health Study (PHS) randomized
      trial to determine if supplemental antioxidant use during RT for prostate cancer
      is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer death or metastases.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: PHS participants (383) received RT for prostate cancer
      while randomized to receive beta-carotene (50 mg on alternate days) or placebo.
      The primary endpoint was time from RT to lethal prostate cancer, defined as
      prostate cancer death or bone metastases. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to
      estimate survival probabilities and the log-rank test to compare groups. Cox
      proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the effect of beta-carotene
      compared with that of placebo during RT. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 10.5
      years, there was no significant difference between risk of lethal prostate cancer
      with the use of beta-carotene during RT compared with that of placebo (hazard
      ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-1.24; p = 0.24). After we
      adjusted for age at RT, prostate-specific antigen serum level, Gleason score, and
      clinical stage, the difference remained nonsignificant. The 10-year freedom from
      lethal prostate cancer was 92% (95% CI, 87-95%) in the beta-carotene group and
      89% (95% CI, 84-93%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The use of supplemental
      antioxidant beta-carotene during RT was not associated with an increased risk of
      prostate cancer death or metastases. This study suggests a lack of harm from
      supplemental beta-carotene during RT for prostate cancer.

PMID- 22079733
TI  - Radiotherapy for early mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma according to the German
      Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG): the roles of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and
      involved-node radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cure rates of early Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are high, and avoidance of
      late complications and second malignancies have become increasingly important.
      This comparative treatment planning study analyzes to what extent target volume
      reduction to involved-node (IN) and intensity-modulated (IM) radiotherapy (RT),
      compared with involved-field (IF) and three-dimensional (3D) RT, can reduce doses
      to organs at risk (OAR). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Based on 20 computed tomography
      (CT) datasets of patients with early unfavorable mediastinal HL, we created
      treatment plans for 3D-RT and IMRT for both the IF and IN according to the
      guidelines of the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG). As OAR, we defined heart,
      lung, breasts, and spinal cord. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were evaluated for
      planning target volumes (PTVs) and OAR. RESULTS: Average IF-PTV and IN-PTV were
      1705 cm(3) and 1015 cm(3), respectively. Mean doses to the PTVs were almost
      identical for all plans. For IF-PTV/IN-PTV, conformity was better with IMRT and
      homogeneity was better with 3D-RT. Mean doses to the heart (17.94/9.19 Gy for 3D
      RT and 13.76/7.42 Gy for IMRT) and spinal cord (23.93/13.78 Gy for 3D-RT and
      19.16/11.55 Gy for IMRT) were reduced by IMRT, whereas mean doses to lung
      (10.62/8.57 Gy for 3D-RT and 12.77/9.64 Gy for IMRT) and breasts (left 4.37/3.42
      Gy for 3D-RT and 6.04/4.59 Gy for IMRT, and right 2.30/1.63 Gy for 3D-RT and
      5.37/3.53 Gy for IMRT) were increased. Volume exposed to high doses was smaller
      for IMRT, whereas volume exposed to low doses was smaller for 3D-RT. Pronounced
      benefits of IMRT were observed for patients with lymph nodes anterior to the
      heart. IN-RT achieved substantially better values than IF-RT for almost all OAR
      parameters, i.e., dose reduction of 20% to 50%, regardless of radiation
      technique. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of target volume to IN most effectively
      improves OAR sparing, but is still considered investigational. For the time
      being, IMRT should be considered for large PTVs especially when the anterior
      mediastinum is involved.

PMID- 22079734
TI  - Common variants of GSTP1, GSTA1, and TGFbeta1 are associated with the risk of
      radiation-induced fibrosis in breast cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide new insights into the genetic basis of normal tissue
      radiosensitivity, we evaluated the association between eight polymorphic variants
      located in six genes related to DNA repair mechanisms, oxidative stress, and
      fibroblast proliferation (XRCC1 Arg399Gln, XRCC1 Arg194Trp, TP53 Arg72Pro, GSTP1
      Ile105Val, GSTA1 C-69T, eNOS G894T, TGFbeta1 C-509T, and TGFbeta1 T869C) and the
      risk of subcutaneous fibrosis in a retrospective series of patients who received
      radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Subcutaneous
      fibrosis was scored according to the Late Effects of Normal Tissue--Subjective
      Objective Management Analytical scale in 257 breast cancer patients who underwent
      surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy. Genotyping was conducted by polymerase chain
      reaction--restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis on genomic DNA
      extracted from peripheral blood. The association between genetic variants and the
      risk of moderate to severe fibrosis was evaluated by binary logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-seven patients were available for the
      analysis. Among them, 41 patients (17.3%) developed moderate to severe fibrosis
      (Grade 2-3), and 196 (82.7%) patients displayed no or minimal fibrotic reactions
      (Grade 0-1). After adjustment of confounding factors, GSTP1 Ile105Val (odds ratio
      [OR] 2.756; 95% CI, 1.188-6.393; p = 0.018), GSTA1 C-69T (OR 3.223; 95% CI, 1.176
      8.826; p = 0.022), and TGFbeta1 T869C (OR 0.295; 95% CI, 0.090-0.964; p = 0.043)
      polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with the risk of Grade 2
      3 radiation-induced fibrosis. In the combined analysis, carriers of three risk
      genotypes were found to be at higher odds for the development of Grade 2-3
      fibrosis than were patients with two risk genotypes (OR 4.415; 95% CI, 1.553
      12.551, p = 0.005) or with no or one risk genotype (OR 8.563; 95% CI, 2.671
      27.447; p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that functional
      variations in genes involved in oxidative stress response and fibroblast
      proliferation may modulate the development of radiation-induced fibrosis in
      breast cancer patients. The results of the combined analysis support the notion
      that approaches based on the combination of different genetic markers have the
      potential to predict normal tissue responses.

PMID- 22079735
TI  - Long-term clinical outcome of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for inoperable non
      small cell lung cancer: the MD Anderson experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: In 2007, we published our initial experience in treating inoperable non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
      The current report is an update of that experience with long-term follow-up.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients in this retrospective review were 165 patients
      who began definitive radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, for newly
      diagnosed, pathologically confirmed NSCLC to a dose of >=60 Gy from 2005 to 2006.
      Early and late toxicities assessed included treatment-related pneumonitis (TRP),
      pulmonary fibrosis, esophagitis, and esophageal stricture, scored mainly
      according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 3.0. Other
      variables monitored were radiation-associated dermatitis and changes in body
      weight and Karnofsky performance status. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to
      compute survival and freedom from radiation-related acute and late toxicities as
      a function of time. RESULTS: Most patients (89%) had Stage III to IV disease. The
      median radiation dose was 66 Gy given in 33 fractions (range, 60-76 Gy, 1.8-2.3
      Gy per fraction). Median overall survival time was 1.8 years; the 2-year and 3
      year overall survival rates were 46% and 30%. Rates of Grade >=3 maximum TRP
      (TRP(max)) were 11% at 6 months and 14% at 12 months. At 18 months, 86% of
      patients had developed Grade >=1 maximum pulmonary fibrosis (pulmonary
      fibrosis(max)) and 7% Grade >=2 pulmonary fibrosis(max). The median times to
      maximum esophagitis (esophagitis(max)) were 3 weeks (range, 1-13 weeks) for Grade
      2 and 6 weeks (range, 3-13 weeks) for Grade 3. A higher percentage of patients
      who experienced Grade 3 esophagitis(max) later developed Grade 2 to 3 esophageal
      stricture. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, using IMRT to treat NSCLC leads to low
      rates of pulmonary and esophageal toxicity, and favorable clinical outcomes in
      terms of survival.

PMID- 22079736
TI  - Quality of life after hypofractionated concomitant intensity-modulated
      radiotherapy boost for high-risk prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the change in health-related quality of life (QOL) of
      patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated using hypofractionated
      radiotherapy combined with long-term androgen deprivation therapy. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: A prospective Phase I-II study enrolled patients with any of the
      following: clinical Stage T3 disease, prostate-specific antigen level >=20 ng/mL,
      or Gleason score 8-10. Radiotherapy consisted of 45 Gy (1.8 Gy per fraction) to
      the pelvic lymph nodes with a concomitant 22.5 Gy intensity-modulated
      radiotherapy boost to the prostate, for a total of 67.5 Gy (2.7 Gy per fraction)
      in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Daily image guidance was performed using three gold
      seed fiducials. Quality of life was measured using the Expanded Prostate Cancer
      Index Composite (EPIC), a validated tool that assesses four primary domains
      (urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal). RESULTS: From 2004 to 2007, 97 patients
      were treated. Median follow-up was 39 months. Compared with baseline, at 24
      months there was no statistically significant change in the mean urinary domain
      score (p = 0.99), whereas there were decreases in the bowel (p < 0.01), sexual (p
      < 0.01), and hormonal (p < 0.01) domains. The proportion of patients reporting a
      clinically significant difference in EPIC urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal
      scores at 24 months was 27%, 31%, 55%, and 60%, respectively. However, moderate
      and severe distress related to these symptoms was minimal, with increases of only
      3% and 5% in the urinary and bowel domains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hypofractionated radiotherapy combined with long-term androgen deprivation
      therapy was well tolerated. Although there were modest rates of clinically
      significant patient-reported urinary and bowel toxicity, most of this caused only
      mild distress, and moderate and severe effects on QOL were limited. Additional
      follow-up is ongoing to characterize long-term QOL.

PMID- 22079737
TI  - NMR for direct determination of K(m) and V(max) of enzyme reactions based on the
      Lambert W function-analysis of progress curves.
AB  - (1)H NMR spectroscopy was used to follow the cleavage of sucrose by invertase.
      The parameters of the enzyme's kinetics, K(m) and V(max), were directly
      determined from progress curves at only one concentration of the substrate. For
      comparison with the classical Michaelis-Menten analysis, the reaction progress
      was also monitored at various initial concentrations of 3.5 to 41.8mM. Using the
      Lambert W function the parameters K(m) and V(max) were fitted to obtain the
      experimental progress curve and resulted in K(m)=28mM and V(max)=13MUM/s. The
      result is almost identical to an initial rate analysis that, however, costs much
      more time and experimental effort. The effect of product inhibition was also
      investigated. Furthermore, we analyzed a much more complex reaction, the
      conversion of farnesyl diphosphate into (+)-germacrene D by the enzyme germacrene
      D synthase, yielding K(m)=379MUM and k(cat)=0.04s(-1). The reaction involves an
      amphiphilic substrate forming micelles and a water insoluble product; using
      proper controls, the conversion can well be analyzed by the progress curve
      approach using the Lambert W function.

PMID- 22079738
TI  - Optimization by factorial analysis of caprylic acid precipitation of non
      immunoglobulins from hyperimmune equine plasma for antivenom preparation.
AB  - Optimization of caprylic acid precipitation of equine plasma non-immunoglobulin
      proteins for antivenom preparation was achieved by regression analysis of the
      responses of three highly significant factors assayed by factorial design. The
      factors studied were caprylic acid concentration, plasma pH and temperature, and
      their response was assessed in terms of filtration speed, residual albumin, total
      protein content and turbidity. The results evidenced that the three variables are
      involved in the precipitation process. Moreover, the factors displayed
      significant interactions, indicating that their levels distinctly affect the
      optimization procedure. The best combination was 3% caprylic acid, 37  degrees C
      and plasma pH 4.9; under these conditions, all immunoglobulins and only 0.1%
      albumin remained in the supernatant, in a very fast and simple procedure. After
      formulation, the antivenom obtained by this procedure presented full lethality
      neutralizing activity and absence of protein aggregates.

PMID- 22079739
TI  - Arginase depletes plasma l-arginine and decreases pulmonary vascular reserve
      during experimental pulmonary embolism.
AB  - The experiments test if experimental PE causes red blood cell hemolysis, arginase
      release and depletion of l-arginine and determine if arginase inhibition
      preserves l-arginine and improves pulmonary hemodynamics during PE. Experimental
      PE was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by infusing 25 MUm microspheres (1.8
      million/100 g body wt) in the jugular vein, producing moderate pulmonary
      hypertension. Pulmonary vascular resistance was estimated from the quotient of
      the right ventricular peak systolic pressure/cardiac output. Arterial plasma
      hemoglobin (ELISA), arginase activity (colorimetric assay) and l-arginine (high
      performance liquid chromatography) were determined. Arginase activity was
      inhibited by infusion of N-omega-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA, 400 mg/kg body
      wt, i.v.). Values are means +/- s.e. Five hours of PE caused red blood cell
      hemolysis (15-fold increase in plasma hemoglobin) and release of arginase
      activity (2.7-fold increase). Plasma l-arginine concentration decreased
      significantly from 250 +/- 20.6 to 118 +/- 6.0 MUmol/L (Control vs. PE) and
      estimated pulmonary vascular resistance increased 3-fold. Treatment with nor-NOHA
      prevented the depletion of plasma l-arginine (229 +/- 15 MUmol/L) and reduced the
      rise in pulmonary vascular resistance by 40%. In conclusion, experimental PE
      causes hemolysis, release of arginase activity, depletion of plasma l-arginine
      and increased estimated pulmonary vascular resistance. Inhibition of arginase
      activity preserves plasma l-arginine levels and improves estimated resistance,
      suggesting that the release of arginase during hemolysis contributes to the rise
      in estimated pulmonary resistance during experimental PE.

PMID- 22079740
TI  - Sleeping beauty--a mouse model for all cancers?
AB  - Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a genetically engineered insertional mutagenesis system.
      Its ability to rapidly induce cancer in SB-transgenic mice as well as the ease of
      identification of the mutated genes suggest important roles for SB in the
      discovery of novel cancer genes as well as the generation of models of human
      cancers where none currently exist. The range of SB-related tumors extends from
      haematopoietic to solid cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. This review
      follows the refinement of SB for different cancers and assesses its potential as
      a model for all cancers and a tool for cancer gene discovery.

PMID- 22079741
TI  - Irreversible electroporation shows efficacy against pancreatic carcinoma without
      systemic toxicity in mouse models.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) therapies show limited success.
      Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an innovative loco-regional therapy in
      which high-voltage pulses are applied to induce plasma membrane defects leading
      to cellular death. In the present study we evaluated the feasibility of IRE
      against PDAC. IRE treatment exhibited significant antitumor effects and prolonged
      survival in mice with orthotopic xenografts. Extensive tumor necrosis, reduced
      tumor cell proliferation and disruption of microvessels were observed at
      different days post-IRE. Animals had transient increases in transaminases,
      amylase and lipase enzymes that normalized at 24h post-IRE. These results suggest
      that IRE could be an effective treatment for locally advanced pancreatic tumors.

PMID- 22079742
TI  - [Standardization of the gynecological emergency ultrasound examination].
AB  - Standardization of the gynecological emergency ultrasound examination could allow
      more accurate evaluation in gynecologic or general emergency unit. A systematic
      set of images, "Standardized Acute Female Echography" (SAFE), was defined. In
      practice, four pictures are realized whatever presenting complaint (set "A").
      These pictures describe the normal anatomy and allow verifying the quality of
      ultrasonography realization. The picture A1 is obtained by abdominal probe and
      investigates the Morison's pouch. The pictures A2, A3 and A4 are obtained by
      transvaginal probe and correspond respectively to the mid-sagittal uterus view,
      the right ovary and the left ovary. For each of these pictures, some quality
      criteria were defined allowing a control of ultrasound examination. When
      abnormality is detected, others pictures (set "B)" are required to describe it.
      These pictures are called B1 in case of intra-uterine abnormality and B2 in case
      of adnexal abnormality. This standardization of pelvic ultrasonography could
      allow a quality control and a delegation of the ultrasound examination by
      training physicians or diagnostic medical sonographers without repetition of the
      examination. SAFE could be a reference in the field of gynecological emergencies
      imaging picture by improving diagnostic and therapeutic management.

PMID- 22079743
TI  - [Surgery for the management of ovarian endometriomas: from the physiopathology to
      the pre-, peri- and postoperative treatment].
AB  - Good knowledge of physiopathology, surgical techniques and of the literature
      allows for an adequate treatment of ovarian endometrioma. Preoperative medical
      treatment has not shown to be efficient and might be adapted to each patient
      (continuation or initiation of hormonal treatment in case of symptomatology, will
      for contraception, association with functional cyst). Laparoscopy is the
      mandatory surgical approach. Cystectomy is the surgical technique of choice but
      may affect normal ovarian tissu. Surgical technique should be meticulous in
      particular with respect to the hilum of the ovary. Exclusive coagulation using
      bipolar is not recommended. A hybrid technique associating both cystectomy and
      vaporization (laser or Plasmajet((c))) at the level of the hilum of the ovary
      could be interesting. Hemostasis should be spontaneous or obtained with bipolar
      coagulation with parcimony. Ovarian suture is a solution. Extra-ovarian lesions
      should be carefully searched for and treated. Anti-adhesion products should be
      applied. Postoperative medical treatment decreases recurrence and should be
      systematic for patients who do not want to conceive. Multidisciplinary approach
      is essential.

PMID- 22079744
TI  - [Trisomy 21 by isochromosome: a case report of true false negative of chorionic
      villi sampling].
AB  - We report a rare case of true false negative of chorionic villi sampling for a
      child with Down syndrome. A chorionic villi sampling was performed for a nuchal
      translucency at the first trimester. The karyotype was 46,XX for the short and
      the long-term culture. Because of facial dysmorphy and cardiopathy to the child,
      a karytoype was proposed. This postnatal karyotype showed a trisomy 21, by
      isochromosome 46,XX,i(21)(q10). We expose the mechanism of true false negative of
      chorionic villi sampling, and particularly the role of isochromosome in this
      case.

PMID- 22079745
TI  - Health-related quality of life among participants in the SMART weight loss trial.
AB  - Obesity has been associated with a decreased health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL); however, the association between weight change and HRQoL is unclear.
      This secondary analysis of the SMART (Self Monitoring And Recording using
      Technology) trial, a clinical trial of behavioral weight loss treatment, provides
      evidence that quality of life improves with weight loss.

PMID- 22079746
TI  - "Reading between the lines" of flow sheet data: nurses' optional documentation
      associated with cardiac arrest outcomes.

PMID- 22079747
TI  - Part 2: enhancing heart failure home management: integrated evidence for a new
      family caregiver educational plan.
AB  - This article describes how the qualitative data integrated from patients, health
      care professionals, and family caregivers have been developed into a new heart
      failure (HF) educational plan for family caregivers to manage the complexities of
      HF self-management at home. In addition, the educational plan describes potential
      strategies and teaching materials based on these integrated data.

PMID- 22079748
TI  - Cardiac and pulmonary arterial remodeling after sinoaortic denervation in
      normotensive rats.
AB  - Blood pressure variability (BPV) and baroreflex dysfunction may contribute to end
      organ damage process. We investigated the effects of baroreceptor deficit (10
      weeks after sinoaortic denervation - SAD) on hemodynamic alterations, cardiac and
      pulmonary remodeling. Cardiac function and morphology of male Wistar intact rats
      (C) and SAD rats (SAD) (n=8/group) were assessed by echocardiography and collagen
      quantification. BP was directly recorded. Ventricular hypertrophy was quantified
      by the ratio of left ventricular weight (LVW) and right ventricular weight (RVW)
      to body weight (BW). BPV was quantified in the time and frequency domains. The
      atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), alpha-skeletal actin (alpha-skelectal),
      collagen type I and type III genes mRNA expression were evaluated by RT-PCR. SAD
      did not change BP, but increased BPV (11+/-0.49 vs. 5+/-0.3 mmHg). As expected,
      baroreflex was reduced in SAD. Pulmonary artery acceleration time was reduced in
      SAD. In addition, SAD impaired diastolic function in both LV (6.8+/-0.26 vs.
      5.02+/-0.21 mmHg) and RV (5.1+/-0.21 vs. 4.2+/-0.12 mmHg). SAD increased LVW/BW
      in 9% and RVW/BW in 20%, and augmented total collagen (3.8-fold in LV, 2.7-fold
      in RV, and 3.35-fold in pulmonary artery). Also, SAD increased type I (~6-fold)
      and III (~5-fold) collagen gene expression. Denervation increased ANP expression
      in LV (75%), in RV (74%) and increased alpha-skelectal expression in LV (300%)
      and in RV (546%). Baroreflex function impairment by SAD, despite not changing BP,
      induced important adjustments in cardiac structure and pulmonary hypertension.
      These changes may indicate that isolated baroreflex dysfunction can modulate
      target tissue damage.

PMID- 22079749
TI  - Analytical comparison of the cobas HPV Test with Hybrid Capture 2 for the
      detection of high-risk HPV genotypes.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causal agent of cervical cancer, and persistent
      HPV16 or HPV18 infection carries a particularly high risk. The cobas HPV Test
      (cobas) provides individual HPV16/HPV18 genotyping with a simultaneous result for
      12 other high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes. Its analytical performance for hrHPV
      genotype detection was retrospectively evaluated against the digene Hybrid
      Capture 2 HPV DNA test (HC2), in three European centers, in 1360 cervical
      samples. Both HPV tests performed similarly, with no significant difference in
      the number of positive and negative samples identified by each test and good
      agreement between the tests was observed. Discordant samples were analyzed with
      the Linear Array HPV genotyping test. More low-risk HPV (lrHPV) genotypes were
      detected in HC2-positive/cobas-negative samples compared with HC2-negative/cobas
      positive samples. Conversely, more hrHPV genotypes were detected in HC2
      negative/cobas-positive samples compared with HC2-positive/cobas-negative
      samples. Eight HC2-negative/cobas-positive samples were positive for HPV16
      compared with five HC2-positive/cobas-negative samples; HPV18 was detected in one
      HC2-negative/cobas-positive sample and one HC2-positive/cobas-negative sample.
      The cobas HPV Test demonstrates comparable analytical performance to the HC2
      test, but with a lower rate of cross-reactivity with lrHPV genotypes, and has the
      advantage of simultaneously providing HPV16/HPV18 identification.

PMID- 22079750
TI  - Maximizing microbial degradation of perchlorate using a genetic algorithm: Media
      optimization.
AB  - Microbial communities are under constant influence of physical and chemical
      components in ecosystems. Shifts in conditions such as pH, temperature or carbon
      source concentration can translate into shifts in overall ecosystem functioning.
      These conditions can be manipulated in a laboratory setup using evolutionary
      computation methods such as genetic algorithms (GAs). In work described here, a
      GA methodology was successfully applied to define sets of environmental
      conditions for microbial enrichments and pure cultures to achieve maximum rates
      of perchlorate degradation. Over the course of 11 generations of optimization
      using a GA, we saw a statistically significant 16.45 and 16.76-fold increases in
      average perchlorate degradation rates by Dechlorosoma sp. strain KJ and
      Dechloromonas sp. strain Miss R, respectively. For two bacterial consortia, Pl6
      and Cw3, 5.79 and 5.75-fold increases in average perchlorate degradation were
      noted. Comparison of zero-order kinetic rate constants for environmental
      conditions in GA-determined first and last generations of all bacterial cultures
      additionally showed marked increases.

PMID- 22079751
TI  - Evaluation of parallel milliliter-scale stirred-tank bioreactors for the study of
      biphasic whole-cell biocatalysis with ionic liquids.
AB  - As clear structure-activity relationships are still rare for ionic liquids,
      preliminary experiments are necessary for the process development of biphasic
      whole-cell processes involving these solvents. To reduce the time investment and
      the material costs, the process development of such biphasic reaction systems
      would profit from a small-scale high-throughput platform. Exemplarily, the
      reduction of 2-octanone to (R)-2-octanol by a recombinant Escherichia coli in a
      biphasic ionic liquid/water system was studied in a miniaturized stirred-tank
      bioreactor system allowing the parallel operation of up to 48 reactors at the mL
      scale. The results were compared to those obtained in a 20-fold larger stirred
      tank reactor. The maximum local energy dissipation was evaluated at the larger
      scale and compared to the data available for the small-scale reactors, to verify
      if similar mass transfer could be obtained at both scales. Thereafter, the
      reaction kinetics and final conversions reached in different reactions setups
      were analysed. The results were in good agreement between both scales for varying
      ionic liquids and for ionic liquid volume fractions up to 40%. The parallel
      bioreactor system can thus be used for the process development of the majority of
      biphasic reaction systems involving ionic liquids, reducing the time and resource
      investment during the process development of this type of applications.

PMID- 22079752
TI  - lac operon induction in Escherichia coli: Systematic comparison of IPTG and TMG
      induction and influence of the transacetylase LacA.
AB  - Most commonly used expression systems in bacteria are based on the Escherichia
      coli lac promoter. Furthermore, lac operon elements are used today in systems and
      synthetic biology. In the majority of the cases the gratuitous inducers IPTG or
      TMG are used. Here we report a systematic comparison of lac promoter induction by
      TMG and IPTG which focuses on the aspects inducer uptake, population
      heterogeneity and a potential influence of the transacetylase, LacA. We provide
      induction curves in E. coli LJ110 and in isogenic lacY and lacA mutant strains
      and we show that both inducers are substrates of the lactose permease at low
      inducer concentrations but can also enter cells independently of lactose permease
      if present at higher concentrations. Using a gfp reporter strain we compared TMG
      and IPTG induction at single cell level and showed that bimodal induction with
      IPTG occurred at approximately ten-fold lower concentrations than with TMG.
      Furthermore, we observed that lac operon induction is influenced by the
      transacetylase, LacA. By comparing two Plac-gfp reporter strains with and without
      a lacA deletion we could show that in the lacA(+) strain the fluorescence level
      decreased after few hours while the fluorescence further increased in the lacA(-)
      strain. The results indicate that through the activity of LacA the IPTG
      concentration can be reduced below an inducing threshold concentration-an
      influence that should be considered if low inducer amounts are used.

PMID- 22079753
TI  - Do rheumatoid arthritis patients have equal access to treatment with new
      medicines?: tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors use in four European
      countries.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the use of the biological tumour necrosis factor alpha
      (TNFalpha) inhibitors used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as a measure
      of access to treatment with new medicines. In addition, characteristics both
      related to national health systems and spending will be assessed to explore
      possible differences in international utilisation. METHODS: Data from four
      European countries were included: Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway and Portugal.
      Annual utilisation rates of TNFalpha inhibitors (2003-2007) were expressed as
      defined daily doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/day. Qualitative data such as country
      characteristics, national health policy characteristics, guidelines were obtained
      from the literature. In addition, interviews were held with leading
      rheumatologists of each country to put obtained results into (cultural) context.
      RESULTS: Utilisation of TNFalpha inhibitors varied widely from 0.32 (Portugal) to
      1.89 (Norway) DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day (2007). A major driver for the
      utilisation of TNFalpha inhibitors seemed to be the country's total health
      expenditure (R(2)=0.81). When the use of TNFalpha inhibitors became more
      established, the association seemed stronger. Differences in health expenditure
      were nevertheless not the only determinant of usage. Cultural aspects such as
      difference in recognition of guidelines also come into play when looking at
      differences in TNFalpha utilisation between countries. CONCLUSIONS: The prospects
      of patients receiving TNFalpha inhibitor treatment depend on the country where
      they are living. In case uniformity of management and treatment would be
      considered to provide health benefits, the extent and the causes of variation
      should feature prominently on future public health agendas.

PMID- 22079754
TI  - Design, synthesis and evaluation of non-urea inhibitors of soluble epoxide
      hydrolase.
AB  - Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has been proposed as a new
      pharmaceutical approach for treating hypertension and vascular inflammation. The
      most potent sEH inhibitors reported in literature to date are urea derivatives.
      However, these compounds have limited pharmacokinetic profiles. We investigated
      non-urea amide derivatives as sEH inhibitors and identified a potent human sEH
      inhibitor 14-34 having potency comparable to urea-based inhibitors.

PMID- 22079755
TI  - Maplexins, new alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from red maple (Acer rubrum) stems.
AB  - Thirteen gallic acid derivatives including five new gallotannins, named maplexins
      A-E, were isolated from red maple (Acer rubrum) stems. The compounds were
      identified by spectral analyses. The maplexins varied in number and location of
      galloyl groups attached to 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol. The isolates were evaluated
      for alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Maplexin E, the
      first compound identified with three galloyl groups linked to three different
      positions of 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol, was 20 fold more potent than the alpha
      glucosidase inhibitory drug, Acarbose (IC(50)=8 vs 160 MUM). Structure-activity
      related studies suggested that both number and position of galloyls attached to
      1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol were important for alpha-glucosidase inhibition.

PMID- 22079756
TI  - From libraries to candidate: the discovery of new ultra long-acting dibasic beta2
      adrenoceptor agonists.
AB  - Libraries of dibasic compounds designed around the molecular scaffold of the
      DA(2)/beta(2) dual agonist sibenadet (ViozanTM) have yielded a number of
      promising starting points that have been further optimised into novel potent and
      selective target molecules with required pharmacokinetic properties. From a
      shortlist, 31 was discovered as a novel, high potency, and highly efficacious
      beta(2)-agonist with high selectivity and a duration of action commensurable with
      once daily dosing.

PMID- 22079757
TI  - Discovery of a novel class of aldol-derived 1,2,3-triazoles: potent and selective
      inhibitors of human cytochrome P450 19A1 (aromatase).
AB  - The discovery of a novel five-component 1,2,3-triazole-containing pharmacophore
      that exhibits potent and selective inhibition of aromatase (CYP 450 19A1) is
      described. All compounds are derived from an initial aldol reaction of a
      phenylacetate derivative with an aromatic aldehyde. Structure-activity data
      generated from both syn- and anti-aldol adducts provides initial insights into
      the requirements for both potency and selectivity.

PMID- 22079758
TI  - Site of action of a pentapeptide agonist at the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor.
      Insight into a small molecule agonist-binding pocket.
AB  - The development of small molecule agonists for class B G protein-coupled
      receptors (GPCRs) has been quite challenging. With proof-of-concept that
      exenatide, the parenterally administered peptide agonist of the glucagon-like
      peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor, is an effective treatment for patients with diabetes
      mellitus, the development of small molecule agonists could have substantial
      advantages. We previously reported a lead for small molecule GLP1 receptor
      agonist development representing the pentapeptide NRTFD. In this work, we have
      prepared an NRTFD derivative incorporating a photolabile benzoylphenylalanine and
      used it to define its site of action. This peptide probe was a full agonist with
      potency similar to NRTFD, which bound specifically and saturably to a single,
      distinct site within the GLP1 receptor. Peptide mapping using cyanogen bromide
      and endoproteinase Lys-C cleavage of labeled wild type and M397L mutant receptor
      constructs identified the site of covalent attachment of NRTFD within the third
      extracellular loop above the sixth transmembrane segment (TM6). This region is
      the same as that identified using an analogous photolabile probe based on
      secretin receptor sequences, and has been shown in mutagenesis studies to be
      important for natural agonist action of several members of this family. While
      these observations suggest that small molecule ligands can act at a site
      bordering the third extracellular loop to activate this class B GPCR, the
      relationship of this site to the site of action of the amino-terminal end of the
      natural agonist peptide is unclear.

PMID- 22079759
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluations of novel indenoisoquinolines as
      topoisomerase I inhibitors.
AB  - A series of novel indenoisoquinoline derivatives were synthesized. The anticancer
      activities of these molecules were tested in human cancer cell lines A549, HepG2,
      and HCT-116. These compounds were also tested for their activity of topoisomerase
      I (top1) inhibition. Among them, compound 25 was found to be 10-times more potent
      in cell-killing activity for both cell lines HepG2 and HCT-116 than reported
      compound 11, with IC(50) of 0.019 and 0.093MUM, respectively. Compound 25 was
      also found to have stronger top1 inhibition activity than 11 in our inhibition
      assay. Further in vivo evaluations of compound 25 are in progress and will be
      reported in due course.

PMID- 22079760
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of near-infrared fluorescent sulfonamide derivatives for
      imaging of hypoxia-induced carbonic anhydrase IX expression in tumors.
AB  - A series of human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) IX inhibitors conjugated to various
      near-infrared fluorescent dyes was synthesized with the aim of imaging hypoxia
      induced hCA IX expression in tumor cells in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. The
      resulting compounds were profiled for inhibition of transmembrane hCA IX showing
      a range of potencies from 7.5 to 116 nM and up to 50-fold selectivity over the
      cytosolic form hCA II. Some of the compounds also showed inhibition selectivity
      for other transmembrane forms hCA XII and XIV as well. Compounds incubated in
      vitro with HeLa cells cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions detected
      upregulation of hCA IX under hypoxia by fluorescence microscopy. A pilot in vivo
      study in HT-29 tumor bearing mice showed significant accumulation of a
      fluorescent acetazolamide derivative in tumor tissue with little accumulation in
      other tissues. Approximately 10% of injected dose was non-invasively quantified
      in tumors by fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), demonstrating the promise
      of these new compounds for quantitative imaging of hCA IX upregulation in live
      animals.

PMID- 22079762
TI  - Inhibitory constituents of Nardostachys chinensis on nitric oxide production in
      RAW 264.7 macrophages.
AB  - The activity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of the rhizomes and roots
      of Nardostachys chinensis led to the isolation of two new sesquiterpenoids,
      narchinol B (8) and narchinol C (9), along with 10 known compounds, ursolic acid
      (1), nardosinone (2), pinoresinol (3), desoxo-narchinol A (4), kanshone B (5),
      epoxyconiferyl alcohol (6), debilon (7), 4alpha,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo
      1,2,3,4,4alpha,5,6,7-octahydronaphthalene (10), p-coumaric acid (11), and
      isoferulic acid (12). Their structures were determined using spectroscopic
      techniques, which included 1D- and 2D-NMR. Among the isolates, compounds 2, 4, 5,
      8 and 9 showed inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO production with IC(50)
      values of 4.6-21.6 MUM.

PMID- 22079761
TI  - The discovery of non-benzimidazole and brain-penetrant prolylcarboxypeptidase
      inhibitors.
AB  - Novel prolylcarboxypeptidase (PrCP) inhibitors with nanomolar IC(50) values were
      prepared by replacing the previously described dichlorobenzimidazole-substituted
      pyrrolidine amides with a variety of substituted benzylamine amides. In contrast
      to prior series, the compounds demonstrated minimal inhibition shift in whole
      serum and minimal recognition by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporters. The
      compounds were also cell permeable and demonstrated in vivo brain exposure. The
      in vivo effect of compound (S)-6e on weight loss in an established diet-induced
      obesity (eDIO) mouse model was studied.

PMID- 22079763
TI  - Different effects of multiple health status indicators on breast and colorectal
      cancer screening in a nationally representative US sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the independent associations between multiple health status
      indicators and breast and colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in a national US
      sample. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2005
      National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) involved 5115 men and 7100 women aged 50
      years and older. MEASURES: Health status indicators included: self-reported
      perceived health status, number of chronic conditions, and functional limitation
      due to a chronic condition. Individuals were considered adherent to CRCS
      guidelines if they reported having a home-based fecal occult blood test in the
      past year or endoscopy in the past 10 years. Women were adherent to breast cancer
      screening guidelines if they reported having a mammogram in the previous 2 years.
      Statistical analyses were conducted using SUDAAN software to account for the
      complex sampling of the NHIS survey. Logistic regression was used to examine
      associations between each of the health status indicators and screening adherence
      for CRCS and mammography and to calculate estimated screening rates. RESULTS: The
      three health status indicators were independently and differentially associated
      with screening adherence. Poor perceived health was associated with lower
      mammography among women, whereas a greater number of chronic conditions were
      consistently associated with greater screening. In adjusted analyses, functional
      limitation was only significantly associated with greater CRCS among women.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses included three common indicators of health status and
      provide new evidence of their complex associations with cancer screening. Future
      studies must examine the mechanisms by which these indicators influence screening
      recommendations and adherence among older adults over time.

PMID- 22079764
TI  - New insights into dynamic and functional assembly of the AAA peroxins, Pex1p and
      Pex6p, and their membrane receptor Pex26p in shuttling of PTS1-receptor Pex5p
      during peroxisome biogenesis.
AB  - Peroxisome is a single-membrane organelle in eukaryotes. The functional
      importance of peroxisomes in humans is highlighted by peroxisome-deficient
      peroxisome biogenesis disorders such as Zellweger syndrome. Two AAA peroxins,
      Pex1p and Pex6p, are encoded by PEX1 and PEX6, the causal genes for PBDs of
      complementation groups 1 and 4, respectively. PEX26 responsible for peroxisome
      biogenesis disorders of complementation group 8 codes for C-tail-anchored type-II
      membrane peroxin Pex26p, the recruiter of Pex1p-Pex6p complexes to peroxisomes.
      Pex1p is targeted to peroxisomes in a manner dependent on ATP hydrolysis, while
      Pex6p targeting requires ATP but not its hydrolysis. Pex1p and Pex6p are most
      likely regulated in their peroxisomal localization onto Pex26p via conformational
      changes by ATPase cycle. Pex5p is the cytosolic receptor for peroxisome matrix
      proteins with peroxisome targeting signal type-1 and shuttles between the cytosol
      and peroxisomes. AAA peroxins are involved in the export from peroxisomes of
      Pex5p. Pex5p is ubiquitinated at the conserved cysteine11 in a form associated
      with peroxisomes. Pex5p with a mutation of the cysteine11 to alanine, termed
      Pex5p-C11A, abrogates peroxisomal import of proteins harboring peroxisome
      targeting signals 1 and 2 in wild-type cells. Pex5p-C11A is imported into
      peroxisomes but not exported, hence suggesting an essential role of the cysteine
      residue in the export of Pex5p.

PMID- 22079765
TI  - Effects of posterior capsule tightness on subacromial contact behavior during
      shoulder motions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although posterior capsule tightness is believed to cause abnormal
      contact in the subacromial space, it is not clear whether this tightness changes
      the contact between the acromion and humeral head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine
      fresh, frozen cadaveric shoulders were used to measure contact pressure on the
      coracoacromial arch during passive flexion, abduction, and internal and external
      rotation at 90 degrees  of elevation in the scapular plane, as well as horizontal
      adduction and abduction. The site where the peak contact pressure occurred was
      also observed. The posterior capsule in the region from 8 to 10 o'clock in the
      right shoulder was plicated to simulate posterior capsule tightness. RESULTS:
      Peak contact pressure significantly increased with the tightened posterior
      capsule during flexion. Although peak contact pressure on the coracoacromial
      ligament during internal rotation significantly increased after capsule
      tightening, there was no significant increase in pressure when considering the
      entire coracoacromial arch. The angle where the peak contact pressure occurred
      during flexion was not significantly far from the end range. The site of the peak
      contact pressure in 7 of 9 shoulders was on the lesser tuberosity during flexion,
      regardless of the posterior capsule tightness. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior capsule
      tightness increased contact pressure mainly on the lesser tuberosity during
      flexion. The peak contact pressure occurred close to the end range of flexion,
      mainly on the lesser tuberosity. These findings are useful to understand the
      contribution of posterior capsule tightness to subacromial contact.

PMID- 22079766
TI  - The relationship between scapular notching and reverse shoulder arthroplasty
      prosthesis design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inferior scapular notching is a common radiographic complication of
      reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to determine the
      impact of prosthesis design on the incidence and severity of notching. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Eighty-eight patients (mean age, 72 years) who underwent reverse
      shoulder arthroplasty with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up (mean, 31 months)
      were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped based on prosthesis design:
      Tornier (Stafford, TX, USA) (45%), Zimmer (Warsaw, IN, USA) with a nonretentive
      liner (35%), and Zimmer with a retentive liner (19%). Notching on final
      radiographs was graded by use of the Sirveaux classification system and a novel
      classification system. RESULTS: The incidence of notching was significantly
      higher with the Tornier prosthesis (92%) compared with the Zimmer prosthesis with
      nonretentive liners (58%) and retentive liners (71%) (P < .05). The incidence of
      high-grade notching and the median grade were significantly higher with the
      Tornier prosthesis compared with the Zimmer prosthesis (P < .05). By use of the
      novel grading system, there was a higher incidence of notching involving the
      baseplate with the Tornier prosthesis (68%) compared with the Zimmer prosthesis
      (33%) (P < .05). The addition of a retentive liner was not associated with
      greater notching than a nonretentive liner for the Zimmer implant. Diagnosis had
      no significant influence on notching. CONCLUSIONS: A higher incidence and
      severity of notching were observed with the Tornier reverse arthroplasty compared
      with the Zimmer reverse arthroplasty at short-term follow-up. These findings may
      be because of the different morphology of the polyethylene component and/or
      differences in glenosphere offset between the prosthetic systems. In addition to
      surgical technique, consideration should be given to prosthesis design in
      mitigating the risk of scapular notching.

PMID- 22079767
TI  - Tensile and shear mechanical properties of rotator cuff repair patches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Augmentation of rotator cuff tears aims to strengthen the repair and
      reduce rerupture, yet studies still report high failure rates. This study
      determines key mechanical properties of rotator cuff repair patches, including
      establishing values for toughness and measuring the shear properties of repair
      patches and human rotator cuff tendons. We hypothesized that different repair
      grafts would (1) have varying material parameters, and (2) not all have
      mechanical properties similar to human rotator cuff tendons. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eight specimens each from the Restore, GraftJacket, Zimmer Collagen
      Repair, and SportsMesh repair patches were tested to failure in tension and for
      suture pullout. We assessed ultimate tensile strength, tensile (Young's) modulus,
      and failure strain. This study also established toughness values and shear data.
      Storage modulus was calculated using dynamic shear analysis for the patches and
      18 samples of normal rotator cuff tendon. RESULTS: We report significant
      variability in important mechanical properties of repair patches, with the
      mechanical parameters of the patches diverting variously-and often significantly
      from values for human rotator cuff tendon. CONCLUSIONS: The repair grafts tested
      all displayed significant variation in their mechanical properties and had at
      least some reduced parameters compared with human rotator cuff tendons. This
      study offers experimentally derived information of value to surgeons when
      selecting rotator cuff repair grafts. A better understanding of the mechanical
      suitability of repair grafts for supporting human rotator cuffs is needed if
      repair patches are to provide a solution for the clinical problem of failure of
      rotator cuff repairs.

PMID- 22079768
TI  - Regarding: "Operative versus nonoperative treatment after primary traumatic
      anterior glenohumeral dislocation: expected-value decision analysis": appropriate
      assessment of uncertainty.

PMID- 22079769
TI  - Inferior tilt of the glenoid component does not decrease scapular notching in
      reverse shoulder arthroplasty: results of a prospective randomized study.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine if inferior tilt of the
      glenoid component decreased the amount of radiographic scapular notching after
      reverse shoulder arthroplasty. A secondary goal was to determine if inferior tilt
      had any effect on clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective
      randomized trial of 52 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties performed by 1
      surgeon for cuff tear arthropathy was performed. The subjects were randomly
      assigned to receive a glenoid component with no inferior tilt (control group) or
      a glenoid component that was inferiorly tilted 10 degrees  to protect the
      inferior glenoid (inferior tilt group). All glenoid components were placed in 3
      mm of inferior translation. Radiographic notching was graded at a minimum of 1
      year after surgery. Clinical outcomes of the groups were recorded. RESULTS:
      Follow-up radiographs and data were available for 42 subjects, 20 in the inferior
      tilt group and 22 in the control group. The experimental groups did not differ
      significantly in the notch ratings or clinical outcomes. Notching occurred in 15
      patients (75%) in the inferior tilt group and in 19 (86%) in the control group.
      Notching scores were 2 or greater in 10 patients (50%) in the inferior tilt group
      and in 11 (50%) in the control group. CONCLUSION: Placing the glenoid component
      with inferior tilt does not reduce the incidence or severity of radiographic
      scapular notching after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. No clinical differences
      were observed between the groups.

PMID- 22079770
TI  - Effects of MDMA and related analogs on plasma 5-HT: relevance to 5-HT
      transporters in blood and brain.
AB  - (+/-)-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an illicit drug that evokes
      transporter-mediated release of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain. 5-HT transporter
      (SERT) proteins are also expressed in non-neural tissues (e.g., blood), and
      evidence suggests that MDMA targets platelet SERT to increase plasma 5-HT. Here
      we tested two hypotheses related to the effects of MDMA on circulating 5-HT.
      First, to determine if MDMA metabolites might contribute to actions of the drug
      in vivo, we used in vitro microdialysis in rat blood specimens to examine the
      effects of MDMA and its metabolites on plasma 5-HT. Second, to determine whether
      effects of MDMA on plasma 5-HT might be used as an index of central SERT
      activity, we carried out in vivo microdialysis in blood and brain after
      intravenous MDMA administration. The in vitro results show that test drugs evoke
      dose-related increases in plasma 5-HT ranging from two- to sevenfold above
      baseline, with MDMA and its metabolite, (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
      (MDA), producing the largest effects. The ability of MDMA and related analogs to
      elevate plasma 5-HT is correlated with their potency as SERT substrates in rat
      brain synaptosomes. The in vivo results reveal that MDMA causes concurrent
      increases in extracellular 5-HT in blood and brain, but there are substantial
      individual differences in responsiveness to the drug. Collectively, our findings
      indicate that MDMA and its metabolites increase plasma 5-HT by a SERT-dependent
      mechanism, and suggest the possibility that measures of evoked 5-HT release in
      blood may reflect central SERT activity.

PMID- 22079771
TI  - In vitro estrogenic activity of two major compounds from the stem bark of
      Erythrina lysistemon (Fabaceae).
AB  - Plant-derived estrogen-like compounds, so called phytoestrogens, are given much
      attention due to their potential therapeutic use. In our previous work the
      ethylacetate extract of Erythrina lysistemon stem bark showed estrogenic effects
      on cell culture systems and ovariectomized Wistar rats. Using classical
      chromatographic methods, two constituents of Erythrina lysistemon have been
      isolated, referred to here as compounds 1 (alpinumisoflavone) and 2 (abyssinone V
      4'-methyl-ether), and their structures successfully determined using
      spectroscopic techniques. To test their binding affinity, the ligand binding
      assay has been used on estrogen alpha receptor, and estrogen beta receptor.
      Furthermore, transactivation assay in stably or transiently transfected human
      osteosarcoma (U2OS-estrogen alpha receptor and estrogen beta receptor) cells were
      used to examine their estrogenic activity. The regulations of some estrogen
      receptor target genes were also investigated. Both compounds bind to estrogen
      alpha and beta receptors. They significantly increased luciferase activity in a
      dose-dependent manner and induced the endogenous estrogen receptor-estrogen
      response element (ERE) interaction in U2OS-estrogen alpha receptor and estrogen
      beta receptor cells. In contrast, when co-treated with E2, compound 2 did not
      antagonize E2 activity in both systems whereas, 1 significantly suppressed E2
      activity despite its low binding affinity to estrogen beta receptor. This result
      suggests a non-competitive mechanism. Both compounds also altered the expression
      of estrogen receptor target genes such as growth regulation by estrogen in breast
      cancer 1 (GREB1) and Cyclin D1 in breast cells. These results suggest that
      compounds 1 and 2 endow estrogenic activity and may be the active principles of
      Erythrina lysistemon.

PMID- 22079772
TI  - Synergistic antinociceptive actions and tolerance development produced by
      morphine-fentanyl coadministration: correlation with MU-opioid receptor
      internalization.
AB  - It has been described that coadministration of opioids with low doses of other
      analgesics can reduce adverse effects and increase antinociception, but
      combinations of two MU-opioid receptor agonists have been poorly explored. The
      objective of this work was threefold: 1) to evaluate the antinociceptive
      combination of i.c.v. morphine and fentanyl at different doses; 2) to compare the
      antinociception produced by acute or repeated administration of an effective
      morphine dose (1 MUg) alone, or combined with a low fentanyl dose (1 ng); and 3)
      to correlate these effects with MU-opioid receptor internalization in
      periaqueductal gray matter and locus coeruleus. Antinociception was evaluated by
      the tail-flick test and receptor internalization was analyzed by confocal
      microscopy in Wistar rats. Drug interactions were examined by administering
      combinations of opioids in 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 ratios of their respective ED(50)
      fractions. For tolerance and internalization studies, animals were i.c.v.
      injected only once (acute treatment) or twice a day until five administrations
      were completed. Our results show that morphine and fentanyl have synergistic
      effects. The combination of 1 ng fentanyl with 1 MUg morphine increases the
      magnitude and duration of antinociception not only after a single injection, but
      also after five administrations when tolerance develops to morphine alone.
      Increased and long-lasting antinociception correlates positively with increased
      beta-arrestin 2 activity and MU-opioid receptor internalization in periaqueductal
      gray matter and locus coeruleus. These results suggest that combined
      administration of morphine and fentanyl increases long-lasting antinociception
      and beta-arrestin 2 signaling contributes to the combination effects.

PMID- 22079773
TI  - Opioid challenge evaluation of blockade by extended-release naltrexone in opioid
      abusing adults: dose-effects and time-course.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral naltrexone's effectiveness as an opioid antagonist has been
      limited due to poor patient adherence. A long-acting naltrexone formulation may
      be beneficial. This study evaluated the effects of extended-release injectable
      naltrexone (XR-NTX), targeted for a one-month duration of action, in blocking
      opioid agonist challenge effects in humans. METHODS: Outpatient non-dependent
      opioid abusers (N=27) were randomly assigned to a single double-blind IM
      administration of 75, 150, or 300 mg XR-NTX. To assess the extent of opioid
      blockade, hydromorphone challenges (0, 3, 4.5, 6 mg IM in ascending order at 1-h
      intervals [up to 13.5 mg total]) were given at pretreatment baseline and on days
      7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56. Opioid blockade was assessed via (1) tolerability of
      the ascending hydromorphone doses; (2) visual analog scale (VAS) ratings of
      subjective opioid effects and (3) pupil diameter. Effects on the VAS and pupils
      were assessed via the slope of the time-action function over ascending
      hydromorphone doses, with zero slope indicating complete blockade. RESULTS:
      Blockade of the VAS "any drug effect" response to 3 mg hydromorphone was complete
      for 14, 21, and 28 days, respectively, for the XR-NTX doses of 75, 150, and 300
      mg. Subjective effects were more readily blocked than was pupil constriction.
      Higher hydromorphone doses produced only modest increases in agonist effects.
      With the 300 mg XR-NTX dose the slope of VAS responses remained at or near zero
      for one month even with maximal cumulative hydromorphone dosing. CONCLUSIONS:
      These data quantify the month-long opioid blockade underlying XR-NTX's efficacy
      in opioid dependence treatment.

PMID- 22079774
TI  - Undirected head movements of listeners with asymmetrical hearing impairment
      during a speech-in-noise task.
AB  - It has long been understood that the level of a sound at the ear is dependent on
      head orientation, but the way in which listeners move their heads during
      listening has remained largely unstudied. Given the task of understanding a
      speech signal in the presence of a simultaneous noise, listeners could
      potentially use head orientation to either maximize the level of the signal in
      their better ear, or to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio in their better ear.
      To establish what head orientation strategy listeners use in a speech
      comprehension task, we used an infrared motion-tracking system to measure the
      head movements of 36 listeners with large (>16 dB) differences in hearing
      threshold between their left and right ears. We engaged listeners in a difficult
      task of understanding sentences presented at the same time as a spatially
      separated background noise. We found that they tended to orient their heads so as
      to maximize the level of the target sentence in their better ear, irrespective of
      the position of the background noise. This is not ideal orientation behavior from
      the perspective of maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the ear, but is
      a simple, easily implemented strategy that is often effective in an environment
      where the spatial position of multiple noise sources may be difficult or
      impossible to determine.

PMID- 22079775
TI  - Antiphospohlipid syndrome in obstetrics.
AB  - Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterised by a variety of clinical and
      immunological manifestations. The clinical hallmarks of this syndrome are
      thrombosis and poor obstetric outcomes, including miscarriages, fetal loss and
      severe pre-eclampsia. The main antiphospholipid antibodies include lupus
      anticoagulant, anticardiolipin and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I. The combination of
      aspirin and heparin is considered the standard of care for women with
      antiphospholipid syndrome and embryo-fetal losses; however, aspirin in
      monotherapy may have a place in women with recurrent early miscarriage. A good
      benefit-risk ratio of low-molecular-weight heparin in pregnancy thrombosis
      treatment has been reported. Warfarin must be avoided if possible throughout the
      first trimester of pregnancy. Adequate pregnancy management of women with
      antiphospholipid syndrome should include co-ordinated medical-obstetrical care, a
      close follow-up protocol and a good neonatal unit. Close blood pressure control
      and early detection of proteinuria, together with Doppler studies of the utero
      placental circulation should be included in the management protocol.

PMID- 22079776
TI  - Systematic engineering of 3D pluripotent stem cell niches to guide blood
      development.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) provide insight into development and may underpin
      new cell therapies, yet controlling PSC differentiation to generate functional
      cells remains a significant challenge. In this study we explored the concept that
      mimicking the local in vivo microenvironment during mesoderm specification could
      promote the emergence of hematopoietic progenitor cells from embryonic stem cells
      (ESCs). First, we assessed the expression of early phenotypic markers of mesoderm
      differentiation (E-cadherin, brachyury (T-GFP), PDGFRalpha, and Flk1: +/-ETPF) to
      reveal that E-T+P+F+ cells have the highest capacity for hematopoiesis. Second,
      we determined how initial aggregate size influences the emergence of mesodermal
      phenotypes (E-T+P+F+, E-T-P+/-F+, and E-T-P+F-) and discovered that colony
      forming cell (CFC) output was maximal with ~100 cells per PSC aggregate. Finally,
      we introduced these 100-cell PSC aggregates into a low oxygen environment (5%; to
      upregulate endogenous VEGF secretion) and delivered two potent blood-inductive
      molecules, BMP4 and TPO (bone morphogenetic protein-4 and thrombopoietin),
      locally from microparticles to obtain a more robust differentiation response than
      soluble delivery methods alone. Approximately 1.7-fold more CFCs were generated
      with localized delivery in comparison to exogenous delivery, while combined
      growth factor use was reduced ~14.2-fold. By systematically engineering the
      complex and dynamic environmental signals associated with the in vivo blood
      developmental niche we demonstrate a significant role for inductive endogenous
      signaling and introduce a tunable platform for enhancing PSC differentiation
      efficiency to specific lineages.

PMID- 22079777
TI  - Cholesterol-based anionic long-circulating cisplatin liposomes with reduced renal
      toxicity.
AB  - Cholesterol anchored derivatives of 5-Cholestene-3-beta-ol 3-hemisuccinate (CHO
      HS) and 1-cholesteryl-4-omega-methoxy-polyethylene glycol succinate (CHO-PEG)
      have been synthesized via esterification and employed at various ratios with di
      stearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) in the preparation of anionic long-circulating
      nanoliposmes for cisplatin (CDDP) delivery. In the present study, CHO-HS and CHO
      PEG were characterized by FTIR and (1)H NMR. The particle size and zeta potential
      of liposomes were determined by Dynamic lights scattering (DLS). The obtained
      liposomes have concentratedly distributed nanosizes around 100 nm and proper zeta
      potentials between -39.7 mV and -3.18 mV and good physical stability in test
      period of 28 days. Fine morphology of the liposomal vesicles can be observed via
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CDDP encapsulating percentage of
      liposomes was 43-94% and loading efficiency was 7.5-29.3%, depending on the
      presence or absence of CHO-HS and CHO-PEG. In addition, the in vitro drug release
      behaviors, in vitro cytotoxicity against HeLa cells and 293T cells and in vivo
      CDDP distribution of CDDP loaded CHO-HS/CHO-PEG liposomes were evaluated. The
      results suggest that CHO-HS/CHO-PEG nanoliposomes represent a promising strategy
      for the CDDP delivery as an effective long-circulating drug carrier system which
      may reduce the acute renal toxicity.

PMID- 22079778
TI  - The regulation of social recognition, social communication and aggression:
      vasopressin in the social behavior neural network.
AB  - Neuropeptides in the arginine vasotocin/arginine vasopressin (AVT/AVP) family
      play a major role in the regulation of social behavior by their actions in the
      brain. In mammals, AVP is found within a circuit of recriprocally connected
      limbic structures that form the social behavior neural network. This review
      examines the role played by AVP within this network in controlling social
      processes that are critical for the formation and maintenance of social
      relationships: social recognition, social communication and aggression. Studies
      in a number of mammalian species indicate that AVP and AVP V1a receptors are
      ideally suited to regulate the expression of social processes because of their
      plasticity in response to factors that influence social behavior. The pattern of
      AVP innervation and V1a receptors across the social behavior neural network may
      determine the potential range and intensity of social responses that individuals
      display in different social situations. Although fundamental information on how
      social behavior is wired in the brain is still lacking, it is clear that
      different social behaviors can be influenced by the actions of AVP in the same
      region of the network and that AVP can act within multiple regions of this
      network to regulate the expression of individual social behaviors. The existing
      data suggest that AVP can influence social behavior by modulating the
      interpretation of sensory information, by influencing decision making and by
      triggering complex motor outputs. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.

PMID- 22079779
TI  - Functional states of mandibular movements and synovial pumps of the
      temporomandibular joint. Is it possible to provide a biomechanically correct
      replacement for the TMJ?
AB  - Due to its complexity, there is currently an incomplete understanding of
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, especially in relation to the
      morphological interplay of the condyle and the disc as well as the disc, the Os
      temporale and the lateral pterygoid muscle. This also holds true for synovial
      flow and synovial pumps, the existence of which we postulate and for which we
      present a theory of their mechanism. In view of the complexity of mandibular
      movements and the morphology and function of the TMJ, we need to know how
      precisely a reconstruction of the TMJ, if necessary, must be adapted to nature.
      An analysis of the morphology of the functional states of the mandible, as well
      as the synovial pump system, should at least provide a basis for moulding
      reconstructions.

PMID- 22079781
TI  - Delivery of demineralized bone matrix powder using a thermogelling chitosan
      carrier.
AB  - Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) powder is widely used for bone regeneration due
      to its osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity. However, difficulties with
      handling, its tendency to migrate from graft sites, and lack of stability after
      surgery can sometimes limit the clinical utility of this material. In this work,
      the possibility of using a thermogelling chitosan carrier to deliver DBM powder
      was assessed. The DBM-thermogelling putty improved handling and formed a gel-like
      composite in situ at body temperature within a clinically relevant time period.
      The properties of the formed composite, including morphology, porosity,
      mechanical properties, equilibrium swelling as well as degradability, are
      significantly influenced by the ratio of DBM to thermogelling chitosan. The in
      vitro study showed that the alkaline phosphatase activity of C2C12 cells
      encapsulated in the composite was steadily increased with culture time. The in
      vivo study showed that increased DBM content in the DBM-thermogelling chitosan
      induced ectopic bone formation in a nude rat model. The diffusion of growth
      factor from the DBM-thermogelling chitosan as well as the host-implant
      interactions are discussed.

PMID- 22079782
TI  - Preparation of gelatin hydrogels incorporating low-molecular-weight heparin for
      anti-fibrotic therapy.
AB  - The objective of this study is to design biodegradable hydrogels for the
      controlled release of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and evaluate the
      biological activity. Gelatin was cationized by chemically introducing ethylene
      diamine into the carboxyl groups in different conditions to obtain cationized
      gelatins. The cationized gelatin was mixed with the LMWH in aqueous solution to
      form the complex. Gelatin, together with the complex of LMWH and cationized
      gelatin, was dehydrothermally cross-linked for different time periods to prepare
      the gelatin hydrogel-incorporating complex. The hydrogel-incorporating complex
      was neither degraded in phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) at 37  degrees C
      nor did it release the LMWH complex. When placed in PBS containing collagenase,
      the hydrogel was enzymatically degraded to release the LMWH complex. The time
      profile of hydrogel degradation and the LMWH release depended on the condition of
      hydrogel cross-linking. The longer the cross-linking time period, the slower the
      hydrogel degradation and the subsequent LMWH release. The half-life period of
      LMWH release was in good correspondence with that of hydrogel degradation. It is
      possible that the LMWH was released as the result of hydrogel degradation. When
      applied to the mouse model of abdominal membrane fibrosis, the hydrogel system of
      LMWH release showed a promising anti-fibrotic effect.

PMID- 22079783
TI  - Growth and development of the root apical meristem.
AB  - A key question in plant developmental biology is how cell division and cell
      differentiation are balanced to modulate organ growth and shape organ size. In
      recent years, several advances have been made in understanding how this balance
      is achieved during root development. In the Arabidopsis root meristem, stem cells
      in the apical region of the meristem self-renew and produce daughter cells that
      differentiate in the distal meristem transition zone. Several factors have been
      implicated in controlling the different functional zones of the root meristem to
      modulate root growth; among these, plant hormones have been shown to play a main
      role. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the role of hormone
      signaling and transcriptional networks in regulating root development.

PMID- 22079784
TI  - Making leaves.
AB  - Leaves are determinate organs that develop from the flanks of the shoot apical
      meristem through founder cell recruitment, establishment of proximodistal,
      dorsoventral and mediolateral axes, and subsequent growth, expansion and
      differentiation along these axes. Maintenance of the shoot apical meristem and
      production of leaves requires balanced partitioning of cells between pluripotent
      and differentiation fates. Hormones have a significant role in this balance but
      it is becoming apparent that additional intrinsic and extrinsic inputs influence
      hormone signalling to control meristem function and leaf initiation. As leaves
      develop, temporal and spatial regulation of growth and maturation determines leaf
      shape and complexity. Remarkably genes involved in leaf development in the
      context of the shoot apical meristem are also involved in elaboration of the leaf
      shape to generate subtle marginal serrations, more prominent lobes or a dissected
      compound leaf. Potentially these common regulatory modules represent a
      fundamental means of setting up boundaries separating discrete zones of growth.
      Defining gene networks involved in leaf shape variation and exploring
      interspecies differences between such networks is enabling exciting insight into
      changes that contribute to natural variation of leaf form.

PMID- 22079780
TI  - Estrogen neuroprotection and the critical period hypothesis.
AB  - 17beta-Estradiol (estradiol or E2) is implicated as a neuroprotective factor in a
      variety of neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on the mechanisms
      underlying E2 neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia, as well as emerging evidence
      from basic science and clinical studies, which suggests that there is a "critical
      period" for estradiol's beneficial effect in the brain. Potential mechanisms
      underlying the critical period are discussed, as are the neurological
      consequences of long-term E2 deprivation (LTED) in animals and in humans after
      natural menopause or surgical menopause. We also summarize the major clinical
      trials concerning postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT), comparing their outcomes
      with respect to cardiovascular and neurological disease and discussing their
      relevance to the critical period hypothesis. Finally, potential caveats,
      controversies and future directions for the field are highlighted and discussed
      throughout the review.

PMID- 22079785
TI  - Axis formation in Arabidopsis - transcription factors tell their side of the
      story.
AB  - Apical-to-basal auxin flux is a defining feature of land plants and determines
      their main body axis. How is the axis first set up in the embryo? Recent studies
      reveal that the establishment of embryonic polarity with the asymmetric first
      division as well as the separation of shoot and root fates within the proembryo
      depend on transcriptional regulation in the zygote and early embryo. Although the
      functional connections need to be better defined, this transcriptional network
      likely provides the positional information required for initiating the machinery
      capable of processing the systemic signal auxin in a context-dependent manner.

PMID- 22079786
TI  - The patterning of epidermal hairs in Arabidopsis--updated.
AB  - Epidermal hairs of Arabidopsis thaliana emerge in regular spacing patterns
      providing excellent model systems for studies of biological pattern formation. A
      number of root-hair and leaf-trichome patterning mutants and tools for cell
      specific and tissue-specific manipulation of patterning protein activities have
      been combined in cycles of experimentation and mathematical modelling. These
      approaches have provided insight into molecular mechanisms of epidermal
      patterning. During the last two years, endoreplication has, unexpectedly, been
      found to control cell-fate maintenance during trichome patterning. New genetic
      interactions between a downstream, positive transcriptional regulator and lateral
      inhibitors of trichome or non-root-hair fate specification have been uncovered. A
      lateral inhibitor and a new positive regulator have been identified as major loci
      affecting trichome patterning in natural Arabidopsis populations. Finally,
      factors that modify root-hair patterning from the underlying cell layer have been
      discovered.

PMID- 22079787
TI  - Stem cell maintenance in shoot apical meristems.
AB  - Stem cell homeostasis in shoot apical meristems of higher plants is regulated
      through a dynamic balance between spatial regulation of gene expression, cell
      growth patterns and patterns of differentiation. Cell-cell communication mediated
      by both the local factors and long-range signals have been implicated in stem
      cell homeostasis. Here we have reviewed recent developments on spatio-temporal
      regulation of cell-cell communication processes with an emphasis on how
      ubiquitously utilized signals such as plant hormones function with local factors
      in mediating stem cell homeostasis. We also provide a brief overview of how the
      activity of ubiquitously utilized epigenetic regulators are modulated locally to
      orchestrate gene expression.

PMID- 22079788
TI  - A difference-in-differences analysis of health, safety, and greening vacant urban
      space.
AB  - Greening of vacant urban land may affect health and safety. The authors conducted
      a decade-long difference-in-differences analysis of the impact of a vacant lot
      greening program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on health and safety outcomes.
      "Before" and "after" outcome differences among treated vacant lots were compared
      with matched groups of control vacant lots that were eligible but did not receive
      treatment. Control lots from 2 eligibility pools were randomly selected and
      matched to treated lots at a 3:1 ratio by city section. Random-effects regression
      models were fitted, along with alternative models and robustness checks. Across 4
      sections of Philadelphia, 4,436 vacant lots totaling over 7.8 million square feet
      (about 725,000 m(2)) were greened from 1999 to 2008. Regression-adjusted
      estimates showed that vacant lot greening was associated with consistent
      reductions in gun assaults across all 4 sections of the city (P < 0.001) and
      consistent reductions in vandalism in 1 section of the city (P < 0.001).
      Regression-adjusted estimates also showed that vacant lot greening was associated
      with residents' reporting less stress and more exercise in select sections of the
      city (P < 0.01). Once greened, vacant lots may reduce certain crimes and promote
      some aspects of health. Limitations of the current study are discussed. Community
      based trials are warranted to further test these findings.

PMID- 22079789
TI  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric patients with
      treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myelogenous leukemia.
AB  - The development of treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome (tMDS) or treatment
      related acute myelogenous leukemia (tAML) is a complication that can occur after
      chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Eighteen patients with a previous malignancy
      treated at our institution and three patients with a nonmalignant primary tumor
      received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) on the pediatric
      bone marrow (BM) transplantation service for the treatment of tMDS/tAML over a 15
      year period. Five patients proceeded to HSCT without induction chemotherapy.
      Fourteen patients received high-dose cytarabine according to the Capizzi II
      regimen as first-line induction therapy with 13 of them achieving complete
      remission (CR) or refractory anemia (RA) with persistent cytogenetic
      abnormalities after this treatment. Two patients received an anthracycline-based
      induction therapy. Conditioning regimens were selected according to previous
      therapies: 11 patients received busulfan-melphalan-fludarabine (BU-MEL-FLU),
      which consisted of busulfan (0.8 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours *10 doses), melphalan
      (70 mg/m(2)/dose * two doses), and fludarabine (25 mg/m(2)/dose * five doses) for
      cytoreduction; three patients received a total body irradiation (TBI)-containing
      regimen; seven patients received myeloablative regimens containing busulfan
      and/or melphalan and/or thiotepa with doses modified for organ toxicity. Sixteen
      patients received T cell-depleted (TCD) grafts; four patients received unmodified
      grafts; one patient received a double-unit cord blood transplantation (DUCBT).
      Donors included HLA-matched (n = 9), or mismatched (n = 3) related donors, or HLA
      matched (n = 4), or mismatched (n = 4) unrelated donors, or DUCBT (n = 1).
      Disease status at the time of HSCT was: morphologic and cytogenetic CR (n = 12);
      RA with positive cytogenetics (n = 6); and refractory disease (n = 3). With a
      median follow-up of 5.9 years (2.2-15.7 years), the 5-year overall survival (OS)
      and disease-free survival (DFS) rates for the entire group were 61.1% with 12
      patients alive without evidence of either primary disease or tMDS/tAML. The OS
      and DFS rate for the 11 patients who received the BU-MEL-FLU cytoreduction with
      TCD grafts was 54.5%. DFS was 65.7% for patients in RA or CR at HSCT compared
      with 0% for patients with >5% residual marrow blasts (P = .015). Nine patients
      died; the cause of death was relapse of MDS/AML (n = 4) or primary disease (n =
      2), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD; n = 2), and infection (n = 1). Four patients
      developed grade II to IV acute GVHD. One patient developed localized chronic
      GVHD. Our results suggest that the strategy of induction with high-dose
      cytarabine therapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation improves the
      overall outcome for patients with tMDS/tAML. In addition, the use of a TCD
      transplantation with BU-MEL-FLU as cytoreduction may decrease the toxicity of
      transplantation in heavily pretreated patients without an increase in relapse
      rate.

PMID- 22079790
TI  - Challenges of treating MRSA in long-term care.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are an ongoing
      problem in long-term care facilities. Frail elderly patients in long-term care
      settings are at increased risk for developing MRSA infections, and treatment of
      these infections often involves use of costly antibiotics with significant side
      effects and drug interactions. Pharmacists need to be knowledgeable in the use
      and monitoring of these antibiotics so they can assist the facility in managing
      patients with MRSA infections.

PMID- 22079791
TI  - Telemedicine: sorting out the benefits and obstacles.
AB  - Telemedicine (TM)-providing health services and information via a
      telecommunications device to patients or colleagues separated by distance-holds
      the promise of improving access to care, diagnosis and assessment, patient
      monitoring, treatment adherence, and positive health outcomes. TM is still
      evolving, and numerous obstacles must be overcome before it reaches its full
      potential. Major obstacles include licensure and reimbursement issues along with
      the development of TM care standards. While many studies have addressed TM's
      effectiveness, findings, although positive, are tempered because of small sample
      size and other methodological problems. Successful TM is clinically driven where
      a need is first identified and then a TM solution fulfills that clinical need.

PMID- 22079792
TI  - Development of an antibiogram in a long-term care facility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To create an antibiogram-a profile of an organism's
      susceptibility/resistance to a panel of antibiotics- for a long-term care
      facility to assess the prevalence of resistance of bacteria present at the
      facility. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of culture and sensitivity data from
      July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. SETTING: A long-term care facility in
      Huntsville, Alabama. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Residents of the long-term care
      facility that had one or more culture and sensitivity test performed. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: Susceptibility of bacteria to each antimicrobial tested.
      RESULTS: Results were compiled and reported according to the Clinical and
      Laboratory Standards Institute Analysis and Presentation of Cumulative
      Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Data. The most commonly seen bacteria in our
      long-term care facility were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
      Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus
      mirabilis. Resistance rates for these bacteria were high and included the
      presence of methicillinresistant S. aureus and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
      producing bacteria. CONCLUSION: Resistance rates were high among all organisms
      reported. This poses a serious threat to the health care team's ability to
      effectively treat residents of this facility. Development of an antibiogram to
      assist physicians in antimicrobial selection will be beneficial in helping
      evaluate trends in drug resistance to current available treatments. Implementing
      clinical pathways for empiric treatment of infections could improve the ability
      to provide consistent treatment for all residents in the facility.

PMID- 22079793
TI  - Alcohol, medications, and the older adult.
AB  - Late-onset alcoholism is a common occurrence in older adults and may be a
      consequence of life-changing events such as retirement, declining health, loss of
      independence, or loss of a loved one. Alcohol use and misuse often go
      unrecognized. Alcohol use can cause significant drug interactions and exacerbate
      underlying disease. Because of physiologic changes in older adults, alcohol
      pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may be altered and contribute to adverse
      alcohol-induced clinical consequences. We report on an elderly man who may have
      had unrecognized alcohol-induced drug interactions, falling, and exacerbation of
      heart failure. Following a fall, he was admitted to the hospital. After
      discharge, the man and his wife relocated to an assisted living facility and he
      abstained from alcohol. Four months later the man received a prescription for a
      glass of wine or two with dinner; one week later after two glasses of wine, a
      dose of lorazepam was given. Later that evening the patient fell and suffered a
      subdural hematoma. The effects of alcohol in older adults are discussed.

PMID- 22079794
TI  - Discontinuation of unnecessary medications in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identifying and managing the use of medications that may be
      discontinued is a daunting task for the health care team, especially for the
      consultant pharmacist. This article discusses a framework to evaluate the risks
      and benefits of medications. A case-based approach will be employed to
      demonstrate the application of evidence-based medicine and the challenges that
      pharmacists face in attempting to discontinue medications in older adults. DATA
      SOURCES: Medline and Micromedex were used as resources for primary literature as
      well as drug information. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were identified based on their
      relevance to the case to demonstrate the importance of applying emerging
      literature and evidence-based medicine. DATA EXTRACTION: Guidelines on managing
      osteoporosis as well as diabetes in older adults were used for this case. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: A structured framework was applied to demonstrate considerations when
      tackling challenging medication regimens. CONCLUSION: Patient-centered,
      individualized medication regimens need to be developed and updated based on the
      needs of the patient as well as the wishes of the family and caregivers. This is
      a dynamic process that benefits from the consultant pharmacist, who understands
      the complexity of the medications and is essential to addressing the use of
      unnecessary medications.

PMID- 22079795
TI  - Plants used as antidiabetics in popular medicine in Rio Grande do Sul, southern
      Brazil.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plants are widely as antidiabetics. The study of
      these plants is essential because many of them may have undesirable effects, such
      as acute or chronic toxicity; or their use may even delay or discourage the
      adoption of the proper and effective treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      present study surveyed the plant species that are popularly used to treat
      diabetes mellitus in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Sixteen
      ethnobotanical surveys performed in the state were consulted, and the species
      used to treat diabetes were listed. For species cited in at least two of the
      studies, scientific data related to antidiabetic activity were searched in the
      ISI Knowledge database. The scientific binomial of each species was used as
      keywords, and data found in review papers were also included. RESULTS: A total of
      81 species in 42 families were mentioned; the most important families were
      Asteraceae and Myrtaceae. Twenty eight species were cited at least twice as being
      used to treat diabetes in the state. For 11 of these, no scientific data
      regarding antidiabetic activity could be located. The species most frequently
      mentioned for use with diabetes were Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae) and Bauhinia
      forficata (Fabaceae), in 12 studies each, followed by Sphagneticola trilobata
      (Asteraceae), in six studies; and Baccharis trimera (Asteraceae), Bidens pilosa
      (Asteraceae), Cynara scolymus (Asteraceae), and Leandra australis
      (Melastomataceae) in four studies each. Bauhinia forficata and Syzygium cumini
      have been studied in more detail for antidiabetic activity. CONCLUSIONS: A
      considerable number of plant species are traditionally used for the treatment of
      diabetes melitus in the Rio Grande do Sul State. The majority of those plants
      that have been studied for antidiabetic activity showed promising results, mainly
      for Bauhinia forficata and Syzygium cumini. However, for most of the plants
      mentioned, the studies are not sufficient to guarantee the efficacy and safety in
      the use of these plants in the treatment against diabetes.

PMID- 22079796
TI  - The level of arabinitol in autistic children after probiotic therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The level of D-arabinitol (DA) and the ratio of D-/L-arabinitol
      (DA/LA) in the urine of children with autism were investigated. The changes in
      DA/LA after probiotic treatment in urine samples of children with autism were
      studied. METHODS: DA and LA and the DA/LA ratio were identified by capillary gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry in urine before and after the probiotic therapy.
      RESULTS: The level of DA is significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the urine of
      autistic children before (A) and after probiotic supplementation (A1) (160.04 +/-
      22.88 MUmol/mmol creatinine and 89.53 +/- 37.41 MUmol/mmol creatinine,
      respectively). Nonetheless, the probiotic supplementation let to a significant
      decrease in DA and DA/LA and to a significant improvement in ability of
      concentration and carrying out orders. CONCLUSION: The use of probiotics seems to
      be helpful in reducing the level of DA and the ratio of DA/LA in the urine of
      children with autism.

PMID- 22079797
TI  - Oral administration of docosahexaenoic acid attenuates interleukin-1beta response
      and clinical course of septic neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze cytokine responses and the clinical course of septic
      neonates orally supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid as well as to evaluate
      fatty acid incorporation into leukocytes. METHODS: A quasiexperimental study was
      conducted in neonates who developed sepsis following a surgical procedure.
      Selected neonates were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg docosahexaenoic acid
      (G-DHA) daily or olive oil (G-OO) as placebo for 14 d throughout a sepsis
      episode. At selection (baseline), blood samples were obtained to determine
      interleukin-1 (IL-1)beta, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      as well as the leucocyte fatty acid profile. Measurements were repeated at 7 (D7)
      and 14 d (D14) of follow-up. Within- and between-group comparisons were conducted
      with parametric statistics after logarithmic transformation. Repeated measurement
      analyses with a general linear model procedure were used, adjusting according to
      human milk intake, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and nutritional status.
      RESULTS: Sixty-three neonates were included: 29 in G-DHA group and 34 in G-OO
      group. Although decreases of cytokines during hospitalization were similar in
      both groups, there was a greater decrease of IL-1beta in the G-DHA group than in
      the G-OO group after adjusting by confounders (P = 0.028). Leukocyte
      docosahexaenoic acid increased from 4.96 +/- 2.96 at baseline to 5.52 +/- 3.05
      and 5.92 +/- 2.8 at D7 and D14, respectively, in the G-DHA group (P = 0.044).
      Illness severity was inversely associated with the proportion of docosahexaenoic
      acid in leukocytes throughout follow-up (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Oral
      supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid to neonates attenuates IL-1beta
      response and the clinical course of sepsis. This may be an additional strategy to
      further benefit ill neonates even if they are not candidates for parenteral
      nutrition.

PMID- 22079798
TI  - Biocatalytic ketone reduction: a green and efficient access to enantiopure
      alcohols.
AB  - Chiral secondary alcohols play an important role in pharmaceutical, agrochemical,
      and chemical industries. In recent years, impressive steps forward have been
      achieved towards biocatalytic ketone reduction as a green and useful access to
      enantiopure alcohols. An increasing number of novel and robust enzymes are now
      accessible as a result of the ongoing progress in genomics, screening and
      evolution technologies, while process engineering provides further success in
      areas of biocatalytic reduction in meeting synthetic challenges. The versatile
      platform of these techniques and strategies offers the possibility to apply high
      substrate loading and thus to overcome the limitation of low volumetric
      productivity of usual enzymatic processes which is the bottleneck for their
      practical application. In addition, the integration of bioreduction with other
      enzymatic or chemical steps allows the efficient synthesis of more complex chiral
      products.

PMID- 22079799
TI  - Development and applications of destruxins: a review.
AB  - The insecticidal and phytotoxic activities of destruxins (dtxs) have been well
      studied. The cyclodepsipeptides, which are dtxs mainly isolated from the fungus
      Metarhizium anisopliae and other fungi, have been well characterized in vitro and
      in vivo. A succession of important function, such as antitumoral, antiviral,
      insecticidal, cytotoxic, immunosuppressant, phytotoxic, and antiproliferative
      effects have been observed. To date, 39 dtxs derivatives have been identified.
      Dtxs possess a variety of biological activities, including acting as virulence
      factors for specific insects, a V-ATPase inhibitor that provides a basis for the
      development of new drug to against osteoporosis, cancer, or biological control
      agents, etc. Here, we focus on some of the research progress made on
      understanding dtxs during the last decade, introduce some of the newly identified
      dtx members, especially from M. anisopliae, and give an overview of the
      applications of dtxs. Using the dtxs to learn about and moderate biological
      events has advanced significantly during the past year. We believe that several
      ongoing dtx application fields may benefit from the reviewed information herein.

PMID- 22079800
TI  - Novel and potential application of cryopreservation to plant genetic
      transformation.
AB  - The world population now is 6.7 billion and is predicted to reach 9 billion by
      2050. Such a rapid growing population has tremendously increased the challenge
      for food security. Obviously, it is impossible for traditional agriculture to
      ensure the food security, while plant biotechnology offers considerable potential
      to realize this goal. Over the last 15 years, great benefits have been brought to
      sustainable agriculture by commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM)
      crops. Further development of new GM crops will with no doubt contribute to
      meeting the requirements for food by the increasing population. The present
      article provides updated comprehensive information on novel and potential
      application of cryopreservation to genetic transformation. The major progresses
      that have been achieved in this subject include (1), long-term storage of a large
      number of valuable plant genes, which offers a good potential for further
      development of novel cultivars by genetic transformation; (2), retention of
      regenerative capacity of embryogenic tissues and protoplasts, which ensures
      efficient plant regeneration system for genetic transformation; (3), improvement
      of transformation efficiency and plant regeneration of transformed cells; (4),
      long-term preservation of transgenic materials with stable expression of
      transgenes and productive ability of recombinant proteins, which allows
      transgenic materials to be stored in a safe manner before being analyzed and
      evaluated, and allows establishment of stable seed stocks for commercial
      production of homologous proteins. Data provided in this article clearly
      demonstrate that cryo-technique has an important role to play in the whole chain
      of genetic transformation. Further studies coupling cryotechnique and genetic
      transformation are expected to significantly improve development of new GM crops.

PMID- 22079801
TI  - Glenoid morphology rather than version predicts humeral subluxation: a different
      perspective on the glenoid in total shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glenoid retroversion is thought be important in shoulder stability
      before and after shoulder arthroplasty; thus, many authors recommend glenoid
      reaming to correct retroversion and improve stability. Genetic analysis has
      revealed that glenoid vault and scapular development are controlled by different
      genes and environmental factors, resulting in diverse glenoid morphologies. We
      therefore analyzed the relative contribution of glenoid morphology and version to
      humeral head position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained 121 shoulder computed
      tomography scans preoperatively for shoulder arthroplasty. Humeral subluxation
      and glenoid version were measured on the axial image at the middle of each
      glenoid. Glenoid morphology was characterized as biconcave, worn, displaced,
      dysplastic, angled, or neutral. The strength of the correlation between humeral
      subluxation, glenoid version, and glenoid morphology was analyzed. RESULTS:
      Glenoid version did not correlate with humeral subluxation. The highest frequency
      of posterior subluxation was noted in biconcave glenoids. Shoulders with other
      glenoid morphologies were more likely to have anterior or central positioning of
      the humerus. The mean subluxation ratio for biconcave glenoids was 0.56 and was
      significantly different from all other morphologies (P < .02).
      DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Even in the arthritic shoulder, glenoid orientation does
      not appear to explain the complex biomechanics of shoulder stability. The causes
      of humeral head subluxation before and after total shoulder arthroplasty are
      likely multifactorial and may include static and dynamic soft-tissue forces. The
      biconcave glenoid deserves more attention at surgery because of the high
      association with posterior subluxation.

PMID- 22079802
TI  - Operative versus nonoperative treatment after primary traumatic anterior
      glenohumeral dislocation.

PMID- 22079803
TI  - A bootstrapping algorithm to improve cohort identification using structured data.
AB  - Cohort identification is an important step in conducting clinical research
      studies. Use of ICD-9 codes to identify disease cohorts is a common approach that
      can yield satisfactory results in certain conditions; however, for many use-cases
      more accurate methods are required. In this study, we propose a bootstrapping
      method that supplements ICD-9 codes with lab results, medications, etc. to build
      classification models that can be used to identify cohorts more accurately. The
      proposed method does not require prior information about the true class of the
      patients. We used the method to identify Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and
      Hyperlipidemia (HL) patient cohorts from a database of 800 thousand patients.
      Evaluation results show that the method identified 11,000 patients who did not
      have DM related ICD-9 codes as positive for DM and 52,000 patients without HL
      codes as positive for HL. A review of 400 patient charts (200 patients for each
      condition) by two clinicians shows that in both the conditions studied, the
      labeling assigned by the proposed approach is more consistent with that of the
      clinicians compared to labeling through ICD-9 codes. The method is reasonably
      automated and, we believe, holds potential for inexpensive, more accurate cohort
      identification.

PMID- 22079805
TI  - Improved sonolytic hydrolysis of peptides in aqueous solution with addition of
      1,4-benzenedithiol.
AB  - Described here is the sonolytic hydrolysis of peptides achieved by treatment of
      aqueous solution to which the radical scavenger 1,4-benzenedithiol (1,4-BDT),
      which has hydrogen donating ability, has been added. Mass spectrometric analysis
      of the products of sonolytic hydrolysis gave information about amino acid
      sequence of the peptides without any byproducts. The additive 1,4-BDT improves
      the sonolytic hydrolysis of peptides in terms of the rate of hydrolysis reaction
      and the amount of additive required when compared to catechol, a previously
      reported additive. The sonolytic hydrolysis of peptides differs from both acid
      hydrolysis and hydrogen atom-induced dissociation named matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization in-source decay (MALDI-ISD), in characteristics. We propose
      a mechanistic reaction for the sonolytic hydrolysis of peptides, based on the
      mechanisms of both acid hydrolysis and MALDI-ISD processes. The sonolytic
      hydrolysis of peptides upon addition of hydrogen donating radical scavengers can
      be rationalized via the attachment of a hydrogen atom to the carbonyl oxygen with
      subsequent hydrolysis.

PMID- 22079804
TI  - Gravity and the evolution of cardiopulmonary morphology in snakes.
AB  - Physiological investigations of snakes have established the importance of heart
      position and pulmonary structure in contexts of gravity effects on blood
      circulation. Here we investigate morphological correlates of cardiopulmonary
      physiology in contexts related to ecology, behavior and evolution. We analyze
      data for heart position and length of vascular lung in 154 species of snakes that
      exhibit a broad range of characteristic behaviors and habitat associations. We
      construct a composite phylogeny for these species, and we codify gravitational
      stress according to species habitat and behavior. We use conventional regression
      and phylogenetically independent contrasts to evaluate whether trait diversity is
      correlated with gravitational habitat related to evolutionary transitions within
      the composite tree topology. We demonstrate that snake species living in arboreal
      habitats, or which express strongly climbing behaviors, possess relatively short
      blood columns between the heart and the head, as well as relatively short
      vascular lungs, compared to terrestrial species. Aquatic species, which
      experience little or no gravity stress in water, show the reverse - significantly
      longer heart-head distance and longer vascular lungs. These phylogenetic
      differences complement the results of physiological studies and are reflected in
      multiple habitat transitions during the evolutionary histories of these snake
      lineages, providing strong evidence that heart-to-head distance and length of
      vascular lung are co-adaptive cardiopulmonary features of snakes.

PMID- 22079806
TI  - Effect of ultrasound on the kinetics of cation exchange in NaX zeolite.
AB  - In this study, we focused on the effect of ultrasound on ion exchange kinetics to
      obtain the Li-, Ca- and Ce-rich NaX zeolite. The results were compared to those
      obtained from the traditional batch exchange method under similar conditions.
      Contact time and initial cation concentration (fold equivalent excess) were
      studied. Ultrasound enhanced the replacement of Na(+) ion with Li(+), Ca(2+) and
      Ce(3+) ions in the extra-framework of zeolite up to 76%, 72% and 66%,
      respectively. The intraparticle diffusion is the rate limiting step in the ion
      exchange for both exchange methods. As compared to the traditional exchange
      method, the ultrasonic method applied in this study was found to be very
      effective on the exchange amount at equilibrium.

PMID- 22079807
TI  - Degradation of amoxicillin in aqueous solution using sulphate radicals under
      ultrasound irradiation.
AB  - Degradation of the antibiotics amoxicillin in aqueous solution using sulphate
      radicals under ultrasound irradiation was investigated. The preliminary studies
      of optimal degradation methodology were conducted with only oxone (2KHSO(5) .
      KHSO(4) . K(2)SO(4)), cobalt activated oxone (oxone/Co(2+)),
      oxone+ultrasonication (oxone/US) and cobalt activated oxone+ultrasonication
      (oxone/Co(2+)/US). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency were in
      the order of oxone<oxone/Co(2+) < oxone/US < oxone/Co(2+)/US for the amoxicillin
      solution. The variables considered for the effect of degradation were the
      temperature, the power of ultrasound, the concentration of oxone, as well as
      catalyst and the initial amoxicillin concentration. More than 98% of COD removal
      was achieved within 60 min under optimum operational conditions. Comparative
      analysis revealed that the sulfate radicals had the high oxidation potential and
      the use of ultrasound irradiation reduced the energy barrier of the reaction and
      increased the COD removal efficiency of organic pollutants. The degradation of
      amoxicillin follows the first-order kinetics.

PMID- 22079808
TI  - Transcutaneous oxygen tension in the anterior skin of the knee after minimal
      incision total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed wound healing after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to
      devastating complications. The lateral flap is reported to be more hypoxic than
      the medial flap in conventional TKA. However, the surgical approach significantly
      affects the cutaneous blood supply. Our hypothesis was that postoperative
      oxygenation of the skin over the anterior knee would be different in minimal
      incision TKA. METHODS: This prospective observation study included 21 patients
      who underwent minimal incision TKA. Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was
      measured perioperatively at four sites around the midline incision: superio
      medial, superio-lateral, inferio-medial, and inferio-lateral. The ratio of the
      regional TcPO2 to the reference TcPO2 was calculated as the regional perfusion
      index (RPI). We compared the RPI among four sites and evaluated the association
      between the RPI and wound healing. RESULTS: At all measurement sites, the RPI
      significantly decreased after surgery (days 1 and 7; p<0.01). On day 7, the RPI
      at inferio-medial and inferio-lateral sites were significantly lower than superio
      medial and superio-lateral sites, respectively (p<0.05). No significant
      difference between the medial and lateral sites was observed. In three patients,
      delayed healing was noted at the inferio-lateral wound edge, where the RPI
      significantly decreased on day 1. CONCLUSION: The distal part of the wound was
      significantly more hypoxic than the proximal part in minimal incision TKA.
      Atraumatic wound edge retraction should be carried out especially in the distal
      part. Although further investigation is necessary, delayed wound healing is
      potentially associated with regional skin hypoxia on day 1.

PMID- 22079809
TI  - Non-degradative intracellular trafficking of highly compacted polymeric DNA
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Highly compacted DNA nanoparticles (DNPs) composed of polyethylene glycol linked
      to a 30-mer of poly-l-lysine via a single cysteine residue (CK(30)PEG) have
      previously been shown to provide efficient gene delivery to the brain, eyes and
      lungs. In this study, we used a combination of flow cytometry, high-resolution
      live-cell confocal microscopy, and multiple particle tracking (MPT) to
      investigate the intracellular trafficking of highly compacted CK(30)PEG DNPs made
      using two different molecular weights of PEG, CK(30)PEG(10k) and CK(30)PEG(5k).
      We found that PEG MW did not have a major effect on particle morphology nor
      nanoparticle intracellular transport. CK(30)PEG(10k) and CK(30)PEG(5k) DNPs both
      entered human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells via a caveolae-mediated
      pathway, bypassing degradative endolysosomal trafficking. Both nanoparticle
      formulations were found to rapidly accumulate in the perinuclear region of cells
      within 2h, 37+/-19% and 47+/-8% for CK(30)PEG(10k) and CK(30)PEG(5k),
      respectively. CK(30)PEG(10k) and CK(30)PEG(5k) DNPs moved within live cells at
      average velocities of 0.09+/-0.04MUm/s and 0.11+/-0.04MUm/s, respectively, in
      good agreement with reported values for caveolae. These findings show that highly
      compacted DNPs employ highly regulated trafficking mechanisms similar to
      biological pathogens to target specific intracellular compartments.

PMID- 22079811
TI  - [Interest of a systematic second-look at 48-72 hours in high-pressure injections
      of paint: an animal study].
AB  - STUDY PURPOSE: High-pressure injections (HPI) in the hand are rare and their
      prognosis is often tragic, some authors report up to 48% of amputations. Poorly
      standardized, their management is often too late and inadequate. The HPI of paint
      results in inoculation of toxic particles in depth that are particularly
      difficult to remove surgically. The persistence of this foreign material
      maintains local inflammation and increases the risk of infection. We wanted to
      simulate in rats, the physiopathology of HPI with paint. The aim of this study is
      to authenticate an advantage to achieve consistently a second surgical
      debridement at 48-72 hours in HPI with paint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six rats
      were injected with 200 bars of white glycerophtalic paint in the leg. At six
      hours and then every 24 hours for four days, we did a debridement and a surgical
      washing, then at the end of intervention a tissue sample was analyzed by
      histology. RESULTS: Despite surgical debridement and thorough washing, at each
      step we found the persistence of painting in the intermuscular septa by light
      microscopy. From 24 hours, a necroinflammatory process is set up with an influx
      of neutrophils, organizing themselves into micro-abscesses. It will be very
      deleterious, initially by encouraging risk of sepsis, and then facilitating the
      formation of extensive fibrosis, which is the cause of functional impairment.
      CONCLUSION: We established the kinetics of tissue under HPI with paint using an
      animal model. It appears that single emergency surgery is insufficient to manage
      this "septic compartment syndrome". Therefore, we recommend a systematic surgical
      "second look" at 48-72 hours to complete the debridement of residual inoculum and
      necrotic tissue without wound closure.

PMID- 22079810
TI  - Dual-targeting of alphavbeta3 and galectin-1 improves the specificity of
      paramagnetic/fluorescent liposomes to tumor endothelium in vivo.
AB  - Molecular imaging of angiogenesis requires a highly specific and efficient
      contrast agent for targeting activated endothelium. We have previously
      demonstrated that paramagnetic and fluorescent liposomes functionalized with two
      angiogenesis-specific ligands, the galectin-1-specific anginex (Anx) and the
      alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-specific RGD, produce synergistic targeting effect in
      vitro. In the current study, we applied Anx and RGD dual-conjugated liposomes
      (Anx/RGD-L) for angiogenesis-specific MRI in vivo, focusing on the specificity
      and efficacy of liposome association with tumor endothelium. The targeting
      properties, clearance kinetics and biodistribution of Anx/RGD-L were investigated
      in B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice, and compared to liposomes functionalized with
      either Anx (Anx-L) or RGD (RGD-L). The contrast enhancement produced by dual- and
      single-targeted nanoparticles in the tumor was measured using in vivo T(1)
      weighted MRI, complemented by ex vivo immunohistochemical evaluation of tumor
      tissues. Blood clearance kinetics of Anx/RGD-L was three-fold more rapid than for
      RGD-L, but comparable to Anx-L. Both dual- and single-targeted liposomes produced
      similar changes in MRI contrast parameters in tumors with high inter-tumor
      variability (DeltaR(1)=0.04+/-0.03s(-1), 24h post-contrast). Importantly,
      however, the specificity of Anx/RGD-L association with tumor endothelium of 53+/
      6%, assessed by fluorescence microscopy, was significantly higher compared to
      43+/-9% (P=0.043) and 28+/-8% (P=0.0001) of Anx-L and RGD-L, respectively. In
      contrast, long-circulating RGD-L were on average 16% more efficient in targeting
      tumor endothelium compared to Anx/RGD-L. Significant differences were also found
      in the biodistribution of investigated contrast agents. In conclusion,
      synergistic targeting of alpha(v)beta(3) and galectin-1 improved the specificity
      of the association of the liposomal contrast agent to tumor endothelium in vivo,
      providing therefore a more reliable MRI readout of the angiogenic activity.

PMID- 22079812
TI  - [Bony regrowth after major erosion of the maxillary following silastic malar
      augmentation. Case report].
AB  - Alloplastic malar augmentation has become a routine procedure associated with few
      complications. Among them, authors have described bony erosion and resorption.
      The case presented here illustrates an unusual case of maxillary bone erosion
      after silastic malar augmentation. Implants were surgically removed and no more
      surgical intervention was performed. After 15 months, contrast-enhanced CT scan
      has showed nearly complete bony regrowth to an almost normal state. Considering
      resorption phenomenons following silastic chin implants, Peled et al. reported no
      long-term sequellae after implant removal and bony regrowth to the presurgical
      state after 9 months. Accordingly, we conclude that these phenomenons, even
      spectacular, are always reversible after implants removal and that treatment
      should just consist in ablation of the offending prosthetic material.

PMID- 22079813
TI  - What bone part is important to remove in accessing the suprachiasmatic region
      with less frontal lobe retraction in frontotemporal craniotomies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The anterolateral approach is one of the main routes for accessing
      suprachiasmatic lesions involving the anterior communicating artery (AComA)
      complex. Pterional (PT) craniotomy and its alternatives, including
      orbitozygomatic, orbitopterional, and mini-supraorbital craniotomies, have been
      developed as tailored frontotemporal craniotomies. One of the main differences
      between PT craniotomy and its alternatives is the removal of the orbital bone
      along with the sphenoid wing. However, which bone part is the most important to
      remove has not been discussed in relation to frontal lobe retraction. We have
      evaluated how the removal of the supraorbital bar versus the removal of the
      lateral orbital wall along with the sphenoid wing affects the relationship
      between the levels of frontal lobe retraction and area of exposure (AOE) in the
      suprachiasmatic region. METHODS: We performed three types of craniotomies: PT
      craniotomy, PT craniotomy with the removal of the supraorbital bar (PT-SO
      craniotomy), and PT craniotomy with the removal of the lateral orbital wall along
      with the sphenoid wing, i.e., the frontal process of the zygomatic bone and the
      orbital and cerebral faces of the greater sphenoid wing (PT-LO-SW craniotomy).
      For each craniotomy, the AOE around the suprachiasmatic region was measured at
      four different levels of frontal lobe retraction, namely, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm,
      from the cranial base. RESULTS: At 5-mm retraction, PT-LO-SW craniotomy was the
      only craniotomy in which the AComA complex was visible. At 10-mm retraction, PT
      LO-SW craniotomy afforded the greatest AOE among the three craniotomies, and the
      AOE was significantly greater than that of PT craniotomy (P = 0.025). At 15- and
      20-mm retraction, there were no significant differences among the three
      craniotomies. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of lesions in the suprachiasmatic region via
      an anterolateral route involving a frontotemporal craniotomy requires sufficient
      removal of the lateral orbital wall along with the greater sphenoid wing so that
      brain retraction is minimized.

PMID- 22079814
TI  - Microsurgical third ventriculostomy with stenting in intrinsic brain tumors
      involving anterior third ventricle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Microsurgical fenestration of the third ventricular floor performed in
      one session with resection of deep seated tumors has been recently demonstrated
      as an approach to specifically address the concomitant obstructive hydrocephalus.
      As with endoscopic third ventriculostomy, occlusion of the stoma may result in
      progression of the obstructive hydrocephalus. In order to provide reliable
      communication between the basal cisterns and ventricles, we propose stenting of
      the stoma in cases of direct surgical approach to deep seated tumors. METHODS:
      After performing tumor resection through the anterior transcallosal approach,
      premamillar and Liliequist's membranes were identified and fenestrated. A silicon
      stent was inserted into the prepontine cistern through the fenestrated floor of
      the third ventricle; the stent connected the third and lateral ventricles with
      the basal cisterns. RESULTS: Microsurgical ventriculostomy of the third ventricle
      and stenting of the stoma was performed in 9 patients simultaneously with tumor
      resection (5 cases), open biopsy (3 cases), or microsurgical dissection of severe
      adhesions at the level of Monro foramina (1 case). In 7 cases, the third
      ventricular floor was infiltrated with the tumor and obstruction of the aqueduct
      persisted after tumor surgery; in 2 patients, high risk of reocclusion at the
      level of Monro foramen was expected. Stenting of the ventricular system provided
      patency of the stoma and Monro foramen. None of the patients required a shunt
      postoperatively. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 22 months. CONCLUSION:
      Microsurgical fenestration of the third ventricle floor combined with stoma
      stenting can be a viable option for hydrocephalus control.

PMID- 22079815
TI  - Management of giant pituitary tumors affecting vision in Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The management of pituitary tumors has evolved considerably in the
      past few decades. One of the indices for effective surgical outcome is the size
      of the tumor on presentation. Reports from west and central Africa have largely
      indicated late presentation with very large tumors. In the present study we
      examined this trend and the impact of late presentation on visual outcomes.
      METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the patterns of visual presentation
      of giant pituitary tumors and the factors that influenced treatment outcomes. We
      analyzed 44 patients who presented with pituitary tumors extending into the
      suprasellar region during a five-year period. All patients had computerized
      tomography or magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of their tumor. RESULTS:
      About 43% of patients were referred from ophthalmologists. The main symptoms were
      impaired vision (100%) and visual field defect was present in 47.1%. Optic
      atrophy was found in 38 eyes (43.1%) and 30% of the patients were already blind
      on presentation. An additional 23% were functionally blind. Five patients had
      hydrocephalus from third ventricle obstruction. Of those who had surgery, five
      patients had additional radiotherapy. There were no perioperative deaths but
      there were two deaths during follow-up. Vision improved in 14 patients, was
      unchanged in nine and deteriorated in two. CONCLUSIONS: Tumors of the pituitary
      present late in developing countries resulting in increased morbidity.
      Intervention even at this stage results in visual improvement and efforts must be
      made to cascade this information to frontier health workers.

PMID- 22079816
TI  - Erythropoietin for subarachnoid hemorrhage: is there a reason for hope?

PMID- 22079817
TI  - Gigantum humeris insidentes: modern pituitary surgery as developed through the
      contribution of a giant.

PMID- 22079818
TI  - The evolution of Cushing's surgical treatment of pituitary lesions.

PMID- 22079819
TI  - Sitting position for the removal of pineal region lesions.

PMID- 22079820
TI  - An American medical student's experience in global neurosurgery: both in their
      infancy.
AB  - There are only three fully trained neurosurgeons to care for Tanzania's
      population of more than 41 million people. Madaktari was founded in 2006 to serve
      as a physician training partnership to establish more self-sufficient health care
      through education and training. Medical students play a valuable role in
      Madaktari as they are primarily responsible for collecting postneurosurgical
      outcome data on operations performed by Tanzanian physicians trained by our
      organization. In addition, medical students represent the future of global
      medicine. Thus, it is important to determine the extent that Madaktari has
      affected student interest in global health. Our purpose in this article is to
      explore one student's experience working in global neurosurgery while working
      with Madaktari. In addition we attempted to determine the effect Madaktari may
      play on the future medical careers of eight medical student volunteers. To
      determine that effect we conducted a six-question online survey of medical
      student volunteers. We received responses from four of our eight medical student
      volunteers, all of whom stated they had a good or excellent experience
      volunteering with Madaktari and that their experience further increased their
      desire to incorporate global health into their careers. After working with
      Madaktari nearly half of the medical student volunteers have pursued or will be
      pursuing year-long funded global health research during their medical school
      careers. Madaktari is not only pioneering a path toward increased and more
      independent neurosurgical capabilities in Tanzania, but it is also helping foster
      increased interest and participation among U.S. medical students in global
      neurosurgery.

PMID- 22079821
TI  - Cone beam computed tomography in the neurointerventional room: beyond vessels.

PMID- 22079822
TI  - Expanding neurosurgical care in Northwest Tanzania: the early experience of an
      initiative to teach neurosurgery at Bugando Medical Centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tanzania suffers from a severe lack of health practitioners trained in
      neurosurgical procedures. To address this problem, we have implemented an
      initiative, modeled after the experience of other pioneers in international
      neurosurgery, to establish cost-effective and sustainable neurosurgical care by
      teaching fundamental neurosurgical skills to local surgeons. In this report we
      describe our early experience in Northwest Tanzania and discuss the potential for
      this training model to improve neurosurgical care to a region in need. METHODS:
      Between September 2009 and October 2010, three residents and two attendings from
      our institution spent a total of 15 weeks at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza,
      Tanzania. During this time, we focused on teaching neurosurgical techniques,
      intraoperative decision-making, and clinical management skills to two local
      surgeons. The emphasis of our presence was on teaching and providing sustainable
      neurosurgical care. RESULTS: During this period, we performed 41 neurosurgical
      procedures with one of two local surgeons. The most common procedures performed
      were ventriculoperitoneal shunts (22%), myelomeningocele repairs (22%), and
      cranial trauma cases (17%). Five (12%) cases required the placement of spinal
      instrumentation. Thirty-nine (95%) patients remained stable or improved at
      discharge. There were 2 (5%) perioperative deaths. CONCLUSION: Although numerous
      challenges remain, our experience demonstrates the potential of this teaching
      model in providing sustainable neurosurgical care in Northwest Tanzania.

PMID- 22079823
TI  - Sellar door: Harvey Cushing's entry into the pituitary gland, the unabridged
      Johns Hopkins experience 1896-1912.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the original surgical records from the Johns Hopkins
      Hospital, and analyze the records of patients Cushing treated for pituitary
      disorders from 1896 to 1912. METHODS: Following IRB approval, and through the
      courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, we reviewed the original surgical
      files from the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Patients presenting with pituitary-related
      symptoms, who underwent surgical treatment directed at the pituitary gland, were
      selected for further review. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients who underwent
      surgical intervention for pituitary disorders were found. Of these patients, 12
      were mentioned only briefly in Cushing's 1912 monograph, whereas 6 were not
      described at all. The remaining 19 were documented by Cushing in his 1912
      monograph. Cushing used three main surgical approaches to the pituitary:
      transsphenoidal, transcranial, and the subfrontal "omega incision." There were 6
      inpatient deaths. The mean time to last follow-up was 41.0 months. At follow-up,
      headache was the most common unresolved symptom. CONCLUSION: This review
      highlights Cushing's accomplishments in the surgical treatment of suspected
      pituitary pathology during his early career as a young attending at Johns Hopkins
      Hospital. It reveals new information about patients whom Cushing did not include
      in his publications detailing his surgical experience at the Johns Hopkins
      Hospital.

PMID- 22079824
TI  - Preoperative onyx embolization of vascular head and neck tumors by direct
      puncture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preoperative embolization of hypervascular head and neck tumors is
      frequently performed to reduce operative times and blood loss. While traditional
      transarterial embolization is commonly used, direct tumoral puncture has also
      been advocated as an alternative. We report our series of head and neck tumors
      embolized with onyx via direct tumoral puncture to ascertain the safety and
      efficacy of embolization using this technique. METHODS: We prospectively
      collected data on all head and neck tumors embolized with onyx at our institution
      during a 24-month period. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients underwent preoperative
      embolization via direct tumoral puncture. Tumors included nine carotid body
      tumors, three glomus vagale tumors, five juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas
      (JNAs), and one intracranial frontal parasagittal meningioma. All embolizations
      were completed in a single session. Mean fluoroscopy time was 40 minutes. The
      overall mean percent tumor devascularization was 87%. Inadvertent transtumoral
      migration of onyx into the superior sagittal sinus occurred during intraoperative
      embolization of the meningioma using single-plane fluoroscopy and resulted in a
      large postoperative hemorrhagic venous infarct. There were no other endovascular
      related complications in the remaining patients embolized using biplanar
      fluoroscopy. CONCLUSION: Embolization of hypervascular head and neck tumors with
      onyx via direct tumoral puncture can be performed safely and efficiently. Tumor
      embolization by direct puncture may theoretically lower the risk of inadvertent
      migration of onyx through nontarget arterial vessels, but may increase the risk
      of inadvertent transtumoral embolization of venous structures. Caution should be
      exercised when using this technique for intracranial pathologies, and the
      importance of biplanar fluoroscopy to allow better visualization of the onyx
      migration cannot be overemphasized.

PMID- 22079825
TI  - New evidence of prefrontal lobotomy in the last months of the illness of Eva
      Peron.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To give validity to the claim that Eva Peron underwent a prefrontal
      lobotomy and/or another neurosurgical procedure. METHODS: 1) Press interviews
      given by Dr. George Udvarhelyi, who passed away in 2010, were read and his
      statements were crosschecked with excerpts of his memoirs; 2) Searched for other
      oral and written evidence in Argentina; 3) Reviewed radiological evidence and
      recent revelations about her illness and death; and 4) Carried out historic
      review of prefrontal lobotomy as an accepted and established surgical treatment
      during the relevant time period and place. RESULTS: Udvarhelyi's assertion in a
      press interview that a prefrontal lobotomy was performed on Eva Peron is
      consistent with the history he penned in his memoirs. Interviews with individuals
      close to Eva conducted by historians, revealed a clinical picture compatible with
      side effects from such an operation. Comments from surgeon Dr. Ricardo
      Finochietto, leader of the group of physicians involved in Eva's medical care,
      provide further support that a neurosurgical procedure was performed. President
      Peron's orders and instructions to the medical team also support this allegation.
      Review of skull radiographs show findings compatible with burr holes. Photographs
      of the patient at the end of her illness show indentation at the coronal level.
      The alleged procedure was cutting edge of surgery in 1952. The Argentine
      neurosurgical establishment was up to par in psychosurgical developments and
      there were neurosurgeons close to Peron that could have performed the procedure
      in those circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence was found that gives validity to
      Dr. George Udvarhelyi's claim that Eva Peron underwent a neurosurgical prefrontal
      lobotomy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This was done for treatment of pain,
      anxiety, and agitation secondary to uterine metastatic cancer before her death in
      1952. Neurosurgeon Dr. James L. Poppen appears to have been involved in the case.

PMID- 22079826
TI  - Minimally invasive supracondylar transtubercular (MIST) approach to the lower
      clivus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Drawbacks of the far-lateral approach to the lower clivus and
      pontomedullary region include the morbidity of a large incision extending into
      the cervical musculature and tedious exposure of the vertebral artery (VA),
      particularly when performing the transcondylar and transtubercular extensions.
      The authors describe a minimally invasive alternative to the far-lateral approach
      that has the potential to minimize operative morbidity and decrease the need for
      VA manipulation. METHODS: The minimally invasive supracondylar transtubercular
      (MIST) and far-lateral supracondylar transtubercular (FLST) approaches were
      performed in 10 adult cadaveric specimens (20 sides). The microsurgical anatomy
      of each step and the surgical views were analyzed and compared. In addition, the
      endoscopic view through the MIST was examined in five fresh cadaveric specimens
      (10 sides). RESULTS: The MIST approach provided exposure of the inferior-middle
      clivus, the anterolateral brainstem, and the premedullary cisterns, including the
      PICA-VA and vertebrobasilar junctions. The endoscope provided a clear view of
      cranial nerves III through XII, as well as the vertebrobasilar system. The FLST
      approach increased visualization of the anterolateral margin of the foramen
      magnum; otherwise, the surgical view is similar between the MIST and FLST
      approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The MIST approach could be considered as a potential
      alternative to the FLST approach in the treatment of lesions involving the
      inferior and middle clivus, and anterolateral lower brainstem; it does not
      require a C1 laminectomy, significant disruption of the atlanto-occipital joint,
      nor extensive exposure of the extracranial VA. Moreover, the MIST approach is an
      ideal companion to endoscope-assisted neurosurgery.

PMID- 22079827
TI  - Respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a measure of cognitive workload.
AB  - The current standard for measuring cognitive workload is the NASA Task-load Index
      (TLX) questionnaire. Although this measure has a high degree of reliability,
      diagnosticity, and sensitivity, a reliable physiological measure of cognitive
      workload could provide a non-invasive, objective measure of workload that could
      be tracked in real or near real-time without interrupting the task. This study
      investigated changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during seven different
      sub-sections of a proposed selection test for Navy aviation and compared them to
      changes reported on the NASA-TLX. 201 healthy participants performed the seven
      tasks of the Navy's Performance Based Measure. RSA was measured during each task
      and the NASA-TLX was administered after each task. Multi-level modeling revealed
      that RSA significantly predicted NASA-TLX scores. A moderate within-subject
      correlation was also found between RSA and NASA TLX scores. The findings support
      the potential development of RSA as a real-time measure of cognitive workload.

PMID- 22079828
TI  - EEG-power and -coherence changes in a unimodal and a crossmodal working memory
      task with visual and kinesthetic stimuli.
AB  - We investigated EEG-power and EEG-coherence changes in a unimodal and a
      crossmodal matching-to-sample working memory task with either visual or
      kinesthetic stimuli. Angle-shaped trajectories were used as stimuli presented
      either as a moving dot on a screen or as a passive movement of a haptic device.
      Effects were evaluated during the different phases of encoding, maintenance, and
      recognition. Alpha power was modulated during encoding by the stimulus modality,
      and in crossmodal conditions during encoding and maintenance by the expected
      modality of the upcoming test stimulus. These power modulations were observed
      over modality-specific cortex regions. Systematic changes of coherence for
      crossmodal compared to unimodal tasks were not observed during encoding and
      maintenance but only during recognition. There, coherence in the theta-band
      increased between electrode sites over left central and occipital cortex areas in
      the crossmodal compared to the unimodal conditions. The results underline the
      importance of modality-specific representations and processes in unimodal and
      crossmodal working memory tasks. Crossmodal recognition of visually and
      kinesthetically presented object features seems to be related to a direct
      interaction of somatosensory/motor and visual cortex regions by means of long
      range synchronization in the theta-band and such interactions seem to take place
      at the beginning of the recognition phase, i.e. when crossmodal transfer is
      actually necessary.

PMID- 22079829
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor reduces astrocytic scar formation and promotes axonal
      growth beyond glial scars after spinal cord injury.
AB  - The formation of glial scars impedes growth of regenerating axons after CNS
      injuries such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF),
      originally identified as a mitogen for hepatocytes, exerts pleiotropic functions
      in the nervous system. HGF has been implicated in peripheral wound healing via
      regulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), which is also a
      potent inducer of glial scar formation in CNS. In the present study, we found
      that HGF completely blocked secretion of TGFbeta1 and beta2 from activated
      astrocytes in culture. HGF also prevented expression of specific chondroitin
      sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) species. To determine whether HGF inhibits glial scar
      formation in an in vivo SCI model, HGF overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells (HGF
      MSCs) were transplanted into hemisection spinal cord lesions at C4.
      Transplantation of HGF-MSCs markedly diminished TGFbeta isoform levels and
      reduced the extent of astrocytic activation. In addition, HGF-MSCs also
      significantly decreased neurocan expression and glycosaminoglycan chain
      deposition around hemisection lesions. Furthermore, animals treated with HGF-MSCs
      showed increased axonal growth beyond glial scars and improvement in recovery of
      forepaw function. Our results indicate that anti-glial scar effects of HGF,
      together with its known neurotrophic functions, could be utilized to ameliorate
      functional deficits following SCI.

PMID- 22079831
TI  - Ethnopharmacological survey of Annonaceae medicinal plants used to treat malaria
      in four areas of Cameroon.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Malaria endemic countries have vital resources
      that are medicinal plants on which their traditional medicines depend. In some
      Cameroonian settings, in addition to the commonly used potions from plants like
      Alstonia boonei, Zanthoxylum macrophylla and Mangifera indica, other herbal
      species are being increasingly used to treat malaria. So, specialized traditional
      healers have developed alternative reasonably priced therapies, relying on the
      signs and/or symptoms of malaria. Within this framework, Annonaceae plants were
      found to be increasingly utilized and therefore, highlighting the need to
      document this traditional knowledge for better malaria control. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Interview approach was used to document indigenous knowledge, usage
      customs and practices of Annonaceae species in the treatment of malaria in four
      Cameroonian areas (Yaounde and its surroundings, Ngoyang, Kon-Yambetta and
      Mbalmayo). RESULTS: A total of 19/30 users of plants accepted to share their
      experiences during a semi-structured survey. Twelve of the respondents were men
      and seven were women. Thirty recipes based on twenty-one plants were recorded.
      CONCLUSION: Annickia chlorantha was the only plant commonly found in the four
      study sites. Seven species of Annonaceae were found to be used to treat malaria,
      while 14 were used to treat symptoms that might be related to malaria.

PMID- 22079830
TI  - Transendocytosis is impaired in CADASIL-mutant NOTCH3.
AB  - Mutations in the human NOTCH3 gene cause cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy
      with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), but the pathogenesis
      of CADASIL has remained unclear. Recently, endocytosis of the Notch ectodermal
      domain into ligand-expressing cells, called transendocytosis, has come to be
      considered critical for Notch activation. We hypothesized that the mutant NOTCH3
      protein, particularly the ectodermal domain of NOTCH3 (N3ECD), may be refractory
      to degradation on the cell surface due to impaired transendocytosis. We
      established a co-culture system in which HEK293 cells stably expressing one copy
      of tetracycline-regulated NOTCH3 were cultured with NOTCH3 ligand Jagged1 (Jag1)
      expressing HEK293 cells. We obtained three main results: first, the C185R mutant
      N3ECD on the cell surface was degraded significantly more slowly than the wild
      N3ECD when NOTCH3 cells were co-cultured with Jag1-expressing cells. Second, both
      the wild-type and mutant NOTCH3-expressing cells increased HES1 expression on co
      culture with ligand-expressing cells. Third, vesicles containing N3ECD were
      observed in Jag1-expressing cells. Vesicles of mutant N3ECD within the Jag1
      expressing cells were significantly less in number than in the case of wild-type
      N3ECD. These results indicated that the process of degradation of mutant N3ECD on
      the cell surface is disturbed due to impairment of transendocytosis. Such
      disturbance on the surface of vascular smooth muscle cells may contribute to the
      pathogenesis of CADASIL.

PMID- 22079832
TI  - Trematode communities in snails can indicate impact and recovery from hurricanes
      in a tropical coastal lagoon.
AB  - In September 2002, Hurricane Isidore devastated the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. To
      understand its effects on the parasites of aquatic organisms, we analyzed long
      term monthly population data of the horn snail Cerithidea pliculosa and its
      trematode communities in Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico before and after the hurricane
      (February 2001 to December 2009). Five trematode species occurred in the snail
      population: Mesostephanus appendiculatoides, Euhaplorchis californiensis, two
      species of the genus Renicola and one Heterophyidae gen. sp. Because these
      parasites use snails as first intermediate hosts, fishes as second intermediate
      hosts and birds as final hosts, their presence in snails depends on food webs. No
      snails were present at the sampled sites for 6 months after the hurricane. After
      snails recolonised the site, no trematodes were found in snails until 14 months
      after the hurricane. It took several years for snail and trematode populations to
      recover. Our results suggest that the increase in the occurrence of hurricanes
      predicted due to climate change can impact upon parasites with complex life
      cycles. However, both the snail populations and their parasite communities
      eventually reached numbers of individuals and species similar to those before the
      hurricane. Thus, the trematode parasites of snails can be useful indicators of
      coastal lagoon ecosystem degradation and recovery.

PMID- 22079833
TI  - The Trichomonas vaginalis hydrogenosome proteome is highly reduced relative to
      mitochondria, yet complex compared with mitosomes.
AB  - The human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis lacks conventional mitochondria and
      instead contains divergent mitochondrial-related organelles. These double
      membrane bound organelles, called hydrogenosomes, produce molecular hydrogen.
      Phylogenetic and biochemical analyses of hydrogenosomes indicate a common origin
      with mitochondria; however identification of hydrogenosomal proteins and studies
      on its metabolism have been limited. Here we provide a detailed proteomic
      analysis of the T. vaginalis hydrogenosome. The proteome of purified
      hydrogenosomes consists of 569 proteins, a number substantially lower than the
      1,000-1,500 proteins reported for fungal and animal mitochondrial proteomes, yet
      considerably higher than proteins assigned to mitosomes. Pathways common to and
      distinct from both mitochondria and mitosomes were revealed by the hydrogenosome
      proteome. Proteins known to function in amino acid and energy metabolism, Fe-S
      cluster assembly, flavin-mediated catalysis, oxygen stress response, membrane
      translocation, chaperonin functions, proteolytic processing and ATP hydrolysis
      account for ~30% of the hydrogenosome proteome. Of the 569 proteins in the
      hydrogenosome proteome, many appear to be associated with the external surface of
      hydrogenosomes, including large numbers of GTPases and ribosomal proteins.
      Glycolytic proteins were also found to be associated with the hydrogenosome
      proteome, similar to that previously observed for mitochondrial proteomes.
      Approximately 18% of the hydrogenosomal proteome is composed of hypothetical
      proteins of unknown function, predictive of multiple activities and properties
      yet to be uncovered for these highly adapted organelles.

PMID- 22079835
TI  - Robot-assisted laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy: technique and surgical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic major hepatectomies remain a challenge for liver
      surgeons. The recent introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized
      the field of minimally invasive surgery. It was developed to overcome the
      disadvantages of conventional laparoscopic surgery. The use of robotic system in
      laparoscopic major hepatectomy was not known yet. METHODS: Between December 2010
      and July 2011, 6 right hemi-hepatectomies and 4 left hemi-hepatectomies were
      performed by robot-assisted laparoscopic approach. Prospectively collected data
      was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Overall mean duration of the operation was
      347.4 +/- 85.9 (SD) minutes. Mean duration of the operation for right hemi
      hepatectomy was 364.8 +/- 98.1 ml, while mean duration of the operation for left
      hemi-hepatectomy was 321.3 +/- 67.8 ml. Overall mean operative blood loss was 407
      +/- 286.8 ml. Mean operative blood loss for right hemi-hepatectomy was 500 +/-
      303.3 ml, while mean operative blood loss for left hemi-hepatectomy was 156.9 +/-
      40.7 ml. No open conversion was needed. Three patients (30%) had postoperative
      complications. There was no mortality. Mean hospital stay was 6.7 +/- 3.5 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our series indicate that in experienced hands, robot-assisted
      laparoscopic approach for hemi-hepatectomy is feasible and safe. As experience
      grows, this procedure will be more common.

PMID- 22079834
TI  - Precision-cut slice culture method for rat placenta.
AB  - Primary trophoblasts, placental explants, and cell line cultures are commonly
      used to investigate placental development, physiology, and pathology,
      particularly in relation to pregnancy outcomes. Organotypic slice cultures are
      increasingly used in other systems because they maintain the normal three
      dimensional tissue architecture and have all cell types represented. Herein, we
      demonstrate the utility of the precision-cut placental slice culture model for
      studying trophoblastic diseases.

PMID- 22079837
TI  - Surgeons' static posture and movement repetitions in open and laparoscopic
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing concern about the surgeon maintaining a static
      posture during laparoscopic surgery, which can contribute to musculoskeletal
      disorders. A series of studies are being conducted in Hong Kong examining the
      surgeons' real-time movements and electromyography in the operating theater
      during different operations. The present paper examines the postures and
      movements of surgeons during real-time open and laparoscopic procedures.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen surgeons participated in the study (12 men, 2
      women). Cervical spine movements were measured using a biaxial inclinometer
      attached to the surgeon's head via a headband. Biaxial electrogoniometers were
      attached to the surgeon's bilateral shoulder joints. Real-time joint movements in
      sagittal and coronal planes were recorded during open and laparoscopic surgeries
      for periods ranging from 30 to 80 min. RESULTS: Surgeons generally maintained a
      flexed neck posture during open surgery and a more extended neck posture during
      laparoscopic procedures. There were statistically significant differences in mean
      neck posture and mean left shoulder abduction posture between the two types of
      surgery. Laparoscopic procedures showed a trend for longer duration in static
      posture in the neck, while open procedures showed trends for higher frequencies
      of movements. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented a novel approach to quantify the
      physical workload of surgeons using biomechanical parameters to describe duration
      of static posture and repetitiveness of movements. Results showed that long
      durations of static postures in laparoscopic surgery were closely associated with
      low-level muscle tension, which may contribute to an increased risk of surgeons
      developing musculoskeletal disorders.

PMID- 22079836
TI  - Vitamin D regulation of immune function in the gut: why do T cells have vitamin D
      receptors?
AB  - Low vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of immune-mediated
      diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans. Experimentally vitamin
      D status is a factor that shapes the immune response. Animals that are either
      vitamin D deficient or vitamin D receptor (VDR) deficient are prone to develop
      IBD. Conventional T cells develop normally in VDR knockout (KO) mice but over
      produce IFN-gamma and IL-17. Naturally occurring FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are
      present in normal numbers in VDR KO mice and function as well as wildtype T regs.
      Vitamin D and the VDR are required for the development and function of two
      regulatory populations of T cells that require non-classical MHC class 1 for
      development. The two vitamin D dependent cell types are the iNKT cells and
      CD4/CD8alphaalpha intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). Protective immune responses
      that depend on iNKT cells or CD8alphaalpha IEL are therefore impaired in the
      vitamin D or VDR deficient host and the mice are more susceptible to immune
      mediated diseases in the gut.

PMID- 22079838
TI  - Predicting mortality in high-risk coronary artery bypass: surgeon versus risk
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk models are useful in evaluating and comparing surgical outcomes,
      but surgeons may not always agree with the risk estimates derived from these
      models, particularly in high-risk cases. We examined the concordance between
      surgeons' and a risk model's predictions of operative mortality in high-risk
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients, and we attempted to identify the
      reasons for any discrepancies. METHODS: From the Veterans Affairs Continuous
      Improvement in Cardiac Surgery Program (CICSP), a prospective database and
      cardiac surgery risk model, we obtained data regarding 181 high-risk, isolated
      CABG cases performed at a single institution between April 1998 and April 2008.
      Cases were considered high risk if the surgeon estimated the patient's operative
      mortality risk to be >= 10%. We compared the mortality predictions made by
      surgeons and the risk model by using the signed-rank test and investigated cases
      in which there was a significant discrepancy (at least 2-fold) between the two
      predictions. RESULTS: The observed 30-d/in-hospital and 180-d mortality rates
      were 6.1% (11/181) and 11.0% (20/181), respectively. The mean operative mortality
      prediction made by surgeons (12.0% +/- 5.3%) was higher than that made by the
      risk model (7.5% +/- 8.5%) (P < 0.001). There was significant discrepancy between
      the surgeon and risk model estimates in 62% (113/181) of cases. In 53% (60/113)
      of these cases, the surgeon reported having considered risk factors not included
      in the CICSP model, including (most commonly) possible need for an additional
      procedure (n = 15), compromised mobility (n = 11), liver disease (n = 9),
      hematologic or immunologic disease (n = 6), and quality of targets (n = 5).
      CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk CABG cases, surgeon and CICSP risk estimates often
      disagreed markedly, partly because some disease entities of concern to surgeons
      are not included in the risk model. The higher mortality risk estimated by the
      surgeons is a better reflection of the considerable mortality risk that extends
      up to 180 days after surgery.

PMID- 22079839
TI  - Barriers to accessing surgical care in Pakistan: healthcare barrier model and
      quantitative systematic review.
AB  - Inadequate access to surgical services results in increased morbidity and
      mortality from a spectrum of conditions in Pakistan. We employed a modification
      of Andersen's model of health services utilization and developed a 'Healthcare
      Barrier Model,' to characterize the barriers to accessing health care in
      developing countries, using surgical care in Pakistan as a case study. We
      performed a literature search from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Global Health
      Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and selected 64 of
      3113 references for analysis. Patient-related variables included age (elderly),
      gender (female), preferential use of alternative health providers (Hakeem,
      traditional healers, others), personal perceptions regarding disease and
      potential for treatment, poverty, personal expenses for healthcare, lack of
      social support, geographic constraints to accessing a health facility, and
      compromised general health status as it relates to the development of surgical
      disease. Environmental barriers include deficiencies in governance, the burden of
      displaced or refugee populations, and aspects of the medicolegal system, which
      impact treatment and referral. Barriers relating to the health system include
      deficiencies in capacity (infrastructure, physical resources, human resources)
      and organization, and inadequate monitoring. Provider-related barriers include
      deficiencies in knowledge and skills (and ongoing educational opportunities),
      delays in referral, deficient communication, and deficient numbers of female
      health providers for female patients. The Healthcare Barrier model addresses this
      broad spectrum of barriers and is designed to help formulate a framework of
      healthcare barriers. To overcome these barriers will require a multidisciplinary,
      multisectoral effort aimed at strengthening the health system.

PMID- 22079840
TI  - Function of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofiber in reduction of adhesion
      bands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the anti-adhesive and anti
      inflammatory effects of electrospun nanofibrous membranes made of
      polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-L-lactide (PLLA), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)
      (PLGA), and polyethersulfune (PES) in comparison with the oxidized-regenerated
      cellulose (Interceed). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using an adhesion induction model
      in mice, the membranes were sutured between the abdominal wall and peritoneum
      after surgical operation to reveal the best membrane for prevention of
      postoperative adhesion bands using two scoring adhesion systems. RESULTS:
      Compared with other membranes, PLGA, PCL, and Interceed membranes showed a
      greater ability to reduce adhesions. The lowest level of inflammation in adhesive
      tissues as well as cell attachment in vitro was detected for PLGA nanofibrous
      membranes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that in considering the FDA
      approved polymers, nanofibrous membranes prepared from PLGA exhibited the highest
      efficacy for the prevention of postoperative adhesion bands and hold promising
      potential for application as a new anti-adhesive agent.

PMID- 22079841
TI  - Curcumin protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat skeletal muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Curcumin has been shown to decrease ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury
      in kidney or brain tissues. In this study, the effects of curcumin were evaluated
      in skeletal muscle during I/R injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hind limb ischemia
      was induced by clamping the common femoral artery and vein. After 4 h ischemia,
      the clamp of the femoral vessels of animals was taken off and the animal
      underwent 2 h reperfusion. We measured plasma concentrations of interleukin-1beta
      (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The right gastrocnemius muscle was harvested and
      immediately stored at -30 degrees C for the assessment of superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and measurement of glutathione (GSH),
      malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein oxidation (PO) levels. Curcumin (100 mg/kg),
      alpha-tocopherol, and normal saline (10 mL /kg1) were administered
      intraperitoneally 1 h prior reperfusion. RESULTS: Plasma TNF-alpha or IL-1beta
      levels increased significantly in I/R group. The plasma levels of these
      proinflammatory cytokines were reduced in curcumin group. Muscle tissues of I/R
      groups revealed significantly higher antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase,
      glutathione peroxidase, catalase) activities, and increased levels of
      malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and protein carbonyl content compared with the
      SHAM group. Levels of these parameters in muscle revealed significant reductions
      in the I/R + curcumin group compared witho the I/R group. Curcumin has more
      potent antioxidant activity than vitamin E in the skeletal muscle I/R.
      CONCLUSION: In this study, protective effects of curcumin against skeletal muscle
      ischemia-reperfusion injury have been revealed. We underscore the necessity of
      human studies with curcumin that would be hypothetically beneficial preventing
      skeletal muscle I/R injury.

PMID- 22079842
TI  - Direct measurement of blood flow in microvessels grown in Matrigel in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Matrigel assay provides a versatile platform to examine vessel
      growth. Similarly, the microsphere method is used extensively in laboratory
      animals to measure tissue-specific blood flow. However, microsphere models have
      not been used with Matrigel to study angiogenesis in live animals. The goal of
      this study was to develop a novel technique to directly measure blood flow with
      microspheres in vessels grown in Matrigel in vivo. METHODS: In calves (n = 10,
      110 +/- 5 kg), 5 mL of Matrigel was injected subcutaneously. After 10 d, a
      percutaneous cardiac catheterization was performed. Fluorescent-labeled 15 MUm
      microspheres were injected into the left ventricular chamber to distribute
      throughout the body based on systemic blood flow patterns. Afterwards, Matrigel
      plugs were removed, and animals were recovered. Flow cytometry was used to count
      microspheres and quantify blood flow within the plug. FITC-conjugated isolectin
      B4 staining was performed to quantify Matrigel capillary density. Flow cytometry
      was performed to quantify circulating plasma CD34(+) cells. Linear regressions
      were used to determine relationships between Matrigel blood flow, Matrigel
      capillary density, and plasma CD34(+) cells. RESULTS: Over 10 d, small-caliber
      vessels grew into subcutaneous Matrigel plugs. Microspheres lodged throughout the
      plug and indicated that newly grown vessels in the Matrigel were functional and
      able to accommodate blood flow. Modest associations between Matrigel blood flow,
      Matrigel capillary density, and circulating plasma CD34(+) cells were noted.
      CONCLUSION: This method provides a novel and cost-effective technique to measure
      blood flow within vessels grown in Matrigel in vivo.

PMID- 22079843
TI  - Protective effects of lycopene on cerulein-induced experimental acute
      pancreatitis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the protective effect of the
      strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, lycopene, on oxidative stress in
      a rat model of cerulein-induced acute edematous pancreatitis. METHODS: Sprague
      Dawley rats were pretreated with lycopene (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline 15 min
      before cerulein was given 20 MUg/kg (i.p.) at 1-h intervals within 4 h. Twelve
      hours after cerulein or saline injections, the animals were killed by
      decapitation. Blood samples were collected to analyze amylase, lipase, and
      proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta). Pancreatic tissues were taken
      for the determination of tissue glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)
      levels, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. Tissue samples
      were also examined histologically. RESULTS: Acute pancreatitis caused significant
      decrease in tissue GSH levels and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, while pancreatic
      MDA levels and MPO activity were increased. Furthermore, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and
      amylase lipase levels were also significantly increased. On the other hand,
      lycopene pretreatment reserved all these biochemical indices as well as
      histopathologic alterations that were induced by cerulein. CONCLUSIONS: According
      to the results, lycopene protects the pancreatic tissues from oxidative damage
      induced by cerulein, and this effect possibly involves the inhibition of
      neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that high
      dietary intake of tomatoes may have protective effects against acute
      pancreatitis.

PMID- 22079844
TI  - The ultrastructure of the fascia lata in hernia patients and healthy controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current research data indicate that a hernia is a manifestation of a
      generalized polyethiological connective tissue pathology. The goal of this study
      was to demonstrate ultrastructural differences in tissues distant from the
      hernial defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsy specimens harvested upon thigh
      surgery from 12 males aged 25-65 y were compared. Seven of these men had an
      inguinal hernia or a history thereof. Scanning electron microphotograms taken at
      a magnification of 50* were analyzed with the use of Image J software. For every
      patient, 100 thickness measurements were performed of the fibrous elements (cross
      sections) visible in five consecutive photograms. The person performing the
      measurements had no means of identifying the patient from whom the specimen had
      been harvested. RESULTS: The authors have found the thickness of the fibers to
      fall in the range from 23.441 u (ImageJ intrinsic units) to 94.878 u in the
      hernia group and 22.067 u to 303.681 u for the control group. A statistically
      significant difference was found between the mean values of thickness
      measurements of the fibrous elements in the study and control groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown that in patients with an inguinal hernia, the
      mean diameter of fibers within the fascia lata is significantly smaller. This
      appears to indicate that the process is generalized and that one can expect the
      structural alterations to occur within the connective tissue of the entire
      organism. The authors speculate that they may result from a combination of
      external and internal factors.

PMID- 22079845
TI  - A decision model of therapy for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer is
      controversial. Resection is considered the only curative treatment, but
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may offer significant advantages. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We developed a decision model for potentially resectable pancreatic
      cancer. Initial therapeutic choices were surgery, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy,
      or no treatment; subsequent decisions offered a second intervention if not
      prohibited by complications or death. Payoffs were calculated as the median
      expected survival. We gathered evidence for this model through a comprehensive
      MEDLINE search. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation is favored over initial surgery, with expected values of 18.6 and
      17.7 mo, respectively. The decision is sensitive to the probabilities of
      treatment mortality and tumor resectability. Threshold probabilities are 7.0%
      mortality of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 69.2% resectability on imaging after
      neoadjuvant therapy, and 73.7% resectability at exploration after neoadjuvant
      therapy, 92.2% resectability at initial resection, and 9.9% surgical mortality
      following chemoradiotherapy. The decision is sensitive to the utility of time
      spent in chemoradiotherapy, with surgery favored for utilities less than 0.3 and 
      0.8, for uncomplicated and complicated chemoradiotherapy, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ideal treatment for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer
      remains controversial, but recent evidence supports a slight benefit for
      neoadjuvant therapy. Our model shows that the decision is sensitive to the
      probability of tumor resectability and chemoradiation mortality, but not to rates
      of other treatment complications. With minimal benefit of one treatment over
      another based on survival alone, patient preferences will likely play an
      important role in determining best treatment.

PMID- 22079846
TI  - MG132 alleviates liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats:
      involvement of the AhR and NFkappaB pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MG132 is a potent antioxidant and has been reported to play a
      protective role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of many organs. Recent studies have
      shown that the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) may play a beneficial role in I/R
      of many organs and an AhR agonist has been implicated in an anti-inflammatory
      role. MG132 might function as an AhR agonist through proteasome inhibition,
      possibly through the inhibition of NFkappaB. Herein, we hypothesized that MG132
      may play a protective role in liver injury induced by intestinal I/R and we
      analyzed the expression behavior of AhR and NFkappaB to determine whether the two
      factors play a role in intestinal I/R. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague
      Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, I/R, MG132 control, and MG132
      pretreatment. The I/R and MG132 pretreatment groups were subjected to mesenteric
      arterial ischemia for 1 h and reperfusion for 3 h. The control and MG132 control
      groups underwent surgical preparation including isolation of the superior
      mesenteric artery (SMA) without occlusion. The MG132 control and MG132
      pretreatment groups were subjected to intraperitoneal administration of 0.5 mg/kg
      MG132 30 min before surgery. We collected serum specimens to measure TNF-alpha,
      IL-6, liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), AhR, and cyp1a2; NFkappaB,
      IkappaBalpha, and ICAM-1 were also tested. Histologic changes of liver and
      intestine were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group,
      significant increases in MDA, NFkappaB, and ICAM-1 levels were accompanied by
      decreases in AhR, cyp1a2, and IkappaBalpha expression in the liver in the I/R
      group, which is consistent with liver and intestinal tissue injury. MG132 blocked
      the alterations of the indicators above. There were no changes in the MG132
      control group compared with the control group in the indicators above.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that MG132 has a significant effect in
      protection against liver injury induced by intestinal I/R, which may be due to
      modulation of the AhR and NFkappaB pathways.

PMID- 22079847
TI  - The feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly:
      a comparative study.

PMID- 22079848
TI  - Pancreatic stump-closed pancreaticojejunostomy can be performed safely in normal
      soft pancreas cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic anastomotic failure remains the main reason for morbidity
      and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and there is no existing flawless
      pancreaticojejunal reconstruction approach to this date, especially for the
      normal soft pancreas cases. METHODS: We compared a pancreatic stump-closed
      pancreaticojejunostomy technique (group B; n = 33) with conventional duct-to
      mucosa fashion (group A; n = 30) retrospectively in 63 normal soft pancreatic
      texture cases. Some operative related data including postoperative complications,
      anastomosis time, hospital stay days, mortality rate, and relaparotomy rate were
      analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference concerning the incidences of
      postoperative morbidity, including pancreatic fistula, postpancreatectomy
      hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, intra-abdominal abscess, and remnant
      pancreatitis between two groups. The differences of anastomosis time,
      hospitalization days, relaparotomy rate, and mortality rate were also not
      significant. However, group B patients had a shorter duration (d) for healing of
      postoperative pancreatic fistula than group A (15.3 +/- 8.5 versus 33.0 +/- 14.1
      d, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For the normal soft pancreas cases, pancreatic stump
      closed pancreaticojejunostomy technique is quite safe and convenient according to
      our experience; ideal clinical results could be achieved with its application in
      the future.

PMID- 22079849
TI  - Treatment of primary isolated extramedullary plasmacytoma of esophagus with
      endoscopic submucosal dissection.

PMID- 22079850
TI  - Muscle and mortality in cirrhosis.

PMID- 22079851
TI  - Hospital-based nurses' perceptions of the adoption of Web 2.0 tools for knowledge
      sharing, learning, social interaction and the production of collective
      intelligence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Web 2.0 provides a platform or a set of tools such as blogs, wikis,
      really simple syndication (RSS), podcasts, tags, social bookmarks, and social
      networking software for knowledge sharing, learning, social interaction, and the
      production of collective intelligence in a virtual environment. Web 2.0 is also
      becoming increasingly popular in e-learning and e-social communities. OBJECTIVES:
      The objectives were to investigate how Web 2.0 tools can be applied for knowledge
      sharing, learning, social interaction, and the production of collective
      intelligence in the nursing domain and to investigate what behavioral perceptions
      are involved in the adoption of Web 2.0 tools by nurses. METHODS: The decomposed
      technology acceptance model was applied to construct the research model on which
      the hypotheses were based. A questionnaire was developed based on the model and
      data from nurses (n = 388) were collected from late January 2009 until April 30,
      2009. Pearson's correlation analysis and t tests were used for data analysis.
      RESULTS: Intention toward using Web 2.0 tools was positively correlated with
      usage behavior (r = .60, P < .05). Behavioral intention was positively correlated
      with attitude (r = .72, P < .05), perceived behavioral control (r = .58, P <
      .05), and subjective norm (r = .45, P < .05). In their decomposed constructs,
      perceived usefulness (r = .7, P < .05), relative advantage (r = .64, P < .05),
      and compatibility (r = .60,P < .05) were positively correlated with attitude, but
      perceived ease of use was not significantly correlated (r = .004, P < .05) with
      it. Peer (r = .47, P < .05), senior management (r = .24,P < .05), and hospital (r
      = .45, P < .05) influences had positive correlations with subjective norm.
      Resource (r = .41,P < .05) and technological (r = .69,P < .05) conditions were
      positively correlated with perceived behavioral control. CONCLUSIONS: The
      identified behavioral perceptions may further health policy makers' understanding
      of nurses' concerns regarding and barriers to the adoption of Web 2.0 tools and
      enable them to better plan the strategy of implementation of Web 2.0 tools for
      knowledge sharing, learning, social interaction, and the production of collective
      intelligence.

PMID- 22079852
TI  - The age-related slowing of voluntary shortening velocity exacerbates power loss
      during repeated fast knee extensions.
AB  - Older adults are less fatigable than young during isometric tasks, but this
      apparent ability to resist fatigue is often abolished when dynamic actions are
      performed. These findings could indicate that the velocity component of dynamic
      contractions or the task performed is an important factor in explaining
      fatigability of older adults. However, it has not been evaluated systematically.
      The purpose was to investigate the differences in age-related fatigue of the knee
      extensors in 8 older (73.6+/-3.5 years) and 8 younger (25.1+/-2.6 years) men.
      Neuromuscular measures were collected at baseline, during and immediately
      following task termination of three different maximal effort knee extension
      tasks. On three separate days, participants performed either 30 slow (1.05 rad.s(
      1), 60 degrees .s(-1)) or 30 moderate (3.14 rad.s(-1), 180 degrees .s(-1))
      isovelocity contractions, or 30 fast unconstrained velocity contractions with a
      fixed resistance (i.e., 20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction). At
      baseline, the older men were 25% and 35% less powerful than the younger men for
      the slow and moderate isovelocity tasks, respectively, but 42% less for the fast
      unconstrained velocity protocol. At task termination for the slow (old: 53%,
      young: 53%) and moderate (old: 45%, young: 38%) isovelocity fatigue tasks, power
      was reduced similarly in both age groups. However, for the fast unconstrained
      velocity task, power was reduced by a greater extent in older (35%) than the
      younger men (23%) at task termination. These results highlight that age-related
      impairments in voluntary shortening velocity exacerbate reductions in power
      production during repetitive dynamic tasks. Furthermore, the importance of this
      factor is masked when velocity is constrained (isovelocity) and fatigue is
      dependent primarily upon slow torque generation.

PMID- 22079853
TI  - Influence of age and fall type on head injuries in infants and toddlers.
AB  - Age-based differences in fall type and neuroanatomy in infants and toddlers may
      affect clinical presentations and injury patterns. OBJECTIVE: Our goal is to
      understand the influence of fall type and age on injuries to help guide clinical
      evaluation. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Retrospectively, 285 children 0-48
      months with accidental head injury from a fall and brain imaging between 2000 and
      2006 were categorized by age (infant <=1 year and toddler=1-4 years) and fall
      type: low (<=3 ft), intermediate (>3 and <10 ft), high height falls (>=10 ft) and
      stair falls. OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical manifestations were noted and head
      injuries separated into primary (bleeding) and secondary (hypoxia, edema). The
      influence of age and fall type on head injuries sustained was evaluated. RESULTS:
      Injury patterns in children <4 years varied with age. Despite similar injury
      severity scores, infants sustained more skull fractures than toddlers (71% vs.
      39%). Of children with skull fractures, 11% had no evidence of scalp/facial soft
      tissue swelling. Of the patients with primary intracranial injury, 30% had no
      skull fracture and 8% had neither skull fracture nor cranial soft tissue injury.
      Low height falls resulted in primary intracranial injury without soft tissue or
      skull injury in infants (6%) and toddlers (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Within a given fall
      type, age-related differences in injuries exist between infants and toddlers.
      When interpreting a fall history, clinicians must consider the fall type and
      influence of age on resulting injury. For young children, intracranial injury is
      not always accompanied by external manifestations of their injury.

PMID- 22079854
TI  - Evaluation of pulse wave velocity in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid
      arthritis and Behcet's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Connective tissue diseases involve characteristic inflammatory
      lesions in the cardiovascular system, in addition to other systems. The
      involvement of the cardiovascular system in the course of connective tissue
      diseases may result in serious morbidity and mortality. Pulse wave velocity which
      is an indicator of arterial dilatation capacity may predict cardiovascular risk
      of patients. Pulse wave velocity is inversely proportional to arterial dilatation
      capacity. Decreased dilatation capacity leads to a reduction in arterial blood
      pressure and flow dynamics and impairment in coronary perfusion. METHODS: In our
      study, we examined pulse wave velocity in frequent chronic inflammatory
      rheumatologic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and
      Behcet's disease. A total of 98 subjects participated in our study including 24
      patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (4 males, 20 females; mean age
      42.5 +/- 11.5 years), 22 patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus
      erythematosus (1 male, 21 females; mean age 35.8 +/- 11.1 years), 33 patients
      with newly diagnosed Behcet's disease (26 males, 7 females; mean age 32.7 +/- 8.0
      years), and 19 healthy subjects in the control group (10 males, 9 females; mean
      age 36.2 +/- 15.0 years). Aorta pulse wave velocity was determined by Complior
      Colson (Createch Industrie, Garges les Gonesses, France) device which allowed for
      pulse wave recording and automated measurement. RESULTS: Pulse wave velocity was
      higher in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behcet's
      disease groups compared to the control group. When all variables were included in
      the regression analysis only age was found to affect pulse wave velocity
      independently. CONCLUSION: Pulse wave velocity was found to be high in chronic
      inflammatory connective tissue diseases compared to the control group. However,
      no difference was found between groups. Age was determined as the most important
      independent variable in the regression analysis.

PMID- 22079855
TI  - Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin in patients with acute
      non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention with drug-eluting stents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin is equivalent
      to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 2397
      NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI with DES received either LMWH [n=1178,
      subcutaneous enoxaparin 1 mg/kg, b.i.d., initiated after the patient's arrival
      and continued until 3-5 days after PCI plus reduced dose of UFH (50-70 U/kg)
      during PCI] or UFH (n=1219, 24,000U/day infusion, initiated after the patient's
      arrival and continued until at least 48 h after PCI). The bleeding events and
      clinical outcomes during in-hospital and at 8 months were compared. RESULTS:
      Enoxaparin group had similar incidences of cardiac death, total death, and total
      major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 8 months compared with UFH group. The
      incidences of major and minor bleeding events were also similar between the two
      groups. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that enoxaparin group had
      similar incidences of cardiac death [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.16, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.64-2.10, p=0.620], total death (adjusted OR 1.08, 95%
      CI 0.66-1.76, p=0.760), and total MACE (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69-1.28,
      p=0.692) at 8 months as compared with UFH group. CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin with
      reduced dose of UFH only during PCI as an adjunctive antithrombotic therapy in
      NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI with DES was safe and showed comparable 8-month
      clinical outcomes as compared with UFH alone.

PMID- 22079856
TI  - Extremely sustained startle-induced clonus: non epileptic motor attacks mimicking
      clonic seizures in children with encephalopathy.
AB  - Clonus is a pathological motor pattern characterised by involuntary, rhythmic and
      brisk muscular contractions in response to peripheral stimuli producing muscle
      stretching. It indicates pathological involvement of the corticospinal tract and
      can be considered as a functional spastic movement disorder of variable clinical
      presentation and duration. We documented severe and prolonged episodes of startle
      induced clonic attacks associated with severe apnoea, occurring in three infants
      with severe encephalopathy. The clinical characteristics of such episodes are
      very similar to those of clonic epileptic seizures. Video-EEG recordings
      confirmed the non epileptic origin of the episodes. Previous anti-epileptic drug
      treatment was unsuccessful but myorelaxing drugs produced a dramatic improvement.

PMID- 22079857
TI  - Functional significance of some particular amino acid residues in Bombyx mori
      pyridoxal kinase.
AB  - Pyridoxal kinase (PLK; EC 2.7.1.35) is a key enzyme for vitamin B(6) metabolism
      in animals. It catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of pyridoxal,
      generating pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, an important cofactor for many enzymatic
      reactions. Bombyx mori PLK (BmPLK) is 10 or more residues shorter than mammalian
      PLKs, and some amino acid residues conserved in the PLKs from mammals are not
      maintained in the protein. Multiple sequence alignment suggested that amino acid
      residues Thr(47), Ile(54), Arg(88), Asn(121) and Glu(230) might play important
      roles in BmPLK. In this study, we used a site-directed specific mutagenesis
      approach to determine the functional significance of these particular amino acid
      residues in BmPLK. Our results demonstrated that the mutation of Asn(121) to Glu
      did not affect the catalytic function of BmPLK. The corresponding site-directed
      mutants of Thr(47) to Asn, Ile(54) to Phe, and Arg(88) to Ile displayed a
      decreased catalytic efficiency and an elevated Km value for substrate relative to
      the wild-type value, and no enzyme activity could be detected in mutant of
      Trp(230) to Glu. Circular dichroism analysis revealed that the mutation of
      Trp(230) to Glu resulted in mis-folding of the protein. Our results provided
      direct evidence that residue Trp(230) is crucial to maintain the structural and
      functional integrity of BmPLK. This study will add to the existing understanding
      of the characteristic of structure and function of BmPLK.

PMID- 22079858
TI  - Characterization of periostin isoform pattern in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The extracellular matrix N-glycoprotein periostin (OSF-2, POSTN) is
      a major constituent of the desmoplastic stroma around solid tumors. It promotes
      tumor invasion and metastasis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In
      this study we investigated periostin expression at both RNA and protein level as
      well as the expression pattern of its splice isoforms in non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Thirty fresh frozen and corresponding formalin-fixed
      NSCLC tissues (adeno- and squamous cell carcinoma subtype, each n=15) and their
      matched non-neoplastic tissues were investigated. Periostin mRNA levels were
      analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. The EMT-markers periostin and vimentin were
      analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Laser capture microdissection allowed for
      analysis of periostin expression in tumor epithelia and stroma, separately.
      Isoform patterns were investigated by isoform-specific PCR following sequencing
      in NSCLC, fetal and adult normal lung tissue. RESULTS: The qRT-PCR analysis
      showed periostin mRNA up-regulation in NSCLC tissue in relation to normal lung,
      with significantly higher levels in the adeno-compared to the squamous cell
      subtype (p<0.05). However, protein levels in both tumor epithelia and stroma
      correlated with squamous cell carcinoma (p<0.001) and larger tumor size (p<0.05).
      Further, periostin tumor epithelia expression, correlated with higher tumor grade
      (p<0.05). Sequence analysis detected eight periostin isoforms in fetal lung, but
      only five in both NSCLC and matched normal lung tissue. Among the eight isoforms,
      four are new and were labelled 5, 7, 8 and 9. The exclusive presence of isoforms
      1 and 9 in fetal tissue suggests splice-specific regulation during lung
      embryogenesis. Finally, laser capture microdissection demonstrated that both
      tumor epithelia and stromal cells can be a source of periostin production in
      NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first analysis of periostin isoform
      expression patterns in NSCLC and a characterization of periostin expression in
      cancer versus stromal cells at both RNA and protein level.

PMID- 22079859
TI  - Prognostic value of elevated SHIP2 expression in laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: SHIP2, an important negative regulator of insulin signaling,
      has recently been found to be involved in cancer development and progression.
      METHODS: In this study, immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate SHIP2
      expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) clinical samples.
      Additionally, the relationship of SHIP2 expression to clinicopathological
      parameters and prognosis was investigated. RESULTS: SHIP2 expression was detected
      in 42 (42/54, 77.8%) primary tumor samples but only in three (3/16, 18.75%)
      adjacent normal samples (p <0.001). Moreover, SHIP2 expression was closely
      associated with T classification (p = 0.006), clinical stage (I + II/III + IV) (p
      = 0.001), metastasis (p = 0.002) and recurrence (p = 0.004). Survival analysis
      revealed that high SHIP2 expression was significantly associated with shorter
      disease-free and overall survival (both p <0.001). When lymph node status and
      SHIP2 expression were combined, lymph node-positive patients with SHIP2
      overexpression had both poorer disease-free and overall survival than the others
      (both p <0.001). Multivariate analysis further demonstrated that SHIP2 was an
      independent prognostic factor for patients with LSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively,
      these results support the hypothesis that SHIP2 may play a critical role in the
      initiation and progression of LSCC and may serve as both a prognostic marker and
      a potential therapeutic target in patients with LSCC.

PMID- 22079860
TI  - Prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children from six cities of
      northeast China.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study was carried out to assess and investigate the
      prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool-age children living in
      northeast China using the World Health Organization (WHO), International Obesity
      Task Force (IOTF) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standard
      criteria and to explore the differences in estimates by using the three reference
      standards. METHODS: We used data from 8,653 preschool children with an average
      age of 5.02 years. Weight and height were obtained for each child and body mass
      index (BMI) was calculated. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was then
      determined using the CDC, IOTF and WHO guidelines. RESULTS: According to the IOTF
      reference, 10.98% of the children were overweight and 6.08% were obese. The CDC
      reference classified 11.27% as overweight and 11.72% as obese. However, with the
      WHO reference, 10.93% were overweight and 13.81% were obese. There was
      significant gender difference in the prevalence of overweight and obesity based
      on the CDC and WHO references. According to age classification, differences in
      the frequencies of obesity in both boys and girls reached statistical
      significance using the three references, and the differences were gradually
      improved from the WHO to CDC and IOTF cut-off points. In this study, the WHO and
      the CDC references demonstrated a high level of agreement (kappa = 0.89).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate overweight and obesity prevalence among
      preschool children in northeast China is comparable to some Western countries.
      The WHO reported a much higher prevalence of obesity compared to other
      references. Age, gender and method differences in the prevalence of overweight
      and obesity suggested a systematic evaluation of the preschool children in China.

PMID- 22079861
TI  - Iron deficiency is associated with increased levels of blood cadmium in the
      Korean general population: analysis of 2008-2009 Korean National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We present data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey 2008-2009 on the distribution of blood cadmium levels and
      their association with iron deficiency in a representative sample of the adult
      Korean population. METHODS: Serum ferritin was categorized into three levels: low
      (serum ferritin <15.0 MUg/L), low normal (15.0-30.0 MUg/L for women and 15.0-50.0
      for men), and normal (>=30.0 MUg/L for women and >=50.0 for men), and its
      association with blood cadmium level was assessed after adjustment for various
      demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Geometric means of blood cadmium in
      the low serum ferritin group in women, men, and all participants were
      significantly higher than in the normal group. Additionally, multiple regression
      analysis after adjusting for various covariates showed that blood cadmium was
      significantly higher in the low-ferritin group in women, men, and all
      participants compared with the normal group. We also found an association between
      serum ferritin and blood cadmium among never-smoking participants. DISCUSSION: We
      found, similar to other recent population-based studies, an association between
      iron deficiency and increased blood cadmium in men and women, independent of
      smoking status. The results of the present study show that iron deficiency is
      associated with increased levels of blood cadmium in the general population.

PMID- 22079862
TI  - Road traffic crashes and the protective effect of road curvature over small
      areas.
AB  - Road bends are known to cause traffic crashes, but the hypothesis in this study
      was that small geographical areas with many road bends have less, not more, road
      casualties than comparable areas with fewer bends. Data on road crashes involving
      fatal, serious and slight casualties in 571 wards in Eastern England were
      examined against four measures of average road curvature (mean angle per bend,
      cumulative angle per km, number of bends per km and ratio of road distance to
      straight distance) using regression analysis. Taking account of other risk
      factors, measures of average road curvature in wards were negatively associated
      with crash numbers, especially for fatal crashes. The strongest associations were
      with the cumulative angle turned per km. The results add to evidence suggesting
      that road casualty risk effects vary with geographical scale. Although individual
      road bends might be hazardous, frequent bends have a protective effect over a few
      kilometres of road.

PMID- 22079864
TI  - Novel (E)-1-(4-methyl-2-(alkylamino)thiazol-5-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones as
      potent antimicrobial agents.
AB  - New (E)-1-(4-methyl-2-(alkylamino)thiazol-5-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones,
      unsubstituted or carrying fluoro, bromo, methoxy, nitro, methyl and chloro groups
      on the benzene ring, were synthesized and assayed in vitro for their
      antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and
      fungi. The compounds were very potent towards all tested microorganisms and in
      most cases their activity was better than that of reference drugs.

PMID- 22079863
TI  - Photoaffinity labeling of Ras converting enzyme using peptide substrates that
      incorporate benzoylphenylalanine (Bpa) residues: improved labeling and structural
      implications.
AB  - Rce1p catalyzes the proteolytic trimming of C-terminal tripeptides from
      isoprenylated proteins containing CAAX-box sequences. Because Rce1p processing is
      a necessary component in the Ras pathway of oncogenic signal transduction, Rce1p
      holds promise as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. However, its
      mechanism of proteolysis and active site have yet to be defined. Here, we
      describe synthetic peptide analogues that mimic the natural lipidated Rce1p
      substrate and incorporate photolabile groups for photoaffinity-labeling
      applications. These photoactive peptides are designed to crosslink to residues in
      or near the Rce1p active site. By incorporating the photoactive group via p
      benzoyl-l-phenylalanine (Bpa) residues directly into the peptide substrate
      sequence, the labeling efficiency was substantially increased relative to a
      previously-synthesized compound. Incorporation of biotin on the N-terminus of the
      peptides permitted photolabeled Rce1p to be isolated via streptavidin affinity
      capture. Our findings further suggest that residues outside the CAAX-box sequence
      are in contact with Rce1p, which has implications for future inhibitor design.

PMID- 22079865
TI  - Anti-cancer activity of 5-O-alkyl 1,4-imino-1,4-dideoxyribitols.
AB  - New derivatives of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-ribitol have been prepared and
      evaluated for their cytotoxicity on solid and haematological malignancies. 1,4
      Dideoxy-5-O-[(9Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yl]-1,4-imino-D-ribitol (13, IC(50) ~2 MUM) and
      its C(18)-analogues (IC(50) <10 MUM) are cytotoxic toward SKBR3 (breast cancer)
      cells. 13 also inhibits (IC(50) ~8 MUM) growth of JURKAT cells.

PMID- 22079866
TI  - Photoligation of self-assembled DNA constructs containing anthracene
      functionalized 2'-amino-LNA monomers.
AB  - Efficient synthesis of a novel anthracene-functionalized 2'-amino-LNA
      phosphoramidite derivative is described together with its incorporation into
      oligodeoxynucleotides. Two DNA strands with the novel 2'-N-anthracenylmethyl-2'
      amino-LNA monomers can be effectively cross-linked by photoligation at 366 nm in
      various types of DNA constructs. Successful application of three differently
      functionalized 2'-amino-LNA monomers in self-assembled higher ordered structures
      for simultaneous cross-linking and monitoring of assembly formation is
      furthermore demonstrated.

PMID- 22079867
TI  - Synthesis and biological effects of some kynurenic acid analogs.
AB  - The overactivation of excitatory amino acid receptors plays a key role in the
      pathomechanism of several neurodegenerative disorders and in ischemic and post
      ischemic events. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous product of the tryptophan
      metabolism and, as a broad-spectrum antagonist of excitatory amino acid
      receptors, may serve as a protective agent in neurological disorders. The use of
      KYNA is excluded, however, because it hardly crosses the blood-brain barrier.
      Accordingly, new KYNA analogs which can readily cross this barrier and exert
      their complex anti-excitatory activity are generally needed. During the past 6
      years, we have developed several KYNA derivatives, among others KYNA amides.
      These new analogs included one, N-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)-4-oxo-1H-quinoline-2
      carboxamide hydrochloride (KYNA-1), that has proved to be neuroprotective in
      several models. This paper reports on the synthesis of 10 new KYNA amides (KYNA-1
      KYNA-10) and on the effectiveness of these molecules as inhibitors of excitatory
      synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The molecular
      structure and functional effects of KYNA-1 are compared with those of other KYNA
      amides. Behavioral studies with these KYNA amides demonstrated that they do not
      exert significant nonspecific general side-effects. KYNA-1 may therefore be
      considered a promising candidate for clinical studies.

PMID- 22079868
TI  - A rapid, targeted, neuron-selective, in vivo knockdown following a single
      intracerebroventricular injection of a novel chemically modified siRNA in the
      adult rat brain.
AB  - There has been a dramatic expansion of the literature on RNA interference and
      with it, increasing interest in the potential clinical utility of targeted
      inhibition of gene expression and associated protein knockdown. However, a
      critical factor limiting the experimental and therapeutic application of RNA
      interference is the ability to deliver small interfering RNAs (siRNAs),
      particularly in the central nervous system, without complications such as
      toxicity and inflammation. Here we show that a single intracerebroventricular
      injection of Accell siRNA, a new type of naked siRNA that has been modified
      chemically to allow for delivery in the absence of transfection reagents, even
      into differentiated cells such mature neurons, leads to neuron-specific protein
      knockdown in the adult rat brain. Following in vivo delivery, targeted Accell
      siRNAs were incorporated successfully into various types of mature neurons, but
      not glia, for 1 week in diverse brain regions (cortex, striatum, hippocampus,
      midbrain, and cerebellum) with an efficacy of delivery of approximately 97%.
      Immunohistochemical and Western blotting analyses revealed widespread, targeted
      inhibition of the expression of two well-known reference proteins, cyclophilin-B
      (38-68% knockdown) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (23-34%
      knockdown). These findings suggest that this novel procedure is likely to be
      useful in experimental investigations of neuropathophysiological mechanisms.

PMID- 22079869
TI  - Enrichment of ANME-1 from Eckernforde Bay sediment on thiosulfate, methane and
      short-chain fatty acids.
AB  - The microorganisms involved in sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane
      (AOM) have not yet been isolated. In an attempt to stimulate the growth of
      anaerobic methanotrophs and associated sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB),
      Eckernforde Bay sediment was incubated with different combinations of electron
      donors and acceptors. The organisms involved in AOM coupled to sulfate reduction
      (ANME-1, ANME-2, and Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus) were monitored using specific
      primers and probes. With thiosulfate as sole electron acceptor and acetate,
      pyruvate or butyrate as the sole electron donor, ANME-1 became the dominant
      archaeal species. This finding suggests that ANME-1 archaea are not obligate
      methanotrophs and that ANME-1 can grow on acetate, pyruvate or butyrate.

PMID- 22079871
TI  - Nocturia in older men.
AB  - Nocturia is a common and bothersome symptom that impacts on sleep-quality and
      quality of life. Nocturia often has a multi-factorial etiology which makes
      thorough assessment of the complaint indispensable. This review summarizes the
      definition of nocturia, its epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology,
      diagnostics, and treatment options with special reference to older men. Nocturia
      is defined as a nocturnal voiding frequency of two or more, based on impact on
      quality of life. It is very prevalent in older men. Apart from the negative
      effects of sleep-disruption, it may be a risk-factor for hip fractures and
      increased mortality. Most common causes are: nocturnal polyuria, 24-h polyuria,
      overactive bladder (sometimes due to BPH) and sleep disturbance. A clear
      understanding of the etiology in the individual patient is indispensable when
      addressing the various possible causes and co-morbidities. Most important tool
      for this is the frequency-volume chart, but also patient history, physical
      examination and serum analysis. For treatment, lifestyle adjustments are often
      helpful. Medical therapy with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, alpha-blockers, a
      combination of the two, or anti-muscarinics, has a limited effect. Most important
      medical option is desmopressin (arginine vasopressin analogue); however,
      treatment with this drug is limited to men under 65 years mainly due to the risk
      of hyponatraemia.

PMID- 22079870
TI  - Evaluating the unequal-variance and dual-process explanations of zROC slopes with
      response time data and the diffusion model.
AB  - We tested two explanations for why the slope of the z-transformed receiver
      operating characteristic (zROC) is less than 1 in recognition memory: the unequal
      variance account (target evidence is more variable than lure evidence) and the
      dual-process account (responding reflects both a continuous familiarity process
      and a threshold recollection process). These accounts are typically implemented
      in signal detection models that do not make predictions for response time (RT)
      data. We tested them using RT data and the diffusion model. Participants
      completed multiple study/test blocks of an "old"/"new" recognition task with the
      proportion of targets and the test varying from block to block (.21, .32, .50,
      .68, or .79 targets). The same participants completed sessions with both speed
      emphasis and accuracy-emphasis instructions. zROC slopes were below one for both
      speed and accuracy sessions, and they were slightly lower for speed. The
      extremely fast pace of the speed sessions (mean RT=526) should have severely
      limited the role of the slower recollection process relative to the fast
      familiarity process. Thus, the slope results are not consistent with the idea
      that recollection is responsible for slopes below 1. The diffusion model was able
      to match the empirical zROC slopes and RT distributions when between-trial
      variability in memory evidence was greater for targets than for lures, but missed
      the zROC slopes when target and lure variability were constrained to be equal.
      Therefore, unequal variability in continuous evidence is supported by RT modeling
      in addition to signal detection modeling. Finally, we found that a two-choice
      version of the RTCON model could not accommodate the RT distributions as
      successfully as the diffusion model.

PMID- 22079872
TI  - Oophorectomy for whom and at what age? Primum non nocere.

PMID- 22079873
TI  - ICDP approach to awareness-raising about children's rights and preventing
      violence, child abuse, and neglect.
AB  - In April 2011, the Committee on the Rights of the Child issued the General
      Comment No. 13 on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence.
      Its Article 19 declares that "protective measures should, as appropriate, include
      effective procedures for the establishment of social programs to provide
      necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child."
      One available social program that focuses on providing support for parents,
      caregivers and children is the International Child Development Program (ICDP),
      which is presented in this article. The ICDP is designed to influence and improve
      the quality of contact and relation between the caregivers, usually parents, and
      children, through the practical application of the eight themes or guidelines for
      positive interaction. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a value-based
      legal document ratified by most countries in the world. This is a significant
      achievement and it gives a new basis and legitimization for a more humane
      treatment of children all over the world. Nevertheless, it is important to
      understand that there is a big gap between a legal document describing ideal
      conditions for children at a macro-governmental level and its implementation at
      the microlevel of families and communities. The ICDP is another expression of the
      same humanitarian spirit as it is encoded in the convention of children' rights.
      ICDP can be put in practice in any community to create positive conditions for
      the fulfillment of fundamental children's rights: the right to be protected from
      violence and to receive the loving care and guidance from the immediate
      environment which is required to ensure healthy human development. Introducing
      children's rights is likely to have a major impact on families (and all levels of
      authorities) if efforts are also made to activate awareness and deeper bonding to
      children as persons. Without a deep activation of a more humanized and caring
      relationship to children, provided by social programs such as ICDP, the advocacy
      for children's rights may become an empty shell without its basis in human
      realities.

PMID- 22079874
TI  - Determination of the heterogeneous interactome between Edwardsiella tarda and
      fish gills.
AB  - Edwardsiellosis caused by Edwardsiella tarda is a frequent occurrence throughout
      the world and has resulted in extensive losses in aquaculture. However,
      information regarding to protein-protein interaction between the pathogenic cells
      and host is not available although the portal of entry of the pathogen is
      determined. In this study, fish gill and bacterial pull-down approaches were used
      to isolate both bacterial outer membrane proteins that bind to gills and fish
      gill proteins that interact with bacterial cells, respectively. Eight interacting
      bacterial proteins and twelve interacting fish proteins were obtained. The genes
      of seven bacterial proteins were cloned and expressed for preparation of
      antibodies. The prepared antibodies were used to investigate protein-protein
      interactions between bacterial cells and fish gills. Five heterogeneous protein
      protein interactions were determined. Moreover, the protective ability of three
      of the bacterial recombinant proteins, selected at random, was investigated in a
      mouse model where they showed significant protection. The gill proteins were
      highly homologous proteins with from humans and other animals where they are
      known to be involved in host immunity. These findings indicate that the
      heterogeneous interactome has significantly biological significance. Our results
      demonstrate a way to determine and understand the heterogeneous interaction
      between of E. tarda and gills.

PMID- 22079875
TI  - Femoral tunnel widening after hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
      with bioabsorbable transfix.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous reports have shown that bio-Transfix implants (Arthrex,
      Naples, Florida) have the possibility of fracture during the early postoperative
      period. However, to date, there exists no study reporting the radiological and
      clinical significance of broken bio-Transfix implants. HYPOTHESIS: A broken bio
      Transfix results in adverse effects, both radiologically and clinically. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Hamstring anterior cruciate
      ligament (ACL) reconstructions using bio-Transfix in 50 patients with a minimum
      of 2 years' postoperative follow-up were reviewed. On the anteroposterior (AP)
      and lateral radiographs, the diameter of the femoral tunnel was measured at the
      widest diameter and compared with the diameter of the reamer used at surgery.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained 6 months postoperatively for
      all patients to evaluate the condition of bio-Transfix implants. The patients
      were divided into intact and broken bio-Transfix groups. Postoperative stability
      evaluations were performed using the Lachman and pivot-shift tests and
      instrumented laxity testing using the KT-1000 arthrometer. Functional evaluations
      were performed using the Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale. RESULTS: Follow
      up MRI scans revealed that the bio-Transfix was broken in 11 and intact in 39
      patients. Five implants were broken within the femoral tunnel and 6 were broken
      outside the femoral tunnel. Two bio-Transfix in the intact group were bent. On
      the AP and lateral radiographs at 24 months postoperatively, the average diameter
      of the femoral tunnel in the intact group increased by 13.1% and 17.1%,
      respectively. In the broken group at 24 months postoperatively, the average
      diameter of the femoral tunnel increased by 33.6% and 26.5%, respectively. There
      were significant differences between the 2 groups in the average diameters of the
      femoral tunnel on the AP radiographs at 24 months postoperatively (P = .000).
      However, on the lateral radiographs, there were no significant differences
      between the 2 groups. Postoperative knee stability tests and functional
      evaluations showed no significant differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION:
      Broken bio-Transfix implants resulted in significant femoral tunnel widening in
      the coronal plane, although clinical results were not affected. Surgeons should
      be aware of this phenomenon when selecting a fixation device for hamstring
      grafts.

PMID- 22079876
TI  - Therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with severe limb ischemia by transplantation
      of a combination stem cell product.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Angiogenesis involves the interplay of endothelial progenitor cells,
      pericytes, growth factors, and cellular matrix components. The use of mesenchymal
      stem cells, which are closely related to pericytes and produce diverse angiogenic
      growth factors and matrix molecules, seems to be a promising therapeutic
      modality. We postulate that the use of a combination cell product (mesenchymal
      stem cells in conjunction with a source of endothelial progenitor cells) is safe
      and efficient and may optimize the clinical results obtained with the use of
      endothelial progenitor cells alone. This study assessed whether the intramuscular
      infusion of a combination cell product represents a viable, effective, and
      lasting therapeutic modality to improve perfusion in severely ischemic limbs.
      METHODS: Patients with limb ischemia (n=26) received an intramuscular
      (gastrocnemius) infusion of the combination cell product in the most ischemic leg
      and a placebo product in the (less ischemic) contralateral leg. Clinical follow
      up (months 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 postinfusion) included evaluation of pain-free
      walking time, ankle-brachial index, perfusion scintigraphy, and quality of life
      survey. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred after infusion. Efficacy assessment
      indicated that after cell infusion there was a significant improvement in walking
      time and ankle-brachial index. In addition, technetium-99m-tetrofosmin
      scintigraphy demonstrated a significant increase of perfusion in the treated
      limbs compared with the respective control legs. CONCLUSIONS: This phase II
      clinical trial shows that the use of a combination cell therapy is safe and
      effective in increasing blood flow in the ischemic legs of patients with limb
      ischemia.

PMID- 22079877
TI  - The nondepolarizing, normokalemic cardioplegia formulation adenosine-lidocaine
      (adenocaine) exerts anti-neutrophil effects by synergistic actions of its
      components.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A new strategy of normothermic cardioplegia based on the combination
      of adenosine and lidocaine (adenocaine; Hibernation Therapeutics Global Ltd,
      Kilquade, Ireland) achieves nondepolarized arrest at normokalemia. Both adenosine
      and lidocaine independently inhibit neutrophil (polymorphonuclear neutrophil;
      PMN) activity. However, whether adenocaine exerts greater anti-inflammatory
      effects is not known. We tested the hypothesis that adenocaine synergistically
      attenuates PMN functions. METHODS: Superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) generation:
      Isolated porcine PMNs were primed with cytochalasin B (5 MUg/mL) and activated by
      N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (100 nM). O(2)(-) release was quantified
      using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Data were expressed as percent of
      stimulated control. RESULTS: Both adenosine and lidocaine alone inhibited O(2)(-)
      production in a dose-dependent manner (adenosine reduced to 67% +/- 8.4% and 21%
      +/- 2.2% of maximal stimulation at 0.1 and 10 MUmol/L, respectively, lidocaine
      reduced to 57.9% +/- 18.6% and 28% +/- 5% at 10 and 100 MUmol/L, respectively).
      Adenocaine further reduced O(2)(-) generation in a synergistic manner. In
      addition, adenosine alone (0.1-10 MUmol/L) inhibited O(2)(-) generation in primed
      but not activated PMNs, whereas lidocaine alone (1-100 MUmol/L) inhibited O(2)(-)
      release in both primed and activated PMNs. Adenocaine further reduced O(2)(-)
      generation because of inhibition of both priming and activation stages. Both
      adenosine and lidocaine alone and adenocaine comparably inhibited platelet
      activating factor-induced CD11 b/c surface expression on PMNs (flow cytometry),
      but adenocaine further suppressed both CD18 expression (to 47.4% +/- 9.7%) and
      PMN adherence (to 47.2% +/- 4.3%) compared with adenosine and lidocaine alone.
      Transmigration of calcein-acetyoxymethyl-labeled PMNs through transwells seeded
      with cultured coronary artery endothelial cells was reduced comparably by
      adenosine (to 80.1% +/- 6.7%) and adenocaine (67.3% +/- 9.6%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Adenocaine suppresses multiple PMN functions including O(2)(-) generation,
      adhesion molecule expression, PMN adherence, and transmigration. In addition to
      inducing nondepolarized arrest, adenocaine cardioplegia may exert
      cardioprotection by inhibiting PMN-mediated inflammatory responses.

PMID- 22079878
TI  - Specificities of Ricinus communis agglutinin 120 interaction with sulfated
      galactose.
AB  - Lectins are used extensively as research tools to detect and target specific
      oligosaccharide sequences. Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA(120)) recognizes
      non-reducing terminal beta-D-galactose (Galbeta) and its specificities of
      interactions with neutral and sialylated oligosaccharides have been well
      documented. Here we use carbohydrate arrays of sulfated Galbeta-containing
      oligosaccharide probes, prepared from marine-derived galactans, to investigate
      their interactions with RCA(120). Our results showed that RCA(120) binding to
      Galbeta1-4 was enhanced by 2-O- or 6-O-sulfation but abolished by 4-O-sulfation.
      The results were corroborated with competition experiments. Erythrina cristagalli
      lectin is also a Galbeta-binding protein but it cannot accommodate any sulfation
      on Galbeta.

PMID- 22079879
TI  - Hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality after
      colectomy for cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship of hyperglycemia to general surgery outcomes is not
      well-understood. We studied the association of operative day and postoperative
      day 1 (POD1) blood glucose (BG) with outcomes after open colectomy for cancer.
      STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively analyzed the 2000-2005 Veterans Affairs Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program database, linked with Veterans Affairs Decision
      Support System BG values. Median BG was categorized as hypoglycemic (<80 mg/dL);
      normoglycemic (BG 80-120 mg/dL); or mildly (BG 121-160 mg/dL), moderately (BG 161
      200 mg/dL), or severely (BG >200 mg/dL) hyperglycemic. The relationship of BG to
      postoperative outcomes was assessed with multivariable logistic regression.
      RESULTS: We identified 9,638 colectomies. We excluded 511 procedures for
      emergency status or preoperative coma, mechanical ventilation, or sepsis. After
      excluding patients without recorded BG, we analyzed operative day and POD1 BG in
      7,576 and 5,773 procedures, respectively. On multivariable analysis, operative
      day moderate hyperglycemia was associated with surgical site infection (odds
      ratio = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10-1.87). POD1 severe hyperglycemia was associated with
      cardiac arrest (odds ratio = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.08-4.98) and death (odds ratio =
      1.97; 95% CI, 1.23-3.15). POD1 mild (odds ratio = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.05-4.60),
      moderate (odds ratio = 3.44; 95% CI, 1.51-7.84), and severe (odds ratio = 3.94;
      95% CI, 1.64-9.58) hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (odds ratio = 6.74; 95% CI,
      1.75-25.97) were associated with myocardial infarction. Associations were similar
      in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Even mild hyperglycemia was
      associated with adverse outcomes after colectomy, suggesting that a perioperative
      BG target of 80 to 120 mg/dL, although avoiding hypoglycemia, might be
      appropriate. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22079880
TI  - Ultrasound-guided core biopsy: an effective method of detecting axillary nodal
      metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Axillary nodal status is an important prognostic predictor in
      patients with breast cancer. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity
      of ultrasound-guided core biopsy (Ax US-CB) at detecting axillary nodal
      metastases in patients with primary breast cancer, thereby determining how often
      sentinel lymph node biopsy could be avoided in node positive patients. STUDY
      DESIGN: Records of patients presenting to a breast unit between January 2007 and
      June 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent axillary
      ultrasonography with or without preoperative core biopsy were identified.
      Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value for ultrasonography and percutaneous biopsy were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Records of 718 patients were reviewed, with 445 fulfilling inclusion criteria.
      Forty-seven percent (n = 210/445) had nodal metastases, with 110 detected by Ax
      US-CB (sensitivity 52.4%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%,
      negative predictive value 70.1%). Axillary ultrasonography without biopsy had
      sensitivity and specificity of 54.3% and 97%, respectively. Lymphovascular
      invasion was an independent predictor of nodal metastases (sensitivity 60.8%,
      specificity 80%). Ultrasound-guided core biopsy detected more than half of all
      nodal metastases, sparing more than one-quarter of all breast cancer patients an
      unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary ultrasonography,
      when combined with core biopsy, is a valuable component of the management of
      patients with primary breast cancer. Its ability to definitively identify nodal
      metastases before surgical intervention can greatly facilitate a patient's
      preoperative integrated treatment plan. In this regard, we believe our study adds
      considerably to the increasing data, which indicate the benefit of Ax US-CB in
      the preoperative detection of nodal metastases.

PMID- 22079881
TI  - Vibrio salmonicida pathogenesis analyzed by experimental challenge of Atlantic
      salmon (Salmo salar).
AB  - Cold-water vibriosis (CV) is a bacterial septicemia of farmed salmonid fish and
      cod caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio (Aliivibrio) salmonicida. To
      study the pathogenesis of this marine pathogen, Atlantic salmon was
      experimentally infected by immersion challenge with wild type V. salmonicida and
      the bacterial distribution in different organs was investigated at different time
      points. V. salmonicida was identified in the blood as early as 2 h after
      challenge demonstrating a rapid establishment of bacteremia without an initial
      period of colonization of the host. Two days after immersion challenge, only a
      few V. salmonicida were identified in the intestines, but the amount increased
      with time. In prolonged CV cases, V. salmonicida was the dominating bacterium of
      the gut microbiota causing a release of the pathogen to the water. We hypothesize
      that V. salmonicida uses the blood volume for proliferation during the infection
      of the fish and the salmonid intestine as a reservoir that favors survival and
      transmission. In addition, a motility-deficient V. salmonicida strain led us to
      investigate the impact of motility in the CV pathogenesis by comparing the
      virulence properties of the mutant with the wild type LFI1238 strain in both i.p.
      and immersion challenge experiments. V. salmonicida was shown to be highly
      dependent on motility to gain access to the fish host. After invasion, motility
      was no longer required for virulence, but the absence of normal flagellation
      delayed the disease development.

PMID- 22079882
TI  - An alternative -1/+2 open reading frame exists within viral N(pro)(1-19) region
      of bovine viral diarrhea virus SD-1.
AB  - We previously reported the engineering of an N(pro)-disrupted bovine viral
      diarrhea virus (BVDV), BSD1-N(pro)/eGFP2A (Fan and Bird, 2008a). Here, we report
      that BSD1-N(pro)/eGFP2A survives a single nucleotide missing in its C-terminal
      eGFP region. By using our established reverse genetics system for BVDV, we
      confirm that the viral mutant is rescued through a -1/+2 ORF initiated in the
      N(pro)(1-19)/eGFP region of the mutant viral genome. We furthermore uncover that
      this event occurs in the N(pro)(1-19) region of BVDV strain SD-1. The rescued
      viral mutant showed dramatic reductions in levels of both viral RNA and viral
      protein in host cells. Although the mutant is similar to the native strain in
      viral kinetics, the peak yield of the mutant is decreased dramatically. These
      findings reveal the existence of an alternative -1/+2 ORF in the N(pro)(1-19)
      region during the replication of BVDV and open a new avenue to understand the
      life cycle and pathogenesis of pestiviruses.

PMID- 22079883
TI  - Effects of amygdala-hippocampal stimulation on interictal epileptic discharges.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of different nuclei is being evaluated as a
      treatment for epilepsy. While encouraging results have been reported, the effects
      of changes in stimulation parameters have been poorly studied. Here the effects
      of changes of pulse waveform in high frequency DBS (130 Hz) of the amygdala
      hippocampal complex (AH) are presented. These effects were studied on interictal
      epileptic discharge rates (IEDRs). AH-DBS was implemented with biphasic versus
      pseudo monophasic charge balanced pulses, in two groups of patients: six with
      temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and six
      with non lesional (NLES) temporal epilepsy. In patients with HS, IEDRs were
      significantly reduced with AH-DBS applied with biphasic pulses in comparison with
      monophasic pulse. IEDRs were significantly reduced in only two patients with NLES
      independently to stimulus waveform. Comparison to long-term seizure outcome
      suggests that IEDRs could be used as a neurophysiological marker of chronic AH
      DBS and they suggest that the waveform of the electrical stimuli can play a major
      role in DBS. We concluded that biphasic stimuli are more efficient than pseudo
      monophasic pulses in AH-DBS in patients with HS. In patients with NLES epilepsy,
      other parameters relevant for efficacy of DBS remain to be determined.

PMID- 22079884
TI  - The impact of the Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant on the midgut histology of
      Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and determination of its putative
      receptor.
AB  - SPB1 is a Bacillus subtilis strain producing a lipopeptide biosurfactant. The
      insecticidal activity of this biosurfactant was evaluated against the Egyptian
      cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis). It displayed toxicity with an LC(50) of
      251 ng/cm(2). The histopathological changes occurred in the larval midgut of S.
      littoralis treated with B. subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant were vesicle formation in
      the apical region, cellular vacuolization and destruction of epithelial cells and
      their boundaries. Ligand-blotting experiments with S. littoralis brush border
      membrane vesicles showed binding of SPB1 biosurfactant to a protein of 45 kDa
      corresponding to its putative receptor. The latter differs in molecular size from
      those recognized by Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3A and Cry1C toxins, commonly known
      by their activity against S. littoralis. This result wires the application of B.
      subtilis biosurfactant for effective control of S. littoralis larvae,
      particularly in the cases where S. littoralis will develop resistance against B.
      thuringiensis toxins.

PMID- 22079885
TI  - Long-term effects of catheter ablation for lone atrial fibrillation: progressive
      atrial electroanatomic substrate remodeling despite successful ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether curative ablation can prevent progression of the atrial
      electroanatomic remodeling associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not known.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether successful
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of AF can prevent progression of the atrial
      substrate associated with AF. METHODS: Detailed right atrial electroanatomic maps
      from 11 patients without apparent structural heart disease undergoing RFA of AF
      at baseline and >=6 months following successful RFA were compared to 11 control
      patients undergoing electrophysiologic evaluation of supraventricular
      tachycardia. Bipolar voltage, conduction, effective refractory periods (ERPs),
      and signal complexity were assessed. RESULTS: At baseline compared with the
      control group, the AF group demonstrated (1) lower voltage (P <.001); (2) slowed
      conduction (P = .005); (3) more prevalent complex signals (P <.001); (4)
      prolonged regional refractoriness (P <.05), and (5) left atrial dilation (P =
      .01). At 10 +/- 13 month follow-up, the AF group demonstrated the following
      compared to baseline: (1) lower voltage (P <.05); (2) either no improvement or
      further slowing of conduction; (3) further prolongation of regional
      refractoriness (P <.05); and (4) reversal of left atrial dilation (P <.05).
      CONCLUSION: Patients with lone AF demonstrate evidence of an abnormal atrial
      substrate at baseline compared to control patients without AF. This substrate
      does not appear to reverse even after successful catheter ablation. These
      findings may have implications for long-term outcomes of ablation and for timing
      of ablative intervention.

PMID- 22079886
TI  - Mild-to-moderate kidney dysfunction and the risk of sudden cardiac death in the
      setting of acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although end-stage renal disease is known to elevate the risk of
      sudden cardiac death (SCD), the role of less severe renal impairment in SCD is
      unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association
      between mild-to-moderate renal impairment and first ischemic ventricular
      fibrillation (VF). METHODS: Renal function in patients included in the Arrhythmia
      Genetics in the NEtherlands Study (AGNES) were compared. Cases (n = 337, age 56
      +/- 1 year, 80% men) were defined as patients who had survived VF at the time of
      their first acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and controls (n =
      339, age 58 +/- 1 years, 80% men) were defined as those without VF during their
      first acute STEMI. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of
      acute STEMI was computed using the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal
      Disease equation. RESULTS: At eGFR less than 105 mL/min, a decrease in eGFR was
      associated with elevated odds of developing VF during STEMI. The association was
      essentially flat at eGFR levels >105 mL/min. The lowest eGFR quintile was
      associated with a >6-fold increase in odds of developing VF compared to the
      fourth quintile. This association between eGFR and VF at the time of STEMI
      remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders including
      electrolyte levels. CONCLUSION: Mild-to-moderate kidney dysfunction is associated
      with a significantly elevated risk of VF in the setting of acute STEMI. Further
      studies are needed to investigate the precise mechanisms by which mild kidney
      function results in VF.

PMID- 22079887
TI  - PAF and its metabolic enzymes in healthy volunteers: interrelations and
      correlations with basic characteristics.
AB  - PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a potent inflammatory
      mediator, is synthesized via the remodeling and the de novo route, key enzymes of
      which are acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (lyso-PAF-AT) and DTT-insensitive
      CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT),
      respectively. PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and its extracellular isoform
      lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) catabolize PAF. This study
      evaluated PAF levels together with leukocyte PAF-CPT, lyso-PAF-AT, PAF-AH and Lp
      PLA(2) activities in 106 healthy volunteers. Men had lower PAF levels and higher
      activity of both catabolic enzymes and lyso-PAF-AT than women (P-values <0.05).
      Age was inversely correlated with PAF levels in men (r=-0.279, P=0.06) and lyso
      PAF-AT in women (r=-0.280, P=0.05). In contrast, Lp-PLA(2) was positively
      correlated with age (r=0.201, P=0.04). Moreover, PAF-CPT was positively
      correlated with glucose (r=0.430, P=0.002) in women. In addition, Principal
      Component Analysis revealed three PAF metabolic patterns: (i) increased
      activities of PAF-CPT and PAF-AH, (ii) increased activities of PAF-CPT and lyso
      PAF-AT and (iii) increased activity of Lp-PLA(2). The present study underlines
      the complexity of PAF's metabolism determinants.

PMID- 22079888
TI  - Arrhythmias: introduction.

PMID- 22079889
TI  - Synthesis, growth, structural, spectroscopic and optical studies of a semiorganic
      NLO crystal: zinc guanidinium phosphate.
AB  - The semi-organic nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal, zinc guanidinium phosphate
      (ZGuP) has been grown through synthesis between zinc sulphate, guanidine
      carbonate and orthophosphoric acid from its aqueous solution by slow solvent
      evaporation technique. Solubility of the synthesized material has been determined
      for various temperatures using water as solvent. The grown crystal has been
      characterized by powder X-ray diffraction to confirm the crystal structure.
      Investigation has been carried out to assign the vibrational frequencies of the
      grown crystals by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. (1)H and
      (13)C FT-NMR have been recorded to elucidate the molecular structure. The optical
      absorption study confirms the suitability of the crystal for device applications.
      The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of ZGuP is found to be 1.825
      times that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). Thermal behavior of the grown
      crystals has been studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis.
      The mechanical properties of the grown crystals have been studied using Vickers
      microhardness tester.

PMID- 22079890
TI  - Raman study of the shockwave effect on collagens.
AB  - The Raman spectra (1800-200 cm(-1)) of isolated dried collagen types I and III
      were recorded at different times after shockwave (SW) application in aqueous
      media. SWs were applied in a single session. One week after the SW application
      the vibrational data analysis indicates changes in the conformation of the
      collagens; orientational changes are also inferred. During the next three weeks
      collagens tended to recover the conformation and orientation existing before SW
      application.

PMID- 22079891
TI  - Visualizing excipient composition and homogeneity of Compound Liquorice Tablets
      by near-infrared chemical imaging.
AB  - This study demonstrated that near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) was a
      promising technology for visualizing the spatial distribution and homogeneity of
      Compound Liquorice Tablets. The starch distribution (indirectly, plant
      extraction) could be spatially determined using basic analysis of correlation
      between analytes (BACRA) method. The correlation coefficients between starch
      spectrum and spectrum of each sample were greater than 0.95. Depending on the
      accurate determination of starch distribution, a method to determine homogeneous
      distribution was proposed by histogram graph. The result demonstrated that starch
      distribution in sample 3 was relatively heterogeneous according to four
      statistical parameters. Furthermore, the agglomerates domain in each tablet was
      detected using score image layers of principal component analysis (PCA) method.
      Finally, a novel method named Standard Deviation of Macropixel Texture (SDMT) was
      introduced to detect agglomerates and heterogeneity based on binary image. Every
      binary image was divided into different sizes length of macropixel and the number
      of zero values in each macropixel was counted to calculate standard deviation.
      Additionally, a curve fitting graph was plotted on the relationship between
      standard deviation and the size length of macropixel. The result demonstrated the
      inter-tablet heterogeneity of both starch and total compounds distribution,
      simultaneously, the similarity of starch distribution and the inconsistency of
      total compounds distribution among intra-tablet were signified according to the
      value of slope and intercept parameters in the curve.

PMID- 22079892
TI  - To eat or not to eat red meat. A closer look at the relationship between
      restrained eating and vegetarianism in college females.
AB  - Previous research has suggested that vegetarianism may serve as a mask for
      restrained eating. The purpose of this study was to compare the dietary habits
      and lifestyle behaviors of vegetarians (n=55), pesco-vegetarians (n=28), semi
      vegetarians (n=29), and flexitarians (n=37), to omnivores (n=91), who do not
      restrict animal products from their diets. A convenience sample of college-age
      females completed questionnaires about their eating habits, food choice
      motivations, and personality characteristics. Results indicated that while
      vegetarians and pesco-vegetarians were more open to new experiences and less food
      neophobic, they were not more restrained than omnivores. Rather semi-vegetarians;
      those who restricted only red meat from their diet, and flexitarians; those who
      occasionally eat red meat, were significantly more restrained than omnivores.
      Whereas food choices of semi-vegetarians and flexitarians were motivated by
      weight control, vegetarians and pesco-vegetarians' food choices were motivated by
      ethical concerns. By focusing specifically on semi-vegetarian and flexitarian
      subgroups, more effective approaches can be developed to ensure that their
      concerns about weight loss do not lead to unhealthful or disordered eating
      patterns.

PMID- 22079894
TI  - Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells for expression of heterologous genes: From gene
      cloning to bioprocess development.
AB  - In the present review we discuss strategies that have been used for heterologous
      gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 (S2) cells using plasmid
      vectors. Since the growth of S2 cells is not dependent on anchorage to solid
      substrates, these cells can be easily cultured in suspension in large volumes.
      The factors that most affect the growth and gene expression of S2 cells, namely
      cell line, cell passage, inoculum concentration, culture medium, temperature,
      dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, hydrodynamic forces and toxic metabolites,
      are discussed by comparison with other insect and mammalian cells. Gene
      expression, cell metabolism, culture medium formulation and parameters involved
      in cellular respiration are particularly emphasized. The experience of the
      authors with the successful expression of a biologically functional protein, the
      rabies virus glycoprotein (RVGP), by recombinant S2 cells is presented in the
      topics covered.

PMID- 22079893
TI  - Genomics in mammalian cell culture bioprocessing.
AB  - Explicitly identifying the genome of a host organism including sequencing,
      mapping, and annotating its genetic code has become a priority in the field of
      biotechnology with aims at improving the efficiency and understanding of cell
      culture bioprocessing. Recombinant protein therapeutics, primarily produced in
      mammalian cells, constitute a $108 billion global market. The most common
      mammalian cell line used in biologic production processes is the Chinese hamster
      ovary (CHO) cell line, and although great improvements have been made in titer
      production over the past 25 years, the underlying molecular and physiological
      factors are not well understood. Confident understanding of CHO bioprocessing
      elements (e.g. cell line selection, protein production, and reproducibility of
      process performance and product specifications) would significantly improve with
      a well understood genome. This review describes mammalian cell culture use in
      bioprocessing, the importance of obtaining CHO cell line genetic sequences, and
      the current status of sequencing efforts. Furthermore, transcriptomic techniques
      and gene expression tools are presented, and case studies exploring genomic
      techniques and applications aimed to improve mammalian bioprocess performance are
      reviewed. Finally, future implications of genomic advances are surmised.

PMID- 22079895
TI  - Biomechanical interpretation of a free-breathing lung motion model.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to develop a biomechanical model for free-breathing
      motion and compare it to a published heuristic five-dimensional (5D) free
      breathing lung motion model. An ab initio biomechanical model was developed to
      describe the motion of lung tissue during free breathing by analyzing the stress
      strain relationship inside lung tissue. The first-order approximation of the
      biomechanical model was equivalent to a heuristic 5D free-breathing lung motion
      model proposed by Low et al in 2005 (Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 63 921
      9), in which the motion was broken down to a linear expansion component and a
      hysteresis component. To test the biomechanical model, parameters that
      characterize expansion, hysteresis and angles between the two motion components
      were reported independently and compared between two models. The biomechanical
      model agreed well with the heuristic model within 5.5% in the left lungs and 1.5%
      in the right lungs for patients without lung cancer. The biomechanical model
      predicted that a histogram of angles between the two motion components should
      have two peaks at 39.8 degrees  and 140.2 degrees  in the left lungs and 37.1
      degrees  and 142.9 degrees  in the right lungs. The data from the 5D model
      verified the existence of those peaks at 41.2 degrees  and 148.2 degrees  in the
      left lungs and 40.1 degrees  and 140 degrees  in the right lungs for patients
      without lung cancer. Similar results were also observed for the patients with
      lung cancer, but with greater discrepancies. The maximum-likelihood estimation of
      hysteresis magnitude was reported to be 2.6 mm for the lung cancer patients. The
      first-order approximation of the biomechanical model fit the heuristic 5D model
      very well. The biomechanical model provided new insights into breathing motion
      with specific focus on motion trajectory hysteresis.

PMID- 22079896
TI  - Sugar inhibits the production of the toxins that trigger clostridial gas
      gangrene.
AB  - Histotoxic strains of Clostridium perfringens cause human gas gangrene, a
      devastating infection during which potent tissue-degrading toxins are produced
      and secreted. Although this pathogen only grows in anaerobic-nutrient-rich
      habitats such as deep wounds, very little is known regarding how nutritional
      signals influence gas gangrene-related toxin production. We hypothesize that
      sugars, which have been used throughout history to prevent wound infection, may
      represent a nutritional signal against gas gangrene development. Here we
      demonstrate, for the first time, that sugars (sucrose, glucose) inhibited the
      production of the main protein toxins, PLC (alpha-toxin) and PFO (theta-toxin),
      responsible for the onset and progression of gas gangrene. Transcription analysis
      experiments using plc-gusA and pfoA-gusA reporter fusions as well as RT-PCR
      analysis of mRNA transcripts confirmed that sugar represses plc and pfoA
      expression. In contrast an isogenic C. perfringens strain that is defective in
      CcpA, the master transcription factor involved in carbon catabolite response, was
      completely resistant to the sugar-mediated inhibition of PLC and PFO toxin
      production. Furthermore, the production of PLC and PFO toxins in the ccpA mutant
      strain was several-fold higher than the toxin production found in the wild type
      strain. Therefore, CcpA is the primary or unique regulatory protein responsible
      for the carbon catabolite (sugar) repression of toxin production of this
      pathogen. The present results are analyzed in the context of the role of CcpA for
      the development and aggressiveness of clostridial gas gangrene and the well
      known, although poorly understood, anti-infective and wound healing effects of
      sugars and related substances.

PMID- 22079897
TI  - The role of proliferation in the regulation of interferon gamma (IFNgamma)
      expression in foals.
AB  - Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) plays an important role against viral and
      intracellular bacterial infections and its production is deficient in foals.
      Cellular proliferation provides an opportunity for de novo gene expression,
      though little is known about its role in regulating IFNgamma expression in foals.
      While stimulation of foal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with
      concanavalin A (ConA) increased the frequency of IFNgamma(+) cells, the overall
      percentage of IFNgamma(+) cells remained below that of adults. By contrast, the
      proliferative response of foal PBMC was significantly greater than that of the
      adults. In foals, IFNgamma production was predominantly associated with those T
      cells that underwent proliferation, whereas in adults non-dividing cells also
      produced IFNgamma. While treatment with hydroxyurea inhibited cellular division,
      it failed to completely block IFNgamma production. This residual IFNgamma
      production likely represented memory cells as the proportion of these
      proliferation-independent IFNgamma(+) cells increased with foal age. However,
      memory cells may not account for all of the IFNgamma production as ConA
      stimulation likely provided additional signals that can control IFNgamma
      expression.

PMID- 22079899
TI  - Ultrastructural study on dynamics of plastids and mitochondria during
      microgametogenesis in watermelon.
AB  - Dynamics of plastids and mitochondria during microgametogenesis in watermelon
      were examined by means of transmission electron microscopy. Plastids are present
      as proplastids in the microspore and as amyloplasts in the vegetative cell of the
      bicellular pollen grain, whereas the generative cell is completely devoid of
      plastids, suggesting that microspore plastids are excluded from the generative
      cell during the microspore mitotic division. Therefore, watermelon is classified
      as Lycopersicon type, where plastids exclusion from the generative cell leads to
      purely maternal plastid inheritance. Mitochondria in the generative cell show
      noticeable alterations in size and cristae during microgametogenesis. The
      diameter of mitochondria is about 0.5 MUm in the newly born generative cell,
      while only about 0.16 MUm in the spindle-shaped generative cell. Numerous cristae
      are present in mitochondria in the spherical generative cell, but, in contrast,
      mere two or three cristae retain in the spindle-shaped generative cell in the
      mature pollen grain. In conclusion, the size and cristae number of mitochondria
      in the generative cell are reduced significantly during microgametogenesis in
      watermelon.

PMID- 22079898
TI  - Megadiverse developing countries face huge risks from invasives.

PMID- 22079900
TI  - Perception of a self-fitting hearing aid among urban-dwelling hearing-impaired
      adults in a developed country.
AB  - A self-fitting hearing aid is a personal amplification device that is designed to
      be assembled, programmed, and fine-tuned by the user, without the need for
      additional equipment or professional support. A written description of the device
      was presented to 80 older adults with a hearing impairment, all of whom were
      residents of an urban area in a developed country. In response to a structured
      questionnaire, the majority of participants reported that the self-fitting
      hearing aid concept was a good idea (83%), would be of personal benefit (60%),
      and could be managed independently by the user (90%). Overall, half of the
      participant group agreed with all three statements. Two were uncertain about the
      concept, but none of the participants rejected it outright. There were no
      significant differences between the opinions of participants with previous
      hearing aid experience and those without. Participant responses to open-ended
      questions revealed that the main benefits of a self-fitting hearing aid were
      thought to be the ability to self-adjust the device's settings (reported by 33%
      of participants) and increased convenience (20% of participants). The main
      drawback, mentioned by 25% of participants, was a preference for professional
      guidance through the fitting process. These results suggest that the self-fitting
      hearing aid may present as an alternative product in developed countries for
      those users who prefer to be in control of the fitting process.

PMID- 22079901
TI  - Unilateral cervical burn scar deformity elimination with contralateral
      cervicothoracic flap--a new approach.
AB  - Unilateral postburn cervical deformity is a severe cosmetic and functional defect
      and a challenging reconstructive problem. Many flaps have been suggested;
      however, after surgery, operational scars, located along the anterior neck's
      middle line, and the flap's skin differ from cervical healthy skin. A small flap
      resembles a patch. A more effective and safer technique is neck resurfacing with
      cervicothoracic adipocutaneous flap which had been used by the author in 32
      burned patients. The flap's peculiarities are as follows: axis blood circulation
      via superficial cervical artery perforator; exclusion of platysma (flap is thin
      and elastic); and undamaged donor site. The mobilized healthy neck's skin with
      thin fat layer and adipocutaneous layer of the chest wall are elevated as a whole
      large flap. After scar excision, the cervicothoracic flap is advanced on the
      wound with tension. As a result of flap tension, the skin of neck's back,
      thoracic wall, and axilla are displaced to the anterior neck surface covering the
      donor wound. On an average, 6 cm of the deformed neck anterior surface was
      restored. No flap loss but only local superficial scar necrosis along the flap's
      border occurred. The cervical contracture and scar deformity (25 patients) were
      eliminated in all cases by a single procedure. For complete neck skin
      restoration, seven patients underwent staged reconstruction using the same
      technique. Excellent functional and good cosmetic follow-up results were
      achieved. The proposed technique is easy to plan and perform and yields good
      results; therefore, the author believes that the contralateral cervicothoracic
      flap's use is an exclusive option for unilateral cervical contracture and
      deformity elimination in adults and pediatric patients.

PMID- 22079902
TI  - Prior thermal injury accelerates endotoxin-induced inflammatory cytokine
      production and intestinal nuclear factor-kappaB activation in mice.
AB  - The objective of this study was to increase the understanding of the "second-hit"
      response in thermal injury. The authors hypothesized that prior thermal injury
      increases the endotoxin-induced inflammatory response of intestinal mucosa. Mice
      underwent sham or 25% TBSA scald injury. Seven days after injury, mice were
      injected with lipopolysaccharide. Blood, jejunum, and colon specimens were
      obtained at intervals. Serum, jejunal, and colon inflammatory cytokine levels
      were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Jejunal and colon nuclear
      factor (NF)-kappaB activation was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift
      assay. After remote thermal injury, lipopolysaccharide exposure led to an acute
      increase in serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and chemokine keratinocyte-derived
      chemokine (KC) levels. This correlated with lipopolysaccharide-induced increased
      IL-6 in colon and chemokine KC in the jejunum and colon in burned mice when
      compared with sham-injured mice. Lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-kappaB activation
      occurred more rapidly in jejunum and colon from burned mice compared with sham
      injured mice. Prior thermal injury accelerates lipopolysaccharide-induced
      inflammatory cytokine production systemically in jejunum and colon. The "second
      hit" of lipopolysaccharide led to earlier intestinal NF-kappaB activation in
      burned mice compared with sham-injured mice. These results indicate that there is
      a heightened inflammatory response by jejunum and colon in response to a "second
      hit" of lipopolysaccharide after burn injury.

PMID- 22079903
TI  - Long-term postoperative outcomes after axillary contracture release in children
      with burns.
AB  - Children with upper extremity burns frequently develop axillary contractures that
      can restrict movement. Surgical axillary contracture release is performed to
      restore function. The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term effects
      (up to 7 years) of surgical axillary contracture release on upper extremity
      motion during simulated activities of daily living using three-dimensional motion
      analysis. Motion analysis was conducted on 10 subjects (9 males and 1 female; 16
      axillary contractures; mean age 10 +/- 3 years at baseline; mean TBSA burn 40 +/-
      15%) before, 1 year after, and 2 to 7 years (mean 3 +/- 2 years) after axillary
      contracture release with split-thickness skin graft surgery. Movements were
      analyzed during three functional tasks including high reach (reaching overhead
      for an object), hand to head (combing hair), and hand to back pocket (toileting).
      Two-tailed paired t-tests were used to compare presurgical and postsurgical
      scores. Surgical release of the axillary contracture increased shoulder mobility
      and decreased compensatory movements. Improvements were maintained at long-term
      follow-up. All shoulder movements with the exception of shoulder flexion during
      the high reach task and shoulder abduction during the hand to back task were not
      significantly different than normal values at long-term follow-up. Axillary
      contracture release surgery improves shoulder function in the short and long
      term. Motion analysis is a modality that may prove valuable in objectively
      quantifying changes in movement patterns immediately and in subsequent years
      after burn injury.

PMID- 22079904
TI  - Computerized insulin infusion programs are safe and effective in the burn
      intensive care unit.
AB  - Glucose control has repeatedly been shown to influence favorable outcomes in the
      surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Intensive insulin therapy has recently been
      associated with reduced infections complications in burn patients. However,
      traditional protocols are associated with rates of severe hypoglycemia as high as
      19%. Two commercial computer glucose control programs have reported rates of
      severe hypoglycemia (glucose <50 mg/dl) of 0.6 and 0.4%. Recently, the authors'
      burn ICU adopted an intensive insulin computer-based protocol created at their
      institution and already successfully in use in their surgical ICU. The authors
      hypothesized that their protocol can be used effectively in the burn patient
      population without an increase risk of severe hypoglycemia. All patients admitted
      to the burn ICU have blood glucose (BG) values checked routinely. With two
      consecutive hyperglycemic values >200 mg/dl, patients are placed on a computer
      based protocol intravenous insulin drip. Once initiated, BGs are tested hourly
      with adjustments made according to the computer protocol. Values recorded from
      January to December 2008 were abstracted from the database and analyzed. Thirty
      one patients were treated using the computer glucose control protocol and 12,699
      measurements were performed. There were eight measurements <50 mg/dl (0.07%).
      Seventy-six percent of values were within the target range of 90 to 150 mg/dl.
      Few patients had severe hyperglycemia with BG >300 mg/dl (0.2%). There were no
      adverse events associated with the hypoglycemic episode. The computer-based
      protocol is more effective than those previously used at the institution and
      provides safe, reliable results in the burn patients.

PMID- 22079905
TI  - Inflammatory and protein metabolism signaling responses in human skeletal muscle
      after burn injury.
AB  - Severe burn injuries lead to a prolonged hypercatabolic state resulting in
      dramatic loss of skeletal muscle mass. Postburn muscle loss is well documented
      but the molecular signaling cascade preceding atrophy is not. The purpose of this
      study is to determine the response to burn injury of signaling pathways driving
      muscle inflammation and protein metabolism. Muscle biopsies were collected in the
      early flow phase after burn injury from the vastus lateralis of a noninjured leg
      in patients with 20 to 60% TBSA burns and compared with uninjured, matched
      controls. Circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines were also compared.
      Immunoblotting was performed to determine the protein levels of key signaling
      components for translation initiation, proteolysis, and tumor necrosis
      factor/nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB)and interleukin (IL)-6/STAT3 signaling.
      Burn subjects had significantly higher levels of circulating proinflammatory
      cytokines, with no difference in muscle STAT3 activity and lower NFkappaB
      activity. No differences were found in any translational signaling components.
      Regarding proteolytic signaling in burn, calpain-2 was 47% higher, calpastatin
      tended to be lower, and total ubiquitination was substantially higher.
      Surprisingly, a systemic proinflammatory response 3 to 10 days postburn did not
      lead to elevated muscle STAT3 or NFkappaB signaling. Signaling molecules
      governing translation initiation were unaffected, whereas indices of calcium
      mediated proteolysis and ubiquitin-proteasome activity were upregulated. These
      novel findings are the first in humans to suggest that the net catabolic effect
      of burn injury in skeletal muscle (ie, atrophy) may be mediated, at least during
      the early flow phase, almost entirely by an increased proteolytic activity in the
      absence of suppressed protein synthesis signaling.

PMID- 22079906
TI  - Optimal lubricant for split-thickness skin graft harvest.

PMID- 22079907
TI  - The correlation between time to skin grafting and hypertrophic scarring following
      an acute contact burn in a porcine model.
AB  - One sequelae of burn injury remains the development of hypertrophic scarring.
      This appears more likely when the healing has been prolonged. Early excision of
      deep dermal burns and subsequent split skin grafting (SSG) may provide a more
      favorable result. The optimal timing of grafting for deeper dermal burns remains
      controversial. This study sought to establish evidence for the optimal grafting
      time using a porcine model. Five Large White female pigs were exposed to four
      contact burn injuries for duration of 20 seconds at 92 degrees C. Each site was
      randomized to a treatment arm: dressing only as the control, SSG day 3, SSG day
      14, and SSG day 21. Burn wound biopsies were obtained at days 0, 3, 14, 21, and
      99 after the burn injury, together with microbiological swabs. Digital
      photographs were taken to assess scarring using the Vancouver scar scale. All
      biopsies were subject to histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Vancouver
      scar scale scores and histopathological analysis indicated that areas grafted on
      day 3 had the least fibrosis and scarring (P = 0.031). There was a strong
      correlation between the histological evaluation of the degree of fibrosis and
      alpha-smooth muscle actin levels (r = .60, P = .014). A greater degree of
      fibrosis was observed in the presence of infection (P = .028). Sites grafted on
      day 3 consistently exhibited the best clinical and histological scar outcome. The
      increased fibrosis observed in delayed grafting may have been be related to
      progression of burn depth and infection. These results suggest that early
      grafting of deep dermal burns may be preferential.

PMID- 22079908
TI  - Pilot testing of a burn prevention teaching tool for Amish children.
AB  - Burn prevention education for Amish children is warranted as there are unique
      risks associated with the Amish lifestyle. Specific educational opportunities are
      related to scalds, ignition of clothing, and ignition of highly flammable
      materials. A culturally sensitive burn prevention teaching tool, consisting of a
      magnetic storyboard, burn safety curriculum, and tests, was developed with the
      cooperation of one Old Order Amish community. The purpose of this study was to
      test the effectiveness of the tool in an Amish school. The teacher obtained
      parental permission and informed assent for the participation of the children.
      Pretesting was completed before the lessons began. The teacher told stories and
      arranged the magnets on the storyboard to show burn hazards involving lighters,
      stoves, kerosene heaters, gasoline-powered engines, and hot liquids used for
      canning, butchering, mopping, washing clothes, and making lye soap. The children
      were challenged to rearrange the pieces for a safer situation. Posttesting was
      performed 2 months after the pretest. Twenty-seven students (grades 1-8)
      participated. Tests were scored as a percentage of the 33 items answered
      correctly. The mean pretest score was 62 and the mean posttest score was 83.
      Statistical analysis using paired t-test demonstrated a highly significant
      improvement in test scores (P < .0001), with a power of more than 99%. This pilot
      study demonstrated that the burn prevention teaching tool was effective for
      improving knowledge in one classroom of Amish children. These results support
      expanded use and testing of this tool in other Amish schools.

PMID- 22079909
TI  - Comparison of reimbursements: thermal vs mechanical trauma.

PMID- 22079910
TI  - Management of severe rheumatological disease in the burn center.
AB  - In recent years, Burn Center has evolved to become a "wound intensive care unit"
      treating disease processes other than those due to thermal injury. Recent data
      have shown that more than 16% of admissions to Burn Centers are for nonburn
      injuries, particularly severe dermatologic diseases. The role of the Burn Center
      has been expanded to include treatment of patients with severe cutaneous
      manifestations of rheumatologic diseases. This approach has not been described
      before. All collagen vascular disease admissions to the Burn Center from 2005 to
      2010 have been reviewed. There were 16 admissions where intensive wound
      management was a major component of the disease management. Disease processes
      included systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive systemic sclerosis, Raynaud's
      phenomenon, antiphospholipid syndrome, and dermatomyositis, among others. The
      authors describe five of these cases in detail. Comanagement of these patients by
      the Rheumatology and Burn services led to outstanding, successful outcomes.
      Collagen vascular diseases represent another area where the Burn Center may be
      the appropriate site for therapy.

PMID- 22079911
TI  - Risk factors for nosocomial infection and mortality in burn patients:  10 years
      of experience at a university hospital.
AB  - To evaluate the risk factors for nosocomial infection (NI) and mortality in a
      university hospital, 10-year data of burn patients were assessed retrospectively.
      The study was conducted at Erciyes University's Burn Center during 2000 and 2009.
      The records of 1190 patients were obtained. Overall, 131 (11%) patients had 206
      NIs with an incidence density of 14.7 infections/1000 patient days. Burn wound
      infection (n = 109, 53%) was the most common NI. High (%TBSA burned) and late
      excision were found to be the most significant risk factors for the development
      of NI. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent causative microorganism.
      However, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has
      increased in recent years with a prevalence of 47% in 2009. The carbapenem
      resistance of P. aeruginosa has decreased in recent years, whereas that of A.
      baumannii increased and it had a prevalence of 94% in the last year. Conversely,
      the most important risk factors for mortality were advanced age, high %TBSA and
      having an underlying disease. Prevention of NI is an important issue in burn
      units to reduce mortality rates. Early excision and wound closure are important
      therapeutic approaches for the prevention of burn wound infection.

PMID- 22079912
TI  - Application of split-thickness dermal grafts in deep partial- and full-thickness
      burns:  a new source of auto-skin grafting.
AB  - Early tangential excision of nonviable burn tissue, followed by immediate skin
      grafting with autograft or allograft, has resulted in the improvement of burn
      patient survival. The aim of this study was to add split-thickness dermal grafts
      (STDGs) as a new source of auto-skin grafting tool to our reconstructive
      armamentarium in deep partial- and full-thickness burns and soft tissue defects.
      The authors successfully applied STDGs along with split-thickness skin grafts as
      a new source of auto-skin grafting in 11 deep partial- and full-thickness burns
      over a period of 1 year without any significant donor site morbidity. Dermal
      graft take was complete in all but one patient. There was no donor site healing
      problem, and donor site epithelization was completed generally 1 week later than
      split-thickness skin graft by semi-open technique. Autologous split-thickness
      skin grafting still remains the standard therapy for burn wound closure but may
      be in limited availability in severe burns. The authors conclude that STDGs may
      be a new source of auto-skin grafting tool in extensive deep partial- and full
      thickness burns.

PMID- 22079913
TI  - A novel technique for split-thickness skin donor site pain control:  subcutaneous
      catheters for continuous local anesthetic infusion.

PMID- 22079914
TI  - Exploration of nonsurgical scar modification options:  can the irregular surface
      of matured mesh graft scars be smoothed with microdermabrasion?
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine, in principle, whether
      microdermabrasion can alter waffle-pattern (meshed split-thickness skin graft)
      burn scars after scar maturation. Matured waffle-pattern mesh-graft scars were
      treated with multiple microdermabrasion sessions over the course of a year
      (maximum 20). Before and after treatment, the treated scars and the control scar
      on the same patient were assessed with subjective and objective scar assessment
      tools (scar scales, cutometer [elasticity], laser Doppler flowmeter
      [vascularity], Semmes-Weinstein filaments [sensation], and high-resolution
      ultrasound [thickness]). The treatment resulted in continuous improvement of some
      physiologic skin functions like perfusion response (feedback), thickness, and
      elasticity when compared with nontreated scar, although no statistical
      significance was reached. Both Vancouver scar scale and patient assessment scales
      showed significant improvement. The study showed that even mature waffle pattern
      scars can be modified by minimally invasive interventions. Larger study groups
      and more economic treatment modalities need to be studied in the future.

PMID- 22079915
TI  - Herpes simplex activation prolongs recovery from severe burn injury and increases
      bacterial infection risk.
AB  - Recovery from severe burn injury is complicated by infections that are result of
      immune suppression created by massive inflammatory states. One indication of
      immune suppression may be activation of viruses like herpes simplex virus (HSV),
      which may negatively impact recovery. A 5-year retrospective review was performed
      of adult patients with >=30% TBSA burn injury. TBSA burn injury, length of
      hospital stay, ventilator days, mortality, and cultures were reviewed. Twenty-one
      patients had cutaneous HSV activation (HSV+) and 50 did not (HSV-). Age (44.2 vs
      39.8 years) and TBSA burn injury (45.9 vs 45.5%) did not differ between the
      groups. Length of hospital stay (60.9 vs 39.8 days, P < .05) and ventilator days
      (34.9 vs 22.2 days, P < .05) were greater in HSV+ patients. HSV activation
      increased hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, confidence interval [CI] 1.08-2.39,
      P < .05) and mechanical ventilation (OR 1.02, CI 1.00-1.05, P < .05). HSV
      activation increased the risk of developing positive Acinetobacter baumannii
      pulmonary cultures (OR 6.4, CI 1.8-22.3, P < .05) and methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus wound cultures (OR 3.3, CI 1.2-9.6, P < .05). HSV
      activation also increased the risk of developing any positive A. baumannii
      cultures (OR 9.1, CI 1.9-44, P < .05). HSV activation during severe burn injury
      is associated with increased length of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay.
      In addition, these patients have an increased risk of infections from
      opportunistic bacteria.

PMID- 22079916
TI  - Reduced decorin, fibromodulin, and transforming growth factor-beta3 in deep
      dermis leads to hypertrophic scarring.
AB  - Hypertrophic scar (HTS) occurs after injuries involving the deep dermis, while
      superficial wounds (SWs) to the skin heal with minimal or no scarring. The levels
      of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and small leucine-rich proteoglycans
      (SLRPs) with fibroblast subtype and function may influence the development of
      HTS. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression and localization of
      factors that regulate wound healing including SLRPs, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta3 in
      an experimental human SW and deep wound (DW) scar model including fibroblasts
      from superficial and deep layers of normal dermis. A 6-cm horizontal dermal
      scratch experimental wound was created, which consisted of progressively deeper
      wounds that were superficial at one end (0-0.75 mm deep) and deep (0.75-3 mm
      deep) at the other end, located on the anterior thigh of an adult male.
      Immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting, reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction, and flow cytometry were performed to analyze the cellular and
      molecular differences between the SW scar and DW scar as well as fibroblasts
      isolated from superficial layer (L1) and deep layer (L5) of normal dermis.
      Comparing SWs and L1 fibroblasts, the expression of decorin, fibromodulin, and
      TGF-beta3 was considerably lower than in DWs and L5 fibroblasts; however, TGF
      beta1 was higher in the deeper dermal wounds. When compared with L1 fibroblasts,
      L5 fibroblasts had lower Thy-1 immunoreactivity and significantly higher
      expression of TGF-beta receptor type II. Decreased antifibrotic molecules in
      matrix of deep dermis of the skin and the unique features of the associated
      fibroblasts including an increased sensitivity to TGF-beta1 stimulation
      contribute to the development of HTS after injuries involving the deep dermis.

PMID- 22079917
TI  - Split skin graft application over an integrating, biodegradable temporizing
      polymer matrix:  immediate and delayed.
AB  - The objective of this study is to further investigate the NovoSorbTM
      biodegradable polyurethane in generating dermal scaffolds; to perform a pilot
      study comparing the previously used spun mat against a recently developed
      NovoSorbTM foam, ascertaining the optimum structure of the matrix; and to
      evaluate the successful matrix as an immediate adjunct to split skin grafting and
      as a temporizing matrix in a prospective six-pig study. A pilot study comparing a
      previously investigated form of the polymer (spun mat) against a new structural
      form, a foam, was performed. This was followed by a six-pig study of the foam
      matrix with three treatment arms-autologous split skin graft alone, polymer foam
      with immediate engraftment, and polymer foam with delayed engraftment. The foams
      allowed less wound contraction than the spun mats. The foam structure is less
      dense (cheaper to produce and having less degradation products). The material
      remained in situ despite clinical wound infection. Proof of concept was achieved
      in both treatment modalities in the main study. Split skin graft applied
      immediately over the polymer foam was able to engraft successfully. The result
      was "thicker" to pinch and "flush" with the skin surrounding the wound. There was
      no significant difference in the degree of wound contraction between the graft
      alone and the polymer plus immediate graft groups. Split skin graft also "took"
      when applied to the surface of a polymer that had been applied to a wound 11 days
      earlier, again with a thicker result, flush with the surrounding skin. Split skin
      grafts alone left a persisting depression. However, a significant degree of wound
      contraction (compared with the other two groups) was observed in the polymer plus
      delayed graft group. This has prompted further investigation into "sealing" the
      polymer foam with a membrane, to prevent evaporative water loss, when the foam is
      to be used as a biodegradable temporizing matrix. The studies indicate that the
      NovoSorbTM platform will allow the creation of two inexpensive dermal matrix
      products; an immediate scaffold to allow a thicker grafting result and a
      biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) for wound integration after burn
      debridement while donor sites become reharvestable. However, further modification
      on the BTM structure is necessary to further reduce wound contraction
      pregrafting.

PMID- 22079918
TI  - Examination of local and systemic in vivo responses to electrical injury using an
      electrical burn delivery system.
AB  - Electrical injuries are devastating and are difficult to manage due to the
      complexity of the tissue damage and physiological impacts. A paucity of
      literature exists which describes models for electrical injury. To date, those
      models have been used primarily to demonstrate thermal and morphological effects
      at the points of contact. Creating a more representative model for human injury
      and further elucidating the physics and pathophysiology of this unique form of
      tissue injury could be helpful in designing stage-appropriate therapy and
      improving limb salvage. An electrical burn delivery system was developed to
      accurately and reliably deliver electrical current at varying exposure times. A
      series of Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to injury with 1000
      V of direct current at incremental exposure times (2-20 seconds). Whole blood and
      plasma were obtained immediately before shock, immediately postinjury, and then
      hourly for 3 hours. Laser Doppler images of tissue adjacent to the entrance and
      exit wounds were obtained at the outlined time points to provide information on
      tissue perfusion. The electrical exposure was nonlethal in all animals. The size
      and the depth of contact injury increased in proportion to the exposure times and
      were reproducible. Skin adjacent to injury (both entrance and exit sites)
      exhibited marked edema within 30 minutes. In adjacent skin of upper extremity
      wounds, mean perfusion units increased immediately postinjury and then gradually
      decreased in proportion to the severity of the injuries. In the lower extremity,
      this phenomenon was only observed for short contact times, while longer contact
      times had marked malperfusion throughout. In the plasma, interleukin-10 and
      vascular endothelial growth factor levels were found to be augmented by injury.
      Systemic transcriptome analysis revealed promising information about signal
      networks involved in dermatological, connective tissue, and neurological
      pathophysiological processes. A reliable and reproducible in vivo model has been
      developed for characterizing the pathophysiology of high-tension electrical
      injury. Changes in perfusion were observed near and between entrance and exit
      wounds that appear consistent with injury severity. Further studies are underway
      to correlate differential mRNA expression with injury severity.

PMID- 22079919
TI  - Efficacy and safety of procedural sedation and analgesia for burn wound care.
AB  - The study aim was to quantify efficacy and patient safety of registered nurse
      administered procedural sedation and analgesia in a regional burn center. The
      investigators conducted a review of procedural sedation forms for all pediatric
      and adult patients admitted to this burn center from January 1, 2005, through
      December 31, 2005, for demographic and clinical data including patient age,
      gender, body weight, TBSA, dates of burn injury and wound care procedures, length
      of procedure, pre- and postprocedural pain assessment, procedural
      sedation/analgesia medications and doses, adverse drug events, and related
      interventions. During the 12-month study period, a total of 328 burn patients
      received 1293 procedural sedation procedures; child subjects (<= 18 years)
      received 356 procedures and adult subjects (19-87 years) received 937 procedures.
      The mean (SD) length of the procedure was 60.1 (22.49) minutes with a range of 10
      to 170 minutes. The mean subject age was 34.2 years (range: 6 weeks to 87 years),
      67% were male, and the mean TBSA was 17% (0.5-68%). Ninety-four percent received
      fentanyl for analgesia and 85% received midazolam for anxiolysis and amnesia. The
      mean preprocedural pain score was 3.2 and the mean postprocedural pain score was
      2 (t = 14.795; df = 1243; P < .001). Ten adverse events, all respiratory related,
      were documented in eight patients, two of whom experienced a second adverse event
      for an overall adverse event rate of 0.77%. No patient required intubation.
      Procedural sedation administered by a registered nurse competent in
      administration and monitoring in a burn center provided safe and effective pain
      management during wound care.

PMID- 22079920
TI  - Effectiveness of environmental-based educative program for disaster preparedness
      and burn management.
AB  - Preparedness is a necessity for proper handling of emergencies and disaster,
      particularly in Suez Canal and Sinai regions. To assure best success rates,
      educative programs should be environmentally based. Burn and fire preventive
      educative programs were tailored to adapt social and education levels of
      audience. In addition, common etiologies and applicability of preventive
      measures, according to local resources and logistics, were considered.
      Presentations were the main educative tool; they were made as simple as possible
      to assure best understanding. To assure continuous education, brochures and
      stickers, containing most popular mistakes and questions, were distributed after
      the sessions. Audience was classified according to their level of knowledge to
      health professional group; students groups; high-risk group; and lay people
      group. For course efficacy evaluation, pre- and posttests were used immediately
      before and after the sessions. Right answers in both tests were compared for
      statistical significance. Results showed significant acquisition of proper
      attitude and knowledge in all educated groups. The highest was among students and
      the least was in health professionals. Comprehensive simple environmental-based
      educative programs are ideal for rapid reform and community mobilization in our
      region. Activities should include direct contact, stickers and flyers, and
      audiovisual tools if possible.

PMID- 22079921
TI  - The potato chip really does look like Elvis! Neural hallmarks of conceptual
      processing associated with finding novel shapes subjectively meaningful.
AB  - Clouds and inkblots often compellingly resemble something else--faces, animals,
      or other identifiable objects. Here, we investigated illusions of meaning
      produced by novel visual shapes. Individuals found some shapes meaningful and
      others meaningless, with considerable variability among individuals in these
      subjective categorizations. Repetition for shapes endorsed as meaningful produced
      conceptual priming in a priming test along with concurrent activity reductions in
      cortical regions associated with conceptual processing of real objects.
      Subjectively meaningless shapes elicited robust activity in the same brain areas,
      but activity was not influenced by repetition. Thus, all shapes were conceptually
      evaluated, but stable conceptual representations supported neural priming for
      meaningful shapes only. During a recognition memory test, performance was
      associated with increased frontoparietal activity, regardless of meaningfulness.
      In contrast, neural conceptual priming effects for meaningful shapes occurred
      during both priming and recognition testing. These different patterns of brain
      activation as a function of stimulus repetition, type of memory test, and
      subjective meaningfulness underscore the distinctive neural bases of conceptual
      fluency versus episodic memory retrieval. Finding meaning in ambiguous stimuli
      appears to depend on conceptual evaluation and cortical processing events similar
      to those typically observed for known objects. To the brain, the vaguely Elvis
      like potato chip truly can provide a substitute for the King himself.

PMID- 22079922
TI  - Learning shapes spatiotemporal brain patterns for flexible categorical decisions.
AB  - Learning is thought to facilitate our ability to perform complex perceptual tasks
      and optimize brain circuits involved in decision making. However, little is known
      about the experience-dependent mechanisms in the human brain that support our
      ability to make fine categorical judgments. Previous work has focused on
      identifying spatial brain patterns (i.e., areas) that change with learning. Here,
      we take advantage of the complementary high spatial and temporal resolution of
      simultaneous electroencephalography-functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG
      fMRI) to identify the spatiotemporal dynamics between cortical networks involved
      in flexible category learning. Observers were trained to use different decision
      criteria (i.e., category boundaries) when making fine categorical judgments on
      morphed stimuli (i.e., radial vs. concentric patterns). Our findings demonstrate
      that learning acts on a feedback-based circuit that supports fine categorical
      judgments. Experience-dependent changes in the behavioral decision criterion were
      associated with changes in later perceptual processes engaging higher
      occipitotemporal and frontoparietal circuits. In contrast, category learning did
      not modulate early processes in a medial frontotemporal network that are thought
      to support the coarse interpretation of visual scenes. These findings provide
      evidence that learning flexible criteria for fine categorical judgments acts on
      distinct spatiotemporal brain circuits and shapes the readout of sensory signals
      that provide evidence for categorical decisions.

PMID- 22079923
TI  - Repeatedly pairing vagus nerve stimulation with a movement reorganizes primary
      motor cortex.
AB  - Although sensory and motor systems support different functions, both systems
      exhibit experience-dependent cortical plasticity under similar conditions. If
      mechanisms regulating cortical plasticity are common to sensory and motor
      cortices, then methods generating plasticity in sensory cortex should be
      effective in motor cortex. Repeatedly pairing a tone with a brief period of vagus
      nerve stimulation (VNS) increases the proportion of primary auditory cortex
      responding to the paired tone (Engineer ND, Riley JR, Seale JD, Vrana WA, Shetake
      J, Sudanagunta SP, Borland MS, Kilgard MP. 2011. Reversing pathological neural
      activity using targeted plasticity. Nature. 470:101-104). In this study, we
      predicted that repeatedly pairing VNS with a specific movement would result in an
      increased representation of that movement in primary motor cortex. To test this
      hypothesis, we paired VNS with movements of the distal or proximal forelimb in 2
      groups of rats. After 5 days of VNS movement pairing, intracranial
      microstimulation was used to quantify the organization of primary motor cortex.
      Larger cortical areas were associated with movements paired with VNS. Rats
      receiving identical motor training without VNS pairing did not exhibit motor
      cortex map plasticity. These results suggest that pairing VNS with specific
      events may act as a general method for increasing cortical representations of
      those events. VNS movement pairing could provide a new approach for treating
      disorders associated with abnormal movement representations.

PMID- 22079924
TI  - Conscious access is linked to ongoing brain state: electrophysiological evidence
      from the attentional blink.
AB  - Neuroscience explanations of conscious access focus on neural events elicited by
      stimuli. In contrast, here, we used the attentional blink paradigm in combination
      with event-related brain potentials to examine whether the ongoing state of the
      brain before a stimulus can determine both conscious access and the poststimulus
      neural events associated with consciousness. Participants were required to detect
      2 target letters from digit distractors while their brain activity was being
      recorded. Trials were classified based on whether the secondcritical target (T2)
      was detected. We found that T2-detection was predetermined by brain activity
      prior to the onset of the stimulation stream. Specifically, T2-detected trials
      were predicated by a frontocentral positive going deflection that started more
      than 200 ms before the stream began. Accurate T2 detection was also accompanied
      by enhanced poststimulus neural activity, as reflected by a larger P3b component.
      Furthermore, prestimulus and poststimulus markers of T2-detection were highly
      correlated with one another. We therefore argue that conscious experiences are
      shaped by potentially random fluctuations in neural activity. Overall, the
      results reveal that conscious access is underpinned by an important relationship
      involving predictive prestimulus neural activity and responsive poststimulus
      brain activity.

PMID- 22079925
TI  - Theta phase modulates multiple layer-specific oscillations in the CA1 region.
AB  - It was recently proposed that fast gamma oscillations (60-150 Hz) convey spatial
      information from the medial entorhinal cortex (EC) to the CA1 region of the
      hippocampus. However, here we describe 2 functionally distinct oscillations
      within this frequency range, both coupled to the theta rhythm during active
      exploration and rapid eye movement sleep: an oscillation with peak activity at
      ~80 Hz and a faster oscillation centered at ~140 Hz. The 2 oscillations are
      differentially modulated by the phase of theta depending on the CA1 layer; theta
      80 Hz coupling is strongest at stratum lacunosum-moleculare, while theta-140 Hz
      coupling is strongest at stratum oriens-alveus. This laminar profile suggests
      that the ~80 Hz oscillation originates from EC inputs to deeper CA1 layers, while
      the ~140 Hz oscillation reflects CA1 activity in superficial layers. We further
      show that the ~140 Hz oscillation differs from sharp wave-associated ripple
      oscillations in several key characteristics. Our results demonstrate the
      existence of novel theta-associated high-frequency oscillations and suggest a
      redefinition of fast gamma oscillations.

PMID- 22079926
TI  - Abnormal changes of synaptic excitability in migraine with aura.
AB  - Migraine patients are characterized by altered cortical excitability and
      information processing between attacks. The relationship between these
      abnormalities is still poorly understood. In this study, visual evoked potentials
      (VEP) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were recorded simultaneously in
      migraineurs and healthy subjects. In order to investigate the homeostatic-like
      plasticity in the visual cortex, cortical excitability was modified using
      transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Before any stimulation,
      migraineurs showed significantly higher glutamate/creatine ratios (Glx/Cr) than
      healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, excitatory (anodal) tDCS caused an
      increase and inhibitory (cathodal) tDCS a decrease in the Glx/Cr ratio.
      Subsequent photic stimulation (PS) reversed the changes in Glx/Cr ratios, which
      returned back to baseline, demonstrating homeostatic-like metaplasticity in the
      control group. In migraine patients, both anodal and cathodal tDCS decreased the
      Glx/Cr ratio, which did not return to baseline after PS. While healthy subjects
      showed an increase in VEP amplitude under anodal and a reduction under cathodal
      tDCS, the modifiability of VEP under tDCS was reduced in migraineurs. The results
      demonstrate a reduced responsiveness of the occipital cortex to interventions
      that change cortical excitability in migraine. Moreover, altered glutamatergic
      neurotransmission seems to mediate the relation between abnormal cortical
      information processing and excitability in migraineurs.

PMID- 22079927
TI  - Corticosteroid induced decoupling of the amygdala in men.
AB  - The amygdala is a key regulator of vigilance and heightens attention toward
      threat. Its activity is boosted upon threat exposure and contributes to a
      neuroendocrine stress response via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
      Corticosteroids are known to control brain activity as well as HPA activity by
      providing negative feedback to the brain. However, it is unknown how
      corticosteroids affect the neural circuitry connected to the amygdala.
      Implementing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we here
      investigated the effects of 10-mg hydrocortisone on amygdala-centered functional
      connectivity patterns in men using resting state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging. Results showed generally decreased functional connectivity of the
      amygdala by corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone reduced "positive" functional
      coupling of the amygdala to brain regions involved in the initiation and
      maintenance of the stress response; the locus coeruleus, hypothalamus, and
      hippocampus. Furthermore, hydrocortisone reduced "negative" functional coupling
      of the amygdala to the middle frontal and temporal gyrus; brain regions known to
      be involved in executive control. A control analysis did not show significant
      corticosteroid modulation of visual cortex coupling, indicating that the amygdala
      decoupling was not reflecting a general reduction of network connectivity. These
      results suggest that corticosteroids may reduce amygdala's impact on brain
      processing in the aftermath of stress in men.

PMID- 22079928
TI  - Early distal axonopathy of the visual pathway in experimental diabetes.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of acquired blindness. Visual function
      disorders have been observed in diabetic patients with very early retinopathy or
      even before the onset of retinopathy. The aim of the present work was to analyze
      the visual pathway in an early stage of experimental diabetes. Diabetes was
      induced in Wistar rats by an i.p. injection of streptozotocin. A deficit in
      anterograde transport from the retina to the superior colliculus was observed 6
      weeks after streptozotocin injection. At this time point, morphologic studies did
      not reveal retinal ganglion cell loss or substantial alterations in the superior
      colliculus. The optic nerve was morphometrically evaluated at intraorbital
      (unmyelinated and myelinated) and intracranial sections. In animals that had been
      diabetic for 6 weeks, a large increase in astrocyte reactivity occurred in the
      distal (but not the intraorbital) portion, which coincided with significant axon
      loss. Moreover, profound myelin alterations and altered morphologic features of
      oligodendrocyte lineage were observed at the distal (but not the proximal) optic
      nerve portion. The present results suggest that axoglial alterations at the
      distal portion of the optic nerve could be the first structural change in the
      diabetic visual pathway.

PMID- 22079930
TI  - Untapping mental health capital.

PMID- 22079929
TI  - Pivotal role of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 in monoclonal free light
      chain-mediated apoptosis.
AB  - Renal failure, a major complication associated with multiple myeloma, is usually
      related to deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) and
      directly contributes to morbidity and mortality in this disease. The present
      study focused on the cytotoxic effects of monoclonal FLCs. Human proximal tubular
      epithelial cells (HK-2) were examined after incubation with two human monoclonal
      FLCs (termed kappa2 and lambda3). Incubation of HK-2 cells for 24 and 48 hours
      with either FLCs at 1 mg/mL promoted activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and
      increased the rate of apoptosis. Because prior studies demonstrated that FLCs
      generated intracellular oxidative stress, our studies focused on the redox
      sensitive mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase known as apoptosis
      signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). A time-dependent increase in phosphorylation
      of ASK1 at T845, indicating activation of this enzyme, was observed. Small
      interfering RNA designed to reduce ASK1 expression in HK-2 cells successfully
      decreased ASK1, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Incubation of ASK1
      depleted HK-2 cells with the two FLCs prevented the increase in apoptosis while
      pretreating HK-2 cell with nontargeting small interfering RNA did not prevent
      FLCs-mediated apoptosis. The combined data demonstrate that monoclonal FLCs
      activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in renal epithelial cells by activation
      of ASK1.

PMID- 22079931
TI  - Parenting for mental health: what does the evidence say we need to do? Report of
      Workpackage 2 of the DataPrev project.
AB  - The last decade has witnessed increasing interest in the promotion of mental
      health and well-being because of its importance for health and social functioning
      at individual level and for the social and economic well-being of societies.
      Recent research from a range of disciplines (including neurodevelopment,
      developmental psychology and genetics) has highlighted the importance of
      childhood, and particularly the first few years of life, for future mental,
      social and emotional development. The quality of the parent-child relationship
      and parenting more generally is one of the factors in determining outcomes. The
      objective of this review was to identify effective interventions to support
      parents, parenting and the parent-child relationship from the ante-natal period
      to adolescence. A systematic search of key electronic databases was undertaken to
      identify systematic reviews evaluating approaches to parenting support; 52
      systematic reviews were identified. Results were synthesized qualitatively and
      reported under the following headings: (i) perinatal programmes; (ii) parenting
      support programmes in infancy and early years focused on enhancing caregiver
      sensitivity and attunement; (iii) formal parenting programmes focused on
      children's behaviour; (iv) parenting support for highest risk groups. The review
      provides a robust international evidence base of programmes which have been
      demonstrated to improve parenting and the mental health and well-being of
      children. Policies and programmes to support parenting offer much scope for
      improving mental health. Effective provision requires a skilled workforce and
      careful application of approaches that have been found to work. More research is
      needed to develop and identify interventions for some of the highest risk groups.

PMID- 22079933
TI  - Supporting decision-making processes for evidence-based mental health promotion.
AB  - The use of evidence is critical in guiding decision-making, but evidence from
      effect studies will be only one of a number of factors that will need to be taken
      into account in the decision-making processes. Equally important for policymakers
      will be the use of different types of evidence including implementation
      essentials and other decision-making principles such as social justice,
      political, ethical, equity issues, reflecting public attitudes and the level of
      resources available, rather than be based on health outcomes alone. This paper,
      aimed to support decision-makers, highlights the importance of commissioning high
      quality evaluations, the key aspects to assess levels of evidence, the importance
      of supporting evidence-based implementation and what to look out for before,
      during and after implementation of mental health promotion and mental disorder
      prevention programmes.

PMID- 22079934
TI  - Mental health and global well-being.
AB  - A range of evidence-based, cost-effective interventions can be implemented in
      parenting, at schools, at the workplace and in older age to promote mental health
      and well-being. Such programmes need to be supplemented with actions to build
      mental health capital and promote resilience to manage and cope with the global
      risks that face humankind over the coming years. Actions need to connect mental
      and physical health and individuals need to be connected through health-promoting
      social networks; living environments need to be designed to support mental health
      and well-being; well-being indicators that include material living conditions,
      quality of life and sustainability can help drive healthy public policy. There is
      an urgent need to invest in skills training in decision-making, social
      interactions, building trust and cooperative behaviour that support the family of
      humanity as a whole as it faces the unprecedented stressors resulting from
      climate change.

PMID- 22079932
TI  - Investing in mental health and well-being: findings from the DataPrev project.
AB  - A systematic review was conducted to determine the extent to which an economic
      case has been made in high-income countries for investment in interventions to
      promote mental health and well-being. We focused on areas of interest to the
      DataPrev project: early years and parenting interventions, actions set in schools
      and workplaces and measures targeted at older people. Economic evaluations had to
      have some focus on promotion of mental health and well-being and/or primary
      prevention of poor mental health through health-related means. Studies preventing
      exacerbations in existing mental health problems were excluded, with the
      exception of support for parents with mental health problems, which might
      indirectly affect the mental health of their children. Overall 47 studies were
      identified. There was considerable variability in their quality, with a variety
      of outcome measures and different perspectives: societal, public purse, employer
      or health system used, making policy comparisons difficult. Caution must
      therefore be exercised in interpreting results, but the case for investment in
      parenting and health visitor-related programmes appears most strong, especially
      when impacts beyond the health sector are taken into account. In the workplace an
      economic return on investment in a number of comprehensive workplace health
      promotion programmes and stress management projects (largely in the USA) was
      reported, while group-based exercise and psychosocial interventions are of
      potential benefit to older people. Many gaps remain; a key first step would be to
      make more use of the existence evidence base on effectiveness and model mid- to
      long-term costs and benefits of action in different contexts and settings.

PMID- 22079935
TI  - Mental health promotion and problem prevention in schools: what does the evidence
      say?
AB  - The European Union Dataprev project reviewed work on mental health in four areas,
      parenting, schools, the workplace and older people. The schools workpackage
      carried out a systematic review of reviews of work on mental health in schools
      from which it identified evidence-based interventions and programmes and
      extracted the general principles from evidence-based work. A systematic search of
      the literature uncovered 52 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of mental health
      in schools. The interventions identified by the reviews had a wide range of
      beneficial effects on children, families and communities and on a range of mental
      health, social, emotional and educational outcomes. The effect sizes associated
      with most interventions were generally small to moderate in statistical terms,
      but large in terms of real-world impacts. The effects associated with
      interventions were variable and their effectiveness could not always be relied
      on. The characteristics of more effective interventions included: teaching
      skills, focusing on positive mental health; balancing universal and targeted
      approaches; starting early with the youngest children and continuing with older
      ones; operating for a lengthy period of time and embedding work within a multi
      modal/whole-school approach which included such features as changes to the
      curriculum including teaching skills and linking with academic learning,
      improving school ethos, teacher education, liaison with parents, parenting
      education, community involvement and coordinated work with outside agencies.
      Interventions were only effective if they were completely and accurately
      implemented: this applied particularly to whole-school interventions which could
      be ineffective if not implemented with clarity, intensity and fidelity. The
      implications for policy and practice around mental health in schools are
      discussed, including the suggestion of some rebalancing of priorities and
      emphases.

PMID- 22079936
TI  - Reducing the silent burden of impaired mental health.
AB  - Mental and behavioural disorders account for about one-third of the world's
      disability due to all ill health amongst adults, with unipolar depressive
      disorders set to be the world's number one cause of ill health and premature
      death in 2030, affecting high- and low-income countries alike. There is a range
      of evidence-based cost-effective interventions that can be implemented in
      parenting, at schools, at the workplace and in older age that can promote health
      and well-being, reduce mental disorders, lead to improved productivity and
      increase resilience to cope with many of the stressors that are facing the world.
      These facts need to be better communicated to policy makers to ensure that the
      silent burden of impaired mental health is adequately heard and reduced.

PMID- 22079937
TI  - Psychosocial interventions in workplace mental health promotion: an overview.
AB  - A review based on the DataPrev final report concerning workplace mental health
      promotion is presented. Out of 4865 studies identified in a comprehensive
      bibliographical data search, 315 were selected for abstract screening and 79 were
      included in the final review. The studies were categorized in terms of their
      aims/expected outcomes and evaluated for quality on the grounds of their design
      and type of analysis. The most frequent aims were stress reduction and better
      coping, followed by increased job satisfaction and effectiveness, mental health
      enhancement and reduction in mental health-related absenteeism. In the 79
      intervention studies, 99 outcome variables were measured using 163 instruments,
      mostly developed for the study purposes. Different intervention categories turned
      out to be used to attain the same aim, with skills training being the most
      popular (other approaches included improvement of occupational qualifications and
      working conditions, physical exercise, relaxation and multicomponent
      interventions). Among the few intervention programs that were implemented and
      evaluated in two or more studies, the Stress Inoculation Training (Cecil and
      Forman, in Effects of stress inoculation training and coworker support groups on
      teachers' stress. Journal of School Psychology, 28, 105, 1990) based on the model
      by Meichenbaum (Meichenbaum, in Stress Inoculation Training. Pergamon Press, New
      York, 1985) seemed to be the most promising. Its effectiveness, evidenced in a
      majority of the measures, was evaluated in studies using the randomized
      controlled design. This paper is illustrated by high-quality intervention
      studies. In high and moderate quality studies, positive effects were reported in
      about a half of the examined outcome variables. However, conclusive evidence of
      intervention programs effectiveness would require further research-repetition of
      studies using treatments equivalent to the experimental ones, and outcome
      evaluation taking into account other criteria, e.g. behavioural.

PMID- 22079938
TI  - Psychosocial interventions for the promotion of mental health and the prevention
      of depression among older adults.
AB  - The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of psychosocial
      interventions for the promotion of mental health and prevention of depression
      among older people. A systematic review of prospective controlled trials was
      conducted including 69 studies. The studies were divided into physical exercise,
      skill training, reminiscence, social activities, group support and multicomponent
      interventions. Data from 44 trials contributed to a meta-analysis of
      effectiveness. Overall, psychosocial interventions had a positive effect on
      quality of life and positive mental health. The pooled interventions also had a
      statistically significant effect on reduction in depressive symptoms. Social
      activities significantly improved positive mental health, life satisfaction and
      quality of life and reduced depressive symptoms. Based on the results of this
      study, duration of interventions is of importance, since interventions lasting
      for >3 months exhibited more positive effects compared with shorter
      interventions. Meaningful social activities, tailored to the older individual's
      abilities and preferences should be considered in aiming to improve mental health
      among older people.

PMID- 22079939
TI  - Long-term recovery of beta-cell function after partial pancreatectomy in humans.
AB  - Glucose homeostasis is significantly altered immediately after partial
      pancreatectomy. The present study examined the long-term consequences of a
      hemipancreatectomy in 10 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 10 patients with
      benign pancreatic and extrapancreatic tumors. A 240-minute oral glucose challenge
      was performed before and shortly after pancreatic surgery, as well as after a
      follow-up of 3.1 +/- 0.5 years. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and C
      peptide were determined; and indices of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion
      were calculated. In both groups of patients, fasting and postchallenge glucose
      concentrations were significantly altered immediately after surgery, but returned
      to preoperative levels at the time of follow-up (P < .0001). Postchallenge
      insulin and C-peptide concentrations were reduced immediately after surgery (P <
      .0001), but were partly normalized at the time of follow-up (P < .0001). These
      changes were not accompanied by improvements in insulin sensitivity (Matsuda
      index). However, the oral disposition index revealed a significant recovery of
      beta-cell function at the time of follow-up (P < .05). These findings demonstrate
      a capacity for recovery of glucose control after partial pancreatectomy and
      suggest that beta-cell function can improve significantly over time even in adult
      humans.

PMID- 22079940
TI  - Applying narrow-band imaging in complement with white-light imaging cystoscopy in
      the detection of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of narrow-band imaging (NBI) flexible
      cystoscopy in the detection of urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 179 patients with suspected UC, who
      presented with gross hematuria, were collected at China PLA General Hospital from
      January 2009 to August 2010. These patients underwent white-light imaging (WLI)
      cystoscopy followed by NBI. The tumors were visualized, imaged, and recorded.
      Suspected UCs were biopsied or treated by transurethral resection, and then sent
      for pathologic examination. Detection results for NBI and WLI were compared.
      RESULTS: WLI and NBI confirmed UC in 143 patients; a total of 285 tumors were
      detected. The patient-level detection rates for NBI and WLI were 97.9% (140/143)
      and 88.8% (127/143), respectively (P = 0.002). The patient-level false-positive
      detection rates for NBI and WLI were 21.8% (39/179) and 29.1% (52/179),
      respectively (P = 0.12). NBI detected a total of 59 additional tumors (17.2%;
      34pTa, 17pT1, 3pT2, and 5pTis) in 44 of 143 patients (30.8%). NBI found 1
      additional tumor in 34 cases, 2 additional tumors in 6 cases, 3 additional tumors
      in 3 cases, and 4 additional tumors in 1 case. The mean +/- SD (range) number of
      identified UCs per patient was 1.97 +/- 0.67 (1-5) for NBI and 1.78 +/- 0.53 (1
      4) for WLI (P = 0.01). The tumor-level detection rates for NBI and WLI were 96.8%
      and 79.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with WLI, NBI improves
      UC detection. It has a higher rate of detection and a comparative rate of false
      positive detection. NBI is simple and requires no dyeing. It can be conveniently
      applied to complement WLI.

PMID- 22079942
TI  - Regulation of task differentiation in wasp societies: a bottom-up model of the
      "common stomach".
AB  - Metapolybia wasps live in small societies (around one hundred adults) and rear
      their young in nests they construct on flat surfaces from plant materials. For
      processing nest paper, they must gather plant materials and process it into pulp
      with water. The water is collected by water foragers and is transferred to pulp
      foragers indirectly via a "common stomach." The common stomach, or social crop,
      is formed by generalist wasps called laborers. These wasps can engage in water
      exchange, store water in their crops, and may become specialist foragers or
      builders. We provide an alternative model for regulating task partitioning in
      construction behavior by using an agent based modeling framework parameterized by
      our field observations. Our model predicts that assessing colony needs via
      individual interactions with the common stomach leads to a robust regulation of
      task partitioning in construction behavior. By using perturbation experiments in
      our simulations, we show that this emergent task allocation is able to
      dynamically adapt to perturbations of the environment and to changes in colony
      level demands or population structure. The robustness of our model stems from the
      fact that the common stomach is both a strong buffer and a source of several
      feedback mechanisms that affect the individual wasps. We show that both the
      efficiency and the task fidelity of these colonies are dependent upon colony
      size. We also demonstrate that the emergence of specialist wasps (individuals
      with high task fidelity) does not require any special initial conditions or
      reinforcement at the individual level, but it is rather a consequence of colony
      level workflow stability. Our model closely mimics the behavior of Metapolybia
      wasps, demonstrating that a regulation mechanism based on simple pair-wise
      interactions through a common stomach is a plausible hypothesis for the
      organization of collective behavior.

PMID- 22079941
TI  - Maternal gametic transmission of translocations or inversions of human chromosome
      11p15.5 results in regional DNA hypermethylation and downregulation of CDKN1C
      expression.
AB  - Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth syndrome associated with
      genetic or epigenetic alterations in one of two imprinted domains on chromosome
      11p15.5. Rarely, chromosomal translocations or inversions of chromosome 11p15.5
      are associated with BWS but the molecular pathophysiology in such cases is not
      understood. In our series of 3 translocation and 2 inversion patients with BWS,
      the chromosome 11p15.5 breakpoints map within the centromeric imprinted domain,
      2. We hypothesized that either microdeletions/microduplications adjacent to the
      breakpoints could disrupt genomic sequences important for imprinted gene
      regulation. An alternate hypothesis was that epigenetic alterations of as yet
      unknown regulatory DNA sequences, result in the BWS phenotype. A high resolution
      Nimblegen custom microarray was designed representing all non-repetitive
      sequences in the telomeric 33 Mb of the short arm of human chromosome 11. For the
      BWS-associated chromosome 11p15.5 translocations and inversions, we found no
      evidence of microdeletions/microduplications. DNA methylation was also tested on
      this microarray using the HpaII tiny fragment enrichment by ligation-mediated PCR
      (HELP) assay. This high-resolution DNA methylation microarray analysis revealed a
      gain of DNA methylation in the translocation/inversion patients affecting the p
      ter segment of chromosome 11p15, including both imprinted domains. BWS patients
      that inherited a maternal translocation or inversion also demonstrated reduced
      expression of the growth suppressing imprinted gene, CDKN1C in Domain 2. In
      summary, our data demonstrate that translocations and inversions involving
      imprinted domain 2 on chromosome 11p15.5, alter regional DNA methylation patterns
      and imprinted gene expression in cis, suggesting that these epigenetic
      alterations are generated by an alteration in "chromatin context".

PMID- 22079943
TI  - Campus quarantine (Fengxiao) for curbing emergent infectious diseases: lessons
      from mitigating A/H1N1 in Xi'an, China.
AB  - During the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic, very strict interventions including
      campus quarantine (Fengxiao) (restrictions on the movements of university
      personnel) were taken in mainland China to slow down the initial spread of the
      disease from the university network to a wider community. The decision for
      implementation and/or relaxation of Fengxiao depends on the assessment of the
      level of infection within the university network compared with that in the wider
      community and on the degree of interruption of normal academic activities and the
      associated social/economic costs. However, the most important consideration
      influencing the decision is whether the initiation and termination of Fengxiao
      can alter the pattern of disease spread in the entire community for effective
      prevention and control of the emerging disease. Here we formulate and analyze a
      dynamic model to evaluate the effectiveness of Fengxiao as a social distance
      measure for curbing the outbreak in major cities of China. Using data from the
      initial laboratory-confirmed cases admitted to the 8th Hospital of Xi'an (the
      capital city of the Shaanxi Province), we estimated the reproduction number for
      the period under consideration in the range 1.273-1.784 and concluded that the
      population's mobility, combined with the suspension of the Fengxiao strategy, was
      a key factor contributing to a subsequent epidemic wave. Fengxiao in China is a
      reversal of the usual strategy of school closures adopted in many other
      countries, but the lessons learnt from it may be useful for disease management in
      other countries where restrictions on the movements across a facility boundary
      and close monitoring of the infection within the facility are feasible in the
      long term.

PMID- 22079945
TI  - ERP investigation of study-test background mismatch during face recognition in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Old/new effects on event-related potentials (ERP) were explored in 20 patients
      with schizophrenia and 20 paired comparison subjects during unfamiliar face
      recognition. Extrinsic perceptual changes - which influence the overall
      familiarity of an item while retaining face-intrinsic features for use in
      structural face encoding - were manipulated between the study phase and the test.
      The question raised here concerns whether these perceptual incongruities would
      have a different effect on the sense of familiarity and the corresponding
      behavioral and ERP measures in the two groups. The results showed that
      schizophrenia patients were more inclined to consider old faces shown against a
      new background as distractors. This drop in face familiarity was accompanied by
      the disappearance of ERP old/new effects in this condition, i.e., FN400 and
      parietal old/new effects. Indeed, while ERP old/new recognition effects were
      found in both groups when the picture of the face was physically identical to the
      one presented for study, the ERP correlates of recognition disappeared among
      patients when the background behind the face was different. This difficulty in
      disregarding a background change suggests that recognition among patients with
      schizophrenia is based on a global perceptual matching strategy rather than on
      the extraction of configural information from the face. The correlations observed
      between FN400 amplitude, the rejection of faces with a different background, and
      the reality-distortion scores support the idea that the recognition deficit found
      in schizophrenia results from early anomalies that are carried over onto the
      parietal ERP old/new effect. Face-extrinsic perceptual variations provide an
      opportune situation for gaining insight into the social difficulties that
      patients encounter throughout their lives.

PMID- 22079944
TI  - Control of working memory content in schizophrenia.
AB  - People with schizophrenia (PSZ) exhibit signs of reduced working memory (WM)
      capacity. However, this may reflect an impairment in managing its content, e.g.
      preventing irrelevant information from taking up available storage space, rather
      than a true capacity reduction. We tested the ability to eliminate and update WM
      content in 38 PSZ and 30 healthy control subjects (HCS). Images of real-world
      objects were presented consecutively, and a tone cued the item most likely to be
      tested for memory. On half the trials, randomly intermixed, a second tone
      occurred. Participants were informed that the item cued by the second tone was
      now the most likely to be tested, and the item cued by the first tone now the
      least likely, providing incentive to eliminate the first cued item from WM. Both
      HCS and PSZ displayed a robust performance advantage for cued items.
      Unexpectedly, PSZ more efficiently removed the no-longer-essential item from WM
      than HCS. The magnitude of the WM clearance of this first cued item correlated
      with memory performance for the newly prioritized second cued item in PSZ,
      indicating that it was adaptive. However, WM clearance was not associated with WM
      capacity, ruling out the need to budget limited resources as an explanation for
      greater clearance in PSZ. A robust correlation between WM clearance and poverty
      of speech in PSZ instead suggests that the propensity to rapidly clear non
      essential information and minimize the number of items in WM may be the
      reflection of a negative symptom trait. This finding may reflect a more general
      tendency of PSZ to focus processing more narrowly than HCS.

PMID- 22079946
TI  - Neuronal deficit in medial pulvinar from right but not left hemisphere in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22079947
TI  - Body temperature regulation and outcome after cardiac arrest and therapeutic
      hypothermia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic temperature modulation is recommended after cardiac arrest
      (CA). However, body temperature (BT) regulation has not been extensively studied
      in this setting. We investigated BT variation in CA patients treated with
      therapeutic hypothermia (TH) and analyzed its impact on outcome. METHODS: A
      prospective cohort of comatose CA patients treated with TH (32-34 degrees C, 24h)
      at the medical/surgical intensive care unit of the Lausanne University Hospital
      was studied. Spontaneous BT was recorded on hospital admission. The following
      variables were measured during and after TH: time to target temperature (TTT=time
      from hospital admission to induced BT target <34 degrees C), cooling rate
      (spontaneous BT-induced BT target/TTT) and time of passive rewarming to
      normothermia. Associations of spontaneous and induced BT with in-hospital
      mortality were examined. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients (median age 61 years;
      median time to ROSC 25 min) were studied. Non-survivors (N=90, 51%) had lower
      spontaneous admission BT than survivors (median 34.5 [interquartile range 33.7
      35.9] degrees C vs. 35.1 [34.4-35.8] degrees C, p=0.04). Accordingly, time to
      target temperature was shorter among non-survivors (200 [25-363]min vs. 270 [158
      375]min, p=0.03); however, when adjusting for admission BT, cooling rates were
      comparable between the two outcome groups (0.4 [0.2-0.5] degrees C/h vs. 0.3 [0.2
      0.4] degrees C/h, p=0.65). Longer duration of passive rewarming (600 [464-744]min
      vs. 479 [360-600]min, p<0.001) was associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Lower
      spontaneous admission BT and longer time of passive rewarming were associated
      with in-hospital mortality after CA and TH. Impaired thermoregulation may be an
      important physiologic determinant of post-resuscitation disease and CA prognosis.
      When assessing the benefit of early cooling on outcome, future trials should
      adjust for patient admission temperature and use the cooling rate rather than the
      time to target temperature.

PMID- 22079948
TI  - Total epinephrine dose during asystole and pulseless electrical activity cardiac
      arrests is associated with unfavourable functional outcome and increased in
      hospital mortality.
AB  - AIM: Epinephrine is the drug of choice during advanced cardiac life support. The
      cumulative dose of epinephrine applied during resuscitation was shown to be
      independently associated with unfavourable outcome after ventricular fibrillation
      cardiac arrest in humans. Our objective was to investigate the association
      between the cumulative dose of epinephrine applied during resuscitation and
      unfavourable functional outcome and in-hospital mortality, in patients with
      asystole and pulseless electric activity. METHODS: Data on 946 patients admitted
      to the emergency department after resuscitation of witnessed in-hospital and out
      of hospital cardiac arrest with asystole or pulseless electric activity were
      retrieved from the cardiac arrest registry of the emergency department at the
      Vienna General Hospital/Medical University of Vienna. Data were documented
      according to Utstein Style. The risk factor was cumulative epinephrine
      categorized into quartiles. The endpoints were unfavourable functional outcome
      and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The median cumulative amount of epinephrine
      administered was 2mg (IQR 0-5), ranging from 1 to 50mg. Of all patients 643/946
      (68%) had an unfavourable functional outcome, 649/946 (69%) died during hospital
      stay. The multivariable analysis showed a statistically significant increasing
      risk for unfavourable functional outcome and in-hospital mortality outcome with
      increasing cumulative doses of epinephrine (unfavourable functional outcome: OR 1
      1.45-2.25-2.95 over quartiles of epinephrine; in hospital mortality: OR 1-1.35
      2.15-2.82 over quartiles of epinephrine). CONCLUSION: Our results show that an
      increasing cumulative dose of epinephrine during resuscitation of patients with
      asystole and pulseless electric activity is an independent risk factor for
      unfavourable functional outcome and in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 22079949
TI  - A new liposome-based gene delivery system targeting lung epithelial cells using
      endothelin antagonist.
AB  - We formulated a new gene delivery system based on targeted liposomes. The
      efficacy of the delivery system was demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo models.
      The targeting moiety consists of a high-affinity 7-amino-acid peptide, covalently
      and evenly conjugated to the liposome surface. The targeting peptide acts as an
      endothelin antagonist, and accelerates liposome binding and internalization. It
      is devoid of other biological activity. Liposomes with high phosphatidyl serine
      (PS) were specially formulated to help their fusion with the endosomal membrane
      at low pH and enable release of the liposome payload into the cytoplasm. A DNA
      payload, pre-compressed by protamine, was encapsulated into the liposomes, which
      directed the plasmid into the cell's nucleus. Upon exposure to epithelial cells,
      binding of the liposomes occurred within 5-10 min, followed by facilitated
      internalization of the complex. Endosomal escape was complete within 30 min,
      followed by DNA accumulation in the nucleus 2h post-transfection. A549 lung
      epithelial cells transfected with plasmid encoding for GFP encapsulated in
      targeted liposomes expressed significantly more protein than those transfected
      with plasmid complexed with Lipofectamine. The intra-tracheal instillation of
      plasmid encoding for GFP encapsulated in targeted liposomes into rat lungs
      resulted in the expression of GFP in bronchioles and alveoli within 5 days. These
      results suggest that this delivery system has great potential in targeting genes
      to lungs.

PMID- 22079950
TI  - Expression of Wnt9, TCTP, and Bmp1/Tll in sea cucumber visceral regeneration.
AB  - We employ non-radioactive in situ hybridization techniques, which combine good
      tissue morphology preservation with high sensitivity of transcript detection, to
      map gene expression in the regenerating digestive tube of the sea cucumber
      Holothuriaglaberrima. We investigated localization of transcripts of Wnt9, TCTP,
      and Bmp1/Tll, the genes that have been previously known to be implicated in
      embryogenesis and cancer. The choice was determined by our long-term goal of
      trying to understand how the developmental regulatory pathways known to be
      involved in tumor development can be activated in post-traumatic regeneration
      without leading to malignant growth. The gene expression data combined with the
      available morphological information highlight the gut mesothelium (the outer
      layer of the digestive tube) as a highly dynamic tissue, whose cells undergo
      remarkable changes in their phenotype and gene expression in response to injury.
      This reversible transition of the gut mesothelium from a complex specialized
      tissue to a simple epithelium composed of rapidly proliferating multipotent cells
      seems to depend on the expression of genes from multiple developmental/cancer
      related pathways.

PMID- 22079951
TI  - Use of propofol in pediatric intensive care units: a national survey in Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Propofol is not licensed for sedation in pediatric intensive care
      medicine mainly due to the risk of propofol infusion syndrome. Nevertheless, it
      is applied by many pediatric intensive care units. The aim of this national
      survey was to asses the current use of propofol in pediatric intensive care units
      in Germany. DESIGN: We performed a nationwide survey. The questionnaire assessed
      the intensive care unit type, patient numbers, dosing, duration, age and time
      limits, indications, side effects, and institutional protocols for propofol
      usage. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care units in Germany. SUBJECTS:
      Questionnaire about routine use of propofol sent to 214 pediatric departments.
      INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred ninety-four
      questionnaires (90.7%) were returned, ten had to be censored. The final analysis
      comprised 184 questionnaires (134 pediatric/neonatal intensive care units, 28
      pediatric intensive care units, 22 neonatal intensive care units). Seventy-nine
      percent of intensive care units (n = 145 of 184) used propofol in children under
      the age of 16 yrs. Of these, 98% were for bolus application (n = 142 of 145), 78%
      for infusion >=3 hrs (n = 113 of 145), and 33% for infusion >3 hrs (n = 48 of
      145). A lower age limit was applied by 52% (n = 75 of 145) and a dose limit by
      51% (n = 74 of 145). The median dose limit was 4 mg/kg/hr; 48% (n = 70 of 145)
      used 3 mg/kg/hr or less. A time limit was applied by 98% (n = 46 of 47), 70% (n =
      33 of 47) used it for <=24 hrs, and 30% (n = 15 of 47) for >24 hrs. MAIN
      INDICATIONS FOR PROPOFOL APPLICATION WERE: difficult sedation (44%),
      postoperative ventilation (43%), and difficult extubation (30%). Seven cases of
      propofol infusion syndrome were reported by seven centers. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study shows that propofol is used off-license by many pediatric intensive care
      units in Ge. The majority of users has adopted tightly controlled regimens for
      propofol sedation, and limits the dose to <=3-4 mg/kg/hr and the maximum
      application time to 24-48 hrs.

PMID- 22079952
TI  - The role of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin in the diagnosis of necrotizing
      enterocolitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis can improve the
      prognosis, however, there is not a reliable laboratory test to detect either
      newborns at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis development or those at early
      stages of the disease. Since fecal lactoferrin and fecal calprotectin are
      inflammatory markers of gastrointestinal diseases, it was hypothesized that both
      these biomarkers could be successfully used in the diagnosis of necrotizing
      enterocolitis. METHODS: In a prospective study, fecal lactoferrin and fecal
      calprotectin concentrations of 14 newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis and
      consecutively admitted 40 healthy preterm, and 23 healthy full-term newborns were
      measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. RESULTS: Mean fecal
      lactoferrin and fecal calprotectin were not different between preterm and full
      term newborns (p = .235 and p = .845, respectively), or those who were diagnosed
      with necrotizing enterocolitis or not (p = .545 and p = .968, respectively).
      Prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis was 1.51% (14 of 2734). Stage of the
      disease did not have a statistical effect on mean levels (p = .694 and p = .267,
      respectively). Mean fecal lactoferrin and fecal calprotectin levels were not
      different in the case of breastfeeding (p = .623 and p = .792, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Neither fecal lactoferrin nor fecal calprotectin has a role in the
      identification of necrotizing enterocolitis, especially in early stages of the
      disease. Further studies on wider necrotizing enterocolitis series are needed for
      a more definite conclusion.

PMID- 22079953
TI  - Evaluation and comparison of parental needs, stressors, and coping strategies in
      a pediatric intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the needs, stressors, and coping strategies of
      mothers and fathers in a pediatric intensive care unit, and to advance the
      development of the COMPASS questionnaire for examining parent experiences.
      DESIGN: Prospective cohort study using a modified version of a pilot
      questionnaire, incorporating a series of 58 questions based on a visual analog
      scale in three categories of needs, stressors, and coping strategies. SETTING:
      Tertiary pediatric intensive care unit, Southampton University Hospitals,
      Southampton, UK. SUBJECTS: A total of 182 parents (91 mothers and 91 fathers) of
      children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. INTERVENTIONS: Collection
      and analysis of needs, stressors, and coping strategies scores. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Both parents identified the need for honest, open, timely, and
      understandable information, with access to their child as paramount. Parents
      found feelings of uncertainty and helplessness to be particularly stressful. The
      main coping strategies employed by parents were related to trust, assurance, and
      believing in positive outcomes. The particular needs and stressors of mothers and
      fathers were found to be similar. There were, however, some statistically
      significant differences in stressors: mothers had higher stress scores regarding
      how their child looked, not being able to care for them, witnessing procedures,
      and on leaving their child as compared with fathers. There were no statistically
      significant differences in coping mechanisms between the sexes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Acute parental experiences can be documented using the COMPASS questionnaire.
      This study highlights the principal needs, stressors, and coping strategies of
      parents of children in the pediatric intensive care unit. The experiences of
      mothers and fathers are similar, but we identify some differences in stressors
      between the sexes.

PMID- 22079955
TI  - Comparative effects of bronchoalveolar lavage with saline, surfactant, or
      perfluorocarbon in experimental meconium aspiration syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Today, in meconium aspiration syndrome, treatment focuses on
      bronchoalveolar lavage, because it removes meconium and proinflammatory factors
      from airways. This technique might be more effective if different solutions were
      used such as saline solution, a protein-free surfactant, or a perfluorocarbon,
      because these would be less inhibited by meconium proteins. SETTING: Pulmonary
      physiology research unit, Cruces Hospital. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study.
      SUBJECTS: We studied 24 lambs (<6 days) on mechanical ventilation for 180 mins.
      Catheters were placed and femoral and pulmonary arteries pressures registered
      (systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures). INTERVENTIONS: Lambs were instilled
      with 20% meconium (3-5 mL/Kg) and were randomly assigned to one of the following
      groups (n = 6): control: only continuous mechanical ventilation; saline
      bronchoalveolar lavage: bronchoalveolar lavage with 30 mL/kg of saline solution;
      dilute surfactant bronchoalveolar lavage: bronchoalveolar lavage with 32 mL/kg of
      diluted surfactant (lucinactant, 10 mg/mL); or perfluorocarbon bronchoalveolar
      lavage: bronchoalveolar lavage with 30 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Blood gases, cardiovascular parameters, and pulmonary mechanics
      were assessed. Meconium instillation produced severe hypoxia, hypercapnia,
      acidosis, and pulmonary hypertension with impairment of pulmonary mechanics (p <
      .05). Lung lavage with dilute surfactant resulted in the resolution of pulmonary
      hypertension as well as better gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics than the
      control group (p < .05). Bronchoalveolar lavage with perfluorocarbon produced a
      transient improvement in gas exchange and ventilatory indices in comparison with
      control and saline bronchoalveolar lavage groups. CONCLUSIONS: In lambs with
      meconium aspiration syndrome, bronchoalveolar lavage with diluted lucinactant is
      an effective therapy producing significant improvements in gas exchange,
      pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary mechanics. In addition, bronchoalveolar
      lavage with perfluorocarbon appears to confer some advantages over lavage with
      equal volumes of saline or no lavage.

PMID- 22079956
TI  - Personnel and unit factors impacting outcome after cardiac arrest in a dedicated
      pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of personnel and unit factors on outcome from
      cardiac arrest in a dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. DESIGN:
      Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Dedicated cardiac intensive care
      unit at a quaternary academic children's hospital. PATIENTS: Children and young
      adults who had cardiac arrest while cared for in the pediatric cardiac intensive
      care unit from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2008. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred two index cardiac arrests over a 3-yr
      period in our pediatric cardiac intensive care unit were reviewed. We defined
      successful resuscitation as either return of spontaneous circulation or
      successful cannulation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Differences in
      resuscitation rates were assessed across categorical systems variables using
      logistic regression. The rate of successful resuscitation was 84% (return of
      spontaneous circulation 74%, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 10%). Survival
      to hospital discharge was 48% for patients who had a cardiac arrest. 11% of
      arrests during the week and 31% during weekends (odds ratio 3.8; 95% confidence
      interval 1.2-11.5) were not successfully resuscitated. Unsuccessful resuscitation
      was significantly more likely when the primary nurse had <1 yr of experience in
      the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (50% <1 yr vs. 13% >1 yr; odds ratio
      6.8; confidence interval 1.5-31.0). Cardiac arrest on a weekend day and <1-yr
      pediatric cardiac intensive care unit nursing experience were also associated
      with unsuccessful resuscitation in a multivariable model. Resuscitation outcomes
      were similar when senior intensive care unit attending physicians were on-call at
      the time of arrest compared with other intensive care unit staff (17%
      unsuccessful vs. 15%; odds ratio 1.2; confidence interval 0.4-3.7). Arrests where
      the attending physician was present at the onset resulted in unsuccessful
      resuscitation 18% of the time vs. 14% for events where the attending was not
      present (odds ratio 1.3; confidence interval 0.5-3.9). CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that personnel and unit factors may impact outcome after cardiac arrest
      in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Weekend arrests and less experience
      of the primary nurse were risk factors for unsuccessful resuscitation. Neither
      presence at arrest onset nor experience of the attending cardiac intensivist was
      associated with outcome.

PMID- 22079957
TI  - Neurally triggered breaths have reduced response time, work of breathing, and
      asynchrony compared with pneumatically triggered breaths in a recovering animal
      model of lung injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare response time, pressure time product as a
      reflection of work of breathing, and incidence and type of asynchrony in neurally
      vs. pneumatically triggered breaths in a spontaneously breathing animal model
      with resolving lung injury. DESIGN: Prospective animal study. SETTING:
      Experimental laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male Yorkshire pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Intubated,
      sedated pigs were ventilated using neurally adjusted ventilatory assist and
      pressure support ventilation with healthy and sick/recruited lungs. After injury,
      the lung was recruited using a computer-driven protocol. Respiratory mechanics
      were determined using a forced oscillation technique, and airway flow and
      pressure waveforms were acquired using a pneumotachograph. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Waveforms were analyzed for trigger delay, pressure time product, and
      asynchrony. Trigger delay was defined as the time interval (ms) from initiation
      of a breath to the beginning of ventilator pressurization. Pressure time product
      was measured as the area of the pressure curve for animal effort (area A) and
      ventilator response (area B). Asynchrony was classified according to triggering
      problems, adequacy of flow delivery, and adequate breath termination. Mean values
      were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (p < .05). Trigger delay (ms)
      was less in neurally triggered breaths (pressure support ventilation healthy 104
      +/- 27 vs. neurally adjusted ventilatory assist healthy 72 +/- 30, pressure
      support ventilation sick/recruited 77 +/- 18 vs. neurally adjusted ventilatory
      assist sick/recruited 38 +/- 18, p < .01). Pressure time product areas A and B
      were decreased for neurally triggered breaths compared with pressure support
      ventilation in both healthy and recruited animals (p <= .02). Overall, the
      percentage of asynchrony was less for neurally adjusted ventilatory assist
      breaths in the recruited animals (pressure support ventilation 27% and neurally
      adjusted ventilatory assist 6%). CONCLUSIONS: Neurally triggered breaths have
      reduced asynchrony, trigger delay, and pressure time product, which may indicate
      reduced work of breathing associated with less effort to trigger the ventilator
      and faster response to effort. Further study is required to demonstrate if these
      differences will lead to decreased days of ventilation and less use of sedation
      in patients.

PMID- 22079954
TI  - The randomized comparative pediatric critical illness stress-induced immune
      suppression (CRISIS) prevention trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nosocomial infection/sepsis occurs in up to 40% of children requiring
      long-term intensive care. Zinc, selenium, glutamine, metoclopramide (a prolactin
      secretalogue), and/or whey protein supplementation have been effective in
      reducing infection and sepsis in other populations. We evaluated whether daily
      nutriceutical supplementation with zinc, selenium, glutamine, and metoclopramide,
      compared to whey protein, would reduce the occurrence of nosocomial
      infection/sepsis in this at-risk population. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded,
      comparative effectiveness trial. SETTING: Eight pediatric intensive care units in
      the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative
      Pediatric Critical Care Research Network. PATIENTS: Two hundred ninety-three long
      term intensive care patients (age 1-17 yrs) expected to require >72 hrs of
      invasive care. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were stratified according to
      immunocompromised status and center and then were randomly assigned to receive
      daily enteral zinc, selenium, glutamine, and intravenous metoclopramide (n =
      149), or daily enteral whey protein (n = 144) and intravenous saline for up to 28
      days of intensive care unit stay. The primary end point was time to development
      of nosocomial sepsis/infection. The analysis was intention to treat. MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: There were no differences by assigned treatment in the overall
      population with respect to time until the first episode of nosocomial
      infection/sepsis (median whey protein 13.2 days vs. zinc, selenium, glutamine,
      and intravenous metoclopramide 12.1 days; p = .29 by log-rank test) or the rate
      of nosocomial infection/sepsis (4.83/100 days whey protein vs. 4.99/100 days
      zinc, selenium, glutamine, and intravenous metoclopramide; p = .81). Only 9% of
      the 293 subjects were immunocompromised and there was a reduction in rate of
      nosocomial infection/sepsis with zinc, selenium, glutamine, and intravenous
      metoclopramide in this immunocompromised group (6.09/100 days whey protein vs.
      1.57/100 days zinc, selenium, glutamine, and intravenous metoclopramide; p =
      .011). CONCLUSION: Compared with whey protein supplementation, zinc, selenium,
      glutamine, and intravenous metoclopramide conferred no advantage in the immune
      competent population. Further evaluation of zinc, selenium, glutamine, and
      intravenous metoclopramide supplementation is warranted in the immunocompromised
      long-term pediatric intensive care unit patient.

PMID- 22079959
TI  - A feasibility study on gamma-ray tomography by Monte Carlo simulation for
      development of portable tomographic system.
AB  - The electron beam X-ray tomographic scanner has been used in industrial and
      medical field since it was developed two decades ago. However, X-ray electron
      beam tomography has remained as indoor equipment because of its bulky hardware of
      X-ray generation devices. By replacing X-ray devices of electron beam CT with a
      gamma-ray source, a tomographic system can be a portable device. This paper
      introduces analysis and simulation results on industrial gamma-ray tomographic
      system with scanning geometry similar to electron beam CT. The gamma-ray
      tomographic system is introduced through the geometrical layout and analysis on
      non-uniformly distributed problem. The proposed system adopts clamp-on type
      device to actualize portable industrial system. MCNPx is used to generate virtual
      experimental data. Pulse height spectra from F8 tally of MCNPx are obtained for
      single channel counting data of photo-peak and gross counting. Photo-peak and
      gross counting data are reconstructed for the cross-sectional image of simulation
      phantoms by ART, Total Variation algorithm and ML-EM. Image reconstruction
      results from Monte Carlo simulation show that the proposed tomographic system can
      provide the image solution for industrial objects. Those results provide the
      preliminary data for the tomographic scanner, which will be developed in future
      work.

PMID- 22079958
TI  - Structural insight into the role of the human melanocortin 3 receptor cysteine
      residues on receptor function.
AB  - Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R), expressed in the hypothalamus and limbic systems
      of the brain, as well as by peripheral sites, plays an important role in the
      regulation of energy homeostasis and other physiological functions. Past work
      shows that MC3R-deficiency resulted in fat mass increase, feeding efficiency
      increase, hyperleptinemia and mild hyperinsulinemia in mice and human. MC3R
      belongs to G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family and many studies indicate
      that some cysteine residues in GPCR play key roles in maintaining receptor
      tertiary structure and function. In this study, we examined the role of cysteine
      residues in MC3R on receptor function. Human MC3R (hMC3R) has eighteen cysteine
      residues where they are located in the extracellular loops (ELs), the
      transmembrane domains (TMs) and the intracellular loops (ILs). We replaced these
      cysteines with serine and expressed these receptors in HEK-293 cells which lack
      endogenous MC3R. Our results indicate that five cysteines in eighteen of the
      hMC3R are important for hMC3R function. Mutations, C305S, C311S, and C313S in
      EL3, resulted in significant decrease in receptor expression and receptor
      function while two other mutations C115S and C162S in TM3 significantly decreased
      NDP-MSH binding affinity and potency. These results suggest that extracellular
      cysteine residue 305, 311 and 313 are crucial for receptor expression and the
      transmembrane cysteine residue, C115 and 162 are important for ligand binding and
      signaling. These findings provide important insights into the importance of
      cysteine residues of hMC3R on receptor tertiary structure and function.

PMID- 22079960
TI  - Determination of 241Pu in nuclear waste slurries: a comparative study using LSC
      and ICP-MS.
AB  - (241)Pu was determined in slurry samples from a nuclear reactor decommissioning
      project at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland). To validate the results,
      the (241)Pu activities of five samples were determined by LSC (TriCarb and
      Quantulus) and ICP-MS, with each instrument at a different laboratory. In lack of
      certified reference materials for (241)Pu, the methods were further validated
      using the (241)Pu information values of two reference sediments (IAEA-300 and
      IAEA-384). Excellent agreement with the results was found between LSC and ICP-MS
      in the nuclear waste slurries and the reference sediments.

PMID- 22079961
TI  - Subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation versus intravitreal
      injections of bevacizumab in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with
      either subthreshold diode laser MicroPulse (SDM) or intravitreal bevacizumab
      (BCZ). METHODS: This comparative, controlled, prospective study conducted over a
      period of 10 months examined 52 eyes of 52 patients with (a) treatment with SDM
      at the active leakage site guided by fluorescein angiography (FA) (n=16 eyes),
      (b) intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg BCZ (n=10 eyes), or (c) observation (n=26
      eyes). Outcome measures included changes in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
      leakage at FA, central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA), and 10 degrees  macular perimetry. RESULTS: At the end of the study,
      there was 12.5% persistent leakage in the SDM, compared with 60% in the BCZ and
      92% in the control group. Mean CMT decreased by 94 MUm in the SDM, 38 MUm in the
      BCZ, and did not change in the control group. Mean BCVA improved more than 6
      early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study letters in the SDM, decreased by
      one letter in the BCZ, and by two letters in the control group. In the SDM group,
      mean perimetric deficit improved by 1.5 decibels and corrected lost variance by
      2.6. In the BCZ, it improved by 0.6, and in the control group by 0.5. Retreatment
      was required in 7/16 eyes of the SDM group (43.75%), and in 5/10 eyes of the BCZ
      group (50%). CONCLUSION: SDM photocoagulation was superior to intravitreal
      injections of 1.25 mg BCZ in the treatment of CSC, which resulted in enhanced
      visual acuity and macular perimetry.

PMID- 22079962
TI  - Eyelid anaesthesia using tetracaine gel in the treatment of paediatric superglue
      tarsorrhaphy.

PMID- 22079963
TI  - Why we get a blue stain.

PMID- 22079964
TI  - Retinal nerve fiber layer and macular inner retina measurements by spectral
      domain optical coherence tomograph in Indian eyes with early glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic abilities of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber
      layer (RNFL) and macular inner retina (MIR) measurements by spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in Indian eyes early glaucoma. METHODS: In
      an observational, cross-sectional study, 125 eyes of 64 normal subjects and 91
      eyes of 59 early glaucoma patients underwent RNFL and MIR imaging with SD-OCT.
      Glaucomatous eyes had characteristic optic nerve and RNFL abnormalities and
      correlating visual field defects and a mean deviation of better than or equal to 
      6 dB on standard automated perimetry. Areas under the receiver operating
      characteristic curves (AUC), sensitivities at a fixed specificity and likelihood
      ratios (LRs) were estimated for all RNFL and MIR parameters. RESULTS: The AUCs
      for the RNFL parameters ranged from 0.537 for the temporal quadrant thickness to
      0.821 for the inferior quadrant RNFL thickness. AUCs for the MIR parameters
      ranged from 0.603 for the superior minus inferior MIR thickness average to 0.908
      for ganglion cell complex focal loss volume (GCC-FLV). AUC for the best MIR
      parameter (GCC-FLV) was significantly better (P<0.001) than that of the best RNFL
      parameter (inferior quadrant thickness). The sensitivities of these parameters at
      high specificity of 95%, however, were comparable (52.7% vs58.2%). Evaluation of
      the LRs showed that outside normal limits results of most of the RNFL and MIR
      parameters were associated with large effects on the post-test probability of
      disease. CONCLUSION: MIR parameters with RTVue SD-OCT were as good as the RNFL
      parameters to detect early glaucoma.

PMID- 22079965
TI  - Carbon monoxide poisoning masquerading as giant cell arteritis.

PMID- 22079966
TI  - Increased intraocular pressure on the first post-operative day following
      sutureless extracapsular cataract surgery in Africa.

PMID- 22079968
TI  - The influence of soft contact lenses on the intraocular pressure measurement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of silicone hydrogel contact lenses on the
      intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using Goldmann applanation tonometry
      (GAT), non-contact tonometry (NCT), and Pascal dynamic contour tonometry (DCT).
      METHODS: We included in the study 40 eyes of 40 patients who did not have any
      ocular or systemic diseases or contraindications to contact lens use. We measured
      and recorded the IOP values of each patient using NCT without and with contact
      lenses (groups 1 and 2, respectively), using DCT without and with contact lenses
      (groups 3 and 4, respectively), and using GAT without contact lenses (group 5).
      RESULTS: The mean IOP value of group 1 was 14.55 +/- 2.95 mm Hg and 13.92 +/-
      2.58 mm Hg in group 2. We detected no statistically significant difference
      between group 1 and group 2 (P=0.053). The mean IOP values for group 3 and group
      4 were 16.26 +/- 2.33 mm Hg and 15.19 +/- 2.40 mm Hg, respectively. We detected a
      statistically significant difference between groups 3 and 4 (P=0.005). Group 5's
      mean IOP value was 12.97 +/- 2.65 mm Hg. IOP values measured with DCT were
      statistically significantly higher compared with IOP values measured with NCT and
      GAT (P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). Additionally, IOP values measured with
      NCT were statistically significantly higher compared with IOP values measured
      with GAT (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, silicone
      hydrogel soft contact lens use does not significantly affect IOP values measured
      with NCT, but it affects IOP values measured with DCT.

PMID- 22079969
TI  - Corneal nerve alterations in acute Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis: an in vivo
      confocal microscopy study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study sub-basal corneal nerve alterations in patients with acute
      Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and fungal keratitis (FK), using laser in vivo
      confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of IVCM (Heidelberg
      Retina Tomograph 3/Rostock Cornea Module) images of 10 AK corneas and 4 FK
      corneas was performed, and the results compared with those of 10 normal and 12
      acute herpetic keratitis (HK) corneas. Sub-basal corneal nerves were analyzed
      with respect to total number of nerves, main nerve trunks, branching pattern and
      total length of nerves per image, as well as tortuosity. For each variable,
      results for three frames were averaged and analyzed using analysis of variance.
      RESULTS: Total corneal nerve length was significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced in
      patients with AK (193.4 +/- 124.5 MUm) and FK (268.6 +/- 257.4 MUm) when compared
      with normal controls (3811.84 +/- 911.4 MUm). Total nerve counts in patients with
      AK (3.9 +/- 1.2) and FK (3.6 +/- 3.2) were significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased
      in comparison with normal controls (24.7 +/- 5.5). The number of main nerve
      trunks and nerve branching was found to be significantly lower in AK and FK
      corneas, when compared with controls. There was a statistically significant
      decrease in the above parameters when compared with HK controls. CONCLUSIONS: The
      sub-basal corneal nerve plexus is significantly diminished in eyes with AK and
      FK, as demonstrated by IVCM. These results are more profound than previously
      reported findings of a diminished nerve plexus in HK.

PMID- 22079970
TI  - Retinal pigment epithelial tear resembling retinal tear.

PMID- 22079971
TI  - Complications due to bovine pericardium used to cover acrylic implants after
      enucleation and tubes of aqueous devices.

PMID- 22079972
TI  - Differences in uveal melanomas between men and women from the British Isles.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare uveal melanomas (UMs) in men and
      women. METHODS: The Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre (LOOC) database was
      reviewed. Patients treated for UM at the LOOC between 1993 and 2010 were
      selected. Differences between sexes were identified using the chi (2)-test for
      categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables.
      RESULTS: The 3380 patients comprised 1685 women and 1695 men. The tumours were
      considered clinically to have arisen in choroid in 89.5%, ciliary body in 5.3%,
      and iris in 5.2%. Tumours in women were less likely to originate in choroid (87.2
      vs 91.7%; P<0.001) and showed more circumferential spread in ciliary body
      (P<0.001) and iris (P=0.003). Tumours in men were more likely to extend to within
      3 mm of optic disc or fovea (46.3 vs 39.0%, P<0.001), showing more extensive
      optic-disc involvement (P<0.001). The median largest basal tumour diameter was
      12.2 mm in men and 11.9 mm in women (P=0.001). The tumour thickness had a median
      of 4.4 mm and 3.8 mm in men and women, respectively (P=0.015). The 180 ciliary
      body tumours occurred in 112 women and 68 men. In these, the prevalence of
      extraocular spread was higher in women (19.6 vs 8.8%; P=0.052). The 175 iris
      melanomas were more common in women than men (103 vs 72, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: In men, UMs tend to be larger and more posterior than in women.

PMID- 22079973
TI  - Natural presence of NS3 protease R155K hepatitis C virus variants with decreased
      sensitivity to protease inhibitors.

PMID- 22079974
TI  - HBsAg titers in the different phases of hepatitis B infection in Syrian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known about hepatitis B surface antigen
      (HBsAg) level during the natural course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The
      aims of this study were to determine the HBsAg titer in the different phases of
      HBV infection and to evaluate for the presence of a correlation between HBsAg
      titers and HBV DNA levels. STUDY DESIGN: 272 HBV patients were analyzed in a
      cross-sectional study. The patients were classified into 4 categories: immune
      tolerant phase (IT, n=9), immune clearance phase (IC, n=26), low-replicative
      phase (LR, n=131), and HBeAg-negative hepatitis (ENH, n=106). RESULTS: Median
      HBsAg titers were different between each phase of CHB (p<0.001): IT
      (4.31log(10)IU/ml), IC (4.42log(10)IU/ml), LR (3.32log(10)IU/ml) and ENH
      (3.71log(10)IU/ml). Correlation of HBsAg and HBV DNA was strong in IT patients
      (r=0.74) and the whole group (r=0.83), moderate in the ENH phase (r=0.44) and
      poor in the IC (r=0.14) and the LR phases (r=0.080). CONCLUSIONS: This large
      study demonstrates that in HBV patients, HBsAg levels are significantly different
      in the different stages of the disease. A correlation between serum HBV DNA and
      HBsAg titers does not exist except in the IT and ENH phases. Three other studies
      have addressed the same issue on different genotypes and we notice that there is
      no concordance between the 4 studies. This leads to conclude that measurement of
      HBsAg level, for the time being, will not replace the serum HBV DNA as a marker
      of replication.

PMID- 22079975
TI  - J7, a methyl jasmonate derivative, enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through up
      regulation of reactive oxygen species generation in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.
AB  - The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/APO2L),
      a member of the TNF gene superfamily, induces apoptosis upon engagement of
      cognate death receptors. While TRAIL is relatively non-toxic to normal cells, it
      selectively induces apoptosis in many transformed cells. Nevertheless, some human
      hepatoma cells are particularly resistant to the effects of TRAIL. In this study,
      we show that J7, a novel methyl jasmonate analogue, sensitizes TRAIL-resistant
      HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Our results
      indicate that J7 substantially enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis, compared with
      treatment with either agent alone. Combined treatment with J7 and TRAIL
      effectively induced Bid cleavage, down-regulation of XIAP, cIAP-1 and Bcl-xL,
      activation of caspases, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and
      phopholipase gamma-1. In addition, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      showed a significant increase in cells following exposure to J7 in a time
      dependent manner. However, the cytotoxic effects induced by co-treatment with J7
      and TRAIL were markedly attenuated by caspase inhibitors, indicating an important
      role for caspases. Administration of N-acetyl cysteine, a scavenger of ROS, also
      resulted in significant inhibition of apoptosis induced by combinatory treatment
      with J7 and TRAIL. These results support a mechanism whereby J7 plus TRAIL
      induces apoptosis of HepG2 human hepatoma cells through a signaling cascade
      involving a ROS-mediated caspase pathway.

PMID- 22079976
TI  - Myelin structure is unaltered in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Alterations in mRNA for myelin proteins are reported in animal models of
      chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies (CIPN); however, ultrastructural
      changes in aldehyde-fixed and plastic-embedded myelin are not evident by electron
      microscopy. Therefore, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate more subtle
      changes in myelin sheath structure from unfixed nerves. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We
      used in vivo chronic animal models of CIPN in female Wistar rats, administering
      cisplatin (CDDP 2mg/kg, i.p. twice/week), paclitaxel (PT 10mg/kg, i.v. once/week)
      or bortezomib (0.20mg/kg, i.v. three times/week) over a total period of 4weeks.
      Animal weights were monitored, and tail nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was
      determined at the end of the treatments to assess the occurrence of peripheral
      neuropathy. Sciatic nerves were collected and the myelin structure was analyzed
      using electron microscopy (EM) and XRD. RESULTS: All the rats treated with the
      chemotherapy agents developed peripheral neuropathy, as indicated by a decrease
      in NCV values; however, light and electron microscopy indicated no severe
      pathological alterations of the myelin morphology. XRD also did not demonstrate
      significant differences between sciatic nerves in treated vs. control rats with
      respect to myelin period, relative amount of myelin, membrane structure, and
      regularity of membrane packing. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that
      experimental peripheral neuropathy caused by CDDP, PT, and bortezomib-which are
      among the most widely used chemotherapy agents-does not significantly affect the
      structure of internodal myelin in peripheral nerve.

PMID- 22079977
TI  - Interaction of quinoline antimalarial drugs with ferriprotoporphyrin IX, a solid
      state spectroscopy study.
AB  - To investigate the nature of binding of quinoline antimalarial drugs to heme and
      to extract experimental evidence for this binding, the interaction of
      ferriprotoporphyrin IX (FP) with chloroquine and quinacrine (both of which have a
      similar side chain) and quinoline methanol antimalarials quinine and mefloquine
      has been studied using IR and NIR-Raman spectroscopy in the solid state.
      Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopic data clearly show that heme
      in chloroquine-FP complex is not MU-oxo dimeric indicating that the hypothesis
      that chloroquine binds to FP MU-oxo dimer with a stoichiometry of 1 chloroquine:2
      MU-oxo dimers is not valid in the solid state. Moreover, the first vibrational
      spectroscopy evidence is presented for the formation of hydrogen bonding between
      a propionate group of heme and the tertiary amino nitrogen of chloroquine and
      quinacrine. Raman spectroscopy data does not provide any evidence to support the
      formation of a similar salt bridge in the complexes of FP with quinine and
      mefloquine; however, it suggests that the interaction of these drugs with FP
      happens through coordination of the Fe(III) center of the porphyrin to the 9
      hydroxy group of the drug.

PMID- 22079978
TI  - Fe(III)-complexes of the tripodal trishydroxamate siderophore basidiochrome:
      potential biological implications.
AB  - One method of mobilization of iron by mycorrhizal organisms is through the
      secretion of small organic chelators called siderophores. Hydroxamate donor
      chelators are a common type of siderophore that is frequently used by fungal
      organisms. The primary siderophore that is produced by fungi from the genera
      Ceratobasidium and Rhizoctonia is the tripodal trishydroxamate siderophore
      basidiochrome. To gain some insight into the iron uptake mechanisms of these
      symbiotic fungi, the iron binding characteristics of basidiochrome were
      determined. It was found that basidiochrome exhibits a log beta(110) of 27.8+/
      0.1 and a pFe value of 25.0. These values are similar to those of another fungal
      trishydroxamate siderophore, ferrichrome. The similarity in iron affinity between
      the two siderophores suggests that the structure of the backbone has little
      influence in complex formation due to the length of the pendant arms, although
      the identity of the terminating groups of the pendant arms is likely related to
      complex stability. The role of basidiochrome in the biogeochemical cycling of
      iron is also discussed.

PMID- 22079979
TI  - MLC tracking for Elekta VMAT: a modelling study.
AB  - A model has been developed to simulate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
      delivery for Elekta control systems. The model was experimentally validated for
      static-tumour VMAT delivery and has been applied to the investigation of motion
      compensation with dynamic multileaf collimator (dMLC) delivery tracking for a
      series of VMAT lung treatment plans at various control point spacings for five
      patients. The relative increase in treatment time with dMLC tracking was
      calculated for four 1D rigid-body motion trajectories, and the effect of the
      control point spacing, the MLC leaf speed and an increased number of dose levels
      on the dMLC tracking delivery time evaluated. It has been observed that a faster
      leaf speed is advantageous for motion trajectories with shorter time periods and
      larger amplitudes. The accuracy of dMLC tracking was found to increase with a
      decreased control point spacing and is dependent on the amplitude and time period
      of the motion trajectory of the target. dMLC tracking is shown to be a promising
      emerging technology which can confer advantage over breath-hold motion
      compensation techniques which more drastically reduce the efficiency of VMAT and
      are more invasive for the patient.

PMID- 22079980
TI  - Elongation factor-2, a Th1 stimulatory protein of Leishmania donovani, generates
      strong IFN-gamma and IL-12 response in cured Leishmania-infected
      patients/hamsters and protects hamsters against Leishmania challenge.
AB  - In visceral leishmaniasis, Th1 types of immune responses correlate with recovery
      from and resistance to disease, and resolution of infection results in lifelong
      immunity against the disease. Leishmanial Ags that elicit proliferative and
      cytokine responses in PBMCs from cured/exposed/Leishmania patients have been
      characterized through proteomic approaches, and elongation factor-2 is identified
      as one of the potent immunostimulatory proteins. In this study, we report the
      cloning and expression of Leishmania donovani elongation factor-2 protein (LelF
      2) and its immunogenicity in PBMCs of cured/exposed Leishmania-infected patients
      and hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Leishmania-infected cured/exposed patients
      and hamsters exhibited significantly higher proliferative responses to
      recombinant Lelf-2 (rLelF-2) than those with L. donovani-infected hosts. The
      soluble L. donovani Ag stimulated PBMCs of cured/exposed and Leishmania patients
      to produce a mixed Thl/Th2-type cytokine profile, whereas rLelF-2 stimulated the
      production of IFN-gamma, IL-12, and TNF-alpha but not IL-4 or IL-10. Further,
      rLelF-2 downregulated LPS-induced IL-10 as well as soluble L. donovani Ag-induced
      IL-4 production by Leishmania patient PBMCs. The immunogenicity of rLelF-2 was
      also checked in hamsters in which rLelF-2 generates strong IL-12- and IFN-gamma
      mediated Th1 immune response. This was further supported by a remarkable increase
      in IgG2 Ab level. We further demonstrated that rLelF-2 was able to provide
      considerable protection (~65%) to hamsters against L. donovani challenge. The
      efficacy was supported by the increased inducible NO synthase mRNA transcript and
      Th1-type cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-12, and TNF-alpha and downregulation of IL-4, IL
      10, and TGF-beta. Hence, it is inferred that rLelF-2 elicits a Th1 type of immune
      response exclusively and confers considerable protection against experimental
      visceral leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22079981
TI  - Dengue virus-induced autoantibodies bind to plasminogen and enhance its
      activation.
AB  - Dengue virus infection can lead to life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever
      (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS) in patients. Abnormal activation of the
      coagulation and fibrinolysis system is one of the hallmarks associated with
      DHF/DSS patients. However, the mechanisms that cause pathology in DHF/DSS
      patients are still unclear. Because conversion of plasminogen (Plg) to plasmin
      (Plm) is the first step in the activation of fibrinolysis, Abs against Plg found
      in DHF/DSS patients may be important. Therefore, to investigate the specificity,
      function, and possible origin of these Abs, we generated several Plg cross
      reactive mAbs from DENV-immunized mice. An IgG mAb, 6H11, which recognizes an
      epitope associated with a dengue envelope protein, demonstrated a high level of
      cross-reactivity with Plg. The 6H11 Ab was further characterized with regard to
      its effect on Plg activation. Using Plm-specific chromogenic substrate S-2251, we
      found that mAb 6H11 demonstrated serine protease activity and could convert Plg
      directly to Plm. The serine protease activity of mAb 6H11 was further confirmed
      using serine protease chromogenic substrate S-2288. In addition, we found several
      Plg cross-reactive mAbs that could enhance urokinase-induced Plg activation.
      Lastly, mAb 6H11 could induce Plm activity and increase the level of D-dimer (a
      fibrin degradation product) in both human and mouse platelet-poor plasma. Taken
      together, these data suggest DENV-induced Plg cross-reactive Abs may enhance Plg
      conversion to Plm, which would be expected to contribute to hyperfibrinolysis in
      DHF/DSS patients.

PMID- 22079982
TI  - Activation of NLRC4 by flagellated bacteria triggers caspase-1-dependent and 
      independent responses to restrict Legionella pneumophila replication in
      macrophages and in vivo.
AB  - Although NLRC4/IPAF activation by flagellin has been extensively investigated,
      the downstream signaling pathways and the mechanisms responsible for infection
      clearance remain unclear. In this study, we used mice deficient for the
      inflammasome components in addition to wild-type (WT) Legionella pneumophila or
      bacteria deficient for flagellin (flaA) or motility (fliI) to assess the pathways
      responsible for NLRC4-dependent growth restriction in vivo and ex vivo. By
      comparing infections with WT L. pneumophila, fliI, and flaA, we found that
      flagellin and motility are important for the colonization of the protozoan host
      Acanthamoeba castellanii. However, in macrophages and mammalian lungs, flagellin
      expression abrogated bacterial replication. The flagellin-mediated growth
      restriction was dependent on NLRC4, and although it was recently demonstrated
      that NLRC4 is able to recognize bacteria independent of flagellin, we found that
      the NLRC4-dependent restriction of L. pneumophila multiplication was fully
      dependent on flagellin. By examining infected caspase-1(-/-) mice and macrophages
      with flaA, fliI, and WT L. pneumophila, we could detect greater replication of
      flaA, which suggests that caspase-1 only partially accounted for flagellin
      dependent growth restriction. Conversely, WT L. pneumophila multiplied better in
      macrophages and mice deficient for NLRC4 compared with that in macrophages and
      mice deficient for caspase-1, supporting the existence of a novel caspase-1
      independent response downstream of NLRC4. This response operated early after
      macrophage infection and accounted for the restriction of bacterial replication
      within bacteria-containing vacuoles. Collectively, our data indicate that
      flagellin is required for NLRC4-dependent responses to L. pneumophila and that
      NLRC4 triggers caspase-1-dependent and -independent responses for bacterial
      growth restriction in macrophages and in vivo.

PMID- 22079984
TI  - Cannabinoid receptor type 1 protects nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons against
      MPTP neurotoxicity by inhibiting microglial activation.
AB  - This study examined whether the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB(1)) receptor
      contributes to the survival of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the 1
      methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson's
      disease. MPTP induced significant loss of nigrostriatal DA neurons and microglial
      activation in the substantia nigra (SN), visualized with tyrosine hydroxylase or
      macrophage Ag complex-1 immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR, ELISA, Western
      blotting, and immunohistochemistry disclosed upregulation of proinflammatory
      cytokines, activation of microglial NADPH oxidase, and subsequent reactive oxygen
      species production and oxidative damage of DNA and proteins in MPTP-treated SN,
      resulting in degeneration of DA neurons. Conversely, treatment with nonselective
      cannabinoid receptor agonists (WIN55,212-2 and HU210) led to increased survival
      of DA neurons in the SN, their fibers and dopamine levels in the striatum, and
      improved motor function. This neuroprotection by cannabinoids was accompanied by
      suppression of NADPH oxidase reactive oxygen species production and reduced
      expression of proinflammatory cytokines from activated microglia. Interestingly,
      cannabinoids protected DA neurons against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium
      neurotoxicity in cocultures of mesencephalic neurons and microglia, but not in
      neuron-enriched mesencephalic cultures devoid of microglia. The observed
      neuroprotection and inhibition of microglial activation were reversed upon
      treatment with CB(1) receptor selective antagonists AM251 and/or SR14,716A,
      confirming the involvement of the CB(1) receptor. The present in vivo and in
      vitro findings clearly indicate that the CB(1) receptor possesses anti
      inflammatory properties and inhibits microglia-mediated oxidative stress. Our
      results collectively suggest that the cannabinoid system is beneficial for the
      treatment of Parkinson's disease and other disorders associated with
      neuroinflammation and microglia-derived oxidative damage.

PMID- 22079983
TI  - Cutting edge: activation of virus-specific CD4 T cells throughout gamma
      herpesvirus latency.
AB  - CD4 T cells are essential for immune control of gamma-herpesvirus latency. We
      previously identified a murine MHC class II-restricted epitope in gamma
      herpesvirus-68 gp150 (gp150(67-83)I-A(b)) that elicits CD4 T cells that are
      maintained throughout long-term infection. However, it is unknown whether naive
      cells can be recruited into the antiviral CD4 T cell pool during latency. In this
      study, we generate a mouse transgenic for a gp150-specific TCR and show epitope
      specific activation of transgenic CD4 T cells during acute and latent infections.
      Furthermore, although only dendritic cells can stimulate virus-specific CD8 T
      cells during latency, we show that both dendritic cells and B cells stimulate
      transgenic CD4 T cells. These studies demonstrate that naive CD4 T cells specific
      for a viral glycoprotein can be stimulated throughout infection, even during
      quiescent latency, suggesting that CD4 T cell memory is maintained in part by the
      continual recruitment of naive cells.

PMID- 22079985
TI  - Resident peritoneal NK cells.
AB  - In this study, we describe a new population of NK cells that reside in the
      normal, uninflamed peritoneal cavity. Phenotypically, they share some
      similarities with the small population of CD49b(-), CD27(+) immature splenic NK
      cells, as well as liver NK cells, but they differ in their expression of CD62L,
      TRAIL, and EOMES. Functionally, the peritoneal NK cells resemble the immature
      splenic NK cells in their production of IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, and TNF-alpha and in
      the killing of YAC-1 target cells. We also found that the peritoneum induces
      different behavior in mature and immature splenic NK cells. When transferred i.v.
      into RAGgammac knockout mice, both populations undergo homeostatic proliferation
      in the spleen, but only the immature splenic NK cells are able to reach the
      peritoneum. When transferred directly into the peritoneum, the mature NK cells
      survive but do not divide, whereas the immature NK cells proliferate profusely.
      These data suggest that the peritoneum is not only home to a new subset of tissue
      resident NK cells, but that it differentially regulates the migration and
      homeostatic proliferation of immature versus mature NK cells.

PMID- 22079986
TI  - Regulation of TCRbeta allelic exclusion by gene segment proximity and
      accessibility.
AB  - Ag receptor loci are regulated to promote allelic exclusion, but the mechanisms
      are not well understood. Assembly of a functional TCR beta-chain gene triggers
      feedback inhibition of V(beta)-to-DJ(beta) recombination in double-positive (DP)
      thymocytes, which correlates with reduced V(beta) chromatin accessibility and a
      locus conformational change that separates V(beta) from DJ(beta) gene segments.
      We previously generated a Tcrb allele that maintained V(beta) accessibility but
      was still subject to feedback inhibition in DP thymocytes. We have now further
      analyzed the contributions of chromatin accessibility and locus conformation to
      feedback inhibition using two novel TCR alleles. We show that reduced V(beta)
      accessibility and increased distance between V(beta) and DJ(beta) gene segments
      both enforce feedback inhibition in DP thymocytes.

PMID- 22079988
TI  - Antigen targeting to plasmacytoid dendritic cells via Siglec-H inhibits Th cell
      dependent autoimmunity.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) have been shown to present Ags and to
      contribute to peripheral immune tolerance and to Ag-specific adaptive immunity.
      However, modulation of adaptive immune responses by selective Ag targeting to
      PDCs with the aim of preventing autoimmunity has not been investigated. In the
      current study, we demonstrate that in vivo Ag delivery to murine PDCs via the
      specifically expressed surface molecule sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin H
      (Siglec-H) inhibits Th cell and Ab responses in the presence of strong immune
      stimulation in an Ag-specific manner. Correlating with sustained low-level MHC
      class II-restricted Ag presentation on PDCs, Siglec-H-mediated Ag delivery
      induced a hyporesponsive state in CD4(+) T cells leading to reduced expansion and
      Th1/Th17 cell polarization without conversion to Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells or
      deviation to Th2 or Tr1 cells. Siglec-H-mediated delivery of a T cell epitope
      derived from the autoantigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein to PDCs
      effectively delayed onset and reduced disease severity in myelin oligodendrocyte
      glycoprotein-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by interfering
      with the priming phase without promoting the generation or expansion of myelin
      oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-specific Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. We conclude
      that Ag delivery to PDCs can be harnessed to inhibit Ag-specific immune responses
      and prevent Th cell-dependent autoimmunity.

PMID- 22079987
TI  - Inducible CD4+LAP+Foxp3- regulatory T cells suppress allergic inflammation.
AB  - Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the maintenance of airway
      tolerance. We report that inhaled soluble Ag induces adaptive Foxp3(+) Tregs, as
      well as a regulatory population of CD4(+) T cells in the lungs and lung-draining
      lymph nodes that express latency-associated peptide (LAP) on their cell surface
      but do not express Foxp3. Blocking the cytokine IL-10 or TGF-beta prevented the
      generation of LAP(+) Tregs and Foxp3(+) Tregs in vivo, and the LAP(+) Tregs could
      also be generated concomitantly with Foxp3(+) Tregs in vitro by culturing naive
      CD4(+) T cells with Ag and exogenous TGF-beta. The LAP(+) Tregs strongly
      suppressed naive CD4(+) T cell proliferation, and transfer of sorted OVA-specific
      LAP(+) Tregs in vivo inhibited allergic eosinophilia and Th2 cytokine expression
      in the lung, either when present at the time of Th2 sensitization or when
      injected after Th2 cells were formed. Furthermore, inflammatory innate stimuli
      from house dust mite extract, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain
      containing 2 ligand, and LPS, which are sufficient for blocking airway tolerance,
      strongly decreased the induction of LAP(+) Tregs. Taken together, we concluded
      that inducible Ag-specific LAP(+) Tregs can suppress asthmatic lung inflammation
      and constitute a mediator of airway tolerance together with Foxp3(+) Tregs.

PMID- 22079989
TI  - MIP-T3 is a negative regulator of innate type I IFN response.
AB  - TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) 3 is an important adaptor that transmits upstream
      activation signals to protein kinases that phosphorylate transcription factors to
      induce the production of type I IFNs, the important effectors in innate antiviral
      immune response. MIP-T3 interacts specifically with TRAF3, but its function in
      innate IFN response remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated a negative
      regulatory role of MIP-T3 in type I IFN production. Overexpression of MIP-T3
      inhibited RIG-I-, MDA5-, VISA-, TBK1-, and IKKepsilon-induced transcriptional
      activity mediated by IFN-stimulated response elements and IFN-beta promoter. MIP
      T3 interacted with TRAF3 and perturbed in a dose-dependent manner the formation
      of functional complexes of TRAF3 with VISA, TBK1, IKKepsilon, and IFN regulatory
      factor 3. Consistent with this finding, retinoic acid-inducible gene I- and TBK1
      induced phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 was significantly diminished
      when MIP-T3 was overexpressed. Depletion of MIP-T3 facilitated Sendai virus
      induced activation of IFN production and attenuated the replication of vesicular
      stomatitis virus. In addition, MIP-T3 was found to be dissociated from TRAF3
      during the course of Sendai virus infection. Our findings suggest that MIP-T3
      functions as a negative regulator of innate IFN response by preventing TRAF3 from
      forming protein complexes with critical downstream transducers and effectors.

PMID- 22079990
TI  - The fractalkine receptor but not CCR2 is present on microglia from embryonic
      development throughout adulthood.
AB  - Microglial cells are difficult to track during development because of the lack of
      specific reagents for myeloid subpopulations. To further understand how myeloid
      lineages differentiate during development to create microglial cells, we
      investigated CX3CR1 and CCR2 transcription unit activation in
      Cx3cr1(+/GFP)CCR2(+/RFP) knockin fluorescent protein reporter mice. The principal
      findings include: 1) CX3CR1(+) cells localized to the aorta-gonad-mesonephros
      region, and visualized at embryonic day (E)9.0 in the yolk sac and neuroectoderm;
      2) at E10.5, CX3CR1 single-positive microglial cells were visualized penetrating
      the neuroepithelium; and 3) CX3CR1 and CCR2 distinguished infiltrating
      macrophages from resident surveillant or activated microglia within tissue
      sections and by flow cytometric analyses. Our results support the contribution of
      the yolk sac as a source of microglial precursors. We provide a novel model to
      monitor chemokine receptor expression changes in microglia and myeloid cells
      early (E8.0-E10.5) in development and during inflammatory conditions, which have
      been challenging to visualize in mammalian tissues.

PMID- 22079991
TI  - Uterine environment as a regulator of birth weight and body dimensions of newborn
      lambs.
AB  - Pure-bred embryos were transferred within and reciprocally between large
      (Suffolk) and small (Cheviot) breeds of sheep to establish 4 treatment groups:
      SinS (Suffolk embryos in Suffolk dams), SinC (Suffolk embryos in Cheviot dams),
      CinS (Cheviot embryos in Suffolk dams), and CinC (Cheviot embryos in Cheviot
      dams). The recipient ewes carried single fetuses to term. The maternal plasma
      concentrations of ovine placental lactogen (oPL), progesterone, IGF-1, FFA, and
      glucose were measured on d 50, 90, 120, and 140 of pregnancy. Birth weight, body
      dimensions, and placental characteristics of lambs were recorded at birth. There
      was a recipient ewe breed * lamb breed * time interaction for the concentration
      of oPL (P = 0.03), but no such interaction was observed for progesterone (P =
      0.42), IGF-1 (P = 0.57), glucose (P = 0.36), or FFA (P = 0.72). There were no
      differences in oPL (P = 0.28) and progesterone (P = 0.34) concentrations between
      SinC and SinS ewes. The concentrations of FFA on d 140 (P = 0.008), and those of
      glucose on d 50 (P = 0.02) and 120 (P = 0.01), were greater in SinC ewes than in
      SinS ewes. The ewes in CinS had less FFA concentration (P = 0.002) at all time
      points than CinC ewes. The concentrations of IGF-1 on d 90 were greater (P =
      0.004) in CinS ewes than CinC ewes, but did not differ (P = 0.16) on d 50, 120,
      and 140. The concentrations of glucose on d 50 (P = 0.001), 90 (P = 0.03), and
      140 (P = 0.03) were less in CinS ewes compared with CinC ewes. The birth weight
      of SinC lambs (5.04 +/- 0.20 kg) was lighter (P = 0.001) than SinS lambs (5.94 +/
      0.19 kg), and body dimensions of SinC lambs were smaller (P = 0.01) than SinS
      lambs. Neither birth weight nor the body dimensions of CinS lambs differed (P =
      0.24) from CinC lambs. Cotyledon number was reduced (P = 0.04) in the CinS (57.5
      +/- 6.3) compared with the SinS group (74.2 +/- 5.9), whereas mean cotyledon
      weight in CinS (2.42 +/- 0.20 g) was greater (P = 0.02) than SinS (1.74 +/- 0.21
      g). It was concluded that the large genotype lambs were lighter and smaller when
      born to small genotype dams; however, the birth weight or body dimensions of
      small genotype lambs did not differ when born to large genotype dams. This study
      suggests that plasma oPL, progesterone, IGF-1, FFA, and glucose concentrations at
      different times throughout pregnancy reflect the regulatory effect of the uterine
      environment on the development of the fetus.

PMID- 22079992
TI  - Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on marbling and intramuscular
      adipocytes in pork.
AB  - Dietary CLA has been reported to decrease backfat and increase marbling in pigs.
      Our objective was to determine whether the increase in marbling involved changes
      in intramuscular adipocyte number or size or both. Twenty barrows (53 kg) were
      penned in pairs and pens were randomly assigned to receive diets containing
      either 1% soybean oil (SBO) or CLA (60% CLA isomers) for 6 wk. Body weight and
      feed intake were determined weekly. At slaughter, loin samples were obtained and
      flash frozen for RNA extraction and real-time reverse-transcription PCR analysis
      of gene expression. After a 24-h chill, loin eye area and backfat depth were
      measured and subjective marbling and color scores were assigned. Loin, backfat,
      and belly fat samples were obtained for fatty acid analysis by gas
      chromatography. Loin samples were also frozen in ice-cold isopentane for
      histological analysis of intramuscular adipocytes. Dietary CLA did not affect BW
      or feed intake at any point (P > 0.10), nor did treatment groups differ in HCW (P
      = 0.417) or loin color (P = 0.500). The CLA-fed pigs did have less (P = 0.018)
      backfat and smaller (P = 0.047) loin eye area than SBO-fed pigs and had a trend
      for an increase (P = 0.069) in marbling score. Relative gene expression for
      markers of preadipocytes (preadipocyte factor 1; Pref-1), differentiating
      adipocytes (PPARgamma), and mature adipocytes [fatty acid binding protein 4
      (FABP4) and perilipin (PLIN)] were determined and normalized to the expression of
      acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein. No significant differences were detected, but
      the expression of PPARgamma (P = 0.265), PLIN (P = 0.265), and FABP4 (P = 0.148)
      was numerically greater in CLA-fed pigs than in SBO-fed pigs. Loin samples were
      stained with Oil Red O to identify intramuscular adipocytes. The average cell
      area was increased (P = 0.030) in CLA-fed pigs. The cis-9,trans-11 and trans
      10,cis-12 CLA isomers were incorporated (P = 0.006) into backfat and belly fat,
      but only trans-10,cis-12 CLA was increased in the loin (P = 0.004) of CLA-fed
      pigs. The proportion of SFA was increased (P = 0.006) by CLA in all tissues.
      These results indicate that the increase in marbling in pigs fed CLA may be
      related to increased intramuscular adipocyte size, and the combination of
      increased marbling and degree of saturation could improve the eating quality of
      CLA-fed pork.

PMID- 22079993
TI  - Energy use in pig production: an examination of current Iowa systems.
AB  - This paper compares energy use for different pig production systems in Iowa, a
      leader in US swine production. Pig production systems include not only the growth
      and performance of the pigs, but also the supporting infrastructure of pig
      production. This supporting infrastructure includes swine housing, facility
      management, feedstuff provision, swine diets, and manure management. Six
      different facility type * diet formulation * cropping sequence scenarios were
      modeled and compared. The baseline system examined produces 15,600 pigs annually
      using confinement facilities and a corn-soybean cropping sequence. Diet
      formulations for the baseline system were corn-soybean meal diets that included
      the synthetic AA l-lysine and exogenous phytase. The baseline system represents
      the majority of current US pork production in the Upper Midwest, where most US
      swine are produced. This system was found to require 744.6 MJ per 136-kg market
      pig. An alternative system that uses bedded hoop barns for grow-finish pigs and
      gestating sows would require 3% less (720.8 MJ) energy per 136-kg market pig.
      When swine production systems were assessed, diet type and feed ingredient
      processing were the major influences on energy use, accounting for 61 and 79% of
      total energy in conventional and hoop barn-based systems, respectively. Improving
      feed efficiency and better matching the diet formulation with the thermal
      environment and genetic potential are thus key aspects of reducing energy use by
      pig production, particularly in a hoop barn-based system. The most energy
      intensive aspect of provisioning pig feed is the production of synthetic N for
      crop production; thus, effectively recycling manure nutrients to cropland is
      another important avenue for future research. Almost 25% of energy use by a
      conventional farrow-to-finish pig production system is attributable to operation
      of the swine buildings. Developing strategies to minimize energy use for heating
      and ventilation of swine buildings while maintaining pig comfort and performance
      is a third critical area for future research. The hoop barn-based alternative
      uses 64% less energy to operate buildings but requires bedding and 2.4% more
      feed. Current Iowa pig production systems use energy differently but result in
      similar total energy use. Compared with 1975, current farrow-to-finish systems in
      Iowa require 80% less energy to produce live market pigs.

PMID- 22079994
TI  - Standardized ileal digestible tryptophan-to-lysine ratios in growing pigs fed
      corn-based and non-corn-based diets.
AB  - Two 21-d experiments were conducted to determine the optimum standardized ileal
      digestible (SID) Trp:Lys in growing pigs fed corn-based diets compared with non
      corn-based diets. The primary response variables in both experiments were ADG and
      plasma urea N (PUN) concentrations with the optimum SID Trp:Lys determined using
      broken-line analysis. Experiment 1 evaluated the optimum SID Trp:Lys in growing
      pigs fed corn-based diets consisting primarily of corn with minor inclusion of
      Canadian field peas and corn gluten meal to keep the SID Trp:Lys low. This
      experiment used 120 crossbred pigs (initial BW: 25.73 +/- 2.46 kg) that were
      blocked by sex and initial BW and allotted to 5 SID Trp:Lys with 5 pens each for
      the first 4 treatments and 4 pens for the last treatment and 5 pigs/pen. Diets
      were formulated by the addition of supplemental Trp to create various SID Trp:Lys
      (12.77, 14.07, 15.50, 16.91, and 17.94%) with a constant SID Lys of 0.66%, which
      was determined to be 83% of the Lys requirement for pigs at this location. As the
      SID Trp:Lys increased from 12.77 to 17.94%, ADG increased (0.562, 0.648, 0.788,
      0.787, and 0.815 kg/d) linearly (P < 0.001) and quadratically (P = 0.009),
      resulting in an optimum SID Trp:Lys of 15.73% (P < 0.001). Plasma urea N
      decreased (10.43, 9.30, 8.21, 8.55, and 9.25 mg/dL) linearly (P = 0.069) and
      quadratically (P = 0.015), resulting in an optimum SID Trp:Lys of 15.83% (P =
      0.007). Experiment 2 evaluated the optimum SID Trp:Lys in growing pigs fed non
      corn-based diets consisting primarily of barley and Canadian field peas, with
      smaller proportions of corn and wheat. Experiment 2 used 120 crossbred pigs
      (initial BW: 28.49 +/- 2.92 kg) that were allotted to 5 increasing SID Trp:Lys
      (13.05, 14.32, 15.59, 16.85, and 18.11%; 0.66% SID Lys) in the same manner as
      Exp. 1. As SID Trp:Lys increased in Exp. 2, ADG increased linearly (P = 0.007)
      with the optimum SID Trp:Lys of 15.99% (P = 0.048). Plasma urea N concentrations
      decreased linearly (P = 0.056) and quadratically (P = 0.067) as SID Trp:Lys
      increased, resulting in an optimum SID Trp:Lys of 15.29% (P = 0.009). Averaging
      the break point values for ADG and PUN obtained from broken-line analysis for
      Exp. 1 and 2 produced optimum SID Trp:Lys of 15.78 and 15.64%, respectively.
      Based on the results from these 2 experiments, it seems that the optimum SID
      Trp:Lys is virtually unaffected by the dietary feedstuffs used as long as the
      diets are formulated on an SID AA basis.

PMID- 22079995
TI  - Improvement of growth performance and sanitary status of weaned piglets fed a
      bovine colostrum-supplemented diet.
AB  - The present study investigated the effect of 3 different durations of feeding a
      diet supplemented with defatted bovine colostrum (Col) on growth performance and
      sanitary status of the weaned piglet. At 28 d of age, piglets were weaned and fed
      1 of the 2 following diets: a control (Ctrl) starter diet or a starter diet
      supplemented with Col. Two experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1, 310 piglets (12
      pens consisting of 10 piglets/pen and 10 pens consisting of 19 piglets/pen) were
      allocated to 1 of the 2 dietary treatments for 12 d. In Exp. 2, 522 piglets (18
      pens consisting of 10 piglets/pen and 18 pens consisting of 19 piglets/pen) were
      allocated to 1 of the following 3 dietary treatments: fed the Ctrl diet from d 1
      to 12 (Ctrl), Col diet from d 1 to 4 and then the Ctrl diet up to d 12 (Col-4d),
      or the Col diet from d 1 to 6 and then the Ctrl diet up to d 12 (Col-6d). For
      both experiments, a commercial second-phase diet was fed to piglets from d 12 to
      46. Feed intake, growth performance, and cleanliness of floor and hindquarters of
      animals were investigated during the first 7 wk postweaning. In Exp. 1, from d 0
      to 12, ADFI, ADG, and G:F were 16 (P = 0.004), 23 (P < 0.001), and 5% (P = 0.069)
      greater, respectively, in Col piglets compared with Ctrl piglets. Thereafter,
      ADFI and ADG were 7 (P < 0.001) and 9% (P < 0.001) greater, respectively, in Col
      piglets than Ctrl piglets (d 12 to 46). On d 12 after weaning, piglets fed the
      Col diet had more normal feces (+13%) and less soft or liquid feces (-9 and -4%,
      respectively) than piglets fed the Ctrl diet (P = 0.06). Compared with Ctrl
      piglets, feeding the Col diet led to more days with normal feces for the floor
      cleanliness (+22%; P < 0.001) from d 7 to 11. In Exp. 2, compared with Ctrl
      piglets, ADFI, ADG, and G:F were 8, 23, and 13% greater (P < 0.05) in Col-6d
      piglets from d 0 to 9, whereas values for Col-4d piglets were intermediate and
      did not differ from the values of the other dietary treatments. On d 9 after
      weaning, piglets fed the Col-4d or the Col-6d diet had more normal feces (+6 and
      +4%, respectively) and less liquid feces (-4 and -3%, respectively) than piglets
      fed the Ctrl diet (P = 0.08). No long lasting effects were observed thereafter.
      In conclusion, there was a reduction of weaning-induced growth check and
      diarrheal episodes in weaned piglets fed the Col diet. The beneficial effects of
      the bovine colostrum were observed beyond the period of treatment when the
      supplementation covered the first 6 d postweaning, which corresponded to the
      acute phase of postweaning digestive disturbances.

PMID- 22079996
TI  - Growth and Development Symposium: Inflammation: Role in the etiology and
      pathophysiology of clinical mastitis in dairy cows.
AB  - Genetic selection for increased milk production in dairy cattle was not
      associated with an attenuated inflammatory response. The systemic and local
      inflammatory responses contribute to altered metabolism, reduced production
      performance, and increased cull rate of lactating dairy cows with clinical
      mastitis. More aggressive inflammatory responses were observed during the
      peripartum period when compared with cows in late lactation after an intramammary
      challenge with purified lipopolysaccharide. The epidemiology of clinical mastitis
      indicates that the greatest incidence is observed during the peripartum period;
      therefore, an enhanced inflammatory response with concomitant suppression in
      other immune responses may be involved in the etiology and severity of the
      clinical mastitis observed in peripartum cows. Milk production losses and
      compositional changes are observed among all mammary quarters from a cow with
      clinical mastitis, but the responses are more severe and sustained among infected
      quarters. The infected mammary quarters reflect both the systemic and local
      reactions, whereas uninfected quarters represent only the systemic response. The
      systemic effects of the inflammatory response include reduced DMI, hyperthermia,
      and changes in whole-body nutrient partitioning affecting mammary epithelial
      substrate availability, whereas local inflammatory effects include energetic
      requirements of the increased inflammatory leukocyte pool, decreased synthetic
      capacity of mammary epithelium independent of substrate availability, and
      paracellular leakage of milk components from the alveolar lumen into the
      extracellular fluid. Research has focused on improving host immunological
      defenses, attenuating the inflammatory response, or improving the resolution of
      the disease state to limit the deleterious effects during clinical mastitis. This
      paper highlights the role inflammation plays in the etiology and pathophysiology
      of clinical mastitis as well as potential management strategies to reduce or
      prevent those losses.

PMID- 22079997
TI  - Zilpaterol hydrochloride alters abundance of beta-adrenergic receptors in bovine
      muscle cells but has little effect on de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in bovine
      subcutaneous adipose tissue explants.
AB  - We predicted that zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH), a beta-adrenergic receptor (AR)
      agonist, would depress mRNA and protein abundance of beta-AR in bovine satellite
      cells. We also predicted that ZH would decrease total lipid synthesis in bovine
      adipose tissue. Bovine satellite cells isolated from the semimembranosus muscle
      were plated on tissue culture plates coated with reduced growth factor matrigel
      or collagen. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure specific gene
      expression after 48 h of ZH exposure in proliferating satellite cells and fused
      myoblasts. There was no effect of ZH dose on [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into
      DNA in proliferating myoblasts. Zilpaterol hydrochloride at 1 uM decreased (P <
      0.05) beta1-AR mRNA, and 0.01 and 1 uM ZH decreased (P < 0.05) beta2-AR and beta3
      AR mRNA in myoblasts. The expression of IGF-I mRNA tended to increase (P = 0.07)
      with 1 uM ZH. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of ZH on the beta-AR or IGF-I gene
      expression in fused myotube cultures at 192 h or on fusion percentage. The beta2
      AR antagonist ICI-118, 551 at 0.1 uM attenuated (P < 0.05) the effect of 0.1 uM
      ZH to reduce expression of beta1- and beta2-AR mRNA. The combination of 0.01 uM
      ZH and 0.1 uM ICI-118, 551 caused an increase (P < 0.05) in beta1-AR gene
      expression. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of ICI-118, 551 or ZH on beta3-AR or
      IGF-I. Western blot analysis revealed that the protein content of beta2-AR in ZH
      treated myotube cultures decreased (P < 0.05) relative to control. Total lipid
      synthesis from acetate was increased by ZH in bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue
      explants in the absence of theophylline but was decreased by ZH when theophylline
      was included in the incubation medium. These data indicate that ZH alters mRNA
      and protein concentrations of beta-AR in satellite cell cultures, which in turn
      could affect responsiveness of cells to prolonged ZH exposure in vivo. Similar to
      other beta-adrenergic agonists, ZH had only modest effects on lipid metabolism in
      adipose tissue explants.

PMID- 22079998
TI  - Alpharma Beef Cattle Nutrition Symposium: nutrition and the genome.
AB  - It has long been appreciated that animals fed the same diet may perform
      differently. This is due to the ability of nutrients to interact with and affect
      molecular pathways that result in differences in BW gain, production performance,
      or disease resistance. To understand these effects, studies are being undertaken
      to discover how the differential expression and function of genes occur with
      different diets. These studies are using new technologies, genomic resources, and
      analysis techniques that have recently become available for domestic animals.
      Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are new research approaches that strive to
      optimize health by looking beyond the diet to understand the effects of food at
      the genetic and epigenetic levels. Nutrigenomics is focused on the effects of
      diet on health through an understanding of how bioactive chemicals in foods and
      supplements alter gene expression or the structure of the genome of an animal.
      Nutrigenetics focuses on how the genetic composition (i.e., genetic variation) of
      an animal influences their response to a given diet. Results from these studies
      will aid in formulating nutritionally appropriate diets that may be optimized for
      animals based on their genomic underpinnings. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics
      unite many fields: nutrition, bioinformatics, molecular biology, genomics,
      functional genomics, epidemiology, and epigenomics. The use of multi-disciplinary
      tools promises new opportunities to investigate the complex interactions of the
      genome and the diet of an animal. Through these new approaches, the partnerships
      of the genome and nutrition will be revealed resulting in improved efficiency of
      diets, enhanced sustainability of animals as a protein source, and improved
      methods for preventing illnesses.

PMID- 22079999
TI  - Sudden death and lipomatous infiltration of the heart involved by fat necrosis
      resulting from acute pancreatitis.
AB  - The possible causal link between damage to the heart and acute pancreatitis and
      other pancreatic diseases has been considered in both adults and children,
      particularly in cases of sudden, unexpected death. However, the cardiac
      pathological findings so far reported in the literature are neither specific
      enough, nor of a kind to prove a direct pancreatic pathogenesis. We describe the
      occurrence of steatonecrosis developed in areas of lipomatous infiltration of the
      heart following acute exacerbation of latent chronic pancreatitis. The presence
      of mature adipocytes in the myocardium is an adequate substrate for the
      pancreatic lipase to give rise to the steatonecrosis, which is a well-known
      marker of acute pancreatitis. As far as we are aware, this is the first reported
      case of heart steatonecrosis in the literature.

PMID- 22080000
TI  - Tearing of knicker fabrics.
AB  - In Dunedin (South Island, New Zealand), a sexual assault is reported to police
      approximately once every two to three weeks, with some reports fictitious.
      Identifying a fictitious claim is difficult, and damage to apparel, especially
      knickers, may be the only form of evidence. In this paper, the tear behaviour of
      three knit fabrics, typical of those used to manufacture knickers is reported:
      the effect of laundering prior to tearing was considered. Tearing behaviour was
      determined using an Instron universal testing machine (Model 4464) operating in
      tensile mode to eliminate variability which is inevitable with human
      participants. Cotton and cotton-rich fabrics were more difficult to tear than
      modal-rich fabrics: the addition of elastane increased the time for the tear
      initiation as elastane fibres allowed the fabric to extend more before breaking.
      Specimens behaved differently depending on which direction they were torn (course
      direction specimens down the length of the specimen, wale-direction specimens 50%
      down the length, 50% across the specimen). Laundered fabrics required less force
      to tear than new fabrics, therefore, when examining torn apparel, the fibre
      content and age of the garment need to be considered. Torn fibre ends appeared
      similar to those damaged by other means (e.g. knife, screwdriver) and no features
      visible under FESEM could be attributed solely to tearing damage in the fabrics
      studied.

PMID- 22080003
TI  - Ketamine: a familiar drug we trust.

PMID- 22080004
TI  - Effects of in ovo injection of carbohydrates on somatic characteristics and liver
      nutrient profiles of broiler embryos and hatchlings.
AB  - Effects of the in ovo injection of commercial diluent supplemented with dextrin
      or with dextrin in combination with various other carbohydrates on the somatic
      characteristics and liver nutrient profiles of Ross * Ross 708 broiler embryos
      and chicks were investigated. Results include information concerning the
      gluconeogenic energy status of the liver before and after hatch. Eggs containing
      live embryos were injected in the amnion on d 18 of incubation using an automated
      multiple-egg injector for the delivery of the following carbohydrates dissolved
      in 0.4 mL of commercial diluent: 1) 6.25% glucose and 18.75% dextrin; 2) 6.25%
      sucrose and 18.75% dextrin; 3) 6.25% maltose and 18.75% dextrin; and 4) 25%
      dextrin. Also, a noninjected control and a 0.4-mL diluent-injected control were
      included. Body weight relative to set egg weight on d 19 of incubation (E19) was
      increased by the injection of all carbohydrate solutions, and on the day of hatch
      was increased by the injection of diluent, sucrose and dextrin, and maltose and
      dextrin solutions. Hatchability of the fertilized eggs, residual yolk sac weight,
      and liver weight were not affected by any injection treatment; however, as
      compared with the 0.4 mL diluent-injected group, all of the supplementary
      carbohydrates, except for the glucose and dextrin combination group, increased
      liver glycogen and glucose concentrations on E19. Furthermore, all carbohydrates,
      except for the 25% dextrin treatment, decreased liver fat concentration on E19.
      From E19 to the day of hatch, liver glycogen concentrations dropped dramatically
      from an average of 3.2 to 0.6%. Despite treatment differences observed on E19 for
      liver glycogen, glucose, and fat concentrations, these differences were lost by
      the day of hatch. Nevertheless, liver glycogen and glucose concentrations were
      positively correlated on the day of hatch. In conclusion, the in ovo injection of
      various supplemental carbohydrates dissolved in 0.4 mL of commercial diluent
      altered the liver nutrient profile of Ross * Ross 708 broiler embryos before
      hatch. However, the subsequent pattern of energy utilization during the hatching
      process modified these effects.

PMID- 22080005
TI  - Broiler breeder manure phosphorus forms are affected by diet, location, and
      period of accumulation.
AB  - Phosphorus (P) modifications of poultry diets have successfully decreased the
      total P (TP) in manures, but the effects on manure water-soluble P (WSP(M))
      remain unclear. Our objectives were to characterize P forms in broiler breeder
      manures as affected by dietary P modification, location within the pen, and
      manure accumulation period. Two diets were formulated with and without phytase to
      attain 0.40% available P (AvP) during the breeder laying phase (22-64 wk of age).
      Manure was collected after accumulation periods of 48 h, 3 wk, and 39 wk in
      locations under the feeder and drinker and under the common area (between the
      feeder and drinker) of the pen. The TP, WSP(M), orthophosphate, and phytate in
      manure were measured. Broiler breeders that were fed phytase with a simultaneous
      reduction in nonphytate P (NPP) produced manures with 15% lower TP than those fed
      a traditional diet, but did not change WSP(M) when averaged over manure
      accumulation periods and locations within the pen. Regardless of diet, location
      within the pen, or accumulation period (r(2) = 0.76), the WSP(M) increased
      linearly as the manure moisture increased. As manure accumulation periods
      increased (48 h, 3 wk, and 39 wk), TP manure concentrations increased (11.9,
      13.2, and 17.3 g/kg, respectively), orthophosphate proportions increased (73.2,
      80.1, and 91.0%, respectively), and phytate proportions decreased (23.1, 17.0,
      and 6.7%, respectively). The mineralization of phytate and other organic
      complexes, which drive off carbon dioxide, presumably contributed to the
      increased orthophosphate and TP concentrations. Keeping breeder manures dry helps
      to avoid the mineralization of phytate to orthophosphate; this mineralization
      increased WSP(M) in our study, and thus increased the potential for elevated P
      loss in runoff when surface applied.

PMID- 22080006
TI  - Effects of monochromatic light on mucosal mechanical and immunological barriers
      in the small intestine of broilers.
AB  - Our previous studies demonstrated that green and blue monochromatic lights were
      effective to stimulate immune response of the spleen in broilers. This study was
      designed to investigate the effects of monochromatic light on both gut mucosal
      mechanical and immunological barriers. A total of 120 Arbor Acre male broilers on
      post-hatching day (P) 0 were exposed to red light, green light (GL), blue light
      (BL), and white light (WL) for 49 d, respectively. As compared with broilers
      exposed to WL, the broilers exposed to GL showed that the villus height of small
      intestine was increased by 19.5% (P = 0.0205) and 38.8% (P = 0.0149), the crypt
      depth of small intestine was decreased by 15.1% (P = 0.0049) and 10.1% (P =
      0.0005), and the ratios of villus height to crypt depth were increased by 39.3%
      (P < 0.0001) and 52.5% (P < 0.0001) at P7 and P21, respectively. Until P49, an
      increased villus height (33.6%, P = 0.0076), a decreased crypt depth (15.4%, P =
      0.0201), and an increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (58.5%, P < 0.0001)
      were observed in the BL group as compared with the WL group. On the other hand,
      the numbers of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (27.9%, P < 0.0001 and
      37.0%, P < 0.0001), goblet cells (GC, 22.1%, P < 0.0001 and 18.1%, P < 0.0001),
      and IgA(+) cells (14.8%, P = 0.0543 and 47.9%, P = 0.0377) in the small intestine
      were significantly increased in the GL group as compared with the WL group at P7
      and P21, respectively. The numbers of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes
      (36.2%, P < 0.0001), GC (26.5%, P < 0.0001), and IgA(+) cells (68.0%, P = 0.0177)
      in the BL group were also higher than those in the WL group at P49. These results
      suggest that both mucosal mechanical and immunological barriers of the small
      intestine may be improved by rearing broilers under GL at an early age and under
      BL at an older age.

PMID- 22080007
TI  - Two maternal origins of Chinese domestic goose.
AB  - China is particularly rich in goose genetic resources. Systematic study of the
      genetic diversity and origin of Chinese domestic geese will provide an important
      scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of these resources and for
      human history. The 521-bp control region (D-loop) of mitochondrial DNA from 26
      goose breeds and 6 Landaise geese were sequenced. The results showed that the
      average haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of Chinese domestic geese
      were 0.1384 and 0.00029, respectively. Shared haplotype analysis and systematic
      evolution analysis revealed that Chinese domestic geese had 2 maternal origins.
      The Yili goose breed originated from the Greylag goose (Anser anser), and the
      other 25 domestic goose breeds originated from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides).
      An interesting finding was that 1 Linxian white goose and 1 Wanxi white goose
      shared the same H4 haplotype with the Rhine goose and the Landaise goose, which
      originated from the Greylag goose (A. anser). Further research on this finding is
      planned.

PMID- 22080008
TI  - Genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex region in commercial
      and noncommercial chicken flocks using the LEI0258 microsatellite marker.
AB  - Microsatellite marker LEI0258 was used as an indicator to examine the variability
      of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region in 2 commercial layer
      flocks, 1 experimental layer cross, and 5 noncommercial flocks (used for free-run
      and free-range meat and egg production). We hypothesized that the populations
      from noncommercial sources may have more diversity in MHC genes than that in the
      commercial-source populations. Two related parameters, heterozygosity and the
      number of alleles harbored by a population, were used to assess the genetic
      variability. The different combinations of the 22 alleles created 66 genotypes in
      the 8 chicken populations that were studied. The noncommercial populations,
      except for the Silkies (SK), harbored more alleles than those in the 2 commercial
      populations, Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White. The observed heterozygosity of the
      MHC region was high in all of the populations, except for SK. Considering the 2
      parameters we have examined, we can generalize that the intensively selected
      commercial egg-layer varieties seem to have less genetic variability in their MHC
      regions compared with that of the noncommercial flocks, which are less
      intensively selected. The LEI0258 variants can be used as markers to detect most
      of the MHC haplotypes, but in the different populations the same allele size may
      not always be associated with the same serologically defined haplotype. The
      information obtained from this study will be useful for genetic resource
      conservation and the development of breeding stocks that are suitable for free
      range production.

PMID- 22080009
TI  - Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 gene is associated with egg
      quality traits in dwarf layers.
AB  - Some members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family play important
      roles in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and egg quality traits. Low
      density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 (LRP2) gene belongs to the LDLR
      super family, and widely expresses in many tissues. This work identified and
      genotyped 1 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), T14347C, at 3'-UTR of the LRP2
      using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and analyzed the effects of the SNP (T14347C) on egg
      quality traits in 544 dwarf hens from 44 sire families. Frequencies of this SNP
      in the studied population did not agree with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P <
      0.0001). Egg weight, albumen weight, albumen height, and albumen ratio of the TT
      genotype were significantly higher than those of the CC genotype (P < 0.05),
      whereas eggshell ratio of the TT genotype was significantly lower than that of
      the CC genotype (P < 0.05). The relative expression level of the LRP2 gene in the
      magnum was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The gene expression of
      genotype CC individuals was significantly higher than that of TT and CT birds (P
      < 0.05). By combining both genetic effects and expression analyses results, we
      propose that the LRP2 gene is a good candidate gene, exhibiting a key role in
      albumen formation processes.

PMID- 22080010
TI  - The influence of antibiotics on B-cell number, percentage, and distribution in
      the bursa of Fabricius of newly hatched chicks.
AB  - Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and treat poultry microbial infections,
      but certain antibiotic families depress humoral immunity, such as antibody
      production. Poultry humoral immunity depends on the normal functioning of the
      bursa of Fabricius and the B lymphocytes that mature in that gland. In this
      study, recommended therapeutic doses of enrofloxacin, florfenicol, or ceftiofur
      were administered to 2-d-old chicks. On d 7 post-hatch, bursae were sampled for
      histological, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric determination of Bu-1
      positive (Bu-1+) cell number, percentage, and distribution. The bursa of
      Fabricius from all treatment and control groups had normal morphology. The
      administration of antibiotics significantly decreased the number of Bu-1+ cells
      in the bursal medulla, with a simultaneous increase of these cells in the cortex.
      Flow cytometry revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of bursal Bu-1+
      cells from all of the studied antibiotics: enrofloxacin (93.91 +/- 3.27),
      florfenicol (87.84 +/- 7.14), and ceftiofur (89.16 +/- 5.68) compared with that
      of the control (96.48 +/- 2.60). The combination of reduced percentages of Bu-1+
      cells and a decrease in these cells in the medullary region suggests lower B cell
      maturation.

PMID- 22080011
TI  - Maternal antibody transfer to broiler progeny varies among strains and is
      affected by grain source and cage density.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of broiler breeder dietary
      grain source and cage density on maternal antibody (MatAb) transfer to progeny in
      2 genetic strains (A and B). Broiler breeders were assigned to 16 litter floor
      pens and fed either corn- or wheat-based diets. Breeders were administered 4 live
      vaccines against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). At 23 wk of age, pullets and
      cocks, which reflected the full BW distribution from each treatment, were moved
      to a cage breeder house and placed at 1 or 2 hens/cage. Breeders were
      artificially inseminated at 44 wk (experiment 1) and 52 wk of age (experiment 2).
      Eggs were collected for 8 d, incubated, and placed in individual pedigree bags at
      d 19 of incubation. Blood samples from 5 chicks per treatment combination were
      collected at hatch in both experiments. Spleen and bursa were collected from the
      same chicks for histomorphometry analyses in experiment 2. In the second
      experiment, 12 chicks per treatment were placed in cages. Progeny were provided
      diets based on the same grain (corn or wheat) as their parents. Serum samples
      were collected at 5, 9, and 13 d of age and analyzed for anti-NDV MatAb. Data
      were analyzed as a 2 * 2 * 2 factorial design considering strain, dietary grain
      source, and cage density as main factors. Interaction effects were observed in
      breeders and progeny. Experiment 1 showed that strain A chicks had lower levels
      of MatAb when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage rather than 1 hen/cage. The MatAb
      levels of strain B chickens were not affected by cage density in either
      experiment. Experiment 2 demonstrated similar effects of cage density on MatAb
      levels and the area of bursa follicles for both strains. Progeny of breeders fed
      corn-based diets had smaller spleen white pulp only when hens were housed at 2
      hens/cage compared with 1 hen/cage. The results of these experiments suggest that
      breeder strain and cage-density conditions affected MatAb transfer to progeny and
      embryo development of spleen and bursa.

PMID- 22080012
TI  - Effects of immune stress on growth performance, immunity, and cecal microflora in
      chickens.
AB  - Immune stress is the loss of immune homeostasis by external forces. This study
      investigated the effects of different types of immune stress on growth
      performance, immunity, and the distribution of cecal microflora in broiler
      chickens. In total, 540 one-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to
      receive 1 of 5 (n = 108 birds/group) treatments: 1) no vaccination; 2) simplified
      vaccination, which included the infectious bronchitis vaccine (H120), the
      inactivated avian influenza vaccine (AI), the live vaccine strain Clone-30 of the
      Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and the combined inactive vaccine for infectious
      bursal diseases and the Newcastle disease vaccine (ND-IB); 3) normal vaccination
      (simplified vaccination + second dose of ND-IB, H120, and AI); 4)
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress (normal vaccination+LPS); or 5) cyclophosphamide
      (CPM) stress (normal vaccination+CPM).The results showed that the average BW and
      average feed intake decreased significantly after treatment with LPS or CPM (P <
      0.05). Chickens that were challenged by LPS or CPM had a lower ileal CP
      digestibility than that of the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the
      control group, the levels of secreted IgA decreased significantly at 42 d of age
      in the chickens that were treated with LPS or CPM (P < 0.01). The proliferation
      of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell and the levels of serum IgG in the LPS
      challenged chickens were higher than those in the control group chickens at 21
      and 42 d of age, respectively (P < 0.05). Six clusters were identified at 21 d of
      age, but cluster 6 was a single sample. Only 5 clusters were identified at 42 d
      of age. The enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR
      fingerprints of the cecal samples from the no vaccination and the simplified
      vaccination groups clustered together with high coefficients. The ERIC-PCR
      fingerprints of the 3 cecal samples from the CPM and LPS treatment groups
      clustered together with high coefficients among them. The ERIC-PCR fingerprints
      of the microbial flora of the cecal contents revealed the potential effects of
      immune stress on the microbial populations of treated birds. These data suggest
      that broilers with simplified vaccinations or without vaccinations can achieve
      the same growth performance as broilers with general vaccinations, but immune
      stress can break the homeostasis of cecal microflora and impair intestinal
      mucosal immune function.

PMID- 22080013
TI  - The role of type-2 turkey astrovirus in poult enteritis syndrome.
AB  - An experimental study was conducted to determine the comparative pathogenicity of
      type-2 turkey astrovirus (TAstV-2) obtained from turkey flocks afflicted with
      poult enteritis syndrome (PES) and from turkey flocks displaying no apparent
      signs of infection. In total, ninety 7-d-old poults, which tested negative for
      the presence of astrovirus, rotavirus, coronavirus, and reovirus by reverse
      transcriptase (RT) PCR , were divided evenly into 3 groups: A, B, and C. Birds in
      group A were inoculated orally with turkey astrovirus-positive intestinal
      contents from birds affected with PES. Group B received turkey astrovirus
      containing intestinal contents from apparently healthy flocks. Group C served as
      a negative control and was given PBS. Clinical signs of diarrhea, depression, and
      dullness were observed in group A. Birds in group B also showed clinical signs
      similar to those in group A, although the signs were milder in nature. Birds in
      group C did not show any clinical signs. At 16 d postinoculation, the BW of birds
      in group A was significantly lower than that of birds in groups B or C. In
      addition, the bursa size was reduced in group A, but not in groups B or C. Birds
      in groups A and B, but not in group C, were found to shed turkey astrovirus in
      their feces, as detected by RT-PCR. These results provide a preliminary
      indication that TAstV-2 from PES birds may be more pathogenic than TAstV-2 from
      apparently healthy poults. Further studies are needed to determine if pathogenic
      and nonpathogenic strains of TAstV-2 exist in the environment. These results also
      reinforce our previous observations that astrovirus is involved in PES, causing
      significant retardation in growth and weight gain.

PMID- 22080014
TI  - The effect of including Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 during post-hatch feeding
      on the growth and ileum microbiota of broiler chickens.
AB  - The probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5, which was originally isolated
      from chicken intestine, was fed to newborn broiler chicks for the first week post
      hatch. The growth and ileum microbiota of the chickens were carefully monitored
      for 6 wk. The inclusion of 5 log cfu/g of feed statistically increased the BW
      gain in the first week compared with that of the control group, but this effect
      did not continue thereafter. Significant effects on host feed consumption and the
      feed-to-growth conversion ratio were not detected. The total amount and
      composition of ileum bacteria were investigated by quantitative PCR and
      pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (rDNA), respectively, and were compared
      between the control and the probiotic-treated groups. The amount of total
      bacterial 16S rDNA in ileum samples at d 42 was 5 times higher in the probiotic
      group than in the control, whereas no significant difference was observed at d
      21. A composition analysis revealed the establishment of lactobacilli-enriched
      microbiota in the probiotic-treated chickens at d 42. At this point, the
      population level and species diversity of lactobacilli were significantly
      enhanced compared with those of the control group. In addition, Actinobacteria,
      mainly genera Corynebacterium and Dietzia, were also statistically higher in the
      probiotic group. However, Proteobacteria, including those of the family
      Campylobacterales and some other nonbeneficial bacterial groups, were decreased
      in the probiotic group at the growing stage. Therefore, with probiotic
      supplementation, it was demonstrated that Lactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 in the
      early post-hatching period had a delayed effect on ileum microbiota, which
      resulted in the enrichment of potentially beneficial lactobacilli and the
      suppression of Proteobacteria, including nonbeneficial bacterial groups.

PMID- 22080015
TI  - Effects of increasing dietary concentrations of corn naturally contaminated with
      deoxynivalenol on broiler and turkey poult performance and response to
      lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - In this study, 2 experiments determined the effects of increasing dietary
      concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) on performance, intestinal morphology, and
      measures of innate immunity in broilers and turkeys. For experiment 1, the 3-wk
      study used 5 concentrations of DON (up to 18 or 10 mg of DON/kg of feed in
      broilers or turkeys, respectively) from naturally contaminated corn. The BW gains
      were cubically or quadratically affected by the increasing dietary concentrations
      of DON for broilers and turkeys, respectively; however, feed consumption was not
      affected. For experiment 2, the birds were subsequently injected or not injected
      with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 24 h before tissue and blood sample collection.
      Dietary DON had no effect on intestinal crypt depth, but linearly increased the
      mid-ileal villus height in broilers (P = 0.04). An interaction was observed
      between the LPS challenge and the dietary DON with regards to heterophil to
      lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.05) in broilers, but not in turkeys. The cecal tonsil
      cell phagocytosis of microbeads was not affected by the dietary concentration of
      DON either with or without the subsequent LPS challenge for both broilers and
      turkeys. Conversely, the phagocytic capacity of cecal tonsil cells to engulf
      killed Staphylococcus aureus was significantly reduced (over 2.5-fold) when
      broilers were fed the highest concentration of dietary DON (non-LPS-challenged; P
      < 0.05). However, diets containing DON showed no effects on broilers when they
      were challenged with LPS. Antibody-dependent phagocytosis (S. aureus) was not
      affected in turkeys fed DON. Overall, corn naturally contaminated with up to 18
      or 10 mg/kg of DON (broiler or turkey, respectively) reduced bird BW gain at 21 d
      of age, reduced antibody-dependent phagocytosis of previously killed S. aureus by
      cecal tonsil cells in non-LPS-challenged broilers, and greatly decreased
      heterophil to lymphocyte ratios in LPS-challenged broilers.

PMID- 22080016
TI  - Comparative metabolism of warfarin in rats and chickens.
AB  - Warfarin, a coumarin rodenticide, is commonly used worldwide for rodent control,
      and is often reported as the cause for poisoning accidents in nontarget animals,
      in particular bird species. However, the metabolism of warfarin in birds is still
      unclear. In a previous study, we found an unknown warfarin metabolite in chicken
      cytosolic fractions. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the cytosolic
      warfarin metabolites in chickens compared with those in rats. The cytosol
      fractions of both chicken and rat livers showed the metabolic activity of 2
      diastereomers and 2 enantiomers of warfarin alcohol. In chicken cytosol, we found
      that the production level of (S)-warfarin-(S)-alcohol was markedly higher (32
      fold) than that in rat cytosol. From the results of the inhibition assay, we
      finally suggest that aldehyde oxidase may mainly contribute to the warfarin
      alcohol products in chicken cytosol.

PMID- 22080017
TI  - A study of nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler chicks fed
      hairy and hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) products.
AB  - A nutrient retention study and a growth study were conducted with broiler
      chickens to evaluate the nutritive value and potential toxicity of 2 hairless
      canary seed products-hulled seed and groats (cultivar CDC Maria), and one hairy
      hulled canary seed (cultivar Keet). Each treatment was replicated 6 times (6
      groups of 4 birds each). The hairless canary seed groat, hairless hulled canary
      seed, and the hairy hulled canary seed contained 24.5, 21.8, and 16.3% CP; 7.1,
      5.8, and 6.6% ether extract; 1.5, 14.2, and 12.3% acid detergent fiber, and
      3,867, 3,205 and 3,292 kcal/kg of AME(n), on a DM basis, respectively. The
      hairless canary seed groat, hairless hulled canary seed, and the hairy hulled
      canary seed protein comprised, respectively, 0.49, 0.33, and 0.33% lysine (DM
      basis), which was 79, 78, and 67% digestible (apparent ileal); 0.65, 0.53, and
      0.60% cysteine (DM basis), which was 86, 87, and 85% apparent ileal digestible;
      and 0.40, 0.30, and 0.25% methionine (DM basis), which was 89, 90, and 86%
      apparent ileal digestible. In the second study, a 35-d feeding study with male
      broiler chickens was conducted. The canary seed products were compared with a
      Canadian Western Red Spring wheat control. Each treatment was replicated 6 times
      (6 groups of 4 birds each). The test ingredients comprised 50% of the
      corn/soybean diets. The birds fed the hulled canary seed (hairy or hairless) had
      similar weight gain, feed intake, and G:F to those fed wheat. There were no
      statistically significant (P = 0.05) differences in the weights of the bursa,
      heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, or the pancreas, nor was there any effect on serum
      lactate dehydrogenase or creatine kinase. The data indicated that feeding hulled
      canary seed increased the number of gizzard ulcers (P < 0.01). It was concluded
      that canary seed does not contain anti-nutritional components that negatively
      affect broiler performance or bird health. However, the canary seed hulls may
      damage the gizzard lining.

PMID- 22080018
TI  - Early feeding and dietary lipids affect broiler tissue fatty acids, vitamin E
      status, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression upon lipopolysaccharide
      challenge.
AB  - Newly hatched chicks are often subjected to delayed access to feed and water
      because of shipment distances and hatchery practices, which may reduce growth and
      development of the immune system. The current study investigated the effects of
      early vs. late access to feed and dietary lipids (n-3 vs. n-6) on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alterations in tissue fatty acids, vitamin E
      status, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. The chicks (n =
      16/group) were fed a high or low n-3 diet within 5 to 5 h 30 min (early) or after
      48 h (late) of hatching. Feeding high n-3 diets increased eicosapentaenoic acid
      (EPA, 20:5 n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA,
      22:6 n-3) in the liver, spleen, and plasma (P < 0.05). Feeding low n-3 diets
      increased arachidonic acid in the liver and plasma (P < 0.05). Early access to
      feed led to increases in liver oleic acid and reduction in arachidonic acid as
      compared with late-fed birds (P < 0.05). No effect of time of feeding on fatty
      acids in the spleen was observed. Early feeding led to significant increases in
      linoleic and arachidonic acids in the plasma (P < 0.05). Stearic acid was higher
      in the plasma of low n-3 early-fed as opposed to low n-3 late-fed birds (P <
      0.05). The LPS challenge led to an increase in liver total fat content (P <
      0.05). The total fat content in the spleen and plasma were not affected by LPS
      injection (P > 0.05). The LPS-injected birds had decreases in oleic acid in the
      liver and plasma as compared with saline-injected birds (P < 0.05). Stearic acid
      increased upon LPS injection in the spleen and plasma (P < 0.05). Liver vitamin E
      content was significantly higher in saline-injected birds from the early high n-3
      group compared with all treatment groups, except for the late low n-3 saline
      injected birds (P < 0.05). Plasma vitamin E was highest in the early low n-3 LPS
      injected birds compared with all other treatment groups (P < 0.05). The
      COX2:actin ratio in the early high n-3 LPS-injected birds was higher than that of
      the saline-injected birds of the same treatment (P < 0.05). However, no
      difference in COX-2 expression was observed between LPS- or saline-injected fed
      early low n-3, late high n-3, or late low n-3 diets (P > 0.05). No effect of
      diet, time of feeding, or LPS challenge on plasma isoprostanes was observed (P >
      0.05). These results suggest that dietary and management strategies directed at
      modulating tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid status may offer the promise of
      modulating lipid metabolism and COX-2 expression in commercial poultry.

PMID- 22080019
TI  - Effects of the main cereal and type of fat of the diet on productive performance
      and egg quality of brown-egg laying hens from 22 to 54 weeks of age.
AB  - The influence of the main cereal and type of supplemental fat in the diet on
      productive performance and egg quality of the eggs was studied in 756 brown-egg
      laying hens from 22 to 54 wk of age. The experiment was conducted as a completely
      randomized design with 9 treatments arranged factorially, with 3 cereals (dented
      corn, soft wheat, and barley) and 3 types of fat (soy oil, acidulated vegetable
      soapstocks, and lard). Each treatment was replicated 4 times (21 hens/replicate).
      All diets were formulated to have similar nutrient content, except for linoleic
      acid, which ranged from 0.8 to 3.4% depending on the combination of cereal and
      fat source used. This approach allows for the estimation of the minimum level of
      linoleic acid in the diets that maximizes egg weight. Productive performance and
      egg-quality traits were recorded every 28 d, and the BW of the hens was measured
      individually at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. No significant
      interactions between main factors were detected for any of the variables studied.
      Egg production, egg weight, and egg mass were not affected by dietary treatment.
      Body weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) for hens fed corn or wheat than for hens
      fed barley, and also higher for hens fed lard than for hens fed soy oil or
      acidulated vegetable soapstocks. Egg quality was not influenced by dietary
      treatment, except for yolk color, which was greater (P < 0.001) for hens fed corn
      than for hens fed wheat or barley, and greater for hens fed lard than for hens
      fed soy oil or acidulated vegetable soapstocks. We concluded that brown-egg
      laying hens do not need more than 1.0% of linoleic acid in their diet (1.16 g/hen
      per d) to maximize egg production and egg size. The 3 cereals and the 3 fat
      sources tested can replace each other in the diet provided that the linoleic acid
      requirements to maximize egg size are met.

PMID- 22080020
TI  - Effects of a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance and ileal nutrient
      digestibility in broiler chickens.
AB  - A study was undertaken to examine the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA)
      containing essential oils of thyme and star anise as lead active components on
      the growth performance and apparent ileal nutrient digestibility in broiler
      chickens. In total, 528 one-day-old Cobb male broilers were randomly divided into
      4 dietary treatment groups with 6 replicate pens per treatment group (22 birds
      each). The dietary treatments were a control starter and grower basal diet
      without PFA or 150, 750, or 1,500 mg/kg of PFA. Body weight, weight gain, and
      feed intake were not significantly influenced by the feed additive, but the feed
      conversion ratio during the grower (22-42 d) and overall (1-42 d) periods
      improved linearly (P < 0.05) by the administration of PFA compared with that of
      the control diet. The average weights of the liver, heart, kidneys, and spleen
      were not significantly affected by the PFA. The results of the apparent ileal
      digestibility of crude ash, CP, crude fat, calcium, and phosphorus showed a
      linear increase (P < 0.05) related to the increase of PFA dose in the diet.
      Therefore, the means of digestibility of these nutrients were significantly
      higher in birds fed the PFA for all categories of age compared with the
      digestibility of these nutrients in the controls. In conclusion, the mode of
      action of the tested PFA can be explained by an improvement in the nutrient
      digestibility in the small intestine. The underlying physiological mechanisms,
      however, need to be characterized further.

PMID- 22080021
TI  - Replacement of corn in the diet of broiler chickens using foxtail millet produced
      by 2 different cultivation strategies.
AB  - Foxtail millet is well-suited to climatic conditions in semi-arid tropic regions
      where it is cultivated using both agro-ecologic and conventional cultivation
      practices. This study evaluated the nutritional value, digestibility, and
      physiological effects of agro-ecologic and conventionally cultivated foxtail
      millet in comparison with corn. Chemical and TME(n) analysis of foxtail millet
      cultivated conventionally and agro-ecologically indicated similar nutritional
      value. In total, 432 eight-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks, using a 2 * 3
      factorial arrangement, were randomly assigned to 4 replicate pens for each of 6
      isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. Experimental diets were formulated by
      replacing corn with conventional or agro-ecologic millet at 3 levels (33, 66, or
      100% of corn replacement). Body weight at 21 and 42 d of age was higher (P <
      0.05) at 100% millet inclusion versus the lower inclusion levels. At 42 d of age,
      feed intake and feed conversion ratios were also improved (P < 0.05) at the 100%
      millet inclusion level. Similarly, the apparent ileal digestibility of CP
      increased (P < 0.05) for 100% millet diets. There were no differences in ileal
      digestibility of nutrients between millet growth conditions. Millet inclusion
      level significantly affected small intestinal morphology such that crypt depth
      was lowest (P < 0.05) in the 100% inclusion group for duodenum, jejunum, and
      ileum at 28 d of age, and for duodenum and ileum at 42 d of age. The villus crypt
      ratio was also highest (P < 0.05) in the 100% millet inclusion group for jejunum
      and ileum at 28 d of age, and duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at 42 d of age. Millet
      growth condition did not markedly affect small intestinal morphology. Serum
      antibody responses to Gumboro and Newcastle diseases were not affected by millet
      inclusion level or growth condition. In conclusion, foxtail millet could be
      considered as an alternate cereal for inclusion in the diet of broiler chickens.
      Broiler chicken performance and physiological responses to foxtail millet were
      similar whether grown conventionally or using agro-ecologic practices.

PMID- 22080022
TI  - Multivariate evaluation of 1-dimensional sarcoplasmic protein profile patterns of
      turkey breast muscle during early post-hatch development.
AB  - Proteins are the main participants in metabolic pathways. However, the analysis
      of protein abundance patterns associated with those pathways is complicated by
      the large number of proteins involved. In this study, the objective was to
      present the application of principal component analysis (PCA) to permit the
      visualization of developmental proteomic patterns of sarcoplasmic proteins found
      in breast muscle. Different turkey genotypes and nutritional regimens were used
      to potentially increase the variability within the sarcoplasmic protein profile.
      Sarcoplasmic protein fractions from turkey breast muscle samples were collected
      at 6 ages between 7 to 24 d. Breast muscle samples were collected from 2
      distinctly different turkey lines. The poults within each line were either ad
      libitum or restrict fed. Proteomic PCA plots showed a visual developmental
      pattern from 7 until 17 d. Multivariate ANOVA highlighted the effect of time
      point and feeding regimen among profile patterns. The use of different genotypes
      and feeding regimens influenced variability, which was measured by mean Euclidean
      distances and ellipses of the PCA plots. These treatment effects, however, did
      not mask the developmental patterns. After 17 d, the proteomic patterns
      converged, suggesting that a level of biological stability was achieved
      regardless of the genotype or treatment. The developmental pattern obtained by
      the PCA methodology can aid in the planning of more efficient experimental
      designs so the developmental stage of individuals can be more accurately
      assessed.

PMID- 22080023
TI  - Dietary effects of chelated zinc supplementation and lysine levels in ISA Brown
      laying hens on early and late performance, and egg quality.
AB  - It has been hypothesized that zinc (Zn) levels beyond those that are
      nutritionally required may favor the utilization of dietary lysine, and
      consequently reduce the level of its inclusion into the diet. Therefore, the
      possible effects of interaction between chelated Zn and the level of lysine (Lys)
      on egg production and egg quality of laying hens were evaluated. In total, 720
      ISA Brown layer hens aged 24 to 36 wk (early phase) and 48 to 60 wk (late phase)
      were allotted in a completely randomized factorial design that used 3 Zn and 5
      Lys levels  (6 replications, 8 birds/replication). All birds aged 37 to 47 wk
      (between early and late phases) were fed a standard diet and maintained under the
      same experimental design. The Zn levels used were 137, 309, and 655 mg/kg; and
      the Lys levels were 0.560, 0.612, 0.677, 0.749, and 0.851%. The optimal levels of
      Lys digestibility were based on laboratory analyses with regard to the weighted
      average relationship between 83.5% digestibility and the total Lys from principal
      ingredients. There was no effect of interaction found between the dietary levels
      of Zn and Lys for most of the variables studied; however, each had an independent
      effect on the variables. An increase in Zn from 137 to 655 mg/kg had no
      significant effect (P > 0.05) on the performance of hens in both phases; however,
      it showed a significant effect on egg quality (P < 0.01), principally on mineral
      composition. Increased Zn resulted in decreased shell weight, percentage of ash,
      yolk ash deposition, and total ash deposition. On the other hand, an increase in
      Lys from 0.560 to 0.851% significantly affected (P < 0.002) several performance
      parameters and the chemical composition of the eggs, including feed intake, feed
      conversion efficiency, BW gain, egg weight, and production. In conclusion, there
      was no interaction found between Zn and Lys, but higher dietary levels of
      chelated Zn reduced bird performance and egg quality parameters, whereas higher
      Lys levels could be beneficial to bird performance and egg quality.

PMID- 22080024
TI  - Relationship among fluctuating asymmetry, morphological traits, and sperm quality
      in layers.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between fluctuating
      asymmetry and the mean value of several bilateral traits (toe, leg, wing, and
      wattle lengths, and leg width) and sperm quality variables (volume, appearance,
      concentration, motility, morphological abnormalities, and acrosome and membrane
      integrities) in different breeds of layers. In total, 165 roosters were sampled
      at 36 wk of age. There was no significant correlation between fluctuating
      asymmetry and sperm quality variables. There was a positive association (P <
      0.01) between sperm motility and concentration, and between sperm concentration
      and volume. Sperm motility was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with
      morphologically normal sperm. The membrane integrity did not correlate with
      motility. This study shows different results for the association between sperm
      quality variables and morphological traits. There was a negative association (P <
      0.05) between toe length and membrane integrity and between leg length and sperm
      motility. In disagreement with the expected results, wattle length did not
      correlate with any sperm quality parameter. In general, roosters with longer legs
      had longer toes and wings, whereas those with longer wattles had longer toes,
      legs, and wings. Breed effect was significant for the sperm motility index (P <
      0.001), concentration and membrane integrity (P < 0.05), and morphologically
      normal sperm (P < 0.01). Spanish breeds had similar sperm quality variables to
      the White Leghorn population, although the Blue Andaluza (a Spanish breed) showed
      smaller values for sperm motility index and concentration and membrane integrity.
      Breed effect was not significant for any fluctuating asymmetry, with values
      ranging from 1 to 6% of the trait value; however, breed effect was significant
      for all of the morphological traits (P < 0.001). The CV was higher for ejaculate
      volume and concentration, intermediate for semen appearance, motilities, and
      morphologically normal sperm, and smaller for membrane and acrosome integrity. In
      conclusion, the results suggest that fluctuating asymmetry is of limited use for
      assessment of rooster sperm quality. Some morphological traits (toe length, leg
      length, and leg width) might be associated with some sperm quality variables
      (motility and membrane integrity).

PMID- 22080025
TI  - Influence of red light on reproductive performance, eggshell ultrastructure, and
      eye morphology in Thai-native hens.
AB  - In total, 120 Thai-native pullets (Gallus domesticus) aged 18 wk were housed in
      floor pens, located in a conventional open-sided shed under natural daylight
      (12L:12D) and randomly divided into 3 groups; Groups 1 (DF) and 2 (DR) were
      reared under natural daylight and supplemented with fluorescent or red light,
      respectively, whereas group 3 (R) was maintained in light-controlled pens and
      exposed only to red light. The red light was produced by light-emitting diodes.
      All treatments were provided with 16 h of light per day (16L:8D) during a 26-wk
      egg-laying period, and there were 4 replicate pens of 10 hens for each treatment.
      Photostimulation of these light sources was initiated at 18 wk of age and
      subsequent effects on reproductive performance were observed during the
      experimental period. Morphological characteristics of the eyes and eggshell
      microstructure were examined at the end of the study. Feed and water were
      provided ad libitum. There were no significant differences in BW, feed intake,
      egg weight, egg quality, or mortality rate due to the treatment. Pullets in the R
      and DR treatment groups commenced egg production significantly earlier than those
      in the DF treatment group. In early-season egg production (0-8 wk), cumulative
      egg number was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the R treatment (25.9
      eggs/hen) than for the DR (20.9) and DF (19.5) treatment groups. No significant
      differences in total egg production per hen occurred among the treatment groups.
      At 2 wk following photostimulation, hens in the R treatment group had
      significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum estradiol concentrations compared with hens
      in the other treatment groups. Neither eggshell structure nor eye morphology was
      affected by the treatments. It was concluded that the spectrum of red light did
      not affect live performance, egg production, egg quality, eggshell
      microstructure, or eye morphology of Thai-native hens, except for in accelerating
      sexual development. The light-emitting diode lighting system would be beneficial
      for energy savings and the reduction of rearing costs.

PMID- 22080026
TI  - Chicken feet bacteriological quality at 4 steps of technological processing.
AB  - The production of chicken feet is primarily intended for foreign markets, and
      there is still no specific legislation in Brazil that determines the quality
      standard of these products. The bacteriological quality of chicken feet was
      evaluated as a product for human consumption at different steps of the
      technological processes. Eighty broiler feet from 20 lots at 4 steps of
      processing were collected for quantitative analysis, total count of aerobic
      mesophilic bacteria, and determining the most probable number of coliforms and
      fecal coliforms. Thirty-eight pools of 15 broiler feet each from 19 lots were
      used for qualitative analysis and the isolation of Salmonella enterica spp. and
      Escherichia coli O157:H7. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was not found in any of the
      samples. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 68% (13/19) of the lots. The Salmonella
      Schwarzengrund serotype was found in 12 of the 13 lots of positive samples and
      the Salmonella Anatum and Salmonella Corvallis serotypes were identified in the
      remaining lot. Processing is effective in reducing contamination by mesophilic
      bacteria, coliforms, and Salmonella spp. in these products. This work constitutes
      the first study in Brazil on microbiological quality of chicken feet.

PMID- 22080027
TI  - Effect of alternative salt use on broiler breast meat yields, tenderness, flavor,
      and sodium concentration.
AB  - Fresh chicken breast fillets were marinated with gourmet-style salts: Himalayan
      pink salt, Sonoma gourmet salt, sel gus de Guerande, and Bolivian rose salt to
      evaluate their effects on marination and cook loss yields, tenderness, sensory
      attributes, and sodium concentration. Fresh chicken breast fillets (48-h
      postmortem) were vacuum tumbled (137 kPa at 20 rpm for 17 min) in a solution of
      water, salt, and sodium tripolyphosphate at a level of 20% of the meat weights.
      Instrumental analyses showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in meat quality
      with respect to marination yield, cook yield, or shear-force value. There were
      also no significant differences (P > 0.05) in sensory descriptors between salt
      treatments. However, Sonoma gourmet salt showed a tendency (P = 0.0693) to score
      increased savory note values from panelists, whereas Bolivian rose salt received
      the lowest score. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in sodium
      concentrations between salt treatments, but numerically, sel gus de Guerande had
      the lowest sodium concentration, which could be important in producing reduced
      sodium products. Understanding different salts and sodium concentrations allows
      the poultry industry to use gourmet salts in products and maintain overall meat
      quality and flavor.

PMID- 22080028
TI  - Survival of artificially inoculated Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium
      on the surface of raw poultry products subjected to crust freezing.
AB  - Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. are ubiquitous in the poultry production
      environment, and hence, their transmission to poultry products is of concern.
      Industry has widely used freezing as a strategy to halt pathogen growth, and more
      recently, crust freezing has been suggested as a means to improve mechanical
      operations, quality, and safety of poultry products. The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate the effect of crust freezing on the survival of Escherichia coli
      and Salmonella Typhimurium that were artificially inoculated on the surface of
      raw poultry products with or without adhering skin. Ampicillin-resistant (AR) E.
      coli JM 109 and nalidixic acid-resistant (NAR) Salmonella Typhimurium were used
      in the experiments. A set of cultures was subjected to cold-shock stress by
      storage at 4 degrees C for 10 d. After being either cold-shocked or non-cold
      shocked, commercial chicken breasts without skin and chicken thighs with skin
      were inoculated in separate experiments with each bacterium. Samples were crust
      frozen at -85 degrees C for 20 min or completely frozen at -85 degrees C for 60
      min. The E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium were recovered on appropriate
      selective and nonselective media containing the corresponding antibiotic. Log
      reductions and extent of injury were calculated and treatments were compared
      using ANOVA. No significant differences were observed in the reduction of cold
      shocked or non-cold-shocked bacteria on products with or without skin that were
      crust or completely frozen. The average reduction for E. coli was 0.15 log(10)
      cfu/mL of rinse, and for Salmonella Typhimurium 0.10 log(10) cfu/mL of rinse;
      therefore, none of the final reductions were greater than the desired target (1
      log). Bacterial cell injury was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among any
      of the treatments. Data showed no practical significance for initial reduction of
      these pathogens from crust freezing and thus, this technology should not be
      considered as a strategy for the reduction of E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium
      on poultry.

PMID- 22080029
TI  - Modeling the growth pattern of in-season and off-season Ross 308 broiler breeder
      flocks.
AB  - Growing the Ross broiler parent according to the target growth curve ensures that
      males and females achieve optimum lifetime performance and well-being. Accurate
      control of growth will lead to uniformity and sexual maturity, which are of
      crucial importance for the production of hygienic, healthy, and fertile eggs of
      high quality. This study examined the growth of Ross 308 broiler breeder flocks
      from hatch to 35 wk of age to identify which growth model would describe the
      growth of these animals most accurately. Growth was measured and modeled using
      linear and nonlinear functions, and the experimental growth curves were compared
      with target curves from the Parent Stock Management Manual for Ross 308
      (Aviagen). Broiler breeder flock R6 (in-season from February until October) and
      flock R7 (off-season from August until April) were kept in an environmentally
      controlled breeder house from hatch until 35 wk of age. Three nonlinear growth
      functions (logistic, Gompertz, and Richards) and 3 polynomial functions (linear,
      second-order, and third-order) were applied. Parameters of the models were
      estimated by the least squares procedure. The fit of growth curves to
      experimental data was assessed using R(2). A t-test was used to identify
      significant differences in the goodness of fit of the model to the different data
      sets (breeder manual, R6, and R7). The third-order polynomial gave the best fit
      to the Ross 308 parent broiler BW data, with R(2) ranging from 0.992 to 0.998.
      Among the nonlinear growth functions, the Richards model gave the best fit to the
      data, with R(2) ranging from 0.992 to 0.995. The advantage of second- and higher
      order polynomial models is that they can be linearized and their parameters
      estimated by linear regression.

PMID- 22080030
TI  - A description of the growth of the major body components of 2 broiler chicken
      strains.
AB  - The objective of this work was to compare the growth and chemical composition of
      the main body parts of males and females of the Ross and Cobb broiler strains
      available in Brazil. In total, 1,920 chicks were raised in 16 floor pens, from
      which 4 birds of each strain and sex were sampled weekly for the required
      measurements. The strains and sexes were reared in separate pens, using 4
      replications of 120 birds each. Four feeds, based on corn and soybeans, were used
      during the trial: feed 1 from 1 to 7 d, feed 2 from 8 to 28 d, feed 3 from 29 to
      49 d, and feed 4 from 50 to 56 d of age (all of the birds were given the same
      feed for each time interval). All of the birds were weighed weekly and the 4
      birds sampled from each strain and sex were weighed, fasted for 24 h, reweighed,
      killed, eviscerated, and dissected. The breast, drums, thighs, and wings were
      weighed, packed into identified plastic bags, and stored in a freezer to later be
      thawed and minced. They were then freeze-dried to obtain the water content, after
      which they were again milled before analyzing for protein, lipid, and ash using
      AOAC procedures. The Gompertz equation was fitted to the weights of the body
      parts as well as to the protein weights of the components. Using data from each
      individual chicken that was sampled, allometric regressions were fitted to the
      weights of the physical and chemical components, with ln body protein weight
      being the independent variable and ln component weight being the dependent
      variable. Although some of the allometric relationships between the various body
      parts and body protein weight differed statistically between strains and sexes,
      these differences were of little commercial significance, suggesting that the
      relative growth rates of the different body components of the genotypes tested in
      this trial have not been changed substantially by genetic selection.

PMID- 22080031
TI  - Use of neural network models to estimate early egg production in broiler breeder
      hens through dietary nutrient intake.
AB  - In this study, neural network (NN) models were constructed to predict early egg
      production in broiler breeder hens. By breaking down the early egg production
      data collected from 98 breeder houses into weekly intervals, 5 NN-based models
      were developed for 25 to 29 wk of age. Starting with 98 data lines for each week,
      the NN models were trained by 69 data lines and the remainder (n = 29) were
      considered as the testing set. The variables of interest for developing the
      models were ME (kcal/bird per day) and CP, TSAA, Lys, Ca, and available P (g/bird
      per day). The constructed models were subjected to an optimization algorithm.
      Therefore, the optimal values for the input variables to maximize early egg
      production in broiler breeder hens were obtained. Based on the considered
      criteria to evaluate the goodness of fit, the efficiency of NN-based models to
      estimate early egg production was confirmed. The optimization results revealed
      that the breeder hens consuming 407, 457, 470, 486, and 487 kcal of ME/bird per
      day showed the highest egg production during 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 wk of age,
      respectively. Moreover, optimal performance of hens required the intake (g/bird
      per day) of the following during 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 wk of age, respectively:
      CP: 20.3, 22.6, 25, 25.8, and 26; TSAA: 0.88, 1.02, 1.06, 1.07, and 1.07; Lys:
      0.98, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.32; Ca: 4.5, 4.6, 5.3, 5.0, and 5.4; and available P:
      0.48, 0.55, 0.6, 0.61, and 0.62. Although the results showed that the energy and
      other nutrient requirements of broiler breeder hens during early egg production
      do not change in parallel with age, it seems that the company recommendations
      underestimated the nutrient requirements of hens during these weeks.

PMID- 22080032
TI  - Effects of maternal energy efficiency on broiler chicken growth, feed conversion,
      residual feed intake, and residual maintenance metabolizable energy requirements.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of maternal energy efficiency on broiler
      chicken growth and energy efficiency from 7 to 40 d of age. Residual feed intake
      (RFI) and residual maintenance ME requirement (RME) were used to measure
      energetic efficiency. Residual feed intake was defined as the difference between
      observed and predicted ME intake, and RME(m) as the difference between observed
      and predicted maintenance ME requirements. A total of 144 Ross-708 broiler
      breeder pullets were placed in individual laying cages at 16 wk of age. Hens with
      the greatest RFI (n = 32) and lowest RFI (n = 32) values from 20 to 56 wk of age
      were selected (maternal RFI; RFI(mat)). Selected hens were retrospectively
      assigned to a high- or low-RME(m) category (maternal RME(m); RME(mmat)). At 59
      wk, eggs were collected for 8 d and pedigree hatched. A total of 338 broilers
      grouped by dam and sex were raised in 128 cages where feed intake, BW, and
      temperature were recorded from 7 to 40 d to calculate broiler feed conversion
      ratios, RFI, and RME(m). The design was a 2 * 2 * 2 factorial with 2 levels of
      RFI(mat), 2 levels of RME(mmat), and 2 sexes. Neither the RFI(mat) nor RME(mmat)
      category affected broiler offpring BW or total conversion ratio. The high
      RFI(mat) * low-RME(mmat) broilers had decreased growth to 40 d. Low-RFI(mat) *
      low-RME(mmat) broilers had a lower RME(m) (-5.93 kcal of ME/kg(0.60) per day) and
      RFI (-0.86 kcal of ME/d) than high-RFI(mat) * low-RME(mmat) broilers (RME(m) =
      1.70 kcal of ME/kg(0.60) per day; RFI = 0.38 kcal of ME/d). Overall, hens with
      low maintenance requirements (low RME(m)) produced more efficient broilers when
      other efficiency related traits, represented in a lower RFI, were present.
      Exclusion of high-RFI * low-RME(m) hens from selection programs may improve
      energy efficiency at the broiler level. The RME(m) methodology is a viable
      alternative to evaluate energy efficiency in broilers because it avoids
      confounding environmental effects and allows measurement standardization.

PMID- 22080033
TI  - Comparison of the effect of different methods of molt: production and welfare
      evaluation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate alternative molting protocols assessing
      hen welfare and performance during and after molt. Hyline W-36 pullets were
      housed at 15 wk of age, and their egg production was obtained during this first
      cycle. When birds were 80 wk, the following molting treatments were applied: a
      conventional molt consisting of 10 d of fasting followed by cracked corn for 8 d
      and a pullet developer diet for 10 d; and 4 alternative molting programs: a soy
      hulls-based diet (12% CP, 1,455 kcal/kg of ME, and 1.38% Ca) offered for 14 d
      followed by cracked corn for 4 d and a pullet developer diet for 10 d; and the
      other 3 molt regimens consisted of feeding soy hulls for 4, 8, or 12 d followed
      by 10, 6, or 2 d, respectively, of a soy hulls-based diet and 4 d of cracked corn
      plus 10 d of a pullet developer diet. A nonmolted group of birds was fed a laying
      hen diet during the experimental period. Hen-day egg number was recorded daily
      for 56 wk (through 80-136 wk of age). The nonmolted hens showed lower hen-day
      production and fewer intact eggs and a higher number of cracked and shell-less
      eggs compared with those of the molted hens (P < 0.0001). A significant treatment
      by age effect (P < 0.0001) was observed for the variables of high-density
      lipoproteins and triglycerides. Control hens showed the lowest high-density
      lipoprotein concentration and the highest triglyceride levels at 84 wk of age
      when compared with all treatments. The lack of difference in heterophil-to
      lymphocyte ratio during molt suggests little influence of molting protocols on
      this variable. Regardless of the treatments, molting was deleterious to bone
      quality. A high mobilization of Ca through bone resorption for eggshell formation
      could explain the results obtained. Behavioral patterns coincided with a decline
      in frustration activities and an increase in alertness as molt proceeded until 83
      wk of age. Alternative molting diets consisting of soybean hulls were successful
      in providing acceptable postmolt egg production performance.

PMID- 22080034
TI  - Nanosilver effects on growth parameters in experimental aflatoxicosis in broiler
      chickens.
AB  - Aflatoxicosis is a cause of economic losses in broiler production. In this study,
      the effect of one commercial nanocompound, Nanocid (Nano Nasb Pars Co., Iran) was
      evaluated in reduction of aflatoxin effects on the growth and performance indices
      in broiler chickens suffering from experimental aflatoxicosis. For this, a total
      of 300 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross strain) were randomly divided into 4
      groups with 3 replicates of 15 chicks in each separated pen during the 28-day
      experiment. Treatment groups including group A: chickens fed basal diet, group B:
      chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin in basal diet, group C: chickens fed
      basal diet plus 2500 ppm Nanocid, and group D: chickens fed 3 ppm productive
      aflatoxin and 2500 ppm Nanocid, in basal diet. Data on body weight, body weight
      gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at weekly
      intervals. Also cumulative data were assessed. Results showed, although
      supplement of Nanocid to conventional diet had no effect on performance but
      addition of Nanocid to diet containing 3 ppm aflatoxin increased significantly
      the cumulative BWG, cumulative feed consumption and decreased FCR in the last 2
      weeks of experimental period. The improvement in these performance indices by
      supplement of Nanocid to diet containing aflatoxin showed the ability of Nanocid
      to diminish the inhibitory effects of aflatoxin.

PMID- 22080035
TI  - The influence of the intensity of smoking and years of work in the metallurgy on
      pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in the blood of smelters.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking and
      occupational exposure to heavy metals on the degree of pro-oxidant/antioxidant
      imbalance in smelters. The investigations were performed on the blood and urine
      of 400 subjects: 300 male copper smelters and 100 nonexposed male subjects.
      Biological material was divided into three groups: nonsmokers, those who smoked
      less than 20 cigarettes a day and those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day.
      The results showed a significant increase in the concentration of lead, cadmium
      and arsenic in the blood and urine of smelters, while smoking more than 20
      cigarettes a day caused a further increase in the concentration of these metals.
      The level of malondialdehyde was approximately twofold higher in the plasma of
      the smelters compared to the control group. We have observed a disturbance in the
      level of antioxidants in erythrocyte lysate manifested by an increase in
      metallothionein and glutathione concentrations as well as superoxide dismutase
      and glutathione peroxidase activities and the decrease in glutathione S
      transferase activity. Cigarette smoking, years of work in metallurgy and age of
      smelters were additional factors significantly affecting the pro
      oxidant/antioxidant balance.

PMID- 22080036
TI  - Effect of combined occupational exposure to noise and organic solvents on
      hearing.
AB  - Noise exposure has been commonly regarded as the main hazard of occupational
      hearing loss. Recent studies indicate that several chemicals, including organic
      solvents have ototoxic effects. This study aimed at evaluating the hearing of
      workers exposed to both noise and a mixture of organic solvents at concentrations
      anticipated as safe. The study comprised three groups. The first one included 70
      workers exposed to noise only, the second group consisted of 93 workers exposed
      to organic solvents and noise, and the control group included 59 individuals
      exposed to neither noise nor organic solvents. The three groups were matched for
      age, socioeconomic status, and smoking habit. The results of this study revealed
      that there was no statistically significant difference between the two exposed
      groups as regards the duration of exposure. There was a highly statistically
      significant difference between the two exposed groups as regards the different
      types of hearing loss (conductive deafness, sensory neural hearing loss, and
      mixed type) compared with the control one. Our study reported that sensory neural
      hearing loss occurred earlier in subjects with combined exposure to noise and
      solvents at a mean duration of exposure (16.38 +/- 9.44 years) compared to (24.53
      +/- 9.59 years) the subjects with sole exposure to noise. The difference between
      the two groups was statistically significant regarding this type of hearing
      impairment (p < 0.05). There was a positive significant correlation between
      hearing impairment and duration of exposure in the two exposed groups. As regards
      the results of the environmental monitoring, both noise exposure levels (dB) and
      levels of different organic solvents measured (mg/m(3)) in different work
      departments were less than the levels recommended by Egyptian Environmental Law
      No. 4 for 1994. It is recommended that in the case of combined exposure, noise
      and solvent levels should be lowered than the permissible limits recommended for
      either alone.

PMID- 22080037
TI  - Mercury induces the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase.
AB  - Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor that mediates the
      inducible expression of a variety of genes involved in immune and inflammatory
      responses. NF-kappaB activation induces numerous proinflammatory gene products
      including cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS). The divalent heavy metal mercury has been used for thousands of
      years. Although mercury is clearly toxic to most mammalian organ systems,
      especially the immune system, exposure has still increased in some areas of the
      world. However, the underlying toxic mechanism is not clearly identified. Here,
      we report biochemical evidence that mercury alone induces NF-kappaB activation,
      resulting in the induced expression of COX-2 and iNOS. The results suggest that
      mercury can induce inflammatory diseases by lowering host defense.

PMID- 22080038
TI  - Species identification of the Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) by polymerase
      chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and proteomic analysis.
AB  - Genomic and proteomic techniques for species identification of meat and seafood
      products are being widely used. In this study, a genomic approach was used to
      differentiate Pandalus borealis (the Northern shrimp), which belongs to the
      superfamily Pandaloidea, from 30 crustaceans consisting of 19 commercially
      relevant prawns/shrimps species that belong to the superfamily Penaeoidea, which
      include the families Penaeidae and Solenoceridae, and 11 other crustacean
      species, including prawns, shrimps, lobsters, and crabs. For this purpose, a
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
      method was designed based on the amplification of the 16S rRNA/tRNA(Val)/12S rRNA
      mitochondrial regions using the primers 16S-CruF and 16S-CruR. The 966-bp PCR
      products were produced and cleaved with the restriction enzymes AluI, TaqI, and
      HinfI, which provided species-specific restriction patterns. In addition, a
      proteomic approach, based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of
      flight (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization-ion trap (ESI-IT) mass
      spectrometry, was used to identify and characterize new P. borealis-specific
      peptides that could be useful as potential markers of this species in protein
      based detection methods. To our knowledge, this is the first time a molecular
      method has been successfully applied to identify a wide range of prawn and shrimp
      species, including P. borealis, for either whole individuals or processed
      products. However, validation of the methods proposed here is required by
      applying them to a larger sample of individuals from different populations and
      geographic origins in order to avoid mainly false-negative results.

PMID- 22080039
TI  - Selective determination of inosine in the presence of uric acid and hypoxanthine
      using modified electrode.
AB  - This article describes the selective determination of inosine (INO) in the
      presence of important physiological interferents, uric acid (UA) and hypoxanthine
      (HXN), by differential pulse voltammetry at physiological pH (7.2) using the
      electropolymerized film of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (p-AMTa) modified
      glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The electropolymerization of AMTa was carried out
      by the potentiodynamic method in 0.1M H(2)SO(4). An atomic force microscopy image
      shows that the p-AMTa film contains a spherical-like structure. Bare GC electrode
      fails to resolve the voltammetric signal of INO in the presence of UA and HXN due
      to the surface fouling caused by the oxidized products of UA and HXN. However, p
      AMTa film modified GC electrode (p-AMTa electrode) not only separates the
      voltammetric signals of UA, HXN, and INO, with potential differences of 730 mV
      between UA and HXN and 310 mV between HXN and INO, but also shows enhanced
      oxidation current for them. The selective determination of INO in the presence of
      UA and HXN at physiological pH was achieved for the first time. Using the
      amperometric method, we achieved the lowest detection of 50 nM for INO. The
      practical application of the current modified electrode was demonstrated by
      determining the concentration of INO in human blood serum and urine samples.

PMID- 22080040
TI  - Development and application of an in vitro apoptin kinase assay.
AB  - Apoptin, a protein derived from chicken anemia virus (CAV), induces apoptosis
      selectively in human tumor cells as compared with normal cells. This activity
      depends on phosphorylation and relocation of apoptin to the nucleus of cancer
      cells. Here, we describe an in vitro kinase assay that allows the biochemical
      characterization of apoptin kinase activity in tumor cells. The kinase
      phosphorylates apoptin in a strictly ATP-dependent fashion and in a broad salt
      range. The kinase activity is present constitutively in both cytoplasm and
      nucleus of various human tumor cells. Q-column chromatography showed that both
      cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions have identical fractionation characteristics,
      suggesting that the same kinase is present in both cellular compartments. Kinase
      activity derived from positive Q-column fractions bound to amylose-maltose
      binding protein (MBP)-apoptin and could be eluted with ATP only in the presence
      of the cofactor Mg(2+). Apparently, unphosphorylated apoptin interacts with the
      kinase and is released only after phosphorylation has occurred, proving that our
      assay recognizes the genuine apoptin kinase. This is further corroborated by the
      finding that apoptin is phosphorylated in vitro at positions Thr108 and Thr107,
      in concert with earlier in vivo observations. Our assay excludes cyclin-dependent
      kinase 2 (CDK2) and protein kinase C beta (PKC-beta), previously nominated by two
      separate studies as being the genuine apoptin kinase.

PMID- 22080041
TI  - A thin-layer chromatography plate prepared from BODIPY-based receptor immobilized
      SiO2 nanoparticles as a portable chemosensor for Pb2+.
AB  - A new fluorescence receptor based on BODIPY-immobilized silica nanoparticles
      (BODIPY-SiO(2)) exhibits a high affinity and selectivity for Pb(2+) over
      competing metal ions in water. An overall emission change of ca. 100-fold at the
      emission maximum was observed for Pb(2+). The fluorescence receptor BODIPY-SiO(2)
      can remove 97% and 95% of the initial 100 ppb Pb(2+) from human blood and waste
      solution, respectively. Experiments show the fluorescence receptor BODIPY-SiO(2)
      can be a potentially useful and effective agent for the selective separation and
      rapid removal of Pb(2+)in vivo. We also prepared a portable chemosensor kit by
      coating a 4 MUm thick film of BODIPY-SiO(2) onto a glass substrate. We found that
      this BODIPY-SiO(2) film detects Pb(2+) ions at pH 7.4 with a sensitivity of 3.2
      nM. Finally, we tested the effect of pH on BODIPY-SiO(2) with Pb(2+) ions between
      pH 3.0 and 11.0. The fluorescence changes of BODIPY-SiO(2) were almost constant
      between pH 3 and 11. The results imply that the BODIPY-SiO(2) film is applicable
      as a portable chemosensor for detection of Pb(2+) ions in the environmental
      field.

PMID- 22080042
TI  - Partial removal of brown adipose tissue enhances humoral immunity in warm
      acclimated Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).
AB  - Temperate rodent species experience marked seasonal fluctuations in environmental
      temperatures. High thermoregulatory demands during winter usually weaken immune
      function. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a crucial role in adaptive
      thermoregulatory process. Thus, we proposed the hypothesis that BAT might
      participate in the regulation of seasonal changes in immune function. The present
      study examined the trade-off between thermoregulation and immune function and the
      potential role of BAT in regulating seasonal changes in immune function in
      Mongolian gerbils. Specifically, surgical removal of interscapular BAT (34% of
      total BAT) was performed in male gerbils, and subsequently acclimated to either
      warm (23 +/- 1  degrees C) or cold (4 +/- 1  degrees C) conditions. Gerbils were
      then challenged with innocuous antigens and the immune responses were measured.
      Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) were increased
      under cold conditions. However, the cost of thermoregulation during cold
      acclimation did not suppress T-cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity or
      decrease spleen mass, thymus mass and white blood cells. Partial removal of BAT
      significantly enhanced humoral immunity in warm-acclimated, but not in cold
      acclimated gerbils. T-cell mediated immunity, white blood cells and immune organs
      were not affected by BAT removal under both warm and cold conditions.
      Collectively, our results imply that BAT has a suppressive effect on humoral
      immunity in warm-acclimated gerbils and differential effects of BAT on humoral
      immunity under different temperatures (e.g., summer and winter) might be benefit
      to their survival.

PMID- 22080043
TI  - The developmental stage of chicken embryos modulates the impact of in ovo
      olfactory stimulation on food preferences.
AB  - Like mammals, bird embryos are capable of chemosensory learning, but the ontogeny
      of their feeding preferences has not been examined. We tested if the timing of
      stimulation in chicken embryos modulates the impact of in ovo olfactory
      stimulation on later food preferences. We exposed chicken embryos to an olfactory
      stimulus for a 4-day period in the middle or toward the end of the incubation
      period. The chicks were tested for their preference between foods with and
      without the olfactory stimulus in 3-min choice tests and on a 24-h time scale.
      Regardless of the type of food (familiar or novel) or the duration of the test,
      the control chicks not exposed to the olfactory stimulus consistently showed
      significant preferences for non-odorized foods. Chicks that were exposed in ovo
      to the olfactory stimulus did not show a preference for odorized or non-odorized
      foods. Only those chicks that were exposed to the olfactory stimulus toward the
      end of the incubation period differed from the controls and incorporated a higher
      proportion of odorized food into their diets on a 24-h time scale. This result
      indicates that olfactory stimulation at the end of embryonic development has a
      stronger impact on later feeding preferences. Our findings contribute to the
      growing pool of recent data appreciating the impact of olfactory signals on
      behavior regulation in avian species.

PMID- 22080044
TI  - Isolation and purification of seven lignans from Magnolia sprengeri by high-speed
      counter-current chromatography.
AB  - Seven lignans including (-)-maglifloenone, futoenone, magnoline, cylohexadienone,
      fargesone C, fargesone A and fargesone B were isolated and purified from Magnolia
      sprengeri Pamp. using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) with two
      step separation. In the first step, a stepwise elution mode with the two-phase
      solvent system composed of petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water
      (1:0.8:0.6:1.2, 1:0.8:0.8:1, v/v) was used and 15.6 mg of (-)-maglifloenone, 19.2
      mg of futoenone, 10.8 mg of magnoline, 14.7 mg of cylohexadienone and 217 mg
      residues were obtained from 370 mg crude extract. In the second step, the
      residues were successfully separated by HSCCC with the solvent system composed of
      petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (1:0.8:1.2:0.6, v/v), yielding 33.2
      mg of fargesone C, 47.5 mg of fargesone A and 17.7 mg of fargesone B. The
      purities of the separated compounds were all over 95% determined by HPLC. The
      chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and
      ESI-MS.

PMID- 22080045
TI  - The relationship between Candida species charge density and chitosan activity
      evaluated by ion-exchange chromatography.
AB  - Chitosan, a natural biopolymer presents antifungal activity that seems to be
      dependent on the interaction of its cationic amino groups and yeast cell surface.
      In this work we used ion-exchange chromatography to assess the surface charge
      density of Candida species and subsequently to relate this with their sensitivity
      profile to chitosan. The ability of several strains from distinct Candida species
      to interact with strong anionic and cationic exchangers was tested and the yeasts
      charge surface was assessed by measuring the zeta potential. Our results showed
      that all the yeast cells tested presented no interaction with the cationic resin
      and a species-related pattern of interaction was observed with the anionic resin.
      Specifically, regarding the Q-Sepharose support, Candida glabrata showed the
      lower retention affinity, followed by Candida albicans, presenting Candida
      tropicalis an intermediate profile; Candida parapsilosis and Candida
      guilliermondii revealed a stronger ionic interaction. The yeasts retention
      synergy in the anionic resin corroborates with the zeta potential outcomes. The
      behavior observed fit with sensitivity patterns to chitosan as the most
      susceptible species to chitosan presented higher affinity to the anionic resin in
      contrast to the less sensitive ones (C. albicans and C. glabrata). This data
      confirms and reinforces that chitosan activity is probably mediated by an ionic
      reaction between its amino free groups and ionic charges at the cell surface.

PMID- 22080046
TI  - Hearts and minds.
AB  - The American Heart Association liberalised guidelines for carotid stenting (CAS)
      into average risk patients based on the following interpretations and
      assumptions; (i) CAS doubles the risk of procedural stroke; (ii) CEA doubles the
      risk of procedural myocardial infarction (MI); (iii) peri-operative MI
      significantly reduces long-term survival; (iv) poorer long-term survival is
      attributable to a greater proportion of CEA patients dying after their peri
      operative MI. (v) reduced survival in CEA patients suffering a peri-operative MI
      offsets any benefit conferred by the lower procedural stroke risk so that; (vi)
      CAS is considered equivalent to CEA and may even be safer in those considered
      high risk for procedural MI. However, this much publicised rationale is flawed by
      the simple fact that the poorer survival rates observed in CREST were not
      attributable to a greater proportion of CEA patients dying following their
      procedural MI. In fact, a relatively higher proportion of CAS patients suffering
      a peri-operative MI died during follow-up. This observation changes how the
      literature should be interpreted. The clinical reality is that up to 10% of
      patients will suffer a stroke within seven days of their index TIA and the
      benefits of intervening in the hyperacute period after onset of symptoms (ie
      offering greater stroke prevention) will far outweigh any potential consequences
      of peri-operative MI and reduced life expectancy. Peri-operative MI should
      inform, but not drive the current debate. More importantly, it should not deflect
      attention away from the most important management priority; the prevention of
      stroke. This is one situation where the heart should not rule the head!

PMID- 22080047
TI  - Distinct microhemodynamic efficacy of arteriogenesis and angiogenesis in
      critically ischemic skin flaps.
AB  - Angiogenesis and arteriogenesis are regenerative vascular mechanisms dedicated to
      cope with critical ischemia after the interruption of the anatomical axial blood
      supply. The aim of the present study was to visualize, quantify and monitor the
      orchestration of these mechanisms and their microhemodynamic efficacy. A murine
      skin flap model was used that allowed for repetitive investigation of identical
      vascular structures by intravital microscopy. In the conduit arterioles, diameter
      and relative length increased to 133 +/- 20% and 260 +/- 80% over 7 days,
      respectively (both P<0.01), which reduced vascular resistance in this segment to
      82 +/- 35%. After 1 week, a peak in accumulation of activated leukocytes could be
      observed in the postcapillary venules (P<0.01) without relevant hemodynamic
      changes. Thereafter, the arteriolar remodeling was replaced by angiogenesis.
      Functional capillary density was increased to 141 +/- 10% (P<0.01) and capillary
      diameter to 123 +/- 6% (P<0.01) after 14 days. Both mechanisms of vascular
      regeneration were associated with increases in the capillary perfusion index, to
      194 +/- 42% (P<0.05) after 7 days and 366 +/- 21% after 14 days (P>0.01).
      Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a correlation of arteriogenesis with eNOS
      upregulation and of angiogenesis with VEGF upregulation in the corresponding
      vessels. In conclusion, arteriogenesis was the initial regenerative mechanism
      leading to arteriolar remodeling, reduction in vascular resistance, and increase
      in capillary perfusion over the first 7 days. Thereafter, capillary perfusion was
      improved by angiogenesis in terms of an increase in functional capillary density.

PMID- 22080048
TI  - Noninvasive assessment of localized inflammatory responses.
AB  - Inflammatory diseases are associated with the accumulation of activated
      inflammatory cells, particularly polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), which
      release reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eradicate foreign bodies and
      microorganisms. To assess the location and extent of localized inflammatory
      responses, L-012, a highly sensitive chemiluminescent probe, was employed to
      noninvasively monitor the production of ROS. We found that L-012-associated
      chemiluminescence imaging can be used to identify and to quantify the extent of
      inflammatory responses. Furthermore, regardless of differences among animal
      models, there is a good linear relationship between chemiluminescence intensity
      and PMN numbers surrounding inflamed tissue. Depletion of PMNs substantially
      diminished L-012-associated chemiluminescence in vivo. Finally, L-012-associated
      chemiluminescence imaging was found to be a powerful tool for assessing implant
      mediated inflammatory responses by measuring chemiluminescence intensity at the
      implantation sites. These results support the use of L-012 for monitoring the
      kinetics of inflammatory responses in vivo via the detection and quantification
      of ROS production.

PMID- 22080049
TI  - Elevated labile Cu is associated with oxidative pathology in Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Oxidative stress is implicated in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis, for which
      evidence indicates that radical species are generated by the redox-active
      biometal Cu. The contribution of labile Cu to the oxidative stress observed in AD
      has not been evaluated. The Cu content of postmortem cortical tissue from
      nondemented elderly controls and AD cases was measured using inductively coupled
      plasma mass spectroscopy, and the proportion of labile Cu was assessed using the
      Cu-phenanthroline assay. Further, the capacity of the tissue to stabilize Cu(2+)
      was evaluated using immobilized metal-affinity chromatography, and the level of
      tissue oxidative damage was determined by the presence of thiobarbituric acid
      reactive compounds. We identified elevated levels of exchangeable Cu(2+), which
      were correlated with tissue oxidative damage; additionally, we noted an increased
      capacity of AD cortical tissue samples to bind Cu(2+). This deranged Cu
      homeostasis reflects the homeostatic breakdown of Cu observed in AD and supports
      biometal metabolism as a therapeutic target.

PMID- 22080050
TI  - Impact of a conservative red blood cell transfusion strategy in children
      undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - A 2008 randomized trial of critically ill, but stable, children reported the
      safety of transfusing red blood cells at a hemoglobin threshold of 7 g/dL. In
      2009, we adopted the same transfusion criteria in our hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation patients. Regression modeling was used to compare data obtained
      during primary admission for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in calendar
      years before and after our practice change. Sixty-six patients admitted in the
      preintervention year were compared with 75 postintervention. Pre- and
      postpatients were similar in diagnoses and type of transplantations.
      Postintervention, median hemoglobin pretransfusion significantly decreased from
      8.8 g/dL to 6.8 g/dL (P < .0001). In addition, transfused red blood cell units
      received by patients dropped from 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 8) to 3 (IQR,
      2, 5), (P = .002), and number of transfusion days per patients decreased from 4
      (IQR, 2,5) to 3 (IQR, 2, 5), (P = .01). There were no differences in length of
      stay, time to engraftment, or 100-day mortality. Median blood product charges per
      patient significantly decreased ($3,624 [IQR, $2,265, $6,040] to $2,185 [IQR,
      $1,812, $3,997], P = .004). Our initial experience suggests that implementation
      of a conservative transfusion strategy in otherwise stable children undergoing
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation appears safe and lowers transfusion
      exposures.

PMID- 22080052
TI  - Conjugation of two complementary anti-cancer drugs confers molecular hydrogels as
      a co-delivery system.
AB  - We reported in this communication on the first example of a molecular hydrogel
      system based on two complementary anti-cancer drugs for chemotherapy.

PMID- 22080051
TI  - The effect of orally administered glycogen on anti-tumor activity and natural
      killer cell activity in mice.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells, innate immune effectors that mediate rapid responses
      to various antigens, play an important role in potentiating host defenses through
      the clearance of tumor cells and virally infected cells. By using enzymatically
      synthesized glycogen (ESG) with the same characteristics as natural glycogen, we
      examined whether orally administered glycogen enhances the innate defense of
      tumor-implanted mice and the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Oral administration of ESG
      led to the suppression of tumor proliferation and the prolongation of survival
      times of tumor-bearing mice. Splenic NK activities of BALB/c mice treated orally
      with ESG were significantly higher than those of water-treated mice, which were
      used as a negative control. In addition, intraduodenal injections of ESG
      gradually and markedly lowered splenic sympathetic nerve activity, which has an
      inverse correlation with NK activity. Furthermore, ESG activated Peyer's patch
      cells to induce the production of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) from these cells. These results
      demonstrated that orally administrated glycogen significantly enhanced the
      cytotoxicity of NK cells by acting on Peyer's patch cells and autonomic nerves,
      and eventually induced the potentiation of host defenses. We propose that
      glycogen functions not only as an energy source for life support but also as an
      oral adjuvant for immunopotentiation.

PMID- 22080053
TI  - Influence of the coordination mode in [Ni{RC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)2}2] for the formation
      of nickel-containing nanoparticles.
AB  - The complex [Ni{2-PyNHC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)-1,5,7-N,N',S}(2)] ([NiL(I)(2)])
      dissolved in tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) is decomposed in hot hexadecylamine (HDA)
      to give TOP-capped Ni nanoparticles. The same procedure using [Ni{2
      MeC(6)H(4)NHC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)}(2)-1,3-N,S] ([NiL(II)(2)]) and
      [Ni{PhC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)(2)-1,5-S,S'}(2)] ([NiL(III)(2)]) leads to the formation of
      NiS nanoparticles with the rhombohedral and hexagonal structures, respectively.
      NiH(x) nanoparticles were also produced from a mixture of [NiL(I)(2)] and
      N(2)H(4). The obtained Ni nanoparticles can be used for the catalytic addition of
      Ph(2)S(2) to 1-, 2- and 3-hexynes.

PMID- 22080054
TI  - Human erythema and matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA induction, in vivo, share an
      action spectrum which suggests common chromophores.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is widely regarded as a biomarker of
      photoageing. We tested the hypothesis that MMP-1 mRNA expression and erythema
      share a common action spectrum by comparing the effects of erythemally equivalent
      doses of UVB, UVA1 and solar simulated radiation (SSR) on acute MMP-1 mRNA
      expression in whole human skin in vivo. Our results show comparable MMP-1
      expression with all three spectra, which supports our hypothesis. The sharing of
      an action spectrum implies common chromophores, one of which is likely to be DNA.
      We have previously shown that all spectra that we used readily induce cyclobutane
      thymine dimers (T<>T) in human epidermis in vivo but we lack quantitative data on
      damage to dermal DNA. This is important because we do not know if dermal MMP-1
      induction occurs via direct damage to the dermis, or indirectly via damage to the
      epidermis. Our results show that UVB induces about 3 times more T<>T compared
      with erythemally equivalent doses of UVA1, which is similar to our published
      epidermal data. This supports previously published work that also implicates an
      unknown UVA1 chromophore for erythema and MMP-1 induction. However, the
      distribution of the dermal DNA damage varies considerably with spectrum. In the
      case of UVB it is primarily in the upper dermis, but with UVA1 it is evenly
      distributed. Thus, irrespective of chromophores, MMP-1 induction by direct dermal
      damage by both spectra is possible. The practical conclusions of our data are
      that the small (<5%) UVB content of solar UVR is likely to be the main cause of
      photoageing, at least in terms of MMP-1 expression. Furthermore, prevention of
      erythema by sunscreen use is likely to result in reduced MMP-1 expression.

PMID- 22080055
TI  - ERG immunohistochemistry is not predictive for PSA recurrence, local recurrence
      or overall survival after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
AB  - In prostate cancer genomic rearrangements involving genes encoding ETS
      transcription factors are commonly present, with androgen-regulated transmembrane
      protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2)-v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogen homologue
      (ERG) gene fusion occurring in 40-70%. Studies on the predictive value of ERG
      rearrangement as detected by in-situ hybridization or polymerase chain reaction
      have resulted in varying outcomes. The objective of this study was to correlate
      immunohistochemical ERG protein expression with clinico-pathological parameters
      at radical prostatectomy specimens, and to determine its predictive value for
      postoperative disease recurrence and progression in a prostate cancer screening
      cohort. Since androgen receptor is downregulated by ERG in cell lines, we also
      compared the expression of respective proteins. We selected 481 participants from
      the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer treated by radical
      prostatectomy for prostate adenocarcinoma. A tissue microarray was constructed
      containing representative cores of all prostate cancer specimens as well as 22
      xenografts and seven cell lines. Immunohistochemical expression of ERG and
      androgen receptor was correlated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason
      sum, pT-stage, surgical margins, biochemical recurrence, local recurrence,
      overall death and disease-specific death. ERG expression was detected in 284
      patients (65%). Expression occurred significantly more frequent in patients with
      PSA <=10 ng/ml (P=0.024). There was no significant association between ERG and
      Gleason sum, pT-stage or surgical margin status. PSA (P=0.011), Gleason sum
      (P=0.003), pT-stage (P=0.001) and surgical margin status (P<0.001) all had
      independent value for postoperative biochemical recurrence, while positive
      surgical margin (P=0.021) was the only independent predictor for local
      recurrence. ERG protein expression did not have prognostic value for the clinical
      end points in uni- and multivariate analyses. A positive correlation existed
      between ERG and androgen receptor expression in single tissue cores (P<0.001). In
      conclusion, immunohistochemical ERG expression has no predictive value for
      prostate cancer recurrence or progression after radical prostatectomy. Increasing
      ERG levels are associated with the upregulation of androgen receptor expression
      in clinical specimens.

PMID- 22080056
TI  - CD133 expression associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer.
AB  - As a putative marker for cancer stem cells in human malignant tumors, including
      ovarian cancer, CD133 expression may define a tumor-initiating subpopulation of
      cells and is associated with the clinical outcome of patients. However, at this
      time its clinical significance in ovarian cancer remains uncertain. The aim of
      this study was to clarify the clinical role of CD133 expression in human ovarian
      cancer. Immunohistochemical staining of CD133 expression was performed in 400
      ovarian carcinoma samples using tissue microarray. The associations among CD133
      expression and clinical factors (diagnosis, tumor grade, cancer stage, and
      clinical response to chemotherapy), overall survival and disease-free survival
      time were analyzed. CD133 expression was found in 31% of ovarian carcinoma
      samples. Fisher's exact test and one-way analysis of variance suggested that
      CD133 expression was associated with high-grade serous carcinoma (P=0.035), late
      stage disease (P<0.001), ascites level (P=0.010), and non-response to
      chemotherapy (P=0.023). CD133 expression was also associated with shorter overall
      survival time (P=0.007) and shorter disease-free survival time (P<0.001) by log
      rank test. Moreover, CD133 expression was an independent predictor of shorter
      disease-free survival time in an unconditional logistic regression analysis with
      multiple covariates (P=0.024). Our results thus show that CD133 expression is a
      predictor of poor clinical outcome for patients with ovarian cancer, supporting
      the proposed link between CD133 and cancer stem cells.

PMID- 22080057
TI  - Metaplastic breast carcinomas are enriched in markers of tumor-initiating cells
      and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Metaplastic breast carcinomas constitute a distinct aggressive form of invasive
      breast cancer with histological evidence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition
      toward spindle, chondroid, or osseous cell types. During tumorigenesis,
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition promotes invasion and metastasis and has
      been linked to the presence of stem cells. We hypothesized that metaplastic
      carcinomas may express epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers and may be
      enriched in tumor-initiating cells specifically in the non-glandular metaplastic
      elements. In 27 primary metaplastic carcinomas of the breast we tested the
      expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition inducers ZEB1 and E-cadherin
      and the presence of tumor-initiating cells by using aldehyde dehydrogenase-1
      (ALDH-1) and CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) immunohistochemistry. Of the 27 metaplastic
      carcinomas, 20 (74%) had squamous and/or spindle areas and 7 (26%) had
      heterologous elements (6 chondroid and 1 osseous). ALDH-1-positive and
      CD44(+)/CD24(-/low)-expressing cells were detected in the non-glandular
      metaplastic components (Fisher's exact, P=0.0017). E-cadherin expression was
      reduced or absent (aberrant) in all metaplastic components whereas it was normal
      in the glandular areas. On the contrary, overexpression of ZEB1 was detected in
      41% (11 of 27) of the non-glandular, metaplastic components, and in none of the
      glandular areas. The presence of tumor-initiating cells, aberrant E-cadherin, and
      ZEB1 upregulation was associated in over 90% of the spindle areas and
      heterologous elements (chi(2) test, P<0.05). We provide first in situ evidence
      that epithelial to mesenchymal transition inducers and tumor-initiating cells are
      present specifically in the non-glandular components of metaplastic carcinomas.

PMID- 22080058
TI  - Extrathoracic metastases of thymic origin: a review of 35 cases.
AB  - Thymic tumors are categorized as types A, AB, B1, B2, B3, and thymic carcinoma
      under the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Thymomas are typically
      slow growing tumors that predominantly involve the surrounding structures through
      direct invasion, while thymic carcinomas tend to be more aggressive. A
      significant number of patients are asymptomatic and can present with metastases
      as the first presentation. The exact incidence of extrathoracic metastases from
      thymoma is not known. This study describes a series of 35 cases of histologically
      documented metastatic thymomas and thymic carcinomas at extrathoracic sites.
      These cases were classified according to the current World Health Organization
      (WHO) classification criteria, and we present their clinical data as well as
      discuss the differential diagnoses of these lesions. Our study shows that all
      types of thymic tumors, regardless of histologic type, can be associated with
      invasion and metastases to thoracic and extrathoracic sites.

PMID- 22080059
TI  - PAX2-null secretory cell outgrowths in the oviduct and their relationship to
      pelvic serous cancer.
AB  - With the exception of germ-line mutations in ovarian cancer susceptibility genes,
      genetic predictors for women destined for ovarian serous cancer cannot be
      identified in advance of malignancy. We recently showed that benign secretory
      cell outgrowths (SCOUTs) in the oviduct are increased in frequency with
      concurrent serous cancer and typically lack PAX2 expression (PAX2-null). The
      present study examined the relationship of PAX2-null SCOUTs to high-grade serous
      cancers by comparing oviducts from women with benign gynecologic conditions and
      high-grade serous cancers. PAX2-null SCOUTs were identified by immunostaining and
      computed as a function of location, frequency (F) per number of cross-sections
      examined, and age. Six hundred thirty-nine cross-sections from 35 serous cancers
      (364) and 35 controls (275) were examined. PAX2-null SCOUTs consisted of discrete
      linear stretches of altered epithelium ranging from cuboidal/columnar, to
      pseudostratified, the latter including ciliated differentiation. They were evenly
      distributed among proximal and fimbrial tubal sections. One hundred fourteen
      (F=0.31) and 45 (F=0.16) PAX2-null SCOUTs were identified in cases and controls,
      respectively. Mean individual case-specific frequencies for cases and controls
      were 0.39 and 0.14, respectively. SCOUT frequency increased significantly with
      age in both groups (P=0.01). However, when adjusted for age and the number of
      sections examined, the differences in frequency between cases and controls
      remained significant at P=0.006. This study supports a relationship between
      discrete PAX2 gene dysregulation in the oviduct and both increasing age and, more
      significantly, the presence of co-existing serous cancer. We propose a unique co
      variable in benign oviductal epithelium-the PAX2-null SCOUT-that reflects
      underlying dysregulation in genes linked to serous neoplasia.

PMID- 22080060
TI  - p16INK4a and p14ARF mRNA expression in Pap smears is age-related.
AB  - Expression of high-risk HPV oncogenes results in a strong overexpression of
      cellular protein p16(INK4a). Immunohistochemical staining for p16(INK4a) is
      widely used as diagnostic marker. However, p16(INK4a) upregulation was also
      described as a biomarker of age. Here we analyzed p16(INK4a) expression in
      cervical smears to investigate if patient age may influence p16(INK4a)-based
      cervical cancer diagnosis. p14(ARF) was analyzed as a related supportive
      biomarker. Cervical scrapes were taken and stored in RNAlater. Total RNA was
      extracted, and cDNA was analyzed for expression of p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF)
      relative to beta-actin, by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR SYBR-Green I
      assays. Patient-derived smears referred as HSIL (n=45) had 6.27-fold higher
      p16(INK4a) mRNA expression than smears of cytologically normal and HPV-negative
      persons (n=48). Expression of p14(ARF) was 4.87-fold higher. When women with
      normal diagnoses were stratified for age, a significantly enhanced p16(INK4a)
      (2.88-fold) and p14(ARF) (1.9-fold) expression was observed as a consequence of
      ageing. A significant age-dependent upregulation was also observed in older HSIL
      patients (2.54-fold). Our study revealed significantly enhanced expression of
      p16(INK4a)/p14(ARF) mRNA in cervical scrapes referred to as HSIL compared with
      normal women. An age-dependent bias has to be considered when quantifying these
      tumor suppressor genes, with respect to cervical cancer development.

PMID- 22080061
TI  - Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms following fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and
      rituximab (FCR) treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small
      lymphocytic lymphoma.
AB  - This study is focused on therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after the most
      promising frontline FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab) therapy in
      previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. A total of 28 therapy
      related myeloid neoplasm patients were identified, including 19 patients from 3
      well-controlled FCR frontline trials (n=426 patients), giving an estimated
      frequency of 4.5% (1.9-8.3%) in a follow-up period of 44 months (range 5-122
      months). Clinically, therapy-related myeloid neoplasms could emerge directly from
      'prolonged myelosuppression' after FCR (10 patients), or after achieving complete
      hematological recovery (n=18). The overall latency was 35 months (range 3-118
      months), with the former group of 23 months and the latter 42 months (P<0.001).
      In all, 10 cases presented as therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia and 18 as
      therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes. Abnormal cytogenetics was present in
      26 of 27 (96%) patients, with frequent chromosomes 5 and 7 abnormalities. The
      median survival was 7 months after therapy-related myeloid neoplasms. Our results
      indicate that the risk of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms secondary to
      frontline FCR therapy may not be as high as previously reported after removing
      the confounding factor of previous cytotoxic exposure, but this risk increased
      with older age and likely growth factor co-administration. Therapy-related
      myeloid neoplasms after FCR therapy shares clinicopathological features with
      therapy-related myeloid neoplasms secondary to other alkylating agents, but has a
      shorter latency interval indicating possible synergetic effects of the nucleotide
      analog fludarabine. The fact that therapy-related myeloid neoplasms can directly
      emerge from 'prolonged myelosuppression' warrants a bone marrow examination to
      rule out therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in this clinical setting.

PMID- 22080062
TI  - Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 expression in breast cancer is associated with stage,
      triple negativity, and outcome to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
AB  - Studies have shown that ALDH1A1 expression in the breast is associated with worse
      clinical outcome. ALDH1A1 inactivates cyclophosphamide, which is an integral
      agent in breast cancer chemotherapy regimens. The purposes of this study were to
      verify these results, to correlate ALDH1A1 expression with clinical outcome in
      patients treated with cyclophosphamide as part of the chemotherapy (adjuvant or
      neoadjuvant), and to evaluate ALDH1A1 as a useful marker to predict the clinical
      outcome of breast cancer subsets. A total of 513 primary breast cancers were
      studied. Tissue microarrays of the studied cases were stained with ALDH1A1. Key
      clinicopathological information was obtained. Disease-free survival and overall
      survival were calculated. Patients with neoadjuvant therapy who had substantial
      residual cancer burden (RCB) were included in the study. Fisher's exact test and
      Kaplan-Meier methods were used for statistical analysis. ALDH1A1 was expressed in
      53 (10%) patients, with a higher frequency in triple negative, followed by HER2+,
      and finally hormonal receptor+/HER2- (P<0.0001). Tumors with advanced stage, node
      positive, or larger tumor size were correlated with ALDH1A1 expression (P=0.006,
      P<0.0001, and P=0.05, respectively). ALDH1A1 expression was also correlated with
      worse disease-free survival (P<0.006) and overall survival (P<0.01) in patients
      who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In all, 8 of 22 (36%) received
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy and died of disease-expressed ALDH1A1 (P=0.008).
      Similarly, 8 of 23 (35%) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had tumor
      recurrence expressed this marker (P=0.002). The risk of recurrence was fivefold
      greater than negative ALDH1A1 tumors. The risk of recurrence became 11-fold
      greater when cyclophosphamide but not trastuzumab was part of the regimen. Our
      results are consistent with previous studies. Moreover, we found that ALDH1A1
      could be a useful marker to predict worse clinical outcome after chemotherapy in
      the neoadjuvant setting with substantial RCB. However, a larger cohort is
      required to verify our results.

PMID- 22080063
TI  - From PTEN loss of expression to RICTOR role in smooth muscle differentiation:
      complex involvement of the mTOR pathway in leiomyosarcomas and pleomorphic
      sarcomas.
AB  - Over the past decade, comprehensive genomic studies demonstrated that
      leiomyosarcomas and most of the tumors previously labeled as 'malignant fibrous
      histiocytomas' share complex karyotypes and genomic profiles, and can be referred
      to as 'sarcomas with complex genomics'. We recently reported a series of 160
      sarcomas with complex genomics such as leiomyosarcomas, myxofibrosarcomas,
      pleomorphic liposarcomas/rhabdomyosarcomas and undifferentiated pleomorphic
      sarcomas. These tumors present with a frequent loss of chromosome 10 region
      encompassing the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. In the present study, we assessed
      PTEN genomic level and protein expression in this large series of sarcomas with
      complex genomics, as well as activation of downstream pathways. PTEN partial
      genomic loss was observed in only 46% of tumors, especially in well
      differentiated leiomyosarcomas, whereas up to 68% of these tumors demonstrate a
      loss of protein expression on western blot analysis. Specific discrepancies in
      PTEN immunohistochemical results suggested bias in this latter technique. PTEN
      mutations were rare, with only 4 point mutations in the 65 samples studied.
      Subsequent activation of AKT and mTOR pathways was only observed in 2 out of 3 of
      PTEN-deleted tumors. On the other hand, RICTOR, a major component of the mTOR
      complex 2, was significantly overexpressed in well-differentiated
      leiomyosarcomas. These results, confirmed on tissue micro-array
      immunohistochemical analysis of 459 sarcomas, could suggest a link between RICTOR
      overexpression and leiomyosarcomas oncogenesis. As therapeutics directed against
      the mTOR pathway are assessed in sarcomas, RICTOR overexpression in sarcomas and
      its links to therapeutic response need to be assessed.

PMID- 22080064
TI  - Histopathological findings in 29 lymph node biopsies with increased IgG4 plasma
      cells.
AB  - IgG4-related sclerosing disease encompasses a family of disorders associated with
      increased numbers of IgG4 plasma cells and mass forming lesions in various
      tissues. Lymphadenopathy is a common finding, seen in up to 80% of cases. In the
      largest series of cases to date, we describe histologic, immunohistochemical,
      special stain and flow cytometric findings in 29 cases of enlarged lymph nodes
      with increased IgG4 plasma cells. Lymph node biopsies showed all resection
      specimens; no needle core biopsies of tissue were evaluated. Cases were
      considered to have increased numbers of IgG4 plasma cells using the histological
      criteria outlined by Cheuk and Chan (2010): IgG4 plasma cells >50 cells in a high
      power field and >40% of IgG-positive plasma cells positive for IgG4.
      Additionally, increased intrafollicular plasma cells were a common finding. The
      lymph nodes showed a variety of reactive histological features including
      follicular hyperplasia, progressive transformation of germinal centers,
      interfollicular expansions, variable degrees of fibrosis, increased histiocytes
      and occasionally an appearance similar to that of plasma cell Castleman disease.

PMID- 22080066
TI  - The boulder in the stream.

PMID- 22080065
TI  - Objective assessment of blood and lymphatic vessel invasion and association with
      macrophage infiltration in cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - The aims of this study were to investigate the role of vascular invasion (blood
      and lymphatic), vessel density and the presence of tumour-associated macrophages
      as prognostic markers in 202 cutaneous melanoma patients. Sections of primary
      melanoma were stained with lymphatic-specific antibody D2-40 to assess lymphatic
      vessel invasion and density in intratumoural and peritumoural areas; an antibody
      against endothelial marker CD34 was used to determine blood vessel invasion and
      density, and an antibody against CD68 was used to determine macrophage counts.
      Immunohistochemically determined vascular invasion (combined blood and lymphatic)
      was compared with that determined using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
      The use of immunohistochemistry increased detection of vascular invasion from 8
      30% of patients, and histological exam of H&E-stained tissue was associated with
      a false positive rate of 64%. Lymphatic vessel invasion occurred at a much higher
      frequency than blood vessel invasion (27 and 4% of patients, respectively).
      Although immunohistochemically detected vessel invasion was significantly
      associated with histological markers of adverse prognosis, such as increased
      Breslow thickness, ulceration and mitotic rate (all P<0.001), no associations
      with relapse-free or overall survival were observed. High macrophage counts were
      significantly associated with markers of aggressive disease, such as Breslow
      thickness, ulceration and mitotic rate (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.005, respectively),
      and lymphatic vessel invasion and high microvessel density (P=0.002 and P=0.003,
      respectively). These results suggest that vascular invasion is more accurately
      detected using immunohistochemistry and occurs predominantly via lymphatic
      vessels. The association of vessel characteristics with histological
      characteristics of the primary melanoma provides evidence for their biological
      importance in melanoma, but that they were not associated with clinical outcome
      attests to the value of existing histological prognostic biomarkers. We note that
      a high macrophage count may be associated with neovascularisation and primary
      tumour growth, and may also promote invasion through lymphatic vessels.

PMID- 22080067
TI  - Enduring principles in a fast-changing world.

PMID- 22080068
TI  - Ottawa 1986: back to the future.

PMID- 22080069
TI  - It's the environment, stupid! Declining ecosystem health is THE threat to health
      in the 21st century.

PMID- 22080070
TI  - Some bitter-sweet reflections on the Ottawa Charter commemoration cake: a
      personal discourse from an Ottawa rocker.
AB  - The Ottawa Charter both gave health promotion a solid framework and health
      promoters an identity. Yet, health promotion has far from reached its potential
      in being internalized in public health politics. Advocacy for health is one of
      the core missions for health promotion and the 25-year celebration of the Ottawa
      Charter offers a free ride, instead of being a missed opportunity. WHO has not
      met the expectations in taking advantage of the momentum and outcomes from the
      long series of global health promotion conferences. The series represents a
      lifeline for health promotion. Concepts like healthy public policy, supportive
      environments, social determinants, health and human rights, whole of government,
      globalization and others have been elaborated and framed in a health promoting
      context. The downside is that the footprints have not been bold, in particular
      not internationally. An upside is the development of research and science,
      underscored by a rapid development of scientific journals, textbooks, academic
      institutions and posts. A question arising is whether practise and policy making
      are left behind, since implementation on a grand scale still is lacking? Further
      and future efforts must be devoted to explore the processes and art of policy
      making. There is a need for more narratives and more health promoters involving
      themselves in policy making and politics. Health promotion is as relevant for the
      twenty-first century as ever. The challenges and opportunities are evident; the
      increasing global burden of non-communicable diseases, ageing populations,
      harmful use of alcohol, social determinants and fair societies improved
      governance and more. Health promotion can add value and WHO can step up its
      engagement.

PMID- 22080071
TI  - Ottawa revisited: 'enable, mediate and advocate'.
AB  - The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion represents a turning point in public
      health thinking. The key messages and approaches, such as 'enabling, mediating
      and advocating', of this historical paper have not lost their timeliness and they
      are still considered to be the lessons for those health policy-makers who are
      willing to move beyond the health sector and to push health higher on the
      political agenda.

PMID- 22080073
TI  - Enable, mediate, advocate.
AB  - The authors of the Ottawa Charter selected the words enable, mediate and advocate
      to describe the core activities in what was, in 1986, the new Public Health. This
      article considers these concepts and the values and ideas upon which they were
      based. We discuss their relevance in the current context within which health
      promotion is being conducted, and discuss the implications of changes in the
      health agenda, media and globalization for practice. We consider developments
      within health promotion since 1986: its central role in policy rhetoric, the
      increasing understanding of complexities and the interlinkage with many other
      societal processes. So the three core activities are reviewed: they still fit
      well with the main health promotion challenges, but should be refreshed by new
      ideas and values. As the role of health promotion in the political arena has
      grown we have become part of the policy establishment and that is a mixed
      blessing. Making way for community advocates is now our challenge. Enabling
      requires greater sensitivity to power relations involved and an understanding of
      the role of health literacy. Mediating keeps its central role as it bridges vital
      interests of parties. We conclude that these core concepts in the Ottawa Charter
      need no serious revision. There are, however, lessons from the last 25 years that
      point to ways to address present and future challenges with greater sensitivity
      and effectiveness. We invite the next generation to avoid canonizing this text:
      as is true of every heritage, the heirs must decide on its use.

PMID- 22080072
TI  - Toward a post-Charter health promotion.
AB  - The past 25 years have seen enormous shifts in the environmental, political,
      economic and social landscapes that condition people's abilities to be healthy.
      Climate change is now a reality. China, India, Brazil and other 'developing'
      countries are emerging as new axes of political and economic power. Global
      capitalism has become increasingly predatory and crisis ridden, a result of
      unregulated and irresponsible greed of unimaginable scale. The elite response has
      been the increased erosion of the health and other social protection policies of
      redistribution that characterized the first-world run-up to the Ottawa Charter.
      These new realities challenge health promoters in ways unforeseen a quarter
      century ago. It is imperative that local determinants of health, to which health
      promoters give their attention, be traced to broader, even global levels of
      determinants. Support for groups acting at these levels should become a
      fundamental practice tenet. So, too, should advocacy for the social state, in
      which progressive taxation and hefty social investment blunt the health
      inequalities created by unfettered markets. As environmental and economic
      insecurities and inequalities increase in many of the world's countries, so does
      the risk of xenophobia and conflict. The roots of racism are complex; but weeding
      them out becomes another health promotion practice of the new millennium. There
      are some hopeful signs of health promoting political change, much of it emanating
      now from countries in the global South; but the threat of a return to health
      behaviourism in the face of the new global pandemic of chronic disease is real
      and must be confronted.

PMID- 22080074
TI  - Health promotion, the Ottawa Charter and 'developing personal skills': a compact
      history of 25 years.
AB  - The challenge of understanding what has happened in the 25 years since the Ottawa
      Charter would be difficult enough if there had been no Charter. However, our task
      is to interpret to what extent the Charter has influenced the world of health
      promotion as it is today. The task here is to consider what has happened
      regarding one action component of the Charter, notably developing personal
      skills. In taking only one of the five components, we are deconstructing the
      holistic approach that was implied in the Ottawa Charter and it is somewhat
      strange to isolate this action area from the others, and perhaps outside the
      'spirit' of the Charter. Nonetheless, the approach will be to interpret this area
      broadly while still being restrictive and not venturing into discussions of the
      other action areas except where the connection is so strong that to isolate
      personal skills from the other area would be unproductive. The Ottawa Charter
      brought to the table, for health promotion and education, a growing recognition
      that health was a broad concept in its own right. It made explicit that ties to
      disease approaches were highly related to health education and promotion, but
      that health promotion had to go well beyond a narrow interpretation of the field.
      It recognized that active participation by people, to directly affect their
      health and the broader determinants of it, was paramount.

PMID- 22080075
TI  - Securing 'supportive environments' for health in the face of ecosystem collapse:
      meeting the triple threat with a sociology of creative transformation.
AB  - In this paper, we reflect on and explore what remains to be done to make the
      concept of supportive environments--one of the Ottawa Charter's five core action
      areas--a reality in the context of growing uncertainty about the future and
      accelerated pace of change. We pay particular attention to the physical
      environment, while underscoring the inextricable links between physical and
      social environments, and particularly the need to link social and environmental
      justice. The paper begins with a brief orientation to three emerging threats to
      health equity, namely ecological degradation, climate change, and peak oil, and
      their connection to economic instability, food security, energy security and
      other key determinants of health. We then present three contrasting perspectives
      on the nature of social change and how change is catalyzed, arguing for an
      examination of the conditions under which cultural change on the scale required
      to realize the vision of 'supportive environments for all' might be catalyzed,
      and the contribution that health promotion as a field could play in this process.
      Drawing on sociological theory, and specifically practice theory and the work of
      Pierre Bourdieu, we advocate rethinking education for social change by attending
      more adequately to the social conditions of transformative learning and cultural
      change. We conclude with an explication of three key implications for health
      promotion practice: a more explicit alignment with those seeking to curtail
      environmental destruction and promote environmental justice, strengthening
      engagement with local or settings-focused 'communities of practice' (such as the
      Transition Town movement), and finding new ways to creatively 'engage emergence',
      a significant departure from the current dominant focus on 'risk management'.

PMID- 22080076
TI  - Health promotion and health systems: some unfinished business.
AB  - One of the five action domains in the Ottawa Charter was Reorienting Health
      Services. In this paper, we reflect on why progress in this domain has been
      somewhat lethargic, particularly compared with some of the other action domains,
      and why now it is important to renew our commitment to this domain. Reorienting
      health services has been largely overlooked and opportunities missed, although
      good exceptions do exist. The occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa
      Charter represents an important opportunity for health promotion to: (i) renew
      its active voice in current policy debate and action and (ii) enhance
      achievements made to date by improving our efforts to advocate, enable and
      mediate for the reorientation of health services and systems. We outline six
      steps to reactivate and invest more in this action domain so as to be in a better
      position to promote health equitably and sustainably in today's fast changing
      world. Though our experience is mainly based in the European context, we hope
      that our reflections will be of some value to countries outside of this region.

PMID- 22080077
TI  - Reclaiming the social in community movements: perspectives from the USA and
      Brazil/South America: 25 years after Ottawa.
AB  - Since the Ottawa Charter 25 years ago, community participation has been adopted
      worldwide by nation states and communities as a core health promotion strategy.
      Rising inequities since that time, however, have been largely unchecked in the
      Americas and globally, and have presented us with an acutely paradoxical time for
      community participation and action. On the one hand, transnational globalized
      markets and accompanying economic and environmental devastation have challenged
      the effectiveness of community action to create health. On the other hand,
      hopeful signs of local through national and international activism and of new
      mechanisms for community engagement continue to surface as meaningful and
      effective democratic acts. This article presents a dialogue on these issues
      between colleagues in the United States and Brazil, and considers the broader
      applicability to Latin America and worldwide. We begin by discussing how
      community participation and community organizing grew out of our respective
      histories. We consider the catalytic role of the Ottawa Charter in spurring a
      reorientation of health promotion and the genesis of healthy city and community
      initiatives, as well as other current community organizing strategies and the
      growth of participatory research/CBPR. We unpack the potential for co-optation of
      both community and social participation and end with recommendations for what we
      can do to maintain our integrity of belief in democratic social participation to
      promote improved health and health equity.

PMID- 22080078
TI  - Healthy public in all policies.
AB  - The introduction of the notion of 'Healthy Public Policy' in the Ottawa Charter
      is considered a relevant response to the emerging social-political context of the
      1970s and 1980s. It also remains an important, yet volatile, argument for the
      consideration of policy impact on health. In our analysis, however, those that
      continued to argue for Healthy Public Policies and those who should develop them
      have remained naive about the profound political dimensions of this exercise.
      Applying insights from the political sciences, we argue that greater levels of
      connectedness and commitment across civil society, and governance integration
      between sectors and levels of politicking and action are required for the further
      success of health integrated policies. The role of communities and the key
      communicative drivers of the Ottawa Charter (enable, mediate and advocate) need
      to be strengthened in more astute strategies.

PMID- 22080079
TI  - Ottawa 25+--'All aboard the Dazzling Bandwagon'--developing personal skills: what
      remains for the future?
AB  - The remit of this paper is to identify what might be the future direction of one
      of the Ottawa Charter's five main action areas; developing personal skills (DPS).
      It is contested that this was never going to be an easy task. This opinion
      article argues that, while a watchful eye should be kept on evolving and
      innovative DPS strategy and programmes that Ottawa principles generally espouse,
      that type of activity is not representative of the current location and practice
      of many health practitioners--particularly clinically located health
      professionals. Targeting such professionals who, otherwise, might remain unaware
      of or unengaged with health promotion practice is the main reform required for
      future DPS activity. It is predicted that, where universal progress can be made,
      the potential for DPS development would be significant.

PMID- 22080080
TI  - Ottawa 25 years on: a more radical agenda for health equity is still required.
AB  - This article revisits our 1995 assessment of the international health promotion
      agenda. Then we concluded that a more radical agenda for change was required in
      which responses were both technically sound and infused with an appreciation of
      the imperative for a change in politics and power. We conclude that this message
      is even more relevant in 2011 in an era when the continuing rise of transnational
      corporations (TNCs) poses a major threat to achieving improved and more equitable
      health. We support and illustrate this claim through the example of food and
      agriculture TNCs where the combination of producer subsidies, global trade
      liberalization and strengthened property rights has given increasing power to the
      corporate food industry and undermined national food security in many countries.
      We argue that a Health in All Policies approach should be used to monitor and
      enforce TNC accountability for health. Part of this process should include the
      use of a form of health impact assessment and health equity impact assessment on
      their activities. Civil society groups such as the People's Health Movement have
      a central role to play in monitoring the impacts of TNCs.

PMID- 22080081
TI  - What remains for the future: strengthening community actions to become an
      integral part of health promotion practice.
AB  - To mark the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Charter, this paper will discuss what
      remains to be achieved in strengthening community actions as an integral part of
      health promotion practice. To do this, the paper discusses four key elements for
      the future of health promotion programmes: (1) engage communities to share
      priorities; (2) build community capacity; (3) mechanisms for flexible and
      transparent funding; and (4) being creative in order to expand or replicate
      successful local initiatives. The paper uses a number of international case study
      examples of how these key elements can be achieved in health promotion
      programmes. A major challenge for the future is how health promotion agencies can
      develop and maintain the trust of communities, especially socially marginalized
      communities in society. The paper concludes by identifying a number of short and
      longer term challenges to achieve these goals and offers a way forward for a
      brighter future direction of health promotion practice.

PMID- 22080082
TI  - Health promotion in Canada: 25 years of unfulfilled promise.

PMID- 22080083
TI  - Healthy public policies: looking ahead.
AB  - Health has moved up on the political agendas of most governments around the
      globe. The interdependence of economic, environmental and social conditions and
      health is increasingly understood. In turn, the experiences in health promotion
      with building healthy public policies become more important. Future "health in
      all policies" efforts, however, need to consider changing political contexts.
      There is some scope to review the focus on GDP when measuring economic
      development, and how health promotion considers both the opportunities and
      responsibilities of industry as part of healthy public policies.

PMID- 22080084
TI  - Physiological effects of oxidized phospholipids and their cellular signaling
      mechanisms in inflammation.
AB  - Oxidized phospholipids, such as the products of the oxidation of 1-palmitoyl-2
      arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine by nonenzymatic radical attack, are
      known to be formed in a number of inflammatory diseases. Interest in the
      bioactivity and signaling functions of these compounds has increased enormously,
      with many studies using cultured immortalized and primary cells, tissues, and
      animals to understand their roles in disease pathology. Initially, oxidized
      phospholipids were viewed largely as culprits, in line with observations that
      they have proinflammatory effects, enhancing inflammatory cytokine production,
      cell adhesion and migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis, especially
      in vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells. However,
      evidence has emerged that these compounds also have protective effects in some
      situations and cell types; a notable example is their ability to interfere with
      signaling by certain Toll-like receptors (TLRs) induced by microbial products
      that normally leads to inflammation. They also have protective effects via the
      stimulation of small GTPases and induce up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and
      cytoskeletal rearrangements that improve endothelial barrier function. Oxidized
      phospholipids interact with several cellular receptors, including scavenger
      receptors, platelet-activating factor receptors, peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptors, and TLRs. The various and sometimes contradictory effects
      that have been observed for oxidized phospholipids depend on their concentration,
      their specific structure, and the cell type investigated. Nevertheless, the
      underlying molecular mechanisms by which oxidized phospholipids exert their
      effects in various pathologies are similar. Although our understanding of the
      actions and mechanisms of these mediators has advanced substantially, many
      questions do remain about their precise interactions with components of cell
      signaling pathways.

PMID- 22080085
TI  - NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative stress in the failing heart: From pathogenic
      roles to therapeutic approach.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) occurs when the adaptation mechanisms of the heart fail to
      compensate for stress factors, such as pressure overload, myocardial infarction,
      inflammation, diabetes, and cardiotoxic drugs, with subsequent ventricular
      hypertrophy, fibrosis, myocardial dysfunction, and chamber dilatation. Oxidative
      stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation
      and the capacity of antioxidant defense systems, has been authenticated as a
      pivotal player in the cardiopathogenesis of the various HF subtypes. The family
      of NADPH oxidases has been investigated as a key enzymatic source of ROS in the
      pathogenesis of HF. In this review, we discuss the importance of NADPH oxidase
      dependent ROS generation in the various subtypes of HF and its implications. A
      better understanding of the pathogenic roles of NADPH oxidases in the failing
      heart is likely to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention and
      treatment of HF.

PMID- 22080086
TI  - Simvastatin impairs ADP-stimulated respiration and increases mitochondrial
      oxidative stress in primary human skeletal myotubes.
AB  - Statins, the widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs for the treatment of
      cardiovascular disease, cause adverse skeletal muscle side effects ranging from
      fatigue to fatal rhabdomyolysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      effects of simvastatin on mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress, and cell
      death in differentiated primary human skeletal muscle cells (i.e., myotubes).
      Simvastatin induced a dose-dependent decrease in viability of proliferating and
      differentiating primary human muscle precursor cells, and a similar dose
      dependent effect was noted in differentiated myoblasts and myotubes.
      Additionally, there were decreases in myotube number and size following 48 h of
      simvastatin treatment (5 MUM). In permeabilized myotubes, maximal ADP-stimulated
      oxygen consumption, supported by palmitoylcarnitine+malate (PCM, complex I and II
      substrates) and glutamate+malate (GM, complex I substrates), was 32-37% lower
      (P<0.05) in simvastatin-treated (5 MUM) vs control myotubes, providing evidence
      of impaired respiration at complex I. Mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen
      peroxide generation were significantly greater in the simvastatin-treated human
      skeletal myotube cultures compared to control. In addition, simvastatin markedly
      increased protein levels of Bax (proapoptotic, +53%) and Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic,
      +100%, P<0.05), mitochondrial PTP opening (+44%, P<0.05), and TUNEL-positive
      nuclei in human skeletal myotubes, demonstrating up-regulation of mitochondrial
      mediated myonuclear apoptotic mechanisms. These data demonstrate that simvastatin
      induces myotube atrophy and cell loss associated with impaired ADP-stimulated
      maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and
      apoptosis in primary human skeletal myotubes, suggesting that mitochondrial
      dysfunction may underlie human statin-induced myopathy.

PMID- 22080089
TI  - Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus carrying the panton-valentine
      leucocidin genes in northern Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of the Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) gene
      in methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus
      aureus obtained in Gipuzkoa, northeastern area of the Basque Country, north
      central Spain, and perform the molecular characterization of PVL-positive
      isolates. METHODS: Molecular studies comprised: PVL gene detection by PCR,
      staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, spa sequencing,
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and
      detection of the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME). RESULTS: Between 1978
      and 2006, only two (0.3%) of the 686 MRSA isolates studied were positive for the
      PVL gene. This percentage increased between 2007 and 2009, when the PVL gene was
      detected in 30 of the 679 MRSA (4.4%) and in nine of the 1227 MSSA (0.7%)
      isolates. The 41 PVL-positive isolates characterized had eight different sequence
      types (STs). Twenty-three MRSA PVL-positive isolates were ST8, spa type t008,
      seven of which were ACME positive, erythromycin-resistant and showed the PFGE
      pattern (90-100% similarity) of the USA300 clone. ST8 was also the most prevalent
      ST among the nine MSSA PVL-positive isolates. CONCLUSION: The current
      epidemiology of PVL-positive MRSA in our region more closely resembles that of
      the USA rather than that of other European countries, being USA300 or USA300-like
      isolates the most prevalent ones.

PMID- 22080088
TI  - Down-regulation of Homer1b/c attenuates glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity through
      endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria pathways in rat cortical neurons.
AB  - Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity is involved in many acute and chronic brain
      diseases. Homer proteins, a new member of the postsynaptic scaffolding proteins,
      regulate glutamatergic signaling and intracellular calcium mobilization in the
      central nervous system. Here we investigated the effects of down-regulating
      Homer1b/c, a constitutively expressed long form of Homer proteins, on glutamate
      excitotoxicity-induced neuronal injury. In our in vitro excitotoxic models, we
      demonstrated that glutamate insults led to a dose-dependent neuronal injury,
      which was mediated by the intracellular calcium-dependent reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) production. We found that down-regulation of Homer1b/c with specific small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) improved neuronal survival, inhibited intracellular ROS
      production, and reduced apoptotic cell death after neurotoxicity. Homer1b/c
      knockdown decreased the intracellular calcium overload through inhibition of the
      group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate
      receptor (IP3R)-mediated Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in
      injured neurons. In addition, Homer1b/c siRNA transfection attenuated the
      activation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha), RNA-dependent
      protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) and caspase-12, and inhibited the up
      regulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein
      (CHOP) after glutamate treatment. Homer1b/c knockdown also preserved the
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reduced cytochrome c (Cyt. c) release,
      and partly blocked the increase of capase-9 activity and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Taken
      together, these results suggest that down-regulation of Homer1b/c protects
      cortical neurons against glutamate-induced excitatory damage, and this
      neuroprotection may be dependent at least in part on the inhibition of calcium
      dependent ROS production and the preservation of the ER and mitochondrial
      function.

PMID- 22080090
TI  - Genotoxic and cytotoxic evaluation of the herbicide flurochloridone on Chinese
      hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells.
AB  - The in vitro effects of flurochloridone (FLC) and its formulations Twin Gold
      Pack(r) (25% a.i.) and Rainbow(r) (25% a.i.) were evaluated on Chinese hamster
      ovary (CHO-K1) cells by genotoxicity [sister chromatid exchange (SCE)] and
      cytotoxicity [cell-cycle progression, proliferative rate index (PRI), mitotic
      index (MI), MTT, and neutral red] end points. Cells were treated for 24h within
      the 0.25-15MUg/ml concentration range. FLC and Twin Pack Gold(r) induced a
      significant and equivalent increase in SCEs regardless of the concentration.
      Rainbow(r)-induced SCEs at concentrations higher than 2.5MUg/ml; however, the
      increases were always lower than those induced by FLC and Twin Pack Gold(r). For
      all compounds, the PRI decreased as a function of the concentration titrated into
      cultures. Whereas only the highest FLC and Twin Pack Gold(r) concentrations
      induced a significant reduction of the MI, all tested Rainbow(r) concentrations
      induced MI inhibition. Overall, the results demonstrated that although all
      compounds were not able to reduce the lysosomal activity, the mitochondrial
      activity was diminished when the highest concentrations were employed. These
      observations represent the first study analyzing the genotoxic and cytotoxic
      effects exerted by FLC and two formulated products on mammalian cells in vitro,
      at least on CHO-K1 cells.

PMID- 22080087
TI  - The redox stress hypothesis of aging.
AB  - The main objective of this review is to examine the role of endogenous reactive
      oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS) in the aging process. Until relatively recently,
      ROS were considered to be potentially toxic by-products of aerobic metabolism,
      which, if not eliminated, may inflict structural damage on various
      macromolecules. Accrual of such damage over time was postulated to be responsible
      for the physiological deterioration in the postreproductive phase of life and
      eventually the death of the organism. This "structural damage-based oxidative
      stress" hypothesis has received support from the age-associated increases in the
      rate of ROS production and the steady-state amounts of oxidized macromolecules;
      however, there are increasing indications that structural damage alone is
      insufficient to satisfactorily explain the age-associated functional losses. The
      level of oxidative damage accrued during aging often does not match the magnitude
      of functional losses. Although experimental augmentation of antioxidant defenses
      tends to enhance resistance to induced oxidative stress, such manipulations are
      generally ineffective in the extension of life span of long-lived strains of
      animals. More recently, in a major conceptual shift, ROS have been found to be
      physiologically vital for signal transduction, gene regulation, and redox
      regulation, among others, implying that their complete elimination would be
      harmful. An alternative notion, advocated here, termed the "redox stress
      hypothesis," proposes that aging-associated functional losses are primarily
      caused by a progressive pro-oxidizing shift in the redox state of the cells,
      which leads to the overoxidation of redox-sensitive protein thiols and the
      consequent disruption of the redox-regulated signaling mechanisms.

PMID- 22080091
TI  - Development of a high-resolution Si-PM-based gamma camera system.
AB  - A silicon photomultiplier (Si-PM) is a promising photodetector for PET,
      especially for PET/MRI combined systems, due to its high gain, small size, and
      lower sensitivity to static magnetic fields. However, these properties are also
      promising for gamma camera systems for single-photon imaging. We developed an
      ultra-high-resolution Si-PM-based compact gamma camera system for small animals.
      Y(2)SiO(5):Ce (YSO) was selected as scintillators because of its high light
      output and no natural radioactivity. The gamma camera consists of 0.6 mm * 0.6 mm
      * 6 mm YSO pixels combined with a 0.1 mm thick reflector to form a 17 * 17 matrix
      that was optically coupled to a Si-PM array (Hamamatsu multi-pixel photon counter
      S11064-050P) with a 2 mm thick light guide. The YSO block size was 12 mm * 12 mm.
      The YSO gamma camera was encased in a 5 mm thick gamma shield, and a parallel
      hole collimator was mounted in front of the camera (0.5 mm hole, 0.7 mm
      separation, 5 mm thick). The two-dimensional distribution for the Co-57 gamma
      photons (122 keV) was almost resolved. The energy resolution was 24.4% full-width
      at half-maximum (FWHM) for the Co-57 gamma photons. The spatial resolution at 1.5
      mm from the collimator surface was 1.25 mm FWHM measured using a 1 mm diameter Co
      57 point source. Phantom and small animal images were successfully obtained. We
      conclude that a Si-PM-based gamma camera is promising for molecular imaging
      research.

PMID- 22080092
TI  - Time course of the recovery of three-dimensional eye position in patients with
      acute cerebellitis.
AB  - Listing's plane is a construction derived from eye position and reflects
      gravitational orientation. The cerebellum plays a key role in orienting and
      integrating sensory input concerning gravity from visual, vestibular and
      proprioceptive apparatuses. This suggests that the thickness of Listing's plane
      could serve as a novel parameter for evaluating the accuracy of the constructed
      gravity-oriented internal model. We report a case with acute cerebellitis along
      with data on Listing's plane, calculated from consecutive infrared video
      oculogram recordings. We found thickening of Listing's plane at the early stage
      of the disease, and a gradual reduction of the thickness into normal range in
      parallel with the recovery of the patient's posture and gate. Notably, clinical
      improvement of the patient's posture was delayed relative to the normalization of
      the thickness of Listing's plane. The thickness of Listing's plane reflects the
      stability of the cerebellar-mediated cognitive gravitational reference frame.
      This thickness value could serve as a parameter to quantitatively evaluate the
      function of the constructed internal model. Recovery from cerebellar ataxia
      (manifested as normalization of the thickness of Listing's plane) was followed by
      recovery of muscular strength lost during the period the patient was by his
      disease forced to assume a lying position.

PMID- 22080093
TI  - Genome size and base composition variation in natural and experimental Narcissus
      (Amaryllidaceae) hybrids.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although there is evidence that both allopolyploid and
      homoploid hybridization lead to rapid genomic changes, much less is known about
      hybrids from parents with different basic numbers without further chromosome
      doubling. Two natural hybrids, Narcissus * alentejanus (2n = 19) and N. *
      perezlarae (2n = 29), originated by one progenitor (N. cavanillesii, 2n = 28) and
      two others (N. serotinus, 2n = 10 and N. miniatus, 2n = 30, respectively) allow
      us to study how DNA content and composition varies in such hybrids. METHODS: Flow
      cytometry measurements with two staining techniques, PI and DAPI, were used to
      estimate 2C values and base composition (AT/GC ratio) in 390 samples from 54 wild
      populations of the two natural hybrids and their parental species. In addition,
      20 synthetic F(1) hybrid individuals were also studied for comparison. KEY
      RESULTS: Natural hybrids presented 2C values intermediate between those found in
      their parental species, although intra-population variance was very high in both
      hybrids, particularly for PI. Genome size estimated from DAPI was higher in
      synthetic hybrids than in hybrids from natural populations. In addition,
      differences for PI 2C values were detected between synthetic reciprocal crosses,
      attributable to maternal effects, as well as between natural hybrids and those
      synthetic F(1) hybrids in which N. cavanillesii acted as a mother. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that natural hybrid populations are composed of a mixture of
      markedly different hybrid genotypes produced either by structural chromosome
      changes, consistent with classic cytogenetic studies in Narcissus, or by
      transposon-mediated events.

PMID- 22080094
TI  - Identification of H5N1-specific T-cell responses in a high-risk cohort in vietnam
      indicates the existence of potential asymptomatic infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most reported human H5N1 viral infections have been severe and were
      detected after hospital admission. A case ascertainment bias may therefore exist,
      with mild cases or asymptomatic infections going undetected. We sought evidence
      of mild or asymptomatic H5N1 infection by examining H5N1-specific T-cell and
      antibody responses in a high-risk cohort in Vietnam. METHODS: Peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells were tested using interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot T
      assays measuring the response to peptides of influenza H5, H3, and H1
      hemagglutinin (HA), N1 and N2 neuraminidase, and the internal proteins of H3N2.
      Horse erythrocyte hemagglutination inhibition assay was performed to detect
      antibodies against H5N1. RESULTS: Twenty-four of 747 individuals demonstrated H5
      specific T-cell responses but little or no cross-reactivity with H3 or H1 HA
      peptides. H5N1 peptide-specific T-cell lines that did not cross-react with H1 or
      H3 influenza virus HA peptides were generated. Four individuals also had
      antibodies against H5N1. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of ex vivo H5 HA
      specific T-cell responses in a healthy but H5N1-exposed population. Our results
      indicate that the presence of H5N1-specific T cells could be an additional
      diagnostic tool for asymptomatic H5N1 infection.

PMID- 22080095
TI  - Mannose-binding lectin contributes to deleterious inflammatory response in
      pandemic H1N1 and avian H9N2 infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern-recognition molecule, which
      functions as a first line of host defense. Pandemic H1N1 (pdmH1N1) influenza A
      virus caused massive infection in 2009 and currently circulates worldwide. Avian
      influenza A H9N2 (H9N2/G1) virus has infected humans and has the potential to be
      the next pandemic virus. Antiviral function and immunomodulatory role of MBL in
      pdmH1N1 and H9N2/G1 virus infection have not been investigated. METHODS: In this
      study, MBL wild-type (WT) and MBL knockout (KO) murine models were used to
      examine the role of MBL in pdmH1N1 and H9N2/G1 virus infection. RESULTS: Our
      study demonstrated that in vitro, MBL binds to pdmH1N1 and H9N2/G1 viruses,
      likely via the carbohydrate recognition domain of MBL. Wild-type mice developed
      more severe disease, as evidenced by a greater weight loss than MBL KO mice
      during influenza virus infection. Furthermore, MBL WT mice had enhanced
      production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared with MBL KO mice,
      suggesting that MBL could upregulate inflammatory responses that may potentially
      worsen pdmH1N1 and H9N2/G1 virus infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided the
      first in vivo evidence that MBL may be a risk factor during pdmH1N1 and H9N2/G1
      infection by upregulating proinflammatory response.

PMID- 22080096
TI  - Intrinsic and environmental mutagenesis drive diversification and persistence of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic lung infections.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile opportunistic pathogen causing a wide
      variety of hospital-acquired acute infections in immunocompromised patients as
      well as chronic respiratory infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis
      or other chronic respiratory diseases. Several traits contribute to its ability
      to colonize and persist in the lungs of chronically infected patients, including
      development of high resistance to antimicrobials and hypermutability, biofilm
      growth, and alginate hyperproduction, or a customized pathogenicity, which may
      include the loss of classical virulence factors and metabolic changes. Here we
      argue that a combination of both intrinsic and environmental mutagenesis leads to
      a high number of mutant variants in the population. The conducive environment
      then triggers a positive feedback loop leading to adaptation and persistence of
      P. aeruginosa, rendering these chronic infections almost impossible to eradicate.

PMID- 22080097
TI  - T-cell immune responses and asymptomatic H5N1 influenza infection.

PMID- 22080098
TI  - Portomesenteric venous gas and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in systemic
      sclerosis.

PMID- 22080099
TI  - Management of febrile neutropenia in an acute oncology service.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neutropenic fever in patients receiving chemotherapy is a medical
      emergency and should be treated promptly within 1 h with antibiotics as specified
      within the 2009 NCAG report on chemotherapy services. AIM: To determine door-to
      assessment, door-to-treatment and door-to-investigation intervals for patients
      with febrile neutropenia who presented to the inpatient Oncology Ward, the
      outpatient Oncology Day Unit and the Emergency Department in Addenbrooke's
      Hospital, Cambridge. DESIGN: Retrospective observational audit. METHODS: Thirty
      two patients on treatment for solid cancers who were admitted with febrile
      neutropenia between January and December 2010 were identified, and paper and
      electronic medical records were analysed to determine door to: assessment,
      treatment and investigation intervals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients in this
      series were assessed quicker and received the first dose of antibiotics faster
      when they presented to an oncology ward rather than the emergency department.
      However, imaging was performed faster and blood results issued quicker if
      performed in the emergency department due to a better infrastructure that has
      been tailored to comply with national targets. Nonetheless, compliance with
      optimum standards of care was poor, with only 9% of sampled patients getting
      antibiotics within 1 h of presenting to hospital, and 53% within 1 h of being
      assessed by a clinician.

PMID- 22080100
TI  - Right thoracic stomach mimicking pleural empyema in an elderly man.

PMID- 22080101
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation of cardiac arrhythmias: past, present and future.
AB  - The treatment of cardiac arrhythmias has been revolutionized by the ability to
      definitively treat many patients with radiofrequency catheter ablation, rather
      than requiring lifelong medication. This review covers the history of how this
      has developed and the methods used currently and explores what the future holds
      for this rapidly evolving branch of Cardiology.

PMID- 22080102
TI  - Current and selectivity in a model sodium channel under physiological conditions:
      Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations.
AB  - A reduced model of a sodium channel is analyzed using Dynamic Monte Carlo
      simulations. These include the first simulations of ionic current under
      approximately physiological ionic conditions through a model sodium channel and
      an analysis of how mutations of the sodium channel's DEKA selectivity filter
      motif transform the channel from being Na(+) selective to being Ca(2+) selective.
      Even though the model of the pore, amino acids, and permeant ions is simplified,
      the model reproduces the fundamental properties of a sodium channel (e.g., 10 to
      1 Na(+) over K(+) selectivity, Ca(2+) exclusion, and Ca(2+) selectivity after
      several point mutations). In this model pore, ions move through the pore one at a
      time by simple diffusion and Na(+) versus K(+) selectivity is due to both the
      larger K(+) not fitting well into the selectivity filter that contains amino acid
      terminal groups and K(+) moving more slowly (compared to Na(+)) when it is in the
      selectivity filter.

PMID- 22080103
TI  - The transcriptional coactivators, PGC-1alpha and beta, cooperate to maintain
      cardiac mitochondrial function during the early stages of insulin resistance.
AB  - We previously demonstrated a cardiac mitochondrial biogenic response in insulin
      resistant mice that requires the nuclear receptor transcription factor PPARalpha.
      We hypothesized that the PPARalpha coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1alpha) is necessary for mitochondrial
      biogenesis in insulin resistant hearts and that this response was adaptive.
      Mitochondrial phenotype was assessed in insulin resistant mouse models in wild
      type (WT) versus PGC-1alpha deficient (PGC-1alpha(-/-)) backgrounds. Both high
      fat-fed (HFD) WT and 6 week-old Ob/Ob animals exhibited a significant increase in
      myocardial mitochondrial volume density compared to standard chow fed or WT
      controls. In contrast, HFD PGC-1alpha(-/-) and Ob/Ob-PGC-1alpha(-/-) hearts
      lacked a mitochondrial biogenic response. PGC-1alpha gene expression was
      increased in 6 week-old Ob/Ob animals, followed by a decline in 8 week-old Ob/Ob
      animals with more severe glucose intolerance. Mitochondrial respiratory function
      was increased in 6 week-old Ob/Ob animals, but not in Ob/Ob-PGC-1alpha(-/-) mice
      and not in 8 week-old Ob/Ob animals, suggesting a loss of the early adaptive
      response, consistent with the loss of PGC-1alpha upregulation. Animals that were
      deficient for PGC-1alpha and heterozygous for the related coactivator PGC-1beta
      (PGC-1alpha(-/-)beta(+/-)) were bred to the Ob/Ob mice. Ob/Ob-PGC-1alpha(-/
      )beta(+/-) hearts exhibited dramatically reduced mitochondrial respiratory
      capacity. Finally, the mitochondrial biogenic response was triggered in H9C2
      myotubes by exposure to oleate, an effect that was blunted with shRNA-mediated
      PGC-1 "knockdown". We conclude that PGC-1 signaling is important for the adaptive
      cardiac mitochondrial biogenic response that occurs during the early stages of
      insulin resistance. This response occurs in a cell autonomous manner and likely
      involves exposure to high levels of free fatty acids.

PMID- 22080104
TI  - Touch perception throughout working life: effects of age and expertise.
AB  - Fine motor skills including precise tactile and haptic perception are essential
      to the manipulation of objects. With increasing age, one's perception decreases;
      however, little is known about the state of touch perception in middle-aged
      adults. This study investigated the extent to which the decline in touch
      perception affects adults throughout their working life. In addition, the
      influence of work-related expertise on tactile and haptic perception was examined
      in an attempt to determine whether expertise, in the form of the frequent use of
      the fingers, affects perception and counters age-related losses. The study was
      conducted with subjects from three age groups (18-25, 34-46, and 54-65 years)
      with two levels of expertise. Expertise was classified by the subjects'
      occupations. Five sensory tasks of touch perception were conducted. The results
      confirmed age-related changes in tactile perception over the span of one's
      working life. Older workers were proven to have lower tactile performance than
      younger adults. However, middle-aged workers were hardly affected by the
      perception losses and did not differ significantly from younger adults. Work
      related expertise was not proven to either affect tactile and haptic perception
      or counteract age-related declines. We conclude that the age-related decline gets
      steeper in the late working life and that specific work-related expertise does
      not lead to generally improved touch perception that would result in lower
      thresholds and improved performance in non-expertise specific tasks.

PMID- 22080105
TI  - Postural effects of imagined leg pain as a function of hypnotizability.
AB  - It has been shown that, in subjects with high hypnotizability (Highs), imagined
      somatosensory stimulation can involuntarily activate the neural circuits involved
      in the modulation of reflex action. In this vein, aim of the study was to
      investigate whether the imagery of nociceptive stimulation in one leg may produce
      both subjective experience of pain and congruent postural adjustments during
      normal upright stance. The displacement of the centre of pressure (CoP) was
      studied during imagery of leg pain (LP) and during the control conditions of
      imagery of tactile stimulation of the same leg and of throat pain (TP) in 12
      Highs and 12 low hypnotizable subjects (Lows). The results showed that the
      vividness of imagery was higher in Highs than in Lows for all tasks and that only
      Highs reported actually feeling pain during LP and TP. Congruently, during LP
      only Highs displaced their CoP towards the leg opposite to the one that was the
      object of painful imagery and increased their CoP mean velocity and area of
      excursion. Since the Highs' postural changes were not accounted for only by
      vividness of imagery and perceived pain intensity, high hypnotizability is
      apparently responsible for part of the postural effects of pain imagery.

PMID- 22080107
TI  - Study on electrochemical oxidation behaviors and the diffusion mechanism of
      hydroquinone at pre-anodized carbon paste electrode by cyclic voltammetry.
AB  - A functional pre-anodized carbon paste electrode (PACPE) was constructed by using
      successive cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical oxidation behaviors of
      hydroquinone (HQ) were carefully investigated by various electrochemical
      techniques. The diffusion mechanism of HQ has been put forward for the first
      time. The driving force for the HQ transport towards anode not only related to
      the concentration diffusion but also depended on the transport of H(+) in the
      feed phase along a concentration gradient towards the cathode. The results
      indicated that the PACPE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards
      the oxidation of HQ. Compared with the bare carbon paste electrode, the oxidation
      and reduction peak separation (DeltaE(p)) of HQ at the PACPE has been decreased
      from 578 to 83 mV. Under the optimum conditions, the oxidation peak current was
      linear with HQ concentration in the range of 4 * 10(-7) to 1.0 * 10(-4) M with
      the linear correlation coefficient of 0.9986. The detection limit was 1.05 * 10(
      7) M. This method can be successfully applied to the determination of HQ in
      wastewater.

PMID- 22080106
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of mutagenesis bias and context sensitivity of N-methyl-N'
      nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG).
AB  - We have analyzed the mutation spectrum of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine
      (NTG) from a set of 4099 mutations identified from whole-genome sequencing of 32
      E. coli strains mutagenized with NTG. These data permit precise measurement of
      NTG's bias for G/C to A/T transitions (96.6% of all mutations) and also show that
      NTG mutagenesis is strongly sensitive to context, favoring guanine residues
      preceded by purines by five-fold over those preceded by pyrimidines. These data
      give confident estimates for the GC bias and transition/transversion ratios of
      NTG mutagenesis, which could not be estimated confidently from previous, much
      smaller datasets.

PMID- 22080108
TI  - Preduodenal portal vein, intestinal malrotation, polysplenia, and interruption of
      the inferior vena cava: a review of anatomical anomalies associated with gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Anatomical anomalies of visceral organs associated with gastric cancer
      are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of preduodenal portal vein (PDPV),
      intestinal malrotation, interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC), and
      polysplenia associated with gastric cancer in an adult patient, together with a
      review of the literature on the anomalies of visceral organs associated with
      gastric cancer. METHODS: We describe the diagnosis and surgical treatment in a 63
      year-old man who had a preoperative diagnosis of PDPV, intestinal malrotation,
      interruption of the IVC with azygos continuation, and polysplenia associated with
      gastric cancer. Fifteen reports, in the English literature up to 2011, on
      visceral organ anomalies detected in gastric cancer patients were identified by
      searching Medline. RESULTS: All of the 15 cases of anomalies associated with
      gastric cancer, including the present case, were correctly diagnosed by
      preoperative imaging. Situs anomaly was the most frequent anatomical anomaly
      detected, and PDPV was observed in only four cases. In 12 cases, gastrectomy was
      performed, and gastrojejunostomy was done in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      embryological anomalies such as PDPV, intestinal malrotation, interruption of the
      IVC, and polysplenia are rarely encountered in abdominal surgery, surgeons must
      be aware of their possible existence and be able to recognize them to avoid major
      intraoperative injuries.

PMID- 22080109
TI  - Functional aspects of the coracoclavicular space.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The coracoclavicular joint has been described as an articulation
      found inconstantly between the coracoid process and clavicle. We often observe a
      small space bordered by the fascia which covers the anterior surface of the
      subclavius muscle and the coracoclavicular ligament. The aim of this study was to
      observe the space in detail and to discuss the functional role of the
      coracoclavicular joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen shoulder girdles from
      eight Japanese cadavers were used in this study. The scapula, clavicle, and
      anterior half of the first rib were extracted en bloc together with the
      subclavius muscle and the surrounding fascia. After observing the motion of the
      scapula and clavicle, we investigated macroscopically the attachments of the
      coracoclavicular ligaments and the subclavius muscle, and the extension of the
      fascia. RESULTS: The fascia divided laterally into two sheets: the anterior sheet
      attached to the trapezoid ligament and the posterior to the conoid ligament.
      Among the two sheets, the coracoclavicular ligaments, coracoid process, and
      clavicle, a small space was observed. This small space can be recognized as a
      part of the coracoclavicular joint. When manually moving the inferior angle of
      the scapula with the sternal end of the clavicle fixed, we observed that the
      clavicle collided with the trapezoid ligament on the superior surface of the
      coracoid process within the space and that the scapular motion was restricted by
      this collision. CONCLUSION: The coracoclavicular joint could be much more
      recognizable than in previous papers and play an important role in the normal
      function of the shoulder joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science study.

PMID- 22080110
TI  - What is the best anesthetic for ICD implants?

PMID- 22080111
TI  - Components of safe propofol sedation: defining the formula.

PMID- 22080112
TI  - Shrimp invertebrate lysozyme i-lyz: gene structure, molecular model and response
      of c and i lysozymes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
AB  - The invertebrate lysozyme (i-lyz or destabilase) is present in shrimp. This
      protein may have a function as a peptidoglycan-breaking enzyme and as a
      peptidase. Shrimp is commonly infected with Vibrio sp., a Gram-negative bacteria,
      and it is known that the c-lyz (similar to chicken lysozyme) is active against
      these bacteria. To further understand the regulation of lysozymes, we determined
      the gene sequence and modeled the protein structure of i-lyz. In addition, the
      expression of i-lyz and c-lyz in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was
      studied. The shrimp i-lyz gene is interrupted by two introns with canonical
      splice junctions. The expression of the shrimp i-lyz was transiently down
      regulated after LPS injection followed by induction after 6 h in hepatopancreas.
      In contrast, c-lyz was up-regulated in hepatopancreas 4 h post-injection and
      slightly down-regulated in gills. The L. vannamei i-lyz does not contain the
      catalytic residues for muramidase (glycohydrolase) neither isopeptidase
      activities; however, it is known that the antibacterial activity does not solely
      rely on the enzymatic activity of the protein. The study of invertebrate lysozyme
      will increase our understanding of the regulatory process of the defense
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22080113
TI  - Homozygous deletion of a gene-free region of 4p15 in a child with multiple
      anomalies: could biallelic loss of conserved, non-coding elements lead to a
      phenotype?
AB  - We report a male patient, offspring of a consanguineous marriage between first
      cousins, with cognitive impairment, autistic-like behavior, deafness, postaxial
      polydactyly, and mild dysmorphic features. aCGH revealed a 600 kb homozygous
      deletion of 4p15.1 (from 33.553 to 34.159 Mb in NCBI36 hg18) encoding several
      transcripts of unknown function. Both parents are heterozygous for the deletion
      and the non-affected brother is homozygous for the normal alleles. We hypothesize
      that this deletion is likely to contribute to the phenotype of the patient. This
      case underlines the contribution of aCGH in discovering potentially pathogenic
      CNVs in consanguineous matings.

PMID- 22080114
TI  - Light-driven molecular shuttles modified on silicon nanowires.
AB  - Immobilization of light-driven molecular shuttles onto the surface of the silicon
      nanowires (SiNWs) was realized. The alpha-cyclodextrins as the shuttles could be
      reversibly translocated along the thread by the optical stimuli. Such SiNWs-based
      molecular shuttles also exhibited sequential logic with optical stimuli as the
      input and fluorescence as the output.

PMID- 22080115
TI  - Atmospheric deposition and storm induced runoff of heavy metals from different
      impermeable urban surfaces.
AB  - Contaminants deposited on impermeable surfaces migrate to stormwater following
      rainfall events, but accurately quantifying their spatial and temporal yields
      useful for mitigation purposes is challenging. To overcome limitations in current
      sampling methods, a system was developed for rapid quantification of contaminant
      build-up and wash-off dynamics from different impervious surfaces. Thin boards
      constructed of concrete and two types of asphalt were deployed at different
      locations of a large carpark to capture spatially distributed contaminants from
      dry atmospheric deposition over specified periods of time. Following experimental
      exposure time, the boards were then placed under a rainfall simulator in the
      laboratory to generate contaminant runoff under controlled conditions. Single
      parameter effects including surface roughness and material composition, number of
      antecedent dry days, rain intensity, and water quality on contaminant build-up
      and wash-off yields could be investigated. The method was applied to quantify
      spatial differences in deposition rates of contaminants (TSS, zinc, copper and
      lead) at two locations varying in their distance to vehicle traffic. Results
      showed that boards exposed at an unused part of the carpark >50 m from vehicular
      traffic captured similar amounts of contaminants compared with boards that were
      exposed directly adjacent to the access route, indicating substantial atmospheric
      contaminant transport. Furthermore, differences in contaminant accumulation as a
      function of surface composition were observed. Runoff from asphalt boards yielded
      higher zinc loads compared with concrete surfaces, whereas runoff from concrete
      surfaces resulted in higher TSS concentrations attributed to its smoother
      surfaces. The application of this method enables relationships between individual
      contaminant behaviour and specific catchment characteristics to be investigated
      and provides a technique to derive site-specific build-up and wash-off functions
      required for modelling contaminant loads from impermeable surfaces.

PMID- 22080116
TI  - The host-seeking inhibitory peptide, Aea-HP-1, is made in the male accessory
      gland and transferred to the female during copulation.
AB  - Male accessory glands (MAGs) of insects are responsible for the production of
      many of the seminal fluid proteins and peptides that elicit physiological and
      behavioral responses in the post-mated female. In the yellow fever mosquito,
      Aedes aegypti, seminal fluid components are responsible for stimulating egg
      production, changing female behavior away from host-seeking toward egg-laying and
      mating refractoriness, but hitherto no behavior-modifying molecule from the MAGs
      has been structurally characterized. We now show using mass spectrometry and
      HPLC/ELISA that the MAG is a major site of synthesis of the biologically active
      decapeptide, Aea-HP-1 (pERPhPSLKTRFamide) that was first characterized by
      Matsumoto and colleagues in 1989 from mosquito head extracts and shown to have
      host-seeking inhibitory properties. The peptide is localized to the anterior
      portion of the MAG, occurs at high concentrations in the gland and is transferred
      to the female reproductive tract on copulation. Aea-HP-1 has a pyroglutamic acid
      at the N-terminus, an amidated carboxyl at the C-terminus and an unusual 4
      hydroxyproline in position 4 of the peptide. The structure of the peptide with
      its blocked N- and C-termini confers resistance to metabolic inactivation by MAG
      peptidases; however the peptide persists for less than 2h in the female
      reproductive tract after copulation. Aea-HP-1 is not a ligand for the mosquito
      sex peptide/myoinhibitory peptide receptor. A. aegypti often mate close to the
      host and therefore it is possible that male-derived Aea-HP-1 induces short-term
      changes to female host-seeking behavior to reduce potentially lethal encounters
      with hosts soon after insemination.

PMID- 22080117
TI  - Microautophagy: lesser-known self-eating.
AB  - Microautophagy, the non-selective lysosomal degradative process, involves direct
      engulfment of cytoplasmic cargo at a boundary membrane by autophagic tubes, which
      mediate both invagination and vesicle scission into the lumen. With its
      constitutive characteristics, microautophagy of soluble substrates can be induced
      by nitrogen starvation or rapamycin via regulatory signaling complex pathways.
      The maintenance of organellar size, membrane homeostasis, and cell survival under
      nitrogen restriction are the main functions of microautophagy. In addition,
      microautophagy is coordinated with and complements macroautophagy, chaperone
      mediated autophagy, and other self-eating pathways. Three forms of selective
      microautophagy, including micropexophagy, piecemeal microautophagy of the
      nucleus, and micromitophagy, share common ground with microautophagy to some
      degree. As the accumulation of experimental data, the precise mechanisms that
      govern microautophagy are becoming more appreciated. Here, we review the
      microautophagic molecular machinery, its physiological functions, and relevance
      to human diseases, especially in diseases involving multivesicular bodies and
      multivesicular lysosomes.

PMID- 22080118
TI  - Wounds, functional disability, and indwelling devices are associated with
      cocolonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin
      resistant enterococci in southeast Michigan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains sensitive
      to vancomycin; when vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) emerges, treatment
      becomes more complex. VRSA emergence is attributed to conjugative transfer of the
      vancomycin-resistance gene cluster from vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) to
      MRSA. Because cocolonization with MRSA and VRE precedes VRSA development, this
      study investigates the epidemiology of cocolonization in skilled nursing facility
      (SNF) residents at high risk for MRSA or VRE colonization. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study conducted at 15 SNFs in southeast Michigan. Overall, 178
      residents (90 with indwelling urinary catheters and/or feeding tubes and 88
      device-free) were cultured monthly for MRSA and VRE, and clinical data were
      recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of MRSA/VRE cocolonization among residents with
      indwelling devices was 6.5 per 100 resident-months; 5.2 (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.49-18.1) times that among those without devices. MRSA/VRE cocolonization
      in the device group occurred most frequently in wounds (4.1 per 100 resident
      months). In a logistic regression analysis limited to residents with devices,
      functional disability (rate ratio [RR], 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.4) and wound presence
      (RR, 3.4; 95% CI: 1.4-8.6) were independent risk factors of cocolonization.
      CONCLUSIONS: In a population of SNF residents, individuals with indwelling
      devices who also had functional disability or wounds were at greatest risk of
      MRSA/VRE cocolonization. These individuals should be routinely monitored for the
      presence of VRSA colonization.

PMID- 22080119
TI  - Current epidemiology and trends in invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease-
      United States, 1989-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib)
      conjugate vaccines, there has been a dramatic reduction of Hib disease in young
      children and the epidemiological trends of invasive H. influenzae have shifted.
      METHODS: Data were collected from active surveillance for invasive H. influenzae
      disease conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites during 1989
      2008. RESULTS: During 1999-2008, the estimated mean annual incidence of H.
      influenzae infection was 1.62 cases per 100 000 population; 15.3% of cases were
      fatal. Incidence was higher among adults aged >=65 years, compared with other age
      groups. The largest burden of disease among children aged <5 years was in infants
      aged <1 year; many of these cases occurred during the first month of life in
      preterm or low-birth weight infants. An estimated 10% of the total burden of
      disease among children aged <5 years occurred in American Indian and Alaska
      Native children. During 1989-2008, 7559 cases of H. influenzae disease were
      reported from Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites. Small increases in the
      incidence of serotypes a, e, and f were observed during 1989-2008. The largest of
      these increases was in serotype f and was primarily among adults aged >=18 years.
      CONCLUSIONS: Since the introduction of Hib conjugate vaccines, the incidence of
      invasive disease caused by H. influenzae in the United States has decreased
      dramatically; however, a considerable burden of non-Hib disease is still present
      in the oldest and youngest age groups. There is no evidence of substantial
      replacement disease with non-b serotypes in young children in the United States.

PMID- 22080120
TI  - Pneumothorax in a young man in Brooklyn, New York.

PMID- 22080123
TI  - Variant angina in the setting of food-borne botulism.

PMID- 22080121
TI  - Immunologic criteria are poor predictors of virologic outcome: implications for
      HIV treatment monitoring in resource-limited settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viral load (VL) quantification is considered essential for
      determining antiretroviral treatment (ART) success in resource-rich countries.
      However, it is not widely available in resource-limited settings where the burden
      of human immunodeficiency virus infection is greatest. In the absence of VL
      monitoring, switches to second-line ART are based on World Health Organization
      (WHO) clinical or immunologic failure criteria. METHODS: We assessed the
      performance of CD4 cell criteria to predict virologic outcomes in a large ART
      program in Nigeria. Laboratory monitoring consists of CD4 cell count and VL at
      baseline, then every 6 months. Failure was defined as 2 consecutive VLs >1000
      copies/mL after at least 6 months of ART. Virologic outcomes were compared with
      the 3 WHO-defined immunologic failure criteria. RESULTS: A total of 9690 patients
      were included in the analysis (median follow-up, 33.2 months). A total of 1225
      patients experienced failure by both immunologic and virologic criteria, 872 by
      virologic criteria only, and 1897 by immunologic criteria only. The sensitivity
      of CD4 cell criteria to detect viral failure was 58%, specificity was 75%, and
      the positive-predictive value was 39%. For patients with both virologic and
      immunologic failure, VL criteria identified failure significantly earlier than
      CD4 cell criteria (median, 10.4 vs 15.6 months; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Because
      of the low sensitivity of immunologic criteria, a substantial number of failures
      are missed, potentially resulting in accumulation of resistance mutations. In
      addition, specificity and predictive values are low, which may result in large
      numbers of unnecessary ART switches. Monitoring solely by immunologic criteria
      may result in increased costs because of excess switches to more expensive ART
      and development of drug-resistant virus.

PMID- 22080124
TI  - Does oseltamivir really reduce complications of influenza?

PMID- 22080126
TI  - Chronic bacterial prostatitis: enterococcal disease?

PMID- 22080130
TI  - Invasive mold infections in chronic granulomatous disease: a 25-year
      retrospective survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infection (IFI) represents a life-threatening
      condition for patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and causes one
      third of deaths in this population. This study offers a descriptive review of
      invasive mold infection (mIFI) in children with CGD over an extended period of
      time. METHODS: In a cohort of patients with CGD registered in the French National
      database for Primary Immunodeficiency, we performed a retrospective review of
      proven mIFI episodes (European Organization for Research and Treatment of
      Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of
      Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group 2008 criteria) occurring from
      1984 through 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-nine proven mIFIs were identified in 24
      patients. Thirteen (54%) of 24 children were receiving itraconazole prophylaxis.
      Seven episodes were caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, 10 by Aspergillus nidulans,
      2 by Aspergillus species, and 6 by other opportunistic molds (4 patients only had
      positive pathological examination findings). First proven mIFI occurred later in
      the group that received itraconazole than in the group without (median time to
      mIFI, 10 vs 4 years; P < .01), with a higher proportion of infections due to A.
      nidulans and other opportunistic molds (P < .05). Course of IFI was complex, with
      the median duration of therapy and hospitalization reaching 446 and 153 days,
      respectively. Combined antifungal therapy was commonly used. Four patients
      received geno-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as salvage
      therapy. Global cure rate among the cohort reached 75%, but sequelae were
      frequent. Prognosis has improved over time (43% mortality during 1985-1990 vs 6%
      thereafter; P = .06). Mortality tended to be lower in the group that recieved
      itraconazole prophylaxis but at the cost of a longer duration of therapy among
      cured patients. CONCLUSIONS: Management of mIFI remains challenging in patients
      with CGD, but significant improvements have been made over the past decade.

PMID- 22080131
TI  - Measles among US-bound refugees from Malaysia to California, Maryland, North
      Carolina, and Wisconsin, August-September 2011.

PMID- 22080139
TI  - The transition of breast cancer treatment and Japan Clinical Oncology Group
      research over two decades.
AB  - The Japanese Breast Cancer Study Group (JABCSG) was established before the Japan
      Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG). The JABCSG became the JCOG Breast Cancer Group 20
      years ago. The first chairman of the Breast Cancer Group was Dr Kaoru Abe
      (National Cancer Center Hospital). Since 1978, five doctors have chaired the
      Breast Cancer Group. Sixteen clinical trials (eight phase III and eight phase
      I/II) have been conducted by the Breast Cancer Group since 1985. The Breast
      Cancer Group was restructured in 2010, and in June 2011 a new clinical trial
      (JCOG 1017) was initiated. Standard treatment for breast cancer (surgery,
      radiotherapy and systemic therapy) has changed dramatically over the last two
      decades. This review describes the transition of breast cancer treatment along
      with the history of JCOG research in this setting.

PMID- 22080138
TI  - Somatic mutations contribute to genotypic diversity in sterile and fertile
      populations of the threatened shrub, Grevillea rhizomatosa (Proteaceae).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Grevillea rhizomatosa is a spreading shrub which exhibits
      multiple breeding strategies within a narrow area in the fire-prone heathlands of
      eastern Australia. Reproductive strategies include self-compatibility, self
      incompatibility and clonality (with and without sterility). The close proximity
      of contrasting breeding systems provides an opportunity to explore the evolution
      of sterility and to compare and contrast the origins of genotypic diversity
      (recombinant or somatic) against degrees of sexual expression. METHODS: ISSR
      markers for 120 band positions (putative loci) were used to compare genetic
      diversity among five populations at a macro-scale of 5 m between samples (n = 244
      shrubs), and at a micro-scale of nearest neighbours for all plants in five 25
      m(2) quadrats with contrasting fertilities (n = 162 shrubs). Nearest-neighbour
      sampling included several clusters of connected ramets. Matrix incompatibility
      (MIC) analyses were used to evaluate the relative contribution of recombination
      and somatic mutation to genotype diversity. KEY RESULTS: High levels of genotypic
      diversity were found in all populations regardless of fertilities (fertile
      populations, G/N >= 0.94; sterile populations, G/N >= 0.97) and most sterile
      populations had a unique genetic profile. Somatic mutations were detected along
      connected ramets in ten out of 42 ramet clusters. MIC analyses showed that
      somatic mutations have contributed to diversity in all populations and
      particularly so in sterile populations. CONCLUSIONS: Somatic mutations contribute
      significantly to gene diversity in sterile populations of Grevillea rhizomatosa,
      the accumulation of which is the likely cause of male and female sterility. High
      levels of genetic diversity therefore may not always be synonymous with sexual
      fitness and genetic health. We hypothesize that frequent fires drive selection
      for clonal reproduction, at the cost of flowering such that sexual functions are
      not maintained through selection, and the build-up of somatic mutations in
      meristems results in high genotype diversity at the cost of pollen and ovule
      fertilities.

PMID- 22080140
TI  - Involvement of the oestrogenic receptors in superior mesenteric ganglion on the
      ovarian steroidogenesis in rat.
AB  - Oestradiol (E(2)) is a key hormone in the regulation of reproductive processes.
      The aims of this work were a) to examine the distributions of oestrogen receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) and ERbeta in the neurons of the superior mesenteric ganglion
      (SMG) in the oestrus stage by immunohistochemistry, b) to demonstrate whether
      E(2) in the SMG modifies progesterone (P(4)), androstenedione (A(2)) and nitrite
      release in the ovarian compartment on oestrus day and c) to demonstrate whether
      E(2) in the ganglion modifies the activity and gene expression in the ovary of
      the steroidogenic enzymes 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) and
      20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20alpha-HSD). The ex vivo SMG-ovarian
      nervous plexus-ovary system was used. E(2), tamoxifen (Txf) and E(2) plus Txf
      were added in the ganglion to measure ovarian P(4) release, while E(2) alone was
      added to measure ovarian A(2) and nitrites release. Immunohistochemistry revealed
      cytoplasmic ERalpha immunoreactivity only in the neural somas in the SMG. E(2)
      increased ovarian P(4) and A(2) release at 15, 30 and 60 min but decreased
      nitrites. The activity and gene expression of 3beta-HSD increased, while the
      activity and gene expression of 20alpha-HSD did not show changes with respect to
      the control. Txf in the ganglion diminished P(4) release only at 60 min. E(2)
      plus Txf in the ganglion reverted the effect of E(2) alone and the inhibitory
      effect of Txf. The results of this study demonstrate that ERalpha activation in
      the SMG has an impact on ovarian steroidogenesis in rats, thus providing evidence
      for the critical role of peripheral system neurons in the control of ovarian
      functions under normal and pathological conditions.

PMID- 22080141
TI  - FSH withdrawal improves developmental competence of oocytes in the bovine model.
AB  - Combinations of genetic, environmental, and management factors are suspected to
      explain the loss in fertility observed for over 20 years in dairy cows. In some
      cases, IVF is used. When compared with in vivo embryo production, IVF resulted in
      low success rates until the FSH coasting process (FSH starvation after
      superstimulation) was introduced in 2002. Increased competence associated with
      FSH withdrawal of aspirated oocyte for in vitro maturation and IVF has not been
      optimized nor explained yet. The goal here was to determine and characterize the
      optimal oocyte competence acquisition window during the coasting period by
      determining blastocyst rates and follicular cohort development. Commercial
      milking cycling cows (n=6) were stimulated with 3 days of FSH (6*40 mg NIH
      Folltropin-V given at 12 h intervals) followed by a coasting period of 20, 44,
      68, or 92 h. Each animal was exposed to the four conditions and served as its own
      control. At the scheduled time, transvaginal aspirations of immature oocytes were
      performed followed by IVF of half the oocytes. The outcomes were as follows: i)
      FSH coasting was optimal at a defined period: between 44 and 68 h of coasting;
      ii) The best estimated coasting duration was ~54+/-7 h; iii) Under these
      conditions, the best statistical blastocyst rate estimation was ~70%; iv) Between
      44 and 68 h of coasting, follicle size group proportions were similar; v)
      Follicle diameter was not linearly associated with competence. In conclusion,
      coasting duration is critical to harvest the oocytes at the right moment of
      follicular differentiation.

PMID- 22080142
TI  - Associations of hip circumference and height with incidence of type 2 diabetes:
      the Isfahan diabetes prevention study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hip circumference (HC) and
      height on diabetes incidence in non-diabetic first-degree relatives (FDRs) of
      patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 1,092 (254 men and 838 women) non
      diabetics FDRs >= 30 years old in 2003-2005 were followed through 2010 for the
      occurrence of type 2 diabetes. At baseline and through follow-ups, participants
      were underwent a standard 75 g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. The incidence of
      type 2 diabetes was 17.0 (95% CI: 13.7, 20.2) (13.0 men and 18.1 women) per 1,000
      person-year based on 6,015 person-years of follow-up. Height was inversely
      associated with diabetes incidence. The age-, gender-, and waist-adjusted
      relative risk (95% CI) of diabetes was 0.54 (0.31, 0.93) for highest quartile of
      height and 0.59 (0.25, 1.37) for highest quartile of HC compared with lowest
      quartile. These data indicate that height was inversely associated with diabetes
      incidence, independently of gender among FDRs of patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22080143
TI  - A new ratiometric fluorescence detection of heparin based on the combination of
      the aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching and enhancement phenomena.
AB  - A new ratiometric fluorescence detection of heparin is reported with the ensemble
      of 1 and 2. This method is based on the respective ACQ (aggregation-caused
      quenched emission) and AIE (aggregation-induced emission) features of anthracene
      and tetraphenylethene. DLS, CLSM and fluorescent spectral investigations suggest
      that the variation of the fluorescence intensity ratio I(497)/I(421) is due to
      the formation of aggregates of 1 and 2 with heparin. Moreover, this ratiometric
      fluorescence method can be used to distinguish heparin from its analogues (HA,
      Dex). In order to demonstrate the practical utilization of this ratiometric
      fluorescence method, the fluorescence spectra of the ensemble of 1 and 2 were
      measured in the presence of serum, and the results indicate that it is possible
      to eliminate the interferences from other biomolecules by either subtracting the
      background fluorescence intensities or lowering the pH values of the sample
      solutions.

PMID- 22080144
TI  - Family community integration and maternal mental health.
AB  - While the majority of women with mental health problems (MHPs) are mothers,
      little is known about the community integration (CI) of these women and their
      children. Given that poorer mental health status has been linked with lower CI,
      CI has become a long standing goal of mental health policy. Data from a national
      survey examined the association of maternal mental health status with the
      physical, social, and psychological integration of families. After adjusting for
      sociodemographics, mothers with MHPs reported similar physical integration but
      less social and psychological integration. Interventions focused on improving
      social networks, scarce resources, and neighborhood safety are needed for
      families impacted by maternal MHPs.

PMID- 22080145
TI  - Algicidal activity of thiazolidinedione derivatives against harmful algal
      blooming species.
AB  - Thiazolidinedione (TD) derivatives exhibit algicidal activity against harmful
      algal blooming species such as Chattonella marina, Heterosigma akashiwo, and
      Cochlodinium polykrikoides, as reported previously. In this study, the efficacies
      and selectivities of TD derivatives were tested by analyzing the structure
      activity relationships of various TD derivatives. To investigate structure
      activity relationships for growth inhibition of harmful algae, we added a
      methylene group between the cyclohexyl ring and oxygen of 5-(3-chloro-4
      hydroxybenzylidene)-TD, which decreased the inhibitory potency of compound 17.
      Interestingly, another addition of a methylene group significantly increased the
      inhibitory potency against C. polykrikoides. The addition of 1 MUM compound 17
      resulted in the cell rupture of harmful algae after less than 10 h incubation at
      20  degrees C. Compound 17 was applied to both harmful and non-harmful algae and
      showed a drastic reduction in the efficiency of photosystem II, resulting in
      reduced photosynthetic oxygen evolution. Compound 17 at a 5 MUM concentration
      destroyed all of the harmful algae, while algicidal activity against non-harmful
      algae did not exceed 30% of the control within the concentration range tested. In
      contrast, a herbicide, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, tested at a 5 MUM
      concentration, exhibited 40-70% algicidal activity relative to that of the
      control against both harmful and non-harmful algae. Compound 17 is a promising
      lead compound for the development of algicides to control harmful algal blooming
      species.

PMID- 22080146
TI  - Course of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) status and its influencing factors in
      adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - Hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng/ml) is highly prevalent in allogeneic hematopoietic
      cell transplantation (alloHCT), but the relevance of influencing factors for
      serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] status in adult patients remains
      unknown. We are the first to have prospectively assessed 25(OH)D(3) status and
      its influencing factors in 102 patients before and at days +30 and +100 after
      alloHCT. Among others, we evaluated age, gender, weight, fat mass, season, sun
      exposure habits, and dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake as factors
      potentially influencing baseline vitamin D status in uni- and multivariate linear
      regression analysis. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of changes in fat
      mass, duration of parenteral nutrition, and acute graft-versus-host disease
      (aGVHD) on the course of serum 25(OH)D(3). Baseline 25(OH)D(3) concentrations
      were 16.4 +/- 8.9 ng/ml, revealing that the majority (89%) had concentrations
      beneath the normal range. In multivariate linear regression model, only higher
      body fat mass remained an independent risk factor for reduced baseline 25(OH)D(3)
      concentrations (P = 0.007). In the early post-transplant period, 25(OH)D(3)
      status remained low, revealing a tendency to further deterioration, especially in
      patients with corticosteroid-treated aGVHD (>=II). Reduced vitamin D status was
      very common in these patients before and after alloHCT, whereby the most
      important influencing factors, namely season and dietary factors seem to have
      little impact. Our findings suggest that monitoring and if necessary, correcting
      vitamin D status may be indicated at regular intervals before alloHCT and during
      long-term follow-up. Further investigations of these patients' vitamin D
      requirements are needed, especially if they are on long-term corticosteroids.

PMID- 22080147
TI  - Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with visceral leishmaniasis in an
      immunocompetent adult-case report and review of the literature.

PMID- 22080148
TI  - Extravascular hemolytic attack after eculizumab therapy for paroxysmal nocturnal
      hemoglobinuria.

PMID- 22080149
TI  - A large family with MYH9 disorder caused by E1841K mutation suffering from
      serious kidney and hearing impairment and cataracts.

PMID- 22080150
TI  - Cytoarchitecture of mouse and human subventricular zone in developing cerebral
      neocortex.
AB  - During cerebral neocortical development, excitatory neurons are generated from
      radial glial cells in the ventricular zone (VZ) or from secondary progenitor
      cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ); these neurons then migrate toward the
      pial surface. We have observed that post-mitotic neurons generated directly in
      the VZ accumulated just above the VZ with a multipolar morphology, while
      secondary progenitor cells having a long ascending process left the VZ faster
      than the post-mitotic neurons. Recent observations of human developing neocortex
      have revealed the existence of radial glia-like progenitors (oRG cells) in the
      SVZ. This type of progenitor was first thought to be human specific; however,
      similar cells have also been found in mouse neocortex, and the morphology of
      these cells resembled that of some of the secondary progenitor cells that we had
      previously observed, suggesting the existence of a common architecture for the
      developing neocortex among mammals. In this review, we discuss the nature of the
      SVZ and its similarities and differences between humans and mice.

PMID- 22080151
TI  - Directional remapping in tactile inter-finger apparent motion: a motion
      aftereffect study.
AB  - Tactile motion provides critical information for perception and manipulation of
      objects in touch. Perceived directions of tactile motion are primarily defined in
      the environmental coordinate, which means they change drastically with body
      posture even when the same skin sensors are stimulated. Despite the ecological
      importance of this perceptual constancy, the sensory processing underlying
      tactile directional remapping remains poorly understood. The present study
      psychophysically investigated the mechanisms underlying directional remapping in
      human tactile motion processing by examining whether finger posture modulates the
      direction of the tactile motion aftereffect (MAE) induced by inter-finger
      apparent motions. We introduced conflicts in the adaptation direction between
      somatotopic and environmental spaces by having participants change their finger
      posture between adaptation and test phases. In a critical condition, they touched
      stimulators with crossed index and middle fingers during adaptation but with
      uncrossed fingers during tests. Since the adaptation effect was incongruent
      between the somatotopic and environmental spaces, the direction of the MAE
      reflects the coordinate of tactile motion processing. The results demonstrated
      that the tactile MAE was induced in accordance with the motion direction
      determined by the environmental rather than the somatotopic space. In addition,
      it was found that though the physical adaptation of the test fingers was not
      changed, the tactile MAE disappeared when the adaptation stimuli were vertically
      aligned or when subjective motion perception was suppressed during adaptation. We
      also found that the tactile MAE, measured with our procedure, did not transfer
      across different hands, which implies that the observed MAEs mainly reflect
      neural adaptations occurring within sensor-specific, tactile-specific processing.
      The present findings provide a novel behavioral method to analyze the neural
      representation for directional remapping of tactile motion within tactile sensory
      processing in the human brain.

PMID- 22080152
TI  - Identification of cortical lamination in awake monkeys by high resolution
      magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Brodmann divided the neocortex into 47 different cortical areas based on
      histological differences in laminar myeloarchitectonic and cytoarchitectonic
      defined structure. The ability to do so in vivo with anatomical magnetic
      resonance (MR) methods in awake subjects would be extremely advantageous for many
      functional studies. However, due to the limitations of spatial resolution and
      contrast, this has been difficult to achieve in awake subjects. Here, we report
      that by using a combination of MR microscopy and novel contrast effects, cortical
      layers can be delineated in the visual cortex of awake subjects (nonhuman
      primates) at 4.7 T. We obtained data from 30-min acquisitions at voxel size of
      62.5 * 62.5 * 1000 MUm(3) (4 nl). Both the phase and magnitude components of the
      T(2)*-weighted image were used to generate laminar profiles which are believed to
      reflect variations in myelin and local cell density content across cortical
      depth. Based on this, we were able to identify six layers characteristic of the
      striate cortex (V1). These were the stripe of Kaes-Bechterew (in layer II/III),
      the stripe of Gennari (in layer IV), the inner band of Baillarger (in layer V),
      as well as three sub-layers within layer IV (IVa, IVb, and IVc). Furthermore, we
      found that the laminar structure of two extrastriate visual cortex (V2, V4) can
      also be detected. Following the tradition of Brodmann, this significant
      improvement in cortical laminar visualization should make it possible to
      discriminate cortical regions in awake subjects corresponding to differences in
      myeloarchitecture and cytoarchitecture.

PMID- 22080154
TI  - Highly enantioselective Mukaiyama aldol reaction in aqueous conditions using a
      chiral iron(II) bipyridine catalyst.
AB  - A highly enantioselective method for the catalytic Mukaiyama aldol reaction of
      silyl enol ethers with aldehydes in aqueous conditions was developed. The desired
      aldol products were obtained in excellent yields, diastereo- and
      enantioselectivities. Structural evidence of the pre-catalyst revealed an
      unprecedented heptadentate Fe(II) complex with the chiral bipyridine ligand.

PMID- 22080153
TI  - Nucleus-encoded regulators of mitochondrial function: integration of respiratory
      chain expression, nutrient sensing and metabolic stress.
AB  - Nucleus-encoded regulatory factors are major contributors to mitochondrial
      biogenesis and function. Several act within the organelle to regulate
      mitochondrial transcription and translation while others direct the expression of
      nuclear genes encoding the respiratory chain and other oxidative functions. Loss
      of-function studies for many of these factors reveal a wide spectrum of
      phenotypes. These range from embryonic lethality and severe respiratory chain
      deficiency to relatively mild mitochondrial defects seen only under conditions of
      physiological stress. The PGC-1 family of regulated coactivators (PGC-1alpha, PGC
      1beta and PRC) plays an important integrative role through their interactions
      with transcription factors (NRF-1, NRF-2, ERRalpha, CREB, YY1 and others) that
      control respiratory gene expression. In addition, recent evidence suggests that
      PGC-1 coactivators may balance the cellular response to oxidant stress by
      promoting a pro-oxidant environment or by orchestrating an inflammatory response
      to severe metabolic stress. These pathways may serve as essential links between
      the energy generating functions of mitochondria and the cellular REDOX
      environment associated with longevity, senescence and disease. This article is
      part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Gene Expression.

PMID- 22080155
TI  - Axon cytoskeleton proteins specifically modulate oligodendrocyte growth and
      differentiation in vitro.
AB  - In multiple sclerosis (MS) remyelination by oligodendrocytes (OL) is incomplete,
      and it is associated with a decrease in axonal neurofilaments (NF) and tubulin
      (TUB). To determine whether these proteins could participate directly in MS
      remyelination failure, or indirectly through proteins that are co-associated, we
      have analysed their effects in pure OL cultures. Rat brain NF fractions,
      recovered by successive centrifugations increase either OL progenitor (OLP)
      proliferation (2nd pellet, P2), or only their maturation (P5), whereas albumin,
      liver and skin proteins, as well as recombinant GFAP or purified actin were
      ineffective. NF (P2) copurify mainly with TUB, as well as with other proteins,
      like MAPs, Tau, spectrin beta2, and synapsin 2. These purified, or recombinant,
      proteins increased OLP proliferation without delaying their maturation, and
      appeared responsible for the proliferation observed with P2 fractions. Among
      putative signaling pathways mediating these effects Fyn kinase was not involved.
      Whereas NF did not alter the growth of cultured astrocytes, the NF associated
      proteins enhanced their proliferation. This suggests that NF and their associated
      proteins exert specific effects on OL development, broadening the field of axon
      oligodendrocyte interactions. In case of axon damage in vivo, extracellular
      release of such axonal proteins could regulate remyelination and astrocytic
      gliosis.

PMID- 22080157
TI  - Exposure to novel environment is characterized by an interaction of D1/NMDA
      receptors underlined by phosphorylation of the NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits
      and activation of ERK1/2 signaling, leading to epigenetic changes and gene
      expression in rat hippocampus.
AB  - Interactions between dopamine and glutamate receptors are essential for
      prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal cognitive functions. The hippocampus
      has been identified as a detector of a novel stimulus, where an association
      between incoming information and stored memories takes place. Further to our
      previous results which showed a strong synergistic interaction of dopamine D1 and
      glutamate NMDA receptors, the present study is going to investigate the
      functional status of that interaction in rats, following their exposure to a
      novel environment. Our results showed that the "spatial" novelty induced in rat
      hippocampus and PFC (a) a significant increase in phosphorylation of NMDA and
      AMPA receptor subunits, as well as a robust phosphorylation/activation of ERK1/2
      signaling, which are both dependent on the concomitant stimulation of D1/NMDA
      receptors and are both abolished by habituation procedure, (b) chromatin
      remodeling events (phosphorylation-acetylation of histone H3) and (c) an increase
      in the immediate early genes (IEGs) c-Fos and zif-268 expression in the CA1
      region of hippocampus, which is dependent on the co-activation of D1/NMDA and
      acetylcholine muscarinic receptors. In conclusion, our results clearly show that
      a strong synergistic interaction of D1/NMDA receptor is required for the novelty
      induced phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits and for the robust
      activation of ERK1/2 signaling, leading to chromatin remodeling events and the
      expression of the IEGs c-Fos and zif-268, which are involved in the regulation of
      synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation.

PMID- 22080156
TI  - Riluzole elevates GLT-1 activity and levels in striatal astrocytes.
AB  - Drugs which upregulate astrocyte glutamate transport may be useful
      neuroprotective compounds by preventing excitotoxicity. We set up a new system to
      identify potential neuroprotective drugs which act through GLT-1. Primary mouse
      striatal astrocytes grown in the presence of the growth-factor supplement G5
      express high levels of the functional glutamate transporter, GLT-1 (also known as
      EAAT2) as assessed by Western blotting and 3H-glutamate uptake assay, and levels
      decline following growth factor withdrawal. The GLT-1 transcriptional enhancer
      dexamethasone (0.1 or 1 MUM) was able to prevent loss of GLT-1 levels and
      activity following growth factor withdrawal. In contrast, ceftriaxone, a compound
      previously reported to enhance GLT-1 expression, failed to regulate GLT-1 in this
      system. The neuroprotective compound riluzole (100 MUM) upregulated GLT-1 levels
      and activity, through a mechanism that was not dependent on blockade of voltage
      sensitive ion channels, since zonasimide (1 mM) did not regulate GLT-1. Finally,
      CDP-choline (10 MUM-1 mM), a compound which promotes association of GLT-1/EAAT2
      with lipid rafts was unable to prevent GLT-1 loss under these conditions. This
      observation extends the known pharmacological actions of riluzole, and suggests
      that this compound may exert its neuroprotective effects through an astrocyte
      dependent mechanism.

PMID- 22080158
TI  - An overview of consumer attitudes and beliefs about plant food supplements.
AB  - The use of dietary supplements is increasing globally and this includes the use
      of plant food supplements (PFS). A variety of factors may be influencing this
      increased consumption including the increasing number of older people in society,
      mistrust in conventional medicine and the perception that natural is healthy.
      Consumer studies in this area are limited, with a focus on dietary supplements in
      general, and complicated by the use of certain plant food supplements as herbal
      medicines. Research indicates that higher use of dietary supplements has been
      associated with being female, being more educated, having a higher income, being
      white and being older, however the drivers for consumption of supplements are
      complex, being influenced by both demographic and health-related factors. The aim
      of this paper is to provide an overview of current knowledge about the users and
      the determinants of usage of plant food supplements. With growing consumption of
      these products, the need for effective risk-benefit assessment becomes ever more
      important and an insight into who uses these types of products and why is an
      important starting point for any future science-based decisions made by policy
      makers, PFS manufacturers and ultimately by consumers themselves.

PMID- 22080159
TI  - 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced fluorescence in intracerebral metastases: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microsurgical, circumferential stripping of intracerebral metastases
      often proves to be insufficient to prevent local tumor recurrence. OBJECTIVE: We
      were interested in the potential impact of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced
      fluorescence (5-AIF) as a diagnostic tool for the resection of intracerebral
      metastases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 52 patients who
      underwent 5-AIF-guided resection for intracerebral mass lesions that
      histologically corresponded to metastases from tumors outside the central nervous
      system. The presence of ALA fluorescence in the tumor was determined in each
      patient. In 42 patients, fluorescence of the resection cavity after tumor removal
      was additionally recorded. Data were correlated with neuropathological findings
      in tissue specimens. RESULTS: A total of 32 of the 52 metastases (62%) exhibited
      5-AIF in tumor parts. All 5-AIF-positive metastases exhibited an inhomogeneous
      fluorescence pattern. 5-AIF was neither associated with the histological type nor
      with the site of origin of the metastases. Residual fluorescence of the resection
      cavity was detected after macroscopically complete white light resection in 24
      patients with 5-AIF positive metastases. Residual tumor tissue was histologically
      confirmed in 6 of 18 patients with available tissue specimens from such 5-AIF
      positive areas (33%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of metastases (62%) were 5-AIF
      positive, suggesting a potential impact of 5-AIF for improved visualization of
      metastatic tumor tissue within the brain. However, residual 5-AIF after
      macroscopically complete resection of a metastasis needs to be interpreted with
      caution because of the limited specificity for detection of residual tumor
      tissue.

PMID- 22080160
TI  - Progress on ART--an exposure modelling tool for REACH.

PMID- 22080162
TI  - Advanced REACH Tool: development and application of the substance emission
      potential modifying factor.
AB  - The Advanced REACH Tool (ART) is an exposure assessment tool that combines
      mechanistically modelled inhalation exposure estimates with available exposure
      data using a Bayesian approach. The mechanistic model is based on nine
      independent principal modifying factors (MF). One of these MF is the substance
      emission potential, which addresses the intrinsic substance properties as
      determinants of the emission from a source. This paper describes the current
      knowledge and evidence on intrinsic characteristics of solids and liquids that
      determine the potential for their release into workplace air. The principal
      factor determining the release of aerosols from handling or processing powdered,
      granular, or pelletized materials is the dustiness of the material, as well as
      the weight fraction of the substance of interest in the powder and the moisture
      content. The partial vapour pressure is the main intrinsic factor determining the
      substance emission potential for emission of vapours. For generation of mist, the
      substance emission potential is determined by the viscosity of the liquid as well
      as the weight fraction of the substance of interest in the liquid. Within ART
      release of vapours is considered for substances with a partial vapour pressure at
      the process temperature of 10 Pa or more, while mist formation is considered for
      substances with a vapour pressure <= 10 Pa. Relative multipliers are assigned for
      most of the intrinsic factors, with the exception of the weight fraction and the
      vapour pressure, which is applied as a continuous variable in the estimation of
      the substance emission potential. Currently, estimation of substance emission
      potential is not available for fumes, fibres, and gases. The substance emission
      potential takes account of the latest thinking on emissions of dusts, mists, and
      vapours and in our view provides a good balance between theory and pragmatism.
      Expanding the knowledge base on substance emission potential will improve the
      predictive power of occupational exposure models and thereby the accuracy and
      precision of the exposure estimates.

PMID- 22080161
TI  - Advanced REACH Tool (ART): overview of version 1.0 and research needs.
AB  - This paper provides an outline of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) version 1.0 and a
      discussion of how it could be further developed. ART is a higher tier exposure
      assessment tool that combines mechanistically modelled inhalation exposure
      predictions with available exposure data using a Bayesian approach. ART assesses
      exposure for scenarios across different plants and sites. Estimates are provided
      for different percentiles of the exposure distribution and confidence intervals
      around the estimate. It also produces exposure estimates in the absence of data,
      but uncertainty of the estimates will decrease when results of exposure
      measurements are included. The tool has been calibrated using a broad range of
      exposure data and provides estimates for exposure to vapours, mists, and dusts.
      ART has a robust and stable conceptual basis but will be refined in the future
      and should therefore be considered an evolving system. High-priority areas for
      future research are identified in this paper and include the integration of
      partially analogous measurement series, inclusion of company and site-specific
      assessments, user decision strategies linked to ART predictions, evaluation of
      validity and reliability of ART, exploring the possibilities for incorporating
      the dermal route and integration of ART predictions with tools for modelling
      internal dose. ART is initially developed in the scope of REACH but is equally
      useful for exposure assessment in other areas.

PMID- 22080163
TI  - A fishnet electrochemical Hg2+ sensing strategy based on gold nanoparticle
      bioconjugate and thymine-Hg(2+)-thymine coordination chemistry.
AB  - A novel electrochemical biosensing strategy based on a three-dimensional fishnet
      of DNA-linked nanoparticle supramolecular structure triggered by the analyst for
      detection of Hg(2+) has been designed. The detection limit is 7.38 pM and the
      sensor's selectivity and facility have been significantly improved.

PMID- 22080164
TI  - Inhibition of checkpoint kinase 1 abrogates G2/M checkpoint activation and
      promotes apoptosis under heat stress.
AB  - Hyperthermia induced by heat stress (HS) inhibits the proliferation of cancer
      cells and induces their apoptosis. However, the mechanism underlying HS-induced
      apoptosis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated a novel evidence that checkpoint
      kinase 1 (Chk1) plays crucial roles in the apoptosis and regulation of cell cycle
      progression in cells under HS. In human leukemia Jurkat cells, interestingly, the
      ataxia telangiectasia and Rad-3 related (ATR)-Chk1 pathway was preferentially
      activated rather than the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-checkpoint kinase 2
      (Chk2) pathway under HS. The selective inhibitors of ATR or Chk1 abrogated HS
      induced apoptosis in human leukemia Jurkat cells whereas the inhibition of ATM or
      Chk2 caused only marginal effects. Inhibition of ATR and Chk1 also abrogated G2/M
      checkpoint activation by HS in Jurkat cells. The effects of small interfering RNA
      targeting Chk1 were similar to those of the selective inhibitor of Chk1. In
      addition, the efficiencies of Chk1 inhibition on G2/M checkpoint abrogation and
      apoptosis induction were confirmed in the adherent cancer cell lines HeLa, HSC3,
      and PC3, suggesting that the targeting of Chk1 can be effective in solid tumors
      cells. In conclusion, these findings indicate a novel molecular basis of G2/M
      checkpoint activation and apoptosis in cells exposed to HS.

PMID- 22080165
TI  - Prognostic factors of visual field improvement after trans-sphenoidal approach
      for pituitary macroadenomas: review of the literature and analysis by
      quantitative method.
AB  - The objective of the study was to evaluate the preoperative visual field defect,
      the postoperative outcome and the possible prognostic factors in patients with
      pituitary macroadenoma, using a quantitative method (the mean deviation = MD),
      and to review the literature. A total of 73 patients, operated trough trans
      sphenoidal approach, were selected, and data in single eyes were analysed by
      calculating the frequency and the degree of postoperative improvement (relative
      improvement). The visual field defect improved in 95.7% of eyes: The recovery was
      complete in 48.9% and partial in 46.8%. Multivariate logistic regression showed
      that factors, independently predictive for complete recovery, were as follows:
      low preoperative MD absolute value (p = 0.008), low cranio-caudal diameter of
      tumour (p = 0.02) and young age (p = 0.0001). The mean relative improvement in
      visual field defect (dMD%) was correlated with the preoperative visual acuity (p
      = 0.0001) and inversely related with the preoperative MD (p = 0.007) and the age
      (p = 0.017). The relative improvement was higher in tumours with a smaller cranio
      caudal diameter (p = 0.0185). In conclusion, using a quantitative method, we can
      measure the degree of the postoperative visual field defect improvement.
      Predictive factors for a complete recovery were good preoperative visual
      function, young age and low cranio-caudal tumour.

PMID- 22080166
TI  - Vitamin K(2) improves renal function and increases femoral bone strength in rats
      with renal insufficiency.
AB  - Renal insufficiency induces cortical bone loss in rats. The present study
      examined the influence of vitamin K(2) on renal function, cortical bone mass, and
      bone strength in rats with renal insufficiency. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats
      (8 weeks old) were randomized by the stratified weight method to the following
      three groups of 10 animals each: sham operation (control), 5/6 nephrectomy, and
      5/6 nephrectomy + oral vitamin K(2) (menaquinone-4, menatetrenone, 30 mg/kg, 5
      days/week). Treatment was initiated 10 days after surgery. After 6 weeks of
      treatment, samples of serum, urine, and bone (femur and tibia) were obtained.
      Renal function was evaluated, bone histomorphometric analysis was performed on
      the tibial diaphysis, and the bone mineral density (BMD) and mechanical strength
      of the femoral diaphysis were determined by peripheral quantitative computed
      tomography and a three-point bending test, respectively. Nephrectomy induced
      renal dysfunction, as indicated by increased levels of serum creatinine and urea
      nitrogen along with a decrease of creatinine clearance; and it also decreased BMD
      without significantly affecting bone strength at the femoral diaphysis. Vitamin
      K(2) improved renal function parameters but did not significantly influence BMD
      at the femoral diaphysis. However, vitamin K(2) decreased the bone marrow area of
      the tibial diaphysis and increased the stiffness of the femoral diaphysis. These
      findings suggest that administration of vitamin K(2) improves renal function and
      increases cortical bone strength without altering BMD in rats with renal
      insufficiency.

PMID- 22080167
TI  - Biased attention towards negative schematic expression in abstinent heroin
      abusers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Drug dependents exhibit biases when evaluating
      emotional facial expressions; however little is known about their emotional
      biases appearing at the pre-awareness stage. The present study examined whether
      abstinent heroin abusers preferentially attended to facial expressions with
      particular emotion type. METHOD: Thirty-seven abstinent heroin abusers (AH
      participants), twenty normal healthy controls (NC participants), and nineteen
      individuals with moderate anxiety/depression disorders (PC participants) were
      included in the study. Participants searched displays containing a varying number
      of schematic neutral faces for a unique schematic face expressing either a
      positive or a negative emotion. RESULTS: Results revealed that AH participants
      had generally shallower search slopes for locating the negative target face than
      those for locating the positive one, whereas no such difference was found on NC
      participants or PC participants. CONCLUSION: It suggested that abstinent heroin
      abusers are biased to attend to negative expression more effectively than attend
      to positive expression. We proposed that this may result from abstinent heroin
      abusers' repeated exposure to people's negative expressions in their living
      environment or a pre-existing emotional processing deficit which could initiate
      the development of drug abuse behaviour.

PMID- 22080168
TI  - A novel multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, linifanib (ABT-869), produces
      functional and structural changes in tumor vasculature in an orthotopic rat
      glioma model.
AB  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors represent a class of targeted therapy that has proven
      to be successful for cancer treatment. Linifanib is a novel, orally active multi
      targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor that exhibits potent antitumor
      and antiangiogenic activities against a broad spectrum of experimental tumors and
      malignancies in patients. The compound is currently being evaluated in phase 2
      and 3 clinical trials. To investigate the effectiveness of linifinib against
      gliomas and the mechanism of drug action, we characterized treatment-induced
      antitumor and antiangiogenic responses to linifanib in an orthotopic rat glioma
      model. The effect of linifanib treatment on tumor growth was determined by tumor
      volume assessment using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Changes in
      tumor microvessel function were evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE
      MRI). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to excised tumor samples to examine
      underlying changes in vascular structures and target receptor expression.
      Linifanib (10 mg/kg) given twice daily inhibited tumor growth following treatment
      for 7 days with tumor volumes being 149 +/- 30 and 66 +/- 7 mm(3) for vehicle-and
      linifanib-treated groups, respectively. A significant reduction of 37 +/- 13% in
      tumor perfusion and microvessel permeability (measured by K (trans)) was observed
      as early as 2 h after administration compared with vehicle treatment. Continuous
      linifanib administration further reduced K (trans) at later time points until the
      end of the study (7 days post-treatment). At day 7, K (trans) was reduced by 75
      +/- 32% for linifanib treatment compared with vehicle treatment. Significant
      reduction in total blood vessel density and improved vessel wall integrity were
      observed, and staining for target receptor expression confirmed inhibition of
      phospho VEGFR-2 and PDGFR-beta by linifanib treatment. These results demonstrate
      significant antitumor and antiangiogenic activity against gliomas by linifanib, a
      property that may result from the inhibition of VEGFR-2 and PDGFR-beta-mediated
      vascular changes. DCE-MRI measured K (trans) changes at early treatment stages
      may be a useful pharmacodynamic marker for linifanib activity in clinical trials,
      and basal K (trans) may provide predictive value for tumor progression.

PMID- 22080169
TI  - Chidamide (CS055/HBI-8000): a new histone deacetylase inhibitor of the benzamide
      class with antitumor activity and the ability to enhance immune cell-mediated
      tumor cell cytotoxicity.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chidamide (CS055/HBI-8000) is a new histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor
      of the benzamide class currently under clinical development in cancer
      indications. This study reports the in vitro and in vivo antitumor
      characteristics of the compound. METHODS: Selectivity and potency of chidamide in
      inhibition of HDAC isotypes were analyzed by using a panel of human recombinant
      HDAC proteins. Tumor cell lines either in culture or inoculated in nude mice were
      used for the evaluation of the compound's antitumor activity. To investigate the
      immune cell-mediated antitumor effect, isolated peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells from healthy donors were treated with chidamide, and cytotoxicity and
      expression of relevant surface proteins were analyzed. Microarray gene expression
      studies were performed on peripheral white blood cells from two T-cell lymphoma
      patients treated with chidamide. RESULTS: Chidamide was found to be a low
      nanomolar inhibitor of HDAC1, 2, 3, and 10, the HDAC isotypes well documented to
      be associated with the malignant phenotype. Significant and broad spectrum in
      vitro and in vivo antitumor activity, including a wide therapeutic index, was
      observed. Chidamide was also shown to enhance the cytotoxic effect of human
      peripheral mononuclear cells ex vivo on K562 target cells, accompanied by the
      upregulation of proteins involved in NK cell functions. Furthermore, the
      expression of a number of genes involved in immune cell-mediated antitumor
      activity was observed to be upregulated in peripheral white blood cells from two
      T-cell lymphoma patients who responded to chidamide administration. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results presented in this study provide evidence that chidamide has potential
      applicability for the treatment of a variety of tumor types, either as a single
      agent or in combination therapies.

PMID- 22080170
TI  - Exposure to antiretroviral agents during pregnancy does not alter bone status in
      infants.
AB  - The use of combined antiretroviral agents during pregnancy is important to
      prevent mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
      Antiretroviral treatment (ARV) is associated with reduced bone mass and altered
      bone metabolism in HIV-infected patients. There are no data regarding the effect
      of ARV exposure during pregnancy on newborns and infants. We therefore studied 38
      subjects born from HIV-infected mothers, and we measured the speed-of-sound (SOS)
      at the tibia by quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) just after birth. QUS
      measurements at mid-tibia is easily performed in infants with the appropriate
      probe. Nevertheless, at this skeletal site only cortical bone is present, and
      therefore QUS measurements reflect the status of only one kind of bone tissue. We
      also measured bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type
      I collagen (CTX) in the cord blood as bone formation and resorption markers,
      respectively. SOS measurements were repeated at 4 and 12 months of age. As a
      control group we studied 94 subjects born from HIV-negative mothers. At birth the
      median (range) SOS of ARV-exposed neonates was 3006 (2870-3168) m/s, while that
      of control subjects was 3007 (2757-3311) m/s. The difference was not significant.
      BAP concentration of ARV-exposed was 103.6 (31.6-182.8) U/L, not different from
      that of control subjects (104.4 [43.2-227.2] U/L). CTX concentrations were 1.07
      (0.26-2.8) ng/mL, and 1.38 (0.34-4.2) ng/mL in ARV-exposed and control subjects,
      respectively. SOS measurements at 4 months and 12 months of age were available
      for 17 ARV-exposed subjects and for 57 control subjects. SOS values changed
      significantly over time in both groups (F=6.1; P<0.0001). No differences were
      present between ARV-exposed and control subjects at 4 and 12 months. Our study
      suggests that ARV exposure during intrauterine life does not affect negatively
      bone metabolism and bone development, and that the changes occurring in bone QUS
      measurements during the first year of life in ARV-exposed subjects are similar to
      those occurring in healthy control infants.

PMID- 22080171
TI  - Poisoning effect diminished on a novel PdHoOx/C catalyst for the electrooxidation
      of formic acid.
AB  - A surprisingly high and stable current was observed after the peak current on the
      PdHoOx/C catalyst indicating the diminished poisoning effect. Moreover, the novel
      PdHoOx/C catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability for formic
      acid oxidation due to the large electrochemical surface area and electronic
      effect.

PMID- 22080172
TI  - Lack of association between childhood immunizations and encephalitis in
      California, 1998-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A number of new and combination vaccines have been introduced for
      children in the past two decades. Encephalitis cases occurring within defined
      time windows following administration of pertussis- or measles-containing
      vaccines are eligible for compensation by the Vaccine Injury Compensation
      Program. Due to increased parental concerns about vaccine safety and potential
      neurologic adverse events following immunization with new and multiple vaccines
      administered at the same visit, our aim was to determine whether immunizations
      are associated with an increased risk of encephalitis within defined risk
      windows. METHODS: We reviewed immunization records from 246 pediatric
      encephalitis cases referred to the California Encephalitis Project between July
      1998 and December 2008. We included data on 110 cases who had been immunized in
      the year prior to the onset of encephalitis (observation period) and had complete
      immunization records. We used the case-centered method to test whether cases were
      more likely to have developed encephalitis in defined risk windows-42, 30 and 21
      days after any vaccination, 3 days after pertussis-containing vaccines and 5-15
      days after measles-virus containing vaccines-compared with the rest of the
      observation period. RESULTS: All vaccines recommended in the current immunization
      schedule were represented in our sample. No increased risk of encephalitis was
      seen following administration of pertussis-containing vaccines, measles
      containing vaccines or any number of vaccines administered in a single visit
      (vaccine episode); the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for encephalitis
      after a vaccine episode were: 1.0 (0.6-1.8) in a 42-day risk window, 0.9 (0.5
      1.6) in a 30-day risk window and 1.2 (0.7-2.2) in a 21-day risk window.
      CONCLUSION: No association between receipt of currently recommended immunizations
      and subsequent development of encephalitis was observed in this study.

PMID- 22080173
TI  - Vaccine-specific antibody secreting cells are a robust early marker of LAIV
      induced B-cell response in ferrets.
AB  - Currently, a robust set of immune correlates for live attenuated influenza
      vaccine (LAIV) efficacy in humans has not been fully elucidated. The serum
      hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay has been historically used to measure
      humoral immune responses to injectable inactivated influenza vaccination.
      However, serum antibody titers do not reliably reflect the complete mechanism of
      action of LAIV, which is an intranasally delivered vaccine and is expected to
      induce local mucosal and cellular immune responses in addition to humoral immune
      responses. Therefore, we designed a study to evaluate potential immune correlates
      of LAIV vaccination in the ferret animal model of influenza infection. Ferrets
      were vaccinated with increasing doses of LAIV and four weeks later challenged
      with a homologous wild-type (wt) H1N1 strain. Humoral immune responses measured
      following LAIV vaccination included HAI, serum antibodies and antibody secreting
      cells (ASC); and the responses were found to correlate with the dose level of
      LAIV administered in this model. Protection from wt virus challenge was
      determined by measuring inhibition of wt viral replication in nasal washes and in
      lung tissue. Results demonstrated that LAIV doses >= 5.0 log(10) Plaque Forming
      Units (PFU) elicited vaccine-specific IgG and IgA ASC frequencies and induced
      complete protection in the lungs. Further, we developed a novel model utilizing
      seropositive older ferrets to demonstrate that in the background of previous wt
      influenza infection LAIV induces a robust vaccine-specific B-cell response even
      in the absence of serum antibody response, a result that suggests that effector B
      cell responses generated by LAIV are not inhibited by prior viral exposure.
      Finally, we demonstrated that LAIV elicits strain-specific memory B-cell
      responses that are measurable in a background of wt influenza infections. Taken
      together, results from these studies identified the antigen-specific ASC
      frequency as a useful early biomarker of LAIV-induced B-cell immune response.

PMID- 22080174
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of two different doses of a Vero cell-derived, whole
      virus clade 2 H5N1 (A/Indonesia/05/2005) influenza vaccine.
AB  - A successful vaccine development strategy for areas with clustered H5N1 events
      requires conduct of vaccine trials in potentially non-naive subjects and
      evaluation of post-vaccination responsiveness. An open-label, randomized, phase
      I/II study therefore assessed the immunogenicity and safety of two different dose
      levels of an inactivated, non-adjuvanted, whole virus clade 2.1
      (A/Indonesia/05/2005) H5N1 Vero cell-derived influenza vaccine in healthy adults
      (21-45 years) from a region where the virus has been circulating (Hong Kong) as
      well as Singapore. Subjects (N=110) were randomized 1:1 to receive two
      vaccinations with either 3.75 MUg or 7.5 MUg H5N1 haemagglutinin antigen 21 days
      apart. Safety, immunogenicity (microneutralization [MN] and single radial
      haemolysis [SRH] at baseline and post-vaccination) and cross-reactivity against a
      heterologous clade 1 strain (A/Vietnam/1203/2004) of the vaccine were assessed.
      Pre-existing immunity to the vaccine strain was 14% which is higher than
      previously reported for these regions. Two vaccinations with either vaccine
      formulation induced high seroprotection rates (MN titre >= 1:20) against the
      vaccine strain A/Indonesia/05/2005: 82.7% and 86.5% in the 3.75 MUg and 7.5 MUg
      dose groups. Seroconversion rates and fold increase exceeded the CPMP criterion
      of >40% and >2.5 for MN and SRH in both dose groups after the second vaccination,
      while the seroprotection rate in the 7.5 MUg dose group determined by SRH was
      only marginally lower (69.2%) than the CPMP criterion of >70%. Thus, 11 of 12
      CHMP criteria were fulfilled. A cross-reactive antibody response against the
      heterologous A/Vietnam/1203/2004 strain was demonstrated after the second
      vaccination (>21% by MN and >= 25% by SRH). Persistence of antibodies against the
      vaccine strain was also demonstrated 6 months after the first vaccination,
      indicating that a booster vaccination would be effective in those who have
      received two priming doses. No serious adverse events were reported. The H5N1
      influenza vaccine against clade 2.1 strain A/Indonesia/05/2005 was well tolerated
      and immunogenic after two vaccinations, and induced a cross-neutralizing antibody
      response, with no dose effect.

PMID- 22080175
TI  - Pre-vaccination prevalence and distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus
      (HPV) types in Slovenian women: a cervical cancer screening based study.
AB  - To estimate the pre-vaccination prevalence of cervical infections with 14 high
      risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) types among 20-64 years old Slovenian women
      screened for cervical cancer in 2010, we consecutively enrolled 4431 women in 16
      outpatient gynaecology services. All were screened with Digene Hybrid Capture 2
      HPV DNA Test and Abbott Real Time High Risk HPV Test and all positive specimens
      genotyped. Prevalence of cervical infection with any hr-HPV type examined was
      12.9% with HPV16 3.5% and with HPV18 1.0%. Age specific prevalence estimates were
      the highest among 20-24 years old women and decreased with age. HPV16 prevalence
      was lowest among women without evidence of cervical disease and increased with
      the severity to 41.9% in women with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.
      Our results provide baseline data for monitoring the impact of Slovenian HPV
      vaccination program and development of future cervical cancer screening
      strategies in cohorts eligible for free HPV vaccination.

PMID- 22080176
TI  - A parallel algorithm for reverse engineering of biological networks.
AB  - Dynamic biological systems, such as gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and protein
      signaling networks, are often represented as systems of ordinary differential
      equations. Such equations can be utilized in reverse engineering these biological
      networks, specifically since identifying these networks is challenging due to the
      cost of the necessary experiments growing with at least the square of the size of
      the system. Moreover, the number of possible models, proportional to the number
      of directed graphs connecting nodes representing the variables in the system,
      suffers from combinatorial explosion as the size of the system grows. Therefore,
      exhaustive searches for systems of nontrivial complexity are not feasible. Here
      we describe a practical and scalable algorithm for determining candidate network
      interactions based on decomposing an N-dimensional system into N one-dimensional
      problems. The algorithm was tested on in silico networks based on known
      biological GRNs. The computational complexity of the network identification is
      shown to increase as N(2) while a parallel implementation achieves essentially
      linear speedup with the increasing number of processing cores. For each in silico
      network tested, the algorithm successfully predicts a candidate network that
      reproduces the network dynamics. This approach dramatically reduces the
      computational demand required for reverse engineering GRNs and produces a wealth
      of exploitable information in the process. Moreover, the candidate network
      topologies returned by the algorithm can be used to design future experiments
      aimed at gathering informative data capable of further resolving the true network
      topology.

PMID- 22080177
TI  - Intra- and inter-cortical motor excitability in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provides evidence for facilitatory and
      inhibitory motor dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The corpus callosum
      (CC) is affected in AD already at early stages consistent with the hypothesis
      that AD patients exhibit alterations in transcallosally mediated motor inhibition
      (ipsilateral silent period, iSP). Therefore, here we aimed at investigating the
      integrity not only of intra-, but also of inter-hemispheric mechanisms of
      cortical motor excitability in AD. We determined the iSP, the resting motor
      threshold (RMT), and the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEP) in 19 AD
      patients and 19 healthy controls using single-pulse TMS. Furthermore, we used
      paired-pulse TMS to study the intra-cortical inhibition (ICI) and intra-cortical
      facilitation (ICF). All subjects underwent comprehensive neuropsychologic,
      clinical, and laboratory testing, and neuroimaging to exclude significant co
      morbidity. In AD patients, the RMT was significantly reduced (Oneway-ANOVA). An
      analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed a strong group specific interaction of
      the inhibitory interstimulus intervals (p = 0.005) with a reduced ICI in AD.
      Furthermore, we found a significantly prolonged iSP-latency (p = 0.003) in AD
      compared to controls, whereas the iSP-duration was not different. The iSP-latency
      correlated significantly with the ICI (ANCOVA) (p = 0.02). The ICF did not differ
      significantly between groups. Our data suggest comprehensive but still
      subclinical dysfunctions of motor cortical inhibition in mild to moderate
      clinical stages of AD with strong interactions of intra- and inter-hemispheric
      inhibitory phenomena. Future studies are needed to show the potential prognostic
      relevance of these findings for the further course of the disease.

PMID- 22080181
TI  - Mapping local electric fields in proteins at biomimetic interfaces.
AB  - We present a novel approach for determining the strength of the electric field
      experienced by proteins immobilised on membrane models. It is based on the
      vibrational Stark effect of a nitrile label introduced at different positions on
      engineered proteins and monitored by surface enhanced infrared absorption
      spectroscopy.

PMID- 22080182
TI  - Exposed or not exposed? Exploring exposure classification in studies using
      administrative data to investigate outcomes following medication use during
      pregnancy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to examine and compare differences
      in the way medication exposures are classified in studies using linked
      administrative data to investigate outcomes following medication use during
      pregnancy. This was undertaken with a focus on studies investigating specific
      neonatal outcomes following prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors (SSRIs). METHODS: We searched Medline and Embase to identify studies
      that used linked administrative data to investigate specific neonatal outcomes
      (congenital malformations, birth weight, gestational age) following prenatal
      exposure to SSRIs. RESULTS: Key factors such as dose, duration and timing of
      exposure were inconsistently addressed in the studies identified. In addition,
      there was a great deal of variability in the way medication exposures were
      classified and how women who stop taking their medication before or during early
      pregnancy are handled in analyses. Furthermore, there are issues in assuming how
      and when women who receive a dispensing for a medication actually take it during
      pregnancy. This creates a great deal of uncertainty around medication exposure
      during pregnancy in studies using linked administrative data, potentially
      resulting in biased risk estimates. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for greater
      focus on determining the most effective and accurate way of using linked
      administrative data to investigate outcomes following medication use during
      pregnancy in an effort to minimise potential biases.

PMID- 22080183
TI  - Perforated giant sigmoid diverticulum.

PMID- 22080184
TI  - A phase II study of sunitinib in recurrent and/or metastatic adenoid cystic
      carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands: current progress and challenges in
      evaluating molecularly targeted agents in ACC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and c-kit are highly
      expressed in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and associated with biologic
      aggressiveness. This study aimed to assess the antitumor activity of sunitinib, a
      multi-targeted inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, c-kit,
      platelet-derived growth factor receptor, ret proto-oncogene (RET) and FMS-like
      tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), in ACC of the salivary gland. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients with progressive, recurrent and/or metastatic ACC were treated with
      sunitinib 37.5 mg daily in this single-arm, two-stage phase II trial. Response
      was assessed every 8 weeks. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled on to the
      study. Among 13 assessable patients, there were no objective responses, 11
      patients had stable disease (SD), 8 patients had SD >= 6 months and 2 patients
      had progressive disease as best response. Median time to progression was 7.2
      months. Median overall survival was 18.7 months. Toxic effects occurring in at
      least 50% of patients included fatigue, oral mucositis and hypophosphatemia
      usually of mild to moderate severity. CONCLUSIONS: Although no responses were
      observed, sunitinib was well tolerated, with prolonged tumor stabilization of >=
      6 months in 62% of assessable patients. The lack of responses is comparable with
      other trials of molecularly targeted agents in ACC and highlights the need for
      novel strategies in phase II clinical trial design.

PMID- 22080186
TI  - Perspectives of relativistic quantum chemistry: the negative energy cat smiles.
AB  - Given the remarkable advances in relativistic quantum chemistry, some conceptual
      aspects still remain to be addressed. Among others, the role of negative energy
      states (NES) in electron correlation and other properties requires most
      attention. Based on critical assessments of the configuration space (CS), no
      photon (and no-time) Fock space (FS) and quantum electrodynamics (QED)
      approaches, it is concluded that only QED provides the correct prescription for
      the contributions of NES to correlation, while both CS and FS give rise to wrong
      results. This essentially means that one should work either with the no-pair
      approximation (which has an intrinsic error of order (Zalpha)(3)) or with QED.
      Whether a consistent relativistic many-electron theory does exist in between
      remains an open question. Even under the no-pair approximation, there still
      exists an issue arising from that the no-pair Hamiltonian is incompatible with
      explicitly correlated methods. It turns out that this can nicely be resolved by
      introducing the concept of extended no-pair projection. Apart from these take
      home messages, other immediate prospects of relativistic quantum chemistry are
      also highlighted for guiding future developments and applications.

PMID- 22080187
TI  - Uncovering toxicological complexity by multi-dimensional screenings in
      microsegmented flow: modulation of antibiotic interference by nanoparticles.
AB  - The technique of microsegmented flow was applied for the generation of two- and
      higher dimensional concentration spaces for the screening of toxic effects of
      selected substances on the bacterium Escherichia coli at the nanolitre scale. Up
      to about 5000 distinct experiments with different combinations of effector
      concentrations could be realized in a single experimental run. This was done with
      the help of a computer program controlling the flow rates of effector-containing
      syringe pumps and resulted in the formation of multi-dimensional concentration
      spaces in segment sequences. Prior to the application of this technique for
      toxicological studies on E. coli the accuracy of this method was tested by
      simulation experiments with up to five dissolved dyes with different spectral
      properties. Photometric microflow-through measurement of dye distribution inside
      the concentration spaces allowed the monitoring of microfluid segment
      compositions. Finally, we used this technique for the investigation of
      interferences of the antibiotics ampicillin and chloramphenicol towards E. coli
      cultures and their modulation by silver nanoparticles by measuring bacterial
      autofluorescence. Each concentration point in this three-dimensional
      concentration space was represented by 4 or 5 single segments. Thus, a high
      reliability of the measured dose/response relations was achieved. As a result, a
      complex response pattern was discovered including synergistic and compensatory
      effects as well as the modulation of the range of stimulation of bacterial growth
      by a sublethal dose of chloramphenicol by silver nanoparticles.

PMID- 22080188
TI  - Analysis of the tomato mild mottle virus genome indicates that it is the most
      divergent member of the genus Ipomovirus (family Potyviridae).
AB  - The complete genome of a tomato mild mottle virus (ToMMV) isolate was analysed,
      and some biological features were characterized. The ssRNA genome of ToMMV from
      Ethiopia encompasses 9283 nucleotides (excluding the 3' poly(A) tail) and encodes
      a polyprotein of 3011 amino acids. Phylogenetic and pairwise comparisons with
      other members of the family Potyviridae revealed that ToMMV is the most divergent
      member of the genus Ipomovirus, with a genome organization similar to that of
      members of the species Sweet potato mild mottle virus, the type species of the
      genus. In contrast to earlier reports, ToMMV isolates from Yemen and Ethiopia
      were not transmitted by the aphid Myzus persicae, but they were transmitted very
      erratically by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. A comparison of the 3'-proximal
      sequences of different isolates provided evidence for geographically associated
      genetic variation.

PMID- 22080189
TI  - Effects of early developmental conditions on innate immunity are only evident
      under favourable adult conditions in zebra finches.
AB  - Long-term effects of unfavourable conditions during development can be expected
      to depend on the quality of the environment experienced by the same individuals
      during adulthood. Yet, in the majority of studies, long-term effects of early
      developmental conditions have been assessed under favourable adult conditions
      only. The immune system might be particularly vulnerable to early environmental
      conditions as its development, maintenance and use are thought to be
      energetically costly. Here, we studied the interactive effects of favourable and
      unfavourable conditions during nestling and adult stages on innate immunity
      (lysis and agglutination scores) of captive male and female zebra finches
      (Taeniopygia guttata). Nestling environmental conditions were manipulated by a
      brood size experiment, while a foraging cost treatment was imposed on the same
      individuals during adulthood. This combined treatment showed that innate immunity
      of adult zebra finches is affected by their early developmental conditions and
      varies between both sexes. Lysis scores, but not agglutination scores, were
      higher in individuals raised in small broods and in males. However, these effects
      were only present in birds that experienced low foraging costs. This study shows
      that the quality of the adult environment may shape the long-term consequences of
      early developmental conditions on innate immunity, as long-term effects of
      nestling environment were only evident under favourable adult conditions.

PMID- 22080190
TI  - Highly enantioselective Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction catalyzed by rosin
      derived tertiary amine-thiourea: synthesis of modified chromanes with anticancer
      potency.
AB  - We present herein for the first time the synthesis and preliminary biological
      evaluation of various modified chromanes via a rosin-derived tertiary amine
      thiourea-catalyzed highly enantioselective Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction.

PMID- 22080185
TI  - Neutrophils in innate host defense against Staphylococcus aureus infections.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus has been an important human pathogen throughout history and
      is currently a leading cause of bacterial infections worldwide. S. aureus has the
      unique ability to cause a continuum of diseases, ranging from minor skin
      infections to fatal necrotizing pneumonia. Moreover, the emergence of highly
      virulent, drug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus in both
      healthcare and community settings is a major therapeutic concern. Neutrophils are
      the most prominent cellular component of the innate immune system and provide an
      essential primary defense against bacterial pathogens such as S. aureus.
      Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of infection where they bind and
      ingest invading S. aureus, and this process triggers potent oxidative and non
      oxidative antimicrobial killing mechanisms that serve to limit pathogen survival
      and dissemination. S. aureus has evolved numerous mechanisms to evade host
      defense strategies employed by neutrophils, including the ability to modulate
      normal neutrophil turnover, a process critical to the resolution of acute
      inflammation. Here we provide an overview of the role of neutrophils in host
      defense against bacterial pathogens and discuss strategies employed by S. aureus
      to circumvent neutrophil function.

PMID- 22080191
TI  - Transition metal abnormalities in progressive dementias.
AB  - Abnormal distributions of transition metals inside the brain are potential
      diagnostic markers for several central nervous system diseases, including
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB),
      bipolar disorders and depression. To further explore this possibility, the total
      concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum, chromium and cadmium
      were measured in post-mortem hippocampus and amygdala tissues taken from AD, DLB
      and Control patients. A statistically significant near fifty percent reduction in
      the total copper levels of AD patients was observed in both the hippocampus and
      amygdala. The statistical power of the hippocampus and amygdala copper analysis
      was found to be 86 and 74% respectively. No statistically significant deviations
      in the total metal concentrations were found for zinc, manganese, chromium or
      aluminum. Iron was found to be increased by 38% in AD amygdala tissues, but was
      unchanged in AD hippocampus tissues. Accounting for differences in tissue water
      content, as a function of both tissue type and disease state, revealed more
      consistencies with previous literature. To aid in the design of future
      experiments, the effect sizes for all tissue types and metals studied are also
      presented.

PMID- 22080192
TI  - Urosepsis caused by Globicatella sanguinis and Corynebacterium riegelii in an
      adult: case report and literature review.
AB  - We report an extremely rare case of urosepsis caused by Globicatella sanguinis
      and Corynebacterium riegelii coinfection in a 94-year-old Japanese man with
      nephrolithiasis. Prompt identification of this coinfection is important so that
      effective antimicrobial coverage can be initiated.

PMID- 22080193
TI  - Complementation of the exoS gene in the pvdE pyoverdine synthesis gene-deficient
      mutant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa results in recovery of the pvdE gene-mediated
      penetration through the intestinal epithelial cell barrier but not the pvdE
      mediated virulence in silkworms.
AB  - Translocation of endogenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the colonized intestinal
      tract is an important pathogenic phenomenon. Comparative genome hybridization
      analysis of high virulent and low virulent strains allowed us to identify
      bacterial genes that are associated with bacterial translocation from gut in
      infected hosts. Here we focused on the pvdE pyoverdine synthesis gene among the
      identified bacterial genes, showing that the pvdE gene is required for bacterial
      penetration through epithelial cell monolayers and for bacterial translocation
      from gut to hemolymph in infected silkworms. We next revealed that mRNA
      expression level of the exoS gene in a pvdE-deficient mutant (DeltapvdE) after
      incubation with Caco-2 cells was greatly reduced as compared with that in the
      wild-type strain. The pvdE- and exoS-complemented DeltapvdE strains
      (DeltapvdE/pvdE and DeltapvdE/exoS) showed recovery of the ability of bacterial
      penetration through Caco-2 cell monolayers and of the ability of bacterial
      translocation from gut to hemolymph in infected silkworms. However, there were
      differences between the ability of DeltapvdE/pvdE and DeltapvdE/exoS to kill
      silkworms after intestinal infection and to replicate in hemolymph following
      direct injection into the hemolymph: DeltapvdE/pvdE could kill silkworms after
      intestinal infection and could replicate in hemolymph to levels similar to those
      of the wild-type strain, but DeltapvdE/exoS could not. Taken together, our
      results suggest that the virulence of the wild-strain mediated by the pvdE gene
      is the result of the ability to both penetrate through the intestinal epithelial
      cell barrier depending on ExoS and to replicate in hemolymph independently of
      ExoS.

PMID- 22080195
TI  - Coumarin derivatives for dye sensitized solar cells: a TD-DFT study.
AB  - Time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations have been carried
      out to study the electronic structure and the optical properties of five coumarin
      based dyes: C343, NKX-2311, NKX-2586, NKX-2753 and NKX-2593. We have found out
      that the position and width of the first band in the electronic absorption
      spectra, the absorption threshold and the LUMO energy with respect to the
      conduction band edge are key parameters in order to establish some criteria that
      allow evaluating the efficiency of coumarin derivatives as sensitizers in Dye
      Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). Those criteria predict the efficiency ordering for
      the coumarin series in good agreement with the experimental evidence. Presumably,
      they might be used in the design of new efficient organic based DSSC.

PMID- 22080196
TI  - A prospective clinical study in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis
      B patients with stringent cessation criteria for adefovir.
AB  - Adefovir is usually applied for therapy of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but its
      effectiveness after cessation is still unknown. This study was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of adefovir treatment with strict cessation criteria in hepatitis B
      e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients and to identify potentially important
      factors. One hundred forty-five HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had received
      adefovir treatment for at least 24 months and for whom serum hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) DNA had remained undetectable for at least 18 months before cessation were
      included. They were followed up monthly during the first four months and at 3
      month or 6-month intervals thereafter. Patients with >=10(4) copies of HBV DNA
      per mL were defined as relapsed. In total, 95 patients relapsed within the follow
      up time, and more than 93% relapsed within 12 months after adefovir cessation.
      Cumulative relapse rates at months 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 were 53.8%, 61.4%,
      65.5%, 65.5%, 65.5% and 65.5%, respectively. Age was the only factor associated
      with relapse, with lower relapse rates in younger patients shown by Cox
      regression analysis. HBsAg seroconversion occurred in 12 patients, and none of
      them relapsed during follow-up. The effectiveness of adefovir therapy does not
      persist in HBeAg-negative CHB patients, even when strict cessation criteria are
      applied, except for patients aged <= 25 years. HBsAg seroconversion is the ideal
      endpoint of adefovir treatment.

PMID- 22080194
TI  - Development of a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - A vaccine to prevent infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus would have a
      tremendously beneficial impact on public health. In contrast to typical
      encapsulated bacterial pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, H.
      influenzae, and Neisseria meningitides, the capsule of S. aureus is not clearly
      linked to strain virulence in vivo. Furthermore, it is not clear that natural
      infection caused by S. aureus induces a protective humoral immune response, as
      does infection caused by typical encapsulated bacteria. Finally, pure B cell or
      antibody deficiency, in either animal models or in patients, does not predispose
      to more frequent or more severe S. aureus infections, as it does for infections
      caused by typical encapsulated bacteria. Rather, primary immune mechanisms
      necessary for protection against S. aureus infections include professional
      phagocytes and T lymphocytes (Th17 cells, in particular) which upregulate
      phagocytic activity. Thus, it is not clear whether an antibody-mediated
      neutralization of S. aureus virulence factors should be the goal of vaccination.
      Rather, the selection of antigenic targets which induce potent T cell immune
      responses that react to the broadest possible array of S. aureus strains should
      be the focus of antigen selection. Of particular promise is the potential to
      select antigens which induce both humoral and T cell-mediated immunity in order
      to generate immune synergy against S. aureus infections. A single-antigen vaccine
      may achieve this immune synergy. However, multivalent antigens may be more likely
      to induce both humoral and T cell immunity and to induce protection against a
      broader array of S. aureus isolates. A number of candidate vaccines are in
      development, raising the promise that effective vaccines against S. aureus will
      become available in the not-so-distant future. Possible development programs for
      such vaccines are discussed.

PMID- 22080197
TI  - [Deep brain stimulation - expectations and doubts. A nationwide questionnaire
      study of patients with Parkinson's disease and their family members].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this questionnaire-based study was to determine the
      decision-making motives from Parkinson's patients and their family members for
      deep brain stimulation (DBS), which are crucial for the attitude towards this
      therapy and which should be considered during the clinical interview. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: The questionnaire was sent out nationwide to members of the German
      Parkinson Association. Patient and family specific data as well as information
      sources, doubts and expectations with respect to DBS were assessed. RESULTS: A
      total of 582 patients and 476 family members answered the questionnaire,
      revealing that 96% of the patients and 91% of the family members already
      possessed information regarding DBS. While a large proportion of interviewees had
      specific expectations concerning DBS, more than two thirds expressed concerns
      regarding DBS; the most frequent with respect to intraoperative complications and
      stimulation-induced worsening of symptoms. The quantity of realistic patients and
      family expectations significantly correlated with a positive evaluation of DBS
      and doubts as well as unrealistic expectations of family members correlated with
      a negative attitude towards the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that
      patients and their relatives organized in support groups indeed possess detailed
      information regarding DBS. However, for the acceptance of the treatment a timely
      elucidation about DBS as well as responding to the individual concerns by the
      consulting physician is essential.

PMID- 22080198
TI  - [Cannabinoids for symptomatic therapy of multiple sclerosis].
AB  - Spasticity represents a common troublesome symptom in patients with multiple
      sclerosis (MS). Treatment of spasticity remains difficult, which has prompted
      some patients to self-medicate with and perceive benefits from cannabis. Advances
      in the understanding of cannabinoid biology support these anecdotal observations.
      Various clinical reports as well as randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      studies have now demonstrated clinical efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment
      of spasticity in MS patients. Sativex is a 1:1 mix of delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol
      and cannabidiol extracted from cloned Cannabis sativa chemovars, which recently
      received a label for treating MS-related spasticity in Germany. The present
      article reviews the current understanding of cannabinoid biology and the value of
      cannabinoids as a symptomatic treatment option in MS.

PMID- 22080200
TI  - Hexavalent chromium-induced erythrocyte membrane phospholipid asymmetry.
AB  - Hexavalent (VI) chromium is a global contaminant with cytotoxic activity.
      Chromium (VI) induces oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation,
      malignant transformation and may trigger carcinogenesis and at the same time
      apoptosis. The toxic effects of chromium (VI) at least partially result from
      mitochondrial injury and DNA damage. Erythrocytes lack mitochondria and nuclei
      but may experience an apoptosis-like suicidal cell death, i.e. eryptosis, which
      is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with
      phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. Eryptosis may result from
      increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) activity, ATP depletion and/or ceramide formation.
      The present study explored, whether chromium (VI) triggers eryptosis. Fluo-3
      fluorescence was employed to determine cytosolic Ca(2+)-concentration, forward
      scatter to estimate cell volume, binding of fluorescent annexin V to detect
      phosphatidylserine exposure, hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant to
      quantify hemolysis, luciferin-luciferase to determine cytosolic ATP concentration
      and fluorescent anti-ceramide antibodies to uncover ceramide formation. A 48 h
      exposure to chromium (VI) (>=10 MUM) significantly increased cytosolic Ca(2+)
      concentration, decreased ATP concentration (20 MUM), decreased forward scatter,
      increased annexin V-binding and increased (albeit to a much smaller extent)
      hemolysis. Chromium (VI) did not significantly modify ceramide formation. The
      effect of 20 MUM chromium (VI) on annexin V binding was partially reversed in the
      nominal absence of Ca(2+). The present observations disclose a novel effect of
      chromium (VI), i.e. Ca(2+) entry and cytosolic ATP depletion in erythrocytes,
      effects resulting in eryptosis with cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling.

PMID- 22080199
TI  - Cell-selective labeling of bacterial proteomes with an orthogonal phenylalanine
      amino acid reporter.
AB  - Orthogonal amino acid reporters allow the selective labeling of different cell
      types in heterogeneous populations through the expression of engineered aminoacyl
      tRNA synthetases. Here, we demonstrate that para-ethynylphenylalanine (PEP) can
      be used as an orthogonal amino acid reporter for efficient selective labeling of
      an intracellular bacterial pathogen during infection.

PMID- 22080201
TI  - Lack of ceruloplasmin expression alters aspects of copper transport to the fetus
      and newborn, as determined in mice.
AB  - Copper transport and accumulation were studied in virgin and lactating C57BL/6
      mice, with and without expression of ceruloplasmin (Cp), to assess the importance
      of Cp to these processes. One hour after i.p. injection of tracer (64)Cu, liver
      and kidney accounted for 80% of the radioactivity, and mammary gland 1%, while in
      lactating Cp+/+ mice 2-4 days post partum, uptake by mammary gland was 9-fold
      higher and that of liver and other organs was decreased, with (64)Cu rapidly
      appearing in milk. Parallel studies in Cp-/- mice (siblings from same colony)
      gave virtually identical results. However, their milk contained less (64)Cu, and
      actual copper contents determined by furnace atomic absorption were less than
      half those for milk from normal dams. Liver copper concentrations of pups born to
      Cp-/- dams also were half those of pups from wild type dams. Copper in pup brains
      was unaffected; but iron concentrations were reduced. We conclude that absence of
      Cp, while not affecting entry of exchangeable copper from the blood into the
      mammary gland, does have a significant effect on the availability of this metal
      to the newborn through the milk and in the form of stores accumulating in
      gestation.

PMID- 22080202
TI  - Encephalopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and hemolytic-uremic
      syndrome after infection with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O111.
AB  - An outbreak of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) occurred in Toyama and
      other prefectures in Japan during 2011. Some patients, including adults, showed
      complications such as encephalopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and
      hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and the disease course was extremely aggressive. This
      report describes the clinical features of four patients infected with Escherichia
      coli (E. coli) O111 who developed very severe to fatal complications. The initial
      symptoms in all patients included abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools,
      and neurological abnormalities started to appear from 1 to 3 days after
      admission. Vomiting and pyrexia developed in three patients. Leukocyte counts,
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products were
      elevated, and thrombocytopenia was evident. Extremely elevated LDH and severe
      thrombocytopenia were characteristic at the time encephalopathy became apparent.
      All patients received oral fosfomycin, intravenous antibiotics, and anticoagulant
      therapy, three received gamma globulin, plasma exchange, and blood transfusion,
      and two received steroids and dialysis. Three patients required mechanical
      ventilation, and two adult patients died. E. coli O111 positive for Shiga toxin 2
      was detected in stool culture in two patients, and serological tests for E. coli
      O111 were positive in the other two patients. In conclusion, EHEC O111 can cause
      severe illness in children and adults, and the prognosis becomes poorer as the
      severity of complications increases. Close monitoring including platelet counts
      and LDH are useful. Once these clinical parameters change, intensive treatment
      should be provided to prevent the development of severe complications.

PMID- 22080203
TI  - Iliopsoas abscess caused by Aspergillus fumigatus complicated by pulmonary
      aspergillosis.
AB  - We report a case of iliopsoas abscess caused by Aspergillus fumigatus with
      pulmonary complications. A 60-year-old man was admitted to the Showa University
      Hospital Department of Gastroenterology with fulminant hepatitis B on April 14,
      2010, and treated with steroids. Although fulminant hepatitis B was improved by
      steroid and symptomatic therapy, he developed a fever on hospital day 39. The
      chest X-ray film showed a nodular lesion in the right middle-lower lung field,
      and both the (1 -> 3)-beta-D: -glucan and Candida mannan antigen tests were
      positive. The beta-D: -glucan level increased despite treatment with fluconazole
      and other drugs, including low-dose micafungin. Abdominal computed tomography
      showed a low-density area in the right iliopsoas muscle. He was then referred to
      the Department of Clinical Infectious Diseases. A. fumigatus was isolated from
      the iliopsoas lesion and the pulmonary lesion after specimens were obtained by
      aspiration and bronchofiberscopy, respectively, leading to a diagnosis of fungal
      iliopsoas abscess. Steroid therapy was tapered early, the abscess was drained,
      and the micafungin dose was increased. This treatment led to improvement of the
      fever, inflammatory reaction, beta-D: -glucan level, and lesions of the lung and
      iliopsoas muscle. In preparation for discharge, treatment was changed to
      voriconazole (parenteral -> per oral) followed by itraconazole (per oral). His
      clinical course was satisfactory, and there was no recurrence after antifungal
      therapy was stopped. We conclude that after invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
      developed, A. fumigatus spread hematogenously to create an extremely rare
      iliopsoas abscess. The beta-D: -glucan level closely reflected the response to
      treatment and was useful for follow-up.

PMID- 22080204
TI  - Enhanced production of beta-carotene by recombinant industrial wine yeast using
      grape juice as substrate.
AB  - In this study, both recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae T73-63 and FY-09 derived
      from the industrial wine yeast T73-4 and laboratory yeast FY1679-01B,
      respectively, were constructed and compared for their beta-carotene production in
      real grape juice. The results showed that highest beta-carotene content (5.89
      mg/g) was found in strain T73-63, which was 2.1 fold higher than that of strain
      FY-09. Although the cell growth was inhibited by the metabolic burden induced by
      the production of heterogeneous beta-carotene, the pigment yield in T73-63 was
      still 1.7 fold higher than that of FY-09. Furthermore, high contents of
      ergosterol and fatty acid were also observed in T73-63. These results suggest
      that industrial wine yeast has highly active metabolic flux in mevalonate
      pathway, which leads to more carbon flux into carotenoid branch compared to that
      of laboratory yeast. The results of this study collectively suggest that in the
      application of recombinant strains to produce carotenoid using agro-industrial by
      products as substrate, the suitable host strains should have active mevalonate
      pathway. For this purpose, the industrial wine yeast is a suitable candidate.

PMID- 22080205
TI  - 4-Component relativistic magnetically induced current density using London atomic
      orbitals.
AB  - We present the implementation and application of 4-component relativistic
      magnetically induced current density using London atomic orbitals for self
      consistent field models. We obtain a magnetically balanced basis by a simple
      scheme where orbitals obtained by imposing restricted kinetic balance are
      extended by their unrestricted kinetic balance complement. The presented
      methodology makes it possible to analyze the concept of aromaticity based on the
      ring current criterion for closed-shell molecules across the periodic table and
      is independent of the choice of gauge origin. As a first illustration of the
      methodology we study plots of the magnetically induced current density and its
      divergence in the series C(5)H(5)E (E = CH, N, P, As, Sb, Bi) at the Kohn-Sham
      level, as well as integrated ring current susceptibilities, which we compare to
      previous results (R. Bast et al., Chem. Phys., 2009, 356, 187) obtained using a
      common gauge origin approach. We find that the current strength decreases
      monotonically along the series, but that all molecules qualify as aromatic
      according to the ring current criterion.

PMID- 22080207
TI  - Role of polyamines, their analogs and transglutaminases in biological and
      clinical perspectives.

PMID- 22080206
TI  - Disease mutations in disordered regions--exception to the rule?
AB  - Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) have been implicated in a number of
      human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular
      disorders. Although for some of these conditions molecular mechanisms are now
      better understood, the big picture connecting distinct structural properties and
      functional repertoire of IDPs to pathogenesis and disease progression is still
      incomplete. Recent studies suggest that signaling and regulatory roles carried
      out by IDPs require them to be tightly regulated, and that altered IDP abundance
      may lead to disease. Here, we propose another link between IDPs and disease that
      takes into account disease-associated missense mutations located in the
      intrinsically disordered regions. We argue that such mutations are more prevalent
      and have larger functional impact than previously thought. In addition, we
      demonstrate that deleterious amino acid substitutions that cause disorder-to
      order transitions are particularly enriched among disease mutations compared to
      neutral polymorphisms. Finally, we discuss potential differences in functional
      outcomes between disease mutations in ordered and disordered regions, and
      challenge the conventional structure-centric view of missense mutations.

PMID- 22080208
TI  - Chemically modified diamond-like carbon (DLC) for protein enrichment and
      profiling by MALDI-MS.
AB  - The development of new high throughput methods based on different materials with
      chemical modifications for protein profiling of complex mixtures leads towards
      biomarkers; used particularly for early diagnosis of a disease. In this work,
      diamond-like carbon (DLC) is developed and optimized for serum protein profiling
      by matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). This
      study is carried out in connection with a material-based approach, termed as
      material-enhanced laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. DLC is selected
      as carrier surface which provides large surface to volume ratio and offers high
      sensitivity. DLC has a dual role of working as MALDI target while acting as an
      interface for protein profiling by specifically binding peptides and proteins out
      of serum samples. Serum constituents are bound through immobilized metal ion
      affinity chromatography (IMAC) functionality, created through glycidyl
      methacrylate polymerization under ultraviolet light followed by further
      derivatization with iminodiacetic acid and copper ion loading. Scanning electron
      microscopy highlights the morphological characteristics of DLC surface. It could
      be demonstrated that IMAC functionalized DLC coatings represent a powerful
      material in trapping biomolecules for their further analysis by MALDI-MS
      resulting in improved sensitivity, specificity and capacity in comparison to
      other protein-profiling methods.

PMID- 22080209
TI  - Identification of human salivary transglutaminases.
AB  - Transglutaminases (TGs) expression and enzymatic activities in human saliva were
      investigated. Specific antibodies showed the co-existence of TG1, TG2, TG3 and
      TG4. TG2 and TG3 were found in native and multiple proteolytic forms. Our data
      indicate that TG1 and TG2 isoenzymes are highly active with the major activity
      attributed to TG1. These findings pave the way for future studies on the
      physiological role of TG in the oral cavity and the potential impact of their
      deregulation in TG-associated oral diseases.

PMID- 22080211
TI  - Sino-orbital osteoma with osteoblastoma-like features: case reports.
AB  - Most of the orbital osteomas arise from the adjacent paranasal sinuses. Some of
      them may contain osteoblastoma-like areas and may be misdiagnosed as
      osteoblastoma, both radiologically as well as histopathologically. Sino-orbital
      osteomas with osteoblastoma-like features show a typical radiological appearance.
      They have a distinct zonal pattern, in which less dense osteoblastoma-like areas
      are located at the base of the lesion and dense mature bone is located at the
      periphery. These broad-based bone lesions also have a tendency for extracavitary
      polypoid growths from the paranasal sinus into the adjacent orbit. We report here
      the CT and MR imaging findings of three cases with sino-orbital osteoma with
      osteoblastoma-like features.

PMID- 22080210
TI  - Electrophilic fluorination of cationic Pt-aryl complexes.
AB  - The electrophilic fluorination of several (triphos)Pt-aryl(+) establishes the
      first example of aryl-F coupling from a Pt center.

PMID- 22080212
TI  - Effects of dialysis on the pharmacokinetics of salazosulfapyridine.
AB  - There was no standard or report for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      patients on hemodialysis with Salazosulfapyridine (SASP). We examined the
      pharmacokinetics of SASP and its metabolites in RA patient on hemodialysis.
      Hemodialysis was started 2 h after administration of SASP at a dose of 250 or 500
      mg. Blood samples were took 8 times during the observation period. The
      concentration of SASP and its metabolites (SP, Ac-SP) in blood sample were
      measured. There was no difference for the concentration of SASP before and after
      hemodialysis. Results showed SASP was nondialyzable, but SP and AC-SP were
      dialyzable. At a dose of 500 mg, AUC0-infinity of SASP and SP were higher than
      healthy volunteer. Therapy with SASP for hemodialysis RA should be started at a
      lower dose for adverse event risk.

PMID- 22080213
TI  - The mathematical origins of the kinetic compensation effect: 1. The effect of
      random experimental errors.
AB  - The kinetic compensation effect states that there is a linear relationship
      between Arrhenius parameters ln A and E for a family of related processes. It is
      a widely observed phenomenon in many areas of science, notably heterogeneous
      catalysis. This paper explores one of the mathematical, rather than
      physicochemical, explanations for the compensation effect and for the isokinetic
      relationship. It is demonstrated, both theoretically and by numerical
      simulations, that random errors in kinetic data generate an apparent compensation
      effect (sometimes termed the statistical compensation effect) when the true
      Arrhenius parameters are constant. Expressions for the gradient of data points on
      a plot of ln A against E are derived when experimental kinetic data are analysed
      by linear regression, by non-linear regression and by weighted linear regression.
      It is shown that the most appropriate analysis technique depends critically on
      the error structure of the kinetic data. Whenever data points on a plot of ln A
      against E are in a straight line with a gradient close to 1/RT, then confidence
      ellipses should be calculated for each data point to investigate whether the
      apparent compensation effect arises from random errors in the kinetic
      measurements or has some other origin.

PMID- 22080214
TI  - Dynamic optimization of signal transduction via intrinsic disorder.
AB  - It is widely accepted that the inherent flexibility of intrinsically disordered
      proteins (IDPs) correlates with essential functions in the cell such as
      signaling. However, the mechanisms by which disorder dynamically facilitates and
      optimizes signal transduction remain unclear. In this study, we have used a
      computational protocol to evaluate the interplay between the intrinsic disorder
      of p27(kip1) and the collective motions of its binding partners, cyclin dependent
      kinase 2 (CDK2) and cyclin A (CA). We found that the synergy between intrinsic
      disorder of p27(kip1) and the essential collective motions of the CDK2-CA complex
      introduces a set of sequential steps to dynamically optimize signal transduction.
      Our observations indicate that optimized p27(kip1)-mediated signaling originates
      from a combination of adaptive folding, and the cooperativity between its
      residual disorder and the functional collective motions of the CDK2-CA complex.

PMID- 22080215
TI  - Beneficial effect of taurine on hypoxia- and glutamate-induced endoplasmic
      reticulum stress pathways in primary neuronal culture.
AB  - Stroke (hypoxia) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the developed
      countries, and it can induce excessive glutamate release and endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress. Taurine, as a free amino acid, present in high
      concentrations in a range of organs in mammals, can provide protection against
      multiple neurological diseases. Here, we present a study to investigate the
      potential protective benefits of taurine against ER stress induced by glutamate
      and hypoxia/reoxygenation in primary cortical neuronal cultures. We found that
      taurine suppresses the up-regulation of caspase-12 and GADD153/CHOP induced by
      hypoxia/reoxygenation, suggesting that taurine may exert a protective function
      against hypoxia/reoxygenation by reducing the ER stress. Moreover, taurine can
      down-regulate the ratio of cleaved ATF6 and full length ATF6, and p-IRE1
      expression, indicating that taurine inhibits the ER stress induced by
      hypoxia/reoxygenation and glutamate through suppressing ATF6 and IRE1 pathways.

PMID- 22080216
TI  - A simple screening method using ion chromatography for the diagnosis of cerebral
      creatine deficiency syndromes.
AB  - Cerebral creatine deficiency syndromes (CCDS) are caused by genetic defects in L
      arginine:glycine amidinotransferase, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase or
      creatine transporter 1. CCDS are characterized by abnormal concentrations of
      urinary creatine (CR), guanidinoacetic acid (GA), or creatinine (CN). In this
      study, we describe a simple HPLC method to determine the concentrations of CR,
      GA, and CN using a weak-acid ion chromatography column with a UV detector without
      any derivatization. CR, GA, and CN were separated clearly with the retention
      times (mean +/- SD, n = 3) of 5.54 +/- 0.0035 min for CR, 6.41 +/- 0.0079 min for
      GA, and 13.53 +/- 0.046 min for CN. This new method should provide a simple
      screening test for the diagnosis of CCDS.

PMID- 22080217
TI  - cDNA-AFLP-based genetical genomics in cotton fibers.
AB  - Genetical genomics, or genetic analysis applied to gene expression data, has not
      been widely used in plants. We used quantitative cDNA-AFLP to monitor the
      variation in the expression level of cotton fiber transcripts among a population
      of inter-specific Gossypium hirsutum * G. barbadense recombinant inbred lines
      (RILs). Two key fiber developmental stages, elongation (10 days post anthesis,
      dpa), and secondary cell wall thickening (22 dpa), were studied. Normalized
      intensity ratios of 3,263 and 1,201 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs)
      segregating over 88 RILs were analyzed for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping
      for the 10 and 22 dpa fibers, respectively. Two-thirds of all TDFs mapped between
      1 and 6 eQTLs (LOD > 3.5). Chromosome 21 had a higher density of eQTLs than other
      chromosomes in both data sets and, within chromosomes, hotspots of presumably
      trans-acting eQTLs were identified. The eQTL hotspots were compared to the
      location of phenotypic QTLs for fiber characteristics among the RILs, and several
      cases of co-localization were detected. Quantitative RT-PCR for 15 sequenced TDFs
      showed that 3 TDFs had at least one eQTL at a similar location to those
      identified by cDNA-AFLP, while 3 other TDFs mapped an eQTL at a similar location
      but with opposite additive effect. In conclusion, cDNA-AFLP proved to be a cost
      effective and highly transferable platform for genome-wide and population-wide
      gene expression profiling. Because TDFs are anonymous, further validation and
      interpretation (in silico analysis, qPCR gene profiling) of the eQTL and eQTL
      hotspots will be facilitated by the increasing availability of cDNA and genomic
      sequence resources in cotton.

PMID- 22080218
TI  - Self-replication reactions dependent on tertiary interaction motifs in an RNA
      ligase ribozyme.
AB  - RNA can function both as an informational molecule and as a catalyst in living
      organisms. This duality is the premise of the RNA world hypothesis. However, one
      flaw in the hypothesis that RNA was the most essential molecule in primitive life
      is that no RNA self-replicating system has been found in nature. To verify
      whether RNA has the potential for self-replication, we constructed a new RNA self
      assembling ribozyme that could have conducted an evolvable RNA self-replication
      reaction. The artificially designed, in vitro selected ligase ribozyme was
      employed as a prototype for a self-assembling ribozyme. The ribozyme is composed
      of two RNA fragments (form R1.Z1) that recognize another R1.Z1 molecule as their
      substrate and perform the high turnover ligation reaction via two RNA tertiary
      interaction motifs. Furthermore, the substrate recognition of R1.Z1 is tolerant
      of mutations, generating diversity in the corresponding RNA self-replicating
      network. Thus, we propose that our system implies the significance of RNA
      tertiary motifs in the early RNA molecular evolution of the RNA world.

PMID- 22080219
TI  - Quantum dot/cyclodextrin supramolecular systems based on efficient molecular
      recognition and their use for sensing.
AB  - A supramolecular system based on ketoprofen functionalised CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles
      and pyrene-modified beta-CD was prepared and successfully used for molecular
      sensing of different analytes. In addition, a strategy for the individual
      recovery of all the components of the sensing assay is reported.

PMID- 22080221
TI  - Discriminating male and female voices: differentiating pitch and gender.
AB  - Gender is salient, socially critical information obtained from faces and voices,
      yet the brain processes underlying gender discrimination have not been well
      studied. We investigated neural correlates of gender processing of voices in two
      ERP studies. In the first, ERP differences were seen between female and male
      voices starting at 87 ms, in both spatial-temporal and peak analyses,
      particularly the fronto-central N1 and P2. As pitch differences may drive gender
      differences, the second study used normal, high- and low-pitch voices. The
      results of these studies suggested that differences in pitch produced early
      effects (27-63 ms). Gender effects were seen on N1 (120 ms) with implicit pitch
      processing (study 1), but were not seen with manipulations of pitch (study 2),
      demonstrating that N1 was modulated by attention. P2 (between 170 and 230 ms)
      discriminated male from female voices, independent of pitch. Thus, these data
      show that there are two stages in voice gender processing; a very early pitch or
      frequency discrimination and a later more accurate determination of gender at the
      P2 latency.

PMID- 22080220
TI  - Outcome of closed ipsilateral metacarpal fractures treated with mini fragment
      plates and screws: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Closed multiple metacarpal fractures are considered highly unstable
      and are more prone to poor functional outcome. The authors assess the functional
      outcome of mini fragment plate fixation in closed ipsilateral multiple metacarpal
      fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 21 patients with closed ipsilateral multiple
      metacarpal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using mini
      fragment plate, functional outcome was assessed using the American Society for
      Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Total Active Flexion (TAF) score and the Disabilities
      of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scoring system. RESULTS: Union rate of 100%
      was achieved. Functional outcome was excellent in 85.71% (18 of 21) and good in
      9% (2 of 21) of patients. Average DASH score was 8.47 (range 1-26). Five cases of
      infection (two deep, three superficial) were reported, which subsided with
      dressings and antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation is a good option for
      treating closed ipsilateral multiple metacarpal fractures, providing rigid
      fixation for early mobilization and good functional outcome.

PMID- 22080222
TI  - Sensory handedness is not reflected in cortical responses after basic nerve
      stimulation: a MEG study.
AB  - Motor dominance is well established, but sensory dominance is much less clear. We
      therefore studied the cortical evoked magnetic fields using
      magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a group of 20 healthy right handed subjects in
      order to examine whether standard electrical stimulation of the median and ulnar
      nerve demonstrated sensory lateralization. The global field power (GFP) curves,
      as an indication of cortical activation, did not depict sensory lateralization to
      the dominant left hemisphere. Comparison of the M20, M30, and M70 peak latencies
      and GFP values exhibited no statistical differences between the hemispheres,
      indicating no sensory hemispherical dominance at these latencies for each nerve.
      Field maps at these latencies presented a first and second polarity reversal for
      both median and ulnar stimulation. Spatial dipole position parameters did not
      reveal statistical left-right differences at the M20, M30 and M70 peaks for both
      nerves. Neither did the dipolar strengths at M20, M30 and M70 show a statistical
      left-right difference for both nerves. Finally, the Laterality Indices of the
      M20, M30 and M70 strengths did not indicate complete lateralization to one of the
      hemispheres. After electrical median and ulnar nerve stimulation no evidence was
      found for sensory hand dominance in brain responses of either hand, as measured
      by MEG. The results can provide a new assessment of patients with sensory
      dysfunctions or perceptual distortion when sensory dominance occurs way beyond
      the estimated norm.

PMID- 22080223
TI  - Orthostatic hypotension in very old individuals living in nursing homes:  the
      PARTAGE study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Orthostatic hypotension has a prognostic role in determining
      cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the
      prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and its association with blood pressure
      (BP) levels, arterial stiffness, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and
      medication in individuals aged 80 years and over living in nursing home. METHODS:
      In 994 individuals (77% women, mean age 88+/-5 years), the presence of
      orthostatic hypotension was tested according to American Autonomic Society and
      American Academy of Neurology guidelines. Arterial stiffness was evaluated with
      carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), peripheral to central pulse
      pressure amplification (PPA) and augmentation index. Cardiovascular and metabolic
      disorders as well as medications were recorded from patients' medical records.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension was 18%. Treated hypertensive
      patients with SBP 140 mmHg or less had a lower prevalence of orthostatic
      hypotension than patients with SBP more than 140 mmHg (respectively, 13 vs. 23%;
      P < 0.001). Individuals with orthostatic hypotension exhibited higher brachial
      and central PP than individuals without orthostatic hypotension (respectively,
      69+/-18 vs. 65+/-16 mmHg and 57+/-17 vs. 54+/-15 mmHg; P < 0.01). In these same
      individuals, a significant increase in augmentation index (31.1+/-14.0 vs. 27.2+/
      13.6%; P < 0.01), but not in cf-PWV or in PPA, was observed. Individuals with
      orthostatic hypotension were treated more frequently with beta-blockers and less
      frequently with angiotensin receptor blockers or nitrates than individuals
      without orthostatic hypotension (P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSION: Contrary to the
      general belief, elderly individuals with well controlled BP (SBP < 140 mmHg) show
      lower orthostatic hypotension, thus constituting a complementary argument for
      efficaciously treating hypertension in these individuals.

PMID- 22080224
TI  - Modelling the impact on avoidable cardiovascular disease burden and costs of
      interventions to lower SBP in the England population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of disease from cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains
      significant in England. Blood pressure remains an important risk factor. Health
      gain through public health measures and improving treatment compliance are
      potentially likely to be high. We assess the impact of known cost-effective
      interventions in terms of the avoidable CVD burden and costs by comparing these
      strategies to the current situation. METHODS: We modelled avoidable CVD outcomes
      simulating the English population aged over 16 years with Excel spreadsheets for
      the current prevention/treatment and following various interventions over a 10
      year time frame. The outcome measures were avoidable incident heart disease and
      stroke events, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Costs are
      reported from the health service perspective. We analysed relative cost
      effectiveness, undertook sensitivity analysis and measured relative impacts of
      different strategies on avoidable burden of disease. RESULTS: The assessed
      interventions have a potential to reduce the current burden of disease between 70
      000 and about 1 million DALYs over the 10-year frame. Although all interventions
      were cost-effective, some (e.g. Salt reduction in the population and 'Dietary
      Approaches to Stop Hypertension-sodium', which modelled the impact of salt
      reduction and dietary approaches) were cost-saving. The cost-effectiveness of
      treatment strategies was sensitive to drug costs. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based
      interventions appropriately scaled up for both prevention and treatment of blood
      pressure lead to important additional potential health gains. There was
      noticeable variance in cost-effectiveness and impact among the different
      interventions at a population level. Taking into account impact, priority should
      be given to prevention to reduce blood pressure at a population level through
      reduced salt consumption.

PMID- 22080225
TI  - Microalbuminuria breakthrough under chronic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
      suppression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Microalbuminuria has been shown to be a potent predictor for future
      development of cardiovascular and renal events that can be prevented by the use
      of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin receptor
      blockers (ARBs). Both classes of drugs are now-a-days widely used in the
      treatment of arterial hypertension since the very early stages of the cardiorenal
      continuum when only cardiovascular risk factors are detected. We describe here
      the development of de-novo microalbuminuria in patients chronically treated with
      either an ACEi or an ARB at adequate doses. METHODS: We reviewed the evolution of
      1433 patients (mean age 60.5 +/- 12.4 years, 50.3% men, 6.6% having type 2
      diabetes), arriving in our hospital-based Hypertension Unit previously treated
      for a least 2 years either with an ACEi or an ARB, at adequate doses, alone or in
      combination with other antihypertensive drugs. RESULTS: A total of 184 (16.1%)
      patients developed new-onset microalbuminuria, whereas macroalbuminuria was
      detected in 11 (1.0%) patients at the end of follow-up. Albuminuria appeared at
      any level of blood pressure (BP) from below 130/80 mmHg, albeit the highest
      percentage was seen when SBP was above 160 mmHg. De-novo microalbuminuria was
      more frequent in those patients presenting with established cardiovascular
      disease and predicts the future development of cardiovascular events but was not
      accompanied by a significant worsening of renal function. CONCLUSION: These data
      indicate that a reappraisal of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
      suppression is required when microalbuminuria appears in patients under chronic
      RAAS suppression.

PMID- 22080226
TI  - In-vivo administration of CLC-K kidney chloride channels inhibitors increases
      water diuresis in rats:  a new drug target for hypertension?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The human kidney-specific chloride channels ClC-Ka (rodent ClC-K1) and
      ClC-Kb (rodent ClC-K2) are important determinants of renal function,
      participating to urine concentration and blood pressure regulation mechanisms.
      Here we tested the hypothesis that these chloride channels could represent new
      drug targets for inducing diuretic and antihypertensive effects. METHODS: To this
      purpose, the CLC-K blockers benzofuran derivatives MT-189 and RT-93 (10, 50, 100
      mg/kg), were acutely administered by gavage in Wistar rats, and pharmacodynamic
      and pharmacokinetic parameters determined by functional, bioanalytical,
      biochemical and molecular biology assays. RESULTS: Plasma concentration values
      for MT-189 and RT-93 were indicative of good bioavailability. Both MT-189 and RT
      93 dose-dependently increased urine volume without affecting electrolyte balance.
      A comparable reduction of SBP was observed in rats after MT-189, RT-93 or
      furosemide administration. Benzofuran derivatives treatment did not affect kidney
      CLC-K mRNA level or inner medulla osmolality, whereas a significant vasopressin
      independent down-regulation of aquaporin water channel type 2 was observed at
      protein and transcriptional levels. In rats treated with benzofuran derivatives,
      the observed polyuria was mainly water diuresis; this finding indirectly supports
      a cross-talk between chloride and water transport in nephron. Moreover,
      preliminary in-vitro evaluation of the drugs capability to cross the blood-inner
      ear barrier suggests that these compounds have a limited ability to induce
      potential auditory side effects. CONCLUSION: CLC-K blockers may represent a new
      class of drugs for the treatment of conditions associated with expanded
      extracellular volume, with a hopeful high therapeutic potential for hypertensive
      patients carrying ClC-K gain-of-function polymorphisms.

PMID- 22080227
TI  - The mathematical origins of the kinetic compensation effect: 2. The effect of
      systematic errors.
AB  - The kinetic compensation effect states that there is a linear relationship
      between Arrhenius parameters ln A and E for a family of related processes. It is
      a widely observed phenomenon in many areas of science, notably heterogeneous
      catalysis. This paper explores mathematical, rather than physicochemical,
      explanations for the compensation effect in certain situations. Three different
      topics are covered theoretically and illustrated by examples. Firstly, the effect
      of systematic errors in experimental kinetic data is explored, and it is shown
      that these create apparent compensation effects. Secondly, analysis of kinetic
      data when the Arrhenius parameters depend on another parameter is examined. In
      the case of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments when the
      activation energy depends on surface coverage, it is shown that a common analysis
      method induces a systematic error, causing an apparent compensation effect.
      Thirdly, the effect of analysing the temperature dependence of an overall rate of
      reaction, rather than a rate constant, is investigated. It is shown that this can
      create an apparent compensation effect, but only under some conditions. This
      result is illustrated by a case study for a unimolecular reaction on a catalyst
      surface. Overall, the work highlights the fact that, whenever a kinetic
      compensation effect is observed experimentally, the possibility of it having a
      mathematical origin should be carefully considered before any physicochemical
      conclusions are drawn.

PMID- 22080229
TI  - Seeding approach to noble metal decorated conducting polymer nanofiber network.
AB  - Metal displacement reactions between conducting polymers-"synthetic metals"-and
      noble metals (Pt, Au and Ag) have been demonstrated using a seeding
      polymerization technique, to produce a synthetic metal nanofiber network
      decorated with noble metal nanoparticles, in one-step.

PMID- 22080228
TI  - Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a viable platform for the production of recombinant
      proteins: current status and perspectives.
AB  - Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has many advantages compared with traditional systems
      for the molecular farming of recombinant proteins. These include low production
      costs, rapid scalability at pilot level, absence of human pathogens and the
      ability to fold and assemble complex proteins accurately. Currently, the
      successful expression of several proteins with pharmaceutical relevance has been
      reported from the nuclear and the chloroplastic genome of this alga,
      demonstrating its usefulness for biotechnological applications. However, several
      factors affect the level of recombinant protein expression in Chlamydomonas such
      as enhancer elements, codon dependency, sensitivity to proteases and
      transformation-associated genotypic modification. The present review outlines a
      number of strategies to increase protein yields and summarizes recent
      achievements in algal protein production including biopharmaceuticals such as
      vaccines, antibodies, hormones and enzymes with implications on health-related
      approaches. The current status of bioreactor developments for algal culture and
      the challenges of scale-up and optimization processes are also discussed.

PMID- 22080230
TI  - Pathophysiology of postprandial hyperglycaemia in women with type 1 diabetes
      during pregnancy.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Although maternal hyperglycaemia is associated with increased
      risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, the mechanisms of postprandial hyperglycaemia
      during pregnancy are poorly understood. We aimed to describe glucose turnover in
      pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, according to stage of gestation (early vs
      late gestation). METHODS: The rates of systemic glucose appearance (R(a)) and
      glucose disposal (R(d)) were measured in ten pregnant women with type 1 diabetes
      during early (12-16 weeks) and late (28-32 weeks) gestation. Women ate
      standardised meals--a starch-rich 80 g carbohydrate dinner and a sugar-rich 60 g
      carbohydrate breakfast--and fasted between meals and overnight. Stable-label
      isotope tracers ([6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose and [U-(13)C]glucose) were used to
      determine R(a), R(d) and glucose bioavailability. Closed-loop insulin delivery
      maintained stable glycaemic conditions. RESULTS: There were no changes in fasting
      R(a) (10 +/- 2 vs 11 +/- 2 MUmol kg(-1) min(-1); p = 0.32) or fasting R(d) (11 +/
      2 vs 11 +/- 1 MUmol kg(-1) min(-1); p = 0.77) in early vs late gestation. There
      was increased hepatic insulin resistance (381 +/- 237 vs 540 +/- 242 MUmol kg(-1)
      min(-1) * pmol/l; p = 0.04) and decreased peripheral insulin sensitivity (0.09 +/
      0.04 vs 0.05 +/- 0.02 MUmol kg(-1) min(-1) per pmol/l dinner, 0.11 +/- 0.05 vs
      0.07 +/- 0.03 MUmol kg(-1) min(-1) per pmol/l breakfast; p = 0.002) in late
      gestation. It also took longer for insulin levels to reach maximal concentrations
      (49 [37-55] vs 71 [52-108] min; p = 0.004) with significantly delayed glucose
      disposal (108 [87-125] vs 135 [110-158] min; p = 0.005) in late gestation.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Postprandial glucose control is impaired by
      significantly slower glucose disposal in late gestation. Early prandial insulin
      dosing may help to accelerate glucose disposal and potentially ameliorate
      postprandial hyperglycaemia in late pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN
      62568875 FUNDING: Diabetes UK Project Grant BDA 07/003551. H.R. Murphy is funded
      by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) research fellowship
      (PDF/08/01/036). Supported also by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
      (JDRF), Abbott Diabetes Care (Freestyle Navigator CGM and sensors free of
      charge), Medical Research Council Centre for Obesity and Related Metabolic
      Diseases and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.

PMID- 22080231
TI  - Diabetes: impaired damage control.
AB  - A coordinated response by the innate immune system, (micro)circulation and
      nervous system is needed to limit tissue destruction and to initiate reparative
      processes after tissue damage. Alterations in danger signals in diabetes can be
      an important cause of the excessive tissue loss and defective tissue repair after
      injury and can contribute to the higher rates of cardiac failure after myocardial
      infarction, more severe tissue loss in the case of peripheral ischaemia and
      impaired wound healing. Here we discuss the mechanisms underlying this impaired
      damage control in diabetes, with an emphasis on the proinflammatory cytokine high
      mobility group box 1 and the potential role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition
      in improving repair responses.

PMID- 22080232
TI  - Detecting scale violations in absence of mismatch requires music-syntactic
      analysis: a further look at the early right anterior negativity (ERAN).
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether infrequent scale violations in
      a sequence of in-key notes are detected when the deviants are matched for
      frequency of occurrence and preceding intervals with the control notes. We
      further investigated whether the detectability of scale violations is modulated
      by the presence of melodic context and by the level of musical training. Event
      related potentials were recorded from 14 musicians and 13 non-musicians. In non
      musicians, the out-of-key notes elicited an early right anterior negativity
      (ERAN), which appeared prominently over right frontal sites only when presented
      within structured sequences; no effects were found when the out-of-key notes were
      presented within scrambled sequences. In musicians, the out-of-key notes elicited
      a similar bilateral ERAN in structured and scrambled sequences. Our findings
      suggest that scale information is processed at the level of music-syntactic
      analysis, and that the detection of deviants does not require activation of
      auditory sensory memory by mismatch effects. Scales are perceived as a broader
      context, not just as online interval relations. Additional melodic context
      information appears necessary to support the representation of scale deviants in
      non-musicians, but not in musically-trained individuals, likely as a consequence
      of stronger pre-existing representations.

PMID- 22080233
TI  - Increasing visible-light absorption for photocatalysis with black BiOCl.
AB  - Black BiOCl with oxygen vacancies was prepared by UV light irradiation with Ar
      blowing. The as-prepared black BiOCl sample showed 20 times higher visible light
      photocatalytic activity than white BiOCl for RhB degradation. The trapping
      experiment showed that the superoxide radical (O(2)(*-)) and holes (h(+)) were
      the main active species in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation.

PMID- 22080234
TI  - Catechin protects against oxidative stress and inflammatory-mediated
      cardiotoxicity in adriamycin-treated rats.
AB  - Catechin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Cardiotoxicity, which
      results from intense cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation, is the main
      limiting factor of the adriamycin use in the treatment of malignant tumors. Thus,
      the present study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
      of catechin on adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Forty-five rats were
      allocated to three groups: control group, adriamycin group and adriamycin +
      catechin group. We performed the following measurements: lipid peroxidation
      (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) activities as well as, the expression of inflammatory cytokines genes
      namely nuclear factor kappa-B, tumor necrosis factor and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase. Catechin administration significantly decreased MDA level and
      significantly increased CAT, GSH-Px and SOD activities. Also, catechin
      significantly decreased the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines. Catechin
      provided cardioprotection on adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity through their
      antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

PMID- 22080235
TI  - Antiproliferative in vitro effects of BI 2536-mediated PLK1 inhibition on
      cervical adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - Cervical adenocarcinoma is one of the most common gynecological malignancies.
      Despite the improvements in multimodality treatment, advanced disease is still
      associated with a significantly poor prognosis making the search for more
      effective therapeutic agents imperative. BI 2536, an unambiguous inhibitor of
      Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), has shown anticancer activity in a variety of tumor
      cell types. Herein, we present more evidence of the antiproliferative effects of
      this drug on HeLa cells. Nanomolar concentrations (10-100 nmol/l) of the drug
      significantly decreased cell proliferation and clonogenic capacity. Our results
      also demonstrate that inhibition of PLK1 promoted G2/M arrest and resulted in a
      dramatic increase in the mitotic index after 24 h of treatment. Apoptosis onset
      was evinced by the accumulation of a sub-G1 population as well as by a
      significant increase in caspase-3 activity at longer periods of exposure. Taken
      together, our results reinforce the prospect of directing against PLK1 as a
      potential therapeutic target to be evaluated in different preclinical models for
      cervical carcinoma.

PMID- 22080236
TI  - Tissue effects of intracorporeal lithotripsy techniques during percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy: comparison of pneumatic and ultrasonic lithotripters on rat
      bladder.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine the tissue effects of ultrasonic
      and pneumatic lithotripsy on the rat urothelium. The rats were divided into three
      groups. Groups I and II consisted of ten rats each that underwent intracorporeal
      lithotripsy (pneumatic and ultrasonic lithotripsy, respectively). Group III
      contained ten control rats and no lithotripsy method was used, they served as
      references for absence of injury. The light microscopy findings were evaluated as
      follows: squamous metaplasia, papillary projection, inflammation, increased
      stratification, and stone formation. In five (71.4%) animals of group II,
      bladders were edematous and hemorrhagic, macroscopically. Histologically, the
      bladder wall was normal in four rats of group I and in one of group II. There was
      a significant increase in inflammation (31.5%), squamous metaplasia (85.7%),
      papillary projection (71.4%), increased stratification (71.4%), and microscopic
      or macroscopic stone formation (85.7%) in the bladder wall of group II rats in
      comparison with group I and control group. In the rat model, we noted that
      ultrasonic devices have a potential risk for tissue injury. In turn, this was
      associated with a markedly increased deposition of CaOx stones in the kidney.
      When confronted with harder stones, pneumatic lithotripsy can be more effective
      while also minimizing tissue injury.

PMID- 22080237
TI  - Left unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after oligodendroglioma
      resection.
AB  - A 44-year-old man with a previously resected right parietal oligodendroglioma
      received left unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We present images of
      his brain magnetic resonance imaging, ECT electrode placement, and the
      electroencephalogram tracing from his ECT.

PMID- 22080238
TI  - The effect of repeated etomidate anesthesia on adrenocortical function during a
      course of electroconvulsive therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Etomidate may affect adrenocortical function. We conducted an
      investigation of the comparative effects of etomidate and propofol during
      electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on adrenocortical function and hemodynamics.
      METHODS: Patients in group T received etomidate and those in group B received
      propofol during intravenous anesthesia in ECT. Patients underwent ECT once every
      2 days for 6 times. The serum levels of cortisol (Cor) and adrenocorticotropic
      hormone were determined 5 minutes before first anesthesia (baseline level, D0),
      and 24 hours (D1) as well as 48 hours after the last ECT (D2). At the same time,
      the hemodynamics was measured 2 minutes before anesthetic induction (T0), 30
      seconds (T1) and 20 minutes after ECT (T2). Electrographic seizure duration (t),
      average seizure energy index, and postictal suppression index were recorded.
      RESULTS: Compared with the baseline level, serum Cor levels in group T were
      markedly decreased, but in normal ranges, at 24 hours after second and sixth
      treatments. No significant difference in serum Cor level was observed between the
      baseline and 48 hours posttreatment. In group B, there was no significant
      difference in serum Cor level between the baseline and 24 hours as well as 48
      hours after each treatment. Furthermore, no significant difference in
      adrenocorticotropic hormone level was observed between the baseline and 24 hours
      as well as 48 hours posttreatment. However, the hemodynamics markedly changed
      during ECT and reached the preanesthetic level at 20 minutes posttreatment. The
      ECT-induced seizure duration in group T was longer than that in group B. However,
      seizure energy index and postictal suppression index was not significantly
      different between groups T and B. CONCLUSIONS: Etomidate and propofol would not
      affect the adrenocortical function during ECT, and hemodynamics reached normal
      level in a short time after ECT. Etomidate and propofol were both safe
      intravenous anesthetics during ECT, although etomidate was associated with
      comparatively longer seizure duration.

PMID- 22080239
TI  - A conceptual introduction to cognitive remediation for memory deficits associated
      with right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective
      treatment for people with severe depression, many patients report that treatment
      induced memory problems are the most disturbing and serious adverse effects,
      affecting quality of life after treatment and willingness to consent to further
      ECT sessions. To date, no intervention to mitigate these cognitive deficits has
      been developed. We introduce the methodology of a novel cognitive training
      program called Memory Training for ECT (Mem-ECT) that is based on cognitive
      training in seizure disorders. Mem-ECT is designed to help memories that are
      usually compromised after ECT to remain relatively preserved. METHODS: We
      evaluated the feasibility of implementing Mem-ECT in 8 adult patients with a
      diagnosis of major depressive disorder who underwent right unilateral ECT. This
      open pilot trial assessed recruitment procedures and treatment feasibility such
      as patient's burden and compliance, exercise length, and how best to integrate
      treatment sessions around the patient's schedule before undergoing ECT. RESULTS:
      We found Mem-ECT to be fairly well tolerated by depressed inpatients and easily
      implemented within ECT treatment services. CONCLUSION: We discuss issues for
      future development, including an ongoing treatment-masked controlled study we are
      conducting to test the efficacy of Mem-ECT. Developing a safe and effective
      behavioral strategy to minimize ECT's adverse effects on memory may make ECT a
      more easily tolerated treatment.

PMID- 22080240
TI  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus electroconvulsive therapy for
      the treatment of major depressive disorder, a randomized controlled clinical
      trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies comparing the antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive
      therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have
      reported mixed results. This study compared the efficacy of rTMS and ECT in adult
      patients with refractory major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: This
      randomized, ECT-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial analyzed the
      antidepressant effects of ECT and rTMS in 73 patients with MDD diagnosed
      according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth
      Edition criteria. The Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Rating
      Scale were used to measure depression. RESULTS: Both ECT and rTMS significantly
      improved depression and suicidal behavior scores. However, ECT reduced depression
      and suicidal behavior scores more than rTMS. There were no significant adverse
      effects in the rTMS group. DISCUSSION: Both ECT and rTMS improved MDD in the
      short term, but the antidepressant efficacy of ECT was greater than rTMS.
      Moreover, ECT led to greater reductions in suicidal behavior than rTMS. Until
      strong evidence for the safety and efficacy of rTMS is available, further studies
      are needed to compare ECT and rTMS in terms of the long-term relapse rate and
      quality of life.

PMID- 22080241
TI  - The role of psychosocial factors in the course of pain--a 1-year follow-up study
      among women living in Sweden.
AB  - The understanding of the associations between psychosocial factors and persistent
      pain and their impact on the course of pain among women is crucial to identify
      risk populations and prevent long-term pain from developing. The aim of the study
      was to investigate the course of pain among women and the psychosocial factors
      associated with it. The study was a 1-year follow-up (FU) among 2,300 women in
      the general population of Sweden. Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors were
      analyzed in relation to the course of pain, assessed as the presence of pain
      during the last 3 months at baseline (BL) and at FU. Thirty-three percent of the
      women with no pain at BL and 77% of those with pain at BL reported pain at FU.
      Compared to the pain-free women, those who developed pain at FU reported lower
      social support and physical quality of life (QoL) and worse mental health. Women
      with sustained pain were older and reported worse mental health, lack of social
      support, and lower levels of QoL compared to those who recovered from pain. In
      the multiple logistic regression analyses, only post-traumatic stress symptoms
      were associated with the development of pain at FU. Number of pain locations and
      pain duration at BL and physical QoL were associated with sustained pain.
      Moreover, social support was identified as a protective factor against sustained
      pain. Pain is persistent or recurrent in a general female population. The results
      indicate that psychosocial factors do not work as primary predictors in the
      course of pain and might be better understood through indirect processes by
      limiting the individual's resources for handling pain in a functional manner.

PMID- 22080242
TI  - Contact printing a biomimetic catecholic monolayer on a variety of surfaces and
      derivation reaction.
AB  - Biomimic catecholic "ink" is employed in surface patterning by using microcontact
      printing (MUCP) on a variety of surfaces. The surface chemical patterning can be
      proofed by implementing a derivation reaction, such as specific biological
      recognition and surface-initiated polymerization for growth of polymer brushes.

PMID- 22080243
TI  - Graphene: nanoscale processing and recent applications.
AB  - One of the most interesting features of graphene is the rich physics set up by
      the various nanostructures it may adopt. The planar structure of graphene makes
      this material ideal for patterning at the nanoscale. The breathtakingly fast
      evolution of research on graphene growth and preparation methods has made
      possible the preparation of samples with arbitrary sizes. Available sample
      production techniques, combined with the right patterning tools, can be used to
      tailor the graphene sheet into functional nanostructures, even whole electronic
      circuits. This paper is a review of the existing graphene patterning techniques
      and potential applications of related lithographic methods.

PMID- 22080245
TI  - Pathologic features and molecular phenotype by patient age in a large cohort of
      young women with breast cancer.
AB  - Prior studies have suggested a higher prevalence of high grade, ER-negative, HER2
      positive, and basal-like carcinomas in young women with breast cancer. However,
      the precise distribution of poor prognostic features in this population remains
      unclear. We examined the pathologic features and distribution of molecular
      phenotype in relation to patient age in a large group of young women (<=40 years)
      with invasive breast cancer. Medical records were reviewed for clinical
      characteristics, tumor stage, and receptor status. Pathologic features, including
      those features associated with basal-like carcinomas, were examined by central
      review. Using tumor grade and biomarker expression, cancers were categorized as
      luminal A (ER+ and/or PR+ and HER2-, histologic grade 1 or 2); luminal B (ER+
      and/or PR+ and HER2+, or ER and/or PR+, HER2- and grade 3); HER2 (ER and PR- and
      HER2+); and triple negative (ER-, PR-, and HER2-). Among 399 women of <=40 years,
      33% had luminal A tumors, 35% luminal B, 11% HER2 (ER-negative), and 21% triple
      negative. Compared to published results for all breast cancers, a greater
      proportion of young women had luminal B tumors, and a lesser proportion had
      luminal A. There were no significant differences in molecular phenotype, tumor
      stage or grade among the different age groups of young women. However, this
      population of young women presented with a different distribution of molecular
      phenotypes compared to the general population of women with breast cancer. These
      findings may have implications with regard to the etiology and prognosis of
      breast cancer in young women.

PMID- 22080244
TI  - Cadherin-catenin complex dissociation in lobular neoplasia of the breast.
AB  - E-cadherin (E-CD) inactivation with loss of E-CD-mediated cell adhesion is the
      hallmark of lesions of the lobular phenotype. E-CD is typically absent by
      immunohistochemistry in both lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and invasive
      lobular lesions, suggesting it occurs early in the neoplastic process. In
      laboratory models, downstream post-transcriptional modifiers such as TWIST and
      SNAIL contribute to the dissociation of the intracellular component of the
      cadherin-catenin complex (CCC), resulting in tumor progression and invasion. We
      hypothesized that complete CCC dissociation may play a role in lobular neoplasia
      progression. Here we explore the relationship between loss of E-CD and
      dissociation of the CCC in pure LCIS and LCIS associated with invasive cancer.
      Fresh-frozen tissues were obtained from 36 patients undergoing mastectomy for
      pure LCIS (n = 11), LCIS with ILC (n = 18) or LCIS with IDC (n = 7). Individual
      lesions were subject to laser-capture microdissection and gene-expression
      analysis (Affymetrix HG-U133A 2.0). Immunohistochemistry for ER,PR,HER2, E-CD,N
      CD,alpha-,beta-, and phosphobeta-catenin, TWIST, and SNAIL were evaluated in
      normal, in situ, and invasive components from matched formalin-fixed paraffin
      embedded samples (n = 36). CCC-dissociation was defined as negative membranous E
      CD, alpha- and beta-catenin expression. E-CD was negative in all LCIS and ILC
      lesions, and positive in all normal and IDC lesions. Membranous alpha and beta
      catenin expressions decreased with the transition from LCIS to ILC (pure LCIS
      82%; LCIS w/ILC 28%; ILC 0%), while TWIST expression increased (pure LCIS low;
      LCIS w/ILC moderate; ILC high). Gene expression paralleled IHC-staining patterns
      with a stepwise downregulation of E-CD, alpha and beta-catenins from normal to
      LCIS to invasive lesions, and increasing expression of TWIST from normal to LCIS
      to ILC. Loss of E-CD expression is an early event in lobular neoplasia.
      Decreasing membranous catenin expression in tandem with increasing levels of
      TWIST across the spectrum of lobular lesions suggests that CCC dissociation is a
      progressive process.

PMID- 22080246
TI  - Endocrine therapy in obese patients with primary breast cancer: another piece of
      evidence in an unfinished puzzle.
AB  - Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) >=30 is an independent risk factor in
      breast cancer and is correlated with shorter survival and enhanced recurrence
      rates. The present subgroup analysis of the German BRENDA-cohort aimed to
      investigate the correlation between BMI, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and
      adjuvant endocrine therapy. In this subgroup analysis, 4,636 patients were
      retrospectively examined using multivariate analyses. Overall 3,759 (81.1%)
      patients had a BMI <30 (non-obese) and 877 (18.9%) a BMI >=30 (obese). In the
      group of all 3,896 (84.0%) patients with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) breast
      carcinomas a significant reduction in RFS was demonstrated for those who were
      obese (P = 0.002; HR = 1.45 (95% CI: 1.15-1.83)), also after adjustment for
      Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) (P = 0.028; HR = 1.30 (95% CI: 1.03-1.65)). In
      hormone-receptor-negative (HR-) patients BMI had no influence on RFS (P = 0.380;
      HR = 1.20 (95% CI: 0.80-1.81)). Considering menopausal status, a significantly
      shorter RFS was seen in postmenopausal obese than in non-obese patients (P <
      0.001; HR = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.24-2.09)), whereas the premenopausal patient group
      only showed a trend towards a shorter RFS (P = 0.202; HR = 1.44 (95% CI: 0.82
      2.53)). The group of HR+ postmenopausal patients with normal or intermediate
      weight showed a non-significant statistical trend towards a survival benefit for
      aromatase inhibitors (AI) compared to tamoxifen (RFS: P = 0.486; HR = 1.29 (95%
      CI: 0.63-2.62), while obese patients tended to benefit more from tamoxifen (RFS:
      P = 0.289; HR = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.29-1.45)). In accordance with recently published
      results we demonstrated a negative effect of a high BMI on outcome in primary
      breast cancer. Furthermore the efficacy of AI seems dependent on BMI in contrast
      to tamoxifen. Prospective studies to optimise the therapy of obese breast cancer
      patients are urgently needed.

PMID- 22080247
TI  - Nanorainforest solar cells based on multi-junction hierarchical p-Si/n-CdS/n-ZnO
      nanoheterostructures.
AB  - Solar cells based on one-dimensional nanostructures have recently emerged as one
      of the most promising candidates to achieve high-efficiency solar energy
      conversion due to their reduced optical reflection, enhanced light absorption,
      and enhanced carrier collection. In nature, the rainforest, consisting of several
      stereo layers of vegetation, is the highest solar-energy-using ecosystem. Herein,
      we gave an imitation of the rainforest configuration in nanostructure-based solar
      cell design. Novel multi-layer nanorainforest solar cells based on p-Si
      nanopillar array/n-CdS nanoparticles/n-ZnO nanowire array heterostructures were
      achieved via a highly accessible, reproducible and controllable fabrication
      process. By choosing materials with appropriate bandgaps, an efficient light
      absorption and enhanced light harvesting were achieved due to the wide range of
      the solar spectrum covered. Si nanopillar arrays were introduced as direct
      conduction pathways for photon-generated charges' efficient collection and
      transport. The unique strategy using PMMA as a void-filling material to obtain a
      continuous, uniform and low resistance front electrode has significantly improved
      the overall light conversion efficiency by two orders of magnitude. These results
      demonstrate that nanorainforest solar cells, along with wafer-scale, low-cost and
      easily controlled processing, open up substantial opportunities for nanostructure
      photovoltaic devices.

PMID- 22080248
TI  - Photogenerated avenues in macromolecules containing Re(I), Ru(II), Os(II), and
      Ir(III) metal complexes of pyridine-based ligands.
AB  - Pyridine-based ligands, such as 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline, have
      gained much interest in the fields of supramolecular chemistry as well as
      materials science. The appealing optoelectronic properties of their complexes
      with heavy d(6) transition metal ions, such as Ru(ii), Os(II), Re(I) and Ir(III),
      primarily based on the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) nature featuring
      access to charge-separated states, have provided the starting point for many
      studies in the field of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), organic light
      emitting diodes (OLEDs), artificial photosynthesis and photogenerated electron as
      well as energy transfer processes. This critical review provides a comprehensive
      survey over central advances in the field of soluble metal-containing
      macromolecules in the last few decades. The synthesis and properties of
      functionalized 2,2'-bipyridyine- and 1,10-phenanthroline-based d(6) metal
      complexes, in particular, their introduction into different prevailing polymeric
      structures are highlighted. In the most part of the review metal complexes which
      have been attached as pendant groups on the polymer side chain are covered.
      Selected applications of the herein discussed metal-containing macromolecules are
      addressed, particularly, with respect to photogenerated electron/energy transfer
      processes. In order to enable a deeper understanding of the properties of the
      ligands and metal complexes, the fundamentals of selected photophysical processes
      will be discussed (223 references).

PMID- 22080249
TI  - The phenomenology of autistic regression: subtypes and associated factors.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the association of autistic regression (AR) and
      subtypes of AR with medical, developmental and psychiatric factors. Fifty-seven
      children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) were included in the study. Two
      types of AR are defined as regression after a normal social/language development
      (type 1) and regression as the worsening of previously reported autistic features
      (type 2). The frequency of history of AR was 56.1%. Male gender and sleep
      problems were found to be associated with a positive history of AR. The frequency
      of gastrointestinal complaints/diseases was higher in children with regression
      type 2 when compared to the children with regression type 1. Future studies with
      larger sample size and prospective design will contribute to clarifying the
      phenomenology and the associated factors of AR.

PMID- 22080250
TI  - Effects of microperfusion in hepatic diffusion weighted imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical hepatic diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) generally relies on
      mono-exponential diffusion. The aim was to demonstrate that mono-exponential
      diffusion in the liver is contaminated by microperfusion and that the bi
      exponential model is required. METHODS: Nineteen fasting healthy volunteers were
      examined with DWI (seven b-values) using fat suppression and respiratory
      triggering (1.5 T). Five different regions in the liver were analysed regarding
      the mono-exponentially fitted apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and the bi
      exponential model: molecular diffusion (D (slow)), microperfusion (D (fast)) and
      the respective fractions (f (slow/fast)). Data were compared using ANOVA and
      Kruskal-Wallis tests. Simulations were performed by repeating our data analyses,
      using just the DWI series acquired with b-values approximating those of previous
      studies. RESULTS: Median mono-exponentially fitted ADCs varied significantly (P <
      0.001) between 1.107 and 1.423 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s for the five regions. Bi
      exponential fitted D(slow) varied between 0.923 and 1.062 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s
      without significant differences (P = 0.140). D (fast) varied significantly,
      between 17.8 and 46.8 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s (P < 0.001). F-tests showed that the
      diffusion data fitted the bi-exponential model significantly better than the mono
      exponential model (F > 21.4, P < 0.010). These results were confirmed by the
      simulations. CONCLUSION: ADCs of normal liver tissue are significantly dependent
      on the measurement location because of substantial microperfusion contamination;
      therefore the bi-exponential model should be used. KEY POINTS: Diffusion weighted
      MR imaging helps clinicians to differentiate tumours by diffusion properties.
      Fast moving water molecules experience microperfusion, slow molecules diffusion.
      Hepatic diffusion should be measured by bi-exponential models to avoid
      microperfusion contamination. Mono-exponential models are contaminated with
      microperfusion, resulting in apparent regional diffusion differences. Bi
      exponential models are necessary to measure diffusion and microperfusion in the
      liver.

PMID- 22080251
TI  - Are contrast media required for (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in patients with
      neuroendocrine tumours of the abdomen?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of intravenous contrast medium in (68)Ga-DOTA
      Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotide - (68)Ga-DOTATOC - PET/CT for the detection of abdominal
      neuroendocrine tumours (NET). METHODS: In fifty-five patients with known or
      suspected NETs of the abdomen PET/CT was performed on a 64-row multi-detector
      hybrid system. For PET, 150 MBq of (68)Ga-DOTATOC were injected intravenously.
      Full-dose unenhanced, and arterial- and venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT images
      were obtained. Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced PET/CT images were evaluated
      separately for the presence of NETs on a per-region basis, by two separate teams
      with different experience levels. RESULTS: On unenhanced PET/CT, sensitivity and
      specificity ranged from 89.3% (junior team) to 92% (senior team), and 99.1%
      (junior team) to 99.2% (senior team), respectively. On contrast-enhanced PET/CT,
      sensitivity and specificity ranged from 92.3% (junior team) to 98.5% (senior
      team), and 99.4% (junior team) to 99.5% (senior team), respectively. These
      increases in sensitivity and specificity, due to the use of contrast-enhanced
      images, were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous
      contrast medium only moderately, aleit significantly, improves the sensitivity of
      (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for the detection of abdominal NETs, and hardly affects
      specificity. Thus, while contrast enhancement is justified to achieve maximum
      sensitivity, unenhanced images may be sufficient for routine PET/CT in NET
      patients. KEY POINTS: Contrast media moderately improve the sensitivity of (68)Ga
      DOTATOC PET/CT for neuroendocrine tumours. Contrast media hardly affect the
      specificity of (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for neuroendocrine tumours. Unenhanced
      PET/CT is sufficient for routine imaging of patients with neuroendocrine tumours.

PMID- 22080253
TI  - Effects of pollen supply and quality on seed formation and maturation in Pinus
      densiflora.
AB  - To understand the detailed mechanisms underlying variations in seed productivity
      per cone, it is important to examine simultaneously the effects of two
      pollination mode components (pollen supply and quality) on two seed production
      processes (seed formation and maturation). We conducted artificial pollination
      experiments with four pollination treatments (selfing, polycross, no-pollination
      and open-pollination treatments) in each of two vertical crown layers (upper and
      lower) for 19 Pinus densiflora ramets. We measured formed seeds as a proportion
      of ovules (P(Form)), and filled seeds as a proportion of formed seeds (P(Fill))
      per cone in each treatment and layer, and inferred the relative influences of
      pollination mode and resource availability on seed productivity. In the no
      pollination treatment, no seeds were formed in any cones of all five ramets. The
      Generalized Linear Model showed that there were no significant differences in
      P(Form) both between selfing and polycross treatments and upper and lower layers.
      The mean P(Fill) values in the selfing treatment were significantly lower than
      those in the polycross treatment in both layers. The mean P(Fill)s of the two
      layers did not differ significantly in the selfing treatment, but did in the open
      pollination and polycross treatments. The results show that pollen supply affects
      mainly seed formation, whereas pollen quality affects mainly seed maturation.
      Resource availability also affects mainly seed maturation, if pollen quality is
      higher than a certain threshold.

PMID- 22080252
TI  - Involvement of the putative Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive channels, NtMCA1 and
      NtMCA2, in Ca2+ uptake, Ca2+-dependent cell proliferation and mechanical stress
      induced gene expression in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY-2 cells.
AB  - To gain insight into the cellular functions of the mid1-complementing activity
      (MCA) family proteins, encoding putative Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive
      channels, we isolated two MCA homologs of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY-2 cells,
      named NtMCA1 and NtMCA2. NtMCA1 and NtMCA2 partially complemented the lethality
      and Ca2+ uptake defects of yeast mutants lacking mechanosensitive Ca2+ channel
      components. Furthermore, in yeast cells overexpressing NtMCA1 and NtMCA2, the
      hypo-osmotic shock-induced Ca2+ influx was enhanced. Overexpression of NtMCA1 or
      NtMCA2 in BY-2 cells enhanced Ca2+ uptake, and significantly alleviated growth
      inhibition under Ca2+ limitation. NtMCA1-overexpressing BY-2 cells showed higher
      sensitivity to hypo-osmotic shock than control cells, and induced the expression
      of the touch-inducible gene, NtERF4. We found that both NtMCA1-GFP and NtMCA2-GFP
      were localized at the plasma membrane and its interface with the cell wall,
      Hechtian strands, and at the cell plate and perinuclear vesicles of dividing
      cells. NtMCA2 transcript levels fluctuated during the cell cycle and were highest
      at the G1 phase. These results suggest that NtMCA1 and NtMCA2 play roles in Ca2+
      dependent cell proliferation and mechanical stress-induced gene expression in BY
      2 cells, by regulating the Ca2+ influx through the plasma membrane.

PMID- 22080254
TI  - The joint association of physical activity and glycaemic control in predicting
      cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality in the US population.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to examine the joint association of
      physical activity and glycaemic control as measured by HbA(1c) on all-cause and
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. METHODS: The sample included 10,352
      adults from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES
      III) Linked Mortality Public-use File (follow-up 13.4 +/- 3.9 years; 2,463
      deaths). Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire and classified into
      inactive and active categories based on self-reported frequency of leisure-time
      activity. HbA(1c) was categorised to reflect the American Diabetes Association
      diagnostic and treatment guidelines. RESULTS: Being physically active was
      associated with a decreased risk of all-cause (HR 0.74 [95% CI 0.67, 0.81]) and
      CVD (HR 0.71 [95% CI 0.62, 0.82]) mortality, whereas higher levels of HbA(1c)
      were associated with an increased mortality risk. HbA(1c) >= 7% (53 mmol/mol) was
      associated with the highest risk for all-cause (HR 1.54 [95% CI 1.30, 1.82]) and
      CVD (HR 1.93 [95% CI 1.52, 2.45]) mortality. Across all categories of HbA(1c),
      active individuals were not at increased risk for all-cause mortality compared
      with inactive individuals with normal glycaemic control. Similar findings were
      observed for CVD mortality, except that active individuals with HbA(1c) >= 7% (53
      mmol/mol) were still at increased risk for CVD mortality. However, their risk for
      CVD death was substantially lower than the risk for their inactive counterparts
      (HR 1.38 [95% CI 1.03, 1.84] vs HR 1.98 [95% CI 1.34, 2.92]).
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Physical activity is associated with lower all-cause
      and CVD mortality risk for individuals across all levels of glycaemic control.
      Therefore, engaging in a physically active lifestyle and achieving normal levels
      of glycaemic control may both be important for the prevention of early mortality.

PMID- 22080255
TI  - Self-assembling peptide scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
AB  - Biomaterials made from self-assembling, short peptides and peptide derivatives
      have great potential to generate powerful new therapies in regenerative medicine.
      The high signaling capacity and therapeutic efficacy of peptidic scaffolds has
      been established in several animal models, and the development of more complex,
      hierarchical structures based on peptide materials is underway. This highlight
      discusses several classes of self-assembling peptide-based materials, including
      peptide amphiphiles, Fmoc-peptides, self-complementary ionic peptides, hairpin
      peptides, and others. The self-assembly designs, bioactive signalling strategies,
      and cell signalling capabilities of these bioactive materials are reported. The
      future challenges of the field are also discussed, including short-term goals
      such as integration with biopolymers and traditional implants, and long term
      goals, such as immune system programming, subcellular targeting, and the
      development of highly integrated scaffold systems.

PMID- 22080256
TI  - Fungal community composition in neotropical rain forests: the influence of tree
      diversity and precipitation.
AB  - Plant diversity is considered one factor structuring soil fungal communities
      because the diversity of compounds in leaf litter might determine the extent of
      resource heterogeneity for decomposer communities. Lowland tropical rain forests
      have the highest plant diversity per area of any biome. Since fungi are
      responsible for much of the decomposition occurring in forest soils,
      understanding the factors that structure fungi in tropical forests may provide
      valuable insight for predicting changes in global carbon and nitrogen fluxes. To
      test the role of plant diversity in shaping fungal community structure and
      function, soil (0-20 cm) and leaf litter (O horizons) were collected from six
      established 1-ha forest census plots across a natural plant diversity gradient on
      the Isthmus of Panama. We used 454 pyrosequencing and phospholipid fatty acid
      analysis to evaluate correlations between microbial community composition,
      precipitation, soil nutrients, and plant richness. In soil, the number of fungal
      taxa increased significantly with increasing mean annual precipitation, but not
      with plant richness. There were no correlations between fungal communities in
      leaf litter and plant diversity or precipitation, and fungal communities were
      found to be compositionally distinct between soil and leaf litter. To directly
      test for effects of plant species richness on fungal diversity and function, we
      experimentally re-created litter diversity gradients in litter bags with 1, 25,
      and 50 species of litter. After 6 months, we found a significant effect of litter
      diversity on decomposition rate between one and 25 species of leaf litter.
      However, fungal richness did not track plant species richness. Although studies
      in a broader range of sites is required, these results suggest that precipitation
      may be a more important factor than plant diversity or soil nutrient status in
      structuring tropical forest soil fungal communities.

PMID- 22080257
TI  - Flowers as islands: spatial distribution of nectar-inhabiting microfungi among
      plants of Mimulus aurantiacus, a hummingbird-pollinated shrub.
AB  - Microfungi that inhabit floral nectar offer unique opportunities for the study of
      microbial distribution and the role that dispersal limitation may play in
      generating distribution patterns. Flowers are well-replicated habitat islands,
      among which the microbes disperse via pollinators. This metapopulation system
      allows for investigation of microbial distribution at multiple spatial scales. We
      examined the distribution of the yeast, Metschnikowia reukaufii, and other fungal
      species found in the floral nectar of the sticky monkey flower, Mimulus
      aurantiacus, a hummingbird-pollinated shrub, at a California site. We found that
      the frequency of nectar-inhabiting microfungi on a given host plant was not
      significantly correlated with light availability, nectar volume, or the percent
      cover of M. aurantiacus around the plant, but was significantly correlated with
      the location of the host plant and loosely correlated with the density of flowers
      on the plant. These results suggest that dispersal limitation caused by spatially
      nonrandom foraging by pollinators may be a primary factor driving the observed
      distribution pattern.

PMID- 22080264
TI  - Sexual assault and abuse of children.
AB  - Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in children presents a number
      of problems for the practitioner that are not usually faced when testing adults
      for the same infections. The identification of an STI in a child can have, in
      addition to medical implications, serious legal implications. The presence of an
      STI is often used to support the presence or allegations, or, in some cases, may
      prompt an investigation of possible abuse. The purpose of this paper is to review
      the recent data on the epidemiology of child sexual abuse including the
      epidemiology of major STIs (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis,
      syphilis, herpes simplex virus, Trichomonas vaginalis, and human papillomavirus)
      and summarize the current recommendations for diagnostic testing in this
      population.

PMID- 22080265
TI  - Management of adult syphilis.
AB  - There are several important unanswered key questions in the management of adult
      syphilis. A systematic literature review was conducted and tables of evidence
      were constructed to answer these important questions. A single dose of 2.4
      million units of benzathine penicillin G remains the drug of choice for managing
      early syphilis. Enhanced antibiotic therapy has not been shown to improve
      treatment outcomes, regardless of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status.
      Although additional data on the efficacy of azithromycin in treating early
      syphilis have emerged, reported increases in the prevalence of a mutation
      associated with azithromycin resistance precludes a recommendation for its
      routine use. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination should be performed in all
      persons with serologic evidence of syphilis infection and neurologic symptoms. In
      those persons with early syphilis who do not achieve a >= 4-fold serologic
      decline in their rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers 6-12 months after adequate
      therapy and those with late latent infection who do not achieve a similar decline
      within 12-24 months, CSF examination should be considered. Among HIV-infected
      persons, CSF examination among all those with asymptomatic late latent syphilis
      is not recommended owing to lack of evidence that demonstrates clinical benefit.
      HIV-infected persons with syphilis of any stages whose RPR titers are >= 1:32
      and/or whose CD4 cell counts are <350 cells/mm(3) may be at increased risk for
      asymptomatic neurosyphilis. If CSF pleocytosis is evident at initial CSF
      examination, these examinations should be repeated every 6 months until the cell
      count is normal. Several important questions regarding the management of syphilis
      remain unanswered and should be a priority for future research.

PMID- 22080267
TI  - Updates on human papillomavirus and genital warts and counseling messages from
      the 2010 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In April 2009, experts on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were
      convened to review updates on STD prevention and treatment in preparation for the
      revision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment
      Guidelines. At this meeting, there was a discussion of important updates on human
      papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and cervical cancer screening. METHODS: Key
      questions were identified with assistance from an expert panel, and systematic
      reviews of the literature were conducted searching the English-language
      literature of the PubMed computerized database (US National Library of Medicine).
      The available evidence was reviewed, and new information was incorporated in the
      2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines. RESULTS: Two HPV vaccines are now available,
      the quadrivalent HPV vaccine and the bivalent HPV vaccine; either vaccine is
      recommended routinely for girls aged 11 or 12 years. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine
      may be given to boys and men aged 9-26 years. A new patient-applied treatment
      option for genital warts, sinecatechins 15% ointment, is available and
      recommended for treatment of external genital warts. This product is a mixture of
      active ingredients (catechins) from green tea. Finally, updated counseling
      guidelines and messages about HPV, genital warts, and cervical cancer are
      included. CONCLUSIONS: This manuscript highlights updates to the 2010 CDC STD
      Treatment Guidelines for HPV and genital warts. Important additions to the 2010
      STD Treatment Guidelines include information on prophylactic HPV vaccine
      recommendations, new patient-applied treatment options for genital warts, and
      counseling messages for patients on HPV, genital warts, cervical cancer
      screening, and HPV tests.

PMID- 22080266
TI  - Mycoplasma genitalium: should we treat and how?
AB  - Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with acute and chronic urethritis in men.
      Existing data on infection in women are limited and inconsistent but suggest that
      M. genitalium is associated with urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory
      disease, and possibly female infertility. Data are inconclusive regarding the
      role of M. genitalium in adverse pregnancy outcomes and ectopic pregnancy.
      Available data suggest that azithromycin is superior to doxycycline in treating
      M. genitalium infection. However, azithromycin-resistant infections have been
      reported in 3 continents, and the proportion of azithromycin-resistant M.
      genitalium infection is unknown. Moxifloxacin is the only drug that currently
      seems to uniformly eradicate M. genitalium. Detection of M. genitalium is
      hampered by the absence of a commercially available diagnostic test. Persons with
      persistent pelvic inflammatory disease or clinically significant persistent
      urethritis or cervicitis should be tested for M. genitalium, if possible.
      Infected persons who have not previously received azithromycin should receive
      that drug. Persons in whom azithromycin therapy fails should be treated with
      moxifloxicin.

PMID- 22080268
TI  - Cervical cancer screening among women who attend sexually transmitted diseases
      (STD) clinics: background paper for 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In April 2008, experts reviewed updates on sexually transmitted
      disease (STD) prevention and treatment in preparation for the revision of the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines. This
      included a review of cervical cancer screening in the STD clinical setting.
      METHODS: Key questions were identified with assistance from an expert panel.
      Reviews of the literature were conducted using the PubMed computerized database
      and shared with the panel. Updated information was incorporated in the 2010 CDC
      STD Treatment Guidelines. RESULTS: We recommend that STD clinics offering
      cervical screening services screen and treat women according to guidelines by the
      American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Cancer Society, the
      US Preventive Services Task Force, and the American Society for Colposcopists and
      Cervical Pathologists. New to the 2010 guidelines are higher age for initiating
      cervical screening (age >= 21 years) and less frequent intervals of screening (at
      least every 3 years). New recommendations include new technologies, such as
      liquid-based cytology and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests. Liquid
      based technologies are not recommended over conventional testing. HPV DNA tests
      are recommended as adjunct tests and with new indications for use in cervical
      screening and management. Stronger recommendations were issued for STD clinics
      offering cervical screening services to have protocols in place for follow-up of
      test results and referral (eg, colposcopy). CONCLUSIONS: Important additions to
      the 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines include information on updated algorithms for
      screening and management of women and recommendations for use of liquid-based
      cytology and high-risk HPV testing.

PMID- 22080270
TI  - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment
      Guidelines.

PMID- 22080269
TI  - Trichomonas vaginalis genital infections: progress and challenges.
AB  - Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is the most prevalent curable sexually
      transmitted infection in the United States and worldwide. Most TV infections are
      asymptomatic, and the accurate diagnosis of this infection has been limited by
      lack of sufficiently sensitive and specific diagnostic tests, particularly for
      men. To provide updates for the 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, a PubMed search was conducted
      of all TV literature published from 9 January 2004 through 24 September 2008.
      Approximately 175 pertinent abstracts and articles were reviewed and discussed
      with national experts. This article describes advances in TV diagnostics which
      have led to an improved understanding of the epidemiology of this pathogen, as
      well as potential biologic and epidemiological interactions between TV and human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV). New data on treatment outcomes, metronidazole
      resistant TV, management of nitroimidazole-allergic patients, frequency of
      recurrent TV infection following treatment, and screening considerations for TV
      in certain populations are also presented.

PMID- 22080272
TI  - Sexually transmitted diseases in men who have sex with men.
AB  - Men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased rates of human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) compared with
      demographically matched controls. The reasons for the disproportionate infection
      burden are complex, including biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors.
      HIV and syphilis may often be coprevalent among MSM. The use of nucleic acid
      amplification testing has enhanced the ability to detect frequently asymptomatic
      gonococcal and chlamydial infections of the rectum and other sites.
      Lymphogranuloma proctitis outbreaks among MSM were noted in the developed world
      several years ago but have not been common recently. MSM are at increased risk
      for viral hepatitis and anal human papillomavirus disease. Preventive
      interventions include vaccination for the former and anal cytologic screening for
      the latter. Because of the diverse ways in which MSM may be exposed to STDs, it
      is essential for clinicians to obtain a thorough sexual history in a culturally
      competent manner.

PMID- 22080273
TI  - Sexually transmitted infections among women who have sex with women.
AB  - Women who have sex with women (WSW) are a diverse group with variations in sexual
      identity, sexual behaviors, sexual practices, and risk behaviors. WSW are at risk
      of acquiring bacterial, viral, and protozoal sexually transmitted infections
      (STIs) from current and prior partners, both male and female. Bacterial vaginosis
      is common among women in general and even more so among women with female
      partners. WSW should not be presumed to be at low or no risk for STIs based on
      sexual orientation, and reporting of same-sex behavior by women should not deter
      providers from considering and performing screening for STIs, including
      chlamydia, in their clients according to current guidelines. Effective delivery
      of sexual health services to WSW requires a comprehensive and open discussion of
      sexual and behavioral risks, beyond sexual identity, between care providers and
      their female clients.

PMID- 22080274
TI  - Diagnosis and management of uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis infections in
      adolescents and adults: summary of evidence reviewed for the 2010 Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment
      Guidelines.
AB  - In preparation for the 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines, the CDC convened an
      advisory group in April 2009 to examine recent abstracts and published literature
      addressing the diagnosis and management of STDs. This article summarizes the key
      questions, evidence, and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of
      uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis infection in adolescents and adults that were
      considered in development of the 2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines. The evidence
      reviewed primarily focused on specimen types used for nucleic acid amplification
      testing for chlamydia diagnosis, considerations in screening men for chlamydia
      and repeat testing after infected men receive treatment, and the natural history
      of chlamydia.

PMID- 22080271
TI  - Interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
      infection.
AB  - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sexually Transmitted Disease
      (STD) Treatment Guidelines were last updated in 2006. To update the "Clinical
      Guide to Prevention Services" section of the 2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines,
      we reviewed the recent science with reference to interventions designed to
      prevent acquisition of STDs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection. Major interval developments include (1) licensure and uptake of
      immunization against genital human papillomavirus, (2) validation of male
      circumcision as a potent prevention tool against acquisition of HIV and some
      other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), (3) failure of a promising HIV
      vaccine candidate to afford protection against HIV acquisition, (4) encouragement
      about the use of antiretroviral agents as preexposure prophylaxis to reduce risk
      of HIV and herpes simplex virus acquisition, (5) enhanced emphasis on expedited
      partner management and rescreening for persons infected with Chlamydia
      trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, (6) recognition that behavioral
      interventions will be needed to address a new trend of sexually transmitted
      hepatitis C among men who have sex with men, and (7) the availability of a
      modified female condom. A range of preventive interventions is needed to reduce
      the risks of acquiring STI, including HIV infection, among sexually active
      people, and a flexible approach targeted to specific populations should integrate
      combinations of biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions. These would
      ideally involve an array of prevention contexts, including (1) communications and
      practices among sexual partners, (2) transactions between individual clients and
      their healthcare providers, and (3) comprehensive population-level strategies for
      prioritizing prevention research, ensuring accurate outcome assessment, and
      formulating health policy.

PMID- 22080275
TI  - Chlamydial and gonococcal infections in infants and children.
AB  - The recommendations for the 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines in regard to diagnosis and
      treatment of gonococcal and Chlamydia trachomatis infections in infants and
      children are essentially the same as the 2006 guidelines. There are no new data
      on the diagnosis or treatment of neonatal chlamydial or gonococcal infections.
      New data on the efficacy of neonatal ocular prophylaxis are limited. Two recent
      studies from Iran and Brazil suggest that povidone-iodine may not be effective
      for prevention of chlamydial or gonococcal ophthalmia. Prenatal screening and
      treatment of pregnant women, which has been demonstrated to be very effective for
      the prevention of neonatal gonococcal ophthalmia, is the most effective strategy
      for preventing neonatal chlamydial infection.

PMID- 22080276
TI  - Factors that influence mammography use and breast cancer detection among Mexican
      American and African-American women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined factors that influence mammography use and breast
      cancer detection, including education, health insurance, and acculturation, among
      Mexican-American (MA) and African-American (AA) women. METHODS: The study
      included 670 breast cancer cases (388 MAs and 282 AAs), aged 40-86 years at
      diagnosis. Data on mammography use, detection, and delay in seeking care were
      collected via questionnaires and medical records. Using a language-based
      bidimensional acculturation measure, MAs were classified as English-dominant (n =
      67), bilingual (n = 173), and Spanish-dominant (n = 148). Mammography prior to
      diagnosis was assessed by racial/ethnic acculturation subgroup using logistic
      regression. RESULTS: In age-adjusted models, mammography use was non
      significantly lower among English-dominant (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.45-1.59) and
      bilingual (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.55-1.35) MAs and significantly lower among
      Spanish-dominant MAs (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.34-0.83) than among AA women. After
      adjustment for education or insurance, there was no difference in mammography use
      by race/ethnicity and acculturation subgroup. Despite high self-reported
      mammography use (75%), a large proportion of cases reported self-detection (59%)
      and delay in seeking care >90 days (17%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings favor
      promoting culturally appropriate messaging about the benefits and limitations of
      mammography, education about breast awareness, and prompt reporting of findings
      to a health professional.

PMID- 22080277
TI  - Dual effect of short interval between first and second birth on ductal breast
      cancer risk in Finland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A short interval between the first and second birth was associated
      with an increased risk of advanced ductal breast cancer among women with 5+
      childbirths in our previous study. We now evaluated the significance of this risk
      factor and its relation to the age at first birth among mothers with 2-4
      children. METHODS: The cohort of 190,949 Finnish women with 2-4 children
      comprised 3,834 women with ductal breast cancer diagnosed before 2009.
      Conditional logistic regression for case-control design nested within the cohort
      was used to estimate proportional hazard ratios (HR) associated with the birth
      interval. Controls were matched for age and number of children. Age at the first
      birth and the interval from the last birth to cancer were co-variables. RESULTS:
      Among women with the first birth <30 years, the HR of advanced ductal breast
      cancer at 50+ years for a short (<1.5 years) versus long (>3 years) interval
      between the first and second birth was 0.48 (95% Confidence Interval 0.33-0.70).
      Among women with the first birth at 30+ years, the HR of this cancer type
      diagnosed before the age of 50 years for a short versus long interval between the
      first and second birth was 5.83 (95% CI 2.30-14.8). CONCLUSION: The interval
      between first and second birth strongly influences the risk of ductal breast
      cancer. Because second pregnancy soon after the first one decreased the risk of
      ductal breast cancer in young primiparas but increased the risk in older
      primiparas, it is likely that in such circumstances second pregnancy continues
      the actions initiated by the first pregnancy/breast-feeding.

PMID- 22080278
TI  - Associations of birth weight and physical activity with sex steroids in preschool
      Japanese children.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the association of body size at birth or physical
      activity with sex steroid levels, independent of body mass among young children.
      METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006. Subjects were 230 boys
      and 198 girls, aged 3-6 years. Birth weight was based on parents' reports.
      Questions about physical activity focused on outdoor playtime. Urinary estrone,
      estradiol, testosterone, and 5-androstene-3beta,17alpha diol (3beta,17alpha-AED)
      levels were measured by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass
      spectrometry. Urinary dehydroepiandrosterone level was measured with a
      radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: After adjustments for age and BMI, girls with lower
      birth weight had higher testosterone (trend p = 0.038) and 3beta,17alpha-AED
      (trend p = 0.028). Girls with low birth weight and high birth weight had higher
      estrone (p = 0.014) and estradiol (p = 0.074) than those who had middle birth
      weight. Boys who were physically active had lower testosterone (p = 0.028) and
      3beta,17alpha-AED (p = 0.003) than those who were not active. Girls who were
      physically active had lower estrone (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Sex steroid levels
      in childhood might be affected by body size at birth or by physical activity
      during childhood. These effects might differ by sex.

PMID- 22080279
TI  - Anion receptor chemistry: highlights from 2010.
AB  - This critical review covers advances in anion complexation in the year 2010. The
      review covers both organic and inorganic systems and also highlights the
      applications to which anion receptors can be applied such as sensing, anion
      transport, control of molecular motion and gelation (179 references).

PMID- 22080281
TI  - Multifunctional ferritin cage nanostructures for fluorescence and MR imaging of
      tumor cells.
AB  - Bionanoparticles and nanostructures have attracted increasing interest as
      versatile and promising tools in many applications including biosensing and
      bioimaging. In this study, to image and detect tumor cells, ferritin cage-based
      multifunctional hybrid nanostructures were constructed that: (i) displayed both
      the green fluorescent protein and an Arg-Gly-Asp peptide on the exterior surface
      of the ferritin cages; and (ii) incorporated ferrimagnetic iron oxide
      nanoparticles into the ferritin interior cavity. The overall architecture of
      ferritin cages did not change after being integrated with fusion proteins and
      ferrimagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. These multifunctional nanostructures were
      successfully used as a fluorescent imaging probe and an MRI contrast agent for
      specifically probing and imaging alpha(v)beta(3) integrin upregulated tumor
      cells. The work provides a promising strategy for tumor cell detection by
      simultaneous fluorescence and MR imaging.

PMID- 22080280
TI  - Acidophilic bacteria and archaea: acid stable biocatalysts and their potential
      applications.
AB  - Acidophiles are ecologically and economically important group of microorganisms,
      which thrive in acidic natural (solfataric fields, sulfuric pools) as well as
      artificial man-made (areas associated with human activities such as mining of
      coal and metal ores) environments. They possess networked cellular adaptations to
      regulate pH inside the cell. Several extracellular enzymes from acidophiles are
      known to be functional at much lower pH than the cytoplasmic pH. Enzymes like
      amylases, proteases, ligases, cellulases, xylanases, alpha-glucosidases,
      endoglucanases, and esterases stable at low pH are known from various acidophilic
      microbes. The possibility of improving them by genetic engineering and directed
      evolution will further boost their industrial applications. Besides biocatalysts,
      other biomolecules such as plasmids, rusticynin, and maltose-binding protein have
      also been reported from acidophiles. Some strategies for circumventing the
      problems encountered in expressing genes encoding proteins from extreme
      acidophiles have been suggested. The investigations on the analysis of crystal
      structures of some acidophilic proteins have thrown light on their acid
      stability. Attempts are being made to use thermoacidophilic microbes for biofuel
      production from lignocellulosic biomass. The enzymes from acidophiles are mainly
      used in polymer degradation.

PMID- 22080282
TI  - Use of end-cutting needles in ultrasound-guided biopsy of neck lesions.
AB  - The management of a neck mass is dictated by its nature, location and extent.
      Pathological diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core biopsy
      is often required before proceeding to definitive treatment. It is not uncommon
      for the cytology result to come back as inadequate for various reasons. The
      unique design of the end-cutting biopsy needle in our experience makes it a good
      choice for use in obtaining both transcutaneous and intraoral biopsy under
      ultrasound guidance of neck lesions and serves as a useful alternative or adjunct
      to FNAC. Although there is, as yet, only a limited evidence base about end
      cutting in comparison to side-cutting needles, they carry several potential
      advantages. KEY POINTS: End-cutting needles are safe to use for lesions close to
      vital structures. End-cutting needles yield sufficient tissue samples in a single
      pass. End-cutting biopsy needles are a useful adjunct to FNAC.

PMID- 22080283
TI  - Comparison of joint designs for laser welding of cast metal plates and wrought
      wires.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to compare joint designs for the laser
      welding of cast metal plates and wrought wire, and to evaluate the welded area
      internally using X-ray micro-focus computerized tomography (micro-CT). Cast metal
      plates (Ti, Co-Cr) and wrought wires (Ti, Co-Cr) were welded using similar
      metals. The specimens were welded using four joint designs in which the wrought
      wires and the parent metals were welded directly (two designs) or the wrought
      wires were welded to the groove of the parent metal from one or both sides (n =
      5). The porosity and gap in the welded area were evaluated by micro-CT, and the
      maximum tensile load of the welded specimens was measured with a universal
      testing machine. An element analysis was conducted using an electron probe X-ray
      microanalyzer. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using
      Bonferroni's multiple comparisons (alpha = 0.05). The results included that all
      the specimens fractured at the wrought wire when subjected to tensile testing,
      although there were specimens that exhibited gaps due to the joint design. The
      wrought wires were affected by laser irradiation and observed to melt together
      and onto the filler metal. Both Mo and Sn elements found in the wrought wire were
      detected in the filler metal of the Ti specimens, and Ni was detected in the
      filler metal of the Co-Cr specimens. The four joint designs simulating the
      designs used clinically were confirmed to have adequate joint strength provided
      by laser welding.

PMID- 22080285
TI  - One-step synthesis of amino-functionalized fluorescent carbon nanoparticles by
      hydrothermal carbonization of chitosan.
AB  - Highly amino-functionalized fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were
      fabricated by hydrothermal carbonization of chitosan at a mild temperature. They
      were applied to bioimaging of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, showing low
      cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility.

PMID- 22080284
TI  - Creating an oversight infrastructure for electronic health record-related patient
      safety hazards.
AB  - Electronic health records (EHRs) have potential quality and safety benefits.
      However, reports of EHR-related safety hazards are now emerging. The Office of
      the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology recently sponsored an
      Institute of Medicine committee to evaluate how health information technology use
      affects patient safety. In this article, we propose the creation of a national
      EHR oversight program to provide dedicated surveillance of EHR-related safety
      hazards and to promote learning from identified errors, close calls, and adverse
      events. The program calls for data gathering, investigation/analysis, and
      regulatory components. The first 2 functions will depend on institution-level EHR
      safety committees that will investigate all known EHR-related adverse events and
      near-misses and report them nationally using standardized methods. These
      committees should also perform routine safety self-assessments to proactively
      identify new risks. Nationally, we propose the long-term creation of a
      centralized, nonpartisan board with an appropriate legal and regulatory
      infrastructure to ensure the safety of EHRs. We discuss the rationale of the
      proposed oversight program and its potential organizational components and
      functions. These include mechanisms for robust data collection and analyses of
      all safety concerns using multiple methods that extend beyond reporting,
      multidisciplinary investigation of selected high-risk safety events, and enhanced
      coordination with other national agencies to facilitate broad dissemination of
      hazards information. Implementation of this proposed infrastructure can
      facilitate identification of EHR-related adverse events and errors and
      potentially create a safer and more effective EHR-based health care delivery
      system.

PMID- 22080287
TI  - Protein growth factors and cytokines are typically thought to drive the
      proliferative/invasive/survival hallmarks of cancer. Preface.

PMID- 22080286
TI  - Antimicrobial and cell-penetrating peptides induce lipid vesicle fusion by
      folding and aggregation.
AB  - According to their distinct biological functions, membrane-active peptides are
      generally classified as antimicrobial (AMP), cell-penetrating (CPP), or fusion
      peptides (FP). The former two classes are known to have some structural and
      physicochemical similarities, but fusogenic peptides tend to have rather
      different features and sequences. Nevertheless, we found that many CPPs and some
      AMPs exhibit a pronounced fusogenic activity, as measured by a lipid mixing assay
      with vesicles composed of typical eukaryotic lipids. Compared to the HIV fusion
      peptide (FP23) as a representative standard, all designer-made peptides showed
      much higher lipid-mixing activities (MSI-103, MAP, transportan, penetratin,
      Pep1). Native sequences, on the other hand, were less fusogenic (magainin 2,
      PGLa, gramicidin S), and pre-aggregated ones were inactive (alamethicin, SAP).
      The peptide structures were characterized by circular dichroism before and after
      interacting with the lipid vesicles. A striking correlation between the extent of
      conformational change and the respective fusion activities was found for the
      series of peptides investigated here. At the same time, the CD data show that
      lipid mixing can be triggered by any type of conformation acquired upon binding,
      whether alpha-helical, beta-stranded, or other. These observations suggest that
      lipid vesicle fusion can simply be driven by the energy released upon membrane
      binding, peptide folding, and possibly further aggregation. This comparative
      study of AMPs, CPPs, and FPs emphasizes the multifunctional aspects of membrane
      active peptides, and it suggests that the origin of a peptide (native sequence or
      designer-made) may be more relevant to define its functional range than any given
      name.

PMID- 22080288
TI  - An ONIOM investigation on anion recognition of alkali-metal complexes with diurea
      calix[4]arene receptor.
AB  - The ONIOM(B3LYP/6-31G(d):AM1) optimized structures of complexes of diurea
      calix[4]arene receptor (L) with alkali metals Li(+), Na(+) and K(+) and their
      complexes with halide ions F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), oxygen-containing anions HCO(3)(
      ), HSO(4)(-) and CH(3)COO(-) ions were obtained. Binding energies and
      thermodynamic properties of complex receptors LiL(+), NaL(+) and KL(+) with these
      anions were determined. The binding stabilities according to binding energies of
      LiL(+), NaL(+) and KL(+) associated with anions computed either at the ZPVE
      corrected ONIOM(B3LYP/6-31G(d):AM1) or BSSE-corrected B3LYP/6-31 +
      G(d,p)//ONIOM(B3LYP/6-31G(d):AM1) are in the same order: F(-) >> CH(3)COO(-) ~
      HCO(3)(-) > Br(-) ~ HSO(4)(-) ~ Cl(-). All the receptors LiL(+), NaL(+) and KL(+)
      were found to be selective toward fluoride ion.

PMID- 22080289
TI  - Empowering international canine inherited disorder management.
AB  - The mapping of the canine genome and the study of canine breed genomic
      architecture has revolutionized the discovery of genetic tests for inherited
      disorders in dogs. As the genetics underlying complex disorders are revealed,
      canine breeders and their registering organisations will be required to
      understand genetics in a much more sophisticated way. To facilitate the
      management of genetic disorders in the era of new complex information, we
      consider how best to apply the results of new research and analytical techniques
      to benefit the wider canine breeding community with the aims of improving canine
      health and maintaining benevolent genetic diversity. If this is not done, there
      is a serious risk that expensive and valuable genetic research will remain unused
      or be misused to the detriment of breeds. In this review, we make a case for the
      formation of an international organisation that will exist as a central
      repository for breed-based genetic analysis and information sharing. This
      organisation ("Inter-Dog") could be modelled on a similar organisation that is
      monitoring genetic improvement of dairy cattle. The formation of such an
      organisation will require the collaboration of international kennel management
      organisations, researchers, and agencies offering genetic testing services.

PMID- 22080290
TI  - Fabrication of multi-level carbon nanotube arrays with adjustable patterns.
AB  - Multi-level carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays with adjustable patterns were prepared
      by a combination of the breath figure (BF) process and chemical vapor deposition.
      Polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid)/ferrocene was dissolved in carbon disulfide and
      cast onto a Si substrate covered with a transmission electron microscope grid in
      saturated relative humidity. A two-level microporous hybrid film with a block
      copolymer skeleton formed on the substrate after evaporation of the organic
      solvent and water. One level of ordered surface features originates from the
      contour of the hard templates; while the other level originates from the
      condensation of water droplets (BF arrays). Ultraviolet irradiation effectively
      cross-linked the polymer matrix and endowed the hybrid film with improved thermal
      stability. In the subsequent pyrolysis, the incorporated ferrocene in the hybrid
      film was oxidized and turned the polymer skeleton into the ferrous inorganic
      micropatterns. Either the cross-linked hybrid film or the ferrous inorganic
      micropatterns could act as a template to grow the multi-level CNT patterns, e.g.
      isolated and honeycomb-structured CNT bundle arrays perpendicular to the
      substrate.

PMID- 22080291
TI  - User evaluation of an innovative digital reading room.
AB  - Reading room design can have a major impact on radiologists' health,
      productivity, and accuracy in reading. Several factors must be taken into account
      in order to optimize the work environment for radiologists. Further, with the
      advancement in imaging technology, clinicians now have the ability to view and
      see digital exams without having to interact with radiologists. However, it is
      important to design components that encourage and enhance interactions between
      clinicians and radiologists to increase patient safety, and to combine physician
      and radiologist expertise. The present study evaluates alternative workstations
      in a real-world testbed space, using qualitative data (users' perspectives) to
      measure satisfaction with the lighting, ergonomics, furniture, collaborative
      spaces, and radiologist workstations. In addition, we consider the impact of the
      added collaboration components of the future reading room design, by utilizing
      user evaluation surveys to devise baseline satisfaction data regarding the
      innovative reading room environment.

PMID- 22080292
TI  - A flexible database architecture for mining DICOM objects: the DICOM data
      warehouse.
AB  - Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) has brought a very high
      level of standardization to medical images, allowing interoperability in many
      cases. However, there are still challenges facing the informaticist attempting to
      data mine DICOM objects. Images (and other objects) from different vintage
      equipment will encompass different levels of the standard, and there are also
      proprietary "shadow" tags to be aware of. The database architecture described
      herein "flattens" such differences by compiling a knowledge base of specific
      DICOM implementations and mapping variable data elements to a common lexicon for
      subsequent queries. The project is open sourced, built on open infrastructure,
      and is available at GitHub.

PMID- 22080293
TI  - Reduced ventricular proarrhythmic potential of the novel combined ion-channel
      blocker AZD1305 versus dofetilide in dogs with remodeled hearts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: AZD1305 is an investigational antiarrhythmic agent for management of
      atrial fibrillation. It blocks various cardiac ion currents at different
      potencies and has atrial-predominant electrophysiological effects. We
      investigated the electrophysiological and proarrhythmic effects of AZD1305 versus
      dofetilide in dogs with chronic complete atrioventricular block and myocardial
      hypertrophic remodeling. METHODS AND RESULTS: AZD1305 was administered to
      anesthetized mongrel dogs before and >2 weeks after the induction of
      atrioventricular block and ventricular and atrial electrophysiological parameters
      were assessed. In all dogs, the selective I(Kr) blocker dofetilide was used to
      examine susceptibility to acquired torsades de pointes in chronic
      atrioventricular block and for comparison. At normal sinus rhythm, AZD1305
      increased QT and RR intervals from 290+/-7 to 397+/-15 ms (+37%, P<0.0001) and
      from 603+/-22 to 778+/-32 ms (+29%, P=0.002), respectively. In the same animals
      at chronic atrioventricular block, AZD1305 increased the QT interval from 535+/
      28 to 747+/-36 ms (+40%, P<0.0001), similar to the QT prolongation by dofetilide
      (511+/-22 to 703+/-45 ms [+38%, P<0.0001]). AZD1305 slightly slowed the
      idioventricular rhythm. Whereas all (n=14) chronic atrioventricular block animals
      exhibited torsades de pointes on dofetilide, the arrhythmia was induced in only 4
      of 11 dogs after AZD1305. Beat-to-beat variability of left-ventricular monophasic
      action-potential duration increased after dofetilide (2.3+/-0.2 to 6.3+/-0.7 ms;
      P<0.0001) but not after AZD1305 (2.8+/-0.3 to 3.7+/-0.3 ms; P=0.20) despite
      similar left-ventricular monophasic-action-potential duration prolongations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite causing similar degrees of repolarization delay as the
      selective I(Kr) blocker dofetilide, the combined ion-channel blocker AZD1305
      induces less repolarization instability and has a lower ventricular proarrhythmic
      potential in the remodeled dog heart.

PMID- 22080294
TI  - Responses of growth, photosynthesis and VOC emissions of Pinus tabulaeformis
      Carr. Exposure to elevated CO2 and/or elevated O3 in an urban area.
AB  - Responses of growth, photosynthesis and emission of volatile organic compounds of
      Pinus tabulaeformis exposed to elevated CO(2) (700 ppm) and O(3) (80 ppb) were
      studied in open top chambers. Elevated CO(2) increased growth, but it did not
      significantly (p > 0.05) affect net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance,
      chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, or the
      effective quantum yield of photosystem II electron transport after 90 d of gas
      exposure. Elevated O(3) decreased growth (by 42.2% in needle weight and 25.8% in
      plant height), net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance after 90 d of
      exposure, but its negative effects were alleviated by elevated CO(2). Elevated
      O(3) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the emission rate of volatile organic
      compounds, which may be a helpful response to protect photosynthetic apparatus
      against O(3) damage.

PMID- 22080295
TI  - Light and scanning electron microscopic studies on chromium-induced anemia in a
      murine model.
AB  - Blood hemoglobin level, hematocrit value and erythrocyte count were reduced by
      17.5, 17.4 and 15.9%, respectively, as compared to the controls, in Swiss mice
      treated intraperitoneally with hexavalent chromium (4 mg of potassium dichromate
      per Kg for 5 day per week) for 2 weeks. Echinocytic transformation of 33.8%
      erythrocytes, as revealed by both light and scanning electron microscopy,
      indicated the anemia to be hemolytic in nature. Leucopenia was apparent after 2
      weeks (mean leucocyte count: 4.91 thousand c mm(-1)), but not 1 week of treatment
      (mean count: 6.43 thousand c mm(-1)), However, cytochemical studies indicated
      that chromium did not interfere with iron utilization for hemoglobin synthesis
      and also, did not cause denaturation of already synthesized hemoglobin. The study
      hints to the necessity of periodic monitoring of blood in workers of chromium
      dependent tanneries of Kolkata, India.

PMID- 22080296
TI  - Subungual exostosis of the fifth toe in children.

PMID- 22080297
TI  - Necrotizing upper limb fasciitis in a newborn:  an uncommon life-threatening
      event.
AB  - Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but life-threatening infection in the
      pediatric population. It is rarely reported in neonates. In these rare cases, the
      reported origin of infection was the umbilical cord stump, infection due to
      circumcision, and similar lesions. We hereby report a 3-week-old neonate
      sustaining necrotizing fasciitis without detectable origin of infection. We
      describe the clinical course of her illness, the diagnostic process, and eventual
      surgical intervention. We discuss the importance of awareness to this potentially
      lethal infectious disease and the need for urgent use of certain imaging
      modalities and aggressive surgical approach.

PMID- 22080298
TI  - Comprehensive review of the functional outcome evaluation of clubfoot treatment: 
      a preferred methodology.
AB  - Treatment outcome has been a focus of interest in those who manage clubfeet.
      Because of a lack of a common evaluation protocol, it has become necessary to
      establish a universally recognized quantitative measurement to compare and better
      understand the treatment outcome. The outcome is not merely morphological and
      radiographic, but it should also include functional and quality-of-life
      measurements. In this article, we will outline the most commonly used methods of
      long-term evaluation for congenital clubfeet and recommend the data collection
      parameters that are most appropriate for a comprehensive functional analysis.
      This will begin with pretreatment classifications that are important in
      prognosticating the results. The physical examinations and plain radiographs in
      standing position are also two fundamental evaluations of clubfoot. Several
      outcome evaluations have been published in the literature and may be useful
      depending on the desired metrics. Gait analysis is an additional useful technical
      tool for analyzing the motion of the foot and ankle and its relation to the whole
      body function; pedobarography added to the dynamics of the evaluation. Functional
      quality-of-life questionnaires are increasing in popularity for measuring the
      total body functional status and the quality of life.

PMID- 22080299
TI  - Tumoral calcinosis of the cervical spine and its association with Caffey disease
      in a 4-month-old boy:  case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare condition involving large joints and rarely the
      spine. It is characterized by calcification and swelling of periarticular
      tissues. Caffey disease (CD) is defined by recurrent episodes of painful soft
      tissue swelling and cortical thickening of the underlying bones. It is a self
      limited disease that occurs in the first year of life. We report the first
      association of CD and TC of the cervical spine in a 4-month-old boy. We suggest
      that TC occurred as a consequence of the repetitive reparative process that takes
      place in CD, adding the latter to the list of diseases that may secondarily
      produce TC.

PMID- 22080300
TI  - Immunogenetic Management Software: a new tool for visualization and analysis of
      complex immunogenetic datasets.
AB  - Here we describe the Immunogenetic Management Software (IMS) system, a novel web
      based application that permits multiplexed analysis of complex immunogenetic
      traits that are necessary for the accurate planning and execution of experiments
      involving large animal models, including nonhuman primates. IMS is capable of
      housing complex pedigree relationships, microsatellite-based MHC typing data, as
      well as MHC pyrosequencing expression analysis of class I alleles. It includes a
      novel, automated MHC haplotype naming algorithm and has accomplished an
      innovative visualization protocol that allows users to view multiple familial and
      MHC haplotype relationships through a single, interactive graphical interface.
      Detailed DNA and RNA-based data can also be queried and analyzed in a highly
      accessible fashion, and flexible search capabilities allow experimental choices
      to be made based on multiple, individualized and expandable immunogenetic
      factors. This web application is implemented in Java, MySQL, Tomcat, and Apache,
      with supported browsers including Internet Explorer and Firefox on Windows and
      Safari on Mac OS. The software is freely available for distribution to
      noncommercial users by contacting Leslie.kean@emory.edu. A demonstration site for
      the software is available at http://typing.emory.edu/typing_demo , user name:
      imsdemo7@gmail.com and password: imsdemo.

PMID- 22080301
TI  - Controlled nanoporosity of organic aerogels by dispersing clay platelets.
AB  - A new class of organic-inorganic hybrid aerogels having small pores and narrow
      pore size distribution are synthesized from well-dispersed clay platelets in
      water as base catalyst. Clay-catalyzed organic gels have strong advantage in
      controlling nanopore structure as well as reducing drying shrinkage by
      reinforcing the organic network with inorganic platelets.

PMID- 22080302
TI  - Fabrication of SERS-fluorescence dual modal nanoprobes and application to
      multiplex cancer cell imaging.
AB  - We report a highly sensitive optical imaging technology using surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering (SERS)-fluorescence dual modal nanoprobes (DMNPs). Fluorescence
      microscopy is a well-known imaging technique that shows specific protein
      distributions within cells. However, most currently available fluorescent organic
      dyes have relatively weak emission intensities and are rapidly photo-bleached.
      Thus more sensitive and stable probes are needed. In this work we develop DMNPs,
      which can be used for both SERS and fluorescence detection. SERS detection is a
      powerful technique that allows ultrasensitive chemical or biochemical analysis
      through unlimited multiplexing and single molecule sensitivity. Combining
      advantages of fluorescence and SERS allows these dual modal nanostructures to be
      used as powerful probes for novel biomedical imaging. In this work, the
      fabrication and characterization of the SERS-fluorescence DMNPs and application
      to biological imaging were investigated using markers CD24 and CD44, which are co
      expressed in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, as a model system. SERS imaging with
      DMNPs was found to be a powerful tool to determine the co-localization of CD24
      and CD44 in the cell.

PMID- 22080303
TI  - Evidence for acyl-iron ligation in the active site of [Fe]-hydrogenase provided
      by mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - [Fe]-hydrogenase catalyzes the reversible heterolytic cleavage of H(2) and stereo
      specific hydride transfer to the substrate methenyltetrahydromethanopterin in
      methanogenic archaea. This enzyme contains a unique iron guanylylpyridinol (FeGP)
      cofactor as a prosthetic group. It has recently been proposed-on the basis of
      crystal structural analyses of the [Fe]-hydrogenase holoenzyme-that the FeGP
      cofactor contains an acyl-iron ligation, the first one reported in a biological
      system. We report here that the cofactor can be reversibly extracted with acids;
      its exact mass has been determined by electrospray ionization Fourier transform
      ion cyclotron resonance mass-spectrometry. The measured mass of the intact
      cofactor and its gas-phase fragments are consistent with the proposed structure.
      The mass of the light decomposition products of the cofactor support the presence
      of acyl-iron ligation. Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy of the
      FeGP cofactor revealed a band near wave number 1700 cm(-1), which was assigned to
      the C=O (double bond) stretching mode of the acyl-iron ligand.

PMID- 22080304
TI  - Genetics of canine olfaction and receptor diversity.
AB  - Olfaction is a particularly important sense in the dog. Humans selected for this
      capacity during the domestication process, and selection has continued to be
      employed to enhance this ability. In this review we first describe the different
      olfactory systems that exist and the different odorant receptors that are
      expressed in those systems. We then focus on the dog olfactory receptors by
      describing the olfactory receptor gene repertoire and its polymorphisms. Finally,
      we discuss the different uses of dog olfaction and the questions that still need
      to be studied.

PMID- 22080305
TI  - Family support in prevention programs for children at risk for
      emotional/behavioral problems.
AB  - We conducted a review of empirically based prevention programs to identify
      prevalence and types of family support services within these programs. A total of
      238 articles published between 1990 and 2011 that included a family support
      component were identified; 37 met criteria for inclusion. Following the Institute
      of Medicine's typology, prevention programs were categorized as universal,
      selective, or indicated; programs containing more than one prevention level were
      characterized as multi-level. Family support types included those led by a mental
      health professional, led by a peer, or team-led. Among the 37 prevention programs
      reviewed, 27% (n=10) were universal, 41% (n=15) were selective, 16% (n=6) were
      indicated, and 16% (n=6) were multi-level. The predominant model of family
      support was professionally led (95%, n=35). Two (n=5%) provided team-led
      services. None were purely peer-led. In terms of content of family support
      services, all (100%, n=37) provided instruction/skill build. Information and
      education was provided by 70% (n=26), followed by emotional support (n=11, 30%)
      and instrumental or concrete assistance (n=11, 30%). Only 14% (n=5) provided
      assistance with advocacy. The distribution of models and content of services in
      prevention studies differ from family support within treatment studies. As family
      support is likely to be an enduring component of the child and family mental
      health service continuum, comparative effectiveness studies are needed to inform
      future development.

PMID- 22080306
TI  - A QSAR study of radical scavenging antioxidant activity of a series of flavonoids
      using DFT based quantum chemical descriptors--the importance of group frontier
      electron density.
AB  - In a pursuit of electronic level understanding of the antioxidant activity of a
      series of flavonoids, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies
      have been carried out using density functional theory (DFT) based quantum
      chemical descriptors. The best QSAR model have been selected for which the
      computed square correlation coefficient r(2) = 0.937 and cross-validated squared
      correlation coefficient q(2) =0.916. The QSAR model indicates that hardness
      (eta), group electrophilic frontier electron density (F(E)(A)) and group
      philicity (omega(B)(+)) of individual molecules are responsible for in vitro
      biological activity. To the best our knowledge, the group electrophilic frontier
      electron density (F(E)(A)) has been used for the first time to explain the
      radical scavenging activity (RSA) of flavonoids. The excellent correlation
      between the RSA and the above mentioned DFT based descriptors lead us to predict
      new antioxidants having very good antioxidant activity.

PMID- 22080307
TI  - Hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse using response surface methodology
      improves digestibility and ethanol production by SSF.
AB  - Sugarcane bagasse was characterized as a feedstock for the production of ethanol
      using hydrothermal pretreatment. Reaction temperature and time were varied
      between 160 and 200 degrees C and 5-20 min, respectively, using a response
      surface experimental design. The liquid fraction was analyzed for soluble
      carbohydrates and furan aldehydes. The solid fraction was analyzed for structural
      carbohydrates and Klason lignin. Pretreatment conditions were evaluated based on
      enzymatic extraction of glucose and xylose and conversion to ethanol using a
      simultaneous saccharification and fermentation scheme. SSF experiments were
      conducted with the washed pretreated biomass. The severity of the pretreatment
      should be sufficient to drive enzymatic digestion and ethanol yields, however,
      sugars losses and especially sugar conversion into furans needs to be minimized.
      As expected, furfural production increased with pretreatment severity and
      specifically xylose release. However, provided that the severity was kept below a
      general severity factor of 4.0, production of furfural was below an inhibitory
      concentration and carbohydrate contents were preserved in the pretreated whole
      hydrolysate. There were significant interactions between time and temperature for
      all the responses except cellulose digestion. The models were highly predictive
      for cellulose digestibility (R (2) = 0.8861) and for ethanol production (R (2) =
      0.9581), but less so for xylose extraction. Both cellulose digestion and ethanol
      production increased with severity, however, high levels of furfural generated
      under more severe pretreatment conditions favor lower severity pretreatments. The
      optimal pretreatment condition that gave the highest conversion yield of ethanol,
      while minimizing furfural production, was judged to be 190 degrees C and 17.2
      min. The whole hydrolysate was also converted to ethanol using SSF. To reduce the
      concentration of inhibitors, the liquid fraction was conditioned prior to
      fermentation by removing inhibitory chemicals using the fungus Coniochaeta
      ligniaria.

PMID- 22080308
TI  - Anemia, iron deficiency, and stress fractures in female combatants during 16
      months.
AB  - Yanovich, R, Merkel, D, Israeli, E, Evans, RK, Erlich, T, and Moran, DS. Anemia,
      iron deficiency, and stress fractures in female combatants during 16 months. J
      Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3412-3421, 2011-The purpose of this study is to
      evaluate the hematological profile of military recruits in different settings and
      training programs and to investigate the link between anemia and iron deficiency
      with stress fracture (SF) occurrence. We surveyed 3 groups of recruits for 16
      months: 221 women (F) and 78 men (M) from 3 different platoons of a gender
      integrated combat battalion and a control group (CF) of 121 female soldiers from
      a noncombat unit. Data were fully collected upon induction and at 4 and 16 months
      from 48F, 21M, and 31CF. Blood tests, anthropometry, physical aerobic fitness,
      and SF occurrence were evaluated. On induction day, 18.0 and 19.0% of F and CF
      were found to be anemic, and 61.4 and 50.9%, respectively, were found to have
      iron deficiency, whereas 7.7% of M were found to be anemic and 10.2% iron
      deficient. During the 4 months of army basic training (ABT), anemia and iron
      deficiency prevalence did not change significantly in any group. After 16-months,
      anemia prevalence decreased by 8% among F and CF and abated in M. Iron deficiency
      was prevalent in 50.0, 59.4, and 18.8% of F, CF, and M, respectively. Stress
      fractures were diagnosed in 14 F during ABT, and they had a significantly higher
      prevalence (p < 0.05) of anemia and iron deficiency anemia compared to F without
      SFs. The observed link between anemia and iron deficiency on recruitment day and
      SFs suggests the importance of screening female combat recruits for these
      deficiencies. To minimize the health impact of army service on female soldiers,
      preventative measures related to anemia and iron deficiency should be
      administered. Further research is needed for evaluating the influence of low iron
      in kosher meat as a possible explanation for the high prevalence of iron
      deficiency among young Israeli recruits.

PMID- 22080309
TI  - Core stability exercises in individuals with and without chronic nonspecific low
      back pain.
AB  - Marshall, PWM, Desai, I, and Robbins, DW. Core stability exercises in individuals
      with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain. J Strength Cond Res 25(12):
      3404-3411, 2011-The aim of this study was to measure trunk muscle activity during
      several commonly used exercises in individuals with and without low back pain
      (LBP). Abdominal bracing was investigated as an exercise modification that may
      increase the acute training stimulus. After an initial familiarization session,
      10 patients with LBP and 10 matched controls performed 5 different exercises
      (quadruped, side bridge, modified push-up, squat, shoulder flexion) with and
      without abdominal bracing. Trunk muscle activity and lumbar range of motion
      (LROM) were measured during all exercises. Muscle activity was measured
      bilaterally during each exercise from rectus abdominis (RA), external obliques
      (EO), and lumbar erector spinae (ES) with pairs of surface electrodes. Recorded
      signals were normalized to a percentage of maximal voluntary contractions
      performed for each muscle. The ES activity was lower for the LBP group during the
      quadruped (p < 0.05) and higher for RA and EO during the side bridge (p < 0.001),
      compared to for the healthy controls. Higher muscle activity was observed across
      exercises in an inconsistent pattern when abdominal bracing was used during
      exercise. The LROM was no different between groups for any exercise. The lack of
      worsening of symptoms in the LBP group and similar LROM observed between groups
      suggest that all exercises investigated in this study are of use in
      rehabilitating LBP patients. The widespread use of abdominal bracing in clinical
      practice, whether it be for patients with LBP or healthy individuals, may not be
      justified unless symptoms of spinal instability are identified.

PMID- 22080310
TI  - Reliability of performance velocity for jump squats under feedback and
      nonfeedback conditions.
AB  - Randell, AD, Cronin, JB, Keogh, JWL, Gill, ND, and Pedersen, MC. Reliability of
      performance velocity for jump squats under feedback and nonfeedback conditions. J
      Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3514-3518, 2011-Advancements in the monitoring of
      kinematic and kinetic variables during resistance training have resulted in the
      ability to continuously monitor performance and provide feedback during training.
      If equipment and software can provide reliable instantaneous feedback related to
      the variable of interest during training, it is thought that this may result in
      goal-oriented movement tasks that increase the likelihood of transference to on
      field performance or at the very least improve the mechanical variable of
      interest. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of
      performance velocity for jump squats under feedback and nonfeedback conditions
      over 3 consecutive training sessions. Twenty subjects were randomly allocated to
      a feedback or nonfeedback group, and each group performed a total of 3 "jump
      squat" training sessions with the velocity of each repetition measured using a
      linear position transducer. There was less change in mean velocities between
      sessions 1-2 and sessions 2-3 (0.07 and 0.02 vs. 0.13 and -0.04 m.s), less random
      variation (TE = 0.06 and 0.06 vs. 0.10 and 0.07 m.s) and greater consistency
      (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83 and 0.87 vs. 0.53 and 0.74) between
      sessions for the feedback condition as compared to the nonfeedback condition. It
      was concluded that there is approximately a 50-50 probability that the provision
      of feedback was beneficial to the performance in the squat jump over multiple
      sessions. It is suggested that this has the potential for increasing transference
      to on-field performance or at the very least improving the mechanical variable of
      interest.

PMID- 22080311
TI  - Skeletal mass in adolescent male athletes and nonathletes: relationships with
      high-impact sports.
AB  - Dias Quiterio, AL, Canero, EA, Baptista, FM, and Sardinha, LB. Skeletal mass in
      adolescent male athletes and nonathletes: relationships with high-impact sports.
      J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3439-3447, 2011-This study examined the relationships
      between the practice of different categories of sports (high-impact vs.
      nonimpact) and bone status in adolescent male athletes and investigated
      differences from an age-matched control group. A total of 54 adolescent male
      athletes and 26 adolescent nonathletes were evaluated. Bone mineral density, bone
      mineral content (BMC), and bone area at the whole-body, limbs, and lumbar spine
      were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, along with total and
      regional fat-free mass and body fat. The high-impact group included 34 athletes:
      9 gymnasts, 18 basketball players, and 7 handball players (age: 15.7 +/- 1.6
      years; weight: 72.0 +/- 15.0 kg; height: 178.5 +/- 12.5 cm). The nonimpact group
      consisted of 20 swimmers (age: 16.4 +/- 2.5 years; weight: 66.9 +/- 10.4 kg;
      height: 173.7 +/- 10.9 cm). The nonathletic control group included 26 male
      adolescents (age: 15.9 +/- 2.8 years; weight: 64.7 +/- 16.3 kg; height: 168.6 +/-
      15.1 cm). No differences were observed between the nonimpact and the control
      group in all bone variables, before and after adjustments for maturation level,
      body weight, and height (p > 0.05). After adjustments for these variables, the
      high-impact group displayed greater bone mass in most of the measured sites when
      compared to the other 2 groups (p < 0.001). Subjects in the nonimpact group
      showed lower values of BMC, particularly in the lower limbs, than both the high
      impact and the nonathletic control groups (p < 0.05) after adjustments for
      maturation, high, and fat-free mass. This study reinforces the positive
      associations between high-impact physical activities and skeletal health in
      adolescent boys.

PMID- 22080312
TI  - Improvements in metabolic and neuromuscular fitness after 12-week bodypump(r)
      training.
AB  - Greco, CC, Oliveira, AS, Pereira, MP, Figueira, TR, Ruas, VD, Goncalves, M, and
      Denadai, BS. Improvements in metabolic and neuromuscular fitness after 12-week
      Bodypump(r) training. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3422-3431, 2011-The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week group fitness training
      program (Bodypump(r)) on anthropometry, muscle strength, and aerobic fitness.
      Nineteen women (21.4 +/- 2.0 years old) were randomly assigned to a training
      group (n = 9) and to a control group (n = 10). We show that this training program
      improved the 1 repetition maximum squats by 33.1% (p < 0.001) and the maximal
      isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) by 13.6% (p < 0.05). Additionally,
      decreases in knee extensor electromyographic activity during the MVC (30%, p <
      0.01) and during the squats (15%, p < 0.05) and lunges of a simulated Bodypump(r)
      session were observed after the training. Concomitantly, blood lactate and heart
      rate after squats of a simulated Bodypump(r) session were decreased by 33 and 7%
      (p < 0.05), respectively. Body mass, body fat, and the running velocity at the
      onset of blood lactate accumulation did not change significantly in response to
      this training program. We conclude that Bodypump(r) training improves muscular
      strength and decreases metabolic stress during lower limb exercises. However, no
      significant improvements in running aerobic fitness nor in body mass and body fat
      were observed. Practitioners of Bodypump(r) training may benefit from the
      increased muscular strength and the decreased muscular fatigability during
      exercise tasks whose motor patterns are related to those involved in this
      training program. However, these functional gains do not seem to be transferable
      into running aerobic fitness.

PMID- 22080313
TI  - Finishers and nonfinishers in the 'Swiss Cycling Marathon ' to qualify for the
      'Race Across America '.
AB  - Knechtle, B, Knechtle, P, Rust, CA, Rosemann, T, and Lepers, R. Finishers and
      nonfinishers in the 'Swiss Cycling Marathon' to qualify for the 'Race across
      America.' J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3257-3263, 2011-We compared the
      characteristics of prerace anthropometry, previous experience, and training and
      support during the race in 39 finishers and 37 nonfinishers in the 'Swiss Cycling
      Marathon,' over 720 km. In this race, the cyclists intended to qualify for the
      'Race across America,' the longest nonstop cycling race in the World from the
      West to the East of the USA. Finishers in the 'Swiss Cycling Marathon' had a
      lower body mass, a lower body mass index, lower circumferences of upper arm and
      thigh, a lower percent body fat, completed more weekly training units, covered
      more kilometers in the longest training ride, rode at a faster speed during
      training, rode more kilometers per week and for more hours, had more previous
      finishes in the 'Swiss Cycling Marathon' and a lighter race bike compared to the
      nonfinishers. In the bivariate analysis, the cycling distance per training unit
      (r = 0.37), the duration per training unit (r = 0.44), the speed per training
      unit (r = -0.59), using nutrition provided by the organizer (r = 0.50), and using
      own nutrition (r = 0.49) during the race were significantly and positively
      associated with race time. For practical applications, anthropometric
      characteristics such as a low body mass or low body fat were not related to race
      time, whereas training characteristics and nutrition during the race were
      associated with race time. The key to a successful finish in an ultraendurance
      cycling race such as the 'Swiss Cycling Marathon' seems a high speed in training
      and an appropriate nutrition during the race.

PMID- 22080314
TI  - Creatine supplementation decreases oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation
      induced by a single bout of resistance exercise.
AB  - Rahimi, R. Creatine supplementation decreases oxidative DNA damage and lipid
      peroxidation induced by a single bout of resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res
      25(12): 3448-3455, 2011-Creatine (Cr), or methyl guanidine-acetic acid, can be
      either ingested from exogenous sources, such as fish or meat, or produced
      endogenously by the body, primarily in the liver. It is used as an ergogenic aid
      to improve muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Heretofore, Cr's positive
      therapeutic benefits in various oxidative stress-associated diseases have been
      reported in the literature and, recently, Cr has also been shown to exert direct
      antioxidant effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the
      effects of an acute bout of resistance exercise (RE) on oxidative stress response
      and oxidative DNA damage in male athletes and whether supplementation with Cr
      could negate any observed differences. Twenty-seven resistance-trained men were
      randomly divided into a Cr supplementation group (the Cr group [21.6 +/- 3.6
      years], taking 4 * 5 g Cr monohydrate per day) or a placebo (PL) supplementation
      group (the PL group [21.2 +/- 3.2 years], taking 4 * 5 g maltodextrin per day). A
      double-blind research design was employed for a 7-day supplementation period.
      Before and after the seventh day of supplementation, the subjects performed an RE
      protocol (7 sets of 4 exercises using 60-90 1 repetition maximum) in the flat
      pyramid loading pattern. Blood and urine samples taken before, immediately, and
      24-hour postexercise were analyzed for plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary 8
      hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion. Before the supplementation period, a
      significant increase in the urinary 8-OHdG excretion and plasma MDA levels was
      observed after RE. The Cr supplementation induces a significant increase in
      athletics performance, and it attenuated the changes observed in the urinary 8
      OHdG excretion and plasma MDA. These results indicate that Cr supplementation
      reduced oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation induced by a single bout of
      RE.

PMID- 22080315
TI  - Exertional rhabdomyolysis in an adolescent athlete during preseason conditioning:
      a perfect storm.
AB  - Cleary, MA, Sadowski, KA, Lee, SY-C, Miller, GL, and Nichols, AW. Exertional
      rhabdomyolysis in an adolescent athlete during preseason conditioning: a perfect
      storm. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3506-3513, 2011-The purpose of this brief
      review is to present a case of a healthy, male adolescent athlete (age = 16
      years, body mass = 67.9 kg, height = 165.5 cm) who participated in a 3-day
      preseason wrestling camp which resulted in hospitalization for exertional
      rhabdomyolysis. As part of the preseason conditioning program directed by the
      coaches, the athlete completed 60 minutes of short, intense intervals of wall
      sits, squats, sit-ups, push-ups, lunges, and plyometric jumps. The following day,
      the athlete continued his vigorous training consisting of running drills. That
      night he noticed voiding dark brown urine the color of cola. The day after the
      camp ended, the athlete reported to his Athletic Trainers with the chief
      complaint of severe bilateral leg pain in his quadriceps. Two days after the
      initial assessment, he was admitted to the hospital where he was diagnosed with
      exertional rhabdomyolysis based on creatine kinase (CK) levels that peaked at
      146,000 IU.L, elevated far beyond normal (normal range = 58-280 IU.L). The
      athlete was hospitalized for 6 days where he received intravenous normal saline
      for rehydration, and his CK levels were assessed daily. Athletic Trainers,
      personal trainers, physical education teachers, and coaches should be aware that
      exertional rhabdomyolysis is the most common form of rhabdomyolysis and affects
      individuals who participate in novel and intense exercise to which they are
      unaccustomed. Stressful ambient conditions may lead to dehydration and
      exacerbation of the condition, particularly when the individual is not accustomed
      to the exercise intensity.

PMID- 22080316
TI  - Determining the optimal whole-body vibration dose-response relationship for
      muscle performance.
AB  - Da Silva-Grigoletto, ME, de Hoyo, M, Sanudo, B, Corrales, L, and Garcia-Manso,
      JM. Determining the optimal whole-body vibration dose-response relationship for
      muscle performance. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3326-3333, 2011-The aim of this
      investigation was twofold: first, to determine the optimal duration of a single
      whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure (phase 1) and second to find out the ideal
      number of sets per intervention to maximize muscle performance (phase 2). All
      participants were young (age: 19.4 +/- 1.6 years), healthy, physically active
      men. In both studies, a 30-Hz frequency and a 4-mm peak-to-peak displacement were
      used. In phase 1, subjects (n = 30) underwent 3 sets of different durations (30,
      60, and 90 seconds), whereas in phase 2, subjects (n = 27) underwent 3
      interventions where the duration remained fixed at 60 seconds, and the number of
      sets performed (3, 6, or 9) was modified. The recovery time between sets was set
      at 2 minutes. In all interventions, each set consisted of 1 isometric repetition
      in a squat position with knees flexed at 100 degrees . Before and after each
      session, jump height (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) and power
      output in half squat (90 degrees  knee flexion) were assessed. In phase 1, an
      improvement in jump ability and power output was observed after the 30- and 60
      second intervention (p < 0.01), whereas the 90 second intervention, participants
      just experienced a decrease in SJ and CMJ (p < 0.05). When comparing the
      different protocols, the greatest response was achieved using 60 seconds (p <
      0.05), which was therefore considered as the optimal duration to be used in phase
      2. In the second phase, improvements in jump ability and power output were found
      with 3 and 6 sets (p < 0.05), whereas with 9 sets, participants actually
      experienced a decrease in these variables. Intergroup comparison showed a greater
      effect for the program of 6 sets (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a WBV intervention
      consisting of six 60-second sets produces improved muscle performance measured by
      SJ, CMJ, and power output.

PMID- 22080317
TI  - Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of young soccer players
      according to their playing positions: relevance for competition success.
AB  - Lago-Penas, C, Casais, L, Dellal, A, Rey, E, and Dominguez, E. Anthropometric and
      physiological characteristics of young soccer players according to their playing
      positions: relevance for competition success. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3358
      3367, 2011-The aim of this study was to establish the anthropometric and
      physiological profiles of young soccer players according to their playing
      position and to determine their relevance for competition success. Three hundred
      and twenty-one young male soccer players participated in the study. Players, age
      15.63 (+/-1.82) years, range 12-19 years, were classified into the following
      groups: Goalkeepers (n = 35), Central Defenders (n = 53), External Defenders (n =
      54), Central Midfielders (n = 61), External Midfielders (n = 46), and Forwards (n
      = 72). The anthropometric variables of participants (height, weight, body mass
      index, 6 skinfolds, 4 diameters, and 3 perimeters) were measured. Also, their
      somatotype and body composition (weights and percentages of fat, bone, and
      muscle) were calculated. Participants performed the 20-m progressive run test to
      estimate their relative VO(2)max, a sprint test (30 m flat), and 3 jump tests
      (squat jump, countermovement jump, and Abalakov test). External Midfielders were
      the leanest and shortest. In contrast, Central Defenders and Goalkeepers were
      found to be the tallest and heaviest players. They also had the largest fat
      skinfolds. In general, the results show that heavier and taller young soccer
      players performed better in vertical jumps and 30-m sprint, whereas leaner
      players performed better in the 20-m progressive run test. Players were
      classified into 2 groups according to the final ranking of their teams at the end
      of the season. Players from successful teams performed slightly better than
      players from unsuccessful teams in the physiological test, but these differences
      were not statistically significant. Moreover, players from successful teams were
      found to be leaner and more muscular than their unsuccessful counterparts.

PMID- 22080318
TI  - The effects of low fat chocolate milk on postexercise recovery in collegiate
      athletes.
AB  - Spaccarotella, KJ and Andzel, WD. The effects of low fat chocolate milk on
      postexercise recovery in collegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3456
      3460, 2011-Drinking chocolate milk between exercise sessions may improve
      recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of low fat
      chocolate milk vs. a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage (CE) on recovery between
      preseason practice sessions among 5 male and 8 female Division III soccer
      players. The study used a randomized crossover design: between morning and
      afternoon practices, athletes received either an amount of chocolate milk that
      provided 1 g carbohydrate per kilogram body weight or an equal volume of CE (mean
      volume of 615 +/- 101 ml). After their afternoon practice, they completed a
      shuttle run to fatigue. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon paired rank-sign
      test (for shuttle run time) and the paired samples t-test (for dietary intake).
      No significant differences in run time were reported for the group. For the men
      only, there was a trend of increased time to fatigue with chocolate milk compared
      with the CE (exact p = 0.03). Low fat chocolate milk may therefore be as good as
      a CE at promoting recovery between training sessions during preseason.

PMID- 22080319
TI  - Kinetic quantification of plyometric exercise intensity.
AB  - Ebben, WP, Fauth, ML, Garceau, LR, and Petushek, EJ. Kinetic quantification of
      plyometric exercise intensity. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3288-3298, 2011
      Quantification of plyometric exercise intensity is necessary to understand the
      characteristics of these exercises and the proper progression of this mode of
      exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess the kinetic characteristics of
      a variety of plyometric exercises. This study also sought to assess gender
      differences in these variables. Twenty-six men and 23 women with previous
      experience in performing plyometric training served as subjects. The subjects
      performed a variety of plyometric exercises including line hops, 15.24-cm cone
      hops, squat jumps, tuck jumps, countermovement jumps (CMJs), loaded CMJs equal to
      30% of 1 repetition maximum squat, depth jumps normalized to the subject's jump
      height (JH), and single leg jumps. All plyometric exercises were assessed with a
      force platform. Outcome variables associated with the takeoff, airborne, and
      landing phase of each plyometric exercise were evaluated. These variables
      included the peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) during takeoff, the time
      to takeoff, flight time, JH, peak power, landing rate of force development, and
      peak vertical GRF during landing. A 2-way mixed analysis of variance with
      repeated measures for plyometric exercise type demonstrated main effects for
      exercise type and all outcome variables (p <= 0.05) and for the interaction
      between gender and peak vertical GRF during takeoff (p <= 0.05). Bonferroni
      adjusted pairwise comparisons identified a number of differences between the
      plyometric exercises for the outcome variables assessed (p <= 0.05). These
      findings can be used to guide the progression of plyometric training by
      incorporating exercises of increasing intensity over the course of a program.

PMID- 22080320
TI  - Biomechanical differences between incline and plane hopping.
AB  - Kannas, TM, Kellis, E, and Amiridis, IG. Biomechanical differences between
      incline and plane hopping. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3334-3341, 2011-The need
      for the generation of higher joint power output during performance of dynamic
      activities led us to investigate the force-length relationship of the plantar
      flexors during consecutive stretch-shortening cycles of hopping. The hypothesis
      of this study was that hopping (consecutive jumps with the knee as straight as
      possible) on an inclined (15 degrees ) surface might lead to a better jumping
      performance compared with hopping on a plane surface (0 degrees ). Twelve active
      men performed 3 sets of 10 consecutive hops on both an incline and plane surface.
      Ground reaction forces; ankle and knee joint kinematics; electromyographic (EMG)
      activity from the medial gastrocnemius (MG), soleus (Sol) and tibialis anterior
      (TA); and architectural data from the MG were recorded. The results showed that
      participants jumped significantly higher (p < 0.05) when hopping on an inclined
      surface (30.32 +/- 8.18 cm) compared with hopping on a plane surface (27.52 +/-
      4.97 cm). No differences in temporal characteristics between the 2 types of jumps
      were observed. Incline hopping induced significantly greater ankle dorsiflexion
      and knee extension at takeoff compared with plane hopping (p < 0.05). The
      fascicle length of the MG was greater at initial contact with the ground during
      incline hopping (p < 0.05). Moreover, the EMG activities of Sol and TA during the
      propulsion phase were significantly higher during incline compared with that
      during plane hopping (p < 0.05). It does not seem unreasonable to suggest that,
      if the aim of hopping plyometrics is to improve plantar flexor explosivity,
      incline hopping might be a more effective exercise than hopping on a plane
      surface.

PMID- 22080321
TI  - Oxygen consumption and heart rate during repeated squatting exercises with or
      without whole-body vibration in the elderly.
AB  - Avelar, NCP, Simao, AP, Tossige-Gomes, R, Neves, CDC, Mezencio, B, Szmuchrowski,
      L, Coimbra, CC, and Lacerda, ACR. Oxygen consumption and heart rate during
      repeated squatting exercises with or without whole-body vibration in the elderly.
      J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3495-3500, 2011-The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether vibration plus squatting would increase cardiovascular demand
      to the optimal exercise limits needed for the prescription of cardiovascular
      training. Oxygen consumption, measured breath by breath by a portable gas
      analysis system, and heart rate (HR), measured using an HR monitor, were
      evaluated in 18 elderly individuals, 15 women and 3 men with a mean age of 72 +/-
      6 years. These variables were measured simultaneously and at the same time points
      in each subject during rest and randomly during the performance of squatting
      exercises (8 series of 40 seconds, with 40 seconds of rest between series of
      performing squats in 3-second cycles with 10-60 degrees  of flexion, a total of 5
      repetitions for 40 seconds) with or without vibration at a frequency of 40 Hz and
      amplitude of 4 mm, separated by at least 1 day. Associating whole-body vibration
      with squatting exercise resulted in an additional increase of around 20% in
      oxygen consumption and 7.5% in the HR recorded during exercise. However, during
      squatting exercise with vibration, the increase achieved in oxygen consumption
      was limited to around 2 metabolic equivalents, and mean HR represented around 56%
      of the predicted maximum HR for age. The results of this study show that, despite
      the fact that vibration increased oxygen consumption and HR during the
      performance of squatting exercise, the minimum standards of intensity for the
      prescription of physical exercise with the specific objective of improving
      cardiorespiratory fitness were not achieved. Therefore, a protocol such as that
      used in the study does not meet the threshold for cardiovascular training
      prescription.

PMID- 22080322
TI  - Fit women are not able to use the whole aerobic capacity during aerobic dance.
AB  - Edvardsen, E, Ingjer, F, and Bo, K. Fit women are not able to use the whole
      aerobic capacity during aerobic dance. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3479-3485,
      2011-This study compared the aerobic capacity during maximal aerobic dance and
      treadmill running in fit women. Thirteen well-trained female aerobic dance
      instructors aged 30 +/- 8.17 years (mean +/- SD) exercised to exhaustion by
      running on a treadmill for measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) and
      peak heart rate (HRpeak). Additionally, all subjects performed aerobic dancing
      until exhaustion after a choreographed videotaped routine trying to reach the
      same HRpeak as during maximal running. The p value for statistical significance
      between running and aerobic dance was set to <=0.05. The results (mean +/- SD)
      showed a lower VO(2)max in aerobic dance (52.2 +/- 4.02 ml.kg.min) compared with
      treadmill running (55.9 +/- 5.03 ml.kg.min) (p = 0.0003). Further, the mean +/-
      SD HRpeak was 182 +/- 9.15 b.min in aerobic dance and 192 +/- 9.62 b.min in
      treadmill running, giving no difference in oxygen pulse between the 2 exercise
      forms (p = 0.32). There was no difference in peak ventilation (aerobic dance: 108
      +/- 10.81 L.min vs. running: 113 +/- 11.49 L.min). In conclusion, aerobic dance
      does not seem to be able to use the whole aerobic capacity as in running. For
      well endurance-trained women, this may result in a lower total workload at
      maximal intensities. Aerobic dance may therefore not be as suitable as running
      during maximal intensities in well-trained females.

PMID- 22080323
TI  - Factors of trainability and predictability associated with military physical
      fitness test success.
AB  - Cuddy, JS, Slivka, DR, Hailes, WS, and Ruby, BC. Factors of trainability and
      predictability associated with military physical fitness test success. J Strength
      Cond Res 25(12): 3486-3494, 2011-The purpose of this study was to determine the
      trainability of college-aged men using varied training programs and to assess
      factors associated with successfully passing a Special Operations Forces (SOF)
      physical fitness test (PFT). One hundred thirty-five male subjects were
      stratified into 3 training groups (run focused, calisthenic focused, or combined
      run and calisthenic) and were trained 3 times.per week for 12 weeks. Body
      composition and accelerometer activity patterns were measured pretraining and
      posttraining. The PFT performance (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and 1.5-mile run
      time) was measured weekly throughout the study period. The subjects exhibited
      reduced body fat (18.4 +/- 7.7 to 16.9 +/- 7.3), increased fat-free mass (66.1 +/
      8.2 to 67.4 +/- 7.9), reduced fat mass (15.8 +/- 9.2 to 14.6 +/- 8.9) from
      pretraining to posttraining, respectively (p < 0.05). All groups improved in each
      component of PFT performance with training (p < 0.05). There was a significant 20
      +/- 35% increase in 6-day average daily activity for the run-focused training
      group from pretraining and posttraining. The key indicators of a candidate's
      potential to successfully reach SOF PFT standards (in 12 weeks) were determined
      to be as follows: enter the pipeline being able to run 2.4 km in <=10:41 minutes,
      have a body fat percentage of <=12.9%, and participate in a minimum of 30 min.d
      of vigorous physical activity. Training an individual's relative run or
      calisthenic deficiency did not prove to be a better training approach compared
      with a program that emphasizes training both running and calisthenic activities.

PMID- 22080324
TI  - The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance, skeletal
      muscle oxygen saturation and associated biochemical parameters in resistance
      trained men.
AB  - Trepanowski, JF, Farney, TM, McCarthy, CG, Schilling, BK, Craig, SA, and Bloomer,
      RJ. The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance,
      skeletal muscle oxygen saturation, and associated biochemical parameters in
      resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3461-3471, 2011-We examined
      the effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance and
      associated parameters in resistance trained men. Men were randomly assigned in a
      double-blind manner using a crossover design to consume betaine (2.5 g of betaine
      mixed in 500 ml of Gatorade(r)) or a placebo (500 ml of Gatorade(r)) for 14 days,
      with a 21-day washout period. Before and after each treatment period, tests of
      lower- and upper-body muscular power and isometric force were conducted,
      including a test of upper-body muscular endurance (10 sets of bench press
      exercise to failure). Muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during the bench
      press protocol was measured via near infrared spectroscopy. Blood samples were
      collected before and after the exercise test protocol for analysis of lactate,
      nitrate/nitrite (NOx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). When analyzed using a repeated
      measures analysis of variance, no significant differences were noted between
      conditions for exercise performance variables (p > 0.05). However, an increase in
      total repetitions (p = 0.01) and total volume load (p = 0.02) in the 10-set bench
      press protocol was noted with betaine supplementation (paired t-tests), with
      values increasing approximately 6.5% from preintervention to postintervention.
      Although not of statistical significance (p = 0.14), postexercise blood lactate
      increased to a lesser extent with betaine supplementation (210%) compared with
      placebo administration (270%). NOx was lower postintervention as compared with
      preintervention (p = 0.06), and MDA was relatively unchanged. The decrease in
      StO2 during the bench press protocol was greater with betaine vs. placebo (p =
      0.01), possibly suggesting enhanced muscle oxygen consumption. These findings
      indicate that betaine supplementation results in a moderate increase in total
      repetitions and volume load in the bench press exercise, without favorably
      impacting other performance measures.

PMID- 22080325
TI  - Kinetic comparisons during variations of the power clean.
AB  - Comfort, P, Allen, M, and Graham-Smith, P. Kinetic comparisons during variations
      of the power clean. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3269-3273, 2011-The aim of this
      investigation was to determine the differences in peak power, peak vertical
      ground reaction forces, and rate of force development (RFD) during variations of
      the power clean. Elite rugby league players (n = 16; age 22 +/- 1.58 years;
      height 182.25 +/- 2.81 cm; body mass 98.65 +/- 7.52 kg) performed 1 set of 3
      repetitions of the power clean, hang power clean, midthigh power clean, or
      midthigh clean pull, using 60% of 1 repetition maximum power clean, in a
      randomized order, while standing on a force platform. One-way analysis of
      variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed a significantly (p < 0.001)
      greater peak power output during the midthigh power clean (3,565.7 +/- 410.6 W)
      and the midthigh clean pull (3,686.8 +/- 386.5 W) compared with both the power
      clean (2,591.2 +/- 645.5 W) and the hang power clean (3,183.6 +/- 309.1 W), along
      with a significantly (p < 0.001) greater peak Fz during the midthigh power clean
      (2,813.8 +/- 200.5 N) and the midthigh clean pull (2,901.3 +/- 226.1 N) compared
      with both the power clean (2,264.1 +/- 199.6 N) and the hang power clean (2,479.3
      +/- 267.6 N). The midthigh power clean (15,049.8 +/- 4,415.7 N.s) and the
      midthigh clean pull (15,623.6 +/- 3,114.4 N.s) also demonstrated significantly (p
      < 0.001) greater instantaneous RFD when compared with both the power clean
      (8,657.9 +/- 2,746.6 N.s) and the hang power clean (10,314.4 +/- 4,238.2 N.s).
      From the findings of this study, when training to maximize power, Fz, and RFD,
      the midthigh power clean and midthigh clean pull appear to be the most
      advantageous variations of the power clean to perform.

PMID- 22080326
TI  - Is it time to consider a new performance classification for high-level male
      marathon runners?
AB  - La Torre, A, Vernillo, G, Agnello, L, Berardelli, C, and Rampinini, E. Is it time
      to consider a new performance classification for high-level male marathon
      runners? J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3242-3247, 2011-Studies have attempted to
      describe human running performances by the analysis of world-record times.
      However, to date, no study has analyzed the evolution of high-level marathon
      performances over time. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze these
      performances across the past 42 years with the aim of delineating a time-based
      classification. To identify the nature of the phenomenon represented by the
      sequence of observations, we examined the data collected (i.e., 8,400 times from
      1969 to 2010) as a time series. The leading time (LT) and the mean 200 times
      (T200) per year underwent a nonlinear but significant decrement (r = -0.92, p <
      0.001 and r = -0.98, p < 0.001, respectively). In fact, from 1969 to 2010, the
      mean time differences were 3 minutes 20 seconds +/- 1 minute 59 seconds and 7
      minutes 1 second +/- 2 minutes 48 seconds, corresponding to an improvement of 5
      and 10 seconds per year for LT and T200, respectively. Furthermore, trend
      analysis suggested a disruption in marathon time improvements, indicating the
      presence of 3 points in the time series in which the performance significantly
      improved with respect to that of the previous years, corresponding to the years
      1983-1984 (p < 0.001), 1997-1998 (p < 0.003), and 2003 (p < 0.001). In
      conclusion, despite the trend in high-level marathon performances being better
      explained by a nonlinear tendency, significant improvements in the ability of the
      high-level marathon runners to complete the distance were observed. These
      improvements are likely to be related to sociological, environmental,
      physiological, and training-method factors. Researchers and coaches should take
      into account these enhancements by using the time classification proposed in this
      study to better reflect the marathon performance profile of their athletes.

PMID- 22080327
TI  - Dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on chili and soil.
AB  - Dissipation of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole were studied following two
      applications of a combination formulation of Nativo 75 WG (trifloxystrobin 25% +
      tebuconazole 50%) @ 250 and 500 g ha(-1) at 10 days interval. Samples of chili
      were collected at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 days after the last application. Red
      chili and soil samples were collected after 20 days of last application. Half
      life period for trifloxystrobin were found to be 1.81 and 1.58 days and for
      tebuconazole these values were observed to be 1.37 and 1.41 days, respectively,
      at single and double the application rates. Trifloxystrobin residues dissipated
      below its limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg kg(-1) after 5 and 7 days,
      respectively, at single and double the application dosages whereas tebuconazole
      residues took 7 and 10 days, respectively. Red chili & soil samples collected
      after 20 days did not reveal the presence of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole at
      their determination limit of 0.01 mg kg(-1).

PMID- 22080328
TI  - Distribution of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in red mullet (Mullus
      barbatus) and annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis) from the Izmir Bay (eastern
      Aegean).
AB  - Polycyclic aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons were analyzed in red mullet and
      annular sea bream from the Izmir Bay. These fishes were selected because of their
      multitude, wide distribution and common use in the Turkish diet; they were
      sampled and analyzed in 2000-2001 and 2004-2005 periods at five locations by
      trawling. Red mullet showed higher PAHs and aliphatics than annular sea bream.
      PAH levels for red mullet and annular sea bream ranged from 202 to 556 and 78.7
      to 415; aliphatics ranged from 834 to 2,420 and 436 to 1,724 ng/g dw,
      respectively. Molecular ratios showed pyrolitic inputs for PAHs, biogenic and
      anthropogenic inputs for aliphatics. The carcinogenic PAH, benzo(a)pyrene, was
      detected in most fish samples in levels ranged between 22.2 and 64.1 ng/g dw. The
      average PAH contamination level was within the "moderate" category in fish from
      Izmir Bay. Results indicate the needing of a systematic monitoring program in
      order to provide accurately assessment and management of risks for the regional
      population.

PMID- 22080329
TI  - Catalytic conversion of methane to methanol over Cu-mordenite.
AB  - Methane can be converted to methanol over copper-exchanged mordenite at 200 
      degrees C. Methanol could be recovered at the end of the reactor. This multi-step
      reaction opens the possibility for methane to methanol conversion in a closed
      catalytic cyclic reaction system.

PMID- 22080330
TI  - Substrate utilization by recombinant Yarrowia lipolytica growing on sucrose.
AB  - We report the study of the dynamics of substrate utilization by the genetic
      modified strain Yarrowia lipolytica H222-S4(p67ICL1) T5. In contrast to its wild
      type equivalent, this recombinant strain is able to excrete the sucrose cleaving
      enzyme invertase. Both the sucrose degradation rate and the glucose and fructose
      consumption rate have been investigated. In all experiments, satisfied amounts of
      invertase were produced so that all sucrose was cleaved into its monomers. While
      glucose and fructose as sole carbon sources were consumed with the same uptake
      rate, a clear preference for glucose uptake was detected in cultivations with
      sucrose as sole carbon source or mixed substrates when compared with fructose.
      Nevertheless, no real diauxie could be observed because of partly simultaneous
      consumption of both monosaccharides. Fructose being present in the cultivation
      medium at the beginning of the fermentation led to the retardation of glucose
      uptake. This effect was observed for various fructose starting concentrations in
      the range of 5-85 g/l.

PMID- 22080331
TI  - One-step engineering of silver nanoclusters-aptamer assemblies as luminescent
      labels to target tumor cells.
AB  - We reported one-step engineering of intrinsically fluorescent silver nanoclusters
      aptamer assemblies that would allow the development of facile and specific
      luminescent labels for target tumor cell recognition and analysis.

PMID- 22080332
TI  - Right ventricular injury in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: risk
      stratification by visualization of wall motion, edema, and delayed-enhancement
      cardiac magnetic resonance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with right ventricular injury (RVI) complicating ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have impaired prognosis, but it is
      unclear which patients are at risk of developing RVI. Cardiac magnetic resonance
      can identify these patients and might add important information on risk
      stratification, prognosis, and treatment. Aims were to determine the predictors
      and the prognostic significance of RVI assessed by wall motion abnormalities,
      edema, myocardial salvage index, and delayed enhancement in acute reperfused
      STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 450 patients 1-4 days after primary
      angioplasty in STEMI. T2-weighted and delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic
      resonance was used for visualizing edema and scar to calculate myocardial salvage
      index. Cine-imaging was performed to assess wall motion abnormalities, which, in
      combination with edema, were considered diagnostic for RVI. Patients with RVI
      were compared with matched patients with isolated left ventricular infarction.
      The primary end point was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event: a
      composite of death, reinfarction, and congestive heart failure after a median
      follow-up period of 20.9 months. RVI was present in 69 patients, and 41 of 69
      showed myocardial necrosis. In a multivariable stepwise forward logistic
      regression analysis, a high RV myocardial mass (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.18-3.58; P=0.012) and a low Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction
      flow before angioplasty (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.76;
      P=0.011) were associated with RVI. Cox regression analysis revealed RVI as the
      most statistically significant predictor of time to major adverse cardiac events
      (hazard-ratio, 3.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-5.66; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      RVI detected by cardiac magnetic resonance is a strong and independent predictor
      of clinical outcome after acute reperfused STEMI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01359306.

PMID- 22080333
TI  - Low valent and hydride complexes of NHC coordinated gallium and indium.
AB  - The reactions of the N-heterocyclic carbene 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene
      (IMes) with Ga[GaCl(4)], "GaI", InCl(2) and GaBr(3) have been examined. All
      reactions using a low valent gallium or indium starting material led to species
      of the form [{MX(2)(IMes)}(2)], where M = Ga, X = Cl (1), I (2); M = In, X = Cl
      (3), with disproportionation and loss of gallium metal in the case of 2. Reaction
      of IMes with gallium tribromide yields the air and moisture stable complex
      [GaBr(3)(IMes)] (4), which has been used as a precursor to the mixed
      bromohydrides [GaBrH(2)(IMes)] (5) and [GaBr(2)H(IMes)] (6) by (i) ligand
      redistribution with [GaH(3)(IMes)], (ii) hydride-bromide exchange with
      triethylsilane, and (iii) alkylation with (n)butyllithium followed by beta
      hydride elimination (6 only). Attempts to prepare 1, or monovalent analogues such
      as [{GaCl(IMes)}(n)], by thermally induced reductive elimination of dihydrogen
      from the chlorohydride congeners of 5 and 6 resulted in isolation of the known
      compounds [IMesCl][Cl] (IMesCl = 1,3-dimesityl-2-chloroimidazolium), and/or 1,3
      dimesityl-2-dihydroimidazole, and gallium metal. Preliminary photochemical NMR
      spectroscopy and catalytic studies of 5 and 6 aimed at reductive dehydrogenation
      under milder conditions are reported. Compounds 1 and 4 have been characterised
      by single crystal X-ray structure determination.

PMID- 22080335
TI  - New mode of treatment for lattice corneal dystrophy type I: corneal epithelial
      debridement and fibronectin eye drops.
AB  - PURPOSE: The R124C mutation of the TGFBI gene gives rise to lattice corneal
      dystrophy type I, which is characterized by irregularity, turbulence, and opacity
      of the corneal epithelium. We investigated the efficacy of corneal epithelial
      debridement followed by application of autologous fibronectin eye drops in the
      treatment of patients with this mutation. METHODS: Four patients (6 eyes; age
      range 25-57 years) treated between April 2006 and March 2008 were enrolled in the
      study. All patients had impaired visual acuity and recurrent corneal erosion.
      Corneal epithelial debridement was performed with a spatula at the pupillary
      zone, after which eye drops containing fibronectin purified from autologous serum
      were administered four times daily for 2 weeks to promote epithelial migration.
      Topical levofloxacin and betamethasone were also applied four times daily for 1
      month. RESULTS: All corneas achieved resurfacing within a few days of
      debridement. The best corrected visual acuity of all eyes improved from an
      average logMAR of 0.80 (range 1.40 logMAR-0.52 logMAR) before treatment to a
      logMAR of 0.10 (range 0.30 logMAR-0.046 logMAR) by 2-4 months after debridement.
      CONCLUSION: Despite the limitation of this study setting, corneal epithelial
      debridement followed by administration of fibronectin eye drops seems to be
      effective in improving visual acuity in cases of lattice corneal dystrophy type I
      caused by the R124C mutation of the TGFBI gene. This treatment may be one option
      for temporarily improving visual acuity in lattice corneal dystrophy type I and
      thus may delay the requirement for phototherapeutic keratoplasty or keratoplasty.

PMID- 22080336
TI  - Beyond ESWL: new concepts for definitive stone removal.

PMID- 22080334
TI  - Integrating etiological models of social anxiety and depression in youth:
      evidence for a cumulative interpersonal risk model.
AB  - Models of social anxiety and depression in youth have been developed separately,
      and they contain similar etiological influences. Given the high comorbidity of
      social anxiety and depression, we examine whether the posited etiological
      constructs are a correlate of, or a risk factor for, social anxiety and/or
      depression at the symptom level and the diagnostic level. We find core risk
      factors of temperament, genetics, and parent psychopathology (i.e., depression
      and anxiety) are neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of social
      anxiety and/or depression. Instead, aspects of children's relationships with
      parents and/or peers either mediates (i.e., explains) or moderates (i.e.,
      interacts with) these core risks being related to social anxiety and/or
      depression. We then examine various parent- and peer-related constructs contained
      in the separate models of social anxiety and depression (i.e., parent-child
      attachment, parenting, social skill deficits, peer acceptance and rejection, peer
      victimization, friendships, and loneliness). Throughout our review, we report
      evidence for a Cumulative Interpersonal Risk model that incorporates both core
      risk factors and specific interpersonal risk factors. Most studies fail to
      consider comorbidity, thus little is known about the specificity of these various
      constructs to depression and/or social anxiety. However, we identify shared,
      differential, and cumulative risks, correlates, consequences, and protective
      factors. We then put forth demonstrated pathways for the development of
      depression, social anxiety, and their comorbidity. Implications for understanding
      comorbidity are highlighted throughout, as are theoretical and research
      directions for developing and refining models of social anxiety, depression, and
      their comorbidity. Prevention and treatment implications are also noted.

PMID- 22080338
TI  - Nurse staffing and inpatient mortality: is the question outcomes or nursing
      value?

PMID- 22080337
TI  - Identifying specific chemotherapeutic agents in Medicare data: a validation
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Large health care databases are increasingly used to examine the
      dissemination and benefits and harms of chemotherapy treatment in routine
      practice, particularly among patients excluded from trials (eg, the elderly).
      Misclassification of chemotherapy could bias estimates of frequency and
      association, warranting an updated assessment. METHODS: We evaluated the validity
      of Medicare claims to identify receipt of chemotherapy and specific agents
      delivered to elderly stage II/III colorectal (CRC), in situ/early-stage breast,
      non-small-cell lung, and ovarian cancer patients using the National Cancer
      Institute's Patterns of Care studies (POC) as the gold standard. The POC
      collected data on chemotherapy treatment by reabstracting hospital records,
      contacting physicians, and reviewing medical records. Patients' POC data were
      linked and compared with their Medicare claims for 2 to 12 months postdiagnosis.
      kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and 95%
      confidence intervals were calculated for the receipt of any chemotherapy and
      specific agents. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of Medicare claims to
      identify any chemotherapy were high across all cancer sites. We found substantial
      variation in validity across agents, by site and administration modality.
      Capecitabine, an oral CRC treatment, was identified in claims with high
      specificity (98%) but low sensitivity (47%), whereas oxaliplatin, an
      intravenously administered CRC agent had higher sensitivity (75%) and similar
      specificity (97%). CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of chemotherapy and specific intravenous
      agents can be identified using Medicare claims, showing improvement from prior
      reports; yet, variation exists. Future studies should assess newly approved
      agents and the impact of coverage decisions for these agents under the Medicare
      Part D program.

PMID- 22080339
TI  - Nanotube-based hierarchical titanate microspheres: an improved anode structure
      for Li-ion batteries.
AB  - We report a facile hydrothermal route for the large scale preparation of H
      titanate with a novel urchin-like nano/micro structure. Due to the features of
      its microsized spherical structure assembled by nanosized quasi-1D tubular
      components, this novel nano/micro structure shows to be a good potential anode
      material for Li-ion batteries.

PMID- 22080340
TI  - Enhanced performance and mechanism study of microbial electrolysis cells using Fe
      nanoparticle-decorated anodes.
AB  - Anode properties are critical for the performance of microbial electrolysis cells
      (MECs). In the present study, Fe nanoparticle-modified graphite disks were used
      as anodes to investigate the effects of nanoparticles on the performance of
      Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in MECs. Results demonstrated that the average current
      densities produced with Fe nanoparticle-decorated anodes up to 5.89-fold higher
      than plain graphite anodes. Whole genome microarray analysis of the gene
      expression showed that genes encoding biofilm formation were significantly up
      regulated as a response to nanoparticle-decorated anodes. Increased expression of
      genes related to nanowires, flavins, and c-type cytochromes indicates that
      enhanced mechanisms of electron transfer to the anode may also have contributed
      to the observed increases in current density. The majority of the remaining
      differentially expressed genes associated with electron transport and anaerobic
      metabolism demonstrate a systemic response to increased power loads.

PMID- 22080341
TI  - Performance linked to residence time distribution by a novel wool-based
      bioreactor for tertiary sewage treatment.
AB  - Laboratory-scale experiments were carried out using up-flow 7 L Submerged Aerated
      Filter reactors packed with wool fibre or commercial plastic pall rings, Kaldnes,
      (70% by volume) support media for the tertiary treatment of sewage. The
      performance of the wool bioreactor was more consistent than that with Kaldnes
      medium, for both TOC removal (93%) and SS removal (90%). Both plastic and wool
      packed bioreactors achieved complete nitrification at the load of about 0.4
      kgCOD/m(3)/day. The sludge yield of the wool bioreactor was almost half that of
      the bioreactor with Kaldnes suggesting that wool could retain residual organics
      and particulates. The wool however was degraded and it was concluded that wool
      would have to be considered as additional sacrificial adsorption capacity rather
      than an alternative medium. The performance was linked to the residence time
      distribution studies and these changes in the wool structure. Biomass growth
      increased the retention of the tracer in the wool reactor by, it was suggested,
      exposing a greater surface area. Results from the plastic media on the other hand
      showed increased mixing possibly by increasing the mobility of the plastic.
      Aeration increased the mixing in both reactors, and patterns were in all cases
      predominantly well-mixed.

PMID- 22080342
TI  - Simple and efficient expression of Agaricus meleagris pyranose dehydrogenase in
      Pichia pastoris.
AB  - Pyranose dehydrogenase (PDH) is a fungal flavin-dependent sugar oxidoreductase
      that is highly interesting for applications in organic synthesis or
      electrochemistry. The low expression levels of the filamentous fungus Agaricus
      meleagris as well as the demand for engineered PDH make heterologous expression
      necessary. Recently, Aspergillus species were described to efficiently secrete
      recombinant PDH. Here, we evaluate recombinant protein production with expression
      hosts more suitable for genetic engineering. Expression in Escherichia coli
      resulted in no soluble or active PDH. Heterologous expression in the
      methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was investigated using two different signal
      sequences as well as a codon-optimized sequence. A 96-well plate activity
      screening for transformants of all constructs was established and the best
      expressing clone was used for large-scale production in 50-L scale, which gave a
      volumetric yield of 223 mg L(-1) PDH or 1,330 U L(-1) d(-1) in space-time yield.
      Purification yielded 13.4 g of pure enzyme representing 95.8% of the initial
      activity. The hyperglycosylated recombinant enzyme had a 20% lower specific
      activity than the native enzyme; however, the kinetic properties were essentially
      identical. This study demonstrates the successful expression of PDH in the
      eukaryotic host organism P. pastoris paving the way for protein engineering.
      Additionally, the feasibility of large-scale production of the enzyme with this
      expression system together with a simplified purification scheme for easy high
      yield purification is shown.

PMID- 22080344
TI  - A hemolytic peptide from the mycophilic fungus Sepedonium chrysospermum (Bull.)
      Fr.
AB  - The hemolytic activity of an extract of the mycoparasite Sepedonium chrysospermum
      (teleomorph Hypomyces chrysospermus) was detected and characterized. Extraction
      of the fungal biomass by methanol yielded a fraction in which the hemolytic
      activity against human red blood cells corresponded to a peptide with a molecular
      mass of 7,653.72 Da and an isoelectric point of approximately 5.8. The peptide
      was temperature resistant, and the hemolysis was only partially inhibited, even
      after a 30-min pre-incubation at 100 degrees C. Its hemolytic activity was
      unaffected by treatment with proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin. Among the
      divalent cations assayed, Hg(2+) was the strongest inhibitor of hemolysis. The
      reducing agent, dithiothreitol, and the membrane lipid, cholesterol, demonstrated
      concentration-dependent inhibitory activities. Finally, hemolytic activity
      triggered by the peptide was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and a pore
      forming activity was detected.

PMID- 22080343
TI  - A homologous production system for Trichoderma reesei secreted proteins in a
      cellulase-free background.
AB  - Recent demands for the production of biofuels from lignocellulose led to an
      increased interest in engineered cellulases from Trichoderma reesei or other
      fungal sources. While the methods to generate such mutant cellulases on DNA level
      are straightforward, there is often a bottleneck in their production since a
      correct posttranslational processing of these enzymes is needed to obtain highly
      active enzymes. Their production and subsequent enzymatic analysis in the
      homologous host T. reesei is, however, often disturbed by the concomitant
      production of other endogenous cellulases. As a useful alternative, we tested the
      production of cellulases in T. reesei in a genetic background where cellulase
      formation has been impaired by deletion of the major cellulase transcriptional
      activator gene xyr1. Three cellulase genes (cel7a, cel7b, and cel12a) were
      expressed under the promoter regions of the two highly expressed genes tef1
      (encoding translation elongation factor 1-alpha) or cdna1 (encoding the
      hypothetical protein Trire2:110879). When cultivated on D: -glucose as carbon
      source, the Deltaxyr1 strain secreted all three cellulases into the medium.
      Related to the introduced gene copy number, the cdna1 promoter appeared to be
      superior to the tef1 promoter. No signs of proteolysis were detected, and the
      individual cellulases could be assayed over a background essentially free of
      other cellulases. Hence this system can be used as a vehicle for rapid and high
      throughput testing of cellulase muteins in a homologous background.

PMID- 22080345
TI  - A family GH51 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Pleurotus ostreatus:
      identification, recombinant expression and characterization.
AB  - An alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase produced by Pleurotus ostreatus (PoAbf) during
      solid state fermentation on tomato pomace was identified and the corresponding
      gene and cDNA were cloned and sequenced. Molecular analysis showed that the poabf
      gene carries 26 exons interrupted by 25 introns and has an open reading frame
      encoding a protein of 646 amino acid residues, including a signal peptide of 20
      amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence similar to the other alpha-L
      arabinofuranosidases indicated that the enzyme encoded by poabf can be classified
      as a family 51 glycoside hydrolase. Heterologous recombinant expression of PoAbf
      was carried out in the yeasts Pichia pastoris and Kluyveromyces lactis achieving
      the highest production level of the secreted enzyme (180 mg L(-1)) in the former
      host. rPoAbf produced in P. pastoris was purified and characterized. It is a
      glycosylated monomer with a molecular weight of 81,500 Da in denaturing
      conditions. Mass spectral analyses led to the localization of a single O
      glycosylation site at the level of Ser160. The enzyme is highly specific for
      alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl linkages and when assayed with p-nitrophenyl alpha-L
      arabinofuranoside it follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a K (M) of 0.64 mM
      and a k (cat) of 3,010 min(-1). The optimum pH is 5 and the optimal temperature
      40 degrees C. It is worth noting that the enzyme shows a very high stability in a
      broad range of pH. The more durable activity showed by rPoAbf in comparison to
      the other alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases enhances its potential for
      biotechnological applications and increases interest in elucidating the molecular
      bases of its peculiar properties.

PMID- 22080346
TI  - Updates on naringinase: structural and biotechnological aspects.
AB  - Naringinases has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to its
      hydrolytic activities which include the production of rhamnose, and prunin and
      debittering of citrus fruit juices. While this enzyme is widely distributed in
      fungi, its production from bacterial sources is less commonly known. Fungal
      naringinase are very important as they are used industrially in large amounts and
      have been extensively studied during the past decade. In this article, production
      of bacterial naringinase and potential biotechnological applications are
      discussed. Bacterial rhamnosidases are exotype enzymes that hydrolyse terminal
      non-reducing alpha-L-rhamnosyl groups from alpha-L-rhamnose containing
      polysaccharides and glycosides. Structurally, they are classified into family 78
      of glycoside hydrolases and characterized by the presence of Asp567 and Glu841 in
      their active site. Optimization of fermentation conditions and enzyme engineering
      will allow the development of improved rhamnosidases for advancing suggested
      industrial applications.

PMID- 22080347
TI  - Isolation of a strong promoter fragment from endophytic Enterobacter cloacae and
      verification of its promoter activity when its host strain colonizes banana
      plants.
AB  - To engineer endophytic Enterobacter cloacae as a biocontrol agent against banana
      fusarium wilt, a promoter-probe plasmid pUCK was constructed to identify a strong
      promoter to express disease resistance genes. Using a kanamycin resistance gene
      for selection, 10 fragments with strong promoter activity were identified from
      the genome of the E. cloacae KKWB-10 strain. The regions of these 10 fragments
      that were the primary contributors to the promoter function were identified, and
      their promoter activities were further evaluated using green fluorescent protein
      (GFP) as a reporter gene. Fragment 132a" drove the highest level of GFP activity
      when the bacteria bearing the fragments were cultured in Luria-Bertani and banana
      stem extract media. The GFP-expressing strain harboring fragment 132a" (K-pUCK7
      132a"-GT) was then inoculated into banana plantlets (about 1 * 10(7) CFU per
      plant) to verify the activity of fragment 132a" in planta. Ten days after
      inoculation, tissue sections of these banana plantlets were observed by laser
      confocal scanning microscope. Green fluorescence was observed in the tissues of
      banana plantlets inoculated with K-pUCK7-132a"-GT but not in uninoculated
      controls. These results suggest that fragment 132a" possesses strong promoter
      activity when its host strain colonizes the banana plants and can be used to
      engineer endophytic E. cloacae KKWB-10 for biocontrol.

PMID- 22080348
TI  - Physiological conditions conducive to high cell density and high cyanophycin
      content in Ralstonia eutropha strain H16 possessing a KDPG aldolase gene
      dependent addiction system.
AB  - The recombinant strain of Ralstonia eutropha H16-PHB(-)4-?eda (pBBR1MCS-2::cphA
      (6308)/eda (H16)) presenting a 2-keto-3-desoxy-phosphogluconate (KDPG) aldolase
      (eda) gene-dependent catabolic addiction system for plasmid maintenance when
      using gluconate or fructose as sole carbon source was used in this study. The
      effects of the initial pH, the nitrogen-to-carbon ratio, the inorganic components
      of medium, the oxygen supply, and the different carbon and nitrogen sources on
      the cell dry matter (CDM) and the cyanophycin granule polypeptide (CGP) content
      of the cells were studied in a mineral salts medium (MSM) without any additional
      amino acids or CGP precursor substrates. The experiments were designed to
      systematically find out the optimal conditions for growth of cells to high
      densities and for high CGP contents of the cells. Maximum contents of water
      insoluble CGP and water-soluble CGP, contributing to 47.5% and 5.8% (w/w) of CDM,
      respectively, were obtained at the 30-L scale cultivation when cells were
      cultivated in MSM medium containing sufficient supplements of fructose, NH(3),
      K(2)SO(4), MgSO(4)[Symbol: see text]7H(2)O, Fe(SH)NH(4)-citrate, CaCl(2)[Symbol:
      see text]2H(2)O, and trace elements (SL6). The molecular masses of water
      insoluble and water-soluble CGP ranged from 25 to 31 kDa and from 15 to 21 kDa,
      respectively. High cell densities of up to 82.8 g CDM/L containing up to 37.8%
      (w/w) water-insoluble CGP at the 30-L scale cultivation were also obtained. This
      is by far the best combination of high cell density and high cellular CGP
      contents ever reported, and it showed that efficient production of CGP at the
      industrial scale in white biotechnology could be achieved.

PMID- 22080349
TI  - Delta screw versus RetroScrew tibial fixation for ACL reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the RetroScrew tibial
      fixation system offers a biomechanical advantage over the Delta screw for
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in cadaveric tibias with low bone
      mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Ten matched pairs of osteoporotic cadaveric
      tibiae underwent simulated ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring grafts
      with one of the two tibial fixation constructs. Group 1 was fixed with the Delta
      screw (DS; 35-mm antegrade biointerference screw), and group 2 was fixed with the
      RetroScrew system (RSS; 20-mm retrograde and 17-mm antegrade biointerference
      screws). Each construct was cyclically loaded (50-200 N, 1 Hz, 500 cycles) and
      subsequently loaded to failure (20 mm/s). RESULTS: All specimens were
      osteoporotic without significant segmental (proximal, middle, and distal) BMD
      differences between groups by quantitative computed tomography (P = n.s.). A
      trend was noted for more construct failures due to graft slippage in the DS group
      (n = 3) over the RSS group (n = 1). There were no significant differences in
      cyclic displacement (P = n.s.), maximum cyclic stiffness (P = n.s.), maximum load
      at failure (P = n.s.), or pullout stiffness (P = n.s.) between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: In an osteoporotic cadaveric model, there was no significant
      biomechanical advantage of the RetroScrew system versus the Delta screw for
      tibial fixation in soft tissue graft ACL reconstruction. However, a trend toward
      lower graft fixation failure to cyclic loading was noted with the RetroScrew
      system.

PMID- 22080350
TI  - Arthroscopic treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of the arthroscopic
      treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee and to
      determine the recurrence rate with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging
      evaluation at midterm follow-up. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients diagnosed
      with localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee were treated
      arthroscopically between 1990 and 2008. Clinical assessment was made with the use
      of Lysholm Knee Scale, and radiologic assessment was done by plain radiographs
      and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. Recurrence rate of the disease was
      also estimated. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 75 months (range 12-144). The
      median age of the patients was 46 years (range 23-71). Symptoms were discomfort
      of the knee (100%), swelling (90%), locking (50%), pain (10%) and palpable mass
      (15%). A history of knee trauma was present in 10% of the patients. The nodules
      were localized in the gutters (45%), suprapatellar pouch (26%), patellar fat pad
      (13%), posterior compartment of the knee (13%) and in the femoral notch (9%). The
      median Lysholm Knee Score was 56.5 (range 53-60) and 85.5 (83-88) preoperatively
      and at final follow-up, respectively. No postoperative complications occurred.
      CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of
      localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee. Magnetic resonance
      imaging is essential to diagnose this pathologic condition and to define
      accurately its localization and treatment strategy.

PMID- 22080351
TI  - Predisposing risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries in military subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to document the incidence of anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and possible risk factors for these injuries in a
      large population of young, athletic subjects. METHODS: The authors
      retrospectively reviewed the US Naval Academy's database of midshipmen admitted
      in 1999 and 2000 (n = 2,345) and prospectively followed until graduation 4 years
      later or disenrollment. Excluded were 658 who had a history of preadmission ACL
      injury or surgery, those without initial radiographs or documented baseline
      height and weight, or those who had documented contact ACL injuries. Therefore,
      1,687 subjects comprised the study group. Standard radiographic measurements,
      including condylar width, notch width, and femoral notch width index (notch width
      divided by condyle width), were obtained for all subjects. Statistical analyses
      were used to determine differences between injured and uninjured subjects.
      RESULTS: The overall incidence of non-contact ACL injury was 2.9% (37 men, 12
      women). The average BMI was 25.6 and 24.4 kg/m(2) for the injured and uninjured
      groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Although femoral notch width alone was not
      associated with non-contact ACL injuries, subjects with higher than average BMI
      in combination with narrow notch width were at significant risk for ACL injury (P
      = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated BMI combined with narrow notch width may
      predispose young athletes to non-contact ACL injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

PMID- 22080352
TI  - Curcumin loaded chitin nanogels for skin cancer treatment via the transdermal
      route.
AB  - In this study, curcumin loaded chitin nanogels (CCNGs) were developed using
      biocompatible and biodegradable chitin with an anticancer curcumin drug. Chitin,
      as well as curcumin, is insoluble in water. However, the developed CCNGs form a
      very good and stable dispersion in water. The CCNGs were analyzed by DLS, SEM and
      FTIR and showed spherical particles in a size range of 70-80 nm. The CCNGs showed
      higher release at acidic pH compared to neutral pH. The cytotoxicity of the
      nanogels were analyzed on human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) and A375 (human
      melanoma) cell lines and the results show that CCNGs have specific toxicity on
      melanoma in a concentration range of 0.1-1.0 mg mL(-1), but less toxicity towards
      HDF cells. The confocal analysis confirmed the uptake of CCNGs by A375. The
      apoptotic effect of CCNGs was analyzed by a flow-cytometric assay and the results
      indicate that CCNGs at the higher concentration of the cytotoxic range showed
      comparable apoptosis as the control curcumin, in which there was negligible
      apoptosis induced by the control chitin nanogels. The CCNGs showed a 4-fold
      increase in steady state transdermal flux of curcumin as compared to that of
      control curcumin solution. The histopathology studies of the porcine skin samples
      treated with the prepared materials showed loosening of the horny layer of the
      epidermis, facilitating penetration with no observed signs of inflammation. These
      results suggest that the formulated CCNGs offer specific advantage for the
      treatment of melanoma, the most common and serious type of skin cancer, by
      effective transdermal penetration.

PMID- 22080353
TI  - Oxidation and coupling of beta-diketiminate ligand in lanthanide complexes: novel
      eight-nuclear lanthanide clusters with MU-, MU3-Cl, and MU4-O bridge.
AB  - Two novel eight-nuclear lanthanide oxide and chloride clusters Ln(8)(MU-eta(2)
      L(4))(2)(MU(3)-Cl)(4)(MU-Cl)(10)(MU(4)-O)(3)(THF)(8) (Ln = Er(3), Dy(4); L(4) =
      [OC{(Me)CN-2,6-(i)PrC(6)H(3)}(2)](2-)) have been synthesized by the reaction of
      beta-diketiminate rare-earth metal chlorides with oxygen, providing a new
      oxidation and coupling reaction of the beta-diketiminate ligand.

PMID- 22080355
TI  - Bilateral lesions of the medial frontal cortex disrupt recognition of social
      hierarchy during antiphonal communication in naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus
      glaber).
AB  - Generation of the motor patterns of emotional sounds in mammals occurs in the
      periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain and is not directly controlled by the
      cortex. The medial frontal cortex indirectly controls vocalizations, based on the
      recognition of social context. We examined whether the medial frontal cortex was
      responsible for antiphonal vocalization, or turn-taking, in naked mole-rats. In
      normal turn-taking, naked mole-rats vocalize more frequently to dominant
      individuals than to subordinate ones. Bilateral lesions of the medial frontal
      cortex disrupted differentiation of call rates to the stimulus animals, which had
      varied social relationships to the subject. However, medial frontal cortex
      lesions did not affect either the acoustic properties of the vocalizations or the
      timing of the vocal exchanges. This suggests that the medial frontal cortex may
      be involved in social cognition or decision making during turn-taking, while
      other regions of the brain regulate when animals vocalize and the vocalizations
      themselves.

PMID- 22080356
TI  - Gene expression profile of THP-1 monocytes following knockdown of DAP12, a
      causative gene for Nasu-Hakola disease.
AB  - Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD), also designated polycystic lipomembranous
      osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy, is a rare autosomal recessive
      disorder characterized by progressive presenile dementia and formation of
      multifocal bone cysts, caused by a loss-of-function mutation of DAP12 or TREM2.
      TREM2 and DAP12 constitute a receptor/adaptor complex expressed on osteoclasts,
      dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, and microglia. At present, the precise
      molecular mechanisms underlying development of leukoencephalopathy and bone cysts
      in NHD remain largely unknown. We established THP-1 human monocyte clones that
      stably express small interfering RNA targeting DAP12 for serving as a cellular
      model of NHD. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis identified a set of 22 genes
      consistently downregulated in DAP12 knockdown cells. They constituted the
      molecular network closely related to the network defined by cell-to-cell
      signaling and interaction, hematological system development and function, and
      inflammatory response, where NF-kappaB acts as a central regulator. These results
      suggest that a molecular defect of DAP12 in human monocytes deregulates the gene
      network pivotal for maintenance of myeloid cell function in NHD.

PMID- 22080357
TI  - Alteration of LV end-diastolic volume by controlling the power of the continuous
      flow LVAD, so it is synchronized with cardiac beat: development of a native heart
      load control system (NHLCS).
AB  - There are many reports comparing pulsatile and continuous-flow left ventricular
      assist devices (LVAD). But continuous-flow LVAD with the pulsatile driving
      technique had not been tried or discussed before our group's report. We have
      previously developed and introduced a power-control unit for a centrifugal LVAD
      (EVAHEART(r); Sun Medical), which can change the speed of rotation so it is
      synchronized with the heart beat. By use of this unit we analyzed the end
      diastolic volume (EDV) to determine whether it is possible to change the native
      heart load. We studied 5 goats with normal hearts and 5 goats with acute LV
      dysfunction because of micro-embolization of the coronary artery. We used 4
      modes, "circuit-clamp", "continuous", "counter-pulse", and "co-pulse", with the
      bypass rate (BR) 100%. We raised the speed of rotation of the LVAD in the
      diastolic phase with the counter-pulse mode, and raised it in the systolic phase
      with the co-pulse mode. As a result, the EDV decreased in the counter-pulse mode
      and increased in the co-pulse mode, compared with the continuous mode (p < 0.05),
      in both the normal and acute-heart-failure models. This result means it may be
      possible to achieve favorable EDV and native heart load by controlling the
      rotation of continuous-flow LVAD, so it is synchronized with the cardiac beat.
      This novel driving system may be of great benefit to patients with end-stage
      heart failure, especially those with ischemic etiology.

PMID- 22080358
TI  - Supramolecular block copolymers: graphene oxide composites for memory device
      applications.
AB  - Bistable resistive switching characteristics obtained using a supramolecular
      hybrid route to hydrogen-bonded block copolymers (BCP) and graphene oxide (GO) as
      charge storage materials are reported for write-once-read-many-times (WORM)
      memory devices.

PMID- 22080359
TI  - Changes in dry eye diagnostic status following implementation of revised Japanese
      dry eye diagnostic criteria.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate changes in dry eye diagnostic status following
      implementation of the new dry eye diagnostic criteria in Japan. DESIGN: This was
      a multicenter cross-sectional study. METHODS: We recruited 295 individuals (81
      men, 214 women, average age 43.6 +/- 14.3 years) seen for general ophthalmic
      checkup and dry eye examinations. Using results of the Schirmer I test, tear
      breakup time, and fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining, patients were diagnosed
      as having definite dry eye (DDE), probable dry eye (PDE), or as being normal
      according to both the old and new Japanese dry eye diagnostic criteria. RESULTS:
      Mean ages of normal participants and patients with PDE and DDE were 37.0 +/-
      10.4, 41.7 +/- 14.4, and 47.7 +/- 15.3 years, respectively (p < 0.001). All 37
      individuals diagnosed as normal following the old criteria were also diagnosed as
      normal with the new diagnostic criteria. Among the 60 patients diagnosed as PDE
      with the old criteria, 19 (31.7%) were diagnosed as normal and 41 (68.3%) as PDE
      with the new diagnostic criteria. Of the 198 patients diagnosed with DDE
      following the old criteria, 59 (29.7%) were diagnosed as PDE and 139 (70.2%) as
      DDE with the new diagnostic criteria. There was no significant difference in dry
      eye severity index scores between the old and new diagnostic criteria.
      CONCLUSION: A shift in the final dry eye diagnostic status from DDE to PDE and
      from PDE to normal was observed with the implementation of the new dry eye
      diagnostic criteria, suggesting that patients at the severe end of the dry eye
      disease spectrum are now diagnosed as DDE disease under the new criteria.

PMID- 22080360
TI  - Traumatic detachment of the inferior angle of the scapula in a 5-year-old boy--a
      sonographic diagnosis.
AB  - A complete slip of the cartilage of the inferior angle of the scapula was
      diagnosed in a 5-year-old boy who fell inside a wooden construction at a
      kindergarten playground. Radiographs of the scapula were normal, and ultrasound
      demonstrated complete cartilage detachment, which was displaced deep and
      laterally. Computed tomography (CT) additionally demonstrated a thin rim of bone
      displaced along with the detached cartilage. Radiologic findings were confirmed
      during surgery. We report what we believe to be the first published case of
      traumatic detachment of the cartilaginous lower angle of the scapula in a child
      demonstrated by ultrasound.

PMID- 22080361
TI  - Highlights of the scientific meeting of the 18th Annual Congress of the European
      Society of Skeletal Radiology (ESSR) 2011.

PMID- 22080362
TI  - Hemi-bucket-handle tears of the meniscus: appearance on MRI and potential
      surgical implications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe a type of meniscus flap tear resembling a bucket-handle
      tear, named a "hemi-bucket-handle" tear; to compare its imaging features with
      those of a typical bucket-handle tear; and to discuss the potential therapeutic
      implications of distinguishing these two types of tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Five knee MR examinations were encountered with a type of meniscus tear
      consisting of a flap of tissue from the undersurface of the meniscus displaced
      toward the intercondylar notch. A retrospective analysis of 100 MR examinations
      prospectively interpreted as having bucket-handle type tears yielded 10
      additional cases with this type of tear. Cases of hemi-bucket-handle tears were
      reviewed for tear location and orientation, appearance of the superior articular
      surface of the meniscus, presence and location of displaced meniscal tissue, and
      presence of several classic signs of bucket-handle tears. RESULTS: A total of
      15/15 tears involved the medial meniscus, had tissue displaced toward the notch,
      and were mainly horizontal in orientation. The superior surface was intact in
      11/15 (73.3%). In 1/15 (6.7%) there was an absent-bow-tie sign; 6/15 (40%) had a
      double-PCL sign; 14/15 (93.3%) had a double-anterior horn sign. CONCLUSION: We
      describe a type of undersurface flap tear, named a hemi-bucket-handle tear, which
      resembles a bucket-handle tear. Surgeons at our institution feel this tear would
      likely not heal if repaired given its predominantly horizontal orientation, and
      additionally speculate the tear could be overlooked at arthroscopy. Thus, we feel
      it is important to distinguish this type of tear from the typical bucket-handle
      tear.

PMID- 22080363
TI  - Diamond nanowires for highly sensitive matrix-free mass spectrometry analysis of
      small molecules.
AB  - This paper reports on the use of boron-doped diamond nanowires (BDD NWs) as an
      inorganic substrate for matrix-free laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
      (LDI-MS) analysis of small molecules. The diamond nanowires are prepared by
      reactive ion etching (RIE) with oxygen plasma of highly boron-doped (the boron
      level is 10(19) B cm(-3)) or undoped nanocrystalline diamond substrates. The
      resulting diamond nanowires are coated with a thin silicon oxide layer that
      confers a superhydrophilic character to the surface. To minimize droplet
      spreading, the nanowires were chemically functionalized with
      octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and then UV/ozone treated to reach a final water
      contact angle of 120 degrees . The sub-bandgap absorption under UV laser
      irradiation and the heat confinement inside the nanowires allowed
      desorption/ionization, most likely via a thermal mechanism, and mass spectrometry
      analysis of small molecules. A detection limit of 200 zeptomole for verapamil was
      demonstrated.

PMID- 22080364
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of cough test versus no cough test in the tension
      free vaginal tape procedure: effect upon voiding dysfunction and 12-month
      efficacy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This is a prospective randomized controlled trial of
      cough versus no cough test in the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure to
      determine its effect upon voiding dysfunction and 12-month efficacy. METHODS: The
      trial was conducted in a single tertiary urogynecology unit. Women >=21 years old
      with primary urodynamic stress incontinence without voiding dysfunction were
      considered eligible. Participants were randomized to undergo the TVT procedure
      using either an intraoperative cough test or using no intraoperative cough test.
      Our hypothesis was that postoperative voiding dysfunction would be more common in
      the "no cough test" arm. The primary outcome was proportion of patients
      successfully completing a trial of void (TOV) within 24 h of catheter removal.
      Efficacy at 12 months comprised the secondary outcome. Participants were
      randomized using a computer-generated randomization sequence by an independent
      party who was not the operating surgeon. Due to the nature of the intervention to
      be tested, neither the patients nor the operating surgeons were blinded to the
      randomization process during the procedure. RESULTS: This trial is reported
      according to the recommendations of the 2010 CONSORT statement. In total, 94
      women were recruited over a 4-year study period. Of these, 92 women were
      randomized (47 in the "cough" group and 45 in the "no cough" group). In one case,
      the TVT procedure was abandoned intraoperatively, leaving 91 women who underwent
      analysis. There was no significant difference in the proportion of women with a
      successful TOV within 24 h between the two arms (79% in the "cough" group versus
      71% in the "no cough" group; p = 0.47). Efficacy data at 12 months were not
      significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the
      performance of the intraoperative cough test during the TVT procedure does not
      reduce the incidence of postoperative voiding dysfunction (as determined by
      successful TOV within 24 h) nor affect efficacy. The removal of the cough test
      from the standard TVT technique may be appropriate.

PMID- 22080365
TI  - Solvent-solvent and solvent-solute interactions in a 3D chloroform clathrate with
      diorganotin macrocycles in the nano-sized pores.
AB  - A 3D clathrate of deuterochloroform molecules was formed in the presence of nano
      sized macrocyclic molecules.

PMID- 22080366
TI  - Reinforcement sensitivity and risk for psychopathology following exposure to
      violence: a vulnerability-specificity model in Latino youth.
AB  - Urban Latino youth are exposed to high rates of violence, which increases risk
      for diverse forms of psychopathology. The current study aims to increase
      specificity in predicting responses by testing the hypothesis that youths'
      reinforcement sensitivity-behavioral inhibition (BIS) and behavioral approach
      (BAS)-is associated with specific clinical outcomes and increases risk for the
      development of such problems following exposure to violence. Utilizing a short
      term longitudinal design, Latino youth (N = 168) provided reports of BIS/BAS and
      emotional/behavioral problems at Time 1, exposure to violence between Time 1 and
      Time 2, and clinical symptoms at Time 2. Results suggested that reinforcement
      sensitivity moderated the relation between violence exposure and psychopathology,
      such that increasing levels of BIS were associated with elevated risk for
      internalizing and posttraumatic stress symptoms following exposure to violence
      whereas BAS increased risk for externalizing problems. The importance of building
      on existing knowledge to understand minority youth psychopathology is discussed.

PMID- 22080367
TI  - Psychological morbidity in children 18 months after Kashmir Earthquake of 2005.
AB  - A severe earthquake occurred in Kashmir in 2005. The epicentre was close to
      Muzzafarabad. We collected data on over 1,100 children 18 months after the
      earthquake to look at symptoms of PTSD and behavioural and emotional problems
      using well established questionnaires. We found that 64.8% of children had
      significant symptoms of PTSD. Girls were more likely to suffer from these
      symptoms. The proportion of children suffering from emotional and behaviour
      difficulties was 34.6%. This percentage was not different from other studies of
      children from Pakistan within areas which were not affected by the earthquake.
      The rate of emotional symptoms was higher in girls while hyperactivity was more
      frequent in boys. This pattern is similar to other studies from across the world.

PMID- 22080369
TI  - Characterization of novel calmodulin binding domains within IQ motifs of IQGAP1.
AB  - IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), which is a well-known
      calmodulin (CaM) binding protein, is involved in a wide range of cellular
      processes including cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, adhesion, and migration.
      Interaction of IQGAP1 with CaM is important for its cellular functions. Although
      each IQ domain of IQGAP1 for CaM binding has been characterized in a Ca(2+)
      dependent or -independent manner, it was not clear which IQ motifs are
      physiologically relevant for CaM binding in the cells. In this study, we
      performed immunoprecipitation using 3xFLAGhCaM in mammalian cell lines to
      characterize the domains of IQGAP1 that are key for CaM binding under
      physiological conditions. Interestingly, using this method, we identified two
      novel domains, IQ(2.7-3) and IQ(3.5-4.4), within IQGAP1 that were involved in
      Ca(2+)-independent or -dependent CaM binding, respectively. Mutant analysis
      clearly showed that the hydrophobic regions within IQ(2.7-3) were mainly involved
      in apoCaM binding, while the basic amino acids and hydrophobic region of IQ(3.5
      4.4) were required for Ca(2+)/CaM binding. Finally, we showed that IQ(2.7-3) was
      the main apoCaM binding domain and both IQ(2.7-3) and IQ(3.5-4.4) were required
      for Ca(2+)/CaM binding within IQ(1-2-3-4). Thus, we identified and characterized
      novel direct CaM binding motifs essential for IQGAP1. This finding indicates that
      IQGAP1 plays a dynamic role via direct interactions with CaM in a Ca(2+)
      dependent or -independent manner.

PMID- 22080368
TI  - The regulation of food intake in mammalian hibernators: a review.
AB  - One of the most profound hallmarks of mammalian hibernation is the dramatic
      reduction in food intake during the winter months. Several species of hibernator
      completely cease food intake (aphagia) for nearly 7 months regardless of ambient
      temperature and in many cases, whether or not food is available to them. Food
      intake regulation has been studied in mammals that hibernate for over 50 years
      and still little is known about the physiological mechanisms that control this
      important behavior in hibernators. It is well known from lesion experiments in
      non-hibernators that the hypothalamus is the main brain region controlling food
      intake and therefore body mass. In hibernators, the regulation of food intake and
      body mass is presumably governed by a circannual rhythm since there is a clear
      seasonal rhythm to food intake: animals increase food intake in the summer and
      early autumn, food intake declines in autumn and actually ceases in winter in
      many species, and resumes again in spring as food becomes available in the
      environment. Changes in circulating hormones (e.g., leptin, insulin, and
      ghrelin), nutrients (glucose, and free fatty acids), and cellular enzymes such as
      AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been shown to determine the activity of
      neurons involved in the food intake pathway. Thus, it appears likely that the
      food intake pathway is controlled by a variety of inputs, but is also acted upon
      by upstream regulators that are presumably rhythmic in nature. Current research
      examining the molecular mechanisms and integration of environmental signals
      (e.g., temperature and light) with these molecular mechanisms will hopefully shed
      light on how animals can turn off food intake and survive without eating for
      months on end.

PMID- 22080370
TI  - Analysis of Arabidopsis transcription factor families revealed extensive capacity
      for cell-to-cell movement as well as discrete trafficking patterns.
AB  - In plants, cell-to-cell communication is pivotal for the orchestration of cell
      fate determination, organ development, and the integration of whole plant
      physiology. One of the strategies for intercellular communication uses symplasmic
      communication channels, called plasmodesmata (PD). These PD establish unique
      cytoplasmic channels for the intercellular exchange not only of metabolites and
      small signaling molecules, but also of regulatory proteins and RNAs to allow for
      local orchestration of development and physiology. A number of non-cell
      autonomous transcription factors (NCATFs) have been shown to function in the
      coordination of specific regulatory networks. To further explore the potential of
      such NCATFs, a genome-wide screen was performed on the transcription factor (TF)
      families in Arabidopsis. We here report that, among the 76 TFs examined, 22 were
      shown to move beyond their sites of transcription in the root apex; these NCATFs
      belonged to 17 TF families, including homeobox, GRAS, and MYB. Expression studies
      performed on variously-sized mCherry constructs identified a range of PD size
      exclusion limits within tissues of the root. In addition, our studies showed that
      actual protein level was an important factor controlling the range of TF
      intercellular movement. Interestingly, our studies on CAPRICE movement revealed
      tissue-specificity with respect to the mode of intercellular trafficking. These
      findings are discussed with respect to the regulation between cell-autonomous or
      non-cell-autonomous action.

PMID- 22080371
TI  - The murine goblet cell protein mCLCA3 is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease with
      autoproteolytic activity.
AB  - Several members of the CLCA family of proteins, originally named chloride
      channels, calcium-activated, have been shown to modulate chloride conductance in
      various cell types via an unknown mechanism. Moreover, the human (h) hCLCA1 is
      thought to modulate the severity of disease in asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF)
      patients. All CLCA proteins are post-translationally cleaved into two subunits,
      and recently, a conserved HEXXH zinc-binding amino acid motif has been
      identified, suggesting a role for CLCA proteins as metalloproteases. Here, we
      have characterized the cleavage and autoproteolytic activity of the murine model
      protein mCLCA3, which represents the murine orthologue of human hCLCA1. Using
      crude membrane fractions from transfected HEK293 cells, we demonstrate that
      mCLCA3 cleavage is zinc-dependent and exclusively inhibited by cation-chelating
      metalloprotease inhibitors. Cellular transport and secretion were not affected in
      response to a cleavage defect that was introduced by the insertion of an E157Q
      mutation within the HEXXH motif of mCLCA3. Interspecies conservation of these key
      results was further confirmed with the porcine (p) orthologue of hCLCA1 and
      mCLCA3, pCLCA1. Importantly, the mCLCA3E157Q mutant was cleaved after co
      transfection with the wild-type mCLCA3 in HEK293 cells, suggesting that an
      intermolecular autoproteolytic event takes place. Edman degradation and MALDI-TOF
      MS of the protein fragments identified a single cleavage site in mCLCA3 between
      amino acids 695 and 696. The data strongly suggest that secreted CLCA proteins
      have zinc-dependent autoproteolytic activity and that they may cleave additional
      proteins.

PMID- 22080372
TI  - The pleiohomeotic functions as a negative regulator of Drosophila even-skipped
      gene during embryogenesis.
AB  - Polycomb group (PcG) proteins maintain the spatial expression patterns of genes
      that are involved in cell-fate specification along the anterior-posterior (A/P)
      axis. This repression requires cis-acting silencers, which are called PcG
      response elements (PREs). One of the PcG proteins, Pleiohomeotic (Pho), which has
      a zinc finger DNA binding protein, plays a critical role in recruiting other PcG
      proteins to bind to PREs. In this study, we characterized the effects of a pho
      mutation on embryonic segmentation. pho maternal mutant embryos showed various
      segmental defects including pair-rule gene mutant patterns. Our results indicated
      that engrailed and even-skipped genes were misexpressed in pho mutant embryos,
      which caused embryonic segment defects.

PMID- 22080373
TI  - Synchronization of cell cycle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by using a cell chip
      platform.
AB  - Cell synchrony is a critical requirement for the study of eukaryotic cells.
      Although several chemical and genetic methods of cell cycle synchronization are
      currently available, they have certain limitations, such as unnecessary
      perturbations to cells. We developed a novel cell cycle synchronization method
      that is based on a cell chip platform. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, is a simple but useful model system to study cell biology and shares
      many similar features with higher eukaryotic cells. Single yeast cells were
      individually captured in the wells of a specially designed cell chip platform.
      When released from the cell chip, the yeast cells were synchronized, with all
      cells in the G1 phase. This method is non-invasive and causes minimal chemical
      and biological damage to cells. The capture and release of cells using cells
      chips with microwells of specific dimensions allows for the isolation of cells of
      a particular size and shape; this enables the isolation of cells of a given
      phase, because the size and shape of yeast cells vary with the phase of the cell
      cycle. To test the viability of synchronized cells, the yeast cells captured in
      the cell chip platform were assessed for response to mating pheromone (alpha
      factor). The synchronized cells isolated using the cell chip were capable of
      mediating the mating signaling response and exhibited a dynamic and robust
      response behavior. By changing the dimensions of the well of the cell chip, cells
      of other cell cycle phases can also be isolated.

PMID- 22080374
TI  - Quantitative trait loci for cold tolerance of rice recombinant inbred lines in
      low temperature environments.
AB  - Low temperature is one of the major environmental stresses in rice cultivation in
      high-altitude and high-latitude regions. In this study, we cultivated a set of
      recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from Dasanbyeo (indica) / TR22183
      (japonica) crosses in Yanji (high-latitude area), Kunming (high-altitude area),
      Chuncheon (cold water irrigation) and Suwon (normal) to evaluate the main effects
      of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and epistatic QTL (E-QTL) with regard to their
      interactions with environments for cold-related traits. Six QTLs for spikelet
      fertility (SF) were identified in three cold treatment locations. Among them,
      four QTLs on chromosomes 2, 7, 8, and 10 were validated by several near isogenic
      lines (NILs) under cold treatment in Chuncheon. A total of 57 QTLs and 76 E-QTLs
      for nine cold-related traits were identified as distributing on all 12
      chromosomes; among them, 19 QTLs and E-QTLs showed significant interactions of
      QTLs and environments (QEIs). The total phenotypic variation explained by each
      trait ranged from 13.2 to 29.1% in QTLs, 10.6 to 29.0% in EQTLs, 2.2 to 8.8% in
      QEIs and 1.0% to 7.7% in E-QTL * environment interactions (E-QEIs). These results
      demonstrate that epistatic effects and QEIs are important properties of QTL
      parameters for cold tolerance at the reproductive stage. In order to develop cold
      tolerant varieties adaptable to wide-ranges of cold stress, a strategy
      facilitating marker-assisted selection (MAS) is being adopted to accumulate QTLs
      identified from different environments.

PMID- 22080376
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of PPh2-C2-(C6H4)n-C2
      PPh2 based bimetallic Au(I) complexes.
AB  - A family of the diphosphines PPh(2)C(2)(C(6)H(4))(n)C(2)PPh(2) (n = 0-3), which
      possess a dialkynyl-arene spacer between the phosphorus atoms, was used for the
      synthesis of a series of bimetallic gold(I) complexes 1-7. Unlike the
      corresponding polynuclear Au(i) clusters, which show unique phosphorescence, 1-7
      reveal dual emissions consisting of fluorescence and phosphorescence. The results
      are rationalized, in a semi-quantitative manner, by the trace (1-3) to zero (4-7)
      contribution of MLCT varying with the number of conjugated phenylene rings. As a
      result, unlike typical polynuclear Au(I) clusters with 100% triplet state
      population, the rate constant of the S(1)->T(1) intersystem crossing is
      drastically reduced to 10(9) s(-1) (4-7)-10(10) s(-1) (1-3), so that the
      fluorescence radiative decay rate can compete or even dominates. The drastic O(2)
      quenching of phosphorescence demonstrates the unprotected nature of the emission
      chromophores in 1-7, as opposed to the well protected, O(2) independent
      phosphorescence in most multimetallic Au(I) clusters.

PMID- 22080375
TI  - Structural insights into the conformational diversity of ClpP from Bacillus
      subtilis.
AB  - ClpP is a cylindrical protease that is tightly regulated by Clp-ATPases. The
      activation mechanism of ClpP using acyldepsipeptide antibiotics as mimics of
      natural activators showed enlargement of the axial entrance pore for easier
      processing of incoming substrates. However, the elimination of degradation
      products from inside the ClpP chamber remains unclear since there is no exit pore
      for releasing these products in all determined ClpP structures. Here we report a
      new crystal structure of ClpP from Bacillus subtilis, which shows a significantly
      compressed shape along the axial direction. A portion of the handle regions
      comprising the heptameric ring-ring contacts shows structural transition from an
      ordered to a disordered state, which triggers the large conformational change
      from an extended to an overall compressed structure. Along with this structural
      change, 14 side pores are generated for product release and the catalytic triad
      adopts an inactive orientation. We have also determined B. subtilis ClpP
      inhibited by diisopropylfluoro-phosphate and analyzed the active site in detail.
      Structural information pertaining to several different conformational steps such
      as those related to extended, ADEP-activated, DFP-inhibited and compressed forms
      of ClpP from B. subtilis is available. Structural comparisons suggest that
      functionally important regions in the ClpP-family such as N-terminal segments for
      the axial pore, catalytic triads, and handle domains for the product releasing
      pore exhibit intrinsically dynamic and unique structural features. This study
      provides valuable insights for understanding the enigmatic cylindrical
      degradation machinery of ClpP as well as other related proteases such as HslV and
      the 20S proteasome.

PMID- 22080377
TI  - Value of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with or without percutaneous
      vertebroplasty for pain relief and functional recovery in painful bone
      metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF)
      ablation with or without percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) on pain relief,
      functional recovery and local recurrence at 6 months' follow-up (FU), in patients
      with painful osseous metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty RF ablations were
      performed in 24 patients (mean age: 61 years) with bone metastases. Half of the
      patients had an additional PV. The primary end point was pain relief evaluated by
      a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment, and at 1 and 6 months' FU.
      Functional outcome was assessed according to the evolution of their ability to
      walk at 6 months' FU. Imaging FU was available in 20 out of 24 patients with a
      mean delay of 4.7 months. RESULTS: Reduction of pain was obtained at 6 months FU
      in 81% of cases (15 out of 18). Mean pretreatment VAS was 6.4 (+/-2.7). Mean VAS
      was 1.9 (+/-2.4) at 1 month FU, and 2.3 (+/-2.9) at 6 months' FU. Pain was
      significantly reduced at 6 months FU (mean VAS reduction = 4.1; P < 0.00001).
      Functional improvement was obtained in 74% of the cases. Major complications rate
      was 12.5 % (3 out of 24) with 2 skin burns, and 1 case of myelopathy. Local
      tumour recurrence or progression was recorded in 5 cases. CONCLUSION:
      Radiofrequency ablation is an effective technique in terms of pain relief and
      functional recovery for the treatment of bone metastases, which provides a
      relatively low rate of local recurrence.

PMID- 22080378
TI  - 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D3 levels are positively related to subsequent cortical bone
      development in childhood: findings from a large prospective cohort study.
AB  - In exploring relationships between vitamin D status in childhood and cortical
      bone, little relationship was observed with plasma concentrations of 25
      hydroxyvitamin-D(2) [25(OH)D(2)], whereas 25-hydroxyvitamin-D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] was
      positively related to cortical bone mineral content (BMC(C)) and cortical
      thickness, suggesting D(3) exerts a beneficial effect on cortical bone
      development in contrast to D(2). INTRODUCTION: The study is aimed to determine
      whether vitamin D status in childhood is related to cortical bone development by
      examining prospective relationships between plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D(2)
      and 25(OH)D(3) at 7.6, 9.9 or 11.8 years and peripheral quantitative computed
      tomography (pQCT) measurements of the mid-tibia at age 15.5 years, in children
      from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. METHODS: Relationships
      between vitamin D status and pQCT outcomes were analysed by bootstrap linear
      regression, adjusted for age, sex, body composition, socioeconomic position and
      physical activity, in 2,247 subjects in whom all covariates were available.
      25(OH)D(3) was also adjusted for season and 25(OH)D(2), and 25(OH)D(2) for
      25(OH)D(3). RESULTS: 25(OH)D(3) was positively related to BMC(C)
      [0.066(0.009,0.122), P = 0.02], whereas no association was seen with 25(OH)D(2) [
      0.008(-0.044,0.027), P = 0.7] [beta (with 95% CI) represents SD changes per
      doubling of vitamin D], P = 0.03 for difference in associations of 25(OH)D(2) and
      25(OH)D(3) with BMC(C). There were also differences in associations with cortical
      geometry, since 25(OH)D(3) was positively related to cortical thickness
      [0.11(0.04, 0.19), P = 0.002], whereas no association was seen with 25(OH)D(2) [
      0.04(-0.08,0.009), P = 0.1], P = 0.0005 for difference. These relationships
      translated into differences in biomechanical strength as reflected by buckling
      ratio, which was positively related to 25(OH)D(2) [0.06(0.01,0.11), P = 0.02]
      indicating less resistance to buckling, but inversely related to 25(OH)D(3) [
      0.1(-0.19,-0.02), P = 0.03], P = 0.001 for difference. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast
      to 25(OH)D(2), 25(OH)D(3) was positively related to subsequent cortical bone mass
      and predicted strength. In vitamin D-deficient children in whom supplementation
      is being considered, our results suggest that D(3) should be used in preference
      to D(2).

PMID- 22080380
TI  - Oxygen and light sensitive field-effect transistors based on ZnO nanoparticles
      attached to individual double-walled carbon nanotubes.
AB  - The attachment of semiconducting nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes is one of the
      most challenging subjects in nanotechnology. Successful high coverage attachment
      and control over the charge transfer mechanism and photo-current generation open
      a wide field of new applications such as highly effective solar cells and fibre
      enhanced polymers. In this work we study the charge transfer in individual double
      walled carbon nanotubes highly covered with uniform ZnO nanoparticles. The
      synthetic colloidal procedure was chosen to avoid long-chained ligands at the
      nanoparticle-nanotube interface. The resulting composite material was used as
      conductive channel in a field-effect transistor device and the electrical photo
      response was analysed under various conditions. By means of the transfer
      characteristics we could elucidate the mechanism of charge transfer from non
      covalently attached semiconducting nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes. The role of
      positive charges remaining on the nanoparticles is discussed in terms of a gating
      effect.

PMID- 22080379
TI  - Does the use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers affect bone loss
      in older men?
AB  - In a prospective cohort study of 5,995 older American men (MrOS), users of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors had a small but significant
      increase in bone loss at the hip over 4 years after adjustment for confounders.
      Use of angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers (ARB) was not significantly
      associated with bone loss. INTRODUCTION: Experimental evidence suggests that
      angiotensin II promotes bone loss by its effects on osteoblasts. It is therefore
      plausible that ACE inhibitor and ARB may reduce rates of bone loss. The objective
      of this study is to examine the independent effects of ACE inhibitor and ARB on
      bone loss in older men. METHODS: Out of 5,995 American men (87.2%) aged >=65
      years, 5,229 were followed up for an average of 4.6 years in a prospective six
      center cohort study-The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Bone mineral
      densities (BMD) at total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter were measured by
      Hologic densitometer (QDR 4500) at baseline and year 4. RESULTS: Out of 3,494
      eligible subjects with complete data, 1,166 and 433 subjects reported use of ACE
      inhibitors and ARBs, respectively. When compared with nonusers, continuous use of
      ACE inhibitors was associated with a small (0.004 g/cm(2)) but significant
      increase in the average rate of BMD loss at total hip and trochanter over 4 years
      after adjustment for confounders. Use of ARB was not significantly associated
      with bone loss. CONCLUSION: Use of ACE inhibitors but not ARB may marginally
      increase bone loss in older men.

PMID- 22080381
TI  - Glioblastoma multiforme with very rapid growth and long-term survival in
      children.

PMID- 22080382
TI  - The evaluation of function and the ultrasonographic picture of thyroid in
      children treated for medulloblastoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most frequent and sensitive to
      radiation aggressive brain tumor in children. Abnormalities of the thyroid
      function are common complications of head and neck irradiation for childhood
      cancer. The aim of this study was to assess thyroid function in children treated
      for medulloblastoma according to the treatment protocol phase. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Twenty-three children with MB were enrolled to this study. All patients
      underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the whole craniospinal axis and boost
      with the conformal therapy restricted to the tumor bed to a total dose of 54 Gy.
      Thyroid function was evaluated based on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free
      thyroxine (fT4) levels controlled before MB treatment, directly after irradiation
      and at the end of the treatment protocol. Ultrasonography has been used to detect
      parenchymal abnormalities. RESULTS: All patients presented normal thyroid hormone
      range before chemotherapy. Hypothyroidism was found in 12 patients in the course
      of treatment, in 2 patients hormone deficits diagnosed directly after
      irradiation, in 10 patients such condition was observed at the end of the whole
      therapy. All of these patients needed thyroid hormone substitution. None of them
      presented clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. Ultrasound-detected abnormalities
      have been found in 20 patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to monitor the
      functions of the thyroid gland in children treated for medulloblastoma because of
      the high risk of hypothyroidism resulting from the treatment. The change in the
      echogenicity of the thyroid gland may be an early marker for a dysfunction of
      this organ in children treated for medulloblastoma.

PMID- 22080383
TI  - From migraine to epilepsy: a threshold mechanism?
AB  - A 67-year-old man complained of a transient blurring of vision in his right
      visual field lasting 30 min followed by headache. Two weeks later, the visual
      disturbance changed its pattern; it was described as the occurrence of brown
      round-shaped images in the right visual field spinning and turning for few
      seconds. This evolution from visual aura to visual seizures, with video-EEG
      correlation, supports the hypothesis of modification in threshold of cortical
      hyperexcitability from migraine to epilepsy.

PMID- 22080384
TI  - Upconversion-powered photoelectrochemistry.
AB  - Upconversion photochemistry occurring between palladium(II) octaethylporphyrin
      (PdOEP, 1) and 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA, 2) in toluene successfully
      sensitizes nanostructured WO(3) photoanodes (E(g) = 2.7 eV) to sub-bandgap non
      coherent green photons at low power density.

PMID- 22080385
TI  - Acceptability of circumcision among clients of female sex worker in Hong Kong.
AB  - Clients of female sex workers (CFSW) are at high risk of HIV transmission.
      Circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV. A total of 353
      CFSW were interviewed using a combined interviewer-computer-assisted method.
      Amongst the participants, 28.0% were circumcised, whilst 63.8% of the
      uncircumcised participants were willing to take up circumcision (conditioned on
      being briefed about a 50% potential risk reduction effect). In a stepwise
      logistic regression model, frequency of patronizing female sex workers and
      factors related to the Health Belief Model were significantly associated with
      conditional willingness. Amongst uncircumcised participants, 20.9% anticipated
      risk compensation (i.e. would use condoms less frequently after being
      circumcised). Adjusting for background variables, inconsistent condom use during
      commercial sex and self-reported STD history in the last 6 months were
      significantly associated with anticipated risk compensation. It is feasible to
      promote circumcision among CFSW but such programs also need to promote condom
      use.

PMID- 22080386
TI  - 'A virus and nothing else': the effect of ART on HIV-related stigma in rural
      South Africa.
AB  - While the World Health Organization acknowledges the potential of antiretroviral
      therapy to reduce HIV-related stigma, few studies examine the nature of this
      linkage. This article discusses the connection between ART and HIV-related
      stigma, using qualitative analysis of interviews with HIV-positive adults at a
      rural South African clinic. The data has two main implications for ART's role in
      stigma reduction: it strengthens the plausibility that ART can reduce stigma
      through weakening HIV/AIDS's link with disfigurement and death, and shows that
      ART enables the establishment of spaces for support, which reduce stigma through
      normalization of the disease.

PMID- 22080387
TI  - Preschoolers' psychosocial problems: in the eyes of the beholder? Adding teacher
      characteristics as determinants of discrepant parent-teacher reports.
AB  - In this study, we explored informant characteristics as determinants of parent
      teacher disagreement on preschoolers' psychosocial problems. Teacher
      characteristics were included in the analyses, in addition to child and parent
      factors. Psychosocial problems of 732 4-year olds from a Norwegian community
      sample were assessed by parents and teachers (CBCL-TRF). Furthermore, teachers
      reported on their education, experience and relationship to the child. Parental
      stress and psychopathology were also measured. Teachers rated children
      considerably lower than their parents did, especially on internalizing problems.
      When teachers rated more child problems, this was strongly associated with
      conflict in the teacher-child relationship, which predicted disagreement more
      than other factors. The highest agreement was on boys' externalizing problems.
      Girls' behavior was rated much lower by teachers than boys' behavior compared to
      parents' ratings. Possible teacher perception biases are discussed, such as
      teacher-child conflict, non-identification of internalizing problems, and same
      gender child preference.

PMID- 22080388
TI  - Lithium amidoborane, a highly chemoselective reagent for the reduction of
      alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones to allylic alcohols.
AB  - Lithium amidoborane (LiNH(2)BH(3), LiAB for short), is capable of
      chemoselectively reducing alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones to the corresponding
      allylic alcohols at ambient temperature. A mechanistic study shows that the
      reduction is via a double hydrogen transfer process. The protic H(N) and hydridic
      H(B) in amidoborane add to the O and C sites of the carbonyl group, respectively.

PMID- 22080389
TI  - Gastric cancer detection using MDCT compared with 2D axial CT: diagnostic
      accuracy of three different reconstruction techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of different reconstruction techniques
      using MDCT for gastric cancer detection compared with 2D axial CT. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: During 7 months, we performed CT examinations of 104 consecutive
      patients with gastric cancer and of a control group composed of 35 patients
      without gastric disease. All gastric cancer was pathologically proven by
      endoscopy and surgery. Among 104 patients with gastric cancer, 63 patients had
      early gastric cancer (EGC). Two radiologists retrospectively and independently
      interpreted the axial CT and three different reconstruction techniques including
      multiplanar reformation (MPR), transparent imaging (TI), and virtual gastroscopy
      (VG), using a commercially available, 3D workstation. They graded the presence or
      absence of gastric cancer in each image sets using a five-point scale and, if
      present, they assessed its location. Diagnostic accuracy was compared using the
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) for both gastric
      cancer and only EGC. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated for each
      image technique. The k statistics were used to determine inter-observer
      agreement. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy for overall gastric cancer detection
      for each of the image sets was as follows: 2D axial CT (Az = 0.858); MPR (Az =
      0.879); TI (Az = 0.873); and VG (Az = 0.928). VG had significantly better
      performance than 2D axial CT (p = 0.016). The sensitivity and specificity were as
      follows: 76.7% and 82.9% in axial CT; 79.6% and 85.7% in MPR; 91.3% and 80% in
      TI; and 95.1% and 74.3% in VG. In EGC, the diagnostic performance for its
      detection was as follows: axial CT (Az = 0.777); MPR (Az = 0.811); TI (Az =
      0.825); and VG (Az = 0.896). VG had significantly better performance than both 2D
      axial CT (P = 0.006) and MRP (P = 0.038). The sensitivity and specificity were as
      follows: 62.9% and 82.9% in axial CT; 67.7% and 85.7% in MPR; 85.5% and 80% in
      TI; and 91.9% and 74.3% in VG. The inter-observer agreement showed substantial
      agreement (kappa = 0.67-0.75). CONCLUSION: Among the different reconstruction
      techniques, VG accurately detects gastric cancer and is especially useful for EGC
      compared with 2D axial CT.

PMID- 22080390
TI  - Luminescent Ir(III) complexes containing benzothiazole-based tridentate ligands:
      synthesis, characterization, and application to organic light-emitting diodes.
AB  - Ir(III) complexes that contain benzothiazole-based tridentate ligands were
      synthesized and their crystal structures and luminescent properties were
      examined. A neutral complex had a high quantum yield (89%) and performed well as
      an emissive material for organic light-emitting diodes.

PMID- 22080391
TI  - Influence of postoperative enteral nutrition on cellular immunity. A random
      double-blinded placebo controlled clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to discover if the cellular immunological
      response is different in patients receiving early postoperative enteral nutrition
      compared to patients who only receive "water". METHODS: In a random double-blind
      prospective trial, 30 patients received Nutridrink(r) and 30 patients received
      placebo (water) through a nasoduodenal tube from the day of operation to the
      fourth postoperative day. Leukocyte differential count was examined
      preoperatively, and on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days.
      Subpopulations of lymphocytes were flow cytometrically analysed. IL-1ra and
      soluble IL-2R were investigated by use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      RESULTS: In the enteral nutrition group, a significantly larger number of
      circulating monocytes and NK-cells and a significantly larger expression of HLA
      DR were found. In the nutrition group, a tendency to larger numbers of T
      lymphocyte subpopulations was found. No difference in IL-1ra and soluble IL-2R
      was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative enteral nutrition
      has an important influence on the immediate unspecific cellular immunity and an
      activating effect on the specific cellular immunity compared to "no food".

PMID- 22080392
TI  - Can we predict pathologic complete response before surgery for locally advanced
      rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiation therapy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathologic complete response has been proven to have oncological
      benefits for locally advanced rectal cancer treated with chemoradiation therapy.
      The aims of this study are to analyze and determine the factors to predict
      pathologic complete response for patients treated with preoperative neoadjuvant
      therapy. METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven, locally advanced rectal cancer
      were treated neoadjuvantly followed by radical surgical resection. Tumors were re
      assessed after completing chemoradiation, including pelvic magnetic resonance
      images, colonoscopic examination, and re-biopsy. The results of examination were
      compared with the final pathologic status. RESULTS: A retrospective chart review
      of 166 patients was conducted. Twenty-five patients (15.1%) had pathologic
      complete response after chemoradiation. The 5-year overall survival rates were
      better in the complete response group than the residual tumor group (91.1% vs.
      70.8%; P = 0.047), and there were also significant differences in the 5-year
      disease-free survival rates between these two groups (91.1% vs. 70.2%; P =
      0.027). The prediction rates for pathologic complete response by re-biopsy,
      magnetic resonance images, and colonoscopy were 21.4%, 33.3%, and 53.8%,
      respectively. In addition, when we further combine the results of colonoscopic
      findings and re-biopsy, the prediction rate for pathologic complete response
      reached 77.8% (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Combining the results of the re-biopsy
      and post-treatment colonoscopic findings, we can achieve a good prediction rate
      for pathologic complete response. Post-treatment magnetic resonance images are
      not useful tools in predicting tumor clearance following chemoradiation.

PMID- 22080393
TI  - Enhancement of enantioselectivity by alcohol additives in asymmetric
      hydrogenation with bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl ruthenium catalysts.
AB  - Bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl ruthenium(II) complexes were found to catalyze asymmetric
      hydrogenation of ketones, in which chiral bulky alcohol additives showed
      significant enhancement of enantioselectivity even in protic solvents.

PMID- 22080394
TI  - Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis associated with acute hepatic
      dysfunction.
AB  - Central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis are rare demyelinating
      diseases of the central nervous system. These diseases are related frequently to
      rapid correction of hyponatremia. They have also been described in association
      with other underlying conditions such as alcoholism and malnutrition. In the
      present study, we report a case of central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis
      with acute hepatic dysfunction. The patient had no apparent evidence of
      hyponatremia and no history of alcohol abuse. On admission, the patient was
      lethargic; dysphagia, dysarthria, and quadriplegia were noted. Laboratory
      examination showed significantly increased transaminase without hyponatremia.
      Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal signal intensities in the pons and
      thalamus. Consciousness level and clinical symptoms improved gradually within a
      week. We suggest that acute hepatic dysfunction may play an important role in the
      development of central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis.

PMID- 22080396
TI  - Development and psychometric evaluation of the Social Justice Scale (SJS).
AB  - The study describes the development of the Social Justice Scale (SJS).
      Practitioners, educators, students, and other members of the community differ on
      their attitudes and values regarding social justice. It is important to assess,
      not only individuals' attitudes and values around social values, but also other
      constructs that might be related to social justice behaviors. The implication of
      Ajzen in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 50:179-211, (1991)
      theory of planned behavior suggests that attitudes, perceived behavioral control,
      and social norms predict intentions, which then lead to behaviors. A scale was
      designed to measure social justice-related values, attitudes, perceived
      behavioral control, subjective norms, and intentions based on a four-factor
      conception of Ajzen's theory. Confirmatory factor analysis and analyses for
      reliability and validity were used to test the properties of the scale.

PMID- 22080397
TI  - A longitudinal process analysis of mother-child emotional relationships in a
      rural Appalachian European American community.
AB  - This prospective longitudinal study examines emotional relationships in 58
      Appalachian mother-child dyads observed at home at 5 and 20 months. Between
      infancy and toddlerhood, 3 of 4 dimensions of dyadic emotional relationships were
      stable, and three remained continuous in their mean level. Increasing maternal
      age was associated with greater maternal sensitivity and structuring and with
      more responsive and involving children. Marital status and father presence in the
      home as well as maternal openness, parenting knowledge, investment, and
      satisfaction accounted for effects of maternal age on dyadic emotional
      relationships. This longitudinal process analysis provides unique insights into
      temporal dynamics of mother-child emotional relationships and their determinants
      in an underserved and underresearched US community. Implications for community
      specific interventions are discussed.

PMID- 22080398
TI  - Visual backward masking performance in young adult emmetropes and myopes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate how temporal processing is altered in myopia and during
      myopic progression. METHODS: In backward visual masking, a target's visibility is
      reduced by a mask presented quickly after the target. Thirty emmetropes, 40 low
      myopes, and 22 high myopes aged 18 to 26 years completed location and resolution
      masking tasks. The location task examined the ability to detect letters with low
      contrast and large stimulus size. The resolution task involved identifying a
      small letter and tested resolution and color discrimination. Target and mask
      stimuli were presented at nine short interstimulus intervals (12 to 259 ms) and
      at 1000 ms (long interstimulus interval condition). RESULTS: In comparison with
      emmetropes, myopes had reduced ability in both locating and identifying briefly
      presented stimuli but were more affected by backward masking for a low contrast
      location task than for a resolution task. Performances of low and high myopes, as
      well as stable and progressing myopes, were similar for both masking tasks. Task
      performance was not correlated with myopia magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: Myopes were
      more affected than emmetropes by masking stimuli for the location task. This was
      not affected by magnitude or progression rate of myopia, suggesting that myopes
      have the propensity for poor performance in locating briefly presented low
      contrast objects at an early stage of myopia development.

PMID- 22080399
TI  - Driving speed is altered by monocular neutral density filters: the Enright
      phenomenon.
AB  - PURPOSE: An observer, looking sideways from a moving vehicle, while wearing a
      neutral density (ND) filter over one eye, can have a distorted perception of
      speed, known as the Enright phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to
      determine how the Enright phenomenon influences driving behavior. METHODS: A
      geometric model of the Enright phenomenon was developed. Ten young, visually
      normal, participants (mean age = 25.4 years) were tested on a straight section of
      a closed driving circuit and instructed to look out of the right side of the
      vehicle and drive at either 40 km/h or 60 km/h under the following binocular
      viewing conditions: with a 0.9 ND filter over the left eye (leading eye); 0.9 ND
      filter over the right eye (trailing eye); 0.9 ND filters over both eyes, and with
      no filters over either eye. The order of filter conditions was randomized and the
      speed driven recorded for each condition. RESULTS: Speed judgments did not differ
      significantly between the two baseline conditions (no filters and both eyes
      filtered) for either speed tested. For the baseline conditions, when subjects
      were asked to drive at 60 km/h, they matched this speed well (61 +/- 10.2 km/h)
      but drove significantly faster than requested (51.6 +/- 9.4 km/h) when asked to
      drive at 40 km/h. Subjects significantly exceeded baseline speeds by 8.7 +/- 5.0
      km/h, when the trailing eye was filtered and traveled slower than baseline speeds
      by 3.7 +/- 4.6 km/h when the leading eye was filtered. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first quantitative study demonstrating how the Enright effect can influence
      perceptions of driving speed and demonstrates that monocular filtering of an eye
      can significantly impact driving speeds, albeit to a lesser extent than predicted
      by geometric models of the phenomenon.

PMID- 22080395
TI  - Local renin-angiotensin systems in the genitourinary tract.
AB  - Local renin-angiotensin systems are common throughout the human body. Recent
      evidence supports the existence of such local renin-angiotensin systems in the
      penis, clitoris, bladder, ureter, internal anal sphincter, and urethral
      sphincter. Beyond its role in regulating blood pressure through its effects on
      vascular tone, sodium balance, and fluid homeostasis, angiotensin II serves a key
      role in affecting physiologic and pathophysiologic activities of the
      genitourinary tract. Just as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and
      angiotensin receptor blockers are used for the treatment and prevention of heart
      disease and vascular disease, inhibition of excessive angiotensin II activity may
      be potentially useful for the treatment of urologic disorders.

PMID- 22080401
TI  - The gap junction protein Cx43 is involved in the bone-targeted metastatic
      behaviour of human prostate cancer cells.
AB  - For decades, cancer was associated with gap-junction defects. However, more
      recently it appeared that the gap junction proteins (connexins) could be re
      expressed and participate to cancer cell dissemination during the late stages of
      tumor progression. Since primary tumors of prostate cancer (PCa) are known to be
      connexin deficient, it was interesting to verify whether their bone-targeted
      metastatic behaviour could be influenced by the re-expression of the connexin
      type (connexin43) which is originally present in prostate tissue and highly
      expressed in bone where it participates to the differentiation of osteoblastic
      cells. Thus, we investigated the effect of the increased Cx43 expression, by
      retroviral infection, on the metastatic behaviour of two well-characterized cell
      lines (PC-3 and LNCaP) representing different stages of PCa progression. It
      appeared that Cx43 differently behaved in those cell lines and induced different
      phenotypes. In LNCaP, Cx43 was functional, localized at the plasma membrane and
      its high expression was correlated with a more aggressive phenotype both in vitro
      and in vivo. In particular, those Cx43-expressing LNCaP cells exhibited a high
      incidence of osteolytic metastases generated by bone xenografts in mice.
      Interestingly, LNCaP cells were also able to decrease the proliferation of
      cocultured osteoblastic cells. In contrast, the increased expression of Cx43 in
      PC-3 cells led to an unfunctional, cytoplasmic localization of the protein and
      was correlated with a reduction of proliferation, adhesion and invasion of the
      cells. In conclusion, the localization and the functionality of Cx43 may govern
      the ability of PCa cells to metastasize in bones.

PMID- 22080400
TI  - Improvement in academic behaviors after successful treatment of convergence
      insufficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether treatment of symptomatic convergence insufficiency
      (CI) has an effect on Academic Behavior Survey (ABS) scores. METHODS: The ABS is
      a six-item survey developed by the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial
      Group that quantifies the frequency of adverse school behaviors and parental
      concern about school performance on an ordinal scale from 0 (never) to 4 (always)
      with total scores ranging from 0 to 24. The ABS was administered at baseline and
      after 12 weeks of treatment to the parents of 218 children aged 9 to 17 years
      with symptomatic CI, who were enrolled in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment
      Trial and randomized into (1) home-based pencil push-ups; (2) home-based computer
      vergence/accommodative therapy and pencil push-ups; (3) office-based
      vergence/accommodative therapy with home reinforcement; and (4) office-based
      placebo therapy with home reinforcement. Participants were classified as
      successful (n = 42), improved (n = 60), or non-responder (n = 116) at the
      completion of 12 weeks of treatment using a composite measure of the symptom
      score, nearpoint of convergence, and positive fusional vergence. Analysis of
      covariance methods were used to compare the mean change in ABS between response
      to treatment groups while controlling for the ABS score at baseline. RESULTS: The
      mean ABS score for the entire group at baseline was 12.85 (SD = 6.3). The mean
      ABS score decreased (improved) in those categorized as successful, improved, and
      non-responder by 4.0, 2.9, and 1.3 points, respectively. The improvement in the
      ABS score was significantly related to treatment outcome (p < 0.0001), with the
      ABS score being significantly lower (better) for children who were successful or
      improved after treatment as compared to children who were non-responders (p =
      0.002 and 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A successful or improved outcome
      after CI treatment was associated with a reduction in the frequency of adverse
      academic behaviors and parental concern associated with reading and school work
      as reported by parents.

PMID- 22080402
TI  - A novel D-ring modified taxoid: synthesis and biological evaluation of a gamma
      lactone analogue of docetaxel.
AB  - The synthesis of a novel D-ring modified docetaxel analogue, in which the oxetane
      ring is replaced with a gamma-lactone, was achieved from 10-deacetylbaccatin III.
      The key steps of the synthesis include the direct acetylation of the secondary
      hydroxyl group at C-5 and D-ring opening and intramolecular aldol reaction to
      form the gamma-lactone. In MTT assays, this analogue proved to have equipotent
      cytotoxicity relative to paclitaxel towards HCT8, HePG2 and BGC23 cancer cell
      lines, and be more potent than paclitaxel against A549 and A375. It represents
      the first example of D-ring modified taxoids with significant cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22080403
TI  - Promoted hydrogen release from ammonia borane with mannitol via a solid-state
      reaction route.
AB  - Promoted hydrogen release from ammonia borane (NH(3)BH(3), AB) with mannitol
      (C(6)H(8)(OH)(6), MA) additive is reported. It is found that for the MA/2AB
      sample, the dehydrogenation temperature is lowered by ~25  degrees C compared to
      that of neat AB, the liberation of undesired byproduct borazine is suppressed,
      and the released ammonia can be removed by using anhydrous MgCl(2) as absorber.
      The analyses of Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and (11)B nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrate the breaking of B-N, B-H and O-H
      bonds and the formation of B-O bonds for the dehydrogenation process of MA/2AB.
      These results suggest a solid-state dehydrogenation reaction between AB and MA:
      the B-H(delta-) bonds in AB and the O-H(delta+) bonds in MA combine with each
      other to release H(2). Furthermore, the use of the perfect -OH carrier MA as
      additive leads to a straightforward understanding of the improved dehydrogenation
      of AB under the effect of hydroxyl groups in the solid state.

PMID- 22080404
TI  - Enhanced cytotoxicity and decreased CD8 dependence of human cancer-specific
      cytotoxic T lymphocytes after vaccination with low peptide dose.
AB  - In mice, vaccination with high peptide doses generates higher frequencies of
      specific CD8+ T cells, but with lower avidity compared to vaccination with lower
      peptide doses. To investigate the impact of peptide dose on CD8+ T cell responses
      in humans, melanoma patients were vaccinated with 0.1 or 0.5 mg Melan-A/MART-1
      peptide, mixed with CpG 7909 and Incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Neither the
      kinetics nor the amplitude of the Melan-A-specific CD8+ T cell responses differed
      between the two vaccination groups. Also, CD8+ T cell differentiation and
      cytokine production ex vivo were similar in the two groups. Interestingly, after
      low peptide dose vaccination, Melan-A-specific CD8+ T cells showed enhanced
      degranulation upon peptide stimulation, as assessed by CD107a upregulation and
      perforin release ex vivo. In accordance, CD8+ T cell clones derived from low
      peptide dose-vaccinated patients showed significantly increased degranulation and
      stronger cytotoxicity. In parallel, Melan-A-specific CD8+ T cells and clones from
      low peptide dose-vaccinated patients expressed lower CD8 levels, despite similar
      or even stronger binding to tetramers. Furthermore, CD8+ T cell clones from low
      peptide dose-vaccinated patients bound CD8 binding-deficient tetramers more
      efficiently, suggesting that they may express higher affinity TCRs. We conclude
      that low peptide dose vaccination generated CD8+ T cell responses with stronger
      cytotoxicity and lower CD8 dependence.

PMID- 22080405
TI  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells impair the quality of dendritic cell vaccines.
AB  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are important regulators of the immune
      system and key players in tumor-induced suppression of T-cell responses. CD14+HLA
      DR-/low MDSC have been detected in a great number of malignancies, including
      melanoma. MDSC are known to be impaired in their ability to differentiate along
      the myeloid lineage, e.g., into dendritic cells (DC). This is a concern for
      utilization of monocyte-derived DC for vaccination of patients with melanoma or
      other cancers exhibiting accumulation of CD14+ MDSC. When producing DC according
      to standard operating procedures of two currently ongoing clinical trials, we
      found that MDSC co-purified with monocytes isolated by elutriation. MDSC
      frequencies did not affect yield or viability of the produced DC, but induced a
      dose-dependent decrease in DC maturation, ability to take up antigen, migrate and
      induce T-cell IFNgamma production. Changes in DC characteristics were most
      notable when 'pathological' frequencies of >50% CD14+HLA-DR- cells were present
      in the starting culture. The impaired DC quality could not be explained by
      altered cytokine production or increased oxidative stress in the cultures.
      Tracking of HLA-DR- cells throughout the culture period revealed that the
      observed changes were partially due to the impaired maturation and functionality
      of the originally HLA-DR- population, but also to their negative effects on HLA
      DR+ cells. In conclusion, MDSC could be induced to differentiate into DC but, due
      to the impairment of overall DC vaccine quality when >50% HLA-DR- cells were
      present in the starting culture, their removal could be advisable.

PMID- 22080408
TI  - Immunological monitoring of the tumor immunoenvironment for clinical trials.
AB  - Monitoring of immunotherapeutic clinical trials has undergone a considerable
      change in the last decade resulting in a general agreement that immune monitoring
      should guide the development of cancer vaccines. The emphasis on immune cell
      functions and quantitation of antigen-specific T cells have been playing a major
      role in the attempts to establish meaningful correlations between therapy-induced
      alterations in immune responses and clinical endpoints. However, one significant
      unresolved issue in modern immunotherapy is that when a tumor-specific cellular
      immune response is observed following the course of immunotherapy, it does not
      always lead to clinically proven cancer regression. This disappointing lack of a
      correlation between the tumor-specific cytotoxic immune responses and the
      clinical efficacy of immunotherapy may be explained, among other reasons, by the
      notion that the analysis of any single immunological parameter is not sufficient
      to provide clinically feasible information about the complex interactions between
      different cell subsets in the peripheral blood and immune, tumor, and stromal
      cells in the tumor milieu. By contrast, a systemic approach is required for
      improving the quality of a serial monitoring to ensure that it adequately and
      reliably measures potential changes induced in patients by administered vaccines
      or immunomodulators. Comprehensive evaluation of the balance between the
      immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive compartments of the immune system could
      be critical for a better understanding of how a given immunotherapy works or does
      not work in a particular clinical trial. New approaches to characterize tumor
      infiltrating leukocytes, their phenotypic, biochemical, and genetic
      characteristics within the tumor microenvironment need to be developed and
      validated and should complement current monitoring techniques. These immune
      monitoring assays for the local tumor immunoenvironment should be developed,
      validated, and standardized for reliability and consistency in order to establish
      the overall performance standards.

PMID- 22080409
TI  - The palladium-catalyzed desulfitative cyanation of arenesulfonyl chlorides and
      sodium sulfinates.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed desulfitative cyanation of arenesulfonyl chlorides and
      sodium sulfinates has been developed, providing aryl nitriles in moderate to
      excellent yields. It represents a facile procedure to access aryl nitriles.

PMID- 22080411
TI  - Streptomyces deserti sp. nov., isolated from hyper-arid Atacama Desert soil.
AB  - The taxonomic position of a Streptomyces strain isolated from a hyper-arid desert
      soil was established using a polyphasic approach. The organism had chemical and
      morphological properties typical of the genus Streptomyces and formed a phyletic
      line at the periphery of the Streptomyces coeruleorubidus subcluster in the 16S
      rRNA gene tree. DNA:DNA relatedness values between the isolate and its nearest
      phylogenetic neighbours, Streptomyces lomondensis NRRL 3252(T) and Streptomyces
      lusitanus NRRL B-12501(T) were 42.5 (+/-0.48)% and 25.0 (+/-1.78)%, respectively.
      The isolate was readily distinguished from these organisms using a combination of
      morphological and phenotypic properties. On the basis of these results, it is
      proposed that isolate C63(T) (CGMCC 4.6997(T), = KACC 15425(T)) be classified as
      the type strain of Streptomyces deserti sp. nov.

PMID- 22080410
TI  - Real-world experience of drug-eluting stents in saphenous vein grafts compared to
      native coronary arteries: results from the prospective multicenter German DES.DE
      registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bypass-graft intervention was associated with worse outcomes in the
      bare-metal stent era. Without sufficiently powered data from subgroup analyses,
      and in absence of randomized controlled trials targeting clinical endpoints,
      controversy is ongoing over safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents (DES) in
      saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between October 2005 and
      October 2006, 5,183 patients receiving DES in SVG (n = 251) or native coronary
      arteries (NCA) (n = 4,932) were enrolled at 98 DES.DE sites. The composite of
      death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke defined as major adverse cardiac
      and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and target-vessel revascularization (TVR) were
      defined as primary endpoints. Baseline clinical and descriptive morphology of
      coronary artery disease revealed more severe lesions and comorbidities in the SVG
      group. At 1-year follow-up, the SVG group suffered from higher rates of overall
      death (6.6 vs. 2.5%; p < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (5.9 vs. 2.2%; p <
      0.0001), MACCE (13.6 vs. 5.4%; p < 0.0001), TVR (17.7 vs. 10.4%; p < 0.001) and
      overall stent thrombosis (10.0 vs. 3.7%; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Data collected
      in DES.DE revealed that first generation DES used in SVG lesions did not offset
      the worse clinical outcomes of bypass-graft intervention. Such sobering results
      in SVG may suggest to opt for native vessel PCI preferentially or occasionally
      for surgical reintervention as decided by the Heart Team.

PMID- 22080412
TI  - The BISMiS 2011 special issue on prokaryotic systematics, a vital discipline
      entering a period of transition.

PMID- 22080413
TI  - Natural and artificial ion channels for biosensing platforms.
AB  - The single-molecule selectivity and specificity of the binding process together
      with the expected intrinsic gain factor obtained when utilizing flow through a
      channel have attracted the attention of analytical chemists for two decades.
      Sensitive and selective ion channel biosensors for high-throughput screening are
      having an increasing impact on modern medical care, drug screening, environmental
      monitoring, food safety, and biowarefare control. Even virus antigens can be
      detected by ion channel biosensors. The study of ion channels and other
      transmembrane proteins is expected to lead to the development of new medications
      and therapies for a wide range of illnesses. From the first attempts to use
      membrane proteins as the receptive part of a sensor, ion channels have been
      engineered as chemical sensors. Several other types of peptidic or nonpeptidic
      channels have been investigated. Various gating mechanisms have been implemented
      in their pores. Three technical problems had to be solved to achieve practical
      biosensors based on ion channels: the fabrication of stable lipid bilayer
      membranes, the incorporation of a receptor into such a structure, and the
      marriage of the modified membrane to a transducer. The current status of these
      three areas of research, together with typical applications of ion-channel
      biosensors, are discussed in this review.

PMID- 22080415
TI  - A general route to synthesize water-dispersive noble metal-iron oxide
      bifunctional hybrid nanoparticles.
AB  - This communication describes a simple, general route for preparing bifunctional
      hybrid nanoparticles based on direct adsorption and spontaneous reduction of
      Ag(+) and Pd(2+) onto the surface of carbon-encapsulated superparamagnetic
      colloidal nanoclusters. Because of the existence of carbon coating and surface
      hydrophilic carboxyl, the bifunctional hybrid nanoparticles show excellent water
      dispersity. In addition, the size (35 nm-86 nm) and number of Ag nanocrystals can
      be tuned by changing the molar ratios and reaction concentration between Ag(+)
      and nanoclusters.

PMID- 22080416
TI  - An evaluation of three processing methods and the effect of reduced culture times
      for faster direct identification of pathogens from BacT/ALERT blood cultures by
      MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF MS) is a fast and reliable method for the identification of bacteria
      from agar media. Direct identification from positive blood cultures should
      decrease the time to obtaining the result. In this study, three different
      processing methods for the rapid direct identification of bacteria from positive
      blood culture bottles were compared. In total, 101 positive aerobe BacT/ALERT
      bottles were included in this study. Aliquots from all bottles were used for
      three bacterial processing methods, i.e. the commercially available Bruker's
      MALDI Sepsityper kit, the commercially available Molzym's MolYsis Basic5 kit and
      a centrifugation/washing method. In addition, the best method was used to
      evaluate the possibility of MALDI application after a reduced incubation time of
      7 h of Staphylococcus aureus- and Escherichia coli-spiked (1,000, 100 and 10
      colony-forming units [CFU]) aerobe BacT/ALERT blood cultures. Sixty-six (65%), 51
      (50.5%) and 79 (78%) bottles were identified correctly at the species level when
      the centrifugation/washing method, MolYsis Basic 5 and Sepsityper were used,
      respectively. Incorrect identification was obtained in 35 (35%), 50 (49.5%) and
      22 (22%) bottles, respectively. Gram-positive cocci were correctly identified in
      33/52 (64%) of the cases. However, Gram-negative rods showed a correct
      identification in 45/47 (96%) of all bottles when the Sepsityper kit was used.
      Seven hours of pre-incubation of S. aureus- and E. coli-spiked aerobe BacT/ALERT
      blood cultures never resulted in reliable identification with MALDI-TOF MS.
      Sepsityper is superior for the direct identification of microorganisms from
      aerobe BacT/ALERT bottles. Gram-negative pathogens show better results compared
      to Gram-positive bacteria. Reduced incubation followed by MALDI-TOF MS did not
      result in faster reliable identification.

PMID- 22080417
TI  - Impact of Helicobacter pylori infection and microscopic duodenal
      histopathological changes on clinical symptoms of patients with functional
      dyspepsia.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the microscopic histopathological changes in duodenal tissue and
      its relationship to the severity of symptoms in patients with functional
      dyspepsia while taking the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
      into account. METHODS: Several gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens were
      obtained in 217 patients with functional dyspepsia and were evaluated for H.
      pylori infection and histopathological changes. Severity of symptoms was assessed
      by Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (LDQ) and its relationship to histopathological
      changes and H. pylori infection status was assessed. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori
      infection was associated with presence and severity of microscopic duodenitis (p
      < 0.001). In H. pylori-infected patients, the presence of microscopic duodenitis
      was independent of microscopic gastritis (p = 0.74). Severity of dyspepsia
      symptoms was not higher in H. pylori-infected patients than non-infected patients
      (p = 0.15), but in the presence of H. pylori infection and microscopic gastritis,
      microscopic duodenitis significantly worsened the LDQ symptom severity score (p <
      0.001). In multivariate analysis, the odds of experiencing severe symptoms in
      patients with severe microscopic duodenitis was 2.22 times greater than in
      individuals with very mild, mild, or moderate duodenitis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Microscopic duodenitis in H. pylori-infected patients may play a major role in
      producing and aggravating symptoms in FD patients and may be a determinant factor
      to consider in whether to treat H. pylori infection in functional dyspepsia.

PMID- 22080418
TI  - Incidental pancreatography via ERCP in patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary
      junction does not result in pancreatitis in a North American population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) is the term used to
      describe anatomical variants of pancreatic and biliary ductal junctional anatomy.
      Patients have junction of the pancreatic and bile ducts located outside the
      duodenal wall, forming a long common channel. We report our findings and clinical
      outcomes in a North American series of patients with APBJ undergoing ERCP.
      METHODS: Retrospective chart review. RESULTS: We reviewed 2,218 ERCP performed on
      1,050 patients. Twelve patients (1.1%) with APBJ were identified (5F, 7M). No
      patient had an associated choledochocele. Mean age was 53.2 (range 17-85). A
      total of 43 ERCP procedures were performed on these 12 patients. All patients
      experienced passive pancreatography. No patient developed post-ERCP pancreatitis.
      Only one patient had a history of antecedent pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: In North
      American patients undergoing ERCP, 1.1% of patients had APBJ. Our study
      population was predominately Caucasian, male, and in all but one patient lacked a
      history of prior pancreatitis. No patient developed post-ERCP pancreatitis. This
      suggests that APBJ may have different clinical manifestations in a North American
      population when compared to Asian populations.

PMID- 22080419
TI  - [Is the determination of the defibrillation threshold in patients with an
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillator still required?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative testing of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
      (ICDs) is time consuming and associated with risks. In the present study, we
      elucidated whether the initial implantation of an ICD with high energy output
      makes intraoperative defibrillation threshold testing (DFTT) unnecessary even
      though antiarrhythmic (AA) therapy is needed in the future. METHODS: A total of
      111 patients (94 men, 17 women) receiving an ICD with subsequent AA therapy
      (mexiletine, amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide) were analyzed retrospectively. DFT
      was performed during ICD implantation and after AA drug therapy. In a second
      step, DFT results from the study cohort were analyzed for implantation of virtual
      ICDs with either low (<= 30 J, LOD), intermediate (34 J, IOD), or high energy
      output (36 J, HOD). RESULTS: In the study cohort, all patients reached the safety
      margin (SM) of 10 J between DFT and maximal shock energy of the ICD. After
      loading of AA agents, 6 patients (12%) with a LOD, 3 patients (11%) with an IOD,
      and 3 (13%) patients with a HOD failed the 10 J SM. Using virtual ICDs, 6 (5.5%)
      patients with a LOD, 1 patient (1%) with an IOD, and no patients with a HOD would
      have failed the 10 J SM. After loading of AA agents, 18 patients (16%) with a
      virtual LOD, 12 patients (10.8%) with an IOD, and still 9 patients (8%) with a
      HOD would have failed the 10 J SM. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the
      10 J SM would have been achieved intraoperatively in all patients with virtual
      HOD ICDs. Thus, determination of the DFT during implantation does not seem to be
      obligatory. However, in patients receiving AA agents, DFT testing is still
      required.

PMID- 22080420
TI  - Effect of carbon nanotube functionalization in micro-solid-phase extraction (MU
      SPE) integrated into the needle of a syringe.
AB  - In this paper, we report the implementation of polar and nonpolar functionalized
      multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as sorbent in MU-SPE integrated into the
      needle of a syringe. Excellent preconcentration of diverse pharmaceutical
      analytes was possible without the need for specific pH adjustments using just 300
      MUg of functionalized nanotubes. Enrichment factors were as high as 6.4,
      extraction efficiencies were as high as 25.6%, and detection limits as low as
      0.08 ng/ml were obtained. The sorption on nanotubes followed Freundlich
      isotherms, and it was seen that polar analytes adsorbed more strongly on
      carboxylated MWCNTs, while amphoteric, relatively less polar and basic analytes
      had greater affinity for MWCNT and those with octadecylamine functionalization.

PMID- 22080422
TI  - Chronotherapy in hypertension: a pill at night makes things right?

PMID- 22080421
TI  - Comparative proteomic analysis of grain development in two spring wheat varieties
      under drought stress.
AB  - Two spring wheat varieties Ningchun 4 and Chinese Spring with good and poor
      resistance to abiotic stress, respectively, were used to investigate proteomic
      changes in the developing grains under drought stress by a comparative proteomics
      approach. A total of 152 protein spots showed at least twofold differences in
      abundance on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) maps, of which 28 and 68
      protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry,
      respectively. Of the 96 identified protein spots, six different expression
      patterns were found and they were involved in stress/defense/detoxification,
      carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, storage proteins
      and some other important functions. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that
      under the drought conditions the decreased degree of ascorbate peroxidases was
      more significant in Chinese Spring than in Ningchun 4 during grain development
      whereas translationally controlled tumor protein, which was significantly
      upregulated at 14 DAF, was present in Ningchun 4 and absent in Chinese Spring.
      The Rubisco large subunit displayed an upregulated expression pattern in Ningchun
      4. In addition, two drought-tolerant proteins, triosephosphate isomerase and
      oxygen-evolving complex showed B and F type expression patterns in Chinese
      Spring, but D and B types in Ningchun 4, respectively. These differentially
      expressed proteins might be responsible for the stronger drought resistance of
      Ningchun 4 compared to Chinese Spring.

PMID- 22080423
TI  - Tagged fibrocystin sheds its secrets.

PMID- 22080424
TI  - The altered expression of alpha1 and beta3 subunits of the gamma-aminobutyric
      acid A receptor is related to the hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - The modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA A) receptors activity
      was observed in several chronic hepatitis failures, including hepatitis C. The
      expression of GABA A receptor subunits alpha1 and beta3 was detected in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) originated from healthy donors. The
      aim of the study was to evaluate if GABA A alpha1 and beta3 expression can also
      be observed in PBMCs from chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and to evaluate a
      possible association between their expression and the course of hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection. GABA A alpha1- and beta3-specific mRNAs presence and a protein
      expression in PBMCs from healthy donors and CHC patients were screened by reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively.
      In patients, HCV RNA was determined in sera and PBMCs. It was shown that GABA A
      alpha1 and beta3 expression was significantly different in PBMCs from CHC
      patients and healthy donors. In comparison to healthy donors, CHC patients were
      found to present an increase in the expression of GABA A alpha1 subunit and a
      decrease in the expression of beta3 subunit in their PBMCs. The modulation of
      alpha1 and beta3 GABA A receptors subunits expression in PBMCs may be associated
      with ongoing or past HCV infection.

PMID- 22080425
TI  - Signs and symptoms predicting influenza in children: a matched case-control
      analysis of prospectively collected clinical data.
AB  - We aimed to determine whether there are signs or symptoms that could help
      clinicians to distinguish between influenza and other respiratory infections. The
      clinical data for this matched case-control analysis were derived from a 2-year
      prospective cohort study of respiratory infections among children aged<=13 years.
      At any signs of respiratory infection, the children were examined and nasal swabs
      were obtained for virologic analyses. Cases were 353 children with laboratory
      confirmed influenza and controls were 353 children with respiratory symptoms who
      tested negative for influenza. Cases and controls were matched for gender, age,
      and timing of the visit. In the multivariate conditional logistic regression
      analyses, fever was the only sign that independently predicted influenza virus
      infection, with odds ratios ranging from 13.55 (95% confidence interval [CI],
      6.90-26.63) to 50.10 (95% CI, 16.25-154.45), depending on the degree of fever. In
      all analyses, the predictive capability of fever increased with incremental
      elevations in the child's temperature. The likelihood ratio of fever>=40.0
      degrees C in predicting influenza was 6.00 (95% CI, 2.80-12.96). Among unselected
      children seen as outpatients during influenza outbreaks, fever is the only
      reliable predictor of influenza virus infection. The optimal use of influenza
      specific antiviral drugs in children may require virologic confirmation.

PMID- 22080426
TI  - An end-users oriented methodology for enhancing the integration of knowledge on
      soil-water-sediment systems in River Basin Management: an illustration from the
      AquaTerra project.
AB  - Research results in environmental and socio-economic sciences are often under
      used by stakeholders involved in the management of natural resources. To minimise
      this gap, the FP6 EU interdisciplinary project AquaTerra (AT) developed an end
      users' integration methodology in order to ensure that the data, knowledge and
      tools related to the soil-water-sediment system that were generated by the
      project were delivered in a meaningful way for end-users, thus improving their
      uptake. The methodology and examples of its application are presented in this
      paper. From the 408 project deliverables, 96 key findings were identified, 53
      related to data and knowledge, and 43 describing advanced tools. River Basin
      Management (RBM) stakeholders workshops identified 8 main RBM issues and 25
      specific stakeholders' questions related to RBM which were classified into seven
      groups of cross-cutting issues, namely scale, climate change, non-climatic
      change, the need for systemic approaches, communication and participation,
      international and inter-basin coordination and collaboration, and the
      implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The integration methodology
      enabled an assessment of how AT key findings meet stakeholders' demands, and for
      each main RBM issue and for each specific question, described the added-value of
      the AT project in terms of knowledge and tools generated, key parameters to
      consider, and recommendations that can be made to stakeholders and the wider
      scientific community. Added value and limitations of the integration methodology
      and its outcomes are discussed and recommendations are provided to further
      improve integration methodology and bridge the gaps between scientific research
      data and their potential uptake by end-users.

PMID- 22080427
TI  - Local residents perception of benefits and losses from protected areas in India
      and Nepal.
AB  - High densities of people living around protected areas (PAs) in South Asia
      require management strategies to balance conservation goals and livelihood needs.
      Based on a survey of 777 households around five PAs in India and Nepal, this
      paper provides a comparative perspective of Indian and Nepali households' views
      of protected area benefits and costs, their attitude toward conservation in
      general, and attitude toward protected area staff. Results indicate mixed
      responses towards tourism, varying from very favorable in Nepal to less favorable
      in India. The majority (81%) held positive attitudes towards the existence and
      importance of PAs but had negative perceptions of PA staff (69%). Most residents
      perceived benefits from access to fuel wood, fodder and other PA resources
      including benefits from tourism, while crop and livestock losses from wildlife
      were the main costs. Households overall positive attitudes towards the PAs and
      conservation despite high losses from living around PAs suggests that local
      residents may support conservation if their livelihood needs are met. Comparisons
      of household attitudes and perceptions suggest that locally based strategies
      rather than top-down approaches are likely to be more effective. Extending PA
      benefits to smaller landholders, households that are highly resource-dependent or
      experiencing higher income losses from human-wildlife conflicts, and less
      educated residents are particularly important to balance costs and losses from
      living around protected areas.

PMID- 22080428
TI  - Assessing watershed transport of atrazine and nitrate to evaluate conservation
      practice effects and advise future monitoring strategies.
AB  - Continued public support for U.S. taxpayer funded programs aimed at reducing
      agricultural pollutants depends on clear demonstrations of water quality
      improvements. The objective of this research was to determine if implementation
      of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) in the Goodwater Creek
      Experimental Watershed (GCEW) resulted in changes to atrazine and nitrate (NO(3)
      N) loads during storm events. An additional objective was to estimate future
      monitoring periods necessary to detect a 5, 10, 20, and 25% reduction in atrazine
      and NO(3)-N event load. The GCEW is a 73 km(2) watershed located in northcentral
      Missouri, USA. Linear regressions and Akaike Information Criteria were used to
      determine if reductions in atrazine and NO(3)-N event loads occurred as BMPs were
      implemented. No effects due to any BMP type were indicated for the period of
      record. Further investigation of event sampling from the long-term GCEW
      monitoring program indicated errors in atrazine load calculations may be possible
      due to pre-existing minimum threshold levels used to trigger autosampling and
      sample compositing. Variation of event loads was better explained by linear
      regressions for NO(3)-N than for atrazine. Decommissioning of upstream monitoring
      stations during the study period represented a missed opportunity to further
      explain variation of event loads at the watershed outlet. Atrazine requires
      approximately twice the monitoring period relative to NO(3)-N to detect future
      reductions in event load. Appropriate matching of pollutant transport mechanisms
      with autosampling protocols remains a critical information need when setting up
      or adapting watershed monitoring networks aimed at detecting watershed-scale BMP
      effects.

PMID- 22080429
TI  - Phyllosphere bacterial communities of trichome-bearing and trichomeless
      Arabidopsis thaliana leaves.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of trichomes as conspicuous
      physical attributes of the leaf surface affects the microbial community
      composition on Arabidopsis thaliana leaves. The A. thaliana ecotype Col-0 and its
      trichomeless gl1 mutant were grown in growth cabinets under climate-controlled
      conditions. The gl1 mutant showed a similar wax composition as the Col-0 wild
      type with slightly reduced amounts of C(29), C(31) and C(33) alkanes by GC/MS and
      GC/FID analyses. 120 bacterial isolates representing 39 bacterial genera were
      obtained from A. thaliana Col-0 leaf surfaces. Phylogenetic analysis of nearly
      full-length 16S rRNA sequences from 29 selected isolates confirmed their
      affiliation to the Proteobacteria (Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-), Actinobacteria,
      Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The bacterial diversity on A. thaliana ecotype Col
      0 and its gl1 mutant, devoid of trichomes, were further compared by denaturing
      gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Banding patterns and sequencing of
      representative DGGE bands revealed the presence of phylotypes related to
      Sphingomonas (Alphaproteobacteria), Methylophilus (Betaproteobacteria) and
      Dyadobacter (Bacteroidetes) which are common phyllosphere inhabitants.
      Furthermore, wildtype and trichomeless mutant plants were exposed to outdoor
      conditions for 4-5 weeks. The DGGE gels showed only minor differences between the
      two plant lines, thus suggesting that trichomes per se do not affect bacterial
      diversity on Arabidopsis leaves under the experimental conditions tested.

PMID- 22080430
TI  - Phase 1 clinical trial of the novel proteasome inhibitor marizomib with the
      histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat in patients with melanoma, pancreatic
      and lung cancer based on in vitro assessments of the combination.
AB  - PURPOSE: Combining proteasome and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has been
      seen to provide synergistic anti-tumor activity, with complementary effects on a
      number of signaling pathways. The novel bi-cyclic structure of marizomib with its
      unique proteasome inhibition, toxicology and efficacy profiles, suggested utility
      in combining it with an HDAC inhibitor such as vorinostat. Thus, in this study in
      vitro studies assessed the potential utility of combining marizomib and
      vorinostat, followed by a clinical trial with the objectives of assessing the
      recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD),
      safety and preliminary anti-tumor activity of the combination in patients.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Combinations of marizomib and vorinostat were assessed in
      vitro. Subsequently, in a Phase 1 clinical trial patients with melanoma,
      pancreatic carcinoma or Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) were given escalating
      doses of weekly marizomib in combination with vorinostat 300 mg daily for 16 days
      in 28 day cycles. In addition to standard safety studies, proteasome inhibition
      and pharmacokinetics were assayed. RESULTS: Marked synergy of marizomib and
      vorinostat was seen in tumor cell lines derived from patients with NSCLC,
      melanoma and pancreatic carcinoma. In the clinical trial, 22 patients were
      enrolled. Increased toxicity was not seen with the combination. Co-administration
      did not appear to affect the PK or PD of either drug in comparison to historical
      data. Although no responses were demonstrated using RECIST criteria, 61% of
      evaluable patients demonstrated stable disease with 39% having decreases in tumor
      measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of multiple tumor cell lines with marizomib
      and vorinostat resulted in a highly synergistic antitumor activity. The
      combination of full dose marizomib with vorinostat is tolerable in patients with
      safety findings consistent with either drug alone.

PMID- 22080431
TI  - A novel LED-based device for occlusal caries detection.
AB  - The aim of this in-vitro study was to compare the performance of laser-based
      (DIAGNOdent, KaVo, Biberach, Germany) and LED-based (Midwest Caries I.D.,
      DENTSPLY Professional, New York, USA) caries detectors in the detection of
      occlusal caries in permanent molars. The study consisted of 129 visually sound or
      non-cavitated pits or fissures in 82 extracted permanent human molar teeth. Two
      trained examiners used the laser-based and LED-based caries detectors to examine
      the fissures for caries. The teeth were then sectioned at the surfaces suspected
      of containing occlusal caries and histologically evaluated using stereomicroscopy
      as a gold standard. Inter-examiner reliability of the caries detector examination
      was assessed using Cohen's Kappa statistics. The sensitivity, specificity, and
      accuracy in diagnosing occlusal caries using the two devices were calculated
      according to appropriate cut-off scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      curves were also determined to compare the diagnostic performance of the devices
      in occlusal caries diagnosis. The cut-off level of significance was taken as p =
      0.005. Cohen's Kappa showed substantial agreement for the laser-based caries
      detector (0.74), and almost perfect agreement for the LED-based (0.89) caries
      detector. The specificity of the laser-based device varied from 0.49 to 0.97 at
      T1 and T2. Its sensitivity varied from 0.33 to 0.65 at T1 and T2. The specificity
      of the LED-based device varied from 0.48 to 0.56 at T1 and T2. Its sensitivity
      varied from 0.65 to 0.84 at T1 and from 0.80 to 0.84 at T2. Taking the
      limitations of the current study into consideration, the DIAGNOdent laser pen was
      more accurate in determining when teeth were free of occlusal caries than was the
      Midwest Caries I.D. LED-based device, although the Midwest Caries I.D. device
      more often revealed the presence of occlusal caries than did the DIAGNOdent pen.

PMID- 22080432
TI  - Reference genes for qPCR assays in toxic metal and salinity stress in two
      flatworm model organisms.
AB  - The flatworm species Schmidtea mediterranea and Macrostomum lignano have become
      new and innovative model organisms in stem cell, regeneration and tissue
      homeostasis research. Because of their unique stem cell system, (lab) technical
      advantages and their phylogenetic position within the Metazoa, they are also
      ideal candidate model organisms for toxicity assays. As stress and biomarker
      screenings are often performed at the transcriptional level, the aim of this
      study was to establish a set of reference genes for qPCR experiments for these
      two model organisms in different stress situations. We examined the
      transcriptional stability of nine potential reference genes (actb, tubb, ck2,
      cox4, cys, rpl13, gapdh, gm2ap, plscr1) to assess those that are most stable
      during altered stress conditions (exposure to carcinogenic metals and salinity
      stress). The gene expression stability was evaluated by means of geNorm and
      NormFinder algorithms. Sets of best reference genes in these analyses varied
      between different stress situations, although gm2ap and actb were stably
      transcribed during all tested combinations. In order to demonstrate the impact of
      bad normalisation, the stress-specific gene hsp90 was normalised to different
      sets of reference genes. In contrast to the normalisation according to GeNorm and
      NormFinder, normalisation of hsp90 in Macrostomum lignano during cadmium stress
      did not show a significant difference when normalised to only gapdh. On the other
      hand an increase of variability was noticed when normalised to all nine tested
      reference genes together. Testing appropriate reference genes is therefore
      strongly advisable in every new experimental condition.

PMID- 22080433
TI  - DNA damage in cichlids from an oil production facility in Guatemala.
AB  - This study focused on several wetlands in Laguna del Tigre National Park
      (Guatemala) as part of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program.
      Sediment and water samples were collected from a laguna near Xan field,
      Guatemala's largest oil facility, and three other sites for determination of
      levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Cichlid fish (Thorichthys
      meeki and Vieja synspila) were collected for determination of DNA strand breakage
      (by gel electrophoresis), chromosomal breakage (flow cytometry), and fin erosion.
      For T. meeki from Xan field, chromosomal breakage and strand breakage was greater
      than in at least two of the three reference sites. For V. synspila, chromosomal
      breakage and strand breakage were greater in Xan than one of the two reference
      sites. Fin erosion was observed only at the Xan laguna. Genetic biomarker effects
      and fin erosion, along with patterns of aqueous PAH concentrations, indicate that
      fish are affected by anthropogenic contaminants. PAHs were elevated at some
      reference sites, but environmental forensic analysis suggested a pyrogenic or
      diagenic origin. It is possible that oil field brines injected into the ground
      water caused fin erosion and genotoxicity in fish at Xan field, and it is also
      possible that pyrogenic PAHs influence levels of DNA damage in reference sites.
      These analyses represent one of the first efforts to examine genotoxicity in
      native Mesoamerican cichlids.

PMID- 22080435
TI  - Computer animated relaxation therapy in children between 7 and 13 years with
      tension-type headache: a pilot study.
AB  - This pilot study evaluated the effect of computer animated relaxation therapy in
      children between 7 and 13 years with tension-type headache and the children's
      experiences with the therapy. The therapy consisted of an uncontrolled nine
      session course in modified progressive relaxation therapy assisted by computer
      animated surface EMG provided from the trapezius muscles and with the
      physiotherapist as a participant observer. Outcome measures were (a) headache
      frequency and intensity, (b) pericranial tenderness, (c) tension patterns, and
      (d) evaluations assessed at baseline and at 3 months follow up. Nine children,
      mean age 10.9 (SD 1.7) years, diagnosed with frequent episodic or chronic tension
      type headache completed the course. The results showed a mean improvement of 45%
      for headache frequency at 3 months follow up versus baseline and a significant
      reduction in headache frequency for all participants and in Total Tenderness
      Score for children with frequent episodic tension-type headache. The children
      expressed a growing understanding of body reactions and an acquired ability to
      deactivate and regulate these reactions. Computer animated SEMG seems an
      applicable learning strategy for young headache sufferers. This study suggests
      that children below the age of 13 need both the dialog and guidance from a
      participant observer in order to achieve body awareness.

PMID- 22080434
TI  - Organic carbon source in formulated sediments influences life traits and gene
      expression of Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - River water quality is strongly influenced by their sediments and their
      associated pollutants. To assess the toxic potential of sediments, sediment
      toxicity tests require reliable control sediments, potentially including
      formulated control sediments as one major option. Although some standardization
      has been carried out, one critical issue still remains the quality of sediment
      organic matter (SOM). Organic carbon not only binds hydrophobic contaminants, but
      may be a source of mild toxicity, even if the SOM is essentially uncontaminated.
      We tested two different sources of organic carbon and the mixture of both
      (Sphagnum peat (P) and one commercial humic substances preparation
      HuminFeed((r)), HF) in terms of life trait variables and expression profiles of
      selected life performance and stress genes of the nematode Caenorhabditis
      elegans. In synchronous cultures, gene expression profiling was done after 6 and
      48 h, respectively. The uncontaminated Sphagnum P reduced growth, but increased
      numbers of offspring, whereas HF did not significantly alter life trait
      variables. The 6 h expression profile showed most of the studied stress genes
      repressed, except for slight to strong induction in cyp-35B1 (all exposures), gst
      38 (only mixture), and small hsp-16 genes (all exposures). After 48 h, the
      expression of almost all studied genes increased, particularly genes coding for
      antioxidative defense, multiple xenobiotic resistance, vitellogenin-like
      proteins, and genes regulating lifespan. Overall, even essentially uncontaminated
      SOM may induce several modes of action on the molecular level in C. elegans which
      may lead to false results if testing synthetic xenobiotics. This contribution is
      a plea for a strict standardization of the SOM quality in formulated sediments
      and to check for corresponding effects in other model sediment organisms,
      especially if using molecular toxicity endpoints.

PMID- 22080436
TI  - Empirical evidence of the effectiveness of concept mapping as a learning
      intervention for nuclear medicine technology students in a distance learning
      radiation protection and biology course.
AB  - Metacognitive learning strategies are based on instructional learning theory,
      which promotes deep, meaningful learning. Educators in a baccalaureate-level
      nuclear medicine technology program demonstrated that students enrolled in an
      online, distance learning section of an introductory radiation protection and
      radiobiology course performed better when traditional instruction was
      supplemented with nontraditional metacognitive learning strategies. METHODS: The
      metacognitive learning strategy that was used is best known as concept mapping.
      The concept map, in addition to the standard homework problem assignment and
      opportunity for question-answer sessions, became the template for misconception
      identification and remediation interactions between the instructor and the
      student. The control group relied on traditional homework problems and question
      answer sessions alone. Because students in both the "treatment" groups (i.e.,
      students who used concept mapping) and the control group were distance learning
      students, all personal communications were conducted via e-mail or telephone. The
      final examination of the course was used to facilitate a quantitative comparison
      of the performance of students who used concept mapping and the performance of
      students who did not use concept mapping. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a
      significantly higher median final examination score for the concept mapping group
      than for the non-concept mapping group (z = -2.0381, P = 0.0415), with an
      appropriately large effect size (2.65). CONCLUSION: Concept mapping is a
      cognitive learning intervention that effectively enables meaningful learning and
      is suitable for use in the independent learner-oriented distance learning
      environments used by some nuclear medicine technology programs.

PMID- 22080437
TI  - Effect of asiaticoside on 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 99mTc-sestamibi uptake in MCF-7
      cells.
AB  - This study was done to examine the effect of asiaticoside on MCF-7 cell uptake of
      (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin ((99m)Tc-Tfos) and (99m)Tc-sestamibi ((99m)Tc-MIBI). METHODS:
      The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was
      used to evaluate the effect of a 50% inhibitory concentration of asiaticoside on
      MCF-7 cell proliferation. MCF-7 cells were treated with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50
      MUM asiaticoside for 48 h and then incubated with 59.2 MBq of either (99m)Tc-Tfos
      or (99m)Tc-MIBI tracer for 60 min. The uptake of the tracers was measured with a
      dose calibrator. RESULTS: The 50% inhibitory concentration of asiaticoside for
      MCF-7 cells was determined with the MTT assay to be 40 MUM. The uptake results
      were expressed as the mean +/- SE radioactivity in MBq/mg of protein, and P
      values were also calculated (P values of 0.03 indicated significant differences).
      In the control (no asiaticoside) and at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 MUM asiaticoside,
      the mean levels of (99m)Tc-Tfos uptake were 0.79 (SE, 0.059) (P = 0.14), 0.84
      (SE, 0.057) (P = 0.60), 0.47 (SE, 0.034) (P = 0.03), 0.40 (SE, 0.050) (P = 0.03),
      0.37 (SE, 0.050) (P = 0.03), and 0.15 (SE, 0.023) (P = 0.03), respectively; the
      mean levels of (99m)Tc-MIBI uptake were 0.95 (SE, 0.007) (P = 0.14), 0.81 (SE,
      0.009) (P = 0.60), 0.79 (SE, 0.019) (P = 0.03), 0.63 (SE, 0.004) (P = 0.03), 0.13
      (SE, 0.006) (P = 0.03), and 0.07 (SE, 0.008) (P = 0.03), respectively.
      Asiaticoside concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 MUM revealed the uptake
      kinetics for both (99m)Tc-Tfos and (99m)Tc-MIBI in MCF-7 cells. (99m)Tc-Tfos and
      (99m)Tc-MIBI showed similar trends; the radioactivity uptake was dose dependent,
      and asiaticoside inhibited 16% and 47% of (99m)Tc-Tfos uptake and (99m)Tc-MIBI
      uptake in MCF-7 cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that
      asiaticoside, acting as a biochemical modulator, may induce apoptosis and enhance
      antitumor activity in MCF-7 cells, as determined by (99m)Tc-Tfos and (99m)Tc-MIBI
      uptake. These findings are promising for cancer chemotherapy. Future studies
      should be performed to confirm our findings and to further delineate the clinical
      role of asiaticoside.

PMID- 22080438
TI  - Costimulatory protein 4IgB7H3 drives the malignant phenotype of glioblastoma by
      mediating immune escape and invasiveness.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent work points out a role of B7H3, a member of the B7-family of
      costimulatory proteins, in conveying immunosuppression and enforced invasiveness
      in a variety of tumor entities. Glioblastoma is armed with effective
      immunosuppressive properties resulting in an impaired recognition and ineffective
      attack of tumor cells by the immune system. In addition, extensive and diffuse
      invasion of tumor cells into the surrounding brain tissue limits the efficacy of
      local therapies. Here, 4IgB7H3 is assessed as diagnostic and therapeutic target
      for glioblastoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To characterize B7H3 in glioblastoma, we
      conduct analyses not only in glioma cell lines and glioma-initiating cells but
      also in human glioma tissue specimens. RESULTS: B7H3 expression by tumor and
      endothelial cells correlates with the grade of malignancy in gliomas and with
      poor survival. Both soluble 4IgB7H3 in the supernatant of glioma cells and cell
      bound 4IgB7H3 are functional and suppress natural killer cell-mediated tumor cell
      lysis. Gene silencing showed that membrane and soluble 4IgB7H3 convey a
      proinvasive phenotype in glioma cells and glioma-initiating cells in vitro. These
      proinvasive and immunosuppressive properties were confirmed in vivo by
      xenografted 4IgB7H3 gene silenced glioma-initiating cells, which invaded
      significantly less into the surrounding brain tissue in an orthotopic model and
      by subcutaneously injected LN-229 cells, which were more susceptible to natural
      killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity than unsilenced control cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Because of its immunosuppressive and proinvasive function, 4IgB7H3 may serve as a
      therapeutic target in the treatment of glioblastoma.

PMID- 22080439
TI  - A phase I weekly dosing study of brentuximab vedotin in patients with
      relapsed/refractory CD30-positive hematologic malignancies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin comprises a CD30
      directed antibody covalently attached to the potent antimicrotubule agent
      monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable linker. This study
      explored the safety, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and activity of weekly dosing
      of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive
      hematologic malignancies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In this phase I dose-escalation
      study, brentuximab vedotin was administered intravenously on Days 1, 8, and 15,
      of each 28-day cycle at doses ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 mg/kg. Forty-four patients
      were enrolled: 38 with Hodgkin lymphoma, five with systemic anaplastic large cell
      lymphoma, and one with peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified. Doses
      were escalated in increments of 0.2 mg/kg until dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was
      observed. Patients were monitored for antitherapeutic antibodies and
      pharmacokinetic parameters. Antitumor assessments were carried out every two
      cycles. RESULTS: The MTD was 1.2 mg/kg. The most common adverse events were
      peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, arthralgia, and
      pyrexia; and the majority of events were mild to moderate in severity. Tumor
      regression occurred in 85% of patients and the overall objective response rate
      was 59% (n = 24), with 34% (n = 14) complete remissions. The median duration of
      response was not reached at a median follow-up of 45 weeks on study. CONCLUSIONS:
      Weekly administration of brentuximab vedotin resulted in tumor regression and
      durable remissions in patients with CD30-positive malignancies. This ADC was
      associated with manageable toxicity, including peripheral neuropathy. Further
      study in CD30-positive malignancies is warranted.

PMID- 22080440
TI  - Punctate LC3B expression is a common feature of solid tumors and associated with
      proliferation, metastasis, and poor outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Measurement of autophagy in cancer and correlation with histopathologic
      grading or clinical outcomes has been limited. Accordingly, we investigated LC3B
      as an autophagosome marker by analyzing nearly 1,400 tumors from 20 types of
      cancer, focusing on correlations with clinical outcomes in melanoma and breast
      cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Staining protocols were developed for automated
      quantitative analysis (AQUA) using antibodies versus LC3 isoform B (LC3B) and Ki
      67. Clinically annotated breast and melanoma tissue microarrays (TMA) and a
      multitumor array were used. An AQUA program was developed to quantitate LC3B
      distribution in punctate and diffuse compartments of the cell. RESULTS: LC3B
      staining was moderate to high in the large majority of tumors. The percentage of
      area occupied by punctate LC3B was elevated by 3- to 5-fold at high LC3B
      intensities. In breast cancer and melanoma TMAs, LC3B and Ki-67 showed strong
      correlations (P < 0.0001), and in multitumor TMAs, mitotic figures were most
      often seen in tumors with the highest LC3B expression (P < 0.002). In breast
      cancer, LC3B expression was elevated in node-positive versus node-negative
      primaries and associated with increased nuclear grade and shortened survival. In
      a melanoma TMA with no survival data, LC3B levels were highest in nodal,
      visceral, and cutaneous metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal a common
      expression of LC3B in malignancy and support emerging evidence that autophagy
      plays a significant role in cancer progression. High LC3B was associated
      proliferation, invasion and metastasis, high nuclear grade, and worse outcome.
      Thus, autophagy presents a key target of therapeutic vulnerability in solid
      tumors.

PMID- 22080441
TI  - Pubertal androgenization and gonadal histology in two 46,XY adolescents with
      NR5A1 mutations and predominantly female phenotype at birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most patients with NR5A1 (SF-1) mutations and poor virilization at
      birth are sex-assigned female and receive early gonadectomy. Although studies in
      pituitary-specific Sf-1 knockout mice suggest hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,
      little is known about endocrine function at puberty and on germ cell tumor risk
      in patients with SF-1 mutations. This study reports on the natural course during
      puberty and on gonadal histology in two adolescents with SF-1 mutations and
      predominantly female phenotype at birth. DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinical and
      hormonal data and histopathological studies are reported in one male and one
      female adolescent with, respectively, a nonsense mutation (c.9T>A, p.Tyr3X) and a
      deletion of the first two coding exons (NCBI36/hg18 Chr9:g.(126306276
      126307705)_(126303229-126302828)del) of NR5A1, both predicted to fully disrupt
      gene function. RESULTS: LH and testosterone concentrations were in the normal
      male range, virilization was disproportionate to the neonatal phenotype. In the
      girl, gonadectomy at 13 years revealed incomplete spermatogenesis and bilateral
      precursor lesions of testicular carcinoma in situ. In the boy, at the age of 12,
      numerous germ cells without signs of malignancy were present in bilateral
      testicular biopsy specimen. CONCLUSIONS: In SF-1 mutations, the neonatal
      phenotype poorly predicts virilization at puberty. Even in poorly virilized cases
      at birth, male gender assignment may allow spontaneous puberty without signs of
      hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and possibly fertility. Patients with SF-1
      mutations are at increased risk for malignant germ cell tumors. In case of
      preserved gonads, early orchidopexy and germ cell tumor screening is warranted.
      The finding of premalignant and/or malignant changes should prompt gonadectomy or
      possibly irradiation.

PMID- 22080442
TI  - A small-scale anatomic model for testicular radiation dosimetry for radionuclides
      localized in the human testes.
AB  - The testis is a radiosensitive tissue. It contains a large number of lobules,
      which in turn are composed of convoluted seminiferous tubules. The epithelium
      inside each tubule consists of a complex mosaic of supporting cells and germ
      cells of different sizes and degrees of maturation. These cells are known to have
      diverse sensitivity to radiation, those with the highest sensitivity being the
      spermatogonia, which form part of the basal cell layer, and those with the lowest
      sensitivity being the mature sperm cells closest to the lumen of the tubule. For
      many years, the internal dosimetry community has discussed the need for
      improvements to bring about more detailed, cell-level testicular dosimetry. This
      paper presents a small-scale dosimetry model for calculation of S factors for
      several different source-target configurations within the testicular tissue.
      METHODS: A model of the testis was designed in which the lobules were
      approximated by a cross-section of seminiferous tubules arranged in a hexagonal
      pattern, with interstitial tissue between them. The seminiferous tubules were
      divided into concentric layers representing spermatogenic development in the
      seminiferous epithelium. S factors were calculated for electrons, photons, alpha
      particles, and for (18)F, (90)Y, (99m)Tc, (111)In, (125)I, (131)I, (177)Lu, and
      (211)At using Monte Carlo simulations. RESULTS: For electrons with low energies
      the range was small, compared with the diameter of the seminiferous tubules,
      resulting in high energy deposition close to the source, whereas for higher
      electron energies more uniform energy deposition was seen, as expected. The same
      trend was seen for low-energy photons, whose mean free paths are small, compared
      with the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, resulting in high energy
      deposition close to the source, whereas for higher photon energies the location
      of the activity in the testis is less important. CONCLUSION: The model presented
      in this paper is a simplification of the organized chaos that constitutes the
      structure of the actual testis. However, it provides a relevant, small-scale
      anatomic model to help us understand the significance of the heterogeneity of
      radioactivity in this important radiosensitive tissue.

PMID- 22080443
TI  - Bombesin antagonist-based radioligands for translational nuclear imaging of
      gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-positive tumors.
AB  - Bombesin receptors are overexpressed on a variety of human tumors. In particular,
      the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) has been identified on prostate and
      breast cancers and on gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The current study aims at
      developing clinically translatable bombesin antagonist-based radioligands for
      SPECT and PET of GRPr-positive tumors. METHODS: A potent bombesin antagonist
      (PEG(4)-D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH(2) [AR]) was synthesized;
      conjugated to the chelators DOTA, 6-carboxy-1,4,7,11-tetraazaundecane (N4), 1,4,7
      triazacyclononane, 1-glutaric acid-4,7 acetic acid (NODAGA), and 4,11
      bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane (CB-TE2A); and
      radiolabeled with (111)In, (99m)Tc, (68)Ga, and (64)Cu, respectively. The
      radioconjugates were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in PC-3 tumor-bearing nude
      mice. Antagonist potency was determined by Ca(2+)-flux measurements and
      immunofluorescence. RESULTS: All the conjugates showed high binding affinity to
      GRPr (inhibitory concentration of 50% [IC(50)], 2.5-25 nmol/L). The
      immunofluorescence and Ca(2+)-flux assays confirmed the antagonist properties of
      the conjugates. Biodistribution revealed high and specific uptake in PC-3 tumor
      and in GRPr-positive tissues. Tumor uptake of (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-AR (31.02 +/- 3.35
      percentage injected activity per gram [%IA/g]) was higher than (99m)Tc-N4-AR
      (24.98 +/- 5.22 %IA/g), (111)In-DOTA-AR (10.56 +/- 0.70 %IA/g), and (68)Ga-NODAGA
      AR (7.11 +/- 3.26 %IA/g) at 1 h after injection. Biodistribution at later time
      points showed high tumor-to-background ratios because of the fast washout of the
      radioligand from normal organs, compared with tumor. High tumor-to-background
      ratios were further illustrated by PET and SPECT images of PC-3 tumor-bearing
      nude mice acquired at 12 h after injection showing high tumor uptake, clear
      background, and negligible or no radioactivity in the abdomen. CONCLUSION: The
      chelators do influence the affinity, antagonistic potency, and pharmacokinetics
      of the conjugates. The promising preclinical results warrant clinical translation
      of these probes for SPECT and PET.

PMID- 22080445
TI  - Virtual reality for dose optimization in pediatric nuclear medicine: better than
      the real thing.

PMID- 22080444
TI  - Effect of patient arm motion in whole-body PET/CT.
AB  - Arm motion during whole-body PET/CT acquisition is not uncommon and can give rise
      to striking cold artifacts on PET images. We investigated the mechanisms that
      underlie these artifacts and proposed a potential solution. METHODS: A phantom
      experiment based on 5 clinical cases of suspected arm motion was designed. The
      experiment involved a central 20-cm-diameter (68)Ge/(68)Ga cylinder simulating
      the neck and 2 peripheral 10-cm-diameter (18)F cylinders simulating arms. After
      motion-free CT and PET on a whole-body PET/CT system, the position of the arms
      was altered so as to introduce different amounts of misalignment. Twenty
      sequential PET scans were acquired in this position, alternating between 2
      dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) acquisition, as the (18)F decayed. Decay
      of (18)F in the arms, while the activity in the (68)Ge/(68)Ga cylinder remained
      approximately constant, allowed the relative impact of scatter and attenuation
      correction errors to be determined. RESULTS: Image artifacts were largely
      confined to the local region of motion in 2D but extended throughout the affected
      slices in 3D, where they manifested as a striking underestimation of radiotracer
      concentration that became more significant with increasing misalignment. For 3D,
      scatter-correction error depended on activity in the arms, but for typical
      activity concentrations scatter-correction error was more significant than
      attenuation-correction error. 3D image reconstruction without scatter correction
      substantially eliminated these artifacts in both phantom and patient images.
      CONCLUSION: Reconstruction artifacts due to patient arm motion can be substantial
      and should be recognized because they can affect both qualitative and
      quantitative assessment of PET.

PMID- 22080446
TI  - Harnessing the power of radionuclides for optical imaging: Cerenkov luminescence
      imaging.
AB  - Over the past several years, nuclear imaging modalities such as PET and SPECT
      have received much attention because they have been instrumental not only in
      preclinical cancer research but also in nuclear medicine. Yet nuclear imaging is
      limited by high instrumentation cost and subsequently low availability to basic
      researchers. Cerenkov radiation, a relativistic physical phenomenon that was
      discovered 70 years ago, has recently become an intriguing subject of study in
      molecular imaging because of its potential in augmenting nuclear imaging,
      particularly in preclinical small-animal studies. The intrinsic capability of
      radionuclides emitting luminescent light from decay is promising because of the
      possibility of bridging nuclear imaging with optical imaging-a modality that is
      much less expensive, is easier to use, and has higher throughput than its nuclear
      counterpart. Thus, with the maturation of this novel imaging technology using
      Cerenkov radiation, which is termed Cerenkov luminescence imaging, it is
      foreseeable that advances in both nuclear imaging and preclinical research
      involving radioisotopes will be significantly accelerated in the near future.

PMID- 22080447
TI  - Performance measurements of the Siemens mMR integrated whole-body PET/MR scanner.
AB  - The recently released Biograph mMR is the first commercially available integrated
      whole-body PET/MR scanner. There are considerable advantages to integrating both
      modalities in a single scanner that enables truly simultaneous acquisition.
      However, there are also concerns about the possible degradation of both PET and
      MR performance in an integrated system. This paper evaluates the performance of
      the Biograph mMR during independent and simultaneous acquisition of PET and
      morphologic MR data. METHODS: The NEMA NU 2-2007 protocol was followed for
      studying the PET performance. The following measurements were performed: spatial
      resolution; scatter fraction, count losses, and randoms; sensitivity; accuracy of
      the correction for count losses and randoms; and image quality. The quality
      control manual of the American College of Radiology was followed for studying the
      MR performance. The following measurements were performed: geometric accuracy,
      spatial resolution, low-contrast detectability, signal-to-noise ratio, static
      field (B(0)) homogeneity, radiofrequency field (B(1)) homogeneity, and
      radiofrequency noise. RESULTS: An average spatial resolution of 4.3 mm in full
      width at half maximum was measured at 1 cm offset from the center of the field of
      view. The system sensitivity was 15.0 kcps/MBq along the center of the scanner.
      The scatter fraction was 37.9%, and the peak noise-equivalent count rate was 184
      kcps at 23.1 kBq/mL. The maximum absolute value of the relative count rate error
      due to dead-time losses and randoms was 5.5%. The average residual error in
      scatter and attenuation correction was 12.1%. All MR parameters were within the
      tolerances defined by the American College of Radiology. B(0) inhomogeneities
      below 1 ppm were measured in a 120-mm radius. B(1) homogeneity and signal-to
      noise ratio were equivalent to those of a standard MR scanner. No radiofrequency
      interference was detected. CONCLUSION: These results compare favorably with other
      state-of-the-art PET/CT and PET/MR scanners, indicating that the integration of
      the PET detectors in the MR scanner and their operation within the magnetic field
      do not have a perceptible impact on the overall performance. The MR subsystem
      performs essentially like a standalone system. However, further work is necessary
      to evaluate the more advanced MR applications, such as functional imaging and
      spectroscopy.

PMID- 22080448
TI  - A flash-drag effect in random motion reveals involvement of preattentive motion
      processing.
AB  - The flash-drag (FDE) effect refers to the phenomenon in which the position of a
      stationary flashed object in one location appears shifted in the direction of
      nearby motion. Over the past decade, it has been debated how bottom-up and top
      down processes contribute to this illusion. In this study, we demonstrate that
      randomly phase-shifting gratings can produce the FDE. In the random motion
      sequence we used, the FDE inducer (a sinusoidal grating) jumped to a random phase
      every 125 ms and stood still until the next jump. Because this random sequence
      could not be tracked attentively, it was impossible for the observer to discern
      the jump direction at the time of the flash. By sorting the data based on the
      flash's onset time relative to each jump time in the random motion sequence, we
      found that a large FDE with a broad temporal tuning occurred around 50 to 150 ms
      before the jump and that this effect was not correlated with any other jumps in
      the past or future. These results suggest that as few as two frames of
      unpredictable apparent motion can preattentively cause the FDE with a broad
      temporal tuning.

PMID- 22080449
TI  - Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in heart transplant patients:
      three-year follow-up of deformation parameters and ejection fraction derived from
      transthoracic echocardiography.
AB  - AIMS: Non-invasive diagnosis of allograft dysfunction is a major objective in the
      management of heart transplant (HTX) recipients. Speckle tracking
      echocardiography (STE) permits comprehensive assessment of myocardial function.
      It is well established that deformation indices are reduced in HTXs when compared
      with control subjects. However, it is unclear if the reduction in strain is a
      chronic progressive phenomenon in HTX patients.  Method and results Follow-up
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed 3 years after initial TTE in
      20 'healthy' HTX patients (13.2 years post-transplantation at time of follow-up)
      with normal ejection fraction and angiographically ruled out allograft
      vasculopathy. Grey-scale apical views were recorded and stored for automated
      offline speckle tracking (EchoPAC 7.0, GE) of the 16 segments of the left
      ventricle. Strain analysis was performed in 320 segments 34.3 +/- 3.7 months
      after initial assessment. Automated tracking of myocardial deformation for
      determination of longitudinal systolic strain was not possible in 24 (7.5%)
      segments at baseline and in 32 (10.0%) segments at follow-up (P = ns). The left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 61.9 +/- 8.1% at the initial examination
      vs. 62.8 +/- 5.8% 3 years afterwards (P = ns). Global longitudinal peak systolic
      strain was -14.0 +/- 4.0 vs. -14.4 +/- 2.8%, respectively (P = ns). CONCLUSION:
      This is the first study describing follow-up deformation parameters in HTX
      patients undergoing STE. 'Healthy' HTX patients with normal coronary arteries and
      normal ejection fractions showed no deterioration of longitudinal strain values 3
      years after the initial assessment. Apparently, deformation values remain stable
      over the years as long as the LVEF is preserved.

PMID- 22080450
TI  - Relationship between aortic valve stenosis, its replacement, and aortic function.

PMID- 22080451
TI  - Is viability still viable after the STICH trial?
AB  - Stunning and hibernation represent two different forms of tissue viability
      identifiable in acute coronary syndromes and chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy,
      respectively. Functional recovery occurs spontaneously with myocardial stunning,
      while it generally follows revascularization in case of hibernating myocardium.
      Low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography is an accurate modality for
      identifying myocardial stunning and provides important information on ventricular
      remodelling after both systemic thrombolysis and primary angioplasty. In patients
      with conservatively treated infarction, the prognostic significance of viability
      by dobutamine stress echocardiography correlates with residual pump function.
      Substantial contractile reserve is predictive of favourable outcome in patients
      with poor but not in those with preserved or slightly reduced left ventricular
      function. Non-invasive assessment of coronary flow reserve with transthoracic
      Doppler echocardiography of the left anterior descending coronary artery allows
      to distinguish between necrotic and stunned myocardium and predicts ventricular
      remodelling following primary angioplasty. Resting echocardiographic examination
      can provide information on hibernating myocardium. In particular, systolic
      thickening <7 mm, restrictive filling pattern, and high end-systolic volume are
      predictive of no viability. Compared with nuclear imaging, dobutamine stress
      echocardiography is more specific for predicting functional recovery, less
      expensive, more generally available and radiation-free. A large body of evidence
      collected over the years demonstrates the favourable prognostic impact of
      revascularizing extensive myocardial territories which are found viable at
      dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy. The
      prognostic implications of viability-guided revascularization have been clearly
      established in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, the prognostic
      value of myocardial viability has been questioned by the results of the STICH
      trial that did not demonstrate any advantage of survival in the patients with a
      large extent of myocardial viability undergoing revascularization. Is the end of
      a paradigm that deeply influenced clinical practice so far or just a neutral
      result that can be ignored due to the several limitations of study design? In the
      present review, we will address the main advantages and limitations of
      ultrasounds for the evaluation of myocardial viability and try to demonstrate
      that viability is still viable.

PMID- 22080452
TI  - Cardiac involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease: echocardiographic appearance and
      value of cardiac MRI.

PMID- 22080453
TI  - Neddylation and CAND1 independently stimulate SCF ubiquitin ligase activity in
      Candida albicans.
AB  - SCF (Skp1-cullin/Cdc53-F-box protein) ubiquitin ligases bind substrates via the
      variable F-box protein and, in conjunction with the RING domain protein Rbx1 and
      the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc3/Cdc34, catalyze substrate ubiquitination.
      The cullin subunit can be modified covalently by conjugation of the ubiquitin
      like protein Rub1/NEDD8 (neddylation) or bound noncovalently by the protein CAND1
      (cullin-associated, neddylation-dissociated). Expression of the Candida albicans
      CAND1 gene homolog CaTIP120 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is toxic only in the
      presence of CaCdc53, consistent with a specific interaction between CaTip120 and
      CaCdc53. To genetically analyze this system in C. albicans, we deleted the
      homologs of RUB1/NEDD8, TIP120/CAND1, and the deneddylase gene JAB1, and we also
      generated a temperature-sensitive allele of the essential CaCDC53 gene by knock
      in site-directed mutagenesis. Deletion of CaRUB1 and CaTIP120 caused
      morphological, growth, and protein degradation phenotypes consistent with a
      reduction in SCF ubiquitin ligase activity. Furthermore, the double Carub1(-/-)
      Catip120(-/-) mutant was more defective in SCF activity than either individual
      deletion mutant. These results indicate that CAND1 stimulates SCF ubiquitin
      ligase activity and that it does so independently of neddylation. Our data do not
      support a role for CAND1 in the protection of either the F-box protein or cullin
      from degradation but are consistent with the suggested role of CAND1 in SCF
      complex remodeling.

PMID- 22080455
TI  - Prevalence changes of pain, sleep problems and fatigue among 8-year-old children:
      years 1989, 1999, and 2005.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study prevalence changes of self-reported pain, sleep problems,
      and fatigue among 8-year-old children, and to examine the co-occurrence and
      associated psychosocial variables of these symptoms. METHODS: 3 cross-sectional
      representative samples were compared in 1989, 1999, and 2005. The frequency of
      headache, abdominal pain, other pains, sleep problems, and fatigue were studied.
      In addition, sociodemographic information and child's psychiatric problems were
      inquired. RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal pain, sleep problems, and fatigue,
      in addition to headache in boys and other pains in girls increased significantly
      (p < .05) from 1989 to 2005, with cumulative odds ratio (95% confidence
      intervals) varying from 1.6 (1.2-2.1) to 2.4 (1.7-3.3). All symptoms were
      associated with each other and with the child's psychiatric problems. However,
      psychiatric problems did not explain the observed increase in the symptom
      frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Finnish children's self-reported pain, sleep problems,
      and fatigue have increased remarkably. Studies providing information on the
      causes and prevention possibilities are warranted.

PMID- 22080454
TI  - A flucytosine-responsive Mbp1/Swi4-like protein, Mbs1, plays pleiotropic roles in
      antifungal drug resistance, stress response, and virulence of Cryptococcus
      neoformans.
AB  - Cryptococcosis, caused by the basidiomycetous fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, is
      responsible for more than 600,000 deaths annually in AIDS patients. Flucytosine
      is one of the most commonly used antifungal drugs for its treatment, but its
      resistance and regulatory mechanisms have never been investigated at the genome
      scale in C. neoformans. In the present study, we performed comparative
      transcriptome analysis by employing two-component system mutants (tco1Delta and
      tco2Delta) exhibiting opposing flucytosine susceptibility. As a result, a total
      of 177 flucytosine-responsive genes were identified, and many of them were found
      to be regulated by Tco1 or Tco2. Among these, we discovered an APSES-like
      transcription factor, Mbs1 (Mbp1- and Swi4-like protein 1). Expression analysis
      revealed that MBS1 was regulated in response to flucytosine in a Tco2/Hog1
      dependent manner. Supporting this, C. neoformans with the deletion of MBS1
      exhibited increased susceptibility to flucytosine. Intriguingly, Mbs1 played
      pleiotropic roles in diverse cellular processes of C. neoformans. Mbs1 positively
      regulated ergosterol biosynthesis and thereby affected polyene and azole drug
      susceptibility. Mbs1 was also involved in genotoxic and oxidative stress
      responses. Furthermore, Mbs1 promoted production of melanin and capsule and
      thereby was required for full virulence of C. neoformans. In conclusion, Mbs1 is
      considered to be a novel antifungal therapeutic target for treatment of
      cryptococcosis.

PMID- 22080456
TI  - Treatment adherence in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: the
      collective impact of barriers to adherence and anxiety/depressive symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of factors impacting adolescents' ability to adhere to their
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) regimen is limited. The current study examines
      the collective impact of barriers to adherence and anxiety/depressive symptoms on
      adolescent adherence to the IBD regimen. METHODS: Adolescents (n = 79) completed
      measures of barriers to adherence, adherence, and anxiety/depressive symptoms at
      one of two specialty pediatric IBD clinics. RESULTS: Most adolescents reported
      barriers to adherence and 1 in 8 reported borderline or clinically elevated
      levels of anxiety/depressive symptoms. Anxiety/depressive symptoms moderated the
      relationship between barriers to adherence and adherence. Post hoc probing
      revealed a significant, additive effect of higher anxiety/depressive symptoms in
      the barriers-adherence relationship, with adherence significantly lower among
      adolescents with higher barriers and higher anxiety/depressive symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: In order to optimize adherence in adolescents, interventions should
      target not only barriers to adherence but also any anxiety/depressive symptoms
      that may negatively impact efforts to adhere to recommended treatment.

PMID- 22080457
TI  - Treatment adherence in pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Examine treatment adherence rates in pediatric eosinophilic
      gastrointestinal disorders (EGID). METHODS: Participants were children aged 2.5
      18 years with eosinophilic esophagitis or eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) and
      their caregivers. A multimethod, multi-informant assessment including parent
      report and electronic monitoring was utilized, with a 90% cut point for
      nonadherence. RESULTS: Medication nonadherence prevalence was 30%. Adherence
      frequency was 91% +/- 14% (0-100%) per parent report and 100% +/- 69% (0-194%)
      per electronic monitors. Tube-feeding adherence was 99% +/- 3%. Food allergen
      exposures were less than 1 per 2 weeks, with 33% nonadherence prevalence.
      Patients with EGE and toddlers with both conditions demonstrated poorer
      medication adherence (p's < .05). Caregivers reported higher number of missed
      medication doses than food exposures (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and
      range of nonadherence demonstrates that subsets of these patients are
      nonadherent. Adherence to treatment in EGID is complex and multifaceted, with
      nonadherence varying across treatments.

PMID- 22080458
TI  - Perthes' disease: deprivation and decline.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Perthes' disease is a childhood hip disorder which frequently
      precipitates premature osteoarthritis necessitating joint replacement in young
      adults. The highest incidence reported worldwide is in Merseyside, UK, where a
      unique disease register is maintained. OBJECTIVE: To describe the temporal trends
      in disease incidence in a geographically defined area of Merseyside, and to
      examine the relationship to area deprivation. DESIGN: Descriptive observational
      study utilising a regional disease register in Merseyside, UK, 1976-2009.
      PATIENTS: 1082 children with Perthes' disease (682 from a geographically defined
      area). OUTCOME: Disease incidence by region, year and deprivation quintile
      (measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007, and the Child Well-Being
      Index 2009). RESULTS: There was a dramatic decline in incidence over the study
      period in Liverpool, with rates falling from 14.2 to 7.7 cases/10,000 0-14-year
      olds (p<0.001). Incidence rates halved in nearby Knowsley (p=0.01) but remained
      largely static in the more affluent region of Sefton, where the annual incidence
      remained at around 7.2 cases/10,000 0-14-year-olds (p=0.73). The association with
      area deprivation is striking, with the most deprived quintiles having over three
      times the incidence of the most affluent quintiles (11.5 vs 3.8 cases/10,000 0-14
      year-olds; p<0.001). Incidence by electoral ward was strongly correlated to ward
      deprivation score (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a marked decline in disease
      incidence over the study period, particularly in more deprived areas. The
      magnitude of the association with deprivation, and the changing incidence,
      strongly suggest that environmental factor(s) are a major aetiological
      determinant in Perthes' disease.

PMID- 22080459
TI  - Improved junior paediatric prescribing skills after a short e-learning
      intervention: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Medication errors are common, with junior doctors accounting for the
      majority in acute healthcare. Paediatrics is uniquely challenging, but the
      evidence base to guide prescribing education is limited. The authors set out to
      develop a short, educationally sound, low cost e-learning resource for paediatric
      prescribing to improve junior doctors' prescribing skills and to evaluate its
      effectiveness. DESIGN: A non-blinded randomised controlled trial. SETTING: North
      Western Deanery Foundation School, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 162 volunteer foundation
      (junior) doctors randomised into control (86) and intervention (76) groups.
      INTERVENTIONS: On study entry, participants were assessed on prescribing skill,
      prescribing habits and confidence. The intervention group completed the e
      learning course designed for the study, which took 1-2 h. At 1 and 3 months after
      the intervention, both groups were assessed on similar prescribing assessments,
      habits and confidence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total score (expressed as a
      percentage) on prescribing assessments, confidence and satisfaction scores.
      RESULTS: There were no preintervention differences in prescribing assessments
      (67% vs 67%, p=0.56). Postintervention, the e-learning group scored significantly
      higher than the control group (63% vs 79%, p<0.0001). At 3 months, the e-learning
      group still scored significantly higher (69% vs 79%, p<0.0001), with improved
      confidence scores (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This short e-learning resource
      significantly improved the paediatric prescribing skills of junior doctors.
      Outcomes were maintained at 3 months, suggesting the utility of low cost, low
      fidelity, educationally sound e-learning interventions. However, the direct
      impact on patient outcomes following this intervention has yet to be determined.

PMID- 22080460
TI  - Towards evidence based medicine for paediatricians. Confident in predicting? Meta
      analysis models, step two.

PMID- 22080461
TI  - Question 1. Is there an increased risk of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm
      infants whose mothers' expressed breast milk is fortified with multicomponent
      fortifier?

PMID- 22080462
TI  - Question 2. Should carbon dioxide detectors be used to check correct placement of
      endotracheal tubes in preterm and term neonates?

PMID- 22080463
TI  - Question 3. Is measurement of the lymphocyte count useful in the investigation of
      suspected pertussis in infants?

PMID- 22080464
TI  - Accurate quantification of cardiovascular biomarkers in serum using Protein
      Standard Absolute Quantification (PSAQTM) and selected reaction monitoring.
AB  - Development of new biomarkers needs to be significantly accelerated to improve
      diagnostic, prognostic, and toxicity monitoring as well as therapeutic follow-up.
      Biomarker evaluation is the main bottleneck in this development process. Selected
      Reaction Monitoring (SRM) combined with stable isotope dilution has emerged as a
      promising option to speed this step, particularly because of its multiplexing
      capacities. However, analytical variabilities because of upstream sample handling
      or incomplete trypsin digestion still need to be resolved. In 2007, we developed
      the PSAQTM method (Protein Standard Absolute Quantification), which uses full
      length isotope-labeled protein standards to quantify target proteins. In the
      present study we used clinically validated cardiovascular biomarkers (LDH-B,
      CKMB, myoglobin, and troponin I) to demonstrate that the combination of PSAQ and
      SRM (PSAQ-SRM) allows highly accurate biomarker quantification in serum samples.
      A multiplex PSAQ-SRM assay was used to quantify these biomarkers in clinical
      samples from myocardial infarction patients. Good correlation between PSAQ-SRM
      and ELISA assay results was found and demonstrated the consistency between these
      analytical approaches. Thus, PSAQ-SRM has the capacity to improve both accuracy
      and reproducibility in protein analysis. This will be a major contribution to
      efficient biomarker development strategies.

PMID- 22080465
TI  - How to write a systematic review of reasons.
AB  - Systematic reviews, which were developed to improve policy-making and clinical
      decision-making, answer an empirical question based on a minimally biased
      appraisal of all the relevant empirical studies. A model is presented here for
      writing systematic reviews of argument-based literature: literature that uses
      arguments to address conceptual questions, such as whether abortion is morally
      permissible or whether research participants should be legally entitled to
      compensation for sustaining research-related injury. Such reviews aim to improve
      ethically relevant decisions in healthcare, research or policy. They are better
      tools than informal reviews or samples of literature with respect to the
      identification of the reasons relevant to a conceptual question, and they enable
      the setting of agendas for conceptual and empirical research necessary for sound
      policy-making. This model comprises prescriptions for writing the systematic
      review's review question and eligibility criteria, the identification of the
      relevant literature, the type of data to extract on reasons and publications, and
      the derivation and presentation of results. This paper explains how to adapt the
      model to the review question, literature reviewed and intended readers, who may
      be decision-makers or academics. Obstacles to the model's application are
      described and addressed, and limitations of the model are identified.

PMID- 22080466
TI  - Multifunctional proteins revealed by overlapping clustering in protein
      interaction network.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Multifunctional proteins perform several functions. They are expected
      to interact specifically with distinct sets of partners, simultaneously or not,
      depending on the function performed. Current graph clustering methods usually
      allow a protein to belong to only one cluster, therefore impeding a realistic
      assignment of multifunctional proteins to clusters. RESULTS: Here, we present
      Overlapping Cluster Generator (OCG), a novel clustering method which decomposes a
      network into overlapping clusters and which is, therefore, capable of correct
      assignment of multifunctional proteins. The principle of OCG is to cover the
      graph with initial overlapping classes that are iteratively fused into a
      hierarchy according to an extension of Newman's modularity function. By applying
      OCG to a human protein-protein interaction network, we show that multifunctional
      proteins are revealed at the intersection of clusters and demonstrate that the
      method outperforms other existing methods on simulated graphs and PPI networks.
      AVAILABILITY: This software can be downloaded from http://tagc.univ
      mrs.fr/welcome/spip.php?rubrique197 CONTACT: brun@tagc.univ-mrs.fr SUPPLEMENTARY
      INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22080468
TI  - BadiRate: estimating family turnover rates by likelihood-based methods.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The comparative analysis of gene gain and loss rates is critical for
      understanding the role of natural selection and adaptation in shaping gene family
      sizes. Studying complete genome data from closely related species allows accurate
      estimation of gene family turnover rates. Current methods and software tools,
      however, are not well designed for dealing with certain kinds of functional
      elements, such as microRNAs or transcription factor binding sites. RESULTS: Here,
      we describe BadiRate, a new software tool to estimate family turnover rates, as
      well as the number of elements in internal phylogenetic nodes, by likelihood
      based methods and parsimony. It implements two stochastic population models,
      which provide the appropriate statistical framework for testing hypothesis, such
      as lineage-specific gene family expansions or contractions. We have assessed the
      accuracy of BadiRate by computer simulations, and have also illustrated its
      functionality by analyzing a representative empirical dataset. AVAILABILITY:
      BadiRate software and documentation is available from
      http://www.ub.edu/softevol/badirate.

PMID- 22080469
TI  - Assessment of ELF magnetic fields produced by independent power lines.
AB  - In this paper, the problem of assessing the ELF (extremely low-frequency)
      magnetic fields produced, in a certain area characterised by the presence of more
      than one independent power line, is faced. The use of the incoherent summation of
      the single contributions, as an advantageous estimator of the total magnetic
      field, is proposed and justified by means of a heuristic procedure. This kind of
      approach can be seen as a useful and practical tool to be employed in
      environmental impact analysis and in assessing long-term human exposure to ELF
      magnetic fields.

PMID- 22080467
TI  - Expression2Kinases: mRNA profiling linked to multiple upstream regulatory layers.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Genome-wide mRNA profiling provides a snapshot of the global state of
      cells under different conditions. However, mRNA levels do not provide direct
      understanding of upstream regulatory mechanisms. Here, we present a new approach
      called Expression2Kinases (X2K) to identify upstream regulators likely
      responsible for observed patterns in genome-wide gene expression. By integrating
      chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP)-seq/chip and position weight matrices
      (PWMs) data, protein-protein interactions and kinase-substrate phosphorylation
      reactions, we can better identify regulatory mechanisms upstream of genome-wide
      differences in gene expression. We validated X2K by applying it to recover drug
      targets of food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs from drug
      perturbations followed by mRNA expression profiling; to map the regulatory
      landscape of 44 stem cells and their differentiating progeny; to profile upstream
      regulatory mechanisms of 327 breast cancer tumors; and to detect pathways from
      profiled hepatic stellate cells and hippocampal neurons. The X2K approach can
      advance our understanding of cell signaling and unravel drugs mechanisms of
      action. AVAILABILITY: The software and source code are freely available at:
      http://www.maayanlab.net/X2K. CONTACT: avi.maayan@mssm.edu SUPPLEMENTARY
      INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22080470
TI  - Indoor radon and thoron levels in Neendakara and Chavara regions of southern
      coastal Kerala, India.
AB  - Some areas of the world, called high background radiation areas (HBRAs), have
      anomalously high levels of natural background radiation and the population
      residing in the areas is exposed to higher levels of radiation doses than other
      parts of the world where the natural radioactivity contents are normal. In the
      present investigation, levels of radon, thoron and their progeny are studied in
      110 houses in the coastal region of the Kollam district in the state of Kerala,
      India using the multi-detector twin cup dosimeter. Among these, 10 houses were
      studied in detail with five dosimeters in each house. Radon activity
      concentrations were found to vary from 7 to 100 Bqm(-3) and that of thoron from 4
      to 66 Bqm(-3) in Neendakara panchayat. In Chavara panchayat, the variations of
      radon concentrations were from 7 to 83 Bqm(-3) and thoron concentrations were
      varied from 4 to 86 Bqm(-3). The occurrence of radon and thoron concentrations in
      the dwellings for both study areas shows that in 50% of the dwellings, the
      concentration of radon is about 25 Bqm(-3) and in 60% of the dwellings thoron
      concentration is about 15 Bqm(-3). The ratio of thoron-to-radon concentrations in
      the dwellings showed a mean value 0.55 (GM=0.45) for the region.

PMID- 22080471
TI  - Haemoptysis as a complication of pacemaker implantation.

PMID- 22080472
TI  - In-hospital follow-up of implantable cardioverter defibrillator and pacemaker
      carriers: patients' inconvenience and points of view. A four-hospital Italian
      survey.
AB  - AIMS: The increasing volume of pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator (ICD) implants and problems related to their functioning have
      highlighted the issue of device follow-ups. Patients' convenience regarding
      device visits has been little investigated. This work aims at surveying patients'
      efforts in attending the in-office PM/ICD follow-ups and at evaluating their
      expectations. METHODS AND RESULTS: In four Italian referral centres, over a 3
      month period, a 20-point questionnaire was completed by all consecutive patients
      at in-hospital PM/ICD visits. In total, 1109 questionnaire/patients were
      evaluated. Pacemakers were 68%, ICDs 16%, and cardiac resynchronizations (CRTs)
      (PM + ICD) 16%; 38% were females; mean age was 75 +/- 11 years. Almost all were
      scheduled visits. There was frequent reprogramming and clinical examination, even
      after 6 months from implant. Perceived inconvenience for the in-office follow-up
      was relevant in 35% of cases; attitudes towards remote monitoring were positive
      in 88% of cases. Inter-group analysis showed some significant difference: PM
      patients were older and more frequently female; ICD carriers were younger, had
      the highest rate of clinical evaluation, a longer journey time, and the most
      positive opinion about remote follow-up. Cardiac resynchronization patients had a
      longer waiting time and the lowest inconvenience. Overall inconvenience was
      independently predicted by increasing age, lengthy travelling times, and being
      accompanied; favourable opinions about remote monitoring were predicted by
      overall inconvenience, and, in ICD carriers only, by lack of clinical
      examination. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' perceptions of in-hospital PM/ICD visits were
      affected by age and by journey modalities. Individual factors seem to affect both
      opinions about in-office visits and expectations towards a possible remote follow
      up.

PMID- 22080473
TI  - Efficacy and safety of ventricular tachycardia ablation with mechanical
      circulatory support compared with substrate-based ablation techniques.
AB  - AIMS: Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be limited by
      haemodynamic instability. In these cases, substrate-based ablation is typically
      performed. An alternative is to perform activation and entrainment mapping during
      VT supported by a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pVAD). We sought
      to compare the complication and success rates of pVAD-assisted VT ablation with
      scar-based techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirteen consecutive patients with
      haemodynamically unstable VT underwent pVAD-assisted ablation (pVAD group) and
      were retrospectively compared with 18-matched patients undergoing a substrate
      based VT ablation (non-pVAD group). There was no significant difference in age or
      ejection fraction between the groups although pVAD patients tended to have more
      shocks in the preceding months. Procedure times were longer for the pVAD group.
      The number of monomorphic VTs induced was greater in the pVAD group (3.2 vs. 1.6,
      P= 0.04); however, after ablation, there was no difference in inducibility
      between the pVAD and non-pVAD group (10 of 13 vs. 12 of 18; 77 vs. 67%, P =
      0.69). There was no difference in acute complications including stroke or death.
      At 9 +/- 3 months, 1-year freedom from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
      (ICD) shocks/therapies for sustained VT were similar (P= 0.96). In multivariable
      analysis, the absence of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio=0.15, P= 0.04) was
      associated with a lower incidence of ICD shocks. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk
      patients, pVAD-assisted VT ablation guided by activation and entrainment mapping
      is a feasible alternative to substrate mapping and allows outcomes comparable to
      substrate mapping.

PMID- 22080474
TI  - Pre-discharge defibrillation testing: clinically important or obsolete?

PMID- 22080475
TI  - SMBE proposal to the government of Japan.

PMID- 22080476
TI  - Harmonization may be counterproductive--at least for parts of Europe where public
      health research operates effectively.

PMID- 22080477
TI  - Cochrane eye and vision group.

PMID- 22080478
TI  - Retinal oxygen saturation is altered in diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - AIM: Retinal oxygen metabolism is thought to be affected in diabetic retinopathy.
      The aim of this study was to test whether retinal vessel oxygen saturation is
      different in patients with diabetic retinopathy from that in healthy controls.
      METHODS: The retinal oximeter is based on a fundus camera. It estimates retinal
      vessel oxygen saturation from light absorbance at 586 nm and 605 nm. Retinal
      vessel oxygen saturation was measured in one major temporal retinal arteriole and
      venule in healthy volunteers and in patients with diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS:
      Oxygen saturation in the retinal arterioles of healthy volunteers was 93 +/- 4%
      and 58 +/- 6% in venules (mean +/- SD, n=31). The corresponding values for all
      diabetic patients (n=20) were 101 +/- 5% and 68 +/- 7%. The difference between
      healthy volunteers and diabetic patients was statistically significant (p < 0.001
      for arterioles and venules). Three subgroups of diabetic patients (background
      retinopathy, macular oedema and pre-proliferative/proliferative retinopathy) all
      had higher saturation values than the healthy volunteers (p < 0.05 for arterioles
      and venules). CONCLUSION: Retinal vessel oxygen saturation is higher in patients
      with diabetic retinopathy than in healthy controls. Possible explanations include
      shunting of blood through preferential channels, bypassing non-perfused
      capillaries in the capillary network. Parts of the retinal tissue may be hypoxic
      while blood in larger vessels has high oxygen saturation.

PMID- 22080479
TI  - STEAP1 is associated with the invasive and oxidative stress phenotype of Ewing
      tumors.
AB  - Ewing tumors comprise the second most common type of bone-associated cancer in
      children and are characterized by oncogenic EWS/FLI1 fusion proteins and early
      metastasis. Compelling evidence suggests that elevated levels of intracellular
      oxidative stress contribute to enhanced aggressiveness of numerous cancers,
      possibly including Ewing tumors. Using comprehensive microarray analyses and RNA
      interference, we identified the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the
      prostate 1 (STEAP1)-a membrane-bound mesenchymal stem cell marker of unknown
      function-as a highly expressed protein in Ewing tumors compared with benign
      tissues and show its regulation by EWS/FLI1. In addition, we show that STEAP1
      knockdown reduces Ewing tumor proliferation, anchorage-independent colony
      formation as well as invasion in vitro and decreases growth and metastasis of
      Ewing tumor xenografts in vivo. Moreover, transcriptome and proteome analyses as
      well as functional studies revealed that STEAP1 expression correlates with
      oxidative stress responses and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species that in
      turn are able to regulate redox-sensitive and proinvasive genes. In synopsis, our
      data suggest that STEAP1 is associated with the invasive behavior and oxidative
      stress phenotype of Ewing tumors and point to a hitherto unanticipated oncogenic
      function of STEAP1.

PMID- 22080481
TI  - Buruli ulcer in an 18-day-old baby.
AB  - Buruli ulcer is an indolent disease that needs aggressive curettage of caseous
      subcutaneous tissue beneath the undermined skin. We report the successful
      treatment of an 18-day-old baby.

PMID- 22080480
TI  - Dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition diminishes Akt activation and induces Puma
      dependent apoptosis in lymphoid malignancies.
AB  - The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays crucial roles in proliferative and
      antiapoptotic signaling in lymphoid malignancies. Rapamycin analogs, which are
      allosteric mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors, are active in mantle cell lymphoma
      and other lymphoid neoplasms, but responses are usually partial and short-lived.
      In the present study we compared the effects of rapamycin with the dual
      mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor OSI-027 in cell lines and clinical samples representing
      divers lymphoid malignancies. In contrast to rapamycin, OSI-027 markedly
      diminished proliferation and induced apoptosis in a variety of lymphoid cell
      lines and clinical samples, including specimens of B-cell acute lymphocytic
      leukemia (ALL), mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and Sezary syndrome.
      Additional analysis demonstrated that OSI-027-induced apoptosis depended on
      transcriptional activation of the PUMA and BIM genes. Overexpression of Bcl-2,
      which neutralizes Puma and Bim, or loss of procaspase 9 diminished OSI-027
      induced apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, OSI-027 inhibited phosphorylation of mTORC1
      and mTORC2 substrates, up-regulated Puma, and induced regressions in Jeko
      xenografts. Collectively, these results not only identify a pathway that is
      critical for the cytotoxicity of dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors, but also suggest
      that simultaneously targeting mTORC1 and mTORC2 might be an effective anti
      lymphoma strategy in vivo.

PMID- 22080482
TI  - Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube replacement.
AB  - Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is undertaken in order to provide long
      term nutrition in patients with dysphagia. Over time, the PEG tubes will
      deteriorate and will need to be replaced. We describe a method of replacement
      which is cost-effective and which does not require repetition of the endoscopy.

PMID- 22080483
TI  - Variable clinical presentations of histoplasmosis: a report of six cases.
AB  - Histoplasma is a dimorphic fungus that primarily involves the lungs and the
      environmental reservoir is soil. It has emerged as an important opportunistic
      fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Six cases of histoplasmosis with
      variable clinical presentations diagnosed either on cytology or histopathology
      are discussed - three were HIV-positive. The possibility of histoplasmosis should
      always be borne in mind, especially in immunocompromised patients, as it can have
      variable clinical presentations.

PMID- 22080484
TI  - Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis: the experience of an urban tertiary care
      hospital in South India using automated BACTEC 460 TB.
AB  - The emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains has been a major obstacle in
      the tuberculosis (TB) control programme. In the present study we looked into the
      prevalence of MDR-TB in an urban tertiary care hospital in South India over four
      years (2007-2010). During this period, 641 clinical specimens (317 respiratory
      specimens and 324 non-respiratory specimens) were received for
      mycobacteriological culture and drug susceptibility testing for first-line drugs,
      using the BACTEC 460 TB system. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was isolated in
      34.8% (n = 223) specimens. Of the total 223 MTB isolates 83 (37.2%) were MDR.
      Forty-two percent of the pulmonary MTB isolates (n = 72) and 20.4% of the extra
      pulmonary isolates (n = 10) were MDR. Although we observed a high percentage of
      drug resistance, the prevalence of MDR was not observed to vary significantly
      within the four years which suggested good management.

PMID- 22080485
TI  - Effect of changes in intrathoracic pressure on cardiac function at rest and
      during moderate exercise in health and heart failure.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of changes in inspiratory intrathoracic
      pressure on stroke volume at rest and during moderate exercise in patients with
      heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) as well as healthy
      individuals. Stroke volume was obtained by echocardiography during 2 min of
      spontaneous breathing (S), two progressive levels of inspiratory unloading (UL1
      and UL2) using a ventilator, and two progressive levels of inspiratory loading
      using resistors in 11 patients with HFREF (61 +/- 9 years old; ejection fraction
      32 +/- 4%; NYHA class I-II) and 11 age-matched healthy individuals at rest and
      during exercise at 60% of maximal aerobic capacity on a semi-recumbent cycle
      ergometer. At rest, inspiratory unloading progressively decreased stroke volume
      index (SVI; S, 35.2 +/- 5.4 ml m(-2); UL1, 33.3 +/- 5.1 ml m(-2); and UL2, 32.2
      +/- 4.4 ml m(-2)) in healthy individuals, while it increased SVI (S, 31.4 +/- 4.6
      ml m(-2); UL1, 32.0 +/- 5.9 ml m(-2); and UL2, 34.0 +/- 7.2 ml m(-2)) in patients
      with HFREF (P = 0.04). During moderate exercise, inspiratory unloading decreased
      SVI in a similar manner (S, 43.9 +/- 7.1 ml m(-2); UL1, 40.7 +/- 4.7 ml m(-2);
      and UL2, 39.9 +/- 3.7 ml m(-1)) in healthy individuals, while it increased SVI
      (S, 40.8 +/- 6.5 ml m(-2); UL1, 42.8 +/- 6.9 ml m(-2); and UL2, 44.1 +/- 4. ml m(
      2)) in patients with HFREF (P = 0.02). Inspiratory loading did not significantly
      change SVI at rest or during moderate exercise in both groups. It is concluded
      that inspiratory unloading improved SVI at rest and during moderate exercise in
      patients with HFREF, possibly due to a reduction in left ventricular afterload.

PMID- 22080486
TI  - Exercise normalizes altered expression of proteins in the ventral hippocampus of
      rats subjected to maternal separation.
AB  - Many studies have reported on the detrimental effects of early life adversity and
      the beneficial effects of exercise on brain function. However, the molecular
      mechanisms that underpin these various effects remain poorly understood. The
      advent of advanced proteomic analysis techniques has enabled simultaneous
      measurement of protein expression in a wide range of biological systems. We
      therefore used iTRAQ proteomic analysis of protein expression to determine
      whether exercise counteracts the detrimental effects of early life adversity in
      the form of maternal separation on protein expression in the brain. Rat pups were
      subjected to maternal separation from postnatal day 2 to 14 for 3 h day(-1) or
      normally reared. At 40 days of age, half of the rats in each group (maternal
      separation and normally reared) were allowed to exercise voluntarily (access to a
      running wheel) for 6 weeks and the remainder kept as sedentary control animals.
      At 83 days of age, rats were killed and the ventral hippocampus was dissected for
      quantitative proteomic (iTRAQ) analysis. The iTRAQ proteomic analysis identified
      several proteins that had been altered by maternal separation, including proteins
      involved in neuronal structure, metabolism, signalling, anti-oxidative stress and
      neurotransmission, and that many of these proteins were restored to normal by
      subsequent exposure to voluntary exercise in adolescence. Our data show that a
      broad range of proteins play a role in the complex consequences of adversity and
      exercise.

PMID- 22080488
TI  - Why India needs a national nutrition strategy.

PMID- 22080487
TI  - Involvement of cyclo-oxygenase-1-mediated prostacyclin synthesis in the
      vasoconstrictor activity evoked by ACh in mouse arteries.
AB  - This study was to determine whether the endothelium of mouse major arteries
      produces prostacyclin (PGI(2)) and, if so, to determine how PGI(2) affects
      vasomotor reactivity and whether cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) contributes to PGI(2)
      synthesis. Abdominal aortas, carotid and femoral arteries were isolated from wild
      type mice and/or those with COX-1 or -2 deficiency (COX-1(-/-); COX-2(-/-)) for
      biochemical and/or functional analyses. The PGI(2) metabolite 6-keto-PGF(1alpha)
      was analysed with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, while
      vasoreactivity was determined with isometric force measurement. Results showed
      that in the abdominal aorta, ACh evoked endothelium-dependent production of 6
      keto-PGF(1alpha), which was abolished by COX-1(-/-), but not by COX-2(-/-).
      Interestingly, COX-1(-/-) enhanced the dilatation in response to ACh, while
      PGI(2), which evoked relaxation of the mesenteric artery, caused contraction that
      was abolished by antagonizing thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptors in the
      abdominal aorta. However, the TP receptor agonist U46619 evoked similar
      contractions in the abdominal aorta and mesenteric artery. Also, antagonizing TP
      receptors enhanced the relaxation in response to PGI(2) in mesenteric arteries.
      Real-time PCR showed that the PGI(2) (IP) receptor mRNA level was lower in the
      abdominal aorta than in mesenteric arteries. In addition, COX-1(-/-) not only
      abolished the contraction in response to ACh following NO inhibition in abdominal
      aorta, but also those in the carotid and femoral arteries. These results
      demonstrate an explicit role for endothelial COX-1 in PGI(2) synthesis and
      suggest that in given mouse arteries, PGI(2) mediates not dilatation but rather
      vasoconstrictor activity, possibly due to a low expression or functional presence
      of IP receptors, which enables PGI(2) to act mainly on TP receptors.

PMID- 22080489
TI  - Commentary: Cultural change is essential.

PMID- 22080490
TI  - EEG can pick up brain activity in people in vegetative state, shows study.

PMID- 22080491
TI  - Microbial domestication signatures of Lactococcus lactis can be reproduced by
      experimental evolution.
AB  - Experimental evolution is a powerful approach to unravel how selective forces
      shape microbial genotypes and phenotypes. To this date, the available examples
      focus on the adaptation to conditions specific to the laboratory. The lactic acid
      bacterium Lactococcus lactis naturally occurs on plants and in dairy
      environments, and it is proposed that dairy strains originate from the plant
      niche. Here we investigate the adaptation of a L. lactis strain isolated from a
      plant to a dairy niche by propagating it for 1000 generations in milk. Two out of
      three independently evolved strains displayed significantly increased
      acidification rates and biomass yields in milk. Genome resequencing, revealed
      six, seven, and 28 mutations in the three strains, including point mutations in
      loci related to amino acid biosynthesis and transport and in the gene encoding
      MutL, which is involved in DNA mismatch repair. Two strains lost a conjugative
      transposon containing genes important in the plant niche but dispensable in milk.
      A plasmid carrying an extracellular protease was introduced by transformation.
      Although improving growth rate and growth yield significantly, the plasmid was
      rapidly lost. Comparative transcriptome and phenotypic analyses confirmed that
      major physiological changes associated with improved growth in milk relate to
      nitrogen metabolism and the loss or down-regulation of several pathways involved
      in the utilization of complex plant polymers. Reproducing the transition from the
      plant to the dairy niche through experimental evolution revealed several genome,
      transcriptome, and phenotype signatures that resemble those seen in strains
      isolated from either niche.

PMID- 22080492
TI  - Mobile Assessment and Treatment for Schizophrenia (MATS): a pilot trial of an
      interactive text-messaging intervention for medication adherence, socialization,
      and auditory hallucinations.
AB  - Mobile Assessment and Treatment for Schizophrenia (MATS) employs ambulatory
      monitoring methods and cognitive behavioral therapy interventions to assess and
      improve outcomes in consumers with schizophrenia through mobile phone text
      messaging. Three MATS interventions were developed to target medication
      adherence, socialization, and auditory hallucinations. Participants received up
      to 840 text messages over a 12-week intervention period. Fifty-five consumers
      with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled, but 13 consumers
      with more severe negative symptoms, lower functioning, and lower premorbid IQ did
      not complete the intervention, despite repeated prompting and training. For
      completers, the average valid response rate for 216 outcome assessment questions
      over the 12-week period was 86%, and 86% of phones were returned undamaged.
      Medication adherence improved significantly, but only for individuals who were
      living independently. Number of social interactions increased significantly and a
      significant reduction in severity of hallucinations was found. In addition, the
      probability of endorsing attitudes that could interfere with improvement in these
      outcomes was also significantly reduced in MATS. Lab-based assessments of more
      general symptoms and functioning did not change significantly. This pilot study
      demonstrated that low-intensity text-messaging interventions like MATS are
      feasible and effective interventions to improve several important outcomes,
      especially for higher functioning consumers with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22080493
TI  - Resting-state brain activity in schizophrenia and major depression: a
      quantitative meta-analysis.
AB  - Intrinsic activity of the brain during resting-state is not random and is
      currently discussed as a neural reflection of self-referential processing. Self
      reference is typically reduced in schizophrenia as a disorder of the self while
      extensive self-attribution of, eg, negative thoughts is characteristic for major
      depression. However, a quantitative meta-analysis targeting the resting-state
      brain activity in both disorders is lacking. Here, we predict primarily abnormal
      resting-state activity in brain regions related to self-referential processing.
      By means of activation likelihood estimation (ALE) on functional magnetic
      resonance imaging and positron emission tomography studies, we investigated
      concurrence of hyperactivation and hypoactivation in resting-state measurements
      of schizophrenic and depressed patients compared with healthy controls. We found
      hypoactivation in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), left hippocampus,
      posterior cingulate cortex, lower precueus and the precuneus, and hyperactivation
      in bilateral lingual gyrus of schizophrenic patients. In major depression, we
      found hyperactivation in vmPFC, left ventral striatum, and left thalamus and
      hypoactivation in left postcentral gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, and left insula.
      An overall ALE analysis confirmed the proximity of hypoactivation in
      schizophrenia and hyperactivation in major depression in the vmPFC.The opposing
      resting-state activity in vmPFC for the 2 disorders is in line with the different
      expression of dysfunctional self-reference as core characteristics of
      schizophrenia and major depression. The vmPFC has previously been identified as a
      crucial area for self-referential processing and may represent a target to
      increase the diagnostic validity of resting-state activity for disorders with
      dysfunctions of the self.

PMID- 22080494
TI  - Neuroanatomical maps of psychosis onset: voxel-wise meta-analysis of
      antipsychotic-naive VBM studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite impressive advancements in early interventions in psychosis,
      there is an urgent need of robust neurobiological markers to improve the
      predictive value of psychosis transition. Available structural imaging literature
      in the field is undermined by several methodological caveats and a number of
      confounders such as exposure to antipsychotic treatment. METHODS: Fourteen voxel
      based morphometry studies of antipsychotic-naive subjects at enhanced clinical
      risk for psychosis (high risk [HR]) or experiencing a first-episode psychosis
      (FEP) were included. Formal meta-analysis of effect sizes and "signed
      differential mapping" voxel-based meta-analysis were combined to control the
      results for sample sizes, strength of individual findings, and confounding
      variables. RESULTS: Formal effect size meta-analysis indicated consistent gray
      matter (GM) reductions both in subjects at enhanced clinical risk for psychosis
      and in first-episode subjects when compared with control groups. Voxel-based meta
      analysis showed GM reductions in the temporal, limbic prefrontal cortex within
      the HR group and in the temporal insular cortex and cerebellum within the FEP
      group. Psychosis onset was characterized by GM decreases in temporal, anterior
      cingulate, cerebellar, and insular regions. GM alterations in the temporal
      regions directly related to severity of psychotic symptoms. There was no
      publication bias. Heterogeneity across studies was low. Sensitivity analyses
      confirmed robustness of the above results. CONCLUSIONS: Vulnerability to
      psychosis is associated with consistent GM decreases in prefrontal and
      temporolimbic areas. The onset of full disease is accompanied by temporoinsular,
      anterior cingulate, and cerebellar GM reductions. Neuroanatomical alterations in
      temporal regions may underlie the clinical onset of psychotic symptoms.

PMID- 22080495
TI  - Manipulation of orthogonal neural systems together in electrophysiological
      recordings: the MONSTER approach to simultaneous assessment of multiple
      neurocognitive dimensions.
AB  - Event-related potentials (ERPs) are a powerful tool in understanding and
      evaluating cognitive, affective, motor, and sensory processing in both healthy
      and pathological samples. A typical ERP recording session takes considerable time
      but is designed to isolate only 1-2 components. Although this is appropriate for
      most basic science purposes, it is an inefficient approach for measuring the
      broad set of neurocognitive functions that may be disrupted in a neurological or
      psychiatric disease. The present study provides a framework for more efficiently
      evaluating multiple neural processes in a single experimental paradigm through
      the manipulation of functionally orthogonal dimensions. We describe the general
      MONSTER (Manipulation of Orthogonal Neural Systems Together in
      Electrophysiological Recordings) approach and explain how it can be adapted to
      investigate a variety of neurocognitive domains, ERP components, and neural
      processes of interest. We also demonstrate how this approach can be used to
      assess group differences by providing data from an implementation of the MONSTER
      approach in younger (18-30 y of age) and older (65-85 y of age) adult samples.
      This specific implementation of the MONSTER framework assesses 4 separate neural
      processes in the visual domain: (1) early sensory processing, using the C1 wave;
      (2) shifts of covert attention, with the N2pc component; (3) categorization, with
      the P3 component; and (4) self-monitoring, with the error-related negativity.
      Although the MONSTER approach is primarily described in the context of ERP
      experiments, it could also be adapted easily for use with functional magnetic
      resonance imaging.

PMID- 22080496
TI  - Disease prediction in the at-risk mental state for psychosis using
      neuroanatomical biomarkers: results from the FePsy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reliable prognostic biomarkers are needed for the early recognition
      of psychosis. Recently, multivariate machine learning methods have demonstrated
      the feasibility to predict illness onset in clinically defined at-risk
      individuals using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. However, it
      remains unclear whether these findings could be replicated in independent
      populations. METHODS: We evaluated the performance of an MRI-based classification
      system in predicting disease conversion in at-risk individuals recruited within
      the prospective FePsy (Fruherkennung von Psychosen) study at the University of
      Basel, Switzerland. Pairwise and multigroup biomarkers were constructed using the
      MRI data of 22 healthy volunteers, 16/21 at-risk subjects with/without a
      subsequent disease conversion. Diagnostic performance was measured in unseen test
      cases using repeated nested cross-validation. RESULTS: The classification
      accuracies in the "healthy controls (HCs) vs converters," "HCs vs nonconverters,"
      and "converters vs nonconverters" analyses were 92.3%, 66.9%, and 84.2%,
      respectively. A positive likelihood ratio of 6.5 in the converters vs
      nonconverters analysis indicated a 40% increase in diagnostic certainty by
      applying the biomarker to an at-risk population with a transition rate of 43%.
      The neuroanatomical decision functions underlying these results particularly
      involved the prefrontal perisylvian and subcortical brain structures.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the early prediction of psychosis may be
      reliably enhanced using neuroanatomical pattern recognition operating at the
      single-subject level. These MRI-based biomarkers may have the potential to
      identify individuals at the highest risk of developing psychosis, and thus may
      promote informed clinical strategies aiming at preventing the full manifestation
      of the disease.

PMID- 22080497
TI  - Risk factors for psychosis: impaired social and role functioning.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Risk for psychosis is currently defined primarily on the basis of
      attenuated positive symptoms (APS), with no inclusion of the functional deficits
      characteristic of schizophrenia. Impaired social and role functioning have been
      of interest for reflecting poor outcome but far less is known about the
      developmental impact of these deficits as vulnerability or risk factors. METHODS:
      Age-appropriate social and role functioning were prospectively assessed in 100
      individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis included in the 8-site
      North American Prodromal Longitudinal Study database. A nested case-control
      design was used to compare changes in social and role functioning in 26
      individuals converting to psychosis shortly after baseline assessment and 24
      converting over a year later. Individuals in each converter subgroup were
      directly matched to a non-converter at the same site, controlling for time to
      conversion, age, gender, and severity of baseline symptoms. RESULTS: At baseline,
      CHR subjects who later became psychotic were significantly more likely to be
      impaired socially than matched non-converters. Onset of psychosis did not further
      disrupt social difficulties. Role functioning showed some of the same trends, but
      the overall pattern was not as consistent as for the social domain. Controlling
      for neurocognition did not change the pattern of group differences. CONCLUSIONS:
      Early impaired social functioning appears to be a risk factor for psychosis and,
      added to APS, could potentially contribute to accurate identification of CHR
      individuals and provide a new direction for early intervention to reduce long
      term disability.

PMID- 22080498
TI  - CNTRICS imaging biomarkers selection: Working memory.
AB  - The sixth meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve
      Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) consortium was focused on selecting
      promising imaging biomarker measures for each of the cognitive constructs
      selected in the first CNTRICS meeting. In the domain of working memory (WM), the
      2 constructs of interest were "goal maintenance" and "interference control."
      CNTRICS received 7 task nominations for goal maintenance and 3 task nominations
      for interference control. For goal maintenance, the breakout group for WM
      recommended the AX Continuous Performance Test/Dot Pattern Expectancy (DPX) and
      the Switching Stroop task for translation and further development for use in
      clinical trial contexts in schizophrenia research. Notably, these same 2
      paradigms were recommended for "rule generation and selection" in executive
      control, a highly related construct. For interference control, the breakout group
      recommended the Suppress Task and the Sternberg Item Recognition Paradigm for
      translation for use in clinical trials. This manuscript describes the ways in
      which each of these tasks met the criteria used by the breakout group to
      recommend tasks for further development. In addition, the group revisited the
      construct of WM capacity. Since the initial CNTRICS meeting, a growing body of
      work has emerged on the neurobiological substrates of WM capacity, making measure
      of this construct ready for translation. The group suggested a promising imaging
      biomarker measure for capacity, a version of the change detection task that
      measures delay activity over posterior parietal and occipital cortex.

PMID- 22080500
TI  - Chronic inhibition of the respiratory chain in human fibroblast cultures:
      differential responses related to subject chronological and biological age.
AB  - Respiratory chain function becomes less efficient with age resulting in increased
      levels of damaging reactive oxygen species. We compared rotenone-exposed
      fibroblast strains from young and old subjects and from offspring of nonagenarian
      siblings and the partners of the offspring. Rotenone increased reactive oxygen
      species levels, inhibited growth rate, and increased telomere shortening (all p <
      .05). Non-stressed strains from young subjects showed lower reactive oxygen
      species levels (p = .031) and higher growth rates (p = .002) than strains from
      old subjects. Stressed strains from young subjects showed smaller increases in
      reactive oxygen species levels (p = .014) and larger decreases in growth rate (p
      < .001) than strains from old subjects. Telomere-shortening rates were not
      different between groups. Stress-induced decreases in growth rate were larger in
      strains from offspring than from partners (p = .05). Strains from young and old
      subjects are differentially affected by chronic inhibition of the respiratory
      chain. Changed growth rates in strains from offspring resemble those from strains
      from young subjects.

PMID- 22080501
TI  - The association between olfactory impairment and total mortality in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population-based data on the relationship between impaired olfaction
      and risk of mortality among older adults are lacking. We used a representative
      cohort of adults aged 60 years or older to assess whether olfactory loss is a
      predictor of mortality, independent of potential confounders. METHODS: Olfaction
      was measured by the San Diego Odor Identification Test (SDOIT) among 1,636
      participants enrolled in the Blue Mountains Eye Study (2002-2004). Five-year all
      cause mortality was confirmed using the Australian National Death Index. RESULTS:
      More than one in five participants (21.8%) with olfactory impairment had died
      over the 5 years compared with less than 10% of participants without olfactory
      loss. Moderate olfactory loss (SDOIT score <=3) was associated with a 68%
      increased risk of all-cause mortality (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.68;
      95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.56). This association did not persist after
      further adjustment for cognitive impairment. The association between olfactory
      loss and all-cause mortality was more marked among older participants (>=70
      years) than younger participants (<70 years) with olfactory impairment
      (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.15).
      However, adjusting for cognitive impairment diminished this association.
      CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with moderately impaired olfaction compared with those
      with normal olfaction had a higher risk of dying 5 years later. The relationship
      between olfaction and mortality, however, may be largely mediated by cognitive
      impairment in these older adults. Our findings highlight the value of identifying
      olfactory loss in the preclinical stage in the older patient before the
      development of related comorbidities.

PMID- 22080499
TI  - Growth hormone and IGF-1 deficiency exacerbate high-fat diet-induced endothelial
      impairment in obese Lewis dwarf rats: implications for vascular aging.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that the age-related decline in circulating growth
      hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels significantly
      contribute to vascular dysfunction in aging by impairing cellular oxidative
      stress resistance pathways. Obesity in elderly individuals is increasing at
      alarming rates, and there is evidence suggesting that elderly individuals are
      more vulnerable to the deleterious cardiovascular effects of obesity than younger
      individuals. However, the specific mechanisms through which aging, GH/IGF-1
      deficiency, and obesity interact to promote the development of cardiovascular
      disease remain unclear. To test the hypothesis that low circulating GH/IGF-1
      levels exacerbate the pro-oxidant and proinflammatory vascular effects of
      obesity, GH/IGF-1-deficient Lewis dwarf rats and heterozygous control rats were
      fed either a standard diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 7 months. Feeding an HFD
      resulted in similar relative weight gains and increases in body fat content in
      Lewis dwarf rats and control rats. HFD-fed Lewis dwarf rats exhibited a relative
      increase in blood glucose levels, lower insulin, and impaired glucose tolerance
      as compared with HFD-fed control rats. Analysis of serum cytokine expression
      signatures indicated that chronic GH/IGF-1 deficiency exacerbates HFD-induced
      inflammation. GH/IGF-1 deficiency also exacerbated HFD-induced endothelial
      dysfunction, oxidative stress, and expression of inflammatory markers (tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, ICAM-1) in aortas of Lewis dwarf rats. Overall, our
      results are consistent with the available clinical and experimental evidence
      suggesting that GH/IGF-1 deficiency renders the cardiovascular system more
      vulnerable to the deleterious effects of obesity.

PMID- 22080502
TI  - Age-related effects in working memory recognition modulated by retroactive
      interference.
AB  - One of the main causes for age-related declines in working memory is a higher
      vulnerability to retroactive interference due to a reduced ability to suppress
      irrelevant information. However, the underlying neural correlates remain to be
      established. Magnetoencephalography was used to investigate differential neural
      patterns in young and older adults performing an interference-based memory task
      with two experimental conditions, interrupting and distracting, during successful
      recognition. Behaviorally, both types of retroactive interference significantly
      impaired accuracy at recognition more in older adults than in young adults with
      the latter exhibiting greater disruptions by interrupters. Magnetoencephalography
      revealed the presence of differential age-related neural patterns. Specifically,
      time-modulated activations in temporo-occipital and superior parietal regions
      were higher in young adults compared with older adults for the interrupting
      condition. These results suggest that age-related deficits in inhibitory
      mechanisms that increase vulnerability to retroactive interference may be
      associated with neural under-recruitments in a high-interference task.

PMID- 22080503
TI  - Pretend play and development in early childhood (with implications for the
      oedipal phase).
AB  - Pretend play reflects both the unique mental organization and the developmental
      challenges of early to middle childhood, with a trajectory that parallels the
      monumental transformation of the toddler to the school-age child. Despite
      evidence for various forms of playing throughout the life cycle, the flowering of
      symbolic play in this phase is specific, essential, and typically transient in
      terms of its dominance in the life of the child. It reflects the simultaneous
      emergence, processing, and integration of the remarkable developmental advances
      occurring during this period, most especially the capacity to symbolize, in the
      service of the exponentially expanded psychosexual/social/emotional force field
      implied in the contemporary use of the term oedipus complex. Moreover, it
      constitutes a particular mental organization and ego state, with idiosyncratic
      mentation, affect regulation, and relationship to inner and outer experience,
      that accompanies the child's gradual orientation to consensual reality.
      Subsequent access to some form of this state varies widely among individuals but
      is rarely fully comparable.

PMID- 22080504
TI  - The neurobiology of fear memory reconsolidation and psychoanalytic theory.
AB  - Advances in both experimental neuroscience and psychoanalytic theory and
      technique have made it possible to consider mechanisms by which psychodynamic
      psychotherapies might have an impact at the cellular and molecular level. Here
      potential analogies are drawn between (1) the mechanisms and results of blocking
      the reconsolidation of conditioned fear memories in the laboratory and (2)
      several key aspects of psychoanalytic process. A review of the biology of
      conditioned fear memory, including differences between extinction and inhibition
      of reconsolidation, indicates that this biology may have relevance to various
      ways in which psychoanalytic therapy is effective. The ideas proposed here might
      lead to further experimental attempts to understand the molecular biology of
      psychoanalysis.

PMID- 22080505
TI  - PSCDB: a database for protein structural change upon ligand binding.
AB  - Proteins are flexible molecules that undergo structural changes to function. The
      Protein Data Bank contains multiple entries for identical proteins determined
      under different conditions, e.g. with and without a ligand molecule, which
      provides important information for understanding the structural changes related
      to protein functions. We gathered 839 protein structural pairs of ligand-free and
      ligand-bound states from monomeric or homo-dimeric proteins, and constructed the
      Protein Structural Change DataBase (PSCDB). In the database, we focused on
      whether the motions were coupled with ligand binding. As a result, the protein
      structural changes were classified into seven classes, i.e. coupled domain motion
      (59 structural changes), independent domain motion (70), coupled local motion
      (125), independent local motion (135), burying ligand motion (104), no
      significant motion (311) and other type motion (35). PSCDB provides lists of each
      class. On each entry page, users can view detailed information about the motion,
      accompanied by a morphing animation of the structural changes. PSCDB is available
      at http://idp1.force.cs.is.nagoya-u.ac.jp/pscdb/.

PMID- 22080506
TI  - A database of immunoglobulins with integrated tools: DIGIT.
AB  - The DIGIT (Database of ImmunoGlobulins with Integrated Tools) database
      (http://biocomputing.it/digit) is an integrated resource storing sequences of
      annotated immunoglobulin variable domains and enriched with tools for searching
      and analyzing them. The annotations in the database include information on the
      type of antigen, the respective germline sequences and on pairing information
      between light and heavy chains. Other annotations, such as the identification of
      the complementarity determining regions, assignment of their structural class and
      identification of mutations with respect to the germline, are computed on the fly
      and can also be obtained for user-submitted sequences. The system allows
      customized BLAST searches and automatic building of 3D models of the domains to
      be performed.

PMID- 22080507
TI  - Attenuation of loop-receptor interactions with pseudoknot formation.
AB  - RNA tetraloops can recognize receptors to mediate long-range interactions in
      stable natural RNAs. In vitro selected GNRA tetraloop/receptor interactions are
      usually more 'G/C-rich' than their 'A/U-rich' natural counterparts. They are not
      as widespread in nature despite comparable biophysical and chemical properties.
      Moreover, while AA, AC and GU dinucleotide platforms occur in natural GAAA/11 nt
      receptors, the AA platform is somewhat preferred to the others. The apparent
      preference for 'A/U-rich' GNRA/receptor interactions in nature might stem from an
      evolutionary adaptation to avoid folding traps at the level of the larger
      molecular context. To provide evidences in favor of this hypothesis, several
      riboswitches based on natural and artificial GNRA receptors were investigated in
      vitro for their ability to prevent inter-molecular GNRA/receptor interactions by
      trapping the receptor sequence into an alternative intra-molecular pseudoknot.
      Extent of attenuation determined by native gel-shift assays and co
      transcriptional assembly is correlated to the G/C content of the GNRA receptor.
      Our results shed light on the structural evolution of natural long-range
      interactions and provide design principles for RNA-based attenuator devices to be
      used in synthetic biology and RNA nanobiotechnology.

PMID- 22080508
TI  - Carrier-free cellular uptake and the gene-silencing activity of the lipophilic
      siRNAs is strongly affected by the length of the linker between siRNA and
      lipophilic group.
AB  - The conjugation of siRNA to molecules, which can be internalized into the cell
      via natural transport mechanisms, can result in the enhancement of siRNA cellular
      uptake. Herein, the carrier-free cellular uptake of nuclease-resistant anti-MDR1
      siRNA equipped with lipophilic residues (cholesterol, lithocholic acid, oleyl
      alcohol and litocholic acid oleylamide) attached to the 5'-end of the sense
      strand via oligomethylene linker of various length was investigated. A convenient
      combination of H-phosphonate and phosphoramidite methods was developed for the
      synthesis of 5'-lipophilic conjugates of siRNAs. It was found that lipophilic
      siRNA are able to effectively penetrate into HEK293, HepG2 and KB-8-5 cancer
      cells when used in a micromolar concentration range. The efficiency of the uptake
      is dependent upon the type of lipophilic moiety, the length of the linker between
      the moiety and the siRNA and cell type. Among all the conjugates tested, the
      cholesterol-conjugated siRNAs with linkers containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms
      demonstrate the optimal uptake and gene silencing properties: the shortening of
      the linker reduces the efficiency of the cellular uptake of siRNA conjugates,
      whereas the lengthening of the linker facilitates the uptake but retards the gene
      silencing effect and decreases the efficiency of the silencing.

PMID- 22080509
TI  - Database for bacterial group II introns.
AB  - The Database for Bacterial Group II Introns
      (http://webapps2.ucalgary.ca/~groupii/index.html#) provides a catalogue of full
      length, non-redundant group II introns present in bacterial DNA sequences in
      GenBank. The website is divided into three sections. The first section provides
      general information on group II intron properties, structures and classification.
      The second and main section lists information for individual introns, including
      insertion sites, DNA sequences, intron-encoded protein sequences and RNA
      secondary structure models. The final section provides tools for identification
      and analysis of intron sequences. These include a step-by-step guide to identify
      introns in genomic sequences, a local BLAST tool to identify closest intron
      relatives to a query sequence, and a boundary-finding tool that predicts 5' and
      3' intron-exon junctions in an input DNA sequence. Finally, selected intron data
      can be downloaded in FASTA format. It is hoped that this database will be a
      useful resource not only to group II intron and RNA researchers, but also to
      microbiologists who encounter these unexpected introns in genomic sequences.

PMID- 22080510
TI  - KEGG for integration and interpretation of large-scale molecular data sets.
AB  - Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG, http://www.genome.jp/kegg/ or
      http://www.kegg.jp/) is a database resource that integrates genomic, chemical and
      systemic functional information. In particular, gene catalogs from completely
      sequenced genomes are linked to higher-level systemic functions of the cell, the
      organism and the ecosystem. Major efforts have been undertaken to manually create
      a knowledge base for such systemic functions by capturing and organizing
      experimental knowledge in computable forms; namely, in the forms of KEGG pathway
      maps, BRITE functional hierarchies and KEGG modules. Continuous efforts have also
      been made to develop and improve the cross-species annotation procedure for
      linking genomes to the molecular networks through the KEGG Orthology system. Here
      we report KEGG Mapper, a collection of tools for KEGG PATHWAY, BRITE and MODULE
      mapping, enabling integration and interpretation of large-scale data sets. We
      also report a variant of the KEGG mapping procedure to extend the knowledge base,
      where different types of data and knowledge, such as disease genes and drug
      targets, are integrated as part of the KEGG molecular networks. Finally, we
      describe recent enhancements to the KEGG content, especially the incorporation of
      disease and drug information used in practice and in society, to support
      translational bioinformatics.

PMID- 22080511
TI  - ADHDgene: a genetic database for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - With a worldwide prevalence of ~5%, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD) has become one of the most common psychiatric disorders. The polygenetic
      nature of ADHD indicates that multiple genes jointly contribute to the
      development of this complex disease. Studies aiming to explore genetic
      susceptibility of ADHD have been increasing in recent years. There is a growing
      need to integrate the genetic data from various genetic studies to provide a
      comprehensive data set and uniform access for convenience of in-depth data
      mining. So far, there has been no such effort for ADHD. To address the genetic
      complexity of ADHD, we developed the ADHDgene database by integrating ADHD
      related genetic factors by profound literature reading. Based on the data from
      the literature, extended functional analysis, including linkage disequilibrium
      analysis, pathway-based analysis and gene mapping were performed to provide new
      insights into genetic causes of ADHD. Moreover, powerful search tools and a
      graphical browser were developed to facilitate the navigation of the data and
      data connections. As the first genetic database for ADHD, ADHDgene aims to
      provide researchers with a central genetic resource and analysis platform for
      ADHD and is freely available at http://adhd.psych.ac.cn/.

PMID- 22080512
TI  - Plantmetabolomics.org: mass spectrometry-based Arabidopsis metabolomics--database
      and tools update.
AB  - The PlantMetabolomics (PM) database (http://www.plantmetabolomics.org) contains
      comprehensive targeted and untargeted mass spectrum metabolomics data for
      Arabidopsis mutants across a variety of metabolomics platforms. The database
      allows users to generate hypotheses about the changes in metabolism for mutants
      with genes of unknown function. Version 2.0 of PlantMetabolomics.org currently
      contains data for 140 mutant lines along with the morphological data. A web-based
      data analysis wizard allows researchers to select preprocessing and data-mining
      procedures to discover differences between mutants. This community resource
      enables researchers to formulate models of the metabolic network of Arabidopsis
      and enhances the research community's ability to formulate testable hypotheses
      concerning gene functions. PM features new web-based tools for data-mining
      analysis, visualization tools and enhanced cross links to other databases. The
      database is publicly available. PM aims to provide a hypothesis building platform
      for the researchers interested in any of the mutant lines or metabolites.

PMID- 22080513
TI  - Interplay between HIV-1 infection and host microRNAs.
AB  - Using microRNA array analyses of in vitro HIV-1-infected CD4(+) cells, we find
      that several host microRNAs are significantly up- or downregulated around the
      time HIV-1 infection peaks in vitro. While microRNA-223 levels were significantly
      enriched in HIV-1-infected CD4(+)CD8(-) PBMCs, microRNA-29a/b, microRNA-155 and
      microRNA-21 levels were significantly reduced. Based on the potential for
      microRNA binding sites in a conserved sequence of the Nef-3'-LTR, several host
      microRNAs potentially could affect HIV-1 gene expression. Among those microRNAs,
      the microRNA-29 family has seed complementarity in the HIV-1 3'-UTR, but the
      potential suppressive effect of microRNA-29 on HIV-1 is severely blocked by the
      secondary structure of the target region. Our data support a possible regulatory
      circuit at the peak of HIV-1 replication which involves downregulation of
      microRNA-29, expression of Nef, the apoptosis of host CD4 cells and upregulation
      of microRNA-223.

PMID- 22080515
TI  - Perceived quality of and access to care among poor urban women in Kenya and their
      utilization of delivery care: harnessing the potential of private clinics?
AB  - This paper uses data from a maternal health study carried out in 2006 in two
      slums of Nairobi, Kenya, to: describe perceptions of access to and quality of
      care among women living in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya; quantify the
      effects of women's perceived quality of, and access to, care on the utilization
      of delivery services; and draw policy implications regarding the delivery of
      maternal health services to the urban poor. Based on the results of the facility
      survey, all health facilities were classified as 'appropriate' or
      'inappropriate'. The research was based on the premise that despite the poor
      quality of these maternal health facilities, their responsiveness to the socio
      cultural and economic sensitivities of women would result in good perceptions and
      higher utilization by women. Our results show a pattern of women's good
      perceptions in terms of access to, and quality of, health care provided by the
      privately owned, sub-standard and often unlicensed clinics and maternity homes
      located within their communities. In the multivariate model, the association
      between women's perceptions of access to and quality of care, and delivery at
      these 'inappropriate' facilities remained strong, graded and in the expected
      direction. Women from the study area are seldom able to reach not-for-profit
      private providers of maternal health care services like missionary and non
      governmental organization (NGO) clinics and hospitals. Against the backdrop of
      challenges faced by the public sector in health care provision, we recommend that
      the government should harness the potential of private clinics operating in
      urban, resource-deprived settings. First, the government should regulate private
      health facilities operating in urban slum settlements to ensure that the services
      they offer meet the acceptable minimum standards of obstetric care. Second,
      'good' facilities should be given technical support and supplied with drugs and
      equipment.

PMID- 22080514
TI  - PolymiRTS Database 2.0: linking polymorphisms in microRNA target sites with human
      diseases and complex traits.
AB  - The polymorphism in microRNA target site (PolymiRTS) database aims to identify
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect miRNA targeting in human and
      mouse. These polymorphisms can disrupt the regulation of gene expression by
      miRNAs and are candidate genetic variants responsible for transcriptional and
      phenotypic variation. The database is therefore organized to provide links
      between SNPs in miRNA target sites, cis-acting expression quantitative trait loci
      (eQTLs), and the results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of human
      diseases. Here, we describe new features that have been integrated in the
      PolymiRTS database, including: (i) polymiRTSs in genes associated with human
      diseases and traits in GWAS, (ii) polymorphisms in target sites that have been
      supported by a variety of experimental methods and (iii) polymorphisms in miRNA
      seed regions. A large number of newly identified microRNAs and SNPs, recently
      published mouse phenotypes, and human and mouse eQTLs have also been integrated
      into the database. The PolymiRTS database is available at
      http://compbio.uthsc.edu/miRSNP/.

PMID- 22080516
TI  - UK is the best at coordinating care for sicker patients, Sweden the worst, shows
      survey.

PMID- 22080517
TI  - Conservative win in Spain's general election will boost role of private sector in
      healthcare.

PMID- 22080518
TI  - England and Wales "achieve more with less" on cancer outcomes than other
      countries.

PMID- 22080519
TI  - More than half a million people could lose incapacity benefit after welfare
      changes.

PMID- 22080520
TI  - Agencies begin clearing unexploded weapons in Libya.

PMID- 22080521
TI  - GMC is ordered to pay doctor 22,000 pound after judge quashes panel's findings
      against her.

PMID- 22080522
TI  - NHS hospital is taken over by a private social enterprise.

PMID- 22080523
TI  - GP partners' pay decreases as expenses increase.

PMID- 22080524
TI  - Anticipated stigma and quality of life among people living with chronic
      illnesses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the process by which anticipated stigma relates to
      quality of life among people living with chronic illnesses. We hypothesized that
      stress, social support and patient satisfaction mediate the relationships between
      three sources of anticipated stigma and quality of life. METHODS: Data were
      collected from adults living with chronic illnesses recruited from support groups
      and online communities, and were analysed with path analysis. RESULTS: Results
      demonstrated that stress mediated the relationships between anticipated stigma
      from friends and family, and work colleagues with quality of life; social support
      mediated the relationships between anticipated stigma from friends and family,
      and work colleagues with quality of life; and patient satisfaction mediated the
      relationship between anticipated stigma from healthcare providers with quality of
      life. The final path model fit the data well (chi (2) (8) = 8.66, p = 0.37; RMSEA
      = 0.02; CFI = 0.99; SRMR = 0.03), and accounted for 60% of the variance in
      participants' quality of life. DISCUSSION: This work highlights potential points
      of intervention to improve quality of life. It calls attention to the importance
      of differentiating between sources of anticipated stigma in clinical settings,
      interventions and research involving people living with chronic illnesses.

PMID- 22080525
TI  - Public health significance of four cardiovascular risk factors assessed 25 years
      ago in a low prevalence country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The individual and combined effect of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      risk factors (RFs) on CVD mortality varies between populations. Our aim was to
      examine this association and its public health impact in Switzerland, a country
      with comparably low CVD mortality. METHODS: We included 9853 men and women aged
      25-74 years who participated in the Swiss MONICA (MONItoring of trends and
      determinants in CArdiovascular disease) study (1983-1992) and were followed up
      for survival until 2008. Adjusted Cox regression was used to calculate CVD
      mortality hazard ratios (HR). CVD-RFs were obesity (body mass index >= 30
      kg/m(2)), smoking (>= 1 cig/d), high blood pressure (>= 140 or >= 90 mmHg), and
      total: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (>= 5.0). Besides age and sex,
      models were adjusted for diet, physical activity, educational class, marital
      status, and the respective other CVD-RFs. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and
      sex, the HR of CVD death was for obesity 1.86 (95% CI 1.50-2.31), for smoking
      1.63 (95% CI 1.32-2.01), for high blood pressure 1.42 (95% CI 1.16-1.73), and for
      high cholesterol ratio 1.30 (95% CI 1.06-1.60). Adjustment for other covariates
      moderately attenuated estimates. CVD-RFs had an independent and synergistic
      effect and accounted for 43.0% of population attributable risk. The presence of
      all four compared to zero CVD-RFs was associated with a 9.6 years shorter
      expected survival for a man aged 50. CONCLUSIONS: Most CVD deaths could be
      avoided by prevention of four traditional CVD-RFs. Reduction of smoking
      prevalence and avoidance of weight gain in the population are the most effective
      measures. Particular attention should be dedicated to persons with multiple CVD
      RFs.

PMID- 22080526
TI  - Reliability and validity of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test for children
      with cerebral palsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To investigate the psychometric properties of the five-repetition sit
      to-stand test, a functional strength test, in children with spastic diplegia.
      DESIGN: Methodology study. SETTINGS: Hospital, laboratory or home. PARTICIPANTS:
      In total, 108 children with spastic diplegia and 62 with typical development aged
      from five to 12 years were tested. For test-retest reliability, 22 children with
      spastic diplegia were tested twice within one week. INTERVENTIONS: Not
      applicable. MAIN MEASURES: The five-repetition sit-to-stand test measures time
      needed to complete five consecutive sit-to-stand cycles as quickly as possible.
      The higher the rate of five-repetition sit-to-stand (repetitions per second), the
      more strength a person has. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients of
      intra-session reliability and test-retest reliability were 0.95 and 0.99
      respectively. The minimal detectable difference was 0.06 rep/sec. The convergent
      validity of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test was supported by significant
      correlation with one-repetition maximum of the loaded sit-to-stand test,
      isometric muscle strength, scores of Gross Motor Function Measure, and gait
      function (r or rho = 0.40-0.78). For known group validity, children with typical
      development and children classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System
      level I performed higher rates of five-repetition sit-to-stand than children
      classified as level II, and children classified as level II performed higher
      rates than level III. CONCLUSION: The five-repetition sit-to-stand test was a
      reliable and valid test to measure functional muscle strength in children with
      spastic diplegia in clinics.

PMID- 22080527
TI  - Voxel-based analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient in perihaematomal oedema:
      associated factors and outcome predictive value for intracerebral haemorrhage.
AB  - Objectives The pathophysiology of perihaematomal oedema (PO) surrounding a
      primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is complicated and incompletely
      understood. We prospectively investigated the components of PO with voxel-based
      analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and assessed its
      predictive value for functional outcome.  Design Forty-six patients with ICH who
      were enrolled for clinical evaluation underwent MRI scans within 24 h after ICH.
      Based on the ADC value of the ipsilateral voxels divided by the mean ADC value of
      the contralateral mirror region of interest, the voxels with oedema were
      classified into three categories: cytotoxic, vasogenic and undetermined. The
      percentages of cytotoxic and vasogenic oedema were then calculated and correlated
      with clinical outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months
      after ICH. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of this method were
      examined using intraclass correlation coefficients.  Results The intraclass
      correlation coefficients showed that analysis using the voxel-based method is
      highly reliable. Among the clinical variables tested, age and serum creatinine
      levels were positively correlated with percentage of cytotoxic oedema. Age,
      history of coronary artery disease, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      score and percentage of cytotoxic oedema were all associated with mRS at 6 months
      after ICH.  Conclusions The pathophysiological processes within PO are
      complicated. Voxel-based analysis of ADC values may help to identify the
      components of PO and may be beneficial for decision making and predicting
      outcome.

PMID- 22080528
TI  - Differences in coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer mortality rates between
      England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: the role of diet and nutrition.
AB  - Introduction It is unclear how much of the geographical variation in coronary
      heart disease (CHD), stroke and cancer mortality rates within the UK is
      associated with diet. The aim of this study is to estimate how many deaths from
      CHD, stroke and cancer would be delayed or averted if Wales, Scotland and
      Northern Ireland adopted a diet equivalent in nutritional quality to the English
      diet.  Methods Mortality data for CHD, stroke and 10 diet-related cancers for
      2007-2009 were used to calculate the mortality gap (the difference between actual
      mortality and English mortality rates) for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
      Estimates of mean national consumption of 10 dietary factors were used as
      baseline and counterfactual inputs in a macrosimulation model (DIETRON). An
      uncertainty analysis was conducted using a Monte Carlo simulation with 5000
      iterations.  Results The mortality gap in the modelled scenario (achieving the
      English diet) was reduced by 81% (95% credible intervals: 62% to 108%) for Wales,
      40% (33% to 51%) for Scotland and 81% (67% to 99%) for Northern Ireland, equating
      to approximately 3700 deaths delayed or averted annually. For CHD only, the
      mortality gap was reduced by 88% (69% to 118%) for Wales, 58% (47% to 72%) for
      Scotland, and 88% (70% to 111%) for Northern Ireland.  Conclusion Improving the
      average diet in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to a level already achieved
      in England could have a substantial impact on reducing geographical variations in
      chronic disease mortality rates in the UK. Much of the mortality gap between
      Scotland and England is explained by non-dietary risk factors.

PMID- 22080529
TI  - Management of patient adherence to medications: protocol for an online survey of
      doctors, pharmacists and nurses in Europe.
AB  - Introduction It is widely recognised that many patients do not take prescribed
      medicines as advised. Research in this field has commonly focused on the role of
      the patient in non-adherence; however, healthcare professionals can also have a
      major influence on patient behaviour in taking medicines. This study examines the
      perceptions, beliefs and behaviours of healthcare professionals-doctors,
      pharmacists and nurses-about patient medication adherence.  Methods and analysis
      This paper describes the study protocol and online questionnaire used in a cross
      sectional survey of healthcare professionals in Europe. The participating
      countries include Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, The Netherlands, Germany,
      Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy and England. The study population
      comprises primary care and community-based doctors, pharmacists and nurses
      involved in the care of adult patients taking prescribed medicines for chronic
      and acute illnesses.  Discussion Knowledge of the nature, extent and variability
      of the practices of healthcare professionals to support medication adherence
      could inform future service design, healthcare professional education, policy and
      research.

PMID- 22080530
TI  - Challenges for health promotion research and action across the globe.

PMID- 22080531
TI  - Neurophysiological and morphological responses to treatment with acetyl-L
      carnitine in a sciatic nerve injury model: preliminary data.
AB  - We investigated the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) on the recovery of
      sciatic nerve injuries in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to two
      groups: ALCAR treated (for 14 days) and control. Each group was divided into
      three subgroups: distal transection, proximal transection, and grafted. Distal
      latencies, amplitudes, and motor nerve conduction velocities were measured. In
      the third month, biopsies were taken and examined under light microscopy.
      Electrophysiological measurements demonstrated that regeneration occurred earlier
      and was better in the ALCAR group, particularly in the distal transection
      subgroup. Better results were obtained in the distal transection subgroup in
      terms of axonal regeneration compared with the proximal transection and grafted
      subgroups because the regenerating segment was shorter. ALCAR enhanced the
      quality of neural recovery at the different levels and in different types of
      repair, and led to a decline in nerve death.

PMID- 22080532
TI  - Closed rupture of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis
      associated with fracture of the distal radius.

PMID- 22080533
TI  - The tape strip: facilitating radiographic imaging and surgical procedures in the
      hand.

PMID- 22080534
TI  - Re: Henderson J, Sutcliffe M, Gillespie P. The tension band principle and angular
      testing of extensor tendon repairs. J Hand Surg Eur. 2011, 36: 297-302.

PMID- 22080535
TI  - Child malnutrition and recurrent flooding in rural eastern India: a community
      based survey.
AB  - Objectives This study aims to improve the understanding of the relationship
      between exposure to floods and malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months in rural
      India. Research has focused exclusively on Bangladeshi children, and few
      controlled epidemiological studies are available.  Method A community-based cross
      sectional study of child nutritional status was carried out in 14 flooded and 18
      non-flooded villages of Jagatsinghpur district (Orissa) within one month of the
      September 2008 floods, and similarly affected by flooding in August 2006. Face-to
      face interviews were conducted in 757 households in the flooded villages and 816
      in the non-flooded communities. Data used in this study were from those
      households with children aged 6-59 months. In total, 191 and 161 children were
      measured, respectively. The association between various malnutrition indicators
      and the exposure to floods was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression.  Results Adjusted analyses revealed that children in flooded
      households were more likely stunted compared with those in non-flooded ones
      (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.60; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.44). The prevalence of
      underweight was also higher in children living in the flooded communities
      (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.86; 95% CI 1.04 to 3.30). Further analyses found
      that the 26-36-month flooded cohort, thus those children younger than 1 year
      during the precedent flood in August 2006, attained the largest difference in
      levels of stunting compared with the unexposed group of the same age.  Conclusion
      Exposure to floods is associated with long-term malnutrition in these rural
      communities of Orissa, India. Children exposed to floods during their first year
      of life presented higher levels of chronic malnutrition. Long-term malnutrition
      prevention programmes after floods should be implemented in flood-prone areas.

PMID- 22080536
TI  - Prospective Swiss cohort study of living-kidney donors: study protocol.
AB  - Background Offering living kidney donation raised the concern that donors are
      exposed to unknown risks. All Swiss transplant centres therefore decided to start
      a prospective cohort study of living kidney donors in Switzerland. This paper
      describes the rationale for and implementation of this cohort study. 
      Methods/design All kidney donors in Switzerland are registered and examined
      before donation and biennially after donation starting in the first year after
      nephrectomy. Before each follow-up visit, the study centre sends a package to the
      kidney donor containing the health questionnaire, blood and urine tubes and a
      prepaid envelope for sending the samples to the central laboratory. The donor
      makes an appointment with their family physician, who examines the donor and
      reports findings such as pain and other complaints, blood pressure, creatinine,
      albumin, all major health events and the state of mental and social well-being to
      the study centre. The family doctor draws the blood sample and mails it with the
      urine sample in the prepaid envelope. All data are centrally managed. All
      abnormal findings in the follow-up of individual donors are regularly discussed
      with the principal investigator, and necessary clinical changes made and recorded
      in the database. The health insurance of the recipient covers all costs of the
      donor follow-up. The main outcomes are the occurrence of albuminuria,
      hypertension and renal insufficiency. The secondary outcomes are major somatic
      and social events such as death, cardiovascular disease, stroke and depression. 
      Discussion This prospective cohort offers unique opportunities to assess the
      risks of living kidney donation and will allow us to examine the risks associated
      with the methods used for nephrectomy in Switzerland (various forms of open
      surgery and laparoscopic nephrectomy). The prospective collection of all
      clinically relevant data and the regular monitoring of donors will allow timely
      interventions at early stages before serious kidney and general health problems
      occur.

PMID- 22080537
TI  - Training the biomedical informatics workforce in Latin America: results of a
      needs assessment.
AB  - Objective To report the results of a needs assessment of research and training in
      Medical Informatics (MI) and Bioinformatics (BI) in Latin America.  Methods and
      results This assessment was conducted by QUIPU: The Andean Global Health
      Informatics Research and Training Center. After sending email invitations to MI
      BI related professionals from Latin America, 142 surveys were received from 11
      Latin American countries. The following were the top four ranked MI-related
      courses that a training programme should include: introduction to biomedical
      informatics; data representation and databases; mobile health; and courses that
      address issues of security, confidentiality and privacy. Several new courses and
      topics for research were suggested by survey participants. The information
      collected is guiding the development of curricula and a research agenda for the
      MI and BI QUIPU multidisciplinary programme for the Andean Region and Latin
      America.

PMID- 22080538
TI  - Epidemiology of syphilis-related hospitalisations in Spain between 1997 and 2006:
      a retrospective study.
AB  - Objective In order to illustrate the important public health impact of syphilis,
      which is a preventable infection, the epidemiology of syphilis-related
      hospitalisations in Spain was studied over a 10-year period.  Methods A
      retrospective study was conducted using the National Epidemiological Surveillance
      System for Hospital Data (Minimum Data Set). All hospitalisations due to syphilis
      infection in any diagnostic position (ICD-9-CM 090-097) between 1997 and 2006
      were analysed, according to the Spanish version of the International
      Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9-CM).  Results There were 9556
      hospitalisations associated with syphilis in Spain. The hospitalisation rate was
      2.33 per 100 000 population, the mortality rate was 0.07 per 100 000 population
      and the lethality was 3.17%. The hospitalisation rate increased significantly
      after 2000 and was higher in men.  Conclusion Syphilis remains a major public
      health problem because of both potential complications and its close association
      with HIV infection. It is necessary to promote early diagnosis, ensure treatment
      in patients with syphilis and emphasise health promotion and prevention
      programmes.

PMID- 22080539
TI  - Mortality from Parkinson's disease and other causes among a workforce
      manufacturing paraquat: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - Objective To assess the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) and update information
      on mortality from major causes of death among a UK workforce who manufactured
      paraquat (PQ) between 1961 and 1995. There have been no previous studies of the
      incidence of PD among PQ production workers, although much epidemiological
      literature exists concerning the relationship between pesticides and PD, and
      interest has focused on PQ and its users.  Methods The cohort included all
      employees who had ever worked on any of the four plants at Widnes where PQ was
      manufactured between 1961 and 1995, and 926 male and 42 female workers were
      followed through 30 June 2009. Mortalities for males were compared with national
      and local rates, including rates for PD as a mentioned cause of death.  Results
      Overall, 307 workers had died by 30 June 2009. One male death was due to PD, and
      no other death certificate mentioned PD. At least 3.3 death certificates of male
      employees would have been expected to have mentioned PD (standardised mortality
      ratio=31; 95% CI 1 to 171). Personal monitoring results were indicative that the
      exposure of a PQ production worker on a daily basis was at least comparable with
      that of a PQ sprayer or mixer/loader. Reduced mortalities compared with local
      rates were found for major causes of death.  Conclusions The study provided no
      evidence of an increased risk of PD, or increased mortalities from other causes.

PMID- 22080540
TI  - Characteristics of randomised trials on diseases in the digestive system
      registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: a retrospective analysis.
AB  - Objectives To evaluate the adequacy of reporting of protocols for randomised
      trials on diseases of the digestive system registered in
      http://ClinicalTrials.gov and the consistency between primary outcomes, secondary
      outcomes and sample size specified in http://ClinicalTrials.gov and published
      trials.  Methods Randomised phase III trials on adult patients with
      gastrointestinal diseases registered before January 2009 in
      http://ClinicalTrials.gov were eligible for inclusion. From
      http://ClinicalTrials.gov all data elements in the database required by the
      International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) member journals were
      extracted. The subsequent publications for registered trials were identified. For
      published trials, data concerning publication date, primary and secondary
      endpoint, sample size, and whether the journal adhered to ICMJE principles were
      extracted. Differences between primary and secondary outcomes, sample size and
      sample size calculations data in http://ClinicalTrials.gov and in the published
      paper were registered.  Results 105 trials were evaluated. 66 trials (63%) were
      published. 30% of trials were registered incorrectly after their completion date.
      Several data elements of the required ICMJE data list were not filled in, with
      missing data in 22% and 11%, respectively, of cases concerning the primary
      outcome measure and sample size. In 26% of the published papers, data on sample
      size calculations were missing and discrepancies between sample size reporting in
      http://ClinicalTrials.gov and published trials existed.  Conclusion The quality
      of registration of randomised controlled trials still needs improvement.

PMID- 22080541
TI  - The 'Eigenstandig werden' prevention trial: a cluster randomised controlled study
      on a school-based life skills programme to prevent substance use onset.
AB  - Objective To implement and evaluate 'Eigenstandig werden 5+6' ('Becoming
      Independent 5+6'), a school-based curriculum for grades 5 and 6 developed on the
      basis of evidence-based criteria for effective drug prevention curricula in
      schools. Evaluation of the programme includes efficacy, feasibility and
      practicability in daily school routine.  Methods and results The intervention
      'Eigenstandig werden 5+6' consists of 14 teaching units evenly distributed over
      grades 5 and 6 which are interactively delivered, and a parent component.
      Programme effects are studied in a four wave cluster randomised controlled trial
      with two arms, an intervention and a control group. Self-completed questionnaires
      from students and teachers are collected by trained research staff. 45 schools,
      172 classes and 3444 students with a mean age of 10.37 years (SD=0.59) and 47.9%
      girls from four federal states in Germany were assessed at baseline. 1685
      students in 81 classes were assigned to intervention classes, 1759 students in 91
      classes to the control arm. No differences between conditions were found for age,
      gender, immigration background, socioeconomic status, substance use or life
      skills at baseline. Exceptions were higher self-efficacy (t(3438)=2.34, p=0.02,
      d=0.08) and empathy (t(3302)=2.4, p=0.02, d=0.09) in the control group, whereas
      class climate seemed better in the intervention group (t(3037)=2.01, p=0.05,
      d=0.07), but effect sizes state marginal differences.  Conclusion Baseline data
      suggest that the initial conditions are favourable for testing programme efficacy
      since distribution of baseline levels of the outcomes did not differ in the
      intervention and control groups, except for negligible differences between self
      efficacy and empathy, which were higher in the control group, and class climate,
      which was higher in the intervention group.  Trial registration number Current
      Controlled Trials ISRCTN99442407.

PMID- 22080542
TI  - What determines adherence to treatment in cardiovascular disease prevention?
      Protocol for a mixed methods preference study.
AB  - Background Significant gaps exist between guidelines-recommended therapies for
      cardiovascular disease prevention and current practice. Fixed-dose combination
      pills ('polypills') potentially improve adherence to therapy. This study is a
      preference study undertaken in conjunction with a clinical trial of a polypill
      and seeks to examine the underlying reasons for variations in treatment adherence
      to recommended therapy.  Methods/design A preference study comprising: (1)
      Discrete Choice Experiment for patients; and (2) qualitative study of patients
      and providers. Both components will be conducted on participants in the trial. A
      joint model combining the observed adherence in the clinical trial (revealed
      preference) and the Discrete Choice Experiment data (stated preference) will be
      estimated. Estimates will be made of the marginal effect (importance) of each
      attribute on overall choice, the extent to which respondents are prepared to
      trade-off one attribute for another and predicted values of the level of
      adherence given a fixed set of attributes, and contextual and socio-demographic
      characteristics. For the qualitative study, a thematic analysis will be used as a
      means of exploring in depth the preferences and ultimately provide important
      narratives on the experiences and perspectives of individuals with regard to
      adherence behaviour.  Ethics and dissemination Primary ethics approval was
      received from Sydney South West Area Health Service Human Research Ethics
      Committee (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital zone). In addition to usual scientific
      forums, the findings will be reported back to the communities involved in the
      studies through site-specific reports and oral presentations.

PMID- 22080543
TI  - Postoperative atrial fibrillation predicts long-term survival after aortic-valve
      surgery but not after mitral-valve surgery: a retrospective study.
AB  - Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) has been reported to be
      associated with reduced long-term survival after isolated coronary artery bypass
      grafting surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of POAF
      on long-term survival after valvular surgery.  Methods The authors
      retrospectively analysed the preoperative and operative data of 2986 consecutive
      patients with no preoperative history of atrial fibrillation undergoing first
      valvular surgery (aortic-valve replacement (AVR), mitral valve replacement or
      mitral valve repair (MVR/MVRp) with or without coronary artery bypass grafting
      surgery) in their institution between 1995 and 2008 (median follow-up 5.31 years,
      range 0.1-15.0). The authors investigated the impact of POAF on survival using
      multivariable Cox regression.  Results Patients with POAF were older, and were
      more likely to have hypertension or renal failure when compared with patients
      without POAF. The 12-year survival in patients with POAF was 45.7+/-2.8% versus
      61.4+/-2.1% in patients without POAF (p<0.001). On a multivariable analysis, when
      adjusting for age and other potential confounding factors, POAF tended to be
      associated with lower long-term survival (HR for all-cause death (HR)=1.17, 95%
      CI 1.00 to 1.38, p=0.051). The authors also analysed this association separately
      in patients with AVR and those with MVR/MVRp. In the multivariable analysis, POAF
      was a significant predictor of higher long-term mortality in patients with AVR
      (HR=1.22, CI 1.02 to 1.45, p=0.03) but not in patients with MVR/MVRp (HR=0.87, CI
      0.58 to 1.29, p=0.48).  Conclusions POAF is significantly associated with long
      term mortality following AVR but not after MVR/MVRp. The underlying factors
      involved in the pathogenesis of POAF after MVR/MVRp may partially account for the
      lack of association between POAF and survival in these patients.

PMID- 22080544
TI  - The diagnosis and management of pleural effusions in the ICU.
AB  - Pleural effusions are common in critically ill patients. Most effusions in
      intensive care unit (ICU) patients are of limited clinical significance; however,
      some are important and require aggressive management. Transudative effusions in
      the ICU are commonly caused by volume overload, decreased plasma oncotic
      pressure, and regions of altered pleural pressure attributable to atelectasis and
      mechanical ventilation. Exudates are sequelae of pulmonary or pleural infection,
      pulmonary embolism, postsurgical complications, and malignancy. Increases in
      pleural fluid volume are accommodated principally by chest wall expansion and, to
      a lesser degree, by lung collapse. Studies in mechanically ventilated patients
      suggest that pleural fluid drainage can result in improved oxygenation for up to
      48 hours, but data on clinical outcomes are limited. Mechanically ventilated
      patients with pleural effusions should be semirecumbant and treated with higher
      levels of positive-end expiratory pressure. Rarely, large effusions can cause
      cardiac tamponade or tension physiology, requiring urgent drainage. Bedside
      ultrasound is both sensitive and specific for diagnosing pleural effusions in
      mechanically ventilated patients. Sonographic findings of septation and
      homogenous echogenicity may suggest an exudative effusion, but definitive
      diagnosis requires pleural fluid sampling. Thoracentesis should be carried out
      under ultrasound guidance. Antibiotic regimens for parapneumonic effusions should
      be based on current pneumonia guidelines, and anaerobic coverage should be
      included in the case of empyema. Decompression of the pleural space may be
      necessary to improve respiratory mechanics, as well as to treat complicated
      effusions. While small-bore catheters inserted under ultrasound guidance may be
      used for nonseptated effusions, surgical consultation should be sought in cases
      where this approach fails, or where the effusion appears complex and septated at
      the outset. Further research is needed to determine the effects of pleural fluid
      drainage on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients, to evaluate
      weaning strategies that include pleural fluid drainage, and to better identify
      patients in whom pleural effusions are more likely to be infected.

PMID- 22080545
TI  - Enhancing the cellular uptake of Py-Im polyamides through next-generation aryl
      turns.
AB  - Pyrrole-imidazole (Py-Im) hairpin polyamides are a class of programmable,
      sequence-specific DNA binding oligomers capable of disrupting protein-DNA
      interactions and modulating gene expression in living cells. Methods to control
      the cellular uptake and nuclear localization of these compounds are essential to
      their application as molecular probes or therapeutic agents. Here, we explore
      modifications of the hairpin gamma-aminobutyric acid turn unit as a means to
      enhance cellular uptake and biological activity. Remarkably, introduction of a
      simple aryl group at the turn potentiates the biological effects of a polyamide
      targeting the sequence 5'-WGWWCW-3' (W =A/T) by up to two orders of magnitude.
      Confocal microscopy and quantitative flow cytometry analysis suggest this
      enhanced potency is due to increased nuclear uptake. Finally, we explore the
      generality of this approach and find that aryl-turn modifications enhance the
      uptake of all polyamides tested, while having a variable effect on the upper
      limit of polyamide nuclear accumulation. Overall this provides a step forward for
      controlling the intracellular concentration of Py-Im polyamides that will prove
      valuable for future applications in which biological potency is essential.

PMID- 22080546
TI  - The International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration.
AB  - The members of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration
      (INSDC; http://www.insdc.org) set out to capture, preserve and present globally
      comprehensive public domain nucleotide sequence information. The work of the long
      standing collaboration includes the provision of data formats, annotation
      conventions and routine global data exchange. Among the many developments to
      INSDC resources in 2011 are the newly launched BioProject database and improved
      handling of assembly information. In this article, we outline INSDC services and
      update the reader on developments in 2011.

PMID- 22080547
TI  - Site-specific isotope labeling of long RNA for structural and mechanistic
      studies.
AB  - A site-specific isotope labeling technique of long RNA molecules was established.
      This technique is comprised of two simple enzymatic reactions, namely a guanosine
      transfer reaction of group I self-splicing introns and a ligation with T4 DNA
      ligase. The trans-acting group I self-splicing intron with its external cofactor,
      'isotopically labeled guanosine 5'-monophosphate' (5'-GMP), steadily gave a 5'
      residue-labeled RNA fragment. This key reaction, in combination with a ligation
      of 5'-remainder non-labeled sequence, allowed us to prepare a site-specifically
      labeled RNA molecule in a high yield, and its production was confirmed with (15)N
      NMR spectroscopy. Such a site-specifically labeled RNA molecule can be used to
      detect a molecular interaction and to probe chemical features of
      catalytically/structurally important residues with NMR spectroscopy and possibly
      Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

PMID- 22080548
TI  - Major submissions tool developments at the European Nucleotide Archive.
AB  - The European Nucleotide Archive (ENA; http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena), Europe's primary
      nucleotide sequence resource, captures and presents globally comprehensive
      nucleic acid sequence and associated information. Covering the spectrum from raw
      data to assembled and functionally annotated genomes, the ENA has witnessed a
      dramatic growth resulting from advances in sequencing technology and ever
      broadening application of the methodology. During 2011, we have continued to
      operate and extend the broad range of ENA services. In particular, we have
      released major new functionality in our interactive web submission system, Webin,
      through developments in template-based submissions for annotated sequences and
      support for raw next-generation sequence read submissions.

PMID- 22080549
TI  - GeneWeaver: a web-based system for integrative functional genomics.
AB  - High-throughput genome technologies have produced a wealth of data on the
      association of genes and gene products to biological functions. Investigators
      have discovered value in combining their experimental results with published
      genome-wide association studies, quantitative trait locus, microarray, RNA
      sequencing and mutant phenotyping studies to identify gene-function associations
      across diverse experiments, species, conditions, behaviors or biological
      processes. These experimental results are typically derived from disparate data
      repositories, publication supplements or reconstructions from primary data
      stores. This leaves bench biologists with the complex and unscalable task of
      integrating data by identifying and gathering relevant studies, reanalyzing
      primary data, unifying gene identifiers and applying ad hoc computational
      analysis to the integrated set. The freely available GeneWeaver
      (http://www.GeneWeaver.org) powered by the Ontological Discovery Environment is a
      curated repository of genomic experimental results with an accompanying tool set
      for dynamic integration of these data sets, enabling users to interactively
      address questions about sets of biological functions and their relations to sets
      of genes. Thus, large numbers of independently published genomic results can be
      organized into new conceptual frameworks driven by the underlying, inferred
      biological relationships rather than a pre-existing semantic framework. An
      empirical 'ontology' is discovered from the aggregate of experimental knowledge
      around user-defined areas of biological inquiry.

PMID- 22080550
TI  - BYKdb: the Bacterial protein tYrosine Kinase database.
AB  - Bacterial tyrosine-kinases share no resemblance with their eukaryotic
      counterparts and they have been unified in a new protein family named BY-kinases.
      These enzymes have been shown to control several biological functions in the
      bacterial cells. In recent years biochemical studies, sequence analyses and
      structure resolutions allowed the deciphering of a common signature. However, BY
      kinase sequence annotations in primary databases remain incomplete. This prompted
      us to develop a specialized database of computer-annotated BY-kinase sequences:
      the Bacterial protein tyrosine-kinase database (BYKdb). BY-kinase sequences are
      first identified, thanks to a workflow developed in a previous work. A second
      workflow annotates the UniProtKB entries in order to provide the BYKdb entries.
      The database can be accessed through a web interface that allows static and
      dynamic queries and offers integrated sequence analysis tools. BYKdb can be found
      at http://bykdb.ibcp.fr.

PMID- 22080551
TI  - West Nile virus encodes a microRNA-like small RNA in the 3' untranslated region
      which up-regulates GATA4 mRNA and facilitates virus replication in mosquito
      cells.
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV) belongs to a group of medically important single-stranded,
      positive-sense RNA viruses causing deadly disease outbreaks around the world. The
      3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the flavivirus genome, in particular the
      terminal 3' stem-loop (3'SL) fulfils multiple functions in virus replication and
      virus-host interactions. Using the Kunjin strain of WNV (WNV(KUN)), we detected a
      virally encoded small RNA, named KUN-miR-1, derived from 3'SL. Transcription of
      WNV(KUN) pre-miRNA (3'SL) in mosquito cells either from plasmid or Semliki Forest
      virus (SFV) RNA replicon resulted in the production of mature KUN-miR-1.
      Silencing of Dicer-1 but not Dicer-2 led to a reduction in the miRNA levels.
      Further, when a synthetic inhibitor of KUN-miR-1 was transfected into mosquito
      cells, replication of viral RNA was significantly reduced. Using cloning and
      bioinformatics approaches, we identified the cellular GATA4 mRNA as a target for
      KUN-miR-1. KUN-miR-1 produced in mosquito cells during virus infection or from
      plasmid DNA, SFV RNA replicon or mature miRNA duplex increased accumulation of
      GATA4 mRNA. Depletion of GATA4 mRNA by RNA silencing led to a significant
      reduction in virus RNA replication while a KUN-miR-1 RNA mimic enhanced
      replication of a mutant WNV(KUN) virus producing reduced amounts of KUN-miR-1,
      suggesting that GATA4-induction via KUN-miR-1 plays an important role in virus
      replication.

PMID- 22080552
TI  - Nonspaced inverted DNA repeats are preferential targets for homology-directed
      gene repair in mammalian cells.
AB  - DNA repeats constitute potential sites for the nucleation of secondary structures
      such as hairpins and cruciforms. Studies performed mostly in bacteria and yeast
      showed that these noncanonical DNA structures are breakage-prone, making them
      candidate targets for cellular DNA repair pathways. Possible culprits for
      fragility at repetitive DNA sequences include replication and transcription as
      well as the action of structure-specific nucleases. Despite their patent
      biological relevance, the parameters governing DNA repeat-associated chromosomal
      transactions remain ill-defined. Here, we established an episomal recombination
      system based on donor and acceptor complementary DNA templates to investigate the
      role of direct and inverted DNA repeats in homologous recombination (HR) in
      mammalian cells. This system allowed us also to ascertain in a stringent manner
      the impact of repetitive sequence replication on homology-directed gene repair.
      We found that nonspaced DNA repeats can, per se, engage the HR pathway of the
      cell and that this process is primarily dependent on their spacing and relative
      arrangement (i.e. parallel or antiparallel) rather than on their sequence.
      Indeed, our data demonstrate that contrary to direct and spaced inverted repeats,
      nonspaced inverted repeats are intrinsically recombinogenic motifs in mammalian
      cells lending experimental support to their role in genome dynamics in higher
      eukaryotes.

PMID- 22080553
TI  - Pocketome: an encyclopedia of small-molecule binding sites in 4D.
AB  - The importance of binding site plasticity in protein-ligand interactions is well
      recognized, and so are the difficulties in predicting the nature and the degree
      of this plasticity by computational means. To assist in understanding the
      flexible protein-ligand interactions, we constructed the Pocketome, an
      encyclopedia of about one thousand experimentally solved conformational ensembles
      of druggable binding sites in proteins, grouped by location and consistent
      chain/cofactor composition. The multiplicity of pockets within the ensembles adds
      an extra, fourth dimension to the Pocketome entry data. Within each ensemble, the
      pockets were carefully classified by the degree of their pairwise similarity and
      compatibility with different ligands. The core of the Pocketome is derived
      regularly and automatically from the current releases of the Protein Data Bank
      and the Uniprot Knowledgebase; this core is complemented by entries built from
      manually provided seed ligand locations. The Pocketome website
      (www.pocketome.org) allows searching for the sites of interest, analysis of
      conformational clusters, important residues, binding compatibility matrices and
      interactive visualization of the ensembles using the ActiveICM web browser
      plugin. The Pocketome collection can be used to build multi-conformational
      docking and 3D activity models as well as to design cross-docking and virtual
      ligand screening benchmarks.

PMID- 22080554
TI  - Disease Ontology: a backbone for disease semantic integration.
AB  - The Disease Ontology (DO) database (http://disease-ontology.org) represents a
      comprehensive knowledge base of 8043 inherited, developmental and acquired human
      diseases (DO version 3, revision 2510). The DO web browser has been designed for
      speed, efficiency and robustness through the use of a graph database. Full-text
      contextual searching functionality using Lucene allows the querying of name,
      synonym, definition, DOID and cross-reference (xrefs) with complex Boolean search
      strings. The DO semantically integrates disease and medical vocabularies through
      extensive cross mapping and integration of MeSH, ICD, NCI's thesaurus, SNOMED CT
      and OMIM disease-specific terms and identifiers. The DO is utilized for disease
      annotation by major biomedical databases (e.g. Array Express, NIF, IEDB), as a
      standard representation of human disease in biomedical ontologies (e.g. IDO, Cell
      line ontology, NIFSTD ontology, Experimental Factor Ontology, Influenza
      Ontology), and as an ontological cross mappings resource between DO, MeSH and
      OMIM (e.g. GeneWiki). The DO project (http://diseaseontology.sf.net) has been
      incorporated into open source tools (e.g. Gene Answers, FunDO) to connect gene
      and disease biomedical data through the lens of human disease. The next iteration
      of the DO web browser will integrate DO's extended relations and logical
      definition representation along with these biomedical resource cross-mappings.

PMID- 22080555
TI  - The UCSC Archaeal Genome Browser: 2012 update.
AB  - The UCSC Archaeal Genome Browser (http://archaea.ucsc.edu) offers a graphical web
      based resource for exploration and discovery within archaeal and other selected
      microbial genomes. By bringing together existing gene annotations, gene
      expression data, multiple-genome alignments, pre-computed sequence comparisons
      and other specialized analysis tracks, the genome browser is a powerful
      aggregator of varied genomic information. The genome browser environment
      maintains the current look-and-feel of the vertebrate UCSC Genome Browser, but
      also integrates archaeal and bacterial-specific tracks with a few graphic display
      enhancements. The browser currently contains 115 archaeal genomes, plus 31
      genomes of viruses known to infect archaea. Some of the recently developed or
      enhanced tracks visualize data from published high-throughput RNA-sequencing
      studies, the NCBI Conserved Domain Database, sequences from pre-genome sequencing
      studies, predicted gene boundaries from three different protein gene prediction
      algorithms, tRNAscan-SE gene predictions with RNA secondary structures and CRISPR
      locus predictions. We have also developed a companion resource, the Archaeal COG
      Browser, to provide better search and display of arCOG gene function
      classifications, including their phylogenetic distribution among available
      archaeal genomes.

PMID- 22080556
TI  - CoryneRegNet 6.0--Updated database content, new analysis methods and novel
      features focusing on community demands.
AB  - Post-genomic analysis techniques such as next-generation sequencing have produced
      vast amounts of data about micro organisms including genetic sequences, their
      functional annotations and gene regulatory interactions. The latter are genetic
      mechanisms that control a cell's characteristics, for instance, pathogenicity as
      well as survival and reproduction strategies. CoryneRegNet is the reference
      database and analysis platform for corynebacterial gene regulatory networks. In
      this article we introduce the updated version 6.0 of CoryneRegNet and describe
      the updated database content which includes, 6352 corynebacterial regulatory
      interactions compared with 4928 interactions in release 5.0 and 3235 regulations
      in release 4.0, respectively. We also demonstrate how we support the community by
      integrating analysis and visualization features for transiently imported custom
      data, such as gene regulatory interactions. Furthermore, with release 6.0, we
      provide easy-to-use functions that allow the user to submit data for persistent
      storage with the CoryneRegNet database. Thus, it offers important options to its
      users in terms of community demands. CoryneRegNet is publicly available at
      http://www.coryneregnet.de.

PMID- 22080557
TI  - Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas identifies
      sRNAs with putative virulence functions.
AB  - The Gram-negative plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv.
      vesicatoria (Xcv) is an important model to elucidate the mechanisms involved in
      the interaction with the host. To gain insight into the transcriptome of the Xcv
      strain 85-10, we took a differential RNA sequencing (dRNA-seq) approach. Using a
      novel method to automatically generate comprehensive transcription start site
      (TSS) maps we report 1421 putative TSSs in the Xcv genome. Genes in Xcv exhibit a
      poorly conserved -10 promoter element and no consensus Shine-Dalgarno sequence.
      Moreover, 14% of all mRNAs are leaderless and 13% of them have unusually long 5'
      UTRs. Northern blot analyses confirmed 16 intergenic small RNAs and seven cis
      encoded antisense RNAs in Xcv. Expression of eight intergenic transcripts was
      controlled by HrpG and HrpX, key regulators of the Xcv type III secretion system.
      More detailed characterization identified sX12 as a small RNA that controls
      virulence of Xcv by affecting the interaction of the pathogen and its host
      plants. The transcriptional landscape of Xcv is unexpectedly complex, featuring
      abundant antisense transcripts, alternative TSSs and clade-specific small RNAs.

PMID- 22080558
TI  - HotRegion: a database of predicted hot spot clusters.
AB  - Hot spots are energetically important residues at protein interfaces and they are
      not randomly distributed across the interface but rather clustered. These
      clustered hot spots form hot regions. Hot regions are important for the stability
      of protein complexes, as well as providing specificity to binding sites. We
      propose a database called HotRegion, which provides the hot region information of
      the interfaces by using predicted hot spot residues, and structural properties of
      these interface residues such as pair potentials of interface residues,
      accessible surface area (ASA) and relative ASA values of interface residues of
      both monomer and complex forms of proteins. Also, the 3D visualization of the
      interface and interactions among hot spot residues are provided. HotRegion is
      accessible at http://prism.ccbb.ku.edu.tr/hotregion.

PMID- 22080559
TI  - The Aspergillus Genome Database (AspGD): recent developments in comprehensive
      multispecies curation, comparative genomics and community resources.
AB  - The Aspergillus Genome Database (AspGD; http://www.aspgd.org) is a freely
      available, web-based resource for researchers studying fungi of the genus
      Aspergillus, which includes organisms of clinical, agricultural and industrial
      importance. AspGD curators have now completed comprehensive review of the entire
      published literature about Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and
      this annotation is provided with streamlined, ortholog-based navigation of the
      multispecies information. AspGD facilitates comparative genomics by providing a
      full-featured genomics viewer, as well as matched and standardized sets of
      genomic information for the sequenced aspergilli. AspGD also provides resources
      to foster interaction and dissemination of community information and resources.
      We welcome and encourage feedback at aspergillus-curator@lists.stanford.edu.

PMID- 22080560
TI  - MIPModDB: a central resource for the superfamily of major intrinsic proteins.
AB  - The channel proteins belonging to the major intrinsic proteins (MIP) superfamily
      are diverse and are found in all forms of life. Water-transporting aquaporin and
      glycerol-specific aquaglyceroporin are the prototype members of the MIP
      superfamily. MIPs have also been shown to transport other neutral molecules and
      gases across the membrane. They have internal homology and possess conserved
      sequence motifs. By analyzing a large number of publicly available genome
      sequences, we have identified more than 1000 MIPs from diverse organisms. We have
      developed a database MIPModDB which will be a unified resource for all MIPs. For
      each MIP entry, this database contains information about the source, gene
      structure, sequence features, substitutions in the conserved NPA motifs,
      structural model, the residues forming the selectivity filter and channel radius
      profile. For selected set of MIPs, it is possible to derive structure-based
      sequence alignment and evolutionary relationship. Sequences and structures of
      selected MIPs can be downloaded from MIPModDB database which is freely available
      at http://bioinfo.iitk.ac.in/MIPModDB.

PMID- 22080562
TI  - Network of Cancer Genes (NCG 3.0): integration and analysis of genetic and
      network properties of cancer genes.
AB  - The identification of a constantly increasing number of genes whose mutations are
      causally implicated in tumor initiation and progression (cancer genes) requires
      the development of tools to store and analyze them. The Network of Cancer Genes
      (NCG 3.0) collects information on 1494 cancer genes that have been found mutated
      in 16 different cancer types. These genes were collected from the Cancer Gene
      Census as well as from 18 whole exome and 11 whole-genome screenings of cancer
      samples. For each cancer gene, NCG 3.0 provides a summary of the gene features
      and the cross-reference to other databases. In addition, it describes
      duplicability, evolutionary origin, orthology, network properties, interaction
      partners, microRNA regulation and functional roles of cancer genes and of all
      genes that are related to them. This integrated network of information can be
      used to better characterize cancer genes in the context of the system in which
      they act. The data can also be used to identify novel candidates that share the
      same properties of known cancer genes and may therefore play a similar role in
      cancer. NCG 3.0 is freely available at http://bio.ifom-ieo-campus.it/ncg.

PMID- 22080563
TI  - CADRE: the Central Aspergillus Data REpository 2012.
AB  - The Central Aspergillus Data REpository (CADRE; http://www.cadre-genomes.org.uk)
      is a public resource for genomic data extracted from species of Aspergillus. It
      provides an array of online tools for searching and visualising features of this
      significant fungal genus. CADRE arose from a need within the medical community to
      understand the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Due to the paucity of
      Aspergillus genomic resources 10 years ago, the long-term goal of this project
      was to collate and maintain Aspergillus genomes as they became available. Since
      our first release in 2004, the resource has expanded to encompass annotated
      sequence for eight other Aspergilli and provides much needed support to the
      international Aspergillus research community. Recent developments, however, in
      sequencing technology are creating a vast amount of genomic data and, as a
      result, we shortly expect a tidal wave of Aspergillus data. In preparation for
      this, we have upgraded the database and software suite. This not only enables
      better management of more complex data sets, but also improves annotation by
      providing access to genome comparison data and the integration of high-throughput
      data.

PMID- 22080564
TI  - AnimalTFDB: a comprehensive animal transcription factor database.
AB  - Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences,
      thereby playing crucial roles in gene-expression regulation through controlling
      the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA. Transcription cofactors
      and chromatin remodeling factors are also essential in the gene transcriptional
      regulation. Identifying and annotating all the TFs are primary and crucial steps
      for illustrating their functions and understanding the transcriptional
      regulation. In this study, based on manual literature reviews, we collected and
      curated 72 TF families for animals, which is currently the most complete list of
      TF families in animals. Then, we systematically characterized all the TFs in 50
      animal species and constructed a comprehensive animal TF database, AnimalTFDB. To
      better serve the community, we provided detailed annotations for each TF,
      including basic information, gene structure, functional domain, 3D structure hit,
      Gene Ontology, pathway, protein-protein interaction, paralogs, orthologs,
      potential TF-binding sites and targets. In addition, we collected and annotated
      transcription cofactors and chromatin remodeling factors. AnimalTFDB has a user
      friendly web interface with multiple browse and search functions, as well as data
      downloading. It is freely available at http://www.bioguo.org/AnimalTFDB/.

PMID- 22080561
TI  - GABI-Kat SimpleSearch: new features of the Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA mutant
      database.
AB  - T-DNA insertion mutants are very valuable for reverse genetics in Arabidopsis
      thaliana. Several projects have generated large sequence-indexed collections of T
      DNA insertion lines, of which GABI-Kat is the second largest resource worldwide.
      User access to the collection and its Flanking Sequence Tags (FSTs) is provided
      by the front end SimpleSearch (http://www.GABI-Kat.de). Several significant
      improvements have been implemented recently. The database now relies on the
      TAIRv10 genome sequence and annotation dataset. All FSTs have been newly mapped
      using an optimized procedure that leads to improved accuracy of insertion site
      predictions. A fraction of the collection with weak FST yield was re-analysed by
      generating new FSTs. Along with newly found predictions for older sequences about
      20,000 new FSTs were included in the database. Information about groups of FSTs
      pointing to the same insertion site that is found in several lines but is real
      only in a single line are included, and many problematic FST-to-line links have
      been corrected using new wet-lab data. SimpleSearch currently contains data from
      ~71,000 lines with predicted insertions covering 62.5% of the 27,206 nuclear
      protein coding genes, and offers insertion allele-specific data from 9545
      confirmed lines that are available from the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre.

PMID- 22080565
TI  - modMine: flexible access to modENCODE data.
AB  - In an effort to comprehensively characterize the functional elements within the
      genomes of the important model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and
      Caenorhabditis elegans, the NHGRI model organism Encyclopaedia of DNA Elements
      (modENCODE) consortium has generated an enormous library of genomic data along
      with detailed, structured information on all aspects of the experiments. The
      modMine database (http://intermine.modencode.org) described here has been built
      by the modENCODE Data Coordination Center to allow the broader research community
      to (i) search for and download data sets of interest among the thousands
      generated by modENCODE; (ii) access the data in an integrated form together with
      non-modENCODE data sets; and (iii) facilitate fine-grained analysis of the above
      data. The sophisticated search features are possible because of the collection of
      extensive experimental metadata by the consortium. Interfaces are provided to
      allow both biologists and bioinformaticians to exploit these rich modENCODE data
      sets now available via modMine.

PMID- 22080566
TI  - Metastasis suppressor NM23-H1 promotes repair of UV-induced DNA damage and
      suppresses UV-induced melanomagenesis.
AB  - Reduced expression of the metastasis suppressor NM23-H1 is associated with
      aggressive forms of multiple cancers. Here, we establish that NM23-H1 (termed H1
      isoform in human, M1 in mouse) and two of its attendant enzymatic activities, the
      3'-5' exonuclease and nucleoside diphosphate kinase, are novel participants in
      the cellular response to UV radiation (UVR)-induced DNA damage. NM23-H1
      deficiency compromised the kinetics of repair for total DNA polymerase-blocking
      lesions and nucleotide excision repair of (6-4) photoproducts in vitro. Kinase
      activity of NM23-H1 was critical for rapid repair of both polychromatic UVB/UVA
      induced (290-400 nm) and UVC-induced (254 nm) DNA damage, whereas its 3'-5'
      exonuclease activity was dominant in the suppression of UVR-induced mutagenesis.
      Consistent with its role in DNA repair, NM23-H1 rapidly translocated to sites of
      UVR-induced (6-4) photoproduct DNA damage in the nucleus. In addition, transgenic
      mice hemizygous-null for nm23-m1 and nm23-m2 exhibited UVR-induced melanoma and
      follicular infundibular cyst formation, and tumor-associated melanocytes
      displayed invasion into adjacent dermis, consistent with loss of invasion
      suppressing activity of NM23 in vivo. Taken together, our data show a critical
      role for NM23 isoforms in limiting mutagenesis and suppressing UVR-induced
      melanomagenesis.

PMID- 22080567
TI  - Metabolomic NMR fingerprinting to identify and predict survival of patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - Earlier detection of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) might
      improve their treatment and survival outcomes. In this study, we used proton
      nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) to profile the serum metabolome in patients
      with mCRC and determine whether a disease signature may exist that is strong
      enough to predict overall survival (OS). In 153 patients with mCRC and 139
      healthy subjects from three Danish hospitals, we profiled two independent sets of
      serum samples in a prospective phase II study. In the training set, (1)H-NMR
      metabolomic profiling could discriminate patients with mCRC from healthy subjects
      with a cross-validated accuracy of 100%. In the validation set, 96.7% of subjects
      were correctly classified. Patients from the training set with maximally
      divergent OS were chosen to construct an OS predictor. After validation, patients
      predicted to have short OS had significantly reduced survival (HR, 3.4; 95%
      confidence interval, 2.06-5.50; P = 1.33 * 10(-6)). A number of metabolites
      concurred with the (1)H-NMR fingerprint of mCRC, offering insights into mCRC
      metabolic pathways. Our findings establish that (1)H-NMR profiling of patient
      serum can provide a strong metabolomic signature of mCRC and that analysis of
      this signature may offer an independent tool to predict OS.

PMID- 22080568
TI  - Identification of genes upregulated in ALK-positive and EGFR/KRAS/ALK-negative
      lung adenocarcinomas.
AB  - Activation of the EGFR, KRAS, and ALK oncogenes defines 3 different pathways of
      molecular pathogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma. However, many tumors lack
      activation of any pathway (triple-negative lung adenocarcinomas) posing a
      challenge for prognosis and treatment. Here, we report an extensive genome-wide
      expression profiling of 226 primary human stage I-II lung adenocarcinomas that
      elucidates molecular characteristics of tumors that harbor ALK mutations or that
      lack EGFR, KRAS, and ALK mutations, that is, triple-negative adenocarcinomas. One
      hundred and seventy-four genes were selected as being upregulated specifically in
      79 lung adenocarcinomas without EGFR and KRAS mutations. Unsupervised clustering
      using a 174-gene signature, including ALK itself, classified these 2 groups of
      tumors into ALK-positive cases and 2 distinct groups of triple-negative cases
      (groups A and B). Notably, group A triple-negative cases had a worse prognosis
      for relapse and death, compared with cases with EGFR, KRAS, or ALK mutations or
      group B triple-negative cases. In ALK-positive tumors, 30 genes, including ALK
      and GRIN2A, were commonly overexpressed, whereas in group A triple-negative
      cases, 9 genes were commonly overexpressed, including a candidate
      diagnostic/therapeutic target DEPDC1, that were determined to be critical for
      predicting a worse prognosis. Our findings are important because they provide a
      molecular basis of ALK-positive lung adenocarcinomas and triple-negative lung
      adenocarcinomas and further stratify more or less aggressive subgroups of triple
      negative lung ADC, possibly helping identify patients who may gain the most
      benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection.

PMID- 22080569
TI  - Contrasting behavior of the p18INK4c and p16INK4a tumor suppressors in both
      replicative and oncogene-induced senescence.
AB  - The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, p18(INK4c) and p16(INK4a), both
      have the credentials of tumor suppressors in human cancers and mouse models. For
      p16(INK4a), the underlying rationale is its role in senescence, but the selective
      force for inactivation of p18(INK4c) in incipient cancer cells is less clear.
      Here, we show that in human fibroblasts undergoing replicative or oncogene
      induced senescence, there is a marked decline in the levels of p18(INK4c) protein
      and RNA, which mirrors the accumulation of p16(INK4a). Downregulation of INK4c is
      not dependent on p16(INK4a), and RAS can promote the loss of INK4c without cell
      cycle arrest. Downregulation of p18(INK4c) correlates with reduced expression of
      menin and E2F1 but is unaffected by acute cell-cycle arrest or inactivation of
      the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Collectively, our data question the idea that
      p18(INK4c) acts as a backup for loss of p16(INK4a) and suggest that the apparent
      activation of p18(INK4c) in some settings represents delayed senescence rather
      than increased expression. We propose that the contrasting behavior of the two
      very similar INK4 proteins could reflect their respective roles in senescence
      versus differentiation.

PMID- 22080570
TI  - Pim kinase inhibitors sensitize prostate cancer cells to apoptosis triggered by
      Bcl-2 family inhibitor ABT-737.
AB  - Pim serine/threonine kinases contribute to prostate tumorigenesis and therapeutic
      resistance, yet Pim kinase inhibitors seem to have only limited effects on
      prostate cancer cell survival. Because overexpression of Bcl-2 family members are
      implicated in chemotherapeutic resistance in prostate cancer, we investigated the
      cooperative effects of Pim kinase inhibition with ABT-737, a small molecule
      antagonist of Bcl-2 family members. Strikingly, the addition of ABT-737 to Pim
      inhibitors triggered a robust apoptosis of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in
      vivo. Pim inhibitors decreased levels of the Bcl-2 family member Mcl-1, both by
      blocking 5'-cap dependent translation and decreasing protein half life. In
      addition, Pim inhibition transcriptionally increased levels of the BH3 protein
      Noxa by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR), lead to eIF-2alpha
      phosphorylation and increased expression of CHOP. Increased levels of Noxa also
      inactivated the remaining levels of Mcl-1 protein activity. Notably, these
      specific protein changes were essential to the apoptotic process because ABT-737
      did not inhibit Mcl-1 protein activity and Mcl-1 overexpression blocked the
      apoptotic activity of ABT-737. Our results therefore suggest that this
      combination treatment could be developed as a potential therapy for human
      prostate cancer where overexpression of Pim kinases and antiapoptotic Bcl-2
      family members drives tumor cell resistance to current anticancer therapies.

PMID- 22080572
TI  - Butyrate delivered by butyrylated starch increases distal colonic epithelial
      apoptosis in carcinogen-treated rats.
AB  - Animal studies show that increasing large bowel butyrate concentration through
      ingestion of butyrylated or resistant starches opposes carcinogen-induced
      tumorigenesis, which is consistent with population data linking greater fiber
      consumption with lowered colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Butyrate has been shown to
      regulate the apoptotic response to DNA damage. This study examined the impact of
      increasing large bowel butyrate concentration by dietary butyrylated starch on
      the colonic epithelium of rats treated with the genotoxic carcinogen azoxymethane
      (AOM). Four groups of 10 male rats were fed AIN-93G based-diets containing either
      low amylose maize starch (LAMS), LAMS with 3% tributyrin, 10% high amylose maize
      starch (HAMS) or 10% butyrylated HAMS (HAMSB). HAMS and HAMSB starches were
      cooked by heating in water. After 4 weeks, rats were injected once with AOM and
      killed 6 h later. Rates of apoptosis and proliferation were measured in colonic
      epithelium. Short-chain fatty acid concentrations in large bowel digesta and
      hepatic portal venous plasma were higher in HAMSB than all other groups.
      Apoptotic rates in the distal colon were increased by HAMSB and correlated with
      luminal butyrate concentrations but cellular proliferation rates were unaffected
      by diet. The increase in apoptosis was most marked in the base and proliferative
      zone of the crypt. Regulation of luminal butyrate using HAMSB increases the rates
      of apoptotic deletion of DNA-damaged colonocytes. We propose this pro-apoptotic
      function of butyrate plays a major role reducing tumour formation in the AOM
      treated rat and that these data support a potential protective role of butyrate
      in CRC.

PMID- 22080571
TI  - The molecular basis that unifies the metabolism, cellular uptake and
      chemopreventive activities of dietary isothiocyanates.
AB  - Organic isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are characterized by the presence of an 
      N=C=S group, are among the most extensively studied cancer chemopreventive agents
      and show highly promising chemopreventive activities. Numerous studies have shown
      that ITCs can inhibit both carcinogenesis and cancer growth in a variety of
      animal models. Many cruciferous vegetables, which are commonly consumed by
      humans, are rich sources of these compounds. Of particular interest are their
      high bioavailability, their shared metabolic profile and their ability to target
      a wide array of cancer-related cellular proteins. This review is focused on
      discussing the molecular basis of these intriguing properties of ITCs, with a
      particular emphasis on the concept that cellular uptake and metabolism of ITCs
      and at least some of their major chemopreventive activities are all initiated
      through direct reaction of the carbon atom of the -N=C=S group of the ITCs with
      cysteine sulfhydryl groups of glutathione (GSH) and of proteins. This knowledge
      deepens our understanding about the biological activities of ITCs and may
      facilitate further research and development of these compounds for cancer
      prevention and treatment.

PMID- 22080573
TI  - Lignan transformation by gut bacteria lowers tumor burden in a gnotobiotic rat
      model of breast cancer.
AB  - High dietary lignan exposure is implicated in a reduced breast cancer risk in
      women. The bacterial transformation of plant lignans to enterolignans is thought
      to be essential for this effect. To provide evidence for this assumption,
      gnotobiotic rats were colonized with the lignan-converting bacteria Clostridium
      saccharogumia, Eggerthella lenta, Blautia producta and Lactonifactor
      longoviformis (LCC rats). Germ-free rats were used as the control. All animals
      were fed a lignan-rich flaxseed diet and breast cancer was induced with 7,12
      dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. The lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside was
      converted into the enterolignans enterodiol and enterolactone in the LCC but not
      in the germ-free rats. This transformation did not influence cancer incidence at
      the end of the 13 weeks experimental period but significantly decreased tumor
      numbers per tumor-bearing rat, tumor size, tumor cell proliferation and increased
      tumor cell apoptosis in LCC rats. No differences between LCC and control rats
      were observed in the expression of the genes encoding the estrogen receptors
      (ERs) alpha, ERbeta and G-coupled protein 30. The same was true for IGF-1 and
      EGFR involved in tumor growth. The activity of selected enzymes involved in the
      degradation of oxidants in plasma and liver was significantly increased in the
      LCC rats. However, plasma and liver concentrations of reduced glutathione and
      malondialdehyde, considered as oxidative stress markers, did not differ between
      the groups. In conclusion, our results show that the bacterial conversion of
      plant lignans to enterolignans beneficially influences their anticancer effects.

PMID- 22080574
TI  - The relationship between marijuana use and intimate partner violence in a
      nationally representative, longitudinal sample.
AB  - Intimate partner violence is a significant public health problem, as these
      behaviors have been associated with a number of negative health outcomes
      including illicit drug use, physical injury, chronic pain, sexually transmitted
      diseases, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The current study
      examined the association between marijuana use and intimate partner violence
      using a longitudinal survey of adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 26 years.
      Data were obtained from 9,421 adolescents in the National Longitudinal Study of
      Adolescent Health (Add Health) Waves 1 through 4 (1995-2008). Marijuana use was
      measured in the past year at each wave and participants were categorized as
      "users" or "nonusers." Partner violence was constructed using six items (three
      pertaining to victimization and three concerning perpetration) from Wave 4 (2007
      2008). Using these six items, participants were categorized as "victims only,"
      "perpetrators only," or "victims and perpetrators." Survey multinomial regression
      was used to examine the relationship between marijuana use and intimate partner
      violence. Consistent use of marijuana during adolescence was most predictive of
      intimate partner violence (OR = 2.08, p < .001). Consistent marijuana use (OR =
      1.85, p < .05) was related to an increased risk of intimate partner violence
      perpetration. Adolescent marijuana use, particularly consistent use throughout
      adolescence, is associated with perpetration or both perpetration of and
      victimization by intimate partner violence in early adulthood. These findings
      have implications for intimate partner violence prevention efforts, as marijuana
      use should be considered as a target of early intimate partner violence
      intervention and treatment programming.

PMID- 22080575
TI  - What would they do? Latino church leaders and domestic violence.
AB  - Understanding what Latino church leaders believe about domestic violence, and
      what they do when they confront it, is a key step in developing programs to help
      them engage in domestic violence prevention and intervention activities in their
      congregations. This article presents the findings from an exploratory study of 28
      Latino church leaders. The study surveyed respondents' beliefs about domestic
      violence and asked for their reactions to three domestic violence vignettes they
      might encounter. We found that study participants were willing to respond to
      cases of domestic violence in what we would define as constructive ways. However,
      some responses suggested potentially unsafe and ill-advised reactions to the
      vignettes. We discuss our study's implications for practice and suggest future
      directions for additional research.

PMID- 22080576
TI  - Translating sexual assault prevention from a college campus to a United States
      military installation: piloting the know-your-power bystander social marketing
      campaign.
AB  - One population that shares both similar and different characteristics with
      traditional college-age students is the U.S. Military. Similarities include a
      high concentration of 18- to 26-year-olds dealing with new found independence,
      peer pressure, and the presence of social norms that support violence and
      hypermasculinity. Sexual violence is a major public health problem in the United
      States, and because of the similarities in the age group of college and military
      populations, the problems regarding sexual violence in both constituencies have
      been well-documented. In the current pilot study we seek to add to both current
      knowledge about and promising practices of translating prevention strategies from
      one target audience to another. We describe how we translated, administered, and
      evaluated a bystander intervention social marketing campaign focused on sexual
      assault prevention that had been found to significantly affect attitude change on
      a college campus for a U.S. Army installation in Europe. In addition to
      demonstrating the process of translating prevention strategies across target
      audiences, findings from this pilot study contribute to the evaluation data on
      the effectiveness of sexual violence prevention strategies implemented with
      members of the U.S. Military. From our analysis, we see that research
      participants indicate that the degree to which the images resonate with them and
      the familiarity of the context (i.e., social self-identification) significantly
      effect the participants' personal responsibility for reducing sexual assault,
      confidence in acting as a bystander, and reported engagement as a bystander.

PMID- 22080577
TI  - Gender-specific risk factors for intimate partner homicide--a nationwide register
      based study.
AB  - The present study examined gender differences in intimate partner homicide (IPH)
      and offender characteristics with the focus on putative gender-specific risk
      factors in a nationwide consecutive sample of homicide offenders. Data on all
      offenders (N = 642; 91 females, 551 males) convicted of homicide and subjected to
      a forensic psychiatric examination in Finland were obtained for the years 1995
      and 2004. IPH offenders, 39 female and 106 male, were compared for risk factors
      with female and male offenders whose victims were not spouses. The forensic
      psychiatric examination reports were retrospectively analyzed, and the Hare
      Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) was rated. Significant gender differences
      were found in four risk factors: employment, intoxication of victim, self
      defense, and quarrel, mostly related to alcohol as a factor of the offense. The
      findings support the notion that female IPH is linked to defensive reactions
      resulting from prior abuse, and that IPH offenders resemble the general
      population more than offenders of other types of homicide.

PMID- 22080578
TI  - The mediating role of self-regulation between intrafamilial violence and mental
      health adjustment in incarcerated male adolescents.
AB  - This article investigates the relation between history of intrafamilial violence
      and self-regulatory capacity, cognitive processing, and mental health adjustment
      in incarcerated adolescents. Adolescents were incarcerated at the time of the
      study for various violent offenses, ranging from persistent delinquency to sexual
      assault (n = 115). A model is proposed that posits that self-regulation,
      cognitive ability, and cognitive processing are integral to the relation between
      intrafamilial violence and mental health function. The primary hypothesis of the
      study tests this mediation model. The relations between mental health, cognitive
      processing, self-regulation, and intrafamilial violence are also examined. The
      study was conducted during two sessions at a juvenile facility in the Midwest
      using survey measures, academic and intelligence testing, and cognitive tasks.
      Youth were between the ages of 13 and 20. Approximately 70% were previously
      diagnosed with a disability. Significant Pearson's correlations were found
      between seven out of eight mental health subscales of the Youth Self-Report (YSR)
      and intrafamilial violence history. Structural equation modeling was used to
      examine the role of cognitive processing in the association between intrafamilial
      violence and mental health function. Nonverbal or performance deficits, a
      significant difference between verbal skills and nonverbal skills, were related
      to intrafamilial violence. Self-regulation partially mediated the relation
      between intrafamilial violence and mental health function. Self-regulation
      ability may be compromised by intrafamilial violence and be a precursor to both
      internalizing and externalizing mental health problem in incarcerated youth.
      Educational, clinical, and research implications are discussed.

PMID- 22080579
TI  - Domestic violence during pregnancy in an eastern city of Turkey: a field study.
AB  - Violence is an increasing and important community health problem that can be seen
      in any area of human life. Limited studies were found about domestic violence
      among pregnant women and its relation with social status of women. The aim of
      this study was to determine the prevalence and types of domestic violence during
      pregnancy, factors affecting it, women's thoughts about violence, and relation
      between social status of women and domestic violence. This cross-sectional study
      was conducted on 253 pregnant women, using cluster and simple random sampling
      methods. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis methods were used to
      analyze the data. Women who indicated that they have been exposed to violence at
      some point of their lives were 24.1% and who indicated that violence continued
      while they were pregnant were 11.1%. Physical violence was the most common type
      of violence reported (18.2%). It was found that women who had primary school or
      lower level of education and who made unwanted marriage suffered from more
      violence during pregnancy. It can be said that violence against pregnant women is
      still a social problem. In societies where gender roles are dominant, decision
      makers have to take necessary steps such as supporting education of girls to
      improve social status of women, increasing awareness among women in regard to
      personal rights and legal regulations which will contribute to the solution of
      the issue.

PMID- 22080580
TI  - Service providers' reactions to intimate partner violence as a function of victim
      sexual orientation and type of abuse.
AB  - In this online vignette study, a national sample of domestic violence shelter
      service providers (N = 282) completed a 10-item questionnaire about a woman
      experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Scenarios varied in terms of couple
      sexual orientation (heterosexual or lesbian) and type of abuse (physical or
      nonphysical). Results indicate that although participants did not overtly
      discriminate against a woman in a lesbian relationship, they were less likely to
      perceive her as a victim, and their acceptance of a lesbian as a client was more
      dependent on their comfort with her than was the case for a woman in a
      heterosexual relationship. Type of abuse, as expected, had a main effect on many
      questions, with physical abuse taken more seriously than nonphysical abuse.
      Scores on the Attitudes Toward Lesbians subscale (Herek) were unrelated to
      responses. Implications for service providers are discussed.

PMID- 22080581
TI  - Poor parenting and antisocial behavior among homeless young adults: links to
      dating violence perpetration and victimization.
AB  - Though research has examined risk factors associated with street victimization
      among homeless young people, little is known about dating violence experiences
      among this group. Given homeless youths' elevated rates of child maltreatment, it
      is likely that they are at high risk for dating violence. As such, the current
      study examined the association between child maltreatment and parental warmth
      with dating violence perpetration and victimization through substance use and
      delinquency among a sample of 172 homeless males and females. Results from path
      analysis revealed that physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect were all
      significant correlates of both substance use and delinquency, whereas lack of
      parental warmth was only associated with substance use. Neglect and substance use
      had direct effects on dating violence and substance use and was found to mediate
      the relationship between physical abuse and dating violence. Finally, females,
      older youth, and non-Whites had significantly higher levels of dating violence
      compared with their counterparts.

PMID- 22080582
TI  - The effect of offenders' sex on reporting crimes to the police.
AB  - This article examines the difference in victims' reporting behavior regarding
      crimes committed by males and by females. The authors expect that victims of
      female offenders are less likely to report to the police than victims of male
      offenders because of differences in the victim-offender relationship as well as
      in the victim's sex. With recent developments in Bayesian statistics, new tools
      have become available that enable the direct evaluation of researchers'
      expectations. All cases of robbery with assault from the National Crime
      Victimization Survey have been investigated (n = 478). Findings reveal that
      female offenders are underreported compared with male offenders and that this can
      be explained by the victim characteristics but only in combination with the
      offender's sex.

PMID- 22080583
TI  - Predictors of sexual aggression among male juvenile offenders.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to conduct a longitudinal examination of predictors
      of sexual aggression among male juvenile offenders. Four hundred and four
      adolescent males between the ages of 14 and 17 years were recruited from juvenile
      probation offices to take part in a prospective study of substance use and sexual
      risk. At baseline, participants completed a series of questionnaires that
      assessed putative risk factors for sexual aggression. They then completed a
      measure of sexual aggression at the 6-month follow-up period. Correlational
      analyses revealed that participants who reported hard drug use, more frequent
      alcohol and marijuana use, and less severe offenses reported engaging in more
      severe sexual aggression. In addition, participants who reported higher
      impulsivity, sensation seeking, and externalizing behaviors also reported
      participating in more severe sexual aggression. When these variables were
      included in a regression analysis, only externalizing behaviors and severity of
      offense uniquely predicted severity of sexual aggression at the 6-month follow
      up.

PMID- 22080584
TI  - Individual and contextual factors associated to smoking on school premises.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite regulations, tobacco consumption in schools is still very
      common. The objective was to evaluate the relationship of personal, family, and
      school-level contextual factors with smoking on school premises. METHODS: A
      representative survey was undertaken of students in the 4th year of secondary
      education in the Madrid region (Spain), including 79 schools and 3,622
      individuals. The student questionnaire gathered information about personal and
      family variables. The contextual factors were type of school, perception of
      compliance with the law, smoking policy, existence of complaints against smoking,
      and undertaking of educational activities regarding smoking. Analysis was carried
      out in the smoking population (n = 1,179) using multilevel logistic regression
      models. RESULTS: During the last 30 days, 50.6% of smokers had smoked on school
      premises. Having a father with a university education (in comparison with fathers
      who have not attained any educational level) reduces this probability (odds ratio
      [OR]: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19-0.96), whereas smoking a larger number of cigarettes (p
      < .001), illicit drug consumption (p < .001), and low academic achievement (p =
      .052) increases it. The probability is reduced when there is no parental
      permission to smoke (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.43-1.01) and is lower both in
      nonsubsidized private schools (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12-0.67) and in state
      subsidized private schools (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.09-0.34) than in public schools.
      CONCLUSIONS: A very low level of educational attainment by the father, smoking a
      higher number of cigarettes, as well as illicit drug consumption, low academic
      achievement, having parental permission to smoke, and attending public schools
      are all related to a higher probability of smoking on school premises.

PMID- 22080585
TI  - Portrayal of smokeless tobacco in YouTube videos.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Videos of smokeless tobacco (ST) on YouTube are abundant and easily
      accessible, yet no studies have examined the content of ST videos. This study
      assesses the overall portrayal, genre, and messages of ST YouTube videos.
      METHODS: In August 2010, researchers identified the top 20 search results on
      YouTube by "relevance" and "view count" for the following search terms: "ST,"
      "chewing tobacco," "snus," and "Skoal." After eliminating videos that were not
      about ST (n = 26), non-English (n = 14), or duplicate (n = 42), a final sample of
      78 unique videos was coded for overall portrayal, genre, and various content
      measures. RESULTS: Among the 78 unique videos, 15.4% were anti-ST, while 74.4%
      were pro-ST. Researchers were unable to determine the portrayal of ST in the
      remaining 10.3% of videos because they involved excessive or "sensationalized"
      use of the ST, which could be interpreted either positively or negatively,
      depending on the viewer. The most common ST genre was positive video diaries (or
      "vlogs"), which made up almost one third of the videos (29.5%), followed by
      promotional advertisements (20.5%) and anti-ST public service announcements
      (12.8%). While YouTube is intended for user-generated content, 23.1% of the
      videos were created by professional organizations. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrate that ST videos on YouTube are overwhelmingly pro-ST. More research is
      needed to determine who is viewing these ST YouTube videos and how they may
      affect people's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding ST use.

PMID- 22080586
TI  - Smokeless tobacco advertising at the point of sale: prevalence, placement, and
      demographic correlates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to describe the prevalence, in-store location, and
      neighborhood predictors of point-of-sale smokeless tobacco advertising. METHODS:
      In 2007, we conducted assessments of smokeless tobacco advertising at the point
      of sale in 484 establishments, which held tobacco licenses and sold tobacco
      products in a Midwest metropolitan area. Associations between store
      characteristics, neighborhood characteristics (based on U.S. 2000 census block
      groups), and smokeless tobacco advertising were calculated. RESULTS:
      Advertisements for smokeless tobacco were found in 21% (n = 103) of stores.
      Approximately, 12% (n = 58) of stores had ads within 6 feet of the counter, 3% (n
      = 14) had ads less than 3 feet from the ground, and 2% (n = 9) had advertisement
      less than 1 foot from candy or snacks. The racial/ethnic composition and number
      of households on public assistance within the block group in which a store was
      situated were related to the amount of smokeless advertising in stores. For
      instance, having a higher proportion of the population identifying as White was
      associated with more advertising. Gas stations/convenience stores had more
      advertising than any other store types. Chain stores had double the amount of
      advertising as independent stores (p < .05) even after adjustment for other
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: Smokeless tobacco advertising is not uncommon even in an
      urban metropolitan community. These products are being advertised in a way that
      youth, especially those living in neighborhoods with certain demographic
      characteristics, can encounter. With Food and Drug Administration regulation,
      there are new opportunities to regulate advertising at the point of sale.

PMID- 22080587
TI  - Suicidal behavior, smoking, and familial vulnerability.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a well-established correlate of suicidal behavior. It is
      not known if familial risk factors contribute to this association. METHODS: Data
      were obtained via semistructured interviews with 1,107 twin fathers, 1,919
      offspring between ages 12-32 years, and 1,023 mothers. Familial vulnerability to
      nicotine dependence and suicidal behavior was modeled via father and maternal
      self-report of these behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression models were
      computed with and without familial risk factors to estimate the association
      between offspring ever smoking, regular smoking, nicotine dependence, and a 4
      level offspring suicide variable: (a) none, (b) ideation, (c) ideation + plan,
      and (d) ideation + plan + attempt or ideation + attempt. All models were
      stratified by gender and adjusted for sociodemographics, familial risk factors
      including parental suicidal behavior, nicotine dependence, and conduct disorder,
      and offspring conduct disorder, depression, alcohol abuse/dependence, and illicit
      drug abuse/dependence. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates and familial risk
      factors, ever smoking was not significantly associated with suicidal behavior in
      males and females. In males, regular smoking was associated with ideation + plan
      (odds ratio [OR] = 5.47; 95% CI: 1.05-28.60), and in females, regular smoking was
      associated with ideation + plan + attempt or ideation + attempt. In both genders,
      nicotine-dependent smoking was associated with ideation + plan + attempt or
      ideation + attempt (males: OR = 6.59; 95% CI: 1.91-22.70, females: OR = 3.37; 95%
      CI: 1.25-9.04). Comparison of models with and without familial risk factors
      indicated that there is no mediation of smoking status and suicidal behavior by
      familial risk. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and nicotine dependence are correlated with
      suicidal behaviour. Contributions from familial risk factors did not
      significantly alter this association.

PMID- 22080588
TI  - A randomized placebo-controlled trial of varenicline for smoking cessation
      allowing flexible quit dates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current smoking cessation guidelines recommend setting a quit date
      prior to starting pharmacotherapy. However, providing flexibility in the date of
      quitting may be more acceptable to some smokers. The objective of this study was
      to compare varenicline 1 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) with placebo in subjects using a
      flexible quit date paradigm after starting medication. METHODS: In this double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled international study, smokers of >=10
      cigarettes/day, aged 18-75 years, and who were motivated to quit were randomized
      (3:1) to receive varenicline 1 mg b.i.d. or placebo for 12 weeks. Subjects were
      followed up through Week 24. Subjects were instructed to quit between Days 8 and
      35 after starting medication. The primary endpoint was carbon monoxide-confirmed
      continuous abstinence during Weeks 9-12, and a key secondary endpoint was
      continuous abstinence during Weeks 9-24. RESULTS: Overall, 493 subjects were
      randomized to varenicline and 166 to placebo. Continuous abstinence was higher
      for varenicline than for placebo subjects at the end of treatment (Weeks 9-12:
      53.1% vs. 19.3%; odds ratio [OR] 5.9; 95% CI, 3.7-9.4; p < .0001) and through 24
      weeks follow-up (Weeks 9-24: 34.7% vs. 12.7%; OR 4.4; 95% CI, 2.6-7.5; p <
      .0001). Serious adverse events occurred in 1.2% varenicline (none were
      psychiatric) and 0.6% placebo subjects. Fewer varenicline than placebo subjects
      reported depression-related adverse events (2.3% vs. 6.7%, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Varenicline 1 mg b.i.d. using a flexible quit date paradigm had
      similar efficacy and safety compared with previous fixed quit date studies.

PMID- 22080589
TI  - Pulmonary oxidative stress is induced by maximal exercise in young cigarette
      smokers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is induced by both cigarette smoking and acute
      exercise. It has also been reported that exercise can induce plasma oxidative
      stress in young cigarette smokers. However, no previous report has demonstrated
      that exercise induces pulmonary oxidative stress in cigarette smokers. The aim of
      this study was to determine whether pulmonary oxidative stress is induced by
      maximal exercise in cigarette smokers as measured by reactive oxygen species
      generation and total antioxidant content. METHODS: Fifteen male smokers (mean
      age: 25.9 +/- 2.9 years) and 18 male nonsmokers (mean age: 24.2 +/- 4.3 years)
      participated in this study. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) concentration and
      biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) were
      measured at baseline and after maximal exercise in the Wingate anaerobic test.
      RESULTS: A significant interaction of group by time was observed for EBC H2O2
      concentration (p = .015). After exercise, EBC H(2)O(2) concentrations were
      significantly increased in the smoking group (p = .030) but not in the nonsmoking
      group. There were no significant changes in EBC BAP in either group. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings indicate that in cigarette smokers, maximal exercise induces
      pulmonary oxidative stress, which may lead to oxidative damage in the lungs.

PMID- 22080590
TI  - Emergency management of chemical weapons injuries.
AB  - The potential for chemical weapons to be used in terrorism is a real possibility.
      Classes of chemical weapons include nerve agents, vesicants (blister agents),
      choking agents, incapacitating agents, riot control agents, blood agents, and
      toxic industrial chemicals. The nerve agents work by blocking the actions of
      acetylcholinesterase leading to a cholinergic syndrome. Nerve agents include
      sarin, tabun, VX, cyclosarin, and soman. The vesicants include sulfur mustard and
      lewisite. The vesicants produce blisters and also damage the upper airways.
      Choking agents include phosgene and chlorine gas. Choking agents cause pulmonary
      edema. Incapacitating agents include fentanyl and its derivatives and adamsite.
      Riot control agents include Mace and pepper spray. Blood agents include cyanide.
      The mechanism of toxicity for cyanide is blocking oxidative phosphorylation.
      Toxic industrial chemicals include agents such as formaldehyde, hydrofluoric
      acid, and ammonia.

PMID- 22080591
TI  - Arabidopsis family GT43 members are xylan xylosyltransferases required for the
      elongation of the xylan backbone.
AB  - Xylan is the second most abundant polysaccharide in plant biomass targeted for
      biofuel production. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the biochemical
      mechanism underlying xylan biosynthesis. Although previous genetic studies have
      identified several genes implicated in xylan biosynthesis, biochemical proof of
      any of their encoded proteins as a xylan xylosyltransferase (XylT) responsible
      for xylan backbone biosynthesis is still lacking. In this study, we investigated
      the enzymatic activities of two Arabidopsis thaliana GT43 members, IRX9
      (Irregular Xylem9) and IRX14, which have been genetically shown to be non
      redundantly involved in the elongation of the xylan backbone. IRX9 and IRX14,
      alone or simultaneously, were heterologously expressed in tobacco BY2 cells, and
      microsomes isolated from the transgenic BY2 cells were tested for XylT activity
      using xylotetraose (Xyl(4)) as an acceptor and UDP-[(14)C]xylose as a donor. It
      was found that although microsomes with expression of IRX9 or IRX14 alone
      exhibited little incorporation of radiolabeled xylose, a high level of
      incorporation of radiolabeled xylose onto Xyl(4) was conferred by microsomes with
      co-expression of IRX9 and IRX14. Further analysis using fluorescent anthranilic
      acid-labeled xylotetraose (Xyl(4)-AA) as an acceptor revealed that up to five
      beta-(1,4)-linked xylosyl residues were able to be transferred onto Xyl(4)-AA by
      microsomes with co-expression of IRX9 and IRX14. Furthermore, it was shown that
      xylooligomers ranging from Xyl(3)-AA to Xyl(6)-AA could all be used as acceptors
      for the xylosyl transfer by microsomes with co-expression of IRX9 and IRX14.
      Together, these findings provide the first biochemical evidence that IRX9 and
      IRX14 are xylosyltransferases that operate cooperatively in the elongation of the
      xylan backbone.

PMID- 22080592
TI  - Acute pain associated with oxaliplatin infusion: case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Both acute and chronic neurotoxicities are well-described with the use of
      oxaliplatin. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man with Dukes C colon
      carcinoma being treated with an adjuvant FOLFOX4 (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and
      oxaliplatin (85 mg/m(2) per cycle)) who developed a widespread acute pain 5 min
      after commencing his twelfth cycle of chemotherapy. The pain was disabling and
      distressing, and remained for 16 h despite multimodality analgesia. The patient
      was not rechallenged with oxaliplatin. We believe this presentation represents an
      acute neurological phenomenon relating to oxaliplatin. Of note, this acute
      reaction occurred after 11 cycles of treatment, significantly later in the
      treatment course than other reports of atypical acute reactions.

PMID- 22080593
TI  - Simulation of unilateral equinus using an adjustable orthosis in children:
      design, feasibility and biomechanical effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: In order to increase understanding of the biomechanical
      consequences of equinus foot on gait, we developed an orthosis to induce an
      adjustable degree of unilateral equinus. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      its feasibility and consequences on 3D ankle kinematics and kinetics. TECHNIQUE:
      3D gait analysis was carried out in 10 healthy children without the orthosis,
      with the non-adjusted orthosis and with the orthosis adjusted to +10 degrees , 0
      degrees , -10 degrees , -20 degrees  of ankle dorsiflexion and maximum
      plantarflexion (MP). The amount of dorsiflexion at initial contact was close to
      the goniometric measurement. Significant kinematic and kinetic changes occurred
      at -10 degrees , -20 degrees  and MP. The mean maximum equinus at initial contact
      -21.65 degrees  +/- 4.17 and during stance -11.61 degrees  +/- 4.82 were larger
      than those obtained with previous described devices. DISCUSSION: Our device was
      easy-to-use and induced an adjustable, well tolerated equinus. It provides a new
      way to simulate equinus and its biomechanical consequences on gait.

PMID- 22080594
TI  - The cardioprotective effects of parathyroid hormone are independent of endogenous
      granulocyte-colony stimulating factor release.
AB  - AIMS: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration after myocardial infarction (MI)
      is known to attenuate ischaemic cardiomyopathy. This effect mainly resulted from
      an increase in mobilization and homing of CD34+/CD45+ cells into the ischaemic
      myocardium. PTH-related stem cell mobilization was shown to be related to
      endogenous granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) release. The aim of our
      study is to determine the role of G-CSF on the cardioprotective effects of PTH.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: G-CSF +/+ (C57BL/6) and G-CSF -/- mice were treated with PTH
      for 6 days after inducing a MI. The myocardial homing factor stromal cell-derived
      factor-1 (SDF-1) was analysed on day 2 with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Stem cell populations in peripheral blood and hearts were examined by FACS on
      days 6 and 2, respectively. Cardiac function and immunohistochemistry were
      investigated on day 6 and day 30. PTH treatment resulted in a significant
      increase in CD45+/CD34+ cells in peripheral blood in G-CSF +/+ but not in G-CSF 
      /- mice. However, a significant increase in SDF-1 and enhanced migration of
      CD45+/CD34+ cells into the ischaemic myocardium was revealed after PTH
      administration in both G-CSF +/+ and G-CSF -/- mice. Enhanced stem cell homing
      was associated with improved cardiac function and post-MI survival after PTH
      treatment. Furthermore, infarct size, wall thickness, and neovascularization
      showed a significant improvement in both groups 30 days after MI. CONCLUSION: The
      cardioprotective effects of PTH were shown to be independent of endogenous G-CSF
      release and therefore from stem cell mobilization. This puts more emphasis on the
      role of stem cell homing into ischaemic myocardium.

PMID- 22080595
TI  - Bayesian inference for an illness-death model for stroke with cognition as a
      latent time-dependent risk factor.
AB  - Longitudinal data can be used to estimate the transition intensities between
      healthy and unhealthy states prior to death. An illness-death model for history
      of stroke is presented, where time-dependent transition intensities are regressed
      on a latent variable representing cognitive function. The change of this function
      over time is described by a linear growth model with random effects. Occasion
      specific cognitive function is measured by an item response model for
      longitudinal scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, a questionnaire used to
      screen for cognitive impairment. The illness-death model will be used to identify
      and to explore the relationship between occasion-specific cognitive function and
      stroke. Combining a multi-state model with the latent growth model defines a
      joint model which extends current statistical inference regarding disease
      progression and cognitive function. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are used for
      Bayesian inference. Data stem from the Medical Research Council Cognitive
      Function and Ageing Study in the UK (1991-2005). 

PMID- 22080596
TI  - Regulation of compound leaf development in Medicago truncatula by fused compound
      leaf1, a class M KNOX gene.
AB  - Medicago truncatula is a legume species belonging to the inverted repeat lacking
      clade (IRLC) with trifoliolate compound leaves. However, the regulatory
      mechanisms underlying development of trifoliolate leaves in legumes remain
      largely unknown. Here, we report isolation and characterization of fused compound
      leaf1 (fcl1) mutants of M. truncatula. Phenotypic analysis suggests that FCL1
      plays a positive role in boundary separation and proximal-distal axis development
      of compound leaves. Map-based cloning indicates that FCL1 encodes a class M KNOX
      protein that harbors the MEINOX domain but lacks the homeodomain. Yeast two
      hybrid assays show that FCL1 interacts with a subset of Arabidopsis thaliana BEL1
      like proteins with slightly different substrate specificities from the
      Arabidopsis homolog KNATM-B. Double mutant analyses with M. truncatula single
      leaflet1 (sgl1) and palmate-like pentafoliata1 (palm1) leaf mutants show that
      fcl1 is epistatic to palm1 and sgl1 is epistatic to fcl1 in terms of leaf
      complexity and that SGL1 and FCL1 act additively and are required for petiole
      development. Previous studies have shown that the canonical KNOX proteins are not
      involved in compound leaf development in IRLC legumes. The identification of FCL1
      supports the role of a truncated KNOX protein in compound leaf development in M.
      truncatula.

PMID- 22080598
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of Arabidopsis LEAFY COTYLEDON2 involves RLE, a cis
      element that regulates trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine-27.
AB  - LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2) is a master regulator of seed development in Arabidopsis
      thaliana. In vegetative organs, LEC2 expression is negatively regulated by
      Polycomb Repressive Complex2 (PRC2) that catalyzes histone H3 Lys 27
      trimethylation (H3K27me3) and plays a crucial role in developmental phase
      transitions. To characterize the cis-regulatory elements involved in the
      transcriptional regulation of LEC2, molecular dissections and functional analyses
      of the promoter region were performed in vitro, both in yeast and in planta. Two
      cis-activating elements and a cis-repressing element (RLE) that is required for
      H3K27me3 marking were characterized. Remarkably, insertion of the RLE cis-element
      into pF3H, an unrelated promoter, is sufficient for repressing its
      transcriptional activity in different tissues. Besides improving our
      understanding of LEC2 regulation, this study provides important new insights into
      the mechanisms underlying H3K27me3 deposition and PRC2 recruitment at a specific
      locus in plants.

PMID- 22080597
TI  - Euchromatic subdomains in rice centromeres are associated with genes and
      transcription.
AB  - The presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENH3, defines
      centromeric (CEN) chromatin, but poorly understood epigenetic mechanisms
      determine its establishment and maintenance. CEN chromatin is embedded within
      pericentromeric heterochromatin in most higher eukaryotes, but, interestingly, it
      can show euchromatic characteristics; for example, the euchromatic histone
      modification mark dimethylated H3 Lys 4 (H3K4me2) is uniquely associated with
      animal centromeres. To examine the histone marks and chromatin properties of
      plant centromeres, we developed a genomic tiling array for four fully sequenced
      rice (Oryza sativa) centromeres and used chromatin immunoprecipitation-chip to
      study the patterns of four euchromatic histone modification marks: H3K4me2,
      trimethylated H3 Lys 4, trimethylated H3 Lys 36, and acetylated H3 Lys 4, 9. The
      vast majority of the four histone marks were associated with genes located in the
      H3 subdomains within the centromere cores. We demonstrate that H3K4me2 is not a
      ubiquitous component of rice CEN chromatin, and the euchromatic characteristics
      of rice CEN chromatin are hallmarks of the transcribed sequences embedded in the
      centromeric H3 subdomains. We propose that the transcribed sequences located in
      rice centromeres may provide a barrier preventing loading of CENH3 into the H3
      subdomains. The separation of CENH3 and H3 subdomains in the centromere core may
      be favorable for the formation of three-dimensional centromere structure and for
      rice centromere function.

PMID- 22080599
TI  - The Arabidopsis glucosyltransferase UGT76B1 conjugates isoleucic acid and
      modulates plant defense and senescence.
AB  - Plants coordinate and tightly regulate pathogen defense by the mostly
      antagonistic salicylate (SA)- and jasmonate (JA)-mediated signaling pathways.
      Here, we show that the previously uncharacterized glucosyltransferase UGT76B1 is
      a novel player in this SA-JA signaling crosstalk. UGT76B1 was selected as the top
      stress-induced isoform among all 122 members of the Arabidopsis thaliana UGT
      family. Loss of UGT76B1 function leads to enhanced resistance to the biotrophic
      pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and accelerated senescence but increased
      susceptibility toward necrotrophic Alternaria brassicicola. This is accompanied
      by constitutively elevated SA levels and SA-related marker gene expression,
      whereas JA-dependent markers are repressed. Conversely, UGT76B1 overexpression
      has the opposite effect. Thus, UGT76B1 attenuates SA-dependent plant defense in
      the absence of infection, promotes the JA response, and delays senescence. The
      ugt76b1 phenotypes were SA dependent, whereas UGT76B1 overexpression indicated
      that this gene possibly also has a direct effect on the JA pathway. Nontargeted
      metabolomic analysis of UGT76B1 knockout and overexpression lines using ultra
      high-resolution mass spectrometry and activity assays with the recombinant enzyme
      led to the ab initio identification of isoleucic acid (2-hydroxy-3-methyl
      pentanoic acid) as a substrate of UGT76B1. Exogenously applied isoleucic acid
      increased resistance against P. syringae infection. These findings indicate a
      novel link between amino acid-related molecules and plant defense that is
      mediated by small-molecule glucosylation.

PMID- 22080600
TI  - AXY8 encodes an alpha-fucosidase, underscoring the importance of apoplastic
      metabolism on the fine structure of Arabidopsis cell wall polysaccharides.
AB  - An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant with an altered structure of its hemicellulose
      xyloglucan (XyG; axy-8) identified by a forward genetic screen facilitating
      oligosaccharide mass profiling was characterized. axy8 exhibits increased XyG
      fucosylation and the occurrence of XyG fragments not present in the wild-type
      plant. AXY8 was identified to encode an alpha-fucosidase acting on XyG that was
      previously designated FUC95A. Green fluorescent protein fusion localization
      studies and analysis of nascent XyG in microsomal preparations demonstrated that
      this glycosylhydrolase acts mainly on XyG in the apoplast. Detailed structural
      analysis of XyG in axy8 gave unique insights into the role of the fucosidase in
      XyG metabolism in vivo. The genetic evidence indicates that the activity of
      glycosylhydrolases in the apoplast plays a major role in generating the
      heterogeneity of XyG side chains in the wall. Furthermore, without the dominant
      apoplastic glycosylhydrolases, the XyG structure in the wall is mainly composed
      of XXXG and XXFG subunits.

PMID- 22080601
TI  - Overlapping photoprotective function of vitamin E and carotenoids in
      Chlamydomonas.
AB  - Tocopherols (vitamin E) and carotenoids are the two most abundant groups of lipid
      soluble antioxidants in the chloroplast. Carotenoids are well known for their
      roles in protecting against photooxidative stress, whereas the photoprotective
      functions of tocopherols have only recently been examined experimentally. In
      addition, little is known about the functional overlap of carotenoids and
      tocopherols in vivo. To investigate this possible overlap, Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii strains were engineered to overproduce tocopherols by chloroplast
      transformation with non-codon-optimized and codon-optimized versions of the
      homogentisate phytyltransferase vitamin E2 (VTE2) from Synechocystis and by
      nuclear transformation with VTE2 from C. reinhardtii, which resulted in 1.6-fold,
      5-fold to 10-fold, and more than 10-fold increases in total tocopherol content,
      respectively. To test if tocopherol overproduction can compensate for carotenoid
      deficiency in terms of antioxidant function, the nuclear VTE2 gene from C.
      reinhardtii was overexpressed in the npq1 lor1 double mutant, which lacks
      zeaxanthin and lutein. Following transfer to high light, the npq1 lor1 strains
      that overaccumulated tocopherols showed increased resistance for up to 2 d and
      higher efficiency of photosystem II, and they were also much more resistant to
      other oxidative stresses. These results suggest an overlapping functions of
      tocopherols and carotenoids in protection against photooxidative stress.

PMID- 22080602
TI  - Repression of sucrose/ultraviolet B light-induced flavonoid accumulation in
      microbe-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Recognition of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) leads to the
      generation of MAMP-triggered immunity (MTI), which restricts the invasion and
      propagation of potentially infectious microbes. It has been described that the
      perception of different bacterial and fungal MAMPs causes the repression of
      flavonoid induction upon light stress or sucrose application. However, the
      functional significance of this MTI-associated signaling output remains unknown.
      In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), FLAGELLIN-SENSING2 (FLS2) and EF-TU
      RECEPTOR act as the pattern recognition receptors for the bacterial MAMP epitopes
      flg22 (of flagellin) and elf18 (of elongation factor [EF]-Tu), respectively.
      Here, we reveal that reactive oxygen species spiking and callose deposition are
      dispensable for the repression of flavonoid accumulation by both pattern
      recognition receptors. Importantly, FLS2-triggered activation of PATHOGENESIS
      RELATED (PR) genes and bacterial basal defenses are enhanced in transparent
      testa4 plants that are devoid of flavonoids, providing evidence for a functional
      contribution of flavonoid repression to MTI. Moreover, we identify nine small
      molecules, of which eight are structurally unrelated, that derepress flavonoid
      accumulation in the presence of flg22. These compounds allowed us to dissect the
      FLS2 pathway. Remarkably, one of the identified compounds uncouples flavonoid
      repression and PR gene activation from the activation of reactive oxygen species,
      mitogen-activated protein kinases, and callose deposition, corroborating a close
      link between the former two outputs. Together, our data imply a model in which
      MAMP-induced repression of flavonoid accumulation serves a role in removing the
      inherent inhibitory action of flavonoids on an MTI signaling branch.

PMID- 22080604
TI  - Arginine residues at internal positions in a protein are always charged.
AB  - Many functionally essential ionizable groups are buried in the hydrophobic
      interior of proteins. A systematic study of Lys, Asp, and Glu residues at 25
      internal positions in staphylococcal nuclease showed that their pK(a) values can
      be highly anomalous, some shifted by as many as 5.7 pH units relative to normal
      pK(a) values in water. Here we show that, in contrast, Arg residues at the same
      internal positions exhibit no detectable shifts in pK(a); they are all charged at
      pH <= 10. Twenty-three of these 25 variants with Arg are folded at both pH 7 and
      10. The mean decrease in thermodynamic stability from substitution with Arg was
      6.2 kcal/mol at this pH, comparable to that for substitution with Lys, Asp, or
      Glu at pH 7. The physical basis behind the remarkable ability of Arg residues to
      remain protonated in environments otherwise incompatible with charges is
      suggested by crystal structures of three variants showing how the guanidinium
      moiety of the Arg side chain is effectively neutralized through multiple hydrogen
      bonds to protein polar atoms and to site-bound water molecules. The length of the
      Arg side chain, and slight deformations of the protein, facilitate placement of
      the guanidinium moieties near polar groups or bulk water. This unique capacity of
      Arg side chains to retain their charge in dehydrated environments likely
      contributes toward the important functional roles of internal Arg residues in
      situations where a charge is needed in the interior of a protein, in a lipid
      bilayer, or in similarly hydrophobic environments.

PMID- 22080603
TI  - Potato snakin-1 gene silencing affects cell division, primary metabolism, and
      cell wall composition.
AB  - Snakin-1 (SN1) is an antimicrobial cysteine-rich peptide isolated from potato
      (Solanum tuberosum) that was classified as a member of the Snakin/Gibberellic
      Acid Stimulated in Arabidopsis protein family. In this work, a transgenic
      approach was used to study the role of SN1 in planta. Even when overexpressing
      SN1, potato lines did not show remarkable morphological differences from the wild
      type; SN1 silencing resulted in reduced height, which was accompanied by an
      overall reduction in leaf size and severe alterations of leaf shape. Analysis of
      the adaxial epidermis of mature leaves revealed that silenced lines had 70% to
      90% increases in mean cell size with respect to wild-type leaves. Consequently,
      the number of epidermal cells was significantly reduced in these lines. Confocal
      microscopy analysis after agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves showed
      that SN1-green fluorescent protein fusion protein was localized in plasma
      membrane, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that SN1
      self-interacted in vivo. We further focused our study on leaf metabolism by
      applying a combination of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry,
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and spectrophotometric techniques. These
      targeted analyses allowed a detailed examination of the changes occurring in 46
      intermediate compounds from primary metabolic pathways and in seven cell wall
      constituents. We demonstrated that SN1 silencing affects cell division, leaf
      primary metabolism, and cell wall composition in potato plants, suggesting that
      SN1 has additional roles in growth and development beyond its previously assigned
      role in plant defense.

PMID- 22080605
TI  - beta-catenin/TCF4 complex induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      activator ZEB1 to regulate tumor invasiveness.
AB  - In most carcinomas, invasion of malignant cells into surrounding tissues involves
      their molecular reprogramming as part of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT). Mutation of the APC gene in most colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) contributes
      to the nuclear translocation of the oncoprotein beta-catenin that upon binding to
      T-cell and lymphoid enhancer (TCF-LEF) factors triggers an EMT and a proinvasive
      gene expression profile. A key inducer of EMT is the ZEB1 transcription factor
      whose expression promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in carcinomas. As
      inhibitor of the epithelial phenotype, ZEB1 is never present in the epithelium of
      normal colon or the tumor center of CRCs where beta-catenin remains membranous.
      We show here that ZEB1 is expressed by epithelial cells in intestinal tumors from
      human patients (familial adenomatous polyposis) and mouse models (APC(Min/+))
      with germline mutations of APC that result in nuclear accumulation of beta
      catenin. However, ZEB1 is not expressed in the epithelium of hereditary forms of
      CRCs that carry wild-type APC and where beta-catenin is excluded from the nucleus
      (Lynch syndrome). We found that beta-catenin/TCF4 binds directly to the ZEB1
      promoter and activates its transcription. Knockdown of beta-catenin and TCF4 in
      APC-mutated CRC cells inhibited endogenous ZEB1, whereas forced translocation of
      beta-catenin to the nucleus in APC-wild-type CRC cells induced de novo expression
      of ZEB1. Upregulation of MT1-MMP and LAMC2 by beta-catenin/TCF4 has been linked
      to invasiveness in CRCs, and we show here that both proteins are activated by
      ZEB1 coexpressing with it in primary colorectal tumors with mutated APC. These
      results set ZEB1 as an effector of beta-catenin/TCF4 signaling in EMT and tumor
      progression.

PMID- 22080606
TI  - Excited states of ribosome translocation revealed through integrative molecular
      modeling.
AB  - The dynamic nature of biomolecules leads to significant challenges when
      characterizing the structural properties associated with function. While X-ray
      crystallography and imaging techniques (such as cryo-electron microscopy) can
      reveal the structural details of stable molecular complexes, strategies must be
      developed to characterize configurations that exhibit only marginal stability
      (such as intermediates) or configurations that do not correspond to minima on the
      energy landscape (such as transition-state ensembles). Here, we present a
      methodology (MDfit) that utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to generate
      configurations of excited states that are consistent with available biophysical
      and biochemical measurements. To demonstrate the approach, we present a sequence
      of configurations that are suggested to be associated with transfer RNA (tRNA)
      movement through the ribosome (translocation). The models were constructed by
      combining information from X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and
      biochemical data. These models provide a structural framework for translocation
      that may be further investigated experimentally and theoretically to determine
      the precise energetic character of each configuration and the transition dynamics
      between them.

PMID- 22080608
TI  - A triplet spike-timing-dependent plasticity model generalizes the Bienenstock
      Cooper-Munro rule to higher-order spatiotemporal correlations.
AB  - Synaptic strength depresses for low and potentiates for high activation of the
      postsynaptic neuron. This feature is a key property of the Bienenstock-Cooper
      Munro (BCM) synaptic learning rule, which has been shown to maximize the
      selectivity of the postsynaptic neuron, and thereby offers a possible explanation
      for experience-dependent cortical plasticity such as orientation selectivity.
      However, the BCM framework is rate-based and a significant amount of recent work
      has shown that synaptic plasticity also depends on the precise timing of
      presynaptic and postsynaptic spikes. Here we consider a triplet model of spike
      timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) that depends on the interactions of three
      precisely timed spikes. Triplet STDP has been shown to describe plasticity
      experiments that the classical STDP rule, based on pairs of spikes, has failed to
      capture. In the case of rate-based patterns, we show a tight correspondence
      between the triplet STDP rule and the BCM rule. We analytically demonstrate the
      selectivity property of the triplet STDP rule for orthogonal inputs and perform
      numerical simulations for nonorthogonal inputs. Moreover, in contrast to BCM, we
      show that triplet STDP can also induce selectivity for input patterns consisting
      of higher-order spatiotemporal correlations, which exist in natural stimuli and
      have been measured in the brain. We show that this sensitivity to higher-order
      correlations can be used to develop direction and speed selectivity.

PMID- 22080607
TI  - Dendritic SNAREs add a new twist to the old neuron theory.
AB  - Dendritic exocytosis underpins a broad range of integrative and homeostatic
      synaptic functions. Emerging data highlight the essential role of SNAREs in
      trafficking and fusion of secretory organelles with release of peptides and
      neurotransmitters from dendrites. This Perspective analyzes recent evidence
      inferring axo-dendritic polarization of vesicular release machinery and pinpoints
      progress made with existing challenges in this rapidly progressing field of
      dendritic research. Interpreting the relation of new molecular data to
      physiological results on secretion from dendrites would greatly advance our
      understanding of this facet of neuronal mechanisms.

PMID- 22080609
TI  - Profile of Tak Wah Mak.

PMID- 22080610
TI  - Decrease in topoisomerase I is responsible for activation-induced cytidine
      deaminase (AID)-dependent somatic hypermutation.
AB  - Somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class-switch recombination (CSR) of the Ig gene
      require both the transcription of the locus and the expression of activation
      induced cytidine deaminase (AID). During CSR, AID decreases the amount of
      topoisomerase I (Top1); this decrease alters the DNA structure and induces
      cleavage in the S region. Similarly, Top1 is involved in transcription-associated
      mutation at dinucleotide repeats in yeast and in triplet-repeat contraction in
      mammals. Here, we report that the AID-induced decrease in Top1 is critical for
      SHM. Top1 knockdown or haploinsufficiency enhanced SHM, whereas Top1
      overexpression down-regulated it. A specific Top1 inhibitor, camptothecin,
      suppressed SHM, indicating that Top1's activity is required for DNA cleavage.
      Nonetheless, suppression of transcription abolished SHM, even in cells with Top1
      knockdown, suggesting that transcription is critical. These results are
      consistent with a model proposed for CSR and triplet instability, in which
      transcription-induced non-B structure formation is enhanced by Top1 reduction and
      provides the target for irreversible cleavage by Top1. We speculate that the
      mechanism for transcription-coupled genome instability was adopted to generate
      immune diversity when AID evolved.

PMID- 22080611
TI  - Protein kinase Ypk1 phosphorylates regulatory proteins Orm1 and Orm2 to control
      sphingolipid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The Orm family proteins are conserved integral membrane proteins of the
      endoplasmic reticulum that are key homeostatic regulators of sphingolipid
      biosynthesis. Orm proteins bind to and inhibit serine:palmitoyl-coenzyme A
      transferase, the first enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis. In Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, Orm1 and Orm2 are inactivated by phosphorylation in response to
      compromised sphingolipid synthesis (e.g., upon addition of inhibitor myriocin),
      thereby restoring sphingolipid production. We show here that protein kinase Ypk1,
      one of an essential pair of protein kinases, is responsible for this regulatory
      modification. Myriocin-induced hyperphosphorylation of Orm1 and Orm2 does not
      occur in ypk1 cells, and immunopurified Ypk1 phosphorylates Orm1 and Orm2
      robustly in vitro exclusively on three residues that are known myriocin-induced
      sites. Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive growth of ypk1(ts) ypk2 cells is
      substantially ameliorated by deletion of ORM genes, confirming that a primary
      physiological role of Ypk1-mediated phosphorylation is to negatively regulate Orm
      function. Ypk1 immunoprecipitated from myriocin-treated cells displays a higher
      specific activity for Orm phosphorylation than Ypk1 from untreated cells. To
      identify the mechanism underlying Ypk1 activation, we systematically tested
      several candidate factors and found that the target of rapamycin complex 2
      (TORC2) kinase plays a key role. In agreement with prior evidence that a TORC2
      dependent site in Ypk1(T662) is necessary for cells to exhibit a wild-type level
      of myriocin resistance, a Ypk1(T662A) mutant displays only weak Orm
      phosphorylation in vivo and only weak activation in vitro in response to
      sphingolipid depletion. Additionally, sphingolipid depletion increases
      phosphorylation of Ypk1 at T662. Thus, Ypk1 is both a sensor and effector of
      sphingolipid level, and reduction in sphingolipids stimulates Ypk1, at least in
      part, via TORC2-dependent phosphorylation.

PMID- 22080613
TI  - Density minimum in supercooled confined water.

PMID- 22080614
TI  - DEGAS: sharing and tracking target compound ideas with external collaborators.
AB  - To minimize the risk of failure in clinical trials, drug discovery teams must
      propose active and selective clinical candidates with good physicochemical
      properties. An additional challenge is that today drug discovery is often
      conducted by teams at different geographical locations. To improve the
      collaborative decision making on which compounds to synthesize, we have
      implemented DEGAS, an application which enables scientists from Genentech and
      from collaborating external partners to instantly access the same data. DEGAS was
      implemented to ensure that only the best target compounds are made and that they
      are made without duplicate effort. Physicochemical properties and DMPK model
      predictions are computed for each compound to allow the team to make informed
      decisions when prioritizing. The synthesis progress can be easily tracked. While
      developing DEGAS, ease of use was a particular goal in order to minimize the
      difficulty of training and supporting remote users.

PMID- 22080612
TI  - beta2-Adrenoceptor agonist-induced RGS2 expression is a genomic mechanism of
      bronchoprotection that is enhanced by glucocorticoids.
AB  - In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, activation of G(q)-protein
      coupled receptors causes bronchoconstriction. In each case, the management of
      moderate-to-severe disease uses inhaled corticosteroid (glucocorticoid)/long
      acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) combination therapies, which are more
      efficacious than either monotherapy alone. In primary human airway smooth muscle
      cells, glucocorticoid/LABA combinations synergistically induce the expression of
      regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a GTPase-activating protein that
      attenuates G(q) signaling. Functionally, RGS2 reduced intracellular free calcium
      flux elicited by histamine, methacholine, leukotrienes, and other spasmogens.
      Furthermore, protection against spasmogen-increased intracellular free calcium,
      following treatment for 6 h with LABA plus corticosteroid, was dependent on RGS2.
      Finally, Rgs2-deficient mice revealed enhanced bronchoconstriction to spasmogens
      and an absence of LABA-induced bronchoprotection. These data identify RGS2 gene
      expression as a genomic mechanism of bronchoprotection that is induced by
      glucocorticoids plus LABAs in human airway smooth muscle and provide a rational
      explanation for the clinical efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid
      (glucocorticoid)/LABA combinations in obstructive airways diseases.

PMID- 22080615
TI  - Milk from cows of different beta-casein genotypes as a source of beta-casomorphin
      7.
AB  - The aim of this study was to quantify beta-casomorphin-7 in raw, hydrolyzed and
      processed milk in different stages of the cow lactation. The obtained results
      lead to the following conclusion: the highest amount of beta-casomorphin-7
      released from the hydrolyzed and processed milk is related to the beta-casein A1
      allele, irrespective of a lactation period. Some traces of beta-casomorphin-7 in
      milk from cows with the beta-casein A2 variant are probably a result of the acid
      hydrolysis of beta-casein during its digestion with pepsin. It has been shown
      that processing of raw milk at high temperatures affects, in a slight degree, the
      differences between beta-casomorphins-7 originating from different beta-casein
      genotypes. The obtained results suggest a possibility to provide a new
      nutritional factor for milk quality based on the content of beta-casomorphin-7
      liberated in vivo from milk digested by a mixture of the gastrointestinal
      enzymes.

PMID- 22080616
TI  - Association of chemerin levels in synovial fluid with the severity of knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Chemerin has been implicated to be correlated with inflammation.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the association of chemerin levels in
      serum and synovial fluid (SF) with the disease severity of patients with knee
      Osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: 124 patients with knee OA and 76 healthy controls
      were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Chemerin levels in serum were significant
      higher with regard to paired SF. Chemerin levles in SF of knee OA patients were
      correlated with disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria. CONCLUSION:
      Chemerin levels may be involved in the pathophysiology of the development and
      progression of OA.

PMID- 22080617
TI  - Ages and Stages Questionnaire as a screening tool for developmental delay in
      Indian children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of Ages and Stages Questionnaire, a parent
      completed developmental screening questionnaire to detect developmental delay in
      Indian children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Child Development Clinic
      of a tertiary care center located in Northern India. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS:
      200 children, 50 each in the age groups of 4+/-1, 10+/-1, 18+/-1 and 24+/-1
      months were recruited (20 high risks and 30 low risks in each age group). The
      Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was translated into Hindi and administered to
      the parents, followed by standardized development assessment using Developmental
      Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). RESULTS: 102 (51%) children failed
      on ASQ and 90 (45%) children failed on DASII. The overall sensitivity of ASQ for
      detecting developmental delay was 83.3% and specificity was 75.4%. The
      sensitivity was best for the 24-months questionnaire (94.7%) and specificity was
      best for the 4-month questionnaire (86.4%). The sensitivity of ASQ was much
      higher in the high risk group (92.3%) as compared to the low risk group (60%).
      CONCLUSION: ASQ has strong test characteristics for detecting developmental delay
      in Indian children, especially in high risk cases. It may be easily converted
      into other Indian languages and used widely for developmental screening.

PMID- 22080618
TI  - Differences in evolution of children with non-severe acute lower respiratory
      tract infection with and without radiographically diagnosed pneumonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in the evolution of children with non-severe
      acute lower respiratory tract infection between those with and without
      radiographically diagnosed pneumonia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING:
      A public university pediatric hospital in Salvador, Northeast Brazil. PATIENTS:
      Children aged 2-59 months. METHODS: By active surveillance, the pneumonia cases
      were prospectively identified in a 2-year period. Each case was followed-up for
      changes in various clinical symptoms and signs. Demographic, clinical and
      radiographic data were recorded in standardized forms. Exclusion was due to
      antibiotic use in the previous 48 hours, signs of severe disease, refusal to give
      informed consent, underlying chronic illness, hospitalization in the previous 7
      days or amoxicillin allergy. Chest X-ray (CXR) was later read by at least 2
      independent pediatric radiologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic diagnosed
      pneumonia based on agreed detection of pulmonary infiltrate or pleural effusion
      in 2 assessments. RESULTS: A total of 382 patients receiving amoxicillin were
      studied, of whom, 372 (97.4%) had concordant radiographic diagnosis which was
      pneumonia (52%), normal CXR (41%) and others (7%). By multivariate analysis, age
      (OR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05), disease > 5 days (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.001-1.08),
      reduced pulmonary expansion (OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4-8.0), absence of wheezing (OR
      = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9), crackles on admission (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2-3.5),
      inability to drink on day 1 (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.05-17.3), consolidation
      percussion sign (OR = 7.0; 95% CI: 1.5-32.3), tachypnea (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.09
      3.6) and fever (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.4-9.4) on day 2 were independently associated
      with pneumonia. The highest positive predictive value was at the 2nd day of
      evolution for tachypnea (71.0%) and fever (81.1%). CONCLUSION: Persistence of
      fever or tachypnea up to the second day of amoxicillin treatment is predictive of
      radiographically diagnosed pneumonia among children with non-severe lower
      respiratory tract diseases.

PMID- 22080619
TI  - Nebulized hypertonic-saline vs epinephrine for bronchiolitis; proof of concept
      study of cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To apply cumulative sum (CUSUM) to monitor a drug trial of nebulized
      hypertonic-saline in bronchiolitis. To test if monitoring with CUSUM control
      lines is practical and useful as a prompt to stop the drug trial early, if the
      study drug performs significantly worse than the comparator drug. DESIGN:
      Prospective, open label, controlled trial using standard therapy (epinephrine)
      and study drug (hypertonic-saline) sequentially in two groups of patients.
      SETTING: Hospital offering tertiary-level pediatric care. PATIENTS: Children, 2
      months to 2 years, with first episode of bronchiolitis, excluding those with
      cardiac disease, immunodeficiency and critical illness at presentation.
      INTERVENTIONS: Nebulized epinephrine in first half of the bronchiolitis season (n
      = 35) and hypertonic saline subsequently (n = 29). Continuous monitoring of
      response to hypertonic-saline using CUSUM control charts developed with
      epinephrine-response data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical score, tachycardia and
      total duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: In the epinephrine group, the maximum
      CUSUM was +2.25 (SD 1.34) and minimum CUSUM was -2.26 (SD 1.34). CUSUM score with
      hypertonic saline group stayed above the zero line throughout the study. There
      was no statistical difference in the post-treatment clinical score at 24 hours
      between the treatment groups {Mean (SD) 3.516 (2.816): 3.552 (2.686); 95% CI:  
      1.416 to  1.356}, heart rate {Mean (SD) 136 (44): 137(12); 95% CI:  -17.849 to
      15.849) or duration of hospital stay (Mean (SD) 96.029 (111.41): 82.914 (65.940);
      95% CI:  -33.888 to 60.128}. CONCLUSIONS: The software we developed allows for
      drawing of control lines to monitor study drug performance. Hypertonic saline
      performed as well or better than nebulized epinephrine in bronchiolitis.

PMID- 22080620
TI  - Survival after immunosuppressive therapy in children with aplastic anemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the survival of children =18 y, treated with
      immunosuppressive therapy (IST) using equine antithymocyte globulin (e-ATG) and
      cyclosporine (CsA). DESIGN: Prospective data entry as per a specified format.
      SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: From January 1998 to December 2009, 40
      children were diagnosed with acquired aplastic anemia; 33 patients, who received
      IST, were analyzed. 31 children (94%) received one course of e-ATG and CsA. 2
      patients (6%) received two courses of ATG. INTERVENTION: Immunosuppressive
      therapy using equine ATG and cyclosporine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall
      response and overall survival. RESULTS: The overall response (complete response +
      partial response) to IST at 6 months was 87.9%. 8 (24.2%) patients achieved CR,
      21 (63.6%) patients had PR and 4 (12.1%) patients did not respond to IST. Median
      follow-up was 24 (6-102) months. Overall survival at 24 months was 90%, with an
      actual survival of 85.4% at 5 years. Seventeen patients (51.5%) received G-CSF
      for a median duration of 32 (23-64) days. The patients who received G-CSF had
      fewer infectious complications (P=0.002), but G-CSF administration did not
      influence survival/ outcome. No patient developed myelodysplastic syndrome or
      acute leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of patients who respond to IST is
      excellent. Also, G-CSF reduces the infectious complications without conferring
      any survival advantage.

PMID- 22080621
TI  - Outcomes of hepatoblastoma in the Indian context.
AB  - A comprehensive review and critical appraisal of published and grey literature
      was undertaken to identify current treatment practices and outcomes of children
      with hepatoblastoma in India. Eight single-centre studies with 157 patients
      (range five to 36 patients in each study) were included. Pre-operative
      chemotherapy (mainly cisplatin and doxorubicin) followed by surgical resection
      and additional chemotherapy was the usual practice. There was no stratification
      of treatment by risk group in any of the studies. The median event-free survival
      ranged from 33-100%. The two main reasons for treatment failure were treatment
      related mortality (0-50%) and progression of disease (0-30%).

PMID- 22080622
TI  - NPHS2 mutations in Indian children with sporadic early steroid resistant
      nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - We examined the frequency and spectrum of podocin NPHS2 mutations in Indian
      children with  sporadic steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Of 25
      children screened, only one (4%) had a pathogenic mutation resulting in a stop
      codon. The allele and genotype frequencies of the four known single nucleotide
      polymorphisms detected in the cohort were similar to that of controls. This
      finding emphasizes the need to screen for mutations in other genes involved in
      the pathogenesis of SRNS.

PMID- 22080623
TI  - Renal scarring and osteopontin gene C/T polymorphism in children with primary
      vesicoureteral reflux.
AB  - We examined for osteopontin (OPN) gene C/T polymorphism in 78 patients (53 girls)
      with vesicoureteric reflux, with or without renal scarring.  The T allele
      frequency was associated with a significantly increased risk (26.4 fold) of renal
      scarring.

PMID- 22080624
TI  - T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing molecule 1 in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells in Henoch Schonlein purpura.
AB  - The T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin domain-containing molecules (Tim) have been
      implicated in the pathogenesis of immune diseases. In this study, we used
      quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to examine
      the Tim 1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Henoch
      Schonlein purpura patients. The results showed that Tim1 mRNA expression was
      significantly higher in patients, which was closely correlated with serum TNFa,
      IL4 levels, IgA1 levels.

PMID- 22080625
TI  - Profile of patients with Von Gierke disease from India.
AB  - Molecular diagnosis of Von Gierke disease is possible by mutation analysis of
      G6PC gene. GSD type 1a cases account for 20 % of glycogenoses in our center. We
      diagnosed ten unrelated patients with glycogen storage disease based on clinical,
      biochemical and histopathology investigations. Mutation analysis was done by
      sequencing the G6PC gene. Two unrelated patients were found to be homozygous for
      a novel mutation c.355 C >; G (p.H119D). They were born to non-consanguineous
      parents from Karnataka. This suggests founder effect. Mutation detection confirms
      the diagnosis and assists in counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 22080626
TI  - A copper-methionine interaction controls the pH-dependent activation of
      peptidylglycine monooxygenase.
AB  - The pH dependence of native peptidylglycine monooxygenase (PHM) and its M314H
      variant has been studied in detail. For wild-type (WT) PHM, the intensity of the
      Cu-S interaction visible in the Cu(I) extended X-ray absorption fine structure
      (EXAFS) data is inversely proportional to catalytic activity over the pH range of
      3-8. A previous model based on more limited data was interpreted in terms of two
      protein conformations involving an inactive Met-on form and an active flexible
      Met-off form [Bauman, A. T., et al. (2006) Biochemistry 45, 11140-11150] that
      derived its catalytic activity from the ability to couple into vibrational modes
      critical for proton tunneling. The new studies comparing the WT and M314H variant
      have led to the evolution of this model, in which the Met-on form has been found
      to be derived from coordination of an additional Met residue, rather than a more
      rigid conformer of M314 as previously proposed. The catalytic activity of the
      mutant decreased by 96% because of effects on both k(cat) and K(M), but it
      displayed the same activity-pH profile with a maximum around pH 6. At pH 8, the
      reduced Cu(I) form gave spectra that could be simulated by replacement of the
      Cu(M) Cu-S(Met) interaction with a Cu-N/O interaction, but the data did not
      unambiguously assign the ligand to the imidazole side chain of H314. At pH 3.5,
      the EXAFS still showed the presence of a strong Cu-S interaction, establishing
      that the Met-on form observed at low pH in WT cannot be due to a strengthening of
      the Cu(M)-methionine interaction but must arise from a different Cu-S
      interaction. Therefore, lowering the pH causes a conformational change at one of
      the Cu centers that brings a new S donor residue into a favorable orientation for
      coordination to copper and generates an inactive form. Cys coordination is
      unlikely because all Cys residues in PHM are engaged in disulfide cross-links.
      Sequence comparison with the PHM homologues tyramine beta-monooxygenase and
      dopamine beta-monooxygenase suggests that M109 (adjacent to H site ligands H107
      and H108) is the most likely candidate. A model is presented in which H108 is
      protonated with a pK(a) of 4.6 to generate the inactive low-pH form with Cu(H)
      coordinated by M109, H107, and H172.

PMID- 22080627
TI  - Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
      (ICF) in social services for elderly in Sweden.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the content of health information in acts of social services
      of elderly people in relation to the International Classification of Functioning,
      Disability and Health (ICF) and to describe the health information in the
      different parts of the acts according to the ICF. METHOD: Health information of
      25 acts from four municipalities was analysed and the concepts were linked to ICF
      codes, using the established coding rules. RESULTS: The health information
      consisted of 372 concepts, which were linked to 122 specific ICF codes. The
      concepts in the acts were mostly linked to the ICF component Activities and
      Participation, except for the current functioning concepts where the ICF
      component Body functions was the most frequent. The 3rd level was most frequent
      in Activities and Participation and in Environmental factors, and the 2nd level
      was most frequent in Body functions. CONCLUSIONS: The ICF covers the concepts and
      terms contained in the acts to a large extent. Furthermore, the results show that
      the ICF codes differ in the different parts of the acts. The ICF provides a
      coherent and structured documentation, which contributes to a legally secure
      assessment of assistance. The selection of ICF codes can be used in development
      of "code sets" for social services for elderly.

PMID- 22080628
TI  - Parametric modelling and segmentation of vertebral bodies in 3D CT and MR spine
      images.
AB  - Accurate and objective evaluation of vertebral deformations is of significant
      importance in clinical diagnostics and therapy of pathological conditions
      affecting the spine. Although modern clinical practice is focused on three
      dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging
      techniques, the established methods for evaluation of vertebral deformations are
      limited to measuring deformations in two-dimensional (2D) x-ray images. In this
      paper, we propose a method for quantitative description of vertebral body
      deformations by efficient modelling and segmentation of vertebral bodies in 3D.
      The deformations are evaluated from the parameters of a 3D superquadric model,
      which is initialized as an elliptical cylinder and then gradually deformed by
      introducing transformations that yield a more detailed representation of the
      vertebral body shape. After modelling the vertebral body shape with 25 clinically
      meaningful parameters and the vertebral body pose with six rigid body parameters,
      the 3D model is aligned to the observed vertebral body in the 3D image. The
      performance of the method was evaluated on 75 vertebrae from CT and 75 vertebrae
      from T(2)-weighted MR spine images, extracted from the thoracolumbar part of
      normal and pathological spines. The results show that the proposed method can be
      used for 3D segmentation of vertebral bodies in CT and MR images, as the proposed
      3D model is able to describe both normal and pathological vertebral body
      deformations. The method may therefore be used for initialization of whole
      vertebra segmentation or for quantitative measurement of vertebral body
      deformations.

PMID- 22080629
TI  - Continuous chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation training promotes
      rescuer self-confidence and increased secondary training: a hospital-based
      randomized controlled trial*.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent work suggests that delivery of continuous chest compression
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an acceptable layperson resuscitation strategy,
      although little is known about layperson preferences for training in continuous
      chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We hypothesized that continuous
      chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation education would lead to greater
      trainee confidence and would encourage wider dissemination of cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation skills compared to standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation training
      (30 compressions: two breaths). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter randomized
      study. SETTING: Three academic medical center inpatient wards. SUBJECTS: Adult
      family members or friends (>= 18 yrs old) of inpatients admitted with cardiac
      related diagnoses. INTERVENTIONS: In a multicenter randomized trial, family
      members of hospitalized patients were trained via the educational method of video
      self-instruction. Subjects were randomized to continuous chest compression
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation or standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      educational modes. MEASUREMENTS: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance data
      were collected using a cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill-reporting manikin.
      Trainee perspectives and secondary training rates were assessed through mixed
      qualitative and quantitative survey instruments. MAIN RESULTS: Chest compression
      performance was similar in both groups. The trainees in the continuous chest
      compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation group were significantly more likely to
      express a desire to share their training kit with others (152 of 207 [73%] vs.
      133 of 199 [67%], p = .03). Subjects were contacted 1 month after initial
      enrollment to assess actual sharing, or "secondary training." Kits were shared
      with 2.0 +/- 3.4 additional family members in the continuous chest compression
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation group vs. 1.2 +/- 2.2 in the standard
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation group (p = .03). As a secondary result, trainees in
      the continuous chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation group were more
      likely to rate themselves "very comfortable" with the idea of using
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills in actual events than the standard
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainees (71 of 207 [34%] vs. 57 of 199 [28%], p =
      .08). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      education resulted in a statistically significant increase in secondary training.
      This work suggests that implementation of video self-instruction training
      programs using continuous chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation may
      confer broader dissemination of life-saving skills and may promote rescuer
      comfort with newly acquired cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:
      NCT01260441.

PMID- 22080630
TI  - Timing of neuroprognostication in postcardiac arrest therapeutic hypothermia*.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early assessment of neurologic recovery is often challenging in
      survivors of cardiac arrest. Further, little is known about when to assess
      neurologic status in comatose, postarrest patients receiving therapeutic
      hypothermia. We sought to evaluate timing of prognostication in cardiac arrest
      survivors who received therapeutic hypothermia. DESIGN: A retrospective chart
      review of consecutive postarrest patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia
      (protocol: 24-hr maintenance at target temperature followed by rewarming over 8
      hrs). Data were abstracted from the medical chart, including documentation during
      the first 96 hrs post arrest of "poor" prognosis, diagnostic tests for
      neuroprognostication, consultations used for determination of prognosis, and
      outcome at discharge. SETTING: Two academic urban emergency departments.
      PATIENTS: A total of 55 consecutive patients who underwent therapeutic
      hypothermia were reviewed between September 2005 and April 2009. INTERVENTION:
      None. RESULTS: Of our cohort of comatose postarrest patients, 59% (29 of 49) were
      male, and the mean age was 56 +/- 16 yrs. Chart documentation of "poor" or
      "grave" prognosis occurred "early": during induction, maintenance of cooling,
      rewarming, or within 15 hrs after normothermia in 57% (28 of 49) of cases. Of
      patients with early documentation of poor prognosis, 25% (seven of 28) had care
      withdrawn within 72 hrs post arrest, and 21% (six of 28) survived to discharge
      with favorable neurologic recovery. In the first 96 hrs post arrest: 88% (43 of
      49) of patients received a head computed tomography, 90% (44 of 49) received
      electroencephalography, 2% (one of 49) received somatosensory evoked potential
      testing, and 71% (35 of 49) received neurology consultation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Documentation of "poor prognosis" occurred during therapeutic hypothermia in more
      than half of patients in our cohort. Premature documentation of poor prognosis
      may contribute to early decisions to withdraw care. Future guidelines should
      address when to best prognosticate in postarrest patients receiving therapeutic
      hypothermia.

PMID- 22080631
TI  - Cognitive and physical rehabilitation of intensive care unit survivors: results
      of the RETURN randomized controlled pilot investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Millions of patients who survive medical and surgical general
      intensive care unit care every year experience newly acquired long-term cognitive
      impairment and profound physical and functional disabilities. To overcome the
      current reality in which patients receive inadequate rehabilitation, we devised a
      multifaceted, in-home, telerehabilitation program implemented using social
      workers and psychology technicians with the goal of improving cognitive and
      functional outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-site, feasibility, pilot,
      randomized trial of 21 general medical/surgical intensive care unit survivors (8
      controls and 13 intervention patients) with either cognitive or functional
      impairment at hospital discharge. After discharge, study controls received usual
      care (sporadic rehabilitation), whereas intervention patients received a
      combination of in-home cognitive, physical, and functional rehabilitation over a
      3-month period via a social worker or master's level psychology technician
      utilizing telemedicine to allow specialized multidisciplinary treatment.
      Interventions over 12 wks included six in-person visits for cognitive
      rehabilitation and six televisits for physical/functional rehabilitation.
      Outcomes were measured at the completion of the rehabilitation program (i.e., at
      3 months), with cognitive functioning as the primary outcome. Analyses were
      conducted using linear regression to examine differences in 3-month outcomes
      between treatment groups while adjusting for baseline scores. RESULTS: Patients
      tolerated the program with only one adverse event reported. At baseline both
      groups were well-matched. At 3-month follow-up, intervention group patients
      demonstrated significantly improved cognitive executive functioning on the widely
      used and well-normed Tower test (for planning and strategic thinking) vs.
      controls (median [interquartile range], 13.0 [11.5-14.0] vs. 7.5 [4.0-8.5];
      adjusted p < .01). Intervention group patients also reported better performance
      (i.e., lower score) on one of the most frequently used measures of functional
      status (Functional Activities Questionnaire at 3 months vs. controls, 1.0 [0.0 
      3.0] vs. 8.0 [6.0-11.8], adjusted p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: A multicomponent
      rehabilitation program for intensive care unit survivors combining cognitive,
      physical, and functional training appears feasible and possibly effective in
      improving cognitive performance and functional outcomes in just 3 months. Future
      investigations with a larger sample size should be conducted to build on this
      pilot feasibility program and to confirm these results, as well as to elucidate
      the elements of rehabilitation contributing most to improved outcomes.

PMID- 22080632
TI  - C1-esterase inhibitor infusion increases survival rates for patients with
      sepsis*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Systemic inflammatory response variability displays differing degrees
      of organ damage and differing outcomes of sepsis. C1-esterase inhibitor, an
      endogenous acute-phase protein, regulates various inflammatory and anti
      inflammatory pathways, including the kallikrein-kinin system and leukocyte
      activity. This study assesses the influence of high-dose C1-esterase inhibitor
      administration on systemic inflammatory response and survival in patients with
      sepsis. DESIGN: Open-label randomized controlled study. SETTING: Surgical and
      medical intensive care units of nine university and city hospitals. PATIENTS: :
      Sixty-one patients with sepsis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to
      receive either 12,000 U of C1-esterase inhibitor infusions in addition to
      conventional treatment or conventional treatment only (n = 41 C1-esterase
      inhibitor, 20 controls). Blood samples for measurement of C1-esterase inhibitor,
      complement components C3 and C4, and C-reactive protein concentrations were drawn
      on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 28. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Quartile analysis
      of C1-esterase inhibitor activity in sepsis subjects revealed that the lowest
      quartile subgroup had similar activity levels (0.7-1.2 U/L), when compared to
      healthy volunteers (p > .05). These normal-level C1-esterase inhibitor sepsis
      patients nevertheless displayed increased C-reactive protein (p = .04) production
      and higher likelihoods of a more severe sepsis (p = .001). Overall, infusion of
      C1-esterase inhibitor increased C1-esterase inhibitor (p < .005 vs. control on
      days 2, 3, and 5) functional activity, resulted in higher C3 levels (p < .05 vs.
      control on days 2 and 3), followed by decreased C-reactive protein (p < .05 vs.
      control on days 3 and 10). Simultaneously, C1-esterase inhibitor infusion in
      sepsis patients was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (12% vs. 45% in
      control, p = .008) as well as sepsis-related mortality (8% vs. 45% in control, p
      = .001) assessed over 28 days. The highest absolute reduction risk of 70% was
      achieved in sepsis patients with Simplified Acute Physiology Score II scores >27.
      CONCLUSION: In the present study, patients in the lowest quartile of C1-esterase
      inhibitor activity in combination with high C-reactive protein demonstrated a
      higher risk of developing severe sepsis. In general, high-dose C1-esterase
      inhibitor infusion down-regulated the systemic inflammatory response and was
      associated with improved survival rates in sepsis patients, which could have
      important treatment and survival implications for individuals with C1-esterase
      inhibitor functional deficiency.

PMID- 22080633
TI  - Clinical outcomes of type III Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia is a serious and life-threatening
      infection associated with high mortality. Among the multitude of virulence
      determinants possessed by P. aeruginosa, the type 3 secretion system has been
      implicated with more acute and invasive infection in respiratory diseases.
      However, the relationship between the type 3 secretion system and clinical
      outcomes in P. aeruginosa bacteremia has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the association between the type 3 secretion system virulence factor in
      P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection and 30-day mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective
      analysis of 85 cases of P. aeruginosa bacteremia. SETTING: Tertiary care
      hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Bacterial isolates were assayed in vitro for secretion
      of type 3 exotoxins (ExoU, ExoT, and ExoS). Strain relatedness was analyzed using
      randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction genotyping.
      Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by means of the Kirby-Bauer disk
      diffusion test. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At least one of the type 3
      secretion system proteins was detected in 37 out of the 85 isolates (44%). Septic
      shock was identified in 43% of bacteremic patients with type 3 secretion system+
      isolates compared to 23% of patients with type 3 secretion system- isolates (p =
      .12). A high frequency of resistance in the type 3 secretion system+ isolates was
      observed to ciprofloxacin (59%), cefepime (35%), and gentamicin (38%). There was
      a significant difference in the 30-day cumulative probability of death after
      bacteremia between secretors and nonsecretors (p = .02). None of the type 3
      secretion system+ patients who survived the first 30 days had a P. aeruginosa
      isolate which exhibited ExoU phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of type 3
      secretion system exotoxins in bacteremic isolates of P. aeruginosa confers poor
      clinical outcomes independent of antibiotic susceptibility profile.

PMID- 22080634
TI  - A cardiac arrest: when recommended mild therapeutic hypothermia reveals the
      mechanism*.
AB  - AIM: Describe the interaction between the use of mild induced hypothermia and
      acute diffuse coronary spasm. METHODS: We report the case of a 52-yr-old
      Caucasian woman resuscitated after initial cardiac arrest, with normal
      postresuscitation electrocardiogram, sufficient hemodynamic conditions, and
      decreased level of consciousness, who received mild induced hypothermia to reduce
      brain damage as suggested by cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines. RESULTS:
      After the beginning of mild therapeutic hypothermia, the patient experienced
      malignant diffuse coronary artery spasm, so-called Prinzmetal's angina, leading
      to myocardial ischemia and ventricular tachycardia, which was only resolved by
      intracoronary vasodilator injection. CONCLUSION: Mild induced hypothermia was
      apparently the trigger of a severe and diffuse coronary artery spasm.

PMID- 22080635
TI  - The epidemiology of Hajj-related critical illness: lessons for deployment of
      temporary critical care services*.
AB  - RATIONAL: The annual Hajj experience has direct relevance for other jurisdictions
      planning rapid deployment strategies for intensive care for large groups during
      expected or emergent events. OBJECTIVE: Approximately 2-3 million Muslims from
      over 160 countries travel to Saudi Arabia each year for Hajj. These pilgrims are
      typically older adults with a spectrum of comorbid conditions and of various
      ethnicities. This, coupled with a 2-wk period of physical migration in close
      contact with others, can lead to acute and critical illness from a variety of
      infectious and noninfectious causes and a requirement for full-scale but
      temporary intensive care to a large population. We describe patient
      characteristics, patterns of disease, and critical illness, including episodes of
      Influenza A 2009 (H1N1), therapies delivered, and clinical outcomes. METHODS:
      Prospective cohort study of 110 critically ill patients in four hospitals during
      the 2009 ("1431": November 18 to December 4) Hajj in Saudi Arabia. MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) age was 60.5 (51.3-70) yrs, 69
      (62.7%) were male, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV score
      was 60.5 (47-78.3). Forty-one patients (37.3%) were critically ill due to
      cardiovascular diseases (23.6% with myocardial infarction); 51 (46.4%) had severe
      infections (21.8% with H1N1); electrolyte disturbance (21.8%); or pulmonary
      illness (15.5%). Sixty patients (54.6%) required ventilation. Median predicted
      mortality by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV was 14% while
      actual short-term mortality was 6.4% (p = .009). Longer-term mortality may be
      higher. CONCLUSION: Both event-specific conditions and patient-specific comorbid
      conditions are common causes of critical illness during large gatherings. With
      the ability to provide temporary but full-service intensive care, morbidity and
      mortality due to critical illness can be low, even among an older patient
      population and difficult care conditions.

PMID- 22080636
TI  - Family response to critical illness: postintensive care syndrome-family.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family response to critical illness includes development of
      adverse psychological outcomes such as anxiety, acute stress disorder,
      posttraumatic stress, depression, and complicated grief. This cluster of
      complications from exposure to critical care is now entitled postintensive care
      syndrome-family. Adverse psychological outcomes occur in parents of neonatal and
      pediatric patients and in family members of adult patients, and may be present
      for >4 yrs after intensive care unit discharge. Psychological repercussions of
      critical illness affect the family member's ability to fully engage in necessary
      care-giving functions after hospitalization. PREVENTION: It has been suggested
      that the manner in which healthcare workers communicate with family members and
      the way in which families are included in care and decision-making, may affect
      long-term outcomes. Preventive strategies for optimal communication and inclusion
      in care are reviewed. ASSESSMENT: Many tools are available to assess the risk for
      and to diagnose postintensive care syndrome-family conditions during
      hospitalization and at intervals after discharge. TREATMENT: Visits after
      discharge, support groups, and clinics have been proposed for assessing the need
      for professional referrals as well as for treating family members when
      psychological illness persists. Studies evaluating these measures are reviewed.

PMID- 22080638
TI  - Effects of duty cycle and positive end-expiratory pressure on mucus clearance
      during mechanical ventilation*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: During mechanical ventilation, air flows may play a role in mucus
      transport via two-phase gas liquid flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      effects of duty cycles and positive end-expiratory pressure on mucus clearance in
      pigs using mechanical ventilation, and to assess their safety. DESIGN:
      Prospective randomized animal study. SETTING: Animal research facility,
      University of Barcelona, Spain. SUBJECTS: Eight healthy pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Pigs
      were intubated and on volume-control mechanical ventilation for up to 84 hrs.
      After 4, 24, 48, and 72 hrs of mechanical ventilation, six levels of duty cycle
      (0.26, 0.33, 0.41, 0.50, 0.60, and 0.75) with no associated positive end
      expiratory pressure or 5 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure were randomly
      applied. Surgical bed was oriented 30 degrees in the reverse Trendelenburg
      position, as in the semirecumbent position. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Inspiratory and expiratory flows and hemodynamics were measured after each 30-min
      ventilation period. Mucus movement was assessed through fluoroscopy tracking of
      radio-opaque markers. Mucus velocity was described by a positive vector (toward
      the glottis) or negative vector (toward the lungs). No effect of positive end
      expiratory pressure was found; however, as duty cycle was increasingly prolonged,
      a trend toward reduced velocity of mucus moving toward the lungs and increased
      outward mucus velocity was found (p = .064). Two clusters of mucus velocities
      were identified as duty cycle was prolonged beyond 0.41. Thus, duty cycle >0.41
      increased mean expiratory-inspiratory flow bias from -4.1 +/- 4.6 to 7.9 +/- 5.9
      L/min (p < .0001) and promoted outward mucus velocity from -0.22 +/- 1.71 mm/min
      (range, -5.78 to 2.42) to 0.53 +/- 1.06 mm/min (-1.91 to 3.88; p = .0048). Duty
      cycle of 0.75 resulted in intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (2.1 +/- 1.1
      cm H2O [p < .0001] vs. duty cycle 0.26-0.5), with no hemodynamic compromise.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the semirecumbent position, mucus clearance is improved with
      prolongation of the duty cycle. However, in clinical practice, positive findings
      must be balanced against the potentially adverse hemodynamic and respiratory
      effects.

PMID- 22080637
TI  - The association of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism with acute
      brain dysfunction during critical illness*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Plasma tryptophan levels are associated with delirium in critically
      ill patients. Although tryptophan has been linked to the pathogenesis of other
      neurocognitive diseases through metabolism to neurotoxins via the kynurenine
      pathway, a role for kynurenine pathway activity in intensive care unit brain
      dysfunction (delirium and coma) remains unknown. This study examined the
      association between kynurenine pathway activity as determined by plasma
      kynurenine concentrations and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios and presence or
      absence of acute brain dysfunction (defined as delirium/coma-free days) in
      intensive care unit patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: This was a
      prospective cohort study that utilized patient data and blood samples from the
      Maximizing Efficacy of Targeted Sedation and Reducing Neurologic Dysfunction
      trial, which compared sedation with dexmedetomidine vs. lorazepam in mechanically
      ventilated patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Baseline plasma kynurenine
      and tryptophan concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid
      chromatography with or without tandem mass spectrometry. Delirium was assessed
      daily using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. Linear
      regression examined associations between kynurenine pathway activity and
      delirium/coma-free days after adjusting for sedative exposure, age, and severity
      of illness. Among 84 patients studied, median age was 60 yrs and Acute Physiology
      and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 28.5. Elevated plasma kynurenine and
      kynurenine/tryptophan ratio were both independently associated with significantly
      fewer delirium/coma-free days (i.e., fewer days without acute brain dysfunction).
      Specifically, patients with plasma kynurenine or kynurenine/tryptophan ratios at
      the 75th percentile of our population had an average of 1.8 (95% confidence
      interval 0.6-3.1) and 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.0-3.2) fewer delirium/coma
      free days than those patients with values at the 25th percentile (p = .006 and p
      < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased kynurenine pathway activation,
      assessed by plasma kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, was associated
      with fewer days alive and without acute brain dysfunction in intensive care unit
      patients. Future studies are warranted to clarify this relationship and
      investigate potential therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22080639
TI  - Predictors of pulmonary edema formation during fluid loading in the critically
      ill with presumed hypovolemia*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is largely unknown why extravascular lung water may increase
      during fluid loading in the critically ill with presumed hypovolemia. In this
      study we evaluated the hemodynamic predictors of such an increase. DESIGN: A
      prospective observational study. PATIENTS: Sixty-three presumed hypovolemic
      mechanically ventilated patients (22 septic and 41 nonseptic patients).
      INTERVENTION: Fluid loading with saline or colloid fluids guided by (changes in)
      cardiac filling pressures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Before and after fluid
      loading, hemodynamic and respiratory variables were recorded, including variables
      obtained by transpulmonary dilution such as cardiac index, pulmonary blood volume
      index, and extravascular lung water. Baseline parameters and change in parameters
      were compared between patients with a change in extravascular lung water <10% and
      patients with a change in extravascular lung water >= 10%. Predictive values for
      change in extravascular lung water >= 10% were evaluated. Baseline cardiac index
      and pulmonary blood volume index were higher, whereas change in cardiac index,
      change in pulmonary blood volume index, and change in PaO2/FIO2 ratio were lower
      in patients with a change in extravascular lung water >= 10% than in patients
      with a change in extravascular lung water <10%. The change in extravascular lung
      water correlated to baseline cardiac index (r = 0.17; p = .001), baseline
      pulmonary blood volume index (r = 0.15; p = .001), change in pulmonary blood
      volume index (r = 0.16; p < .001), and change in PaO2/FIO2 ratio (r = 0.13; p =
      .004). In multiple logistic regression analysis baseline cardiac index, baseline
      pulmonary blood volume index, the change in cardiac index, change in pulmonary
      blood volume index, and change in PaO2/FIO2 ratio individually contributed to
      prediction of a change in extravascular lung water >= 10%, independent of the
      presence of sepsis, pulmonary vascular permeability, and cardiac filling
      pressures. A change in extravascular lung water >= 10% was predicted by baseline
      cardiac index (77% sensitivity, 98% specificity) and pulmonary blood volume index
      (92% sensitivity, 68% specificity), and by change in cardiac index (69%
      sensitivity, 59% specificity), change in pulmonary blood volume index (77%
      sensitivity, 82% specificity), and change in PaO2/FIO2 ratio (77% sensitivity,
      66% specificity). CONCLUSION: Extravascular lung water increase during fluid
      loading in the critically ill is predicted by a plateau of cardiac function and
      pulmonary vascular filling at baseline, rather than by pulmonary vascular
      permeability and filling pressures. Increasing extravascular lung water is
      further reflected by a decrease of PaO2/FIO2 ratio. These observations may help
      preventing pulmonary fluid overloading.

PMID- 22080640
TI  - Mortality and intensive care volume in ventilated patients from 1995 to 2009 in
      the Australian and New Zealand binational adult patient intensive care database*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The mortality outcome of mechanical ventilation, a key intervention
      in the critically ill, has been variously reported to be determined by intensive
      care patient volume. We determined the volume-(mortality)-outcome relationship of
      mechanically ventilated patients whose records were contributed to the Australian
      and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database. DESIGN, SETTING,
      AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study of 208,810 index patient admissions
      from 136 Australian and New Zealand intensive care units in the same number of
      hospitals over the course of 1995-2009. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The
      patient-volume effect on hospital mortality, overall and at the level of patient
      (nonsurgical, elective surgical, and emergency surgical) and intensive care unit
      (rural/regional, metropolitan, tertiary, and private) descriptors, was determined
      by random-effects logistic regression adjusting for illness severity and
      demographic and geographical predictors. Annualized patient volume was modeled
      both as a categorical (deciles) and, with calendar year, a continuous variable
      using fractional polynomials. The patients were of mean age of 59 yrs (SD, 19
      yrs), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score 66 (32), and 39.4%
      female, with a hospital mortality of 22.4%. Overall and at both the patient and
      intensive care unit descriptor levels, no progressive decline in mortality was
      demonstrated across the annual patient volume range (12-932). Over the whole
      database, mortality odds ratio for the last volume decile (801-932 patients) was
      1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.50; p = .009) compared with the first
      volume decile (12-101 patients). Calendar year mortality decreases were evident
      (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.98; p = .0001). Using
      fractional polynomials, modest curvilinear mortality increases (range, 5%-8%)
      across the volume range were noted over the whole database for nonsurgical
      patients and at the tertiary intensive care unit level. CONCLUSION: No inverse
      volume-(mortality)-outcome relationship was apparent for ventilated patients in
      the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society database. Mechanisms for
      mortality increments with patient volume were not identified but warrant further
      study.

PMID- 22080641
TI  - Nuclear factor-kappaB signaling contributes to mechanical ventilation-induced
      diaphragm weakness*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although mechanical ventilation is a life-saving measure for patients
      in respiratory failure, prolonged mechanical ventilation results in diaphragmatic
      weakness attributable to fiber atrophy and contractile dysfunction. Therefore,
      identifying the signaling pathways responsible for mechanical ventilation-induced
      diaphragmatic weakness is important. In this context, it is established that
      oxidative stress is required for mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic
      weakness to occur. Numerous redox-sensitive signaling pathways exist in muscle
      including the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB. Although it has been
      suggested that nuclear factor-kappaB contributes to proteolytic signaling in
      inactivity-induced atrophy in locomotor muscles, the role that nuclear factor
      kappaB plays in mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic weakness is unknown.
      We tested the hypothesis that nuclear factor-kappaB activation plays a key
      signaling role in mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic weakness and that
      oxidative stress is required for nuclear factor-kappaB activation. DESIGN: Cause
      and effect was determined by independently treating mechanically ventilated
      animals with either a specific nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor (SN50) or a
      clinically relevant antioxidant (curcumin). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activity partially attenuated both mechanical
      ventilation-induced diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile dysfunction. Further,
      treatment with the antioxidant curcumin prevented mechanical ventilation-induced
      activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in the diaphragm and rescued the diaphragm
      from both mechanical ventilation-induced atrophy and contractile dysfunction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that nuclear
      factor-kappaB activation plays a significant signaling role in mechanical
      ventilation-induced diaphragmatic weakness and that oxidative stress is an
      upstream activator of nuclear factor-kappaB. Finally, our results suggest that
      prevention of mechanical ventilation-induced oxidative stress in the diaphragm
      could be a useful clinical strategy to prevent or delay mechanical ventilation
      induced diaphragmatic weakness.

PMID- 22080642
TI  - Tissue factor/factor VIIa pathway mediates coagulation activation in induced-heat
      stroke in the baboon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Excessive activation of coagulation, which can culminate in overt
      disseminated intravascular coagulation, is a prominent feature of heat stroke.
      However, neither the mechanism that initiates the coagulation activation nor its
      pathogenic role is known. We examined whether the tissue factor/factor VIIa
      complex initiates the coagulation activation in heat stroke and, if so, whether
      upstream inhibition of coagulation activation through its neutralization may
      minimize cellular injury and organ dysfunction. We also examined whether
      coagulation inhibition influences heat stroke-induced fibrinolytic and
      inflammatory responses. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. SETTING: Comparative
      Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh,
      Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS: Baboons (Papio Hamadryas). INTERVENTIONS: Twelve
      anesthetized baboons assigned randomly to recombinant nematode anticoagulant
      protein c2, a powerful inhibitor of tissue factor/factor VIIa-dependent
      coagulation (n = 6), or a control group (n = 6) were heat-stressed in a prewarmed
      neonatal incubator at 44-47 degrees C until systolic blood pressure fell <90 mm
      Hg, signaling the onset of severe heat stroke. Recombinant nematode anticoagulant
      protein c2 was administered as a single intravenous dose of 30 MUg/kg body weight
      at onset of heat stroke. The control group received an equivalent volume of
      sterile saline intravenously. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Heat stroke was
      associated with coagulation activation and fibrin formation as evidenced by the
      increased plasma thrombin-antithrombin complexes, endogenous thrombin potential,
      and D-dimer levels. Recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2 induced
      significant inhibition of thrombin generation and fibrin formation. Inhibition of
      coagulation in recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2-treated animals did
      not influence either fibrinolysis (assessed by tissue plasminogen activator,
      plasmin-alpha2-antiplasmin complexes, and plasminogen activator inhibitor) or the
      release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. No difference in markers of cell
      injury and organ dysfunction was observed between recombinant nematode
      anticoagulant protein c2-treated and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue
      factor/factor VIIa-dependent pathway initiates coagulation activation in induced
      heat stroke in the baboon without an effect on fibrinolysis and inflammation. The
      findings suggest also that coagulation activation is not a prerequisite of cell
      injury and organ dysfunction.

PMID- 22080643
TI  - A multicenter mortality prediction model for patients receiving prolonged
      mechanical ventilation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Significant deficiencies exist in the communication of prognosis for
      patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation after acute illness, in part
      because of clinician uncertainty about long-term outcomes. We sought to refine a
      mortality prediction model for patients requiring prolonged ventilation using a
      multicentered study design. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Five geographically
      diverse tertiary care medical centers in the United States (California, Colorado,
      North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington). PATIENTS: Two hundred sixty adult
      patients who received at least 21 days of mechanical ventilation after acute
      illness. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: For the probability
      model, we included age, platelet count, and requirement for vasopressors and/or
      hemodialysis, each measured on day 21 of mechanical ventilation, in a logistic
      regression model with 1-yr mortality as the outcome variable. We subsequently
      modified a simplified prognostic scoring rule (ProVent score) by categorizing the
      risk variables (age 18-49, 50-64, and >=65 yrs; platelet count 0-150 and >150;
      vasopressors; hemodialysis) in another logistic regression model and assigning
      points to variables according to beta coefficient values. Overall mortality at 1
      yr was 48%. The area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic
      curve for the primary ProVent probability model was 0.79 (95% confidence interval
      0.75-0.81), and the p value for the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was
      .89. The area under the curve for the categorical model was 0.77, and the p value
      for the goodness-of-fit statistic was .34. The area under the curve for the
      ProVent score was 0.76, and the p value for the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit
      statistic was .60. For the 50 patients with a ProVent score >2, only one patient
      was able to be discharged directly home, and 1-yr mortality was 86%. CONCLUSION:
      The ProVent probability model is a simple and reproducible model that can
      accurately identify patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation who are
      at high risk of 1-yr mortality.

PMID- 22080644
TI  - Integrating palliative care in the surgical and trauma intensive care unit: a
      report from the Improving Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit (IPAL-ICU)
      Project Advisory Board and the Center to Advance Palliative Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although successful models for palliative care delivery and quality
      improvement in the intensive care unit have been described, their applicability
      in surgical intensive care unit settings has not been fully addressed. We
      undertook to define specific challenges, strategies, and solutions for
      integration of palliative care in the surgical intensive care unit. DATA SOURCES:
      We searched the MEDLINE database from inception to May 2011 for all English
      language articles using the term "surgical palliative care" or the terms
      "surgical critical care," "surgical ICU," "surgeon," "trauma" or "transplant,"
      and "palliative care" or "end-of- life care" and hand-searched our personal files
      for additional articles. Based on review of these articles and the experiences of
      our interdisciplinary expert Advisory Board, we prepared this report. DATA
      EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: We critically reviewed the existing literature on
      delivery of palliative care in the surgical intensive care unit setting focusing
      on challenges, strategies, models, and interventions to promote effective
      integration of palliative care for patients receiving surgical critical care and
      their families. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of patients with surgical disease
      and practices, attitudes, and interactions of different disciplines on the
      surgical critical care team present distinctive issues for intensive care unit
      palliative care integration and improvement. Physicians, nurses, and other team
      members in surgery, critical care and palliative care (if available) should be
      engaged collaboratively to identify challenges and develop strategies.
      "Consultative," "integrative," and combined models can be used to improve
      intensive care unit palliative care, although optimal use of trigger criteria for
      palliative care consultation has not yet been demonstrated. Important components
      of an improvement effort include attention to efficient work systems and
      practical tools and to attitudinal factors and "culture" in the unit and
      institution. Approaches that emphasize delivery of palliative care together with
      surgical critical care hold promise to better integrate palliative care into the
      surgical intensive care unit.

PMID- 22080645
TI  - Critical care physicians' approaches to negotiating with surrogate decision
      makers: a qualitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe how critical care physicians manage conflicts with
      surrogates about withdrawing or withholding patients' life support. DESIGN:
      Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews with critical care physicians
      during 2010. We transcribed interviews verbatim and used grounded theory to code
      and revise a taxonomy of themes and to identify illustrative quotes. SETTING:
      Three academic medical centers, one academic-affiliated medical center, and four
      private practice groups or private hospitals in a large Midwestern city SUBJECTS:
      Fourteen critical care physicians. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Physicians reported tailoring their approach to address specific reasons
      for disagreement with surrogates. Five common approaches were identified: 1)
      building trust; 2) educating and informing; 3) providing surrogates more time; 4)
      adjusting surrogate and physician roles; and 5) highlighting specific values.
      When mistrust was an issue, physicians endeavored to build a more trusting
      relationship with the surrogate before readdressing decision making. Physicians
      also reported correcting misunderstandings by providing targeted education, and
      some reported highlighting specific patient, surrogate, or physician values that
      they hoped would guide surrogates to agree with them. When surrogates struggled
      with decisionmaking roles, physicians attempted to reinforce the concept of
      substituted judgment. Physicians noted that some surrogates needed time to "come
      to terms" with the patent's illness before agreeing with physicians. Many
      physicians had witnessed colleagues negotiate in ways they found objectionable
      such as providing misleading information, injecting their own values into the
      negotiation or behaving unprofessionally toward surrogates. Although some
      physicians viewed their efforts to encourage surrogates' agreement as persuasive,
      others strongly denied persuading surrogates and described their actions as
      "guiding" or "negotiating." CONCLUSIONS: Physicians reported using a tailored
      approach to resolve decisional conflicts about life support and attempted to
      change surrogates' decisions in accordance with what the physician thought was in
      the patients' best interests. Although physicians acknowledged their efforts to
      change surrogates' decisions, many physicians did not perceive these efforts as
      persuasive.

PMID- 22080646
TI  - Intracellular GSH and ascorbate inhibit radical-induced protein chain
      peroxidation in HL-60 cells.
AB  - The results of this study suggest that the well-documented loss of GSH and
      ascorbate in organisms under oxidative stress may be mainly due to their
      reactions with protein radicals and/or peroxides. Protein hydroperoxides were
      generated in HL-60 cells exposed to radiation-generated hydroxyl radicals. We
      found for the first time evidence of chain peroxidation of the proteins in cells,
      with each hydroxyl radical leading to the formation of about 10 hydroperoxides.
      Protein peroxidation showed a lag, probably due to the endogenous antioxidant
      enzymes, with simultaneous loss of the intracellular GSH. Enhancement of the GSH
      levels by N-acetylcysteine decreased the formation of hydroperoxides, while
      treatment with l-buthionine sulfoximine had the opposite effect. The effect of
      variation of GSH levels on the formation of the peroxidized proteins is explained
      primarily by reduction of the protein hydroperoxides by GSH. Loading of the cells
      with ascorbate resulted in reduction of the amounts of protein hydroperoxides
      generated by the radiation, which was proportional to the intracellular ascorbate
      concentration. In contrast to the GSH, inhibition of protein hydroperoxide
      formation in the presence of the high (mM) intracellular ascorbate levels
      achieved was mainly due to the direct scavenging of hydroxyl radicals by the
      vitamin.

PMID- 22080647
TI  - Uses and misuses of statistics: the case of strontium ranelate and the number
      needed to treat.
AB  - In the last 15 years, several pharmacological agents for the prevention of
      fractures have been developed and commercialized. Most of them showed to be
      effective in reducing fracture risk. The enhanced availability of drugs to
      prevent fractures has generated a fierce competition among pharmaceutical
      companies to conquer a share of the potential market, often with claims of
      superiority of a drug over another without direct comparisons. The definitive way
      to compare different treatments would require randomized head to head trials.
      These trials are expensive, need large samples and are unlikely to be ever
      performed. Therefore, it has become a common practice to compare pharmacological
      agents through observational studies on administrative databases or by the
      indirect comparison of the results of individual randomised-controlled trials
      (RCT) and their meta-analyses. These studies may produce evidence of clinical
      value, complementary to that given by RCT. However, without a proper and complete
      analysis, they may result in a biased picture of effectiveness and be completely
      misleading. In this article, we critically disclose how such competition may
      produce biased and misleading picture of evidence, by reviewing the significance
      of the number needed to treat, absolute risk reduction and relative risk
      reduction in relation to vertebral fractures prevention with available drugs.

PMID- 22080648
TI  - A case of primary retroperitoneal teratoma presenting as an adrenal
      incidentaloma.

PMID- 22080649
TI  - Increased intima media thickness at many arterial sites in obese adolescents with
      abdominal adiposity, insulin resistance, and high LDL-cholesterol.

PMID- 22080650
TI  - Scleredema adultorum: quali-quantitative analysis of collagen fibers.

PMID- 22080651
TI  - Endocrinology and art. Hermaphrodite - archeological museum of Istanbul - Turkey.

PMID- 22080652
TI  - Transmission of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus among healthcare personnel
      Southern California, 2009.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In April 2009, 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (hereafter, pH1N1)
      virus was identified in California, which caused widespread illness throughout
      the United States. We evaluated pH1N1 transmission among exposed healthcare
      personnel (HCP) and assessed the use and effectiveness of personal protective
      equipment (PPE) early in the outbreak. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Two
      hospitals and 1 outpatient clinic in Southern California during March 28-April
      24, 2009. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three HCP exposed to 6 of the first 8 cases of
      laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 in the United States. METHODS: Baseline and follow-up
      questionnaires were used to collect demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical
      data. Paired serum samples were obtained to test for pH1N1-specific antibodies by
      microneutralization and hemagglutination-inhibition assays. Serology results were
      compared with HCP work setting, role, and self-reported PPE use. RESULTS:
      Possible healthcare-associated pH1N1 transmission was identified in 9 (14%) of 63
      exposed HCP; 6 (67%) of 9 seropositive HCP had asymptomatic infection. The
      highest attack rates occurred among outpatient HCP (6/19 [32%]) and among allied
      health staff (eg, technicians; 8/33 [24%]). Use of mask or N95 respirator was
      associated with remaining seronegative (P = .047). Adherence to PPE
      recommendations for preventing transmission of influenza virus and other
      respiratory pathogens was inadequate, particularly in outpatient settings.
      CONCLUSIONS: pH1N1 transmission likely occurred in healthcare settings early in
      the pandemic associated with inadequate PPE use. Organizational support for a
      comprehensive approach to infectious hazards, including infection prevention
      training for inpatient- and outpatient-based HCP, is essential to improve HCP and
      patient safety.

PMID- 22080653
TI  - A multifaceted intervention strategy for eradication of a hospital-wide outbreak
      caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Southern Israel.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To devise a local strategy for eradication of a hospital-wide outbreak
      caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). DESIGN: Quasi
      experimental, before-and-after, interrupted time-series study. SETTING: A 1,000
      bed tertiary-care university teaching hospital. METHODS: Retrospectively, all
      relevant data were collected from the medical records of patients with CRKP
      infections from May 2006 through April 2007, the preintervention period. From May
      1, 2007, through May 1, 2010, the postintervention period, the intervention was
      applied and prospectively followed. The 5 key elements of this strategy were an
      emergency department flagging system, the building of a cohort ward, the
      eradication of clusters, environmental and personnel hand cultures, and a
      carbapenem-restriction policy. The demographic and clinical parameters of
      patients colonized by and/or infected with CRKP were collected from medical
      records. RESULTS: A total of 10,680 rectal cultures were performed for 8,376
      patients; 433 (5.16%) and 370 (4.4%) were CRKP-colonized and CRKP-infected
      patients, respectively, and 789 (98%) of 803 patients were admitted to the CRKP
      cohort ward. The CRKP infection density was reduced from 5.26 to 0.18 per 10,000
      patient-days (P <= .001), and no nosocomial CRKP infections were diagnosed.
      Twenty-three percent of environmental cultures were found to be positive.
      Meropenem use was reduced from 283 +/- 70.92 to 118 +/- 74.32 defined daily doses
      per 1,000 patient-days (P <= .001). CONCLUSION: This intervention produced an
      enormous impact on patient location, surveillance cultures, and antibiotic
      policies and a massive investment in infection control resources.

PMID- 22080654
TI  - Use of adherence monitors as part of a team approach to control clonal spread of
      multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a research hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) is difficult to
      treat and eradicate. Several reports describe isolation and environmental
      cleaning strategies that controlled hospital MDRAB outbreaks. Such interventions
      were insufficient to interrupt MDRAB transmission in 2 intensive care unit-based
      outbreaks in our hospital. We describe strategies that were associated with
      termination of MDRAB outbreaks at the National Institutes of Health Clinical
      Center. METHODS: In response to MDRAB outbreaks in 2007 and 2009, we implemented
      multiple interventions, including stakeholder meetings, enhanced isolation
      precautions, active microbial surveillance, cohorting, and extensive
      environmental cleaning. We conducted a case-control study to analyze risk factors
      for acquiring MDRAB. In each outbreak, infection control adherence monitors were
      placed in MDRAB cohort areas to observe and correct staff infection control
      behavior. RESULTS: Between May 2007 and December 2009, 63 patients acquired
      nosocomial MDRAB; 57 (90%) acquired 1 or more of 4 outbreak strains. Of 347
      environmental cultures, only 2 grew outbreak strains of MDRAB from areas other
      than MDRAB patient rooms. Adherence monitors recorded 1,330 isolation room
      entries in 2007, of which 8% required interventions. In 2009, around-the-clock
      monitors recorded 4,892 staff observations, including 127 (2.6%) instances of
      nonadherence with precautions, requiring 68 interventions (1.4%). Physicians were
      responsible for more violations than other staff (58% of hand hygiene violations
      and 37% of violations relating to gown and glove use). Each outbreak terminated
      in temporal association with initiation of adherence monitoring. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although labor intensive, adherence monitoring may be useful as part of a
      multifaceted strategy to limit nosocomial transmission of MDRAB.

PMID- 22080655
TI  - Emergence of glutaraldehyde-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In November 2009, routine sampling of endoscopes performed to monitor
      the effectiveness of the endoscope-cleaning procedure at our hospital detected
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Herein we report the results of the subsequent
      investigation. DESIGN AND METHODS: The investigation included environmental
      cultures for source investigation, molecular analysis by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) to reveal the identity of the strains, and determination
      of the bactericidal activity of the glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant used for
      automated endoscope reprocessing. In addition, patient outcome was analyzed by
      medical chart review, and incidence rates of clinical samples with P. aeruginosa
      were compared. SETTING: The University Hospital of Basel is an 855-bed tertiary
      care center in Basel, Switzerland. Approximately 1,700 flexible bronchoscopic,
      2,500 gastroscopic, 1,400 colonoscopic, 140 endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatographic, and 140 endosonographic procedures are performed
      annually. RESULTS: P. aeruginosa was detected in samples obtained from endoscopes
      in November 2009 for the first time since the initiation of surveillance in 2006.
      It was found in the rinsing water and in the drain of 1 of the 2 automated
      endoscope reprocessors. PFGE revealed 2 distinct P. aeruginosa strains, one in
      each reprocessor. The glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant showed no activity
      against the 2 pseudo-outbreak strains when used in the recommended concentration
      under standard conditions. After medical chart review, 6 patients with lower
      respiratory tract and bloodstream infections were identified as having a possible
      epidemiological link to the pseudo-outbreak strain. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first description of a pseudo-outbreak caused by P. aeruginosa with reduced
      susceptibility to an aldehyde-based disinfectant routinely used in the automated
      processing of endoscopes.

PMID- 22080656
TI  - Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa surgical site infections after arthroscopic
      procedures: Texas, 2009.
AB  - SETTING: Seven organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) that occurred after
      arthroscopic procedures and were due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa of
      indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns occurred at
      hospital X in Texas from April 22, 2009, through May 7, 2009. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future infections. DESIGN:
      Infection control observations and a case-control study. METHODS: Laboratory
      records were reviewed for case finding. A case-control study was conducted. A
      case patient was defined as someone who underwent knee or shoulder arthroscopy at
      hospital X during the outbreak period and subsequently developed organ/space SSI
      due to P. aeruginosa. Cultures of environmental and surgical equipment samples
      were performed, and selected isolates were analyzed by PFGE. Surgical instrument
      reprocessing practices were reviewed, and surgical instrument lumens were
      inspected with a borescope after reprocessing to assess cleanliness. RESULTS: The
      case-control study did not identify any significant patient-related or operator
      related risk factors. P. aeruginosa grew from 62 of 388 environmental samples. An
      isolate from the gross decontamination sink had a PFGE pattern that was
      indistinguishable from that of the case patient isolates. All surgical instrument
      cultures showed no growth. Endoscopic evaluation of reprocessed arthroscopic
      equipment revealed retained tissue in the lumen of both the inflow/outflow
      cannulae and arthroscopic shaver handpiece. No additional cases occurred after
      changes in instrument reprocessing protocols were implemented. After this
      outbreak, the US Food and Drug Administration released a safety alert about the
      concern regarding retained tissue within arthroscopic shavers. CONCLUSIONS: These
      SSIs were likely related to surgical instrument contamination with P. aeruginosa
      during instrument reprocessing. Retained tissue in inflow/outflow cannulae and
      shaver handpieces could have allowed bacteria to survive sterilization
      procedures.

PMID- 22080657
TI  - Comparison of fluorescent marker systems with 2 quantitative methods of assessing
      terminal cleaning practices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare fluorescent markers with aerobic colony counts (ACCs) and
      an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay system for assessing
      terminal cleaning practices. DESIGN: A prospective observational survey. SETTING:
      A 500-bed university-affiliated community teaching hospital. METHODS: In a
      convenience sample of 100 hospital rooms, 5 high-touch surfaces were marked with
      fluorescent markers before terminal cleaning and checked after cleaning to see
      whether the marker had been entirely or partially removed. ACC and ATP readings
      were performed on the same surfaces before and after terminal cleaning. RESULTS:
      Overall, 378 (76%) of 500 surfaces were classified as having been cleaned
      according to fluorescent markers, compared with 384 (77%) according to ACC
      criteria and 225 (45%) according to ATP criteria. Of 382 surfaces classified as
      not clean according to ATP criteria before terminal cleaning, those with the
      marker removed were significantly more likely than those with the marker
      partially removed to be classified as clean according to ATP criteria (P = .003).
      CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescent markers are useful in determining how frequently high
      touch surfaces are wiped during terminal cleaning. However, contaminated surfaces
      classified as clean according to fluorescent marker criteria after terminal
      cleaning were significantly less likely to be classified as clean according to
      ACC and ATP assays.

PMID- 22080658
TI  - "The dirty hand in the latex glove": a study of hand hygiene compliance when
      gloves are worn.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Wearing of gloves reduces transmission of organisms by
      healthcare workers' hands but is not a substitute for hand hygiene. Results of
      previous studies have varied as to whether hand hygiene is worse when gloves are
      worn. Most studies have been small and used nonstandardized assessments of glove
      use and hand hygiene. We sought to observe whether gloves were worn when
      appropriate and whether hand hygiene compliance differed when gloves were worn.
      DESIGN: Observational study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Healthcare workers in 56
      medical or care of the elderly wards and intensive care units in 15 hospitals
      across England and Wales. METHODS: We observed hand hygiene and glove usage
      (7,578 moments for hand hygiene) during 249 one-hour sessions. Observers also
      recorded whether gloves were or were not worn for individual contacts. RESULTS:
      Gloves were used in 1,983 (26.2%) of the 7,578 moments for hand hygiene and in
      551 (16.7%) of 3,292 low-risk contacts; gloves were not used in 141 (21.1%) of
      669 high-risk contacts. The rate of hand hygiene compliance with glove use was
      41.4% (415 of 1,002 moments), and the rate without glove use was 50.0% (1,344 of
      2,686 moments). After adjusting for ward, healthcare worker type, contact risk
      level, and whether the hand hygiene opportunity occurred before or after a
      patient contact, glove use was strongly associated with lower levels of hand
      hygiene (adjusted odds ratio, 0.65 [95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.79]; P <
      .0001). CONCLUSION: The rate of glove usage is lower than previously reported.
      Gloves are often worn when not indicated and vice versa. The rate of compliance
      with hand hygiene was significantly lower when gloves were worn. Hand hygiene
      campaigns should consider placing greater emphasis on the World Health
      Organization indications for gloving and associated hand hygiene. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: National Research Register N0256159318.

PMID- 22080659
TI  - Epidemiology of central line-associated bloodstream infections in the pediatric
      intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describe central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLA-BSI)
      epidemiology in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). DESIGN: Descriptive study
      (29 PICUs); cohort study (18 PICUs). SETTING: PICUs in a national improvement
      collaborative. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients admitted October 2006 to December
      2007 with 1 or more central lines. METHODS: CLA-BSIs were prospectively
      identified using the National Healthcare Safety Network definition and then
      readjudicated using the revised 2008 definition. Risk factors for CLA-BSI were
      examined using age-adjusted, time-varying Cox proportional hazards models.
      RESULTS: In the descriptive study, the CLA-BSI incidence was 3.1/1,000 central
      line-days; readjudication with the revised definition resulted in a 17% decrease.
      In the cohort study, the readjudicated incidence was 2.0/1,000 central line-days.
      Ninety-nine percent of patients were CLA-BSI-free through day 7, after which the
      daily risk of CLA-BSI doubled to 0.27% per day. Compared with patients with
      respiratory diagnoses (most prevalent category), CLA-BSI risk was higher in
      patients with gastrointestinal diagnoses (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7 [95% confidence
      interval {CI}, 1.43-5.16]; P < .002 ) and oncologic diagnoses (HR, 2.6 [CI, 1.06
      6.45]; P = .037). Among all patients, including those with more than 1 central
      line, CLA-BSI risk was lower among patients with a central line inserted in the
      jugular vein (HR, 0.43 [CI, 0.30-0.95]; [P < .03). CONCLUSIONS: The 2008 CLA-BSI
      definition change decreased the measured incidence. The daily CLA-BSI risk was
      very low in patients during the first 7 days of catheterization but doubled
      thereafter. The risk of CLA-BSI was lower in patients with lines inserted in the
      jugular vein and higher in patients with gastrointestinal and oncologic
      diagnoses. These patients are target populations for additional study and
      intervention.

PMID- 22080660
TI  - US hospital requirements for pertussis vaccination of healthcare personnel, 2011.
AB  - In 2011, institutional requirements for pertussis vaccination of healthcare
      personnel were reported by nearly one-third of surveyed US hospitals.
      Requirements often applied to personnel with certain clinical responsibilities,
      such as those caring for infants. Healthcare personnel who were not on an
      institution's payroll were rarely subject to pertussis vaccination requirements.

PMID- 22080661
TI  - Validation of administrative population-based data sets for the detection of
      cesarean delivery surgical site infection.
AB  - We validated population-based hospital, emergency room, and physician claim
      databases for the detection of surgical site infections against the reference
      standard of clinical surveillance. Although these data sets are highly specific
      and could be used to define research cohorts, their low sensitivity and positive
      predictive value make them inadequate for use as quality indicators.

PMID- 22080662
TI  - A real-life snapshot of the use and abuse of urinary catheters on general medical
      wards.
AB  - An observational study was performed on 2 wards in a tertiary hospital to
      determine staff awareness, knowledge, and documentation of catheter use and the
      effects these have on duration of catheterization. Overall, there was poor
      knowledge of the indications and date of catheterization. Doctor awareness
      decreases duration of catheterization.

PMID- 22080663
TI  - Web-based training improves knowledge about central line bloodstream infections.
AB  - A Web-based training course with embedded video clips for reducing central line
      associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) was evaluated and shown to improve
      clinician knowledge and retention of knowledge over time. To our knowledge, this
      is the first study to evaluate Web-based CLABSI training as a stand-alone
      intervention.

PMID- 22080664
TI  - Surveillance of overall hospital antibiotic consumption: is stratification
      according to hospital size the best method?

PMID- 22080665
TI  - Discordance in colonizing strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from
      different body sites.

PMID- 22080666
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300 is prevalent among
      hospital-onset cases in an urban Canadian setting.

PMID- 22080667
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and peripheral vascular catheters.

PMID- 22080669
TI  - Public reporting of Clostridium difficile and improvements in diagnostic tests.

PMID- 22080670
TI  - Decreasing the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in a long-term care facility.

PMID- 22080672
TI  - The influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in Southern Brazil.

PMID- 22080675
TI  - From mixed valence to the Kondo lattice regime.
AB  - Many heavy fermion materials are known to cross over from the Kondo lattice
      regime to the mixed valence regime or vice versa as a function of pressure or
      doping. We study this crossover theoretically by employing the periodic Anderson
      model within the framework of the dynamical mean field theory. Changes occurring
      in the dynamics and transport across this crossover are highlighted. As the
      valence is decreased (increased) relative to the Kondo lattice regime, the Kondo
      resonance broadens significantly, while the lower (upper) Hubbard band moves
      closer to the Fermi level. The resistivity develops a two peak structure in the
      mixed valence regime: a low temperature coherence peak and a high temperature
      'Hubbard band' peak. These two peaks merge, yielding a broad shallow maximum upon
      decreasing the valence further. The optical conductivity likewise exhibits an
      unusual absorption feature (shoulder) in the deep mid-infrared region, which
      grows in intensity with decreasing valence. The involvement of the Hubbard bands
      in dc transport and of the effective f-level in the optical conductivity are
      shown to be responsible for the anomalous transport properties. A two-band
      hybridization-gap model, which neglects incoherent effects due to many-body
      scattering, commonly employed to understand the optical response in these
      materials is shown to be inadequate, especially in the mixed valence regime.
      Comparison of theory with experiment carried out for (a) dc resistivities of
      CeRhIn(5), Ce(2)Ni(3)Si(5), CeFeGe(3) and YbIr(2)Si(2), (b) pressure dependent
      resistivity of YbInAu(2) and CeCu(6), and (c) optical conductivity measurements
      in YbIr(2)Si(2) yields excellent agreement.

PMID- 22080676
TI  - Lessons from genetically altered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): candidates for
      improved MSC-directed myocardial repair.
AB  - The regenerative and reparative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make
      them attractive candidates for numerous cell-directed therapies. The variant
      degree of tissue repair by transplanted MSCs has been assessed in several
      published reports. There are many gaps in the knowledge  of MSC biology and the
      underlying reasons for their disparate effectiveness in tissue repair. This
      review examines successful preclinical models of MSC-directed repair,
      particularly of myocardial repair, in an attempt to shed light into the events
      dictating MSC therapeutic efficacy. The reparative  advantage of genetically
      altered MSCs will be described. This overview will elucidate possible molecular
      mechanisms that can influence MSC engraftment, differentiation, self-renewal, and
      ultimately increase wound repair.

PMID- 22080677
TI  - Acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain secondary to pelvic
      inflammatory disease.

PMID- 22080678
TI  - Pediatric education programs.

PMID- 22080679
TI  - How should pediatricians in India address behavior patterns associated with
      childhood obesity?

PMID- 22080680
TI  - Recombinant macrophage targeted enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease in
      India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gaucher disease in India has been reported only in a few case reports
      from India. The aim of the study was to assess the response to enzyme replacement
      therapy in Indian patients with Gaucher disease. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis
      of patients receiving CHO-derived recombinant macrophage-targetted
      glucocorebrosidase. SETTING: Five centers from India with experience in treating
      lysosomal storage disorders. PATIENTS: The diagnosis of Gaucher disease was
      confirmed by low glucocerebrosidase levels, though it was first made on
      splenectomy in 8 and on bone marrow examination in 9 patients. Twenty five of 52
      patients diagnosed with Gaucher disease (17 Type I, 8 mild Type III) received
      treatment for >6 months. Indications for treatment included symptomatic anemia,
      thrombo-cytopenia, organomegaly, bone disease or mild neurological symptoms
      leading to impairment of quality of life. Patients with significant neurological
      involvement were excluded. The drug infusions were given intravenously every 15
      days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hemoglobin, platelet counts, liver and spleen
      volumes and growth parameters. RESULTS: 22 of the 25 children who survived were
      analyzed. After 6 months of treatment, the mean (range) increase in hemoglobin
      was 1.5 (-3.4 to 6.1) g/dL (P=0.01) and in platelet count was 32 x 10(9)/L (-98.5
      x 109 to 145.5 x10(9))/L (P=0.02). The mean (range) increase in weight was 3 kg (
      5.6 to 10.5) (P=0.04) and in height was 7.1 cm (0 to 26.5) (P=0.0003). Liver size
      decreased by a mean (range) of 38.5% (- 5.5 to 86.7) (P=0.0003) and the spleen
      size by 34.8% (0 to 91.7) (P=0.004). All patients had improvement in bone pains
      and in 2 patients, neurological symptoms improved with others remaining static.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported cohort of patients in India reporting our
      experience with imiglucerase enzyme replacement therapy for treatment of Gaucher
      Disease in India.

PMID- 22080681
TI  - Gauchers disease presenting with portal hypertension.
AB  - Gauchers disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder characterized by abnormal
      accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in different organs. Though
      hepatosplenomegaly is commonly found, symptomatic presentation with portal
      hypertension is rare. We report a child with liver cirrhosis and bleeding
      esophageal varices who was diagnosed with Gaucher's disease.

PMID- 22080682
TI  - Alveolar capillary dysplasia with anorectal anomaly.
AB  - Alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) is an uncommon cause of irreversible
      persistent pulmonary hypertension in full-term newborn. In ACD there is a failure
      of formation of air - blood barrier in addition to misalignment of pulmonary
      veins. The etiology of the disease is still not understood. We present a case
      report of a full-term newborn with ACD associated with anorectal anomaly.

PMID- 22080683
TI  - Lipoprotein lipase deficiency in an infant.
AB  - Patients with isolated hypertriglyceridemia usually present with recurrent
      abdominal pain, pancreatitis, eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis and
      hepatosplenomegaly. We describe the diagnosis and treatment of an infant with
      severe hypertriglyceridemia. The child was found to be heterozygous for two novel
      mutations in the lipoprotein lipase gene.

PMID- 22080684
TI  - Transfusion related acute lung injury with intravenous immunoglobulin.
AB  - This case report describes transfusion related acute lung injury with the use of
      intravenous immunoglobulin in a child with Guillain barre syndrome.

PMID- 22080685
TI  - Kawasaki disease in association with urinary tract infection.
AB  - We report a 2-month-old infant with E. coli urinary tract infection, who did not
      respond to antibiotic therapy.  She later developed clinical features fulfilling
      criteria of Kawasaki disease (KD), and was treated with intravenous
      immunolglobulin and aspirin.  KD should be considered in the differential
      diagnosis in patients who present with infection and do not respond to antibiotic
      therapy.

PMID- 22080686
TI  - Prescribing practices of doctors in management of acute diarrhea.
AB  - We conducted this study to determine the prescribing practices of doctors in
      management of acute diarrhea in children in the age group of 6 month -5 year.
      Antimotility agents and low/zero lactose formula was prescibed in 9.8% and 24.7%
      cases, respectively by general practitioners. In about 66.6% and 5.7% cases
      pre/probiotics were prescribed and oral rehydration salt (ORS) were not
      prescribed by the pediatricians.

PMID- 22080687
TI  - Trend of antibiotic resistance in children with first acute pyelonephritis.
AB  - There have been many recent reports of increasing antimicrobial resistance among
      uropathogens. In this study, we reviewed medical records of children (<18 yr age)
      with first acute pyelonephritis admitted to our Institution between January 2005
      to December 2009. 411 children (189 girls) were studied and increasing trend in
      bacterial resistance toward co-trimoxazole, 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins
      and gentamicin were observed.

PMID- 22080688
TI  - Trends of childhood vasculitides in eastern India.
AB  - A prospective follow up for 7 years (2004-2010) revealed 10.2% children (n=158)
      had vasculitis among all rheumatological cases (n=1544). Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
      (HSP) (56.9%) and Kawasaki disease (KD) (24%) were major groups.

PMID- 22080689
TI  - Adiponectin and pro-inflammatory cytokines in obese diabetic boys.
AB  - Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in obese diabetic than in non
      obese healthy boys (P <0.001). Circulating soluble E-selectin levels was
      significantly higher in obese diabetic boys than the healthy non-obese (P <0.01).
      There were significant inverse correlations between adiponectin and sE-selectin,
      hsCRP, IL-1b, and MCP-1 and positively with NOx. We conclude that sE-selectin and
      MCP-1 may represent a link between obesity and related co-morbidities in children
      and adults.

PMID- 22080690
TI  - Gram stain as a predictor of urinary infections in children under 2 years.

PMID- 22080691
TI  - Fate of award winning papers at annual conference of Indian Academy of
      Pediatrics: a 13 years experience.
AB  - The present study was conducted to determine the rate of publication of research
      papers winning awards at the annual pediatric conference of Indian Academy of
      Pediatrics. Secondary objective was to identify the factors facilitating their
      publication, if any. Overall, 75 papers were awarded between 1995 and 2007; of
      these, 28 (37%) were subsequently published till January 2011. Papers originating
      from North India, medical colleges, and those with an experimental design had
      higher chances of subsequent publication.

PMID- 22080692
TI  - Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: need of a national population based
      registry.

PMID- 22080693
TI  - Pediatric BLS updates 2010.

PMID- 22080694
TI  - Efficacy and safety of azithromycin for typhoid fever.

PMID- 22080695
TI  - Hyperglycemia in the PICU: tread with caution.

PMID- 22080696
TI  - Pachyonychia congenita affecting only nails.

PMID- 22080697
TI  - HIV management returning to primary care providers.

PMID- 22080698
TI  - Improving drug labeling and counseling for limited English proficient adults.
AB  - Language barriers between patients and providers adversely affect quality of care
      and a patient's ability to obtain, understand, and act on health information.
      Health care organizations are mandated by law to provide language concordant
      services. While health systems have taken steps to promote language access,
      minimal effort has been made to improve pharmacy practice. This is problematic,
      as patient misunderstanding of prescription drug instructions is a root cause of
      many adverse drug events occurring annually in outpatient settings. Enhanced,
      language concordant prescription labeling and counseling is needed to promote
      safe use of prescription medications among limited English proficient patients.

PMID- 22080699
TI  - Improving patient provider communication for Latinos at Temple University
      Hospital and Temple University School of Medicine.
AB  - This Report from the Field documents a series of interventions developed by
      Temple University Health System and School of Medicine through participation in
      the RWJF initiative entitled Hablamos Juntos. The report delineates outcomes to
      date demonstrating that these interventions have met the challenge of improving
      patient provider communication for Latinos.

PMID- 22080700
TI  - Medical home disparities for Latino children by parental language of interview.
AB  - Examination of Latino children in aggregate ignores important subgroup
      differences due to the parents' English language ability. Previous reports of the
      pediatric medical home have not stratified Latino children by parental language
      differences to compare the two groups directly. We analyzed the 2007 National
      Survey of Children's Health to determine medical home prevalence among Latino
      children, stratified by language of parental interview. Most Latino children with
      a Spanish-language parental interview had a usual source of care, but only one
      quarter had a medical home. Striking medical home disparities persisted for
      Latino children with a Spanish-language interview, even after adjustment for
      potential confounders. Lack of a medical home was associated with disparities in
      the quality of care, more so than access disparities. Addressing health care
      disparities for Latino children requires particular attention to the unique needs
      of Latino children with parents who may experience language barriers during
      health care encounters.

PMID- 22080701
TI  - Quality of reproductive health services to limited English proficient (LEP)
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) frequently
      receive health care services of suboptimal quality. METHODS: We explored whether
      clients served with staff interpreters (language-discordant, LDI) receive
      reproductive health care of lower quality than clients seen by a bilingual
      clinician (language concordant, LC). We conducted a medical record review of
      1,589 reproductive health visits of female and male LEP clients. RESULTS:
      Multivariate analyses showed that LDI visits were significantly less likely than
      LC visits to contain documentation of the provision of education and counseling
      services and less likely to have documentation of sexually transmitted infection
      (STI) risk assessment among new female clients. Female clients in LDI and LC
      visits were equally likely to be tested for Chlamydia. CONCLUSIONS: Quality
      improvement activities should target family planning providers who must use
      interpreters when serving LEP clients. Medical charts should document the use of
      interpreters and bilingual clinicians to monitor quality of care.

PMID- 22080702
TI  - Health Professional Shortage Areas, insurance status, and cardiovascular disease
      prevention in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke
      (REGARDS) Study.
AB  - Individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) living in Health Professional
      Shortage Areas (HPSA) may receive less preventive care than others. The Reasons
      for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study (REGARDS) surveyed 30,239
      African American (AA) and White individuals older than 45 years of age between
      2003-2007. We compared medication use for CVD prevention by HPSA and insurance
      status, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and health
      status. Individuals residing in partial HPSA counties were excluded. Mean age was
      64+/-9 years, 42% were AA, 55% were women, and 93% had health insurance; 2,545
      resided in 340 complete HPSA counties and 17,427 in 1,145 non-HPSA counties.
      Aspirin, beta-blocker, and ACE-inhibitor use were similar by HPSA and insurance
      status. Compared with insured individuals living in non-HPSA counties, statin use
      was lower among uninsured participants living in non-HPSA and HPSA counties. Less
      medication use for CVD prevention was not associated with HPSA status, but less
      statin use was associated with lack of insurance.

PMID- 22080703
TI  - Predictors of body mass index among low-income community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - This study investigated demographic, behavioral, and functional predictors of
      overweight and obesity, using secondary data from 705 community-dwelling
      individuals aged 65 years and older receiving or seeking Medicaid personal care
      services. Half of the participants were obese, while an additional 28% were
      overweight. The relationships between body mass index (BMI) levels and selected
      independent variables were analyzed. Females were more likely to be obese, while
      those who were older (75 years or older), more cognitively impaired, and smoked
      were less likely to obese. Comparing obesity with being overweight, being female
      and reporting more pain symptoms increased the odds of being obese, whereas being
      older (75 years or older) and being more cognitively impaired decreased the odds.
      The especially high rates of obesity in Texas have a profound impact on personal
      health and may result in increased health care costs that threaten public
      programs as well.

PMID- 22080704
TI  - A multilevel assessment of barriers to adoption of Dietary Approaches to Stop
      Hypertension (DASH) among African Americans of low socioeconomic status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined perceptions of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
      (DASH) and the food environment among African Americans (AA) with high blood
      pressure living in two low-income communities and objectively assessed local food
      outlets. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with 30 AAs; participants discussed
      DASH and the availability of healthy foods in their community. Sessions were
      transcribed and themes identified. Fifty-four stores and 114 restaurants were
      assessed using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS). RESULTS: Common
      themes included poor availability, quality, and cost of healthy foods; tension
      between following DASH and feeding other family members; and lack of congruity
      between their preferred foods and DASH. Food outlets in majority AA census tracts
      had lower NEMS scores (stores: -11.7, p=.01, restaurants: -8.3, p=.001) compared
      with majority White areas. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions promoting DASH among lower
      income AAs should reflect the food customs, economic concerns, and food available
      in communities.

PMID- 22080705
TI  - Adults with diagnosed and untreated diabetes: who are they? How can we reach
      them?
AB  - Untreated or undertreated diabetes can cause debilitating complications such as
      blindness and amputations. Information about the factors associated with
      diagnosed but untreated diabetes may help target efforts to promote appropriate
      treatment. Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we examine: (1) use of
      insulin or oral medications, (2) use of diet only, and (3) no treatment. We
      analyze covariates of this trichotomous outcome using multinomial logit
      regression. Among adults diagnosed with diabetes, 87.0% used oral medications or
      insulin, 10.6% used diet only, and 2.4% were untreated. Lacking a usual source of
      care, poor mental health, being single, and being an Asian/Pacific Islander are
      associated with lack of treatment. Better health, lacking a usual source of care,
      and attitudes against medical care are associated with using diet only. Adults
      with diagnosed but untreated or undertreated diabetes may be difficult for
      service providers to reach, and multiple strategies are needed to initiate
      treatment.

PMID- 22080706
TI  - Diabetes and psychological profile of younger rural African American women with
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe diabetes self-care behaviors, diabetes-related distress,
      depressive symptoms, and diabetes-related needs among rural African American
      women with type 2 diabetes ages 21-50. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey,
      including questionnaires and a single, open-ended question, was used to assess
      constructs of interest. FINDINGS: Taking medication was the most frequently
      reported (5.5 days/week) self-care activity and exercise the least (3.0
      days/week). Nearly half (44%) reported worrying about diabetes complications.
      Approximately one-third (31%) felt guilty about inconsistent self-care or fearful
      about living with diabetes. Seventy percent had a depression score suggestive of
      significant depressive symptomatology. Most diabetes-related concerns were about
      diet (34%) (i.e., what to eat), exercise (30%), taking medications (10%), and
      finances (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Future research should explore specific diabetes self
      care barriers/enablers and interventions should provide women with diabetes
      education, barrier management, and psychological support. Innovative delivery
      strategies are needed to provide this support in resource-limited rural
      communities.

PMID- 22080707
TI  - Utility of a point-of-care device in recruiting ethnic minorities for diabetes
      research with community partners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruitment of hard-to-reach ethnic minorities such as Korean
      Americans (KAs) requires substantial time, cost, and strategic effort. A point-of
      care (POC) A1c test could facilitate the recruitment of such populations for
      diabetes research in community settings. METHODS: A two-step approach for
      participant screening was employed: Potential participants were first screened
      using the POC A1c test at a community location. Only those with POC A1c levels
      >=7.5% were referred for a confirmatory lab test within two weeks. RESULTS: In
      total, 237 KAs were screened using the POC A1c test; 92 were referred for
      confirmatory testing and 83 who got the laboratory A1c measurement were confirmed
      eligible (A1c >=7.5%). There was a strong positive correlation between the POC
      and reference laboratory measurements (rho=0.83, p<=.001). CONCLUSION: Using a
      POC A1c method as a front-line screening test can facilitate the recruitment of
      KAs with type 2 diabetes, while saving cost, time, and effort.

PMID- 22080708
TI  - Self-reported asthma among American Indian and Alaska Native people in Alaska.
AB  - This study describes the lifetime prevalence of self-reported asthma among
      American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people who participated in the
      Education and Research Towards Health (EARTH) study in Alaska. We conducted a
      cross-sectional analysis of asthma prevalence by sex and its associations with
      sociodemographic, health, and environmental factors. Among 3,828 AI/AN adults, we
      found a higher age-sex adjusted prevalence of asthma (15.4%) than is found in the
      general U.S. adult (11.0%) population based on the 2006 National Health Interview
      Survey. After multivariable analysis, self-reported asthma among men was
      associated with increased age, unemployment, lower income, and obesity. Among
      women, self-reported asthma was associated with increased age, being
      divorced/separated, living in Alaska's southcentral region, self-reported
      fair/poor health status, obesity, and indoor mold. Our data suggest that AI/AN
      adults have higher prevalence of lifetime asthma than the general U.S.
      population. Further study is necessary to understand asthma in this population.

PMID- 22080709
TI  - The association between housing instability, food insecurity, and diabetes self
      efficacy in low-income adults.
AB  - Limited data exist on whether structural factors associated with poverty such as
      inadequate housing and food insecurity affect diabetes care. In a sample of low
      income participants with diabetes (N=711), we sought to determine if housing
      instability was associated with lower diabetes self-efficacy, and whether this
      relationship was mediated by food insecurity. We ordered housing from most to
      least stable. We observed a linear decrease in diabetes self-efficacy as housing
      instability increased (p<.01). After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and
      alcohol or substance use, adults lacking a usual place to stay had lower self
      efficacy than those who owned their own home (beta-coefficient -0.94, 95% CI 
      1.88, -0.01). Food insecurity mediated the association between housing
      instability and diabetes self-efficacy (beta-coefficient -0.64, 95% CI -1.57,
      0.31). Our findings suggest that inadequate access to food lowers self-efficacy
      among adults with diabetes, and supports provision of food to unstably housed
      adults as part of diabetes care.

PMID- 22080710
TI  - Addressing depression and accumulated trauma in urban primary care: challenges
      and opportunities.
AB  - This paper explores the presentation of severe depression among patients with
      accumulated trauma in the context of an urban community health center (primary
      care clinic) in California, as well as opportunities to address this phenomenon
      in light of diminished community-based mental health services.

PMID- 22080711
TI  - Specialty care referral patterns for the underserved: a study of community health
      centers on the South Side of Chicago.
AB  - Little is known about the primary-specialty care interface for underserved
      patients. In order better to understand inter-physician communication patterns in
      urban community health centers (CHCs), we conducted a retrospective chart review
      of specialty care referrals for patients from four South Side Chicago CHCs. Of
      the 406 identified referrals, 74% (n=301) were made from CHCs that employed
      referral coordinators and 64% (n=258) were made to affiliated specialists. Chart
      documentation of whether or not the patient attended the referred specialty visit
      was present for 43% (n=176) of referrals, and communication from the specialist
      to the referring clinician was present for 31% (n=127) of referrals. Employing
      CHC referral coordinators was positively associated with documented specialty
      clinical communication (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1
      3.2). Use of referral coordinators to facilitate care and integrating delivery
      systems to increase information sharing appear to improve care coordination, but
      further investigation is warranted.

PMID- 22080712
TI  - Stress and the social determinants of maternal health among Puerto Rican women: a
      CBPR approach.
AB  - This qualitative research project explores how poverty, the built environment,
      education, working conditions, health care access, food insecurity and perceived
      discrimination are experienced by Puerto Rican Latinas through the course of
      their lives. Five focus groups were conducted with the primary objective of
      documenting community experiences and perspectives regarding: 1) stress,
      including perceived discrimination based on race/ethnicity (racism); 2) the
      impact of stress on Puerto Rican women of reproductive age, their families,
      and/or their community; and 3) stressors that affect maternal health. Focus
      groups were conducted in English and Spanish in the two cities with the highest
      rates of premature birth and low infant birthweight in the state of Connecticut.
      Focus group findings indicate that participants perceived poverty, food
      insecurity, lack of access to quality education, and unsafe environments as
      significant life stressors affecting maternal and child health.

PMID- 22080713
TI  - A pre-post survey analysis of satisfaction with health care and medical mistrust
      after patient navigation for American Indian cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the impact of patient navigation (PN) on satisfaction with
      health care and medical mistrust among American Indians (AI) undergoing cancer
      treatment. METHODS: This was a pre-post cohort survey study of 52 AI cancer
      patients who participated in a culturally-tailored PN program during their cancer
      treatment. Surveys were administered prior to and after cancer treatment
      assessing medical mistrust and satisfaction with health care using two Likert
      type scales. RESULTS: Participation refusal rate was 7%. Mean scale scores for
      satisfaction with health care were significantly improved after PN compared with
      pre-navigation (p<.0001; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). There was no significant
      difference in the mean scale scores for medical mistrust after PN compared with
      those observed prior to treatment (p=.13). CONCLUSIONS: American Indian cancer
      patients who received PN services during their cancer treatment showed
      improvement in levels of satisfaction with health. However, no improvements were
      observed in levels of medical mistrust.

PMID- 22080714
TI  - Psychosocial risk screening during pregnancy: additional risks identified during
      a second interview.
AB  - The Prenatal Risk Overview (PRO) screens for 13 psychosocial risk factors
      associated with poor birth outcomes. This study assessed the extent to which risk
      factors unreported during an intake interview were identified during a subsequent
      interview. A total of 708 pregnant women were screened and re-screened at three
      urban community health care centers between July 2007 and April 2010. Study
      participants were predominantly young (mean age 23.5 years), unmarried (75.1%)
      women of color (92.5%); 38.4% were foreign-born. The proportional increase in
      participants identified as being at risk for individual domains at the second
      interview ranged from 5.6% to 49.0% for the combined Moderate/High Risk
      classification and from 5.6% to 73.0% for the High Risk only classification. For
      women whose health and well-being are challenged by poverty, violence, social
      isolation, and other stressors, both initial screening and repeat screening offer
      opportunities to alleviate identified risks.

PMID- 22080715
TI  - Expert communication training for providers in community health centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community health center (CHC) clinicians describe significant
      challenges in delivering care for populations with complex health needs.
      INTERVENTION: A three-workshop series was presented to 102 providers working in
      CHCs. Training focused on four areas identified through online needs assessment:
      challenging interactions; patient perspective; health literacy; and motivational
      interviewing. EVALUATION METHODS: A retrospective pre-post evaluation measured
      self-perceived change in content knowledge in all four areas. Participants
      documented commitments to change behaviors across workshops, which were analyzed
      for recurring themes. RESULTS: Paired t-tests documented improvement in all four
      content areas. Content analysis of commitments yielded four themes: empowering
      patients, structuring care, understanding patients, and reflecting purposefully.
      Of the sixty-eight percent of participants responding to post-workshop queries
      about their commitments (n=70), 94% report having fully implemented changes in
      practice behavior or planning to do so. CONCLUSIONS: Providers at CHCs benefit
      from opportunities to learn and reflect together about communication challenges
      in practice.

PMID- 22080716
TI  - Patients' reports about medical doctors' inquiries on their mental health: do
      generational status, ethnicity and mental health/substance use disorders matter?
AB  - Immigrants are less likely than others to use mental health (MH) services.
      Physicians' limited time often precludes inquiry about MH. This study
      investigated the influence of generational status, ethnicity, and
      mental/substance use disorders on physicians' inquiries about Asian American (AA)
      MH. Data from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed
      (n=1,853). The outcome was past year physician's inquiry regarding MH. Results
      revealed that AA with U.S.-born parents had significantly greater odds compared
      to AA born outside the U.S. to report that their doctors inquired about their MH
      (OR=218, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.73). Past year mental/substance use disorder increased
      the odds of AA reporting that their doctors inquired about their MH (OR=8.41; 95%
      CI: 3.28, 21.66). This increase differed by ethnicity, with Chinese less affected
      than Vietnamese (OR=0.17; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.59). The reasons for these associations
      warrant further exploration.

PMID- 22080717
TI  - Perceptions of coercion, discrimination and other negative experiences in
      postpartum contraceptive counseling for low-income minority women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using in-depth qualitative methods, we investigated negative
      contraception counseling experiences, including those felt to be coercive or
      discriminatory, in a population of postpartum urban minority women. METHODS:
      Brief surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 consenting
      postpartum women who had received care at a Medicaid-funded obstetrics clinic. In
      person one-on-one interviews were then reviewed for themes using an iterative
      process of qualitative analysis. RESULTS: In this sample of African American
      (63%) and Hispanic (37%) women (median age 26), 73% had unplanned pregnancies.
      Features of negative counseling experiences included having insufficient, non
      physician-directed and impersonal counseling. Most women had experienced episodes
      of poor communication with providers; 10 described feeling coerced or perceiving
      racially-based discrimination in counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Negative experiences
      with contraceptive counseling may affect contraception utilization. Contraceptive
      education should respect each individual's autonomy, culture, and values.

PMID- 22080718
TI  - Closing the implementation gap in services for children affected by HIV/AIDS:
      from assisting orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) to providing long-term
      opportunities for economic growth.
AB  - While delivering innovative care for over 17 million children living with and
      affected by HIV/AIDS is a priority for today's global health community, most of
      these children's health needs remain unmet. Concerns about funding,
      implementation, and transparency continue to obstruct quality care for all. This
      paper discusses why services supported by macro-level funding, local initiatives,
      innovative financing, and enhanced long-term development strategies, are
      imperative. Concurrent advocacy and preventive measures, such as universal access
      to education, can sustain this investment in human capital. Such efforts may
      enhance economic growth, expand local capacity, and improve the quality of life
      in communities currently burdened by the HIV epidemic.

PMID- 22080719
TI  - Fee-for-service and managed care for seniors and people with disabilities on
      Medicaid: implications for the managed care mandate in California.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in perceived quality of care between fee-for
      service (FFS) and managed care Medicaid (MMC) by seniors and persons with
      disabilities (SPD) and to generate hypotheses for future evaluations of the new
      managed care mandate for SPD in California. METHODS: A cross-sectional telephone
      survey of 403 SPD Medicaid beneficiaries comparing perceived access to,
      satisfaction with, and quality of care between beneficiaries who had voluntarily
      enrolled in MMC with those who had remained in FFS. RESULTS: Beneficiaries in MMC
      were more likely to be "very satisfied" with their benefits than those in FFS.
      There was no significant difference on any measure of access to care. Most
      beneficiaries in MMC reported their access to and quality of health care was
      either the same or better than it had been in FFS. CONCLUSION: On most measures,
      MMC was rated either the same or better than FFS by SPD beneficiaries who
      voluntarily enrolled in MMC.

PMID- 22080720
TI  - The effect of class size in grades K-3 on adult earnings, employment, and
      disability status: evidence from a multi-center randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early education interventions have been forwarded as a means for
      reducing social disparities in income and health in adulthood. We explore whether
      a successful early education intervention, which occurred between 1985 and 1989,
      improved the employment rates, earnings and health of blacks relative to whites
      through 2008. METHODS: We used data from Project STAR (Student Teacher
      Achievement Ratio), a four-year multi-center randomized controlled trial of
      reduced class sizes in Tennessee involving 11,601 students. Students were
      initially randomized within 79 schools to classes with 22-25 or 13-17 students.
      We linked subject records to Social Security Administration (SSA) earnings and
      disability data collected between 1997 and 2008-when the majority of subjects
      were between the ages of 18 and 28. We focused our analysis on annual, rather
      than cumulative, measures of earnings and employment because educational
      attainment after high school might reduce earnings through age 23. We considered
      three or more years of statistically significant positive (or negative) annual
      impacts to be a meaningful effect. RESULTS: Project STAR improved cognition and
      high school graduation rates. These benefits were primarily realized among low
      income and minority students. These early education benefits did not translate
      into reduced disability claims in adulthood for treated subjects. However,
      exposure to small class size increased employment for blacks, and increased
      earnings for black males (p<0.05). Exposure to small classes also led to an
      increase in earnings for white males. However, white females exposed to small
      classes experienced a net decline in earnings and employment across the later
      years of follow up (p<0.05), offsetting any gains by white males. CONCLUSIONS:
      Exposure to small class size in grades K-3 appears to improve earnings and
      employment for black males and earnings for white males, while reducing
      employment and earnings among white females.

PMID- 22080722
TI  - Pressure-induced phase transition(s) in KMnF3 and the importance of the excess
      volume for phase transitions in perovskite structures.
AB  - We report a pressure-dependent investigation of KMnF(3) by x-ray diffraction up
      to 30 GPa. The results are discussed in the framework of Landau theory and in
      relation to the isostructural phase transition in SrTiO(3). The phase transition
      temperature near 186 K in KMnF(3) shifts to room temperature at a critical
      pressure of P(c) = 3.4 GPa; the pressure dependence of the transition point
      follows DeltaP(c)/DeltaT(c) = 0.0315 GPa K(-1). The transition becomes second
      order under high pressure, close to the tricritical point. The phase transition
      is determined by the rotation of MnF(6) octahedra with their simultaneous
      expansion along the rotation axis. The rotation angle was found to increase to
      10.5 degrees  at 24 GPa. An additional anomaly was observed at higher pressure
      around 25 GPa, suggesting a further phase transition.

PMID- 22080723
TI  - "Every case of asphyxia can be used as a learning example". Conclusions from an
      analysis of substandard obstetrical care.
AB  - AIM: To propose suggestions for improvements in care based on conclusions from
      studies on low Apgar scores and substandard care during labor. SETTING AND
      PATIENTS: Studies on infants with low Apgar scores in a general obstetric
      population 2004-2006 and claims for financial compensation on the behalf of
      infants, based on the suspicion that substandard care in conjunction with
      childbirth has caused severe asphyxia or neonatal death in Sweden 1990-2005.
      RESULTS: The most common flaws were related to insufficient fetal surveillance,
      defective interpretation of cardiotocography (CTG) tracings, not acting in a
      timely fashion on abnormal CTG, and the incautious use of oxytocin. Besides, in
      half of the infants a suboptimal mode of delivery added further trauma to the
      already asphyxiated infant. Additionally, resuscitation was unsatisfactory in
      many of these infants. The most critical flaw was defective compliance with the
      guidelines concerning ventilation and the early paging of skilled personnel in
      cases of imminent asphyxia or known complications during labor. In many case
      reports, the documentation of the neonatal resuscitation was insufficient to
      enable accurate and reliable evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Examples of proposed
      improvements in care during labor are the introduction of a permanent educational
      atmosphere with aside time for daily educational rounds and discussion,
      cooperation around the use of standardized terminology in CTG interpretation, the
      cautious use of oxytocin, and the routine paging of a pediatrician before birth
      in cases of complicated delivery or imminent asphyxia. The proposed interventions
      need to be evaluated in clinical trials in the future.

PMID- 22080724
TI  - Nonprescription steroids on the Internet.
AB  - This study evaluated the degree to which anabolic-androgenic steroids are
      proffered for sale over the Internet and how they are characterized on popular
      Web sites. Searches for specific steroid product labels (e.g., Dianabol) between
      March 2006 and June 2006 revealed that approximately half of the Web sites
      advocated their "safe" use, and roughly one third offered to sell them without
      prescriptions. The Web sites frequently presented misinformation about steroids
      and minimized their dangers. Less than 5% of the Web sites presented accurate
      health risk information about steroids or provided information to abusers seeking
      to discontinue their steroid use. Implications for education, prevention,
      treatment, and policy are discussed.

PMID- 22080725
TI  - Subtypes of alcohol dependence and their effect on sexual behavior change.
AB  - This study utilized data from a National Institute on Drug Abuse and National
      Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded community-based HIV prevention
      program in the Midwest in 2000. We categorized women who met lifetime criteria
      for alcohol dependence (using the DIS) and who also had used cocaine (n = 324)
      into four alcohol typologies based on onset of regular drinking and the length of
      time to dependence. The Risk Behavior Assessment measured sex behaviors, combined
      into a risk index, before and after the program. Generalized linear modeling
      compared decreases over time. Women who began drinking regularly later and became
      dependent more slowly significantly decreased risky sex behaviors. Tailored
      prevention protocols may more effectively decrease HIV risk.

PMID- 22080726
TI  - Forster resonance energy transfer-based biosensors for multiparameter ratiometric
      imaging of Ca2+ dynamics and caspase-3 activity in single cells.
AB  - As one of the principal cytoplasmic second messengers, the calcium ion (Ca(2+))
      is central to a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways.
      Accordingly, there is a sustained interest in methods for spatially- and
      temporally resolved imaging of the concentration of Ca(2+) in live cells using
      noninvasive methods such as genetically encoded biosensors based on Forster
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent proteins (FPs). In recent
      years, protein-engineering efforts have provided the research community with FRET
      based Ca(2+) biosensors that are dramatically improved in terms of enhanced
      emission ratio change and optimized Ca(2+) affinity for various applications. We
      now report the development and systematic optimization of a pair of spectrally
      distinct FRET-based biosensors that enable the simultaneous imaging of Ca(2+) in
      two compartments of a single cell without substantial spectral crosstalk between
      emission channels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these new biosensors can be
      used in conjunction with previously reported caspase-3 substrates based on the
      same set of FRET pairs.

PMID- 22080727
TI  - Electronic structure, optical properties and lattice dynamics of MgSO3.6H2O.
AB  - The electronic band structure, optical properties and lattice vibrations of
      MgSO(3).6H(2)O were studied within density functional theory and compared to the
      experimental optical data and polarized Raman spectra. Due to the 'molecular'
      nature of the MgSO(3).6H(2)O crystal all Gamma-point phonon modes could be
      separated into groups belonging to specific structural blocks: Mg(H(2)O)(6)
      octahedra, SO(3) units and H(2)O molecules. All Raman lines in the experimental
      spectra are assigned to definite vibrations of the structure and reasonable
      agreement is found between theoretical and experimental mode frequencies. The
      temperature-dependent Raman spectra reveal at 60  degrees C a sharp transition
      from MgSO(3).6H(2)O to anhydrous amorphous MgSO(3) without the noticeable
      presence of intermediate lower hydrates, such as MgSO(3).3H(2)O.

PMID- 22080728
TI  - Hydroxylamine reduction to ammonium by plant and cyanobacterial hemoglobins.
AB  - Plants often face hypoxic stress as a result of flooding and waterlogged soils.
      During these periods, they must continue ATP production and nitrogen metabolism
      if they are to survive. The normal pathway of reductive nitrogen assimilation in
      non-legumes, nitrate, and nitrite reductase can be inhibited during low oxygen
      conditions that are associated with the buildup of toxic metabolites such as
      nitrite and nitric oxide, so the plant must also have a means of detoxifying
      these molecules. Compared to animal hemoglobins, plant and cyanobacterial
      hemoglobins are adept at reducing nitrite to nitric oxide under anaerobic
      conditions. Here we test their abilities to reduce hydroxylamine, a proposed
      intermediate of nitrite reductase, under anaerobic conditions. We find that class
      1 rice nonsymbiotic hemoglobin (rice nsHb1) and the hemoglobin from the
      cyanobacterium Synechocystis (SynHb) catalyze the reduction of hydroxylamine to
      ammonium at rates 100-2500 times faster than animal hemoglobins including
      myoglobin, neuroglobin, cytoglobin, and blood cell hemoglobin. These results
      support the hypothesis that plant and cyanobacterial hemoglobins contribute to
      anaerobic nitrogen metabolism in support of anaerobic respiration and survival
      during hypoxia.

PMID- 22080729
TI  - Clock gene expression levels and relationship with clinical and pathological
      features in colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - The clock gene machinery controls cellular metabolism, proliferation, and key
      functions, such as DNA damage recognition and repair. Dysfunction of the
      circadian clock is involved in tumorigenesis, and altered expression of some
      clock genes has been found in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the expression levels of core clock genes in colorectal cancer (CRC).
      Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to examine
      ARNTL1, CLOCK, PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY1, CRY2, Timeless (TIM), TIPIN, and CSNK1?
      expression levels in the tumor tissue and matched apparently healthy mucosa of
      CRC patients. In the tumor tissue of CRC patients, compared to their matched
      healthy mucosa, expression levels of ARNTL1 (p=.002), PER1 (p=.002), PER2
      (p=.011), PER3 (p=.003), and CRY2 (p=.012) were lower, whereas the expression
      level of TIM (p=.044) was higher. No significant difference was observed in the
      expression levels of CLOCK (p=.778), CRY1 (p=.600), CSNK1 (p=.903), and TIPIN
      (p=.136). As to the clinical and pathological features, a significant association
      was found between low CRY1 expression levels in tumor mucosa and age (p=.026),
      and female sex (p=.005), whereas high CRY1 expression levels in tumor mucosa were
      associated with cancer location in the distal colon (p?=?.015). Moreover, high
      TIM mRNA levels in the tumor mucosa were prevalent whenever proximal lymph nodes
      were involved (p= .013) and associated with TNM stages III-IV (p=.005) and
      microsatellite instability (p=.015). Significantly poorer survival rates were
      evidenced for CRC patients with lower expression in the tumor tissue of PER1
      (p=.010), PER3 (p= .010), and CSNKIE (p=.024). In conclusion, abnormal expression
      levels of core clock genes in CRC tissue may be related to the process of
      tumorigenesis and exert an influence on host/tumor interactions.

PMID- 22080730
TI  - Epigenetic impact of long-term shiftwork: pilot evidence from circadian genes and
      whole-genome methylation analysis.
AB  - Epigenetic association studies have demonstrated differential promoter
      methylation in the core circadian genes in breast cancer cases relative to cancer
      free controls. The current pilot study aims to investigate whether epigenetic
      changes affecting breast cancer risk could be caused by circadian disruption
      through exposure to light at night. Archived DNA samples extracted from whole
      blood of 117 female subjects from a prospective cohort conducted in Denmark were
      included in this study. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method was used
      for detection of gene-promoter methylation, whereas genome-wide methylation
      analysis was performed using the Illumina Infinium Methylation Chip. Long-term
      shiftwork resulted in the same promoter hypomethylation of CLOCK and
      hypermethylation of CRY2, as was previously observed in breast cancer case
      control studies. Genome-wide methylation analysis further discovered widespread
      methylation alterations in shiftworkers, including changes in many methylation-
      and cancer-relevant genes. Pathway analysis of the genes with altered methylation
      patterns revealed several cancer-related pathways. One of the top three networks
      generated was designated as "DNA replication, recombination, and repair, gene
      expression, behavior" with ESR1 (estrogen receptor alpha) featured most
      prominently in the network, underscoring the potential breast cancer relevance of
      the genes differentially methylated in long-term shiftworkers. These results,
      although exploratory, demonstrate the first evidence of the cancer-relevant
      epigenetic effects of night shiftwork, which warrant further investigation.
      Considering there are millions of shiftworkers worldwide, understanding the
      effects of this exposure may lead to novel strategies for cancer prevention and
      new policies regulating shiftwork.

PMID- 22080731
TI  - Timekeeping through social contacts: social synchronization of circadian
      locomotor activity rhythm in the carpenter ant Camponotus paria.
AB  - In ant colonies a large proportion of individuals remain inside nests for most of
      their lives and come out only when necessary. It is not clear how, in a nest of
      several thousand individuals, information about local time is communicated among
      members of the colony. Central to this seem to be circadian clocks, which have an
      intrinsic ability to keep track of local time by entraining to environmental
      light-dark, temperature, and social cycles. Here, the authors report the results
      of their study aimed at understanding the role of cyclic social interactions in
      circadian timekeeping of a day-active species of carpenter ant Camponotus paria.
      The authors found that daily social interactions with visitors (worker ants) was
      able to synchronize the circadian locomotor activity rhythm of host worker ants
      and queens, in one-on-one (pair-wise) and multi-individual (group-wise)
      interactions. Interestingly, the outcome of cyclic social interactions was
      context specific; when visitor workers socially interacted with host workers one
      on-one, host workers considered the time of interaction as subjective day, but
      when visitor workers interacted with a group of workers and queens, the hosts
      considered the time of interaction as subjective night. These results can be
      taken to suggest that members of the ant species C. paria keep track of local
      time by socially interacting with workers (foragers) who shuttle in and out of
      the colony in search of food. (Author correspondence:  vsharma@jncasr.ac.in ).

PMID- 22080732
TI  - The daily melatonin pattern in Djungarian hamsters depends on the circadian
      phenotype.
AB  - Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) bred at the Institute of Halle reveal
      three different circadian phenotypes. The wild type (WT) shows normal locomotor
      activity patterns, whereas in hamsters of the DAO (delayed activity onset) type,
      the activity onset is continuously delayed. Since the activity offset in those
      hamsters remains coupled to "light-on," the activity time becomes compressed.
      Hamsters of the AR (arrhythmic) type are episodically active throughout the 24 h.
      Previous studies showed that a disturbed interaction of the circadian system with
      the light-dark (LD) cycle contributes to the phenomenon observed in DAO hamsters.
      To gain better insight into the underlying mechanisms, the authors investigated
      the daily melatonin rhythm, as it is a reliable marker of the circadian clock.
      Hamsters were kept individually under standardized laboratory conditions (LD
      14:10, T=22 degrees C+/-2 degrees C, food and water ad libitum). WT, DAO (with
      exactly 5 h delay of activity onset), and AR hamsters were used for pineal
      melatonin and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) measurement. Pineal melatonin
      content was determined at 3 time points: 4 h after "light-off" [D+4], 1 h before
      "light-on" [L-1], and 1h after "light-on" [L+1]). The 24-h profile of melatonin
      secretion was investigated by transferring the animals to metabolic cages for
      27?h to collect urine at 3-h intervals for aMT6s analysis. WT hamsters showed
      high pineal melatonin content during the dark time (D+4, L-1), which
      significantly decreased at the beginning of the light period (L+1). In contrast,
      DAO hamsters displayed low melatonin levels during the part of the dark period
      when animals were still resting (D+4). At the end of the dark period (L-1),
      melatonin content increased significantly and declined again when light was
      switched on (L+1). AR hamsters showed low melatonin levels, comparable to daytime
      values, at all 3 time points. The results were confirmed by aMT6s data. WT
      hamsters showed a marked circadian pattern of aMT6s excretion. The concentration
      started to increase 3?h after "light-off" and reached daytime values 5 h after
      "light-on." In DAO hamsters, in contrast, aMT6s excretion started about 6?h later
      and reached significantly lower levels compared to WT hamsters. In AR animals,
      aMT6s excretion was low at all times. The results clearly indicate the rhythm of
      melatonin secretion in DAO hamsters is delayed in accord with their delayed
      activity onset, whereas AR hamsters display no melatonin rhythm at all. Since the
      regulatory pathways for the rhythms of locomotor activity and melatonin synthesis
      (which are downstream from the suprachiasmatic nucleus [SCN]) are different but
      obviously convey the same signal, we conclude that the origin of the phenomenon
      observed in DAO hamsters must be located upstream of the SCN, or in the SCN
      itself.

PMID- 22080733
TI  - Chronotype predicts activity patterns in the neural underpinnings of the motor
      system during the day.
AB  - Neuroimaging is increasingly used to study the motor system in vivo. Despite many
      reports of time-of-day influences on motor function at the behavioral level,
      little is known about these influences on neural motor networks and their
      activations recorded in neuroimaging. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI), the authors studied 15 healthy subjects (9 females; mean +/- SD age: 23
      +/- 3 yrs) performing a self-paced finger-tapping task at different times of day
      (morning, midday, afternoon, and evening). Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent
      signal showed systematic differences across the day in task-related motor areas
      of the brain, specifically in the supplementary motor area, parietal cortex, and
      rolandic operculum (p(corr)< .0125). The authors found that these time-of-day
      dependent hemodynamic modulations are associated with chronotype and not with
      homeostatic sleep pressure. These results show that consideration of time-of-day
      for the analysis of fMRI studies is imperative.

PMID- 22080734
TI  - Differential roles of breakfast and supper in rats of a daily three-meal schedule
      upon circadian regulation and physiology.
AB  - The timing of meals has been suggested to play an important role in circadian
      regulation and metabolic health. Three meals a day is a well-established human
      feeding habit, which in today's lifestyle may or may not be followed. The aim of
      this study was to test whether the absence of breakfast or supper significantly
      affects the circadian system and physiological function. The authors developed a
      rat model for their daily three meals study, whereby animals were divided into
      three groups (three meals, TM; no first meal, NF; no last meal, NL) all fed with
      the same amount of food every day. Rats in the NF group displayed significantly
      decreased levels of plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL
      C), and glucose in the activity phase, accompanied by delayed circadian phases of
      hepatic peripheral clock and downstream metabolic genes. Rats in the NL group
      showed lower concentration of plasma TC, HDL-C, and glucose in the rest phase,
      plus reduced adipose tissue accumulation and body weight gain. Real-time
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis indicated an attenuated rhythm in the
      food-entraining pathway, including down-regulated expression of the clock genes
      Per2, Bmal1, and Rev-erbalpha, which may further contribute to the delayed and
      decreased expression of FAS in lipogenesis in this group. Our findings are
      consistent with the conclusion that the daily first meal determines the circadian
      phasing of peripheral clocks, such as in the liver, whereas the daily last meal
      tightly couples to lipid metabolism and adipose tissue accumulation, which
      suggests differential physiological effects and function of the respective meal
      timings.

PMID- 22080735
TI  - Chronotype and the transition to college life.
AB  - Social synchronizers of morningness-eveningness, or chronotype, begin to change
      during the developmental transition from adolescence to college life. The current
      study examined how these changes related to the sleep/wake patterns of 220
      undergraduates (93 males/122 females) ranging in age from 18 to 29 yrs at a
      private university. Coping strategies students used to deal with early morning
      commitments and familial conflict over sleep patterns were also examined. Results
      revealed that evening chronotypes were more likely to report conflict with
      parents in junior high school and high school over going to bed and waking,
      followed by a shift to a later sleep/wake pattern in college. They also reported
      adjusting their schedules and using more coping strategies to accommodate their
      evening bias. Morning chronotypes, whose routines easily fit a conventional
      morning schedule, reported little change in schedules and sleep patterns from
      junior high school to college, and used fewer coping strategies in response to
      early morning commitments. The shift in social zeitgebers from junior high school
      to college are significant, and yet little research has examined the effect these
      changes can have on students' adjustment to college life and the role that
      chronotype plays in this process. Because students' ability to cope with these
      changes will ultimately influence how successful they are in their various
      endeavors, a greater understanding of how chronotype is related to adaptive
      functioning across this developmental period is needed.

PMID- 22080737
TI  - The pattern of entrainment of the human sleep-wake rhythm by the natural
      photoperiod in the north.
AB  - Recently, it was shown that the sleep-wake rhythm of the inhabitants of the
      temperate zone is entrained to sun time. In the North, significant seasonal
      changes in the photoperiod may interfere with entrainment of the circadian system
      to sunlight. This investigation assessed the influence of photoperiod
      characteristics on the sleep length and sleep-wake rhythm of residents of high
      latitude. The study was conducted in four towns and six villages located between
      59.5?N and 67.6?N latitude between the months of October and May from 2009
      through 2011 and included 2822 subjects aged 10 to 97 yrs, 1621 of whom were
      females and 1201 males. The chronotype and sleep length of the subjects were
      assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. The instructions for the
      questionnaire stressed the need to specify the sleep-wake schedule during the
      week preceding the date of completing the questionnaire. The study found that the
      length of sleep and the chronotype of the inhabitants surveyed in Northern
      European Russia depend on age, sex, type of settlement, and place of residence.
      The time of sunrise was a stronger predictor of sleep length and chronotype than
      the time of sunset and day length. A later chronotype and shorter sleep length
      were found for the subjects during the equinox (sunrise at 06:00 h) than under
      long-photoperiod conditions (sunrise at 04:00-05:00 h). During short-photoperiod
      conditions (sunrise at 07:00-10:00 h), no significant changes in the self
      reported sleep-wake rhythm were found. The time of sunrise had the strongest
      impact on the sleep-wake rhythm of 30- to 97-yr-old persons. Sunrise had a
      stronger influence on chronotype and sleep length in January to May, when the
      days become longer, than in October to December, when the days become shorter.
      Age- and season-associated changes were found in the entrainment of the sleep
      wake rhythm by photoperiod in the North.

PMID- 22080736
TI  - Light exposure among adolescents with delayed sleep phase disorder: a prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare light exposure and sleep parameters
      between adolescents with delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD; n=16, 15.3+/-1.8
      yrs) and unaffected controls (n=22, 13.7+/-2.4 yrs) using a prospective cohort
      design. Participants wore wrist actigraphs with photosensors for 14 days. Mean
      hourly lux levels from 20:00 to 05:00 h and 05:00 to 14:00 h were examined, in
      addition to the 9-h intervals prior to sleep onset and after sleep offset. Sleep
      parameters were compared separately, and were also included as covariates within
      models that analyzed associations with specified light intervals. Additional
      covariates included group and school night status. Adolescent delayed sleep phase
      subjects received more evening (p< .02, 22:00-02:00 h) and less morning (p .05,
      08:00-09:00 h and 10:00-12:00 h) light than controls, but had less pre-sleep
      exposure with adjustments for the time of sleep onset (p< .03, 5-7 h prior to
      onset hour). No differences were identified with respect to the sleep offset
      interval. Increased total sleep time and later sleep offset times were associated
      with decreased evening (p< .001 and p= .02, respectively) and morning (p= .01 and
      p< .001, respectively) light exposure, and later sleep onset times were
      associated with increased evening exposure (p< .001). Increased total sleep time
      also correlated with increased exposure during the 9 h before sleep onset (p=
      .01), and a later sleep onset time corresponded with decreased light exposure
      during the same interval (p< .001). Outcomes persisted regardless of school night
      status. In conclusion, light exposure interpretation requires adjustments for
      sleep timing among adolescents with DSPD. Pre- and post-sleep light exposures do
      not appear to contribute directly to phase delays. Sensitivity to morning light
      may be reduced among adolescents with DSPD.

PMID- 22080738
TI  - Ring the bell for Matins: circadian adaptation to split sleep by cloistered monks
      and nuns.
AB  - Cloistered monks and nuns adhere to a 10-century-old strict schedule with a
      common zeitgeber of a night split by a 2- to 3-h-long Office (Matins). The
      authors evaluated how the circadian core body temperature rhythm and sleep adapt
      in cloistered monks and nuns in two monasteries. Five monks and five nuns
      following the split-sleep night schedule for 5 to 46 yrs without interruption and
      10 controls underwent interviews, sleep scales, and physical examination and
      produced a week-long sleep diary and actigraphy, plus 48-h recordings of core
      body temperature. The circadian rhythm of temperature was described by partial
      Fourier time-series analysis (with 12- and 24-h harmonics). The temperature peak
      and trough values and clock times did not differ between groups. However, the
      temperature rhythm was biphasic in monks and nuns, with an early decrease at
      19:39 +/- 4:30 h (median +/- 95% interval), plateau or rise of temperature at
      22:35 +/- 00:23 h (while asleep) lasting 296 +/- 39 min, followed by a second
      decrease after the Matins Office, and a classical morning rise. Although they
      required alarm clocks to wake-up for Matins at midnight, the body temperature
      rise anticipated the nocturnal awakening by 85 +/- 15 min. Compared to the
      controls, the monks and nuns had an earlier sleep onset (20:05 +/- 00:59 h vs.
      00:00 +/- 00:54 h, median +/- 95% confidence interval, p= .0001) and offset
      (06:27 +/- 0:22 h, vs. 07:37 +/- 0:33 h, p= .0001), as well as a shorter sleep
      time (6.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 7.6 +/- 0.7 h, p= .05). They reported difficulties with
      sleep latency, sleep duration, and daytime function, and more frequent hypnagogic
      hallucinations. In contrast to their daytime silence, they experienced
      conversations (and occasionally prayers) in dreams. The biphasic temperature
      profile in monks and nuns suggests the human clock adapts to and even anticipates
      nocturnal awakenings. It resembles the biphasic sleep and rhythm of healthy
      volunteers transferred to a short (10-h) photoperiod and provides a living glance
      into the sleep pattern of medieval time.

PMID- 22080740
TI  - Higher environmental temperature and global radiation are correlated with
      increasing suicidality--a localized data analysis.
AB  - Suicide rate follows a seasonal pattern that is related to rising air temperature
      and global radiation. These findings are reproducible within different climatic
      regions. Numerous studies have attempted to explain this peak in relation to
      weather. However, many of these studies did not use meteorological data
      representative of the site of the suicide or attempted suicide, resulting in
      limitations of the findings. Previous studies also suffered from limitations in
      the methods of data analysis. The current study examined the relationship between
      weather, i.e., solar radiation, air temperature, and the rate of suicides and
      suicidality in the area of Mittelfranken, Germany, using regional meteorological
      data. Statistical risk estimation revealed associations between higher global
      radiation and air temperatures on the day of and day before suicide acts. The
      results could be of interest for general suicide prevention strategies. Future
      studies should examine additional possible factors of influence and concentrate
      on a strict standardized study design. The aim is to obtain reproducible data of
      the seasonal influences on suicide behavior, allowing for the comparison of data
      from different meteorological regions and patient subgroups.

PMID- 22080739
TI  - Seasonality of retinal detachment incidence and its associations with climate: an
      11-year nationwide population-based study.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the seasonal variability of retinal detachment (RD)
      in Taiwan by using an 11-yr nationwide population database. This study also
      investigated the association of weather conditions, i.e., ambient temperature,
      relative humidity, rainfall, monthly hours of sunshine, and atmospheric pressure,
      with RD. Data were retrospectively collected from the Taiwan National Health
      Insurance Research Database. The study sample included 23 718 RD hospitalizations
      between January 1999 and December 2009. The incidence rate of RD/100 000 people
      over the 132 months was computed according to sex and age groupings of <20, 20
      39, 40-59, and >=60 yrs. Then, the association between climatic factors and the
      monthly RD incidence rate was examined. The ARIMA (autoregressive integrated
      moving average) method was also employed to test the seasonality of RD incidence
      rates and their association with climatic factors. The annual RD incidence rates
      were between 7.8 and 10.8 cases/100 000 people during the study period. A fairly
      similar seasonal pattern of monthly RD incidence rates was apparent for males and
      females and males and females combined. Rates were highest August through
      October, decreasing in November, and lowest in February. After adjusting for
      time, trend, and month, the ARIMA regression models for the male, female, and
      males and females combined consistently revealed the monthly RD incidence rate
      was significantly and positively associated with ambient temperature, but
      negatively associated with atmospheric pressure. The authors conclude that the
      monthly RD incidence rates were significantly associated with seasonality. The
      monthly RD incidence rates were positively associated with ambient temperature
      and negatively associated with atmospheric pressure.

PMID- 22080742
TI  - Tissue-dependent alterations of the clock gene expression rhythms in leptin
      resistant Zucker diabetic fatty rats.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that circadian clocks are impaired in liver and
      adipose tissue of both leptin-deficient ob/ob and leptin-resistant KK-A(y) mice.
      Because impairment of peripheral clocks precedes metabolic abnormalities in ob/ob
      mice, leptin signaling might be important for modulating peripheral clocks. To
      assess this hypothesis, the authors determined daily mRNA expression profiles of
      clock genes Clock, Arntl, Per1, Per2, Cry1, Dbp, and Nr1d1 in several tissues of
      leptin-receptor-deficient Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Transcript levels of
      some of these genes around the respective peak times decreased significantly in
      the liver, but not in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, mesenteric adipose tissue, and
      heart, compared to those in control rats. In contrast, mRNA levels of Per1 and
      Dbp around the peak time increased in the aorta of ZDF rats. However, expression
      rhythms of these clock genes in serum-stimulated cultured cells isolated from the
      aorta of ZDF rats were quite similar to those in serum-stimulated aortic cells of
      control rats. These results show that systemic leptin signaling defect influences
      peripheral clocks in a tissue-dependent manner, suggesting the possibility that
      leptin indirectly modulates the clocks in at least a subset of peripheral
      tissues.

PMID- 22080741
TI  - Diurnal variations of plasma homocysteine, total antioxidant status, and
      biological markers of muscle injury during repeated sprint: effect on performance
      and muscle fatigue--a pilot study.
AB  - The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate whether homocysteine (Hcy), total
      antioxidant status (TAS), and biological markers of muscle injury would be
      affected by time of day (TOD) in football players and (ii) to establish a
      relationship between diurnal variation of these biomarkers and the daytime rhythm
      of power and muscle fatigue during repeated sprint ability (RSA) exercise. In
      counterbalanced order, 12 football (soccer) players performed an RSA test (5 x[6
      s of maximal cycling sprint + 24 s of rest]) on two different occasions: 07:00
      08:30 h and 17:00-18:30 h. Fasting blood samples were collected from a forearm
      vein before and 3-5 min after each RSA test. Core temperature, rating of
      perceived exertion, and performances (i.e., Sprint 1, Sprint 2, and power
      decrease) during the RSA test were significantly higher at 17:00 than 07:00 h (p
      < .001, p < .05, and p < .05, respectively). The results also showed significant
      diurnal variation of resting Hcy levels and all biological markers of muscle
      injury with acrophases (peak times) observed at 17:00 h. These fluctuations
      persisted after the RSA test. However, biomarkers of antioxidant status' resting
      levels (i.e., total antioxidant status, uric acid, and total bilirubin) were
      higher in the morning. This TOD effect was suppressed after exercise for TAS and
      uric acid. In conclusion, the present study confirms diurnal variation of Hcy,
      selected biological markers of cellular damage, and antioxidant status in young
      football players. Also, the higher performances and muscle fatigue showed in the
      evening during RSA exercise might be due to higher levels of biological markers
      of muscle injury and lower antioxidant status at this TOD.

PMID- 22080743
TI  - Implementing secure laptop-based testing in an undergraduate nursing program: a
      case study.
AB  - This article presents the implementation of secure laptop-based testing in an
      undergraduate nursing program. Details on how to design, develop, implement, and
      secure tests are discussed. Laptop-based testing mode is also compared with the
      computer-laboratory-based testing model. Five elements of the laptop-based
      testing model are illustrated: (1) it simulates the national board examination,
      (2) security is achievable, (3) it is convenient for both instructors and
      students, (4) it provides students hands-on practice, (5) continuous technical
      support is the key.

PMID- 22080744
TI  - Creating an ICNP subset: children with HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
AB  - Since 1993, the International Classification of Nursing Practice has evolved as a
      unified language for global nursing diagnoses/outcomes and interventions. It
      contains 5148 terms. Population- or condition-specific subsets of terms
      facilitate easier and consistent use of the International Classification of
      Nursing Practice. One condition, care of children in developing countries with
      HIV/AIDS, is listed by the World Health Organization as a world health priority.
      In this study, the investigators identified nursing diagnoses/outcomes and
      intervention terms used by nurses for this population and mapped the terms to the
      International Classification of Nursing Practice. Terms represent healthcare at
      different phases along a continuum: health promotion, health maintenance, acute
      conditions, chronic conditions, and end-of-life care with the child as the focus
      surrounded by family, community, and culture. In the analysis, the investigators'
      process is compared with the one outlined in the Guidelines for International
      Classification of Nursing Practice Catalogue Development, and the match of each
      local and International Classification of Nursing Practice term is categorized as
      perfect fit, conceptual fit, partial fit, or unable to fit. A total of 53 nursing
      diagnosis/outcome terms and 85 intervention terms make up the subset. Eighty-two
      percent of local terms mapped at least partially to International Classification
      of Nursing Practice.

PMID- 22080745
TI  - Development and pilot test of a culturally sensitive CD-ROM for hypertensive,
      older Chinese immigrants.
AB  - Hypertension control remains an issue for older Chinese immigrants because of the
      unique cultural health practices they use to manage their hypertension. Limited
      health education information on how to manage hypertension is available in
      Chinese. Because San Francisco has a large population of older Chinese
      immigrants, development of culturally sensitive educational material is important
      to help this population to achieve better blood pressure control. The purpose of
      this study was to develop and pilot test an innovative, culturally based CD-ROM
      with a focus on hypertension education and management, directed to the older
      Chinese immigrant population. The results of this pilot study found that the
      content of CD-ROM was culturally acceptable for the target population. Given a
      lack of educational material in Chinese in the United States, this CD-ROM has a
      potential to be used for a large population of Chinese elders in the United
      States.

PMID- 22080746
TI  - Comparative study of baccalaureate nursing student self-efficacy before and after
      simulation.
AB  - Evaluation of learning and the development of prelicensure nursing education
      include an exploration of new teaching models and techniques for student learning
      assessment. The utilization of high-fidelity human simulation in nursing provides
      nursing faculty and students the opportunity to expand the boundaries of
      conventional learning from an instructional paradigm to a blending of modalities
      that enrich the student experience and provide an avenue for self-determined
      learning. The inception of computer-generated high-fidelity human simulation
      technology into the undergraduate nursing curriculum generated this correlation
      study, which examined two separate groups of senior baccalaureate nursing
      students' reported self-efficacy for providing family-centered care. This
      research examined each group of students' reported self-efficacy on the first day
      of the pediatric semester before and after simulation and on the last day of the
      pediatric semester before and after simulation. In addition, the relationship
      between two senior baccalaureate nursing student groups' reported self-efficacy
      at four data points was examined. The concluding data identified that senior
      baccalaureate nursing students have unrealistic self-assessments of their
      clinical knowledge and nursing performance capabilities before simulation
      scenario participation. The perceived ability of undergraduate students to self
      identify their previously acquired knowledge and transferable clinical reasoning
      to family-centered situations is inaccurate. Human simulators are an effective
      teaching and learning modality in measuring factors that affect student outcomes.

PMID- 22080747
TI  - Quality of life in older Chinese-speaking adults with hearing impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: General and hearing-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was
      examined in elderly Chinese with hearing impairment. METHODS: Sixty-four Chinese
      speakers aged >=65 years and did not use hearing aids were evaluated using
      Chinese versions of the Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36) and the Hearing
      Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Screening Version) (HHIE-S). Results on the
      SF-36 were compared to norms obtained in a general elderly Chinese population.
      The relationships between HRQoL and degree of hearing impairment, and between SF
      36 and HHIE-S were also evaluated. RESULTS: Elderly Chinese speakers with hearing
      impairment rated six of the eight scales of the SF-36 poorer, compared to a
      general elderly Chinese population. When average hearing impairment in the better
      ear exceeded 40 dB HL, SF-36 ratings were poorer than those with better hearing.
      Poorer better ear hearing was significantly related to poorer ratings on the
      Vitality scale of the SF-36 and the three scales of the HHIE-S, after controlling
      for age, gender and number of coexisting chronic health problems. Ratings on SF
      36 and HHIE-S did not correlate. CONCLUSION: Elderly Chinese who are hearing
      impaired experienced poorer general and hearing-specific HRQoL, and HRQoL is
      reduced further among those with greater hearing impairment.

PMID- 22080748
TI  - Can magnetic targeting of magnetically labeled circulating cells optimize
      intramyocardial cell retention?
AB  - Therapeutic intracavitary stem cell infusion currently suffers from poor
      myocardial homing. We examined whether cardiac cell retention could be enhanced
      by magnetic targeting of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) loaded with iron
      oxide nanoparticles. EPCs were magnetically labeled  with citrate-coated iron
      oxide nanoparticles. Cell proliferation, migration, and CXCR4 chemokine receptor
      expression were assessed in different labeling conditions and no adverse effects
      of the magnetic label were observed. The magnetophoretic mobility of labeled EPCs
      was determined in vitro,  with the same magnet as that subsequently used in vivo.
      Coronary artery occlusion was induced for 30 min in 36 rats (31 survivors),
      followed by 20 min of reperfusion. The rats were randomized to receive, during
      brief aortic cross-clamping, direct intraventricular injection of culture medium 
      (n = 7) or magnetically labeled EPCs (n = 24), with (n = 14) or without (n = 10)
      subcutaneous insertion of a magnet over the chest cavity (n = 14). The hearts
      were explanted 24 h later and engrafted cells were visualized by magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI)  of the heart at 1.5 T. Their abundance in the myocardium
      was also analyzed semiquantitatively by immunofluorescence, and quantitatively by
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Although differences in cell
      retention between groups failed to be statistically significant using RT-PCR 
      quantification, due to the variability of the animal model, immunostaining showed
      that the average number of engrafted EPCs was significantly ten times higher with
      than without magnetic targeting. There was thus a consistent trend favoring the
      magnet-treated hearts, thereby suggesting magnetic  targeting as a potentially
      new mean of enhancing myocardial homing of intravascularly delivered stem cells.
      Magnetic targeting has the potential to enhance myocardial retention of
      intravascularly delivered endothelial progenitor cells.

PMID- 22080749
TI  - Technology and innovation: 2010 a year in review.
AB  - The following commentary provides a discussion of the articles published in
      Technology and Innovation in 2010 and where possible places them into context
      with those reported in Cell Transplantation. These articles can be divided into
      the following topics: a) models for  innovation and technological
      commercialization, b) the ethical and legal consequences of the emergence of new
      technologies, c) research on novel technologies and methods, and d) the
      difficulties involved in peer review and scientific assessment. The articles shed
      light on the effects of technological  innovation and commercialization on
      scientific ethical regulation, the establishment of legal standards for the
      protection of intellectual property, and the development of financial models.

PMID- 22080750
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 enhances interleukin-8 production via EP4 receptor in human
      pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.
AB  - Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is a bioactive prostanoid implicated in the
      inflammatory processes of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.
      This study investigated whether PGE(2) can induce production of interleukin (IL)
      8, the major chemokine for neutrophil activation, from human pulmonary
      microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs). PGE(2) significantly enhanced IL-8
      protein production with increases in IL-8 mRNA expression and intracellular cAMP
      levels. HPMVECs expressed only EP4 receptor mRNA. The PGE(2) effects were
      mimicked by a selective EP4 receptor agonist, ONO-AE1-329, and inhibited by a
      selective EP4 receptor antagonist, ONO-AE3-208, or a protein kinase A inhibitor,
      Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate triethylamine salt. The specific
      agonist for EP1, EP2, or EP3 receptor did not induce IL-8 production. PGE(2)
      induced IL-8 production was accompanied by p38 phosphorylation and was
      significantly inhibited by a p38 inhibitor, SB-203580, but not by an ERK1/2
      inhibitor, U-0126, or a JNK inhibitor, SP-600125. Additionally, PGE(2) increased
      cyclooxygenase-2 expression with no change in constitutive cyclooxygenase-1
      expression, suggesting possible involvement of an autocrine or paracrine manner.
      In conclusion, PGE(2) enhances IL-8 production via EP4 receptor coupled to G(s)
      protein in HPMVECs. Activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway, followed by
      p38 activation, is essential for these mechanisms. Because neutrophils play a
      critical role in the inflammation of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress
      syndrome, IL-8 released from the pulmonary microvasculature in response to PGE(2)
      may contribute to pathophysiology of this disease.

PMID- 22080752
TI  - The role of low-level lactate production in airway inflammation in asthma.
AB  - Warburg and coworkers (Warburg O, Posener K, Negelein E. Z Biochem 152: 319,
      1924) first reported that cancerous cells switch glucose metabolism from
      oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, and that this switch is
      important for their proliferation. Nothing is known about aerobic glycolysis in T
      cells from asthma. The objective was to study aerobic glycolysis in human asthma
      and the role of this metabolic pathway in airway hyperreactivity and inflammation
      in a mouse model of asthma. Human peripheral blood and mouse spleen CD4 T cells
      were isolated by negative selection. T cell proliferation was measured by
      thymidine incorporation. Cytokines and serum lactate were measured by ELISA.
      Mouse airway hyperreactivity to inhaled methacholine was measured by a FlexiVent
      apparatus. The serum lactate concentration was significantly elevated in
      clinically stable asthmatic subjects compared with healthy and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease controls, and negatively correlated with forced
      expiratory volume in 1 s. Proliferating CD4 T cells from human asthma and a mouse
      model of asthma produced higher amounts of lactate upon stimulation, suggesting a
      heightened glycolytic activity. Lactate stimulated and inhibited T cell
      proliferation at low and high concentrations, respectively. Dichloroacetate
      (DCA), an inhibitor of aerobic glycolysis, inhibited lactate production,
      proliferation of T cells, and production of IL-5, IL-17, and IFN-gamma, but it
      stimulated production of IL-10 and induction of Foxp3. DCA also inhibited airway
      inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of asthma. We conclude that
      aerobic glycolysis is increased in asthma, which promotes T cell activation.
      Inhibition of aerobic glycolysis blocks T cell activation and development of
      asthma.

PMID- 22080753
TI  - Dominant factors affecting temperature rise in simulations of human
      thermoregulation during RF exposure.
AB  - Numerical models of the human thermoregulatory system can be used together with
      realistic voxel models of the human anatomy to simulate the body temperature
      increases caused by the power absorption from radio-frequency electromagnetic
      fields. In this paper, the Pennes bioheat equation with a thermoregulatory model
      is used for calculating local peak temperatures as well as the body-core
      temperature elevation in a realistic human body model for grounded plane-wave
      exposures at frequencies 39, 800 and 2400 MHz. The electromagnetic power loss is
      solved by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, and the discretized
      bioheat equation is solved by the geometric multigrid method. Human
      thermoregulatory models contain numerous thermophysiological and computational
      parameters--some of which may be subject to considerable uncertainty--that affect
      the simulated core and local temperature elevations. The goal of this paper is to
      find how greatly the computed temperature is influenced by changes in various
      modelling parameters, such as the skin blood flow rate, models for vasodilation
      and sweating, and clothing and air movement. The results show that the peak
      temperature rises are most strongly affected by the modelling of tissue blood
      flow and its temperature dependence, and mostly unaffected by the central control
      mechanism for vasodilation and sweating. Almost the opposite is true for the body
      core-temperature rise, which is however typically greatly lower than the peak
      temperature rise. It also seems that ignoring the thermoregulation and the blood
      temperature increase is a good approximation when the local 10 g averaged
      specific absorption rate is smaller than 10 W kg(-1).

PMID- 22080754
TI  - Effect of mosquito mats (pyrethroid-based) vapor inhalation on rat brain
      cytochrome P450s.
AB  - The effect of transfluthrin (TF) or D-allethrin (DA) pyrethroid (PYR) vapors,
      often contained as main ingredients in two commercially available mosquito
      repellent mats, on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes of rat brain and liver was
      assessed. Immunodetection of CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 proteins revealed their induction
      in cerebrum and cerebellum, but not in liver microsomes of rats exposed by
      inhalation to TF or DA. This overexpression of proteins correlated with an
      increase of their catalytic activities. The specifically increased expression of
      CYP isoenzymes, due to PYR exposure in the rat brain, could perturb the normal
      metabolism of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds and leads to increased risks of
      neurotoxicity by bioactivation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.

PMID- 22080755
TI  - MyelomA Genetics International Consortium.
AB  - While the etiology of multiple myeloma (MM) is largely unknown, evidence for an
      inherited genetic susceptibility is provided by the two-fold increased risk of
      the disease seen in first-degree relatives of cases of MM. It is likely that part
      of this heritable risk is a consequence of the co-inheritance of low-risk genetic
      variants. The accumulated experience to date in identifying risk variants for
      other tumors has highlighted difficulties in conducting statistically and
      methodologically rigorous studies. The MyelomA Genetics International Consortium
      (MAGIC) includes 16 research groups in Europe, Asia, Australasia, the Middle East
      and the Americas engaged in studying the genetics of MM. The first goal of MAGIC
      is to identify and characterize common genetic variants for MM through
      association-based analyses. Here, we review the rationale for identifying genetic
      risk variants for MM and our proposed strategy for establishing MAGIC.

PMID- 22080756
TI  - Vascular access devices in leukemia: a retrospective review amongst patients
      treated at the Ottawa Hospital with induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia.
AB  - Patients with acute leukemia require reliable central vascular access to ensure
      delivery of intravenous therapy. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)
      and Hickman((r)) catheters are two commonly inserted central vascular catheters
      (CVCs), providing access to the central vascular space. While there have been
      reports describing individual center experiences, no one has compared the two
      devices, retrospectively or prospectively. We analyzed patients diagnosed with
      acute leukemia between September 1996 and April 2009, who had a PICC or
      Hickman(r), received induction chemotherapy and survived at least 20 days. Prior
      to 1 January 2007, PICCs were inserted by palpation (PICC-palp) and Hickman((r))
      catheters were inserted surgically (H-Surg). After this date, PICCs were inserted
      by ultrasound (PICC-U/S) and Hickman(") catheters were inserted by interventional
      radiology (H-IR). Fifty-five patients had a Hickman((r)) catheter (18 H-Surg, 37
      H-IR) and 92 patients had a PICC (69 PICC-palp, 23 PICC-U/S). Significant
      improvements from H-Surg to H-IR catheters include the reduction in exit-site
      inflammation and infection (27.8% to 5.4%) and in bacteremic episodes (72.2% to
      27.0%). Compared to PICC-U/S, H-IR had fewer cases of thrombophlebitis (0.0% vs.
      8.7%); H-IR also required fewer instillations of a thrombolytic agent than the
      PICC-U/S (8.1% vs. 69.6%). Both CVCs have shown improvements from pre- to post
      2007 insertion methods. Our data suggest that there were fewer complications with
      post-2007 Hickman((r)) catheters compared to PICCs, suggesting that Hickman(r)
      catheters provide a more reliable central vascular access in these patients.

PMID- 22080759
TI  - An ab initio molecular dynamics study of iron phases at high pressure and
      temperature.
AB  - The crystal structure of iron, the major component of the Earth's inner core
      (IC), is unknown for the IC high pressure (P; 3.3-3.6 Mbar) and temperature (T;
      5000-7000 K). There is mounting evidence that the hexagonal close-packed (hcp)
      phase of iron, stable at the high P of the IC and a low T, might be unstable
      under the IC conditions due to the impact of high T and impurities. Experiments
      at the IC P and T are difficult and do not provide a conclusive answer as regards
      the iron stability at the pressure of the IC and temperatures close to the iron
      melting curve. Recent theory provides contradictory results regarding the nature
      of the stable Fe phase. We investigated the possibility of body-centered cubic
      (bcc) phase stabilization at the P and T in the vicinity of the Fe melting curve
      by using ab initio molecular dynamics. Thermodynamic calculations, relying on the
      model of uncorrelated harmonic oscillators, provide nearly identical free
      energies within the error bars of our calculations. However, direct simulation of
      iron crystallization demonstrates that liquid iron freezes in the bcc structure
      at the P of the IC and T = 6000 K. All attempts to grow the hcp phase from the
      liquid failed. The mechanism of bcc stabilization is explained. This resolves
      most of the earlier confusion.

PMID- 22080757
TI  - A meta-analysis of TET2 mutations shows a distinct distribution pattern in de
      novo acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

PMID- 22080758
TI  - Inhibition of hedgehog signaling induces monocytic differentiation of HL-60
      cells.
AB  - There is little evidence to demonstrate the importance of the Sonic hedgehog
      homolog (Shh) pathway to differentiation therapy in the treatment of
      hematological neoplasms. Here we characterize the changes in acute myelogenous
      leukemia (HL-60) cells after blocking the Shh pathway by an antagonist of
      Smoothened, cyclopamine. Cyclopamine induces apoptosis of HL-60 cells in a dose-
      and time-dependent manner with increased G0/G1 cycle fraction. Treatment with
      cyclopamine increases the expression of monocytic cell markers CD11b and CD14,
      but the expression of CD13, CD33 and CD38 is unchanged. The monocytic
      differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by cyclopamine is also evidenced by an
      increase in Egr-1 expression. Importantly, cyclopamine down-regulates the
      phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, but activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
      signaling. Further investigations should determine the clinical application of
      modulating the Shh pathway in the treatment of hematological malignancies.

PMID- 22080760
TI  - Amyloid diagnosis, subcutaneous adipose tissue, immunohistochemistry and mass
      spectrometry.

PMID- 22080761
TI  - Proteomic typing of amyloid deposits in systemic amyloidoses.
AB  - Amyloidoses are characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid deposits,
      constituted by fibrillar aggregates of misfolded proteins. Despite the similar
      morphologic appearance of fibrils, at least 28 different proteins have been
      detected as causative agents of human amyloidoses, 14 of which associated with
      systemic forms. Unequivocal typing of the amyloid deposits is a key step in the
      management of these diseases. Existing drawbacks of traditional,
      immunohistochemistry-based techniques have driven the search for alternative
      solutions for direct amyloid typing. Proteomics indicates the comprehensive study
      of the proteins in a biological sample, centered on analysis by mass
      spectrometry. The great potential of this approach in describing the composition
      of amyloid deposits and in studying the molecular features of the amyloidogenic
      precursors has become immediately clear and the introduction of proteomics in the
      clinical practice has revolutionized the field of amyloid typing. This review
      provides a critical overview of the various approaches that have been proposed in
      this specific context, along with a brief description of the proteomic methods
      for assessment of the circulating amyloidogenic proteins.

PMID- 22080762
TI  - The relative amounts of plasma transthyretin forms in familial transthyretin
      amyloidosis: a quantitative analysis by Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - Familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a fatal autosomal dominant disease
      characterized by the formation of amyloid fibers, mainly composed of
      transthyretin (TTR). Protein aggregation and amyloid fiber formation are
      considered concentration dependent processes and since most ATTR patients are
      heterozygous it is crucial to determine the ratio between mutant and non-mutant
      TTR forms in human plasma. Using a high resolution mass spectrometry based
      approach we determined the ratio of TTR forms in ATTR patients, V30M mutation
      carriers, symptomatic and asymptomatic ones, as well as ATTR patients that
      received a wild type cadaveric liver transplant. Domino transplanted patients
      that received a liver from an ATTR patient were also investigated. We found that
      although wild type TTR is diminished in the plasma of non-transplanted ATTR
      patients comparatively to healthy subjects, the relationship with the V30M
      variant does not change with illness progression. Those who received a wild type
      liver showed no mutant protein while domino transplanted patients presented the
      same relative amount of V30M as found in asymptomatic and symptomatic
      individuals. The V30M to wild type TTR ratio in plasma is the same for all ATTR
      patients studied, showing no variation with disease clinical progression. Our
      results point to the involvement of additional non-genetic factors on the
      pathogenesis of this disease.

PMID- 22080763
TI  - Development of cardiomyopathy after liver transplantation in Swedish hereditary
      transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies of liver transplanted (LTx) familial amyloidotic
      polyneuropathy (FAP) patients have shown a progression of cardiomyopathy in some
      patients after LTx, but knowledge of the underlying factors remains limited.
      METHODS: Seventy-five patients, who had undergone LTx from 1996 to 2008, were
      included. They had all been examined by echocardiography 1-16 months before LTx.
      Fifty-four had been re-examined 7-34 months, and forty-two 36-137 months after
      LTx. RESULTS: A significant increase in interventricular septum (IVS) thickness
      occurred after LTx (p < 0.01), particularly in males (p = 0.002) and late onset
      patients (p = 0.003). The development of post-LTx cardiomyopathy was related to
      patient's age at onset of the disease, male gender and pre-LTx IVS thickness. On
      multivariate regression analysis, however, age at onset was the only significant
      predictor for the development of cardiomyopathy (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confident
      interval 1.01-1.30, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: An increase of IVS thickness can be
      observed in FAP patients after LTx. Age at onset of the disease is the main
      predictor for increased IVS thickness and for the development of cardiomyopathy
      after liver transplantation.

PMID- 22080764
TI  - Abnormal heart rate variability in AA amyloidosis of familial Mediterranean
      fever.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A scarcity of data exists relating to the effect of amyloidosis of
      Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) on the autonomic nervous system. Our aim was
      to further investigate the presence of dysautonomia in FMF-AA amyloidosis, using
      a comparative case series design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted
      of 40 patients with FMF: 20 without co-morbidities or amyloidosis and 20 in
      various stages of renal amyloidosis. Time domain and power spectral analyses of
      heart rate dynamics were performed according to accepted procedures. Findings
      were compared with 20 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: No statistically
      significant differences were found in any of the studied heart rate variability
      (HRV) parameters between patients with uncomplicated FMF and controls. In
      contrast, patients with progressive amyloidosis (post renal transplantation or on
      dialysis) had significantly lower HRV parameters compared to control subjects
      (i.e. mean low frequency power spectral components 104.30 ms2 vs. 172.09 ms2, p
      <0.05, mean standard deviation of all normal RR intervals 32.27 ms vs. 51.51 ms,
      p <0.05, mean HRV triangular index 9.08 vs. 15.82, p <0.05). The adjusted odds
      ratio was 14.5 (95%CI 1.21-165.03, p = 0.04) for HRV triangular index lower than
      12.2 in the progressive amyloidosis group, 41.24 (95%CI 1.81-938.68, p = 0.02)
      for low frequency power spectral components values lower than 142.35 ms2, and
      12.67 (95%CI 1.04-153.96, p = 0.04) for standard deviation of all normal RR
      intervals values lower than 40.15?ms. CONCLUSION: Amyloidosis of FMF,
      particularly at a progressive stage, is associated with HRV abnormalities
      suggestive of the presence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

PMID- 22080765
TI  - Participation-based therapy for children with physical disabilities.
AB  - PURPOSE: Optimizing home and community participation of children with physical
      disabilities is an important outcome of rehabilitation. METHOD: A review of
      literature identified research and theory on participation of children with
      physical disabilities. The authors' incorporated current knowledge to
      conceptualize the experience of optimal participation, formulate principles of
      participation-based physical and occupational therapy, and develop a five-step
      process for intervention. A case report was completed to illustrate application
      to practice. RESULTS: Optimal participation involves the dynamic interaction of
      determinants (attributes of the child, family, and environment) and dimensions
      (physical, social, and self engagement) of participation. Real-life experiences
      enable children to learn new activities and develop skills that optimize their
      participation and self-determination. Interventions are: goal-oriented, family
      centered, collaborative, strengths-based, ecological, and self-determined. A
      distinguishing feature of intervention is that the therapist's primary role is to
      support the child and family to identify challenges to participation and
      solutions to challenges. The therapist is a consultant, collaborating with the
      child, family, and community providers to share information, educate, and
      instruct in ways that build child, family, and community capacity. CONCLUSION:
      The model may have utility for collaboration with families and community
      providers, determining goals for participation, and providing evidence-informed
      interventions.

PMID- 22080767
TI  - Community partnership strategies: let's work from the same playbook.

PMID- 22080766
TI  - Reconstitution of the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX complex in phospholipid bilayer
      Nanodiscs.
AB  - The glycoprotein Ib-IX (GPIb-IX) complex expressed on platelet plasma membrane is
      involved in thrombosis and hemostasis via the initiation of adhesion of platelets
      to von Willebrand factor (VWF) exposed at the injured vessel wall. While most of
      the knowledge of the GPIb-IX complex was obtained from studies on platelets and
      transfected mammalian cells expressing the GPIb-IX complex, there is not an in
      vitro membrane system that allows systematic analysis of this receptor. The
      phospholipid bilayer Nanodisc composed of a patch of phospholipid surrounded by
      membrane scaffold protein is an attractive tool for membrane protein study. We
      show here that the GPIb-IX complex purified from human platelets has been
      reconstituted into the Nanodisc. The Nanodisc-reconstituted GPIb-IX complex was
      able to bind various conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore,
      it bound to VWF in the presence of botrocetin with an apparent K(d) of 0.73 +/-
      0.07 nM. The binding to VWF was inhibited by anti-GPIbalpha antibodies with
      epitopes overlapping with the VWF-binding site, but not by anti-GPIbbeta
      monoclonal antibody RAM.1. Finally, the Nanodisc-reconstituted GPIb-IX complex
      exhibited ligand binding activity similar to that of the isolated extracellular
      domain of GPIbalpha. In conclusion, the GPIb-IX complex in Nanodiscs adopts a
      native-like conformation and possesses the ability to bind its natural ligands,
      thus making a Nanodisc a suitable in vitro platform for further investigation of
      this hemostatically important receptor complex.

PMID- 22080768
TI  - Pioneers in health equity: lessons from the REACH communities.

PMID- 22080772
TI  - Case management intervention in cervical cancer prevention: the Boston REACH
      coalition women's health demonstration project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Boston REACH Coalition developed a case management intervention
      for Black women in primary care settings to identify and reduce medical and
      social obstacles to cervical cancer screening and following up abnormal results.
      METHODS: The 5-year intervention was evaluated among 732 Black women aged 18 to
      75 who were at high risk for inadequate Pap smear screening and follow-up. Case
      managers provided social services referrals to address patient-identified social
      concerns (e.g., transportation, housing), as well as navigation to prompt
      screening and follow-up of abnormal tests. The three study aims were to (1)
      identify the social factors associated with Pap smear screening at baseline
      before intervention, (2) evaluate the correlation between exposure to case
      management intervention and achieving recommended Pap screening intervals, and
      (3) evaluate the correlation between exposure to case management intervention and
      having timely follow-up of abnormal Pap smear tests. RESULTS: We found that a
      lack of a regular clinical provider, concerns communicating with providers, poor
      self-rated health, and having less than a high school education were important
      correlates of recent Pap smear screening before the case management intervention.
      During the case management intervention, we found a significant increase in
      achieving recommended Pap smear screening intervals among women with a recent Pap
      smear at study entry (increasing from 52% in the first year to 80% after 4 or
      more years; p < .01), but not among women who entered the study without a recent
      Pap smear (increasing from 31% in the first year to 44% after 4 or more years; p
      = .39). During case management intervention, having social support for childcare
      was associated with regular screening among women without a recent Pap smear
      (odds ratio [OR], 3.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-9.69). Insurance
      status was the key factor in timely clinically indicated follow-up of abnormal
      results (uninsured OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.86), rather than case management
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to case management was associated with
      regular Pap smear screening among women who recently engaged in screening. Future
      research should focus on systems changes to address social determinants of
      health, including strategies to facilitate screening for Black women without
      social support for childcare. To improve follow-up of abnormal results, financial
      access to care should be addressed.

PMID- 22080771
TI  - Evaluation of community-academic partnership functioning: center for the
      elimination of hepatitis B health disparities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Process evaluation of community-academic partnership function and
      fidelity to principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) is
      essential to achievement of intermediate and long term partnership goals.
      OBJECTIVES: This article describes the evaluation of B Free CEED, a community
      academic partnership created to address hepatitis health disparities in Asian
      American and Pacific Islander (API) communities. METHODS: A mixed methods
      approach with an online survey and qualitative key informant interviews was
      conducted with all partnership members at baseline and follow-up, 18 months
      later. RESULTS: Survey findings showed stability over time, with some consistent
      differences in community and academic perspectives. Academic members were
      somewhat more satisfied with the partnership functioning. Key informant
      interviews provided contextual data key to further defining partnership
      functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting ongoing partnership evaluations is necessary
      to reassess and align processes and protocols to enhance partnership functioning
      and strengthen group cohesion.

PMID- 22080773
TI  - A partnered approach for structured observation to assess the environment of a
      neighborhood with high diabetes rates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Communities IMPACT Diabetes Center uses partnered methods to
      address diabetes-related conditions among African Americans and Latinos in East
      Harlem, New York. OBJECTIVES: To describe a novel, partnered approach that
      integrates simultaneous structured observation by community and academic partners
      with "on-the-spot" resolution of differences to collect baseline data regarding
      the built and food environments in a two census tract area of East Harlem and
      present select findings. METHODS: We designed an environmental assessment to
      explore characteristics of the environment related to walking and eating. We
      paired community and academic partners to assess each block, resolve any
      differences, and report results. Nearly one year later, we surveyed the data
      collectors and analyzed responses using standard qualitative methods. RESULTS:
      Key themes included connection to and characteristics of the community;
      interactions with partners; surprises and learning, and aspects of data
      collection. All but the first were common to academic and community partners.
      Relationships between partners were generally amiable. Both community-"I think it
      was very helpful, we made sure neither of us made mistakes, and helped each other
      when we could"-and academic-"I really enjoyed it . . . I learned a lot about the
      areas I surveyed"-partners were complimentary. Community partners' strengths
      included local knowledge of the community, whereas academic partners' focus on
      adherence to the specifications was critical. Structured observation identified
      many sidewalks in disrepair or obstructed, few benches, and highly variable times
      allocated for pedestrians to cross at cross walks. CONCLUSIONS: The partnered
      data collection was both successful and formative, building additional
      relationships and further capacity for ongoing partnership. Community partners
      saw their community in a new way, seeing, "little things that are important but
      people don't pay attention to." Structured observations added to our
      understanding of how an environment may contribute to diabetes.

PMID- 22080774
TI  - The Asian American hepatitis B program: building a coalition to address hepatitis
      B health disparities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community coalitions are increasingly recognized as important
      strategies for addressing health disparities. By providing the opportunity to
      pool resources, they provide a means to develop and sustain innovative approaches
      to affect community health. OBJECTIVES: This article describes the challenges and
      lessons learned in building the Asian American Hepatitis B Program (AAHBP)
      coalition to conduct a community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiative
      to address hepatitis B (HBV) among New York City Asian-American communities.
      METHODS: Using the stages of coalition development as a framework, a
      comprehensive assessment of the process of developing and implementing the AAHBP
      coalition is presented. LESSONS LEARNED: Findings highlight the importance of
      developing a sound infrastructure and set of processes to foster a greater sense
      of ownership, shared vision, and investment in the program. CONCLUSION:
      Grassroots community organizing and campus-community partnerships can be
      successfully leveraged to address and prevent a significant health disparity in
      an underserved and diverse community.

PMID- 22080776
TI  - Collaborating to address infant mortality: lessons learned from the Brownsville
      action community for health equality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brownsville Action Community for Health Equality (BACHE) is a
      coalition-based, service system change pilot for African American and Puerto
      Rican women of Brownsville, a community within Brooklyn, New York, with
      disproportionately high rates of infant mortality. OBJECTIVES: Identify "lessons
      learned" from the implementation phase of a 5-year pilot project that employs a
      community-based participatory (CBPR) approach to reducing risk factors for infant
      mortality. METHODS: Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with
      BACHE's partners throughout 2010. Sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. Data
      was incorporated into a framework based on grounded theory and interpreted by
      project partners. RESULTS: Lessons learned related to engaging partners,
      leveraging community resources, dealing with highly structured institutions,
      measuring progress, and promoting and sustaining system change. CONCLUSION: A
      service system change pilot like BACHE requires: social capital, capable
      partners, a strong coalition, flexibility of approach, internal champions,
      systems knowledge, awareness of policy, and strong community involvement.

PMID- 22080775
TI  - Cardiovascular knowledge among urban American Indians and Alaska Natives: first
      steps in addressing cardiovascular health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common among American Indians/Alaska
      Natives (AI/ANs). Given limited access to health care, urban AI/ANs may be at
      particular risk. Lack of available data, however, limits our understanding of
      cardiovascular health in this population. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a survey to
      characterize CVD-related knowledge, behavior, and risk of urban AI/ANs. Results
      related to knowledge are reported. METHODS: In collaboration with the Indian
      clinics in two urban communities, we surveyed 298 AI/ANs. RESULTS: Respondents
      recognized approximately half of the symptoms of heart attack and stroke, and
      were significantly less likely to recognize each symptom than reported in
      national studies using the same items. General CVD knowledge (e.g., risks of high
      blood pressure) was stronger, although areas for improvement were noted.
      CONCLUSIONS: Urban AI/ANs would benefit from efforts to enhance CVD knowledge.
      These preliminary data are providing the foundation for community-based efforts
      to address CVD risk among urban AI/ANs.

PMID- 22080777
TI  - Instant Recess(r): a practical tool for increasing physical activity during the
      school day.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increased prevalence of overweight/obesity among children has led
      to school district level policies to increase physical activity (PA) among
      elementary school students. Interventions are needed that increase activity
      levels without sacrificing time spent in academics. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated a
      policy implementation intervention for to increase in-school PA in elementary
      schools in Forsyth County, North Carolina, in a randomized study with a delayed
      intervention control group. METHODS: The study included third- through fifth
      grade classrooms in eight elementary schools. Instant Recess(r) was used to
      introduce 10-minute PA breaks in classrooms on schedules determined by teachers.
      Direct observation was used to measure activity levels, other student behaviors,
      and teacher behaviors related to PA in the classrooms. RESULTS: Twenty-eight
      visits to schools were made during the spring and fall semesters of 2009. At
      baseline 11% to 44% of intervention and control schools were engaged in classroom
      based PA. PA increased from baseline to spring follow-up in intervention schools
      and was maintained the following fall. Control schools decreased PA from baseline
      to spring and increased PA once they began the intervention. Students in
      classrooms engaged in Instant Recess exhibited statistically significant
      increases in light (51%) and moderate-intensity (16%) PA and increases in time
      spent in on-task behavior (11%). Control schools experienced similar benefits
      after they began implementing Instant Recess. CONCLUSIONS: Instant Recess is
      useful for increasing PA and improving behavior among elementary school children.
      Additional research may be needed to understand how to create policies supporting
      classroom activity breaks and how to assess policy adherence.

PMID- 22080778
TI  - A community-engaged approach to select geographic areas for interventions to
      reduce health disparities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While neighborhood-based approaches to eliminate health disparities
      are on the rise, there is little guidance on how researchers may engage with
      community partners to select geographic areas for interventions to reduce health
      disparities. We aimed to identify a small geographic area to target interventions
      to improve diabetes-related outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We describe lessons learned
      from a community-engaged approach to specify the geographic area of focus.
      METHODS: A community-academic partnership of more than 20 organizations
      collaborated to develop and employ a 5-stage process to specify a target area for
      diabetes preventions and control activities. LESSONS LEARNED: A coalition with
      local knowledge and ties to the community can develop criteria and direct a
      process leading to selection of a geographic area, increased research capacity,
      and strengthened relationships among partners. CONCLUSION: A participatory
      approach can be effective in defining a geographic area for targeting
      interventions to reduce health disparities.

PMID- 22080779
TI  - Partnering with REACH to create a "diabetes-friendly" restaurant: a restaurant
      owner's experience.
AB  - We describe a Latino restaurateur's perspectives and partnership with Seattle
      King County REACH to improve the healthfulness of his restaurant as a step toward
      tackling diabetes in his community. We interviewed the owner and reviewed other
      documentation to capture his perspectives and identify key elements in this
      restaurant intervention. The impact of diabetes in the owner's family and Latino
      community motivated him to make changes at his restaurant. If changes were
      successful, he hoped this would motivate other Latino restaurateurs to make
      similar changes. At his request, REACH gathered consumer feedback, provided
      diabetes education and nutritional guidance, and worked with him to develop
      simple, economically feasible, healthier items. Positive consumer response and
      media coverage motivated the owner to explore additional changes at his
      restaurant and encourage other restaurateurs to make healthful changes. This
      intervention illustrates the potential for local businesses to collaborate with
      community partners, like REACH, to promote healthy food environments.

PMID- 22080780
TI  - Personal stories: voices of Latino youth health advocates in a diabetes
      prevention initiative.
AB  - The YMCA-Silicon Valley Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH)
      U.S. Proyecto Movimiento (PM) Action Community project is a community-based
      partnership that aims to reduce the prevalence of diabetes among Latinos in the
      Greater Gilroy, California, area by delivering a prevention campaign across
      generations. A critical component of PM has been the creation of a Youth Health
      Advocate (YHA) afterschool club at three public high schools in Gilroy. The YHAs,
      who are trained on health, nutrition, diabetes, basic leadership skills, and
      digital storytelling, are at the forefront of the campaign targeting Gilroy
      youth. In their own words, the YHAs describe why they decided to become a YHA,
      the positive health impact of YHA activities on themselves and their family, and
      the positive impact on burgeoning leadership skills. The voices of YHAs in this
      prevention campaigns have brought value to the PM evaluation, and this
      qualitative element bears further examination in other community-based prevention
      campaigns.

PMID- 22080781
TI  - A community mobilizes to end medical apartheid.
AB  - PROBLEM: People of color suffer worse health outcomes than their White
      counterparts due, in part, to limited access to high-quality specialty care.
      PURPOSE: This article describes the events that led to the Bronx Health REACH
      coalition's decision to file a civil rights complaint with the New York State
      Office of the Attorney General alleging that three academic medical centers in
      New York City discriminated on the basis of payer status and race in violation of
      Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Hill-Burton Act, New York State
      regulations, and New York City Human Rights Law. KEY POINTS: Although the problem
      has not yet been resolved, the related community mobilization efforts have raised
      public awareness about the impact of disparate care, strengthened the coalition's
      commitment to achieve health equality, and garnered support among many city and
      state legislators. CONCLUSION: Community groups and professionals with relevant
      expertise can tackle complex systemic problems, but they must be prepared for a
      long and difficult fight.

PMID- 22080782
TI  - Children's hospital boston community Asthma initiative: partnerships and outcomes
      advance policy change.
AB  - PROBLEM: Rates of poorly controlled asthma among low-income children,
      particularly racial and ethnic minorities, remain disproportionately high.
      Comprehensive asthma programs, including education, case management and home
      environmental interventions have reduced disparities. Few sustainable payment
      models exist. PURPOSE: The Children's Hospital Boston's Community Asthma
      Initiative (CAI) demonstrated dramatic reductions in hospitalizations and
      emergency department (ED) visits among African American and Latino patients with
      a return on investment (ROI) of 1.46. A strong coalition focused on
      sustainability plus CAI outcomes contributed to the state legislature's approving
      a bundled payment pilot for high-risk pediatric asthma patients on
      Medicaid/MassHealth. KEY POINTS: Cost-effective, comprehensive asthma programs
      and policy makers' interest in new payment models created an opportunity for a
      new payment approach for pediatric asthma care. CONCLUSION: A community coalition
      that successfully addresses asthma health disparities with a strong business case
      and program outcomes can be leveraged to persuade policy makers of the value of
      innovative financing strategies for asthma care.

PMID- 22080783
TI  - Podcast interview transcript. Interview by Leandris Liburd.

PMID- 22080784
TI  - Advanced light-entrained activity onsets and restored free-running
      suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian rhythms in per2/dec mutant mice.
AB  - Many behavioral and physiological processes display diurnal (24-h) rhythms
      controlled by an internal timekeeping system?the circadian clock. In mammals, a
      circadian pacemaker is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the
      hypothalamus and synchronizes peripheral oscillators found in most other tissues
      with the external light-dark (LD) cycle. At the molecular level, circadian clocks
      are regulated by transcriptional translational feedback loops (TTLs) involving a
      set of clock genes. The mammalian core TTL includes the transcriptional
      modulators PER?(1?3) and CRY?(1/2) that inhibit their own expression by
      interaction with CLOCK/NPAS2 and BMAL1 (ARNTL). The basic helix-loop-helix
      transcription factors DEC1 (BHLHE40) and DEC2 (BHLHE41) can interact with this
      core TTL, forming an accessory feedback mechanism. The authors measured circadian
      locomotor behavior and clock gene expression in the SCN of Per2/Dec double- and
      triple-mutant mice to analyze the functional interaction of PER2 and DEC feedback
      on circadian pacemaker function in the SCN. The data suggest a synergistic
      interaction of Per2 and Dec1/2 in activity entrainment to a standard LD cycle,
      correlating with a cumulative deficiency in negative-masking capacities in
      Per2/Dec double- and triple-mutant mice and suggesting an involvement of Per2
      Dec1/2 interactivity in activity-onset regulation and masking under LD, but not
      under constant conditions. In contrast, under constant darkness (DD) conditions,
      a deletion of either Dec1 or Dec2 partially rescued the Per2 mutant short
      period/arrhythmicity phenotype, accompanied by a restoration of time-of-day
      effects on clock gene expression in the SCN. Together, these results show an
      interaction of Per2 and Dec1/2 feedback processes in the SCN with differential
      modes of interactivity under entrained and free-run conditions. (Author
      correspondence:  henrik.oster@mpibpc.mpg.de ).

PMID- 22080785
TI  - Sleep and academic performance in undergraduates: a multi-measure, multi
      predictor approach.
AB  - The present study examined the associations of sleep patterns with multiple
      measures of academic achievement of undergraduate university students and tested
      whether sleep variables emerged as significant predictors of subsequent academic
      performance when other potential predictors, such as class attendance, time
      devoted to study, and substance use are considered. A sample of 1654 (55% female)
      full-time undergraduates 17 to 25 yrs of age responded to a self-response
      questionnaire on sleep, academics, lifestyle, and well-being that was
      administered at the middle of the semester. In addition to self-reported measures
      of academic performance, a final grade for each student was collected at the end
      of the semester. Univariate analyses found that sleep phase,
      morningness/eveningness preference, sleep deprivation, sleep quality, and sleep
      irregularity were significantly associated with at least two academic performance
      measures. Among 15 potential predictors, stepwise multiple regression analysis
      identified 5 significant predictors of end-of-semester marks: previous academic
      achievement, class attendance, sufficient sleep, night outings, and sleep quality
      (R(2)=0.14 and adjusted R(2)=0.14, F(5, 1234)= 40.99, p < .0001). Associations
      between academic achievement and the remaining sleep variables as well as the
      academic, well-being, and lifestyle variables lost significance in stepwise
      regression. Together with class attendance, night outings, and previous academic
      achievement, self-reported sleep quality and self-reported frequency of
      sufficient sleep were among the main predictors of academic performance, adding
      an independent and significant contribution, regardless of academic variables and
      lifestyles of the students.

PMID- 22080786
TI  - Circadian preference and sleep-wake regularity: associations with self-report
      sleep parameters in daytime-working adults.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore how interindividual differences in circadian
      type (morningness) and sleep timing regularity might be related to subjective
      sleep quality and quantity. Self-report circadian phase preference, sleep timing,
      sleep quality, and sleep duration were assessed in a sample of 62 day-working
      adults (33.9% male, age 23?48 yrs). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
      measured subjective sleep quality and the Sleep Timing Questionnaire (STQ)
      assessed habitual sleep latency and minutes awake after sleep onset. The
      duration, timing, and stability of sleep were assessed using the STQ separately
      for work-week nights (Sunday?Thursday) and for weekend nights (Friday and
      Saturday). Morningness-eveningness was assessed using the Composite Scale of
      Morningness (CSM). Daytime sleepiness was measured using the Epworth Sleepiness
      Scale (ESS). A morning-type orientation was associated with longer weekly sleep
      duration, better subjective sleep quality, and shorter sleep-onset latency.
      Stable weekday rise-time correlated with better self-reported sleep quality and
      shorter sleep-onset latency. A more regular weekend bedtime was associated with a
      shorter sleep latency. A more stable weekend rise-time was related to longer
      weekday sleep duration and lower daytime sleepiness. Increased overall regularity
      in rise-time was associated with better subjective sleep quality, shorter sleep
      onset latency, and higher weekday sleep efficiency. Finally, a morning
      orientation was related to increased regularity in both bedtimes and rise-times.
      In conclusion, in daytime workers, a morning-type orientation and more stable
      sleep timing are associated with better subjective sleep quality. (Author
      correspondence:  asoehner@berkeley.edu ).

PMID- 22080787
TI  - When does stress end? Evidence of a prolonged stress reaction in shiftworking
      truck drivers.
AB  - This study aimed to analyze individual cortisol levels in relation to work
      conditions, sleep, and health parameters among truck drivers working day shifts
      (n = 21) compared to those working irregular shifts (n = 21). A total of 42 male
      truck drivers (39.8 (+/-) 6.2 yrs) completed questionnaires about
      sociodemographics, job content, work environment, health, and lifestyle. Rest
      activity profiles were measured using actigraphy, and cardiovascular blood
      parameters were collected. Salivary cortisol samples were obtained: (i) at waking
      time, (ii) 30?min after waking, and (iii) at bedtime, during both one workday and
      one day off from work. Irregular-shift workers, compared to day-shift workers,
      showed significantly higher waist-hip ratio, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
      cholesterol, tiredness after work, years working as a driver, truck vibration,
      and less job demand (p < .05). High cortisol levels in irregular-shift workers
      were correlated with certain stressors, such as short sleep duration and low job
      satisfaction, and to metabolic parameters, such as total cholesterol, high
      density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), VLDL, and
      triglycerides. Day-shift workers had higher cortisol levels collected 30?min
      after waking (p = .03) and a higher cortisol awakening response (CAR; p = .02)
      during workdays compared to off days. Irregular-shift workers had higher cortisol
      levels on their off days compared to day-shift workers (p = .03). In conclusion,
      for the day-shift workers, a higher cortisol response was observed on workdays
      compared to off days. Although no direct comparisons could be made between groups
      for work days, on off days the irregular-shift workers had higher cortisol levels
      compared to day-shift workers, suggesting a prolonged stress response in the
      irregular-shift group. In addition, cortisol levels were correlated with
      stressors and metabolic parameters. Future studies are warranted to investigate
      further stress responses in the context of irregular work hours.

PMID- 22080788
TI  - Seasonality in the incidence of cervical carcinoma in teenagers and young adults
      in Northern England, 1968-2005.
AB  - Infection with human papillomavirus is an established risk factor for cervical
      carcinoma. However, the role of other environmental factors is less well
      established. To further investigate whether other agents may be involved, the
      authors have analyzed seasonal variation in cervical cancer with respect to month
      of birth and separately month of diagnosis. All 85 cases diagnosed in 15-24-yr
      olds during the period 1968-2005 were extracted from the specialist population
      based Northern Region Young Persons' Malignant Disease Registry. The chi-square
      heterogeneity test was used to assess overall nonuniform variation in month of
      birth and separately month of diagnosis. Poisson regression analysis was used to
      fit sinusoidal (harmonic) models to the data using month of birth and month of
      diagnosis in separate models. Based on month of birth, there was statistically
      significant heterogeneity (p=.03) and a significant sinusoidal pattern, with an
      incidence peak involving births in the autumn months (p=.03). Based on month of
      diagnosis, there was marginally significant heterogeneity (p=.06). The evidence
      of seasonal variation around time of birth for cervical carcinoma is highly novel
      and suggests possible early etiological involvement of environmental factors.

PMID- 22080789
TI  - The CLOCK gene and mood disorders: a case-control study and meta-analysis.
AB  - The clock gene (CLOCK) is considered to be a good candidate gene for the
      pathophysiology of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder (BP) and major
      depressive disorder (MDD). rs1801260 (T3111C) has been detected at position 3111
      in the CLOCK mRNA 3' untranslated region, and was reported to be associated with
      a substantial delay in preferred timing for activity and sleep in a human study.
      As for function, rs1801260 has been speculated to affect mRNA. Therefore, the
      authors investigated the association between the three tagging single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3736544, rs1801260, and rs3749474) in CLOCK and risk of
      BP (n=867) and MDD (n=139) compared to controls (n=889) in the Japanese
      population. In addition, we also performed an updated meta-analysis of nine
      published, genetic association studies investigating the relationship between
      rs1801260 and mood disorder risk, comprising 3321 mood disorders cases and 3574
      controls. We did not detect any associations between tagging SNPs in CLOCK and BP
      or MDD in the allele, genotype, or haplotype analysis (global p(BP)=.605 and
      global p(MDD)=.211). Moreover, rs1801260 was also not associated with BP, MDD, or
      any mood disorders in the meta-analysis. In conclusion, these data suggest that
      CLOCK does not play a major role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders.

PMID- 22080790
TI  - Subcellular evidence for the involvement of peroxisomes in plant isoprenoid
      biosynthesis.
AB  - The role of peroxisomes in isoprenoid metabolism, especially in plants, has been
      questioned in several reports. A recent study of Sapir-Mir et al. revealed that
      the two isoforms of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) isomerase, catalyzing the
      isomerisation of IPP to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) are found in the
      peroxisome. In this addendum, we provide additional data describing the
      peroxisomal localization of 5-phosphomevalonate kinase and mevalonate 5
      diphosphate decarboxylase, the last two enzymes of the mevalonic acid pathway
      leading to IPP. This finding was reinforced in our latest report showing that a
      short isoform of farnesyl diphosphate, using IPP and DMAPP as substrates, is also
      targeted to the organelle. Therefore, the classical sequestration of isoprenoid
      biosynthesis between plastids and cytosol/ER can be revisited by including the
      peroxisome as an additional isoprenoid biosynthetic compartment within plant
      cells.

PMID- 22080791
TI  - The occurrence of a thylakoid-localized small zinc finger protein in land plants.
AB  - Previous studies showed that LOW QUANTUM YIELD OF PHOTOSYSTEM II 1 (LQY1), a
      small thylakoid zinc finger protein was involved in maintenance and repair of
      Photosystem II (PSII). Here the author provide additional evidence for the role
      of LQY1 in PSII maintenance and repair and further commentary on the occurrence
      of LQY1 protein among land plants. After exposure to high light, Arabidopsis
      thaliana mutants lacking functional LQY1 gene (At1g75690) are more photoinhibited
      than wild-type control plants; display higher total non-photochemical quenching
      and photoinhibitory quenching. These results are consistent with the initial
      observation that lqy1 mutants have lower PSII efficiency than wild-type plants
      after high-light treatment. The low-PSII-efficiency phenotype can be suppressed
      upon complementation of lqy1 mutants with the LQY1 gene from wild-type plants.
      This further demonstrates that LQY1 is important in maintaining the activity of
      photosystem II in Arabidopsis. LQY1 homologs are present in land plants but are
      absent from sequenced genomes of green algae and cyanobacteria, which may reflect
      plant adaptation to excess light stress during the transition to land.

PMID- 22080792
TI  - Fiducial registration error as a statistical process control metric in image
      guidance radiotherapy with fiducial markers.
AB  - Portal imaging of implanted fiducial markers has been in use for image-guided
      radiotherapy (IGRT) of prostate cancer, with ample attention to localization
      accuracy and organ motion. The geometric uncertainties in point-based rigid-body
      matching algorithms during localization of prostate fiducial markers can be
      quantified in terms of a fiducial registration error (FRE). In this study, the
      aim is to demonstrate how statistical process control (SPC) can be used to
      intercept potential problems with rigid-body matching algorithms in a
      retrospective study of FRE for a pilot cohort of 34 patients with fiducial
      markers. A procedure for estimating control parameters of a SPC control chart (x
      chart) from a small number of initial observations (N) of FRE was implemented.
      The sensitivity analysis of N on the number of 'in-control' and 'out-of-control'
      x-charts was also performed. Uncorrected rotational offsets of an individual
      patient were examined to elucidate possible correlations with the behaviours of
      an x-chart. Four specific types of qualitative x-chart behaviour have been
      observed. The number of out-of-control processes was insensitive to the choice of
      N, provided N >= 5. Residual errors of rigid-body registration were contributed
      from uncorrected rotational offsets in 5 out of 15 'out-of-control' x-charts. Out
      of-control x-charts were also shown to be correlated with potential changes in
      the IGRT processes, which may compromise the quality of the radiation treatment
      delivery. The SPC methodology, implemented in the form of individually customized
      x-charts, has been shown to be a useful tool for monitoring process reliability
      during fiducial-based IGRT for prostate cancer.

PMID- 22080793
TI  - Development and application of purified tissue dissociation enzyme mixtures for
      human hepatocyte isolation.
AB  - Human hepatocyte transplantation is gaining acceptance for the treatment of liver
      diseases. However, the reagents used to isolate hepatocytes from liver tissue are
      not standardized and show lot-to-lot variability in enzyme activity and endotoxin
      contamination. For clinical application,  highly purified reagents are preferable
      to crude digest preparations. A purified tissue dissociating enzyme (TDE)
      preparation (CIzyme(TM) purified enzymes) was developed based on the enzyme
      compositions found in a superior lot of collagenase previously used by our group
      for human  hepatocyte isolation. The performance of this enzyme preparation was
      compared to collagenase type XI on 110 liver cases by assessing hepatocyte yield,
      viability, and seven other functional assays that included plating efficiency,
      basal and induced CYP450 activities, phase II conjugation activity,  and ammonia
      metabolism. No statistically significant difference was observed between these
      TDEs when they were used to isolate hepatocytes from liver resections or organ
      donor tissue on 54 hepatocyte isolations with type XI enzyme and 56 isolations
      using CIzyme(TM). These results  show that a highly purified and defined TDE
      preparation can be formulated that provides excellent performance with respect to
      viability, yield, and functional activity of the isolated cells. In addition to
      reproducible formulation, these purified enzyme products have only 2-3% of the 
      endotoxin of crude enzyme preparations. These results show that purified enzymes
      such as CIzyme(TM) will be a safe and effective for the isolation of human
      hepatocytes for clinical transplants.

PMID- 22080794
TI  - Full coverage for preventive medications after myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to medications that are prescribed after myocardial
      infarction is poor. Eliminating out-of-pocket costs may increase adherence and
      improve outcomes. METHODS: We enrolled patients discharged after myocardial
      infarction and randomly assigned their insurance-plan sponsors to full
      prescription coverage (1494 plan sponsors with 2845 patients) or usual
      prescription coverage (1486 plan sponsors with 3010 patients) for all statins,
      beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin-receptor
      blockers. The primary outcome was the first major vascular event or
      revascularization. Secondary outcomes were rates of medication adherence, total
      major vascular events or revascularization, the first major vascular event, and
      health expenditures. RESULTS: Rates of adherence ranged from 35.9 to 49.0% in the
      usual-coverage group and were 4 to 6 percentage points higher in the full
      coverage group (P<0.001 for all comparisons). There was no significant between
      group difference in the primary outcome (17.6 per 100 person-years in the full
      coverage group vs. 18.8 in the usual-coverage group; hazard ratio, 0.93; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.04; P=0.21). The rates of total major
      vascular events or revascularization were significantly reduced in the full
      coverage group (21.5 vs. 23.3; hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99; P=0.03),
      as was the rate of the first major vascular event (11.0 vs. 12.8; hazard ratio,
      0.86; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.99; P=0.03). The elimination of copayments did not
      increase total spending ($66,008 for the full-coverage group and $71,778 for the
      usual-coverage group; relative spending, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.56; P=0.68).
      Patient costs were reduced for drugs and other services (relative spending, 0.74;
      95% CI, 0.68 to 0.80; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of copayments for
      drugs prescribed after myocardial infarction did not significantly reduce rates
      of the trial's primary outcome. Enhanced prescription coverage improved
      medication adherence and rates of first major vascular events and decreased
      patient spending without increasing overall health costs. (Funded by Aetna and
      the Commonwealth Fund; MI FREEE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00566774.).

PMID- 22080795
TI  - Was the black death in India and China?
AB  - Firsthand accounts of the Black Death in Europe and the Middle East and many
      subsequent historians have assumed that the pandemic originated in Asia and
      ravaged China and India before reaching the West. One reason for this conviction
      among modern historians is that the plague in the nineteenth century originated
      and did its worst damage in these countries. But a close examination of the
      sources on the Delhi Sultanate and the Yuan Dynasty provides no evidence of any
      serious epidemic in fourteenth-century India and no specific evidence of plague
      among the many troubles that afflicted fourteenth-century China.

PMID- 22080796
TI  - "Because of their praiseworthy modesty, they consult too late": regime of hope
      and cancer of the womb, 1800-1910.
AB  - The birth of the "do not delay" principle in cancer treatment has often been
      linked with developments in late nineteenth century: the rise of histology and
      cellular theory of malignancy that favored the definition of cancer as a local
      pathology, then the development of radical surgical techniques that transformed
      malignant tumors into a potentially curable condition. This text seeks to nuance
      this view. It points out important continuities in the understanding of the
      natural history of uterine cancers. At its center, the wish, already present in
      early nineteenth century, is to detect "early," that is, small and localized
      malignant lesions, then to extirpate or destroy these lesions before they become
      fully blown cancer. The long history of this particular regime of hope helps
      demonstrate why it is so difficult today to promote more nuanced views of the
      efficacy of early detection of malignant tumors.

PMID- 22080797
TI  - Local government health services in interwar England: problems of quantification
      and interpretation.
AB  - This article provides a critical discussion of recent work on local government
      health care and health services in interwar England. A literature review examines
      case study approaches and comparative quantitative surveys, highlighting
      conventional and revisionist interpretations. Noting the differing selection
      criteria evident in some works, it argues that studies based upon a limited
      number of personal health services provide an insufficient basis for assessing
      local health activity and policy. There follows a regional study demonstrating
      various discrepancies between health financing data in local sources and those in
      nationally collated returns. These in turn give rise to various problems of
      assessment and interpretation in works relying on the latter, particularly with
      respect to services for schoolchildren and long-stay patients. The case study
      points to the importance of integrating poor law medical services in evaluations,
      and of learning more about the role of government subsidy in supporting expanding
      services.

PMID- 22080798
TI  - Translating Western modernity: the first chinese hospital in america.
AB  - Since hospitals are often at the center of health care services, their foundation
      and evolution provides valuable insights into local political, economic, and
      cultural contexts. Based on Western and Chinese sources, this essay employs a
      transnational approach to explain the establishment of the Tung Wah or Oriental
      Dispensary in San Francisco. This article describes the institution's aims,
      financing, and combined operation of Western and Chinese medical staffs in an
      environment of racial discrimination and political power struggles, as well as
      deep social and cultural divisions during the early twentieth-century plague
      epidemic.

PMID- 22080799
TI  - American association for the history of medicine: report of the eighty-fourth
      annual meeting.

PMID- 22080800
TI  - Phonon dispersions in random alloys: a method based on special quasi-random
      structure force constants.
AB  - In an attempt to obtain reliable first-principles phonon dispersions of random
      alloys, we have developed a method to calculate the dynamical matrix, with
      respect to the wavevector space of the ideal lattice, by averaging over the force
      constants of a special quasi-random structure. Without additional approximations
      beyond standard density functional theory, the present scheme takes into account
      the local atomic position relaxations, the composition disorder, and the force
      constant disorder in a random alloy. Numerical results are presented for
      disordered Cu(3)Au, FePd, and NiPd and good agreement between the calculations
      and the inelastic neutron scattering data is observed.

PMID- 22080801
TI  - Determination of memantine in plasma and vitreous humour by HPLC with precolumn
      derivatization and fluorescence detection.
AB  - A new HPLC procedure with precolumn derivatization and rimantadine as the
      internal standard for determining memantine, a candidate agent for the treatment
      of glaucoma in plasma and vitreous humour, has been developed and validated.
      Precolumn derivatization was performed with 9-fluorenylmethyl-chloroformate
      chloride  (FMOC-Cl) as the derivatization reagent and followed by a liquid-liquid
      extraction with n-hexane. Optimal conditions for derivatization were an FMOC-Cl
      concentration of 1.5 mM, a reaction time of 20 min, the temperature at 30 degrees
      C, the borate buffer pH 8.5, and a borate buffer-acetonitrile  ratio of 1:1. The
      derivatives were analyzed by isocratic HPLC with the fluorescence detector
      lambdaex 260 nm lambdaem 315 nm on a Novapack C(18) reversed-phase column with a
      mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (73:27, v/v), 40 degrees C, and a flow rate of
      1.2 mL/min. The linear  range was 10-1000 ng/mL with a quantification limit of ~
      10 ng/mL for both types of samples. This analytical method may be suitable for
      using in ocular availability studies.

PMID- 22080802
TI  - A new HPLC-UV validated method for therapeutic drug monitoring of tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors in leukemic patients.
AB  - Development and validation of simple, rapid, and reliable high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC)-UV method for quantification of major tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors, imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib, in human plasma is presented.
      Chromatographic separation of the drugs is  achieved on an RP-C(18) column at
      flow rate of 0.9 mL/min at 35 degrees C; eluate is monitored at 267 nm. Mean
      intra-day and inter-day precision for all compounds are 2.5 and 13.3%; mean
      accuracy is 13.9%; extraction recovery ranges within 40.24 and 81.81%.
      Calibration curves range from  10 to 0.005 MUg/mL. Limits of detection are 10
      ng/mL for imatinib and nilotinib, 50 ng/mL for dasatinib; limits of quantitation
      are 50 ng/mL for imatinib and nilotinib, 100 ng/mL for dasatinib. Although this
      method allows the detection of dasatinib, levels found in patients plasma are
      close  to the limit of detection, then below the limit of quantitation.
      Quantification with HPLC-mass spectrometry, then, is required for dasatinib to
      give a correct evaluation. In conclusion, the sensitivity of this new method is
      sufficient to perform therapeutic monitoring and pharmacokinetic  studies of
      imatinib and nilotinib but not dasatinib in CML patients.

PMID- 22080803
TI  - Pharmacological classification of drugs by principal component analysis applying
      molecular modeling descriptors and HPLC retention data.
AB  - Pharmacological classification of drugs by principal component analysis (PCA)
      based on molecular modeling and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      retention data is proposed. First, a group of 20 drugs of recognized
      pharmacological classification are chromatographed in eight diversified HPLC
      systems, applying columns with octadecylsilanes, phosphatidylcholine, as well as
      alpha1-glycoprotein and albumin. Additionally, molecular modeling studies, based
      on the structural formula of the drugs considered, are performed. Sixteen
      structural descriptors are derived. A matrix of 20 * 24 HPLC data together with
      molecular parameters are subjected to principal component analysis, and this
      revealed five main factors with eigenvalues higher than 1. The first principal
      component (factor 1) accounted for 47.8% of the variance in the data, and the
      second principal component (factor 2) explained 21.0% of data variance. The total
      data variance was 82.6% and is explained by the first three factors. The
      clustering of drugs is in accordance with their pharmacological classification,
      which proved that the PCA of the HPLC retention data, together with their
      structural descriptors, allowed the drugs to be segregated accurately to their
      pharmacological properties. This may be of help in reducing the number of
      biological assays needed in the development of a new drug.

PMID- 22080804
TI  - UHPLC method for the simultaneous determination of beta-blockers, isoflavones,
      and flavonoids in human urine.
AB  - A simple method using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra high-performance
      liquid chromatography (UHPLC) for the simultaneous determination of beta
      blockers, isoflavones, and flavonoids in human urine is developed. A statistical
      central composite design and response surface analysis is used to optimize the
      separation of the analytes. These multivariate procedures are efficient in
      determining the optimal separation condition using resolutions and retention time
      as responses. A gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of 0.05%
      trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile is applied on a Hypersil GOLD
      column within a short analysis time of 4.5 min. UV detection was used to monitor
      the analytes. The suggested method was linear in a concentration range from 0.04
      20.00 MUg/mL, depending on the compound. The limits of detection ranged from 8.9
      to 66.2 ng/mL. The precision was lower than 2.74%, and the accuracy was between
      0.01-3.65%. The Oasis HLB column, with the highest recoveries, is selected for
      the pre-concentration step. This present paper reports, for the first time, a
      method for the simultaneous determination of beta-blockers, isoflavones, and
      flavonoids in human urine samples. Furthermore, the developed method can also be
      applied to the routine determination of examined compounds concentrations in
      human urine.

PMID- 22080805
TI  - Development and validation of new assay method for the simultaneous analysis of
      diltiazem, metformin, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone by RP-HPLC and its
      applications in pharmaceuticals and human serum.
AB  - Simple, sensitive, rapid, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic
      (HPLC) method is developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of
      diltiazem, metformin, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone hydrochloride in raw
      materials, their pharmaceutical formulations, and  human serum. In HPLC, all the
      above drugs were chromatographed using acetonitrile-methanol-water (30:20:50,
      v/v, pH 2.59 +/- 0.02) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at
      ambient temperature. The separation is carried out on a Hiber, 250-4.6 RP-18
      column, equipped  with a UV-vis detector at 230 nm. All the antidiabetic drugs
      eluted at different retention time and each showed a good resolution from
      diltiazem. The method is successfully applied to pharmaceutical formulations
      because no chromatographic interferences from the tablet excipients are  found.
      The method is found to be linear, accurate, and precise with apposite detection
      and quantification limit. Suitability of the method for the quantitative
      determination of the drugs is proven by validation in accordance with the
      requirements laid down by International Conference on Harmonization  (ICH)
      guidelines. The validation results, together with statistical treatment of the
      data, demonstrated the reliability of this method.

PMID- 22080806
TI  - A stability indicating HPLC method for the determination of electrochemically
      controlled release of risperidone.
AB  - A rapid stability indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) method is developed for the determination of the
      electrochemically controlled risperidone release from a novel drug delivery
      system, based on the intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP), polypyrrole.  The
      chromatographic separation was carried out on a C(18) column using acetonitrile
      potassium dihydrogen phosphate (45:55, v/v, pH 6.5; 0.05 M) as the mobile phase.
      The isocratic flow is at 1.0 mL/min, with a runtime of 6 min, and the UV
      detection is at 237 nm. This provided  a calibration curve linear over the range
      of 1-100 MUg/mL. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy range between 98.4% and 102.6%,
      and the RSD for precision is <1.43%. The limit of detection and quantitation were
      determined to be 0.001 MUg/mL and 0.01 MUg/mL, respectively. The analytical 
      method confirmed risperidone is stable for the oxidizing electric potential and
      the acidic environment involved during the manufacture and operation of the novel
      drug delivery system. The rate of risperidone release from polypyrrole depended
      on electrical stimulation applied to the polymer.  This HPLC method is
      significantly faster than previously published methods and is the first to
      investigate the effect of an oxidizing potential on risperidone stability, which
      is essential for the evaluation of controlled delivery from an ICP-based system.

PMID- 22080807
TI  - RP-HPLC stability-indicating assay method for talinolol and characterization of
      its degradation products.
AB  - A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method is developed and
      validated for the quantitative determination of talinolol and to characterize its
      degradation products. A very good resolution between peaks is achieved using a
      C18 column at 40 degrees C. The mobile phase comprises of a mixture of
      acetonitrile and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer (pH 4.4) in the ratio
      of 27:73 (v/v). The method is validated with respect to linearity, accuracy,
      precision, robustness, and forced degradation studies, which further proved the
      stability indicating power. During the forced degradation studies, talinolol is
      observed to be labile to hydrolytic stress and thermal stress (in the solution
      form). However, it is stable to the oxidative, photolytic, and thermal stress (in
      the solid form). The degraded products formed are investigated by electrospray
      ionization (ESI), time-of-flight mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance,
      and infrared spectroscopy. A possible degradation pathway is outlined based on
      the results. The method is found to be sensitive with a detection limit of 0.125
      MUg/mL and a quantitation limit of 0.378 MUg/mL. The method is also demonstrated
      to be robust, as it is resistant to small variations of chromatographic variables
      such as pH, mobile phase composition, flow rate, and column temperature.

PMID- 22080808
TI  - A simple HPLC-DAD method for determination of adapalene in topical gel
      formulation.
AB  - A simple stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method for
      the analysis of adapalene in pharmaceutical gel formulation is developed and
      validated. An isocratic separation is performed using a Merck RP-8 (150 mm * 4.6
      mm i.d., particle size 5 m) column and  a mixture of acetonitrile water (67:33,
      v/v, pH adjusted to 2.5 with phosphoric acid) as the mobile phase. The detection
      is achieved with a photodiode array detector at 321 nm. The specificity of the
      method is verified by subjecting both the reference substance and the
      pharmaceutical form  to hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic, and thermal stress
      conditions. There is no interference from the excipients of the formulation on
      the determination of adapalene in gel. The response is linear over the
      concentration range of 8.0-16.0 MUg/mL (r > 0.999) with a limit of detection  and
      quantification of 0.04 and 0.14 MUg/mL, respectively. The mean recovery is
      100.8%. The RSD values for the intra- and inter-day precision studies are < 1.2%.
      The method is validated by reaching satisfactory results for linearity,
      selectivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, robustness,  and system
      suitability.

PMID- 22080809
TI  - Development and validation of an LC-MS-MS method for the simultaneous
      determination of sulforaphane and its metabolites in rat plasma and its
      application in pharmacokinetic studies.
AB  - A highly sensitive and simple high-performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass
      spectrometric (LC-MS-MS) assay is developed and validated for the quantification
      of sulforaphane and its metabolites in rat plasma. Sulforaphane (SFN) and its
      metabolites, sulforaphane glutathione (SFN-GSH) and sulforaphane N-acetyl
      cysteine (SFN-NAC) conjugates, are extracted from rat plasma by methanol-formic
      acid (100:0.1, v/v) and analyzed using a reversed-phase gradient elution on a
      Develosil 3 MUm RP-Aqueous C(30) 140A column. A 15-min linear gradient with
      acetonitrile-water (5:95, v/v), containing 10 mM ammonium acetate and 0.2% formic
      acid, as mobile phase A, and acetonitrile-water (95:5, v/v), containing 10 mM
      ammonium acetate and 0.2% formic acid as mobile phase B, is used. Sulforaphane
      and its metabolites are well separated. Sulforaphene is used as the internal
      standard. The lower limits of quantification are 1 ng/mL for SFN and 10 ng/mL for
      both SFN-NAC and SFN-GSH. The calibration curves are linear over the
      concentration range of 25-20,000 ng/mL of plasma for each analyte. This novel LC
      MS-MS method shows satisfactory accuracy and precision and is sufficiently
      sensitive for the performance of pharmacokinetic studies in rats.

PMID- 22080810
TI  - Effects of E-BEAM sterilization on drug-eluting stents: paclitaxel degradation
      elucidated by LC-MS-MS with information-dependent acquisition.
AB  - Effects of sterilization by electron beam (E-BEAM) on paclitaxel (1) mixed with
      poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) in reservoirs of COSTAR Stents are examined
      by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) techniques with
      information-dependent acquisition (IDA). Numerous degradation products of 1 are
      formed in a beta-radiation dose-dependent manner to give plethora of low-level
      degradants. This behavior, together with multiple interferences from PLG-related
      compounds, creates considerable challenges for analysis of the drug/PLG mixtures.
      IDA methods with different survey scans are proven to be very efficient in
      elucidating degradation pathways and in identifying numerous products. Combined
      LC-MS-MS results from analysis of sterilized drug substance and stents indicate
      that water addition and oxidative processes together with the isomerization are
      largely responsible for degradation of 1 under E-BEAM sterilization conditions
      used.

PMID- 22080811
TI  - Determination of acrylamide in starch-based foods by HPLC with pre-column
      ultraviolet derivatization.
AB  - A new method is developed for the determination of acrylamide in starch-based
      foods. The method included the extraction of acrylamide with water, defatting
      with hexane, derivatization with potassium bromate (KBrO(3)) and potassium
      bromide (KBr), liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate-hexane (4:1), and
      concentration. The final analyte (2-bromopropenamide, 2-BPA) is analyzed by high
      performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection for
      quantification and by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for
      confirmation. The chromatographic analysis is performed on an ODS-3 C(18) column,
      and good retention and peak response of acrylamide are achieved under the optimal
      conditions. The limit of detection and quantitation are estimated to be 15 and 50
      MUg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of acrylamide from the commercial samples
      are spiked at levels of 50-1000 MUg/kg, and range between 89.6 and 102.0%. These
      results show that this method should be regarded as a new, low-cost, and robust
      alternative for conventional investigation of acrylamide.

PMID- 22080812
TI  - Regeneration of tetrabutylammonium ion-pairing reagent distribution in a gradient
      elution of reversed phase ion-pair chromatography.
AB  - The regeneration of ion-pairing reagent distribution on liquid chromatography
      columns after gradient elution has been well recognized as the cause for long
      column equilibration time, a major drawback associated with gradient elution
      reverse phase ion-pair chromatography. To date, the  majority of studies have
      focused on optimizing the separation conditions to shorten the equilibration
      time. There is limited understanding of the ion-pairing reagent distribution
      process between the mobile phase and stationary phase in the course of gradient
      elution, and subsequent column  re-equilibration. The focus of this work is to
      gain a better understanding of this process. An ion-pair chromatographic system,
      equipped with a YMC ODS C(18) column and a mobile phase containing
      tetrabutylammonium (TBA) hydroxide as the ion-pairing reagent, was used in the
      study.  The TBA distribution profile was established by measuring its
      concentration in the eluent fractions collected during the gradient cycle using
      different column equilibration times with an ion chromatographic method.
      Furthermore, the analyte retention time was evaluated as the function of the 
      column equilibration time and TBA concentration in the mobile phase. The column
      equilibration and its impact on the method robustness will also be discussed.

PMID- 22080813
TI  - Intracellular drug delivery in Leishmania-infected macrophages: Evaluation of
      saponin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.
AB  - Drug delivery systems present an opportunity to potentiate the therapeutic effect
      of antileishmanial drugs. Colloidal carriers are rapidly cleared by the
      phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), rendering them ideal
      vehicles for passive targeting of antileishmanials. This paper describes the
      development of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for the
      antileishmanial saponin beta-aescin. NPs were prepared using the combined
      emulsification solvent evaporation/salting-out technique. Confocal microscopy was
      used to visualise the internalisation and intracellular trafficking of
      fluorescein- and nile red-labelled PLGA NPs in J774A.1 macrophages infected with
      GFP-transfected Leishmania donovani. The in vitro activity of aescin and aescin
      loaded NPs on L. infantum was determined in the axenic model as well as in the ex
      vivo model. The developed PLGA NPs were monodispersed with Z(ave)<300 nm,
      exhibited negative zeta potentials and had relatively high drug loadings ranging
      from 5.80 to 8.68% w/w PLGA. The fluorescent NPs were internalised by the
      macrophages and trafficked towards the lysosomes after 2 h in vitro incubation.
      Co-localisation of the NPs and the parasite was not shown. A two-fold increase in
      activity was observed in the ex vivo macrophage model by encapsulating beta
      aescin in PLGA NPs (IC(50), 0.48-0.76 ug/mL vs. 1.55 +/- 0.32 ug/mL for the free
      drug).

PMID- 22080814
TI  - Welfare regimes, population health and health inequalities: a research synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on the social determinants of health is increasingly using
      welfare regime theory. Although a key argument is that population health will be
      better and health inequalities lower in social democratic regimes than in others,
      this research has not been subjected to a systematic review. This paper
      identifies and assesses empirical studies that explicitly use a welfare regime
      typology in comparative health research. METHODS: 15 electronic databases and
      relevant bibliographies were searched to identify empirical studies published in
      English-language journals from January 1970 to February 2011. Thirty-three
      studies appearing in 14 peer-reviewed journals between 1994 and 2011 met the
      inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Three welfare regime typologies and their variants
      dominated existing work, which consisted of two broad study types: One compared
      population health and health inequalities across welfare regimes; the other
      considered relationships between health and the political determinants and
      policies of welfare regimes. Studies were further distinguished by the presence
      or absence of statistical significance testing of relationships of interest. Just
      under one half of studies comparing outcomes by regime found at least some
      evidence that health inequalities were lowest or population health was the best
      in social democratic countries. Studies analysing the relationship between health
      (mortality) and the political determinants or policies of welfare states were
      more likely to report results consistent with welfare regime theory. CONCLUSIONS:
      Health differences by regime were not always consistent with welfare regime
      theory. Measurement of policy instruments or outcomes of welfare regimes may be
      more promising for public health research than the use of typologies alone.

PMID- 22080815
TI  - Cumulative exposure to poor housing affordability and its association with mental
      health in men and women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor housing affordability affects around 10% of the Australian
      population and is increasingly prevalent. The authors tested two hypotheses: that
      cumulative exposure to housing affordability stress (HAS) is associated with
      poorer mental health and that effects vary by gender. METHODS: The authors
      estimated the relationship between cumulative exposure to HAS and mental health
      among 15478 participants in an Australian longitudinal survey between 2001 and
      2009. Individuals were classified as being in HAS if household income was in the
      lowest 40% of the national distribution and housing costs exceeded 30% of income.
      Exposure to HAS ranged from 1 to 8 annual waves. Mental health was measured using
      the Short Form 36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. To test the extent to
      which any observed associations were explained by compositional factors, random-
      and fixed-effects models were estimated. RESULTS: In the random-effects models,
      mental health scores decreased with increasing cumulative exposure to HAS (up
      until 4+ years). This relationship differed by gender, with a stronger dose
      response observed among men. The mean MCS score of men experiencing four to eight
      waves of housing stress was 2.02 points lower than men not in HAS (95% CI -3.89
      to -0.16). In the fixed-effects models, there was no evidence of a cumulative
      effect of HAS on mental health; however, lower MCS was observed after a single
      year in HAS (beta=-0.70, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.37). CONCLUSIONS: While average
      mental health was lower for individuals with longer exposure to HAS, the mental
      health effect appears to be due to compositional factors. Furthermore, men and
      women appear to experience cumulative HAS differently.

PMID- 22080817
TI  - Understanding the link between environmental exposures and health: does the
      exposome promise too much?
AB  - Environmental exposures affecting human health range from complex mixtures, such
      as environmental tobacco smoke, ambient particulate matter air pollution and
      chlorination by products in drinking water, to hazardous chemicals, such as lead,
      and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benz(a)pyrene. The exposome has
      been proposed to complement the genome and be the totality of all environmental
      exposures of an individual over his or her lifetime. However, if measurements of
      the exposome in biological samples are the sole tool for exposure assessment
      there are a number of limitations. First, it has limited utility for fully
      capturing the impact of complex mixtures such environmental tobacco smoke or
      particulate matter air pollution. Second, a number of relevant environmental
      exposures such as noise, heat or electromagnetic fields do not have direct
      correlates as metabolites or protein adducts, but there is important evidence
      linking them with health effects. Third, functional genomic changes are likely in
      many instances to be both a susceptibility factor and a marker of internal doses
      in response to environmental exposures. Fourth, internal dose measurements of
      environmental exposures might have lost the distinct signature of the relevant
      sources. This paper emphasises the obligation of environmental epidemiology to
      provide robust evidence to assist timely and sufficient protection of vulnerable
      subgroups of populations from environmental hazards. Therefore, in applying the
      exposome concept to environmental health problems, a strong link with the
      external environment needs to be maintained.

PMID- 22080816
TI  - Current and long-term spousal caregiving and onset of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior evidence suggests that caregiving may increase risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset. This association has never been examined in a
      nationally (USA) representative sample, and prior studies could not fully control
      for socioeconomic confounders. This paper seeks to estimate the association
      between spousal caregiving and incident CVD in older Americans. METHODS: Married,
      CVD-free Health and Retirement Study respondents aged 50+ years (n=8472) were
      followed up to 8 years (1669 new stroke or heart disease diagnoses). Current
      caregiving exposure was defined as assisting a spouse with basic or instrumental
      activities of daily living >=14 h/week according to the care recipients' report
      in the most recent prior biennial survey; we define providing >=14 h/week of care
      at two consecutive biennial surveys as 'long-term caregiving'. Inverse
      probability weighted discrete-time hazard models with time-updated exposure and
      covariate information (including socioeconomic and cardiovascular risk factors)
      were used to estimate the effect of caregiving on incident CVD. RESULTS:
      Caregiving significantly predicted CVD incidence (HR=1.35, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.68)
      in the population overall. Long-term caregiving was associated with double the
      risk of CVD onset (HR=1.95, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.18). This association for long-term
      care givers varied significantly by race (p<0.01): caregiving predicted CVD onset
      for white (HR=2.37, 95% CI 1.43 to 3.92) but not for non-white (HR=0.28, 95% CI
      0.06 to 1.28). CONCLUSIONS: Spousal caregiving independently predicted risk of
      CVD in a large sample of US adults. There was significant evidence that the
      effect for long-term care givers differs for non-whites and white.

PMID- 22080818
TI  - The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative shows positive effects on breastfeeding
      indicators in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has been implemented by
      WHO and Unicef with a view to protect, promote and support breast feeding. This
      paper aims to assess the influence of the BFHI on breastfeeding indicators in
      Brazil, using data from the 2nd Survey of Breastfeeding Prevalence, conducted in
      2008. METHODS: Data on 64 municipalities were analysed: a total of 65,936 infants
      under the age of 1 year who were covered by the 2008 immunisation campaign. The
      outcomes of interest were breast feeding in the first hour of life in infants
      under 1 year of age; exclusive breast feeding on the first day after hospital
      discharge in infants under 4 months of age; exclusive breast feeding in infants
      under 2, 3 and 6 months of age; and pacifier use in infants under 6 months of
      age. The influence of birth in baby-friendly hospitals (BFHs) on these end points
      was analysed by means of Poisson regression with robust variance for complex
      samples. FINDINGS: Infants born in BFHs were 9% more likely to be breast fed in
      the first hour of life and 6% more likely to be breast fed on the first day at
      home. Exclusive breast feeding was 13%, 8% and 6% more likely in infants under
      the ages of 2, 3 and 6 months, respectively, born in BFHs. Birth in a BFH also
      correlated with significant less pacifier use. CONCLUSIONS: The BFHI has had an
      impact on several indicators of breast feeding. The authors hope the results of
      this study will make policy makers and health professionals aware of the
      importance and potential of this strategy.

PMID- 22080819
TI  - Age- and sex-specific reference limits for creatinine, cystatin C and the
      estimated glomerular filtration rate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of patients with chronic kidney disease is of great
      importance. This study developed reference limits for serum creatinine and serum
      cystatin C concentrations and for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
      in healthy subjects from the general population aged 25-65 years. METHODS: This
      study defined a reference population including 985 subjects from the first follow
      up of the Study of Health in Pomerania. Serum creatinine was measured with a
      modified kinetic Jaffe method. Serum cystatin C was measured with a nephelometric
      assay. The eGFR was calculated from serum creatinine according to the Cockcroft
      Gault (eGFR(CG)) and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (eGFR(MDRD))
      equation, respectively, as well as from serum cystatin C according to the formula
      by Larsson (eGFR(Larsson)). Non-parametric quantile regression was used to
      estimate the reference limits. For serum creatinine and serum cystatin C the 95th
      percentile and for eGFR(CG), eGFR(MDRD) and eGFR(Larsson) the 5th percentile were
      selected as reference limits. All data was weighted to reflect the age- and sex
      structure of the German population in 2008. RESULTS: The reference limits for
      serum creatinine (men: 1.11-1.23 mg/dL; women: 0.93-1.00 mg/dL) and serum
      cystatin C levels (men: 0.92-1.04 mg/L; women: 0.84-1.02 mg/L) increased with
      advancing age. The reference limits for eGFR decreased with increasing age
      (eGFR(CG) men: 106.0-64.7 mL/min, women 84.4-57.9 mL/min; eGFR(MDRD) men: 82.5
      62.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, women 75.0-58.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; eGFR(Larsson) men: 85.5-72.9
      mL/min, women 94.5-75.7 mL/min). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents age- and sex
      specific reference limits for five measures of renal function based on quantile
      regression models.

PMID- 22080821
TI  - A comparison of the acute effects of calcium and strontium ranelate on the serum
      marker of bone resorption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the mechanism by which strontium ranelate (SrR)
      inhibits the bone resorption, this study compared the effects of SrR and calcium
      on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the biochemical marker of bone resorption (serum
      type 1 collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide, betaCTX). METHODS: In 10 healthy
      young subjects, after overnight fasting, 1000 mg of elemental calcium and 2000 mg
      of SrR containing 600 mg Sr2+ were administered consecutively with a 1 week
      washout period. During the control period no drug was given. Fasting blood
      samples were drawn at baseline and throughout the next 5-h period. RESULTS: After
      the ingestion of either calcium or SrR, there was a significant increase in serum
      calcium and strontium concentrations, and a decrease in serum betaCTX and intact
      PTH concentrations as compared to the baseline values (p<0.05). In the fasting
      subjects, no significant differences in the variable were found as compared to
      the baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in PTH and the marker of bone
      resorption observed after the SrR administration is comparable to the decrease
      observed after the calcium administration in young adults.

PMID- 22080822
TI  - Comparison of Bio-Plex measurements with standard techniques.

PMID- 22080823
TI  - Gastrointestinal infection as a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is accumulating evidence on the importance of microbes
      in the development and maintenance of both the intestinal and immune systems.
      This review focuses on the current findings on the role of gastrointestinal
      pathogens in the cause of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. RECENT FINDINGS: A
      number of intestinal pathogens including Mycobacterium avium subspecies
      paratuberculosis, adherent-invasive Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter species
      are associated at fairly high prevalence with Crohn's disease, while two recent
      studies found a low prevalence for cytomegalovirus. In a prospective study, M.
      avium subspecies paratuberculosis detection in early Crohn's disease was low and
      comparable to controls, while much higher in an established inflammatory bowel
      disease cohort. In the pediatric setting, a high prevalence of Clostridium
      difficile was seen in both active and inactive Crohn's disease and ulcerative
      colitis patients. Some studies have speculated that Salmonella or Campylobacter
      infection may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease on long-term follow
      up, but detection bias was found to obscure the risk. Recent studies in mouse
      models have demonstrated that a combination of factors, including viral
      pathogens, genetic susceptibility, and commensal microflora, can lead to
      intestinal pathology. SUMMARY: No evidence for causation of inflammatory bowel
      disease by a single agent has been found, whereas a number of microbes have been
      strongly associated with the presence of disease. The majority of recent studies
      support a role for the ability of intestinal pathogens to promote chronic
      inflammation in individuals with genetic susceptibility and/or other
      environmental factors which remain to be identified. These factors may include
      subsets of commensal microflora.

PMID- 22080824
TI  - Vaccines for enteric infections.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a review of currently licensed enteric vaccines and
      their efficacy based on completed field trials. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review,
      we provide a brief description of the epidemiology of the most common enteric
      infections, in both developing and industrialized countries. We also describe the
      types, dosage, age-eligibility, availability, and efficacies of currently
      licensed vaccines, and review the results of recently completed clinical trials
      around the world. SUMMARY: Several enteric vaccines are currently available.
      Although some vaccines have proven highly effective in industrialized countries
      where the disease burden is low (so-called travelers vaccines), they have
      demonstrated a lower protective effect in endemic countries where the disease is
      more prevalent. However, due to the magnitude of disease in endemic countries,
      even with lower efficacy, the potential for a vaccine to reduce the absolute
      number of cases remains considerable. Despite the continued reduction in overall
      disease burden with increased public health measures, such as improved
      sanitation, antimicrobials, and greater public awareness, enteric infections
      continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations.
      We contend that adoption and dissemination of available vaccines at affordable
      prices should be accelerated, particularly in areas where the disease burden is
      highest.

PMID- 22080825
TI  - Approach to the patient with infectious colitis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide current recommendations for evaluation and
      treatment of patients with infectious colitis. Infectious colitis is diagnosed in
      someone with diarrhea and one or more of the following: fever and/or dysentery,
      stools containing inflammatory markers such as leukocytes, lactoferrin, or
      calprotectin, or positive stool culture for an invasive or inflammatory bacterial
      enteropathogen including Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shiga toxin
      producing Escherichia coli (STEC) or Clostridium difficile, or colonic
      inflammation by endoscopy. RECENT FINDINGS: Standard stool culture should be
      performed in patients with infectious colitis. Epidemiologic findings including
      prior international travel, shellfish-associated diarrhea, living in parasite
      endemic regions may suggest the need for specialized studies of etiology. When
      STEC is suspected as a pathogen because only low grade or no fever is seen in a
      patient with acute dysentery, a competent laboratory should look for E. coli
      O157:H7 and Shiga toxin directly in stool. SUMMARY: Once laboratory diagnosis is
      made, pathogen-specific antimicrobial therapy should be initiated for all forms
      of infectious colitis other than STEC. For empiric treatment of febrile
      dysenteric diarrhea invasive bacterial enteropathogens (Shigella, Salmonella, and
      Campylobacter) should be suspected and adults may be treated empirically with
      1000mg azithromycin in a single dose.

PMID- 22080826
TI  - Motility disorders of the colon and rectum.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The major motor functions of the large bowel include storage,
      propulsion and defecation. New developments continue to expand our knowledge of
      this area and provide significant advances in the treatment of disorders of
      colorectal motility. RECENT FINDINGS: This article reviews new techniques to
      study colon motility and transit in health and constipation, recent published
      data which support the efficacy of novel and established laxatives for both
      functional and opioid-induced constipation, the development of neuromodulatory
      techniques for severe constipation and new insights into the pathogenesis and
      treatment of levator syndrome. SUMMARY: The articles referenced in this review
      inform the reader of new developments in understanding and treating disorders of
      colonic and anorectal motility and anticipate future advances.

PMID- 22080827
TI  - The intestinal microbiota in health and disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The indigenous gut microbiota has been shown to be a key
      player in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. This review discusses some of
      the recent work that reveals how the gut microbiome helps establish and protect
      intestinal health and how disturbances in this microbial community can lead to
      disease states. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of culture-independent methods has
      greatly improved our ability to determine the structure and function of the gut
      microbiome. The gut microbiota has critical interactions with the host immune
      system and metabolism with bilateral influences shaping both the host and the
      microbiome. Alterations in the gut microbiome are associated with a variety of
      disease states but we are only now beginning to understand the mechanisms by
      which this occurs. SUMMARY: Understanding how the gut microbiome contributes to
      intestinal health should lead to novel preventive strategies and therapies for a
      variety of gastrointestinal conditions.

PMID- 22080828
TI  - An investigation of inconsistent projections and artefacts in multi-pinhole SPECT
      with axially aligned pinholes.
AB  - Multiple pinholes are advantageous for maximizing the use of the available field
      of view (FOV) of compact small animal single photon emission computed tomography
      (SPECT) detectors. However, when the pinholes are aligned axially to optimize
      imaging of extended objects, such as rodents, multiplexing of the pinhole
      projections can give rise to inconsistent data which leads to 'ghost point'
      artefacts in the reconstructed volume. A novel four pinhole collimator with a
      baffle was designed and implemented to eliminate these inconsistent projections.
      Simulation and physical phantom studies were performed to investigate artefacts
      from axially aligned pinholes and the efficacy of the baffle in removing
      inconsistent data and, thus, reducing reconstruction artefacts. SPECT was
      performed using a Defrise phantom to investigate the impact of collimator design
      on FOV utilization and axial blurring effects. Multiple pinhole SPECT acquired
      with a baffle had fewer artefacts and improved quantitative accuracy when
      compared to SPECT acquired without a baffle. The use of four pinholes positioned
      in a square maximized the available FOV, increased acquisition sensitivity and
      reduced axial blurring effects. These findings support the use of a baffle to
      eliminate inconsistent projection data arising from axially aligned pinholes and
      improve small animal SPECT reconstructions.

PMID- 22080829
TI  - Retraction. Mitochondrial pathophysiology and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22080830
TI  - Validation of the key informant method to identify children with disabilities:
      methods and results from a pilot study in Bangladesh.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess whether the key informant method (KIM) is an effective method
      to identify children with disabling sensory or physical impairments, or epilepsy
      (tonic-clonic seizures), in a low-income setting. METHODS: In one subdistrict
      each, the Key Informants (KIs) were trained to recognize children with visual
      impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment and epilepsy, respectively.
      In the fifth subdistrict, the KIs were trained to recognize all four conditions.
      RESULTS: Of the 2260 children identified by KIs, 1227 attended for examination
      (54%), of which 911 were diagnosed to have a disabling impairment (74%). KIM had
      a high sensitivity (average 98%) for case detection in all groups but specificity
      was lower (average 44%), particularly for hearing impairment. CONCLUSIONS: KIs
      were able to identify children with epilepsy, sensory and physical impairments.
      KIM is an effective and low-cost method to identify children with disability in a
      low-income setting.

PMID- 22080831
TI  - Ethanol increases GABAergic transmission and excitability in cerebellar molecular
      layer interneurons from GAD67-GFP knock-in mice.
AB  - AIMS: This study assessed the acute effect of ethanol on GABAergic transmission
      at molecular layer interneurons (MLIs; i.e. basket and stellate cells) in the
      cerebellar cortex. The actions of ethanol on spontaneous firing of these
      pacemaker neurons were also measured. METHODS: Transgenic mice (glutamic acid
      decarboxylase 67-green fluorescent protein knock-in mice) that express green
      fluorescence protein in GABAergic interneurons were used to aid in the
      identification of MLIs. Parasagittal cerebellar slices were prepared and whole
      cell patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques were used to measure GABA(A)
      receptor-mediated spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents
      (sIPSCs and mIPSCs). Loose-seal cell-attached recordings were used to measure
      spontaneous action potential firing. RESULTS: Stellate cells received spontaneous
      GABAergic input in the form of a mixture of action potential-dependent events
      (sIPSCs) and quantal events (mIPSCs); ethanol increased sIPSC frequency to a
      greater extent than mIPSC frequency. Ethanol increased spontaneous action
      potential firing of MLIs, which could explain the increase in sIPSC frequency in
      stellate cells. Basket cells received GABAergic input in the form of quantal
      events only. Ethanol significantly increased the frequency of these events, which
      may be mediated by a different type of interneuron (perhaps, the Lugaro cell) or
      Purkinje cell collaterals. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol exposure differentially increases
      GABA release at stellate cell vs. basket cell-to-Purkinje cell synapses. This
      effect may contribute to the abnormalities in cerebellar function associated with
      alcohol intoxication.

PMID- 22080832
TI  - HLA class I sensitization in islet transplant recipients: report from the
      Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry.
AB  - Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment option for patients
      severely affected with type 1 diabetes. This report from CITR presents pre- and
      posttransplant human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I sensitization rates in islet
      alone transplantation. Data came from 303 recipients  transplanted with islet
      alone between January 1999 and December 2008. HLA class I sensitization was
      determined by the presence of anti-HLA class I antibodies. Panel-reactive
      antibodies (PRA) from prior to islet infusion and at 6 months, and yearly
      posttransplant was correlated to measures  of islet graft failure. The cumulative
      number of mismatched HLA alleles increased with each additional islet infusion
      from a median of 3 for one infusion to 9 for three infusions. Pretransplant PRA
      was not predictive of islet graft failure. However, development of PRA >20%
      posttransplant  was associated with 3.6-fold (p < 0.001) increased hazard ratio
      for graft failure. Patients with complete graft loss who had discontinued
      immunosuppression had significantly higher rate of PRA >= 20% compared to those
      with functioning grafts who remained on immunosuppression. Exposure  to repeat
      HLA class I mismatch at second or third islet infusions resulted in less frequent
      development of de novo HLA class I antibodies when compared to increased class I
      mismatch. The development of HLA class I antibodies while on immunosuppression is
      associated with subsequent islet graft  failure. The risk of sensitization may be
      reduced by minimizing the number of islet donors used per recipient, and in the
      absence of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies, repeating HLA class I mismatches
      with subsequent islet infusions.

PMID- 22080833
TI  - Abnormal nuclear envelopes in the striatum and motor deficits in DYT11 myoclonus
      dystonia mouse models.
AB  - DYT11 myoclonus-dystonia (M-D) is a movement disorder characterized by myoclonic
      jerks with dystonic symptoms and caused by mutations in paternally expressed
      SGCE, which codes for epsilon-sarcoglycan. Paternally inherited Sgce heterozygous
      knock-out (KO) mice exhibit motor deficits and spontaneous myoclonus. Abnormal
      nuclear envelopes have been reported in cellular and mouse models of early-onset
      DYT1 generalized torsion dystonia; however, the relationship between the abnormal
      nuclear envelopes and motor symptoms are not clear. Furthermore, it is not known
      whether abnormal nuclear envelope exists in non-DYT1 dystonia. In the present
      study, abnormal nuclear envelopes in the striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs)
      were found in Sgce KO mice. To analyze whether the loss of epsilon-sarcoglycan in
      the striatum alone causes abnormal nuclear envelopes, motor deficits or
      myoclonus, we produced paternally inherited striatum-specific Sgce conditional KO
      (Sgce sKO) mice and analyzed their phenotypes. Sgce sKO mice exhibited motor
      deficits in both beam-walking and accelerated rotarod tests, while they did not
      exhibit abnormal nuclear envelopes, alteration in locomotion, or myoclonus. The
      results suggest that the loss of epsilon-sarcoglycan in the striatum contributes
      to motor deficits, while it alone does not produce abnormal nuclear envelopes or
      myoclonus. Development of therapies targeting the striatum to compensate for the
      loss of epsilon-sarcoglycan function may rescue the motor deficits in DYT11 M-D
      patients.

PMID- 22080834
TI  - Knockdown of the psychosis susceptibility gene ZNF804A alters expression of genes
      involved in cell adhesion.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have convincingly implicated several novel genes
      in susceptibility to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The first genome-wide
      significant association with the broad phenotype of psychosis was with a
      polymorphism in the ZNF804A gene. However, the biological function(s) of ZNF804A
      have, to date, been entirely unknown. In this study, we manipulated the
      expression of ZNF804A in neural progenitor cells derived from human cortical
      neuroepithelium and assessed its effects on the cellular transcriptome. Gene
      ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated a significant
      effect of ZNF804A knockdown on the expression of genes involved in cell adhesion,
      suggesting a role for ZNF804A in processes such as neural migration, neurite
      outgrowth and synapse formation. Several highly significant gene expression
      changes were confirmed in repeat cell culture experiments. Most consistent gene
      expression changes were seen for C2ORF80, a gene of as-yet-unknown function, and
      STMN3, a gene involved in neurite outgrowth and axonal and dendritic branching.
      These data, generated in a hypothesis-free manner, provide a basis for more
      targeted investigations of ZNF804A function.

PMID- 22080835
TI  - Mitochondrial autophagy in cells with mtDNA mutations results from synergistic
      loss of transmembrane potential and mTORC1 inhibition.
AB  - Autophagy has emerged as a key cellular process for organellar quality control,
      yet this pathway apparently fails to eliminate mitochondria containing pathogenic
      mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in patients with a variety of human
      diseases. In order to explore how mtDNA-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction
      interacts with endogenous autophagic pathways, we examined autophagic status in a
      panel of human cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines carrying a variety of
      pathogenic mtDNA mutations. We found that both genetic- and chemically induced
      loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) caused recruitment of
      the pro-mitophagic factor Parkin to mitochondria. Strikingly, however, the loss
      of Deltapsi(m) alone was insufficient to prompt delivery of mitochondria to the
      autophagosome (mitophagy). We found that mitophagy could be induced following
      treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin in cybrids carrying either large
      scale partial deletions of mtDNA or complete depletion of mtDNA. Further, we
      found that the level of endogenous Parkin is a crucial determinant of mitophagy.
      These results suggest a two-hit model, in which the synergistic induction of both
      (i) mitochondrial recruitment of Parkin following the loss of Deltapsi(m) and
      (ii) mTORC1-controlled general macroautophagy is required for mitophagy. It
      appears that mitophagy can be accomplished by the endogenous autophagic
      machinery, but requires the full engagement of both of these pathways.

PMID- 22080836
TI  - In vivo neuronal function of the fragile X mental retardation protein is
      regulated by phosphorylation.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by loss of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1
      (FMR1) gene product (FMRP), is the most common heritable cause of intellectual
      disability and autism spectrum disorders. It has been long hypothesized that the
      phosphorylation of serine 500 (S500) in human FMRP controls its function as an
      RNA-binding translational repressor. To test this hypothesis in vivo, we employed
      neuronally targeted expression of three human FMR1 transgenes, including wild
      type (hFMR1), dephosphomimetic (S500A-hFMR1) and phosphomimetic (S500D-hFMR1), in
      the Drosophila FXS disease model to investigate phosphorylation requirements. At
      the molecular level, dfmr1 null mutants exhibit elevated brain protein levels due
      to loss of translational repressor activity. This defect is rescued for an
      individual target protein and across the population of brain proteins by the
      phosphomimetic, whereas the dephosphomimetic phenocopies the null condition. At
      the cellular level, dfmr1 null synapse architecture exhibits increased area,
      branching and bouton number. The phosphomimetic fully rescues these
      synaptogenesis defects, whereas the dephosphomimetic provides no rescue. The
      presence of Futsch-positive (microtubule-associated protein 1B) supernumerary
      microtubule loops is elevated in dfmr1 null synapses. The human phosphomimetic
      restores normal Futsch loops, whereas the dephosphomimetic provides no activity.
      At the behavioral level, dfmr1 null mutants exhibit strongly impaired olfactory
      associative learning. The human phosphomimetic targeted only to the brain
      learning center restores normal learning ability, whereas the dephosphomimetic
      provides absolutely no rescue. We conclude that human FMRP S500 phosphorylation
      is necessary for its in vivo function as a neuronal translational repressor and
      regulator of synaptic architecture, and for the manifestation of FMRP-dependent
      learning behavior.

PMID- 22080837
TI  - LRRK2 Parkinson disease mutations enhance its microtubule association.
AB  - Dominant missense mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most
      common genetic causes of Parkinson disease (PD) and genome-wide association
      studies identify LRRK2 sequence variants as risk factors for sporadic PD. Intact
      kinase function appears critical for the toxicity of LRRK2 PD mutants, yet our
      understanding of how LRRK2 causes neurodegeneration remains limited. We find that
      most LRRK2 PD mutants abnormally enhance LRRK2 oligomerization, causing it to
      form filamentous structures in transfections of cell lines or primary neuronal
      cultures. Strikingly, ultrastructural analyses, including immuno-electron
      microscopy and electron microscopic tomography, demonstrate that these filaments
      consist of LRRK2 recruited onto part of the cellular microtubule network in a
      well-ordered, periodic fashion. Like LRRK2-related neurodegeneration, microtubule
      association requires intact kinase function and the WD40 domain, potentially
      linking microtubule binding and neurodegeneration. Our observations identify a
      novel effect of LRRK2 PD mutations and highlight a potential role for
      microtubules in the pathogenesis of LRRK2-related neurodegeneration.

PMID- 22080839
TI  - Improving adherence--money isn't the only thing.

PMID- 22080842
TI  - Acupuncture and constitutional diagnosis: where now?

PMID- 22080840
TI  - Prenatal tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alters cognitive function and amphetamine
      response from weaning to adulthood in the rat.
AB  - Research suggests that not only is marijuana use prevalent among women of
      reproductive age, but a significant number of women continue to use marijuana and
      its derivatives throughout pregnancy. Many studies have shown, in both humans and
      animals, that marijuana exposure during adolescence and adulthood is detrimental
      to normal cognition and memory. In this study, we examined the effects of daily
      intravenous injections of 0.15 mg/kg Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), given
      to pregnant dams throughout gestation, on cognitive function in the offspring.
      Offspring were exposed to three tests: a passive avoidance test at postnatal day
      (PND) 22, an active place avoidance test at PND 45, and an attention task at PND
      60, which assessed learning and long-term memory, spatial working memory and
      prediction, and attention, respectively. Other offspring were also given a 1mg/kg
      amphetamine challenge at PND 60. Passive avoidance testing showed that prenatal
      THC had no effect on acquisition but interfered with consolidation during
      retention testing. The active place avoidance task showed no treatment-related
      effects on acquisition but a significant treatment effect was observed in
      reversal performance in males. The attention task showed that a smaller
      percentage of THC-exposed rats completed the test, although the failure rate of
      both groups was quite high. Finally, THC exposed animals, both male and female,
      showed a dampened locomotor response to amphetamine, but females were more active
      than males overall. These results suggest that prenatal THC exposure has effects
      on certain aspects of cognitive function in rats from weaning to adulthood. These
      effects suggest that prenatal marijuana exposure could also alter cognitive
      function in humans and therefore have an impact on school performance and dampen
      responses to psychostimulants as well.

PMID- 22080843
TI  - Porous organic cage nanocrystals by solution mixing.
AB  - We present here a simple method for the bottom-up fabrication of microporous
      organic particles with surface areas in the range 500-1000 m(2) g(-1). The method
      involves chiral recognition between prefabricated, intrinsically porous organic
      cage molecules that precipitate spontaneously upon mixing in solution. Fine
      control over particle size from 50 nm to 1 MUm can be achieved by varying the
      mixing temperature or the rate of mixing. No surfactants or templates are
      required, and the resulting organic dispersions are stable for months. In this
      method, the covalent synthesis of the cage modules can be separated from their
      solution processing into particles because the modules can be dissolved in common
      solvents. This allows a "mix and match" approach to porous organic particles. The
      marked solubility change that occurs upon mixing cages with opposite chirality is
      rationalized by density functional theory calculations that suggest favorable
      intermolecular interactions for heterochiral cage pairings. The important
      contribution of molecular disorder to porosity and surface area is highlighted.
      In one case, a purposefully amorphized sample has more than twice the surface
      area of its crystalline analogue.

PMID- 22080844
TI  - Estimation of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of underutilized fruits of
      Andaman Islands (India).
AB  - The present study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity and phytochemical
      contents in 10 underutilized fruits of Andaman Islands (India) namely Malpighia
      glabra L., Mangifera andamanica L., Morinda citrifolia L., Syzygium aqueum
      (Burm.f) Alst., Annona squamosa L., Averrhoa carambola L., Averrhoa bilimbi L.,
      Dillenia indica L., Annona muricata L. and Ficus racemosa L. The antioxidant
      activity varied from 74.27% to 98.77%, and the methanol extract of M. glabra
      showed the highest antioxidant activity (98.77%; inhibitory concentration, IC(50)
      = 262.46 MUg/ml). Methanol was found to be a better solvent than acetone and
      aqueous for estimating the antioxidant activity. M. glabra was found to be rich
      in phytochemicals viz. polyphenol (355.74 mg/100 g), anthocyanin (91.31 mg/100
      g), carotenoids (109.16 mg/100 g), tannin (24.39 mg/100 g) and ascorbic acid
      (394.23 mg/100 g). Carbohydrate content was estimated to be highest in M. glabra
      (548 mg/100 g). Phenols, tannins, anthocyanins and carotenoids contents showed
      positive correlation (r2 = 0.846, r2 = 0.864, r2 = 0.915 and r2 = 0.806,
      respectively) with antioxidant activity. The information generated in present
      study will be useful for bioprospecting of underutilized fruits of Andaman
      Islands.

PMID- 22080846
TI  - Neutropenia after rituximab treatment:  new insights on a late complication.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Late-onset neutropenia (LON) after rituximab administration
      may be encountered in various clinical settings. The identification of
      neutropenia after rituximab treatment may have immediate implications for the
      clinical management of the patient and on subsequent treatment strategies.
      Although the pathogenesis of LON is incompletely understood, various putative
      mechanisms are suggested. These may be of special importance in the advent of the
      newer monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of LON
      varies with the clinical setting in which rituximab is administered.
      Administration of rituximab in the setting of stem cell transplantation
      significantly increases the risk for LON. The timing of rituximab administration
      after transplantation may affect the risk and severity of neutropenia. Recent
      data suggest that in rheumatologic diseases, the incidence of LON is comparable
      to that in the hematologic population. Suggested mechanisms for LON include
      humoral and cellular immune mechanisms as well processes that stem from B-cell
      recovery and its impact on neutrophil kinetics. Recently, an association between
      specific polymorphism in the immunoglobulin G Fc receptor FCgammaRIIIa 158 V/F
      and LON was demonstrated. SUMMARY: LON is an increasingly recognized late adverse
      event of rituximab therapy. Acquaintance with the incidence, risk factors,
      natural history, and expected complications of LON may improve proper clinical
      management. Many aspects in the clinical management of LON remain to be answered
      during further studies aimed at this goal.

PMID- 22080845
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe congenital neutropenia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is the only
      curative option for patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). Transplant
      success is dependent on identifying at-risk patients and proceeding to transplant
      before the development of severe infections or malignant transformation. This
      review focuses on recent advancements in risk stratification of SCN patients,
      indications for HCT, and review of published transplant studies. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Patients with poor neutrophil response despite high doses of granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) are at greatest risk for malignant transformation.
      Other studies demonstrate elevated risk with mutations in the G-CSF receptor gene
      and a specific mutation in the ELANE gene. These patients are at high-risk of
      sepsis or leukemia development and should proceed to transplant with best
      available donor. As recent published studies demonstrate, HCT is highly
      successful in patients without leukemia and, therefore, may be considered in
      selected low-risk patients given the life-long risk of malignancy and infection.
      SUMMARY: The decision whether to proceed to HCT in healthy patients maintained on
      G-CSF is difficult. As transplant-related mortality continues to decrease, the
      role of transplant in SCN is likely to expand to more patients.

PMID- 22080838
TI  - A genome-wide association study of COPD identifies a susceptibility locus on
      chromosome 19q13.
AB  - The genetic risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are
      still largely unknown. To date, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of
      limited size have identified several novel risk loci for COPD at
      CHRNA3/CHRNA5/IREB2, HHIP and FAM13A; additional loci may be identified through
      larger studies. We performed a GWAS using a total of 3499 cases and 1922 control
      subjects from four cohorts: the Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify
      Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE); the Normative Aging Study (NAS) and
      National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT); Bergen, Norway (GenKOLS); and the
      COPDGene study. Genotyping was performed on Illumina platforms with additional
      markers imputed using 1000 Genomes data; results were summarized using fixed
      effect meta-analysis. We identified a new genome-wide significant locus on
      chromosome 19q13 (rs7937, OR = 0.74, P = 2.9 * 10(-9)). Genotyping this single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and another nearby SNP in linkage disequilibrium
      (rs2604894) in 2859 subjects from the family-based International COPD Genetics
      Network study (ICGN) demonstrated supportive evidence for association for COPD (P
      = 0.28 and 0.11 for rs7937 and rs2604894), pre-bronchodilator FEV(1) (P = 0.08
      and 0.04) and severe (GOLD 3&4) COPD (P = 0.09 and 0.017). This region includes
      RAB4B, EGLN2, MIA and CYP2A6, and has previously been identified in association
      with cigarette smoking behavior.

PMID- 22080847
TI  - Use of antibacterial prophylaxis in patients with chemotherapy-induced
      neutropenia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Antibiotic prophylaxis has been found to have multiple
      benefits in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy at high risk for infection.
      Interest continues in identifying what additional groups of high-risk patients
      might potentially benefit from its use. However, concerns about the potential
      emergence of antibiotic resistance have led to multiple recent studies exploring
      this issue. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric
      leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant
      populations has been evaluated in recent studies. Several centers have noted
      increased rates of antibiotic resistance in patients receiving prophylaxis.
      SUMMARY: Several single-center studies have emphasized the concern for the
      emergence of antibiotic resistance associated with the routine use of
      fluoroquinolone prophylaxis. The potential for antibiotic resistance continues to
      be worrisome and warrants further ongoing studies.

PMID- 22080848
TI  - Update on anemia and neutropenia in copper deficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Copper deficiency is an under-recognized cause of reversible
      refractory anemia and leukopenia, particularly neutropenia, often misdiagnosed as
      myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Clinicians and hematopathologists need to be
      aware of distinct morphologic findings to distinguish these entities including
      cytoplasmic vacuolization of both erythroid and myeloid precursors, excess iron
      stores, ringed sideroblasts, iron incorporation in plasma cells, and variable
      marrow cellularity. In contrast, the findings in MDS do not include myeloid
      lineage vacuolization, abnormal nuclear lobulation of both erythroid and myeloid
      precursors, nuclear/cytoplasmic dyssynchrony, or dysmegakaryopoiesis with
      abnormalities of nuclear lobulation and size. RECENT FINDINGS: The mechanism of
      neutropenia remains unknown; however, the study by Peled and coworkers suggests
      that copper deficiency results in the inhibition of differentiation and self
      renewal of CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells. A number of recent studies
      have reported on the association of copper deficiency with the development of
      concomitant neurologic deficits manifested as peripheral neuropathies and
      myeloneuropathy indistinguishable from the findings seen in vitamin B12
      deficiency. SUMMARY: Patients presenting with refractory anemia and leukopenia
      with or without associated neurologic deficits should have copper and
      ceruloplasmin levels measured as part of their diagnostic evaluation.

PMID- 22080850
TI  - Biodiversity of avian trypanosomes.
AB  - We have studied the biodiversity of trypanosomes from birds and bloodsucking
      Diptera on a large number of isolates. We used two molecular approaches, random
      amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method, and sequence analysis of the
      small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. RAPD method divided the isolates
      into 11 separate lineages. Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rRNA gene was
      congruent with the RAPD. Morphometric analysis of kinetoplast width and cell
      length was in agreement with molecular data. Avian trypanosomes appeared
      polyphyletic on SSU rDNA tree; thus, they do not represent a taxonomic group. We
      propose that all lineages recovered by SSU analysis probably represent distinct
      species of avian trypanosomes. We discuss possible transmission ways and
      geographical distribution of new avian trypanosome lineages. Finally, we
      recommend methods that should be used for species determination of avian
      trypanosomes.

PMID- 22080849
TI  - Natural history of gastro-entero-pancreatic and thoracic neuroendocrine tumors.
      Data from a large prospective and retrospective Italian epidemiological study:
      the NET management study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The few epidemiological data available in literature on
      neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are mainly based on Registry databases, missing
      therefore details on their clinical and natural history. AIM: To investigate
      epidemiology, clinical presentation, and natural history of NET. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: A large national retrospective survey was conducted in 13 Italian
      referral centers. Among 1203 NET, 820 originating in the thorax (T-NET), in the
      gastro-enteropancreatic tract (GEP-NET) or metastatic NET of unknown primary
      origin (U-NET) were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: 93% had a sporadic and 7% a
      multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)-associated tumor; 63% were GEP-NET,
      33% T-NET, 4% U-NET. Pancreas and lung were the commonest primary sites. Poorly
      differentiated carcinomas were <10%, all sporadic. The incidence of NET had a
      linear increase from 1990 to 2007 in all the centers. The mean age at diagnosis
      was 60.0 +/- 16.4 yr, significantly anticipated in MEN1 patients (47.7 +/- 16.5
      yr). Association with cigarette smoking and other non-NET cancer were more
      prevalent than in the general Italian population. The first symptoms of the
      disease were related to tumor burden in 46%, endocrine syndrome in 23%, while the
      diagnosis was fortuity in 29%. Insulin (37%) and serotonin (35%) were the most
      common hormonal hypersecretions. An advanced tumor stage was found in 42%, more
      frequently in the gut and thymus. No differences in the overall survival was
      observed between T-NET and GEP-NET and between sporadic and MEN1-associated
      tumors at 10 yr from diagnosis, while survival probability was dramatically
      reduced in U-NET. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained from this study furnish relevant
      information on epidemiology, natural history, and clinico-pathological features
      of NET, not available from the few published Register studies.

PMID- 22080851
TI  - Transcription profiles for two key gender-specific gene families in
      Oesophagostomum dentatum during development in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - In strongylid roundworms, such as Oesophagostomum dentatum (porcine nodule worm),
      some sex-specific genes are likely to be associated with parasite maturation,
      development and reproduction. In this study, an analysis of transcription of the
      two sex-specific genes (vit and msp) encoding vitellogenin and major sperm
      protein of O. dentatum, respectively, revealed that adult females transcribed vit
      and adult males msp at high levels, in contrast to immature larval stages and pre
      adult worms from in vitro cultures for which no transcription of vit or msp was
      detected. The analysis showed that neither presence nor absence of the
      heterologous sex, nor the duration of infection, was central to vit or msp
      transcription. In small or "virgin" adults, no or only low-level transcription of
      vit and msp was detectable. We hypothesize that the transcription of the sex
      specific genes is linked to endogenous factors, such as size, maturation of the
      reproductive organs and/or fitness of the worms, and not to exogenous influences.
      The maturation of worms appears to be linked, to some extent, to the expression
      of the genes studied herein.

PMID- 22080852
TI  - Multiplex RT-PCR assays for the simultaneous detection of both RNA and DNA
      viruses infecting cassava and the common occurrence of mixed infections by two
      cassava brown streak viruses in East Africa.
AB  - Uniplex and multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      protocols were developed for the detection of cassava brown streak viruses
      (CBSVs) in single and mixed infections with cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs)
      in a tropical crop plant, cassava (Manihot esculenta). CMBs contain ssDNA as
      their genome (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) while CBSVs are made up of
      positive sense ssRNA (genus Ipomovirus, family Potyviridae), and they cause the
      economically important cassava mosaic and cassava brown streak diseases,
      respectively, in sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnostic methodologies have long been
      available for CMBs but they are limited for CBSVs especially in mixed infections.
      In this study, the two CBSVs, Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Cassava brown
      streak Uganda virus (CBSUV) occurring singly or in mixed infection with CMBs,
      African cassava mosaic virus and East African cassava mosaic virus were detected
      in a single RT-PCR using both previously described and newly designed virus
      specific primers. These protocols were highly efficient for detecting CBSVs
      compared to the existing methods and have great potential to minimize sample
      handling and contamination. As well as improving the diagnosis of cassava
      viruses, the development of multiplex RT-PCR protocols have revealed the common
      occurrence of mixed infections by CBSV and CBSUV in cassava fields of Tanzania
      and Kenya, which was contrary to the common belief until recently that these two
      viruses have existed separately. These protocols have implications for diagnosis
      and epidemiological studies on cassava virus diseases in Eastern Africa.

PMID- 22080853
TI  - Evaluation of ELISA for detection of rabies antibodies in domestic carnivores.
AB  - Serological tests of pets have increased as many rabies-free countries have
      amended their quarantine measures and adopted a scheme requiring rabies
      vaccination followed by a serological test. A European directive requires the
      measurement of neutralising antibodies as proof of protection to allow the free
      movement of pets within the European Union and between third countries non listed
      in the list C of regulation 998/2003 and European countries. At present, the
      recommended neutralisation tests (FAVN test or RFFIT) are time-consuming,
      expensive and require highly trained technicians as well as special laboratory
      facilities. The rabies ELISA designed by BioPro was developed initially for use
      for field samples from foxes to check the efficacy of oral vaccination campaigns
      in Europe. In this study, the specificity, sensitivity and reliability of this
      commercial rabies ELISA was evaluated for testing sera from dogs and cats
      involved in international trade. The specificity evaluated in 315 unvaccinated
      animals was 100%. Concordance of 86.2% was obtained when comparing BioPro ELISA
      to the gold standard FAVN test in 701 samples from vaccinated dogs and cats. The
      rabies ELISA developed recently can be considered a valuable method for the
      assessment of rabies antibodies in vaccinated domestic carnivores in combination
      with neutralisation tests.

PMID- 22080854
TI  - Systemic enhancement of papaverine transdermal gel for erectile dysfunction.
AB  - To enhance the systemic transdermal delivery of papaverine for the treatment of
      erectile dysfunction, several factors that influence transdermal delivery of
      papaverine HCl were studied. The effects of membrane types for in vitro
      permeation study, human skin layers, solvent/cosolvent systems and the
      penetration enhancers on the transdermal permeation of papaverine HCl were
      investigated. A combination of caproic acid, ethanol and water in the volume
      ratio of 50%:30%:20% was chosen as penetration enhancer and incorporated in two
      gel bases: 18% Pluronic F-127 and 2% Carbopol 940. In vivo skin permeation
      studies were performed with two loading doses (0.6% and 2%) in rabbits. The flux
      and permeability coefficient of papaverine HCl through different human skin
      layers suggested that the major barrier layer for papaverine HCl was residing
      primarily in the stratum corneum. However, the viable epidermis and dermis layer
      also contributed certain degrees of diffusion resistance. Differential Scanning
      Calorimetry study showed that penetration enhancer exhibited a counter effect
      with papaverine HCl on the temperature and enthalpy in both gels. In vitro drug
      release study demonstrated significant increases in the steady-state flux,
      permeability coefficient and enhancement ratio in these gels. Faster drug
      transports and higher bioavailability were also observed in rabbits. Skin
      irritation test performed in rabbits demonstrated a mild skin reaction with mean
      PII scores of 2 and below; however the recovery was fast. In conclusion, caproic
      acid, ethanol and water in the volume ratio of 50%:30%:20% is an effective
      penetration enhancer to deliver papaverine HCl transdermally for systemic
      absorption.

PMID- 22080855
TI  - Role of medullary blood flow in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion
      injury.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of
      acute kidney injury (AKI). Alterations in renal medullary blood flow (MBF)
      contribute to the pathogenesis of renal IRI. Here we review recent insights into
      the mechanisms of altered MBF in the pathogenesis of IRI. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Although cortical blood flow fully recovers following 30-45  min of bilateral
      IRI, recent studies have indicated that there is a prolonged secondary fall in
      MBF that is associated with a long-term decline in renal function. Recent
      findings indicate that angiopoietin-1, atrial natriuretic peptide, heme oxygenase
      1, and the gasotransmitters CO and H(2)S, may limit the severity of IRI by
      preserving MBF. Additional studies have also suggested a role for cytochrome P450
      derived 20-HETE in the postischemic fall in MBF. SUMMARY: Impaired MBF
      contributes to the pathogenesis of renal IRI. Measurement of renal MBF provides
      valuable insight into the underlying mechanisms of many renoprotective pathways.
      Identification of molecules that preserve renal MBF in IRI may lead to new
      therapies for AKI.

PMID- 22080856
TI  - Adenosine and protection from acute kidney injury.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major clinical problem without
      effective therapy. Development of AKI among hospitalized patients drastically
      increases mortality and morbidity. With increases in complex surgical procedures
      together with a growing elderly population, the incidence of AKI is rising. Renal
      adenosine receptor manipulation may have great therapeutic potential in
      mitigating AKI. In this review, we discuss renal adenosine receptor biology and
      potential clinical therapies for AKI. RECENT FINDINGS: The four adenosine
      receptor subtypes (A(1)AR, A(2A)AR, A(2B)AR, and A(3)AR) have diverse effects on
      the kidney. The pathophysiology of AKI may dictate the specific adenosine
      receptor subtype activation needed to produce renal protection. The A(1)AR
      activation in renal tubules and endothelial cells produces beneficial effects
      against ischemia and reperfusion injury by modulating metabolic demand,
      decreasing necrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. The A(2A)AR protects against
      AKI by modulating leukocyte-mediated renal and systemic inflammation, whereas the
      A(2B)AR activation protects by direct activation of renal parenchymal adenosine
      receptors. In contrast, the A(1)AR antagonism may play a protective role in
      nephrotoxic AKI and radiocontrast induced nephropathy by reversing vascular
      constriction and inducing naturesis and diuresis. Furthermore, as the A(3)AR
      activation exacerbates apoptosis and tissue damage due to renal ischemia and
      reperfusion, selective A(3)AR antagonism may hold promise to attenuate renal
      ischemia and reperfusion injury. Finally, renal A(1)AR activation also protects
      against renal endothelial dysfunction caused by hepatic ischemia and reperfusion
      injury. SUMMARY: Despite the current lack of therapies for the treatment and
      prevention of AKI, recent research suggests that modulation of renal adenosine
      receptors holds promise in treating AKI and extrarenal injury.

PMID- 22080857
TI  - Pathogenesis of pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2 by WNK1 mutations.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2 (PHA2) is a rare autosomal
      dominant form of human arterial hypertension, associated with hyperkalemia and
      hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. WNK1 and WNK4 are two of the genes mutated in
      PHA2 patients. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which deletions of the
      first intron of WNK1 found in PHA2 patients trigger the disease. RECENT FINDINGS:
      The WNK1 gene gives rise to a ubiquitous kinase (L-WNK1) and to a shorter kinase
      defective isoform, KS-WNK1 (for kidney-specific WNK1), expressed only in the
      distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and connecting tubule. WNK1 first intron deletion
      leads to overexpression of L-WNK1 in the DCT and ubiquitous ectopic expression of
      KS-WNK1. The increased expression of L-WNK1 in the DCT results in increased
      activity of the Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) and thus hypervolemia and hypertension.
      Contrarily, the mechanisms underlying the hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
      remain unclear. SUMMARY: As particularly small doses of thiazide diuretics,
      inhibitors of NCC activity, correct both the blood pressure and metabolic
      disorders in PHA2 patients, it was believed that increased NCC was directly
      responsible for all PHA2 features. Studies performed in mouse models of KS-WNK1
      inactivation or WNK4-related PHA2, however, have revealed that the situation is
      much more complex.

PMID- 22080859
TI  - Sympathetic nervous system:  role in hypertension and in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A number of cardiovascular disease have been shown to be
      characterized by a marked increase in sympathetic drive to the heart and
      peripheral circulation. This is the case for essential hypertension, congestive
      heart failure, obesity, metabolic syndrome and chronic renal failure. This review
      focuses on the most recent findings documenting the role of sympathetic neural
      factors in the development and progression of the hypertensive state as well as
      of target organ damage. It also reviews the participation of sympathetic neural
      factors in the development of the earlier stages of renal failure. RECENT
      FINDINGS: A marked increase in sympathetic neural discharge, as assessed via the
      microneurographic technique, has been shown to occur in the predialytic stage of
      chronic renal failure. Recent evidence, however, indicates that also in the
      earlier clinical phases of kidney disease, sympathetic activation is detectable.
      Further data show that sympathetic neural mechanisms participate in renal and/or
      hypertensive disease progression, favouring the development of target organ
      damage. Finally, recent findings indicate that the metabolic disarray frequently
      complicating the high blood pressure state (metabolic syndrome, dislipidemia,
      insulin resistance) may have as pathophysiological background a sympathetic
      overdrive. Altogether these data represent the rationale for employing in
      hypertension (and particularly in resistant hypertension) therapeutic
      interventions such as carotid baroreceptor stimulation and renal denervation,
      capable of exerting sympathoinhibitory effects. SUMMARY: The sympathetic nervous
      system represents a major pathophysiological hallmark of both hypertension and
      renal failure and is an important target for the therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22080858
TI  - The complex interplay between cyclooxygenase-2 and angiotensin II in regulating
      kidney function.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in modulating
      deleterious actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) where there is an inappropriate
      activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This review discusses the
      recent developments regarding the complex interactions by which COX-2 modulates
      the impact of an activated RAS on kidney function and blood pressure. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Normal rats with increased COX-2 activity but with different intrarenal
      Ang II activity because of sodium restriction or chronic treatment with
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors showed similar renal hemodynamic
      responses to COX-2-selective inhibition (nimesulide) indicating independence from
      the intrarenal Ang II activity. COX-2-dependent maintenance of medullary blood
      flow was consistent and not dependent on dietary salt or ACE inhibition. In
      contrast, COX-2 influences on sodium excretion were contingent on the prevailing
      RAS activity. In chronic hypertensive models, COX-2 inhibition elicited similar
      reductions in kidney function, but COX-2 metabolites contribute to rather than
      ameliorate the hypertension. SUMMARY: The maintenance of renal hemodynamics
      reflects direct and opposing effects of Ang II and COX-2 metabolites. The
      antagonism in water and electrolyte reabsorption is dependent on the prevailing
      intrarenal Ang II activity. The recent functional experiments demonstrate a
      beneficial modulation of Ang II by COX-2 except in the presence of inflammation
      promoted by hypertension, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress.

PMID- 22080860
TI  - Relationship between HLA-G gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of esophageal
      cancer in Kazakh and Han nationality in Xinjiang.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between polymorphism of the human leukocyte
      antigen G (HLA-G) and susceptibility of esophageal carcinoma (EC) in Kazakh and
      Han nationality in Xinjiang. METHODS: The 14 bp deletion/insertion (rs16375) and
      0105N (rs41557518) of HLA-G genotyping were determined by PCR and PCR-RFLP,
      respectively in 239 patients and 467 controls. RESULTS: There was a 2.69-fold
      (P(c) = 0.04, 95% CI: 1.30-5.55) increased risk of developing EC in individuals
      with the -14 bp/-14 bp genotype (rs16375) compared with those carrying +14 bp/+14
      bp genotype in Kazakh after Bonferroni correction, there was no association of
      0105N (rs41557518) both in Kazak and Han population. And there was a 2.82-fold
      (P(c) = 0.04, 95% CI: 1.32-6.04) increased risk of developing EC in individuals
      with -14 bp/-14 bp and C/C genotypes compared with those who had +14 bp/+14 bp
      and C/C genotypes in Kazakh. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that EC is
      associated with polymorphism of HLA-G14 bp in Chinese Kazak population. The 14 bp
      deletion/insertion of HLA-G gene may play a role in EC susceptibility of Kazakh.

PMID- 22080861
TI  - Unraveling the functional implications of GWAS: how T cell protein tyrosine
      phosphatase drives autoimmune disease.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of SNPs
      that are linked to human autoimmune diseases. However, the functional
      consequences of most of these genetic variations remain undefined. T cell protein
      tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP, which is encoded by PTPN2) is a JAK/STAT and growth
      factor receptor phosphatase that has been linked to the pathogenesis of type 1
      diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease by GWAS. In this issue of the
      JCI, Wiede and colleagues have generated a T cell-specific deletion of TCPTP and
      identified a novel role for this phosphatase as a negative regulator of TCR
      signaling. These data provide new insight as to how noncoding PTPN2 SNPs
      identified in GWAS could drive human autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22080862
TI  - Tbx20 regulates a genetic program essential to adult mouse cardiomyocyte
      function.
AB  - Human mutations in or variants of TBX20 are associated with congenital heart
      disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. To investigate whether cardiac disease
      in patients with these conditions results from an embryonic or ongoing
      requirement for Tbx20 in myocardium, we ablated Tbx20 specifically in adult
      cardiomyocytes in mice. This ablation resulted in the onset of severe
      cardiomyopathy accompanied by arrhythmias, with death ensuing within 1 to 2 weeks
      of Tbx20 ablation. Accounting for this dramatic phenotype, we identified
      molecular signatures that posit Tbx20 as a central integrator of a genetic
      program that maintains cardiomyocyte function in the adult heart. Expression of a
      number of genes encoding critical transcription factors, ion channels, and
      cytoskeletal/myofibrillar proteins was downregulated consequent to loss of Tbx20.
      Genome-wide ChIP analysis of Tbx20-binding regions in the adult heart revealed
      that many of these genes were direct downstream targets of Tbx20 and uncovered a
      previously undescribed DNA-binding site for Tbx20. Bioinformatics and in vivo
      functional analyses revealed a cohort of transcription factors that, working with
      Tbx20, integrated multiple environmental signals to maintain ion channel gene
      expression in the adult heart. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms by
      which mutations in TBX20 cause adult heart disease in humans.

PMID- 22080863
TI  - T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase attenuates T cell signaling to maintain
      tolerance in mice.
AB  - Many autoimmune diseases exhibit familial aggregation, indicating that they have
      genetic determinants. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in PTPN2, which encodes T
      cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP), have been linked with the development
      of several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease. In
      this study, we have identified TCPTP as a key negative regulator of TCR
      signaling, which might explain the association of PTPN2 SNPs with autoimmune
      disease. We found that TCPTP dephosphorylates and inactivates Src family kinases
      to regulate T cell responses. Using T cell-specific TCPTP-deficient mice, we
      established that TCPTP attenuates T cell activation and proliferation in vitro
      and blunts antigen-induced responses in vivo. TCPTP deficiency lowered the in
      vivo threshold for TCR-dependent CD8(+) T cell proliferation. Consistent with
      this, T cell-specific TCPTP-deficient mice developed widespread inflammation and
      autoimmunity that was transferable to wild-type recipient mice by CD8(+) T cells
      alone. This autoimmunity was associated with increased serum levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines and anti-nuclear antibodies, T cell infiltrates in non
      lymphoid tissues, and liver disease. These data indicate that TCPTP is a critical
      negative regulator of TCR signaling that sets the threshold for TCR-induced naive
      T cell responses to prevent autoimmune and inflammatory disorders arising.

PMID- 22080864
TI  - Activation of Rac1 by Src-dependent phosphorylation of Dock180(Y1811) mediates
      PDGFRalpha-stimulated glioma tumorigenesis in mice and humans.
AB  - Two hallmarks of glioblastoma multiforme, the most common malignant brain cancer
      in humans, are aggressive growth and the ability of single glioma cells to
      disperse throughout the brain. These characteristics render tumors resistant to
      current therapies and account for the poor prognosis of patients. Although it is
      known that oncogenic signaling caused by overexpression of genes such as PDGFRA
      is responsible for robust glioma growth and cell infiltration, the mechanisms
      underlying glioblastoma malignancy remain largely elusive. Here, we report that
      PDGFRalpha signaling in glioblastomas leads to Src-dependent phosphorylation of
      the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock180 at tyrosine 1811 (Dock180(Y1811))
      that results in activation of the GTPase Rac1 and subsequent cell growth and
      invasion. In human glioma cells, knockdown of Dock180 and reversion with an RNAi
      resistant Dock180(Y1811F) abrogated, whereas an RNAi-resistant Dock180(WT)
      rescued, PDGFRalpha-promoted glioma growth, survival, and invasion.
      Phosphorylation of Dock180(Y1811) enhanced its association with CrkII and
      p130(Cas), causing activation of Rac1 and consequent cell motility. Dock180 also
      associated with PDGFRalpha to promote cell migration. Finally, phosphorylated
      Dock180(Y1811) was detected in clinical samples of gliomas and various types of
      human cancers, and coexpression of phosphorylated Dock180(Y1811), phosphorylated
      Src(Y418), and PDGFRalpha was predictive of extremely poor prognosis of patients
      with gliomas. Taken together, our findings provide insight into PDGFRalpha
      stimulated gliomagenesis and suggest that phosphorylated Dock180(Y1811)
      contributes to activation of Rac1 in human cancers with PDGFRA amplification.

PMID- 22080865
TI  - Loss of nuclear pro-IL-16 facilitates cell cycle progression in human cutaneous T
      cell lymphoma.
AB  - Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) represent a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas that affect the skin. The pathogenesis of these conditions is poorly
      understood. For example, the signaling mechanisms contributing to the
      dysregulated growth of the neoplastic T cells are not well defined. Here, we
      demonstrate that loss of nuclear localization of pro-IL-16 facilitates CTCL cell
      proliferation by causing a decrease in expression of the cyclin dependent-kinase
      inhibitor p27Kip1. The decrease in p27Kip1 expression was directly attributable
      to an increase in expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2).
      Regulation of Skp2 is in part attributed to the nuclear presence of the scaffold
      protein pro-IL-16. T cells isolated from 11 patients with advanced CTCL, but not
      those from healthy controls or patients with T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T
      ALL), demonstrated reduction in nuclear pro-IL-16 levels. Sequence analysis
      identified the presence of mutations in the 5' end of the PDZ1 region of pro-IL
      16, a domain required for association of pro-IL-16 with the nuclear chaperone
      HSC70 (also known as HSPA8). HSC70 knockdown led to loss of nuclear translocation
      by pro-IL-16 and subsequent increases in Skp2 levels and decreases in p27Kip1
      levels, which ultimately enhanced T cell proliferation. Thus, our data indicate
      that advanced CTCL cell growth is facilitated, at least in part, by mutations in
      the scaffold protein pro-IL-16, which directly regulates Skp2 synthesis.

PMID- 22080867
TI  - Herpesvirus entry mediator regulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and
      erythropoiesis in mice.
AB  - Erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells, must be tightly controlled to
      ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues without causing thrombosis or stroke.
      Control of physiologic and pathologic erythropoiesis is dependent predominantly
      on erythropoietin (EPO), the expression of which is regulated by hypoxia
      inducible factor (HIF) activity in response to low oxygen tension. Accumulating
      evidence indicates that oxygen-independent mediators, including inflammatory
      stimuli, cytokines, and growth factors, also upregulate HIF activity, but it is
      unclear whether these signals also result in EPO production and erythropoiesis in
      vivo. Here, we found that signaling through herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), a
      molecule of the TNF receptor superfamily, promoted HIF-1alpha activity in the
      kidney and subsequently facilitated renal Epo production and erythropoiesis in
      vivo under normoxic conditions. This Epo upregulation was mediated by increased
      production of NO by renal macrophages. Hvem-deficient mice displayed impaired Epo
      expression and aggravated anemia in response to erythropoietic stress. These data
      reveal that HVEM signaling functions to promote HIF-1alpha activity and Epo
      production, and thus to regulate erythropoiesis. Furthermore, our findings
      suggest that this molecular mechanism could represent a therapeutic target for
      Epo-responsive diseases, including anemia.

PMID- 22080868
TI  - Recall of false memories in individuals scoring high in schizotypy: memory
      distortions are scale specific.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous research has indicated abnormal semantic
      activation in individuals scoring higher in schizotypy. In the current
      experiment, semantic activation was examined by using the Deese-Roediger
      McDermott paradigm of false memories. METHODS: Participants were assessed for
      schizotypy using the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings (OLIFE). Participants
      studied lists of semantically related words in which a critical and highly
      associated word was absent. Participants then recalled the list. RESULTS:
      Participants high in Unusual Experiences and Cognitive Disorganization recalled
      more critical non-presented words, weakly related studied words, and fewer
      studied words than participants who scored low on these measures. LIMITATIONS:
      Previous research using the cognitive-perceptual factor of the Schizotypy
      Personality Questionnaire found reduced false memories, while the Unusual
      Experiences subscale of the OLIFE was associated with more false memories. Both
      scales cover similar unusual perceptual experiences and it is unclear why they
      led to divergent results. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that subtypes of
      schizotypy are associated with abnormal semantic activation.

PMID- 22080866
TI  - Hematopoietic AMPK beta1 reduces mouse adipose tissue macrophage inflammation and
      insulin resistance in obesity.
AB  - Individuals who are obese are frequently insulin resistant, putting them at
      increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated adverse health
      conditions. The accumulation in adipose tissue of macrophages in an inflammatory
      state is a hallmark of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Here, we reveal a role
      for AMPK beta1 in protecting macrophages from inflammation under high lipid
      exposure. Genetic deletion of the AMPK beta1 subunit in mice (referred to herein
      as beta1(-/-) mice) reduced macrophage AMPK activity, acetyl-CoA carboxylase
      phosphorylation, and mitochondrial content, resulting in reduced rates of fatty
      acid oxidation. beta1(-/-) macrophages displayed increased levels of
      diacylglycerol and markers of inflammation, effects that were reproduced in WT
      macrophages by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation and, conversely, prevented by
      pharmacological activation of AMPK beta1-containing complexes. The effect of AMPK
      beta1 loss in macrophages was tested in vivo by transplantation of bone marrow
      from WT or beta1(-/-) mice into WT recipients. When challenged with a high-fat
      diet, mice that received beta1(-/-) bone marrow displayed enhanced adipose tissue
      macrophage inflammation and liver insulin resistance compared with animals that
      received WT bone marrow. Thus, activation of AMPK beta1 and increasing fatty acid
      oxidation in macrophages may represent a new therapeutic approach for the
      treatment of insulin resistance.

PMID- 22080869
TI  - Individual differences in trauma disclosure.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Findings on disclosure and adjustment following
      traumatic events have been mixed. Better understanding of individual differences
      in disclosure may help us better understand reactions following trauma exposure.
      In particular, studying disclosure patterns for those with and without
      psychopathology and for different types of emotional experiences may help clarify
      the relationship between disclosure, event emotionality, trauma exposure, and
      PTSD. METHODS: In this study, 143 men and women with (n=67) and without (n=43)
      chronic PTSD and without trauma exposure (n=33) provided information on
      disclosure for a traumatic/severe life event, a negative event, and a positive
      event. RESULTS: Individuals with PTSD reported greater difficulty disclosing
      their traumatic event compared to those with trauma exposure no PTSD and those
      with no-trauma exposure. However, individuals with PTSD reported disclosing the
      traumatic event a similar number of times and with similar levels of detail to
      those with trauma exposure but no PTSD. Both sexual and childhood trauma were
      associated with greater disclosure difficulty. LIMITATIONS: Although control
      event types (positive, negative) were selected to control for the passage of time
      and for general disclosure style, they do not control for salience of the event
      and results may be limited by control events that were not highly salient.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present findings point to a dynamic conceptualization of
      disclosure, suggesting that the differential difficulty of disclosing traumatic
      events seen in individuals with PTSD is not simply a function of the amount of
      disclosure or the amount of details provided.

PMID- 22080870
TI  - Metacognitive therapy for body dysmorphic disorder patients in Iran:
      acceptability and proof of concept.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of metacognitive
      therapy (MCT) on symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and on symptoms of
      thought-fusion, by means of a wait-list controlled clinical trial. Participants
      were referred from dermatology and cosmetic surgery clinics in the city of
      Isfahan, Iran, and 20 patients were selected on the basis of DSM-IV-TR diagnostic
      criteria for BDD. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the
      wait-list control group. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for
      Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD-YBOCS) and the Thought-Fusion Inventory (TFI) were
      used as the outcome measures. The experimental group received 8 weekly
      metacognitive intervention sessions. The control group was in the waiting-list
      until the end of the follow-up. Measures were taken at pre-test, post-test (after
      2 months) and follow-up (after 6-months). The results of analysis of variance
      showed that MCT significantly reduced the symptoms of BDD and of thought-fusion,
      compared to the wait-list. Effects on both outcome measures were maintained at 6
      months follow-up.

PMID- 22080871
TI  - Image-guided robotic surgery:  update on research and potential applications in
      urologic surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: New methods of imaging and image-guidance technology have the
      potential to provide surgeons with spatially accurate three-dimensional
      information about the location and anatomical relationships of critical
      subsurface structures and instrument position updated and displayed during the
      performance of surgery. Robotic platforms and technology in various forms
      continues to revolutionize surgery and will soon incorporate image guidance.
      RECENT RESEARCH: Image-guided surgery (IGS) for abdominal and urologic
      interventions presents complex engineering and surgical challenges along with
      potential benefits to surgeons and patients. Key concepts such as registration,
      localization, accuracy, and targeting error are necessary for surgeons to
      understand and utilize the potential of IGS. Standard robotic surgeries, such as
      partial nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy may soon incorporate IGS. SUMMARY:
      Research continues to explore the potential for combining image guidance and
      robotics to augment and improve a variety of surgical interventions.

PMID- 22080872
TI  - Is robotic surgery cost-effective:  no.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Utilization of robotic surgery has increased dramatically in
      recent years, but there are significant cost implications to acquisition and
      utilization of robots. This review will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using
      robotics in urologic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: This study will evaluate studies
      comparing outcomes for open, laparoscopic and robotic procedures as well as costs
      associated with these procedures. SUMMARY: Current studies have not found the
      robotic approaches to be cost-effective. In order for the robot to be cost
      effective, there needs to be an improvement in efficacy over alternative
      approaches and a decrease in costs of the robot or instrumentation.

PMID- 22080873
TI  - Revival of thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been
      held as the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH);
      however, there has been significant innovation in other less invasive alternative
      treatments for BPH in recent years. BPH treatment guidelines now recommend
      minimally invasive therapy be considered as a treatment option alongside TURP and
      medical management. Our purpose is to review the current evidence supporting the
      safety, effectiveness, and durability of transurethral microwave thermotherapy
      (TUMT) as a minimal invasive technique. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent clinical studies
      of TUMT have provided significant evidence regarding safety, efficacy, and
      durability. TUMT has now become a minimally invasive office-based alternative to
      both standard TURP and medical therapy in the treatment of bladder outlet
      obstruction and lower urinatry tract symptoms due to BPH. SUMMARY: TUMT treatment
      has improved with the advent of later generation devices. This well tolerated,
      effective, and durable therapy for the treatment of BPH has definitively found
      its place as one of the alternatives to TURP. Anestheisa-free outpatient
      capability, lack of sexual side-effects, and avoidance of actual surgery are
      attractive to patient and clinician alike. TUMT deserves reconsideration in
      clinical practices as a suitable treatment alternative to TURP and medical
      therapy.

PMID- 22080874
TI  - Can noninvasive evaluation of benign prostatic obstruction be optimized?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic
      obstruction is a common disorder and the incidence is increasing with higher life
      expectancy. The present article focuses on recently published methods to diagnose
      bladder outlet obstruction and differ between benign obstruction and prostate
      cancer in lower urinary tract symptoms patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Several new
      ultrasound imaging techniques have been reported. Resistive index in the
      prostatic artery, detrusor wall thickness and prostatic urethral angle all may
      correlate with obstruction, but more studies are needed to establish their place
      in clinical practice. Intravesical prostatic protrusion can predict obstruction
      and may be considered for clinical use. Near infrared spectroscopy has to be
      studied more to clarify its usefulness in clinical practice. There has been a
      rapid development of novel serum and urine-based biomarkers for prostate cancer
      in the last decade to differentiate between benign prostatic hyperplasia and
      prostate cancer. The recent studies with the use of prostate-specific antigen and
      urine prostate cancer gene 3 look promising. SUMMARY: Among promising new
      techniques in the investigation of prostatic obstruction, intravesical prostatic
      protrusion may be considered for clinical use. None of the methods described in
      recent studies can fully replace urodynamic investigation. Novel biomarkers in
      the future may help the clinicians to differentiate benign prostatic hyperplasia
      from prostate cancer.

PMID- 22080875
TI  - alpha-Blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia:  the new era.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: alpha1-Adrenoceptor blockers are the most frequently
      prescribed medical therapy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptom
      suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). The purpose of this review
      is to highlight the evolution of adrenoceptor blockers with emphasis on newly
      approved drugs. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the past years new formulations of several
      alpha1-adrenoceptor blockers were introduced to the market. Five long-acting
      alpha1-blockers are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for
      treatment of symptomatic LUTS/BPH: terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, alfuzosin
      and silodosin. Silodosin is the only adrenoceptor blocker that exhibits true
      selectivity for the alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes. This unique adrenoceptor
      selectivity profile likely accounts for the very favorable cardiovascular safety
      profile. SUMMARY: Tamsulosin, alfuzosin slow release and silodosin do not require
      dose titration. Alfuzosin, terazosin, doxazosin and silodosin have all been shown
      to be effective in relieving LUTS/BPH independent of prostate size. Low incidence
      of orthostatic hypotension has been reported for silodosin, but abnormal
      ejaculation is the most commonly reported adverse effect.

PMID- 22080876
TI  - Surgeon-controlled robotic ureteral surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgeon-controlled, robotic-assisted, ureteral reconstructive
      and ablative surgery is being performed routinely for both benign and malignant
      pathology at centers possessing this technology in their armamentarium. The aim
      of this review is to detail the options for surgeon-controlled robotic management
      of ureteral pathology and evaluate the developments in the last 2 years. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Surgeon-controlled robotic management of ureteric pathology involving
      all parts of the ureter with varying cause has been reported. Proximally,
      ureteral strictures and symptomatic retrocaval ureters have been repaired with
      long-term follow-up demonstrating resolution of obstruction. Ureterolysis and
      other mid-ureteral pathology have been treated with durable function results.
      Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis or distal ureter has been
      extirpated with successful oncologic outcomes. Reimplantation of refluxing
      ureters in children has been demonstrated to provide similar results of open
      surgery. SUMMARY: Surgeon-controlled, robotic-assisted ureteral surgery is well
      tolerated, feasible, and effective for ablative and reconstructive indications
      with minimal complications. Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, experience of
      surgical team, and appropriate preoperative patient selection augmented with
      proper port placement to provide excellent exposure is critical to provide
      optimal outcomes.

PMID- 22080877
TI  - Identifying clinical improvement in consolidation single-arm phase 2 trials in
      patients with ovarian cancer in second or greater clinical remission.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Estimates of progression-free survival (PFS) from single-arm phase 2
      consolidation/maintenance trials for recurrent ovarian cancer are usually
      interpreted in the context of historical controls. We illustrate how the duration
      of second-line therapy (SLT), the time on the investigational therapy (IT), and
      patient enrollment plan can affect efficacy measures from maintenance trials and
      might result in underpowered studies. METHODS: Efficacy data from 3 published
      single-arm consolidation therapies in second remission in ovarian cancer were
      used for illustration. The studies were designed to show an increase in estimated
      median PFS from 9 to 13.5 months. We partitioned PFS as the sum of the duration
      of SLT, treatment-free interval, and duration of IT. We calculated the
      statistical power when IT is given concurrently with SLT or after SLT by varying
      the start of IT. We compared the sample sizes required when PFS includes the time
      on SLT versus PFS that starts after SLT at initiation of IT. RESULTS: Required
      sample sizes varied with duration of SLT. If IT starts with initiation of SLT,
      only 34 patients are needed to provide 80% power to detect a 33% hazard
      reduction. In contrast, 104 patients are required for a single-arm study for 80%
      power, if IT begins 7.5 months after SLT initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Designs of
      nonrandomized consolidation trials that aim to prolong PFS must consider the
      effect of the duration of SLT on the end point definition and on required sample
      size. If IT is given concurrently with SLT, and after SLT, then SLT duration must
      be restricted per protocol eligibility, so that a comparison with historical data
      from other single-arm phase 2 studies is unbiased. If IT is given after SLT, the
      duration of SLT should be taken into account in the design stage because it will
      affect statistical power and sample size.

PMID- 22080878
TI  - Prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion and nodal involvement in
      intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer patients treated with curative
      intent using surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether lymphovascular space
      invasion (LVSI) and nodal status provide adequate prognostic information in
      comparison with the entire set of traditional prognostic factors in intermediate-
      and high-risk endometrial cancer patients treated and staged with primary surgery
      and adjuvant radiotherapy. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-four previously
      untreated high-intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer patients with FIGO
      (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage I to IIIC;
      endometrioid, serous, or clear cell histology; diagnosed between November 1995
      and December 2006; who presented to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for adjuvant
      radiotherapy were included in these analyses. All traditionally recognized
      prognostic factors and newly created 4 pairs of combination of LVSI and nodal
      status were studied with respect to survival and patterns of failure. RESULTS:
      The median follow-up time was 4.8 years. Five-year failure-free survival for all
      patients according to FIGO stage I, II, and III were 87.4%, 89.0%, and 62.4 %,
      respectively. In multivariable analysis for relapse, positive LVSI had a hazard
      ratio of 4.9 (P = 0.000), which increased to 8.8 (P = 0.004) in the presence of
      positive nodes. For overall survival, only LVSI was significant, with a hazard
      ratio of 3.02 (P = 0.003). In particular, in the presence of LVSI and nodes,
      histological type, grade, and myometrial invasion were not significant
      prognosticators for relapse or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: This model enables
      the separation of good prognosis patients even among poorly differentiated
      endometrioid, serous, and clear cell carcinoma patients and can be used in
      simplifying the staging of endometrial cancer and for selecting patients for high
      risk endometrial cancer studies.

PMID- 22080879
TI  - LY294002 and metformin cooperatively enhance the inhibition of growth and the
      induction of apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/v-akt murine thymoma viral
      oncogene homolog (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is frequently
      aberrantly activated in ovarian cancer and confers the chemoresistant phenotype
      of ovarian cancer cells. LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) and metformin (5'-adenosine
      monophosphate [AMP]-activated protein kinase [AMPK] activator) are 2 drugs that
      were known to inhibit mTOR expression through the AKT-dependent and AKT
      independent pathways, respectively. In this study, we explored the effectiveness
      of LY294002 and metformin in combination on inhibition of ovarian cancer cell
      growth. METHODS: Western blotting was used to detect the changes of PI3K/AKT/mTOR
      and AMPK/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling activities, cell cycle control,
      and apoptosis. Cell growth was evaluated by cell proliferation, colony formation,
      and soft agar assays. Flow cytometry was used to study cell cycle distribution
      and cell death upon drug treatment. RESULTS: Our study showed that LY294002 and
      metformin in combination could simultaneously enhance the repression of the
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and the activation of the AMPK/ACC pathway. The downstream
      target of AKT and AMPK, mTOR, was cooperatively repressed when the drugs were
      used together. The cell cycle regulatory factors, p53, p27, and p21, were up
      regulated. On the other hand, caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase
      activities involved in apoptosis were also activated. Cell growth assays
      indicated that LY294002 and metformin could effectively inhibit ovarian cancer
      cell growth. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the treatment of the 2 drugs
      mentioned above induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and increased sub-G1
      apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION: The combinational use of LY294002 and metformin can
      enhance inhibition of the growth and induction of the apoptosis of ovarian cancer
      cells. Our results may provide significant insight into the future therapeutic
      regimens in ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22080880
TI  - Cancer stem cell and embryonic development-associated molecules contribute to
      prognostic significance in ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Embryonic molecules and cancer stem cell signaling resemble each
      other, and they organize cancer modality. We hypothesized that similar
      immunohistochemical expressions between tumor spheroids and patients' samples
      compared with clinical relevance would give an important clue in patients'
      prognosis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of c-kit, Notch1, Jagged1, and
      Delta1 in 50 cases of primary ovarian tumors (10 endometrioid, 10 serous, 10
      mucinous adenocarcinoma, 10 borderline serous, and 10 borderline mucinous tumors)
      and MDAH-2774 spheroids were investigated. Results were compared in both
      spheroids and tumor samples with morphologic parameters (histological grade) and
      clinical data (age, stage, tumor size, and metastasis). RESULTS: High c-kit and
      Notch1 immunoreactivity was shown in spheroids, but interestingly
      immunoreactivity of these molecules in tumor samples was different from patients'
      clinicopathological characteristics. In serous carcinoma, metastasis correlated
      with Notch1 immunoexpression; in mucinous carcinoma, Jagged1 immunohistochemistry
      correlated with grade, stage, and metastasis of tumor; in borderline serous and
      mucinous tumors, Jagged1 correlated with high grade. Moreover, Jagged1 correlated
      with stage and Notch1 with size in borderline mucinous tumor. Endometrioid
      carcinoma statistics showed that there was a correlation between age and Notch1
      expression. CONCLUSION: Notch1, Jagged1, and Delta1 expressions might be useful
      markers for clinical prognosis of ovarian carcinomas; and Notch pathway, one of
      the most intensively studied putative therapeutic targets, may be a useful marker
      for cancer. Consequently, Jagged1 could be a marker for tumor grades and Notch1
      as a marker for metastases.

PMID- 22080881
TI  - Radical excision of vulval disease and multidisciplinary tissue flap
      reconstruction: the belfast experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare Belfast City Hospital's vulval
      flap reconstructive surgery with recognized standards and published data to
      facilitate modifications to practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort
      study involving women who underwent vulval reconstructive skin flap procedures
      from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2009. RESULTS: A total of 25 women
      underwent 28 flaps; age range was 41 to 90 years and mean parity was 2.1.
      Indications for surgery were recurrence of cancer in 11 (44%) of the 25 women,
      benign disease in 6 women (24.0%), primary vulval cancer in another 6 women
      (24.0%), and vulval intraepithelial neoplasia in 2 women. Thirteen women (52.0%)
      within the study had undergone previous radical vulval excision. Wide local
      excision was performed in 14 women (56.0%), with 5 undergoing radical vulvectomy
      and 6 undergoing modified radical vulvectomy. There were 15 (53.6%) of the 28
      lotus flaps, 6 (21.4%) rhomboid-type repairs, and 3 (10.7%) gracilus
      flaps.Intensive care unit admission immediately after operation was required in 2
      (8.0%) of the 25 women. Return to the operating theater was required in 5 cases
      (20.0%). Hospital stay ranged from less than 1 week to greater than 6 weeks, the
      mode being 8 to 14 days and mean being 21.5 days. A total of 16 (64.0%) of the 25
      cases experienced wound infection with or without breakdown, with 12 cases
      (48.0%) having wound infection. There were 10 cases (40.0%) of partial or
      complete wound breakdown. Necrosis of wound (5 cases) and lymphocyst (2 cases)
      were less common. Twelve women (48.0%) experienced some form of medical
      postoperative complication(s), whereas 15 women (60.0%) had no long-term
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of local flap procedure is higher than that
      published elsewhere, whereas the postoperative complication rate is comparable
      and adherent to accepted standards. Perioperative protocols have been reported to
      improve complication rates, and this strategy has been adopted in Belfast.

PMID- 22080882
TI  - Province wide clinical governance network for clinical audit for quality
      improvement in endometrial cancer management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the hub-and-spoke model introduced in the Provincial
      Healthcare System of Reggio Emilia, early endometrial cancer is treated in
      peripheral low-volume hospitals (spokes) by general gynecologist, whereas more
      complex cancers are treated by gynecological oncologists at the main hospital
      (hub). OBJECTIVE: To guarantee a uniformly high standard of care to all patients
      with endometrial cancer treated in hub and spoke hospitals of Reggio Emilia
      Province. METHODS: The specialists of the 5 hospitals of Reggio Emilia Province
      instituted an inter hospital and multidisciplinary oncology group to write common
      and shared guidelines based on evidence-based medicine through the use of
      clinical audit. They valued the process indicators before and after guidelines
      introduction identifying the site of improvement and verifying the standard
      achievement. RESULTS: Diagnostic hysteroscopy use increased significantly from
      preguideline period, 53%, to postguideline period, 74%. Magnetic resonance use
      and accuracy increased significantly from preguideline to postguideline periods:
      8.1% to 35.3% and 37.3% to 74.7%, respectively. Laparoscopy use increased from
      1.6% (preguideline) to 18.6 (postguideline). Early surgical complications
      decreased from 16% (preguideline) to 9% (postguideline). Radiotherapy use
      increased from 14.% (preguideline) to 32.3% (postguideline). CONCLUSION: It is
      possible for a provincial oncology group to build an oncology network providing
      an improvement in the assistance of patients with endometrial cancer through the
      use of clinical audit. Clinical audit made it possible to obtain the full
      attendance of specialists of various disciplines involved in the treatment of
      endometrial cancer to optimize response time schematizing process.

PMID- 22080883
TI  - Severe pelvic floor symptoms after cervical cancer treatment are predominantly
      associated with mental and physical well-being and body image: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify associations between demographic, disease-related, and
      psychological variables and severe distress from pelvic floor symptoms (PFSs)
      after cervical cancer treatment. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional and
      questionnaire based. We included patients with cervical cancer treated between
      1997 and 2007 in the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam. Pelvic floor symptoms
      were assessed with urogenital distress inventory and defecatory distress
      inventory. Scores were dichotomized into severe (>90th percentile) versus
      nonsevere distress. Disease-related variables were extracted from medical files.
      Psychological factors included mental and physical well-being, optimism, and body
      image, which were assessed with standardized questionnaires. Univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 282
      patients were included: 148 were treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic
      lymph node dissection, 61 patients were treated with surgery and adjuvant
      radiotherapy, and 73 patients were treated with primary radiotherapy.
      Demographic: Multivariate analyses showed no significant relation between
      demographic variables and symptoms. Disease-related: None of these variables were
      significantly associated in multivariate analyses. Psychosocial: In all treatment
      groups, multivariate associations were found. In general, better mental and
      physical well-being was associated with nonsevere PFSs. Increased body image
      disturbance was associated with severe defecation symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Few
      associations were found between demographic and disease-related variables and
      distress from PFS after cervical cancer treatment. However, better mental and
      physical well-being is associated with nonsevere distress from urogenital and
      defecation symptoms and more body image disturbance with severe PFSs. Improving
      these factors might reduce distress from PFSs and should be a focus of future
      research.

PMID- 22080884
TI  - Do FIGO stage IA and small (<=2 cm) IB1 cervical adenocarcinomas have a good
      prognosis and warrant less radical surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is a controversy regarding the optimal management of small
      cervical adenocarcinomas, and more radical surgery is often undertaken compared
      to similar size squamous carcinomas. We wished to determine the risk of
      parametrial involvement and metastatic disease and the outcome in International
      Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA and small (<=2 cm) stage
      IB1 cervical adenocarcinomas. METHODS: All women with a diagnosis of
      International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IA1, IA2, or IB1
      cervical adenocarcinoma with a maximum tumor size of 2 cm were identified between
      1999 and 2010 in Northern Ireland. A single pathologist reviewed all pathology
      prospectively at a cancer center tumor board. RESULTS: A total of 74 women were
      identified (mean age, 39 years; range, 25-72 years). In total, 36 women had stage
      IA1, 9 women had stage IA2, and 29 women had stage IB1 cervical adenocarcinomas.
      Surgical treatment ranged from local excision (cone or large loop excision of
      transformation zone) to radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection;
      adjuvant therapy was not administered in any case. No parametrial involvement was
      seen in the 36 women who underwent parametrial resection. No lymph node
      metastasis was identified in the 45 women who underwent pelvic lymph node
      dissection. Lymphovascular space invasion was identified in 6 cases. No tumor
      recurrence or metastasis was noted during a mean follow-up of 35 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: The optimal management of women with IA or small IB1 cervical
      adenocarcinoma is controversial, and radical surgery is often undertaken. Our
      data suggest that there is an extremely low risk of parametrial and lymph node
      involvement with tumors 2 cm or smaller and a low recurrence rate. Less radical
      surgery may be warranted for small cervical adenocarcinomas, and this should be
      addressed by future studies.

PMID- 22080885
TI  - Percutaneous insertion of peritoneal ports.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for image-guided percutaneous insertion of
      peritoneal ports in patients without ascites who have undergone surgical
      debulking for stage III ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and
      2010, 29 intraperitoneal ports were placed percutaneously in 29 patients who
      presented after debulking surgery for stage III ovarian cancer. Ultrasound and
      fluoroscopy guidance were used to assist in the port placement. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated a technical success rate of 100% in 29 patients. The ports remained
      in place for an average of 186 days; and during that time, only 2 complications
      (6.9%) arose. One patient presented with kinking and looping of the catheter/port
      reservoir connection, and the redundant loop was removed. The other patient
      presented with a suspected wound infection over the port pocket, and the port was
      removed. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of percutaneous intraperitoneal ports is feasible
      with an acceptably low complication rate of 6.9% in patients without abdominal
      ascites.

PMID- 22080887
TI  - Management of the elderly patient with gynecologic cancer: report of the 2011
      workshop in geriatric gynecologic oncology.
AB  - Reflecting the worldwide aging trend and close association of aging with cancer,
      geriatric oncology is now growing beyond its pioneer years. Nevertheless,
      geriatric oncology in the gynecologic field is in the beginning stage; indeed,
      there is no geriatric specialist who is trained in this particular field of
      gynecologic oncology. Therefore, we held the first workshop in geriatric
      gynecologic oncology. In this review, we summarize what we discussed at the
      workshop and provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and
      treatment of gynecologic cancer in elderly individuals.

PMID- 22080886
TI  - Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer is feasible
      with high completion rates, low complications, and acceptable patient outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Three large randomized clinical trials have shown a survival benefit
      for patients treated with intraperitoneal (IP) compared with intravenous
      chemotherapy for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, the use
      of IP chemotherapy in recurrent EOC is controversial. The purpose of this study
      was to determine outcomes, completion rates, and frequency of complications in
      patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC treated with IP chemotherapy.
      METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution analysis of women who received IP
      chemotherapy for recurrent EOC from January 2003 to April 2010 was conducted.
      Study patients were identified from the Tumor Registry and office records.
      Demographic factors, stage, histology, surgical findings, cytoreduction status,
      and subsequent therapies were abstracted. Progression-free (PFS) and overall
      survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: Fifty-six women
      who received IP chemotherapy for their first EOC recurrence were identified. The
      mean age of patients was 56.7 years (range, 40-79 y). Fifty-five patients (98.3%)
      had previously completed at least 6 cycles of intravenous chemotherapy. Of all
      patients, 87.5% were initially diagnosed with advanced stage disease (stage IIA
      IV). All patients underwent secondary cytoreduction at the time of IP port
      placement. Moreover, 67.9% of patients were considered optimally cytoreduced (<1
      cm residual disease) at the end of the secondary debulking surgery. Forty-two
      patients (75%) were able to successfully complete at least 6 cycles of IP
      chemotherapy. Reasons for noncompletion were disease progression, allergic
      reaction, renal failure, pain, severe nausea and vomiting, death, and patient
      refusal. Six patients (10.7%) developed port complications including pain around
      port site, port malfunction, and port erosion into small bowel. Median PFS since
      the initiation of IP chemotherapy was 10.5 months (95% confidence interval, 7.5
      16.4 months) and median OS was 51 months (95% confidence interval, 40.8-61.1
      months). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a feasible option for
      patients with recurrent EOC, with high completion rates, low frequency of
      complications, and acceptable PFS and OS.

PMID- 22080888
TI  - Impact of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on quality of life in
      indonesian patients with gynecologic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) has become a major outcome in the treatment of
      patients with cancer. This study is aimed at examining the impact of chemotherapy
      induced nausea and vomiting on QoL of patients with gynecologic cancer in
      Indonesia. METHODS: Chemotherapy-naive patients with gynecologic cancer, who were
      treated with cisplatin at a dosage 50 mg/m or higher as monotherapy or as part of
      combination chemotherapy regimens, were recruited in the Oncology Department, Dr.
      Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Quality of life was assessed by using
      the Indonesian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment
      for Cancer of Quality of Life Questionnaire and Short Form-36, administered
      immediately before and on day 5 after chemotherapy administration. Patients used
      a daily diary to record nausea and vomiting during 5 days after chemotherapy.
      RESULTS: Most (74.9%) of the 179 patients experienced delayed emesis during the 5
      days after chemotherapy despite prophylactic use of antiemetics. The delayed
      nausea and emesis caused significant negative impact on patients' QoL. Nausea in
      the delayed phase caused negative effects on patients' QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      reported a negative impact on the QoL of delayed emesis after chemotherapy. Poor
      prophylaxis of patients' nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy interferes with
      patients' QoL. Medical and behavioral interventions may help to alleviate the
      negative consequences of chemotherapeutic treatment in patients with gynecologic
      cancers treated with suboptimal antiemetics.

PMID- 22080889
TI  - Ten years' experience with centralized surgery of ovarian cancer in one health
      region in Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Better outcome of advanced ovarian cancer after centralized surgery
      has led to the recommendation for centralized surgery in a Norwegian health
      region. Whether the practice pattern has changed according to this recommendation
      has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      referral practice and treatment of ovarian cancer in a Norwegian health region
      after the introduction of centralized surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective,
      population-based study, including all women undergoing surgery for primary
      ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer between 2000 and 2005, in Health Region IV
      of Norway. Clinical data and data regarding treatment and 5-year follow-up were
      analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 279 cases of ovarian, peritoneal, and tubal cancer
      were included. Eighty-four percent underwent primary surgery at the teaching
      hospital and 16% at the nonteaching hospitals. After an immediate rise in the
      number of cases undergoing primary surgery at the teaching hospital after the
      introduction of centralization in 1995, the percentage distribution between the
      teaching and nonteaching hospitals was stable during the study period. The women
      who underwent surgery at the nonteaching hospitals had a higher percentage of
      early-stage disease and were at higher risk of reoperation for comprehensive
      staging. CONCLUSIONS: Centralization of ovarian cancer surgery has been
      successfully accomplished in a health region in Norway. The referral practice of
      assumed advanced ovarian cancer cases shows satisfactory compliance with
      centralization at 10 years after the implementation of centralized surgery.

PMID- 22080890
TI  - Surgical and oncological outcome of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in
      obese women with early-stage cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical experience of the total laparoscopic radical
      hysterectomy (TLRH) for the surgical management of cervical cancer in obese (body
      mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m) and nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m) women. METHODS: Data were
      collected prospectively on intraoperative and postoperative parameters and
      complications for all women undergoing a TLRH for cervical cancer. Patients were
      classified as obese, BMI >30 kg/m, or nonobese, BMI <30 kg/m. Assessment of
      surgical radicality was made by comparing the excision specimens in the 2 groups
      with a cohort of open radical hysterectomy cases performed before the
      introduction of the TLRH. RESULTS: A total of 58 women underwent a TLRH; 15
      (25.9%) were obese and 43 (74.1%) were in the nonobese group. There was no
      significant difference in intraoperative blood loss or median duration of surgery
      between the obese and nonobese groups. The median hospital stay in both groups
      was 3 days (range, 2-13 days). Four cases were converted to laparotomy (7%); all
      were in the nonobese group. Postoperatively, 3 patients developed ischemic
      ureterovaginal fistulae (5%) between days 5 and 7 after surgery; all were in the
      nonobese group. There was no significant difference in the parametrial length,
      maximum vaginal cuff length, and number of lymph nodes excised between the 2
      groups. To date, there has been one recurrence during the median follow-up period
      of 19 months (range, 3-42 months). She belonged to the nonobese group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The TLRH is a surgically safe procedure for early-stage cervical
      cancer. Obesity did not adversely affect the performance of TLRH or the
      radicality of the excision. In obese women, TLRH should be the favored route of
      surgery for all women who require a radical hysterectomy owing to its favorable
      perioperative outcome and short hospital stay.

PMID- 22080891
TI  - An occult invasive cervical cancer found after a simple hysterectomy: a 10-year
      experience in a single institution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify patients who are at risk of a
      recurrence and those needing adjuvant treatment by risk grouping in invasive
      cervical cancer after a simple hysterectomy (SH). METHODS: During 2000-2009, 26
      patients who underwent SH and were finally diagnosed with stages higher than IA1
      were reviewed retrospectively. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)
      pathologic staging system was adopted. Based on the pathologic findings, the
      criteria for risk scoring was set: 1 for depth of invasion (DOI) is between 3-5
      mm, and 2 for DOI greater than 5 mm; 1 for longest diameter (LD) is between 0.7
      20 mm, and 2 for LD greater than 20 mm; 1 for lymphovascular space invasion
      positive; and 3 each for parametrium, resection margin, and lymph node positive.
      The final score was calculated by summing up the risk scores. The receiver
      operation characteristic curve was created to confirm the best cutoff value.
      RESULTS: All patients were stage IA2 to IB2, of which the number of patients in
      stages IA2, IB1, and IB2 were 1, 24, and 1, respectively. Eleven patients did not
      receive any further treatment. Of the remaining 15 patients, 11 received
      radiation therapy, 3 underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy, and 1 received
      chemotherapy alone. No patient underwent a radical parametrectomy. During a
      median follow-up of 67 months (range, 9-122 months), 3 patients (11.5%) showed a
      recurrence. Patient whose score was 1 to 3, 4 to 5, and 6 or higher was
      classified into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively.
      All patients in the low-risk group did not recur without any adjuvant treatment
      (sensitivity, 100%; specificity 34.8-65.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant treatment can
      be omitted in low-risk group patients with invasive cervical cancer detected
      after SH.

PMID- 22080892
TI  - Effect of obesity on survival of women with epithelial ovarian cancer: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although obesity is shown to be a risk factor for epithelial ovarian
      cancer, its role as a prognostic factor has been remained inconclusive. In this
      study, available evidences on this matter to date have been assembled for a meta
      analysis to determine the effect of obesity on the survival of patients with
      epithelial ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible studies published up
      to December 2010 were searched using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials, and manual review of relevant bibliography
      to look for additional studies was done. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) from
      individual studies were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten cohort
      studies of 331 screened articles were included in the final analysis. The meta
      analysis showed overweight or obesity at early adulthood to be associated with
      higher mortality among patients with ovarian cancer (HR, 1.60; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.10-2.34). Among patients with advanced ovarian cancer, premorbid
      obesity was associated with worse prognosis (HR, 1.45; 95% confidence interval,
      1.09-1.93). However, there was no significant relationship between prognosis and
      obesity around the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a possible
      relationship between obesity at early adulthood and higher mortality among
      patients with ovarian cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the harmful
      effect of obesity on the survival of patients with ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22080893
TI  - Diaphragmatic surgery during primary cytoreduction for advanced ovarian cancer:
      peritoneal stripping versus diaphragmatic resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Standard approach for medically stable advanced ovarian cancer
      patients should be primary cytoreduction following platinum-based chemotherapy.
      The aim of surgical effort should be the complete removal of all visible disease.
      Our objective was to compare perioperative features, postoperative complications,
      and secondarily oncological outcomes of patients who underwent diaphragmatic
      stripping with those who underwent diaphragmatic resection for advanced ovarian
      cancer. METHODS: One hundred twelve cases were identified, among them 79
      underwent diaphragmatic stripping and 33 underwent diaphragmatic full-thickness
      resection. Data collected included patients' age, all perioperative details and
      pathological findings, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
      stage, adjuvant therapy, and follow-up data. RESULTS: Larger residual tumors
      (mean, 5.1 vs 1.6 mm, respectively; P < 0.01) but shorter operating time (25
      minutes shorter operative time, P = 0.07) were observed in the stripping group.
      Higher postoperative pleural effusions rates (63.6% vs 37.9%, P = 0.01), but no
      differences in the remaining complications, were observed in the resection group.
      After a mean of 31 months of follow-up, disease-free survival rates were 27.8% in
      the stripping group and 39.4% in the resection group (P = 0.04). No significant
      differences were observed for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic
      surgery at the time of primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer
      may contribute to the achievement of complete cytoreduction with low
      perioperative complication rate; full-thickness resection is preferable if
      peritoneum stripping will not achieve a complete removal of the disease.

PMID- 22080894
TI  - Laparoscopic adnexal transposition: novel surgical technique.
AB  - Treatment of some cancers diagnosed at an early stage with expectation of
      prolonged survival has permitted the consideration of salvaging the reproductive
      and hormonal function of premenopausal female patients. When radiation to the
      pelvic area is part of treatment, this will almost always result in ovarian
      failure. To protect the ovaries, an oophoropexy may be performed, which involves
      moving the ovaries away from the radiation field. This procedure may be performed
      via laparoscopy. Some women undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy may also
      be candidates for laparoscopic transposition. Because failure rates are still
      reported to be high, we developed a novel technique to mobilize the adnexa, which
      we present in this paper and attached movie.After separating the adnexa from the
      uterus and developing the infundibulopelvic (IP) ligament, a retroperitoneal
      tunnel is developed from the pelvis to the transposition opening laterally. The
      adnexa are moved through this tunnel, avoiding torsion of the vessels, and are
      brought through the opening back into the peritoneum. The adnexa are now fixed
      securely to the posterolateral abdominal wall with nonabsorbable sutures.Several
      issues permit better results using this technique. The IP ligament remains
      retroperitoneal and itself is outside the field of radiation. There is no kinking
      of the ovarian blood supply on the peritoneal fold. The location of the
      transposition is way above the field of radiation, preventing scatter injury.
      Even if one or both of the sutures fail, placement of the ovary will not change
      because of the peritoneum it has been brought through. This and the final
      location of the IP ligament retroperitoneally may enforce the ovary to it outside
      of the radiation field and prevent possible migration of the ovary back to the
      pelvis. This technique has advantages, which may offer the ovaries a better
      chance to resume hormonal function.

PMID- 22080895
TI  - A novel CRAd in combination with cisplatin enhanced the antitumor efficacy in
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of a
      novel survivin promoter-based conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd-S.RGD)
      plus cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin, CDDP) in ovarian cancer in vitro
      and in vivo. METHODS: The viability of human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was
      determined by MTT assay following the infection with different doses of CRAd
      S.RGD, either alone or in combination with CDDP. The antitumor efficacies and
      survival curves were evaluated at the end of the treatment regimens with the
      subcutaneous administration of CRAd-S.RGD, CDDP, combined therapy of CRAd-S.RGD
      plus CDDP, or phosphate-buffered saline in a SKOV3 xenograft animal model.
      Furthermore, the apoptosis rate of tumor tissues in mice was determined
      subsequent to the treatments. RESULTS: In vitro, the CRAd-S.RGD destroyed SKOV3
      cells by oncolysis in a dose-dependent manner, and the viability of SKOV3 cells
      was significantly lower in the combined-therapy group than that in the individual
      therapy groups. In vivo, enhanced tumor inhibition and animal survival rates were
      obtained in a synergistic manner with CRAd-S.RGD plus CDDP, as compared with the
      treatment with CRAd-S.RGD or CDDP alone. There was an increase in the apoptosis
      rate of the cells following the combined therapy. The results clearly
      demonstrated that there was a synergistic effect in the combination of CRAd-S.RGD
      and CDDP in increased therapeutic efficacy. Similar therapeutic efficacy could be
      obtained with CRAd-S.RGD plus CDDP at 2 lower doses that minimized the drug
      toxicity to host tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The strategy of CRAd-S.RGD in combination
      with CDDP was a potential therapeutic modality for the therapy in ovarian cancer.
      ABBREVIATIONS: CDDP - cisplatin, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, CRAd -
      conditionally replicating adenovirus, CRAd-survivin - the survivin promoter-based
      conditionally replicating adenovirus, CRAd-S.RGD - CRAd-survivin-RGD4C, MOI -
      multiplicity of infection, PBS - phosphate-buffered saline, PI - propidium
      iodide.

PMID- 22080896
TI  - Short-term serum deprivation confers sensitivity to taxanes in platinum-resistant
      human ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on the evidences showing that serum deprivation provokes
      apoptosis in a variety of cells, we have investigated the effect of serum
      deprivation on drug sensitivity. METHODS: After human ovarian cancer cells were
      preincubated in 0.5 % serum containing medium for 12 hours, cellular drug
      sensitivities were determined by colony-forming assay. RESULTS: Serum deprivation
      treatment resulted in significant increase in paclitaxel sensitivity by factors
      of mean +/- SD, 148.6 +/- 28.1 and 10.1 +/- 1.0 (n = 3; P < 0.001) fold in
      platinum-resistant C13 and CP70 cells, respectively. Similarly, serum deprivation
      induced significant docetaxel sensitivity in these cell lines. However, no
      enhancement effect of serum deprivation was observed in platinum-sensitive 2008
      and A2780 cells. Serum deprivation did not have any effect on the sensitivities
      to cisplatin, vincristin, and doxorubicin in all of these cells. More than 7-fold
      increase of apoptotic cells were observed in C13 or CP70 cells when they were
      treated by serum deprivation followed by paclitaxel compared with the treatment
      of either serum deprivation or paclitaxel alone. Confocal laser microscopy using
      rhodamine 123 and flow cytometric analysis with 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine
      iodide revealed that serum deprivation decreased mitochondrial membrane potential
      in C13 or CP70 cells, whereas no change was observed in 2008 and A2780 cells.
      This indicates that serum deprivation induced depolarization specifically in
      platinum-resistant cells. Electron microscopy revealed that serum deprivation
      caused regeneration of mitochondrial matrix structure in C13 or CP70 cells where
      mitochondria were usually destructed and disappeared. DISCUSSIONS: These results
      indicate that serum deprivation confers taxane hypersensitivity specifically in
      platinum-resistant cells by recovering their impaired mitochondrial functions.
      The evidence might be clinically beneficial for the development of new
      chemotherapeutic technology, particularly for the patients with platinum
      resistant ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22080897
TI  - IL-21 and IL-12 inhibit differentiation of Treg and TH17 cells and enhance
      cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with cervical
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interleukin 21 (IL-21) and IL-12 have been known to be effective
      antitumor agents. In this study, we evaluated whether IL-21 in combination with
      IL-12 could enhance the cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III and cervical
      cancer. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral
      blood of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III patients (n = 17) and cervical
      cancer patients (n = 18). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with
      IL-2 in low concentration as control group. Interleukin 2-stimulated PBMCs were
      cocultured with anti-human IL-21 neutralizing antibody, IL-21 alone, IL-12 alone,
      and IL-21 plus IL-12, respectively, as test groups. The cytotoxicity of PBMCs
      against SiHa tumor cells was examined by lactate dehydrogenase released assay.
      CD4CD25FOXP3 T regulatory (Treg) cells and CD4IL-17A T helper 17 (TH17) cells
      were analyzed by flow cytometry. Proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK
      8 (cell counting kit 8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: Compared
      with controls, IL-21 and IL-12 significantly elevated PBMC cytotoxicity against
      SiHa cells. Moreover, IL-21 plus IL-12 significantly elevated PBMC cytotoxicity
      in comparison to IL-21 alone and IL-12 alone. We also found that IL-21 plus IL-12
      significantly decreased Treg and TH17 cell proportion in comparison to controls.
      Notably, IL-21 plus IL-12 significantly decreased TH17 cell proportion in
      comparison to IL-21 alone. Both IL-21 and IL-12 significantly decreased the
      apoptosis rate of PBMCs, whereas neither IL-21 nor IL-12 had significant effect
      on PBMC proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of IL-21 and IL-12 could
      efficiently stimulate PBMCs with cytotoxicity against SiHa cells, and the
      possible mechanisms may be due to down-regulated Treg and TH17 cell
      differentiation.

PMID- 22080899
TI  - The list of prohibited substances and methods in sport: structure and review
      process by the world anti-doping agency.
AB  - The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (the List) is the International
      Standard that determines what is prohibited in sport in- and out-of-competition.
      The official text of the List is produced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA),
      the international independent organization  responsible for promoting,
      coordinating and monitoring the fight against doping in sport. The drafting of
      the annual List is a highly interactive and consultative process involving
      scientific and medical experts in anti-doping, sport federations and governments.
      In this article, the elements  that compose the List as well as the process
      behind its annual revision and update are presented.

PMID- 22080900
TI  - Investigating the use of stimulants in out-of-competition sport samples.
AB  - The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (the List), an International
      Standard published yearly by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), determines
      which substances and methods are prohibited in sport in- and out-of-competition.
      Stimulants are included within drug class S.6 under  the in-competition testing
      section of the List. Athletes may be tempted to use stimulants as ergogenic aids
      in-competition in order to temporarily improve their mental and/or physical
      functions by increasing alertness, aggressiveness, motivation, locomotion, heart
      rate, and reducing fatigue.  The Prohibited List Expert Group, responsible for
      the maintenance of the List, approved WADA funding for a two-year study to
      determine whether athletes were also using stimulants to benefit from their
      performance-enhancing effects during the training phase between competitions
      (i.e., out-of-competition).  This study, involving 11 WADA-accredited
      laboratories, found that the use of stimulants by athletes during training was
      not significantly prevalent (0.36% of positive findings), suggesting that this
      issue does not, at the moment, pose a further challenge to the fight against
      doping in sport.  In addition, the study supports the current structure in the
      Prohibited List that differentiates banned substances into the in- and out-of
      competition classifications.

PMID- 22080901
TI  - Identifying plasma glycerol concentration associated with urinary glycerol
      excretion in trained humans.
AB  - Glycerol has been used as a means to legitimately hyperhydrate the body in an
      attempt to offset the deleterious effects of dehydration. It has the potential to
      mask blood doping practices and as a result has been added to the WADA prohibited
      substance list. The purpose of this study  was to identify the plasma glycerol
      concentration coinciding with urinary glycerol excretion. Twelve healthy, trained
      male subjects completed five separate trials under resting conditions. For each
      trial, subjects consumed a different glycerol dose (0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or
      0.20 g glycerol/kg  LBM) of a 5% glycerol solution in order to determine at what
      plasma glycerol concentration an increase in urine glycerol concentration becomes
      apparent. Based on regression analysis, plasma glycerol concentrations > 0.327 +/
      0.190 mmol/L and a glycerol dose > 0.032 +/- 0.010  g glycerol/kg LBM would be
      associated with urinary glycerol excretion. There were significant linear
      relationships between peak plasma glycerol concentration and time to reach peak
      plasma glycerol concentration to the ingested glycerol doses. Our findings
      illustrate the importance of considering  the effect of urinary glycerol
      excretion on legitimate hyperhydration regimens as well as suggesting that it is
      possible to detect surreptitious use of glycerol as a masking agent through
      urinary analysis.

PMID- 22080898
TI  - The androgen receptor and its use in biological assays: looking toward effect
      based testing and its applications.
AB  - Steroid abuse is a growing problem among amateur and professional athletes.
      Because of an inundation of newly and illegally synthesized steroids with minor
      structural modifications and other designer steroid receptor modulators, there is
      a need to develop new methods of detection which  do not require prior knowledge
      of the abused steroid structure. The number of designer steroids currently being
      abused is unknown because detection methods in general are only identifying
      substances with a known structure. The detection of doping is moving away from
      merely checking for exposure  to prohibited substance toward detecting an effect
      of prohibited substances, as biological assays can do. Cell-based biological
      assays are the next generation of assays which should be utilized by antidoping
      laboratories; they can detect androgenic anabolic steroid and other human
      androgen  receptor (hAR) ligand presence without knowledge of their structure and
      assess the relative biological activity of these compounds. This review
      summarizes the hAR and its action and discusses its relevance to sports doping
      and its use in biological assays.

PMID- 22080902
TI  - High-performance sport, marijuana, and cannabimimetics.
AB  - The prohibition on use of cannabinoids in sporting competitions has been widely
      debated and continues to be a contentious issue. Information continues to
      accumulate on the adverse health effects of smoked marijuana and the decrement of
      performance caused by the use of cannabinoids.  The objective of this article is
      to provide an overview of cannabinoids and cannabimimetics that directly or
      indirectly impact sport, the rules of sport, and performance of the athlete. This
      article reviews some of the history of marijuana in Olympic and Collegiate sport,
      summarizes the guidelines  by which a substance is added to the World Anti-Doping
      Agency Prohibited List, and updates information on the pharmacologic effects of
      cannabinoids and their mechanism of action. The recently marketed cannabimimetics
      Spice and K2 are included in the discussion as they activate the same receptors 
      as are activated by THC. The article also provides a view as to why the World
      Anti-Doping Agency prohibits cannabinoid or cannabimimetic use incompetition and
      should continue to do so.

PMID- 22080903
TI  - Screening indicators of dehydroepiandosterone, androstenedione, and
      dihydrotestosterone use: a literature review.
AB  - Because of their perceived and reported effects on self-image, muscle
      development, performance, and similar factors, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS)
      and their precursors are among the most abused substances by professional,
      amateur, and recreational athletes. However, AAS abuse is  not limited to
      athletes, but is also prevalent in the workplace, especially those professions in
      which image, strength, and endurance are coveted attributes. The detection of
      many steroids in biological specimens is analogous to the detection of an abused
      drug such as cocaine. Identification  of the parent drug or its characteristic
      metabolite(s) in a donor's sample with a drug screening technique and
      confirmation of the drug/metabolite with a suitable alternative technology
      provides evidence of use. These analyses and subsequent interpretive scenarios
      become far more complex when  the ingested AAS is an endogenous compound such as
      dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (Adione), or dihydrotestosterone
      (DHT). These compounds and their metabolites are present in specimens such as
      urine as a course of our natural endocrine function. Therefore, it becomes much
      more  challenging for the laboratory to establish testing and interpretative
      paradigms that can distinguish "normal" urinary profiles of these steroids and
      their metabolites from profiles indicative of exogenous use. Distinguishing
      "normal" from "abnormal" urine  profiles is particularly challenging during
      screening when literally tens of steroids and their metabolites may be tested
      simultaneously in a single chromatographic analysis. The purpose of this paper is
      to review the relevant literature about DHEA, Adione, and DHT administration,
      detection,  and interpretation specifically as it relates to changes in the
      urinary AAS profile that may be identified during the routine laboratory
      screening of donor urine specimens.

PMID- 22080904
TI  - Validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for
      quantification of glycopyrrolate in horse plasma.
AB  - A rapid, sensitive, and specific ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography
      with heated electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HESI-MS-MS)
      method to detect and quantify glycopyrrolate in horse plasma has been developed
      and validated. We also determined  glycopyrrolate in plasma after oral and
      intravenous administration of clinically relevant doses to Thoroughbred horses.
      Calibration was accomplished by weighted, linear regression analysis using a
      deuterated analogue of glycopyrrolate as internal standard (IS). Glycopyrrolate
      (GLY) and the  IS (GLY-d(3)) were isolated from plasma matrices via weak cation
      exchange using a simple solid-phase extraction technique. Chromatographic
      analysis was achieved by reversed-phase UHPLC on a C(18) AcquityTM column.
      Extracts were analyzed in positive electrospray ionization  mode and precursor
      and product ions were detected and quantified by MS-MS using a triple-stage
      quadrupole (TSQ) instrument. The method was characterized by a linear range of
      0.125-25 pg/mL (R(2) > 0.998), a lower limit of quantification of 0.125 pg/mL and
      a lower  limit of detection of 0.025 pg/mL. Recovery of GLY ranged from 78% to
      96%, and intra- and interbatch precision were 3.3-14.4%CV and 3.4-14.4%CV,
      respectively. Glycopyrrolate was stable in plasma for up to 170 days at -80
      degrees C, through three freeze/thaw cycles, and for up  to 48 h after extraction
      under 20 degrees C autosampler conditions.

PMID- 22080905
TI  - Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry screening method for the
      simultaneous detection of stimulants and diuretics in urine.
AB  - This study established a simultaneous screening method based on solid-phase
      extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) for the
      detection of 23 stimulants and 23 diuretics in human urine. An electrospray
      ionization source and multiple reaction  monitoring were used for data
      acquisition. All stimulants and diuretics were separated in less than 12.52 min.
      The limits of detection were in the range of 25-500 ng/mL for stimulants and 25
      125 ng/mL for diuretics. To evaluate the performance of this method, urine
      samples were  collected from 1627 athletes in Taiwan, and 7 positive samples were
      found. This LC-MS-MS method not only meets the minimum required performance
      limits set by the World Anti-Doping Agency but also provides a fast way to
      analyze the authentic urine samples in doping control laboratories.

PMID- 22080906
TI  - Choroid is thinner in inferior region of optic disks of normal eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the thickness of the choroid across the posterior pole of
      normal eyes. METHODS: Twenty-eight clinic-based normal eyes (54.1 +/- 20.0 years,
      -3.6 +/- 4.1 diopter) were studied. The macula and retina around the optic disk
      were scanned with a spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic instrument. The
      retinal mapping program with the enhanced depth imaging technique was used, and
      the borders of the choroid were drawn manually in each optical coherence
      tomographic image. A choroidal thickness map was constructed by the built-in
      program, and the choroidal thickness in the different sectors of the Early
      Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid was measured and compared. RESULTS: The
      choroid inferior to the optic disk was significantly thinner than that in the
      other sectors of the outer ring of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study
      grid (superior, 196 +/- 62 MUm; inferior, 146 +/- 47 MUm; nasal, 183 +/- 80 MUm;
      and temporal, 193 +/- 64 MUm, P < 0.001). The mean choroidal thickness at the
      nasal sector of the macular region was significantly thinner than other regions
      of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid (superior, 268 +/- 74 MUm;
      inferior, 245 +/- 73 MUm; nasal, 190 +/- 68 MUm; temporal, 268 +/- 63 MUm; and
      central, 258 +/- 88 MUm; P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness maps showed that the
      thinner choroidal area spreads around the optic disk and the inferior part of the
      posterior pole. CONCLUSION: The thinner choroid inferior to the optic disk may be
      a natural anatomical architecture of normal eyes, and this area may be more
      susceptible to hypoxia or to elevated intraocular pressures.

PMID- 22080907
TI  - Toxicity and retinal penetration of infliximab in primates.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal penetration and toxicity of two doses of
      intravitreal infliximab in primates. METHODS: Ten marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
      were given intravitreal injection of 100 MUg or 400 MUg of infliximab, and
      balanced salt solution served as control. At baseline and after 24 hours (5
      animals) and 7 days (the other 5), the eyes were examined by electroretinography.
      They were then killed (at 24 hours and 7 days) and assessed by light microscopy
      and transmission electron microscopy for toxicity and immunohistochemistry, using
      a biotinylated anti-human immunoglobulin G, to evaluate retinal penetration.
      RESULTS: There was no difference over 50% of the electroretinography b-wave
      between baseline and the time points studied in all animals. Light and electron
      microscopy, and electroretinography analysis, showed no signs of toxicity in any
      of the animals. Strong presence of infliximab was observed in all retinal layers
      7 days after intravitreal injection at both doses (100 and 400 MUg). CONCLUSION:
      Infliximab at doses of 100 and 400 MUg seemed to cause no damage to the retina 24
      hours and 7 days after its intravitreal injection, and deeply penetrated all its
      layers, in primates. These results encourage future perspectives for the
      treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the retina in humans.

PMID- 22080908
TI  - Familial trends in a population with macular holes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if patients with macular hole report an increased family
      history of macular hole compared with control patients and compare the report of
      family history between patients with unilateral and bilateral macular holes.
      METHODS: This was a multicenter case-control study. Charts of patients coded with
      diagnosis of macular hole were reviewed, and the diagnosis of idiopathic full
      thickness macular hole was ascertained in 166 patients. The control group
      comprised 136 patients without macular hole or trauma who presented with senile
      cataract. Family history was obtained from all patients through a telephone
      interview. RESULTS: Six of 166 (3.6%) macular hole patients surveyed reported a
      history of macular hole in a primary relative compared with none of 136 (0.0%)
      control patients (odds ratio is infinity, with 95% confidence interval 1.295 to
      infinity); however, this finding may be explained by confounders such as age and
      number of family members. Two of the 142 (1.4%) patients with unilateral holes
      versus 4 of the 24 (16.7%) patients with bilateral holes reported a family
      history (odds ratio is 0.0714, with 95% confidence interval 0.0063 to 0.5537),
      and this finding remains significant when logistic regression is performed to
      evaluate variables of age and number of family members as potential confounders.
      CONCLUSION: There is an increased report of familial occurrence of macular hole
      in patients with macular holes compared with control patients; however, logistic
      regression relates this finding to variables of age and number of family members.
      Patients with bilateral macular holes are more likely to report a family history
      of macular hole than patients with unilateral macular holes, and this finding
      remains significant in the presence of age and number of family members. These
      findings may suggest a familial component to macular hole.

PMID- 22080909
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

PMID- 22080910
TI  - Thermal deformation of chandelier endoillumination probes exposed to uveal tissue
      and blood.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and
      thermal properties of a chandelier endoillumination probe under conditions that
      may induce thermal damage. METHODS: Experimental evaluation of a surgical
      ophthalmic instrument under ex vivo conditions. RESULTS: A 27-gauge dual-tip
      chandelier endoillumination probe was exposed to air, saline, porcine uveal
      tissue, and human blood using a Xenon light source at 100% intensity. No
      alteration of probe tip morphology was observed in air or saline at 10-minute
      exposure. After exposure to uveal tissue and blood, thermal melting of the probe
      tip was noted at 10 minutes. Beam focus and intensity were observed to diminish
      in the probe tips that underwent thermal melting. A thermal imaging device was
      used to demonstrate increased thermal intensity from the probe tip that had been
      covered with uveal tissue compared with a control tip in air. CONCLUSION: Thermal
      melting of a chandelier fiber probe has been reported only once previously in the
      literature after exposure to porcine Tenon capsular tissue. We report two
      separate conditions that may induce thermal damage to a fiber optic probe
      including encapsulation of uveal tissue at the probe tip and exposure to blood.
      Vitreoretinal surgeons should be aware of this potential complication.

PMID- 22080911
TI  - Ultra-wide-field angiography improves the detection and classification of
      diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate patients with diabetic retinopathy using ultra-wide-field
      fluorescein angiography and to compare the visualized retinal pathology with that
      seen on an overly of conventional 7 standard field (7SF) imaging. METHODS: Two
      hundred and eighteen eyes of 118 diabetic patients who underwent diagnostic
      fluorescein angiography using the Optos Optomap Panoramic 200A imaging system
      were included. The visualized area of the retina, retinal nonperfusion, retinal
      neovascularization, and panretinal photocoagulation were quantified by two
      independent masked graders. The respective areas identified on the ultra-wide
      field fluorescein angiography image were compared with an overly of a modified
      7SF image as outlined in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. RESULTS:
      Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiograms imaging, on average, demonstrated 3.2
      times more total retinal surface area than 7SF. When compared with 7SF, ultra
      wide-field fluorescein angiography showed 3.9 times more nonperfusion (P <
      0.001), 1.9 times more neovascularization (P = 0.036), and 3.8 times more
      panretinal photocoagulation (P < 0.001). In 22 eyes (10%), ultra-wide-field
      fluorescein angiography demonstrated retinal pathology (including nonperfusion
      and neovascularization) not evident in an 7SF overly. CONCLUSION: Compared with
      conventional 7SF imaging, ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography reveals
      significantly more retinal vascular pathology in patients with diabetic
      retinopathy. Improved retinal visualization may alter the classification of
      diabetic retinopathy and may therefore influence follow-up and treatment of these
      patients.

PMID- 22080912
TI  - Changes in visual acuity and foveal photoreceptor integrity in eyes with chronic
      cystoid macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the change in integrity and thickness of the foveal outer
      retina in eyes with chronic cystoid macula edema associated with retinal vein
      occlusion. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 30 eyes of
      30 patients who had chronic cystoid macula edema associated with retinal vein
      occlusion and who had a follow-up of more than 12 months without any treatment.
      Using optical coherence tomography, we assessed the thickness of the outer retina
      and status of the junction between the inner and outer segments of the
      photoreceptors and of the external limiting membrane in the fovea. RESULTS:
      Visual acuity showed a correlation with thickness of the foveal outer retina (R =
      -0.37) and with the detection of a line of the inner and outer segments of the
      photoreceptors (R = 0.65) and that of an external limiting membrane (R = 0.75)
      beneath the fovea. During the observation period (17.2 +/- 5.5 months), neither
      visual acuity nor the condition of the foveal outer retina showed a significant
      change, and in no eyes were previously detectable lines of the inner and outer
      segments of the photoreceptors and external limiting membrane just beneath the
      foveal cystoid space became undetectable. CONCLUSION: Even if a large cystoid
      space is located in the fovea, its effect on deterioration of the underlying
      foveal photoreceptor cells is not as strong as is generally thought.

PMID- 22080913
TI  - Fundus autofluorescence in serpiginouslike choroiditis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the fundus autofluorescence characteristics in serpiginouslike
      choroiditis. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with presumed tubercular
      serpiginouslike choroiditis between November 2008 and January 2010 underwent
      fundus autofluorescence imaging during the acute stage and at regular intervals
      till the lesions healed. All patients received antitubercular therapy with oral
      corticosteroids. The autofluorescence images were compared with color fundus
      photography and fundus fluorescein angiography. The main outcome measure was
      fundus autofluorescence characteristics of lesions during the course of the
      disease. RESULTS: The pattern of fundus autofluorescence changed as the lesions
      evolved from the acute to the healed stage. In acute stage, the lesions showed an
      ill-defined halo of increased autofluorescence (hyperautofluorescence), giving it
      a diffuse, amorphous appearance (Stage I, acute). As the lesions began to heal, a
      thin rim of decreased autofluorescence (hypoautofluorescence) surrounded the
      lesion, defining its edges. The lesions showed predominantly
      hyperautofluorescence with stippled pattern (Stage II, subacute). With further
      healing, the hypoautofluorescence progressed and the lesion appeared
      predominantly hypoautofluorescent with stippled pattern (Stage III, nearly
      resolved). On complete healing, the lesions became uniformly hypoautofluorescent
      (Stage IV, completely resolved). CONCLUSION: Fundus autofluorescence highlighted
      the areas of disease activity and was a quick imaging tool for monitoring the
      course of lesions in serpiginouslike choroiditis.

PMID- 22080914
TI  - Vitrectomy without face-down posturing for idiopathic macular holes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the results of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane
      peeling and C3F8 tamponade for macular hole without postoperative face-down
      posturing in 208 eyes. METHODS: The study included 208 eyes on an uncontrolled
      retrospective review, undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with trypan blue-assisted
      internal limiting membrane peeling and C3F8 tamponade, without subsequent face
      down posturing. All patients were followed-up at 1 day, 1 week, 3 months, and 12
      months postoperatively. Biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography were used
      to assess macular hole closure at 1 day, 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months
      postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity by Snellen chart was
      compared. RESULTS: In 208 eyes with idiopathic macular hole, preoperative mean
      visual acuity was 20/200 and final visual acuity was 20/40 (P = 0.00017).
      Anatomic macular hole closure rate was 81.3%. CONCLUSION: In agreement with
      published studies, combined phacovitrectomy without face-down posturing after
      macular hole surgery seems effective and safe, showing anatomical improvement and
      favorable best-corrected visual acuity. Isolating the macula from vitreous fluid
      with a large long-lasting gas-fill may render postoperative posturing
      unnecessary. Eliminating face-down posturing may increase patient acceptance and
      compliance.

PMID- 22080916
TI  - Can erectile function be predicted after prostate cancer treatment?

PMID- 22080915
TI  - Metabolic function of a suboptimal transplanted islet mass in nonhuman primates
      on rapamycin monotherapy.
AB  - Although islet transplantation may restore insulin independence to individuals
      with type 1 diabetes mellitus, most have abnormal glucose tolerance. We asked
      whether the defective glucose tolerance is due to inadequate beta-cell mass or to
      impaired insulin sensitivity. We performed  metabolic studies on four cynomolgus
      primates before inducing diabetes with streptozotocin (STZ), then again 2-3 weeks
      after restoring insulin independence via intrahepatic islet transplantation
      utilizing a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppressive regimen (induction with
      rabbit  antithymocyte globulin and maintenance therapy with rapamycin). Engrafted
      beta-cell mass was assessed by acute insulin and C-peptide responses to glucose
      (AIR(glu) and ACR(glu)) and arginine (AIR(arg) and ACR(arg)). Insulin sensitivity
      (S(I))  was determined in naive and transplanted primates from an intravenous
      glucose tolerance test using the minimal model. alpha-Cell function was
      determined by the acute glucagon response to arginine (AGR(arg)). Glucose
      tolerance (K(g)) decreased from 4.1 +/- 0.5%/min  in naive primates to 1.8 +/-
      0.3%/min in transplanted primates (p < 0.01). Following transplantation, AIR(glu)
      was 28.7 +/- 13.1 MUU/ml compared to 169.9 +/- 43.1 MUU/ml (p < 0.03) in the
      naive condition, ACR(glu) was 14.5 +/- 6.0  ng/ml compared to 96.5 +/- 17.0 ng/ml
      naive (p < 0.01), AIR(arg) was 29.1 +/- 13.1 MUU/ml compared to 91.4 +/- 28.2
      MUU/ml naive (p < 0.05), and ACR(arg) was 1.11 +/- 0.51 ng/ml compared to 2.79 +/
      0.77 ng/ml naive (p  < 0.05). S(I) did not differ from naive to posttransplant
      states. AGR(arg) was reduced in transplanted primates (349 +/- 118 pg/ml) when
      compared to both naive (827 +/- 354 pg/ml) and post-STZ diabetic primates (1020
      +/- 440 pg/ml) (p < 0.01 for  both comparisons). These data suggest that impaired
      glucose tolerance observed in islet transplant recipients is secondary to low
      functional beta-cell mass and not to insulin resistance shortly after transplant.
      Furthermore, improved glycemic control achieved via islet transplantation over 
      the diabetic state might be attained, in part, via reduced glucagon secretion.

PMID- 22080917
TI  - Intramolecular signaling in tandem-GAF domains from PDE5 and PDE10 studied with a
      cyanobacterial adenylyl cyclase reporter.
AB  - The dimeric mammalian phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are regulated by N-terminal
      domains. In PDE5, the GAF-A subdomain of a GAF-tandem (GAF-A and -B) binds the
      activator cGMP and in PDE10 GAF-B binds cAMP. GAF-tandem chimeras of PDE5 and 10
      in which the 36 aa linker helix between GAF-A and -B was swapped lost allosteric
      regulation of a reporter adenylyl cyclase. In 16 consecutive constructs we
      substituted the PDE10 linker with that from PDE5. An initial stretch of 10 amino
      acids coded for isoform specificity. A C240Y substitution uncoupled cyclase
      activity from regulation, whereas C240F, L or G did not. The C240Y substitution
      increased basal activity to stimulated levels. Notably, over the next 12
      substitutions basal cyclase activity decreased linearly. Further targeted
      substitutions were based on homology modeling using the PDE2 structure. No
      combination of substitutions within the initial 10 linker residues caused loss of
      regulation. The full 10 aa stretch was required. Modeling indicated a potential
      interaction of the linker with a loop from GAF-A. To interrupt H-bonding a
      glycine substitution of the loop segment was generated. Despite reduction of
      basal activity, loss of regulation was maintained. Possibly, the orientation of
      the linker helix is determined by formation of the dimer at the initial linker
      segment. Downstream deflections of the linker helix may have caused loss of
      regulation.

PMID- 22080918
TI  - 17-Hydroxy-jolkinolide B, a diterpenoid from Euphorbia fischeriana, inhibits
      inflammatory mediators but activates heme oxygenase-1 expression in
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages.
AB  - Jolkinolides are the main abietane-type diterpenoids isolated from the root of
      Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. In the present study, we investigated in vitro anti
      inflammatory activity of four structural analogs of jolkinolide in
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264 macrophages. Among these jolkinolides,
      17-hydroxy-jolkinolide B (HJB) exhibited the most potent inhibition of LPS
      induced production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)),
      nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]. HJB could decrease LPS-induced protein levels
      of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the
      mRNA expressions of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in a concentration-dependent
      manner. These inhibitory effects were caused by suppression of MAPK
      phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HJB
      strongly induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and mRNA expressions. These
      findings suggest that HJB possesses anti-inflammatory actions in macrophages and
      may provide a potential therapeutic approach for inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 22080919
TI  - Cyclic electron flow plays an important role in photoprotection for the
      resurrection plant Paraboea rufescens under drought stress.
AB  - Resurrection plants could survive severe drought stress, but the underlying
      mechanism for protecting their photosynthetic apparatus against drought stress is
      unclear. Cyclic electron flow (CEF) has been documented as a crucial mechanism
      for photoprotection in Arabidopsis and tobacco. We hypothesized that CEF plays an
      important role in protecting photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII)
      against drought stress for resurrection plants. To address this hypothesis, the
      effects of mild drought stress on light energy distribution in PSII and P700
      redox state were examined in a resurrection plant Paraboea rufescens. Cyclic
      electron flow was not activated below the photosynthetic photon flux density
      (PPFD) of 400 MUmol m-2 s-1 in leaves without drought stress. However, CEF was
      activated under low light in leaves with mild drought stress, and the effective
      quantum yield of PSII significantly decreased. Meanwhile, non-photochemical
      quenching (NPQ) was significantly stimulated not only under high light but also
      under low light. Compared with the control, the fraction of overall P700 that
      cannot be oxidized in a given state (PSI acceptor side limitation) under high
      light was maintained at low level of 0.1 in leaves with water deficit, indicating
      that the over-reduction of the PSI acceptor side was prevented by the significant
      stimulation of CEF. Furthermore, methyl viologen could significantly increase the
      PSII photo-inhibition induced by high light compared with chloramphenicol. These
      results suggested that CEF is an important mechanism for protecting PSI and PSII
      from drought stress in resurrection plants.

PMID- 22080920
TI  - TGF-beta induces the expression of the adaptor Ndfip1 to silence IL-4 production
      during iTreg cell differentiation.
AB  - Mice deficient in the adaptor Ndfip1 develop inflammation at sites of
      environmental antigen exposure. We show here that such mice had fewer inducible
      regulatory T cells (iT(reg) cells). In vitro, Ndfip1-deficient T cells expressed
      normal amounts of the transcription factor Foxp3 during the first 48 h of iT(reg)
      cell differentiation; however, this expression was not sustained. Abortive Foxp3
      expression was caused by production of interleukin 4 (IL-4) by Ndfip1(-/-) cells.
      We found that Ndfip1 expression was transiently upregulated during iT(reg) cell
      differentiation in a manner dependent on transforming growth factor-beta (TGF
      beta). Once expressed, Ndfip1 promoted degradation of the transcription factor
      JunB mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch, thus preventing IL-4 production.
      On the basis of our data, we propose that TGF-beta signaling induces Ndfip1
      expression to silence IL-4 production, thus permitting iT(reg) cell
      differentiation.

PMID- 22080922
TI  - Peripheral arterial disease in women.
AB  - Women with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are not well identified in
      cardiology practice, are undertreated, and have different relative risks for
      development of PAD than men. Recognizing that PAD is considered a coronary artery
      disease risk equivalent emphasizes that primary care physicians and cardiologists
      need to be aggressive for screening and treatment of this disorder. This article
      reviews the prevalence and risk factors for PAD in women, sex-based differences
      in development of PAD, and current screening and treatment recommendations.

PMID- 22080921
TI  - Harnessing of the nucleosome-remodeling-deacetylase complex controls lymphocyte
      development and prevents leukemogenesis.
AB  - Cell fate depends on the interplay between chromatin regulators and transcription
      factors. Here we show that activity of the Mi-2beta nucleosome-remodeling and
      histone-deacetylase (NuRD) complex was controlled by the Ikaros family of
      lymphoid lineage-determining proteins. Ikaros, an integral component of the NuRD
      complex in lymphocytes, tethered this complex to active genes encoding molecules
      involved in lymphoid differentiation. Loss of Ikaros DNA-binding activity caused
      a local increase in chromatin remodeling and histone deacetylation and
      suppression of lymphoid cell-specific gene expression. Without Ikaros, the NuRD
      complex also redistributed to transcriptionally poised genes that were not
      targets of Ikaros (encoding molecules involved in proliferation and metabolism),
      which induced their reactivation. Thus, release of NuRD from Ikaros regulation
      blocks lymphocyte maturation and mediates progression to a leukemic state by
      engaging functionally opposing epigenetic and genetic networks.

PMID- 22080923
TI  - Hypoglycemia and adverse outcomes: marker or mediator?
AB  - Multiple studies have shown that hypoglycemia is associated with increased
      mortality and a variety of adverse outcomes. Whether hypoglycemia is a mediator
      of adverse outcomes or simply represents a marker of critical illness has been
      unclear until now. Based on observational data, spontaneous (but not iatrogenic)
      hypoglycemia is associated with increased mortality during hospitalization for
      acute myocardial infarction. In the recent ADVANCE trial of patients with
      diabetes, intensive glucose lowering was associated with increased risk of
      hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was, in turn, associated with increased risk of macro-
      and microvascular events and death, and also with increased risk of noncardiac
      adverse events, including disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and skin
      systems. Based on available evidence, hypoglycemia does not appear to directly
      lead to death or cardiovascular events and is likely a marker for more severe
      illness and comorbidity burden. Nevertheless, continued efforts to avoid
      hypoglycemia are clearly warranted.

PMID- 22080924
TI  - The electrophysiological properties of ranolazine: a metabolic anti-ischemic drug
      or an energy-efficient antiarrhythmic agent?
AB  - Ranolazine, a newer anti-ischemic agent that appears to induce a more efficient
      utilization of adenosine triphosphate at the cellular level, has been shown to be
      clinically beneficial in patients with chronic stable angina. More recently, the
      antiarrhythmic effects of the drug have been described in patients with acute
      coronary syndromes, as well as in those with atrial fibrillation, when combined
      with other agents. Experimentally, the predominant inhibitory effects on late
      I(Na), I(Ca), I(Na-Ca), and I(Ks), with little or no effect on I(to) or I(K1),
      have been demonstrated. Different experimental models have shown the potential
      beneficial effect of the drug in both supraventricular and ventricular
      arrhythmias. Interestingly, despite its potential prolongation of the QT
      interval, ranolazine does not appear to induce ventricular arrhythmias in animal
      models. Whether the antiarrhythmic effect is secondary to a more efficient energy
      production by the cardiac cell or by its direct effect on ion channels is still
      unclear. The effect of ranolazine on other ionic currents, as well as its
      potential as a clinically relevant antiarrhythmic agent, still needs to be
      studied.

PMID- 22080925
TI  - Cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
AB  - Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is the most important cause of morbidity and
      mortality following cardiac transplantation. CAV is largely mediated by
      immunologic damage and infiltration of the endothelium, resulting in
      proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and subsequent luminal narrowing.
      There are various risk factors for the development and progression of CAV.
      Coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of CAV; intravascular
      ultrasound also plays an important role. The management of CAV includes
      immunosuppression, drugs that modify conventional coronary artery disease risk
      factors, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or surgical
      revascularization for severe obstructive lesions. Although revascularization with
      PCI has a high immediate success rate, rates of in-stent restenosis are higher as
      compared with PCI of native coronary arteries, although the advent of drug
      eluting stents has somewhat improved in-stent restenosis rates. Thus, the only
      definitive treatment of CAV is repeat transplantation. Randomized trials are
      needed to determine the optimal immunosuppressive and conventional risk factor
      modifying agents and revascularization strategies for patients who develop CAV.

PMID- 22080927
TI  - The changing landscape of cardiovascular care.

PMID- 22080926
TI  - Pending plans for payment alignment.

PMID- 22080928
TI  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to iatrogenic methadone withdrawal.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by transient apical
      ballooning or reversible midventricular systolic dysfunction. Most cases occur in
      postmenopausal women and are typically triggered by an acute medical illness or
      emotional or physical stress. Its presentation is highly suggestive of myocardial
      ischemia, but there is little or no evidence of epicardial coronary artery
      disease. To our knowledge there are only three reported cases in the literature
      of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by opioid agonist withdrawal in adults; ours
      is the first reported case of iatrogenic methadone withdrawal leading to
      Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22080929
TI  - Cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 22080931
TI  - Effects of microendoscopy-assisted reduction and screw fixation through a single
      mini-incision on posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are various surgical approaches for the treatment of
      posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury-associated tibial fracture avulsion,
      including arthroscopy-assisted surgery and open posterior surgery. However, none
      of these treatments are perfect. We have established a simple procedure with
      microendoscopy-assisted reduction and cannulated screw fixation for the treatment
      of this disease through a single mini-incision. In this study, we delineated the
      effects of this surgical approach for patients with PCL tibial avulsion fracture.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with acute PCL
      tibial avulsion fracture treated via this method from 2004 to 2008. All the
      patients were implanted with cannulated screws (AO/ASIF, 3.5, 4.0 or 4.5 mm in
      diameter, 3-4 mm in length) for fixation by microendoscopy. The posterior drawer
      test (PDT) and KT-2000 arthrometer examination were performed to evaluate knee
      stability. The Lysholm knee scoring scale and the International Knee
      Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring scale were used to assess knee function.
      Types and rates of complications and radiographic follow-up were reviewed for all
      cases. RESULTS: 23 of 24 cases achieved knee stability by PDT and KT-2000
      examination. The Lysholm's score was improved from 43.8 +/- 4.6 to 95.3 +/- 3.8.
      The IKDC evaluation demonstrated an improved function in 17 cases with grade A, 6
      with grade B, and 1 with grade C. No relevant complications were experienced by
      any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Increased stability, functional improvement, and few
      complications were observed in patients of PCL injury-associated tibial fracture
      avulsion treated with the microendoscopy-assisted reduction and cannulated screw
      fixation through a single mini-incision.

PMID- 22080932
TI  - Posterior root tear fixation of the lateral meniscus combined with arthroscopic
      ACL double-bundle reconstruction: technical note of a transosseous fixation using
      the tibial PL tunnel.
AB  - According to our observation in ACL reconstruction, we find root tears of the
      posterior horn of the lateral meniscus as a common concomitant injury in ACL
      deficient knees. This might be a consequence of initial trauma or of the
      increased anterior-posterior translation of the tibia and an overload impact on
      the posterior meniscus root in ACL-deficient knees. A tear of the posterior horn
      of the medial meniscus causes a 25% increase in peak pressure in the medial
      compartment compared with that found in the intact condition. The repair restores
      the peak contact pressure to normal (Allaire et al. in J Bone Joint Surg Am
      90(9):1922-1931, [2008]). A tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus
      might have similar consequences. We hypothesize the surgical anatomical
      reattachment of the root at the tibia helping to restore knee joint kinematics
      and helping to advance ACL-graft function. This article presents an
      arthroscopical technique to reattach the posterior meniscus root in combination
      with ACL double-bundle reconstruction. The procedure uses the tibial PL tunnel to
      fix the meniscus suture.

PMID- 22080930
TI  - The myriad roles of cyclic AMP in microbial pathogens: from signal to sword.
AB  - All organisms must sense and respond to their external environments, and this
      signal transduction often involves second messengers such as cyclic nucleotides.
      One such nucleotide is cyclic AMP, a universal second messenger that is used by
      diverse forms of life, including mammals, fungi, protozoa and bacteria. In this
      review, we discuss the many roles of cAMP in bacterial, fungal and protozoan
      pathogens and its contributions to microbial pathogenesis. These roles include
      the coordination of intracellular processes, such as virulence gene expression,
      with extracellular signals from the environment, and the manipulation of host
      immunity by increasing cAMP levels in host cells during infection.

PMID- 22080933
TI  - Hearing threshold levels at age 70 years (65-74 years) in the unscreened older
      adult population of the United States, 1959-1962 and 1999-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide hearing threshold percentiles from unscreened older adults
      for creating new Annex B reference standards. DESIGN: Percentiles are calculated,
      and 95% confidence intervals for medians from two U.S. surveys are compared
      graphically. RESULTS: Median thresholds are lower (better) in the 1999-2006
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for men across all frequencies
      except 1 kHz. Results for women are similar; however, there is more overlap in
      confidence intervals across frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hearing
      impairment in older adults, age 70 years (65-74 years), is lower in 1999-2006
      compared with 1959-1962, consistent with our earlier findings for younger adults.

PMID- 22080934
TI  - Putative CENP-B paralogues are not present at mammalian centromeres.
AB  - Although centromere protein B (CENP-B) is a highly conserved mammalian centromere
      protein, its function remains unknown. The presence of the protein is required to
      form artificial satellite DNA-based centromeres de novo, yet cenpb knockout mice
      are viable for multiple generations with no mitotic or meiotic defects, and the
      protein is not present at fully functional neocentromeres. Previous studies have
      suggested that the presence of functionally redundant paralogues of CENP-B may
      explain the lack of a phenotype in knockout mice, and the related Tigger-derived
      (TIGD) family of proteins has been implicated as the most likely candidate for
      such paralogues. Here, we describe an investigation of the centromere-binding
      properties of the three TIGD proteins most highly related to CENP-B through
      phylogenetic analysis through EGFP fusion studies and immunocytochemistry.
      Although two of the three proteins bound to human centromeres with low affinity
      when overexpressed as fusion proteins, the strongest candidate, TIGD3,
      demonstrated no native centromeric binding when using raised antibodies, either
      in human cells or in cenpb (-/-) mouse ES cells. We conclude that the existence
      of functional CENP-B paralogues is highly unlikely and that CENP-B acts alone at
      the centromere. Based on these data, we suggest a new, meiotic drive model of
      CENP-B action during centromere repositioning in evolution.

PMID- 22080935
TI  - Telomere-mediated truncation of barley chromosomes.
AB  - Engineered minichromosomes offer an enormous opportunity to plant biotechnology
      as they have the potential to simultaneously transfer and stably express multiple
      genes. Following a top-down approach, we truncated endogenous chromosomes in
      barley (Hordeum vulgare) by Agrobacterium-mediated transfer of T-DNA constructs
      containing telomere sequences. Blocks of Arabidopsis-like telomeric repeats were
      inserted into a binary vector suitable for stable transformation. After transfer
      of these constructs into immature embryos of diploid and tetraploid barley,
      chromosome truncation by T-DNA-induced de novo formation of telomeres could be
      confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation, primer extension telomere repeat
      amplification and DNA gel blot analysis in regenerated plants. Telomere seeding
      connected to chromosome truncation was found in tetraploid plants only,
      indicating that genetic redundancy facilitates recovery of shortened chromosomes.
      Truncated chromosomes were transmissible in sexual reproduction, but were
      inherited at rates lower than expected according to Mendelian rules.

PMID- 22080936
TI  - Experimental investigation of beam heating in a soft X-ray scanning transmission
      X-ray microscope.
AB  - A variable temperature sample holder with an operational range of 15 to 200 
      degrees C and an accuracy of +/-1  degrees C has been fabricated for scanning
      transmission X-ray microscopes (STXM). Here we describe the device, and use it to
      image the polycrystalline morphology of solid stearic acid and palmitic acid at
      temperatures near their respective melting points as a means of checking for
      possible sample heating caused by the focused X-ray beam. The melting points
      observed in STXM were identical to those observed by conventional methods within
      measurement uncertainty, even under the most extreme, high dose rate imaging
      conditions investigated. The beam-induced temperature rise in the sample is
      inferred to be below 1  degrees C for dose rates of up to 2.7 GGy/s.

PMID- 22080937
TI  - Abundance and sources of hydrophilic and hydrophobic water-soluble organic carbon
      at an urban site in Korea in summer.
AB  - In this study, the characteristics of total water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC)
      and isolated WSOC fractions were examined to gain a better understanding of the
      pathway of organic aerosol production. 24 h PM(2.5) samples were collected during
      the summer (July 28-August 28, 2009) at an urban site in Korea. A glass column
      filled with XAD7HP resin was used to separate the filtered extracts into
      hydrophilic (WSOC(HPI)) and hydrophobic (WSOC(HPO)) fractions. The origins of air
      mass pathways arriving at the sampling site were mostly classified into three
      types, those originating over the East Sea of Korea that passed over the eastern
      inland urban and industrial regions (type I); those from the marine
      (western/southwestern/southern marine) and passed over the national industrial
      complex regions (type II); and those from northeastern China that passed through
      North Korea and metropolitan areas of South Korea (type III). Measurements showed
      an increase in the average WSOC fraction of total OC from the type II to III air
      mass (53 to 64%) periods. Also, higher SO(4)(2-)/SO(x) (=SO(2) + SO(4)(2-)) was
      observed in the type III air mass (0.70) than those in the types I (0.49) and II
      (0.43). According to the average values of WSOC/OC and SO(4)(2-)/SO(x),
      measurements suggest that the aerosols collected during the type III air mass
      period were more aged or photo-chemically processed than those during the types I
      and II air mass periods. The relationship between the SO(4)(2-)/SO(x) and WSOC/OC
      (R(2) = 0.64) suggests that a significant fraction of the observed WSOC at the
      site could be formed by an oxidation process similar to SO(4)(2-) aerosols,
      probably the oxidation process using OH radicals, or in-cloud processing. The
      photochemical production of WSOC(HPO) was also observed to significantly
      contribute to the total OC.

PMID- 22080938
TI  - Co-production of biomass and metabolites by cell retention culture of Leuconostoc
      citreum.
AB  - Cell retention culture of lactic acid bacterium Leuconostoc citreum was carried
      out in a fermentor equipped with an internal ceramic filtration system to co
      produce biomass and metabolites. The filtration system was composed of porous
      ceramic filter module with pore size of 0.1 MUm and total surface area of 330
      cm(2). High cell density cultivation of L. citreum was achieved within the
      fermentor, while extracellular metabolites such as mannitol and D-lactic acid
      were produced through the filter with high productivities. In batch culture of L.
      citreum using a medium containing 50 g/L of glucose and 100 g/L of fructose, the
      maximum optical density (OD) monitored at 660 nm was 13 with 65 g/L of mannitol
      and 38 g/L of lactic acid. In cell retention culture of L. citreum with dilution
      rate of 0.07 h(-1), OD increased to 75, which was 6 times higher than that in
      batch culture. The concentrations of mannitol and lactic acid increased to 85 and
      45 g/L, respectively, and were maintained throughout the cultivation to 105 h. By
      increasing dilution rate to 0.13 h(-1), the productivities of mannitol and lactic
      acid increased to 8.5 and 4.2 g/L/h, respectively, which were 2.7 to 3 times
      higher than those in batch culture, suggesting that cell retention culture using
      internal filtration system is highly effective for co-production of useful cell
      biomass and various extracellular metabolites.

PMID- 22080939
TI  - [Sleep disordered breathing and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in patients
      with chronic heart failure].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) have a high incidence of
      sleep disordered breathing (SDB). It is assumed that patients with the
      combination of CHF and SDB have more ventricular couplets and nonsustained
      ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) than patients without SDB. METHODS: In 63
      patients, 49 men and 14 women with chronic heart failure (EF < 45%), all-night
      polysomnography and long-term-ECG were performed. Mean age was 59 +/- 15 years,
      mean BMI 27 +/- 5 kg/m(2). 56% had an ischemic, 44% a nonischemic heart disease.
      51% had heart insufficiency classification NYHA III. RESULTS: 42 of the 63
      patients (67%) had sleep disordered breathing (SDB) with an AHI >=5/h. In 24
      patients (38%) SDB was central, in 18 (29%) obstructive. More patients with SDB
      than patients without SDB had NSVT (50% vs. 19%). Nocturnal frequency of NSVT in
      patients with SDB was about twice as high as the rate observed during daytime
      (0.48/h vs. 0.21/h). In patients without SDB there was no relevant difference
      between day and night (0.23/h vs. 0.21/h). AHI correlated with NSVT (r = 0.329, p
      < 0.01). Day/night comparison of couplets was 2.3/h vs. 1.9/h in SDB patients and
      2.0/h vs. 1.6/h in patients without SDB. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic heart
      failure have a high prevalence of SDB. The combination of CHF and SDB predisposes
      for nocturnal malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 22080941
TI  - Postoperative calcium supplementation in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postoperative hypocalcemia is one of the most common
      complications following thyroidectomy. This review examines recent literature on
      predictive factors for hypocalcemia, measurement of serum calcium and parathyroid
      hormone (PTH) levels, and algorithms for supplementation with calcium and/or
      vitamin D. RECENT FINDINGS: Risk factors for developing postthyroidectomy
      hypocalcemia include hyperthyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, female sex,
      substernal thyroid disease, and thyroid cancer, necessitating central neck
      lymphadenectomy. Several studies have shown that routine postoperative oral
      calcium and calcitriol supplementation results in lower rates of tetany. Recent
      studies have focused on the predictive value of intraoperative and postoperative
      serum PTH levels for the development of symptomatic hypocalcemia. Although the
      exact timing and serum levels of PTH have been variable, studies have confirmed
      that patients with very low postoperative PTH levels require oral calcitriol and
      calcium supplementation. A societal-level cost-utility analysis examining the use
      of routine vs. selective oral calcium and calcitriol supplementation found that
      routine supplementation is more cost-effective, and is associated with improved
      quality of life, irrespective of the surgeons' specific rates of hypocalcemia.
      SUMMARY: Although some clinicians favor routine supplementation postoperatively,
      others advocate selective supplementation, guided by postoperative PTH levels.
      The optimal algorithm is unknown, although a recent cost-analysis study suggests
      that routine supplementation may be favored at the societal level.

PMID- 22080942
TI  - Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare tumors, with
      an incidence of one per 100, 000 individuals per year, and they account for 1-2%
      of all pancreatic neoplasms. PNETs are a heterogeneous group with varying
      clinical presentation, tumor biology and prognosis. This article reviews the
      current diagnostic strategy and treatment armamentarium for PNETs. Special
      attention is paid to recent and ongoing developments in treatment, particularly
      with regards to multimodality treatment and newer systemic therapies for
      unresectable disease. RECENT FINDINGS: There has been significant progress in the
      genetic understanding of hereditary syndromes in regards to PNETs, as well as in
      the diagnosis and treatment of resectable and nonresectable PNETs. Whereas
      surgical therapy remains the most advisable therapy for resectable neuroendocrine
      tumors of the pancreas, there have been significant recent advances in systemic
      therapy for those with unresectable disease. Results from recent clinical trials
      examining mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      for unresectable disease are promising in expanding treatment options for
      metastatic PNETs. SUMMARY: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are a
      heterogeneous group of tumors with varying clinical presentation, tumor biology
      and prognosis. Clinicians must be aware of the variety of manifestations of this
      disease, as well as the role of systemic chemotherapy in treatment of
      unresectable disease.

PMID- 22080943
TI  - Current status of robotic thyroidectomy and neck dissection using a gasless
      transaxillary approach.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe refinements in surgical techniques using robotic
      thyroidectomy and robotic modified radical neck dissection (MRND), and to discuss
      the impact of such developments on thyroid cancer management, from oncological,
      functional, and surgical viewpoints. RECENT FINDINGS: From 2009 to present, 23
      reports, including three multicenter trials, on the conduct of robotic thyroid
      surgery via a gasless transaxillary approach appeared. Twenty-two studies
      discussed robotic thyroidectomy, whereas one described robotic MRND. These
      clinical studies showed that robotic surgery afforded identical or superior
      levels of surgical radicality and oncologic safety compared to use of
      conventional open or endoscopic surgery in patients with thyroid carcinomas. In
      such patients, the clinical benefits of robotic thyroidectomy include excellent
      cosmetic results, reduced pain, improvement in swallowing function, and low
      morbidity rates. From the viewpoint of surgeons, robotic surgery shortens the
      surgical learning curve, and causes less musculoskeletal discomfort compared with
      the conduct of open or endoscopic surgery. SUMMARY: The accumulated evidence to
      date suggests that robotic thyroidectomy and MRND can benefit both patients and
      surgeons.

PMID- 22080944
TI  - SIRT1, metabolism and cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: SIRT1 impacts upon diverse cellular processes via its roles in
      the determination of chromatin structure, chromatin remodelling and gene
      expression. This review covers the recent discoveries linking SIRT1 with the
      regulation of mammalian metabolism and considers ways in which abnormal
      metabolism in disease may, in turn, impact upon SIRT1 because of SIRT1's
      functional dependency upon NAD. RECENT FINDINGS: Diverse signalling pathways are
      integrated to regulate energy metabolism and homeostasis. Such pathways involve
      intracellular networks and mitochondria, and also intercellular signalling within
      and between tissues to co-ordinate adaptive metabolic responses within the
      organism as a whole. Here, we outline the recent studies exploring the regulatory
      links between SIRT1 and mitochondrial biogenesis, cellular redox and associated
      metabolic pathways, and angiogenesis/Notch signalling. These links are effected
      by the SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of transcriptional regulators and enzymes
      with key roles in metabolism. SUMMARY: SIRT1 activity is directly coupled with
      homeostasis and metabolism. SIRT1 is also a metabolic sensor. It follows that
      disease-related metabolic abnormalities are likely to impinge upon SIRT1
      functioning. Disease-related functions of SIRT1, in their turn, offer potential
      targets for the development of novel SIRT1-based therapies. In cancer, for
      example, the survival function of SIRT1 may reflect abnormal cancer metabolism
      and identifies SIRT1 as a target for anticancer therapy.

PMID- 22080945
TI  - Altered cancer cell metabolism in gliomas with mutant IDH1 or IDH2.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: IDH1/2 mutations occur in up to 70% of low-grade gliomas and
      secondary glioblastomas. Mutation of these enzymes reduces the wildtype function
      of the enzyme (conversion of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate) while conferring
      a new enzymatic function, the production of D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG) from
      alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG). However, it is unclear how these enzymatic
      changes contribute to tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss the recent studies that
      demonstrate how IDH1/2 mutation may alter the metabolism and epigenome of
      gliomas, how these changes may contribute to tumor formation, and opportunities
      they might provide for molecular targeting. RECENT FINDINGS: Metabolomic studies
      of IDH1/2 mutant cells have revealed alterations in glutamine, fatty acid, and
      citrate synthesis pathways. Additionally, D-2-HG produced by IDH1/2 mutant cells
      can competitively inhibit alpha-KG-dependent enzymes, including histone
      demethylases and DNA hydroxylases, potentially leading to a distinct epigenetic
      phenotype. Alterations in metabolism and DNA methylation present possible
      mechanisms of tumorigenesis. SUMMARY: Recent attempts to improve outcomes for
      glioma patients have resulted in incremental gains. Studies of IDH1/2 mutations
      have provided mechanistic insights into tumorigenesis and potential avenues for
      therapeutic intervention. Further study of IDH1/2 mutations might allow for
      improved therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22080946
TI  - Advances in robotic adrenalectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the development of robotic adrenalectomy over the
      last decade, focusing on specific technical advances in the last 18 months.
      RECENT FINDINGS: The learning curve for robotic adrenalectomy, after which
      conversion rates and operative times significantly decrease, is more than 20
      cases even in surgeons with extensive laparoscopic experience. Two new uses of
      the robot to extend traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy have been highlighted
      in recent studies. Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy can be aided by
      robotic assistance, particularly in patients whose adrenal gland is located well
      superior to the 12th rib, on the anterior surface of the kidney, or in the renal
      hilum. Robotic assistance has also enabled cortical-sparing adrenalectomy which
      may obviate the need for steroid hormone replacement in patients with multiple or
      bilateral tumors. SUMMARY: Robot-assisted adrenalectomy can extend the
      capabilities of traditional laparoscopy, particularly in regard to performing
      posterior retroperitoneal and subtotal adrenalectomies.

PMID- 22080948
TI  - Two populations of X-ray pulsars produced by two types of supernova.
AB  - Two types of supernova are thought to produce the overwhelming majority of
      neutron stars in the Universe. The first type, iron-core-collapse supernovae,
      occurs when a high-mass star develops a degenerate iron core that exceeds the
      Chandrasekhar limit. The second type, electron-capture supernovae, is associated
      with the collapse of a lower-mass oxygen-neon-magnesium core as it loses pressure
      support owing to the sudden capture of electrons by neon and/or magnesium nuclei.
      It has hitherto been impossible to identify the two distinct families of neutron
      stars produced in these formation channels. Here we report that a large, well
      known class of neutron-star-hosting X-ray pulsars is actually composed of two
      distinct subpopulations with different characteristic spin periods, orbital
      periods and orbital eccentricities. This class, the Be/X-ray binaries, contains
      neutron stars that accrete material from a more massive companion star. The two
      subpopulations are most probably associated with the two distinct types of
      neutron-star-forming supernova, with electron-capture supernovae preferentially
      producing systems with short spin periods, short orbital periods and low
      eccentricities. Intriguingly, the split between the two subpopulations is
      clearest in the distribution of the logarithm of spin period, a result that had
      not been predicted and which still remains to be explained.

PMID- 22080947
TI  - Senescence surveillance of pre-malignant hepatocytes limits liver cancer
      development.
AB  - Upon the aberrant activation of oncogenes, normal cells can enter the cellular
      senescence program, a state of stable cell-cycle arrest, which represents an
      important barrier against tumour development in vivo. Senescent cells communicate
      with their environment by secreting various cytokines and growth factors, and it
      was reported that this 'secretory phenotype' can have pro- as well as anti
      tumorigenic effects. Here we show that oncogene-induced senescence occurs in
      otherwise normal murine hepatocytes in vivo. Pre-malignant senescent hepatocytes
      secrete chemo- and cytokines and are subject to immune-mediated clearance
      (designated as 'senescence surveillance'), which depends on an intact CD4(+) T
      cell-mediated adaptive immune response. Impaired immune surveillance of pre
      malignant senescent hepatocytes results in the development of murine
      hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), thus showing that senescence surveillance is
      important for tumour suppression in vivo. In accordance with these observations,
      ras-specific Th1 lymphocytes could be detected in mice, in which oncogene-induced
      senescence had been triggered by hepatic expression of Nras(G12V). We also found
      that CD4(+) T cells require monocytes/macrophages to execute the clearance of
      senescent hepatocytes. Our study indicates that senescence surveillance
      represents an important extrinsic component of the senescence anti-tumour
      barrier, and illustrates how the cellular senescence program is involved in
      tumour immune surveillance by mounting specific immune responses against antigens
      expressed in pre-malignant senescent cells.

PMID- 22080949
TI  - Energetics and the evolution of human brain size.
AB  - The human brain stands out among mammals by being unusually large. The expensive
      tissue hypothesis explains its evolution by proposing a trade-off between the
      size of the brain and that of the digestive tract, which is smaller than expected
      for a primate of our body size. Although this hypothesis is widely accepted,
      empirical support so far has been equivocal. Here we test it in a sample of 100
      mammalian species, including 23 primates, by analysing brain size and organ mass
      data. We found that, controlling for fat-free body mass, brain size is not
      negatively correlated with the mass of the digestive tract or any other expensive
      organ, thus refuting the expensive-tissue hypothesis. Nonetheless, consistent
      with the existence of energy trade-offs with brain size, we find that the size of
      brains and adipose depots are negatively correlated in mammals, indicating that
      encephalization and fat storage are compensatory strategies to buffer against
      starvation. However, these two strategies can be combined if fat storage does not
      unduly hamper locomotor efficiency. We propose that human encephalization was
      made possible by a combination of stabilization of energy inputs and a
      redirection of energy from locomotion, growth and reproduction.

PMID- 22080950
TI  - A novel recurrent mutation in MITF predisposes to familial and sporadic melanoma.
AB  - So far, two genes associated with familial melanoma have been identified,
      accounting for a minority of genetic risk in families. Mutations in CDKN2A
      account for approximately 40% of familial cases, and predisposing mutations in
      CDK4 have been reported in a very small number of melanoma kindreds. Here we
      report the whole-genome sequencing of probands from several melanoma families,
      which we performed in order to identify other genes associated with familial
      melanoma. We identify one individual carrying a novel germline variant (coding
      DNA sequence c.G1075A; protein sequence p.E318K; rs149617956) in the melanoma
      lineage-specific oncogene microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).
      Although the variant co-segregated with melanoma in some but not all cases in the
      family, linkage analysis of 31 families subsequently identified to carry the
      variant generated a log of odds (lod) score of 2.7 under a dominant model,
      indicating E318K as a possible intermediate risk variant. Consistent with this,
      the E318K variant was significantly associated with melanoma in a large
      Australian case-control sample. Likewise, it was similarly associated in an
      independent case-control sample from the United Kingdom. In the Australian
      sample, the variant allele was significantly over-represented in cases with a
      family history of melanoma, multiple primary melanomas, or both. The variant
      allele was also associated with increased naevus count and non-blue eye colour.
      Functional analysis of E318K showed that MITF encoded by the variant allele had
      impaired sumoylation and differentially regulated several MITF targets. These
      data indicate that MITF is a melanoma-predisposition gene and highlight the
      utility of whole-genome sequencing to identify novel rare variants associated
      with disease susceptibility.

PMID- 22080951
TI  - Regulatory evolution through divergence of a phosphoswitch in the transcription
      factor CEBPB.
AB  - There is an emerging consensus that gene regulation evolves through changes in
      cis-regulatory elements and transcription factors. Although it is clear how
      nucleotide substitutions in cis-regulatory elements affect gene expression, it is
      not clear how amino-acid substitutions in transcription factors influence gene
      regulation. Here we show that amino-acid changes in the transcription factor
      CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-beta (CEBPB, also known as C/EBP-beta) in the stem
      lineage of placental mammals changed the way it responds to cyclic AMP/protein
      kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signalling. By functionally analysing resurrected ancestral
      proteins, we identify three amino-acid substitutions in an internal regulatory
      domain of CEBPB that are responsible for the novel function. These amino-acid
      substitutions reorganize the location of key phosphorylation sites, introducing a
      new site and removing two ancestral sites, reversing the response of CEBPB to GSK
      3beta-mediated phosphorylation from repression to activation. We conclude that
      changing the response of transcription factors to signalling pathways can be an
      important mechanism of gene regulatory evolution.

PMID- 22080952
TI  - Basigin is a receptor essential for erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium
      falciparum.
AB  - Erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum is central to the pathogenesis of
      malaria. Invasion requires a series of extracellular recognition events between
      erythrocyte receptors and ligands on the merozoite, the invasive form of the
      parasite. None of the few known receptor-ligand interactions involved are
      required in all parasite strains, indicating that the parasite is able to access
      multiple redundant invasion pathways. Here, we show that we have identified a
      receptor-ligand pair that is essential for erythrocyte invasion in all tested P.
      falciparum strains. By systematically screening a library of erythrocyte
      proteins, we have found that the Ok blood group antigen, basigin, is a receptor
      for PfRh5, a parasite ligand that is essential for blood stage growth.
      Erythrocyte invasion was potently inhibited by soluble basigin or by basigin
      knockdown, and invasion could be completely blocked using low concentrations of
      anti-basigin antibodies; importantly, these effects were observed across all
      laboratory-adapted and field strains tested. Furthermore, Ok(a-) erythrocytes,
      which express a basigin variant that has a weaker binding affinity for PfRh5, had
      reduced invasion efficiencies. Our discovery of a cross-strain dependency on a
      single extracellular receptor-ligand pair for erythrocyte invasion by P.
      falciparum provides a focus for new anti-malarial therapies.

PMID- 22080953
TI  - Dendritic cells control lymphocyte entry to lymph nodes through high endothelial
      venules.
AB  - While patrolling the body in search of foreign antigens, naive lymphocytes
      continuously circulate from the blood, through the lymph nodes, into the
      lymphatic vessels and back to the blood. This process, called lymphocyte
      recirculation, provides the body with effective immune surveillance for foreign
      invaders and for alterations to the body's own cells. However, the mechanisms
      that regulate lymphocyte recirculation during homeostasis remain incompletely
      characterized. Here we show that dendritic cells (DCs), which are well known for
      their role in antigen presentation to T lymphocytes, control the entry of naive
      lymphocytes to lymph nodes by modulating the phenotype of high endothelial
      venules (HEVs), which are blood vessels specialized in lymphocyte recruitment. We
      found that in vivo depletion of CD11c(+) DCs in adult mice over a 1-week period
      induces a reduction in the size and cellularity of the peripheral and mucosal
      lymph nodes. In the absence of DCs, the mature adult HEV phenotype reverts to an
      immature neonatal phenotype, and HEV-mediated lymphocyte recruitment to lymph
      nodes is inhibited. Co-culture experiments showed that the effect of DCs on HEV
      endothelial cells is direct and requires lymphotoxin-beta-receptor-dependent
      signalling. DCs express lymphotoxin, and DC-derived lymphotoxin is important for
      lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes in vivo. Together, our results reveal a
      previously unsuspected role for DCs in the regulation of lymphocyte recirculation
      during immune surveillance.

PMID- 22080954
TI  - The circadian molecular clock creates epidermal stem cell heterogeneity.
AB  - Murine epidermal stem cells undergo alternate cycles of dormancy and activation,
      fuelling tissue renewal. However, only a subset of stem cells becomes active
      during each round of morphogenesis, indicating that stem cells coexist in
      heterogeneous responsive states. Using a circadian-clock reporter-mouse model,
      here we show that the dormant hair-follicle stem cell niche contains coexisting
      populations of cells at opposite phases of the clock, which are differentially
      predisposed to respond to homeostatic cues. The core clock protein Bmal1
      modulates the expression of stem cell regulatory genes in an oscillatory manner,
      to create populations that are either predisposed, or less prone, to activation.
      Disrupting this clock equilibrium, through deletion of Bmal1 (also known as
      Arntl) or Per1/2, resulted in a progressive accumulation or depletion of dormant
      stem cells, respectively. Stem cell arrhythmia also led to premature epidermal
      ageing, and a reduction in the development of squamous tumours. Our results
      indicate that the circadian clock fine-tunes the temporal behaviour of epidermal
      stem cells, and that its perturbation affects homeostasis and the predisposition
      to tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22080955
TI  - Structure of full-length Drosophila cryptochrome.
AB  - The cryptochrome/photolyase (CRY/PL) family of photoreceptors mediates adaptive
      responses to ultraviolet and blue light exposure in all kingdoms of life. Whereas
      PLs function predominantly in DNA repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs)
      and 6-4 photolesions caused by ultraviolet radiation, CRYs transduce signals
      important for growth, development, magnetosensitivity and circadian clocks.
      Despite these diverse functions, PLs/CRYs preserve a common structural fold, a
      dependence on flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and an internal photoactivation
      mechanism. However, members of the CRY/PL family differ in the substrates
      recognized (protein or DNA), photochemical reactions catalysed and involvement of
      an antenna cofactor. It is largely unknown how the animal CRYs that regulate
      circadian rhythms act on their substrates. CRYs contain a variable carboxy
      terminal tail that appends the conserved PL homology domain (PHD) and is
      important for function. Here, we report a 2.3-A resolution crystal structure of
      Drosophila CRY with an intact C terminus. The C-terminal helix docks in the
      analogous groove that binds DNA substrates in PLs. Conserved Trp 536 juts into
      the CRY catalytic centre to mimic PL recognition of DNA photolesions. The FAD
      anionic semiquinone found in the crystals assumes a conformation to facilitate
      restructuring of the tail helix. These results help reconcile the diverse
      functions of the CRY/PL family by demonstrating how conserved protein
      architecture and photochemistry can be elaborated into a range of light-driven
      functions.

PMID- 22080956
TI  - Neuronal filtering of multiplexed odour representations.
AB  - Neuronal activity patterns contain information in their temporal structure,
      indicating that information transfer between neurons may be optimized by temporal
      filtering. In the zebrafish olfactory bulb, subsets of output neurons (mitral
      cells) engage in synchronized oscillations during odour responses, but
      information about odour identity is contained mostly in non-oscillatory firing
      rate patterns. Using optogenetic manipulations and odour stimulation, we found
      that firing rate responses of neurons in the posterior zone of the dorsal
      telencephalon (Dp), a target area homologous to olfactory cortex, were largely
      insensitive to oscillatory synchrony of mitral cells because passive membrane
      properties and synaptic currents act as low-pass filters. Nevertheless, synchrony
      influenced spike timing. Moreover, Dp neurons responded primarily during the
      decorrelated steady state of mitral cell activity patterns. Temporal filtering
      therefore tunes Dp neurons to components of mitral cell activity patterns that
      are particularly informative about precise odour identity. These results
      demonstrate how temporal filtering can extract specific information from
      multiplexed neuronal codes.

PMID- 22080957
TI  - Self-formation of functional adenohypophysis in three-dimensional culture.
AB  - The adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) is a major centre for systemic hormones.
      At present, no efficient stem-cell culture for its generation is available,
      partly because of insufficient knowledge about how the pituitary primordium
      (Rathke's pouch) is induced in the embryonic head ectoderm. Here we report
      efficient self-formation of three-dimensional adenohypophysis tissues in an
      aggregate culture of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. ES cells were stimulated to
      differentiate into non-neural head ectoderm and hypothalamic neuroectoderm in
      adjacent layers within the aggregate, and treated with hedgehog signalling. Self
      organization of Rathke's-pouch-like three-dimensional structures occurred at the
      interface of these two epithelia, as seen in vivo, and various endocrine cells
      including corticotrophs and somatotrophs were subsequently produced. The
      corticotrophs efficiently secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone in response to
      corticotrophin releasing hormone and, when grafted in vivo, these cells rescued
      the systemic glucocorticoid level in hypopituitary mice. Thus, functional
      anterior pituitary tissue self-forms in ES cell culture, recapitulating local
      tissue interactions.

PMID- 22080958
TI  - Abusive head trauma Part II: radiological aspects.
AB  - Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a relatively common cause of neurotrauma in young
      children. Radiology plays an important role in establishing a diagnosis and
      assessing a prognosis. Computed tomography (CT), followed by magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), is the best tool for
      neuroimaging. There is no evidence-based approach for the follow-up of AHT; both
      repeat CT and MRI are currently used but literature is not conclusive. A full
      skeletal survey according to international guidelines should always be performed
      to obtain information on possible underlying bone diseases or injuries suspicious
      for child abuse. Cranial ultrasonography is not indicated as a diagnostic
      modality for the evaluation of AHT. If there is a suspicion of AHT, this should
      be communicated with the clinicians immediately in order to arrange protective
      measures as long as AHT is part of the differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The
      final diagnosis of AHT can never be based on radiological findings only; this
      should always be made in a multidisciplinary team assessment where all clinical
      and psychosocial information is combined and judged by a group of experts in the
      field.

PMID- 22080959
TI  - Retinal dystrophies and gene therapy.
AB  - Retinal dystrophies are inherited disorders of photoreceptor and retinal pigment
      epithelial function that may result in severe visual impairment. Advances in
      molecular genetics have helped identify many of the gene defects responsible, and
      progress in gene transfer technology has enabled therapeutic strategies to be
      developed and applied. The first human clinical trials of gene therapy for RPE65
      associated retinal dystrophy have shown promising initial results and have helped
      prepare the way for further trials of gene therapy for inherited retinal
      disorders. The results of these trials will provide further insight into the
      safety and efficacy of gene therapy for a range of currently untreatable and
      debilitating eye disorders.

PMID- 22080960
TI  - Magnetic response of conductance peak structure in junction-confined graphene
      nanoribbons.
AB  - We have numerically investigated the magnetic response of the conductance peak
      structures in the transport gap of graphene nanoribbons. It is shown that the
      magnetic field induces a number of new conductance peaks within the transport gap
      of graphene nanoribbons confined by structural junctions. In addition, the
      magnetic field causes a shift of the conductance peak position and broadening of
      the peak width. This behaviour is due to the disappearance of zero conductance
      dips at the junction as a result of breaking time-reversal symmetry. Such
      behaviour is, however, not observed in the electronic transport of graphene
      nanoribbons confined by potential barriers, i.e. p-n-junctions. Thus, the
      magnetic response of conductance peaks may be used to distinguish the origin of
      the conductance peak structure within the transport gap observed in the
      experiments.

PMID- 22080961
TI  - Duration and magnitude of hypotension and monocyte deactivation in patients with
      community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - The objective was to examine the relationship of duration and magnitude of
      arterial hypotension to subsequent cellular immune suppression and cytokinemia in
      patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We studied an
      observational cohort of 525 subjects hospitalized after presenting to the
      emergency department with radiographic and clinical signs of CAP. We compared the
      duration and magnitude of hypotension, using the cardiovascular Sequential Organ
      Failure Assessment (CV SOFA) subscore, to day 3 monocyte expression of human
      leukocyte antigen-DR (mHLA-DR), a previously validated marker of cellular immune
      suppression. A significant association of CV SOFA with decreased mHLA-DR
      expression was present in univariate analysis (P < 0.001) and persisted after
      adjustment for illness severity and other covariates (P = 0.01). With CV SOFA
      separated into components of magnitude and duration, after covariate adjustment,
      only duration was associated with day 3 mHLA-DR expression (P = 0.03). Levels of
      key proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-10,
      tumor necrosis factor) increased with hypotension exposure and were also
      associated with mHLA-DR expression. In patients admitted with CAP, arterial
      hypotension over the first 3 days is associated with markers of monocyte
      deactivation. The duration of exposure to hypotension may be more important than
      the magnitude, and monocyte deactivation correlates with IL-6 and IL-10 release.
      These results suggest that persistent hypotension might contribute to
      immunosuppression following septic shock.

PMID- 22080962
TI  - Self-reported mammography use following BRCA1/2 genetic testing may be
      overestimated.
AB  - Adherence to mammographic screening recommendations following BRCA1/2 testing is
      generally assessed through self-reports. However, the validity of self-reported
      mammography by women who had undergone BRCA1/2 genetic testing is still unknown.
      This study aimed to assess the validity of self-reported mammography use in the
      past 12 months among women who had undergone BRCA1/2 testing. Using a self
      administered questionnaire, 307 women who never had cancer were asked 1 year
      following BRCA1/2 test result disclosure whether they undergone a mammography in
      the past 12 months. For each participant, this information was compared to that
      provided by the Quebec Health Insurance Board administrative data set for
      mammography claims during the same period, here considered as the gold standard.
      Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), predictive values, and Cohen's kappa (kappa)
      were calculated. The robustness of these estimates was assessed using sensitivity
      analysis in which we varied the administrative data time lapses up to 18 months.
      Overall, the agreement between self-reports and administrative data was 88%
      (kappa = 0.74). Among the 180 participants who had a mammography according to the
      administrative data, 172 adequately reported this information (Sn = 96%). Sp was
      moderate (76%), meaning that 24% of those who did not have a mammography reported
      one. Extending the time lapses to 18 months increased the Sp substantially (Sp =
      90%). Self-report overestimates the use of mammography, mainly because women tend
      to minimize the elapsed time since their last mammography. Self-reports should be
      used cautiously to assess adherence to mammographic screening following BRCA1/2
      testing.

PMID- 22080963
TI  - Preemptive dosing of plerixafor given to poor stem cell mobilizers on day 5 of G
      CSF administration.
AB  - Plerixafor, given on day 4 of G-CSF treatment is more effective than G-CSF alone
      in mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells. We tested a strategy of preemptive
      plerixafor use following assessment of the peak mobilization response to 5 days
      of G-CSF. Patients were eligible for plerixafor if, on day 5 of G-CSF, there were
      <7 circulating CD34+ cells/MUL or if <1.3 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg were collected
      on the first day of apheresis. Plerixafor (0.24 mg/kg s.c.) was given on day 5 of
      G-CSF followed by apheresis on day 6. This was repeated for up to two additional
      doses of plerixafor. The primary end point of the study was the percentage of
      patients who collected at least 2 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. Twenty candidates for
      auto-SCT enrolled on the trial. The circulating CD34+ cell level increased a
      median of 3.1 fold (range 1-8 fold) after the first dose of plerixafor and a
      median of 1.2 fold (range 0.3-6.5 fold) after the second dose of plerixafor. In
      all, 15 out of 20 (75%) patients achieved the primary end point. In conclusion,
      the decision to administer plerixafor can be delayed until after the peak
      mobilization response to G-CSF has been fully assessed.

PMID- 22080964
TI  - Allo-SCT in a patient with CRMCC with aplastic anemia using a reduced intensity
      conditioning regimen.

PMID- 22080965
TI  - Durable complete remission after single agent decitabine in AML relapsing in
      extramedullary sites after allo-SCT.

PMID- 22080966
TI  - HLA-matched sibling stem cell transplantation in children with beta-thalassemia
      with anti-thymocyte globulin as part of the preparative regimen: the Greek
      experience.
AB  - BU combined with CY, the preferred preparatory regimen for thalassemic patients,
      is associated with a substantial incidence of graft rejection especially in
      patients with advanced disease stage. This study retrospectively analyzes the
      outcome of 75 consecutive pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia who underwent
      HLA-matched sibling transplantation after anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)
      containing myeloablative conditioning regimens. With a median follow-up of 9
      years (range 1-15 years), the overall survival (OS) and thalassemia free survival
      (TFS) rates were 96% and 92%, respectively. Both the estimated TRM and the
      cumulative incidence of rejection/failure were 4%. The cumulative incidences of
      acute GVHD grade II-III and grade III were 20% and 5.3%, respectively. No patient
      developed acute GVHD grade IV. Only two patients developed extensive chronic
      GVHD. The estimated OS and TFS for patients with Class 1 and 2 disease according
      to Pesaro criteria were 96.3% and 94.4%, whereas for patients with Class 3
      disease they were 94.1% and 88.2%, respectively. In our series, the use of
      myeloablative conditioning regimens, which include ATG for the transplantation of
      thalassemic children from matched sibling donors, resulted in excellent outcomes
      with very low incidences of TRM and rejection.

PMID- 22080967
TI  - Successful treatment with plasma exchange for disseminated cidofovir-resistant
      adenovirus disease in a pediatric SCT recipient.

PMID- 22080968
TI  - Clofarabine and CY do not yield reliable engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells.

PMID- 22080969
TI  - Potential prolongation of PFS in mantle cell lymphoma after R-HyperCVAD: auto-SCT
      consolidation or rituximab maintenance.
AB  - We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients undergoing first-line treatment for
      mantle cell lymphoma with R-HyperCVAD, with or without rituximab (R) maintenance
      or auto-SCT. The primary study end point was PFS; secondary end point was overall
      survival.Median follow up for all patients was 3.3 years. Median age was 54
      years, and 95% (n=42) were stage III or IV at diagnosis. In all, 17 patients
      underwent consolidative auto-SCT and 12 patients received R maintenance. The
      overall response rate was 95%, with 91% achieving complete response (CR). Median
      PFS for all patients was 3.5 years. Median PFS was 2.3 years for patients treated
      with R-HyperCVAD alone vs 3.9 years (P=0.02) with R-HyperCVAD+ R maintenance and
      4.5 years (P=0.01) with R-HyperCVAD+ auto-SCT. For patients who did not achieve
      CR at interim staging, PFS for R-HyperCVAD alone was 1.4 years vs not reached for
      R-HyperCVAD+ consolidation (either R maintenance or auto-SCT) (P=0.02). PFS for
      patients with CR at interim staging was 3.3 years vs not reached (P=0.04) after
      consolidation. Our data suggest potential improvement in PFS when R-HyperCVAD is
      consolidated with either R maintenance or auto-SCT. This benefit appears
      particularly significant in those patients who do not achieve CR at interim
      restaging.

PMID- 22080970
TI  - Clinical effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for BK-virus-associated
      hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
AB  - Late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) has been associated with BK virus (BKV). Antiviral drugs
      are of limited efficacy and the optimal treatment for HC has not yet been
      established. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) may benefit these patients. We, therefore,
      retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of HBO therapy in 16 patients with HC
      after allogeneic HSCT. All 16 patients had macroscopic hematuria and BKV
      infection. Patients received 100% oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber at 2.1
      atmospheres for 90 min, 5 days per week, with a median 13 treatments (range, 4
      84). Fifteen patients (94%) showed complete resolution of hematuria. Median
      urinary DNA BKV titers declined after HBO (P<0.05). Patients started on HBO
      earlier after diagnosis of HC responded sooner (P<0.05). HBO was generally well
      tolerated and proved to be a reliable option for this difficult to manage
      condition.

PMID- 22080972
TI  - Tolerance to liver allograft after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
      for severe aplastic anemia from the same HLA-matched sibling donor.

PMID- 22080971
TI  - European data on stem cell mobilization with plerixafor in non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma patients. A subgroup analysis
      of the European Consortium of stem cell mobilization.
AB  - The effectiveness of the novel hematopoietic stem cell mobilizing agent
      plerixafor was evaluated in nationwide compassionate use programs in 13 European
      countries. A total of 580 poor mobilizers with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL),
      Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and multiple myeloma (MM) were enrolled. All patients
      received plerixafor plus granulocyte CSF with or without chemotherapy. Overall,
      the collection yield was significantly higher in MM patients (>2.0 * 10(6) CD34+
      cells/kg: 81.6%; >5.0 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 32.0%) than in NHL patients (>2.0 *
      10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 64.8%; >5.0 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 12.6%; P<0.0001) and
      also significantly higher in HL patients (>2.0 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 81.5%;
      >5.0 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 22.2%) than in NHL patients (P=0.013). In a subgroup
      analysis, there were no significant differences in mobilization success comparing
      patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and mantle cell
      lymphoma. Our data emphasize the role of plerixafor in poor mobilizers, but
      further strategies to improve the apheresis yield especially in patients with NHL
      are required.

PMID- 22080973
TI  - Plerixafor in AL amyloidosis: improved graft composition and faster lymphocyte
      recovery after auto-SCT in patient with end-stage renal-disease.

PMID- 22080974
TI  - The proximodistal aggravation of colitis depends on substance P released from
      TRPV1-expressing sensory neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1)-expressing
      sensory neurons release neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin
      gene-related peptide (CGRP), which play a crucial role in the pathomechanism of
      experimental colitis. We investigated whether innervation density and
      neuropeptide release were responsible for the proximodistal aggravation of murine
      dextran-sulfate-sodium-salt (DSS) colitis. METHODS: Whole mount TRPV1/CGRP
      immunostained mouse colon preparations were semiquantitatively analyzed. TRPV1
      activation by capsaicin and acidic solution (pH 5.1) induced colonic CGRP/SP
      release, measured by EIA. Single cell quantitative PCR was employed to measure
      TRPV1 expression levels in DiI-labeled colonic dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
      neurons. The proximodistal gradient of DSS colitis severity was investigated in
      WT, CGRP(-/-), SP(-/-), and resiniferatoxin (RTX)-desensitized mice, employing
      mouse endoscopy, histology, and body weight measurement. RESULTS: TRPV1/CGRP
      positive nerve fiber density was increased in the distal colon wall. CGRP/SP
      release induced by TRPV1 activation from the distal colon was greater than that
      from the proximal colon. This gradient further increased in colitis. TRPV1 gene
      expression increased in colonic DRGs projecting to the distal, compared to that
      in colonic DRGs projecting to the proximal colon, and was further enhanced during
      colitis. In contrast to WT and CGRP(-/-) mice, SP(-/-) and RTX-desensitized mice
      showed amelioration of DSS colitis accompanied by a loss of the proximodistal
      gradient of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial correlation among increased
      colonic innervation density, TRPV1 receptor expression, stimulated SP release,
      and colitis severity suggested that TRPV1/SP-expressing sensory neurons should be
      considered as a therapeutic target in human ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 22080978
TI  - l-carbocisteine inhibits respiratory syncytial virus infection in human tracheal
      epithelial cells.
AB  - To examine the effects of l-carbocisteine on airway infection with respiratory
      syncytial (RS) virus, human tracheal epithelial cells were pretreated with l
      carbocisteine and infected with RS virus. Viral titer, virus RNA, and pro
      inflammatory cytokine secretion, including interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, increased
      with time after infection. l-carbocisteine reduced the viral titer in the
      supernatant fluids, the amount of RS virus RNA, RS virus infection
      susceptibility, and the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by
      virus infection. l-carbocisteine reduced the expression of intercellular adhesion
      molecule (ICAM)-1, an RS virus receptor, on the cells. However, l-carbocisteine
      had no effects on the expression of heparan sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan that
      binds to the RS virus attachment protein, or on the amount of intracellular
      activated-RhoA, isoform A of the Ras-homologous family, that binds to the RS
      virus fusion protein. These findings suggest that l-carbocisteine may inhibit RS
      virus infection by reducing the expression of ICAM-1. It may also modulate airway
      inflammation during RS virus infection.

PMID- 22080979
TI  - Real-time monitoring of blood carbon dioxide tension by fluorosensor.
AB  - A new intravascular fluorosensor was developed and validated for inline
      P(CO)2monitoring. The P(CO)2sensor was based on the fluorescent indicator 1
      hydroxypyrene-3,6,8-trisulfonate. The P(CO)2sensor was then immersed in various
      solutions in vitro and carotid artery bypass of rabbits in vivo for testing.
      Changes of P(CO)2in solutions and blood were created by bubbling CO2/N2 and
      hyperventilation/hypoventilation, respectively. The changes of fluorescent
      intensity over P(CO)2 range of 14-150 mmHg was linear. The resolution of the
      whole sensor system was 1 mmHg, with a bias +/- SD of -0.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg and
      precision +/- SD of 2.1 +/- 1.9 mmHg. The sensor signal has been stable during
      measurement for at least 25h and was insensitive to fluctuations of ions
      concentration and osmosis at pathophysiological limits. The performance of the
      sensor is in agreement with blood gas analyzer in a wide range of P(CO)2and it is
      qualified for continuous intravascular measurement of blood P(CO)2at various
      conditions.

PMID- 22080976
TI  - Antioxidant therapies in traumatic brain and spinal cord injury.
AB  - Free radical formation and oxidative damage have been extensively investigated
      and validated as important contributors to the pathophysiology of acute central
      nervous system injury. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is an early event following injury occurring
      within minutes of mechanical impact. A key component in this event is
      peroxynitrite-induced lipid peroxidation. As discussed in this review,
      peroxynitrite formation and lipid peroxidation irreversibly damages neuronal
      membrane lipids and protein function, which results in subsequent disruptions in
      ion homeostasis, glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, mitochondrial respiratory
      failure and microvascular damage. Antioxidant approaches include the inhibition
      and/or scavenging of superoxide, peroxynitrite, or carbonyl compounds, the
      inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the targeting of the endogenous antioxidant
      defense system. This review covers the preclinical and clinical literature
      supporting the role of ROS and RNS and their derived oxygen free radicals in the
      secondary injury response following acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal
      cord injury (SCI) and reviews the past and current trends in the development of
      antioxidant therapeutic strategies. Combinatorial treatment with the suggested
      mechanistically complementary antioxidants will also be discussed as a promising
      neuroprotective approach in TBI and SCI therapeutic research. This article is
      part of a Special Issue entitled: Antioxidants and antioxidant treatment in
      disease.

PMID- 22080980
TI  - Proteomes of hard and soft near-isogenic wheat lines reveal that kernel hardness
      is related to the amplification of a stress response during endosperm
      development.
AB  - Wheat kernel texture, a major trait determining the end-use quality of wheat
      flour, is mainly influenced by puroindolines. These small basic proteins display
      in vitro lipid binding and antimicrobial properties, but their cellular functions
      during grain development remain unknown. To gain an insight into their biological
      function, a comparative proteome analysis of two near-isogenic lines (NILs) of
      bread wheat Triticum aestivum L. cv. Falcon differing in the presence or absence
      of the puroindoline-a gene (Pina) and kernel hardness, was performed. Proteomes
      of the two NILs were compared at four developmental stages of the grain for the
      metabolic albumin/globulin fraction and the Triton-extracted amphiphilic
      fraction. Proteome variations showed that, during grain development, folding
      proteins and stress-related proteins were more abundant in the hard line compared
      with the soft one. These results, taken together with ultrastructural
      observations showing that the formation of the protein matrix occurred earlier in
      the hard line, suggested that a stress response, possibly the unfolded protein
      response, is induced earlier in the hard NIL than in the soft one leading to
      earlier endosperm cell death. Quantification of the albumin/globulin fraction and
      amphiphilic proteins at each developmental stage strengthened this hypothesis as
      a plateau was revealed from the 500  degrees Cd stage in the hard NIL whereas
      synthesis continued in the soft one. These results open new avenues concerning
      the function of puroindolines which could be involved in the storage protein
      folding machinery, consequently affecting the development of wheat endosperm and
      the formation of the protein matrix.

PMID- 22080977
TI  - Mutant huntingtin, abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, defective axonal transport of
      mitochondria, and selective synaptic degeneration in Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease
      caused by expanded polyglutamine repeats in the HD gene. HD is characterized by
      chorea, seizures, involuntary movements, dystonia, cognitive decline,
      intellectual impairment and emotional disturbances. Research into mutant
      huntingtin (Htt) and mitochondria has found that mutant Htt interacts with the
      mitochondrial protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), enhances GTPase Drp1
      enzymatic activity, and causes excessive mitochondrial fragmentation and abnormal
      distribution, leading to defective axonal transport of mitochondria and selective
      synaptic degeneration. This article summarizes latest developments in HD research
      and focuses on the role of abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and defective axonal
      transport in HD neurons. This article also discusses the therapeutic strategies
      that decrease mitochondrial fragmentation and neuronal damage in HD.

PMID- 22080982
TI  - The brave new world of antiplatelet therapy: seeking clarity in a world of
      increasing choice and complexity.

PMID- 22080981
TI  - Identification and genetic characterization of a gibberellin 2-oxidase gene that
      controls tree stature and reproductive growth in plum.
AB  - Several dwarf plum genotypes (Prunus salicina L.), due to deficiency of unknown
      gibberellin (GA) signalling, were identified. A cDNA encoding GA 2-oxidase
      (PslGA2ox), the major gibberellin catabolic enzyme in plants, was cloned and used
      to screen the GA-deficient hybrids. This resulted in the identification of a
      dwarf plum hybrid, designated as DGO24, that exhibits a markedly elevated
      PslGA2ox signal. Grafting 'Early Golden' (EG), a commercial plum cultivar, on
      DGO24 (EG/D) enhanced PslGA2ox accumulation in the scion part and generated trees
      of compact stature. Assessment of active GAs in such trees revealed that DGO24
      and EG/D accumulated relatively much lower quantities of main bioactive GAs
      (GA(1) and GA(4)) than control trees (EG/M). Moreover, the physiological function
      of PslGA2ox was studied by determining the molecular and developmental
      consequences due to ectopic expression in Arabidopsis. Among several lines, two
      groups of homozygous transgenics that exhibited contrasting phenotypes were
      identified. Group-1 displayed a dwarf growth pattern typical of mutants with a GA
      deficiency including smaller leaves, shorter stems, and delay in the development
      of reproductive events. In contrast, Group-2 exhibited a 'GA overdose' phenotype
      as all the plants showed elongated growth, a typical response to GA application,
      even under limited GA conditions, potentially due to co-suppression of closely
      related Arabidopsis homologous. The studies reveal the possibility of utilizing
      PslGA2ox as a marker for developing size-controlling rootstocks in Prunus.

PMID- 22080983
TI  - Latest clinical data on testing for high on-treatment platelet reactivity.
AB  - Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute
      coronary syndromes and in those who are undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel, a second-generation thienopyridine antiplatelet
      agent, is currently used to prevent vascular complications in atherothrombotic
      patients, to prevent stent thrombosis in patients undergoing PCI, and in the long
      term prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Unfortunately,
      despite treatment with clopidogrel, some patients continue to have cardiovascular
      events. This may be due in part to a suboptimal response to the drug, with
      minimal inhibition of platelet aggregation and/or high on-treatment platelet
      reactivity. Point-of-care testing of clopidogrel response, together with a
      reliable diagnostic cutoff, can identify patients with high on-treatment platelet
      reactivity and optimize their clinical management. This article reviews the
      impact of poor clopidogrel responsiveness on clinical outcomes, the major
      clinical studies using VerifyNow P2Y12 Assay(r) (Accumetrics, San Diego, CA) to
      assess on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity, and efforts to determine a reliable
      cutoff.

PMID- 22080984
TI  - Optimizing antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention:
      clinical pathways for platelet function testing.
AB  - Current guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which includes
      aspirin and a platelet P2Y(12) adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonist,
      for treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome and following percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). Although DAPT significantly reduces stent thrombosis
      and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), there is considerable
      interindividual variability in the degree of platelet inhibition achieved with
      the most widely used ADP receptor antagonist, clopidogrel, and high on-treatment
      platelet activity in the setting of clopidogrel therapy (hyporesponsiveness) is
      associated with increased adverse cardiovascular events following PCI.
      Personalized tailoring of antiplatelet therapy guided by patient management
      algorithms and/or platelet function testing has the potential to reduce MACE and
      stent thrombosis. This article outlines specific algorithms for using potent new
      antiplatelet agents, such as prasugrel and ticagrelor, and platelet function
      "test and treat-to-target" strategies to reduce adverse cardiovascular events
      following PCI.

PMID- 22080985
TI  - Platelet function testing in practice: a case study.
AB  - Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine reduces ischemic
      cardiovascular events following percutaneous coronary intervention. However,
      despite this treatment, residual risk of ischemic events persists. Among other
      factors, enhanced platelet reactivity after thienopyridine therapy is associated
      with an increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular events. A heterogeneous and
      variable patient response to the thienopyridine clopidogrel exists and has been
      attributed to a number of genetic, pharmacologic, and clinical factors.
      Developments in point-of-care platelet function testing allow for the assessment
      of on-treatment platelet reactivity after thienopyridine therapy and thus
      identify poor responders. We report two cases of stent thrombosis in which the
      bedside rapid platelet function VerifyNow P2Y12 Assay(r) (Accumetrics, San Diego,
      CA) was used to determine on-treatment platelet reactivity and identify potential
      etiologies of the thrombotic events.

PMID- 22080986
TI  - Current options in oral antiplatelet strategies during percutaneous coronary
      interventions.
AB  - Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y(12) receptor blocker is
      the standard of care to prevent recurrent ischemic event occurrence in patients
      undergoing percutaneous intervention. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
      are used in addition to DAPT in the highest-risk clinical settings. The
      persistent occurrence of ischemic events in the presence of DAPT and the
      irrefutable demonstration of clopidogrel response variability are two potent
      arguments against the widely practiced nonselective or "one-size-fits-all"
      strategy of administering clopidogrel therapy and provides a strong rationale for
      monitoring clopidogrel therapy. New, potent P2Y(12) inhibitors such as prasugrel
      and ticagrelor are associated with greater platelet inhibition, faster onset of
      action, and better overall clinical outcomes compared with clopidogrel, but are
      associated with more non-surgery-related bleeding than clopidogrel. The
      inhibition of the platelet thrombin receptor may provide additional benefits in
      attenuating ischemic event occurrence in selected high-risk patients treated with
      DAPT.

PMID- 22080987
TI  - Antiplatelet therapy, cardiac surgery, and the risk of bleeding: the surgeon's
      perspective.
AB  - Antiplatelet therapy is widely accepted in the contemporary management of
      patients with coronary syndromes. Effective platelet inhibition can cause an
      increased risk of bleeding, which is more evident when patients are referred to
      surgical coronary revascularization. The cardiac surgeon should be familiar with
      all new antiplatelet drugs. In this article we compile the latest information
      about antiplatelet therapy and its impact on cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22080988
TI  - Correlation between transcranial motor and somatosensory-evoked potential
      findings in cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy during cervical spine surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The correlation between electrophysiological recordings, MR images,
      and physical findings in cervical stenosis and cervical myelopathy are still open
      to debate. The goal of this study was to determine sensitivity of motor-evoked
      potential (MEP)  and somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) in detecting cervical
      myelopathy and its correlates with the MRI findings in patients undergoing
      cervical spine surgeries. METHOD: Transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TcMEPs)
      and SSEPs were performed intraoperatively in 100 patients. The  'baseline'
      recordings of TcMEPs and SSEPs were correlated with patient's physical findings
      as well as the MR images. RESULTS: Posterior tibial and median nerves' scalp SSEP
      latencies were increased in myelopathic patients compared to the radiculopathy
      group.  MEPs recorded from distal muscles such as abductor pollicis brevis and
      adductor hallucis (AH) muscles were more likely to be absent in myelopathic
      patients compared with the patients with only radiculopathy. The myelopathic
      patients were more likely to have no response (NR) for the lower extremity  SSEP
      test compared with radiculopathy patients. CONCLUSION: MEP shows more sensitivity
      toward detecting myelopathy which is correlated well with abnormal MR images.

PMID- 22080989
TI  - Chronic stress enhances calcium mobilization and glutamate exocytosis in
      cerebrocortical synaptosomes from mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our previous study showed that acute restraint stress enhances
      depolarization-induced increases in intrasynaptosomal free calcium (Ca(2+))
      concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and Ca(2+)-dependent glutamate release in  mouse
      cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). In the present study, we
      investigated the effects of chronic stress on [Ca(2+)](i) and glutamate release
      in cerebrocortical synaptosomes from mice. METHODS: Male ddY strain mice were
      randomly assigned  to one of two experimental groups: control group and chronic
      stressed group. Mice in the chronic stressed group were subjected to
      immobilization stress for 2 hours daily for a period of 21 days. [Ca(2+)](i) and
      glutamate release in cerebrocortical synaptosomes isolated from  the mice were
      determined by fura-2 fluorescence assay and enzyme-linked fluorometric assay,
      respectively. RESULTS: Chronic stress caused a significant increase in resting
      [Ca(2+)](i) and significantly enhanced the ability of the depolarizing agents
      K(+)  and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to increase [Ca(2+)](i). It also brought about a
      significant increase in spontaneous (unstimulated) glutamate release and
      significantly enhanced K(+)- and 4-AP-evoked Ca(2+)-dependent glutamate release.
      Synaptosomes were more sensitive  to the depolarizing agents at lower
      concentrations following chronic stress than after acute stress. The pretreatment
      of synaptosomes with a combination of omega-agatoxin IVA (a P-type Ca(2+) channel
      blocker) and omega-conotoxin GVIA (an N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker) completely 
      suppressed the enhancements of [Ca(2+)](i) and Ca(2+)-dependent glutamate release
      in chronic stressed mice. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that chronic stress
      enhances depolarization-evoked glutamate release by increasing [Ca(2+)](i)  via
      stimulation of Ca(2+) entry through P- and N-type Ca(2+) channels, and that
      chronic stress increases the sensitivity to depolarizing agents.

PMID- 22080990
TI  - EEG non-linear feature extraction using correlation dimension and Hurst exponent.
AB  - In this work, we evaluated the differences between epileptic electroencephalogram
      (EEG) and interictal EEG by computing some non-linear features. Correlation
      dimension (CD) and Hurst exponent (H) were calculated for 100 segments of
      epileptic EEG and 100 segments of interictal EEG. A comparison was made between
      epileptic EEG and interictal EEG in those non-linear parameters. Results show
      that the mean values of CD are 2.64 for epileptic EEG and 4.55 for interictal
      EEG. We also calculated approximate entropy (ApEn) of those EEG signals. The mean
      values of ApEn are 0.90 for epileptic EEG and 4.55 for interictal EEG. The values
      of CD and ApEn of epileptic EEG are generally lower than those of interictal EEG,
      indicating less complexity of EEG signals during seizures. The mean values of
      Hurst exponent are 0.19 for epileptic EEG and 0.29 for interictal EEG. Hurst
      exponents for epileptic EEG and interictal EEG are both <0.5. This indicates that
      both epileptic and interictal EEGs show long-range anticorrelation. The value of
      Hurst exponent of epileptic EEG signals is lower than that of interictal EEG
      signals, showing that the degree of anticorrelation of epileptic EEG signals is
      larger than that of interictal EEG. Hence, the non-linear parameters such as CD
      and Hurst exponent can help interpret epileptic and interictal EEGs and their
      neurodynamics.

PMID- 22080991
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in animal model
      of cerebellar degeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cerebellum has been considered a key structure for the processes
      involved in sensorimotor integration ultimately leading to motor planning and
      execution of coordinated movement. Thus, motor deficits and behavioral changes
      can be associated with cerebellar degeneration. METHODS: Here, the chemical
      neurotoxin pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (quinolinic acid, QA) used to create
      partially cerebellar degeneration in adult Wistar rats suitable for use in stem
      cell transplantation studies. Stereotaxicaly administration of QA (0.2 mmol) in
      the right cerebellar hemisphere (folia VI) caused noticeable motor disturbance in
      all treated animals. Forty-eights hours after causing lesion, rat bone marrow
      derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transplanted into damaged cerebellar
      hemisphere. We investigated the role of MSC transplantation in forms of motor and
      non-motor learning that involves the cerebellum and its neuroprotective effects
      in Purkinje cells loss. RESULTS: CM-Dil labeling showed that the transplanted
      MSCs survived and migrated in the cerebellum 6 weeks after transplantation. The
      MSC-transplanted group showed markedly improved functional performance on the
      rotating rod test (P<=0.0001) and beam walking test (P<=0.0001) during 6 weeks
      compared with the controls. For non-motor learning, we used passive avoidance
      learning test in 3 weeks after transplantation. The results showed that MSC
      transplantation prevented the development of memory deficit caused by cerebellar
      degeneration (P<=0.001). Stereological analysis in 6 weeks after transplantation
      showed that QA significantly decreases Purkinje cells in vehicle-treated rats and
      MSC transplantation is neuroprotective and decreases Purkinje cell loss in MSC
      treated rats (P<=0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that transplantation
      of MSCs can significantly reduce the behavioral and neuroanatomical abnormalities
      of these animals during 6 weeks after engraftment. According to results of this
      assay, cell therapy by means of bone marrow-derived adult stem cells promises for
      treatment of cerebellar diseases.

PMID- 22080992
TI  - The course of dynamic cerebral autoregulation during cervical internal carotid
      artery occlusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The selection of patients with cervical internal carotid artery
      occlusion (ICAO) for extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery is based on
      exhausted cerebrovascular reactivity to vasodilatory stimuli. However, a
      spontaneous increase in this reactivity can occur with time, questioning the
      ideal time for bypass surgery. In contrast, the natural course of dynamic
      cerebral autoregulation is not known in these patients. METHODS: Patients with
      cervical ICAO were examined at baseline and after a mean interval of 15 months.
      Dynamic autoregulation was determined by transcranial Doppler sonography in both
      middle cerebral arteries via respiratory-induced 0.1-Hz oscillations (phase,
      available for n=47 patients) and correlation analysis between diastolic blood
      pressure and Doppler signal (index Dx, n=55 patients). Pre-defined cut-off values
      and repeatability measures of healthy controls were used to define significant
      individual changes in autoregulation. RESULTS: Group mean comparisons between
      studies were not significant for any autoregulation parameter. The intraclass
      correlation coefficient between studies was high for phase (ipsilateral: 0.83;
      contralateral: 0.74), and moderate for Dx (ipsilateral: 0.63; contralateral:
      0.35). There was no clear trend for an improvement across cut-off values. A
      significant individual improvement/deterioration in autoregulation occurred in
      6%/6% for phase and 13%/9% for Dx. DISCUSSION: Dynamic autoregulation only rarely
      improves during the course of ICAO. This finding should be considered when
      deciding for or against a policy of delaying extracranial-intracranial bypass
      surgery for reasons of a potentially improving hemodynamic status.

PMID- 22080993
TI  - Luteolin reduces primary hippocampal neurons death induced by neuroinflammation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether luteolin may exert an anti-inflammatory
      effect in microglia and may be neuroprotective by regulating microglia
      activation. METHODS: We treated BV2 microglia with 1.0 MUg/ml lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) after incubation with luteolin for 1 hour, the nitric oxide (NO) levels
      were determined by a Griess reaction, the inducible NO synthase (iNOS),
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and
      interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA expression were determined by real-time PCR
      analysis, the iNOS and COX-2 protein induction were determined by Western blot
      analysis, and the levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta
      were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Rat primary
      hippocampal neurons were co-cultured with LPS-activated BV2 microglia with 20 MUM
      luteolin for 24 hours, the hippocampal neurons viability was determined by 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the number
      of apoptotic hippocampal neurons was determined by immunofluorescence detection.
      RESULTS: Luteolin significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS
      induced BV2 microglia. Moreover, the compound down-regulated the proinflammatory
      cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) as well as the production of NO and PGE(2) in
      these cells. When hippocampal neurons were co-cultured with LPS-stimulated BV2
      microglia, the administration of 20 MUM luteolin increased the neurons viability
      and reduced the number of apoptotic neurons. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate
      that anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin in microglia contributes to its
      neuroprotective effect and suggest that it may have a potential therapeutic
      application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22080994
TI  - L-cysteine attenuates peroxynitrite-elicited cytotoxicity to spiral ganglion
      neurons: possible relation to hearing loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to investigate whether L-cysteine was
      able to protect spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) against peroxynitrite (ONOO(-))
      elicited toxicity. METHODS: The rat SGNs were isolated and cultured in this 
      work. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The morphological changes were examined
      under inverted phase contrast microscope. Cells underwent apoptosis were
      determined by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Intracellular 
      glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonaldehyde
      (MDA) level were detected by biochemical methods. Laser scanning confocal
      microscope was employed to analyze cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. RESULTS:
      Results showed that ONOO(-)  reduced the cell viability of SGNs in a time- and
      dose-dependent manner. ONOO(-)-triggered cell damage was further confirmed via
      apoptotic pathway rather than necrosis. Pretreatment with L-cysteine (5 mM) for
      12 hours could almost completely rescue SGNs from ONOO(-)-induced  damage. The
      decrease in intracellular GSH content and SOD activity, as well as the increase
      in MDA level induced by ONOO(-) were correspondingly antagonized by the
      administration of L-cysteine. Furthermore, L-cysteine can significantly inhibit
      elevation of Ca(2+) concentration  induced by ONOO(-). DISCUSSION: Our findings
      indicate that L-cysteine protects SGNs from ONOO(-)-induced damage via enhancing
      the antioxidative activity and, suppressing the lipid peroxidation as well as the
      release of cytosolic Ca(2+), thereby  indicating that oxidation resistance was
      useful to prevent audiological diseases initiated by oxidative stress.

PMID- 22080995
TI  - Stent-assisted aneurysm coil embolization: safety and efficacy at a low-volume
      center.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To compare safety and efficacy of cerebral aneurysm
      embolization with and without Neuroform stent placement at a low procedural
      volume center. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of unruptured aneurysm coil
      embolization with and without Neuroform stent assistance over a period of 53
      months at a center performing 14.4 interventions per year. Neuroform stent
      assisted embolization was performed for 26 aneurysms in 25 patients (mean age:
      61.3 years). Twelve patients (mean age: 64.3 years) with 12 unruptured aneurysms
      were treated without stent support. Comparative analysis of complications,
      angiographic findings, and clinical outcomes was performed. RESULTS: Procedural
      complications for the Neuroform stent group was 7.69% (2/26) versus 8.34% (1/12)
      for aneurysms without (P=0.7; OR: 1.1; CI: 0.09-13.35).The Modified Rankin Scale
      (MRS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores for all patients in the stent and
      non-stent groups were 0 and 5, respectively. Three out of 20 aneurysms (15%) were
      retreated for major recurrence in the stent group and two of 10 (20%) in the non
      stent group (P=0.55; OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.20-10.23). At a mean follow-up of 16.9
      months, persistent complete occlusion was observed in 36.8% (7/19) of aneurysms
      with stent support. At a mean of 15.9-month follow-up in 10 non-stented
      aneurysms, persistent complete occlusion was observed in 50% of aneurysms
      (P=0.69; OR=2.3; 95% CI: 0.38-14.2). CONCLUSION: Neuroform stent-assisted coil
      embolization at a low volume center is efficacious and does not increase
      procedural risk with optimal operator experience.

PMID- 22080996
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid leak after microsurgical surgery in vestibular schwannomas
      via retrosigmoidal craniotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is still a common complication in
      surgery of vestibular schwannoma, increasing morbidity and prolonging hospital
      stay. Our single center study was performed to determine the incidences of CSF
      leaks after microsurgical removal of vestibular schwannoma via a retrosigmoidal
      approach with two different surgical closure techniques. METHODS: Between January
      2003 and December 2009 in 81 patients, microsurgical tumor resection using a
      suboccipital, retrosigmoidal approach was performed with an interdisciplinary ENT
      and neurosurgical management was performed. In 41 cases, the dural closure was
      done using a sandwich technique: subdural closure with TissuFleece(r)
      respectively Spongostan(r), and after that dural suture and epidural Tachosil(r)
      were fixed on. In 40 cases, the dura was sealed epidurally with Tachosil after
      suture. In 65 cases, the posterior wall of the petrous bone was drilled. The
      closure was performed using muscle and FibrinGlue(r). All patients had a minimal
      follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: Seven patients (8.6%) developed a CSF fistula.
      Three patients (3.7%) underwent surgical procedure because of persisting CSF
      fistula while in four cases (4.9%) spontaneous closure under lumbar drain was
      observed. Comparing the different techniques of dural sealing, we found in 41
      patients with sandwich technique three CSF leaks (7.3%) while there were four CSF
      leaks (10%) in 40 patients with a single epidurally sealed dural closure
      (P=0.69). No rhinorrhea or otorhinorrhea was observed. No intracranial infection
      or meningitis in case of CSF leak occurred. CONCLUSION: Suture and occlusion of
      the dura is an important step to prevent CSF leak and postoperative infection. By
      comparing sandwich technique and single-layer dural sealing, no significant
      difference could be shown.

PMID- 22080997
TI  - Long-term antalgic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of
      motor cortex and serum beta-endorphin in patients with phantom pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term analgesic effect of repetitive transcranial
      stimulation (rTMS) on chronic phantom pain using high frequency stimulation and
      to measure the serum beta-endorphin level pre- and post-rTMS. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The  study included 27 patients with unilateral amputation; all patients
      had chronic phantom pain. The patients were classified into two groups. Seventeen
      patients received 10 minutes real rTMS over the hand area of motor cortex (20 Hz,
      10 second trains, intensity 80% of motor threshold) every  day for five
      consecutive days and 10 patients received sham stimulation. Pain was assessed
      using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Leeds assessment of neuropathic
      symptoms and signs (LANSS) scale, before and after the first, fifth sessions, one
      and two months after the last session. Quantitative  determination of serum beta
      endorphin before and after five sessions was measured. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference between true and sham groups in the duration of illness,
      VAS, LANSS scores and resting motor threshold in upper and lower limb amputation
      at the base line.  VAS and LANS scores of the patients who received real rTMS
      decreased more over the course of the treatment through the different points of
      follow-up (after five sessions, one and two months) than those who received sham
      stimulation. Serum beta-endorphin was increased significantly after real 
      stimulation with no changes in patients received shame. Serum beta-endorphin
      showed no significant correlation to Hamilton depression, anxiety, VAS and LANS
      scores in true or sham groups before or after five sessions for rTMS. CONCLUSION:
      These results confirm that five daily sessions  of rTMS over motor cortex can
      produce long lasting pain relief in patients with phantom pain and it might be
      related to an elevation of serum beta-endorphin concentration.

PMID- 22080999
TI  - Hemifacial spasm caused by cross type vascular compression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The meatal segment of anterior inferior cerebellar artery usually
      crosses over the gap between cranial nerves VII and VIII, and may compress the
      cisternal portion (CP) of the facial nerve. This is defined as cross type
      compression, which is easy  to be neglected and thus leads to poor outcome. Here
      our experience in treating patients of cross type hemifacial spasm (HFS) is
      reported. METHODS: Twenty-one patients of HFS due to cross type compression were
      treated with microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery with the aid of  abnormal
      muscle response monitoring. RESULTS: In addition to cross type compression at CP,
      there were typical vascular compressions on the root exit zone and attached
      segment in 20 cases. After MVD surgery, 17 patients were cured, 3 patients
      achieved good resolution of spasm, and  the other 1 patient got delayed
      resolution. Three patients had postoperative transient hearing loss and/or
      tinnitus. DISCUSSION: Even there are apparently typical vascular compressions at
      proximal portion of the facial nerve, the surgeon should be aware that cross type
      compression  at the CP may co-exist. With the aid of abnormal muscle response
      (AMR) monitoring, MVD is efficient for patients due to cross type compression.

PMID- 22080998
TI  - Gait variability in Parkinson's disease: influence of walking speed and
      dopaminergic treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of levodopa and walking speed on gait
      variability in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Thirty-three
      individuals with PD were studied. Their mean age was 70.61+/-9.23 year. The
      average time since diagnosis was 9.65+/-5.80 year. Gait variability was studied
      while 'OFF' and 'ON' dopaminergic medication when the subjects walked at their
      usual and fastest speeds. RESULTS: Variability of step time, double support time,
      stride length and stride velocity decreased significantly (P=0.037; P=0.037;
      P=0.022; P=0.043, respectively) after dopaminergic treatment. When subjects
      increased walking speed, the variability of stride length and stride velocity
      decreased significantly (P=0.038 and P=0.004, respectively) both while 'OFF' and
      'ON' levodopa. Increasing walking speed did not change the variability of step
      time and double support time regardless of medication status. CONCLUSIONS:
      Levodopa decreased gait variability in persons with PD. Stride length and stride
      velocity variability appeared to be speed dependent parameters, whereas, the
      variability of step time and double support time appeared to be speed independent
      measures. Levodopa had positive effects on gait stability in PD.

PMID- 22081000
TI  - Sonographic and electrophysiological detection in patients with carpal tunnel
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess prospectively the significance of sonographic measurements
      of the median nerve in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), to look for
      proper parameters and cutoff values for the sonographic diagnosis, and to
      correlate with the electrophysiological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      study involved 30 patients, who were clinically diagnosed as CTS merely based on
      their symptoms and signs; and 30 healthy volunteers were served as controls.
      Eligible subjects underwent sonographic and electromyographic detection. RESULTS:
      In the CTS patient group, the cross-sectional area (CSA) at the pisiform bone
      level (CSA2) and the diameter (D) of the median nerve increased. When the cutoff
      values of CSA2 and D were 0.105 cm(2) and 0.195 cm, the sensitivity, specificity
      and accuracy of the diagnosis were 91.5, 94.5, 94.1%, and 90.7, 80.4, 86.5%,
      respectively. Both CSA and D were negatively related to sensory conduction
      velocity, while CSA was positively related to distal motor latency. CONCLUSION:
      There is a good association of sonographic with electrophysiologic detection for
      the diagnosis of CTS.

PMID- 22081001
TI  - Lateralized alpha-motoneuron excitabilities during lying and standing of healthy
      individuals in relation to parkinsonian rigidity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To elucidate mechanisms of Parkinsonian rigidity by assessing
      excitability of alpha-motoneurons innervating right and left soleus muscles in
      healthy controls and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with rigidities in the
      right, left and both  legs. METHODS: One group of 45 controls was recruited and
      60 PD patients in three groups: rigidities, predominantly in the right, left and
      both legs. H-reflex (H) and muscle response (M) were recorded from right and left
      soleus muscles during stimulations of the posterior tibial  nerve at the
      popliteal fossa while lying and standing. The H/M ratio was taken as an index for
      motoneuron excitability. RESULTS: Mean H/M ratios were significantly different on
      the right and left sides, modified by postural changes in controls and PD
      patients. Analysis of variance  showed that in healthy subjects the H/M ratio
      was: standing>lying (right), lying>standing (left). In right leg rigidity
      patients, the H/M ratio was greatest during standing, and smallest during lying.
      In left leg rigidity patients, the H/M ratios on the right and left sides were
      equally  independent of posture. In controls, left H/M>right while lying, <right
      while standing. In right leg rigidity patients, right H/M>left, but <right in
      left leg rigidity patients, independent of posture. There was no side difference
      in patients with rigidity in both legs. CONCLUSIONS: (i) motoneuron excitability
      may show side and postural differences in healthy individuals and PD patients;
      (ii) posture may be associated with lateralized motoneuron excitability in these
      subjects; and (iii) Parkinsonian rigidity may have spinal motor origins.

PMID- 22081002
TI  - THR-18, a 18-mer peptide derived from PAI-1, is neuroprotective and improves
      thrombolysis by tPA in rat stroke models.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The thrombolytic treatment of stroke is limited by a narrow
      therapeutic time window and is associated with significant adverse side effects.
      To improve this situation, the modulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator
      (tPA) activity by a synthetic plasminogen activator inhibitor-1-derived 18-mer
      peptide (THR-18) was examined in two models of stroke in rats. METHODS: In the
      first model (thromboembolic), stroke was induced by intra-carotid injection of
      micro-clots to rats, and tPA (6 mg/kg) was intravenously infused for 30 minutes
      with or without THR-18 (1 mg/kg) at 4 hours post-induction. In the second model
      [transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)], stroke was induced for 2
      hours by a transient mechanical occlusion. tPA and/or THR-18 (0.02, 0.1, and 1
      mg/kg) were intravenously infused for 60 minutes at the time of reperfusion.
      RESULTS: In the thromboembolic model, cerebral blood flow, measured before and up
      to 5.5 hours post-induction, revealed that tPA administration caused reperfusion
      of flow at 30 minutes post-infusion. Later on, an additional increase in
      reperfusion was seen in the tPA+THR-18 group, and not with tPA alone. In both
      models, the frequency of intracranial hemorrhage in the tPA-treated group was
      found to be significantly higher than the control, and this tPA effect was
      attenuated by THR-18. In the thromboembolic study, infarct size and brain edema
      were similar in the control and tPA-treated rats. However, the combination of tPA
      and THR-18 caused a statistically significant reduction in both parameters
      (infarct size 17.8 versus 25.0%, brain edema 5 versus 8%, tPA+THR-18 versus
      control, respectively). In the tMCAO mechanical model, infarct size and brain
      edema were both increased by tPA treatment as compared to the control group, and
      this increase was markedly diminished by THR-18 co-administration.
      Neurobehavioral assessment of the tMCAO animals performed at 72 hours post-stroke
      induction revealed significant improvements (P<0.05-0.01) in neuroscores in all
      groups of animals treated with peptide-tPA, as compared to the tPA monotherapy
      group. A significant (P<0.05) improvement in the neurological outcome was also
      seen in the THR-18 monoterapy group, as compared to the control animals, thus
      demonstrating a clear neuroprotective effect by the peptide on its own.
      DISCUSSION: The results support the use of THR-18 together with tPA in the
      thrombolytic therapy of stroke, in order to achieve better patency, less tPA
      induced damage, and possibly a widening of tPA therapeutic time window.

PMID- 22081004
TI  - Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography:  a better option for patients with
      extrahepatic cholestasis.

PMID- 22081003
TI  - The short-term effect of atorvastatin on carotid plaque morphology assessed by
      computer-assisted gray-scale densitometry: a pilot study.
AB  - Soft, lipid-containing carotid plaques, which appear echolucent on ultrasound
      imaging, have been associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. We sought
      to investigate the effect of short-term treatment with atorvastatin on the change
      of carotid plaque echodensity. We treated 40 stroke-free and statin-naive
      subjects with 80 mg atorvastatin daily for 30 days. Computer assisted gray-scale
      densitometry (GSD) index was calculated at baseline and 30 days after treatment
      from the normalized plaque images. A multiple logistic regression was used to
      assess the effect modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol on
      plaque stabilization after adjusting for age, sex, and smoking. The average
      number of carotid plaques at baseline was 2 (range: 0-5; 27 subjects with carotid
      plaque) and did not change 30 days following atorvastatin treatment. The mean GSD
      index significantly increased from 73+/-16 (range: 1-125) at baseline to 89+/-15
      (range: 1-137) at 30 days after treatment (P<0.05). The adjusted odds ratio for
      the positive GSD plaque index change (vs. no change or decreased gray-scale
      median (GSM) index) was 1.71 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-7.6, P<0.01). In
      conclusion, we observed decreased echolucency (increased echodensity) of carotid
      artery plaques after short-term treatment with atorvastatin.

PMID- 22081005
TI  - Effects of losartan and amlodipine alone or combined with simvastatin in
      hypertensive patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system and of the 3-hydroxy-3
      methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase could improve hepatic steatosis. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the effects of losartan or amlodipine alone or
      combined with simvastatin on hepatic steatosis degree, and on insulin sensitivity
      in normocholesterolemic, hypertensive patients with nonalcoholic hepatic
      steatosis. METHODS: Patients were treated with losartan, 100 mg/day, or
      amlodipine, 10 mg/day, for 6 months; subsequently simvastatin, 20 mg/day was
      added to both treatments for a further 6 months. The patients performed an
      ultrasound examination [steatosis degree, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and
      visceral adipose tissue (VAT) diameter], an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp
      [glucose infusion rate (GIR)], and a blood sample (fasting plasma glucose,
      fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, and inflammatory parameters) at baseline,
      and after 6 and 12 months, respectively. RESULTS: Both losartan and amlodipine
      induced a significant and similar systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood
      pressure reduction (P<0.001 vs. baseline). Losartan significantly increased GIR
      (P<0.05 vs. baseline) compared with amlodipine therapy, and the addition of
      simvastatin to losartan further increased GIR compared with the simvastatin added
      to amlodipine therapy (P<0.01 and P<0.05 vs. baseline, respectively). Losartan
      significantly decreased the steatosis degree, SAT, and VAT diameter compared with
      amlodipine therapy (P<0.05 vs. baseline with losartan for all). The addition of
      simvastatin to losartan therapy further decreased the steatosis degree, SAT, and
      VAT diameter. CONCLUSION: Losartan and simvastatin combination significantly
      improved the hepatic steatosis indices compared with amlodipine and simvastatin
      combination.

PMID- 22081006
TI  - Premalignant gastric lesions in patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid
      tissue lymphoma and metachronous gastric adenocarcinoma:  a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma or
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma have an increased risk of developing gastric
      carcinoma (GC). Identifying patients at high GC risk may lead to improved
      survival and prognosis. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate
      whether premalignant gastric lesions are more prevalent and severe in gastric
      lymphoma (GL) patients with a subsequent diagnosis of GC than in those without
      GC. METHODS: Patients with a first GL diagnosis from 1991-2008 were identified in
      the Dutch histopathology registry (PALGA). Cases were patients with a diagnosis
      of GL and a subsequent diagnosis of GC. Controls were patients with a diagnosis
      of GL without GC development. RESULTS: In total, eight cases (mean follow-up 5.5
      years) and 31 controls (mean follow-up 5.3 years) were included (mean age 60
      years). At lymphoma diagnosis, six (75%) cases were diagnosed with premalignant
      lesions, whereas in the control group, 21 (68%) had histological evidence for
      premalignant lesions (P=0.69). At GC diagnosis, five (63%) cases showed
      intestinal metaplasia in the surrounding gastric mucosa. In 22 (71%) controls
      premalignant lesions were present at the end of follow-up (P=0.47). CONCLUSION:
      No differences were demonstrated in the prevalence of premalignant lesions of
      cases and controls at GL diagnosis or the end of follow-up. As the prevalence of
      premalignant lesions is substantial in both the groups of patients, careful
      endoscopic surveillance of GL patients is warranted not only for recurrence of
      lymphoma, but also for progression to adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22081007
TI  - Gastric intraepithelial neoplasia in a Western population.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Descriptions of the natural history and endoscopic
      appearances of gastric dysplasia/intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) that originate
      mainly from Europe. Currently, there are no Australian data available. We aimed
      to document endoscopic appearances and progression rates of gastric IEN and to
      determine the significance of indefinite for IEN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a
      retrospective study, in which cases diagnosed with gastric IEN were identified
      between 2000 and 2009. Endoscopic appearances, progression rates to more advanced
      IEN or cancer, and long-term outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 160
      cases with IEN (26.9% high grade, 57.5% low grade, 15.6% indefinite) were
      identified. The mean age was 67.8 years and 53.8% were men. Endoscopic lesions
      were polypoid in 29.4% and nonpolypoid in 70.6%. The most common location was the
      antrum (58.7%). Forty patients had an intervention and 76 underwent endoscopic
      follow-up only. Twenty-two cancers were diagnosed; three who had an intervention
      were diagnosed within 12 months, one with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia
      developing a cancer after 9.9 years, and 13 undergoing surveillance only, were
      diagnosed with cancer within 12 months of index endoscopy. Five cases had cancer
      after a mean of 2.6 years. Forty-seven cases initially labelled as indefinite;
      following rereview 25 remained unchanged, 11 reclassified as negative for IEN, 10
      as low grade, and one as high grade. Three of these cases developed cancer over
      the study period. CONCLUSION: We concluded that (a) majority of gastric IEN are
      associated with endoscopic lesions, (b) high rate of early cancer diagnosis was
      observed (c) rates of progression to cancer were lower than reported rates, and
      (d) indefinite for IEN is not innocuous requiring an expert pathologist's review.

PMID- 22081008
TI  - Comparison of survival and quality of life of hepatectomy and thrombectomy using
      total hepatic vascular exclusion and chemotherapy alone in patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor thrombi in the inferior vena cava and hepatic
      vein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) along with portal
      vein tumor thrombi (PVTT) is poor, and surgery has not been considered an option.
      AIMS: To compare the outcomes and the quality of life (QoL) of patients with HCC
      and PVTT who underwent hepatic resection and thrombectomy for tumor thrombi in
      the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein with total hepatic vascular exclusion to
      the patients who received only chemotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      the medical records of patients who received hepatectomy and thrombectomy (n=65),
      and those who received only chemotherapy (n=50). The surgical outcomes, survival,
      and QoL that was determined using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy
      Hepatobiliary instrument were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Patients who
      underwent surgery had a median overall survival of 17 months, compared with
      patients who underwent chemotherapy for 8 months (P<0.0001). Patients who
      underwent surgery had a median recurrence-free survival of 14 months, as compared
      with patients who underwent chemotherapy for 7 months (P<0.0001). The
      probabilities of 1-year recurrence in the surgery and chemotherapy groups were
      27.7 and 70%, respectively (P<0.0001). The QoL total score of the surgery group
      was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.0001). Surgery was
      slightly, though significantly more cost-effective than chemotherapy based on the
      quality-adjusted life years. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy and thrombectomy using the
      total hepatic vascular exclusion, is a viable surgical management for patients
      with HCC and PVTT, and is associated with longer overall survival and recurrence
      free survival and better QoL than chemotherapy alone.

PMID- 22081009
TI  - Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using the direct method for aerodigestive
      cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In esophageal or head and neck cancer patients, percutaneous
      endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) by the pull method has higher complication rates
      than in noncancer patients. An introducer method is considered suitable for these
      patients, however, complications associated with deflation or rupture of the
      balloon-anchoring system are reported. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of a
      modified introducer method, called direct method, for aerodigestive cancer
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2007 and December 2010, direct
      method PEG was performed in 160 patients with advanced-stage esophageal (59
      patients) or head and neck (101 patients) cancer. Complications and postoperative
      course were retrospectively retrieved from charts. RESULTS: An ultrathin
      endoscopy was used in 109 patients (72.7%), and 23 patients received previous
      endoscopic dilatation (14%) due to the stricture caused by the tumor. The success
      rate of tube placement was 98.8% (158/160). Major complications related to tube
      insertion, such as panperitonitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and postoperative
      pneumonia occurred in five patients (3.2%). One patient died for panperitonitis
      due to late-onset tube dislodgement. There were no cases of tube blockade and no
      metastases in the PEG site during the median follow-up period of 153 days.
      CONCLUSION: This was the first report of direct-method PEG in a number of
      esophageal or head and neck cancer patients. This method is optimal for its high
      success rate, acceptable safety profile, and little risk of stomal metastasis.

PMID- 22081010
TI  - Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma with lymph node metastasis and an 8-year
      follow-up:  a case report.
AB  - Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is a rare tumor, usually located in the second
      part of the duodenum. On pathological examination, GP is characterized by the
      association of the histological features of paragangliomas, ganglioneuromas, and
      carcinoid tumors. Classical clinical presentations are upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding and abdominal pain. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because of the
      submucosal site of the tumor, with usually negative mucosal biopsies. Endoscopic
      ultrasound helps establish the diagnosis and allows lymph node staging, which
      will guide the choice of the treatment. If GPs usually follow a benign course,
      metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes treated by surgical resection alone has
      been reported. We report a case of GP with lymph node metastases treated by
      duodenopancreatectomy with long-term disease-free survival, suggesting that
      surgical resection is a reasonable approach for metastatic GPs.

PMID- 22081011
TI  - PCR in Helicobacter spp. diagnostic in extragastric malignancies of digestive
      system.
AB  - Recognition of Helicobacter pylori as an important factor in genesis of gastric
      adenocarcinoma lead to a large number of studies concerning potential role of
      Helicobacter spp. in the development of extragastric digestive malignancies. The
      serological studies indicated possible localizations in the digestive system
      being from interest in enlightening Helicobacter spp. carcinogenic potential. The
      PCR obtruded itself as a gold standard in proving existence of actual
      correlation. In this review, the authors have examined studies conducted in the
      last 10 years examining Helicobacter spp. correlation with extragastric digestive
      carcinogenesis. Studies have been observed in four groups referring to hepatic
      carcinoma, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer. The results of
      these researches have shown that there is a strong correlation between
      Helicobacter spp. colonization and primary liver tumors as well as bile duct
      tumors, whereas conclusions made by authors examining pancreatic cancer are
      contradictory and demands further investigation. No correlation between
      Helicobacter spp. and colon cancer have been proven. The PCR subtype most widely
      used in studies included in this review was nested PCR, whereas genes targeted
      most frequently for amplification are 16S rDNA of Helicobacter spp. and UreA gene
      or cagA gene of H. pylori. During the last 10 years PCR has proven itself as a
      sovereign method for Helicobacter spp. diagnostic in extragastric organs in the
      digestive system. Knowledge and experiences obtained in this domain could be
      encouraging for researchers in analogous fields of interest.

PMID- 22081012
TI  - Formaldehyde catabolism is essential in cells deficient for the Fanconi anemia
      DNA-repair pathway.
AB  - Metabolism is predicted to generate formaldehyde, a toxic, simple, reactive
      aldehyde that can damage DNA. Here we report a synthetic lethal interaction in
      avian cells between ADH5, encoding the main formaldehyde-detoxifying enzyme, and
      the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA-repair pathway. These results define a fundamental
      role for the combined action of formaldehyde catabolism and DNA cross-link repair
      in vertebrate cell survival.

PMID- 22081013
TI  - The Chp1-Tas3 core is a multifunctional platform critical for gene silencing by
      RITS.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) is critical for the assembly of heterochromatin at
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe centromeres. Central to this process is the RNA-induced
      initiation of transcriptional gene silencing (RITS) complex, which physically
      anchors small noncoding RNAs to chromatin. RITS includes Ago1, the chromodomain
      protein Chp1, and Tas3, which forms a bridge between Chp1 and Ago1. Chp1 is a
      large protein with no recognizable domains, apart from its chromodomain. Here we
      describe how the structured C-terminal half of Chp1 binds the Tas3 N-terminal
      domain, revealing the tight association of Chp1 and Tas3. The structure also
      shows a PIN domain at the C-terminal tip of Chp1 that controls subtelomeric
      transcripts through a post-transcriptional mechanism. We suggest that the Chp1
      Tas3 complex provides a solid and versatile platform to recruit both RNAi
      dependent and RNAi-independent gene-silencing pathways for locus-specific
      regulation of heterochromatin.

PMID- 22081014
TI  - NSP-Cas protein structures reveal a promiscuous interaction module in cell
      signaling.
AB  - Members of the novel SH2-containing protein (NSP) and Crk-associated substrate
      (Cas) protein families form multidomain signaling platforms that mediate cell
      migration and invasion through a collection of distinct signaling motifs. Members
      of each family interact via their respective C-terminal domains, but the
      mechanism of this association has remained enigmatic. Here we present the crystal
      structures of the C-terminal domain from the NSP protein BCAR3 and the complex of
      NSP3 with p130Cas. BCAR3 adopts the Cdc25-homology fold of Ras GTPase exchange
      factors, but it has a 'closed' conformation incapable of enzymatic activity. The
      structure of the NSP3-p130Cas complex reveals that this closed conformation is
      instrumental for interaction of NSP proteins with a focal adhesion-targeting
      domain present in Cas proteins. This enzyme-to-adaptor conversion enables high
      affinity, yet promiscuous, interactions between NSP and Cas proteins and
      represents an unprecedented mechanistic paradigm linking cellular signaling
      networks.

PMID- 22081015
TI  - RNA targets of wild-type and mutant FET family proteins.
AB  - FUS, EWSR1 and TAF15, constituting the FET protein family, are abundant, highly
      conserved RNA-binding proteins with important roles in oncogenesis and neuronal
      disease, yet their RNA targets and recognition elements are unknown. Using PAR
      CLIP, we defined global RNA targets for all human FET proteins and two ALS
      causing human FUS mutants. FET members showed similar binding profiles, whereas
      FUS mutants showed a drastically altered binding pattern, consistent with changes
      in subcellular localization.

PMID- 22081017
TI  - The elongation rate of RNA polymerase determines the fate of transcribed
      nucleosomes.
AB  - Upon transcription, histones can either detach from DNA or transfer behind the
      polymerase through a process believed to involve template looping. The details
      governing nucleosomal fate during transcription are not well understood. Our
      atomic force microscopy images of yeast RNA polymerase II-nucleosome complexes
      confirm the presence of looped transcriptional intermediates and provide
      mechanistic insight into the histone-transfer process through the distribution of
      transcribed nucleosome positions. Notably, we find that a fraction of the
      transcribed nucleosomes are remodeled to hexasomes, and this fraction depends on
      the transcription elongation rate. A simple model involving the kinetic
      competition between transcription elongation, histone transfer and histone
      histone dissociation quantitatively explains our observations and unifies them
      with results obtained from other polymerases. Factors affecting the relative
      magnitude of these processes provide the physical basis for nucleosomal fate
      during transcription and, therefore, for the regulation of gene expression.

PMID- 22081016
TI  - Recognition of enhancer element-specific histone methylation by TIP60 in
      transcriptional activation.
AB  - Many co-regulator proteins are recruited by DNA-bound transcription factors to
      remodel chromatin and activate transcription. However, mechanisms for
      coordinating actions of multiple co-regulator proteins are poorly understood. We
      demonstrate that multiple protein-protein interactions by the protein
      acetyltransferase TIP60 are required for estrogen-induced transcription of a
      subset of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) target genes in human cells. Estrogen
      induced recruitment of TIP60 requires direct binding of TIP60 to ERalpha and the
      action of chromatin-remodeling ATPase BRG1, leading to increased recruitment of
      histone methyltransferase MLL1 and increased monomethylation of histone H3 at
      Lys4. TIP60 recruitment also requires preferential binding of the TIP60
      chromodomain to histone H3 containing monomethylated Lys4, which marks active and
      poised enhancer elements. After recruitment, TIP60 increases acetylation of
      histone H2A at Lys5. Thus, complex cooperation of TIP60 with ERalpha and other
      chromatin-remodeling enzymes is required for estrogen-induced transcription.

PMID- 22081018
TI  - Slowing and controlling the translocation of DNA in a solid-state nanopore.
AB  - DNA sequencing methods based on nanopores could potentially represent a low-cost
      and high-throughput pathway to practical genomics, by replacing current
      sequencing methods based on synthesis that are limited in speed and cost. The
      success of nanopore sequencing techniques requires the solution to two
      fundamental problems: (1) sensing each nucleotide of a DNA strand, in sequence,
      as it passes through a nanopore; (2) delivering each nucleotide in a DNA strand,
      in turn, to a sensing site within the nanopore in a controlled manner. It has
      been demonstrated that a DNA nucleotide can be sensed using electric signals,
      such as ionic current changes caused by nucleotide blockage at a constriction
      region in a protein pore or a tunneling current through the nucleotide-bridged
      gap of two nanoelectrodes built near a solid-state nanopore. However, it is not
      yet clear how each nucleotide in a DNA strand can be delivered in turn to a
      sensing site and held there for a sufficient time to ensure high fidelity
      sensing. This latter problem has been addressed by modifying macroscopic
      properties, such as a solvent viscosity, ion concentration or temperature. Also,
      the DNA transistor, a solid state nanopore dressed with a series of metal
      dielectric layers has been proposed as a solution. Molecular dynamics simulations
      provide the means to study and to understand DNA transport in nanopores
      microscopically. In this article, we review computational studies on how to slow
      down and control the DNA translocation through a solid-state nanopore.

PMID- 22081019
TI  - Single-cell dissection of transcriptional heterogeneity in human colon tumors.
AB  - Cancer is often viewed as a caricature of normal developmental processes, but the
      extent to which its cellular heterogeneity truly recapitulates multilineage
      differentiation processes of normal tissues remains unknown. Here we implement
      single-cell PCR gene-expression analysis to dissect the cellular composition of
      primary human normal colon and colon cancer epithelia. We show that human colon
      cancer tissues contain distinct cell populations whose transcriptional identities
      mirror those of the different cellular lineages of normal colon. By creating
      monoclonal tumor xenografts from injection of a single (n = 1) cell, we
      demonstrate that the transcriptional diversity of cancer tissues is largely
      explained by in vivo multilineage differentiation and not only by clonal genetic
      heterogeneity. Finally, we show that the different gene-expression programs
      linked to multilineage differentiation are strongly associated with patient
      survival. We develop two-gene classifier systems (KRT20 versus CA1, MS4A12,
      CD177, SLC26A3) that predict clinical outcomes with hazard ratios superior to
      those of pathological grade and comparable to those of microarray-derived
      multigene expression signatures.

PMID- 22081020
TI  - Targeted RNA sequencing reveals the deep complexity of the human transcriptome.
AB  - Transcriptomic analyses have revealed an unexpected complexity to the human
      transcriptome, whose breadth and depth exceeds current RNA sequencing capability.
      Using tiling arrays to target and sequence select portions of the transcriptome,
      we identify and characterize unannotated transcripts whose rare or transient
      expression is below the detection limits of conventional sequencing approaches.
      We use the unprecedented depth of coverage afforded by this technique to reach
      the deepest limits of the human transcriptome, exposing widespread, regulated and
      remarkably complex noncoding transcription in intergenic regions, as well as
      unannotated exons and splicing patterns in even intensively studied protein
      coding loci such as p53 and HOX. The data also show that intermittent sequenced
      reads observed in conventional RNA sequencing data sets, previously dismissed as
      noise, are in fact indicative of unassembled rare transcripts. Collectively,
      these results reveal the range, depth and complexity of a human transcriptome
      that is far from fully characterized.

PMID- 22081021
TI  - Requirement of argininosuccinate lyase for systemic nitric oxide production.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial in diverse physiological and pathological processes.
      We show that a hypomorphic mouse model of argininosuccinate lyase (encoded by
      Asl) deficiency has a distinct phenotype of multiorgan dysfunction and NO
      deficiency. Loss of Asl in both humans and mice leads to reduced NO synthesis,
      owing to both decreased endogenous arginine synthesis and an impaired ability to
      use extracellular arginine for NO production. Administration of nitrite, which
      can be converted into NO in vivo, rescued the manifestations of NO deficiency in
      hypomorphic Asl mice, and a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-independent NO donor
      restored NO-dependent vascular reactivity in humans with ASL deficiency.
      Mechanistic studies showed that ASL has a structural function in addition to its
      catalytic activity, by which it contributes to the formation of a multiprotein
      complex required for NO production. Our data demonstrate a previously
      unappreciated role for ASL in NOS function and NO homeostasis. Hence, ASL may
      serve as a target for manipulating NO production in experimental models, as well
      as for the treatment of NO-related diseases.

PMID- 22081022
TI  - Nuclear factor-kappaB1 controls the functional maturation of dendritic cells and
      prevents the activation of autoreactive T cells.
AB  - Mature dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for the induction of adaptive immune
      responses and perturbed DC homeostasis can result in autoimmune disease. Either
      uncontrolled expansion or enhanced survival of DCs can result in a variety of
      autoimmune diseases in mouse models. In addition, increased maturation signals,
      through overexpression of surface Toll-like receptors (TLRs) or stimulation by
      type I interferon (IFN), has been associated with systemic autoimmunity. Whereas
      recent studies have focused on identifying factors required for initiating the
      maturation process, the possibility that resting DCs also express molecules that
      'hold' them in an immature state has generally not been considered. Here we show
      that nuclear factor-kappaB1 (NF-kappaB1) is crucial for maintaining the resting
      state of DCs. Self-antigen-pulsed unstimulated DCs that do not express NF-kappaB1
      were able to activate CD8(+) T lymphocytes and induce autoimmunity. We further
      show that NF-kappaB1 negatively regulates the spontaneous production of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is associated with increased granzyme B
      expression in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These findings provide a new
      perspective on functional DC maturation and a potential mechanism that may
      account for pathologic T cell activation.

PMID- 22081023
TI  - A hepatocyte growth factor receptor (Met)-insulin receptor hybrid governs hepatic
      glucose metabolism.
AB  - Met is the transmembrane tyrosine kinase cell surface receptor for hepatocyte
      growth factor (HGF) and is structurally related to the insulin receptor (INSR)
      tyrosine kinase. Here we report that the HGF-Met axis regulates metabolism by
      stimulating hepatic glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose output. We
      show that Met is essential for an optimal hepatic insulin response by directly
      engaging INSR to form a Met-INSR hybrid complex, which culminates in a robust
      signal output. We also found that the HGF-Met system restores insulin
      responsiveness in a mouse model of insulin refractoriness. These results provide
      new insights into the molecular basis of hepatic insulin resistance and suggest
      that HGF may have therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes in the clinical
      setting.

PMID- 22081024
TI  - A MEK-independent role for CRAF in mitosis and tumor progression.
AB  - RAF kinases regulate cell proliferation and survival and can be dysregulated in
      tumors. The role of RAF in cell proliferation has been linked to its ability to
      activate mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK) and mitogen-activated
      protein kinase 1 (ERK). Here we identify a MEK-independent role for RAF in tumor
      growth. Specifically, in mitotic cells, CRAF becomes phosphorylated on Ser338 and
      localizes to the mitotic spindle of proliferating tumor cells in vitro as well as
      in murine tumor models and in biopsies from individuals with cancer. Treatment of
      tumors with allosteric inhibitors, but not ATP-competitive RAF inhibitors,
      prevents CRAF phosphorylation on Ser338 and localization to the mitotic spindle
      and causes cell-cycle arrest at prometaphase. Furthermore, we identify phospho
      Ser338 CRAF as a potential biomarker for tumor progression and a surrogate marker
      for allosteric RAF blockade. Mechanistically, CRAF, but not BRAF, associates with
      Aurora kinase A (Aurora-A) and Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) at the centrosomes and
      spindle poles during G2/M. Indeed, allosteric or genetic inhibition of phospho
      Ser338 CRAF impairs Plk1 activation and accumulation at the kinetochores, causing
      prometaphase arrest, whereas a phospho-mimetic Ser338D CRAF mutant potentiates
      Plk1 activation, mitosis and tumor progression in mice. These findings show a
      previously undefined role for RAF in tumor progression beyond the RAF-MEK-ERK
      paradigm, opening new avenues for targeting RAF in cancer.

PMID- 22081026
TI  - Prevention of postcataract endophthalmitis:  evidence-based medicine.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a summary of current peer-reviewed publications on
      the methods of prophylaxis against postcataract endophthalmitis. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Preoperative application of povidone-iodine remains the standard protocol for the
      prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis. More recent evidence suggests that
      intracameral cefuroxime administered at the conclusion of surgery significantly
      reduces the risk of endophthalmitis. However, its clinical use has been limited
      because of a lack of commercially available antibiotic indicated for intraocular
      injection. Although topical antibiotic application continues to be a
      controversial topic with respect to the types of antibiotic prescribed and
      dosage, most ophthalmologists do prescribe an antibiotic for the perioperative
      period. Resistance against antibiotics, including the very popular classes of
      fluoroquinolones, is rising. Most notably, methicillin resistance continues to
      increase over time. SUMMARY: Prevention of postcataract endophthalmitis remains a
      difficult topic to study given the low incidence. In addition to appropriate
      wound construction, a combination of povidone-iodine and antibiotics provide a
      reasonable approach in reducing the risk of this rare but serious infection.

PMID- 22081027
TI  - Intraocular lenses for presbyopia correction:  past, present, and future.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the development of presbyopia-correcting
      intraocular lenses (IOLs), what we have learned since their introduction a few
      decades ago, what are the options currently on the market, and where the
      technology is heading in the future. RECENT FINDINGS: Multifocal and
      accommodating IOLs have gone through several modifications to improve distance,
      intermediate and near vision compared to their predecessors. These modifications
      have also targeted unwanted side-effects such as glare and halos in the
      multifocal lenses and inconsistent near-vision results in the accommodating IOLs
      and although the results have improved, they are far from perfect. Therefore,
      careful patient selection for each of these technologies is crucial for success
      and patient satisfaction. SUMMARY: Presbyopia correction remains a great
      challenge in cataract and refractive surgery. In this article, we review the
      development of presbyopia-correcting IOLs, starting from the simple, two-zone,
      multifocal, refractive models introduced 2 decades ago, the current Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) approved multifocal and accommodating lenses as well as
      those undergoing FDA trials and take a look into developing technologies that may
      be available to us in the future.

PMID- 22081025
TI  - Oxidation of CaMKII determines the cardiotoxic effects of aldosterone.
AB  - Excessive activation of the beta-adrenergic, angiotensin II (Ang II) and
      aldosterone signaling pathways promotes mortality after myocardial infarction,
      and antagonists targeting these pathways are core therapies for treating this
      condition. Catecholamines and Ang II activate the multifunctional
      Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), the inhibition of which
      prevents isoproterenol-mediated and Ang II-mediated cardiomyopathy. Here we show
      that aldosterone exerts direct toxic actions on myocardium by oxidative
      activation of CaMKII, causing cardiac rupture and increased mortality in mice
      after myocardial infarction. Aldosterone induces CaMKII oxidation by recruiting
      NADPH oxidase, and this oxidized and activated CaMKII promotes matrix
      metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression in cardiomyocytes. Myocardial CaMKII
      inhibition, overexpression of methionine sulfoxide reductase A (an enzyme that
      reduces oxidized CaMKII) or NADPH oxidase deficiency prevented aldosterone
      enhanced cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction. These findings show that
      oxidized myocardial CaMKII mediates the cardiotoxic effects of aldosterone on the
      cardiac matrix and establish CaMKII as a nodal signal for the neurohumoral
      pathways associated with poor outcomes after myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22081028
TI  - Refractive lens exchange versus phakic intraocular lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the evidential basis of current practice in
      refractive lens exchange (RLE) vs. phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). RECENT
      FINDINGS: Visual outcomes after pIOLs are better than RLE. With RLE, there still
      remain risks of retinal detachment, cystoid macular oedema, glare, halos and
      posterior capsule opacification. With pIOLs, risks include pigment dispersion,
      cataract formation, glaucoma and inflammation. The decision to choose between
      either is broadly based on age and type of refractive error, and the choice
      follows thorough evaluation and counselling taking into consideration patient's
      needs and expectations. SUMMARY: With advancing technology, newer IOL models for
      RLE and phakic correction are becoming available. pIOLs provide better visual
      outcomes for distance correction and currently do not provide near-vision
      correction possible with RLE.

PMID- 22081030
TI  - Postcataract surgical inflammation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and recent
      developments in the diagnosis and management of postcataract surgery
      inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS: In patients with pre-existing uveitis, control of
      inflammation with topical and/or systemic therapy for 3 months preoperatively
      continues to be important in lessening the risk of postoperative inflammation and
      complications. During cataract surgery, intraocular lens selection in these
      patients is important. Recent literature suggests that modern intraocular lenses
      (IOLs), particularly hydrophilic or hydrophobic acrylic lenses, generally have
      good uveal biocompatibility in uveitic patients. The postoperative course can be
      complicated by inflammation and cystoid macular edema (CME), and in uveitic
      patients, intensive perioperative steroid treatment can lessen these
      complications. Recent studies show that in uveitic patients, the improvement in
      CME and inflammation after intravitreal triamcinolone is better than after
      orbital floor triamcinolone injection, but that a single intraoperative orbital
      floor injection of triamcinolone is as effective as a 4-week course of
      postoperative oral prednisolone. Although postoperative inflammation in uveitic
      patients may be due to recurrence of uveitis, one must recognize other important
      potential causes of postoperative inflammation and treat accordingly. SUMMARY:
      Most patients with postcataract inflammation have good visual outcomes provided
      that the cause is recognized and that there is adequate perioperative planning in
      patients predisposed to inflammation.

PMID- 22081029
TI  - Anterior chamber intraocular lens, sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens, or
      glued intraocular lens:  where do we stand?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the recent literature addressing the surgical
      approaches to intraocular lens (IOL) fixation in the setting of inadequate
      capsular support. RECENT FINDINGS: Lack of capsular support is a commonly
      encountered problem facing the anterior segment surgeon. Recent reports suggest
      that visual outcomes are generally good with modern IOLs and surgical approaches.
      More recently described techniques include sutureless scleral fixation and
      intraocular endoscopy-guided suture placement. SUMMARY: Many clinical
      circumstances require extracapsular IOL fixation and multiple options exist in
      the setting of inadequate capsular support. Ultimately, there are many factors
      that must be considered in selecting an appropriate surgical approach. These
      include ocular history as well as the skill, experience, and comfort level of the
      individual surgeon. The myriad of options that now exist for IOL fixation
      increases the likelihood that patients with a wide variety of pathologic states
      will attain their best possible visual outcome.

PMID- 22081031
TI  - Femtosecond phacoemulsification:  the business and the medicine.
AB  - PURPOSE FOR REVIEW: Phacoemulsification is the preferred method for cataract
      surgery in the developed world. The number of phacoemulsification procedures
      performed annually is expected to increase as the population ages. Femtosecond
      cataract surgery offers several surgical advantages over conventional
      phacoemulsification and has already attained commercial application in some
      countries. The purpose of this review is to outline the benefits, risks and
      commercial issues of femtosecond lasers as applied to cataract surgery. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Cataract surgeons are adopting femtosecond technology to perform laser
      capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, clear cornea incisions and limbal relaxing
      incisions. Femtosecond lasers clearly perform these surgical steps with greater
      precision and reproducibility. Further benefits such as improved postoperative
      refractive results and reduced complication rates are being investigated.
      Commercial issues have invariably arisen such as cost of installation and
      operation, value proposition and return on investment. SUMMARY: Femtosecond
      cataract surgery is an evolving procedure that can potentially lead to better and
      safer surgical outcomes. This review presents the currently available scientific
      evidence and discusses some of the relevant financial issues concerning this
      technology.

PMID- 22081033
TI  - Risk factors for retinal detachment following cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review and evaluate the current literature on the incidence
      and risk factors for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) following cataract
      surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: RRD is a serious complication of cataract surgery that
      can occur in the early or late postoperative periods. Identifying factors that
      increase the risk of pseudophakic retinal detachment can aid in management.
      Recent studies support long established risk factors for retinal detachment
      including intraoperative complications such as posterior capsular rupture (PCR).
      In addition, the current literature further defines the risk for pseudophakic
      retinal detachment associated with younger age at time of surgery, high myopia,
      and male sex in several large retrospective studies. Two recent articles also
      examine the state of the vitreous before and after cataract surgery and find that
      patients are more likely to develop posterior vitreous detachment
      postoperatively, possibly contributing to the increased risk of RRD. SUMMARY:
      Younger age, high myopia, and male sex continue to be associated with higher risk
      of pseudophakic retinal detachment. Intraoperative complications such as PCR also
      increase the retinal detachment risk. Given the high volume of cataract surgeries
      performed each year, pseudophakic retinal detachment contributes significantly to
      visual morbidity in the United States and Europe.

PMID- 22081032
TI  - Clinically relevant biometry.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obtaining precise postoperative target refraction is of utmost
      importance in today's modern cataract and refractive surgery. Given the growing
      number of patients undergoing premium intraocular lens (IOL) implantations,
      patient expectation continues to rise. In order to meet heightened patient
      expectations, it is crucial to pay utmost attention to patient selection,
      accurate keratometry and biometry readings, as well as to the application of
      correct IOL power formula with optimized lens constants. This article reviews
      recent advances in the field of clinical biometry and IOL power calculations.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Recently developed low-coherence reflectometry optical biometry
      is comparable to older ultrasonic biometric and keratometric techniques. In
      addition, the new IOLMaster software upgrade has improved reproducibility and
      enhanced signal acquisition. Further, the modern lens power formulas currently
      determine the effective lens position and the shape of the intraocular lens power
      prediction curve more accurately. SUMMARY: In order to reach target refraction,
      precise biometric measurements are imperative. Understanding the strengths and
      limitations of the currently available biometry devices allows prevention of high
      variability and inaccuracy, ultimately determining the refractive outcomes.

PMID- 22081034
TI  - Cataract surgery in the face of ocular surface disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the importance of ocular surface
      management in patients undergoing cataract surgery. The current strategies for
      the diagnosis and management of ocular surface disease in cataract surgery
      patients are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: The current trend is to diagnose and
      treat ocular surface disease before cataract surgery using a stepwise regimen
      tailored to the individual patient and disease severity. SUMMARY: Maintaining a
      healthy ocular surface is essential for achieving the best visual outcome in
      cataract patients. Ocular surface preparation is beneficial not only in patients
      with established ocular surface disease, but also in those with minimal signs or
      symptoms of surface disease.

PMID- 22081035
TI  - Fundamental questions and concepts about photoreception and the case of Euglena
      gracilis.
AB  - The ability to sense light can be considered the most fundamental and presumably
      the most ancient property of visual systems. This ability is the basis of
      phototaxis, one of the most striking behavioral responses of motile
      photosynthetic microorganisms (i.e. microalgae) to light stimuli, which allows
      them to move toward or away directional light. In order to fully exploit the
      information content of light (intensity, direction, distribution) microorganisms
      need proper perceiving devices, termed photoreceptors, which must act as sensors,
      to perceive wavelength and direction of light, as transducers, to convert the
      light signal into chemical and/or electrical information, but also as amplifiers
      and eventually as transmitters. This review describes the universal structural,
      behavioral and physiological features necessary for the proper functioning of
      these devices in algae, and how these features have been investigated by means of
      different analytical techniques such as for example microspectroscopy, digital
      fluorescence microscopy, two photons FLIM. The insight of the photoreceptive
      response mechanism is explained using the unicellular alga Euglena gracilis, in
      which the different structural, behavioral and physiological features combine to
      achieve a concerted, efficient response to light stimuli.

PMID- 22081036
TI  - Recent advances in electrochemical sensing for hydrogen peroxide: a review.
AB  - Due to the significance of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in biological systems and
      its practical applications, the development of efficient electrochemical H(2)O(2)
      sensors holds a special attraction for researchers. Various materials such as
      Prussian blue (PB), heme proteins, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and transition metals
      have been applied to the construction of H(2)O(2) sensors. In this article, the
      electrocatalytic H(2)O(2) determinations are mainly focused on because they can
      provide a superior sensing performance over non-electrocatalytic ones. The
      synergetic effect between nanotechnology and electrochemical H(2)O(2)
      determination is also highlighted in various aspects. In addition, some recent
      progress for in vivo H(2)O(2) measurements is also presented. Finally, the future
      prospects for more efficient H(2)O(2) sensing are discussed.

PMID- 22081039
TI  - Post-embryonic functions of HSP90 in Tribolium castaneum include the regulation
      of compound eye development.
AB  - Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) belongs to a family of conserved chaperons with
      multiple roles in stress adaptation and development, including spermatogenesis,
      oogenesis and embryogenesis in insects. In the red flour beetle, Tribolium
      castaneum, we found that HSP90 is transiently upregulated during larval
      development, in prepupae, in female pupae and in adults, suggesting multiple post
      embryonic roles. We found that silencing HSP90 expression by RNA interference was
      lethal within 10 days at all developmental stages. Titration experiments revealed
      that larvae were more susceptible than pupae or beetles. Interestingly, HSP90
      silencing in final instar larvae resulted in abnormal pupal phenotypes lacking
      compound eyes and exhibiting prepupal features, suggesting developmental arrest
      at the prepupal stage. Our results suggest that HSP90 functions can be expanded
      beyond the known ones in insect embryogenesis to include roles in post-embryonic
      development such as the regulation of compound eye development.

PMID- 22081040
TI  - Comparative sequence analysis of VRN1 alleles of Lolium perenne with the co
      linear regions in barley, wheat, and rice.
AB  - Vernalization, a period of low temperature to induce transition from vegetative
      to reproductive state, is an important environmental stimulus for many cool
      season grasses. A key gene in the vernalization pathway in grasses is the VRN1
      gene. The objective of this study was to identify causative polymorphism(s) at
      the VRN1 locus in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) for variation in
      vernalization requirement. Two allelic Bacterial Artificial Chromosome clones of
      the VRN1 locus from the two genotypes Veyo and Falster with contrasting
      vernalization requirements were identified, sequenced, and characterized.
      Analysis of the allelic sequences identified an 8.6-kb deletion in the first
      intron of the VRN1 gene in the Veyo genotype which has low vernalization
      requirement. This deletion was in a divergent recurrent selection experiment
      confirmed to be associated with genotypes with low vernalization requirement. The
      region surrounding the VRN1 locus in perennial ryegrass showed microcolinearity
      to the corresponding region on chromosome 3 in Oryza sativa with conserved gene
      order and orientation, while the micro-colinearity to the corresponding region in
      Triticum monococcum was less conserved. Our study indicates that the first intron
      of the VRN1 gene, and in particular the identified 8.6 kb region, is an important
      regulatory region for vernalization response in perennial ryegrass.

PMID- 22081041
TI  - Case report of death from falling: Did heart tumor cause syncope?
AB  - A healthy man in his 30s was working on the balustrade of stairs on the second
      floor. He suddenly fell downstairs without saying anything. On emergency
      hospitalization, chest echogram showed left hemothorax. Cardiac echogram showed a
      floating mass from the mitral valve in the left ventricle and severe mitral
      regurgitation. Surgery for hemothorax and pulmonary contusion was immediately
      undertaken. However, bleeding from pulmonary contusion could not be controlled
      and he underwent cardiopulmonary arrest. Autopsy showed a white, elastic,
      pendulous mass in the left atrium and a white mass in the lower lobe of the left
      lung. Tumor histology showed a reticular pattern, Schiller-Duval bodies,
      eosinophilic hyaline globules, and positive staining for alpha-fetoprotein. We
      diagnosed primary lung yolk sac tumor with metastatic intracardiac yolk sac
      tumor, a rare and highly malignant germ cell tumor. It usually arises in the
      ovaries and testes, and intracardiac yolk sac tumor is rare. Intracavitary tumors
      induce obstruction of inflow into and outflow from the ventricular cavity. The
      most common clinical presentation is dyspnea and syncope. In the present case,
      metastatic cardiac yolk sac tumor might have disturbed cardiac outflow and
      affected hemodynamics, probably causing syncope. Unfortunately, he was in a high
      place at that time and fell to receive pulmonary contusion that led to death.
      Autopsy may sometimes reveal latent diseases which might be related to the cause
      of death. We should perform autopsy thoroughly to diagnose not only the cause of
      death but also the factors leading to death.

PMID- 22081042
TI  - Wounding capacity of muzzle-gas pressure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicidal gunshot wounds that are caused by ammunition fired from a 9
      mm Luger pistol, with direct contact between the gun muzzle and the victim's
      head, present a serious injury pattern even with full metal jacket bullets. Wound
      ballistic experiments were performed to clarify whether muzzle gases from the
      firearm have an additional wounding potential. METHODS: Fifteen head models were
      prepared as follows: an acryl sphere measuring 14 cm in diameter was completely
      covered with a layer of silicon that was 3 mm thick. These spheres were filled
      with 10% gelatine. At 4 degrees C, these models were fired at with a 9-mm Luger
      pistol, loaded with Quick Defense 1 expanding bullets. Five shots were fired with
      direct muzzle contact, one shot was fired from a distance of 10 cm, four shots
      were fired from a distance of 2 m, and five shots were fired from a distance of 4
      m. RESULTS: Each projectile penetrated the model; all but one projectile deformed
      regularly. Each acryl sphere shattered into comminuted pieces but was held
      together by the silicon cover. The gelatine filling was then cut into slices 1 cm
      thick, and each slice was optically scanned. An evaluation was performed
      following both Fackler's Wound Profile method and the polygon procedure method.
      The pattern of gelatine disruption did not differ in shots from intermediate
      ranges, but the amount of gelatine destruction was always more extended in the
      case of muzzle contact shots. Depending on the section of the bullet path, crack
      lengths were 31% to 133% longer in contact shots. The first centimetre and the
      second half of the bullet path showed the greatest increase. CONCLUSION: The
      experimental findings prove the wounding capacity of muzzle gases.

PMID- 22081044
TI  - Effective object planes for aberration-corrected transmission electron
      microscopy.
AB  - In aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, the image contrast
      depends sensitively on the focus value. With the point resolution extended to an
      information limit of below 0.1nm, even a focus change of as small as one
      nanometer could give a significant change in image contrast. Therefore, it is
      necessary to consider in detail the optimum focus condition in order to take full
      advantage of aberration-correction. In this study, the thickness dependence of
      the minimum contrast focus has been investigated by dynamical image simulations
      for amorphous model structures of carbon, germanium, and tungsten, which were
      constructed by molecular dynamics simulations. The calculation results show that
      the minimum contrast focus varies with the object thickness, supporting the use
      of an effective object plane close to the midplane instead of the exit plane of a
      sample, as suggested by Bonhomme and Beorchia [J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 16, 705
      (1983)] and Lentzen [Microscopy and Microanalysis 12, 191 (2006)]. Thus supported
      particles and wedge-shaped crystals with symmetrical top and bottom surfaces
      could be imaged at a focus condition independent of the uneven bottom face. Image
      simulations of crystalline samples as a function of focus and thickness show: for
      an object thickness of less than 10nm, the optimum focus condition is matched
      better if the midplane of the object, instead of the exit plane, is chosen as
      reference plane.

PMID- 22081043
TI  - Y-STR variation in the Basque diaspora in the Western USA: evolutionary and
      forensic perspectives.
AB  - Individuals of Basque origin migrated in large numbers to the Western USA in the
      second half of the nineteenth century, and the flow continued with less intensity
      during the last century. The European source population, that of the Basque
      Country, has long been a cultural and geographical isolate. Previous studies have
      demonstrated that Y-STR frequencies of Basques are different from those of other
      Spanish and European populations [1]. The Basque diaspora in the Western USA is a
      recent migration, but the founder effect and the incorporation of new American Y
      chromosomes into the paternal genetic pool of the Basque diaspora could have
      influenced its genetic structure and could thus have practical implications for
      forensic genetics. To check for genetic substructure among the European source
      and Basque diaspora populations and determine the most suitable population
      database for the Basque diaspora in the Western USA, we have analysed the
      haplotype distribution of 17 Y-STRs in both populations. We have found that the
      Basque diaspora in the Western USA largely conserve the Y chromosome lineage
      characteristic of the autochthonous European Basque population with no
      statistically significant differences. This implies that a common 17 Y-STR Basque
      population database could be used to calculate identification or kinship
      parameters regardless of whether the Basque individuals are from the European
      Basque Country or from the Basque diaspora in the Western USA.

PMID- 22081045
TI  - Severe phenotypes in two Tunisian families with novel XPA mutations: evidence for
      a correlation between mutation location and disease severity.
AB  - Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare disorder characterized by a high skin sun
      sensitivity predisposing to skin cancers at an early age. Among Tunisian XP
      patients with an intermediate skin phenotype, 92% presented neurological
      abnormalities related to XPA gene deficiency. Clinical variability of the XP-A
      phenotype is associated with a mutational heterogeneity. In the present study,
      two Tunisian families with severe dermatological and neurological XP phenotypes
      were investigated in order to determine clinical characteristics and genetic
      basis. Two Tunisian families with four XP affected children were examined in the
      Dermatology Department. Clinical features showed severe presentation of the
      disease. Coding regions of the XPA gene were analysed by direct sequencing.
      Results showed the presence of a novel mutation, p.E111X, in three patients
      belonging to the same family and presenting a very severe phenotype i.e.
      development of skin lesions and neurological signs before 1 year age. For the
      other patient, we identified a nonsense mutation, p.R207X, already identified in
      a Palestinian XP-A patient. Identification of novel causing mutations in Tunisian
      XP-A patients shows the genetic and mutational heterogeneity of the disease in
      Tunisia. Despite a relatively homogenous mutational spectrum, mutational
      heterogeneity for rare cases is observed because of the high rate of
      consanguinity.

PMID- 22081046
TI  - Substrate utilization during brisk walking is affected by glycemic index and
      fructose content of a pre-exercise meal.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether both glycemic index
      (GI) and fructose content of a pre-exercise meal would affect substrate
      utilization during subsequent brisk walking. Ten healthy young males completed 60
      min of 46% [Formula: see text] brisk walking 2 h after they consumed one of three
      breakfasts: a low-GI meal without fructose (LGI), a low-GI meal including
      fructose (LGIF), and a high-GI meal without fructose (HGI). The calculated GI
      values for the three meals were 41, 39, and 72, respectively. Substrate
      utilization was measured using indirect respiratory calorimetry method. During
      the postprandial period, the incremental area under the blood response curve
      values of glucose and insulin were higher in the HGI trial, compared with those
      in the LGI and LGIF trials (HGI vs. LGI and LGIF: Glucose 223.6 +/- 19.1 vs. 70.2
      +/- 7.4 and 114.1 +/- 16.4 mmol min L(-1); Insulin 4257 +/- 932 vs. 920 +/- 319
      and 1487 +/- 348 mU min L(-1)). During exercise, substrate preference was
      distinct based on different pre-exercise carbohydrate meals. Higher fat and lower
      carbohydrate oxidation was observed in the LGI trial, whereas both the HGI and
      LGIF trials were characterized by higher carbohydrate and lower fat oxidation
      (LGI vs. LGIF and HGI: Carbohydrate 59.3 +/- 2.4 vs. 69.8 +/- 3.9 and 72.7 +/-
      3.9 g; Fat 22.7 +/- 2.0 vs. 18.5 +/- 1.7 and 17.6 +/- 1.3 g; P < 0.05). In
      conclusion, the presence of fructose in a LGI breakfast resulted in similar
      substrate utilization during subsequent brisk walking with that induced by a HGI
      breakfast. It appears that both the GI and fructose content in a breakfast
      individually affect substrate utilization during subsequent moderate intensity
      exercise.

PMID- 22081047
TI  - Trainability of cold induced vasodilatation in fingers and toes.
AB  - Subjects that repeatedly have to expose the extremities to cold may benefit from
      a high peripheral temperature to maintain dexterity and tissue integrity.
      Therefore, we investigated if repeated immersions of a hand and a foot in cold
      water resulted in increased skin temperatures. Nine male and seven female
      subjects (mean 20.4; SD 2.2 years) immersed their right (trained) hand and foot
      simultaneously in 8 degrees C water, 30 min daily for 15 days. During the pre and
      post-test (days 1 and 15, respectively) the left (untrained) hand and foot were
      immersed as well. Pain, tactile sensitivity and skin temperatures were measured
      every day. Mean (SD) toe temperature of the trained foot increased from 9.49
      degrees C (0.89) to 10.03 degrees C (1.38) (p < 0.05). The trained hand, however,
      showed a drop in mean finger temperature from 9.28 degrees C (0.54) to 8.91
      degrees C (0.44) (p < 0.001) and the number of cold induced vasodilation (CIVD)
      reactions decreased from 52% during the first test to 24% during the last test.
      No significant differences occurred in the untrained extremities. Pain diminished
      over time and tactile sensitivity decreased with skin temperature. The
      combination of less CIVD responses in the fingers after training, reduced finger
      skin temperatures in subjects that did show CIVD and the reduced pain and tactile
      sensitivity over time may lead to an increased risk for finger cold injuries. It
      is concluded that repeated cold exposure of the fingers does not lead to
      favorable adaptations, but may instead increase the injury risk.

PMID- 22081048
TI  - Physiological demand and pacing strategy during the new combined event in elite
      pentathletes.
AB  - To evaluate the physiological demands and effects of different pacing strategies
      on performance during the new combined event (CE) of the modern pentathlon
      (consisting of three pistol shooting sessions interspersed by three 1-km running
      legs). Nine elite pentathletes realised five tests: a free-paced CE during an
      international competition; an incremental running test to determine [Formula: see
      text] and its related velocity ([Formula: see text]) and three experimental time
      trial CE, where the pacing strategy was manipulated (CE(ref), CE(100%),
      CE(105%)). CE(ref) reproduced the international competition strategy with a 170-m
      fast running start within the first 2 km. CE(100%) and CE(105%) imposed a
      constant strategy over km-1 and km-2 with a velocity of 100 and 105% of the mean
      speed adopted over the same sections during the international competition,
      respectively. Km-3 was always self-paced. The subjects ran CE(ref) at 99 +/- 4%
      of [Formula: see text] and reached 100 +/- 5, 100 +/- 7, 99 +/- 8% of [Formula:
      see text] at the end of kilometres 1, 2 and 3, respectively ([Formula: see text]:
      72 +/- 6 mL O(2) min(-1) kg(-1)), with a peak blood lactate concentration of 13.6
      +/- 1.5 mmol L(-1). No significant differences in overall performance were found
      between the pacing conditions (753 +/- 30, 770 +/- 39, 768 +/- 27 s for CE(ref),
      CE(100%) and CE(105%), respectively, p = 0.63), but all of the shooting
      performance parameters were only stable in CE(ref). Completion of CE by elite
      pentathletes elicits a maximal aerobic contribution coupled with a high
      glycolytic supply. Manipulating the mean running speed over km-1 and km-2 had
      strong influence on the overall pacing strategy and induced minor differences in
      shooting performance, but it did not affect overall performance.

PMID- 22081049
TI  - Changes in tremor as a function of type of augmented visual information.
AB  - The dynamics of postural finger tremor is typically investigated under conditions
      of natural vision of the finger. Here we investigated the effect of different
      types of augmented visual information feedback on finger tremor and on inter-limb
      tremor coordination. Four visual information conditions of postural finger tremor
      from either the dominant hand only or from both hands were investigated. The
      visual conditions were: (1) no vision, (2) natural vision, (3) augmented vision
      with instantaneous acceleration on a computer display, and (4) augmented vision
      with instantaneous and past acceleration on a computer display. Acceleration was
      measured with a 3D accelerometer on the distal phalanx of the index finger(s).
      The amount of tremor variability did not change as a function of visual
      information conditions. However, removing visual feedback increased tremor
      predictability and reduced small, random deviations of tremor acceleration output
      in the one finger condition. In the two-finger condition, augmented visual
      information increased the irregularity of the combined tremor variability. The no
      vision condition showed a stronger coupling between fingers than natural vision
      or augmented vision with past information. The findings revealed that augmented
      visual information increased tremor irregularity and facilitated coupling in two
      hand tremor dynamics.

PMID- 22081050
TI  - Enhanced uridine 5'-monophosphate production by whole cell of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae through rational redistribution of metabolic flux.
AB  - A whole-cell biocatalytic process for uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP) production
      from orotic acid by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was developed. To rationally
      redistribute the metabolic flux between glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway,
      statistical methods were employed first to find out the critical factors in the
      process. NaH(2)PO(4), MgCl(2) and pH were found to be the important factors
      affecting UMP production significantly. The levels of these three factors
      required for the maximum production of UMP were determined: NaH(2)PO(4) 22.1 g/L;
      MgCl(2) 2.55 g/L; pH 8.15. An enhancement of UMP production from 6.12 to 8.13 g/L
      was achieved. A significant redistribution of metabolic fluxes was observed and
      the underlying mechanism was discussed.

PMID- 22081051
TI  - A mechanism for abnormal angiogenesis in human radiation proctitis: analysis of
      expression profile for angiogenic factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiation proctitis is an increasingly prevalent problem, with many
      patients being treated with radiotherapy for pelvic cancers. However, the
      mechanisms by which radiation proctitis develops in humans are not well
      understood. In this study, the expression profiles of angiogenic factors were
      analyzed to clarify their role in the etiology of radiation proctitis. METHODS:
      Rectal biopsies were taken from 8 patients with radiation proctitis and 8 normal
      subjects. Protein lysates of the tissues were applied to an antibody array for
      angiogenesis-related factors. The mRNA level of each factor was evaluated by
      Taqman real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the labeled
      streptavidin biotin method. RESULTS: Antibody array analysis revealed 2.12- to
      7.31-fold higher expression levels of angiogenin, fibroblast growth factor 1
      (FGF1), endoglin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, urokinase-type plasminogen
      activator (uPA) and maspin in radiation proctitis tissues compared with normal
      rectal mucosa. The mRNA level of each factor in radiation proctitis tissue was
      significantly higher than in normal rectal mucosa, suggesting their
      transcriptional activation. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong expression
      of angiogenin and maspin in rectal epithelia, MMP-8 and uPA in infiltrating
      lymphocytes, FGF1 in fibroblasts and endoglin in endothelial cells. The
      expression of VEGF was not evident. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in
      radiation proctitis, MMP-8 and uPA cooperatively degrade the extracellular matrix
      and basement membrane to provide space for angiogenesis. Simultaneously,
      angiogenin and FGF1 promote endothelial cell proliferation, and endoglin induces
      vessel formation, culminating in angiogenesis. Inhibitors of angiogenic factors
      such as angiogenin and FGF1 may be effective for treating radiation proctitis.

PMID- 22081052
TI  - Rikkunshito improves symptoms in PPI-refractory GERD patients: a prospective,
      randomized, multicenter trial in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To seek a promising therapeutic regimen for proton pump inhibitor
      (PPI)-refractory patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after the
      standard PPI treatment, we compared the efficacies of rikkunshito (a Japanese
      traditional medication) combined with rabeprazole (RPZ) and a double dose of RPZ
      in a prospective randomized multicenter trial in Japanese PPI-refractory GERD
      patients. METHODS: One hundred and four patients with GERD symptoms remaining
      after 4-week treatment with RPZ (10 mg/day) were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of
      either combination therapy [rikkunshito (7.5 g/day) with a standard dose of RPZ
      (10 mg/day)] or a double dose of RPZ (20 mg/day). The primary endpoint was the
      improvement rate, calculated based on the frequency scale for the symptoms of
      GERD (FSSG) before and after treatment. Subgroup analysis was also performed with
      respect to each subject's background factors such as reflux esophagitis (RE)/non
      erosive GERD (NERD), age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Four-week
      treatment with rikkunshito combined with RPZ significantly decreased the FSSG
      score from 17.6 +/- 6.5 to 12.0 +/- 6.9, similar to the decrease seen on
      treatment with a double dose of RPZ. Regarding the therapeutic improvement rate,
      there were also significant effects in both groups. However, in the subgroup
      analysis based on RE/NERD, the improvement rate of male NERD patients in the
      rikkunshito group was significantly greater than that of such patients in the
      other group (P < 0.05). In the rikkunshito group, the treatment was more
      effective in NERD patients with a low BMI than in those with a high BMI (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Rikkunshito combined with standard-dose RPZ therapy may be a
      useful new strategy for PPI-refractory GERD patients.

PMID- 22081053
TI  - Debate continues over which method we should prefer for the preoperative biliary
      decompression in cases with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 22081055
TI  - A paradigm shift and a few modest suggestions in the care of adolescent
      transplant recipients.

PMID- 22081054
TI  - The determinants of clinical outcome and clinical response to CRT are not the
      same.
AB  - The purpose of treatment is to alter outcomes favourably. From a clinical
      perspective, these outcomes may include symptoms, quality of life, disability,
      morbidity and mortality. However, a good outcome does not mean that the
      intervention was effective and a seemingly poor outcome could have been worse
      without intervention. Patients may have a good outcome either because their
      disease was due to run a benign course, or because they responded to the intended
      treatment or because they responded to some other ancillary treatment. Clearly,
      there is a link between response and outcome but it is loose and uncertain. The
      clinical substrate being treated is often a stronger determinant of outcome than
      the response to the intervention. The concepts of outcome and response can both
      be useful when deciding whether or not to implant a device but they are not the
      same and their determinants will differ. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and
      those with inter-ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony have a better prognosis than
      those who do not have these features, but this is true whether or not they
      receive cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). Many characteristics predict
      outcome in patients considered for CRT but none consistently predict response. On
      the other hand, guidelines recommend CRT in populations that have not yet been
      adequately studied, such as those with atrial fibrillation. Clinicians should
      follow the criteria for patient selection in the landmark trials when selecting
      patients for CRT, should extrapolate with caution from these and should be
      extremely cautious in the interpretation of observational data.

PMID- 22081056
TI  - The impact of a problem-solving intervention on increasing caregiver assistance
      and improving caregiver health.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a paucity of research evaluating the impact of symptom
      management interventions on increasing family caregiver involvement in symptom
      management and on caregivers' emotional health. In addition, most caregiver
      interventions are delivered by a health care professional, which can be costly to
      implement in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine
      whether, in patients with solid tumors, a nurse-delivered symptom management
      intervention was more effective than a coach-led intervention in increasing
      caregiver involvement in symptom management and improving caregivers' emotional
      health. METHODS: Both caregivers and care recipients were recruited for the
      study. Inclusion criteria for patients were >=40 years of age, English speaking,
      cognitively intact, and having a diagnosis of stage III or IV tumor. Dyads were
      randomized to a nurse-delivered symptom management intervention (N = 88) versus
      the coach-led group (N = 81). Data were collected via telephone interviews at
      baseline, 10, and 16 weeks. RESULTS: There was no significant main effect of the
      problem-solving intervention on symptom assistance at 10 weeks, but there were
      two significant interactions, between trial arm and depressive symptoms and
      between baseline assistance with symptoms and relationship to the patient.
      Caregivers with lower depressive symptoms were more likely (OR = 1.99, 95% CI =
      1.45-2.76) to provide assistance at 10 weeks if they received the nurse-delivered
      intervention. Spousal (versus non-spouses) caregivers who provided assistance at
      baseline were less likely to provide assistance at 10 weeks (OR = 0.58, 95% CI
      0.36-0.94). No significant trial arm effects were found on caregiver emotional
      health, but assistance with greater number of symptoms was associated with worse
      caregiver depressive symptoms (p < 0.01) and burden (impact on schedule, p <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that a nurse-delivered problem-solving
      intervention increases family caregivers' level of assistance in symptom
      management for caregivers with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Data also
      suggest interventions focused solely on care recipient symptom management may not
      be effective in improving caregivers' emotional health.

PMID- 22081057
TI  - Evaluating adherence to recommended diets among cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined dietary and health-related behaviors among Korean cancer
      patients in the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
      METHODS: To compare the dietary and health-related behaviors among cancer
      patients, patients who had recovered from cancer, and those who had never had
      cancer, we obtained odds ratio (OR)s and 95% confidence interval (CI)s for the
      adherence to American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommendations or a
      Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet using the multivariate
      polytomous logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 103 cancer patients, 139
      patients who had recovered from cancer, and 7,963 participants who had never had
      cancer were included. Patients who had ever been diagnosed with cancer were more
      likely to follow AICR recommendations or a DASH-style diet compared to those who
      had never had cancer. Compared to bottom tertile of the AICR adherence score, ORs
      (95% CIs) in the top tertile were 3.19 (1.86-5.46) for patients who recovered
      from cancer and 3.34 (1.81-6.17) for cancer patients. For a DASH-style diet, we
      found an OR of 2.26 (95% CI 1.28-3.99) for patients who recovered from cancer and
      an OR of 1.60 (95% CI 0.89-2.89) for cancer patients, comparing top to bottom
      tertiles. We also found that the degree of adherence among cancer patients was
      stronger among ever smokers than never smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Korean patients who
      had ever been diagnosed with cancer showed higher adherence to diets designed to
      prevent cancer or high blood pressure than those who had never had cancer. Our
      observations warrant further prospective studies to evaluate the association of
      adherence to a healthy diet with survival and quality of life among Asian cancer
      patients.

PMID- 22081058
TI  - Do elderly patients with metastatic cancer have worse quality of life scores?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare self-reported quality of life
      (QOL) scores in old and young patients with metastatic cancer using the European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL
      questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving palliative radiotherapy
      (RT) for bone metastases and brain metastases completed the QLQ-C15-PAL
      questionnaire prior to treatment. Using multiple linear regression analysis, a
      parametric test, the QLQ-C15-PAL scores were compared using 65 and 70 years as
      cutoff ages. RESULTS: A total of 340 patients were referred for palliative RT for
      bone metastases (n = 190) or brain metastases (n = 150). Physical functioning and
      appetite were worse in the older group using either 65 or 70 years as the cutoff
      age. Age-related differences in the QLQ-C15-PAL scores varied as a function of
      age cutoff used and location of metastatic site irradiated. CONCLUSION: Based on
      the (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL, elderly advanced cancer patients have a different QOL
      profile. Similar observations have been reported with the (EORTC) QLQ-C30
      questionnaire.

PMID- 22081059
TI  - Children with cerebral palsy:  racial disparities in functional limitations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies of the frequency of cerebral palsy in the United
      States have found excess prevalence in black children relative to other groups.
      Whether the severity of cerebral palsy differs between black and white children
      has not previously been investigated. METHODS: A population-based surveillance
      system in 4 regions of the United States identified 476 children with cerebral
      palsy among 142,338 8-year-old children in 2006. Motor function was rated by the
      Gross Motor Function Classification System and grouped into 3 categories of
      severity. We used multiple imputation to account for missing information on motor
      function and calculated the race-specific prevalence of each cerebral palsy
      severity level. RESULTS: The prevalence of cerebral palsy was 3.7 per 1000 black
      children and 3.2 per 1000 white children (prevalence odds ratio [OR] = 1.2 [95%
      confidence interval = 1.0-1.4]). When stratified by severity of functional
      limitation, the racial disparity was present only for severe cerebral palsy
      (black vs. white prevalence OR=1.7 [1.1-2.4]). The excess prevalence of severe
      cerebral palsy in black children was evident in term and very preterm birth
      strata. CONCLUSION: Black children in the United States appear to have a higher
      prevalence of cerebral palsy overall than white children, although the excess
      prevalence of cerebral palsy in black children is seen only among those with the
      most severe limitations. Further research is needed to explore reasons for this
      disparity in functional limitations; potential mechanisms include racial
      differences in risk factors, access to interventions, and under-identification of
      mild cerebral palsy in black children.

PMID- 22081060
TI  - Perfluorinated compounds and subfecundity in pregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perfluorinated compounds are ubiquitous pollutants; epidemiologic
      data suggest they may be associated with adverse health outcomes, including
      subfecundity. We examined subfecundity in relation to 2 perfluorinated compounds
      perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). METHODS: This
      case-control analysis included 910 women enrolled in the Norwegian Mother and
      Child Cohort Study in 2003 and 2004. Around gestational week 17, women reported
      their time to pregnancy and provided blood samples. Cases consisted of 416 women
      with a time to pregnancy greater than 12 months, considered subfecund. Plasma
      concentrations of perfluorinated compounds were analyzed using liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) were estimated for each pollutant quartile using logistic
      regression. Estimates were further stratified by parity. RESULTS: The median
      plasma concentration of PFOS was 13.0 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR] = 10.3
      16.6 ng/mL) and of PFOA was 2.2 ng/mL (IQR = 1.7-3.0 ng/mL). The relative odds of
      subfecundity among parous women was 2.1 (95% CI = 1.2-3.8) for the highest PFOS
      quartile and 2.1 (1.0-4.0) for the highest PFOA quartile. Among nulliparous
      women, the respective relative odds were 0.7 (0.4-1.3) and 0.5 (0.2-1.2).
      CONCLUSION: Previous studies suggest that the body burden of perfluorinated
      compounds decreases during pregnancy and lactation through transfer to the fetus
      and to breast milk. Afterward, the body burden may increase again. Among parous
      women, increased body burden may be due to a long interpregnancy interval rather
      than the cause of a long time to pregnancy. Therefore, data from nulliparous
      women may be more informative regarding toxic effects of perfluorinated
      compounds. Our results among nulliparous women did not support an association
      with subfecundity.

PMID- 22081061
TI  - Radon and skin cancer in southwest England:  an ecologic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a carcinogen that
      causes a small proportion of lung cancers among exposed populations. Theoretical
      models suggest that radon may also be a risk factor for skin cancer, but
      epidemiologic evidence for this relationship is weak. In this study, we
      investigated ecologic associations between environmental radon concentration and
      the incidence of various types of skin cancer. METHODS: We analyzed data for 287
      small areas (postcode sectors) in southwest England for the years 2000-2004.
      Poisson regression was used to compare registration rates of malignant melanoma,
      basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma across mean indoor radon
      concentrations from household surveys. Analyses were adjusted for potentially
      confounding factors, including age, sex, population socioeconomic status, and
      mean hours of bright sunshine. RESULTS: No association was observed between mean
      postcode sector radon concentration and either malignant melanoma or basal cell
      carcinoma registration rates. However, sectors with higher radon levels had
      higher squamous cell carcinoma registration rates, with evidence of an exposure
      response relationship. Comparing highest and lowest radon categories, postcode
      sectors with mean radon >= 230 Bq/m(3) had registration rates 1.76 (95%
      confidence interval = 1.46-2.11) times those with mean radon 0-39 Bq/m(3).
      Associations persisted after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS:
      This ecologic study suggests that environmental radon exposure may be a risk
      factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Further study is warranted to overcome
      ecologic design limitations and to determine whether this relationship is
      generalizable to national and international settings.

PMID- 22081062
TI  - Berkson's bias, selection bias, and missing data.
AB  - Although Berkson's bias is widely recognized in the epidemiologic literature, it
      remains underappreciated as a model of both selection bias and bias due to
      missing data. Simple causal diagrams and 2 * 2 tables illustrate how Berkson's
      bias connects to collider bias and selection bias more generally, and show the
      strong analogies between Berksonian selection bias and bias due to missing data.
      In some situations, considerations of whether data are missing at random or
      missing not at random are less important than the causal structure of the missing
      data process. Although dealing with missing data always relies on strong
      assumptions about unobserved variables, the intuitions built with simple examples
      can provide a better understanding of approaches to missing data in real-world
      situations.

PMID- 22081064
TI  - The gene encoding the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 is associated with
      schizophrenia in a Danish case-control sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The MCHR1 gene encoding the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1
      is located on chromosome 22q13.2 and has previously been associated with
      schizophrenia in a study of cases and controls from the Faroe Islands and
      Scotland. Herein we report an association between variations in the MCHR1 gene
      and schizophrenia, based on analyses of a larger sample and an increased number
      of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) than used in the previous study.
      METHODS: Eighteen SNPs in the MCHR1 gene region were genotyped in a Caucasian
      case-control sample from Denmark consisting of 390 individuals with schizophrenia
      and 814 control individuals. Sex-specific analysis and analysis of association
      with antipsychotic treatment were performed. RESULTS: Five SNPs in the proximal
      region of MCHR1 were significantly associated with schizophrenia. The
      associations seemed to be sex specific, predominantly seen in men where one SNP
      (rs133073) remained significant (P=0.003) after correction for multiple testing.
      When combining the P values in the proximal region of MCHR1, the region-wise P
      value was low (P=0.009) supporting that variations in this part of the gene is
      associated with schizophrenia. Furthermore, the association was stronger in
      patients responding to conventional and atypical antipsychotic medication except
      clozapine. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MCHR1 may influence schizophrenia
      susceptibility, in particular among men and patients responding to conventional
      (nonclozapine) treatment.

PMID- 22081063
TI  - Data mining approaches for genome-wide association of mood disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are highly heritable forms of major mental illness. A
      major breakthrough in elucidating the genetic architecture of mood disorders was
      anticipated with the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However,
      to date few susceptibility loci have been conclusively identified. The genetic
      etiology of mood disorders appears to be quite complex, and as a result,
      alternative approaches for analyzing GWAS data are needed. Recently, a polygenic
      scoring approach that captures the effects of alleles across multiple loci was
      successfully applied to the analysis of GWAS data in schizophrenia and bipolar
      disorder (BP). However, this method may be overly simplistic in its approach to
      the complexity of genetic effects. Data mining methods are available that may be
      applied to analyze the high dimensional data generated by GWAS of complex
      psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: We sought to compare the performance of five data
      mining methods, namely, Bayesian networks, support vector machine, random forest,
      radial basis function network, and logistic regression, against the polygenic
      scoring approach in the analysis of GWAS data on BP. The different classification
      methods were trained on GWAS datasets from the Bipolar Genome Study (2191 cases
      with BP and 1434 controls) and their ability to accurately classify case/control
      status was tested on a GWAS dataset from the Wellcome Trust Case Control
      Consortium. CONCLUSION: The performance of the classifiers in the test dataset
      was evaluated by comparing area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curves. Bayesian networks performed the best of all the data mining classifiers,
      but none of these did significantly better than the polygenic score approach. We
      further examined a subset of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that
      are expressed in the brain, under the hypothesis that these might be most
      relevant to BP susceptibility, but all the classifiers performed worse with this
      reduced set of SNPs. The discriminative accuracy of all of these methods is
      unlikely to be of diagnostic or clinical utility at the present time. Further
      research is needed to develop strategies for selecting sets of SNPs likely to be
      relevant to disease susceptibility and to determine if other data mining
      classifiers that utilize other algorithms for inferring relationships among the
      sets of SNPs may perform better.

PMID- 22081065
TI  - Management of detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia in neurogenic bladder.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects 11.5 to 53.4 individuals per million of the
      population in developed countries each year. SCI is caused by trauma, although it
      can also result from myelopathy, myelitis, vascular disease or arteriovenous
      malformations and multiple sclerosis. Patients with complete lesions of the
      spinal cord between spinal cord level T6 and S2, after they recover from spinal
      shock, generally exhibit involuntary bladder contractions without sensation,
      smooth sphincter synergy, but with detrusor striated sphincter dyssynergia
      (DESD). Those with lesions above spinal cord level T6 may experience, in
      addition, smooth sphincter dyssynergia and autonomic hyperreflexia. DESD is a
      debilitating problem in patients with SCI. It carries a high risk of
      complications, and even life expectancy can be affected. Nearly half of the
      patients with untreated DESD will develop deleterious urologic complications, due
      to high intravesical pressures, resulting in urolithiasis, urinary tract
      infection (UTI), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), hydronephrosis, obstructive
      uropathy, and renal failure. The mainstay of treatment is the use of
      antimuscarinics and catheterization, but in those for whom this is not possible
      external sphincterotomy has been a last resort option. External sphincterotomy is
      associated with significant risks, including haemorrhage; erectile dysfunction
      and the possibility of redo procedures. Over the last decade alternatives have
      been investigated, such as urethral stents and intrasphincteric botulinum toxin
      injection. In this review, we will cover neurogenic DESD, with emphasis on
      definition, classifications, diagnosis and different therapeutic options
      available.

PMID- 22081066
TI  - Suppression of Myc oncogenic activity by nucleostemin haploinsufficiency.
AB  - Nucleostemin (NS), a nucleolar GTPase, is highly expressed in stem/progenitor
      cells and in most cancer cells. However, little is known about the regulation of
      its expression. Here, we identify the NS gene as a novel direct transcriptional
      target of the c-Myc oncoprotein. We show that Myc overexpression enhances NS
      transcription in cultured cells and in pre-neoplastic B cells from EMU-myc
      transgenic mice. Consistent with NS being downstream of Myc, NS expression
      parallels that of Myc in a large panel of human cancer cell lines. Using
      chromatin immunoprecipitation we show that c-Myc binds to a well-conserved E-box
      in the NS promoter. Critically, we show NS haploinsufficiency profoundly delays
      Myc-induced cancer formation in vivo. NS+/-EMU-myc transgenic mice have much
      slower rates of B-cell lymphoma development, with life spans twice that of their
      wild-type littermates. Moreover, we demonstrate that NS is essential for the
      proliferation of Myc-overexpressing cells in cultured cells and in vivo: impaired
      lymphoma development was associated with a drastic decrease of c-Myc-induced
      proliferation of pre-tumoural B cells. Finally, we provide evidence that in cell
      culture NS controls cell proliferation independently of p53 and that NS
      haploinsufficiency significantly delays lymphomagenesis in p53-deficient mice.
      Together these data indicate that NS functions downstream of Myc as a rate
      limiting regulator of cell proliferation and transformation, independently from
      its putative role within the p53 pathway. Targeting NS is therefore expected to
      compromise early tumour development irrespectively of the p53 status.

PMID- 22081067
TI  - EGFR signaling upregulates expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in
      cancer cells leading to enhanced tumorigenicity.
AB  - In this report we describe the contribution of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))
      derived from the inducible microsomal PGE-synthase type-1 (mPGES-1) to the
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) oncogenic drive in tumor epithelial cells
      and in tumor-bearing mice. EGFR stimulation upregulated expression of mPGES-1 in
      HT-29, A431 and A549 cancer cells. Egr-1, a transcription factor induced by EGF,
      mediated this response. The Egr-1 rise provoked the overexpression of mPGES-1
      messenger and protein, and enhanced PGE(2) formation. These changes were
      suppressed either by silencing Egr-1, or by upstream blockade of EGFR or ERK1/2
      signals. Further, in a clonogenic assay on tumor cells, EGF induced a florid
      tumorigenic phenotype, which regressed when mPGES-1 was silenced or knocked down.
      EGF-induced mPGES-1 overexpression in epithelial cell reduced E-cadherin
      expression, whereas enhancing that of vimentin, suggesting an incipient
      mesenchymal phenotype. Additionally, inhibiting the EGFR in mice bearing the A431
      tumor, the mPGES-1 expression and the tumor growth, exhibited a parallel decline.
      In conclusion, these findings provide novel evidence that a tight cooperation
      between the EGF/EGFR and mPGES-1 leads to a significant tumorigenic gain in
      epithelial cells, and provide clues for controlling the vicious association.

PMID- 22081068
TI  - Cancer-associated alteration of pericentromeric heterochromatin may contribute to
      chromosome instability.
AB  - Many tumors exhibit elevated chromosome mis-segregation termed chromosome
      instability (CIN), which is likely to be a potent driver of tumor progression and
      drug resistance. Causes of CIN are poorly understood but probably include prior
      genome tetraploidization, centrosome amplification and mitotic checkpoint
      defects. This study identifies epigenetic alteration of the centromere as a
      potential contributor to the CIN phenotype. The centromere controls chromosome
      segregation and consists of higher-order repeat (HOR) alpha-satellite DNA
      packaged into two chromatin domains: the kinetochore, harboring the centromere
      specific H3 variant centromere protein A (CENP-A), and the pericentromeric
      heterochromatin, considered important for cohesion. Perturbation of centromeric
      chromatin in model systems causes CIN. As cancer cells exhibit widespread
      chromatin changes, we hypothesized that pericentromeric chromatin structure could
      also be affected, contributing to CIN. Cytological and chromatin
      immunoprecipitation and PCR (ChIP-PCR)-based analyses of HT1080 cancer cells
      showed that only one of the two HORs on chromosomes 5 and 7 incorporate CENP-A,
      an organization conserved in all normal and cancer-derived cells examined.
      Contrastingly, the heterochromatin marker H3K9me3 (trimethylation of H3 lysine 9)
      mapped to all four HORs and ChIP-PCR showed an altered pattern of H3K9me3 in
      cancer cell lines and breast tumors, consistent with a reduction on the
      kinetochore-forming HORs. The JMJD2B demethylase is overexpressed in breast
      tumors with a CIN phenotype, and overexpression of exogenous JMJD2B in cultured
      breast epithelial cells caused loss of centromere-associated H3K9me3 and
      increased CIN. These findings suggest that impaired maintenance of
      pericentromeric heterochromatin may contribute to CIN in cancer and be a novel
      therapeutic target.

PMID- 22081069
TI  - Atypical mechanism of NF-kappaB activation by TRE17/ubiquitin-specific protease 6
      (USP6) oncogene and its requirement in tumorigenesis.
AB  - The NF-kappaB transcription factor has a central role in diverse processes,
      including inflammation, proliferation and cell survival, and its activity is
      dysregulated in diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer. We recently identified
      the TRE17/ubiquitin-specific protease 6 (USP6) oncogene as the first de
      ubiquitinating enzyme to activate NF-kappaB. TRE17/USP6 is translocated and
      overexpressed in aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), a pediatric tumor characterized by
      extensive bone degradation and inflammatory recruitment. In the current study, we
      explore the mechanism by which TRE17 induces activation of NF-kappaB, and find
      that it activates the classical NF-kappaB pathway through an atypical mechanism
      that does not involve IkappaB degradation. TRE17 co-precipitates with IkappaB
      kinase (IKK), and IKK activity is augmented in stable cell lines overexpressing
      TRE17, in a USP-dependent manner. Optimal activation of NF-kappaB by TRE17
      requires both catalytic subunits of IKK, distinguishing its mechanism from the
      classical and non-canonical pathways, which require either IKKbeta or IKKalpha,
      respectively. TRE17 stimulates phosphorylation of p65 at serine 536, a
      modification that has been associated with enhanced transcriptional activity and
      nuclear retention. Induction of S536 phosphorylation by TRE17 requires both
      IKKalpha and IKKbeta, as well as the IKKgamma/NEMO regulatory subunit of IKK. We
      further demonstrate that TRE17(long) is highly tumorigenic when overexpressed in
      NIH3T3 fibroblasts, and that inhibition of NF-kappaB significantly attenuates
      tumor formation. In summary, these studies uncover an unexpected signaling
      mechanism for activation of classical NF-kappaB by TRE17. They further reveal a
      critical role for NF-kappaB in TRE17-mediated tumorigenesis, and suggest that NF
      kappaB inhibitors may function as effective therapeutic agents in the treatment
      of ABC.

PMID- 22081070
TI  - The nuclear receptor TR3 regulates mTORC1 signaling in lung cancer cells
      expressing wild-type p53.
AB  - The orphan nuclear receptor TR3 (NR41A and Nur77) is overexpressed in most lung
      cancer patients and is a negative prognostic factor for patient survival. The
      function of TR3 was investigated in non-small-cell lung cancer A549 and H460
      cells, and knockdown of TR3 by RNA interference (siTR3) inhibited cancer cell
      growth and induced apoptosis. The prosurvival activity of TR3 was due, in part,
      to formation of a p300/TR3/ specificity protein 1 complex bound to GC-rich
      promoter regions of survivin and other Sp-regulated genes (mechanism 1). However,
      in p53 wild-type A549 and H460 cells, siTR3 inhibited the mTORC1 pathway, and
      this was due to activation of p53 and induction of the p53-responsive gene
      sestrin 2, which subsequently activated the mTORC1 inhibitor AMP-activated
      protein kinase alpha (AMPKalpha) (mechanism 2). This demonstrates that the pro
      oncogenic activity of TR3 in lung cancer cells was due to inhibition of p53 and
      activation of mTORC1. 1,1-Bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane (DIM-C
      pPhOH) is a recently discovered inhibitor of TR3, which mimics the effects of
      siTR3. DIM-C-pPhOH inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells
      and lung tumors in murine orthotopic and metastatic models, and this was
      accompanied by decreased expression of survivin and inhibition of mTORC1
      signaling, demonstrating that inactivators of TR3 represent a novel class of
      mTORC1 inhibitors.

PMID- 22081071
TI  - Cathepsin D is partly endocytosed by the LRP1 receptor and inhibits LRP1
      regulated intramembrane proteolysis.
AB  - The aspartic protease cathepsin-D (cath-D) is a marker of poor prognosis in
      breast cancer that is overexpressed and hypersecreted by human breast cancer
      cells. Secreted pro-cath-D binds to the extracellular domain of the beta-chain of
      the LDL receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) in fibroblasts. The LRP1 receptor has
      an 85-kDa transmembrane beta-chain and a noncovalently attached 515-kDa
      extracellular alpha-chain. LRP1 acts by (1) internalizing many ligands via its
      alpha-chain, (2) activating signaling pathways by phosphorylating the LRP1beta
      chain tyrosine and (3) modulating gene transcription by regulated intramembrane
      proteolysis (RIP) of its beta-chain. LRP1 RIP involves two cleavages: the first
      liberates the LRP1 ectodomain to give a membrane-associated form, LRP1beta-CTF,
      and the second generates the LRP1beta-intracellular domain, LRP1beta-ICD, that
      modulates gene transcription. Here, we investigated the endocytosis of pro-cath-D
      by LRP1 and the effect of pro-cath-D/LRP1beta interaction on LRP1beta tyrosine
      phosphorylation and/or LRP1beta RIP. Our results indicate that pro-cath-D was
      partially endocytosed by LRP1 in fibroblasts. However, pro-cath-D and ectopic
      cath-D did not stimulate phosphorylation of the LRP1beta-chain tyrosine.
      Interestingly, ectopic cath-D and its catalytically inactive (D231N)cath-D, and
      pro-(D231N)cath-D all significantly inhibited LRP1 RIP by preventing LRP1beta-CTF
      production. Thus, cath-D inhibits LRP1 RIP independently of its catalytic
      activity by blocking the first cleavage. As cath-D triggers fibroblast outgrowth
      by LRP1, we propose that cath-D modulates the growth of fibroblasts by inhibiting
      LRP1 RIP in the breast tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 22081072
TI  - Mice deficient in MIM expression are predisposed to lymphomagenesis.
AB  - Missing in metastasis (MIM) is a member of newly emerged inverse Bin-Amphiphysin
      Rvs (BAR) domain protein family and a putative metastasis suppressor. Although
      reduced MIM expression has been associated with bladder, breast and gastric
      cancers, evidence for the role of MIM in tumor progression remains scarce and
      controversial. Herein we characterized a MIM knockout mouse strain and observed
      that MIM-deficient mice often developed enlarged spleens. Autopsy and
      histological analysis revealed that nearly 78% of MIM(-/-) mice developed tumors
      with features similar to diffuse large B lymphoma during a period from 1 to 2
      years. MIM(-/-) mice also exhibited abnormal distribution of B cells in lymphoid
      organs with decrease in the spleen but increase in the bone marrow and the
      peripheral blood. Furthermore, the bone marrow of MIM(-/-) mice contained a
      higher percentage of pre-B2 cells but fewer immature B-cells than wild-type mice.
      In response to CXCL13, a B-cell chemokine released from splenic stromal cells,
      MIM-deficient B-cells did not undergo chemotaxis or morphological changes in
      response to the chemokine and also did not internalize CXCR5, the receptor of
      CXCL13. Microarray analyses demonstrated that MIM is the only member of the I-BAR
      domain family that was highly expressed in human B cells. However, low or absent
      MIM expression was common in either primary B-cell malignancies or established B
      cell acute lymphocytic leukemia or lymphomas. Thus, our data demonstrate for the
      first time an important role for MIM in B-cell development and suggest that
      predisposition of MIM-null mice to lymphomagenesis may involve aberrant
      interactions between B lineage cells and the lymphoid microenvironment.

PMID- 22081073
TI  - Recruitment of RPL11 at promoter sites of p53-regulated genes upon nucleolar
      stress through NEDD8 and in an Mdm2-dependent manner.
AB  - Ribosomal proteins (RPs) activate the p53 tumour-suppressor protein upon
      disruption of the nucleolus. However, the exact mechanisms for p53
      transcriptional activation through RPs are not well understood. We show that the
      RPL11 is rapidly but transiently recruited at promoter sites of p53-regulated
      genes upon nucleolar stress induced by actinomycin D (ActD). Characterisation of
      molecular events at p53 promoter sites shows that L11 is required for the
      recruitment of p53 transcriptional co-activators p300/CBP and p53 K382
      acetylation. We found that direct binding to Mdm2 E3 ligase and NEDDylation of
      L11 are critical regulators for L11 promoter recruitment. Our data suggest that
      binding of L11 to Mdm2 at the promoter results in relief from Mdm2-mediated
      transcriptional repression of p53. Analysis of chromatin and RNA polymerase II
      markers suggests that L11 is involved in the initiation step of transcriptional
      activation. Furthermore, analysis of 36 ActD-induced genes shows that L11 and
      NEDD8 are global regulators of the p53 activation response. The studies provide
      insights on how nucleolar stress through L11 and NEDD8 can activate the
      transcriptional activity of p53.

PMID- 22081075
TI  - Bim must be able to engage all pro-survival Bcl-2 family members for efficient
      tumor suppression.
AB  - Overexpression of the transcriptional regulator Myc is thought to be the cause or
      a contributing factor in the development of a large number of human lymphomas and
      certain other cancers. Apoptotic cell death constitutes a tumor suppressive
      mechanism, particularly in the context of Myc overexpression. Accordingly,
      lymphoma development in EMU-Myc transgenic mice, which mimic the Myc/IgH
      chromosomal translocation that causes Burkitt lymphoma, is accelerated by
      concomitant overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members or loss of pro
      apoptotic BH3-only proteins, such as Bim. Bim binds with high affinity to all pro
      survival Bcl-2-like proteins and can also interact with Bax/Bak, but it remains
      unclear which of these interactions are critical for its tumor suppressive
      function. We have previously generated knock-in mutant mice in which the BH3
      region of Bim has been exchanged with that for Bad, Noxa or Puma so that it can
      only bind to select pro-survival Bcl-2-like proteins: Bim(Bad) binding to Bcl-2,
      Bcl-x(L) and Bcl-w, but not Mcl-1 or A1; Bim(Noxa) binding only to Mcl-1 and A1
      and as a control, Bim(Puma), which can still bind all pro-survival Bcl-2-like
      proteins. We have now inter-crossed these Bim mutant mice with EMU-Myc transgenic
      mice, and found that both the Bim(Bad) and the Bim(Noxa) mutations but not the
      Bim(Puma) mutation greatly accelerate Myc-induced lymphoma development and
      increase leukemic burden. These results demonstrate that for optimal tumor
      suppressive activity, Bim must be able to interact with all and not just select
      pro-survival Bcl-2 family members.

PMID- 22081074
TI  - PTTG induces EMT through integrin alphaVbeta3-focal adhesion kinase signaling in
      lung cancer cells.
AB  - Pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) is a well-studied oncogene for its role
      in tumorigenesis and serves as a marker of malignancy in several cancer types
      including lung. In the present study, we defined the role of PTTG in actin
      cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration and induction of epithelial mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) through the regulation of integrin alpha(V)beta(3)-FAK (focal
      adhesion kinase) signaling pathway. Overexpression of PTTG through an adenovirus
      vector resulted in a significant increase in the expression of integrins alpha(V)
      and beta(3), a process that was reversed with the downregulation of PTTG
      expression through the use of an adenovirus expressing PTTG-specific small
      interfering RNA (siRNA). Western blot analysis of cells infected with adenovirus
      PTTG cDNA resulted in increased FAK and enhanced expression of adhesion complex
      molecules paxillin, metavincullin, and talin. Furthermore, downstream signaling
      genes Rac1, RhoA, Cdc42 and DOCK180 showed upregulation upon PTTG overexpression.
      This process was dependent on integrin alpha(V), as blockage by antagonist
      echistatin (RGD peptide) or alpha(V)-specific siRNA resulted in a decrease in FAK
      and subsequent adhesion molecules. Actin cytoskeleton disruption was detected as
      a result of integrin-FAK signaling by PTTG as well as enhanced cell motility.
      Taken together, our results suggest for the first time an important role of PTTG
      in regulation of integrins alpha(V) and beta(3) and adhesion-complex proteins
      leading to induction of EMT.

PMID- 22081076
TI  - LIN28: a regulator of tumor-suppressing activity of let-7 microRNA in human
      breast cancer.
AB  - A tumor-suppressor gene, let-7 microRNA (miRNA) family, is often inactivated in
      various human malignancies. LIN28 is a RNA-binding protein that has been well
      characterized for regulation of let-7 maturation in undifferentiated embryonic
      stem cells at post-transcriptional level. Oncogenic regulation of let-7 miRNAs
      has been demonstrated in several human malignancies but their correlation with
      LIN28 has not been studied in breast cancer. We therefore explored a possible
      mechanism of tumorigenesis in breast carcinoma tissue via an alternation of let-7
      miRNA precursor processing by LIN28 in this study. A total of 26 breast cancer
      surgical pathology specimens were evaluated for LIN28 and LIN28B expression using
      immunohistochemistry. We then isolated carcinoma cells in 21 cases using laser
      capture microdissection, and the miRNAs from these samples were profiled using
      PCR array analysis. LIN28 status was positively correlated with ERalpha, PR, and
      Ki-67 status and inversely correlated with HER2 status. These results suggest the
      possible involvement of LIN28 in regulation of sex steroid dependent cell
      proliferation of breast carcinoma cells. We further demonstrated that expression
      of let-7a, let-7c, let-7d (P=0.026) and let-7f (P=0.016) were inversely
      correlated with those of LIN28. These results also suggest that LIN28 promotes
      tumorigenic activity by suppressing let-7 miRNA maturation in breast carcinoma
      cells.

PMID- 22081077
TI  - Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for couples with a Robertsonian translocation:
      practical information for genetic counseling.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the proportions of abnormal and normal embryos detected by
      preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of infertile couples of whom one was a
      Robertsonian translocation (RT) carrier, and to provide practical information,
      including details of reproductive outcomes, to aid in genetic counseling of such
      couples. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all PGD cycles conducted to deal
      with RT at our center between January 2000 and December 2009. Subject demographic
      and clinical data were compared with the results of PGD. RESULTS: Employing PGD,
      we conducted a total of 66 cycles on 34 couples of whom one was an RT carrier,
      including 24 female and 10 male carriers. Of the 514 blastomeres tested, 161
      (31.3%) were normal or balanced. Of the 57 cycles that included embryo transfer,
      17 (29.8%) attained positivity for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A total of
      17 embryos were implanted and 16 babies, including two sets of twins, were born.
      The takehome baby rate was 41.2% per couple and the loss rate 6.6%. Receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the proportion of alternate
      embryos associated with a sensitivity of 70.6% for prediction of clinical
      pregnancy following PGD was 0.31. Sex of the carrier and type of translocation
      were not significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: Couples
      with RT may benefit from PGD; pregnancy success rate is improved and embryo loss
      reduced. We found that about 30% of embryos were of normal or balanced
      chromosomal constitution and that the percentage of normal or balanced embryos
      was predictive of PGD outcome.

PMID- 22081080
TI  - Magnetoelastic metamaterials.
AB  - The study of advanced artificial electromagnetic materials, known as
      metamaterials, provides a link from material science to theoretical and applied
      electrodynamics, as well as to electrical engineering. Being initially intended
      mainly to achieve negative refraction, the concept of metamaterials quickly
      covered a much broader range of applications, from microwaves to optics and even
      acoustics. In particular, nonlinear metamaterials established a new research
      direction  giving rise to fruitful ideas for tunable and active artificial
      materials. Here we introduce the concept of magnetoelastic metamaterials, where a
      new type of nonlinear response emerges from mutual interaction. This is achieved
      by providing a mechanical degree of freedom so that the electromagnetic
      interaction in the metamaterial lattice is coupled to elastic interaction. This
      enables the electromagnetically induced forces to change the metamaterial
      structure, dynamically tuning its effective properties. This concept leads to a
      new generation of metamaterials, and can be compared to such fundamental concepts
      of modern physics as optomechanics of photonic structures or magnetoelasticity in
      magnetic materials.

PMID- 22081081
TI  - Induction of coherent magnetization switching in a few atomic layers of FeCo
      using voltage pulses.
AB  - The magnetization direction of a metallic magnet has generally been controlled by
      a magnetic field or by spin-current injection into nanosized magnetic cells. Both
      these methods use an electric current to control the magnetization direction;
      therefore, they are energy consuming. Magnetization control using an electric
      field is considered desirable because of its expected ultra-low power consumption
      and coherent behaviour. Previous experimental approaches towards achieving
      voltage control of magnetization switching have used single ferromagnetic layers
      with and without piezoelectric materials, ferromagnetic semiconductors,
      multiferroic materials, and their hybrid systems. However, the coherent control
      of magnetization using voltage signals has not thus far been realized. Also,
      bistable magnetization switching (which is essential in information storage)
      possesses intrinsic difficulties because an electric field does not break time
      reversal symmetry. Here, we demonstrate a coherent precessional magnetization
      switching using electric field pulses in nanoscale magnetic cells with a few
      atomic FeCo (001) epitaxial layers adjacent to a MgO barrier. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate the realization of bistable toggle switching using the coherent
      precessions. The estimated power consumption for single switching in the ideal
      equivalent switching circuit can be of the order of 10(4)k(B)T, suggesting a
      reduction factor of 1/500 when compared with that of the spin-current-injection
      switching process.

PMID- 22081082
TI  - Fano-resonant asymmetric metamaterials for ultrasensitive spectroscopy and
      identification of molecular monolayers.
AB  - Engineered optical metamaterials present a unique platform for biosensing
      applications owing to their ability to confine light to nanoscale regions and to
      their spectral selectivity. Infrared plasmonic metamaterials are especially
      attractive because their resonant response can be accurately tuned to that of the
      vibrational modes of the target biomolecules. Here we introduce an infrared
      plasmonic surface based on a Fano-resonant asymmetric metamaterial exhibiting
      sharp resonances caused by the interference between subradiant and superradiant
      plasmonic resonances. Owing to the metamaterial's asymmetry, the frequency of the
      subradiant resonance can be precisely determined and matched to the molecule's
      vibrational fingerprints. A multipixel array of Fano-resonant asymmetric
      metamaterials is used as a platform for multispectral biosensing of nanometre
      scale monolayers of recognition proteins and their surface orientation, as well
      as for detecting chemical binding of target antibodies to recognition proteins.

PMID- 22081083
TI  - Conductive dense hydrogen.
AB  - Molecular hydrogen is expected to exhibit metallic properties under megabar
      pressures. This metal is predicted to be superconducting with a very high
      critical temperature, T(c), of 200-400 K, and it may acquire a new quantum state
      as a metallic superfluid and a superconducting superfluid. It may potentially be
      recovered metastably at ambient pressures. However, experiments carried out at
      low temperatures, T<100 K, showed that at record pressures of 300 GPa, hydrogen
      remains in the molecular insulating state. Here we report on the transformation
      of normal molecular hydrogen at room temperature (295 K) to a conductive and
      metallic state. At 200 GPa the Raman frequency of the molecular vibron strongly
      decreased and the spectral width increased, evidencing a strong interaction
      between molecules. Deuterium behaved similarly. Above 220 GPa, hydrogen became
      opaque and electrically conductive. At 260-270 GPa, hydrogen transformed into a
      metal as the conductance of hydrogen sharply increased and changed little on
      further pressurizing up to 300 GPa or cooling to at least 30 K; and the sample
      reflected light well. The metallic phase transformed back at 295 K into molecular
      hydrogen at 200 GPa. This significant hysteresis indicates that the
      transformation of molecular hydrogen into a metal is accompanied by a first-order
      structural transition presumably into a monatomic liquid state. Our findings open
      an avenue for detailed and comprehensive studies of metallic hydrogen.

PMID- 22081084
TI  - Electric-field-assisted switching in magnetic tunnel junctions.
AB  - The advent of spin transfer torque effect accommodates site-specific switching of
      magnetic nanostructures by current alone without magnetic field. However, the
      critical current density required for usual spin torque switching remains
      stubbornly high around 10(6)-10(7) A cm(-2). It would be fundamentally
      transformative if an electric field through a voltage could assist or accomplish
      the switching of ferromagnets. Here we report electric-field-assisted reversible
      switching in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB magnetic tunnel junctions with interfacial
      perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, where the coercivity, the magnetic
      configuration and the tunnelling magnetoresistance can be manipulated by voltage
      pulses associated with much smaller current densities. These results represent a
      crucial step towards ultralow energy switching in magnetic tunnel junctions, and
      open a new avenue for exploring other voltage-controlled spintronic devices.

PMID- 22081085
TI  - All-silica nanofluidic devices for DNA-analysis fabricated by imprint of sol-gel
      silica with silicon stamp.
AB  - We present a simple and cheap method for fabrication of silica nanofluidic
      devices for single-molecule studies. By imprinting sol-gel materials with a multi
      level stamp comprising micro- and nanofeatures, channels of different depth are
      produced in a single process step. Calcination of the imprinted hybrid sol-gel
      material produces purely inorganic silica, which has very low autofluorescence
      and can be fusion bonded to a glass lid. Compared to top-down processing of fused
      silica or silicon substrates, imprint of sol-gel silica enables fabrication of
      high-quality nanofluidic devices without expensive high-vacuum lithography and
      etching techniques. The applicability of the fabricated device for single
      molecule studies is demonstrated by measuring the extension of DNA molecules of
      different lengths confined in the nanochannels.

PMID- 22081086
TI  - Injection port silylation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and trans-hydroxycrotonic
      acid: conditions optimisation and characterisation of the di-tert
      butyldimethylsilyl derivatives by GC-MS.
AB  - Silylation is usually carried out on gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) for its analysis
      by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and requires potentially long
      incubation times before injection during which the derivatisation reagent and
      derivatives (such as trimethyl-silyl compounds) can hydrolyse. Moreover,
      alternative internal standards (IS) are often useful depending on sample
      matrices, extraction/purification procedures, commercial availability and price.
      This study evaluated the possibility of silylating GHB with an injection port
      derivatisation procedure using N-methyl-N-[tert-butyldimethyl
      silyl]trifluoroacetimide (MTBSTFA) with 1% tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (TBCS)
      as the derivatisation reagent, producing di-tert-butyldimethyl-silyl derivatives
      as a novel means of analyzing GHB. In parallel, trans-hydroxycrotonic acid (t
      HCA) was investigated as a potential IS for GHB quantification. Analyses were
      carried out with a temperature programmable injector and the GHB(t-BDMS)(2) and t
      HCA(t-BDMS)(2) derivatives were successfully produced, characterised and
      derivatisation conditions optimised. t-HCA behaved very similarly to GHB through
      the derivatisation processes and was used as the IS for the determination of
      urinary endogenous GHB concentrations in human subjects where the method showed a
      limit of detection of 0.049 MUg mL(-1), a limit of quantification of 0.162 MUg
      mL(-1), and a limit of confirmation of 1.33 MUg mL(-1), suitable for
      toxicological GHB concentration determination.

PMID- 22081087
TI  - Wavelike deformation traveling on a carbon nanotube.
AB  - The propagation of wavelike ripples on a carbon nanotube (CNT) induced by the
      radial impact of a C(60) molecule is investigated by molecular dynamics
      simulations. The ripples start at the impact point and spreads through the tube,
      accompanied by energy transfer. The ripples would effectively reduce the local
      energy concentration around the impact point. The propagation of ripples is
      clearly affected by the diameter but is independent of the chirality of the CNT.
      Noticeable diffraction occurs when the deformation ripples encounter obstacles or
      narrow slits, which indicates that the propagation of ripples can be used to
      detect defects in the CNT. This work provides new and exciting possibilities for
      CNTs to serve as energy buffers, sensors and new nanoelectromechanical devices.

PMID- 22081088
TI  - Stepping down asthma treatment:  how and when.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Guidelines suggest that asthma medication should be reduced
      once asthma control is sustained. Moderate-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can
      typically be reduced, but questions remain about the lowest effective ICS dose
      and the role of non-ICS controllers in treatment reduction. Long-acting beta
      agonist (LABA) safety concerns have created controversy about how to step down
      patients on ICS/LABA therapy. This review will focus on the current status of
      these issues. RECENT FINDINGS: Intermittent ICS treatment, often in fixed
      combination with short-acting beta agonist, is an emerging strategy for control
      of mild asthma. Addition of leukotriene modifiers, LABAs, and omalizumab to ICS
      can allow for reduced ICS dosing. Doses of ICS that control symptoms may be
      inadequate to control exacerbations. Reducing ICS dose before discontinuing LABAs
      may be the more effective approach for patients on combination therapy. SUMMARY:
      Use of non-ICS controllers allows for ICS dose reduction with superior outcomes.
      Tapering of ICS prior to LABA discontinuation may be the favored approach for
      patients on ICS/LABA therapy, but an understanding of long-term outcomes and
      further safety data are required. The lowest ICS dose that adequately controls
      both asthma impairment and risk remains to be determined.

PMID- 22081089
TI  - Measures of asthma control.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past decade, the concept of asthma control as
      distinct from asthma severity has been clearly defined. Well controlled asthma is
      the goal of therapy in all asthma patients. This review is a comprehensive
      description of the tools currently available for a methodical assessment of
      different aspects of asthma control in clinical practice and research. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Several questionnaires for assessing asthma control have been
      extensively validated in adults. In children, validation data are less extensive.
      Considerable overlap exists between asthma control measures and measures of
      asthma-specific quality of life. Asthma-specific quality-of-life questionnaires
      have been used as primary outcome measures in major clinical trials evaluating
      asthma therapy. Biomarkers that reflect eosinophilic inflammation of the airways
      are used as intermediate outcome measures to reflect the biological basis of
      asthma control. There is some controversy, however, over which biomarkers are
      best incorporated into therapeutic algorithms that attempt to achieve maximal
      asthma control while minimizing treatment intensity. SUMMARY: In designing
      clinical studies to evaluate different asthma therapies, researchers will find
      this review to be a useful resource in terms of choosing the appropriate tool for
      assessing asthma control. This is also a valuable resource for a methodical
      assessment of response to asthma therapy in routine clinical care.

PMID- 22081090
TI  - The indoor air and asthma:  the role of cat allergens.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective is to discuss recent progress in our
      understanding of the role of the indoor environment in asthma, focusing on the
      special role of cat allergens. RECENT FINDINGS: Sensitization to Fel d 1 is the
      dominant event in inhalant responses to cat; however, there are also IgE
      responses to the lipocalin (Fel d 4), to cat albumin (Fel d 2), and to the
      oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) on cat IgA (Fel d 5w)
      and other molecules. The dose response and routes of sensitization for these
      allergens are now thought to be diverse. It is important to remember that
      exposure outside a house with a cat is sufficient to cause sensitization.
      Furthermore, the only solid evidence about a role in asthma relates to Fel d 1.
      Recently, it has been shown that tolerance associated with early exposure to cats
      can persist to age 18 and that IgE to alpha-gal (on cat IgA) is not related to
      asthma. In addition, a recent study of anti-IgE reinforces the evidence that IgE
      antibodies to indoor allergens make a major contribution to asthma severity.
      SUMMARY: Exposure to Fel d 1 in a home with a cat is far higher than the levels
      necessary to induce an allergic (IgE antibody) response. In keeping with that,
      children may develop tolerance, which can be long-lived. In addition, there is
      increasing evidence that IgE antibodies to an inhalant allergen, such as Fel d 1,
      dust mite, or cockroach, are causally related to lung inflammation and asthma.

PMID- 22081091
TI  - Predicting asthma exacerbations in children.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review critically assesses recently published literature
      on predicting asthma exacerbations in children, while also providing general
      recommendations for future research in this field. RECENT FINDINGS: Current
      evidence suggests that every effort should be made to provide optimal treatment
      to achieve adequate asthma control, as this will significantly reduce the risk of
      severe disease exacerbations. Children who have had at least one asthma
      exacerbation in the previous year are at highest risk for subsequent
      exacerbations, regardless of disease severity and/or control. Although several
      tools and biomarkers to predict asthma exacerbations have been recently
      developed, these approaches need further validation and/or have only had partial
      success in identifying children at risk. SUMMARY: Although considerable progress
      has been made, much remains to be done. Future studies should clearly
      differentiate severe asthma exacerbations due to inadequate asthma control from
      those occurring in children whose asthma is well controlled, utilize standardized
      definitions of asthma exacerbations, and use a systematic approach to identify
      the best predictors after accounting for the multiple dimensions of the problem.
      Our ability to correctly predict the development of severe asthma exacerbations
      in an individual child should improve in parallel with increased knowledge and/or
      understanding of the complex interactions among genetic, environmental (e.g.
      viral infections) and lifestyle (e.g. adherence to treatment) factors underlying
      these events.

PMID- 22081092
TI  - Fibroblast polarization is a matrix-rigidity-dependent process controlled by
      focal adhesion mechanosensing.
AB  - Cell elongation and polarization are basic morphogenetic responses to
      extracellular matrix adhesion. We demonstrate here that human cultured
      fibroblasts readily polarize when plated on rigid, but not on compliant,
      substrates. On rigid surfaces, large and uniformly oriented focal adhesions are
      formed, whereas cells plated on compliant substrates form numerous small and
      radially oriented adhesions. Live-cell monitoring showed that focal adhesion
      alignment precedes the overall elongation of the cell, indicating that focal
      adhesion orientation may direct cell polarization. siRNA-mediated knockdown of 85
      human protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) induced distinct alterations in the cell
      polarization response, as well as diverse changes in cell traction force
      generation and focal adhesion formation. Remarkably, changes in rigidity
      dependent traction force development, or focal adhesion mechanosensing, were
      consistently accompanied by abnormalities in the cell polarization response. We
      propose that the different stages of cell polarization are regulated by multiple,
      PTK-dependent molecular checkpoints that jointly control cell contractility and
      focal-adhesion-mediated mechanosensing.

PMID- 22081093
TI  - A new cap for kinetochore fibre minus ends.
AB  - In mitotic spindles, each sister chromatid is directly attached to a spindle pole
      through microtubule bundles known as kinetochore fibres. Microspherule protein 1
      (MCRS1) is now shown to support spindle assembly by localizing to the minus ends
      of kinetochore fibres and protecting them from depolymerization.

PMID- 22081094
TI  - K-fibre minus ends are stabilized by a RanGTP-dependent mechanism essential for
      functional spindle assembly.
AB  - Chromosome segregation requires the formation of K-fibres, microtubule bundles
      that attach sister kinetochores to spindle poles. Most K-fibre microtubules
      originate around the chromosomes through a non-centrosomal RanGTP-dependent
      pathway and become oriented with the plus ends attached to the kinetochore and
      the minus ends focused at the spindle poles. The capture and stabilization of
      microtubule plus ends at the kinetochore has been extensively studied but very
      little is known on how their minus-end dynamics are controlled. Here we show that
      MCRS1 is a RanGTP-regulated factor essential for non-centrosomal microtubule
      assembly. MCRS1 localizes to the minus ends of chromosomal microtubules and K
      fibres, where it protects them from depolymerization. Our data reveal the
      existence of a mechanism that stabilizes the minus ends of chromosomal
      microtubules and K-fibres, and is essential for the assembly of a functional
      bipolar spindle.

PMID- 22081095
TI  - Transarterial endovascular treatment in the management of life-threatening intra-
      and postoperative haemorrhages after otorhinolaryngological surgery.
AB  - Management of life-threatening postsurgical bleeding is complex. If conservative
      or surgical therapy is demanding, an endovascular treatment can be considered.
      The goal of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endovascular approaches in
      the diagnosis and therapy of otherwise intractable postoperative haemorrhages
      with a study design of outcomes research. Charts of all patients with
      postsurgical bleedings receiving endovascular treatment were reviewed for
      clinical outcome, complications, and demographic data. 15 patients were
      identified. They had rhinosurgery (12/15), tonsillectomy (2/15) or transoral
      tumour debulking (1/15) prior to the endovascular procedure. In more than 70%,
      the source of bleeding was directly located angiographically and subsequently
      superselectively embolized. The remaining patients suffered from post
      rhinosurgical epistaxis and underwent a bilateral embolization of the
      sphenopalatine artery. All bleedings were successfully controlled and no
      procedure-related complication was noted. In conclusion, endovascular treatment
      of life-threatening postsurgical haemorrhages should be considered if the source
      of bleeding is unknown or if surgery is difficult and may result in devastating
      postoperative complications.

PMID- 22081096
TI  - Tropomyosin sensitization in house dust mite allergic patients.
AB  - The growing popularity and frequency of consumption of seafood is accompanied by
      an increasing number of adverse reactions reported in literature. Allergic
      reactions to seafood can generate a variety of symptoms ranging from a mild oral
      allergy syndrome to keen anaphylactic reactions. Tropomyosin, the major shellfish
      allergen is regarded to be responsible for clinical cross-reactivity to inhaled
      house dust mites. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of
      sensitization to tropomyosin in house dust mite allergic patients in southern
      Bavaria and to compare the results with allergic symptoms. Sera of house dust
      mite allergic patients (positive skin prick test, allergen-specific IgE and
      intranasal provocation) were screened for IgE antibodies to tropomyosin (Der p
      10). Patients were contacted by phone to evaluate allergic symptoms when
      consuming seafood. IgE antibodies to house dust mite tropomyosin (Der p 10) could
      be found in 4 out of 93 sera (4.3%). Two of these four patients (50%) showed
      itching and swelling of oral mucosa accompanied by bronchial obstruction after
      consumption of shrimp. Two patients had no problems when eating seafood. None of
      the seronegative patients complained about any health problems during or after
      consumption of seafood. In conclusion, cross-reactivity to tropomyosin in house
      dust mite allergic patients in southern Bavaria, Germany is rarer than suspected.
      Beside the direct allergic reactions, a further part of reactions to seafood must
      therefore be ascribed to other mechanisms such as intoxication or intolerance to,
      e.g. additives in the food product.

PMID- 22081097
TI  - Ear melanoma: influence of perichondrium involvement in evaluating surgical
      strategy.
AB  - Adequate treatment of melanomas of the external ear offers unique surgical
      challenges because of the complex anatomical features of the auricle and the need
      for proper oncologic aggressiveness, as well as for valid aesthetic results. In
      this study, we evaluated nine different cases of melanoma of the auricle treated
      in our Institute between 1994 and 2008. Every enrolled patient underwent surgical
      excision, nonetheless reconstruction was performed with different surgical
      techniques. In accordance with histological reports, we could observe the absence
      of neoplastic cells in perichondral bone and in cartilagenous tissue, providing
      further assurance concerning the importance of preserving the outer ear in
      expectation of reconstruction. As a matter of fact, it has been proven that it is
      possible to reconstruct the auricle while guaranteeing oncologic safety in
      melanomas with a Breslow thickness >1 mm. Therefore, an excision preserving the
      cartilagenous tissue, thus allowing an efficient full-thickness cutaneous
      grafting may guarantee good functional and aesthetic results. In conclusion, the
      suggested therapeutic management may be considered in <1 mm melanomas without
      taking further unnecessary oncologic risks.

PMID- 22081098
TI  - Biomarkers predicting malignant progression of laryngeal epithelial precursor
      lesions: a systematic review.
AB  - Some laryngeal epithelial precursor lesions progress to invasive carcinoma and
      others do not. Routine light microscopic classification has limited value in
      predicting the evolution of these lesions. This article reviews the experience to
      date with the use of molecular markers for the prognostic evaluation of laryngeal
      epithelial precursor lesions. We conducted a thorough review of the published
      literature to identify those studies using biomarkers to predict malignant
      progression of laryngeal epithelial precursor lesions. Of the 336 studies
      identified in this systematic search, 15 met the inclusion criteria and form the
      basis of this review. Limited studies suggest that certain biomarkers are
      potentially reliable predictors of malignant progression including various
      regulators of cell adhesion and invasion (e.g. FAK, cortactin, osteopontin, and
      CD44v6) and proliferation-associated markers such as TGF-betaRII and Kv3.4. The
      predictive value of these markers, however, has yet to be confirmed in large
      scale prospective studies. Although the cell cycle-related proteins are the most
      frequently studied markers, none have been consistently reliable across multiple
      studies. The absence of standardization in methodologies, test interpretation,
      and other parameters may contribute to study inconsistencies. Various biomarkers
      have proved to have potential prognostic value and could be clinically relevant.
      The utility and prognostic power of these biomarkers should be confirmed in
      large, well-designed, standardized prospective studies.

PMID- 22081099
TI  - Observational clinical study in juvenile-adult glycogenosis type 2 patients
      undergoing enzyme replacement therapy for up to 4 years.
AB  - The objective of this study was to describe a large Italian cohort of patients
      with late-onset glycogen storage disease type 2 (GSDII) at various stages of
      disease progression and to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of alglucosidase
      alpha enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Previous studies showed in late-onset
      patients ERT efficacy against placebo and variable response in uncontrolled
      studies. Seventy-four juvenile or adult GSDII patients were treated with ERT in a
      multicenter open label, non-randomized study, from 12 months up to 54 months.
      Recombinant human alpha glucosidase (rh-GAA) was injected by intravenous route at
      20 mg/kg every second week. Patients were divided into three groups according to
      ERT duration: Group A received treatment for 12-23 months (n = 16), Group B for
      24-35 months (n = 14), and Group C for more than 36 months (n = 44). Clinical
      assessment included a 6-min walk test (6MWT), forced vital capacity (FVC), the
      Walton and Gardner-Medwin score, the number of hours of ventilation, body mass
      index, echocardiography and blood creatine kinase (CK). Included in our cohort
      were 33 males and 41 females (M:F = 0.8:1), with a mean age at first symptoms of
      28.3 years (range 2-55 years) and a mean age of 43 years at study entry (range 7
      72 years). Seven wheelchair bound patients, as well as 27 patients requiring
      ventilation support, were included. After treatment we could observe an increase
      in distance walked on the 6MWT in the large majority of patients (48/58; 83%),
      with an overall mean increase of 63 m (from 320 +/- 161 to 383 +/- 178 m). After
      treatment in the majority of patients FVC was improved or unchanged (45/69; 65%).
      In ventilated patients we observed an improvement in average number of hours off
      the ventilator (from 15.6 to 12.1 h). Six patients stopped mechanical ventilation
      and two others started it. The effect of therapy was not related to ERT duration.
      Nine of 64 patients (13%) that underwent to echocardiography showed a variable
      degree of cardiac hypertrophy (left ventriculum or septum), and a positive effect
      was observed after 36 months of ERT in one adult case. Discontinuation of
      treatment occurred in four patients: one drop-off case, one patient died for a
      sepsis after 34 months of treatment and two patients stopped ERT for worsening of
      general clinical condition. Mild adverse effects were observed in four cases
      (5%). This study represents the largest cohort of late-onset GSDII patients
      treated with ERT, and confirm a positive effect of treatment. These results,
      obtained in a large case series on therapy, indicate a favourable effect of ERT
      therapy, even in more advanced stage of the disease.

PMID- 22081100
TI  - Functional neuroanatomy underlying the clinical subcategorization of minimally
      conscious state patients.
AB  - Patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) show restricted signs of awareness
      but are unable to communicate. We assessed cerebral glucose metabolism in MCS
      patients and tested the hypothesis that this entity can be subcategorized into
      MCS- (i.e., patients only showing nonreflex behavior such as visual pursuit,
      localization of noxious stimulation and/or contingent behavior) and MCS+ (i.e.,
      patients showing command following).Patterns of cerebral glucose metabolism were
      studied using [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET in 39 healthy volunteers (aged 46 +/
      18 years) and 27 MCS patients of whom 13 were MCS- (aged 49 +/- 19 years; 4
      traumatic; 21 +/- 23 months post injury) and 14 MCS+ (aged 43 +/- 19 years; 5
      traumatic; 19 +/- 26 months post injury). Results were thresholded for
      significance at false discovery rate corrected p < 0.05.We observed a metabolic
      impairment in a bilateral subcortical (thalamus and caudate) and cortical (fronto
      temporo-parietal) network in nontraumatic and traumatic MCS patients. Compared to
      MCS-, patients in MCS+ showed higher cerebral metabolism in left-sided cortical
      areas encompassing the language network, premotor, presupplementary motor, and
      sensorimotor cortices. A functional connectivity study showed that Broca's region
      was disconnected from the rest of the language network, mesiofrontal and
      cerebellar areas in MCS- as compared to MCS+ patients.The proposed
      subcategorization of MCS based on the presence or absence of command following
      showed a different functional neuroanatomy. MCS- is characterized by preserved
      right hemispheric cortical metabolism interpreted as evidence of residual sensory
      consciousness. MCS+ patients showed preserved metabolism and functional
      connectivity in language networks arguably reflecting some additional higher
      order or extended consciousness albeit devoid of clinical verbal or nonverbal
      expression.

PMID- 22081101
TI  - Neurolathyrism: two Ethiopian case reports and review of the literature.
AB  - Neurolathyrism is a toxic myelopathy caused by ingestion of the Lathyrus sativus
      grasspea. An irreversible acute to subacute spastic paraparesis or quadriparesis
      ensues. Despite public education, new cases of this preventable disease still
      occur. Two Ethiopian cases of neurolathyrism are reported to illustrate the
      disease, followed by a literature review. Two teenage male farmers from the same
      village developed irreversible spastic myelopathy following L. sativus ingestion.
      There was no sensory, sphincter or bulbar dysfunction. Likely causative factors
      identified were increased consumption of L. sativus prior to and following
      disease onset, heavy physical exertion and male gender, similar to those reported
      in the literature. Neurolathyrism is an entirely preventable neurotoxic
      myelopathy with permanent disability accrued. Treatment is symptomatic. Because
      of personal disability and subsequent socioeconomic effects, this disease
      warrants further public health measures to prevent occurrence. Education,
      avoidance of the grasspea and measures to reduce toxin burden are possible
      methods.

PMID- 22081102
TI  - Striatal hypermetabolism in limbic encephalitis.
AB  - Striatal hypermetabolism on 18FDG-PET scan is a neuroradiological finding that
      has been described in association with autoimmune disorders such as Sydenham
      chorea, lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome. Here, we report three patients with
      non-paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis characterized by 18FDG-PET hypermetabolism
      of both striata, in contrast with diffuse hypometabolism in the rest of the
      brain. All patients developed subacute dementia, and antibodies to voltage-gated
      potassium channels were found in all cases. Brain metabolism and neurological
      status improved within a few months of immunosuppressive therapy. The finding of
      striatal hypermetabolism on 18FDG-PET images could thus be highly indicative of
      limbic encephalitis associated with anti-neuropil antibodies. It could be of
      significant help in the diagnosis of this rare and treatable condition, and may
      also provide a useful marker of disease outcome.

PMID- 22081103
TI  - Focal pseudohypertrophy of the left hemi-tongue.

PMID- 22081104
TI  - Intratumoural lymph vessel density is related to presence of lymph node
      metastases and separates encapsulated from infiltrative papillary thyroid
      carcinoma.
AB  - Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) gives frequently rise to nodal metastases via
      lymphatic vessels while follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) metastasises mainly
      via blood vessels to lung and bones. The follicular variant of PTC (FVPTC)
      encompasses the infiltrative subtype (I-FVPTC), which shares most of the features
      of classic PTC (CPTC), and the encapsulated subtype (E-FVPTC), which appears to
      be related to minimally invasive FTC. In an attempt to contribute to the
      understanding of the aforementioned differences, we evaluated intratumoural and
      peritumoural lymph vessels density (LVD), using the immunomarker D2-40 in a
      series of E-FVPTC, I-FVPTC, and CPTC with known BRAF and RAS status. None of the
      E-FVPTC cases presented extra-thyroid extension, lymph vessel invasion or nodal
      metastases, at variance with I-FVPTC and CPTC cases. The BRAF V600E mutation was
      detected in 8.3% of E-FVPTC, 25.0% of I-FVPTC and in 40.7% of CPTC, while N-RAS
      Q61R mutation was detected only in 10.3% of FVPTC cases. Only one case of E-FVPTC
      (8.3%) had intratumoural D2-40-stained vessels in contrast to their presence in
      76.5% of the cases of I-FVPTC. Intratumoural LVD determined by D2-40 expression
      correlated with the occurrence of extra-thyroid extension, lymph vessel invasion
      and lymph node metastases in PTC cases. At variance with intratumoural LVD,
      peritumoural LVD was not associated with any clinic-pathological or molecular
      feature, being similar in E-FVPTC, I-FVPTC and CPTC. Our study highlights the
      role of intratumoural lymph vessels in PTC nodal metastisation and reinforces the
      importance of distinguishing E-FVPTC from I-FVPTC regarding invasiveness,
      metastatic pattern and molecular profile.

PMID- 22081105
TI  - T cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: an update on its biology and
      classification.
AB  - T cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL), originally considered an
      uncommon variant of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), is recognized by the
      World Health Organisation as a separate clinicopathological entity since 2008. It
      predominantly affects middle aged men often presenting with advanced stage
      disease frequently involving spleen, liver and bone marrow at time of diagnosis.
      According to the WHO, this lymphoma is morphologically characterized by less than
      10% of large neoplastic B cells in a background of abundant T cells and
      frequently histiocytes. Differentiating THRLBCL from other lymphoproliferative
      disorders such as Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL) and
      Lymphocyte-Rich classical Hodgkin lymphoma (LRcHL) is important from a clinical
      point of view and can be achieved in most cases, given adequate biopsy specimens,
      by careful morphological and immunohistochemical evaluation of both the
      neoplastic cells as well as the nonneoplastic stromal component. According to
      this WHO definition, THRLBCL is still considered a clinically heterogeneous
      entity, though it is noted that especially the cases containing numerous
      histiocytes behave aggressively and show resistance to current therapies for
      DLBCL. Gene expression profiling studies of THRLBCL provided evidence for a
      prominent role for this histiocytic component that is important for a tolerogenic
      host immune response in which they may assist neoplastic cells in escaping the T
      cell-mediated immune surveillance. Therefore, reserving the diagnosis of THRLBCL
      to cases containing a large proportion of histiocytes might be relevant, as
      modulating their activity could provide new therapeutic options.

PMID- 22081106
TI  - Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in esophageal epithelium before and after
      photodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or
      intramucosal carcinoma.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase-2 expression is upregulated in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal
      adenocarcinoma. Photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium can result in ablation
      of dysplasia and intramucosal carcinoma, eradication of Barrett's esophagus, and
      restitution of squamous epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine the
      effect of photodynamic therapy on cyclooxygenase-2 expression in esophageal
      epithelium. Paired pre- and post-photodynamic therapy biopsy samples from the
      same anatomical levels of 20 individuals who had undergone photodynamic therapy
      for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and/or intramucosal carcinoma
      were immunostained using a cyclooxygenase-2 monoclonal antibody. Cyclooxygenase-2
      expression was graded in squamous epithelium, Barrett's esophagus, and neoplasia
      (if present) as follows: grade 0 (no staining), grade 1 (staining in 1-10% of
      cells), grade 2 (staining in 11-90% of cells), and grade 3 (staining in >90% of
      cells). Pre-photodynamic therapy median cyclooxygenase-2 expression was grade 2
      (range 1-3) in neoplastic foci and grade 1 (range 1-3) in nondysplastic Barrett's
      esophagus (P=0.0009 for pairwise comparison). With the exception of a few cells
      staining in the basal epithelial layers, median cyclooxygenase-2 expression was
      graded as 0 (similar to controls) in both pre-photodynamic therapy squamous
      epithelium and post-photodynamic therapy neosquamous epithelium. This was
      significantly lower when compared to either neoplastic foci (P<0.0001) or
      nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus (P<0.0001) pre-photodynamic therapy. Notably,
      in four patients with post-photodynamic therapy recurrent neoplasia,
      cyclooxygenase-2 expression returned to elevated levels. Cyclooxygenase-2
      expression is elevated in Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or
      intramucosal carcinoma prior to photodynamic therapy. Following successful
      photodynamic therapy, cyclooxygenase-2 expression in neosquamous epithelium
      returns to a low baseline level similar to that observed in native esophageal
      squamous epithelium. Post-photodynamic therapy neoplastic recurrence is
      associated with elevated cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Prospective studies should
      determine whether cyclooxygenase inhibitors have a role as adjuvant therapy to
      prevent recurrence of Barrett's esophagus following endoscopic therapy.

PMID- 22081108
TI  - Functional and structural studies of the nucleotide excision repair helicase XPD
      suggest a polarity for DNA translocation.
AB  - The XPD protein is a vital subunit of the general transcription factor TFIIH
      which is not only involved in transcription but is also an essential component of
      the eukaryotic nucleotide excision DNA repair (NER) pathway. XPD is a superfamily
      2 5'-3' helicase containing an iron-sulphur cluster. Its helicase activity is
      indispensable for NER and it plays a role in the damage verification process.
      Here, we report the first structure of XPD from Thermoplasma acidophilum (taXPD)
      in complex with a short DNA fragment, thus revealing the polarity of the
      translocated strand and providing insights into how the enzyme achieves its 5'-3'
      directionality. Accompanied by a detailed mutational and biochemical analysis of
      taXPD, we define the path of the translocated DNA strand through the protein and
      identify amino acids that are critical for protein function.

PMID- 22081107
TI  - Limiting replication initiation factors execute the temporal programme of origin
      firing in budding yeast.
AB  - Eukaryotic chromosomes are replicated from multiple origins that initiate
      throughout the S-phase of the cell cycle. Why all origins do not fire
      simultaneously at the beginning of S-phase is not known, but two kinase
      activities, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK), are
      continually required throughout the S-phase for all replication initiation
      events. Here, we show that the two CDK substrates Sld3 and Sld2 and their binding
      partner Dpb11, together with the DDK subunit Dbf4 are in low abundance in the
      budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Over-expression of these factors is
      sufficient to allow late firing origins of replication to initiate early and
      together with deletion of the histone deacetylase RPD3, promotes the firing of
      heterochromatic, dormant origins. We demonstrate that the normal programme of
      origin firing prevents inappropriate checkpoint activation and controls S-phase
      length in budding yeast. These results explain how the competition for limiting
      DDK kinase and CDK targets at origins regulates replication initiation kinetics
      during S-phase and establishes a unique system with which to investigate the
      biological roles of the temporal programme of origin firing.

PMID- 22081109
TI  - Inhibition of autophagy by TAB2 and TAB3.
AB  - Autophagic responses are coupled to the activation of the inhibitor of NF-kappaB
      kinase (IKK). Here, we report that the essential autophagy mediator Beclin 1 and
      TGFbeta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-binding proteins 2 and 3 (TAB2 and TAB3), two
      upstream activators of the TAK1-IKK signalling axis, constitutively interact with
      each other via their coiled-coil domains (CCDs). Upon autophagy induction, TAB2
      and TAB3 dissociate from Beclin 1 and bind TAK1. Moreover, overexpression of TAB2
      and TAB3 suppresses, while their depletion triggers, autophagy. The expression of
      the C-terminal domain of TAB2 or TAB3 or that of the CCD of Beclin 1
      competitively disrupts the interaction between endogenous Beclin 1, TAB2 and
      TAB3, hence stimulating autophagy through a pathway that requires endogenous
      Beclin 1, TAK1 and IKK to be optimally efficient. These results point to the
      existence of an autophagy-stimulatory 'switch' whereby TAB2 and TAB3 abandon
      inhibitory interactions with Beclin 1 to engage in a stimulatory liaison with
      TAK1.

PMID- 22081110
TI  - Regulation of translocation polarity by helicase domain 1 in SF2B helicases.
AB  - Structurally similar superfamily I (SF1) and II (SF2) helicases translocate on
      single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with defined polarity either in the 5'-3' or in the
      3'-5' direction. Both 5'-3' and 3'-5' translocating helicases contain the same
      motor core comprising two RecA-like folds. SF1 helicases of opposite polarity
      bind ssDNA with the same orientation, and translocate in opposite directions by
      employing a reverse sequence of the conformational changes within the motor
      domains. Here, using proteolytic DNA and mutational analysis, we have determined
      that SF2B helicases bind ssDNA with the same orientation as their 3'-5'
      counterparts. Further, 5'-3' translocation polarity requires conserved residues
      in HD1 and the FeS cluster containing domain. Finally, we propose the FeS cluster
      containing domain also provides a wedge-like feature that is the point of duplex
      separation during unwinding.

PMID- 22081111
TI  - Synthetic biology approach to reconstituting the ubiquitylation cascade in
      bacteria.
AB  - Covalent modification of proteins with ubiquitin (Ub) is widely implicated in the
      control of protein function and fate. Over 100 deubiquitylating enzymes rapidly
      reverse this modification, posing challenges to the biochemical and biophysical
      characterization of ubiquitylated proteins. We circumvented this limitation with
      a synthetic biology approach of reconstructing the entire eukaryotic Ub cascade
      in bacteria. Co-expression of affinity-tagged substrates and Ub with E1, E2 and
      E3 enzymes allows efficient purification of ubiquitylated proteins in milligram
      quantity. Contrary to in-vitro assays that lead to spurious modification of
      several lysine residues of Rpn10 (regulatory proteasomal non-ATPase subunit), the
      reconstituted system faithfully recapitulates its monoubiquitylation on lysine 84
      that is observed in vivo. Mass spectrometry revealed the ubiquitylation sites on
      the Mind bomb E3 ligase and the Ub receptors Rpn10 and Vps9. Forster resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) analyses of ubiquitylated Vps9 purified from bacteria
      revealed that although ubiquitylation occurs on the Vps9-GEF domain, it does not
      affect the guanine nucleotide exchanging factor (GEF) activity in vitro. Finally,
      we demonstrated that ubiquitylated Vps9 assumes a closed structure, which blocks
      additional Ub binding. Characterization of several ubiquitylated proteins
      demonstrated the integrity, specificity and fidelity of the system, and revealed
      new biological findings.

PMID- 22081112
TI  - Nausea and vomiting after breast cancer surgery, and relationship with tumor
      receptor status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast surgery is associated with frequent post-operative nausea and
      vomiting (PONV). Studies have suggested that hormonal status affects PONV.
      Estrogen has been implicated in many emetic syndromes. Estrogen receptor (ER) and
      progesterone receptor (PR) status in breast tissue are hormonally affected.
      Kakugawa et al., in 2007, found a clear trend toward higher serum level of
      estrone, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in post menopausal women
      with PR-positive cancer. PURPOSE: To investigate the possibility of an
      association between ER and/or PR status of breast tumor and incidence of PONV
      after breast cancer surgery. METHODS: This observational study included 315
      female patients undergoing major breast surgery. Relevant patient data, and intra
      operative and postoperative details were noted. Incidence of PONV was noted using
      the PONV score. Patients were divided into two age groups: less than or equal to
      50 years and more than 50 years of age. The ER and/or PR status of the patient
      was unknown to the investigator until the final analysis. RESULTS: Use of the chi
      squared test revealed no association between ER and/or PR and total PONV.
      Patients below 50 years had higher incidence of total PONV (p = 0.023). In
      patients above 50 years, the incidence of PONV was higher in the ER-positive
      group (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The incidence of PONV is higher for patients below
      50 years of age. The positive association between ER positivity and PONV in
      patients above 50 years of age could be attributed to the altered hormonal milieu
      in these patients and should be investigated further.

PMID- 22081113
TI  - Epidrum((r)): a new device to identify the epidural space with an epidural Tuohy
      needle.
AB  - Epidrum((r)) is an optimal pressure, loss of resistance device for identifying
      the epidural space. We investigated the usefulness of Epidrum versus the loss of
      resistance or hanging drop techniques while performing epidural anesthesia.
      Eighty adult patients who were scheduled for elective surgery under lumbar
      epidural anesthesia were randomized into two groups. The first group (Epidrum
      group) consisted of 40 adult patients who were scheduled for epidural anesthesia
      using Epidrum. The second group (control group) consisted of 40 adult patients
      who were scheduled for epidural anesthesia using the loss of resistance or
      hanging drop technique. We recorded the time required to identify the epidural
      space and outcomes of epidural catheterization. The attending anesthesiologists
      were also questioned regarding the ease of control of the Tuohy needle and of
      epidural space identification with each method. The time required to perform
      epidural anesthesia was significantly shorter in the Epidrum group than in the
      control group [28 s (10-76) vs. 90 s (34-185); median (interquartile range)] (p <
      0.05). Tuohy needle control was significantly easier in the Epidrum group than in
      the control group (p < 0.05). Epidrum is useful for performing epidural
      anesthesia quickly while obtaining good Tuohy needle control.

PMID- 22081114
TI  - Utility of longitudinal paramedian view of ultrasound imaging for middle thoracic
      epidural anesthesia in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The risk of nerve injury for pediatric thoracic epidural block increases
      stress for anesthesiologists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      usefulness of longitudinal ultrasound imaging for thoracic epidural block (T5-T6
      or T6-T7) in anesthetized children scheduled for the Nuss procedure. METHODS:
      Neuraxial structure in the longitudinal paramedian section was observed using
      ultrasound imaging before epidural puncture (US group, n = 10). In the control
      group, usual epidural block without ultrasound was performed. Attempts were made
      to observe epidural catheterization in ultrasound imaging in three cases.
      RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 5 to 7 years. Time for epidural block in the US
      group [100 (77-116) s; median value (95% confidence interval)] was significantly
      shorter than that in the control group [165 (130-206) s; P = 0.001]. The
      difficulty score was significantly lower in the US group than in the control
      group (P < 0.001). Epidural catheterization was observed in all three cases in
      which the catheter manipulated the dura mater ventrally. There was a high
      correlation (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) between needle depth and ultrasound estimation
      of the skin-dura distance in the US group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that
      longitudinal paramedian ultrasound imaging could reduce performance time and the
      difficulty for anesthesiologists during epidural block.

PMID- 22081115
TI  - Patients' goals related to health and function in the first 13 months after
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patient participation in goal setting and decision making is a core
      component of the rehabilitation process, but there is little information on what
      patients want to achieve after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT).
      The aim of this study was to describe adult patients' perceptions of goals
      related to health and function, as well as self-perceived limitations and
      facilitating strategies in the first 13 months after allo-SCT. METHODS: Fifteen
      patients with a median age of 44 years (range, 22-65 years) were interviewed on
      one occasion during the first year after allo-SCT. Data were analysed using
      qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that patients felt that
      time after allo-SCT largely concerned: "to be healthy" and "to participate in a
      normal life". Some patients felt it was easy to set goals while others found it
      difficult. Most described goals had a long-term character. Patients were faced
      with a wide variety of limitations of which a few did not link to a described
      goal. Several facilitating strategies were described that either had or could
      help patients to reach their goals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that
      assistance with setting achievable goals, including individualised strategies and
      support from health care professionals to realise the goals, may assist in the
      rehabilitation to restore health and function after allo-SCT.

PMID- 22081116
TI  - Three-dimensional C-arm computed tomography reformation combined with
      fluoroscopic-guided sacroplasty for sacral metastases.
AB  - The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate a sacroplasty technique,
      using three-dimensional C-arm CT reformation combined with fluoroscopic guidance
      for patients with severe painful sacral metastases. We studied the data of seven
      patients (average age 55.7 years) treated through trans-sacroiliac joint approach
      with the technique. Patients with additional thoracolumbar osteolytic metastases
      (five out of seven) also received concomitant vertebroplasty accordingly.
      Subjective significant pain relief was reported with visual analogue scale
      reduction >=4 in all seven patients at 1 month after procedure, six out of seven
      at 3 months, and five out of six at 6 months. Pain recurrence was reported in two
      patients at 3 and 6 months follow-up, respectively, associated with their
      clinical evidence of tumor progression. One patient died from underlying disease
      unrelated with the procedure. Sacroplasty under three-dimensional C-arm CT
      reformation combined with fluoroscopic guidance was a feasible, safe, and
      minimally invasive procedure that could provide both the precise control of
      needle placement and cement injection with one imaging system.

PMID- 22081117
TI  - Gastrointestinal symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy: a national survey of
      gastroenterologists.
AB  - PURPOSE: Seventeen thousand patients receive treatment with radical pelvic
      radiotherapy annually in the UK. Up to 50% develop significant gastrointestinal
      symptoms. The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative has identified access to
      specialist medical care for those with complications after cancer as one of their
      four key needs. We aimed to determine the current practice of British
      gastroenterologists with regards to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after
      pelvic radiotherapy. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and sent up to a
      maximum of five times to all UK consultant gastroenterologists. RESULTS: Eight
      hundred sixty-six gastroenterologists were approached and 165 (20%) responded.
      Sixty-one percent saw one to four patients annually with bowel symptoms after
      radiotherapy. Eighteen percent rate the current treatments as effective "often"
      or "most of the time". Forty-seven percent of gastroenterologists consider
      themselves "confident with basic cases", with 11% "confident in all cases". Fifty
      nine percent thinks a gastroenterologist with a specialist interest should manage
      these patients. Although only 29% thinks a specific service is required for these
      patients, 34% rates the current service as inadequate. The ideal service was
      considered to be gastroenterology-led, multidisciplinary and regional. Low
      referral rates, poor evidence-base and poor funding are cited as reasons for the
      current patchy services. CONCLUSIONS: The low response rate contrasts with that
      from a parallel survey of clinical oncologists. This may reflect the opinion that
      radiation-induced bowel toxicity is not a significant issue, which may be because
      only a small proportion of patients are referred to gastroenterologists. The
      development of new, evidence-based gastroenterology-led services is considered
      the optimal way to meet the needs of these patients.

PMID- 22081118
TI  - The effects on pain and activity of daily living caused by crusted exudation in
      patients with head and neck cancer treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To date, the specific role of "in-field" crusting exudation on pain and
      on activity of daily living (ADL) in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients
      undergoing treatment with cetuximab and radiochemotherapy has been neglected. The
      purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of crusting exudation on the
      severity of pain and ADL METHODS: Thirty-seven of the 45 HNSCC patients enrolled
      in the alternating radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and cetuximab trial were evaluated
      in this study. The main radiodermatitis signs (the intensity of erythema, the
      extension of dry, and moist desquamation and of necrosis)--including crusting
      exudation severity--pain, ADL, and radiodermatitis scores were registered at
      least weekly during and after treatment. The correlation between crusting
      exudation and pain or ADL was evaluated. RESULTS: The "in-field" crusting
      exudation score seemed to have the strongest correlation with pain (Spearman's
      rho = 0.897; p < 0.001) and the most intense influence on it (Co-B = 0.715; 95%
      C.I. = 0.643-0.787). However, it seemed to have a weaker correlation with ADL
      than the other clinical radiodermatitis signs. CONCLUSIONS: Crusts have the
      strongest correlation with pain in patients with Cetuximab-related radiation
      dermatitis. Moreover, the presence of crusts can lead operators to misclassify
      dermatitis as score 4, causing unnecessary delays or interruptions in treatment.

PMID- 22081119
TI  - Do patients' information needs decrease over the course of radiotherapy?
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate if cancer patients' information needs decrease
      during radiotherapy and if so, which patient, consultation and radiation
      oncologist characteristics are associated with a decrease in information needs
      over time. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, patients (n = 104) completed a
      baseline questionnaire a week before the initial radiotherapy consultation,
      immediately following this initial consultation, and 1 week prior to the first
      follow-up visit, which took place on average 3-5 weeks after the initial visit.
      Besides information needs, measured by the Information Preference for
      Radiotherapy Patients scale, the questionnaire assessed patient, consultation and
      radiation oncologist characteristics. RESULTS: Information needs decreased over
      time, but remained at a high level. Being religious, being male, having low
      health literacy and higher perceived involvement during the consultation were all
      statistically significantly associated to a decrease in information needs on
      specific domains (e.g. procedures or side effects). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients'
      information needs decline between the initial consultation and the first follow
      up visit, but remain high. It is therefore advised to investigate the patients'
      information needs at every radiotherapy visit and not rely on giving information
      just once. Furthermore, radiation oncologists should check if the information
      given at first consultation is understood and remembered. By those means,
      tailored information giving becomes possible.

PMID- 22081120
TI  - Nanosphere templated metallic grating assisted enhanced fluorescence.
AB  - In this paper, enhanced fluorescence from a silver film coated nanosphere
      templated grating is presented. Initially, numerical simulation was performed to
      determine the plasmon resonance wavelength by varying the thickness of the silver
      film on top of a monolayer of 400 nm nanospheres. The simulation results are
      verified experimentally and tested for enhancing fluorescence from fluorescein
      isothiocyanate whose excitation wavelength closely matches with the plasmon
      resonance wavelength of the substrate with 100 nm silver film over nanosphere.
      The 12 times enhancement in the intensity is attributed to the local field
      enhancement in addition to the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons along the
      surface.

PMID- 22081122
TI  - Neuromuscular electrical stimulation versus traditional therapy in patients with
      Parkinson's disease and oropharyngeal dysphagia: effects on quality of life.
AB  - This study compares the effects of traditional logopedic dysphagia treatment with
      those of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as adjunct to therapy on the
      quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease and oropharyngeal dysphagia.
      Eighty-eight patients were randomized over three treatment groups. Traditional
      logopedic dysphagia treatment and traditional logopedic dysphagia treatment
      combined with NMES at sensor or motor level stimulation were compared. At three
      times (pretreatment, post-treatment, and 3 months following treatment), two
      quality-of-life questionnaires (SWAL-QOL and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory) and
      a single-item Dysphagia Severity Scale were scored. The Functional Oral Intake
      Scale was used to assess the dietary intake. After therapy, all groups showed
      significant improvement on the Dysphagia Severity Scale and restricted positive
      effects on quality of life. Minimal group differences were found. These effects
      remained unchanged 3 months following treatment. No significant correlations were
      found between dietary intake and quality of life. Logopedic dysphagia treatment
      results in a restricted increased quality of life in patients with Parkinson's
      disease. In this randomized controlled trial, all groups showed significant
      therapy effects on the Dysphagia Severity Scale and restricted improvements on
      the SWAL-QOL and the MDADI. However, only slight nonsignificant differences
      between groups were found.

PMID- 22081121
TI  - Protective potential of MMR vaccine against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced
      inflammation in rats.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of MMR vaccine on
      inflammation which was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in male
      Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into the control, CFA, MMR and
      CFA + MMR groups. Inflammatory symptoms such as paw oedema was measured in CFA
      injected rats' paw. Body weight changes and alterations in some haematological
      parameters and oxidative stress markers following CFA injection were checked. In
      CFA-inflammed rats, there was a significant increase in rat paw thickness and
      decrease in body weight increment. MMR exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory
      effect as manifested by reduction in paw thickness and normal gain in body weight
      when administered 1 week prior to induction of inflammation. The altered
      haematological parameters (TLC) and oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD) in
      the inflammed rats were significantly brought back to near normal by MMR
      treatment. In conclusion, MMR vaccine showed a reduction in rat paw thickness and
      it could significantly normalize the haematological and biochemical abnormalities
      in CFA-induced inflammatory pain model in rats. Our data suggested that MMR could
      be a potential protective agent against certain types of inflammatory pain.
      Further histopathological and radiological studies are required to confirm the
      possibility of developing novel therapeutic vaccines against some forms of
      arthritis.

PMID- 22081123
TI  - Study of the reaction 2-(p-nitrophenyl)ethyl bromide + OH- in dimeric micellar
      solutions.
AB  - The dehydrobromination reaction 2-(p-nitrophenyl)ethyl bromide + OH- was
      investigated in several alkanediyl-alpha-omega-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium)
      bromide, 12-s-12,2Br- (with s = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12) micellar solutions, in
      the presence of NaOH 5 * 10-3 M. The kinetic data were quantitatively
      rationalized within the whole surfactant concentration range by using an equation
      based on the pseudophase ion-exchange model and taking the variations in the
      micellar ionization degree caused by the morphological transitions into account.
      The agreement between the theoretical and the experimental data was good in all
      the dimeric micellar media studied, except for the 12-2-12,2Br- micellar
      solutions. In this case, the strong tendency to micellar growth shown by the 12-2
      12,2Br- micelles could be responsible for the lack of accordance. Results showed
      that the dimeric micelles accelerate the reaction more than two orders of
      magnitude as compared to water.

PMID- 22081124
TI  - Sonomyographic responses during voluntary isometric ramp contraction of the human
      rectus femoris muscle.
AB  - This paper aims to investigate the relationship between torque and muscle
      morphological change, which is derived from ultrasound image sequence and termed
      as sonomyography (SMG), during isometric ramp contraction of the rectus femoris
      (RF) muscle, and to further compare SMG with the electromyography (EMG) and
      mechanomyography (MMG), which represent the electrical and mechanical activities
      of the muscle. Nine subjects performed isometric ramp contraction of knee up to
      90% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at speeds of 45, 22.5 and 15%
      MVC/s, and EMG, MMG and ultrasonography were simultaneously recorded from the RF
      muscle. Cross-sectional area, which was referred to as SMG, was automatically
      extracted from continuously captured ultrasound images using a newly developed
      image tracking algorithm. Polynomial regression analyses were applied to fit the
      EMG/MMG/SMG-to-torque relationships, and the regression coefficients of EMG, MMG,
      and SMG were compared. Moreover, the effect of contraction speed on SMG/EMG/MMG
      to-torque relationships was tested by pair-wise comparisons of the mean
      relationship curves at different speeds for EMG, MMG and SMG. The results show
      that continuous SMG could provide important morphological parameters of
      continuous muscle contraction. Compared with EMG and MMG, SMG exhibits different
      changing patterns with the increase of torque during voluntary isometric ramp
      contraction, and it is less influenced by the contraction speed.

PMID- 22081125
TI  - Change of muscle activation patterns in uphill cycling of varying slope.
AB  - In the present study, we quantitatively described and compared lower extremity
      neuromuscular patterns during level cycling (LC), 10 and 20% uphill cycling (UC).
      We hypothesized that both the timing and intensity of activity of selected lower
      extremity muscles will differ between steep (but not moderate slope) UC condition
      and LC. Twelve trained mountain bikers performed an experimental test with three
      different cycling conditions (level, 10% slope and 20% slope) with EMG monitoring
      of eight lower extremity muscles. Significant changes (p < 0.05) in muscle
      activation timing during 20% UC compared to LC (15 degrees  later onset and 39
      degrees  earlier offset) were observed in m. rectus femoris (RF). Range of
      activity during 20% UC compared to LC was also significantly (p < 0.05) modified
      in m. vastus medialis, m. vastus lateralis (8 degrees  and 5 degrees  shorter)
      and m. biceps femoris (BF; 17 degrees  longer). Furthermore, a reduction of EMG
      activity level was observed for RF and m. tibialis anterior (TA) during 20% UC
      compared to LC (25 and 19%; p < 0.05), while the opposite effect was observed for
      m. gluteus maximus (GM; 12%; p < 0.05). Peak cross-correlation coefficients in
      all cycling conditions for all muscles were high (all coefficients >= 0.83). We
      have shown that altered body orientation during steep, but not moderate, slope UC
      significantly modified the timing and intensity of several lower extremity
      muscles, the most affected being those that cross the hip joint and TA. The
      observed modifications in neuromuscular patterns during 20% UC could have a
      significant effect on lower extremity joint kinetics and cycling efficiency.

PMID- 22081126
TI  - Cyanine fluorophore derivatives with enhanced photostability.
AB  - Fluorescence applications requiring high photostability often depend on the use
      of solution additives to enhance fluorophore performance. Here we demonstrate
      that the direct or proximal conjugation of cyclooctatetraene (COT), 4-nitrobenzyl
      alcohol (NBA) or Trolox to the cyanine fluorophore Cy5 dramatically enhanced
      fluorophore photostability without otherwise affecting its native spectral
      characteristics. Such conjugation is a powerful means of improving the robustness
      of fluorescence-based applications demanding long-lived, nonblinking fluorescence
      emission.

PMID- 22081127
TI  - Embryonic stem cell-based mapping of developmental transcriptional programs.
AB  - The study of developmentally regulated transcription factors by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) faces two major obstacles:
      availability of ChIP-grade antibodies and access to sufficient number of cells.
      We describe versatile genome-wide analysis of transcription-factor binding sites
      by combining directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells and inducible
      expression of tagged proteins. We demonstrate its utility by mapping DNA-binding
      sites of transcription factors involved in motor neuron specification.

PMID- 22081128
TI  - Mechanism of nanoparticle actuation by responsive polymer brushes: from
      reconfigurable composite surfaces to plasmonic effects.
AB  - The mechanism of nanoparticle actuation by stimuli-responsive polymer brushes
      triggered by changes in the solution pH was discovered and investigated in detail
      in this study. The finding explains the high spectral sensitivity of the
      composite ultrathin film composed of a poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) brush that
      tunes the spacing between two kinds of nanoparticles-gold nanoislands immobilized
      on a transparent support and gold colloidal particles adsorbed on the brush. The
      optical response of the film relies on the phenomenon of localized surface
      plasmon resonances in the noble metal nanoparticles, giving rise to an extinction
      band in visible spectra, and a plasmon coupling between the particles and the
      islands that has a strong effect on the band position and intensity. Since the
      coupling is controlled by the interparticle spacing, the pH-triggered swelling
      shrinking transition in the P2VP brush leads to pronounced changes in the
      transmission spectra of the hybrid film. It was not established in the previous
      publications how the actuation of gold nanoparticles within a 10-15 nm
      interparticle distance could result in the 50-60 nm shift in the absorbance
      maximum in contrast to the model experiments and theoretical estimations of
      several nanometer shifts. In this work, the extinction band was deconvoluted into
      four spectrally separated and overlapping contributions that were attributed to
      different modes of interactions between the particles and the islands. These
      modes came into existence due to variations in the thickness of the grafted
      polymeric layer on the profiled surface of the islands. In situ atomic force
      microscopy measurements allowed us to explore the behavior of the Au particles as
      the P2VP brush switched between the swollen and collapsed states. In particular,
      we identified an interesting, previously unanticipated regime when a particle
      position in a polymer brush was switched between two distinct states: the
      particle exposed to the surface of the collapsed layer and the particle engulfed
      by the swollen brush. On average, the characteristic distance between the
      particles and the islands increased upon the brush swelling. The observed
      behavior was a result of the anchoring of the particles to polymeric chains that
      limited the particles' vertical motion range. The experimental findings will be
      used to design highly sensitive optical nanosensors based on a polymer-brush
      modulated interparticle plasmon coupling.

PMID- 22081129
TI  - Laboratory testing of anticoagulants:  the present and the future.
AB  - This review provides an update on laboratory testing and monitoring for existing
      and emerging anticoagulants, starting with an overview of haemostasis and the
      routine coagulation tests currently employed within most haemostasis
      laboratories, including the prothrombin time (PT)/international normalised ratio
      (INR) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Current anticoagulant
      therapy and laboratory monitoring is then discussed in terms of benefits and
      limitations, followed by a similar brief discussion of the new and emerging
      anticoagulants. The main focus, however, is laboratory testing related to vitamin
      K antagonists, heparin, lepirudin and the new agents dabigatran etexilate and
      rivaroxaban. Although the newer agents do not require laboratory monitoring,
      laboratory testing will occasionally be required, and pathology laboratories
      should become proactive in developing appropriate strategies. The tests most
      likely to fulfill this role are the ecarin clotting time (or chromogenic
      alternatives), and the chromogenic anti-Xa assay. Nevertheless, the dilute
      Russell viper venom time (dRVVT) assay may provide another alternative, and
      existing routine tests are also likely to be utilised for the foreseeable future,
      potentially also for laboratory testing of the new anticoagulants, albeit perhaps
      in modified form.

PMID- 22081130
TI  - Activation of beta-catenin is a late event in the pathogenesis of nephroblastomas
      and rarely correlated with genetic changes of the APC gene.
AB  - AIMS: Activation of beta-catenin has been identified as a possible mechanism for
      the development of nephroblastomas. In our study we investigated whether this
      activation occurs already in precursor lesions of nephroblastomas, called
      nephrogenic rests (NRs). Inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)
      protein is an important regulatory mechanism of activating beta-catenin. We
      clarified the role of APC by assessing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and possible
      mutations within the genomic region. METHODS: Activation of beta-catenin was
      examined by immunohistochemistry identifying nuclear translocation. Two
      polymorphic loci of the APC gene were investigated for LOH and sequence analysis
      was performed for the mutation cluster region of the APC gene on formalin fixed,
      paraffin embedded samples. RESULTS: Four of the 18 nephroblastomas available for
      immunohistochemistry exhibited nuclear staining of beta-catenin, but none of the
      NRs. Analysis of LOH revealed 14 homozygous samples, 10 heterozygous tumours and
      six tumours exhibiting LOH of the APC gene. One blastema-type nephroblastoma
      showed nuclear localisation of beta-catenin in conjunction with LOH of the APC
      gene. Analysis of 12 nephroblastomas revealed no sequence aberration. CONCLUSION:
      Our results indicate that nuclear activation of beta-catenin is a late event in
      the tumorigenesis of nephroblastomas coinciding in some tumours with LOH of the
      APC gene.

PMID- 22081131
TI  - SLP-2 overexpression could serve as a prognostic factor in node positive and HER2
      negative breast cancer.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the utility as a prognostic factor of SLP-2 on
      the outcome of breast cancer patients. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemical
      analysis to examine the SLP-2 expression in a large panel of invasive breast
      cancer samples. RESULTS: Of the 496 samples, 261 showed overexpression of SLP-2.
      Importantly, there were significant associations between SLP-2 overexpression and
      tumour size (p = 0.002), lymph node/distant metastases, clinical stage (p <
      0.001), HER2/neu expression (p = 0.003). In addition, there were obvious
      differences in levels of SLP-2 expression within four molecular subtypes of
      breast cancer (p = 0.011). High level SLP-2 expression was shown in tumour
      samples of HER2 and luminal B subtypes, and low level SLP-2 expression was shown
      in luminal A and triple negative subtypes, suggesting that overexpression of SLP
      2 was closely correlated with HER2/neu expression, and that both SLP-2 and
      HER2/neu can play a role in lymph node/distant metastases of breast cancers. Thus
      lymph node status, HER2/neu and SLP-2 high-level expression can act as
      independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: There is an obvious link between SLP
      2 and HER2/neu expression. Overexpression of SLP-2 is associated with poorer
      total survival, especially in lymph node positive coupled with HER2/neu negative
      patients.

PMID- 22081132
TI  - Mutational analysis of tumour suppressor gene NF2 in common solid cancers and
      acute leukaemias.
AB  - AIMS: Germline mutation of NF2 gene is a feature of neurofibromatosis type 2
      familial cancer syndrome. Also, somatic point mutations of NF2 mutation have been
      reported in tumours originated from nerve structures. A recent study revealed
      that NF2 gene was mutated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as well, suggesting a
      possibility that NF2 gene might be somatically mutated in other human cancers.
      The aim of this study was to explore whether NF2 genes are somatically mutated,
      and contribute to tumorigenesis in common human cancers. METHODS: For this, we
      analysed the entire coding region of NF2 gene in 45 colorectal carcinomas, 45
      gastric, 45 breast, 45 lung, 45 hepatocellular (HCC), 45 prostate carcinomas, and
      45 acute leukaemias by a single-strand conformation polymorphism assay. RESULTS:
      Overall, we found NF2 mutations in one HCC (1/45; 2.2%) (hepatitis B virus
      related HCC), one lung carcinoma (1/45; 2.2%) (squamous cell carcinoma), and one
      acute leukaemia (1/45; 2.2%) (acute myelogenous leukaemia minimally
      differentiated). All of the mutations were missense mutations that would
      substitute amino acids in the NF2 protein (p.A238 V, p.A451T and p.R467K).
      CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that somatic mutation of NF2 gene is not prevalent
      in common human cancers, and its mutation somatically occurs in a minor fraction
      of HCC, lung cancer and acute leukaemia. These data suggest that somatic mutation
      of NF2 tumour suppressor gene may not play a central role in development of
      common cancers.

PMID- 22081133
TI  - 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane mediated in situ synthesis of noble metal
      nanoparticles: application to hydrogen peroxide sensing.
AB  - The in situ synthesis is reported of noble metal nanoparticles via 3
      glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane mediated reduction of 3
      aminopropyltrimethoxysilane treated metal salts during sol-gel processing. The
      method described involves the synthesis of uniform spherical nanoparticles of
      gold, silver and palladium with controlled size that can be directly utilized for
      thin film preparation. A detailed study of the synthesis and application of gold
      nanoparticles to the electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide was carried
      out and reveals that the amplification of hydrogen peroxide sensing is size
      dependent. In addition, these nanoparticles exhibit excellent compatibility
      towards composite preparation. As an example, a nanocomposite with Prussian Blue
      (PB) is synthesized and found to be useful for the fabrication of chemically
      modified electrodes (CME). The resulting CME shows dramatic improvement in the
      electrochemistry of PB with gradual enhancement in electrocatalytic efficiency
      towards hydrogen peroxide sensing. The nanocomposite is used to study the direct
      and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The
      results recorded for hydrogen peroxide analysis show an improvement in
      sensitivity and limit of detection on decreasing the size of gold nanoparticles
      in all cases.

PMID- 22081134
TI  - Properties of L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy in intraspecies passages.
AB  - The origin and transmission routes of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      (BSE) remain unclear. To assess whether the biological and biochemical
      characteristics of atypical L-type BSE detected in Japanese cattle (BSE/JP24) are
      conserved during serial passages within a single host, 3 calves were inoculated
      intracerebrally with a brain homogenate prepared from first-passaged BSE/JP24
      affected cattle. Detailed immunohistochemical and neuropathologic analysis of the
      brains of second-passaged animals, which had developed the disease and survived
      for an average of 16 months after inoculation, revealed distribution of
      spongiform changes and disease-associated prion protein (PrP(Sc)) throughout the
      brain. Although immunolabeled PrP(Sc) obtained from brain tissue was
      characterized by the presence of PrP plaques and diffuse synaptic granular
      accumulations, no stellate-type deposits were detected. Western blot analysis
      suggested no obvious differences in PrP(Sc) molecular mass or glycoform pattern
      in the brains of first- and second-passaged cattle. These findings suggest
      failures to identify differences in mean incubation period and biochemical and
      neuropathologic properties of the BSE/JP24 prion between the first and second
      passages in cattle.

PMID- 22081135
TI  - Spatial distribution of putative growth factors in the guinea pig placenta and
      the effects of these factors, plasma, and bile on the growth and chemotaxis of
      Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - The pregnant guinea pig is an effective model for studying abortifacient
      Campylobacter spp, and previous experiments have demonstrated that C. jejuni
      IA3902 has a marked predilection for the subplacenta while sparing the placental
      disc in this species. In the study described here, the growth and chemotaxis of
      IA3902 and a reference strain (NCTC 11168) are compared in the presence of
      subplacental and placental factors, as well as bile and plasma, from pregnant and
      nonpregnant guinea pigs. Both strains grew better in subplacental versus
      placental disc tissue extracts at 24 hours; however, only IA3902 maintained this
      enhancement at 48 hours. Histochemistry and lectin histochemistry were used to
      localize mucin, iron, and l-fucose within the placental unit. Mucin was most
      abundant in subplacental lacunae, the junctional zone, and visceral yolk sac
      placenta, while iron was most abundant in the placental disc, and L-fucose
      containing surface glycans were limited to the visceral yolk sac placenta. These
      3 individual factors, along with progesterone and estradiol, were evaluated for
      effects on growth and chemotaxis of C. jejuni. Mucin, iron, and L-fucose were
      growth promoting, while l-fucose was also chemoattractive for both strains.
      Progesterone, estradiol, and pregnant guinea pig plasma did not affect growth or
      chemotaxis, and no difference was observed when bile from pregnant and
      nonpregnant animals was compared. These findings demonstrate the presence of
      specific factors within the guinea pig placental unit that drive chemotaxis and
      enhance growth of C. jejuni, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying
      the fetoplacental tropism observed with this strain.

PMID- 22081136
TI  - P/S ligands derived from carbohydrates in Rh-catalyzed hydrosilylation of
      ketones.
AB  - Reported is the synthesis of a number of diastereomerically pure cationic Rh(I)
      complexes I starting from phosphinite thioglycosides. These complexes were used
      in the asymmetric hydrosilylation of prochiral ketones. The reactivity and
      enantioselectivity of the reaction was shown to be dependent on the pyranose
      ring, the substituent at the sulfur atom, the hydroxylic protective groups and
      most significantly on the alkene co-ligand.

PMID- 22081137
TI  - Profilin1 is required for glial cell adhesion and radial migration of cerebellar
      granule neurons.
AB  - Cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) exploit Bergmann glia (BG) fibres for radial
      migration, and cell-cell contacts have a pivotal role in this process.
      Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms that control CGN-BG
      interaction. Here we demonstrate that the actin-binding protein profilin1 is
      essential for CGN-glial cell adhesion and radial migration. Profilin1 ablation
      from mouse brains leads to a cerebellar hypoplasia, aberrant organization of
      cerebellar cortex layers and ectopic CGNs. Conversely, neuronal progenitor
      proliferation, tangential migration of neurons and BG morphology appear to be
      independent of profilin1. Our mouse data and the mapping of developmental
      neuropathies to the chromosomal region of PFN1 suggest a similar function for
      profilin1 in humans.

PMID- 22081138
TI  - Teaching and textbooks by Jacobs Howy.

PMID- 22081139
TI  - Protein synthesis and translational control: at eye level with the ribosome.
AB  - At the EMBO Conference on 'Protein Synthesis and Translational Control' held in
      Heidelberg in September 2011, scientists shared their latest findings on the
      structure and function of the ribosome, mRNA-specific regulation of translation
      and the numerous quality control mechanisms that ensure accurate protein
      synthesis.

PMID- 22081140
TI  - Dictyostelium chemotaxis: essential Ras activation and accessory signalling
      pathways for amplification.
AB  - Central to chemotaxis is the molecular mechanism by which cells exhibit directed
      movement in shallow gradients of a chemoattractant. We used Dictyostelium mutants
      to investigate the minimal requirements for chemotaxis, and identified a basal
      signalling module providing activation of Ras at the leading edge, which is
      sufficient for chemotaxis. The signalling enzymes PI3K, TorC2, PLA2 and sGC are
      not required for Ras activation and chemotaxis to folate or to steep gradients of
      cAMP, but they provide a memory of direction and improved orientation of the
      cell, which together increase the sensitivity about 150-fold for chemotaxis in
      shallow cAMP gradients.

PMID- 22081141
TI  - Mechanistic implications for LDL receptor degradation from the PCSK9/LDLR
      structure at neutral pH.
AB  - The protein PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is a key
      regulator of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels and cardiovascular
      health. We have determined the crystal structure of LDLR bound to PCSK9 at
      neutral pH. The structure shows LDLR in a new extended conformation. The PCSK9 C
      terminal domain is solvent exposed, enabling cofactor binding, whereas the
      catalytic domain and prodomain interact with LDLR epidermal growth factor(A) and
      beta-propeller domains, respectively. Thus, PCSK9 seems to hold LDLR in an
      extended conformation and to interfere with conformational rearrangements
      required for LDLR recycling.

PMID- 22081143
TI  - A new target for personalized medicine.

PMID- 22081142
TI  - Superinfection in malaria: Plasmodium shows its iron will.
AB  - After the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito, the Plasmodium sporozoite infects
      liver cells and produces thousands of merozoites, which then infect red blood
      cells, causing malaria. In malaria-endemic areas, several hundred infected
      mosquitoes can bite an individual each year, increasing the risk of
      superinfection. However, in infants that are yet to acquire immunity,
      superinfections are infrequent. We have recently shown that blood-stage
      parasitaemia, above a minimum threshold, impairs the growth of a subsequent
      sporozoite infection of liver cells. Blood-stage parasites stimulate the
      production of the host iron-regulatory factor hepcidin, which redistributes iron
      away from hepatocytes, reducing the development of the iron-dependent liver
      stage. This could explain why Plasmodium superinfection is not often found in
      young nonimmune children. Here, we discuss the impact that such protection from
      superinfection might have in epidemiological settings or in programmes for
      controlling malaria, as well as how the induction of hepcidin and redistribution
      of iron might influence anaemia and the outcome of non-Plasmodium co-infections.

PMID- 22081144
TI  - CD8alphaalpha and -alphabeta isotypes are equally recruited to the immunological
      synapse through their ability to bind to MHC class I.
AB  - Bimolecular fluorescence complementation was used to engineer CD8 molecules so
      that CD8alphaalpha and CD8alphabeta dimers can be independently visualized on the
      surface of a T cell during antigen recognition. Using this approach, we show that
      CD8alphaalpha is recruited to the immunological synapse almost as well as
      CD8alphabeta, but because the kinase Lck associates preferentially with
      CD8alphabeta in lipid rafts, CD8alphaalpha is the weaker co-receptor. During
      recognition of the strong CD8alphaalpha ligand H2-TL, CD8alphaalpha is
      preferentially recruited. Thus, recruitment of the two CD8 species correlates
      with their relative binding to the available ligands, rather than with the co
      receptor functions of the CD8 species.

PMID- 22081146
TI  - Keratometry evaluations with the Pentacam high resolution in comparison with the
      automated keratometry and conventional corneal topography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the reliability and repeatability of keratometry (K)
      measurements obtained with the Pentacam high resolution (HR), automated
      keratometry, and corneal topography systems. METHODS: The right eyes of 46
      healthy subjects were examined prospectively. Keratometry measurements in the
      flat (Kf) and steep (Ks) meridians were taken by 2 independent investigators with
      the Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) followed by automated
      keratorefractometry (KR-8100; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan), and corneal topography (TMS
      4; Tomey, Erlangen, Germany). RESULTS: The mean K readings of the Pentacam HR,
      automated keratometry, and corneal topography were 43.40/43.34 diopter (D),
      43.99/43.98 D, and 43.80/43.83 D, respectively. The difference between the values
      was statistically significant (P < 0.0001, repeated measures analysis of
      variance). Strong significant correlation was observed between the Pentacam HR
      and keratometry (Kf: r = 0.952/0.954; Ks: r = 0.845, Spearman rank test), and
      Pentacam HR and corneal topography (Kf: r = 0.933/0.930; Ks: r = 0.838/0.829) (P
      < 0.0001). No significant difference was presented between the 2 investigators
      for any of the instruments (P = 0.215-0.983). Moreover, high correlation was
      found between the K readings of the observers (interoperator intraclass
      correlation coefficients ranged from 0.95 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The Pentacam HR
      provided reliable K measurements in clinical practice in comparison with an
      automated keratometer and a corneal topographer. Based on the results, for
      patient follow-up, one keratometry device is recommended.

PMID- 22081145
TI  - Dual-isotope SPECT imaging of striatal dopamine: a comparative study between
      never-treated and haloperidol-treated first-episode schizophrenic patients.
AB  - The aim of this dual-isotope SPECT imaging study was to evaluate striatal
      dopamine transporter (DAT) and D2 receptor availability in first-episode never
      treated and haloperidol-treated schizophrenic patients and whether the
      availability is associated with psychopathology. Twenty-four inpatients with a
      first acute schizophrenic episode were enrolled in the study; 12 of these
      patients were treated with haloperidol for 2 weeks before dual-isotope SPECT was
      performed, whereas the other 12 patients underwent the SPECT evaluation directly
      after enrollment. Twelve healthy control persons were also recruited and
      evaluated with the dual-isotope SPECT protocol. Psychopathology was assessed by
      the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and other scales. D2-radioligand binding
      did not differ between drug-naive patients and the control group but was
      significantly lower in the haloperidol-treated group. DAT availability was also
      significantly lower in the haloperidol patients than in the other two groups and
      differed significantly between drug-naive, positive-syndrome-type patients and
      healthy controls. The data obtained with the new dual-isotope SPECT technique
      reveal a direct effect of haloperidol at the D2 and DAT receptor level.

PMID- 22081147
TI  - Microkeratome-assisted superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty for anterior
      stromal corneal opacities after penetrating keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the surgical technique and report the outcomes of patients
      treated with microkeratome-assisted superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty
      for anterior stromal corneal opacities developing after penetrating keratoplasty
      (PK). METHODS: All patients with post-penetrating keratoplasty anterior stromal
      opacities treated with microkeratome-assisted superficial anterior lamellar
      keratoplasty between July 2005 and June 2007 were reviewed. A 130-MUm superficial
      keratectomy was performed, followed by the placement of an appropriately sized
      donor graft, which was secured with overlay sutures. Refraction, corneal
      topography, and uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuities (UCVA, BCVA,
      respectively) were noted at each examination. RESULTS: Nine eyes of 8 consecutive
      patients were identified. Causes of anterior stromal opacities included dystrophy
      recurrence (n = 3), post-photorefractive keratectomy haze (n = 2), and scarring
      after stromal melt (n = 4). BCVA improved in all 9 eyes at final follow-up, and 7
      of 9 eyes achieved >=20/40 within the first month. Average follow-up period was
      28 +/- 3.9 months. Refractive astigmatism also improved by an average of 0.7
      diopters. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty is a viable and
      effective alternative to repeat PK in treating anterior stromal scars. It avoids
      open-globe surgery and exposure to endothelial rejection associated with repeat
      PK, and visual rehabilitation is considerably quicker.

PMID- 22081148
TI  - Intradescemetic air bubble trapping during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.
AB  - We describe a case of a 52-year-old man in whom the appearance of an air bubble
      developed, trapped within the Descemet membrane (DM), that occurred during a
      planned deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using the "big bubble" technique.
      This situation can occur because Descemet membrane's anatomic structure can be
      opened by the gas dissection; this complication may result in unanticipated
      results during and after this type of surgery. Surgeons should be aware of this
      specific risk, so they will recognize it when it occurs. Optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) imaging and surgical management are presented.

PMID- 22081149
TI  - Small-incision Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: a
      comparison of small-incision tissue injector and forceps techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a novel, small-incision, no-fold Descemet stripping
      automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) graft injector and to compare
      complications, visual acuity, and endothelial cell loss with a forceps technique.
      METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-approved, interventional, nonrandomized,
      consecutive case series analysis of 175 eyes undergoing DSAEK for Fuchs dystrophy
      and bullous keratopathy. The injector arm is prospective, and the forceps arm is
      retrospective. Seventy grafts were performed with a DSAEK graft injector, and 105
      grafts were performed using a small-incision forceps technique. Preoperative and
      postoperative visual acuities at 3 and 6 months, 6-month endothelial cell counts,
      and complications, including graft dislocation, failure, and rejection, were
      recorded. Fifty-seven of 232 eyes met exclusion criteria for previous incisional
      corneal or glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: There were 4 eyes (5.7%) in the injector
      group and 29 eyes (27.6%) in the forceps group that required a re-bubble
      procedure because of graft detachment. One graft (1.4%) failed in the injector
      group and 7 grafts (6.5%) failed in the forceps group. Excluding eyes with other
      ocular comorbidities (43), in the injector group 74% were 20/40 or better at 6
      months and 100% were 20/60 or better. In the forceps group, 72% were 20/40 or
      better at 6 months and 98% were 20/60 or better. Six-month postoperative
      endothelial cell counts were available for 84 (46 injector and 38 forceps) eyes,
      with an average cell loss of 28.3% in the injector group and 44.1% in the forceps
      group. CONCLUSIONS: DSAEK is an effective treatment of endothelial dysfunction.
      Surgical technique is important to limit endothelial cell loss and prevent
      complications, such as graft dislocation. The injector device has several
      advantages over the trifold forceps technique, including decreased endothelial
      cell loss, graft dislocation rate, and graft failure rate, and it reduces the
      DSAEK learning curve. DSAEK graft injectors likely will have a role in the future
      of endothelial keratoplasty.

PMID- 22081150
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of subconjunctival bevacizumab injection in impending
      recurrent pterygium: a pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of subconjunctival bevacizumab
      injection for the treatment of impending recurrent pterygium. METHODS: A
      prospective, randomized, single-masked, controlled trial was conducted in 80
      patients with impending recurrent pterygium. Patients were randomized into 4
      groups using random tables: 20 patients served as a control and treatment groups
      received a single intralesional injection of 1.25 mg (20 patients, group 1), 2.5
      mg (20 patients, group 2), or 3.75 mg (20 patients, group 3) of bevacizumab.
      Topical 0.1% fluorometholone and ocular lubricant were administered 4 times daily
      for 1 month in all groups. Severity of impending recurrent pterygium graded by
      photographic assessment (at baseline, 3 days, 1 week, and 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks
      after treatment) and true recurrence were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: At
      3 days, the conjunctival injection significantly decreased in all treatment
      groups (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in the conjunctival injection was still
      observed until 2 and 4 weeks in only groups 2 and 3, respectively (P < 0.05). The
      conjunctival hyperemia appeared to increase back to baseline at later time
      points. No significant difference in the mean severity score among the groups was
      observed. True recurrence was found in 62 patients with no statistically
      significant difference among the groups. No serious ocular or systemic adverse
      events were seen. CONCLUSIONS: A single subconjunctival bevacizumab injection
      seems to only partially and transiently decrease conjunctival vascularization in
      impending recurrent pterygium in a dose-dependent manner. This treatment does not
      cause regression or reduce the recurrent rate of impending recurrent pterygium.

PMID- 22081151
TI  - Ocular surface reconstruction after exposure to high concentrations of antiseptic
      solutions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the clinical course in accidental exposure of the cornea to
      antiseptic solutions in 3 cases. METHODS: Observational case series. Exposure to
      20% chlorhexidine gluconate solution was observed in 2 cases and to 10%
      benzalkonium chloride solution in 1 case. RESULTS: Not only superficial damage
      but also toxicity to corneal endothelial cells leading to corneal edema was
      observed in all 3 cases. Epithelial transplantation was performed: autologous
      cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (auto-CLET), conjunctivolimbal
      autograft (CLAU), or living-related cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation
      (lr-CLET). A stable ocular surface was achieved, although exposure to high
      concentrations of antiseptic solutions caused severe anterior chamber
      inflammation; cataract and glaucoma developed in 2 cases, requiring further
      surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to high concentrations of antiseptics
      causes both ocular surface and intraocular damage. Epithelial transplantation
      enables restoration of a stable ocular surface. However, management of
      intraocular consequences, including secondary glaucoma and corneal endothelial
      damage, still remains a challenge in the prognosis of such cases.

PMID- 22081152
TI  - Corneal cross-linking in patients with radial keratotomy: short-term follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To record visual and refractive data in eyes with previous radial
      keratotomy (RK) and corneal instability undergoing corneal cross-linking (CXL).
      METHODS: Case series of eyes with RK and refractive instability undergoing CXL
      with riboflavin and UV-A radiation. The following variables were recorded before
      3 and 6 months after CXL: sphere, spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected visual
      acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), topographic
      astigmatism, mean topographic K (Km), pachymetry, and Q values. RESULTS: Seven
      eyes of 4 patients with pre-CXL variables included mean sphere [-0.7 +/- 3.2
      diopters (D)], astigmatism (2.5 +/- 1.17 D), SE (-2.1 +/- 3.1 D), UCVA (0.3 +/-
      2.0), BSCVA (0.63 +/- 0.36), Km (38.75 +/- 5.74 D), pachymetry (522 +/- 36.8
      MUm), and Q (1.73 +/- 1.34). Three months after CXL, mean sphere was +1.0 +/- 3.0
      D (P = 0.00); astigmatism, 2.5 +/- 1.2 D (P = 0.95); SE, 0.3 +/- 2.2 D (P =
      0.008); UCVA, 0.41 +/- 2.7 (P = 0.22); BSCVA, 0.80 +/- 0.27 (P = 0.14); Km, 37.5
      +/- 5.7 D (P = 0.3); pachymetry, 491 +/- 33.74 MUm (P = 0.00); and Q, 2.27 +/-
      1.8 (P = 0.22). Six months after CXL, mean sphere was 0.53 +/- 3.5 D (P = 0.00);
      astigmatism, 1.62 +/- 1.76 D (P = 0.13); SE, 0.52 +/- 2.9 D (P = 0.023); UCVA,
      0.60 +/- 2.0 (P = 0.018); BSCVA, 0.9 +/- 0.15 (P = 0.03); Km, 38.3 +/- 4.10 D (P
      = 0.64); and Q, 1.7 +/- 0.78 (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term follow-up of RK
      patients treated with CXL showed clinical and statistically significant
      improvement.

PMID- 22081153
TI  - Myopic LASIK in psychiatric patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results obtained in patients with psychiatric
      disorders who underwent myopic laser in situ keratomileusis. (LASIK). METHODS:
      Retrospective study of 156 eyes of 82 patients who underwent LASIK to correct a
      myopic spherical equivalent (SE) at Clinica Baviera-Instituto Oftalmologico
      Europeo, Bilbao, Spain. All procedures were performed with the Technolas Keracor
      217 Z excimer laser. Patients had a preoperative diagnosis of bipolar disorder
      (79 eyes of 42 patients), schizophrenia (61 eyes of 32 patients), or obsessive
      compulsive disorder (16 eyes of 8 patients). Before surgery, the average sphere
      of the series was -3.92 +/- 2.24 D in the first group, -3.45 +/- 2.03 D in the
      second group, and -3.39 +/- 1.97 D in the third group. We surveyed the patients
      to analyze subjective assessment from the patient's perspective. RESULTS: At the
      last available visit after treatment, we obtained an SE of +/-0.50 D in 85.71% of
      eyes with bipolar disorder, 88.52% of eyes with schizophrenia, and 93.75% of eyes
      with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The efficacy index was 1.00 +/- 0.20 in the
      first group, 1.03 +/- 0.21 in the second group, and 1.00 +/- 0.07 in the third
      group. No eye lost 2 lines or more of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients with compensated psychiatric disorders, of
      which the surgeon was aware, achieved excellent results after surgery, with no
      remarkable complications. Patients tolerated the procedures well and were
      satisfied.

PMID- 22081154
TI  - Clinical and histopathological outcomes of subconjunctival triamcinolone
      injection for the treatment of acute ocular alkali burn in rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subconjunctival injection of
      triamcinolone in the treatment of acute ocular alkali burn in rabbits. METHODS:
      Two groups of 5 rabbits were subjected to alkali burn (1 N NaOH). One group was
      treated with 1 subconjunctival injection of 0.3 mL of triamcinolone and the other
      with 1 subconjunctival injection of 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline. The affected corneas
      were observed for vascularization and opacity approximately 10 minutes after the
      burn and also after 7, 14, and 21 days. Photographs were taken for observation
      and statistical analyses. At all time intervals, the corneas were classified
      according to predetermined scores. Twenty-one days after the treatment, the
      animals were anesthetized, and their eyes were enucleated and processed for
      histopathology. RESULTS: Greater vascularization and opacity appeared in the
      animals that were treated with saline than in those treated with subconjunctival
      triamcinolone (vascularization: 7 days, P = 0.0107; 14 days, P = 0.0099; and 21
      days, P = 0.0088; opacity: 7 days, P = 0.0079; 14 days, P = 0.0112; and 21 days,
      P = 0.0255). These results were also compatible with the morphological and
      statistical analyses, which revealed a more intense inflammatory process in the
      group treated with saline (P = 0.0317). No complications, such as corneal
      melting, perforation, or infection, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival
      injection of triamcinolone may be a therapeutic option for the treatment of acute
      ocular burn because it reduced the corneal inflammatory process, opacity, and
      vascularization, with no apparent clinical changes in the general state of the
      animal.

PMID- 22081155
TI  - Treatment of fungal keratitis from Fusarium infection by corneal cross-linking.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of corneal cross-linking (CXL) (riboflavin-UV
      A) as a simple therapy in Fusarium keratitis. METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits were
      systemically anesthetized, and the stromata of their right corneas were
      inoculated with Fusarium solani [10(5) colony-forming units (CFU) per
      milliliter]. Rabbits were divided into 2 groups: one was treated with CXL 72
      hours after infection and the other did not receive any treatment (control). All
      eyes in both the groups were examined before (days 0 and 3) and after (day 7) CXL
      treatment. The eyes were enucleated, and corneal buttons were sent for
      microbiological and histological examinations. RESULTS: All animals developed
      Fusarium keratitis; there was no statistically significant difference between
      groups before treatment (day 0, P = 0.397 and day 3, P = 0.702). After CXL
      treatment, the difference in clinical scores on day 7 between groups was
      statistically significant (P = 0.00); the CXL group showed significant lower
      clinical score. The CXL group had 22.45 +/- 5.09 CFU/g compared with 42.5 +/-
      3.12 CFU/g in the control group; this difference was statistically significant (P
      = 0.01). In the 3 buttons of the control group, similar amounts of Fusarium
      hyphae and inflammatory cells were observed. In 2 of the 3 buttons analyzed from
      the CXL group, fewer Fusarium hyphae, inflammatory cells, and nonspecific stromal
      changes were observed compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of
      fungal keratitis with CXL seems to be effective in decreasing the intensity and
      severity of infectious keratitis by F. solani. This therapy may be useful as a
      coadjuvant in the medical treatment of resistant infections.

PMID- 22081156
TI  - Cytokinesis remnants define first neuronal asymmetry in vivo.
AB  - Polarization of a neuron begins with the appearance of the first neurite, thus
      defining the ultimate growth axis. Unlike late occurring polarity events (such as
      axonal growth), very little is known about this fundamental process. We show here
      that, in Drosophila melanogaster neurons in vivo, the first membrane deformation
      occurred 3.6 min after precursor division. Clustering of adhesion complex
      components (Bazooka (Par-3), cadherin-catenin) marked this place by 2.8 min after
      division; the upstream phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, by 0.7 min after
      division; and the furrow components RhoA and Aurora kinase, from the time of
      cytokinesis. Local DE-cadherin inactivation prevented sprout formation, whereas
      perturbation of division orientation did not alter polarization from the
      cytokinesis pole. This is, to our knowledge, the first molecular study of initial
      neuronal polarization in vivo. The mechanisms of polarization seem to be defined
      at the precursor stage.

PMID- 22081157
TI  - Flexible, foldable, actively multiplexed, high-density electrode array for
      mapping brain activity in vivo.
AB  - Arrays of electrodes for recording and stimulating the brain are used throughout
      clinical medicine and basic neuroscience research, yet are unable to sample large
      areas of the brain while maintaining high spatial resolution because of the need
      to individually wire each passive sensor at the electrode-tissue interface. To
      overcome this constraint, we developed new devices that integrate ultrathin and
      flexible silicon nanomembrane transistors into the electrode array, enabling new
      dense arrays of thousands of amplified and multiplexed sensors that are connected
      using fewer wires. We used this system to record spatial properties of cat brain
      activity in vivo, including sleep spindles, single-trial visual evoked responses
      and electrographic seizures. We found that seizures may manifest as recurrent
      spiral waves that propagate in the neocortex. The developments reported here
      herald a new generation of diagnostic and therapeutic brain-machine interface
      devices.

PMID- 22081159
TI  - Experience-dependent plasticity of mature adult-born neurons.
AB  - The adult olfactory bulb and hippocampus are continuously supplied with newborn
      neurons that are thought to possess a capacity for plasticity only at a young
      neuronal age, mainly during the early stages of integration into the network. We
      find that the two main types of adult-born neurons in the mouse olfactory bulb
      undergo experience-dependent plasticity long after maturation and integration, as
      evidenced by stabilization of synaptic turnover rates. Thus, the potential time
      window for plasticity of adult-born neurons extends well into maturity.

PMID- 22081158
TI  - Leptin regulates the reward value of nutrient.
AB  - We developed an assay for quantifying the reward value of nutrient and used it to
      analyze the effects of metabolic state and leptin. In this assay, mice chose
      between two sippers, one of which dispensed water and was coupled to optogenetic
      activation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and the other of which dispensed natural
      or artificial sweeteners. This assay measured the reward value of sweeteners
      relative to lick-induced optogenetic activation of DA neurons. Mice preferred
      optogenetic stimulation of DA neurons to sucralose, but not to sucrose. However,
      the mice preferred sucralose plus optogenetic stimulation versus sucrose. We
      found that food restriction increased the value of sucrose relative to sucralose
      plus optogenetic stimulation, and that leptin decreased it. Our data suggest that
      leptin suppresses the ability of sucrose to drive taste-independent DA neuronal
      activation and provide new insights into the mechanism of leptin's effects on
      food intake.

PMID- 22081160
TI  - Inactivity-induced increase in nAChRs upregulates Shal K(+) channels to stabilize
      synaptic potentials.
AB  - Long-term synaptic changes, which are essential for learning and memory, are
      dependent on homeostatic mechanisms that stabilize neural activity. Homeostatic
      responses have also been implicated in pathological conditions, including
      nicotine addiction. Although multiple homeostatic pathways have been described,
      little is known about how compensatory responses are tuned to prevent them from
      overshooting their optimal range of activity. We found that prolonged inhibition
      of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the major excitatory receptors in
      the Drosophila CNS, resulted in a homeostatic increase in the Drosophila alpha7
      (Dalpha7)-nAChR. This response then induced an increase in the transient A-type
      K(+) current carried by Shaker cognate L (Shal; also known as voltage-gated K(+)
      channel 4, Kv4) channels. Although increasing Dalpha7-nAChRs boosted miniature
      excitatory postsynaptic currents, the ensuing increase in Shal channels served to
      stabilize postsynaptic potentials. These data identify a previously unknown
      mechanism for fine tuning the homeostatic response.

PMID- 22081161
TI  - Nictation, a dispersal behavior of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, is
      regulated by IL2 neurons.
AB  - Many nematodes show a stage-specific behavior called nictation in which a worm
      stands on its tail and waves its head in three dimensions. Here we show that
      nictation is a dispersal behavior regulated by a specific set of neurons, the IL2
      cells, in C. elegans. We established assays for nictation and showed that
      cholinergic transmission was required for nictation. Cell type-specific rescue
      experiments and genetic ablation experiments revealed that the IL2 ciliated head
      neurons were essential for nictation. Intact cilia in IL2 neurons, but not in
      other ciliated head neurons, were essential, as the restoration of the
      corresponding wild-type gene activity in IL2 neurons alone in cilia-defective
      mutants was sufficient to restore nictation. Optogenetic activation of IL2
      neurons induced nictation, suggesting that signals from IL2 neurons are
      sufficient for nictation. Finally, we demonstrated that nictation is required for
      transmission of C. elegans to a new niche using flies as artificial carriers,
      suggesting a role of nictation as a dispersal and survival strategy under harsh
      conditions.

PMID- 22081162
TI  - Sympathetic magic and gambling: adherence to the law of contagion varies with
      gambling severity.
AB  - This study assessed adherence to the law of contagion by 118 undergraduate
      students (39 males). Participants were students who played a slot machine game
      after viewing a prior player who seemed to be winning ("lucky" condition) or
      losing ("unlucky" condition). Adherence to the law of contagion was assessed by
      the selection of the coin holder used by a "lucky" prior player and the avoidance
      of the coin holder used by an "unlucky" prior player. Contagion varied directly
      with scores on the Problem Gambling Severity Index and scores on the
      Luck/Perseverance subscale of the Gamblers' Belief Questionnaire (Steenbergh et
      al. in Psychol Addict Behav 16(2):143-149, 2002). Gamblers high in problem
      severity chose the "lucky" coin holder and avoided the "unlucky" coin holder
      significantly more than gamblers low in problem severity. Problem gamblers,
      therefore, exhibit evidence of magical thinking related to the transfer of a
      "lucky" essence. The same was the case for individuals with a strong level of
      belief that sheer continuation in gambling (luck perseverance) results in success
      and for individuals who believe that luck is a personal rather than a situational
      characteristic. All three variables (problem gambling severity, luck perseverance
      and personal luck) had direct effects on behavior reflecting irrational magical
      thinking. A belief that knowledge or skill has a role in successful gaming was
      unrelated to magical thinking. These findings suggest potential foci for
      cognitive interventions with problem gamblers and those with non-skill based
      evidence of irrational thinking.

PMID- 22081163
TI  - Is there still a need for strengthening optometrist referral and general public
      awareness regarding cataract even in developed countries?

PMID- 22081164
TI  - Nephrotic-range proteinuria in a child with retinoic acid syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A derivative that is used
      in combination with chemotherapy to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). A
      serious complication of ATRA is retinoic acid syndrome (RAS), which is
      characterized by an inflammatory reaction with capillary leakage and myeloid cell
      tissue invasion that presents with cardiopulmonary symptoms and occasionally
      acute kidney injury. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: We report the case of a 3-year-old
      child with APL who developed transient nephrotic-range proteinuria (max urine
      protein:creatinine ratio 8.6) during two episodes of RAS while on ATRA therapy.
      ATRA was temporarily discontinued and the patient was treated with a 3-day course
      of dexamethasone during each episode. He maintained normal renal function
      throughout and the proteinuria completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first reported occurrence of nephrotic-range proteinuria in a child treated with
      ATRA. Nephrologists should be aware that RAS is a serious complication of ATRA
      that may lead to proteinuria.

PMID- 22081166
TI  - The effect of family size on spanish simple and complex words.
AB  - This study presents the results of three experiments in which the Family Size
      (FS) effect is explored. The first experiment is carried out with no prime on
      simple words. The second and third experiments are carried out with morphological
      priming on complex words. In the first experiment a facilitatory effect of FS is
      observed: high FS targets produced faster responses than low FS targets. However,
      an inhibitory effect of Stem-FS is observed in the second experiment: low Stem-FS
      targets produced faster responses than high Stem-FS targets. In the third
      experiment a facilitatory effect is observed when the Affix-FS is manipulated:
      high Affix-FS targets produced faster responses than low Affix-FS targets.
      Overall data confirms that the effect of FS plays an important role in lexical
      access in Spanish. The results also show that the effect of FS is modulated by
      the lexical nature of the prime (lexical or sublexical) and by the number of
      candidates activated. Finally, it is suggested that the nonwords employed were
      decisive in obtaining the results mentioned.

PMID- 22081165
TI  - Treatment of children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis with mycophenolate
      mofetil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) can progress to Henoch-Schonlein
      purpura nephritis (HSPN), and the most effective management remains unclear. Our
      aim was to evaluate the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for treating
      pediatric patients with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria. METHODS: Twelve
      children, seven boys and five girls, mean age 8.33 (range 6-12) years at the time
      of HSPN diagnosis with nephrotic-range proteinuria, were treated with MMF. All
      patients failed steroid treatment, and mean proteinuria at the time of MMF
      initiation was 5.6 g/d. MMF dosage ranged from 20 to 25 mg/kg per day. Patients
      also received an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (cliazapril) at MMF
      initiation. Mean follow-up was 3.9 (range 2.3-5.5) years. RESULTS: All patients
      responded to MMF at a mean of 2.5 (range 1-4 months). Among the 12 patients, MMF
      was administered for 10 months in five, 12 months in six, and 15 months in one.
      At last follow-up, all patients had negative proteinuria and normal renal
      function, and no relapses were noted. No serious adverse effects of MMF were
      noted in any patient. CONCLUSION: MMF is useful for treating pediatric patients
      with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria.

PMID- 22081167
TI  - Interactions among Glomus irregulare, arbuscular mycorrhizal spore-associated
      bacteria, and plant pathogens under in vitro conditions.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi interact with bacteria (AM fungi-associated
      bacteria, AMB) in the mycorrhizosphere. We previously identified a set of AMB
      that enhance AM fungal colonization, plant growth, and inhibit pathogens. Here,
      we used transformed carrot root cultures in a two-compartment plate system for
      further in vitro studies on interactions taking place among Glomus irregulare
      (syn.Glomus intraradices), AMB, and plant pathogens. We found that exudates of G.
      irregulare stimulated growth of all ten AMB isolates tested in multi-well plates.
      AMB growth stimulation was observed also during co-cultivation of three of these
      AMB with G. irregulare in the hyphal compartment. In addition, co-cultivation
      stimulated growth of G. irregulare hyphae and spore production, as well as G.
      irregulare root colonization. GC/MS analysis in a preliminary screening of
      metabolites revealed differences in concentrations of several identified but also
      unidentified compounds in G. irregulare hyphal exudates. Exudates in presence of
      three different AMB isolates co-cultivated with G. irregulare contained several
      additional compounds that differed in amount compared with G. irregulare alone.
      The results indicate that G. irregulare exudates contain carbohydrates, amino
      acids, and unidentified compounds that could serve as a substrate to stimulate
      AMB growth. With regard to effects on plant pathogens, growth inhibition of
      Rhizoctonia solani, Verticillium dahliae, and Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp.
      carotovorum was evident in the presence of the AMB isolates tested together with
      the G. irregulare exudates. These in vitro studies suggest that G. irregulare and
      AMB stimulate growth of each other and that they together seem to provide an
      additive effect against growth of both fungal and bacterial pathogens.

PMID- 22081169
TI  - Prenatal nutrition among rural Bangladeshi pregnant women.
AB  - The expected outcome of pregnancy is a healthy mother with a healthy child. The
      single most important care which could prevent the negative outcomes of pregnancy
      is Antenatal Care (ANC). Proper and timely antenatal care can significantly
      reduce the risks of maternal mortality. In pregnancy, total cost is about 80,000
      Kcal, and above normal energy requirements. To find out prenatal nutrition an
      exploratory study was carried out in seven villages of the Ward-2 of Jamtoil
      Union of Kamarkhand Upazila under Sirajganj District. Thirty pregnant women of
      different trimesters, gravida and parity had been studied employing the methods
      and techniques of "Ethnographic Field Work." Mean daily calorie consumption of
      the Key Informants (KIs) was 1480.49 Kcal without reference to their religious
      affiliation, family resource base, education, occupation, gravidity, parity and
      duration of pregnancy. This is indicated that the mean calorie intake of the Key
      Informants did not meet not only their prenatal nutritional need but also their
      requirement during pre-pregnancy period. It was observed that food intake was in
      no way different from that of the non-pregnant status. Antenatal care of rural
      inhabitants analyzed almost exclusively from biomedical perspectives, its
      cultural, socio-economic, gender, ecological and other relevant perspectives are
      mostly ignored. In order to have safe motherhood up through compliance of
      prenatal advice, nutritional one in particular, these factors should be taken
      into consideration.

PMID- 22081168
TI  - Paralemniscal TIP39 is induced in rat dams and may participate in maternal
      functions.
AB  - The paralemniscal area, situated between the pontine reticular formation and the
      lateral lemniscus in the pontomesencephalic tegmentum contains some
      tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39)-expressing neurons. In the
      present study, we measured a 4 times increase in the level of TIP39 mRNA in the
      paralemniscal area of lactating mothers as opposed to nulliparous females and
      mothers deprived of pups using real-time RT-PCR. In situ hybridization
      histochemistry and immunolabeling demonstrated that the induction of TIP39 in
      mothers takes place within the medial paralemniscal nucleus, a
      cytoarchitectonically distinct part of the paralemniscal area, and that the
      increase in TIP39 mRNA levels translates into elevated peptide levels in dams.
      The paralemniscal area has been implicated in maternal control as well as in pain
      perception. To establish the function of induced TIP39, we investigated the
      activation of TIP39 neurons in response to pup exposure as maternal, and formalin
      injection as noxious stimulus. Both stimuli elicited c-fos expression in the
      paralemniscal area. Subsequent double labeling demonstrated that 95% of neurons
      expressing Fos in response to pup exposure also contained TIP39 immunoreactivity
      and 91% of TIP39 neurons showed c-fos activation by pup exposure. In contrast,
      formalin-induced Fos does not co-localize with TIP39. Instead, most formalin
      activated neurons are situated medial to the TIP39 cell group. Our data indicate
      that paralemniscal neurons may be involved in the processing of maternal and
      nociceptive information. However, two different groups of paralemniscal neurons
      participate in the two functions. In particular, TIP39 neurons may participate in
      the control of maternal functions.

PMID- 22081170
TI  - Feeding practices and nutritional status of children under two years of age.
AB  - A descriptive cross sectional study was done in the department of Pediatrics
      Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The purpose of the study was to assess
      breast feeding pattern, complementary feeding pattern, types of complementary
      foods and also to assess the nutritional status and to detect any relationship
      with the nutritional status and the feeding practices. Mothers with their
      children aged less than 2 years were included and very sick children, mother less
      children, handicapped children were excluded. Four hundred (400) consecutive
      children were enrolled from eight upazillas of Mymensingh district who were
      selected randomly. Out of 400 children, 214 children (53.5%) were male and 186
      children (47.5%) were female and M:F was 1.2:1. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was
      41.5%. Pre-lacteal feeding rate were 30.7% and most common pre-lacteal foods were
      honey and sugar water. Colostrum was given in 69.3% children. Breast feeding
      continued at the time of interview was 58.1%. Complementary feeding started in
      time in 35.8%, early weaning in 44.5% children. Type of complementary food was
      mainly luta (rice powder mixed with boiled water and sugar only) in 38.8% and
      khichuri (rice, pulses, soybean oil) in 19.5%. Bottle feeding rate was 31.30%.
      Around 43% children were underweight and 10.25% children were severely
      underweight and common in between 12 to 23 months of age group. Around 29%
      children were stunted among 11.25% were severely stunted. About 13.5% children
      were wasted and among them 2.5% were severely wasted. Stunting prevalent over the
      age of 9 months and wasting started after 6 months of age. Malnutrition was
      common in partially breast fed and early weaning with carbohydrate rich food.

PMID- 22081171
TI  - Intra-vaginal use of misoprostol for induction of labour in intrauterine death.
AB  - This prospective study was done in the Department of Obstetric & Gynaecology in
      Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital during the period of February 2006 to
      January 2007, to assess the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol for induction of
      labour in intrauterine foetal death cases and to detect any intrapartum or
      postpartum complications. For this study, 50 cases of IUD were selected among
      admitted patients who were diagnosed by detailed history, clinical examination
      and by USG. Fifty microgram of misoprostol was given per vaginally, which was
      repeated 4 hours interval upto effective uterine contraction to a maximum six
      doses. All the informations were recorded in a predesigned structured data
      collection sheet and data had been interpreted through appropriate statistical
      analysis. In this study, 46% patients were within 18-25 years of age and
      gestational age between 28-37 weeks was 80%. Regarding causes of IUD, commonest
      was idiopathic (52%), next was gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, impending
      eclampsia (28%). Most of the patients (80%) had no history of antenatal checkup
      and belongs to below average socioeconomic status. Most case (64%) had less
      Bishop's score (<3) & all cases had unfavourable cervix, score <6. Vaginal
      delivery was 98% and 2% needed caesarean section. Mean induction delivery
      interval was 11.8 hours. Induction delivery interval was within 6-23 hours and
      66% cases needed 2-3 doses of vaginal misoprostol. Complications were found in a
      minor group of patients. Nausea, vomiting, occurred in 12% of cases. Others were
      fever (2%), shivering (6%), PPH (4%), chorioamniotitis (2%) etc. Vaginal
      misoprostol for cervical ripening and labour induction is very effective and
      shorten the time of induction delivery interval. On the other hand, misoprostol
      is quite cheap, easy to administer, well tolerability and less side effects.

PMID- 22081172
TI  - Correlation between clinical presentation, peroperative finding and
      histopathological report in acute appendicitis.
AB  - Acute appendicitis is usually encountered clinically as acute abdomen. Typical
      cases are easy to diagnose, but sometimes it is very difficult to make a
      diagnosis in atypical cases. The objective of the study was to determine the
      diagnostic accuracy in patient of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis. This
      prospective study conducted in Mymensingh medical college hospital on 1136
      patients presented with acute abdomen and clinically diagnosed as acute
      appendicitis from July 2004 to June 2010. Emergency appendicectomy was done in
      all consecutive patients after relevant investigation. Intraoperative findings
      along with histopathological reports were compared with clinical diagnosis. On
      the basis of histopathological report, 85.65% were found to have acute
      appendicitis with misdiagnosis in rest of the subjects requiring unnecessary
      explorations.  Negative exploration was more in emergency than office hour. This
      may be due to diagnostic inaccuracy and decision-making in the management of the
      acute appendicitis. Management errors can be significantly reduced by accurate
      preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis by improving clinical skill and
      appropriate investigations.

PMID- 22081173
TI  - Superiority of measuring apolipoprotein B to conventional lipid profile
      predicting risk of acute coronary syndrome in young people.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to compare the importance and its superiority of
      apolipoprotein B (apoB) over conventional lipid profile for predicting risk of
      acute coronary syndrome in young people of Bangladesh. This case-control study
      was carried out in Department of Cardiology, of Mymensingh Medical College
      Hospital within the period from June 2009 to May 2010. A total 50 case of 18-45
      years of age with first attack of acute coronary syndrome admitted in coronary
      care unit and 50 healthy controls of same age and sex distribution were studied.
      Twenty five (50.0%) of the studied case had hyper apoB condition, those low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was normal, thus conventional lipid
      profile underestimated the risk. Among the controls 23(46.0%) with high LDL-C had
      hyper apoB condition. Hyper-ApoB in these controls may cause acute coronary
      syndrome in future. The present study shows significant association of
      apolipoprotein B as an independent determinant and estimation of apoB other than
      conventional lipid profile may be an alternative tool for predicting risk of
      development of acute coronary syndrome in young people.

PMID- 22081174
TI  - Postoperative pain relief following inguinal hernia repair in children by wound
      infiltration with levobupivacaine.
AB  - The present study has been designed to compare the postoperative pain relief for
      inguinal hernia repair in children through wound infiltration with
      levobupivacaine with that provided by paracetamol administration per rectaly.
      This interventional study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric
      surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and Dhaka Medical
      College Hospital, Dhaka, during the period from January 2009 to September 2010. A
      total of 120 patients were included in this study. Among them 60 patients in
      Group-A (study group) where post incisional wound infiltration with
      levobupivacain after inguinal herniotomy and before skin closure  was done and 
      60 patients in Group-B (control group) where  paracetamol was  given per rectally
      after anesthesia induction. Both groups were followed up post operatively for 23
      hours. In Group A maximum analgesic period was 8.30 hours and minimum analgesic
      period was 5.30 hours. On the other hand in Group B maximum analgesic period was
      6.50 hours and minimum analgesic period was 4.50 hours. Duration of post
      operative analgesia between two groups of the patients were significant [p<0.01].
      Post incisional wound infiltration with levobupivacain has significantly better
      efficacy to rectal administration of paracetamol with respect to providing pain
      relief following inguinal hernia repair in children. Longer duration of analgesic
      action is more achieved in the Levobupivacaine group.

PMID- 22081175
TI  - Nonspirometric aspects of pulmonary function in subjects with dust industries.
AB  - Bangladesh is a developing country. Many workers are involved in different
      industries which are polluted with dust e.g. saw mill, rice mill, jarda factory
      etc. The present study may give a preliminary idea about the lung function status
      of those workers. The study has been designed to analyze the lung function status
      of those workers by measuring TCO2 aiming to recommend necessary steps to
      improved the quality of life of workers of dust industry in our socioeconomic
      context. This study was to evaluate pulmonary functional status of those workers
      who are exposed to dust in industries like saw mill 26.00 mmol/l, rice mill 31.10
      mmol/l and jarda factory 22.11 mmol/l. In all groups p values were >0.1 which was
      not significant except jarda factory worker in which p value was <0.001 and it
      was highly significant. This study was carried out to increase the awareness of
      the workers and to reduce the cost of employment.

PMID- 22081176
TI  - Different doses of atropine on heart rate fluctuations during reversal of
      neuromuscular blockade.
AB  - It was a prospective comparative clinical study carried out in the Department of
      Anaesthesia, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, to evaluate the heart rate
      changes during reversal of neuromuscular blockade by using 3 different doses of
      atropine (in a mixture with neostigmine) and thereby detect comparatively safer
      dose. Sixty patients of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade I and
      II physical status were divided equally into 3 groups. Neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg
      body weight mixed with atropine 0.02, 0.015 and 0.01 mg/kg body weight given
      intravenously in group A, B and C respectively during reversal. The 3 groups were
      compared in age, sex, body weight, and ASA grades, but there was no significant
      difference (p>0.05) between 3 groups. It is revealed that in Group C (atropine at
      a dose of 0.01 mg/kg with neostigmine), heart rate affected very little but
      salivary and tracheobronchial secretions were more. One of them had laryngospasm
      which was managed conservatively. In Group B (who received atropine 0.015 mg/kg)
      incidence of tachycardia observed was less than Group A (who received atropine
      0.02 mg/kg). The patients of this group also had some salivary secretions but
      less than group C. Tachycardia was most marked in Group A but had minimum
      salivary secretions. Statistical analysis of heart rate changes in different
      times among the 3 Groups was significant (p<0.05). It was highly significant
      (p<0.01) in 1 minute after reversal. So relatively lower dose (0.015 mg/kg) of
      atropine with neostigmine than the conventional dose (0.02mg/kg) can be used to
      decrease tachycardia during reversal of neuromuscular blockade especially in
      haemodynamically unstable patients.

PMID- 22081177
TI  - Role of ETT to diagnose coronary artery disease.
AB  - The purpose of the study to predict the coronary arterial disease by exercise
      treadmill scoring system and to see the correlation of angiographic extent of
      coronary artery disease by high treadmill score in our country. The present
      prospective study carried out in the department of cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh
      Mujib Medical University, University Cardiac Centre during the period of January
      2006 to July 2006. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 80
      patient of chronic stable angina or chest pain evaluation having positive ETT who
      were admitted in university cardiac centre in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
      University and underwent coronary angiogram within one month were the study
      population. Among 80 subjects 60(75%) were male and 20(25%) were female and male:
      female ratio 3:1 Mean age of male subject 51.37+/-9.08 years and mean age of
      female subjects were 43.75+/-7.67 years. Three quarter of the subject had the
      history of typical anginal pain followed by 21.3% atypical and 3.8% pain of non
      anginal origin. All the risk factors like, dyslipidemia (90%), HTN (68.8%) past
      smoker (45%), current smoker (32.5%), diabetes (36.3%), family history of
      coronary artery disease (25%) and sudden death of first degree relatives (8.8%);
      dyslipidemia was the highest percentage. Among 80 subjects more than one third
      35% (28) of the subjects were observed to be normal by angiogram, 28.8% (23) had
      SVD, 16.3% (13) DVD and 20% (16) TVD. Approximately 70% of the significant
      stenosis was predicted as having high probability of 30.8% as intermediate
      probability and none as low probability with exercise test scores. Multi-vessel
      coronary artery disease were predicted by high probability exercise test score
      82.8%. Thus high probability score needs urgent coronary angiogram.

PMID- 22081178
TI  - Comparative study between combination of famciclovir and prednisolone with
      prednisolone alone in acute Bell's palsy.
AB  - The antiviral drug acyclovir or its analogue, valacyclovir, has been applied in
      various trials on Bell's palsy with inconsistent results. We compared the
      therapeutic effect of famciclovir plus prednisolone with prednisolone alone, in
      patients with Bell's palsy. In a randomized, prospective trial, 68 patients were
      randomized to treatment with famciclovir and prednisolone (34 patients) or
      prednisolone alone (34 patients). All patients underwent supportive therapy.
      Severity of Bell's palsy was evaluated using the House-Brackmann scale (HBS).
      Follow-up was done after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months, with complete recovery
      defined as House-Brackmann grade I. The analysis revealed that recovery rates at
      month 1 and 3 were significantly higher in combination group than that of
      prednisolone only group (94.1% vs. 61.8% and 97.1% vs. 74.5% respectively). Again
      recovery from mild to moderate (HBS-II, III, IV) Bell's palsy occurred completely
      at month 3 and that of severe (HBS-V, VI) Bell's palsy was two-third of the
      patients. Again in severe Bell's palsy combination treatment increased the chance
      of complete recovery more than 10-fold than that of steroid only. The study
      results suggest that better outcome for Bell's palsy patients occurred if they
      were treated with prednisolone and famciclovir combination instead of
      prednisolone alone. In fact a considerable number of patients were benefited from
      additional antiviral therapy with famciclovir.

PMID- 22081179
TI  - Serum hyaluronic acid as a predictor of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B and C
      virus infection.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection can lead to cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma. Several studies investigated the diagnostic and
      prognostic value of some biochemical markers to detect the hepatic fibrosis and
      found a correlation between serum markers and hepatic fibrosis. Among them serum
      hyaluronic acid (HA) has been identified as a potential marker of fibrosis or
      cirrhosis in different studies. A prospective study in 60 subjects was conducted
      to evaluate the association between serum HA and hepatic fibrosis. Thirty
      consecutive patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection undergoing liver biopsy
      were studied. Sera were obtained for HA using enzyme linked protein binding
      assay. Patients with hepatic fibrosis had higher serum HA concentration compared
      with healthy subjects (236.65 +/- 227.07 vs. 23.32 +/- 14.22 respectively,
      p<0.001). Correlation was found between high serum HA concentration and
      increasing degree of hepatic fibrosis (R-0.322 and p<0.041). This study had shown
      a good correlation between serum HA and different stages of hepatic fibrosis. So
      serum HA may be used as a useful marker of hepatic fibrosis.

PMID- 22081180
TI  - Outcome of pregnancy in patients with congenital heart diseases.
AB  - This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of pregnancies in
      women with congenital heart diseases. In this study 50 pregnant women age between
      20-45 years with congenital heart diseases were included. Twenty two (44%) were
      presented with atrial septal defect, 12(24%) with ventricular septal defect,
      5(10%) were with patent ductus arteriosus, 6(12%) with Fallot's tetralogy, 2(4%)
      with pulmonary stenosis, 2(4%) with Eisenmenger syndrome, 1(2%) with
      dextrocardia. Shortness of breath (60%) was the main presenting complaint. Normal
      vaginal delivery (52%) was done in majority of cases. Spontaneous abortion
      occurred in 16% of pregnancies. Major complications were heart failure 16%,
      arrhythmias 21%, cardiovascular mortality 4%, preeclampsia 4%, and eclampsia 2%.
      Premature birth 16%, fetal demise 4%, neonatal death 2% and cardiac anomaly at
      birth 2% were also observed. The outcome of pregnancy in women with congenital
      heart diseases is favourable with considerable maternal and neonatal
      complications.

PMID- 22081181
TI  - Management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - The study was done to determine the clinical, radiological and histopathological
      characteristics along with the management outcome of differentiated thyroid
      carcinoma. This Retrospective study included sixty patients with differentiated
      thyroid carcinoma presented to Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery
      at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Apollo Hospitals Dhaka from June 2006 to
      December 2008. The data of each patient included age, sex, presenting symptoms
      and signs, provisional diagnosis, preoperative investigations, operation notes,
      histopathological examination and state at follow up. This study included 28
      males and 32 females. The mean age was 42.7 years. Maximum patients presented at
      4th decade. The commonest presentation was thyroid swelling followed by lateral
      neck swelling. Detailed clinical assessment before operative treatment has been
      done for all patients. Fifty five patients (91.66%) presented with single nodule.
      Distant metastasis was found in 2 cases. All patients underwent fine needle
      aspiration cytology which was conclusive in 38 patients (63.33%).  All the sixty
      patients underwent surgical excision; either total thyroidectomy or completion
      thyroidectomy. Neck dissection was performed in 8 patients. All patients received
      postoperative radio-iodine. Fifty one cases were papillary carcinoma and 9 cases
      were follicular carcinoma. Except for one case with local recurrence the
      remaining cases were disease free on follow up (up to 10-40 months). One patient
      died with bone metastasis 2 years after operation. Of all thyroid cancers,
      majority cases are papillary cancer (85%). In contrast to other cancers, thyroid
      cancer is almost always curable. Most thyroid cancers grow slowly and are
      associated with a very favorable prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of the
      same is strongly advisable.

PMID- 22081182
TI  - Forgotten urological stent.
AB  - "Forgotten" Ureteral stent DJ stent related complication is not uncommon even in
      the era of modern urology in the developed world. In this context we have
      undertaken a retro-prospective study in relation to its various causes,
      complications, management and prevention of forgotten stents in a single teaching
      institute. The study period was from January'04 to December'09. The sample size
      was 60. The effect of "forgotten stent" in our study reflects mild UTI to various
      complications including severe renal failure. We had approached all of our cases
      judiciously using various modalities of minimal access endourological techniques
      either alone or in combinations with successful outcome. The study concluded that
      it is vary easy to prevent "forgotten stent" and so its complications. However if
      we confront such unwanted complications that could be managed successfully with
      the use of endourological techniques. We did not use other techniques like
      laparoscopy and open surgery in this study.

PMID- 22081183
TI  - Prevalence of stroke above forty years.
AB  - Number of elderly persons gradually increased in Bangladesh due to improved
      health awareness and health care. Age is the single most important risk factor
      for stroke. This study aims at finding the prevalence of stroke in a Bangladeshi
      population aged forty years and above. The cases of stroke were ascertained in
      two phases of door-to-door survey. In phase-I, trained interviewers performed
      face-to-face interview with subjects for the detection stroke cases using the
      World Health Organization (WHO) screening protocol for neurological diseases. In
      phase-II, subjects suspected to have a stroke underwent a clinical evaluation for
      diagnosis or exclusion of stroke by a neurological team. The study involved 15627
      participants aged 40 years and above. A total of 47 participants found to have
      stroke, expressing an overall prevalence rate of 3.00 per 1000 (95% CI 0.95 to
      2.45). Prevalence of stroke were 2.0, 3.0, 2.0, 10.0, and 10.0 per 1000 within
      age groups of 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years and 80 years and
      above age group respectively. Prevalence of stroke in people with age range 70-79
      years compared to 40-49 years age range is 4.988 (95% CI 2.309 to 10.77) times
      and people with age range >=80 years compared to 40-49 years age range is 4.798
      (95% CI 1.597 to14.416) times. Prevalence was higher among men in comparison with
      women. The male: female ratio is 3.44:2.41 per 1000 respectively. Bangladeshi
      male populations in rural areas are found to have stroke more than urban people.
      A large community based study should be undertaken to further confirm the result
      of this present study.

PMID- 22081184
TI  - Fluctuation of pain by weather change in musculoskeletal disorders.
AB  - In order to find out the fluctuation of pain by weather change, a descriptive
      cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 individuals having musculoskeletal
      disorders (MSDs) attending the out patient department (OPD) of Physical Medicine
      and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital,
      Dhaka, during March 2004 to June 2004. Data were collected by face to face
      interview employing a pre-tested interview schedule containing structured
      questions. Among 138 respondents, male were predominant (52.2%). Mean age of the
      respondents was 39.42+/-10.79 years, while the most common age group was found as
      '31 to 40 years'. By occupation, majority were housewives (40.58%), followed by
      businessmen (29.71%), service holder (15.22%), laborer (7.97%), and students
      (6.52%). The primary sites of pain were back and low back (38.4%), knee (24.6%),
      leg (8.7%), ankle and heel (8.0%), hand and wrist (6.5%), neck (5.8%), shoulder
      (5.8%), and elbow (2.2%). Highest number (47.8%) patients reported aching pain,
      while one fifth (20.3%) of them experienced burning pain. About 36.2 percent
      respondents mentioned 'prolonged standing' as the main cause of pain aggravation,
      while almost half (48.6%) of the patients perceived that 'application of heat'
      was the key relieving factor of their pain. About two third (63%) of the
      respondents were sensitive to weather change; among them 56.3 percent reported
      that their pain increased during cold weather. Moreover, more than two third
      (67.4%) study-patients experienced deterioration of pain due to seasonal
      variation; of them 59.1 percent reported that their pain was exacerbated in
      winter season. Of all respondents, less than one third (30.4%) experienced
      aggravation of pain due to lunar change; of them majority (85.7%) experienced
      increased pain during dark fortnights. Our study concluded that weather change
      might have an important role in fluctuation of pain among individuals having
      musculoskeletal disorders.

PMID- 22081185
TI  - Morphological pattern of glomerular diseases in adult nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - Nephrotic syndrome can result from a large number of glomerular lesions. The
      primary or idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is a condition which develops as a
      result of primary glomerular disorders of the kidney. From July 2005 to June
      2007, renal biopsies were done in all patients of adult nephrotic syndrome. Renal
      biopsies were evaluated by light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Out of 74
      renal biopsies primary nephrotic syndrome was 70.  Male was 64.9% and; 35.1% was
      female patients. Average age was (33.14+/-11.70) years. The main morphological
      pattern was Mesangialproliferative glomerulonephritis 36.48% followed by
      membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis 20.27%. Membranous nephropathy (10.81%)
      was not much common in our country.

PMID- 22081186
TI  - Diagnosis of breast lump by fine needle aspiration cytology and mammography.
AB  - Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour and the leading cause of
      death from cancer in women. A large number of patients in Bangladesh have been
      suffering from breast cancer. Now-a-days, Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
      is being performed as a pre-operative test to evaluate breast lump. FNAC is cost
      effective and can prevent unnecessary surgery. As FNAC became more reliable in
      diagnosing malignancy and thereby the use of frozen-section histology had been
      reduced by about 80%. But erroneous diagnosis is more common with FNAC than with
      histopathology. However, mammography can identify breast cancers too small to
      palpate on physical examination and theoretically beneficial to diagnose even
      noninvasive lesions. Present study aimed to see the accuracy of FNAC and
      mammography in the diagnosis of palpable breast lumps and to study their
      correlation. In this study 222 patients were included in the study and FNAC was
      done in all the patients. Mammography was done in 112 cases. Among these 112
      patients 32 cases were found malignant. Histopathology was done in total 89
      cases. Among 112 patients who were underwent mammography only 43 were found for
      histopathology. Finally, 36 cases were found malignant. Fibroadenoma is mostly
      found in below 20 years group and malignancy is mostly occurring in older age
      group. Mammography shows total 8 false positive and 5 false negative cases. FNAC
      shows only 1 false positive and 1 false negative case. On analysis mammography
      showed 82.76% sensitivity, 90.36% specificity, 75% Positive predictive value
      (PPV), 93.75% Negative predictive value (NPV) and 88.39% accuracy. FNAC showed
      97.22% sensitivity, 99.46% specificity, 97.220% PPV, 99.46% NPV and 99.095%
      accuracy. Mammography was found to be less sensitive, specific and accurate in
      the diagnosis of breast lump though there is highly significant correlation among
      them. However, the study has shown a much higher performance of FNAC than other
      previous studies indicating the improved skill in cytological diagnosis to a
      satisfactory level.

PMID- 22081187
TI  - Physical training induced resting bradycardia and its association with cardiac
      autonomic nervous activities.
AB  - Regular physical exercise causes resting bradycardia. This exercise-induced
      resting bradycardia may be associated with exercise-induced changes in Cardiac
      autonomic nervous activities (CANA). Power Spectral Analysis (PSA) of Heart rate
      variability (HRV) is one of the most promising new techniques to quantify CANA.
      Regular physical exercise induced bradycardia is associated with exercise-induced
      adaptation in CANA. To observe the HRV parameters by frequency domain method
      (PSA), in male adolescent athletes in order to find out the influence of regular
      physical exercise on resting heart rate (HR) and CANA. The cross sectional study
      was carried out on 62 adolescent male athletes aged 12-18 years (group B), in the
      Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from 1st
      July 2007 to 30th June 2008. For comparison 30 age, sex and socioeconomic
      condition matched apparently healthy sedentary subjects (group A) were also
      studied. The study group was selected from the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikka
      Prothistan, Savar, Dhaka) and the control from a residential school of Dhaka
      city. HRV parameters were assessed by Polygraph (Polyrite D, version 2.2). For
      statistical analysis Independent-Samples t-test was done as applicable. Resting
      mean HR was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the athletes. The mean value of
      Total (variance), VLF, LF and HF power was significantly (p<0.001) higher in
      athletes than that of non-athetes. Regular physical exercise-induced resting
      bradycardia is associated with exercise-induced adaptation in cardiac autonomic
      nervous activities.

PMID- 22081188
TI  - Parental knowledge, attitude and practice related to blindness of children in
      some selected Upazilla of Bangladesh.
AB  - Early detection of blind children at the household and community level is
      critical in reducing the global burden of visual impairment and childhood
      blindness. The aim of the study is to identify a range of potential issues
      relating to parental awareness and perceptions of common eye diseases affecting
      children. It was a descriptive and cross sectional study. Parents were recruited
      from four selected Upazillas ('pouroshoba' - 25% and rural - 75%) in the Naogaon
      district of Bangladesh. The method used in this study to assess parental
      knowledge and belief was by means of a questionnaire. The selected subjects were
      interviewed in detail using a structured questionnaire. It is mentionable that
      among common eye disease, about three-fourth of the parents informed that vitamin
      A deficiency was the leading cause of blindness and more than one quarter
      believed that eye infection was the important cause of childhood blindness. Very
      few reported that injury in eye was the cause of childhood blindness.  Analysis
      of respondents of this study revealed that half of the parents believed that
      childhood cataract is untreatable. Approximately 90% those surveyed were unaware
      of schooling systems for blind children and only 5% sought treatment from an
      ophthalmologist. This study also demonstrates that the health seeking behavior of
      parents and their extended families is poor. The mean age of the parents was
      32.5+/-9.3 years, about 75% of parents had education up to primary level, and
      only 3.7% of them had graduation degree and above. The findings reinforce the
      necessity of parental awareness of common eye diseases in children and the
      importance of seeking timely advice including treatment based on informed
      decisions.

PMID- 22081189
TI  - Ondansetron versus granisetron in the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea
      and vomiting in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Effect of ondansetron and granisetron were evaluated in sixty (60) children (age
      4-11 years) irrespective of sex, diagnosed case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (ALL) who received high dose methotrexate and did not receive any antiemetic 24
      hours prior to HDMTX. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, single
      center study. Of 60 children, 30 received oral ondansetron (4mg) and rest 30
      granisetron (1mg) half an hour before therapy. Drugs were randomly allocated with
      appropriate code. The patients were followed up from day 1 to day 5 of therapy.
      Episodes of nausea and vomiting were recorded and scorings was done every 24
      hours following chemotherapy. No significant difference was found between two
      groups according to acute emesis (Day-1) (p=0.053). In day two and day three it
      was significant (p<0.05). In day four it was significant (p=0.002). Early
      chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) were controlled 90% in children
      who received granisetron and 70% in children who received ondansetron. Delayed
      (Day 2-4) CINV were controlled in 80% of children who received granisetron and
      43.4% who received ondansetron (p<0.05). Granisetron group required additional
      doses only 3.3% cases and ondanseton group 30% cases on the second day (p<0.05).
      Result was significant between two groups. About 36.7% patients had episodes of
      nausea on day four of chemotherapy in ondansetron group and it was only 3.3% in
      granisetron group due to adverse effects of antiemetic drug itself (p=0.001).
      Maximum episodes of vomiting were found on the second day in ondansetron group
      33.3% and in granisetron group 3.3% (p=0.003). Though adverse effects like
      headache, constipation, abdominal pain and loose motion were common in both group
      of children but their number was much less in children who received granisetron.
      On second day of therapy score of nausea and vomiting was maximum in ondansetron
      and minimum in granisetron treated on day 4 and the result was significant. So,
      to prevent acute and delayed CINV in children with ALL, oral graniseteron can be
      considered as more effective and well tolerated with minimum adverse effects
      compared with ondansetrons.

PMID- 22081190
TI  - Effect of low dose levodopa on motor outcome of different types of stroke.
AB  - This case control study interventional study was carried out in Neurology out
      patient department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from
      January 2004 to June 2005. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of
      low dose levodopa on motor outcome of patients with stroke both ischaemic and
      haemorrhagic. A total of 97 patients of stroke confirmed by computerized
      tomography (CT) scan of brain were included in the study. Of them 51 were treated
      with levodopa 125mg (L group) and physiotherapy while 46 patients (NL group) were
      treated only with physiotherapy without levodopa. The patients were followed up
      every 2 weeks interval for 8 weeks. Motor outcome was measured in Rivermead
      Mobility Index (RMI). Comparison was made between L & NL group irrespective of
      stroke types at the end of 4th visit. Also the effect of levodopa was assessed
      separately in ischaemic & haemorrhaegic stroke. The results of the study showed
      that the age of stroke patients was 54.70+/-15.07 years in L group & 58.10+/
      14.69 years in NL group. Ischaemic stroke patients were 72% and haemorrhagic
      stroke patients were 28%. The mean increase RMI score in L group irrespective of
      stroke subtypes was 6.9 while in NL group was 3.0. The increase in motor outcome
      was significantly higher in levodopa group than non-levodopa group (p<0.001).
      Similarly motor outcome measured in RMI score were significantly better
      individually in ischaemic & haemorrhagic stroke patients of L group than NL
      (p<0.001). So, the study result concludes that low dose levodopa improves motor
      outcome in patient with stroke both ischaemic and haemorrhagic.

PMID- 22081191
TI  - Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococcus species isolated from
      clinical specimens.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant enterococci are emerging as a leading nosocomial pathogen.
      Knowledge of the antimicrobial resistance profile is essential to formulate
      treatment guidelines for infection caused by enterococci. A total of 200
      enterococcal strains were isolated from various clinical specimens from May 2009
      to April 2010 in the Department of Microbiology, Bangladesh Institute of Health
      Sciences Hospital, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. They were speciated and an
      antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined. E. faecalis (75.5%) was the
      most common species in all clinical specimens followed by E. faecium (7.5%) and
      E. duranes (3.5%). Polymicrobial infection was found in 24(12%) of the cases. The
      maximum susceptibility was observed with vancomycin (100%) followed by linezolid
      (96%), imipenem and nitrofurantoin (95%). About 30% high level aminoglycoside
      resistance (HLAR) was found in this study.

PMID- 22081192
TI  - Risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in children.
AB  - Hepatitis B infection (HBV) is prevalent worldwide. Overall prevalence is about 3
      percent in Bangladesh. Treatments of chronic HBV infection by antiviral drugs are
      costly and outcome of treatment is also restricted. Therefore risk factors
      identification is the logical & rational approach to prevent HBV infection. This
      case control study aimed to find out certain risk factors related to HBV
      infection in children. It was conducted on patients attending the Department of
      Paediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition and Department of Virology of BSMMU and
      Khidmah Hospital, Dhaka. A total of one hundred cases and one hundred suitably
      matched controls were studied between October 2007 to May 2009.Variables used for
      the purpose of the study were younger age,  use of mosquito nets, history of
      undergoing surgical procedures, history of taking intravenous drug and blood
      transfusion, maternal infection, dental procedures and abrasion during hair cut
      in barber shops. Chi-square test   was done to measure the level of significance.
      Odds ratio was calculated to correlate the disease risk. Backward conditional
      logistic regression was also done for multivariate analysis. The study result
      showed that the frequency of HBV infection among the study population was higher
      (62.0%) among children of 7 to 12 years age group. In younger age group (0-6
      years) prevalence was 18.0%. Respondents who did not use mosquito net during
      sleep on a regular basis had higher risk of developing HBV infection than those
      who used it regularly (p value 0.028). Children who underwent surgical procedures
      for any reason were significantly associated with HBV infection (p value 0.005).
      Intravenous drug use (p value 0.001), mother to child transmission (p value
      0.001) and history of abrasion during hair cut in barber shops (p value 0.04)
      were also identified as significant risk factors. No significant association was
      observed with blood transfusion (p value 0.138) and dental procedures (p value
      0.315). From this study it may be concluded that irregular use of mosquito nets,
      history of surgical procedures, history of parenteral medication, transmission
      from infected mothers and abrasion during hair cut in barber shops are the
      probable important risk factors of HBV infection in children.

PMID- 22081193
TI  - Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. Though tuberculosis
      is common but acute myopericarditis can rarely be caused by tuberculosis
      infection. A case of disseminated tuberculosis presenting with features of acute
      coronary syndrome is presenting here. A 26 years old man was admitted for severe
      central chest pain for 2 days and fever for 2 months. His ECG showed ST segment
      elevation in chest leads, V1 to V4 with elevated Troponin I and high ESR. Chest X
      Ray depicted an enlarged cardiac shadow. Echocardiography demonstrated multiple
      dynamic cavitary lesions involving interventricular septum as well as anterior
      wall of the left ventricle within myocardium with moderate pericardial effusion
      with trivial mitral regurgitation. A CT scan of chest with contrast revealed
      multiple calcific communicating cavities within endocardium and myocardium
      involving interventricular septum and anterior wall of the left ventricle of
      heart and multiple cavitary lesions in the mid zone of left lung with bilateral
      mild pleural effusion. The patient made an excellent recovery on management of
      acute coronary syndrome and on antitubercular therapy.

PMID- 22081194
TI  - Pancreatic lipomatosis with massive steatorrhea.
AB  - Fat replacement of the exocrine pancreas is a rare cause of exocrine pancreatic
      failure. We report a case of 32-year-old man with weight loss and massive
      steatorrhea in whom abdominal computed tomography (CT) was diagnostic of
      pancreatic lipomatosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by needle aspiration
      cytological (FNAC) examination. Then oral pancreatic enzyme replacement in
      association with cimetidine led to a marked reduction of steatorrhea and weight
      gain. In this report it is emphasized that this lipomatosis can be demonstrated
      by non-invasive technique using abdominal CT-scan.

PMID- 22081195
TI  - Osteopetrosis.
AB  - A 15 years old Bangladeshi boy presented with hepatosplenomegaly, anaemia,
      multiple fractures (symptomatic and asymptomatic) without jaundice was
      investigated. Laboratory findings revealed leukoerythroblastic blood picture with
      reduced haemoglobin (7.7 gm/dl). Skeletal survey showed generalized increased
      bone density, sclerosed medulary space, Rugger-Jersey spine and diploic space
      filled with dense materials. Overlapping clinical features of both intermediate
      autosomal recessive and adult autosomal dominant variety of osteopetrosis were
      found in this patient but diagnosis were made on the basis of typical
      radiological finding which was mostly consistent with the adult autosomal
      dominant variety. The patient was treated conservatively and specialist
      consultation was taken in managing bony abnormalities. This patient was
      discharged with advised of subsequent follow-up.

PMID- 22081196
TI  - Primary disseminated MDR-TB in a Bangladeshi man: a silent and emerging clinical
      problem for clinicians.
AB  - A 26 years old Bangladeshi man experienced sudden gross haematuria for 10 days
      when he was working in Italy in June'07 that was resolved spontaneously. Six
      months' later he again developed haematuria and was admitted into an Italian
      hospital for its evaluation and management. In the mean time, he developed low
      grade fever, cough, back pain, spinal angulations, walking difficulty. His X-ray
      chest postero-anterior view revealed cavitary lesions in upper zones of both lung
      fields. Intravenous Urography (IVU) was done which revealed hydronephrosis and
      hydroureter of left kidney. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of dorso-lumber
      spine revealed collapse of D10-12 and L4-5 vertebral bodies with perivertebral
      and epidural abscess. Sputum and urine smear for Acid-Fast-Bacilli (AFB)
      demonstrated the organisms on Z-N stain and AFB culture and sensitivity
      demonstrated that it was resistant to isoniazide, Rifampicin and streptomycin and
      diagnosed as primary disseminated multi-drug Resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
      Second-line drugs were started in Italy on 15th January'08 and were continued
      thereafter in National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH). A
      ureteric stent which was given in Italy to get relief of hydro-ureter was removed
      in Dhaka. A neurosurgery (costo-transversectomy with decompression of spine) was
      done in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka and patient
      get relief of back pain paresthesia. Lastly, his sputum and urine AFB smear and
      AFB culture became negative. So, primary disseminated MDR-TB with renal, spinal
      and pulmonary involvement was diagnosed in this Bangladeshi man who had a sputum
      AFB culture and sensitivity during his initial diagnostic work-up in Italy. It's
      an alarming case that demonstrated necessity of sputum AFB culture and
      sensitivity during initial diagnostic work-up.

PMID- 22081197
TI  - Tuberculosis of knee joint and tubercular pyomyositis of gastrocnemius muscle.
AB  - Extra-spinal musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) is rare and tubercular pyomyositis
      is extremely rare. Tuberculosis of the knee-joint is a haematogenous infection
      secondary to a focus of active disease elsewhere in the body which may not be
      found. Tubercular pyomyositis usually caused by invasion from the adjacent
      structures rather than a secondary spread. Here we describe a 40 years old male
      patient who presented to us with pain in the right knee joint for one and half
      years and pain and swelling of right calf muscle for fifteen days. He was
      eventually diagnosed as a case of tuberculosis of the right knee joint and
      tubercular pyomyositis of right gastrocnemius muscle on the basis of fine needle
      aspiration from the right calf that showed caseation necrosis with clusters of
      epithelial cells despite absence of systemic symptoms, the absence of other foci
      of active tuberculosis and a normal chest radiograph.

PMID- 22081198
TI  - Bilateral, symmetrical and extensive cerebral calcification in
      pseudohypoparathyroidism.
AB  - Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a heterogeneous group of disorders
      characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased serum concentration
      of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and insensitivity to the biological activity of
      PTH. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is rare sporadic or autosomal dominant disorder
      having several subtypes (type Ia, Ib, Ic, type II). We report a case who was 27
      years old married lady having two children presented in the summer season 2009.
      Her trousseau's sign was positive, serum calcium 5.5 mg/dl, PTH 137 pgm/ml and CT
      scan of brain shows bilateral and symmetrical calcification.  She had occasional
      doubtful seizure and headache for 7 years. Initially clinicians could not reach
      the diagnosis due to inadequate investigations.

PMID- 22081199
TI  - Colles' fracture - is it a signal of osteoporosis?
AB  - Asymptomatic post-menopausal osteoporosis is common but some-times associated
      with pain and deformity. Symptomatic osteoporosis is usually associated with
      fracture. A 59 years old post-menopausal woman presented with a history of acute
      low-back-pain. She had menopause for 12 years. She gave history of colles'
      fracture at about two years back. Her mother died as consequences of femoral neck
      fracture. MRI of vertebral spine showed demineralization with partial collapse of
      D6,7,12 and L1 vertebra. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of vertebra showed BMD
      T-score of -4.5. Patient was managed with IV infusion of zoledronic acid, oral
      intake of vitamin D and calcium supplements and with regular non-weight-bearing
      exercises. Her condition improved gradually. During post-menopausal period, every
      women must be aware of osteoporosis and any fracture in that time must be
      evaluated to rule out osteoporosis.

PMID- 22081200
TI  - Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.
AB  - Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a very rare syndrome of autosomal recessive
      inheritance characterized by palmoplanter hyperkeratosis of the skin and severe
      periodontal disease extending to destruction of the alveolar bone surrounding
      deciduous and permanent teeth as they erupt leading to precocious loss of
      dentition. Although the exact pathogenesis of this syndrome is still unknown
      immunologic, microbiologic, and genetic bases have been proposed. Here we report
      a case of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome. The patient had generalized plaque
      accumulation along with halitosis, mobile teeth with periodontal pocket with pus
      exudation. Blood & biochemical report was within normal limit with a low CD3+ and
      CD4+.

PMID- 22081201
TI  - An overview of Brucellosis.
AB  - Brucellosis is the most important zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species
      comprising Gram negative, facultative, intracellular pathogens. The true
      incidence of human brucellosis is unknown for most countries of the world
      including Bangladesh. But brucellosis is not uncommon in our country. Due to its
      increasing incidence in many countries of the world it is an important issue now
      days. Domestic animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camel, buffalo and
      dogs serve as a reservoir hosts. Transmission of brucellosis to humans occurs
      through the consumption of infected, unpasteurized animal milk and milk products,
      through direct contact with infected animal parts, through ruptures of skin and
      mucous membranes and through the inhalation of infected aerosolized particles.
      Due to variability of clinical features and limited availability of laboratory
      facilities, the disease remains largely under-reported. Early and specific
      diagnosis is important to ensure a favourable outcome regarding this zoonotic
      disease.

PMID- 22081202
TI  - Guillian-Barre syndrome.
AB  - Guillian-Barre syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid
      paralysis. All age groups can be affected, more common in elderly. Campylobacter
      jejuni, a major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide has become
      recognized as a most frequent antecedent pathogen for GBS. A prospective case
      controlled study showed, positive C. Jejuni serology was found in an
      unprecedented high frequency of 57% as compared to 8% in family controls and 3%
      in control patients with other neurological diseases. In GBS there is molecular
      mimicry between epitops found in the cell walls of some micro-organisms and
      gangliosides in schwann cell membrane. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. The mainstay
      of treatment of GBS is supportive care and prevention of complications.
      Respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction are the common causes of death from
      GBS. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy shorten the duration
      of ventilation and improve prognosis. Overall, prognosis of GBS is good. Eighty
      percent of patients recover completely within 3-6 months, 4% die, and the
      remainder suffers residual neurological disability. GBS may be prevented by
      development of a vaccine against C. Jejuni.  Early and specific diagnosis is
      important to ensure a favourable outcome.

PMID- 22081203
TI  - Ad-hoc percutaneous coronary intervention and staged percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a catheter based procedure where a
      catheter system is introduced through a systemic artery under local anesthesia in
      a stenotic coronary artery by controlled inflation of a distensible balloon. At
      early period, PCI was done in a separate session following coronary angiogram
      (Staged PCI) and it was more costly and hospital stay was long. As the
      expertization and laboratory facilities improved, the health care providers think
      about cost, hospital stay and patient convenience. So, to reduce the cost and
      patient preferred more PCI being done immediately following diagnostic
      catheterization (Ad-hoc PCI). Subsequently this Ad-hoc procedure becomes popular
      and now most of the PCI are Ad-hoc PCI worldwide. Rate of combined procedure (Ad
      hoc) progressively increased from 54% in 1990 to 88% in 2000 with a significant
      decrease in rate of complications. In the initial study of Ad-hoc PCI suggested
      that Ad-hoc PCI should be done in selected group of patients as there was some
      potential risk factors (e.g. Multivessel diseases, unstable angina, aortic valve
      disease, and recent infarction or thrombolytic therapy) for Ad-hoc procedure and
      some (e.g. Older age, multivessel PTCA and complex lesion PTCA) for staged
      procedure. But recent studies showed that no significant difference in respect of
      safety and efficacy between Ad-hoc and staged PCI. Previous studies, in the era
      of balloon angioplasty from 1985 to 1995, Haraphonges et al. (1988), Rozenman et
      al. (1995) and Kimmel et al. (1997) suggested that an ad hoc approach is safe,
      with potentially more complications in patients with unstable angina pectoris or
      other high-risk factors. However, these reports have been limited to
      observational studies representing single institution experiences with small
      samples and inclusion of patients who underwent emergency PCI procedures. In
      Bangladesh a prospective observational study was done among 120 patients to
      compare the outcome of Ad-hoc and staged PCI and high angiographic, procedural
      and clinical success rate with minimum complications were observed in Ad-hoc PCI
      in comparison to Staged PCI.

PMID- 22081204
TI  - The role of neuropsychological assessment in the functional outcomes of children
      with ADHD.
AB  - The value of evidence-based services is now recognized both within clinical
      communities and by the public at large. Increasingly, neuropsychologists must
      justify the necessity of often costly and time-consuming neuropsychological
      assessments in the diagnosis and treatment of common childhood disorders, such as
      Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Published medical guidelines and
      prominent researchers, however, have argued against the need for formal
      neuropsychological assessment of ADHD. The present review examines the literature
      on developmental outcomes in childhood ADHD, with emphasis on the utility of
      formal neuropsychological assessment among children diagnosed and treated in
      primary care settings. The review yields three central findings: 1) adherence to
      published diagnostic guidelines for ADHD is poor among pediatric and primary care
      physicians; 2) ADHD most often co-exists with other disorders, thus diagnoses
      made without formal psychometric assessment can be incomplete or incorrect,
      ultimately increasing treatment costs; and, 3) untreated children with ADHD, and
      those who have untreated comorbidities, are at greater risk for poor outcomes in
      social, academic, vocational, and practical settings. The available literature
      suggests that neuropsychological assessment provides information that can
      potentially reduce risks for poor outcomes and improve quality of life among
      children with ADHD. Controlled studies directly examining the impact of
      neuropsychological assessments in improving outcomes among children with ADHD are
      needed.

PMID- 22081205
TI  - Amerindians normalized waist circumference and obesity diagnosis standarized by
      biochemical and HLA data.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome (MS) and obesity are principal causes of morbidity all over
      the World, particularly for their association to cardiovascular risk. Amerindians
      are often living in countries and remote areas with unavailable sophisticated
      diagnoses methodologies. However, waist-circumference is a reliable and easy to
      record parameter of visceral obesity and MS. Waist circumference normal values
      are not yet established in Amerindians: South Asian and Japanese values have been
      recommended for Amerindian use. The purpose of this study is to objectively
      define for the first time the waist circumference measure cut-off points for
      Amerindians. A total of 303 unrelated Amerindian adults recently immigrated to
      Madrid were studied; they were healthy, since they were questioned and tested as
      appropriate for blood donation. Waist-circumference was measured in these
      voluntary blood donors after written consent. Chosen subjects for study had HLA
      quasi-specific Amerindian genes and not gained weight since their relatively
      short time living in Spain. Amerindians with Type I or II diabetes or family
      antecedents were removed from the study. The biochemical parameter used to define
      normality for MS was the reliable serum HDL-cholesterol levels, whose values are
      diet independent. A Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was used to
      compare the predictive validity and to find out the optimal cut-off points of
      waist circumference normal values. Cut-off points were <=88.5 cm in males and
      <=82.5 cm in females; these values were close to the median values (88 and 82.2
      cm, respectively). Obtained waist circumference values recorded here in normal
      Amerindians are different to those previously recommended indirectly (those of
      South Asian/Japanese populations). These parameters may be of great value for
      American countries health care in order to predict and control MS and its
      cardiovascular complications. Other countries having a heavy Amerindian
      immigration (i.e.: USA, Spain) may also benefit for establishing specific
      Preventive Medicine programs.

PMID- 22081206
TI  - Swallowing, nutrition and patient-rated functional outcomes at 6 months following
      two non-surgical treatments for T1-T3 oropharyngeal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Altered fractionation radiotherapy with concomitant boost (AFRT-CB) may
      be considered an alternative treatment for patients not appropriate for
      chemoradiation (CRT). As functional outcomes following AFRT-CB have been
      minimally reported, this exploratory paper describes the outcomes of patients
      managed with AFRT-CB or CRT at 6 months post-treatment. METHODS: Using a cross
      sectional analysis design, functional outcomes of 14 AFRT-CB and 17 CRT patients
      with T1-T3 oropharyngeal cancers were explored at 6 months post-treatment.
      Clinical and instrumental swallow assessments, weight and nutritional status, and
      the functional impact of treatment were examined. RESULTS: Inferior outcomes were
      observed for the CRT patients on the RBHOMS (p = 0.03) which was reflected in
      diet and fluid restrictions with 18% of the CRT group requiring modified fluids
      and diets. Although a trend (p = 0.07) was noted for increased lingual deficits
      and aspiration risk for fluids in the CRT group, no other significant differences
      were observed. Both groups experienced an average of 10 kg weight loss and
      reported reduced general and swallowing-related function. CONCLUSIONS: These
      preliminary data suggest functional outcomes following AFRT-CB and CRT were
      largely comparable at 6 months post-treatment. Treatment intensification in any
      form may contribute to impaired function which requires multidimensional
      intervention. Larger cohort investigations with systematic methodology are needed
      to further examine these initial findings.

PMID- 22081207
TI  - Increased oxidative stress in preschool children exposed to passive smoking.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of passive cigarette smoking on plasma oxidative
      and antioxidative status in passive smoking preschool children and to compare
      them with controls. METHODS: Thirty-four passive smoking (five to 50 cigarettes
      per day) preschool children (study group) and 32 controls who had never been
      exposed to cigarette smoke were randomly chosen from children aged from 4 to 6
      years. Urinary cotinine and plasma indicators of oxidative and antioxidative
      status, i.e., total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and
      oxidative stress index (OSI), were determined. RESULTS: Mean environmental
      cigarette consumption was 22+/-13 cigarettes per day in passive smoking children.
      Mean urinary cotinine levels were 77.6+/-41.4 ng/mL and 11.9+/-2.3 ng/mL in the
      study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean plasma TAC levels were
      0.95+/-0.13 mmol Trolox equivalent/L and 1.01+/-0.09 mmol Trolox equivalent/L,
      respectively (p = 0.039). Mean plasma TOS levels were 28.6+/-7.9 umol H2O2
      equivalent/L and 18.5+/-6.3 umol H2O2 equivalent/L, respectively (p < 0.001).
      Mean OSI levels were 3.08+/-0.98 arbitrary units and 1.84+/-0.64 arbitrary units,
      respectively (p < 0.001). A small amount of cigarette smoke (five to 10
      cigarettes per day) causes considerable oxidative stress. There were significant
      correlations between number of cigarettes consumed and oxidant status and OSI
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: Passive smoke is a potent oxidant in preschool children. Its
      deleterious effects are not limited just to heavy passive smoking, but also occur
      with exposure to small amounts of smoke.

PMID- 22081210
TI  - Dependence on the F0F1-ATP synthase for the activities of the hydrogen-oxidizing
      hydrogenases 1 and 2 during glucose and glycerol fermentation at high and low pH
      in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Escherichia coli has four [NiFe]-hydrogenases (Hyd); three of these, Hyd-1, Hyd-2
      and Hyd-3 have been characterized well. In this study the requirement for the
      F(0)F(1)-ATP synthase for the activities of the hydrogen-oxidizing hydrogenases
      Hyd-1 and Hyd-2 was examined. During fermentative growth on glucose at pH 7.5 an
      E. coli F(0)F(1)-ATP synthase mutant (DK8) lacked hydrogenase activity. At pH 5.5
      hydrogenase activity was only 20% that of the wild type. Using in-gel activity
      staining, it could be demonstrated that both Hyd-1 and Hyd-2 were essentially
      inactive at these pHs, indicating that the residual activity at pH 5.5 was due to
      the hydrogen-evolving Hyd-3 enzyme. During fermentative growth in the presence of
      glycerol, hydrogenase activity in the mutant was highest at pH 7.5 attaining a
      value of 0.76 U/mg, or ~50% of wild type activity, and Hyd-2 was only partially
      active at this pH, while Hyd-1 was inactive. Essentially no hydrogenase activity
      was measured at pH 5.5 during growth with glycerol. At this pH the mutant had a
      hydrogenase activity that was maximally only ~10% of wild type activity with
      either carbon substrate but a weak activity of both Hyd-1 and Hyd-2 could be
      detected. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that the
      activity of the hydrogen-oxidizing hydrogenases in E. coli depends on an active
      F(0)F(1)-ATP synthase during growth at high and low pH.

PMID- 22081209
TI  - SOD1 and mitochondria in ALS: a dangerous liaison.
AB  - Mutant Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (mutSOD1) is found in a subset of patients with
      familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal progressive paralysis due
      to loss of motor neurons. In the present article, we review existing evidence
      linking the expression of mutSOD1 to the many facets of mitochondrial dysfunction
      in ALS, with a focus on recent studies suggesting that the association and
      misfolding of the mutant protein (and possibly of the wild type protein as well)
      within these organelles is causally linked to their functional and structural
      alterations. Energy deficit, calcium mishandling and oxidative stress are
      paralleled by alteration in mitochondrial motility, dynamics and turnover and
      most probably lead to mitochondria-dependent cell death. Thus, the development of
      new, selective mitochondria-targeted therapies may constitute a promising
      approach in the treatment of SOD1-linked ALS.

PMID- 22081211
TI  - A comparative assessment of mitochondrial function in epimastigotes and
      bloodstream trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - Trypanosoma cruzi is a hemoflagellate protozoan that causes Chagas' disease. The
      life cycle of T. cruzi is complex and involves different evolutive forms that
      have to encounter different environmental conditions provided by the host.
      Herein, we performed a functional assessment of mitochondrial metabolism in the
      following two distinct evolutive forms of T. cruzi: the insect stage epimastigote
      and the freshly isolated bloodstream trypomastigote. We observed that in
      comparison to epimastigotes, bloodstream trypomastigotes facilitate the entry of
      electrons into the electron transport chain by increasing complex II-III
      activity. Interestingly, cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity and the expression
      of CCO subunit IV were reduced in bloodstream forms, creating an "electron
      bottleneck" that favored an increase in electron leakage and H(2)O(2) formation.
      We propose that the oxidative preconditioning provided by this mechanism confers
      protection to bloodstream trypomastigotes against the host immune system. In this
      scenario, mitochondrial remodeling during the T. cruzi life cycle may represent a
      key metabolic adaptation for parasite survival in different hosts.

PMID- 22081212
TI  - Molecular differential expression of voltage-gated sodium channel alpha and beta
      subunit mRNAs in five different mammalian cell lines.
AB  - Voltage-gated sodium channels are composed of one alpha subunit and one or more
      auxiliary beta subunits. A standard reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction assay was used to detect the mRNAs encoding for seven alpha subunits
      (Nav1.1, Nav1.2, Nav1.3, Nav1.4, Nav1.5, Nav1.6, Nav1.9) and for the two non
      covalently linked beta1 and beta3 auxiliary subunits in five different cell lines
      from rat, mouse and human origin. A semi-quantitavive RT-PCR analysis allowed to
      evaluate in each cell line, the relative expression level of each NaCh subunit
      previously detected. The expression profile of the cell lines was compared with
      that obtained from rat and mouse neural, skeletal muscle and cardiac tissues.
      This data provide a standard for the study of the modulation of the sodium
      channel expression in mammalian excitable tissues.

PMID- 22081213
TI  - Mapping nanomechanical properties of live cells using multi-harmonic atomic force
      microscopy.
AB  - The nanomechanical properties of living cells, such as their surface elastic
      response and adhesion, have important roles in cellular processes such as
      morphogenesis, mechano-transduction, focal adhesion, motility, metastasis and
      drug delivery. Techniques based on quasi-static atomic force microscopy
      techniques can map these properties, but they lack the spatial and temporal
      resolution that is needed to observe many of the relevant details. Here, we
      present a dynamic atomic force microscopy method to map quantitatively the
      nanomechanical properties of live cells with a throughput (measured in
      pixels/minute) that is ~10-1,000 times higher than that achieved with quasi
      static atomic force microscopy techniques. The local properties of a cell are
      derived from the 0th, 1st and 2nd harmonic components of the Fourier spectrum of
      the AFM cantilevers interacting with the cell surface. Local stiffness, stiffness
      gradient and the viscoelastic dissipation of live Escherichia coli bacteria, rat
      fibroblasts and human red blood cells were all mapped in buffer solutions. Our
      method is compatible with commercial atomic force microscopes and could be used
      to analyse mechanical changes in tumours, cells and biofilm formation with sub-10
      nm detail.

PMID- 22081214
TI  - One- and two-dimensional photonic crystal microcavities in single crystal
      diamond.
AB  - Diamond is an attractive material for photonic quantum technologies because its
      colour centres have a number of outstanding properties, including bright single
      photon emission and long spin coherence times. To take advantage of these
      properties it is favourable to directly fabricate optical microcavities in high
      quality diamond samples. Such microcavities could be used to control the photons
      emitted by the colour centres or to couple widely separated spins. Here, we
      present a method for the fabrication of one- and two-dimensional photonic crystal
      microcavities with quality factors of up to 700 in single crystal diamond. Using
      a post-processing etching technique, we tune the cavity modes into resonance with
      the zero phonon line of an ensemble of silicon-vacancy colour centres, and we
      measure an intensity enhancement factor of 2.8. The controlled coupling of colour
      centres to photonic crystal microcavities could pave the way to larger-scale
      photonic quantum devices based on single crystal diamond.

PMID- 22081215
TI  - Ripple induced changes in the wavefunction of graphene: an example of a
      fundamental symmetry breaking.
AB  - Ideally, graphene may be regarded as a strictly 2-D structure. However, as it
      exists in a 3-D world, perturbations often distort this ideal 2-D structure.
      Under a variety of conditions graphene has been shown to develop ripples, which
      may have undesirable consequences for a variety of properties of graphene, such
      as electron transport. In addition to this, it has been speculated that ripples
      may be an intrinsic property of graphene, and it has also been suggested that
      unlocking the secrets of these ripples could be useful in the search for (an
      understanding of) the elusive Higgs boson. However, ripples in graphene can only
      be avoided, or utilized, if they can be reproducibly detected. Here we explore
      the most fundamental aspect of these ripples, that is, the effect of a static
      ripple structure on various properties of large graphene nanoflakes. We find that
      the mechanical, thermodynamic and electronic properties are unaltered by this
      fundamental rippling, but this spontaneous symmetry breaking induces a
      significant change in the structure of the wavefunction. This profound effect
      occurs only at the most basic level, but it should be, in principle,
      experimentally observable.

PMID- 22081216
TI  - Response shift in patients with multiple sclerosis: an application of three
      statistical techniques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With the evolution of theory and methods for detecting recalibration,
      reprioritization, and reconceptualization response shifts, the time has come to
      evaluate and compare the current statistical detection techniques. This
      manuscript presents an overview of a cross-method validation done on the same
      patient sample. METHODS: Three statistical techniques were used: Structural
      Equation Modeling, Latent Trajectory Analysis, and Recursive Partitioning and
      Regression Tree modeling. The study sample (n = 3,008) was drawn from the North
      American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry to represent
      patients soon after diagnosis, classified as having either a self-reported
      relapsing, progressive, or stable disease trajectory. Patient-reported outcomes
      included the disease-specific Performance Scales and the Patient-Derived Disease
      Steps, and the generic SF-12v2 measure. RESULTS: Small response shift effect
      sizes were detected by all of the methods. Recalibration response shift was
      detected by Structural Equation Modeling, Recursive Partitioning Regression Tree
      demonstrated patterns consistent with all three types of response shift, and
      Latent Trajectory Analysis, although unable to distinguish types of response
      shift, did detect response shift in less than 1% of the sample. CONCLUSION: The
      methods and their findings were discussed for operationalization,
      interpretability, assumptions, ability to use all data points from the study
      sample, limitations, and strengths. Directions for future research are discussed.

PMID- 22081217
TI  - Validity and reliability of Persian version of Chronic Liver Disease
      Questionnaire (CLDQ).
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the
      Persian version of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) in Iranian
      candidates for liver transplantation. METHOD: One hundred and fifty-five
      consecutive adult patients awaiting liver transplantation completed the Persian
      version of CLDQ and the short-form health survey (SF-36). The etiology of
      cirrhosis, Child Pugh classification and Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD)
      scores were taken from medical records. RESULTS: The scaling success rate for
      convergent validity was 100% for all domains, and the success rate for item
      discriminant validity was 95.8% (139/145). The internal consistency (Cronbach
      alpha) for the domains ranged from 0.65 to 0.89. Multitrait-multimethod
      correlation matrix and factor analysis revealed that the CLDQ and SF-36 measure
      different constructs of quality of life. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the
      CLDQ, a disease-specific questionnaire for measuring health-related quality of
      life, is accepted by liver transplantation candidates with adequate reliability
      and validity. There is no significant correlation of Child Pugh classification
      and MELD score with quality of life.

PMID- 22081218
TI  - 'All the burden on all the carers': exploring quality of life with family
      caregivers of Huntington's disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing research suggests that family caregivers of persons with
      Huntington's disease face a unique series of problems, linked to the complex
      nature of the disease. There is little research that explicitly investigates the
      impact of HD on the quality of life (QoL) of the family caregiver. The purpose of
      this study was to explore the quality of life issues for family carers of
      Huntington's disease patients in a focus group setting. METHODS: Participants
      were recruited via a Huntington's Disease Association (HDA) family conference
      day. Six semi-directed focus groups (n = 47) explored disease-specific aspects of
      QoL that were deemed important to family carers of this carer group. Data were
      analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Analysis
      of the focus group data identified four superordinate themes: 'Levels of
      Support', 'Dissatisfaction with Caregiving Role', 'Practical Aspects of Caring'
      and 'Feelings and Emotional Well-being'. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence
      that QoL is compromised in many ways for HD family carers. The carers in this
      study often negated their own needs as their caregiving role overwhelmed them and
      'took over' their lives.

PMID- 22081220
TI  - The National Center for Biomedical Ontology.
AB  - The National Center for Biomedical Ontology is now in its seventh year. The goals
      of this National Center for Biomedical Computing are to: create and maintain a
      repository of biomedical ontologies and terminologies; build tools and web
      services to enable the use of ontologies and terminologies in clinical and
      translational research; educate their trainees and the scientific community
      broadly about biomedical ontology and ontology-based technology and best
      practices; and collaborate with a variety of groups who develop and use
      ontologies and terminologies in biomedicine. The centerpiece of the National
      Center for Biomedical Ontology is a web-based resource known as BioPortal.
      BioPortal makes available for research in computationally useful forms more than
      270 of the world's biomedical ontologies and terminologies, and supports a wide
      range of web services that enable investigators to use the ontologies to annotate
      and retrieve data, to generate value sets and special-purpose lexicons, and to
      perform advanced analytics on a wide range of biomedical data.

PMID- 22081219
TI  - The National Alliance for Medical Image Computing, a roadmap initiative to build
      a free and open source software infrastructure for translational research in
      medical image analysis.
AB  - The National Alliance for Medical Image Computing (NA-MIC), is a multi
      institutional, interdisciplinary community of researchers, who share the
      recognition that modern health care demands improved technologies to ease
      suffering and prolong productive life. Organized under the National Centers for
      Biomedical Computing 7 years ago, the mission of NA-MIC is to implement a robust
      and flexible open-source infrastructure for developing and applying advanced
      imaging technologies across a range of important biomedical research disciplines.
      A measure of its success, NA-MIC is now applying this technology to diseases that
      have immense impact on the duration and quality of life: cancer, heart disease,
      trauma, and degenerative genetic diseases. The targets of this technology range
      from group comparisons to subject-specific analysis.

PMID- 22081221
TI  - The Center for Computational Biology: resources, achievements, and challenges.
AB  - The Center for Computational Biology (CCB) is a multidisciplinary program where
      biomedical scientists, engineers, and clinicians work jointly to combine modern
      mathematical and computational techniques, to perform phenotypic and genotypic
      studies of biological structure, function, and physiology in health and disease.
      CCB has developed a computational framework built around the Manifold Atlas, an
      integrated biomedical computing environment that enables statistical inference on
      biological manifolds. These manifolds model biological structures, features,
      shapes, and flows, and support sophisticated morphometric and statistical
      analyses. The Manifold Atlas includes tools, workflows, and services for
      multimodal population-based modeling and analysis of biological manifolds. The
      broad spectrum of biomedical topics explored by CCB investigators include the
      study of normal and pathological brain development, maturation and aging,
      discovery of associations between neuroimaging and genetic biomarkers, and the
      modeling, analysis, and visualization of biological shape, form, and size. CCB
      supports a wide range of short-term and long-term collaborations with outside
      investigators, which drive the center's computational developments and focus the
      validation and dissemination of CCB resources to new areas and scientific
      domains.

PMID- 22081222
TI  - Simbios: an NIH national center for physics-based simulation of biological
      structures.
AB  - Physics-based simulation provides a powerful framework for understanding
      biological form and function. Simulations can be used by biologists to study
      macromolecular assemblies and by clinicians to design treatments for diseases.
      Simulations help biomedical researchers understand the physical constraints on
      biological systems as they engineer novel drugs, synthetic tissues, medical
      devices, and surgical interventions. Although individual biomedical investigators
      make outstanding contributions to physics-based simulation, the field has been
      fragmented. Applications are typically limited to a single physical scale, and
      individual investigators usually must create their own software. These conditions
      created a major barrier to advancing simulation capabilities. In 2004, we
      established a National Center for Physics-Based Simulation of Biological
      Structures (Simbios) to help integrate the field and accelerate biomedical
      research. In 6 years, Simbios has become a vibrant national center, with
      collaborators in 16 states and eight countries. Simbios focuses on problems at
      both the molecular scale and the organismal level, with a long-term goal of
      uniting these in accurate multiscale simulations.

PMID- 22081223
TI  - Using systems and structure biology tools to dissect cellular phenotypes.
AB  - The Center for the Multiscale Analysis of Genetic Networks (MAGNet,
      http://magnet.c2b2.columbia.edu) was established in 2005, with the mission of
      providing the biomedical research community with Structural and Systems Biology
      algorithms and software tools for the dissection of molecular interactions and
      for the interaction-based elucidation of cellular phenotypes. Over the last 7
      years, MAGNet investigators have developed many novel analysis methodologies,
      which have led to important biological discoveries, including understanding the
      role of the DNA shape in protein-DNA binding specificity and the discovery of
      genes causally related to the presentation of malignant phenotypes, including
      lymphoma, glioma, and melanoma. Software tools implementing these methodologies
      have been broadly adopted by the research community and are made freely available
      through geWorkbench, the Center's integrated analysis platform. Additionally,
      MAGNet has been instrumental in organizing and developing key conferences and
      meetings focused on the emerging field of systems biology and regulatory
      genomics, with special focus on cancer-related research.

PMID- 22081224
TI  - iDASH: integrating data for analysis, anonymization, and sharing.
AB  - iDASH (integrating data for analysis, anonymization, and sharing) is the newest
      National Center for Biomedical Computing funded by the NIH. It focuses on
      algorithms and tools for sharing data in a privacy-preserving manner.
      Foundational privacy technology research performed within iDASH is coupled with
      innovative engineering for collaborative tool development and data-sharing
      capabilities in a private Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
      (HIPAA)-certified cloud. Driving Biological Projects, which span different
      biological levels (from molecules to individuals to populations) and focus on
      various health conditions, help guide research and development within this
      Center. Furthermore, training and dissemination efforts connect the Center with
      its stakeholders and educate data owners and data consumers on how to share and
      use clinical and biological data. Through these various mechanisms, iDASH
      implements its goal of providing biomedical and behavioral researchers with
      access to data, software, and a high-performance computing environment, thus
      enabling them to generate and test new hypotheses.

PMID- 22081225
TI  - A translational engine at the national scale: informatics for integrating biology
      and the bedside.
AB  - Informatics for integrating biology and the bedside (i2b2) seeks to provide the
      instrumentation for using the informational by-products of health care and the
      biological materials accumulated through the delivery of health care to conduct
      discovery research and to study the healthcare system in vivo. This complements
      existing efforts such as prospective cohort studies or trials outside the
      delivery of routine health care. i2b2 has been used to generate genome-wide
      studies at less than one tenth the cost and one tenth the time of conventionally
      performed studies as well as to identify important risk from commonly used
      medications. i2b2 has been adopted by over 60 academic health centers
      internationally.

PMID- 22081226
TI  - Distribution of prolactin receptors suggests an intraductal role for prolactin in
      the mouse and human mammary gland, a finding supported by analysis of signaling
      in polarized monolayer cultures.
AB  - Despite the important role of prolactin (PRL) in mammary gland development and
      function, little is known about the distribution of the different forms of the
      prolactin receptor (PRLR) under various physiological circumstances. Here, the
      distribution of the long (LF) and the short (S3 in mouse) receptor common to both
      mice and rats was determined by immunofluorescence on frozen sections of virgin,
      pregnant and lactating mouse mammary gland. Myoepithelial cells were consistently
      and intensely stained for both receptors. For luminal cells at all stages (ducts
      and alveoli), a large proportion of PRLR staining was unexpectedly present on the
      apical face. In the non-lactating state, no basal staining of luminal cells was
      detectable. During lactation, a proportion of both receptors moved to the
      basolateral surface. In vitro, HC11 cells showed constitutive expression of LF
      but expression of S3 only upon the formation of adherent junctions. Tight
      junction formation was accelerated by incubation in pseudo-phosphorylated PRL, as
      measured by transepithelial resistance and the expression and placement of the
      tight junction protein, zonula occludens-1. Once an intact monolayer had formed,
      all LF and S3 receptors were apical (akin to the non-lactating state) and only
      apical application of PRL activated the Jak2-STAT5 and ERK pathways. By contrast,
      basolateral application of PRL resulted in a reduction in basal ERK
      phosphorylation, suggesting an involvement of a dual specificity protein
      phosphatase. Normal human breast samples also showed apical PRLRs. These results
      demonstrate important contextual aspects of PRL-PRLR interactions with
      implications for the analysis of the role of PRL in breast cancer.

PMID- 22081227
TI  - Predicting phenotypic variation in yeast from individual genome sequences.
AB  - A central challenge in genetics is to predict phenotypic variation from
      individual genome sequences. Here we construct and evaluate phenotypic
      predictions for 19 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We use conservation-based
      methods to predict the impact of protein-coding variation within genes on protein
      function. We then rank strains using a prediction score that measures the total
      sum of function-altering changes in different sets of genes reported to influence
      over 100 phenotypes in genome-wide loss-of-function screens. We evaluate our
      predictions by comparing them with the observed growth rate and efficiency of 15
      strains tested across 20 conditions in quantitative experiments. The median
      predictive performance, as measured by ROC AUC, was 0.76, and predictions were
      more accurate when the genes reported to influence a trait were highly connected
      in a functional gene network.

PMID- 22081229
TI  - Parallel bacterial evolution within multiple patients identifies candidate
      pathogenicity genes.
AB  - Bacterial pathogens evolve during the infection of their human host(1-8), but
      separating adaptive and neutral mutations remains challenging(9-11). Here we
      identify bacterial genes under adaptive evolution by tracking recurrent patterns
      of mutations in the same pathogenic strain during the infection of multiple
      individuals. We conducted a retrospective study of a Burkholderia dolosa outbreak
      among subjects with cystic fibrosis, sequencing the genomes of 112 isolates
      collected from 14 individuals over 16 years. We find that 17 bacterial genes
      acquired nonsynonymous mutations in multiple individuals, which indicates
      parallel adaptive evolution. Mutations in these genes affect important pathogenic
      phenotypes, including antibiotic resistance and bacterial membrane composition
      and implicate oxygen-dependent regulation as paramount in lung infections.
      Several genes have not previously been implicated in pathogenesis and may
      represent new therapeutic targets. The identification of parallel molecular
      evolution as a pathogen spreads among multiple individuals points to the key
      selection forces it experiences within human hosts.

PMID- 22081228
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies FCGR2A as a susceptibility locus for
      Kawasaki disease.
AB  - Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, with clinical
      observations suggesting a substantial genetic contribution to disease
      susceptibility. We conducted a genome-wide association study and replication
      analysis in 2,173 individuals with Kawasaki disease and 9,383 controls from five
      independent sample collections. Two loci exceeded the formal threshold for genome
      wide significance. The first locus is a functional polymorphism in the IgG
      receptor gene FCGR2A (encoding an H131R substitution) (rs1801274; P = 7.35 * 10(
      11), odds ratio (OR) = 1.32), with the A allele (coding for histadine) conferring
      elevated disease risk. The second locus is at 19q13, (P = 2.51 * 10(-9), OR =
      1.42 for the rs2233152 SNP near MIA and RAB4B; P = 1.68 * 10(-12), OR = 1.52 for
      rs28493229 in ITPKC), which confirms previous findings(1). The involvement of the
      FCGR2A locus may have implications for understanding immune activation in
      Kawasaki disease pathogenesis and the mechanism of response to intravenous
      immunoglobulin, the only proven therapy for this disease.

PMID- 22081230
TI  - Partial adenosine A1 receptor agonists for cardiovascular therapies.
AB  - Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, is present in all cells in tightly regulated
      concentrations. It has many different physiological effects in the whole body and
      in the heart. Adenosine activates four G protein-coupled receptors A1, A2a, A2b,
      and A3. Activation of myocardial A1 receptors has been shown to inhibit a variety
      of myocardial pathologies associated with ischemia and reperfusion injury,
      including stunning, arrhythmogenesis, coronary and ventricular dysfunction, acute
      myocardial infarction, apoptosis, and chronic heart failure, implying several
      options for new cardiovascular therapies for diseases, like angina pectoris,
      control of cardiac rhythm, ischemic injury during an acute coronary syndrome, or
      heart failure. However, the main issue of using full A1 receptor agonists in such
      indications is the broad physiologic spectrum of cardiac and extracardiac
      effects. Desired A1 receptor-mediated protective and regenerative cardiovascular
      effects might be counter-regulated by unintended side effects when considering
      full A1 receptor agonists. These effects can be overcome by partial A1 agonists.
      Partial A1 agonists can be used to trigger only some of the physiological
      responses of receptor activation depending on endogenous adenosine levels and on
      receptor reserve in different tissues. CV-Therapeutics reported the
      identification of a partial A1 receptor agonist CVT-3619, and recently, another
      partial A1 receptor agonist VCP28 was published. Both compounds are adenosine
      derivatives. Adenosine-like A1 receptor agonists often have the drawback of a
      short half-life and low bioavailability, making them not suitable for chronic
      oral therapy. We identified the first non-adenosine-like partial A1 receptor
      agonist(s) with pharmacokinetics optimal for oral once daily treatment and
      characterized the qualities of the partial character of the A1 receptor
      agonist(s) in preclinical and clinical studies.

PMID- 22081231
TI  - Ocular and oral grading of mucous membrane pemphigoid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A variety of methods have been described for grading ocular mucous
      membrane pemphigoid (MMP), each with their own limitations. In contrast, there
      are no reported grading systems for involvement of the oral mucosa. We wished to
      evaluate two ocular (one established and one proposed) and an oral mucosal
      grading system for MMP. METHODS: Patients with MMP were assessed by three
      ophthalmologists and two oral medicine physicians. Ocular disease was graded
      using the system described by Rowsey and a proposed system based on measurement
      of vertical depth and horizontal width measured from the bulbar conjunctival
      aspect. Oral assessment used a 'mucosal disease severity score' originally
      described for lichen planus, in which 17 areas of the mouth are scored for
      involvement, together with a pain score. Levels of agreement were evaluated using
      Fleiss' Kappa Statistic (k). RESULTS: Forty-four patients with MMP encompassing
      mild to severe disease were included. Good levels of agreement were observed
      between observers for both vertical (k:0.86) (upper 95% CI: 1.03 mm) and
      horizontal (k:0.80) (upper 95% CI: 3.01 mm) involvement for the proposed ocular
      system and the Rowsey system (k: 0.83) (upper 95% confidence interval: 3.19 mm).
      There was a high coefficient of determination (R(2)) between the ocular grading
      systems (0.81, p < 0.01). Oral grading showed excellent levels of agreement (k:
      0.71) between observers. There was no significant association between the
      severity of oral and ocular disease using described grading systems. CONCLUSIONS:
      The proposed grading systems for both oral and ocular involvement in MMP are easy
      to use, and show good agreement between observers. The proposed ocular system
      correlates well with a currently used system, and overcomes some of the
      difficulties encountered with existing systems. For the individual patient,
      changes greater than 1.5 mm (vertical) and 3 mm (horizontal) are significant.
      This may increase our ability to detect change or disease progression. Although
      the risk of ocular involvement in patients with only oral involvement has been
      demonstrated, the severity of oral and ocular disease are not well-correlated,
      due in part to an absence of an ocular disease activity score.

PMID- 22081233
TI  - XANES and XPS investigations of the local structure and final-state effects in
      amorphous metal silicates: (ZrO2)(x)(TiO2)(y)(SiO2)(1-x-y).
AB  - Amorphous quaternary [(ZrO(2))(x)(TiO(2))(y)(SiO(2))(1-x-y)] and ternary
      [(ZrO(2))(x)(SiO(2))(1-x)] silicates were synthesized using a sol-gel method and
      examined via XPS and XANES. Metal silicates are important industrial materials,
      though structural characterization is complicated because of their amorphous
      nature. Hard (Ti K- and Zr K-edge) and soft (Ti L(2,3)-edge) X-ray XANES spectra
      suggest the Ti and Zr coordination numbers in the quaternary silicates remain
      constant as the metal identity or total metal content (x, y, or x + y in the
      chemical formula) is varied. XPS core-line spectra from the quaternary silicates
      show large decreases in Ti 2p(3/2), Zr 3d(5/2), Si 2p(3/2), and O 1s binding
      energies due to increasing final-state relaxation with greater next-nearest
      neighbour substitution of Si for less-electronegative Ti/Zr, which was confirmed
      by analysis of the O Auger parameter. These decreases in binding energy occur
      without any changes in the ground-state energies (e.g., oxidation state) of these
      atoms, as examined by Ti L(2,3)-edge, Si L(2,3)-edge, and O K-edge XANES. Because
      most spectroscopic investigations are concerned with ground-state properties,
      knowledge of the contributions from final-state effects is important to
      understand the spectra from materials of interest.

PMID- 22081232
TI  - Proteomic profiling of human retinal pigment epithelium exposed to an advanced
      glycation-modified substrate.
AB  - PURPOSE: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and underlying Bruch's membrane
      undergo significant modulation during ageing. Progressive, age-related
      modifications of lipids and proteins by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) at
      this cell-substrate interface have been implicated in RPE dysfunction and the
      progression to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The pathogenic nature of
      these adducts in Bruch's membrane and their influence on the overlying RPE
      remains unclear. This study aimed to identify alterations in RPE protein
      expression in cells exposed to AGE-modified basement membrane (AGE-BM), to
      determine how this "aged" substrate impacts RPE function and to map the
      localisation of identified proteins in ageing retina. METHODS: Confluent ARPE-19
      monolayers were cultured on AGE-BM and native, non-modified BM (BM). Following 28
      day incubation, the proteome was profiled using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis
      (2D), densitometry and image analysis was employed to map proteins of interest
      that were identified by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI MS/MS).
      Immunocytochemistry was employed to localise identified proteins in ARPE-19
      monolayers cultured on unmodified and AGE-BM and to analyze aged human retina.
      RESULTS: Image analysis detected altered protein spot densities between treatment
      groups, and proteins of interest were identified by LC ESI MS/MS which included
      heat-shock proteins, cytoskeletal and metabolic regulators. Immunocytochemistry
      revealed deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin carboxyterminal hydrolase-1 (UCH-L1),
      which was upregulated in AGE-exposed RPE and was also localised to RPE in human
      retinal sections. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that AGE-modification
      of basement membrane alters the RPE proteome. Many proteins are changed in this
      ageing model, including UCHL-1, which could impact upon RPE degradative capacity.
      Accumulation of AGEs at Bruch"s membrane could play a significant role in age
      related dysfunction of the RPE.

PMID- 22081234
TI  - Urinary and dialysate losses of vitamin D-binding protein in children on chronic
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in chronic kidney disease
      [CKD] patients. The aim of our study was to determine whether losses of vitamin D
      binding protein [VDBP] in urine and dialysate contribute to circulating 25
      hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD] levels in chronic peritoneal dialysis [PD] patients.
      METHODS: Dialysate, serum, and urine VDBP levels were measured in 16 children on
      PD and compared with serum and urine VDBP in ten CKD4-5 patients. Serum VDBP
      levels were correlated with total circulating 25OHD and peritoneal VDBP losses.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 9.4 +/- 3.8 years and the
      median time on dialysis 7.5 (1-18) months. In CKD4-5 patients, urinary VDBP
      losses were >300-fold higher than seen in age-matched healthy children and
      correlated with urinary albumin loss (p = 0.0008). There was a significant
      correlation between serum VDBP and total dialysate and urine losses of VDBP (p =
      0.03, r = -0.53). Dialysate VDBP losses correlate with dialysate albumin loss (p
      = 0.01). VDBP losses in the long daytime dwell were higher than in the overnight
      drain (p = 0.04). Serum VDBP levels were lower in children with a longer dialysis
      vintage (p = 0.0004, r = -0.77). In PD patients, the mean total loss of VDBP in
      dialysate and urine was 1.91 +/- 1.6 MUmol/day, equivalent to ~7% of the total
      circulating level of VDBP in healthy controls. There was no correlation between
      25(OH)D and VDBP. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal VDBP losses mirror both dialysate and
      urinary albumin losses, and are associated with a longer dialysis vintage but do
      not contribute to vitamin D deficiency in children on PD.

PMID- 22081235
TI  - Applied patent RFID systems for building reacting HEPA air ventilation system in
      hospital operation rooms.
AB  - RFID technology, an automatic identification and data capture technology to
      provide identification, tracing, security and so on, was widely applied to
      healthcare industry in these years. Employing HEPA ventilation system in hospital
      is a way to ensure healthful indoor air quality to protect patients and
      healthcare workers against hospital-acquired infections. However, the system
      consumes lots of electricity which cost a lot. This study aims to apply the RFID
      technology to offer a unique medical staff and patient identification, and
      reacting HEPA air ventilation system in order to reduce the cost, save energy and
      prevent the prevalence of hospital-acquired infection. The system, reacting HEPA
      air ventilation system, contains RFID tags (for medical staffs and patients),
      sensor, and reacting system which receives the information regarding the number
      of medical staff and the status of the surgery, and controls the air volume of
      the HEPA air ventilation system accordingly. A pilot program was carried out in a
      unit of operation rooms of a medical center with 1,500 beds located in central
      Taiwan from Jan to Aug 2010. The results found the air ventilation system was
      able to function much more efficiently with less energy consumed. Furthermore,
      the indoor air quality could still keep qualified and hospital-acquired infection
      or other occupational diseases could be prevented.

PMID- 22081236
TI  - A model for simulation and patient-specific visualization of the tissue volume of
      influence during brain microdialysis.
AB  - Microdialysis can be used in parallel to deep brain stimulation (DBS) to relate
      biochemical changes to the clinical outcome. The aim of the study was to use the
      finite element method to predict the tissue volume of influence (TVI(max)) and
      its cross-sectional radius (r (TVImax)) when using brain microdialysis, and
      visualize the TVI(max) in relation to patient anatomy. An equation based on
      Fick's law was used to simulate the TVI(max). Factorial design and regression
      analysis were used to investigate the impact of the diffusion coefficient,
      tortuosity and loss rate on the r (TVImax). A calf brain tissue experiment was
      performed to further evaluate these parameters. The model was implemented with
      pre-(MRI) and post-(CT) operative patient images for simulation of the TVI(max)
      for four patients undergoing microdialysis in parallel to DBS. Using
      physiologically relevant parameter values, the r (TVImax) for analytes with a
      diffusion coefficient D = 7.5 * 10-6 cm2/s was estimated to 0.85 +/- 0.25 mm. The
      simulations showed agreement with experimental data. Due to an implanted gold
      thread, the catheter positions were visible in the post-operative images. The
      TVI(max) was visualized for each catheter. The biochemical changes could thereby
      be related to their anatomical origin, facilitating interpretation of results.

PMID- 22081237
TI  - Gender differences in predicting antisocial behaviors: developmental consequences
      of physical and relational aggression.
AB  - This study investigated gender differences in the relationship of early physical
      and relational aggression to later peer rejection and overt and covert antisocial
      behaviors. Significant gender differences were found indicating physically
      aggressive boys were more likely than girls to experience later peer rejection.
      Early physical aggression was related to later overt antisocial behavior for boys
      and girls, and more strongly for girls than for boys. Early relational aggression
      was not associated with later forms of antisocial behavior. In the context of
      early physical aggression, for boys and girls peer rejection generally served to
      increment risk for later overt and covert antisocial behavior in an additive
      fashion. The data suggest some gender specificity in the social risk processes
      associated with the development of early overt and covert antisocial behaviors.

PMID- 22081238
TI  - Sexual dimorphism in clock genes expression in human adipose tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to investigate whether sex-related
      differences exist in the adipocyte expression of clock genes from subcutaneous
      abdominal and visceral fat depots in severely obese patients. METHODS: We
      investigated 16 morbidly obese patients, eight men and eight women (mean age 45
      +/- 20 years; mean BMI 46 +/- 6 kg/m(2)), undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass
      surgery. Biopsies were taken as paired samples [subcutaneous and visceral adipose
      tissue (AT)] at the beginning of the surgical process at 11:00 h in the morning.
      Metabolic syndrome features such as waist circumference, plasma glucose,
      triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),
      and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were also studied. The expression
      of clock genes (PER2, BMAL1, and CRY1) was measured by quantitative real-time
      PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Gene expression was
      significantly higher in women than in men for the three genes studied in both ATs
      (P < 0.05). In visceral fat, these differences were more marked. (P < 0.001).
      Western blot analysis partially confirmed these results since statistical
      differences were observed for PER2 in both ATs and for CRY1 in subcutaneous
      adipose tissue. There were no differences in BMAL1 protein expression.
      Interestingly, clock gene expression level was correlated with LDL-C and HDL-C (P
      < 0.05). Moreover, we found significant associations with body fat mass in women
      and with age in men. CONCLUSIONS: Clock genes expression is sex dependent in
      human adipose tissue from morbidly obese subjects and correlates to a decreased
      in metabolic syndrome-related traits. These preliminary results make necessary to
      go deep into the knowledge of the molecular basis of the sexual dimorphism in
      chronobiology.

PMID- 22081239
TI  - Learning curve of thoracic pedicle screw placement using the free-hand technique
      in scoliosis: how many screws needed for an apprentice?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the learning curve of thoracic
      pedicle screw (TPS) placement of an inexperienced apprentice in scoliosis with
      the free-hand technique. METHODS: The patients with scoliosis who underwent TPS
      inserted with the free-hand technique by the apprentice under the direction of a
      chief surgeon were included in this study. The TPS placement by the apprentice
      was evaluated by examining the assessed position in chronological subgroups of 30
      screws. The TPS position was assessed on the postoperative computed tomography
      (CT) scan images using Zdichavsky grading evaluation system and pedicle breach.
      The rates of good and dangerous screw placement and the rates of pedicle breaches
      in each apprentice subgroup were compared with those in the chief surgeon group.
      RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with 311 TPS were retrospectively analyzed in our
      study. Of all screws, 154 pedicle screws were inserted by the apprentice, and
      were divided chronologically into five subgroups. The rates of dangerous
      placement performed by the apprentice in the first two subgroups were 26.7 and
      23.3%, respectively, and were significantly higher than 9.1% by the chief surgeon
      (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the breach rate was 46.6% in subgroup 1 and 50.0% in
      subgroup 2, and was significantly higher than 29.3% in chief surgeon (P < 0.05).
      Furthermore, after the first 60 TPS placements, the assessed rates in apprentice
      reached to a stable level, and no significant difference could be found among the
      subgroups (subgroup 3, 4 and 5) and the chief surgeon group (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: For an apprentice, an experience of at least 60 screw placements
      under the direction of an experienced surgeon is needed for inserting the TPS in
      scoliosis using the free-hand technique independently.

PMID- 22081240
TI  - Appendix stump closure with titanium clips in laparoscopic appendectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Different techniques, including clips, have been used to close the stump
      in laparoscopic appendectomy. The aim was to investigate the results after
      application of a newly developed titanium clip for this operation. METHODS: From
      June 2008 to February 2010, 104 patients from two different hospitals undergoing
      laparoscopic appendectomy were included in this prospective study. Closure of the
      appendix base was generally intended with a titanium double-shanked clip (DS
      Clip). The variables of interest were intra-and postoperative complications,
      operation time and hospital stay. Furthermore, an evaluation of the clip's
      practicability by the surgeon was performed using a standardised questionnaire.
      RESULTS: In 104 patients screened intraoperatively, four patients had to be
      excluded as the operating surgeon felt that the clip was not adequate for closing
      the stump, generally because of severe inflammation of the base of the appendix
      with involvement of the caecum. One patient developed an intra-abdominal abscess
      which had to be drained interventionally; no reoperations were necessary. The
      overall complication rate, the operation time and the hospital stay were well
      comparable with other devices for appendix stump closure such as staplers, loops
      or polymeric clips. The practicability of the clip was mainly rated as excellent
      or good by the operating surgeons. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the
      presented titanium DS-Clip is a safe and cost-effective technique for securing
      the appendix base in laparoscopic appendectomy. The application is easy and can
      be learned quickly, making it a good option also for teaching hospitals.

PMID- 22081241
TI  - Preadolescents' and parents' dietary coping efficacy during behavioral family
      based weight control treatment.
AB  - Developmentally relevant high-risk dietary situations (e.g., parties where
      tempting foods are available) may influence overweight youth's weight control, as
      they increase risk for overeating. Better self-efficacy for coping with these
      situations-which preadolescents may learn from their parents-could foster
      successful weight control. Overweight preadolescents (N = 204) ages 7-12 years
      (67% female), each with one parent, separately completed the Hypothetical High
      Risk Situation Inventory (HHRSI) pre- and post-weight loss treatment. The HHRSI
      assesses temptation to overeat and confidence in refraining from overeating in
      response to four high-risk dietary scenarios. Participants generated coping
      strategies for each scenario. Coping strategies and confidence increased and
      temptation decreased from pre- to post-weight loss treatment. Parents' increase
      in confidence from pre- to post-treatment was associated with preadolescents' and
      parents' weight loss. Tailoring treatments to enhance parents' coping skills
      (e.g., building strategies, targeting high temptation/low confidence scenarios)
      may maximize preadolescents' weight control.

PMID- 22081242
TI  - Reply to "how to diagnose Mycoplasma pneumoniae etiology in a child with
      pneumonia".

PMID- 22081243
TI  - The process of identifying, solving and preventing drug related problems in the
      LIMM-study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To avoid negative effects of drug treatment and need for additional
      medical care, drug treatment must be individualised. Our research group has
      developed a model for clinical pharmacy which improves several aspects of the
      patient's drug treatment. This study describes the process behind these
      improvements, i.e. drug related problems identified by pharmacists within a
      clinical pharmacy service. SETTING: Three wards at a department of internal
      medicine. METHOD: Pharmacists performed systematic interventions during the
      patient's hospital stay, aiming to identify, solve and prevent drug related
      problems in the elderly. Identified drug related problems were put forward to the
      health care team and discussed. Information on identified problems, and their
      outcomes was collected and analysed. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the
      health care personnel's attitudes towards the process. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The
      number of drug related problems identified by the clinical pharmacists, the
      proportion of problems discussed with the physicians, the proportion of problems
      adjusted by the physicians and whether pharmacists and physicians prioritised any
      subgroup of drug related problems when choosing which problems to address.
      Finally, we wanted to evaluate the health care personnel's attitudes towards the
      model. RESULTS: In total, 1,227 problem were identified in 190 patients. The
      pharmacists discussed 685 (55.8%) of the identified problems with the physicians
      who accepted 438 (63.9%) of the suggestions. There was no significant difference
      in which subgroup to put forward and which to adjust. There was a high response
      rate (84%) to the questionnaire, and the health care personnel estimated the
      benefits to be very high, both for the patients and for themselves. CONCLUSION:
      The process for identifying, solving and preventing drug related problems was
      good and the different types of problems were considered equally important. The
      addition of a clinical pharmacy service was considered very useful. This suggests
      that the addition of our clinical pharmacy service to the hospital setting add
      skills of great importance.

PMID- 22081244
TI  - The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in subgroups of infertile men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities is assumed to be higher
      in infertile men and inversely correlated with sperm concentration. Although
      guidelines advise karyotyping infertile men, karyotyping is costly, therefore it
      would be of benefit to identify men with the highest risk of chromosomal
      abnormalities, possibly by using parameters other than sperm concentration. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate several clinical parameters in azoospermic and
      non-azoospermic men, in order to assess the prevalence of chromosomal
      abnormalities in different subgroups of infertile men. METHODS: In a
      retrospective cohort of 1223 azoospermic men and men eligible for ICSI treatment,
      we studied sperm parameters, hormone levels and medical history for an
      association with chromosomal abnormalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      chromosomal abnormalities in the cohort was 3.1%. No association was found
      between chromosomal abnormalities and sperm volume, concentration, progressive
      motility or total motile sperm count. Azoospermia was significantly associated
      with the presence of a chromosomal abnormality [15.2%, odds ratio (OR) 7.70, P <
      0.001]. High gonadotrophin levels were also associated with an increased
      prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities (OR 2.96, P = 0.013). Azoospermic men
      with a positive andrologic history had a lower prevalence of chromosomal
      abnormalities than azoospermic men with an uneventful history (OR 0.28, P =
      0.047). In non-azoospermic men, we found that none of the studied variables were
      associated with the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: We show
      that the highest prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities is found in
      hypergonadotrophic azoospermic men with an uneventful andrologic history.

PMID- 22081245
TI  - Effect of infertility treatment and pregnancy-related hormones on breast cell
      proliferation in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer development involves a series of mutations in a
      heterogeneous group of proto-oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes that alter mammary
      cells to create a microenvironment permissive to tumorigenesis. Exposure to
      hormones during infertility treatment may have a mutagenic effect on normal
      mammary epithelial cells, high-risk breast lesions and early-stage breast
      cancers. Our goal was to understand the association between infertility treatment
      and normal and cancerous breast cell proliferation. METHODS: MCF-10A normal
      mammary cells and the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 [estrogen receptor (ER)
      positive, well differentiated] and HCC 1937 (ER-negative, aggressive, BRCA1
      mutation) were treated with the weak ER activator clomiphene citrate and hormones
      that are increased during infertility treatment. Direct effects of treatment on
      cell proliferation and colony growth were determined. RESULTS: While clomiphene
      citrate had no effect on MCF-10A cells or MCF-7 breast cancer cells, it decreased
      proliferation of HCC 1937 versus untreated cells (P= 0.003). Estrogen had no
      effect on either MCF-10A or HCC 1937 cells but, as expected, increased cell
      proliferation (20-100 nM; P<=0.002) and colony growth (10-30 nM; P< 0.0001) of
      MCF-7 cells versus control. Conversely, progesterone decreased both proliferation
      (P= 0.001) and colony growth (P= 0.01) of MCF-10A cells, inhibited colony size of
      MCF-7 cells (P= 0.01) and decreased proliferation of HCC 1937 cells (P= 0.008)
      versus control. hCG (100 mIU/ml) decreased both proliferation (P <= 0.01) and
      colony growth (P <= 0.002) of all three cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Although these
      data are preclinical, they support possible indirect estrogenic effects of
      infertility regimens on ER-positive breast cancer cells and validate the
      potential protective effect of pregnancy-related exposure to hCG.

PMID- 22081246
TI  - Impact of 'LH activity' supplementation on serum progesterone levels during
      controlled ovarian stimulation: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of LH on serum progesterone rise during gonadotrophin
      stimulation is a matter of debate. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the
      impact of supplementation with 'LH activity' products on serum progesterone
      changes before hCG administration in GnRH analog-treated women. METHODS: A
      computerized literature search was performed to identify studies comparing FSH
      treatment alone to those that provided supplementation with 'LH activity' using
      hMG, recombinant (r)LH (rLH) or hCG in GnRH analog protocols. Data regarding
      stimulation regimens were extracted from those that reported serum progesterone
      levels at the time of hCG in order to assess the specific role of LH activity
      products. RESULTS: Serum progesterone determination at the time of hCG
      administration was performed in 34 out of 108 studies comparing the effects of
      FSH alone or in combination with LH activity products. In a vast majority, no
      significant difference in serum progesterone could be found between stimulation
      regimens. However, in four studies where LH activity (three hMG and one rLH) was
      administered from the beginning of ovarian stimulation, serum P-values were
      significantly decreased. In contrast, in two studies where LH activity (hCG) was
      provided during the late follicular phase, serum P-values were significantly
      increased. Analysis of confounding factors showed that the intensity of ovarian
      stimulation is the most important determining factor to explain serum
      progesterone elevation at the time of hCG administration, CONCLUSIONS: This
      systematic review shows that providing LH activity supplementation in combination
      with FSH during ovarian stimulation does not have a consistent effect on serum
      progesterone concentrations at the time of hCG administration. However, these
      data also suggest that, in accordance with physiological concept, the timing of
      LH activity administration could influence the impact on serum progesterone
      changes.

PMID- 22081247
TI  - Family-based analysis of susceptibility loci for polycystic ovary syndrome on
      chromosome 2p16.3, 2p21 and 9q33.3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic
      disorder. A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified five single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which were independently associated with PCOS in
      Han Chinese. To overcome population stratification, a family-based analysis was
      conducted to validate whether these five SNPs are associated with PCOS. METHODS:
      A total of 276 family trios (828 participants) having a proband with PCOS were
      included in the family-based study. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT)
      was used to analyze the association between PCOS and five SNPs rs13429458,
      rs12478601, rs13405728, rs10818854 and rs2479106 in three susceptible loci
      2p16.3, 2p21 and 9q33.3. RESULTS: A positive association was observed for the SNP
      rs13429458 (P= 3.74 * 10(-5)). CONCLUSIONS: TDT confirms that SNP rs13429458, in
      the THADA gene, is significantly associated with risk of PCOS. This family-based
      analysis enhances our previous case-control GWAS and provides further support for
      the role of susceptibility loci in PCOS.

PMID- 22081248
TI  - Development of clinical priority access criteria for assisted reproduction and
      its evaluation on 1386 infertile couples in New Zealand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In New Zealand ranking patients for elective, publicly funded
      procedures uses clinical priority access criteria (CPAC). A CPAC to prioritize
      patients seeking assisted reproductive technology (ART) was developed in 1997 and
      implemented nationwide in 2000. This study describes the development of the ART
      CPAC tool and its evaluation on 1386 couples referred to a single tertiary
      service from 1998 to 2005. METHODS: A total of 48 health professionals and
      consumers assisted in criteria development. A score between 0 and 100 points was
      calculated for each couple and those who reached >=65 points were eligible for
      publicly funded ART. Couples beneath the treatment threshold were placed on
      active review; the review being the date the score was calculated to reach the
      treatment threshold. Couples who would never be eligible or who were on active
      review were offered private treatment. Treatments and outcomes (spontaneous and
      treatment dependent live birth pregnancies) were used to evaluate the criteria.
      RESULTS: Three social criteria (duration infertility, number of children and
      sterilization status) and two objective criteria (diagnosis and female age)
      formed the priority score. Of the evaluated couples, 643 (46%) were eligible
      within 1 year of referral (Group 1), 451 (33%) >1-5 years from referral (Group 2)
      and 292 (21%) couples were never eligible (Group 3). The predominant ART was IVF.
      A total of 480 couples had at least one IVF treatment with 404 (84%) having
      publicly funded treatment. A total of 762 (55%) women gave birth, 473 from
      treatment and 289 spontaneously. Group 1 had more pregnancies from treatment
      while Group 2 had most pregnancies overall being mainly from spontaneous
      pregnancies. Compared with Group 3 cases the hazard ratio using time to
      spontaneous live birth pregnancy for Group 1 couples was significantly lower,
      0.51 (95% confidence interval 0.36-0.74) and for Group 2 cases significantly
      higher, 1.86, (1.35-2.58). Treatments using ART were evaluated for the three
      eligibility groups, with the never eligible divided into women age <40 (Group 3a)
      and woman age >=40 at referral (Group 3b). Compared with Group 1 cases the hazard
      ratio to treatment dependent live birth pregnancy was similar for Groups 2 and 3a
      but significantly lower for Group 3b (0.37, 0.14-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical
      priority access score was able to discriminate between the chance of pregnancy
      with and without treatment and those offered and not offered treatment. The CPAC
      is a useful model for informing the allocation of public funding for ART in other
      countries.

PMID- 22081249
TI  - Localization of angiogenic growth factors and their receptors in the human
      endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and in recurrent miscarriage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is a key feature of endometrial development.
      Inappropriate endometrial vascular development has been associated with recurrent
      miscarriage (RM) with increased amounts of perivascular smooth muscle cells
      surrounding them. METHODS: In the current study, we have used
      immunohistochemistry to study temporal and spatial expression of a series of
      angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) and their receptors; vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3, platelet-derived
      growth factor (PDGF)-BB, PDGF-Ralpha, PDGF-Rbeta, transforming growth factor
      (TGF)-beta1, TGF-betaRI, TGF-betaRII, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2, in
      the proliferative, early secretory and mid-late secretory phase endometrium from
      control women as well as in the mid-late secretory phase of women with a history
      of RM. The AGFs and their receptors studied were immunostained and assessed
      separately in stromal, vascular smooth muscle, endothelial and glandular
      epithelial cells. Laser capture microdissection and real-time RT-PCR were used to
      confirm expression patterns observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Most AGFs
      investigated showed both temporal and spatial expression patterns in normal
      cycling endometrium. In addition, immunostaining intensity for several AGFs was
      altered in women with a history of RM, particularly in vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs). VSMC expression of TGF-beta1, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2 was increased
      while expression of PDGF-BB, TGF-betaRI, TGF-betaRII, Ang-2, VEGF-A and VEGF-C
      was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the cycling endometrium is a
      highly angiogenic tissue and that this process is likely to be altered in women
      with a history of RM and may contribute to the aetiology of this condition.

PMID- 22081250
TI  - CFTR mutations in men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens
      (CBAVD): a systemic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have reported CFTR mutations in CBAVD (congenital
      bilateral absence of the vas deferens) patients, but their results are not
      completely consistent. Here, we present a systemic review and meta-analysis with
      emphasis on clarifying further the genetic association of CFTR mutations with
      CBAVD. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE database until March, 2011 for eligible
      articles reporting CFTR mutations in CBAVD. Relevant data from each included
      study were abstracted by two independent reviewers. The overall frequency of CFTR
      mutations in CBAVD and the odds ratio (OR) for common specific alleles were
      pooled under random-effect or fixed-effect model as appropriate. Subgroup
      analysis was performed by ethnicity, and potential heterogeneity and bias were
      both assessed. RESULTS: Among CBAVD patients, 78% had at least one CFTR mutation,
      46% having two and 28% only one. Moreover, the common heterozygous F508del/5T and
      F508del/R117H were observed in 17 and 4% of CBAVD cases respectively, and the
      allele frequency in CBAVD was 17% for F508del, 25% for 5T and 3% for R117H.
      Subgroup analysis indicated an increased frequency of cases with two mutations in
      Caucasian patients than in Non-Caucasian (68 versus 50%, P= 0.012), but no
      differences for cases with at least one mutation (88 versus 77%, P= 0.163) or
      with only one mutation (17 versus 25%, P= 0.115). Caucasian patients had higher
      F508del frequency, but lower 5T frequency, than Non-Caucasian (22 versus 8%, P=
      0.001; 20 versus 31%, P= 0.009). Summary OR was 9.25 for 5T [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 7.07-12.11, P= 0.000], with moderate heterogeneity (I(2)= 49.20%,
      P= 0.019) and evident bias (Egger's test, P= 0.005), and it was 19.43 for
      5T/(TG)12_13 (95% CI 10.48-30.03, P= 0.000) without any evidence of heterogeneity
      (I(2)= 0.1%, P= 0.391) and bias (Egger's test, P= 0.160). The OR for 5T/(TG)12_13
      was significantly higher than that for 5T allele (P= 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: In
      summary, our results demonstrate a high frequency of CFTR mutations in CBAVD
      patients, and these exhibit evident ethnic differences. In addition, 5T allele
      and 5T/(TG)12_13 may contribute to the increased risk for CBAVD, with the 5T
      penetrance probably being modulated by adjacent (TG)12_13.

PMID- 22081251
TI  - Human embryonic development after blastomere removal: a time-lapse analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blastomere biopsy of human embryos is performed for preimplantation
      genetic diagnosis (PGD). The impact on further development is largely unexplored,
      though studies on mice suggest an influence on the hatching process. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of blastomere biopsy on early
      human embryonic development using time-lapse analysis. METHODS: Embryos from
      couples undergoing PGD treatment or IVF/ICSI were included. In the PGD group, 56
      human embryos had one blastomere biopsied. As controls, 53 non-biopsied IVF/ICSI
      embryos were selected. All embryos were cultured until 5 days after fertilization
      in a time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScopeTM). Images of embryos were acquired every
      20 min. Time-points of key embryonic events were registered, and development in
      the two groups was compared. RESULTS: Duration of the biopsied cell-stage in the
      PGD group was longer than in the control group (P < 0.001), causing biopsied
      embryos to reach subsequent embryonic stages until hatching at significantly
      later time-points (P(compaction) < 0.001; P(morula) < 0.001; P(earlyblast) <
      0.001; P(fullblast) = 0.01), but with unchanged intervals. Embryos in the PGD
      group started hatching at the same time-point as the control group, but had a
      smaller diameter (P < 0.001), and a thicker zona pellucida (P < 0.001) when
      hatching. Time-lapse videos revealed that in the control group, expansion of the
      blastocyst caused continuous thinning of zona pellucida until the blastocyst
      hatched, whereas in the PGD group the blastocyst hatched through the opening in
      zona pellucida artificially introduced prior to the biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: We find
      that blastomere biopsy prolongs the biopsied cell-stage, possibly caused by a
      delayed compaction and alters the mechanism of hatching.

PMID- 22081252
TI  - Advanced renal mass imaging: diffusion and perfusion MRI.
AB  - Computed tomography (CT) is considered the imaging modality of choice in
      evaluation of renal lesions. The advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      compared to CT include superior soft tissue contrast, avoidance of ionizing
      radiation and iodinated contrast media, and the possibility of performing
      functional and advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted (DWI) and
      perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). Although the traditional role of MRI in the
      evaluation of renal mass is primarily that of a problem-solving tool, DWI and PWI
      are expanding the role of MRI in management of renal cell cancers. DWI and PWI
      have shown considerable promise not only in renal lesion detection and
      characterization as benign or malignant, but also in assessment of renal cell
      cancer subtype and nuclear grade. Furthermore, these techniques have the
      potential to assist with tailoring patient- and disease-specific management by
      providing surgical planning in patients with localized renal cell cancer and
      assessing treatment response in patients with advanced renal cell cancer
      undergoing targeted chemotherapy.

PMID- 22081253
TI  - Techniques of biliary reconstruction following bile duct resection (with video).
AB  - In several clinical situations, including resection of malignant or benign
      biliary lesions, reconstruction of the biliary system using the Roux-en-Y jejunum
      limb has been adopted as the standard procedure. The basic technique and the
      procedural knowledge essential for most gastroenterological surgeons are
      described in this article, along with a video supplement. Low complication rates
      involving anastomotic insufficiency or stricture can be achieved by using proper
      surgical techniques, even following small bile duct reconstruction. Using the
      ropeway method to stabilize the bile duct and jejunal limb allows precise mucosa
      to-mucosa anastomosis with interrupted sutures of the posterior row of the
      anastomosis. Placement of a transanastomotic stent tube is the second step. The
      final step involves suturing the anterior row of the anastomosis. In contrast to
      the lower extrahepatic bile duct, the wall of the hilar or intrahepatic bile duct
      can be recognized within the fibrous connective tissue in the Glissonean pedicle.
      The portal side of the duct should be selected for the posterior wall during
      anastomosis owing to its thickness. Meticulous inspection to avoid overlooking
      small bile ducts could decrease the chance of postoperative intractable bile
      leakage. In reconstruction of small or fragile branches, a transanastomotic stent
      tube could work as an anchor for the anastomosis.

PMID- 22081254
TI  - Identification of novel hybrids between Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VNI
      and Cryptococcus gattii VGII.
AB  - Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are pathogenic yeasts causing
      meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. The fungus is
      typically haploid, and sexual reproduction occurs normally between individuals
      with opposite mating types, alpha and a. C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A)
      is comprised of molecular types VNI, VNII, and VNB, and C. neoformans var.
      neoformans (serotype D) contains the molecular type VNIV. Additionally, diploid
      or aneuploid AD hybrids (VNIII) have been reported. C. gattii contains the
      molecular types VGI, VGII, VGIII, and VGIV, which encompass both serotypes B and
      C. To identify possible hybrid strains, URA5-RFLP analysis was performed on 350
      globally obtained clinical, environmental, and veterinary isolates. Four clinical
      isolates from cerebrospinal fluid showed combination patterns of C. neoformans
      var. grubii and C. gattii: Brazil (n = 2), Colombia (n = 1), and India (n = 1).
      These strains were monokaryotic and diploid or aneuploid. M13 PCR fingerprinting
      showed that they contained fragments of both proposed parental groups. Luminex
      IGS genotyping identified these isolates as hybrids with two different molecular
      type combinations: three VNI/VGII and one VNI/VGI. Blue color development on CGB
      agar was delayed in three isolates and absent in one. C. gattii-specific PCR
      confirmed the presence of C. gattii in the hybrids. CAP59 allele-specific PCR
      revealed that all the hybrids contained both serotype A and B alleles.
      Determination of mating-type allelic patterns by PCR revealed that the isolates
      were alphaA aB. This is the first study discovering novel natural hybrids between
      C. neoformans molecular type VNI and C. gattii molecular type VGII.

PMID- 22081255
TI  - Paracoccidioidal infection in HIV patients at an endemic area of
      paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil.
AB  - The association between paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and AIDS is relatively rare
      in contrast to the higher incidence of other systemic mycosis. The explanation
      may be that AIDS is still predominantly an urban disease, and the PCM is endemic
      in Latin American rural areas. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence
      of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in HIV-positive patients at an endemic
      area of paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil. Skin test with purified 43 kD
      glycoprotein (gp43) was performed in 90 HIV/AIDS patients. The prevalence found
      was 12.2% and it may be even greater, considering that HIV/AIDS patients may not
      respond to the intradermal test, which depends on cellular immunity for its
      positivity.

PMID- 22081256
TI  - Clopidogrel tapering as a strategy to attenuate platelet rebound phenomenon in
      patients with bare-metal stents.
AB  - Early clustering of adverse cardiovascular events after abrupt cessation of
      clopidogrel has been reported in patients with acute coronary syndromes. A
      platelet rebound phenomenon may contribute to this increased thrombotic risk and
      a gradual drug tapering may attenuate this proposed platelet effect. Accordingly,
      we aimed to assess the effect of clopidogrel tapering on platelet reactivity.
      Twenty patients who underwent elective percutaneous coronary interventions with
      bare metal stents receiving 3 months of clopidogrel therapy (75 mg daily) were
      randomized to either of two discontinuation strategies: (1) Off group-abrupt drug
      cessation or (2) Tapering group-receiving clopidogrel 75 mg every other day for 4
      weeks duration. Light transmission aggregometry, induced by ADP (5 and 10 MUM)
      and collagen, was measured at four time-points (at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 weeks
      after randomization). In the off group, there was an early rise in platelet
      reactivity at 2 weeks after abrupt drug cessation compared to baseline, as
      measured by ADP 5 MUmol/l (39.6 +/- 2.8 vs. 67.9 +/- 6.0, P < 0.001). The
      tapering regimen suppressed this rebound platelet aggregation by ADP 5 MUmol/l at
      2 weeks (P = 0.001) and 4 weeks (P = 0.001). Similar results were found with ADP
      10 MUmol/l and collagen agonists. Abrupt cessation of clopidogrel results in an
      early rise in platelet aggregability in patients with BMS that is attenuated by a
      tapering regimen. Clopidogrel administration every other day may achieve similar
      levels of platelet inhibition as full dose therapy. Further investigations
      evaluating clopidogrel tapering strategies and their potential clinical impact
      are warranted.

PMID- 22081257
TI  - Growth hormone treatment in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: the Scandinavian
      study.
AB  - Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by short stature, muscular
      hypotonia, cognitive dysfunction, and hyperphagia usually leading to severe
      obesity. Patients with PWS share similarities with growth hormone deficiency
      (GHD). Few studies have dealt with growth hormone (GH) treatment in PWS adults.
      The purpose of the Scandinavian study was to evaluate the effects of GH on body
      composition, lipid and glucose metabolism, physical performance and safety
      parameters in adults with PWS. Twenty-five women and 21 men with PWS were
      randomized to treatment with GH or placebo during 1 year followed by 2 years of
      open labeled GH treatment. At baseline 1/3 had normal BMI, six patients severe
      GHD, ten impaired glucose tolerance and seven diabetes. At 1 year insulin-like
      growth factor I (IGF-I) SDS had increased by 1.51 (P < 0.001) and body
      composition improved in the GH treated group. Visceral fat decreased by 22.9 ml
      (P = 0.004), abdominal subcutaneous fat by 70.9 ml (P = 0.003) and thigh fat by
      21.3 ml (P = 0.013), whereas thigh muscle increased 6.0 ml (P = 0.005). Lean body
      mass increased 2.25 kg (P = 0.005), and total fat mass decreased 4.20 kg (P <
      0.001). The positive effects on body composition were maintained after 2 years of
      GH treatment. Peak expiratory flow increased by 12% (P < 0.001) at 2 years of GH
      treatment. Lipid and glucose metabolism were unchanged, however, three patients
      developed diabetes at 2 years of GH treatment. In conclusion GH treatment had
      beneficial effects on the abnormal body composition without serious adverse
      events making it a logic treatment option in adults with PWS.

PMID- 22081258
TI  - A comprehensive, computer-model-based approach for diagnosis and treatment of
      complex acid-base disorders in critically-ill patients.
AB  - We have developed a computer-model-based approach to quantitatively diagnose the
      causes of metabolic acid-base disorders in critically-ill patients. We use an
      interstitial-plasma-erythrocyte (IPE) model that is sufficiently detailed to
      accurately calculate steady-state changes from normal in fluid volumes and
      electrolyte concentrations in a given patient due to a number of causes of acid
      base disorders. Normal fluid volumes for each patient are determined from their
      sex, height and weight using regression equations derived from measured data in
      humans. The model inputs (electrolyte masses and volumes) are altered to simulate
      the laboratory chemistry of each critically-ill patient. In this process, the
      model calculates changes in body-fluid volumes, osmolality and yields the
      individual values of IPE base excess (BE(IPE)) attributed to changes due to: (1)
      fluid dilution/contraction, (2) gain or loss of Cl(-), (3) hyper- or
      hypoalbuminemia, (4) presence of unmeasured ions, (5) gain of lactate, (6) gain
      or loss of phosphate, (7) gain or loss of calcium and magnesium, (8) gain or loss
      of potassium and (9) gain or loss of sodium. We use critically-ill patient data
      to show how our new approach is more informative and much simpler to interpret as
      compared to the approaches of Siggaard-Andersen or Stewart. We demonstrate how
      the model can be used at the bedside to diagnose acid-base disorders and suggest
      appropriate treatment. Hence, this new approach gives clinicians a new tool for
      diagnosing disorders and specifying fluid-therapy options for critically-ill
      patients.

PMID- 22081259
TI  - Capability of a new paediatric oesophageal Doppler monitor to detect changes in
      cardiac output during testing of external pacemakers after cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Cardio QPTM oesophageal Doppler monitor measures the velocity
      time integral of the blood flow in the descending aorta. Based on system
      integrated normograms of the aortic cross-sectional area of a paediatric
      population, the cardiac output is calculated and displayed. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation
      of the capability of the Cardio QPTM to detect changes in cardiac output during
      desynchronizing ventricular pacing (VVI) in children after cardiac surgery.
      PATIENTS: Eleven children (6 female, 5 male) with epicardial pacemaker electrodes
      admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after corrective surgery
      for congenital heart defects. Mean age: 6.3 (2.1-15.0) months, mean body weight:
      5.3 (3.5-7.8) kg. INTERVENTIONS: After baseline measurements of cardiac output
      (base I), we performed 3 steps, each lasting 5 min: (1) ventricular pacing (VVI),
      (2) baseline (base II) recording, (3) atrial pacing (AOO). We measured the
      effects on haemodynamic parameters and blood gases as well as on the measured
      cardiac output. RESULTS: Ventricular pacing, with atrio-ventricular dyssynchrony,
      led to a significant drop in blood pressure and central venous saturation.
      Cardiac output parameters showed a decrease in stroke volume (SV) from 4.9+/-2.2
      to 4.2+/-2.1 ml (P = 0.005) and cardiac index (CI) (2.6+/-1.1-2.1+/-0.8
      ml/min/m(2)) (P = 0.009) during ventricular pacing. Cardiac index and
      haemodynamic parameters during atrial stimulation did not show significant
      changes from baseline. CONCLUSION: The Cardio QPTM seems to be capable of
      detecting slight changes in cardiac output.

PMID- 22081260
TI  - Whether ideal free or not, predatory mites distribute so as to maximize
      reproduction.
AB  - Ideal free distribution (IFD) models predict that animals distribute themselves
      such that no individual can increase its fitness by moving to another patch. Many
      empirical tests assume that the interference among animals is independent of
      density and do not quantify the effects of density on fitness traits. Using two
      species of predatory mites, we measured oviposition as a function of conspecific
      density. Subsequently, we used these functions to calculate expected
      distributions on two connected patches. We performed an experimental test of the
      distributions of mites on two such connected patches, among which one had a food
      accessibility rate that was twice as high as on the other. For one of the two
      species, Iphiseius degenerans, the distribution matched the expected
      distribution. The distribution also coincided with the ratio of food
      accessibility. The other species, Neoseiulus cucumeris, distributed itself
      differently than expected. However, the oviposition rates of both species did not
      differ significantly from the expected oviposition rates based on experiments on
      single patches. This suggests that the oviposition rate of N. cucumeris was not
      negatively affected by the observed distribution, despite the fact that N.
      cucumeris did not match the predicted distributions. Thus, the distribution of
      one mite species, I. degenerans, was in agreement with IFD theory, whereas for
      the other mite species, N. cucumeris, unknown factors may have influenced the
      distribution of the mites. We conclude that density-dependent fitness traits
      provide essential information for explaining animal distributions.

PMID- 22081261
TI  - Phenotypic plasticity facilitates resistance to climate change in a highly
      variable environment.
AB  - Increased summer drought will exacerbate the regeneration of many tree species at
      their lower latitudinal and altitudinal distribution limits. In vulnerable
      habitats, introduction of more drought-tolerant provenances or species is
      currently considered to accelerate tree species migration and facilitate forest
      persistence. Trade-offs between drought adaptation and growth plasticity might,
      however, limit the effectiveness of assisted migration, especially if
      introductions focus on provenances or species from different climatic regions. We
      tested in a common garden experiment the performance of Pinus sylvestris
      seedlings from the continental Central Alps under increased temperatures and
      extended spring and/or summer drought, and compared seedling emergence, survival
      and biomass allocation to that of P. sylvestris and closely related Pinus nigra
      from a Mediterranean seed source. Soil heating had only minor effects on seedling
      performance but high spring precipitation doubled the number of continental P.
      sylvestris seedlings present after the summer drought. At the same time, twice as
      many seedlings of the Mediterranean than the continental P. sylvestris provenance
      were present, which was due to both higher emergence and lower mortality under
      dry conditions. Both P. sylvestris provenances allocated similar amounts of
      biomass to roots when grown under low summer precipitation. Mediterranean
      seedlings, however, revealed lower phenotypic plasticity than continental
      seedlings under high precipitation, which might limit their competitive ability
      in continental Alpine forests in non-drought years. By contrast, high variability
      in the response of individual seedlings to summer drought indicates the potential
      of continental P. sylvestris provenances to adapt to changing environmental
      conditions.

PMID- 22081262
TI  - Determination of new prediction formula for nasal continuous positive airway
      pressure in Turkish patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Race/ethnicity may play an important role in determining body size,
      severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and effective continuous
      positive airway pressure (CPAP) (Peff). Turkey is composed of different ethnic
      groups. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine new prediction
      formula for CPAP (Ppred) in Turkish OSAS patients, validate performance of this
      formula, and compare with Caucasian and Asian formulas. METHODS: Peff of 250
      newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSAS patients were calculated by in-laboratory
      manual titration. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used
      to model effects of ten anthropometric and polysomnographic variables such as
      neck circumference (NC) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) on Peff. New formula
      was validated in different 130 OSAS patients and compared with previous formulas.
      RESULTS: The final prediction formula was [Formula: see text]. When Peff of
      control group was assessed, it was observed that mean Peff was 8.39 +/- 2.00
      cmH(2)O and Ppred was 8.23 +/- 1.22 cmH(2)O. Ppred was within +/-3 cmH(2)O of
      Peff in 96.2% patients. Besides, Peff was significantly correlated with new
      formula, and prediction formulas developed for Caucasian and Asian populations (r
      = 0.651, p < 0.001, r = 0.648, p < 0.001, and r = 0.622, p < 0.001,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It is shown that level of CPAP can be successfully
      predicted from our prediction formula, using NC and ODI and validated in Turkish
      OSAS patients. New equation correlates with other formulas developed for
      Caucasian and Asian populations. Our simple formula including ODI, marker of
      intermittent hypoxia, may be used easily in different populations.

PMID- 22081264
TI  - Automatic subarachnoid space segmentation and hemorrhage detection in clinical
      head CT scans.
AB  - PURPOSE: The subarachnoid space (SAS) lies between the arachnoid membrane and the
      pia mater of the human brain, normally filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
      Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious complication of neurological disease
      that can have high mortality and high risk of disability. Computed tomography
      (CT) head scans are often used for diagnosing SAH which may be difficult when the
      hemorrhage is small or subtle. A computer-aided diagnosis system from CT images
      is thus developed to augment image interpretation. METHODS: Supervised learning
      using the probability of distance features of several landmarks was employed to
      recognize SAS. For each CT image, the SAS was approximated in four steps: (1)
      Landmarks including brain boundary, midsagittal plane (MSP), anterior and
      posterior intersection points of brain boundary with the MSP, and superior point
      of the brain were extracted. (2) Distances to all the landmarks were calculated
      for every pixel in the CT image, and combined to construct a high-dimensional
      feature vector. (3) Using head CT images with manually delineated SAS as training
      dataset, the prior probabilities of distances for pixels within SAS and non-SAS
      were computed. (4) Any pixel of a head CT scan in the testing dataset was
      classified as an SAS or non-SAS pixel in a Bayesian decision framework based on
      its distance features. RESULTS: The proposed method was validated on clinical
      head CT images by comparison with manual segmentation. The results showed that
      the automated method is consistent with the gold standard. Compared with elastic
      registration based on grayscale information, the proposed method was less
      affected by grayscale variation between normal controls and patients. Compared
      with manual delineation, the average spatial overlap, relative overlap, and
      similarity index were, respectively, 89, 63, and 76% for the automatic SAS
      approximation of the 69 head CT scans tested. The proposed method was tested for
      SAH detection and yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92%.
      CONCLUSION: Automated SAH detection with high sensitivity was shown feasible in a
      prototype computer-aided diagnosis system. The proposed method may be extended
      for computer-aided diagnosis of several CSF-related diseases relevant to SAS
      abnormalities.

PMID- 22081263
TI  - Transfusion risk in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia when
      initiating darbepoetin alfa therapy at a baseline hemoglobin level of <9 g/dL
      versus 9 to <10 g/dL versus >= 10 g/dL: an exploratory analysis of a phase 3
      trial.
AB  - Darbepoetin alfa (DA) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) approved for
      treating chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA). Safety concerns have prompted changes
      to the ESA-product information, which now recommends initiating ESAs at
      hemoglobin (Hb) levels < 10 g/dL (US) or <= 10 g/dL (EU). The present exploratory
      analysis of a DA trial examined how baseline-Hb levels at ESA initiation affect
      transfusion rates, Hb response, and safety outcomes in CIA patients. Data were
      retrospectively analyzed from a phase 3 trial of CIA patients randomised to 500
      mcg DA every 3 weeks (Q3 W) or to 2.25 mcg/kg DA weekly (QW) for 15 weeks. In the
      current analysis, data were reanalyzed by baseline-Hb categories of <9 g/dL (n =
      126), 9 to <10 g/dL (n = 225), and >= 10 g/dL (n = 354). The Q3 W and QW groups
      were combined. Transfusion rates were highest in the <9 g/dL baseline-Hb group in
      all time periods examined. The Kaplan-Meier percentage (95% CI) of patients
      achieving Hb >= 10 g/dL was 68% (59, 78) and 88% (82, 92) in the <9 g/dL and 9 to
      <10 g/dL baseline-Hb groups, respectively. With lower baseline-Hb, incidence of a
      >= 1 g/dL-Hb rise in 14 days progressively decreased. Incidence of venous
      thromboembolic events was similar in all baseline-Hb groups and similar between
      patients with or without a >= 1 g/dL-Hb rise in 14 days. Overall, transfusion
      risk increased and Hb response decreased at lower baseline-Hb levels in this
      exploratory analysis. When following ESA-product information to initiate ESAs at
      Hb <= 10 g/dL, the greatest benefit may be achieved when initiating close to 10
      g/dL. Prospective studies are needed to further examine this hypothesis.

PMID- 22081265
TI  - Large soft tissue osteochondroma of the heel: a case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Soft tissue osteochondromas are the rare tumors of the foot. We present an
      unusual case of a 30-year-old woman who had a large osteochondroma originating
      from the soft tissue in the heel region. She made an uneventful recovery
      following excision. No recurrence was noted at 36 months follow-up. To the best
      of authors' knowledge, such presentation has not been reported before in the
      English language-based medical literature. 

PMID- 22081266
TI  - Comment on: Successful treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      mitral valve endocarditis with sequential linezolid and telavancin monotherapy
      following daptomycin failure.

PMID- 22081267
TI  - Comment on: AbaR4 replaces AbaR3 in a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter
      baumannii isolate belonging to global clone 1 from an Australian hospital.

PMID- 22081268
TI  - Could liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) lock solutions be useful to inhibit
      Candida spp. biofilms on silicone biomaterials?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Candida infections associated with catheters remain difficult to
      manage. Antifungal lock strategies could be a therapeutic option when the device
      is difficult to remove or in combination with systemic treatment to increase
      efficacy. This study deals with the antibiofilm potential of liposomal
      amphotericin B (L-AMB) used as a lock solution to inhibit Candida albicans,
      Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis biofilms in vitro. METHODS: Biofilms
      aged 12 h and 5 days were formed on silicone catheters. L-AMB (200 or 1000 mg/L)
      was added to biofilms and catheters were incubated for 4, 12 or 24 h at 37
      degrees C. L-AMB was then removed by washing. The metabolic activity of yeasts
      was assessed by the XTT method up to 48 h after the end of the locks to evaluate
      the persistence of the antibiofilm activity. Controls without antifungal were
      used as references to calculate the inhibition percentages induced by L-AMB lock
      solutions. RESULTS: L-AMB (200 and 1000 mg/L) inhibited, for up to 48 h, C.
      albicans and C. glabrata biofilms by >70%, regardless of the lock duration. The
      activity of L-AMB (200 mg/L) against C. parapsilosis mature biofilms was lower
      and less sustained, especially for 4 h locks. CONCLUSIONS: L-AMB (1000 mg/L) lock
      solutions strongly inhibited Candida spp. in young and mature biofilms for up to
      48 h after the end of the lock. However, overall eradication of the biofilm was
      not obtained using 1000 mg/L L-AMB as a single lock. These results suggest the
      usefulness of systemic treatment combined with an L-AMB lock to control Candida
      spp. biofilms associated with catheters.

PMID- 22081269
TI  - Motion effects on SUV and lesion volume in 3D and 4D PET scanning.
AB  - To assess the effect of lesion motion and respiration rate on Standardised Uptake
      Value (SUV) and the ability of 4D PET to restore any loss in SUV and distortion
      of lesion volume on two PET/CT systems. A Perspex phantom with four cylindrical
      reservoirs filled with (18)F-FDG was used in this study. The cylinders measured
      5, 10, 15, and 20 mm in diameter. A GE Discovery STE8 (GE Medical Systems
      Milwaukee, WI) and a Siemens Biograph 64/40 (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen,
      Germany) scanner was used to acquire a stationary un-gated PET scan of the
      phantom. Multiple 10 min list mode 4D PET scans were acquired using the Varian
      RPM on the GE camera and the Anzai Gating system on the Siemens camera. The
      phantom was scanned at five different respiratory rates and motion amplitudes in
      a sinusoidal fashion, 15 RPM/1 cm, 15 RPM/2 cm, 15 RPM/4 cm, 30 RPM/2 cm and 7.5
      RPM/2 cm (RPM-respirations per minute). Each scan was reconstructed into ten bins
      and as an un-gated static image. The SUVmax, SUVmean and volume were measured for
      all four reservoirs using Siemens TrueD analysis software. With increasing lesion
      movement the SUVmax and SUVmean decreased and the volume increased with the
      SUVmax in the smallest lesion underestimated by up to a factor of four. The
      SUVmax, SUVmean and volume were mostly recovered using 4D imaging regardless of
      amount of lesion displacement. The larger lesions showed better count recovery
      and volume correction than the smaller lesions. The respiratory rate had no
      effect of SUV or volume. Un-gated imaging of moving lesions decreases apparent
      SUV in small lesions significantly and overestimates volumes. 4D PET scanning
      recovers most of the apparent loss in SUV and distortion of volumes.

PMID- 22081270
TI  - A novel population balance model to investigate the kinetics of in vitro cell
      proliferation: part I. Model development.
AB  - In biotechnology and biomedicine reliable models of cell proliferation kinetics
      need to capture the relevant phenomena taking place during the mitotic cycle. To
      this aim, a novel mathematical model helpful to investigate the intrinsic
      kinetics of in vitro culture of adherent cells up to confluence is proposed in
      this work. Specifically, the attention is focused on the simulation of
      proliferation (increase of cell number) and maturation (increase of cell size and
      DNA content) till contact inhibition eventually takes place inside a Petri dish.
      Accordingly, the proposed model is based on a population balance (PB) approach
      that allows one to quantitatively describe cell cycle progression through the
      different phases the cells of the entire population experienced during their own
      life. In particular, the proposed model has been developed as a 2D, multi-staged,
      and unstructured PB, by considering a different sub-population of cells for any
      single phase of the cell cycle. These sub-populations are discriminated through
      cellular volume and DNA content, that both increase during the mitotic cycle. The
      adopted mathematical expressions of the transition rates between two subsequent
      phases and the temporal increase of cell volume and DNA content are thoroughly
      analyzed and discussed with respect to those ones available in the literature.
      Specifically, the corresponding uncertainties and pitfalls are pointed out, by
      also taking into account the difficulties and the limitations involved in the
      quantitative measurements currently practicable for these biological systems. A
      novel mathematical expression for contact inhibition in line with the PB model
      developed is also formulated, along with a proper comparison between modeled and
      measurable DNA distributions. The strategy for a reliable, independent tuning of
      the adjustable parameters involved in the proposed model along with its numerical
      solution is outlined in Part II of this work, where it is also shown how it can
      be profitably used to gain a deeper insight into the phenomena involved during
      cell cultivation under microgravity conditions.

PMID- 22081271
TI  - Rehabilitation using high-intensity physical training and long-term return-to
      work in cancer survivors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Due to large and increasing numbers of cancer survivors, long-term
      cancer-related health issues have become a major focus of attention. This study
      examined the relation between a high-intensity physical rehabilitation program
      and return-to-work in cancer survivors who had received chemotherapy. METHODS:
      The intervention group, consisting of 72 cancer survivors from one hospital (8
      men and 64 women, mean age 49 years), followed an 18-weeks rehabilitation program
      including strength and interval training, and home-based activities. An age
      matched control group, consisting of 38 cancer survivors (9 men and 29 women),
      was recruited from two other hospitals. They received only standard medical care.
      All subjects were evaluated during a telephone interview on employment issues,
      conducted at +/-3 years after diagnosis. The main outcomes were change in working
      hours per week and time until return-to-work. RESULTS: Patients in the
      intervention group showed significant less reduction in working hours per week [
      5.0 h/week vs. -10.8 h/week (P = .03)]. Multivariate analyses showed that the
      training intervention, the age of patients, and the number of working hours pre
      diagnosis could explain the improvement in long-term participation at work. Time
      until (partial) return-to-work was 11.5 weeks for the intervention group versus
      13.2 weeks for the control group (P = .40). On long-term follow-up, 78% of the
      participants from the intervention group versus 66% from the control group had
      returned to work on the pre-diagnosis level of working hours (P = .18).
      CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation using high-intensity physical training is useful for
      working patients to minimize the decreased ability to work resulting from cancer
      and its treatment.

PMID- 22081272
TI  - Locked intramedullary femoral nailing without fracture table or image
      intensifier.
AB  - The present retrospective study aims to evaluate the outcome in 41 patients of
      femoral shaft fractures, who had closed intramedullary nailing in lateral
      decubitus position without fracture table or image intensifier. Mean age was 33.2
      (range, 18-70) years. The cannulated reamer in proximal fragment (as
      intramedullary joystick) and Schanz screw in the distal fragment (as percutaneous
      joystick) were simultaneously used to assist closed reduction of the fracture
      without the use of image intensifier. Closed reduction was successful in 38
      patients. Open reduction was required in 3 patients. Schanz screw was used for
      closed reduction in 12 patients. Average number of intra-operative radiographic
      exposures was 4.4. Two patients had exchange nailing using large diameter nails.
      One patient had nonunion. Angular and rotatory malalignments were observed in
      seven patients. We are of the opinion that the present technique is a safe and
      reliable alternative to achieve closed locked intramedullary nailing and is best
      suited to stable, less comminuted (Winquist-Hansen types I and II) diaphyseal
      fractures of the femur.

PMID- 22081273
TI  - Pituitary immunoexpression of ghrelin in anorexia nervosa.
AB  - Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, is known to occur in the normal anterior
      pituitary where its physiologic role is uncertain but may include promotion of
      appetite. We sought to investigate anticipated differences in adenohypophysial
      and neurohypophysial ghrelin immunoexpression between normal subjects and
      patients with anorexia nervosa who had succumbed to complications of the disease.
      We hypothesized that the glands of anorexia nervosa patients would show relative
      diminished action in ghrelin content. The study included 12 autopsy-derived
      pituitaries of anorexia nervosa and 10 control glands. The streptavidin-biotin
      peroxidase complex method and double immunohistochemical staining method were
      used to determine which cell types expressed both ghrelin and adenohypophysial
      hormones. Nontumorous control pituitaries were also obtained at autopsy. In
      anorexia nervosa and control adenohypophyses, ghrelin was mainly localized in
      somatotrophs and to a lesser extent in corticotrophs and gonadotrophs. Ghrelin
      accumulated within nerve fibers and Herring bodies in the neurohypophysis and
      pituitary stalk. In the controls, ghrelin expression was apparent in only a few
      cases. It was mild and only along few nerve fibers. In the adenohypophyses of
      anorexia nervosa patients, ghrelin was not depleted. It appears that in these
      patients, ghrelin is transported in excess from the hypothalamic neurohypophysial
      tract to the neurohypophysis.

PMID- 22081274
TI  - Radioactive iodine (131I) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer in Japan:
      current issues with historical review and future perspective.
AB  - Radioactive iodine (RAI, (131)I) has been used as a therapeutic agent for
      differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with over 50 years of history. Recently, it
      is now attracting attention in medical fields as one of the molecular targeting
      therapies, which is known as targeted radionuclide therapy. Radioactive iodine
      therapy (RIT) for DTC, however, is now at stake in Japan, because Japan is
      confronting several problems, including the recent occurrence of the Great East
      Japan Disaster (GEJD) in March 2011. RIT for DTC is strictly limited in Japan and
      requires hospitalization. Because of strict regulations, severe lack of medical
      facilities for RIT has become one of the most important medical problems, which
      results in prolonged waiting time for Japanese patients with DTC, including those
      with distant metastasis, who wish to receive RIT immediately. This situation is
      also due to various other factors, such as prolonged economic recession, super
      aging society, and subsequent rapidly changing medical environment. In addition,
      due to the experience of atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japanese
      people have strong feeling of "radiophobia". There is fear that GEJD and related
      radiation contamination may worsen this feeling, which might be reflected in more
      severe regulation of RIT. To overcome these difficulties, it is essential to
      collect and disclose all information about the circumstances around this therapy
      in Japan. In this review, we would like to look at this therapy through several
      lenses, including historical, cultural, medical, and socio-economic points of
      view. We believe that clarifying the problems is sure to lead to the resolution
      of this complicated situation. We have also included several recommendations for
      future improvements.

PMID- 22081275
TI  - Use of an oral effervescent agent in the evaluation of gastric 67Ga uptake.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gastric uptake of (67)Ga may be observed in patients with no obvious
      gastric lesions, as well as those with gastric malignancy. The aim of this study
      was to investigate whether the use of an effervescent agent aids in evaluating
      gastric (67)Ga uptake. METHODS: Twenty patients having or suspected of having
      gastric uptake on whole-body (67)Ga scintigrams were studied. Anterior abdominal
      images were obtained at baseline and after the oral intake of the effervescent
      agent (gas contrast image). The presence or absence of malignant gastric uptake
      was judged visually using the baseline image or gas contrast image. The judgment
      was compared with the clinical diagnosis, and the clinical usefulness of the gas
      contrast technique was assessed. RESULTS: In all patients, successful distension
      of the stomach was indicated in the gas contrast image. Clinical assessment
      showed gastric lesions in six patients (gastric involvement of lymphoma in 3,
      primary gastric lymphoma in 2, and adenocarcinoma in 1). The gas contrast image
      yielded accurate judgments of malignant gastric uptake in all patients except one
      with adenocarcinoma. Imaging after gastric distension induced by the oral
      effervescent agent contributed to excluding malignant gastric uptake in eight
      patients and demonstrating malignant gastric uptake in four patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Benign gastric uptake may complicate the assessment of gastric
      lesions in (67)Ga scintigraphy. Additional spot imaging after oral intake of an
      effervescent agent can aid in evaluating malignant gastric lesions through
      gastric distension.

PMID- 22081276
TI  - Revisiting backward recall and benchmark memory effects: a reply to Bireta et al.
      (2010).
AB  - When participants are asked to recall lists of items in the reverse order, known
      as backward recall, several benchmark memory phenomena, such as the word length
      effect, are abolished (Bireta et al. Memory & Cognition 38:279-291, 2010). Bireta
      et al. (Memory & Cognition 38:279-291, 2010) suggested that in backward recall,
      reliance on order retention is increased at the expense of item retention,
      leading to the abolition of item-based phenomena. In a subsequent study, however,
      Guerard and Saint-Aubin (in press) showed that four lexical factors known to
      modulate item retention were unaffected by recall direction. In a series of five
      experiments, we examined the source of the discrepancy between the two studies.
      We revisited the effects of phonological similarity, word length, articulatory
      suppression, and irrelevant speech, using open and closed pools of words in
      backward and forward recall. The results are unequivocal in showing that none of
      these effects are influenced by recall direction, suggesting that Bireta et al.'s
      (Memory & Cognition 38:279-291, 2010) results are the consequence of their
      particular stimuli.

PMID- 22081277
TI  - Differences in the strength of distractor inhibition do not affect distractor
      response bindings.
AB  - Distractor inhibition and distractor-response binding were investigated in two
      experiments by analyzing distractor repetition benefits and their interaction
      with response repetition effects in a sequential-priming paradigm. Distractor
      repetition benefits were larger for distractors that were incompatible with the
      to-be-executed response (task-related distractors) than for distractors that were
      not assigned to a response (neutral distractors), indicating that the strength of
      distractor inhibition was a function of response interference for the
      distractors. In contrast, the distractor-response bindings were found to be of
      equal strength for both task-related and neutral distractors. Thus, differences
      in the strengths of distractor inhibition did not affect the integration of
      distractors with responses into event files. Instead, our results suggest that
      distractor-response binding and distractor inhibition are independent mechanisms
      that are recruited for the automatization of behavior and action control.

PMID- 22081278
TI  - Tropical and unusual infections of the musculoskeletal system.

PMID- 22081279
TI  - Diagnostic radiology in the tropics: technical considerations.
AB  - An estimated two thirds of the world's population is currently without access to
      diagnostic radiology services, and most of them live in resource-limited tropical
      regions with harsh environments. Most patients are diagnosed and treated in
      poorly equipped government-funded hospitals and clinics that have insufficiently
      trained staff and are barely operational. Any available imaging equipment is
      likely to be functioning suboptimally and be poorly maintained. The root of the
      problem is usually a lack of know-how and a quality culture, combined with
      insufficient basic equipment and infrastructure. Radiological imaging is an
      essential aspect of primary care and used in the critical diagnosis and
      management of trauma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome, cancer, and other respiratory and abdominal diseases. Considerations
      such as quality management and infrastructure, personnel, equipment, and
      radiation protection and safety are important to ensure the proper functioning
      and rational use of a diagnostic radiology facility in the tropics.

PMID- 22081280
TI  - Tuberculous osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is no longer a disease limited to developing nations and is
      still a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The
      indolent clinical presentation, emergence of multidrug-resistant mycobacteria,
      and association with human immunodeficiency virus infection poses obstacles for
      early diagnosis and management. Compared with the other forms of TB,
      musculoskeletal involvement is relatively rare. Tuberculous spondylitis is the
      most common form of musculoskeletal TB and accounts for ~50% of cases.
      Extraspinal musculoskeletal TB shows a predilection for large weightbearing
      joints, long bones, and the skull. This article reviews the radiologic features
      of diverse forms of osseous TB and the diagnostic value of the different imaging
      techniques. It also reviews the imaging differential diagnoses, including other
      infections and malignancies/metastases. Conventional radiography is of key value
      in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal TB. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance
      imaging, and bone scintigraphy also play key roles in the early detection of
      disease and in demonstrating the extent of disease process and soft tissue
      involvement. Because delay in treatment significantly reduces the cure rate and
      increases the rate of complications and morbidity, early radiological diagnosis
      of TB is of paramount importance for appropriate management.

PMID- 22081281
TI  - Tuberculosis arthritis and tenosynovitis.
AB  - The incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has been rising due to the
      increasing number of immunosuppressed patients. Musculoskeletal system accounts
      for 25% of extrapulmonary TB. Most of the musculoskeletal TB involves the spine.
      TB of peripheral joints and tendons occur infrequently, but if untreated, it can
      cause serious joint and tendon destruction as well as spread of the infection to
      the surrounding bursa, muscle, and other soft tissues. The diagnosis of TB of
      joints and tendons is difficult due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations
      and imaging features. Concurrent active pulmonary TB is present in <50% of the
      patients. A positive chest radiographic finding or a positive tuberculin test
      supports the diagnosis, but negative results do not exclude diagnosis. Although
      imaging features of TB of joints and tendons are nonspecific, certain findings
      such as relatively preserved joint space, juxta-articular osteoporosis, cold
      abscesses, para-articular soft tissue calcification, and rice bodies are
      suggestive of TB infection. Familiarity with these imaging features can help in
      making an early diagnosis and facilitating proper management.

PMID- 22081282
TI  - Musculoskeletal brucellosis.
AB  - Brucellosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution caused by small gram-negative
      nonencapsulated coccobacilli of the genus Brucella. It is characterized by a
      granulomatous reaction in the reticuloendothelial system. Because it affects
      several organs and tissues, it may have various clinical manifestations.
      Musculoskeletal involvement is one of the most common locations, and the
      frequency of bone and joint (osteoarticular) involvement of brucellosis varies
      between 10% and 85%. Osteoarticular involvement includes spondylitis,
      sacroiliitis, osteomyelitis, peripheral arthritis, bursitis, and tenosynovitis.
      The most common osteoarticular finding in children is monoarticular arthritis,
      mostly located in the knees and hips; whereas in adults, sacroiliitis is the most
      frequent. Imaging studies, including radiography, computed tomography (CT),
      magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and bone scintigraphy, have been used for
      diagnosis. Radiography is limited to evaluating the focal form of spinal
      brucellosis and advanced disease at the joints. CT and bone scintigraphy have
      limited value because of their inadequate soft tissue resolution. MR imaging is
      the method of choice to assess the extent of disease and follow up the treatment
      response. However, MR imaging has a low specificity to predict the exact cause of
      an osteoarticular lesion, and in case of arthralgia or symptoms of osteomyelitis
      or spondylodiscitis, the index of suspicion should be high in regions where the
      disease is endemic.

PMID- 22081283
TI  - Musculoskeletal melioidosis.
AB  - Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, mostly
      affecting patients in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The disease has been
      increasingly recognized around the world due to the increased levels of travel
      and population movement. Clinical manifestations of melioidosis range from
      fulminant septicemic illness to an indolent local infection. The disease often
      involves multiple organs, including the lung, spleen, liver, and other visceral
      organs. Musculoskeletal infection is usually seen as a part of multiorgan
      involvement, but localized musculoskeletal involvement may occur. The most common
      manifestation of musculoskeletal melioidosis is septic arthritis, followed by
      osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, and soft tissue abscesses. The clinical and
      radiological manifestations of musculoskeletal melioidosis are nonspecific, and
      the diagnosis needs a high level of suspicion. Associated infection of lungs and
      visceral organs is suggestive of melioidosis. The disease requires special
      laboratory facilities and treatment. Inappropriate or inadequate treatment leads
      to high mortality rate or long-term relapse of the disease. The causative
      organism of melioidosis, clinical manifestations, and imaging features of
      musculoskeletal melioidosis are reviewed.

PMID- 22081284
TI  - Tropical pyomyositis and necrotizing fasciitis.
AB  - Pyomyositis is a purulent infection of skeletal muscle that arises from
      hematogenous spread, usually with abscess formation. Necrotizing fasciitis is a
      more severe, rapidly progressive infection involving the superficial and deep
      fascia with necrosis and fluid collections that can be life threatening if left
      untreated. Both conditions may coexist, and concomitant cellulitis is often seen.
      A high incidence of these diseases occurs in the tropics, but they are
      increasingly being seen in temperate countries, due in part to their association
      with immunodeficiency conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection, diabetes mellitus, and organ transplantation. This article aims to
      familiarize physicians with these entities, review their clinical manifestations
      and imaging features, and highlight the role of imaging in the management of
      patients with these conditions.

PMID- 22081285
TI  - Musculoskeletal fungal infections.
AB  - Fungal infections of the musculoskeletal system are uncommon. They are often
      found in immunosuppressed or patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
      or in patients with a history of travel to an endemic region. Infections often
      present with multifocal chronic osteomyelitis or chronic mono- or polyarthritis
      resembling osteoarticular tuberculosis. A clinical clue to the correct diagnosis
      is the presence of overlying skin sinuses. Radiologists can suggest the correct
      diagnosis with a good clinical history, although a biopsy and/or fungal culture
      is usually necessary before beginning treatment.

PMID- 22081286
TI  - Musculoskeletal coccidioidomycosis.
AB  - Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) is a systemic fungal infection caused by soil
      fungi, Coccidioides species, and is associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality. This infection is endemic in northern Mexico, the southwestern United
      States, and parts of Central and South America. The risk factors include
      ethnicity (especially African and Pacific Island ancestry), male gender, and
      immunosuppression. The primary infection occurs in lungs, but fewer than 40% of
      patients are symptomatic. Fewer than 1% of infections result in disseminated
      disease, which may involve any organ. Skeletal infection occurs in 10 to 50% of
      these patients and is frequently multicentric with axial skeleton involvement.
      The diagnosis can be confirmed by culture of the organism or visual detection
      from cytological or histological specimens obtained from sites of disease. A
      presumptive diagnosis can be made in patients with a compatible illness and a
      positive serologic test. Imaging plays a significant role in diagnosis and follow
      up treatment of musculoskeletal coccidioidomycosis and includes radiography,
      magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone scintigraphy. Skeletal
      coccidioidomycosis is difficult to treat and frequently requires a combination of
      medical therapy and surgical debridement. Medical therapy must be continued for a
      prolonged period of time, potentially for a lifetime in some patients.

PMID- 22081287
TI  - Musculoskeletal hydatid disease.
AB  - Hydatid disease is an infectious disease caused by the larval stage of the
      parasitic tapeworm Echinococcosis granulosus. Its distribution is worldwide.
      Although hydatid disease can develop in almost any part of the body, it is most
      commonly found in the liver and lung. Musculoskeletal involvement is rare. The
      radiological appearance of the hydatid disease of musculoskeletal system mimics
      tumors and other inflammatory conditions. Therefore preoperative diagnosis of
      musculoskeletal hydatid disease is sometimes difficult clinically and
      radiologically. On radiography, different radiographic changes may occur. In
      cases of osteolytic and inflammatory changes, it may mimic any variant of
      nonspecific or specific osteomyelitis. Bone erosion and destruction may lead to
      almost complete osteolysis, bone may distort, and on occasion, its radiologic
      appearances may be confused with those of a malignant bone tumor. Computed
      tomography (CT) is more accurate in delineating the area of destruction. The
      primary role of CT and magnetic resonance imaging is in the recognition of
      extraosseous spread of the hydatid disease within the soft tissues. This article
      reviews the pathological basis and the clinical and imaging features of
      musculoskeletal hydatid disease.

PMID- 22081288
TI  - Musculoskeletal infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
AB  - Musculoskeletal infection is one of the common manifestations of patients
      infected with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome. With immune deficiency, patients are susceptible to a variety of
      nonopportunistic and opportunistic infections that can result in significant
      morbidity and mortality. Infection can involve any anatomical compartments
      resulting in infectious arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, and soft tissue
      and skin infection. Imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis and
      treatment planning for these patients. This article reviews the clinical
      manifestations of musculoskeletal infection together with reported causative
      organisms. We discuss the role of imaging and present radiological examples.

PMID- 22081289
TI  - Musculoskeletal complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
AB  - The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was a highly infectious pneumonia
      that emerged in southern China early in 2003. A large number of SARS patients
      experienced large joint arthralgia, although this was, for the most part, not
      associated with any abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging. The main
      musculoskeletal complications of SARS were osteonecrosis and reduced bone mass,
      and these arose not from the disease per se but as a sequel to treatment of SARS
      with high-dose steroids. SARS patients were almost universally steroid naive with
      no other known predisposition to osteonecrosis. Prevalence of osteonecrosis in
      SARS patients treated with steroids ranged from 5% to 58%. Osteonecrosis most
      commonly affected the proximal femur and femoral condyles and was most strongly
      related to cumulative steroid dose and duration of steroid therapy. Osteonecrosis
      risk was <1% in patients receiving <3 g and 13% in patients receiving >3 g
      cumulative prednisolone-equivalent dose. Most osteonecrotic lesions tended to
      improve with a reduction in lesion volume over a follow-up period of 5 years. The
      relative reduction in osteonecrotic lesion volume was greatest for smaller
      lesions.

PMID- 22081290
TI  - Imaging-guided biopsy in musculoskeletal infections.
AB  - Biopsies may be required in patients suspected to have musculoskeletal infections
      to confirm the diagnosis and also to identify the causative organism. Imaging
      guided biopsies have gained increased acceptance to obtain various types of
      tissues for diagnosis. Under image guidance, biopsies are done percutaneously,
      usually under local anesthesia. They are relatively safe, and complications are
      significantly less compared with open biopsies. In this article, we review the
      planning, indications, technique, and complications of imaging-guided
      percutaneous biopsy performed for musculoskeletal infections.

PMID- 22081291
TI  - Creatine and pyruvate prevent behavioral and oxidative stress alterations caused
      by hypertryptophanemia in rats.
AB  - It is known that the accumulation of tryptophan and its metabolites is related to
      brain damage associated with both hypertryptophanemia and neurodegenerative
      diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of tryptophan administration
      on various parameters of behavior in the open-field task and oxidative stress,
      and the effects of creatine and pyruvate, on the effect of tryptophan. Forty, 60
      day-old male Wistar rats, were randomly divided into four groups: saline,
      tryptophan, pyruvate + creatine, tryptophan + pyruvate + creatine. Animals
      received three subcutaneous injections of tryptophan (2 MUmol/g body weight each
      one at 3 h of intervals) and/or pyruvate (200 MUg/g body weight 1 h before
      tryptophan), and/or creatine (400 MUg/g body weight twice a day for 5 days before
      tryptophan twice a day for 5 days before training); controls received saline
      solution (NaCl 0.85%) at the same volumes (30 MUl/g body weight) than the other
      substances. Results showed that tryptophan increased the activity of the animals,
      suggesting a reduction in the ability of habituation to the environment.
      Tryptophan induced increase of TBA-RS and total sulfhydryls. The effects of
      tryptophan in the open field, and in oxidative stress were fully prevented by the
      combination of creatine plus pyruvate. In case these findings also occur in
      humans affected by hypertryptophanemia or other neurodegenerative disease in
      which tryptophan accumulates, it is feasible that oxidative stress may be
      involved in the mechanisms leading to the brain injury, suggesting that creatine
      and pyruvate supplementation could benefit patients affected by these disorders.

PMID- 22081292
TI  - Inpatient warfarin management: pharmacist management using a detailed dosing
      protocol.
AB  - Hospitalized patients receiving anticoagulants such as warfarin are at increased
      risk for adverse events because of difficulties maintaining a therapeutic
      international normalized ratio (INR). We sought to determine whether a detailed
      warfarin dosing protocol administered by pharmacists with minimal physician
      oversight significantly reduced the proportion of hospitalized patients with a
      supratherapeutic INR. We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized trial with
      patients on cardiology, internal medicine, and family medicine inpatient services
      who received at least 1 dose of warfarin while hospitalized. The baseline group
      included 293 patients, and the intervention group comprised 217 patients.
      Baseline characteristics were similar in each group, except that more patients
      received antibiotics in the intervention group. The defect rate (INR > 5 after
      receiving warfarin) in the baseline group was significantly higher than in the
      intervention group (7.85 vs. 1.85%). Conversely, the percentage of patients with
      an INR less than 1.7 after 4 warfarin doses was lower in the intervention
      patients, indicating overall improvement in therapeutic levels. Dosing
      discussions were required between the pharmacist and a physician for only 6% of
      intervention patients. The protocol effectively reduced overanticoagulation
      without increasing under anticoagulation during hospitalization and reduced the
      need for close physician oversight.

PMID- 22081293
TI  - Current status on plasma biomarkers for acute mesenteric ischemia.
AB  - Clinical diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia is difficult. The aim of this
      review is to provide current status on the search for an accurate plasma
      biomarker for acute mesenteric ischemia. A search using the medical subject
      heading terms marker and mesenteric ischemia or intestinal ischemia or superior
      mesenteric artery occlusion or mesenteric venous thrombosis in the Medline and
      Embase databases from 1980 to 2011. Studies without a control group or a control
      group consisted of healthy individuals (human studies), or studies on intestinal
      reperfusion were excluded. Twenty animal and twelve human studies were
      identified. In human studies, the studied series of patients had a control group
      that had a need of laparotomy (n = 2), suspected acute mesenteric ischemia (n =
      7), acute abdomen (n = 2) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 1). D: 
      dimer has been found to be the most consistent highly sensitive early marker, but
      specificity was low. The follow-up study on alpha-glutathione S-transferase
      yielded inferior sensitivity and accuracy than the preliminary study, clearly
      questioning the value of this marker. Intestinal fatty acid binding globulin (I
      FABP) and D: -lactate are both interesting markers, but the results were
      conflicting. Different cut-off levels have been used in the studies on I-FABP.
      The encouraging preliminary result of cobalt-albumin and urinary FABP as an
      accurate marker needs to be addressed in other study populations. The early
      clinical and laboratory diagnosis of intestinal ischemia remains a challenge.
      None of the proposed plasma-derived tests for acute mesenteric ischemia has as
      yet entered routine clinical practice. The proposed biomarkers need to be
      evaluated in a prospective clinical research project in patients with acute
      abdomen.

PMID- 22081294
TI  - Relationship between preoperative radial artery and postoperative arteriovenous
      fistula blood flow in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is recommended that arteriovenous fistula (AVF) blood flow should
      be more than 425 ml/min before cannulation. However, the relationship between
      preoperative radial artery flow (RAF) and postoperative AVF blood flow has still
      not been examined. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with end-stage kidney disease
      (ESKD) were examined. They had an AVF prepared at Juntendo University Hospital
      from July 2006 through August 2007. Preoperative RAF and postoperative AVF blood
      flows were measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS: AVF blood flow gradually
      increased after the operation. AVF blood flow was significantly correlated with
      preoperative RAF. When preoperative RAF exceeded 21.4 ml/min, AVF blood flow rose
      to more than 425 ml/min. The postoperative AVF blood flow in the group with RAF
      of more than 20 ml/min was significantly higher than that in those with less than
      20 ml/min. Preoperative RAF of less than 20 ml/min had a significantly high risk
      of primary AVF failure within 8 months compared with that of more than 20 ml/min.
      CONCLUSIONS: It appears that measurement of RAF by ultrasonography is useful for
      estimating AVF blood flow postoperatively and can predict the risk of
      complications in ESKD patients.

PMID- 22081295
TI  - Evaluation of growth in low-body-weight kidney transplant Egyptian children: 25
      year experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of problems associated with kidney transplantation in
      low-body-weight children is an essential step toward improving graft function and
      patient survival as well as quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study
      comprised 63 renal transplant children weighing 25 kg or less at time of renal
      transplantation. All children received a living donor renal allotransplant
      between December 1984 and March 2009. These children were retrospectively
      evaluated regarding their survival, graft survival as well as physical growth.
      RESULTS: Our patient and graft survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 98.4%,
      96.8% and 96.8%, and 94.9%, 82.6% and 58.4%, respectively. Significant risk
      factors for growth retardation post renal transplant were identified and included
      older age at time of transplant (p=0.019), female sex (p=0.010), retarded growth
      at time of transplant (p=0.011, by univariate analysis, and p=0.028, by
      multivariate analysis), incidence of chronic rejection (p=0.012), higher steroid
      cumulative dose (p=0.013) and graft dysfunction (p=0.009, by multivariate
      analysis). CONCLUSION: The current final height of low-body-weight transplant
      Egyptian children has remained suboptimal. The management of growth retardation
      posttransplant is multifactorial and should start early before transplantation,
      with optimal care of growth in children with chronic kidney disease. Moreover,
      expedited transplantation, whenever indicated, and optimization of posttransplant
      graft function with minimal steroid exposure are essential factors which were
      shown to be possible using immunosuppression based on tacrolimus plus
      mycophenolate mofetil, after basiliximab induction.

PMID- 22081296
TI  - GM-CSF contributes to prompt healing of ecthyma gangrenosum lesions in kidney
      transplant recipient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an unusual, potentially fatal cutaneous
      disease, commonly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia. CASE REPORT:
      We report the case of a 61-year-old man admitted to the Nephrology Department for
      fever, leukopenia and inguinal and scrotal painful lesions. Physical examination
      revealed inguinal and scrotal macules, nodules, blisters and ulcers with central
      necrosis. P. aeruginosa was isolated from an ulcer. EG was diagnosed. Because of
      the severe leukopenia, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
      was administered until the white blood cell count significantly increased. Based
      on antibiogram, intravenous ceftazidime and teicoplanin were given for 11 days.
      Cutaneous manifestations were completely healed in about 2 months. CONCLUSION: We
      suggest that the combination of GM-CSF with appropriate antibiotics can resolve
      EG and avoid or minimize the risk of septicemia in immunosuppressed patients.

PMID- 22081297
TI  - Tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for
      anaplastic ependymoma in children younger than 3 years of age.
AB  - The present study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of tandem high-dose
      chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/autoSCT) in very
      young children with anaplastic ependymoma. We aimed both to improve survival and
      to avoid unacceptable late adverse effects of radiation therapy (RT) by avoiding
      or deferring RT until 3 years of age. Five consecutive patients younger than 3
      years of age with anaplastic ependymoma were enrolled from April 2006 to November
      2008. Tandem HDCT/autoSCT was given following six cycles of induction
      chemotherapy. RT was either not given or deferred until 3 years of age if the
      patient was in complete response after tandem HDCT/autoSCT. Median age at
      diagnosis was 16 (range 12-28) months. Four patients had significant residual
      tumor (>1.5 cm(2)) after initial surgery, and three had leptomeningeal seeding.
      Toxicities during induction chemotherapy and tandem HDCT/autoSCT were manageable.
      No tumor progressed during induction chemotherapy and tandem HDCT/autoSCT, and RT
      was thus avoided or deferred until 3 years of age in all patients. All patients
      are alive at median follow-up of 45 (range 31-62) months from diagnosis, although
      tumor progressed in one patient. No significant endocrine dysfunction occurred
      except for hypothyroidism in one patient. Cognitive function was also acceptable
      in all patients but one who had significant neurologic injury during surgery. Our
      results indicate that treatment with tandem HDCT/autoSCT is feasible in very
      young children with anaplastic ependymoma and may improve the survival of
      patients with acceptable long-term toxicity.

PMID- 22081298
TI  - Imaging of human mesenchymal stromal cells: homing to human brain tumors.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) can be used as a drug delivery vehicle for
      the treatment of GBM. However, tracking the migration and distribution of these
      transplanted cells is necessary to interpret therapeutic efficacy. We compared
      three labeling techniques for their ability to track the migration of
      transplanted hMSC in an orthotopic mouse xenograft model. hMSC were labeled with
      three different imaging tags (fluorescence, luciferase or ferumoxide) for imaging
      by fluorescence, bioluminescence or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      respectively. hMSC were labeled for all imaging modalities without the use of
      transfection agents. The labeling efficacy of the tags was confirmed, followed by
      in vitro and in vivo migration assays to track hMSC migration towards U87 glioma
      cells. Our results confirmed that the labeled hMSC retained their migratory
      ability in vitro, similar to unlabeled hMSC. In addition, labeled hMSC migrated
      towards the U87 tumor site, demonstrating their retention of tumor tropism. hMSC
      tumor tropism was confirmed by all three imaging modalities; however, MRI
      provides both real time assessment and the high resolution needed for clinical
      studies. Our findings suggest that ferumoxide labeling of hMSC is feasible, does
      not alter their migratory ability and allows detection by MRI. Non invasive
      tracking of transplanted therapeutic hMSC in the brain will allow further
      development of human cell based therapies.

PMID- 22081299
TI  - High rate of infection control with one-stage revision of septic knee prostheses
      excluding MRSA and MRSE.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of infection control for one-stage revision of infected knee
      arthroplasties is unclear as are the factors influencing infection control. Such
      factors include duration of infection and the type of infected prosthesis.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined: (1) the rate of infection control
      with one-stage revision of septic knee prostheses, (2) the clinical knee scores
      that can be achieved, (3) whether the duration of infection or the type of
      prosthesis influence the level of infection control, and (4) whether different
      types of prostheses influence the knee scores. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed prospectively collected data from 63 patients who underwent one-stage
      revisions of septic knee endoprostheses (six unicondylar, 37 primary total knee
      replacement prostheses, and 20 hinged knee endoprostheses) between 2004 and 2006.
      All were treated locally and systemically with microorganism-specific
      antibiotics. For this study we excluded patients with Methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis or
      unknown microorganisms. The patients were examined for infection every 3 months
      and Oxford and Knee Society scores were assessed at the same time. The minimum
      followup was 24 months (mean followup, 36 months; range, 24-70 months). RESULTS:
      None of the patients with replacement unicondylar and primary total knee
      replacement prostheses had recurrence of infection. Three of the 20 patients with
      the hinged infected knee prostheses had recurrences; these three patients had
      chronic infections and had undergone two to three revision operations during at
      least a 5-year period. The likelihood of infection control was influenced by the
      duration of infection. The mean Knee Society knee score 24 months after surgery
      was 72 points (range, 20-98 points), the Knee Society function score was 71
      points (range, 10-100 points), and the Oxford-12 knee score was 27 points (range,
      13-44 points). CONCLUSIONS: One-stage revision of septic knee prostheses achieved
      an infection control rate of 95% and higher knee scores than reported for two
      stage revisions. Higher rates of recurrent infection appeared to be associated
      with long-term chronic infections of hinged prostheses.

PMID- 22081300
TI  - Bone screws have advantages in repair of experimental osteochondral fragments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cartilage defects are created on intraarticular osteochondral
      fragments at the entrance holes of fixation devices when these fragments are
      fixed to the original sites. Conventional fixation devices hinder repair of these
      defects and there is a latent risk of secondary osteoarthritis. We therefore
      developed a novel fixation device system consisting of bone screws made of
      cortical bone for osteochondral fragments to improve repair of these surface
      defects. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether bone screws had advantages over
      poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) screws in terms of (1) gross assessment of the surface,
      (2) volume and histologic quality of the repair tissue, and (3) biomechanical
      assessment of the tissue stiffness. METHODS: We examined gross morphology,
      microCT, histology, and stiffness of the repaired tissue with PLLA (n = 32) and
      bone (n = 32) screws in a rabbit model of osteochondral fracture, compared with
      normal controls (n = 16). RESULTS: Gross morphology and histology revealed better
      quality with bone screws than with PLLA screws. Mean repaired volumes in microCT
      were 70.6% +/- 14% with bone screws and 50.3% +/- 15% with PLLA screws. Average
      stiffness values for PLLA screws, bone screws, and normal cartilage were 1.67 +/-
      0.54 N/mm, 2.63 +/- 0.42 N/mm, and 3.15 +/- 0.49 N/mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results show better repaired tissue was observed for quality and quantity
      when chondral fractures were treated with bone screws than when treated with PLLA
      screws. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bone screws made of cortical bone may have
      applications in clinical situations for the fixation of intraarticular
      osteochondral fragments.

PMID- 22081301
TI  - Chronic inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation prevents
      ischaemia-induced vascular pathology in type II diabetic mice.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation are important mechanisms that
      underlie many of the serious consequences of type II diabetes. However, the role
      of ER stress and inflammation in impaired ischaemia-induced neovascularization in
      type II diabetes is unknown. We studied ischaemia-induced neovascularization in
      the hind-limb of 4-week-old db - /db- mice and their controls treated with or
      without the ER stress inhibitor (tauroursodeoxycholic acid, TUDCA, 150 mg/kg per
      day) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra, 0.5 ug/mouse per day) for 4
      weeks. Blood pressure was similar in all groups of mice. Blood glucose, insulin
      levels, and body weight were reduced in db - /db- mice treated with TUDCA.
      Increased cholesterol and reduced adiponectin in db - /db- mice were restored by
      TUDCA and anakinra treatment. ER stress and inflammation in the ischaemic hind
      limb in db - /db- mice were attenuated by TUDCA and anakinra treatment. Ischaemia
      induced neovascularization and blood flow recovery were significantly reduced in
      db - /db- mice compared to control. Interestingly, neovascularization and blood
      flow recovery were restored in db - /db- mice treated with TUDCA or anakinra
      compared to non-treated db - /db- mice. TUDCA and anakinra enhanced eNOS-cGMP,
      VEGFR2, and reduced ERK1/2 MAP-kinase signalling, while endothelial progenitor
      cell number was similar in all groups of mice. Our findings demonstrate that the
      inhibition of ER stress and inflammation prevents impaired ischaemia-induced
      neovascularization in type II diabetic mice. Thus, ER stress and inflammation
      could be potential targets for a novel therapeutic approach to prevent impaired
      ischaemia-induced vascular pathology in type II diabetes.

PMID- 22081302
TI  - Queen volatiles as a modulator of Tetragonisca angustula drone behavior.
AB  - Tetragonisca angustula mating occurs during the virgin queen nuptial flight,
      usually in the presence of a drone congregation area (DCA). The presence of
      virgin queen pheromone is considered the trigger for DCA establishment, although
      this has not been demonstrated experimentally. We established meliponaries, in
      different habitats, with T. angustula virgin queens during the main drone
      reproduction period. Eight DCAs were observed in urban areas, and all established
      outside or near colonies containing at least one virgin queen. The accumulation
      of drones in the DCAs occurred from 08:00 to 18:00 h and over 3-35 days. The
      number of drones in DCAs ranged from 60 to 2,000. In field trials, drones were
      attracted to virgin queens and also, unexpectedly, to physogastric queens.
      Volatiles collected from both virgin and physogastric queens elicited strong
      electoantennogram (EAG) responses from drones. Virgin and physogastric queen
      volatiles were qualitatively similar, but quantitatively different, in chemical
      composition. The queen's abdomen was the principal source of these compounds.
      Isopropyl hexanoate (IPH), the most abundant compound in virgin queen volatiles
      and one of the most abundant in physogastric queen volatiles, was identified as
      one of the compounds that elicited EAG responses and was demonstrated to attract
      drones in a field test.

PMID- 22081303
TI  - Role of androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism length in hypothalamic
      progesterone sensitivity in hyperandrogenic adolescent girls.

PMID- 22081304
TI  - Severity of inducible myocardial ischemia predicts incident acute coronary
      syndromes in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of premature coronary
      artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the severity of inducible ischemia provides incremental
      prognostic information in persons with known or suspected coronary artery disease
      (CAD), its significance for predicting long-term CAD outcomes in apparently
      healthy populations is unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the presence
      and degree of myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic siblings of persons with
      premature CAD <60 years of age and to determine its significance for predicting
      incident acute coronary syndromes (ACS) during follow-up of 5 to 25 years.
      METHODS: Siblings (n = 1,287, age 30-59 years, 55% female) were screened for
      traditional risk factors, underwent exercise treadmill testing with nuclear
      perfusion imaging, and were followed for the development of ACS (mean follow-up
      11.6 +/- 5.1 years). The severity of ischemia was assessed by semiquantitative
      methods using the standard 17-segment model and then categorized by the percent
      maximal summed stress score as none (0%), minimal (1% to <5%), mild (5% to 10%),
      moderate (10% to 15%), or severe (>=15%). RESULTS: ACS occurred in 132 subjects
      (10.3%) and included sudden cardiac death (n = 13), acute MI (n = 62), and
      unstable angina with revascularization (n = 57). The presence of no (88%),
      minimal (6%), mild (5%), and moderate/severe (1%) ischemia was associated with an
      ACS incidence of 8.3%, 19.7%, 25.0%, and 38.9%, respectively (P < .0001 for
      trend). Kaplan-Meier event-free survival analyses by myocardial ischemia severity
      categories showed that even minimal and mild myocardial ischemia were associated
      with greater ACS incidence detectable as early as 2 years after baseline. A Cox
      proportional hazard model, adjusted for risk factors and follow-up time, showed
      that each 5% increment in the severity of ischemia resulted in a 77% increase in
      the hazard of incident ACS (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Inducible myocardial ischemia
      is prevalent in asymptomatic siblings of persons with early onset CAD. Most
      ischemia is minimal or mild in severity, and although the severity of ischemia is
      associated with the risk of ACS in a graded fashion, the presence of even minimal
      and mild perfusion defects predicts worse CAD outcomes in this population.

PMID- 22081305
TI  - A highly elastic and adhesive gelatin tissue sealant for gastrointestinal surgery
      and colon anastomosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We describe the development of a highly elastic and adhesive surgical
      tissue sealant, based on photochemically crosslinked gelatin, for sealing sutured
      incisions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in a rabbit surgical model and in a
      canine colon anastomosis study. METHODS: The study included in vitro assessment
      of mechanical parameters of the tissue sealant and in vivo analysis of burst
      strength and histology at 24 h, 3 days and 7 days post surgery, in a rabbit
      model, to assess progress of wound healing at the suture sites. Utility of this
      sealant to repair and seal a lower colonic resection and anastomosis procedure in
      a canine model was also investigated. RESULTS: We show that a photopolymerised
      gelatin tissue sealant provides effective sealing of GI incisions and facilitates
      wound healing with no evidence of inflammation up to 28 days post-surgery.
      Blending of derivatised gelatin with underivatised gelatin allowed tuning of
      elasticity and elastic modulus of the photopolymerised sealant to suit surgical
      applications. High tissue adhesive strength was maintained at all blend ratios
      and exceeded 100 kPa. CONCLUSIONS: This highly elastic and adhesive
      photopolymerised gelatin tissue sealant offers a number of advantages over
      currently available sealants suitable for GI surgical procedures.

PMID- 22081306
TI  - An examination of the thermodynamics of fusion, vaporization, and sublimation of
      ibuprofen and naproxen by correlation gas chromatography.
AB  - The vaporization enthalpies of (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen measured by
      correlation gas chromatography at T = 298.15 K are reported and compared with
      literature values. Adjustment of the fusion enthalpies of (RS)- and (S)-ibuprofen
      and (S)-naproxen to T = 298.15 K and combined with the vaporization enthalpy of
      the (S)-enantiomer of both ibuprofen and naproxen also at T = 298.15 K resulted
      in the sublimation enthalpies of both (S)-enantiomers. On the assumption that the
      vaporization enthalpy of the racemic form of ibuprofen is within the experimental
      uncertainty of the chiral form, the sublimation enthalpy of racemic ibuprofen was
      also evaluated. The vaporization and sublimation enthalpies compare favorably to
      the most of the literature values for the racemic form of ibuprofen but differ
      from the value reported for chiral ibuprofen. The literature values of (S)
      naproxen are somewhat smaller than the values measured in this work. The
      following vaporization enthalpies were measured for (S)-ibuprofen and (S)
      naproxen, respectively: DeltaH(vap) (298.15 K), 106.0 +/- 5.5, 132.2 +/- 5.0
      kJ.mol(-1) . Sublimation enthalpies of 122.7 +/- 5.6 and 155.2 +/- 7.1 kJ.mol(-1)
      were calculated for the (S)-enantiomers of ibuprofen and naproxen and a value of
      128.9 +/- 5.8 kJ.mol(-1) was estimated for the racemic form of ibuprofen.

PMID- 22081307
TI  - Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri as expression systems:
      evaluation of different origins of replication for the design of suitable shuttle
      vectors.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to establish transformation protocols for
      Lactobacillus plantarum CD033 and Lactobacillus buchneri CD034, two industrial
      silage strains and to test the influence of selected origins of replication on
      plasmid copy number, plasmid stability, and plasmid incompatibility in these
      strains. Electro-transformation protocols were optimized by examination of the
      influence of different electroporation solutions and cell wall weakening agents
      on transformation efficiency. Using Lithium acetate as cell wall weakening agent,
      we could achieve transformation efficiencies of 8 * 10(4) transformants per 1 MUg
      DNA for L. buchneri CD034 which is to our knowledge the highest described for
      this species up to now. In order to test feasibility of previously described
      origins of replication derived from Bacillus subtilis, L. plantarum, Lactococcus
      lactis, and two novel L. buchneri CD034 plasmids to drive replication in our two
      selected Lactobacillus strains, six shuttle vectors were constructed. Results
      indicate that, in terms of stable propagation and high gene copy numbers (up to
      238 copies/chromosome), the most suitable origins of replication for the
      construction of expression vectors for the selected silage strains were the ones
      derived from the novel L. buchneri CD034 plasmids.

PMID- 22081308
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea and the metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22081309
TI  - CD15+/CD16low human granulocytes from terminal cancer patients: granulocytic
      myeloid-derived suppressor cells that have suppressive function.
AB  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a subpopulation of myeloid cells
      with immunosuppressive function whose numbers are increased in conditions such as
      chronic infection, trauma, and cancer. Unlike murine MDSCs defined as CD11b(+)/Gr
      1(+), there are no specific markers for human MDSCs. The goal of this study was
      to delineate a specific human MDSCs subpopulation in granulocytes from terminal
      cancer patients and investigate its clinical implications. Here, we show that the
      CD15(+)/CD16(low) subset was increased in terminal cancer patients compared with
      healthy donors (P = 0.009). Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-activated
      granulocytes (CD16(low)/CD66b(++)/CD15(+)) that have a phenotype similar to MDSCs
      from cancer patients, effectively suppressed both proliferation and cytotoxicity
      of normal T cells. Among cancer patients, T-cell proliferation was highly
      suppressed by granulocytes isolated from terminal cancer patients with a high
      proportion of CD15(+)/CD16(low) cells. Patients with low peripheral blood levels
      of CD15(+)/CD16(low) cells had significantly longer survival than those with high
      levels (P = 0.0011). Patients with higher levels of CD15(+)/CD16(low) also tended
      to have poor performance status (P = 0.05). These data suggest that
      CD15(+)/CD16(low) granulocytes found in terminal cancer patients may play a role
      in the progression of cancer by inhibiting tumor immunity.

PMID- 22081310
TI  - Podoplanin expression during dysplasia-carcinoma sequence in the oral cavity.
AB  - Human podoplanin, a type-1 transmembrane sialomucin-like glycoprotein, is
      involved in cell migration, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. However, the
      role of the protein in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been unclear and
      immunohistochemical reactivity for podoplanin differs from organ-to-organ. In the
      present study, immunohistochemical and molecular biological analyses were
      performed to examine the importance of podoplanin expression in oral precancerous
      and cancerous lesions and metastases. We immunohistochemically investigated the
      expression of podoplanin in 103 precancerous lesions, 69 primary oral squamous
      cell carcinomas (OSCCs), and 32 metastases, and that of E-cadherin and vimentin
      in primary OSCCs with metastasis. Furthermore, human OSCC-derived cell lines
      preincubated with fibrous growth factor-basic, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and
      tumor growth factor-beta1 were subjected to real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. Immunoreactivity for podoplanin was detected in 89
      (86.4%) of the precancerous lesions and the intensity was correlated with the
      degree of epithelial dysplasia (P = 0.016). Enhanced podoplanin expression was
      observed in 66 (95.7%) of the OSCCs and was significantly associated with a poor
      pathologic grade of differentiation (P = 0.020). Epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition was observed in 18 (58.1%) of the primary OSCCs with metastasis to
      regional lymph nodes. Messenger RNA for podoplanin was markedly increased after
      treatment with EGF in three OSCC cell lines. The present findings suggest that
      podoplanin is associated with tumor development via the oral dysplasia-carcinoma
      sequence and could be involved in a signaling pathway governing tumor growth and
      invasion in OSCC.

PMID- 22081311
TI  - SOCS5 and SOCS6 have similar expression patterns in normal and cancer tissues.
AB  - In the present study, we investigated mRNA expression patterns of both SOCS5 and
      SOCS6 in various normal and cancer tissues using a commercially available Cancer
      Profiling Array. We found that SOCS5 and SOCS6 had similar expression patterns in
      most cancer and healthy individuals, suggesting that these two genes are
      transcriptionally co-regulated. Tissue-specific up- or down-regulation of SOCS5
      and SOCS6 was observed in several cancer tissues. Most importantly, thyroid gland
      cancer tissues exhibited large reductions of both SOCS5 and SOCS6 expressions. In
      addition, mRNA and protein levels of SOCS6 were down-regulated in liver cancer
      tissues. The results from our study may contribute to understanding SOCS5 and
      SOCS6 expression regulation in various cancer tissues, and show that these two
      factors may be used for diagnosing cancer.

PMID- 22081312
TI  - Purification and biochemical characterization of an organic-solvent-tolerant
      thioredoxin from dromedary pancreas.
AB  - We purified to homogeneity and characterized a heat stable thioredoxin which
      catalyzes thiol/disulfide exchange reaction, for the first time from dromedary
      pancreas. The purification involved heat and acidic treatment (90  degrees C; pH
      2.5), precipitation by ammonium sulphate and ethanol, respectively followed by
      sequential column chromatography reverse HPLC column, and it resulted in an
      apparently pure protein after a 217-fold purification with a final yield of 55%
      of the initial thioredoxin activity. The thioredoxin preparation obtained was
      homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the presence of
      valine as the only NHt-terminal amino acid. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed
      that the protein has a molecular mass of 11,302.9 Da. The first 40 amino-acid
      residues at the N-terminal extremity of purified DrTrx was determined by
      automatic Edman degradation and showed a high sequence homology with known
      Thioredoxin. It contained he tetrapeptide-Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys-, which constitutes the
      active site of mammalian thioredoxins. DrTrx activity was compatible with the
      presence of organic solvents and the maximum activity appeared at pH 7.5 using
      the insulin precipitation assay. Thioredoxin stability in the presence of organic
      solvents, as well as in acidic and alkaline pHs and at high temperatures makes it
      a good candidate for its application in pharmaceutical and food industry.

PMID- 22081313
TI  - Isolation of galectin-1 from human platelets: its interaction with actin.
AB  - Galectins are a family of animal lectins defined by their beta-galactoside
      binding specificity and a consensus sequence in their carbohydrate-recognition
      domain. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is expressed as a non-covalently linked homodimer
      present in a variety of tissues. Here we describe its isolation from human
      platelets by a procedure involving ionic exchange chromatography and affinity
      chromatography on lactose-agarose. Platelet Gal-1 co-purifies with actin, forming
      an actin-Gal-1 complex which does no dissociate even after treatment with sodium
      dodecyl sulfate. The presence of both proteins was confirmed by Western blot and
      by trypsin digestion followed by mass spectrometry identification. By
      hemagglutination assays we studied the response of recombinant Gal-1/actin, mixed
      and pre-incubated in different proportions, and then tested against neuraminidase
      treated rabbit red blood cells. The complex formation was confirmed by confocal
      microscopy, showing that both proteins co-localised in resting platelets as well
      as in thrombin-activated ones. These results suggest that endogenous Gal-1 forms
      an intracellular complex with monomeric actin and that, after platelet
      activation, Gal-1 could play a role in the polymerization-depolymerization
      process of actin, which concludes in platelet aggregation.

PMID- 22081314
TI  - Are ICSI adolescents at risk for increased adiposity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Puberty is a critical period for the development of cardio-metabolic
      disturbances, including a more central body fat distribution. It is still unclear
      if IVF and more specifically ICSI, can permanently and detrimentally affect body
      fat accumulation in the human offspring. Therefore, adiposity and body fat
      distribution in 14-year-old adolescents born after ICSI were investigated.
      METHODS: Body composition data, including anthropometry (weight, height and BMI),
      skinfold thicknesses (peripheral: triceps and biceps skinfolds; central: supra
      iliacal and subscapular skinfolds; total: sum of the four skinfolds) and
      circumferences (waist, mid-upper arm) were compared between 217 ICSI singletons
      (116 boys, 101 girls) and 223 singletons (115 boys, 108 girls) born after
      spontaneous conception (SC). ICSI teenagers were part of a previously published
      ICSI cohort followed since birth; SC controls were recruited from schools in the
      surroundings. RESULTS: Among all boys, no differences in body composition
      measurements were found between the ICSI and SC group, taking into account
      confounding variables. In boys with more advanced pubertal stages, a
      significantly higher sum of peripheral skinfolds was found in the ICSI group
      compared with the SC group (difference 3.5 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.3-6.6).
      In girls, peripheral adiposity assessed by skinfolds and mid-upper arm
      circumference, and central adiposity assessed by skinfolds and waist
      circumference as well as total adiposity assessed by BMI, the sum of four
      skinfold thicknesses and skinfold-derived body fat percentage were significantly
      higher in the ICSI group compared with the SC group, taking into account
      confounding variables (all P< 0.05). Neither parental nor early life factors
      could explain the differences. CONCLUSIONS: We found that pubertal ICSI girls
      were more prone to central, peripheral and total adiposity compared with their SC
      counterparts. ICSI adolescents with advanced pubertal stages showed more
      peripheral adiposity. Continued monitoring of body fat patterns in adolescents
      born after fertility treatment is mandatory in order to assess their risk for
      developing obesity and its related adverse health effects in adulthood.

PMID- 22081315
TI  - Concerted evolution of satellite DNA in Sarcocapnos: a matter of time.
AB  - SarkOne is a genus-specific satellite-DNA family, isolated from the genomes of
      the species of the genus Sarcocapnos. This satellite DNA is composed of repeats
      with a consensus length of 855 bp and a mean G+C content of 52.5%. We have
      sequenced a total of 189 SarkOne monomeric repeats belonging to a total of seven
      species of the genus Sarcocapnos. The comparative analysis of these sequences
      both at the intraspecific and the interspecific levels have revealed divergence
      patterns between species are proportional to between-species divergence according
      to the phylogeny of the genus. Our study demonstrates that the molecular drive
      leading to the concerted-evolution pattern of this satellite DNA is a time
      dependent process by which new mutations are spreading through genomes and
      populations at a gradual pace. However, time is a limiting factor in the
      observation of concerted evolution in some pairwise comparisons. Thus, pairwise
      comparisons of species sharing a recent common ancestor did not reveal nucleotide
      sites in transitional stages higher than stage III according to the Strachan's
      model. By contrast, there was a gradation in the percentage of upper transition
      stages (IV, V, VI) the more phylogenetically distant the species were. In
      addition, closely related species shared a high number of polymorphic sites, but
      these types of sites were not common when comparing more distant species. All
      these data are discussed in the light of current life-cycle models of satellite
      DNA evolution.

PMID- 22081316
TI  - Effect of adaptation strategies when feeding fresh cassava foliage on intake and
      physiological responses of lambs.
AB  - The objective of the experiment was to study different adaptation strategies to
      avoid HCN intoxication when feeding fresh cassava foliage to sheep. Twenty-four
      Phan Rang lambs (initial weight = 19.6 kg at 5.5 months of age) were used in the
      study. The four experimental diets contained guinea grass (Panicum maximum)
      supplemented with concentrate at 1.5% of body weight (BW) as dry matter (DM)
      (control) or supplemented with fresh cassava foliage (FCF) that was introduced
      into the diet with an adaptation period of 0 (FCF-0), 7 (FCF-7) or 21 (FCF-21)
      days before reaching the target feeding level of 2% of BW. The average intake of
      FCF expressed as DM was not different amongst the supplemented treatments and
      ranged from 1.4 to 1.5% of BW but gradually increased during the first 7 days
      without any adaptation. The hydrogen cyanide consumed varied from 5.1 to 5.4
      mg/kg BW and no difference between treatments with cassava foliage in the diet
      was found. The live weight gain was significantly higher in the treatments
      control and FCF-7 compared to FCF-21. No significant differences in heart rate,
      respiration rate and rumen movement were found between diets. The thiocyanate
      concentration in the urine of the lambs increased concomitantly with the increase
      in fresh cassava foliage offered during the first part of the experiment. In
      conclusion, an adaptation period of approximately 7 days seems to be favourable
      in combined diets where cassava foliage is offered in quantities up to 2% of BW.
      This level of intake could enhance the intake and LWG of the lambs without any
      documented effects on heart rate, respiration rate or rumen movements.

PMID- 22081317
TI  - Biodiversity and prevalence of parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia
      domestica) in a selected semiarid zone of South Khorasan, Iran.
AB  - Five species of nematodes and cestodes were collected from alimentary canals of
      pigeons: the nematodes were two species: Ascaridia colombae (16.66%) and Hadjelia
      truncata (1.96%), while the cestodes were Cotugnia digonopora (13.79%),
      Raillietina magninumida (18.62%) and Raillietina achinobothridia (32.35%); fecal
      examination revealed: Eimeria spp. (40.19%) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (2.94%);
      and blood smears showed: Haemoproteus cloumbae (47/05%); in mouth, throat and
      larynx: Trichomonans gallinae (57.84%); four species of ectoparasites were
      collected from feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: feathers:
      Pseudolynchia canariensis (63.72%), Columbicola columbae (79.41%), Menopen
      gallinea (44.11%); subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola (1.96%). From
      the parasitic fauna identified in this study, it is imperative to institute an
      integrated parasitic control through constant changing of litter, regular use of
      antihelminthics, anticoccidials and dusting of birds with pesticides.

PMID- 22081318
TI  - Management, productivity and livelihood effects on Kenyan smallholder dairy farms
      from interventions addressing animal health and nutrition and milk quality.
AB  - We aimed to describe the management and productivity of this group of smallholder
      dairy farmers in Kenya at the beginning of an intervention program and to
      document relevant observed changes in the 3rd year of the intervention. A 3-year
      intervention program, focused on management of animal health and nutrition, and
      milk quality, was implemented by one Kenyan and two Canadian non-governmental
      organizations (one university based) to help improve the milk production and
      livelihoods of Kenyan smallholder dairy farmers (primarily women). Thirty farmers
      were enrolled and completed questionnaires at the start and end of the project.
      Focus groups were also conducted to obtain qualitative information on livelihood
      effects from the program. In 2004, 70% of the eligible youngstock (more than 15
      months of age) were pregnant, and cows had a long average days-in-milk of 240
      days. External parasites, poor hygiene, and long claws were not uncommon among
      cows, and 37% and 20% of the farms reported clinical intestinal parasitism and
      diarrhea in youngstock. In 2006, there were significant improvements in the
      proportion of farms planting high-protein forages, farms using better milking
      procedures, and on-farm milk storage methods. The reported mastitis incidence
      rate fell from 0.55 to 0.20 cases/cow-year (p < 0.01), and the average number of
      cows and youngstock significantly increased from 1.5 and 0.9 to 2.9 and 2.6,
      respectively. There were reported improvements in the livelihoods among the
      member families. The partnership-based intervention program significantly
      improved management and productivity of this group of smallholder dairy farmers
      in rural Kenya, leading to reported livelihood benefits.

PMID- 22081319
TI  - Reproductive performance in sows in relation to Japanese Encephalitis Virus
      seropositivity in an endemic area.
AB  - Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is considered an important reproductive
      pathogen in pigs. Most studies of the reproductive impact of JEV have been
      conducted in areas where the disease occurs in seasonal epidemics. In this study,
      the associations between seropositivity for JEV, measured with an IgG ELISA, and
      the number of piglets born alive and stillborn were investigated in a tropical
      area endemic for JEV in Vietnam. Sixty percent of sows from four farms in the
      Mekong delta of Vietnam were seropositive to JEV and the Odds Ratio for a sow
      being infected was highest (6.4) in sows above 3.5 years (95% confidence interval
      2.2-18.3). There was an association between increasing Optical Density (OD)
      values from the ELISA and the number of stillborn piglets in sows less than 1.5
      years, but no effect of seropositivity could be shown when all sows were studied.
      OD values had an effect (p = 0.04) on the number of piglets born alive in the
      statistical analysis only when interacting with the effect of the breeds. An
      increase in mean OD value of the herd was correlated (p < 0.0001) with an
      increase in the number of piglets born alive. In this study, there was evidence
      of a negative association between seropositivity for JEV and the reproductive
      performance only in sows less than 1.5 years in endemic areas. This could be
      explained by a year-round infection with the virus, which would lead to immunity
      in many gilts before their first pregnancy. This, in turn, may imply that JEV
      infection in pigs is of minor importance for the reproductive performance in
      endemic areas.

PMID- 22081320
TI  - Allopregnanolone potentiates the glutamate-mediated seizures induced by 4
      aminopyridine in rat hippocampus in vivo.
AB  - Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system can be
      modulated by neurosteroids. We previously found that in rat hippocampal slices
      allopregnanolone (3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one), a positive GABA(A)
      receptor modulator, suppresses the epileptic discharges induced by 4
      aminopyridine (4-AP), a convulsant K(+) channel blocker that stimulates glutamate
      release. Here, we tested the action of allopregnanolone on the epileptogenic and
      excitotoxic effects of the intrahippocampal administration of 4-AP in vivo. Drugs
      were perfused by a microdialysis cannula-electrode in the dorsal hippocampus and
      the EEG was recorded. Extracellular levels of aspartate, glutamate and GABA were
      analyzed by HPLC in the microdialysis fractions, and 24 h after the experiment
      the hippocampus was studied histologically. 4-AP induced intense epileptic
      discharges, increased the extracellular levels of aspartate, glutamate, and GABA
      by 383, 420, and 245%, respectively, and produced a notable neurodegeneration in
      CA1 and CA3 areas. Allopregnanolone administration alone did not affect the
      electrical activity, amino acids levels or cellular morphology, but when co
      infused with 4-AP incremented 55-77% the duration of the epileptic discharges,
      and potentiated 32-49% the release of glutamate in comparison with 4-AP alone.
      The 4-AP-induced neurodegeneration was not modified by allopregnanolone. The NMDA
      receptor antagonist MK-801 protected against the epilepsy and neurodegeneration
      produced by 4-AP, and allopregnanolone did not affect this protection. We
      conclude that, differently from the observations in vitro, allopregnanolone
      potentiated the stimulatory effect of 4-AP on glutamate release and that this may
      explain the potentiation of the epileptogenic effect of 4-AP in vivo.

PMID- 22081321
TI  - Protein deprivation attenuates Hsp expression in fat tissue.
AB  - For ruminants, dietary protein is the first limiting component to the utilization
      of low-quality forage. Throughout gestation, low-protein intake may result in
      prenatal programming that causes various metabolic disturbances and physiological
      modulations to dams and their developing embryos. We studied the effect of long
      term low-protein diet (LPD) on physiological, biochemical, and molecular
      parameters of the energy status in gestating beef cows. LPD resulted in
      significant reductions in feed intake and heart rate and promoted a negative
      retained energy status already after 3 weeks. Elevated levels of plasma
      creatinine and non-esterified fatty acids indicate endogenous degradation of fat
      and protein as a response to the demands in energy and nitrogen. Increasing
      levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate confirmed the negative energy status obtained by
      the physiological measurements. At the molecular level, subcutaneous fat, Hsp90,
      Hsp70, and proteasome subunits decreased significantly after 3 months on LPD, in
      parallel with an increase of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein. These results
      may indicate a decrease in turn-over of proteins, at the cost of induced
      lipolysis, and suggest that the response to protein deprivation, when examined in
      an energy-storing tissue, includes downregulation of the constitutive heat shock
      proteins involved in the protein degradation pathway of energy production and
      upregulation of tissue-specific genes such as those involved in energy production
      from fat degradation.

PMID- 22081322
TI  - Simultaneous transcatheter aortic and mitral valve-in-valve implantation in a
      patient with degenerated bioprostheses and high surgical risk.
AB  - Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation is evolving as a promising alternative
      to reoperative valve replacement in selected high-risk patients, considering the
      increasing need for redo surgery due to bioprosthetic degeneration in the future.
      Reoperative double valve replacements are particularly associated with an
      elevated surgical risk. The transapical access provides the opportunity to
      approach the aortic and mitral valves during one intervention. We report the case
      of a successful transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation in the aortic and
      mitral position within a single procedure.

PMID- 22081323
TI  - Inflammatory response in transapical transaortic valve replacement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) has become a fast
      growing alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement (cAVR) particularly
      for patients burdened with serious comorbidities. We investigated whether the
      inflammatory response triggered by TA-AVI reflects the less invasive nature of
      this procedure. METHOD: In this prospective observational study 25 patients
      undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR; 15 cAVR and 10 TA-AVI) were included.
      Serial plasma cytokine concentrations (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were measured by
      commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits at six different
      time points before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS: Plasma levels of all
      three cytokines increased during and after both procedures and returned to
      baseline before the patient's discharge. Peak values of IL-6 were 258 +/- 113
      pg/mL in AVR patients versus 111 +/- 101 pg/mL in TA-AVI patients and were
      reached 12 hours after surgery. For IL-8, peak values were 51 +/- 29 pg/mL 1 hour
      after surgery in AVR patients versus 15 +/- 20 pg/mL on wound closure in TA-AVI
      patients. Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly reduced in the TA-AVI
      group as compared with cAVR. IL-10 is markedly activated in both groups yet its
      induction is more prominent in AVR patients with peak values of 51 +/- 28 pg/mL
      for AVR versus 24 +/- 18 pg/mL for TA-AVI on wound closure. CONCLUSION: TA-AVI
      compared with cAVR results in a significant reduction but not elimination of a
      systemic inflammatory response, which is attributable to cardiopulmonary bypass
      dependent and bypass-independent factors.

PMID- 22081324
TI  - Decarboxylation of ferulic acid to 4-vinyl guaiacol by Streptomyces setonii.
AB  - 4-vinyl guaiacol (3-methoxy 4-hydroxystyrene) can be obtained by decarboxylation
      of ferulic acid by the strain Streptomyces setonii ATCC 39116. The formation of
      this metabolite was favoured by microaerobic conditions and the culture medium
      employed, increasing progressively the product concentration from 543.3 up to
      885.1 mg/l when aeration level was diminished, reaching a highest volumetric
      productivity of 70.4 mg/l h and a product yield of 1.11 mol/mol. The identity of
      the metabolite was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A metabolic
      study of ferulic acid and the main degradation products (ferulic acid, 4-vinyl
      guaiacol, protocatechuic acid, vanillyl alcohol, vanillic acid and vanillin)
      suggested that ferulic acid was the only substrate capable to be transformed into
      4-vinyl guaiacol by this strain of S. setonii.

PMID- 22081325
TI  - Adding value to the oil cake as a waste from oil processing industry: production
      of lipase and protease by Candida utilis in solid state fermentation.
AB  - Olive oil cake is a by-product from the olive oil processing industry and can be
      used for the lipase and protease production by Candida utilis in solid state
      fermentation. Different carbon and nitrogen sources were evaluated, and the
      results showed that the supplementation of the substrate with maltose and starch
      as carbon sources and yeast extract as a nitrogen source significantly increased
      the lipase production. The best results were obtained with maltose, whereas
      rather low lipase and protease activities were found with glucose and oleic acid.
      Response surface methodology and a five-level-three-factor central composite
      rotatable design were used to evaluate the effects of the initial moisture
      content, inoculum size and fermentation time on both lipase and protease activity
      levels. A lipase activity value of ~25 U g(-1) and a protease activity value of
      110 U g(-1) were obtained under the optimized fermentation conditions. An
      alkaline treatment of the substrate appeared to be efficient, leading to
      increases of 39% and 133% in the lipase and protease production, respectively.
      The results showed that the olive cake could be a good source for enzyme
      production by solid state fermentation.

PMID- 22081326
TI  - Development of Saccharomyces cerevisiae producing higher levels of sulfur dioxide
      and glutathione to improve beer flavor stability.
AB  - Sulfur compounds, such as sulfite (SO(2)), hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), and
      glutathione (GSH), play different roles in beer flavor stability. SO(2) and GSH
      have antiaging effects which are helpful to improve the flavor stability of beer,
      whereas H(2)S is undesirable to beer flavor because of its unpleasant aroma.
      Here, we report the development of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which produces higher
      levels of SO(2) and GSH but lower level of H(2)S to improve beer flavor stability
      by nongenetic engineering approaches. After two rounds of UV mutagenesis coupled
      with specific plate screening methods, one promising mutant named MV16 was
      obtained. Compared with the original strain, the SO(2) and GSH production of MV16
      in fermenting liquor increased by 31% and 30.2%, respectively, while H(2)S
      content decreased by 74.9%, and the DPPH radical clearance and the resistance
      staling value of beer fermented by MV16 increased by 24.6% and 33.0%,
      respectively. The antioxidizability of the mutant was improved significantly. The
      strategy adopted in our study could be used to obtain S. cerevisiae of improved
      antiaging properties, and the mutant would be safe for public use.

PMID- 22081327
TI  - Purification and characterization of a mannose recognition lectin from
      Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia fish): cytokine production in mice splenocytes.
AB  - The aim of this work was to purify and partially characterize a mannose
      recognition lectin from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) serum, named OniL.
      OniL was isolated through precipitation with ammonium sulfate and affinity
      chromatography (Concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B). In addition, we evaluated
      carbohydrate specificity, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profiles, and in vitro immunomodulatory activity on
      mice splenocyte experimental cultures through cytotoxic assays and cytokine
      production. The ammonium sulfate fraction F2 showed the highest specific
      hemagglutinating activity (331) and was applied to affinity matrix. Adsorbed
      proteins (OniL) were eluted with methyl-alpha-D: -mannopyranoside. OniL, a 17-kDa
      protein by SDS-PAGE constituted by subunits of 11 and 6.6 kDa, showed highest
      affinity for methyl-alpha-D: -mannopyranoside and D: -mannose. Immunological
      assays, in vitro, showed that OniL did not show cytotoxicity against splenocytes,
      induced higher IFN-gamma production and lower IL-10 as well as nitrite release.
      In conclusion, OniL lectin was successfully purified and showed a preferential
      Th1 response in mice splenocytes.

PMID- 22081328
TI  - Determination of dimethyl phthalate in environment water samples by a highly
      sensitive indirect competitive ELISA.
AB  - Recent controversy over the discovery of clouding agents containing the banned
      chemical di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in beverages in 2011 in Taiwan has caused
      public concerns. For the detection of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in environment
      water samples, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic
      ELISA) was developed in this paper. Dimethyl 4-aminophthalate (4-DMAP) was
      covalently attached to bovine serum albumin as immunogen by a diazotization
      method. The conjugation of DMAP and ovalbumin as coating antigen was obtained in
      the same way. Polyclonal antibody was obtained from New Zealand white rabbits.
      Under the optimized conditions, DMP was detected in the concentration range of
      0.02-419 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.01 ng/mL. The proposed method has been
      applied to the analysis of river water, lake water, and rain water samples.
      Satisfactory recoveries were obtained ranging from 90.6% to 105.5%. The cross
      reactivities of the anti-DMP antibody to seven structurally related phthalate
      esters were below 10%. The data demonstrated that the ic-ELISA method described
      in our study is a simple, sensitive, and specific method and showed that this
      assay is a reliable tool to detect DMP in water samples.

PMID- 22081329
TI  - An optimum fermentation model established by genetic algorithm for
      biotransformation from crude polydatin to resveratrol.
AB  - Natural resveratrol is widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetic because of its
      pharmacological properties. Due to its low content in plants, this study was
      conducted to increase the yield of resveratrol by microorganism transformation.
      Fungi Aspergillus niger AN-2436 was employed in biotransformation to produce
      resveratrol from polydatin, and genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the
      fermentation conditions. A transformation ratio of higher than 95% was achieved
      in the following conditions: culture temperature of 30.3  degrees C, inoculum
      size of 20% (v/v), rotating speed of 147 rpm, and cultivation time of 36 h.
      Compared with the polydatin absorbance under the experimental conditions obtained
      by single-factor, orthogonal experiments and average absorbance, the GA provides
      the optimum experimental conditions, under which the largest transformation rate
      was achieved. The final transformation product obtained was identified as
      resveratrol, and it was proved by high-performance liquid chromatography,
      infrared, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance.

PMID- 22081330
TI  - Production and characteristics of the whole-cell lipase from organic solvent
      tolerant Burkholderia sp. ZYB002.
AB  - The thermostable and organic solvent tolerant whole-cell lipase (WCL) was
      produced by Burkholderia sp. ZYB002 with broad spectrum organic solvent
      tolerance. The production medium of the WCL was primarily optimized, which
      resulted in the maximum activity of 22.8 U/mL and the 5.1-fold increase of the
      WCL yield. The optimized culture medium was as follows (% w/v or v/v): soybean
      meal 2, soybean oil 0.5, manganese sulfate 0.1, K(2)HPO(4) 0.1, olive oil 0.5,
      initial pH 6.0, inoculum density 2, liquid volume 35 mL in 250-mL Erlenmeyer
      flask, and incubation time 24 h. The biochemical characterization of the WCL from
      Burkholderia sp. ZYB002 was determined, and the results showed that the optimal
      pH and temperature for lipolytic activity of the WCL was 8.0 and 65 degrees C,
      respectively. The WCL was stable at temperature up to 70 degrees C for 1 h and
      retained 79.2% of its original activity. The WCL was highly stable in the pH
      range from 3.0 to 8.5 for 6 h. Ca(2+), K(+), Na(+), NO (3) (-) , etc. ions
      stimulated its lipolytic activity, whereas Zn(2+) ion caused inhibition effect.
      The WCL was also relatively stable in n-butanol at a final concentration of 50%
      (v/v) for 24 h. However, the WCL was strongly inhibited in Triton X-100 at a
      final concentration of 10% (v/v). The WCL with thermal resistance and organic
      solvent tolerance showed its great potential in various green industrial chemical
      processes.

PMID- 22081331
TI  - A laccase of Fomes durissimus MTCC-1173 and its role in the conversion of
      methylbenzene to benzaldehyde.
AB  - A laccase has been purified from the liquid culture growth medium containing
      bagasse particles of Fomes durissimus. The method involved concentration of the
      culture filtrate by ultrafiltration and anion exchange chromatography on diethyl
      aminoethyl cellulose. The sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis both
      gave single protein band indicating that the enzyme preparation was pure. The
      molecular mass of the purified laccase determined from SDS-PAGE analysis was 75
      kDa. Using 2,6-dimethoxyphenol as the substrate, the determined K (m) and k (cat)
      values of the laccase are 182 MUM and 0.35 s(-1), respectively, giving a k
      (cat)/K (m) value of 1.92 * 10(3) M(-1) s(-1). The pH and temperature optimum
      were 4.0 and 35  degrees C, respectively. The purified laccase has yellow colour
      and does not show absorption band around 610 nm found in blue laccases. Moreover,
      it transformed methylbenzene to benzaldehyde in the absence of mediator
      molecules, property exhibited by yellow laccases.

PMID- 22081332
TI  - Genotypes and allele frequencies of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
      insertion/deletion polymorphism among Bahraini population with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus and related diseases.
AB  - Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, of a 287-bp Alu repetitive sequence in
      intron 16 of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been shown to be
      associated with different types of diseases and has been widely investigated in
      different populations with different ethnic origins. Various reports were
      published suggesting inter-ethnic variations in the frequency of allelic forms of
      the ACE gene. The goal of this study was to test the distribution of alleles and
      the different genotypes of ACE (I/D) polymorphism in Bahraini subjects and
      compare the results with those obtained from other population studies. The
      Bahraini population is an Arabic peninsula population with a high prevalence of
      T2DM and hypertension. A total of 560 unrelated Bahraini individuals were
      recruited in this study and the presence (insertion)/absence (deletion) (I/D)
      polymorphism of a 287-bp Alu1 element inside intron 16 of the ACE gene was done
      by PCR-based assays and the presence or absence of the genotypes were analyzed by
      the gel electrophoresis. The distribution of II, ID, and DD genotypes showed
      differences among Bahraini subjects, and the frequency of the D allele was
      significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the studied group. The results obtained for
      the D allele are consistent with those obtained from previous studies among
      Arabs, Africans, and Caucasians, but differs significantly (P < 0.05) from those
      in Japanese and Chinese, thus proving the ethnic variation in the distribution of
      the ACE alleles in different populations.

PMID- 22081333
TI  - Diverse H. pylori strains, IL-10 promoter polymorphisms with high morbidity of
      gastric cancer in Hexi area of Gansu Province, China.
AB  - In Hexi area of Gansu Province, people have a higher susceptibility of gastric
      cancer than people in the rest area of China. There is substantial geographic
      variation in the incidence of gastric cancer. In this article, the present author
      explored the roles of H. pylori infection and IL-10 promoter polymorphisms in
      development of gastric cancer in this area. A total of 304 participants were
      admitted to our study, and they were divided into two groups: control group and
      case group. Blood samples from all subjects were collected for gene extraction
      using DNA extraction kits. IL-10 polymorphisms were determined by SNaPshot
      Multiplex. To test H. pylori infection and its typing H. pylori antibody
      Immunoblotting Kits were used. This research suggested that environmental factor
      played an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma in the area, H.
      pylori infection increased the risk of gastric cancer (OR = 2.612, 95% CI 1.636
      4.170) and subject with H. pylori I-type positive was at significantly higher
      risk for progression to gastric cancer (OR = 4.712, 95% CI 2.656-8.537). For
      subjects with the ATA/GCC or GCC/GCC haplotype of the IL-10-1082/-819/-592
      polymorphism relative to the ATA/ATA haplotype group, the risk of gastric cancer
      development was significantly increased. It has been demonstrated that the
      presence of IL-10-819 C alleles and IL-10-592 C alleles was associated with an
      increased risk for gastric cancer development in H. pylori-infected patients and
      IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and H. pylori have a synergistic effect on gastric
      cancer in Hexi population.

PMID- 22081334
TI  - Risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes with tumor necrosis factor-alpha 308G/A gene
      polymorphism in metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease subjects.
AB  - Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been implicated in the pathogenesis
      of insulin resistance and obesity. The increased expression of TNF-alpha in
      adipose tissue is known to induce insulin resistance, and a polymorphism at
      position -308 in the promoter region of TNF-alpha gene may lead to its increased
      transcription in adipocytes. The objective of this work was to determine the role
      of TNFalpha-308G/A gene polymorphism in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and coronary
      artery disease (CAD) with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of
      250 MetS and 224 CAD patients and 214 controls were studied. TNFalpha-308G/A
      polymorphism was detected from the whole blood genomic DNA using PCR
      amplification refractory mutation system. The 2 * 2 contingency tables and
      multiple regression analysis were used for determining the association of
      genotypes with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in MetS and CAD
      subjects. In CAD subjects with T2DM, the AG genotypes showed a very strong
      association (P < 0.0001; OR 0.194, 95%CI 0.103-0.365). In CAD subjects with
      obesity, the AA (P = 0.049; OR 2.449) and AG genotypes showed a strong
      association (P < 0.0001; OR 0.206). In both males and females, AG genotype and G
      allele (P < 0.0001) showed a strong association with T2DM. In MetS subjects with
      T2DM, there was a strong association with AG (P = 0.002; OR 4.483) as well as
      AA+AG genotypes (P = 0.002; OR 4.255). The AA and AG genotype (P = 0.001; OR
      5.497) in males showed a strong 4.6- and 5.4-fold risks, respectively, with
      obesity. In females, only AG genotype showed a strong 4.5-fold risk with obesity
      (P = 0.001). In MetS subjects with obesity, the AA genotype (P = 0.043; OR 3.352)
      as well as AG showed a very strong association (P = 0.001; OR 5.011). The AG
      genotypes showed a high 3.5-fold risk with T2DM in females (P = 0.011). In CAD
      subjects, AG genotype showed a protective effect in both obese males and females
      (P < 0.0001). Heterozygous TNFalpha-308G/A gene variant may be an important risk
      factor for MetS with T2DM and obesity in both males and females, but may have a
      protective role in CAD subjects with obesity and T2DM. A allele may be an
      important risk factor for MetS and CAD with obesity as well as CAD subjects with
      T2DM.

PMID- 22081335
TI  - Tumor staging and grading: a primer.
AB  - Cancer staging and grading are used to predict the clinical behavior of
      malignancies, establish appropriate therapies, and facilitate exchange of precise
      information between clinicians. The internationally accepted criteria for cancer
      staging, the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system, includes: (1) tumor size and
      local growth (T); (2) extent of lymph node metastases (N); and (3) occurrence of
      distant metastases (M). Clinical stage is established before initiation of
      therapy and depends on the physical examination, laboratory findings, and imaging
      studies. Pathologic stage is determined following surgical exploration of disease
      spread and histological examination of tissue. The TNM classification system has
      evolved over 50 years to accommodate increasing knowledge about cancer biology.
      Efforts are ongoing to keep the system both synchronized with the most
      sophisticated cancer technology and simple for ease of clinician/patient use.
      Upcoming molecular technologies, such as genomic and proteomic profiling of
      tumors, microRNA profiling, and even ex vivo living tumor tissue treatment, could
      improve the current TNM staging system. This chapter describes the current TNM
      system using breast, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer examples.

PMID- 22081336
TI  - Clinical trial design in the age of molecular profiling.
AB  - The accelerating science of molecular profiling has necessitated a rapid
      evolution in clinical trial design. Traditional clinical research begins with
      Phase I studies to characterize dose-limiting toxicities and defines maximally
      tolerated doses of drugs in small numbers of patients. Traditional Phase II
      studies test these drugs at the doses discovered during Phase I drug development
      in small numbers of patients evaluating efficacy and safety. Phase III studies
      test new therapies to demonstrate improved activity or improved tolerability
      compared with a standard of care regimen or a placebo. The rapid advances in the
      understanding of signal transduction, and the identification of new potential
      diagnostic and therapeutic targets, now require the design and implementation of
      molecular clinical trials that are very different than traditional Phase I, II,
      or III trials. The main differentiating factor is the use of a molecular end
      point to stratify a subset of patients to receive a specific treatment regimen.
      This chapter focuses on the issues surrounding (a) the definition of clinical end
      points and the assessment of tumor response; (b) clinical trial design models to
      define the targeted pathway; and (c) the need for appropriate biomarkers to
      monitor the response.

PMID- 22081337
TI  - Personalized medicine: ethics for clinical trials.
AB  - Modern ethical codes in medicine were developed following World War II to provide
      respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in clinical research. Clinical
      trial medicine involves greater scrutiny than most research activities. In every
      instance, clinical trials have institutional review boards to ensure the medical
      procedure under study complies with regulatory requirements, privacy, informed
      consent, good practices, safety monitoring, adverse events reporting, and is free
      of conflicting interests. Mandatory training in medical ethics for all clinical
      staff is becoming more common, and at some institutions, knowledgeable patient
      advocates play a watchdog role. In personalized medicine, each patient becomes a
      clinical trial of one, based on the uniqueness of the person's illness and the
      relatively tailored treatment. These features imply a shared responsibility
      between the patient and the researchers because uncertainty exists over the
      outcome for each individual patient. This chapter introduces ethical
      considerations using case studies, with historical context, and describes general
      ethical guidelines for initiating a clinical trial.

PMID- 22081338
TI  - Reduction of preanalytical variability in specimen procurement for molecular
      profiling.
AB  - Despite the tremendous perceived value, and the predicted high abundance, of
      disease-associated tissue biomarkers, the number of biomarkers that have been
      validated for routine clinical use is very low. The major roadblock has been the
      sample-to-sample variability and perishability of biomolecules in tissue. A chief
      source of variability is biomolecule perturbation caused by sample handling, the
      time delays following procurement, and the method of preservation. Living tissue
      that has been separated from its blood supply during surgical procurement goes
      through defined stages of reactive changes preceding death, beginning with
      oxidative, hypoxic, and metabolic stress. These reactive fluctuations in the
      tissue biomolecules can occur within 20 min postexcision, and can significantly
      distort the levels of critical diagnostic and prognostic biomolecules. Depending
      on the delay time ex vivo, and manner of handling, protein biomarkers such as
      signal pathway phosphoproteins will be elevated or suppressed in a manner that
      does not represent the biomarker levels at the time of excision. Based on
      analysis of phosphoproteins, one of the most labile tissue protein biomarkers, we
      set forth tissue procurement guidelines for clinical research. We further propose
      the future use of a multipurpose fixative solution designed to stabilize,
      preserve and maintain proteins, nucleic acids, and tissue architecture.

PMID- 22081339
TI  - The human side of cancer biobanking.
AB  - The future success of translational research is critically dependent on the
      procurement and availability of high-quality tissue specimens linked to accurate
      histopathologic and clinical information about the individual banked specimen.
      The international community has awakened to this critical need only recently.
      Three major roadblocks have hindered the success of previous biobank consortiums:
      (1) Ethical issues surrounding patient consent and ownership of intellectual
      property, (2) Failure to properly preserve the molecular content of the tissue,
      and failure to reliably document clinical data linked to the specimen, and (3)
      Management issues: inadequate funding, competition for use of the tissue,
      inadequate personnel and facilities, and absence of dedicated database software.
      This chapter reviews these critical roadblocks and discusses international
      efforts to provide strategies to implement high-quality biobanks.

PMID- 22081340
TI  - Introduction to genomics.
AB  - The science of genomes: only within the past few decades have scientists
      progressed from the analysis of a single or a small number of genes at once to
      the investigation of thousands of genes, going from the study of the units of
      inheritance to the investigation of the whole genome of an organism. The science
      of the genomes, or "genomics," initially dedicated to the determination of DNA
      sequences (the nucleotide order on a given fragment of DNA), has promptly
      expanded toward a more functional level--studying the expression profiles and the
      roles of both genes and proteins. The aim of the chapter is to review some basic
      assumptions and definitions that are the fabric of genomics, and to elucidate key
      concepts and approaches on which genomics rely.

PMID- 22081341
TI  - Genomic profiling: cDNA arrays and oligoarrays.
AB  - The introduction of microarray technology, which is a multiplexed hybridization
      based process, allows simultaneous analysis of a large number of nucleic acid
      transcripts. This massively parallel analysis of a cellular genome will become
      essential for guiding disease diagnosis and molecular profiling of an individual
      patient's tumor. Nucleic acid based microarrays can be used for: gene expression
      profiling, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detection, array-comparative
      genomic hybridizations, comparisons of DNA-methylation status, and microRNA
      evaluation.A multitude of commercial platforms are available to construct and
      analyze the microarrays. Typical workflow for a microarray experiment is:
      preparation of cDNA or gDNA, array construction, hybridization, fluorescent
      detection, and analysis. Since many sources of variability can affect the outcome
      of one experiment and there is a multitide of microarray platforms available,
      microarray standards have been developed to provide industry-wide quality control
      and information related to each microarray. In this chapter, we review array
      construction, methodologies, and applications relevant to molecular profiling.

PMID- 22081342
TI  - Genome-wide methylation profiling in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      tissue samples.
AB  - New technologies allow for genome-scale measurement of DNA methylation. In an
      effort to increase the clinical utility of DNA methylation as a biomarker, we
      have adapted a commercial bisulfite epigenotyping assay for genome-wide
      methylation profiling in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pathology
      specimens. This chapter takes the reader step by step through a biomarker
      discovery experiment to identify phenotype-correlated DNA methylation signatures
      in routine pathology specimens.

PMID- 22081343
TI  - An overview of microRNA methods: expression profiling and target identification.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded RNA molecules encoded by genes that
      are transcribed from DNA but not translated into protein (noncoding RNA). The
      ability of miRNA to regulate the expression of, as yet, an unknown quantity of
      targets has recently become an area of huge interest to researchers studying many
      different areas in many species. Identifying miRNA targets provides functional
      insights and strategies for therapy. Furthermore, the recent advent of high
      throughput methods for profiling miRNA expression and for the identification of
      miRNA targets has ushered in a new era in the research of gene regulation. miRNA
      profiling further adds a new dimension of information for the molecular profiling
      of disease. Summarized herein are the methods used to query the expression of
      miRNAs at both an individual and global level. We have also described modern
      computational approaches to identifying miRNA target transcripts.

PMID- 22081344
TI  - Antibody validation by Western blotting.
AB  - Validation of antibodies is an integral part of translational research,
      particularly for biomarker discovery. Validation is essential to show the
      specificity of the reagent (antibody) and to confirm the identity of the protein
      biomarker, prior to implementing the biomarker in clinical studies.Antibody
      validation is the procedure in which a single antibody is thoroughly assayed for
      sensitivity and specificity. Although a plethora of commercial antibodies exist,
      antibody specificity must be thoroughly demonstrated using a complex biological
      sample, rather than a recombinant protein, prior to use in clinical translational
      research. In the simplest iteration, antibody specificity is determined by the
      presence of a single band in a complex biological sample, at the expected
      molecular weight, on a western blot.Numerous western blotting procedures are
      available, spanning the spectrum of single blots to multiplex blots, with images
      and quantitation generated by manual or automated systems. The basic principles
      of western blotting are (a) separation of protein mixtures by gel
      electrophoresis, (b) transfer of the proteins to a blot, (c) probing the blot for
      a protein or proteins of interest, and (d) subsequent detection of the protein by
      chemiluminescent, fluorescent, or colorimetric methods. This chapter focuses on
      the chemiluminescent detection of proteins using a manual western blotting system
      and a vacuum-enhanced detection system (SNAP i.d.TM, Millipore).

PMID- 22081345
TI  - Laser capture microdissection: Arcturus(XT) infrared capture and UV cutting
      methods.
AB  - Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a technique that allows the precise
      procurement of enriched cell populations from a heterogeneous tissue under direct
      microscopic visualization. LCM can be used to harvest the cells of interest
      directly or can be used to isolate specific cells by ablating the unwanted cells,
      resulting in histologically enriched cell populations. The fundamental components
      of laser microdissection technology are (a) visualization of the cells of
      interest via microscopy, (b) transfer of laser energy to a thermolabile polymer
      with either the formation of a polymer-cell composite (capture method) or
      transfer of laser energy via an ultraviolet laser to photovolatize a region of
      tissue (cutting method), and (c) removal of cells of interest from the
      heterogeneous tissue section. Laser energy supplied by LCM instruments can be
      infrared (810 nm) or ultraviolet (355 nm). Infrared lasers melt thermolabile
      polymers for cell capture, whereas ultraviolet lasers ablate cells for either
      removal of unwanted cells or excision of a defined area of cells. LCM technology
      is applicable to an array of applications including mass spectrometry, DNA
      genotyping and loss-of-heterozygosity analysis, RNA transcript profiling, cDNA
      library generation, proteomics discovery, and signal kinase pathway profiling.
      This chapter describes the unique features of the Arcturus(XT) laser capture
      microdissection instrument, which incorporates both infrared capture and
      ultraviolet cutting technology in one instrument, using a proteomic downstream
      assay as a model.

PMID- 22081346
TI  - Antibody microarrays: analysis of cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease in the USA
      and Europe, whose life-limiting phenotype is manifest on epithelial cells
      throughout the body. The principal cause of morbidity and mortality is a
      massively proinflammatory condition in the lung. The mutation responsible for
      most cases of CF is [DeltaF508]CFTR. However, the penetrance of the disease is
      quite variable, and adverse events leading to hospitalization cannot be easily
      predicted. Thus, there is a strong need for prognostic endpoints that might serve
      to identify impending clinical problems long before they happen. Our approach has
      been to search for proteomic signatures in easily accessed biological fluids that
      might identify the molecular basis for adverse events. We describe here a
      workflow that begins with patient-derived bronchial brush biopsies and progresses
      to analysis of serum and plasma from patients on antibody microarrays.

PMID- 22081347
TI  - Tissue microarrays as a tool in the discovery and validation of predictive
      biomarkers.
AB  - The tissue microarray (TMA) is the embodiment of high-throughput pathology. The
      platform combines tens to hundreds of tissue samples on a single microscope slide
      for interrogation with routine molecular pathology tools. TMAs have enabled the
      rapid and cost-effective screening of biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and
      predictive utility. Most commonly applied to the field of oncology, the TMA has
      accelerated the development of new biomarkers, and is emerging as an essential
      tool in the discovery and validation of tissue biomarkers for use in personalized
      medicine. This chapter provides an overview of TMA technology and highlights the
      advantages of using TMAs as tools toward rapid introduction of new biomarkers for
      clinical use.

PMID- 22081348
TI  - Reverse-phase protein microarrays.
AB  - Cancer is the consequence of intra- and extracellular signaling network
      deregulation that derives from alteration of genetic and proteomic cellular
      homeostasis. Mapping the individual molecular circuitry of a patient's tumor
      cells is the starting point for rational personalized therapy.While genes and RNA
      encode information about cellular status, proteins are considered the engine of
      the cellular machine, as they are the effective elements that drive cellular
      functions, such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis.
      Consequently, investigations of the cellular protein network are considered a
      fundamental tool to understand cellular functions. In the last decades,
      increasing interest has been focused on the improvement of new technologies for
      proteomic analysis. In this context, reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPMAs)
      have been developed to study and analyze posttranslational modifications that are
      responsible for principal cell functions and activities. This innovative
      technology allows the investigation of protein activation as a consequence of
      protein-protein interaction or biochemical reactions, such as phosphorylation,
      glycosylation, ubiquitination, protein cleavage, and conformational
      alterations.Intracellular balance is carefully conserved by constant
      rearrangements of proteins through the activity of a series of kinases and
      phosphatases. Therefore, knowledge of the key cellular signaling cascades reveal
      information regarding the cellular processes driving a tumor's growth (such as
      cellular survival, proliferation, invasion, and cell death) and response to
      treatment.Alteration to cellular homeostasis, driven by elaborate intra- and
      extracellular interactions, has become one of the most studied fields in the era
      of personalized medicine and targeted therapy. RPMA technology is a valid tool
      that can be applied to protein analysis of several diseases for the potential to
      generate protein interaction and activation maps that lead to the identification
      of critical nodes for individualized or combinatorial target therapy.

PMID- 22081349
TI  - Serum low-molecular-weight protein fractionation for biomarker discovery.
AB  - Protein biomarkers provide the key diagnostic information for the detection of
      disease, risk of disease progression, and a patient's likely response to drug
      therapy. Potential biomarkers exist in biofluids, such as serum, urine, and
      cerebrospinal fluid. Unfortunately, discovering and validating protein biomarkers
      are hindered by the presence of high-molecular-weight proteins, such as serum
      albumin and immunoglobulins, which comprise 90% of the proteins present in these
      samples. High-abundance, high-molecular-weight proteins mask the low-molecular
      weight (LMW) proteins and peptides using conventional protein detection methods.
      Candidate biomarkers are believed to exist in very low concentrations and
      comprise less than 1% of serum proteins, and may be highly labile as well.
      Therefore, it is imperative to isolate and enrich LMW proteins from complex
      mixtures for biomarker discovery. This chapter describes a continuous -elution
      electrophoresis method, based on molecular weight sieving, to isolate specific
      molecular weight fractions for mass spectrometric, western blotting, or protein
      array analysis.

PMID- 22081350
TI  - Mass spectrometry-based biomarker discovery.
AB  - Discovery of candidate biomarkers within the entire proteome is one of the most
      important and challenging goals in proteomic research. Mass spectrometry-based
      proteomic is a modern and promising technology for semiquantitative and
      qualitative assessment of proteins, enabling protein sequencing and
      identification with exquisite accuracy and sensitivity. For mass spectrometry
      analysis, protein extractions from tissues of interest or body fluids with
      subsequent protein fractionation represent an important and unavoidable step in
      the workflow for biomarker discovery. The aim of our chapter is to provide
      practical lab procedures for sample digestion and protein fractionation for
      subsequent mass spectrometry analysis.

PMID- 22081351
TI  - Mitochondrial proteome: toward the detection and profiling of disease associated
      alterations.
AB  - Existing at the heart of cellular energy metabolism, the mitochondrion is
      uniquely positioned to have a major impact on human disease processes. Examples
      of mitochondrial impact on human pathology abound and include etiologies ranging
      from inborn errors of metabolism to the site of activity of a variety of toxic
      compounds. In this review, the unique aspects of the mechanisms related to the
      mitochondrial proteome are discussed along with an overview of the literature
      related to mitochondrial proteomic exploration. The review includes discussion of
      potential areas for exploration and advantages of applying proteomic techniques
      to the study of mitochondria.

PMID- 22081352
TI  - Adult neural stem cells: isolation and propagation.
AB  - Individualized therapy using adult stem cells constitutes a revolutionary vision
      for molecular medicine of the future. The field of stem cell biology has
      accelerated dramatically such that it now appears feasible to treat an individual
      patient's disease with native or modified stem cells collected from the same
      patient. Neurodegenerative disease is a high-priority goal for stem cell therapy
      due to the tremendous clinical urgency to reduce the worldwide suffering
      associated with this class of diseases. This chapter focuses on adult neural stem
      cells as a prototype for the general field of adult stem cell therapy. Studies of
      the origin and function of neural stem cells reveals that the adult brain can
      generate new neurons. This finding provides the rationale for the therapeutic
      application of adult neural stem cells to treat neuronal damage or loss.
      Experimental progress in treating Parkinson's disease is discussed in some detail
      as an example of one of the most promising areas for adult neural stem cell
      therapy. Methods for neural stem cell isolation and propagation are included.

PMID- 22081353
TI  - Evanescent-wave field imaging: an introduction to total internal reflection
      fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Advancements in technology and computational power in recent years have directly
      impacted modern microscopy through improvements in light detection, imaging
      software platforms, as well as integration of complex hardware systems. These
      successes have allowed for mainstream utilization of previously complex
      microscopic techniques such as total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF)
      microscopy, revealing many aspects of cell biology not previously appreciated.
      Through the restriction of illumination to areas of cell-coverslip interfaces in
      combination with modern detectors, TIRF microscopy allows researchers in the life
      sciences a glimpse of dynamic cellular phenomena with resolutions never before
      achieved.This chapter provides a basic overview to the concept of TIRF microscopy
      and some considerations to setting up this technique in the lab.

PMID- 22081354
TI  - Construction and hyperspectral imaging of quantum dot lysate arrays.
AB  - The emerging field of proteomic molecular profiling will be driven by new
      technologies that can measure dozens to hundreds of proteins from a small sample
      input from a patient's biopsy. Lysate arrays, or reverse-phase protein
      microarrays, provide a platform for complex mixtures of proteins extracted from
      cells and tissues to be directly immobilized onto a solid support (such as a
      biochip with protein binding capacity) in diminutive volumes (picoliter-to
      nanoliter). The proteins are spotted using precision robotics and then
      quantitatively assayed using primary antibodies; important posttranslational
      modifications, such as phosphorylations that are important for protein
      activation, may also be assayed to provide an estimate of the regulation of
      cellular signaling. Until recently, chromogenic signals and fluorescence (using
      organic fluorophores) detection were two strategies relied upon for signal
      detection. Emerging regents such as quantum dots (Qdot(r) nanocrystals; QD) are
      now employed for improved performance. QD embody a more versatile detection
      system because the robust signals may be time averaged and the narrow spectral
      emissions enable many protein targets to be quantified within the same lysate
      spot. Previously, we found that commercially available pegylated, streptavidin
      conjugated QD were effective detection agents, with low-background affinities to
      spurious components within heterogeneous protein mixtures. Hyperspectral imaging
      allows the simultaneous detection of the different colored QD reagents within a
      single lysate spot. Here, we described the construction and imaging of QD lysate
      arrays. This technology is an emerging, enabling tool within the exciting,
      clinically oriented field of clinical tissue proteomics.

PMID- 22081355
TI  - Microarray data analysis: comparing two population means.
AB  - Scientists employing microarray profiling technology to compare sample sets
      generate data for a large number of endpoints. Assuming the experimental design
      minimized sources of bias, and the analytical technology was reliable, precise,
      and accurate, how does the experimentalist determine which endpoints are
      meaningfully different between the groups? Comparison of two population means for
      individual analysis measurements is the most common statistical problem
      associated with microarray data analysis. This chapter focuses on the hands-on
      procedures using SAS software to describe how to choose statistical methods to
      find the statistically significantly different endpoints between two groups of
      data generated from reverse phase protein microarrays. The four methods outlined
      are: (a) two-sample t-test, (b) Wilcoxon rank sum test, (c) one-sample t-test,
      and (d) Wilcoxon signed rank test. Two sample t-test is used for two
      independently normally distributed groups. One-sample t-test is used for a
      normally distributed difference of paired observations. Wilcoxon rank sum test is
      considered a nonparametric version of the two-sample t-test, and Wilcoxon signed
      rank test is considered a nonparametric version of the one-sample t-test.

PMID- 22081356
TI  - Bioinformatics/biostatistics: microarray analysis.
AB  - The quantity and complexity of the molecular-level data generated in both
      research and clinical settings require the use of sophisticated, powerful
      computational interpretation techniques. It is for this reason that bioinformatic
      analysis of complex molecular profiling data has become a fundamental technology
      in the development of personalized medicine. This chapter provides a high-level
      overview of the field of bioinformatics and outlines several, classic
      bioinformatic approaches. The highlighted approaches can be aptly applied to
      nearly any sort of high-dimensional genomic, proteomic, or metabolomic
      experiments. Reviewed technologies in this chapter include traditional clustering
      analysis, the Gene Expression Dynamics Inspector (GEDI), GoMiner (GoMiner), Gene
      Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and the Learner of Functional Enrichment (LeFE).

PMID- 22081357
TI  - Structure-based functional design of drugs: from target to lead compound.
AB  - Proteomic and genomic discoveries have identified vast numbers of new drug
      targets for investigation. In the quest to discover drugs that modulate the
      function of these targets, identification of small-molecule drug leads is one of
      the earliest steps. Structure-based drug design has emerged as a valuable,
      inexpensive, and rapid computational resource that identifies lead compounds that
      are complementary to the structure of the target. Leads identified through this
      process are biologically evaluated and "hit compounds" with affinity and activity
      are further optimized. This chapter introduces the process of structure-based
      drug design, including preparation of the ligand database, preparation of the
      target structure, docking and scoring, and evaluation.

PMID- 22081358
TI  - Personalized medicine: changing the paradigm of drug development.
AB  - Despite an increased investment in research and development, there has been a
      steady decline in the number of drugs brought to market over the past 40 years.
      The tools of personalized medicine are refining diseases into molecular
      categories, and future therapeutics may be dictated by a patient's molecular
      profile relative to these categories. The adoption of a personalized medicine
      approach to drug development may improve the success rate by minimizing
      variability during each phase of the drug development process. This chapter
      describes the current paradigm of drug development and then discusses how
      molecular profiling/personalized medicine might be used to improve upon this
      paradigm.

PMID- 22081359
TI  - Grant writing tips for translational research.
AB  - All investigators face the same challenge - the highly competitive nature of the
      grant review process. Innovation alone is not enough to ensure grant supported
      funding. Applied clinical research requires a diverse collaborative team of
      investigators with specialized skills, a supportive clinical research
      environment, and access to clinical material. In addition, ethical limitations,
      and lack of animal models for many diseases, prevent direct mechanistic
      experiments that are possible using in vitro systems or animal models. Therefore,
      specific granting mechanisms and program initiatives target translational
      research studies. This chapter provides grant writing tips and lists resources
      that may prove helpful for new investigators seeking research funding in support
      of translational research, biobanking, and research utilizing molecular
      biomarkers.

PMID- 22081360
TI  - Inventions and patents: a practical tutorial.
AB  - Patents are designed to protect and encourage creativity and innovation.
      Patenting a biomedical discovery can be a requirement before a pharmaceutical
      company or biotech entity will invest in the lengthy and costly clinical testing
      necessary to achieve patient benefit. Although scientists and clinicians are well
      versed in research publication requirements, patent descriptions and claims are
      formatted in a manner quite different from a research paper. Patents require (a)
      a series of logical statements clearly delineating the boundaries of the novel
      aspects of the invention and (b) sufficient disclosure of the invention so that
      it can be reproduced by others. Patents are granted only for inventions that meet
      three conditions: novelty, nonobviousness, and usefulness. This chapter provides
      basic guidelines and definitions of technology transfer: inventions,
      inventorship, and patent filing, which are summarized using a question and answer
      format.

PMID- 22081361
TI  - Regulatory approval pathways for molecular diagnostic technology.
AB  - This chapter describes the basic categories for regulatory approval to
      sell/market a molecular profiling technology. The US Food and Drug Administration
      regulates and provides guidance, for marketing in vitro diagnostic devices (IVD).
      Three different paths currently exist for obtaining Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA) approval of an IVD: (a) If the new test can be shown to be substantially
      equivalent to an existing predicate test on the market, then the 510(k) is the
      regulatory path for new device approval. (b) If your new diagnostic technology
      cannot be considered substantially equivalent to an existing technology, and will
      be used to make a critical medical decision concerning the diagnosis, treatment,
      or medical management, then the premarket approval (PMA) is the regulatory path
      of choice. (c) If no predicate device exists and the test is of low or moderate
      risk, it may be eligible for a de novo reclassification. If the test is done "in
      house," in the designated laboratory only, for a patient sample that is sent to
      the laboratory from an outside physician's office or medical facility, then the
      test can be potentially marketed under "home brew" guidelines (also known as
      laboratory developed tests) regulated under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement
      Amendments (CLIA). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) assumes
      primary responsibility for financial management operations of the CLIA program,
      but the categorization of commercially marketed in vitro diagnostic tests under
      CLIA is the responsibility of the FDA. Definitions, guidelines, information
      sources, and instructions for data requirements are outlined for each regulatory
      pathway.

PMID- 22081362
TI  - Small business development for molecular diagnostics.
AB  - Molecular profiling, which is the application of molecular diagnostics technology
      to tissue and blood -specimens, is an integral element in the new era of
      molecular medicine and individualized therapy. Molecular diagnostics is a fertile
      ground for small business development because it can generate products that meet
      immediate demands in the health-care sector: (a) Detection of disease risk, or
      early-stage disease, with a higher specificity and sensitivity compared to
      previous testing methods, and (b) "Companion diagnostics" for stratifying
      patients to receive a treatment choice optimized to their individual disease.
      This chapter reviews the promise and challenges of business development in this
      field. Guidelines are provided for the creation of a business model and the
      generation of a marketing plan around a candidate molecular diagnostic product.
      Steps to commercialization are outlined using existing molecular diagnostics
      companies as learning examples.

PMID- 22081363
TI  - Recent progress in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital
      heart disease.

PMID- 22081364
TI  - Rosuvastatin blocks hERG current and prolongs cardiac repolarization.
AB  - Blocking of the potassium current I(Kr) [human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG)]
      is generally associated with an increased risk of long QT syndrome (LQTS). The 3
      hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, rosuvastatin, is a
      methanesulfonamide derivative, which shows structural similarities with several
      I(Kr) blockers. Hence, we assessed the effects of rosuvastatin on cardiac
      repolarization by using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. Patch clamp
      experiments on hERG-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells
      established the potency of rosuvastatin to block hERG [half maximal inhibitory
      concentration (IC(50) ) = 195 nM]. We showed in isolated guinea pig hearts that
      195 nM rosuvastatin prolonged (basic cycle length of 250 ms; p < 0.05) the
      monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization (MAPD(90) ) by 11 +/-
      1 ms. Finally, rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) prolonged corrected QT
      interval (QTc) in conscious and unrestrained guinea pigs from 201 +/- 1 to 210 +/
      2 ms (p < 0.05). Thus, rosuvastatin blocks I(Kr) and prolongs cardiac
      repolarization. In additional experiments, we also show that hERG blockade in HEK
      293 cells was modulated by coexpression of efflux [breast cancer resistance
      protein (BCRP), multidrug resistance gene (MDR1)] and influx [organic anion
      transporting polypeptide (OATP) 2B1] transporters involved in the disposition and
      cardiac distribution of the drug. Genetic polymorphisms observed for BCRP, MDR1,
      and OATP2B1, and IC(50) determined for hERG blocking lead us to propose that some
      patients may be at risk of rosuvastatin-induced LQTS.

PMID- 22081365
TI  - Measuring pain impact versus pain severity using a numeric rating scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine assessments of pain using an intensity numeric rating scale
      (NRS) have improved documentation, but have not improved clinical outcomes. This
      may be, in part, due to the failure of the NRS to adequately predict patients'
      preferences for additional treatment. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether patients'
      illness perceptions have a stronger association with patient treatment
      preferences than the pain intensity NRS. DESIGN: Single face-to-face interview.
      PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients with chronic, noncancer, musculoskeletal pain. MAIN
      MEASURES: Experience of pain was measured using 18 illness perception items.
      Factor analysis of these items found that five factors accounted for 67.1% of the
      variance; 38% of the variance was accounted for by a single factor labeled "pain
      impact." Generalized linear models were used to examine how NRS scores and
      physical function compare with pain impact in predicting preferences for highly
      effective/high-risk treatment. KEY RESULTS: Two hundred forty-nine subjects
      agreed to participate. Neither NRS nor functioning predicted patient preference
      (NRS: chi2 = 1.92, df = 1, p = 0.16, physical functioning: chi2 = 2.48, df = 1, p
      = 0.11). In contrast, pain impact was significantly associated with the
      preference for a riskier/more effective treatment after adjusting for age,
      comorbidity, efficacy of current medications and numeracy (chi2 = 4.40, df = 1, p
      = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Tools that measure the impact of pain may be a more
      valuable screening instrument than the NRS. Further research is now needed to
      determine if measuring the impact of pain in clinical practice is more effective
      at triggering appropriate management than more restricted measures of pain such
      as the NRS.

PMID- 22081366
TI  - Genetic characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains isolated from the
      one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) by using microarray DNA technology.
AB  - From the Camelidae family members, several serotypes of Escherichia coli (E.
      coli) have recently been isolated from diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic faecal
      samples. To date Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains have never been
      typed in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). In the present study, two E.
      coli O157:H7 strains isolated from sick dromedaries were investigated. Virulence
      gene profiles were determined using a custom E. coli virulence DNA microarray,
      composed of 70-mer oligonucleotide probes targeting 264 virulence or related
      genes of known E. coli pathotypes. Both strains displayed positive hybridization
      signals for the Locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) gene probes (ler, eae, espA,
      espB, tir genes), two Shiga toxin probes (stx1 and stx2), the O157 O-antigen
      specific probe, various virulence plasmid (pO157) probes like katP in addition to
      other accessory virulence genes characterized in STEC.

PMID- 22081367
TI  - Effectiveness of AFLPs and retrotransposon-based markers for the identification
      of Portuguese grapevine cultivars and clones.
AB  - Grapevine germplasm, including 38 of the main Portuguese cultivars and three
      foreign cultivars, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chasselas, used as a reference,
      and 37 true-to-type clones from the Alvarinho, Arinto, Loureiro, Moscatel Galego
      Branco, Trajadura and Vinhao cultivars were studied using AFLP and three
      retrotransposon-based molecular techniques, IRAP, REMAP and SSAP. To study the
      retrotransposon-based polymorphisms, 18 primers based on the LTR sequences of
      Tvv1, Gret1 and Vine-1 were used. In the analysis of 41 cultivars, 517 IRAP,
      REMAP, AFLP and SSAP fragments were obtained, 83% of which were polymorphic. For
      IRAP, only the Tvv1Fa primer amplified DNA fragments. In the REMAP analysis, the
      Tvv1Fa-Ms14 primer combination only produced polymorphic bands, and the Vine-1
      primers produced mainly ISSR fragments. The highest number of polymorphic
      fragments was found for AFLP. Both AFLP and SSAP showed a greater capacity for
      identifying clones, resulting in 15 and 9 clones identified, respectively.
      Together, all of the techniques allowed for the identification of 54% of the
      studied clones, which is an important step in solving one of the challenges that
      viticulture currently faces.

PMID- 22081368
TI  - Promise of factor Xa inhibition in acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Drugs that inhibit factor Xa have been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in
      acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Presently, factor Xa inhibition is most often
      achieved indirectly with the heparins and, increasingly, fondaparinux. Despite
      effective anticoagulation with indirect factor Xa inhibition there remains
      considerable mortality and morbidity in ACS. The recently developed direct factor
      Xa inhibitors (the xabans) appear to offer promise as alternatives to the
      heparins. We review the evidence behind indirect and direct factor Xa inhibition
      in non-ST-segment elevation ACS, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and
      with percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 22081369
TI  - Recent trends of the emission characteristics from the road construction
      industry.

PMID- 22081370
TI  - Chemometric evaluation for the relation of BCR sequential extraction method and
      in vitro gastro-intestinal method for the assessment of metal bioavailability in
      contaminated soils in Turkey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A chemometric evaluation has been done to classify metal ions in
      soils and to determine whether or not the gastric and intestinal phases of a
      physiologically based extraction test bear any relation to any of the phases of
      the four-stage Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) extraction protocol. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Nine trace analytes (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were
      determined in extracts obtained from the BCR sequential extraction procedure as
      well as from in vitro gastro-intestinal experiments. The results showed that high
      As, Pb, Zn and Cd concentrations were found in these soils. Principal component
      analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis were used as classification
      techniques. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was applied to the data
      set to determine how the bioaccessibility of a metal is linked to the
      operationally defined fractions of metal speciation in soil. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: This analysis showed that the metal concentrations in the intestinal
      and gastric extracts are mainly dependent on the concentrations found in BCR
      phases 1 and 2 for each metal ion except for Cr, which was mainly dependent on
      the concentrations found in BCR phase 3. From the chemometric technique of
      correlation analysis, it was concluded that the metals extracted using BCR phases
      1 and 2 are more likely to be bioaccessible, i.e. are also extracted by gastric
      and intestinal digestion solutions. When the correlation and PCA results were
      interpreted together, it indicated that the bioaccessiblity of Zn, Pb, Mn and Cd
      were higher than As, Ba, Cr, Ni and Cu for these soils.

PMID- 22081371
TI  - Use of inorganic and organic wastes for in situ immobilisation of Pb and Zn in a
      contaminated alkaline soil.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to examine whether addition of immobilising agents to a
      sandy, alkaline (pH = 8.1) soil, which had been contaminated with Pb and Zn by
      airborne particles from a Pb/Zn smelter, would substantially reduce metal
      bioavailability. METHODS: The effectiveness of five waste materials (blast
      furnace (BF) slag, alum water treatment (WT) sludge, red mud, sugar mill mud and
      green waste compost) as metal immobilising agents was evaluated by incubating
      them with a contaminated soil for a period of 12 months at rates of 5% and 10%
      (w/w), after which, Rhodes grass was grown in the soils in a greenhouse study.
      RESULTS: Additions of WT sludge, BF slag and red mud reduced CaCl(2), CH(3)COOH,
      HCl and EDTA-extractable Zn but compost and mill mud had no appreciable
      immobilising effects. Additions of all amendments reduced levels of CaCl(2),
      CH(3)COOH and HCl-extractable Pb although concentrations of EDTA-extractable Pb
      remained unchanged. A sequential extraction procedure showed that additions of
      mill mud and compost increased the percentage of total Pb and Zn present in the
      oxidisable fraction whilst additions of the other materials increased the
      percentage present in the residual fraction. Rhodes grass yields were promoted
      greatly by additions of red mud, compost and particularly mill mud, and yields
      were negatively correlated with tissue Pb concentrations and extractable Pb.
      CONCLUSIONS: Red mud was the most effective material for lowering extractable Pb
      and Zn levels simultaneously while mill mud and compost were notably effective
      for Pb. A field evaluation in the study area is justified.

PMID- 22081372
TI  - Bacterial community profiles from sediments of the Anacostia River using
      metabolic and molecular analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIM AND SCOPE: Though the tidal Anacostia River, a highly polluted
      riverine system, has been well characterized with regard to contaminants, its
      overall resident bacterial populations have remained largely unknown. Improving
      the health of this system will rely upon enhanced understanding of the diversity
      and functions of these communities. Bacterial DNA was extracted from archived
      (AR, year 2000) and fresh sediments (RE, year 2006) collected from various
      locations within the Anacostia River. Using a combination of metabolic and
      molecular techniques, community snapshots of sediment bacterial diversity and
      activity were produced. RESULTS: Employing Biolog EcoPlates, metabolic analysis
      of RE sediments from July revealed similar utilization of amines, amino acids,
      carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and polymers at all sites. Normalized optical
      density measurements demonstrated that for most compounds, utilizations were
      similar though when differences did occur, the downstream site was enhanced
      compared to one or both of the upstream sites. Using denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis, bacterial diversity fingerprints of operational taxonomic units
      (OTUs) were obtained. Dendograms of the banding patterns revealed qualitative
      relationships as well as differences between replicate samples from similar
      sites. Replicates from the AR sites shared several common OTUs, while RE sites
      were more varied. Species richness and Shannon diversity indices generally
      increased with increasingly downstream locations, and were significant for the AR
      sediments (analysis of variance, P < 0.0001). Carbon and nitrogen content and
      concentration of fine grain sediment (<63 MUm) were positively correlated with
      OTU richness (r (2) = 0.37, P = 0.0008; r (2) = 0.45, P < 0.0001; r (2) = 0.48, P
      = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the bacterial
      communities from all regions sampled were not only metabolically active with the
      capacity to utilize several different compounds as energy sources but also were
      genetically diverse. This study is the first to focus on the overall bacterial
      community, providing insight into this vital component of stream ecosystems.
      Understanding the bacterial components of aquatic systems such as the Anacostia
      River will increase our knowledge of the overall structure and function of the
      ecological communities in polluted systems, subsequently enhancing our ability to
      improve the health of this important tidal river.

PMID- 22081373
TI  - Lentivirus-delivered Kruppel-like factor 8 small interfering RNA inhibits gastric
      cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - We found that the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) was highly
      expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines compared with adjacent
      noncancerous regions and gastric epithelial mucosa cells. We employed a
      lentivirus-mediated RNAi technique to knockdown KLF8 expression in gastric cancer
      cell line SGC7901 and observed its effects on cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
      Knockdown of KLF8 inhibited SGC7901 cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis,
      inhibited the tumorigenicity of SGC7901 cells, and significantly decreased tumor
      growth when the cells were injected into nude mice. These results indicated that
      overexpression of KLF8 may influence the biological behavior of SGC7901 gastric
      cancer cells. Knockdown of KLF8 expression by lentivirus-delivered siRNA may be
      useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22081374
TI  - Reduced expression of DNA repair genes (XRCC1, XPD, and OGG1) in squamous cell
      carcinoma of head and neck in North India.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is the sixth most common cancer
      globally, and in India, it accounts for 30% of all cancer cases. Epidemiological
      studies have shown a positive association between defective DNA repair capacity
      and SCCHN. The underlying mechanism of their involvement is not well understood.
      In the present study, we have analyzed the relationship between SCCHN and the
      expression of DNA repair genes namely X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1
      (XRCC1), xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD), and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase
      (OGG1) in 75 SCCHN cases and equal number of matched healthy controls.
      Additionally, levels of DNA adduct [8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHdG)] in 45 SCCHN cases
      and 45 healthy controls were also determined, to ascertain a link between mRNA
      expression of these three genes and DNA adducts. The relative expression of
      XRCC1, XPD, and OGG1 in head and neck cancer patients was found to be
      significantly low as compared to controls. The percent difference of mean
      relative expression between cases and controls demonstrated maximum lowering in
      OGG1 (47.3%) > XPD (30.7%) > XRCC1 (25.2%). A negative Spearmen correlation
      between XRCC1 vs. 8-OHdG in cases was observed. In multivariate logistic
      regression analysis (adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and alcohol use),
      low expression of XRCC1, XPD, and OGG1 was associated with a statistically
      significant increased risk of SCCHN [crude odds ratios (ORs) (95%CI) OR 2.10;
      (1.06-4.17), OR 2.76; (1.39-5.49), and 5.24 (2.38-11.52), respectively]. In
      conclusion, our study demonstrated that reduced expression of XRCC1, XPD, and
      OGG1 is associated with more than twofold increased risk in SCCHN.

PMID- 22081375
TI  - Altered expression of circadian clock genes in head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) means a group of cancers developed
      from the upper aerodigestive tract, and 90% of them are squamous cell carcinomas.
      HNSCC is the tenth most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in males worldwide, but
      it is the seventh most common cause of cancer-related death. The circadian clock
      regulates daily rhythmic variations in various physiologic processes including
      sleep and activity, appetite, hormone levels, metabolism, and gene expression.
      Many recent studies have demonstrated that the disruption of circadian rhythm is
      associated with cancer development and tumor progression, such as chronic myeloid
      leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and breast cancer.
      However the direct links between aberrant circadian clock gene expression and
      human malignancies, including HNSCC, remain largely unknown. In this study, the
      expression profiles of nine circadian clock genes of cancer tissue and
      noncancerous part from 40 patients of HNSCC were investigated. The expression of
      PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY1, CRY2, CKIepsilon, and BMAL1 showed significant
      downregulation in the cancer tissues (p < 0.005). Downregulated PER3, CRY2, and
      BMAL1 expression was correlated with more advanced cancer stages (p < 0.05).
      Downregulated PER3 and upregulated TIM expression correlated with larger tumor
      size (p < 0.05), and lower expression of PER3 correlated with deeper tumor
      invasion (p < 0.05). Poor survival was related to lower expression of PER1 (p <
      0.05) and PER3 (p < 0.01). These results indicate a possible association of
      circadian clock gene, especially PER3, expression with the pathogenesis of HNSCC.

PMID- 22081376
TI  - COX-2 and survivin reduction may play a role in berberine-induced apoptosis in
      human ductal breast epithelial tumor cell line.
AB  - Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has several pharmacological effects
      such as antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, apoptosis-inducing and anticancer
      effects. It has been illustrated that the antiinflammatory effect is mediated by
      suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) that activates expression of
      some antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic proteins including cyclooxygenase-2(COX
      2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and survivin; therefore, berberine may
      induce apoptosis by reducing antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic agents, which
      suggest the relationship between antiinflammatory and apoptosis pathways. For
      further illustration of the mechanism of berberine action, the human ductal
      breast epithelial tumor cell line (T47D cell line) was treated with different
      concentrations of berberine (25-100 MUM/ml). Berberine in 50 MUM/ml had the most
      reducing effect on cell viability and inducing of apoptosis. The level of COX-2,
      iNOS and survivin proteins decreased in berberine-treated cells; however,
      treatment of the cells with aspirin and aminoguanidine (AG), COX-2 and iNOS
      inhibitors, respectively, showed that despite the cell growth-reducing effect of
      aspirin, AG did not have a significant effect on cell viability. On the other
      hand, with the attention to reduction in survivin protein level in berberine
      treated cells, the results suggest that the apoptotic effect of berberine may be
      mediated by reduction in both of the COX-2 and survivin in T47D cell line, while
      the iNOS does not play any effective role in berberine-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22081377
TI  - Is severe sepsis associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation and stroke?

PMID- 22081379
TI  - Cost function analysis for solid waste management: a developing country
      experience.
AB  - The need for improved cost planning methods for solid waste management (SWM) is
      particularly strong in emerging economies where problems are severe, expectations
      for improvements are high, but finances are constrained. Estimating cost
      functions is suggested as an improved cost planning method. The research uses
      1999 data from 298 Indian municipalities, covering over 140 million people.
      Stepwise multiple regression involving eight predictor variables was conducted on
      costs to detect any statistically significant correlations. The average costs on
      either a per tonne or per capita basis are most influenced by the total number of
      staff employed per capita or per tonne. The results are believed to be due to
      labour costs being such a high fraction of total costs in developing countries.
      Due to high variability in labour intensity between municipalities the data
      showed no clear correlation between per tonne or per capita costs and population,
      indicating no economy-of-scale. The data used here are subject to significant
      conjecture over their quality and age; however, the unique nature of the study
      should help future researchers investigating costs in emerging economies.

PMID- 22081378
TI  - Incident stroke and mortality associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation in
      patients hospitalized with severe sepsis.
AB  - CONTEXT: New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported in 6% to 20% of
      patients with severe sepsis. Chronic AF is a known risk factor for stroke and
      death, but the clinical significance of new-onset AF in the setting of severe
      sepsis is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the in-hospital stroke and in
      hospital mortality risks associated with new-onset AF in patients with severe
      sepsis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective population-based cohort of California
      State Inpatient Database administrative claims data from nonfederal acute care
      hospitals for January 1 through December 31, 2007. PATIENTS: Data were available
      for 3,144,787 hospitalized adults. Severe sepsis (n = 49,082 [1.56%]) was defined
      by validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical
      Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 995.92. New-onset AF was defined as AF that occurred
      during the hospital stay, after excluding AF cases present at admission. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: A priori outcome measures were in-hospital ischemic stroke (ICD
      9-CM codes 433, 434, or 436) and mortality. RESULTS: Patients with severe sepsis
      were a mean age of 69 (SD, 16) years and 48% were women. New-onset AF occurred in
      5.9% of patients with severe sepsis vs 0.65% of patients without severe sepsis
      (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 6.82; 95% CI, 6.54-7.11; P < .001).
      Severe sepsis was present in 14% of all new-onset AF in hospitalized adults.
      Compared with severe sepsis patients without new-onset AF, patients with new
      onset AF during severe sepsis had greater risks of in-hospital stroke (75/2896
      [2.6%] vs 306/46,186 [0.6%] strokes; adjusted OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 2.05-3.57; P <
      .001) and in-hospital mortality (1629 [56%] vs 18,027 [39%] deaths; adjusted
      relative risk, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.11; P < .001). Findings were robust across 2
      definitions of severe sepsis, multiple methods of addressing confounding, and
      multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Among patients with severe sepsis,
      patients with new-onset AF were at increased risk of in-hospital stroke and death
      compared with patients with no AF and patients with preexisting AF.

PMID- 22081380
TI  - Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management at selected hospitals and homes in
      Ghana.
AB  - The practice of use and disposal of waste from pharmaceuticals compromises the
      safety of the environment as well as representing a serious health risk, as they
      may accumulate and stay active for a long time in the aquatic environment. This
      article therefore presents the outcome of a study on pharmaceutical waste
      management practices at homes and hospitals in Ghana. The study was conducted at
      five healthcare institutions randomly selected in Ghana, namely two teaching
      hospitals (hospital A, hospital B), one regional hospital (hospital C), one
      district hospital (hospital D) and one quasi-governmental hospital (hospital E).
      Apart from hospital E which currently has a pharmaceutical waste separation
      programmr as well as drug return programme called DUMP (Disposal of Unused
      Medicines Program), all other hospitals visited do not have any separate
      collection and disposal programme for pharmaceutical waste. A survey was also
      carried out among the general public, involving the questioning of randomly
      selected participants in order to investigate the household disposal of unused
      and expired pharmaceuticals. The results from the survey showed that more than
      half of the respondents confirmed having unused, left-over or expired medicines
      at home and over 75% disposed of pharmaceutical waste through the normal waste
      bins which end up in the landfills or dump sites.

PMID- 22081381
TI  - Measuring the efficiency of a healthcare waste management system in Serbia with
      data envelopment analysis.
AB  - In 2007, the Serbian Ministry of Health initiated specific activities towards
      establishing a workable model based on the existing administrative framework,
      which corresponds to the needs of healthcare waste management throughout Serbia.
      The objective of this research was to identify the reforms carried out and their
      outcomes by estimating the efficiencies of a sample of 35 healthcare facilities
      engaged in the process of collection and treatment of healthcare waste, using
      data envelopment analysis. Twenty-one (60%) of the 35 healthcare facilities
      analysed were found to be technically inefficient, with an average level of
      inefficiency of 13%. This fact indicates deficiencies in the process of
      collection and treatment of healthcare waste and the information obtained and
      presented in this paper could be used for further improvement and development of
      healthcare waste management in Serbia.

PMID- 22081382
TI  - The effect of kaolin on the combustion of demolition wood under well-controlled
      conditions.
AB  - In an attempt to look at means for reduction of corrosion in boilers, combustion
      experiments are performed on demolition wood with kaolin as additive. The
      experiments were performed in a multi-fuel reactor with continuous feed of
      pellets and by applying staged air combustion. A total characterization of the
      elemental composition of the fuel, the bottom ash and some particle size stages
      of fly ash was performed. This was done in order to follow the fate of some of
      the problematic compounds in demolition wood as a function of kaolin addition and
      other combustion-related parameters. In particular chlorine and potassium
      distribution between the gas phase, the bottom ash and the fly ash is reported as
      a function of increased kaolin addition, reactor temperature and air staging.
      Kaolin addition of 5 and 10% were found to give the least aerosol load in the fly
      ash. In addition, the chlorine concentration in aerosol particles was at its
      lowest levels for the same addition of kaolin, although the difference between 5
      and 10% addition was minimal. The reactor temperature was found to have a minimal
      effect on both the fly ash and bottom ash properties.

PMID- 22081383
TI  - Estimation of construction and demolition waste volume generation in new
      residential buildings in Spain.
AB  - The management planning of construction and demolition (C&D) waste uses a single
      indicator which does not provide enough detailed information. Therefore the
      determination and implementation of other innovative and precise indicators
      should be determined. The aim of this research work is to improve existing C&D
      waste quantification tools in the construction of new residential buildings in
      Spain. For this purpose, several housing projects were studied to determine an
      estimation of C&D waste generated during their construction process. This paper
      determines the values of three indicators to estimate the generation of C&D waste
      in new residential buildings in Spain, itemizing types of waste and construction
      stages. The inclusion of two more accurate indicators, in addition to the global
      one commonly in use, provides a significant improvement in C&D waste
      quantification tools and management planning.

PMID- 22081384
TI  - The major autolysin Acm2 from Lactobacillus plantarum undergoes cytoplasmic O
      glycosylation.
AB  - The major autolysin Acm2 from the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1
      contains high proportions of alanine, serine, and threonine in its N-terminal so
      called AST domain. It has been suggested that this extracellular protein might be
      glycosylated, but this has not been experimentally verified. We used high
      resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to study the
      possible occurrence of glycans on peptides generated from lactobacillary surface
      proteins by protease treatment. This approach yielded five glycopeptides in
      various glycoforms, all derived from the AST domain of Acm2. All five
      glycopeptides contained the hydroxy-amino acids serine and threonine, suggesting
      that Acm2 is O-glycosylated. By using lectin blotting with succinylated wheat
      germ agglutinin, and by comparing the wild-type strain with an Acm2-negative
      derivative (NZ3557), we found that the attached N-acetylhexosamines are most
      likely N-acetylglucosamines (GlcNAc). NZ3557 was further used as a genetic
      background to express an Acm2 variant lacking its secretion signal, resulting in
      intracellular expression of Acm2. We show that this intracellular version of Acm2
      is also glycosylated, indicating that the GlcNAc modification is an intracellular
      process.

PMID- 22081385
TI  - Genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis of K88- and F18-positive porcine
      enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
AB  - Porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) continues to result in major
      morbidity and mortality in the swine industry via postweaning diarrhea. The key
      virulence factors of ETEC strains, their serotypes, and their fimbrial components
      have been well studied. However, most studies to date have focused on plasmid
      encoded traits related to colonization and toxin production, and the chromosomal
      backgrounds of these strains have been largely understudied. Here, we generated
      the genomic sequences of K88-positive and F18-positive porcine ETEC strains and
      examined the phylogenetic distribution of clinical porcine ETEC strains and their
      plasmid-associated genetic content. The genomes of porcine ETEC strains UMNK88
      and UMNF18 were both found to contain remarkable plasmid complements containing
      known virulence factors, potential novel virulence factors, and antimicrobial
      resistance-associated elements. The chromosomes of these strains also possessed
      several unique genomic islands containing hypothetical genes with similarity to
      classical virulence factors, although phage-associated genomic islands dominated
      the accessory genomes of these strains. Phylogenetic analysis of 78 clinical
      isolates associated with neonatal and porcine diarrhea revealed that a limited
      subset of porcine ETEC lineages exist that generally contain common toxin and
      fimbrial profiles, with many of the isolates belonging to the ST10, ST23, and
      ST169 multilocus sequencing types. These lineages were generally distinct from
      existing human ETEC database isolates. Overall, most porcine ETEC strains appear
      to have emerged from a limited subset of E. coli lineages that either have an
      increased propensity to carry plasmid-encoded virulence factors or have the
      appropriate ETEC core genome required for virulence.

PMID- 22081386
TI  - Involvement of the global Crp regulator in cyclic AMP-dependent utilization of
      aromatic amino acids by Pseudomonas putida.
AB  - The phhAB operon encodes a phenylalanine hydroxylase involved in the conversion
      of L-phenylalanine into L-tyrosine in Pseudomonas putida. The phhAB promoter is
      transcribed by RNA polymerase sigma-70 and is unusual in that the specific
      regulator PhhR acts as an enhancer protein that binds to two distant upstream
      sites (-75 to -92 and -132 to -149). There is an integration host factor (IHF)
      binding site that overlaps the proximal PhhR box, and, consequently, IHF acts as
      an inhibitor of transcription. Use of L-phenylalanine is compromised in a crp
      deficient background due to reduced expression from the phhAB promoter.
      Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting assays reveal that
      Crp binds at a site centered at -109 only in the presence of cyclic AMP (cAMP).
      We show, using circular permutation analysis, that the simultaneous binding of
      Crp/cAMP and PhhR bends DNA to bring positive regulators and RNA polymerase into
      close proximity. This nucleoprotein complex promotes transcription from phhA only
      in response to L-phenylalanine.

PMID- 22081387
TI  - Deletion of sigma(54) (rpoN) alters the rate of autolysis and biofilm formation
      in Enterococcus faecalis.
AB  - Transcription initiation is a critical step in bacterial gene regulation and is
      often controlled by transcription regulators. The alternate sigma factor
      (sigma(54)) is one such regulator that facilitates activator-dependent
      transcription initiation and thus modulates the expression of a variety of genes
      involved in metabolism and pathogenesis in bacteria. This study describes the
      role of sigma(54) in the nosocomial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. Biofilm
      formation is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms of E. faecalis, as it
      elevates the organism's potential to cause surgical site and urinary tract
      infections. Lysis of bacterial cells within the population contributes to biofilm
      formation by providing extracellular DNA (eDNA) as a key component of the biofilm
      matrix. Deletion of rpoN rendered E. faecalis resistant to autolysis, which in
      turn impaired eDNA release. Despite the significant reduction in eDNA levels
      compared to the parental strain, the rpoN mutant formed more robust biofilms as
      observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy and Comstat analysis,
      indicating and emphasizing the presence of other matrix components. Initial
      adherence to a polystyrene surface was also enhanced in the mutant. Proteinase K
      treatment at early stages of biofilm development significantly reduced the
      accumulation of biofilm by the rpoN mutant. In conclusion, our data indicate that
      other factors in addition to eDNA might contribute to the overall composition of
      the enterococcal biofilm and that the regulatory role of sigma(54) governs the
      nature and composition of the biofilm matrix.

PMID- 22081388
TI  - Newly identified genetic variations in common Escherichia coli MG1655 stock
      cultures.
AB  - We have recently identified seven mutations in commonly used stocks of the
      sequenced Escherichia coli strain MG1655 which do not appear in the reference
      sequence. The mutations are likely to cause loss of function of the glpR and crl
      genes, which may have serious implications for physiological experiments using
      the affected strains.

PMID- 22081389
TI  - Loss of elongation factor P disrupts bacterial outer membrane integrity.
AB  - Elongation factor P (EF-P) is posttranslationally modified at a conserved lysyl
      residue by the coordinated action of two enzymes, PoxA and YjeK. We have
      previously established the importance of this modification in Salmonella stress
      resistance. Here we report that, like poxA and yjeK mutants, Salmonella strains
      lacking EF-P display increased susceptibility to hypoosmotic conditions,
      antibiotics, and detergents and enhanced resistance to the compound S
      nitrosoglutathione. The susceptibility phenotypes are largely explained by the
      enhanced membrane permeability of the efp mutant, which exhibits increased uptake
      of the hydrophobic dye 1-N-phenylnaphthylamine (NPN). Analysis of the membrane
      proteomes of wild-type and efp mutant Salmonella strains reveals few changes,
      including the prominent overexpression of a single porin, KdgM, in the efp mutant
      outer membrane. Removal of KdgM in the efp mutant background ameliorates the
      detergent, antibiotic, and osmosensitivity phenotypes and restores wild-type
      permeability to NPN. Our data support a role for EF-P in the translational
      regulation of a limited number of proteins that, when perturbed, renders the cell
      susceptible to stress by the adventitious overexpression of an outer membrane
      porin.

PMID- 22081390
TI  - Cj1386 is an ankyrin-containing protein involved in heme trafficking to catalase
      in Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni, a microaerophilic bacterium, is the most frequent cause of
      human bacterial gastroenteritis. C. jejuni is exposed to harmful reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) produced during its own normal metabolic processes and during
      infection from the host immune system and from host intestinal microbiota. These
      ROS will damage DNA and proteins and cause peroxidation of lipids. Consequently,
      identifying ROS defense mechanisms is important for understanding how
      Campylobacter survives this environmental stress during infection. Construction
      of a DeltaCj1386 isogenic deletion mutant and phenotypic assays led to its
      discovery as a novel oxidative stress defense gene. The DeltaCj1386 mutant has an
      increased sensitivity toward hydrogen peroxide. The Cj1386 gene is located
      directly downstream from katA (catalase) in the C. jejuni genome. A
      DeltakatADelta Cj1386 double deletion mutant was constructed and exhibited a
      sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide similar to that seen in the DeltaCj1386 and
      DeltakatA single deletion mutants. This observation suggests that Cj1386 may be
      involved in the same detoxification pathway as catalase. Despite identical KatA
      abundances, catalase activity assays showed that the DeltaCj1386 mutant had a
      reduced catalase activity relative to that of wild-type C. jejuni. Heme
      quantification of KatA protein from the DeltaCj1386 mutant revealed a significant
      decrease in heme concentration. This indicates an important role for Cj1386 in
      heme trafficking to KatA within C. jejuni. Interestingly, the DeltaCj1386 mutant
      had a reduced ability to colonize the ceca of chicks and was outcompeted by the
      wild-type strain for colonization of the gastrointestinal tract of neonate
      piglets. These results indicate an important role for Cj1386 in Campylobacter
      colonization and pathogenesis.

PMID- 22081391
TI  - Thiosulfate reduction in Salmonella enterica is driven by the proton motive
      force.
AB  - Thiosulfate respiration in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is catalyzed
      by the membrane-bound enzyme thiosulfate reductase. Experiments with quinone
      biosynthesis mutants show that menaquinol is the sole electron donor to
      thiosulfate reductase. However, the reduction of thiosulfate by menaquinol is
      highly endergonic under standard conditions (DeltaE degrees ' = -328 mV).
      Thiosulfate reductase activity was found to depend on the proton motive force
      (PMF) across the cytoplasmic membrane. A structural model for thiosulfate
      reductase suggests that the PMF drives endergonic electron flow within the enzyme
      by a reverse loop mechanism. Thiosulfate reductase was able to catalyze the
      combined oxidation of sulfide and sulfite to thiosulfate in a reverse of the
      physiological reaction. In contrast to the forward reaction the exergonic
      thiosulfate-forming reaction was PMF independent. Electron transfer from formate
      to thiosulfate in whole cells occurs predominantly by intraspecies hydrogen
      transfer.

PMID- 22081392
TI  - Evidence that the folate-dependent proteins YgfZ and MnmEG have opposing effects
      on growth and on activity of the iron-sulfur enzyme MiaB.
AB  - The folate-dependent protein YgfZ of Escherichia coli participates in the
      synthesis and repair of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters; it belongs to a family of
      enzymes that use folate to capture formaldehyde units. Ablation of ygfZ is known
      to reduce growth, to increase sensitivity to oxidative stress, and to lower the
      activities of MiaB and other Fe-S enzymes. It has been reported that the growth
      phenotype can be suppressed by disrupting the tRNA modification gene mnmE. We
      first confirmed the latter observation using deletions in a simpler, more defined
      genetic background. We then showed that deleting mnmE substantially restores MiaB
      activity in ygfZ deletant cells and that overexpressing MnmE with its partner
      MnmG exacerbates the growth and MiaB activity phenotypes of the ygfZ deletant.
      MnmE, with MnmG, normally mediates a folate-dependent transfer of a formaldehyde
      unit to tRNA, and the MnmEG-mediated effects on the phenotypes of the DeltaygfZ
      mutant apparently require folate, as evidenced by the effect of eliminating all
      folates by deleting folE. The expression of YgfZ was unaffected by deleting mnmE
      or overexpressing MnmEG or by folate status. Since formaldehyde transfer is a
      potential link between MnmEG and YgfZ, we inactivated formaldehyde detoxification
      by deleting frmA. This deletion had little effect on growth or MiaB activity in
      the DeltaygfZ strain in the presence of formaldehyde, making it unlikely that
      formaldehyde alone connects the actions of MnmEG and YgfZ. A more plausible
      explanation is that MnmEG erroneously transfers a folate-bound formaldehyde unit
      to MiaB and that YgfZ reverses this.

PMID- 22081393
TI  - A-type carrier protein ErpA is essential for formation of an active formate
      nitrate respiratory pathway in Escherichia coli K-12.
AB  - A-type carrier (ATC) proteins of the Isc (iron-sulfur cluster) and Suf (sulfur
      mobilization) iron-sulfur ([Fe-S]) cluster biogenesis pathways are proposed to
      traffic preformed [Fe-S] clusters to apoprotein targets. In this study, we
      analyzed the roles of the ATC proteins ErpA, IscA, and SufA in the maturation of
      the nitrate-inducible, multisubunit anaerobic respiratory enzymes formate
      dehydrogenase N (Fdh-N) and nitrate reductase (Nar). Mutants lacking SufA had
      enhanced activities of both enzymes. While both Fdh-N and Nar activities were
      strongly reduced in an iscA mutant, both enzymes were inactive in an erpA mutant
      and in a mutant unable to synthesize the [Fe-S] cluster scaffold protein IscU. It
      could be shown for both Fdh-N and Nar that loss of enzyme activity correlated
      with absence of the [Fe-S] cluster-containing small subunit. Moreover, a slowly
      migrating form of the catalytic subunit FdnG of Fdh-N was observed, consistent
      with impeded twin arginine translocation (TAT)-dependent transport. The highly
      related Fdh-O enzyme was also inactive in the erpA mutant. Although the Nar
      enzyme has its catalytic subunit NarG localized in the cytoplasm, it also
      exhibited aberrant migration in an erpA iscA mutant, suggesting that these
      modular enzymes lack catalytic integrity due to impaired cofactor biosynthesis.
      Cross-complementation experiments demonstrated that multicopy IscA could
      partially compensate for lack of ErpA with respect to Fdh-N activity but not Nar
      activity. These findings suggest that ErpA and IscA have overlapping roles in
      assembly of these anaerobic respiratory enzymes but demonstrate that ErpA is
      essential for the production of active enzymes.

PMID- 22081394
TI  - Structural insights into the catalytic mechanism of Escherichia coli
      selenophosphate synthetase.
AB  - Selenophosphate synthetase (SPS) catalyzes the synthesis of selenophosphate, the
      selenium donor for the biosynthesis of selenocysteine and 2-selenouridine
      residues in seleno-tRNA. Selenocysteine, known as the 21st amino acid, is then
      incorporated into proteins during translation to form selenoproteins which serve
      a variety of cellular processes. SPS activity is dependent on both Mg(2+) and
      K(+) and uses ATP, selenide, and water to catalyze the formation of AMP,
      orthophosphate, and selenophosphate. In this reaction, the gamma phosphate of ATP
      is transferred to the selenide to form selenophosphate, while ADP is hydrolyzed
      to form orthophosphate and AMP. Most of what is known about the function of SPS
      has derived from studies investigating Escherichia coli SPS (EcSPS) as a model
      system. Here we report the crystal structure of the C17S mutant of SPS from E.
      coli (EcSPS(C17S)) in apo form (without ATP bound). EcSPS(C17S) crystallizes as a
      homodimer, which was further characterized by analytical ultracentrifugation
      experiments. The glycine-rich N-terminal region (residues 1 through 47) was found
      in the open conformation and was mostly ordered in both structures, with a
      magnesium cofactor bound at the active site of each monomer involving conserved
      aspartate residues. Mutating these conserved residues (D51, D68, D91, and D227)
      along with N87, also found at the active site, to alanine completely abolished
      AMP production in our activity assays, highlighting their essential role for
      catalysis in EcSPS. Based on the structural and biochemical analysis of EcSPS
      reported here and using information obtained from similar studies done with SPS
      orthologs from Aquifex aeolicus and humans, we propose a catalytic mechanism for
      EcSPS-mediated selenophosphate synthesis.

PMID- 22081395
TI  - Benzoate mediates repression of C(4)-dicarboxylate utilization in "Aromatoleum
      aromaticum" EbN1.
AB  - Diauxic growth was observed in anaerobic C(4)-dicarboxylate-adapted cells of
      "Aromatoleum aromaticum" EbN1 due to preferred benzoate utilization from a
      substrate mixture of a C(4)-dicarboxylate (succinate, fumarate, or malate) and
      benzoate. Differential protein profiles (two-dimensional difference gel
      electrophoresis [2D DIGE]) revealed dynamic changes in abundance for proteins
      involved in anaerobic benzoate catabolism and C(4)-dicarboxylate uptake. In the
      first active growth phase, benzoate utilization was paralleled by maximal
      abundance of proteins involved in anaerobic benzoate degradation (e.g., benzoyl
      coenzyme A [CoA] reductase) and minimal abundance of DctP (EbA4158), the
      periplasmic binding protein of a predicted C(4)-dicarboxylate tripartite ATP
      independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporter (DctPQM). The opposite was observed
      during subsequent succinate utilization in the second active growth phase. The
      increased dctP (respectively, dctPQM) transcript and DctP protein abundance
      following benzoate depletion suggests that repression of C(4)-dicarboxylate
      uptake seems to be a main determinant for the observed diauxie.

PMID- 22081396
TI  - Distinct roles of beta-galactosidase paralogues of the rumen bacterium Mannheimia
      succiniciproducens.
AB  - Mannheimia succiniciproducens, a rumen bacterium belonging to the family
      Pasteurellaceae, has two putative beta-galactosidase genes, bgaA and bgaB,
      encoding polypeptides whose deduced amino acid sequences share 56% identity with
      each other and show approximately 30% identity to the Escherichia coli gene for
      LacZ. The M. succiniciproducens bgaA (MsbgaA) gene-deletion mutant was not able
      to grow on lactose as the sole carbon source, suggesting its essential role in
      lactose metabolism, whereas the MsbgaB gene-deletion mutant did not show any
      growth defect on a lactose medium. Furthermore, the expression of the MsbgaA gene
      was induced by the addition of lactose in the growth medium, whereas the MsbgaB
      gene was constitutively expressed independently of a carbon source. Biochemical
      characterization of the recombinant proteins revealed that MsBgaA is more
      efficient than MsBgaB in hydrolyzing o-nitrophenyl-beta-d-galactopyranoside and p
      nitrophenyl-beta-d-galactopyranoside. MsBgaA was highly specific for the
      hydrolysis of lactose, with a catalytic efficiency of 46.9 s(-1) mM(-1). However,
      MsBgaB was more efficient for the hydrolysis of lactulose than lactose, and the
      catalytic efficiency was 10.0 s(-1) mM(-1). Taken together, our results suggest
      that the beta-galactosidase paralogues of M. succiniciproducens BgaA and BgaB
      play a critical role in lactose metabolism and in an unknown but likely specific
      function for rumen bacteria, respectively.

PMID- 22081397
TI  - Perturbation of FliL interferes with Proteus mirabilis swarmer cell gene
      expression and differentiation.
AB  - Proteus mirabilis is a dimorphic, motile bacterium often associated with urinary
      tract infections. Colonization of urinary tract surfaces is aided by swarmer cell
      differentiation, which is initiated by inhibition of flagellar rotation when the
      bacteria first contact a surface. Mutations in fliL, encoding a flagellar
      structural protein with an enigmatic function, result in the inappropriate
      production of differentiated swarmer cells, called pseudoswarmer cells, under
      noninducing conditions, indicating involvement of FliL in the surface sensing
      pathway. In the present study, we compared the fliL transcriptome with that of
      wild-type swarmer cells and showed that nearly all genes associated with motility
      (flagellar class II and III genes) and chemotaxis are repressed. In contrast,
      spontaneous motile revertants of fliL cells that regained motility yet produced
      differentiated swarmer cells under noninducing conditions transcribed flagellar
      class II promoters at consistent levels. Expression of umoA (a known regulator of
      swarmer cells), flgF, and flgI increased significantly in both swarmer and
      pseudoswarmer cells, as did genes in a degenerate prophage region situated
      immediately adjacent to the Rcs phosphorelay system. Unlike swarmer cells,
      pseudoswarmers displayed increased activity, rather than transcription, of the
      flagellar master regulatory protein, FlhD(4)C(2), and analyses of the fliL parent
      strain and its motile revertants showed that they result from mutations altering
      the C-terminal 14 amino acids of FliL. Collectively, the data suggest a
      functional role for the C terminus of FliL in surface sensing and implicate UmoA
      as part of the signal relay leading to the master flagellar regulator
      FlhD(4)C(2), which ultimately controls swarmer cell differentiation.

PMID- 22081398
TI  - E622, a miniature, virulence-associated mobile element.
AB  - Miniature inverted terminal repeat elements (MITEs) are nonautonomous mobile
      elements that have a significant impact on bacterial evolution. Here we
      characterize E622, a 611-bp virulence-associated MITE from Pseudomonas syringae,
      which contains no coding region but has almost perfect 168-bp inverted repeats.
      Using an antibiotic coupling assay, we show that E622 is transposable and can
      mobilize an antibiotic resistance gene contained between its borders. Its
      predicted parent element, designated TnE622, has a typical transposon structure
      with a three-gene operon, consisting of resolvase, integrase, and exeA-like
      genes, which is bounded by the same terminal inverted repeats as E622. A broader
      genome level survey of the E622/TnE622 inverted repeats identified homologs in
      Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shewanella, Erwinia, Pantoea, and the cyanobacteria
      Nostoc and Cyanothece, many of which appear to encompass known virulence genes,
      including genes encoding toxins, enzymes, and type III secreted effectors. Its
      association with niche-specific genetic determinants, along with its persistence
      and evolutionary diversification, indicates that this mobile element family has
      played a prominent role in the evolution of many agriculturally and clinically
      relevant pathogenic bacteria.

PMID- 22081399
TI  - In the NadR regulon, adhesins and diverse meningococcal functions are regulated
      in response to signals in human saliva.
AB  - The Neisseria meningitidis regulator NadR was shown to repress expression of the
      NadA adhesin and play a major role in NadA phase-variable expression. In this
      study, we identified through microarray analysis over 30 genes coregulated with
      nadA in the NadR mutant and defined members of the NadR regulon through in vitro
      DNA-binding assays. Two distinct types of promoter architectures (I and II) were
      identified for NadR targets, differing in both the number and position of NadR
      binding sites. All NadR-regulated genes investigated were found to respond to 4
      hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4HPA), a small molecule secreted in human saliva, which
      was previously demonstrated to induce nadA expression by alleviating NadR
      dependent repression. Interestingly, two types of NadR 4HPA responsive activities
      were found on different NadR targets corresponding to the two types of genes
      identified by different promoter architectures: while NadA and the majority of
      NadR targets (type I) are induced, only the MafA adhesins (type II) are
      corepressed in response to the same 4HPA signal. This alternate behavior of NadR
      was confirmed in a panel of strains in response to 4HPA and after incubation in
      saliva. The in vitro NadR binding activity at type I and type II promoter regions
      is differentially affected by 4HPA, suggesting that the nature of the NadR
      binding sites may define the regulation to which they will be subjected. We
      conclude that NadR coordinates a broad transcriptional response to signals
      present in human saliva, mimicked in vitro by 4HPA, enabling the meningococcus to
      adapt to the relevant host niche.

PMID- 22081400
TI  - Functions of the duplicated hik31 operons in central metabolism and responses to
      light, dark, and carbon sources in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.
AB  - There are two closely related hik31 operons involved in signal transduction on
      the chromosome and the pSYSX plasmid in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp.
      strain PCC 6803. We studied the growth, cell morphology, and gene expression in
      operon and hik mutants for both copies, under different growth conditions, to
      examine whether the duplicated copies have the same or different functions and
      gene targets and whether they are similarly regulated. Phenotype analysis
      suggested that both operons regulated common and separate targets in the light
      and the dark. The chromosomal operon was involved in the negative control of
      autotrophic events, whereas the plasmid operon was involved in the positive
      control of heterotrophic events. Both the plasmid and double operon mutant cells
      were larger and had division defects. The growth data also showed a regulatory
      role for the chromosomal hik gene under high-CO(2) conditions and the plasmid
      operon under low-O(2) conditions. Metal stress experiments indicated a role for
      the chromosomal hik gene and operon in mediating Zn and Cd tolerance, the plasmid
      operon in Co tolerance, and the chromosomal operon and plasmid hik gene in Ni
      tolerance. We conclude that both operons are differentially and temporally
      regulated. We suggest that the chromosomal operon is the primarily expressed copy
      and the plasmid operon acts as a backup to maintain appropriate gene dosages.
      Both operons share an integrated regulatory relationship and are induced in high
      light, in glucose, and in active cell growth. Additionally, the plasmid operon is
      induced in the dark with or without glucose.

PMID- 22081401
TI  - The prrAB two-component system is essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      viability and is induced under nitrogen-limiting conditions.
AB  - The Mycobacterium tuberculosis prrA-prrB (Rv0903c-Rv0902c) two-component
      regulatory system is expressed during intracellular growth in human macrophages
      and is required for early intracellular multiplication in murine macrophages,
      suggesting its importance in establishing infection. To better understand the
      function of the prrA-prrB two-component system, we defined the transcriptional
      characteristics of the prrA and prrB genes during exponential and stationary
      growth and upon exposure to different environmental stresses and attempted to
      generate a prrA-prrB deletion mutant. The prrA and prrB genes constitute an
      operon and are cotranscribed during logarithmic growth, with transcriptional
      levels decreasing in stationary phase and during hypoxia. Despite the
      transcriptional differences, PrrA protein levels remained relatively stable
      throughout growth and in hypoxia. Under conditions of nitrogen limitation, prrAB
      transcription was induced, while acidic pH stress and carbon starvation did not
      significantly alter transcript levels. Deletion of the prrAB operon on the
      chromosome of M. tuberculosis H37Rv occurred only in the presence of an episomal
      copy of the prrAB genes, indicating that this two-component system is essential
      for viability. Characterization of the prrAB locus in M. tuberculosis Mt21D3, a
      previously described prrA transposon mutant, revealed that this strain is not a
      true prrA knockout mutant. Rather, Tn5367 transposon insertion into the prrA
      promoter only decreased prrA and prrB transcription and PrrA levels in Mt21D3
      compared to those in the parental Mt103 clinical strain. These data provide the
      first report describing the essentiality of the M. tuberculosis prrAB two
      component system and reveal insights into its potential role in mycobacterial
      growth and metabolism.

PMID- 22081403
TI  - Relative bioavailability of manganese proteinate for broilers fed a conventional
      corn-soybean meal diet.
AB  - An experiment was conducted to investigate the bioavailability of organic
      manganese proteinate (Mn) relative to inorganic Mn sulfate for broilers fed a
      conventional corn-soybean meal basal diet. A total of 448-day-old Arbor Acres
      commercial male chicks were fed the Mn-unsupplemented basal diet (control) or
      basal diet supplemented with 60, 120, or 180 mg Mn/kg from each Mn source. At 21
      days of age, heart tissue was excised for testing DM, Mn concentration, manganese
      superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity, and MnSOD mRNA level. The Mn
      concentration, MnSOD activity, and MnSOD mRNA level in heart tissue increased (P
      < 0.01) linearly as dietary manganese concentration increased. Based on slope
      ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above three indices on added Mn
      level, there was no significant difference (P > 0.21) in bioavailability between
      Mn proteinate and Mn sulfate for broilers in this experiment.

PMID- 22081402
TI  - Deficiency in riboflavin biosynthesis affects tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in
      etiolated Arabidopsis tissue.
AB  - Tetrapyrrole biosynthesis is controlled by multiple environmental and endogenous
      cues. Etiolated T-DNA insertion mutants were screened for red fluorescence as
      result of elevated levels of protochlorophyllide and four red fluorescent in the
      dark (rfd) mutants were isolated and identified. rfd3 and rfd4 belong to the
      group of photomorphogenic cop/det/fus mutants. rfd1 and rfd2 had genetic lesions
      in RIBA1 and FLU encoding the dual-functional protein GTP cyclohydrolase II/3,4
      dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase and a negative regulator of
      tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, respectively. RIBA1 catalyses the initial reaction of
      the metabolic pathway of riboflavin biosynthesis and rfd1 contains reduced
      contents of riboflavin and the flavo-coenzymes FMN and FAD. Transcriptome
      analysis of rfd1 revealed up-regulated genes encoding nucleus-localized factors
      involved in cytokinin signalling and numerous down-regulated LEA genes as well as
      an auxin-inducible GH3 gene. Alteration of cytokinin metabolism of rfd1was
      confirmed by elevated contents of active forms of cytokinin and stimulated
      expression of an ARR6::GUS reporter construct. An etiolated quadruple ckx
      (cytokinin oxidase) mutant with impaired cytokinin degradation as well as
      different knockout mutants for the negative AUX/IAA regulators shy2-101 (iaa3),
      axr2-1 (iaa7) and slr-1 (iaa14) showed also excessive protochlorophyllide
      accumulation. The transcript levels of CHLH and HEMA1 encoding Mg chelatase and
      glutamyl-tRNA reductase were increased in rfd1 and the AUX/IAA loss-of-function
      mutants. It is proposed that reduced riboflavin synthesis impairs the activity of
      the flavin-containing cytokinin oxidase, increases cytokinin contents and de
      represses synthesis of 5-aminolevulinic acid of tetrapyrrole metabolism in
      darkness. As result of the mutant analyses, the antagonistic cytokinin and auxin
      signalling is required for a balanced tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in the dark.

PMID- 22081404
TI  - Chromium, selenium, and zinc multimineral enriched yeast supplementation
      ameliorates diabetes symptom in streptozocin-induced mice.
AB  - Chromium, selenium, and zinc malnutrition has been implicated in the pathogenesis
      of diabetic mellitus. This study aims to investigate the effects of novel
      multiminerals-enriched yeast (MMEY) which are minerals supplementation containing
      elevated levels of chromium, selenium, and zinc simultaneously in a diabetic
      animal model. Streptozocin-induced diabetic male Balb/c mice (n = 80) were
      randomly divided into diabetes control group and three treatment groups. They
      were administrated oral gavages with low, medium, or high doses of MMEY,
      respectively. Meanwhile, healthy male Balb/c mice (n = 40) of the same body
      weight were randomly assigned into normal control group and high dose of MMEY
      control group. After 8 weeks duration of treatment, the animals were sacrificed
      by cervical dislocation. Serum glucose concentrations, lipid profiles,
      oxidative/antioxidant, and immunity status were determined. No significant
      adverse effects were observed in the high-dose MMEY control group. Treatment of
      the diabetic mice with medium- or high-dose MMEY significantly decreased serum
      glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde and increased high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione, and the activities of superoxide
      dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, MMEY ameliorated the
      pathological damage of the pancreatic islets, elevated the thymus or spleen
      coefficient, and increased the expressions of interleukin-2 and -4 in spleen
      lymphocytes compared with unsupplemented diabetic mice. In conclusion, these
      results indicate that supplemental MMEY inhibits hyperglycemia, abates oxidative
      stress, modulates disorders of lipid metabolism, and reduces the impairment of
      immune function in diabetic mice; especially notable are the protective effects
      of medium doses of MMEY on the islet cells of diabetic mice.

PMID- 22081405
TI  - Zinc upregulates the expression of osteoprotegerin in mouse osteoblasts MC3T3-E1
      through PKC/MAPK pathways.
AB  - Zinc is an essential element for bone formation; however, its role in osteoblast
      has not been well understood. In the present study, we hypothesized that zinc
      could increase osteogenetic function by stimulating osteoblast proliferation and
      osteoprotegerin (OPG) activity. To test this hypothesis, osteoblastic MC3T3-E1
      cells were cultured and treated with various concentrations of zinc (0, 10, 30,
      50, 70, 110, 130, and 150 MUM) for 24 and 48 h. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y]-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that cell proliferation was
      significantly stimulated with 50 MUM zinc treatment. Furthermore, under the same
      treatment condition, OPG expression was significantly increased as evidenced by
      the results of RT-PCR and ELISA. However, the zinc-induced OPG expression was
      significantly attenuated when MC3T3-E1 cells were co-treated with either protein
      kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, or the Inhibitor of mitogen-activated
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (MEK1), PD98059. Moreover, OPG expression
      was further increased when MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with PMA (the activator of
      protein of kinase C) in the presence of zinc. These results suggested that zinc
      would increase osteogenic function by stimulating PKC and MAPK signaling
      pathways.

PMID- 22081406
TI  - Regulation of [3H]d-aspartate release by the 5-F(2t)-isoprostane and its 5-epimer
      in isolated bovine retina.
AB  - We have evidence that 15-F2-isoprostanes (15-F2-IsoPs) regulate excitatory
      neurotransmitter release in ocular tissues. Although 5-F2-IsoPs are abundantly
      produced in mammals, their pharmacological actions on neurotransmitter release
      remain unknown. In the present study, we compared the effect of the 5-F2-IsoP
      epimer pair, 5-F(2t)-IsoP (C5-OH in beta-position) and 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP (C5-OH
      in alpha-position), on K+-evoked [3H]D-aspartate release in isolated bovine
      retina. We further examined the role of prostanoid receptors on the inhibitory
      action of 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP on [3H]D-aspartate overflow. Isolated bovine retina
      were prepared for studies of K+-evoked release of [3H]D-aspartate using the
      superfusion method. 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP (0.01 nM to 1 MUM), attenuated K+-evoked
      [3H]D-aspartate release in a concentration-dependent manner, with the inhibitory
      effect of 26.9% (P < 0.001; IC25 = 0.2 MUM) being achieved at 1 MUM
      concentration. Its 5-(S)-OH-epimer, 5-F(2t)-IsoP (0.1 nM-1 MUM), exhibited an
      inhibitory biphasic action, yielding a maximal response of 35.7% (P < 0.001) at
      10 nM concentration of the drug (IC25 value of 3 nM). Although the prostanoid
      receptor antagonists, AH 6809 (10 MUM; EP1-3/DP) and BAY-u3405 (10 MUM; DP/Tx)
      exhibited no effect on 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP (10 nM-1 MUM)-mediated inhibition, SC
      19220 (1 MUM; EP1) completely reversed 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP (0.1 MUM and 1 MUM)
      induced attenuation of K+-evoked [3H]D-aspartate release. Similarly, both SC
      51322 (10 MUM; EP1 and AH 23848 (1 MUM; EP4) reversed the inhibitory action
      elicited by 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP (0.1 MUM) on the neurotransmitter release. We
      conclude that the 5-F2-IsoP epimer pair, 5-F(2t)-IsoP and 5-epi-5-F(2t)-IsoP,
      attenuate K+-induced [3H]D-aspartate release in isolated bovine retina presumably
      via prostanoid receptor dependent mechanisms. The trans-orientation of the
      allylic hydroxyl group at position C5 accounts for the apparent biphasic response
      exhibited by 5-F(2t)-IsoP on excitatory neurotransmitter release.

PMID- 22081407
TI  - Culturable bacterial communities on leaf sheaths and panicles of rice plants in
      Japan.
AB  - Culturable bacterial communities on rice plants were investigated from 2001 to
      2003. In total, 1,394 bacterial isolates were obtained from the uppermost leaf
      sheaths at 1 month before heading time and from leaf sheaths and panicles at
      heading time. The average culturable bacterial population on the leaf sheaths was
      larger at heading time than at 1 month previously. Furthermore, the population
      was significantly larger on panicles than on leaf sheaths, suggesting that the
      bacterial population is influenced by the organs of rice plants. Larger
      proportions of bacteria were obtained from the macerates of leaf sheaths after
      washing with phosphate buffer, and most culturable bacteria were verified to
      inhabit the inside or inner surface, rather than the outer surface, of the
      tissues. Verification of the bacterial composition based on 16S rRNA gene
      sequences revealed that genera of Sphingomonas, Microbacterium, Methylobacterium,
      and Acidovorax tended to be dominant colonizers on leaf sheaths, whereas
      Pseudomonas and Pantoea were isolated mainly from the panicles, indicating that
      leaf sheaths and panicles harbor distinct communities. Furthermore, the richness
      of bacterial genera was less on both leaf sheaths and panicles at heading time
      compared with that observed 1 month before heading time. Phylogenetic analyses
      using bacterial isolates belonging to the four dominant genera inhabiting leaf
      sheaths at heading time revealed that particular bacterial groups in each genus
      colonized the leaf sheaths.

PMID- 22081408
TI  - Dietary shifts and human health: cancer and cardiovascular disease in a
      sustainable world.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence suggests that optimal food choice is critical
      for sizable prevention of western diseases such as cardiovascular disease and
      cancer. The Mediterranean diet is an important step in this direction. Moreover,
      substantially lower rates of Western disease, even compared to Mediterranean
      countries, have been observed among hunter-gatherers and other non-western
      populations (Lindeberg 2010). Observational studies and controlled trials support
      the notion that an evolutionary perspective is helpful when designing food models
      for optimal human health. DISCUSSION: However, sustainable health for the
      individual patient is not enough: environmental sustainability must also be
      considered. Are fish and fruit sustainable for everyone? Are starchy root
      vegetables a better option than cereal grains? Is locally produced meat an
      underestimated wholesome food? These and other questions need to be addressed in
      order to cut greenhouse gases and the consumption of (blue) water and
      nonrenewable energy.

PMID- 22081409
TI  - Acute brain damage induced by acetaminophen in mice: effect of diphenyl
      diselenide on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
AB  - Organoselenium compounds exhibit antioxidant activity, as well as a variety of
      biological activities, with potential pharmacological and therapeutic
      applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diphenyl
      diselenide (PhSe)(2) in reversing oxidative brain damage and mitochondrial
      dysfunction caused by administration of acetaminophen (APAP) in mice. Mice
      received a toxic dose of APAP, followed by a dose of (PhSe)(2) 1 h later. Four
      hours after the administration of APAP, plasma was withdrawn from the mice and
      used for biochemical assays of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) as markers of hepatotoxicity. Brain homogenate was
      examined to determine oxidative stress. Isolated brain mitochondria were examined
      to quantify mitochondrial transmembrane's electrical potential and mitochondrial
      swelling and to estimate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. APAP
      administration caused an increase in plasma ALT and AST activities. APAP
      administration also caused a significant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric
      acid reactive substances (TBARS) and dichlorofluorescein oxidation in brain
      homogenate. Similarly, mitochondrial swelling and ROS production increased after
      APAP administration. APAP treatment also caused a decrease in Na(+), K(+)- ATPase
      activity and in mitochondrial membrane potential. These alterations observed in
      the brain of APAP-treated mice were restored by (PhSe)(2). Glutathione levels
      were decreased by APAP, but (PhSe)(2) did not reverse this change. Treatment with
      (PhSe)(2) after APAP administration can reverse the neurotoxicity caused by a
      single toxic dose of APAP. The neuroprotective effect of (PhSe)(2) is likely
      associated with its antioxidant properties.

PMID- 22081410
TI  - The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on partner pregnancy rate in infertile
      men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: an open-label prospective
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) supplementation in men
      with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) results in improved semen
      parameters. In present study, we evaluated the effects of coenzyme CoQ(10)
      supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy rates in infertile men with
      idiopathic OAT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-seven infertile men
      with idiopathic OAT were recruited in this study. These patients were treated
      with CoQ(10) 300 mg orally twice daily for 12 months. Two semen analyses and
      determination of resting levels of sex hormones were done in all participants.
      Patients were followed up for another 12 months after CoQ(10) discontinuation.
      RESULTS: Mean sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, and sperm with
      normal morphology improved significantly after 12-month CoQ(10) therapy by 113.7,
      104.8, and 78.9%, respectively (all Ps < 0.05). The overall pregnancy rate was
      34.1% within a mean of 8.4 +/- 4.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: CoQ(10) supplementation
      improves semen quality with beneficial effect on pregnancy rate.

PMID- 22081411
TI  - The quality of life of mothers of children with monosymptomatic enuresis
      nocturna.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of monosymptomatic
      nocturnal enuresis (MNE) on the quality of life of the mothers. METHODS: Mothers
      who have a child with MNE (n = 60) and mothers who have a child without any
      health problems (n = 90) were included in the study. Groups were similar for
      background variables (child's age, gender, and number of siblings; mother's age
      and marital status; and economic status of families and presence of health
      insurance). The key question was to determine whether or not the difference
      between the two groups in terms of the quality of life. All mothers underwent
      Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire, Spielberg's State-Trait Anxiety
      Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: All SF-36
      subscales except social functioning were significantly lower in mothers of
      enuretic children. The trait-anxiety score, the subcomponent of the STAI, was
      higher in mothers who have a child with enuresis nocturna (P < 0.001). The mean
      BDI score was higher in enuretic group (P < 0.001). There was no significant
      correlation between SF-36, STAI, and BDI scores and child's age, gender, number
      of siblings, and mother's age. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the quality of
      life of the mothers was negatively affected by having a child with MNE.

PMID- 22081412
TI  - Establishing the phylogenetic origin, history, and age of the narrow endemic
      Viola guadalupensis (Violaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Climate change and shifts in land use are two major threats
      to biodiversity and are likely to disproportionately impact narrow endemics.
      Understanding their origins and the extent of their genetic diversity will enable
      land managers to better conserve these unique, highly localized gene pools. Viola
      guadalupensis is a narrow endemic of the Guadalupe Mountains (west Texas, USA).
      Its affinities within Viola section Chamaemelanium have been the subject of some
      debate. Furthermore, the polyploid and presumably reticulate relationships within
      this section remain largely unknown. METHODS: We counted chromosomes for V.
      guadalupensis. Phylogenies for the chloroplast trnL-F region and the low-copy
      nuclear gene GPI for 24 Viola taxa were generated and used to produce a polyploid
      phylogenetic network. Divergence dates were obtained by fossil calibration. KEY
      RESULTS: Meiotic chromosome counts revealed that V. guadalupensis is tetraploid
      (n = 12), and the presence of two GPI homoeologs further suggested
      allotetraploidy. Phylogenetic reconstructions showed that it originated through
      hybridization between unidentified members of subsection Canadenses (paternal
      parent) and subsection Nuttallianae (maternal parent). A fossil-calibrated
      relaxed clock dating analysis of GPI estimated the maximum age of V.
      guadalupensis to be 8.6 (5.7-11.6) Myr, suggesting the species evolved after the
      Guadalupe Mountains formed 12-13 Ma. CONCLUSIONS: Viola guadalupensis originated
      by intersubsectional hybridization followed by polyploidization. Within section
      Chamaemelanium, this phenomenon has occurred repeatedly in the last 9 Myr (at
      least for V. bakeri, V. douglasii, V. glabella, and V. sempervirens).
      Consequences for the systematics of the section are discussed.

PMID- 22081413
TI  - Subcellular targeting and biosynthesis of cyclotides in plant cells.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The cyclotide kalata B1 is found in the leaves of
      Oldenlandia affinis and is a potent insecticidal and nematocidal molecule. This
      peptide is cleaved from a precursor protein, Oak1, and ligation of the N- and C
      termini occurs to form a continuous peptide backbone. The subcellular location of
      the excision and cyclization reactions is unknown, and there is debate as to
      which enzyme catalyzes the event. To determine where in the plant cell Oak1 is
      processed, we prepared constructs encoding GFP (green fluorescent protein) linked
      to the cyclotide precursor Oak1. METHODS: The GFP constructs were transiently
      expressed in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, and GFP fluorescence was
      observed in living cells using confocal microscopy. A Fei Mao (FM) styryl dye was
      infiltrated into whole leaves that were still growing and expressing GFP
      constructs, enabling the plasma membrane and the tonoplast to be highlighted for
      visualization of the vacuole in living cells. KEY RESULTS: The full length Oak1
      precursor directed GFP to the vacuole, suggesting that excision and cyclization
      of the cyclotide domain occurs in the vacuole where the cyclotides are then
      stored. The N-terminal propeptide and N-terminal repeat of Oak1 were both
      sufficient to target GFP to the vacuole, although the C-terminal propeptide,
      which is essential for cyclization, was not a targeting signal. CONCLUSIONS: The
      vacuolar location of cyclotides supports our hypothesis that the vacuolar
      processing enzyme, asparaginyl endoproteinase, has a pivotal role in excision and
      cyclization from cyclotide precursors.

PMID- 22081414
TI  - Convergent evolution of a complex fruit structure in the tribe Brassiceae
      (Brassicaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF STUDY: Many angiosperms have fruit morphologies that result in seeds
      from the same plant having different dispersal capabilities. A prime example is
      found in the Brassiceae (Brassicaceae), which has many members with segmented or
      heteroarthrocarpic fruits. Since only 40% of the genera are heteroarthrocarpic,
      this tribe provides an opportunity to study the evolution of an ecologically
      significant novelty and its variants. METHODS: We analyzed nuclear (PHYA) and
      plastid (matK) sequences from 66 accessions using maximum parsimony, maximum
      likelihood, and Bayesian inference approaches. The evolution of heteroarthrocarpy
      and its variants was evaluated using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood
      ancestral state reconstructions. KEY RESULTS: Although nuclear and plastid
      phylogenies are incongruent with each other, the following findings are
      consistent: (1) Cakile, Crambe, Vella, and Zilla lineages are monophyletic; (2)
      the Nigra lineage is not monophyletic; and (3) within the Cakile clade, Cakile,
      Didesmus, and Erucaria are paraphyletic. Despite differences in the matK and PHYA
      topologies at both deep and shallow nodes, similar patterns of morphological
      evolution emerge. Heteroarthrocarpy, a complex morphological trait, has evolved
      multiple times across the tribe. Moreover, there are convergent transitions in
      dehiscence capabilities and fruit disarticulation across the tribe. CONCLUSIONS:
      We present the first explicit analysis of fruit evolution within the Brassiceae,
      which exemplifies evolutionary lability. The repeated loss and gain of segment
      dehiscence and disarticulation suggests conservation in the genetic pathway
      controlling abscission with differential expression across taxa. This study
      provides a strong foundation for future studies of mechanisms underlying
      variation in dispersal capabilities of Brassiceae.

PMID- 22081415
TI  - Competition between cytotypes changes across a longitudinal gradient in Centaurea
      stoebe (Asteraceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Polyploidy resulting from whole genome duplication has
      contributed to the adaptive evolution of many plant species. However, the
      conditions necessary for successful polyploid evolution and subsequent
      establishment and persistence in sympatry with diploid progenitors are often
      quite limited. One condition thought to be necessary for establishment is a
      substantial competitive superiority of the polyploid. METHODS: We conducted a
      pairwise competition experiment using diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of
      Centaurea stoebe L. to determine whether (1) tetraploids have greater competitive
      ability than diploids, (2) cytotypes from mixed-cytotype populations have more
      balanced competitive abilities than single-cytotype populations, and (3)
      competitive abilities change along a longitudinal gradient. KEY RESULTS: Across
      sampling localities, tetraploids did not produce greater aboveground biomass than
      diploids but suffered from greater intracytotypic competition. Tetraploids
      allocated greater biomass belowground than diploids, regardless of competition
      treatment, and had greater performance for traits associated with long-term
      persistence (bolted more frequently and produced more accessory rosettes).
      Competitive ability of tetraploids did not differ between single- and mixed
      cytotype populations but varied along a longitudinal gradient. Tetraploids were
      stronger intercytotypic competitors in Western Europe (Switzerland and Germany)
      than in Eastern Europe (Hungary and Slovakia), which indicates that cytotype
      coexistence may be more likely in Eastern Europe, the proposed origin of
      tetraploids, than in Western Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Our study addresses the
      importance of examining competitive interactions between cytotypes across their
      distributional range, as competitive interactions were not consistent across
      sampling localities.

PMID- 22081416
TI  - [Transurethral enucleation of bladder paraganglioma].
AB  - Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare neoplasm that derives from
      ganglion cells located in the bladder wall and may morphologically simulate a
      urothelial carcinoma. The authors present the case of a vesical paraganglioma
      incidentally detected by ultrasound, and entirely removed by transurethral
      approach from detrusorial wall. Conventional approaches include surgery (partial
      cystectomy) or laparoscopic procedures, with inspection by transurethral
      endoscopy; in this case we wanted to avoid the combined approach considering the
      lesion diameter and the possibility of an easy removal.

PMID- 22081417
TI  - [Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in giant masses].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered the treatment of choice in
      the surgical management of the most majority of the adrenal diseases.
      Nevertheless, one of the much discussed topics is the dimensional cut-off for the
      laparoscopic treatment and it is not clear if laparoscopy should be used in large
      adrenal masses.Introduction. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the goal standard in
      benign adrenal masses smaller than 6 cm, while its advantages in masses larger
      than this cut-off and in malignant lesions is still discussed. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We present six cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy since November 2008
      for masses between 7 and 15 cm; 4 men and 2 women. 3 right and 3 left. A complete
      adrenal endocrinological evaluation demonstrated that the lesions were not
      secreting tumors. All patients were studied with CT scan.The technique was
      performed using a flank approach with a 45 degrees  tilt. We used 5 trocars in
      patients who had the masses on the right side, and 4 in those who had the lesions
      on the left side. After creating an adequate pneumoperitoneum through an open
      access, the posterior peritoneum cutting, mobilization of the colon, medial
      dissection of the adrenal gland, and ligation of the main adrenal vein were
      performed. The adrenal gland was carefully dissected by Ultracision. The mass was
      extracted by endobag through an additional subcostal port. The mean operative
      time was 120 minutes. Blood loss was about 50 cc. The drainage was removed on day
      2 after surgery and the patient was discharged on day 3. No postoperative
      complication occurred. The anatomopathologic exam gave evidence of myelolipoma
      and hemorrhagic cyst. DISCUSSION: The benefits of the laparoscopic approach are
      widely demonstrated and consist of a shorter hospital stay, reduced morbility,
      decreased analgesic requirement, and reduced intraoperative blood loss. One of
      the most discussed topics is the dimensional cut-off and it is not clear if the
      laparoscopy approach should be used in large adrenal masses (considering the
      longer operative time and increasing blood loss). Many surgeons performed
      laparoscopic adrenalectomy for masses of up to 13 cm, thus demonstrating that
      this procedure is safe and effective. A limitation of laparoscopic approach for
      adrenal giant masses is the increased risk to treat an adrenal cortical
      carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience, supported by the literature, demonstrates
      that the laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a feasible and effective surgical
      technique also in the case of giant masses. Preoperative diagnosis has a
      predominant role to determine the contraindication of this technique (invasive
      adrenal carcinoma).

PMID- 22081418
TI  - [A case of intravesical migration of an intrauterine device detected 14 years
      later].
AB  - We report the case of a patient arrived because of urological symptoms
      characterized by terminal hematuria, strangury and dysuria due to migration into
      the bladder of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) placed 14 years before
      and penetrated into the bladder with formation of lithiasis. These cases have
      already been described in literature, but the particular feature of this case is
      that the patient had been pregnant and had a eutocic delivery, she never
      voluntarily removed the IUD and nor was it found during a gynecologic
      laparoscopy. The patient underwent the surgical removal of the IUD and of the
      bladder stone, without detecting adjacent connective routes between uterus and
      bladder.

PMID- 22081419
TI  - [Thrombosed aneurysm of a segmental renal artery branch. Diagnostic and
      therapeutic approach].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We present the case of a 37-year-old man with a thrombosed aneurysm
      of a segmental branch of the left renal artery, which was diagnosed after a
      radiological investigation for colic-like pain, and treated conservatively with
      endovascular approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After repeated episodes of colic
      like pain in his left side with normal ultrasound of the urinary tract, A.R. (37
      years old) undergoes a CT urogram of the abdomen, which shows a complete
      thrombosis of the middle third of the left renal artery, which is associated with
      hypoperfusion of the lower middle third of the kidney with suspected ischemia of
      the lower pole. In confirmation of the previous clinical scenario, we proceed
      with a urgent angiography, which identifies a pseudo-aneurysm, partially
      thrombosed, of the segmental branch of the left renal artery at the lower middle
      pole. During the hospitalization, the clinical picture is complicated by an
      unstable arterial hypertension associated with headache and nausea. A renal
      scintigraphy confirms a severe impairment of the renal function mainly at the
      level of the middle third of the lower left kidney. The total glomerular
      filtration rate sec. Gates was equal to 64.3 mL/min with a percentage breakdown
      of the global renal function of 28% to the right and 72% to the left. The
      location of the vascular defect argues for endovascular intervention in the
      attempt to preserve the remaining renal parenchyma. We proceed with a standard
      angiography with selective access to the left renal artery with a catheter via
      femoral artery Cobra 5Fx80 TERUSMO cm. The tortuosity of the thrombus and the
      angle of the aneurysm site prevent, despite several attempts, the passage of the
      guide wire for a possible stenting and fibrinolysis. We opt for the placement of
      5 spirals at the aneurysm (Boston Soft GDC-10 SR 360 7mm x 15cm), in order to
      preserve the residual parenchyma, excluding the aneurysmal artery at risk of
      rupture and extent of the thrombus. RESULTS: Immediately after the procedure, the
      clinical picture remained stable with complete remission of painful symptoms and
      with a good blood pressure control. At about 6 months, the renal scintigraphy
      shows a filtered global impairment of 70%, 30% for the left kidney, a slight
      improvement over the previous controls. The blood pressure remains within the
      limits with amlodipine 5 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery aneurysms are uncommon and
      occur in approximately 0.09% of the general population. The etiopathogenesis at a
      young age is often dysplastic in nature and the diagnosis is made incidentally or
      during evaluation of related symptoms, being asymptomatic until they become
      complicated. Their treatment is proposed to prevent complications such as rupture
      or thrombosis. Given the extreme variability of presentation, the surgical
      technique, traditional or endoscopic, is at the surgeon's discretion. In our
      case, we opted for a conservative approach since the degree of renal parenchyma
      impairment and the patient's hemodynamic condition allowed to.

PMID- 22081420
TI  - Ex vivo models for training in endourology: construction of the model and
      simulation of training procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Training in endourology by ex vivo models is an effective tool for
      unskilled urologists to get qualification. Urologists have different kinds of
      training models at urological conferences, but, in order to get skilled, they
      need models available at their own department. METHODS: The article describes how
      to build an ex vivo porcine model to train on the main endourological procedures.
      RESULTS: Questionnaires filled by the trainers attending the courses at our
      department, over the last three years, have proved the high degree of
      satisfaction about this kind of training system. CONCLUSIONS: Validation studies
      about these models still lack. The growing interest about them requires
      randomized controlled validation studies in the future, including large numbers
      of participants.

PMID- 22081421
TI  - [Multiple stones in atypical heterotopic reservoir in a patient with renal
      transplant: endourologic resolution].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis is a frequent complication in a heterotopic reservoir
      and the surgical management could be a difficult problem. Open surgery is not
      recommended in patients with multiple previous surgeries. A less invasive
      technique, such as the endourologic procedures, would allow high stone-free rate
      and low surgical morbidity. INTRODUCTION: Stone formation in the reservoir is a
      well-known complication of urinary diversion. The incidence of lithiasis in
      patients with continent urinary diversion is reported as 12-52.5%. Most patients
      will have multiple physical factors, such as immobility, need for self
      catheterization and poor urine drainage, so that it is not certain that an
      intestinal reservoir is the cause of stones on its own. The management of
      urolithiasis in continent urinary diversion can be challenging and could be a
      difficult problem to solve. A less invasive technique, such as the endourologic
      procedures, is desiderable, especially in patients with kidney transplant and low
      immune defence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case of a 59-year-old woman
      with previous history of spina bifida and with neurogenic bladder. At a pediatric
      age, she underwent incontinent urinary diversion using a sigmo-colic conduit. For
      several years she had been suffering from kidney stones and recurrent urinary
      infections, which led to a left nephrectomy for pyonephrosis, subsequent
      deterioration of renal function and dialysis. In 2004, we performed an atypical
      continent and self-catheterizable reservoir using the previous colic conduit
      detubularized and ileum-cecal tract with Mitrofanoff system conduit of 14 Fr
      size. Finally, kidney transplant was carried out as last surgical procedure.
      Recently she has come to our attention for multiple and large reservoir stones.
      SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: preliminary exploration of the continent pouch with flexible
      cystoscope. Percutaneous access with Endovision degrees  direct control through
      the afferent conduit with 8 Fr flexible ureteroscope. Dilation of percutaneous
      tract with pneumatic balloon and positioning 30 Fr Amplats sheet. Lithotripsy,
      with ultrasound and ballistic sources, was performed and the residual fragments
      were removed with grasping. At the end of the procedure, after controlling the
      complete clearance with flexible nephroscope and X-ray, a percutanous 12 Fr
      catheter and a 12 Fr Foley in the Mitrofanoff conduit were inserted. RESULTS: No
      fever or increase serum creatinine were observed in the post-operative time. On
      day 3, we removed the percutaneous foley and after 7 days we performed a
      cystography with a normal pouch configuration; no leakage or residual fragments
      were observed. The woman was discarge and returned to usual self-catheterization.
      The first 3-month post-operative control was regular; no infections or pain were
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: In special cases, like this one, the percutaneous
      procedure is preferred to open surgery for a best control of the pouch and a
      simple complete clearence of the fragments.

PMID- 22081422
TI  - [Endoscopic treatment with Wallgraft stenting of complete iatrogenic iliac
      ureteral injury in a high-risk surgical patient].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injury of the ureter is a potential complication of any difficult
      abdominopelvic surgical procedure, with an incidence ranging between 0.5% and 10%
      in most series. The treatment depends on the severity and the place of the
      lesion. The severe mid and upper ureteral injuries usually require complex
      treatment procedures, which can be contraindicated in case of severe
      comorbidities with high anesthesiologic risk. We report our experience in the
      endoscopic treatment with Wallgraft stenting of complete iatrogenic iliac
      ureteral injury in a high-risk surgical patient. METHODS: A 74-year-old female
      patient was admitted at our department due to a complete lesion of the right
      iliac ureter following right iliac artery aneurysm repair with iatrogenic ileal
      injury. The patient was in coma, affected by severe respiratory insufficiency,
      sepsis and uroperitoneum. These conditions contraindicated a general anesthesia
      encumbering the positioning of a nephrostomy, and influenced our indication of
      Wallgraft stent placement. The Wallgraft endoprosthesis (10 x 50 mm) is a self
      expanding super-alloy metallic high flexible stent covered by PET, which can be
      placed at the level of the lesion using fluoroscopy after introducing an
      angiographic catheter and guidewire. This procedure is usually indicated in the
      treatment of vascular lesions. RESULTS: After positioning the Wallgraft stent,
      pyelography showed a complete closure of the lesion. The patient's clinical
      condition improved quickly and remained stable at a follow-up of 45 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the Wallgraft stent positioning cannot be considered as a
      standard treatment for all the complete ureteral lesions, it can be proposed in
      the management of some patients with severe comorbidities, which do not allow any
      other approach.

PMID- 22081423
TI  - Surgery and target agents for renal cell carcinoma treatment: the path between
      proper interaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all solid tumors and
      currently causes about 3,500 deaths/year in the UK. Once an orphan disease, it
      has undergone an impressive change in its natural history with an improvement in
      overall survival, thanks to the development of new target agents. INTRODUCTION:
      In its management, renal cell carcinoma has been treated with both surgical and
      medical approaches. Nowadays, many more drugs are available, especially in the
      metastatic setting, so that we should reconsider the peculiar role of surgery and
      its interaction with target agents. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive nephrectomy still
      plays a major role in the management of the disease, though no really solid data
      have been still obtained. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, instead, are still
      under evaluation, especially new adjuvant therapies involving the numerous target
      agents we have. Finally, metastasectomy has a controversial role, with some
      evidence of more efficacy than the medical treatment, though it shows too many
      biases to be considered certain. The picture that comes out suggests a complex
      frame, in which we have great power to act, but in which we need to better
      comprehend the interactions that could be created between surgery and medical
      therapies, to achieve an optimal multimodal treatment for renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22081424
TI  - Proteomic characterization of the late and persistent effects of cadmium at low
      doses on the rat liver.
AB  - To investigate the late and persistent effects of cadmium (Cd) at low doses on
      the liver and its potential mechanisms, male Wistar rats were given i.p.
      injection of Cd as CdCl2 at 20 nmol kg(-1) body weight every other day for 4
      weeks. At weeks 20, 44 and 52, the livers from Cd-treated and age-matched control
      rats were examined pathologically and biochemically. Chronic exposure of rats to
      Cd at low doses induced mild pathological changes and persistent oxidative damage
      as well as cell proliferation. Hepatic proteins were analyzed with two
      dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry. More than 1000 protein
      spots were detected by 2-DE. Ten proteins were distinguishable between Cd-treated
      and age-matched control groups at week 52 week after Cd treatment. Two of them
      were significantly down-regulated: prohibitin (PHB) and d-dopachrome tautomerase
      (DDT). By western blotting the down-regulated expression of PHB and DDT in the
      livers of Cd-treated rats was confirmed in both early (week 20) and late (week
      52) time points. To further examine the down-regulation of antioxidant status in
      the Cd-treated livers, other common antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase
      and glutathione and one metal detoxification specific protein metallothionein,
      were also detected and found to be decreased, particularly at the late stage.
      These results suggest that mild histopathological changes, persistent oxidative
      damage and cell proliferation remained at the late stages (weeks 44-52) after
      rats were exposed to low-dose Cd. These persistent changes may be associated with
      the persistent down-regulation of cellular antioxidant systems.

PMID- 22081425
TI  - MiR-34 modulates Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan via repressing the autophagy
      gene atg9.
AB  - Evidence for a regulatory role of the miR-34 family in senescence is growing.
      However, the exact role of miR-34 in aging in vivo remains unclear. Here, we
      report that a mir-34 loss-of-function mutation in Caenorhabditis elegans markedly
      delays the age-related physiological decline, extends lifespan, and increases
      resistance to heat and oxidative stress. We also found that RNAi against
      autophagy-related genes, atg4, bec-1, or atg9, significantly reversed the
      lifespan-extending effect of the mir-34 mutants. Furthermore, miR-34a inhibits
      Atg9A expression at the post-transcriptional level in vitro, and the miR-34a
      binding sequences in the 3'-UTR of Atg9A contributes to the modulation of Atg9A
      expression by miR-34a. Our results demonstrate that the C. elegans mir-34
      mutation extends lifespan by enhancing autophagic flux in C. elegans, and that
      miR-34 represses autophagy by directly inhibiting the expression of the autophagy
      related proteins Atg9 in mammalian cells.

PMID- 22081426
TI  - A multimeasure approach to investigating affective appraisal of social
      information in Williams syndrome.
AB  - People with Williams syndrome (WS) have been consistently described as showing
      heightened sociability, gregariousness, and interest in people, in conjunction
      with an uneven cognitive profile and mild to moderate intellectual or learning
      disability. To explore the mechanisms underlying this unusual social-behavioral
      phenotype, we investigated whether individuals with WS show an atypical appraisal
      style and autonomic responsiveness to emotionally laden images with social or
      nonsocial content. Adolescents and adults with WS were compared to chronological
      age-matched and nonverbal mental age-matched groups in their responses to
      positive and negative images with or without social content, using measures of
      self-selected viewing time (SSVT), autonomic arousal reflected in pupil dilation
      measures, and likeability ratings. The participants with WS looked significantly
      longer at the social images compared to images without social content and had
      reduced arousal to the negative social images compared to the control groups. In
      contrast to the comparison groups, the explicit ratings of likeability in the WS
      group did not correlate with their SSVT; instead, they reflected an appraisal
      style of more extreme ratings. This distinctive pattern of viewing interest,
      likeability ratings, and autonomic arousal to images with social content in the
      WS group suggests that their heightened social drive may be related to atypical
      functioning of reward-related brain systems reflected in SSVT and autonomic
      reactivity measures, but not in explicit ratings.

PMID- 22081427
TI  - Glomerular expression of apelin and its association with proteinuria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution and expression of apelin in kidney of
      adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephrotic rats, and to explore the possible association
      of apelin expression with the development of proteinuria. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical staining for apelin was used to examine the expression and
      distribution of apelin in kidney of adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephrotic rats at 7,
      14, 21 and 28 d after adriamycin injection. The level of serum apelin at 7, 14,
      21 and 28 d after ADR injection was also determined with ELISA methods. Moreover
      the correlation of urine protein and glomerular expression of apelin was
      analyzed. RESULTS: The apelin protein was immunohistochemically detected along
      glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in the kidney of rats and significantly
      increased compared with normal control rats after ADR injection. The levels of 24
      h proteinuria and serum apelin were also elevated after ADR injection. Moreover
      the production of proteinuria was correlated positively with the expression of
      apelin in kidney tissue (rs = 0.9427, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The glomerular
      expression of apelin increased significantly in ADR rats, which is correlated
      with urine protein.

PMID- 22081428
TI  - History of growth hormone therapy.
AB  - The first human to receive GH therapy was in 1956; it was of bovine origin and
      was given for 3 wk for metabolic balance studies revealing no effects. By 1958,
      three separate laboratories utilizing different extraction methods retrieved hGH
      from human pituitaries, purified it and used for clinical investigation. By 1959
      presumed GHD patients were being given native hGH collected and extracted by
      various methods. Since 1 mg of hGH was needed to treat one patient per day, >360
      human pituitaries were needed per patient per year. Thus, the availability of hGH
      was limited and was awarded on the basis of clinical research protocols approved
      by the National Pituitary Agency (NPA) established in 1961. hGH was dispensed and
      injected on a milligram weight basis with varied concentrations between batches
      from 0.5 units/mg to 2.0 units/mg of hGH. By 1977 a centralized laboratory was
      established to extract all human pituitaries in the US, this markedly improved
      the yield of hGH obtained and most remarkably, hGH of this laboratory was never
      associated with Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD) resulting from the injection of
      apparently prior- contaminated hGH produced years earlier. However, widespread
      rhGH use was not possible even if a pituitary from each autopsy performed in the
      US was collected, this would only permit therapy for about 4,000 patients. Thus,
      the mass production of rhGH required the identification of the gene structure of
      the hormone, methodology that began in 1976 to make insulin by recombinant
      technology. Serendipity was manifest in 1985 when patients who had received hGH
      years previously were reported to have died of CJD. This led to the
      discontinuation of the distribution and use of hGH, at a time when a synthetic
      rhGH became available for clinical use. The creation of a synthetic rhGH was
      accompanied by unlimited supplies of hGH for investigation and therapy. However,
      the appropriate use and the potential abuse of this hormone are to be dealt with.
      The illegitimate use of rhGH, unequivocally the abuse by athletes is, and should
      be, of primary concern to society and should be halted. The abuse of prescribing
      rhGH in an attempt to retard the aging process also should receive attention.

PMID- 22081430
TI  - New evidence for a role of MICA in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus
      erythematosus: comment on the article by Yoshida et al.

PMID- 22081429
TI  - An emerging role of degrading proteinases in hypertension and the metabolic
      syndrome: autodigestion and receptor cleavage.
AB  - One of the major challenges for hypertension research is to identify the
      mechanisms that cause the comorbidities encountered in many hypertensive
      patients, as seen in the metabolic syndrome. An emerging body of evidence
      suggests that human and experimental hypertensives may exhibit uncontrolled
      activity of proteinases, including the family of matrix metalloproteinases,
      recognized for their ability to restructure the extracellular matrix proteins and
      to play a role in hypertrophy. We propose a new hypothesis that provides a
      molecular framework for the comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes, capillary
      rarefaction, immune suppression, and other cell and organ dysfunctions due to
      early and uncontrolled extracellular receptor cleavage by active proteinases. The
      proteinase and signaling activity in hypertensives requires further detailed
      analysis of the proteinase expression, the mechanisms causing proenzyme
      activation, and identification of the proteinase substrate. This work may open
      the opportunity for reassessment of old interventions and development of new
      interventions to manage hypertension and its comorbidities.

PMID- 22081431
TI  - Conditional deletion of Stat3 in mammary epithelium impairs the acute phase
      response and modulates immune cell numbers during post-lactational regression.
AB  - Mammary gland regression following weaning (involution) is associated with
      extensive cell death and the acquisition of an inflammatory signature.
      Characterizing the interplay between mammary epithelial cells, the re-emerging
      stroma and immune cells has implications for the understanding of the
      pathogenesis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Stat3 has a role in
      orchestrating cell death and involution, and we sought to determine whether
      expression of Stat3 by the mammary epithelium also influences the innate immune
      environment and inflammatory cell influx in the gland. We examined mice in which
      Stat3 is conditionally deleted only in the mammary epithelium. Distinct sets of
      genes associated with the acute phase response and innate immunity are markedly
      up-regulated during first phase involution in a Stat3-dependent manner. During
      second phase involution, chitinase 3-like 1, which has been associated with wound
      healing and chronic inflammatory conditions, is dramatically up-regulated by
      Stat3. Also at this time, the number of mammary macrophages and mast cells
      increases per unit area, and this increase is impaired in the absence of
      epithelial Stat3. Furthermore, expression of arginase-1 and Ym1, markers of
      alternatively activated macrophages, is significantly decreased in the absence of
      Stat3, whilst iNOS, a marker associated with classically activated macrophages,
      shows significantly increased expression in the Stat3-deleted glands. Thus, Stat3
      is a key transcriptional regulator of genes associated with innate immunity and
      wound healing and influences mammary macrophage and mast cell numbers. The
      presence of epithelial Stat3 appears to polarize the macrophages and epithelial
      cells towards an alternatively activated phenotype, since in the absence of
      Stat3, the gland retains a phenotype associated with classically activated
      macrophages. These findings have relevance to the study of pregnancy-associated
      breast cancer and the role of Stat3 signalling in recruitment of alternatively
      activated tumour-associated macrophages in breast cancer.

PMID- 22081432
TI  - Two length variants of the microsatellite FH2295 as markers for body size of
      female Portuguese water dogs.
AB  - Genetic studies in purebred Portuguese water dogs (PWD) have previously
      identified genetic loci controlling skeleton size. The FH2295 genetic marker was
      reported to control 43.6% of the size variation in this breed. In the present
      study, we amplified and sequenced the genomic DNA from female PWD of different
      sizes in the region of the FH2295 genetic marker. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      products of 700 and 800 bp were generated and sequencing revealed the presence of
      a microsatellite marker including either 5 or 24 repeats of the tetranucleotide
      sequence "CTTT". Dogs were divided into groups based on their genotypes:
      homozygote for the short allele (II) or homozygote for the long allele (BB) or
      heterozygote (IB). The smallest dogs were homozygous with 24 repeats and the
      largest dogs were homozygous with five repeats. Genetic transmission of the
      microsatellite marker appears to follow Mendelian laws since all puppies born to
      a homozygous small dog genotyped "BB" included one or two "B" allele. We applied
      a PCR method to characterize the sequence of the previously identified dog
      genetic marker FH2295 and propose that the length of the microsatellite
      identified could be used as a predictor for the body size of female PWD.

PMID- 22081433
TI  - Characterization of the hepatic cellular uptake of alpha(1) -acid glycoprotein
      (AGP), part 1: a peptide moiety of human AGP is recognized by the hemoglobin beta
      chain on mouse liver parenchymal cells.
AB  - Human alpha(1) -acid glycoprotein (AGP), a serum glycoprotein, is known to have
      anti-inflammatory activity. We recently reported that AGP was mainly incorporated
      into the liver in mice via a receptor-mediated pathway, although the mechanism
      for this was largely unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the
      specific cellular surface protein that recognizes the peptide moiety of AGP.
      Pharmacokinetic studies of (111) In-AGP and (111) In -recombinant glycan
      deficient AGP (rAGP) in mice demonstrated that both AGPs are mainly distributed
      to the liver and kidney, but hepatic and renal uptake clearance of rAGP was
      higher than that for AGP. Hepatic uptake of rAGP was inhibited in the presence of
      100-fold excess of unlabeled AGP, indicating that the hepatic uptake of rAGP
      shared a common route with that of AGP and that it recognized the peptide moiety
      of AGPs. In ligand blotting analyses using crude cellular membrane fraction of
      mice liver, a band corresponding to a 16 kDa protein was observed to bind to both
      AGPs. Interestingly, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF-MS and western blotting analyses indicated that this
      16 kDa protein is the hemoglobin beta-chain (HBB). It, therefore, appears that
      HBB is associated with the hepatic uptake of AGP via a direct interaction with
      its peptide moiety.

PMID- 22081434
TI  - Pruritus in primary myelofibrosis: clinical and laboratory correlates.
AB  - Recent clinical trials with JAK or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      inhibitors in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) have identified pruritus as one of the
      most treatment-responsive disease traits. However, little is known about the
      prevalence of pruritus in PMF or its clinical and laboratory correlates. Among
      566 consecutive patients with PMF seen at our institution, the presence or
      absence of pruritus was documented in 90 (16%) and 146 (26%) patients,
      respectively. Patients with pruritus were less likely to express MPLW515 (0% vs.
      10%; P = 0.02) or leukopenia (8% vs. 24%; P = 0.002). The latter association was
      more pronounced in the absence of JAK2 or MPL mutations. Pruritus also clustered
      with marked leukocytosis (23% vs. 11%; P = 0.01) and JAK2V617F (71% vs. 59%; P =
      0.08). Pruritus did not correlate with karyotype (P = 0.33), risk category per
      the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)-plus (P = 0.37),
      DIPSS-plus-adjusted survival (P = 0.41), or leukemic transformation (P = 0.13).
      Plasma levels of 20 cytokines, which are known to be abnormally expressed in PMF,
      including IL-1b, IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF, were measured in 63 informative
      cases and showed no correlations with history of pruritus. We conclude that
      pruritus is relatively frequent in PMF and is prognostically irrelevant. The
      pathogenesis of PMF-associated pruritus is not necessarily linked to
      proinflammatory cytokines but may instead involve molecules that are either
      granulocyte-derived or influence granulopoiesis. The apparently differential
      effect of MPL vs. JAK2 mutations on pruritus requires further investigation.

PMID- 22081435
TI  - Biowaiver monographs for immediate-release solid oral dosage forms: quinine
      sulfate.
AB  - The biowaiver approach permits evaluation of bioequivalence (BE) using a set of
      laboratory tests, obviating the need for expensive and time-consuming
      pharmacokinetic BE studies provided that both the active pharmaceutical
      ingredient and the formulations can meet the specified criteria. In the present
      monograph, the biowaiver-relevant data including solubility and permeability
      data, therapeutic use and therapeutic index, pharmacokinetic properties, reported
      excipient interactions, and BE/bioavailability studies of quinine sulfate are
      itemized and discussed. Quinine sulfate has borderline solubility characteristics
      and, on the whole, is highly permeable. Thus, depending on the jurisdiction, it
      is assigned to Biopharmaceutics Classification System class I or II. Although
      these characteristics would suggest a low risk of bioinequivalence among oral
      quinine products, a recent pharmacokinetic study showed bioinequivalence of two
      products. Even though quinine does not, strictly speaking, fit the definition of
      a narrow therapeutic index drug, it shows dose-related and, in some cases,
      irreversible side effects and toxicities at concentrations not far above the
      therapeutic concentration range. Taking all relevant aspects into consideration,
      a biowaiver cannot be recommended for new quinine immediate-release multisource
      products or major post-approval changes of already marketed quinine products, and
      in such cases, BE should be evaluated using an in vivo BE study.

PMID- 22081436
TI  - Expression of Th17 cells in breast cancer tissue and its association with
      clinical parameters.
AB  - Th17 cells are newly identified effector CD4(+) T cells, which play an active
      role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases and may be relevant for anti-tumor
      defenses. In the present study, we examined expression of Th17 cells in specimens
      of breast cancer tissue and its association with clinical, pathology, and
      immunological parameters. Expression rates of Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells
      in breast cancer and normal (i.e. non-cancerous) tissue were evaluated using flow
      cytometry in 30 patients with breast carcinoma. Further, expression of
      interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in
      breast cancer tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Associations
      between Th17 expression and other parameters were analyzed by multiple linear
      regression analysis. We observed that expression of Th17 cells was significantly
      higher in breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue. Further, expressions of
      IL-17, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in cancer tissue positively correlated with expression
      of Th17 cells. In addition, there was a negative association between the numbers
      of Th17 cells and TNM stage, blood vessel invasion, and increased numbers of
      metastatic lymph nodes. Finally, expression of Th17 was not associated with
      expression of Treg. In conclusion, Th17 cells appear to be involved in anti-tumor
      immune responses and are associated with a more favorable prognosis.

PMID- 22081437
TI  - TNF-alpha increases bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell migration to ischemic
      tissues.
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of TNF-alpha on rat
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and to assess feasibility of MSC transplantation to
      repair ischemic injury. In this study, adhesion molecules and cell specific
      surface markers on MSCs were measured after exposure to different concentrations
      of TNF-alpha. MSCs stimulated with varying concentrations of TNF-alpha were
      cultured with aortic endothelial cells, and the adhesion rate was measured. MSCs
      were then stimulated with an optimum concentration of TNF-alpha as determined in
      vitro, and injected intravenously into rats with ischemic hind limb injury. The
      number of MSCs in muscle samples from the ischemic area was counted. The results
      showed that (1) TNF-alpha induced a concentration-dependent increase in VCAM-1
      expression in MSCs, whereas the expression of L-selectin, ICAM-1 and VLA-4 did
      not change significantly. Expression of MSC-specific antigens was unchanged. (2)
      MSCs pretreated with 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha showed significantly increased adhesion
      to endothelial cells in vitro, and accumulated to a greater extent in the areas
      of ischemic damage in rat hind limbs. We were able to conclude that TNF-alpha has
      no effect on expression of MSC-specific markers, but can increase the expression
      of VCAM-1 on rat MSCs. Suitable concentrations of TNF-alpha can promote MSC
      adhesion to endothelial cells and migration to damaged tissue.

PMID- 22081438
TI  - Complications of implantable venous access devices in patients with sickle cell
      disease.
AB  - Implantable venous access devices (VADs) are used in sickle cell disease (SCD)
      for patients with poor venous access to facilitate chronic blood transfusions and
      manage acute complications. We attempted to define the frequency of bloodstream
      infections (BSI) and thrombosis in adults and children with SCD and VADs. We
      performed a single-institution, retrospective review of VAD-associated infection
      and thrombosis in patients with SCD. Thirty-two patients (median age 20 years,
      range, 1-59) had 86 VADs placed (median, 2.7 VADs per patient, range, 1-7) with a
      total of 41,292 catheter days (median, 1,376 days; range, 323-3,999). Mean
      catheter lifespan in adults (691 days +/- 123) was not significantly higher than
      children (614 days +/- 154). A total of 66 VAD-associated BSI (1.59 infections
      per 1,000 catheter days) occurred in 17 of 32 (53%) patients. Children with VADs
      had fewer BSI (3 of 10; 30%) than adults (14 of 22; 64%, P = 0.08). 24 catheter
      associated thromboses (0.49 thromboses per 1,000 catheter days) occurred in 10 of
      32 (41%) of patients. Children also had fewer VAD-associated-thrombosis (1 of 10;
      10%) than adults (9 of 22; 40%, P = 0.08). In conclusion, the use of VADs in SCD
      was linked to a significant rate of infection and thrombosis.

PMID- 22081439
TI  - A linear mixed model for predicting a binary event from longitudinal data under
      random effects misspecification.
AB  - The use of longitudinal data for predicting a subsequent binary event is often
      the focus of diagnostic studies. This is particularly important in obstetrics,
      where ultrasound measurements taken during fetal development may be useful for
      predicting various poor pregnancy outcomes. We propose a modeling framework for
      predicting a binary event from longitudinal measurements where a shared random
      effect links the two processes together. Under a Gaussian random effects
      assumption, the approach is simple to implement with standard statistical
      software. Using asymptotic and simulation results, we show that estimates of
      predictive accuracy under a Gaussian random effects distribution are robust to
      severe misspecification of this distribution. However, under some circumstances,
      estimates of individual risk may be sensitive to severe random effects
      misspecification. We illustrate the methodology with data from a longitudinal
      fetal growth study.

PMID- 22081440
TI  - Sleep problems and risk of fibromyalgia: longitudinal data on an adult female
      population in Norway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep problems are common among patients with fibromyalgia (FM).
      However, it is not known whether poor sleep is a contributing factor in FM or a
      consequence of the illness. The aim of the current study was to prospectively
      investigate the association between self-reported sleep problems and risk of FM
      among adult women. METHODS: We longitudinally studied 12,350 women who did not
      have FM, musculoskeletal pain, or physical impairments at baseline (1984-1986). A
      generalized linear model was used to calculate the adjusted relative risk (RR) of
      FM at followup in 1995-1997. RESULTS: Incident FM was reported by 327 women at
      followup. A dose-dependent association was found between sleep problems and risk
      of FM (P for trend<0.001), with an adjusted RR of 3.43 (95% confidence interval
      [95% CI] 2.26-5.19) among women who reported having sleep problems often or
      always, compared to women who never experienced sleep problems. Age-stratified
      analysis showed that women age>=45 years who reported having sleep problems often
      or always had an adjusted RR of 5.41 (95% CI 2.65-11.05), whereas the
      corresponding RR for women ages 20-44 years who reported having sleep problems
      often or always was 2.98 (95% CI 1.76-5.05). CONCLUSION: These prospective data
      indicate a strong dose-dependent association between sleep problems and risk of
      FM. The association is somewhat, although not significantly, stronger in middle
      aged and older women than in younger women.

PMID- 22081441
TI  - Effect of short- and long-term strength exercise on cardiac oxidative stress and
      performance in rat.
AB  - Increase in heart metabolism during severe exercise facilitates production of ROS
      and result in oxidative stress. Due to shortage of information, the effect of
      chronic strength exercise on oxidative stress and contractile function of the
      heart was assessed to explore the threshold for oxidative stress in this kind of
      exercise training. Male Wistar rats (80) were divided into two test groups
      exercised 1 and 3 months and two control groups without exercise. Strength
      exercise was carried by wearing a Canvas Jacket with weights and forced rats to
      lift the weights. Rats were exercised at 70% of maximum lifted weight 6
      days/week, four times/day, and 12 repetitions each time. Finally, the hearts of
      ten rats/group were homogenized and MDA, SOD, GPX, and catalase (CAT) were
      determined by ELISA method. In other ten rats/group, left ventricle systolic and
      end diastolic pressures (LVSP and LVEDP) and contractility indices (LVDP and
      +dp/dt max) and relaxation velocity (-dp/dt max) were recorded. The coronary
      outflow was collected. Short- and long-term strength exercise increased heart
      weight and heart/BW ratio (P < 0.05). In the 3-month exercise group, basal heart
      rate decreased (P < 0.05). LVEDP did not change but LVDP, +dp/dt max, -dp/dt max,
      and coronary flow significantly increased in both exercise groups (P < 0.05).
      None of MDA or SOD, GPX, and CAT significantly changed. The results showed that
      sub-maximal chronic strength exercise improves heart efficiency without increase
      in oxidative stress index or decrease in antioxidant defense capacity. These
      imply that long-time strength exercise up to this intensity is safe for cardiac
      health.

PMID- 22081442
TI  - Different regulation role of myostatin in differentiating pig ADSCs and MSCs into
      adipocytes.
AB  - Myostation (MSTN), which is primarily expressed in muscle, plays an important
      role in myogenic and adipogenic cells. However, there is little information about
      whether MSTN displays different roles between adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs)
      and muscle satellite cells (MSCs). The two kinds of cells can both exist in the
      muscle and differentiate into adiposities. In this research, we isolated ADSCs
      and MSCs from porcine fat tissues and semitendinosus muscle, respectively, to
      investigate the effect of MSTN on the adipogenesis of those cells. ADSCs and MSCs
      were treated with recombinant human MSTN during the induction of adipogenesis or
      before the induction of differentiation. Then, we evaluated adipogenesis by Oil
      Red O staining and assessed the expression patterns of adipocyte-specific fatty
      acid binding protein (aP2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)
      gamma using real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. Our results indicated
      that the treatment with MSTN before or during the induction of differentiation in
      MSCs could both inhibit the adipogenesis. However, the treatment with MSTN only
      during the induction of differentiation in ADSCs could suppress the adipogenesis.
      Those results showed that MSTN had different roles in the adipogenesis of ADSCs
      and MSCs. It can shed new light on the origin of adipocyte located in muscle.

PMID- 22081443
TI  - The role of diffusion tensor imaging in the study of cognitive aging.
AB  - This chapter gives an overview of the role that diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) can
      play in the study of cognitive decline that is associated with advancing age. A
      brief overview of biological injury processes that impinge on the aging brain is
      provided, and their overall effect on the integrity of neural architecture is
      described. Cognitive decline associated with aging, and white matter connectivity
      degradation as a biological substrate for that decline, is then described. We
      then briefly describe the technology of DTI as a means for in vivo, non-invasive
      interrogation of white matter connectivity, and relate it to FLAIR, a more
      traditional MRI method for assessing white matter injury. We then survey the
      existing findings on relationships between aging-associated neuropathological
      processes and DTI measurements on one hand; and relationships between DTI
      measurements and late-life cognitive function on the other. We conclude with a
      summary of current research directions in relation to DTI studies of cognitive
      aging.

PMID- 22081445
TI  - Prognostic significance of CD56 antigen expression in patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency and prognostic relevance
      of CD56 expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to compare
      the importance of CD56 expression with standard prognostic factors, such as age,
      leukocytosis, cytogenetic abnormalities and performance status. We analyzed the
      data of 184 newly diagnosed patients with non-promyelocytic AML and a follow-up
      of 36 months. The median patient age was 58 years, with a range of 18-79. CD56+
      antigen was recorded in 40 patients (21.7%). CD56 + was the most significant risk
      factor for OS: P = 0.05. The most significant factor for a poor rate of CR was
      age >= 55 years (P = 0.001). CD56 positivity had no significant influence on CR
      rate, but it was the most significant risk factor for disease-free survival (P =
      0.005). The CD56 antigen is an independent prognostic risk factor, and its
      presence should be measured regularly for a better prognostic assessment of
      patients with AML.

PMID- 22081446
TI  - Computed tomography scanning facilitates the diagnosis of sacroiliitis in
      patients with suspected spondylarthritis: results of a prospective multicenter
      French cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of computed tomography (CT) scanning for
      ascertaining sacroiliitis in patients with suspected spondylarthritis (SpA).
      METHODS: The Echography in Spondylarthritis French cohort consists of 489
      patients with suspected SpA. At baseline, all patients underwent clinical
      examination, HLA-B typing, and pelvic radiography. Pelvic CT scanning was
      performed if sacroiliitis on radiography was considered uncertain or if patients
      presented with buttock pain duration of >6 months. A set of 100 paired
      radiographs and CT scans was read in a blinded manner by 2 radiologists, and the
      kappa coefficient was used to assess their interreader reliability. One of the
      radiologists read the 173 available pairs of radiographs and CT scans performed
      at baseline. RESULTS: After training, interreader reliability was moderate for
      sacroiliitis grading on radiographs (kappa = 0.59), excellent on CT scans (kappa
      = 0.91), and excellent for ascertaining sacroiliitis on both radiographs (kappa =
      1) and CT scans (kappa = 0.96). The first and second readers considered the
      quality of imaging to be excellent in 66% and 67%, respectively, of the
      radiographs (kappa = 0.88) and in 93% and 92%, respectively, of the CT scans
      (kappa = 0.93). Concordance between radiographs and CT scans was low for
      sacroiliitis grading (kappa = 0.08) or ascertainment (kappa = 0.16). Definite
      sacroiliitis was ascertained on radiographs in 6 patients (3.5%) (confirmed by CT
      scans in 4 patients) and on CT scans in 32 patients (18.5%). A history of uveitis
      was associated with definite sacroiliitis on radiographs (P = 0.04) and CT scans
      (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Definite sacroiliitis was underestimated by
      radiography, as compared to CT scanning. CT scanning should facilitate the
      diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis in patients with suspected SpA.

PMID- 22081447
TI  - Robust discrimination of glioblastomas from metastatic brain tumors on the basis
      of single-voxel (1)H MRS.
AB  - This article investigates methods for the accurate and robust differentiation of
      metastases from glioblastomas on the basis of single-voxel (1)H MRS information.
      Single-voxel (1)H MR spectra from a total of 109 patients (78 glioblastomas and
      31 metastases) from the multicenter, international INTERPRET database, plus a
      test set of 40 patients (30 glioblastomas and 10 metastases) from three different
      centers in the Barcelona (Spain) metropolitan area, were analyzed using a robust
      method for feature (spectral frequency) selection coupled with a linear-in-the
      parameters single-layer perceptron classifier. For the test set, a parsimonious
      selection of five frequencies yielded an area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve of 0.86, and an area under the convex hull of the receiver
      operating characteristic curve of 0.91. Moreover, these accurate results for the
      discrimination between glioblastomas and metastases were obtained using a small
      number of frequencies that are amenable to metabolic interpretation, which should
      ease their use as diagnostic markers. Importantly, the prediction can be
      expressed as a simple formula based on a linear combination of these frequencies.
      As a result, new cases could be straightforwardly predicted by integrating this
      formula into a computer-based medical decision support system. This work also
      shows that the combination of spectra acquired at different TEs (short TE, 20-32
      ms; long TE, 135-144 ms) is key to the successful discrimination between
      glioblastomas and metastases from single-voxel (1)H MRS.

PMID- 22081449
TI  - Fair and just or just fair? Examining models of government--not-for-profit
      engagement under the Australian Social Inclusion Agenda.
AB  - This paper explores the interrelationship between two contemporary policy
      debates: one focused on the social determinants of health and the other on social
      (inclusion) policy within contemporary welfare regimes. In both debates,
      academics and policy makers alike are grappling with the balance between
      universal and targeted policy initiatives and the role of local 'delivery'
      organizations in promoting health and social equality. In this paper, we discuss
      these debates in the context of a recent social policy initiative in Australia:
      the Social Inclusion Agenda. We examine two proposed models of engagement between
      the government and the not-for-profit welfare sector for the delivery of social
      services. We conclude that the two models of engagement currently under
      consideration by the Australian government have substantially different outcomes
      for the health of disadvantaged communities and the creation of a more socially
      inclusive Australia.

PMID- 22081448
TI  - beta-Catenin determines upper airway progenitor cell fate and preinvasive
      squamous lung cancer progression by modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Human lung cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are a leading cause
      of death and, whilst evidence suggests that basal stem cells drive SCC initiation
      and progression, the mechanisms regulating these processes remain unknown. In
      this study we show that beta-catenin signalling regulates basal progenitor cell
      fate and subsequent SCC progression. In a cohort of preinvasive SCCs we
      established that elevated basal cell beta-catenin signalling is positively
      associated with increased disease severity, epithelial proliferation and reduced
      intercellular adhesiveness. We demonstrate that transgene-mediated beta-catenin
      inhibition within keratin 14-expressing basal cells delayed normal airway repair
      while basal cell-specific beta-catenin activation increased cell proliferation,
      directed differentiation and promoted elements of early epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT), including increased Snail transcription and reduced E-cadherin
      expression. These observations are recapitulated in normal human bronchial
      epithelial cells in vitro following both pharmacological beta-catenin activation
      and E-cadherin inhibition, and mirrored our findings in preinvasive SCCs.
      Overall, the data show that airway basal cell beta-catenin determines cell fate
      and its mis-expression is associated with the development of human lung cancer.

PMID- 22081450
TI  - Hemosiderin-containing plasma cells.

PMID- 22081451
TI  - The role of atomic level steric effects and attractive forces in protein folding.
AB  - Protein folding into tertiary structures is controlled by an interplay of
      attractive contact interactions and steric effects. We investigate the balance
      between these contributions using structure-based models using an all-atom
      representation of the structure combined with a coarse-grained contact potential.
      Tertiary contact interactions between atoms are collected into a single broad
      attractive well between the C(beta) atoms between each residue pair in a native
      contact. Through the width of these contact potentials we control their tolerance
      for deviations from the ideal structure and the spatial range of attractive
      interactions. In the compact native state dominant packing constraints limit the
      effects of a coarse-grained contact potential. During folding, however, the broad
      attractive potentials allow an early collapse that starts before the native local
      structure is completely adopted. As a consequence the folding transition is
      broadened and the free energy barrier is decreased. Eventually two-state folding
      behavior is lost completely for systems with very broad attractive potentials.
      The stabilization of native-like residue interactions in non-perfect geometries
      early in the folding process frequently leads to structural traps. Global mirror
      images are a notable example. These traps are penalized by the details of the
      repulsive interactions only after further collapse. Successful folding to the
      native state requires simultaneous guidance from both attractive and repulsive
      interactions.

PMID- 22081452
TI  - Effect of lipopolysaccharide on alteration of phospholipids and their fatty acid
      composition in spleen and thymus by in vitro metabolic labeling.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin, a potent stimulator of immune response
      and induction of LPS leads to acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress
      syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a life-threatening disease worldwide with a high
      mortality rate. The immunological effect of LPS with spleen and thymus is well
      documented; however the impact on membrane phospholipid during endotoxemia has
      not yet been studied. Hence we aimed to investigate the influence of LPS on
      spleen and thymus phospholipid and fatty acid composition by [(32)
      P]orthophosphate labeling in rats. The in vitro labeling was carried out with
      phosphate-free medium (saline). Time course, LPS concentration-dependent, pre-
      and post-labeling with LPS and fatty acid analysis of phospholipid were
      performed. Labeling studies showed that 50 ug LPS specifically altered the major
      phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol in spleen and
      phosphatidylcholine in thymus. Fatty acid analysis showed a marked alteration of
      unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids in spleen and thymus leading to
      immune impairment via the fatty acid remodeling pathway. Our present in vitro
      lipid metabolic labeling study could open up new vistas for exploring LPS-induced
      immune impairment in spleen and thymus, as well as the underlying mechanism.

PMID- 22081453
TI  - Passages 2012.

PMID- 22081455
TI  - Heating-induced phase transition of bupropion hydrobromide polymorphs.
AB  - Crystal phase transition and isothermal crystallization kinetics of bupropion
      hydrobromide is studied by thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffractometry, and
      scanning electron microscopy. As well known, bupropion hydrobromide has two
      stable polymorphic forms, form I and form II, during the production. Here it is
      found that form II will convert into form I with thermal treatment. Avrami
      exponent n is evaluated to be around 2.0 in the range 170 degrees C-190 degrees
      C, which indicates that the phase transition is a process of one-dimensional
      nucleation growth. This viewpoint is also confirmed by microscope morphology
      study. In addition, phase-transition active energy is calculated to be 239.4
      kJ/mol, which means that a high energy barrier needs to be overcome to start up
      the phase transition.

PMID- 22081456
TI  - The agreement of left ventricular function parameters between (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin
      gated myocardial SPECT and gated myocardial MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim is to compare and evaluate the agreement of quantification of
      left ventricular functional parameters obtained by two different methods, (99m)Tc
      tetrofosmin gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) and cardiac magnetic resonance
      imaging (CMR). METHODS: Ten healthy male volunteers participated. Gated MPS data
      were acquired using 32 frames, which were also combined into 16- and 8-frame data
      set for the investigation. Gated CMR data were acquired using 8, 16 and 32-frame
      for the different sets. All examinations were conducted in resting and at
      exercise conditions. Quantitative measurements of end-diastolic volume (EDV), end
      systolic volume (ESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak ejection
      rate (PER), peak filling rate (PFR) and time to peak filling (TTPF) were done for
      each study, respectively. Finally, we evaluated the concordance of parameters
      between gated MPS and gated CMR by % difference and Bland-Altman plot analysis.
      RESULTS: LVEF showed favorable concordance in both rest and exercise conditions
      (% differences were around 10%). PER, PFR and TTPF also showed good concordances
      in rest conditions, under 32-frame gated collections particularly (% differences
      were around 10%). In exercise conditions, although the concordances were
      relatively good, certain variances were noted (% differences were around 20-25%).
      Regarding left ventricular volumes, the concordance were worse in both conditions
      (% differences were around 30-40%). CONCLUSIONS: In quantifying of left
      ventricular function parameter, gated CMR provides similar quantitative values
      comparing with gated MPS except for ventricular volumes in rest conditions. In
      contrast, there were certain variations except for LVEF in exercised
      examinations. When we follow patients by the same cardiac parameters with CMR and
      MPS, using parameters across the two modalities proved to be possible under rest
      condition. However, it is limited at exercise condition.

PMID- 22081457
TI  - A nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima: what should we do?

PMID- 22081459
TI  - A multicenter phase II study of darinaparsin in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's
      and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PMID- 22081458
TI  - Solution versus gas-phase modification of peptide cations with NHS-ester
      reagents.
AB  - A comparison between solution and gas phase modification of primary amine sites
      in model peptide cations with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester reagents is
      presented. In all peptides, the site of modification in solution was directed to
      the N-terminus by conducting reactions at pH=5, whereas for the same peptides, a
      lysine residue was preferentially modified in the gas phase. The difference in
      pKa values of the N-terminus and epsilon-amino group of the lysine allows for a
      degree of control over sites of protonation of the peptides in aqueous solution.
      With removal of the dielectric and multiple charging of the peptide ions in the
      gas phase, the accommodation of excess charge can affect the preferred sites of
      reaction. Interaction of the lone pair of the primary nitrogen with a proton
      reduces its nucleophilicity and, as a result, its reactivity towards NHS-esters.
      While no evidence for reaction of the N-terminus with sulfo-NHS-acetate was noted
      in the model peptide cations, a charge inversion experiment using
      bis[sulfosuccinimidyl] suberate, a cross-linking reagent with two sulfo-NHS-ester
      functionalities, showed modification of the N-terminus. Hence, an unprotonated N
      terminus can serve as a nucleophile to displace NHS, which suggests that its lack
      of reactivity with the peptide cations is likely due to the participation of the
      N-terminus in solvating excess charge.

PMID- 22081461
TI  - An unusual case of lumbar paravertebral miositis ossificans mimicking muscular
      skeletal tumor.
AB  - Several lesions have clinical and radiological characteristics mimicking muscular
      skeletal tumor. Myositis ossificans usually presents a typical pattern making
      biopsy unnecessary; nevertheless, in rare cases, neoplasm must be ruled out.
      Biopsy is often sufficient to allow a diagnosis and a correct related treatment,
      but, unfortunately, sometimes it may lead to erroneous treatment. We report an
      unusual case of a lumbar paravertebral mass that had an MRI aspect similar to a
      chondrosarcoma, a histology pattern based on biopsy compatible with neurinoma and
      a definitive diagnosis of myosistis ossificans. 

PMID- 22081462
TI  - [The reception of the PPmP by readers and scientists].

PMID- 22081463
TI  - [Developmental psychopathology of narcissistic disorders].
AB  - For the development of pathological narcissism, personality traits - partially
      genetically caused and derived from childhood experiences - play an important
      role. Current studies on the developmental psychopathology of narcissistic
      disorders are discussed with reference to the development of the self in
      children. Different developmental pathways underlie the grandiose (overt) and the
      vulnerable (covert) type of narcissistic disorders which are shown in 2 possible
      models. In these models parental admiration and coldness as well as dominant and
      manipulative behaviour lead to an overt subtype of narcissism, the experience of
      maltreatment and an increased sensitivity for negative experiences lead to a
      covert subtype of narcissism.

PMID- 22081464
TI  - [Psychological complaints by academic level among students seeking counseling].
AB  - There is a lack of detailed surveys on the mental health of students. German
      university counseling centers have faced increasing demand, which is primarily
      due to the newly introduced Bachelor/Master system. The data of 251 students who
      consulted the Leipzig psychotherapeutic counseling center were examined with
      regard to complaints, symptoms and interpersonal problems. Significant
      differences were observed with respect to usage of the counseling center and
      interpersonal problems. Master's degree and state examination candidates sought
      counsel most often. Bachelor's degree students were least likely to seek help.
      Magister and Bachelor candidates showed a higher level of symptoms and
      interpersonal problems. Depression and work disruptions were the concerns
      mentioned most frequently. The findings should be examined further using
      additional samples. It should be clarified whether the likelihood of usage also
      differs with other forms of psychological help.

PMID- 22081465
TI  - [Assessment of communication skills with an OSCE among first year medical
      students].
AB  - In order to determine if first year medical students of a Medical Psychology and
      Medical Sociology course have adopted basic physician patient communication
      skills, we developed an appropriate Objective Structured Clinical Examination
      (OSCE). The parcours took place in a pretest condition (n=182) and in the
      following semester under test condition, now relevant for passing the course
      (n=181). Reliability of the OSCE reached a medium degree (alpha=0.55/0.50).
      Results of written examinations and OSCE scores were weakly correlated. The
      correlation between task competence and patient-centeredness was higher in the
      pretest than under test condition. Female students mostly achieved higher scores
      than male students. Nearly all of the students (92%/97%) were in favor of
      continuing this examination. Physician-patient communication is a process of high
      complexity, but it can be tested by OSCE. Relevance for passing the course seems
      to enhance the learning behaviour.

PMID- 22081466
TI  - [Prevalence, comorbidity and severity of psychosomatic disorders in outpatients
      with Turkish migration background].
AB  - In this study the prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders were examined
      for the first time with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) in
      a consecutive sample of Turkish speaking patients (n=51). The symptom severity of
      the depressiveness was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), of the
      somatoform complaints with the Screening for Somatoform Symptoms (SOMS) and of
      the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with the Essen Trauma Inventory (ETI).
      The most common current diagnoses were the somatization disorder (41.2%; n=21), a
      single episode of major depression (37.3%; n=19) and the PTSD (31.4%; n=16). In
      80.4% (n=41) of the patients at least one comorbid mental disorder was
      documented. In comparison with German reference values the Turkish patients
      showed a significant higher severity of the depressive and posttraumatic, however
      not of the somatoform symptomatology.

PMID- 22081467
TI  - [Diagnostic accuracy of the McLean Screening Instrument for borderline
      personality disorder in an inpatient sample who seek a disorder-specific
      treatment].
AB  - Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is considered as the most prevalent
      personality disorder in an inpatient setting. The McLean Screening Instrument for
      Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD) was developed to identify individuals
      with BPD reliably, valid and economically. To examine the discriminatory ability
      and diagnostic efficiency of the German version of the MSI-BPD in a sample with
      patients who meet probable BPD and seek a disorder-related inpatient treatment
      program. Based on a sample (N=298) containing 178 BPD-patients (60%), the area
      under the curve was AUC=0.70 (CI 95%: 0.64<AUC<0.76). Using the preferred cut-off
      point of>7. 84% of individuals with BPD (sensitivity) and 39% of individuals
      without BPD were identified correctly (specificity). Results suggest that a self
      rated screening measure as the MSI-BPD should not be used in a sample with
      patients who meet probable BPD.

PMID- 22081468
TI  - [Goodbye to the single sided test].

PMID- 22081469
TI  - [Interdisciplinary training course Psychocardiology in primary care].

PMID- 22081470
TI  - The excess burden of osteoarthritis in the province of Ontario, Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the burden of osteoarthritis (OA) in Canada.
      This study was undertaken to estimate the excess burden of OA in Ontario, the
      largest province in Canada. METHODS: The records of Ontarian respondents to the
      Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) who provided consent to data linkage were
      linked to the Ontario Health Insurance Program physician claims database and the
      Discharge Abstract Database Inpatient and Day Procedure databases. Patients with
      OA (n = 1,474) were identified using CCHS 1.1 and the physician claims database.
      To determine the excess burden of OA, a control group matched by age, sex, and
      rural/urban status was created, with 3 controls per case (n = 4,422).
      Sociodemographic and medical characteristics, health-related quality of life, and
      1-year physician, day (outpatient) procedure, and hospitalization costs were
      compared between the 2 groups. Regression analyses were performed to identify
      predictors of medical characteristics, health utility, and cost. RESULTS: The
      mean age of the OA patients and the control subjects was 66 years, and 74% of all
      study subjects were women. Several differences were observed between patients
      with OA and subjects without OA in terms of socioeconomic and medical
      characteristics. On a scale of 0-1, the mean utility value associated with OA was
      0.68, compared to 0.84 for the control group (P < 0.0001), representing a utility
      decrement of 0.16. The 1-year physician, outpatient procedure, and
      hospitalization costs were significantly higher in the OA group than in the non
      OA group ($2,233 Canadian versus $1,033 Canadian, respectively; P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the excess burden of OA in Ontario is
      considerable.

PMID- 22081471
TI  - The effect of an educational intervention on meperidine use in Nova Scotia,
      Canada: a time series analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a prescriber focused individual educational
      and audit-feedback intervention undertaken by the Nova Scotia Prescription
      Monitoring Program (NSPMP) in March/April 2007 to reduce meperidine use. METHOD:
      The NSPMP records all prescriptions for controlled substances dispensed in
      community pharmacies in Nova Scotia, Canada. Oral meperidine use from 1 July 2005
      to 31 December 2009 was examined using NSPMP data. Monthly totals for the
      following were obtained: number of individual patients who filled at least one
      meperidine prescription, number of prescriptions, and number of tablets
      dispensed. Data were analyzed graphically to observe overall trends. The
      intervention effect was estimated on the logarithmic scale with autocorrelations
      over time modeled by an integrated autoregressive moving average model for each
      outcome measure. RESULTS: An overall trend toward decreasing use from July 2005
      to December 2009 was apparent for all three outcome measures. The intervention
      was associated with a statistically significant reduction in meperidine use,
      after adjusting for the overall long-term trend. Compared with the pre
      intervention period, the monthly number of patients declined by 12% (p < 0.001;
      95% confidence interval [CI] = 5%-18%), prescriptions by 10% (p < 0.001; 95%CI =
      3%-17%), and tablets by 13.5% (p < 0.001, 95%CI = 6%-29%) in the post
      intervention period. CONCLUSION: Given the risks associated with meperidine,
      determining that this intervention successfully reduced meperidine use is
      encouraging. This study highlights the potential for using population data such
      as the NSPMP to evaluate the effectiveness of population-level interventions to
      improve medication use, including professional, organizational, financial, and
      regulatory initiatives.

PMID- 22081472
TI  - Abnormal or delayed development of the posterior membranous area of the brain:
      anatomy, ultrasound diagnosis, natural history and outcome of Blake's pouch cyst
      in the fetus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review the normal and pathological development of the posterior
      membranous area (PMA) in the fetal brain, to define sonographic criteria with
      which to diagnose a Blake's pouch cyst (BPC) in the fetus and to review the
      ultrasound features, associations and outcome of 19 cases of BPC seen at our
      center over the last 5 years. METHODS: We conducted a MEDLINE search using the
      terms 'Blake's pouch', with or without 'fourth ventricle' or '4(th) ventricle',
      with or without 'roof' and identified articles describing normal and/or abnormal
      development of the PMA, whether or not they were cited in the limited clinical
      literature on BPC. A description of the normal and abnormal development of BPC
      was derived by collating these articles. The clinical retrospective study
      included 19 cases of posterior fossa anomalies with a final diagnosis of BPC seen
      at our institution. The following variables were assessed: referral indication,
      gestational age at diagnosis, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      findings, associated anomalies, natural history and pregnancy and neonatal
      outcome. A transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound examination was
      performed in all cases and 15 cases underwent MRI. To confirm the diagnosis,
      postnatal MRI, transfontanellar ultrasound or autopsy were available in all
      cases. RESULTS: Among the 19 cases reviewed, referral indications were: suspicion
      of vermian abnormality in 11 (58%) cases and other non-central nervous system
      anomaly in eight (42%) cases. Sonographically, all cases showed the following
      three signs: 1) normal anatomy and size of the vermis; 2) mild/moderate anti
      clockwise rotation of the vermis; 3) normal size of the cisterna magna. On 3D
      ultrasound, the upper wall of the cyst was clearly visible in 11/19 cases, with
      choroid plexuses on the superolateral margin of the cyst roof. On follow-up, the
      BPC had disappeared by 24-26 gestational weeks in six of the 11 cases which did
      not undergo termination of pregnancy (TOP), and remained unaltered until birth in
      the other five cases. There were associated anomalies in eight (42%) cases, in
      five of which this consisted of or included congenital heart disease. Karyotype
      was available in 14 cases, two of which were abnormal (both trisomy 21).
      Regarding pregnancy outcome, there were eight (42%) TOPs, two (10%) neonatal
      deaths and nine (48%) survivors. One neonate, in whom the BPC had disappeared by
      the time of birth, had obstructive hydrocephaly confirmed. Another neonate was
      diagnosed with Down syndrome after birth. Excluding the Down syndrome baby,
      neurodevelopmental outcome was normal at the time of writing in all eight cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis of ultrasound features, we propose that for
      BPC to be diagnosed in a fetus the following three criteria should be fulfilled:
      1) normal anatomy and size of the vermis; 2) mild/moderate anti-clockwise
      rotation of the vermis; 3) normal size of the cisterna magna. Furthermore, we
      found that BPC can undergo delayed fenestration at 24-26 weeks in more than 50%
      of cases. Finally, it seems that BPC shows a risk of association with
      extracardiac anomalies (heart defects in particular) and, to a lesser extent,
      trisomy 21.

PMID- 22081473
TI  - Yield of routine molecular analyses in colorectal cancer patients <=70 years to
      detect underlying Lynch syndrome.
AB  - Although early detection of Lynch syndrome (LS) is important, a considerable
      proportion of patients with LS remains unrecognized. We aimed to study the yield
      of LS detection by routine molecular analyses in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients
      until 70 years of age. We prospectively included consecutive CRC patients <=70
      years. Tumour specimens were analysed for microsatellite instability (MSI),
      immunohistochemical mismatch-repair protein expression and MLH1-promoter
      methylation. Tumours were classified as either: (a) likely caused by LS; (b)
      sporadic microsatellite-unstable (MSI-H); or (c) microsatellite-stable (MSS).
      Predictors of LS were determined by multivariable logistic regression. A total of
      1117 CRC patients (57% males, median age 61 years) were included. Fifty patients
      (4.5%, 95% CI 3.4-5.9) were likely to have LS, and 71 had a sporadic MSI-H tumour
      (6.4%, 95% CI 5.1-8.0). Thirty-five patients likely to have LS (70%) were aged >
      50 years. A molecular profile compatible with LS was detected in 10% (15/144) of
      patients aged <=50, in 4% (15/377) of those aged 51-60 and in 3% (20/596) of
      patients > 61 years. Compared to MSS cases, patients likely to have LS were
      significantly younger (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.7-8.7) and more often had right-sided
      CRCs (OR 14, 95% CI 6.0-34). In conclusion, molecular screening for LS in CRC
      patients <=70 years leads to identification of a molecular profile compatible
      with LS in 4.5% of patients, with most of them not fulfilling the age criterion
      (<=50 years) routinely used for LS assessment. Routine use of MSI testing may be
      considered in CRC patients up to the age of 70 years, with a central role for the
      pathologist in the selection of patients.

PMID- 22081474
TI  - Scheduled infliximab monotherapy to prevent recurrence of Crohn's disease
      following ileocolic or ileal resection: a 3-year prospective randomized open
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infliximab (IFX) is effective for remission induction and maintenance
      of Crohn's disease (CD). This trial assessed the efficacy of scheduled
      maintenance IFX monotherapy to prevent postoperative CD recurrence. METHODS:
      Thirty-one CD patients who had ileocolic resection within the past 4 weeks were
      randomly assigned to scheduled IFX at 5 mg/kg intravenously every 8 weeks for 36
      months (n = 15) or without IFX (control, n = 16). All patients were treated
      without immunomodulator or corticosteroid following surgery. The primary and
      secondary endpoints were remission rates at 12 and 36 months, defined as CD
      Activity Index (CDAI) <=150, an International Organization for the Study of
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IOIBD) score <2, and C-reactive protein (CRP) <0.3
      mg/dL. Additionally, endoscopic recurrences at 12 and 36 months were evaluated.
      RESULTS: At 12 and 36 months, 100%, and 93.3% of patients in the IFX group were
      in remission (IOIBD <2), respectively vs. 68.8% and 56.3% in the control arm (P <
      0.03). Similarly, 86.7% and 86.7% of patients in the IFX group maintained
      serological remission (CRP <0.3 mg/dL) vs. 37.5% and 37.5% in the control arm (P
      < 0.02). Further, the IFX group achieved higher endoscopic remission at 12
      months, 78.6% vs. 18.8% (P = 0.004). However, in the Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis the CDAI scores between the two arms were not significantly different
      either at 12 or at 36 months. No adverse event (AE) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: An
      early intervention with IFX monotherapy should prevent clinical, serological, and
      endoscopic CD recurrence following ileocolic resection. Thiopurine naivety and
      eliminating the initial loading dose of IFX might minimize serious AEs.

PMID- 22081475
TI  - Systemic mastocytosis with associated clonal hematological non-mast-cell lineage
      disease: a case review.

PMID- 22081476
TI  - A temperature-dependent conformational change of NADH oxidase from Thermus
      thermophilus HB8.
AB  - Using molecular dynamics simulations and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy,
      we have identified a conformational change in the active site of a thermophilic
      flavoenzyme, NADH oxidase from Thermus thermophilus HB8 (NOX). The enzyme's far
      UV circular dichroism spectrum, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, and apparent
      molecular weight measured by dynamic light scattering varied little between 25
      and 75 degrees C. However, the fluorescence of the tightly bound FAD cofactor
      increased approximately fourfold over this temperature range. This effect appears
      not to be due to aggregation, unfolding, cofactor dissociation, or changes in
      quaternary structure. We therefore attribute the change in flavin fluorescence to
      a temperature-dependent conformational change involving the NOX active site.
      Molecular dynamics simulations and the effects of mutating aromatic residues near
      the flavin suggest that the change in fluorescence results from a decrease in
      quenching by electron transfer from tyrosine 137 to the flavin.

PMID- 22081477
TI  - Cloning and extracellular expression of inulin fructotransferase from
      Arthrobacter aurescens SK 8.001 in E. coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Difructose anhydride (DFA) III is a natural and low-calorie
      sweetener. It stimulates the absorption of calcium and other minerals. Inulin
      fructotransferase (IFTase; EC 4.2.2.18), catalysing inulin hydrolysis to DFA III,
      is considered to be the most promising enzyme for the production of DFA III.
      RESULTS: IFTase gene from Arthrobacter aurescens SK 8.001 was cloned and
      sequenced. Transformant with native IFTase signal peptide was a useful system for
      extracellular over-expression of IFTase, and its extracellular IFTase activity
      reached 81.0 U mL(-1) . This value was 4.1-fold of that obtained with A.
      aurescens SK 8.001 for IFTase production. The recombinant IFTase was purified to
      electrophoretical homogeneity and characterized. The enzyme showed maximum
      activity at pH 6.0 and 55  degrees C, and retained 81.3% of its initial activity
      after incubation at 60  degrees C for 4 h. CONCLUSION: IFTase gene from A.
      aurescens SK 8.001 was cloned, sequenced and over-expressed in E. coli. IFTase
      was reported for the first time to be over-expressed extracellularly. The
      recombinant IFTase was purified and characterized, and shown to be a good
      candidate for potential application in DFA III production.

PMID- 22081478
TI  - Novel furosemide cocrystals and selection of high solubility drug forms.
AB  - Furosemide was screened in cocrystallization experiments with pharmaceutically
      acceptable coformer molecules to discover cocrystals of improved physicochemical
      properties, that is high solubility and good stability. Eight novel equimolar
      cocrystals of furosemide were obtained by liquid-assisted grinding with (i)
      caffeine, (ii) urea, (iii) p-aminobenzoic acid, (iv) acetamide, (v) nicotinamide,
      (vi) isonicotinamide, (vii) adenine, and (viii) cytosine. The product crystalline
      phases were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, differential scanning
      calorimetry, infrared, Raman, near IR, and (13) C solid-state NMR spectroscopy.
      Furosemide-caffeine was characterized as a neutral cocrystal and furosemide
      cytosine an ionic salt by single crystal x-ray diffraction. The stability of
      furosemide-caffeine, furosemide-adenine, and furosemide-cytosine was comparable
      to the reference drug in 10% ethanol-water slurry; there was no evidence of
      dissociation of the cocrystal to furosemide for up to 48 h. The other five
      cocrystals transformed to furosemide within 24 h. The solubility order for the
      stable forms is furosemide-cytosine > furosemide-adenine > furosemide-caffeine,
      and their solubilities are approximately 11-, 7-, and 6-fold higher than
      furosemide. The dissolution rates of furosemide cocrystals were about two times
      faster than the pure drug. Three novel furosemide compounds of higher solubility
      and good phase stability were identified in a solid form screen.

PMID- 22081479
TI  - A structural and functional dissection of the cardiac stress response factor MS1.
AB  - MS1 is a protein predominantly expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle that is
      upregulated in response to stress and contributes to development of hypertrophy.
      In the aortic banding model of left ventricular hypertrophy, its cardiac
      expression was significantly upregulated within 1 h. Its function is postulated
      to depend on its F-actin binding ability, located to the C-terminal half of the
      protein, which promotes stabilization of F-actin in the cell thus releasing
      myocardin-related transcription factors to the nucleus where they stimulate
      transcription in cooperation with serum response factor. Initial attempts to
      purify the protein only resulted in heavily degraded samples that showed distinct
      bands on SDS gels, suggesting the presence of stable domains. Using a combination
      of combinatorial domain hunting and sequence analysis, a set of potential domains
      was identified. The C-terminal half of the protein actually contains two
      independent F-actin binding domains. The most C-terminal fragment (294-375),
      named actin binding domain 2 (ABD2), is independently folded while a proximal
      fragment called ABD1 (193-296) binds to F-actin with higher affinity than ABD2
      (KD 2.21 +/- 0.47 MUM vs. 10.61 +/- 0.7 MUM), but is not structured by itself in
      solution. NMR interaction experiments show that it binds and folds in a
      cooperative manner to F-actin, justifying the label of domain. The architecture
      of the MS1 C-terminus suggests that ABD1 alone could completely fulfill the F
      actin binding function opening up the intriguing possibility that ABD2, despite
      its high level of conservation, could have developed other functions.

PMID- 22081480
TI  - Test of the month: The chromogenic antifactor Xa assay.
AB  - As the number of anticoagulant drugs increases and new ones are brought to
      market, the utility of the routine screening coagulation tests of today--namely
      the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time--will be
      significantly reduced in many clinical situations. Although the new
      anticoagulants are designed to require less frequent monitoring, it is imperative
      that the proper test is selected in situations where monitoring is needed. In
      addition, tests that are designed for the new generation of drugs may be
      informative in certain situations for monitoring the anticoagulants that have
      been in use for many years. Here, we present the chromogenic antifactor Xa assay
      and demonstrate its utility and its limitations in monitoring three anticoagulant
      drugs (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and fondaparinux) as
      well as one emerging anticoagulant, rivaroxaban.

PMID- 22081481
TI  - Efficacy and safety of saxagliptin in drug-naive Asian patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed the use of new oral anti-diabetic agents in
      Asian populations. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin
      versus placebo in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Five hundred sixty-eight drug-naive adult patients with T2DM and
      glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA(1c)) of 7.0-10.0% (53-86 mmol/mol) were
      randomized 1 : 1 to receive saxagliptin 5 mg daily or placebo. Efficacy endpoints
      included changes from baseline to week 24 in HbA(1c) , fasting plasma glucose
      (FPG), post-prandial glucose area under the curve from 0 to 180 min (PPG AUC(0
      180)), and the proportion of patients achieving HbA(1c) <7.0% (53 mmol/mol).
      Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: Saxagliptin
      provided statistically significant adjusted mean decreases from baseline to week
      24 compared with placebo, respectively, in HbA(1c) (-0.84% [-9 mmol/mol] versus 
      0.34% [-4 mmol/mol]; p < 0.0001), FPG (-0.90 versus -0.17 mmol/L; p < 0.0001),
      and PPG AUC(0-180) (-417 versus -235 mmol . min/L; p = 0.0010). A significantly
      greater proportion of patients achieved a therapeutic glycaemic response (HbA(1c)
      <7.0% [53 mmol/mol]) with saxagliptin (45.8%) versus placebo (28.8%; p < 0.0001).
      The proportions of patients who experienced >=1 AE (excluding hypoglycaemia) was
      43.3% for saxagliptin and 35.6% for placebo. Few patients in either treatment
      group experienced an SAE (2.8%, saxagliptin; 1.4%, placebo). A low proportion of
      patients reported hypoglycaemic events (1.8%, saxagliptin; 0.7%, placebo).
      CONCLUSIONS: Saxagliptin improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated in
      drug-naive Asian patients with T2DM.

PMID- 22081482
TI  - Exploiting sparsity to accelerate noncontrast MR angiography in the context of
      parallel imaging.
AB  - Noncontrast techniques for peripheral MR angiography are receiving renewed
      interest because of safety concerns about the use of gadolinium in patients with
      renal insufficiency. One class of techniques involves subtraction of dark-blood
      images acquired during fast systolic flow from bright-blood images obtained
      during slow diastolic flow. The goal of this work was to determine whether the
      inherent sparsity of the difference images could be exploited to achieve greater
      acceleration without loss of image quality in the context of generalized
      autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA). It is shown that noise
      amplification at high acceleration factors can be reduced by performing
      subtraction on the raw data, before calculation of the GRAPPA weights, rather
      than on the final magnitude images. Use of the difference data to calculate the
      GRAPPA weights decreases the geometry factor (g-factor), because the difference
      data represent a sparse image set. This demonstrates an inherent property of
      GRAPPA and does not require the use of compressed sensing. Application of this
      approach to highly accelerated data from healthy volunteers resulted in similar
      depiction of large arteries to that obtained with low acceleration and standard
      reconstruction. However, visualization of very small vessels and arterial
      branches was compromised.

PMID- 22081483
TI  - Proteome of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and
      lymph node metastases.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major cause of cancer-related death,
      largely due to metastatic disease. To better understand PDAC metastatic spread
      and identify novel therapeutic targets, we analysed the proteome of primary
      tumours and matched lymph node (LN) metastases. As frozen specimens of metastatic
      lesions are scarce, we examined formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.
      This poses technical challenges because of the cross-linkages induced by
      fixation. Using laser capture microdissection (PALM system), we isolated
      malignant epithelia from seven FFPE primary PDAC tumours and matched LN
      metastases. Following dissection, samples were analysed in duplicate using
      Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT); this resulted in the
      identification of 1504 proteins, 854 of which were common to all samples
      analysed. Comparison of the obtained proteins with data from previous proteomics
      studies on pancreatic tissue, pancreatic juice, serum, and urine resulted in a
      less than 30% overlap, indicating that our study has substantially expanded the
      current database of proteins expressed in this malignancy. Statistical analysis
      further showed that 115/854 proteins (13.5%) were significantly differentially
      expressed (g-value >= 3.8). Two proteins, S100P and 14-3-3 sigma, with highly
      significant g-values were confirmed to be significantly differentially expressed
      (S100P: p = 0.05 and 14-3-3 sigma: p < 0.001) in a larger series of 55 cases of
      matched primary PDAC and LN metastases using immunohistochemistry. Thus, laser
      capture microdissection of FFPE tissue coupled with downstream proteomic analysis
      is a valid approach for the investigation of metastatic PDAC. This is the first
      study to establish and compare the protein composition of primary PDAC and
      matched LN metastases, and has resulted in the identification of several
      potential epithelial-specific therapeutic targets, including 14-3-3 sigma and
      S100P.

PMID- 22081484
TI  - Los(T) in long-term care: empirical evidence from German data 2000-2009.
AB  - Using microdata, that is, representative samples of 114,403 German long-term care
      dependants (LTCDs) observed from 2000 to 2009, we give a comprehensive insight
      into the length of stay (LOS) in long-term care (LTC). Furthermore, this paper
      evaluates the effects of longevity on the LOS, thus revisiting the debate on the
      validity of the competing theories of compression or expansion of morbidity in
      LTC. The analysis finds significant effects on the LOS when AGE is controlled
      for, albeit do not confirm the time-to-death hypothesis. However, controlling for
      ASSESSMENT LEVEL suggests an improved health status of LTCDs over time, thus
      supporting the time-to-death hypothesis. An analysis of the mortality rates of
      LTCDs is to give insight into the opposing results. But the regression of
      mortality shows a divergence in the development of mortality rates for different
      disability levels. This is evidence to suggest that the 'improved' health status
      in LTC is not only due to actual changes in the health status, but also a
      consequence of political intervention.

PMID- 22081485
TI  - First-trimester diagnosis of cleft lip and palate using three-dimensional
      ultrasound.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether systematic examination of primary and secondary
      palates using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound aids in the identification of
      orofacial clefts in the first trimester. METHODS: 3D datasets were acquired
      prospectively from women undergoing first-trimester ultrasound screening for
      aneuploidy. Multiplanar mode display was used for offline analysis of (1) the
      primary palate in the coronal plane at the base of the retronasal triangle and
      (2) the secondary palate by virtual navigation in the axial plane. In addition,
      3D datasets from three fetuses with a cleft palate diagnosed in the first
      trimester were retrospectively identified and included randomly in the study
      group. RESULTS: A total of 240 3D datasets from 237 pregnancies (including three
      sets of twins), 89% of which were obtained transabdominally and 11%
      transvaginally, were examined independently by three operators. The quality of
      the 3D datasets was classified subjectively as good, fair and poor in 76%, 20%
      and 4% of cases, respectively. Seven fetuses had an orofacial cleft; all involved
      both the primary palate and the secondary palate. Using 3D offline analysis, the
      primary palate was classified as intact in 229 (95%), cleft in nine (4%) and
      indeterminate in two (1%). Seven of the nine fetuses suspected to have a cleft
      affecting the primary palate had the cleft confirmed at birth or at postmortem
      examination (false-positive rate 0.9% (2/231)). The secondary palate was
      classified as intact in 217 (90%), cleft in six (3%) and indeterminate in 17
      (7%). Clefts of the secondary palate were confirmed in all six suspected cases
      and missed in one, which was diagnosed at 16 weeks. The visualization rate was
      affected by the quality of the 3D dataset (P < 0.001) and gestational age at
      evaluation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In our series, all cases of clefting of the
      primary palate and 86% of cases involving the secondary palate were visualized
      using 3D ultrasound with a satisfactory false-positive rate. Virtual navigation
      of the fetal palate using the multiplanar mode display seems to be useful in the
      diagnosis of clefting in the first trimester.

PMID- 22081486
TI  - Facile and large-scale fabrication of anisometric particles from fibers
      synthesized by colloid-electrospinning.
AB  - A new top-down approach is proposed to form large amounts of anisometric
      particles. Multicompartment fibers that present different domains composed of
      silica nanoparticles and larger polystyrene nanoparticles are fabricated by
      colloid-electrospinning and are subsequently calcinated and broken. The obtained
      fibers containing voids are subsequently cut via sonication to yield anisometric
      particles. It is shown that the majority of the fibers can be broken at the
      voids.

PMID- 22081487
TI  - Retrospective analysis of weekly intravenous immunoglobulin prophylaxis versus
      intravenous immunoglobulin by IgG level monitoring in hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant recipients.
AB  - Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo HCT) have
      a higher incidence of infections partly due to secondary hypogammaglobulinemia.
      We evaluated the role of IVIG in allo HCT patients who received prophylactic IVIG
      200 mg/kg once weekly regardless of IgG level (Group 1, n = 115) compared with
      patients who received IVIG based on IgG level <400 mg/dL (Group 2, n = 114).
      Primary endpoints were the utilization of IVIG, incidence of veno-occlusive
      disease (VOD), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and documented infections within
      the first 100 days after allo HCT. Patients in both groups were similar except
      for a higher number of matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants in Group 2 (62
      vs. 41, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the incidence all
      grades of GVHD (55 vs. 50), VOD (2 vs. 0) or infections in the two groups except
      for a higher incidence of para-influenza infections in group 1 (9 vs. 0, P =
      0.003) coinciding with the flu season. We recommend monthly monitoring of IgG
      level and replacement only if IgG level is <400 mg/dL.

PMID- 22081488
TI  - Compressibility of binary powder formulations: investigation and evaluation with
      compaction equations.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to investigate and evaluate the powder
      compressibility of binary mixtures containing a well-compressible compound
      (microcrystalline cellulose) and a brittle active drug (paracetamol and mefenamic
      acid) and its progression after a drug load increase. Drug concentration range
      was 0%-100% (m/m) with 10% intervals. The powder formulations were compacted to
      several relative densities with the Zwick material tester. The compaction force
      and tensile strength were fitted to several mathematical models that give
      representative factors for the powder compressibility. The factors k and C
      (Heckel and modified Heckel equation) showed mostly a nonlinear correlation with
      increasing drug load. The biggest drop in both factors occurred at far regions
      and drug load ranges. This outcome is crucial because in binary mixtures the drug
      load regions with higher changeover of plotted factors could be a hint for an
      existing percolation threshold. The susceptibility value (Leuenberger equation)
      showed varying values for each formulation without the expected trend of decrease
      for higher drug loads. The outcomes of this study showed the main challenges for
      good formulation design. Thus, we conclude that such mathematical plots are
      mandatory for a scientific evaluation and prediction of the powder compaction
      process.

PMID- 22081489
TI  - Long-term outcome of pomalidomide therapy in myelofibrosis.
AB  - Ninety-four Mayo Clinic patients with myelofibrosis (MF) participated in two
      consecutive clinical trials of pomalidomide (0.5-3.5 mg/day), with or without
      prednisone. Overall anemia response was 27% and increased to 53% in JAK2V617F
      positive patients with <10 cm palpable splenomegaly and <5% circulating blasts;
      response rate was 0% in mutation-negative patients with either >=10 cm
      splenomegaly or >=5% circulating blasts (P = 0.0001). Median duration of anemia
      response was 16 months. Treatment effect on splenomegaly was negligible. To date,
      pomalidomide therapy has been discontinued in 86 (91%) patients at a rate of 68%
      at 1 year and 89% at 2 years. Grade 1 sensory neuropathy developed in 4 (13%) of
      30 patients treated for >=1 year. Risk-adjusted survival in pomalidomide-treated
      primary MF patients (n = 72) was similar to their counterparts not exposed to the
      drug (n = 471; P = 0.19). Long-term follow-up of pomalidomide treatment in MF
      reveals palliative value for a select group of patients and treatment-emergent
      sensory neuropathy.

PMID- 22081490
TI  - Clients' and therapists' views of the therapeutic alliance: similarities,
      differences and relationship to therapy outcome.
AB  - To better understand how clients' and therapists' views of the therapeutic
      alliance differ and overlap, this study investigated, first, the components of
      the alliance that are relevant to the therapy participants; second, their
      relationship to post-therapy outcome; and third, the relationships between
      participants' alliance constructs. To identify participants' views, exploratory
      factor analyses were performed on clients' (n = 176) and therapists' (n = 133
      observations) ratings of the Working Alliance Inventory (short form), the Helping
      Alliance Questionnaire and the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scales and
      conducted both on each measure separately and on the three measures combined. The
      results of the separate analyses indicated in general poor correspondence between
      the participant-derived components and each measure's a priori constructs.
      Results of the joint analyses suggested that clients view the alliance in terms
      of six basic components (Collaborative Work Relationship, Productive Work, Active
      Commitment, Bond, Non-disagreement on Goals/Tasks and Confident Progress), five
      of which were found to predict client-rated and/or therapist-rated post-therapy
      outcome. Results for therapists suggested four basic components (Collaborative
      Work Relationship, Therapist Confidence & Dedication, Client Commitment &
      Confidence, Client Working Ability), of which three predicted post-therapy
      outcome. Findings of significant, but modest to low moderate, correlations
      between several client and therapist joint factors suggested that despite
      similarities, the therapy partners' views of the alliance differ in important
      ways. Compared with therapists, clients appear to place greater emphasis on
      helpfulness, joint participation in the work of therapy and negative signs of the
      alliance. Implications of these findings are discussed. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE:
      Therapists should not assume that their views of the therapeutic relationship and
      therapeutic work are shared by their clients and are encouraged to seek the
      client's feedback. Therapists may benefit from conveying that the client's
      perspective on problems and relevant work is valued and that they are working
      with the client as a team. Therapists may need to explicitly address how the
      therapeutic work is helpful and conducive to desired changes.

PMID- 22081493
TI  - Illuminating the early signaling pathway of a fungal light-oxygen-voltage
      photoreceptor.
AB  - Circadian clocks are molecular timekeepers encountered in a wide variety of
      organisms, which allow to adapt the cell's metabolism and behavior to the daily
      and seasonal periods. Their function is regulated by light-sensing proteins,
      among which Vivid, a light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) sensitive domain of the fungus
      Neurospora crassa, constitutes one of the most prominent examples. Although the
      major photochemical and structural changes during the photocycle of this
      photosensor have been elucidated through experimental means, its signal
      transduction pathway is still poorly resolved at the molecular level. In this
      article, we show through molecular dynamics simulation that the primary steps
      after adduct formation involve a switch of Gln182 in vicinity of the chromophore
      FAD (flavin-adenine-dinucleotide), followed by a coupling between the Ibeta- and
      Hbeta-strands through H-bond formation between Gln182 and Asn161 as well as
      subsequent weakening of the H-bonding interaction between the Ibeta- and Abeta
      strands. These processes then induce a reorientation of the Abeta-Bbeta-loop with
      respect to the protein core as well as a simultaneous contraction of the
      partially unfolded alpha-helix onto the alpha-Abeta-linker at the Ncap. Finally,
      we demonstrate through additional dimer simulations that the light-induced
      conformational changes, observed in the monomeric case, play a decisive role in
      controlling the dimerization tendency of Vivid with its partner domains and that
      the light-state homodimer shows a much larger affinity for aggregation than the
      dark state.

PMID- 22081494
TI  - Bioactivity of short-chain aliphatic ketones against adults of the granary
      weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), is one of the most
      damaging pests of stored grains, causing severe quantitative and qualitative
      losses. Sustainable control means, alternative to the commonly used fumigants and
      broad-spectrum contact insecticides, are urgently needed owing to legislative
      limits, the development of resistant insect strains and increasing consumer
      demand for safe food. Short-chain aliphatic ketones, known to be emitted by
      cereal grains and previously identified as repellents to adult granary weevils,
      were evaluated for their ability to disrupt insect orientation towards wheat
      grains and as possible natural fumigants. RESULTS: In behavioural bioassays, 2
      pentanone, 2-hexanone, 2-heptanone and 2,3-butanedione significantly reduced
      insect orientation towards odours of wheat grains, with 2-hexanone and 2
      heptanone being the most active. In fumigation tests, all compounds were
      effective in killing weevil adults, but they performed differently according to
      chemical structure, speed of action and presence of wheat grains. In the presence
      of grains, the highest fumigant toxicity was shown by 2-pentanone (LC(50) = 8.4
      +/- 1.0 mg L(-1)) after 24 h exposure, and by 2-pentanone (LC(50) = 4.5 +/- 0.3
      mg L(-1)), 2-heptanone (LC(50) = 7.1 +/- 0.3 mg L(-1) ) and 2-hexanone (LC(50) =
      8.1 +/- 0.6 mg L(-1)) 1 week after the treatment end. CONCLUSION: Short-chain
      aliphatic ketones have potential for applications in IPM programmes for the
      granary weevil because of their behaviour-altering activity and fumigant
      toxicity.

PMID- 22081495
TI  - Molecular cytogenetic evaluation of the mechanism of genotoxic potential of
      amsacrine and nocodazole in mouse bone marrow cells.
AB  - The mechanism of genotoxic potential of the cancer chemotherapeutic drugs
      amsacrine and nocodazole in mouse bone marrow was investigated using a
      micronucleus test complemented by fluorescence in situ hybridization assay with
      mouse centromeric and telomeric DNA probes. In animals treated with different
      doses of amsacrine (0.5-12 mg kg(-1) ), the frequencies of micronucleated
      polychromatic erythrocytes increased significantly after treatment with 9 and 12
      mg kg(-1) . A statistically significant increase in micronuclei frequency was
      also detected for 75 mg kg(-1) nocodazole (two exposures, spaced 24 h apart).
      Both compounds caused significant suppressions of erythroblast proliferation at
      higher doses. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated for the first time that
      amsacrine has high incidences of clastogenicity and low incidences of
      aneugenicity whereas nocodazole has high incidences of aneugenicity and low
      incidences of clastogenicity during mitotic phases in vivo. The assay also showed
      that chromosomes can be enclosed in the micronuclei before and after centromere
      separation. Therefore, the clinical use of these genotoxic drugs must be weighed
      against the risks of the development of chromosomal aberrations in cancer
      patients and medical personnel exposed to drug regimens that include these
      chemicals.

PMID- 22081496
TI  - Interpretability and importance of functionals in competing risks and multistate
      models.
AB  - The basic parameters in both survival analysis and more general multistate
      models, including the competing risks model and the illness-death model, are the
      transition hazards. It is often necessary to supplement the analysis of such
      models with other model parameters, which are all functionals of the transition
      hazards. Unfortunately, not all such functionals are equally meaningful in
      practical contexts, even though they may be mathematically well defined. We have
      found it useful to check whether the functionals satisfy three simple principles,
      which may be used as criteria for practical interpretability.

PMID- 22081497
TI  - Spironolactone and colitis: increased mortality in rodents and in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease causes intestinal inflammation leading to intestinal
      fibrosis. Spironolactone is an antifibrotic medication commonly used in heart
      failure to reduce mortality. We examined whether spironolactone is antifibrotic
      in the context of intestinal inflammation. METHODS: In vitro, spironolactone
      repressed fibrogenesis in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-stimulated
      human colonic myofibroblasts. However, spironolactone therapy significantly
      increased mortality in two rodent models of inflammation-induced intestinal
      fibrosis, suggesting spironolactone could be harmful during intestinal
      inflammation. Since inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients rarely receive
      spironolactone therapy, we examined whether spironolactone use was associated
      with mortality in a common cause of inflammatory colitis, Clostridium difficile
      infection (CDI). RESULTS: Spironolactone use during CDI infection was associated
      with increased mortality in a retrospective cohort of 4008 inpatients (15.9% vs.
      9.1%, n = 390 deaths, P < 0.0001). In patients without liver disease, the
      adjusted odds ratio (OR) for inpatient mortality associated with 80 mg
      spironolactone was 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.63) In contrast to
      the main effect of spironolactone mortality, multivariate modeling revealed a
      protective interaction between liver disease and spironolactone dose. The
      adjusted OR for mortality after CDI was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.50-2.55) for patients
      without liver disease on spironolactone vs. 1.28 (95% CI: 0.82-2.00) for patients
      with liver disease on spironolactone when compared to a reference group without
      liver disease or spironolactone use. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that discontinuation
      of spironolactone in patients without liver disease during CDI could reduce
      hospital mortality by 2-fold, potentially reducing mortality from CDI by 35,000
      patients annually across Europe and the U.S.

PMID- 22081498
TI  - Factors influencing bolus dwell times in healthy older adults assessed
      endoscopically.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Scant data exist on normal bolus dwell time assessed
      during flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). The purpose of this
      study was to examine bolus dwell time in healthy older adults. Because it has
      been previously reported that some healthy older adults aspirate, we also sought
      to determine if bolus dwell time varied as a function of aspiration status. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective. METHODS: Seventy-six healthy volunteers from the seventh,
      eighth, and ninth decades of life participated. Dwell times were analyzed via
      FEES as a function of pharyngeal location, liquid type, delivery method, puree
      type, viscosity, age, and gender. RESULTS: Longer dwell times were evidenced with
      the eldest participants, straw delivery, and the smallest volume. Adults in the
      ninth decade were 4.8 (P = .01) and 3.8 (P = .02) times more likely to have
      longer dwell times at the vallecula and 7.1 (P = .002) and 3.8 (P = 0.02) at the
      pyriform sinus than those in the seventh and eighth decades, respectively. Longer
      dwell times at the vallecula and pyriform sinuses were 2 and 2.38 times (P <
      .0001) more likely for straw than cup delivery, respectively. Boluses of 5 mL
      were 1.5 times (P < .05) more likely to result in longer dwell times than larger
      volumes. Bolus dwell times did not significantly differ as a function of
      aspiration status. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, straw delivery, and small volumes
      yielded longer dwell times. These variables should be considered before
      diagnosing an abnormal bolus dwell time in elder patients.

PMID- 22081499
TI  - Immunoregulatory defect in patients with active Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22081500
TI  - Neuropathology of sporadic Parkinson's disease: evaluation and changes of
      concepts.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD), one of the most frequent neurodegenerative disorders,
      is no longer considered a complex motor disorder characterized by extrapyramidal
      symptoms, but a progressive multisystem or-more correctly-multiorgan disease with
      variegated neurological and nonmotor deficiencies. It is morphologically featured
      not only by the degeneration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system,
      responsible for the core motor deficits, but by multifocal involvement of the
      central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system and other organs associated with
      widespread occurrence of Lewy bodies and dystrophic Lewy neurites. This results
      from deposition of abnormal alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn), the major protein marker
      of PD, and other synucleinopathies. Recent research has improved both the
      clinical and neuropathological diagnostic criteria of PD; it has further provided
      insights into the development and staging of alphaSyn and Lewy pathologies and
      has been useful in understanding the pathogenesis of PD. However, many challenges
      remain, for example, the role of Lewy bodies and the neurobiology of axons in the
      course of neurodegeneration, the relation between alphaSyn, Lewy pathology, and
      clinical deficits, as well as the interaction between alphaSyn and other
      pathologic proteins. Although genetic and experimental models have contributed to
      exploring the causes, pathomechanisms, and treatment options of PD, there is
      still a lack of an optimal animal model, and the etiology of this devastating
      disease is far from being elucidated.

PMID- 22081501
TI  - Solid dispersions of alpha-mangostin improve its aqueous solubility through self
      assembly of nanomicelles.
AB  - alpha-Mangostin is an oxygenated heterocyclic xanthone with remarkable
      pharmacological properties, but poor aqueous solubility and low oral
      bioavailability hinder its therapeutic application. This study sought to improve
      the compound's solubility and study the mechanism underlying solubility
      enhancement. Solid dispersions of alpha-mangostin were prepared in
      polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) by solvent evaporation method and showed substantial
      enhancement of alpha-mangostin's solubility from 0.2 +/- 0.2 MUg/mL to 2743 +/-
      11 MUg/mL. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning
      calorimetry indicated interaction between alpha-mangostin and PVP. Transmission
      electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering showed self-assembly of round
      anionic nanomicelles with particle size in the range 99-127 nm. Powder X-ray
      diffraction indicated conversion of alpha-mangostin from crystalline into
      amorphous state, and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of highly
      porous powder. Studies using the fluorescent probe pyrene showed that the
      critical micellar concentration is about 77.4 +/- 4 MUg/mL. Cellular uptake of
      nanomicelles was found to be mediated via endocytosis and indicated intracellular
      delivery of alpha-mangostin associated with potent cytotoxicity (median
      inhibitory concentration of 8.9 +/- 0.2 MUg/mL). Improved solubility, self
      assembly of nanomicelles, and intracellular delivery through endocytosis may
      enhance the pharmacological properties of alpha-mangostin, particularly antitumor
      efficacy.

PMID- 22081502
TI  - Novel 3D hexapod computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system for closed
      diaphyseal fracture reduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-bone fractures are very common in trauma centers. The
      conventional Arbeitsgemeindschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) technique
      contributes to most fracture healing problems, and external fixation technology
      also has several disadvantages, so new techniques are being explored. METHOD: A
      novel hexapod computer-assisted fracture reduction system based on a 3D-CT image
      reconstruction process is presented for closed reduction of long-bone diaphyseal
      fractures. A new reduction technique and upgraded reduction device are described
      and the whole system has been validated. RESULTS: Ten bovine femoral fracture
      models were used with random fracture patterns. Tests results were as follows:
      residual deviation 1.24 + 0.65 mm for the axial deflection, 1.19 + 0.37 mm for
      the translation, 2.34 + 1.79 degrees  for the angulation, and 2.83 + 0.9 degrees 
      for the rotation. CONCLUSION: The reduction mechanism has the advantages of high
      positioning, reduction and computer accuracy, and intra-operative stability for
      both patients and surgical team. With further investigation, it could be applied
      in many kinds of long-bone diaphyseal fractures.

PMID- 22081503
TI  - Determination of salbutamol and salbutamol glucuronide in human urine by means of
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The determination of salbutamol and its glucuronide in human urine following the
      inhalative and oral administration of therapeutic doses of salbutamol
      preparations was performed by means of direct urine injection utilizing liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and employing d(3)-salbutamol
      and d(3)-salbutamol glucuronide as internal standards. Unconjugated salbutamol
      was detected in all administration study urine samples. Salbutamol concentrations
      following inhalation were commonly (99%) below 1000 ng/ml whereas values after
      oral administration frequently (48%) exceeded this threshold. While salbutamol
      glucuronide was not detected in urine samples collected after inhalation of the
      drug, 26 out of 82 specimens obtained after oral application contained salbutamol
      glucuronide with a peak value of 63 ng/ml. The percentage of salbutamol
      glucuronide compared to unconjugated salbutamol was less than 3%. Authentic
      doping control urine samples indicating screening results for salbutamol less
      than 1000 ng/ml, showed salbutamol glucuronide concentrations between 2 and 6
      ng/ml, whereas adverse analytical findings resulting from salbutamol levels
      higher than 1000 ng/ml, had salbutamol glucuronide values between 8 and 15 ng/ml.
      The approach enabled the rapid determination of salbutamol and its glucuronic
      acid conjugate in human urine and represents an alternative to existing
      procedures since time-consuming hydrolysis or derivatization steps were omitted.
      Moreover, the excretion of salbutamol glucuronide in human urine following the
      administration of salbutamol was proven.

PMID- 22081504
TI  - FLI1 is a novel ETS transcription factor involved in gene fusions in prostate
      cancer.
AB  - To characterize the pattern of ETS rearrangements and to uncover novel ETS fusion
      genes, we analyzed 200 prostate carcinomas (PCa) with TaqMan low-density arrays
      (TLDAs), followed by selective analyses with fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH), RT-PCR, and sequencing. Besides confirming the recurrent presence of ERG,
      ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5 rearrangements, we here report FLI1 as the fifth ETS
      transcription factor involved in fusion genes in prostate cancer. Outlier
      expression of the FLI1 gene was detected by TLDAs in one PCa that showed relative
      overexpression of FLI1 exons 4:5 as compared with FLI1 exons 2:3. A structural
      rearrangement was found using FISH probes flanking the FLI1 gene and RT-PCR and
      sequencing analyses showed fusion of SLC45A3 exon 1 with FLI1 exon 3.
      Interestingly, we found four cases with two different ETS rearrangements in the
      index tumor, thus revealing intratumor genetic heterogeneity. Correlation
      analysis with clinico-pathological data showed association of ERG rearrangements
      with locally advanced disease (pT3, P = 0.007) and MYC overexpression (P =
      0.001), and association of ETV1 rearrangements with PTEN downregulation (P =
      0.015). We report that FLI1 is a novel ETS transcription factor involved in gene
      fusions in prostate cancer and that intratumor genetic heterogeneity of ETS
      rearrangements can occasionally be found in index primary tumors.

PMID- 22081506
TI  - Tunable lasing from a cholesteric liquid crystal film embedded with a liquid
      crystal nanopore network.
AB  - Continuous tuning of lasing wavelength is achieved in cholesteric liquid crystal
      lasers by embedding a network of nanopores with an average size of 10 nm filled
      with liquid crystals inside a polymerized matrix with helical order. The device
      possesses both high transparency and a fast response time because the tuning is
      driven by local reorientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the nanopores.

PMID- 22081505
TI  - Traumatic stress in acute leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute leukemia is a condition with an acute onset that is associated
      with considerable morbidity and mortality. However, the psychological impact of
      this life-threatening condition and its intensive treatment has not been
      systematically examined. In the present study, we investigate the prevalence and
      correlates of post-traumatic stress symptoms in this population. METHODS:
      Patients with acute myeloid, lymphocytic, and promyelocytic leukemia who were
      newly diagnosed, recently relapsed, or treatment failures were recruited at a
      comprehensive cancer center in Toronto, Canada. Participants completed the
      Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale,
      CARES Medical Interaction Subscale, and other psychosocial measures. A
      multivariate regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of
      post-traumatic stress symptoms. RESULTS: Of the 205 participants, 58% were male,
      mean age was 50.1 +/- 15.4 years, 86% were recently diagnosed, and 94% were
      receiving active treatment. The mean Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire
      score was 30.2 +/- 22.5, with 27 of 200 (14%) patients meeting criteria for acute
      stress disorder and 36 (18%) for subsyndromal acute stress disorder. Post
      traumatic stress symptoms were associated with more physical symptoms, physical
      symptom distress, attachment anxiety, and perceived difficulty communicating with
      health-care providers, and poorer spiritual well-being (all p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that clinically significant symptoms
      of traumatic stress are common in acute leukemia and are linked to the degree of
      physical suffering, to satisfaction with relationships with health-care
      providers, and with individual psychological characteristics. Longitudinal study
      is needed to determine the natural history, but these findings suggest that
      intervention may be indicated to alleviate or prevent traumatic stress in this
      population.

PMID- 22081507
TI  - Abnormal eating behaviour in people with a specific phobia of vomiting
      (emetophobia).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the eating behaviour in people
      with a specific phobia of vomiting (SPOV), and whether those identified as
      restricting their food had a greater degree of psychopathology and impairment
      than those who do not restrict their food. METHOD: We recruited 94 participants
      with SPOV. They were divided into those who reported restricting their food (SPOV
      R) (n = 32) because of fear of vomiting and those who did not restrict their food
      (SPOV-NR) (n = 62). RESULTS: People with SPOV frequently have abnormal eating
      behaviours to reduce the perceived risk of vomiting. Only 3.7% had a body mass
      index (BMI) of less than 17.5, and 8.5% had a BMI of less than 18.5. The SPOV-R
      group had significantly higher frequency of psychopathology and abnormal eating
      behaviours than the SPOV-NR group. DISCUSSION: Abnormal eating behaviour, BMI,
      and the degree of food restriction are important factors in the assessment of
      SPOV.

PMID- 22081508
TI  - Signal amplification by magnetic force on polydiacetylene supramolecules for
      detection of prostate cancer.
AB  - A method in which a permanent magnet is introduced onto polydiacetylene (PDA)
      vesicle chips is introduced for enhancement of the fluorescence of PDA vesicles.
      This strategy can be applied to general antibody-based PDA vesicle chips to
      detect clinically important biomarkers for disease diagnosis. 

PMID- 22081510
TI  - Familial adenomatous polyposis, suspected HNPCC, and Crohn's disease: two cases.

PMID- 22081509
TI  - Matriptase protects against experimental colitis and promotes intestinal barrier
      recovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Matriptase is a membrane-anchored serine protease encoded by
      suppression of tumorigenicity-14 (ST14) that is required for epithelial barrier
      homeostasis. However, its functional role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is
      unexplored. METHODS: Matriptase expression in control, Crohn's disease, and
      ulcerative colitis tissue specimens was studied by quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR) and immunostaining. Matriptase function was investigated by
      subjecting St14 hypomorphic and control littermates to dextran sodium sulfate
      (DSS)-induced colitis and by siRNA silencing in cultured monolayers. Mice were
      analyzed for clinical, histological, molecular, and cellular effects. RESULTS:
      Matriptase protein and ST14 mRNA levels are significantly downregulated in
      inflamed colonic tissues from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients.
      Matriptase-deficient St14 hypomorphic mice administered DSS for 7 days followed
      by water without DSS for 3 days develop a severe colitis, with only 30% of the
      St14 hypomorphic mice surviving to day 14, compared with 100% of control
      littermates. Persistent colitis in surviving St14 hypomorphic mice was associated
      with sustained cytokine production, an inability to recover barrier integrity,
      and enhanced claudin-2 expression. Cytokines implicated in barrier disruption
      during IBD suppress matriptase expression in T84 epithelial monolayers and
      restoration of matriptase improves barrier integrity in the cytokine-perturbed
      monolayers. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate a critical role for matriptase in
      restoring barrier function to injured intestinal mucosa during colitis, which is
      suppressed by excessive activation of the immune system. Strategies to enhance
      matriptase-mediated barrier recovery could be important for intervening in the
      cycle of inflammation associated with IBD.

PMID- 22081511
TI  - Estimating the prevalence of dementia: cognitive screening in Glasgow nursing
      homes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to establish existing levels of dementia
      in nursing homes. DESIGN: The design was a randomised sample of every sixth
      nursing home resident in Glasgow City. Cognitive testing of 341 residents was
      carried out using the Standardised Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE). For
      clients who had difficulty participating, the Functional Assessment Staging Tool
      (FAST) was used. Existing dementia diagnoses were compared with the prevalence
      indicated through cognitive testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardised Mini
      Mental State Examination and the FAST were used. SETTING: This study was
      conducted in the nursing homes in the Glasgow City Council Local Authority,
      Scotland, UK (N = 49). Forty-eight homes participated in the study and one
      declined. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were residents of the nursing homes in
      Glasgow City, including those in existing dementia units (sample = 422 of
      population 2532); 19 declined and 403 participated. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty
      four (58%) residents already had a diagnosis of dementia written in their care
      plans. One hundred twenty-eight residents (31.8%) without diagnosis of dementia
      in their care plans scored within the range of possible dementia (less than 24/30
      on the SMMSE). A group of 55 (13.6%) residents had no diagnosis of dementia but
      had some type of cognitive impairment recorded in their notes and scored within
      the range of possible dementia on the SMMSE. CONCLUSION: Existing levels of
      dementia diagnosis are 58%. This study finds an additional 31.8% of residents
      without a diagnosis of dementia who score within the range of possible dementia,
      giving a ceiling of 89.8%. It appears that underdiagnosis of dementia exists
      within this 31.8% group.

PMID- 22081512
TI  - Determination of pelvic orientation from sparse ultrasound data for THA operated
      in the lateral position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B-mode ultrasound imaging has the potential to replace conventional
      percutaneous digitization of bony landmarks in navigated total hip arthroplasties
      (THAs). For THAs operated in the lateral position, only one side of the pelvis is
      freely accessible. This paper presents a new ultrasound to statistical shape
      model (SSM) registration method for operating the pelvis in the lateral position,
      based on sparse ultrasound images, which does not interfere with the clinical
      routine in terms of redraping and repositioning the patient. METHODS: It is
      proposed to use the mid-sagittal plane of the pelvis to symmetrically reflect
      data derived from sparse B-mode ultrasound images of the ipsilateral patient side
      to the contralateral side. A SSM of the pelvis is registered to the bilaterally
      available data without additional information on the pubic tubercle region.
      RESULTS: The feasibility and robustness of the proposed method were evaluated by
      comprehensive in silico studies and laboratory experiments with plastic and dry
      cadaveric pelvises, showing a mean error of 3.48 +/- 1.10 degrees  for
      anteversion angle and 1.26 +/- 1.62 degrees  for inclination angle. CONCLUSION:
      Experimental results demonstrate that the symmetry property of the pelvis could
      be used for registration in the lateral position without accessing the error
      prone pubic tubercle landmarks.

PMID- 22081513
TI  - Angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors before and after resolution of maternal
      mirror syndrome.
AB  - Mirror syndrome is a rare condition that involves fetal hydrops, placentomegaly
      and severe maternal edema. The pathogenesis of this syndrome mimics endothelial
      dysfunction observed in pre-eclampsia. We report a case of maternal mirror
      syndrome caused by bilateral fetal hydrothorax that resolved after intrauterine
      pleuroamniotic shunt placement. At the time of the clinical manifestation there
      was an antiangiogenic state similar to that seen in pre-eclampsia, which resolved
      after fetal treatment. Our findings suggest that mirror syndrome is a
      manifestation of a broad spectrum of pathological conditions that induces an
      antiangiogenic state.

PMID- 22081514
TI  - Aurelia aurita-Cnidarian with a prominent medusiod stage.
AB  - Aurelia aurita has a complex life cycle that consists of several stages including
      alternating generations of medusa and polyps, huge sexual, and tiny asexual
      stages. Cnidarian is thought to possess two tissue layers: endoderm (gastroderm)
      and ectoderm, which are separated by mesoglea in medusa. The determination of the
      composition of the A. aurita jellyfish mesoglea was performed. New protein
      "mesoglein" was determined as one of the main components of mesoglea. Mesoglein
      is synthesized by mesogleal cells (Mc), which are populated A. aurita mesoglea as
      a high molecular mass precursor. Mc are involved in the formation of
      noncollagenous "elastic" fibers. Deduced amino acid sequence of mesoglein
      contains Zona Pellucida (ZP) domain and Delta/Serrate/Lag-2 domain. According to
      reverse transcription PCR, mesoglein is expressed in the mature medusa
      exclusively in the Mc. The sperm binding to the ZP is particularly important for
      successful fertilization. Antibodies against mesoglein stain the plate in the
      place of contact of germinal epithelium and oocyte. The structure found was named
      the "contact plate." The contact plate could be the precursor of the ZP. All our
      data suggest that Mc and, probably, the whole mesoglea originate from the
      epidermis (ectoderm). Computer search for mesoglein relatives reveals
      Nematostella and Trichoplax proteins as predicted ORFs, indicating that ZP
      proteins are quite ancient purchase in the evolution.

PMID- 22081515
TI  - NHLBI asthma guidelines: no benefit for patients?

PMID- 22081516
TI  - Mapping of homozygous deletions in verified esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines
      and xenografts.
AB  - Human esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cell lines and xenografts are powerful
      tools in the search for genetic alterations because these models are composed of
      pure human cancer cell populations without admixture of normal human cells. In
      particular detection of homozygous deletions (HDs) is easier using these pure
      populations of cancer cells. Identification of HDs could potentially lead to the
      subsequent identification of new tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) involved in
      esophageal adenocarcinogenesis. Genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      arrays were used to identify HDs in 10 verified EAC cell lines and nine EAC
      xenografts. In total, 61 HDs (range 1-6 per sample) were detected and confirmed
      by polymerase chain reaction. Besides HDs observed in common fragile genomic
      regions (n = 26), and gene deserts (n = 8), 27 HDs were located in gene
      containing regions. HDs were noted for known TSGs, including CDKN2A, SMAD4 and
      CDH3/CDH1. Twenty-two new chromosomal regions were detected harboring potentially
      new TSGs involved in EAC carcinogenesis. Two of these regions of homozygous loss,
      encompassing the ITGAV and RUNX1 gene, were detected in multiple samples
      indicating a potential role in the carcinogenesis of EAC. To exclude culturing
      artifacts, these last two deletions were confirmed by fluorescent in situ
      hybridization in the primary tumors of which the involved cell lines and
      xenografts were derived. In summary, in this report we describe the
      identification of HDs in a series of verified EAC cell lines and xenografts. The
      deletions documented here are a step forward identifying the key genes involved
      in EAC development.

PMID- 22081517
TI  - Elevated sweat chloride concentration in children without cystic fibrosis who are
      receiving topiramate therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Topiramate, which is used as an anticonvulsant and for migraine
      prophylaxis in children, causes oligohydrosis as a side-effect, but its effect on
      sweat chloride concentrations has not been studied systematically. METHODS:
      Twenty-one children receiving topiramate and 20 healthy controls with no signs or
      symptoms of pulmonary or gastrointestinal disease and a negative family history
      for cystic fibrosis (CF) underwent bilateral pilocarpine iontophoresis and sweat
      collection via Macroduct(r) system. RESULTS: Adequate samples (>15 ul volume)
      were obtained from 17/19 topiramate subjects (89%), and 19/20 (95%) controls. The
      mean sweat chloride concentration was 37.7 +/- 18.8 mmol/L for patients receiving
      topiramate, and 15.9 +/- 6.9 mmol/L for controls (p = 0.0001). The mean sweat
      volume was 29.1 +/- 17.4 ul for patients receiving topiramate, and 41.2 +/- 17.5
      ul for controls (p = 0.037). Overall 8/17 (47%) of patients on topiramate with a
      measurable sweat chloride had either an intermediate (>40 mmol/L but <60 mmol/L)
      or elevated (>60 mmol/L) sweat chloride test result, while 0/19 control subjects
      had elevated sweat chloride (p = 0.0008). Further analysis of the in vitro
      activity of topiramate on cultured human bronchial epithelial cells in modified
      Ussing chambers showed no differences in chloride conductance measured in cells
      exposed to 10 or 50 ug/ml of topiramate when compared to non-exposed cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a medication affecting sweat chloride
      values and shows that topiramate therapy can cause elevated sweat chloride
      concentrations in the absence of clinical manifestations of CF.

PMID- 22081520
TI  - Representing and comparing protein folds and fold families using three
      dimensional shape-density representations.
AB  - The question of how best to compare and classify the (three-dimensional)
      structures of proteins is one of the most important unsolved problems in
      computational biology. To help tackle this problem, we have developed a novel
      shape-density superposition algorithm called 3D-Blast which represents and
      superposes the shapes of protein backbone folds using the spherical polar Fourier
      correlation technique originally developed by us for protein docking. The utility
      of this approach is compared with several well-known protein structure alignment
      algorithms using receiver-operator-characteristic plots of queries against the
      "gold standard" CATH database. Despite being completely independent of protein
      sequences and using no information about the internal geometry of proteins, our
      results from searching the CATH database show that 3D-Blast is highly competitive
      compared to current state-of-the-art protein structure alignment algorithms. A
      novel and potentially very useful feature of our approach is that it allows an
      average or "consensus" fold to be calculated easily for a given group of protein
      structures. We find that using consensus shapes to represent entire fold families
      also gives very good database query performance. We propose that using the notion
      of consensus fold shapes could provide a powerful new way to index existing
      protein structure databases, and that it offers an objective way to cluster and
      classify all of the currently known folds in the protein universe.

PMID- 22081519
TI  - Considerations in high-resolution skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging using
      single-shot echo planar imaging with stimulated-echo preparation and sensitivity
      encoding.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      can noninvasively probe changes in the muscle fiber architecture and
      microstructure in diseased and damaged muscles. However, DTI fiber reconstruction
      in small muscles and in muscle regions close to aponeuroses and tendons remains
      challenging because of partial volume effects. Increasing the spatial resolution
      of skeletal muscle single-shot diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging (DW-EPI)
      can be hindered by the inherently low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of muscle DW
      EPI because of the short muscle T(2) and the high sensitivity of single-shot EPI
      to off-resonance effects and T(2)* blurring. In this article, eddy current
      compensated diffusion-weighted stimulated-echo preparation is combined with
      sensitivity encoding (SENSE) to maintain good SNR properties and to reduce the
      sensitivity to distortions and T(2)* blurring in high-resolution skeletal muscle
      single-shot DW-EPI. An analytical framework is developed to optimize the
      reduction factor and diffusion weighting time to achieve maximum SNR. Arguments
      for the selection of the experimental parameters are then presented considering
      the compromise between SNR, B(0)-induced distortions, T(2)* blurring effects and
      tissue incoherent motion effects. On the basis of the selected parameters in a
      high-resolution skeletal muscle single-shot DW-EPI protocol, imaging protocols at
      lower acquisition matrix sizes are defined with matched bandwidth in the phase
      encoding direction and SNR. In  vivo results show that high-resolution skeletal
      muscle DTI with minimized sensitivity to geometric distortions and T(2)* blurring
      is feasible using the proposed methodology. In particular, a significant benefit
      is demonstrated from a reduction in partial volume effects for resolving multi
      pennate muscles and muscles with small cross-sections in calf muscle DTI.

PMID- 22081518
TI  - Channelled scaffolds for engineering myocardium with mechanical stimulation.
AB  - The characteristics of the matrix (composition, structure, mechanical properties)
      and external culture environment (pulsatile perfusion, physical stimulation) of
      the heart are important characteristics in the engineering of functional
      myocardial tissue. This study reports on the development of chitosan-collagen
      scaffolds with micropores and an array of parallel channels (~ 200 um in
      diameter) that were specifically designed for cardiac tissue engineering using
      mechanical stimulation. The scaffolds were designed to have similar structural
      and mechanical properties of those of native heart matrix. Scaffolds were seeded
      with neonatal rat heart cells and subjected to dynamic tensile stretch using a
      custom designed bioreactor. The channels enhanced oxygen transport and
      facilitated the establishment of cell connections within the construct. The
      myocardial patches (14 mm in diameter, 1-2 mm thick) consisted of metabolically
      active cells that began to contract synchronously after 3 days of culture.
      Mechanical stimulation with high tensile stress promoted cell alignment,
      elongation, and expression of connexin-43 (Cx-43). This study confirms the
      importance of scaffold design and mechanical stimulation for the formation of
      contractile cardiac constructs.

PMID- 22081521
TI  - Intra- and interoperator reliability of manual and semi-automated measurements of
      intracranial translucency.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the reproducibility of fetal intracranial translucency (IT)
      measurements performed manually or with SonoNT((r)), a semi-automated caliper
      placement technique recently introduced for nuchal translucency thickness (NT)
      measurement. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using 116 stored images of
      the head (mid-sagittal plane) from normal fetuses in dorsoposterior position at
      11-13 weeks. Two experienced operators each measured the IT separately, twice
      manually and twice using the semi-automated software. Intraoperator and
      interoperator repeatability were assessed. The mean of the two manual
      measurements of the more experienced Operator 2 was considered as the 'gold
      standard'. RESULTS: Seven cases were excluded as the IT could not be recognized
      by the semi-automated software. In the remaining 109 cases, the interquartile
      range of the mean IT measurement was 1.9-2.4 mm for Operator 1 and 1.8-2.3 mm for
      Operator 2 for both the manual and the semi-automated IT measurements. The
      intraoperator SD for manual measurements was 0.091 mm for Operator 1 and 0.088 mm
      for Operator 2, and for semi-automated measurements it was 0.054 mm for Operator
      1 and 0.067 mm for Operator 2. Concerning interoperator bias of the manual
      measurements, the mean difference between Operator 1 and Operator 2 was - 0.09
      (95% CI, - 0.11 to - 0.07) mm. With respect to the gold standard, the mean bias
      of the semi-automated measurements was 0.01 (95% CI - 0.01 to 0.03) mm for
      Operator 1 and - 0.09 (95% CI - 0.11 to - 0.07) mm for Operator 2, indicating
      good agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Manual IT measurements are reproducible. In
      addition, IT can be assessed reliably using the semi-automated NT algorithm,
      leading to standardization of the IT assessment process.

PMID- 22081522
TI  - One-year investigator-blind randomized multicenter trial comparing Asacol 2.4 g
      once daily with 800 mg three times daily for maintenance of remission in
      ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesalazine (Asacol) is still widely prescribed in divided doses for
      ulcerative colitis (UC), despite evidence that adherence is improved by once
      daily (OD) prescribing. We aimed to investigate whether OD Asacol was as
      effective as three times (TDS) daily dosing, and to evaluate the role of
      treatment adherence. METHODS: An investigator-blind randomized trial was
      undertaken comparing OD Asacol (three 800 mg tablets) versus one 800 mg TDS in
      maintenance of remission of UC over 1 year. The primary endpoint was relapse
      rate, and noninferiority would be concluded if the lower limit of the two-sided
      95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference in proportions relapsing (TDS-OD)
      exceeded -10%. Adherence was measured by tablet counts and self-reported
      adherence. A subgroup of patients used a bottle cap that recorded all bottle
      opening events. RESULTS: In all, 213 patients were randomized. In the intention
      to-treat (ITT) population, relapse rates were 31% (95% CI 22%-40%) in the OD and
      45% (95% CI 35%-54%) in the TDS group. Primary analysis confirmed the
      noninferiority of OD dosing. Two of the study populations, ITT and per-protocol
      (PP), showed potential superiority of OD dosing. All measures of adherence showed
      that it was significantly better in the OD group. Multivariate analysis, however,
      showed OD dosing was associated with lower relapse risk independently of
      adherence. CONCLUSIONS: OD dosing with Asacol 2.4 g is as safe and effective as
      TDS dosing, and secondary analysis confirmed significantly reduced relapse rates.
      The benefit, however, was clinically borderline and may relate in part to ease of
      adherence.

PMID- 22081523
TI  - Glandular neoplasia and borderline endocervical reporting rates before and after
      conversion to the SurePath(TM)  liquid-based cytology (LBC) system.
AB  - Reporting rates for glandular neoplasia in 464,754 cervical samples reported at
      six laboratories in 12-month periods before and after the implementation of
      SurepathTM LBC processing are compared. The introduction of LBC processing is
      seen to have resulted in a significant (P = 0.001) increase in the detection rate
      for endocervical glandular neoplasia (from 2.2 per 10,000 tests to 3.9 per
      10,000) while maintaining high levels of reporting specificity. An observed fall
      in the number of samples reported as showing borderline glandular neoplasia falls
      short of statistical significance, and the reporting of possible endometrial and
      'other' glandular abnormalities appears to be unaffected. The underlying reasons
      for the observed improvement in detection of endocervical glandular neoplasia are
      discussed.

PMID- 22081525
TI  - Divide and rule: cytodiagnosis of thyroid lesions using pattern analysis: a study
      of 233 cases.
AB  - Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid is a simple, accurate,
      fast, economical and safe method for the diagnosis of thyroid lesions on FNA. The
      objective of this study was application of pattern analysis in the interpretation
      of thyroid lesions. Two hundred and thirty three cases of thyroid lesion were
      reviewed, which had histopathological correlation. Smears were classified based
      on primary (predominant) and secondary (next dominant) pattern and categorized.
      The variation between combined and final cytological diagnosis was correlated
      with the histopathological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic
      accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy were 90.47, 100 and 99.14%. Our study
      demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of pattern analysis in diagnosing
      thyroid lesions, which could be easily reproducible.

PMID- 22081524
TI  - Cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases from internal malignancies: an analysis of
      cases diagnosed by fine needle aspiration.
AB  - Cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases from internal malignancies are rare and
      indicate a dismal outcome for the patient. This study is designed to analyze
      cases of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases from a known or unknown primary
      and evaluate usefulness of fine needle aspiration cytology as a diagnostic
      modality. The present study is a retrospective analysis of 83 patients who were
      diagnosed with metastatic skin deposits on fine needle aspiration cytology.
      Seventy-four patients were previously diagnosed cases of malignancy and nine
      patients had metastatic deposits simultaneously with the primary tumor. The
      commonest malignancies showing cutaneous metastases were from breast, colon and
      rectum, lung, ovary, and thyroid. The differential diagnoses are from primary
      cutaneous tumors. FNAC provides a rapid diagnosis and should be used as a
      preferred first line diagnostic modality in such patients. In our study, FNAC
      yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100% as a microscopic method for
      confirmation.

PMID- 22081526
TI  - Escherichia coli on pleural effusion smear.

PMID- 22081527
TI  - Calcinosis cutis: diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology--a rare case
      report.
AB  - Calcinosis cutis is characterized by deposition of calcium salts in the
      subcutaneous tissues in the body. In this study, we described a case of
      calcinosis cutis that was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) in a 15-year
      old male. The patient presented with multiple nodules over right forearm and
      right knee. FNA smears showed flakes of amorphous material indicating calcium
      along with few macrophages. The presence of amorphous calcium salts along with
      histiocytes in the appropriate clinical settings is diagnostic of calcinosis
      cutis.

PMID- 22081528
TI  - Cytologic findings in two cases of dermoid cysts with malignant transformation.
AB  - While dermoid cysts are fairly commonly seen in the surgical pathology practice,
      rarely is the malignant transformation of dermoid cysts seen. Even rarer still is
      the cytopathologic report of this manifestation. In both of these case reports,
      the diagnosis of the malignant transformation of a dermoid cyst was made only
      after the initial cytologic diagnosis of malignancy had been reported and further
      investigation identified the source of the malignant cells. Unfortunately in both
      of these cases, the disease was detected at an advanced stage. To my knowledge
      and with a thorough literature search, the first case will be the first reported
      case of an adenocarcinoma in a dermoid cyst present in a Pap smear as the initial
      diagnosis. While the second case of malignant melanoma in a dermoid has been
      reported in ascitic fluid, such reports are rare.

PMID- 22081529
TI  - Fine-needle aspiration cytology of primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the urinary
      bladder: a case report.
AB  - Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are malignant small round cell tumors,
      which exhibit a variable degree of neural differentiation. These tumors are
      usually found in the extraosseous soft tissue and rarely in bones. Occasional
      cases of PNETs of the urinary bladder have been reported on histopathology.
      However, to the best of our knowledge, none have been diagnosed on fine-needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC). A patient presented to the out-patient department
      with complaints of a slowly progressive lump in the lower abdomen, which was
      diagnosed as PNET on FNAC. The smears showed a dispersed population and sheets of
      malignant small round cells with focal rosette formation and perivascular
      arrangement of tumor cells. Periodic acid-Schiff staining showed strong
      cytoplasmic positivity. Immunocytochemistry of the cytology smears also showed
      strong membrane positivity for CD99 (MIC-2), which was also confirmed on
      histopathological examination. PNET of the urinary bladder is a distinct entity,
      which can be diagnosed on FNAC and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A diagnosis
      of PNET should be considered as a differential diagnosis in urinary bladder
      masses, especially in adolescents and young adults.

PMID- 22081530
TI  - Fine-needle aspiration cytology with histological correlation of chordoma
      metastatic to the lung: a diagnostic dilemma.
AB  - Chordoma is an uncommon tumor initially believed to be benign due to the rarity
      of its metastasis. Cytological, morphological, and immunohistochemical features
      of chordoma, relating to its origin from notochordal remnants, allows for its
      accurate diagnosis. A 75-year-old man with a known history of tuberculosis (TB)
      presented with shortness of breath and a dry cough. A chest X-ray demonstrated a
      diffuse, infiltrative miliary pattern in both lungs. Bronchial washings submitted
      for culture and cytological examination did not identify any tuberculous bacilli.
      Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed focal areas of myxoid regions with
      small, round, uniform mononuclear cells. There was a documented past history of
      chordoma arising from the L2 vertebrae. Because of the rarity of this lesion in
      the lung and the limited diagnostic material available with a clinical history of
      TB and lumbar chordoma, the pathological report rendered on the FNAC was
      "atypical cells suspicious for metastatic chordoma." A wedge biopsy of the lung
      confirmed the presence of metastatic pulmonary chordoma. Despite palliative
      treatment, he died within a year. Although the metastatic potential of chordomas
      has been recognized and documented, to the best of our knowledge, metastasis of
      chordoma to the lung diagnosed by FNAC with cytohistological correlation has not
      been previously reported in the English literature.

PMID- 22081531
TI  - Decoy cells and malignant cells coexisting in the urine from a transplant
      recipient with BK virus nephropathy and bladder adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The search for decoy cells (DC) in urine is widely used as screening for BK virus
      (BKV) reactivation in transplant recipients. BKV cytopathic effect of DC must not
      be confused with high-grade urothelial carcinoma. This report presents a case of
      coexistence of DC and malignant cells in the urine from a transplant recipient
      with BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN) and bladder adenocarcinoma. A 38-year-old
      female with type 1 diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease underwent a
      simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant. Four years post-transplantation, BK
      virus studies were performed for renal dysfunction. Isolated DC and DC in casts
      were identified in urine. Also, the tests for BKV DNA were positive in serum and
      renal allograft biopsy. BKVN was treatment-resistant and the patient returned to
      hemodialysis. A kidney transplant nephrectomy was performed 2 years later. The
      next urine cytology showed, in addition to DC, other distinct cells with nuclear
      atypia highly suggestive of malignancy. Some cells showed both, malignant and DC
      features. A bladder adenocarcinoma was diagnosed on biopsy and BKV proteins were
      demonstrated on tumor cells, supporting a possible role for BKV in the oncogenic
      pathway in this clinical setting. The presence of DC in the urine from a
      transplant recipient is the hallmark of BKV activation, but it does not exclude
      the existence of carcinoma. Furthermore, the presence of highly atypical cells
      should raise, not eliminate, the possibility of neoplastic transformation of the
      bladder.

PMID- 22081532
TI  - A uncommon cause of haemoptysis: metastatic collecting duct renal carcinoma.

PMID- 22081533
TI  - Apoptotic ciliated cells on sputum smear.

PMID- 22081534
TI  - How frequently are contraindicated or warned against combinations of drugs
      prescribed to patients receiving long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain?
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyse the proportion of patients treated with an opioid for chronic
      pain who were prescribed concomitant medications that are warned against or
      contraindicated in the German summary of product characteristics to determine if
      warnings on drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are observed. METHODS: This
      retrospective analysis used longitudinal aggregated patient data from the
      Intercontinental Marketing Services Disease Analyzer in Germany. Patients with
      two or more prescriptions of morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone or tramadol from
      1 January 2006 to 31 December 2008 were included; drugs prescribed within 30 days
      of an opioid prescription were identified as concomitant medications. The
      frequency of concomitant treatment with drugs warned against or contraindicated
      in the German opioid summary of product characteristics was determined.
      Concomitant treatment with drugs metabolised by CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers
      and CYP2D6 inhibitors was also considered. RESULTS: The Intercontinental
      Marketing Services database contained 13,405 eligible patients; 72% had
      concomitant diseases which may increase the risk for DDIs (hypertension, diabetes
      mellitus, renal failure, renal glomerular disease or renal tubulointerstitial
      disease). Very few patients received concomitant prescriptions of an opioid with
      a contraindicated drug. Many patients were prescribed opioids concomitantly with
      drugs with potential for harmful safety-related DDIs or DDIs that alter the
      effectiveness of one or more of the opioids. A large proportion of all
      concomitant prescriptions with potential for DDIs were given to at-risk patients
      aged 65 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients that received an opioid for
      chronic pain were prescribed concomitant medications with the potential for
      safety-related DDIs or interactions that would alter the effectiveness of the
      opioid.

PMID- 22081537
TI  - Pulmonary diffusing capacity in healthy Caucasian children.
AB  - Previous studies of pulmonary diffusing capacity in children differed greatly in
      methodologies; numbers of subjects evaluated, and were performed prior to the
      latest ATS/ERS guidelines. The purpose of our study was to establish reference
      ranges for the diffusing capacity to carbon monoxide (DL(CO) ) and alveolar
      volume (V(A) ) in healthy Caucasian children using current international
      guidelines and contemporary equipment. Healthy children from the United States (N
      = 303) and from Australia (N = 176) performed acceptable measurements of single
      breath pulmonary diffusing capacity and alveolar volume according to current
      ATS/ERS guidelines. The natural log of DL(CO) and V(A) were associated with
      height, age and an age-sex interaction term, while DL(CO) /V(A) was related to
      height and the age-sex interaction term only. Adjustment of DL(CO) for hemoglobin
      (n = 303; USA data only) resulted is a small but significant decrease in DL(CO)
      of ~1% but did not significantly alter the regression equations. In this dataset
      there was no influence of center for DL(CO) or DL(CO) /V(A) , while Australian
      children had a statistically smaller V(A) (mean difference 0.14 L after
      accounting for height, age and age-sex; P = 0.012). We report that diffusing
      capacity outcomes can be collated from multiple centers using similar equipment
      and collection protocols. Using collated data we have derived regression
      equations for pulmonary diffusing capacity outcomes in healthy Caucasian children
      aged 5-19 years.

PMID- 22081538
TI  - Three-dimensional culture of mouse bone marrow cells on stroma formed within a
      porous scaffold: influence of scaffold shape and cryopreservation of the stromal
      layer on expansion of haematopoietic progenitor cells.
AB  - This study's primary goal was to develop an effective ex vivo expansion method
      for haematopoietic cells. 3D culture of mouse bone marrow cells was performed in
      porous scaffolds using a sheet or cube shape. Bone marrow cells were cultured on
      bone marrow-derived stromal layers formed within the scaffolds and the effect of
      scaffold shape on the expansion of haematopoietic cells was examined. In some
      experiments, stromal layers within cubic scaffolds were frozen and then used to
      culture bone marrow cells after thawing. Results show that after comparison,
      total cell density and expansion of haematopoietic cells were greater in cultures
      using the cubic scaffold, suggesting that it was superior to the sheet-like
      scaffold for expanding haematopoietic cells. When cryopreserved stroma was used,
      it effectively supported the expansion of haematopoietic cells, and a greater
      expansion of haematopoietic cells [(erythroid and haematopoietic progenitor cells
      (HPCs)] was achieved than in cultures with stromal cells that had not been
      cryopreserved. Expansion of cells using cryopreserved stroma had several other
      advantages such as a shorter culture period than the conventional method, a
      stable supply of stromal cells, and ease of handling and scaling up. As a result,
      this is an attractive method for ex vivo expansion of haematopoietic stem cells
      (HSCs) and HPCs for clinical use.

PMID- 22081540
TI  - Does pharmacological castration as adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer after
      radiotherapy affect anxiety and depression levels, cognitive functions and
      quality of life?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant hormonotherapy for prostate cancer patients after radical
      radiotherapy has a well-established value. However, the impact of such treatment
      on the patients' quality of life remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective is to assess the impact of adjuvant hormonotherapy with luteinizing
      hormone-releasing hormone analogue after radical radiotherapy on anxiety and
      depression levels, cognitive function, sexual function and quality of life of
      prostate cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two groups of patients were
      tested: men treated with adjuvant hormonotherapy (88 patients) and men without
      hormonotherapy (61 patients). Anxiety, depression and cognitive functions were
      evaluated. Patients answered questions addressing problems linked to hormonal
      equilibrium. The patients rated their mental status, physical status, quality of
      life and quality of their relationship. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between patients on hormonotherapy and without
      hormonotherapy in the level of anxiety and depression (p = 0.844 and p = 0.954)
      as well as in cognitive function (p = 0.661). Satisfactory sexual performance was
      preserved in 9/65 patients (14%) on hormonotherapy and the same was applied to
      19/49 patients (39%) without hormonotherapy. The difference was statistically
      significant (p = 0.003). Hormonotherapy was associated with decreased libido (p =
      0.031), hot flushes (p < 0.001) and sweating (p < 0.001). No statistically
      significant differences were found between the groups in the self-rated physical
      and psychological well-being (p = 0.476 and p = 0.597), quality of life (p =
      0.622) and quality of relationship (p = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant
      hormonotherapy enhances neither anxiety nor depression, does not impair cognitive
      function but has a negative effect on the patients' sexual function. It does not
      worsen self-rated quality of relationship and quality of life.

PMID- 22081541
TI  - Liver nodules in Crohn's ileitis.

PMID- 22081542
TI  - High-sensitivity C-reactive protein for identification of disease phenotype,
      active disease, and clinical relapses in Crohn's disease: a marker for patient
      classification?
AB  - BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a traditional nonspecific marker of
      inflammation, with Crohn's disease (CD) being associated with a strong CRP
      response. Thus far, no clear cutoff values have been determined. The authors' aim
      was to investigate whether high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP is useful for the
      identification disease phenotype, active disease, and relapse during follow-up,
      using a classification based on the hs-CRP value at diagnosis. METHODS: In all,
      260 well-characterized, unrelated, consecutive CD patients (male/female: 120/140;
      duration: 7.0 +/- 6.1 years), with a complete clinical follow-up, were included.
      Hs-CRP, clinical activity according to the Harvey-Bradshaw Index, and clinical
      data (disease phenotype according to the Montreal Classification, extraintestinal
      manifestations, smoking habits, medical therapy, and surgical events) were
      prospectively collected between January 1, 2008 and June 1, 2010. Medical records
      prior to the prospective follow-up period were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS:
      In all, 32.3% of CD patients had normal hs-CRP at diagnosis. Elevated hs-CRP at
      diagnosis was associated with disease location (P = 0.002), noninflammatory
      disease behavior (P = 0.058), and a subsequent need for later
      azathioprine/biological therapy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.024), respectively. The
      accuracy of hs-CRP for identifying patients with active disease during
      prospective follow-up was good (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.82, cutoff: 10.7
      mg/L). AUC was better in patients with an elevated hs-CRP at diagnosis (AUC:
      0.92, cutoff: 10.3 mg/L). In Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analyses, hs-CRP was
      an independent predictor of 3- (P = 0.007) or 12-month (P = 0.001) clinical
      relapses for patients in remission who had elevated hs-CRP at diagnosis. In
      addition, perianal involvement (P = 0.01) was associated with the 12-month
      relapse frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that hs-CRP positivity at
      diagnosis is associated with disease location and behavior, and in patients who
      are hs-CRP positive at diagnosis, is an accurate marker of disease activity and a
      predictor of short- and medium-term clinical flare-ups during follow-up.

PMID- 22081543
TI  - Sustaining the development and implementation of student-centered teaching
      nationally: the importance of a community of practice.
AB  - Although the idea of using a workshop to educate potential users about a set of
      materials or techniques is not new, the workshops described here go beyond simple
      dissemination and create ongoing communities of practice that support widespread
      and sustained improvement in the biochemistry classroom. The degree to which
      pedagogical innovations improve student learning on a national level depends on
      how broadly they are disseminated and how they are implemented and sustained.
      Workshops can be effective in disseminating ideas and techniques, but they often
      fail to sustain implementation. This paper describes Core Collaborators Workshops
      (CCWs) that were specifically designed for biochemistry faculty to improve the
      quality of active learning materials, support faculty in transforming their
      classrooms, and disseminate these efforts nationally. This CCW model proved very
      effective to date as shown by the fact that, 8 months after the last CCW, all
      workshop participants reported using at least some of the instructional materials
      discussed during the workshop. In addition, participants remarked that the
      superior community building and direct mentoring available through the CCWs
      greatly increased their confidence in implementing this new curricular approach
      and has made them more likely to act as leaders themselves.

PMID- 22081544
TI  - Building student proficiency with scientific literature using the Zotero
      reference manager platform.
AB  - While mastery of the scientific literature is a strongly desirable trait for
      undergraduate students, the sheer volume of the current literature has
      complicated the challenge of teaching scientific literacy. Part of the response
      to this ever-increasing volume of resources includes formal instruction in the
      use of reference manager software while engaging students with the primary
      literature. This article describes the incorporation of the reference manager
      program Zotero into a chemical literature course to facilitate the use of digital
      resources and to better enable them to use proper citation skills in their
      technical writing.

PMID- 22081545
TI  - Non-native English language speakers benefit most from the use of lecture capture
      in medical school.
AB  - Medical education in the United States and Canada continues to evolve. However,
      many of the changes in pedagogy are being made without appropriate evaluation.
      Here, we attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of lecture capture technology as a
      learning tool in Podiatric medical education. In this pilot project, student
      performance in an inaugural lecture capture-supported biochemistry course was
      compared to that in the previous academic year. To examine the impact of online
      lecture podcasts on student performance a within-subjects design was implemented,
      a two way ANCOVA with repeated measures. The use of lecture capture-supported
      pedagogy resulted in significantly higher student test scores, than achieved
      historically using traditional pedagogy. The overall course performance using
      this lecture capture-supported pedagogy was almost 6% higher than in the previous
      year. Non-native English language speakers benefitted more significantly from the
      lecture capture-supported pedagogy than native English language speakers, since
      their performance improved by 10.0 points. Given that underrepresented minority
      (URM) students, whose native language is not English, makes up a growing
      proportion of medical school matriculates, these observations support the use of
      lecture capture technology in other courses. Furthermore, this technology may
      also be used as part of an academic enrichment plan to improve performance on the
      American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination, reduce the attrition of URM
      students and potentially address the predicted minority physician shortage in
      2020.

PMID- 22081546
TI  - Enhanced podcasts for teaching biochemistry to veterinary students.
AB  - The teaching of biochemistry within medical disciplines presents certain
      challenges; firstly to relay a large body of complex facts and abstract concepts,
      and secondly to motivate students that this relatively difficult topic is worth
      their time to study. Here, nutrient biochemistry was taught within a
      multidisciplinary module as part of an undergraduate veterinary curriculum. The
      teaching approach was initially focussed on a mixture of didactic lectures and
      student-centred activities such as directed group/self learning. In subsequent
      years the core didactic lectures were replaced with enhanced podcasts covering
      the same material, along with the introduction of student presentations delivered
      within groups with both peer and facilitator assessment. These changes were
      accompanied by an increase in the time dedicated to this topic to allow
      sufficient time for students to work through podcasts and prepare presentations.
      The combination of these changes resulted in significant improvements in student
      performance within an in-course biochemistry long essay. These changes in the
      teaching approach, and particularly the introduction of extensive podcasts, was
      well received by students who perceived the process of going through the podcasts
      as time consuming but allowing them flexibility in both the pace that they
      studied this topic as well as the location and times that they studied it.

PMID- 22081548
TI  - pGLO mutagenesis: a laboratory procedure in molecular biology for biology
      students.
AB  - A five-session laboratory project was designed to familiarize or increase the
      laboratory proficiency of biology students and others with techniques and
      instruments commonly used in molecular biology research laboratories and
      industries. In this project, the EZ-Tn5 transposon is used to generate and screen
      a large number of cells transformed with mutagenized pGLO plasmid. EZ-Tn5 carries
      the kanamycin resistance (Kan(R)) gene, and the pGLO plasmid carries the beta
      lactamase gene for ampicillin resistance (Amp(R)), the gene encoding green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) and the arabinose operon repressor (araC). Insertion of
      the Tn5 transposon into pGLO occurs randomly, and any gene into which it inserts
      is knocked out. By screening cells transformed with mutagenized pGLO with
      kanamycin, ampicillin, arabinose and/or for GFP expression in different
      combinations, pGLO plasmids with mutations in different genes are identified. The
      locations of these insertions are then mapped approximately by restriction
      fragment analysis and precisely by sequence analysis of the pGLO plasmid.

PMID- 22081547
TI  - An exercise in molecular epidemiology: human rhinovirus prevalence and genetics.
AB  - Human rhinovirus (HRV) is one of the most common human respiratory pathogens and
      is responsible for the majority of upper respiratory illnesses. Recently, a
      phylogeny was constructed from all known American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
      HRV sequences. From this study, three HRV classifications (HRVA, HRVB, and HRVC)
      were determined and techniques for classifying new isolates of HRV were reported.
      The genetic change of this virus in specific populations over time is of great
      interest to understand the evolution and epidemiology of viruses. To facilitate
      the collections of HRV sequences over a number of years, a virology experiment
      was designed in which students test nasal lavage samples to look for HRV
      infection. Students will learn a variety of techniques including RNA isolation,
      cDNA synthesis, qPCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis as well as bioinformatic
      skills though examination of sequences from the HRV-field isolates. Furthermore,
      students can look at symptom data from subjects to investigate correlations
      between symptom severity and factors such as stress and sleep patterns. Such
      information can be used to examine hypotheses regarding HRV mutation, symptom
      severity and epidemiology.

PMID- 22081549
TI  - Self-directed student research through analysis of microarray datasets: a
      computer-based functional genomics practical class for masters-level students.
AB  - This report describes a linked series of Masters-level computer practical
      workshops. They comprise an advanced functional genomics investigation, based
      upon analysis of a microarray dataset probing yeast DNA damage responses. The
      workshops require the students to analyse highly complex transcriptomics
      datasets, and were designed to stimulate active learning through experience of
      current research methods in bioinformatics and functional genomics. They seek to
      closely mimic a realistic research environment, and require the students first to
      propose research hypotheses, then test those hypotheses using specific sections
      of the microarray dataset. The complexity of the microarray data provides
      students with the freedom to propose their own unique hypotheses, tested using
      appropriate sections of the microarray data. This research latitude was highly
      regarded by students and is a strength of this practical. In addition, the focus
      on DNA damage by radiation and mutagenic chemicals allows them to place their
      results in a human medical context, and successfully sparks broad interest in the
      subject material. In evaluation, 79% of students scored the practical workshops
      on a five-point scale as 4 or 5 (totally effective) for student learning. More
      broadly, the general use of microarray data as a "student research playground" is
      also discussed.

PMID- 22081550
TI  - A linked series of laboratory exercises in molecular biology utilizing
      bioinformatics and GFP.
AB  - Molecular biologists commonly use bioinformatics to map and analyze DNA and
      protein sequences and to align different DNA and protein sequences for
      comparison. Additionally, biologists can create and view 3D models of protein
      structures to further understand intramolecular interactions. The primary goal of
      this 10-week laboratory was to introduce the importance of bioinformatics in
      molecular biology. Students employed multiprimer, site-directed mutagenesis to
      create variant colors from a plasmid expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP).
      Isolated mutant plasmid from Escherichia coli showing changes in fluorescence
      were sequenced. Students used sequence alignment tools, protein translator tools,
      protein modeling, and visualization to analyze the potential effect of their
      mutations within the protein structure. This laboratory linked molecular
      techniques and bioinformatics to promote and expand the understanding of
      experimental results in an upper-level undergraduate laboratory course.

PMID- 22081551
TI  - Commentary: analysis of examination questions expose low faculty expectations.

PMID- 22081552
TI  - Problem-solving test: submitochondrial localization of proteins.
AB  - Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: mitochondria, outer
      membrane, inner membrane, intermembrane space, mitochondrial matrix,
      mitochondrial fraction, cell fractionation by differential centrifugation,
      pellet, supernatant, detergents, phenol, cytosolic fraction, integral and
      peripheral membrane proteins, hypotonic solution, SDS-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis, Western blotting.

PMID- 22081553
TI  - Commentary: left hand, right hand and on the other hand.

PMID- 22081554
TI  - Proteopedia entry: triose phosphate isomerase.

PMID- 22081556
TI  - Factors accounting for a missed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis after newborn
      screening.
AB  - Newborn screening is a public health policy program involving the centralized
      testing laboratory, infant and their family, primary care provider, and
      subspecialist for confirmatory testing and follow-up of abnormal results. Cystic
      fibrosis (CF) newborn screening has now been enacted in all 50 states and the
      District of Columbia and throughout many countries in the world. Although CF
      neonatal screening will identify the vast majority of infants with CF, there are
      many factors in the newborn screening system that can lead to a missed diagnosis
      of CF. To inform clinicians, this article summarizes the CF newborn screening
      system and highlights 14 factors that can account for a missed diagnosis of CF.
      Care providers should maintain a high suspicion for CF if there are compatible
      symptoms, regardless of the results of the newborn screening test. These factors
      in newborn screening programs leading to a missed diagnosis of CF present
      opportunities for quality improvement in specimen collection, laboratory analysis
      of immunoreactive tryspinogen (IRT) and CF mutation testing, communication, and
      sweat testing.

PMID- 22081557
TI  - Comparing the effects of insulin glargine and thiazolidinediones on plasma lipids
      in type 2 diabetes: a patient-level pooled analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia and the risk of cardiovascular
      disease are elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes. This analysis compared the
      effects of insulin glargine versus thiazolidinediones (TZDs) on lipid profiles.
      METHODS: Patient-level data were pooled from two randomized clinical studies. The
      population included 552 men and women aged >18 years, diagnosed with type 2
      diabetes for at least 6 months, on metformin and/or sulphonylurea, and with A(1C)
      >=7.5% and <12.0% at screening. Lipid outcome measures included change from
      baseline in lipid levels [low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (non-HDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids] and
      attainment of lipid goals for LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and triglycerides. RESULTS: Both
      insulin glargine and TZDs improved lipid profiles from baseline values. Compared
      with TZDs, treatment with insulin glargine led to 7.9% greater reduction in LDL-C
      (p < 0.0003), 7.5% greater reduction in non-HDL-C (p < 0.0001), and 7.8% greater
      reduction in total cholesterol (p < 0.0001), whereas the HDL-C increase with TZD
      was 7.6% greater than that with insulin glargine (p < 0.0001). The percentage of
      patients attaining the lipid goals was comparable between insulin glargine and
      pioglitazone, but lower for rosiglitazone. Insulin glargine improved glycaemic
      control more than TZDs; however, insulin glargine caused more hypoglycaemia.
      Treatment with TZDs caused more weight gain and peripheral oedema. CONCLUSION:
      These findings suggest that the favourable effects of insulin glargine on plasma
      lipid profiles should be considered among the advantages of treatment with
      insulin glargine as they are for TZDs.

PMID- 22081558
TI  - Radial mechanical properties of single-walled boron nitride nanotubes.
AB  - The radial mechanical properties of single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (SW
      BNNTs) are investigated by atomic force microscopy. Nanomechanical measurements
      reveal the radial deformation of individual SW-BNNTs in both elastic and plastic
      regimes. The measured effective radial elastic moduli of SW-BNNTs are found to
      follow a decreasing trend with an increase in tube diameter, ranging from 40.78
      to 1.85 GPa for tube diameters of 0.58 to 2.38 nm. The results show that SW-BNNTs
      have relatively lower effective radial elastic moduli than single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWCNTs). The axially strong, but radially supple characteristics
      suggest that SW-BNNTs may be superior to SWCNTs as reinforcing additives for
      nanocomposite applications.

PMID- 22081559
TI  - Lung function distinguishes preschool children with CF from healthy controls in a
      multi-center setting.
AB  - RATIONALE: Conducting clinical trials in cystic fibrosis (CF) preschoolers has
      been limited by lack of sensitive lung function measures performed across sites.
      OBJECTIVES: (1) Assess feasibility and short-term reproducibility of spirometry,
      forced oscillometry (FO), and inductance plethysmography (IP) in a multi-center
      preschool population; (2) compare ability of each technique to differentiate lung
      function of CF preschoolers and controls; (3) evaluate longitudinal changes in
      lung function; (4) estimate sample sizes for future trials. METHODS: A
      longitudinal, multi-center study of CF preschoolers was conducted utilizing
      standardized equipment, rigorous site training, and centralized lung function
      data review. CF subjects participated in up to four study visits 6 months apart,
      plus a 2-week reproducibility visit. Controls had one study visit. RESULTS:
      Ninety-three CF subjects and 87 controls participated. Acceptability rates were
      lowest for spirometry (55%) and highest for IP (77%). Spirometry success
      increased with age and having a prior acceptable measurement. FEV(1) , FEV(0.5) ,
      and FEF(25-75) were lower for CF subjects than for controls; spirometric z-scores
      declined with age. IP measures of thoracoabdominal asynchrony were greater for CF
      subjects than for controls. FO indices did not distinguish CF from controls.
      FEV(1) and FEV(0.5) are able to detect the smallest treatment effect for a given
      sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry appears more sensitive than IP or FO for
      detecting lung disease in CF preschoolers; spirometric indices decline with age.
      Future trials using spirometry should include a run-in period for training and
      require acceptable data prior to enrollment. However, near-normal spirometric
      measurements in CF preschoolers may lead to difficulty detecting a treatment
      effect.

PMID- 22081560
TI  - PGA-associated heterotopic chondrocyte cocultures: implications of nasoseptal and
      auricular chondrocytes in articular cartilage repair.
AB  - The availability of autologous articular chondrocytes remains a limiting issue in
      matrix assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Non-articular heterotopic
      chondrocytes could be an alternative autologous cell source. The aims of this
      study were to establish heterotopic chondrocyte cocultures to analyze cell-cell
      compatibilities and to characterize the chondrogenic potential of nasoseptal
      chondrocytes compared to articular chondrocytes. Primary porcine and human
      nasoseptal and articular chondrocytes were investigated for extracellular
      cartilage matrix (ECM) expression in a monolayer culture. 3D polyglycolic acid-
      (PGA) associated porcine heterotopic mono- and cocultures were assessed for cell
      vitality, types II, I, and total collagen-, and proteoglycan content. The type II
      collagen, lubricin, and Sox9 gene expressions were significantly higher in
      articular compared with nasoseptal monolayer chondrocytes, while type IX collagen
      expression was lower in articular chondrocytes. Only beta1-integrin gene
      expression was significantly inferior in humans but not in porcine nasoseptal
      compared with articular chondrocytes, indicating species-dependent differences.
      Heterotopic chondrocytes in PGA cultures revealed high vitality with proteoglycan
      rich hyaline-like ECM production. Similar amounts of type II collagen deposition
      and type II/I collagen ratios were found in heterotopic chondrocytes cultured on
      PGA compared to articular chondrocytes. Quantitative analyses revealed a time
      dependent increase in total collagen and proteoglycan content, whereby the
      differences between heterotopic and articular chondrocyte cultures were not
      significant. Nasoseptal and auricular chondrocytes monocultured in PGA or
      cocultured with articular chondrocytes revealed a comparable high chondrogenic
      potential in a tissue engineering setting, which created the opportunity to test
      them in vivo for articular cartilage repair.

PMID- 22081561
TI  - Bacterial whole-cell biosensor for glutamine with applications for quantifying
      and visualizing glutamine in plants.
AB  - A whole-cell biosensor for glutamine (GlnLux) was constructed by transforming an
      Escherichia coli glutamine (Gln) auxotroph with a constitutive lux reporter gene.
      Measurements of Gln in plant extracts using GlnLux correlated with quantification
      using high-performance liquid chromatography (Spearman's r = 0.95). GlnLux
      permitted charge-coupled-device (CCD) imaging of Gln from whole plant organs.

PMID- 22081563
TI  - Daphnia magna, a host for evaluation of bacterial virulence.
AB  - We show that Daphnia magna can be used to assess acute virulence of pathogens
      relevant to human health, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Photorhabdus
      asymbiotica. Analysis of bacterial mutants suggests that P. aeruginosa uses
      similar mechanisms to infect Daphnia and other hosts.

PMID- 22081562
TI  - Distinct transcriptional profiles and phenotypes exhibited by Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 isolates related to the 2006 spinach-associated outbreak.
AB  - In 2006, a large outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was linked to the
      consumption of ready-to-eat bagged baby spinach in the United States. The likely
      sources of preharvest spinach contamination were soil and water that became
      contaminated via cattle or feral pigs in the proximity of the spinach fields. In
      this study, we compared the transcriptional profiles of 12 E. coli O157:H7
      isolates that possess the same two-enzyme pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)
      profile and are related temporally or geographically to the above outbreak. These
      E. coli O157:H7 isolates included three clinical isolates, five isolates from
      separate bags of spinach, and single isolates from pasture soil, river water, cow
      feces, and a feral pig. The three clinical isolates and two spinach bag isolates
      grown in cultures to stationary phase showed decreased expression of many
      sigma(S)-regulated genes, including gadA, osmE, osmY, and katE, compared with the
      soil, water, cow, feral pig, and the other three spinach bag isolates. The
      decreased expression of these sigma(S)-regulated genes was correlated with the
      decreased resistance of the isolates to acid stress, osmotic stress, and
      oxidative stress but increases in scavenging ability. We also observed that
      intraisolate variability was much more pronounced among the clinical and spinach
      isolates than among the environmental isolates. Together, the transcriptional and
      phenotypic differences of the spinach outbreak isolates of E. coli O157:H7
      support the hypothesis that some variants within the spinach bag retained
      characteristics of the preharvest isolates, whereas other variants with altered
      gene expression and phenotypes infected the human host.

PMID- 22081564
TI  - Metagenomic analysis of stress genes in microbial mat communities from Antarctica
      and the High Arctic.
AB  - Polar and alpine microbial communities experience a variety of environmental
      stresses, including perennial cold and freezing; however, knowledge of genomic
      responses to such conditions is still rudimentary. We analyzed the metagenomes of
      cyanobacterial mats from Arctic and Antarctic ice shelves, using high-throughput
      pyrosequencing to test the hypotheses that consortia from these extreme polar
      habitats were similar in terms of major phyla and subphyla and consequently in
      their potential responses to environmental stresses. Statistical comparisons of
      the protein-coding genes showed similarities between the mats from the two poles,
      with the majority of genes derived from Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria;
      however, the relative proportions differed, with cyanobacterial genes more
      prevalent in the Antarctic mat metagenome. Other differences included a higher
      representation of Actinobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria in the Arctic
      metagenomes, which may reflect the greater access to diasporas from both adjacent
      ice-free lands and the open ocean. Genes coding for functional responses to
      environmental stress (exopolysaccharides, cold shock proteins, and membrane
      modifications) were found in all of the metagenomes. However, in keeping with the
      greater exposure of the Arctic to long-range pollutants, sequences assigned to
      copper homeostasis genes were statistically (30%) more abundant in the Arctic
      samples. In contrast, more reads matching the sigma B genes were identified in
      the Antarctic mat, likely reflecting the more severe osmotic stress during freeze
      up of the Antarctic ponds. This study underscores the presence of diverse
      mechanisms of adaptation to cold and other stresses in polar mats, consistent
      with the proportional representation of major bacterial groups.

PMID- 22081565
TI  - Characterization and functional analyses of R-specific enoyl coenzyme A
      hydratases in polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing Ralstonia eutropha.
AB  - A genome survey of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-producing Ralstonia eutropha H16
      detected the presence of 16 orthologs of R-specific enoyl coenzyme A (enoyl-CoA)
      hydratase, among which three proteins shared high homologies with the enzyme
      specific to enoyl-CoAs of medium chain length encoded by phaJ4 from Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa (phaJ4(Pa)). The recombinant forms of the three proteins, termed
      PhaJ4a(Re) to PhaJ4c(Re), actually showed enoyl-CoA hydratase activity with R
      specificity, and the catalytic efficiencies were elevated as the substrate chain
      length increased from C(4) to C(8). PhaJ4a(Re) and PhaJ4b(Re) showed >10-fold
      higher catalytic efficiency than PhaJ4c(Re). The functions of the new PhaJ4
      proteins were investigated using previously engineered R. eutropha strains as
      host strains; these strains are capable of synthesizing poly((R)-3
      hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] from soybean oil.
      Deletion of phaJ4a(Re) from the chromosome resulted in significant decrease of
      3HHx composition in the accumulated copolyester, whereas no change was observed
      with deletion of phaJ4b(Re) or phaJ4c(Re), indicating that only PhaJ4a(Re) was
      one of the major enzymes supplying the (R)-3HHx-CoA monomer through beta
      oxidation. Introduction of phaJ4a(Re) or phaJ4b(Re) into the R. eutropha strains
      using a broad-host-range vector enhanced the 3HHx composition of the
      copolyesters, but the introduction of phaJ4c(Re) did not. The two genes were then
      inserted into the pha operon on chromosome 1 of the engineered R. eutropha by
      homologous recombination. These modifications enabled the biosynthesis of P(3HB
      co-3HHx) composed of a larger 3HHx fraction without a negative impact on cell
      growth and PHA production on soybean oil, especially when phaJ4a(Re) or
      phaJ4b(Re) was tandemly introduced with phaJ(Ac) from Aeromonas caviae.

PMID- 22081566
TI  - Differential protection of Cry1Fa toxin against Spodoptera frugiperda larval gut
      proteases by cadherin orthologs correlates with increased synergism.
AB  - The Cry proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are the most widely used
      biopesticides effective against a range of crop pests and disease vectors. Like
      chemical pesticides, development of resistance is the primary threat to the long
      term efficacy of Bt toxins. Recently discovered cadherin-based Bt Cry synergists
      showed the potential to augment resistance management by improving efficacy of
      Cry toxins. However, the mode of action of Bt Cry synergists is thus far unclear.
      Here we elucidate the mechanism of cadherin-based Cry toxin synergism utilizing
      two cadherin peptides, Spodoptera frugiperda Cad (SfCad) and Manduca sexta Cad
      (MsCad), which differentially enhance Cry1Fa toxicity to Spodoptera frugiperda
      neonates. We show that differential SfCad- and MsCad-mediated protection of
      Cry1Fa toxin in the Spodoptera frugiperda midgut correlates with differential
      Cry1Fa toxicity enhancement. Both peptides exhibited high affinity for Cry1Fa
      toxin and an increased rate of Cry1Fa-induced pore formation in S. frugiperda.
      However, only SfCad bound the S. frugiperda brush border membrane vesicle and
      more effectively prolonged the stability of Cry1Fa toxin in the gut, explaining
      higher Cry1Fa enhancement by this peptide. This study shows that cadherin
      fragments may enhance B. thuringiensis toxicity by at least two different
      mechanisms or a combination thereof: (i) protection of Cry toxin from protease
      degradation in the insect midgut and (ii) enhancement of pore-forming ability of
      Cry toxin.

PMID- 22081567
TI  - Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci on pig farms as a
      reservoir of heterogeneous staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) likely originated by
      acquisition of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) from coagulase
      negative staphylococci (CNS). However, it is unknown whether the same SCCmec
      types are present in MRSA and CNS that reside in the same niche. Here we describe
      a study to determine the presence of a potential mecA reservoir among CNS
      recovered from 10 pig farms. The 44 strains belonged to 10 different
      Staphylococcus species. All S. aureus strains belonged to sequence type 398
      (ST398), with SCCmec types V and IVa. Type IVc, as well as types III and VI,
      novel subtypes of type IV, and not-typeable types, were found in CNS. S. aureus,
      S. epidermidis, and S. haemolyticus shared SCCmec type V. The presence of SCCmec
      type IVc in several staphylococcal species isolated from one pig farm is
      noteworthy, suggesting exchange of this SCCmec type in CNS, but the general
      distribution of this SCCmec type still has to be established. In conclusion, this
      study shows that SCCmec types among staphylococcal species on pig farms are
      heterogeneous. On two farms, more than one recovered staphylococcal species
      harbored the same SCCmec type. We conclude that staphylococci on pig farms act as
      a reservoir of heterogeneous SCCmec elements. These staphylococci may act as a
      source for transfer of SCCmec to S. aureus.

PMID- 22081568
TI  - Colonization kinetics of different methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      sequence types in pigs and host susceptibilities.
AB  - In this study we investigated the kinetics of colonization, the host
      susceptibility and transmissibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) after nasal treatment of pigs with three different MRSA strains of
      distinctive clonal lineages (sequence type 398 [ST398], ST8, and ST9), and origin
      in weaning piglets. The colonization dose of 5.0 * 10(8) CFU/animal was
      determined in preliminary animal studies. A total of 57 piglets were randomly
      divided into four test groups and one control group. Each of three test groups
      was inoculated intranasally with either MRSA ST8, MRSA ST9, or MRSA ST398. The
      fourth group was a mixture of animals inoculated with MRSA ST398 and
      noninoculated "sentinel" animals. Clinical signs, the nasal, conjunctival, and
      skin colonization of MRSA, fecal excretion, and organ distribution of MRSA, as
      well as different environmental samples were examined. After nasal inoculation
      with MRSA piglets of all four test groups showed no clinical signs of an MRSA
      infection. MRSA was present on the nasal mucosa, skin, and conjunctiva in all
      four test groups, including sentinel animals. Likewise, fecal excretion and
      internal colonization of MRSA ST8, ST9, and ST398 could be shown in each group.
      However, fecal excretion and the colonization rate of the nasal mucosa with MRSA
      ST9 were significantly lower in the first days after infection than in test
      groups infected with ST8 and ST398. The results of this study suggest differences
      in colonization potential of the different MRSA types in pigs. Furthermore,
      colonization of lymph nodes (e.g., the ileocecal lymph node) with MRSA of the
      clonal lineage ST398 was demonstrated.

PMID- 22081569
TI  - Diurnal variation in Enterococcus species composition in polluted ocean water and
      a potential role for the enterococcal carotenoid in protection against
      photoinactivation.
AB  - Enterococcus species composition was determined each hour for 72 h at a polluted
      marine beach in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, CA. Species composition during the
      day was significantly different from that at night, based on an analysis of
      similarity. Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis were more prevalent at night
      than during the day, while E. hirae and other Enterococcus species were more
      prevalent during the day than the night. Enterococcus spp. containing a yellow
      pigment were more common during the day than the night, suggesting that the
      pigmented phenotype may offer a competitive advantage under sunlit conditions. A
      laboratory microcosm experiment established that the pigmented E. casseliflavus
      isolate and a pigmented E. faecalis isolate recovered from the field site decay
      slower than a nonpigmented E. faecalis isolate in a solar simulator in simulated,
      clear seawater. This further supports the idea that the yellow carotenoid pigment
      in Enterococcus provides protection under sunlit conditions. The findings are in
      accordance with previous work with other carotenoid-containing nonphotosynthetic
      and photosynthetic bacteria that suggests that the carotenoid is able to quench
      reactive oxygen species capable of causing photoinactivation and photostress. The
      results suggest that using enterococcal species composition as a microbial source
      tracking tool may be hindered by the differential environmental persistence of
      pigmented and nonpigmented enterococci.

PMID- 22081570
TI  - Factors driving potential ammonia oxidation in Canadian arctic ecosystems: does
      spatial scale matter?
AB  - Ammonia oxidation is a major process in nitrogen cycling, and it plays a key role
      in nitrogen limited soil ecosystems such as those in the arctic. Although mm
      scale spatial dependency of ammonia oxidizers has been investigated, little is
      known about the field-scale spatial dependency of aerobic ammonia oxidation
      processes and ammonia-oxidizing archaeal and bacterial communities, particularly
      in arctic soils. The purpose of this study was to explore the drivers of ammonia
      oxidation at the field scale in cryosols (soils with permafrost within 1 m of the
      surface). We measured aerobic ammonia oxidation potential (both autotrophic and
      heterotrophic) and functional gene abundance (bacterial amoA and archaeal amoA)
      in 279 soil samples collected from three arctic ecosystems. The variability
      associated with quantifying genes was substantially less than the spatial
      variability observed in these soils, suggesting that molecular methods can be
      used reliably evaluate spatial dependency in arctic ecosystems. Ammonia-oxidizing
      archaeal and bacterial communities and aerobic ammonia oxidation were spatially
      autocorrelated. Gene abundances were spatially structured within 4 m, whereas
      biochemical processes were structured within 40 m. Ammonia oxidation was driven
      at small scales (<1m) by moisture and total organic carbon, whereas gene
      abundance and other edaphic factors drove ammonia oxidation at medium (1 to 10 m)
      and large (10 to 100 m) scales. In these arctic soils heterotrophs contributed
      between 29 and 47% of total ammonia oxidation potential. The spatial scale for
      aerobic ammonia oxidation genes differed from potential ammonia oxidation,
      suggesting that in arctic ecosystems edaphic, rather than genetic, factors are an
      important control on ammonia oxidation.

PMID- 22081571
TI  - Abundance and composition of epiphytic bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizers
      of marine red and brown macroalgae.
AB  - Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) are important for nitrogen
      cycling in marine ecosystems. Little is known about the diversity and abundance
      of these organisms on the surface of marine macroalgae, despite the algae's
      potential importance to create surfaces and local oxygen-rich environments
      supporting ammonia oxidation at depths with low dissolved oxygen levels. We
      determined the abundance and composition of the epiphytic bacterial and archaeal
      ammonia-oxidizing communities on three species of macroalgae, Osmundaria
      volubilis, Phyllophora crispa, and Laminaria rodriguezii, from the Balearic
      Islands (western Mediterranean Sea). Quantitative PCR of bacterial and archaeal
      16S rRNA and amoA genes was performed. In contrast to what has been shown for
      most other marine environments, the macroalgae's surfaces were dominated by
      bacterial amoA genes rather than those from the archaeal counterpart. On the
      basis of the sequences retrieved from AOB and AOA amoA gene clone libraries from
      each algal species, the bacterial ammonia-oxidizing communities were related to
      Nitrosospira spp. and to Nitrosomonas europaea and only 6 out of 15 operational
      taxonomic units (OTUs) were specific for the host species. Conversely, the AOA
      diversity was higher (43 OTUs) and algal species specific, with 17 OTUs specific
      for L. rodriguezii, 3 for O. volubilis, and 9 for P. crispa. Altogether, the
      results suggest that marine macroalgae may exert an ecological niche for AOB in
      marine environments, potentially through specific microbe-host interactions.

PMID- 22081573
TI  - Genetic markers for rapid PCR-based identification of gull, Canada goose, duck,
      and chicken fecal contamination in water.
AB  - Avian feces contaminate waterways but contribute fewer human pathogens than human
      sources. Rapid identification and quantification of avian contamination would
      therefore be useful to prevent overestimation of human health risk. We used
      subtractive hybridization of PCR-amplified gull fecal 16S RNA genes to identify
      avian-specific fecal rRNA gene sequences. The subtracters were rRNA genes
      amplified from human, dog, cat, cow, and pig feces. Recovered sequences were
      related to Enterobacteriaceae (47%), Helicobacter (26%), Catellicoccus (11%),
      Fusobacterium (11%), and Campylobacter (5%). Three PCR assays, designated GFB,
      GFC, and GFD, were based on recovered sequence fragments. Quantitative PCR assays
      for GFC and GFD were developed using SYBR green. GFC detected down to 0.1 mg gull
      feces/100 ml (corresponding to 2 gull enterococci most probable number [MPN]/100
      ml). GFD detected down to 0.1 mg chicken feces/100 ml (corresponding to 13
      Escherichia coli MPN/100 ml). GFB and GFC were 97% and 94% specific to gulls,
      respectively. GFC cross-reacted with 35% of sheep samples but occurred at about
      100,000 times lower concentrations in sheep. GFD was 100% avian specific and
      occurred in gulls, geese, chickens, and ducks. In the United States, Canada, and
      New Zealand, the three markers differed in their geographic distributions but
      were found across the range tested. These assays detected four important bird
      groups contributing to fecal contamination of waterways: gulls, geese, ducks, and
      chickens. Marker distributions across North America and in New Zealand suggest
      that they will have broad applicability in other parts of the world as well.

PMID- 22081574
TI  - Development of a simvastatin selection marker for a hyperthermophilic acidophile,
      Sulfolobus islandicus.
AB  - We report here a novel selectable marker for the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon
      Sulfolobus islandicus. The marker cassette is composed of the sac7d promoter and
      the hmg gene coding for the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)
      reductase (P(sac7d)-hmg), which confers simvastatin resistance to this
      crenarchaeon. The basic plasmid vector pSSR was constructed by substituting the
      pyrEF gene of the expression vector pSeSD for P(sac7d)-hmg with which the
      Sulfolobus expression plasmids pSSRlacS, pSSRAherA, and pSSRNherA were
      constructed. Characterization of Sulfolobus transformants carrying pSSRlacS
      indicated that the plasmid was properly maintained under selection. High-level
      expression of the His(6)-tagged HerA helicase was obtained with the cells
      harboring pSSRAherA. The establishment of two efficient selectable markers (pyrEF
      and hmg) was subsequently exploited for genetic analysis. A herA merodiploid
      strain of S. islandicus was constructed using pyrEF marker and used as the host
      to obtain pSSRNherA transformant with simvastatin selection. While the gene
      knockout (DeltaherA) cells generated from the herA merodiploid cells failed to
      form colonies in the presence of 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA), the mutant cells
      could be rescued by expression of the gene from a plasmid (pSSRNherA), because
      their transformants formed colonies on a solid medium containing 5-FOA and
      simvastatin. This demonstrates that HerA is essential for cell viability of S.
      islandicus. To our knowledge, this is the first application of an antibiotic
      selectable marker in genetic study for a hyperthermophilic acidophile and in the
      crenarchaeal lineage.

PMID- 22081575
TI  - Controlled gene expression in bifidobacteria by use of a bile-responsive element.
AB  - The promoter activity of the upstream region of the bile-inducible gene betA from
      Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum NCC2705 was characterized. DNA fragments
      were cloned into the reporter vector pMDYAbfB, and the arabinofuranosidase
      activity was determined under different in vitro conditions. A segment of 469 bp
      was found to be the smallest operational unit that retains bile inducibility. The
      reporter activity was strongly affected by the presence of ox gall, cholate, and
      conjugated cholate, but not by other bile salts and cell-surface-acting
      compounds. Remarkably, this bile-inducible system was also active in other
      bifidobacteria containing betA homologs.

PMID- 22081576
TI  - Efficient biostimulation of native and introduced quorum-quenching Rhodococcus
      erythropolis populations is revealed by a combination of analytical chemistry,
      microbiology, and pyrosequencing.
AB  - Degradation of the quorum-sensing (QS) signals known as N-acylhomoserine lactones
      (AHL) by soil bacteria may be useful as a beneficial trait for protecting crops,
      such as potato plants, against the worldwide pathogen Pectobacterium. In this
      work, analytical chemistry and microbial and molecular approaches were combined
      to explore and compare biostimulation of native and introduced AHL-degrading
      Rhodococcus erythropolis populations in the rhizosphere of potato plants
      cultivated in farm greenhouses under hydroponic conditions. We first identified
      gamma-heptalactone (GHL) as a novel biostimulating agent that efficiently
      promotes plant root colonization by AHL-degrading R. erythropolis population. We
      also characterized an AHL-degrading biocontrol R. erythropolis isolate, R138,
      which was introduced in the potato rhizosphere. Moreover, root colonization by
      AHL-degrading bacteria receiving different combinations of GHL and R138
      treatments was compared by using a cultivation-based approach (percentage of AHL
      degrading bacteria), pyrosequencing of PCR-amplified rrs loci (total bacterial
      community), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the qsdA gene, which encodes an AHL
      lactonase in R. erythropolis. Higher densities of the AHL-degrading R.
      erythropolis population in the rhizosphere were observed when GHL treatment was
      associated with biocontrol strain R138. Under this condition, the introduced R.
      erythropolis population displaced the native R. erythropolis population. Finally,
      chemical analyses revealed that GHL, gamma-caprolactone (GCL), and their by
      products, gamma-hydroxyheptanoic acid and gamma-hydroxycaproic acid, rapidly
      disappeared from the rhizosphere and did not accumulate in plant tissues. This
      integrative study highlights biostimulation as a potential innovative approach
      for improving root colonization by beneficial bacteria.

PMID- 22081577
TI  - Isolation of bacteria capable of growth with 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin as
      the sole carbon and energy sources.
AB  - Using a relatively simple enrichment technique, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol
      (MIB)-biodegrading bacteria were isolated from a digestion basin in an
      aquaculture unit. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated one of the
      three isolates with the Gram-positive genus Rhodococcus, while the other two
      isolates were found to be closely related to the Gram-negative family
      Comamonadaceae (Variovorax and Comamonas). Growth rates and geosmin and MIB
      removal rates by the isolates were determined under aerated and nonaerated
      conditions in mineral medium containing either of the two compounds as the sole
      carbon and energy source. All isolates exhibited their fastest growth under
      aerobic conditions, with generation times ranging from 3.1 to 5.7 h, compared to
      generation times of up to 19.1 h in the nonaerated flasks. Incubation of the
      isolates with additional carbon sources caused a significant increase in their
      growth rates, while removal rates of geosmin and MIB were significantly lower
      than those for incubation with only geosmin or MIB. By fluorescence in situ
      hybridization, members of the genera Rhodococcus and Comamonas were detected in
      geosmin- and MIB-enriched sludge from the digestion basin.

PMID- 22081572
TI  - Cow teat skin, a potential source of diverse microbial populations for cheese
      production.
AB  - The diversity of the microbial community on cow teat skin was evaluated using a
      culture-dependent method based on the use of different dairy-specific media,
      followed by the identification of isolates by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This was
      combined with a direct molecular approach by cloning and 16S rRNA gene
      sequencing. This study highlighted the large diversity of the bacterial community
      that may be found on teat skin, where 79.8% of clones corresponded to various
      unidentified species as well as 66 identified species, mainly belonging to those
      commonly found in raw milk (Enterococcus, Pediococcus, Enterobacter, Pantoea,
      Aerococcus, and Staphylococcus). Several of them, such as nonstarter lactic acid
      bacteria (NSLAB), Staphylococcus, and Actinobacteria, may contribute to the
      development of the sensory characteristics of cheese during ripening. Therefore,
      teat skin could be an interesting source or vector of biodiversity for milk.
      Variations of microbial counts and diversity between the farms studied have been
      observed. Moreover, Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus devriesei,
      Staphylococcus arlettae, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus equinus, Clavibacter
      michiganensis, Coprococcus catus, or Arthrobacter gandavensis commensal bacteria
      of teat skin and teat canal, as well as human skin, are not common in milk,
      suggesting that there is a breakdown of microbial flow from animal to milk. It
      would then be interesting to thoroughly study this microbial flow from teat to
      milk.

PMID- 22081578
TI  - Molecular diversity of the syndinean genus Euduboscquella based on single-cell
      PCR analysis.
AB  - The genus Euduboscquella is one of a few described genera within the syndinean
      dinoflagellates, an enigmatic lineage with abundant diversity in marine
      environmental clone libraries based on small subunit (SSU) rRNA. The region
      composed of the SSU through to the partial large subunit (LSU) rRNA was
      determined from 40 individual tintinnid ciliate loricae infected with
      Euduboscquella sampled from eight surface water sites in the Northern Hemisphere,
      producing seven distinct SSU sequences. The corresponding host SSU rRNA region
      was also amplified from eight host species. The SSU tree of Euduboscquella and
      syndinean group I sequences from environmental clones had seven well-supported
      clades and one poorly supported clade across data sets from 57 to 692 total
      sequences. The genus Euduboscquella consistently formed a supported monophyletic
      clade within a single subclade of group I sequences. For most parasites with
      identical SSU sequences, the more variable internal transcribed spacer (ITS) to
      LSU rRNA regions were polymorphic at 3 to 10 sites. However, in E. cachoni there
      was variation between ITS to LSU copies at up to 20 sites within an individual,
      while in a parasite of Tintinnopsis spp., variation between different individuals
      ranged up to 19 polymorphic sites. However, applying the compensatory base change
      model to the ITS2 sequences suggested no compensatory changes within or between
      individuals with the same SSU sequence, while one to four compensatory changes
      between individuals with similar but not identical SSU sequences were found.
      Comparisons between host and parasite phylogenies do not suggest a simple pattern
      of host or parasite specificity.

PMID- 22081579
TI  - Characterization of Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens sp. nov., an
      asaccharolytic, succinate-utilizing bacterium isolated from human feces.
AB  - Isolation, cultivation, and characterization of the intestinal microorganisms are
      important for understanding the comprehensive physiology of the human
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota. Here, we isolated two novel bacterial
      strains, YIT 12067(T) and YIT 12068, from the feces of healthy human adults.
      Phylogenetic analysis indicated that they belonged to the same species and were
      most closely related to Phascolarctobacterium faecium ACM 3679(T), with 91.4% to
      91.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. Substrate availability
      tests revealed that the isolates used only succinate; they did not ferment any
      other short-chain fatty acids or carbohydrates tested. When these strains were
      cocultured with the xylan-utilizing and succinate-producing bacterium
      Paraprevotella xylaniphila YIT 11841(T), in medium supplemented with xylan but
      not succinate, their cell numbers became 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than
      those of the monoculture; succinate became undetectable, and propionate was
      formed. Database analysis revealed that over 200 uncultured bacterial clones from
      the feces of humans and other mammals showed high sequence identity (>98.7%) to
      YIT 12067(T). Real-time PCR analysis also revealed that YIT 12067(T)-like
      bacteria were present in 21% of human fecal samples, at an average level of 3.34
      * 10(8) cells/g feces. These results indicate that YIT 12067(T)-like bacteria are
      distributed broadly in the GI tract as subdominant members that may adapt to the
      intestinal environment by specializing to utilize the succinate generated by
      other bacterial species. The phylogenetic and physiological properties of YIT
      12067(T) and YIT 12068 suggest that these strains represent a novel species,
      which we have designated Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens sp. nov.

PMID- 22081580
TI  - Acinetobacter insertion sequence ISAba11 belongs to a novel family that encodes
      transposases with a signature HHEK motif.
AB  - Experimental and in silico PCR analysis targeting ISAba11 and TnAbaR islands in
      196 epidemiologically unrelated Acinetobacter strains representative of >=19
      species were performed. The first two Acinetobacter baumannii ISAba11 elements
      identified had been found to map to the same site on TnAbaR transposons. However,
      no further evidence of physical linkage between the two elements was
      demonstrated. Indeed, examination of 25 definite or putative insertion sites
      suggested limited sequence specificity. Importantly, an aacC1-tagged version of
      ISAba11 was shown to actively transpose in A. baumannii. Similarity searches
      identified nine iso-ISAba11 elements in Acinetobacter and one in Enhydrobacter
      and single representatives of four distant homologs in bacteria belonging to the
      phyla "Cyanobacteria" and Proteobacteria. Phylogenetic, sequence, and structural
      analyses of ISAba11 and/or its associated transposase (Tnp(ISAba11)) suggested
      that these elements be assigned to a new family. All five homologs encode
      transposases with a shared extended signature comprising 16 invariant residues
      within the N2, N3, and C1 regions, four of which constituted the cardinal ISAba11
      family HHEK motif that is substituted for the YREK DNA binding motif conserved in
      the IS4 family. Additionally, ISAba11 family members were associated with either
      no flanking direct repeat (DR) or an ISAba11-typical 5-bp DR and possessed
      variable-length terminal inverted repeats that exhibited extensive intrafamily
      sequence identity. Given the limited pairwise identity among Tnp(ISAba11)
      homologs and the observed restricted distribution of ISAba11, we propose that
      substantial gaps persist in the evolutionary record of ISAba11 and that this
      element represents a recent though potentially highly significant entrant into
      the A. baumannii gene pool.

PMID- 22081581
TI  - Community composition, toxigenicity, and environmental conditions during a
      cyanobacterial bloom occurring along 1,100 kilometers of the Murray River.
AB  - A cyanobacterial bloom impacted over 1,100 km of the Murray River, Australia, and
      its tributaries in 2009. Physicochemical conditions in the river were optimal to
      support a bloom at the time. The data suggest that at least three blooms occurred
      concurrently in different sections of the river, with each having a different
      community composition and associated cyanotoxin profile. Microscopic and genetic
      analyses suggested the presence of potentially toxic Anabaena circinalis,
      Microcystis flos-aquae, and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii at many locations. Low
      concentrations of saxitoxins and cylindrospermopsin were detected in Anabaena and
      Cylindrospermopsis populations. A multiplex quantitative PCR was used, employing
      novel oligonucleotide primers and fluorescent TaqMan probes, to examine bloom
      toxigenicity. This single reaction method identified the presence of the major
      cyanotoxin-producing species present in these environmental samples and also
      quantified the various toxin biosynthesis genes. A large number of cells present
      throughout the bloom were not potential toxin producers or were present in
      numbers below the limit of detection of the assay and therefore not an immediate
      health risk. Potential toxin-producing cells, possessing the cylindrospermopsin
      biosynthesis gene (cyrA), predominated early in the bloom, while those possessing
      the saxitoxin biosynthesis gene (sxtA) were more common toward its decline. In
      this study, the concentrations of cyanotoxins measured via enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) correlated positively with the respective toxin gene
      copy numbers, indicating that the molecular method may be used as a proxy for
      bloom risk assessment.

PMID- 22081582
TI  - Extrafine aerosols and peripheral airway function in asthma.

PMID- 22081583
TI  - Estimating the annual number of false negative cystic fibrosis newborn screening
      tests.

PMID- 22081584
TI  - Analysis of the associations between lung function and clinical features in
      preschool children with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between lung
      function measures and clinical features in a cohort of preschool children with
      cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: Longitudinal eight-center observational study of
      children with CF aged 36-60 months at enrollment, who underwent semiannual
      pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for up to 2 years consisting of spirometry (all 8
      sites), forced oscillometry (FO, 5 sites), and measures of thoracoabdominal
      asynchrony using respiratory inductive plethysmography (IP, 5 sites). RESULTS:
      Ninety-three subjects were enrolled; 181 acceptable spirometry measurements from
      71 subjects, 128 FO from 47 subjects, and 142 IP from 50 subjects were available
      for analysis. Cross sectional analyses did not detect an association between any
      PFT parameter at enrollment and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) status, CF gene
      mutation class, Wisconsin cough score, Shwachman score, environmental tobacco
      smoke exposure, family history of asthma, or nutritional indices. In longitudinal
      analyses, Pa infection within 6 months preceding enrollment was associated with a
      significantly greater rate of decline in z-scores for forced expiratory flow
      between 25 and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF(25-75) ) (-1.3 vs. -0.4 Z
      scores/year, P = 0.024) and greater thoracoabdominal asynchrony measured by IP
      (mean phase angle difference 4.6 degrees , P = 0.004). No other significant
      longitudinal associations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prior Pa infection is
      associated with a greater rate of decline in FEF(25-75) z-score and mild
      thoracoabdominal asynchrony in preschool children with CF. In this multicenter US
      study, significant associations between other lung function measures and clinical
      features were not detected.

PMID- 22081585
TI  - Kinetic modelling of DNA replication initiation in budding yeast.
AB  - DNA replication is restricted to a specific time window of the cell cycle, called
      S phase. Successful progression through S phase requires replication to be
      properly regulated to ensure that the entire genome is duplicated exactly once,
      without errors, in a timely fashion. As a result, DNA replication has evolved
      into a tightly regulated process involving the coordinated action of numerous
      factors that function in all phases of the cell cycle. Biochemical mechanisms
      driving the eukaryotic cell division cycle have been the subject of a number of
      mathematical models. However, cell cycle networks reported in literature so far
      have not addressed the steps of DNA replication events. In particular, the
      assembly of the replication machinery is crucial for the timing of S phase. This
      event, called "initiation", which occurs in late M / early G1 of the cell cycle,
      starts with the assembly of the pre-replicative complex (pre-RC) at the origins
      of replication on the DNA. Its activation depends on the availability of
      different kinase complexes, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and Dbf-dependent
      kinase (DDK), which phosphorylate specific components of the pre-RC to convert it
      into the pre-initiation complex (pre-IC). We have developed an ODE-based model of
      the network responsible for this process in budding yeast by using mass-action
      kinetics. We considered all steps from the assembly of the first components at
      the DNA replication origin up to the active replisome that recruits the
      polymerases and verified the computational dynamics with the available literature
      data. Our results highlighted the link between activation of CDK and DDK and the
      step-by-step formation of both pre-RC and pre-IC, suggesting S-CDK (Cdk1-Clb5,6)
      to be the main regulator of the process.

PMID- 22081586
TI  - Predicting protein complex geometries with linear scoring functions.
AB  - Protein-Protein interactions play an important role in many cellular processes.
      However experimental determination of the protein complex structure is quite
      difficult and time consuming. Hence, there is need for fast and accurate in
      silico protein docking methods. These methods generally consist of two stages:
      (i) a sampling algorithm that generates a large number of candidate complex
      geometries (decoys), and (ii) a scoring function that ranks these decoys such
      that nearnative decoys are higher ranked than other decoys. We have recently
      developed a neural network based scoring function that performed better than
      other state-of-the-art scoring functions on a benchmark of 65 protein complexes.
      Here, we use similar ideas to develop a method that is based on linear scoring
      functions. We compare the linear scoring function of the present study with other
      knowledge-based scoring functions such as ZDOCK 3.0, ZRANK and the previously
      developed neural network. Despite its simplicity the linear scoring function
      performs as good as the compared state-of-the-art methods and predictions are
      simple and rapid to compute.

PMID- 22081587
TI  - Characterizing common substructures of ligands for GPCR protein subfamilies.
AB  - The G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily is the largest class of
      proteins with therapeutic value. More than 40% of present prescription drugs are
      GPCR ligands. The high therapeutic value of GPCR proteins and recent advancements
      in virtual screening methods gave rise to many virtual screening studies for GPCR
      ligands. However, in spite of vast amounts of research studying their functions
      and characteristics, 3D structures of most GPCRs are still unknown. This makes
      target-based virtual screenings of GPCR ligands extremely difficult, and
      successful virtual screening techniques rely heavily on ligand information. These
      virtual screening methods focus on specific features of ligands on GPCR protein
      level, and common features of ligands on higher levels of GPCR classification are
      yet to be studied. Here we extracted common substructures of GPCR ligands of GPCR
      protein subfamilies. We used the SIMCOMP, a graph-based chemical structure
      comparison program, and hierarchical clustering to reveal common substructures.
      We applied our method to 850 GPCR ligands and we found 53 common substructures
      covering 439 ligands. These substructures contribute to deeper understanding of
      structural features of GPCR ligands which can be used in new drug discovery
      methods.

PMID- 22081589
TI  - Comparison of gene expression profiles produced by CAGE, illumina microarray and
      real time RT-PCR.
AB  - Several technologies are currently used for gene expression profiling, such as
      Real Time RT-PCR, microarray and CAGE (Cap Analysis of Gene Expression). CAGE is
      a recently developed method for constructing transcriptome maps and it has been
      successfully applied to analyzing gene expressions in diverse biological studies.
      The principle of CAGE has been developed to address specific issues such as
      determination of transcriptional starting sites, the study of promoter regions
      and identification of new transcripts. Here, we present both quantitative and
      qualitative comparisons among three major gene expression quantification
      techniques, namely: CAGE, illumina microarray and Real Time RT-PCR, by showing
      that the quantitative values of each method are not interchangeable, however,
      each of them has unique characteristics which render all of them essential and
      complementary. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each technology
      will be useful in selecting the most appropriate technique for a determined
      purpose.

PMID- 22081588
TI  - A systems biology approach: modelling of Aquaporin-2 trafficking.
AB  - In healthy individuals, dehydration of the body leads to release of the hormone
      vasopressin from the pituitary. Via the bloodstream, vasopressin reaches the
      collecting duct cells in the kidney, where the water channel Aquaporin-2 (AQP2)
      is expressed. After stimulation of the vasopressin V2 receptor by vasopressin,
      intracellular AQP2-containing vesicles fuse with the apical plasma membrane of
      the collecting duct cells. This leads to increased water reabsorption from the
      pro-urine into the blood and therefore to enhanced retention of water within the
      body. Using existing biological data we propose a mathematical model of AQP-2
      trafficking and regulation in collecting duct cells. Our model includes the
      vasopressin receptor, adenylate cyclase, protein kinase A, and intracellular as
      well as membrane located AQP2. To model the chemical reactions we used ordinary
      differential equations (ODEs) based on mass action kinetics. We employ known
      protein concentrations and time series data to estimate the kinetic parameters of
      our model and demonstrate its validity. Through generating, testing and ranking
      different versions of the model, we show that some model versions can describe
      the data well as soon as important regulatory parts such as the reduction of the
      signal by internalization of the vasopressin-receptor or the negative feedback
      loop representing phosphodiesterase activity are included. We perform time
      dependent sensitivity analysis to identify the reactions that have the greatest
      influence on the cAMP and membrane located AQP2 levels over time. We predict the
      time courses for membrane located AQP2 at different vasopressin concentrations,
      compare them with newly generated data and discuss the competencies of the model.

PMID- 22081591
TI  - Gene regulatory network clustering for graph layout based on microarray gene
      expression data.
AB  - We propose a statistical model realizing simultaneous estimation of gene
      regulatory network and gene module identification from time series gene
      expression data from microarray experiments. Under the assumption that genes in
      the same module are densely connected, the proposed method detects gene modules
      based on the variational Bayesian technique. The model can also incorporate
      existing biological prior knowledge such as protein subcellular localization. We
      apply the proposed model to the time series data from a synthetically generated
      network and verified the effectiveness of the proposed model. The proposed model
      is also applied the time series microarray data from HeLa cell. Detected gene
      module information gives the great help on drawing the estimated gene network.

PMID- 22081590
TI  - On the performance of methods for finding a switching mechanism in gene
      expression.
AB  - We address an issue of detecting a switching mechanism in gene expression, where
      two genes are positively correlated for one experimental condition while they are
      negatively correlated for another. We compare the performance of existing methods
      for this issue, roughly divided into two types: interaction test (IT) and the
      difference of correlation coefficients. Interaction test, currently a standard
      approach for detecting epistasis in genetics, is the log-likelihood ratio test
      between two logistic regressions with/without an interaction term, resulting in
      checking the strength of interaction between two genes. On the other hand, two
      correlation coefficients can be computed for two experimental conditions and the
      difference of them shows the alteration of expression trends in a more
      straightforward manner. In our experiments, we tested three different types of
      correlation coefficients: Pearson, Spearman and a midcorrelation (biweight
      midcorrelation). The experiment was performed by using ~ 2.3 * 10(9) combinations
      selected out of the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. We sorted all
      combinations according to the p-values of IT or by the absolute values of the
      difference of correlation coefficients and then visually evaluated the top ranked
      combinations in terms of the switching mechanism. The result showed that 1)
      combinations detected by IT included non-switching combinations and 2) Pearson
      was affected by outliers easily while Spearman and the midcorrelation seemed
      likely to avoid them.

PMID- 22081592
TI  - Fluxviz - Cytoscape plug-in for visualization of flux distributions in networks.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Methods like FBA and kinetic modeling are widely used to calculate
      fluxes in metabolic networks. For the analysis and understanding of simulation
      results and experimentally measured fluxes visualization software within the
      network context is indispensable. RESULTS: We present Flux Viz, an open-source
      Cytoscape plug-in for the visualization of flux distributions in molecular
      interaction networks. FluxViz supports (i) import of networks in a variety of
      formats (SBML, GML, XGMML, SIF, BioPAX, PSI-MI) (ii) import of flux distributions
      as CSV, Cytoscape attributes or VAL files (iii) limitation of views to flux
      carrying reactions (flux subnetwork) or network attributes like localization (iv)
      export of generated views (SVG, EPS, PDF, BMP, PNG). Though FluxViz was primarily
      developed as tool for the visualization of fluxes in metabolic networks and the
      analysis of simulation results from FASIMU, a flexible software for batch flux
      balance computation in large metabolic networks, it is not limited to biochemical
      reaction networks and FBA but can be applied to the visualization of arbitrary
      fluxes in arbitrary graphs. AVAILABILITY: The platform-independent program is an
      open-source project, freely available at
      http://sourceforge.net/projects/fluxvizplugin/ under GNU public license,
      including manual, tutorial and examples.

PMID- 22081593
TI  - Comprehensive genomic analysis of sulfur-relay pathway genes.
AB  - Many cofactors and nucleotides containing sulfur atoms are known to have
      important functions in a variety of organisms. Recently, the biosynthetic
      pathways of these sulfur containing compounds have been revealed, where many
      enzymes relay sulfur atoms. Increasing evidence also suggests that the
      prokaryotic sulfur-relay enzymes might be the evolutionary origin of
      ubiquitination and the related systems that control a wide range of physiological
      processes in eukaryotic cells. However, these sulfur-relay enzymes have been
      studied in only a small number of organisms. Here we carried out comparative
      genomic analysis and examined the presence and absence of sulfurtransferases
      utilized in the biosynthetic pathways of molybdenum cofactor (Moco), 2
      thiouridine (S(2)U), and 4-thiouridine (S(4)U), and IscS, a cysteine desulfurase.
      We found that all eukaryotes and many other organisms lack the intermediate
      enzymes in S(2)U biosynthesis. It is also found that most genes lack rhodanese
      homology domain (RHD), a catalytic domain of sulfurtransferase. Some organisms
      have a conserved sequence composed of about 100 residues in the C terminus of
      TusA, different from RHD. Host-associated organisms have a tendency to lose Moco
      biosynthetic enzymes, and some organisms have MoaD-MoaE fusion protein. Our
      findings suggest that sulfur-relay pathways have been so diversified that some
      putative sulfurtransferases possibly function in other unknown pathways.

PMID- 22081595
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of plant UGT family based on sequence and substrate
      information.
AB  - UGTs (UDP glycosyltransferase) are the largest glycosyltransferase gene family in
      higher plants, modifying secondary metabolites, hormones, and xenobiotics. This
      gene family plays an important role in the vast diversity of plant secondary
      metabolites specific to species. Experimental data of biochemical activities and
      physiological roles of plant UGTs are increasing but most UGTs are not still
      functionally characterized. To understand their catalytic specificity and
      function from sequence data, phylogenetic analyses have been achieved mainly in
      Arabidopsis, but massive and comprehensive approach covering various species has
      not been applied yet. In this study, we collected 733 UGT sequences derived from
      96 plant species and 252 substrate specificity data. We constructed a
      phylogenetic tree and divided most part of these genes into nine sequence groups,
      which are characterized by biochemical specificity. Furthermore, we performed
      genome-wide analysis of seven plant species UGTs by mapping them into these
      groups. We propose this is the first step to understand whole glycosylated
      secondary metabolites of each plant species from its genome information.

PMID- 22081594
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of lipid mediator GPCRs.
AB  - Lipid mediator is the collective term for prostanoids, leukotrienes,
      lysophospholipids, platelet-activating factor, endocannabinoids and other
      bioactive lipids, that are involved in various physiological functions including
      inflammation, immune regulation and cellular development. They act by binding to
      their ligand-specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Since 1990's a number
      of lipid GPCRs have been cloned in humans, with a few more identified in other
      vertebrates. However, the conservation of these receptors has been poorly
      investigated in other eukaryotes. Herein we performed a phylogenetic analysis by
      collecting their orthologs in 13 eukaryotes with complete genomes. The analysis
      shows that orthologs for prostanoid receptors are likely to be conserved in the
      13 eukaryotes. In contrast, those for lysophospholipid and cannabinoid receptors
      appear to be conserved only in vertebrates and chordates. Receptors for
      leukotrienes and other bioactive lipids are limited to vertebrates. These results
      indicate that the lipid mediators and their receptors have coevolved with the
      development of highly modulated physiological functions such as immune regulation
      and the formation of the central nervous system. Accordingly, examining the
      presence and role of lipid mediator GPCR orthologs in invertebrate species can
      provide insight into the development of fundamental biological processes across
      diverse taxa.

PMID- 22081597
TI  - Analyzing gene coexpression data by an evolutionary model.
AB  - Coexpressed genes are tentatively translated into proteins that are involved in
      similar biological functions. Here, we constructed gene coexpression networks
      from collected microarray data of the organisms Arabidopsis thaliana,
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Escherichia coli. Their degree distributions show
      the common property of an overrepresentation of highly connected nodes followed
      by a sudden truncation. In order to analyze this behavior, we present an
      evolutionary model simulating the genetic evolution. This model assumes that new
      genes emerge by duplication from a small initial set of primordial genes. Our
      model does not include the removal of unused genes but selective pressure is
      indirectly taken into account by preferentially duplicating the old genes. Thus,
      gene duplication represents the emergence of a new gene and its successful
      establishment. After a duplication event, all genes are slightly but iteratively
      mutated, thus altering their expression patterns. Our model is capable of
      reproducing global properties of the investigated coexpression networks. We show
      that our model reflects the mean inter-node distances and especially the
      characteristic humps in the degree distribution that, in the biological examples,
      result from functionally related genes.

PMID- 22081596
TI  - Robust gene network analysis reveals alteration of the STAT5a network as a
      hallmark of prostate cancer.
AB  - We develop a general method to identify gene networks from pair-wise correlations
      between genes in a microarray data set and apply it to a public prostate cancer
      gene expression data from 69 primary prostate tumors. We define the degree of a
      node as the number of genes significantly associated with the node and identify
      hub genes as those with the highest degree. The correlation network was pruned
      using transcription factor binding information in VisANT (http://visant.bu.edu/)
      as a biological filter. The reliability of hub genes was determined using a
      strict permutation test. Separate networks for normal prostate samples, and
      prostate cancer samples from African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA)
      were generated and compared. We found that the same hubs control disease
      progression in AA and EA networks. Combining AA and EA samples, we generated
      networks for low low (<7) and high (>=7) Gleason grade tumors. A comparison of
      their major hubs with those of the network for normal samples identified two
      types of changes associated with disease: (i) Some hub genes increased their
      degree in the tumor network compared to their degree in the normal network,
      suggesting that these genes are associated with gain of regulatory control in
      cancer (e.g. possible turning on of oncogenes). (ii) Some hubs reduced their
      degree in the tumor network compared to their degree in the normal network,
      suggesting that these genes are associated with loss of regulatory control in
      cancer (e.g. possible loss of tumor suppressor genes). A striking result was that
      for both AA and EA tumor samples, STAT5a, CEBPB and EGR1 are major hubs that gain
      neighbors compared to the normal prostate network. Conversely, HIF-lalpha is a
      major hub that loses connections in the prostate cancer network compared to the
      normal prostate network. We also find that the degree of these hubs changes
      progressively from normal to low grade to high grade disease, suggesting that
      these hubs are master regulators of prostate cancer and marks disease
      progression. STAT5a was identified as a central hub, with ~120 neighbors in the
      prostate cancer network and only 81 neighbors in the normal prostate network. Of
      the 120 neighbors of STAT5a, 57 are known cancer related genes, known to be
      involved in functional pathways associated with tumorigenesis. Our method is
      general and can easily be extended to identify and study networks associated with
      any two phenotypes.

PMID- 22081598
TI  - Collocation-based sparse estimation for constructing dynamic gene networks.
AB  - One of the open problems in systems biology is to infer dynamic gene networks
      describing the underlying biological process with mathematical, statistical and
      computational methods. The first-order difference equation-based models such as
      dynamic Bayesian networks and vector autoregressive models were used to infer
      time-lagged relationships between genes from time-series microarray data.
      However, two primary problems greatly reduce the effectiveness of current
      approaches. The first problem is the tacit assumption that time lag is
      stationary. The second is the inseparability between measurement noise and
      process noise (unmeasured disturbances that pass through time process). To
      address these problems, we propose a stochastic differential equation model for
      inferring continuous-time dynamic gene networks under the situation in which both
      of the process noise and the observation noise exist. We present a collocation
      based sparse estimation for simultaneous parameter estimation and model selection
      in the model. The collocation-based approach requires considerably less
      computational effort than traditional methods in ordinary stochastic differential
      equation models. We also incorporate various biological knowledge easily to
      refine the estimation accuracy with the proposed method. The results using
      simulated data and real time-series expression data of human primary small airway
      epithelial cells demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms competing
      approaches and can provide significant genes influenced by gefitinib.

PMID- 22081599
TI  - Different groups of metabolic genes cluster around early and late firing origins
      of replication in budding yeast.
AB  - DNA replication is a fundamental process that is tightly regulated during the
      cell cycle. In budding yeast it starts from multiple origins of replication and
      proceeds in a timely fashion according to a reproducible temporal program until
      the entire DNA is replicated exactly once per cell cycle. In this program an
      origin seems to have an inherent firing probability at a specific time in S-phase
      that is conserved over the population. However, what exactly determines the
      origin initiation time remains obscure. In this work, we analyze the gene content
      that clusters around replication origins following the assumption that inherent
      origin properties that determine staggered initiation times could potentially be
      mirrored in the close origin proximity. We perform a Gene Ontology term
      enrichment test and find that metabolic genes are significantly over-represented
      in the regions that are close to the starting points of DNA replication.
      Furthermore, functional analysis also reveals that catabolic genes cluster around
      early firing origins, whereas anabolic genes can rather be found in the proximity
      of late firing origins of replication. We speculate that, in budding yeast, gene
      function around replication origins correlates with their intrinsic probability
      to initiate DNA replication at a given point in S-phase.

PMID- 22081600
TI  - Integer programming-based method for completing signaling pathways and its
      application to analysis of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Signaling pathways are often represented by networks where each node corresponds
      to a protein and each edge corresponds to a relationship between nodes such as
      activation, inhibition and binding. However, such signaling pathways in a cell
      may be affected by genetic and epigenetic alteration. Some edges may be deleted
      and some edges may be newly added. The current knowledge about known signaling
      pathways is available on some public databases, but most of the signaling
      pathways including changes upon the cell state alterations remain largely
      unknown. In this paper, we develop an integer programming-based method for
      inferring such changes by using gene expression data. We test our method on its
      ability to reconstruct the pathway of colorectal cancer in the KEGG database.

PMID- 22081601
TI  - G1 and G2 arrests in response to osmotic shock are robust properties of the
      budding yeast cell cycle.
AB  - Boolean modeling has been successfully applied to the budding yeast cell cycle to
      demonstrate that both its structure and its timing are robustly designed.
      However, from these studies few conclusions can be drawn how robust the cell
      cycle arrest upon osmotic stress and pheromone exposure might be. We therefore
      implement a compact Boolean model of the S. cerevisiae cell cycle including its
      interfaces with the High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) and the pheromone pathways. We
      show that all initial states of our model robustly converge to a cyclic attractor
      in the absence of stress inputs whereas pheromone exposure and osmotic stress
      lead to convergence to singleton states which correspond to G1 and G2 arrest in
      silico. A comparison with random Boolean networks reveals, that cell cycle arrest
      under osmotic stress is a highly robust property of the yeast cell cycle. We
      implemented our model using the novel frontend booleannetGUI to the python
      software booleannet.

PMID- 22081602
TI  - A dynamic programming algorithm to predict synthesis processes of tree-structured
      compounds with graph grammar.
AB  - For several decades, many methods have been developed for predicting organic
      synthesis paths. However these methods have non-polynomial computational time. In
      this paper, we propose a bottom-up dynamic programming algorithm to predict
      synthesis paths of target tree-structured compounds. In this approach, we
      transform the synthesis problem of tree-structured compounds to the generation
      problem of unordered trees by regarding tree-structured compounds and chemical
      reactions as unordered trees and rules, respectively. In order to represent rules
      corresponding to chemical reactions, we employ a subclass of NLC (Node Label
      Controlled) grammars. We also give some computational results on this algorithm.

PMID- 22081603
TI  - Studies of binding of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis
      (TWEAK) to fibroblast growth factor inducible 14 (Fn14).
AB  - To perform highly sensitive cellular binding studies with TNF-like weak inducer
      of apoptosis (TWEAK), we developed a bioluminescent variant of soluble TWEAK (GpL
      FLAG-TNC-TWEAK) by fusing it genetically to the C terminus of the luciferase of
      Gaussia princeps (GpL). Equilibrium binding studies on human (HT1080 and HT29)
      and murine (Renca and B16) cell lines at 37  degrees C revealed high affinities
      of human TWEAK from 53 to 112 pm. The dissociation rate constant of the TWEAK
      Fn14 interaction was between 0.48*10(-3) s(-1) (HT29) and 0.58*10(-3) s(-1)
      (HT1080) for the human molecules, and the association rate constant obtained was
      3.3*10(6) m(-1) s(-1) for both cell lines. It has been shown previously that
      oligomerization of soluble TWEAK trimers results in enhanced Fn14-mediated
      activation of the classical NFkappaB pathway. Binding studies with GpL-FLAG-TNC
      TWEAK trimers oligomerized by help of a FLAG tag-specific antibody gave no
      evidence for a major increase in Fn14 occupancy by oligomerized ligand despite
      strongly enhanced induction of the NFkappaB target IL8. Thus, aggregated
      complexes of soluble TWEAK and Fn14 have a higher intrinsic activity to stimulate
      the classical NFkappaB pathway and qualitatively differ from isolated trimeric
      TWEAK-Fn14 complexes. Furthermore, determination of IL8 induction as a function
      of occupied activated receptors revealed that the intrinsic capability of TNFR1
      to stimulate the classical NFkappaB pathway and IL8 production was ~100-fold
      higher than Fn14. Thus, although ~25 activated TNFR1 trimers were sufficient to
      trigger half-maximal IL8 production, more than 2500 cell-bound oligomerized TWEAK
      trimers were required to elicit a similar response.

PMID- 22081604
TI  - Low resolution structure and dynamics of a colicin-receptor complex determined by
      neutron scattering.
AB  - Proteins that translocate across cell membranes need to overcome a significant
      hydrophobic barrier. This is usually accomplished via specialized protein
      complexes, which provide a polar transmembrane pore. Exceptions to this include
      bacterial toxins, which insert into and cross the lipid bilayer itself. We are
      studying the mechanism by which large antibacterial proteins enter Escherichia
      coli via specific outer membrane proteins. Here we describe the use of neutron
      scattering to investigate the interaction of colicin N with its outer membrane
      receptor protein OmpF. The positions of lipids, colicin N, and OmpF were
      separately resolved within complex structures by the use of selective
      deuteration. Neutron reflectivity showed, in real time, that OmpF mediates the
      insertion of colicin N into lipid monolayers. This data were complemented by
      Brewster Angle Microscopy images, which showed a lateral association of OmpF in
      the presence of colicin N. Small angle neutron scattering experiments then
      defined the three-dimensional structure of the colicin N-OmpF complex. This
      revealed that colicin N unfolds and binds to the OmpF-lipid interface. The
      implications of this unfolding step for colicin translocation across membranes
      are discussed.

PMID- 22081605
TI  - Galactose differentially modulates lunatic and manic fringe effects on Delta1
      induced NOTCH signaling.
AB  - NOTCH signaling induced by Delta1 (DLL1) and Jagged1 (JAG1) NOTCH ligands is
      modulated by the beta3N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase Fringe. LFNG (Lunatic
      Fringe) and MFNG (Manic Fringe) transfer N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to O-fucose
      attached to EGF-like repeats of NOTCH receptors. In co-culture NOTCH signaling
      assays, LFNG generally enhances DLL1-induced, but inhibits JAG1-induced, NOTCH
      signaling. In mutant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that do not add galactose
      (Gal) to the GlcNAc transferred by Fringe, JAG1-induced NOTCH signaling is not
      inhibited by LFNG or MFNG. In mouse embryos lacking B4galt1, NOTCH signaling is
      subtly reduced during somitogenesis. Here we show that DLL1-induced NOTCH
      signaling in CHO cells was enhanced by LFNG, but this did not occur in either
      Lec8 or Lec20 CHO mutants lacking Gal on O-fucose glycans. Lec20 mutants
      corrected with a B4galt1 cDNA became responsive to LFNG. By contrast, MFNG
      promoted DLL1-induced NOTCH signaling better in the absence of Gal than in its
      presence. This effect was reversed in Lec8 cells corrected by expression of a UDP
      Gal transporter cDNA. The MFNG effect was abolished by a DDD to DDA mutation that
      inactivates MFNG GlcNAc transferase activity. The binding of soluble NOTCH
      ligands and NOTCH1/EGF1-36 generally reflected changes in NOTCH signaling caused
      by LFNG and MFNG. Therefore, the presence of Gal on O-fucose glycans
      differentially affects DLL1-induced NOTCH signaling modulated by LFNG versus
      MFNG. Gal enhances the effect of LFNG but inhibits the effect of MFNG on DLL1
      induced NOTCH signaling, with functional consequences for regulating the strength
      of NOTCH signaling.

PMID- 22081606
TI  - Serine/threonine phosphatase Stp1 mediates post-transcriptional regulation of
      hemolysin, autolysis, and virulence of group B Streptococcus.
AB  - Elucidating how serine/threonine phosphatases regulate kinase function and
      bacterial virulence is critical for our ability to combat these infections. Group
      B streptococci (GBS) are beta-hemolytic Gram-positive bacteria that cause
      invasive infections in humans. To adapt to environmental changes, GBS encodes
      signaling mechanisms comprising two component systems and eukaryotic-like
      enzymes. We have previously described the importance of the serine/threonine
      kinase Stk1 to GBS pathogenesis. However, how the presence or absence of the
      cognate serine/threonine phosphatase Stp1 affects Stk1 function and GBS virulence
      is not known. Here, we show that GBS deficient only in Stp1 expression are
      markedly reduced for their ability to cause systemic infections, exhibit
      decreased beta-hemolysin/cytolysin activity, and show increased sensitivity to
      autolysis. Although transcription of genes important for beta-hemolysin/cytolysin
      expression and export is similar to the wild type (WT), 294 genes (excluding
      stp1) showed altered expression in the stp1 mutant and included autolysin genes.
      Furthermore, phosphopeptide enrichment analysis identified that 35
      serine/threonine phosphopeptides, corresponding to 27 proteins, were unique to
      the stp1 mutant. This included phosphorylation of ATP synthase, DNA and RNA
      helicases, and proteins important for cell division and protein synthesis.
      Collectively, our results indicate that Stp1 is important for appropriate
      regulation of Stk1 function, hemolysin activity, autolysis, and GBS virulence.

PMID- 22081607
TI  - DHHC5 protein palmitoylates flotillin-2 and is rapidly degraded on induction of
      neuronal differentiation in cultured cells.
AB  - Post-translational palmitoylation of intracellular proteins is mediated by
      protein palmitoyltransferases belonging to the DHHC family, which share a common
      catalytic Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) motif. Several members have been implicated in
      neuronal development, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. We previously
      observed that mice homozygous for a hypomorphic allele of the ZDHHC5 gene are
      impaired in context-dependent learning and memory. To identify potentially
      relevant protein substrates of DHHC5, we performed a quantitative proteomic
      analysis of stable isotope-labeled neuronal stem cell cultures from forebrains of
      normal and DHHC5-GT (gene-trapped) mice using the bioorthogonal palmitate analog
      17-octadecynoic acid. We identified ~300 17-octadecynoic acid-modified and
      hydroxylamine-sensitive proteins, of which a subset was decreased in abundance in
      DHHC5-GT cells. Palmitoylation and oligomerization of one of these proteins
      (flotillin-2) was abolished in DHHC5-GT neuronal stem cells. In COS-1 cells,
      overexpression of DHHC5 markedly stimulated the palmitoylation of flotillin-2,
      strongly suggesting a direct enzyme-substrate relationship. Serendipitously, we
      found that down-regulation of DHHC5 was triggered within minutes following growth
      factor withdrawal from normal neural stem cells, a maneuver that is used to
      induce neural differentiation in culture. The effect was reversible for up to 4
      h, and degradation was partially prevented by inhibitors of ubiquitin-mediated
      proteolysis. These findings suggest that protein palmitoylation can be regulated
      through changes in DHHC PAT levels in response to differentiation signals.

PMID- 22081608
TI  - Identification of novel GDNF isoforms and cis-antisense GDNFOS gene and their
      regulation in human middle temporal gyrus of Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Primate-specific genes and isoforms could provide insight into human brain
      diseases. Our bioinformatic analysis revealed that there are possibly five
      isoforms of human GDNF gene with different pre- and pro-regions by inter- and
      intra-exon splicing. By using TaqMan primer probe sets, designed between exons,
      we verified the expression of all isoforms. Furthermore, a novel GDNFOS gene was
      found to be transcribed from the opposite strand of GDNF gene. GDNFOS gene has
      four exons that are spliced into different isoforms. GDNFOS1 and GDNFOS2 are long
      noncoding RNAs, and GDNFOS3 encodes a protein of 105 amino acids. To study human
      GDNF and GDNFOS regulation in neurodegenerative diseases, the protein and mRNA
      levels were measured by Western blot and RT-quantitative PCR, respectively, in
      postmortem middle temporal gyrus (MTG) of Alzheimer disease (AD) and Huntington
      disease (HD) patients in comparison with those of normal controls. In the MTG of
      AD patients, the mature GDNF peptide was down-regulated; however, the transcript
      of GDNF isoform from human exon 2 was up-regulated, whereas that of the conserved
      isoform from exon 1 remained unchanged in comparison with those of normal
      controls. In contrast, the mature GDNF peptide and the isoform mRNA levels were
      not changed in the MTG of HD. The findings of novel GDNF and GDNFOS isoforms and
      differences in tissue expression patterns dysregulated in AD brains may further
      reveal the role of endogenous GDNF in human brain diseases.

PMID- 22081609
TI  - Fat-derived factor omentin stimulates endothelial cell function and ischemia
      induced revascularization via endothelial nitric oxide synthase-dependent
      mechanism.
AB  - Obesity-related diseases are associated with vascular dysfunction and impaired
      revascularization. Omentin is a fat-derived secreted protein, which is down
      regulated in association with obese complications. Here, we investigated whether
      omentin modulates endothelial cell function and revascularization processes in
      vitro and in vivo. Systemic delivery of an adenoviral vector expressing omentin
      (Ad-omentin) enhanced blood flow recovery and capillary density in ischemic limbs
      of wild-type mice in vivo, which were accompanied by increased phosphorylation of
      Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In cultured human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), a physiological concentration of recombinant
      omentin protein increased differentiation into vascular-like structures and
      decreased apoptotic activity under conditions of serum starvation. Treatment with
      omentin protein stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in HUVECs.
      Inhibition of Akt signaling by treatment with dominant-negative Akt or LY294002
      blocked the stimulatory effects of omentin on differentiation and survival of
      HUVECs and reversed omentin-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation. Pretreatment with
      the NOS inhibitor also reduced the omentin-induced increase in HUVEC
      differentiation and survival. Omentin protein also stimulated the phosphorylation
      of AMP-activated protein kinase in HUVECs. Transduction with dominant-negative
      AMP-activated protein kinase diminished omentin-induced phosphorylation of Akt
      and omentin-stimulated increase in HUVEC differentiation and survival. Of
      importance, in contrast to wild-type mice, systemic administration of Ad-omentin
      did not affect blood flow in ischemic muscle in eNOS-deficient mice in vivo.
      These data indicate that omentin promotes endothelial cell function and
      revascularization in response to ischemia through its ability to stimulate an Akt
      eNOS signaling pathway.

PMID- 22081610
TI  - Aquaporin-9 protein is the primary route of hepatocyte glycerol uptake for
      glycerol gluconeogenesis in mice.
AB  - It has been hypothesized that aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is part of the unknown route of
      hepatocyte glycerol uptake. In a previous study, leptin receptor-deficient wild
      type mice became diabetic and suffered from fasting hyperglycemia whereas
      isogenic AQP9(-/-) knock-out mice remained normoglycemic. The reason for this
      improvement in AQP9(-/-) mice was not established before. Here, we show increased
      glucose output (by 123% +/- 36% S.E.) in primary hepatocyte culture when 0.5 mM
      extracellular glycerol was added. This increase depended on AQP9 because it was
      absent in AQP9(-/-) cells. Likewise, the increase was abolished by 25 MUM
      HTS13286 (IC(50) ~ 2 MUM), a novel AQP9 inhibitor, which we identified in a small
      molecule library screen. Similarly, AQP9 deletion or chemical inhibition
      eliminated glycerol-enhanced glucose output in perfused liver preparations. The
      following control experiments suggested inhibitor specificity to AQP9: (i)
      HTS13286 affected solute permeability in cell lines expressing AQP9, but not in
      cell lines expressing AQPs 3, 7, or 8. (ii) HTS13286 did not influence lactate-
      and pyruvate-dependent hepatocyte glucose output. (iii) HTS13286 did not affect
      glycerol kinase activity. Our experiments establish AQP9 as the primary route of
      hepatocyte glycerol uptake for gluconeogenesis and thereby explain the previously
      observed, alleviated diabetes in leptin receptor-deficient AQP9(-/-) mice.

PMID- 22081611
TI  - Insight into molecular basis of curing of [PSI+] prion by overexpression of 104
      kDa heat shock protein (Hsp104).
AB  - Yeast prions are a powerful model for understanding the dynamics of protein
      aggregation associated with a number of human neurodegenerative disorders. The
      AAA+ protein disaggregase Hsp104 can sever the amyloid fibrils produced by yeast
      prions. This action results in the propagation of "seeds" that are transmitted to
      daughter cells during budding. Overexpression of Hsp104 eliminates the [PSI+]
      prion but not other prions. Using biochemical methods we identified Hsp104
      binding sites in the highly charged middle domain of Sup35, the protein
      determinant of [PSI+]. Deletion of a short segment of the middle domain (amino
      acids 129-148) diminishes Hsp104 binding and strongly affects the ability of the
      middle domain to stimulate the ATPase activity of Hsp104. In yeast, [PSI+]
      maintained by Sup35 lacking this segment, like other prions, is propagated by
      Hsp104 but cannot be cured by Hsp104 overexpression. These results provide new
      insight into the enigmatic specificity of Hsp104-mediated curing of yeast prions
      and sheds light on the limitations of the ability of Hsp104 to eliminate
      aggregates produced by other aggregation-prone proteins.

PMID- 22081612
TI  - Ataxin-3 deubiquitination is coupled to Parkin ubiquitination via E2 ubiquitin
      conjugating enzyme.
AB  - We reported previously that parkin, a Parkinson disease-associated E3 ubiquitin
      ligase interacts with ataxin-3, a deubiquitinating enzyme associated with Machado
      Joseph disease. Ataxin-3 was found to counteract parkin self-ubiquitination both
      in vitro and in cells. Moreover, ataxin-3-dependent deubiquitination of parkin
      required the catalytic cysteine 14 in ataxin-3, although the precise mechanism
      remained unclear. We report here that ataxin-3 interferes with the attachment of
      ubiquitin (Ub) onto parkin in real-time during conjugation but is unable to
      hydrolyze previously assembled parkin-Ub conjugates. The mechanism involves an
      ataxin-3-dependent stabilization of the complex between parkin and the E2 Ub
      conjugating enzyme, which impedes the efficient charging of the E2 with Ub.
      Moreover, within this complex, the transfer of Ub from the E2 is diverted away
      from parkin and onto ataxin-3, further explaining how ataxin-3 deubiquitination
      is coupled to parkin ubiquitination. Taken together, our findings reveal an
      unexpected convergence upon the E2 Ub-conjugating enzyme in the regulation of an
      E3/deubiquitinating enzyme pair, with important implications for the function of
      parkin and ataxin-3, two proteins responsible for closely related
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22081615
TI  - Metabolic syndrome in childhood from impaired carbohydrate metabolism to
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Compelling evidence supports the concept that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) represents the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome (MetS).
      Intrahepatic fat seems to predict more strongly than does visceral adiposity an
      individual's cardiovascular risk and the likelihood that metabolic abnormalities
      are present in youth. Young individuals with fatty liver are more insulin
      resistant and present with a higher prevalence of metabolic abnormalities than do
      individuals without intrahepatic fat accumulation. They also present with a
      certain endothelial dysfunction and greater carotid intima-media thickness.
      Conversely, youth with MetS seem to have an increased risk of developing liver
      inflammation, a condition termed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and
      fibrosis. In the context of MetS, the liver is central in that it can drive both
      hepatic and systemic insulin resistance, trigger low-grade inflammation, and
      promote atherogenic processes. In the context of MetS, NAFLD and altered
      carbohydrate metabolism track from childhood to adulthood. Thus, prevention,
      recognition, and effective treatment of these two abnormalities may limit the
      burden of morbidity and mortality associated with obesity and may delay onset of
      cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. The present review aims at
      systematically presenting evidence of the critical interplay of fatty liver and
      altered glucose metabolism in youth. It attempts to provide pathogenetic
      explanations for such an association and the rationale for its treatment, with
      particular regard to nutritional interventions. Key teaching points: Overweight
      and obese youth should be screened for fatty liver disease once after puberty by
      liver function tests and ultrasonography. Screening for fatty liver should be
      accurately performed in young patients with features of metabolic syndrome. Obese
      patients with fatty liver are at increased risk for altered glucose metabolism,
      thus they should undergo an oral glucose tolerance test. A nutritional and
      behavioral intervention aimed at achieving a permanent change of the lifestyle in
      patients and their parents is recommended.

PMID- 22081614
TI  - Health effects of mixed fruit and vegetable concentrates: a systematic review of
      the clinical interventions.
AB  - Diets rich in fruits and vegetables (FV) have been associated with a reduced risk
      of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, public
      health campaigns to increase FV intake have had limited success. A number of
      mixed concentrated FV products have been studied, which may help certain
      individuals improve nutrient status. However, the possible health benefits of FV
      supplements have not been systematically reviewed. We, therefore, undertook a
      systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify clinical interventions that
      examined the effect of commercially available concentrated mixed FV supplements
      on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Twenty-two reports, which used
      commercially available products, were identified. None of the studies reported
      any serious adverse effects. Overall, daily consumption of FV supplements
      significantly increased serum concentrations of the major antioxidant provitamins
      and vitamins found in plant foods (beta-carotene, vitamins C and E) and folate.
      Functional changes, such as reduced serum homocysteine and markers of protein,
      lipid, and DNA oxidation, were also reported; in addition, the health advantages
      on markers of inflammation, immunity, and endothelial function are promising.
      Limitations of the available studies were related to the diversity of studies
      conducted with respect to design and study population and the variability in the
      measured outcomes and assays utilized. While mixed FV supplements may serve as an
      efficacious complement for individuals who have difficulty achieving their daily
      FV intake requirement, further research on additional retail preparations is
      warranted. Key teaching points: Mixed fruit and vegetable supplements produced
      from plant foods may serve as an efficacious complement to the habitual diet in
      individuals who have suboptimal intake or variety of nutrient-dense fruits and
      vegetables. Current research indicates that fruit and vegetable concentrates
      significantly increase serum levels of antioxidant provitamins and vitamins (beta
      carotene, vitamins C and E) and folate and reduce homocysteine and markers of
      oxidative stress. Mechanistic studies and larger, randomized, placebo-controlled
      double-blind trials in both healthy and high-risk populations are necessary to
      better understand the health effects of these supplements.

PMID- 22081616
TI  - Lycium barbarum increases caloric expenditure and decreases waist circumference
      in healthy overweight men and women: pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), a traditional Asian medicinal therapy
      for diabetes and other conditions, has been shown to increase metabolic rate and
      to reduce body-weight gains in rodent models, as well as to produce clinical
      improvements in general feelings of well-being including energy level. OBJECTIVE:
      To investigate the impact of L. barbarum consumption on (1) caloric expenditure
      and (2) changes in morphometric parameters (waist circumference) in healthy human
      adults. METHOD: Two separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, small
      clinical studies were conducted using a standardized L. barbarum fruit juice,
      GoChi, and assessing its effects on (1) resting metabolic rate (RMR) and
      postprandial energy expenditure (PPEE) as measured by indirect calorimetry after
      single-bolus intake of 3 doses of L. barbarum (30, 60, and 120 ml) and placebo;
      and (2) waist circumference and other morphometric changes in a 14-day
      intervention trial (120-ml daily intake) in the subjects (age = 34 years, body
      mass index = 29 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: (1) A single bolus of L. barbarum intake
      increased PPEE 1 through 4 hours postintake over the baseline level in a dose
      dependent manner and was significantly higher than the placebo group by 10% at 1
      hour postintake of 120 ml (p < 0.05). (2) In a 14-day intervention trial, L.
      barbarum was found to significantly decrease waist circumference by 5.5 +/- 0.8
      cm (n = 15) compared with the preintervention measurements and placebo group at
      postintervention day 15 (p < 0.01). By contrast, the changes in the placebo group
      (n = 14) from preinterventions was 0.9 +/- 0.8 cm, which was not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that L. barbarum consumption
      increases metabolic rate and reduces the waist circumference, relative to placebo
      treated control subjects.

PMID- 22081613
TI  - Mechanism of start site selection by RNA polymerase II: interplay between TFIIB
      and Ssl2/XPB helicase subunit of TFIIH.
AB  - TFIIB is essential for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II. TFIIB also
      cross-links to terminator regions and is required for gene loops that juxtapose
      promoter-terminator elements in a transcription-dependent manner. The
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae sua7-1 mutation encodes an altered form of TFIIB (E62K)
      that is defective for both start site selection and gene looping. Here we report
      the isolation of an ssl2 mutant, encoding an altered form of TFIIH, as a
      suppressor of the cold-sensitive growth defect of the sua7-1 mutation. Ssl2
      (Rad25) is orthologous to human XPB and is a member of the SF2 family of ATP
      dependent DNA helicases. The ssl2 suppressor allele encodes an arginine
      replacement of the conserved histidine residue (H508R) located within the DEVH
      containing helicase domain. In addition to suppressing the TFIIB E62K growth
      defect, Ssl2 H508R partially restores both normal start site selection and gene
      looping. Moreover, Ssl2, like TFIIB, associates with promoter and terminator
      regions, and the diminished association of TFIIB E62K with the PMA1 terminator is
      restored by the Ssl2 H508R suppressor. These results define a novel, functional
      interaction between TFIIB and Ssl2 that affects start site selection and gene
      looping.

PMID- 22081617
TI  - Central obesity predicts non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mortality and overall obesity
      predicts leukemia mortality in adult Taiwanese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity may increase the risk of neoplasia, including that of the
      lymphohematopoietic system. In a large Taiwanese cohort, we have evaluated
      whether body fat and its distribution is associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
      (NHL) and leukemia mortalities. METHODS: During 1997-2007 in Taiwan, 383,956
      subjects aged 19-98 years without any cancer history were obtained through a
      health screening center and followed up for a median of 7.2 years. Unit records
      were linked to the national death registry; ICD-9 codes were used to identify 143
      NHL and 73 leukemia deaths. Objectively, height, weight, and waist circumference
      data were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and central obesity status.
      Based on World Health Organization criteria modified for Asia and Taiwan, BMI was
      classified to <18.5, 18.5-23.9, 24-26.9, and >= 27 kg/m(2). Waist circumference
      >= 90 cm in men and >= 80 cm in women was defined as central obesity. Cox
      proportional hazard regression models were adjusted for possible confounders
      including gender, age, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical
      activity, and clinic location. RESULTS: BMI was not associated with NHL deaths,
      although the trend was significant, but central obesity with adjustment was
      (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-2.75) compared
      with non-centrally obese subjects. BMI, but not central obesity, was associated
      with leukemia mortality (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.00-3.75). CONCLUSIONS: An
      increased risk for NHL with increased abdominal fatness and more so with lower
      BMI is apparent in Taiwanese; this may indicate that metabolically localized and
      proinflammatory fat is important. For leukemia, where most is myeloid leukemia,
      increased general fatness is evidently a risk with Taiwanese ethnicity.

PMID- 22081618
TI  - Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) improves glycemic and lipid profiles of type 2
      diabetes and pre-diabetes individuals: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) infusions have been shown to reduce
      plasma glucose in animals and serum lipids in humans. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the effects of roasted mate tea consumption, with or without dietary
      counseling, on the glycemic and lipid profiles of individuals with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or pre-diabetes. METHODS: Twenty-nine T2DM and 29 pre
      diabetes subjects were divided into 3 groups: mate tea, dietary intervention, and
      mate tea and dietary intervention. Individuals drank 330 mL of roasted mate tea 3
      times a day and/or received nutritional counseling over 60 days. Blood samples
      were collected and food intake was assessed at baseline and after 20, 40, and 60
      days of treatments. RESULTS: Mate tea consumption decreased significantly the
      levels of fasting glucose (25.0 mg/dL), glycated hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c))
      (0.85%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (13.5 mg/dL) of T2DM
      subjects (p < 0.05); however, it did not change the intake of total energy,
      protein, carbohydrate, cholesterol, and fiber. In pre-diabetes individuals, mate
      tea consumption combined with nutritional counseling diminished significantly the
      levels of LDL-c (11 mg/dL), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)
      (21.5 mg/dL), and triglycerides (53.0 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). Individuals of this
      group decreased significantly their consumption of total fat (14%), cholesterol
      (28%), and saturated (23.8%) and monounsaturated (28.0%) fatty acids, and
      increased their fiber intake by 35% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mate tea consumption
      improved the glycemic control and lipid profile of T2DM subjects, and mate tea
      consumption combined with nutritional intervention was highly effective in
      decreasing serum lipid parameters of pre-diabetes individuals, which may reduce
      their risk of developing coronary disease.

PMID- 22081619
TI  - Favorable effect of short-term lifestyle intervention on human paraoxonase-1
      activity and adipokine levels in childhood obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in adult and child populations
      throughout the world. Childhood obesity has a great impact on adult
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; treatment of this pathological state is
      important given the significant health consequences. We investigated the effect
      of short-term lifestyle changes on the alteration of human serum paraoxonase-1
      (PON1) activities, leptin, adiponectin, E-selectin, and asymmetric
      dimethylarginine (ADMA) as atherogenic and antiatherogenic factors in obese
      children. PON1 protects lipoproteins against oxidation by hydrolyzing lipid
      peroxides in oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore may protect
      against atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total of 23 white obese and overweight
      children (age, 11.43 +/- 1.78 years; 8 girls, 15 boys) participated in a 2-week
      long lifestyle camp based on a diet and exercise program. Overweight and obesity
      were defined according to the national body mass index (BMI) reference tables for
      age and sex. RESULTS: After a 2-week-long supervised diet and aerobic exercise
      program, obese children had significantly lower leptin (55.02 +/- 33.42 ng/ml vs
      25.37 +/- 19.07 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), ADMA (0.68 +/- 0.15 MUmol/l vs 0.55 +/- 0.16
      MUmol/l; p < 0.01), and E-selectin levels (67.19 +/- 30.35 ng/ml vs 46.51 +/-
      18.40 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), whereas they had significantly higher PON1 paraoxonase
      activity (110.48 +/- 72.92 U/l vs 121.75 +/- 93.48 U/l; p < 0.05) besides the
      antiatherogenic alteration of the lipid profile and significant weight change
      (70.32 +/- 19.51 kg vs 67.01 +/- 18.75 kg, p < 0.0001; BMI, 28.95 +/- 5.05
      kg/m(2) vs 27.43 +/- 4.82 kg/m(2), p < 0.0001). Adiponectin and PON1 arylesterase
      activity did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation suggests
      that modifications in dietary habits and physical activity induce antiatherogenic
      changes in childhood obesity. These findings emphasize the major role of primary
      prevention and nonpharmaceutical treatment of childhood obesity through lifestyle
      changes based on diet and increased physical activity.

PMID- 22081620
TI  - Riboflavin status and its association with serum hs-CRP levels among clinical
      nurses with depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of present study was to assess the relationship between
      the dietary intake and blood status of riboflavin and the prevalence of systemic
      inflammation among both depressed and nondepressed nurses. METHODS: This was a
      cross-sectional study on 98 female clinical nurses (45 depressed and 53
      nondepressed subjects). Depression status was assessed using the Beck Depression
      Inventory. We assessed dietary intake of riboflavin using 3-day 24-hour recalls.
      The serum concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also
      measured. Riboflavin status was assessed as the erythrocyte glutathione reductase
      activity coefficient (EGRAC). RESULTS: Marginal riboflavin deficiency was more
      prevalent in depressed subjects (P = 0.028). The results of the dietary intake
      and status of riboflavin were classified to 3 tertiles of serum hs-CRP levels. In
      both nondepressed and depressed subjects, there was no significant difference
      between hs-CRP tertiles in dietary intakes of riboflavin, EGRAC, or riboflavin
      deficiencies. CONCLUSION: This study showed a higher prevalence of marginal
      riboflavin deficiency in depressed subjects. We found no association between
      dietary intake and status of riboflavin with low-grade systematic inflammation in
      nondepressed and depressed clinical nurses.

PMID- 22081621
TI  - Autism rates associated with nutrition and the WIC program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Autism rates in the United States are increasing at a rate of 15% per
      year. Autistic children are diagnosed by age 3 when they have problems
      communicating and interacting socially. This study uses nutritional epidemiology
      and an ecologic study design to link the possible cause of autism to nutrition by
      creating autism rates for the 50 states of America and comparing them with
      published measures of infant nutrition such as duration of exclusive breast
      feeding and participation in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The
      percentage of infants with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) inoculations was
      also compared with the autism rates.  Study DESIGN: Autism rates for each state
      were established. The percentage of infants who participate in the WIC program
      for low-income families was calculated for each of the 50 states as well as 21
      New Jersey and 30 Oregon counties and compared with their autism rates. An
      ecologic study design with correlation coefficients is limited, but it is useful
      for generating hypotheses to be tested. RESULTS: The states with the highest WIC
      participation have significantly lower autism rates (p < 0.02). A similar pattern
      was observed in 21 New Jersey counties (p < 0.02) and 30 Oregon counties (p <
      0.05). In contrast, there was a direct correlation with the increasing percentage
      of women exclusively breast-feeding from 2000-2004 (p < 0.001). Infants who were
      solely breast-fed had diets that contained less thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin
      D than the minimal daily requirements (MDR). There was no correlation of MMR
      inoculations with the autism rate. CONCLUSION: The mothers who are exclusively
      breast-feeding should also continue their prenatal vitamins or their equivalent
      and make better dietary choices. These results suggest that autism may be
      nutritionally related to a possible deficiency of riboflavin or the cognitive
      vitamins such as thiamine or vitamin D. However, due to an ecologic study design
      there is a potential for fallacy because individuals were not examined. The
      results suggest the need for a robust observational study in advance of, and to
      confirm the need for, an intervention study.

PMID- 22081625
TI  - Polyclonal B lymphocytosis with binucleated lymphocytes in a man.

PMID- 22081626
TI  - Transplantation of porcine umbilical cord matrix mesenchymal stem cells in a
      mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The present study compared mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord
      matrix (UCM-MSCs) with bone marrow (BM-MSCs) of miniature pigs on their
      phenotypic profiles and ability to differentiate in vitro into osteocytes,
      adipocytes and neuron-like cells. This study further evaluated the therapeutic
      potential of UCM-MSCs in a mouse Parkinson's disease (PD) model. Differences in
      expression of some cell surface and cytoplasm specific markers were evident
      between UCM-MSCs and BM-MSCs. However, the expression profile indicated the
      primitive nature of UCM-MSCs, along with their less or non-immunogenic features,
      compared with BM-MSCs. In vitro differentiation results showed that BM-MSCs had a
      higher tendency to form osteocytes and adipocytes, whereas UCM-MSCs possessed an
      increased potential to transform into immature or mature neuron-like cells. Based
      on these findings, UCM-MSCs were transplanted into the right substantia nigra
      (SN) of a mouse PD model. Transplantation of UCM-MSCs partially recovered the
      mouse PD model by showing an improvement in basic motor behaviour, as assessed by
      rotarod and bridge tests. These observations were further supported by the
      expression of markers, including nestin, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuronal
      growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6
      (IL-6), at the site of cell transplantation. Our findings of xenotransplantation
      have collectively suggested the potential utility of UCM-MSCs in developing
      viable therapeutic strategies for PD.

PMID- 22081627
TI  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha protein negatively regulates load-induced bone
      formation.
AB  - Mechanical loads induce profound anabolic effects in the skeleton, but the
      molecular mechanisms that transduce such signals are still poorly understood. In
      this study, we demonstrate that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (Hif-1alpha)
      is acutely up-regulated in response to exogenous mechanical stimuli secondary to
      prostanoid signaling and Akt/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) activation. In
      this context, Hif-1alpha associates with beta-catenin to inhibit Wnt target genes
      associated with bone anabolic activity. Mice lacking Hif-1alpha in osteoblasts
      and osteocytes form more bone when subjected to tibia loading as a result of
      increased osteoblast activity. Taken together, these studies indicate that Hif
      1alpha serves as a negative regulator of skeletal mechanotransduction to suppress
      load-induced bone formation by altering the sensitivity of osteoblasts and
      osteocytes to mechanical signals.

PMID- 22081629
TI  - Defra seeks views on controlling an outbreak of rabies.

PMID- 22081630
TI  - Parliamentary committees to examine AHVLA's plans for lab services.

PMID- 22081628
TI  - Effect of double growth factor release on cartilage tissue engineering.
AB  - The effects of double release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and growth
      factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) from nanoparticles on the growth of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells and their differentiation into cartilage cells were
      studied on PLGA scaffolds. The release was achieved by using nanoparticles of
      poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
      (PNIPAM) carrying IGF-I and TGF-beta1, respectively. On tissue culture
      polystyrene (TCPS), TGF-beta1 released from PNIPAM nanoparticles was found to
      have a significant effect on proliferation, while IGF-I encouraged
      differentiation, as shown by collagen type II deposition. The study was then
      conducted on macroporous (pore size 200-400 um) PLGA scaffolds. It was observed
      that the combination of IGF-I and TGF-beta1 yielded better results in terms of
      collagen type II and aggrecan expression than GF-free and single GF-containing
      applications. It thus appears that gradual release of a combination of growth
      factors from nanoparticles could make a significant contribution to the quality
      of the engineered cartilage tissue.

PMID- 22081631
TI  - Equestrian excellence acknowledged.

PMID- 22081632
TI  - Tracking rare tigers to help in conservation.

PMID- 22081633
TI  - Survey investigates pet owners' awareness of preventative medicine.

PMID- 22081634
TI  - Farm dog neutering scheme takes off.

PMID- 22081635
TI  - Focus on performance at 50th BEVA congress.

PMID- 22081636
TI  - Plotting how the land lies in livestock holdings.

PMID- 22081637
TI  - Potential of diagnostic markers in sustainable control of cattle parasites.

PMID- 22081638
TI  - British Veterinary Association annual general meeting, 2011.

PMID- 22081639
TI  - Non-healing hoof lesions in dairy cows.

PMID- 22081640
TI  - Human and veterinary general practice.

PMID- 22081641
TI  - Changes to the PDSA's charitable objectives.

PMID- 22081642
TI  - Veterinary specialists and fellows of the Royal College.

PMID- 22081643
TI  - Celebrating 60 years of the African Union - Interafrican Bureau for Animal
      Resources.

PMID- 22081644
TI  - Bluetongue-associated clinical signs in Israel.

PMID- 22081645
TI  - Insulin suppresses ghrelin-induced calcium signaling in neuropeptide Y neurons of
      the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus.
AB  - Neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) play an
      important role in feeding regulation. Plasma levels of ghrelin and insulin show
      reciprocal dynamics before and after meals. We hypothesized that ghrelin and
      insulin also exert reciprocal effects on ARC NPY neurons. Cytosolic Ca2+
      concentration ([Ca2+](i)) was measured by fura-2 microfluorometry in single
      neurons isolated from ARC of adult rats, followed by immunocytochemical
      identification of NPY neurons. Ghrelin at 10-10 M increased [Ca2+](i) in isolated
      ARC neurons, and co-administration of insulin concentration-dependently
      suppressed the ghrelin-induced [Ca2+](i) increases. Insulin at 10-16 M, 10-14 M,
      10-12 M and 10-10 M counteracted ghrelin action in 26%, 41%, 61% and 53% of
      ghrelin-responsive neurons, respectively, showing a maximal effect at 10-12 M,
      the estimated postprandial concentration of insulin in the brain. The majority
      (>70%) of the ghrelin-activated insulin-inhibited neurons were shown to contain
      NPY. Double-immunohistochemistry revealed that 85% of NPY neurons in ARC express
      insulin receptors. These data demonstrate that insulin directly interacts with
      ARC NPY neurons and counteracts ghrelin action. Our results suggest that
      postprandial increase in plasma insulin/ghrelin ratio and insulin inhibition of
      ghrelin action on ARC NPY neurons cooperate to effectively inhibit the neuron
      activity and terminate feeding.

PMID- 22081646
TI  - Role of medial prefrontal cortex dopamine in age differences in response to
      amphetamine in rats: locomotor activity after intra-mPFC injections of
      dopaminergic ligands.
AB  - Changes in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dopamine receptor expression and in
      mPFC projections to the nucleus accumbens in adolescence suggest that there may
      be age differences in the regulation of drug-related behavior by the mPFC. The
      age-specific role of prelimbic D1 dopamine receptors on amphetamine-induced
      locomotor activity was investigated. In experiment 1, rats aged postnatal day 30
      (P30), P45, and P75, corresponding to early and late adolescence and adulthood,
      were given an injection of D1 and D2 antagonists into the prelimbic mPFC before a
      systemic injection of 1.5 mg/kg of amphetamine and locomotor activity was
      recorded. In experiment 2, effects of intra-prelimbic injections of a D1 agonist
      and antagonist on locomotor activity produced by a lower dose (0.5 mg/kg) of
      amphetamine were investigated. D2 receptor antagonist did not alter amphetamine
      induced activity, whereas the D1 receptor antagonist reduced activity produced by
      1.5 mg/kg of amphetamine more in P30 than in P45 and P75 rats. In addition, D1
      agonist enhanced the locomotor activating effects of 0.5 mg/kg of amphetamine in
      adolescent rats and decreased activity in adult rats. These results suggest that
      insufficient activation of mPFC D1 receptors may underlie the reduced activity at
      the low dose of amphetamine in early adolescent compared to adult rats.

PMID- 22081647
TI  - Clinical skills assessment: comparison of student and examiner assessment in an
      objective structured clinical examination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Learning of basic clinical skills is introduced in Years 1 and 2 of
      the MBBS Program; the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, through a structured
      Clinical Skills Teaching program. Acquisition of competence in performing these
      skills is assessed through use of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination
      (OSCE). Self-assessment is defined broadly as the involvement of learners in
      judging whether or not learner-identified standards have been met. OBJECTIVE:
      Compared Year 2 students' self-assessment of clinical skills with examiners'
      assessment of performance in an OSCE using a standard rating scale. METHODS: A
      self-assessment questionnaire was completed by all Year 2 students immediately
      after the OSCE. Students assessed their performance at three stations, using a
      performance rating scale. Examiners observed and evaluated the students during
      history-taking and physical examination using the same rating scale. RESULTS:
      There were significant positive correlations between examiners' assessments of
      performance and students' self-assessed ratings in taking consent, obtaining
      demographic information, history of presenting problems and summarization.
      Significant differences were observed in pre-procedural skills, comment on
      prostate, liver palpation percussion and spleen percussion. CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      highlight the strengths and weaknesses in clinical competence at the end of Year
      2 and provide a direction to improve the gaps in the Clinical Skills Teaching
      program.

PMID- 22081648
TI  - Changing language: response to a change in conducting weekly rounds.

PMID- 22081649
TI  - The effectiveness of AGU-MCAT in predicting medical student performance in year
      one of the College of Medicine of the Arabian Gulf University.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To graduate good doctors, medical schools should adopt proper
      student procedures to select among applicant students. When selecting students,
      many medical colleges focus solely on their academic achievement on high school
      examinations, which do not reflect all, important attributes of student. For
      several years, the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences of the Arabian Gulf
      University has introduced and administered the AGU-MCAT (Arabian Gulf University
      Medical College Assessment Test) for screening student applicants. This study
      aimed to assess the ability of the AGU-MCAT to predict students' performance
      during their first year college study, as an example of one school's multi
      dimensional admissions screening process. METHODS: The AGU-MCAT is made up of
      three parts, including a written test on science, a test of students' English
      language skills and an interview. In the first part, students' science knowledge
      is tested with 100 multiple choice questions. The English exam assesses students.
      English reading and listening skills. Lastly, students are interviewed by two
      faculty members and one senior student to assess their personal qualities. The
      138 students who passed the AGU-MCAT in September 2008 and matriculated in the
      school were studied. Their performance during Year One including their
      performance on exams in the various disciplines was compared to their achievement
      on the three AGU-MCAT components. RESULTS: AGU-MCAT's total mark and its science
      component had the highest linear relationship to students' performance in the
      various disciplines in Year One, while the strongest predictor of students'
      performance at the end of Year One was the AGU-MCAT's science test (R2=45.5%).
      Students' grades in high school did not predict their achievement in Year One.
      CONCLUSION: The AGU-MCAT used to screen applicants to the school also predicts
      students' performance during their first year of medical school.

PMID- 22081650
TI  - Inappropriate drug donations: what has happened since the 1999 WHO guidelines?
AB  - CONTEXT: Drug donations to developing countries may be part of medical relief
      operations in acute emergencies, development aid in non-emergency situations, or
      a corporate donations programme. After a number of documented inappropriate drug
      donations, the World Health Organization developed the 'Guidelines for Drug
      Donations', with the second and final version published in 1999. OBJECTIVES: We
      reviewed the medical literature on drug donations since the Guidelines
      publication in 1999. DESIGN: Literature was retrieved from PubMed and other on
      line databases as well as from relevant websites providing medical literature for
      use in developing countries. We considered the following donations to be
      inappropriate: (i) essential drugs in excessive quantities; (ii) mixed unused
      drugs (unsorted medicines and free samples); and (iii) drug dumping (large
      quantities of useless medicines). RESULTS: We retrieved 25 publications dated
      after 1999, including 20 and 5 from the scientific literature and 'grey'
      literature (technical reports, working papers), respectively. New information
      concerned emergencies in East Timor, Mozambique, El Salvador, Gujarat State
      (India), Aceh (Indonesia) and Sri Lanka. Except for East Timor and Gujarat,
      inappropriate donations still occurred, accounting for 85%, 37%, 70% and 80% of
      donations in Mozambique, El Salvador, Aceh and Sri Lanka, respectively. Very
      little information was found on drug donations in non-emergency situations.
      CONCLUSION: There are few recent reports on the compliance of drug donations with
      the World Health Organization guidelines. For emergency situations, there is
      still room for improvement. Drug donations in non-emergency situations need to be
      evaluated. A reform of drug donations policy is needed.

PMID- 22081651
TI  - Feeling connected: technology and the support of clinical teachers in distant
      locations.
AB  - CONTEXT: This paper discusses a key finding arising from a qualitative research
      project which explored the provision of educational support to clinical teachers
      who were at least 100 kilometres distant from a university medical school.
      OBJECTIVES: We examined the preferences of clinical teachers in relation to the
      preferred use of technology as a medium for educational support. METHODS: A
      qualitative approach was used for which 19 participants were interviewed using
      structured interviews consisting of prepared open-ended questions. FINDINGS: All
      participants reported that they had a very positive association with the
      university. However, they overwhelmingly expressed a need to feel more strongly
      connected to the university and with each other. DISCUSSION: Although a trial of
      the videoconferencing technology had problems, there was still great potential to
      connect clinical teachers in a Community of Practice.

PMID- 22081652
TI  - A community health worker program for the prevention of malaria in eastern Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the development and implementation of a community
      health worker (CHW) project in rural Kenya was associated with an increase in
      knowledge about malaria and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in
      children under five years of age. METHODS: A baseline knowledge and behavior
      questionnaire, adopted from the Kenyan Demographic Health Survey, was conducted
      in August 2007 by Kenyan health officials in 75 villages. Two CHWs were chosen
      from each village and trained in appropriate use of ITNs. The CHWs provided
      educational sessions and ITNs to mothers in their respective villages. A follow
      up survey was conducted in March 2008 of all families with children less than
      five years of age within randomly selected villages. The main questions addressed
      during the follow-up survey included knowledge about malaria and the practice of
      correctly using ITNs. FINDINGS: There were 267 surveys compiled for knowledge
      assessment before the intervention and 340 in the post-intervention analysis with
      an approximate 99% family participation rate. Of the families surveyed, 81%
      correctly knew the cause for malaria before the study and 93% after the CHW
      intervention (p < 0.01). Of those surveyed before the intervention, 70% owned and
      correctly used mosquito nets compared with 88% after the CHW intervention (p <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant increase in knowledge about malaria
      and use of ITNs after the implementation of the CHW program.

PMID- 22081653
TI  - Developing a self-directed workbook package for clinical skills training of
      medical students.

PMID- 22081654
TI  - Value of a health behavior change reflection assignment for health promotion
      learning.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health promotion is a recognized competency in the preparation and
      education of Addictions Counseling students. This qualitative study explores the
      value of a reflection assignment in an undergraduate health promotion course at
      the University of Lethbridge, Canada, towards developing Addictions Counseling
      students' health promotion competency. METHOD: In the course, students attempted
      a health behavior change of their own choosing, reflected on their experiences
      and completed a reflection paper. Thematic analysis was conducted on students'
      reflection papers (n=21) and on a transcript of a focus group with four students
      to generate a description of students' perceived value of the assignment for
      their learning, personal health, and future health promotion practice in the
      field of Addictions Counseling. RESULTS: Three themes marked students perceived
      increased capacity for healthy behavior and health promotion: (1) facilitating
      the change process; (2) integrating experiential and theoretical learning about
      health; and (3) growing as a health promotion practitioner and as a person with
      expanding capacity for health. DISCUSSION: This reflection assignment shows
      potential as both a learning process supporting future professional practice and
      as a tool for promoting health among undergraduate students.

PMID- 22081655
TI  - Changes in healthcare workers' knowledge about tuberculosis following a
      tuberculosis training programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In resource-limited countries, health policy makers and practitioners
      need to know whether healthcare workers have sufficient knowledge of tuberculosis
      and its management. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a study to: (1) measure knowledge
      changes among healthcare workers who participated in a tuberculosis training
      programme; and (2) make recommendations about future tuberculosis training for
      healthcare workers in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study conducted in 2007 measured changes in tuberculosis knowledge of
      doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers after a training programme based on
      World Health Organization tuberculosis training modules. Data were collected
      before and after training using a self-administered, 98-item questionnaire
      covering eight components. RESULTS: A total of 267 healthcare workers, mean age
      40.7 years, answered both pre- and post-training questionnaires. Mean total
      knowledge scores were low despite significant changes (p<0.001) from a pre
      training score of 59.5% to a post-training score of 66.5%. Nurses showed
      significant improvements in mean total knowledge scores (p<0.001) but had the
      lowest mean total knowledge score post-training, 63.2%. Doctors had significantly
      better pre-training (p<0.001) and post-training (p<0.001) mean total knowledge
      scores compared to nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in healthcare workers'
      overall knowledge of tuberculosis during a training programme was not clinically
      significant. Periodic field training and supervision should be considered to
      ensure tuberculosis knowledge improvements.

PMID- 22081656
TI  - Student-led peer-assisted learning: the Kuppi experience at the medical school of
      the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka.
AB  - CONTEXT: Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is described in the literature and is
      generally initiated with faculty assistance. The PAL process described here,
      called Kuppi classes, is exclusively organized and run by the students of the
      medical school of the University of Ruhuna. AIM: To explore students' experiences
      with Kuppi classes as a learning process. METHODS: A phenomenological research
      method with focus group discussions and in-depth interviews for data collection
      was used. Selection of students for the study ensured representation of genders,
      academic years of study, both Kuppi tutors and tutees, and both those who did and
      did not pass the prior examination in the medical school on the first attempt.
      FINDINGS: According to tutee and tutors, Kuppi was developed as a parallel
      process to fill in gaps in students' understanding and better explain unclear
      aspects of the formal curriculum. Within the Kuppi, students successfully use
      informality, familiarity and social bonds with one another to acquire the
      knowledge required for their examinations. CONCLUSIONS: This student-initiated
      PAL process appears to be succeeding for the students of our school. Some of
      their experiences may be helpful in implementing a PAL process or even improving
      the formal teaching processes in medical schools with similar academic, social
      and cultural environments. The need for a second, student-led curriculum should
      alert faculty to shortcomings in the formal curriculum and classes.

PMID- 22081657
TI  - Validation of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire for use with medical
      students.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to validate the use of the
      abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL
      BREF) questionnaire with medical students. METHODS: A sample of 274 medical
      students in their fourth and fifth years of study (80% response rate) completed
      the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. The four-domain factor structure of the questionnaire
      was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. A variety of other tests of
      reliability and validity were conducted. RESULTS: Goodness-of-fit indices from
      the confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable, and the factor structure of the
      WHOQOL-BREF was confirmed in this sample. Reliability was good, but three of the
      items showed strong ceiling effects. CONCLUSION: The WHOQOL-BREF is valid to use
      with medical students to assess health-related quality of life. Some items, such
      as those inquiring about pain and medication, may not be suitable for medical
      students or young people in general.

PMID- 22081658
TI  - Controlling errors to promote patient safety.

PMID- 22081659
TI  - Change in medical students' readiness for self-directed learning after a
      partially problem-based learning first year curriculum at the KIST medical
      college in Lalitpur, Nepal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Modern medical education and the requirement for lifelong learning
      place increasing emphasis on self-directed learning. Studies have not been done
      on readiness for self-directed learning (SDL) among medical students in Nepal.
      The present study was carried out to (1) measure and compare readiness for SDL
      among medical students, and (2) note differences in readiness for SDL according
      to students' personal characteristics at the beginning and end of the first year
      of the MBBS course for medical students at the KIST Medical College in Nepal.
      METHODS: The study was done using the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale.
      Respondents' agreement with each of forty statements pertinent to self-directed
      learning readiness using a modified Likert-type scale was noted. The mean total
      and scores on the subcategories 'self-management', 'desire for learning' and
      'self-control' were calculated and compared across subgroups of respondents and
      in January and August 2010 using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests
      (p<0.05). RESULTS: All 100 students participated in January while 90 participated
      in August. The mean scores varied with certain demographic and background
      characteristics. The mean total score increased from 152.7 to 157.3 while the
      self-management score increased significantly from 48.6 to 50.2 from January to
      August. There were small increases in the mean desire for learning scores from
      46.9 to 47.7 and in the self-control scores from 58 to 59 from January to August,
      but not in other scores. CONCLUSIONS: Self-directed learning scores were lower
      among these Nepalese students than reported elsewhere in the literature. Total
      scores and self-management scores improved at the end of the first year, but not
      scores on desire for learning and self-control.

PMID- 22081660
TI  - Orienting incoming medical students to the process of PBL through video.

PMID- 22081661
TI  - Evaluation of an interprofessional education communication skills initiative.
AB  - CONTEXT: Interprofessional education of pre-licensure students is viewed as an
      important precursor to developing healthcare professionals who are able to work
      collaboratively. OBJECTIVES: This study conducted a program evaluation of an
      innovative interprofessional communication skills initiative which incorporated
      problem-based learning, cooperative learning and standardized patients. METHODS:
      The communication skills session consisted of a three-hour, faculty facilitated,
      interactive format in which teams of five to eight students met to conduct an
      interview with a standardized patient and develop an interprofessional care plan.
      The program evaluation included measures of satisfaction, the Interprofessional
      Education Perception Scale (IEPS), the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning
      Scale (RIPLS), focus groups and individual interviews. FINDINGS: A total of 96
      students from medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, midwifery,
      physician assistant and pharmacy programs self-selected to participate in the
      evaluation. Students rated their satisfaction with the communications skills
      sessions highly. There were small but statistically significant changes pre- and
      post-session in the IEPS. Qualitative analyses revealed that students perceived
      that they had learned about each others' scope of practice and built confidence
      in their communication skills. The skill of the facilitator and preparation for
      the experience were perceived to promote the success. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
      The demand for experiential events which provide students with the skills
      required to interact effectively in healthcare teams is likely to continue with
      the growing awareness of the need for interprofessional education. A learning
      experience which incorporates standardized patients and feedback from faculty
      facilitators can promote authentic interprofessional learning, and develop
      students' confidence to communicate in a team environment.

PMID- 22081662
TI  - Formative versus summative assessment.

PMID- 22081664
TI  - Continuing progress in primary healthcare education.

PMID- 22081666
TI  - Online optical coherence tomography during subthreshold laser irradiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the role of real-time optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      in the detection of standard and nonvisible subthreshold laser irradiation.
      METHODS: We used an integrated platform consisting of a slit-lamp, a digital
      camera, a slit-lamp mounted OCT, and a 532-nm laser photocoagulator (Topcon Inc.,
      Tokyo, Japan). The laser aiming beam and the OCT scan were aligned to obtain real
      time tomographic imaging of the irradiated area during laser exposure. Standard
      and subthreshold laser irradiation and simultaneous OCT acquisition were tested
      in artificial and biological samples. Laser testing cards were chosen as
      artificial samples. Freshly enucleated pig eyes were used for iris irradiation.
      RESULTS: Ophthalmoscopically visible reference burns were placed on the laser
      testing card in 2 parallel lines. Then, a series of laser spots with the same
      size and duration but different power were placed between the reference burns.
      Online OCT during laser irradiation detected changes in the reflectivity profile
      of the artificial sample at a power of 200 mW, in absence of ophthalmoscopically
      visible lesions. Similarly, reference burns were placed on pig iris and between
      them various laser spots were performed at ranging powers. Changes in the iris
      optical properties, as detected with online OCT, were produced with a power of
      860 mW in absence of visible endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Online OCT is able to
      identify non-ophthalmoscopically visible lesions during subthreshold laser
      irradiation either in artificial samples or in pig iris.

PMID- 22081665
TI  - Do AML patients with DNMT3A exon 23 mutations benefit from idarubicin as compared
      to daunorubicin? A single center experience.
AB  - Mutations in DNMT3A encoding DNA methyltransferase 3A were recently described in
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia. To assess their prognostic significance, we
      determined the mutational status of DNMT3A exon 23 in 288 patients with AML
      excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia, aged from 18 to 65 years and treated in
      Toulouse University Hospital. A mutation was detected in 39 patients (13.5%). All
      DNMT3A exon 23+ patients had intermediate-risk cytogenetics. Mutations
      significantly correlated with a higher WBC count (p less than 0.001), NPM1 and
      FLT3-ITD mutations (p=0.027). DNMT3A mutations were conserved through
      xenotransplantation in immunodeficient mice. No difference in outcome between
      DNMT3A exon 23+ and DNMT3A exon 23- patients was found even if the results were
      stratified by NPM1 or FLT3-ITD status. However, DNMT3A exon 23+ patients had
      better median DFS (not reached vs 11.6 months, p=0.009) and OS (not reached vs
      14.3 months, p=0.005) as compared to DNMT3A exon 23- patients when treated with
      idarubicin, whereas patients treated with daunorubicin had similar outcome
      regardless the DNMT3A status. This study shows that DNMT3A mutations have no
      impact on outcome but could be a predictive factor for response to idarubicin and
      thus, could have a direct influence in the way AML patients should be managed.

PMID- 22081668
TI  - Reversal of sensation of conjunctival autograft after pterygium surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate sensation change at nasal and superior conjunctival and
      corneal quadrants after pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft. METHODS: A
      prospective study was carried out in 14 patients. Seventeen eyes were operated
      for primary nasal pterygium. Sensation in nasal and superior conjunctival and
      corneal quadrants was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer (CBA) before,
      and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and every month for 6 months after surgery. Preoperative
      and postoperative measurements were recorded and analyzed with Wilcoxon signed
      rank test. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 53.5 years (range 44-68). All
      patients had nasal primary pterygium and completed the 6-month follow-up. The
      conjunctival autograft was correctly positioned and fixed in all eyes with fibrin
      glue. Mean +/- SD sensations in conjunctival autograft were none (p<0.05) at 1
      month, 4.28 +/- 5.34 mm (p<0.05) at 2 months, 12.85 +/- 2.67 mm (p<0.05) at 3
      months, and returned to normal level, 23.57 +/- 2.43 mm (p>0.05), at 4 months.
      Mean sensations in superior conjunctival area where the autograft was harvested
      were 11.42 +/- 5.56 mm (p<0.05) at 1 month, and returned to normal level, 22.14
      +/- 2.67 mm (p>0.05), at 2 months. Mean sensations in nasal corneal area after
      surgery were 7.81 +/- 4.06 mm (p<0.05) at 2 weeks, 26.42 +/- 2.43 mm (p<0.05) at
      1 month, and returned to normal level, 49.00 +/- 3.38 mm (p>0.05), at 2 months.
      Mean sensations in superior corneal area did not change postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia at first month and hypoesthesia at second and third month
      at conjunctival autograft was observed after pterygium surgery. Additionally,
      hypoesthesia was observed at nasal cornea and superior bulbar conjunctiva at the
      first month.

PMID- 22081669
TI  - Optic disc pit maculopathy: the value of small-gauge vitrectomy, peeling, laser
      treatment, and gas tamponade.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the outcome of 10 patients with optic pit maculopathy (OPM)
      and evaluate the role of small-gauge vitrectomy, gas endotamponade, and
      additional laser photocoagulation treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively
      investigated 10 patients who underwent small-gauge, sutureless vitrectomy for
      OPM, detachment of the posterior hyaloid, internal limiting membrane (ILM)
      peeling, endolaser photocoagulation on the temporal margin of the optic disc, and
      gas tamponade. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)
      was recorded and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed.
      RESULTS: Seven out of 10 patients gained at least 2 lines of vision; 2 patients
      gained 1 line of vision. Visual improvement occurred more than 3 months after
      surgery. One myopic patient developed a macular hole postoperatively, resulting
      in a poor functional result even though complete retinal attachment was achieved.
      The functional outcome did not always correlate well with the OCT imaging, in
      which complete retinal reattachment was observed in 5 out of 10 eyes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic approach should include both small-gauge vitrectomy
      and ILM peeling to relieve vitreoretinal traction, as well as laser
      photocoagulation of the temporal margin of the optic disc in order to prevent
      vitreous fluid from entering the subretinal/intraretinal space. In addition, the
      patients should be told that visual recovery can take a long time.

PMID- 22081670
TI  - The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection on retinal blood flow
      velocity in patients with choroidal neovascularization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) on
      retinal blood flow velocity and compare them to clinical outcomes assessed by
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) and tests of visual acuity. METHODS: The
      Retinal Function Imager (RFI) was used noninvasively and quantitatively to
      measure retinal blood flow velocity. Eight patients receiving intravitreal
      injection of Avastin for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were included in this
      study. All were imaged by the RFI preinjection and 1 and 7 days postinjection.
      Visual acuity (VA) and OCT were recorded preinjection and 1 month postinjection.
      Comparisons were performed using paired Student t test and correlation using
      Spearman rank test. RESULTS: A good correlation was found between the 1-month
      change in VA and OCT measurements and the short-term change induced in blood flow
      velocity. Arterial and venous velocity changes 1 day after the injection
      correlated with the VA change (p<0.05). The 1-day arterial velocity changes
      correlated with total macular volume (p=0.02) and venous velocity changes
      correlated to central macular thickness (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The RFI provides
      a noninvasive technique to assess early hemodynamic responses to intravitreal
      injection of Avastin. These early changes may prove important for better
      understanding of the mechanism underlying this treatment and serve as a
      quantitative marker for treatment optimization.

PMID- 22081671
TI  - Retrospective study of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments secondary to round
      retinal holes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors aim to analyze the incidence, characteristics, surgical
      management, and outcome of patients presenting to St Thomas' Hospital with a
      rhegmatogenous retinal detachment secondary to atrophic round retinal holes.
      METHODS: This is a retrospective collation of patients presenting to a single
      surgeon with a round hole-associated retinal detachment between 2001 and 2009.
      Specific collation of demographics, retinal detachment features, choice of
      management, complications, requirement for further surgery, and ultimate surgical
      success with final visual acuity is reported. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with a
      retinal detachment secondary to a round hole were identified (4.49% incidence).
      The cohort had a median age of 28.9 years (range 14 to 39) and a female
      predominance (64%). The median spherical equivalent refractive error was -5.5
      diopters (range -1 to -18). The commonest quadrant with retinal holes was the
      inferotemporal quadrant (40% of patients). Approximately half of our cohort were
      identified to have lattice degeneration at any site and in either eye. The
      majority of patients received an external nondrainage procedure (92%) with
      cryotherapy (88%) and an explant (94%). Three patients required further surgery
      to achieve retinal reattachment and 12% required surgery for a retinal detachment
      in the fellow eye. At final follow-up, 78% achieved a visual acuity of 0.18
      logMAR (6/12 Snellen) or better and the median final visual acuity was 0.00
      logMAR (6/6 Snellen). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal detachments secondary to round holes
      have consistent characteristic features (young, myopic, female, inferior
      detachment). Surgical management is increasingly advocated and most achieve
      primary surgical success with a good final visual acuity.

PMID- 22081672
TI  - Performance of imaging devices versus optic disc and fiber layer photography in a
      clinical practice guideline for glaucoma diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the performance of Moorfields Regression Analysis (MRA) and
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) with that of photographic evaluation of the
      optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the application of the
      Finnish Evidence-Based Guideline for Open-Angle Glaucoma (FEBG-OAG). METHODS:
      Patients referred for glaucoma evaluation (n=312) and subjects selected from the
      general population (n=41) were included in the study. All subjects underwent
      ophthalmic evaluation, optic nerve head stereophotography, monochromatic RNFL
      photography, Heidelberg retina tomography, OCT, and laser polarimetry evaluation.
      The subjects were classified based on stereophotographic or MRA and OCT results
      by applying the FEBG-OAG. RESULTS: The specificity of the FEBG-OAG for detecting
      normal patients (stereophotography and imaging devices) was 78% (strict criteria)
      and 100% (liberal criteria). Agreement between the stereophotographic evaluation
      and evaluation based on MRA and OCT was 70.2%. Classification of subjects with
      similar management advice based on these evaluations had 70.5% agreement. Central
      corneal thickness was a confounding factor in glaucoma diagnosis. Large optic
      disc sizes played a major role in misleading the diagnosis compared to small
      discs. CONCLUSIONS: Central corneal thickness and large optic disc size are
      confounding factors in glaucoma diagnosis. Moorfields Regression Analysis and OCT
      allow for objective implementation of the FEBG-OAG compared to conventional
      stereophotographic evaluation of the neuroretinal structures.

PMID- 22081673
TI  - Overcoming the clinical-MR imaging paradox of multiple sclerosis: MR imaging data
      assessed with a random forest approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In MS, the relation between clinical and MR imaging
      measures is still suboptimal. We assessed the correlation of disability and
      specific impairment of the clinical functional system with overall and regional
      CNS damage in a large cohort of patients with MS with different clinical
      phenotypes by using a random forest approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brain
      conventional MR imaging and DTI were performed in 172 patients with MS and 46
      controls. Cervical cord MR imaging was performed in a subgroup of subjects. To
      evaluate whether MR imaging measures were able to correctly classify impairment
      in specific clinical domains, we performed a random forest analysis. RESULTS:
      Between-group differences were found for most of the MR imaging variables, which
      correlated significantly with clinical measures (r ranging from -0.57 to 0.55).
      The random forest analysis showed a high performance in identifying impaired
      versus unimpaired patients, with a global error between 7% (pyramidal functional
      system) and 31% (Ambulation Index) in the different outcomes considered. When
      considering the performance in the unimpaired and impaired groups, the random
      forest analysis showed a high performance in identifying patients with impaired
      sensory, cerebellar, and brain stem functions (error below 10%), while it
      performed poorly in defining impairment of visual and mental systems (error of
      91% and 70%, respectively). In analyses with a good level of classification, for
      most functional systems, damage of the WM fiber bundles subserving their
      function, measured by using DTI tractography, had the highest classification
      power. CONCLUSIONS: Random forest analysis, especially if applied to DTI
      tractography data, is a valuable approach, which might contribute to overcoming
      the MS clinical-MR imaging paradox.

PMID- 22081674
TI  - Pediatric intracranial aneurysms: new and enlarging aneurysms after index
      aneurysm treatment or observation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Children with brain aneurysms may be at higher risk than
      adults to develop new or enlarging aneurysms in a relatively short time. We
      sought to identify comorbidities and angiographic features in children that
      predict new aneurysm formation or enlargement of untreated aneurysms. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the University of California-San Francisco
      Pediatric Aneurysm Cohort data base including medical records and imaging studies
      was performed. RESULTS: Of 83 patients harboring 114 intracranial aneurysms not
      associated with brain arteriovenous malformations or intracranial arteriovenous
      fistulas, 9 (8.4%) developed new or enlarging brain aneurysms an average of 4.2
      years after initial presentation. Comorbidities that may be related to aneurysm
      formation were significantly higher in patients who developed new aneurysms (89%)
      as opposed to patients who did not develop new or enlarging aneurysms (41%; RR,
      9.5; 95% CI, 1.9%-48%; P = .0099). Patients with multiple aneurysms at initial
      presentation were more likely than patients with a single aneurysm at
      presentation to develop a new or enlarging aneurysm (RR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.1%-185; P
      = .0058). Patients who initially presented with at least 1 fusiform aneurysm were
      more likely to develop a new or enlarging aneurysm than patients who did not
      present with a fusiform aneurysm (RR, 22; 95% CI, 3.6%-68%; P = .00050). Index
      aneurysm treatment with parent artery occlusion also was associated with higher
      risk of new aneurysm formation (RR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.3%-13%; P = .024). New
      aneurysms did not necessarily arise near index aneurysms. The only fatality in
      the series was due to subarachnoid hemorrhage from a new posterior circulation
      aneurysm arising 20 months after index anterior circulation aneurysm treatment in
      an immunosuppressed patient. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who presented with a fusiform
      aneurysm had a significantly greater incidence of developing a new aneurysm or
      enlargement of an index aneurysm than did those who presented with a saccular
      aneurysm. In our patient cohort, 8 of the 9 children who eventually developed new
      or enlarging brain aneurysms initially presented with fusiform aneurysm
      morphology. Other comorbidities or multiple aneurysms were also common in these
      patients at initial presentation.

PMID- 22081675
TI  - Structural brain abnormalities in patients with Parkinson disease: a comparative
      voxel-based analysis using T1-weighted MR imaging and magnetization transfer
      imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In PD, tissue damage occurs in specific cortical and
      subcortical regions. Conventional MR images have only limited capacity to depict
      these structural changes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate
      whether voxel-based MT imaging could indicate structural abnormalities beyond
      atrophy measurable with T1-weighted MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six
      patients with PD without dementia (9 in H&Y stage 1, thirteen in H&Y 2, eleven in
      H&Y 3, three in H&Y 4) and 23 age-matched control subjects were studied with T1
      weighted MR imaging and MT imaging. Voxel-based analyses of T1-weighted MR
      imaging was performed to investigate brain atrophy, while MT imaging was used to
      study abnormalities within existing tissue. Modulated GM and WM probability maps,
      sensitive to volume, and nonmodulated maps, indicative of tissue density, were
      obtained from T1-weighted MR imaging. Effects seen on MTR images, but absent on
      density maps, were attributed to damage of existing tissue. RESULTS: Contrary to
      T1-weighted MR imaging, MT imaging was sensitive to the progression of brain
      pathology of the neocortex and paraventricular WM. MTR images and T1-based volume
      images, but not density images, showed a progression of disease in the olfactory
      cortex, indicating the occurrence of atrophy as well as damage to existing tissue
      in this region. MTR images revealed bilateral damage to the SN, while T1-weighted
      MR imaging only showed left-sided abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      suggest that voxel-based MT imaging permits a whole-brain unbiased investigation
      of CNS structural integrity in PD and may be a valuable tool for identifying
      structural damage occurring without or before measurable atrophy.

PMID- 22081676
TI  - Strong magnets.

PMID- 22081677
TI  - Cerebral perfusion long term after therapeutic occlusion of the internal carotid
      artery in patients who tolerated angiographic balloon test occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Therapeutic carotid occlusion is an established technique
      for treatment of large and giant aneurysms of the ICA, in patients with
      synchronous venous filling on angiography during BTO. Concern remains that
      hemodynamic alterations after permanent occlusion will predispose the patient to
      new ischemic injury in the ipsilateral hemisphere. The purpose of this study was
      to assess whether BTO with synchronous venous filling is associated with normal
      CBF long term after carotid sacrifice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients
      were included (all women; mean age, 50.5 years; mean follow-up, 38.5 months). ASL
      with single and multiple TIs was used to assess CBF and its temporal
      characteristics. Selective ASL was used to assess actual territorial contribution
      of the ICA and BA. Collateral flow via the AcomA or PcomA or both was determined
      by time-resolved 3D PCMR. Paired t tests were used to compare CBF and timing
      parameters between hemispheres. RESULTS: Absolute CBF values were within the
      normal range. There was no significant CBF difference between hemispheres
      ipsilateral and contralateral to carotid sacrifice (49.4 +/- 11.2 versus 50.1 +/-
      10.1 mL/100 g/min). Arterial arrival time and trailing edge time were
      significantly prolonged on the occlusion side (816 +/- 119 ms versus 741 +/- 103
      ms, P = .001; and 1765 +/- 179 ms versus 1646 +/- 190 ms, P < .001). Two patients
      had collateral flow through the AcomA only and were found to have increased
      timing parameters compared with 9 patients with mixed collateral flow through
      both the AcomA and PcomA. CONCLUSIONS: In this small study, patients with
      synchronous venous filling during BTO had normal CBF long term after therapeutic
      ICA occlusion.

PMID- 22081678
TI  - Porcine brachial artery tortuosity for in vivo evaluation of neuroendovascular
      devices.
AB  - We report a novel model of arterial tortuosity in the porcine brachial artery for
      testing of endovascular devices in the flexed forelimb position. This provides an
      ideal vascular territory for an in vivo assessment of guidewires, microcatheters,
      and endovascular implants because it closely mimics the challenging curvature at
      the carotid siphon.

PMID- 22081679
TI  - Different patterns of fornix damage in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
      and Alzheimer disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The fornix contains efferent fibers of the hippocampus
      and is in close contact with the corpus callosum. Part of the fornix is directly
      attached to the corpus callosum, and another part is suspended from the corpus
      callosum via the septum pellucidum. DTI can be used to evaluate the morphology
      and microstructural integrity of the fornix. We examined the pattern of fornix
      damage in patients with iNPH or AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 22
      patients with iNPH, 20 with AD, and 20 healthy controls. DTI data were obtained.
      The morphology (volume, length, and mean cross-sectional area) and FA values of
      the fornix were evaluated by using tract-specific analysis and compared among
      groups. RESULTS: The volume, cross-sectional area, and FA value of the fornix
      were significantly smaller in patients with iNPH than in controls, whereas the
      length was significantly greater. In patients with AD, the volume, mean cross
      sectional area, and FA value of the fornix were significantly smaller than those
      in controls, whereas the length was not altered. The fornix was significantly
      longer in patients with iNPH than in patients with AD, whereas the volume and
      cross-sectional areas were significantly smaller. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that the different pathogeneses of these diseases lead to fornix damage
      through different mechanisms: through mechanical stretching due to lateral
      ventricular enlargement and corpus callosum deformation in patients with iNPH,
      and through degeneration secondary to hippocampal atrophy in patients with AD.

PMID- 22081680
TI  - The effect of age and cerebral ischemia on diffusion-weighted proton MR
      spectroscopy of the human brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: DW-MRS is a promising tool for the noninvasive
      identification of the cellular response to cerebral ischemia. To date, the
      potential confounding effects of aging and the stage of ischemia are unknown. We,
      therefore, examined the cross-sectional effects of age and different stages of
      cerebral ischemia on the diffusion of brain metabolites. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The ADCs of 3 major metabolites, including Cho, Cr, and NAA were measured by DW
      MRS in healthy younger (n = 26, 24 +/- 2.2 years of age) and older (n = 17, 63 +/
      7.0 years of age) adults, as well as in patients with acute (n = 7, 57 +/- 4.0
      years of age) and subacute (n = 12, 62 +/- 7.8 years of age) cerebral ischemia.
      RESULTS: Compared with younger adults, healthy older adults presented with
      significantly reduced ADC values of NAA (P = .000052), Cr (P = .000018), and Cho
      (P = .00075). Meanwhile, the ADC values of NAA (F(2,36) = 6.057, P = .006), Cr
      (F(2,36) = 5.634, P = .008), and Cho (F(2,36) = 8.167, P = .001) were
      significantly different among the acute cerebral ischemia group, subacute
      cerebral ischemia group, and healthy older controls. These metabolites decreased
      in the acute stage of cerebral ischemia but increased in the subacute stage,
      compared with age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of age should be
      considered when analyzing diffusion of cerebral metabolites with DW-MRS. Our
      observations also suggest that metabolite diffusion data may be used to reveal
      changes in the intracellular environment, depending on the pathologic status of
      ischemia.

PMID- 22081681
TI  - Daydreaming about our metaphorical tool belt.

PMID- 22081682
TI  - Carotid artery wall thickness measured using CT: inter- and intraobserver
      agreement analysis.
AB  - SUMMARY: The purpose of this work was to compare inter- and intraobserver
      agreement in the analysis of CAWT by using MDCTA. The CAWT in 35 patients was
      quantified by 4 observers. Bland-Altman statistics were used to measure the
      agreement between observers. The results of our study demonstrated that the CAWT
      measured by using MDCTA shows a good reproducibility between observers by
      considering inter- and intraobserver agreement.

PMID- 22081683
TI  - Pituitary iron and volume imaging in healthy controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with transfusional iron overload develop iron
      deposits in the pituitary gland, which are associated with volume loss and HH.
      The purpose of this study was to characterize R2 and volumetric data in a healthy
      population for diagnostic use in patients with transfusional iron overload.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred healthy controls without iron overload between
      the ages of 2 and 48 were recruited to have MR imaging of the brain to assess
      their pituitary R2 and volume. Pituitary R2 was assessed with a 8-echo spin-echo
      sequence, and pituitary volumes, by a 3D spoiled gradient-echo sequence with 1
      mm(3) resolution. A 2-component continuous piecewise linear approximation was
      used for creating volumetric and R2 nomograms. Equations were generated from
      regression relationships for convenient z-score calculation. RESULTS: Pituitary
      R2 rose weakly with age (r(2) = 0.19, P < .0001). Anterior and total pituitary
      volumes increased steadily up to 18 years of age, after which volume slightly
      decreased. Females had larger pituitary glands, most likely representing their
      larger lactotroph population. CONCLUSIONS: From these data, a clinician can
      calculate the z scores for R2 and pituitary volume in patients with iron
      overload. Normal ranges are well-differentiated from values previously associated
      with endocrine disease in transfusional siderosis; this finding suggests that
      preclinical iron overload can be recognized and appropriately treated.

PMID- 22081684
TI  - Dairy micronutrients: new insights and health benefits. Introduction.

PMID- 22081685
TI  - Milk and dairy products: a unique micronutrient combination.
AB  - Milk and dairy products contain micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins,
      which contribute to multiple and different vital functions in the organism. The
      mineral fraction is composed of macroelements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, and Cl) and
      oligoelements (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se). From a physicochemical point of view, the
      chemical forms, the associations with other ions or organic molecules, and the
      location of macroelements such as Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, and Cl in milk are relatively
      well described and understood. Thus, it is admitted that these macroelements are
      differently distributed into aqueous and micellar phases of milk, depending on
      their nature. K, Na, and Cl ions are essentially in the aqueous phase, whereas
      Ca, P, and Mg are partly bound to the casein micelles. About one third of the Ca,
      half of the P, and two thirds of the Mg are located in the aqueous phase of milk.
      Dairy products are more or less rich in these different minerals. In cheeses,
      mineral content depends mainly on their processing. The Ca content is strongly
      related to the acidification step. Moreover, if acidification is associated with
      the draining step, the Ca content in the cheese will be reduced. Thus, the Ca
      content varies in the following increasing order: milks/fermented milks/fresh
      cheeses < soft cheeses < semi-hard cheeses < hard cheeses. The chemical forms and
      associations are less described than those present in milk. Concerning Ca, the
      formation of insoluble calcium phosphate, carbonate, and lactate is reported in
      some ripened cheeses. The NaCl content in cheeses depends on the salting of the
      curd. From a nutritional point of view, it is largely admitted that milk and
      dairy products are important sources of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Se. The vitamin fraction
      of milk and dairy products is composed of lipophilic (A, D, E, and K) and
      hydrophilic (B(1), B(2), B(3), B(5), B(6), B(8), B(9), B(12), and C) vitamins.
      Because of their hydrophobic properties, the lipophilic vitamins are mainly in
      the milk fat fraction (cream, butter). The hydrophilic vitamins are in the
      aqueous phase of milk. For one part of these vitamins, the concentrations
      described in the literature are not always homogenous and sometimes not in
      accordance between them; these discrepancies are due to the difficulty of the
      sample preparation and the use of appropriate methods for their quantification.
      However, there is no doubt of the significant contribution of milk and dairy
      products to the intake of vitamins. Milk and dairy are considered essential
      sources for vitamins. Key teaching points: Milk and dairy products are unique
      micronutrient combinations with recognized health benefits. The concentration,
      chemical forms, and location of different minerals are relatively well known and
      described. For example, Ca is present in dairy products in different forms: free,
      associated with citrate, inorganic and organic phosphates, and free fatty acids.
      Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, and Se. The
      concentration of vitamins in milk and dairy products is variable and depends on
      several factors such as biosynthesis, animal feeding, physicochemical conditions
      (heat, light, O(2), oxidant agents), and analytical methods for their
      determinations. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are mainly located in the lipid phase and
      vitamins of group B and C in the aqueous phase. Milk and dairy products are
      excellent sources of vitamins A, B(1), B(2), and B(12).

PMID- 22081686
TI  - The contribution of dairy products to micronutrient intakes in France.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the contribution of milk and dairy products to the intake of
      vitamins and minerals in the French population. METHODS: Data from the French
      Individual National Food Consumption Survey 2 (2005-2007) carried out in a
      representative sample of French people aged 3 to 79 years were used for analysis.
      RESULTS: Dairy products are strong contributors of calcium; iodine; phosphorus;
      potassium; zinc; vitamins B(2), B(12), B(5), and D; and retinol. Of all dairy
      products, milk contributes the most to the intake of these nutrients in children,
      whereas in adults, cheese and ultra-fresh dairy products contribute equally.
      CONCLUSION: Dairy products are an important source of vitamins and minerals in
      the French population and help strongly to meet micronutrient recommendations for
      both children and adults.

PMID- 22081687
TI  - The contribution of dairy products to micronutrient intake in the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the contribution of dairy products to the intake of various
      vitamins and minerals in several life stages in the Dutch population. METHOD:
      Data from 3 Dutch Food Consumption Surveys and the Leiden Longevity Study were
      used to estimate the contribution of dairy products--as percentage of total
      intake--to the intake of iron, copper, selenium, zinc, calcium, folic acid,
      vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B(12). RESULTS: In young children, dairy
      products contributed substantially to the intake of calcium (73%), selenium
      (21%), iron (8%), zinc (39%), copper (12%), folic acid (24%), vitamin C (18%),
      vitamin D (16%), and vitamin B(12) (58%). Of all dairy products, milk contributed
      the most to the intake of these nutrients. In adults and elderly subjects, the
      contribution of dairy products to total micronutrient intake was 65%-68% for
      calcium, 18%-19% for selenium, 3%-4% for iron, 28%-31% for zinc, 6%-7% for
      copper, 17%-19% for folic acid, 10%-14% for vitamin C, 11%-16% for vitamin D, and
      44%-46% for vitamin B(12). Milk as well as cheese contributed the most to the
      intake of these nutrients. CONCLUSIONS: Dairy products are an important source of
      vitamins and minerals in the Dutch population. Dairy products, especially milk
      and cheese, contribute substantially to the intake of calcium, selenium, zinc,
      and vitamin B(12).

PMID- 22081688
TI  - The contribution of milk and milk products to micronutrient density and
      affordability of the U.S. diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To be successful, dietary guidance needs to identify foods that are
      nutrient rich, affordable, and appealing. Analyses of dietary surveys on "what we
      eat in America" can now be supplemented by analyses of nutrient density as well
      as nutrient cost. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relative contribution of 9 food
      groups to energy and nutrient intakes and to assess the relative cost of selected
      nutrients by major food group. METHOD: Dietary intake data were provided by the 4
      cycles of the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES
      2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2007-2008). Research on the nutritive value
      and cost of U.S. foods was made possible by the merging of the U.S. Department of
      Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS 2.0)
      with the USDA food prices database. Nutrient densities were calculated per 100
      kcal. Nutrient costs were calculated as the dollar cost of meeting 10% daily
      value for a given nutrient. RESULTS: Despite their low energy contribution (10%
      13% of energy), milk and milk products contributed 47% of calcium, 42% of
      retinol, and 65% of vitamin D to the diets of children and adults. Milk and milk
      products were among the top sources of riboflavin, phosphorous, and vitamin
      B(12). Cost analyses showed that milk and milk products were by far the lowest
      cost source of dietary calcium and were among the lowest-cost sources of
      riboflavin and vitamin B(12). Vegetables and fruit were the lowest-cost sources
      of vitamin C, whereas dry beans and legumes were the lowest-cost sources of
      fiber. CONCLUSION: The nutrients-per-calorie and nutrient cost metrics can help
      identify affordable nutrient-rich foods.

PMID- 22081689
TI  - Evidence-based dietary guidance and the role of dairy products for appropriate
      nutrition in the elderly.
AB  - Food consumption surveys in the elderly come to the general conclusions that most
      elderly people outside institutions eat reasonably well. There is, however,
      tremendous variation in health status between older adults. The aging process is
      complex and influenced not only by factors intrinsic to the individual but also
      by extrinsic factors. The latter includes nutrition. In the various phases in the
      aging process, nutritional status and thus appropriate nutrition differ.
      Undernutrition is a great concern. In community-dwelling people older than 70
      years, 5%-10% are undernourished, and for institutionalized elderly, this is up
      to 30%-65%. The cause is often inappropriate food consumption, and treatment is
      not always evidence based. National evidence-based dietary guidelines are mainly
      for healthy elderly people and vary between regions and even between institutes
      within the same region. To understand these differences, insight is required into
      the paradigm applied for nutritional science and the designs, selection of the
      older population, methodology, and endpoints of studies supplying the science
      behind the guidelines. A European project (Eurecca) compiles and harmonizes
      dietary guidelines. These activities underpin the need for sound evidence to
      improve the nutrition of older adults in different health phases. For frail
      elderly, there is also a plea to take into account results of studies on food
      satisfaction. First studies in this field show the effectiveness of an adapted
      social context for meals, appropriate nutritional care, and availability of tasty
      drinks and foods for selected groups of older adults. Because of the nutrient
      richness of dairy products and their good taste, these foods are helpful in the
      diet of healthy as well as frail elderly people. Key teaching points: Most
      elderly people eat reasonably well. There are, however, large differences in
      health status between elderly people and therefore also in nutrient requirements.
      Undernutrition is a main concern. In community-dwelling people older than 70
      years, 5%-10% are undernourished, and for institutionalized elderly, this is up
      to 30%-65%. Evidence-based dietary guidelines are developed mainly for healthy
      elderly people and vary between regions. Harmonization will improve public health
      as well as clinical nutritional strategies. Given the nutrient density of dairy
      products, these products are included in balanced dietary advice for older
      adults.

PMID- 22081690
TI  - Calcium and phosphate: a duet of ions playing for bone health.
AB  - The acquisition and maintenance of bone mass and strength are influenced by
      environmental factors, including physical activity and nutrition. Among
      micronutrients, calcium (Ca) and inorganic (i) phosphate (P) are the two main
      constituents of hydroxyapatite, the bone mineral that strengthens the mechanical
      resistance of the organic matrix. Bone contains about 99% and 80% of the body's
      entire supply of Ca and P, respectively. The Ca/P mass ratio in bone is 2.2,
      which is similar to that measured in human milk. The initial step of Ca-Pi
      crystal nucleation takes place within matrix vesicles that bud from the plasma
      membrane of osteogenic cells and migrate into the extracellular skeletal
      compartment. They are endowed with a transport system that accumulates Pi inside
      the matrix vesicles, followed by the influx of Ca ions. This process leads to the
      formation of hydroxyapatite crystal and its subsequent association with the
      organic matrix collagen fibrils. In addition to this structural role, both Ca and
      Pi positively influence the activity of bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells. Pi
      plays a role in the maturation of osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone.
      Osteocytes are implicated in bone mineralization and systemic Pi homeostasis.
      They produce fibroblast growth factor-23, a hormonal regulator of renal Pi
      reabsorption and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D production. This relationship is in
      keeping with the concept proposed several decades ago of a bone-kidney link in Pi
      homeostasis. In contrast to their tight association in bone formation and
      resorption, Ca and Pi renal reabsorption processes are independent from each
      other, driven by distinct molecular machineries. The distinct renal control is
      related to the different extraskeletal functions that Ca and Pi play in cellular
      metabolism. At both the renal and the intestinal levels, interactions of Ca and
      Pi have been documented that have important implications in the acquisition and
      maintenance of bone health, as well as in osteoporosis management. In the kidney,
      increased Pi intake enhances Ca reabsorption and Ca balance. During growth and
      adulthood, administration of Ca-Pi in a ratio close to that of dairy products
      leads to positive effects on bone health. In contrast, when separately ingested
      as pharmaceutical salt supplements, thus inducing large differences between Ca
      and Pi concentrations in the intestinal lumen, they might have adverse effects on
      bone health. In osteoporotic patients treated with anabolic agents, a Ca-Pi
      supplement appears to be preferable to carbonate or citrate Ca salt. In
      conclusion, Ca and Pi constitute a key duo for appropriate bone mineral
      acquisition and maintenance throughout life. Outside the skeleton, their
      essential but distinct physiological functions are controlled by specific
      transporters and hormonal systems that also serve to secure the appropriate
      supply of Ca and Pi for bone health. Key teaching points: Bone contains about 99%
      and 80% of the body's supply of Ca and P, respectively, as hydroxyapatite and has
      a Ca/P mass ratio of about 2.2, close to that measured in human milk. The first
      step of Ca-Pi crystal nucleation takes place within matrix vesicles that bud from
      the plasma membrane of osteogenic cells. In addition to their structural role,
      both Ca and Pi influence bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells. There is a bone
      kidney link in Pi homeostasis in which fibroblast growth factor-23, a molecule
      produced by osteocytes, appears to play a pivotal role. In contrast to their
      tight association during bone formation and resorption, both intestinal and renal
      Ca and Pi processes are independent of each other. Observational and
      interventional studies suggest that Ca-Pi salt or dairy products can exert
      positive effects on bone acquisition and maintenance.

PMID- 22081691
TI  - Human obesity: is insufficient calcium/dairy intake part of the problem?
AB  - Epidemiological data have shown that low calcium intake is a risk factor for
      overweight and obesity. The clinical implications of this relationship have been
      confirmed in weight loss studies performed in low calcium consumers in whom
      calcium or dairy supplementation accentuated body weight and fat loss. Up to now,
      laboratory studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that this effect may be
      explained by an increase in fat oxidation and fecal loss as well as a
      facilitation of appetite control. Taken together, these observations suggest that
      insufficient calcium intake can be part of the obesity problem in some
      individuals and that an increase in calcium/dairy intake is part of the solution.
      Key teaching points: Low dietary calcium intake is a significant risk factor for
      overweight in adults. Calcium/dairy supplementation may accentuate the impact of
      a weight-reducing program in obese low calcium consumers. Calcium/dairy
      supplementation promotes fecal fat loss and fat oxidation. Calcium/dairy
      supplementation favors a decrease in energy intake and a facilitation of appetite
      control in obese individuals during weight loss.

PMID- 22081692
TI  - Dairy products and the metabolic syndrome in a prospective study, DESIR.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In previous cross-sectional analyses of the Data from an
      Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (DESIR) cohort, we have
      found inverse associations between dairy product consumption and metabolic
      syndrome (MetS) traits. We have now analyzed in a prospective way the influence
      of dairy product and calcium consumption at inclusion on the 9-year cumulative
      incidence of the MetS and associated traits in the French prospective study with
      a 9-year follow-up, DESIR. METHODS: After exclusion of diabetic subjects and
      those being on a diet at inclusion, 3417 men and women who completed a food
      frequency at baseline could be studied. Logistic regression models were used to
      study associations between dairy products and dietary calcium density at baseline
      and incident MetS and impaired fasting glycemia/type 2 diabetes (IFG/T2D) after
      adjusting for gender, age, and lifestyle parameters (alcohol, smoking, physical
      activity, fat intake). An additional model adjusting for the same covariates and
      for body mass index (BMI) was also used. Associations between dairy products and
      continuous variables were studied by repeated measures analysis of covariance,
      using the same covariates. RESULTS: Total dairy product consumption, dairy
      (except cheese) consumption, and dietary calcium density were inversely
      associated with incident MetS and IFG/T2D. Cheese consumption was negatively
      associated with incident MetS but not with glycemic disorders. All parameters
      were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides (average
      over the 9-year period) and with a lower BMI gain in the same period. Higher
      total dairy and cheese intake and calcium density were associated with a lower
      increase in waist circumference and triglycerides during the 9-year follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: In the French general population, these results show beneficial
      effects of dairy product consumption on the metabolic syndrome and glycemic
      disorders. Therefore, dairy product consumption could be protective against
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22081693
TI  - Dairy products and cancer.
AB  - Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells display uncontrolled
      growth, invasion, and sometimes metastasis. Milk and dairy products contain
      micronutrients and several bioactive constituents that may influence cancer risk
      and progression. Much of the focus of human, population-based studies has been on
      the effects of intake of milk and total dairy products or of calcium intake.
      Based on a systematic review of the epidemiologic literature, the World Cancer
      Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research report concluded there
      was a probable association between milk intake and lower risk of colorectal
      cancer, a probable association between diets high in calcium and increased risk
      of prostate cancer, and limited evidence of an association between milk intake
      and lower risk of bladder cancer. For other cancers, the evidence was mixed or
      lacking. Since the 2007 report, several additional, large-cohort studies have
      been published, including two that show an inverse association between intake of
      cultured dairy products and bladder cancer. Little is known about the potential
      effect of various bioactives produced during rumen microbe metabolism on cancer
      risk. Furthermore, studies support a role of live microbes present in some dairy
      products in the modulation of the human gut microbial community and gut
      metabolism. Given the growing appreciation for the role of the gut microbial
      community in relation to immune function and health and disease, including
      cancer, the potential role of various dairy products in the modulation of the
      human gut microbiome warrants further evaluation. Key teaching points: As a
      dietary exposure, dairy products are a complex group of foods and composition
      varies by region, which makes evaluation of their association with disease risk
      difficult. For most cancers, associations between cancer risk and intake of milk
      and dairy products have been examined only in a small number of cohort studies,
      and data are inconsistent or lacking. Meta-analyses of cohort data available to
      date support an inverse association between milk intake and risk of colorectal
      and bladder cancer and a positive association between diets high in calcium and
      risk of prostate cancer. Other constituents of dairy products, such as rumen
      derived metabolites, have not been evaluated extensively for cancer-preventive
      properties. The influence of live microbes in fermented dairy products and
      certain cheeses on the human gut microbiome and immune function is a growing area
      of study.

PMID- 22081694
TI  - Milk and acid-base balance: proposed hypothesis versus scientific evidence.
AB  - Recently the lay press has claimed a hypothetical association among dairy product
      consumption, generation of dietary acid, and harm to human health. This
      theoretical association is based on the idea that the protein and phosphate in
      milk and dairy products make them acid-producing foods, which cause our bodies to
      become acidified, promoting diseases of modern civilization. Some authors have
      suggested that dairy products are not helpful and perhaps detrimental to bone
      health because higher osteoporotic fracture incidence is observed in countries
      with higher dairy product consumption. However, scientific evidence does not
      support any of these claims. Milk and dairy products neither produce acid upon
      metabolism nor cause metabolic acidosis, and systemic pH is not influenced by
      diet. Observations of higher dairy product intake in countries with prevalent
      osteoporosis do not hold when urban environments are compared, likely due to
      physical labor in rural locations. Milk and other dairy products continue to be a
      good source of dietary protein and other nutrients. Key teaching points:
      Measurement of an acidic pH urine does not reflect metabolic acidosis or an
      adverse health condition. The modern diet, and dairy product consumption, does
      not make the body acidic. Alkaline diets alter urine pH but do not change
      systemic pH. Net acid excretion is not an important influence of calcium
      metabolism. Milk is not acid producing. Dietary phosphate does not have a
      negative impact on calcium metabolism, which is contrary to the acid-ash
      hypothesis.

PMID- 22081696
TI  - The relative value of strain and strain rate for defining intrinsic myocardial
      function.
AB  - It is well accepted that strain and strain rate deformation parameters are not
      only a measure of intrinsic myocardial contractility but are also influenced by
      changes in cardiac load and structure. To date, no information is available on
      the relative importance of these confounders. This study was designed to
      investigate how strain and strain rate, measured by Doppler echocardiography,
      relate to the individual factors that determine cardiac performance.
      Echocardiographic and conductance measurements were simultaneously performed in
      mice in which individual determinants of cardiac performance were mechanically
      and/or pharmacologically modulated. A multivariable analysis was performed with
      radial and circumferential strains and peak systolic radial and circumferential
      strain rates as dependent parameters and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW),
      arterial elastance (E(a)), end-diastolic pressure, and left ventricular
      myocardial volume (LVMV) as independent factors representing myocardial
      contractility, afterload, preload, and myocardial volume, respectively. Radial
      strain was most influenced by E(a) (beta = -0.58, R(2) = 0.34), whereas
      circumferential strain was strongly associated with E(a) and moderately with LVMV
      (beta = 0.79 and -0.52, respectively, R(2) = 0.54). Radial strain rate was
      related to both PRSW and LVMV (beta = 0.79 and -0.62, respectively, R(2) = 0.50),
      whereas circumferential strain rate showed a prominent correlation only with PRSW
      (beta = -0.61, R(2) = 0.51). In conclusion, strain (both radial and
      circumferential) is not a good surrogate measure of intrinsic myocardial
      contractility unless the strong confounding influence of afterload is considered.
      Strain rate is a more robust measure of contractility that is less influenced by
      changes in cardiac load and structure. Thus, peak systolic strain rate is the
      more relevant parameter to assess myocardial contractile function noninvasively.

PMID- 22081698
TI  - Endothelial dysfunction as a cellular mechanism for vascular failure.
AB  - The regulation of vascular tone, vascular permeability, and thromboresistance is
      essential to maintain blood circulation and therefore tissue environments under
      physiological conditions. Atherogenic stimuli, including diabetes, dyslipidemia,
      and oxidative stress, induce vascular dysfunction, leading to atherosclerosis,
      which is a key pathological basis for cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic
      heart disease and stroke. We have proposed a novel concept termed "vascular
      failure" to comprehensively recognize the vascular dysfunction that contributes
      to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular endothelial cells form
      the vascular endothelium as a monolayer that covers the vascular lumen and serves
      as an interface between circulating blood and immune cells. Endothelial cells
      regulate vascular function in collaboration with smooth muscle cells. Endothelial
      dysfunction under pathophysiological conditions contributes to the development of
      vascular dysfunction. Here, we address the barrier function and microtubule
      function of endothelial cells. Endothelial barrier function, mediated by cell-to
      cell junctions between endothelial cells, is regulated by small GTPases and
      kinases. Microtubule function, regulated by the acetylation of tubulin, a
      component of the microtubules, is a target of atherogenic stimuli. The
      elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction as a cellular
      mechanism for vascular failure could provide novel therapeutic targets of
      cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22081697
TI  - Mathematical modeling mechanisms of arrhythmias in transgenic mouse heart
      overexpressing TNF-alpha.
AB  - Transgenic mice overexpressing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha mice)
      possess many of the features of human heart failure, such as dilated
      cardiomyopathy, impaired Ca(2+) handling, arrhythmias, and decreased survival.
      Although TNF-alpha mice have been studied extensively with a number of
      experimental methods, the mechanisms of heart failure are not completely
      understood. We created a mathematical model that reproduced experimentally
      observed changes in the action potential (AP) and Ca(2+) handling of isolated TNF
      alpha mice ventricular myocytes. To study the contribution of the differences in
      ion currents, AP, Ca(2+) handling, and intercellular coupling to the development
      of arrhythmias in TNF-alpha mice, we further created several multicellular model
      tissues with combinations of wild-type (WT)/reduced gap junction conductance,
      WT/prolonged AP, and WT/decreased Na(+) current (I(Na)) amplitude. All model
      tissues were examined for susceptibility to Ca(2+) alternans, AP propagation
      block, and reentry. Our modeling results demonstrated that, similar to
      experimental data in TNF-alpha mice, Ca(2+) alternans in TNF-alpha tissues
      developed at longer basic cycle lengths. The greater susceptibility to Ca(2+)
      alternans was attributed to the prolonged AP, resulting in larger inactivation of
      I(Na), and to the decreased SR Ca(2+) uptake and corresponding smaller SR Ca(2+)
      load. Simulations demonstrated that AP prolongation induces an increased
      susceptibility to AP propagation block. Programmed stimulation of the model
      tissues with a premature impulse showed that reduced gap junction conduction
      increased the vulnerable window for initiation reentry, supporting the idea that
      reduced intercellular coupling is the major factor for reentrant arrhythmias in
      TNF-alpha mice.

PMID- 22081699
TI  - Constitutive overexpression of phosphomimetic phospholemman S68E mutant results
      in arrhythmias, early mortality, and heart failure: potential involvement of
      Na+/Ca2+ exchanger.
AB  - Expression and activity of cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX1) are altered in
      many disease states. We engineered mice in which the phosphomimetic phospholemman
      S68E mutant (inhibits NCX1 but not Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) was constitutively
      overexpressed in a cardiac-specific manner (conS68E). At 4-6 wk, conS68E mice
      exhibited severe bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, increased left ventricular
      (LV) mass, decreased cardiac output (CO), and ~50% mortality compared with wild
      type (WT) littermates. Protein levels of NCX1, calsequestrin, ryanodine receptor,
      and alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-subunits of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase were similar, but
      sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase was lower, whereas L-type Ca(2+)
      channels were higher in conS68E hearts. Resting membrane potential and action
      potential amplitude were similar, but action potential duration was dramatically
      prolonged in conS68E myocytes. Diastolic intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) was
      higher, [Ca(2+)](i) transient and maximal contraction amplitudes were lower, and
      half-time of [Ca(2+)](i) transient decline was longer in conS68E myocytes.
      Intracellular Na(+) reached maximum within 3 min after isoproterenol addition,
      followed by decline in WT but not in conS68E myocytes. Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange, L
      type Ca(2+), Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and depolarization-activated K(+) currents were
      decreased in conS68E myocytes. At 22 wk, bradycardia and increased LV mass
      persisted in conS68E survivors. Despite comparable baseline CO, conS68E survivors
      at 22 wk exhibited decreased chronotropic, inotropic, and lusitropic responses to
      isoproterenol. We conclude that constitutive overexpression of S68E mutant was
      detrimental, both in terms of depressed cardiac function and increased
      arrhythmogenesis.

PMID- 22081700
TI  - Cell-to-cell coupling in engineered pairs of rat ventricular cardiomyocytes:
      relation between Cx43 immunofluorescence and intercellular electrical
      conductance.
AB  - Gap junctions are composed of connexin (Cx) proteins, which mediate intercellular
      communication. Cx43 is the dominant Cx in ventricular myocardium, and Cx45 is
      present in trace amounts. Cx43 immunosignal has been associated with cell-to-cell
      coupling and electrical propagation, but no studies have directly correlated Cx43
      immunosignal to electrical cell-to-cell conductance, g(j), in ventricular
      cardiomyocyte pairs. To assess the correlation between Cx43 immunosignal and
      g(j), we developed a method to determine both parameters from the same cell pair.
      Neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were seeded on micropatterned islands of
      fibronectin. This allowed formation of cell pairs with reproducible shapes and
      facilitated tracking of cell pair locations. Moreover, cell spreading was limited
      by the fibronectin pattern, which allowed us to increase cell height by reducing
      the surface area of the pattern. Whole cell dual voltage clamp was used to record
      g(j) of cell pairs after 3-5 days in culture. Fixation of cell pairs before
      removal of patch electrodes enabled preservation of cell morphology and offline
      identification of patched pairs. Subsequently, pairs were immunostained, and the
      volume of junctional Cx43 was quantified using confocal microscopy, image
      deconvolution, and three-dimensional reconstruction. Our results show a linear
      correlation between g(j) and Cx43 immunosignal within a range of 8-50 nS.

PMID- 22081701
TI  - Atypical Ca2+ currents in chromaffin cells from SHR and WKY rat strains result
      from the deficient expression of a splice variant of the alpha1D Ca2+ channel.
AB  - Ca(2+) currents (I(Ca)) recorded from adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) of
      spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats are
      similar to one another, but different from those recorded in other rodent
      species. I(Ca) in WKY/SHR CCs comprises an early, transient (I(Ca(e))) and a
      late, sustained component (I(Ca(s))). In Wistar CCs, I(Ca(e)) is absent, and
      I(Ca(s)) is of greater amplitude. Activation and steady-state inactivation of
      I(Ca(e)) and I(Ca(s)) in WKY/SHR CCs suggest the recruitment of at least two
      populations of Ca(2+) channels with different voltage dependence and kinetics. In
      WKY/SHR CCs, I(Ca(e)) is inhibited by nifedipine, enhanced by BAY K 8644, is not
      blocked by the mibefradil analog NNC 55-0396, and displays Ca(2+)-dependent
      inactivation and fast deactivation kinetics, suggesting that it results from the
      opening of L-type rather than T-type Ca(2+) channels. I(Ca(e)) properties suggest
      that it originates from the opening of Ca(2+) channels formed with the short
      splice variant (Ca(V)1.3(42A)). RT-PCR showed that expression of Ca(V)1.3(42A)
      mRNA is similar in both Wistar and WKY/SHR, but that the long variant
      (Ca(V)1.3(42)) is virtually absent in WKY/SHR. Thus I(Ca(e)) corresponds to the
      recruitment of Ca(V)1.3(42A) channels, unmasked by the absence of Ca(V)1.3(42)
      channels. Studies in WKY CCs do not report major functional alterations, despite
      the unusual expression pattern of Ca(V)1.3 splice variants. It remains to be
      established if more subtle functional alterations exist, and if the atypical
      splicing pattern of Ca(V)1.3 could be related to the functional and behavioral
      alterations reported in WKY/SHR rats, including their susceptibility to develop
      hypertension.

PMID- 22081702
TI  - Testosterone-induced relaxation of coronary arteries: activation of BKCa channels
      via the cGMP-dependent protein kinase.
AB  - Androgens are reported to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on human
      cardiovascular health. The aim of this study was to characterize nongenomic
      signaling mechanisms in coronary artery smooth muscle (CASM) and define the ionic
      basis of testosterone (TES) action. TES-induced relaxation of endothelium-denuded
      porcine coronary arteries was nearly abolished by 20 nM iberiotoxin, a highly
      specific inhibitor of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca))
      channels. Molecular patch-clamp studies confirmed that nanomolar concentrations
      of TES stimulated BK(Ca) channel activity by ~100-fold and that inhibition of
      nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine nearly
      abolished this effect. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis or guanylyl
      cyclase activity also attenuated TES-induced coronary artery relaxation but did
      not alter relaxation due to 8-bromo-cGMP. Furthermore, we detected TES-stimulated
      NO production in porcine coronary arteries and in human CASM cells via
      stimulation of the type 1 neuronal NOS isoform. Inhibition of the cGMP-dependent
      protein kinase (PKG) attenuated TES-stimulated BK(Ca) channel activity, and
      direct assay determined that TES increased activity of PKG in a concentration
      dependent fashion. Last, the stimulatory effect of TES on BK(Ca) channel activity
      was mimicked by addition of purified PKG to the cytoplasmic surface of a cell
      free membrane patch from CASM myocytes (~100-fold increase). These findings
      indicate that TES-induced relaxation of endothelium-denuded coronary arteries is
      mediated, at least in part, by enhanced NO production, leading to cGMP synthesis
      and PKG activation, which, in turn, opens BK(Ca) channels. These findings provide
      a molecular mechanism that could help explain why androgens have been reported to
      relax coronary arteries and relieve angina pectoris.

PMID- 22081703
TI  - Cytoskeletal role in protection of the failing heart by beta-adrenergic blockade.
AB  - Formation of a dense microtubule network that impedes cardiac contraction and
      intracellular transport occurs in severe pressure overload hypertrophy. This
      process is highly dynamic, since microtubule depolymerization causes striking
      improvement in contractile function. A molecular etiology for this cytoskeletal
      alteration has been defined in terms of type 1 and type 2A phosphatase-dependent
      site-specific dephosphorylation of the predominant myocardial microtubule
      associated protein (MAP)4, which then decorates and stabilizes microtubules. This
      persistent phosphatase activation is dependent upon ongoing upstream activity of
      p21-activated kinase-1, or Pak1. Because cardiac beta-adrenergic activity is
      markedly and continuously increased in decompensated hypertrophy, and because
      beta-adrenergic activation of cardiac Pak1 and phosphatases has been
      demonstrated, we asked here whether the highly maladaptive cardiac microtubule
      phenotype seen in pathological hypertrophy is based on beta-adrenergic overdrive
      and thus could be reversed by beta-adrenergic blockade. The data in this study,
      which were designed to answer this question, show that such is the case; that is,
      beta(1)- (but not beta(2)-) adrenergic input activates this pathway, which
      consists of Pak1 activation, increased phosphatase activity, MAP4
      dephosphorylation, and thus the stabilization of a dense microtubule network.
      These data were gathered in a feline model of severe right ventricular (RV)
      pressure overload hypertrophy in response to tight pulmonary artery banding (PAB)
      in which a stable, twofold increase in RV mass is reached by 2 wk after pressure
      overloading. After 2 wk of hypertrophy induction, these PAB cats during the
      following 2 wk either had no further treatment or had beta-adrenergic blockade.
      The pathological microtubule phenotype and the severe RV cellular contractile
      dysfunction otherwise seen in this model of RV hypertrophy (PAB No Treatment) was
      reversed in the treated (PAB beta-Blockade) cats. Thus these data provide both a
      specific etiology and a specific remedy for the abnormal microtubule network
      found in some forms of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

PMID- 22081704
TI  - Aldosterone-induced brain MAPK signaling and sympathetic excitation are
      angiotensin II type-1 receptor dependent.
AB  - Angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling
      upregulates angiotensin II type-1 receptors (AT(1)R) in hypothalamic
      paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and contributes to AT(1)R-mediated sympathetic
      excitation in heart failure. Aldosterone has similar effects to increase AT(1)R
      expression in the PVN and sympathetic drive. The present study was undertaken to
      determine whether aldosterone also activates the sympathetic nervous system via
      MAPK signaling and, if so, whether its effect is independent of ANG II and
      AT(1)R. In anesthetized rats, a 4-h intravenous infusion of aldosterone induced
      increases (P < 0.05) in phosphorylated (p-) p44/42 MAPK in PVN, PVN neuronal
      excitation, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean blood pressure (MBP),
      and heart rate (HR). Intracerebroventricular or bilateral PVN microinjection of
      the p44/42 MAPK inhibitor PD-98059 reduced the aldosterone-induced RSNA, HR, and
      MBP responses. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment (5 days earlier) with pooled
      small interfering RNAs targeting p44/42 MAPK reduced total and p-p44/42 MAPK,
      aldosterone-induced c-Fos expression in the PVN, and the aldosterone-induced
      increases in RSNA, HR, and MBP. Intracerebroventricular infusion of either the
      mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-28318 or the AT(1)R antagonist losartan
      blocked aldosterone-induced phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK and prevented the
      increases in RSNA, HR, and MBP. These data suggest that aldosterone-induced
      sympathetic excitation depends upon that AT(1)R-induced MAPK signaling in the
      brain. The short time course of this interaction suggests a nongenomic mechanism,
      perhaps via an aldosterone-induced transactivation of the AT(1)R as described in
      peripheral tissues.

PMID- 22081705
TI  - Exercise plus volume loading prevents orthostatic intolerance but not reduction
      in cerebral blood flow velocity after bed rest.
AB  - This study tested the hypothesis that reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF)
      during orthostatic stress after bed rest can be ameliorated with volume loading,
      exercise, or both. Transcranial Doppler was used to measure changes in CBF
      velocity during lower body negative pressure (LBNP) before and after an 18-day
      bed rest in 33 healthy subjects. Subjects were assigned into four groups with
      similar age and sex: 1) supine cycling during bed rest (Exercise group; n = 7),
      2) volume loading with Dextran infusion after bed rest to restore reduced left
      ventricular filling pressure (Dextran group; n = 7), 3) exercise combined with
      volume loading to prevent orthostatic intolerance (Ex-Dex group; n = 7), and 4) a
      control group (n = 12). LBNP tolerance was measured using a cumulative stress
      index (CSI). After bed rest, CBF velocity was reduced at a lower level of LBNP in
      the Control group, and the magnitude of reduction was greater in the Ex-Dex
      group. However, reduction in orthostatic tolerance was prevented in the Ex-Dex
      group. Notably, volume loading alone prevented greater reductions in CBF velocity
      after bed rest, but CSI was reduced still by 25%. Finally, decreases in CBF
      velocity during LBNP were correlated with reduction in cardiac output under all
      conditions (r(2) = 0.86; P = < 0.001). Taken together, these findings demonstrate
      that volume loading alone can ameliorate reductions in CBF during LBNP. However,
      the lack of associations between changes in CBF velocity and orthostatic
      tolerance suggests that reductions in CBF during LBNP under steady-state
      conditions by itself are unlikely to be a primary factor leading to orthostatic
      intolerance.

PMID- 22081707
TI  - Regulation of coronary venular barrier function by blood borne inflammatory
      mediators and pharmacological tools: insights from novel microvascular wall
      models.
AB  - We hypothesized that postcapillary venules play a central role in the control of
      the tightness of the coronary system as a whole, particularly under inflammatory
      conditions. Sandwich cultures of endothelial cells and pericytes of precapillary
      arteriolar or postcapillary venular origin from human myocardium as models of the
      respective vascular walls (sandwich cultures of precapillary arteriolar or
      postcapillary venular origin) were exposed to thrombin and components of the
      acutely activatable inflammatory system, and their hydraulic conductivity (L(P))
      was registered. L(P) of SC-PAO remained low under all conditions (3.24 +/-
      0.52.10(-8)cm.s(-1).cmH(2)O(-1)). In contrast, in the venular wall model, PGE(2),
      platelet-activating factor (PAF), leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), IL-6, and IL-8
      induced a prompt, concentration-dependent, up to 10-fold increase in L(P) with
      synergistic support when combined. PAF and LTB(4) released by metabolically
      cooperating platelets, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) caused selectively
      venular endothelial cells to contract and to open their clefts widely. This
      breakdown of the barrier function was preventable and even reversible within 6-8
      h by the presence of 50 MUM quercetin glucuronide (QG). LTB(4) synthesis was
      facilitated by biochemical involvement of erythrocytes. Platelets segregated in
      the arterioles and PMNs in the venules of blood-perfused human myocardium
      (histological studies on donor hearts refused for heart transplantation).
      Extrapolating these findings to the coronary microcirculation in vivo would imply
      that the latter's complex functionality after accumulation of blood borne
      inflammatory mediators can change rapidly due to selective breakdown of the
      postcapillary venular barrier. The resulting inflammatory edema and venulo
      thrombosis will severely impair myocardial performance. The protection afforded
      by QG could be of particular relevance in the context of cardiosurgical
      intervention.

PMID- 22081706
TI  - Tempol modulates changes in xenobiotic permeability and occludin oligomeric
      assemblies at the blood-brain barrier during inflammatory pain.
AB  - Our laboratory has shown that lambda-carrageenan-induced peripheral inflammatory
      pain (CIP) can alter tight junction (TJ) protein expression and/or assembly
      leading to changes in blood-brain barrier xenobiotic permeability. However, the
      role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress during CIP
      is unknown. ROS (i.e., superoxide) are known to cause cellular damage in response
      to pain/inflammation. Therefore, we examined oxidative stress-associated effects
      at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in CIP rats. During CIP, increased staining of
      nitrosylated proteins was detected in hind paw tissue and enhanced presence of
      protein adducts containing 3-nitrotyrosine occurred at two molecular weights
      (i.e., 85 and 44 kDa) in brain microvessels. Tempol, a pharmacological ROS
      scavenger, attenuated formation of 3-nitrotyrosine-containing proteins in both
      the hind paw and in brain microvessels when administered 10 min before footpad
      injection of lambda-carrageenan. Similarly, CIP increased 4-hydroxynoneal
      staining in brain microvessels and this effect was reduced by tempol. Brain
      permeability to [(14)C]sucrose and [(3)H]codeine was increased, and oligomeric
      assemblies of occludin, a critical TJ protein, were altered after 3 h CIP. Tempol
      attenuated both [(14)C]sucrose and [(3)H]codeine brain uptake as well as
      protected occludin oligomers from disruption in CIP animals, suggesting that ROS
      production/oxidative stress is involved in modulating BBB functional integrity
      during pain/inflammation. Interestingly, tempol administration reduced codeine
      analgesia in CIP animals, indicating that oxidative stress during
      pain/inflammation may affect opioid delivery to the brain and subsequent
      efficacy. Taken together, our data show for the first time that ROS
      pharmacological scavenging is a viable approach for maintaining BBB integrity and
      controlling central nervous system drug delivery during acute inflammatory pain.

PMID- 22081708
TI  - Prominent contribution of L-type Ca2+ channels to cutaneous neurovascular
      transmission that is revealed after spinal cord injury augments vasoconstriction.
AB  - In patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), somatosympathetic reflexes produce
      exaggerated decreases in skin blood flow below the lesion. This hypoperfusion
      appears to result from an increased responsiveness of cutaneous arterial vessels
      to neural activation. Here we investigated the mechanisms that underlie SCI
      induced enhancement of neurovascular transmission in a cutaneous vessel, the rat
      tail artery. Isometric contractions of arterial segments from T11 spinal cord
      transected and sham-operated rats were compared 6 wk postoperatively. SCI more
      than doubled the amplitudes of contractions of arteries in response to moderate
      frequencies of nerve stimulation (0.1 to 1 Hz). In arteries from SCI rats, but
      not those from sham-operated rats, the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine
      (1 MUM) reduced the amplitudes of nerve-evoked contractions. Furthermore, while
      the sensitivity to the agonists phenylephrine (alpha(1)-adrenoceptor selective)
      and clonidine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor selective) did not differ significantly
      between arteries from SCI and sham-operated rats, nifedipine had a greater
      inhibitory effect on contractions to both agents in arteries from SCI rats.
      Although sensitivity to clonidine was unchanged, SCI selectively reduced the
      contribution of postjunctional alpha(2)-adenceptors to nerve-evoked contractions.
      In arteries from unoperated rats, the L-type channel agonist BAY K 8644 (0.1 MUM)
      produced a similar enhancement of nerve-evoked contraction to that produced by
      SCI and also selectively reduced the contribution of alpha(2)-adrenceptors to
      these responses. Together the findings demonstrate that the SCI-induced
      enhancement of neurovascular transmission in the rat tail artery can largely be
      accounted for by an increased contribution of L-type Ca(2+) channels to
      activation of the vascular smooth muscle.

PMID- 22081710
TI  - Corynebacterium epidermidicanis sp. nov., isolated from skin of a dog.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, pleomorphic, oxidase-negative, non-motile isolate from the
      skin of a dog, designated strain 410(T), was subjected to comprehensive taxonomic
      characterization. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the
      novel isolate showed highest similarities to the type strains of Corynebacterium
      humireducens, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and
      Corynebacterium ulcerans (96.1-96.8 %). The quinone system consisted
      predominantly of MK-8(H(2)) and MK-9(H(2)). The polar lipid profile of strain
      410(T) contained the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unidentified phospholipids and
      four unidentified glycolipids. The polyamine pattern was composed of the major
      amines spermidine and spermine. In the fatty acid profile, predominantly straight
      chain, saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were detected (C(18 :
      1)omega9c, C(16 : 1)omega7c, C(16 : 0)). These chemotaxonomic traits are in
      agreement with those reported for representatives of the genus Corynebacterium.
      Strain 410(T) tested negative for diphtheria toxin. Physiological properties as
      well as unique traits in the polar lipid profile could be used to distinguish
      strain 410(T) from the most closely related species. These data suggest that
      strain 410(T) represents a novel species of the genus Corynebacterium, for which
      we propose the name Corynebacterium epidermidicanis sp. nov. The type strain is
      410(T) (= DSM 45586(T) = LMG 26322(T) = CCUG 60915(T)).

PMID- 22081709
TI  - Mitochondrial Akt-regulated mitochondrial apoptosis signaling in cardiac muscle
      cells.
AB  - We recently reported translocation and activation of Akt in cardiac mitochondria.
      This study was to determine whether activation of Akt in mitochondria could
      inhibit apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells. Insulin stimulation induced
      translocation of phosphorylated Akt to the mitochondria in primary
      cardiomyocytes. A mitochondria-targeted constitutively active Akt was
      overexpressed via adenoviral vector and inhibited efflux of cytochrome c and
      apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria to cytosol and partially prevented
      loss of mitochondria cross-membrane electrochemical gradient. Activation of
      caspase 3 was suppressed in the cardiomyocytes transduced with mitochondria
      targeted active Akt, whereas a mitochondria-targeted dominant negative Akt
      enhanced activation of caspase 3. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP
      mediated nick-end labeling assay showed that mitochondrial activation of Akt
      significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells. When the endogenous Akt was
      abolished by LY294002, the antiapoptotic actions of mitochondrial Akt remained
      effective. These experiments suggested that mitochondrial Akt suppressed
      apoptosis signaling independent of cytosolic Akt in cardiac muscle cells.

PMID- 22081711
TI  - Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a marine
      annelid worm.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, orange-pigmented, slightly halophilic,
      rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JAMH 0132(T), was isolated from the
      trophosome of a tubeworm in Kagoshima Bay, Japan, and its taxonomic position was
      investigated using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew optimally at 28
      30  degrees C and with about 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed
      that Q-10 was the predominant respiratory quinone and that C(18 : 1)omega7c, C(16
      : 0) 2-OH and C(16 : 0) were the major fatty acids. Sphingoglycolipid,
      phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and
      phosphatidylcholine were the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was
      60.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that
      strain JAMH 0132(T) belonged to the family Sphingomonadaceae, within the class
      Alphaproteobacteria. The novel strain appeared most closely related to
      Sphingopyxis baekryungensis SW-150(T) (95.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity)
      and showed less sequence similarity with representatives of the genera
      Blastomonas, Sphingomonas, Sphingosinicella and Novosphingobium (<94.8 %). In
      having no detectable polyamine, strain JAMH 0132(T) differed from members of all
      genera currently in the family Sphingomonadaceae. On the basis of its phenotypic
      properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain JAMH 0132(T) represents a
      novel species of a new genus in the family Sphingomonadaceae for which the name
      Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain
      of Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae gen. nov., sp. nov. is JAMH 0132(T) (= JCM
      15549(T) = NCIMB 14486(T)).

PMID- 22081712
TI  - Kangiella taiwanensis sp. nov. and Kangiella marina sp. nov., marine bacteria
      isolated from shallow coastal water.
AB  - Two Gram-negative, heterotrophic, aerobic, marine bacteria, designated strains
      KT1(T) and KM1(T), were isolated from seawater samples collected from the shallow
      coastal regions of northern Taiwan. Cells grown in broth cultures were non
      flagellated rods. NaCl was required for growth. Optimal growth occurred with 2-5
      % NaCl, at 25-30  degrees C and at pH 8. They grew aerobically and were not
      capable of anaerobic growth by fermenting D-glucose or other carbohydrates. Q-8
      was the only isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipid detected in strain KT1(T)
      was phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, whereas those detected in KM1(T) were
      phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and an
      unidentified phospholipid. Cellular fatty acids were nearly all iso-branched,
      with iso-C(15 : 0) as the most abundant component (54.6-57.2 % of the total).
      Strains KT1(T) and KM1(T) had DNA G+C contents of 43.9 and 46.3 mol%,
      respectively. The two strains shared 98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity;
      levels of similarity with the type strains of species of the genus Kangiella were
      95.6-98.4 %. Data from the present taxonomic study conducted using a polyphasic
      approach revealed that the isolates could be classified as representatives of two
      novel species of the genus Kangiella, for which the names Kangiella taiwanensis
      sp. nov. (type strain KT1(T) = BCRC 80330(T) = JCM 17727(T)) and Kangiella marina
      sp. nov. (type strain KM1(T) = BCRC 80329(T) = JCM 17728(T)) are proposed.

PMID- 22081713
TI  - Arcanobacterium canis sp. nov., isolated from otitis externa of a dog, and
      emended description of the genus Arcanobacterium Collins et al. 1983 emend.
      Yassin et al. 2011.
AB  - A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium
      like Gram-stain-positive bacterium isolated from otitis externa of a dog.
      Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the
      genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strains of
      Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (97.2 %), Arcanobacterium hippocoleae (96.5 %) and
      Arcanobacterium phocae (96.4 %). The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H(4))
      supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar
      lipid profile contained the major lipids phosphatidylcholine,
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and an unidentified
      phospholipid (PL2). Major fatty acids were C(14 : 0), C(16 : 0), C(18 : 0), C(18
      : 1)omega9c and C(18 : 2)omega6,9c/anteiso-C(18 : 0) (detected as a summed
      feature). C(10 : 0) and C(12 : 0) were present in minor amounts. The results of
      physiological and biochemical testing clearly distinguished the unknown bacterium
      from other species of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is
      proposed that the unknown bacterium should be classified in the novel species
      Arcanobacterium canis sp. nov. The type strain of Arcanobacterium canis is
      P6775(T) (= CCM 7958(T) = CCUG 61573(T) = CIP 110339(T)). An emended description
      of the genus Arcanobacterium is also provided.

PMID- 22081714
TI  - Rhizobium grahamii sp. nov., from nodules of Dalea leporina, Leucaena
      leucocephala and Clitoria ternatea, and Rhizobium mesoamericanum sp. nov., from
      nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris, siratro, cowpea and Mimosa pudica.
AB  - Two novel related Rhizobium species, Rhizobium grahamii sp. nov. and Rhizobium
      mesoamericanum sp. nov., were identified by a polyphasic approach using DNA-DNA
      hybridization, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic and phenotypic
      characterization including nodulation of Leucaena leucocephala and Phaseolus
      vulgaris (bean). As similar bacteria were found in the Los Tuxtlas rainforest in
      Mexico and in Central America, we suggest the existence of a Mesoamerican
      microbiological corridor. The type strain of Rhizobium grahamii sp. nov. is CCGE
      502(T) (= ATCC BAA-2124(T) = CFN 242(T) = Dal4(T) = HAMBI 3152(T)) and that of
      Rhizobium mesoamericanum sp. nov. is CCGE 501(T) (= ATCC BAA-2123(T) = HAMBI
      3151(T) = CIP 110148(T) = 1847(T)).

PMID- 22081715
TI  - Burkholderia symbiotica sp. nov., isolated from root nodules of Mimosa spp.
      native to north-east Brazil.
AB  - Four strains, designated JPY-345(T), JPY-347, JPY-366 and JPY-581, were isolated
      from nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of two species of Mimosa, Mimosa
      cordistipula and Mimosa misera, that are native to North East Brazil, and their
      taxonomic positions were investigated by using a polyphasic approach. All four
      strains grew at 15-43  degrees C (optimum 35  degrees C), at pH 4-7 (optimum pH
      5) and with 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 % NaCl). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene
      sequence analysis, strain JPY-345(T) showed 97.3 % sequence similarity to the
      closest related species Burkholderia soli GP25-8(T), 97.3 % sequence similarity
      to Burkholderia caryophylli ATCC25418(T) and 97.1 % sequence similarity to
      Burkholderia kururiensis KP23(T). The predominant fatty acids of the strains were
      C(18 : 1)omega7c (36.1 %), C(16 : 0) (19.8 %) and summed feature 3, comprising
      C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or C(16 : 1)omega6c (11.5 %). The major isoprenoid quinone
      was Q-8 and the DNA G+C content of the strains was 64.2-65.7 mol%. The polar
      lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized
      aminophospholipids and phospholipids. DNA-DNA hybridizations between the novel
      strain and recognized species of the genus Burkholderia yielded relatedness
      values of <51.8 %. On the basis of 16S rRNA and recA gene sequence similarities
      and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, the four strains represent a novel
      species in the genus Burkholderia, for which the name Burkholderia symbiotica sp.
      nov. is proposed. The type strain is JPY-345(T) (= LMG 26032(T) = BCRC 80258(T) =
      KCTC 23309(T)).

PMID- 22081716
TI  - Mongoliicoccus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov., an alkaliphilic bacterium isolated
      from a haloalkaline lake.
AB  - Two pink, non-motile, aerobic, alkaliphilic, halotolerant, Gram-negative cocci,
      designated MIM28(T) and MIM29, were isolated from the surface water of a
      haloalkaline lake on the Mongolia Plateau. The isolates grew optimally at 30-33 
      degrees C, at pH 8-9 and with 3-4 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolates were
      chemoheterotrophic and could assimilate carbohydrates, organic acids and amino
      acids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7. The major polar lipids
      were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant cellular
      fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) (13.8-17.5 %), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (10.5-11.2 %),
      iso-C(16 : 0) (9.9-13.0 %), C(16 : 0) (4.3-4.6 %), iso-C(17 : 0) (3.8-5.3 %),
      anteiso-C(17 : 0) (3.7-7.1 %), C(17 : 1)omega6c (4.6-6.4 %), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH
      (4.6-5.8 %), summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or C(16 : 1)omega6c; 4.0-6.4
      %) and summed feature 9 (iso-C(17 : 1)omega9c and/or C(16 : 0) 10-methyl; 10.4
      12.5 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the
      isolates were most closely related to Litoribacter ruber YIM CH208(T) (93.6 % 16S
      rRNA gene sequence similarity), the genus Echinicola (90.4-92 %) and other
      members of the family Cyclobacteriaceae (87.8-90 %). The DNA G+C contents of
      strains MIM28(T) and MIM29 were 62.8 and 62.2 mol%. On the basis of morphology,
      physiology, fatty acid composition, phylogeny and 16S rRNA gene sequence
      analysis, the isolates are assigned to a novel species of a new genus, for which
      we propose the name Mongoliicoccus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain of
      the type species is MIM28(T) (= ACCC 05511(T) = KCTC 19808(T)).

PMID- 22081717
TI  - Salinirepens amamiensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family
      Cryomorphaceae isolated from seawater, and emended descriptions of the genera
      Fluviicola and Wandonia.
AB  - The taxonomic position of bacterial strain AM11-6(T), isolated from seawater in
      Japan, was determined by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was a
      strictly aerobic and Gram-staining-negative slender rod, motile by gliding. The
      major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 and the predominant cellular fatty
      acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, C(14 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 1) G. The
      polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of an unidentified phospholipid,
      several glycolipids and an unidentified polar lipid. The G+C content of the
      genomic DNA was 36.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences
      showed that strain AM11-6(T) clustered with members of the genera Wandonia and
      Fluviicola in the family Cryomorphaceae of the phylum Bacteroidetes. The strain
      required NaCl and MgCl(2) for growth and could be differentiated from members of
      other genera in the family Cryomorphaceae by fatty acid composition and other
      phenotypic characters. On the basis of these results, we describe the novel genus
      and species, Salinirepens amamiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of
      Salinirepens amamiensis is AM11-6(T) (= NBRC 101268(T) = NCIMB 14607(T)). Emended
      descriptions of the genera Fluviicola and Wandonia are also proposed.

PMID- 22081718
TI  - Cecembia lonarensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a haloalkalitolerant bacterium of the
      family Cyclobacteriaceae, isolated from a haloalkaline lake and emended
      descriptions of the genera Indibacter, Nitritalea and Belliella.
AB  - A novel Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated
      strain LW9(T), was isolated from a water sample collected from Lonar Lake of
      Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. Colonies and broth cultures were reddish
      orange due to the presence of carotenoid pigments. Strain LW9(T) was positive for
      catalase, ornithine decarboxylase and lysine decarboxylase activities and
      negative for gelatinase, oxidase, urease and lipase activities. The predominant
      fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) (31.3 %), iso-C(16 : 0) (9.3 %), anteiso-C(15 : 0)
      (7.3 %), iso-C(16 : 1) H (6.1 %), summed feature 3 (comprising C(16 :
      1)omega7c/C(16 : 1)omega6c; 5.9 %), iso-C(17 : 1)omega9c (5.4 %) and iso-C(17 :
      0) 3-OH (5.0 %). Strain LW9(T) contained MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone.
      The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified
      aminolipids and seven unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain LW9(T)
      was 40.5 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the type strains of
      Indibacter alkaliphilus and Aquiflexum balticum, two members of the family
      Cyclobacteriaceae (phylum 'Bacteroidetes') were the most closely related strains
      with sequence similarities of 93.0 and 94.0 %, respectively. Other members of the
      family Cyclobacteriaceae showed sequence similarities <93.0 %. Based on these
      phenotypic characteristics and on phylogenetic inference, strain LW9(T) is
      proposed as the representative of novel species in a new genus, Cecembia
      lonarensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species, Cecembia
      lonarensis, is LW9(T) (= CCUG 58316(T) = KCTC 22772(T)). Emended descriptions of
      the genera Indibacter, Nitritalea and Belliella are also proposed.

PMID- 22081719
TI  - Pseudarcicella hirudinis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the skin of the
      medical leech Hirudo medicinalis.
AB  - A pinkish-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming
      bacterium, strain E92(T), was isolated from the skin of the medical leech Hirudo
      medicinalis, on R2A agar. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain E92(T) showed
      a relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (93.0-93.5 %) to
      representatives of the genus Arcicella and 91.5-92.0 % to members of the genus
      Flectobacillus. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major compounds
      phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified
      aminolipid and an unidentified polar lipid; glycolipids were not detected. The
      major quinone was menquinone MK-7, and the major compound in the polyamine
      pattern was spermidine. The predominant fatty acids were C(16 : 1)omega5c and
      C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH (detected as summed feature 3). The
      isolate did not contain C(14 : 0) or the hydroxyl fatty acid iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH
      found in all representatives of the genera Arcicella and Flectobacillus, but did
      produce C(18 : 1)omega7c and 11-methyl C(18 : 1)omega7c which are not found in
      these two genera. The DNA G+C content of strain E92(T) was 64.4 mol%. The unique
      16S rRNA gene sequence, and specific chemotaxonomic and physiological data
      revealed that strain E92(T) represents a new genus in the family Cytophagaceae
      for which we propose the name Pseudarcicella hirudinis gen. nov., sp. nov., with
      the type strain of the type species as E92(T) (= LMG 26720(T) = CCM 7988(T)).

PMID- 22081720
TI  - Bensingtonia rectispora sp. nov. and Bensingtonia bomiensis sp. nov.,
      ballistoconidium-forming yeast species from Tibetan plant leaves.
AB  - Five yeast strains isolated from plant leaves collected in south-east Tibet
      formed cream to brownish colonies and produced asymmetrical ballistoconidia and
      CoQ-9 as the major ubiquinone. Sequence analysis of the 26S rRNA D1/D2 domain and
      the internal transcribed spacer region indicated that these strains represented
      two novel species of the genus Bensingtonia. The names Bensingtonia rectispora
      sp. nov. (type strain XZ 4C5(T) = CGMCC 2.02635(T) = CBS 10710(T)) and
      Bensingtonia bomiensis sp. nov. (type strain XZ 33D1(T) = CGMCC 2.02670(T) = CBS
      10713(T)) are proposed for the two novel species, which are phylogenetically
      closely related to Bensingtonia naganoensis, Bensingtonia pseudonaganoensis and
      the type species of the genus, Bensingtonia ciliata.

PMID- 22081721
TI  - Oceanicaulis stylophorae sp. nov., isolated from the reef-building coral
      Stylophora pistillata.
AB  - A bacterial strain designated GISW-4(T) was isolated from the reef-building coral
      Stylophora pistillata, collected from seawater off the coast of southern Taiwan,
      and was characterized in this taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain
      GISW-4(T) was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, beige, rod-shaped, and dimorphic,
      either non-motile with stalks (or prosthecae), or non-stalked and motile by means
      of a single polar flagellum. 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed that the novel
      strain clustered with Oceanicaulis alexandrii C116-18(T) (98.9 % 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity). Strain GISW-4(T) exhibited optimal growth at 35-40  degrees
      C, 1-2 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7-9. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %)
      were C(18 : 0), C(18 : 1)omega7c and C(18 : 1)omega7c 11-methyl. The predominant
      polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol and two
      unknown phospholipids (PL1-2). The major respiratory quinones were ubiquinone Q
      10 and Q-9, and the DNA G+C content was 61.6 mol%. The results of physiological
      and biochemical tests allowed clear phenotypic differentiation of strain GISW
      4(T) from the type strain of O. alexandrii. It is evident from the genotypic,
      phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data that the isolate should be classified as a
      novel species of the genus Oceanicaulis. The name proposed for this taxon is
      Oceanicaulis stylophorae sp. nov., with the type strain GISW-4(T) (= LMG 25723(T)
      = BCRC 80207(T)).

PMID- 22081722
TI  - Pricia antarctica gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae,
      isolated from Antarctic intertidal sediment.
AB  - A yellow-coloured, rod-shaped, Gram-reaction- and Gram-staining-negative, non
      motile and aerobic bacterium, designated strain ZS1-8(T), was isolated from a
      sample of sandy intertidal sediment collected from the Antarctic coast.
      Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. In phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA
      gene sequences, strain ZS1-8(T) formed a distinct phyletic line and the results
      indicated that the novel strain should be placed in a new genus within the family
      Flavobacteriaceae. In pairwise comparisons between strain ZS1-8(T) and recognized
      species, the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were all <93.3 %. The
      strain required Ca(2+) and K(+) ions as well as NaCl for growth. Optimal growth
      was observed at pH 7.5-8.0, 17-19  degrees C and with 2-3 % (w/v) NaCl. The major
      fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 1) G, iso-C(15 : 0), summed feature 3 (iso-C(15 : 0)
      2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)omega7c), an unknown acid with an equivalent chain-length of
      13.565 and iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The
      predominant polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content
      was 43.9 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data,
      strain ZS1-8(T) represents a novel species in a new genus in the family
      Flavobacteriaceae for which the name Pricia antarctica gen. nov., sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain of the type species is ZS1-8(T) (= JCM 17291(T) = DSM
      23421(T)).

PMID- 22081723
TI  - Luteolibacter luojiensis sp. nov., isolated from Arctic tundra soil, and emended
      description of the genus Luteolibacter.
AB  - A yellow-pigmented, Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacterium,
      designated DR4-30(T), was isolated from tundra soil near Ny-Alesund, Svalbard
      Archipelago, Norway (78 degrees  58' N 12 degrees  03' E). Growth occurred at 4
      28  degrees C (optimum 20-25  degrees C) and at pH 7-8 (optimum pH 7).
      Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain DR4
      30(T) belongs to the genus Luteolibacter in the family Verrucomicrobiaceae. The
      16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain showed 95.4 and 94.7 % sequence similarity
      to those of Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis A4T-83(T) and Luteolibacter algae A5J-41
      2(T), respectively. The major respiratory quinones were MK-9 and MK-10; the
      predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or
      C(16 : 1)omega6c; 20.7 %), iso-C(14 : 0) (20.3 %), C(17 : 0) (10.7 %), C(16 : 0)
      (8.0 %) and C(14 : 0) (6.6 %). The DNA G+C content was 57.3 mol%. On the basis of
      phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain DR4-30(T) represents a
      novel species of the genus Luteolibacter, for which the name Luteolibacter
      luojiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DR4-30(T) (= CCTCC AB
      2010415(T) = NRRL B-59669(T)). An emended description of the genus Luteolibacter
      is also provided.

PMID- 22081725
TI  - Determination of meropenem penetration into the lung from Sparse data.

PMID- 22081726
TI  - Growing skin: A computational model for skin expansion in reconstructive surgery.
AB  - The goal of this manuscript is to establish a novel computational model for
      stretch-induced skin growth during tissue expansion. Tissue expansion is a common
      surgical procedure to grow extra skin for reconstructing birth defects, burn
      injuries, or cancerous breasts. To model skin growth within the framework of
      nonlinear continuum mechanics, we adopt the multiplicative decomposition of the
      deformation gradient into an elastic and a growth part. Within this concept, we
      characterize growth as an irreversible, stretch-driven, transversely isotropic
      process parameterized in terms of a single scalar-valued growth multiplier, the
      in-plane area growth. To discretize its evolution in time, we apply an
      unconditionally stable, implicit Euler backward scheme. To discretize it in
      space, we utilize the finite element method. For maximum algorithmic efficiency
      and optimal convergence, we suggest an inner Newton iteration to locally update
      the growth multiplier at each integration point. This iteration is embedded
      within an outer Newton iteration to globally update the deformation at each
      finite element node. To demonstrate the characteristic features of skin growth,
      we simulate the process of gradual tissue expander inflation. To visualize growth
      induced residual stresses, we simulate a subsequent tissue expander deflation. In
      particular, we compare the spatio-temporal evolution of area growth, elastic
      strains, and residual stresses for four commonly available tissue expander
      geometries. We believe that predictive computational modeling can open new
      avenues in reconstructive surgery to rationalize and standardize clinical process
      parameters such as expander geometry, expander size, expander placement, and
      inflation timing.

PMID- 22081727
TI  - Does Telephone Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing Improve the Accuracy of
      Prevalence Estimates of Youth Smoking? Evidence from the UMass Tobacco Study.
AB  - Despite their advantage for obtaining representative samples of adolescents,
      telephone surveys have been regarded as inferior for collecting data on youth
      tobacco use because they yield lower estimates than school-based self
      administered surveys. Although no gold standard for smoking estimates exists, the
      lower estimates in telephone surveys have been attributed to underreporting due
      to youths' concern about parents or others overhearing their responses. Telephone
      audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (T-ACASI) is a cost-effective method
      for obtaining a representative sample of youths and provides increased privacy
      for the respondent. We hypothesized that using T-ACASI would encourage youths to
      more fully report smoking behavior compared to traditional interviewer
      administered telephone methods. Our analysis further assessed whether respondent
      age, gender, race/ethnicity, and parental attitude toward smoking moderated the
      relationship between survey mode and smoking reports. Using data from a statewide
      tobacco use survey that randomly assigned youth respondents to either T-ACASI or
      interviewer-administered mode, we found youths were more likely to report smoking
      behaviors in T-ACASI mode and that this was especially true for girls,
      particularly those who believed their parents would disapprove strongly of their
      smoking. Findings suggest that traditional telephone surveys may underestimate
      smoking prevalence in most girls by a factor of two, and that a technique for
      insuring privacy for these respondents is an important component of effective
      telephone survey methodology.

PMID- 22081728
TI  - The Social Structuring of Mental Health over the Adult Life Course: Advancing
      Theory in the Sociology of Aging.
AB  - The sociology of aging draws on a broad array of theoretical perspectives from
      several disciplines, but rarely has it developed its own. We build on past work
      to advance and empirically test a model of mental health framed in terms of
      structural theorizing and situated within the life course perspective. Whereas
      most prior research has been based on cross-sectional data, we utilize four waves
      of data from a nationally representative sample of American adults (Americans'
      Changing Lives Study) collected prospectively over a 15-year period and find that
      education, employment and marital status, as well as their consequences for
      income and health, effectively explain the increase in depressive symptoms after
      age 65. We also found significant cohort differences in age trajectories of
      mental health that were partly explained by historical increases in education. We
      demonstrate that a purely structural theory can take us far in explaining later
      life mental health.

PMID- 22081729
TI  - Effects of Employment-Based Programs on Families by Prior Levels of Disadvantage.
AB  - This study examines how welfare and employment policies affect subpopulations of
      low-income families that have different levels of initial disadvantage.
      Education, prior earnings, and welfare receipt are used to measure disadvantage.
      The analysis of data from experiments suggests that employment-based programs
      have no effects on economic well-being among the least-disadvantaged low-income,
      single-parent families, but they have positive effects on employment and income
      for the most-disadvantaged and moderately disadvantaged families. These programs
      increase school achievement and enrollment in center-based child care of children
      only in moderately disadvantaged families. The most-disadvantaged families are
      found to increase use of child care that is not center based. Parents in these
      families experience depressive symptoms and aggravation. The findings raise
      questions about how to support families at the lowest end of the economic
      spectrum.

PMID- 22081730
TI  - Total synthesis of (+/-)-gamma-lycorane via the electrocyclic ring closure of a
      divinylpyrroline.
AB  - A concise total synthesis of (+/-)-gamma-lycorane is described. The key step in
      the synthesis is the 6pi-electrocyclic ring closure of a divinylpyrroline to give
      a tetrahydroindole, which is subsequently hydrogenated to give the all-cis
      indolizidine core.

PMID- 22081731
TI  - Organocatalyzed enantioselective synthesis of 2-amino-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H
      chromene-3-carboxylates.
AB  - The organocatalyzed enantioselective synthesis of biologically active 2-amino-5
      oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate derivatives was achieved using
      bifunctional cinchona alkaloids as the catalysts. Using quinine thiourea as the
      catalyst, the tandem Michael addition-cyclization reaction between 1,3
      cyclohexanediones and alkylidenecyanoacetate derivatives gives the desired
      products in high yields (up to 92%) and good ee values (up to 82%).

PMID- 22081732
TI  - Outcome Trajectories in Drug Court: Do All Participants Have Drug Problems?
AB  - Graduation rates in drug courts average 50% to 70%, but it is unclear what
      proportion of graduates responded to the drug court services and what proportion
      might not have had serious drug problems upon entry. This study cluster-analyzed
      urine drug screen results during the first 14 weeks of treatment on 284
      participants from three misdemeanor drug courts. A four-cluster solution (R(2) >
      .75) produced distinct subgroups characterized by (1) consistently drug-negative
      urine specimens (34% of the sample), (2) consistently drug-positive specimens
      (21%), (3) consistently missed urine specimens (26%), and (4) urine specimens
      that began as drug-positive but became progressively drug-negative over time
      (19%). These data suggest that approximately one-third of the participants might
      not have had serious drug problems upon entry. Approximately one-fifth appeared
      to respond to drug court services, and nearly one-half continued to exhibit
      problems after 14 weeks. Implications for adaptive programming in drug courts are
      discussed.

PMID- 22081733
TI  - Efficiency of European public higher education institutions: a two-stage
      multicountry approach.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to examine efficiency and its determinants in a set
      of higher education institutions (HEIs) from several European countries by means
      of non-parametric frontier techniques. Our analysis is based on a sample of 259
      public HEIs from 7 European countries across the time period of 2001-2005. We
      conduct a two-stage DEA analysis (Simar and Wilson in J Economet 136:31-64,
      2007), first evaluating DEA scores and then regressing them on potential
      covariates with the use of a bootstrapped truncated regression. Results indicate
      a considerable variability of efficiency scores within and between countries.
      Unit size (economies of scale), number and composition of faculties, sources of
      funding and gender staff composition are found to be among the crucial
      determinants of these units' performance. Specifically, we found evidence that a
      higher share of funds from external sources and a higher number of women among
      academic staff improve the efficiency of the institution.

PMID- 22081734
TI  - Achievement motives and emotional processes in children during problem-solving:
      Two experimental studies of their relation to performance in different
      achievement goal conditions.
AB  - In two studies, the influence of key emotional and motivational factors on
      performance in different achievement goal-type situations is examined. In study
      1, based on 314 sixth-graders, two types of goal situations were induced;
      performance and mastery. The goals were examined with respect to important
      antecedents (e.g., motive dispositions) and several consequences (e.g.,
      performance, satisfaction, pleasant affect, worry, and emotionality). The results
      showed that the motive to achieve success (M(s)) produced positive affects,
      satisfaction, and increased performance, whereas the motive to avoid failure
      (M(f)) produced worries and performance reduction. In study 2, based on 331 sixth
      graders, three types of goal situations were induced; performance-approach,
      performance-avoidance, and mastery goals. The findings revealed that the most
      important single factors positively related to performance were M(s) and mastery
      goal situation. In addition, high M(s) pupils performed better under mastery
      condition than under performance condition. Finally, avoidance-goal situation
      accentuate the negative effects of high M(f) on performance.

PMID- 22081735
TI  - Effects of orange juice pH on survival, urease activity and DNA profiles of
      Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis stored at 4 degree C.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the survival, growth rate and
      possible cellular adaptation mechanisms of Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y.
      enterocolitica in orange juice under different pH conditions. Yersinia was
      inoculated in orange juice with adjusted pH levels of 3.9, 4.0, and 7.0 and
      stored at 4 C for 3, 24, 72 and 168 hours (h). The inter-and intra-species
      variation is significant to the pH and time of incubation variables (p<0.05). At
      3.9 pH the CFU (colony forming units) count decreased significantly.At pH 3.9 and
      4.0, Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis survived for at least 30 days
      and 15 days, respectively. Yersinia that survived under low pH in orange juice
      revealed enhanced urease activity within 12 h of incubation. The attachment gene
      (ail) could not be detected by PCR in Y. enterocolitica from undiluted sample
      incubated for 24 h or longer. Moreover, the FesI-restriction profile was altered
      when Y. pseudotuberculosis was stored at pH 4.0 orange juice for 7 days. These
      results indicate that Yersinia could survive and grow at low pH and the survival
      mechanisms could also enable the bacteria to survive the stomach pH barrier to
      cause enteric infection.

PMID- 22081736
TI  - Measuring AIDS-Related Behaviors in Older Populations: Methodological Issues.
AB  - Because of a dearth of research on reporting biases in the measurement of HIV
      related sexual and drug use behaviors in older populations, it is frequently
      assumed that methodological findings of research conducted with younger
      populations will generalize to older respondents. In this study, estimates of the
      effect of the experimental manipulation of interview mode (interviewer
      administered vs. self-administered) were derived separately for three age strata:
      12 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65+. Results of these analyses indicate that there were a
      number of noteworthy reversals in which interviewer-administered questioning in
      the older age strata produced higher esti-mates of the prevalence of substance
      use or alcohol-related problem behaviors. These results suggest that caution
      should be exercised in making generalizations from studies of reporting bias for
      HIV-related behaviors to older populations.

PMID- 22081737
TI  - Relationship-Specific Investments, Family Chaos, and Cohabitation Dissolution
      Following a Non-marital Birth.
AB  - Predictors of two types of cohabitation dissolution, dissolution with a continued
      romantic relationship and without (i.e. breakup), were examined using data from
      mothers cohabiting at the time of a non-marital birth in the Fragile Families and
      Child Wellbeing Study (n = 1624). Life tables indicated 64% of unions dissolved
      within 5 years; of these, 76% broke-up. Black mothers had the highest rates of
      dissolution. Maximum likelihood discrete-time event history results revealed that
      younger mothers were more likely to experience cohabitation dissolution into a
      breakup. Fewer relationship-specific investments and more family chaos were also
      associated with greater risk of cohabitation dissolution into a breakup. Mothers'
      multipartnered fertility and fewer relationship-specific investments were
      associated with greater risk of cohabitation dissolution with a continued
      romantic relationship. Post-dissolution, mothers who maintained a romantic
      relationship were more likely to reenter a union with their former partner while
      mothers whose union broke-up most often remained so.

PMID- 22081738
TI  - Emotions in Marital Conflict Interactions: Empathic Accuracy, Assumed Similarity,
      and the Moderating Context of Depressive Symptoms.
AB  - To examine affectivity in marital interaction, 267 couples participated in
      laboratory-based marital conflicts and afterward rated their own and their
      spouses' emotions of positivity, anger, sadness, and fear. Actor-Partner
      Interdependence Models (Cook & Kenny, 2005) estimated empathic accuracy and
      assumed similarity effects, with symptoms of depression tested as a moderator.
      Depressive symptoms moderated spouses' ratings of their partners' negative
      emotions such that assumed similarity was higher and empathic accuracy was lower
      in the context of elevated depressive symptoms. The results suggest that
      depression may influence spouses' judgments of how closely linked partner
      emotions are (i.e., assumed similarity) and spouses' abilities to accurately
      perceive their partners' negative emotions (i.e., empathic accuracy), potentially
      contributing to the established marital dysfunction-psychological distress cycle.

PMID- 22081739
TI  - Peer effects in learning HIV results.
AB  - How do neighbors positively or negatively influence individuals living in rural
      Malawi to learn their HIV results? Using data of location of homes and distance
      to neighbors, we measure the social network effects of neighbors' learning their
      HIV results on individuals own learning. Using the fact that neighbors were
      randomly offered monetary incentives of varying amounts to learn their HIV
      results, we find positive effects of neighbors attending clinics on others living
      nearby: a 10 percentage point increase of the percentage of neighbors
      (approximately 2.4 individuals) learning their HIV results increases the
      probability of learning HIV results by 1.1 percentage points. The strongest
      network effects are among closest neighbors; we find no effect among religious
      social networks. We also find a negative interaction between direct cash
      incentives and peers: the effect of peers doubles among those who were not
      offered any individual financial incentive to learn their HIV results.

PMID- 22081740
TI  - Yolk hormones and sexual conflict over parental investment in the pied
      flycatcher.
AB  - Female birds might be able to manipulate the parental effort of their male
      partner through elevated transfer of hormones to the eggs, since these hormones
      affect many chick traits that males might use as cues for adjusting the level of
      their investment. We experimentally studied whether female pied flycatchers
      Ficedula hypoleuca could manipulate male investment via yolk androgens. There is
      much more variation in yolk androgen levels between females than within clutches,
      and in order to change the androgen levels of the eggs, we swapped whole clutches
      between nests. To estimate the androgen levels of the clutch, we measured the
      androgen content of a single egg per clutch. Females did not succeed in
      manipulating male effort using yolk androgens, since there was no relationship
      between the division of parental care within a pair and either original or foster
      egg androgen levels. One of these relationships should have occurred if females
      were manipulating males. The proportion of feeding visits by the male was higher
      when the male was old (55%) than when he was young (45%) and females laid eggs
      with higher androgen levels when mated with a young male. Young males did not
      exhibit any responses to yolk androgen levels either, which indicates that
      females cannot exploit their effort more than that of old males. We suggest that
      females may allocate yolk androgens to adjust the growth trajectories of the
      chicks to poor growing conditions when mated with young males that are poor
      providers or occupying a poor territory.

PMID- 22081741
TI  - Facilitating comprehensive assessment of 12-step experiences: A Multidimensional
      Measure of Mutual-Help Activity.
AB  - Existing measures of 12-step mutual-help activity typically capture only a narrow
      range of experiences and combine fellowships with explicitly different substance
      specific emphases (e.g., Alcoholics versus Narcotics Anonymous). To help expand
      our knowledge in this important area, we report on the development and use of a
      comprehensive multidimensional measure of 12-step experiences in two clinical
      samples of young adults and adolescents (N=430). One-week test-retest reliability
      was verified on a subsample. Results indicated high content validity and
      reliability across seven dimensions of experience (meeting attendance, meeting
      participation, fellowship involvement, step work, mandated attendance,
      affiliation, and safety), and the measure successfully discriminated between
      samples on anticipated activity levels. This measure provides rich data on mutual
      help activities and deepens our understanding of individuals' experiences across
      different 12-step organizations.

PMID- 22081742
TI  - Automating Telephone Surveys: Using T-ACASI to Obtain Data on Sensitive Topics.
AB  - This paper describes a new interview data collection system that uses a personal
      computer equipped with a telephone interface card. This system, telephone audio
      computer-assisted self-interviewing or T-ACASI, offers the economy of telephone
      interviews while providing the privacy of self-administered questionnaires. We
      describe T-ACASI design considerations and operational characteristics. In
      addition, we present data from recent studies indicating that the T-ACASI system
      is stable, robust, and suitable for administering relatively long and complex
      questionnaires on sensitive topics, including drug use and sexual behaviors
      associated with HIV and other STDs.

PMID- 22081743
TI  - Implementing Audio-CASI on Windows' Platforms.
AB  - Audio computer-assisted self interviewing (Audio-CASI) technologies have recently
      been shown to provide important and sometimes dramatic improvements in the
      quality of survey measurements. This is particularly true for measurements
      requiring respondents to divulge highly sensitive information such as their
      sexual, drug use, or other sensitive behaviors. However, DOS-based Audio-CASI
      systems that were designed and adopted in the early 1990s have important
      limitations. Most salient is the poor control they provide for manipulating the
      video presentation of survey questions. This article reports our experiences
      adapting Audio-CASI to Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 platforms. Overall,
      our Windows-based system provided the desired control over video presentation and
      afforded other advantages including compatibility with a much wider array of
      audio devices than our DOS-based Audio-CASI technologies. These advantages came
      at the cost of increased system requirements --including the need for both more
      RAM and larger hard disks. While these costs will be an issue for organizations
      converting large inventories of PCS to Windows Audio-CASI today, this will not be
      a serious constraint for organizations and individuals with small inventories of
      machines to upgrade or those purchasing new machines today.

PMID- 22081744
TI  - Using Touch Screen Audio-CASI to Obtain Data on Sensitive Topics.
AB  - This paper describes a new interview data collection system that uses a laptop
      personal computer equipped with a touch-sensitive video monitor. The touch-screen
      based audio computer-assisted self-interviewing system, or touch screen audio
      CASI, enhances the ease of use of conventional audio CASI systems while
      simultaneously providing the privacy of self-administered questionnaires. We
      describe touch screen audio-CASI design features and operational characteristics.
      In addition, we present data from a recent clinic-based experiment indicating
      that the touch audio-CASI system is stable, robust, and suitable for
      administering relatively long and complex questionnaires on sensitive topics,
      including drug use and sexual behaviors associated with HIV and other sexually
      transmitted diseases.

PMID- 22081745
TI  - Individuals with Fear of Blushing Explicitly and Automatically Associate Blushing
      with Social Costs.
AB  - To explain fear of blushing, it has been proposed that individuals with fear of
      blushing overestimate the social costs of their blushing. Current information
      processing models emphasize the relevance of differentiating between more
      automatic and more explicit cognitions, as both types of cognitions may
      independently influence behavior. The present study tested whether individuals
      with fear of blushing expect blushing to have more negative social consequences
      than controls, both on an explicit level and on a more automatic level. Automatic
      associations between blushing and social costs were assessed in a treatment
      seeking sample of individuals with fear of blushing who met DSM-IV criteria for
      social anxiety disorder (n = 49) and a non-anxious control group (n = 27) using a
      single-target Implicit Association Test (stIAT). In addition, participants'
      explicit expectations about the social costs of their blushing were assessed.
      Individuals with fear of blushing showed stronger associations between blushing
      and negative outcomes, as indicated by both stIAT and self-report. The findings
      support the view that automatic and explicit associations between blushing and
      social costs may both help to enhance our understanding of the cognitive
      processes that underlie fear of blushing.

PMID- 22081746
TI  - Reduction of Seed Dormancy in Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. by In-dark Seed
      Selection and Breeding.
AB  - Strong seed dormancy has been an obstacle for field production of Echinacea
      species. Previous research on overcoming Echinacea seed dormancy has been
      extensive and focused on treatment methods, which involve time and expense, and
      are incompatible with organic production if synthetic chemicals are used. We have
      attempted to genetically reduce seed dormancy through selection and breeding in
      Echinacea, by using E. pallida as a model species. Three accessions were used in
      this study. Nine parent plants of each accession selected from early, in-dark
      germinated seeds (in-dark plants) or from late, in-light seeds (in-light plants)
      were planted and grouped by accession and germination treatment method for seed
      production through a polycross method. Germination tests indicated that these in
      dark plants produced seed (in-dark seed) with significantly reduced seed dormancy
      when tested under light or dark conditions in comparison to the seed of the in
      light plants (in-light seed). Among the three accessions, the in-dark seed
      germinated at much higher rates than did the in-light seed, more than 2* at 25
      degrees C under light and up to an 83* increase in darkness, and up to an 8*
      increase over the corresponding parental seed lots under comparable germination
      conditions. In addition to these increases in germination, the in-dark seed
      showed early and synchronized germination as compared to the in-light seed. Since
      these results were achieved through only one cycle of selection and breeding,
      they strongly suggest that we have developed a very effective method for
      modifying seed dormancy in Echinacea.

PMID- 22081747
TI  - Sister Circles as a Culturally Relevant Intervention for Anxious African American
      Women.
AB  - Research on anxiety treatment with African American women reveals a need to
      develop interventions that address factors relevant to their lives. Such factors
      include feelings of isolation, multiple roles undertaken by Black women, and
      faith. A recurrent theme across treatment studies is the importance of having
      support from other Black women. Sister circles are support groups that build upon
      existing friendships, fictive kin networks, and the sense of community found
      among African Americans females. Sister circles appear to offer many of the
      components Black women desire in an anxiety intervention. In this article, we
      explore sister circles as an intervention for anxious African American women.
      Culturally-infused aspects from our sister circle work with middle-class African
      American women are presented. Further research is needed.

PMID- 22081748
TI  - PTEN-Associated Complexes: An Overview.
AB  - PTEN is a tumor suppressor best characterized for its role as a lipid phosphatase
      in antagonizing the PI3-kinase pathway. Several recent studies have identified
      proteins that form high molecular weight complexes with PTEN in different
      subcellular compartments. PTEN is critical for early embryonic development, cell
      proliferation, cell survival and stem cell function. The discovery of PTEN
      complex components may help our understanding of its biological functions. In
      this review, PTEN complex components, functions and their regulation will be
      discussed.

PMID- 22081749
TI  - Quantification of Thiopurine/UVA-Induced Singlet Oxygen Production.
AB  - Thiopurines were examined for their ability to produce singlet oxygen ((1)O(2))
      with UVA light. The target compounds were three thiopurine prodrugs, azathioprine
      (Aza), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and 6-thioguanine (6-TG), and their S-methylated
      derivatives of 6-methylmercaptopurine (me6-MP) and 6-methylthioguanine (me6-TG).
      Our results showed that these thiopurines were efficient (1)O(2) sensitizers
      under UVA irradiation but rapidly lost their photoactivities for (1)O(2)
      production over time by a self-sensitized photooxidation of sulfur atoms in the
      presence of oxygen and UVA light. The initial quantum yields of (1)O(2)
      production were determined to be in the range of 0.30-0.6 in aqueous solutions.
      Substitution of a hydrogen atom with a nitroimidazole or methyl group at S
      decreased the efficacy of photosensitized (1)O(2) production as found for Aza,
      me6-MP and me6-TG. (1)O(2)-induced formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'
      dexyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) was assessed by incubation of 6-methylthiopurine/UVA
      treated calf thymus DNA with human repair enzyme 8-oxodGuo DNA glycosylase
      (hOGG1), followed by apurinic (AP) site determination. Because more 8-oxodGuo was
      formed in Tris D(2)O than in Tris H(2)O, (1)O(2) is implicated as a key species
      in the reaction. These findings provided quantitative information on the
      photosensitization efficacy of thiopurines and to some extent revealed the
      correlations between photoactivity and phototoxicity.

PMID- 22081750
TI  - Corrected Feedback: A Procedure to Enhance Recall of Informed Consent to Research
      among Substance Abusing Offenders.
AB  - This study examined the efficacy of corrected feedback for improving consent
      recall throughout the course of an ongoing longitudinal study. Participants (N =
      135) were randomly assigned to either a corrected feedback or a no-feedback
      control condition. Participants completed a consent quiz 2-weeks after consenting
      to the host study and at months 1, 2, and 3. The corrected feedback group
      received corrections to erroneous responses and the no-feedback control group did
      not. The feedback group displayed significantly greater recall overall and in
      specific content areas (i.e., procedures, protections, risks/benefits). Results
      support the use of corrected feedback for improving consent recall.

PMID- 22081751
TI  - Do Research Intermediaries Reduce Perceived Coercion to Enter Research Trials
      Among Criminally Involved Substance Abusers?
AB  - We examined the efficacy of including a research intermediary (RI) during the
      consent process in reducing participants' perceptions of coercion to enroll in a
      research study. Eighty-four drug court clients being recruited into an ongoing
      study were randomized to receive a standard informed consent process alone
      (standard condition) or with an RI (intermediary condition). Before obtaining
      consent, RIs met with clients individually to discuss remaining concerns.
      Findings provided preliminary evidence that RIs reduced client perceptions that
      their participation might influence how clinical and judicial staff view them.
      This suggests that using RIs may improve participant autonomy in clinical
      studies.

PMID- 22081752
TI  - A 1.3-GHz LTS/HTS NMR Magnet-A Progress Report.
AB  - In this paper we present details of a 600 MHz HTS insert (H600) double pancake
      (DP) windings. It will first be operated in the bore of a 500 MHz LTS magnet,
      achieving a frequency of 1.1 GHz. Upon completion of H600, we will embark on the
      final phase (Phase 3B) of a 3-Phase program began in 2000: completion of a high
      resolution 1.3 GHz LTS/HTS magnet. In Phase 3B, the H600 will be coupled to a 700
      MHz LTS magnet to achieve the ultimate frequency of 1.3 GHz. The HTS insert is
      composed of two concentric stacks of double pancakes, one wound with high
      strength BSCCO-2223 tape, the other with YBCO coated conductor. Details include
      conductor and coil parameters, winding procedure, DPs mechanical support and
      integration to the background 500 MHz LTS magnet. Test results of individual DPs
      in LN2 are also presented.

PMID- 22081753
TI  - Field Performance of an Optimized Stack of YBCO Square "Annuli" for a Compact NMR
      Magnet.
AB  - The spatial field homogeneity and time stability of a trapped field generated by
      a stack of YBCO square plates with a center hole (square "annuli") was
      investigated. By optimizing stacking of magnetized square annuli, we aim to
      construct a compact NMR magnet. The stacked magnet consists of 750 thin YBCO
      plates, each 40-mm square and 80- MUm thick with a 25-mm bore, and has a O10 mm
      room-temperature access for NMR measurement. To improve spatial field homogeneity
      of the 750-plate stack (YP750) a three-step optimization was performed: 1)
      statistical selection of best plates from supply plates; 2) field homogeneity
      measurement of multi-plate modules; and 3) optimal assembly of the modules to
      maximize field homogeneity. In this paper, we present analytical and experimental
      results of field homogeneity and temporal stability at 77 K, performed on YP750
      and those of a hybrid stack, YPB750, in which two YBCO bulk annuli, each O46 mm
      and 16-mm thick with a 25-mm bore, are added to YP750, one at the top and the
      other at the bottom.

PMID- 22081754
TI  - Active Protection of an MgB(2) Test Coil.
AB  - This paper presents results of a study, experimental and computational, of a
      detect-and-activate-the-heater protection technique applied to a magnesium
      diboride (MgB(2)) test coil operated in semi-persistent mode. The test coil with
      a winding ID of 25 cm and wound with ~500-m long reacted MgB(2) wire was operated
      at 4.2 K immersed in a bath of liquid helium. In this active technique, upon the
      initiation of a "hot spot" of a length ~10 cm, induced by a "quench heater," a
      "protection heater" (PH) of ~600-cm long planted within the test coil is
      activated. The normal zone created by the PH is large enough to absorb the test
      coil's entire initial stored energy and still keeps the peak temperature within
      the winding below ~260 K.

PMID- 22081755
TI  - Estimating Causal Effects in Mediation Analysis using Propensity Scores.
AB  - Mediation is usually assessed by a regression-based or structural equation
      modeling (SEM) approach that we will refer to as the classical approach. This
      approach relies on the assumption that there are no confounders that influence
      both the mediator, M, and the outcome, Y. This assumption holds if individuals
      are randomly assigned to levels of M but generally random assignment is not
      possible. We propose the use of propensity scores to help remove the selection
      bias that may result when individuals are not randomly assigned to levels of M.
      The propensity score is the probability that an individual receives a particular
      level of M. Results from a simulation study are presented to demonstrate this
      approach, referred to as Classical + Propensity Model (C+PM), confirming that the
      population parameters are recovered and that selection bias is successfully dealt
      with. Comparisons are made to the classical approach that does not include
      propensity scores. Propensity scores were estimated by a logistic regression
      model. If all confounders are included in the propensity model, then the C+PM is
      unbiased. If some, but not all, of the confounders are included in the propensity
      model, then the C+PM estimates are biased although not as severely as the
      classical approach (i.e. no propensity model is included).

PMID- 22081756
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Differences in Effects of Welfare Policies on Early School
      Readiness and Later Achievement.
AB  - This study examined whether the effects of employment-based policies on
      children's math and reading achievement differed for African American, Latino and
      Caucasian children of welfare receiving parents, and if so, why. Two kinds of
      employment policies were examined: education-first programs with an emphasis on
      adult education and job training; and work-first programs with an emphasis on
      immediate employment. With data from two- and five-year follow-ups in four
      experimental demonstrations in Grand Rapids, Michigan (N = 591) and Riverside
      County, California (N = 629), there was evidence of small positive effects of the
      Grand Rapids and Riverside education-first programs on African American and
      Latino children's school readiness and math scores. An opposite pattern of
      effects emerged among Caucasian children. In one of the two sites, we found that
      Latino parents' higher levels of goals for pursuing their own education appeared
      to explain why their children benefited to a greater degree from the program than
      their Caucasian counterparts.

PMID- 22081758
TI  - Polymer physics of the cytoskeleton.
AB  - The cytoskeleton is generally visualized by light or electron microscopy as a
      meshwork of protein filaments that spans the space between the nuclear envelope
      and the plasma membrane. In most cell types, this meshwork is formed by a three
      dimensional composite network of actin filaments, microtubules (MT), and
      intermediate filaments (IF) together with the host of proteins that bind to the
      sides or ends of these linear polymers. Cytoskeletal binding proteins regulate
      filament length, crosslink filaments to each other, and apply forces to the
      filaments. One approach to modeling the mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton
      and of cell in general is to consider the elements of the cytoskeleton as
      polymers, using experimental methods and theoretical models developed for
      traditional polymers but modified for the much larger, stiffer, and fragile
      biopolymers comprising the cytoskeleton. The presence of motor proteins that move
      actin filaments and microtubules also creates a new class of active materials
      that are out of thermodynamic equilibrium, and unconstrained by limitations of
      the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. These active materials create rich
      opportunities for experimental design and theoretical developments. The degree to
      which the mechanics of live cells can usefully be modeled as highly complex
      polymer networks is by no means certain, and this article will discuss recent
      progress in quantitatively measuring cytoskeletal polymer systems and relating
      them to the properties of the cell.

PMID- 22081759
TI  - Effects of Traditional Gender Role Norms and Religious Fundamentalism on Self
      Identified Heterosexual Men's Attitudes, Anger, and Aggression Toward Gay Men and
      Lesbians.
AB  - Sexual prejudice and antigay anger were examined as mediators of the associations
      between traditional male gender norms, religious fundamentalism, and aggression
      toward gay men and lesbians. Participants were 201 self-identified heterosexual
      men recruited from the community to complete computer-administered measures of
      adherence to traditional male gender norms (i.e., status, toughness,
      antifemininity), religious fundamentalism, sexual prejudice, and frequency of
      aggression toward gay men and lesbians. Additionally, participants completed a
      structured interview designed to assess anger in response to a vignette depicting
      a male-male intimate relationship (i.e., partners saying "I love you," holding
      hands, kissing). Results showed that sexual prejudice and antigay anger partially
      mediated the effect of antifemininity on aggression and fully mediated the effect
      of religious fundamentalism on aggression. Sexual prejudice alone fully mediated
      the effect of status on aggression and neither sexual prejudice nor antigay anger
      mediated the effect of toughness on aggression. Further, results suggested that
      religious fundamentalism is a multifaceted construct of which some aspects
      increase risk for aggression toward gay men and lesbians, whereas other aspects
      decrease this risk. These data provide multivariate evidence from a
      nonprobability, community-based sample that extreme internalization of dominant
      cultural values can set the stage for violence toward marginalized groups.
      Implications for intervention programming and future research are reviewed.

PMID- 22081757
TI  - Role of Apoptosis in Amplifying Inflammatory Responses in Lung Diseases.
AB  - Apoptosis is an important contributor to the pathophysiology of lung diseases
      such as acute lung injury (ALI) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      Furthermore, the cellular environment of these acute and chronic lung diseases
      favors the delayed clearance of apoptotic cells. This dysfunctional efferocytosis
      predisposes to the release of endogenous ligands from dying cells. These so
      called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) play an important role in the
      stimulation of innate immunity as well as in the induction of adaptive immunity,
      potentially against autoantigens. In this review, we explore the role of
      apoptosis in ALI and COPD, with particular attention to the contribution of DAMP
      release in augmenting the inflammatory response in these disease states.

PMID- 22081760
TI  - A Motion-Tracking Ultrasonic Sensor Array for Behavioral Monitoring.
AB  - The application of Kalman filtering to track subjects' movements during a
      behavioral experiment is discussed. Specifically, an overhead array of wireless,
      ultrasound sensors automatically tracks the position of a parent, child, and
      stranger over a 4.45 m * 4.23 m observation area. This WiPsy (Wireless sensors
      for Psychology research) system provides accurate, real-time quantitative metrics
      for psychological evaluation in lieu of traditional qualitative manual coding.
      Moreover, tracking subjects using ultrasound sensors is less error-prone than
      existing methods that track based on human coding of video. In particular, the
      Kalman filter, which forms the core of this tracking system, can locate targets
      with a mean square error of about 1.3 m(2). Overall, WiPsy strives to streamline
      data acquisition, processing, and analysis by providing previously unavailable
      assessment parameters.

PMID- 22081761
TI  - Estimating Tree-Structured Covariance Matrices via Mixed-Integer Programming.
AB  - We present a novel method for estimating tree-structured covariance matrices
      directly from observed continuous data. Specifically, we estimate a covariance
      matrix from observations of p continuous random variables encoding a stochastic
      process over a tree with p leaves. A representation of these classes of matrices
      as linear combinations of rank-one matrices indicating object partitions is used
      to formulate estimation as instances of well-studied numerical optimization
      problems.In particular, our estimates are based on projection, where the
      covariance estimate is the nearest tree-structured covariance matrix to an
      observed sample covariance matrix. The problem is posed as a linear or quadratic
      mixed-integer program (MIP) where a setting of the integer variables in the MIP
      specifies a set of tree topologies of the structured covariance matrix. We solve
      these problems to optimality using efficient and robust existing MIP solvers.We
      present a case study in phylogenetic analysis of gene expression and a simulation
      study comparing our method to distance-based tree estimating procedures.

PMID- 22081762
TI  - Increasing Flexibility in Children's Online Processing of Grammatical and Nonce
      Determiners in Fluent Speech.
AB  - Two experiments using online speech processing measures with 18- to 36-month-olds
      extended research by Gerken & McIntosh (1993) showing that young children's
      comprehension is disrupted when the grammatical determiner in a noun phrase is
      replaced with a nonce determiner (the car vs. po car). In Expt. 1, 18-month-olds
      were slower and less accurate to identify familiar nouns on nonce-article than
      grammatical-article trials, although older children who produced determiners in
      their own speech showed no disruption. However, when tested on novel words in
      Expt. 2, even linguistically advanced 34-month-olds had greater difficulty
      identifying familiar as well as newly learned object names preceded by a nonce
      article. Children's success in "listening through" an uninformative functor-like
      nonce syllable before a familiar noun was related to their level of grammatical
      competence, but their attention to the nonce article also varied with lexical
      familiarity and the overall redundancy of the processing context.

PMID- 22081763
TI  - Gold Micro-Flowers: One-Step Fabrication of Efficient, Highly Reproducible
      Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Platform.
AB  - We present a new method enabling simultaneous synthesis and deposition of gold
      micro-flowers (AuMFs) on solid substrates in a one-pot process that uses two
      reagents, auric acid and hydroxylamine hydrochloride, in aqueous reaction
      mixture. The AuMFs deposited onto the substrate form mechanically stable gold
      layer of expanded nanostructured surface. The morphology of the AuMFs depends on
      and can be controlled by the composition of the reaction solution as well as by
      the reaction time. The nanostructured metallic layers obtained with our method
      are employed as efficient platforms for chemical and biological sensing based on
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS spectra recorded by such
      platforms for p-mercaptobenzoic acid and phage lambda exhibit enhancement factors
      above 10(6) and excellent reproducibility.

PMID- 22081764
TI  - Theoretical Analysis the Optical Properties of Multi-coupled Silver Nanoshell
      Particles.
AB  - The surface plasmon resonances of silver nanoshell particles are studied by
      Green's function. The nanoshell system of plasmon resonances results from the
      coupling of the inner and outer shell surface plasmon. The shift of the nanoshell
      plasmon resonances wavelength is plotted against with different dielectric
      environments, several different dielectric cores, the ratio of the inner and
      outer radius, and also its assemblies. The results show that a red- and blue
      shifted localized surface plasmon can be tuned over an extended wavelength range
      by varying dielectric environments, the dielectric constants and the radius of
      nanoshell core respectively. In addition, the separation distances, the
      distribution of electrical field intensity, the incident directions and its
      polarizations are also investigated. The study is useful to broaden the
      application scopes of Raman spectroscopy and nano-optics.

PMID- 22081765
TI  - A cost-aggregating integer linear program for motif finding.
AB  - In the motif finding problem one seeks a set of mutually similar substrings
      within a collection of biological sequences. This is an important and widely
      studied problem, as such shared motifs in DNA often correspond to regulatory
      elements. We study a combinatorial framework where the goal is to find substrings
      of a given length such that the sum of their pairwise distances is minimized. We
      describe a novel integer linear program for the problem, which uses the fact that
      distances between substrings come from a limited set of possibilities allowing
      for aggregate consideration of sequence position pairs with the same distances.
      We show how to tighten its linear programming relaxation by adding an exponential
      set of constraints and give an efficient separation algorithm that can find
      violated constraints, thereby showing that the tightened linear program can still
      be solved in polynomial time. We apply our approach to find optimal solutions for
      the motif finding problem and show that it is effective in practice in uncovering
      known transcription factor binding sites.

PMID- 22081766
TI  - Choice of Biologic Therapy for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection
      Perspective.
AB  - Biologicals revolutionized the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The
      targeted suppression of key inflammatory pathways involved in joint inflammation
      and destruction allows better disease control, which, however, comes at the price
      of an elevated infection risk due to relative immunosuppression. The disease
      related infection risk and the infection risk associated with the use of TNF
      alpha inhibitors (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and certolizumab
      pegol), rituximab, abatacept and tocilizumab are discussed. Risk factors
      clinicians need to take into account when selecting the most appropriate biologic
      therapy for RA patients, as well as precautions and screening concerning a number
      of specific infections, such as tuberculosis, intracellular bacterial infections,
      reactivation of chronic viral infections and HIV are reviewed.

PMID- 22081768
TI  - CRLX101 (formerly IT-101)-A Novel Nanopharmaceutical of Camptothecin in Clinical
      Development.
AB  - CRLX101 (formerly IT-101) is a first-in-class nanopharmaceutical, currently in
      Phase 2a development, which has been developed by covalently conjugating
      camptothecin (CPT) to a linear, cyclodextrin-polyethylene glycol (CD-PEG) co
      polymer that self-assembles into nanoparticles. As a nanometer-scale drug carrier
      system, the cyclodextrin polymeric nanoparticle technology, referred to as "CDP",
      has unique design features and capabilities. Specifically, CRLX101 preclinical
      and clinical data confirm that CDP can address not only solubility, formulation,
      toxicity, and pharmacokinetic challenges associated with administration of CPT,
      but more importantly, can impart unique biological properties that enhance CPT
      pharmacodynamics and efficacy.

PMID- 22081767
TI  - Cough and Asthma.
AB  - Cough is the most common complaint for which patients seek medical attention.
      Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a form of asthma, which presents solely with cough.
      CVA is one of the most common causes of chronic cough. More importantly, 30 to
      40% of adult patients with CVA, unless adequately treated, may progress to
      classic asthma. CVA shares a number of pathophysiological features with classic
      asthma such as atopy, airway hyper-responsiveness, eosinophilic airway
      inflammation and various features of airway remodeling. Inhaled corticosteroids
      remain the most important form of treatment of CVA as they improve cough and
      reduce the risk of progression to classic asthma most likely through their
      prevention of airway remodeling and chronic airflow obstruction.

PMID- 22081769
TI  - Total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy with
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for endometrial carcinoma: a randomised
      controlled trial with 5-year follow-up.
AB  - This report is on recovery and long-term outcomes in a small-scale randomised
      controlled trial (RCT) after total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total
      abdominal hysterectomy in (potential) endometrial carcinoma patients. An RCT was
      performed among women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial
      carcinoma scheduled for hysterectomy in a teaching hospital in The Netherlands.
      Women were randomised to total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal
      hysterectomy both with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and were followed until 5
      years after the intervention. Patients completed the RAND 36-Item Short Form
      Health Survey (RAND-36), Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) and Recovery Index-10
      (RI-10) until 12 weeks after surgery. Main outcome measure was quality of life
      and recovery in the first 12 weeks after surgery. A linear mixed model was used
      for statistical analysis while accounting for baseline values where applicable.
      Seventeen women were included, of whom 11 allocated to the laparoscopic arm and 6
      to the abdominal arm. Laparoscopic hysterectomy performed better on all scales
      and subscales used in the study. A statistically significant treatment effect,
      favouring laparoscopic hysterectomy, was found in the total RAND-36 (difference
      between groups 142 units, 95% confidence interval 46; 236). Clinical follow-up
      was completed after median 60 months, but this study was too small for
      conclusions regarding the safety and survival. Laparoscopic hysterectomy results
      in better postoperative quality of life in the first 12 weeks after surgery when
      compared with abdominal hysterectomy.

PMID- 22081770
TI  - THE AUTODIGESTION HYPOTHESIS AND RECEPTOR CLEAVAGE IN DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION.
AB  - One of the key features of cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension or
      diabetes, is that they often appear at the same time in the same individual
      together with other forms of co-morbidities. While clinically a recognized
      phenomenon, no molecular mechanism for such co-morbidities has received universal
      acceptance. We propose a new hypothesis that provides a molecular basis for co
      morbidities in hypertension due to unchecked proteolytic activity and receptor
      destruction. Testing of the hypothesis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
      reveals an unchecked matrix metalloproteinase and serine protease activity in
      plasma and on several cardiovascular and parenchymal cells. The elevated
      proteolytic activity causes extracellular cleavage of multiple receptor types,
      such that cleavage of one receptor type leads to loss of the function carried out
      by this receptor. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of the beta(2)
      adrenergic receptor in arteries and arterioles causes vasoconstriction and
      elevation of the central blood pressure while cleavage of the extracellular
      domain of the insulin receptor leads to insulin resistance and lack of
      transmembrane glucose transport. A diverse set of cell dysfunctions in the
      spontaneously hypertensive rat are accompanied by cleavage of the membrane
      receptors that are involved in these functions. Chronic inhibition of the
      unchecked protease activity in the spontaneously hypertensive rat serves to
      restore the extracellular receptor density and alleviates the corresponding cell
      dysfunctions. The mild unchecked proteolytic activity in the spontaneously
      hypertensive rat points towards a chronic autodigestion process as a contributor
      to the end organ injury encountered in this rat strain. The presence of various
      soluble receptors, which consist of extracellular fragments of membrane
      receptors, in the plasma of hypertensive and diabetic patients suggest that the
      autodigestion process may also be present in man.

PMID- 22081771
TI  - Tumor-stroma: In vivo assays and intravital imaging to study cell migration and
      metastasis.
AB  - The development of metastatic disease is often correlated with poor patient
      outcome in a variety of different cancers. The metastatic cascade is a complex,
      multistep process that involves the growth of the primary tumor and angiogenesis,
      invasion into the local environment, intravasation into the vasculature, tumor
      cell survival in the circulation, extravasation from the vasculature and
      sustained growth at secondary organ sites to form metastases. Although in vitro
      assays of single cell types can provide information regarding cell autonomous
      mechanisms contributing to metastasis, the in vivo microenvironment entails a
      network of interactions between cells which is also important. Insight into the
      mechanisms underlying tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis in vivo has
      been aided by development of multiphoton microscopy and in vivo assays, which we
      will review here.

PMID- 22081772
TI  - A Neurobiological Model of Insomnia.
AB  - Insomnia is a common clinical condition resulting in significant costs and
      morbidity. Previous models of insomnia focusing on psychological and behavioral
      processes are useful clinically, but lack neurobiological specificity. We propose
      an insomnia model based on basic and clinical neuroscience findings, and
      hypothesize that insomnia results from persistent activity in wake-promoting
      neural structures during NREM sleep. The simultaneous occurrence of sleeping and
      waking neural activity helps to explain clinical phenomenology and treatment
      effects in insomnia.

PMID- 22081773
TI  - Physiologic Arousal to Social Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders:
      A Pilot Study.
AB  - Little is known about arousal to socially stressful situations in children with
      Autism Spectrum Disorders. This preliminary study investigates physiologic
      arousal in children with high functioning autism (HFA, n=19) compared to a
      comparison group (n=11) before, during, and after the Trier Social Stress Test.
      The HFA group was more likely to have a decrease in salivary cortisol following
      the stressor, while the comparison group was more likely to have an increase
      (p=.02). However, there was no difference in electrodermal activity, a measure of
      sympathetic arousal, or vagal tone, a measure of parasympathetic activity,
      between groups. These findings implicate a differential neuroendocrine response
      to social stress in children with HFA despite similar sympathetic and
      parasympathetic responses during a stressor. Further studies are required to
      substantiate this finding.

PMID- 22081774
TI  - What is it like to be a human?
AB  - The explicit link between awareness and sociality put forward in the accompanying
      article opens new doors to thinking about the evolutionary origins of
      consciousness. Human subjective experience undoubtedly has some features that are
      species-specific and others that are shared over a broad phylogenetic base. The
      authors' proposal that consciousness depends on high-level neural circuits
      evolved for social perception begs the question whether animals lacking such
      circuitry experience a fundamentally different form of consciousness from humans.
      It also highlights the need for comparative work elucidating neural mechanisms by
      which animals other than primates perceive and respond to their conspecifics.

PMID- 22081775
TI  - Problem Stabilization: A Metric for Problem Improvement in Home Visiting Clients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public health nurse (PHN) home visiting programs have been widely
      employed to improve life course trajectories for high risk mothers. Home visiting
      programs are often lengthy, during which PHNs simultaneously address multiple
      problems using diverse interventions over several client encounters. To manage
      PHN caseloads it is critical to understand the trajectory of client improvement
      and the optimal duration or services. PHN documentation data enable intervention
      trajectory research for specific client problems. A new metric called problem
      stabilization is proposed for evaluating interim improvement during PHN home
      visiting. Problem stabilization is an intervention pattern for a client problem
      that is characterized by co-occurring actions (i.e. teaching, guidance, and
      counseling; treatments and procedures; case management; and/or surveillance)
      during a client encounter; followed by surveillance actions only for that problem
      during a subsequent client encounter. The purpose of the study was to investigate
      problem stabilization during home visiting services for high risk mothers. 
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort was created using family home visiting
      intervention documentation data from a local Midwest public health agency over a
      six year period (2000-2005). The data set consisted of Omaha System interventions
      for 720 high risk mothers. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics
      and Kaplan Meier curves.  RESULTS: On average 30.1% of the time, client problems
      stabilized before discharge. Stabilization patterns differed by problem. Time to
      stabilization was longest for Caretaking/parenting and Antepartum/postpartum
      problems, and shortest for Residence and Mental health problems.  CONCLUSIONS:
      Problem stabilization, a proposed intermediate outcome of PHN home visiting care,
      appears to be meaningful in describing client response to PHN intervention. This
      metric is an example of meaningful use of structured clinical electronic health
      record data for program evaluation and clinical decision support.

PMID- 22081776
TI  - Intervention costs and cost-effectiveness for a multiple-risk-factor diabetes
      self-management trial for Latinas: economic analysis of !Viva Bien!
AB  - Information on cost-effectiveness of multiple-risk-factor lifestyle interventions
      for Latinas with diabetes is lacking. The aim of this paper is to evaluate costs
      and cost-effectiveness for !Viva Bien!, a randomized trial targeting Latinas with
      type 2 diabetes. We estimated 6-month costs; calculated incremental costs per
      behavioral, biologic, and quality-of-life change; and performed sensitivity
      analyses from health plan and participant perspectives. Recruitment,
      intervention, and participant costs were estimated at $45,896, $432,433, and
      $179,697, respectively. This translates to $4,634 in intervention costs per !Viva
      Bien! participant; $7,723 in both per unit reduction in hemoglobin A1c and per
      unit reduction in body mass index. Although costs may be higher than
      interventions that address one risk factor, potential risks for longer-term
      health-care costs are high for this at-risk group. Given the benefits of !Viva
      Bien!, cost reductions are recommended to enhance its efficiency, adoption, and
      long-term maintenance without diluting its effectiveness.

PMID- 22081777
TI  - Human Cell Surface Receptors as Molecular Imaging Candidates for Metastatic
      Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Existing clinical imaging procedures lack sensitivity and specificity in
      detecting early prostate cancer bone metastatic lesions. In this study, we
      developed a highly reproducible bone metastasis xenograft model and identified
      possible molecular imaging candidates for detecting early bone metastatic
      lesions. Bone trophic human prostate cells (PC-3B1) were isolated and
      characterized for their ability to reach bone after intracardiac injection into
      SCID mice. The appearances of skeletal metastases were evaluated using digital
      radiographic imaging and confirmed by necropsy and histology. The PC-3B1 cells
      retain a bone homing phenotype after long term propagation in tissue culture and
      exhibit progressive bone lesions within 3 weeks following intracardiac injection.
      Comparative transcription signatures of PC-3 and PC-3B1 cells were determined
      using a cancer specific microarray and confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The analysis
      identified increased expression of four cell surface molecules in PC-3B1 cells
      that may be suitable as molecular imaging candidates to detect bone micro
      metastases.

PMID- 22081779
TI  - COORDINATE DESCENT ALGORITHMS FOR NONCONVEX PENALIZED REGRESSION, WITH
      APPLICATIONS TO BIOLOGICAL FEATURE SELECTION.
AB  - A number of variable selection methods have been proposed involving nonconvex
      penalty functions. These methods, which include the smoothly clipped absolute
      deviation (SCAD) penalty and the minimax concave penalty (MCP), have been
      demonstrated to have attractive theoretical properties, but model fitting is not
      a straightforward task, and the resulting solutions may be unstable. Here, we
      demonstrate the potential of coordinate descent algorithms for fitting these
      models, establishing theoretical convergence properties and demonstrating that
      they are significantly faster than competing approaches. In addition, we
      demonstrate the utility of convexity diagnostics to determine regions of the
      parameter space in which the objective function is locally convex, even though
      the penalty is not. Our simulation study and data examples indicate that
      nonconvex penalties like MCP and SCAD are worthwhile alternatives to the lasso in
      many applications. In particular, our numerical results suggest that MCP is the
      preferred approach among the three methods.

PMID- 22081780
TI  - STATE-SPACE SOLUTIONS TO THE DYNAMIC MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY INVERSE PROBLEM USING
      HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING.
AB  - Determining the magnitude and location of neural sources within the brain that
      are responsible for generating magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals measured on
      the surface of the head is a challenging problem in functional neuroimaging. The
      number of potential sources within the brain exceeds by an order of magnitude the
      number of recording sites. As a consequence, the estimates for the magnitude and
      location of the neural sources will be ill-conditioned because of the
      underdetermined nature of the problem. One well-known technique designed to
      address this imbalance is the minimum norm estimator (MNE). This approach imposes
      an L(2) regularization constraint that serves to stabilize and condition the
      source parameter estimates. However, these classes of regularizer are static in
      time and do not consider the temporal constraints inherent to the biophysics of
      the MEG experiment. In this paper we propose a dynamic state-space model that
      accounts for both spatial and temporal correlations within and across candidate
      intra-cortical sources. In our model, the observation model is derived from the
      steady-state solution to Maxwell's equations while the latent model representing
      neural dynamics is given by a random walk process. We show that the Kalman filter
      (KF) and the Kalman smoother [also known as the fixed-interval smoother (FIS)]
      may be used to solve the ensuing high-dimensional state-estimation problem. Using
      a well-known relationship between Bayesian estimation and Kalman filtering, we
      show that the MNE estimates carry a significant zero bias. Calculating these high
      dimensional state estimates is a computationally challenging task that requires
      High Performance Computing (HPC) resources. To this end, we employ the NSF
      Teragrid Supercomputing Network to compute the source estimates. We demonstrate
      improvement in performance of the state-space algorithm relative to MNE in
      analyses of simulated and actual somatosensory MEG experiments. Our findings
      establish the benefits of high-dimensional state-space modeling as an effective
      means to solve the MEG source localization problem.

PMID- 22081778
TI  - No acquisition: a new ambition for HIV vaccine development?
AB  - Development of a safe and effective prophylactic HIV-1 vaccine presents unique
      challenges. The pessimism following the failure of two HIV-1 vaccine concepts in
      clinical trials, HIV-1 gp120 and an adenovirus-based approach to induce only
      cellular immune responses, has been replaced by cautious optimism engendered by
      the RV144 trial outcome, the isolation of several new broadly reactive
      neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, and recent primate model data indicating
      prevention of viral acquisition by active or passive immunization. Intense
      efforts are underway to optimize immunogen design, adjuvants, and the tools for
      preclinical evaluation of candidate vaccines in primates, where correlates of
      protection can be examined in detail - as proof-of-concept for clinical trials.

PMID- 22081781
TI  - Risk Prediction for Prostate Cancer Recurrence Through Regularized Estimation
      with Simultaneous Adjustment for Nonlinear Clinical Effects.
AB  - In biomedical studies, it is of substantial interest to develop risk prediction
      scores using high-dimensional data such as gene expression data for clinical
      endpoints that are subject to censoring. In the presence of well-established
      clinical risk factors, investigators often prefer a procedure that also adjusts
      for these clinical variables. While accelerated failure time (AFT) models are a
      useful tool for the analysis of censored outcome data, it assumes that covariate
      effects on the logarithm of time-to-event are linear, which is often unrealistic
      in practice. We propose to build risk prediction scores through regularized rank
      estimation in partly linear AFT models, where high-dimensional data such as gene
      expression data are modeled linearly and important clinical variables are modeled
      nonlinearly using penalized regression splines. We show through simulation
      studies that our model has better operating characteristics compared to several
      existing models. In particular, we show that there is a non-negligible effect on
      prediction as well as feature selection when nonlinear clinical effects are
      misspecified as linear. This work is motivated by a recent prostate cancer study,
      where investigators collected gene expression data along with established
      prognostic clinical variables and the primary endpoint is time to prostate cancer
      recurrence. We analyzed the prostate cancer data and evaluated prediction
      performance of several models based on the extended c statistic for censored
      data, showing that 1) the relationship between the clinical variable, prostate
      specific antigen, and the prostate cancer recurrence is likely nonlinear, i.e.,
      the time to recurrence decreases as PSA increases and it starts to level off when
      PSA becomes greater than 11; 2) correct specification of this nonlinear effect
      improves performance in prediction and feature selection; and 3) addition of gene
      expression data does not seem to further improve the performance of the resultant
      risk prediction scores.

PMID- 22081782
TI  - Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Persistent Diagnosis, Therapeutic
      Enigma.
AB  - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is increasing in
      prevalence with the aging of the population, and morbidity and mortality rates
      are comparable to that of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).
      The diagnosis can be difficult to make, especially in older adults, stemming from
      the presence of multiple comorbid illnesses with confounding symptoms. New
      diagnostic tools have resulted in guidelines proposed to define and diagnose
      HFPEF. Recent literature focusing on the pathophysiology underlying this disease
      suggests multiple mechanisms are involved in the generation of the phenotype,
      such as abnormal relaxation and ventricular-vascular coupling, chronotropic
      incompetence, volume overload, and redistribution and /or endothelial
      dysfunction. Currently, no clinically proven treatments are shown to decrease
      morbidity and mortality in this population; however, there may be a novel
      multidisciplinary and multistage treatment strategy that can be studied to
      address this complex disease which incorporates pharmacologic and non
      pharmacologic therapeutics.

PMID- 22081783
TI  - Variability in small bowel histopathology reporting between different pathology
      practice settings: impact on the diagnosis of coeliac disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis requires the detection of
      characteristic histological alterations of small bowel mucosa, which are prone to
      interobserver variability. This study evaluated the agreement in biopsy
      interpretation between different pathology practice types. METHODS: Biopsies from
      community hospitals (n=46), university hospitals (n=18) and commercial
      laboratories (n=38) were blindly assessed by a pathologist at our institution for
      differences in histopathology reporting and agreement in diagnosis of CD and
      degree of villous atrophy (VA) by kappa analysis. RESULTS: Agreement for primary
      diagnosis was very good between this institution and university hospitals
      (kappa=0.888), but moderate compared with community hospitals (kappa=0.465) or
      commercial laboratories (kappa=0.419). Diagnosis differed in 26 (25%) cases,
      leading to a 20% increase in CD diagnosis after review. Among those diagnosed
      with CD by both institutions (n=49), agreement in degree of VA was fair
      (kappa=0.292), with moderate agreement between the authors and commercial
      laboratories (kappa=0.500) and fair with university hospitals (kappa=0.290) or
      community hospitals (kappa=0.211). The degree of VA was upgraded in 27% and
      downgraded in 2%. Within different Marsh score categories, agreement was poor
      (kappa<0.0316) for scores 1 and 2, both missed at other centres, and fair or
      moderate for scores 3a and 3b. Information regarding degree of VA and
      intraepithelial lymphocytosis was lacking in 26% and 86% of reports and non
      quantifiable descriptors, eg, 'blunting' or 'marked atrophy' were prevalent.
      CONCLUSIONS: CD-related histological changes are underdiagnosed in community
      based hospitals and commercial pathology laboratories. Because incorrect biopsy
      interpretation can cause underdiagnosis of CD, greater CD awareness and
      uniformity in small bowel biopsy reporting is required among pathologists.

PMID- 22081784
TI  - Expression of NCAM and OCIAD1 in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma:
      correlation with the risk of distant metastasis.
AB  - AIMS: The biomarkers representing the metastatic potential of well-differentiated
      thyroid carcinoma remain to be established. A study was undertaken to find
      whether the expression status of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and/or
      ovarian cancer immunoreactive antigen domain containing 1 (OCIAD1) is associated
      with the metastatic potential of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: NCAM
      and OCIAD1 were analysed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. RESULTS:
      Among 214 well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, 68 patients had distant
      metastases. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that the majority of benign
      thyroid lesions expressed NCAM while a significant proportion of thyroid
      carcinomas lost or had reduced NCAM expression. Both follicular and papillary
      carcinomas with distant metastasis had a significantly higher frequency of
      preserving NCAM expression. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that OCIAD1
      had significant differential expression between benign and malignant thyroid
      lesions. The overall metastatic-to-localised tumour ratio was higher in NCAM
      expressing clusters, but the difference between ratios of OCIAD1-positive and
      OCIAD1-negative subclusters was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses
      suggest that the preservation of NCAM expression in well-differentiated thyroid
      carcinoma is an indicator for a higher risk of distant metastasis. OCIAD1 is a
      potential biomarker of thyroid carcinoma but had no significant additive effect
      on the risk of distant metastasis. Further elucidation of the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the NCAM-mediated cellular processes will be beneficial for
      the development of effective treatments against the metastasis of thyroid
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22081785
TI  - Mucinous tumours of the ovary--primary and metastatic.

PMID- 22081786
TI  - Genomic gains and losses in malignant mesothelioma demonstrated by FISH analysis
      of paraffin-embedded tissues.
AB  - AIMS: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) results from the accumulation of a number of
      acquired genetic events at the onset. In MM, the most frequent changes were
      losses in 9p21, 1p36, 14q32 and 22q12, and gains in 5p, 7p and 8q24 by
      comparative genomic hybridisation analysis. Although the diagnostic utility of
      9p21 homozygous deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis in
      MM has been reported recently, alterations of other genes have not been examined
      to any great extent. This study analysed the frequency of various genomic gains
      and losses in MM using FISH analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors
      performed a FISH analysis using paraffin-embedded tissues from 42 cases of MM.
      RESULTS: Chromosomal losses in MM were found at 9p21 (83%), 1p36 (43%), 14q32
      (43%) and 22q12 (38%), whereas gains were found at 5p15 (48%), 7p12 (38%) and
      8q24 (45%). There were no cases of adenomatoid tumour, benign mesothelial
      multicystic tumour, reactive mesothelial hyperplasia or pleuritis showing any
      gains or losses. At least one genomic abnormality was identified in all cases of
      MM. Among various histological subtypes, the chromosomal abnormality tended to be
      more common in cases showing sarcomatous elements (biphasic or pure sarcomatoid)
      than in cases showing an epithelioid histology. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found
      various genomic gains and losses in MM by FISH analysis. The frequency of each
      genomic gain or loss examined in MM by FISH analysis almost agreed with the
      comparative genomic hybridisation technique in previous studies. This study
      suggests that genomic evaluation by FISH analysis might be helpful in
      distinguishing MM from benign mesothelial proliferation.

PMID- 22081787
TI  - Associations of Rsf-1 overexpression with poor therapeutic response and worse
      survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: Deregulated chromatin remodelling often leads to aberrant gene expression
      in cells, thereby implicating tumour development and progression. As a subunit of
      remodelling and spacing factor complex, Rsf-1 (HBXAP), a novel nuclear protein
      with histone chaperon function, mediates ATPase-dependent chromatin remodelling
      and confers tumour aggressiveness in common carcinomas. However, the expression
      of Rsf-1 has never been reported in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study
      aimed at evaluating the expression status, associations with clincopathological
      variables and prognostic implications of Rsf-1 in a well-defined cohort of NPC.
      METHODS: Rsf-1 immunoexpression was retrospectively assessed in biopsies of 108
      consecutive NPC patients without initial distant metastasis and treated with
      consistent guidelines. The results were correlated with the clinicopathological
      features, therapeutic response, local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant
      metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS:
      Present in 49 cases (45%), Rsf-1 overexpression was associated with N(2,3) status
      (p=0.016), American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 3, 4 (p=0.004), and
      incomplete therapeutic response (p=0.041). In multivariate analyses, Rsf-1
      overexpression not only emerged as the sole independent adverse prognosticator
      for LRFS (p=0.0002, RR 5.287) but also independently predicted worse DMFS
      (p=0.0011, RR 3.185) and DSS (p<0.0001, RR 4.442), along with T(3,4) (p=0.0454)
      and N(2,3) (p=0.0319), respectively. CONCLUSION: Rsf-1 overexpression is common
      and is associated with adverse prognosticators and therapeutic response, which
      confers tumour aggressiveness through chromatin remodelling, and represents a
      potential prognostic biomarker in NPC.

PMID- 22081788
TI  - Instituting a music listening intervention for critically ill patients receiving
      mechanical ventilation: Exemplars from two patient cases.
AB  - Music is an ideal intervention to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in
      critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. This article
      reviews the basis for a music listening intervention and describes two case
      examples with patients utilizing a music listening intervention to illustrate the
      implementation and use of the music listening protocol in this dynamic
      environment. The case examples illustrate the importance and necessity of
      engaging a music therapist in not only assessing the music preferences of
      patients, but also for implementing a music listening protocol to manage the
      varied and challenging needs of patients in the critical care setting.
      Additionally, the case examples presented in this paper demonstrate the wide
      array of music patients prefer and how the ease of a music listening protocol
      allows mechanically ventilated patients to engage in managing their own anxiety
      during this distressful experience.

PMID- 22081789
TI  - Systematic Chemical Mutagenesis Identifies a Potent Novel Apratoxin A/E Hybrid
      with Improved in Vivo Antitumor Activity.
AB  - Apratoxins are cytotoxic marine natural products that prevent cotranslational
      translocation early in the secretory pathway. We showed that apratoxins
      downregulate receptors and growth factor ligands, giving a one-two punch to
      cancer cells, particularly those that rely on autocrine loops. Through total
      synthesis, we tested the effects of amino acid substitutions, including alanine
      scanning, on the downregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases and vascular
      endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and probed the stereospecificity of target
      engagement by epimerization of selected chiral centers. Differential effects on
      two types of secretory molecules suggest that the apratoxins' substrate
      selectivity with respect to inhibition of secretion may be tuned through
      structural modifications to provide tailored therapy. Our structure-activity
      relationship studies and medicinal chemistry efforts led to a potent inhibitor
      with in vivo efficacy in a colorectal tumor xenograft model without irreversible
      toxicity exerted by apratoxin A, demonstrating that this novel mechanism of
      action has therapeutic potential.

PMID- 22081790
TI  - Mimicking biological design and computing principles in artificial olfaction.
AB  - Biology has inspired solutions to many engineering problems, including chemical
      sensing. Modern approaches to chemical sensing have been based on the biological
      principle of combining cross-selective chemical sensors with a pattern
      recognition engine to identify odors. Here, we review some recent advances made
      in mimicking biological design and computing principles to develop an electronic
      nose. The resulting technology will have important applications in fundamental
      biological research, as well as in industrial, security, and medical domains.

PMID- 22081791
TI  - Resonant Mode Reduction in Radiofrequency Volume Coils for Ultrahigh Field
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - In a multimodal volume coil, only one mode can generate homogeneous
      Radiofrequency (RF) field for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The existence of other
      modes may increase the volume coil design difficulties and potentially decreases
      coil performance. In this study, we introduce common-mode resonator technique to
      high and ultrahigh field volume coil designs to reduce the resonant mode while
      maintain the homogeneity of the RF field. To investigate the design method, the
      common-mode resonator was realized by using a microstrip line which was split
      along the central to become a pair of parallel transmission lines within which
      common-mode currents exist. Eight common-mode resonators were placed
      equidistantly along the circumference of a low loss dielectric cylinder to form a
      volume coil. Theoretical analysis and comparison between the 16-strut common-mode
      volume coil and a conventional 16-strut volume coil in terms of RF field
      homogeneity and efficiency was performed using Finite-Difference Time-Domain
      (FDTD) method at 298.2 MHz. MR imaging experiments were performed by using a
      prototype of the common-mode volume coil on a whole body 7 Tesla scanner. FDTD
      simulation results showed the reduced number of resonant modes of the common-mode
      volume coil over the conventional volume coil, while the RF field homogeneity of
      the two type volume coils was kept at the same level. MR imaging of a water
      phantom and a kiwi fruit showing the feasibility of the proposed method for
      simplifying the volume coil design is also presented.

PMID- 22081792
TI  - A measure for describing and comparing post-reproductive lifespan as a population
      trait.
AB  - 1. While-classical life-history theory does not predict post-reproductive
      lifespan (PRLS), it has been detected in a great number of taxa, leading to the
      view that it is a broadly conserved trait, and attempts to reconcile theory with
      these observations. We suggest an alternative: the apparently wide distribution
      of significant PRLS is an artifact of insufficient methods.2. PRLS is
      traditionally measured in units of time between each individual's last
      parturition and death, after excluding those individuals for whom this interval
      is short. A mean of this measure is then calculated as a population value. We
      show this traditional population measure (which we denote PrT) to be
      inconsistently calculated, inherently biased, strongly correlated with overall
      longevity, uninformative on the importance of PRLS in a population's life
      history, unable to use the most-commonly available form of relevant data and
      without a realistic null hypothesis. Using data altered to ensure that the null
      hypothesis is true, we find a false positive rate of 0.47 for PrT.3. We propose
      an alternative population measure, using life-table methods. Post-reproductive
      Representation (PrR) is the proportion of adult years lived which are post
      reproductive. We briefly derive PrR and discuss its properties. We employ a
      demographic simulation, based on the null hypothesis of simultaneous and
      proportional decline in survivorship and fecundity, to produce a null
      distribution for PrR based on the age-specific rates of a population.4. In an
      example analysis, using data on 84 populations of human and non-human primates,
      we demonstrate the ability of PrR to represent the effects of artificial
      protection from mortality and of humanness on PRLS. PrR is found to be higher for
      all human populations under a wide range of conditions than for any non-human
      primate in our sample. A strong effect of artificial protection is found, but
      humans under the most-adverse conditions still achieve PrR of >0.3.5. PrT should
      not be used as a population measure, and should be used as an individual measure
      only with great caution. The use of PrR as an intuitive, statistically valid and
      intercomparable population life-history measure is encouraged.

PMID- 22081795
TI  - Creating a Reinforcement Learning Controller for Functional Electrical
      Stimulation of a Human Arm.
AB  - Clinical tests have shown that the dynamics of a human arm, controlled using
      Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), can vary significantly between and
      during trials. In this paper, we study the application of Reinforcement Learning
      to create a controller that can adapt to these changing dynamics of a human arm.
      Development and tests were done in simulation using a two-dimensional arm model
      and Hill-based muscle dynamics. An actor-critic architecture is used with
      artificial neural networks for both the actor and the critic. We begin by
      training it using a Proportional Derivative (PD) controller as a supervisor. We
      then make clinically relevant changes to the dynamics of the arm and test the
      actor-critic's ability to adapt without supervision in a reasonable number of
      episodes.

PMID- 22081796
TI  - Study of the antioxidant mechanisms of Trolox and eugenol with 2,2'-azobis(2
      amidinepropane)dihydrochloride using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
      coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The study of antioxidant mechanisms is a difficult task that involves the
      monitoring and identification of unknown intermediate and final products. Most of
      the time, the lifetime of intermediates is too short to allow their isolation and
      subsequent identification by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The developments
      of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with the advances
      in the acquisition rates of mass spectrometry could facilitate the research on
      antioxidant mechanisms. This work is based on the reaction involved in the Oxygen
      Radical Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC) and Total Radical trapping Antioxidant
      Parameter (TRAP) assays. Hence, the reaction between 2,2'-azobis(2
      amidinepropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH) radicals and an antioxidant was carried out
      in the thermostatized autosampler of a chromatographic device. Then, the reaction
      media were injected every six minutes, and the compounds were separated by UHPLC
      and detected by mass spectrometry in scan mode. Nine consecutive injections were
      registered in a unique file, then the evolution of the reaction for one hour in a
      single run was monitored. In this way, the reaction mechanisms of Trolox and
      eugenol with AAPH were studied, leading to the detection of nine and thirteen
      different compounds, respectively. An exhaustive analysis of the spectra obtained
      in product ion scan mode led to the identification of the compounds. Most of them
      were species previously found in the literature, but others have never been
      reported, so tentative structures were suggested. All this allowed the proposal
      of several steps within the antioxidant mechanisms of Trolox and eugenol, showing
      the great performance of UHPLC-MS/MS to complement the use of NMR in antioxidant
      mechanistic studies.

PMID- 22081794
TI  - Proteasome malfunction activates macroautophagy in the heart.
AB  - Protein quality control (PQC) senses and repairs misfolded/unfolded proteins and,
      if the repair fails, degrades the terminally misfolded polypeptides through an
      intricate collaboration between molecular chaperones and targeted proteolysis.
      Proteolysis of damaged proteins is performed primarily by the ubiquitin
      proteasome system (UPS). Macroautophagy (commonly known as autophagy) may also
      play a role in PQC-associated proteolysis, especially when UPS function becomes
      inadequate. The development of a range of heart diseases, including bona fide
      cardiac proteinopathies and various forms of cardiac dysfunction has been linked
      to proteasome functional insufficiency (PFI). Both PFI and activation of
      autophagy have been observed in the heart of well-established mouse models of
      cardiac proteinopathy. A causal relationship between PFI and autophagic
      activation was suggested by a study using cultured cardiomyocytes but has not
      been established in the heart of intact animals. Taking advantage of an autophagy
      reporter, we demonstrated here that pharmacologically induced proteasome
      inhibition is sufficient to activate autophagy in cardiomyocytes in both intact
      animals and cell cultures, unveiling a potential cross-talk between the two major
      degradation pathways in cardiac PQC.

PMID- 22081793
TI  - Age-Induced Alterations in Hippocampal Function and Metabolism.
AB  - As the nervous system ages, a variety of changes occur in metabolism supporting
      glial and neuronal function, resulting in greater susceptibility to disease
      conditions. Changes with aging in the metabolic unit (i.e., neurons, glial cells
      and blood vessels) have been reported to include alterations of vascular
      reactivity, impaired transport of critical substrates underlying metabolism,
      enhanced reactive oxygen species production and alterations in calcium signaling.
      Some diseases are focused on the elderly, particularly cerebral ischemia,
      cognitive limitations, iatrogenic hypoglycemia, malignant brain tumors (i.e.,
      glioblastoma), and Alzheimer's disease, partly due to metabolic alterations with
      aging. These metabolic changes with aging are discussed in light of primary
      theories of aging of the brain, which include mitochondrial, calcium dysfunction
      and enhanced oxidative damage. Here we focus on metabolic changes with aging
      which can influence the susceptibility of the brain to ischemia and cognitive
      function. Lastly, we describe treatment possibilities for these abnormal
      responses to aging, particularly the topic of caloric/dietary restriction, and
      possible mechanisms underlying this treatment direction.

PMID- 22081797
TI  - School discipline and disruptive classroom behavior: the moderating effects of
      student perceptions.
AB  - This study examines the relationship between school discipline and student
      classroom behavior. A traditional deterrence framework predicts that more severe
      discipline will reduce misbehavior. In contrast, normative perspectives suggest
      that compliance depends upon commitment to rules and authority, including
      perceptions of fairness and legitimacy. Using school and individual-level data
      from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 and multilevel regression
      modeling, the author finds support for the normative perspective. Students who
      perceive school authority as legitimate and teacher-student relations as positive
      are rated as less disruptive. While perceptions of fairness also predict lower
      disruptions, the effects are mediated by positive teacher-student relations.
      Contrary to the deterrence framework, more school rules and higher perceived
      strictness predicts more, not less, disruptive behavior. In addition, a
      significant interaction effect suggests that attending schools with more severe
      punishments may have the unintended consequence of generating defiance among
      certain youth.

PMID- 22081798
TI  - The uneven patterning of welfare benefits at the twilight of AFDC: assessing the
      influence of institutions, race, and citizen preferences.
AB  - Scholars have been slow to test welfare state theories on the extensive
      subnational variation in the United States during the recent period of
      retrenchment. We assess institutional politics theories, literature on race and
      social policy, and public opinion arguments relative to levels of support in
      states' Aid to Families Dependent Children programs from 1982 until its
      elimination in 1996. Pooled time-series results demonstrate that the determinants
      of spending during retrenchment are mostly similar to those driving development
      and expansion. Pro-spending actors and professionalized state institutions limit
      benefit curtailment, while jurisdictions with larger African- American
      populations have lower benefits. Additionally, liberal citizens positively impact
      support and strengthen the effects of state institutions, but this effect is
      attenuated in states with larger African-American populations.

PMID- 22081799
TI  - Consequences of black exceptionalism? Interracial unions with blacks, depressive
      symptoms, and relationship satisfaction.
AB  - Using data from Wave 4 (2008) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent
      Health (N = 7,466), we examine potential consequences of black exceptionalism in
      the context of interracial relationships among nonblack respondents. While
      increasing racial diversity and climbing rates of interracial unions have
      fostered the notion that racial boundaries within the United States are fading,
      our results add to the accumulating evidence that racial/ethnic boundaries
      persist in U.S. society. Results suggest that among non-Black respondents there
      is more stigma and disapproval attached to relationships with Blacks than there
      are to relationships with members of other racial/ethnic groups. Specifically,
      our results indicate that nonblack individuals with black partners have
      significantly more depressive symptoms and less relationship satisfaction than
      their counterparts with nonblack partners, regardless of respondent race and
      whether the nonblack partner is the same versus a different race from the
      respondent. Further, the relationship between partner race and depressive
      symptoms is partially and significantly mediated by relationship satisfaction.

PMID- 22081800
TI  - Limited access: gender, occupational composition, and flexible work scheduling.
AB  - The current study draws on national data to explore differences in access to
      flexible work scheduling by the gender composition of women's and men's
      occupations. Results show that those who work in integrated occupations are more
      likely to have access to flexible scheduling. Women and men do not take jobs with
      lower pay in return for greater access to flexibility. Instead, jobs with higher
      pay offer greater flexibility. Integrated occupations tend to offer the greatest
      access to flexible scheduling because of their structural locations. Part-time
      work is negatively associated with men's access to flexible scheduling but
      positively associated with women's access. Women have greater flexibility when
      they work for large establishments, whereas men have greater flexibility when
      they work for small establishments.

PMID- 22081801
TI  - The evolution of infectious agents in relation to sex. Proceedings of a
      symposium. October 21-23, 2010. Karlskoga, Sweden.

PMID- 22081802
TI  - Proceedings of the 131st Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association.
      April 14-16, 2011. Boca Raton, Florida, USA.

PMID- 22081803
TI  - Best practices in systems interventions to reduce the burden of fractures.
      Proceedings of the Bone Health Conference. December 9-10, 2010. Washington, D.C.,
      USA.

PMID- 22081804
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22081805
TI  - Proceedings of the Eighth International Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Symposium
      (NanoDDS'10). October 3-5, 2010. Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

PMID- 22081806
TI  - Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Interventional
      Electrophysiology in the Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias. September 24-26,
      2010. Newport, Rhode Island.

PMID- 22081807
TI  - Festschrift to mark the retirement of Professor Bernard Gilmartin. Proceedings of
      a 2-day conference. September 2011. Birmingham, United Kingdom.

PMID- 22081808
TI  - The lateral sacral triangle--a decision support for secure transverse  sacroiliac
      screw insertion.
AB  - Sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation represents an effective method to stabilise pelvic
      injuries. However, to date neither reliable radiological landmarks nor effective
      anatomical classifications of the sacrum exist. This study investigates the
      influence of variability in sacral shape on secure transverse SI-screw
      positioning. Furthermore, consistent correlations of these anatomical conditions
      are analysed with respect to standard planar pelvic views. For shape analysis, 80
      human computed tomography data sets were segmented with the software Amira 4.2 to
      obtain 3D reconstructions. We identified anatomical conditions (ACs) according to
      the extent of the effect on the bony screw pathway. Subsequently, the pelvis was
      spatially aligned using representative bone protuberances in order to create
      standard Matta projections. In each view, the ACs were described in terms of
      distance from bone landmarks. Three-dimensional shape analysis revealed the
      height of the pedicular isthmus (PH) as the limiting variable for secure screw
      insertion. The lateral and outlet views allowed an orthogonal projection of PH.
      In the lateral view, the ratio of the lateral sacral triangle framed by the S1
      body height and width showed a high correlation to PH (p = 0.0001). A boundary
      ratio of 1.5 represented a reliable variable to determine whether or not a screw
      can be inserted (positive predictive value: 97%). In the outlet view, the
      distance between the S1 endplate and the SI joint top level (EJ) strongly
      correlated with PH (p = 0.0001). With EJ 0 mm, screw insertion was possible in
      all cases (100%). SI-screw insertion requires a well-planned procedure.
      Orientation of the sacral pedicle is of extreme relevance. A narrow sacroiliac
      channel and high sacral shape variability limit secure screw placement. However,
      no determining parameters exist, allowing accurate prediction of secure screw
      insertion based on X-rays or fluoroscopy. The lateral sacral triangle in the
      lateral view represents a simple and accurate preoperative method of support for
      the surgeon's decision to undertake this procedure. No additional technical
      effort is necessary. A boundary ratio of 1.5 predicts a sufficient bone stock for
      at least one 7.3 mm screw. Furthermore, the evaluation of the outlet projection
      can be used to assess the safety of the operation. Basically, a preoperative
      lateral pelvic image should be mandatory.

PMID- 22081809
TI  - Treatment algorithm for complex injuries of the foot in paediatric  patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complex injuries of the foot in the paediatric population present
      difficult treatment challenges. While standardised protocols exist for the adult
      population to achieve an optimal result in the treatment of such injuries,
      therapy in paediatric patientsmust be managed without a firm treatment algorithm.
      METHODS: Medical records of all patients with a complex trauma of the foot
      treated at our Department over a period of 13 years were evaluated. A complex
      trauma of the foot was defined using the scoring system developed by Zwipp et al.
      (1997).24 Treatment and outcome were analysed. Additionally, our treatment
      algorithm of complex injuries of the foot in paediatric patients is presented.
      RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in the study (79%m; 21% f, average
      age 12.1 years, ranging 2-16 years). Traffic accidents were the most common
      mechanism (n = 14; 48.3%), followed by a fall from a height in five patients
      (17.2%). Lawnmower injuries were found in another 3 patients (10.3%) and other
      mechanisms of injury in 7 patients (24.2%). The mean score according to Zwipp et
      al. (1997)24 was 5.8 points (range 5-8 points). While closed fractures were
      diagnosed in 20 (69%) patients, 9 patients (31%) presented open fractures.
      Operative intervention was necessary in 24 patients (82.8%). Fracture
      stabilisation could be realised using K-wires in 13 cases (54.2%), screws in 3
      cases (12.5%) and plate fixation in 1 case (4.2%). Combined techniques including
      external fixation were applied in another 7 (29.1%) cases. The mean time between
      injury and latest follow-up examination was 5.7 years (range 13 months to 13
      years). The mean functional outcome was 47.6 (29-56) points for the OAFQ, 15.1 (0
      69) points for the FFI and 82.3 (59-100) points for the AOFAS Score. DISCUSSION:
      To regard the maxims in treating complex injuries and open fractures in the
      growing skeleton we developed a simple treatment algorithm for complex foot
      injuries in order to provide preservation of the soft tissue envelope, avoidance
      of infection, restoration of the axis and the articular surface. CONCLUSION: A
      complex trauma of the paediatric foot is a rare and challenging injury. Avoidance
      of infection, preservation of the soft tissue envelope and fracture healing will
      provide good functional outcome despite the severity of trauma. Long time follow
      up is essential to detect complications.

PMID- 22081810
TI  - Induction of senescence in melanoma: thinking outside the cell.

PMID- 22081811
TI  - Serine biosynthesis: fuel for the melanoma cell growth engine.

PMID- 22081812
TI  - A DUB for MITF: no myth, some dubiety.

PMID- 22081813
TI  - Cardiac injury and troponin testing after orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac injury after orthopaedic surgery is an increasing problem
      particularly in an ageing population. The detection of cardiac injury has been
      aided by the use of cardiac troponins which has also raised questions about the
      utility of this enzyme in the post-operative setting. OBJECTIVE: This review
      evaluates the diagnosis and pathophysiology of myocardial infarction after
      orthopaedic surgery and examines how myocardial injury is detected, with
      particular emphasis on the role of troponin testing. SUBJECTS: Eight recent
      orthopaedic trials evaluating the use of troponin were identified in the
      literature and included in this review. RESULTS: This review found that the
      diagnosis of myocardial infarction ismore difficult after surgery since classic
      symptoms may be atypical or absent. Therefore, there ismore reliance on the
      typical rise and fall in troponin to diagnose cardiac injury especially because
      electrocardiograph changes may be hard to detect. The pathophysiology of
      ischaemia after orthopaedic surgery may be different to ischaemia in the non
      surgical setting. The incidence of troponin elevation is between 22 and 52.9%
      after emergency orthopaedic operations. Of note, patients sustaining a troponin
      elevation are often asymptomatic. Small studies have found troponin to be a
      prognostic marker of in-hospital cardiac complications, increased length of stay,
      increased likelihood of discharge to residential care and death at 1 year. No
      interventional studies have been published to date. CONCLUSION: Cardiac injury is
      an important complication after orthopaedic surgery. Studies have found that
      troponin testing can detect asymptomatic cardiac injury. These patients are at
      risk of poorer outcomes and future research should be directed towards treatment
      of these patients.

PMID- 22081814
TI  - Cold and desiccation tolerance. Festschrift honoring Karl Erik Zachariassen.

PMID- 22081816
TI  - Proceedings of the 57th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology
      (57th ICoMST). August 7-12, 2011. Ghent, Belgium.

PMID- 22081815
TI  - Urgent thoracotomy for penetrating chest trauma: analysis of 158 patients  of a
      single center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Penetrating injuries to the chest present a frequent and challenging
      problem, but the majority of these injuries can be managed non-?operatively. The
      aim of this study was to describe the incidence of penetrating chest trauma and
      the ultimate techniques used for operative management, as well as the diagnosis,
      complications, morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective 9-year review of
      patients who underwent an operative procedure following penetrating chest trauma
      was performed. The mechanism of injury, gender, age, physiological and outcome
      parameters, including injury severity score (ISS), chest abbreviated injury scale
      (AIS) score, lung injury scale score, concomitant injuries, time from admission
      to operating room, transfusion requirement, indications for thoracotomy, intra
      operative findings, operative procedures, length of hospital stay (LOS) and rate
      of mortality were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1123 patients who were admitted
      with penetrating thoracic trauma were investigated. Of these, 158 patients (93
      stabbings, 65 gunshots) underwent a thoracotomy within 24 h after the penetrating
      trauma. There were 146 (92.4%) male and 12 (7.6%) female patients, and their mean
      age was 25.72 9.33 (range, 15-54) years. The mean LOS was 10.65 8.30 (range, 5
      65) days. Patients admitted after a gunshot had a significantly longer LOS than
      those admitted with a stab wound (gunshot, 13.53 9.92 days; stab wound, 8.76 6.42
      days, p < 0.001). Patients who died had a significantly lower systolic blood
      pressure (SBP) on presentation in the emergency room (42.94 36.702 mm Hg)
      compared with those who survived (83.96 27.842 mm Hg, p = 0.001). The overall
      mortality rate was 10.8% (n = 17). Mortality for patients with stab wounds was
      8/93 (8.6%) compared with 9/65 (13.8%) for patients with gunshot wounds (p =
      0.29). Concomitant abdominal injuries (p = 0.01), diaphragmatic injury (p =
      0.01), ISS (p = 0.001), chest AIS score (p < 0.05), ongoing output (p = 0.001),
      blood transfusion volume (p < 0.01) and SBP (p = 0.001) were associated with
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Penetrating injuries to the chest requiring a thoracotomy
      are uncommon, and lung-sparing techniques have become the most frequently used
      procedures for lung injuries. The presence of associated abdominal injuries
      increased the mortality five-fold. Factors that affected mortality were ISS,
      chest AIS score, SBP, ongoing chest output, blood transfusion volume,
      diaphragmatic injury and associated abdominal injury.

PMID- 22081817
TI  - [Tuberculosis in HIV infected].

PMID- 22081818
TI  - Effects of bilateral adrenalectomy on the innate immune responses  following
      trauma in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The regulation of neuroendocrine hormones on the innate immune
      responses in trauma has not been fully understood. Previous studies have shown
      that the neuroendocrine hormones are important factors in their effects on immune
      parameters, depending on their concentration and timing instead of the simple
      suppressive effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 Sprague-Dawley rats
      were divided randomly into sham, pulmonary blast injury (BI) and adrenalectomy
      plus pulmonary BI groups. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed on rats, which
      were then subjected to blast injury. Following this, peripheral leucocyte
      responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, phagocytosis activities
      of macrophages and bacteria translocation (BT) were examined. Tumour necrosis
      factor-a (TNF-a) levels and the expression levels of scavenger receptor (SR) A,
      CD14, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and MD2 were assayed with enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,
      respectively. RESULTS: In adrenalectomised rats after pulmonary BI, the number of
      peripheral leucocytes was increased and the phagocytosis of peritoneal and
      splenic macrophages was decreased as compared to the BI group. Simultaneously,
      the gut-derived BT and TNF-a secretion in lung tissues were elevated, whilst the
      LPS-stimulated TNF-a synthesis by peripheral leucocyte responsiveness was
      reduced. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of SR-A, CD14, TLR4 and MD2 in lung tissues
      of adrenalectomised rats decreased. Adrenalectomised rats showed enhancement of
      inflammatory responses and severe tissue injuries in trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Release
      of adrenal hormones might enhance, rather than inhibit, the innate immune
      functions, particularly in the early stages of trauma.

PMID- 22081819
TI  - Light therapy by blue LED improves wound healing in an excision model in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low level light therapy (LLLT) is an attractive alternative to
      enhance wound healing. So far most studies are performed with red or infrared
      irradiation. However, we recently showed that blue light (470 nm) can
      significantly influence biological systems, improving perfusion by release of
      nitric oxide from nitrosyl complexes with haemoglobin in a skin flap model in
      rats. Here, we compared the effects of blue and red low level light by light
      emitting diodes (LEDs) on in vivo wound healing in an excision wound model in
      rats. METHODS: Circular excision wounds were surgically created on the dorsum of
      each rat. Excisions on either the left or right side were illuminated post-OP and
      on five consecutive days for 10 min by LED at 470 nm or 630 nm with an intensity
      of 50 mW/cm(2),while protecting the contralateral side from exposure. In the
      control group, neither side was illuminated. On day 7 post-OP, we analysed
      planimetric and histological parameters, as well as expression of keratin-1,
      keratin-10 and keratin-17 on mRNA level. RESULTS: Illumination substantially
      influenced wound healing. Blue light significantly decreased wound size on day 7,
      which correlated with enhanced epithelialisation. Light also affected mRNA
      expression. Both wavelengths decreased keratin-1 mRNA on day 7 post-OP, while
      keratin-10 mRNA level was elevated in both light treated group compared to
      control. Keratin-17 mRNA was also elevated in the red light group, but was
      unchanged in the blue light group. CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous studies,
      we showed that also blue light significantly influences wound healing.
      Furthermore, our data suggest that light therapy can play an important role in
      normotrophic wound healing by affecting keratin expression. Illumination would
      provide an easily applicable, safe and cost-effective treatment of surface
      wounds.

PMID- 22081820
TI  - Laccase mediator systems for eco-friendly production of medium-density fiberboard
      (MDF) on a pilot scale: physicochemical analysis of the reaction mechanism.
AB  - Increasing prices of petrochemical resins and possible harmful formaldehyde
      emissions from conventionally produced wood composites have resulted in increased
      interest in enzymatic binder systems as environmentally friendly alternatives for
      gluing lignocellulosic products. In this study, laccase mediator systems (LMSs)
      were used to activate lignin on wood fiber surfaces in the pilot-scale production
      of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) using a dry process. Three different mediators
      were applied: 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT), and
      acetosyringone (AS) of which HBA performed best. The mechanical properties of the
      manufactured boards produced with thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers, laccase,
      and HBA fulfilled all required European standards for wood-based panels. Oxygen
      consumption rates of the different LMSs and (13)C NMR spectroscopy results for
      treated TMP fibers were obtained for qualitative and quantitative analysis of
      lignin activation. The results show that reactions were most effective within the
      first 30 min of incubation. Oxygen consumption was fastest and highest for the
      LMS using HBA. (13)C NMR spectroscopy indicated the highest decrease of aromatic
      groups in the wood fiber lignin with this LMS. The data correlated well with the
      quality of the MDF. The required enzymatic reaction times allowed direct
      integration of the LMS into standard MDF production techniques. The results
      indicate that application of LMSs has a high potential for environmentally
      friendly MDF production.

PMID- 22081821
TI  - Alcohol-related injury visits: do we know the true prevalence in U.S. trauma 
      centres?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for injuries.
      Further, level I trauma centres are mandated to screen and provide a brief
      intervention for identified problem drinkers. However, a valid population-based
      estimate of the magnitude of the problem is unknown. Therefore, the goal of this
      study is to evaluate the extent to which the present literature provides a valid
      estimate of the prevalence of alcohol-related visits to U.S. trauma centres.
      METHODS: A Medline search for all articles from 1966 to 2007 that might provide
      prevalence estimates of alcohol-related visits to U.S. trauma centres yielded 836
      articles in English language journals. This review included only papers whose
      main or secondary goal was to estimate the prevalence of positive blood alcohol
      concentration (BAC) or acute intoxication. Both a crude aggregate estimate and
      sample size adjusted estimate were calculated from the included papers and the
      coverage and comparability of methods were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 15 studies
      that met inclusion criteria, incidence estimates of alcohol-related visits ranged
      from 26.2% to 62.5% and yielded an aggregate, weighted estimate of 32.5%. Target
      population, capture rate, and threshold for a positive screening result varied
      considerably across studies. No study provided a comprehensive estimate, i.e., of
      all trauma patients hospitalised, treated and released, or who died. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the incidence of alcohol-related visits to U.S. trauma centres appears
      very high perhaps higher than any other medical setting, the validity of our
      aggregate estimate is threatened by crucial methodological considerations. The
      lack of a methodologically valid prevalence estimate hinders efforts to devise
      appropriate policies for trauma centres and across medical settings.

PMID- 22081823
TI  - Proceedings of the Texas Tuberculosis Research Symposium. February 7, 2009.
      Houston, Texas, USA.

PMID- 22081822
TI  - The association of compensation on longer term health status for people with
      musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes: emergency department
      inception cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the health status of people claiming compensation for
      injuries sustained in road traffic crashes (RTC), with people who do not claim
      compensation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Australian Capital
      Territory, Australia and a fault based common law compensation scheme. SUBJECTS:
      People presenting to the emergency department with mild to moderate
      musculoskeletal injury following RTC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical Component
      Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health
      status measure, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Functional
      Rating Index (FRI). These measures are recorded immediately post crash, at 6 and
      12 months post crash. RESULTS: 95 people participated in the study and were
      enrolled a mean of 8.6 (median 8) days following the crash. 86% were followed up
      to 12 months after injury. Mean age was 37 years, 61% were female and 91% were
      employed at the time of their injury.33%ultimately claimed compensation, and 25%
      engaged a lawyer. There were no major differences in baseline personal
      characteristics or injury related factors between the groups. As expected,
      involvement as a passenger and in multiple vehicle crashes, were more frequent in
      the group claiming compensation. Over the duration of the study claiming
      compensation was associated with lower SF-36 PCS (5.5 (95%CI 8.6 to 2.4), p =
      0.001), greater HADS-Anxiety (1.7 (95%CI 0.2-3.3), p = 0.048), and worse FRI
      (11.2 (95%CI 3.9-18.5), p = 0.003). There was a highly significant improvement in
      health status between baseline and 6 months after injury, but no further
      significant change between 6 and 12 months after injury. There was no difference
      in rate of improvement between the groups. Claiming compensation and
      psychological factors were independent predictors of worse health status at 12
      months. CONCLUSION: In this study the group claiming compensation had overall
      worse health status following mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries over the
      course of the study. There was no difference in rate of improvement between the
      groups. However, it is not possible to determine whether this negative effect was
      due to claiming compensation itself or the presence of other unmeasured factors.

PMID- 22081824
TI  - Temporal variation in childhood injury from common recreational activities.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To investigate the month and day of the week of injury in
      common childhood activities using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance
      System database. METHODS: All emergency department visits 2002-2006 from
      bicycles/tricycles, scooters, playground equipment, swimming/water activities,
      skiing/snowboarding, trampolines, and skating were analysed. The NEISS weighted
      and stratified data set was analysed using SUDAAN software. Weekday and month of
      injury, gender, race, anatomical location of the injury, geographical location of
      injury, and disposition were tabulated. Simple variation by month or weekday was
      analysed using cosinor analysis; combined variation for both month and weekday
      was analysed by topographical analysis. RESULTS: There were an estimated 4.61
      million emergency department visits for injuries from these activities in
      children in the United States. The average age was 9.5 years; there were 1.65
      million girls (35.9%) and 2.97 boys (64.1%). Cosinor analysis demonstrated
      significant single peaks for month of injury for snow activities (January 27),
      trampolines (June 10), scooters (June 24), cycling (July 6), and water (July 12)
      activities. Double cosinor peaks were noted for skating (April 13 and September
      12) and playground (April 22 and September 21) activities. Cosinor analyses
      demonstrated that the peak week days of injury were Monday for trampoline and
      snow activities, Saturday/Sunday for skating activities, Sunday for cycling, and
      Wednesday for playground equipment. There was no peak injury day for scooter or
      water activities. Topographical representation of paediatric injuries
      demonstrated that injuries from slides most frequently occurred April-May on
      Wednesdays and Saturdays, and those on swings April-May all days except Tuesday.
      Monkeybar injuries were bimodal, with the spring peak on Wednesday-Thursday in
      April/May and the fall peak Tuesday-Friday in September. Rollerblade injuries
      occurred Saturday-Sunday from March/April; rollerskates on Saturday-Sunday in
      January-April, and skateboards Saturday-Monday in August-October and Sundays in
      April. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can be used to further guide childhood injury
      prevention programmes/campaigns and especially track improvements after targeted
      prevention programmes. Public parks and schools should check/correct the status
      of playground landing surfaces just before the bimodal peaks. Education campaigns
      reinforcing the need for bicycle helmets could be concentrated immediately before
      the increase in cycling activity - March on weekends and April/May for weekdays.

PMID- 22081825
TI  - Special issue dedicated to Chad Mirkin in celebration of 20 years of influential
      research at Northwestern University.

PMID- 22081826
TI  - US lawsuit extends thalidomide's reach.

PMID- 22081827
TI  - Dragon offers ticket to Mars.

PMID- 22081829
TI  - [Abstracts of the VIth Latin American Congress for Treatment and Research in
      Multiple Sclerosis. August 12-14, 2010. Santiago, Chile].

PMID- 22081828
TI  - Abstracts of the 114th Annual Congress and 41st Annual AOSA (American Optometric
      Student Association) Conference. June 2011. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

PMID- 22081830
TI  - Internal jugular thrombus revealed by fine-needle aspiration to be metastatic
      papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PMID- 22081831
TI  - The lower hemoglobin A(1c) value for the screening of prediabetes.

PMID- 22081832
TI  - Use of insulin detemir and insulin glargine during pregnancy: are the data
      convincing?

PMID- 22081833
TI  - Traces: making sense of urodynamics testing--part 7: Evaluation of bladder
      filling/storage: Evaluation of urethral sphincter incompetence and stress urinary
      incontinence.
AB  - The "Traces" series discusses how the urodynamic clinician generates usable data
      from a filling cystometrogram. Part 7 focuses on the question, "Is the urethral
      sphincter mechanism competent?" From a practical viewpoint, this question can be
      divided into two queries: 1) does this patient have observable urodynamic stress
      urinary incontinence (SUI), and 2) does this patient have intrinsic urethral
      sphincter incompetence, also referred to as intrinsic sphincter deficiency or a
      low pressure urethra? Signs of SUI include clinician observation of urine loss
      with coughing or during Valsalva's maneuver. Urodynamic SUI is the observation of
      urine loss with increased abdominal and intravesical pressures in the absence of
      a detrusor contraction. The most commonly used techniques for assessment of
      urethral sphincter function and SUI are the urethral pressure profile and the
      abdominal leak point pressure. Both are useful for answering these queries, but
      both tests are vulnerable to physiologic and technical artifacts that must be
      minimized to produce technically accurate and clinically meaningful results.

PMID- 22081834
TI  - The new urban politics as a politics of carbon control.
AB  - The new urban politics (NUP) literature has helped to draw attention to a new
      generation of entrepreneurial urban regimes involved in the competition to
      attract investment to cities. Interurban competition often had negative
      environmental consequences for the urban living place. Yet knowledge of the
      environment was not very central to understanding the NUP. Entrepreneurial urban
      regimes today are struggling to deal with climate change and reductions in
      greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon reduction strategies could have profound
      implications for interurban competition and the politics of urban development.
      This paper explores the rise of a distinctive low-carbon urban polity-carbon
      control-and examines its potential ramifications for a new environmental politics
      of urban development (NEPUD). The NEPUD signals the growing centrality of carbon
      control in discourses, strategies and struggles around urban development. Using
      examples from cities in the US and Europe, the paper examines how these new
      environmental policy considerations are being mainstreamed in urban development
      politics. Alongside competitiveness, the management of carbon emissions
      represents a new yet at the same time contestable mode of calculation in urban
      governance.

PMID- 22081835
TI  - The politics of urban informality in Philadelphia's recovery house movement.
AB  - There are some 60,000 vacant properties in the city of Philadelphia, 30,000 of
      which are abandoned row houses. In the neighbourhood of Kensington, street-level
      entrepreneurs have reconfigured hundreds of former working-class row homes to
      produce the Philadelphia recovery house movement: an extra-legal poverty survival
      strategy for addicts and alcoholics located in the city's poorest and most
      heavily blighted zones. The purpose of this paper is to explore,
      ethnographically, the ways in which informal poverty survival mechanisms
      articulate with the restructuring of the contemporary welfare state and the
      broader political economy of Philadelphia. It is argued that recovery house
      networks accommodate an interrelated set of political rationalities animated not
      only by retrenchment and the churning of welfare bodies, but also by the agency
      of informal operators and the politics of self-help. Working as an alternative
      and partially vestigial boundary institution or buffer zone to formal regimes of
      governance, the recovery house movement reflects the 'other story' of the new
      urban politics in Philadelphia.

PMID- 22081836
TI  - The neoliberal state and the penalization of misery.
AB  - The strategy adopted by the neoliberal state to maintain social order and
      safeguard private property in a context of economic deregulation and social
      precariousness has destroyed the welfare state and aggravated poverty, depriving
      the masses of any form of social protection while subjecting them to repression.
      The reinforcement of the repressive state apparatus is associated with the social
      instability provoked by the lack of social policies, the degradation of living
      conditions for the great majority of the population, and the amplification of
      income and property inequalities both in the so-called capitalist periphery and
      in the richest industrialized countries. The penalization of misery is revealed
      as a new expression of class domination.

PMID- 22081837
TI  - The evolution of human warfare.
AB  - Here we propose a new theory for the origins and evolution of human warfare as a
      complex social phenomenon involving several behavioral traits, including
      aggression, risk taking, male bonding, ingroup altruism, outgroup xenophobia,
      dominance and subordination, and territoriality, all of which are encoded in the
      human genome. Among the family of great apes only chimpanzees and humans engage
      in war; consequently, warfare emerged in their immediate common ancestor that
      lived in patrilocal groups who fought one another for females. The reasons for
      warfare changed when the common ancestor females began to immigrate into the
      groups of their choice, and again, during the agricultural revolution.

PMID- 22081838
TI  - In the hunt for the "sultans of smack:" dope, gangsters and the construction of
      the Turkish deep state.
AB  - This article traces the development and evolution of the Turkish heroin trade
      against the backdrop of the Republic of Turkey's long transition from imperial
      core to nation-state. In taking up heroin's relationship to modern Turkey, I
      would like to specifically explore the meaning and manifestations of what many
      inside and outside of academia have called the "deep state." Heroin, I argue, was
      and is one of the most vital enablers of the factional "deep state" rivalries
      that compete for power in Ankara, adding a steady violent dimension to local and
      national politics.

PMID- 22081840
TI  - Student perspective on the future of veterinary education.

PMID- 22081839
TI  - Prescription pattern of oral healthcare professionals in the use of
      anticonvulsants for trigeminal neuralgia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current prescription
      pattern of oral healthcare professionals in the management of patients with
      trigeminal neuralgia at a local hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Data relating to a
      consecutive series of patients (n = 49) with typical trigeminal neuralgia was
      collected over a period of 6 months. RESULTS: Over half the subjects (70%) were
      using carbamazepine as the only form of medical therapy. Gabapentin was used in
      20% of the subjects. A combination therapy or Topiramate was used in few of the
      patients in the study group (7.5%). CONCLUSION: Carbamazepine is still the main
      drug of choice in the management of trigeminal neuralgia. New anti-epileptic
      drugs have broadened the therapeutic options in those who cannot tolerate
      conventional carbamazepine therapy or surgical treatment.

PMID- 22081841
TI  - More thoughts on low-cost vaccination clinics.

PMID- 22081842
TI  - One health, veterinary public health, and demand for food from animal sources.

PMID- 22081843
TI  - Additional thoughts on changing veterinary education.

PMID- 22081844
TI  - The organizing of psychoanalysis in Britain.

PMID- 22081845
TI  - We (not-so) happy few: symbolic loss and mourning in Freud's psychoanalytic
      movement and the history of psychoanalysis.

PMID- 22081846
TI  - "You know that our old institute was entirely destroyed": on the history of the
      Frankfurt Psychoanalytical Institute (FPI), 1929-1933.

PMID- 22081847
TI  - [From the    history of the agrarian landscape to rural history: the vital
      scientific    heredity of Emilio Sereni].

PMID- 22081848
TI  - [The daily functioning of justice in the late Middle Ages: account books    as
      sources for criminal history].

PMID- 22081849
TI  - [Eugenics in Argentina, 1890-1940].

PMID- 22081850
TI  - [Silver mining and metallurgy in 17th-century New    Spain].

PMID- 22081851
TI  - [A quantitative analysis of the demand for fertilizer in Jiangnan during    the
      Ming and Qing dynasties].

PMID- 22081852
TI  - [Prevalence of conducting mammography tests in women obtained from population
      surveys: uses and limitations].

PMID- 22081853
TI  - [Geographic and socio-economic aspects of access to mammography in Brazil, 2003
      2008--interpretive comments].

PMID- 22081854
TI  - Basic science and rotator cuff repair: where have we arrived?

PMID- 22081855
TI  - [Liver, pancreas, biliary tract cancer-2011 update].

PMID- 22081856
TI  - [New pathological classification of pancreatic cancer-WHO 2010-].

PMID- 22081857
TI  - [Progression of diagnostic technic for pancreas cancer].

PMID- 22081858
TI  - Fusion gene vectors allowing for simultaneous drug selection, cell labeling, and
      reporter assay in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Vector systems allowing simultaneously for rapid drug selection, cell labeling,
      and reporter assay are highly desirable in biomedical research including stem
      cell biology. Here, we present such a vector system including pCVpf or pCVpr,
      plasmids that express pf or pr, a fusion protein between puromycin
      acetyltransferase and green or red fluorescent protein from CV, the human
      cytomegalovirus enhancer/promoter. Transfection with pCVpf or pCVpr produced a
      ~10% efficiency of gene transfer. A 2-day pulse puromycin selection resulted in
      ~13-fold enrichment for transgenic cells, and continuous puromycin selection
      produced stable transgenic stem cell clones with retained pluripotency.
      Furthermore, we developed a PAC assay protocol for quantification of transgene
      expression. To test the usefulness for cell labeling and PAC assay in vivo, we
      constructed pVASpf containing pf linked to the regulatory sequence of medaka germ
      gene vasa and generated transgenic fish with visible GFP expression in germ
      cells. PAC assay revealed the highest expression in the testis. Interestingly,
      PAC activity was also detectable in somatic organs including the eye, which was
      validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Therefore, the pf and pr vectors
      provide a useful system for simultaneous drug selection, live labeling, and
      reporter assay in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22081859
TI  - Multiwalled carbon nanotubes induce a fibrogenic response by stimulating reactive
      oxygen species production, activating NF-kappaB signaling, and promoting
      fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are novel materials with unique electronic and mechanical
      properties. The extremely small size, fiberlike shape, large surface area, and
      unique surface chemistry render their distinctive chemical and physical
      characteristics and raise potential hazards to humans. Several reports have shown
      that pulmonary exposure to CNTs caused inflammation and lung fibrosis in rodents.
      The molecular mechanisms that govern CNT lung toxicity remain largely
      unaddressed. Here, we report that multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have
      potent, dose-dependent toxicity on cultured human lung cells (BEAS-2B, A549, and
      WI38-VA13). Mechanistic analyses were carried out at subtoxic doses (<=20 MUg/mL,
      <= 24 h). MWCNTs induced substantial ROS production and mitochondrial damage,
      implicating oxidative stress in cellular damage by MWCNT. MWCNTs activated the NF
      kappaB signaling pathway in macrophages (RAW264.7) to increase the secretion of a
      panel of cytokines and chemokines (TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, and MCP1)
      that promote inflammation. Activation of NF-kappaB involved rapid degradation of
      IkappaBalpha, nuclear accumulation of NF-kappaBp65, binding of NF-kappaB to
      specific DNA-binding sequences, and transactivation of target gene promoters.
      Finally, MWCNTs induced the production of profibrogenic growth factors TGFbeta1
      and PDGF from macrophages that function as paracrine signals to promote the
      transformation of lung fibroblasts (WI38-VA13) into myofibroblasts, a key step in
      the development of fibrosis. Our results revealed that MWCNTs elicit multiple and
      intertwining signaling events involving oxidative damage, inflammatory cytokine
      production, and myofibroblast transformation, which potentially underlie the
      toxicity and fibrosis in human lungs by MWCNTs.

PMID- 22081861
TI  - Influence of surface temperature on the mechanism of atomic layer deposition of
      aluminum oxide using an oxygen plasma and ozone.
AB  - We have examined the role of substrate temperature on the surface reaction
      mechanisms during the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al(2)O(3) from trimethyl
      aluminum (TMA) in combination with an O(2) plasma and O(3) over a substrate
      temperature range of 70-200  degrees C. The ligand-exchange reactions were
      investigated using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy. Consistent with our previous work on ALD of Al(2)O(3) from an O(2)
      plasma and O(3) [Rai, V. R.; Vandalon, V.; Agarwal, S. Langmuir 2010, 26, 13732],
      both -OH groups and carbonates were the chemisorption sites for TMA over the
      entire temperature range explored. The concentration of surface -CH(3) groups
      after the TMA cycle was, however, strongly dependent on the surface temperature
      and the type of oxidizer, which in turn influenced the corresponding growth per
      cycle. The combustion of surface -CH(3) ligands was not complete at 70  degrees C
      during O(3) exposure, indicating that an O(2) plasma is a relatively stronger
      oxidizing agent. Further, in O(3)-assisted ALD, the ratio of mono- and bidentate
      carbonates on the surface after O(3) exposure was dependent on the substrate
      temperature.

PMID- 22081860
TI  - Fruit and vegetable and fried food consumption and 3-(2-deoxy-beta-D-erythro
      pentafuranosyl)pyrimido[1,2-alpha] purin-10(3H)-one deoxyguanosine adduct
      formation.
AB  - Diet has been shown to modulate M(1)dG adduct, a biomarker of oxidative stress
      and lipid peroxidation. Thus, we analysed the association between diet and M(1)dG
      in 120 controls and 67 Map Ta Phut industrial estate workers in Rayong, Thailand,
      to evaluate the influence of fruit and vegetables, and fried and charcoal
      grilled/barbecued food consumption on M(1)dG. M(1)dG was decreased in controls
      reporting to consume 14-17 servings/week of fruit and vegetables (mean ratio
      [MR]= 0.35, CI 0.18-0.69, p< 0.05). Conversely, a non-statistically significant
      M(1)dG increment was detected in controls consuming 9-18 servings/week of fried
      food (MR = 1.33, CI 0.88-2.00, p = 0.168). No effect of charcoal
      grilled/barbecued food was found. No effect of diet was observed in workers. An
      association with smoking was observed in controls (MR = 1.88, CI 1.14-3.10, p <
      0.05), but not in workers. M(1)dG can induce mutations and/or methylation changes
      within the promoter regions of cancer-related genes, thus promotion of healthy
      eating practices should be recommended.

PMID- 22081862
TI  - Cross-cultural comparison of ADHD symptoms among Japanese and US university
      students.
AB  - Problems related to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness are known to
      impact social, academic, and vocational success. When the problems begin in
      childhood and lead to impaired functioning, the syndrome is identified as
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of the syndrome persist
      into adolescence and adulthood for many individuals, but less is known about
      characteristics of adults compared to children, especially adults attending
      university. Furthermore, there is little cross-national and cross-cultural
      research. This study compared DSM-IV-TR ADHD symptoms of US university students
      (N=271) to Japanese peers (N=712). Comparison of group means on a DSM-IV-TR-based
      checklist indicated that Japanese students reported more problems with
      inattention (and overall ADHD symptoms) but not hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
      Although differences were statistically significant, effect sizes were small,
      indicating that for practical purposes, the students reported similar levels of
      symptoms. Japanese students reported higher rates of meeting or exceeding symptom
      counts that comprise diagnostic criteria for ADHD, but differences were quite
      small. Using DSM-IV-TR thresholds, 5.70% of US students and 6.27% of Japanese
      students reported enough symptoms to meet the cut-off for inattentive,
      hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type during childhood. With regard to recent
      problems, 2.66% of US students and 4.52% of Japanese students reported enough
      symptoms to meet the cut-off for one of the three subtypes. Comparisons using
      other methods of calculating rates are also provided. This research adds to the
      limited knowledge of ADHD symptoms in university students across countries and it
      supports the view that ADHD is not merely a cultural construct. This study is
      among the first to identify potential attention problems in Japanese university
      students.

PMID- 22081864
TI  - Editorial comment to inhibition of cortactin and SIRT1 expression attenuates
      migration and invasion of prostate cancer DU145 cells.

PMID- 22081863
TI  - Empirically derived subtypes of lifetime anxiety disorders: developmental and
      clinical correlates in U.S. adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the sex- and age-specific structure and
      comorbidity of lifetime anxiety disorders among U.S. adolescents. METHOD: The
      sample consisted of 2,539 adolescents (1,505 females and 1,034 males) from the
      National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement who met criteria for Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev. [DSM-IV-TR])
      lifetime anxiety disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Adolescents
      ranged in age from 13 to 18 years (M = 15.2 years, SE = 0.08 years) and were 39%
      non-White. Multiple-group latent class analysis was conducted by adolescent sex
      and age to identify subgroups of adolescents with similar anxiety disorder
      profiles. Developmental and clinical correlates of empirically derived classes
      were also examined to assess the nomological validity of identified subgroups.
      RESULTS: A 7-class solution provided the best fit to the data, with classes
      defined primarily by one rather than multiple anxiety disorders. Results also
      indicated that classes displayed similar diagnostic profiles across age, but
      varied by sex. Classes characterized by multiple anxiety disorders were
      consistently associated with a greater degree of persistence, clinical severity,
      impairment, and comorbidity with other DSM-IV-TR psychiatric disorders.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presentation of lifetime anxiety disorders among adolescents and
      the observation of unique correlates of specific classes provide initial evidence
      for the utility of individual DSM-IV-TR anxiety disorder categories. Although
      findings of the present study should be considered preliminary, results emphasize
      the potential value of early intervention and gender-specific conceptualization
      and treatment of anxiety disorders.

PMID- 22081865
TI  - Motives and decision making of potential living liver donors: comparisons between
      gender, relationships and ambivalence.
AB  - The motives and decision making of potential living liver donors are critical
      areas for transplant clinicians evaluating these candidates to understand, yet
      these topics remain relatively unstudied. Thus, we surveyed 77 prospective living
      liver donors at the point of donation evaluation using structured instruments to
      gather more information on their approach to and concerns about donation. We
      collected information on donation decision making, motives for donation and
      anticipated social and physical concerns about postdonation outcomes. We examined
      three additional characteristics of donors: gender, the relationship of the donor
      to the intended recipient and the presence of ambivalence about donation. Women
      had more concerns about their family/social responsibilities. Those donating to
      nonimmediate family were more likely to have been asked to donate but less likely
      to feel they had to donate. However, ambivalent donors were the most distinct
      having difficulties and concerns across most areas from their motivations for
      donating, to deciding to be tested and to donate, to concerns about the
      postdonation outcomes. We discuss the clinical relevance of these findings to
      donor evaluation and preparation.

PMID- 22081866
TI  - Mixed competition-predation: potential vs. realized interactions.
AB  - 1. Life-history omnivory or size-induced mixed competition-predation systems have
      under many conditions theoretically been shown to be fragile, whereas at the same
      time existing empirical data suggest such systems to be common in nature. 2. In a
      whole lake experiment covering 17 years, we analysed the effects of the
      introduction of the intraguild prey roach (Rutilus rutilus) on the population
      size and individual performance of the intraguild predator perch (Perca
      fluviatilis) and on resource levels in two low productivity systems. 3. A strong
      long-term effect of roach on the zooplankton resource but not on the
      macroinvertebrate resource was present. Competitive effects of roach on perch
      were observed in one of the lakes the first years after the introduction, but at
      the end of the study no competitive effect of roach on either size class of perch
      was observed in any of the two lakes. In contrast, a positive predatory effect
      reflected in improved growth rates of older perch was present. 4. The lack of a
      support for a competitive effect of roach on small perch raises the question of
      the importance of mixed competition-predation interactions in life-history
      omnivorous systems and the problem of comparing descriptive data on feeding
      relationships with theoretical predictions based on interaction modules.

PMID- 22081867
TI  - Monitoring of HIV type 1 DNA load and drug resistance in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells during suppressive antiretroviral therapy does not predict
      virologic failure.
AB  - Our objective was to determine whether monitoring HIV-1 DNA concentration or new
      resistance mutations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during
      effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) predicts virologic failure. A
      retrospective analysis used blood specimens and clinical data from three
      nevirapine containing arms of a four-arm, open-label, randomized trial comparing
      ART regimens in HIV-1-infected children who had failed mono- or dual-nucleoside
      therapy. Sensitive assays compared cell-associated HIV-1 DNA concentrations and
      nevirapine (NVP) and lamivudine (3TC) resistance mutations in children with
      plasma HIV-1 RNA <400 copies(c)/ml who did or did not experience subsequent
      virologic failure. Forty-six children were analyzed through the last available
      follow-up specimen, collected at 48 (n=16) or 96 (n=30) weeks of ART. Thirty-five
      (76%) had sustained viral suppression and 11 (24%) had plasma viral rebound to >=
      400 c/ml (virologic failure detected at a median of 36 weeks). HIV-1 DNA levels
      at baseline, 24, 48, and 96 weeks of ART were similar in children who did vs. did
      not experience virologic failure (p=0.82). HIV-1 DNA levels did not increase
      prior to viral rebound. NVP resistance mutations were detected in 91% of subjects
      in the failure group vs. 3% in the suppressed group (p <0.0001). Among nine
      evaluable children, NVP mutations were first detected prior to virologic failure
      in two (22%), at viral rebound in five (56%), and after failure in two (22%)
      children. HIV-1 DNA concentrations did not predict virologic failure in this
      cohort. New drug resistance mutations were detected in the PBMCs of a minority of
      virologically suppressed children who subsequently failed ART.

PMID- 22081868
TI  - Using a nurse invented T-Bar device in a rehabilitation program improved the
      range of motion for rotator cuff repair patients.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the effects on patient outcomes of
      using a T-bar in rehabilitation programs in shoulder arthroscopic surgical
      procedure patients. BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic nurses play an important role in
      facilitating restoration of patients' range of motion shoulder function.
      Conventionally, nurses instruct patients to use the unaffected arm to hold the
      surgical arm when performing range of motion. However, patients often have
      difficulty performing the entire range of motion efficiently in this manner.
      Therefore, nurses have invented a T-bar device to help patients perform range of
      motion in a rehabilitation program. DESIGN: A repeated-measure, quasi
      experimental study. METHOD: Sixty-eight participants were recruited from four
      orthopaedic wards of a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. Of the patients meeting
      the inclusion criteria for the study, 33 were assigned to the experimental group
      and 35 to the comparison group. Both groups had the same shoulder rehabilitation
      program including identical activities, duration and frequency, except that the
      experimental group used the nurse invented T-bar device to facilitate range of
      motion while the comparison group used a conventional method. Data were collected
      when patients were admitted, five days and four weeks after the surgery. Outcome
      indicators were shoulder range of motion, muscle power and the American Shoulder
      and Elbow Society Shoulder Index. Statistical methods used for analysis included
      mean, standard deviation and repeated measures anova. RESULTS: All the
      participants completed the study. Results showed a significant improvement in
      shoulder abduction after surgery in experimental group versus the comparison
      group. No significant differences were found in other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      nurse invented T-bar device used in the rehabilitation program was effective in
      helping restore the abduction function of rotator cuff repair patients in our
      preliminary study. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Using a T-bar in the
      rehabilitation program to improve range of motion may be considered for patients
      with shoulder surgery.

PMID- 22081869
TI  - Safer sex as the bolder choice: testosterone is positively correlated with safer
      sex behaviorally relevant attitudes in young men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Higher testosterone (T) is tied to risk-taking, especially in
      financial domains but also in health domains relevant to acquiring sexually
      transmitted infections (STIs). However, safer sex constructs could themselves
      carry the possibility of "social risk" due to sexual stigma or embarrassment, or
      could involve boldness or confidence because they could represent status displays
      of frequent sexual activity. AIM: To determine how T and behaviorally relevant
      attitudes about sexual risk-taking are linked, to better understand
      biopsychosocial aspects of sexual health related to STIs. METHODS: In 78 first
      year male college students, we examined correlations between salivary T and
      behaviorally relevant safer sex attitudes assessed via questionnaires. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: T, via saliva; safer sex attitudes, via a composite and the
      University of California, Los Angeles Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale
      (MCAS). RESULTS: Higher T was significantly correlated with higher scores on the
      following: safer sex likelihood composite, r(73)=0.33, P=0.003; the MCAS safer
      sex resilience, r(32)=0.36, P=0.037; and the MCAS condom purchase comfort,
      r(32)=0.37, P=0.031. Associations between T and safer sex likelihood and
      resilience were still robust after controlling for potential confounds, though
      the association between T and purchase comfort diminished to a trend.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher T was positively linked with safer sex attitudes, especially
      those most closely tied to STI risk avoidance. Thus, future research and
      interventions for STI prevention should address the possibility that safer sex
      may be paradoxically perceived as a "bold" or "risky" choice even as it decreases
      STI risk.

PMID- 22081871
TI  - Association of smoking with wound complications after cesarean delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether smoking is an independent risk factor for wound
      dehiscence after cesarean delivery. METHODS: In this case-control study, medical
      records were reviewed for all patients with wound dehiscence after cesarean
      delivery during a 7-month period. Wound dehiscence was defined as separation of
      wound edges requiring treatment. Three control patients without such
      complications were randomly selected for each case patient. Univariate
      associations were assessed using t test or Fisher's exact test; univariate odds
      ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with logistic
      regression. Multivariate associations were assessed with logistic regression on
      variables with a univariate association significant at p <= 0.10. RESULTS: Of 597
      cesarean deliveries, 30 cases (5 %) with wound dehiscence were identified. As
      individual variables, smoking (46.7 vs. 21.1%, p < 0.01, cases vs. controls),
      histological chorioamnionitis (27.6 vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01) and preoperative
      hematocrit (34.0 +/- 3.2 vs. 35.4 +/- 3.4, p < 0.05) were significantly
      associated with wound complications. In a multivariate logistic regression model,
      only smoking (OR 5.32; 95% CI 1.77-15.97, p < 0.01) and histological
      chorioamnionitis (OR 5.62; 95% CI 1.43-22.11, p < 0.01) were independently
      associated with wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and histological
      chorioamnionitis are independently associated with wound dehiscence after
      cesarean delivery.

PMID- 22081870
TI  - Distribution of HPV genotypes in cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical
      cancer in Tanzanian women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with uterine
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cancers (ICC).
      Approximately 80% of ICC cases are diagnosed in under-developed countries.
      Vaccine development relies on knowledge of HPV genotypes characteristic of LSIL,
      HSIL and cancer; however, these genotypes remain poorly characterized in many
      African countries. To contribute to the characterization of HPV genotypes in
      Northeastern Tanzania, we recruited 215 women from the Reproductive Health Clinic
      at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Cervical scrapes and biopsies were
      obtained for cytology and HPV DNA detection. RESULTS: 79 out of 215 (36.7%)
      enrolled participants tested positive for HPV DNA, with a large proportion being
      multiple infections (74%). The prevalence of HPV infection increased with lesion
      grade (14% in controls, 67% in CIN1 cases and 88% in CIN2-3). Among ICC cases,
      89% had detectable HPV. Overall, 31 HPV genotypes were detected; the three most
      common HPV genotypes among ICC were HPV16, 35 and 45. In addition to these
      genotypes, co-infection with HPV18, 31, 33, 52, 58, 68 and 82 was found in 91% of
      ICC. Among women with CIN2-3, HPV53, 58 and 84/83 were the most common. HPV35,
      45, 53/58/59 were the most common among CIN1 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In women with no
      evidence of cytological abnormalities, the most prevalent genotypes were HPV58
      with HPV16, 35, 52, 66 and 73 occurring equally. Although numerical constraints
      limit inference, findings that 91% of ICC harbor only a small number of HPV
      genotypes suggests that prevention efforts including vaccine development or
      adjuvant screening should focus on these genotypes.

PMID- 22081872
TI  - Fabrication of all-inorganic nanocrystal solids through matrix encapsulation of
      nanocrystal arrays.
AB  - A general strategy for low-temperature processing of colloidal nanocrystals into
      all-inorganic films is reported. The present methodology goes beyond the
      traditional ligand-interlinking scheme and relies on encapsulation of
      morphologically defined nanocrystal arrays into a matrix of a wide-band gap
      semiconductor, which preserves optoelectronic properties of individual
      nanoparticles while rendering the nanocrystal film photoconductive. Fabricated
      solids exhibit excellent thermal stability, which is attributed to the
      heteroepitaxial structure of nanocrystal-matrix interfaces, and show compelling
      light-harvesting performance in prototype solar cells.

PMID- 22081873
TI  - The effect of cocoa supplementation on hepatic steatosis, reactive oxygen species
      and LFABP in a rat model of NASH.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non alcoholic steatohepatitis is hypothesised to develop via a
      mechanism involving fat accumulation and oxidative stress. The current study
      aimed to investigate if an increase in oxidative stress was associated with
      changes in the expression of liver fatty acid binding protein in a rat model of
      non alcoholic steatohepatitis and whether cocoa supplementation attenuated those
      changes. METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed a high fat control diet, a
      high fat methionine choline deficient diet, or one of four 12.5% cocoa
      supplementation regimes in combination with the high fat methionine choline
      deficient diet. RESULTS: Liver fatty acid binding protein mRNA and protein levels
      were reduced in the liver of animals with fatty liver disease when compared to
      controls. Increased hepatic fat content was accompanied by higher levels of
      oxidative stress in animals with fatty liver disease when compared to controls.
      An inverse association was found between the levels of hepatic liver fatty acid
      binding protein and the level of hepatic oxidative stress in fatty liver disease.
      Elevated NADPH oxidase protein levels were detected in the liver of animals with
      increased severity in inflammation and fibrosis. Cocoa supplementation was
      associated with partial attenuation of these pathological changes, although the
      severity of liver disease induced by the methionine choline deficient diet
      prevented complete reversal of any disease associated changes. Red blood cell
      glutathione was increased by cocoa supplementation, whereas liver glutathione was
      reduced by cocoa compared to methionine choline deficient diet fed animals.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a potential role for liver fatty acid binding
      protein and NADPH oxidase in the development of non alcoholic steatohepatitis.
      Furthermore, cocoa supplementation may have be of therapeutic benefit in less
      sever forms of NASH.

PMID- 22081875
TI  - Collateral nervous damages after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Various types of complications have been reported after atrial
      fibrillation (AF) ablation using radiofrequency energy, but those have not been
      well defined when using cryoballoon ablation technique. The objective of this
      prospective study was to assess types, incidence, and outcome of complications
      after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: This
      prospective monocentric study included 66 consecutive patients (39 males, age 57
      +/- 11 years) who underwent cryoballoon PVI for symptomatic paroxysmal AF.
      Phrenic nerve (PN) integrity was assessed by pacing from the superior vena cava
      during isolation of the right PVs. Before discharge, all patients were subjected
      to 24-hour Holter electrocardiograms, echocardiography, and
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Cardiac MRI was scheduled between 1 and 3 months
      postprocedure. At 3.7 +/- 1.7 months after ablation, patients underwent clinical
      review and 24-hour Holter electrocardiograms. The mean number of cryoballoon
      applications was 10.0 +/- 2.1 per patient and 2.5 +/- 1.0 per vein. A 28 mm
      cryoballoon was used in 49 patients (74%) and a 23 mm cryoballoon in the
      remaining 17 patients (26%). Twelve complications (18%) attributing to collateral
      nervous damage were noticed in 9 patients: asymptomatic gastroparesis was
      observed in 6 patients (9%), transient PN palsy (PNP) in 5 (8%), and symptomatic
      inappropriate sinus tachycardia requiring beta-blocker treatment in 1 (1%).
      Neither cryoballoon-related esophageal ulceration nor PV stenosis was observed.
      CONCLUSION: Gastroparesis and PNP could be observed in a significant number of
      cases after cryoballoon ablation of AF. These complications are likely due to
      cryo-induced damages to nervous structures surrounding the heart.

PMID- 22081876
TI  - A taboo within a stigma? a qualitative study of managing incontinence with people
      with dementia living at home.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incontinence in people with dementia is one of the factors associated
      with the decision to move to a care home. Managing incontinence adds to carer
      burden and has been reported by family carers as more difficult to manage than
      behavioural symptoms. Active management strategies have been reported to be
      associated with less carer depression. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate carers' perceptions of the range of incontinence problems they helped
      their relative with and the strategies they employed to manage these. METHODS:
      Family carers of people with dementia living in their own homes were recruited
      through primary care, specialist community mental health services and voluntary
      organisations. Qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted either face
      to face or by telephone and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Thirty two carers
      were interviewed. They described a range of problems from supporting the person
      to remain independent in toileting, through to dealing with inappropriate
      behaviours, to containing and managing incontinence. All carers actively used
      problem solving strategies but sometimes these were not acceptable or understood
      by the person with dementia, particularly as the dementia progressed. Most carers
      reported protecting the person's dignity by not seeking health professionals help
      often until the point of a crisis. Once the carer has decided to seek help the
      responses from health professionals can be less than helpful, and carers report
      local health service policies on access to continence products to be inconsistent
      and often inappropriate to their circumstances. A few carers reported strategies
      for managing toileting and incontinence that have the potential for distress and
      harm to the person with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care professionals could
      be more proactive in enquiry, repeated over time, about toileting and
      incontinence problems and in giving advice and information to reduce crisis and
      problems.

PMID- 22081874
TI  - Antinociceptive and anti-exudative synergism between dexketoprofen and tramadol
      in a model of inflammatory pain in mice.
AB  - Preclinical studies have demonstrated antinociceptive synergism between
      dexketoprofen (DEX) and tramadol (TRM) in acute animal models of nociception. The
      aim of the present study was to investigate the type of interaction between DEX
      and TRM in a chronic musculoskeletal pain model in mice, which fairly replicates
      the characteristics of chronic osteoarticular pain in humans. Inflammation was
      induced by a subplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in male CF1
      mice. Nociceptive thresholds were evaluated using the hot plate, the nocifensive
      spontaneous behavior and the acetone tests, while plasma extravasation (PE) was
      assessed with Evan's blue. We used the following experimental groups: control (no
      inflammation), acute (1 day after CFA injection), and chronic inflammation (7
      days after CFA). Dose-response curves for DEX and TRM, individually and combined
      in a 1 : 1 proportion based on their potency were obtained, and the doses that
      produced a 50% inhibition calculated. The isobolographic analysis revealed that
      in all groups of study (no inflammation, acute, and chronic inflammation), the
      combination of DEX : TRM was synergistic, for both the inhibition of nociception
      and the PE. The results suggest that the DEX : TRM (1 : 1) combination could be
      useful in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal pains
      in humans; in addition, the synergistic interaction between the drugs observed
      both during acute and chronic inflammation suggests that less doses would be
      required of each drug to obtain effective analgesia.

PMID- 22081877
TI  - Norwegian mastitis control programme.
AB  - This paper describes the methods and results of the Norwegian Mastitis Control
      Program implemented in 1982. The program has formed an integral part of the
      Norwegian Cattle Health Services (NCHS) since 1995. The NCHS also have specific
      programs for milk fever, ketosis, reproduction and calf diseases. The goal of the
      program is to improve udder health by keeping the bulk milk somatic cell count
      (BMSCC) low, to reduce the use of antibiotics, to keep the cost of mastitis low
      at herd level and improve the consumers' attitude to milk products. In 1996, a
      decision was made to reduce the use of antibiotics in all animal production
      enterprises in Norway by 25% within five years. Relevant data has been collected
      through the Norwegian Cattle Herd Recording System (NCHRS); including health
      records since 1975 and somatic cell count (SCC) data since 1980. These data have
      been integrated within the NCHRS. Since 2000, mastitis laboratory data have also
      been included in the NCHRS. Data on clinical disease, SCC and mastitis
      bacteriology have been presented to farmers and advisors in monthly health
      periodicals since 1996, and on the internet since 2005. In 1996, Norwegian
      recommendations on the treatment of mastitis were implemented. Optimal milking
      protocols and milking machine function have been emphasised and less emphasis has
      been placed on dry cow therapy. A selective dry cow therapy program (SDCTP) was
      implemented in 2006, and is still being implemented in new areas. Research
      demonstrates that the rate of clinical mastitis could be reduced by 15% after
      implementing SDCTP. The results so far show a 60% reduction in the clinical
      treatment of mastitis between 1994 and 2007, a reduction in BMSCC from 250,000
      cells/ml to 114,000 cells/ml, and a total reduction in the mastitis cost from
      0.23 NOK to 0.13 NOK per litre of milk delivered to the processors, corresponding
      to a fall from 9.2% to 1.7% of the milk price, respectively. This reduction is
      attributed to changes in attitude and breeding, eradicating bovine virus
      diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and a better implementation of mastitis prevention
      programmes.

PMID- 22081878
TI  - Smoking abstinence and depressive symptoms modulate the executive control system
      during emotional information processing.
AB  - Smoking abstinence disrupts affective and cognitive processes. In this study,
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate the effects
      of smoking abstinence on emotional information processing. Smokers (n = 17) and
      non-smokers (n = 18) underwent fMRI while performing an emotional distractor
      oddball task in which rare targets were presented following negative and neutral
      task-irrelevant distractors. Smokers completed two sessions: once following 24
      hour abstinence and once while satiated. The abstinent versus satiated states
      were compared by evaluating responses to distractor images and to targets
      following each distractor valence within frontal executive and limbic brain
      regions. Regression analyses were done to investigate whether self-reported
      negative affect influences brain response to images and targets. Exploratory
      regression analyses examined relations between baseline depressive symptoms and
      smoking state on brain function. Smoking state affected response to target
      detection in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). During satiety, activation
      was greater in response to targets following negative versus neutral distractors;
      following abstinence, the reverse was observed. Withdrawal-related negative
      affect was associated with right insula activation to negative images. Finally,
      depression symptoms were associated with abstinence-induced hypoactive response
      to negative emotional distractors and task-relevant targets following negative
      distractors in frontal brain regions. Neural processes related to novelty
      detection/attention in the right IFG may be disrupted by smoking abstinence and
      negative stimuli. Reactivity to emotional stimuli and the interfering effects on
      cognition are moderated by the magnitude of smoking state-dependent negative
      affect and baseline depressive symptoms.

PMID- 22081879
TI  - Decision making in children and adolescents: impaired Iowa Gambling Task
      performance in early adolescence.
AB  - Disadvantageous decision making is cited as one of the premier problems in
      childhood development, underlying risky behavior and causing adolescents to make
      poor choices that could prove detrimental later in life. However, there are
      relatively few studies looking at the development of decision making in children
      and adolescents, and fewer still comparing it with the performance trajectories
      of more typically developing cognitive functions. In the current study, we
      measured the affective decision-making abilities of children and adolescents 8-
      to 17-years-old using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT; Bechara, 2007) in conjunction
      with a battery of established cognitive neuropsychological assessments. In
      contrast to the typical linear development of executive functions, affective
      decision-making abilities progressed in a J-shaped curve. Younger, more
      developmentally naive children performed better on the IGT than older, early
      adolescent individuals, with performance becoming advantageous again toward the
      end of the teenage years. This trajectory is thought to coincide with asymmetric
      neural development in early adolescents, with relatively overactive striatal
      regions creating impulsive reward-driven responses that may go unchecked by the
      slower developing inhibitive frontal cortex. This trajectory is in stark contrast
      with the linear development of memory, speed of processing, and other cognitive
      abilities over the ages.

PMID- 22081880
TI  - Carry on: spontaneous object carrying in 13-month-old crawling and walking
      infants.
AB  - Carrying objects requires coordination of manual action and locomotion. This
      study investigated spontaneous carrying in 24 walkers who were 13 months old and
      26 crawlers who were 13 months old during 1-hr, naturalistic observations in the
      infants' homes. Carrying was more common in walkers, but crawlers also carried
      objects. Typically, walkers carried objects in their hands, whereas crawlers
      multitasked by using their hands simultaneously for holding objects and
      supporting their bodies. Locomotor experience predicted frequency of carrying in
      both groups, suggesting that experienced crawlers and walkers perceive their
      increased abilities to handle objects while in motion. Despite additional
      biomechanical constraints imposed by holding an object, carrying may actually
      improve upright balance: Crawlers rarely fell while carrying an object, and
      walkers were more likely to fall without an object in hand than while carrying.
      Thus, without incurring an additional risk of falling, spontaneous carrying may
      provide infants with new avenues for combining locomotor and manual skills and
      for interacting with their environments.

PMID- 22081881
TI  - Dopaminergic polymorphisms and educational achievement: results from a
      longitudinal sample of Americans.
AB  - Although educational attainment has been found to be moderately heritable,
      research has yet to explore candidate genes for it. Drawing on data from the
      National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, in the current study, we
      examined the association between polymorphisms in three dopaminergic genes (DAT1,
      DRD2, and DRD4), a dopamine index, and educational attainment. Statistically
      significant effects were found for DAT1, DRD2, DRD4, and the dopamine index for
      highest level of education. This study is the first to our knowledge that links
      measured genes to educational attainment.

PMID- 22081882
TI  - Accurate and simplified consideration of the probe geometrical defaults in
      scanning electrochemical microscopy: theoretical and experimental investigations.
AB  - Fabrication of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) tips cannot always
      guarantee a perfect disk geometry. In the present work, the impact of these
      defaults is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The situations
      where these defaults can accurately be taken into account by considering that the
      probe behaves like a microdisk with effective geometric parameters are
      determined. In these situations, the quantitative analysis of the experimental
      results is greatly simplified. The study also proposes expressions to evaluate
      the apparent microdisk parameters from a picture of the probe.

PMID- 22081883
TI  - Calycopterin promotes survival and outgrowth of neuron-like PC12 cells by
      attenuation of oxidative- and ER-stress-induced apoptosis along with inflammatory
      response.
AB  - There is mounting evidence implicating the role of oxidative stress induced by
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's
      disease. Herein we investigated the neuroprotective potential of a natural
      flavonoid, calycopterin, against H(2)O(2)-induced cell death in differentiated
      PC12 cells. We pretreated PC12 cells with 25, 50, and 100 MUM calycopterin
      followed by the addition of H(2)O(2) as an oxidative stress agent. We measured
      cell viability by the MTT test and found that 50 MUM is the best protective
      concentration of calycopterin. Moreover, we measured six different parameters of
      neurite outgrowth. Interestingly, we found that calycopterin not only protects
      PC12 cells against H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis but also defends against the
      destructive effect of oxidative stress on the criteria of neural differentiation.
      Calycopterin decreased ER stress-associated proteins including calpain and
      caspase-12, and suppressed ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Moreover,
      calycopterin inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor
      kappaB, a known regulator of a host of genes involved in specific stress and
      inflammatory responses. This observation was perfectly in agreement with the
      decrease of COX-2 and TNF-alpha levels. Calycopterin reduced intracellular ROS
      levels and increased catalase activity. The protective effect of this compound
      could represent a promising approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 22081884
TI  - Synthesis of aziridines from alkenes and aryl azides with a reusable macrocyclic
      tetracarbene iron catalyst.
AB  - A new iron aziridination catalyst supported by a macrocyclic tetracarbene ligand
      has been synthesized. The catalyst, [((Me,Et)TC(Ph))Fe(NCCH(3))(2)](PF(6))(2),
      was synthesized from the tetraimidazolium precursor ((Me,Et)TC(Ph))(I)(4) and
      characterized by NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and
      single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This iron complex catalyzes the aziridination
      of electron-donating aryl azides and a wide variety of substituted aliphatic
      alkenes, including tetrasubstituted ones, in a "C(2) + N(1)" addition reaction.
      Finally, the catalyst can be recovered and reused up to three additional times
      without significant reduction in yield.

PMID- 22081885
TI  - Azide functional monolayers grafted to a germanium surface: model substrates for
      ATR-IR studies of interfacial click reactions.
AB  - High-quality azide-functional substrates are prepared by a low temperature
      reaction of 11-bromoundecyltrichlorosilane with UV-ozone-treated germanium ATR-IR
      plates followed by nucleophilic substitution of the terminal bromine by addition
      of sodium azide. The resulting monolayer films are characterized by atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), contact angle analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),
      attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), and ellipsometry.
      XPS and ellipsometric thickness data correspond well to the results of molecular
      model calculations confirming the formation of a densely packed azide-functional
      monolayer. These azide-functional substrates enable interfacial "click" reactions
      with complementary alkyne-functional molecules to be studied in situ by ATR-IR.
      To illustrate their potential utility for kinetic studies we show that, in the
      presence of copper(I) catalyst, the azide-modified surfaces react rapidly and
      quantitatively with 5-chloro-pentyne to form triazoles via a 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition reaction. Time-resolved ATR-IR measurements indicate that the
      interfacial click reaction is initially first order in azide concentration as
      expected from the reaction mechanism, with a rate constant of 0.034 min(-1), and
      then transitions to apparent second order dependence, with a rate constant of
      0.017 min(-1)/(chains/nm(2)), when the surface azide and triazole concentrations
      become similar, as predicted by Oyama et al. The reaction achieves an ultimate
      conversion of 50% consistent with the limit expected due to steric hindrance of
      the 5-chloro-pentyne reactant at the surface.

PMID- 22081886
TI  - Fouling of nanostructured insect cuticle: adhesion of natural and artificial
      contaminants.
AB  - The adhesional properties of contaminating particles of scales of various lengths
      were investigated for a wide range of micro- and nanostructured insect wing
      cuticles. The contaminating particles consisted of artificial hydrophilic
      (silica) and spherical hydrophobic (C(18)) particles, and natural pollen grains.
      Insect wing cuticle architectures with an open micro-/nanostructure framework
      demonstrated topographies for minimising solid-solid and solid-liquid contact
      areas. Such structuring of the wing membranes allows for a variety of removal
      mechanisms to contend with particle contact, such as wind and self-cleaning
      droplet interactions. Cuticles exhibiting high contact angles showed considerably
      lower particle adhesional forces than more hydrophilic insect surfaces. Values as
      low as 3 nN were recorded in air for silica of ~28 nm in diameter and <25 nN for
      silica particles 30 MUm in diameter. A similar adhesional trend was also observed
      for contact with pollen particles.

PMID- 22081887
TI  - Impaired Pavlovian conditioned inhibition in offenders with personality
      disorders.
AB  - Certain types of violent offending are often accompanied by evidence of
      personality disorders (PDs), a range of heterogeneous conditions characterized by
      disinhibited behaviours that are generally described as impulsive. The tasks
      previously used to show impulsivity deficits experimentally (in borderline
      personality disorder, BPD) have required participants to inhibit previously
      rewarded responses. To date, no research has examined the inhibition of
      responding based on Pavlovian stimulus-stimulus contingencies, formally
      "conditioned inhibition" (CI), in PDs. The present study used a computer-based
      task to measure excitatory and inhibitory learning within the same CI procedure
      in offenders recruited from the "personality disorder" and the "dangerous and
      severe personality disorder" units of a high-security psychiatric hospital. These
      offenders showed a striking and statistically significant change in the
      expression of inhibitory learning in a highly controlled procedure: The
      contextual information provided by conditioned inhibitors had virtually no effect
      on their prepotent associations. Moreover, this difference was not obviously
      attributable to nonspecific cognitive or motivational factors. Impaired CI would
      reduce the ability to learn to control associative triggers and so could provide
      an explanation of some types of offending behaviour.

PMID- 22081889
TI  - Maternal red blood cell folate concentration at 10-12 weeks gestation and
      pregnancy outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if maternal circulating red blood cell (RBC) folate
      concentration in early pregnancy is associated with late gestation pregnancy
      complications including small for gestational age (SGA) infants, preeclampsia and
      preterm birth (PTB) in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population. METHOD: This
      was a retrospective case control study, conducted at Lyell McEwin Health Service,
      South Australia, including 400 primiparous women. RBC folate and demographic data
      were collected at 10-12 weeks gestation. Pregnancy outcome data were obtained
      from patient case notes. RESULTS: Patients who were folate deficient were more
      likely to develop pregnancy complications, specifically SGA (OR 6.9, 95% CI 2
      24.3) and PTB (OR 5.4 95% CI 1.4-21.2). Those who were folate insufficient were
      also at increased risk of SGA (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3-7.7). No association between
      folate and preeclampsia was found. Women who were supplementing with folic acid
      delivered infants who were 179 g heavier (5.5% increased birth weight, P = 0.003)
      and 4.5 days later, compared to those who did not supplement. Furthermore, low
      RBC folate was associated with cigarette smoking (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Maternal RBC folate concentration in early pregnancy is associated with SGA and
      PTB, but not with preeclampsia.

PMID- 22081890
TI  - Introducing the Geneva Multimodal expression corpus for experimental research on
      emotion perception.
AB  - Research on the perception of emotional expressions in faces and voices is
      exploding in psychology, the neurosciences, and affective computing. This article
      provides an overview of some of the major emotion expression (EE) corpora
      currently available for empirical research and introduces a new, dynamic,
      multimodal corpus of emotion expressions, the Geneva Multimodal Emotion
      Portrayals Core Set (GEMEP-CS). The design features of the corpus are outlined
      and justified, and detailed validation data for the core set selection are
      presented and discussed. Finally, an associated database with microcoded facial,
      vocal, and body action elements, as well as observer ratings, is introduced.

PMID- 22081888
TI  - Cu(I)-catalyzed diamination of conjugated dienes. Complementary regioselectivity
      from two distinct mechanistic pathways involving Cu(II) and Cu(III) species.
AB  - Conjugated dienes can be diaminated at the internal and/or terminal double bonds
      using Cu(I) as catalyst and N,N-di-t-butyldiaziridinone (1) as nitrogen source.
      The regioselectivity is highly dependent upon the choice of Cu(I) catalyst and
      the substituents on diene substrates. The diamination likely proceeds via two
      mechanistically distinct pathways. The N-N bond of N,N-di-t-butyldiaziridinone
      (1) is first homolytically cleaved by the Cu(I) catalyst to form four-membered
      Cu(III) species A and Cu(II) radical species B, which are in rapid equilibrium.
      The internal diamination likely proceeds in a concerted manner via Cu(III)
      species A, and the terminal diamination likely involves Cu(II) radical species B.
      Kinetic studies have shown that the diamination is first-order in N,N-di-t
      butyldiaziridinone (1), zero-order in olefin, and first-order in total Cu(I)
      catalyst, and the cleavage of the N-N bond of 1 by the Cu(I) catalyst is the rate
      determining step. The internal diamination is favored by use of CuBr without
      ligand and electron-rich dienes. The terminal diamination is favored when using
      CuCl-L and dienes with radical-stabilizing groups.

PMID- 22081891
TI  - Risk factors of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a biopsychosocial approach.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between pain-related
      psychological and social factors and pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain intensity
      and interference after controlling biological factors. BACKGROUND: Pregnancy
      related lumbopelvic pain is prevalent and has been shown to interfere with
      women's quality of life. Although pain is a multidimensional phenomenon known to
      be influenced by psychosocial factors, the majority of previous research on this
      pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain has focused on biological factors. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional correlational research. METHOD: A sample of 183 pregnant women
      with lumbopelvic pain was recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan.
      Study participants provided demographic information and were administered the
      Brief Pain Inventory and a modified Catastrophising subscale of the Coping
      Strategies Questionnaire. Multiple regressions were used to examine the
      associations among the study variables. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that lower
      education level was associated with higher pain intensity. Higher pain intensity
      during pregnancy and catastrophising cognitions were associated significantly
      with higher pain interference. Moreover, age moderated the strength of the
      association between pain intensity and pain interference. This association was
      stronger for older than for younger women. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the
      psychosocial factors associated with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain intensity
      (educational level) and interference (pain intensity and catastrophising) and
      also a variable (age) that moderated the association between pain intensity and
      pain interference. The findings support a biopsychosocial approach in
      understanding the experience and impact of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain.
      RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses should assess pregnant clients' age,
      educational level, pain intensity and pain catastrophising thoughts to help
      identify women who are more at risk for higher lumbopelvic pain intensity or
      interference. Women endorsing catastrophising cognitions should be referred to or
      provided with treatment to reduce the frequency of these cognitions that are
      known to have a negative impact on quality of life in other pain populations.

PMID- 22081892
TI  - Understanding the causes of kidney transplant failure: the dominant role of
      antibody-mediated rejection and nonadherence.
AB  - We prospectively studied kidney transplants that progressed to failure after a
      biopsy for clinical indications, aiming to assign a cause to every failure. We
      followed 315 allograft recipients who underwent indication biopsies at 6 days to
      32 years posttransplant. Sixty kidneys progressed to failure in the follow-up
      period (median 31.4 months). Failure was rare after T-cell-mediated rejection and
      acute kidney injury and common after antibody-mediated rejection or
      glomerulonephritis. We developed rules for using biopsy diagnoses, HLA antibody
      and clinical data to explain each failure. Excluding four with missing
      information, 56 failures were attributed to four causes: rejection 36 (64%),
      glomerulonephritis 10 (18%), polyoma virus nephropathy 4 (7%) and intercurrent
      events 6 (11%). Every rejection loss had evidence of antibody-mediated rejection
      by the time of failure. Among rejection losses, 17 of 36 (47%) had been
      independently identified as nonadherent by attending clinicians. Nonadherence was
      more frequent in patients who progressed to failure (32%) versus those who
      survived (3%). Pure T-cell-mediated rejection, acute kidney injury, drug toxicity
      and unexplained progressive fibrosis were not causes of loss. This prospective
      cohort indicates that many actual failures after indication biopsies manifest
      phenotypic features of antibody-mediated or mixed rejection and also underscores
      the major role of nonadherence.

PMID- 22081893
TI  - Subcutaneous penile insertion of domino fragments by incarcerated males in
      southwest United States prisons: a report of three cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Self-insertion of penile foreign bodies is performed worldwide,
      largely due to a perception that it will enhance sexual performance and virility.
      There are relatively few cases reported in the United States. AIM: We report
      three cases of Hispanic men incarcerated in separate southwest United States
      prisons who utilized a similar technique to insert foreign bodies fabricated out
      of dominos into the subcutaneous tissues of the penis. METHODS: Details of the
      three cases were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Resolution of
      the case. RESULTS: In each case, an incarcerated Hispanic male or fellow inmate
      filed a domino into a unique shape for placement under the penile skin. Utilizing
      the tip of a ballpoint pen or a sharpened shard of plastic to create a puncture
      wound, each man inserted the domino fragment into the subcutaneous tissue of the
      penis. All three men presented with infection requiring operative removal.
      CONCLUSIONS: Incarcerated males put themselves at risk for injury and infection
      when attempting penile enhancement with improvised equipment.

PMID- 22081894
TI  - Anti-oxidant defence mechanism in vitiliginous skin increases with skin type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitiligo skin shows different burning capacity in people with
      different phototype. In normal skin antioxidant status is correlated to skin
      phototype, but unexpectedly it appears that there is a gradual decrease in
      burning susceptibility of depigmented skin of individuals with increasing
      phototype (II->VI). OBJECTIVE: To assess if the antioxidant response in the
      lesional vitiligo skin is involved in those protection mechanisms. Moreover, a
      possible correlation between cutaneous and systemic endogenous antioxidants in
      vitiligo patients has been investigated. METHODS: We enrolled in the study 29
      patients with active vitiligo, divided into five groups according to skin type
      (II to VI). We analysed reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG,
      respectively), ubiquinone (CoQ10), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutases (Cu/Zn
      SOD and Mn-SOD), GSH peroxidase (GSH-Px), as indexes of chemical and enzymatic
      antioxidants, in suction blister roofs as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMNCs). RESULTS: The vitiligo patients showed an imbalance of antioxidant
      network, both in depigmented skin and PBMNCs. Interestingly, in vitiligo skin a
      phototype-related increase of antioxidant enzyme activities (Cat, Mn-SOD and GPx)
      and GSH amount have been observed. Similarly in PMBNCs Cat and total SOD
      activities, as well as GSH content progressively increased from skin type II to
      skin type VI. Endogenous antioxidants in vitiligo skin are correlated to those in
      PBMNCs, suggesting that systemic and epidermal antioxidant network
      functionalities are connected. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between antioxidant
      levels and clinical phototype confirmed the hypothesis that other factors than
      melanin determine largely the minimal erythema dose values in vitiligo lesional
      skin.

PMID- 22081895
TI  - Proarrhythmia following prior pulmonary vein isolation: what is the mechanism?

PMID- 22081896
TI  - A prospective longitudinal study of children's theory of mind and adolescent
      involvement in bullying.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Theory of mind (ToM) allows the understanding and prediction of other
      people's behaviours based on their mental states (e.g. beliefs). It is important
      for healthy social relationships and thus may contribute towards children's
      involvement in bullying. The present study investigated whether children involved
      in bullying during early adolescence had poor ToM in childhood. METHOD:
      Participants were members of the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin
      Study, a nationally representative sample of 2,232 children and their families.
      We visited families when children were 5, 7, 10 and 12 years. ToM was assessed
      when the children were 5 years using eight standardized tasks. Identification of
      those children who were involved in bullying as victims, bullies and bully
      victims using mothers', teachers' and children's reports was carried out when
      they were 12 years' old. RESULTS: Poor ToM predicted becoming a victim (effect
      size, d = 0.26), bully (d = 0.25) or bully-victim (d = 0.44) in early
      adolescence. These associations remained for victims and bully-victims when child
      specific (e.g. IQ) and family factors (e.g. child maltreatment) were controlled
      for. Emotional and behavioural problems during middle childhood did not modify
      the association between poor ToM and adolescent bullying experiences. CONCLUSION:
      Identifying and supporting children with poor ToM early in life could help reduce
      their vulnerability for involvement in bullying and thus limit its adverse
      effects on mental health.

PMID- 22081897
TI  - Dynamical force and imaging characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces.
AB  - We devised a dangling cantilever optical lever setup with imaging that permits
      dynamical studies of superhydrophobic surfaces without the effects of
      gravitational acceleration for better insight into the mechanics. The setup
      enabled us to ascertain liquid loss and ascribe it to the interaction of liquid
      that just touched the superhydrophobic surface as it translated at various
      constant lateral speeds. At lower speeds (20-60 MUm/s), the interactions were
      characterized by a strong initial liquid pin (at up to 0.6 nN force) and depin
      followed by a series of smaller force pin and depins before sufficient liquid
      loss led to total liquid detachment from the surface. At higher translation
      speeds (80-100 MUm/s), the interactions were characterized by liquid pinning and
      depinning processes at a sustained force (around 0.7 nN) in which liquid loss was
      low enough to engender a much later liquid detachment (beyond 100 s). A linear
      reduction of the receding contact angle with time, but not with the advancing
      contact angle, was found up to the point of first liquid depinning. This
      suggested a stronger role played by the receding contact line in establishing
      liquid adherence to the superhydrophobic surface. The detachment process from the
      surface was also characterized by a liquid bridge driven to rupture by way of
      liquid being conveyed away from the bridge.

PMID- 22081899
TI  - A model of the cell nucleus for DNA damage calculations.
AB  - AIMS: Development of a computer model of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in
      the human cell nucleus for DNA damage and repair calculations. The model
      comprises the human genomic DNA, chromosomal domains, and loops attached to
      factories. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A model of canonical B-DNA was used to build the
      nucleosomes and the 30-nanometer solenoidal chromatin. In turn the chromatin was
      used to form the loops of factories in chromosome domains. The entire human
      genome was placed in a spherical nucleus of 10 micrometers diameter. To test the
      new target model, tracks of protons and alpha-particles were generated using
      Monte Carlo track structure codes PITS99 (Positive Ion Track Structure) and
      KURBUC. Damage sites induced in the genome were located and classified according
      to type and complexity. RESULTS: The three-dimensional structure of the genome
      starting with a canonical B-DNA model, nucleosomes, and chromatin loops in
      chromosomal domains are presented. The model was used to obtain frequencies of
      DNA damage induced by protons and alpha-particles by direct energy deposition,
      including single- and double-strand breaks, base damage, and clustered lesions.
      CONCLUSIONS: This three-dimensional model of the genome is the first such model
      using the full human genome for the next generation of more comprehensive
      modelling of DNA damage and repair. The model combines simple geometrical
      structures at the level of domains and factories with potentially full detail at
      the level of atoms in particular genes, allowing damage patterns in the latter to
      be simulated.

PMID- 22081901
TI  - Phytochemical analysis of Plantago sempervirens from Majella National Park.
AB  - In this study, we report the isolation and identification of several compounds
      from Plantago sempervirens Crantz, collected in the protected area of Majella
      National Park. We examined the polar fraction, in particular the iridoidic one.
      Aucubin, caryoptoside, plantarenaloside and gardoside were isolated and
      identified. For the first time, in this species, 8-epiloganic acid was
      recognised. Also, verbascoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, was recognised in
      this plant.

PMID- 22081903
TI  - Acute twin-twin transfusion syndrome in labor: pathophysiology and associated
      factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review reported cases of acute twin-twin transfusion syndrome
      (TTTS) in monochorionic twin pregnancies to help define variants of disease and
      determine associated factors. METHODS: PubMed literature review using the search
      terms, "acute" and "twin transfusion." Articles were reviewed for clinical
      factors. Reference lists were carefully assessed for any additional articles. In
      order to rule out sudden progression of chronic TTTS as the cause, gestational
      age >=31 weeks was chosen. Cases were classified into subsets of acute TTTS.
      RESULTS: There were 150 publications from 1942-2010. There were 51 cases that
      were classified into four variants of acute TTTS. Four cases were difficult to
      classify, with hemoglobin levels that were high normal and low normal, high
      normal and anemic, or low normal and polycythemic. Three publications defined the
      incidence for acute perinatal TTTS of 1.8-5.5% of monochorionic twins. Common
      factors associated with acute perinatal TTTS included monochorionicity and labor.
      CONCLUSIONS: Monochorionicity and labor are common factors underlying the
      propensity to acute perinatal TTTS. A spectrum of severity is for acute TTTS was
      seen. Perinatal specialists and neonatologists should be aware of the possibility
      of acute TTTS during labor, so rapid volume replacement can be performed for
      neonatal resuscitation.

PMID- 22081904
TI  - Rational design of stereoselectivity in the class II pyruvate aldolase BphI.
AB  - BphI, a pyruvate-specific class II aldolase, catalyzes the reversible carbon
      carbon bond formation of 4-hydroxy-2-oxoacids up to eight carbons in length.
      During the aldol addition catalyzed by BphI, the S-configured stereogenic center
      at C4 is created via attack of a pyruvate enolate intermediate on the si face of
      the aldehyde carbonyl of acetaldehyde to form 4(S)-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoate.
      Replacement of a Leu-87 residue within the active site of the enzyme with polar
      asparagine and bulky tryptophan led to enzymes with no detectable aldolase
      activity. These variants retained decarboxylase activity for the smaller
      oxaloacetate substrate, which is not inhibited by excess 4-hydroxy-2
      oxopentanoate, confirming the results from molecular modeling that Leu-87
      interacts with the C4-methyl of 4(S)-hydroxy-2-oxoacids. Double variants
      L87N;Y290F and L87W;Y290F were constructed to enable the binding of 4(R)-hydroxy
      2-oxoacids by relieving the steric hindrance between the 5-methyl group of these
      compounds and the hydroxyl substituent on the phenyl ring of Tyr-290. The
      resultant enzymes were shown to exclusively utilize only 4(R)- and not 4(S)
      hydroxy-2-oxopentanoate as the substrate. Polarimetric analysis confirmed that
      the double variants are able to synthesize 4-hydroxy-2-oxoacids up to eight
      carbons in length, which were the opposite stereoisomer compared to those
      produced by the wild-type enzyme. Overall the k(cat)/K(m) values for pyruvate and
      aldehydes in the aldol addition reactions were affected <=10-fold in the double
      variants relative to the wild-type enzyme. Thus, stereocomplementary class II
      pyruvate aldolases are now available to create chiral 4-hydroxy-2-oxoacid
      skeletons as synthons for organic reactions.

PMID- 22081906
TI  - Mastitis diagnostics and performance monitoring: a practical approach.
AB  - In this paper a review is given of frequently used mastitis diagnostic methods
      in modern dairy practice. Methods used at the quarter, cow, herd and regional or
      national level are discussed, including their usability for performance
      monitoring in udder health. Future developments, such as systems in which milk
      derived parameters are combined with modern analytical techniques, are discussed.
      It is concluded that, although much knowledge is available and science is still
      developing and much knowledge is available, it is not always fully exploited in
      practice.

PMID- 22081907
TI  - Cytomegalovirus-specific regulatory and effector T cells share TCR clonality-
      possible relation to repetitive CMV infections.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections have a major impact on morbidity and mortality
      of transplant patients. Among the complex antiviral T-cell response, CMV-IE-1
      antigen-specific CD8+ cells are crucial for preventing CMV disease but do not
      protect from recurring/lasting CMV reactivation. Recently, we confirmed that
      adoptive transfer of autologous IE-1/pp65-specific T-cell lines was able to
      combat severe CMV disease; however, the control of CMV infection was only
      temporary. We hypothesized that CMV-induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) might be
      related to recurring/lasting CMV infection. In fact, kidney transplant patients
      with recurring CMV infections expressed enhanced suppression on CMV response.
      Analysis of in vitro expanded CD4+ epitope-specific cells revealed that CMV
      specific CD4+CD25(high)  Treg cells functionally suppress CD25(low)  effector T
      cells (Teff) upon epitope-specific reactivation. Their phenotype is similar to
      iTreg - CD39(high) /Helios-/IL-2(low) /IFNgamma(high) /IL-10+/-/TGFbeta-LAP+/
      /FOXP3+ and methylated foxp3 locus. Remarkably, in vitro expanded CD4+CD25(high) 
      iTreg share the same dominant TCR-Vbeta-CDR3 clones with functionally distinct
      CD4+CD25(low)  Teff. Moreover, the same clones were present in freshly isolated
      CD4+CD25(high)  and CD4+CD25(low)  T cells suggesting their in vivo generation.
      These findings directly demonstrate that Teff and iTreg can differentiate from
      one "mother" clone with specificity to the same viral epitope and indicate that
      peripheral iTreg generation is related to frequent antigen appearance.

PMID- 22081908
TI  - Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is an acquired disorder of
      hemopoiesis and is characterized by recurrent episodes of intravascular hemolysis
      due to an increased sensitivity to complement-mediated hemolysis. Systemic lupus
      erythematosus with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is very rare. We report a
      case of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria that developed in a patient with
      systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year
      old Mongolian woman had systemic lupus erythematosus, which manifested only as
      skin lesions when she was 12 years old. She had leg edema and proteinuria when
      she was 23 years old, and a renal biopsy revealed lupus nephritis (World Health
      Organization type IV). She had been treated with steroids and immunosuppressant
      therapy. At 29, she had headaches, nausea, general fatigue, and severe
      pancytopenia and was admitted to our hospital. A laboratory evaluation showed
      hemolytic anemia. Further examination showed a neutrophil alkaline phosphatase
      score of 46 points, a CD55 value of 18%, and a CD59 value of 78.6%. The results
      of Ham test and sugar water tests were positive. The constellation of symptoms
      throughout the clinical course and the laboratory findings suggested paroxysmal
      nocturnal hemoglobinuria. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, systemic
      lupus erythematosus with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is very rare.
      Clinicians should be aware of the association between autoimmune and
      hematological diseases.

PMID- 22081909
TI  - Genetic moderation of contextual effects on negative arousal and parenting in
      African-American parents.
AB  - A three-stage context amplification model was tested with a sample of 345 African
      American parent-child dyads. The model combined the conceptual structure of
      stress generation with recent findings regarding genetic susceptibility. Because
      the 7R + allele of the dopamine transporter (DRD4) has the potential to enhance
      contextual priming and arousal, this allele was examined as a potential moderator
      of each stage of the amplification process. Particular attention was given to the
      hypothesized influence of parental negative arousal on valence of parent-child
      interactions. The literature on genetic susceptibility led to the hypothesis that
      DRD4 would moderate each stage of the model in a "for better or for worse"
      manner. The model was partially supported. DRD4 moderated effects at all three
      stages of the model and, as hypothesized, DRD4 moderated contextual effects on
      negative arousal in a "for better or for worse" manner. Effects on parent-child
      interaction, however, were moderated in a "for worse" manner only. These results
      indicate that parenting interactions may amplify the effects of positive and
      negative contexts in a stress-generating manner, and that a susceptibility
      framework captures the way in which DRD4 moderates the impact of context on
      negative arousal.

PMID- 22081910
TI  - Family functioning among returnees to Orthodox Judaism in Israel.
AB  - The role of religious conversion in marriages and family functioning has been
      little explored. The current study examined family functioning and parenting
      stress among returnees to Orthodox Judaism with adolescent children. Possible
      explanatory factors for difficulties, such as attachment insecurity, religious
      discord in families, and poor community integration, were also explored. Randomly
      selected samples of returnee and nonreturnee Orthodox Jews with adolescent
      children (N = 1632) completed measures of attachment, community integration,
      marital functioning, and parenting stress. Results indicate that returnees report
      greater family disengagement (lack of warmth), family chaos (lack of control),
      and parenting stress. They also reported higher religious discord, higher
      attachment insecurity, and poorer community integration, which all correlated
      with higher parenting stress, family disengagement (lack of warmth), and family
      chaos (lack of control). Moreover, differences between returnees and nonreturnees
      on family functioning and parenting stress were largely mediated by differences
      in the explanatory factors. These results substantiate previous anecdotal reports
      and suggest possible avenues for intervention among Orthodox returnees with
      family difficulties. They also support the relevance of religious factors in
      family functioning.

PMID- 22081911
TI  - Symptoms and uncertainty in breast cancer survivors in Korea: differences by
      treatment trajectory.
AB  - AIMS: The study compared the levels of symptoms and uncertainty, their associated
      factors, relationships between them and predictors of uncertainty by treatment
      trajectory among breast cancer survivors. BACKGROUND: Little is known with regard
      to how uncertainty and symptoms are related to treatment trajectory among breast
      cancer survivors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. METHOD:
      A total of 252 women with breast cancer, receiving cancer therapy, or having
      completed their therapy were recruited from the National Cancer Center in Korea.
      Measurements used included symptom subscales of the European Organization of
      Research and Therapy for Cancer QLQ-C30 and Breast Cancer Module BR23 and the
      Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale. RESULTS: Women in treatment reported more
      severe symptoms and higher levels of uncertainty than women having completed
      treatment. During treatment, most symptoms were positively correlated with the
      level of uncertainty, whereas, in women who had completed treatment, only
      dyspnoea, insomnia, systemic therapy side effects and arm symptoms positively
      correlated with uncertainty. There were also differences in predictors of
      uncertainty by treatment trajectory. Age, marital status and pain were
      significant predictors of uncertainty during treatment, while monthly income,
      dyspnoea and insomnia were predictors of uncertainty after treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among breast cancer survivors, levels of symptoms and uncertainty,
      associated factors, relationships between them and predictors of uncertainty
      differed depending on treatment trajectory. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To
      provide trajectory-sensitive nursing intervention for uncertainty among breast
      cancer survivors, age, marital status and pain should be considered during
      treatment, while factors such as economic status, dyspnoea and insomnia should be
      taken into account after treatment.

PMID- 22081912
TI  - ICSH recommendations for identification, diagnostic value, and quantitation of
      schistocytes.
AB  - Schistocytes are fragments of red blood cells (RBCs) produced by extrinsic
      mechanical damage within the circulation. The detection of schistocytes is an
      important morphological clue to the diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathic
      anemia (TMA). Reporting criteria between different laboratories, however, are not
      uniform, owing to variability of shape and nature of fragments, as well as
      subjectivity and heterogeneity in their morphological assessment. Lack of
      standardization may lead to inconsistency or misdiagnosis, thereby affecting
      treatment and clinical outcome. The Schistocyte Working Group of the
      International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) has prepared
      specific recommendations to standardize schistocyte identification, enumeration,
      and reporting. They deal with the type of smear, method of counting,
      morphological description based on positive criteria (helmet cells, small,
      irregular triangular, or crescent-shaped cells, pointed projections, and lack of
      central pallor). A schistocyte count has a definite clinical value for the
      diagnosis of TMA in the absence of additional severe red cell shape
      abnormalities, with a confident threshold value of 1%. Automated counting of RBC
      fragments is also recommended by the ICSH Working Group as a useful complement to
      the microscope, according to the high predictive value of negative results, but
      worthy of further research and with limits in quantitation.

PMID- 22081914
TI  - The role of implantable cardiac electrical devices in patients with myotonic
      dystrophy.

PMID- 22081915
TI  - Synthesis of length-controlled polyvalent silver nanowire-DNA conjugates for
      sensitive and selective detection of DNA targets.
AB  - We have developed a facile method to rapidly synthesize the monodisperse silver
      nanowire-DNA conjugates with a constant diameter and systematically controllable
      lengths in the range of 0.5-2.5 MUm. The synthesis of silver nanowires takes
      advantage of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) as a structure-directing reagent and
      is performed under very mild conditions such as room temperature and aqueous
      media. The nanowires are densely conjugated with DNA sequences enough to exhibit
      the cooperative properties for the sensitive and selective detection of DNA
      targets. The limit of detection is 50 pM.

PMID- 22081913
TI  - New genes that extend Caenorhabditis elegans' lifespan in response to
      reproductive signals.
AB  - In Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, removing germline stem cells increases
      lifespan. In C. elegans, this lifespan extension requires DAF-16, a FOXO
      transcription factor, and DAF-12, a nuclear hormone receptor. To better
      understand the regulatory relationships between DAF-16 and DAF-12, we used
      microarray analysis to identify downstream genes. We found that these two
      transcription factors influence the expression of distinct but overlapping sets
      of genes in response to loss of the germline. In addition, we identified several
      new genes that are required for loss of the germline to increase lifespan. One,
      phi-62, encodes a conserved, predicted RNA-binding protein. PHI-62 influences DAF
      16-dependent transcription, possibly by collaborating with TCER-1, a putative
      transcription elongation factor, and FTT-2, a 14-3-3 protein known to bind DAF
      16. Three other genes encode proteins involved in lipid metabolism; one is a
      triacylglycerol lipase, and another is an acyl-CoA reductase. These genes do not
      noticeably affect bulk fat storage levels; therefore, we propose a model in which
      they may influence production of a lifespan-extending signal or metabolite.

PMID- 22081916
TI  - Splanchnic vein thrombosis complicating severe acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 22081917
TI  - Fast-track programmes for hepatopancreatic resections: where do we stand?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fast-track (FT) programmes represent a series of multimodal concepts
      that may reduce surgical stress and speed up convalescence after surgery. The aim
      of this systematic review was to evaluate FT programmes for patients undergoing
      hepatopancreatic surgery. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library
      databases were searched for studies of FT vs. conventional recovery strategies
      for liver and pancreatic resections. RESULTS: For liver surgery, three cohort
      studies were included. Primary hospital stay was significantly reduced after FT
      care in two of the three studies. There were no significant differences in rates
      of readmission, morbidity and mortality. For pancreatic surgery, three cohort
      studies and one case-control study were included. Primary hospital stay was
      significantly shorter after FT care in three out of the four studies. One study
      reported a significantly decreased readmission rate (7% vs. 25%; P= 0.027), and
      another study showed lower morbidity (47.2% vs. 58.7%; P < 0.01) in favour of the
      FT group. There was no difference in mortality between the FT and control groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: FT rehabilitation for liver and pancreatic surgical patients is
      feasible. Future investigation should focus on optimizing individual elements of
      the FT programme within the context of liver and pancreatic surgery.

PMID- 22081918
TI  - Natural history of pancreatitis-induced splenic vein thrombosis: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of its incidence and rate of gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis-induced splenic vein thrombosis (PISVT) is an acquired
      anatomic abnormality that impacts decision making in pancreatic surgery. Despite
      this influence, its incidence and the rate of associated gastrointestinal (GI)
      bleeding are imprecisely known. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central
      Register of Clinical Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases
      were searched from their inception to June 2010 for abstracts documenting PISVT
      in acute (AP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP). Two reviewers independently graded
      abstracts for inclusion in this review. Heterogeneity in combining data was
      assumed prior to pooling. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate
      percentages and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: After review of 241 abstracts,
      47 studies and 52 case reports were graded as relevant. These represent a cohort
      of 805 patients with PISVT reported in the literature. A meta-analysis of studies
      meeting inclusion criteria shows mean incidences of PISVT of 14.1% in all
      patients, 22.6% in patients with AP and 12.4% in patients with CP. The incidence
      of associated splenomegaly was only 51.9% in these patients. Varices were
      identified in 53.0% of patients and were gastric in 77.3% of cases. The overall
      rate of GI bleeding was 12.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Although reported incidences of PISVT
      vary widely across studies, an overall incidence of 14.1% is reported.
      Splenomegaly is an unreliable sign of PISVT. Although the true natural history of
      PISVT remains unknown, the collective reported rate of associated GI bleeding is
      12.3%.

PMID- 22081920
TI  - Splanchnic vein thrombosis in severe acute pancreatitis: a 2-year, single
      institution experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine current practice in the management and
      outcome of splanchnic vein thrombosis complicating acute pancreatitis (AP).
      METHODS: An audit of prospectively collected data for all patients presenting
      with AP was conducted. Patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis were grouped
      according to vessel involvement and whether or not systemic anticoagulation was
      administered. RESULTS: Of 127 consecutive patients admitted with AP, 20 had
      splanchnic venous thrombosis; in all cases the thrombosis was associated with a
      severe attack of AP. Involvement of the splenic vein (SV), portal vein (PV) and
      superior mesenteric vein (SMV) was observed in 14, 10 and three patients,
      respectively. Involvement of more than one vessel was observed in six patients
      (SV and PV in four patients; SMV and SV in one patient; all three veins in one
      patient). Thromboses were colocalized with collections in 19 patients. Only four
      patients received systemic anticoagulation. Resolution of thrombosis was observed
      in six patients over a median of 77 days. No significant differences were
      observed in recanalization rates following anticoagulation (P= 0.076). No
      complications associated with systemic anticoagulation occurred. One patient
      developed liver failure associated with progressive PV thrombosis and one patient
      died. CONCLUSIONS: Splanchnic vein thrombosis is a relatively common observation
      in severe AP and is associated with pancreatic necrosis and peripancreatic
      collections. Recanalization is observed in almost a third of patients,
      irrespective of whether or not they receive systemic anticoagulation.

PMID- 22081919
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and hepatic resection: improving outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A review of the peri-operative risk associated with hepatic resection
      in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and identification of measures for the
      improvement of cardiometabolic disturbances and liver-related mortality.
      BACKGROUND: MetS and its hepatic manifestation non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) are associated with an increased operative mortality in spite of a
      significant improvement in peri-operative outcome after hepatic resection.
      METHODS: A review of the English literature on MetS, liver resection and
      steatosis was performed from 1980 to 2011 using the MEDLINE and PubMed databases.
      RESULTS: MetS is a predictor of NAFLD and patients with multiple metabolic risk
      factors may harbour non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) predictive of operative
      and cardiovascular mortality. Pre-operative diagnosis of unsuspected NASH with
      the selective use of a liver biopsy can modify the operative strategy by limiting
      the extent of hepatic resection, avoiding or altering the pre-operative
      chemotherapy regimen and the utilization of portal vein embolization.
      Thiazolidinediones are therapeutic for MetS and NASH and Vitamin E for active
      NASH; however, their utility in improving the peri-operative outcome after
      hepatic resection is unknown. A short-term regimen for weight loss improves post
      operative patient and liver-related outcomes in patients with >30% steatosis.
      Cardiovascular disease associated with MetS or NAFLD should be managed
      aggressively. Peri-operative measures to minimize thrombotic events and acute
      renal injury secondary to the pro-inflammatory, prothrombotic state of MetS may
      further improve the outcome. CONCLUSION: Potential candidates for hepatic
      resection should be screened for MetS as the pre-operative identification of
      NASH, short-term treatment of significant steatosis, cardiovascular risk
      assessment and optimization of each component of MetS may improve the peri
      operative outcome in this high-risk subset of patients.

PMID- 22081921
TI  - High-grade dysplasia of the cystic duct margin in the absence of malignancy after
      cholecystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A total of 750,000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in the
      USA. No data exist on patients with microscopic high-grade dysplasia at the
      cystic duct margin and the associated incidence of cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS:
      Pathology reports for 1992-2010 were reviewed for patients with high-grade
      dysplasia of the cystic duct margin in the absence of invasive gallbladder
      cancer. Clinical data were obtained from chart review. RESULTS: Five patients
      with high-grade dysplasia at the cystic duct margin without evidence of
      malignancy were identified. Radiologic imaging was abnormal in two patients. The
      cystic duct stump was abnormally dilated in both patients and one patient had an
      enlarged portacaval lymph node. All five patients underwent exploration and
      resection of either the cystic duct stump or the bile duct. Specimens in four of
      the patients showed no evidence of malignancy or dysplasia. One patient was found
      to have a node-positive adenocarcinoma of the cystic duct. CONCLUSIONS: High
      grade dysplasia at the cystic duct margin without evidence of invasive
      gallbladder cancer is rare. Patients with this finding should undergo cross
      sectional imaging and a diagnosis of an underlying cholangiocarcinoma should be
      considered, especially if imaging reveals any abnormalities.

PMID- 22081922
TI  - Factors associated with recidivism following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Factors related to readmission after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) may
      include postoperative morbidity and the functional status of the patient. This
      study aimed to retrospectively review our institution's experience of readmission
      of patients who had undergone Whipple procedure PD. METHODS: Recidivism was
      defined as readmission to the primary or a secondary hospital within,
      respectively, 30 days, 30-90 days or 90 days postoperatively. Associations
      between recidivism, perioperative factors and patient characteristics were
      evaluated. RESULTS: During the past 5 years, 30-day, 30-90-day and 90-day
      recidivism rates were 14.5%, 18.5% and 27.4%, respectively. The most common
      reasons for readmission included dehydration and/or malnutrition (37.5% of
      readmissions) and pain (12.5%). Patients who underwent PD for chronic
      pancreatitis were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days of surgery than
      patients who underwent PD for malignancy (P < 0.01). Intraoperative transfusion
      was also associated with 30-90-day and 90-day recidivism (P < 0.01). Preoperative
      comorbidities, including Charlson Comorbidity Index score, number of pre
      discharge complications, type of Whipple reconstruction, preoperative biliary
      stenting, need for vascular reconstruction and patient body mass index were not
      associated with recidivism. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm previous reports
      indicating high rates of readmission after PD. To our knowledge, this report is
      the first to demonstrate chronic pancreatitis as an independent risk factor for
      readmission.

PMID- 22081923
TI  - Conditional survival in pancreatic cancer: better than expected.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional survival estimates after resection for pancreatic cancer
      are based on clinicopathological variables at the time of diagnosis. Estimates
      have not reflected time survived after resection, as investigated for other
      malignancies. The aim of the present study was to understand how survival
      estimates change after pancreatic resection for cancer based on time already
      survived (conditional survival). METHODS: Pancreatectomies performed for
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) between 2001 and 2010 were reviewed.
      Clinicopathological variables were evaluated to identify predictors of survival.
      Expected survival according to a validated nomogram for pancreatic cancer as well
      as conditional survival estimates and actual survival were calculated. RESULTS:
      In all, 186 patients underwent pancreatic resection for PDAC [154 (82.8%)
      Whipple, 26 (14.0%) distal and 6 (3.2%) total]. Median (range) survival was 22
      (3.4-107.3) months. Predictors of overall survival were: absence of nodal disease
      [odds ratio (OR) 8.8], age <67 years (OR 8.4) and lower stage (OR 4.3). Expected
      survival according to the nomogram was 70% (1 year), 39.5% (2 years) and 24% (3
      years). As time passed, and overall and expected survival decreased, conditional
      survival increased. DISCUSSION: The available prognostic system for PDAC
      underestimated survival compared with actual survival in the present study.
      Conditional survival estimates, based on accrued lifespan, were better than
      either predicted or actual survival, suggesting that survival is a dynamic,
      rather than static, concept. Conditional survival may, therefore, be a useful
      tool to allow patients and clinicians to project subsequent survival based on
      time accrued since resection.

PMID- 22081924
TI  - Metastatic lymph nodes in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: does size matter?
AB  - AIM: To determine the diagnostic efficacy of the size criteria for the detection
      of metastatic lymph nodes (LN) in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).
      INTRODUCTION: LN metastasis is one of the most significant independent prognostic
      factors in patients with HCCA. Presently, in spite of the well known lack of
      sensitivity and specificity, one of the most used clinical criteria for nodal
      metastases is LN size. METHODS: Pathological slides of 147 patients who had
      undergone exploration for HCCA were assessed. The size (maximum and short axis
      diameter) of each single node was retrieved from the pathology report or measured
      from a section on the glass slide using a stereo microscope and a calibrated
      ruler integrated in the software. When a metastatic lesion was detected, the
      proportion of the lesion in relation to LN size was estimated. RESULTS: Out of
      147 patients, 645 LN were retrieved and measured. In all, 106 nodes (16%) showed
      evidence of metastasis. The proportion of positive nodes was 8% in nodes <5 mm
      and 37% in nodes >30 mm. Ten per cent of LN smaller than 10 mm were positive,
      whereas only 23% of LN larger than 10 mm were metastastically involved. No clear
      cut-off point could be found. Similar results were found for the short axis
      diameter. In 50% of positive LN, the metastatic lesion accounted for 10% or less
      of the LN size. CONCLUSION: No cut-off point could be determined for accurately
      predicting nodal involvement. Therefore, imaging studies should not rely on LN
      size when assessing nodal involvement.

PMID- 22081925
TI  - Pre- and intraoperative variables affecting early outcomes in elderly patients
      undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting data exist regarding the safety of pancreatic resections
      in elderly patients. In this study we compared early complication and mortality
      rates between patients younger and older than 80 years of age who underwent
      pancreaticoduodenectomy using a validated national database. METHODS: The
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for 2005-2009 was
      used for this retrospective analysis. The primary outcome measures for our
      analysis were 30-day postoperative mortality, major complication rate and overall
      complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 6293 patients who underwent PD for any
      cause were included in the analysis. Of these, 9.4% were aged >=80 years. The
      incidence of 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients aged >=80
      years (6.3%) than in those aged <80 years (2.7%). Older patients were also noted
      to have higher rates of overall complications and serious complications. On
      multivariate analysis, age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists)
      classification, reduced functional status, history of dyspnoea, and need for
      intraoperative transfusion were risk factors associated with the occurrence of
      overall complications, serious complications and postoperative mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that age among other factors is a determinant of
      postoperative morbidity and mortality following PD.

PMID- 22081926
TI  - Management of excluded bile ducts in paediatric orthotopic liver transplant
      recipients of technical variant allografts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A strategy to increase the number of size- and weight-appropriate
      organs and decrease the paediatric waiting list mortality is wider application of
      sectional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). These technical variants
      consist of living donor, deceased donor reduced and split allografts. However,
      these grafts have an increased risk of biliary complications. An unusual and
      complex biliary complication which can lead to graft loss is inadvertent
      exclusion of a major segmental bile duct. We present four cases and describe an
      algorithm to correct these complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of the
      paediatric orthotopic liver transplantation database (2000-2010) at Washington
      University in St. Louis/St. Louis Children's Hospital was conducted. RESULTS:
      Sixty-eight patients (55%) received technical variant allografts. Four
      complications of excluded segmental bile ducts were identified. Percutaneous
      cholangiography provided diagnostic confirmation and stabilization with external
      biliary drainage. All patients required interval surgical revision of their
      hepaticojejunostomy for definitive drainage. Indwelling biliary stents aided
      intra-operative localization of the excluded ducts. All allografts were salvaged.
      DISCUSSION: Aggressive diagnosis, percutaneous decompression and interval
      revision hepaticojejunostomy are the main tenets of management of an excluded
      bile duct. Careful revision hepaticojejunostomy over a percutaneous biliary stent
      can result in restoration of biliary continuity and allograft survival.

PMID- 22081927
TI  - Endovascular stent graft placement in the treatment of a ruptured tuberculous
      pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta secondary to Pott's disease of
      the spine.
AB  - Ruptured thoracic aortic tuberculous pseudoaneurysms as a complication of
      mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the spine are rare. Conventional
      treatment of a ruptured tuberculous pseudoaneurysm involves surgery with graft
      interposition or patch repair. We report successful repair of a ruptured
      tuberculous pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta by endovascular stent
      graft placement and provide a literature review of such entities.

PMID- 22081928
TI  - Editorial: seeking a new characterisation of learning disorders.

PMID- 22081930
TI  - Human papillomavirus genotype distribution in Madrid and correlation with
      cytological data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide.
      Infection with certain human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes is the most important
      risk factor associated with cervical cancer. This study analysed the distribution
      of type-specific HPV infection among women with normal and abnormal cytology, to
      assess the potential benefit of prophylaxis with anti-HPV vaccines. METHODS:
      Cervical samples of 2,461 women (median age 34 years; range 15-75) from the
      centre of Spain were tested for HPV DNA. These included 1,656 samples with normal
      cytology (NC), 336 with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
      (ASCUS), 387 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), and 82 high
      grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). HPV detection and genotyping were
      performed by PCR using 5'-biotinylated MY09/11 consensus primers, and reverse dot
      blot hybridisation. RESULTS: HPV infection was detected in 1,062 women (43.2%).
      Out of these, 334 (31%) samples had normal cytology and 728 (69%) showed some
      cytological abnormality: 284 (27%) ASCUS, 365 (34%) LSILs, and 79 (8%) HSILs. The
      most common genotype found was HPV 16 (28%) with the following distribution: 21%
      in NC samples, 31% in ASCUS, 26% in LSILs, and 51% in HSILs. HPV 53 was the
      second most frequent (16%): 16% in NC, 16% in ASCUS, 19% in LSILs, and 5% in
      HSILs. The third genotype was HPV 31 (12%): 10% in NC, 11% in ASCUS, 14% in
      LSILs, and 11% in HSILs. Co-infections were found in 366 samples (34%). In 25%,
      36%, 45% and 20% of samples with NC, ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL, respectively, more
      than one genotype was found. CONCLUSIONS: HPV 16 was the most frequent genotype
      in our area, followed by HPV 53 and 31, with a low prevalence of HPV 18 even in
      HSILs. The frequency of genotypes 16, 52 and 58 increased significantly from
      ASCUS to HSILs. Although a vaccine against HPV 16 and 18 could theoretically
      prevent approximately 50% of HSILs, genotypes not covered by the vaccine are
      frequent in our population. Knowledge of the epidemiological distribution is
      necessary to predict the effect of vaccines on incidence of infection and
      evaluate cross-protection from current vaccines against infection with other
      types.

PMID- 22081931
TI  - Depression among carers of AIDS-orphaned and other-orphaned children in Umlazi
      Township, South Africa.
AB  - South Africa faces the challenge of supporting the well-being of adults caring
      for growing numbers of AIDS-orphaned children. These adults play a critical role
      in responses to the epidemic, but little information exists in regard to their
      mental health needs. This paper reports on findings from n=1599 adults, recruited
      through representative household sampling, who serve as primary carers for
      children in Umlazi Township, an HIV-endemic community. Overall, 22% of
      participants were carers of AIDS-orphaned children, 11% were carers of other
      orphaned children and 67% were carers of non-orphaned children. Prevalence of
      depression was 30.3%. Orphan carers, regardless of whether they cared for AIDS
      orphaned or other-orphaned children, were significantly more likely than carers
      of non-orphaned children to meet the clinical threshold for depression (35.2% vs.
      27.9%, p < 0.01). In multivariate logistic regressions, food insecurity and being
      a female carer were identified as additional risk factors for greater depression.
      In contrast, households with access to running water and households dependent on
      salaries as the main source of income were identified as protective factors for
      disparities in depression. Mental health interventions are urgently needed to
      address an increased risk for depression among all orphan carers, not just those
      caring for AIDS-orphaned children.

PMID- 22081932
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of ureidofibrate-like
      derivatives endowed with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activity.
AB  - A series of ureidofibrate-like derivatives was prepared and assayed for their
      PPAR functional activity. A calorimetric approach was used to characterize
      PPARgamma-ligand interactions, and docking experiments and X-ray studies were
      performed to explain the observed potency and efficacy. R-1 and S-1 were selected
      to evaluate several aspects of their biological activity. In an adipogenic assay,
      both enantiomers increased the expression of PPARgamma target genes and promoted
      the differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts to adipocytes. In vivo administration
      of these compounds to insulin resistant C57Bl/6J mice fed a high fat diet reduced
      visceral fat content and body weight. Examination of different metabolic
      parameters showed that R-1 and S-1 are insulin sensitizers. Notably, they also
      enhanced the expression of hepatic PPARalpha target genes indicating that their
      in vivo effects stemmed from an activation of both PPARalpha and gamma. Finally,
      the capability of R-1 and S-1 to inhibit cellular proliferation in colon cancer
      cell lines was also evaluated.

PMID- 22081933
TI  - A funny thing happened to me on the way to the universe: a Dread-Pirate-Roberts
      job?

PMID- 22081934
TI  - MCP-1 and CCR2 gene variants and the risk for osteoporosis and osteopenia.
AB  - AIM: In this study, we investigated whether monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP
      1) and CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) gene polymorphisms account for an increased
      risk of osteoporosis or osteopenia. METHODS: Three hundred three postmenopausal
      women, 80 osteoporotic, 123 osteopenic, and 100 unrelated age-matched healthy
      controls, were included in the study. Genotyping of MCP-1 A2518G and CCR2 V64I
      gene polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: We, for the first time,
      demonstrated the positive association of MCP-1 GG, CCR2 Val/Ile, and CCR2 Val+
      genotype with osteoporosis risk. However, CCR2 Ile/Ile genotype frequencies were
      high in the control group compared with those of the patients with osteoporosis
      and osteopenia. Haplotype analysis confirmed the association of MCP-1/CCR2 gene
      variants with osteopenia and revealed that the frequency of MCP-1 A:CCR2 Val
      haplotype was significantly higher in patients when compared with controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings have suggested that MCP-1 and CCR2 gene
      variants were risk factors for osteoporosis and osteopenia.

PMID- 22081935
TI  - Proteomic analysis of secretagogue-stimulated neutrophils implicates a role for
      actin and actin-interacting proteins in Rac2-mediated granule exocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are abundant leukocytes that play a primary role in
      defence against pathogens. Neutrophils enter sites of infection where they
      eliminate pathogens via phagocytosis and the release of antimicrobial mediators
      via degranulation. Rho GTPases, particularly Rac2, play a key role in neutrophil
      degranulation. The purpose of this study was to identify Rac2-dependent changes
      in protein abundance in stimulated neutrophils. METHODS: We performed a proteomic
      analysis on secretagogue-stimulated bone marrow neutrophils that were isolated
      from wild-type and Rac2-/- mice. Protein abundance was analyzed by 2-dimensional
      SDS-PAGE of fluorescently labelled samples which allowed the detection ~3500
      proteins. RESULTS: We identified 22 proteins that showed significant changes in
      abundance after secretagogue-stimulation of wild-type neutrophils, which did not
      occur in neutrophils isolated from Rac2-/- mice. As expected, the abundance of
      several granule proteins was reduced in wild-type cells; this did not occur in
      Rac2-/- neutrophils which confirms the requirement for Rac2 in degranulation. We
      also found changes in abundance of many actin remodelling proteins including
      coronin-1A, beta-actin and the F-actin capping protein, (CapZ-beta). Coronin-1A
      showed elevated levels of several isoforms after stimulation of neutrophils from
      wild-type, but not from Rac2-/- mice. These isoforms were immunoreactive with
      anti-phospho-threonine antibodies, suggesting that neutrophil stimulation
      triggers a Rac2-dependent kinase cascade that results in the phosphorylation of
      coronin-1A. CONCLUSION: The control of Rac2-mediated degranulation in neutrophils
      likely functions through actin remodelling via activation of several actin
      binding proteins. We found coronin-1A to be a novel downstream effector protein
      of this pathway that is threonine phosphorylated in response to secretagogue
      stimulation.

PMID- 22081936
TI  - Excessive gestational weight gain predicts large for gestational age neonates
      independent of maternal body mass index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index
      (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birth
      weight (>=90th % ile). METHODS: We examined 4321 mother-infant pairs from the
      Ottawa and Kingston (OaK) birth cohort. Multivariate logistic regression
      (controlling for gestational and maternal age, pre-pregnancy weight, parity,
      smoking) were performed and odds ratios (ORs) calculated. RESULTS: Prior to
      pregnancy, a total of 23.7% of women were overweight and 16.2% obese. Only 29.3%
      of women met GWG targets recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), whereas
      57.7% exceeded the guidelines. Adjusting for smoking, parity, age, maternal
      height, and achieving the IOM's recommended GWG, overweight (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.17
      3.37) or obese (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.59-4.39) pre-pregnancy was associated with a
      higher rate of LGA compared to women with normal BMI. In the same model,
      exceeding GWG guidelines was associated with higher rates of LGA (OR 2.86; 95% CI
      2.09-3.92), as was parity (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.22-1.82). Smoking (OR 0.53; 95%CI
      0.35-0.79) was associated with decreased rates of LGA. The adjusted association
      with LGA was also estimated for women who exceeded the GWG guidelines and were
      overweight (OR 3.59; 95% CI 2.60-4.95) or obese (OR 6.71; 95% CI 4.83-9.31).
      CONCLUSION: Pregravid overweight or obesity and gaining in excess of the IOM 2009
      GWG guidelines strongly increase a woman's chance of having a larger baby.
      Lifestyle interventions that aim to optimize GWG by incorporating healthy eating
      and exercise strategies during pregnancy should be investigated to determine
      their effects on LGA neonates and down-stream child obesity.

PMID- 22081937
TI  - Probing a complex of cytochrome c and cardiolipin by magnetic circular dichroism
      spectroscopy: implications for the initial events in apoptosis.
AB  - Oxidation of cardiolipin (CL) by its complex with cytochrome c (cyt c) plays a
      crucial role in triggering apoptosis. Through a combination of magnetic circular
      dichroism spectroscopy and potentiometric titrations, we show that both the
      ferric and ferrous forms of the heme group of a CL:cyt c complex exist as
      multiple conformers at a physiologically relevant pH of 7.4. For the ferric
      state, these conformers are His/Lys- and His/OH(-)-ligated. The ferrous state is
      predominantly high-spin and, most likely, His/-. Interconversion of the ferric
      and ferrous conformers is described by a single midpoint potential of -80 +/- 9
      mV vs SHE. These results suggest that CL oxidation in mitochondria could occur by
      the reaction of molecular oxygen with the ferrous CL:cyt c complex in addition to
      the well-described reaction of peroxides with the ferric form.

PMID- 22081938
TI  - Does oral health matter in people's daily life? Oral health-related quality of
      life in adults 35-47 years of age in Norway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of oral health on
      aspects of daily life measured by the Dental Impact Profile (DIP) in 35- to 47
      year-old individuals in Norway, and to study associations between reported
      effects and demographic variables, subjectively assessed oral health, general
      health, oral health behaviour and clinical oral health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      stratified randomized sample of 249 individuals received a questionnaire
      regarding demographic questions, dental visits, oral hygiene behaviour, self
      rated oral health and general health and satisfaction with oral health. The DIP
      measured the effects of oral health on daily life. Teeth present and caries
      experience were registered by clinical examination. Bi- and multivariate analyses
      and factor analysis were used. RESULTS: Items most frequently reported to be
      positively or negatively influenced by oral health were chewing and biting,
      eating, smiling and laughing, feeling comfortable and appearance. Only 1%
      reported no effects of oral health. Individuals with fewer than two decayed
      teeth, individuals who rated their oral health as good or practised good oral
      health habits reported more positive effects than others on oral quality of life
      (P <= 0.05). When the variables were included in multivariate analysis, none was
      statistically significant. The subscales of the DIP were somewhat different from
      the originally suggested subscales. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that most
      adults reported oral health to be important for masticatory functions and
      confirmed that oral health also had impacts on other aspects of life.

PMID- 22081939
TI  - Treatment of mastitis during lactation.
AB  - Treatment of mastitis should be based on bacteriological diagnosis and take
      national and international guidelines on prudent use of antimicrobials into
      account. In acute mastitis, where bacteriological diagnosis is not available,
      treatment should be initiated based on herd data and personal experience. Rapid
      bacteriological diagnosis would facilitate the proper selection of the
      antimicrobial. Treating subclinical mastitis with antimicrobials during lactation
      is seldom economical, because of high treatment costs and generally poor
      efficacy. All mastitis treatment should be evidence-based, i.e., the efficacy of
      each product and treatment length should be demonstrated by scientific studies.
      Use of on-farm written protocols for mastitis treatment promotes a judicious use
      of antimicrobials and reduces the use of antimicrobials.

PMID- 22081940
TI  - The costs of repression: a meta-analysis on the relation between repressive
      coping and somatic diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: When Freud introduced the term repression, he stated its pathogenic
      potential. Since then, this notion was adapted and continued to date.
      Surprisingly, there is no attempt to synthesize research on the effect of
      repressive coping on somatic diseases quantitatively. The current study closes
      this gap and examines the association between repressive coping as
      operationalized by Weinberger, Schwartz, and Davidson (1979) and the incidence of
      cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and diabetes by applying meta-analytic
      techniques. METHOD: An extensive literature search identified 22 studies that met
      all inclusion criteria and assessed a total of 6,775 participants. The study set
      was analyzed both as a whole sample (k = 22 studies) and disease-specific (k = 2
      10 studies; no study found for diabetes). RESULTS: The results of the meta
      analysis indicate a higher risk for repressive copers to suffer from one of the
      investigated diseases, especially cancer (logOdds after diagnosis: 0.41; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.09-0.73, p = .012) and hypertension (logOdds: 0.59; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.32-0.86, p < .0001). After application of a continuity
      correction due to a missing control group the results for coronary heart disease
      imply an increased risk for nonrepressors to be affected. Results for
      cardiovascular diseases in general, heart attack, and asthma did not reach
      significance. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis revealed significant
      associations between repressive coping, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases,
      especially hypertension. These results add to the notion of repressive coping as
      a consequence of cancer as well as to its important role for the issue of
      hypertension.

PMID- 22081941
TI  - Knowing loved ones' end-of-life health care wishes: attachment security predicts
      caregivers' accuracy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: At times, caregivers make life-and-death decisions for loved ones. Yet
      very little is known about the factors that make caregivers more or less accurate
      as surrogate decision makers for their loved ones. Previous research suggests
      that in low stress situations, individuals with high attachment-related anxiety
      are attentive to their relationship partners' wishes and concerns, but get
      overwhelmed by stressful situations. Individuals with high attachment-related
      avoidance are likely to avoid intimacy and stressful situations altogether. We
      hypothesized that both of these insecure attachment patterns limit surrogates'
      ability to process distressing information and should therefore be associated
      with lower accuracy in the stressful task of predicting their loved ones' end-of
      life health care wishes. METHOD: Older patients visiting a medical clinic stated
      their preferences toward end-of-life health care in different health contexts,
      and surrogate decision makers independently predicted those preferences. For
      comparison purposes, surrogates also predicted patients' perceptions of everyday
      living conditions so that surrogates' accuracy of their loved ones' perceptions
      in nonstressful situations could be assessed. RESULTS: Surrogates high on either
      type of insecure attachment dimension were less accurate in predicting their
      loved ones' end-of-life health care wishes. It is interesting to note that even
      though surrogates' attachment-related anxiety was associated with lower accuracy
      of end-of-life health care wishes of their loved ones, it was associated with
      higher accuracy in the nonstressful task of predicting their loved ones' everyday
      living conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Attachment orientation plays an important role in
      accuracy about loved ones' end-of-life health care wishes. Interventions may
      target emotion regulation strategies associated with insecure attachment
      orientations.

PMID- 22081943
TI  - Facile and efficient route to polyimide-TiO2 nanocomposite coating onto carbon
      fiber.
AB  - Polyamic acid-TiO(2) hybrid colloid emulsion with an average particle size of 200
      nm was formed by dispersing nano-TiO(2) into polyamic acid colloidal emulsion.
      The polyimide-TiO(2) nanocomposite was coated onto carbon fiber by
      electrophoretic deposition. The primary properties of polyamic acid-TiO(2) hybrid
      colloid emulsion and polyimide-TiO(2) nanocomposite coating onto carbon fiber
      were characterized using laser scattering, ZetaPlus particle sizing, transmission
      electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier
      transforms infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction analysis. The results
      indicated that the small amount of nano-TiO(2) would be effectively dispersed in
      polyamic acid colloidal particles. The polyimide-TiO(2) hybrid nanocomposite
      coating carbon fiber sheet displayed an excellent photodegradation performance of
      methyl orange, which could be degraded more than 70 wt % after 10 cycles.

PMID- 22081942
TI  - A comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial protein synthesis and cellular
      proliferation with age and caloric restriction.
AB  - It is proposed that caloric restriction (CR) increases mitochondrial biogenesis.
      However, it is not clear why CR increases an energetically costly biosynthetic
      process. We hypothesized that 40% CR would decrease mitochondrial protein
      synthesis and would be regulated by translational rather than transcriptional
      mechanisms. We assessed cumulative mitochondrial protein synthesis over 6 weeks
      and its transcriptional and translational regulation in the liver, heart, and
      skeletal muscle of young (6 month), middle (12 month), and old (24 month) male
      B6D2F1 mice that were lifelong CR or ad lib (AL) controls. Mitochondrial protein
      synthesis was not different between AL and CR (fractional synthesis over 6 weeks
      (range): liver, 91-100%; heart, 74-85%; skeletal muscle, 53-72%) despite a
      decreased cellular proliferation in liver and heart with CR. With CR, there was
      an increase in AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation/total (P:T) in heart
      and liver, and an increase in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      coactivator 1-alpha mRNA in all tissues, but not protein. Ribosomal protein S6
      was decreased with CR. In conclusion, CR maintained mitochondrial protein
      synthesis while decreasing cellular proliferation during a time of energetic
      stress, which is consistent with the concept that CR increases somatic
      maintenance. Alternative mechanisms to global translation initiation may be
      responsible for selective translation of mitochondrial proteins.

PMID- 22081944
TI  - Synchronous presentation of acute acalculous cholecystitis and appendicitis: a
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute acalculous cholecystitis is traditionally associated with
      elderly or critically ill patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an
      otherwise healthy 23-year-old Caucasian man who presented with acute right-sided
      abdominal pain. An ultrasound examination revealed evidence of acute acalculous
      cholecystitis. A laparoscopy was undertaken and the dual pathologies of acute
      acalculous cholecystitis and acute appendicitis were discovered and a
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy were performed. CONCLUSION: Acute
      acalculous cholecystitis is a rare clinical entity in young, healthy patients and
      this report describes the unusual association of acute acalculous cholecystitis
      and appendicitis. A single stage combined laparoscopic appendectomy and
      cholecystectomy is an effective treatment modality.

PMID- 22081945
TI  - Breakdown of the integration center: right atrial ganglionated plexus dysfunction
      in heart failure.

PMID- 22081947
TI  - Donor cell-derived acute myeloid leukemia after second allogenic cord blood
      transplantation in a patient with Fanconi anemia.
AB  - DCL following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been reported in
      approximately 5% of all leukemic relapses. There have been several reports on
      DCL, mainly AML after umbilical cord blood transplantation. In this case study,
      we present a young boy diagnosed with Fanconi anemia who underwent an umbilical
      cord blood transplantation. Because of the graft failure, he was retransplanted
      one month later, also with a cord blood transplant. Two years after the second
      transplant, he developed AML, where 100% of the cells were of female donor
      origin. The donor, a now 14-yr-old female, was recently reported healthy.

PMID- 22081946
TI  - Furfural reduction mechanism of a zinc-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from
      Cupriavidus necator JMP134.
AB  - FurX is a tetrameric Zn-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Cupriavidus
      necator JMP134. The enzyme rapidly reduces furfural with NADH as the reducing
      power. For the first time among characterized ADHs, the high-resolution
      structures of all reaction steps were obtained in a time-resolved manner, thereby
      illustrating the complete catalytic events of NADH-dependent reduction of
      furfural and the dynamic Zn(2+)  coordination among Glu66, water, substrate and
      product. In the fully closed conformation of the NADH complex, the catalytic
      turnover proved faster than observed for the partially closed conformation due to
      an effective proton transfer network. The domain motion triggered by NAD(H)
      association/dissociation appeared to facilitate dynamic interchanges in Zn(2+) 
      coordination with substrate and product molecules, ultimately increasing the
      enzymatic turnover rate. NAD(+)  dissociation appeared to be a slow process,
      involving multiple steps in concert with a domain opening and reconfiguration of
      Glu66. This agrees with the report that the cofactor is not dissociated from FurX
      during ethanol-dependent reduction of furfural, in which ethanol reduces NAD(+) 
      to NADH that is subsequently used for furfural reduction.

PMID- 22081949
TI  - Editorial: a new beginning and ending?

PMID- 22081948
TI  - The experience of empowerment in the patient-staff encounter: the patient's
      perspective.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore empowerment within the patient-staff
      encounter as experienced by out-patients with chronic kidney disease. BACKGROUND:
      Empowerment has an important role to play in the patient-staff relationship in
      the case of patients with a chronic disease. When it comes to patients with
      chronic kidney disease, there has been little research on empowerment, for which
      reason interviewing such patients about their experiences of empowerment will
      provide useful knowledge within the context of out-patient care. DESIGN: A
      qualitative interview study was chosen to gain an understanding of empowerment
      from the patient perspective. METHOD: The study was carried out at an out-patient
      clinic in Sweden and involved 20 patients with chronic kidney disease. The
      interviews were subjected to latent content analysis. RESULTS: Five of the seven
      sub-themes emerging from the analysis represented empowerment: Accessibility
      according to need, Confirming encounter, Trust in the competence of the
      healthcare staff, Participation in decision-making, Learning enables better self
      management. The other two represented non-empowerment: Meeting with nonchalance,
      Lack of dialogue and influence. From the seven sub-themes, one comprehensive
      theme was generated: Creation of trust and learning through encounter.
      CONCLUSION: The main finding regarding the central role of the creation of trust
      and learning through the patient-staff encounter underlines the importance of
      understanding empowerment from the patient's perspective. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: Nursing and other healthcare staff need knowledge and understanding of
      the meaning of empowerment from the patients' perspective to meet their needs in
      out-patient care.

PMID- 22081951
TI  - Validation of tool mark analysis of cut costal cartilage.
AB  - This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the
      generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage.
      Three knives with different blade types were used to make experimental cut marks
      in costal cartilage of pigs. Each cut surface was cast, and each cast was
      examined by three analysts working independently. The presence of striations,
      regularity of striations, and presence of a primary and secondary striation
      pattern were recorded for each cast. The distance between each striation was
      measured. The results showed that striations were not consistently impressed on
      the cut surface by the blade's cutting edge. Also, blade type classification by
      the presence or absence of striations led to a 65% misclassification rate. Use of
      the classification tree and cross-validation methods and inclusion of the mean
      interstriation distance decreased the error rate to c. 50%.

PMID- 22081952
TI  - Modes of (in)tolerance: South African Muslims and same-sex relationships.
AB  - In this study we interviewed members of a small, predominantly Muslim community
      in Johannesburg, South Africa, in order to ascertain attitudes towards people who
      engage in same-sex practices. We were interested in ascertaining whether
      community perceptions of homosexuality match the common (Western) assumption that
      Islam is profoundly homophobic. Our research, while preliminary, shows that
      although most people condemn same-sex practices on the grounds of religious
      principle, they also in practice did not act upon these views. Respondents held
      different views on whether a person is gay or lesbian as result of same-sex
      behaviour, on the one hand, or same-sex desire, on the other hand. This
      distinction accords with what was, for them, the difficulty of proving the same
      sex practices had occurred given strict Muslim standards of proof. Community
      attitudes to homosexuality usually involve denial and secrecy in order to
      maintain the social fabric of daily life and relationships between community
      members.

PMID- 22081954
TI  - Global trend in articles related to stereotactic published in science citation
      index-expanded.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is the first article using bibliometrics to study the field of
      stereotactic related research. This study aims to evaluate the global scientific
      production of simulation research in the category of "stereotactic" during 1993
      2008 and to provide insights on the characteristics of the stereotactic related
      research patterns, tendencies, and methods that might exist in the papers, as
      well as in leading countries and institutes. METHODS: In this study,
      "stereotactic*" was used as the keyword to search titles, abstracts, and keywords
      in the database of the Science Citation Index Expanded. All the articles
      referring to stereotactic during the studied years, were assessed by the
      following aspects: document type of publication, characteristics of publication
      outputs, distribution of outputs in journals, publication outputs of source
      country, source institute, and analysis of words cluster in title, author
      keywords, and KeyWords Plus. RESULTS: Eleven document types were found in the
      total 10 015 publications during 1993-2008. Clinical neurology was the most
      common category in stereotactic-related research. Neurosurgery listed in
      categories of clinical neurology and surgery, ranked first. The most productive
      country and institute were USA and University of Pittsburgh respectively. Words
      cluster analysis was elaborated regarding the issues of movement disorders,
      radiosurgery, tumor, and vascular/stroke, it revealed the sharp rise of articles
      from 1995 until the end of the period covered in "movement disorders" category.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results analyzed by this bibliometric method can show the
      research performance, significant events and major inventors, those attributed to
      stereotactic neurosurgery, and trend of stereotactic related research.

PMID- 22081953
TI  - Ozonated autohemotherapy: protection of kidneys from ischemia in rats subjected
      to unilateral nephrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ozonated autohemotherapy (OA) has been previously successfully used
      in the treatment of patients affected by peripheral occlusive arterial disease.
      OA consists of an intrafemoral reinfusion of autologous blood previously exposed
      to a mixture of oxygen/ozone (O2/O3). This study analyzes the effects of OA in
      protecting rat kidney from ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion damage. METHODS: We
      performed OA 30 min before the induction of 60 min renal ischemia or at the
      induction of 60 min postischemic reperfusion in rats subjected to unilateral
      nephrectomy. In addition, to evidence the possible protection induced by O2/O3 on
      endothelial functions, the present study analyzes the in vitro effects of O2/O3
      on oxygen consumption by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). RESULTS:
      1) OA preserves rat kidney functions and architecture, as demonstrated by the
      improved levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and by histology; 2)
      such protection does not correlate with the increase of plasmatic nitric oxide,
      but is compatible with a focal renal increase of renal betaNADPH-diaphorase; 3)
      treatment of HUVEC with O2/O3 significantly increases both the rate of oxygen
      consumption and the mitochondrial activity assessed by confocal microscopy.
      CONCLUSION: The preservation of the mitochondrial activity of endothelium could
      in vivo limit the endothelial dysfunction provoked by the Isc or Isc/R processes.

PMID- 22081955
TI  - Multiple cerebral aneurysms secondary to cardiac myxoma.
AB  - A 45-year-old lady presented with transient ischemic attack symptoms. Subsequent
      CT and DSA revealed multiple fusiform dilatations of cerebral vessels. A search
      for sources of emboli led to an atrial myxoma being found on echocardiogram. She
      made a good recovery after resection of the atrial myxoma. The aneurysms were
      managed conservatively. We discuss the association of multiple cerebral aneurysms
      with atrial myxoma.

PMID- 22081956
TI  - Oxford craniotomy infections database: a cost analysis of craniotomy infection.
AB  - We describe the process of establishing a large database for the investigation of
      craniotomy infection and the preliminary results of this database. The initial
      results have been used to generate a cost analysis for craniotomy infection. The
      craniotomy infections database prospectively registers craniotomy cases taking
      place in the John Radcliffe Hospital. In order to achieve this, each patient's
      details are registered at the time of operation and followed up to identify cases
      of infection. Infection was defined strictly according to Centre for Disease
      Control criteria and validated by at least two members of clinical staff. The
      first 10 months of data are presented here which identifies a total of 245
      craniotomies and 20 verified craniotomy infections. An overall infection rate of
      8% is identified, and the cost incurred by the neurosurgery department as a
      result of craniotomy infections is estimated at L1 85 660 for the 10-month period
      studied. This amounts to a cost per case of infection of L9283.

PMID- 22081957
TI  - General anxiety, depression, and physical health in relation to symptoms of heart
      focused anxiety- a cross sectional study among patients living with the risk of
      serious arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of three distinct symptoms of heart-focused
      anxiety (cardio-protective avoidance, heart-focused attention, and fear about
      heart sensations) in relation to general anxiety, depression and physical health
      in patients referred to specialized cardio-genetics outpatient clinics in Norway
      for genetic investigation and counseling. METHODS: Participants were 126 patients
      (mean age 45 years, 53.5% women). All patients were at higher risk than the
      average person for serious arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) because of
      a personal or a family history of an inherited cardiac disorder (familial long QT
      syndrome or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Patients filled in, Hospital Anxiety
      and Depression Scale, Short-Form 36 Health Survey, and Cardiac Anxiety
      Questionnaire, two weeks before the scheduled counseling session. RESULTS: The
      patients experienced higher levels of general anxiety than expected in the
      general population (mean difference 1.1 (p < 0.01)). Hierarchical regression
      analyses showed that avoidance and fear was independently related to general
      anxiety, depression, and physical health beyond relevant demographic covariates
      (age, gender, having children) and clinical variables (clinical diagnosis, and a
      recent SCD in the family). In addition to heart-focused anxiety, having a
      clinical diagnosis was of importance for physical health, whereas a recent SCD in
      the family was independently related to general anxiety and depression,
      regardless of disease status. CONCLUSION: Avoidance and fear may be potentially
      modifiable symptoms. Because these distinct symptoms may have important roles in
      determining general anxiety, depression and physical health in at-risk
      individuals of inherited cardiac disorders, the present findings may have
      implications for the further development of genetic counseling for this patient
      group.

PMID- 22081958
TI  - Clinically important drug-drug interactions in primary care.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) cause considerable
      morbidity and mortality worldwide and may lead to hospital admission.
      Sophisticated computerized drug information and monitoring systems, more recently
      established in many of the emerging economies, including Malaysia, are capturing
      useful information on prescribing. Our aim is to report on an investigation of
      potentially serious DDIs, using a university primary care-based system capturing
      prescription records from its primary care services. METHODS: We retrospectively
      collected data from two academic years over 20 months from computerized databases
      at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from users of the USM primary care
      services. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Three hundred and eighty-six DDI events were
      observed in a cohort of 208 exposed patients from a total of 23,733 patients,
      representing a 2-year period prevalence of 876.4 per 100,000 patients. Of the 208
      exposed patients, 138 (66.3%) were exposed to one DDI event, 29 (13.9%) to two
      DDI events, 15 (7.2%) to three DDI events, 6 (2.9%) to four DDI events and 20
      (9.6%) to more than five DDI events. Overall, an increasing mean number of
      episodes of DDIs was noted among exposed patients within the age category >=70
      years (P=0.01), an increasing trend in the number of medications prescribed
      (P<0.001) and an increasing trend in the number of long-term therapeutic groups
      (P<0.001). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We describe the prevalence of clinically
      important DDIs in an emerging economy setting and identify the more common
      potentially serious DDIs. In line with the observations in developed economies, a
      higher number of episodes of DDIs were seen in patients aged >=70 years and with
      more medications prescribed. The easiest method to reduce the frequency of DDIs
      is to reduce the number of medications prescribed. Therapeutic alternatives
      should be selected cautiously.

PMID- 22081959
TI  - Relationship between obesity/overweight status, sugar consumption and dental
      caries among adolescents in South India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between obesity/overweight status, sugar
      consumption and dental caries among adolescents in Udupi District, India.
      METHODS: Study population consisted of 463 school children aged between 13 and 15
      years. Information on age, sex, type of school attending and frequency of sugar
      consumption per day was recorded by a structured self-administered questionnaire.
      Body mass index (BMI) (height in metres and weight in kilograms) and caries
      measurements (DMFT) were taken by a trained recorder according to standard
      criteria. RESULTS: Majority of the children were having low normal weight, with
      18.6% in overweight and 3.5% in obese groups. There was a significant difference
      in the frequency of sugar consumption between the BMI groups. Obese group of
      children had more caries than the overweight and low-normal-weight children.
      Correlation analysis showed significant positive relation with BMI, decayed teeth
      and DMFT. Regression analysis showed that caries experience had a significant
      association with male sex (OR = 2.09, CI = 1.01-4.33), overweight/obese (OR =
      3.68, CI = 1.79-7.56) and frequency of sugar consumption more than once per day
      (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.25-7.85). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association
      between overweight/obesity and caries experience among school children of Udupi
      District. Obesity and dental caries have common risk determinants and require a
      comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to paediatric patients by both medical
      and dental healthcare professionals.

PMID- 22081960
TI  - Crystallographic proof for an extended hydrogen-bonding network in small prolyl
      isomerases.
AB  - Parvulins compose a family of small peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases) involved
      in protein folding and protein quality control. A number of amino acids in the
      catalytic cavity are highly conserved, but their precise role within the
      catalytic mechanism is unknown. The 0.8 A crystal structure of the prolyl
      isomerase domain of parvulin Par14 shows the electron density of hydrogen atoms
      between the D74, H42, H123, and T118 side chains. This threonine residue has
      previously not been associated with catalysis, but a corresponding T152A mutant
      of Pin1 shows a dramatic reduction of catalytic activity without compromising
      protein stability. The observed catalytic tetrad is strikingly conserved in Pin1-
      and parvulin-type proteins and hence constitutes a common feature of small
      peptidyl prolyl isomerases.

PMID- 22081961
TI  - Return to military weight standards after pregnancy in active duty working women:
      comparison of marine corps vs. navy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the likelihood of being within weight standards before and
      after pregnancy between United States Marine Corps (USMC) and Navy (USN) active
      duty women (ADW). METHODS: ADW with singleton gestations who delivered at a USMC
      base were followed for 6 months to determine likelihood of returning to military
      weight standards. Odds ratio (OR), adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence
      intervals were calculated; p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Similar
      proportions of USN and USMC ADW were within body weight standards one year prior
      to pregnancy (79%, 97%) and at first prenatal visit (69%, 96%), respectively.
      However, USMC ADW were significantly more likely to be within body weight
      standards at 3 months (AOR 4.30,1.28-14.43) and 6 months after delivery (AOR
      9.94, 1.53-64.52) than USN ADW. Weight gained during pregnancy did not differ
      significantly for the two groups (40.4 lbs vs 44.2 lbs, p = 0.163). The
      likelihood of spontaneous vaginal delivery was significantly higher (OR 2.52,
      1.20-5.27) and the mean birth weight was significantly lower (p = 0.0036) among
      USMC ADW as compared to USN ADW. CONCLUSIONS: Being within weight standards
      differs significantly for USMC and USN ADW after pregnancy.

PMID- 22081962
TI  - Farm management factors associated with bulk tank somatic cell count in Irish
      dairy herds.
AB  - The relationship between bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) and farm management
      and infrastructure was examined using data from 398 randomly selected, yet
      representative, Irish dairy farms where the basal diet is grazed grass. Median
      bulk tank SCC for the farms was 282,887 cells/ml ranging from 82,209 to 773,028
      cells/ml. Two questionnaires were administered through face-to-face contact with
      each farmer. Herd-level factors associated with bulk tank SCC were determined
      using linear models with annual somatic cell score (i.e., arithmetic mean of the
      natural logarithm of bulk tank SCC) included as the dependent variable. All herd
      level factors were analysed individually in separate regression models, which
      included an adjustment for geographical location of the farm; a multiple
      regression model was subsequently developed. Management practices associated with
      low SCC included the use of dry cow therapy, participation in a milk recording
      scheme and the use of teat disinfection post-milking. There was an association
      between low SCC and an increased level of hygiene and frequency of cleaning of
      the holding yard, passageways and cubicles. Herd management factors associated
      with bulk tank SCC in Irish grazing herds are generally in agreement with most
      previous studies from confinement systems of milk production.

PMID- 22081963
TI  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rehabilitation at primary health
      care centres - the KOALA project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation in primary health care in
      Denmark is a new challenge in the management of patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of introducing a
      nationwide web-based tool for data recording and quality assurance in the
      rehabilitation programmes and to evaluate whether patients are referred correctly
      according to Danish guidelines for community based COPD rehabilitation. METHODS:
      Participation in the KOALA project has been offered to the municipalities since
      October 2007. As of October 2010, 62 health-care centres have been invited to
      participate. We present summary statistics and correlation analyses of the 1699
      patients who have been enrolled so far. RESULTS: Thirty-three municipalities are
      currently engaged in the KOALA project. Descriptive analyses reveal that 33% of
      the patients do not meet the criteria for pulmonary rehabilitation in terms of
      dyspnoea upon exertion at the baseline visit. Furthermore, information on
      severity of COPD is missing for 18% of the attendants. The majority of the
      referred patients have moderate COPD, which is in accordance with the intentions
      of rehabilitation in the community. Statistical analyses show that COPD-level and
      grade of dyspnoea are positively correlated and expose significant correlations
      between both COPD-level and dyspnoea and 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD),
      incremental shuttle walk distance (ISWT) and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that the municipalities in general are interested in the KOALA project
      as a mean of data recording and sharing and as a quality instrument. Summary
      statistics show that there is room for improvement in referral and baseline
      assessments of patients suitable for pulmonary rehabilitation in a community
      setting.

PMID- 22081964
TI  - The p66Shc knocked out mice are short lived under natural condition.
AB  - Deletion of the p66(Shc) gene results in lean and healthy mice, retards aging,
      and protects from aging-associated diseases, raising the question of why p66(Shc)
      has been selected, and what is its physiological role. We have investigated
      survival and reproduction of p66(Shc)-/- mice in a population living in a large
      outdoor enclosure for a year, subjected to food competition and exposed to winter
      temperatures. Under these conditions, deletion of p66(Shc) was strongly
      counterselected. Laboratory studies revealed that p66(Shc)-/- mice have defects
      in fat accumulation, thermoregulation, and reproduction, suggesting that p66(Shc)
      has been evolutionarily selected because of its role in energy metabolism. These
      findings imply that the health impact of targeting aging genes might depend on
      the specific energetic niche and caution should be exercised against premature
      conclusions regarding gene functions that have only been observed in protected
      laboratory conditions.

PMID- 22081965
TI  - Chemical nature of superhydrophobic aluminum alloy surfaces produced via a one
      step process using fluoroalkyl-silane in a base medium.
AB  - Various surface characterization techniques were used to study the modified
      surface chemistry of superhydrophobic aluminum alloy surfaces prepared by
      immersing the substrates in an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and
      fluoroalkyl-silane (FAS-17) molecules. The creation of a rough micronanostructure
      on the treated surfaces was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy
      (IRRAS) confirmed the presence of low surface energy functional groups of
      fluorinated carbon on the superhydrophobic surfaces. IRRAS also revealed the
      presence of a large number of OH groups on the hydrophilic surfaces. A possible
      bonding mechanism of the FAS-17 molecules with the aluminum alloy surfaces has
      been suggested based on the IRRAS and XPS studies. The resulting surfaces
      demonstrated water contact angles as high as ~166 degrees  and contact angle
      hystereses as low as ~4.5 degrees . A correlation between the contact angle, rms
      roughnesses, and the chemical nature of the surface has been elucidated.

PMID- 22081966
TI  - Functional characterization and target discovery of glycoside hydrolases from the
      digestome of the lower termite Coptotermes gestroi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lignocellulosic materials have been moved towards the forefront of
      the biofuel industry as a sustainable resource. However, saccharification and the
      production of bioproducts derived from plant cell wall biomass are complex and
      lengthy processes. The understanding of termite gut biology and feeding
      strategies may improve the current state of biomass conversion technology and
      bioproduct production. RESULTS: The study herein shows comprehensive functional
      characterization of crude body extracts from Coptotermes gestroi along with
      global proteomic analysis of the termite's digestome, targeting the
      identification of glycoside hydrolases and accessory proteins responsible for
      plant biomass conversion. The crude protein extract from C. gestroi was
      enzymatically efficient over a broad pH range on a series of natural
      polysaccharides, formed by glucose-, xylose-, mannan- and/or arabinose-containing
      polymers, linked by various types of glycosidic bonds, as well as ramification
      types. Our proteomic approach successfully identified a large number of relevant
      polypeptides in the C. gestroi digestome. A total of 55 different proteins were
      identified and classified into 29 CAZy families. Based on the total number of
      peptides identified, the majority of components found in the C. gestroi digestome
      were cellulose-degrading enzymes. Xylanolytic enzymes, mannan- hydrolytic
      enzymes, pectinases and starch-degrading and debranching enzymes were also
      identified. Our strategy enabled validation of liquid chromatography with tandem
      mass spectrometry recognized proteins, by enzymatic functional assays and by
      following the degradation products of specific 8-amino-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic
      acid labeled oligosaccharides through capillary zone electrophoresis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Here we describe the first global study on the enzymatic repertoire
      involved in plant polysaccharide degradation by the lower termite C. gestroi. The
      biochemical characterization of whole body termite extracts evidenced their
      ability to cleave all types of glycosidic bonds present in plant polysaccharides.
      The comprehensive proteomic analysis, revealed a complete collection of
      hydrolytic enzymes including cellulases (GH1, GH3, GH5, GH7, GH9 and CBM 6),
      hemicellulases (GH2, GH10, GH11, GH16, GH43 and CBM 27) and pectinases (GH28 and
      GH29).

PMID- 22081967
TI  - Risk of mortality for ventricular arrhythmia in ambulatory LVAD patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding the incidence and prognostic
      significance of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in ambulatory continuous flow left
      ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive
      patients from November 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010 with an LVAD and
      implantable cardioverter defibrillator that survived to discharge from the LVAD
      implantation admission were studied. Follow-up began from date of discharge with
      both devices in situ and ended with death, transplant, on June 1, 2011. Pre-LVAD
      VA history was related to the primary endpoints of post-LVAD VA, mortality, and
      the combined endpoint of post-LVAD VA/mortality. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up
      of 622 days 19 patients (31%) experienced VA (14 episodes of VT, 5 episodes of
      VF). Pre-LVAD VA was predictive of post-LVAD VA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.91, P =
      0.026) and the combined post-LVAD VA/mortality endpoint (HR 2.70, P = 0.021) but
      only displayed a nonsignificant association with mortality (HR 2.30, P = 0.11).
      In multivariate analysis, pre-LVAD VA remained a significant predictor of post
      LVAD VA (HR 2.84, P = 0.03) and the combined post-LVAD VA/mortality endpoint (HR
      2.65, P = 0.025). Post-LVAD VA was the strongest univariate predictor of
      mortality (HR 13.92, P < 0.001) and remained so after multivariate adjustment (HR
      9.69, P = 0.001). Post-LVAD VA occurred at a mean of 1 year from mortality events
      with 45% within 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-LVAD VA is a significant predictor of
      post-LVAD VA but not of mortality. VA in the continuous flow LVAD population
      carries a significant risk of mortality often within the first month.

PMID- 22081968
TI  - Pediatric liver transplantation - ethical dilemmas in a disabled patient.
AB  - Allocation of medical resources, especially resources with absolute scarcity such
      as organs for transplant, is a difficult task. Medical, surgical, and ethical
      considerations should be evaluated. In solid organ transplantation, ethics
      committees are the gate keepers that deal with moral philosophy when moral values
      are in conflict. Often, no good solution to a dilemma in these medical ethics
      exists. Our case presents split living liver donation for retransplantation in a
      mentally disabled girl, with few medical ethics principles at stake.

PMID- 22081969
TI  - Molecular analysis of the crenarchaeal flagellum.
AB  - The ability to move towards favourable conditions provides fundamental advantages
      to organisms. Interestingly, flagella as motility structures evolved
      independently in the bacterial and the archaeal kingdom. Whereas bacterial
      flagella have been intensively studied, our knowledge regarding the archaeal
      counterpart is mostly restricted to Euryarchaeota rather than crenarchaeal
      flagella. We therefore investigated the flagellar assembly system of the
      crenarchaeal model organism Sulfolobus acidocaldarius in vivo. Promoter studies
      and qRT-PCR analyses of the flagella gene cluster provided evidence that the
      expression of the fla genes was induced by tryptone starvation. Moreover, we
      confirmed presence of a secondary fla promoter within the flaB gene that
      regulates the transcription of downstream genes flaX-J. Markerless in-frame
      deletions for all fla genes encoded in the fla gene cluster were constructed.
      Western blot analysis of all fla deletion strains suggested hierarchical protein
      interactions during the archaeal flagella assembly. Moreover, functional analysis
      by thermomicroscopy revealed non-motile cells for each of the mutant strains.
      Electron micrographs demonstrated that lack of motility coincided with the loss
      of flagellar assembly. Thus we demonstrated that all seven fla genes are
      essential for crenarchaeal flagellum assembly and function.

PMID- 22081970
TI  - Identification of two independent nucleosome-binding domains in the
      transcriptional co-activator SPBP.
AB  - Transcriptional regulation requires co-ordinated action of transcription factors,
      co-activator complexes and general transcription factors to access specific loci
      in the dense chromatin structure. In the present study we demonstrate that the
      transcriptional co-regulator SPBP [stromelysin-1 PDGF (platelet-derived growth
      factor)-responsive element binding protein] contains two independent chromatin
      binding domains, the SPBP-(1551-1666) region and the C-terminal extended PHD
      [ePHD/ADD (extended plant homeodomain/ATRX-DNMT3-DNMT3L)] domain. The region 1551
      1666 is a novel core nucleosome-interaction domain located adjacent to the AT
      hook motif in the DNA-binding domain. This novel nucleosome-binding region is
      critically important for proper localization of SPBP in the cell nucleus. The
      ePHD/ADD domain associates with nucleosomes in a histone tail-dependent manner,
      and has significant impact on the dynamic interaction between SPBP and chromatin.
      Furthermore, SPBP and its homologue RAI1 (retinoic-acid-inducible protein 1), are
      strongly enriched on chromatin in interphase HeLa cells, and both proteins
      display low nuclear mobility. RAI1 contains a region with homology to the novel
      nucleosome-binding region SPBP-(1551-1666) and an ePHD/ADD domain with ability to
      bind nucleosomes. These results indicate that the transcriptional co-regulator
      SPBP and its homologue RAI1 implicated in Smith-Magenis syndrome and Potocki
      Lupski syndrome both belong to the expanding family of chromatin-binding proteins
      containing several domains involved in specific chromatin interactions.

PMID- 22081971
TI  - Nurses' perceptions and attitudes towards computerisation in a private hospital.
AB  - AIMS: To explore nurses' attitudes and level of satisfaction in using the
      Hospital Information System in clinical practice. BACKGROUND: Application of the
      Hospital Information System is increasing and there is substantial evidence
      suggesting that the successful implementation of Hospital Information System is
      significantly related to nurses' attitudes. However, little information is
      currently available on the factors influencing those attitudes and their level of
      satisfaction in Hospital Information System use. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.
      METHODS: A stratified, random sampling of 342 nurses working in a Hong Kong
      private hospital and using Hospital Information System was recruited. A
      questionnaire was used to collect data on perceptions, level of satisfaction and
      attitudes towards Hospital Information System usage. Correlations and linear
      regressions were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression
      analysis showed that work units, perceived usefulness and information technology
      support are the three predictors of nurses' attitudes and level of satisfaction
      with the system. In addition, nurses who have higher perceived ease of use and
      better satisfaction towards using the system are associated with positive
      attitude. CONCLUSION: The study results serve to guide the nurse managers to
      develop information systems based on the nurses' needs. Previous studies regarded
      nurses' level of satisfaction as a part of nurses' attitude. What is of interest
      in this study is that nurses' satisfaction level can be viewed as an individual
      factor affecting nurses' attitudes. With a user-friendly system, nurses tend to
      be more satisfied and therefore potentially more engaged in its use. This may
      indirectly improve patient care by saving time on documentation and enhancing
      communication among departments. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The nurse
      managers should promote an institutional culture to motivate staff towards
      positive acceptance of innovation. An effective collaboration with the
      information technology team would enhance a more efficient exchange of
      information to understand the complex factors of IT implementation.

PMID- 22081973
TI  - Membrane activity of tetra-p-guanidinoethylcalix[4]arene as a possible reason for
      its antibacterial properties.
AB  - Tetra-p-guanidinoethylcalix[4]arene trifluoroacetate salt (CX1) was synthesized
      recently as an antibacterial agent. It showed to be active in vitro against
      various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To get more insight in the
      mechanism of the biological activity of this derivative, it was studied upon
      interactions with model lipid membranes. Langmuir monolayers were formed with
      zwitterionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine or 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and with anionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine. The
      two classes of lipids were used, respectively, as model lipids of the eukaryotic
      and bacterial cell membranes. The monolayers were exposed to CX1 at different
      concentrations around the minimum inhibitory concentration found for E. coli .
      The surface pressure-area and surface potential-area compression isotherms, as
      well as Brewster angle microscopy and polarization-modulation infrared reflection
      absorption spectroscopy, were employed to study the monolayers. The results
      obtained show a higher affinity of CX1 for the anionic lipids, indicating
      importance of charge-charge interactions. On the basis of a comparative study of
      the behavior of CX1 and that of p-guanidinoethylphenol trifluoroacetate salt, we
      propose that interplay of charge-charge and apolar interactions between CX1 and
      lipids is responsible for the important reorganization of model membranes. This
      proposal may be helpful in developing new antibacterial calixarene derivatives.

PMID- 22081974
TI  - Ki67, chemotherapy response, and prognosis in breast cancer patients receiving
      neoadjuvant treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy is a surrogate marker for a favorable prognosis in breast cancer
      patients. Factors capable of predicting a pCR, such as the proliferation marker
      Ki67, may therefore help improve our understanding of the drug response and its
      effect on the prognosis. This study investigated the predictive and prognostic
      value of Ki67 in patients with invasive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant
      treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: Ki67 was stained routinely from core
      biopsies in 552 patients directly after the fixation and embedding process.
      HER2/neu, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and grading were also assessed
      before treatment. These data were used to construct univariate and multivariate
      models for predicting pCR and prognosis. The tumors were also classified by
      molecular phenotype to identify subgroups in which predicting pCR and prognosis
      with Ki67 might be feasible. RESULTS: Using a cut-off value of > 13% positively
      stained cancer cells, Ki67 was found to be an independent predictor for pCR (OR
      3.5; 95% CI, 1.4, 10.1) and for overall survival (HR 8.1; 95% CI, 3.3 to 20.4)
      and distant disease-free survival (HR 3.2; 95% CI, 1.8 to 5.9). The mean Ki67
      value was 50.6 +/- 23.4% in patients with pCR. Patients without a pCR had an
      average of 26.7 +/- 22.9% positively stained cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ki67 has
      predictive and prognostic value and is a feasible marker for clinical practice.
      It independently improved the prediction of treatment response and prognosis in a
      group of breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment. As mean Ki67
      values in patients with a pCR were very high, cut-off values in a high range
      above which the prognosis may be better than in patients with lower Ki67 values
      may be hypothesized. Larger studies will be needed in order to investigate these
      findings further.

PMID- 22081975
TI  - HIV serostatus disclosure and lived experiences of adolescents at the Transition
      Clinic of the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study.
AB  - Most studies on HIV serostatus disclosure and adolescents focus on whether, how
      and when to disclose to adolescents their HIV diagnosis. Fewer studies have
      examined HIV serostatus disclosure by adolescents who know they are infected with
      HIV. This study presents qualitative data examining HIV serostatus and treatment
      disclosure practices and concerns of young people living with HIV in Uganda and
      the extent to which they are satisfied with current norms around HIV serostatus
      and treatment disclosure. We conducted two focus groups and interviewed 20 HIV
      infected young people aged 15-23 receiving HIV care and treatment at the
      Transition Clinic in Kampala. Respondents perceived disclosure as a relationship
      encompassing both communication and self-conduct. Adolescents employed unique
      strategies to disclose their HIV status, notably joking to "test the waters" and
      emotionally prepare the other person before later disclosing in a more serious
      manner. Findings reinforce the idea that HIV disclosure is a process, not a one
      time event. Interviewees anticipated both positive and negative outcomes of
      disclosure, including financial and emotional support, stigma, discrimination and
      rejection. They described a sense of violation of their autonomy when
      confidentiality was breached by third party disclosure, and also expressed fear
      of emotional distress for their loved ones. Although adolescents yearned to be in
      control of information about their HIV status and treatment, they have little
      space to call their own, and privacy is often compromised, especially because in
      traditional African settings, young people are considered to be dependents under
      the full responsibility of caregivers. Further exploration of disclosure outcomes
      and strategies specific to adolescents can help better tailor interventions
      towards youth. Antiretroviral therapy programmes should consider counselling for
      caretakers to appreciate and respect the privacy and disclosure concerns of their
      HIV-infected children.

PMID- 22081977
TI  - How is active transport associated with children's and adolescents' physical
      activity over time?
AB  - BACKGROUND: As few longitudinal studies have examined how active transport is
      associated with physical activity among children and adolescents over time, and
      how active transport tracks through childhood and adolescence, it is important to
      understand whether physically active children retain their activity patterns
      through adolescence. This study aimed to examine (a) tracking of active transport
      and of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across childhood and
      adolescence in two age cohorts; and (b) associations between active transport and
      MVPA at three distinct time-points, over five years. METHODS: This longitudinal
      study of two cohorts aged 5-6 years (n = 134) and 10-12 years (n = 201) at
      baseline (T1), in Melbourne, Australia, gathered follow-up data at three (T2) and
      five years (T3). Walking/cycling to local destinations was survey-reported; while
      MVPA was recorded using accelerometers and mean time spent daily in MVPA on week
      days and on weekends was computed. Tracking of these behaviours was examined over
      five years using General Estimating Equations. Linear regression analyses were
      performed to examine associations between active transport and MVPA at each time
      point. RESULTS: Active transport tracked moderately among children (boys, betas =
      0.36; girls, betas = 0.51) but not among adolescents. Physical activity tracked
      moderately (betas value range: 0.33-0.55) for both cohorts. Active transport was
      not associated with children's MVPA at any time-point, but was associated with
      adolescent boys' MVPA on week days at T1 (B = 1.37 (95% CI: 0.15, 2.59)), at T2
      (B = 1.27 (95% CI: 0.03, 2.51)) and at T3 (B = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.01, 1.47)), and
      with adolescent girls' MVPA on week days (B = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.76)) and on
      weekends (B = 0.54 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.93)) at T3 only. CONCLUSION: Active transport
      was associated only with boys' MVPA during early adolescence and with boys' and
      girls' MVPA during late adolescence. While active transport should be encouraged
      among all school-aged children, it may provide an important source of habitual
      physical activity for adolescent girls, in particular, among whom low and
      declining physical activity levels have been reported world-wide.

PMID- 22081976
TI  - Antimicrobial properties of amyloid peptides.
AB  - More than two dozen clinical syndromes known as amyloid diseases are
      characterized by the buildup of extended insoluble fibrillar deposits in tissues.
      These amorphous Congo red staining deposits known as amyloids exhibit a
      characteristic green birefringence and cross-beta structure. Substantial evidence
      implicates oligomeric intermediates of amyloids as toxic species in the
      pathogenesis of these chronic disease states. A growing body of data has
      suggested that these toxic species form ion channels in cellular membranes
      causing disruption of calcium homeostasis, membrane depolarization, energy
      drainage, and in some cases apoptosis. Amyloid peptide channels exhibit a number
      of common biological properties including the universal U-shape beta-strand-turn
      beta-strand structure, irreversible and spontaneous insertion into membranes,
      production of large heterogeneous single-channel conductances, relatively poor
      ion selectivity, inhibition by Congo red, and channel blockade by zinc. Recent
      evidence has suggested that increased amounts of amyloids not only are toxic to
      its host target cells but also possess antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, at
      least one human antimicrobial peptide, protegrin-1, which kills microbes by a
      channel-forming mechanism, has been shown to possess the ability to form extended
      amyloid fibrils very similar to those of classic disease-forming amyloids. In
      this paper, we will review the reported antimicrobial properties of amyloids and
      the implications of these discoveries for our understanding of amyloid structure
      and function.

PMID- 22081978
TI  - Predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been recognized as
      a considerable problem for the dental hygiene profession, with the majority of
      professionals reporting musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to
      investigate which risk factors may help predict MSD among Australian dental
      hygienists. METHODS: A modified version of the Standardised Nordic questionnaire
      was distributed to registered hygienists throughout Australia. RESULTS: Logistic
      regression analysis revealed a variety of work-related and psychosocial factors
      that correlate with reported MSD, including scaling tasks, type of practice and
      work interference in home life. Statistical predictors for non-reporting of MSD
      included wearing loupes, ergonomics education and wage satisfaction. Concerning
      is the impact on the profession, with an association between MSD and hygienists
      considering reducing working hours or even alternate careers. CONCLUSIONS: In
      general, it appears as though the causes of MSD among dental hygienists may be
      multifactorial, as may be the solutions to this problem. Further research is
      required to objectively examine whether controllable variables can be implemented
      as preventive strategies or interventions for MSD.

PMID- 22081980
TI  - 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to three immunologists.

PMID- 22081979
TI  - Importance of the C2, N7, and C8 positions to the mutagenic potential of 8-Oxo-2'
      deoxyguanosine with two A family polymerases.
AB  - 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (OdG) is a prominent DNA lesion produced from the
      reaction of 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) with reactive oxygen species. While dG directs
      the insertion of only dCTP during replication, OdG can direct the insertion of
      either dCTP or dATP, allowing for the production of dG -> dT transversions. When
      replicated by Klenow fragment-exo (KF-exo), OdG preferentially directs the
      incorporation of dCTP over dATP, thus decreasing its mutagenic potential.
      However, when replicated by a highly related polymerase, the large fragment of
      polymerase I from Bacillus stearothermophilus (BF), dATP incorporation is
      preferred, and a higher mutagenic potential results. To gain insight into the
      reasons for this opposite preference and the effects of the C2, N7, and C8
      positions on OdG mutagenicity, single-nucleotide insertions of dCTP and/or dATP
      opposite dG, OdG, and seven of their analogues were examined by steady state
      kinetics with both KF-exo and BF. Results from these studies suggest that the two
      enzymes behave similarly and are both sensitive not only to steric and electronic
      changes within the imidazole ring during both dCTP and dATP incorporation but
      also to the presence of the C2-exocyclic amine during dATP incorporation. The
      difference in incorporation preference opposite OdG appears to be due to a
      somewhat increased sensitivity to structural perturbations during dCTP
      incorporation with BF. Single-nucleotide extensions past the resulting base pairs
      were also studied and were not only similar between the two enzymes but also
      consistent with published ternary crystallographic studies with BF. These results
      are analyzed in the context of previous biochemical and structural studies, as
      well as stability studies with the resulting base pairs.

PMID- 22081981
TI  - A randomized trial investigating an iron-rich bread as a prophylaxis against iron
      deficiency in pregnancy.
AB  - The iron-rich bread (2.2 mg iron per 50 g slice) used in the study was developed
      using Eragrostis tef flour, naturally rich in iron. Iron deficiency is prevalent
      in pregnancy and compliance with supplements can be low. In this double-blind,
      randomized trial 34 Caucasian, primiparous antenatal patients were randomized to
      receive intervention bread or a placebo for 6 weeks. Women consumed on an average
      of 2.3 slices per day, providing a total of 5.0 mg iron. Using  World Health
      Organisation (2001)  haemoglobin cut-offs, 12% of participants eating the iron
      rich bread were iron deficient by the end of the study compared with 27% in the
      control group. For other markers of iron status, these were improved in the
      placebo versus the treatment group. For example, a significant decline in serum
      iron and transferrin saturation was not observed in this group. Findings
      demonstrate that other modes of delivery, i.e. food fortification, may be needed
      to generate 'physiological effects', or further measures are taken to improve
      intervention compliance.

PMID- 22081982
TI  - -NH- termination of the Si(111) surface by wet chemistry.
AB  - For over a quarter of a century the hydrogen-terminated Si(111) single
      crystalline surface has been the gold standard as a starting point for silicon
      surface modification chemistry. However, creating a well-defined and stable
      interface based on Si-N bonds has remained elusive. Despite the fact that azides,
      nitro compounds, and amines do lead to the formation of surface Si-N, each of
      these modification schemes produces additional carbon- or oxygen-containing
      functional groups that in turn react with the surface itself, leaving
      contaminants that affect the interface properties for any further modification
      protocols. We describe the preparation of a Si(111) surface functionalized
      predominantly with Si-NH-Si species based on chlorination followed by the room
      temperature ammonia treatment utilizing NH(3)-saturated tetrahydrofuran (THF).
      The obtained surface has been characterized by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. This analysis was supplemented with DFT calculations.
      This newly characterized surface will join the previously established H-Si(111)
      and Cl-Si(111) surfaces as a general starting point for the preparation of oxygen
      and carbon-free interfaces, with numerous potential applications.

PMID- 22081983
TI  - Gender differences in utilization of preventive care services in the United
      States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The utilization of preventive care services in the United States
      remains low, despite health-care costs being as high as $2.3 trillion. While
      gender disparities have been known to exist for utilization of overall health
      care services, the same issue has not been probed for preventive care
      utilization. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study using the 2008
      Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Preventive care services common to both
      genders were included (blood pressure checkup, cholesterol checkup,
      sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy, flu shot, and dental checkup). Guideline adherence was
      determined using clinically accepted guidelines such as Joint National Committee
      7 and the American Cancer Society. Descriptive statistics were used to describe
      the population, and chi-square analysis was used to determine the within group
      differences between the two genders. A multivariate logistic regression was built
      to determine the likelihood of guideline adherence based on gender while
      adjusting for known demographic confounders such as age, race, and ethnicity.
      RESULTS: There were 33,066 MEPS respondents for 2008. Of these, 4,291 to 30,629
      met the inclusion criteria depending on the specific preventive care service
      being analyzed. Men were found to have significantly lower odds of using blood
      pressure check (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.38),
      cholesterol check (OR 0.64, CI 0.60-0.69), dental check (OR 0.71, CI 0.68-0.75),
      and flu shots (OR 0.71, CI 0.67-0.76). While men had lower utilization for
      sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy, the difference was nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Preventive care utilization was found to be higher in women than in men. The
      gender disparity issue needs to be explored in greater detail to understand these
      differences.

PMID- 22081984
TI  - Does attentional training improve numerical processing in developmental
      dyscalculia?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recently, a deficit in attention was found in those with pure
      developmental dyscalculia (DD). Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine
      the influence of attentional training on attention abilities, basic numerical
      abilities, and arithmetic in participants who were diagnosed as having DD.
      METHOD: Nine university students diagnosed as having DD (IQ and reading abilities
      in the normal range and no indication of attention-deficit hyperactivity
      disorder) and nine matched controls participated in attentional training (i.e.,
      video game training). RESULTS: First, training modulated the orienting system;
      after training, the size of the validity effect (i.e., effect of valid vs.
      invalid) decreased. This effect was comparable in the two groups. Training
      modulated abnormalities in the attention systems of those with DD, that is, it
      reduced their enlarged congruity effect (i.e., faster responding when flanking
      arrows pointed to the same location as a center arrow). Second, in relation to
      the enumeration task, training reduced the reaction time of the DD group in the
      subitizing range but did not change their smaller-than-normal subitizing range.
      Finally, training improved performance in addition problems in both the DD and
      control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results imply that attentional training does
      improve most of the attentional deficits of those with DD. In contrast, training
      did not improve the abnormalities of the DD group in arithmetic or basic
      numerical processing. Thus, in contrast to the domain-general hypothesis, the
      deficits in attention among those with DD and the deficits in numerical
      processing appear to originate from different sources.

PMID- 22081985
TI  - A study of asthma severity in adult twins.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The tendency to develop asthma runs in families, but whether the
      severity of asthma symptoms is inherited is not known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of
      this study was to examine whether genetic factors influence the variation in the
      severity of asthma. METHODS: Of a sample of 21 133 adult twins from the Danish
      Twin Registry, a total of 575 subjects (256 intact pairs and 63 single twins) who
      themselves and/or their co-twins reported a history of asthma at a questionnaire
      survey were clinically examined. The severity of asthma symptoms was graded
      according to a clinical interview, and markers of airway impairment and allergy
      were measured. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders, genetic factors
      explained 24% (10%-37%), P = 0.0004, of the variation in overall asthma symptom
      severity, whereas non-shared environment accounted for the remaining 76% of the
      variation. A significant genetic component was also found for the severity of
      specific asthma symptoms; wheezing 12% (3%-22%), P = 0.007 and shortness of
      breath 17% (7%-27%), P = 0.0006, but not for chest tightness and cough. Asthma
      symptom severity correlated weakly with rhinitis severity as well as with
      objective markers of lung function, airway inflammation, airway responsiveness
      and allergic sensitization. CONCLUSION: The individual variation in asthma
      symptom severity is to some degree influenced by genetic factors, but
      environmental factors explain the main part of the variation. The genetic
      architectures underlying the severity of asthma symptoms and objectively measured
      asthma-related traits, respectively, seem to differ.

PMID- 22081986
TI  - Global trends in milk quality: implications for the Irish dairy industry.
AB  - The quality of Irish agricultural product will become increasingly important
      with the ongoing liberalisation of international trade. This paper presents a
      review of the global and Irish dairy industries; considers the impact of milk
      quality on farm profitability, food processing and human health, examines global
      trends in quality; and explores several models that are successfully being used
      to tackle milk quality concerns. There is a growing global demand for dairy
      products, fuelled in part by growing consumer wealth in developing countries.
      Global dairy trade represents only 6.2% of global production and demand currently
      outstrips supply. Although the Irish dairy industry is small by global standards,
      approximately 85% of annual production is exported annually. It is also the
      world's largest producer of powdered infant formula. Milk quality has an impact
      on human health, milk processing and on-farm profitability. Somatic cell count
      (SCC) is a key measure of milk quality, with a SCC not exceeding 400,000 cells/ml
      (the EU milk quality standard) generally accepted as the international export
      standard. There have been ongoing improvements in milk quality among both
      established and emerging international suppliers. A number of countries have
      developed successful industry-led models to tackle milk quality concerns. Based
      on international experiences, it is likely that problems with effective
      translation of knowledge to practice, rather than incomplete knowledge per se,
      are the more important constraints to national progress towards improved milk
      quality.

PMID- 22081987
TI  - High throughput screening of hydrolytic enzymes from termites using a natural
      substrate derived from sugarcane bagasse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The description of new hydrolytic enzymes is an important step in the
      development of techniques which use lignocellulosic materials as a starting point
      for fuel production. Sugarcane bagasse, which is subjected to pre-treatment,
      hydrolysis and fermentation for the production of ethanol in several test
      refineries, is the most promising source of raw material for the production of
      second generation renewable fuels in Brazil. One problem when screening
      hydrolytic activities is that the activity against commercial substrates, such as
      carboxymethylcellulose, does not always correspond to the activity against the
      natural lignocellulosic material. Besides that, the macroscopic characteristics
      of the raw material, such as insolubility and heterogeneity, hinder its use for
      high throughput screenings. RESULTS: In this paper, we present the preparation of
      a colloidal suspension of particles obtained from sugarcane bagasse, with minimal
      chemical change in the lignocellulosic material, and demonstrate its use for high
      throughput assays of hydrolases using Brazilian termites as the screened
      organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Important differences between the use of the natural
      substrate and commercial cellulase substrates, such as carboxymethylcellulose or
      crystalline cellulose, were observed. This suggests that wood feeding termites,
      in contrast to litter feeding termites, might not be the best source for enzymes
      that degrade sugarcane biomass.

PMID- 22081988
TI  - Retrospective comparison of semipermanent and permanent cementation of implant
      supported single crowns and FDPs with regard to the incidence of survival and
      complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the fixation modalities semipermanent and
      permanent for all cemented single crowns and Fixed Dental Prostheses (FDPs)
      placed at the Department of Prosthodontics in the years 2002 to 2010 with regard
      to the incidence of survival and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      hundred forty-one patients (48.5% male, mean age 57.3 years) received 166 FDPs
      and 232 single crowns. A total of 50.6% of the FDPs and 54.7% of the single
      crowns were fixed using semipermanent cements. Aside from fixation, age, gender,
      type, location, and material of the suprastructures were assessed as possible
      factors affecting complications, namely de-cementation, chipping, framework, or
      abutment fracture. RESULTS: During an observation period of up to 6.6 years (mean
      2.24 years; standard deviation 1.38), the survival rates were 96.4% and 100% for
      FDPs (semipermanent/permanent cementation), and 98.4% and 92.4% for single crowns
      (semipermanent/permanent). The success rates achieved, counting every
      complication, for the FDPs were 61.9% and 70.7% (semipermanent/permanent) and for
      single crowns were 75.6% and 77.1% (semipermanent/permanent). The cement used had
      a significant effect on loss of retention of the FDPs (p = .006), but no
      significant effect on the retention of the single crowns. Cementation procedure
      exhibited no significant impact on chipping for both FDPs and single crowns. The
      frequency of framework or abutment fractures was too low for further statistical
      analyses. CONCLUSION: Both semipermanent and permanent cementation of FDPs and
      single crowns resulted in high survival rates. Within the limitations of the
      study design, because of the amount of chairside aftercare required, implant
      borne FDPs could be recommended for permanent cementation.

PMID- 22081989
TI  - Stimulus-induced dissociation of neuronal firing rates and local field potential
      gamma power and its relationship to the resonance blood oxygen level-dependent
      signal in macaque primary visual cortex.
AB  - The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) blood oxygenation level
      dependent (BOLD) signal is regularly used to assign neuronal activity to
      cognitive function. Recent analyses have shown that the local field potential
      (LFP) gamma power is a better predictor of the fMRI BOLD signal than spiking
      activity. However, LFP gamma power and spiking activity are usually correlated,
      clouding the analysis of the neural basis of the BOLD signal. We show that
      changes in LFP gamma power and spiking activity in the primary visual cortex (V1)
      of the awake primate can be dissociated by using grating and plaid pattern
      stimuli, which differentially engage surround suppression and cross-orientation
      inhibition/facilitation within and between cortical columns. Grating presentation
      yielded substantial V1 LFP gamma frequency oscillations and significant multi
      unit activity. Plaid pattern presentation significantly reduced the LFP gamma
      power while increasing population multi-unit activity. The fMRI BOLD activity
      followed the LFP gamma power changes, not the multi-unit activity. Inference of
      neuronal activity from the fMRI BOLD signal thus requires detailed a priori
      knowledge of how different stimuli or tasks activate the cortical network.

PMID- 22081990
TI  - Allergic reaction to suture material after an ICD procedure: device infection
      mimicry.
AB  - When an implanted device is infected, complete explantation of the device system,
      including lead extraction, is usually required. Superficial problems with wound
      healing may be managed more conservatively, but distinguishing between a surface
      process and deeper infection can pose a clinical challenge. We present a case of
      poor wound healing after an ICD pocket revision procedure, and an allergic
      reaction to the suture material was found to be the cause. Diagnosis, management,
      and future implications of suture allergy are discussed.

PMID- 22081991
TI  - Transjugular liver biopsy in pediatric patients with left split liver
      transplantation and severe coagulation impairment.
AB  - The aim of this study is to report our experience in TJLB performed in pediatric
      patients who underwent partial LT using a left lateral segments graft. Eight
      consecutive TJLBs were performed in six patients with contraindication to
      percutaneous biopsy owing to severe coagulation impairment and ascites. All
      procedures were performed using an 18-gauge automated core needle biopsy. Median
      age of the patients was 44 months (range, 11-198). Median patients' weight was 13
      kg (range, 8-45). Technical success was achieved in all cases without
      complications. The specimens were adequate for the diagnosis in all cases.

PMID- 22081992
TI  - An exploration of Singaporean parental experiences in managing school-aged
      children's postoperative pain: a descriptive qualitative approach.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To enhance understanding of the experience of parents in
      managing their children's postoperative pain in Singapore. BACKGROUND: Parents
      play a significant role in their hospitalised child's postoperative pain care.
      Their active involvement may contribute to accurate pain assessment and effective
      pain management for their child. However, there is a lack of in-depth research
      exploring the experience of parents involved in their children's postoperative
      pain management. DESIGN: This study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach,
      which is situated in the interpretive paradigm. METHOD: Semi-structured
      interviews were conducted to collect data from 14 parents whose children were
      hospitalised in one of the three paediatric surgical wards in a hospital in
      Singapore in December 2009. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
      RESULTS: Three themes were identified: 'Actions used by parents to alleviate
      their child's postoperative pain', 'Factors influencing parents' management of
      their child's postoperative pain' and 'Parents' needs in the process of caring
      for their child's postoperative pain'. Parents used a range of non
      pharmacological pain relief interventions for their child. Parental roles and
      expectations, bond between parent and child, support from nurses, family and own
      religious beliefs, as well as children's age and maturity level were factors
      which promoted parental participation, whereas parents' negative feelings,
      knowledge deficit and nurses' busy schedule were hindering factors. Parents
      expressed needs for more involvement in their child's care, adequate rest and
      information support from nurses. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the
      importance of involving parents in their child's postoperative pain management.
      It provides evidence for health care professionals to pay attention to factors
      that may influence parental participation and, therefore, guide their practice.
      RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses need to provide parents with support and
      education to facilitate their roles and improve their child's postoperative pain
      management.

PMID- 22081993
TI  - Computationally-guided optimization of a docking hit to yield catechol diethers
      as potent anti-HIV agents.
AB  - A 5-MUM docking hit has been optimized to an extraordinarily potent (55 pM) non
      nucleoside inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase. Use of free energy
      perturbation (FEP) calculations to predict relative free energies of binding
      aided the optimizations by identifying optimal substitution patterns for phenyl
      rings and a linker. The most potent resultant catechol diethers feature terminal
      uracil and cyanovinylphenyl groups. A halogen bond with Pro95 likely contributes
      to the extreme potency of compound 42. In addition, several examples are provided
      illustrating failures of attempted grafting of a substructure from a very active
      compound onto a seemingly related scaffold to improve its activity.

PMID- 22081994
TI  - The Western Norway mental health interface study: a controlled intervention trial
      on referral letters between primary care and specialist mental health care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Referral letters are the main communication means between Primary and
      Specialised Mental Health Care. However, studies of referral letters reveal that
      they lack important information, and how this lack of information affects the
      care for patients is unknown. This study aims to explore if and to what degree
      the quality of referral letters within Mental Health Care for adults can be
      improved and the potential improvement's impact on defined patient, professional
      and organisational related outcomes. METHODS AND DESIGN: A controlled study with
      pre and post test will be prepared and accomplished to explore the correlation
      between the content of referral letters and outcomes of the care for the referred
      patients. The study is performed in accordance with the guideline of the Medical
      Research Council on development and evaluation of complex interventions. Using a
      mixed method design, a stepwise model will be conducted: Firstly, process and
      outcome measures will be developed and tested. Secondly, by these measures, the
      results from an intervention group of General Practitioners (GPs) who receive a
      complex quality improvement intervention will be compared with results from a
      control group who perform "care as usual". Compliance to the introduced guideline
      will be measured as a mediator. DISCUSSION: The Western Norway Mental Health
      Interface Study is among the first trials to evaluate the impact of the quality
      of referral letters on the organization of care. This study will provide
      information that will be usable for healthcare managers and clinicians in both
      Primary and Specialised Care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT01374035.

PMID- 22081995
TI  - Reliability, reproducibility, and validation of five major histological scoring
      systems for experimental articular cartilage repair in the rabbit model.
AB  - Histological evaluation of the repair tissue is a main pillar in the advancing
      field of experimental articular cartilage repair. Despite their widespread use,
      the major histological scoring systems for cartilage repair have seldom been
      validated. We tested the hypotheses (1) that elementary scores have a better
      reproducibility compared with more complex systems and (2) that the data from
      these different histological scores correlate with the DNA and proteoglycan
      contents of the repair tissue. A total of 1,165 observations of cartilage repair
      based on histological sections (n=233) from an experimental investigation on the
      repair of standardized osteochondral defects in vivo were made by three
      investigators with different levels of experience in cartilage research to
      determine the inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of elementary (Pineda and
      Wakitani score) and complex (O'Driscoll, Sellers, Fortier score) histological
      grading systems. DNA and proteoglycan contents of the repair tissues from
      simultaneously created defects were determined and correlated with histological
      (a) overall score values, (b) matrix staining, and (c) cellular characteristics
      of the five scores. Finally, applying the proteoglycan content as validating
      test, sensitivity, and specificity of the grading systems were assessed. All
      histological scores provided high intra- (Pearson r=0.92-0.99) and inter-observer
      reliability (intra-class correlation=0.94-0.99), low numerical intra- and inter
      observer differences, and high internal correlations (Spearman's rho=0.63-0.91).
      No disparity in reliability and reproducibility was detected between elementary
      and complex scores or between investigators with different levels of experience
      (all p>0.05). Individual histological overall score values did not correlate with
      proteoglycan contents but with DNA contents of the repair tissue (O'Driscoll,
      Wakitani, Sellers score). In all systems, proteoglycan contents did not correlate
      with matrix staining (all p>0.05), but histological cellular characteristics
      correlated with total cell numbers (p<0.001). These data indicate that both
      elementary and comprehensive histological scores are suited to quantify cartilage
      repair. Histological and biochemical evaluations may serve as complementary tools
      to assess articular cartilage repair in vivo.

PMID- 22081996
TI  - A molecular switch based on current-driven rotation of an encapsulated cluster
      within a fullerene cage.
AB  - By scanning tunneling microscopy imaging and electronic structure theory, we
      investigate a single-molecule switch based on tunneling electron-driven rotation
      of a triangular Sc3N cluster within an icosahedral C80 fullerene cage among three
      pairs of enantiomorphic configurations. Bias-dependent action spectra and
      modeling implicate the antisymmetric stretch vibration of Sc3N cluster as the
      gateway for energy transfer from the tunneling electrons into the cluster
      rotation. Hierarchical switching of conductivity among multiple stationary states
      while maintaining a constant molecular shape, offers an advantage for the
      integration of endohedral fullerene-based single-molecule switches into multiple
      logic state molecular devices.

PMID- 22081997
TI  - Cholesterol effect on water permeability through DPPC and PSM lipid bilayers: a
      molecular dynamics study.
AB  - Water permeability of two different lipid bilayers of
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and palmitoylsphingomyelin (PSM) in the
      absence and presence of cholesterol (0-50 mol %) have been studied by molecular
      dynamics simulations to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the reduction in
      water leakage across the membranes by the addition of cholesterol. An enhanced
      free energy barrier was observed in these membranes with increased cholesterol
      concentration, and this was explained by the reduced cavity density around the
      cholesterol in the hydrophobic membrane core. There was an increase of trans
      conformers in the hydrophobic lipid chains adjacent to the cholesterol, which
      reduced the cavity density. The enhanced free energy barrier was found to be the
      main reason to reduce the water permeability with increased cholesterol
      concentration. At low cholesterol concentrations the PSM bilayer exhibited a
      higher free energy barrier than the DPPC bilayer for water permeation, while at
      greater than 30 mol % of cholesterol the difference became minor. This tendency
      for the PSM and DPPC bilayers to resemble each other at higher cholesterol
      concentrations was similar to commonly observed trends in several structural
      properties, such as order parameters, cross-sectional area per molecule, and
      cavity density profiles in the hydrophobic regions of bilayer membranes. These
      results demonstrate that DPPC and PSM bilayers with high cholesterol contents
      possess similar physical properties, which suggests that the solubility of
      cholesterol in these lipid bilayers has importance for an understanding of
      multicomponent lipid membranes with cholesterol.

PMID- 22081998
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression is repressed during myogenic
      differentiation by miR-206.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for efficient skeletal
      muscle regeneration and perturbing its expression causes abnormalities in the
      proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells. In this study, we
      investigated the mechanism of BDNF suppression that occurs during myogenic
      differentiation. BDNF is expressed at the mRNA level as two isoforms that differ
      in the length of their 3'UTRs as a result of alternative cleavage and
      polyadenylation. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of three miR-206 target
      sites in the long BDNF 3'UTR (BDNF-L), whereas only one site was found in the
      short mRNA BDNF 3'UTR (BDNF-S). miR-206 is known to regulate the differentiation
      of C2C12 myoblasts and its expression is induced during the transition from
      myoblasts to myotubes. We thus examined whether miR-206-mediated suppression is
      responsible for the expression pattern of BDNF during myogenic differentiation.
      BDNF-L was suppressed to a greater extent than BDNF-S during differentiation of
      C2C12 myoblasts. Transfection of a miR-206 precursor decreased activity of
      reporters representative of the BDNF-L 3'UTR, but not BDNF-S 3'UTR, and repressed
      endogenous BDNF mRNA levels. This suppression was found to be dependent on the
      presence of multiple miR-206 target sites in the BDNF-L 3'UTR. Conversely,
      suppression of miR-206 levels resulted in de-repression of BDNF 3'UTR reporter
      activity and increased endogenous BDNF-L mRNA levels. A receptor for BDNF,
      p75(NTR) , was also suppressed during differentiation and in response to miR-206,
      but this appeared to not be entirely mediated via a miR-206 target site its
      3'UTR. Based on these observations, BDNF represents a novel target through which
      miR-206 controls the initiation and maintenance of the differentiated state of
      muscle cells. These results further suggest that miR-206 might play a role in
      regulating retrograde signaling of BDNF at the neuromuscular junction.

PMID- 22081999
TI  - Optimisation of whole blood and plasma manganese assay by ICP-MS without use of a
      collision cell.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Manganese (Mn) toxicity has been reported in patients receiving total
      parenteral nutrition. To avoid unnecessary exposure it is recommended by NICE
      (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) that blood Mn concentrations are
      monitored. The aim of the study was to develop a method using inductively coupled
      plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the reliable determination of Mn in plasma
      and whole blood, as indices of acute and chronic exposure. METHODS: Whole blood
      and plasma samples were prepared by appropriate dilution (diluent containing
      0.005% Triton X-100, 0.2% propan-2-ol, 0.2% butan-1-ol and 1% nitric acid)
      addition of an internal standard gallium, followed by centrifugation to remove
      cell debris. Thermo Fisher Scientific ExCell and X Series ICP-MS instruments were
      used to define and correct for polyatomic interference on Mn assay. RESULTS: Mn
      was quantified at mass 55 using aqueous calibration and the polyatomic
      interference from FeH was successfully eliminated by modified (Xt) skimmer cones
      but not with the collision cell (collision gas 7% H2 in He, flow rate 4-7
      mL/min). The assay was validated showing good precision, limit of detection and
      percentage recovery. Good agreement was observed with the All Laboratory Trimmed
      Mean of External Quality Assurance samples y (in house)=1.1 (ALTM)-45.0 between
      values of 250 and 750 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: A method has been developed using ICP
      MS for the analysis of whole blood and plasma Mn incorporating a novel method of
      eliminating interference by utilizing the different geometries of the Xt
      interface cones. The procedure is simple and robust with good precision and
      recovery over a wide dynamic range.

PMID- 22082000
TI  - Methylation of miR-34a, miR-34b/c, miR-124-1 and miR-203 in Ph-negative
      myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNA (miR) miR-34a, -34b/c, -124-1 and -203 are tumor suppressor
      miRs implicated in carcinogenesis. METHODS: We studied DNA methylation of these
      miRs in Philadelphia-negative (Ph-ve) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).
      Methylation-specific PCR (MSP), verified by direct sequencing of the methylated
      MSP products, was performed in cell lines, normal controls and diagnostic marrow
      samples of patients with MPNs. RESULTS: Methylation of these miRs was absent in
      the normal controls. miR-34b/c were homozygously methylated in HEL cells but
      heterozygously in MEG-01. In HEL cells, homozygous miR-34b/c methylation was
      associated with miR silencing, and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment led to re
      expression of both miR-34b and miR-34c, consistent with that both miRs are under
      the regulation of the same promoter CpG island. miR-34a was heterozygously
      methylated in MEG-01 and K-562. miR-203 was completely unmethylated in K-562 and
      SET-2 but no MSP amplification was found in both HEL and MEG-01, suggestive of
      miR deletion. In primary samples, four each had miR-34b/c and -203 methylation,
      in which two had concomitant methylation of miR-34b/c and -203. miR-34a was
      methylated in one patient and none had methylation of miR-124-1. Seven patients
      (15.6%) had methylation of at least one of the four miRs. miR methylation did not
      correlate with clinical parameters, disease complications or JAK2 V617F mutation.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first report of miR hypermethylation in MPNs. miR-203
      hypermethylation is not specific to Ph+ve leukemias but also present in Ph-ve
      MPNs. miR-34b/c methylation was associated with reversible miR silencing. There
      was no correlation of miR methylation with clinical demographic data or outcome.

PMID- 22082001
TI  - Structure and stability of higher-order human telomeric quadruplexes.
AB  - G-quadruplex formation in the sequences 5'-(TTAGGG)(n) and 5'(TTAGGG)(n)TT (n =
      4, 8, 12) was studied using circular dichroism, sedimentation velocity,
      differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular dynamics simulations. Sequences
      containing 8 and 12 repeats formed higher-order structures with two and three
      contiguous quadruplexes, respectively. Plausible structures for these sequences
      were determined by molecular dynamics simulations followed by experimental
      testing of predicted hydrodynamic properties by sedimentation velocity. These
      structures featured folding of the strand into contiguous quadruplexes with mixed
      hybrid conformations. Thermodynamic studies showed the strands folded spontaneous
      to contain the maximum number contiguous quadruplexes. For the sequence
      5'(TTAGGG)(12)TT, more than 90% of the strands contained completely folded
      structures with three quadruplexes. Statistical mechanical-based deconvolution of
      thermograms for three quadruplex structures showed that each quadruplex melted
      independently with unique thermodynamic parmameters. Thermodynamic analysis
      revealed further that quadruplexes in higher-ordered structures were destabilized
      relative to their monomeric counterparts, with unfavorable coupling free
      energies. Quadruplex stability thus depends critically on the sequence and
      structural context.

PMID- 22082002
TI  - Improved Bevirimat resistance prediction by combination of structural and
      sequence-based classifiers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maturation inhibitors such as Bevirimat are a new class of
      antiretroviral drugs that hamper the cleavage of HIV-1 proteins into their
      functional active forms. They bind to these preproteins and inhibit their
      cleavage by the HIV-1 protease, resulting in non-functional virus particles.
      Nevertheless, there exist mutations in this region leading to resistance against
      Bevirimat. Highly specific and accurate tools to predict resistance to maturation
      inhibitors can help to identify patients, who might benefit from the usage of
      these new drugs. RESULTS: We tested several methods to improve Bevirimat
      resistance prediction in HIV-1. It turned out that combining structural and
      sequence-based information in classifier ensembles led to accurate and reliable
      predictions. Moreover, we were able to identify the most crucial regions for
      Bevirimat resistance computationally, which are in line with experimental results
      from other studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrated the use of machine
      learning techniques to predict HIV-1 resistance against maturation inhibitors
      such as Bevirimat. New maturation inhibitors are already under development and
      might enlarge the arsenal of antiretroviral drugs in the future. Thus, accurate
      prediction tools are very useful to enable a personalized therapy.

PMID- 22082003
TI  - Corticomotor representation to a human forearm muscle changes following cervical
      spinal cord injury.
AB  - Functional imaging studies, using blood oxygen level-dependent signals, have
      demonstrated cortical reorganization of forearm muscle maps towards the
      denervated leg area following spinal cord injury (SCI). The extent of cortical
      reorganization was predicted by spinal atrophy. We therefore expected to see a
      similar shift in the motor output of corticospinal projections of the forearm
      towards more denervated lower body parts in volunteers with cervical injury.
      Therefore, we used magnetic resonance imaging-navigated transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (TMS) to non-invasively measure changes in cortical map
      reorganization of a forearm muscle in the primary motor cortex (M1) following
      human SCI. We recruited volunteers with chronic cervical injuries resulting in
      bilateral upper and lower motor impairment and severe cervical atrophy and
      healthy control participants. All participants underwent a T1-weighted anatomical
      scan prior to the TMS experiment. The motor thresholds of the extensor digitorum
      communis muscle (EDC) were defined, and its cortical muscle representation was
      mapped. The centre of gravity (CoG), the cortical silent period (CSP) and active
      motor thresholds (AMTs) were measured. Regression analysis was used to
      investigate relationships between trauma-related anatomical changes and TMS
      parameters. SCI participants had increased AMTs (P = 0.01) and increased CSP
      duration (P = 0.01). The CoG of the EDC motor-evoked potential map was located
      more posteriorly towards the anatomical hand representation of M1 in SCI
      participants than in controls (P = 0.03). Crucially, cord atrophy was negatively
      associated with AMT and CSP duration (r(2) >= 0.26, P < 0.05). In conclusion,
      greater spinal cord atrophy predicts changes at the cortical level that lead to
      reduced excitability and increased inhibition. Therefore, cortical forearm motor
      representations may reorganize towards the intrinsic hand motor representation to
      maximize output to muscles of the impaired forearm following SCI.

PMID- 22082004
TI  - Role of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the elevated uptake and retention of
      cadmium and zinc in Daphnia magna.
AB  - Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO(2)) are now widely applied in consumer
      products, and the dispersion of nano-TiO(2) may adsorb metals and modify their
      behavior and bioavailability in the aquatic environment. In the present study,
      the aqueous uptake, dietary assimilation efficiency (AE), and efflux rate
      constant (k(e)) of two toxic metals (cadmium-Cd, and zinc-Zn) adsorbed on nano
      TiO(2) in a freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna were quantified. The biokinetics
      was then compared to daphnids that were exposed only to dissolved metals as
      controls. The aqueous uptake of Cd and Zn involved an initial rapid uptake and
      then an apparent saturation, and the uptake of metals was accompanied by an
      ingestion of nano-TiO(2). The AEs of Cd and Zn adsorbed on nano-TiO(2) were 24.6
      +/- 2.4-44.5 +/- 3.7% and 30.4 +/- 3.4-51.8 +/- 5.0%, respectively, and decreased
      with increasing concentrations of nano-TiO(2). Furthermore, the difference
      between the AEs of Cd and Zn indicated that the desorption of Cd and Zn from nano
      TiO(2) may have occurred within the gut of daphnids. With the use of algae as
      carrier, the AEs of Cd and Zn adsorbed on nano-TiO(2) were significantly higher
      than those of Cd and Zn directly from nano-TiO(2). The efflux rate constants of
      Cd and Zn adsorbed on nano-TiO(2) in the zooplankton were significantly lower
      than those of Cd and Zn not adsorbed on nano-TiO(2). Our study shows that the
      uptake and retention of toxic metals is enhanced when they are adsorbed on nano
      TiO(2), and suggests more attention be paid to the potential influences of nano
      TiO(2) on the bioavailability and toxicity of other contaminants.

PMID- 22082005
TI  - Induction of group IVC phospholipase A2 in allergic asthma: transcriptional
      regulation by TNFalpha in bronchoepithelial cells.
AB  - Airway inflammation in allergen-induced asthma is associated with eicosanoid
      release. These bioactive lipids exhibit anti- and pro-inflammatory activities
      with relevance to pulmonary pathophysiology. We hypothesized that
      sensitization/challenge using an extract from the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus
      fumigatus in a mouse model of allergic asthma would result in altered
      phospholipase gene expression, thus modulating the downstream eicosanoid pathway.
      We observed the most significant induction in the group IVC PLA2 (phospholipase
      A2) [also known as cPLA2gamma (cytosolic PLA2gamma) or PLA2G4C]. Our results
      infer that A. fumigatus extract can induce cPLA2gamma levels directly in
      eosinophils, whereas induction in lung epithelial cells is most likely to be a
      consequence of TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha) secretion by A. fumigatus
      activated macrophages. The mechanism of TNFalpha-dependent induction of
      cPLA2gamma gene expression was elucidated through a combination of promoter
      deletions, ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) and overexpression studies in
      human bronchoepithelial cells, leading to the identification of functionally
      relevant CRE (cAMP-response element), NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) and E-box
      promoter elements. ChIP analysis demonstrated that RNA polymerase II, ATF-2
      (activating transcription factor 2)-c-Jun, p65-p65 and USF (upstream stimulating
      factor) 1-USF2 complexes are recruited to the cPLA2gamma enhancer/promoter in
      response to TNFalpha, with overexpression and dominant-negative studies implying
      a strong level of co-operation and interplay between these factors. Overall, our
      results link cytokine-mediated alterations in cPLA2gamma gene expression with
      allergic asthma and outline a complex regulatory mechanism.

PMID- 22082006
TI  - Mini-scar inguinal herniotomy in selected children: comparative analysis of
      safety, effectiveness, and parents' satisfaction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inguinal herniotomy in children is still dominated by conventional
      open inguinal herniotomy (COIH) as laparoscopic techniques have yet to
      demonstrate clear advantages. A technical modification that minimizes the
      incision of COIH in selected children can offer another minimally invasive
      alternative. A comparative analysis of safety, efficacy, and parental attitudes
      between mini-scar inguinal herniotomy (MSIH) and COIH was performed. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: All inguinal herniotomy cases performed between January 2008 and
      April 2010 were reviewed. Patients who were younger than 6 months, presented with
      complicated hernias, or had an associated hydrocele were excluded. In the MSIH
      group the final scar length was prospectively measured and then retrospectively
      compared with a matched group of COIH. Parents in both groups were then
      interviewed using a standardized questionnaire to inquire about operative
      outcomes, their satisfaction level, and perception of the incision size. RESULTS:
      Of the 145 patients identified, 113 (79%) had completed the parental phone
      interview at a mean interval of 275+/-212 days. Forty (35%) underwent MSIH with a
      mean final incision length of 7.7+/-2 mm, and 73 (65%) underwent COIH. The two
      groups were similar in age, sex, and hernias' sides. Postoperative complication
      including recurrence rates did not differ between MSIH and COIH (2.5% versus
      6.8%, P=.4). However, parents in the MSIH group were more likely to notice that
      the scar was smaller than what they have expected (odds ratio, 4.9; 95%
      confidence interval, 2.1-11.9) and were more likely to be very satisfied (odds
      ratio, 10.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-38). CONCLUSION: The safety and
      efficacy of MSIH are comparable to those of COIH. However, in the MSIH group,
      parents are more likely to notice the smaller scar, which might improve their
      satisfaction.

PMID- 22082007
TI  - Using conventional 3- and 5-mm straight instruments in laparoendoscopic single
      site pyeloplasty in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) remains limited to a few
      relatively simple procedures in the field of pediatric surgery. We performed LESS
      pyeloplasty in children using conventional straight instruments and ports, and
      reviewed the perioperative data to evaluate the feasibility of this technique in
      pediatric patients. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with unilateral
      pelvic ureteral junction obstruction underwent LESS pyeloplasty. Their ages
      ranged from 2 to 134 months (mean: 56.9 months). Two 3-mm and one 5-mm
      conventional ports were placed in the single incision inside the umbilicus.
      Conventional 3-mm laparoscopic instruments and a 30-degree 5-mm camera were used
      for Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. A F4.7 or F3 pigtail stent was introduced through
      one of the instrument ports. A drainage was placed next to the anastomosis, which
      exited via the umbilical ring incision. The stent was removed 6 weeks
      postoperatively. RESULTS: All cases were successfully completed with no need for
      extra-umbilical incisions. The mean operative time was 198 minutes (range: 150
      270 minutes). All patients could tolerate oral food intake on postoperative day
      1. One case (4.5%) developed symptoms of anastomosis obstruction and required
      open renal stoma. No other significant complications occurred. CONCLUSION: LESS
      pyeloplasty is technically feasible in children. However, further experience and
      longer follow-up are necessary to appropriately evaluate the benefits and
      limitations of this technique.

PMID- 22082009
TI  - Assessment of alcohol problems using AUDIT in a prison setting: more than an 'aye
      or no' question.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol problems are a major UK and international public health
      issue. The prevalence of alcohol problems is markedly higher among prisoners than
      the general population. However, studies suggest alcohol problems among prisoners
      are under-detected, under-recorded and under-treated. Identifying offenders with
      alcohol problems is fundamental to providing high quality healthcare. This paper
      reports use of the AUDIT screening tool to assess alcohol problems among
      prisoners. METHODS: Universal screening was undertaken over ten weeks with all
      entrants to one male Scottish prison using the AUDIT standardised screening tool
      and supplementary contextual questions. The questionnaire was administered by
      trained prison officers during routine admission procedures. Overall 259
      anonymised completed questionnaires were analysed. RESULTS: AUDIT scores showed a
      high prevalence of alcohol problems with 73% of prisoner scores indicating an
      alcohol use disorder (8+), including 36% having scores indicating 'possible
      dependence' (20-40). AUDIT scores indicating 'possible dependence' were most
      apparent among 18-24 and 40-64 year-olds (40% and 56% respectively). However,
      individual questions showed important differences, with younger drinkers less
      likely to demonstrate habitual and addictive behaviours than the older age group.
      Disparity between high levels of harmful/hazardous/dependent drinking and low
      levels of 'treatment' emerged (only 27% of prisoners with scores indicating
      'possible dependence' reported being 'in treatment'). Self-reported associations
      between drinking alcohol and the index crime were identified among two-fifths of
      respondents, rising to half of those reporting violent crimes. CONCLUSIONS: To
      our knowledge, this is the first study to identify differing behaviours and needs
      among prisoners with high AUDIT score ranges, through additional analysis of
      individual questions. The study has identified high prevalence of alcohol use,
      varied problem behaviours, and links across drinking, crime and recidivism,
      supporting the argument for more extensive provision of alcohol-focused
      interventions in prisons. These should be carefully targeted based on initial
      screening and assessment, responsive, and include care pathways linking prisoners
      to community services. Finally, findings confirm the value and feasibility of
      routine use of the AUDIT screening tool in prison settings, to considerably
      enhance practice in the detection and understanding of alcohol problems,
      improving on current more limited questioning (e.g. 'yes or no' questions).

PMID- 22082008
TI  - Retooling manganese(III) porphyrin-based peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts
      for selectivity and oral activity: a potential new strategy for treating chronic
      pain.
AB  - Redox-active metalloporphyrins represent the most well-characterized class of
      catalysts capable of attenuating oxidative stress in vivo through the direct
      interception and decomposition of superoxide and peroxynitrite. While many
      interesting pharmacological probes have emerged from these studies, few catalysts
      have been developed with pharmaceutical properties in mind. Herein, we describe
      our efforts to identify new Mn(III)-porphyrin systems with enhanced membrane
      solubilizing properties. To this end, seven new Mn(III)-tetracyclohexenylporphyin
      (TCHP) analogues, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 16a-c, have been prepared in which the beta
      fused cyclohexenyl rings provide a means to shield the charged metal center from
      the membrane during passive transport. Compounds 7, 15, and 16a-c have been shown
      to be orally active and potent analgesics in a model of carrageenan-induced
      thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, oral administration of compound 7 (10-100
      mg/kg, n=5) has been shown to dose dependently reverse mechano-allodynia in the
      CCI model of chronic neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22082010
TI  - A comparison between endodontics and implantology: an 8-year retrospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare endodontic and implant treatments
      and to evaluate their predictability over an 8-year period on the basis of an
      analysis of survival data and a retrospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A group of 40 partially edentulous patients were selected for this
      study. Their teeth had been endodontically treated and rehabilitated using gold
      alloy and ceramic restorations. In these patients, 65 osseointegrated implants
      were restored with single gold alloy-ceramic crowns and monitored on a yearly
      basis for 8 years with standardized periapical radiographs, using a
      polivynilsiloxane occlusal key as a positioner. A total of nine patients who did
      not attend the yearly follow-up were excluded from the study. The Melloning and
      Triplett criteria were used to evaluate the clinical results obtained in the
      implant sites. The clinical results of the 56 endodontically treated teeth,
      restored with the fixed prosthesis of 40 patients, were analyzed according to
      probing depth as well as an assessment of the correct apical and coronal seals.
      The survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the
      statistical significance was calculated using the chi-square test. RESULTS:
      During the follow-up of the endodontically treated elements, seven failures were
      detected (83.34%) and the success rate of implants inserted in the same patients
      was equal to 80.8%, with nine implants lost in 8 years. The survival analysis of
      the elements treated with both therapies was not statistically significant (p =
      .757) and the confidence interval was between 0.2455 and 2.777. CONCLUSION: In
      view of the superimposable results between the two therapies, it should be noted
      that the endodontically treated teeth could be interested by different
      pathologies while the restoration of the atrophic edentulous ridge with an
      implant support is predictable when patients comply with correct oral hygiene and
      when the occlusal loads are axially distributed in implant-protected occlusion.

PMID- 22082011
TI  - A national programme for mastitis control in Australia: Countdown Downunder.
AB  - In 1998, Countdown Downunder, Australia's national mastitis and cell count
      control programme, was created. With funding from the country's leading dairy
      organisation, Dairy Australia, this programme was originally intended to run for
      three years but is now in its tenth year. As it was the first time Australia had
      attempted a national approach to mastitis control on the farm, the first three
      years of the programme were largely concerned with the development of resources
      to be used by farmers and service providers. The second three years were devoted
      to training with both groups. Since that time, Countdown Downunder has entered
      into a second resource development phase. The goal of the programme was to
      achieve a reduction in the bulk milk somatic cell count from the Australian dairy
      herd. To achieve this, the programme had to develop resources with clear and
      consistent messages around mastitis and somatic cell count control on farms. It
      was determined that progress toward the goals would be made more rapidly if
      service providers were trained in the use of these resources prior to farmers.
      This paper reviews the Countdown Downunder programme from 1998 to 2007.

PMID- 22082012
TI  - Young and older adults' beliefs about effective ways to mitigate age-related
      memory decline.
AB  - This study investigated whether young and older adults vary in their beliefs
      about the impact of various mitigating factors on age-related memory decline.
      Eighty young (ages 18-23) and 80 older (ages 60-82) participants reported their
      beliefs about their own memory abilities and the strategies that they use in
      their everyday lives to attempt to control their memory. Participants also
      reported their beliefs about memory change with age for hypothetical target
      individuals who were described as using (or not using) various means to mitigate
      memory decline. There were no age differences in personal beliefs about control
      over current or future memory ability. However, the two age groups differed in
      the types of strategies they used in their everyday life to control their memory.
      Young adults were more likely to use internal memory strategies, whereas older
      adults were more likely to focus on cognitive exercise and maintaining physical
      health as ways to optimize their memory ability. There were no age differences in
      rated memory change across the life span in hypothetical individuals. Both young
      and older adults perceived strategies related to improving physical and cognitive
      health as effective means of mitigating memory loss with age, whereas internal
      memory strategies were perceived as less effective means for controlling age
      related memory decline.

PMID- 22082013
TI  - The effectiveness of updating metacognitive knowledge in the elderly: evidence
      from metamnemonic judgments of word frequency.
AB  - Accurate metacognitive knowledge is vital for optimal performance in self
      regulated learning. Yet older adults have deficiencies in implementing effective
      learning strategies and knowledge updating and consequently may not learn as
      effectively from task experience as younger adults. Here we assess the ability of
      older adults to update metacognitive knowledge about the effects of word
      frequency on recognition. Young adults have been shown to correct their
      misconceptions through experience with the task, but the greater difficulty older
      adults have with knowledge updating makes it unclear whether task experience will
      be sufficient for older adults. The performance of older adults in this
      experiment qualitatively replicates the results of a comparison group of younger
      subjects, indicating that both groups are able to correct their metacognitive
      knowledge through task experience. Older adults seem to possess more effective
      and flexible metacognition than sometimes suggested.

PMID- 22082014
TI  - Reading in healthy ageing: the influence of information structuring in sentences.
AB  - In three experiments, we investigated the cognitive effects of linguistic
      prominence to establish whether focus plays a similar or different role in
      modulating language processing in healthy ageing. Information structuring through
      the use of cleft sentences is known to increase the processing efficiency of
      anaphoric references to elements contained with a marked focus structure. It also
      protects these elements from becoming suppressed in the wake of subsequent
      information, suggesting selective mechanisms of enhancement and suppression. In
      Experiment 1 (using self-paced reading), we found that focus enhanced (faster)
      integration for anaphors referring to words contained within the scope of focus;
      but suppressed (slower) integration for anaphors to words contained outside of
      the scope of focus; and in some cases, the effects were larger in older adults.
      In Experiment 2 (using change detection), we showed that older adults relied more
      on the linguistic structure to enhance change detection when the changed word was
      in focus. In Experiment 3 (using delayed probe recognition and eye-tracking), we
      found that older adults recognized probes more accurately when they were made to
      elements within the scope of focus than when they were outside the scope of
      focus. These results indicate that older adults' ability to selectively attend or
      suppress concepts in a marked focus structure is preserved.

PMID- 22082015
TI  - Whoops, I did it again: commission errors in prospective memory.
AB  - Prospective memory research almost exclusively examines remembering to execute an
      intention, but the ability to forget completed intentions may be similarly
      important. We had younger and older adults perform a prospective memory task
      (press Q when you see corn or dancer) and then told them that the intention was
      completed. Participants later performed a lexical-decision task (Phase 2) in
      which the prospective memory cues reappeared. Initial prospective memory
      performance was similar between age groups, but older adults were more likely
      than younger adults to press Q during Phase 2 (i.e., commission errors). This
      study provides the first experimental demonstration of event-based prospective
      memory commission errors after all prospective memory tasks are finished and
      identifies multiple factors that increase risk for commission errors.

PMID- 22082016
TI  - Externalities from grain consumption: a survey.
AB  - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes their MyPyramid plan as a
      recommended eating model for all Americans. As part of this model, grain
      consumption is emphasized. This grain consumption has the potential to generate
      positive externalities, such as reduced rates of obesity, diabetes and other
      chronic diseases. Such positive externalities can potentially produce tangible
      economic benefits in terms of public health. In contrast, newer nutritional
      research shows that grain consumption may have negative effects on health for
      certain population groups. Celiac disease is four times as common as it was 50
      years ago and is often under-diagnosed. Other population groups exhibit gluten
      sensitivity which can impact the development of asthma, allergies and
      neurological difficulties. This survey intends to provide a comprehensive
      description of both the positive and negative externalities associated with grain
      consumption and the resulting impact on human health.

PMID- 22082017
TI  - Yeast dynamin Vps1 and amphiphysin Rvs167 function together during endocytosis.
AB  - Dynamins are a conserved family of proteins involved in many membrane fusion and
      fission events. Previously, the dynamin-related protein Vps1 was shown to
      localize to endocytic sites, and yeast carrying deletions for genes encoding both
      the BAR domain protein Rvs167 and Vps1 had a more severe endocytic scission
      defect than either deletion alone. Vps1 and Rvs167 localize to endocytic sites at
      the onset of invagination and disassemble concomitant with inward vesicle
      movement. Rvs167-GFP localization is reduced in cells lacking vps1 suggesting
      that Vps1 influences Rvs167 association with the endocytic complex. Unlike
      classical dynamins, Vps1 does not have a proline-arginine domain that could
      interact with SH3 domain-containing proteins. Thus, while Rvs167 has an SH3
      domain, it is not clear how an interaction would be mediated. Here, we
      demonstrate an interaction between Rvs167 SH3 domain and the single type I SH3
      binding motif in Vps1. Mutant Vps1 that cannot bind Rvs167 rescues all membrane
      fusion/fission functions associated with Vps1 except for endocytic function,
      demonstrating the specificity and mechanistic importance of the interaction. In
      vitro, an Rvs161/Rvs167 heterodimer can disassemble Vps1 oligomers. Overall, the
      data support the idea that Vps1 and the amphiphysins function together to mediate
      scission during endocytosis in yeast.

PMID- 22082018
TI  - Multiscale photoacoustic microscopy of single-walled carbon nanotube-incorporated
      tissue engineering scaffolds.
AB  - Three-dimensional polymeric scaffolds provide structural support and function as
      substrates for cells and bioactive molecules necessary for tissue regeneration.
      Noninvasive real-time imaging of scaffolds and/or the process of tissue formation
      within the scaffold remains a challenge. Microcomputed tomography, the widely
      used technique to characterize polymeric scaffolds, shows poor contrast for
      scaffolds immersed in biological fluids, thereby limiting its utilities under
      physiological conditions. In this article, multiscale photoacoustic microscopy
      (PAM), consisting of both acoustic-resolution PAM (AR-PAM) and optical-resolution
      PAM (OR-PAM), was employed to image and characterize single-walled carbon
      nanotube (SWNT)-incorporated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer scaffolds
      immersed in biological buffer. SWNTs were incorporated to reinforce the
      mechanical properties of the scaffolds, and to enhance the photoacoustic signal
      from the scaffolds. By choosing excitation wavelengths of 570 and 638 nm,
      multiscale PAM could spectroscopically differentiate the photoacoustic signals
      generated from blood and from carbon-nanotube-incorporated scaffolds. OR-PAM,
      providing a fine lateral resolution of 2.6 MUm with an adequate tissue
      penetration of 660 MUm, successfully quantified the average porosity and pore
      size of the scaffolds to be 86.5%+/-1.2% and 153+/-15 MUm in diameter,
      respectively. AR-PAM further extended the tissue penetration to 2 mm at the
      expense of lateral resolution (45 MUm). Our results suggest that PAM is a
      promising tool for noninvasive real-time imaging and monitoring of tissue
      engineering scaffolds in vitro, and in vivo under physiological conditions.

PMID- 22082019
TI  - Molecular characterization of novel TaNAC genes in wheat and overexpression of
      TaNAC2a confers drought tolerance in tobacco.
AB  - Plant-specific NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) transcription factors (TFs) have been reported
      to play a role in diverse stress responses and developmental processes. We show
      here that six new genes encoding NAC TFs in wheat (Triticum aestivum) were
      identified (named as TaNAC2a, TaNAC4a, TaNAC6, TaNAC7, TaNAC13 and TaNTL5,
      respectively), and we classified them into three groups: stress-related NACs,
      development-related NACs and NTLs (membrane-associated TFs belonging to NAC) by
      phylogenetic analysis. All TaNACs were induced by one or several kinds of stress
      treatments including dehydration, salinity and low temperature, whereas different
      genes showed different expression levels. All these TaNACs, except TaNAC7, were
      proven to have transcriptional activation activity in the yeast strain AH109 by
      transactivation analysis. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis revealed
      that four TaNAC:GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion proteins were localized in
      the nucleus, TaNAC2a:GFP mainly located in the nucleus and the plasma membrane,
      TaNTL5:GFP was associated with the membrane, while truncated TaNTL5(DeltaTM):GFP
      (lacking the transmembrane motif) was detected exclusively in the nucleus. Semi
      quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis
      demonstrated that five genes exhibited organ-specific expression. Transgenic
      tobacco plants overexpressing TaNAC2a showed higher fresh weight and dry weight
      than non-transgenic plants under drought condition, which indicated that the
      transgene improved tobacco tolerance to drought treatment. Together, these
      results provided a preliminary characterization of six TaNACs, which possessed a
      potential role in improving stress tolerance and the regulation of development in
      wheat, and suggested that TaNAC2a was potentially useful for engineering drought
      tolerant plants.

PMID- 22082020
TI  - Leisure time emotional excitement increases endothelin-1 and interleukin-6 in
      cardiac patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES. Emotional excitement may trigger serious cardiovascular (CV) events.
      Our objective was to compare the changes in potential surrogate markers of CV
      events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during emotional excitement
      and exercise. DESIGN. Fifty-three enthusiastic ice-hockey spectators with stable
      CAD attended the Finnish national ice-hockey play-off matches and a maximal
      bicycle exercise. Plasma catecholamines, endothelin-1, interleukin-6, and markers
      of platelet activation and blood coagulation were determined before and during
      the match and before and after the exercise. RESULTS. Plasma endothelin-1 (2.82
      +/- 0.21 vs. 2.94 +/- 0.25 pg/mL, p < 0.0001), noradrenaline (4.38 +/- 1.79 vs.
      4.77 +/- 1.75 nmol/L, p = 0.009) and interleukin-6 (2.04 +/- 1.98 vs. 2.90 +/-
      2.41 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) increased during the match, but markers of platelet
      activation and coagulation remained unchanged. Endothelin-1 did not change during
      exercise (2.73 +/- 0.17 vs. 2.72 +/- 0.19 pg/mL, p = 0.593) but noradrenaline
      (2.70 +/- 1.08 vs.10.6 +/- 5.5 nmol/L), adrenaline (0.23 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.52 +/-
      0.37 nmol/L), interleukin-6 (1.77 +/- 1.59 vs. 2.43 +/- 1.78 pg/mL) and markers
      of platelet activation and blood coagulation increased significantly (p < 0.0001
      for all). CONCLUSIONS. The responses of surrogate markers of acute CV events to
      emotional excitement and physical exercise are partly different. Emotional
      excitement causes concomitant increases in markers reflecting vulnerability to
      atherosclerotic plaque complications while physical exercise causes more
      prominent changes in markers of coagulation.

PMID- 22082021
TI  - The effect of cold application on pain due to chest tube removal.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research is to determine the effect of cold
      application on the pain owing to chest tube removal for patients with single
      pleural chest tube. BACKGROUND: Removal of chest tubes causes patients to feel
      pain and interventions used for reducing the pain owing to the removal of chest
      tubes are not sufficient. DESIGN: Controlled clinical trial with repeated
      measures. METHODS: This study was conducted with 140 patients, of whom 70
      patients were in the experimental group and 70 patients were in the control
      group, in a thoracic hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a data
      collection form consisting of patients' demographic and health history and Visual
      Analogue Scale. Cold was applied to patients in the experimental group prior to
      chest tube removal. In the experimental group, skin temperature and pain
      intensity was measured for each patient at four time points. In the control
      group, pain intensity was evaluated for each patient at three time points. Data
      were evaluated using Chi-square and Repeated Measurements two-way anova tests.
      RESULTS: The Visual Analogue Scale score was measured immediately after the chest
      tube removal in the experimental group was 3.85, compared with 5.60 in the
      control group. There were significant differences on pain with cold application
      between the two groups prior and after the intervention. Age, gender, the number
      of days the chest tube was inserted and the chest tube insertion indication had
      no effect on the pain owing to chest tube removal. CONCLUSION: Cold application
      is effective in reducing the pain owing to chest tube removal. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Cold application was recommended prior to chest tube removal
      to reduce the pain owing to removal of chest tube.

PMID- 22082022
TI  - Absorption of light in a single-nanowire silicon solar cell decorated with an
      octahedral silver nanocrystal.
AB  - In recent photovoltaic research, nanomaterials have offered two new approaches
      for trapping light within solar cells to increase their absorption:
      nanostructuring the absorbing semiconductor and using metallic nanostructures to
      couple light into the absorbing layer. This work combines these two approaches by
      decorating a single-nanowire silicon solar cell with an octahedral silver
      nanocrystal. Wavelength-dependent photocurrent measurements and finite-difference
      time domain simulations show that increases in photocurrent arise at wavelengths
      corresponding to the nanocrystal's surface plasmon resonances, while decreases
      occur at wavelengths corresponding to optical resonances of the nanowire.
      Scanning photocurrent mapping with submicrometer spatial resolution
      experimentally confirms that changes in the device's photocurrent come from the
      silver nanocrystal. These results demonstrate that understanding the interactions
      between nanoscale absorbers and plasmonic nanostructures is essential to
      optimizing the efficiency of nanostructured solar cells.

PMID- 22082023
TI  - Microbiologic characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of pacemaker/ICD
      infections: a moving target!

PMID- 22082024
TI  - Charge transport and glassy dynamics in ionic liquids.
AB  - Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit unique features such as low melting points, low vapor
      pressures, wide liquidus temperature ranges, high thermal stability, high ionic
      conductivity, and wide electrochemical windows. As a result, they show promise
      for use in variety of applications: as reaction media, in batteries and
      supercapacitors, in solar and fuel cells, for electrochemical deposition of
      metals and semiconductors, for protein extraction and crystallization, and many
      others.  Because of the ease with which they can be supercooled, ionic liquids
      offer new opportunities to investigate long-standing questions regarding the
      nature of the dynamic glass transition and its possible link to charge transport.
      Despite the significant steps achieved from experimental and theoretical studies,
      no generally accepted quantitative theory of dynamic glass transition to date has
      been capable of reproducing all the experimentally observed features. In this
      Account, we discuss recent studies of the interplay between charge transport and
      glassy dynamics in ionic liquids as investigated by a combination of several
      experimental techniques including broadband dielectric spectroscopy, pulsed field
      gradient nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, and
      differential scanning calorimetry.  Based on Einstein-Smoluchowski relations, we
      use dielectric spectra of ionic liquids to determine diffusion coefficients in
      quantitative agreement with independent pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic
      resonance measurements, but spanning a broader range of more than 10 orders of
      magnitude. This approach provides a novel opportunity to determine the electrical
      mobility and effective number density of charge carriers as well as their types
      of thermal activation from the measured dc conductivity separately. We also
      unravel the origin of the remarkable universality of charge transport in
      different classes of glass-forming ionic liquids.

PMID- 22082025
TI  - Near-infrared light-triggered dissociation of block copolymer micelles using
      upconverting nanoparticles.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel strategy enabling the use of a continuous-wave diode near
      infrared (NIR) laser to disrupt block copolymer (BCP) micelles and trigger the
      release of their "payloads". By encapsulating NaYF(4):TmYb upconverting
      nanoparticles (UCNPs) inside micelles of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(4,5
      dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl methacrylate) and exposing the micellar solution to 980
      nm light, photons in the UV region are emitted by the UCNPs, which in turn are
      absorbed by o-nitrobenzyl groups on the micelle core-forming block, activating
      the photocleavage reaction and leading to the dissociation of BCP micelles and
      release of co-loaded hydrophobic species. Our strategy of using UCNPs as an
      internal UV or visible light source upon NIR light excitation represents a
      general and efficient method to circumvent the need for UV or visible light
      excitation that is a common drawback for light-responsive polymeric systems
      developed for potential biomedical applications.

PMID- 22082026
TI  - Experimental (IR/Raman and 1H/13C NMR) and theoretical (DFT) studies of the
      preferential conformations adopted by L-lactic acid oligomers and poly(L-lactic
      acid) homopolymer.
AB  - L-Lactic acid (L-LA) oligomers (up to the pentamer) were studied by three
      complementary approaches: vibrational (IR and Raman) and NMR ((1)H and (13)C)
      spectroscopies and DFT calculations. Vibrational and NMR spectra of L-LA
      oligomers and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) homopolymer were recorded at room
      temperature and interpreted. Further insight into the structures (conformations)
      of the title systems was provided by theoretical B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) studies.
      Calculated energies and computed vibrational and NMR spectra of the most stable
      conformers of L-LA oligomers, together with the experimental vibrational and NMR
      spectra, enabled the characterization of the preferred conformations adopted by
      PLLA chains.

PMID- 22082027
TI  - Expression of human protein S100A7 (psoriasin), preparation of antibody and
      application to human larynx squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up-regulation of S100A7 (Psoriasin), a small calcium-binding protein,
      is associated with the development of several types of carcinomas, but its
      function and possibility to serve as a diagnostic or prognostic marker have not
      been fully defined. In order to prepare antibodies to the protein for
      immunohistochemical studies we produced the recombinant S100A7 protein in E.
      coli. mRNA extracted from human tracheal tumor tissue which was amplified by RT
      PCR to provide the region coding for the S100A7 gene. The amplified fragment was
      cloned in the vector pCR2.1-TOPO and sub-cloned in the expression vector pAE. The
      protein rS100A7 (His-tag) was expressed in E. coli BL21::DE3, purified by
      affinity chromatography on an Ni-NTA column, recovered in the 2.0 to 3.5 mg/mL
      range in culture medium, and used to produce a rabbit polyclonal antibody anti
      rS100A7 protein. The profile of this polyclonal antibody was evaluated in a
      tissue microarray. RESULTS: The rS100A7 (His-tag) protein was homogeneous by SDS
      PAGE and mass spectrometry and was used to produce an anti-recombinant S100A7
      (His-tag) rabbit serum (polyclonal antibody anti-rS100A7). The molecular weight
      of rS100A7 (His-tag) protein determined by linear MALDI-TOF-MS was 12,655.91 Da.
      The theoretical mass calculated for the nonapeptide attached to the amino
      terminus is 12,653.26 Da (delta 2.65 Da). Immunostaining with the polyclonal anti
      rS100A7 protein generated showed reactivity with little or no background staining
      in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, detecting S100A7 both in nucleus
      and cytoplasm. Lower levels of S100A7 were detected in non-neoplastic tissue.
      CONCLUSIONS: The polyclonal anti-rS100A7 antibody generated here yielded a good
      signal-to-noise contrast and should be useful for immunohistochemical detection
      of S100A7 protein. Its potential use for other epithelial lesions besides human
      larynx squamous cell carcinoma and non-neoplastic larynx should be explored in
      future.

PMID- 22082028
TI  - A preliminary characterization of the cytosolic glutathione transferase proteome
      from Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The cytosolic GST (glutathione transferase) superfamily has been annotated in the
      Drosophila melanogaster genome database. Of 36 genes, four undergo alternative
      splicing to yield a total of 41 GST proteins. In the present study, we have
      obtained the 41 transcripts encoding proteins by RT (reverse transcription)-PCR
      using RNA template from Drosophila S2 cells, an embryonic cell line. This
      observation suggests that all of the annotated DmGSTs (D. melanogaster GSTs) in
      the proteome are expressed in the late embryonic stages of D. melanogaster. To
      avoid confusion in naming these numerous DmGSTs, we have designated them
      following the universal GST nomenclature as well as previous designations that
      fit within this classification. Furthermore, in the cell line, we identified an
      apparent processed pseudogene, gste8, in addition to two isoforms from the Delta
      class that have been published previously. Only approximately one-third of the
      expressed DmGSTs could be purified by conventional GSH affinity chromatography.
      The diverse kinetic properties as well as physiological substrate specificity of
      the DmGSTs are such that each individual enzyme displayed a unique character even
      compared with members from the same class.

PMID- 22082029
TI  - Optimizing parameters for clinical-scale production of high IL-12 secreting
      dendritic cells pulsed with oxidized whole tumor cell lysate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cell
      population for activating tumor-specific T cells. Due to the wide range of
      methods for generating DCs, there is no common protocol or defined set of
      criteria to validate the immunogenicity and function of DC vaccines. METHODS:
      Monocyte-derived DCs were generated during 4 days of culture with recombinant
      granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4, and pulsed
      with tumor lysate produced by hypochlorous acid oxidation of tumor cells.
      Different culture parameters for clinical-scale DC preparation were investigated,
      including: 1) culture media; 2) culture surface; 3) duration of activating DCs
      with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-gamma; 4) method of DC
      harvest; and 5) cryomedia and final DC product formulation. RESULTS: DCs cultured
      in CellGenix DC media containing 2% human AB serum expressed higher levels of
      maturation markers following lysate-loading and maturation compared to culturing
      with serum-free CellGenix DC media or AIM-V media, or 2% AB serum supplemented
      AIM-V media. NunclonTMDelta surface, but not Corning((r)) tissue-culture treated
      surface and Corning((r)) ultra-low attachment surface, were suitable for
      generating an optimal DC phenotype. Recombinant trypsin resulted in reduced major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and II expression on mature lysate
      loaded DCs, however presentation of MHC Class I peptides by DCs was not impaired
      and cell viability was higher compared to cell scraping. Preservation of DCs with
      an infusible cryomedia containing Plasma-Lyte A, dextrose, sodium chloride
      injection, human serum albumin, and DMSO yielded higher cell viability compared
      to using human AB serum containing 10% DMSO. Finally, activating DCs for 16 hours
      with LPS and IFN-gamma stimulated robust mixed leukocyte reactions (MLRs), and
      high IL-12p70 production in vitro that continued for 24 hours after the
      cryopreserved DCs were thawed and replated in fresh media. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study examined criteria including DC phenotype, viability, IL-12p70 production
      and the ability to stimulate MLR as metrics of whole oxidized tumor lysate-pulsed
      DC immunogenicity and functionality. Development and optimization of this unique
      method is now being tested in a clinical trial of autologous oxidized tumor
      lysate-pulsed DC in clinical-scale in recurrent ovarian, primary peritoneal or
      fallopian tube cancer (NCT01132014).

PMID- 22082030
TI  - Lack of influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) level on hydroxyl
      radical mediated disinfection of Escherichia coli.
AB  - Photolysis of nitrate, a prevalent constituent in agriculturally impacted waters,
      may influence pathogen attenuation in such systems through production of hydroxyl
      radical ((*)OH). This study focuses on the efficacy of (*)OH generated during
      nitrate photolysis in promoting E. coli die-off as a function of extracellular
      polymeric substances (EPS) coverage. EPS levels of four E. coli isolates were
      systematically altered through a sonication extraction method and photochemical
      batch experiments with a solar simulator examined isolate viability loss as a
      function of time in nitrate solutions. E. coli viability loss over time exhibited
      two regimes: an initial induction time, t(s), with little decay was followed by
      rapid exponential decay characterized by a first-order disinfection rate
      constant, k. Increasing steady-state (*)OH concentrations enhanced E. coli
      viability loss, increasing values of k and decreasing t(s) values, both of which
      were quantified with a multitarget bacterial disinfection model. Notably, at a
      given steady-state (*)OH concentration, values of t(s) and k were independent of
      EPS levels, nor did they vary among the different E. coli strains considered.
      Results herein show that while (*)OH generated via nitrate photolysis enhances
      rates of disinfection in surface water, the mechanism by which (*)OH kills E.
      coli is relatively insensitive to common bacterial variables.

PMID- 22082031
TI  - Computation of measures of effect size for neuroscience data sets.
AB  - The overwhelming majority of research in the neurosciences employs P-values
      stemming from tests of statistical significance to decide on the presence or
      absence of an effect of some treatment variable. Although a continuous variable,
      the P-value is commonly used to reach a dichotomous decision about the presence
      of an effect around an arbitrary criterion of 0.05. This analysis strategy is
      widely used, but has been heavily criticized in the past decades. To counter
      frequent misinterpretations of P-values, it has been advocated to complement or
      replace P-values with measures of effect size (MES). Many psychological,
      biological and medical journals now recommend reporting appropriate MES. One
      hindrance to the more frequent use of MES may be their scarcity in standard
      statistical software packages. Also, the arguably most widespread data analysis
      software in neuroscience, matlab, does not provide MES beyond correlation and
      receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Here we review the most common
      criticisms of significance testing and provide several examples from neuroscience
      where use of MES conveys insights not amenable through the use of P-values alone.
      We introduce an open-access matlab toolbox providing a wide range of MES to
      complement the frequently used types of hypothesis tests, such as t-tests and
      analysis of variance. The accompanying documentation provides calculation
      formulae, intuitive explanations and example calculations for each measure. The
      toolbox described is usable without sophisticated statistical knowledge and
      should be useful to neuroscientists wishing to enhance their repertoire of
      statistical reporting.

PMID- 22082033
TI  - Economic evaluation of duloxetine as a first-line treatment for painful diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy in Mexico.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform an economic evaluation of duloxetine, pregabalin, and both
      branded and generic gabapentin for managing pain in patients with painful
      diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) in Mexico. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The
      analysis was conducted using a 3-month decision model, which compares duloxetine
      60 mg once daily (DUL), pregabalin 150 mg twice daily (PGB), and gabapentin 600
      mg three-times daily (GBP) for PDPN patients with moderate-to-severe pain. A
      systematic review was performed and placebo-adjusted risk ratios for achieving
      good pain relief (GPR), adverse events (AE), and withdrawal owing to intolerable
      AE were calculated. Direct medical costs included drug acquisition and additional
      visits due to lack of efficacy (poor pain relief) or intolerable AE. Unit costs
      were taken from local sources. Adherence rates were used to estimate the expected
      drug costs. All costs are expressed in 2010 Mexican Pesos (MXN). Utility values
      drawn from published literature were applied to health states. The proportion of
      patients with GPR and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were assessed. RESULTS:
      Branded-GBP was dominated by all the other options. PGB was more costly and less
      effective than DUL. Compared with branded-GBP and PGB, DUL led to savings of 1.01
      and 1.74 million MXN (per 1000 patients). The incremental cost per QALY gained
      with DUL used instead of generic-GBP was $102 433 MXN. This amount is slightly
      lower than the estimated gross domestic product per capita in Mexico for 2010.
      During a second-order Monte Carlo simulation, DUL had the highest probability of
      being cost-effective (61%), followed by generic-GBP (25%) and PGB (14%).
      LIMITATIONS: Study limitations include a short timeframe and using data from
      different dosage schemes for GBP and PGB. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
      DUL provides overall savings and better health outcomes compared with branded-GBP
      and PGB. Administering DUL rather than generic-GBP is a cost-effective
      intervention to manage PDPN in Mexico.

PMID- 22082032
TI  - Changing trends in mastitis.
AB  - The global dairy industry, the predominant pathogens causing mastitis, our
      understanding of mastitis pathogens and the host response to intramammary
      infection are changing rapidly. This paper aims to discuss changes in each of
      these aspects. Globalisation, energy demands, human population growth and climate
      change all affect the dairy industry. In many western countries, control programs
      for contagious mastitis have been in place for decades, resulting in a decrease
      in occurrence of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus mastitis and
      an increase in the relative impact of Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli
      mastitis. In some countries, Klebsiella spp. or Streptococcus dysgalactiae are
      appearing as important causes of mastitis. Differences between countries in
      legislation, veterinary and laboratory services and farmers' management practices
      affect the distribution and impact of mastitis pathogens. For pathogens that have
      traditionally been categorised as contagious, strain adaptation to human and
      bovine hosts has been recognised. For pathogens that are often categorised as
      environmental, strains causing transient and chronic infections are
      distinguished. The genetic basis underlying host adaptation and mechanisms of
      infection is being unravelled. Genomic information on pathogens and their hosts
      and improved knowledge of the host's innate and acquired immune responses to
      intramammary infections provide opportunities to expand our understanding of
      bovine mastitis. These developments will undoubtedly contribute to novel
      approaches to mastitis diagnostics and control.

PMID- 22082034
TI  - Lost in translation? Psychometric properties and construct validity of the
      English Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) social climate questionnaire.
AB  - The social climate of correctional (forensic) settings is likely to have a
      significant impact on the outcome of treatment and the overall functioning of
      these units. The Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) provides an objective
      way of measuring social climate that overcomes the content, length, and
      psychometric limitations of other measures. But the English translation of the
      EssenCES has yet to be sufficiently validated for use in forensic settings in the
      United Kingdom. The current study presents psychometric properties (factor
      structure and internal consistency) and an examination of construct validity with
      the English EssenCES. Satisfactory internal consistency was found for all
      EssenCES scales, and the expected three-factor structure was confirmed with both
      staff and residents and in prison and secure hospital settings using confirmatory
      factor analysis. Evidence to support construct validity was established using
      multilevel models, which showed statistically significant associations between
      scores on the EssenCES and scores on the Working Environment Scale, institutional
      aggression, and site security. Future validation work and potential practical
      applications of the EssenCES are discussed.

PMID- 22082035
TI  - The Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS): reliability and validity
      evidence for a new measure of relationship closeness.
AB  - A fundamental dimension along which all social and personal relationships vary is
      closeness. The Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS) is a 12-item
      self-report scale measuring the closeness of social and personal relationships.
      The reliability and validity of the URCS were assessed with college dating
      couples (N = 192), female friends and strangers (N = 330), friends (N = 170), and
      family members (N = 155). The results show that the scale is unidimensional, with
      high reliability across relationship types (M alpha = .96). Evidence consistent
      with validity included substantial within-couple agreement for the romantic
      couples (intraclass correlation = .41), substantial friend-stranger
      discrimination for the female friends (eta2 = .82), and measurement invariance
      across relationship types. Evidence of convergent and divergent validity was
      obtained for inclusion of other in the self and relational satisfaction,
      respectively.

PMID- 22082036
TI  - Do personality scale items function differently in people with high and low IQ?
AB  - Intelligence differences might contribute to true differences in personality
      traits. It is also possible that intelligence might contribute to differences in
      understanding and interpreting personality items. Previous studies have not
      distinguished clearly between these possibilities. Before it can be accepted that
      scale score differences actually reflect personality differences, personality
      items should show measurement invariance. The authors used item response theory
      to test measurement invariance in the five-factor model scales of the
      International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO
      FFI) across two groups of participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 with
      relatively low and high cognitive abilities. Each group consisted of 320
      individuals, with equal numbers of men and women. The mean IQ difference of the
      groups was 21 points. It was found that the IPIP and NEO-FFI items were
      measurement invariant across all five scales, making it possible to conclude that
      any differences in IPIP and NEO-FFI scores between people with low and high
      cognitive abilities reflected personality trait differences.

PMID- 22082037
TI  - Porcine-derived xenograft combined with a soft cortical membrane versus
      extraction alone for implant site development: a clinical study in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An adequate alveolar crest is essential for implant placement in
      terms of esthetics and function. The objective of this randomized clinical trial
      was to compare the preservation of the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth
      extraction using porcine-derived xenograft combined with a membrane versus
      extraction-alone (EXT) sites. METHODS: Fifteen patients who required double
      extraction of contralateral premolars and delayed implant placement were randomly
      selected to receive both ridge-preservation procedure and EXT. The test sites
      (alveolar ridge preservation [ARP]) included 15 sockets treated using a
      corticocancellous porcine bone xenograft (OsteoBiol(r) Gen-Os; Tecnoss srl,
      Giaveno, Italy) associated with a soft cortical membrane (OsteoBiol(r) Lamina;
      Tecnoss srl), while the corresponding control sites (EXT) were left without
      grafting for EXT. Horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions were recorded at
      baseline and 6 months after extractions. RESULTS: After 6 months, the EXT sites
      showed a significantly greater reabsorption of the buccolingual/palatal dimension
      of the alveolar ridge (3.7 +/- 1.2 mm) compared with the ARP sites (1.8 +/- 1.3
      mm). The mean vertical ridge height reduction in the control sockets was 3.1 +/-
      1.3 mm at the buccal sites and 2.4 +/- 1.6 mm at the lingual sites compared with
      0.6 +/- 1.4 and 0.5 +/- 1.3 mm, respectively, in the test sockets. The
      differences between test and control sockets were not significant for the mesial
      and distal measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of a porcine xenograft with a
      membrane in an extraction socket can be used to reduce the hard tissue
      reabsorption after tooth extraction compared with EXT.

PMID- 22082038
TI  - Skin surveillance intentions among family members of patients with melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives of individuals diagnosed with melanoma are at
      increased disease risk. However, many first-degree relatives do not receive a
      periodic total cutaneous examination from a health care provider or engage in
      regular skin self-examination. The goal of this study was to identify correlates
      of total cutaneous examination and skin self-examination intentions among first
      degree relatives of melanoma patients, thus providing insight on factors that
      should be targeted in future intervention research. METHODS: The participants
      were 545 first-degree relatives of melanoma patients at increased disease risk
      due to their risk factor profile and lack of skin surveillance behaviors.
      Participants completed a telephone survey regarding their total cutaneous
      examination and skin self-examination intentions and potential correlates,
      including demographics, medical factors, psychological factors, knowledge, and
      social influence factors. RESULTS: Intentions to receive a total cutaneous
      examination were higher among first-degree relatives with more education, those
      perceiving higher benefits and lower barriers to an examination, and those
      reporting greater physician and family support. Intentions to receive a skin self
      examination were higher among those with higher benefits and lower barriers to
      self-examination, and higher family support. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to
      promote skin surveillance behaviors among first-degree relatives of melanoma
      patients should highlight the benefits of early detection of melanoma, address
      barriers to receipt of total cutaneous examination and engagement in skin self
      examination, and promote support from physicians and family members.

PMID- 22082039
TI  - Decellularized human cornea for reconstructing the corneal epithelium and
      anterior stroma.
AB  - In this project, we strived to develop a decellularized human cornea to use as a
      scaffold for reconstructing the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma. Human
      cadaver corneas were decellularized by five different methods, including
      detergent- and nondetergent-based approaches. The success of each method on the
      removal of cells from the cornea was investigated. The structural integrity of
      decellularized corneas was compared with the native cornea by electron
      microscopy. The integrity of the basement membrane of the epithelium was analyzed
      by histology and by the expression of collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin.
      Finally, the ability of the decellularized corneas to support the growth of human
      corneal epithelial cells and fibroblasts was assessed in vitro. Corneas processed
      using Triton X-100, liquid nitrogen, and poly(ethylene glycol) resulted in
      incomplete removal of cellular material. Corneas processed with the use of sodium
      dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or with sodium chloride (NaCl) plus nucleases successfully
      removed all cellular material; however, only the NaCl plus nuclease treatment
      kept the epithelial basement membrane completely intact. Corneas processed with
      NaCl plus nuclease supported both fibroblast and epithelial cell growth in vitro,
      while corneas treated with SDS supported the growth of only fibroblasts and not
      epithelial cells. Decellularized human corneas provide a scaffold that can
      support the growth of corneal epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. This
      approach may be useful for reconstructing the anterior cornea and limbus using
      autologous cells.

PMID- 22082041
TI  - High-performance graphene-based transparent flexible heaters.
AB  - We demonstrate high-performance, flexible, transparent heaters based on large
      scale graphene films synthesized by chemical vapor deposition on Cu foils. After
      multiple transfers and chemical doping processes, the graphene films show sheet
      resistance as low as ~43 Ohm/sq with ~89% optical transmittance, which are ideal
      as low-voltage transparent heaters. Time-dependent temperature profiles and heat
      distribution analyses show that the performance of graphene-based heaters is
      superior to that of conventional transparent heaters based on indium tin oxide.
      In addition, we confirmed that mechanical strain as high as ~4% did not
      substantially affect heater performance. Therefore, graphene-based, flexible,
      transparent heaters are expected to find uses in a broad range of applications,
      including automobile defogging/deicing systems and heatable smart windows.

PMID- 22082040
TI  - Functional polymorphisms in dopamine-related genes: effect on neurocognitive
      functioning in HIV+ adults.
AB  - Dopaminergic dysfunction is a putative mechanism underlying HIV-associated
      neurocognitive disorders. Dopamine transporter (DAT), brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) have been specifically
      implicated. We report analyses examining the main effects of functional
      polymorphisms within dopamine-modulating genes, as well as their interactive
      effects with disease severity, upon neurocognitive functioning in HIV+ adults.
      METHOD: A total of 184 HIV+ adults were included in the analysis. Three
      polymorphisms were examined within dopamine-modulating genes: COMT val158met,
      BDNF val66met, and the DAT 3' variable number tandem repeat. Separate
      hierarchical regression analyses for five neurocognitive domains (working memory,
      processing speed, learning, memory, motor) were conducted. Predictor variables
      were age, ethnicity, gender, education, CD4+ T-cell count, current depression,
      genotype, and an interaction term capturing genotype and disease severity (CD4).
      RESULTS: None of the polymorphisms or HIV disease variables significantly
      improved the hierarchical regression models. Younger age, higher education, and
      Caucasian ethnicity were almost invariably associated with better functioning
      across all five cognitive domains. A trend was noted for current depression as a
      predictor of motor and learning ability. CONCLUSION: This study did not find
      evidence to support direct or interactive effects of dopamine-related genes and
      HIV disease severity on neurocognitive functioning.

PMID- 22082042
TI  - Simultaneous existence of sustained double chamber tachycardias originating from
      the aortic sinus of Valsalva.
AB  - Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is basically a benign phenomenon in patients
      without structural heart disease. The focal source of the tachycardia is usually
      located in the right ventricular outflow tract and more rarely in the left
      ventricular outflow tract. Aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASV) is a well-known source
      of atrial and ventricular tachycardias. We report a case with simultaneous
      existence of sustained atrial and ventricular tachycardias originating from ASV,
      which was successfully treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation.

PMID- 22082043
TI  - The effect of KCNJ11 polymorphism on the risk of type 2 diabetes: a global meta
      analysis based on 49 case-control studies.
AB  - Potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily-J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene
      encodes Kir6.2 subunits of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium
      channel involved in glucose-mediated metabolic signaling pathway and has
      attracted considerable attention as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes (T2D)
      based on its function in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In the past
      decade, a number of case-control studies have been conducted to investigate the
      relationship between the KCNJ11 polymorphisms and T2D. However, these studies
      have yielded contradictory results. To investigate this inconsistency and derive
      a more precise estimation of the relationship, we conducted a comprehensive meta
      analysis of 64,403 cases and 122,945 controls from 49 published studies. Using
      the random-effects model, we found a significant association between E23K
      (rs5219) polymorphism and T2D risk with per-allele odds ratio of 1.13 (95%
      confidence interval: 1.10-1.15; p<10(-5)). Significant results were found in East
      Asians and Caucasians when stratified by ethnicity; whereas no significant
      associations were found among South Asians and other ethnic populations. In
      subgroup analysis by sample size, mean age and body mass index (BMI) of cases,
      mean BMI of controls and diagnostic criterion, significantly increased risks were
      found in all genetic models. This meta-analysis suggests that the E23K
      polymorphism in KCNJ11 is associated with elevated T2D risk, but these
      associations vary in different ethnic populations.

PMID- 22082044
TI  - Romiplostim efficacy in an acute myeloid leukemia patient with transfusion
      refractory thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Refractoriness to platelet (PLT) transfusion is a feared, life
      threatening complication in hematology-oncology patients. Despite increased PLT
      requirement and treatment costs, the clinical management is difficult and these
      patients had less favorable outcomes. CASE REPORT: We report on the efficacy of
      the thrombopoietic agent romiplostim in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia
      with chemotherapy-induced transfusion-refractory thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION:
      Romiplostim could be very helpfull in the management of AML patients with
      transfusion refractory thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22082045
TI  - Organogold clusters protected by phenylacetylene.
AB  - A new class of monolayer-protected Au clusters with Au-C covalent bonds
      (organogold clusters) was synthesized by ligating phenylacetylene (PhC=CH) to PVP
      stabilized Au clusters. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass
      spectrometry revealed for the first time a series of stable compositions of the
      organogold (Au:C(2)Ph) clusters.

PMID- 22082046
TI  - Consequences of butylated hydroxytoluene in the freezing extender on post-thaw
      characteristics of stallion spermatozoa in vitro.
AB  - Ejaculates from six pure Spanish stallions were split, and one subsample frozen
      in a commercial extender supplemented with the lipid soluble antioxidant
      butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), while the other subsample served as control.
      After at least 4 weeks of storage, samples were thawed and post-thaw sperm
      quality analysed: sperm motility and kinematics using a CASA system, membrane and
      acrosome integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential using flow cytometry. The
      outcome of cryopreservation varied significantly among stallions. However, the
      supplementation with 1 mm BHT had no significant effect on any of the sperm
      parameters evaluated post-thaw.

PMID- 22082048
TI  - NADPH oxidase is involved in H2O2-induced differentiation of human promyelocytic
      leukaemia HL-60 cells.
AB  - The expression and activity of NADPH oxidase increase when HL-60 cells are
      induced into terminally differentiated cells. However, the function of NADPH
      oxidase in differentiation is not well elucidated. With 150-500 MUM H2O2 inducing
      differentiation of HL-60 cells, we measured phagocytosis of latex beads and
      investigated cell electrophoresis. Two inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, DPI
      (diphenyleneiodonium) and APO (apocynin), blocked the differentiation potential
      of cells induced by 200 MUM H2O2. However, H2O2 stimulated the generation of
      intracellular superoxide (O2*-), which decreased in the presence of the two
      inhibitors. DPI also inhibited H2O2-induced ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated
      kinase) activation, as detected by Western blotting. Furthermore, PD98059, the
      inhibitor of the ERK pathway, inhibited the differentiation of HL-60 cells
      induced by H2O2. This shows that H2O2 can activate NADPH oxidase, leading to O2*-
      production, followed by ERK activation and ultimately resulting in the
      differentiation of HL-60 cells. The data indicate that NADPH oxidase is an
      important cell signal regulating cell differentiation.

PMID- 22082050
TI  - Lulo cell line derived from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae): a novel
      model to assay Leishmania spp. and vector interaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leishmania (Vianna) braziliensis, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis
      and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi are important parasites in the scenario of
      leishmaniasis in Brazil. During the life cycle of these parasites, the
      promastigote forms adhere to the midgut epithelial microvillii of phlebotomine
      insects to avoid being secreted along with digestive products. Lulo cells are a
      potential model that will help to understand the features of this adhesion
      phenomenon. Here, we analyze the interaction between Leishmania spp.
      promastigotes and Lulo cells in vitro, specifically focusing on adhesion events
      occurring between three Leishmania species and this cell line. METHODS: Confluent
      monolayers of Lulo cells were incubated with promastigotes and adhesion was
      assessed using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. FINDINGS:
      The results indicate that species from the subgenera Leishmania and Viannia have
      great potential to adhere to Lulo cells. The highest adherence rate was observed
      for L. (L.) chagasi after 24 h of incubation with Lulo cells (27.3 +/- 1.8% of
      cells with adhered promastigotes), followed by L. (L.) amazonensis (16.0 +/-
      0.7%) and L. (V.) braziliensis (3.0 +/- 0.7%), both after 48 h. In the
      ultrastructural analysis, promastigote adherence was also assessed by scanning
      electron microscopy, showing that, for parasites from both subgenera, adhesion
      occurs by both the body and the flagellum. The interaction of Lulo cells with
      Leishmania (L.) chagasi showed the participation of cytoplasmic projections from
      the former closely associating the parasites with the cells. CONCLUSIONS: We
      present evidence that Lulo cells can be useful in studies of insect-parasite
      interactions for Leishmania species.

PMID- 22082051
TI  - Salen-based coordination polymers of iron and the rare earth elements.
AB  - Reaction of N,N'-bis(4-carboxysalicylidene)ethylenediamine (H(4)L) with iron(III)
      chloride and lanthanide nitrates resulted in the coordination polymers of
      composition {[Ln(2)(FeLCl)(2)(NO(3))(2)(DMF)(5)].(DMF)(4)}(n) (Ln = Y, Eu, Gd,
      Tb, Dy). The polymers consist of iron-salen-based moieties having carboxylate
      linkers connected to rare earth atoms in a 1D chain structure. Thus, the iron
      salen complex acts as a "metalloligand". Because of the twisting of the chains,
      porous structures are formed and possess large free void space. The magnetic
      studies of selected compounds exhibit weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic
      interactions of Ln-Ln. At 3, 30, and 80 K, the Mossbauer spectra of the iron
      dysprosium compound show a strongly asymmetric quadrupole doublet with isomer
      shift and quadrupole splitting values typical for Fe(III) ions in high spin
      state. In addition, an anomalous temperature dependence of both isomer shift and
      quadrupole splitting has been observed.

PMID- 22082049
TI  - Multidimensional prognostic indices for use in COPD patient care. A systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A growing number of prognostic indices for chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) is developed for clinical use. Our aim is to identify,
      summarize and compare all published prognostic COPD indices, and to discuss their
      performance, usefulness and implementation in daily practice. METHODS: We
      performed a systematic literature search in both Pubmed and Embase up to
      September 2010. Selection criteria included primary publications of indices
      developed for stable COPD patients, that predict future outcome by a
      multidimensional scoring system, developed for and validated with COPD patients
      only. Two reviewers independently assessed the index quality using a structured
      screening form for systematically scoring prognostic studies. RESULTS: Of 7,028
      articles screened, 13 studies comprising 15 indices were included. Only 1 index
      had been explored for its application in daily practice. We observed 21 different
      predictors and 7 prognostic outcomes, the latter reflecting mortality,
      hospitalization and exacerbation. Consistent strong predictors were FEV1
      percentage predicted, age and dyspnoea. The quality of the studies underlying the
      indices varied between fairly poor and good. Statistical methods to assess the
      predictive abilities of the indices were heterogenic. They generally revealed
      moderate to good discrimination, when measured. LIMITATIONS: We focused on
      prognostic indices for stable disease only and, inevitably, quality judgment was
      prone to subjectivity. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 15 prognostic COPD indices.
      Although the prognostic performance of some of the indices has been validated,
      they all lack sufficient evidence for implementation. Whether or not the use of
      prognostic indices improves COPD disease management or patients' health is
      currently unknown; impact studies are required to establish this.

PMID- 22082052
TI  - Improvement on thermal performance of a disk-shaped miniature heat pipe with
      nanofluid.
AB  - The present study aims to investigate the effect of suspended nanoparticles in
      base fluids, namely nanofluids, on the thermal resistance of a disk-shaped
      miniature heat pipe [DMHP]. In this study, two types of nanoparticles, gold and
      carbon, in aqueous solution are used respectively. An experimental system was set
      up to measure the thermal resistance of the DMHP with both nanofluids and
      deionized [DI] water as the working medium. The measured results show that the
      thermal resistance of DMHP varies with the charge volume and the type of working
      medium. At the same charge volume, a significant reduction in thermal resistance
      of DMHP can be found if nanofluid is used instead of DI water.

PMID- 22082053
TI  - Genotypic diversity and spatial-temporal distribution of Symbiodinium clones in
      an abundant reef coral.
AB  - Genetic data are rapidly advancing our understanding of various biological
      systems including the ecology and evolution of coral-algal symbioses. The fine
      scale interactions between individual genotypes of host and symbiont remain
      largely unstudied and constitute a major gap in knowledge. By applying
      microsatellite markers developed for both host and symbiont, we investigated the
      intracolony diversity, prevalence and stability of Symbiodinium glynni (type D1)
      multilocus genotypes in association with dense populations of Pocillopora at two
      sites in the Gulf of California. The genetic diversity and allelic frequencies in
      reef populations of S. glynni remained stable over 3 years. Common clone
      genotypes persisted over this period, and no temporal population subdivision
      (Phi(PT) = 0.021 and -0.003) was detected. Collections from circular plots showed
      no statistical correlation between related Pocillopora individuals and their
      associations with particular S. glynni genotypes, with no spatial structuring or
      clonal aggregation across a reef for the symbiont. From permanent linear
      transects, samples were analysed from multiple locations within a colony and some
      were resampled approximately 1 year later. Many of these multisampled colonies
      (approximately 53%) were dominated by a single S. glynni genotype and tended to
      associate with the same symbiont genotype(s) over time, while colony ramets often
      possessed unrelated symbiont genotypes. In contrast to the species level,
      associations between genotypes of Pocillopora and S. glynni are apparently more
      flexible over space and time. The abundance of sexually recombinant genotypes of
      S. glynni combined with greater flexibility might provide adaptive mechanisms for
      these symbioses to evolve rapidly to changes in environmental conditions and
      allow particular symbiont genotypes to spread through a host population.

PMID- 22082054
TI  - Physical re-examination of parameters on a molecular collisions-based diffusion
      model for diffusivity prediction in polymers.
AB  - Molecular collisions, which are the microscopic origin of molecular diffusive
      motion, are affected by both the molecular surface area and the distance between
      molecules. Their product can be regarded as the free space around a penetrant
      molecule defined as the "shell-like free volume" and can be taken as a
      characteristic of molecular collisions. On the basis of this notion, a new
      diffusion theory has been developed. The model can predict molecular diffusivity
      in polymeric systems using only well-defined single-component parameters of
      molecular volume, molecular surface area, free volume, and pre-exponential
      factors. By consideration of the physical description of the model, the actual
      body moved and which neighbor molecules are collided with are the volume and the
      surface area of the penetrant molecular core. In the present study, a
      semiempirical quantum chemical calculation was used to calculate both of these
      parameters. The model and the newly developed parameters offer fairly good
      predictive ability.

PMID- 22082055
TI  - Design, synthesis, and incorporation of fluorous 5-methylcytosines into
      oligonucleotides.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed Negishi coupling reaction has been developed to synthesize
      fluorous 5-methylcytosines. These fluorous nucleosides are incorporated into the
      oligonucleotides that correspond to part of the promoter region of Oct4, a master
      gene that undergoes dynamic DNA demethylation during cellular reprogramming. The
      separation of the fluorous oligonucleotides from its nonfluorous analogues has
      been achieved through solid-phase extraction over fluorous silica, suggesting its
      potential use in probing DNA demethylation.

PMID- 22082056
TI  - Implant survival rates after osteotome-mediated maxillary sinus augmentation: a
      systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the implant
      survival rate after osteotome-mediated maxillary sinus augmentation with or
      without using grafting materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE database was
      searched using a combination of specific search terms. Furthermore, a hand
      searching of the relevant journals and of the bibliographies of reviews was
      performed. Prospective and retrospective clinical studies with at least 20
      patients treated by osteotome-mediated sinus floor elevation were included.
      RESULTS: Nineteen studies were selected for data analysis. A total of 1,822
      patients, accounting for 3,131 implants were considered. Mean weighted cumulative
      implant survival at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was estimated as 98.12%, 97.40%, 96.75%,
      and 95.81%, respectively. No significant difference was found in relation to the
      use of grafting material nor in relation to implant length. Overall implant
      survival was 92.7% for 331 implants placed in <5 mm ridge height and 96.9% for
      2,525 implants inserted in >= 5 mm ridge height. The difference was significant
      (p = .0003). CONCLUSIONS: The transalveolar sinus augmentation technique could be
      a viable treatment in case of localized atrophy in the posterior maxilla even in
      case of minimal residual bone height. The prognosis can be more favorable when
      the residual ridge is at least 5 mm high.

PMID- 22082057
TI  - The infection of bad company: stigma by association.
AB  - Stigma by association represents the process through which the companions of
      stigmatized persons are discredited. Conduits for stigma by association range
      from the strong and enduring bonds of kinship to the arbitrary occasions of being
      seen in the company of someone who is stigmatized. A theoretical model is
      proposed in which both deliberative and spontaneous processes result in the
      spread of stigma to the companions of stigmatized persons. Support for this model
      was found across 3 studies that examined how explicit and implicit stigma
      relevant attitudes moderate stigma-by-association effects. When social
      relationships were meaningful (e.g., kinship), both explicit and implicit
      attitudes moderated the devaluation of stigmatized persons' companions. On the
      other hand, when social relationships appeared coincidental only implicit
      attitudes moderated companion devaluation.

PMID- 22082058
TI  - Chronic threat and contingent belonging: protective benefits of values
      affirmation on identity development.
AB  - Two longitudinal field experiments in a middle school examined how a brief
      "values affirmation" affects students' psychological experience and the
      relationship between psychological experience and environmental threat over 2
      years. Together these studies suggest that values affirmations insulate
      individuals' sense of belonging from environmental threat during a key
      developmental transition. Study 1 provided an analysis of new data from a
      previously reported study. African American students in the control condition
      felt a decreasing sense of belonging during middle school, with low-performing
      students dropping more in 7th grade and high-performing students dropping more in
      8th grade. The affirmation reduced this decline for both groups. Consistent with
      the notion that affirmation insulates belonging from environmental threat,
      affirmed African American students' sense of belonging in Study 1 fluctuated less
      over 2 years and became less contingent on academic performance. Based on the
      idea that developmentally sensitive interventions can have long-lasting benefits,
      Study 2 showed that the affirmation intervention was more effective if delivered
      before any drop in performance and subsequent psychological toll could unfold.
      The role of identity threat and affirmation in affecting the encoding of social
      experience, and the corresponding importance of timing treatments to
      developmentally sensitive periods, are explored.

PMID- 22082059
TI  - Control deprivation and styles of thinking.
AB  - Westerners habitually think in analytical ways, whereas East Asians tend to favor
      holistic styles of thinking. We replicated this difference but showed that it
      disappeared after control deprivation (Experiment 1). Brief experiences of
      control deprivation, which stimulate increased desire for control, caused Chinese
      participants to shift toward Western-style analytical thinking in multiple ways
      (Experiments 2-5). Western Caucasian participants also increased their use of
      analytical thinking after control deprivation (Experiment 6). Manipulations that
      required Chinese participants to think in Western, analytical ways caused their
      sense of personal control to increase (Experiments 7-9). Prolonged experiences of
      control deprivation, which past work suggested foster an attitude more akin to
      learned helplessness than striving for control, had the opposite effect of
      causing Chinese participants to shift back toward a strongly holistic style of
      thinking (Experiments 10-12). Taken together, the results support the reality of
      cultural differences in cognition but also the cross-cultural similarity of using
      analytical thinking when seeking to enhance personal control.

PMID- 22082060
TI  - Fundamental(ist) attribution error: Protestants are dispositionally focused.
AB  - Attribution theory has long enjoyed a prominent role in social psychological
      research, yet religious influences on attribution have not been well studied. We
      theorized and tested the hypothesis that Protestants would endorse internal
      attributions to a greater extent than would Catholics, because Protestantism
      focuses on the inward condition of the soul. In Study 1, Protestants made more
      internal, but not external, attributions than did Catholics. This effect survived
      controlling for Protestant work ethic, need for structure, and intrinsic and
      extrinsic religiosity. Study 2 showed that the Protestant-Catholic difference in
      internal attributions was significantly mediated by Protestants' greater belief
      in a soul. In Study 3, priming religion increased belief in a soul for
      Protestants but not for Catholics. Finally, Study 4 found that experimentally
      strengthening belief in a soul increased dispositional attributions among
      Protestants but did not change situational attributions. These studies expand the
      understanding of cultural differences in attributions by demonstrating a distinct
      effect of religion on dispositional attributions.

PMID- 22082061
TI  - Sensitive maintenance: a cognitive process underlying individual differences in
      memory for threatening information.
AB  - Dispositional styles of coping with threat influence memory for threatening
      information. In particular, sensitizers excel over repressors in their memory for
      threatening information after long retention intervals, but not after short ones.
      We therefore suggested that sensitizers, but not repressors, employ active
      maintenance processes during the retention interval to selectively retain
      threatening material. Sensitive maintenance was studied in 2 experiments in which
      participants were briefly exposed to threatening and nonthreatening pictures
      (Experiment 1, N = 128) or words (Experiment 2, N = 145). Following, we
      administered unannounced recognition tests before and after an intervening task
      that generated either high or low cognitive load, assuming that high cognitive
      load would impede sensitizers' memory maintenance of threatening material.
      Supporting our hypotheses, the same pattern of results was obtained in both
      experiments: Under low cognitive load, sensitizers forgot less threat material
      than repressors did; no such differences were observed under high cognitive load.

PMID- 22082062
TI  - Negative moods and the motivated remembering of past selves: the role of implicit
      theories of personal stability.
AB  - This research program explored how the positivity of people's memories of their
      past personal attributes is influenced by their desire to cope with negative mood
      states. The studies tested the hypothesis that beliefs and motives regarding the
      stability of personality will determine whether people idealize or derogate their
      earlier attributes in an attempt to repair distressing feelings. When knowledge
      structures or motives implying personal change are activated, people should
      derogate their past selves in response to negative moods; in contrast, when these
      factors imply personal stability, people should idealize their past selves in
      response to negative moods. Studies 1-3, which assessed the impact of mood
      negativity (neutral vs. negative) and theories (or motives) regarding personal
      change (change vs. stability) on the positivity of people's memories of their
      past attributes, supported this reasoning. Study 4 extended these findings by
      examining how an underlying mediating variable--mood-repair motivation--guides
      the effect of negative moods on recall of past selves. Implications of the
      results for research on temporal comparison, mood-congruent recall, and
      posttraumatic growth are discussed.

PMID- 22082063
TI  - Purple corn (Zea mays L.) phenolic compounds profile and its assessment as an
      agent against oxidative stress in isolated mouse organs.
AB  - This study was designed to determine the contents of total polyphenols,
      flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols, and anthocyanins of purple corn (Zea mays L.)
      extracts obtained with different methanol:water concentrations, acidified with 1%
      HCl (1 N). Another objective was to determine the antioxidant activity by 1,1
      diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic
      acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and deoxyribose assay,
      individual phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC),
      and endogenous antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT],
      and total peroxidase [TPX]) activity and lipid peroxidation activity
      (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS] assay) in isolated mouse organs.
      Overall, the highest total content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids,
      flavonols, and flavanols was obtained with the 80:20 methanol:water extract,
      acidified with 1% HCl (1 N). The 50% inhibitory concentration values obtained by
      the DPPH and ABTS assays with this extract were 66.3 MUg/mL and 250 MUg/mL,
      respectively. The antioxidant activity by the FRAP assay was 26.1 MUM Trolox
      equivalents/g, whereas the deoxyribose assay presented 93.6% inhibition. Because
      of these results, the 80:20 methanol:water extract, acidified with 1% HCl (1 N),
      was used for the remaining tests. Eight phenolic compounds were identified by
      HPLC: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, morin, quercetin,
      naringenin, and kaempferol. Furthermore, it was observed that the purple corn
      extract was capable of significantly reducing lipid peroxidation (lower
      malondialdehyde [MDA] concentrations by the TBARS assay) and at the same time
      increasing endogenous antioxidant enzyme (CAT, TPX, and SOD) activities in
      isolated mouse kidney, liver, and brain. On the basis of the results, it was
      concluded that the purple corn extract contained various bioactive phenolic
      compounds that exhibited considerable in vitro antioxidant activity, which
      correlated well with the decreased MDA formation and increase in activity of
      endogenous antioxidant enzymes observed in the isolated mouse organs. This
      warrants further in vivo studies with purple corn extracts to assess its
      antioxidant activity and other bioactivities.

PMID- 22082064
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extract of Codium fragile in
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.
AB  - The methanol extract of Codium fragile (MECF) has been reported to possess
      bioactive properties such as antidegranulation in eosinophils, as well as anti
      edema, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. However, little is known about
      the molecular effects of MECF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation.
      Therefore, we investigated whether MECF affects the expression of inflammatory
      mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory
      effects of MECF, the cells were pretreated with MECF for 1 hour and then cultured
      with LPS for 24 hours. Our results indicate that MECF significantly attenuated
      secretion of LPS-induced inflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin
      E(2) (PGE(2)), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in RAW 264.7 cells.
      Additionally, LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of inducible NO synthase
      (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and TNF-alpha was decreased by pretreatment with
      MECF. These data indicate that MECF attenuates the expression of these
      inflammatory mediators at the transcriptional level. Therefore, we also
      investigated the effects of MECF on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity,
      which may be an important transcriptional factor for regulating the expression of
      iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-alpha mRNA. Our results showed that MECF reduced LPS-induced
      NF-kappaB activity via the suppression of nuclear translocation of the p50 and
      p65 NF-kappaB subunits and degradation of inhibitor of kappaB. In conclusion, we
      propose that MECF treatment down-regulates the expression and secretion of LPS
      induced inflammatory mediators by inhibiting NF-kappaB activity.

PMID- 22082065
TI  - Improved endothelial dysfunction by Cynanchum wilfordii in apolipoprotein E(-/-)
      mice fed a high fat/cholesterol diet.
AB  - Cynanchum wilfordii is used in traditional Chinese medicine with almost all parts
      of this plant considered beneficial for various vascular diseases. This study was
      performed to evaluate the effect of an ethanol extract of C. wilfordii (ECW) on
      vascular dysfunction in apolipoprotein E (apoE)(-/-) mice fed with high
      fat/cholesterol diets (HFCDs). The apoE(-/-) mice were fed HFCD consisting of
      7.5% cocoa butter and 1.25% cholesterol, with or without 100 or 200 mg/day/kg
      ECW. Chronic ECW treatment significantly lessened the level of low-density
      lipoprotein (P<.05) and elevated that of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
      (P<.01). Chronic ECW treatment normalized the HFCD-induced increase in systolic
      blood pressure, maintained smooth and soft intimal endothelial layers, and
      decreased intima-media thickness in aortic sections of HFCD-fed apoE(-/-) mice.
      ECW significantly restored the diet-induced decrease in vasorelaxation response
      to acetylcholine; however, the response to sodium nitroprusside did not change.
      ECW clearly restored the HFCD-induced reduction in endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase expression levels in aortic tissue, leading to decreased vascular
      inflammation through an inhibition of cellular adhesion molecules such as E
      selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intracellular adhesion molecule
      1 as well as endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression. In conclusion, ECW ameliorates
      endothelial dysfunction via improvement of the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP signaling
      pathway in a diet/genetic model of hyperlipidemia. ECW also substantially
      inhibited the development of atherosclerosis, possibly by inhibiting ET-1, cell
      adhesion molecules, and lesion formation, suggesting a vascular protective role
      for this herb in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic vascular
      disease.

PMID- 22082066
TI  - Inhibition of adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria to
      uroepithelial cells by extracts from cranberry.
AB  - Cranberry extract has been reported as a therapeutic agent, mainly in urinary
      tract infections due to its anti-adhesive capacity. In order to compare the
      effects of proanthocyanidin (procyanidin) (PAC)-standardized cranberry extracts
      and commercial PAC A2, we first investigated the presence of genes encoding known
      adhesins on 13 strains of uropathogenic strains coming from patients with
      cystisis. After this characterization, the anti-adhesive effects of PAC A2 were
      assayed on selected uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains before testing
      cranberry extracts. Before checking inhibitory effect on bacterial adhesion to
      cells, we showed that neither PAC A2 or three cranberry extracts (A, B, and C)
      specifically inhibited the growth and did not supply any potential nutrient to E.
      coli strains, including the unrelated control strain. PAC A2 exhibited an
      inhibitory effect on the adhesion of two selected uropathogenic strains of E.
      coli. This work also showed that a preliminary exposure of bacteria to PAC A2
      significantly reduced the adhesion. This phenomenon has been also observed with a
      lesser impact when uroepithelial cells were pretreated with PAC A2. Moreover, the
      assays were more robust when bacteria were in fast growing conditions
      (exponential phase): the adhesion to uroepithelial cells was greater. Significant
      reduction of adhesion to urepithelial cells was observed: around 80% of
      inhibition of adhesion with the cranberry extracts at equivalent PAC
      concentration of 50 MUg/mL. The effects of the different assayed extracts were
      not obviously different except for extract B, which inhibited approximately 55%
      of adhesion at an equivalent PAC concentration of 5 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22082067
TI  - Doenjang, a fermented soybean paste, decreased visceral fat accumulation and
      adipocyte size in rats fed with high fat diet more effectively than nonfermented
      soybeans.
AB  - Soybean is known to have an anti-obesity effect. We compared the anti-obesity
      effect of doenjang, a fermented soybean paste, with that of nonfermented soybeans
      in rats. Steamed soybeans and doenjang (steamed soybeans fermented and aged for
      10 months) were sampled and freeze-dried. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed basal
      (BA) (5% fat), high fat (HF) (30% fat), HF+steamed soybeans (SOY), or HF+doenjang
      (DJ) diet ad libitum for 8 weeks. HF significantly increased body weight gain,
      liver weight, hepatic triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels, and epididymal
      fat pad weight compared with BA. Compared with HF, body weight gain and hepatic
      TG and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in SOY and DJ groups, but they
      were not significantly different from each other. DJ significantly reduced
      visceral fat weight and epididymal adipocyte size compared with HF, whereas SOY
      resulted in a mild reduction without significance. This was possibly because DJ
      showed lowered fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity and elevated carnitine
      palmitoyltransferase (CPT)-1 activity in liver tissue more than SOY. SOY and DJ
      did not affect serum total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels
      compared with HF; however, DJ significantly lowered the atherogenic index and
      serum leptin level. In conclusion, doenjang, a fermented soybean product, was
      more effective than soybeans for preventing diet-induced visceral fat
      accumulation, possibly because of its greater effects on CPT-1 activity
      stimulation and FAS activity suppression. These effects may be due in part to the
      higher content of aglycone isoflavones in doenjang.

PMID- 22082068
TI  - Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of pumpkin seed oil.
AB  - Pumpkin seed oil is a natural product commonly used in folk medicine for
      treatment of prostatic hypertrophy. In the present study, the effects of
      treatment with pumpkin seed oil on hypertension induced by the nitric oxide
      synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)
      (50 mg /kg/day) in rats were studied and compared with those of the calcium
      channel blocker amlodipine. Pumpkin seed oil (40 or 100 mg/kg), amlodipine (0.9
      mg/kg), or vehicle (control) was given once daily orally for 6 weeks. Arterial
      blood pressure (BP), heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, levels of serum
      nitric oxide (NO) (the concentrations of nitrite/nitrate), plasma malondialdehyde
      (MDA), blood glutathione, and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase activity were
      measured. Histopathological examination of heart and aorta was conducted as well.
      L-NAME administration resulted in a significant increase in BP starting from the
      second week. Pumpkin seed oil or amlodipine treatment significantly reduced the
      elevation in BP by L-NAME and normalized the L-NAME-induced ECG changes-namely,
      prolongation of the RR interval, increased P wave duration, and ST elevation.
      Both treatments significantly decreased the elevated levels of MDA and reversed
      the decreased levels of NO metabolites to near normal values compared with the L
      NAME-treated group. Amlodipine also significantly increased blood glutathione
      content compared with normal (but not L-NAME-treated) rats. Pumpkin seed oil as
      well as amlodipine treatment protected against pathological alterations in heart
      and aorta induced by L-NAME. In conclusion, this study has shown that pumpkin
      seed oil exhibits an antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects through a
      mechanism that may involve generation of NO.

PMID- 22082069
TI  - Modifying effects of lemongrass essential oil on specific tissue response to the
      carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosurea in female BALB/c mice.
AB  - Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) essential oil has been used worldwide
      because of its ethnobotanical and medicinal usefulness. Regarding its medicinal
      usefulness, the present study evaluated the beneficial effects of lemongrass
      essential oil (LGEO) oral treatment on cell proliferation and apoptosis events
      and on early development of hyperplastic lesions in the mammary gland, colon, and
      urinary bladder induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in female BALB/c mice.
      The animals were allocated into three groups: G1, treated with LGEO vehicle for 5
      weeks (five times per week); G2, treated with LGEO vehicle as for G1 and MNU (two
      injections each of 30 mg/kg of body weight at weeks 3 and 5); and G3, treated
      with LGEO (five times each with 500 mg/kg of body weight per week) and MNU as for
      G2. Twenty-four hours after the last MNU application, all animals were
      euthanized, and mammary glands, colon, and urinary bladder were collected for
      histological and immunohistochemical analysis. LGEO oral treatment significantly
      changed the indexes of apoptosis and/or cellular proliferation for the tissues
      analyzed. In particular, the treatment reduced the incidence of hyperplastic
      lesions and increased apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells. This increment in
      the apoptosis response may be related to a favorable balance in Bcl-2/Bax
      immunoreactivity in mammary epithelial cells. These findings indicate that LGEO
      presented a protective role against early MNU-induced mammary gland alterations
      in BALB/c mice.

PMID- 22082070
TI  - Micromarrows--three-dimensional coculture of hematopoietic stem cells and
      mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant is a well established curative therapy
      for some hematological malignancies. However, achieving adequate supply of HSC
      from some donor tissues can limit both its application and ultimate efficacy. The
      theory that this limitation could be overcome by expanding the HSC population
      before transplantation has motivated numerous laboratories to develop ex vivo
      expansion processes. Pioneering work in this field utilized stromal cells as
      support cells in cocultures with HSC to mimic the HSC niche. We hypothesized that
      through translation of this classic coculture system to a three-dimensional (3D)
      structure we could better replicate the niche environment and in turn enhance HSC
      expansion. Herein we describe a novel high-throughput 3D coculture system where
      murine-derived HSC can be cocultured with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) in
      3D microaggregates--which we term "micromarrows." Micromarrows were formed using
      surface modified microwells and their ability to support HSC expansion was
      compared to classic two-dimensional (2D) cocultures. While both 2D and 3D systems
      provide only a modest total cell expansion in the minimally supplemented medium,
      the micromarrow system supported the expansion of approximately twice as many HSC
      candidates as the 2D controls. Histology revealed that at day 7, the majority of
      bound hematopoietic cells reside in the outer layers of the aggregate.
      Quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrates that MSC maintained in 3D
      aggregates express significantly higher levels of key hematopoietic niche factors
      relative to their 2D equivalents. Thus, we propose that the micromarrow platform
      represents a promising first step toward a high-throughput HSC 3D coculture
      system that may enable in vitro HSC niche recapitulation and subsequent extensive
      in vitro HSC self-renewal.

PMID- 22082071
TI  - Severe inflammatory reaction induced by peritoneal trauma is the key driving
      mechanism of postoperative adhesion formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many factors have been put forward as a driving mechanism of surgery
      triggered adhesion formation (AF). In this study, we underline the key role of
      specific surgical trauma related with open surgery (OS) and laparoscopic (LS)
      conditions in postoperative AF and we aimed to study peritoneal tissue
      inflammatory reaction (TIR), remodelling specific complications of open surgery
      (OS) versus LS and subsequently evaluating AF induced by these conditions.
      METHODS: A prospective randomized study was done in 80 anaesthetised female
      Wistar rats divided equally into 2 groups. Specific traumatic OS conditions were
      induced by midline incision line (MIL) extension and tissue drying and specific
      LS conditions were remodelled by intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation at the 10 cm of
      water. TIR was evaluated at the 24th, 72nd, 120th and 168th hour by scoring
      scale. Statistical analysis was performed by the non-parametric t test and two
      way ANOVA using Bonferroni post-tests. RESULTS: More pronounced residual TIR was
      registered after OS than after LS. There were no significant TIR interactions
      though highly significant differences were observed between the OS and LS groups
      (p < 0.0001) with regard to surgical and time factors. The TIR change differences
      between the OS and LS groups were pronounced with postoperative time p < 0.05 at
      the 24th and 72nd; p < 0.01--120th and p < 0.001--168th hrs. Adhesion free wounds
      were observed in 20.0 and 31.0% of cases after creation of OS and LS conditions
      respectively; with no significant differences between these values (p > 0.05).
      However larger adhesion size (41.67 +/- 33.63) was observed after OS in
      comparison with LS (20.31 +/- 16.38). The upper-lower 95% confidential limits
      ranged from 60.29 to 23.04 and from 29.04 to 11.59 respectively after OS and LS
      groups with significant differences (p = 0.03). Analogous changes were observed
      in adhesion severity values. Subsequently, severe TIR parameters were followed by
      larger sizes of severe postoperative adhesions in the OS group than those
      observed in the LS group. CONCLUSIONS: MIL extension and tissue drying seem to be
      the key factors in the pathogenesis of adhesion formation, triggering severe
      inflammatory reactions of the peritoneal tissue surrounding the MIL resulting in
      local and systemic consequences. CO2 insufflation however, led to moderate
      inflammation and less adhesion formation.

PMID- 22082072
TI  - Improving the United States airline industry's capacity to provide safe and
      dignified services to travelers with disabilities: focus group findings.
AB  - PURPOSE: As a component of a training development project for intercity air
      travel providers, we investigated the capacity of the airline industry to meet
      the needs of travelers with disabilities by exploring: (1) the level of
      sensitivity among personnel to travelers' needs, (2) training currently provided,
      (3) areas in which additional training might be beneficial, and (4)
      organisational/systems-level commitment to dignified assistance to all travelers.
      METHOD: Forty-four airline/vendor employees participated in nine focus groups in
      four US cities. Groups were audio recorded and transcribed. A grounded-theory
      approach was used to develop a coding system which was then applied to
      transcripts to identify themes. RESULTS: Factors influencing capacity grouped
      broadly into four areas: characteristics of the job/system, characteristics of
      current training, characteristics of providers themselves, and characteristics of
      travelers. At an interpersonal level, providers were empathetic and desired to
      provide dignified services. They lacked training and adequate equipment in some
      cases, however, and organisational commitment varied between companies. Traveler
      characteristics were also shown to impact service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      are promising but additional regulatory and organisational policies are needed to
      ensure quality services. Providers and consumers of intercity air travel services
      may benefit from the findings and recommendations of this study.

PMID- 22082073
TI  - Family members' report on speech-language pathology and community services for
      persons with aphasia in Hong Kong.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigates (a) the provision of speech-language pathology
      (SLP) services and community resources in Hong Kong for persons with aphasia
      (PWA) and their families and (b) family members' perception of the service
      quality. METHODS: A self-administered 42-item questionnaire was distributed in
      two community support groups. The questions included information on the
      demography data of the PWAs, details of the SLP services and family members'
      perception of PWAs' satisfaction with the hospital-based services and resources
      in community support groups. RESULTS: Results from 37 completed questionnaires
      indicated most inpatient and outpatient SLP sessions were delivered weekly and
      monthly, respectively, in fewer than 30 min. The primary foci of these sessions
      were assessment and treatment of aphasia. While professional SLP services were
      unavailable in support groups, the activities attended most frequently by the
      PWAs and their families were communication groups and social gatherings,
      respectively. Overall satisfaction was highest with support groups, followed by
      hospital-based inpatient and outpatient services. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      provide commentary on the existing practices of post-stroke aphasia management in
      Hong Kong, and will provide new insights into the clinical care of the PWAs and
      their families. Such knowledge can allow better planning of resource and manpower
      allocation for aphasia rehabilitation.

PMID- 22082074
TI  - Feed-forward neural network assisted by discriminant analysis for the
      spectroscopic discriminantion of cracked spores Ganoderma lucidum: A prospective
      biotechnology production tool.
AB  - A major problem for manufacturers of cracked spores Ganoderma lucidum, a
      traditional functional food/Chinese medicine (TCM), is to ensure that raw
      materials are consistent as received from the producer. To address this, a feed
      forward artificial neural network (ANN) method assisted by linear discriminant
      analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis (PCA) was developed for the
      spectroscopic discrimination of cracked spores of Ganoderma lucidum from
      uncracked spores. 120 samples comprising cracked spores, uncracked spores and
      concentrate of Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed. Differences in the absorption
      spectra located at nu1 (1143 - 1037 cm-1), nu2 (1660 - 1560 cm-1), nu3 (1745 -
      1716 cm-1) and nu4 (2845 - 2798 cm-1) were identified by applying fourier
      transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and used as variables for discriminant
      analysis. The utilization of spectra frequencies offered maximum chemical
      information provided by the absorption spectra. Uncracked spores gave rise to
      characteristic spectrum that permitted discrimination from its cracked physical
      state. Parallel application of variables derived from unsupervised LDA/PCA
      provided useful (feed-forward) information to achieve 100% classification
      integrity objective in ANN. 100% model validation was obtained by utilizing 30
      independent samples. nu1 was used to construct the matrix-matched calibration
      curve (n = 10) based on 4 levels of concentration (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%
      uncracked spores in cracked spores). A coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.97 was
      obtained. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of 11% was achieved using 100%
      uncracked spores (n = 30). These results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing
      a combination of spectroscopy and prospective statistical tools to perform non
      destructive food quality assessment in a high throughput environment.

PMID- 22082075
TI  - Interventricular septal mass in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that may involve multiple organ systems.
      The prognosis of sarcoidosis is influenced by the presence and severity of
      cardiac lesions. Thinning of the wall in the ventricular septum has often been
      reported, whereas an interventricular septal mass is rare. We describe a case of
      cardiac sarcoidosis resulting in a myocardial mass in the basal portion of the
      interventricular septum that was sensitive to corticosteroid treatment.

PMID- 22082076
TI  - Porous one-dimensional nanostructures through confined cooperative self-assembly.
AB  - We report a simple confined self-assembly process to synthesize nanoporous one
      dimensional photoactive nanostructures. Through surfactant-assisted cooperative
      interactions (e.g., pi-pi stacking, ligand coordination, and so forth) of the
      macrocyclic building block, zinc meso-tetra (4-pyridyl) porphyrin (ZnTPyP), self
      assembled ZnTPyP nanowires and nanorods with controlled diameters and aspect
      ratios are prepared. Electron microscopy characterization in combination with X
      ray diffraction and gas sorption experiments indicate that these materials
      exhibit stable single-crystalline and high surface area nanoporous frameworks
      with well-defined external morphology. Optical characterizations using UV-vis
      spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy show enhanced collective
      optical properties over the individual chromophores (ZnTPyP), favorable for
      exciton formation and transport.

PMID- 22082077
TI  - Review: unchained maladie - a reassessment of the role of Ubb(+1) -capped
      polyubiquitin chains in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Molecular misreading allows the formation of mutant proteins in the absence of
      gene mutations. A mechanism has been proposed by which a frameshift mutant of the
      ubiquitin protein, Ubb(+1) , which accumulates in an age-dependent manner as a
      result of molecular misreading, contributes to neuropathology in Alzheimer's
      disease (Lam et al. 2000). Specifically, in the Ubb(+1) -mediated proteasome
      inhibition hypothesis Ubb(+1) 'caps' unanchored (that is, nonsubstrate linked)
      polyubiquitin chains, which then act as dominant inhibitors of the 26S
      proteasome. A review of subsequent literature indicates that this original
      hypothesis is broadly supported, and offers new insights into the mechanisms
      accounting for the age-dependent accumulation of Ubb(+1) , and how Ubb(+1) 
      mediated proteasome inhibition may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Further,
      recent studies have highlighted a physiological role for free endogenous
      unanchored polyubiquitin chains in the direct activation of certain protein
      kinases. This raises the possibility that Ubb(+1) -capped unanchored
      polyubiquitin chains could also exert harmful effects through the aberrant
      activation of tau or other ubiquitin-dependent kinases, neuronal NF-kappaB
      activity or NF-kappaB-mediated neuroinflammatory processes.

PMID- 22082078
TI  - Experimental evidence for a phylogenetic Janzen-Connell effect in a subtropical
      forest.
AB  - Observational evidence increasingly suggests that the Janzen-Connell effect
      extends beyond the species boundary. However, this has not been confirmed
      experimentally. Herein, we present both observational and experimental evidence
      for a phylogenetic Janzen-Connell effect. In a subtropical forest in Guangdong
      province, China, we observed that co-occurring tree species are less
      phylogenetically related than expected. The inhibition effects of neighbouring
      trees on seedling survival decreased with increasing phylogenetic distance
      between them. In a shade-house experiment, we studied seedling survival of eight
      species on soil collected close to Castanopsis fissa relative to their survival
      on soil close to their own adult trees, and found that this relative survival
      rate increased with phylogenetic distance from C. fissa. This phylogenetic signal
      disappeared when seedlings were planted in fungicide-treated soil. Our results
      clearly support negative effects of phylogenetically similar neighbouring trees
      on seedling survival and suggest that these effects are caused by associated host
      specific fungal pathogens.

PMID- 22082079
TI  - A model-based approach to long-term recovery of limb apraxia after stroke.
AB  - Limb apraxia is a disorder affecting performance of gestures on verbal command
      (pantomime), on imitation, and/or in tool and action recognition. We aimed to
      examine recovery on tasks assessing both conceptual and production aspects of
      limb praxis in left (n = 22) and right (n = 15) stroke patients. Patients were
      assessed longitudinally on four conceptual tasks (action identification, tool
      naming by action, tool identification, and tool naming) and five production tasks
      (pantomime, pantomime by picture, concurrent imitation, delayed imitation, and
      tool use). They were grouped as impaired or not relative to the performance of a
      control sample (n = 27) and as acute-subacute (first assessment within 3 months
      post stroke) or chronic (over 3 months post stroke). Hierarchical linear modeling
      was used to analyze the data. Acute-subacute and chronic patients had similar
      average performance. All tasks, except action identification, showed evidence of
      recovery in both acute and chronic impaired patients. A faster rate of recovery
      among acute-subacute patients was observed only in the two pantomime tasks
      (action identification and tool identification were not compared on this factor).

PMID- 22082080
TI  - Glucose regulation is associated with attentional control performances in
      nondiabetic older adults.
AB  - Less efficient glucose regulation, the ability to metabolize glucose, has been
      associated with poorer cognitive performances in older individuals not meeting
      criteria for type 2 diabetes ( Messier, Tsiakas, Gagnon, & Desrochers, 2010 ).
      Yet, the influence of glucose regulation on attentional functions, which are
      sensitive to aging, is still unclear. The present study examined the relationship
      between glucose regulation and performances on attentional tasks in nondiabetic
      older adults. Twenty-two participants (60 years and older) were tested on
      neuropsychological tests of attention (Trail Making test, modified Stroop test)
      and on a computerized dual task, after receiving a 50-g glucose drink.
      Participants with the worse glucose regulation committed more errors on the
      switching condition of the modified Stroop test (p < .05) and tended to make more
      errors in divided-attention trials of the computerized dual task (p = .05).
      Altogether, these results suggest that glucose regulation may transiently
      influence performances of metabolically healthy older adults on tasks requiring
      switching attention.

PMID- 22082081
TI  - Italian norms for the Freedman version of the Clock Drawing Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a valid screening tool for the
      evaluation of cognitive decline. This study aimed to compute standardized norms
      for the Freedman version of the CDT in a population of 248 healthy Italian
      individuals aged from 20 to 89 years. METHOD: The effects of age, education, and
      gender on performance were assessed. Three conditions were administered: free
      drawn clock (FD), which required participants to draw the contour, numbers,
      hands, and center of the clock; predrawn clock (PD), in which numbers, hands, and
      center had to be included in a predrawn contour; examiner-drawn clock (ED), in
      which only hands and center had to be inserted in a template including a predrawn
      contour and numbers. Scores for each of the single conditions and a total score
      were calculated. RESULTS: Age had no effect on the FD condition, whereas a
      significant effect of age was found for the PD and ED conditions and the total
      score. Gender and education had no influence on any of the scores. Correction
      grids, cutoffs, and equivalent scores were computed. CONCLUSION: Standardized
      norms for the Freedman version of the CDT were collected in a large sample of
      healthy individuals. No adjustments were required for scores on the free-drawn
      condition, whereas raw scores on the predrawn and examiner-drawn conditions and
      the total score needed adjustments to account for age effects. The availability
      of standardized norms for this version of the CDT could increase the use of this
      comprehensive tool in the detection of dementia.

PMID- 22082082
TI  - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normative study for the Portuguese
      population.
AB  - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief cognitive screening
      instrument with good psychometric features and an excellent sensitivity in the
      early detection of mild cognitive decline. The MoCA was applied to a community
      based sample of cognitively healthy adults (n = 650), stratified according to
      sociodemographic variables (age, gender, educational level, geographic region,
      geographic localization, and residence area), with a distribution similar to that
      observed in the Portuguese population. The normative data were determined
      according to age and education as these were the sociodemographic variables that
      most significantly contributed to the prediction of the MoCA scores, explaining
      49% of their variance.

PMID- 22082083
TI  - Effects of immunosuppressive drugs on the cognitive functioning of renal
      transplant recipients: a pilot study.
AB  - Some renal transplant patients show cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes
      as part of possible neurotoxic effects associated with immunosuppressive
      medication, especially tacrolimus. This study evaluated effects of
      immunosuppressive drugs on some cognitive tasks. Patients treated with sirolimus
      and cyclosporine reported some of the noncognitive side effects related to
      immunosuppressive treatment. We observed attention and working memory impairment
      in patients treated with sirolimus or tacrolimus. Performance of cyclosporine
      treated subjects was similar to that of healthy volunteer controls. Since the
      mood, anxiety, and sleep patterns measured were unaffected, it could be concluded
      that the cognitive deficit found was partly related to treatment.

PMID- 22082084
TI  - Executive functions, categorization of probabilities, and learning from feedback:
      what does really matter for decision making under explicit risk conditions?
AB  - In two experiments with healthy subjects, we used the Game of Dice Task (GDT),
      the Probability-Associated Gambling (PAG) task, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), and
      executive-function and logical thinking tasks to shed light on the underlying
      processes of decision making under risk. Results indicate that handling
      probabilities, as in the PAG task, is an important ingredient of GDT performance.
      Executive functions and logical thinking also play major roles in deciding in the
      GDT. Implicit feedback learning, as measured by the IGT, has little impact.
      Results suggest that good probability handling may compensate for the effects of
      weak executive functions in decisions under risk.

PMID- 22082085
TI  - Plasmacytoma of the skull.

PMID- 22082087
TI  - Coordination and organometallic chemistry of relevance to the rhodium-based
      catalyst for ethylene hydroamination.
AB  - The RhCl(3).3H(2)O/PPh(3)/nBu(4)PI catalytic system for the hydroamination of
      ethylene by aniline is shown to be thermally stable by a recycle experiment and
      by a kinetic profile study. The hypothesis of the reduction under catalytic
      conditions to a Rh(I) species is supported by the observation of a high catalytic
      activity for complex [RhI(PPh(3))(2)](2). New solution equilibrium studies on
      [RhX(PPh(3))(2)](2) (X = Cl, I) in the presence of ligands of relevance to the
      catalytic reaction (PPh(3), C(2)H(4), PhNH(2), X(-), and the model Et(2)NH amine)
      are reported. Complex [RhCl(PPh(3))(2)](2) shows broadening of the (31)P NMR
      signal upon addition of PhNH(2), indicating rapid equilibrium with a less
      thermodynamically stable adduct. The reaction with Et(2)NH gives extensive
      conversion into cis-RhCl(PPh(3))(2)(NHEt(2)), which is however in equilibrium
      with the starting material and free Et(2)NH. Excess NHEt(2) yields a H-bonded
      adduct cis-RhCl(PPh(3))(2)(Et(2)NH)...NHEt(2), in equilibrium with the
      precursors, as shown by IR spectroscopy. The iodide analogue [RhI(PPh(3))(2)](2)
      shows less pronounced reactions (no change with PhNH(2), less extensive addition
      of Et(2)NH with formation of cis-RhI(PPh(3))(2)(NHEt(2)), less extensive reaction
      of the latter with additional Et(2)NH to yield cis
      RhI(PPh(3))(2)(Et(2)NH)...NHEt(2). The two [RhX(PPh(3))(2)](2) compounds do not
      show any evidence for addition of the corresponding X(-) to yield a putative
      [RhX(2)(PPh(3))(2)](-) adduct. The product of C(2)H(4) addition to
      [RhI(PPh(3))(2)](2), trans-RhI(PPh(3))(2)(C(2)H(4)), has been characterized in
      solution. Treatment of the RhCl(3).3H(2)O/PPh(3)/nBu(4)PI/PhNH(2) mixture under
      catalytic conditions yields mostly [RhCl(PPh(3))(2)](2), and no significant
      halide exchange, demonstrating that the promoting effect of iodide must take
      place at the level of high energy catalytic intermediates. The equilibria have
      also been investigated at the computational level by DFT with treatment at the
      full QM level including solvation effects. The calculations confirm that the
      bridge splitting reaction is slightly less favorable for the iodido derivative.
      Overall, the study confirms the active role of rhodium(I) species in ethylene
      hydroamination catalyzed by RhCl(3).3H(2)O/PPh(3)/nBu(4)PI and suggest that the
      catalyst resting state is [RhCl(PPh(3))(2)](2) or its C(2)H(4) adduct,
      RhCl(PPh(3))(2)(C(2)H(4)), under high ethylene pressure.

PMID- 22082086
TI  - The novel allele HLA-B*35:167 differs from HLA-B*35:03:01 by the amino acid
      exchange Val152Glu.
AB  - HLA-B*35:167 allele differs from HLA-B*35:03:01 and HLA-B*35:70 by an amino acid
      exchange at position 152.

PMID- 22082088
TI  - Slice orientation and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation determine the
      involvement of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN2B in hippocampal area
      CA1 long-term depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of different GluN2 subunits of the N-methyl D
      aspartate (NMDA) receptor to the induction of bidirectional hippocampal synaptic
      plasticity is a controversial topic. As both supporting and refuting evidence for
      the hypothesis of subunit specialization in opposing directions of plasticity has
      accumulated since it was first proposed a few years ago, we hypothesize that
      differences in experimental conditions may have in part contributed to some of
      the inconsistent results from these studies. Here we investigate the
      controversial hypothesis that long-term depression (LTD) is preferentially
      induced by GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in area CA1 of hippocampal slices.
      RESULTS: We find that brain slices from 2-3 week old rats prepared in the
      sagittal orientation have GluN2B-independent LTD whereas slices prepared in the
      coronal orientation have GluN2B-dependent LTD. There was no difference between
      the orientations in the fraction of the NMDAR EPSC sensitive to a GluN2B
      selective antagonist, leading us to believe that the intracellular signaling
      properties of the NMDARs were different in the two preparations. Coronal slices
      had greater association of LTD-related intracellular signaling protein RasGRF1
      with GluN2B relative to sagittal slices. Antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine
      receptors (mAChRs) in the sagittal slices returned LTD to a GluN2B-dependent form
      and increased the association of GluN2B with RasGRF1. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest a novel form of NMDAR modulation by mAChRs and clarify some disagreement
      in the literature.

PMID- 22082090
TI  - Ultrafast transient optical studies of charge pair generation and recombination
      in poly-3-hexylthiophene(P3ht):[6,6]phenyl C61 butyric methyl acid ester (PCBM)
      blend films.
AB  - Charge generation and recombination are studied in blend films of poly-3
      hexylthiophene (P3HT) and [6,6']phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) using
      ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. We find that the charge generation
      yield depends upon both blend film composition and thermal annealing. The data
      suggest that recombination occurs over a wide range of time scales and that, in
      the least favorable cases, the fastest charge recombination occurs on a time
      scale similar to exciton diffusion. The results are explained using a simple
      model that incorporates the effect of P3HT domain size on exciton diffusion and
      uses empirical models of recombination kinetics. We propose our method as a route
      to interpretation of spectroscopic data where different processes occur on
      similar time scales.

PMID- 22082089
TI  - Double-blind placebo-controlled evaluation of the PROMETATM protocol for
      methamphetamine dependence.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PROMETATM Protocol for treating
      methamphetamine dependence. DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled 108-day
      study with random assignment to one of two study conditions: active medication
      with flumazenil (2 mg infusions on days 1, 2, 3, 22, 23), gabapentin (1200 mg to
      day 40) and hydroxazine (50 mg to day 10) versus placebo medication (with active
      hydroxazine only). SETTING: Three substance abuse treatment clinics: two in
      patient, one out-patient. PARTICIPANTS: Treatment-seeking, methamphetamine
      dependent adults (n = 120). MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was percentage of urine
      samples testing negative for methamphetamine during the trial. FINDINGS: No
      statistically significant between-group differences were detected in urine drug
      test results, craving, treatment retention or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The
      PROMETA protocol, consisting of flumazenil, gabapentin and hydroxyzine, appears
      to be no more effective than placebo in reducing methamphetamine use, retaining
      patients in treatment or reducing methamphetamine craving.

PMID- 22082092
TI  - E pluribus plurima: multidimensional indices and clinical phenotypes in COPD.

PMID- 22082093
TI  - One-step fabrication of biocompatible chitosan-coated ZnS and ZnS:Mn2+ quantum
      dots via a gamma-radiation route.
AB  - Biocompatible chitosan-coated ZnS quantum dots [CS-ZnS QDs] and chitosan-coated
      ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots [CS-ZnS:Mn2+ QDs] were successfully fabricated via a
      convenient one-step gamma-radiation route. The as-obtained QDs were around 5 nm
      in diameter with excellent water-solubility. These QDs emitting strong visible
      blue or orange light under UV excitation were successfully used as labels for
      PANC-1 cells. The cell experiments revealed that CS-ZnS and CS-ZnS:Mn2+ QDs
      showed low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility, which offered possibilities
      for further biomedical applications. Moreover, this convenient synthesis strategy
      could be extended to fabricate other nanoparticles coated with chitosan.PACS:
      81.07.Ta; 78.67.Hc; 82.35.Np; 87.85.Rs.

PMID- 22082094
TI  - Is it time for new initiatives in the blood center and/or the hospital to reduce
      bacterial risk of platelets?

PMID- 22082095
TI  - Test-enhanced learning in the classroom: long-term improvements from quizzing.
AB  - Three experiments examined whether quizzing promotes learning and retention of
      material from a social studies course with sixth grade students from a suburban
      middle school. The material used in the experiments was the course material
      students were to learn and some of the dependent measures were the actual tests
      on which students received grades. In within-subject designs, students received
      three low-stakes multiple-choice quizzes in Experiments 1 and 2 and performance
      on quizzed items was compared to that on items that were presented twice
      (Experiment 2) or items that were not presented on the initial quizzes
      (Experiments 1 and 2). We found that students' performance on both chapter exams
      and semester exams improved following quizzing relative to either not being
      quizzed or relative to the twice-presented items. In Experiment 3, students were
      given one multiple-choice quiz in class and encouraged to quiz themselves outside
      of class using a Web-based system. The assessment in this experiment was a short
      answer test in which students had to produce answers, but we also used multiple
      choice tests. Once again, we found that quizzing of material produced a positive
      effect on chapter and semester exams. These results show the robustness of
      retrieval practice via testing as a learning mechanism in a classroom setting
      using the subject matter of the course and (in most cases) the tests on which
      students received grades as the dependent measures. Our results add to a growing
      body of evidence that retrieval practice in the classroom can boost academic
      performance.

PMID- 22082096
TI  - Antidiarrheal activity of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extract in rats.
AB  - In Jordan, the leaves of Laurus nobilis (Family Lauraceae) have been used in folk
      medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, among other ailments. However, the
      ethnopharmacology of this plant needs to be scientifically validated. The present
      work was carried out to evaluate the scientific basis of the antidiarrheal effect
      of the aqueous extract of L. nobilis leaf. L. nobilis leaf extract significantly
      inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea (effective concentration producing 50% of
      the maximum response [EC(50)]=150+/-6.4 mg/kg) and reduced castor oil-induced
      enteropooling in rats (EC(50)=162+/-5.9 mg/kg). The extract also significantly
      inhibited intestinal transit of a charcoal meal and exerted a significant dose
      dependent relaxation (EC(50)=71+/-5.3 mg/mL) on rat ileal smooth muscle. The
      aqueous extract tested positive for flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. These
      results established the efficacy of L. nobilis leaf aqueous extract as an
      antidiarrheal agent and are consistent with the popular use of the plant in the
      treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhea.

PMID- 22082097
TI  - The hexane extract of Saussurea lappa and its active principle, dehydrocostus
      lactone, inhibit prostate cancer cell migration.
AB  - Saussurea lappa has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment
      of abdominal pain, tenesmus, nausea, and cancer; previous studies have shown that
      S. lappa also induces G(2) growth arrest and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.
      In this study, we investigated the effects of hexane extracts of S. lappa (HESLs)
      on the migration of DU145 and TRAMP-C2 prostate cancer cells. DU145 and TRAMP-C2
      cells were cultured in the presence of 0-4 MUg/mL HESL with or without 10 ng/mL
      epidermal growth factor (EGF). HESL inhibited the basal and EGF-induced migration
      of prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas HESL did not
      influence the viability of these cancer cells under the conditions used in this
      study. Active fractions of HESL were separated via column chromatography, and the
      structure of the active principle was determined using (1)H and (13)C nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The active compound, dehydrocostus lactone
      (DHCL), in fraction 7 dose-dependently inhibited the basal and EGF-induced
      migration of prostate cancer cells. HESL and DHCL reduced matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1
      secretion but increased TIMP-2 levels in both the absence and presence of EGF.
      Our results demonstrate that the inhibition of MMP-9 secretion and the
      stimulation of TIMP-2 secretion contribute to reduced migration of DU145 cells
      treated with HESL and DHCL. These results indicate that HESL containing its
      active principle, DHCL, has potential as an antimetastatic agent for the
      treatment of prostate cancer.

PMID- 22082098
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activity of Pistacia khinjuk in different experimental models:
      isolation and characterization of its flavonoids and galloylated sugars.
AB  - The present study aimed at isolating and elucidating the structure of the main
      components of Pistacia khinjuk L. and exploring its potential anti-inflammatory
      effect in different experimental models. The extract was evaluated for anti
      inflammatory activity by measuring paw volume in three experimental models. Then,
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level, ear edema, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity,
      histopathology, nitric oxide (NO) level, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) level were assessed. Seven phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids and
      galloylated compounds, were isolated from the aqueous methanol extract: gallic
      acid (1), methyl gallate (2), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-4C1-galactopyranoside
      (hyperin) (3), myricetin-3-O-alpha-L-1C4-rhamnopyranoside (myricitrin) (4), 1,6
      digalloyl-beta-D-glucose (5), 1,4-digalloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), and 2,3
      di-O-galloyl-(alpha/beta)-4C1-glucopyranose (nilocitin) (7). The anti
      inflammatory activity was evidenced by decreased carrageenan-induced rat paw
      edema and PGE2 elevation. In the croton oil-induced ear edema model, MPO activity
      was significantly inhibited, and inflammatory histopathological changes were
      ameliorated. In the rat air pouch model, NO generation and TNF-alpha release were
      significantly inhibited. The isolation and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral
      data of compound 6 from the genus Pistacia are revealed for the first time. Also,
      P. khinjuk L. aqueous methanol extract possesses anti-inflammatory activity in
      several experimental models.

PMID- 22082099
TI  - Antioxidant and vasodilatory effects of blackberry and grape wines.
AB  - In contrast to the well-described various biological effects of grape wines, the
      potential effects of commonly consumed blackberry wine have not been studied. We
      examined in vitro antioxidant and vasodilatory effects of four blackberry wines
      and compared them with the effects of two red and two white grape wines. Although
      some blackberry wines had lower total phenolic content relative to the red grape
      wines, their antioxidant capacity was stronger, which may be related to a higher
      content of non-flavonoid compounds (most notably gallic acid) in blackberry
      wines. Although maximal vasodilation induced by blackberry wines was generally
      similar to that of red wines, blackberry wines were less potent vasodilators.
      Vasodilatory activity of all wines, in addition to their flavonoid and total
      phenolic content, was most significantly associated with their content of
      anthocyanins. No association of vasodilation with any individual polyphenolic
      compound was found. Our results indicate the biological potential of blackberry
      wines, which deserves deeper scientific attention.

PMID- 22082100
TI  - Anti-Candida activity of Mentha arvensis and Turnera ulmifolia.
AB  - Candidiasis is the most frequent infection by opportunistic fungi, frequently
      caused by Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida
      glabrata, and Candida krusei. Mentha arvensis L. is a herbaceous plant that
      occurs throughout South America and is used as a tea and in the folk medicine.
      Turnera ulmifolia L. is already known to be of medicinal value. Ethanol extracts
      from M. arvensis and T. ulmifolia were assayed for antifungal activity against
      strains of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei. No clinically relevant
      antifungal activity was demonstrated by the extracts; however, a potentiation
      effect was observed when the extracts were applied with metronidazole against C.
      tropicalis. M. arvensis and T. ulmifolia could represent a source of natural
      products with modifying antifungal activity.

PMID- 22082101
TI  - Effect of the edible mushroom Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii on transient global
      ischemia-induced monoamine metabolism changes in rat cerebral cortex.
AB  - We performed a transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion on rats and
      investigated whether feeding an aqueous extract of Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii,
      an edible mushroom, affected metabolism of monoamines in the cerebral cortex,
      possibly protecting against ischemic damage. Seventeen days after the surgery,
      concentrations of the dopamine (DA) metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid
      (DOPAC) and of homovanillic acid (HVA) in the cerebral cortex of the M.
      aitchisonii-fed group (MV) were higher than in the control ischemia (CV) group.
      The turnover rate of DA, which was indicated by (DOPAC+HVA)/DA, for the CV group
      was significantly lower than for the MV group, and the MV group value was the
      same rate as the sham-operated group. These data indicate that M. aitchisonii
      affects the dopaminergic neuronal system following brain ischemia damage in the
      cerebral cortex.

PMID- 22082102
TI  - The bioactive potential of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) leaves in exhibiting
      cytotoxic and cytoprotective activity on human laryngeal carcinoma and colon
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - In this article, the bioactive potential of red raspberry leaves, a by-product of
      this widely spread plant, mostly valued for its antioxidant-rich fruits, was
      determined. The polyphenolic profile and antioxidative properties of red
      raspberry leaf extract were determined and examined for potential biological
      activity. Cytotoxic effect, antioxidative/prooxidative effect, and effect on
      total glutathione concentration were determined in human laryngeal carcinoma
      (HEp2) and colon adenocarcinoma (SW 480) cell lines. SW 480 cells are more
      susceptible to raspberry leaf extract in comparison with HEp2 cells. The
      antioxidative nature of raspberry leaf extract was detected in HEp2 cells treated
      with hydrogen peroxide, as opposed to SW 480 cells, where raspberry leaf extract
      induced reactive oxygen species formation. Raspberry leaf extract increased total
      glutathione level in HEp2 cells. This effect was reinforced after 24 hours of
      recovery, indicating that induction was caused by products formed during cellular
      metabolism of compounds present in the extract. Comparison of the results
      obtained on these two cell lines indicates that cellular response to raspberry
      extract will depend on the type of the cells that are exposed to it. The results
      obtained confirmed the biological activity of red raspberry leaf polyphenols and
      showed that this traditional plant can supplement the daily intake of valuable
      natural antioxidants, which exhibit beneficial health effects.

PMID- 22082103
TI  - Repeated cerebral ischemia caused by extracranial carotid artery dolichoectasia.
AB  - We report the case of a 67-year-old man with repeating cerebral embolism caused
      by a dolichoectatic right common carotid artery. The patient had a history of
      hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, and a postoperative
      abdominal aortic aneurysm. He presented with a sudden onset of weakness of the
      left arm and leg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed old and fresh infarction in
      the right cerebral hemisphere. Carotid duplex ultrasonography showed a
      dolichoectatic right common carotid artery with a maximum diameter of 39 mm with
      thick plaque and strong spontaneous echo contrast. The flow velocity was
      considerably reduced, which caused thrombus formation, and strong antithrombotic
      therapy was required. This case provides a rare example of ischemic stroke caused
      by extracranial carotid artery dolichoectasia. 

PMID- 22082104
TI  - Synchronized release of Doxil and Nutlin-3 by remote degradation of
      polysaccharide matrices and its possible use in the local treatment of colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - A novel approach to the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence by the
      local, luminal application of the combined therapies: Nutlin-3 (NUT) and the
      liposomal preparation of doxorubicin, Doxil(*) (Doxil) is presented here. The two
      drug entities were loaded into calcium alginate beads, engineered to erode upon
      exposure to a de-crosslinking agent, to allow for the controlled, concomitant
      release of the two. The synchronized release-driven improved cytotoxicity of NUT
      and Doxil was tested in vitro in RKO (wild-type p53) and HT-29 (mutant p53) CRC
      cells, by measuring intracellular expression of p53, p21 and Mdm2, as well as
      monitoring cell proliferation and viable cell numbers. NUT treatment alone was
      identified to be cytotoxic exclusively towards RKO cells. However,
      coadministration of NUT enhanced Doxil's anti-proliferative effects and cell
      death induction in a synergistic manner in both cell types. It was also
      identified that combinatorial treatment in a wt p53 context affected the p53
      pathway by elevating the expression of p53 and its target p21. The capability of
      the formulation to erode in the presence of a de-crosslinking agent was
      demonstrated in vivo in the cecum of the anesthetized rat using indomethacin as a
      poorly water-soluble PK probe.

PMID- 22082105
TI  - Biological evaluation of RGDfK-gold nanorod conjugates for prostate cancer
      treatment.
AB  - Selective delivery of gold nanorods (GNRs) to sites of prostate tumor
      angiogenesis is potentially advantageous for localized photothermal therapy.
      Here, we report the cellular uptake and biodistribution of GNRs surface
      functionalized with the cyclic RGDfK peptide. The GNRs were synthesized to have a
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 800?nm and grafted with a thiolated
      poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) corona with or without RGDfK. The binding and uptake
      of the targeted (RGDfK) and untargeted GNRs were evaluated in DU145 prostate
      cancer and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by high-resolution dark
      field microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biodistribution of both GNRs was then
      evaluated in prostate tumor bearing mice. Targeting of the RGDfK surface-modified
      GNRs was confirmed in vitro due to selective binding and uptake by endothelial
      cells. Tumor targeting was not observed in vivo, however, due to fast clearance
      of the RGDfK-GNRs from the blood. Further modifications of the nanoparticle?s
      surface properties are needed to enhance localization of the targetable system in
      sites of tumor angiogenesis.

PMID- 22082106
TI  - The diffusion of telehealth in rural American Indian communities: a retrospective
      survey of key stakeholders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mental health issues are a serious concern for many American Indian
      Veterans, especially for post-traumatic stress disorder and related psychiatric
      conditions. Yet, acquiring mental health treatment can be a challenge in Native
      communities where specialized services are largely unavailable. Consequently,
      telehealth is increasingly being suggested as a way to expand healthcare access
      on or near reservation lands. In this study, we wanted to understand the factors
      affecting the diffusion of telehealth clinics that provided mental health care to
      rural, American Indian Veterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed 39 key
      personnel and stakeholders who were involved in the decision-making process,
      technological infrastructure, and implementation of three clinics. Using Roger
      Everett's Diffusion Theory as a framework, we gathered information about specific
      tasks, factors hindering progress, and personal reactions to telehealth both
      before and after implementation. RESULTS: Many participants expressed initial
      concerns about using telehealth; however, most became positive over time. Factors
      that influenced participants' viewpoint largely included patient and staff
      feedback and witnessing the fulfillment of a community health need. The use of
      outside information to support the implementation of the clinics and personal
      champions also showed considerable influence in the clinics' success. CONCLUSION:
      The findings presented here address critical gaps in our understanding of
      telehealth diffusion and inform research strategies regarding the cultural issues
      and outcomes related to telemental health services. Information contained in this
      report serves as a long overdue guide for developing telemental health programs
      and policies among American Indians, specifically, and rural populations in
      general.

PMID- 22082107
TI  - Barriers to telemedicine: survey of current users in acute care units.
AB  - CONTEXT: The present study of current telemedicine users is a unique attempt to
      understand the barriers and motivational factors related to the utilization of
      telemedicine. OBJECTIVE: A survey of emergency and critical care remote presence
      telemedicine users was conducted to determine the factors that motivate and the
      barriers that impede the acceptance and maintenance of a robotic telemedicine
      (RTM) program. SETTING: The majority of the survey users were in the Emergency
      Department or in the Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: E-mail invitations were sent
      to 483 individuals representing 63 healthcare institutions and groups in North
      America and Europe. Respondents were directed to a Web-based survey. The survey
      consisted of 96 separate questions, addressing user familiarity and 5-point
      Likert scales, addressing issues spanning the conceptual and practical issues
      surrounding adoption of telemedicine. RESULTS: A total of 106 surveys were
      completed, representing an individual response rate of 21.9% but an institutional
      response rate of 60.3%. More than two-thirds of the respondents were physicians
      who participated in active RTM programs. Across seven different topics related to
      barriers to implementing RTM, the majority of all respondents indicated that
      cultural issues did not constitute meaningful hurdles, technological matters were
      generally favorable, and that most personnel were agreeable to both achieving the
      buy-in to start an RTM program and to maintaining RTM once started. However,
      respondents proclaimed that RTM's success was still hampered by licensing,
      credentialing, and malpractice protection, as well as costs, billing, and
      reimbursement issues. Achieving immediate patient access, overcoming service
      gaps, improving quality, providing clinical support, maintaining patient
      satisfaction, and adhering to practice guidelines were viewed as significant
      motives for RTM implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The leading applications of RTM
      included emergency response and consultation. The patients, physicians, nurses,
      nor hospital executives served as barriers to implementation. However, licensing,
      costs for technology, and reimbursement for RTM continue to impede progress.

PMID- 22082108
TI  - Using a modified technology acceptance model to evaluate healthcare
      professionals' adoption of a new telemonitoring system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors that could influence the decision of healthcare
      professionals to use a telemonitoring system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      questionnaire, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), was developed. A
      panel of experts in technology assessment evaluated the face and content validity
      of the instrument. Two hundred and thirty-four questionnaires were distributed
      among nurses and doctors of the cardiology, pulmonology, and internal medicine
      departments of a tertiary hospital. Cronbach alpha was calculated to measure the
      internal consistency of the questionnaire items. Construct validity was evaluated
      using interitem correlation analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed
      to test the theoretical model. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. RESULTS: A response rate of 39.7% was
      achieved. With the exception of one theoretical construct (Habit) that
      corresponds to behaviors that become automatized, Cronbach alpha values were
      acceptably high for the remaining constructs. Theoretical variables were well
      correlated with each other and with the dependent variable. The original TAM was
      good at predicting telemonitoring usage intention, Perceived Usefulness being the
      only significant predictor (OR: 5.28, 95% CI: 2.12-13.11). The model was still
      significant and more powerful when the other theoretical variables were added.
      However, the only significant predictor in the modified model was Facilitators
      (OR: 4.96, 95% CI: 1.59-15.55). CONCLUSION: The TAM is a good predictive model of
      healthcare professionals' intention to use telemonitoring. However, the
      perception of facilitators is the most important variable to consider for
      increasing doctors' and nurses' intention to use the new technology.

PMID- 22082109
TI  - Rapid successions affect microbial N-acetyl-glucosamine uptake patterns during a
      lacustrine spring phytoplankton bloom.
AB  - The vernal successions of phytoplankton, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and
      viruses in temperate lakes result in alternating dominance of top-down and bottom
      up factors on the bacterial community. This may lead to asynchronous blooms of
      bacteria with different life strategies and affect the channelling of particular
      components of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) through microbial food webs. We
      followed the dynamics of several bacterial populations and of other components of
      the microbial food web throughout the spring phytoplankton bloom period in a pre
      alpine lake, and we assessed bacterial uptake patterns of two constituents of the
      labile DOM pool (N-acetyl-glucosamine [NAG] and leucine). There was a clear
      genotypic shift within the bacterial assemblage, from fast growing Cytophaga
      Flavobacteria (CF) affiliated with Fluviicola and from Betaproteobacteria (BET)
      of the Limnohabitans cluster to more grazing resistant AcI Actinobacteria (ACT)
      and to filamentous morphotypes. This was paralleled by successive blooms of
      viruses and HNF. We also noted the transient rise of other CF (related to
      Cyclobacteriaceae and Sphingobacteriaceae) that are not detected by fluorescence
      in situ hybridization with the general CF probe. Both, the average uptake rates
      of leucine and the fractions of leucine incorporating bacteria were approximately
      five to sixfold higher than of NAG. However, the composition of the NAG-active
      community was much more prone to genotypic successions, in particular of bacteria
      with different life strategies: While 'opportunistically' growing BET and CF
      dominated NAG uptake in the initial period ruled by bottom-up factors, ACT
      constituted the major fraction of NAG active cells during the subsequent phase of
      high predation pressure. This indicates that some ACT could profit from a
      substrate that might in parts have originated from the grazing of protists on
      their bacterial competitors.

PMID- 22082110
TI  - Design, synthesis, structure, and dehydrogenation reactivity of a water-soluble o
      iodoxybenzoic acid derivative bearing a trimethylammonium group.
AB  - 5-Trimethylammonio-1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-1lambda(5)-benzo[d][1,2]iodoxol-1-ol
      anion (AIBX 1a), an o-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) derivative having the
      trimethylammonium moiety on its phenyl ring, possesses very good solubility in
      water and distinct oxidative properties from IBX, which is demonstrated in the
      oxidation of various beta-keto esters to the corresponding dehydrogenated
      products using water as cosolvent. The regeneration of AIBX 1a can be easily
      realized from the reaction mixture due to its good water solubility.

PMID- 22082111
TI  - Transmembrane extension and oligomerization of the CLIC1 chloride intracellular
      channel protein upon membrane interaction.
AB  - Chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs) differ from most ion channels as
      they can exist in both soluble and integral membrane forms. The CLICs are
      expressed as soluble proteins but can reversibly autoinsert into the membrane to
      form active ion channels. For CLIC1, the interaction with the lipid bilayer is
      enhanced under oxidative conditions. At present, little evidence is available
      characterizing the structure of the putative oligomeric CLIC integral membrane
      form. Previously, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to
      monitor and model the conformational transition within CLIC1 as it interacts with
      the membrane bilayer. These results revealed a large-scale unfolding between the
      C- and N-domains of CLIC1 as it interacts with the membrane. In the present
      study, FRET was used to probe lipid-induced structural changes arising in the
      vicinity of the putative transmembrane region of CLIC1 (residues 24-46) under
      oxidative conditions. Intramolecular FRET distances are consistent with the model
      in which the N-terminal domain inserts into the bilayer as an extended alpha
      helix. Further, intermolecular FRET was performed between fluorescently labeled
      CLIC1 monomers within membranes. The intermolecular FRET shows that CLIC1 forms
      oligomers upon oxidation in the presence of the membranes. Fitting the data to
      symmetric oligomer models of the CLIC1 transmembrane form indicates that the
      structure is large and most consistent with a model comprising approximately six
      to eight subunits.

PMID- 22082112
TI  - Feeding difficulties in children with cerebral palsy: low-cost caregiver training
      in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of children with cerebral palsy have feeding
      difficulties, which, if not managed, result in stressful mealtimes, chronic
      malnutrition, respiratory disease, reduced quality of life for caregiver and
      child, and early death. In well-resourced countries, high- and low-cost medical
      interventions, ranging from gastrostomy tube feeding to caregiver training, are
      available. In resource-poor countries such as Bangladesh, the former is not
      viable and the latter is both scarce and its effectiveness not properly
      evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost,
      low-technology intervention to improve the feeding practices of carers of
      children with moderate-severe cerebral palsy and feeding difficulties in
      Bangladesh. METHODS: An opportunistic sample of 37 caregivers and their children
      aged 1-11 years were invited to a six-session training programme following an
      initial feeding assessment with brief advice. During home visits, pre- and post
      measures of nutritional status, chest health and feeding-related stress were
      taken and feeding practices were observed. A control phase was evaluated for 20
      of the participant pairs following initial assessment with advice, while awaiting
      full training. RESULTS: A minimum of four training sessions showed significant
      improvements in the children's respiratory health (P = 0.005), cooperation during
      mealtimes (P = 0.003) and overall mood (P < 0.001). Improvements in growth were
      inconsistent. Dramatic reductions were observed in caregiver stress (P < 0.001).
      A significant difference in the outcomes following advice only compared with
      advice plus training was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: In situations of poverty,
      compliance is restricted by lack of education, finances and time. Nonetheless,
      carers with minimal formal education, living in conditions of extreme poverty
      were able to change feeding practices after a short, low-cost training
      intervention, with highly positive consequences. The availability of affordable
      food supplementation for this population, however, requires urgent attention.

PMID- 22082113
TI  - Art and authenticity: the importance of originals in judgments of value.
AB  - Why are original artworks valued more than identical duplicates? The present
      studies explore 2 mechanisms underlying the special value of original artwork:
      the assessment of the art object as a unique creative act (performance) and the
      degree of physical contact with the original artist (contagion). Across 5
      experiments, participants were exposed to hypothetical scenarios in which an
      original object was duplicated. The type of object varied across experiments
      (e.g., a painting vs. a piece of furniture) as did the circumstances surrounding
      the creation of the original object and the duplicate. Overall, the results
      support assessments of performance and contagion as key factors underlying the
      value of original artwork, and they are consistent with the conclusion that the
      discrepancy in value between original artworks and perfect duplicates derives
      from people's lay theories about the domain of art, rather than from associations
      with particular kinds of art or certain cases of forgery.

PMID- 22082114
TI  - Performance costs when emotion tunes inappropriate cognitive abilities:
      implications for mental resources and behavior.
AB  - Emotion tunes cognition, such that approach-motivated positive states promote
      verbal cognition, whereas withdrawal-motivated negative states promote spatial
      cognition (Gray, 2001). The current research examined whether self-control
      resources become depleted and influence subsequent behavior when emotion tunes an
      inappropriate cognitive tendency. In 2 experiments, either an approach-motivated
      positive state or a withdrawal-motivated negative state was induced, and then
      participants completed a verbal or a spatial working memory task creating
      conditions of emotion-cognition alignment (e.g., approach/verbal) or misalignment
      (e.g., approach/spatial). A control condition was also included. To examine
      behavioral costs due to depleted self-control resources, participants completed
      either a Stroop task (Stroop, 1935; Experiment 1) or a Black/White implicit
      association test (IAT; Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998; Experiment 2).
      Participants in the misalignment conditions performed worse on the Stroop task,
      and they were worse at controlling their implicit attitude biases on the IAT.
      Thus, when emotion tunes inappropriate cognitive tendencies for one's current
      environment, self-control resources become depleted, impairing behavioral
      control.

PMID- 22082115
TI  - The interplay between nonsymbolic number and its continuous visual properties.
AB  - To date, researchers investigating nonsymbolic number processes devoted little
      attention to the visual properties of their stimuli. This is unexpected, as
      nonsymbolic number is defined by its visual characteristics. When number changes,
      its visual properties change accordingly. In this study, we investigated the
      influence of different visual properties on nonsymbolic number processes and show
      that the current assumptions about the relation between number and its visual
      characteristics are incorrect. Similar to previous studies, we controlled the
      visual cues: Each visual cue was not predictive of number. Nevertheless,
      participants showed congruency effects induced by the visual properties of the
      stimuli. These congruency effects scaled with the number of visual cues
      manipulated, implicating that people do not extract number from a visual scene
      independent of its visual cues. Instead, number judgments are based on the
      integration of information from multiple visual cues. Consequently, current ways
      to control the visual cues of the number stimuli are insufficient, as they
      control only a single variable at the time. And, more important, the existence of
      an approximate number system that can extract number independent of the visual
      cues appears unlikely. We therefore propose that number judgment is the result of
      the weighing of several distinct visual cues.

PMID- 22082116
TI  - Social class differences in N400 indicate differences in spontaneous trait
      inference.
AB  - An emerging literature indicates that dispositional bias in causal attribution of
      social behavior is weaker for people with working-class (vs. middle-class)
      backgrounds. However, it is unknown whether this difference is also present in
      spontaneous forms of trait inference. In the current work, American
      undergraduates were asked to merely memorize many pairings of a target face and a
      trait-implying behavior. In a subsequent lexical judgment task, after each face
      was presented as a fixation, either an implied trait or its antonym was given as
      a target. As expected, participants with college-educated parents (middle class)
      showed a strong N400 event-related potential component to the antonym (vs. the
      implied trait), suggesting spontaneous trait inference during the memorization
      phase. In contrast, those with high-school-educated parents (working class)
      showed no such effect. It is important to note that the N400 spontaneous trait
      inference effect was associated with perceived significance of dispositions in
      accounting for social behaviors.

PMID- 22082117
TI  - Oral sampling and human papillomavirus genotyping in HIV-infected patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with several health
      complications especially in combination with HIV infections. Screening may be
      useful, but methodologies and results have varied widely in previous studies. We
      conducted a pilot study in an HIV-positive population to evaluate HPV detection
      in four different oral sample types. METHODS: Upon enrollment, an oral-rinse (OR)
      sample was collected in 10 ml saline. Additional samples of the buccal mucosa,
      tonsils, and oral lesion if present were collected with cytology brushes. DNA was
      extracted using LC-MagNAPure, and the Linear Array HPV genotyping Assay (Roche)
      was used for HPV genotyping. RESULTS: In samples from 100 HIV-positive
      participants, HPV was detected in 39 (%) of the oral rinses, 13 (%) mucosal and
      11 (12.9%) tonsil brushings. Of seven lesion brushings collected, four were HPV
      positive. All participants with HPV detected in mucosal, tonsil, or lesion
      brushings were also positive in the OR sample. Among the rinse samples, 27
      different genotypes were detected with HPV84 (n = 6), HPV55 (n = 5), and HPV83 (n
      = 5) being the most common. Multiple infections were detected in 17 samples
      (range 2-9, mean 1.9 types). As potential cofactors, only receptive oral sex was
      significantly associated with HPV (P = 0.018, odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.9).
      CONCLUSION: Sampling is a significant factor for oral prevalence studies. Oral
      rinse provides the best representation for HPV in the oral cavity. To evaluate
      associated cofactors other than receptive oral sex, larger studies with case
      control design are necessary.

PMID- 22082118
TI  - A retrospective study on the efficacy of pubic symphysis corticosteroid
      injections in the treatment of pubic symphysis pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To report immediate and follow-up pain intensity outcomes of
      fluoroscopically guided contrast- enhanced pubic symphysis corticosteroid
      injections for patients with pubic symphysis pain (PSP). DESIGN:   Retrospective
      medical record review. SETTING:   Outpatient rehabilitation clinic. SUBJECTS:  
      Patients with PSP who underwent pubic symphysis corticosteroid injection (PSI).
      INTERVENTION:   Pubic symphysis corticosteroid injection. OUTCOME MEASURES:  
      Pain intensity as measured by numeric rating scale (NRS). RESULTS:   Fourteen
      patients (4 men and 10 women) underwent PSI. Five patients had PSP for less than
      6 months, nine had chronic pain (>than 6 months). In 7 of the 10 women the pain
      was pregnancy related. All patients received other treatments prior to injection.
      Pubic symphysis tenderness was the most common physical examination finding
      (13/14 patients). Follow-up pain intensity (PI)-NRS improvement of greater than 2
      points was considered clinically significant. At follow-up, improvement was not
      statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, z=1.62 P=0.10). Patients
      with pain <6 months did not have a greater likelihood of benefit at follow-up
      compared with those with pain for >6 months (Fisher's exact test, P=0.775).
      CONCLUSIONS:   PSIs do not provide clinically or statistically significant relief
      at follow-up in patients with PSP.

PMID- 22082119
TI  - Synthesis and self-assembly of thermoresponsive PEG-b-PNIPAM-b-PCL ABC triblock
      copolymer through the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization, ring
      opening polymerization, and click chemistry.
AB  - A well-defined thermoresponsive poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PEG(43)-b-PNIPAM(82)-b
      PCL(87)) triblock copolymer was synthesized by combination of atom transfer
      radical polymerization (ATRP), ring-opening polymerization (ROP), and click
      chemistry. The synthesis included the four steps, and all the structures of the
      polymers were determined. The thermoresponsive triblock copolymer can disperse in
      water at room temperature to form core-shell-corona micelles with the hydrophobic
      PCL block as core, the thermoresponsive PNIPAM block as shell, and the
      hydrophilic PEG block as corona. At temperatures above the lower critical
      solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAM block, the PNIPAM chains gradually
      collapse on the PCL core to shrink the size and change the structure of the
      resultant core-shell-corona micelles with temperature increasing.

PMID- 22082120
TI  - The desperate need for good-quality clinical trials to evaluate the optimal
      source and dose of fibrinogen in managing bleeding.
AB  - Recent interest in transfusion management of trauma patients has heightened
      expectation in the role of blood component therapy in improving patient outcome.
      Optimal transfusion support in supplementation with fibrinogen has not been
      defined by high-quality evidence. Current evidence comes mainly from case series
      and uncontrolled studies and does not support the superiority of one source of
      fibrinogen over another or the optimal schedule or dose for patient benefit.
      There are unanswered questions about safety, especially the effects on the risk
      of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism, an important consideration in any
      therapy that alters the hemostatic balance. Studies of cost-effectiveness have
      not been considered in research. An international move to supplement fibrinogen
      more 'aggressively' without direct clinical evaluation beforehand represents a
      failed opportunity to improve our very limited understanding of optimal
      transfusion practice.

PMID- 22082121
TI  - Screening of the pelvic organ prolapse without a physical examination; (a
      community based study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a silent disorder with a huge impact
      on women's quality of life. There is limited data from community-based studies
      conducted to determine the prevalence of POP as its assessment needs a pelvic
      examination. We aimed to develop a simple screening inventory for identification
      of pelvic organ prolapse and then evaluate its sensitivity and specificity.
      METHODS: This study had two phases. In the first phase in order to develop a
      simple inventory for assessment of POP, the Pelvic Floor Disorder Inventory
      (PFDI) was completed for a convenience sample of 200 women, aged 18-45 years,
      referred for annual gynecologic examination, and their pelvic organ prolapse was
      assessed using the standard protocol. The most sensitive and specific questions
      were selected as pelvic organ prolapse simple screening inventory (POPSSI). In
      the second phase, using a stratified multistage probability cluster sampling
      method, the sensitivity and specificity of the POPSSI was investigated in a non
      selected sample of 954 women recruited from among reproductive aged women living
      in four randomly selected provinces of Iran. RESULTS: The sensitivity and
      specificity of POPSSI for identification of pelvic organ prolapse in the general
      population were 45.5 and 87.4% respectively; these values were 96.7 and 20% among
      those women who were aware of their pelvic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Community
      based screening studies on pelvic organ prolapse could be facilitated by using
      the POPSSI, the sensitivity of which would be enhanced through conducting of
      public awareness programs.

PMID- 22082122
TI  - Dronedarone in atrial fibrillation--Jekyll and Hyde?

PMID- 22082123
TI  - Characterization of four novel HLA alleles, including two in the same haplotype.
AB  - Characterization of the novel HLA alleles A*02:330, A*11:108, B*40:175, and
      B*40:176 is described.

PMID- 22082124
TI  - Comparison of nanofiltration efficacy in reducing infectivity of centrifuged
      versus ultracentrifuged 263K scrapie-infected brain homogenates in "spiked"
      albumin solutions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety of plasma-derived products is of concern for possible
      transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The absence of validated
      screening tests requires the use of procedures to remove or inactivate prions
      during the manufacture of plasma-derived products to minimize the risk of
      transmission. These procedures need proper validation studies based on spiking
      human plasma or intermediate fractions of plasma fractionation with prions in a
      form as close as possible to that present in blood. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Human albumin was spiked with low-speed or high-speed supernatants of 263K
      scrapie-infected hamster brain homogenates. Spiked albumin was then passed
      through a cascade of filters from 100 nm down to 20 to 15 nm. Residual
      infectivity was measured by bioassay. RESULTS: The overall removal of infectivity
      spiked into albumin through serial nanofiltration steps was 4 to 5 logs using low
      speed supernatant and 2 to 3 logs with high-speed supernatant. CONCLUSION: These
      findings confirm the utility of nanofiltration in removing infectivity from
      plasma (or other products) spiked with scrapie brain homogenate supernatants.
      However, efficiency is diminished using supernatants that have been
      ultracentrifuged to reduce aggregated forms of the infectious agent. Thus,
      filtration removal data based on experiments using "standard" low-speed
      centrifugation supernatants might overestimate the amount of prion removal in
      plasma or urine-derived therapeutic products.

PMID- 22082125
TI  - Four neonates with giant ovarian cysts: difficulties in diagnosis and decision
      making process.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cysts compose most of the intraabdominal cysts in fetal
      period. Most of them regress spontaneously at intrauterine or postnatal period.
      The cysts that are complicated and do not regress are excised generally. METHODS:
      Here we report a case series that consists of four newborns having giant (>= 10
      cm) ovarian cysts. All of the patients were term infants and followed for ovarian
      cysts in intrauterine period. RESULTS: Patients were operated on 5, 11, 28, 47th
      days, respectively. Three patients had unilateral cysts (two right, one left) and
      one had bilateral cysts. One of the four patients had bilateral ovarian cysts,
      100 * 95 mm in diameter on the left and 50 * 55 mm on the right, which was
      torsioned. CONCLUSION: The risk of complications is higher in bilateral cysts
      even they are smaller, and early surgical intervention should be done to these
      patients. During the operation of one of the patients, we detected the cyst at
      the opposite side that was shown by ultrasonography. Since the size of the mass
      is large, detecting the correct origin of the cyst is important for the selection
      of appropriate surgical approach.

PMID- 22082126
TI  - Correlated mutations via regularized multinomial regression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to sequence conservation, protein multiple sequence
      alignments contain evolutionary signal in the form of correlated variation among
      amino acid positions. This signal indicates positions in the sequence that
      influence each other, and can be applied for the prediction of intra- or
      intermolecular contacts. Although various approaches exist for the detection of
      such correlated mutations, in general these methods utilize only pairwise
      correlations. Hence, they tend to conflate direct and indirect dependencies.
      RESULTS: We propose RMRCM, a method for Regularized Multinomial Regression in
      order to obtain Correlated Mutations from protein multiple sequence alignments.
      Importantly, our method is not restricted to pairwise (column-column) comparisons
      only, but takes into account the network nature of relationships between protein
      residues in order to predict residue-residue contacts. The use of regularization
      ensures that the number of predicted links between columns in the multiple
      sequence alignment remains limited, preventing overprediction. Using simulated
      datasets we analyzed the performance of our approach in predicting residue
      residue contacts, and studied how it is influenced by various types of noise. For
      various biological datasets, validation with protein structure data indicates a
      good performance of the proposed algorithm for the prediction of residue-residue
      contacts, in comparison to previous results. RMRCM can also be applied to predict
      interactions (in addition to only predicting interaction sites or contact sites),
      as demonstrated by predicting PDZ-peptide interactions. CONCLUSIONS: A novel
      method is presented, which uses regularized multinomial regression in order to
      obtain correlated mutations from protein multiple sequence alignments.
      AVAILABILITY: R-code of our implementation is available via
      http://www.ab.wur.nl/rmrcm.

PMID- 22082127
TI  - Th17-related cytokines: new players in the control of chronic intestinal
      inflammation.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the main forms of inflammatory
      bowel diseases (IBD) in man, are thought to be caused by an excessive and poorly
      controlled immune response that is directed against components of the normal
      microflora. The exact sequence of events by which this pathological process is
      triggered and maintained is not fully understood, but studies in experimental
      models of IBD and data emerging from recent clinical trials indicate that T cell
      derived cytokines are crucial mediators of the tissue damage. Although CD and UC
      have been traditionally considered two typical examples of T helper (Th)1 or Th2
      associated disease respectively, it is now known that CD- and UC-related
      inflammation is also marked by enhanced production of cytokines made by a
      distinct subset of Th cells, termed Th17 cells. Th17 cytokines can have both
      tissue-protective and inflammatory effects in the gut and there is evidence that
      Th17 cells can alter their cytokine program according to the stimuli received and
      convert into Th1-producing cells. These novel findings have contributed to
      advancing our understanding of mechanisms of gut tissue damage and open new
      avenues for development of therapeutic strategies in IBD.

PMID- 22082128
TI  - Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for heart failure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists are indicated
      in systolic heart failure, they are underprescribed in patients with appropriate
      indications for their prescription and often used in those in whom the evidence
      for probable benefit is scant. The rate of adverse events in practice has
      exceeded that foreshadowed by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). With the
      recent publication of the landmark therapeutic trial (EMPHASIS), it is timely to
      review the appropriate use of these agents in heart failure. AREAS COVERED: This
      review addresses the pathophysiological importance of MR activation in heart
      failure and summarizes pivotal RCTs of MR antagonists in heart failure. EXPERT
      OPINION: MR antagonism reduces mortality and morbidity in heart failure with
      reduced systolic function in severe chronic disease, in heart failure
      complicating myocardial infarction and also in those with impaired systolic
      function (but only mild symptoms). Evidence for benefits in a significant
      proportion of 'real-life' patients with heart failure, including those with
      preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, is lacking. MR antagonism is an
      important part of the pharmaceutical armamentarium in managing heart failure but
      must be prescribed with careful case selection, taking note of the evidence of
      where risks are acceptable and benefits are likely.

PMID- 22082129
TI  - Intracranial angioplasty and stenting through direct carotid puncture.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To describe a case of successful intracranial angioplasty
      and stenting of a symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis using a
      transcervical approach. METHODS: A 73-year-old woman presented with several
      ischemic strokes in the left MCA distribution. A diagnostic cerebral angiogram
      demonstrated more than 80% stenosis of her left MCA. Because the patient failed
      maximal medical therapy, it was decided to perform angioplasty and stenting.
      Given the patient's tortuous arch and rigid vessels, access was obtained through
      a transcutaneous puncture with direct visualization of the surgically exposed
      common carotid artery (CCA). RESULTS: The patient tolerated well the procedure
      and after successful stenting her symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: Access of the
      intracranial circulation through direct CCA puncture may be a feasible
      alternative when the transfemoral access is not possible. The transcervical
      approach may be safe even with the use of antiplatelet medications and
      anticoagulation.

PMID- 22082130
TI  - Effect of cholesterol on the membrane interaction of Modelin-5 isoforms.
AB  - Modelin-5 isoforms were used to gain an insight into the effects of amidation on
      antimicrobial selectivity. When tested against Escherichia coli, amidation
      increased toxicity 10-fold (MIC = 31.25 MUM) while showing limited increased
      hemolytic activity (2% lysis). Our results show that both the amidated and non
      amidated peptides had a disordered structure in aqueous solution (<18% helical)
      and folded to form helices at the membrane interface (for example, >43% in the
      presence of DMPC). The stabilization of the helical structure by amidation has
      previously been shown to play a key role in increasing antibacterial efficacy.
      The presence of cholesterol in the membrane increases the packing density (C(s)(
      1) values 25-33 mN m(-1)) and so prevents the peptide from forming stable
      association with the membrane, which is evidenced by the higher binding
      coefficient (K(d)) in the presence of cholesterol: 57.70 MUM for Modelin-5-COOH
      and 35.64 MUM for Modelin-5-CONH(2) compared to the presence of E. coli lipid
      extract (10 MUM), which would prevent local concentration of the peptide at the
      bilayer interface as seen by reduction in monolayer interaction. This in turn
      would be predicted to inhibit activity.

PMID- 22082131
TI  - Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumour suppressor genes in benign and malignant
      mixed odontogenic tumours.
AB  - Although molecular alterations are reported in different types of odontogenic
      tumours, their pathogenesis remains to be established. Loss of heterozygosity
      (LOH) studies allow the identification of minimal regions of deletions of known
      or putative tumour suppressor genes, the losses of which may promote neoplastic
      growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate LOH in a set of odontogenic
      mixed tumours. Tumour suppressor gene loci on 3p, 9p, 11p, 11q and 17p
      chromosomes were analysed in five samples of ameloblastic fibroma (AF), three
      samples of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) and three samples of ameloblastic
      fibrosarcoma (AFS). The most frequently lost genetic loci were p53 (17p13, 62%)
      and CHRNB1 (17p13, 55%). LOH at the chromosome regions 3p24.3, 9p22 and 9p22-p21
      was identified only in AFS. No sample showed LOH at the chromosomal loci 3p21.2
      and 11q13.4. For the region 9p22-p13, LOH occurred in one sample of AFO. The
      fractional allelic loss (FAL) was calculated for each sample. The mean FAL of the
      benign lesions (i.e. AF and AFO) was 22%, whereas the mean FAL of the malignant
      lesions (i.e. AFS) was 74.6%. In conclusion, our results show a higher FAL in AFS
      compared to its benign counterparts and reveal a different pattern of LOH of
      tumour suppressor genes in AFS, which may regulate changes in tumour behaviour.

PMID- 22082132
TI  - "I am nothing": experiences of loss among women suffering from severe birth
      injuries in Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the increased attention on maternal mortality during recent
      decades, which has resulted in maternal health being defined as a Millennium
      Development Goal (MDG), the disability and suffering from obstetric fistula
      remains a neglected issue in global health. Continuous leaking of urine and the
      physical, emotional and social suffering associated with it, has a profound
      impact on women's quality of life. This study seeks to explore the physical,
      cultural and psychological dimensions of living with obstetric fistula, and
      demonstrate how these experiences shape the identities of women affected by the
      condition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with qualitative and quantitative
      components was used to explore the experiences of Tanzanian women living with
      obstetric fistula and those of their husbands. The study was conducted at the
      Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania hospital in Dar es Salaam,
      Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, and Mpwapwa district, in Dodoma region.
      Conveniently selected samples of 16 women were interviewed, and 151 additional
      women responded to a questionnaire. In addition, 12 women affected by obstetric
      fistula and six husbands of these affected women participated in a focus group
      discussions. Data were analysed using content data analysis framework and
      statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 15 for Microsoft
      windows. RESULTS: The study revealed a deep sense of loss. Loss of body control,
      loss of the social roles as women and wives, loss of integration in social life,
      and loss of dignity and self-worth were located at the core of these experiences.
      CONCLUSION: The women living with obstetric fistula experience a deep sense of
      loss that had negative impact on their identity and quality of life.
      Acknowledging affected women's real-life experiences is important in order to
      understand the occurrence and management of obstetric fistula, as well as
      prospects after treatment. This knowledge will help to improve women's sense of
      self-worth and maintain their identity as women, wives, friends and community
      members. Educational programmes to empower women socially and economically and
      counselling of families of women living with obstetric fistula may help these
      women receive medical and social support that is necessary.

PMID- 22082133
TI  - Association and microheterogeneity in aqueous 2-butoxyethanol solutions.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to investigate aggregation and
      microheterogeneity in dilute solutions of 2-butoxyethanol (BE) in water. The BE
      concentration is varied from near infinite dilution to the mole fraction X(BE) =
      0.04. It was found that large systems (32,000 molecules) are necessary to
      accommodate the BE aggregates that form in this concentration range. Simulations
      were performed with two different force fields, and similar results were
      obtained. At very low concentration, BE aggregation is not observed, but evidence
      is found for intramolecular hydrogen bonds (between the hydroxyl hydrogen and the
      ether oxygen of the same BE molecule) that form five-member ring configurations,
      similar to those reported in experimental studies of BE in nonaqueous solvent.
      Initial signs of BE association appear at X(BE) ~ 0.005, after which aggregation
      occurs rapidly, with aggregates that can be described as micelle-like being fully
      formed at X(BE) ~ 0.02. This concentration agrees well with many experimental
      studies of aggregation in BE-water solutions. Between X(BE) = 0.02 and 0.04, the
      aggregates appear to grow a little in size, but the basic structure remains the
      same. At long range, the various pair correlation functions show clear density
      oscillations associated with BE aggregation. This allows us to identify the
      length scales of the existing microheterogeneity and to estimate the size of the
      BE aggregates. If we assume spherical aggregates, then our estimate of the radius
      at X(BE) = 0.04 (~42 A) is close to estimates obtained from light scattering and
      small-angle neutron scattering experiments.

PMID- 22082135
TI  - Sexual, psychological, and relational functioning in women after surgical
      treatment for vulvar malignancy: a literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vulvectomy is an intrusive treatment option for women with vulvar
      malignancy that theoretically may affect sexual function. AIM: This study aims to
      provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the impact of surgical
      treatment for vulvar malignancy on sexual functioning, overall quality of life,
      and partner relationship. METHODS: Systematic search of the medical literature on
      PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane database, Google Scholar and Embase using a number of
      related terms including vulvar malignancy, vulvar cancer, vulva cancer, vulval
      cancer, vulvectomy, sexual function, partner relation, quality of life, and
      psychological functioning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Measures and indicators of
      sexual function, overall quality of life, and partner relationship following
      vulvectomy for vulvar malignancy. RESULTS: There is evidence that women who
      undergo surgical treatment for vulvar cancer or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
      are at high risk for sexual dysfunctions, dissatisfaction with partner
      relationship, and psychological difficulties. Factors associated with
      posttreatment sexual dysfunction include patient's increased age, poor overall
      well-being, history of depression, anxiety, and excision size of vulvar
      malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of vulvar cancer has a negative
      impact on sexual function, quality of life, and satisfaction with partner
      relationship. However, hitherto only little research effort has been directed to
      postoperative sexual well-being in vulvar cancer survivors. There is a need for
      more methodological sound prospective studies that explore sexual function,
      quality of life, and partner relationship and its predictors over time in vulvar
      cancer patients.

PMID- 22082134
TI  - A meta-analysis of CAG (cytarabine, aclarubicin, G-CSF) regimen for the treatment
      of 1029 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - The regimen of cytarabine, aclarubicin and G-CSF (CAG) has been widely used in
      China and Japan for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS). We searched literature on CAG between 1995 and 2010 and performed
      a meta-analysis to determine its overall efficacy using a random-effects or fixed
      effects model. Thirty five trials with a total of 1029 AML (n = 814) and MDS (n =
      215) patients were included for analysis. The CR rate of AML (57.9%) was
      significantly higher than that of MDS (45.7%) (p < 0.01). No difference in CR was
      noted between the new (56.7%) and relapsed/refractory AML (60.1%) (p > 0.05). The
      CR rate was also significantly higher in patients with favorable (64.5%) and
      intermediate (69.6%) karyotypes than those with unfavorable one (29.5%) (p <
      0.05). Remarkably, the CR rate of CAG was significantly higher than those of non
      CAG regimens (odds ratio 2.43). CAG regimen was well tolerated, with
      cardiotoxicity in 2.3% and early death in 5.2% of the cases. In conclusion, CAG
      regimen was an effective and safe regimen for the treatment of AML, and may be
      more effective than non-CAG regimens. Randomized controlled trials are strongly
      recommended to evaluate its efficacy and safety in comparison with the current
      standard treatment.

PMID- 22082136
TI  - Enzymatically catalyzed synthesis of low-calorie structured lipid in a solvent
      free system: optimization by response surface methodology.
AB  - A kind of low-calorie structured lipid (LCSL) was obtained by interesterification
      of tributyrin (TB) and methyl stearate (St-ME), catalyzed by a commercially
      immobilized 1,3-specific lipase, Lipozyme RM IM from  Rhizomucor miehei . The
      condition optimization of the process was conducted by using response surface
      methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for highest conversion of St-ME and
      lowest content LLL-TAG (SSS and SSP; S, stearic acid; P, palmitic acid) were
      determined to be a reaction time 6.52 h, a substrate molar ratio (St-ME:TB) of
      1.77:1, and an enzyme amount of 10.34% at a reaction temperature of 65  degrees
      C; under these conditions, the actually measured conversion of St-ME and content
      of LLL-TAG were 78.47 and 4.89% respectively, in good agreement with predicted
      values. The target product under optimal conditions after short-range molecular
      distillation showed solid fat content (SFC) values similar to those of cocoa
      butter substitutes (CBS), cocoa butter equivalent (CBE), and cocoa butters (CB),
      indicating its application for inclusion with other fats as cocoa butter
      substitutes.

PMID- 22082137
TI  - The use of botulinum toxins for the management of chronic pain and headache:
      making the most of an evidence-based medicine approach for these rapidly evolving
      treatments.

PMID- 22082138
TI  - Maternal effects and heritability of annual productivity.
AB  - Within-individual consistency and among-individual heterogeneity in fitness are
      prerequisites for selection to take place. Within-individual variation in
      productivity between years, however, can vary considerably, especially when
      organisms become older and more experienced. We examine individual consistency in
      annual productivity, the covariation between survival and annual productivity,
      and the sources of variation in annual productivity, while accounting for
      advancing age, to test the individual-quality and resource-allocation life
      history theory hypotheses. We use long-term data from a pedigreed, wild
      population of house sparrows. Within-individual annual productivity first
      increased and later decreased with age, but there were no selective mortality due
      to individual quality and no correlation between lifespan and productivity.
      Individuals were consistent in their annual productivity (C = 0.49). Narrow-sense
      heritability was low (h(2) = 0.09), but maternal effects explained much of the
      variation (M = 0.33). Such effects can influence evolutionary processes and are
      of major importance for our understanding of how variation in fitness can be
      maintained.

PMID- 22082139
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the corticospinal tract in the
      presence of enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report a patient with abnormal diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) and tractography of the corticospinal tract caused by mass effect
      from adjacent enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces. METHODS: DTI was performed using 25
      noncollinear directions. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)
      maps were generated. Region-of-interest measurements of the corticospinal tracts
      were organized in histograms, and comparisons were made between sides.
      Statistical analysis consisted of a Wilcoxon rank-sum nonparametric test and a
      two-sample test of proportions to compare the relative percentage of voxels >.8.
      RESULTS: The patient had no signs or symptoms of motor weakness. The
      corticospinal tract adjacent to the enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces showed
      significant changes in the proportion of FA > .8, distribution of FA and
      distribution of MD (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion tensor changes may be
      caused by enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces in the absence of clinical signs or
      symptoms. We hypothesize that the DTI changes are due to alterations in the
      extravascular extracellular space. Tensor changes should be interpreted with
      caution in patients with space occupying mass lesions such as brain tumors.

PMID- 22082140
TI  - On the validity of the likelihood ratio test and consistency of resulting
      parameter estimates in joint linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis under
      improperly specified parametric models.
AB  - It has been shown that parametric analysis of linkage disequilibrium conditional
      on linkage using an overly deterministic model can be optimal for family-based
      association analysis. However, if one applies this strategy carelessly, there is
      a risk of false inference. We analyse properties of such likelihood ratio tests
      when the assumed disease mode of inheritance is inaccurate. Under some
      conditions, problems result if one is not careful to consider what null
      hypothesis is being tested. We show that: (a) tests for which the null hypothesis
      assumes the absence of both linkage and association are independent of the true
      mode of inheritance; (b) likelihood ratio tests assuming either linkage or
      association under the null hypothesis may depend on the true mode of inheritance,
      leading to inconsistent parameter estimates, in particular under extremely
      deterministic models; (c) this problem cannot be eliminated by increasing sample
      size or adding population controls--as sample size increases, the chance of false
      positive inference goes to 100%; (d) this issue can lead to systematic false
      positive inference of association in regions of linkage. This is important
      because highly deterministic models are often used intentionally in model-based
      analyses because they can have more power than the true model, and are implicit
      in many model-free analysis methods.

PMID- 22082141
TI  - Evaluation of maternal knowledge level about neonatal jaundice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of mothers on neonatal jaundice. METHODS:
      This study was conducted on 161 mothers who had given birth to healthy newborns
      at Izmir Aegean Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital between January 2010 and April
      2010. A questionnaire was used to assess the mothers' knowledge on neonatal
      jaundice. Knowledge was evaluated as "sufficient" or "insufficient" based on
      responses. Sufficiently informed mothers were compared with insufficiently
      informed group for the knowledge level about neonatal jaundice. RESULTS: The rate
      of insufficiently informed mothers was 53.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed
      that education level and having a previous offspring with jaundice were
      independent variables affecting the mothers' knowledge level. Low education level
      was found to increase the probability of the mothers' knowledge level to be
      insufficient by 2.1 folds (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4; p = 0.003). Being informed
      beforehand by a previous offspring with jaundice increased the probability of the
      mothers' knowledge to be sufficient by twofolds (OR 2, 95% CI 1.1-3.7; p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: It is found that the mothers' knowledge about neonatal jaundice is
      insufficient. Maternal education level and having a previous offspring with
      jaundice are major factors affecting the knowledge of the mothers on
      hyperbilirubinemia.

PMID- 22082142
TI  - Canalization effect in the coagulation cascade and the interindividual
      variability of oral anticoagulant response. A simulation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing the predictability and reducing the rate of side effects
      of oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT) requires further clarification of the cause
      of about 50% of the interindividual variability of OAT response that is currently
      unaccounted for. We explore numerically the hypothesis that the effect of the
      interindividual expression variability of coagulation proteins, which does not
      usually result in a variability of the coagulation times in untreated subjects,
      is unmasked by OAT. RESULTS: We developed a stochastic variant of the Hockin-Mann
      model of the tissue factor coagulation pathway, using literature data for the
      variability of coagulation protein levels in the blood of normal subjects. We
      simulated in vitro coagulation and estimated the Prothrombin Time and the INR
      across a model population. In a model of untreated subjects a "canalization
      effect" can be observed in that a coefficient of variation of up to 33% of each
      protein level results in a simulated INR of 1 with a clinically irrelevant
      dispersion of 0.12. When the mean and the standard deviation of vitamin-K
      dependent protein levels were reduced by 80%, corresponding to the usual Warfarin
      treatment intensity, the simulated INR was 2.98 +/- 0.48, a clinically relevant
      dispersion, corresponding to a reduction of the canalization effect.Then we
      combined the Hockin-Mann stochastic model with our previously published model of
      population response to Warfarin, that takes into account the genetical and the
      phenotypical variability of Warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We
      used the combined model to evaluate the coagulation protein variability effect on
      the variability of the Warfarin dose required to reach an INR target of 2.5. The
      dose variance when removing the coagulation protein variability was 30% lower.
      The dose was mostly related to the pretreatment levels of factors VII, X, and the
      tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). CONCLUSIONS: It may be worth exploring in
      experimental studies whether the pretreatment levels of coagulation proteins, in
      particular VII, X and TFPI, are predictors of the individual warfarin dose, even
      though, maybe due to a canalization-type effect, their effect on the INR variance
      in untreated subjects appears low.

PMID- 22082143
TI  - Medical management of neurocysticercosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered to be the most common cause
      of acquired epilepsy worldwide. Formerly restricted to palliative measures,
      therapy for NCC has advanced with the advent of two drugs that are considered to
      be effective: praziquantel (PZQ) and albendazole (ALB). AREAS COVERED: All
      available articles regarding research related to the treatment of NCC were
      searched. Relevant articles were then reviewed and used as sources of information
      for this review. EXPERT OPINION: Anticysticercal therapy has been marked by
      intense controversy. Recent descriptions of spontaneous resolution of parenchymal
      cysticercosis with benign evolution, risks of complications and reports of no
      long-term benefits have reinforced the debate over the usefulness and safety of
      anticysticercal therapy. High interindividual variability and complex
      pharmacological interactions will require the close monitoring of plasma
      concentrations of ALB and PZQ metabolites in future trials. Given the relative
      scarcity of clinical trials, more comparative interventional studies - especially
      randomized controlled trials in long-term clinical evolution - are required to
      clarify the controversy over the validity of parasitic therapy in patients with
      NCC.

PMID- 22082144
TI  - Prevention of hepatorenal toxicity with Sonchus asper in gentamicin treated rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sonchus asper possesses antioxidant capacity and is used in liver and
      kidney disorders. We have investigated the preventive effect of methanolic
      extract of Sonchus asper (SAME) on the gentamicin induced alterations in
      biochemical and morphological parameters in liver and kidneys of Sprague-Dawley
      male rat. METHODS: Acute oral toxicity studies were performed for selecting the
      therapeutic dose of SAME. 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats were equally divided into
      five groups with 06 animals in each. Group I received saline (0.5 ml/kg bw; 0.9%
      NaCl) while Group II administered with gentamicin 0.5 ml (100 mg/kg bw; i.p.) for
      ten days. Animals of Group III and Group IV received gentamicin and SAME 0.5 ml
      at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw, respectively while Group V received
      only SAME at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw. Biochemical parameters including aspartate
      transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), total
      cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea
      nitrogen (BUN), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were determined in serum
      collected from various groups. Urinary out puts were measured in each group and
      also assessed for the level of protein and glucose. Lipid peroxides (TBARS),
      glutathione (GSH), DNA injuries and activities of antioxidant enzymes; catalase
      (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in liver
      and renal samples. Histopathological studies of liver and kidneys were also
      carried out. RESULTS: On the basis of acute oral toxicity studies, 2000 mg/kg bw
      did not induce any toxicity in rats, 1/10th of the dose was selected for
      preventive treatment. Gentamicin increased the level of serum biomarkers; AST,
      ALT, ALP, LDH, gamma-GT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein,
      albumin, creatinine, BUN, total and direct bilirubin; as were the urinary level
      of protein, glucose, and urinary output. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and DNA
      injuries increased while GSH contents and activities of antioxidant enzymes; CAT,
      POD, SOD decreased with gentamicin in liver and kidney samples. SAME
      administration, dose dependently, prevented the alteration in biochemical
      parameters and were supported by low level of tubular and glomerular injuries
      induced with gentamicin. CONCLUSION: These results suggested the preventive role
      of SAME for gentamicin induced toxicity that could be attributed by
      phytochemicals having antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.

PMID- 22082147
TI  - Molecular basis for the substrate stereoselectivity in tryptophan dioxygenase.
AB  - Tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) are the only
      two heme proteins that catalyze the oxidation reaction of tryptophan (Trp) to N
      formylkynurenine. While human IDO is able to oxidize both L- and D-Trp, human TDO
      (hTDO) displays major specificity for L-Trp. In this work, we aim to interrogate
      the molecular basis for the substrate stereoselectivity of hTDO. Our previous
      molecular dynamics simulation studies of Xanthomonas campestris TDO (xcTDO)
      showed that a hydrogen bond between T254 (T342 in hTDO) and the ammonium group of
      the substrate is present in the L-Trp-bound enzyme, but not in the D-Trp-bound
      enzyme. The fact that this is the only notable structural alteration induced by
      the change in the stereo structure of the substrate prompted us to produce and
      characterize the T342A mutant of hTDO to evaluate the structural role of T342 in
      controlling the substrate stereoselectivity of the enzyme. The experimental
      results indicate that the mutation only slightly perturbs the global structural
      properties of the enzyme but totally abolishes the substrate stereoselectivity.
      Molecular dynamics simulations of xcTDO show that T254 controls the substrate
      stereoselectivity of the enzyme by (i) modulating the hydrogen bonding
      interaction between the NH(3)(+) group and epoxide oxygen of the ferryl-indole
      2,3-epoxide intermediate of the enzyme and (ii) regulating the dynamics of two
      active site loops, loop(250-260) and loop(117-130), critical for substrate
      binding.

PMID- 22082148
TI  - Diffusion of ionic fluorescent probes atop polyelectrolyte brushes.
AB  - The lateral diffusion of ionic fluorescent molecules atop polyelectrolyte brushes
      was adopted to probe the distribution of counterions of the polyelectrolyte
      brushes. With a combination of single molecule fluorescence techniques,
      fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and single molecule fluorescence imaging,
      the lateral diffusion of the ionic probes (sulforhodamine B, rhodamine 6G) at the
      top of the model polyelectrolyte brushes with the opposite charges, poly([2
      (methylacryloyloxyl)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride) (PMETAC) and polystyrene
      sulfonate (PSS), was studied with different external salt concentrations. A huge
      decrease of the diffusion rate of the probes was observed at salt concentrations
      2-3 orders of magnitude lower than that for any detectable change of brushes
      thickness could be observed. The results reflect the early collapse of the top
      portion of the polyelectrolyte brushes and also the penetration of the probes
      into the brushes due to the increase of osmotic pressure by the salt level in the
      solution. The diffusion of the fluorescent counterion can serve as a very
      sensitive probe of the structure atop the polyelectrolyte brushes.

PMID- 22082146
TI  - Human Papillomaviruses, p16INK4a and Akt expression in basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenic role of beta-HPVs in non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC),
      is not still completely understood, and literature data indicate that they might
      be at least cofactors in the development of certain cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinomas. However, only few reports contain data on basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
      The HPVs interact with many cellular proteins altering their function or the
      expression levels, like the p16INK4a and Akt. Our study aimed to determine the
      presence of different beta -HPV types and the expression of p16INK4a and Akt in
      BCC, the commonest NMSC, in the normal appearing perilesional skin and in
      forehead swab of 37 immunocompetent patients. METHODS: The expression of p16INK4a
      and Akt, by immunohistochemistry, and the HPV DNA, by nested PCR, were
      investigated in each sample. RESULTS: No correspondence of HPV types between BCC
      and swab samples was found, whereas a correspondence between perilesional skin
      and BCC was ascertained in the 16,7% of the patients. In BCC, 16 different types
      of beta HPV were found and the most frequent types were HPV107 (15,4%), HPV100
      (11,5%) and HPV15 (11,5%) all belonging to the beta HPV species 2.
      Immunohistochemistry detected significant p16INK4a expression in almost all tumor
      samples (94,3%) with the highest percentages (> 30%) of positive cells detected
      in 8 cases. A statistically significant (p = 0,012) increase of beta HPV presence
      was detected in p16INK4a strongly positive samples, in particular of species 2.
      pAkt expression was detected in all tumor samples with only 2 cases showing rare
      positive cells, whereas Akt2 expression was found in 14 out of 35 BCC (40%); in
      particular in HPV positive samples over-expressing p16INK4a. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data show that p16INK4a and pAkt are over-expressed in BCC and that the high
      expression of p16INK4a and of Akt2 isoform is often associated with the presence
      of beta-HPV species 2 (i.e. HPV 15). The association of these viruses with the up
      regulation of p16INK4a and Akt/PI3K pathway suggests that in a subtype of BCC
      these viruses may exert a role in the carcinogenesis or in other, still
      undefined, biological property of these tumors. If this particular type of BCC
      reflects a different biology it will remain undisclosed until further studies on
      a larger number of samples will be performed.

PMID- 22082149
TI  - An outcomes analysis of over 200 revision surgeries for penile prosthesis
      implantation: a multicenter study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation is a well
      established treatment for medically refractory erectile dysfunction, with long
      term reliability. Overall survival is 96% at 5 years and 60% at 15 years for
      primary (virgin) implantation. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore factors
      associated with success and complications of IPP revision surgery in a
      multicenter study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reasons for revision including
      mechanical issues, patient dissatisfaction, corporal deformity, and supersonic
      transport (SST) deformity were recorded. METHODS: At four institutions, 214
      clinically uninfected IPP revisions were performed between November 2000 and
      November 2007. Data were incomplete for 28 cases (14%). Failure-free survival was
      estimated using Kaplan-Meier's Meier product limit method. RESULTS: The majority
      of revisions were secondary to mechanical failure (N = 109; 65%) and combined
      erosion or infection (N = 17 + 15 = 32; 19%). Sixteen percent (N = 26) were
      carried out on functional uninfected prostheses secondary to patient
      dissatisfaction (N = 9), SST deformity (N = 10), scrotal hematoma (N = 2), or
      upsize revision because of corporal fibrosis (N = 5). Average age at revision was
      66 years. Mean follow-up time was 55.7 months. In this study, 12 individuals
      required a secondary revision procedure or suffered a complication. Despite prior
      reports of high infection rates with revision surgery, only 5.7% of clinically
      uninfected and noneroded prostheses were complicated by infection or impending
      extrusion/erosion, following a revision washout protocol. Overall, 93% of cases
      were successfully revised, providing functioning IPPs. CONCLUSIONS: For this
      study population, component exchange followed by revision washout showed a low
      incidence of infection and subsequent mechanical failure.

PMID- 22082151
TI  - N-Directed aliphatic C-H borylation using borenium cation equivalents.
AB  - Highly electrophilic boron cations derived from hindered amine borane complexes
      have been shown to undergo intramolecular aliphatic C-H borylation.

PMID- 22082152
TI  - MiRNA-9 and MiRNA-200a distinguish hemangioblastomas from metastatic clear cell
      renal cell carcinomas in the CNS.
AB  - Central nervous system (CNS) tumors in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) include
      hemangioblastomas and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (Met CCRCC).
      While these tumors often show similar histologic features, differentiating them
      is of significant importance as Met CCRCC are higher-grade tumors with worse
      prognosis. No single current immunohistochemical marker unequivocally
      differentiates between these two entities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding
      cellular small RNA molecules that play an important role in cancer. We
      hypothesized that hemangioblastomas and Met CCRCC display distinct miRNA
      signatures enabling their histologic differentiation. MiRNAs were profiled in 10
      cases each of hemangioblastomas, Met CCRCC and primary CCRCC. Ten miRNAs had
      greater abundance (including miR-9 (~10-fold) and miR-135a (~7-fold)) and 39
      miRNAs were lower [including miR-200a (~22-fold) and miR-200b (~12-fold)] in
      hemangioblastomas compared with Met CCRCC. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR in 20
      hemangioblastomas and 13 Met CCRCC showed a 12-fold increase in miR-9 and a 15
      fold decrease of miR-200a in hemangioblastomas compared with Met CCRCC. Finally,
      in situ hybridization for miR-9 in 15 hemangioblastomas and 10 Met CCRCC
      confirmed these results. Our data suggest that miR-9 and miR-200a can distinguish
      between hemangioblastomas and Met CCRCC. Further, these results may also provide
      insight in understanding the biology of hemangioblastomas.

PMID- 22082153
TI  - Optimal imaging of in vitro clot sonothrombolysis by MR-guided focused
      ultrasound.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
      sonothrombolysis relies on mechanical rather than thermal mechanisms to achieve
      clot lysis, thermometry is not useful for the intraoperative monitoring of clot
      breakdown by MRgFUS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      optimum imaging sequence for sonothrombolysis. METHODS: In vitro blood drawn from
      6 healthy volunteers was imaged using T1, T2 spin-echo, and T2 gradient-echo
      (GRE) sequences both before and after sonication using an Insightec ExAblate 4000
      FUS transducer. Signal intensities of the three MR imaging sequences were
      measured and normalized to background signal for each time point. Representative
      samples of the pre- and postsonication clot were also sent to pathology for
      hematologic analysis. RESULTS: After sonication, the clot in the treatment tube
      was fully lysed as evidenced by physical and hematologic evaluation. The
      difference between pre- and postsonicated normalized signal intensity ratios
      demonstrated statistical significance only on T2 and GRE sequences (P < .001).
      However, significant blooming artifact limited interpretation on all GRE images.
      CONCLUSION: T2 is the most appropriate sequence for the evaluation of mechanical
      MRgFUS sonothrombolysis of an in vitro clot. These findings are consistent across
      the oxidative states of clot up to 48 hours.

PMID- 22082154
TI  - Role of the 12q24.12 locus in the onset of preeclampsia: an Italian case-control
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The 12q24.12 locus has been reported to be involved in the control of
      many traits and also in severe diseases such as cardiovascular disease,
      hypertension and some immune-related disease. To our knowledge, no study has been
      published so far investigating the role of this locus in the pathogenesis of
      preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in 12q24.12 locus in 198 preeclamptic, 224 chronic hypertensive and 265
      normotensive women from Italy, to test the contribution polymorphisms/haplotypes
      on the onset of preeclampsia and their association with chronic hypertension.
      RESULTS: No association was observed for any single SNP, while a common haplotype
      CGTG (21% in normotensive women) revealed a possible protective effect (OR 0.64,
      95% CI 0.42-0.97) against preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a
      common haplotype within 12q24.12 locus may be associated with a protective effect
      against preeclampsia. This observation may be linked with the potential role of
      this region in the control of microcirculation. To the best of our knowledge, our
      study is the first one that links the 12q24.12 locus with this life-threatening
      perinatal complication of unknown etiology. Further physiological and functional
      studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms and pathways of
      preeclampsia.

PMID- 22082155
TI  - Simple estimation and test procedures in capture-mark-recapture mixed models.
AB  - The need to consider in capture-recapture models random effects besides fixed
      effects such as those of environmental covariates has been widely recognized over
      the last years. However, formal approaches require involved likelihood
      integrations, and conceptual and technical difficulties have slowed down the
      spread of capture-recapture mixed models among biologists. In this article, we
      evaluate simple procedures to test for the effect of an environmental covariate
      on parameters such as time-varying survival probabilities in presence of a random
      effect corresponding to unexplained environmental variation. We show that the
      usual likelihood ratio test between fixed models is strongly biased, and tends to
      detect too often a covariate effect. Permutation and analysis of deviance tests
      are shown to behave properly and are recommended. Permutation tests are
      implemented in the latest version of program E-SURGE. Our approach also applies
      to generalized linear mixed models.

PMID- 22082156
TI  - A whole genome screen for HIV restriction factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Upon cellular entry retroviruses must avoid innate restriction
      factors produced by the host cell. For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) human
      restriction factors, APOBEC3 (apolipoprotein-B-mRNA-editing-enzyme), p21 and
      tetherin are well characterised. RESULTS: To identify intrinsic resistance
      factors to HIV-1 replication we screened 19,121 human genes and identified 114
      factors with significant inhibition of infection. Those with a known function are
      involved in a broad spectrum of cellular processes including receptor signalling,
      vesicle trafficking, transcription, apoptosis, cross-nuclear membrane transport,
      meiosis, DNA damage repair, ubiquitination and RNA processing. We focused on the
      PAF1 complex which has been previously implicated in gene transcription, cell
      cycle control and mRNA surveillance. Knockdown of all members of the PAF1 family
      of proteins enhanced HIV-1 reverse transcription and integration of provirus.
      Over-expression of PAF1 in host cells renders them refractory to HIV-1. Simian
      Immunodeficiency Viruses and HIV-2 are also restricted in PAF1 expressing cells.
      PAF1 is expressed in primary monocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes and we
      demonstrate strong activity in MonoMac1, a monocyte cell line. CONCLUSIONS: We
      propose that the PAF1c establishes an anti-viral state to prevent infection by
      incoming retroviruses. This previously unrecognised mechanism of restriction
      could have implications for invasion of cells by any pathogen.

PMID- 22082157
TI  - Do antidepressants work in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      with comorbid depression?

PMID- 22082158
TI  - Rationale and expectations of the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health
      (PERCH) study.

PMID- 22082160
TI  - Mometasone furoate/formoterol in the treatment of persistent asthma.
AB  - Mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (MF/F) administered via
      metered-dose inhaler with a dose counter is a new fixed-dose combination of an
      inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist indicated for daily
      maintenance therapy in patients aged >=12 years with persistent asthma.
      Randomized, controlled trials have suggested that MF/F reduces asthma
      deteriorations while improving lung function and other measures of asthma
      control, including quality-of-life. Clinical safety studies lasting up to 1 year
      have found that MF/F has a low incidence of local and systemic side effects.

PMID- 22082161
TI  - Omalizumab in the treatment of asthma.
AB  - Omalizumab was introduced in 2003 and is the first asthma drug to target IgE, the
      allergic antibody that initiates the allergic cascade. Well-controlled studies
      and post-marketing clinical experience have shown it to be an effective and safe
      medication. Treatment guidelines now recommend omalizumab as an add-on option for
      patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma uncontrolled on high-dose
      inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Despite initial concerns,
      there is no evidence of any association with malignancy at this time. In our
      opinion, omalizumab is well-tolerated and significantly improves pulmonary
      function, decreases clinical symptoms and improves the quality of life in
      patients with uncontrolled allergic asthma.

PMID- 22082162
TI  - Artificial airways for the study of respiratory disease.
AB  - This review will focus on human cell-based experimental models to study
      respiratory diseases, in particular models of the large airways relevant to
      asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Such models have the advantage
      of incorporating cells that can be derived from disease-relevant tissue and so
      have retained important genetic and epigenetic features that contribute to the
      human disease. These models can be used for mechanistic studies, target
      identification and validation and toxicological testing. While many models have
      been developed to varying degrees of sophistication, the challenge remains to
      develop an integrated system that recapitulates the complex cell-cell and cell
      matrix interactions that occur in vivo and to provide these with a 'circulation'
      to study the dynamics of immune and inflammatory cell influx and efflux.

PMID- 22082163
TI  - Targeting airway smooth muscle in airways diseases: an old concept with new
      twists.
AB  - Airway smooth muscle (ASM) manifests a hyper-responsive phenotype in airway
      disorders such as asthma. ASM also modulates immune responses by secreting
      mediators and expressing cell-surface molecules that promote recruitment of
      inflammatory cells to the lungs. The aim of the current article is to highlight
      therapeutics that may modulate ASM responses in airway disorders and
      exacerbations.

PMID- 22082164
TI  - Carbon nanotubes as delivery systems for respiratory disease: do the dangers
      outweigh the potential benefits?
AB  - Nanoparticle drug-delivery systems offer the potential for improved efficacy of
      treatment, and yet there are also potential risks associated with these novel
      therapeutic strategies. An attractive property of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is that
      the tube- or fiber-like structure allows for extensive functionalization and
      loading of cargo. However, a large body of evidence indicates that CNTs may have
      adverse effects if used in drug delivery as they have been shown to cause
      pulmonary fibrosis and exacerbate lung disease in rodents with pre-existing lung
      diseases. Major factors that cause these toxic effects are the high aspect ratio,
      durability and residual metal content that generate reactive oxygen species.
      Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the possibility that lung
      inflammation or fibrosis could be significant side effects caused by a CNT-based
      drug-delivery system, thereby outweighing any potential beneficial effects of
      therapeutic treatment. However, functionalization of CNTs to modulate aspect
      ratio, biodegradability and to remove residual metals could allow for safe design
      of CNTs for use in drug delivery in certain circumstances.

PMID- 22082165
TI  - Systematic review of the effectiveness of breathing retraining in asthma
      management.
AB  - In asthma management, complementary and alternative medicine is enjoying a
      growing popularity worldwide. This review synthesizes the literature on
      complementary and alternative medicine techniques that utilize breathing
      retraining as their primary component and compares evidence from controlled
      trials with before-and-after trials. Medline, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing
      and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were
      searched. Reference lists of all publications were manually checked to identify
      studies not found through electronic searching. The selection criteria were met
      by 41 articles. Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the Buteyko breathing
      technique demonstrated a significant decrease in beta(2)-agonist use while
      several found improvement in quality of life or decrease in inhaled
      corticosteroid use. Although few in number, RCTs of respiratory muscle training
      found a significant reduction in bronchodilator medication use. Where meta
      analyses could be done, they provided evidence of benefit from yoga, Buteyko
      breathing technique and physiotherapist-led breathing training in improving
      asthma-related quality of life. However, considerable heterogeneity was noted in
      some RCTs of yoga. It is reasonable for clinicians to offer qualified support to
      patients with asthma undertaking these breathing retraining techniques.

PMID- 22082167
TI  - Sarcoidosis of the upper and lower airways.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of undetermined etiology
      characterized by a variable clinical presentation and disease course. Although
      clinical granulomatous inflammation may occur within any organ system, more than
      90% of sarcoidosis patients have lung disease. Sarcoidosis is considered an
      interstitial lung disease that is frequently characterized by restrictive
      physiologic dysfunction on pulmonary function tests. However, sarcoidosis also
      involves the airways (large and small), causing obstructive airways disease. It
      is one of a few interstitial lung diseases that affects the entire length of the
      respiratory tract - from the nose to the terminal bronchioles - and causes a
      broad spectrum of airways dysfunction. This article examines airway dysfunction
      in sarcoidosis. The anatomical structure of the airways is the organizational
      framework for our discussion. We discuss sarcoidosis involving the nose, sinuses,
      nasal passages, larynx, trachea, bronchi and small airways. Common complications
      of airways disease, such as, atelectasis, fibrosis, bullous leions,
      bronchiectasis, cavitary lesions and mycetomas, are also reviewed.

PMID- 22082166
TI  - The emerging relationship between the airway microbiota and chronic respiratory
      disease: clinical implications.
AB  - Until recently, relationships between evidence of colonization or infection by
      specific microbial species and the development, persistence or exacerbation of
      pulmonary disease have informed our opinions of airway microbiology. However,
      recent applications of culture-independent tools for microbiome profiling have
      revealed a more diverse microbiota than previously recognized in the airways of
      patients with chronic pulmonary disease. New evidence indicates that the
      composition of airway microbiota differs in states of health and disease and with
      severity of symptoms and that the microbiota, as a collective entity, may
      contribute to pathophysiologic processes associated with chronic airway disease.
      Here, we review the evolution of airway microbiology studies of chronic pulmonary
      disease, focusing on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic
      fibrosis. Building on evidence derived from traditional microbiological
      approaches and more recent culture-independent microbiome studies, we discuss the
      implications of recent findings on potential microbial determinants of
      respiratory health or disease.

PMID- 22082168
TI  - Mediastinal staging of non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - Accurate mediastinal staging is the hallmark of a sound thoracic oncology
      program. Mediastinal staging remains the most important validated tool for making
      treatment decisions for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The last few
      years have seen the emergence of several new techniques to improve mediastinal
      staging. This article summarizes the current state of the art of this rapidly
      evolving field.

PMID- 22082170
TI  - Ultrafast control of the internuclear distance with parabolic chirped pulses.
AB  - Recently, control over the bond length of a diatomic molecule with the use of
      parabolic chirped pulses was predicted on the basis of numerical calculations
      [Chang; et al. Phys. Rev. A 2010, 82, 063414]. To achieve the required bond
      elongation, a laser scheme was proposed that implies population inversion and
      vibrational trapping in a dissociative state. In this work we identify two
      regimes where the scheme works, called the strong and the weak adiabatic regimes.
      We define appropriate parameters to identify the thresholds where the different
      regimes operate. The strong adiabatic regime is characterized by a quasi-static
      process that requires longer pulses. The molecule is stabilized at a bond
      distance and at a time directly controlled by the pulse in a time-symmetrical
      way. In this work we analyze the degree of control over the period and elongation
      of the bond as a function of the pulse bandwidth. The weak adiabatic regime
      implies dynamic deformation of the bond, which allows for larger bond stretch and
      the use of shorter pulses. The dynamics is anharmonic and not time-symmetrical
      and the final state is a wave packet in the ground potential. We show how the
      vibrational energy of the wave packet can be controlled by changing the pulse
      duration.

PMID- 22082171
TI  - Interleukin (IL)-17 versus IL-27: opposite effects on tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      mediated chemokine production in human keratinocytes.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is known to play a pivotal role in the
      pathogenesis of psoriasis. TNF-alpha has been shown to act directly on
      keratinocytes, thereby inducing the production of various kinds of chemokines,
      which contributes to the infiltration of leucocytes into the psoriatic lesions.
      Recent studies have shown that both interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-27 are increased
      in psoriatic lesional tissue. However, the interactions between TNF-alpha, IL-17
      and IL-27 in chemokine production by keratinocytes have not been fully
      elucidated. Here, we examined in human keratinocytes how TNF-alpha, IL-17 and IL
      27 affect production of chemokines that are involved in the pathogenesis of
      psoriasis. We found that IL-17 and IL-27 exert opposite effects on TNF-alpha
      mediated chemokine production. This suggests that lesional balance of IL-17 and
      IL-27 is involved in the recruitment of T cells, natural killer cells,
      neutrophils, monocytes or dendritic cells, thereby affecting inflammation in skin
      diseases.

PMID- 22082173
TI  - False-positive pregnancy tests following enterocystoplasty.
AB  - People with major congenital urological or neurological malformations invariably
      require bladder reconstruction with enterocystoplasty in early childhood. The
      improvement of the surgical management of these children has reflected
      significantly on their life expectancy. As a result, more young people with
      enterocystoplasty are being transitioned to adolescent clinics where they receive
      the usual counselling about sexual health and pregnancy risks. However, the
      possibility of false-positive urinary pregnancy tests in these young women
      remains an overlooked but essential message. The lack of awareness about this
      fact can result in significant patient anxiety and the potential for unnecessary
      interventions as exemplified by the three cases we have encountered.

PMID- 22082172
TI  - Percutaneous & Mini Invasive Achilles tendon repair.
AB  - Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a considerable cause of morbidity with reduced
      function following injury. Recent studies have shown little difference in outcome
      between the techniques of open and non-operative treatment using an early active
      rehabilitation programme. Meta-analyses have shown that non-operative management
      has increased risk of re-rupture whereas surgical intervention has risks of
      complications related to the wound and iatrogenic nerve injury. Minimally
      invasive surgery has been adopted as a way of reducing infections rates and wound
      breakdown however avoiding iatrogenic nerve injury must be considered. We discuss
      the techniques and outcomes of percutaneous and minimally invasive repairs of the
      Achilles tendon.

PMID- 22082174
TI  - Attitudes of medical students to medical leadership and management: a systematic
      review to inform curriculum development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing acknowledgement that doctors need to develop
      leadership and management competences to become more actively involved in the
      planning, delivery and transformation of patient services. We undertook a
      systematic review of what is known concerning the knowledge, skills and attitudes
      of medical students regarding leadership and management. Here we report the
      results pertaining to the attitudes of students to provide evidence to inform
      curriculum development in this developing field of medical education. METHODS: We
      searched major electronic databases and citation indexes within the disciplines
      of medicine, education, social science and management. We undertook hand
      searching of major journals, and reference and citation tracking. We accessed
      websites of UK medical institutions and contacted individuals working within the
      field. RESULTS: 26 studies were included. Most were conducted in the USA, using
      mainly quantitative methods. We used inductive analysis of the topics addressed
      by each study to identity five main content areas: Quality Improvement; Managed
      Care, Use of Resources and Costs; General Leadership and Management; Role of the
      Doctor, and Patient Safety. Students have positive attitudes to clinical practice
      guidelines, quality improvement techniques and multidisciplinary teamwork, but
      mixed attitudes to managed care, cost containment and medical error. Education
      interventions had variable effects on students' attitudes. Medical students
      perceive a need for leadership and management education but identified lack of
      curriculum time and disinterest in some activities as potential barriers to
      implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our review may reflect the
      relatively little emphasis given to leadership and management in medical
      curricula. However, students recognise a need to develop leadership and
      management competences. Although further work needs to be undertaken, using
      rigorous methods, to identify the most effective and cost-effective curriculum
      innovations, this review offers the only currently available summary of work
      examining the attitudes of students to this important area of development for
      future doctors.

PMID- 22082175
TI  - Public policy, blood safety and haemovigilance.

PMID- 22082176
TI  - Patient consent for blood transfusion--recommendations from SaBTO.

PMID- 22082177
TI  - SaBTO review of blood donor selection criteria related to sexual behaviour.

PMID- 22082179
TI  - Protonation states of important acidic residues in the central Ca2+ ion binding
      sites of the Ca2+-ATPase: a molecular modeling study.
AB  - The P-type ATPases are responsible for the transport of cations across cell
      membranes. The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) transports two
      Ca2+ ions from the cytoplasm to the lumen of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum and
      countertransports two or three protons per catalytic cycle. Two binding sites for
      Ca2+ ions have been located via protein crystallography, including four acidic
      amino acid residues that are essential to the ion coordination. In this study, we
      present molecular dynamics (MD) simulations examining the protonation states of
      these amino acid residues in a Ca2+-free conformation of SERCA. Such knowledge
      will be important for an improved understanding of atomistic details of the
      transport mechanism of protons and Ca2+ ions. Eight combinations of the
      protonation of four central acidic residues, Glu309, Glu771, Asp800, and Glu908,
      are tested from 10 ns MD simulations with respect to protein stability and
      ability to maintain a structure similar to the crystal structure. The
      trajectories for the most prospective combinations of protonation states were
      elongated to 50 ns and subjected to more detailed analysis, including prediction
      of pK(a) values of the four acidic residues over the trajectories. From the
      simulations we find that the combination leaving only Asp800 as charged is most
      likely. The results are compared to available experimental data and explain the
      observed destabilization upon full deprotonation, resulting in the entry of
      cytoplasmic K+ ions into the Ca2+ binding sites during the simulation in which
      Ca2+ ions are absent. Furthermore, a hypothesis for the exchange of protons from
      the central binding cavity is proposed.

PMID- 22082180
TI  - The relationship between same-sex sexual experience, sexual distress, and female
      sexual dysfunction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is little research estimating the occurrence of female sexual
      dysfunction (FSD) in women with same-sex sexual experience and none incorporating
      a key feature of standardized DSM-IV diagnoses-sexual distress. AIM: To
      investigate the prevalence of FSD in women with and without same-sex sexual
      experience and whether any effects of same-sex sexual experience on women's
      sexual functioning are moderated by frequency and type of sexual activity.
      METHODS: The sample consisted of 5,998 female individuals aged 18-49 years.
      Prevalence of FSD was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index and an
      abbreviated version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale. Measurement of frequency
      and variation in sexual activity was conducted using a modified version of the
      Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory. Lifetime same-sex experience was assessed
      with a single question. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence estimates of FSD. Odds
      ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the subsample-specific,
      mediating role of frequency and mode of sexual activities on FSD. RESULTS: Women
      with same-sex sexual experience (13.6%) engaged significantly more in all sexual
      activities (P < 0.01) compared with women without such experience. They further
      reported significantly more desire (Z = 3.1, P < 0.05) and satisfaction problems
      (z = 10.6, P < 0.001). When controlling patterns of sexual activities no
      significant effect of same-sex sexual experience on desire could be detected (OR
      1.1, CI 95% 0.9-1.2, P > 0.1), whereas the significant association between same
      sex sexual experience and sexual dissatisfaction remained (OR 1.28, CI 95% 1.1
      1.6, P < 0.05). Sexual distress was significantly more prevalent in women with
      same-sex sexual experience (23%) compared with their counterparts (19%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Same-sex sexual experience is related, both directly and indirectly,
      to FSD. Testing of the mediating factors underlying this association may offer
      important clues into the etiology of FSD in general. The results further
      highlight the need to consider sexual distress as a multidimensional concept.

PMID- 22082181
TI  - Implications of a local overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in complex
      regional pain syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To review the implications of a local overproduction of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha for the pathogenesis and treatment of complex regional pain
      syndrome. BACKGROUND:   Elevated local production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      contributes to prolonged inflammation in the early stages of complex regional
      pain syndrome. Consequences could include hypoxia and necrosis of local tissues.
      METHODS:   We conducted a review of articles published since 2000 on tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha in complex regional pain syndrome. RESULTS:   We propose
      that exaggerated local inflammation, subsequent inhibition of N-type calcium
      channel currents in sympathetic vasoconstrictor neurons and reduced sympathetic
      neurotransmitter release from perivascular terminals disrupt sympathetic
      cutaneous vasoconstrictor activity in complex regional pain syndrome. The
      resultant microvascular disturbance could exacerbate inflammation in the affected
      limb. In addition, an underactive cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway might
      lead to overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The results of large,
      randomized controlled treatment studies that test the efficacy of selective anti
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs in complex regional pain syndrome are not yet
      available. However, numerous small-scale studies and case reports indicate that
      anti-inflammatory drug treatments that directly or indirectly target tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha ameliorate pain and other symptoms in some cases.
      CONCLUSIONS:   An exaggerated inflammatory cytokine cascade may contribute to
      sensory and autonomic disturbances in complex regional pain syndrome. Further
      investigation of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy as a cost-effective
      treatment option for this devastating disease is required. Whether increased
      activity in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway provides therapeutic
      benefits for complex regional pain syndrome also warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22082182
TI  - Magic carbon clusters in the chemical vapor deposition growth of graphene.
AB  - Ground-state structures of supported C clusters, C(N) (N = 16, ..., 26), on four
      selected transition metal surfaces [Rh(111), Ru(0001), Ni(111), and Cu(111)] are
      systematically explored by ab initio calculations. It is found that the core
      shell structured C(21), which is a fraction of C(60) possessing three isolated
      pentagons and C(3v) symmetry, is a very stable magic cluster on all these metal
      surfaces. Comparison with experimental scanning tunneling microscopy images,
      dI/dV curves, and cluster heights proves that C(21) is the experimentally
      observed dominating C precursor in graphene chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
      growth. The exceptional stability of the C(21) cluster is attributed to its high
      symmetry, core-shell geometry, and strong binding between edge C atoms and the
      metal surfaces. Besides, the high barrier of two C(21) clusters' dimerization
      explains its temperature-dependent behavior in graphene CVD growth.

PMID- 22082183
TI  - Ultrasound-guided upper extremity blocks - tips and tricks to improve the
      clinical practice.
AB  - Brachial plexus blockade in children can be used for a broad spectrum of clinical
      indications. Nevertheless, these regional anesthetic techniques are still
      underused in pediatric anesthesia that is mainly because of insufficient
      descriptions of the particular techniques. Ultrasound guidance enables direct
      visualization of neuronal and adjacent anatomical structures, the cannula, and
      the spread of local anesthetic. The most important issue in this context is
      theoretical background knowledge and intensive training of hand skills. The
      following review article discusses all relevant aspects of ultrasound-guided
      brachial plexus blockade.

PMID- 22082184
TI  - Age-related decrease of miRNA-92a levels in human CD8+ T-cells correlates with a
      reduction of naive T lymphocytes.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR)-17-92a expression plays a crucial role in lymphocyte ontogeny. We
      therefore set out to determine miR-92a expression levels in peripheral blood
      lymphocytes from healthy subjects to ascertain any association between these
      levels and ageing. We found a positive correlation between the miR-92a expression
      level and the percentages of RO-CD8+CD27+ (P = 0.0046) and CD3+CD8+CD62L+ (P =
      0.0011). This suggests that the majority of miR-92a of CD8+ T cells is derived
      from naive cells, and the miR-92a expression level in CD8+ T cells declines
      progressively with age. These results indicate that the age-related attrition of
      naive T cells is linked to a reduction of miR-92a in human T -lymphocytes.
      Therefore, we should careful attention when evaluating human miRNA levels in T
      lymphocytes to use normal control values.

PMID- 22082187
TI  - Piriformis pyomyositis, an unusual presentation of leg pain post partum--case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - Piriformis pyomyositis is defined as a subacute infection of skeletal muscles
      associated with systemic infectious symptoms. In the literature it rarely occurs
      postpartum. We report a case of piriformis pyomyositis involving a parturient and
      review the published cases available in the literature.

PMID- 22082186
TI  - Relationship between Dietary and Other Lifestyle Habits and Cardiometabolic Risk
      Factors in Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of men with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) is
      increasing in Japan. Few studies have comprehensively examined the relation
      between lifestyles and CMRF. METHODS: We examined the baseline data from 3,498
      male workers ages 19 to 69 years who participated in the high-risk and population
      strategy for occupational health promotion (HIPOP-OHP) study at 12 large-scale
      companies throughout Japan. The physical activity of each participant was
      classified according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
      Dietary intake was surveyed by a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire.
      We defined four CMRF in this study as follows: 1) high blood pressure (BP):
      systolic BP >= 130 mmHg, or diastolic BP >= 85 mmHg, or the use of
      antihypertensive drugs; 2) dyslipidemia: high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
      concentration < 40 mg/dl, or triglycerides concentration >= 150 mg/dl, or on
      medication for dyslipidemia; 3) impaired glucose tolerance: fasting blood sugar
      concentration >=110 mg/dl; 4) obese: a body mass index >= 25 kg/m2. RESULTS:
      Those who had 0 to 4 CMRF accounted for 1,597 (45.7%), 1,032 (29.5%), 587
      (16.8%), 236 (6.7%), and 44 (1.3%) participants, respectively, in the Poisson
      distribution. Poisson regression analysis revealed that independent factors that
      contributed to the number of CMRF were age (b = 0.020, P < 0.01), IPAQ (b = 
      0.091, P < 0.01), alcohol intake (ml/day) (b = 0.001, P = 0.03), percentage of
      protein intake (b = 0.059, P = 0.01), and total energy intake (kcal)(b = 0.0001,
      P < 0.01). Furthermore, alcohol intake and its frequency had differential
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol intake, percent protein and total energy intake
      were positively associated, whereas drinking frequency and IPAQ were inversely
      associated, with the number of CMRF.

PMID- 22082188
TI  - Oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit Toll-like receptor 3 mediated cytotoxicity and
      CXCL8 release in keratinocytes.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an important sensor of viral infections and injury
      of self in keratinocytes. In this study, we stimulated primary keratinocytes with
      the TLR3-ligand polyI:C. This induced a toxic effect shown by up-regulation of
      the alarmin high-mobility group protein B1 and reduced responses in a MTT-assay.
      PolyI:C was a potent inducer of proinflammatory cytokines, and both these
      responses and the cytotoxic effects were found to be TLR3 dependent, as
      demonstrated by the use of siRNA for TLR3. Interestingly, co-stimulation with
      oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) inhibited all polyI:C induced effects. This
      inhibition was found to be mediated by the competition of endocytic uptake of
      polyI:C and ODNs. We have found polyI:C induced cytotoxicity and proinflammatory
      responses to be dependent of TLR3 and that this may be inhibited by ODNs. With
      these findings, we see a promising potential for ODNs in inhibiting TLR3-induced
      responses in inflammatory skin disorders.

PMID- 22082189
TI  - Improvement of antibiotic activity of Xenorhabdus bovienii by medium optimization
      using response surface methodology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The production of secondary metabolites with antibiotic properties is
      a common characteristic to entomopathogenic bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. These
      metabolites not only have diverse chemical structures but also have a wide range
      of bioactivities with medicinal and agricultural interests such as antibiotic,
      antimycotic and insecticidal, nematicidal and antiulcer, antineoplastic and
      antiviral. It has been known that cultivation parameters are critical to the
      secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms. Even small changes in the
      culture medium may not only impact the quantity of certain compounds but also the
      general metabolic profile of microorganisms. Manipulating nutritional or
      environmental factors can promote the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and
      thus facilitate the discovery of new natural products. This work was conducted to
      evaluate the influence of nutrition on the antibiotic production of X. bovienii
      YL002 and to optimize the medium to maximize its antibiotic production. RESULTS:
      Nutrition has high influence on the antibiotic production of X. bovienii YL002.
      Glycerol and soytone were identified as the best carbon and nitrogen sources that
      significantly affected the antibiotic production using one-factor-at-a-time
      approach. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the medium
      constituents (glycerol, soytone and minerals) for the antibiotic production of X.
      bovienii YL002. Higher antibiotic activity (337.5 U/mL) was obtained after
      optimization. The optimal levels of medium components were (g/L): glycerol 6.90,
      soytone 25.17, MgSO4.7H2O 1.57, (NH4)2SO4 2.55, KH2PO4 0.87, K2HPO4 1.11 and
      Na2SO4 1.81. An overall of 37.8% increase in the antibiotic activity of X.
      bovienii YL002 was obtained compared with that of the original medium.
      CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on antibiotic
      production of X. boviebii by medium optimization using RSM. The results strongly
      support the use of RSM for medium optimization. The optimized medium not only
      resulted in a 37.8% increase of antibiotic activity, but also reduced the numbers
      of experiments. The chosen method of medium optimization was efficient, simple
      and less time consuming. This work will be useful for the development of X.
      bovienii cultivation process for efficient antibiotic production on a large
      scale, and for the development of more advanced control strategies on plant
      diseases.

PMID- 22082190
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumors and hemangiopericytomas of the meninges: overlapping
      pathological features and common prognostic factors suggest the same spectrum of
      tumors.
AB  - Meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) and hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are
      distinct entities in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of
      central nervous system (CNS) tumors while they belong to the same spectrum of
      tumors in other locations. Well-defined histological prognostic factors are also
      lacking for these tumors. In order to clarify the relationship between SFT and
      HPC and to find histological and immunohistochemical prognostic factors, we
      carried out a retrospective study in 89 patients. The following histological
      parameters were recorded: hypercellularity, collagenic areas, cytonuclear
      atypias, necrosis, mitotic count per 10 high-power fields, vasculo-nervous
      adherences defined by engulfment of vessel or nerve by the tumor, brain
      infiltration. We found overlapping histological and immunohistochemical features
      between SFT and HPC. The most relevant histological prognostic factors in the
      whole cohort for both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      in univariate analysis were hypercellularity, high mitotic count (>5 per 10 high
      power fields) and necrosis. On the basis of these results, we propose a new
      grading scheme for these tumors which was of pronostic value for both PFS and OS
      in uni- and multivariate analysis. As extent of surgery was also a prognostic
      factor for both PFS and OS in univariate analysis, we propose that management of
      SFT/HPC might be based both on quality of removal and histological grade.

PMID- 22082191
TI  - Mode of delivery and postpartum emotional distress: a cohort study of 55,814
      women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between mode of delivery and maternal
      postpartum emotional distress. DESIGN: A prospective study of women from 30 weeks
      of gestation to 6 months postpartum. SETTING: Pregnant women in Norway during the
      period 1998-2008. POPULATION: A total of 55,814 women from the Norwegian Mother
      and Child Cohort Study. METHODS: Emotional distress was reported in a short form
      of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-8) at 30 weeks of gestation and at 6
      months postpartum. Information on mode of delivery was obtained from the Medical
      Birth Registry of Norway. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in SCL-8 score from 30
      weeks of gestation to 6 months postpartum and presence of emotional distress at 6
      months postpartum. RESULTS: Women with instrumental vaginal, emergency caesarean
      or elective caesarean deliveries had similar changes in SCL-8 score between 30
      weeks of gestation and 6 months postpartum, as compared with women with
      unassisted vaginal delivery (adjusted regression coefficient, 0.00, 95% CI -0.01
      to 0.01; 0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.02; and -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.00, respectively).
      The corresponding odds ratios (ORs) associated with the presence of emotional
      distress at 6 months postpartum (SCL-8 >= 2.0) were: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.86-1.18;
      OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.97-1.32; and OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.79-1.16, respectively. These
      estimates were adjusted for emotional distress during pregnancy and other
      potential confounding factors. Emotional distress during pregnancy showed the
      strongest association with the presence of emotional distress at 6 months
      postpartum (adjusted OR 14.09, 95% CI 12.77-15.55). CONCLUSIONS: Mode of delivery
      was not associated with a change in SCL-8 score from 30 weeks of gestation to 6
      months postpartum or with the presence of emotional distress postpartum.

PMID- 22082193
TI  - Performance of conventional and range-separated hybrid density functionals in
      calculations of electronic circular dichroism spectra of transition metal
      complexes.
AB  - A number of density functionals, including 'pure' (nonhybrid) functionals, global
      hybrids, and range-separated hybrids, were used to calculate the electronic
      circular dichroism (CD) spectra of 10 tris-bidentate transition metal complexes.
      The results are compared to one another and to experimental CD spectra, in an
      effort to illustrate the shortcomings of particular approximations in time
      dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The use of an origin invariant
      formalism to calculate magnetic transition dipole moments with the help of gauge
      including atomic orbitals (GIAOs) is also investigated. With valence basis sets
      of moderate flexibility, good agreement between GIAO results and rotatory
      strengths calculated from the dipole-velocity representation is obtained for
      selected test cases. Empirically broadened vertical CD spectra calculated with
      the global hybrid functionals B3LYP and PBE0 are found to agree overall the best
      with experimental CD spectra.

PMID- 22082194
TI  - p38alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors, a patent review (2005
      2011).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since the first biological factor that neutralized tumor necrosis
      (TNF)-alpha was brought to the market, there has been a desperate search for
      small molecules with the same efficacy in therapy of inflammatory disorders. One
      of the most promising targets is p38alpha mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase.
      This enzyme is a key player in a vast number of inflammatory and autoimmune
      processes. AREAS COVERED: Almost every international company doing research in
      drug discovery is or was involved in the development of compounds that inhibit
      p38alpha MAP kinase. Herein their patents and the corresponding publications are
      summarized. EXPERT OPINION: In the last few years, compounds have become more
      potent and more selective, for example, by induction of the so-called glycine
      flip. Furthermore, some companies are striving for selectivity with respect to
      isoforms. The increasing availability of rapid screening services, which include
      more than 400 kinases, has encouraged companies to reconsider traditional
      approaches. The most promising approach appears to be the development of linear
      binding molecules that feature a carbonyl oxygen that can enforce the glycine
      flip. Furthermore, recent projects increasingly target new fields of application,
      for example, pulmonary diseases. This might be the most important trend of the
      past few years.

PMID- 22082195
TI  - Current computer modeling cannot explain why two highly similar sequences fold
      into different structures.
AB  - The remarkable recent creation of two proteins that fold into two completely
      different and stable structures, exhibit different functions, yet differ by only
      a few amino acids poses a conundrum to those hoping to understand how sequence
      encodes structure. Here, computer modeling uniquely allows the characterization
      of not only the native structure of each minimally different sequence but also
      systems in which each sequence was modeled onto the fold of the alternate
      sequence. The reasons for the different structural preferences of two pairs of
      highly similar sequences are explored by a combination of structure analyses,
      comparison of potential energies calculated from energy-minimized single
      structures and trajectories produced from molecular dynamics simulations, and
      application of a novel method for calculating free energy differences. The
      sensitivity of such analyses to the choice of force field is also explored. Many
      of the hypotheses proposed on the basis of the nuclear magnetic resonance model
      structures of the proteins with 95% identical sequences are supported. However,
      each level of analysis provides different predictions regarding which sequence
      structure combination should be most favored, highlighting the fact that protein
      structure and stability result from a complex combination of interdependent
      factors.

PMID- 22082196
TI  - Influenza H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination: a safety surveillance feasibility study
      using self-reporting of serious adverse events and pregnancy outcomes.
AB  - AIMS: During the global H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) pandemic 2009-2010, swine
      flu vaccines were expeditiously licensed and a mass vaccination programme for
      high risk groups, including pregnant women, was introduced in the UK. This pilot
      active safety surveillance study was performed to establish the feasibility of
      rapidly monitoring the new swine flu vaccines in large patient numbers receiving
      or offered the vaccination under normal conditions of use within a short time
      frame. METHODS: A cohort design with safety data capture through modern
      technologies was carried out in Scotland, UK during the winter swine flu
      vaccination programme 2009-2010 in individuals receiving or offered the swine flu
      vaccination. The main outcome measures were self-reported serious adverse events
      (SAEs) and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 4066 people; 3754
      vaccinated and 312 offered the vaccination but not vaccinated. There were 939
      self-reported events (838 different events), 53 judged to fit SAE criteria by the
      investigators, with nine judged as possibly, probably or definitely vaccine
      related. None of the seven deaths (six in vaccinees) were judged as vaccine
      related. One hundred and twenty-eight women reported 130 pregnancies during the
      study with 117 pregnant at study start. There were reports of four miscarriages
      in three women and six possible congenital abnormalities in live births.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, no significant safety issues were identified. The
      methodology and use of modern technologies to collect safety data from large
      numbers of patients was successful and could be used again in similar safety
      studies.

PMID- 22082197
TI  - Total synthesis of the photoprotecting dipyrrolobenzoquinone (+)-terreusinone.
AB  - The first synthesis of (+)-terreusinone 1, a dipyrrolobenzoquinone with a potent
      UV-A protecting capability, is described. Key transformations include a one-pot
      Larock indolization-Sonogashira coupling reaction and the hydroamination of an
      unsubstituted ortho-alkynylaniline catalyzed by a cationic gold(I) complex. The
      synthesis proceeds in eight steps from commercially available starting materials,
      confirming the structure and absolute configuration of the natural product.

PMID- 22082199
TI  - The blackberry fruit: a review on its composition and chemistry, metabolism and
      bioavailability, and health benefits.
AB  - Blackberry (Rubus sp.) fruit contains high levels of anthocyanins and other
      phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and ellagitannins, which contribute to its
      high antioxidant capacity and other biological activities. Blackberry phenolic
      composition and concentrations are known to be influenced by genetics, growing
      conditions, and maturation. Despite the current knowledge of their chemistry,
      research specific to blackberry phenolic compounds' health benefits, metabolism,
      bioavailability, and mechanism by which they confer health benefits is scarce.
      Blackberry phenolic compounds have protective effects on age-related
      neurodegenerative diseases and bone loss in vivo and can inhibit low-density
      lipoprotein and liposomal oxidation in vitro. Blackberry extracts have also
      exerted antimutagenic effects in vitro and in vivo by modifying cell signaling
      pathways and suppressing tumor promotion factors. However, the antiobesity,
      antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of blackberry
      phenolic compounds need investigation. Similarly, studies that elucidate the in
      vivo physiologically effective concentrations of blackberry phenolic compounds
      are necessary. 

PMID- 22082200
TI  - Sustained-release oxycodone tablets for moderate to severe painful diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy: a multicenter, open-labeled, postmarketing clinical
      observation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sustained-release (SR)
      oxycodone tablets in the treatment of moderate to severe painful diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Design.  This was a multicenter, randomized, open
      labeled study. SETTING: This study was completed in 12 hospitals in China.
      PATIENTS: A total of 80 Chinese patients undergoing moderate to severe painful
      DPN. INTERVENTIONS: An initial dose of 10mg is recommended to be taken orally
      every 12 hours. Dose titration was done appropriately according to pain intensity
      and adverse reactions. OUTCOME MEASURES:   Data record included days, dosage,
      analgesic efficacy, quality of sleep, adverse events, and combination therapy
      when patients were treated with SR oxycodone tablets. The continuous observation
      period was 6 weeks. RESULTS: After medication for 1 week, pain was significantly
      (P<0.01) relieved from 6.8+/-1.4 to 2.8+/-1.6. Onset time was within 45 minutes
      in nearly 60% of the patients, and within 1 hour in nearly 95% of that ones. More
      than 90% of the patients achieved stable analgesic dose within 3 days. After
      using SR oxycodone tablets for 1 week, sleep quality was significantly (P<0.01)
      improved. In week 1, the average dose of SR oxycodone tablets was 16.63+/-7.79mg.
      The average daily dose of most patients was about 20mg after 2 weeks. In all the
      enrolled patients, 38 (47.5%) had adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions
      took place. CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical observation further
      elaborated the efficacy and safety of SR oxycodone tablets in the treatment of
      moderate to severe painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in China.

PMID- 22082201
TI  - Modeling light trapping in nanostructured solar cells.
AB  - The integration of nanophotonic and plasmonic structures with solar cells offers
      the ability to control and confine light in nanoscale dimensions. These
      nanostructures can be used to couple incident sunlight into both localized and
      guided modes, enhancing absorption while reducing the quantity of material. Here
      we use electromagnetic modeling to study the resonances in a solar cell
      containing both plasmonic metal back contacts and nanostructured semiconductor
      top contacts, identify the local and guided modes contributing to enhanced
      absorption, and optimize the design. We then study the role of the different
      interfaces and show that Al is a viable plasmonic back contact material.

PMID- 22082202
TI  - Research on basis of reverse genetics system of a Sindbis-like virus XJ-160.
AB  - As a Sindbis-like virus (SINLV), XJ-160 virus was isolated from a pooled sample
      of Anopheles mosquitoes collected in Xinjiang, China, in 1990. Recombinant
      plasmid pBR-XJ160 is an infectious full-length cDNA clone of XJ-160 virus, from
      which rescued virus BR-XJ160 can be obtained by transcription in vitro and
      transfection. The BR-XJ160 virus raised in BHK-21 cells was indistinguishable
      from the XJ-160 virus in its biological properties, including its plaque
      morphology, growth kinetics and suckling mouse neurovirulence. On basis of pBR
      XJ160, the effects of substitutions within nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) or nsP2
      on the infectivity and pathogenesis of Sindbis virus (SINV) have been
      investigated. We have also confirmed the essential role of E2 glycoprotein,
      especially the domain of 145-150 (amino acid) aa, in SINV infection through the
      interaction with cellular heparan sulfate (HS). In addition, we have developed XJ
      160 virus-based vector system, including replicon vector, defective helper (DH)
      plasmids and the packaging cell lines (PCLs). Here we provide an update of main
      development in the field concerned with XJ-160 virus.

PMID- 22082203
TI  - Sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinologic
      disorder. Little is known about the effects of PCOS on overall sexual
      functioning, phases of the sexual response cycle, and sexual satisfaction. AIM:
      To compare the differences in sexual function between women with PCOS and
      controls, and to assess the relationship of serum testosterone, body mass index
      (BMI), hirsutism, and acne with sexual function scores in women with PCOS.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis in which women who met the National Institute
      of Child Health and Human Development criteria for PCOS were compared with a
      group of healthy volunteers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results from the validated
      Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) were used to assess sexual
      function. In women with PCOS, serum testosterone levels, BMI, self-reported
      hirsutism, and acne were assessed as independent variables. RESULTS: Ninety-two
      women with PCOS and 82 controls were studied. Based on total CSFQ scores, sexual
      dysfunction was present in 27.2% of cases vs. 24.4% of controls (not signifcant).
      Women with PCOS had a significantly lower orgasm/completion score compared with
      women in the control group (P < 0.001). Women with PCOS whose testosterone levels
      were >1 standard deviation above the mean had significantly better sexual
      functioning vs. those within 1 SD (P = 0.015) and those >1 SD below the mean (P =
      0.033). In women with PCOS, increasing BMI was associated with a significant
      reduction in the orgasm/completion subdomain, but no significant associations
      were found in regard to acne or hirsutism. CONCLUSIONS: Women with PCOS have
      similar sexual functioning scores compared with controls except in regard to
      orgasm/completion. The subpopulation of women with PCOS whose serum testosterone
      levels are in the normal reproductive range are at increased risk for sexual
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22082204
TI  - L-carnitine ameliorated fatty liver in high-calorie diet/STZ-induced type 2
      diabetic mice by improving mitochondrial function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are an increasing number of patients suffering from fatty liver
      caused by type 2 diabetes. We intended to study the preventive and therapeutic
      effect of L-carnitine (LC) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in
      streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice and to explore its possible
      mechanism. METHODS: Thirty male Kungming mice were randomly divided into five
      groups: control group, diabetic group, pre-treatment group (125 mg/kg BW), low
      dose (125 mg/kg BW) therapeutic group and high-dose (250 mg/kg BW) therapeutic
      group. The morphology of hepatocytes was observed by light and electron
      microscopy. LC and ALC (acetyl L-carnitine) concentrations in the liver were
      determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, liver
      weight, insulin levels and free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride (TG) levels in
      the liver and plasma were measured. RESULTS: Average liver LC and ALC levels were
      33.7% and 20% lower, respectively, in diabetic mice compared to control mice (P <
      0.05). After preventive and therapeutic treatment with LC, less hepatocyte
      steatosis, clearer crista and fewer glycogen granules in the mitochondria were
      observed. Decreased liver weight, TG levels, and FFA concentrations (P < 0.05) in
      the liver were also observed after treatment with LC in diabetic mice. Moreover,
      liver LC and ALC levels increased upon treatment with LC, whereas the ratio of LC
      and ALC decreased significantly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: LC supplements
      ameliorated fatty liver in type 2 diabetic mice by increasing fatty acid
      oxidation and decreasing the LC/ALC ratio in the liver. Therefore, oral
      administration of LC protected mitochondrial function in liver.

PMID- 22082205
TI  - Catalytic kinetic resolution of cyclic secondary amines.
AB  - The catalytic resolution of racemic cyclic amines has been achieved by an
      enantioselective amidation reaction featuring an achiral N-heterocyclic carbene
      catalyst and a new chiral hydroxamic acid cocatalyst working in concert. The
      reactions proceed at room temperature, do not generate nonvolatile byproducts,
      and provide enantioenriched amines by aqueous extraction.

PMID- 22082206
TI  - Evaluation of fetal nuchal translucency in 98 pregnancies at risk for severe
      spinal muscular atrophy: possible relevance of the SMN2 copy number.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness as a possible early
      marker in fetuses at risk for severe spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). To
      investigate the significance of the survival motor neuron (SMN) 2 gene copy
      number in affected fetuses. METHODS: We performed 2D-ultrasound in 98 pregnancies
      at risk for SMA, all of which underwent prenatal molecular testing of the SMN1
      gene. Crown-rump length (CRL) and NT measurements were obtained in all cases
      before chorionic villus sampling. Fetuses were diagnosed as healthy, carriers or
      affected according to the SMN1 molecular testing results. SMN2 copies were also
      tested in all affected fetuses. RESULTS: Nineteen fetuses were predicted to be
      affected due to the absence of the SMN1 gene, 18 of which had two SMN2 copies.
      Mean CRL and NT values did not differ between healthy, carrier and affected
      fetuses. In the remaining affected case who had only one SMN2 copy, the
      ultrasound examination showed a NT value of 4.98 mm and findings compatible with
      hypoplastic left heart. CONCLUSIONS: Most affected SMA fetuses have normal NT
      values. Our findings support the idea that SMN2 copy number in SMA fetuses is
      relevant for the development of congenital heart defects and increased NT values.

PMID- 22082207
TI  - Increased liver stiffness denotes hepatic dysfunction and mortality risk in
      critically ill non-cirrhotic patients at a medical ICU.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hepatic dysfunction is a common finding in critically ill patients
      on the ICU and directly influences survival. Liver stiffness can be measured by
      the novel method of transient elastography (fibroscan) and is closely associated
      with hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease, but also is
      increased in patients with acute hepatitis, acute liver failure and cholestasis.
      We investigated liver stiffness as a potentially useful tool for early detection
      of patients with hepatic deterioration and risk stratification with respect to
      short- and long-term mortality. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 108
      consecutive critically ill patients at our medical intensive care unit (ICU) with
      subsequent longitudinal liver stiffness measurements (admission, Day 3, Day 7 and
      weekly thereafter) during the course of ICU treatment. Outcome was followed after
      discharge (median observation time 237 days). RESULTS: Liver stiffness could be
      reliably measured in 71% of ICU patients at admission (65% at Day 3, 63% at Day
      7). Critically ill patients (n = 108) had significantly increased liver stiffness
      compared to sex- and age-matched standard care patients (n = 25). ICU patients
      with decompensated cirrhosis showed highest liver stiffness, whereas other
      critical diseases (for example, sepsis) and comorbidities (for example, diabetes,
      obesity) did not impact stiffness values. At admission to the ICU, liver
      stiffness is closely related to hepatic damage (liver synthesis, cholestasis,
      fibrosis markers). During the course of ICU treatment, fluid overload (renal
      failure, volume therapy) and increased central venous pressure (mechanical
      ventilation, heart failure) were major factors determining liver stiffness. Liver
      stiffness values > 18 kilopascal (kPa) at ICU admission were associated with
      increased ICU and long-term mortality, even in non-cirrhotic patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering that liver stiffness cannot be validly measured in about
      30% of ICU patients, transient elastography performed at ICU admission might be a
      useful tool to early identify liver dysfunction and predict mortality in
      critically ill patients at a medical ICU.

PMID- 22082209
TI  - The laboratory of clinical virology in monitoring patients undergoing monoclonal
      antibody therapy.
AB  - The relevant efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has resulted in the
      successful treatment of several diseases, although susceptibility to infections
      remains a major problem. This review summarizes aspects of the literature
      regarding viral infections and mAbs, specifically addressing the risk of
      infection/reactivation, the measures that can reduce this risk, and the role
      played by the laboratory of clinical virology in monitoring patients undergoing
      mAb therapy.

PMID- 22082208
TI  - Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: an unexpected complication of modern
      therapeutic monoclonal antibody therapies.
AB  - Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disorder
      of the central nervous system, caused by the reactivation of the ubiquitous JC
      virus. PML usually occurs during severe immunosuppression, and the most common
      causes are represented by human immunodeficiency virus infection,
      lymphoproliferative disorders and other forms of cancer. Recently, the
      introduction of monoclonal antibodies (e.g. natalizumab, rituximab, efalizumab)
      in the treatment of several dysimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
      rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus, has led to an
      increased incidence of PML. This phenomenon has had severe consequences, leading,
      for example, to the withdrawal from the market of Efalizumab, and important
      restrictions in the use of the other compounds, all of which are characterized by
      high efficacy in improving prognosis and quality of life. In this review we will
      discuss clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of PML. In addition, proposed
      pathogenetic mechanisms promoting the reactivation of JC virus in the context of
      treatment with monoclonal antibodies will be described.

PMID- 22082211
TI  - Transferability of a modified embryonic stem cell test using a new endpoint for
      developmental neurotoxicity.
AB  - We developed and analyzed a new surrogate endpoint of the mouse embryonic stem
      cell test (EST) for developmental neurotoxicity. To determine the sensitivity,
      specificity, and transferability of the new endpoint, a pre-validation team from
      three independent laboratories optimized and standardized the protocol for
      neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) by measuring the
      neuronal differentiation rates of mESCs under different culture conditions, such
      as the presence or absence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the growth
      media and varying lengths of culture. In addition, a component ratio of neuronal
      cells was measured by using flow cytometry analysis of beta-III tubulin (Tuj1)
      positive cells and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of microtubule
      associated protein 2 (MAP2) mRNA. Our results showed that the best growth was
      achieved by culturing mESCs for 12 d in N2B27 medium without bFGF or ascorbic
      acid. Lead (II) acetate and aroclor 1254 were used to test the usefulness of the
      new endpoint. When we used the known ID(50) values for lead (II) acetate in the
      EST model, it was classified as non-embryotoxic; however, when we used the new
      ID(50) values that we determined in this study, it was classified as weakly
      embryotoxic. Aroclor 1254 and penicillin G were also classified as weakly
      embryotoxic and non-embryotoxic compounds, respectively, when cardiac and
      neuronal differentiation ID(50) values were used. Therefore, our new surrogate
      endpoint for developmental neurotoxicity is not only sensitive and specific but
      also transferable among laboratories.

PMID- 22082212
TI  - Donors' perspectives on their postdonation information (PDI) event: a qualitative
      interview study of PDI donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postdonation information (PDI) occurs when a donor fails to report a
      risk that would have resulted in deferral, but at some subsequent point is
      disclosed. Donors' perspectives on and perceived reasons for their PDIs have not
      been previously studied. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative interview study
      was conducted with PDI, appropriately deferred (and not PDI), and accepted donors
      from the six REDS-II blood centers. Telephone interviews were conducted with
      donors using semistructured discussion guides after their most recent donation or
      donation attempt. Salient themes were identified within and across the three
      donor categories using interview recordings and notes. RESULTS: Sixty-six donors
      were interviewed (35 PDIs, 21 appropriately deferred, and 10 accepted). Cases
      could be grouped into one of three broad clusters according to the apparent
      primary reason for the PDI event: perceived changes in rules or application of
      more intensive screening procedures at this visit versus prior visit(s), issues
      of recall or interpretation of a question, and discrepancies in recollections of
      timing. CONCLUSIONS: While descriptive and demographic information exists on the
      numbers and types of PDI events and donors, there has never been a qualitative
      study exploring donation experiences and possible reasons for their PDIs. This
      exploratory study based on semistructured interviews of donors identified several
      potentially actionable areas including the need for screeners to clarify the
      meaning of and answers to certain questions and helping donors accurately
      remember the details and dates of deferrable activities.

PMID- 22082213
TI  - Saccade launch site as a predictor of fixation durations in reading: comments on
      Hand, Miellet, O'Donnell, and Sereno (2010).
AB  - An important question in research on eye movements in reading is whether word
      frequency and word predictability have additive or interactive effects on
      fixation durations. A fair number of studies have reported only additive effects
      of the frequency and predictability of a target word on reading times on that
      word, failing to show significant interactions. Recently, however, Hand, Miellet,
      O'Donnell, and Sereno (see record 2010-19099-001) reported interactive effects in
      a study that included the distance of the prior fixation from the target word
      (launch site). They reported that when the saccade into the target word was
      launched from very near to the word (within 3 characters), the predictability
      effect was larger for low frequency words, but when the saccade was launched from
      a medium distance (4-6 characters from the word) the predictability effect was
      larger for high frequency words. Hand et al. argued for the importance of
      including launch site in analyses of target word fixation durations. Here we
      describe several problems with Hand et al.'s use of analyses of variance in which
      launch site is divided into distinct ordinal levels. We describe a more
      appropriate way to analyze such data-linear mixed-effect models-and we use this
      method to show that launch site does not modulate the interaction between
      frequency and predictability in two other data sets.

PMID- 22082214
TI  - The locus of tool-transformation costs.
AB  - Transformations of hand movements by tools such as levers or electronic input
      devices can invoke performance costs compared to untransformed movements. This
      study investigated by means of the Psychological Refractory Period (PRP) paradigm
      at which stage of information processing such tool-transformation costs arise. We
      used an inversion transformation, that is, the movement of the operating hand was
      transformed into a spatially incompatible movement of a lever. As a basic tool
      transformation effect, the initiation of inverted tool movements was delayed
      compared to noninverted movements. Experiment 1 suggested a central (or
      postcentral) locus of this tool-transformation effect and ruled out a
      (precentral) perceptual locus. Experiments 2 and 3 confirmed the central locus
      and ruled out a later, motor-related stage of processing. The results show that
      spatially incompatible tool movements delay a capacity-limited stage of
      information processing, often referred to as response selection.

PMID- 22082198
TI  - Dronedarone in high-risk permanent atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dronedarone restores sinus rhythm and reduces hospitalization or
      death in intermittent atrial fibrillation. It also lowers heart rate and blood
      pressure and has antiadrenergic and potential ventricular antiarrhythmic effects.
      We hypothesized that dronedarone would reduce major vascular events in high-risk
      permanent atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We assigned patients who were at least 65
      years of age with at least a 6-month history of permanent atrial fibrillation and
      risk factors for major vascular events to receive dronedarone or placebo. The
      first coprimary outcome was stroke, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, or
      death from cardiovascular causes. The second coprimary outcome was unplanned
      hospitalization for a cardiovascular cause or death. RESULTS: After the
      enrollment of 3236 patients, the study was stopped for safety reasons. The first
      coprimary outcome occurred in 43 patients receiving dronedarone and 19 receiving
      placebo (hazard ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34 to 3.94;
      P=0.002). There were 21 deaths from cardiovascular causes in the dronedarone
      group and 10 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.00 to 4.49;
      P=0.046), including death from arrhythmia in 13 patients and 4 patients,
      respectively (hazard ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.06 to 10.00; P=0.03). Stroke occurred
      in 23 patients in the dronedarone group and 10 in the placebo group (hazard
      ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.88; P=0.02). Hospitalization for heart failure
      occurred in 43 patients in the dronedarone group and 24 in the placebo group
      (hazard ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.99; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Dronedarone
      increased rates of heart failure, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes in
      patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who were at risk for major vascular
      events. Our data show that this drug should not be used in such patients. (Funded
      by Sanofi-Aventis; PALLAS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01151137.).

PMID- 22082215
TI  - Prior entry and temporal attention: cueing affects order errors in RSVP.
AB  - The law of prior entry states that attended objects come to consciousness more
      quickly than unattended ones. This has been well established in spatial cueing
      paradigms, where two task-relevant stimuli are presented near-simultaneously at
      two different locations. Here, we suggest that prior entry also plays a pivotal
      role in temporal attention paradigms, where stimuli appear at the same location
      but at distinct moments in time, in rapid serial presentation (RSVP).
      Specifically, we hypothesize that prior entry can explain temporal order
      reversals in reporting two targets from RSVP. In support of this, three
      experiments show that cueing attention toward either of the targets has a strong
      influence on order errors. We conclude that prior entry provides a viable
      explanation of the way in which relevant information is prioritized in RSVP.

PMID- 22082216
TI  - Global statistical learning in a visual search task.
AB  - Locating a target in a visual search task is facilitated when the target location
      is repeated on successive trials. Global statistical properties also influence
      visual search, but have often been confounded with local regularities (i.e.,
      target location repetition). In two experiments, target locations were not
      repeated for four successive trials, but with a target location bias (i.e., the
      target appeared on one half of the display twice as often as the other).
      Participants quickly learned to make more first saccades to the side more likely
      to contain the target. With item-by-item search first saccades to the target were
      at chance. With a distributed search strategy first saccades to a target located
      on the biased side increased above chance. The results confirm that visual search
      behavior is sensitive to simple global statistics in the absence of trial-to
      trial target location repetitions.

PMID- 22082217
TI  - Average orientation is more accessible through object boundaries than surface
      features.
AB  - In a glance, the visual system can provide a summary of some kinds of information
      about objects in a scene. We explore how summary information about orientation is
      extracted and find that some representations of orientation are privileged over
      others. Participants judged the average orientation of either a set of 6 bars or
      6 circular gratings. For bars, orientation information was carried by object
      boundary features, while for gratings, orientation was carried by internal
      surface features. The results showed more accurate averaging performance for bars
      than for gratings, even when controlling for potential differences in encoding
      precision for solitary objects. We suggest that, during orientation averaging,
      the visual system prioritizes object boundaries over surface features. This
      privilege for boundary features may lead to a better representation of the
      spatial layout of a scene.

PMID- 22082218
TI  - Validating clustering of molecular dynamics simulations using polymer models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a powerful technique for
      sampling the meta-stable and transitional conformations of proteins and other
      biomolecules. Computational data clustering has emerged as a useful, automated
      technique for extracting conformational states from MD simulation data. Despite
      extensive application, relatively little work has been done to determine if the
      clustering algorithms are actually extracting useful information. A primary goal
      of this paper therefore is to provide such an understanding through a detailed
      analysis of data clustering applied to a series of increasingly complex
      biopolymer models. RESULTS: We develop a novel series of models using basic
      polymer theory that have intuitive, clearly-defined dynamics and exhibit the
      essential properties that we are seeking to identify in MD simulations of real
      biomolecules. We then apply spectral clustering, an algorithm particularly well
      suited for clustering polymer structures, to our models and MD simulations of
      several intrinsically disordered proteins. Clustering results for the polymer
      models provide clear evidence that the meta-stable and transitional conformations
      are detected by the algorithm. The results for the polymer models also help guide
      the analysis of the disordered protein simulations by comparing and contrasting
      the statistical properties of the extracted clusters. CONCLUSIONS: We have
      developed a framework for validating the performance and utility of clustering
      algorithms for studying molecular biopolymer simulations that utilizes several
      analytic and dynamic polymer models which exhibit well-behaved dynamics
      including: meta-stable states, transition states, helical structures, and
      stochastic dynamics. We show that spectral clustering is robust to anomalies
      introduced by structural alignment and that different structural classes of
      intrinsically disordered proteins can be reliably discriminated from the
      clustering results. To our knowledge, our framework is the first to utilize model
      polymers to rigorously test the utility of clustering algorithms for studying
      biopolymers.

PMID- 22082219
TI  - CRABP-II- and FABP5-independent all-trans retinoic acid resistance in COLO 16
      human cutaneous squamous cancer cells.
AB  - The effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinomas (c-SCC) has been poorly described. Because the imbalance of CRABP-II
      mediated anticancer signalling and FABP5-mediated growth-promoting signalling was
      supposed to be related with ATRA sensitivities of cancer cells, COLO16 human c
      SCC cell line was selected to check underlying mechanism leading to ATRA
      resistance by multiple experimental approaches. The results revealed that COLO 16
      cells were resistant to 15 MUm ATRA treatment. FABP5 as well as the elements
      related with CRABP-II signalling (CYP26A1, CYP26B1, CRABP-I, RARalpha/beta/gamma
      and RXRalpha/beta/gamma) and with FABP5 signalling (PPARbeta/delta) were
      expressed, but CRABP-II was undetectable in COLO 16 cells. 5-Aza treatment
      enhanced CRABP-II expression but further bisulfite sequencing PCR-DNA sequencing
      revealed no methylation in CRABP-II promoter region. Transfection of CRABP-II
      expressing plasmids or FABP5 siRNA or both successfully manipulated the level(s)
      of target gene expression but failed to overcome ATRA resistance in the
      transfectants. In conclusion, CRABP-II and FABP5 expression were imbalanced in
      ATRA-resistant COLO 16 cells. 5-Aza-enhanced CRABP-II expression and
      unmethylation in CRABP-II promoter region suggest the methylation of certain
      CRABP-II regulatory gene(s) in COLO 16 cells. As neither restoration of CRABP-II
      expression nor the increased CRABP-II versus FABP5 ratio can overcome ATRA
      resistance of COLO 16 cells, additional ATRA-resistant mechanism(s) may present
      in human c-SCCs and COLO 16 cells would be of value in addressing this issue.

PMID- 22082220
TI  - A novel DP2 receptor antagonist (AM-461): a patent evaluation of WO2011085033.
AB  - This application claims salts and crystalline forms of a previously disclosed DP2
      receptor antagonist (2-[3-[2-(tert-butylsulfanylmethyl)-4-(2,2
      dimethylpropanoylamino)phenoxy]-4-methoxy-phenyl]acetic acid (1)). It also claims
      compositions containing the free acid and its salts, especially the sodium salt
      and their use in the treatment of inflammatory and respiratory diseases,
      especially asthma. Notably, the application presents Phase I clinical data on
      compound (1).

PMID- 22082221
TI  - Microbiologic characteristics and in vitro susceptibility to antimicrobials in a
      large population of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device
      infection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of cardiovascular implantable electronic device
      (CIED) infection is steadily increasing. However, no consensus has been reached
      with respect to the type and duration of antimicrobial therapy in this specific
      population of patients. The role played by new anti-Staphylococcus agents has not
      been defined. The aims of this study were to describe the microbiological
      characteristics of a large population of patients with CIED infections and to
      test the in vitro susceptibility of the various strains to different
      antimicrobials. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-six patients with CIED infection were
      included. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of 9 antimicrobials, including
      linezolid, tigecycline, and daptomycin were measured against all strains of
      staphylococci isolated. RESULTS: Microbiologic confirmation was obtained in 252
      (88%) patients, the vast majority were from Staphylococcus species (86%), 90% of
      these were coagulase negative strains and 10% were Staphylococcus aureus; 30.5%
      were methicillin-resistant. All strains were susceptible to vancomycin, nearly
      15% of coagulase negative strains were nonsusceptible to teicoplanin, and nearly
      100% of the strains were susceptible to the 3 new antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS: In
      this large contemporary study, we show that Staphylococcus is by far the most
      common cause of CIED infections, with the majority due to coagulase negative
      strains. Methicillin-resistance is common in this population. Currently, we would
      recommend vancomycin as first-line empirical therapy. However, given that not all
      patients tolerate vancomycin, we believe that newer antimicrobial therapies
      should now be tested in clinical trials to establish their clinical effectiveness
      in treating patients with device infections.

PMID- 22082222
TI  - Acceleration of ammonium nitrite denitrification by freezing: determination of
      activation energy from the temperature of maximum reaction rate.
AB  - A reaction of ammonium nitrite in ice was investigated. Upon freezing, some
      nitrite is oxidized by dissolved oxygen and some nitrite reacts with ammonium to
      produce nitrogen and water in a denitrification reaction. The former reaction was
      accelerated only during freezing, and the latter one was accelerated even after
      the whole sample was frozen. The denitrification reaction proceeded at very low
      concentration in ice, which were conditions under which the reaction would not
      proceed in solution. The nitrogen production increased linearly with increasing
      initial concentration of ammonium nitrite. The concentration factor in the
      unfrozen solution in ice was estimated to be 50.6 when the initial concentration
      was 0.5 mmol dm(-3), as obtained from comparison of reaction rates in solution
      and in ice. A new method for determination of the activation energy is proposed
      that gives a value of 53 to 61 kJ mol(-1) for denitrification. The reaction order
      of the denitrification process is also determined using our method, and it is
      concluded to follow third-order kinetics.

PMID- 22082223
TI  - In Arabidopsis, the spatial and dynamic organization of the endoplasmic reticulum
      and Golgi apparatus is influenced by the integrity of the C-terminal domain of
      RHD3, a non-essential GTPase.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying the organization and dynamics of plant endomembranes
      are largely unknown. Arabidopsis RHD3, a distant member of the dynamin
      superfamily, has recently been implicated in plant ER morphology and Golgi
      movement through analyses of dominant-negative mutants of the putative GTPase
      domain in a heterologous system. Whether RHD3 is indispensable for ER
      architecture and what role regions other than the putative GTPase domain play in
      RHD3 function are unanswered questions. Here we characterized an EMS mutant,
      gom8, with disrupted Golgi movement and positioning and compromised ER shape and
      dynamics. gom8 mapped to a missense mutation in the RHD3 hairpin loop domain,
      causing accumulation of the mutant protein into large structures, a markedly
      different distribution compared with wild-type RHD3 over the ER network. Despite
      the GOM8 distribution, tubules fused in the peripheral ER of the gom8 mutant.
      These data imply that integrity of the hairpin region is important for the
      subcellular distribution of RHD3, and that reduced availability of RHD3 over the
      ER can cause ER morphology defects, but does not prevent peripheral fusion
      between tubules. This was confirmed by evidence that gom8 was phenocopied in an
      RHD3 null background. Furthermore, we established that the region encompassing
      the RHD3 hairpin domain and the C-terminal cytosolic domain is necessary for RHD3
      function. We conclude that RHD3 is important in ER morphology, but is dispensable
      for peripheral ER tubulation in an endogenous context, and that its activity
      relies on the C-terminal region in addition to the GTPase domain.

PMID- 22082225
TI  - Longitudinal observation of changes in pain sensitivity during opioid tapering in
      patients with chronic low-back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   Several studies have shown that exposure to opioids for short or
      long periods alters pain sensitivity. Little is known about changes in pain
      sensitivity during and after tapering of long-term prescribed opioid treatment in
      chronic low-back pain (cLBP) patients. DESIGN:   The goal of this prospective
      longitudinal study was to investigate pain sensitivity in a homogeneous patient
      population (cLBP patients only) after tapering of long-term (17 months) opioid
      use and to monitor the changes in pain sensitivity for 6 months. METHODS:   Pain
      sensitivity (thermal sensation and thermal pain thresholds in low back and
      nondominant hand) was measured by quantitative sensory testing (QST) at 1 day
      before (T1), 3 weeks after (T2), and 6 months after the start of opioid tapering
      (T3) in 35 patients with both cLBP and opioid medication (OP), 35 opioid-naive
      cLBP patients (ON), and 28 individuals with neither pain nor opioid intake (HC).
      RESULTS:   Significant differences in heat pain thresholds were found among the
      three groups at all three time points (T1: P=0.001, T2: P=0.015, T3: P=0.008),
      but not between the two patient groups. OP patients showed lower cold pain
      thresholds at T2 than ON patients and HC. At T3, the heat pain thresholds of OP
      patients still remained lower than HC (P=0.017), while those of ON patients were
      normalized. CONCLUSIONS:   Our findings suggest that long-term use of opioids
      does not reduce pain sensitivity in cLBP patients; opioid tapering may induce
      brief hyperalgesia that can be normalized over a longer period.

PMID- 22082224
TI  - Central venous catheter use in severe malaria: time to reconsider the World
      Health Organization guidelines?
AB  - BACKGROUND: To optimize the fluid status of adult patients with severe malaria,
      World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend the insertion of a central
      venous catheter (CVC) and a target central venous pressure (CVP) of 0-5 cmH2O.
      However there are few data from clinical trials to support this recommendation.
      METHODS: Twenty-eight adult Indian and Bangladeshi patients admitted to the
      intensive care unit with severe falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study.
      All patients had a CVC inserted and had regular CVP measurements recorded. The
      CVP measurements were compared with markers of disease severity, clinical
      endpoints and volumetric measures derived from transpulmonary thermodilution.
      RESULTS: There was no correlation between the admission CVP and patient outcome
      (p = 0.67) or disease severity (p = 0.33). There was no correlation between the
      baseline CVP and the concomitant extravascular lung water (p = 0.62), global end
      diastolic volume (p = 0.88) or cardiac index (p = 0.44). There was no correlation
      between the baseline CVP and the likelihood of a patient being fluid responsive
      (p = 0.37). On the occasions when the CVP was in the WHO target range patients
      were usually hypovolaemic and often had pulmonary oedema by volumetric measures.
      Seven of 28 patients suffered a complication of the CVC insertion, although none
      were fatal. CONCLUSION: The WHO recommendation for the routine insertion of a
      CVC, and the maintenance of a CVP of 0-5 cmH2O in adults with severe malaria,
      should be reconsidered.

PMID- 22082226
TI  - Controlled chlorine plasma reaction for noninvasive graphene doping.
AB  - We investigated the chlorine plasma reaction with graphene and graphene
      nanoribbons and compared it with the hydrogen and fluorine plasma reactions.
      Unlike the rapid destruction of graphene by hydrogen and fluorine plasmas, much
      slower reaction kinetics between the chlorine plasma and graphene were observed,
      allowing for controlled chlorination. Electrical measurements on graphene sheets,
      graphene nanoribbons, and large graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition
      showed p-type doping accompanied by a conductance increase, suggesting
      nondestructive doping via chlorination. Ab initio simulations were performed to
      rationalize the differences in fluorine, hydrogen, and chlorine functionalization
      of graphene.

PMID- 22082227
TI  - Quantitative proteomics reveal up-regulated protein expression of the SET complex
      associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - We combined culture-derived isotope tags (CDITs) with two-dimensional liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS) to extensively survey
      abnormal protein expression associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in
      clinical tissues. This approach yielded an in-depth quantitated proteome of 1360
      proteins. Importantly, 267 proteins were significantly regulated with a fold
      change of at least 1.5. The proteins up-regulated in HCC tissues are involved in
      regulatory processes, such as the granzyme A-mediated apoptosis pathway (The GzmA
      pathway). The SET complex, a central component in the GzmA pathway, was
      significantly up-regulated in HCC tissue. The elevated expressions of all of the
      SET complex components were validated by Western blotting. Among them, ANP32A and
      APEX1 were further investigated by immunohistochemistry staining using tissue
      microarrays (59 cases), confirming their overexpression in tumors. The up
      regulation and nuclear accumulations of APEX1 was associated not only with HCC
      malignancy but also with HCC differentiation in 96 clinical HCC cases. Our work
      provided a systematic and quantitative analysis and demonstrated key changes in
      clinical HCC tissues. These proteomic signatures could help to unveil the
      underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis and may be useful for the discovery
      of candidate biomarkers.

PMID- 22082228
TI  - Cutaneous type adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma successfully treated with
      narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy.

PMID- 22082229
TI  - Carbon nanotube nucleation driven by catalyst morphology dynamics.
AB  - In situ observation of the carbon nanotube nucleation process accompanied by
      dynamic reconstruction of the catalyst particle morphology is considered within a
      thermodynamic approach. It reveals the driving force for the detachment of the
      sp(2)-carbon cap, so-called lift-off-a crucial event in nanotube growth. A
      continuum model and detailed atomistic calculations identify the critical factors
      in the lift-off process: (i) catalyst surface energy, affected by the chemisorbed
      carbon atoms at the exterior surface of the catalyst, exposed to the carbon
      feedstock; and (ii) the emergence of a pristine, high-energy facet under the
      sp(2)-carbon dome. This further allows one to evaluate the range of carbon
      feedstock chemical potential, where the lift-off process occurs, to be followed
      by emergence of single-walled nanotube, and provides insights into observed
      catalyst morphology oscillations leading to formation of multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes.

PMID- 22082230
TI  - Degarelix: an antagonist to GnRH--theoretical and treatment considerations in
      paraphilia.

PMID- 22082231
TI  - Meconium obstruction in absence of cystic fibrosis in low birth weight infants:
      an emerging challenge from increasing survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meconium abnormalities are characterized by a wide spectrum of
      severity, from the meconium plug syndrome to the complicated meconium ileus
      associated with cystic fibrosis. Meconium Related Ileus in absence of Cystic
      Fibrosis includes a combination of highly viscid meconium and poor intestinal
      motility, low grade obstruction, benign systemic and abdominal examination,
      distended loops without air fluid levels. Associated risk factors are severe
      prematurity and low birth weight, Caesarean delivery, Maternal MgSO4 therapy,
      maternal diabetes. In the last 20 yrs a new specific type of these meconium
      related obstructions has been described in premature neonates with low birth
      weight. Its incidence has shown to increase while its management continues to be
      challenging and controversial for the risk of complicated obstruction and
      perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 55 newborns admitted between 1992-2008
      with Meconium Related Ileus as final diagnosis, data about Low Birth Weight
      infants (LBW < 1500 g) were extracted and compared to those of patients >= 1500
      g. Hischsprung's Diseases and Cystic Fibrosis were excluded by rectal biopsy and
      genetic probe before discharge. A softening enema with Gastrografin was the first
      option whenever overt perforation was not present. Temporary stoma or trans
      appendiceal bowel irrigation were elected after unsuccessful enema while prompt
      surgical exploration was performed in perforated cases. NEC was excluded in all
      operated cases. Data collected were perinatal history and neonatal clinical data,
      radiological signs, clinical course and complications, management and outcome.
      RESULTS: 30 cases with BW >= 1500 g had an M/F ratio 16/14, Mean B.W. 3052 g,
      Mean G.A. 37 w Caesarean section rate 40%. There were 10 meconium plug syndrome,
      4 small left colon syndromes, and 16 meconium ileus without Cystic Fibrosis. Five
      cases were born at our institution (inborn) versus 25 referred after a mean of 2,
      4 Days (1-7) after birth in another Hospital (outborn). They were managed, after
      a Gastrografin enema with 90% success rate, by 1 temporary Ileostomy and 2 trans
      appendiceal irrigation. 25 cases with BW< 1500 g (LBW) had M/F ratio 11/14, Mean
      B.W. 818 g, Mean G.A. 27 w, Caesarean section rate 70%, assisted ventilation
      16/25. There were 8 inborn and 17 outborn. Gastrografin enema was successful in 6
      out 8 inborn infants only, all referred within one week from birth. There were 12
      perforations mainly among late referred LBW outborn. CONCLUSIONS: Meconium
      Related Ileus without Cystic Fibrosis responds to conservative management and
      softening enema in most of mature infants. In LBW clinical course is initially
      benign but as any long standing bowel obstruction management may present
      particular challenges. Clinical and plain radiographic criteria are reliable for
      making diagnosis and testing for Cystic Fibrosis may not be indicated. Enema may
      be resolutive when performed in a proper environment. Perforated cases may be
      confused with NEC which is excluded by clinical history, no signs of sepsis, lab
      signs missing, abdominal signs missing, typical radiological signs missing. The
      higher complication rate is recorded among cases delivered and initially managed
      in Neonatal Units without co-located Surgical Facilities. Early diagnosis and
      aggressive medical therapy may lead to higher success rate and help avoiding
      surgical interventions. Surgical therapy in uncomplicated cases, unresponsive to
      medical management, should be minimally aggressive.

PMID- 22082232
TI  - Lexical representation of schwa words: two mackerels, but only one salami.
AB  - The present study investigated the lexical representations underlying the
      production of English schwa words. Two types of schwa words were compared: words
      with a schwa in poststress position (e.g., mackerel), whose schwa and reduced
      variants differ in a categorical way, and words with a schwa in prestress
      position (e.g., salami), whose variants differ in a noncategorical way.
      Participants named pseudohomophones and matched pseudowords corresponding to
      schwa and reduced variants of these words. Results revealed an advantage for
      pseudohomophones over matched pseudowords for both variants of poststress schwa
      words but only for schwa variants of prestress schwa words. As the
      pseudohomophone advantage is assumed to reflect the activation of a
      phonologically matching stored phonological representation, these results suggest
      that both variants of poststress schwa words are lexically represented while only
      schwa variants of prestress schwa words are. This result extends the proposal
      that words with two categorically distinct variants are stored in the production
      lexicon with 2 representations to another language and demonstrates that this 2
      lexeme account does not generalize to pronunciation variants differing from one
      another in a noncategorical fashion. This finding challenges one of the widely
      shared assumption of generative models of word production: that content words
      have only 1 phonological representation. On the other hand, it provides further
      evidence in favor of another fundamental assumption of these models: that lexical
      representations are abstract sets of segments rather than fully detailed
      exemplars.

PMID- 22082233
TI  - Generating and evaluating options for decision making: the impact of sequentially
      presented evidence.
AB  - We examined how decision makers generate and evaluate hypotheses when data are
      presented sequentially. In the first 2 experiments, participants learned the
      relationship between data and possible causes of the data in a virtual
      environment. Data were then presented iteratively, and participants either
      generated hypotheses they thought caused the data or rated the probability of
      possible causes of the data. In a 3rd experiment, participants generated
      hypotheses and made probability judgments on the basis of previously stored
      general knowledge. Findings suggest that both the hypotheses one generates and
      the judged probability of those hypotheses are heavily influenced by the most
      recent evidence observed and by the diagnosticity of the evidence. Specifically,
      participants generated a narrow set of possible explanations when the presented
      evidence was diagnostic compared with when it was nondiagnostic, suggesting that
      nondiagnostic evidence entices participants to cast a wider net when generating
      hypotheses.

PMID- 22082234
TI  - Judge for yourself: reply to Evans and Buehner (2011).
AB  - In their comment, Evans and Buehner (2011) maintained that Fiedler and Kareev's
      (2006) conclusion that decision quality does not always increase with the size of
      information sample is wrong in every respect. They claimed, first, that the
      decision model proposed by Fiedler and Kareev is normatively incorrect and is not
      supported by earlier findings; second, that Fiedler and Kareev misinterpreted or
      misrepresented their own data, which show in fact a large-sample advantage; and
      third, that it is not true that small samples lead to clear data; rather, when
      clear data are observed people make do with small samples. In this rebuttal, we
      refute all these claims. First, the issue is whether the model is descriptively,
      not normatively, correct. Furthermore, earlier data are commensurate with our,
      not Evans and Buehner's, model. Second, our data do support our conclusion; it is
      Evans and Buehner's dismissal of some of our data that led them to their
      conclusions. Finally, Evans and Buehner's third point is discussed explicitly and
      at length in the original article. However, whereas Evans and Buehner only
      reiterate this point (and present it as novel), we continue from there and show
      that small samples are likely to result in clear data.

PMID- 22082235
TI  - EGCG inhibits the invasion of highly invasive CL1-5 lung cancer cells through
      suppressing MMP-2 expression via JNK signaling and induces G2/M arrest.
AB  - Tumor metastasis is the main obstacle to the treatment of lung cancer. According
      to previous findings, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is closely correlated
      with metastatic potential in lung cancer. This study showed that epigallocatechin
      3-gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol in green tea, is a potent inhibitor of MMP
      2 expression. EGCG effectively suppressed the invasion and migration of highly
      invasive CL1-5 lung cancer cells. Gelatin zymography, Western blot analysis, and
      RT-PCR were used to investigate the effects of EGCG on MMP-2 expression. The
      effects of EGCG on cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry
      analysis. To investigate the effects of EGCG on cell migration and cell invasion,
      Transwell migration/invasion assays were used. EGCG downregulated MMP-2
      expression at the transcriptional level in CL1-5 cells. Moreover, the treatment
      of CL1-5 cells with EGCG caused downregulation of c- Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK),
      resulting in repression of the translocation of transcriptional factors, Sp1, and
      NF-kappaB, from the cytosol into the nucleus. In addition, EGCG significantly and
      synergistically enhanced the antitumor effects of the clinical drug, docetaxel,
      in CL1-5 cells. Further, EGCG induced G2/M arrest at dosages higher than those of
      suppression in cell invasion in CL1-5 cells. These results reveal that EGCG might
      decrease MMP-2 mRNA expression through JNK signaling, further suggesting that a
      combination of EGCG and docetaxel may be a promising strategy to help increase
      the efficacy of docetaxel in suppressing metastasis in lung cancer cells. In
      addition, EGCG may suppress cell proliferation in CL1-5 cells through inducing
      G2/M arrest.

PMID- 22082236
TI  - Impact of catheter ablation on quality of life in patients with atrial
      fibrillation.

PMID- 22082237
TI  - Synthesis of (-)-swainsonine and (-)-8-epi-swainsonine by the addition of
      allenylmetals to chiral alpha,beta-alkoxy sulfinylimines.
AB  - The asymmetric synthesis of (-)-swainsonine and (-)-8-epi-swainsonine is reported
      through the addition of either the allenylzinc or the allenyl lithio cyanocuprate
      reagents derived from [3-(methoxymethoxy)prop-1-ynyl]trimethylsilane to
      enantiopure alpha,beta-dialkoxy N-tert-butanesulfinylimines derived from d
      erythronolactone.

PMID- 22082238
TI  - Potential role for elevated maternal enzymatic antioxidant status in Andean
      protection against altitude-associated SGA.
AB  - Oxidative stress has been implicated in the uteroplacental ischemia
      characteristic of preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth, both of
      which are more common at high (>2500 m) vs low altitude. Since Andeans are
      protected relative to Europeans from the altitude-associated rise in SGA, we
      asked whether alterations in maternal antioxidant status or oxidative stress
      contributed to their protection. Enzymatic antioxidant (erythrocyte catalase and
      superoxide dismutase [SOD]) activity and a plasma marker of lipid peroxidation (8
      iso-PGF2alpha) were measured during pregnancy and in the non-pregnant state in
      Andean or European residents of low (400 m) or high altitude (3600-4100 m).
      Pregnancy and altitude increased catalase and/or SOD activity to a greater extent
      in Andeans than Europeans. 8-iso-PGF2alpha levels were independent of altitude
      and pregnancy. SOD was lower in mothers of SGA infants at weeks 20 and 36. Our
      findings are consistent with the possibility that elevated enzymatic antioxidant
      activity contributes to Andean protection against altitude-associated SGA.

PMID- 22082239
TI  - A two-year randomized trial of obesity treatment in primary care practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calls for primary care providers (PCPs) to offer obese patients
      behavioral weight-loss counseling have not been accompanied by adequate guidance
      on how such care could be delivered. This randomized trial compared weight loss
      during a 2-year period in response to three lifestyle interventions, all
      delivered by PCPs in collaboration with auxiliary health professionals (lifestyle
      coaches) in their practices. METHODS: We randomly assigned 390 obese adults in
      six primary care practices to one of three types of intervention: usual care,
      consisting of quarterly PCP visits that included education about weight
      management; brief lifestyle counseling, consisting of quarterly PCP visits
      combined with brief monthly sessions with lifestyle coaches who instructed
      participants about behavioral weight control; or enhanced brief lifestyle
      counseling, which provided the same care as described for the previous
      intervention but included meal replacements or weight-loss medication (orlistat
      or sibutramine), chosen by the participants in consultation with the PCPs, to
      potentially increase weight loss. RESULTS: Of the 390 participants, 86% completed
      the 2-year trial, at which time, the mean (+/-SE) weight loss with usual care,
      brief lifestyle counseling, and enhanced brief lifestyle counseling was 1.7+/
      0.7, 2.9+/-0.7, and 4.6+/-0.7 kg, respectively. Initial weight decreased at least
      5% in 21.5%, 26.0%, and 34.9% of the participants in the three groups,
      respectively. Enhanced lifestyle counseling was superior to usual care on both
      these measures of success (P=0.003 and P=0.02, respectively), with no other
      significant differences among the groups. The benefits of enhanced lifestyle
      counseling remained even after participants given sibutramine were excluded from
      the analyses. There were no significant differences between the intervention
      groups in the occurrence of serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced weight
      loss counseling helps about one third of obese patients achieve long-term,
      clinically meaningful weight loss. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
      Institute; POWER-UP ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00826774.).

PMID- 22082240
TI  - A case study on co-exposure to a mixture of organic solvents in a Tunisian
      adhesive-producing company.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to assess environmental and biological monitoring of exposure to
      organic solvents in a glue-manufacturing company in Sfax, Tunisia. METHODS:
      Exposure of volunteer workers, in the solvented glue-work-stations, in the
      control laboratory and in the storage rooms of the finished products, was
      assessed through indoor-air and urine measurements. Informed consent of the
      workers was obtained. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The exposure indexes were found
      with high values in the solvented workshop as well as in the control laboratory
      and were respectively, 8.40 and 3.12. These indexes were also correlated with
      hexane and toluene indoor air concentrations. As to urine, the obtained results
      for the 2,5-hexandione and hippuric acid, metabolites of hexane and toluene,
      respectively, were in accord with the indoor-air measurements, with an average of
      0.46 mg/l and 1240 mg/g of creatinine. CONCLUSION: This study assessed for the
      first time biological exposure to organic solvents used in Tunisian adhesive
      industries. Although values are likely to underestimate true exposure levels,
      some figures exceed European and American occupational exposure guidelines.

PMID- 22082241
TI  - Clot lysis time and the risk of myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke in
      young women; results from the RATIO case-control study.
AB  - Reduced overall fibrinolytic capacity increases the risk of myocardial infarction
      (MI), as demonstrated in studies with predominantly male participants. We
      determined the influence of altered fibrinolysis on the risk of MI and ischaemic
      stroke (IS) in young women. The RATIO (Risk of Arterial Thrombosis In relation to
      Oral contraceptives) study is a population-based case-control study including
      young women with MI (n=203), IS (N=175) and 638 matched healthy controls.
      Fibrinolytic potential was determined with a tissue factor/tissue plasminogen
      activator induced clot-lysis assay. Odds ratios (OR) adjusted for cardiovascular
      risk factors were obtained with logistic regression. Clot-lysis time (CLT) was
      divided into tertiles based on the control group (T1-T3), with T2 as reference.
      Hypofibrinolysis (prolonged CLT) was associated with an increase in risk of MI
      (T3 vs. T2, OR 2.8; 95%confidence interval [CI] 1.7-4.7). Hyperfibrinolysis
      (decreased CLT) had no clear effect (T1 vs. T2, OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.9-2.9).
      Hypofibrinolysis did not affect the risk of IS (T3 vs. T2, OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.7
      3.0), whereas hyperfibrinolysis increased this risk (T1 vs. T2, OR 4.1; 95% CI
      2.1-8.0). Oral contraceptive use and smoking further increased these risks.
      Hypofibrinolysis increases the risk for MI in young women, a finding similar to
      previous studies. Counter-intuitively, hyperfibrinolysis increased the risk of IS
      four-fold, which suggests that MI and IS have different aetiologies.

PMID- 22082242
TI  - Discovery of active enhancers through bidirectional expression of short
      transcripts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-range regulatory elements, such as enhancers, exert substantial
      control over tissue-specific gene expression patterns. Genome-wide discovery of
      functional enhancers in different cell types is important for our understanding
      of genome function as well as human disease etiology. RESULTS: In this study, we
      developed an in silico approach to model the previously reported phenomenon of
      transcriptional pausing, accompanied by divergent transcription, at active
      promoters. We then used this model for large-scale prediction of non-promoter
      associated bidirectional expression of short transcripts. Our predictions were
      significantly enriched for DNase hypersensitive sites, histone H3 lysine 27
      acetylation (H3K27ac), and other chromatin marks associated with active rather
      than poised or repressed enhancers. We also detected modest bidirectional
      expression at binding sites of the CCCTC-factor (CTCF) genome-wide, particularly
      those that overlap H3K27ac. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the signature
      of bidirectional expression of short transcripts, learned from promoter-proximal
      transcriptional pausing, can be used to predict active long-range regulatory
      elements genome-wide, likely due in part to specific association of RNA
      polymerase with enhancer regions.

PMID- 22082243
TI  - DARC alleles and Duffy phenotypes in African Americans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The DARC (Duffy blood group, chemokine receptor) gene encodes for a
      transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a chemokine transporter, is a
      receptor for Plasmodium vivax and P. knowlesi, and expresses the Duffy blood
      group antigens (Fy). The Fy(a-b-) phenotype found in people of African descent is
      typically associated with a -67t>c mutation in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR),
      which prevents red blood cells being invaded by P. vivax and P. knowlesi. The aim
      of this study was to establish DARC allele frequencies in an African American
      blood donor cohort, determine a phylogenetic tree for DARC, and compare human and
      Neandertal DARC genes. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The DARC nucleotide sequence of
      54 African American blood donors was determined from genomic DNA. Heterozygous
      substitutions were resolved by sequencing of haplotype-specific amplifications. A
      phylogenetic tree for DARC was established using the neighbor-joining method with
      Pan troglodytes as root. RESULTS: A total of 108 haplotypes of the DARC gene
      could be unambiguously determined from nucleotide position -300 in the 5' UTR to
      +300 in the 3' UTR. Eleven different alleles were found, including the clinically
      relevant FY*A, FY*B, FY*B-67C, FY*B298A, and FY*X alleles. All phenotype
      predictions based on genotypes matched the serologically determined phenotypes
      exactly: 52% Fy(a-b-), 28% Fy(a-b+), and 20% Fy(a+b-). CONCLUSIONS: The
      nucleotide sequencing approach using one amplicon is a practical genotyping
      method for DARC and allows the determination of haplotypes even in heterozygous
      constellations. We developed a phylogenetic tree for DARC alleles and postulated
      a distinct FY*B allele as ancestral for the extant DARC alleles in humans.

PMID- 22082245
TI  - Burnout among foreign-born and native Swedish women: a longitudinal study.
AB  - The authors of this study addressed burnout experiences (generally defined as
      chronic depletion of an individual's energetic resources') over time in relation
      to other factors (e.g., distress, sleep difficulties, job demands, etc.) among
      foreign-born women and Swedish native women living in Stockholm. The study design
      was a longitudinal panel survey with two waves one year apart. In the first wave,
      3,616 of 6,000 randomly selected women took part, and 2,300 of the initial 3,616
      women also participated in the second wave; 427 were foreign-born women, and
      1,873 were Swedish native women. Baseline/emerging distress, emerging sleep
      difficulties, worsening general social support, job demands at
      baseline/escalating during the assessment period, emerging unemployment,
      constraints in social support at work, and sustained/emerging financial strain
      were associated with future burnout, regardless of background. More foreign-born
      women than Swedish native women reported burnout, with these differences
      maintained at one-year follow-up. The factors related to burnout were largely the
      same in both groups, but smoking and cardiovascular disease were related to
      burnout only among foreign-born women. Younger age, job demands, and working
      hours were associated with burnout among Swedish native women. The authors found
      that the women had concurrent problems such as burnout, distress, and sleep
      problems, but foreign background was not independently related to burnout.

PMID- 22082244
TI  - Substance use behavior among early-adolescent Asian American girls: the impact of
      psychological and family factors.
AB  - Confronting developmental tasks and challenges associated with bridging two
      different cultures, Asian American adolescent girls face increasing risks for
      substance use. Identifying risk and protective factors in this population is
      essential, particularly when those factors can inform preventive programs. Guided
      by family interaction theory, the present cross-sectional study explored the
      associations of psychological and familial factors with use of alcohol,
      prescription drugs, and other drugs among early-adolescent Asian American girls.
      Between August 2007 and March 2008, 135 pairs of Asian American girls (mean age
      13.21 years, SD=0.90) and their mothers (mean age 39.86 years, SD=6.99) were
      recruited from 19 states that had significant Asian populations. Girls and
      mothers each completed an online survey. Relative to girls who did not use
      substances, girls who did had higher levels of depressive symptoms, perceived
      peer substance use, and maternal substance use. Multiple logistic regression
      modeling revealed that they also had significantly lower levels of body
      satisfaction, problem-solving ability, parental monitoring, mother-daughter
      communication, family involvement, and family rules about substance use.
      Household composition, acculturation, and academic achievement were not
      associated with girls' substance use. These findings point to directions for
      substance abuse prevention programming among Asian American girls.

PMID- 22082246
TI  - Purposiveness and leisure-time physical activity in women in early midlife.
AB  - Physical activity in early midlife has important implications for women's health.
      The present cross-sectional study investigated the relation of purposiveness to
      leisure-time physical activity, as mediated by health investment, in a sample of
      women in early midlife. Participants were 211 women between the ages of 35 and 45
      years (mean 40.55 years, SD = 3.11) who responded to the second wave of the study
      of Midlife Development in the United States. Participants were originally
      selected by means of a nationally representative random-digit-dialing procedure.
      A structural equation analysis of data with latent variables was conducted with
      MPLUS. Purposiveness was indexed by measures of purpose in life, personal growth,
      and future planning. Health investment was indexed by thought and effort
      committed to health and the extent to which individuals worked hard to stay
      healthy. Leisure-time physical activity was indexed by both moderate and vigorous
      leisure-time activity. Results, controlling for sociodemographic factors, showed
      that purposiveness was associated with more physical activity and that the
      relation between purposiveness and leisure-time physical activity was fully
      mediated by health investment. These results suggest that women with a sense of
      purpose may be better able to achieve acceptable levels of physical activity.

PMID- 22082247
TI  - Return to work outcomes of the Redesigning Daily Occupations (ReDO) program for
      women with stress-related disorders--a comparative study.
AB  - Stress-related disorders are a frequent cause for sick leave, with consequences
      such as great distress and adverse economic effects for the affected person and
      substantial costs for society. Identifying effective interventions that
      facilitate return to work is thus important. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the effectiveness of the 16-week Redesigning Daily Occupations program
      as a work rehabilitation method for Swedish women with stress-related disorders.
      The authors of this study hypothesized that, compared to women who got Care as
      Usual, 12 months after completed rehabilitation a larger proportion of the
      Redesigning Daily Occupations women would have returned to work, and they would
      have less sick leave, perceive less stress, and have greater self-esteem. Forty
      two women entered the Redesigning Daily Occupations intervention and a matched
      comparison group received Care as Usual. The data, collected between 2007 and
      2010, consisted of registry information and questionnaires targeting socio
      demographics, perceived stress, and self-esteem. The findings partly verified the
      hypotheses. A larger proportion of the Redesigning Daily Occupations women
      returned to work and they decreased their sick leave and increased their self
      esteem more than the Care as Usual group, but the groups did not differ in stress
      reduction. Thus, the Redesigning Daily Occupations seems to be a promising work
      rehabilitation method for women with stress-related disorders.

PMID- 22082248
TI  - Women's expectations of healthcare professionals in case of intimate partner
      violence in Serbia.
AB  - Women who have experienced intimate partner violence use health care services
      more often than non-abused women, but it is unclear what they expect from
      physicians in relation to their intimate partner violence experience. In this
      study the authors explored whether women in Serbia expect physicians to help them
      after having experienced intimate partner violence, what kind of help the women
      expected, and if none, why none is expected. The authors of this study conducted
      structured interviews with 120 women who visited six primary healthcare centres.
      Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative
      data were analyzed applying content analyses. The majority of women (81.7%)
      expected healthcare professionals to help them in the event of intimate partner
      violence, mainly through giving advice, information, contacting other
      institutions, services, and providing understanding and support. Fewer women
      expected help in the form of documenting violence and contacting police. Only a
      minority (8.3%) did not expect help, noting that intimate partner violence is
      beyond the scope of healthcare professionals' interest or competencies, and/or
      that violence was a private problem, while 10% were unsure about the role of
      physicians in the case of intimate partner violence. The majority of women in
      this study expected help with intimate partner violence. Physicians should be
      aware of these expectations and how to provide support to women experiencing
      intimate partner violence.

PMID- 22082249
TI  - Ebselen is a new skin depigmenting agent that inhibits melanin biosynthesis and
      melanosomal transfer.
AB  - We assessed the ability of ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase mimic, to reduce
      pigmentation in various models. In murine B16 melanocytes, 25 MUm ebselen
      inhibited melanogenesis and induced a depolymerisation of actin filaments. In co
      cultures of B16 melanocytes with BDVII keratinocytes, a pretreatment of
      melanocytes with ebselen resulted in a strong inhibition of melanosome transfer
      to keratinocytes, as shown under optical and electron microscopy. In
      reconstructed epidermis, topical 0.5% ebselen led to a twofold decrease of
      melanin without affecting the density of active melanocytes. A similar result was
      obtained with topical 0.5% ebselen in black guinea pig ears. Ebselen induced a
      decrease of epidermal melanin parallel to a localisation of melanin and
      melanosomes in the basal layer. Ebselen appears as a new depigmenting compound
      that inhibits melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer to keratinocytes.

PMID- 22082250
TI  - Effect of sleep-inducing music on sleep in persons with percutaneous transluminal
      coronary angiography in the cardiac care unit.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The study compared the effect of earplug-delivered sleep
      inducing music on sleep in persons with percutaneous transluminal coronary
      angiography in the cardiac care unit. BACKGROUND: Diverse types of music have
      been claimed to improve sleeping elsewhere, but relatively little is known in
      South Korea. Most studies investigating the effect of sleep-inducing music on
      sleep have involved persons with insomnia, even though many persons with
      cardiovascular disease in the intensive care unit suffer from sleeping problems.
      There is a need to investigate the effect of sleep-inducing music on sleep
      disorders in persons with percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography in the
      cardiac care unit. DESIGN: An experimental research design was used. METHODS:
      Data collection was conducted in the cardiac care unit of K University Hospital
      in D city, from 3 September-4 October 2010. Fifty-eight subjects participated and
      were randomly assigned to the experimental group (earplug-delivered sleep
      inducing music for 52 min beginning at 10:00 pm, while wearing an eyeshield, n =
      29) and the control group (no music, but earplugs and eyeshield worn, n = 29).
      The quantity and quality of sleep were measured using questionnaires at 7 am the
      next morning for each group. RESULTS: Participants in the experimental group
      reported that the sleeping quantity and quality were significantly higher than
      control group (t = 3.181, p = 0.002, t = 5.269, p < 0.001, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Sleep-inducing music significantly improved sleep in patients with
      percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography at a cardiac care unit. Offering
      earplugs and playing sleep-inducing music may be a meaningful and easily enacted
      nursing intervention to improve sleep for intensive care unit patients. RELEVANCE
      TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses working at cardiac care unit can use music to
      improve sleeping in clients with percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography.

PMID- 22082251
TI  - Whole mitochondrial genome sequencing of domestic horses reveals incorporation of
      extensive wild horse diversity during domestication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA target enrichment by micro-array capture combined with high
      throughput sequencing technologies provides the possibility to obtain large
      amounts of sequence data (e.g. whole mitochondrial DNA genomes) from multiple
      individuals at relatively low costs. Previously, whole mitochondrial genome data
      for domestic horses (Equus caballus) were limited to only a few specimens and
      only short parts of the mtDNA genome (especially the hypervariable region) were
      investigated for larger sample sets. RESULTS: In this study we investigated whole
      mitochondrial genomes of 59 domestic horses from 44 breeds and a single
      Przewalski horse (Equus przewalski) using a recently described multiplex micro
      array capture approach. We found 473 variable positions within the domestic
      horses, 292 of which are parsimony-informative, providing a well resolved
      phylogenetic tree. Our divergence time estimate suggests that the mitochondrial
      genomes of modern horse breeds shared a common ancestor around 93,000 years ago
      and no later than 38,000 years ago. A Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) reveals a
      significant population expansion beginning 6,000-8,000 years ago with an ongoing
      exponential growth until the present, similar to other domestic animal species.
      Our data further suggest that a large sample of wild horse diversity was
      incorporated into the domestic population; specifically, at least 46 of the mtDNA
      lineages observed in domestic horses (73%) already existed before the beginning
      of domestication about 5,000 years ago. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a window
      into the maternal origins of extant domestic horses and confirms that modern
      domestic breeds present a wide sample of the mtDNA diversity found in ancestral,
      now extinct, wild horse populations. The data obtained allow us to detect a
      population expansion event coinciding with the beginning of domestication and to
      estimate both the minimum number of female horses incorporated into the domestic
      gene pool and the time depth of the domestic horse mtDNA gene pool.

PMID- 22082252
TI  - Modeling molecular acidity with electronic properties and Hammett constants for
      substituted benzoic acids.
AB  - Molecular acidity is an important physiochemical property essential in many
      fields of molecular studies, but an efficient and reliable computational approach
      to make accurate predictions is still missing. In this work, based on our
      previous studies to use gas phase electronic properties such as molecular
      electrostatic potential and valence natural atomic orbitals of the acidic atom
      and leaving proton, we demonstrate here that different approaches can be employed
      to tackle this problem. To that end, we employ 196 singly, doubly, and triply
      substituted benzoic acids for the study. We show that two different approaches
      are possible, one focusing on the carboxyl group through its localized electronic
      properties and the other on the substituting groups via Hammett constants and
      their additivity rule. Our present results clearly exhibit that with the linear
      models built from the singly substituted species, one can accurately predict the
      pK(a) values for the doubly and triply substituted species with both of these two
      approaches. The predictions from these approaches are consistent with each other
      and agree well with the experimental data. These intrinsically different
      approaches are the two manifestations of the same molecular acidity property,
      both valid and complementary to each other.

PMID- 22082253
TI  - Using previous models to bias structural learning in the hierarchical BOA.
AB  - Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) are stochastic optimization
      techniques that explore the space of potential solutions by building and sampling
      explicit probabilistic models of promising candidate solutions. While the primary
      goal of applying EDAs is to discover the global optimum or at least its accurate
      approximation, besides this, any EDA provides us with a sequence of probabilistic
      models, which in most cases hold a great deal of information about the problem.
      Although using problem-specific knowledge has been shown to significantly improve
      performance of EDAs and other evolutionary algorithms, this readily available
      source of problem-specific information has been practically ignored by the EDA
      community. This paper takes the first step toward the use of probabilistic models
      obtained by EDAs to speed up the solution of similar problems in the future. More
      specifically, we propose two approaches to biasing model building in the
      hierarchical Bayesian optimization algorithm (hBOA) based on knowledge
      automatically learned from previous hBOA runs on similar problems. We show that
      the proposed methods lead to substantial speedups and argue that the methods
      should work well in other applications that require solving a large number of
      problems with similar structure.

PMID- 22082254
TI  - Upper abdominal cytoreduction and thoracoscopy for advanced epithelial ovarian
      cancer: unanswered questions and the impact on treatment.
AB  - Gynaecological oncologists, by conducting Phase II and III chemotherapy trials,
      have sought to improve survival in women with epithelial ovarian cancer. The
      greatest impact on survival has been the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in
      women who have had all visible disease removed. No change in drug regimen has had
      an impact on survival equivalent to that associated with complete cytoreduction
      or the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Interestingly, these two treatment
      modalities (complete cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy) have not
      been universally adopted. Most often it is the inability to achieve optimal
      cytoreduction in the upper abdomen that defines the limit of the cytoreductive
      effort, and ultimately the integration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The
      importance of identifying disease outside the abdominal cavity, along with
      achieving complete cytoreduction, is paramount, if the use of intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy is to be logically integrated in treatment algorithms for women with
      advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer. This report summarises pertinent
      literature on upper abdominal cytoreduction, discusses surgical techniques and
      introduces new data on women with epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing
      thoracoscopy, suggesting consideration of its incorporation into the surgical
      management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22082255
TI  - Endovascular palliation of AVM-associated intractable trigeminal neuralgia via
      embolization of the artery of the foramen rotundum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   Trigeminal neuralgia is rarely caused by arteriovenous malformations
      of the posterior fossa. Embolization of aberrant vessels can provide symptomatic
      relief; however, embolization is not always technically possible, and its effects
      can be temporary. Embolization of the nerve's blood supply could reduce its
      excitability and provide pain relief. SETTING:   The study was set in an academic
      tertiary care center. STUDY DESIGN:   The study was designed as a report of a
      clinical case. SUMMARY:   The authors report the case of a 13-year-old girl with
      a large, unruptured posterior fossa arteriovenous malformation (AVM) presented
      with left-sided V2-division trigeminal neuralgia. She had undergone multiple
      previous embolizations of feeding vessels from the anterior inferior cerebellar
      artery with temporary relief of her symptoms. Embolization of the middle
      meningeal artery was attempted, but the vessel's tortuosity precluded safe
      catheterization. Instead, the artery of the foramen rotundum, which had minimal
      contribution to the AVM nidus, was embolized with Onyx copolymer. The patient had
      immediate cessation of her neuralgia, with a small area of hypesthesia above her
      left cheek. Complete pain relief lasted for 8 months, followed by a return of
      mild dysesthesia episodes not requiring intervention. CONCLUSION:   This case may
      represent a new method of palliative treatment for AVM-associated trigeminal
      neuralgia, or potentially trigeminal neuralgia of other etiologies. Based on this
      case's success, a prospective study using additional provocative testing with
      intraarterial lidocaine is proposed.

PMID- 22082256
TI  - Application of ordinal logistic regression analysis in determining risk factors
      of child malnutrition in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study attempts to develop an ordinal logistic regression (OLR)
      model to identify the determinants of child malnutrition instead of developing
      traditional binary logistic regression (BLR) model using the data of Bangladesh
      Demographic and Health Survey 2004. METHODS: Based on weight-for-age
      anthropometric index (Z-score) child nutrition status is categorized into three
      groups-severely undernourished (< -3.0), moderately undernourished (-3.0 to 
      2.01) and nourished (>=-2.0). Since nutrition status is ordinal, an OLR model
      proportional odds model (POM) can be developed instead of two separate BLR models
      to find predictors of both malnutrition and severe malnutrition if the
      proportional odds assumption satisfies. The assumption is satisfied with low p
      value (0.144) due to violation of the assumption for one co-variate. So partial
      proportional odds model (PPOM) and two BLR models have also been developed to
      check the applicability of the OLR model. Graphical test has also been adopted
      for checking the proportional odds assumption. RESULTS: All the models determine
      that age of child, birth interval, mothers' education, maternal nutrition,
      household wealth status, child feeding index, and incidence of fever, ARI &
      diarrhoea were the significant predictors of child malnutrition; however, results
      of PPOM were more precise than those of other models. CONCLUSION: These findings
      clearly justify that OLR models (POM and PPOM) are appropriate to find predictors
      of malnutrition instead of BLR models.

PMID- 22082258
TI  - Noniterative exact solution to the phase problem in optical imaging implemented
      with scanning probe microscopy.
AB  - An object is characterized by its amplitude and phase. However, when acquiring
      optical data about such an object, using a recording medium such as a camera,
      phase information is lost. Crystallography experienced a breakthrough in phase
      retrieval for large molecular entities by Max Perutz's introduction of "heavy
      atoms" using the method of isomorphous replacement. The availability of scanning
      probe microscopy and its full integration with optical microscopy allows us to
      apply these X-ray concepts to implement "heavy atom" restoration of phase in
      optical phase retrieval. In analogy to the heavy atom method, we acquire Fourier
      intensities in place of an X-ray diffraction pattern, and in place of the heavy
      atom, we utilize a nanometrically translatable point source of light based on the
      propagating field of a cantilevered near-field scanning optical microscopic
      (NSOM) probe controlled by an atomic force microscope (AFM). This integration of
      NSOM/AFM technology with far-field imaging achieves robust phase retrieval
      independent of external parameters, leading to 3D optical imaging. The
      methodology has super-resolution potential, and thus, heavy atom restoration of
      phase with super-resolution (HARPS) shows the potential of transparently
      integrated scanning probe microscopy with optical and other imaging modalities
      such as electron or ion optical imaging.

PMID- 22082257
TI  - Poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) with well-defined chain length for DNA vaccine
      delivery to dendritic cells.
AB  - Poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (PAEM) homopolymers with defined chain length and
      narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized using atom transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP), and a comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the
      colloidal properties of PAEM/plasmid DNA polyplexes, the uptake and subcellular
      trafficking of polyplexes in antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs), and the
      biological performance of PAEM as a potential DNA vaccine carrier. PAEM of
      different chain length (45, 75, and 150 repeating units) showed varying strength
      in condensing plasmid DNA into narrowly dispersed nanoparticles with very low
      cytotoxicity. Longer polymer chain length resulted in higher levels of overall
      cellular uptake and nuclear uptake of plasmid DNA, but shorter polymer chains
      favored intracellular and intranuclear release of free plasmid from the
      polyplexes. Despite its simple chemical structure, PAEM transfected DCs very
      efficiently in vitro in media with or without serum and led to phenotypic
      maturation of DCs. When a model antigen-encoding ovalbumin plasmid was used,
      transfected DCs stimulated the activation of naive CD8(+) T cells to produce high
      levels of interferon-gamma. The efficiency of transfection, DC maturation, and
      CD8(+) T cell activation showed varying degrees of polymer chain-length
      dependence. These structurally defined cationic polymers may have much potential
      as efficient DNA vaccine carriers and immunostimulatory adjuvants. They may also
      serve as a model material system for elucidating structural and intracellular
      mechanisms of polymer-mediated DNA vaccine delivery.

PMID- 22082259
TI  - Lifestyle risk management--a qualitative analysis of women's descriptions of
      taking hormone therapy following surgically induced menopause.
AB  - AIM: This article is a report of a study that examined how women describe their
      decisions in relation to the use of menopausal hormone therapy following surgical
      menopause. BACKGROUND: Women who have had a surgically induced menopause
      generally experience more intense menopausal symptoms than natural menopause and
      are regularly prescribed menopausal hormone therapy. Since 2002 the risks
      associated with this therapy have been widely reported. METHOD: This study is a
      qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews between March and May 2009
      with 30 participants who had experienced surgical menopause and were, or had in
      the past, taken menopausal hormone therapy. This was a community sample recruited
      in Christchurch, New Zealand. A risk management theoretical approach underpinned
      the analysis. FINDINGS: The womens' descriptions of managing the risks associated
      with menopausal therapy fell into two main themes: Life has to go on and Waiting
      for someone to tell me. All these women had either made an active decision to
      continue on treatment because of the impact of menopausal symptoms or took their
      doctor's advice to continue. A less dominant theme but one that was also evident
      was Relying on my body to get me through in which the women had decided to
      discontinue treatment because they regarded it as unnatural. CONCLUSION: The
      study provided insights into how women utilize an experiential reasoning process
      to manage the health and lifestyle risks associated with taking menopausal
      hormone therapy. Nurses need to be aware of how this process influences women's
      reasoning processes when working with women following surgical menopause.

PMID- 22082261
TI  - Folding of human telomerase RNA pseudoknot using ion-jump and temperature-quench
      simulations.
AB  - Globally RNA folding occurs in multiple stages involving chain compaction and
      subsequent rearrangement by a number of parallel routes to the folded state.
      However, the sequence-dependent details of the folding pathways and the link
      between collapse and folding are poorly understood. To obtain a comprehensive
      picture of the thermodynamics and folding kinetics we used molecular simulations
      of coarse-grained model of a pseudoknot found in the conserved core domain of the
      human telomerase (hTR) by varying both temperature (T) and ion concentration (C).
      The phase diagram in the [T,C] plane shows that the boundary separating the
      folded and unfolded state for the finite 47-nucleotide system is relatively
      sharp, implying that from a thermodynamic perspective hTR behaves as an apparent
      two-state system. However, the folding kinetics following single C-jump or T
      quench is complicated, involving multiple channels to the native state. Although
      globally folding kinetics triggered by T-quench and C-jump are similar, the
      kinetics of chain compaction are vastly different, which reflects the role of
      initial conditions in directing folding and collapse. Remarkably, even after
      substantial reduction in the overall size of hTR, the ensemble of compact
      conformations are far from being nativelike, suggesting that the search for the
      folded state occurs among the ensemble of low-energy fluidlike globules. The rate
      of unfolding, which occurs in a single step, is faster upon C-decrease compared
      to a jump in temperature. To identify "hidden" states that are visited during the
      folding process we performed simulations by periodically interrupting the
      approach to the folded state by lowering C. These simulations show that hTR
      reaches the folded state through a small number of connected clusters that are
      repeatedly visited during the pulse sequence in which the folding or unfolding is
      interrupted. The results from interrupted folding simulations, which are in
      accord with non-equilibrium single-molecule folding of a large ribozyme, show
      that multiple probes are needed to reveal the invisible states that are sampled
      by RNA as it folds. Although we have illustrated the complexity of RNA folding
      using hTR as a case study, general arguments and qualitative comparisons to time
      resolved scattering experiments on  Azoarcus  group I ribozyme and single
      molecule non-equilibrium periodic ion-jump experiments establish the generality
      of our findings.

PMID- 22082260
TI  - Analysis of oxygen/glucose-deprivation-induced changes in SUMO3 conjugation using
      SILAC-based quantitative proteomics.
AB  - Transient cerebral ischemia dramatically activates small ubiquitin-like modifier
      (SUMO2/3) conjugation. In cells exposed to 6 h of transient oxygen/glucose
      deprivation (OGD), a model of ischemia, SUMOylation increases profoundly between
      0 and 30 min following re-oxygenation. To elucidate the effect of transient OGD
      on SUMO conjugation of target proteins, we exposed neuroblastoma B35 cells
      expressing HA-SUMO3 to transient OGD and used stable isotope labeling with amino
      acids in cell culture (SILAC) to quantify OGD-induced changes in levels of
      specific SUMOylated proteins. Lysates from control and OGD-treated cells were
      mixed equally, and HA-tagged proteins were immunoprecipitated and analyzed by 1D
      SDS-PAGE-LC-MS/MS. We identified 188 putative SUMO3-conjugated proteins,
      including numerous transcription factors and coregulators, and PIAS2 and PIAS4
      SUMO ligases, of which 22 were increased or decreased more than +/-2-fold. In
      addition to SUMO3, the levels of protein-conjugated SUMO1 and SUMO2, as well as
      ubiquitin, were all increased. Importantly, protein ubiquitination induced by OGD
      was completely blocked by gene silencing of SUMO2/3. Collectively, these results
      suggest several mechanisms for OGD-modulated SUMOylation, point to a number of
      signaling pathways that may be targets of SUMO-based signaling and recovery from
      ischemic stress, and demonstrate a tightly controlled crosstalk between the SUMO
      and ubiquitin conjugation pathways.

PMID- 22082262
TI  - Greater resting heart rate variability is associated with orgasms through penile
      vaginal intercourse, but not with orgasms from other sources.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Resting heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of parasympathetic
      activity, is a predictor of health and longevity. Better erectile function is
      associated with greater resting HRV (assessed by high frequency power [HF]), and
      in both sexes, penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) is the only sexual behavior
      consistently associated with indices of better physical and mental health,
      including greater resting HRV (assessed by standard deviation [SD] of heart rate
      [HR]). AIMS: To examine the hypotheses that greater frequency of orgasms attained
      through PVI (for women, without additional simultaneous clitoral stimulation;
      vaginal orgasm) are associated with greater resting HRV. A differential
      hypothesis is that HRV measures will be unrelated to orgasmic frequency from
      noncoital sexual activities. METHODS: Coitally experienced men and women (N =
      143) had their heart rate measured for 5 minutes and reported the frequency of
      various sexual behaviors and corresponding orgasms in a recent representative
      month. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Partial correlations and analyses of covariance
      controlling for social desirability responding were used to examine the
      associations of sexual activities with time and frequency domains of HRV.
      RESULTS: For men, greater resting SD of HR was associated with greater PVI orgasm
      frequency. For women, greater resting SD of HR was associated with any vaginal
      orgasm. These findings remained after controlling for cohabitation. Sexual
      activities were unrelated to HF. Lifetime number of PVI partners was unrelated to
      SD of HR and HF. CONCLUSIONS: Findings are discussed in the context of orgasms
      through PVI enhancing HRV, and greater parasympathetic tone favoring the capacity
      to engage in PVI, and in the case of women, to reach vaginal orgasm. The
      possibility of healthier people having greater resting HRV and more frequent
      orgasms through specifically PVI is also considered.

PMID- 22082263
TI  - Translational research in sepsis - an ultimate challenge?
AB  - In the era of evidence-based medicine, large, randomized, controlled,
      multicenter studies represent the "summit of evidence". In contrast to
      specialties like cardiology, the majority of randomized, controlled trials in
      critical care medicine, however, have failed to demonstrate a survival benefit;
      notably, despite encouraging results from experimental and phase-II clinical
      studies. The difficulty in translating our theoretical knowledge into successful
      multicenter randomized, controlled trials and subsequent treatment
      recommendations may represent one reason, why the mortality of septic shock still
      averages between 40-60%, although our knowledge about the underlying
      pathophysiology has considerably increased and international guidelines have
      widely been implemented. The present article elucidates some of the difficulties
      in translating research from bench to bedside.

PMID- 22082264
TI  - Cranberry proanthocyanidins: natural weapons against periodontal diseases.
AB  - Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon ) is known to have a beneficial effect on
      several aspects of human health. Proanthocyanidins (PACs), the most abundant
      flavonoids extracted from red cranberry fruits, have been reported to possess
      antimicrobial, antiadhesion, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
      Recent in vitro studies have shown that cranberry PACs may be potential
      therapeutic agents for the prevention and management of periodontitis, an
      inflammatory disease of bacterial origin affecting tooth-supporting tissues.
      After presenting an overview of cranberry phytochemicals and their potential for
      human health benefits, this review will focus on the effects of cranberry PACs on
      connective tissue breakdown and alveolar bone destruction, as well as their
      potential for controlling periodontal diseases. Possible mechanisms of action of
      cranberry PACs include the inhibition of (i) bacterial and host-derived
      proteolytic enzymes, (ii) host inflammatory response, and (iii) osteoclast
      differentiation and activity. Given that cranberry PACs have shown interesting
      properties in in vitro studies, clinical trials are warranted to better evaluate
      the potential of these molecules for controlling periodontal diseases. 

PMID- 22082265
TI  - PVI's inconvenient truths: lights out for dormant reconnection?

PMID- 22082266
TI  - Role of Epac proteins in mechanisms of cAMP-dependent immunoregulation.
AB  - This review presents observations on the role of Epac proteins (exchange protein
      directly activated by cAMP) in immunoregulation mechanisms. Signaling pathways
      that involve Epac proteins and their domain organization and functions are
      considered. The role of Epac1 protein expressed in the immune system cells is
      especially emphasized. Molecular mechanisms of the cAMP-dependent signal via
      Epac1 are analyzed in monocytes/macrophages, T-cells, and B-lymphocytes. The role
      of Epac1 is shown in the regulation of adhesion, leukocyte chemotaxis, as well as
      in phagocytosis and bacterial killing. The molecular cascade initiated by Epac1
      is examined under conditions of antigen activation of T-cells and immature B
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 22082267
TI  - Whole Genome Methylation Scanning Based on phi29 Polymerase Amplification.
AB  - Identifying differences in DNA methylation is critical to understanding how
      epigenetics influences gene expression during processes such as development.
      Here, we propose a method that employs a single, methylation-sensitive
      restriction endonuclease of choice, to produce discrete pools of methylated and
      unmethylated DNA from the same sample. A pool of restriction fragments
      representing unmethylated regions of the genome is first obtained by digestion
      with a methylation-sensitive endonuclease. The restriction-digested DNA is then
      concatamerized in the presence of stuffer-adaptor DNA, which prevents
      interference from originally unmethylated DNA by blocking the ends of the
      restriction fragments. The concatamerized DNA is amplified by phi29 polymerase to
      remove methylation marks, and again digested with the same endonuclease to
      produce a pool of DNA fragments representing methylated portions of the genome.
      The two pools of DNA fragments thus obtained can be analyzed by end-sequencing or
      hybridization to a genomic array. In this report we detail a proof of concept
      experiment that demonstrates the feasibility of our method.

PMID- 22082268
TI  - Influence of placental mannose/n-acetyl glucosamine-binding proteins on the
      interaction of insulin and insulin-like growth factors with their receptors.
AB  - Placenta is a source of carbohydrate-binding proteins that function as molecular
      scavengers, but they could also be involved in interactions that assist in
      metabolic control. Mannose/N-acetyl-glucosamine (Man/GlcNAc)-binding proteins
      from placenta were isolated and their reactivity towards placental insulin and
      insulin-like growth factor receptors (IR and IGF-Rs) was analyzed. The lectins
      reduced the binding of insulin and IGF-I in a dose-dependent manner, while almost
      no effect was observed on the binding of IGF-II. The shape of the inhibition
      curves changed, suggesting altered binding specificity. The presence of sugar
      could not reverse completely the effect of the lectins, implicating both lectin
      sugar and protein-protein conformational recognition. Since biological molecules
      in our experimental system were those that are in close relation in vivo,
      placental Man/GlcNAc-specific lectins may be regarded as potential allosteric
      modulators of ligand-receptor interactions in a system of homologous ligands,
      selectively affecting only binding to tyrosine kinase type receptors (IR and IGF
      1R).

PMID- 22082269
TI  - Influence of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib on the expression of multidrug
      resistance genes and Akt kinase activity.
AB  - The goal of this work was to study the mechanisms of ABC family transport
      proteins' regulation by a new-generation antitumor drug - the proteasome
      inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade). ABC transporters determine the multidrug
      resistance of tumor cells (MDR). We confirmed our previously discovered
      observation that bortezomib affects the expression of genes involved in the
      formation of MDR (ABCB1 gene, also known as MDR1, and ABCC1-MRP1), reducing the
      amount of their mRNA. This effect was found to depend on Akt kinase activity: the
      Akt activity inhibitor Ly 294002 increased the amount of MRP1 mRNA in KB 8-5
      cells. It was also shown that bortezomib increased the amount of Akt kinase
      phosphorylated form in cell lines of malignant cells KB 8-5 and K 562/i-S9 that
      overexpressed ABCB1 transporter (Pgp), and did not affect the amount of activated
      Akt in the corresponding wild-type cells. When exposed to bortezomib, selection
      of resistant to it cell variants was much faster for a Pgp-overexpressing cell
      population (compared to wild-type cells). It is shown that bortezomib affects the
      amount of MRP1 gene mRNA, relocating the multifunctional protein YB-1, dependent
      on Akt activity, from cytoplasm to nuclei of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The data
      indicate that the transcriptional activity of YB-1 might be one of the mechanisms
      that determine the effect of bortezomib on the amount of MRP1 gene mRNA.

PMID- 22082270
TI  - Telomerase activity in the bats Hipposideros armiger and Rousettus leschenaultia.
AB  - Telomerase activity was examined in two species of bat, Hipposideros armiger and
      Rousettus leschenaultia, which have similar body mass and lifespan but differ in
      use of hibernation. We found that telomerase activity was present in all tissues
      sampled, but it was greater in metabolically active tissues such as liver,
      spleen, and kidney. Of special interest is the raised activity found in the
      heterothermic bat H. armiger, and the hibernating bats having raised values for
      spleen, heart, and kidney. These findings show that maintenance of high levels of
      telomerase is an essential part of the regulation of cellular activities during
      hibernation.

PMID- 22082271
TI  - Mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone derivative SkQ(1) decreases ischemia
      reperfusion injury during liver hypothermic storage for transplantation.
AB  - The ability of the mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone derivative 10-(6'
      plastoquinonyl)decyl triphenylphosphonium (SkQ(1)) to decrease ischemia
      reperfusion injury in isolated liver during hypothermic storage (HS) was studied.
      Rat liver was stored for 24 h at 4 degrees C without or in the presence of 1 MUM
      SkQ(1) with following reperfusion for 60 min at 37 degrees C. The presence in the
      storage medium of SkQ(1) significantly decreased spontaneous production of
      reactive oxygen species and intensity of lipid peroxidation in the liver during
      HS and reperfusion. The GSH level after HS in solution with SkQ(1) was reliably
      higher, but reperfusion leveled this effect. At all stages of experiment the
      presence of SkQ(1) did not prevent the decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities
      such as catalase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate
      dehydrogenase. The addition of SkQ(1) to the storage medium improved energetic
      function of the liver, as was revealed in increased respiratory control index of
      mitochondria and ATP level. SkQ(1) exhibited positive effect on the liver
      secretory function and morphology after HS as revealed in enhanced bile flow rate
      during reperfusion and partial recovery of organ architectonics and state of
      liver sinusoids and hepatocytes. The data point to promising application of
      mitochondria-targeted antioxidants for correction of the ischemia-reperfusion
      injury of isolated liver during long-term cold storage before transplantation.

PMID- 22082272
TI  - Selenoprotein dSelK in Drosophila elevates release of Ca2+ from endoplasmic
      reticulum by upregulating expression of inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate receptor.
AB  - dSelK (G-rich), a homolog of human and mouse SelK, is one of three selenoproteins
      in Drosophila melanogaster. It is the only trans-membrane selenoprotein in D.
      melanogaster integrated into both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and the
      Golgi apparatus. The gene expression profile of Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells
      after the dsRNA interference (dsRNAi) targeting of dSelK was examined with the
      GeneChip Drosophila Genome 2.0 Array (Affymetrix), a high-density oligonucleotide
      microarray encompassing nearly the full Drosophila genome. The results showed
      that the transcriptional expression of eight genes whose proteins are located on
      (or related to) the ER or the Golgi apparatus was highly induced or repressed by
      the dsRNAi treatment. The mRNA levels of the inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate
      receptor (IP3 receptor), whose gene product is integrated into the ER membrane
      and regulates the release of Ca2+ from the ER to the cytosol, were significantly
      downregulated. In contrast, the expression of inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate
      kinase 1, which is a cytosolic protein with opposing functions to the IP3
      receptor, was significantly upregulated. Quantitative real-time PCR verified
      these results. The concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ of the Drosophila S2
      cells was significantly decreased after the knockdown of dSelK, whereas
      overexpression of dSelK significantly increased the intracellular free Ca2+
      concentration. These results indicate that dSelK in D. melanogaster is involved
      in regulating the release of Ca2+ from the ER to the cytosol and may play
      important roles in the signal transduction pathways involving Ca2+ mobilization.

PMID- 22082273
TI  - Identification of latent periodicity in domains of alkaline proteases.
AB  - Internal repeats in protein sequences have wide-ranging implications for the
      structure and function of proteins. A keen analysis of the repeats in protein
      sequences may help us to better understand the structural organization of
      proteins and their evolutionary relations. In this paper, a mathematical method
      for searching for latent periodicity in protein sequences is developed. Using
      this method, we identified simple sequence repeats in the alkaline proteases and
      found that the sequences could show the same periodicity as their tertiary
      structures. This result may help us to reduce difficulties in the study of the
      relationship between sequences and their structures.

PMID- 22082274
TI  - Antiviral resistance mutations potentiate HBV surface antigen-induced
      transcription of hfgl2 prothrombinase gene.
AB  - Antiviral resistance mutations in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase (pol)
      gene have been demonstrated to play an important role in the progression of liver
      disease and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The HBV pol gene
      overlaps the S gene encoding surface antigen (HBsAg). Previous studies from our
      laboratory have shown that HBV core protein (HBc) and X protein (HBx), but not
      HBV S protein (HBs), promote hfgl2 prothrombinase transcription. To investigate
      whether the nucleotide (nucleoside)-induced resistant mutations of HBs potentiate
      transcription of hfgl2 prothrombinase gene, we generated two mutant HB expression
      constructs harboring rtM204V/sI195M or rtM204I/sW196L mutations. Two mutant
      expression plasmids were co-transfected with hfgl2 promoter luciferase-reporter
      plasmids and beta-galactosidase plasmid in CHO cells and HepG2 cells,
      respectively. Luciferase assay showed that the rtM204I/V mutant HBs could
      activate the transcription of hfgl2 promoter compared with the wild type HBs.
      Site-directed mutagenesis and further experiment (co-transfection) demonstrated
      that transcription factor Ets translocated to its cognate cis-element in the
      hfgl2 promoter. The results show that mutated HBs caused by antiviral drug
      resistance induce transcription of the hfgl2 gene dependent on the transcription
      factor Ets.

PMID- 22082275
TI  - Differential inhibition/inactivation of mitochondrial complex I implicates its
      alteration in malignant cells.
AB  - Methylglyoxal strongly inhibited mitochondrial respiration of a wide variety of
      malignant tissues including sarcoma of mice, whereas no such significant effect
      was noted on mitochondrial respiration of normal tissues with the exception of
      cardiac cells. This inhibition by methylglyoxal was found to be at the level of
      mitochondrial complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) of the electron transport chain. L
      Lactaldehyde, which is structurally and metabolically related to methylglyoxal,
      could protect against this inhibition. NADH dehydrogenase of submitochondrial
      particles of malignant and cardiac cells was inhibited by methylglyoxal. This
      enzyme of these cells was also inactivated by methylglyoxal. The possible
      involvement of lysine residue(s) for the activity of NADH dehydrogenase was also
      investigated by using lysine-specific reagents trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid
      (TNBS) and pyridoxal 5' phosphate (PP). Inactivation of NADH dehydrogenase by
      both TNBS and PP convincingly demonstrated the involvement of lysine residue(s)
      for the activity of the sarcoma and cardiac enzymes, whereas both TNBS and PP
      failed to inactivate the enzymes of skeletal muscle and liver. Together these
      studies demonstrate a specific effect of methylglyoxal on mitochondrial complex I
      of malignant cells and importantly some distinct alteration of this complex in
      cancer cells.

PMID- 22082276
TI  - Interaction of transketolase from human tissues with substrates.
AB  - The Michaelis constant values for substrates of transketolase from human tissues
      were determined over a wide range of substrate concentrations. It is shown that
      K(m) values determined by other authors are significantly overestimated and
      explained why this is so.

PMID- 22082277
TI  - DNase, RNase, and phosphatase activities of antibodies formed upon immunization
      by DNA, DNase I, and DNase II.
AB  - Relative DNase, RNase (efficiency of hydrolysis of ribo- and
      deoxyribooligonucleotides (ON)), and phosphatase (removal of the ON 5' terminal
      phosphate) catalytic activities of antibodies (AB) obtained after rabbit
      immunization by DNA, DNase I, and DNase II were compared. It is shown that
      electrophoretically homogeneous preparations of polyclonal AB from non-immunized
      rabbits did not exhibit such activities. Immunization of rabbits by DNA, DNase I,
      and DNase II results in generation of IgG abzymes that exhibit high activity in
      the ON hydrolysis reaction and even higher activity in cleavage of 5' terminal
      phosphate of ON. In this case K(m) values for supercoiled plasmid DNA and ON
      found in reactions of their AB-dependent nuclease hydrolysis and phosphatase
      cleavage of 5' terminal phosphate differ by 2-4 orders of magnitude. This shows
      that nuclease and phosphatase activities belong to different abzyme fractions
      within polyclonal AB. Thus, in this work data indicative of the possibility of a
      formation of antibodies exhibiting phosphatase activity after immunization of
      animals with DNA, DNase I, and DNase II, were obtained for the first time.
      Possible reasons for production of AB with phosphatase activity after
      immunization of rabbits with these immunogens are discussed.

PMID- 22082278
TI  - Charge transport anisotropy in n-type disk-shaped triphenylene
      tris(aroyleneimidazole)s.
AB  - Two novel n-type disk-shaped molecules containing a triphenylene core and three
      fused naphthaleneimide imidazole or peryleneimide imidazole "arms" are
      synthesized and characterized. The n-type charge carrier mobilities of these
      molecules are evaluated by both field effect transistors and space-charge limited
      current measurements, which exhibit drastically different mobility anisotropy. A
      strong correlation between film morphology and the charge transport behavior is
      established by X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopic analyses.

PMID- 22082279
TI  - Peripheral doses in patients undergoing Cyberknife treatment for intracranial
      lesions. A single centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy procedures are known to
      deliver a very high dose per fraction, and thus, the corresponding peripheral
      dose could be a limiting factor for the long term surviving patients. The aim of
      this clinical study was to measure the peripheral dose delivered to patients
      undergoing intracranial Cyberknife treatment, using the MOSFET dosimeters. The
      influence of the supplemental shielding, the number of monitor units and the
      collimator size to the peripheral dose were investigated. METHODS: MOSFET
      dosimeters were placed in preselected anatomical regions of the patient
      undergoing Cyberknife treatment, namely the thyroid gland, the nipple, the
      umbilicus and the pubic symphysis. RESULTS: The mean peripheral doses before the
      supplemental shielding was added to the Cyberknife unit were 51.79 cGy, 13.31 cGy
      and 10.07 cGy while after the shielding upgrade they were 38.40 cGy, 10.94 cGy,
      and 8.69 cGy, in the thyroid gland, the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis,
      respectively. The increase of the collimator size corresponds to an increase of
      the PD and becomes less significant at larger distances, indicating that at these
      distances the PD is predominate due to the head leakage and collimator scatter.
      CONCLUSION: Weighting the effect of the number of monitor units and the
      collimator size can be effectively used during the optimization procedure in
      order to choose the most suitable treatment plan that will deliver the maximum
      dose to the tumor, while being compatible with the dose constraints for the
      surrounding organs at risk. Attention is required in defining the thyroid gland
      as a structure of avoidance in the treatment plan especially in patients with
      benign diseases.

PMID- 22082280
TI  - Effects of co-existing alpha-thalassaemia in sickle cell disease on
      hydroxycarbamide therapy and circulating nucleic acids.

PMID- 22082281
TI  - A pilot feasibility trial of allocation of freshest available red blood cells
      versus standard care in critically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolonged storage of red blood cells (RBCs) may increase
      posttransfusion adverse events in critically ill patients. We aimed to evaluate
      in intensive care unit (ICU) patients 1) the feasibility of allocating freshest
      available compatible RBCs versus standard care and 2) the suitability of this
      approach in the design of a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). STUDY DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Eligible patients from two adult ICUs were randomly assigned to
      receive either the freshest available compatible RBCs or the standard care (the
      oldest compatible available RBCs) for all transfusions during their ICU stay.
      Study group allocation was concealed from patients and bedside clinicians, but
      the transfusion service was unblinded. The study endpoints were the feasibility
      of the study procedures, including success of the ICU Web randomization, the ICU
      staff blinding, and the correct delivery of the RBC units by the transfusion
      service in accordance with the allocated study group. In addition, we measured
      the difference in age of RBC units between the two groups. RESULTS: During a 3
      month period, 177 RBC units were delivered to 51 patients. All study procedures,
      including randomization, blinding, and delivery of blood in accordance with the
      study group were successful. The mean (+/-SD) of the mean age of the RBC received
      by each patient was lower in the "fresher blood" group compared with the standard
      care group (12.1 [+/-3.8] days vs. 23 [+/-8.4] days; p<0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Randomized delivery of the freshest available RBCs versus standard care to ICU
      patients who were prescribed transfusion for clinical reasons is feasible, with a
      clinically relevant degree of storage duration separation achievable between the
      two study groups. These findings support the feasibility of a future large
      pragmatic RCT.

PMID- 22082282
TI  - Cancer of the body of the uterus: trends in mortality and incidence in England,
      1985-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report on trends in mortality and incidence for uterine cancer in
      England, 1985-2008. DESIGN: Database analysis. SETTING: England. POPULATION: Data
      sets of English national mortality and cancer registration statistics. METHODS:
      Analysis of data from death certificates with a mention of malignant neoplasm of
      corpus uteri or malignant neoplasm of uterus without specification of part, and
      analysis of incidence data from cancer registries in England. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Age-adjusted and age-specific trends in rates. RESULTS: Mortality rates
      in the UK declined from 41.3 per million women in 1985 until about 1999 (30.0 per
      million), and then increased to 35.9 per million in 2008. Incidence rates for
      those aged 55 years and over showed little or no change from 1985 to the early
      1990s, but then increased: for example, for women aged 60-64 years, the rates per
      million women in 1985, 1993, 2001 and 2008 were, respectively, 448, 461, 647 and
      728. Rates for younger women showed a decline, followed by an increase: for
      example, for women aged 50-54 years the corresponding rates were 290, 254, 267
      and 294. Over the period 2001-2008, the age-adjusted average annual percentage
      increase was 2.55% per annum (95% CI 2.13-2.98%). The increase in incidence
      rates, observed from the 1990s, preceded the increase in mortality by about 10
      years. CONCLUSIONS: After many years of declining rates, uterine cancer has
      become more common in the first decade of this century. One possible contributor
      to this increase may be an association with the increase in body mass index in
      women, but other causes are possible and are discussed.

PMID- 22082283
TI  - Azole resistance in Aspergillus: a growing public health menace.

PMID- 22082285
TI  - Report from Eurobiofilms 2011.
AB  - A considerable number of the world?s leading biofilm scientists are located in
      Denmark, and given the small size of Denmark it must to be the country with most
      biofilm researchers per capita! It was therefore appropriate that the Second
      European Biofilm Conference, Eurobiofilms 2011, was held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
      The conference was organized by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and
      Infectious Diseases (ECSMID) Study Group on Biofilms (ESGB), and aimed to cover
      basic and clinical aspects of biofilms in order to encourage synergistic
      interdisciplinary interactions. Therefore, both basic biofilm science and
      clinically related biofilm science were presented at the joint keynote lectures,
      and the basic biofilm science symposia as well as clinically related biofilm
      science symposia were run in parallel. The main program was preceded by four
      workshops comprising: microfluid systems and confocal laser scanning microscopy;
      new techniques for visualization of biofilms; animal models of biofilm
      infections; and molecular diagnostics of biofilm bacteria. The number of
      attendees exceeded 300, who were from 31 countries on six continents, and more
      than 200 abstracts were submitted. The conference was opened by a warm welcome
      from Niels Hoiby (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), the president of the
      conference.

PMID- 22082286
TI  - Examining the requirements for nucleoporins by HIV-1.
AB  - A hallmark of HIV type 1 and other lentiviruses is their ability to infect and
      replicate in nondividing cells by commandeering host nuclear transport factors.
      During the early stages of infection, this is expected to permit the safe passage
      of viral preintegration complexes (PICs) through nuclear pores. Numerous nuclear
      transport factors have been identified as essential for HIV-1 infection by genome
      wide small interfering RNA screens, and many of these are currently under
      investigation. Here, using knockdown studies, Matreyek and Engelman further
      characterize the importance of transportin-3 and nuclear pore complex component
      nucleoporin 153 for the early stages of HIV-1 infection and show that these two
      proteins operate synergistically. Also, as was previously observed for
      transportin-3, they show that the requirement of nucleoporin 153 for PIC nuclear
      entry is determined by the HIV-1 Capsid protein. The refinement of the list of
      key nuclear pore complex and transport proteins required for PIC entry, along
      with a better understanding of the specific mechanisms employed, will undoubtedly
      lead to the development of future antiretroviral therapies that will have the
      potential to block HIV-1 viral DNA integration.

PMID- 22082287
TI  - Challenges in implementing HIV laboratory monitoring in resource-constrained
      settings: how to do more with less.
AB  - Laboratory monitoring for HIV disease in resource-limited settings has now become
      one of the key challenges for antiretroviral treatment (ART) access and success,
      as emphasized by the 2010 revised WHO guidelines for ART in resource-limited
      settings. Thus, the most common method for initiating ART, and monitoring
      treatment response in resource-constrained environments is the measurement of CD4
      T-cell count. Affordable CD4 T-cell counting has gradually been made possible by
      using simple, compact and robust, low-cost, new-generation cytometers, operating
      as single-platform volumetric instruments. Several cost-effective point-of-care
      CD4 T-cell testing options are also already on the market, in order to improve
      access to CD4 T-cell monitoring, especially for rural patients, and to reduce
      loss-to-follow-up of patients. In addition, HIV RNA viral load measurement is
      becoming increasingly important, mainly for a systematic confirmation of first
      line ART failure before switching to second-line treatment to avoid belated as
      well as premature therapeutic decisions and their potentially negative
      consequences. Viral load testing should now be considered as the standard of care
      for therapeutic failure in all resource-limited settings. However, the
      measurement of HIV viral load remains a centralized marker, carried out in a
      limited number of reference laboratories. Finally, the costs of second-line ART
      regimens, rather than the laboratory test costs themselves, currently constitute
      the primary determinant of the total cost in ART switching. Laboratory monitoring
      strategies may become more attractive as price negotiations render second-line
      ART regimens less expensive worldwide.

PMID- 22082288
TI  - The many roles of the highly interactive HSV protein ICP27, a key regulator of
      infection.
AB  - Human herpes viruses cause an array of illnesses ranging from cancers for
      Epstein?Barr virus and Kaposi?s sarcoma-associated herpes virus, to painful skin
      lesions, and more rarely, keratitis and encephalitis for HSV. All herpes viruses
      encode a multifunctional protein, typified by HSV ICP27, which plays essential
      roles in viral infection. ICP27 functions in all stages of mRNA biogenesis from
      transcription, RNA processing and export through to translation. ICP27 has also
      been implicated in nuclear protein quality control, cell cycle control,
      activation of stress signaling pathways and prevention of apoptosis. ICP27
      interacts with many proteins and it binds RNA. This article focuses on how ICP27
      performs its many roles and highlights similarities with its homologs, which
      could be targets for antiviral intervention.

PMID- 22082289
TI  - Bacterial type I signal peptidases as antibiotic targets.
AB  - Despite an alarming increase in morbidity and mortality caused by multidrug
      resistant bacteria, the number of antibiotics available to efficiently combat
      them is dwindling. Consequently, there is a pressing need for new drugs,
      preferably with novel modes of action to avert the problem of cross-resistance.
      Several new targets have been proposed, including proteins essential in the
      protein secretion pathway such as the type I signal peptidase (SPase),
      indispensable for the release of the signal peptide during secretion of Sec- and
      Tat-dependent proteins. The type I SPase is considered to be an attractive target
      because it is essential, substantially different from the eukaryotic counterpart,
      and its active site is located at the outer leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane,
      permitting relatively easy access to potential inhibitors. A few SPase inhibitors
      have already been identified, but their suitability as drugs is yet to be
      confirmed. An overview is given on the currently known SPase inhibitors, how they
      can give valuable information on the structural, biochemical and target
      validation aspects of the SPases, the approaches to identify them, and their
      future potential as drugs.

PMID- 22082291
TI  - The twin-arginine translocation system: contributions to the pathobiology of
      Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system is specialized in the transport of
      folded proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane. Although the mechanisms that
      govern the Tat transport and its scope are not well understood, this system and
      its cognate substrates are involved in important functions that facilitate the
      adaptation and survival of bacteria. Evidence also exists that connects the Tat
      system to virulent traits of clinically relevant pathogens. Of interest is
      Campylobacter jejuni, an important foodborne pathogen that is capable of
      surviving in different hosts and environmental niches. Recent studies have shown
      that the Tat system in this bacterium mediates key metabolic and stress
      resistance traits. Furthermore, the majority of the identified Tat substrates in
      C. jejuni are cofactor-containing redox proteins that contribute to the
      bacterium?s branched electron transport chain, a component essential for survival
      under differing conditions. These studies as well as the absence of Tat homologs
      in the sequenced genomes of animals suggest that the Tat system might pose an
      attractive target for therapeutics against C. jejuni.

PMID- 22082290
TI  - Genetics of Coxiella burnetii: on the path of specialization.
AB  - Coxiella burnetii is an extremely infectious, zoonotic agent that causes Q fever
      in humans. With the exception of New Zealand, the bacterium is distributed
      worldwide. Coxiella is classified as a select agent based on its past and
      potential use as a bioweapon and its threat to public health. Despite decades of
      research, we know relatively little regarding Coxiella?s molecular pathogenesis,
      and a vaccine is not widely available. This article briefly reviews the unusual
      genetics of C. burnetii; a pathogen that retains telltale genetic mementos
      collected over the course of its evolutionary path from a free-living bacterium
      to an obligate intracellular parasite of eukaryotic host cell phagosomes.
      Understanding why these genetic elements are maintained may help us better
      understand the biology of this fascinating pathogen.

PMID- 22082292
TI  - Scenery of Staphylococcus implant infections in orthopedics.
AB  - Infection is still the major complication of orthopedic implants and projections
      based on the actual trend indicate that total hip and knee arthroplasties and
      their consequent infection burden are destined to greatly increase.
      Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the leading etiologic
      agents of orthopedic implant infection. Here we report on epidemiology of implant
      related Staphylococcus infections in orthopedics, also referring to our
      experience, and focus on the crucial role of bacterial adhesins and on their
      ability to direct the pathogenesis process. Bacteria initiate implant infection
      by adhering to biomaterials. In the early steps of infection, adhesins mediate
      the specific interaction between microbial cells and the extracellular matrix
      proteins filming biomaterial surface. Then adhesin-mediated anchorage allows
      bacteria to cling to the biomaterial surface and to produce a biofilm that favors
      their ability to resist antibiotics. With the aim to prevent implant-related
      infections, anti-infective and infection-resistant biomaterials are being
      developed. The research for novel therapeutic strategies is incited by the
      emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Vaccines against the adhesins or
      antisense molecules against virulence genes can open a future in combating
      implant infections.

PMID- 22082296
TI  - Proton transfer from 2-naphthol to aliphatic amines in supercritical CO2.
AB  - The proton transfer from 2-naphthol to aliphatic amines was studied in
      supercritical CO(2) (scCO(2)) and in cyclohexane as reference solvent, by
      absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and by time-resolved emission.
      Irradiation of 2-naphthol in scCO(2) in the presence of ethyldiisopropylamine
      shows dynamic fluorescence quenching of the acidic form of 2-naphthol and
      emission from the basic form. Fluorescence excitation spectra show that the
      emission of the basic form is originated upon excitation of the acidic form. The
      interaction between 2-naphthol and the amines is described by the formation of a
      complex with proton donor-acceptor character in the ground and excited states of
      2-naphthol. The acidity increase of 2-naphthol upon electronic excitation to the
      first excited singlet in scCO(2) is as high as in water. Proton transfer quantum
      yields of 0.6 can be easily achieved in scCO(2). The results have implications
      for carrying out acid-base catalyzed reactions in scCO(2).

PMID- 22082294
TI  - Vesicular transport systems in fungi.
AB  - Canonical and unconventional mechanisms of secretion in many eukaryotic cells are
      relatively well known. In contrast to the situation in animal cells, mechanisms
      of secretion in fungi must include the capacity for trans-cell wall passage of
      macromolecules to the extracellular space. Although these mechanisms remain
      somewhat elusive, several studies in recent years have suggested that vesicular
      transport is required for trans-cell wall secretion of large molecules. Several
      fungal molecules, including proteins, lipids, polysaccharides and pigments, are
      released to the extracellular space in vesicles. In pathogenic fungi, a number of
      these vesicular components are associated with fungal virulence. Indeed,
      extracellular vesicles produced by fungi can interfere with the immunomodulatory
      activity of host cells. Fungal vesicles share many functional aspects with
      mammalian exosomes and extracellular vesicles produced by bacteria, plants and
      protozoa, but their cellular origin remains unknown. Here, we discuss the
      involvement of vesicular transport systems in fungal physiology and pathogenesis,
      making parallels with the mammalian, bacterial, protozoan and plant cell
      literature.

PMID- 22082297
TI  - Injury of fornix in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Many diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) studies have reported on
      fornix injury in various diseases. However, there has been no DTT study on fornix
      injury by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We attempted to investigate fornix body
      injury in patients with ICH, using DTT. METHODS: We identified 58 consecutive
      stroke patients using the following criteria: (1) first-ever stroke, (2) age: 45
      65 years, (3) hemorrhage confined within the corona radiata and basal ganglion
      level, (4) an available DTT scan performed during the early stage of ICH (1-5
      weeks after onset). Among 58 consecutive patients, we identified six patients who
      showed disruption at the fornix body. RESULTS: Following ICH, 10.7% of patients
      revealed complete disruption of the fornix body on DTT. Results from DTT of the
      fornix showed disruption in anterior and posterior portions of the fornix body in
      three patients, in the anterior portion of the fornix body in two patient, and in
      the posterior portion of the fornix body in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: We report
      on six patients who showed complete disruption of the fornix body following ICH.
      It is our belief that the fornix of patients with ICH could be evaluated using
      DTT.

PMID- 22082293
TI  - Gametocytogenesis in malaria parasite: commitment, development and regulation.
AB  - Malaria parasites have evolved a complicated life cycle alternating between two
      hosts. Gametocytes are produced in the vertebrate hosts and are obligatory for
      natural transmission of the parasites through mosquito vectors. The mechanism of
      sexual development in Plasmodium has been the focus of extensive studies. In the
      postgenomic era, the advent of genome-wide analytical tools and genetic
      manipulation technology has enabled rapid advancement of our knowledge in this
      area. Patterns of gene expression during sexual development, molecular
      distinction of the two sexes, and mechanisms underlying subsequent formation of
      gametes and their fertilization have been progressively elucidated. However, the
      triggers and mechanism of sexual development remain largely unknown. This article
      provides an update of our understanding of the molecular and cellular events
      associated with the decision for commitment to sexual development and regulation
      of gene expression during gametocytogenesis. Insights into the molecular
      mechanisms of gametocyte development are essential for designing proper control
      strategies for interruption of malaria transmission and ultimate elimination.

PMID- 22082298
TI  - The risk of cryptorchidism among sons of women working in horticulture in
      Denmark: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgens are crucial for normal testicular descent. Studies show
      that some pesticides have estrogenic or antiandrogenic effects, and that female
      workers exposed to pesticides have increased risk of having a boy with
      cryptorchidism. The main objective of the present study was to investigate
      whether pregnant women exposed to pesticides due to their work in horticulture
      experience excess risk of having sons with cryptorchidism. METHODS: We conducted
      a cohort study of pregnant women working in horticulture using four cohorts
      including one cohort established with data from the departments of occupational
      medicine in Jutland and Funen and three existing mother-child cohorts (n=1,468).
      A reference group was established from the entire Danish population of boys born
      in the period of 1986-2007 (n=783,817). Nationwide Danish health registers
      provided information on birth outcome, cryptorchidism diagnosis and orchiopexy.
      The level of occupational exposure to pesticides was assessed by expert judgment
      blinded towards outcome status. Risk of cryptorchidism among exposed horticulture
      workers compared to the background population and to unexposed horticulture
      workers was assessed by Cox regression models. RESULTS: Pesticide exposed women
      employed in horticulture had a hazard ratio (HR) of having cryptorchid sons of
      1.39 (95% CI 0.84; 2.31) and a HR of orchiopexy of 1.34 (0.72; 2.49) compared to
      the background population. Analysis divided into separate cohorts revealed a
      significantly increased risk of cryptorchidism in cohort 2: HR 2.58 (1.07;6.20)
      and increased risk of orchiopexy in cohort 4: HR 2.76 (1.03;7.35), but no
      significant associations in the other cohorts. Compared to unexposed women
      working in horticulture, pesticide exposed women had a risk of having sons with
      cryptorchidism of 1.34 (0.30; 5.96) and of orchiopexy of 1.93 (0.24;15.4).
      CONCLUSIONS: The data are compatible with a slightly increased risk of
      cryptorchidism in sons of women exposed to pesticides by working in horticulture.

PMID- 22082299
TI  - Clear cell meningioma with histologically aggressive appearance and clinically
      aggressive behavior: a case report.
AB  - Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is an uncommon variant of meningioma, corresponding
      to WHO grade II. We present a case of CCM with histologically aggressive
      appearance and clinically aggressive behavior. The tumor demonstrated rapid
      regrowth and brain metastasis. The histological progression from the ordinal CCM
      to the atypical area and higher MIB-1 index was observed. We assume that the
      short time of recurrence and metastasis may result from atypical histological
      features in our case. If the CCM has a histologically aggressive appearance as in
      our case, we suggest that postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy should be performed
      despite total resection of the tumor.

PMID- 22082300
TI  - Worthless donations: male deception and female counter play in a nuptial gift
      giving spider.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In nuptial gift-giving species, benefits of acquiring a mate may
      select for male deception by donation of worthless gifts. We investigated the
      effect of worthless gifts on mating success in the spider Pisaura mirabilis.
      Males usually offer an insect prey wrapped in silk; however, worthless gifts
      containing inedible items are reported. We tested male mating success in the
      following experimental groups: protein enriched fly gift (PG), regular fly gift
      (FG), worthless gift (WG), or no gift (NG). RESULTS: Males that offered worthless
      gifts acquired similar mating success as males offering nutritional gifts, while
      males with no gift experienced reduced mating success. The results suggest that
      strong selection on the nuptial gift-giving trait facilitates male deception by
      donation of worthless gifts. Females terminated matings faster when males offered
      worthless donations; this demonstrate a cost of deception for the males as
      shorter matings lead to reduced sperm transfer and thus give the deceiving males
      a disadvantage in sperm competition. CONCLUSION: We propose that the gift
      wrapping trait allows males to exploit female foraging preference by disguising
      the gift content thus deceiving females into mating without acquiring direct
      benefits. Female preference for a genuine prey gift combined with control over
      mating duration, however, counteracts the male deception.

PMID- 22082301
TI  - The effect of an intervention combining self-efficacy theory and pedometers on
      promoting physical activity among adolescents.
AB  - AIM: To study the effect of an intervention combining self-efficacy theory and
      pedometers on promoting physical activity among adolescents. BACKGROUND: The
      beneficial effects of regular physical activity on health in youths are well
      documented. However, adolescence is found to be the age of greatest decline in
      physical activity participation. Physical activity participation among girls was
      generally less frequent and less intense than boys. Therefore, there is a strong
      need for effective interventions that can help promote physical activity in this
      population. DESIGN: An experimental design. METHODS: Two classes of female junior
      college students (mean age = 16) were randomly sampled from a total of four
      classes and, of those, one each was randomly assigned to either the intervention
      (n = 46) or the control group (n = 48). Self-efficacy was used as a core
      theoretical foundation of the intervention design, and pedometers were provided
      to the students in the intervention group. Distances between each domestic scenic
      spot were illustrated graphically in a walking log for students to mark the
      extent of their walking or running. Students in the control group participated in
      a usual physical education programme. The primary outcome was a change in the
      number of aerobic steps. The secondary outcomes were changes in cardiopulmonary
      endurance and exercise self-efficacy. RESULTS: At 12-week follow-up, the mean
      change in aerobic steps was 371 steps and 108 steps in the intervention and
      control group, respectively. The difference in mean change between the two groups
      was 467 steps. Effects of the intervention on changes of cardiopulmonary
      endurance and perceived exercise self-efficacy scores were not found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among adolescent girls, a 12-week intervention designed on the
      theoretical foundation of self-efficacy theory and provision of pedometers was
      found to have an effect on increasing their physical activity. The intervention,
      using graphs of domestic scenic spots to represent the distance of walking or
      running as monitored by pedometers, might enhance motivation regarding physical
      activity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important for health
      professionals, including school health nurses, involved in the care of adolescent
      health, to design and provide a physical activity intervention combining self
      efficacy theory and provision of pedometer to promote physical activity.

PMID- 22082302
TI  - Isolated distal deep vein thrombosis: what we know and what  we are doing.
AB  - Thromboses that are restricted to the infra-popliteal deep veins of the lower
      limbs (isolated distal deep vein thrombosis, IDDVT) are frequently diagnosed in
      subjects with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE; 7-10%) or DVT(4-15%), accounting
      for 31-56% of all diagnosed leg DVTs. Despite their frequency, IDDVTs still
      remain one of the most debated issues in the field of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE). Conflicting clinical results have resulted in differing opinions on the
      need to test for IDDVTs and how to treat them. Due to discordant results, the
      real risk of IDDVT-associated PE is not well established. IDDVTs are associated
      with (i) lower risk of recurrence when compared with other VTEs, and (ii) fewer
      late sequelae than proximal DVT. Diagnosis of IDDVT is based on ultrasound
      examination of all calf veins, which is more operator-dependent and less
      sensitive than proximal vein examination. A series of studies has shown, however,
      that a single complete ultrasound strategy in symptomatic patients has comparable
      clinical results to serial proximal ultrasound, allowing approximately 15% better
      DVT diagnosis. Optimal treatment of IDDVT is still controversial. Guidelines
      recommend anticoagulation for 12 weeks, although 6 weeks may be sufficient. There
      is, however, insufficient data to support the diagnosis and treatment of all
      IDDVTs, and the necessary criteria to identify subjects at higher risk of
      complication are lacking. It also seems likely that different approaches may be
      better for unprovoked or secondary events and for deep or muscle veins.
      Specifically designed and adequately powered clinical studies addressing the
      issue of IDDVT need to be urgently undertaken.

PMID- 22082303
TI  - Alkalinized lidocaine and heparin provide immediate relief of pain and urgency in
      patients with interstitial cystitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It has been reported in an open-label study that the combination of
      alkalinized lidocaine and heparin can immediately relieve the symptoms of urinary
      urgency, frequency, and pain associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). This
      combination has also been reported to relieve pain associated with sex in
      patients with IC. AIM: The aim of this study was to corroborate these findings in
      a multicenter setting. METHODS: The study design was a multicenter prospective,
      double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Each participant met all of
      the clinical National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
      criteria (excluding cystoscopy) for IC. Each patient received drug and control,
      in random order, within 48 hours of enrolling in the study. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was percent change in pain score (11-point
      analog pain scale) 12 hours after receiving the drug or control. Secondary
      measures were the global assessment response (GAR) of symptoms and 12-hour
      average urgency reduction determined from 11-point urgency scales. RESULTS:
      Eighteen (18) patients completed the trial. The average reduction of pain over 12
      hours was 21% for control and 42% for active drug (P = 0.0363). GAR was 13% for
      control and 50% for drug (P = 0.0137). Average urgency reduction was 13% for
      control and 35% for drug (P = 0.0328). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of
      alkalinized lidocaine and heparin provides up to 12 hours of relief from urgency
      and pain associated with IC. This combination provides significant immediate
      relief of symptoms for patients with IC.

PMID- 22082304
TI  - Binder phenotype in mothers affected with autoimmune disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report four foetal cases of the Binder phenotype associated with
      maternal autoimmune disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In three mothers with
      autoimmune diseases, 2D and 3D ultrasonographic measurements were made on four
      foetuses with the Binder profile, and were compared with postnatal phenotypes.
      RESULTS: The Binder phenotype can be detected in early pregnancy (14.5 WG). All
      foetuses had verticalized nasal bones and midfacial hypoplasia. Punctuate
      calcifications were found in almost all the cases. No specific maternal auto
      antibody has been associated with foetal Binder phenotype. CONCLUSION: Since the
      Binder phenotype can be diagnosed at ultrasound examination during pregnancy, it
      is important to establish the underlying cause so as to assess the foetal
      prognosis. This study stresses the importance of systematic checks for maternal
      autoimmune disease in cases of prenatally diagnosed Binder phenotypes.

PMID- 22082305
TI  - Azobenzene photoswitching without ultraviolet light.
AB  - Most azobenzene-based photoswitches use UV light for photoisomerization. This can
      limit their application in biological systems, where UV light can trigger
      unwanted responses, including cellular apoptosis. We have found that substitution
      of all four ortho positions with methoxy groups in an amidoazobenzene derivative
      leads to a substantial (~35 nm) red shift of the n-pi* band of the trans isomer,
      separating it from the cis n-pi* transition. This red shift makes trans-to-cis
      photoswitching possible using green light (530-560 nm). The cis state is
      thermally stable with a half-life of ~2.4 days in the dark in aqueous solution.
      Reverse (cis-to-trans) photoswitching can be accomplished with blue light (460
      nm), so bidirectional photoswitching between thermally stable isomers is possible
      without using UV light at all.

PMID- 22082306
TI  - Phenomenological shifts for healthcare professionals after experiencing a
      research-based drama on living with dementia.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this article is to report research findings describing
      phenomenological shifts, that is, changes in patterns of lived experience, for
      healthcare professionals who attended a performance of a research-based drama,
      called I'm Still Here. BACKGROUND: The research drama, based on six studies, was
      created to help change the ways persons understand, think about and relate with
      persons living with dementia. METHODS: In 2006-2007, 50 healthcare professionals
      from various disciplines and eight nursing students participated in this study.
      Participants were recruited from four Canadian cities in the province of Ontario
      where focus groups were held before and after engaging in a live performance of
      I'm Still Here. FINDINGS: Analysis of focus group transcripts showed shifts in
      patterns of lived experience for the healthcare professional participants as
      evident in the participants' descriptions. The phenomenological shifts reflected
      a move from descriptions of 'diminishing humanness to discerning humanness', from
      'disengaged care/mundane relating to reflexive relating in the now', and
      'terrifying portrayals of loss to awakening to hopeful possibility'. The shifts
      described herein are supported with examples from the focus group transcripts.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal the power of drama as a vibrant and meaningful means
      of shifting understandings, images and intended actions of healthcare professions
      which have the potential to affect the lived experiences, relationships and
      quality of life of persons with dementia.

PMID- 22082307
TI  - Nanoparticle mediated targeting of VEGFR and cancer stem cells for cancer
      therapy.
AB  - Angiogenesis is a crucial process in tumor pathogenesis as it sustains malignant
      cells with nutrients and oxygen. It is well known that tumor cells secrete
      various growth factors, including VEGF, which triggers endothelial cells to form
      new capillaries. Prevention of expansion of new blood vessel networks results in
      reduced tumor size and metastasis. Production of VEGF is driven by hypoxia via
      transcriptional activation of the VEGF gene by HIF-1alpha.Tumours are now
      understood to contain different types of cells, and it is the cancer stem cells
      that retain the ability to drive the tumour's growth. They are called cancer stem
      cells because, like stem cells present in normal tissues of the body, they can
      self-renew and differentiate. These cancer stem cells are responsible for the
      relapse of cancer as they are found to be resistant to conventional modes of
      cancer therapy like chemotherapy and radiation.In this review, a novel mode of
      treatment of cancer is proposed, which utilizes the twin nanoparticle to target
      endothelial cells in the niche of cancer stem cell. The nanoparticle discussed in
      this review, is a twin nanoparticle of iron coated with gold, which targets VEGF
      positive cell in the vicinity of cancer stem cell. In the twin nanoparticle, one
      particle will recognize cancer stem cell, and another conjugated nanoparticle
      will recognize VEGF positive cells, thereby inhibiting endothelial cells in the
      proximity of cancer stem cell. This novel strategy will inhibit angiogenesis near
      cancer stem cell hence new tumour cannot grow and old tumour will be unable to
      metastasize.

PMID- 22082308
TI  - The expression and clinical significance of pSTAT3, VEGF and VEGF-C in pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a central
      cytoplasmic transcription factor and regulates a number of pathways important in
      tumorigenesis including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, tumor angiogenesis,
      invasion and metastasis.This study aims to investigate the expression of pSTAT3,
      VEGF and VEGF-C in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and their relations to the
      clinicopathological features, tumor angiogenesis and prognosis. In the present
      study, the expression of pSTAT3, VEGF and VEGF-C and microvascular density (MVD)
      were examined via immunohistochemistry. The clinicopathological information was
      collected and patients were regularly followed up. The relationship between the
      parameters and the clinicopathological features were analyzed, and the univariate
      and multivariate prognostic factors were also analyzed. The expression of pSTAT3
      in tumor tissues was significantly higher in contrast to that in normal tissues,
      and pSTAT3 was related to VEGF and VEGF-C expression, MVD, tumor size,
      lymphogenous status and TNM staging (P<0.05). Survival analysis suggested that
      tumor size, TNM staging, pSTAT3 and VEGF expression were risk factors of
      prognosis, but no independent factors were found. We concluded that pSTAT3, which
      was a risk factor of prognosis, was abnormally expressed in pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma and related to tumor size, TNM staging and lymphatic metastasis.
      pSTAT3 may promote tumor angiogenesis via up-regulating VEGF on protein and even
      gene levels, and enhance the early lymphatic metastasis through VEGF-C. Better
      understanding of STAT3 signaling pathways in angiogenesis may contribute to the
      development of novel therapeutic strategies in angiogenesis and metastasis of
      pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22082309
TI  - The influence of neuropilin-1 silencing on semaphorin 3A and 3C activity in
      B16(F10) murine melanoma cells.
AB  - Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), originally characterized as an adhesion molecule in the
      nervous system, is a co-receptor for class-3 semaphorins. Neuropilins and
      semaphorins are highly expressed in a wide spectrum of tumors and have been shown
      to influence their growth and vascularization. Despite the growing body of data
      on neuropilin/semaphorin regulation of tumor growth, still the exact mechanism of
      their activity remains to be elucidated. Previously published data suggests that
      Nrp1 has both anti- and promigratory characteristics in different tumor types,
      although no data is available on its role in melanoma cells. In this paper, we
      studied the effect of Nrp1 downregulation on B16(F10) melanoma cells migration.
      Our results show that the silencing of Nrp1 significantly increases the overall
      mobility of B16(F10) cells and changes their morphology. Moreover, Nrp1-silenced
      B16(F10) cells show a decreased response to Sema3A. We also observed reduced
      binding of Sema3A to these cells. Contrarily, no changes were observed in the
      binding of Sema3C to Nrp1-silenced B16(F10) cells, nor in its chemorepellent
      activity. Our results suggest that modulation of B16(F10) cells migratory ability
      by semaphorin 3A can be preferentially mediated by Nrp1, while the contribution
      of semaphorin 3C in this process is less evident. In addition, silencing of Nrp1
      did not change the migratory ability of B16(F10) cells towards VEGF.

PMID- 22082310
TI  - Repeated mitral valve replacement in a patient with extensive annular
      calcification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitral valve replacement in the presence of severe annular
      calcification is a technical challenge. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old lady who had
      undergone mitral and aortic valve replacement for rheumatic disease 27 years
      before presented with dyspnea. At reoperation, extensive mitral annular
      calcification was hindering the disc motion of the Starr-Edwards mitral
      prosthesis. The old prosthesis was removed and a St Jude Medical mechanical valve
      was implanted after thorough annular debridement. Postoperatively the patient
      developed paravalvular leak and hemolytic anemia, subsequently undergoing
      reoperation three days later. The mitral valve was replaced with an Edwards MIRA
      valve, with a bulkier sewing cuff, after more aggressive annular debridement.
      Although initially there was no paravalvular leak, it recurred five days later.
      The patient also developed a small cerebral hemorrhage. As the paravalvular leak
      and hemolytic anemia gradually worsened, the patient underwent reoperation 14
      days later. A Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthetic valve with equine pericardial
      patches, one to cover the debrided calcified annulus, another as a collar around
      the prosthesis, was used to eliminate paravalvular leak. At 7 years
      postoperatively the patient is doing well without any evidence of paravalvular
      leak or structural valve deterioration. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve replacement
      using a bioprosthesis with equine pericardial patches was useful to overcome
      recurrent paravalvular leak due to severe mitral annular calcification.

PMID- 22082311
TI  - Strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries in the metabolic syndrome: clinical
      perspectives.
AB  - Emerging science supports therapeutic roles of strawberries, blueberries, and
      cranberries in metabolic syndrome, a prediabetic state characterized by several
      cardiovascular risk factors. Interventional studies reported by our group and
      others have demonstrated the following effects: strawberries lowering total and
      LDL-cholesterol, but not triglycerides, and decreasing surrogate biomarkers of
      atherosclerosis (malondialdehyde and adhesion molecules); blueberries lowering
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lipid oxidation and improving insulin
      resistance; and low-calorie cranberry juice selectively decreasing biomarkers of
      lipid oxidation (oxidized LDL) and inflammation (adhesion molecules) in metabolic
      syndrome. Mechanistic studies further explain these observations as up-regulation
      of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, reduction in renal oxidative
      damage, and inhibition of the activity of carbohydrate digestive enzymes or
      angiotensin-converting enzyme by these berries. These findings need confirmation
      in future studies with a focus on the effects of strawberry, blueberry, or
      cranberry intervention in clinical biomarkers and molecular mechanisms underlying
      the metabolic syndrome. 

PMID- 22082312
TI  - Intraprocedural and long-term incomplete occlusion of the left atrial appendage
      following placement of the WATCHMAN device: a single center experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the WATCHMAN
      device has become one of the therapeutic options in atrial fibrillation (AF)
      patients who are at high risk for ischemic stroke. However, the incidence and
      evolution of incomplete occlusion of the LAA during and after placement of the
      WATCHMAN device has not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-eight
      consecutive patients who had undergone WATCHMAN device implant were included in
      the study. Intraprocedural, 45-day and 12-month transesophageal echocardiogram
      images were reviewed and analyzed. Peridevice gap was noted in 16 (27.6%), 17
      (29.3%), and 20 (34.5%) patients across the 3 time points. Intraprocedural gaps
      are more likely to be persistent until 12 months and become larger in size over
      time. New gap also occurs during follow-up even if the LAA was completely sealed
      at implantation. One patient had an ischemic stroke 4.7 months after implant;
      another patient developed a left atrial thrombus over the device 21.6 months
      after implant. Both patients had intraprocedural gap and discontinued warfarin
      therapy after the 45-day evaluation. CONCLUSION: Incomplete LAA occlusion with a
      gap between the WATCHMAN device surface and the LAA wall is relatively common.
      Intraprocedural gaps are more likely to become bigger over time and persist,
      while new gaps also occur during follow-up. Further studies are warranted to
      verify whether the presence and persistence of a peridevice gap is associated
      with increased risk of thromboembolic event in AF patients implanted with a
      WATCHMAN device.

PMID- 22082313
TI  - Platelet transfusion alters CD40L blood level and release capacity in patients
      suffering from thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT)-derived cytokines, such as soluble CD40 ligand
      (sCD40L), play an important role in the development of adverse transfusion
      reactions associated with the administration of PLT products. In this study, we
      determined sCD40L concentration and release capacity in patients with
      thrombocytopenia before and after receiving a PLT transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: The study included 12 patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced
      thrombocytopenia. sCD40L levels and release capacity were measured in plasma
      samples of the patients before and after PLT administration as well as in the
      respective plateletpheresis concentrates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Sixteen healthy blood donors served as a control group. RESULTS: In PLT
      concentrates, elevated sCD40L levels (2567+/-134 pg/mL) were observed in
      comparison to plasma sCD40L levels in controls (238.4+/-35.3 pg/mL). sCD40L
      plasma concentration of patients with thrombocytopenia was significantly reduced
      (86.3+/-16.7 pg/mL) before transfusion and increased to nearly normal levels
      (204.4+/-24.8 pg/mL) after PLT administration. In parallel, the sCD40L release
      capacity per PLT showed no significant difference between controls and patients
      with thrombocytopenia before transfusion (33.3+/-2.6 and 29.3+/-4.6 ag/PLT,
      respectively) but was significantly reduced after PLT transfusion (22.4+/-2.7
      compared to 29.3+/-4.6 ag/PLT). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with thrombocytopenia,
      sCD40L levels were clearly influenced by PLT transfusions: PLT administration led
      to a normalization of sCD40L plasma concentration. Nevertheless, adverse
      transfusion reactions did not occur in these patients. The sCD40L release
      capacity was enhanced by PLT administration dependent on the increase in the
      amount of PLT count.

PMID- 22082314
TI  - Temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in combination with lower-dose clofarabine as
      salvage therapy for older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: results of a
      phase II GIMEMA study (AML-1107).
AB  - The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway has emerged as an
      important therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This study
      assessed the combination of temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and lower-dose
      clofarabine as salvage therapy in older patients with AML. Induction consisted of
      clofarabine 20mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and temsirolimus 25mg (flat dose) on days 1, 8
      and 15. Patients achieving complete remission with (CR) or without (CRi) full
      haematological recovery could receive monthly temsirolimus maintenance. In 53
      evaluable patients, the overall remission rate (ORR) was 21% (8% CR, 13% CRi).
      Median disease-free survival was 3.5months, and median overall survival was
      4months (9.1months for responders). The most common non-haematological severe
      adverse events included infection (48%), febrile neutropenia (34%) and
      transaminitis (11%). The 30-d all-cause induction mortality was 13%. Laboratory
      data from 25 patients demonstrated that a >50%in vivo inhibition of S6 ribosomal
      protein phosphorylation was highly correlated with response rate (75% with
      inhibition versus 0% without inhibition; P=0.0001), suggesting that targeting the
      mTOR pathway is clinically relevant. The acceptable safety profile and the
      predictive value of target inhibition encourage further investigation of this
      novel regimen.

PMID- 22082315
TI  - Microinjection of HSV-1 amplicon vector-mediated human proenkephalin into the
      periaqueductal grey attenuates neuropathic pain in rats.
AB  - We investigated the antinociceptive effect of microinjection of HSV-1 amplicon
      vector-mediated human proenkephalin (hPPE) into the ventral periaqueductal grey
      (PAG) on neuropathic pain in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with chronic
      constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain were microinjected into the
      ventral PAG with normal saline (NS), pHSVIRES-lacZ (SHZ), or HSV-1 amplicon
      vector pHSVIRES-hPPE-lacZ (SHPZ), respectively. Pain thresholds in the SHPZ
      treated rats were significantly higher at day 3, then reached peak at day 14 and
      lasted until day 35 after PAG administration, and these effects were reversed by
      naloxone. In contrast, NS or SHZ-treated rats did not significantly affect pain
      thresholds. These results demonstrated that microinjection of HSV-1 amplicon
      vector-mediated hPPE into the ventral PAG attenuates neuropathic pain in rats.

PMID- 22082317
TI  - Synthesis of the asperparaline core by a radical cascade.
AB  - A concise access to the pentacyclic core structure of the asperparalines is
      described. The key step is a radical cascade sequence comprised of a 1,6-hydrogen
      atom transfer followed by 6-exo-trig and 5-exo-trig cyclizations.

PMID- 22082316
TI  - Automated time activity classification based on global positioning system (GPS)
      tracking data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Air pollution epidemiological studies are increasingly using global
      positioning system (GPS) to collect time-location data because they offer
      continuous tracking, high temporal resolution, and minimum reporting burden for
      participants. However, substantial uncertainties in the processing and
      classifying of raw GPS data create challenges for reliably characterizing time
      activity patterns. We developed and evaluated models to classify people's major
      time activity patterns from continuous GPS tracking data. METHODS: We developed
      and evaluated two automated models to classify major time activity patterns
      (i.e., indoor, outdoor static, outdoor walking, and in-vehicle travel) based on
      GPS time activity data collected under free living conditions for 47 participants
      (N = 131 person-days) from the Harbor Communities Time Location Study (HCTLS) in
      2008 and supplemental GPS data collected from three UC-Irvine research staff (N =
      21 person-days) in 2010. Time activity patterns used for model development were
      manually classified by research staff using information from participant GPS
      recordings, activity logs, and follow-up interviews. We evaluated two models: (a)
      a rule-based model that developed user-defined rules based on time, speed, and
      spatial location, and (b) a random forest decision tree model. RESULTS: Indoor,
      outdoor static, outdoor walking and in-vehicle travel activities accounted for
      82.7%, 6.1%, 3.2% and 7.2% of manually-classified time activities in the HCTLS
      dataset, respectively. The rule-based model classified indoor and in-vehicle
      travel periods reasonably well (Indoor: sensitivity > 91%, specificity > 80%, and
      precision > 96%; in-vehicle travel: sensitivity > 71%, specificity > 99%, and
      precision > 88%), but the performance was moderate for outdoor static and outdoor
      walking predictions. No striking differences in performance were observed between
      the rule-based and the random forest models. The random forest model was fast and
      easy to execute, but was likely less robust than the rule-based model under the
      condition of biased or poor quality training data. CONCLUSIONS: Our models can
      successfully identify indoor and in-vehicle travel points from the raw GPS data,
      but challenges remain in developing models to distinguish outdoor static points
      and walking. Accurate training data are essential in developing reliable models
      in classifying time-activity patterns.

PMID- 22082318
TI  - Phosphorylated alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity in the posterior pituitary lobe.
AB  - Parkinson's disease is now recognized as a major form of alpha-synucleinopathy
      involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, no research
      has focused on the posterior pituitary lobe (PPL), despite the fact that this
      organ also plays an important role in systemic homeostasis. In the present study,
      we aimed to distinguish phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (palphaSyn)-positive
      deposits in the PPL, as is observed in Lewy body- and non-Lewy body-related
      disorders. PalphaSyn deposits were immunohistochemically analyzed using formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded PPL specimens obtained from 60 autopsy cases. Among the
      cases with Lewy body-related disorders, PPL palphaSyn deposits were observed in
      almost all cases of Parkinson's disease (22/23), and in one case of dementia with
      Lewy bodies (1/1). On the other hand, only 3/36 cases of non-Lewy body-related
      disorders had palphaSyn immunoreactivity in the PPL. The present study confirms
      the presence of palphaSyn-positive deposits, as demonstrated by high specificity
      (97.1%) and sensitivity (88.5%), in both Parkinson's disease and dementia with
      Lewy bodies, suggesting that this finding can be a useful hallmark of Lewy body
      related disorders.

PMID- 22082319
TI  - Control of 1,3-cyclohexadiene photoisomerization using light-induced conical
      intersections.
AB  - We have studied the photoinduced isomerization from 1,3-cyclohexadiene to 1,3,5
      hexatriene in the presence of an intense ultrafast laser pulse. We find that the
      laser field maximally suppresses isomerization if it is both polarized parallel
      to the excitation dipole and present 50 fs after the initial photoabsorption, at
      the time when the system is expected to be in the vicinity of a conical
      intersection that mediates this structural transition. A modified ab initio
      multiple spawning (AIMS) method shows that the laser induces a resonant coupling
      between the excited state and the ground state, i.e., a light-induced conical
      intersection. The theory accounts for the timing and direction of the effect.

PMID- 22082320
TI  - To lube or not to lube: experiences and perceptions of lubricant use in women
      with and without dyspareunia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are few studies examining the relationship between lubricant
      use and sexual functioning, and no studies have examined this relationship in
      women with dyspareunia. Vaginal dryness is a prevalent complaint among women of
      all ages. There is an association between vaginal dryness and painful
      intercourse; therefore, women with dyspareunia represent a particularly relevant
      sample of women in which to investigate lubricant use. AIM: The aim of this study
      was to examine differences between women with and without dyspareunia in self
      reported natural lubrication and attitudes toward and use of personal lubricants.
      METHODS: Respondents completed an online survey including questions on
      demographics, gynecological/medical history, sexual functioning, and lubricant
      use and attitudes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures used were the
      Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and questions regarding attitudes toward and
      use of lubricants. RESULTS: Controls scored higher on the lubrication subscale of
      the FSFI than women with dyspareunia (P < 0.001). Women with dyspareunia reported
      greater frequency of lubricant use during sexual activity over the last year (P <
      0.01). They were also more likely to use lubricant prior to penetration (P <
      0.05). The most common use for controls was to enhance sexual experiences. This
      was also a common answer for women with dyspareunia; however, in this group, the
      most common reason was to reduce/alleviate pain. Lubricants were rated as less
      effective among women with dyspareunia vs. controls across all reported reasons
      for use. Nevertheless, lubricant use was still rated as being moderately
      effective in alleviating pain for women with dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: Women with
      dyspareunia have more difficulty with natural lubrication; it is consequently not
      surprising that they reported using lubricant more frequently than control women.
      Women with dyspareunia reported using lubricants more often than controls to try
      to prevent or alleviate pain and reported this as being a moderately effective
      strategy, suggesting that it may be a useful tool for some women with
      dyspareunia.

PMID- 22082321
TI  - Predicting factors of pressure ulcers in older Thai stroke patients living in
      urban communities.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the contributing factors for pressure ulcer
      development in older Thai stroke patients in an urban community. BACKGROUND:
      Pressure ulcers are a common problem signifying a source of morbidity and
      mortality in older stroke patients. In the past, most studies have focused on the
      physiological factors affecting pressure ulcer development. However, studies
      related to effect of stroke severity and psychosocial factors in community-based
      setting have not found. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: One
      hundred and sixty-eight older stroke patients from urban communities in three
      districts in metropolitan Thailand were recruited for this cross sectional study.
      Data were collected from the Skin Assessment Tool, the Braden scale, the Canadian
      Neurological Scale, the Social Support Questionnaire and the Thai Geriatric
      Depression Scale for each patient. The results were analysed using multiple
      logistic regression and the chi-square test. RESULTS: Eighty older stroke
      patients who developed pressure ulcers (47.6%). The participants were aged
      between 60-93 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to
      calculate the odds ratio. The significant predicting factors for pressure ulcers
      were activity, moisture, nutrition, friction and shearing and depression. Sensory
      perception, mobility, severity of stroke and social support were not found to be
      significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological factors and depression were
      found to be significant predicting factors for pressure ulcer development in
      older stroke patients living in an urban community. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: To help prevent pressure ulcers in older stroke patients, the findings
      suggest that healthcare providers assess activity, moisture, nutrition, friction
      and shearing, as well as psychological assessment for depression. The results
      indicate that models for pressure ulcer prevention merit further investigation.

PMID- 22082322
TI  - Anacetrapib: a new weapon against dyslipidemia.
AB  - Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl-ester-transfer-protein (CETP) inhibitor, a new class
      of experimental drugs in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and
      dyslipidaemia associated with the metabolic syndrome. One of the major advantages
      of this agent is, apart from the significant decrease in LDL-C it produces a
      substantial increase in HDL-C. Phase I, II, and III clinical trials have shown
      that anacetrapib is safe alone or in combination with statins. However, longterm
      clinical trials are required in order to assess whether it reduces mortality in
      individuals at high-risk of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22082323
TI  - Olfactory dysfunction and cognitive impairment in age-related neurodegeneration:
      prevalence related to patient selection, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic
      treatment of aged clients receiving clinical neurology and community-based care.
AB  - A decrease in olfactory function with age has been attributed to a variety of
      factors including normal anatomical and physiological changes in aging, surgery,
      trauma, environmental factors, medications and disease. Olfactory impairment has
      also been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) and Parkinson's disease. Deficits in these chemical senses cannot only
      reduce the pleasure and comfort from food, but represent risk factors for
      nutritional and immune deficiencies as well as adherence to specific dietary
      regimens. Therapy is limited, but one should be aware of the existing medical and
      surgical treatment modalities. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, copper and
      zinc ions, glycating agents and reactive aldehydes, protein cross-linking and
      proteolytic dysfunction may all contribute to neurodegeneration, olfactory
      dysfunction, AD. Carnosine (beta-alanyl- L-histidine) is a naturally-occurring,
      pluripotent, homeostatic transglycating agent. The olfactory lobe is normally
      enriched in carnosine and zinc. Loss of olfactory function and oxidative damage
      to olfactory tissue are early symptoms of AD. Protein and lipid oxidation and
      glycation are integral components of the AD pathophysiology. Carnosine can
      suppress amyloidbeta peptide toxicity, inhibit production of oxygen free
      radicals, scavenge hydroxyl radicals and reactive aldehydes, and suppresses
      protein glycation. The observations suggest that patented non-hydrolyzed
      carnosine lubricant drug delivery or perfume toilet water formulations combined
      with related moiety amino acid structures, such as beta-alanine, should be
      explored for therapeutic potential towards olfactory dysfunction, AD and other
      neurodegenerative disorders. "The olfactory system, anatomically, is right in the
      middle of the part of the brain that's very important for memory. There are
      strong neural connections between the two." ~ Donald Wilson.

PMID- 22082325
TI  - Unexpected high levels of vorinostat when combined with vinorelbine in patients
      with advanced cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was a multi-centre, dose-escalation trial in patients with
      advanced cancers. Primary objective was to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD)
      of vorinostat, a competitive inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC), in
      combination with vinorelbine. Secondary aims were to determine (1) corresponding
      pharmacokinetics, (2) safety of this regimen, and (3) impact of UGT1A1 and 2B17
      polymorphisms on vorinostat pharmacokinetics. METHODS: Starting dose of once
      daily oral vorinostat was 200 mg for 7 days every 21 days in combination with a
      20-min intraveinous weekly infusion of vinorelbine 25 mg/m2, starting 4 hours
      after the first vorinostat dose. During cycle 1, blood samples were collected at
      day 1 for vorinostat and at days 1 and 8 for vinorelbine for pharmacokinetic
      evaluation. RESULTS: Seven patients were included. Most of adverse events
      observed were mild (grades 0-2) and reversible after treatment discontinuation
      (hemotological toxicity, asthenia, diarrhea, dyspnea, fever, hyperglycemia and
      nausea). Two patients had a dose limiting toxicity at the first dose level that
      consisted of grade 3 hyperglycemia and vinorelbine administration was delayed.
      The first dose-level was considered as the MDT and therefore dose escalation was
      stopped. Mean vorinostat plasma AUC was higher than reported previously at a
      similar dose when used as single agent or in combination with other cytotoxics.
      There was no obvious vinorelbine-vorinostat interaction nor any correlation with
      UGT1A1 or 2B17 polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: MDT of the combination was 200 mg oral
      vorinostat for 7 days in combination with 25 mg/m2 weekly vinorelbine. Severity
      of hyperglycemia was most likely related to unexpected high vorinostat exposures.

PMID- 22082326
TI  - Supplementation of glutamine and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a novel
      therapeutic intervention targeting metabolic dysfunction and exercise intolerance
      in patients with heart failure.
AB  - With its increasing prevalence throughout the world, heart failure continues to
      be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with heart failure
      develop progressive metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, and atrophy in the
      myocardium and skeletal muscle. Improvement in functional capacity as defined by
      exercise tolerance is essential for better quality of life and potentially
      survival of these patients. Therapeutic management options aimed at improving
      peripheral organ function are limited. Nutritional approaches with dietary
      supplementation in addition to current therapies are particularly appealing as
      they are novel and mechanistically different. In this article, we review the role
      of glutamine and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on metabolism and functional
      capacity in heart failure. These two compounds are of particular interest due to
      their synergistic role on oxidative metabolism, lipolysis and inflammation.

PMID- 22082324
TI  - Metabolic correction in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy:
      improving clinical results beyond symptom control.
AB  - Current Clinical Management Guidelines of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)
      are based on adequate glucose control and symptomatic pain relief. However,
      meticulous glycemic control could delay the onset or slow the progression of
      diabetic neuropathy in patients with DM type 2, but it does not completely
      prevent the progression of the disease. Complications of DPN as it continues its
      natural course, produce increasing pain and discomfort, loss of sensation,
      ulcers, infections, amputations and even death. In addition to the increased
      suffering, disability and loss of productivity, there is a very significant
      economic impact related to the treatment of DPN and its complications. In USA
      alone, it has been estimated that there are more than 5,000,000 patients
      suffering from DPN and the total annual cost of treating the disease and its
      complications is over $10,000 million dollars. In order to be able to reduce
      complications of DPN, it is crucial to improve or correct the metabolic
      conditions that lead to the pathology present in this condition. Pathophysiologic
      mechanisms implicated in diabetic neuropathy include: increased polyol pathway
      with accumulation of sorbitol and reduced Na+/K+-ATPase activity, microvascular
      damage and hypoxia due to nitric oxide deficit and increased oxygen free radical
      activity. Moreover, there is a decrease in glutathione and increase in
      homocysteine. Clinical trials in the last two decades have demonstrated that the
      use of specific nutrients can correct some of these metabolic derangements,
      improving symptom control and providing further benefits such as improved
      sensorium, blood flow and nerve regeneration. We will discuss the evidence on
      lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, benfotiamine and the combination of active B
      vitamins L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin and piridoxal-6-phosphate. In addition,
      we discuss the role of metformin, an important drug in the management of
      diabetes, and the presence of specific polymorphic genes, in the risk of
      developing DPN and how metabolic correction can reduce these risks.

PMID- 22082327
TI  - Drug-induced anemia and other red cell disorders: a guide in the age of
      polypharmacy.
AB  - Several medications have been linked to red blood cell (RBC) disorders. The
      frequency of these side effects varies, depending on the condition, but they can
      be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The problem is likely to
      exacerbate in aging populations with frequent comorbidities, proportional to the
      growing number of medications used. Notable drug-related RBC disorders include
      hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, sideroblastic anemia, polycythemia,
      methemoglobinemia, anemia of irritation/inflammation, and anemia caused by
      suppression of RBC production. The list of medications that are associated with
      these disorders is long and includes many commonly-used drugs. This could pose a
      challenge in timely diagnosis and management of these disorders. Prior knowledge
      of the potential for drug-related RBC disorders and monitoring the patients who
      are being treated with medications known to cause RBC disorders are critical to
      ensure timely and effective response, should such adverse reactions occur.

PMID- 22082328
TI  - Antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains isolated from patients with community
      acquired urinary tract infections: an exploratory study in Palestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: No studies about resistance of bacteria isolated from
      patients with community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTI) or local
      guidelines for antibiotic use in these infections have been published or
      established in the West Bank, Palestine. The objectives of this study were to
      determine the (1) type and frequency of isolated bacteria and (2) their
      resistance to commonly used antibiotics. METHODS: A cross sectional study on
      community urinary isolates was carried out in Nablus, Palestine between November
      2009 and April 2010. A convenience sampling method was used for collection of
      specimens. RESULTS: A total of 375 specimens were collected from 306 (81.6%)
      females and 69 (18.4%) males. Three hundred and thirty nine (90.4%) of isolated
      uropathogens were Gram-negative bacteria, of which 243 (71.7%) were Escherichia
      coli. Thirty six (9.6 %) of the total isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, of
      which 21 (58.3%) were Staphylococcus saprophyticus. High resistance rates were
      recorded for E. coli against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (37%), nitrofurantoin
      (29%), ampicillin (65%), and nalidixic acid (37%). E. coli showed low resistance
      to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone with
      rates of 12.2, 17.2, 11.1, and 11.1% respectively. CONCLUSION: E. coli was the
      most frequent bacterium in the studied sample and showed high resistance to first
      line antibiotics. Our results highlight the need for developing local guidelines
      where elevated resistance to antibiotics should influence prescribing decisions.

PMID- 22082329
TI  - The clinical pharmacology of short acting analgo-sedatives in neonates.
AB  - Effective pain management remains an important indicator of the quality of care
      provided to neonates, not only from an ethical, but also from a clinical outcome
      perspective. Significant progresses in non-pharmacological therapies have been
      made. However - in the meanwhile - neonatal practice also evolved. These shifts
      in clinical care also induced in a shift in pharmacodynamic end points, and
      consequently, new pharmacological observations are needed with emphasis on short
      acting procedural analgo-sedatives. Analgo-sedation in neonates remains a
      balanced decision based on systematic assessment (pharmacodynamics, PD), followed
      by titrated administration of the most appropriate analgesic(s) (PK) with
      subsequent re-assessment (PD) to adapt and further titrate exposure and effects.
      In this review, we will focus on aspects of the clinical pharmacology
      (pharmacokinetics (PK) and -dynamics) of newly emerging, short acting analgo
      sedatives (midazolam, propofol, remifentanil, inhalational agents, ketamine) in
      neonates. Based on the currently available information on predictability of
      disposition and the limited pharmacodynamic side effects (hemodynamics, neuro
      apoptosis), it seems that remifentanil is the most promising compound for further
      evaluation.

PMID- 22082331
TI  - From laparoscopic assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy to vaginal assisted
      laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.
AB  - Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the standard surgical
      treatment for patients with early stage cervical cancer. The majority of radical
      hysterectomies are performed with the open technique. However, laparoscopic,
      combined laparoscopic and vaginal, and robotic-assisted approaches may also be
      used. Compared with the abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH), laparoscopic
      techniques are associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, better
      cosmesis, and faster recovery. A further breakthrough in laparoscopic technique
      can only be made if safety and oncological clearance are comparable with ARH. We
      describe the technique and results of laparoscopic assisted radical vaginal
      hysterectomy and the transition to vaginal assisted laparoscopic radical
      hysterectomy.

PMID- 22082330
TI  - Bacterial vaginosis, Atopobium vaginae and nifuratel.
AB  - As bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a potential cause of obstetric complications and
      gynecological disorders, there is substantial interest in establishing the most
      effective treatment. Standard treatment - metronidazole or clindamycin, by either
      vaginal or oral route ? is followed by relapses in about 30% of cases, within a
      month from treatment completion. This inability to prevent recurrences reflects
      our lack of knowledge on the origins of BV. Atopobium vaginae has been recently
      reported to be associated with BV in around 80% of the cases and might be
      involved in the therapeutic failures. This review looks at the potential benefits
      of nifuratel against A. vaginae compared to the standard treatments with
      metronidazole and clindamycin. In vitro, nifuratel is able to inhibit the growth
      of A. vaginae, with a MIC range of 0.125-1 MUg/mL; it is active against G.
      vaginalis and does not affect lactobacilli. Metronidazole is active against A.
      vaginae only at very high concentrations (8-256 MUg/mL); it is partially active
      against G. vaginalis and also has no effect on lactobacilli. Clindamycin acts
      against A. vaginae with an MIC lower than 0.125 MUg/mL and is active on G.
      vaginalis but it also affects lactobacilli, altering the vaginal environment.
      These observations suggest that nifuratel is probably the most valid therapeutic
      agent for BV treatment.

PMID- 22082332
TI  - Nanoporous graphitic-C3N4@carbon metal-free electrocatalysts for highly efficient
      oxygen reduction.
AB  - Based on theoretical prediction, a g-C(3)N(4)@carbon metal-free oxygen reduction
      reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst was designed and synthesized by uniform
      incorporation of g-C(3)N(4) into a mesoporous carbon to enhance the electron
      transfer efficiency of g-C(3)N(4). The resulting g-C(3)N(4)@carbon composite
      exhibited competitive catalytic activity (11.3 mA cm(-2) kinetic-limiting current
      density at -0.6 V) and superior methanol tolerance compared to a commercial Pt/C
      catalyst. Furthermore, it demonstrated significantly higher catalytic efficiency
      (nearly 100% of four-electron ORR process selectivity) than a Pt/C catalyst. The
      proposed synthesis route is facile and low-cost, providing a feasible method for
      the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts.

PMID- 22082333
TI  - Microvesicles as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in transplantation
      medicine.
AB  - Microvesicles (MVs) including exosomes are emerging new biomarkers and potential
      regulators of inflammation and immunological processes. Such particles contain
      proteins and genetic information including DNA and microRNAs that may be of
      importance for cell/cell communication. However, their role during and after
      organ transplantation and immunomodulatory effects is only in its beginning of
      understanding. We here, in brief, introduce generation and biological importance
      of MVs, describe their (patho)physiological roles and their potential use as
      future biomarkers and therapeutic agents in transplantation medicine. Circulating
      MVs may have a great potential to detect possible immune rejections and MV
      modulation may emerge as a therapeutic approach in organ rejection therapy.

PMID- 22082334
TI  - 3D/4D sonography moved prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies from the second to
      the first trimester of pregnancy.
AB  - The introduction of 3D/4D sonography with high frequency transvaginal transducer
      has resulted in remarkable progress in ultrasonographic visualization of early
      embryos and fetuses and development of new fields of 3D sonoembryology. With the
      proper use of this new diagnostic modality and with experienced examiner, both
      structural and functional development in the first trimester of gestation can be
      assessed more objectively and reliable. Indeed new technology moved embryology
      from postmortem studies to the in vivo environment. Furthermore, there are good
      reasons to believe that 3D/4D sonography moved prenatal diagnosis of fetal
      abnormalities from the second to the first trimester of pregnancy. We will try to
      illustrate it with the number of convincing slides.

PMID- 22082335
TI  - Glutathione-deficient mice are susceptible to TCDD-Induced hepatocellular
      toxicity but resistant to steatosis.
AB  - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) generates both hepatocellular injury
      and steatosis, processes that involve oxidative stress. Herein, we evaluated the
      role of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in TCDD-induced hepatotoxicity.
      Glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), comprising catalytic (GCLC) and modifier (GCLM)
      subunits, is rate limiting in de novo GSH biosynthesis; GCLM maintains GSH
      homeostasis by optimizing the catalytic efficiency of GCL holoenzyme. Gclm(-/-)
      transgenic mice exhibit 10-20% of normal tissue GSH levels. Gclm(-/-) and
      Gclm(+/+) wild-type (WT) female mice received TCDD for 3 consecutive days and
      were then examined 21 days later. As compared with WT littermates, Gclm(-/-) mice
      were more sensitive to TCDD-induced hepatocellular toxicity, exhibiting lower
      reduction potentials for GSH, lower ATP levels, and elevated levels of plasma
      glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
      However, the histopathology showed that TCDD-mediated steatosis, which occurs in
      WT mice, was absent in Gclm(-/-) mice. This finding was consistent with cDNA
      microarray expression analysis, revealing striking deficiencies in lipid
      biosynthesis pathways in Gclm(-/-) mice; qrt-PCR analysis confirmed that Gclm(-/
      ) mice are deficient in expression of several lipid metabolism genes including
      Srebp2, Elovl6, Fasn, Scd1/2, Ppargc1a, and Ppara. We suggest that whereas GSH
      protects against TCDD-mediated hepatocellular damage, GSH deficiency confers
      resistance to TCDD-induced steatosis due to impaired lipid metabolism.

PMID- 22082338
TI  - Effects of denervation at ileocecal junction and ileocecal resection in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate neural regulation at the ileocecal junction (ICJ) and
      motility changes after ileocecal resection (ICR). Previous studies showed normal
      basal motility at the ICJ directly by force transducers in dogs, but these
      observations were limited to normal contractile activity. METHODS: Continuous
      strain gauge recordings of stomach, terminal ileum, ileocecal sphincter (ICS),
      and colon were performed in dogs. The dogs were divided into four groups, namely
      control (CONT), extrinsic denervation at ICJ (ED), intrinsic denervation at ICJ
      (ID), and ICR groups. Colonic activity was recorded 2 h before a meal, in the
      early postprandial period (first 2 h), and in the late postprandial period (4-6 h
      after a meal). The meal lasted 5 min. KEY RESULTS: Motility index was
      significantly increased at the ICS (P = 0.0056) and proximal colon (P = 0.0059)
      after feeding. However, such changes were not observed in the ED and ID groups.
      The amplitude of contractions at proximal colon in the interdigestive state was
      significantly decreased by ED. In the ID and ICR groups, the numbers of
      nonmigrating contractions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and colonic
      migrating motor complex (CMMC) ratio was significantly higher than that of the
      CONT group (P < 0.001). The dogs in these two groups had diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: Gastrocolonic response at the ICJ may require both intrinsic and
      extrinsic innervation. When ID was performed, CMMC ratio increased. As a result,
      intraluminal water absorption may have decreased. ID may be one of the causes of
      diarrhea after ICR.

PMID- 22082336
TI  - Global assessment of genomic variation in cattle by genome resequencing and high
      throughput genotyping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integration of genomic variation with phenotypic information is an
      effective approach for uncovering genotype-phenotype associations. This requires
      an accurate identification of the different types of variation in individual
      genomes. RESULTS: We report the integration of the whole genome sequence of a
      single Holstein Friesian bull with data from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array technologies to determine a
      comprehensive spectrum of genomic variation. The performance of resequencing SNP
      detection was assessed by combining SNPs that were identified to be either in
      identity by descent (IBD) or in copy number variation (CNV) with results from SNP
      array genotyping. Coding insertions and deletions (indels) were found to be
      enriched for size in multiples of 3 and were located near the N- and C-termini of
      proteins. For larger indels, a combination of split-read and read-pair approaches
      proved to be complementary in finding different signatures. CNVs were identified
      on the basis of the depth of sequenced reads, and by using SNP and CGH arrays.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide high resolution mapping of diverse classes of
      genomic variation in an individual bovine genome and demonstrate that structural
      variation surpasses sequence variation as the main component of genomic
      variability. Better accuracy of SNP detection was achieved with little loss of
      sensitivity when algorithms that implemented mapping quality were used. IBD
      regions were found to be instrumental for calculating resequencing SNP accuracy,
      while SNP detection within CNVs tended to be less reliable. CNV discovery was
      affected dramatically by platform resolution and coverage biases. The combined
      data for this study showed that at a moderate level of sequencing coverage, an
      ensemble of platforms and tools can be applied together to maximize the accurate
      detection of sequence and structural variants.

PMID- 22082339
TI  - Myocardial recovery in peri-partum cardiomyopathy after continuous flow left
      ventricular assist device.
AB  - Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) offer effective therapy for severe heart
      failure (HF) as bridge to transplantation or destination therapy. Rarely, the
      sustained unloading provided by the LVAD has led to cardiac reverse remodelling
      and recovery, permitting explantation of the device. We describe the clinical
      course of a patient with severe peri-partum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) rescued with a
      continuous flow LVAD, who experienced recovery and explantation. We discuss
      assessment of and criteria for recovery.

PMID- 22082340
TI  - Nutrition and udder health in dairy cows: a review.
AB  - Mastitis is still one of the three main diseases that affects the profitability
      of dairy farmers. Despite the implementation of the five-point mastitis control
      programme in the early 1970 s, the incidence in the UK has not reduced
      dramatically over the past 10 years. A review of the scientific literature
      indicates that there is a link between nutrition and mastitis in the dairy cow.
      The major impact of nutrition on udder health is via suppression of the immune
      system. Cows in negative energy balance are at a higher risk of ketosis and
      clinical ketosis is associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of clinical
      mastitis. Trace minerals and vitamins that can affect udder health are selenium
      and vitamin E, copper, zinc, and vitamin A and beta-carotene.

PMID- 22082341
TI  - East-West gradient in cardio-vascular mortality in Austria: how much can we
      explain by following the pattern of risk factors?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various studies show major regional differences in the prevalence of
      cardio-vascular disease morbidity and mortality, both in Europe and within
      European countries. In Austria, these differences are documented by an East-West
      gradient with declining morbidity and mortality rates when moving from the East
      to the West of the country. It was the aim of this study to analyse if, and to
      what extent, socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants, social resources
      and health behaviour can contribute to the clarification of this East-West
      gradient by conducting secondary analyses of an existing Austrian health dataset.
      RESULTS: The data were analysed using bivariate analyses, as well as univariate
      and multivariate logistic regression models. These analyses revealed significant
      East-West gradients for various risk factors, as well as socio-demographic and
      socio-economic health determinants. There was a gradual decrease of hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus, obesity, and psycho-social discomfort in both sexes, with the
      highest prevalences in those Austrian regions with the highest cardio-vascular
      mortality and a stepwise decrease to the regions with the lowest cardio-vascular
      mortality. Controlling for educational level significantly raised the odds for
      diabetes, hypertension and obesity. In the results of the multivariate analyses,
      factors that significantly and independently predicted diabetes mellitus were
      geographic location, psycho-social discomfort, lack of physical exercise, and age
      in both sexes. For women these factors additionally included a low educational
      level, lack of social support, and being born abroad. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      shows a clear gradual decline of cardio-vascular mortality and some of its risk
      factors from East to West in Austria. Concerning these risk factors, the
      geographic region and psycho-social discomfort showed the greatest association
      with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity. Hence, they contribute to the
      explanation of the variance in spatial cardio-vascular disease mortality. Yet, a
      large proportion of this variance remains unexplained. It would be of great
      importance to public health and preventive measures to take a closer look at
      spatial differences in cardio-vascular disease morbidity and mortality to better
      tailor programmes to the regional environments and settings. Our results also
      call for a greater importance of preventative measures for psycho-social
      discomfort and increase of social support.

PMID- 22082342
TI  - Significant background rates of HBV and HCV infections in patients and risks of
      blood transfusion from donors with low anti-HBc titres or high anti-HBc titres
      with high anti-HBs titres in Japan: a prospective, individual NAT study of
      transfusion-transmitted HBV, HCV and HIV infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) conducted a prospective study to
      evaluate the frequency of transfusion-transmitted HBV, HCV and HIV infections to
      assess the risk of transfusion of blood components routinely supplied to
      hospitals. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Post-transfusion specimens from patients at
      eight medical institutes were examined for evidence of infection with HBV (2139
      cases), HCV (2091) and HIV (2040) using individual nucleic acid amplification
      testing (NAT). If these specimens were reactive, pre-transfusion specimens were
      also examined for the virus concerned by individual NAT. In the event that the
      pre-transfusion specimen was non-reactive, then all repository specimens from
      implicated donors were tested for the viruses by individual donation NAT. In
      addition, a further study was carried out to evaluate the risk of transfusion of
      components from donors with low anti-HBc titres or high anti-HBc with high anti
      HBs titres. RESULTS: Transfusion-transmitted HCV and HIV infections were not
      observed. One case of post-transfusion HBV infection was identified (rate,
      0.0004675; 95% CI for the risk of transmission, 1 in 451-41,841). The background
      rates of HBV, HCV and HIV infections in patients prior to transfusion were 3.4%
      (72/2139), 7.2% (150/2091) and 0% (0/2040), respectively. Sixty-four anti-HBc-
      and/or anti-HBs-reactive blood components were transfused to 52 patients non
      reactive for anti-HBc or anti-HBs before and after transfusion (rate, 0; 95% CI
      for the risk of transmission, <1 in 22). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that
      the current criteria employed by JRC have a low risk, but the background rates of
      HBV and HCV infections in Japanese patients are significant.

PMID- 22082343
TI  - Are the symptoms of cannabis use disorder best accounted for by dimensional,
      categorical, or factor mixture models? A comparison of male and female young
      adults.
AB  - Despite the consensus that criteria for cannabis abuse and dependence and
      symptoms of withdrawal are best explained by a single latent liability, it
      remains unknown whether alternative models provide a better explanation of these
      criteria. A series of latent factor, latent class, and hybrid factor mixture
      models were fitted to data from 872 recent cannabis users from the Minnesota Twin
      Family Study who completed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
      (3rd ed., revised, and 4th ed.) diagnostic criteria for cannabis abuse,
      dependence, and symptoms of withdrawal. Despite theoretical appeal, results did
      not support latent class or factor mixture modeling. Instead, symptoms of abuse,
      dependence, and withdrawal were better summarized by a single latent factor
      Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) for male and female young adults. An almost 2-fold
      sex difference in item endorsement was best explained by a single mean difference
      on the CUD factor, indicating that young men have a greater latent liability
      toward expressing CUD.

PMID- 22082344
TI  - Reliability and validity of young adults' anonymous online reports of marijuana
      use and thoughts about use.
AB  - With growing interest in online assessment of substance abuse behaviors, there is
      a need to formally evaluate the validity of the data gathered. The current
      investigation evaluated the reliability and validity of anonymous, online reports
      of young adults' marijuana use and related cognitions. Young adults age 18 to 25
      who had smoked at least one cigarette in the past 30 days were recruited over 14
      months to complete an anonymous online survey. Of 3,106 eligible cases, 1,617
      (52%) completed the entire survey. Of those, 54% (n = 884) reported past-month
      marijuana use (65% male, 70% Caucasian, mean age was 20.4 years [SD = 2.0]).
      Prevalence of marijuana use was reported reliably across three similar items, and
      interitem correlations ranged from fair to excellent for measures of marijuana
      dependence symptoms and thoughts about marijuana use. Marijuana use frequency
      demonstrated good construct validity through expected correlations with marijuana
      use constructs, and nonsignificant correlations with thoughts about tobacco use.
      Marijuana frequency distinguished among stages of change for marijuana use and
      goals for use, but not among gender, ethnicity, or employment groups. Marijuana
      use and thoughts about use differed by stage of change in the hypothesized
      directions. Self-reported marijuana use and associated cognitions reported
      anonymously online from young adults are generally reliable and valid. Online
      assessments of substance use broaden the reach of addictions research.

PMID- 22082345
TI  - The nature of coping in treatment for marijuana dependence: latent structure and
      validation of the Coping Strategies Scale.
AB  - The Coping Strategies Scale (CSS) was designed to assess adaptive changes in
      substance-use specific coping that result from treatment. This study sought to
      examine the latent structure of the CSS in the hope that it might shed light on
      the coping processes of drug users and guide the development of a brief version
      of the CSS. Respondents on the CSS were 751 men and women treated in 3 clinical
      trials for marijuana dependence. Posttreatment CSS data were analyzed to
      determine the nature of coping responses in patients who have been trained to use
      specific strategies to deal with substance use disorders. Exploratory factor
      analysis yielded 2 factors, categorized as problem-focused and emotion-focused
      coping, but confirmatory factor analysis did not support this structure. When
      infrequently endorsed items were removed, however, confirmatory factor analysis
      revealed a good fit to the data. Contrary to expectations, practical strategies
      that often form the basis for coping skills training, such as avoiding those who
      smoke, were not frequently endorsed. Problem-focused items reflected cognitive
      commitments to change. Emotion-focused items included cognitive reinterpretations
      of emotions to help manage emotional reactions. Brief versions of the CSS based
      on these factors showed good convergent and discriminant validity. The CSS, and
      the brief versions of the CSS, may prove useful in future treatment trials to
      evaluate effects of treatment on coping skills acquisition and utilization in
      substance dependent individuals.

PMID- 22082346
TI  - Successful catheter cryoablation of Hisian ectopy using 2 new diagnostic criteria
      based on unipolar and bipolar recordings of the His electrogram.
AB  - We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman who underwent successful catheter
      cryoablation of a symptomatic Hisian ectopy. Diagnosis was based on features of
      the HV interval assessed from a bipolar recording during mapping. The location of
      the arrhythmic focus was identified using simultaneous unipolar and bipolar
      recordings of the His electrogram. This case report highlights the use of 2 new
      criteria for the diagnosis and mapping of Hisian ectopy, and the successful use
      of cryothermia for the ablation of extrasystoles arising from the His bundle.

PMID- 22082347
TI  - Developing a minimum data set for electronic nursing handover.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study presents a minimum data set designed for an
      electronic system to complement verbal nursing handover. Background.  Poor
      communication of patient information at handover has been implicated in adverse
      events with changes to clinical handover being proposed as a solution. This study
      developed a minimum data set for an electronic patient summary tool. DESIGN;
      Using an observational design the scope of information being presented by nurses
      at handover was identified in relation to a generic Nursing Handover Minimum Data
      Set. METHOD: Patient handovers (n = 195) were observed and digitally recorded
      across diverse specialties. RESULTS: Content analysis confirmed the frequent use
      of the Nursing Handover Minimum Data Set items across all specialties. The use of
      the items was affected by the patient context and the clinical setting. Aged care
      patients often had several clinical alerts reported (pressure areas, falls risk).
      Rapid changes in patient condition in emergency emphasised the need for a focus
      on observations and presenting problems. Mental health and maternity required
      further refinement of the items. CONCLUSION: The generic Nursing Handover Minimum
      Data Set can direct nurses to give a comprehensive account of their patient's
      condition and care. The data set needs to be flexible and adaptable to the
      patient context and setting and complements structured content verbal handover.
      This minimum data set provides an excellent framework for system development by
      clinicians, managers and information technologists. Educators can use this tool
      to teach student nurses, new graduates and experienced staff, about the patient
      information to be presented at handover. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The
      Nursing Handover Minimum Data Set for electronic nursing handover complements
      verbal handover and provides a tool to give clinicians access to comprehensive
      information about all patients within the ward area.

PMID- 22082349
TI  - Protective effects of Rg2 on hypoxia-induced neuronal damage in hippocampal
      neurons.
AB  - We investigated the neuroprotective effects of Rg(2) in anoxic cultured
      hippocampal neurons of newborn rats. The cells were divided into a control group,
      nimodipine group (5 MUmol/L), Rg(2) (0.025 mmol/L), and Rg(2) (0.05 mmol/L)
      group. The apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons was measured by flow cytometry
      with staining of PI. The intracellular calcium ion [Ca(2+)]i was observed with
      fluorospectrophotometer determined by fluorescent probe Fluo-2/AM. The contents
      of MDA and NO and the activities of SOD in the supernatants of cells were
      determined by biochemical methods. The results demonstrated that Rg(2) reduced
      the hypoxia-induced apoptosis, decreased the calcium overload in neurons,
      increased the activities of SOD, and decreased the contents of MDA and NO in the
      supernatants of cells. Our study suggests that Rg(2) has a neuroprotective effect
      against hypoxia-induced neuronal damage in hippocampal neurons mediated by anti
      apoptosis, blocking calcium over-influx into neuronal cells, eliminating the free
      radicals, and increasing the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes to inhibit the
      oxidative damages caused by anoxic.

PMID- 22082350
TI  - Emission mechanism of polyatomic ions Cs2Cl+ and Cs2BO2(+) in thermal ionization
      mass spectrometry with various carbon materials.
AB  - The emission behavior of polyatomic ions Cs(2)Cl(+) and Cs(2)BO(2)(+) in the
      presence of various carbon materials (Graphite, Carbon, SWNTs, and Fullerenes) in
      the ionization source of thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) has been
      investigated. The emission capacity of various carbon materials are remarkably
      different as evidenced by the obvious discrepancy in signal intensity of
      polyatomic ions and accuracy/precision of boron and chlorine isotopic composition
      determined using Cs(2)Cl(+)-graphite-PTIMS/Cs(2)BO(2)(+)-graphite-PTIMS methods.
      Combined with morphology and microstructure properties of four selected carbon
      materials, it could be concluded that the emission behavior of the polyatomic
      ions strongly depends on the microstructure of the carbon materials used. A
      surface-induced collision mechanism for formation of such kinds of polyatomic
      ions in the ionization source of TIMS has been proposed based on the optimized
      configuration of Cs(2)BO(2)(+) and Cs(2)Cl(+) ions in the gas phase using a
      molecular dynamics method. The combination of the geometry of the selected carbon
      materials with the configuration of two polyatomic ions explains the structure
      effect of carbon materials on the emission behavior of polyatomic ions, where
      graphite samples with perfect parallels and equidistant layers ensure the
      capacity of emission to the maximum extent, and fullerenes worsen the emission of
      polyatomic ions by blocking their pathway.

PMID- 22082348
TI  - Epigenetic modifications in cancer.
AB  - Cancer initiation and progression is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic
      events. The complexity of carcinogenesis cannot be accounted for by genetic
      alterations alone but also involves epigenetic changes. Epigenetics refers to the
      study of mechanisms that alter gene expression without altering the primary DNA
      sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are heritable and reversible, and include changes
      in DNA methylation, histone modifications and small noncoding microRNAs (miRNA).
      Disruption of epigenetic processes can lead to altered gene function and
      malignant cellular transformation. Aberrant epigenetic modifications probably
      occur at a very early stage in neoplastic development, and they are widely
      described as essential players in cancer progression. Recent advances in
      epigenetics offer a better understanding of the underlying mechanism(s) of
      carcinogenesis and provide insight into the discovery of putative cancer
      biomarkers for early detection, disease monitoring, prognosis, and risk
      assessment. In this review, we summarize the current literature on epigenetic
      changes causing genetic alterations that are thought to contribute to cancer, and
      discuss the potential impact of epigenetics future research.

PMID- 22082351
TI  - The potential role of the lectin pathway of complement in the host defence of
      full-term intrauterine growth restricted neonates at birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the potential role of the lectin pathway
      of complement in intrauterine-growth-restriction (IUGR, associated with impaired
      immunocompetence and increased risk for neonatal infections), by determining cord
      blood concentrations of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), H-ficolin and L-ficolin
      (important mediators of neonatal innate immunity) in IUGR and appropriate for
      gestational age (AGA) pregnancies. Furthermore, we aimed to describe correlations
      among cord blood MBL, H- and L-ficolin concentrations and with several
      demographic parameters of the infants at birth. METHODS: Serum MBL, H- and L
      ficolin concentrations were determined by ELISA in 154 mixed arteriovenous cord
      blood samples from IUGR (n = 50) and AGA (n = 104) singleton full-term infants.
      RESULTS: Cord blood MBL concentrations were significantly lower in IUGR cases
      than AGA controls (p = 0.029). No differences in cord blood H- and L-ficolin
      concentrations were observed between groups. In the IUGR group, cord blood MBL
      concentrations negatively correlated with respective L-ficolin ones (r = -0.442,
      p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The relatively decreased MBL expression in IUGR fetuses
      at term could possibly contribute to IUGR-associated neonatal immunodeficiency,
      predisposing to increased susceptibility to infections. The negative correlation
      between MBL and L-ficolin concentrations in the IUGR group might suggest an
      underlying immune variation and needs to be further investigated.

PMID- 22082352
TI  - Determination of water-soluble arsenic compounds in commercial edible seaweed by
      LC-ICPMS.
AB  - This paper reports arsenic speciation in edible seaweed (from the Galician coast,
      northwestern Spain) produced for human consumption.  Chondrus crispus ,  Porphyra
      purpurea ,  Ulva rigida ,  Laminaria ochroleuca ,  Laminaria saccharina , and 
      Undaria pinnatifida  were analyzed. The study focused on arsenosugars, the most
      frequently occurring arsenic species in algae. As(III) and As(V) were also
      determined in aqueous extracts. Total arsenic in the samples was determined by
      microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). For
      arsenic speciation, a water extraction especially suitable for arsenosugars was
      used, and the arsenic species were analyzed by liquid chromatography with both
      anionic and cationic exchange and ICPMS detection (LC-ICPMS). The total arsenic
      content of the alga samples ranged from 5.8 to 56.8 mg As kg(-1). The mass
      budgets obtained in the extracts (column recovery * extraction efficiency) ranged
      from 38 to 92% except for U. pinnatifida (4%). The following compounds were
      detected in the extracts: arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), methylarsonate
      (MA), dimethylarsinate (DMA), sulfonate sugar (SO(3)-sug), phosphate sugar (PO(4)
      sug), arsenobetaine (AB), and glycerol sugar (Gly-sug). The highest
      concentrations corresponded to the arsenosugars.

PMID- 22082353
TI  - Altered physiology of acid secretion in depression-prone Flinders rats results in
      exacerbated NSAID and stress-induced gastric damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats are characterized by
      hypersensitivity to cholinergic stimuli and have been extensively used for
      studying depressive disorders. A link between depression and peptic ulcers has
      long been established; however, there is a lack of data from animal models.
      METHODS: We studied the physiology of acid secretion in FSL and Flinders
      Resistant Line (FRL) rats in vivo and in vitro. We also examined the
      susceptibility of Flinders rats to water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) or
      NSAID-induced gastric damage and explored the effect of an anticholinergic agent,
      atropine, in reversing this effect. KEY RESULTS: Basal acid output was more than
      twofold greater in FSL compared with FRL rats in vivo, 213.5 and 92.8 MUEq/3
      h/100 g (P = 0.02), respectively. Carbachol was a more potent secretagog in
      vitro, and somatostatin was a less potent inhibitory agent, while paradoxically
      stimulating acid secretion over and above the carbachol response in gastric
      glands from FSL rats. The FSL rats were more susceptible to indomethacin and WIRS
      induced gastric mucosal damage compared with FRL rats. Atropine reduced acid
      output, which resulted in a reduction in indomethacin and stress-induced gastric
      damage in FSL rats. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Our study, for the first time,
      demonstrates that the altered vagally mediated physiology of acid secretion in
      depression-prone FSL rats contributes to gastric hypersecretion and,
      consequently, results in exacerbated stress and NSAID-induced gastric damage.
      Flinders rats may be a useful animal model for studying acid-related and also
      gastrointestinal functional disorders in depression.

PMID- 22082354
TI  - Human intravenous immunoglobulins suppress seizure activities and inhibit the
      activation of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the hippocampus of picrotoxin-kindled
      rats.
AB  - We previously showed that human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can lower
      seizure severity and prolong seizure latency in picrotoxin-kindled rats. The aim
      of this study was to further characterize the effects of IVIG on seizure activity
      and investigate its influence on astrocytes in the hippocampus of picrotoxin
      kindled rats. A rat kindling model was established by peritoneal injections of
      picrotoxin for 21 days in Wistar rats. Seventy-five rats were equally divided
      into five groups: picrotoxin, IVIG pretreatment, IVIG post-treatment, normal
      saline control, and IVIG control. Seizure severity was evaluated according to a
      six-stage classification. The number and morphology of glial fibrillary acidic
      protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes were studied by immunohistochemistry using the
      anti-GFAP antibody. The cross-sectional area and grayscale of GFAP-positive
      astrocytes were also determined. In picrotoxin-kindled rats, pretreatment with
      IVIG appeared to inhibit full kindling rates, and it significantly reduced the
      number of GFAP-positive cells in the hippocampus (p < .001). IVIG also
      significantly (p < .001) attenuated the increase in the cross-sectional area and
      grayscale of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the hippocampus. Our results suggest
      that by suppressing the expression of GFAP, IVIGs may reduce seizure activity and
      inhibit the activation of GFAP-positive astrocytes in picrotoxin-kindled rats.

PMID- 22082355
TI  - Are there independent predisposing factors for postoperative infections following
      open heart surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections after cardiac surgery represent serious
      complications associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and economic
      burden. This study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency, characteristics, and
      risk factors of microbiologically documented nosocomial infections after cardiac
      surgery in a Cardio-Vascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). METHODS: All patients
      who underwent open heart surgery between May 2006 and March 2008 were enrolled in
      this prospective study. Pre-, intra- and postoperative variables were collected
      and examined as possible risk factors for development of nosocomial infections.
      The diagnosis of infection was always microbiologically confirmed. RESULTS:
      Infection occurred in 24 of 172 patients (13.95%). Out of 172 patients, 8
      patients (4.65%) had superficial wound infection at the sternotomy site, 5
      patients (2.9%) had central venous catheter infection, 4 patients (2.32%) had
      pneumonia, 9 patients (5.23%) had bacteremia, one patient (0.58%) had
      mediastinitis, one (0.58%) had harvest surgical site infection, one (0.58%) had
      urinary tract infection, and another one patient (0.58%) had other major
      infection. The mortality rate was 25% among the patients with infection and 3.48%
      among all patients who underwent cardiac surgery compared with 5.4% of patients
      who did not develop early postoperative infection after cardiac surgery. Culture
      results demonstrated equal frequencies of gram-positive cocci and gram-negative
      bacteria. A backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression model analysis
      identified diabetes mellitus (OR 5.92, CI 1.56 to 22.42, p = 0.009), duration of
      mechanical ventilation (OR 1.30, CI 1.005 to 1.69, p = 0.046), development of
      severe complications in the CICU (OR 18.66, CI 3.36 to 103.61, p = 0.001) and re
      admission to the CVICU (OR 8.59, CI 2.02 to 36.45, p = 0.004) as independent risk
      factors associated with development of nosocomial infection after cardiac
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that diabetes mellitus, the duration of
      mechanical ventilation, the presence of complications irrelevant to the infection
      during CVICU stay and CVICU re-admission are independent risk factors for the
      development of postoperative infection in cardiac surgery patients.

PMID- 22082358
TI  - Rosalyn Sussman Yalow: Bronx gal who made great.

PMID- 22082356
TI  - The MetJ regulon in gammaproteobacteria determined by comparative genomics
      methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whole-genome sequencing of bacteria has proceeded at an exponential
      pace but annotation validation has lagged behind. For instance, the MetJ regulon,
      which controls methionine biosynthesis and transport, has been studied almost
      exclusively in E. coli and Salmonella, but homologs of MetJ exist in a variety of
      other species. These include some that are pathogenic (e.g. Yersinia) and some
      that are important for environmental remediation (e.g. Shewanella) but many of
      which have not been extensively characterized in the literature. RESULTS: We have
      determined the likely composition of the MetJ regulon in all species which have
      MetJ homologs using bioinformatics techniques. We show that the core genes known
      from E. coli are consistently regulated in other species, and we identify
      previously unknown members of the regulon. These include the cobalamin
      transporter, btuB; all the genes involved in the methionine salvage pathway; as
      well as several enzymes and transporters of unknown specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The
      MetJ regulon is present and functional in five orders of gammaproteobacteria:
      Enterobacteriales, Pasteurellales, Vibrionales, Aeromonadales and
      Alteromonadales. New regulatory activity for MetJ was identified in the genomic
      data and verified experimentally. This strategy should be applicable for the
      elucidation of regulatory pathways in other systems by using the extensive
      sequencing data currently being generated.

PMID- 22082359
TI  - Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: a blueprint for metamorphosis.
AB  - The most important milestone in understanding a genetic disease is the
      identification of the causative mutation. However, such knowledge is often
      insufficient to decipher the pathophysiology of the disorder or to effectively
      treat those affected. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare,
      disabling, genetic disease of progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification
      (HEO) enabled by missense mutations that promiscuously and provisionally activate
      ACVR1/ALK2, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor, in all affected
      individuals. While activating mutations of the ACVR1/ALK2 receptor are necessary,
      disease activity and progression also depend on altered cell and tissue
      physiology. Recent findings identify inflammatory and immunological factors,
      vascular-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and a hypoxic lesional microenvironment
      that trigger, promote, and enable episodic progression of FOP in the setting of
      the genetic mutation. Effective therapies for FOP will need to consider these
      seminal pathophysiologic interactions.

PMID- 22082360
TI  - Combinatorial control of ATF4-dependent gene transcription in osteoblasts.
AB  - Osteoblast-specific gene transcription requires interaction between bone cell
      specific transcription factors and more widely expressed transcriptional
      regulators. This is particularly evident for the basic domain-leucine zipper
      factor activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), whose activity can be enhanced
      or inhibited through interaction with other leucine zipper proteins, intermediate
      filament proteins, components of the basic transcriptional machinery, nuclear
      matrix attachment molecules, or ubiquitously expressed transcription factors. We
      discuss the results supporting the relevance of these interactions and present
      the first evidence of a functional interaction between ATF4, FIAT (factor
      inhibiting ATF4-mediated transcription), and alphaNAC (nascent polypeptide
      associated complex and coactivator alpha), three proteins that have been
      previously shown to associate using various protein-protein interaction assays.

PMID- 22082357
TI  - Endothelial dysfunction in the apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse: insights into
      the influence of diet, gender and aging.
AB  - Since the early 1990s, several strains of genetically modified mice have been
      developed as models for experimental atherosclerosis. Among the available models,
      the apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mouse is of particular relevance because
      of its propensity to spontaneously develop hypercholesterolemia and
      atherosclerotic lesions that are similar to those found in humans, even when the
      mice are fed a chow diet. The main purpose of this review is to highlight the key
      achievements that have contributed to elucidating the mechanisms pertaining to
      vascular dysfunction in the apoE-/- mouse. First, we summarize lipoproteins and
      atherosclerosis phenotypes in the apoE-/- mouse, and then we briefly discuss
      controversial evidence relative to the influence of gender on the development of
      atherosclerosis in this murine model. Second, we discuss the main mechanisms
      underlying the endothelial dysfunction of conducting vessels and resistance
      vessels and examine how this vascular defect can be influenced by diet, aging and
      gender in the apoE-/- mouse.

PMID- 22082361
TI  - Sclerostin is overexpressed by plasma cells from multiple myeloma patients.
AB  - Sclerostin, an osteocyte-expressed negative regulator of bone formation, is one
      of the inhibitors of Wnt signaling that is a critical pathway in the correct
      process of osteoblast differentiation. It has been demonstrated that Wnt
      signaling through the secretion of Wnt inhibitors, such as DKK1, sFRP-2, and sFRP
      3, plays a key role in the decreased osteoblast activity associated with multiple
      myeloma (MM) bone disease. We provide evidence that sclerostin is expressed by
      myeloma cells that are human myeloma cell lines and plasma cells (CD138(+) 
      cells) obtained from the bone marrow (BM) of a large number of MM patients with
      bone disease. Moreover, we show that there are no differences in sclerostin serum
      levels between MM patients and controls. Thus, our data indicate that MM cells,
      as a sclerostin source in the BM, could create a microenvironment with high
      sclerostin concentration that could contribute toward inhibiting osteoblast
      differentiation.

PMID- 22082362
TI  - Transcription factors in parathyroid development: lessons from hypoparathyroid
      disorders.
AB  - Parathyroid developmental anomalies, which result in hypoparathyroidism, are
      common and may occur in one in 4,000 live births. Parathyroids, in man, develop
      from the endodermal cells of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches, whereas, in
      the mouse they develop solely from the endoderm of the third pharyngeal pouches.
      In addition, neural crest cells that arise from the embryonic mid- and hindbrain
      also contribute to parathyroid gland development. The molecular signaling
      pathways that are involved in determining the differentiation of the pharyngeal
      pouch endoderm into parathyroid cells are being elucidated by studies of patients
      with hypoparathyroidism and appropriate mouse models. These studies have revealed
      important roles for a number of transcription factors, which include Tbx1, Gata3,
      Gcm2, Sox3, Aire1 and members of the homeobox (Hox) and paired box (Pax)
      families.

PMID- 22082363
TI  - Antagonists of LRP6 regulate PTH-induced cAMP generation.
AB  - LRP6 is a common coreceoptor for different G protein-coupled seven-transmembrane
      receptors in production of cAMP. Extracelluar proteins sclerostin and DKK1,
      initially identified as antagonists for Wnt signaling by binding to LRP6, are
      negative regulators for bone formation. Here, we show that both sclerostin and
      DKK1 inhibit PTH-stimulated cAMP production. In addition, PTH suppresses
      expression of sclerostin in osteocytes in mice. We also found that sclerostin and
      DKK1 binds to LRP6 as antagonists to increase the availability of LRP6 to
      facilitate PTH signaling in a positive-feedback fashion. These studies reveal a
      previously unrecognized function of sclerostin and DKK1, which provides an
      alternative explanation for the application of sclerostin and DKK1 neutralization
      on enhancing bone formation as a potential therapy for skeletal diseases.

PMID- 22082364
TI  - Dental pulp stem cells: osteogenic differentiation and gene expression.
AB  - Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are an adult stem cell population with high
      proliferative potential and the ability to differentiate in many cell types, and
      this has led scientists to consider these cells to be an alternative source of
      postnatal stem cells comparable to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. In
      this work, we studied the osteoblastic phenotype developed by DPSCs cultured in
      osteogenic medium. In particular, we analyzed the expression of the typical
      osteoblast markers such as alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin,
      osteopontin, as well as mineralized matrix production. Furthermore, the gene
      expression during DPSC differentiation into osteoblastic cells was studied by
      microarray technology. Using microarray and reverse transcriptase-polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, we found that IGFBP-5, JunB, and NURR1 genes
      are upregulated during the differentiation of DPSCs. These data indicate that
      opportunely differentiated DPSCs show a correct osteoblastic phenotype.
      Therefore, during the osteoblastic differentiation process, IGFBP-5, JunB, and
      NURR1 gene expression is significantly increased.

PMID- 22082365
TI  - Adrenergic stimulation decreases osteoblast oxytocin synthesis.
AB  - Oxytocin (OT) regulates bone mass by inducing the differentiation of osteoblasts
      to a mature, mineralizing phenotype. We have shown recently that osteoblasts can
      synthesize OT. In view of known interactions between OT-ergic and adrenergic
      neurons in the central nervous system, we questioned whether the negative
      regulation of osteoblast differentiation by adrenergic nerves was mediated
      through its suppression of OT synthesis. We first confirmed that alpha(1b)  and
      beta(2)  adrenergic receptors were expressed on both primary murine osteoblasts
      and MC3T3-E1 cells. We then showed that alpha(1)  and beta(2)  adrenergic
      agonists downregulated OT synthesis, and that the effect of each agonist was
      reversed by its respective antagonist. The data suggest that the negative effects
      of adrenergic stimulation on bone mass could, in part, arise from decreased OT
      synthesis.

PMID- 22082366
TI  - An essential role for the circadian-regulated gene nocturnin in osteogenesis: the
      importance of local timekeeping in skeletal homeostasis.
AB  - The role of circadian proteins in regulating whole-body metabolism and bone
      turnover has been studied in detail and has led to the discovery of an elemental
      system for timekeeping involving the core genes Clock, Bmal1, Per, and Cry.
      Nocturnin (Noc; Ccrn4l), a peripheral circadian-regulated gene has been shown to
      play a very important role in regulating adipogenesis by deadenylation of key
      mRNAs and intracytoplasmic transport of PPARgamma. The role that it plays in
      osteogenesis has previously not been studied in detail. In this report we
      examined in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis in the presence and absence of Noc and
      show that loss of Noc enhances bone formation and can rescue rosiglitazone
      induced bone loss in mice. The circadian rhythm of Noc is likely to be an
      essential element of marrow stromal cell fate.

PMID- 22082367
TI  - Prostatic acid phosphatase is expressed in human prostate cancer bone metastases
      and promotes osteoblast differentiation.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastases are a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality. There are no effective therapies for PCa bone metastases that prolong
      survival. Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a secretory protein expressed by
      PCa cells. We demonstrate that PAP is strongly expressed in PCa bone metastases
      in 7/7 patients, while prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is only weakly expressed.
      The human PCa cell line VCaP secretes PAP and induces an osteoblastic reaction in
      bone similar to that seen in human PCa bone metastases. Coculture of MC3T3 mouse
      preosteoblast cells with VCaP cells induces MC3T3 cell growth and differentiation
      as measured by alkaline phosphatase secretion, and this effect is inhibited by
      addition of the PAP-inhibitor, l-tartrate. Taken together, these data indicate
      that PAP is expressed in PCa bone metastases and may play a causal role in the
      osteoblastic phase of the disease.

PMID- 22082368
TI  - Immune regulation of the tumor/bone vicious cycle.
AB  - The bone destruction attending skeletal metastasis is mediated by tumor-recruited
      osteoclasts (OCs). Hence, OCs are principal therapeutic targets in afflicted
      individuals. On the other hand, one-third of patients develop further skeletal
      related events within two years of initiating antiresorptive therapies,
      suggesting that additional cells modulate bone tumor growth. Previous studies
      showing amelioration of bone metastases by targeting the OCs were performed in
      immune-compromised animals injected with human breast cancer cells. Consequently,
      the contribution of the immune system to bone tumor growth was unclear. Using
      genetic models of immune and OC modulation (PLCgamma2 and Lyn), as well as
      pharmacological inhibition of OCs and T cells, we now demonstrate that a
      condition of immune deficiency can interfere with the antitumor effects of OC
      blockade. Thus, our findings expand the current tumor/bone vicious cycle model to
      include T cells as additional regulators of bone tumor growth, regardless of the
      OC status.

PMID- 22082369
TI  - Altered matrix at the chondro-osseous junction leads to defects in lymphopoiesis.
AB  - The collagen X transgenic and null (ColX-Tg/KO) mice have revealed a link between
      endochondral ossification (EO) and hematopoiesis, and thus serve as model systems
      to study hematopoietic niches. The altered collagen X function in ColX-Tg/KO mice
      resulted not only in skeletal defects, which included changes in growth plate
      ultrastructure, altered localization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), and
      reduced trabecular bone, but also in hematopoietic defects, which included
      reduced B lymphocyte numbers throughout life without associated increases in B
      cell apoptosis. Consequently, the ColX-Tg/KO mice exhibited diminished in vitro
      and in vivo immune responses. Moreover, reduced expression of several
      hematopoietic and B lymphopoietic cytokines were measured from ColX-KO-derived
      hypertrophic chondrocyte and trabecular osteoblast cultures. Together, these data
      expand the current hematopoietic niche model by including the EO-derived
      extracellular matrix, for example, the collagen X/HSPG network, as well as the EO
      derived hypertrophic chondrocytes and trabecular osteoblasts as hematopoietic
      signal mediating cells.

PMID- 22082370
TI  - Feedback inhibition of osteoclastogenesis during inflammation by IL-10, M-CSF
      receptor shedding, and induction of IRF8.
AB  - Inflammation plays a key role in excessive bone loss in conditions such as
      rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. An important paradigm in immunology is
      that inflammatory factors activate feedback inhibition mechanisms to restrain
      inflammation and limit associated tissue damage. We hypothesized that
      inflammatory factors would activate similar feedback mechanisms to restrain bone
      loss in inflammatory settings. We have identified three mechanisms that inhibit
      osteoclastogenesis and are induced by inflammatory factors such as toll-like
      receptor ligands and cytokines; downregulation of expression of costimulatory
      molecules such as TREM-2; induction of shedding, and thereby inactivation of the
      M-CSF receptor c-Fms, leading to decreased RANK transcription; and induction of
      transcriptional repressors such as interferon regulatory factor 8. It is likely
      that these mechanisms work in a complementary and cooperative manner to fine tune
      the extent of osteoclastogenesis in inflammatory settings, and their augmentation
      may represent an alternative therapeutic approach to suppress bone resorption.

PMID- 22082371
TI  - Translational musculoskeletal science: is sarcopenia the next clinical target
      after osteoporosis?
AB  - Translational medicine must increasingly turn its attention to the aging
      population and the musculoskeletal deterioration that it entails. The latter
      involves the integrated function of both muscle and bone. Musculoskeletal science
      has an established interest in such problems in relationship to osteoporosis of
      bone. The introductory concepts in this paper consider the extent to which loss
      of muscle mass and function, or sarcopenia, will be the next major translational
      target. Its epidemiology shows parallels with that of osteoporosis, and the two
      tissues have a close functional relationship. Its etiology likely involves a loss
      of motor units combined with cellular signaling and endocrine changes. Finally,
      the possibility of modification of these physiological changes in the context of
      management of the sarcopenic condition is considered.

PMID- 22082372
TI  - HACCP-based quality risk management approach to udder health problems on dairy
      farms.
AB  - Against the background of prevailing udder health problems on dairy farms, this
      paper discusses a new approach to mastitis control. Current udder health control
      programmes, such as the 'five-point plan', are highlighted and their drawbacks
      indicated. The concept and principles of hazard analysis critical control points
      (HACCP) are introduced. The eight core elements of this concept are dealt with by
      using the example of a dairy herd with a mastitis problem due to Staphylococcus
      aureus. The various steps to be taken in the development of a HACCP-based quality
      risk management programme are illustrated through the application of core
      elements. Finally, it is shown that the HACCP key words, structure, organisation,
      planning, communication and formalisation; which do not frequently appear in
      conventional herd health and production management programmes can contribute to
      better udder health. The role of the veterinarian can be paramount and of added
      value, if he/she is willing to invest in new knowledge and skills, such as the
      HACCP concept, farm economics, animal nutrition, and particularly the role of
      coach to the dairy farmer in the implementation of preventative measures in
      relation to udder health.

PMID- 22082373
TI  - Sudden modification in QRS morphology during entrainment of ventricular
      tachycardia: what is the mechanism?

PMID- 22082377
TI  - Carol S. Dweck: Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.
AB  - Presents Carol S. Dweck, 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions. "For her insightful research
      and incisive theorizing concerning perceptions and interpretations of success and
      failure across many domains of human endeavor, but especially in the realm of
      academic achievement. Drawing on a series of innovative and elegant experimental
      paradigms, Carol S. Dweck has cast a theoretical net progressing from initial
      studies of learned helplessness to studies of the larger self-theories of
      ability, the activity goals individuals select, and the differential consequences
      associated with helpless versus mastery-oriented responses to difficult problems.
      Her widely cited work has produced, in addition, clever and effective strategies
      for promoting more functional incremental theories, learning goals, and
      persistence in students facing apparent failure." (PsycINFO Database Record (c)
      2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082378
TI  - Barry J. Everitt: Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.
AB  - Presents Barry J. Everitt, 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions. "For distinguished theoretical
      and empirical contributions to basic research in experimental psychology and
      neuroscience. Barry J. Everitt's original and elegant research has greatly added
      to the understanding of monoaminergic and glutamatergic regulation of cortico
      striatal-limbic function and its involvement in psychological processes and
      pathological states, notably addiction. His stellar contributions have included
      the development of animal models of addiction and groundbreaking studies on
      learning and memory processes. He has combined sophisticated behavioral
      approaches with molecular, cellular, anatomical, and psychopharmacological
      approaches in rodents. His energy and enthusiasm for research, creativity, and
      outstanding productivity have advanced our knowledge of brain function and
      inspired several generations of behavioral neuroscientists." (PsycINFO Database
      Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082379
TI  - Trevor W. Robbins: Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.
AB  - Presents Trevor W. Robbins, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions."For distinguished
      theoretical and empirical contributions to basic research in experimental
      psychology and neuroscience. Trevor W. Robbins has made innovative and landmark
      contributions to understanding monoaminergic and glutamatergic regulation of
      cortico-striatal-limbic function and its involvement in psychological processes
      and pathological states such as addiction, depression, schizophrenia, and
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His pioneering accomplishments have
      included the development of methodologies for parallel sophisticated behavioral
      assessments in humans, rodents, and monkeys combined with psychopharmacological
      and imaging studies across species. His vigor and dedication to research,
      exemplary leadership, scholarship, and stellar productivity have advanced our
      knowledge of brain function and inspired several generations of cognitive
      neuroscientists." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082380
TI  - Daniel M. Wegner: Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.
AB  - Presents Daniel M. Wegner, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions. "For seminal
      contributions that span psychology's breadth--from cognitive to social to
      personality to clinical--and that reach beyond its borders to philosophy and
      neuroscience. Daniel M. Wegner's studies on transactive memory, action
      identification, ironic processes, and apparent mental causation all bear his
      characteristic mark: a beautiful idea brought to life by an elegant experiment.
      He has spent his scientific career identifying new and important problems and
      then offering solutions that sparkle with originality and insight. He has seen
      doors where others saw walls, opened them to reveal new rooms, and illuminated
      their dark corners." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights
      reserved).

PMID- 22082381
TI  - Setting free the bears: escape from thought suppression.
AB  - A person who is asked to think aloud while trying not to think about a white bear
      will typically mention the bear once a minute. So how can people suppress
      unwanted thoughts? This article examines a series of indirect thought suppression
      techniques and therapies that have been explored for their efficacy as remedies
      for unwanted thoughts of all kinds and that offer some potential as means for
      effective suppression. The strategies that have some promise include focused
      distraction, stress and load avoidance, thought postponement, exposure and
      paradoxical approaches, acceptance and commitment, meditation, mindfulness,
      focused breathing, attention training, self-affirmation, hypnosis, and disclosure
      and writing. Many of these strategies entail thinking about and accepting
      unwanted thoughts rather than suppressing them--and so, setting free the bears.
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082383
TI  - Alan E. Kazdin: Award for Distinguished Scientific Applications of Psychology.
AB  - Presents Alan E. Kazdin, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Scientific Applications of Psychology. "For
      outstanding and pathbreaking contributions to the understanding of the
      development, assessment, and treatment of psychopathology. Alan E. Kazdin's
      theoretically innovative, methodologically rigorous, and scientifically informed
      research has significantly advanced knowledge of child and adolescent
      psychopathologies such as depression and conduct problems. His writings on
      research strategies and methods have set a high standard for rigor in the field.
      His work and his ideas have had an enormous impact on the science, practice, and
      teaching of psychology, and his research has strengthened assessment and
      treatment of children and adolescents in scientific and clinical settings. His
      passion, energy, wisdom, and wit have inspired countless colleagues and students
      over the years, and his work will no doubt continue to do so for many generations
      to come." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082384
TI  - Evidence-based treatment research: Advances, limitations, and next steps.
AB  - This article highlights the development of evidence-based treatments (EBTs), the
      accomplishment their development reflects, and the limitations of current
      variations as a way of providing mental health services and care. Rather than
      review EBTs, I use the occasion to provide an overview of my work on the
      development of treatments for children referred clinically for aggressive and
      antisocial behavior. This work reflects a larger genre of intervention research
      that has developed treatments for a variety of disorders. After years of research
      and a healthy list of EBTs, where are we and where do we need to be? It is still
      the case that most people in need of services do not receive them, and
      disparities in providing services remain enormous. The vast majority of
      therapies, whether evidence based or not, use a model of delivery (one-to-one in
      person treatment) that is inherently limited as a way of reaching the large swath
      of people in need of services. Multiple models of delivery of treatment are
      needed. The article underscores the importance of developing these models of
      delivery and optimizing that development by understanding better the mechanisms
      of therapeutic change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights
      reserved).

PMID- 22082386
TI  - Nicholas Epley: Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology.
AB  - Presents Nicholas Epley, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology. "For brilliant empirical and theoretical contributions to social
      cognition in general and for creative insights into how people understand the
      minds of others in particular. Nicholas Epley's empirical work demonstrates how
      basic mechanisms of social cognition can lead to interpersonal conflict and
      misunderstanding. His theoretical work expands social cognition beyond its
      traditional focus on human beings as targets of judgment, showing how basic
      mechanisms explain people's understanding of minds of all kinds, from pets to
      gadgets to gods. His work shows how social psychology, at its best, increases
      understanding of everyday life and inspires others to understand more." (PsycINFO
      Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082387
TI  - Adam M. Grant: Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology.
AB  - Presents Adam M. Grant, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology. "For
      extensive, elegant, and programmatic research on the power of relational job
      design in enhancing employee motivation, productivity, and satisfaction; for
      creative and rigorous studies documenting the profound and surprising effects of
      connecting employees to their impact on others; for highlighting prosocial
      motivation, not only extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, as a key force behind
      employee behavior; and for demonstrating by example the feasibility and benefits
      of conducting field experiments, yielding studies rich in internal validity,
      external validity, and practical impact. In addition to his accomplishments, Adam
      M. Grant is known for his generosity as a scholar, teacher, and colleague."
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082388
TI  - Wendy Johnson: Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology.
AB  - Presents Wendy Johnson, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology. "For
      innovative research explicating the nature, origin, and consequences of
      individual differences in intelligence and personality. With methodological rigor
      and theoretical incisiveness, Wendy Johnson has addressed some of the most vexing
      questions in the psychology of individual differences. She has shown how genetic
      and environmental factors jointly influence many important life outcomes,
      explicated the structure of cognitive abilities, and demonstrated how cognitive
      ability and personality contribute to gender differences in academic achievement.
      Her consummate mastery of research methodology, genetics, personality theory, and
      human abilities has enabled her to advance an integrative program of research
      that is having a fundamental impact on the field." (PsycINFO Database Record (c)
      2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082389
TI  - Cindy Lustig: Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology.
AB  - Presents Cindy Lustig, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology.
      "Cindy Lustig has made groundbreaking contributions to the study of attention and
      memory. She has contributed to our understanding of the role of interference in
      implicit memory and of the neural underpinnings of age differences in cognition
      as well as to a developing literature on effective interventions to boost
      cognitive functioning. Her methods include a genetic approach to understanding
      variability in cognitive functioning in old age as well as the use of animal
      models. Her work has been widely cited and hailed for its innovative methods and
      findings." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082390
TI  - David Melcher: Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology.
AB  - Presents David Melcher, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology. "For
      his elegant and groundbreaking work on one of the most important problems in
      perceptual psychology, the transfer of perceptual representations across eye
      movements. David Melcher's innovative experiments used perceptual aftereffects to
      show how remapping of visual locations underlies the creation of the percept of a
      clear and stable world. His work on the accumulation of memory contributed
      importantly to the understanding of natural perceptual representations and their
      neural underpinnings. His elegant reviews of transsaccadic perception
      communicated to a broad audience the remarkable capacity of the brain to create
      seamless perceptual representations despite the disruptions produced by eye
      movements." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082393
TI  - Roxane Cohen Silver: Award for Distinguished Senior Career Contributions to
      Psychology in the Public Interest.
AB  - Presents Roxane Cohen Silver, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Senior Career Contributions to Psychology in
      the Public Interest. "Roxane Cohen Silver is an internationally known expert in
      psychological responses to trauma. Her exceptional research has examined
      adjustment to an array of crises, including sudden loss, war, natural disasters,
      community violence, and the 9/11 attacks. As an advisor to the U.S. Department of
      Homeland Security and in testimony to Congress, she has shaped policy concerning
      psychosocial dimensions of disaster preparedness and response. Through her
      service on the Board of Directors of Psychology Beyond Borders, she has addressed
      community health effects of terror and disasters. Her warmth, humor, and
      scholarship are truly inspiring, and she embodies the values this award was
      created to honor." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082394
TI  - Edward A. Delgado-Romero: Award for Distinguished Early Career Contributions to
      Psychology in the Public Interest.
AB  - Presents Edward A. Delgado-Romero, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Early Career Contributions to Psychology in
      the Public Interest. "Societies, professions, and individual citizens are
      enriched by the contributions of those who care. Edward A. Delgado-Romero has
      demonstrated through his scholarship, leadership in psychological associations
      such as the National Latina/Latino Psychological Association, and collaborations
      with universities and school districts in Georgia that he cares and is committed
      to addressing challenges in the provision of culturally sensitive psychological
      services to benefit the public interest. His example of servant leadership leaves
      a legacy to other early career professionals and graduate students alike. Es un
      hijo honorado." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082396
TI  - Richard Rogers: Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public
      Policy.
AB  - Presents Richard Rogers as the 2001 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy.
      "Richard Rogers casts a long shadow over the realm of psychological research with
      public policy implications. His achievements concerning criminal responsibility
      and malingering have been important and lasting, but his most uniquely impactful
      contribution to public policy is his enhancement of our understanding of the
      constitutional protections embodied in Miranda rights. His investigations have
      exploded the myth of a single, easily understood Miranda warning. The
      ramifications of this work are profound, especially for socially marginalized
      populations, and include its direct acknowledgment as the impetus for critical
      developments in American Bar Association policy on custodial interrogations."
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082397
TI  - Getting it wrong about Miranda rights: false beliefs, impaired reasoning, and
      professional neglect.
AB  - Television and other media inundate Americans with innumerable yet fragmentary
      examples of Miranda warnings; however, familiarity born of repeated exposures
      cannot be equated with accuracy or understanding. The intended purpose of these
      warnings is to inform and caution rather than to pacify and reassure--a purpose
      that cannot be realized when most custodial suspects assume that they already
      know everything the law insists they should be told. Painstakingly negotiated
      Constitutional safeguards are further imperiled when attorneys, judges, and
      forensic evaluators are lulled into complacency by the commonly held
      misconception that everyone understands their Miranda rights. This article
      elucidates certain false beliefs and misapprehensions regarding Miranda
      comprehension and identifies widespread neglect of these issues by the
      professional community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights
      reserved).

PMID- 22082400
TI  - Jon Carlson: Award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and
      Training in Psychology.
AB  - Presents Jon Carlson as the 2011 winner of the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training in
      Psychology. "For his contributions in creating educational and training materials
      in psychology for instruction and the public. Jon Carlson has a distinguished
      career in higher education, maintained an active private practice, served 34
      years as a school psychologist/counselor, is a prolific author and scholar, and
      is an innovator in the development of media-based training materials. His
      contribution to education and training is noteworthy for the volume of his
      professional production, the scope of topics addressed, and his ability to
      provide meaningful tools to change how psychologists are trained. His audiovisual
      work documents the profession of psychology in terms of research and practice for
      current scholars and for future generations." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011
      APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082402
TI  - Arthur C. Graesser: Award for Distinguished Contributions of Applications of
      Psychology to Education and Training.
AB  - Presents Arthur C. Graesser as the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Contributions of Applications of Psychology
      to Education and Training. "As a multifaceted psychologist, cognitive engineer of
      useful education and training technologies, and mentor of new talent for the
      world of applied and translational cognitive science, Arthur C. Graesser is the
      perfect role model, showing how a strong scholar and intellect can shape both
      research and practice. His work is a mix of top-tier scholarship in psychology,
      education, intelligent systems, and computational linguistics. He combines
      cognitive science excellence with bold use of psychological knowledge and
      intelligent systems to design new generations of learning opportunities and to
      help lay the foundation for a translational science of learning." (PsycINFO
      Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082403
TI  - Learning, thinking, and emoting with discourse technologies.
AB  - This is an unusual moment in the history of psychology because of landmark
      advances in digital information technologies, computational linguistics, and
      other fields that use the computer to analyze language, discourse, and behavior.
      The technologies developed from this interdisciplinary fusion are helping
      students learn and think in ways that are sensitive to their cognitive and
      emotional states. Recent projects have developed computer technologies that help
      us understand the nature of conversational discourse and text comprehension in
      addition to improving learning. AutoTutor and other systems with conversational
      agents (i.e., talking heads) help students learn by holding conversations in
      natural language. One version of AutoTutor is sensitive to the emotions of
      students in addition to their cognitive states. Coh-Metrix analyzes texts on
      multiple levels of language and discourse, such as text genre, cohesion, syntax,
      and word characteristics. Coh-Metrix can assist students, teachers, principals,
      and policymakers when they make decisions on the right text to assign to the
      right student at the right time. Computers are not perfect conversation partners
      and comprehenders of text, but the current systems are undeniably useful.
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082405
TI  - Michael K. Scullin: Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award.
AB  - Presents Michael K. Scullin as the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award. "For an
      outstanding research paper that examines the relationship between prospective
      memory in executing a goal and various lapses of time from 20 minutes up to a 12-
      hour wake delay and a 12-hour sleep delay. The results suggest that consolidation
      processes active during sleep increase the probability of goal execution. The
      paper, titled 'Remembering to Execute a Goal: Sleep On It!' was published in
      Psychological Science in 2010 and was the basis for Michael K. Scullin's
      selection as the recipient of the 2011 Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate
      Research Award. Mark A. McDaniel, PhD, served as faculty research advisor."
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082408
TI  - Ronald F. Levant: Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied
      Research.
AB  - Presents Ronald F. Levant as the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied
      Research. "Ronald F. Levant is one of the world's leading authorities on the
      psychology of men and masculinity. Through his pioneering research, he helped
      define gender role strain theory, fostered a multicultural understanding of
      fathering and masculinity issues, and developed and evaluated the Male Role Norms
      Inventory and the Normative Male Alexithymia Scale. He also established the
      empirical foundation for the normative male alexithymia hypothesis, which
      proposes that male socialization inhibits emotional expression in males, and he
      developed alexithymia reduction treatment, which is designed to prepare men to
      engage more fully in psychotherapy and to experience greater benefit from it."
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082409
TI  - Research in the psychology of men and masculinity using the gender role strain
      paradigm as a framework.
AB  - This article introduces the specialty area of the psychology of men and
      masculinity to the broader community of American psychologists, focusing on
      research conducted using the gender role strain paradigm. The review covers the
      rationale for and aims of the psychology of men and masculinity and the gender
      role strain paradigm. It provides an extensive discussion of masculinity
      ideologies--the core construct in the strain paradigm--including the definition
      of masculinity ideology and considerations of masculinity ideology versus
      masculinity ideologies, traditional masculinity ideology, the measurement of
      masculinity ideologies, the Male Role Norms Inventory-Revised, women's and
      adolescent's masculinity ideologies, and conformity to masculine norms. It then
      takes up the 3 types of masculine gender role strain (discrepancy, dysfunction,
      and trauma) and the normative male alexithymia hypothesis. Finally, it considers
      future research directions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights
      reserved).

PMID- 22082411
TI  - Antonio E. Puente: Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to
      Independent Practice.
AB  - Presents Antonio E. Puente as the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Independent
      Practice. "For his decades of efforts to enhance the recognition of psychologists
      in providing health care services, through his work with the Current Procedural
      Terminology (CPT) Panel to develop and maintain appropriate CPT codes for the
      breadth of professional practice; for his willingness to participate in
      litigation establishing the expertise of neuropsychologists to testify in court
      about their findings; for his tireless work in cross-cultural assessment relative
      to criminal trials; for his leadership of professional societies in clinical
      neuropsychology; for his promotion of legislation and policy at all levels of
      government; and for his countless other contributions to the enhancement of
      independent practice in psychology. Antonio Puente is a far-thinking visionary
      who freely shares his knowledge to improve the quality of psychological practice
      and the reimbursement system that attests to the worth of the profession. He is
      the very embodiment of the psychologist for whom this award is intended."
      (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082412
TI  - Psychology as a health care profession.
AB  - This article reviews the concept that professional psychology is synonymous with
      mental health. The acceptance of this concept results in limiting the potential
      impact that psychology has for both individuals and society. Historical
      antecedents of both psychology and professional psychology are considered as
      laying a foundation for a necessary paradigm shift from primarily mental health
      to health. Clinical neuropsychology, health psychology, and prescriptive
      authority are considered as three examples that may assist in guiding
      professional psychology toward inclusiveness into a broader health care arena.
      Limitations of the proposed paradigm and directions for its future are
      considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082414
TI  - Ronald H. Rozensky: Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to
      Institutional Practice.
AB  - Presents Ronald H. Rozensky, the 2011 winner of the American Psychological
      Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Institutional
      Practice. "For his dedication and distinguished contributions to excellence in
      institutional practice through creative leadership in education, training, and
      patient care. Ronald H. Rozensky's accomplishments include serving as the
      founding editor of the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings,
      contributing to federal health care policy recommendations while serving as
      chairperson of a Health Resources and Services Administration health care
      advisory committee, and working on regulatory changes made while representing APA
      on the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. A
      tireless champion of institutional practice while serving on APA's Board of
      Directors and as chairperson of the Boards of Educational and Professional
      Affairs and the Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies
      in Professional Psychology, he is a dynamic advocate for psychology's
      administrative independence in all settings and its interprofessional focus in
      health care." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082415
TI  - The institution of the institutional practice of psychology: health care reform
      and psychology's future workforce.
AB  - Implications for the future of professional psychology are discussed and related
      to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, patient-centered health care
      homes and accountable care organizations, and the growing importance of
      interprofessional competencies in health care. The need for increased information
      about the psychology workforce is related to the history of the institutional
      practice of psychology and how that data must be used to plan for the supply of
      psychologists required to meet the service demands of the changing health care
      system. Several challenges to the field of psychology are offered, along with
      steps that must be taken by the profession to prepare for increased
      institutionally based health care services in the future. (PsycINFO Database
      Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082417
TI  - Jordan M. Braciszewski: APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in
      Professional Psychology.
AB  - Presents Jordan M. Braciszewski as the 2011 winner of the American psychological
      Association APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional
      Psychology. "For his concerted efforts to identify the needs of homeless and
      other at-risk populations and to design and provide necessary services for them.
      Jordan M. Braciszewski is committed to using applied psychological science and
      evidence-based intervention methods to assist the most disadvantaged in our
      society. He has already provided additions to the relevant research literature
      and has volunteered countless hours of his time to implement community-based
      interventions and provide direct services himself. He has sought out the training
      experiences necessary to assist him in doing an even better job in the future in
      these public service activities." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all
      rights reserved).

PMID- 22082419
TI  - Dan Olweus: Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International
      Advancement of Psychology.
AB  - Presents Dan Olweus, the 2011 winner for the American Psychological Association
      Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of
      Psychology. "For his lifelong commitment to understand bullying among children
      and create safe and humane school settings. Dan Olweus led the education of the
      global public about the nature and prevalence of bullying, its often serious
      consequences, and the behavior of adults that allows bullying to occur. He has
      done so as a careful researcher, a thoughtful theoretician, a creative program
      developer, and a tireless advocate. He uncovered the problem and created and
      evaluated a comprehensive solution. Throughout his career, he has been guided by
      a concern for careful psychological inquiry and a commitment to the promotion of
      human rights." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 22082420
TI  - Headaches and academic performance in university students: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the 1-year prevalence of headache, its repercussion and
      its association with the academic performance of university students. METHODS:
      Cross-sectional study. Three hundred eighty students were randomly selected out
      of the 1718, 90.5% of them were interviewed. A semi-structured interview, the
      Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were
      used. The variables related to academic performance: absenteeism, performance
      coefficient and number of failures in disciplines, were obtained by consulting
      the academic records. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-four students were
      interviewed. The headache prevalence was 87.2%. Migraine prevalence was 48.5%.
      Tension-type headache prevalence was 42.4%. During the 3 months prior to the
      interview, 8.7% sought emergency services, 30.8% missed class, and 30.8% had a
      reduction in their productive capacity because of headache. HIT-6:
      substantial/severe impact = 49%. Multiple linear regressions have shown that
      serious/very serious-impact headaches are significantly related to greater number
      of discipline failure and absenteeism. There was no association between student
      grades and headaches. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of headache in the studied
      population was verified. A high headache impact on a student's life was
      associated with worse academic performance.

PMID- 22082421
TI  - Increase of capsaicin-induced trigeminal Fos-like immunoreactivity by 5-HT(7)
      receptors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore whether pharmacological stimulation of the 5
      hydroxytryptamine(7) (5-HT(7) ) receptor modulates Fos-like immunoreactivity in
      the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of rats. BACKGROUND: The serotonin 5-HT(7)
      receptor was proposed to be involved in migraine pathogenesis and evidence
      suggests it plays a role in peripheral nociception and hyperalgesia through an
      action on sensory afferent neurons. METHODS: The potential activating or
      sensitizing role of 5-HT(7) receptors on trigeminal sensory neurons, as
      visualized by Fos-like immunoreactivity in the superficial layers of the
      trigeminal nucleus caudalis in rats, was investigated using the 5-HT(7) receptor
      agonist, LP-211, in the absence and the presence of intracisternal capsaicin,
      respectively. The agonist effect was characterized with the 5-HT(7) receptor
      antagonist, SB-656104. Male Wistar rats received a subcutaneous injection of LP
      211, SB-656104, and SB-656104 + LP-211. They were then anesthetized and prepared
      to receive an intracisternal injection of capsaicin or its vehicle. Animals were
      perfused and brains removed; sections of the brain stem from the area postrema to
      the CI level were obtained and processed for Fos immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:
      Capsaicin but not its vehicle induced Fos-like immunoreactivity within laminae I
      and II of trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Pretreatment with LP-211 had no effect on
      Fos-like immunoreactivity but strongly increased the response produced by
      capsaicin; this effect was abolished by SB-656104. Interestingly, capsaicin
      induced Fos-like immunoreactivity was abolished by SB-656104 pretreatment thus
      suggesting involvement of endogenous 5-HT. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that 5-HT(7)
      receptors increase activation of meningeal trigeminovascular afferents and/or
      transmission of nociceptive information in the brain stem. This mechanism could
      be relevant in migraine and its prophylactic treatment.

PMID- 22082422
TI  - Photoreactivity of the occipital cortex measured by functional magnetic resonance
      imaging-blood oxygenation level dependent in migraine patients and healthy
      volunteers: pathophysiological implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The brain of migraineurs is hyperexcitable, particularly the
      occipital cortex, which is probably hypersensitive to light. Photophobia or
      hypersensitivity to light may be accounted for by an increased excitability of
      trigeminal, the visual pathways, and the occipital cortex. OBJECTIVE: To study
      light sensitivity and photophobia by assessing the response to light stimuli with
      functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygenation level dependent (fMRI
      BOLD) of the occipital cortex in migraineurs and in controls. Also, to try to
      decipher the contribution of the occipital cortex to photophobia and whether the
      cortical reactivity of migraineurs may be part of a constitutional (defensive)
      mechanism or represents an acquired (sensitization) phenomenon. METHODS: Nineteen
      patients with migraine (7 with aura and 12 without aura) and 19 controls were
      studied with fMRI-BOLD during 4 increasing light intensities. Eight axial image
      sections of 0.5 cm that covered the occipital cortex were acquired for each
      intensity. We measured the extension and the intensity of activation for every
      light stimuli. Photophobia was estimated according to a 0 to 3 semiquantitative
      scale of light discomfort. RESULTS: Migraineurs had a significantly higher number
      of fMRI-activated voxels at low (320.4 for migraineurs [SD = 253.9] and 164.3 for
      controls [SD = 102.7], P = .027) and medium-low luminance levels (501.2 for
      migraineurs [SD = 279.5] and 331.1 for controls [SD = 194.3], P = .034) but not
      at medium-high (579.5 for migraineurs [SD = 201.4] and 510.2 for controls [SD =
      239.5], P = .410) and high light stimuli (496.2 for migraineurs [SD = 216.2] and
      394.7 for controls [SD = 240], P = .210). No differences were found with respect
      to the voxel activation intensity (amplitude of the BOLD wave) between
      migraineurs and controls (8.98 [SD = 2.58] vs 7.99 [SD = 2.57], P = .25; 10.82
      [SD = 3.27] vs 9.81 [SD = 3.19], P = .31; 11.90 [SD = 3.18] vs 11.06 [SD = 2.56],
      P = .62; 11.45 [SD = 2.65] vs 10.25 [SD = 2.22], P = .16). Light discomfort was
      higher in the group of migraineurs at all the intensities tested, but there was
      no correlation with the number of activated voxels in the occipital cortex and
      photophobia. Repetitive light stimuli failed to demonstrate a lack of habituation
      in migraineurs. CONCLUSIONS: Migraineurs during interictal periods showed
      hyperxcitability of the visual cortex with a wider photoresponsive area, the
      underlying mechanism probably being dual: constitutional-defensive and acquired
      sensitizating.

PMID- 22082423
TI  - Acute striatal necrosis in hemiplegic migraine with de novo CACNA1A mutation.
AB  - We report the case of a 9-year-old girl with early-onset developmental delay,
      chronic ataxia and prolonged hemiplegic migraine episodes bringing about
      progressive deterioration. Two days into one episode, diffusion-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging disclosed unilateral striatal abnormal signal consistent with
      cytotoxic edema, which evolved into atrophy on follow-up scans. Mutational screen
      of CACNA1A gene identified a de novo p.Tyr1387Cys mutation.

PMID- 22082424
TI  - Sumatriptan in excessive doses over 15 years in a patient with chronic cluster
      headache.
AB  - We report the case of a 49-year-old lady with cluster headache, who had received
      sumatriptan s.c. treatment for 15 years with daily dosages between 12 and 222 mg
      (average of 150 mg during the last year). The therapy was successful in aborting
      CH attacks. Long-term overdosage of sumatriptan was well tolerated, without
      adverse events.

PMID- 22082425
TI  - Bruxism, temporomandibular dysfunction, tension type headache, and migraine: a
      comment.

PMID- 22082426
TI  - Pathophysiology of chronic migraine and mode of action of preventive medications:
      a comment.

PMID- 22082428
TI  - Botulinum toxin and the treatment of headache: a clinical review.

PMID- 22082430
TI  - Chronic migraine: a road less travelled.

PMID- 22082429
TI  - Insights into the mechanism of onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine.
AB  - OnabotulinumtoxinA has recently been approved by regulatory agencies in the UK
      and United States for treatment of chronic migraine based on data generated from
      the PREEMPT studies. As such, onabotulinumtoxinA is the only prophylactic therapy
      specifically approved for chronic migraine. Most headache clinicians would agree
      that acute episodic migraine and chronic migraine differ in their
      pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and response to pharmacological as well as
      nonpharmacological therapies. Of the 7 botulinum neurotoxin serotypes, botulinum
      neurotoxin type A (onabotulinumtoxinA) has been the most thoroughly investigated
      in preclinical and clinical studies. Based on preclinical studies,
      onabotulinumtoxinA is known to inhibit the release of excitatory
      neurotransmitters from both motor and sensory neurons by preventing vesicle
      fusion to the cell membrane. In addition to the well-documented myorelaxant
      effects of this neurotoxin, onabotulinumtoxinA can exert a direct analgesic
      effect that likely involves inhibition of primary and secondary nociceptive
      neurons. The inhibitory effects of onabotulinumtoxinA are also likely to involve
      suppressing the activity of myogenic trigger points and decreasing the persistent
      nociceptive barrage that promotes and maintains central sensitization. This
      article describes possible mechanisms to explain how onabotulinumtoxinA functions
      as a therapy for chronic migraine and considers why treatment with the neurotoxin
      is not effective in some chronic migraineurs.

PMID- 22082431
TI  - Abuse and maltreatment: their effect on headache.

PMID- 22082432
TI  - The efficacy of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point in the improvement of women's
      general health.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study's objective was to examine the effectiveness of Sanyinjiao
      point (SP6) acupressure on women's general health. DESIGN: This was a randomized,
      single-blind clinical trial. SETTING: The setting for this trial was at Medical
      University, Bojnoord University of Medical Science, Bojnoord, Iran. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eighty-six (86) university students were recruited for this study. Their
      demographic characteristics were gathered before the intervention commenced.
      Participants completed General Health Questionnaires (GHQ) prior to
      participation. Next, they were randomly assigned to either the acupressure
      receiving group or the sham-pressure-receiving group. The study group received
      acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point, while the control group received sham
      pressure. OUTCOME MEASURES: Both groups completed GHQ after both the first and
      second months of intervention. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version
      13.5 for Windows. RESULTS: The mean age of those who completed the study was
      20.84+/-1.64 years. Mean scores of GHQs were similar between groups before
      intervention (p>0.05). The general health of participants in both groups improved
      after intervention, and the amelioration in four domains was significant in the
      groups (p<0.05 within group). It was found that acupressure was more effective
      than sham pressure. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference
      between the two groups in the four domains of their general heath after the first
      month of the intervention (p<0.0001). Furthermore, the general health status of
      the participants changed much more after the second month in both the acupressure
      intervention and the sham pressure groups; nevertheless, acupressure was more
      effective than sham pressure (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both acupressure and sham
      pressure were effective in promoting women's general health; nevertheless, the
      efficacy of acupressure was more than that of sham pressure. SP6 acupressure
      could be regarded as a self-manageable approach to improve women's general
      health.

PMID- 22082433
TI  - The relationship between dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint status and
      general body health: part 2. Fascial connection of TMJ with other parts of the
      body.
AB  - In part 1 of this study, it was discussed that dental occlusion/temporomandibular
      joint (TMJ) status is functionally connected to general body health. The purpose
      of this part of the study was to attempt to formulate a conceptual account, the
      "fascial connection theory for TMJ and other parts of the body," to explain the
      functional connection between TMJ and other parts of the body. The first
      hypothesis that was studied is that TMJ and other parts of body are connected
      through the fascia as asserted by the myofascial-release schools, and the second
      one is that they are connected through the meridian system constituted of fascia
      (connective tissue). The fascial connection theory proposed here can explain the
      functional connection between dental occlusion/TMJ and other parts of the body
      based on either myofascial release or the qi and meridian system, or a
      combination of the two. Therefore, dental occlusion should be built up and
      maintained in a normal natural condition, and causes of deterioration of TMJ
      status should be treated in an effort to restore the natural condition. Other
      possible mechanisms that can account for these connections require elucidation,
      and additional experimental investigation should be undertaken.

PMID- 22082438
TI  - Sporting activity following colic surgery in horses: a retrospective study.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is a paucity of studies addressing sporting
      activity and horse owners' satisfaction after horses have undergone colic
      surgery. OBJECTIVES: To determine 1) survival rate after colic surgery, 2)
      prevalence of horses returning to, or starting, sporting activities and 3) assess
      the owners' satisfaction regarding colic surgery. METHODS: Cases that underwent
      exploratory celiotomy for colic between January 2005 and August 2010 were
      reviewed. All horses that had one or more celiotomies and were discharged after
      colic surgery were included in a telephone questionnaire survey. Only horses that
      survived at least 6 months after colic surgery were included in the sporting
      activity analysis. Data extracted from the records included case details, intra
      operative diagnosis and surgical treatment. Information from a telephone
      questionnaire included the horses' post surgical details (horse alive or
      subjected to euthanasia, post operative complications, pre- and post surgical
      use, return to sporting activity, sporting performance, behavioural changes,
      management changes and recommendation by owner for colic surgery). A logistic
      regression model was used for the statistical analysis of post hospitalisation
      performance and an ordinal regression model used for analysis of post colic
      complications and of owner's recommendation of surgery. A Kaplan-Meier survival
      curve was computed to show survival of horses discharged after colic surgery.
      RESULTS: The survival rates (%) at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months were 95.3,
      86.6, 80.9, 76.9, 62.1 and 57.6, respectively. A large majority of horses (86.1%)
      resumed or started sporting activities after colic surgery. The proportion of
      horses that the owners believed to achieve the same or better performance after
      surgery was 83.5%. In 89.9% of the cases, owners stated that they would recommend
      colic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Horses discharged after colic surgery had a high long
      term survival rate. A high prevalence of horses resumed or started sporting
      activities with a high proportion of horses at their presurgical performance
      level. The large majority of owners of discharged horses were satisfied with
      colic surgery performed on their horses.

PMID- 22082439
TI  - Incidence of support limb laminitis in horses treated with half limb, full limb
      or transfixation pin casts: a retrospective study of 113 horses (2000-2009).
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To determine the incidence of support limb
      laminitis among horses treated with half limb, full limb or transfixation pin
      casts and determine potential risk factors. METHODS: Medical records of 113
      horses treated with half limb, full limb or transfixation pin casts at an equine
      referral hospital from 2000 to 2009 were reviewed. Associations between potential
      risk factors and development of support limb laminitis were evaluated by
      bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 113
      horses that received casts, 14 (12%) developed confirmed support limb laminitis.
      The bodyweight of the horse and duration of casting in weeks were significantly
      associated with support limb laminitis. Horses requiring full limb casts or
      transfixation pin casts were more likely to develop this complication than horses
      requiring half limb casts. There were no significant associations between
      developing support limb laminitis and weightbearing capacity on presentation to
      the hospital, the limb affected (fore- or hind), whether there was a fracture
      present or breed of horse. CONCLUSIONS: Support limb laminitis is a relatively
      common complication among horses treated with half limb, full limb and
      transfixation pin casts. Greater durations of casting and higher bodyweights
      increase the likelihood of developing this complication. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE:
      Support limb laminitis may occur secondary to any painful unilateral lameness and
      is not necessarily more likely to develop in horses with severe orthopaedic
      conditions such as fractures. However, heavier horses, those requiring casts for
      longer periods of time and those that require a full limb or transfixation pin
      cast as opposed to a half limb cast should be considered to have an increased
      risk for developing support limb laminitis post operatively.

PMID- 22082440
TI  - Phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine used singly or in combination in
      experimental lameness in horses.
AB  - REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Using an adjustable heart bar shoe model of foot
      pain, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the combined
      use of phenylbutazone (PBZ) and flunixin meglumine (FM) would prove more
      efficacious in alleviating lameness than either drug alone. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: One hour after induction of lameness at weekly intervals, 8 healthy
      adult Thoroughbred horses randomly underwent one of 4 i.v. treatments: saline
      (SAL) placebo (1 ml/45 kg bwt), PBZ (4.4 mg/kg bwt), FM (1.1 mg/kg bwt) or PBZ+FM
      (at the same dosages as given individually). Heart rate (HR) and lameness score
      (LS) responses were assessed in a blinded manner every 20 min for 5 h after
      lameness induction and then hourly for 12 h after treatment. Jugular venous blood
      samples were obtained at -1, 0, 0.05, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h and subsequently
      analysed for drug concentrations. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's
      test were used to identify analgesic effects at a significance level of P<0.05.
      RESULTS: Heart rate was lower in all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
      treated trials from 2 h to 10 h post treatment (P<0.05). Analgesic effects of FM
      and PBZ+FM, as evidenced by decreases in HR, lasted for 12 h post treatment
      (P<0.05). Lameness score decreased earlier in PBZ and PBZ+FM trials than in FM
      trials (P<0.05) and the analgesic effect on LS lasted for 12 h post treatment for
      all NSAID trials (P<0.05). Peak PBZ plasma concentration was 73.7 +/- 6.0 and
      77.9 +/- 5.5 ug/ml. Peak FM concentration was 12.0 +/- 0.8 and 13.7 +/- 1.0
      ug/ml. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the combination of PBZ+FM was not more
      effective than either PBZ or FM alone. These data do not support the hypothesis
      that the combination is more efficacious at these dosages than either drug alone
      in this model of acute foot pain.

PMID- 22082441
TI  - Dynamic respiratory videoendoscopy in ridden sport horses: effect of head
      flexion, riding and airway inflammation in 129 cases.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dynamic upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a cause
      of respiratory noise and sometimes poor performance in sport horses. Riding, head
      flexion and airway inflammation may impact upper respiratory tract stability
      during exercise. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate upper airway mechanical behaviour in
      ridden sport horses using overground endoscopy and the effect of head flexion,
      rider intervention and underlying airway inflammation on the pharynx and larynx.
      METHODS: Resting and exercising videoendoscopic recordings during ridden exercise
      were obtained in 129 sport horses referred mainly for respiratory noise, poor
      performance or routine evaluation. The rider modified poll flexion and way of
      riding during the test and associated changes in UAO were recorded. Presence of
      upper and lower airway inflammation was also assessed. RESULTS: Dynamic UAO was
      diagnosed in 91% (64/70) of the horses referred for respiratory noise and in 71%
      (29/41) of horses referred for poor performance. Pharyngeal instability was the
      most frequently diagnosed problem. However, differences were observed between
      dressage horses and showjumpers. Rider interaction and head flexion exacerbated
      upper airway instability and promoted the occurrence of complex UAO. Both lower
      airway inflammation and pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia were associated with
      pharyngeal instability, but not with any other UAO. CONCLUSIONS: Rider
      intervention during ridden exercise (i.e. the various movements a horse might be
      asked to perform) influences upper airway morphology and function and, in cases
      of upper airway dynamic obstruction, can contribute to increasing laryngeal
      and/or pharyngeal instability in sport horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: As these are
      changes that would not usually be seen with treadmill videoendoscopy, ridden
      videoendoscopy should be the preferred method for evaluation of the upper airway
      in sport horses.

PMID- 22082442
TI  - Adaptation and validation of a bacteria-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay for determination of farm-specific Lawsonia intracellularis seroprevalence
      in central Kentucky Thoroughbreds.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of
      equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE), a disease for which no large-scale
      seroprevalence studies have been conducted. OBJECTIVES: To validate and use an
      equine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for L. intracellularis
      to determine the seroprevalence of L. intracellularis on numerous farms. METHODS:
      An ELISA, in which purified antigen was used, was adapted from previous work in
      swine. A total of 337 Thoroughbreds from 25 central Kentucky farms were enrolled
      and monthly serum samples collected from August 2010 to January/February 2011.
      Samples were screened for L. intracellularis-specific antibodies using a modified
      ELISA. Farms were classified into one of 3 groups based on 3 year prior history
      with EPE. RESULTS: The ELISA intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 6.73
      and inter-assay CV was 9.60. An overall seroprevalence of 68% was obtained, with
      farm-specific seroprevalances ranging from 14 to 100%. A significant difference
      was found in the average seroprevalence (P<0.05) on farms with a confirmed recent
      history of EPE cases. Additionally, both lower average ELISA unit (EU) values (P
      = 0.079) and maximum EU values (P = 0.056) were detected on farms with no recent
      EPE history when compared to the other groups. A bimodal exposure distribution to
      L. intracellularis was detected in the fall and winter months. CONCLUSIONS:
      Recent history of EPE was associated with higher average seroprevalence
      indicating increased exposure on farms with prior cases of EPE. Seasonally
      bimodal exposure was also observed. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The adapted ELISA
      appears to be useful for determination of L. intracellularis-specific antibody
      levels. The high farm-specific seroprevalences and bimodal distribution of
      exposure to L. intracellularis were unexpected and suggest that farms with a
      previous history of EPE remain at risk due to heightened exposure levels beyond
      early winter.

PMID- 22082443
TI  - Efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin to induce ovulation in the mare, when
      associated with a single dose of dexamethasone administered at breeding time.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and
      dexamethasone have a role in the reproductive management protocols of mares
      susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE). However, it is
      possible that there is interference between these 2 drugs. OBJECTIVES: The
      objective of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of hCG to
      induce ovulation in mares treated with dexamethasone at breeding time. METHODS:
      Medical records from 152 mares and 223 cycles were analysed. In 113 cycles, mares
      susceptible to PMIE were treated with 1500 iu hCG and a single dose of 50 mg
      dexamethasone, 110 cycles were used as controls and subsequent ovulation was
      assessed ultrasonographically and compared. RESULTS: Dexamethasone did not
      inhibit ovulation in mares susceptible to PMIE. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL
      RELEVANCE: Multiple administrations of dexamethasone to mares in early oestrus
      have induced ovulation failure. However, a single dose of dexamethasone,
      administered at breeding time, has been used as an effective modulator of PMIE in
      susceptible mares and does not interfere with efficacy of hCG to induce
      ovulation.

PMID- 22082444
TI  - Sperm selection using single layer centrifugation prior to cryopreservation can
      increase thawed sperm quality in stallions.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The increasing use of modern reproductive
      techniques in human medicine has led to a higher demand for isolation of motile
      sperm. Several of these isolation techniques have been adapted for veterinary use
      and can be applied for the selection of a superior sperm sample from stallion
      semen. Until recently a major disadvantage of such isolation techniques was the
      limitation in sperm volume that could be handled. Androcoll-E had been shown to
      be successful for processing large volumes of equine semen but there are few data
      to substantiate the potential beneficial effect of freezing an Androcoll-E
      selected equine sperm sample to obtain higher quality following thawing.
      OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: In this study, the effect of Androcoll-E treatment of
      sperm prior to cryopreservation was compared with cushioned centrifugation using
      ejaculates from 8 different stallions selected because they were known to have
      semen of differing quality following freezing. RESULTS: Androcoll-E treatment
      increased measures of semen quality prior to freezing. However, Androcoll-E
      treatment reduced the yield of sperm following centrifugation when compared with
      the cushion centrifuged control group (50.9 +/- 14.2% vs. 97.1 +/- 9.0%,
      respectively). Quality analysis following thawing showed an overall improved
      sperm quality for Androcoll-E treated samples and average post thaw progressive
      motility (PM) was 41.6% compared with 30.5% for the cushion centrifuged group.
      CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Androcoll-E can be used with good results to
      select a superior sperm population prior to cryopreservation, in order to produce
      good-quality frozen thawed semen.

PMID- 22082445
TI  - Nictitating membrane resection in the horse: a comparison of long-term outcomes
      using local vs. general anaesthesia.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Neoplasia, for which surgical excision is a
      frequent treatment, is the most common disease of the equine nictitating
      membrane. There is little long-term follow-up information available to the
      practitioner regarding the long-term effects of nictitating membrane excision on
      ocular health. No information is available to compare recurrence of primary
      neoplasia of the nictitating membrane after excision with local or general
      anaesthesia. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term complications of nictitating
      membrane resection in horses; recurrence of neoplasia of the nictitating membrane
      when nictitating membrane resection is performed under local vs. general
      anaesthesia and if the method of anaesthesia used to permit resection of the
      affected membrane influences the recurrence of neoplasia of the nictitating
      membrane after complete nictitating membrane resection. METHODS: Records of 26
      horses receiving resection of the nictitating membrane for primary neoplasia of
      the nictitating membrane 1999-2009 were reviewed. Clinical examination findings,
      surgical procedure, anaesthesia type, histopathological findings and details of
      adjunctive treatment were recorded. Owners were contacted via telephone regarding
      post operative outcomes. Data were analysed using a Fisher's exact test (P<0.05).
      RESULTS: The most common long-term complication of nictitating membrane excision
      was mild ocular discharge. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent
      histopathological diagnosis. Recurrence of neoplasia was uncommon (2/26 horses).
      No significant difference in the number of horses experiencing recurrence of
      neoplasia was detected between groups receiving general anaesthesia vs. those
      receiving local anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of the nictitating membrane
      in horses following local anaesthesia is not associated with increased risk of
      recurrence of neoplasia compared with excision under general anaesthesia.
      Resection of the nictitating membrane is not associated with any long-term ocular
      side effects and can be an effective modality for cure of primary neoplasia of
      the nictitating membrane in selected cases.

PMID- 22082446
TI  - In vitro comparison of three suture techniques for anastomosis of the equine
      small intestine.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The equine small intestine can be affected by a
      variety of disorders that may require some form of bypass or anastomosis. Many
      suture patterns have been used in equine anastomoses to minimise post operative
      complications, which include leakage from the anastomosis site, stenosis and
      adhesions. Because of the critical condition of horses undergoing colic surgery,
      it is imperative this is performed as quickly as possible. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate, in vitro, differences in the time of execution and leakage pressure
      between the Lembert single layer, Gambee and Lembert double layer suture patterns
      for intestinal anastomosis in the horse and correlate the time taken to complete
      the anastomosis and hemicircumference of the anastomotic site. METHODS: Small
      intestinal loops were anastomosed with one of the 3 suture patterns. The
      intestines, immersed in polyionic solution, were insufflated via a flexible
      rubber hose, connected to a sphygmomanometer bulb, inserted into the lumen at one
      end and fixed at 25 cm from the anastomosis site with a locking clip. A tube
      fixed in the same manner at the other end, connected to a pressure gauge, was
      used to evaluate the pressure at which leakage from the anastomosis site,
      revealed by the presence of bubbles, was present. RESULTS: The time spent in the
      execution of the Lembert single layer was significantly less than that for both
      Gambee and Lembert double layer. The leakage pressure of Lembert single layer was
      significantly higher than that recorded for both Gambee and Lembert double layer.
      CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that the continuous Lembert
      single layer pattern takes less time to execute and fails at higher pressures
      than the Lembert double layer or Gambee patterns.

PMID- 22082447
TI  - Changes in the content of bioactive polyphenolic compounds of olive mill
      wastewater by the action of exogenous enzymes.
AB  - The aim behind the present research is to develop an enzymatic treatment for
      olive mill wastewater (OMW) to release high amounts of simple phenolics having
      high antioxidant value. OMW was hydrolyzed by a mixed enzyme preparation rich in
      beta-glucosidase produced by  Aspergillus niger . This research shows that A.
      niger beta-glucosidase played a major role in the release of simple phenolic
      compounds from OMW. These compounds were recovered by ethyl acetate extraction
      and identified by HPLC and LC-MS. The main identified phenolic compound is
      hydroxytyrosol. The results of enzymatic hydrolysis of OMW under optimum
      conditions indicated a maximum hydroxytyrosol concentration of 2.9 g L(-1)
      compared to 0.015 g L(-1) contained in the control (test without added enzyme).
      The above results prove that OMW is a potential substrate for producing
      hydroxytyrosol through enzymatic hydrolysis of its glycosides.

PMID- 22082448
TI  - Perspectives on the role of bioengineering in neurotrauma research.

PMID- 22082449
TI  - Blast-induced color change in photonic crystals corresponds with brain pathology.
AB  - A high incidence of blast exposure is a 21st century reality in counter
      insurgency warfare. However, thresholds for closed-head blast-induced traumatic
      brain injury (bTBI) remain unknown. Moreover, without objective information about
      relative blast exposure, warfighters with bTBI may not receive appropriate
      medical care and may remain in harm's way. Accordingly, we have engineered a
      blast injury dosimeter (BID) using a photonic crystalline material that changes
      color following blast exposure. The photonic crystals are fabricated using SU-8
      via multi-beam interference laser lithography. The final BID is similar in
      appearance to an array of small colored stickers that may be affixed to uniforms
      or helmets in multiple locations. Although durable under normal conditions, the
      photonic crystalline micro- and nano-structure are precisely altered by blast to
      create a color change. These BIDs were evaluated using a rat model of bTBI, for
      which blast shockwave exposure was generated via a compressed air-driven shock
      tube. With prototype BID arrays affixed to the animals, we found that BID color
      changes corresponded with subtle brain pathologies, including neuronal
      degeneration and reactive astrocytosis. These subtle changes were most notable in
      the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. These data
      demonstrate the feasibility of using a materials-based, power-free colorimetric
      BID as the first self-contained blast sensor calibrated to correspond with brain
      pathology.

PMID- 22082450
TI  - Multistep ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
      analysis for untargeted quantification of glycating activity and identification
      of most relevant glycation products.
AB  - The use of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as biomarkers for diagnosis and
      clinical studies is still hampered by insufficient knowledge on clinically
      relevant structures formed from precursors associated with defined disease
      states. The present study conducted untargeted analysis of the glycating activity
      of AGE-precursors by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass
      spectrometry multiple reaction monitoring (UHPLC/MSMS-MRM), monitoring the loss
      of a nonapeptide as the glycation target. Thus, the glycating activities of seven
      important AGE-precursors were determined (glucose 13% and the reactive carbonyl
      compounds glucosone 39%, 3-deoxyglucosone 15%, 3-deoxygalactosone 26%, 3,4
      dideoxyglucosone-3-ene 79%, methylglyoxal 94%, and glyoxal 97% peptide loss; 12
      h/37  degrees C). Furthermore, UHPLC/MSMS with simultaneous precursor ion scan
      and information-dependent acquisition of enhanced resolution spectra and
      subsequent product ion scan was applied for untargeted analysis of the major AGE
      structures derived from various AGE-precursors. The 20 most important
      modifications could be assigned to 8 AGE-structures previously reported in the
      literature. Seven loosely bound AGEs not yet covered by conventional methods were
      detected and assigned to hemiaminals. Five AGE structures did not match any known
      products. The method can be applied to analyze glycating activity and AGE
      structures formed from various other precursors under defined reaction
      conditions, supporting the selection and evaluation of diagnostic AGE-markers for
      clinical studies.

PMID- 22082451
TI  - Chemiosmotic coupling summarised.

PMID- 22082452
TI  - Chemiosmotic coupling in oxidative and photosynthetic phosphorylation. 1966.
AB  - 50 years ago Peter Mitchell proposed the chemiosmotic hypothesis for which he was
      awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1978. His comprehensive review on
      chemiosmotic coupling known as the first "Grey Book", has been reprinted here
      with permission, to offer an electronic record and easy access to this important
      contribution to the biochemical literature. This remarkable account of Peter
      Mitchell's ideas originally published in 1966 is a landmark and must-read
      publication for any scientist in the field of bioenergetics. As far as was
      possible, the wording and format of the original publication have been retained.
      Some changes were required for consistency with BBA formats though these do not
      affect scientific meaning. A scanned version of the original publication is also
      provided as a downloadable file in Supplementary Information and can be found
      online at doi:10.1016/j.bbabio.2011.09.018. See also Editorial in this issue by
      Peter R. Rich. Original title: CHEMIOSMOTIC COUPLING IN OXIDATIVE AND
      PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOSPHORYLATION, by Peter Mitchell, Glynn Research Laboratories,
      Bodmin, Cornwall, England.

PMID- 22082453
TI  - Transcriptome and membrane fatty acid analyses reveal different strategies for
      responding to permeating and non-permeating solutes in the bacterium Sphingomonas
      wittichii.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sphingomonas wittichii strain RW1 can completely oxidize dibenzo-p
      dioxins and dibenzofurans, which are persistent contaminants of soils and
      sediments. For successful application in soil bioremediation systems, strain RW1
      must cope with fluctuations in water availability, or water potential. Thus far,
      however, little is known about the adaptive strategies used by Sphingomonas
      bacteria to respond to changes in water potential. To improve our understanding,
      strain RW1 was perturbed with either the cell-permeating solute sodium chloride
      or the non-permeating solute polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 8000
      (PEG8000). These solutes are assumed to simulate the solute and matric components
      of the total water potential, respectively. The responses to these perturbations
      were then assessed and compared using a combination of growth assays,
      transcriptome profiling, and membrane fatty acid analyses. RESULTS: Under
      conditions producing a similar decrease in water potential but without effect on
      growth rate, there was only a limited shared response to perturbation with sodium
      chloride or PEG8000. This shared response included the increased expression of
      genes involved with trehalose and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and the reduced
      expression of genes involved with flagella biosynthesis. Mostly, the responses to
      perturbation with sodium chloride or PEG8000 were very different. Only sodium
      chloride triggered the increased expression of two ECF-type RNA polymerase sigma
      factors and the differential expression of many genes involved with outer
      membrane and amino acid metabolism. In contrast, only PEG8000 triggered the
      increased expression of a heat shock-type RNA polymerase sigma factor along with
      many genes involved with protein turnover and repair. Membrane fatty acid
      analyses further corroborated these differences. The degree of saturation of
      membrane fatty acids increased after perturbation with sodium chloride but had
      the opposite effect and decreased after perturbation with PEG8000. CONCLUSIONS: A
      combination of growth assays, transcriptome profiling, and membrane fatty acid
      analyses revealed that permeating and non-permeating solutes trigger different
      adaptive responses in strain RW1, suggesting these solutes affect cells in
      fundamentally different ways. Future work is now needed that connects these
      responses with the responses observed in more realistic scenarios of soil
      desiccation.

PMID- 22082454
TI  - Asian perspectives on patient education and health care communication.

PMID- 22082455
TI  - The influence of light quality on C4 photosynthesis under steady-state conditions
      in Zea mays and Miscanthus*giganteus: changes in rates of photosynthesis but not
      the efficiency of the CO2 concentrating mechanism.
AB  - Differences in light quality penetration within a leaf and absorption by the
      photosystems alter rates of CO(2)  assimilation in C(3)  plants. It is also
      expected that light quality will have a profound impact on C(4)  photosynthesis
      due to disrupted coordination of the C(4)  and C(3)  cycles. To test this
      hypothesis, we measured leaf gas exchange, (13) CO(2)  discrimination (Delta(13)
      C), photosynthetic metabolite pools and Rubisco activation state in Zea mays and
      Miscanthus * giganteus under steady-state red, green, blue and white light.
      Photosynthetic rates, quantum yield of CO(2)  assimilation, and maximum
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity were significantly lower under blue
      light than white, red and green light in both species. However, similar leakiness
      under all light treatments suggests the C(4)  and C(3)  cycles were coordinated
      to maintain the photosynthetic efficiency. Measurements of photosynthetic
      metabolite pools also suggest coordination of C(4)  and C(3)  cycles across light
      treatments. The energy limitation under blue light affected both C(4)  and C(3) 
      cycles, as we observed a reduction in C(4)  pumping of CO(2)  into bundle-sheath
      cells and a limitation in the conversion of C(3)  metabolite phosphoglycerate to
      triose phosphate. Overall, light quality affects rates of CO(2)  assimilation,
      but not the efficiency of CO(2)  concentrating mechanism.

PMID- 22082456
TI  - The hierarchical face: higher rankings lead to less cooperative looks.
AB  - In 3 studies, we tested the hypothesis that the higher ranked an individual's
      group is, the less cooperative the facial expression of that person is judged to
      be. Study 1 established this effect among business school deans, with observers
      rating individuals from higher ranked schools as appearing less cooperative,
      despite lacking prior knowledge of the latters' actual rankings. Study 2 then
      experimentally manipulated ranking, showing that the effect of rankings on facial
      expressions is driven by context rather than by individual differences per se.
      Finally, Study 3 demonstrated that the repercussions of this effect extend beyond
      the perception of cooperativeness to tangible behavioral outcomes in social
      interactions. Theoretical and practical implications of this phenomenon are
      discussed.

PMID- 22082457
TI  - Supervisors' upward exchange relationships and subordinate outcomes: testing the
      multilevel mediation role of empowerment.
AB  - This study empirically examined the proposition that supervisors' exchange
      relationships with their own supervisors (i.e., leader-leader exchange, or LLX)
      are related to their subordinates' work-related outcomes through 3 mechanisms:
      (a) leaders modeling their LLX to develop and maintain their exchange
      relationships with their subordinates (i.e., leader-member exchange, or LMX), (b)
      motivating the team and its members, captured by team and individual empowerment,
      and (c) facilitating the relationships between LMX and individual outcomes.
      Analyses of multisource and lagged data from 104 team supervisors and 577
      subordinates showed that LMX mediated the positive relationship of LLX on
      subordinates' individual empowerment. Furthermore, team empowerment and
      individual empowerment sequentially mediated the positive relationships between
      LLX and subordinates' job satisfaction and job performance. The authors also
      found that the indirect relationships of LMX with job satisfaction and job
      performance via individual empowerment were stronger when LLX was higher.
      Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 22082458
TI  - The impact of help seeking on individual task performance: the moderating effect
      of help seekers' logics of action.
AB  - Drawing from achievement-goal theory and the social psychological literature on
      help seeking, we propose that it is the variance in the logic underpinning
      employees' help seeking that explains divergent findings regarding the
      relationship between help seeking and task performance. Using a sample of 110
      newly hired customer contact employees, a prospective study design, and archival
      performance data, we found no evidence of a hypothesized main effect of help
      seeking on performance. However, we did find that the help seeking-performance
      relationship was conditioned by the degree to which help seekers endorse 2
      alternative help-seeking logics (autonomous vs. dependent logic) such that the
      level of help seeking is more strongly related to performance among those either
      more strongly endorsing an autonomous help-seeking logic or more weakly endorsing
      a dependent help-seeking logic.

PMID- 22082459
TI  - Treatment-related mortality in children with acute myeloid leukaemia in Central
      America: incidence, timing and predictors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cure rates in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia in low-income
      countries lag behind those in high-income countries, in part secondary to higher
      rates of treatment-related mortality. Patterns of treatment-related mortality are
      likely to differ between low and high-income centres. Understanding low-income
      setting patterns is necessary before effective interventions aimed at decreasing
      treatment-related mortality can be designed. Our aim was to describe the
      incidence, timing and predictors of treatment-related mortality among Central
      American children with acute myeloid leukaemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      evaluated patients younger than 21 years diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia
      from 2000 to 2008 in El Salvador, Honduras or Guatemala. Biologic, socioeconomic
      and nutritional variables collected prospectively were examined as potential
      predictors of treatment-related mortality. RESULTS: Among 279 patients, treatment
      related mortality occurred in 65 (23%). Of 65 deaths, 51 (78.5%) occurred before
      or during induction, resulting in an early death rate of 18.3%. The most common
      causes of treatment-related mortality were infection (29/65; 45%) and haemorrhage
      (13/65; 20%). Infection accounted for 33% of treatment-related mortality before
      remission induction therapy versus 40% during induction and 77% after induction
      (P = 0.03). Rates of treatment-related mortality did not vary between time
      periods 1 and 2 (24.8% versus 21.4%; P = 0.32). Only lower initial platelet count
      predicted early death (odds ratio per 10 * 10(9)/L = 0.88, 95% Confidence
      Interval (CI) 0.79-0.97; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment-related mortality
      remains a significant cause of treatment failure. Supportive care interventions
      are needed. Children presenting with low initial platelet counts were at highest
      risk of induction death, suggesting that transfusion practices should be
      evaluated.

PMID- 22082461
TI  - Changing age of acne vulgaris visits: another sign of earlier puberty?
AB  - The objective of the current study was to assess changes in the onset of pubertal
      maturation by determining whether acne is occurring at an earlier age. We
      assessed the age at which acne is occurring by assessing trends in the age of
      people seeking medical attention for acne. The National Ambulatory Medical Care
      Survey database was used to analyze physician visits for acne vulgaris in
      children aged 6 to 18 from 1979 to 2007. The data were used to assess trends in
      the mean age of children with acne and to compare these trends according to race
      and sex. Regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in the mean age of
      children seeking treatment for acne over this 28-year period (p < 0.001). There
      was no significant change in the mean age of black children seeking treatment for
      acne. Black girls had the lowest mean age whereas white boys had the highest mean
      age. There has been a decrease in the average age of children seeking treatment
      for acne that may be indicative of earlier acne onset. This finding provides
      supporting evidence of the increasingly earlier onset of puberty in girls.

PMID- 22082462
TI  - A retrospective study of the management of pediatric kerion in Trichophyton
      tonsurans infection.
AB  - Kerion celsi is the inflammatory extreme of tinea capitis, representing a delayed
      hypersensitivity reaction to the causative dermatophyte. Some authors have
      advocated the use of oral corticosteroids in patients with kerion formation to
      inhibit the host inflammatory response and minimize the risk of scarring. This
      retrospective study analyzed the management and outcome of all children younger
      than 10 years old presenting to our pediatric dermatology service with tinea
      capitis resulting in kerion formation between 2003 and 2009. We propose that
      kerion treatment be directed toward the underlying dermatophyte. Oral and
      intralesional corticosteroids are an unnecessary adjunct to oral antifungal
      therapy for children with tinea capitis presenting with kerion in urban areas.

PMID- 22082460
TI  - Functional connectivity during language processing in acute cocaine withdrawal: a
      pilot study.
AB  - Recent research revealed decreased access to semantic and associative networks in
      acute cocaine withdrawal. In autism, such behavioral outcomes are associated with
      decreased functional connectivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging.
      Therefore, we wished to determine whether connectivity is also decreased in acute
      cocaine withdrawal. Eight subjects in acute cocaine withdrawal were compared to
      controls for connectivity in language areas while performing a task involving
      categorization of words according to semantic and phonological relatedness. Acute
      withdrawal subjects had significantly less overall connectivity during semantic
      relatedness, and a trend towards less connectivity during phonological
      relatedness. Of potential future interest is whether this might serve as an
      imaging marker for treatment in patients.

PMID- 22082463
TI  - Recurrence of infantile hemangiomas treated with propranolol.
AB  - Propranolol has shown to be effective in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas
      (IH), but several cases of recurrences have been reported so far. We describe
      five cases of IH recurrence after propranolol treatment was stopped in 26
      patients treated with propranolol all of whom were observed for at least 9 months
      after treatment was discontinued. Recurrence was present in 5 of 26 cases,
      yielding a recurrence rate of 19%. All cases were in females. Time from
      withdrawal to recurrence ranged from 0 to 6 months. In four of five cases, the
      lesion relapsed after the age of 11 months. Four of the five cases presented
      partial recurrences, whereas in one case, recurrence was complete. In the
      majority of cases, recurrence appeared in the deep component of the IH. Early
      treatment withdrawal or a long proliferative phase of IH are potential causes of
      hemangioma recurrence, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. The vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor might be involved, as well as incomplete
      apoptosis during treatment.

PMID- 22082464
TI  - Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia
      in a child following Loxosceles reclusa envenomation.
AB  - Previously reported cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis secondary
      to brown recluse spider bite have been questioned due to lack of identification
      of the spider or because of the concomitant administration of antibiotics. We
      report a 9-year-old boy who arrived at the emergency department with a confirmed
      Loxosceles reclusa bite to the neck. On the third day of hospitalization, he
      developed hundreds of monomorphous, sterile pustules, initially in intertriginous
      areas. The eruption disseminated and was followed by pinpoint desquamation
      typical for acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. During this he also
      developed late onset Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia and systemic loxoscelism.
      Sphingomyelinase in Loxosceles venom induces the production of interleukin-8 and
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, cytokines involved in the
      pathogenesis of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, providing a mechanism
      by which Loxosceles reclusa bite may trigger acute generalized exanthematous
      pustulosis. We suggest that this case adds Loxosceles envenomation to the
      spectrum of agents that can trigger acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.

PMID- 22082465
TI  - Novel SLC39A4 mutation in acrodermatitis enteropathica.
AB  - Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder
      characterized by dermatitis, alopecia, diarrhea, and retardation of growth and
      development. AE maps to 8q24.3 and is associated with mutations in the intestinal
      zinc transporter ZIP4 encoded by the gene SLC39A4. We describe a novel homozygous
      mutation, 1191insC, in SLC39A4 in a patient from Sierra Leone and suggest that AE
      should be considered within the differential diagnosis for acrodermatitis in
      children from Sierra Leone. Genetic testing for this founder mutation can be
      easily performed for this treatable disorder.

PMID- 22082466
TI  - A challenging case: Symmetrical drug related intertriginous and flexural
      exanthem, fixed drug eruption, or both?
AB  - We herein report a 12-year-old boy with amoxicillin-induced, recurrent, site
      specific, symmetrical, sharply demarcated reddish plaques on the buttocks and the
      major flexural and intertriginous areas. The lesions resolved with topical
      corticosteroids, leaving hyperpigmentation. Histopathology showed nonspecific
      features of inflammation and dermal melanophages. Amoxicillin was the probable
      inducer based on oral provocation test with Amoksina((r))  tablet, however patch
      testing with amoxicillin on previously affected and unaffected skin remained
      negative. The diagnosis was challenging because of the overlapping features of
      symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema and fixed drug
      eruption. This one represents a unique and challenging one with overlapping
      clinical features of symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural
      exanthem (SDRIFE) and fixed drug eruption (FDE). We discuss the possible
      immunopathogenetic mechanisms leading to the simultaneous occurrence of different
      phenotypes of drug eruption in the same patient.

PMID- 22082467
TI  - Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica: a further case without extracutaneous anomalies
      and review of the condition.
AB  - Epidermal nevus syndrome is the term for the association of an epidermal nevus
      and extracutaneous anomalies, including neurologic, ophthalmic, and skeletal
      defects. Epidermal nevus syndromes include different disorders that share the
      feature of mosaicism. Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica (PPK) is a distinctive new
      epidermal nevus syndrome first described in 1996 characterized by the presence of
      multiple organoid nevi with sebaceous differentiation, a speckled lentiginous
      nevus, and skeletal and neurologic abnormalities. Only a handful of cases of PPK
      without extracutaneous manifestations have been reported. We report here an
      individual with PPK with only cutaneous signs and confirm this distinctive
      syndrome has two subtypes according to the presence or absence of extracutaneous
      involvement.

PMID- 22082468
TI  - Asymptomatic purpuric lesions in segmental arrangement in a 10-year-old boy.

PMID- 22082469
TI  - Generalized eruptive white papules in a 9-year-old boy.

PMID- 22082470
TI  - Petechial-like lesions, eye abnormalities, and albuminuria in a young boy.

PMID- 22082471
TI  - Atypical diaper dermatitis: contact allergy to mercapto compounds.
AB  - We present a case of allergic contact dermatitis in an 18-month-old boy caused by
      type-IV allergy to mercapto mix and mercaptobenzothiazole as components of the
      elastic border of diapers. Allergic contact dermatitis should be included in the
      differential diagnosis of diaper dermatitis, especially in difficult-to-treat
      cases or atypical clinical presentation.

PMID- 22082472
TI  - Speckled lentiginous nevus syndrome: central nervous system abnormalities as a
      critical diagnostic feature.

PMID- 22082473
TI  - Marie-Unna hereditary hypotrichosis or autosomal recessive hereditary
      hypotrichosis with woolly hair: the diagnostic dilemma of labeling cases with
      hypotrichosis.

PMID- 22082475
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging in episodic cluster headache.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cluster headache (CH) is a rare headache disorder with severe
      unilateral headache bouts and autonomic symptoms. The pathophysiology of CH is
      not completely understood. Using a voxel-based morphometric paradigm or
      functional imaging, a key role of the hypothalamus and the pain matrix could be
      demonstrated during CH episodes. However, there are no diffusion tensor imaging
      (DTI) data investigating the white matter microstructure of the brain in patients
      with CH. Therefore, we used DTI to delineate microstructural changes in patients
      with CH in a headache-free state. METHODS: Seven male patients with episodic CH
      and 7 healthy subjects were included and examined with a routine 1.5 T magnetic
      resonance imaging scanner. Whole-head DTI scans measuring fractional anisotropy
      were analyzed without a priori hypotheses using track-based spatial statistics.
      RESULTS: We found significant microstructural brain tissue changes bilaterally in
      the white matter of the brainstem, the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe, the
      occipital lobe, the internal capsule, and on the right side of thalamus and
      cerebellum. There were further lesions in the basal frontal lobe that were part
      of the olfactory system. Alterations of fractional anisotropy in the brainstem
      might indicate changes of the medial lemniscus and central sympathetic pathways.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with episodic CH have microstructural brain changes in
      regions that belong to the pain matrix. Furthermore, we were able to detect
      structural changes suggesting an involvement of the olfactory system as well as
      lesions in the brainstem indicating an involvement of trigeminal and sympathetic
      systems.

PMID- 22082476
TI  - Solulin reduces infarct volume and regulates gene-expression in transient middle
      cerebral artery occlusion in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombolysis after acute ischemic stroke has only proven to be
      beneficial in a subset of patients. The soluble recombinant analogue of human
      thrombomodulin, Solulin, was studied in an in vivo rat model of acute ischemic
      stroke. METHODS: Male SD rats were subjected to 2 hrs of transient middle
      cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Rats treated with Solulin intravenously
      shortly before reperfusion were compared to rats receiving normal saline i.v.
      with respect to infarct volumes, neurological deficits and mortality. Gene
      expression of IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, MMP-9, CD11B and GFAP were
      semiquantitatively analyzed by rtPCR of the penumbra. RESULTS: 24 hrs after
      reperfusion, rats were neurologically tested, euthanized and infarct volumes
      determined. Solulin significantly reduced mean total (p=0.001), cortical
      (p=0.002), and basal ganglia (p=0.036) infarct volumes. Hippocampal infarct
      volumes (p=0.191) were not significantly affected. Solulin significantly
      downregulated the expression of IL-1beta (79%; p<0.001), TNF-alpha (59%;
      p=0.001), IL-6 (47%; p=0.04), and CD11B (49%; p=0.001) in the infarcted cortex
      compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Solulin reduced mean total, cortical and basal
      ganglia infarct volumes and regulated a subset of cytokines and proteases after
      tMCAO suggesting the potency of this compound for therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22082477
TI  - The TWEAK-Fn14 system: breaking the silence of cytokine-induced skeletal muscle
      wasting.
AB  - The occurrence of skeletal muscle atrophy, a devastating complication of a large
      number of disease states and inactivity/disuse conditions, provides a never
      ending quest to identify novel targets for its therapy. Proinflammatory cytokines
      are considered the mediators of muscle wasting in chronic diseases; however,
      their role in disuse atrophy has just begun to be elucidated. An inflammatory
      cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK),
      has recently been identified as a potent inducer of skeletal muscle wasting.
      TWEAK activates various proteolytic pathways and stimulates the degradation of
      myofibril protein both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, TWEAK mediates the loss of
      skeletal muscle mass and function in response to denervation, a model of disuse
      atrophy. Adult skeletal muscle express very low to minimal levels of TWEAK
      receptor, Fn14. Specific catabolic conditions such as denervation,
      immobilization, or unloading rapidly increase the expression of Fn14 in skeletal
      muscle which in turn stimulates the TWEAK activation of various catabolic
      pathways leading to muscle atrophy. In this article, we have discussed the
      emerging roles and the mechanisms of action of TWEAK-Fn14 system in skeletal
      muscle with particular reference to different models of muscle atrophy and injury
      and its potential to be used as a therapeutic target for prevention of muscle
      loss.

PMID- 22082478
TI  - Trends in wound repair: cellular and molecular basis of regenerative therapy
      using electromagnetic fields.
AB  - Chronic ulceration of the leg represents a major, underestimated problem of
      modern health care, involving physical and cosmetic impairment and social stigma
      along with high community costs for patients' treatment. The increasing
      prevalence of chronic ulcers, currently reported to be as much as 0.3% in the
      general population, should stimulate identification of more efficacious
      therapeutic approaches to achieve complete healing. The strategies of
      regenerative medicine based on small molecules, biomimetic scaffolds, gene or
      cell therapy, and electromagnetic field manipulation represent some of the modern
      therapeutic alternatives for wound healing. Here we review in an integrated,
      interdisciplinary approach the modern cellular and molecular mechanistic concepts
      regarding the involvement of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF
      EMF) in the complex process of tissue repair, with particular focus on chronic
      wounds. The data analysis supports three main effects of electromagnetic fields
      on the wound healing pathways: 1) an antiinflammatory effect, by modulation of
      cytokine profile that induces the transition of the healing process from a
      chronic pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state; 2) a neo-angiogenic
      effect, by increased endothelial cells proliferation and tubulization and
      production of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2; and 3) a reepithelialization
      effect, by stimulation of collagen formation. We believe that utilization of ELF
      EMF in larger clinical trials designed to optimize these functional parameters
      would facilitate a better understanding of ELFEMF- induced healing mechanisms and
      lead to improved therapeutic outcomes for this disabling condition which is often
      totally resistant to treatment.

PMID- 22082479
TI  - miR221/222 in cancer: their role in tumor progression and response to therapy.
AB  - miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs of ~24 nt that can block mRNA translation and/or
      negatively regulate its stability. There is a large body of evidence that
      dysregulation of miRNAs is a hallmark of cancer. miRNAs are often aberrantly
      expressed and their function is linked to the regulation of oncogenes and/or
      tumor suppressor genes involved in cell signaling pathway. miR-221 and miR-222
      are two highly homologous microRNAs, whose upregulation has been recently
      described in several types of human tumors. miR-221/222 have been considered to
      act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on tumor system. Silencing
      oncomiRs or gene therapy approaches, based on re-expression of miRNAs that are
      down-regulated in cancer cells, could represent a novel anti-tumor approach for
      integrated cancer therapy. Here we will review the role of miR-221/222 in cancer
      progression and their use as prognostic and therapeutic tools in cancer.

PMID- 22082481
TI  - Nitric oxide and cancer: the emerging role of S-nitrosylation.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived, endogenously produced gas that is highly
      diffusible across cell membranes and acts as a signaling molecule in the body.
      The redox state and chemistry of NO facilitate its interaction with various
      proteins thus regulating various intracellular and intercellular events. One of
      the key mechanisms by which NO regulates the function of various target proteins
      is through the coupling of a nitroso moiety from NO-derived metabolites to a
      reactive cysteine leading to the formation of a S-nitrosothiol (SNO), a process
      commonly known as S-nitrosylation. S-nitrosylation signaling events within the
      cell have led to the discovery of many other physiological functions of NO in
      many other types of cells including cancer cells. Only recently are the diverse
      roles of S-nitrosylation in cancer beginning to be understood. In the present
      review we discuss the recent evidence for the diverse roles of NO/SNO-related
      mechanisms in cancer biology and therapy, including the participation of NO in
      the pathogenesis of cancer, its duality in protecting against or inducing cancer
      cell death and the contribution of NO to metastatic processes. In addition, NO
      can be therapeutically used in the reversal of tumor cell resistance to cytotoxic
      drugs and as a sensitizing agent to chemo- and radiotherapy. Finally, recent
      studies providing evidence for NO-related mechanisms of epigenetic gene
      expression regulation will also be discussed. Undoubtedly, new exciting results
      will contribute to this rapidly expanding area of cancer research.

PMID- 22082482
TI  - The emerging role of endocrine disruptors in pathogenesis of insulin resistance:
      a concept implicating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Endocrine disruptors or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a highly
      heterogeneous group of molecules found in the environment or in consumer
      products. Toxicology and epidemiology studies have suggested the involvement of
      diverse EDCs in an increasing number of metabolic disorders, including insulin
      resistance (IR) and IR-related co morbidities, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) and polycystic ovary syndrome. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD), another IR related condition, is emerging as a significant public health
      concern, affecting 30-45% of the general population in the Western world. To
      evaluate whether EDCs may also play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, we
      reviewed the literature on well-studied EDCs, such as dioxins, bisphenol A,
      phthalates and other persistent organic pollutants, in relation to pathways that
      might contribute to the pathogenesis of fatty liver / NAFDL. Certain EDCs may be
      responsible for inducing alterations similar to those encountered in NAFLD either
      directly through a hepatotoxic effect and/or indirectly by triggering hepatic and
      systematic IR. Considering these effects, which act in concert with the effects
      of the epidemics of obesity and T2DM, EDCs may play a significant role in the
      pathogenesis of fatty liver, thereby increasing the prevalence of NAFLD
      worldwide. Translational studies and clinical trials investigating the
      association between EDCs and NAFLD are required to confirm and extent these
      studies.

PMID- 22082480
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cells: transcriptional regulation, ex vivo expansion and
      clinical application.
AB  - Maintenance of ex vivo hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) pool and its differentiated
      progeny is regulated by complex network of transcriptional factors, cell cycle
      proteins, extracellular matrix, and their microenvironment through an
      orchestrated fashion. Strides have been made to understand the mechanisms
      regulating in vivo quiescence and proliferation of HSCs to develop strategies for
      ex vivo expansion. Ex vivo expansion of HSCs is important to procure sufficient
      number of stem cells and as easily available source for HSC transplants for
      patients suffering from hematological disorders and malignancies. Our lab has
      established a nanofiber-based ex vivo expansion strategy for HSCs, while
      preserving their stem cell characteristics. Ex vivo expanded cells were also
      found biologically functional in various disease models. However, the therapeutic
      potential of expanded stem cells at clinical level still needs to be verified.
      This review outlines transcriptional factors that regulate development of HSCs
      and their commitment, genes that regulate cell cycle status, studies that attempt
      to develop an effective and efficient protocol for ex vivo expansion of HSCs and
      application of HSC in various non-malignant and malignant disorders. Overall the
      goal of the current review is to deliver an understanding of factors that are
      critical in resolving the challenges that limit the expansion of HSCs in vivo and
      ex vivo.

PMID- 22082483
TI  - HCV infection by cell-to-cell transmission: choice or necessity?
AB  - In vitro models of HCV infection have allowed for the clarifying of molecules and
      mechanisms involved in the main steps of virus cell-entry. HCV entry and
      neutralization appear to be closely related. Neutralizing antibodies inhibit the
      E2-CD81 binding, therefore CD81 is considered to be a major target of immune
      response. The tight-junction proteins are also implicated in E2-binding to CD81
      and successive steps of virus entry, in cooperation with several co-receptors,
      whose involvement has still to be elucidated. Increasing evidence has emphasized
      the importance of cell-to-cell HCV-transmission in chronic infection. This route
      for infection could favour virus-escape from host-neutralization though its CD81
      dependency is still debated. The main reasons which have delayed our
      understanding of HCV-infection are here critically reviewed, as are the
      challenges faced by investigators in the field. A deeper insight into the
      different pathways involved could help to elucidate some crucial features of HCV
      infection mechanisms and disclose important implications in its pathogenesis,
      which could help in suggesting new targets for successful immune
      prophylactic/therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22082484
TI  - Involvement of IL-1R/TLR signalling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      and multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease characterised by chronic inflammation,
      demyelination and axonal pathology resulting in progressive neurological
      disabilities. Multiple sclerosis is generally considered to be an autoimmune
      disease, even though the primary cause of the underlying autoimmune response is
      unknown. Epidemiological evidence suggests that both genetic and environmental
      factors play a key role in susceptibility to multiple sclerosis; however, the
      relative contributions of these factors in triggering the onset of the disease
      remain unclear. Several studies indicate that receptors belonging to the
      Interleukin-1 and Toll-like receptor families are crucially involved in the
      mechanisms underlying the development of experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis, an animal model that mimics multiple sclerosis. Moreover,
      recent evidence highlights the importance of downstream signalling proteins in
      the Interleukin-1 and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways, namely, myeloid
      differentiation primary response protein 88 and Interleukin-1-receptor-associated
      kinase. This review summarises the current knowledge concerning the involvement
      of Interleukin-1/Toll-like receptor signalling in the development of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. A deeper understanding of
      the role of these important pathways in the pathogenesis of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis may eventually yield clinical benefits in the
      treatment of central nervous system-based inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 22082485
TI  - DNA repair mechanisms in colorectal carcinogenesis.
AB  - Colon cancer is among the most common cancers and the third cause of cancer
      deaths worldwide. If detected at an early stage, treatment might often lead to
      cure. The present review adduces the so far studied alterations in the expression
      of genes, as well as polymorphisms of genes engaged in DNA repair systems, with
      particular emphasis on indirect ones that are correlated with colorectal cancer.
      Such aberrations could be linked to an increased risk for the development of
      colorectal cancer and might serve as potential targets in the areas of prevention
      and therapy.

PMID- 22082487
TI  - Tomato plants overexpressing cryptochrome 2 reveal altered expression of energy
      and stress-related gene products in response to diurnal cues.
AB  - In order to sense and respond to the fluctuating light conditions, higher plants
      possess several families of photoreceptors, such as phytochromes (PHYs),
      cryptochromes (CRYs) and phototropins. CRYs are responsible for
      photomorphogenesis and play a role in circadian, developmental and adaptive
      growth regulation of plants. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), CRY2 controls
      vegetative development, flowering time, fruit antioxidant content as well as the
      diurnal transcription of several other photoreceptor genes. We applied large
      scale molecular approaches to identify altered transcripts and proteins in tomato
      wild-type (WT) versus a CRY2 overexpressing transgenic genotype, under a diurnal
      rhythm. Our results showed that tomato CRY2 profoundly affects both gene and
      protein expression in response to daily light cycle. Particularly altered
      molecular pathways are related to biotic/abiotic stress, photosynthesis,
      including components of the light and dark reactions and of starch and sucrose
      biosynthesis, as well as to secondary metabolism, such as phenylpropanoid,
      phenolic and flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. One of the most
      interesting results is the coordinated up-regulation, in the transgenic genotype,
      of a consistent number of transcripts and proteins involved in photorespiration
      and photosynthesis. It is conceivable that light modulates the energetic
      metabolism of tomato through a fine CRY2-mediated transcriptional control.

PMID- 22082488
TI  - Dissociation, trauma, and the role of lived experience: toward a new
      conceptualization of voice hearing.
AB  - Voice hearing (VH) is often regarded as pathognomic for schizophrenia. The
      purpose of this article is to review and integrate historical, clinical,
      epidemiological, and phenomenological evidence in order to suggest that VH may be
      more appropriately understood as a dissociative rather than a psychotic
      phenomenon. First, we discuss the lifetime prevalence of VH in the general
      population, which is estimated to range between 1% and 16% for adult nonclinical
      populations and 2% and 41% in healthy adolescent samples. Second, we demonstrate
      how the ubiquity of VH phenomenology, including variables like voice location,
      content, and frequency, limits its diagnostic and prognostic utility for
      differentiating psychotic from trauma-spectrum and nonclinical populations.
      Finally, we report on the empirical associations between VH, measures of
      dissociation, and trauma particularly (though not exclusively) childhood sexual
      abuse. There are 2 main conclusions from this review. First, we argue that
      available evidence suggests that VH experiences, including those in the context
      of psychotic disorders, can be most appropriately understood as dissociated or
      disowned components of the self (or self-other relationships) that result from
      trauma, loss, or other interpersonal stressors. Second, we provide a rationale
      for clinicians to use psychotherapeutic methods for integrating life events as
      precipitating and/or maintaining factors for distressing voices. Potential
      mechanisms for the relationship between trauma, dissociation, VH, and clinical
      diagnosis are described, including the relevance of literature from the field of
      attachment in providing a diathesis for dissociation. Suggestions for future
      research are also discussed.

PMID- 22082489
TI  - Elevation of serum high molecular weight adiponectin in patients with Type 2
      diabetes and orthostatic hypotension: association with arterial stiffness and
      hypercoagulability.
AB  - AIM: Orthostatic hypotension is a hallmark of diabetic autonomic neuropathy and
      is associated with increased mortality. The serum level of adiponectin is
      elevated in patients with heart failure or renal failure. In the present study,
      we measured serum levels of total and high molecular weight adiponectin in
      patients with Type 2 diabetes and orthostatic hypotension. We also investigated
      the relationship between the presence of orthostatic hypotension and various
      clinical variables in patients with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We studied 105
      patients with Type 2 diabetes. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decrease
      of 20 mmHg or more in systolic blood pressure and/or 10 mmHg in diastolic blood
      pressure when blood pressure was measured for 3 min while standing. The brachial
      ankle pulse-wave velocity was also measured as an index of arterial stiffness.
      RESULTS: Orthostatic hypotension was found in 30 patients with diabetes (28.6%).
      The haematocrit and estimated glomerular filtration rate were significantly lower
      in patients with orthostatic hypotension than in those without it. Brachial-ankle
      pulse-wave velocity and serum total and high molecular weight adiponectin were
      significantly higher in patients with orthostatic hypotension than in those
      without. Furthermore, the high molecular weight/total adiponectin ratio was
      higher in patients with orthostatic hypotension than in those without and
      hypertension was more common in patients with orthostatic hypotension. Plasma
      prothrombin F1 + 2, a coagulation maker, was higher in patients with orthostatic
      hypotension than in those without, while there were no differences of
      fibrinolytic markers between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that
      HDL cholesterol, haematocrit, F1 + 2, brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity and a
      decline of systolic blood pressure on standing were independent determinants of
      high molecular weight adiponectin. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Type 2 diabetes and
      orthostatic hypotension had an elevated serum level of high molecular weight
      adiponectin, which was associated with the simultaneous presence of renal
      dysfunction, anaemia, arterial stiffness and hypercoagulability.

PMID- 22082486
TI  - Basal breast cancer: a complex and deadly molecular subtype.
AB  - During the last decade, gene expression profiling of breast cancer has revealed
      the existence of five molecular subtypes and allowed the establishment of a new
      classification. The basal subtype, which represents 15-25% of cases, is
      characterized by an expression profile similar to that of myoepithelial normal
      mammary cells. Basal tumors are frequently assimilated to triple-negative (TN)
      breast cancers. They display epidemiological and clinico-pathological features
      distinct from other subtypes. Their pattern of relapse is characterized by
      frequent and early relapses and visceral locations. Despite a relative
      sensitivity to chemotherapy, the prognosis is poor. Recent characterization of
      their molecular features, such as the dysfunction of the BRCA1 pathway or the
      frequent expression of EGFR, provides opportunities for optimizing the systemic
      treatment. Several clinical trials dedicated to basal or TN tumors are testing
      cytotoxic agents and/or molecularly targeted therapies. This review summarizes
      the current state of knowledge of this aggressive and hard-to-treat subtype of
      breast cancer.

PMID- 22082490
TI  - Simvastatin protects auditory hair cells from gentamicin-induced toxicity and
      activates Akt signaling in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, known
      as statins, are commonly used as cholesterol-lowering drugs. During the past
      decade, evidence has emerged that statins also have neuroprotective effects.
      Research in the retina has shown that simvastatin, a commonly used statin,
      increases Akt phosphorylation in vivo, indicating that the PI3K/Akt pathway
      contributes to the protective effects achieved. While research about
      neuroprotective effects have been conducted in several systems, the effects of
      statins on the inner ear are largely unknown. RESULTS: We evaluated whether the 3
      hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is present within the rat cochlea
      and whether simvastatin is able to protect auditory hair cells from gentamicin
      induced apoptotic cell death in a in vitro mouse model. Furthermore, we evaluated
      whether simvastatin increases Akt phosphorylation in the organ of Corti. We
      detected 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase mRNA in organ of Corti,
      spiral ganglion, and stria vascularis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover, we observed a dose-dependent and significant
      reduction of hair cell loss in organs of Corti treated with simvastatin in
      addition to gentamicin, as compared to samples treated with gentamicin alone. The
      protective effect of simvastatin was reversed by addition of mevalonate, a
      downstream metabolite blocked by simvastatin, demonstrating the specificity of
      protection. Finally, Western blotting showed an increase in organ of Corti Akt
      phosphorylation after simvastatin treatment in vitro. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest a neuroprotective effect of statins in the inner ear, mediated by reduced
      3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase metabolism and Akt activation.

PMID- 22082492
TI  - Host quality and spatial patterning in infections of the Eastern mudsnail
      (Ilyanassa obsoleta) by two trematodes (Himasthla quissetensis and Zoogonus
      rubellus).
AB  - Several studies have suggested that the fitness of a parasite can be directly
      impacted by the quality of its host. In such cases, selective pressures could act
      to funnel parasites towards the highest-quality hosts in a population. The
      results of this study demonstrate that snail host quality is strongly correlated
      with spatial patterning in trematode infections and that habitat type is the
      underlying driver for both of these variables. Two trematodes (Himasthla
      quissetensis and Zoogonus rubellus) with very different life cycles assume the
      same spatial infection pattern in populations of the first intermediate host
      (Ilyanassa obsoleta) in coastal marsh habitats. Infected snails are
      disproportionately recovered from intertidal panne habitats, which offer more
      hospitable environs for snails than do adjacent habitats (intertidal creeks,
      coastal flats, and subtidal creeks), in terms of protection from turbulence and
      wave action, as well as the availability of food stuffs. Snails in intertidal
      panne habitats are of higher quality when assessed in terms of average size
      specific mass, growth rate, and fecundity. In mark-recapture experiments, snails
      frequently dispersed into intertidal pannes but were never observed leaving them.
      In addition, field experiments demonstrate that snails confined to intertidal
      panne habitats are disproportionately infected by both trematode species,
      relative to conspecifics confined to adjacent habitats. Laboratory experiments
      show that infected snails suffer significant energetic losses and consume more
      than uninfected conspecifics, suggesting that infected snails in intertidal
      pannes may survive better than in adjacent habitats. We speculate that 1 possible
      mechanism for the observed patterns is that the life cycles of both trematode
      species allows them to contact the highest-quality snails in this marsh
      ecosystem.

PMID- 22082491
TI  - Fetal cells traffic to injured maternal myocardium and undergo cardiac
      differentiation.
AB  - RATIONALE: Fetal cells enter the maternal circulation during pregnancy and may
      persist in maternal tissue for decades as microchimeras. OBJECTIVE: Based on
      clinical observations of peripartum cardiomyopathy patients and the high rate of
      recovery they experience from heart failure, our objective was to determine
      whether fetal cells can migrate to the maternal heart and differentiate to
      cardiac cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report that fetal cells selectively home
      to injured maternal hearts and undergo differentiation into diverse cardiac
      lineages. Using enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-tagged fetuses, we
      demonstrate engraftment of multipotent fetal cells in injury zones of maternal
      hearts. In vivo, eGFP+ fetal cells form endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells,
      and cardiomyocytes. In vitro, fetal cells isolated from maternal hearts
      recapitulate these differentiation pathways, additionally forming vascular tubes
      and beating cardiomyocytes in a fusion-independent manner; ~40% of fetal cells in
      the maternal heart express Caudal-related homeobox2 (Cdx2), previously associated
      with trophoblast stem cells, thought to solely form placenta. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal
      maternal stem cell transfer appears to be a critical mechanism in the maternal
      response to cardiac injury. Furthermore, we have identified Cdx2 cells as a novel
      cell type for potential use in cardiovascular regenerative therapy.

PMID- 22082493
TI  - Themes elicited during motivational interviewing to improve glycaemic control in
      adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIMS: To elicit the barriers and motivators to better diabetes self care in
      patients with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We obtained a purposive sample of 47
      patients with Type 1 diabetes and persistent suboptimal glycaemic control from a
      randomized controlled trial of nurse-delivered psychological interventions. Each
      participant's second session of motivational interviewing was analysed using
      content analysis. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: emotions of living with
      Type 1 diabetes, perceived barriers to diabetes management, motivators for change
      and methods of coping. Increased assistance and support from family and
      healthcare teams, the prospect of improved emotional and physical well-being and
      feelings of success were described as factors that might motivate participants to
      practice more effective self care. CONCLUSIONS: An enhanced awareness of the
      range of psychological concepts in diabetes may enable a better therapeutic
      relationship between clinicians and patients.

PMID- 22082495
TI  - A wearable robotic knee orthosis for gait training: a case-series of hemiparetic
      stroke survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Until recently, robotic devices for stroke rehabilitation had
      multi-joint designs that were often tethered to a treadmill for gait training. A
      new single-joint wearable robotic knee orthosis (RKO) has been designed that
      provides patient-initiated powered-assistance in untethered functional mobility.
      This case-series documents application of the wearable RKO in untethered
      functional training with stroke survivors. TECHNIQUE: Three ambulatory adult
      stroke survivors used a wearable RKO during 18 one-hour sessions within a six
      week physical therapy programme. Subjects were assessed with a variety of
      balance, gait and functional tests including the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); six
      minute walk test (6MWT); and Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (EFAP) at pre
      treatment, post-treatment, one-month and three-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: All
      subjects improved balance, gait and functional performances with mean individual
      improvements of 12.6% for BBS, 12.0% for 6MWT and 16.7% for EFAP post-treatment.
      No adverse events occurred. These three stroke survivors may have benefited from
      the task-specific functional training programme augmented by RKO use.

PMID- 22082494
TI  - Inhibin removes the inhibitory effects of activin on steroid enzyme expression
      and androgen production by normal ovarian thecal cells.
AB  - Activin and inhibin are important local modulators of theca cell steroidogenesis
      in the ovary. Using a serum-free primary theca cell culture system, this study
      investigated the effects of inhibin on theca cell androgen production and
      expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Androstenedione secretion from theca cells
      cultured in media containing activin, inhibin and follistatin was assessed by RIA
      over 144 h. Activin (1-100 ng/ml) suppressed androstenedione production. Inhibin
      (1-100 ng/ml) blocked the suppressive effects of added activin, but increased
      androstenedione production when added alone, suggesting it was blocking
      endogenous activin produced by theca cells. Addition of SB-431542 (activin
      receptor inhibitor) and follistatin (500 ng/ml) increased androstenedione
      production, supporting this concept. Infection of theca cells with adenoviruses
      expressing inhibitory Smad6 or 7 increased androstenedione secretion, confirming
      that the suppressive effects of activin required activation of the Smad2/3
      pathway. Activin decreased the expression levels of steroidogenic acute
      regulatory protein (STAR), whereas STAR expression was increased by inhibin and
      SB-431542, alone and in combination. CYP11A was unaffected. The expression of
      CYP17 encoding 17alpha-hydroxylase was unaffected by activin but increased by
      inhibin and SB-431542, and when added in combination the effect was further
      enhanced. The expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) was
      significantly decreased by activin, while inhibin alone and in combination with
      SB-431542 both potently increased the expression of 3beta-HSD. In conclusion,
      activin suppressed theca cell androstenedione production by decreasing the
      expression of STAR and 3beta-HSD. Inhibin and other blockers of activin action
      reversed this effect, supporting the concept that endogenous thecal activin
      modulates androgen production in theca cells.

PMID- 22082496
TI  - Non-universal equilibrium crystal shape results from sticky steps.
AB  - The anisotropic surface free energy, Andreev surface free energy and equilibrium
      crystal shape (ECS) z = z(x,y) are calculated numerically using a transfer matrix
      approach with the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method. The adopted
      surface model is a restricted solid-on-solid (RSOS) model with 'sticky' steps,
      i.e. steps with a point-contact-type attraction between them (p-RSOS model). By
      analyzing the results, we obtain a first-order shape transition on the ECS
      profile around the (111) facet; and on the curved surface near the (001) facet
      edge, we obtain shape exponents having values different from those of the
      universal Gruber-Mullins-Pokrovsky-Talapov (GMPT) class. In order to elucidate
      the origin of the non-universal shape exponents, we calculate the slope
      dependence of the mean step height of 'step droplets' (bound states of steps)
      (n(p)) using the Monte Carlo method, where p = (?z/?x,?z/?y) and (.) represents
      the thermal average. Using the result of the |p| dependence of (n(p)), we derive
      a |p|-expanded expression for the non-universal surface free energy f(eff)(p),
      which contains quadratic terms with respect to |p|. The first-order shape
      transition and the non-universal shape exponents obtained by the DMRG
      calculations are reproduced thermodynamically from the non-universal surface free
      energy f(eff)(p).

PMID- 22082497
TI  - The 2011-2012 flu season is upon us.

PMID- 22082498
TI  - Survival of bacterial pathogens on paper and bacterial retrieval from paper to
      hands: preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paper is omnipresent on hospital units, but few studies have examined
      the possible role of paper in the spread of nosocomial pathogens. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine by laboratory investigation how long bacterial pathogens can survive on
      office paper and whether bacteria can be transferred from hands to paper and back
      to hands in a "worst-case scenario." METHODS: Samples of four bacterial pathogens
      (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
      Enterococcus hirae) were prepared according to standard laboratory procedures.
      Sterile swatches of office paper were inoculated with the pathogens and bacterial
      survival was tested over seven days. To test the transmission of bacteria from
      one person's hands to paper and back to another person's hands, the fingertips of
      volunteers were inoculated with a nonpathogenic strain of E. coli; these
      volunteers then pressed the inoculum onto sterile paper swatches. Another group
      of volunteers whose hands had been moistened pressed their fingertips onto the
      contaminated paper swatches. Bacteria transferred to the moistened fingertips
      were cultivated according to standard laboratory procedures. RESULTS: The four
      tested organisms showed differences in length of survival depending on
      environmental room conditions, but were stable on paper for up to 72 hours and
      still cultivable after seven days. Test organisms were transferred to paper,
      survived on it, and were retransferred back to hands. CONCLUSION: Paper can serve
      as a vehicle for cross-contamination of bacterial pathogens in medical settings
      if current recommendations on hand hygiene aren't meticulously followed.

PMID- 22082499
TI  - Sarcopenic obesity: strategies for management.
AB  - OVERVIEW: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass. Sarcopenic obesity,
      which describes the process of muscle loss combined with increased body fat as
      people age, is associated with loss of strength and function, reduced quality of
      life, and early death. This article describes the clinical significance of
      sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, their pathophysiology, and management
      strategies for healthy older adults. Both diet and exercise are essential for
      preventing and reversing loss of muscle and gains in fat. Dietary approaches
      include protein supplementation and a high protein diet. Exercise strategies
      promote resistance training in order to maintain muscle mass and maximize energy
      expenditure. Nurses should be knowledgeable about this condition and its
      management and routinely educate older patients on the benefits of resistance
      training and dietary protein to prevent or reverse sarcopenia and sarcopenic
      obesity.

PMID- 22082500
TI  - Management of distressing procedures in children and young people: time to adhere
      to the guidelines.

PMID- 22082501
TI  - Competent for confidence at 12 years of age?

PMID- 22082502
TI  - Complete thoracic myelocystocele: a rare benign spinal dysraphism with clinical
      significance.

PMID- 22082503
TI  - Survey of undergraduate sleep medicine teaching in UK medical schools.

PMID- 22082504
TI  - Zinc finger nuclease and homing endonuclease-mediated assembly of multigene plant
      transformation vectors.
AB  - Binary vectors are an indispensable component of modern Agrobacterium tumefaciens
      mediated plant genetic transformation systems. A remarkable variety of binary
      plasmids have been developed to support the cloning and transfer of foreign genes
      into plant cells. The majority of these systems, however, are limited to the
      cloning and transfer of just a single gene of interest. Thus, plant biologists
      and biotechnologists face a major obstacle when planning the introduction of
      multigene traits into transgenic plants. Here, we describe the assembly of
      multitransgene binary vectors by using a combination of engineered zinc finger
      nucleases (ZFNs) and homing endonucleases. Our system is composed of a modified
      binary vector that has been engineered to carry an array of unique recognition
      sites for ZFNs and homing endonucleases and a family of modular satellite
      vectors. By combining the use of designed ZFNs and commercial restriction
      enzymes, multiple plant expression cassettes were sequentially cloned into the
      acceptor binary vector. Using this system, we produced binary vectors that
      carried up to nine genes. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protoplasts and
      plants were transiently and stably transformed, respectively, by several
      multigene constructs, and the expression of the transformed genes was monitored
      across several generations. Because ZFNs can potentially be engineered to digest
      a wide variety of target sequences, our system allows overcoming the problem of
      the very limited number of commercial homing endonucleases. Thus, users of our
      system can enjoy a rich resource of plasmids that can be easily adapted to their
      various needs, and since our cloning system is based on ZFN and homing
      endonucleases, it may be possible to reconstruct other types of binary vectors
      and adapt our vectors for cloning on multigene vector systems in various binary
      plasmids.

PMID- 22082505
TI  - MYB8 controls inducible phenolamide levels by activating three novel
      hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A:polyamine transferases in Nicotiana attenuata.
AB  - A large number of plants accumulate N-acylated polyamines (phenolamides [PAs]) in
      response to biotic and/or abiotic stress conditions. In the native tobacco
      (Nicotiana attenuata), the accumulation of two major PAs, caffeoylputrescine and
      dicaffeoylspermidine (DCS), after herbivore attack is known to be controlled by a
      key transcription factor, MYB8. Using a broadly targeted metabolomics approach,
      we show that a much larger spectrum of PAs composed of hydroxycinnamic acids and
      two polyamines, putrescine and spermidine, is regulated by this transcription
      factor. We cloned several novel MYB8-regulated genes, annotated as putative
      acyltransferases, and analyzed their function. One of the novel acyltransferases
      (AT1) is shown to encode a hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A:putrescine acyltransferase
      responsible for caffeoylputrescine biosynthesis in tobacco. Another gene
      (acyltransferase DH29), specific for spermidine conjugation, mediates the initial
      acylation step in DCS formation. Although this enzyme was not able to perform the
      second acylation toward DCS biosynthesis, another acyltransferase gene, CV86,
      proposed to act on monoacylated spermidines, was isolated and partially
      characterized. The activation of MYB8 in response to herbivore attack and
      associated signals required the activity of LIPOXYGENASE3, a gene involved in
      jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis in N. attenuata. These new results allow us to
      reconstruct a complete branch in JA signaling that defends N. attenuata plants
      against herbivores: JA via MYB8's transcriptional control of AT1 and DH29 genes
      controls the entire branch of PA biosynthesis, which allows N. attenuata to mount
      a chemically diverse (and likely efficient) defense shield against herbivores.

PMID- 22082507
TI  - Involvement of sensory neurons in bone defect repair in rats.
AB  - We investigated bone repair in sensory-denervated rats, compared with controls,
      to elucidate the involvement of sensory neurons. Nine-week-old male Wistar rats
      received subcutaneous injections of capsaicin to denervate sensory neurons. Rats
      treated with the same amount of vehicle served as controls. A standardized bone
      defect was created on the parietal bone. We measured the amount of repaired bone
      with quantitative radiographic analysis and the mRNA expressions of osteocalcin
      and cathepsin K with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative
      radiographic analysis showed that the standard deviations and coefficients of
      variation for the amount of repaired bone were much higher in the capsaicin
      treated group than in the control group at any time point, which means that
      larger individual differences in the amount of repaired bone were found in
      capsaicin-treated rats than controls. Furthermore, radiographs showed
      radiolucency in pre-existing bone surrounding the standardized defect only in the
      capsaicin-treated group, and histological observation demonstrated some
      multinuclear cells corresponding to the radiolucent area. Real-time PCR indicated
      that there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression levels of
      osteocalcin and cathepsin K between the control group and the capsaicin-treated
      group. These results suggest that capsaicin-induced sensory denervation affects
      the bone defect repair.

PMID- 22082506
TI  - Nucleoli: composition, function, and dynamics.

PMID- 22082508
TI  - Husbandry risk factors associated with subclinical coccidiosis in young cattle.
AB  - This paper describes an observational longitudinal study of cattle farms in
      England and Wales, which aimed to identify management practices associated with
      the presence of Eimeria spp. infection in young cattle. Thirty cattle farms
      situated in England and Wales were selected and one group of more than 20 young
      cattle aged 5-18 months of age was monitored on each farm. Three variables were
      identified as significantly associated with status in a multivariable model. The
      odds of finding Eimeria spp. were lower on farms that kept sheep on the same
      premises as the cattle, as was an increase in the maximum age within the sampled
      group. The latter probably reflects the development of post-infection immunity
      within the sampled animals. Good water-trough hygiene protected against Eimeria
      spp. oocyst excretion, with the odds of detection being higher on farms where it
      was reported that the water troughs were not cleaned and emptied more than once
      per month. The value of frequent emptying and cleaning of water troughs in
      reducing the exposure of calves to Eimeria spp. and thus lowering the impact of
      coccidiosis, both clinical and subclinical should be communicated to cattle
      farmers.

PMID- 22082509
TI  - Gait analysis using 3D accelerometry in horses sedated with xylazine.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy and sensitivity of an
      accelerometric device in detecting and quantifying the degree of movement
      alteration produced in horses sedated with xylazine. Horses (n=6) were randomly
      administered either xylazine or a control by intravenous injection, with at least
      1 week between each treatment. A triaxial accelerometric device was used for the
      accelerometric gait assessment 15 min before (baseline) and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60,
      75, 90, 105 and 120 min after each treatment. Eight different accelerometric
      parameters were calculated, including speed, stride frequency, stride length,
      regularity, dorsoventral power, propulsion power, mediolateral power and total
      power, with the force of acceleration and the dorsoventral, mediolateral and
      craniocaudal (propulsive) parts of the power then calculated. Administration of
      xylazine decreased many of the parameters investigated, with significant
      differences for speed, stride frequency, dorsoventral power, propulsion power and
      total power at 5, 15, 30 and 45 min after injection. There were no significant
      differences in stride length values at any time point. Decreases in regularity
      values were evident with significant differences at every time point from 5 to
      120 min following xylazine injection. Force values were also significantly
      reduced from 5 to 30 min after treatment and a redistribution of the total power
      was observed 5 min after injection as the mediolateral power increased
      significantly, while the dorsoventral power decreased. Accelerometry offers a
      practical, accurate, easy to use, portable and low cost method of objectively
      monitoring gait abnormalities at the walk in horses after sedation with xylazine.

PMID- 22082510
TI  - Preparation of 2-amino-2-C-glycosyl-acetonitriles from C-glycosyl aldehydes by
      Strecker reaction.
AB  - Synthesis of new 2-amino-2-C-D-glycosyl-acetonitriles in a Strecker reaction from
      various C-glycosyl aldehydes, chiral amines, and HCN was carried out. While
      aminonitriles from glycal and 2-deoxy-beta-D-glycosyl aldehydes were prepared in
      satisfactory yields, lower yields were obtained with C-glycosyl aldehydes.
      Strecker reaction with the benzyl-protected 1-C-formyl-D-galactal and S- or R-1
      phenylethylamine (S-PEA or R-PEA) yielded predominantly the R-configured C
      glycosyl aminoacetonitrile. The direction of the nucleophilic addition appears to
      be governed by the configuration of the anomeric carbon with beta-linked sugars.
      Since the stereochemistry of the transition state is unknown according to the
      configuration of the major product a Felkin-Ahn selectivity can be mainly
      presumed.

PMID- 22082511
TI  - Novel in situ product removal technique for simultaneous production of propionic
      acid and vitamin B12 by expanded bed adsorption bioreactor.
AB  - A new type of in situ product removal (ISPR) technique of expanded bed adsorption
      (EBA) bioreactor was studied to simultaneously produce extracellular propionic
      acid and intracellular vitamin B12 by Propionibacterium freudenreichii CICC
      10019. Resin screening experiments showed that the ZGA330 resin have the best
      biocompatibility and highest adsorption for propionic acid. Through the EBA
      bioreactor, propionic acid could be recovered efficiently by semi-continuous
      recirculation of the unfiltered broth, which eliminated the feedback inhibition
      of propionic acid. Fed-batch fermentation was carried out using the EBA system,
      resulting in a propionic acid concentration of 52.5 g L(-1) and vitamin B12
      concentration of 43.04 mg L(-1) at 160 h, which correspond to product yields of
      0.66 g g(-1) and 0.54 mg g(-1), respectively. The present study suggests that the
      EBA bioreactor can be utilized for the simple and economical production of
      propionic acid and vitamin B12 in a single fermentation process.

PMID- 22082512
TI  - A microwave reactor for characterization of pyrolyzed biomass.
AB  - A microwave reactor (MWR) was designed to investigate microwave-induced pyrolysis
      of biomass. Condensation of tars on the quartz reactor and the pipelines was
      prevented by an electric heating device, and a temperature control function
      allowed determination of product characteristics at constant temperatures.
      Temperature had an important influence on microwave pyrolysis; the yields of gas
      products increased from 17.69 wt.% to 22.27 wt.% and the ratio of combustible gas
      to total gas products increased from 67.21 vol.% to 77.14 vol.% as the
      temperature increased from 400  degrees C to 600  degrees C. A large number of
      volatiles was released as temperature increased, resulting in an increase in the
      number of pores of the coke and a uniform pore structure was obtained. The
      specific surface area of coke increased from 0.89 m(2)/g (400  degrees C) to
      9.81m(2)/g (600  degrees C) and the pore volume increased from 0.006 cm(3)/g (400
      degrees C) to 0.012 cm(3)/g (600  degrees C), but the average pore size
      decreased from 282.16 nm (400  degrees C) to 46.64 nm (600  degrees C).

PMID- 22082513
TI  - Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in critically ill patients.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent but often silent complication of
      critical illness that has a negative impact on patient outcomes. The prevention
      of VTE is an essential component of patient care in the intensive care unit (ICU)
      setting, and is the focus of this article. The use of anticoagulant
      thromboprophylaxis significantly decreases the risk of VTE in ICU patients and is
      discussed at length.

PMID- 22082514
TI  - Vena cava interruption.
AB  - Anticoagulation has been proven to be effective in preventing and treating deep
      vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. However, many critically ill patients are
      unable to receive anticoagulation or suffer recurrent venous thromboembolism
      despite adequate treatment. This article examines the use of vena cava filters in
      the critically ill. Indications for, techniques, and complications of vena cava
      filter insertion are reviewed. The importance of vena cava filters with the
      option to be retrieved and bedside insertion in the intensive care unit is
      emphasized.

PMID- 22082515
TI  - Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients.
AB  - Critically ill patients commonly evince thrombocytopenia, either evident on
      admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or that develops during their stay.
      Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) explains thrombocytopenia in only
      approximately 1/100 critically ill patients; also, only 1 or 2 in 10 ICU patients
      with a positive PF4-dependent enzyme immunoassay has "true" HIT. Thus, there is
      major potential for overdiagnosis of HIT in the ICU. A recent study showing that
      dalteparin is associated with a reduced frequency of HIT indicates that
      critically ill patients too can benefit from the HIT-reducing potential of this
      low molecular weight heparin preparation.

PMID- 22082516
TI  - Treatment of pulmonary embolism: anticoagulation, thrombolytic therapy, and
      complications of therapy.
AB  - During the last two decades, considerable progress in technology and clinical
      research methods have led to advances in the approach to the diagnosis,
      prevention, and treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite this,
      however, the diagnosis is often delayed and preventive methods are often ignored.
      Thus, the morbidity and mortality associated with VTE remain high. The
      therapeutic approach to acute VTE is discussed in this article, with a particular
      focus on the intensive care unit setting.

PMID- 22082517
TI  - Diagnostic approach to deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the
      critical care setting.
AB  - Considerable progress has been made during the last 30 years in the prevention,
      diagnosis, and therapy of venous thromboembolism. This article discusses the
      epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of the disease as well
      as the diagnostic uncertainty that exists in the critical care setting.
      Diagnostic approaches for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are
      considered, including clinical prediction rules, D-dimer, contrast venography,
      duplex ultrasonography, computed tomographic angiography and venography, magnetic
      resonance imaging, ventilation-perfusion scanning, chest radiograph, arterial
      blood gases, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.

PMID- 22082518
TI  - Natural history of venous thromboembolism.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) originates in systemic venous thrombosis and has
      different etiological mechanisms and natural history from arterial thrombosis.
      VTE typically originates as deep venous thrombosis in a lower extremity, where it
      may give rise to acute symptoms "upstream" from the obstructed vein, result in
      pulmonary embolism, and/or cause chronic venous obstruction. Pulmonary embolism
      may result in acute respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular collapse and,
      uncommonly, may also cause chronic disease.

PMID- 22082519
TI  - Major pulmonary embolism.
AB  - The scope and spectrum of pulmonary embolism (PE) that are likely to challenge
      the intensivist are dominantly confined to 2 scenarios; first, a patient
      presenting with undifferentiated shock or respiratory failure and, second, an
      established intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital patient who develops
      hemodynamically unstable PE after admission. In either scenario, the diagnostic
      approach and therapeutic options are challenging. Differentiating PE from other
      life-threatening cardiopulmonary disorders can be exceedingly difficult. This
      article will review a structured pathophysiologic approach to the diagnostic,
      resuscitative and management strategies related to PE in the ICU.

PMID- 22082520
TI  - Epidemiology and incidence: the scope of the problem and risk factors for
      development of venous thromboembolism.
AB  - The proportion of hospitalized patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is
      increasing. Whether this represents more admissions with PE or more diagnoses
      made in hospitalized patients is uncertain. The proportion of hospitalized
      patients with deep venous thrombosis has decreased precipitously as a result of
      home treatment. Asians and Native Americans have a lower incidence of PE than
      whites or African Americans. The incidence of PE increases exponentially with
      age, but no age group, including infants and children, is immune. Several medical
      illnesses have now been shown to be associated with a higher risk for venous
      thromboembolism. Epidemiologic data and new information on risk factors provide
      insight into making an informed clinical assessment and evaluation for
      antithrombotic prophylaxis.

PMID- 22082521
TI  - Hypercoagulable states.
AB  - Hypercoagulable states can be inherited or acquired. Inherited hypercoagulable
      states can be caused by a loss of function of natural anticoagulant pathways or a
      gain of function in procoagulant pathways. Acquired hypercoagulable risk factors
      include a prior history of thrombosis, obesity, pregnancy, cancer and its
      treatment, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia,
      and myeloproliferative disorders. Inherited hypercoagulable states combine with
      acquired risk factors to establish the intrinsic risk of venous thromboembolism
      for each individual. Venous thromboembolism occurs when the risk exceeds a
      critical threshold. Often a triggering factor, such as surgery, pregnancy, or
      estrogen therapy, is required to increase the risk above this critical threshold.

PMID- 22082522
TI  - Mortality risk assessment and the role of thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism.
AB  - Acute venous thromboembolism remains a frequent disease, with an incidence
      ranging between 23 and 69 cases per 100,000 population per year. Of these
      patients, approximately one-third present with clinical symptoms of acute
      pulmonary embolism (PE) and two-thirds with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Recent
      registries and cohort studies suggest that approximately 10% of all patients with
      acute PE die during the first 1 to 3 months after diagnosis. Overall, 1% of all
      patients admitted to hospitals die of acute PE, and 10% of all hospital deaths
      are PE-related. These facts emphasize the need to better implement our knowledge
      on the pathophysiology of the disease, recognize the determinants of death or
      major adverse events in the early phase of acute PE, and most importantly,
      identify those patients who necessitate prompt medical, surgical, or
      interventional treatment to restore the patency of the pulmonary vasculature.

PMID- 22082523
TI  - Venous thromboembolism in critical care.

PMID- 22082524
TI  - When age is irrelevant: distractor inhibition and target activation in priming of
      pop-out.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent research suggests that inhibition at early stages of visual
      processing may be age invariant. We test this proposal using a priming of pop-out
      (PoP) measure developed by Lamy, Antebi, Aviani, and Carmel (2008. Priming of pop
      out provides reliable measures of target activation and distractor inhibition in
      selective attention. Vision Research, 48, 30-41.
      doi:10.1016/j.visres.2007.10.009). In PoP, a unique item, which visually "pops
      out" in a field of distractors, grabs our attention faster when its defining
      feature (e.g., color red) repeats across trials and slower when distractor- and
      target-defining features switch between trials. Here, we explore whether the
      processes underlying PoP, which prevent access to distractors and facilitate
      access to the singleton, remain intact with age. METHOD: Participants faced a
      display of circles and judged the direction of a letter T inscribed within a
      uniquely colored circle. RESULTS: All underlying components of PoP were present
      in older and younger adults. Participants revealed distractor inhibition by
      responding faster to a color singleton when the color of surrounding distractors
      repeated and slower when the singleton assumed the color of distractors from the
      previous trial. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that the inhibitory processes
      underlying PoP remain intact with age.

PMID- 22082525
TI  - Corrosion in drinking water pipes: the importance of green rusts.
AB  - Complex crystallographic composition of the corrosion products is studied by
      diffraction methods and results obtained after different pre-treatment of samples
      are compared. The green rusts are found to be much more abundant in corrosion
      scales than it has been assumed so far. The characteristic and crystallographic
      composition of corrosion scales and deposits suspended in steady waters were
      analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The necessity of the examination of
      corrosion products in the wet conditions is indicated. The drying of the samples
      before analysis is shown to substantially change the crystallographic phases
      originally present in corrosion products. On sample drying the unstable green
      rusts is converted into more stable phases such as goethite and lepidocrocite,
      while the content of magnetite and siderite decreases. Three types of green rusts
      in wet materials sampled from tubercles are identified. Unexpectedly, in almost
      all corrosion scale samples significant amounts of the least stable green rust in
      chloride form was detected. Analysis of corrosion products suspended in steady
      water, which remained between tubercles and possibly in their interiors, revealed
      complex crystallographic composition of the sampled material. Goethite,
      lepidocrocite and magnetite as well as low amounts of siderite and quartz were
      present in all samples. Six different forms of green rusts were identified in the
      deposits separated from steady waters and the most abundant was carbonate green
      rust GR(CO(3)(2-))(I).

PMID- 22082526
TI  - Novel magnetically induced membrane vibration (MMV) for fouling control in
      membrane bioreactors.
AB  - Conventional submerged membrane bioreactors (MBRs) rely on the coarse bubbles
      aeration to generate shear at the liquid-membrane interface to limit membrane
      fouling. Unfortunately, it is a very energy consuming method, still often
      resulting in a rapid decrease of membrane permeability and consequently in higher
      expenses. In this paper, the feasibility of a novel magnetically induced membrane
      vibration (MMV) system was studied in a lab-scale MBR treating synthetic
      wastewater. The effects on membrane fouling of applied electrical power of
      different operation strategies, of membrane flux and of the presence of multiple
      membranes on one vibrating engine on membrane fouling were investigated. The
      filtration performance was evaluated by determining the filtration resistance
      profiles and critical flux. The results showed clear advantages of the vibrating
      system over conventional MBR processes by ensuring higher fluxes at lower fouling
      rates. Intermittent vibration was found a promising strategy for both efficient
      fouling control and significant energy saving. The optimised MMV system is
      presumed to lead to significant energy and cost reduction in up-scaled MBR
      operations.

PMID- 22082527
TI  - Reverse osmosis concentrate treatment via a PAC-MF accumulative countercurrent
      adsorption process.
AB  - Organic pollutants in reverse osmosis (RO) concentrates from wastewater
      reclamation are mainly comprised of low molecular weight biorefractory compounds.
      Generally, advanced oxidation methods for oxidizing these organics require a
      relatively high level of energy consumption. In addition, conventional adsorption
      removal methods require a large dose of activated carbon. However, the dose can
      be reduced if its full adsorption capacity can be used. Therefore, the combined
      technology of powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption and microfiltration (MF)
      membrane filtration was studied to develop a countercurrent two-stage adsorption
      process. A PAC accumulative adsorption prediction method was proposed based on
      the verification of a PAC multi-stage adsorption capacity equation. Moreover, the
      prediction method was amended for a more accurate prediction of the effluent
      quality because adsorption isotherm constants were affected by the initial
      adsorbate concentration. The required PAC dose for the accumulative
      countercurrent two-stage adsorption system was 0.6 g/L, whereas that of the
      conventional adsorption process was 1.05 g/L when the dilution factor(F) was 0.1
      and the COD and DOC removal rates were set to 70% and 68.1%, respectively.
      Organic pollutants were satisfactorily removed with less consumption of PAC.
      Effluent from this combined technology can be further reclaimed by an RO process
      to improve the overall recovery rate to between 91.0% and 93.8% with both
      economic and environmental benefits.

PMID- 22082528
TI  - A model for predicting resuspension of Escherichia coli from streambed sediments.
AB  - To improve the modeling of water quality in watersheds, a model is developed to
      predict resuspension of Escherichia coli from sediment beds in streams. The
      resuspension rate is expressed as the product of the concentration of E. coli
      attached to sediment particles and an erosion rate adapted from work on sediment
      transport. The model uses parameter values mostly taken from previous work, and
      it accounts for properties of the flow through the bottom shear stress and
      properties of the sediment through the critical shear stresses for cohesive and
      non-cohesive sediment. Predictions were compared to resuspension rates inferred
      from a steady mass balance applied to measurements at sixteen locations in a
      watershed. The model's predictions matched the inferred rates well, especially
      when the diameter of particles to which E. coli attach was allowed to depend on
      the bottom shear stress. The model's sensitivity to the parameters depends on the
      contributions of particle packing and binding effects of clay to the critical
      shear stress. For the current data set, the uncertainty in the predictions is
      controlled by the concentration of E. coli attached to sediment particles and the
      slope used to estimate the bottom shear stress.

PMID- 22082529
TI  - Down-regulation of mitogen-inducible gene 6, a negative regulator of EGFR,
      enhances resistance to MEK inhibition in KRAS mutant cancer cells.
AB  - Previously, we found that KRAS mutant cancer cells showed variable response to
      AZD6244, a MEK inhibitor through differential activation of EGFR/AKT. To
      investigate its mechanism, we performed cDNA microarray using four KRAS mutant
      cancer cells. We found that treatment with AZD6244 reduced the expression of
      mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6), a negative feedback regulator for EGFR, in
      AZD6244-resistant cells, while activity of EGFR and AKT was increased in these
      cells. Reconstitution or knockdown of MIG6 expression affected cancer cell
      responses to AZD6244. Treatment with a combination of EGFR inhibitor and AZD6244
      inhibited cell proliferation synergistically without activation of AKT in AZD6244
      resistant cells. Our study provides a mechanism of differential response to MEK
      inhibition in KRAS mutant cancer.

PMID- 22082530
TI  - DNA demethylation by 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine treatment abrogates 17 beta-estradiol
      induced cell growth and restores expression of DNA repair genes in human breast
      cancer cells.
AB  - Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of estrogen is a risk factor for breast
      cancer. Though increased cell growth and loss of DNA repair capacity is one of
      the proposed mechanisms for estrogen-induced cancers, the mechanism through which
      estrogen induces cell growth and decreases DNA repair capacity is not clear. DNA
      hypermethylation is known to inactivate DNA repair genes and apoptotic response
      in cancer cells. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the role
      of DNA hypermethylation in estrogen-induced cell growth and regulation of DNA
      repair genes expression in breast cancer cells. To achieve this objective, the
      estrogen-responsive MCF-7 cells either pretreated with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5
      aza-dC) or untreated (as control) were exposed to 17 beta-estradiol (E2), and its
      effect on cell growth and expression of DNA repair genes were measured. The
      result revealed that 5-aza-dC abrogates the E2-induced growth in MCF-7 cells. An
      increased expression of OGG1, MSH4, and MLH1 by 5-aza-dC treatment alone, suggest
      the DNA hypermethylation as a potential cause for decreased expression of these
      genes in MCF-7 cells. The decreased expression of ERCC1, XPC, OGG1, and MLH1 by
      E2 alone and its restoration by co-treatment with 5-aza-dC further suggest that
      E2 reduces the expression of these DNA repair genes potentially through promoter
      hypermethylation. Reactivation of mismatch repair (MMR) gene MLH1 and abrogation
      of E2-induced cell growth by 5-aza-dC treatment suggest that estrogen causes
      increased growth in breast cancer cells potentially through the inhibition of MMR
      mediated apoptotic response. In summary, this study suggests that estrogen
      increases cell growth and decreases the DNA repair capacity in breast cancer
      cells, at least in part, through epigenetic mechanism.

PMID- 22082531
TI  - Anomalous diffusion and memory effects on the impedance spectroscopy for finite
      length situations.
AB  - The contribution of ions to the electrical impedance of an electrolytic cell
      limited by perfect blocking electrodes is determined by considering the role of
      the anomalous diffusion process and memory effects. Analytical solutions for
      fractional diffusion equations together with Poisson's equation relating the
      effective electric field to the net charge density are found. This procedure
      allows the construction of general expressions for the electrochemical impedance
      satisfying the Kramers-Kronig relations when the diffusion of ions in the cell is
      characterized by the usual, as well as by anomalous, behavior.

PMID- 22082532
TI  - Forgiveness results from integrating information about relationship value and
      exploitation risk.
AB  - Exploitation is a fact of life for social organisms, and natural selection gives
      rise to revenge mechanisms that are designed to deter such exploitations.
      However, humans may also possess cognitive forgiveness mechanisms designed to
      promote the restoration of valuable social relationships following exploitation.
      In the current article, the authors test the hypothesis that decisions about
      forgiveness result from a computational system that combines information about
      relationship value and exploitation risk to produce decisions about whom to
      forgive following interpersonal offenses. The authors examined the independent
      and interactive effects of relationship value and exploitation risk across two
      studies. In Study 1, controlling for other constructs related to forgiveness, the
      authors assessed relationship value and exploitation risk. In Study 2,
      participants experienced experimental manipulations of relationship value and
      exploitation risk. Across studies, using hypothetical and actual offenses and
      varied forgiveness measures, the combination of low exploitation risk and high
      relationship value predicted the greatest forgiveness.

PMID- 22082533
TI  - Computed tomography and magnetic resonance features of gliosarcoma:  a study of
      54 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the features of pathologically confirmed gliosarcomas
      using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the cross-sectional CT and MR images of 54 patients (37
      males and 17 females; mean age, 44.5 years; range, 13-74 years) with gliosarcomas
      confirmed by histopathology. RESULTS: Across all patients, there were 59 lesions.
      On nonenhanced CT and MR images, tumors were predominantly inhomogeneous. On the
      postcontrast CT and MR images, 50 (84.7%) irregular lesions had thick walls with
      a strong rim- and ringlike enhancement, whereas the remaining 9 (15.3%) round or
      oval lesions had even thin walls with an enhanced peripheral ring. Magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy showed increased choline and lactate values, along with
      decreased N-acetylaspartate and creatine values. On diffusion-weighted imaging,
      the tumor was slightly or markedly hyperintense compared with the white matter.
      CONCLUSION: A well-demarcated mass located peripherally, with rimlike or ring
      enhancement, is a common presentation of gliosarcoma on CT and MR images. In
      addition, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted imaging can be
      used to make a differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22082534
TI  - Dilated dysplastic vestibule:  a new computed tomographic finding in patients
      with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) is one of the most common
      anomalies of the inner ear. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the
      vestibule for associated aberrations. In particular, we assessed the vestibular
      volume in patients with LVAS, compared it to an age-matched control population,
      and evaluated the relationship between the size of the vestibular aqueduct and
      the vestibule. METHODS: We reviewed studies of high-resolution computed
      tomography of temporal bone of 24 consecutive patients with LVAS (15 girls and 9
      boys; average age, 8.1 years). Of these, 21 patients had bilateral LVAS and 3
      patients had unilateral LVAS. Each ear was evaluated for the size of the
      vestibular aqueduct and the volume of the vestibule. Similar measurements were
      obtained in an age-matched control population (28 girls and 18 boys; average age,
      8.3 years). RESULTS: The volume of the vestibule was found to be significantly
      enlarged in patients with LVAS compared to the control population (right ear, P <
      0.0001; left ear, P < 0.0001). A linear correlation could be established between
      an enlarged vestibular aqueduct and corresponding increase in the volume of the
      vestibule (right side, P < 0.01; left side, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A dilated
      dysplastic vestibule is a consistently associated finding in patients with LVAS.

PMID- 22082535
TI  - Diagnostic usefulness of 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine positron emission
      tomography in recurrent brain tumor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of 3'-deoxy-3'
      [F]fluorothymidine (FLT) compared with 2-[F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)
      positron emission tomography (PET) in recurrent brain tumors. METHODS: Twenty
      patients with suspected recurrence after surgical removal of primary tumors were
      studied. The uptake was assessed visually and quantified by standardized uptake
      value (SUV) and SUV ratio of tumor to white matter, tumor to gray matter, and
      tumor to normal tissue. Final diagnoses were made by histopathology or clinical
      and radiological follow-up. RESULTS: Of 20 lesions, 15 were recurrences. 3'-Deoxy
      3'-[F]fluorothymidine PET showed high diagnostic sensitivity (15/15 [100%]) and
      moderate specificity (3/5 [60.0%]). 2-[F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose PET showed
      moderate diagnostic sensitivity (11/15 [73.3%]) and specificity (4/5 [80%]). All
      of 4 recurrent tumors without FDG uptake showed FLT uptake. Tumor-to-normal
      tissue ratios (3.99 +/- 1.72) of recurrent tumors on FLT PET were significantly
      higher than tumor-to-white matter ratios (1.96 +/- 0.93) and tumor-to-gray matter
      ratios (1.32 +/- 0.33) on FDG PET (P < 0.001), although SUVs (0.62 +/- 0.32) of
      recurrent tumors on FLT PET were lower than those (2.44 +/- 1.02) on FDG PET (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: 3'-Deoxy-3'-[F]fluorothymidine PET has a high sensitivity but
      a lower specificity, which has a limited role in the diagnosis of recurrent brain
      tumors as a complimentary tool of magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 22082536
TI  - Fetal MR imaging of constriction band syndrome involving the skull and brain.
AB  - We present here the case of a fetus with constriction band syndrome involving the
      skull and brain. Whereas prenatal ultrasound did not show direct signs of this
      condition, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed it clearly. This may
      be the first case of constriction band syndrome to be diagnosed using fetal MRI.
      As a supplementary tool, fetal MRI may lead to an accurate diagnosis when
      prenatal ultrasound presents equivocal findings with respect to central nervous
      system development.

PMID- 22082537
TI  - Subarcuate artery and canal:  an important anatomic variant.
AB  - An aberrant subarcuate artery and its related canal are rare. The presence of
      this variation has a surgical significance, that is, risk of hemorrhage, if
      accidentally nicked. It is therefore important to be aware of this entity, and
      its relative anatomy, to avoid any untoward complication. We present a case of a
      29-year-old man who presented with hearing loss after trauma. High-resolution
      computed tomographic scan of the temporal bone demonstrated an enlarged
      subarcuate canal.

PMID- 22082538
TI  - Liver metastases from colorectal cancer treated with conventional and
      antiangiogenetic chemotherapy:  evaluation with liver computed tomography
      perfusion and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to determine whether perfusion
      computed tomography (CT-p) and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR
      DWI) can allow evaluation of the effects of chemotherapy combined with
      antiangiogenetic treatment on liver metastases in patients with advanced
      colorectal cancer and to determine if changes in CT-p and MR-DWI correlate with
      the response to therapy as assessed by conventional Response Evaluation Criteria
      in Solid Tumors (RECIST). METHODS: Eighteen patients with liver metastases from
      colorectal cancer underwent CT-p and MR-DWI before and 6 months after
      chemotherapy and antiangiogenetic treatment. Lesions were classified according to
      RECIST criteria (complete response [CR], partial response [PR], stable disease
      [SD], and progressive disease) and calculations of CT-p parameters including
      blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), capillary permeability (CP), and MR-DWI
      apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were performed; RECIST, CT-p, and MR
      DWI measurements at baseline and follow-up were tested for statistically
      significant differences using the paired-samples t test. Baseline and follow-up
      perfusion parameters of the lesions were also compared on the basis of therapy
      response assessed by RECIST criteria using independent-samples t test. P < 0.05
      was considered indicative of a statistically significant difference for all
      statistical test. RESULTS: Six patients (6/18; 33.3%) were classified as PR (),
      and the remaining 12 (12/18; 66.7%) were classified as SD. On a per-lesion basis,
      2 (2/32; 6.3%) cannot be identified at follow-up, 6 (6/32; 18.8%) showed a
      decrease in size of more than 30%, and 24 (24/32; 75%) were substantially stable
      in size. No cases of progressive disease were demonstrated at follow-up. No
      statistically significant differences were demonstrated between PR, CR, and SD
      lesions for BF (P = 0.19), BV (P = 0.14), and ADC (P = 0.68) measurements,
      whereas CP was significantly higher in CR and PR lesions (P = 0.038). Considering
      differences between baseline and follow-up values, no statistically significant
      differences were noted between PR and CR lesions versus SD lesions for CT-p
      values (BF: P = 0.77; BV: P = 0.15; CP: P = 0.64). A statistically significant
      difference between PR and CR lesions and SD lesions was noted for ADC values (P =
      0.047). CONCLUSION: Both CT-p and MR-DWI can detect therapy-induced modifications
      in lesion vascularization before significant changes in size are evident.

PMID- 22082539
TI  - Three-phase helical computed tomographic findings of hepatic neuroendocrine
      tumors: pathologic correlation with revised WHO classification.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3-phase helical computed tomographic (CT) findings of
      hepatic neuroendocrine tumors and to correlate them with pathologic diagnoses
      based on the revised World Health Organization classification. METHODS: Over a 14
      year period, we collected 38 patients with pathologically proven neuroendocrine
      tumors of the liver, either primary or metastatic, who had 3-phase helical CT
      scans. CT findings were evaluated for the morphologic and enhancement patterns
      (ie, hepatocellular carcinomalike, cholangiocarcinomalike, and combined
      patterns), and correlated those with pathologic diagnoses. RESULTS: The
      morphologic patterns were variable regardless of the pathologic diagnoses, except
      necrosis (P = 0.024). For the enhancement pattern, almost half of the tumors
      showed hepatocellular carcinomalike pattern, and the other half showed
      cholangiocarcinomalike or combined patterns, without correlation between the
      enhancement pattern and pathologic diagnoses (P = 0.402). CONCLUSIONS: The CT
      features of hepatic neuroendocrine tumors were variable and did not correlate
      with their pathologic diagnoses. However, hepatic neuroendocrine tumors
      frequently show hepatocellular carcinomalike arterial enhancement, and often show
      cholangiocarcinomalike delayed enhancement.

PMID- 22082540
TI  - Evaluation of the maximum depth of intraluminal appendiceal fluid to diagnose
      appendicitis with a 64-detector row CT scanner.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the criterion
      "maximum depth of intraluminal appendiceal fluid greater than 2.6 mm" ("DEPTH
      >2.6 mm"), with the use of 64-detector row computed tomography, is useful to
      diagnose appendicitis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 0.68-mm-thick images
      of 2894 intravenously enhanced abdominal-pelvic computed tomography using the
      following criteria: (1) appendiceal wall thickness greater than 3 mm, (2)
      appendiceal wall enhancement, (3) focal cecal wall thickening, (4) adjacent
      lymphadenopathy greater than 5 mm, (5) appendicolith, (6) periappendiceal
      inflammation, and (7) the new criterion, DEPTH >2.6 mm. Of the 2894 images, 1013
      were classified into normal group (including 622 distended [diameter >6 mm] but
      normal appendices without adjacent lesions), modified group (235 distended normal
      appendices modified with adjacent lesions), proven-appendicitis group (82
      operatively proven appendicitis cases), and clinical-appendicitis group (62
      clinically certified appendicitis cases). RESULTS: The new criterion, DEPTH >2.6
      mm, demonstrated both higher sensitivities and higher specificities in all groups
      (>90%), although this criterion showed lower specificities than some conventional
      criteria. In contrast, conventional criteria showed lower sensitivities or lower
      specificities (<60%) in one or more of these groups. CONCLUSIONS: DEPTH >2.6 mm
      is particularly useful for differentiating appendicitis from distended normal
      appendix.

PMID- 22082541
TI  - Can the patient with cirrhosis be imaged for hepatocellular carcinoma without
      gadolinium?: Comparison of combined T2-weighted, T2*-weighted, and diffusion
      weighted MRI with gadolinium-enhanced MRI using liver explantation standard.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate a non-gadolinium-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) protocol including T2-weighted, T2*-weighted, and
      diffusion-weighted MRI sequences for identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      with liver explantation as the reference standard. Also, a stand-alone pre- and
      dynamic post-gadolinium-enhanced liver MRI data set was interpreted from the
      available patient data for relative comparison purposes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective review identified 37 appropriately selected liver transplant
      patients who had had preoperative MRI. Two data sets were created from the MRI
      studies: (1) non-gadolinium-enhanced (including T2-weighted, T2*-weighted, and
      diffusion-weighted sequences) and (2) pre- and dynamic post-gadolinium-enhanced
      (3-dimensional T1-weighted gradient recalled echo) and were presented to 2
      independent, blinded observers. A separate blinded observer assessed the
      pathologic results from liver explantation to establish the reference standard.
      RESULTS: On explant pathology, 21 of 37 patients had 31 HCC (mean [SD] largest
      diameter, 19 [9] cm; range, 7-40 mm). Per-lesion sensitivity of non-gadolinium
      enhanced MRI for identifying HCC was 52% (reader 1) and 55% (reader 2), and
      specificity was 90% (reader 1) and 88% (reader 2). Per-lesion sensitivity of the
      stand-alone pre- and dynamic post-gadolinium-enhanced MRI was 84% (reader 1) and
      81% (reader 2), and specificity was 62% (reader 1) and 65% (reader 2).
      CONCLUSIONS: Non-gadolinium-enhanced MRI had a moderate sensitivity for HCC but
      had a high specificity. Although non-gadolinium-enhanced MRI cannot be
      recommended as a primary imaging approach for HCC, the results demonstrate the
      contribution of non-gadolinium-enhanced sequences to imaging of HCC. A non
      gadolinium-enhanced MRI protocol may have a diagnostic value when gadolinium
      cannot be administered.

PMID- 22082542
TI  - Computed tomographic cholangiography in living liver transplant donors:  factors
      determining the degree of contrast enhancement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting liver and bile duct contrast
      enhancement during computed tomographic cholangiography (CTC) in living-donor
      transplant candidates. METHODS: Forty-four candidates underwent preoperative
      triphasic CT followed by intravenous infusion of 20 mL of iodipamide for CTC.
      Body size indices and liver volume were correlated to parenchymal and biliary
      enhancement. Bile duct visibility was compared to duct enhancement. RESULTS:
      Poorly visualized first- and second-order bile ducts demonstrated diminished
      enhancement (P < 0.015). Both CTC parenchymal and biliary enhancement correlated
      inversely with body surface area, height, and weight (P < 0.001); inverse
      correlation was also seen between liver volume and parenchymal enhancement (P <
      0.001). A moderately positive correlation was noted between CTC biliary and
      parenchymal portal venous enhancement (r = 0.421; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS:
      Computed tomographic cholangiography parenchymal and biliary enhancement
      diminishes with increased body size and liver volume, supporting a need for
      adjustable contrast dosing. Portal venous parenchymal enhancement may serve as a
      preinfusion indicator.

PMID- 22082544
TI  - Investigation of a logistic model for T2* dynamic susceptibility contrast
      magnetic resonance imaging (dscMRI) perfusion studies.
AB  - There are a number of T1- and T2-based dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging pharmacokinetic modeling approaches to study cancer
      microvasculature. Alternatively, model-free approaches offer an easy,
      quantitative assessment of microcirculation. In this work, we investigate a 6
      parameter model-free approach applied to a T2*-weighted echo-planar imaging bolus
      response curve. We tested this new approach on a small cohort of patients with
      clinically diagnosed primary rectal carcinoma before adjuvant chemoradiotherapy
      and surgical excision. Comparison with healthy muscle tissue shows that logistic
      parameters P1/P2, P4, and P5 offer good discrimination between tumor and healthy
      tissue. Bolus response logistic parameters P4 and P5 have been implicated in
      previous T1-based works as being important in the assessment of cancer
      malignancy. Further comparison of T2* parameters with signal attenuation
      amplitude (maximum signal drop) and percentage baseline signal loss also
      corroborates the models' ability to quantify the microenvironment.

PMID- 22082543
TI  - Clinical significance of the transitional phase at gadoxetate disodium-enhanced
      hepatic MRI for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma:  preliminary results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical significance of the "transitional phase"
      at gadoxetate disodium (Gd-EOB)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for
      diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We studied 54 patients with
      70 histologically diagnosed HCC. Transitional- and hepatobiliary-phase (TP, HBP)
      images were acquired 3 and 20 minutes after Gd-EOB injection, respectively.
      Radiologists measured the size of the hepatic tumors on images and surgical
      specimens and qualitatively evaluated the signal intensity of the hepatic tumors
      during TP and HBP independently. RESULTS: In 4 patients with portal tumor
      embolism who had undergone percutaneous transhepatic portal embolization and who
      manifested arterioportal (AP) shunts, the low-intensity area was larger during
      HBP than TP. Of the 70 HCCs, 4 were of high signal intensity during HBP and 2
      were of slightly low intensity during TP. CONCLUSION: Tumor extension seen during
      TP rather than HBP more accurately reflected histological findings in patients
      with HCC with portal tumor thrombi, percutaneous transhepatic portal
      embolization, or AP shunt.

PMID- 22082545
TI  - The prognostic value of vascular diameter measurements on routine chest computed
      tomography in patients not referred for cardiovascular indications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate whether diameter measurements
      of the thoracic aorta and the heart can be used as prognostic markers for future
      cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Following a case-cohort design, a total of
      10,410 patients undergoing chest computed tomography were followed up for a mean
      period of 17 months. The ones with a cardiovascular indication were excluded.
      Diameter measurements were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard analysis.
      RESULTS: Five hundred fifteen incident cardiovascular events occurred during
      follow-up. The heart (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03
      1.06) and ascending thoracic (HR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001-1.004) diameter showed an
      exponential prognostic effect beyond a threshold diameter of, respectively, 11
      and 30 mm; the descending aortic diameter (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13) and
      cardiothoracic ratio (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08) showed linear prognostic
      effects beyond, respectively, 25 and 0.45 mm. CONCLUSION: Intrathoracic diameter
      measurements can be used as markers to predict cardiovascular events in patients
      not referred for that disease outcome.

PMID- 22082546
TI  - Aortic endograft surveillance: use of fast-switch kVp dual-energy computed
      tomography with virtual noncontrast imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess endoleak detection and patients' radiation exposure using
      fast-switch peak kilovoltage (kVp) dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) with
      virtual noncontrast (VNC) imaging. METHODS: Institutional review board approved
      retrospective review of triphasic CTs for endograft follow-up: single-energy true
      noncontrast (TNC) and dual-energy arterial- and venous-phase postcontrast scans
      on GE HD-750 64-detector scanners. Iodine-subtracted VNC images generated from
      dual-energy data. Two radiologists (VNC readers) independently performed 2
      reading sessions without TNC images: (1) arterial and VNC and (2) venous and VNC.
      Interrater agreement, leak detection sensitivity, and dose estimates were
      calculated. RESULTS: Original dictations described 24 endoleaks in 78 scans.
      Virtual noncontrast reader agreement was high (kappa = 0.78-0.79). Virtual
      noncontrast reader ranges for sensitivity and negative predictive value for leak
      detection were 87.5% to 95.8% and 94.0% to 98.0% in venous phase. Dose reduction
      estimate was 40% by eliminating one phase and 64% by eliminating 2 phases of
      imaging. CONCLUSION: Virtual noncontrast images from fast-switch peak kilovoltage
      DECT data can substitute for TNC imaging in the postendograft aorta, conferring
      substantial dose reduction. Eliminating 1 of 2 postcontrast phases further
      reduces dose, with greater negative predictive value for leak detection in the
      venous versus the arterial phase. Thus, the use of a monophasic venous-phase DECT
      with VNC images is suggested for long-term endograft surveillance in stable
      patients.

PMID- 22082547
TI  - Advanced adaptive axial-sequential prospectively electrocardiogram-triggered dual
      source coronary computed tomographic angiography in a patient with atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation is considered a relative contraindication to coronary
      computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) because image quality and radiation dose
      saving measures largely depend on low and stable heart rates. Most published
      experiences with CCTA during atrial fibrillation have relied on retrospective
      gating to mitigate artifacts via electrocardiogram editing. However, a large
      number of patients arrive at the CT suite with irregular heart rates. We present
      a case in which we used a prospectively electrocardiogram-triggered axial
      sequential scan mode with a novel arrhythmia protection algorithm to obtain
      motion-free, high-quality CCTA images at a low radiation dose.

PMID- 22082548
TI  - Use of dynamic phase subtraction (DPS) map in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of
      the breast.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) of the
      American College of Radiology recommends careful examination of the region of
      interest (ROI) in areas that seem to show a washout pattern on time-intensity
      curve (TIC). However, it is difficult to identify malignancies because many
      benign lesions also show enhancement, and these include cysts, hemorrhage,
      fibrosis, and necrosis in the mass. PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess
      the performance of the dynamic phase subtraction (DPS) map for dynamic contrast
      enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast. A DPS map is a map image
      with pixel-by-pixel subtraction of an early-phase image from a delayed-phase
      image obtained in a dynamic study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The use of the DPS map
      was analyzed retrospectively in 53 patients (32-84 years old) who underwent
      dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast. Sensitivity and specificity were
      compared with and without a DPS map for masses diagnosed as malignant lesions by
      biopsy. In addition, the patterns of time-intensity curves 30 seconds, 90
      seconds, and 5 minutes after injection of contrast agent were compared with and
      without a DPS map. RESULTS: Sensitivity increased from 0.78 to 0.95, and
      specificity increased from 0.71 to 0.95 with reference to the DPS map. The
      pattern of TIC changed from continuous to a plateau in 9 cases, from a plateau to
      washout in 21 cases, and from continuous to washout in 7 cases. CONCLUSION: Use
      of the DPS map of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast results in high
      detection rates of malignant masses, allows accurate ROI setting of TIC, and
      reduces operator's task.

PMID- 22082549
TI  - Internet-based videoconferencing and data collaboration for the imaging
      community.
AB  - Internet protocol-based digital data collaboration with videoconferencing is not
      yet well utilized in the imaging community. Videoconferencing, combined with
      proven low-cost solutions, can provide reliable functionality and speed, which
      will improve rapid, time-saving, and cost-effective communications, within large
      multifacility institutions or globally with the unlimited reach of the Internet.
      The aim of this project was to demonstrate the implementation of a low-cost
      hardware and software setup that facilitates global data collaboration using
      WebEx and GoToMeeting Internet protocol-based videoconferencing software. Both
      products' features were tested and evaluated for feasibility across 2 different
      Internet networks, including a video quality and recording assessment. Cross
      compatibility with an Apple OS is also noted in the evaluations. Departmental
      experiences with WebEx pertaining to clinical trials are also described. Real
      time remote presentation of dynamic data was generally consistent across
      platforms. A reliable and inexpensive hardware and software setup for complete
      Internet-based data collaboration/videoconferencing can be achieved.

PMID- 22082550
TI  - Compressive sensing-based interior tomography:  preliminary clinical application.
AB  - Compressive sensing (CS)-based interior tomography is a state-of-the-art method
      for accurate image reconstruction from only locally truncated projections. Here,
      we report our preliminary interior tomography results reconstructed from raw
      projections of a patient acquired on a GE Discovery CT750 HD scanner. This is the
      first clinical application of the CS-based interior reconstruction techniques,
      and the results show an excellent match with those reconstructed from global
      projections.

PMID- 22082552
TI  - Simulation and adult learning.

PMID- 22082553
TI  - Growth of a simulation lab: engaging the learner is key to success.

PMID- 22082554
TI  - Procedural simulation.

PMID- 22082555
TI  - Physiological stress responses of emergency medicine residents during an
      immersive medical simulation scenario.

PMID- 22082556
TI  - Use of mannequin-based simulators in anesthesiology.

PMID- 22082557
TI  - Critical care simulation.

PMID- 22082558
TI  - Simulation applications in emergency medical services.

PMID- 22082559
TI  - High-fidelity simulation-emergency medicine.

PMID- 22082560
TI  - Simulations in internal medicine.

PMID- 22082561
TI  - Characterisation of [11C]PR04.MZ in Papio anubis baboon: a selective high
      affinity radioligand for quantitative imaging of the dopamine transporter.
AB  - N-(4-fluorobut-2-yn-1-yl)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4'-tolyl)nortropane (PR04.MZ,
      1) is a PET radioligand for the non-invasive exploration of the function of the
      cerebral dopamine transporter (DAT). A reliable automated process for routine
      production of the carbon-11 labelled analogue [(11)C]PR04.MZ ([(11)C]-1) has been
      developed using GMP compliant equipment. An adult female Papio anubis baboon was
      studied using a test-retest protocol with [(11)C]-1 in order to assess test
      retest reliability, metabolism and CNS distribution profile of the tracer in non
      human primates. Blood sampling was performed throughout the studies for
      determination of the free fraction in plasma (f(P)), plasma input functions and
      metabolic degradation of the radiotracer [(11)C]-1. Time-activity curves were
      derived for the putamen, the caudate nucleus, the ventral striatum, the midbrain
      and the cerebellum. Distribution volumes (V(T)) and non-displaceable binding
      potentials (BP(ND)) for various brain regions and the blood were obtained from
      kinetic modelling. [(11)C]-1 shows promising results as a selective marker of the
      presynaptic dopamine transporter. With the reliable visualisation of the extra
      striatal dopaminergic neurons and no indication on labelled metabolites, the
      tracer provides excellent potential for translation into man.

PMID- 22082562
TI  - Methylenebissantin: a rare methylene-bridged bisflavonoid from Dodonaea viscosa
      which inhibits Plasmodium falciparum enoyl-ACP reductase.
AB  - A new methylene-bridged bisflavonoid, methylenebissantin (1), and nine known
      compounds, including flavonoids (2-5), diterpenoids (6 and 7), and phenol
      derivatives (8-10) were isolated from the aerial parts of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq.
      The structure elucidation was based on spectroscopic data analyses. The isolated
      compounds were evaluated for the inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum enoyl-ACP
      reductase (PfENR). Methylenebissantin (1) exhibited a moderate inhibition (IC(50)
      91.13 MUM) against PfENR.

PMID- 22082563
TI  - A key cytochrome P450 hydroxylase in pradimicin biosynthesis.
AB  - Pradimicins A-C (1-3) are a group of antifungal and antiviral polyketides from
      Actinomadura hibisca. The sugar moieties in pradimicins are required for their
      biological activities. Consequently, the 5-OH that is used for glycosylation
      plays a critical role in pradimicin biosynthesis. A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase
      gene, pdmJ, was amplified from the genomic DNA of A. hibisca and expressed in
      Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). PdmJ introduced a hydroxyl group to G-2A (4), a key
      pradimicin biosynthetic intermediate, at C-5 to form JX134 (5). A d-Ala
      containing pradimicin analog, JX137a (6) was tested as an alternative substrate,
      but no product was detected by LC-MS, indicating that PdmJ has strict substrate
      specificity. Kinetic studies revealed a typical substrate inhibition of PdmJ
      activity. The optimal substrate concentration for the highest velocity is 115MUM
      under the test conditions. Moreover, the conversion rate of 4 to 5 was reduced by
      the presence of 6, likely due to competitive inhibition. Coexpression of PdmJ and
      a glucose 1-dehydrogenase in E. coli BL21(DE3) provides an efficient method to
      produce the important intermediate 5 from 4.

PMID- 22082564
TI  - Ocular ischemia with hypotony after injection of hyaluronic acid gel.
AB  - The authors experienced a case with ocular ischemia with hypotony following
      injection of a dermal filler for augmentation rhinoplasty. Immediately after
      injection, the patient demonstrated a permanent visual loss with typical fundus
      features of central retinal artery occlusion. Multiple crusted ulcerative patches
      around the nose and left periorbit developed, and the left eye became severely
      inflamed, ophthalmoplegic, and hypotonic. Signs of anterior and posterior segment
      ischemia were observed including severe cornea edema, iris atrophy, and
      chorioretinal swelling. The retrograde arterial embolization of hyaluronic acid
      gel from vascular branches of nasal tip to central retinal artery and long
      posterior ciliary artery was highly suspicious. After 6 months of follow up, skin
      lesions and eyeball movement became normalized, but progressive exudative and
      tractional retinal detachment was causing phthisis bulbi.

PMID- 22082565
TI  - Increased IL-17-producing CD4(+) T cells in patients with esophageal cancer.
AB  - Increased interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing Th (Th17) cells have been described in
      a variety of human carcinoma cases, however, the mechanism of Th17 cells'
      accumulation in a tumor microenvironment remains elusive. This study was designed
      to investigate whether Th17 cells were involved in the development of esophageal
      cancer. We found that the proportion of Th17 cells increased within the
      peripheral blood and tumor tissues of esophageal cancer patients. Furthermore,
      the proportion of circulating Th17 cells was higher in advanced esophageal cancer
      patients than that in early esophageal cancer patients. In addition, the Th17
      cells differentiation-related cytokines (IL-23, IL-1beta, and IL-6) and
      accumulation-related chemokines (CCL22 and CCL20) were present in a tumor
      microenvironment. Therefore, the findings may partly explain the cause for the
      increased proportion of Th17 cells and indicate a potential prognostic marker of
      Th17 cells in esophageal cancer.

PMID- 22082566
TI  - Serum amyloid A protects murine macrophages from lethal toxin-mediated death.
AB  - Lethal toxin, a key virulence factor produced by Bacillus anthracis, induces cell
      death, in part by disrupting numerous signaling pathways, in mouse macrophages.
      However, exposure to sublethal doses of lethal toxin allows some cells to
      survive. Because these pro-survival signaling events occur within a few hours
      after exposure to sublethal doses, we hypothesized that acute phase proteins
      might influence macrophage survival. Our data show that serum amyloid A (SAA) is
      produced in response to lethal toxin treatment. Moreover, pre-treatment of
      macrophages with exogenous SAA protected macrophages from lethal toxin-mediated
      death. Exogenous SAA activated the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP)
      kinase pathway, while lethal toxin mutants incapable of p38 activation were
      incapable of causing cell death. Chemical inhibition of the p38 activation
      pathway abrogated the protective effects of SAA. These data show that SAA affords
      protection against lethal toxin in mouse macrophages and link this response to
      the p38 pathway.

PMID- 22082567
TI  - Human myeloid dendritic cells treated with supernatants of rotavirus infected
      Caco-2 cells induce a poor Th1 response.
AB  - We have previously shown that human myeloid dendritic cells treated with purified
      rotavirus induce an allogenic Th1 response. To determine if rotavirus in the
      context of an intestinal microenvironment modulates the function of dendritic
      cells, we treated these cells with supernatants from non-infected or infected
      Caco-2 cells and studied their capacity to promote Th1 or Th2 responses.
      Dendritic cells treated with supernatants from rotavirus-infected Caco-2 cells
      promoted a significantly lower Th1 response, in comparison with those treated
      with purified rotavirus. We wanted to establish if TGF-beta1, induced, or TSLP,
      not induced, during rotavirus infection, could mediate this effect.
      Neutralization of TGF-beta but not TSLP in the supernatant prior to treatment of
      dendritic cells increased their capacity to promote a Th1 response. The results
      suggest that the TGF-beta1 induced by rotavirus could be an immune evasion
      mechanism, and may partially explain the poor rotavirus-specific T cell response
      we have previously evidenced.

PMID- 22082568
TI  - Induced cytokine response of human PMBC-cultures: correlation of gene expression
      and secretion profiling and the effect of cryopreservation.
AB  - The immune system is regulated by the complex interaction of multiple cytokines,
      which are secreted signaling molecules affecting other cells. In this work, we
      studied the cytokine response to several well-known stimulants, such as OKT-3,
      Con A, PWM, and SEB. Healthy donor cells (PBMCs) were cultivated for up to 72 h
      and the mRNA levels and cytokine release of four key cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IFN
      gamma, and TNF-alpha) were analyzed by RT-PCR and bead-based multiplex analyses.
      The generated cytokine profiles showed characteristic expression patterns and
      secretion kinetics for each cytokine and substance. PWM/SEB and OKT-3 led to a
      very fast and long-lasting immune response, whereas Con A induced the slowest
      cytokine production. Cytokine concentrations also differed greatly. The highest
      IFN-gamma concentration was 1000 times higher than the respective IL-4
      concentration. Gene expression and cytokine concentration profiles were strongly
      correlated during the time course. The chronological response of the donors'
      cytokine profiles coincided, but showed individual characteristics regarding the
      strength of the cytokine release. The comparison of stimulation experiments using
      freshly isolated and cryopreserved PBMCs showed that, for the observation of an
      immunological response at early points in time, gene expression experiments are
      more reliable than the measurement of cytokines in the cell culture supernatant.
      However, the freezing of cells influences the response significantly. The
      measurement of secreted proteins is the superior method at later points in time.

PMID- 22082569
TI  - Comparative dental development in Hispanopithecus laietanus and Pan troglodytes.

PMID- 22082570
TI  - Intrathecal combination of ziconotide and morphine for refractory cancer pain: a
      rapidly acting and effective choice.
AB  - Ziconotide is a nonopioid intrathecal analgesic drug used to manage moderate to
      severe chronic pain. The aim of this work is to assess the safety and efficacy of
      intrathecal (IT) combination of ziconotide and morphine in malignant pain
      refractory to high doses of oral opioids. Patients with malignant pain refractory
      to high oral opioids doses with a mean visual analogue scale of pain intensity
      (VASPI) score of >= 70 mm were enrolled. An IT combination therapy was
      administered: Ziconotide was started at a dose of 2.4 MUg/day, followed by
      increases of 1.2 MUg/day at intervals of at least 7 days, and an initial IT daily
      dose of morphine was calculated based on its oral daily dose. Percentage change
      in VASPI scores from baseline was calculated at 2 days, at 7 days, and weekly
      until the first 28 days. The mean percentage change of VASPI score from baseline
      was used for efficacy assessment. Safety was monitored based on adverse events
      and routine laboratory values. Twenty patients were enrolled, with a mean daily
      VASPI score at rest of 90+/-7. All had a disseminated cancer with bone metastases
      involving the spine. The percentage changes in VASPI mean scores from baseline to
      2 days, 7 days, and 28 days were 39+/-13% (95% confidence interval [CI]=13.61
      64.49, P<.001), 51+/-12% (95% CI=27.56-74.56, P<.001), and 62+/-13% (95% CI=36.03
      87.89%, P<.001), respectively. Four patients experienced mild adverse events
      related to the study drugs. In conclusion, an IT combination of low doses of
      ziconotide and morphine allows safe and rapid control of oral opioid-refractory
      malignant pain.

PMID- 22082571
TI  - Automated image interpretation computer-assisted diagnostics.

PMID- 22082572
TI  - Where have all the pioneers gone?

PMID- 22082573
TI  - Following the cutting edge....

PMID- 22082574
TI  - First clinical evaluation of a luminal self-expanding shield in patients with
      intermediate coronary lesions.
AB  - AIMS: Earlier generation self-expanding stents (SExS) showed high restenosis
      rates and long-term stent over-expansion. A novel SExS with reduced outward
      expansive force has been developed to overcome these limitations. This first-in
      human study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the low pressure self
      expanding nitinol-based vProtectTM luminal shield (LS) in the treatment of
      intermediate coronary lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 29 patients with
      clinical evidence of myocardial ischaemia and intermediate de novo coronary
      lesions were included. The LS was deployed after low-pressure balloon pre
      dilatation. Acute procedural and device success was achieved in all patients.
      Angiographic follow-up at nine months showed an in-stent lumen loss of 0.50+/
      0.30 mm and a binary restenosis rate of 10.3%. There were no cases of late LS
      over-expansion or acute/late malapposition as evaluated by intravascular
      ultrasound (IVUS). The cumulative major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate at
      nine months was 10.3%, consisting of three target lesion revascularisations, with
      no cases of death, myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Implantation of the LS in non-complex coronary lesions of intermediate severity
      was feasible, safe, and resulted in low rates of late loss and restenosis. IVUS
      analysis at nine months showed favourable mechanical properties of the LS without
      evidence of late device over-expansion.

PMID- 22082575
TI  - Comparison of target-lesion revascularisation between left main coronary artery
      bifurcations and left anterior descending coronary artery bifurcations using the
      one and two stent approach with sirolimus-eluting stents.
AB  - AIMS: Lesion location might influence the efficacy of the bifurcation two-stent
      approach relative to the one-stent approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: One-year
      outcomes after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation with the two-stent
      approach were compared to those with the one-stent approach in left main coronary
      artery (LMCA) bifurcation (945 lesions) and in left anterior descending coronary
      artery (LAD) bifurcation (1271 lesions). The two-stent approach was used more
      frequently in LMCA than in LAD. The target-lesion revascularisation (TLR) rate in
      the two-stent group was significantly higher than that in the one-stent group in
      LMCA (24.2% vs. 5.6%, p<0.0001), but not in LAD (9.0% vs. 5.4%, p=0.056).
      Adjusted odds ratio of two-stent versus one-stent for TLR was 4.93 (3.01-8.08,
      p<0.0001) in LMCA and 1.15 (0.64-2.07, p=0.63) in LAD, respectively (interaction
      p<0.0001). Angiographic restenosis rates in the main branch were significantly
      higher in the two-stent group in both LMCA and LAD (11.0% vs. 4.9%, p=0.02; and
      13.2% vs. 6.8%, p=0.02). Restenosis rates in the side branch were significantly
      higher in the two-stent group in LMCA (35.3% vs. 14.5%, p<0.0001), but not in LAD
      (15.1% vs. 22.6%, p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Risk of TLR after bifurcation stenting in
      lesions that needed the two-stent approach was significantly different between
      LMCA and LAD bifurcations.

PMID- 22082576
TI  - Transendocardial autologous bone marrow in myocardial infarction induced heart
      failure, two-year follow-up in an open-label phase I safety study (the TABMMI
      study).
AB  - AIMS: To assess the hypothesis that fluoroscopically-guided helical needle
      transendocardial delivery of autologous bone marrow (ABM) mononuclear cells
      (MNCs) in chronic post myocardial infarction patients is safe and improves
      ejection fraction (EF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty ischaemic heart failure
      patients with an EF <=40% were enrolled. ABMMNCs were prepared, counted for CD34+
      and CD133+ content, and delivered percutaneously to the heart at 5 to 10 peri
      infarct sites. Two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography, EF
      measurements, Holter, and exercise tolerance time (ETT) were performed at
      baseline, one week (wk), and 6, 12, and 24 months (mo). 96+/-29 million ABMMNCs
      were injected into 8.5+/-2.6 peri-infarct sites over 42+/-17 minutes (n=20).
      There were no adverse events associated with the catheter-based cell
      transplantation procedure or significant increases in ventricular events on
      Holter. EF improved over baseline from 34.9+/-4.3% to 41.9+/-5.1% at 12 mo to
      42.2+/-7.1% (p=0.00005) at 24 mo. ETT improvements were statistically significant
      from 246+/-113 sec to 373+/-183 sec at 12 mo and 371+/-181 sec at 24 mo
      (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: ABMMNCs delivered with the helical needle
      transendocardial catheter was safe in this uncontrolled open label study.
      Increased EF and ETT support the safety of the procedure and technologies
      involved and warrant additional investigation.

PMID- 22082577
TI  - Evaluating the safety of very short-term (10 days) dual antiplatelet therapy
      after GenousTM bio-engineered R stentTM implantation: the multicentre pilot
      Genous trial.
AB  - AIMS: Percutaneous coronary stenting is synonymous with dual antiplatelet
      therapy, ranging from four weeks to lifelong. However, even short-term (four
      weeks) therapy with aspirin and thienopyridines is occasionally contraindicated.
      No study has ever appraised very short-term dual antiplatelet therapy after
      stenting. We thus aimed to exploit the pro-healing features of the GenousTM Bio
      engineered R stentTM (Genous) (OrbusNeich Medical Technologies, Hong Kong,
      People's Republic of China) and evaluate the safety of a 10-day dual antiplatelet
      regimen after its implantation in up to 50 patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty
      nine consecutive patients with de novo lesions located in vessels able to receive
      a 2.5 mm Genous stent were included. After stenting, they received lifelong
      aspirin plus clopidogrel for 10 days. The primary endpoint of the study was
      sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction or angiographic evidence of stent
      thrombosis ascribable to the study stent. Almost 70% of patients effectively
      discontinued clopidogrel nine to 11 days after stenting. At three-month clinical
      follow-up, no patient had died or reached the primary endpoint (95%; confidence
      interval 0-7.3%). Repeat revascularisation occurred instead in three (6.1%[2.1
      16.5%]), with target lesion revascularisation in two (4.1%[1.1-13.7%]).
      CONCLUSIONS: Even very short-term dual antiplatelet therapy seems safe after
      coronary stenting with Genous in de novo coronary artery lesions located in
      secondary branch vessels. This preliminary exploratory study gives some support
      to planning a large trial to test the hypothesis of short dual antiplatelet
      therapy following Genous stent implantation.

PMID- 22082578
TI  - Optical coherence tomography for guidance of treatment of in-stent restenosis
      with cutting balloons.
AB  - AIMS: The treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a challenge with poor
      immediate results and higher restenosis rate than in de novo lesions. We propose,
      based on a consecutive series of patients treated with cutting balloon, a
      strategy of aggressive device selection based on the results of serial FD-OCT
      assessment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fourteen consecutive ISR lesions were evaluated
      both angiographically and with frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FD
      OCT) (C7; LightLab Imaging Inc., Westford, MA, USA). Cutting balloon (CB) was
      used in all cases, sized firstly according to conventional angiographic criteria
      and then upgraded based on OCT assessment with the aim of creating cuts as close
      as possible to the struts. OCT data analysis included measurements of lumen and
      stent area, minimal distance lumen-struts and residual plaque neointimal
      hyperplasia. With an OCT guided CB strategy, the final minimal lumen cross
      sectional area (MLCSA) after the final treatment reached 6.68+/-1.14 mm2, with a
      reduction from 69% to 25% of neointimal hyperplasia. In the patients with a two
      step strategy using a first CB guided by angiography and a second CB guided by
      OCT, the increase in CB diameter was 0.5 mm, achieving an increase in MLCSA area
      from 4.9+/-0.42 to 6.35+/-0.92 mm2 with a reduction from 41% to 27% of neointimal
      hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The OCT measurements of strut-to-strut distance allow
      safe upsizing of the CB with an acceptable lumen increase before deployment of a
      new DES. The strategy appears of particular usefulness for a DEB strategy with no
      intention to implant new stents.

PMID- 22082579
TI  - In vitro and in vivo characterisation of biodegradable polymer-based drug-eluting
      stent.
AB  - AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the structural integrity and
      early vascular response of a polylactic acid-coated (i.e., biodegradable polymer)
      coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) (BioMatrixTM; Biosensors International,
      Singapore) to three currently marketed FDA/CE- mark approved non-erodible polymer
      coated DES in a porcine model. METHODS AND RESULTS: BioMatrixTM, XIENCE VTM
      (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA), TAXUS(r) LiberteTM (Boston Scientific,
      Natick, MA, USA), and Cypher SELECTTM (Cordis, Johnson & Johnson, Miami, FL, USA)
      stents were implanted in pig coronaries for seven days. Polymer integrity was
      assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following tissue digestion. In
      vitro expansion of the BioMatrixTM was also performed. SEM analysis of in vivo
      stents demonstrated polymer defects on the abluminal surface of all DES including
      polymer cracking (BioMatrixTM), bridging (TAXUS LiberteTM), round-small defects
      (Cypher SELECTTM), and flaking (XIENCE VTM). Histologically, the myocardium
      revealed no evidence of acute myocardial infarction or microscopic scarring,
      moreover all intramyocardial vessels were found to be patent with no evidence of
      emboli. In vitro results demonstrated greater BioMatrixTM polymer cracking and
      lifting. CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate the presence of polymer defects in
      all DES (TAXUS LiberteTM, Cypher SELECTTM, XIENCE VTM, BioMatrixTM) implanted
      seven-days in pigs, with absence of myocardial damage in this small number of
      samples. Polymer coating irregularity was greater in BioMatrixTM stent expanded
      in vitro as compared to in vivo, suggesting simulated benchtop deployment induces
      greater damage to the biodegradable polymer coating than in vivo deployment in
      healthy porcine coronary arteries.

PMID- 22082580
TI  - Percutaneous renal artery intervention versus medical therapy in patients with
      renal artery stenosis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - AIMS: Patients with renal artery stenosis are treated with percutaneous
      intervention, but randomised studies are inconclusive. We aimed to compare renal
      percutaneous revascularisation versus medical therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      systematic search for randomised controlled studies yielded three studies
      comparing renal angioplasty and two studies comparing renal angioplasty with
      stenting versus medical therapy, respectively. Six sets of data were extracted
      focusing on systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as serum creatinine at
      follow-up. The five trials included 1,030 patients with renal artery stenosis.
      There was a trend toward, but no significant improvement in, systolic blood
      pressure (weighted mean difference [WMD] -2.76 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      -5.71 to 0.18; p=0.07), diastolic blood pressure, (WMD -1.18 mmHg, 95% CI -2.69
      to 0.32; p=0.12), or serum creatinine (WMD -7.26 mmol/L, 95% CI -14.99 to 0.47;
      p=0.07) in the patients who underwent percutaneous intervention compared to the
      medical therapy group. All but one trial showed at least a moderate overall bias
      risk. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a significant improvement in blood pressure or
      renal function in patients with renal artery stenosis treated with renal artery
      revascularisation compared to medical therapy alone. However, trial quality was a
      limitation.

PMID- 22082581
TI  - Current insights in endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
AB  - In patients presenting with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a choice
      can be made whether or not to offer treatment (selective treatment policy).
      Patients with a realistic expectation of survival after surgery, identified by
      several available prediction models, can be offered two treatment options:
      conventional "open" surgical repair and endovascular "minimally invasive" repair.
      Conventional open repair carries a significant morbidity and mortality, due to
      the combined effects of general anaesthesia and surgical exposure. Based on
      anatomical criteria assessed on a pre-operative CT angiography scan,
      approximately half of the ruptured AAA are suitable for endovascular aneurysm
      repair (EVAR). The majority of comparative studies show a clear trend towards
      lower perioperative mortality for endovascular repair compared to open surgery.
      The overall analyses of EVAR compared to open surgery, taking one randomised
      controlled trial and 23 available observational studies into account, showed a
      38% decrease in 30-day or hospital mortality rate (Peto odds ratio 0.62; 95% CI
      0.52 to 0.74). However, these mainly observational studies show considerable
      heterogeneity. Furthermore, potential selection bias, selecting patients for
      endovascular repair constituting a haemodynamically lower-risk category with a
      more favourable EVAR suitable anatomic configuration, makes a proper comparison
      unlikely. Therefore, randomised controlled trials, although difficult to perform
      in an acute severe condition like ruptured AAA, are needed to identify possible
      benefits of EVAR over open surgery in patients with a ruptured AAA.

PMID- 22082582
TI  - Cardiovascular risk profile of patients included in stent trials; a pooled
      analysis of individual patient data from randomised clinical trials: insights
      from 33 prospective stent trials in Europe.
AB  - AIMS: Few data document trends in cardiovascular (CV) risk-factors in patients
      with or without previous symptomatic CV disease. We assessed the prevalence and
      trends in (non) modifiable CV risk-factors, and the use of cardioprotective
      therapies in patients enrolled in coronary stent trials. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      This analysis included prospective data on 10,253 mainly European adults who were
      enrolled in 32 coronary stent studies between 1995 and 2006. Data was collected
      at the time of enrolment using a standardised patient clinical record form, and
      was analysed by considering three consecutive time periods: 1995-1997 (I), 1998
      2002 (II) and 2003-2006 (III) rendering approximately equal numbers per period.
      Overall the proportion of active smokers remained constant (Period I to III: 28%,
      27%, 21%, p=0.45), however the proportion increased in females below 50 years
      (about 2%/ year, R.RR: 1.20, P: 0.05 period III versus I). Prevalent diabetes
      increased (16%, 17%, 25%; p=0.029). The prevalence of a body-mass index (BMI)
      >=25 kg/m2 was high, but no trend was observed (69%, 68%, 70%; p=0.24). The
      proportion of patients with elevated blood pressure (i.e., >=140/90 mmHg, in
      diabetes >=130/80 mmHg) remained unchanged (55%, 50.%, 53%; p=0.22), despite an
      increase in the number of patients taking anti-hypertensive agents (84%, 89%,
      90%; p=0.30). Conversely, the proportion of patients with elevated total
      cholesterol (i.e., >=4.5 mmol/L) decreased (80%, 66%, 52%; p=0.002), which was
      consistent with the increase in patients taking lipid lowering drugs (32%, 62%,
      69%; p=0.083). The portion of patients reaching therapeutic targets for blood
      lipids improved, but no improvement was seen in blood pressure control (p=0.29).
      CONCLUSIONS: There is an unmet clinical need in primary and secondary CV
      prevention in Europe. Patients requiring PCI are an important target population
      in whom lifestyle changes and aggressive secondary preventative measures should
      be aimed. Ultimately PCI should open the door towards optimising secondary
      prevention.

PMID- 22082583
TI  - Tools & techniques: Percutaneous intervention of saphenous vein graft lesions.

PMID- 22082584
TI  - How should I treat pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in a patient with Rendu
      Osler disease presenting with transient ischaemic attack.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 42-year-old man with no cardiovascular risk factors or history was
      admitted for evaluation of an episode of transient ischaemic attack (TIA). He had
      no cardiovascular risk factors and his physical examination was unremarkable.
      INVESTIGATION: Physical examination, electrography, transesophageal
      echocardiogram, coronary angiogram. DIAGNOSIS: Intrapulmonary shunting, in the
      presence of arteriovenous malformations, possible hereditary haemorrhagic
      telangectasia. TREATMENT: Transcatheter occlusion of multiple pulmonary
      arteriovenous malformations using an AMPLATZER vascular plug.

PMID- 22082585
TI  - Argan oil improves surrogate markers of CVD in humans.
AB  - Limited - though increasing - evidence suggests that argan oil might be endowed
      with potential healthful properties, mostly in the areas of CVD and prostate
      cancer. We sought to comprehensively determine the effects of argan oil
      supplementation on the plasma lipid profile and antioxidant status of a group of
      healthy Algerian subjects, compared with matched controls. A total of twenty
      healthy subjects consumed 15 g/d of argan oil - with toasted bread - for
      breakfast, during 4 weeks (intervention group), whereas twenty matched controls
      followed their habitual diet, but did not consume argan oil. The study lasted 30
      d. At the end of the study, argan oil-supplemented subjects exhibited higher
      plasma vitamin E concentrations, lower total and LDL-cholesterol, lower TAG and
      improved plasma and cellular antioxidant profile, when compared with controls. In
      conclusion, we showed that Algerian argan oil is able to positively modulate some
      surrogate markers of CVD, through mechanisms which warrant further investigation.

PMID- 22082586
TI  - beta-catenin represses expression of the tumour suppressor 15-prostaglandin
      dehydrogenase in the normal intestinal epithelium and colorectal tumour cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression in colorectal cancer
      increases levels of its pro-tumorigenic product prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)). The
      recently identified colorectal tumour suppressor 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase
      (15-PGDH) catalyses prostaglandin turnover and is downregulated at a very early
      stage in colorectal tumorigenesis; however, the mechanism responsible remains
      unclear. As Wnt/beta-catenin signalling is also deregulated early in colorectal
      neoplasia, a study was undertaken to determine whether beta-catenin represses 15
      PGDH expression. METHODS: The effect of modulating Wnt/beta-catenin signalling
      (using beta-catenin siRNA, mutant TCF4, Wnt3A or GSK3 inhibition) on 15-PGDH
      mRNA, protein expression and promoter activity was determined in colorectal cell
      lines by immunoblotting, qRT-PCR and reporter assays. The effect of beta-catenin
      deletion in vivo was addressed by 15-PGDH immunostaining of beta-catenin(-/lox)
      villin-creERT2 mouse tissue. 15-PGDH promoter occupancy was determined using
      chromatin immunoprecipitation and PGE(2) levels by ELISA. RESULTS: The study
      shows for the first time that beta-catenin knockdown upregulates 15-PGDH in
      colorectal adenoma and carcinoma cells without affecting COX-2 protein levels. A
      dominant negative mutant form of TCF4 (dnTCF4), unable to bind beta-catenin, also
      upregulated 15-PGDH; conversely, increasing beta-catenin activity using Wnt3A or
      GSK3 inhibition downregulated 15-PGDH. Importantly, inducible beta-catenin
      deletion in vivo also upregulated intestinal epithelial 15-PGDH. 15-PGDH
      regulation occurred at the protein, mRNA and promoter activity levels and
      chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated beta-catenin/TCF4 binding to the 15-PGDH
      promoter. beta-catenin knockdown decreased PGE(2) levels, and this was
      significantly rescued by 15-PGDH siRNA. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a novel
      role for beta-catenin in promoting colorectal tumorigenesis through very early 15
      PGDH suppression leading to increased PGE(2) levels, possibly even before COX-2
      upregulation.

PMID- 22082587
TI  - Clinical application of a systems model of apoptosis execution for the prediction
      of colorectal cancer therapy responses and personalisation of therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Key to the clinical management of colorectal cancer is identifying
      tools which aid in assessing patient prognosis and determining more effective and
      personalised treatment strategies. We evaluated whether an experimental systems
      biology strategy which analyses the susceptibility of cancer cells to undergo
      caspase activation can be exploited to predict patient responses to 5
      fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and to case-specifically identify potential
      alternative targeted treatments to reactivate apoptosis. DESIGN: We quantified
      five essential apoptosis-regulating proteins (Pro-Caspases 3 and 9, APAF-1, SMAC
      and XIAP) in samples of Stage II (n = 13) and III (n=17) tumour and normal
      colonic (n = 8) tissue using absolute quantitative immunoblotting and employed
      systems simulations of apoptosis signalling to predict the susceptibility of
      tumour cells to execute apoptosis. Additional systems analyses assessed the
      efficacy of novel apoptosis-inducing therapeutics such as XIAP antagonists,
      proteasome inhibitors and Pro-Caspase-3-activating compounds in restoring
      apoptosis execution in apoptosis-incompetent tumours. RESULTS: Comparisons of
      caspase activity profiles demonstrated that the likelihood of colorectal tumours
      to undergo apoptosis decreases with advancing disease stage. Systems-level
      analysis correctly predicted positive or negative outcome in 85% (p=0.004) of
      colorectal cancer patients receiving 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy and
      significantly outperformed common uni- and multi-variate statistical approaches.
      Modelling of individual patient responses to novel apoptosis-inducing
      therapeutics revealed markedly different inter-individual responses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study represents the first proof-of-concept example demonstrating the
      significant clinical potential of systems biology-based approaches for predicting
      patient outcome and responsiveness to novel targeted treatment paradigms.

PMID- 22082588
TI  - Three cases of myasthenia gravis from one family with variations in clinical
      features and serum antibodies.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission,
      is mainly sporadic while familial cases are very rare. Usually familial
      myasthenia gravis cases have uniform clinical symptoms as well as serum anti
      acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Interestingly, in our cases varying clinical
      types of myasthenia gravis and seropositive/seronegative anti-acetylcholine
      receptor antibodies coexisted in the same family. The mother and her daughter
      both had ocular myasthenia gravis, detectable anti-acetylcholine receptor
      antibodies and non-detectable anti-muscle-specific kinase antibodies, and good
      responses to medications. The son displayed ocular symptoms at the onset, and
      then progressed into a generalized form after 1 year. His serum anti
      acetylcholine receptor antibodies and anti-muscle-specific kinase antibodies were
      both negative. Neither corticosteroids nor thymectomy alleviated his symptoms.
      Human leukocyte antigen DQA1*0301 allele sharing by the three patients may be
      involved in their genetic susceptibility to myasthenia gravis, and subtle
      differences in human leukocyte antigen DQB1 alleles may be associated with their
      variations in clinical features and serum antibodies.

PMID- 22082589
TI  - Neurotrophic corneal ulcer after retrobulbar injection of chlorpromazine.
AB  - An 80-year-old woman with a painful, poorly seeing right eye underwent
      retrobulbar chlorpromazine injection for pain control. After the injection, the
      patient's symptoms improved; however, a neurotrophic ulcer developed within 2
      weeks after the procedure. It is postulated that chlorpromazine may lead to
      sensory denervation to the cornea with the subsequent development of neurotrophic
      keratopathy, as observed in this case. Awareness of this potential adverse effect
      is important for proper patient safety, education, and postinjection management.

PMID- 22082590
TI  - Non-traumatic subperiosteal orbital hematoma as a presenting sign of chronic
      myelogenous leukemia.
AB  - We present a case with a nontraumatic subperiosteal orbital hematoma as a
      presenting sign of chronic myelogenous leukemia. A previously healthy 34 year-old
      man presented with a 2-day history of right upper eyelid swelling. CT scan
      revealed a subperiosteal mass, and routine blood tests revealed a white blood
      cell count of 290,000/MUl with normal platelet count. Chronic myelogenous
      leukemia was diagnosed based on a subsequent bone marrow biopsy. After orbitotomy
      and evacuation of the hematoma, the patient's visual acuity and motility returned
      to normal. In conclusion, chronic myelogenous leukemia should be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of nontraumatic subperiosteal orbital hematoma.

PMID- 22082591
TI  - A unique case of foreign-body associated orbital myositis.
AB  - A 50-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of diplopia and right-sided
      orbital pain with eye movement. Examination revealed an edematous, ptotic right
      upper eyelid with conjunctival hyperemia, proptosis, and significant limitation
      to upward and downward ductions on the right. MRI was significant for a
      homogeneously enhancing lesion within the superior rectus muscle. A laboratory
      evaluation seeking an infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune process was
      nonrevealing. A diagnosis of orbital myositis was made, and the patient
      experienced significant improvement with oral corticosteroids. The patient's
      symptoms, however, recurred after attempts at a slow taper of the
      corticosteroids. An orbital biopsy of the lesion revealed fibroadipose tissue
      containing irregularly shaped yellow-white deposits birefringent under polarized
      light, suggestive of silica crystals. The patient denied any history of trauma or
      prior surgery. An intraorbital triamcinolone injection to the superior orbit
      allowed resolution of symptoms and a successful taper off systemic
      corticosteroids.

PMID- 22082592
TI  - Idiopathic inflammation of the orbit and contiguous structures.
AB  - Idiopathic orbital inflammation is a common cause of acute orbital signs and
      symptoms. It is typically confined to the bony orbit; however, it can rarely
      involve contiguous structures with or without lytic change raising clinical
      suspicion for malignancy. Three cases of idiopathic inflammation of the orbit
      that affected adjacent structures are reported here; 2 cases had maxillary sinus
      involvement, while a third had extension in the temporal fossa.

PMID- 22082593
TI  - Congenital dacryocystocele:  comparative findings of dacryoendoscopy and
      histopathology in a patient.
AB  - A full-term baby girl showed a bluish mass at birth in the right medial canthal
      area. She later demonstrated dacryocystitis and cellulitis. Although probing was
      performed, it was unsuccessful, and the dacryocystitis and cellulitis worsened.
      Computed tomography showed a dilated lacrimal sac, an enlarged nasolacrimal canal
      and a nasal cyst. Topical and intravenous systemic antibiotics were then started,
      and the symptoms partially subsided. Surgery was performed under general
      anesthesia with endoscopic assistance, under which cystic distention was
      visualized beneath the inferior turbinate. A dacryoendoscope showed injection and
      hemorrhages on the inner wall of the cyst. Marsupialization of the cyst was
      performed. Histopathologic examination showed submucosal tissue including fibrous
      thickening with infiltration of mononuclear leukocytes. The patient remained
      symptom free 6 months thereafter. Dacryoendoscopy for a congenital
      dacryocystocele demonstrated injection with hemorrhages, and this inflammatory
      sign corresponded to the histopathologic findings.

PMID- 22082594
TI  - Isolated squamous cell carcinoma of the orbital apex.
AB  - A 43-year-old woman (Case 1), 63-year-old man (Case 2), and a 67-year-old man
      (Case 3) presented with diplopia (Cases 1, 2, and 3) and upper-eyelid ptosis
      (Cases 1 and 3). The cases had preceding cranial nerve V1 disturbances ranging
      from 3 months to 8 years. Each demonstrated complete internal ophthalmoplegia and
      external ophthalmoplegia. No case had a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
      on presentation or by history. Imaging revealed isolated orbital apex masses.
      Tumor biopsies revealed SCCs of various differentiations. Systemic workup
      revealed no extraorbital malignancy. All received radiation therapy, and 2
      patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient is alive since diagnosis
      (49 months). In Case 2, SCC developed in the contralateral orbit, and the patient
      died 19 months after diagnosis; and Case 3 died 12 months after diagnosis. These
      isolated cases of orbital SCC may have arisen from orbital choristomatous
      squamous epithelium, may represent de novo or metastatic tumors, or may be
      manifestations of occult perineural spread.

PMID- 22082595
TI  - Histopathology of brow fat in thyroid-associated orbitopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We propose that brow enlargement seen in patients with thyroid
      associated orbitopathy (TAO) occurs secondary to the autoimmune process in Graves
      disease and that the changes in brow fat are histologically identical to those
      seen in orbital fat. METHODS: With informed consent, brow and orbital fat was
      obtained from patients with TAO and from patients with no significant past
      medical history undergoing orbital decompression, blepharoplasty, and/or brow fat
      removal. Histologic examination was performed on the orbital and brow fat.
      RESULTS: Fat histologies obtained from patients with TAO and those without known
      systemic disease were compared. Specimens from patients with TAO showed an
      increase of fibrosis and fibrous septae. Furthermore, certain biologic markers,
      including insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor beta (IGF-1Rbeta) and thyroid
      stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), were increased in the fat obtained from
      patients with TAO. This was identical in both the brow and the orbital fat. Fat
      from patients with no significant past medical history showed normal fat
      histology, absence of fibrous septae, and decreased marker expression.
      CONCLUSION: Graves disease is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects patients
      in a variety of ways. In addition to the orbital changes seen in these patients,
      we have observed an increase in the brow fat compartment. We are intrigued to
      find that the histologic changes are identical in both the orbital and the brow
      fat of patients with TAO. The increased IGF-1Rbeta and TSHR expression in both
      the brow and the orbital fat further support their role as putative markers in
      patients with Graves disease.

PMID- 22082596
TI  - A unique association of granuloma of the lower eyelid to prior trauma.
AB  - A 5-year-old girl presented with a mass of the lower eyelid causing lower eyelid
      retraction and traction in upgaze. The patient had a recent history of minor
      trauma to the area. An orbitotomy was performed with lateral canthotomy and
      cantholysis to allow for dissection of the lesion, which was found in the
      anterior lamella of the lower eyelid. Pathologic review showed non-necrotizing
      granulomatous inflammation with granulation tissue. Reports of granulomas of the
      oral mucosa secondary to trauma are common in the dental literature. This is a
      unique case in that it is the first report of a subcutaneous granuloma of the
      eyelid arising secondary to trauma.

PMID- 22082597
TI  - Eyelid lacerations secondary to caesarean section delivery.
AB  - A 32-week-gestation female was delivered emergently via caesarian section to a
      mother in premature labor due to placental abruption. On delivery, the neonate
      was noted to have sustained right upper and lower eyelid full-thickness
      lacerations extending from the medial canthal area with associated right upper
      and lower full-thickness canalicular lacerations. The neonate underwent same-day
      surgical repair of her eyelid lacerations with stenting of her canalicular system
      with a Crawford tube. At 2 months postoperatively, the child is opening her right
      upper eyelid without any signs of deprivation ambylopia. This case demonstrates
      the need to inform expectant mothers of the intrinsic risks of periorbital trauma
      during the birthing process that may result in visual loss through either
      ambylopia and/or globe injury.

PMID- 22082599
TI  - Acute recurrence of orbital cavernous hemangioma in a young man:  a case report.
AB  - A 29-year-old man presented with a history of prominent left eye of 6 months'
      duration. He also reported fluctuating blurred vision since 15 days ago. On
      examination, proptosis of 3 mm was noted in the left eye. Computed tomography (CT
      scan) of the orbits showed a well-circumscribed, hyperdense, intraconal mass
      lesion in left orbit, located in the inferotemporal quadrant. Orbitotomy was
      performed, and the tumor was delivered with an intact capsule. The clinical
      diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed on histopathologic examination.
      The presence of intact capsule was confirmed grossly and with histopathology. The
      patient returned 6 weeks after surgery with recurrent proptosis. Repeated CT scan
      showed a recurrent intraconal mass of similar characteristics as in the primary
      presentation. A repeated orbitotomy was done, and the tumor was removed intact.
      Histopathology of the recurrent tumor confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous
      hemangioma. We report a rare case of orbital cavernous hemangioma with short-term
      recurrence (6 weeks).

PMID- 22082598
TI  - Blepharospasm in a patient with pontine capillary telangiectasia.
AB  - Blepharospasm is rarely due to an identifiable etiology. In the majority of
      cases, imaging fails to reveal any structural lesion. Here we describe an
      otherwise healthy patient with blepharospasm who was found to have pontine
      capillary telangiectasia. We propose a potential association between
      blepharospasm and pontine capillary telangiectasia.

PMID- 22082600
TI  - External dacryocystorhinostomy outcomes in sarcoidosis patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine surgical outcomes after external dacryocystorhinostomy
      (DCR) surgery in patients with sarcoidosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      the charts of all patients with sarcoidosis who underwent external DCR surgery
      between January 2001 and January 2010. Clinical data reviewed included patient
      demographics, immunosuppressive therapies, biopsy results, use of intraoperative
      triamcinolone, and postoperative outcomes and complications. Success was defined
      as resolution of epiphora. RESULTS: External DCR was performed on 13 sides of 9
      patients with sarcoidosis. Four patients were systemically immunosuppressed with
      methotrexate or plaquenil, and 4 patients used inhaled corticosteroids only.
      Intraoperative biopsy in 10 cases (9 patients) revealed non-necrotizing
      granulomatous inflammation (8 cases) and chronic inflammation (2 cases). Silicone
      stents were removed at a mean of 2.9 months. Initial DCR surgery was successful
      in 10 of 13 (87%) surgeries with an average follow up of 31 months (range, 14 to
      48 months). None of the 5 surgeries (4 patients) with intralesional triamcinolone
      injections failed, compared with 3 of 8 (38%) surgeries without intralesional
      triamcinolone. Of the 3 failures, 2 early failures (3 months) were successfully
      treated with balloon catheter dilation. In the one patient with a late failure
      (47 months), subsequent balloon catheter dilation failed. All 3 patients who
      experienced failures used inhaled corticosteroids only. In contrast, 4 of the 6
      patients with successful surgery were systemically immunosuppressed.
      Complications such as punctal erosion, wound necrosis, or cerebrospinal fluid
      leak did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: External DCR surgery successfully treats
      nasolacrimal duct obstruction associated with sarcoidosis. Intralesional
      triamcinolone may improve the success rate without added complications. Long-term
      success may be less in patients not receiving systemic immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 22082601
TI  - Head and neck large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma should be separated from
      atypical carcinoid on the basis of different clinical features, overall survival,
      and pathogenesis.
AB  - According to the 2005 World Health Organization classification of head and neck
      tumors, neuroendocrine tumors can be subdivided into typical carcinoid, atypical
      carcinoid, and small cell carcinoma. Similar tumors diagnosed as large cell
      neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) in the lung are diagnosed as atypical
      carcinoids in the head and neck region. We studied neuroendocrine tumors and
      analyzed whether LCNEC should be separated from atypical carcinoid in the head
      and neck region. Twenty-three cases of primary head and neck neuroendocrine
      tumors were included and subdivided into typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid,
      and small cell carcinoma according to the 2005 World Health Organization
      guidelines, and then LCNECs were separated from atypical carcinoids according to
      modified criteria using the Ki-67-labeling index and mitotic count. Clinical
      information and survival data were obtained, and immunohistochemical studies for
      p53 were conducted. The 5-year survival rates for the 2 typical carcinoids, 7
      atypical carcinoids, 7 LCNECs, and 7 small cell carcinomas were 100.0%, 83.3%,
      21.4%, and 20.8%, respectively (P=0.032). The LCNEC patients were older (mean
      age, 61 vs. 41 y; P=0.038), more commonly in advanced stage (stages III and IV
      100% vs. 28.6%, P=0.01), with a poorer prognosis (5-year survival 21.4% vs.
      83.3%, P=0.03), and more commonly had tumors overexpressing p53 (85.7% vs. 0%,
      P=0.005) as compared with atypical carcinoid patients. LCNECs should be separated
      from atypical carcinoids as a new entity of neuroendocrine carcinoma in the head
      and neck region. The new classification may provide better risk stratification
      and useful information for proper treatment.

PMID- 22082602
TI  - Composite intestinal adenoma-microcarcinoid.
AB  - Composite intestinal adenoma and microcarcinoid is a rare intestinal neoplasm
      consisting of intermingled adenomatous and well-differentiated neuroendocrine
      components. A few case reports and small series have suggested an indolent
      clinical course for this entity. We reported 7 cases of composite intestinal
      adenoma-microcarcinoid, including their morphologic features and clinical follow
      up, both in biopsy and resection specimens. We identified 7 cases of composite
      intestinal adenoma-microcarcinoid from our pathology database. Five were from the
      large intestine, and 2 were in the duodenum. Morphologically, all microcarcinoids
      exhibited low-grade cytologic atypia and were devoid of significant pleomorphism,
      necrosis, and mitotic activity. Among the 7 lesions, 6 had a lobular architecture
      with smooth borders and mucosa-confined microcarcinoids; none had neuroendocrine
      carcinoma in subsequent resections. However, 1 colonic case had carcinoid cells
      penetrating the muscularis mucosae into the submucosa with an infiltrative
      border, and the resection showed metastatic high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma
      in 1 lymph node. Composite intestinal adenoma-microcarcinoid is extremely rare.
      Although composite mucosa-confined adenoma-microcarcinoid is likely to have an
      indolent behavior, submucosal invasion by the neuroendocrine component may be
      associated with aggressive behavior.

PMID- 22082603
TI  - Low-grade ovarian serous neoplasms (low-grade serous carcinoma and serous
      borderline tumor) associated with high-grade serous carcinoma or undifferentiated
      carcinoma:  report of a series of cases of an unusual phenomenon.
AB  - Recent literature has suggested a dual pathway of ovarian serous carcinogenesis,
      with most serous carcinomas falling into 1 of 2 categories, low grade and high
      grade. These are considered to represent 2 distinct tumor types with a different
      underlying pathogenesis and associated with different molecular events, clinical
      behavior, and prognosis. Low-grade serous carcinoma is thought to evolve in many
      instances from a preexisting serous borderline tumor and cystadenoma. Given the
      distinct pathogenesis and different molecular events, it is expected that the
      coexistence of low-grade and high-grade serous carcinoma would be rare or may
      even be mutually exclusive; moreover, there are very few reported examples in the
      literature. We report a series of 7 cases in patients aged 34 to 78 years in whom
      ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma (4 cases, including 3 with associated serous
      borderline tumor), serous borderline tumor (2 cases), or seromucinous borderline
      tumor (1 case) was associated with a high-grade carcinoma, either high-grade
      serous (5 cases) or undifferentiated carcinoma (2 cases). The low-grade and high
      grade components coexisted in the original neoplasm in 4 cases, and the high
      grade component was present only in recurrence in 3 cases. In both instances, the
      undifferentiated carcinoma had a focal rhabdoid morphology, and alternative
      primary sites of tumor were excluded by a combination of clinical, radiologic,
      and pathologic parameters. We illustrate that low-grade serous carcinoma or
      serous borderline tumor ("low-grade" serous neoplasms) may rarely be associated
      with, and probably give rise to, a high-grade carcinoma, either high-grade serous
      or undifferentiated carcinoma. The coexistence of a low-grade serous neoplasm and
      undifferentiated carcinoma can be regarded as a form of dedifferentiation. p53
      was diffusely positive in 4 of 6 high-grade carcinomas, which raises the
      possibility that secondary Tp53 mutation is important in high-grade
      transformation in some of these cases. WT1 was negative in the 2 undifferentiated
      carcinomas, and PAX8 was positive in 1, suggesting that the latter marker is more
      useful in helping to confirm a Mullerian origin in dedifferentiated low-grade
      serous neoplasms.

PMID- 22082604
TI  - Vascular invasion in infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas can mimic
      pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia:  a histopathologic study of 209 cases.
AB  - Although vascular invasion is a well-established indicator of poor prognosis for
      patients with infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (PDAC), the
      histopathologic characteristics of vascular invasion are not well described.
      Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides from 209 surgically resected infiltrating
      PDACs were systematically evaluated for the presence or absence of microscopic
      vascular invasion. For the cases with vascular invasion, we further categorized
      the histologic pattern of invasion into conventional and pancreatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia-like (PanIN-like). In addition, several histopathologic
      factors in the surrounding blood vessels, including lymphocytic infiltration and
      luminal fibrosis, were carefully assessed. Data were compared with
      clinicopathologic variables, including patient survival. Microscopic vascular
      invasion was observed in 136 of the 209 PDACs (65.1%). Vascular invasion
      mimicking pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN-like invasion) was observed
      in 94 of the 136 cases (69.1%) with vascular invasion. Microscopic vascular
      invasion was associated with increased tumor size (P=0.04), higher pT
      classification (P=0.003), lymph node metastasis (P<0.0001), and perineural
      invasion (P=0.005). Vascular invasion was inversely correlated with neo-adjuvant
      therapy (P<0.0001). Examination of adjacent blood vessels revealed that
      peritumoral blood vessels with intimal lymphocytes (P=0.002), intimal (P=0.007)
      and medial (P=0.001) fibrosis, and cancer cells in vascular wall (P<0.0001) were
      all highly associated with the intraluminal vascular invasion. In univariate
      analysis, patients whose cancers had microscopic vascular invasion (median
      survival, 15.3 mo) had a significantly worse survival than did patients with
      carcinomas without vascular invasion (25.1 mo; P=0.01, log-rank test).
      Microscopic vascular invasion is a poor prognostic indicator and can
      histologically mimic PanIN.

PMID- 22082605
TI  - Diffuse cystic lung disease of unexplained cause with coexistent small airway
      disease:  a possible causal relationship?
AB  - Diffuse "true" cystic lung disease is rare, and the specificity of high
      resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has reduced the need for biopsy. We present
      5 patients with similar clinical and HRCT features of cystic lung disease that
      were sufficiently atypical to warrant surgical lung biopsies that showed
      coexistent small airway diseases (SAD). There were 4 female patients and 1 male
      patient with a mean age of 43 years. All were never smokers. Four had symptoms
      such as dyspnea (1), cough (2), or both (1). HRCTs showed variably sized thin
      walled cystic airspaces without zonal distribution, some with prominent vessels
      in their walls. One case was unilateral. Surgical lung biopsy showed cystic
      change comprising localized loss of alveolar density with coexistent SADs
      [chronic bronchiolitis (n=2), eosinophilic bronchiolitis, probable asthma (n=1),
      and diffuse idiopathic neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (n=2)]. Two patients who
      were tested for Birt-Hogg-Dube-related gene mutations proved negative, and all
      lacked other features of Birt-Hogg-Dube. We hypothesize that chronic damage to
      small airways may lead to cystic degeneration in a minority of patients.
      Precedents in relation to Sjogren syndrome and hypersensitivity pneumonitis raise
      the possibility of a causal association between pathologies in these 2 anatomic
      compartments, although HRCT data in relation to common SADs indicate that this
      would be a rare phenomenon. The driving factor remains unknown.

PMID- 22082606
TI  - Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor arising in a schwannoma, in a
      patient with "neuroblastoma-like" schwannomatosis and a novel germline SMARCB1
      mutation.
AB  - Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors arising in preexisting
      schwannomas are extremely rare. We report an unusual example occurring in a
      patient with multiple schwannomas (schwannomatosis), all but 1 of which showed
      "neuroblastoma-like" histology. By immunohistochemistry, both the epithelioid
      malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and the schwannomas showed a complete
      loss of the Smarcb1 protein. Subsequent genetic evaluation revealed the presence
      of a novel germline mutation in the SMARCB1/INI1 gene in the patient and in 3 of
      her children, 2 of whom were diagnosed with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors of
      the brain.

PMID- 22082608
TI  - The prevalence of pancreatic acinar differentiation in gastric adenocarcinoma: 
      report of a case and immunohistochemical study of 111 additional cases.
AB  - Although pancreatic acinar metaplasia in the gastric mucosa is well recognized in
      chronic gastritis, gastric carcinoma with acinar differentiation is very rare. We
      encountered a case of gastric adenocarcinoma with prominent histologic and
      immunohistochemical features of pancreatic acinar differentiation in the absence
      of identifiable heterotopic pancreatic tissue. Distinct glandular and diffuse
      patterns of adenocarcinoma were also present, and there was focal mucin
      production. The tumor strongly expressed pancreatic exocrine enzymes trypsin and
      chymotrypsin, and focal neuroendocrine staining was also present. To investigate
      the prevalence of acinar differentiation in histologically typical gastric
      cancers, we performed immunohistochemical staining for trypsin and chymotrypsin
      on a tissue microarray containing 111 conventional gastric adenocarcinomas (60
      intestinal, 28 mixed, 22 diffuse type, and 1 undifferentiated). No obvious
      morphologic evidence of acinar differentiation was identified in any of the 111
      cases. Although some cases showed equivocal staining for at least 1 pancreatic
      exocrine enzyme on the initial tissue microarray sections, repeat
      immunohistochemical staining on representative whole-tissue sections failed to
      reproduce positive staining. Thus, acinar differentiation is rare in gastric
      adenocarcinomas, other than in histologically unusual cases such as the one we
      report, and in others from the literature, which are reviewed.

PMID- 22082607
TI  - Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor arising in a ganglioglioma:  genetic
      characterization.
AB  - Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is an uncommon, aggressive, embryonal
      pediatric brain tumor that almost always develops de novo and does not arise
      within, or evolve from, other brain tumor types. Although rhabdoid morphology can
      be seen in other tumor types, these are phenotypic mimics and, with only rare
      exceptions, do not manifest the INI-1 deletion at the 22q11.2 locus or the INI-1
      nuclear protein loss that characterizes AT/RT. A few reports of AT/RT evolving
      from a low-grade ganglioglioma (GG) or pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma have
      appeared. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with a large right parietal
      mass whose tumor at initial presentation manifested 2 distinct components: GG
      with neoplastic neurons, low MIB-1 rate, and retention of INI-1 nuclear
      immunostaining (immunohistochemical) and, second, AT/RT with rhabdoid cells,
      polyphenotypic immunohistochemical expression, high MIB-1 rate, and loss of INI-1
      nuclear expression. The 2 areas were separately assessed by fluorescence in situ
      hybridization for monosomy 22; monosomy 22 was identified in the AT/RT component
      but not in the GG areas. BRAF V600E mutation, a genetic abnormality seen in a
      significant percentage of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas and GGs, was assessed by
      polymerase chain reaction and identified in the tumor. Dual abnormalities of INI
      1 loss and V600E BRAF mutation were identified in a cell culture line established
      from cerebrospinal fluid metastatic tumor cells. This cell line exhibited
      extremely rapid growth rate and rhabdoid morphology. Results suggest a postclonal
      modification in a subset of GG cells, with acquisition of INI-1 loss, confirming
      by biological methods what was previously suspected in rare reports of AT/RT
      evolving from other tumor types.

PMID- 22082609
TI  - Plasma gelsolin: a general prognostic marker of health.
AB  - Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is the only component of two member extracellular actin
      scavenger system capable of severing circulating actin microfilaments. Here, we
      put forth the hypothesis that pGSN level is an important and sensitive general
      prognostic biomarker for health and disease conditions in humans, urging the need
      for gelsolin replacement therapy to improve patient's health status. Clinical
      significance and the therapeutic importance of this protein have been well
      illustrated in animal models as well as in patients with various diseases.
      Patients with decreased pGSN levels were observed to have higher mortality rate,
      longer hospital stay and longer ventilation time in intensive care units as
      compared to healthy controls. pGSN levels were found to be increasing in patients
      recovering from diseases; furthermore, it has been confirmed that repletion with
      exogenous recombinant pGSN increases the survival rate in animal models of
      different acute insults. To be used as a biomarker of health, however,
      establishing the accurate levels of gelsolin in human plasma and understanding
      its variance with age, race, gender and health status is a prerequisite. Upon
      establishing the accurate levels of pGSN in healthy individuals, this biomarker
      would predict the prognosis/disease progression in multiple health conditions and
      help in prioritizing the ones in-need of gelsolin replacement therapy.

PMID- 22082610
TI  - [Renal toxicity of contrast agents in oncologic patients].
AB  - Cancer patients frequently undergo imaging examinations to diagnosis but also to
      evaluate their responses to treatment. These patients are also at high risk of
      kidney impairment before considering the possible nephrotoxicity of their
      chemotherapy. In this context, it is overriding to know contrast agents induced
      risks and what are the good practices to avoid them. Renal function evaluation
      takes a major part in there. The X-ray radiology using iodinated contrast agent
      (ICA) exposes patients to acute renal failure. This induced nephropathy is
      prevented by adequate hydration prior to injection when the glomerular filtration
      rate (GFR) of the patient is less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). For hardly
      nephrotoxic, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) injected in magnetic
      resonance imaging, were considered for a long as a safe alternative to ICA. Yet
      they may induce nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). The recommendations of
      European and U.S. drugs safety agencies have recently converged defining groups
      at risk of NSF based on the level of patients GFR and the type of GBCA used. How
      to assess the risk-benefit balance of the cancer patient for whom you should
      choose an informative, effective and safe imaging examination?

PMID- 22082611
TI  - Facing Europe: visualizing spontaneous in-group projection.
AB  - Individuals perceive their own group to be more typical of a shared superordinate
      identity than other groups are. This in-group projection process has been
      demonstrated with both self-report and indirect measures. The two studies
      reported here extend this research to the visual level, specifically, within the
      domain of faces. Using an innovative reverse-correlation approach, we found that
      German and Portuguese participants' visual representations of European faces
      resembled the appearance typical for their own national identity. This effect was
      found even among participants who explicitly denied that one nation was more
      typical of Europe than the other (Study 1). Moreover, Study 2 provides
      experimental evidence that in-group projection is restricted to inclusive
      superordinate groups, as the effect was not observed for visual representations
      of a category ("Australian") that did not include participants' in-group.
      Implications for the in-group projection model, as well as for the applicability
      of reverse-correlation paradigms, are discussed.

PMID- 22082612
TI  - Body configuration modulates the usage of local cues to direction in biological
      motion perception.
AB  - The presence of information in a visual display does not guarantee its use by the
      visual system. Studies of inversion effects in both face recognition and
      biological-motion perception have shown that the same information may be used by
      observers when it is presented in an upright display but not used when the
      display is inverted. In our study, we tested the inversion effect in scrambled
      biological-motion displays to investigate mechanisms that validate information
      contained in the local motion of a point-light walker. Using novel biological
      motion stimuli that contained no configural cues to the direction in which a
      walker was facing, we found that manipulating the relative vertical location of
      the walker's feet significantly affected observers' performance on a direction
      discrimination task. Our data demonstrate that, by themselves, local cues can
      almost unambiguously indicate the facing direction of the agent in biological
      motion stimuli. Additionally, we document a noteworthy interaction between local
      and global information and offer a new explanation for the effect of local
      inversion in biological-motion perception.

PMID- 22082613
TI  - Effects of soya oligosaccharides and soya oligopeptides on lipid metabolism in
      hyperlipidaemic rats.
AB  - In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects of soya oligosaccharides
      (SOS) and soya oligopeptides (SOP) on blood lipid levels, release of vasoactive
      substances, antioxidant activity and faecal bile acid (FBA) excretion in rats fed
      a high-fat diet (HFD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly divided into five
      groups according to diets as follows: regular diet (control), HFD, HFD enriched
      with 2 % of SOS (SOS), HFD enriched with 3 % of SOP (SOP) and HFD enriched with 2
      % SOS and 3 % SOP (SOSP). The results showed that SOS and SOP significantly
      reduced plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TAG, whereas HDL
      cholesterol concentration was significantly increased. Furthermore, SOS and SOP
      reduced plasma apoB, apoE and the apoB:apoAI ratio, whereas apoAI was
      significantly increased. Moreover, SOS and SOP also reduced plasma thromboxane A2
      (TXA2) and the TXA2:prostacyclin (PGI2) ratio, whereas plasma PGI2 and nitric
      oxide were significantly increased. In addition, SOS and SOP significantly
      reduced serum and liver malondialdehyde concentrations and increased FBA
      excretion. However, we did not observe obvious influences of SOS and SOP on
      superoxide dismutase activities in the liver of HFD-fed rats. The combination of
      2 % SOS and 3 % SOP showed a more marked effect than SOS or SOP alone in
      improving the lipid profile, release of vasoactive substances and increasing FBA
      excretion (P < 0.05). In summary, SOS and SOP might help prevent atherosclerosis
      through improving abnormal blood lipid levels, regulating vasoactive substances
      and protecting against oxidative stress.

PMID- 22082614
TI  - Does 18F-FDG uptake by respiratory muscles on PET/CT correlate with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease?
AB  - (18)F-FDG muscle uptake is evident in some benign physiologic processes as seen
      in the respiratory muscles of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) and labored breathing. The purpose of this study was to correlate the
      presence of COPD with the patterns of (18)F-FDG uptake by muscles as demonstrated
      by PET/CT scans. METHODS: (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans and pulmonary function tests
      (PFTs) were performed for 63 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed or highly
      suspected lung cancer. Presurgical pulmonary function tests by way of spirometry
      examinations were performed as the standard of care. Patients were grouped into
      those with normal spirometry findings and those with mild to very severe COPD.
      The guidelines of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease were
      used for staging COPD and obstructive impairment. A nuclear medicine physician
      and 2 residents who did not know the COPD status retrospectively reviewed PET/CT
      scans and kept a log for cases of increased (18)F-FDG uptake in the respiratory
      muscles (diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and scalene muscles). The chi(2) test
      and Cramer V were used to evaluate the correlation between increased (18)F-FDG
      uptake by muscles and the presence of COPD. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients
      underwent both (18)F-FDG PET/CT and PFT within 1 mo of each another without
      interval therapy. Of the 63 patients, 26 (41%) had no spirometric obstruction and
      37 (59%) had spirometric obstruction. Of these, 30 (81%) had a previously
      established diagnosis of COPD (1 mild, 26 moderate, 9 severe, and 1 very severe).
      Excessive (18)F-FDG uptake was seen in at least 2 of the 3 muscles (diaphragm and
      intercostal muscles) in 27 (73%) of the 37 patients with COPD and obstructive
      ventilatory impairment. The severity of COPD and obstruction showed a significant
      correlation with the presence of abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake by any of the 3 muscle
      types, particularly when 2 groups of muscles were involved (Cramer V = 0.60,
      chi(2) P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a strong correlation between
      increased (18)F-FDG uptake by respiratory muscles and the presence of COPD.

PMID- 22082616
TI  - Co-morbidities associated with tuberculosis in an autopsy case series.
AB  - A retrospective review of cases of tuberculosis examined by our Autopsy Division
      was undertaken to determine the most common associated co-morbidities. Forty-six
      cases of tuberculosis were examined between 2000 and 2010. The subpopulation of
      decedents studied included a large number of incarcerated individuals and showed
      an age distribution from 30 to 78 years. Thirty-five of the cases reviewed showed
      one or more co-morbidities, primarily viral hepatitis C, cancer, human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary diseases. Almost 30% of the cases showed evidence of extrapulmonary
      disease, including one case of tuberculous meningitis. In approximately 20% of
      the cases, rapid progressive or disseminated tuberculosis was identified as
      immediate cause of death. Tuberculosis was the immediate cause of death in 20% of
      the hepatitis C-infected group and in 14% of the decedents diagnosed with cancer,
      compared to over 45% of the HIV-infected decedents. This observation is
      consistent with previous studies reporting an enhanced mortality from
      tuberculosis in HIV-infected subjects. Interestingly, rapid progressive
      tuberculosis was identified as immediate cause of death in two cases with no
      associated co-morbidities; both decedents were young immunocompetent adults,
      suggesting an increasing susceptibility of this subpopulation to tuberculosis
      exposure and to severe disease.

PMID- 22082615
TI  - The DeltafbpA attenuated candidate vaccine from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, H37Rv
      primes for a stronger T-bet dependent Th1 immunity in mice.
AB  - The DeltafbpA candidate vaccine derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv)
      (Mtb) protects mice better than BCG against tuberculosis, and we investigated the
      hypothesis that DeltafbpA may induce a stronger Th1 immunity. Since T-bet
      transcription factor regulates Th1 immunity, mice infected with DeltafbpA, BCG
      vaccine and related mycobacteria were analyzed for T-bet positive T cells. Mouse
      dendritic cells (DCs) or macrophages were also pulsed with excretory-secreted
      antigens (ES; Antigen-85B, ESAT-6 and CFP10) and cocultured with T cells from
      immunized or naive mice and tested for in vitro induction of T-bet and IFN-gamma.
      In both models, DeltafbpA mutant induced a stronger response of T-bet(+)CD4 T
      cells, which correlated with an increased expansion of IFN-gamma(+)CD4 T cells in
      vivo and in vitro. When DCs pulsed with ES antigens were allowed to stimulate T
      cells, ESAT-6 and CFP-10 failed to induce a recall expansion of T-bet(+)IFN
      gamma(+)CD4 T cells from BCG vaccinated mice. Thus, deletion of RD1 in BCG seems
      to reduce its ability to induce T-bet and induce stronger Th1 immunity. Finally,
      mice were vaccinated with DeltafbpA and BCG and challenged with virulent Mtb for
      evaluation of protection and T cell expansion. DeltafbpA vaccinated mice showed a
      rapid and stronger expansion of CD4(+)CXCR3(+) IFN-gamma(+) T cells in the lungs
      of Mtb challenged mice, compared to those which had BCG vaccine. DeltafbpA
      immunized mice also showed a better decline of the Mtb bacterial counts of the
      lungs. Mtb derived DeltafbpA candidate vaccine therefore induces qualitatively
      better T-bet dependent Th1 immunity than BCG vaccine.

PMID- 22082617
TI  - On the pathogenesis of post primary tuberculosis: the role of bronchial
      obstruction in the pathogenesis of cavities.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces two distinct types of disease: primary and
      post primary tuberculosis. We recently reported that post primary tuberculosis
      begins in immunocompetent adults as an endogenous lipid pneumonia that abruptly
      undergoes necrosis to produce cavities. Obstruction of bronchi by endobronchial
      tuberculosis is a consistent finding in developing post primary tuberculosis.
      This paper reports a case of obstructive pneumonia caused by cancer that
      underwent rapid necrosis to produce a cavity that was similar to those produce by
      tuberculosis. Analysis of this case with the relevant literature supports the
      hypothesis that bronchial obstruction is an essential contributor to the
      development of post primary tuberculosis and that it may help explain the
      localized suppression of host defense mechanisms in adult pulmonary tuberculosis.

PMID- 22082618
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect with high intensity focused ultrasound-mediated
      pulsatile delivery of diclofenac.
AB  - A pulsatile ultrasound controlled drug release platform with diclofenac-loaded
      alginate microcapsules (fabricated with a home-made electrostatic device, 75%
      embedded rate) was established to evaluate anti-inflammation efficiency. Better
      anti-inflammation efficiency was found using the ultrasound system and the drug
      delivery can be adjusted based on the programmed ultrasound cycle. The results of
      the in vitro study show that an approx. 30% higher drug release rate was obtained
      by using continuous ultrasound irradiation (9-Watt, 180 min), and an approx. 16%
      higher drug release rate was obtained by using pulsatile ultrasound irradiation
      (9-Watt, 60 min) compared to without ultrasound activation. For the in vivo
      study, the anti-inflammatory test with carrageenan-induced rat's paw edema shows
      that diclofenac-loaded microcapsules followed by ultrasound irradiation (9-Watt,
      60 min) contributed to an 81% inhibition rate, which was significantly higher
      than diclofenac only (approx. 60% higher). In addition, because of their heat
      conducting properties, gold nanoparticles encapsulated in the diclofenac-loaded
      microcapsules resulted in better drug release efficiency, but tended to depress
      the anti-inflammation effect.

PMID- 22082619
TI  - The role of microstructured and interconnected pore channels in a collagen-based
      nerve guide on axonal regeneration in peripheral nerves.
AB  - The use of bioengineered nerve guides as alternatives for autologous nerve
      transplantation (ANT) is a promising strategy for the repair of peripheral nerve
      defects. In the present investigation, we present a collagen-based micro
      structured nerve guide (Perimaix) for the repair of 2 cm rat sciatic nerve
      defects. Perimaix is an open-porous biodegradable nerve guide containing
      continuous, longitudinally orientated channels for orientated nerve growth. The
      effects of these nerve guides on axon regeneration by six weeks after
      implantation have been compared with those of ANT. Investigation of the
      regenerated sciatic nerve indicated that Perimaix strongly supported directed
      axon regeneration. When seeded with cultivated rat Schwann cells (SC), the
      Perimaix nerve guide was found to be almost as supportive of axon regeneration as
      ANT. The use of SC from transgenic green-fluorescent-protein (GFP) rats allowed
      us to detect the viability of donor SC at 1 week and 6 weeks after
      transplantation. The GFP-positive SC were aligned in a columnar fashion within
      the longitudinally orientated micro-channels. This cellular arrangement was not
      only observed prior to implantation, but also at one week and 6 weeks after
      implantation. It may be concluded that Perimaix nerve guides hold great promise
      for the repair of peripheral nerve defects.

PMID- 22082621
TI  - Hydrophobic polycationic coatings that inhibit biofilms and support bone healing
      during infection.
AB  - Adhesion of microorganisms to biomaterials with subsequent formation of biofilms
      on such foreign bodies as orthopedic trauma hardware is a critical factor in
      implant-associated infections; once a biofilm has been established, its
      microorganisms become recalcitrant to the host's immune surveillance and markedly
      resistant to drugs. We have previously reported that painting with the
      hydrophobic polycation N,N-dodecyl,methyl-PEI (PEI = polyethylenimine) renders
      solid surfaces bactericidal in vitro. Herein we observe that N,N-dodecyl,methyl
      PEI-derivatized titanium and stainless steel surfaces resist biofilm formation by
      Staphylococcus aureus compared to the untreated ones. Using imaging, microbiology
      , histopathology-, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments in a
      clinically relevant large-animal (sheep) trauma model, we subsequently
      demonstrate in vivo that orthopedic fracture hardware painted with N,N
      dodecyl,methyl-PEI not only prevents implant colonization with biofilm but also
      promotes bone healing. Functionalizing orthopedic hardware with hydrophobic
      polycations thus holds promise in supporting bone healing in the presence of
      infection in veterinary and human orthopedic patients.

PMID- 22082620
TI  - Effect of oligonucleotide mediated immobilization of bone morphogenic proteins on
      titanium surfaces.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that oligonucleotides can
      be used for anchorage and slow release of osteogenic growth factors such as BMP
      to enhance the osteogenic activity of a titanium implant surface. Strands of 60
      mer non-coding DNA oligonucleotides (ODN) were bound to an acid-etched
      sandblasted cp Ti-surface by nanomechanical fixation using anodic polarization.
      RhBMP2 that had been conjugated to complementary strands of DNA oligonucleotides
      was then bound to the anchored ODN strands by hybridization. Binding studies
      showed a higher binding capacity compared to non-conjugated BMP2. Long term
      release experiments demonstrated a continuous release from all surfaces that was
      lowest for the conjugated BMP2 bound to the ODN anchor strands. Proliferation of
      human bone marrow stroma cells (hBMSC) was significantly increased on these
      surfaces. Immunofluorescence showed that hBMSC grown on surfaces coated with
      specifically bound conjugated BMP2 developed significantly higher numbers of
      focal adhesion points and exhibited significantly higher levels of transcription
      of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin at early intervals.
      Biological activity (induction of alkaline phosphatase) of conjugated BMP2
      released from the surface was comparable to released non-conjugated BMP2,
      indicating that conjugation did not negatively affect the activity of the
      released molecules. In conclusion the present study has shown that BMP2
      conjugated to ODN strands and hybridized to complementary ODN strands anchored to
      a titanium surface has led to slow growth factor release and can enhance the
      osteogenic activity of the titanium surface.

PMID- 22082622
TI  - L-eye to me: the combined role of Need for Cognition and facial trustworthiness
      in mimetic desires.
AB  - Recent studies showed that stimuli are evaluated more favourably when they are
      perceived to capture others' attention, an effect coined "mimetic desire". The
      aim of the present research was to examine the combined role of Need for
      Cognition and target's facial trustworthiness in this effect. Participants saw
      movie excerpts of trustworthy and untrustworthy 3D faces (Oosterhof & Todorov,
      2008) turning their attention towards one art painting and away from another art
      painting. Results showed that looked-at paintings were preferred to looked-away
      paintings when associated with a trustworthy face. However, the reversed finding
      was observed for paintings associated with untrustworthy faces. The latter
      interaction was in turn moderated by participant's Need for Cognition, with a
      larger reversal effect for participants scoring lower on the NFC scale.
      Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 22082623
TI  - Sharing transnational experiences of psychogeriatric units dedicated to the
      management of behavioral and psychological symptoms in demented patients.

PMID- 22082624
TI  - Occipitocervical fusion.
AB  - The evolution of occipitocervical fixation and new rigid universal screw-rod
      construct technology has allowed secure anchorage at each level of the
      occipitocervical junction with the elimination of rigid external orthoses. Rigid
      occipitocervical instrumentation constructs have achieved higher fusion rates and
      less postoperative immobilization-associated complications. Outcomes have
      improved compared with former nonrigid instrumentation techniques; however, with
      advances of rigid occipitocervical stabilization capability have come new
      challenges, risks, and operative techniques. A thorough understanding of the
      relevant cervical bony and soft tissue anatomy is essential for safe implantation
      and a successful outcome.

PMID- 22082625
TI  - C1-C2 posterior fixation: indications, technique, and results.
AB  - The atlantoaxial motion segment, which is responsible for half of the rotational
      motion in the cervical spine, is a complex junction of the first (C1) and second
      (C2) cervical vertebrae. Destabilization of this joint is multifactorial and can
      lead to pathologic motion with neurologic sequelae. Posterior spinal fixation of
      the C1-C2 articulation in the presence of instability has been well described in
      the literature. Early reports of interspinous/interlaminar wiring have evolved
      into modern-day pedicle screw/translaminar constructs, with excellent results.
      The success of a C1-C2 posterior fusion rests on appropriate indications and
      surgical techniques.

PMID- 22082626
TI  - Subaxial cervical and cervicothoracic fixation techniques--indications,
      techniques, and outcomes.
AB  - The subaxial and cervicothoracic junction is a relatively difficult area for
      spine surgeons to navigate. Because of different transitional stressors at the
      junction of the smaller cervical vertebrae and the larger thoracic segments,
      proximity to neurovascular structures, and complex anatomy, extreme care and
      precision must be assumed during fixation in these regions. Lateral mass screws,
      pedicle screws, and translaminar screws are currently the standard of choice in
      the subaxial cervical and upper thoracic spine. This article addresses the
      relevant surgical anatomy, pitfalls, and pearls associated with each of these
      fixation techniques.

PMID- 22082627
TI  - Posterior surgery for cervical myelopathy: indications, techniques, and outcomes.
AB  - This article details the controversies associated with the different treatment
      strategies in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The natural history,
      incidence, pathophysiology, physical examination, and imaging findings are
      discussed followed by the indications, techniques, and outcomes of patients
      treated with posterior cervical decompression via decompressive laminectomy,
      laminectomy and instrumented fusion, and laminoplasty.

PMID- 22082628
TI  - Anterior approach for complex cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
AB  - Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a slowly progressive disease resulting
      from age-related degenerative changes in the spine that can lead to spinal cord
      dysfunction and significant functional disability. The degenerative changes and
      abnormal motion lead to vertebral body subluxation, osteophyte formation,
      ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and spinal canal narrowing. Repetitive movement
      during normal cervical motion may result in microtrauma to the spinal cord.
      Disease extent and location dictate the choice of surgical approach. Anterior
      spinal decompression and instrumented fusion is successful in preventing CSM
      progression and has been shown to result in functional improvement in most
      patients.

PMID- 22082629
TI  - Management of adjacent segment disease after cervical spinal fusion.
AB  - Adjacent segment disease (ASD) was described after long-term follow-up of
      patients treated with cervical fusion. The term describes new-onset radiculopathy
      or myelopathy referable to a motion segment adjacent to previous arthrodesis and
      often attributed to alterations in the biomechanical environment after fusion.
      Evidence suggests that ASD affects between 2% and 3% of patients per year.
      Although prevention of ASD was one major impetus behind the development of motion
      sparing surgery, the literature does not yet clearly distinguish a difference in
      the rate of ASD between fusion and disk replacement. Surgical techniques during
      index surgery may reduce the rate of ASD.

PMID- 22082630
TI  - Esophageal and vertebral artery injuries during complex cervical spine surgery-
      avoidance and management.
AB  - Vertebral artery and esophageal injuries are rare but feared complications of
      cervical spine surgery. Appropriate understanding of treatment algorithms for
      prompt intervention in the event of a vertebral artery injury minimizes the risk
      of exsanguination and/or profound neurologic consequences. Esophageal injuries
      are often more subtle, and although intraoperative injuries can sometimes be
      diagnosed at the time of surgery, they frequently do not present until the week
      after surgery. They can additionally be seen as a late complication of
      instrumentation usage and/or failure. Expedient diagnosis and management of these
      injuries minimize their impact and allow for optimal treatment outcome.

PMID- 22082631
TI  - Diagnosis and management of metastatic cervical spine tumors.
AB  - The bony spine is overall the third most common site for distant cancer
      metastasis, with the cervical spine involved in approximately 8 to 20% of
      metastatic spine disease cases. Diagnosis and management of metastatic spine
      disease requires disease categorization into the compartment involved, pathology
      of the lesion, and anatomic region involved. The diagnostic approach should
      commence with careful physical examination, and the workup should include plain
      radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone
      scintigraphy. Management ranges from palliative nonoperative to aggressive
      surgical treatment. Optimal management requires proper patient selection to
      individualize the most appropriate treatment modality.

PMID- 22082632
TI  - Management of cervical spine trauma: can a prognostic classification of injury
      determine clinical outcomes?
AB  - Although the management of cervical spine trauma is relatively complex, multiple
      classification systems have attempted to simplify it through the use of
      descriptive terms. Most historical classification systems failed to yield
      sufficient prognostic information to guide clinical treatment until the Subaxial
      Injury Classification system was developed. This classification system takes into
      account the injury morphology, discoligamentous complex, and the most important
      prognostic factor, neurologic status. The early results of this classification
      system have been encouraging and it is expected to improve spinal trauma care
      through enhancing more uniform nomenclature and communication for surgeons
      managing spinal trauma.

PMID- 22082633
TI  - Cervical total disk replacement: complications and avoidance.
AB  - Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion for neurologic deficits, radicular arm
      pain, and neck pain refractory to conservative management are successful. The
      approach and procedure were first described in 1955 and have become the anterior
      cervical standard of care for orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Advancements
      and innovations have addressed disease processes of the cervical spine with
      motion-preserving technology. The possibility of obtaining anterior cervical
      decompression while maintaining adjacent segment motion led to the advent of
      cervical total disk replacement. The Food and Drug Administration has approved 3
      cervical devices with other investigational device exemption trials under way.

PMID- 22082634
TI  - Surgical management of complex spinal deformity.
AB  - Surgical treatment of complex cervical spinal deformities can be challenging
      operations. Patients often present with debilitating conditions ranging from
      generalized decreased quality of life to quadriplegia. Surgical treatment can be
      divided into anterior, posterior, or combined procedures. A thorough
      understanding of anatomy, pathology, and treatment options is necessary. This
      article focuses on the surgical treatment of complex spinal deformity.

PMID- 22082635
TI  - Revision cervical spine surgery.
AB  - Principles of revision cervical spine surgery are based on adequate decompression
      of neural elements and mechanical stability via appropriate selection of surgical
      approach and constructs producing long-term stability with arthrodesis. When
      planning revision surgery, the surgeon must consider the cause of the underlying
      problem (eg, biological, mechanical), the potential for complications, and
      clinical outcomes that can reasonably be expected. This information should be
      clearly explained to the patient during the informed consent process. This
      article provides the spine care provider with an understanding of how to
      appropriately evaluate and manage the most common cervical conditions that
      require revision cervical spine surgery.

PMID- 22082636
TI  - Minimally invasive approaches to the cervical spine.
AB  - Minimally invasive approaches and operative techniques are becoming increasingly
      popular for the treatment of cervical spine disorders. Minimally invasive spine
      surgery attempts to decrease iatrogenic muscle injury, decrease pain, and speed
      postoperative recovery with the use of smaller incisions and specialized
      instruments. This article explains in detail minimally invasive approaches to the
      posterior spine, the techniques for posterior cervical foraminotomy and
      arthrodesis via lateral mass screw placement, and anterior cervical foraminotomy.
      Complications are also discussed. Additionally, illustrated cases are presented
      detailing the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

PMID- 22082637
TI  - Treatment of complex cervical spine disorders. Preface.

PMID- 22082638
TI  - Antiangiogenic therapy of breast cancer: how did we get here?: the road not
      taken.

PMID- 22082639
TI  - Heterogeneity of breast cancer: etiology and clinical relevance.
AB  - Cancer progression is a dynamic process of clonal adaptation to changing
      microenvironments. From the single founder cell until the clinical detection of
      tumours, there are consecutive clonal expansions and a constant acquisition of
      genetic and epigenetic alterations, events that contribute to the generation of
      intra-tumor heterogeneity. In breast cancer intra-tumor heterogeneity can arise
      from the differentiation of stem-like cells along with the clonal selection
      during tumor progression, and represents a major challenge for the design of
      effective therapies. To infer breast cancer progression and its response to
      particular treatments it is important to understand the origins of the inter- and
      intra-tumor heterogeneity and the forces that control tumor evolution. Insights
      about the evolution of breast cancer heterogeneity would contribute to the design
      of most effective therapeutic strategies to target the tumors at single clon
      level. This review is intended to give a general overview about the origins of
      breast cancer heterogeneity and its impact in the clinical management of the
      disease.

PMID- 22082640
TI  - Treatment for ALK-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer: a new miracle in the
      research race.
AB  - The discovery of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements in a subset of
      patients with nonsmall- cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its potential blockage by
      specific inhibitors such as crizotinib has been one of the latest advances in the
      treatment of this disease. In this article, we will review the most important
      clinical aspects of ALK alterations in NSCLC patients and the pending questions
      to answer: the most effective means of diagnosing ALK-rearranged NSCLC, and
      efficacy, toxicity profile and potential mechanisms of resistance to crizotinib.

PMID- 22082641
TI  - Non-FDG PET in oncology.
AB  - Although FDG PET and PET/CT have a well established role in the management of
      most cancer patients, they also have some limitations. For the last 15-20 years a
      growing number of non-FDG PET tracers have been used in research. Many of these
      new PET tracers are being investigated for the non-invasive assessment of
      different biologic functions in cancer cells. This unique information should
      contribute to making personalized cancer therapy a reality. This paper reviews
      the non-FDG PET tracers that are most likely to find clinical application, some
      of them in the near future.

PMID- 22082642
TI  - A new era in the treatment of melanoma: from biology to clinical practice.
AB  - Melanoma is the deadliest cutaneous malignancy and its incidence continues to
      grow. Until 2011, the treatment options for metastatic melanoma were scarce and
      without any overall survival benefit. The emergence of new targeted therapies for
      BRAF mutant melanoma (vemurafenib) and immunotherapy (ipilimumab) has changed the
      standard of care for this disease. The objective of the present review is to
      summarise the biological background of the new therapeutic approaches in
      melanoma, focusing on apoptosis resistance, immune modulation and angiogenesis,
      and the direct translation into clinical practice.

PMID- 22082643
TI  - Ameloblastoma, a rare benign odontogenic tumour: an interesting tumour review
      targeting the role of radiation therapy.
AB  - Ameloblastoma is known as a benign, slow-growing, rare, odontogenic neoplasm. The
      solid/multicystic, the unicystic with a fibrous connective-tissue capsule and the
      peripheral ameloblastoma represent the three well distinguished clinical types of
      ameloblastoma. Surgical resection with an attempt to achieve adequate free
      margins constitutes a well documented and accepted treatment modality.
      Controversies exist, however, with regard to the extent of operative
      intervention. Patients with inadequate or positive surgical margins or
      unresectable lesions can be treated with radiation or combined radiation and
      chemotherapy. The authors present a review of this sparse disease focusing on the
      special role and efficacy of radiation therapy in its management.

PMID- 22082644
TI  - Recommendations and expert opinion on the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer in
      Spain.
AB  - Adjuvant chemotherapy is the current standard in the management of patients with
      localised colon cancer (CC) following curative resection. The use of oxaliplatin
      plus 5 fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFOX) or oxaliplatin plus capecitabine-based
      (XELOX) regimens, both approved in Europe as adjuvant treatment for stage III CC,
      has improved prognosis in this stage, but questions on their usefulness in high
      risk stage II or elderly CC patients and on the role of some prognostic
      biomarkers are still pending. In April 2010, a consensus meeting on adjuvant CC
      treatment based on a revision of the most recent literature was held in Spain.
      The panel considered the use of adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk stage II CC
      patients to be justified. Additionally, the more convenient administration of
      oral fluoropyrimidines vs. IV continuous infusion 5-FU would make XELOX a more
      suitable alternative for the patient. A more cautious decision should be taken
      when prescribing oxaliplatin treatment in patients aged >=70.

PMID- 22082645
TI  - VEGF-A-independent and angiogenesis-dependent tumour growth in patients with
      metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND The mechanisms of tumour progression during anti-VEGF-A treatment are
      poorly understood. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS Two patients with metastatic breast
      cancer are described who developed new metastases while receiving anti-VEGF-A
      treatment. Angiogenic parameters were determined by CD34/Ki67 double staining,
      Chalkley counts (CC) and endothelial cell proliferation fractions (ECP). RT-PCR
      Taqman low-density arrays with a gene panel of 94 angiogenesis-related genes were
      performed on both metastases and compared to 10 unselected primary breast
      tumours. RESULTS Both lesions showed a high and intermediate CC of, respectively,
      7.5+/-0.62 and 4.8+/-0.2. Both lesions had elevated ECP values of 14% and 8%. Low
      density array screening showed that VEGFR1 mRNA was overexpressed in both samples
      (z-score=7.85 and 7.81) compared to control samples (out of range [min-max]).
      Additional analysis confirmed this finding at the protein level by
      immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that tumour
      progression under continuous anti-VEGF-A continues to be angiogenesis dependent.
      Further exploration is needed to identify the mechanisms of anti-VEGF-A
      resistance in order to design combination-targeted therapies.

PMID- 22082646
TI  - Fine-needle aspiration cytopathology in the diagnosis of Wilms tumor.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)
      protocol for Wilms tumor (WT) includes preoperative chemotherapy as the initial
      approach. However, an inadequate treatment may be performed in case of
      histological misdiagnosis. We evaluated the impact of fine-needle aspiration
      cytopathology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of unilateral WT in our group of patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective descriptive study of patients with
      diagnosis of unilateral WT who underwent FNAC prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      between 1993 and 2009 was performed. We reviewed the cytological diagnosis
      obtained by ultrasound-guided FNAC and the histological correlation with the
      resected specimens. RESULTS FNAC was performed in 66 patients with unilateral WT.
      In 57 of the 58 patients with positive FNAC for WT, the final diagnosis was
      correct (PPV: 98.2%). In 8 cases with negative FNAC for WT, the final diagnosis
      was positive for WT in 3 patients (NPV: 62.5%). Sensitivity was 95% and
      specificity was 83.3%. No complications were found associated with the procedure,
      except for an episode of haematuria, which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS
      FNAC is a useful and feasible technique in children that may confirm the
      suspected diagnosis of unilateral WT, avoiding inadequate preoperative
      chemotherapy in case of a non-Wilms renal tumor.

PMID- 22082647
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in a series of non-small-cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and response rate to EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs).
AB  - INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation related to tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors' (TKIs) responsiveness in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      has become an important issue for therapeutic decision-making in NSCLC patients.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-nine Caucasian NSCLC patients were screened for
      mutations in the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain of EGFR by direct sequencing from
      December 2005 to September 2010. RESULTS Activating mutations in the EGFR TK
      domain were found in 8 of 69 (11.6%) (7 deletions in exon 19 and one L858R
      mutation in exon 21). Seven of those mutations were found in adenocarcinoma and
      one mutation in bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma; five of them in females (one
      smoker) and three of them in males (one smoker). All patients carrying activating
      mutations in the TK domain of EGFR were treated with TKIs. Ten patients not
      carrying an activating mutation in EGFR, who progressed after chemotherapy, were
      also treated with compassionate use of EGFR-specific TKIs (gefitinib or
      erlotinib). An objective response (partial response) was observed in all patients
      carrying an activating mutation in EGFR that received TKIs. Median overall
      survival for these patients has not been reached, however mean survival has been
      estimated at 39.5 months (95% CI, 22-57). CONCLUSIONS As previously reported,
      EGFR TK mutational analysis was a predictive test for response to targeted
      therapy with EGFR TKIs. The early identification of these patients consistently
      attains disease response and clearly improves outcomes.

PMID- 22082648
TI  - Uncertainties and CTV to PTV margins quantitative assessment using cone-beam CT
      technique in clinical application for prostate, and head and neck irradiation
      tumours.
AB  - PURPOSE To evaluate the magnitude of systematic and random errors from a subset
      of 100 prostate and 26 head and neck (H&N) cancer patients treated with
      conventional conformal radiotherapy and using image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT).
      After treatment, the uncertainties involved and the CTV to PTV margin were
      evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS An Elekta Synergy(r) linear accelerator was used,
      taking advantage of 3D on-board computed tomography. IGRT with no-action level
      (NAL) protocol was applied, reporting the 3D translation and rotation
      corrections. A statistical study was performed to analyse systematic, random and
      interobserver uncertainties, and, finally, to obtain the CTV to PTV margins.
      RESULTS The H&N patients' uncertainties found were smaller than those of prostate
      patients. The CTV to PTV margins assessed, following the guidelines found in the
      literature, in the three dimensions of space (right-left, superior-inferior,
      anterior-posterior) were (5.3, 3.5, 3.2) mm for H&N and (7.3, 7.0, 9.0) mm for
      prostate cancer treatments. CONCLUSIONS It was found that assessing all the
      involved uncertainties within radiation treatments was very revealing; their
      quality improves using IGRT techniques and performing extensive data analysis.

PMID- 22082649
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1)
      in non-small-cell lung cancer: implications for patient outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The identification of novel prognostic markers may help to better
      assess survival probability in different subgroups of patients with non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to tailor treatment according to the molecular
      profile of the tumour. AIM We sought to examine whether the immunohistochemical
      expression of excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1), an essential
      component of the nucleotide excision repair pathway, may predict prognosis in
      NSCLC. MATERIAL AND METHOD Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour samples from
      44 Turkish patients with NSCLC treated by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy
      were included in the study. Immunohistochemical expression levels of ERCC1 were
      correlated with clinical outcomes by Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox
      proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 29 patients had
      ERCC1-negative tumours while 15 had ERCC1-positive tumours. The mean progression-
      free survival (PFS) was significantly lower in patients with ERCC1-positive
      tumours (13+/-2 months) than in those with ERCC1-negative tumours (27+/-5 months,
      p<0.05). Similarly, the mean overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in
      patients with ERCC1-positive tumours (20+/-3 months) than in those with ERCC1
      negative tumours (33+/-5 months, p<0.05). After allowance for potential
      confounders, Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ERCC1 expression was
      significantly associated with both PFS and OS (both p<0.05). CONCLUSION This
      study provides support for the prognostic value of ERCC1 immunohistochemical
      expression in patients with NSCLC treated by adjuvant platinum-based
      chemotherapy. If independently confirmed, these findings may improve prognostic
      stratification in this group of patients.

PMID- 22082650
TI  - Sexual maturation and aging of adult male mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).
AB  - The physiological age of adult males of seven mealybug species was measured in
      relation to the elongation of the male pair of the waxy caudal filaments. These
      filaments begin to emerge after eclosion and reached their maximum length from
      29.4-46.6 h. The studied males were divided into three age groups, expressed as
      percentages of the total waxy caudal filaments length. Attraction to a sex
      pheromone source was significantly higher in the oldest male group (maximum
      filaments growth) compared with youngest one. Only the oldest male group
      copulated successfully; few of the younger males tested displayed 'courtship'
      behavior towards conspecific virgin females. The calculated duration of the
      sexually active phase of the adult male life cycle varied among species ranging
      from 34.4 to 46.6 h. There were marked variations in the strength of attraction
      to a pheromone source according to time of day. There was a continuous decrease
      in sexual activity from morning to evening. Our findings reveal clear maturation
      periods for adult males of the seven studied species. The long immature phase of
      the adult male mealybug is probably also related to several physiological
      processes that are needed to complete male maturation. The most noticeable change
      is the elongation of the waxy caudal filaments. However, mating may be performed
      at any time ambient conditions are suitable. Whereas male mealybug flight towards
      a pheromone source is restricted to a few hours, the male may continue mating
      activity throughout its sexually active period. 

PMID- 22082651
TI  - At-line prediction of fatty acid profile in chicken breast using near infrared
      reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - Near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated as at-line technique
      to predict FA profile of chicken breast directly at the slaughterhouse. Intact
      breasts of 214 chickens were scanned by applying a fiber optic probe to the
      Pectoralis superficialis muscle. Meat samples were analyzed by gas chromatography
      as the reference method for the determination of FA composition. Calibration
      equations were developed considering NIR wavelengths between 1100 and 1830nm, and
      modified partial least square (MPLS) was chosen as the chemometrics method to
      perform the calibrations. Different mathematical pre-treatments were tested and
      the best calibration equation for each FA was retained. Near infrared reflectance
      spectroscopy did not result in satisfactory predictions of FA. The best
      predictions were observed for oleic acid (C18:1n-9), monounsaturated FA (MUFA),
      and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), and for a few minor FA. Results suggest that for
      chicken breast muscle, a lean meat, it was not possible to predict FA using NIR
      spectroscopy as an at-line technique in the abattoir.

PMID- 22082652
TI  - Association of ABCC10 polymorphisms with nevirapine plasma concentrations in the
      German Competence Network for HIV/AIDS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nevirapine exhibits marked interpatient variability in
      pharmacokinetics. CYP2B6 activity and demographic factors are important, but
      there are a few data on drug transporters for nevirapine. ABCC10 (MRP7) is an
      efflux transporter highly expressed in liver, intestine, and peripheral blood
      cells. We investigated whether nevirapine is a substrate for ABCC10 and whether
      genetic variants contribute to variability in nevirapine plasma concentrations.
      METHODS: Accumulation of nevirapine was assessed in parental and ABCC10
      transfected HEK293 cells (HEK293-ABCC10), CD4+ cells, and monocyte-derived
      macrophages from healthy volunteers (n=8). ABCC10 small interfering RNA studies
      were also conducted. DNA samples with paired plasma drug concentrations were
      available from 163 HIV-infected patients receiving nevirapine-containing
      regimens. Sequenom was used to screen 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms in
      ABCC10. Linear regression models were used to identify factors independently
      associated with nevirapine plasma concentration. RESULTS: Nevirapine accumulation
      was 37% lower in HEK293-ABCC10 cells compared with parental HEK293 cells
      (P=0.02), and this was reversed by cepharanthine (an ABCC10 inhibitor). After
      small interfering RNA knockdown of ABCC10, there was an increase in accumulation
      of nevirapine in CD4 cells (32%; P=0.03) and monocyte-derived macrophages (38%;
      P=0.04). Marked differences in the haplotype structure of ABCC10 was observed
      between White and Black patients in the cohort. In Whites, an exonic single
      nucleotide polymorphism (rs2125739) was significantly associated with nevirapine
      plasma concentration (P=0.02). Multivariate regression analysis identified
      carriage of a composite genotype of ABCC10 rs2125739 and CYP2B6 516G>T (P=0.001),
      time post dose (P=0.01) and BMI (P=0.07) to be independently associated with
      nevirapine plasma concentrations. CONCLUSION: Nevirapine is a substrate for
      ABCC10 and genetic variants influence its plasma concentrations. ABCC10 in
      lymphocytes and macrophages may also contribute to variability in intracellular
      permeation of nevirapine. Further studies are required to determine the clinical
      implications of these findings.

PMID- 22082654
TI  - The GNB3 C825T polymorphism influences platelet aggregation in human whole blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet aggregation varies among individuals; and genetic factors
      may alter platelet activation through G-protein-coupled receptors, thus
      influencing results of point-of-care platelet aggregometry in whole blood. We
      tested the hypothesis that the C825T polymorphism of the gene GNB3 encoding the G
      protein beta-3 subunit and the platelet GPIIIa Pl(A1)/(A2) polymorphism of the
      glycoprotein IIIa influence platelet aggregation. METHODS: Evoked [thrombin
      receptor activating peptide (TRAP), ADP, TXA(2) agonist U46619, epinephrine, and
      collagen] platelet aggregation in whole blood was measured using impedance
      aggregometry (Multiplate) in 143 healthy individuals (age: 40.2 years +/-11.7
      SD). Genotypes were determined using pyrosequencing and restriction analysis.
      Data were analyzed by linear one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test,
      linear and multiple regression, and the chi(2)-test, as appropriate. RESULTS:
      Homozygous carriers of the GNB3 825C-allele showed significantly (P<=0.022)
      increased maximum aggregation for EC(75) dosages compared with CT and TT
      genotypes [e.g. ADP: CC 150+/-36 vs. TT 126+/-33 aggregation unit (AU); thrombin
      receptor activating peptide: CC 175+/-46 vs. TT 150+/-38 AU; U46619: CC 164+/-33
      vs. 149+/-32 AU; epinephrine: CC 66+/-41 vs. TT 48+/-34 AU]. In contrast,
      genotypes of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa PI(A)-polymorphism had no effect. Regression
      analysis revealed the GNB3 C825T polymorphism as an independent factor for
      enhanced platelet aggregation, besides factors such as female sex and blood cell
      values. CONCLUSION: In human whole blood, the GNB3 825CC genotype is associated
      with enhanced platelet aggregation.

PMID- 22082653
TI  - Effects of vitamin A and D receptor gene polymorphisms/haplotypes on immune
      responses to measles vaccine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vitamins A and D, and their receptors, are important regulators of the
      immune system, including vaccine immune response. We assessed the association
      between polymorphisms in the vitamin A receptors [retinoic acid receptor alpha,
      retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB), and retinoic acid receptor gamma] and vitamin
      D receptor (VDR)/retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) genes and interindividual
      variations in immune responses after two doses of measles vaccine in 745
      children. METHODS: Using a tag single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) approach, we
      genotyped 745 healthy children for the 391 polymorphisms in vitamin A receptor
      and VDR genes. RESULTS: The RARB haplotype (rs6800566/rs6550976/rs9834818) was
      significantly associated with variations in both measles antibody (global,
      P=0.013) and cytokine secretion levels, such as interleukin (IL)-10 (global,
      P=0.006), interferon (IFN)-alpha (global, P=0.008), and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (global, P=0.039) in the Caucasian subgroup. Specifically, the RARB
      haplotype, AAC, was associated with higher (t-statistic: 3.27, P=0.001) measles
      antibody levels. At the other end of the spectrum, haplotype GG for
      rs6550978/rs6777544 was associated with lower antibody levels (t-statistic: 
      2.32, P=0.020) in the Caucasian subgroup. In a sensitivity analysis, the RARB
      haplotype, CTGGGCAA, remained marginally significant (P<0.02) when the single SNP
      rs12630816 was included in the model for IL-10 secretion levels. A significant
      association was found between lower measles-specific IFN-gamma Enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent spot responses and haplotypes
      rs11102986/rs11103473/rs11103482/rs10776909/rs12004589/rs35780541/rs2266677/rs875
      44 (global, P=0.004) and rs6537944/rs3118571 (global, P<0.001) in the RXRA gene
      for Caucasians. We also found associations between multiple RARB, VDR, and RXRA
      SNPs/haplotypes and measles-specific IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma,
      IFNlambda-1, and TNF-alpha cytokine secretions. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest
      that specific allelic variations and haplotypes in the vitamin A receptor and VDR
      genes may influence adaptive immune responses to measles vaccine.

PMID- 22082655
TI  - Transplacental transfer of melamine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize transplacental transfer of melamine and related
      mechanisms as well as toxicity using human placental perfusion and cultured
      cells. METHODS: Transfer and toxicity were analyzed in 4-h perfusions with 10 MUM
      or 1 mM melamine, or 10 MUM melamine with 10 nM cyanuric acid (CYA). Efflux
      transporters were studied in accumulation assay and toxicity in BeWo cells by MTT
      assay. RESULTS: Of added melamine 34-45% was transferred to fetal circulation and
      CYA made no difference. Histology, hCG production, and PLAP activity indicated
      functionality of placental tissue with no grave toxicity. Highest concentration
      of melamine used (2 mM) with CYA and long treatment time decreased viability of
      BeWo cells. Inhibitors of ABCB1, ABCG2, ABCC2 did not affect the accumulation of
      melamine in cells. CONCLUSION: Melamine goes through human term placenta with no
      contribution of efflux transporters. Toxicity of melamine is low in placental
      tissue and BeWo cells.

PMID- 22082656
TI  - Regarding "Therapeutic plasma exchange in amitriptyline intoxication: case report
      and review of the literature".

PMID- 22082657
TI  - Leukopheresis for profound hyperleukocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukocytoreduction by leukopheresis is recommended for
      hyperleukocytosis with leukemia, especially when accompanied by neurologic or
      respiratory symptoms. A single 1-1.5 blood volume leukocytopheresis is expected
      to reduce the leukocyte count by 30-60%. CASE REPORT: A 35 year old man presented
      with a 2 month history of hearing and visual loss and was found to have chronic
      myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic phase with 700,000 WBC/MUL. The blast count
      was 1%. The spleen was markedly enlarged. He was referred for leukocytopheresis
      and treatment of his leukemia. Despite the extremely high white cell count, he
      had a hematocrit of 24, platelets of 161,000/MUL, and normal lung, liver and
      renal function. RESULTS: A 15 L leukocytapheresis was performed with a Cobe
      Spectra with the removal of 1.86 L of bloody fluid with a hematocrit of 10% and a
      leukocrit of 28%. The blood white cell count decreased from 599,000 to
      498,500/MUL, and the patient felt better. He was started on hydroxyuria and 8
      days later his WBC was 7000/MUL. DISCUSSION: The patient's oncologists were
      initially concerned by the only 17% reduction in his white cell count. However,
      calculations based on his hematocrit and leukocrit in blood and waste bag
      suggested that he was 140% blood volume expanded by his leukemia and that the
      cytopheresis removed about half of the extra volume along with an additional 250
      mL of leukocytes, about 35% of his pre-treatment WBC volume. The case and its
      implications for similar patients are discussed.

PMID- 22082658
TI  - Rescue of synaptic failure and alleviation of learning and memory impairments in
      a trisomic mouse model of down syndrome.
AB  - Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of ~240 protein-coding genes on
      chromosome 21 and is the most prevalent form of developmental disability. This
      condition results in abnormalities in many organ systems, as well as in
      intellectual retardation. Many previous efforts to understand brain dysfunction
      in DS have indicated that cognitive deficits are coincident with reduced synaptic
      plasticity and decreased neuronal proliferation. One therapeutic strategy for
      optimizing the microenvironment for neuronal proliferation and synaptic
      plasticity in the brain is the use of neurotrophins to restore the homeostasis of
      the brain biochemical milieu. Here, we show that peripheral administration of
      Peptide 6, an 11-mer corresponding to an active region of ciliary neurotrophic
      factor, amino acid residues 146 to 156, can inhibit learning and memory
      impairments in Ts65Dn mice, a trisomic mouse model of DS. Long-term treatment
      with Peptide 6 enhanced the pool of neural progenitor cells in the hippocampus
      and increased levels of synaptic proteins crucial for synaptic plasticity. These
      findings suggest a therapeutic potential of Peptide 6 in promoting functional
      neural integration into networks, thereby strengthening biologic substrates of
      memory processing.

PMID- 22082659
TI  - Promoter variants determine gamma-aminobutyric acid homeostasis-related gene
      transcription in human epileptic hippocampi.
AB  - The functional consequences of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with
      episodic brain disorders such as epilepsy and depression are unclear. Allelic
      associations with generalized epilepsies have been reported for single nucleotide
      polymorphisms rs1883415 (ALDH5A1; succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase) and
      rs4906902 (GABRB3; GABAA beta3), both of which are present in the 5' regulatory
      region of genes involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) homeostasis. To
      address their allelic association with episodic brain disorders and allele
      specific impact on the transcriptional regulation of these genes in human brain
      tissue, DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) isolated from hippocampi were obtained at
      epilepsy surgery of 146 pharmacoresistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE)
      patients and from 651 healthy controls. We found that the C allele of rs1883415
      is accumulated to a greater extentin mTLE versus controls. By real-time
      quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses,
      individuals homozygous for the C allele showed higher ALDH5A1 mRNA expression.
      The rs4906902 G allele of the GABRB3 gene was overrepresented in mTLE patients
      with depression; individuals homozygous for the G allele showed reduced GABRB3
      mRNA expression. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that rs1883415 and rs4906902
      alter the DNA binding affinity of the transcription factors Egr-3 in ALDH5A1 and
      MEF-2 in GABRB3 promoters, respectively. Using in vitro luciferase transfection
      assays, we observed that, in both cases, the transcription factors regulate gene
      expression depending on the allelic variant in the same direction as in the human
      hippocampi. Our data suggest that distinct promoter variants may sensitize
      individuals for differential, potentially stimulus-induced alterations of GABA
      homeostasis-relevant gene expression. This might contribute to the episodic onset
      of symptoms and point to new targets for pharmacotherapies.

PMID- 22082661
TI  - Clusterin overexpression and its possible protective role in transthyretin
      deposition in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.
AB  - Extracellular chaperones such as clusterin may contribute to extracellular
      protein homeostasis in neurodegenerative disorders. It has been implicated in
      fibrillogenesis and extracellular misfolded protein clearance in Alzheimer
      disease. We investigated the localization and potential functions of clusterin in
      familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized by extracellular deposition of mutant transthyretin (TTR) in the
      peripheral nervous system. We observed increased clusterin expression in human
      FAP nerves, in the dorsal root ganglia of mutant TTR transgenic mice with TTR
      deposition, and in human neuroblastoma cells incubated with oligomeric TTR.
      Clusterin colocalized with extracellular TTR aggregates in human FAP nerves and
      was detected in aggregates extracted from FAP tissues. Abolition of clusterin
      expression using small interfering RNA in a HEK293 cell line that secretes wild
      type TTR resulted in increased TTR aggregation in the medium, thus suggesting a
      protective role for clusterin in inhibition of TTR aggregation. However, under
      the conditions examined, toxicity of oligomeric TTR in neuroblastoma cells was
      unaltered by clusterin gene silencing. These data suggest that clusterin can
      influence TTR aggregation but may not modulate TTR aggregate toxicity or play a
      role in TTR clearance in FAP. Further studies will elucidate neuroprotective
      mechanisms conferred by clusterin in FAP and other neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22082660
TI  - Morphologic and functional correlates of synaptic pathology in the cathepsin D
      knockout mouse model of congenital neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
AB  - Mutations in the cathepsin D (CTSD) gene cause an aggressive neurodegenerative
      disease (congenital neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) that leads to early death.
      Recent evidence suggests that presynaptic abnormalities play a major role in the
      pathogenesis of CTSD deficiencies. To identify the early events that lead to
      synaptic alterations, we investigated synaptic ultrastructure and function in
      presymptomatic CTSD knockout (Ctsd) mice. Electron microscopy revealed that there
      were significantly greater numbers of readily releasable synaptic vesicles
      present in Ctsd mice than in wild-type control mice as early as postnatal day 16.
      The size of this synaptic vesicle pool continued to increase with disease
      progression in the hippocampus and thalamus of the Ctsd mice. Electrophysiology
      revealed a markedly decreased frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic
      currents (mEPSCs) with no effect on paired-pulse modulation of the evoked
      excitatory post synaptic potentials in the hippocampus of Ctsd mice. The reduced
      mEPSCs frequency was observed before the appearance of epilepsy or any
      morphologic sign of synaptic degeneration. Taken together, these data indicate
      that CTSD is required for normal synaptic function and that a failure in synaptic
      trafficking or recycling may bean early and important pathologic mechanism in
      Ctsd mice; these presynaptic abnormalities may initiate synaptic degeneration in
      advance of subsequent neuronal loss.

PMID- 22082662
TI  - Angiogenesis is regulated by angiopoietins during experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis and is indirectly related to vascular permeability.
AB  - The regulation of angiogenesis was studied over the course of the animal model of
      multiple sclerosis, acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice
      using immunohistochemistry. During EAE, angiogenesis peaked 21 days after disease
      induction, with significant increases in gray matter and adjacent to the
      leptomeninges. Angiogenesis correlated with clinical and pathologic scores.
      Spinal cord expression of angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) by neurons and glia was reduced
      at Day 14, but expression by inflammatory cells restored earlier levels at Day
      21. Angiopoietin 2 expression increased markedly at Day 21 and was mostly
      associated with inflammatory cells. Levels of the angiopoietin receptor Tie-2
      were reduced at Day 14, but recovered by day D21. Double labeling demonstrated
      Ang-1 expression on infiltrating CD3-positive T cells; Ang-2 was expressed by
      monocytes/macrophages. During EAE, the expression of vascular endothelial growth
      factor peaked at Day 14 and began to decrease by Day 21. Double labeling showed
      expression of Tie-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 but not Ang
      2 in blood vessels at Day 21. Vascular permeability increased early in EAE, but
      was reduced by Day 21. Although individual values did not correlate with
      angiogenesis, the volume of permeable tissue showed a weak positive correlation
      with angiogenesis. These temporal changes in angiogenic factors suggest an
      integral role during EAE-related angiogenesis.

PMID- 22082663
TI  - Developmental aspects of the intracerebral microvasculature and perivascular
      spaces:  insights into brain response to late-life diseases.
AB  - The development of the microvasculature of the human cerebral cortex offers
      insight into the response of the cerebral cortex to later-life brain injury. We
      describe the 3 basic and distinct components of the developmental anatomy of the
      cerebral cortical microvascular system. The first compartment is meningeal and,
      therefore, extracerebral. In addition to the major venous sinuses, arachnoidal
      arteries, and veins, the pial anastomotic capillary plexus that covers the
      surface of the developing and adult cerebral cortex represents the source of
      thepenetrating vessels that become the second component, the intracerebral
      extrinsic microvascular compartment. During embryogenesis, sprouting vascular
      elements from pial capillaries pierce the brain's external glial limiting
      membrane and penetrate the cortex. These vessels, which eventually differentiate
      into arterioles and venules, are separated from the cortical tissue by the
      extravascular Virchow-Robin compartment (V-RC) formed between the internal
      vascular and the external glial basal laminae. The V-RC remains open to the
      meningeal interstitial spaces and outside the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and acts
      asa prelymphatic drainage system for removal of substances that cannot be
      transported into the blood or catabolized intracellularly. The third element is
      the dense intracerebralintrinsic microvascular compartment. Intracerebral
      capillary vessels sprout from the perforating vessels, penetrate through the
      Virchow-Robin glial membrane, and enter the neuropil. Intracerebral capillaries
      lack smooth muscle and a V-RC and consist only of endothelial cells separated
      from the intracerebral space by a basal lamina. Their role as the physiological
      BBB is the exchange of oxygen, glucose, and small molecules. This developmental
      perspective highlights 3 principles: (a) the V-RC is intimately related to the
      cortical penetrating arterioles and venules and represents an inefficient
      protolymphatic system that lacks the anatomic and physiological constituents
      found in lymphatic beds elsewhere in the body; (b)the anatomic contiguity of the
      V-RC and the penetrating vascular compartment (arterioles and venules) implies
      that the pathology in 1 compartment could lead to dysfunction in the others; and
      (c) the anatomic localization of the immunologic BBB at the level of the
      penetrating venules might impose constraints on immunologically mediated
      transport involving the V-RC.

PMID- 22082664
TI  - Changes in brain beta-amyloid deposition and aquaporin 4 levels in response to
      altered agrin expression in mice.
AB  - Conditions that compromise the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have been increasingly
      implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). AGRIN is a heparan
      sulfate proteoglycan found abundantly in basement membranes of the cerebral
      vasculature, where it has been proposed to serve a functional role in the BBB.
      Furthermore, AGRIN is the major heparan sulfate proteoglycan associated with
      amyloid plaques in AD brains. To examine the relationship of AGRIN, the BBB, and
      AD-related pathologies, we generated mice in which the Agrn gene was deleted from
      either endothelial cells or neurons using gene targeting or was overexpressed
      using a genomic transgene construct. These mice were combined with a transgenic
      model of AD that over expresses disease-associated forms of amyloid precursor
      protein and presenilin 1. In mice lacking endothelial cell expression of Agrn,
      the BBB remained intact but aquaporin 4 levels were reduced, indicating that the
      loss of AGRIN affects BBB-associated components. This change in Agrn resulted in
      an increase in beta-amyloid (Abeta) in the brain. Conversely, overexpression of
      Agrn decreased Abeta deposition, whereas elimination of Agrn from neurons did not
      change Abeta levels. These results indicate that AGRIN is important for
      maintaining BBB composition and that changes in Agrn expression (particularly
      vessel-associated AGRIN) influence Abeta homeostasis in mouse models of AD.

PMID- 22082665
TI  - On the occurrence of hypomyelination in a transgenic mouse model:  a consequence
      of the myelin basic protein promoter?
AB  - Central nervous system hypomyelination is a feature common to a number of
      transgenic (Tg) mouse lines that express a variety of unrelated exogenous (i.e.
      non-central nervous system) transgenes. In this report, we document
      hypomyelination structurally by immunocytochemistry and functionally in the Tg
      line MBP-JE, which over expresses the chemokine CCL2 (MCP-1) within
      oligodendrocytes targeted by a myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter. Analysis of
      hypomyelinated optic nerves of Tg mice revealed progressive decrease in
      oligodendrocyte numbers with age (p < 0.01). Although molecular mechanisms
      underlying hypomyelination in this and other Tg models remain largely unknown, we
      present preliminary findings on oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) cultures in
      which, although OPC expressed CCR2, the receptor for CCL2, treatment with CCL2
      had no significant effect on OPC proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis. We
      suggest that hypomyelination in the MBP-JE model might not be due to CCL2
      expression but rather the result of transcriptional dysfunction related to random
      insertion of the MBP promoter that disrupts myelinogenesis and leads to
      oligodendrocyte demise. Because an MBP promoter is a common denominator in most
      Tg lines displaying hypomyelination, we hypothesize that use of myelin gene
      sequences in the regulator region of Tg constructs might underlie this
      perturbation of myelination in such models.

PMID- 22082666
TI  - Strigolactone analogues and mimics derived from phthalimide, saccharine, p
      tolylmalondialdehyde, benzoic and salicylic acid as scaffolds.
AB  - A series of new strigolactone (SL) analogues is derived from simple and cheap
      starting materials. These SL analogues are designed using a working model. The
      first analogue is a modified Nijmegen-1, the second contains saccharin as
      substituent (bio-isosteric replacement of a carbonyl in Nijmegen-1 by a sulfonyl
      group) and the third one is derived from p-tolylmalondialdehyde. These new SL
      analogues are appreciably to highly active as germination stimulants of seeds of
      Striga hermonthica and Orobanche cernua. The SL analogue derived from saccharin
      is the most active one. A serendipitous and most rewarding finding is that the
      compound obtained by a direct coupling of saccharin with the chlorobutenolide
      exhibits a high germination activity especially towards O. cernua seeds. Two
      other SL mimics are obtained from benzoic and salicylic aid by a direct coupling
      reaction with chlorobutenolide, both of them are very active germinating agents.
      These SL mimics represent a new type of germination stimulants. A tentative
      molecular mechanism for the mode of action of these SL mimics has been proposed.

PMID- 22082667
TI  - Time-dependent botulinum neurotoxin serotype A metalloprotease inhibitors.
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most lethal of biological substances, and
      are categorized as class A biothreat agents by the Centers for Disease Control
      and Prevention. There are currently no drugs to treat the deadly flaccid
      paralysis resulting from BoNT intoxication. Among the seven BoNT serotypes, the
      development of therapeutics to counter BoNT/A is a priority (due to its long half
      life in the neuronal cytosol and its ease of production). In this regard, the
      BoNT/A enzyme light chain (LC) component, a zinc metalloprotease responsible for
      the intracellular cleavage of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, is a
      desirable target for developing post-BoNT/A intoxication rescue therapeutics. In
      an earlier study, we reported the high throughput screening of a library
      containing 70,000 compounds, and uncovered a novel class of benzimidazole
      acrylonitrile-based BoNT/A LC inhibitors. Herein, we present both structure
      activity relationships and a proposed mechanism of action for this novel
      inhibitor chemotype.

PMID- 22082668
TI  - Triglycerides are independently associated with albuminuria in Taiwanese Type 2
      diabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipid abnormalities in albuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes
      differ by race. AIM: To perform a biochemical investigation of association
      between dyslipidemia and albuminuria in Type 2 diabetes in Taiwan. MATERIALS/
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited a total of 2349 Chinese patients with Type 2
      diabetes from two medical centers in Taiwan over a 1-yr period. Patients were
      categorized into those with normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and
      macroalbuminuria defined as albumin-to-creatinine ratio of <30, 30- 299, and
      >=300 MUg/mg. We then investigated the significance of the clinical and
      biochemical parameters and risk of albuminuria. RESULTS: We found significant
      differences in total cholesterol (TC) between those with normoalbuminuria and
      micro/ macroalbuminuria, no significant difference in LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)
      among the 3 subgroups, a significant difference in HDL cholesterol (HDL-C)
      between those with normoalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria, and significant
      increases in triglyceride (TG) paralleling increases in albuminuria. TG was found
      by logistic regression to be significantly associated with micro/macroalbuminuria
      in our unadjusted model [odds ratio (OR) = 1.859 (1.596~2.165)], and remained
      significant after adjusting for various confounders [OR = 1.415 (1.123~1.784)].
      Increases in albuminuria paralleled quartile increases in serum TG (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TG increases significantly throughout the 3 stages
      of albuminuria in Taiwanese Type 2 diabetic patients, but TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C do
      not.

PMID- 22082671
TI  - Introductory perspective.

PMID- 22082670
TI  - Is the association between ACE genes and blood pressure mediated by postnatal
      growth during the first 3 years?
AB  - Unlike the defined role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene in adult
      hypertension, ACE gene did not show direct influence on childhood blood pressure
      (BP), rather, seemed to be related to childhood growth with age-dependent
      characteristics. Thus, we examined intermediate effects of postnatal growth
      between the ACE polymorphisms and BP. We analyzed data from 257 children born in
      2001-04 at Ewha Womans University Hospital in Seoul, Korea, and followed them up
      until 3 years of age. Children with excessive adiposity had higher BP, as rapid
      growers did to no-change and decelerated growers. The ACE II genotype was
      associated with greater growth acceleration than the DD genotype (II: 46.8% vs.
      DD: 23.9%), and with a higher BP. The interactions between ACE genotype and
      adiposity at age 3 were significant on the BP levels. The highest BP increase
      with the same degree of adiposity was observed in those with the II genotype
      [beta (SE) for BMI: 1.9 (0.9), p=0.04]; particularly, only rapid grown II
      carriers demonstrated statistical significance on this linear association. These
      results suggested that ACE polymorphisms and BP association are mediated by
      postnatal growth. Further studies are required to determine the age-specific ACE
      genetic effects and its undefined biological mechanism.

PMID- 22082669
TI  - Statistical mechanics and molecular dynamics in evaluating thermodynamic
      properties of biomolecular recognition.
AB  - Molecular recognition plays a central role in biochemical processes. Although
      well studied, understanding the mechanisms of recognition is inherently difficult
      due to the range of potential interactions, the molecular rearrangement
      associated with binding, and the time and length scales involved. Computational
      methods have the potential for not only complementing experiments that have been
      performed, but also in guiding future ones through their predictive abilities. In
      this review, we discuss how molecular dynamics (MD) simulations may be used in
      advancing our understanding of the thermodynamics that drive biomolecular
      recognition. We begin with a brief review of the statistical mechanics that form
      a basis for these methods. This is followed by a description of some of the most
      commonly used methods: thermodynamic pathways employing alchemical
      transformations and potential of mean force calculations, along with end-point
      calculations for free energy differences, and harmonic and quasi-harmonic
      analysis for entropic calculations. Finally, a few of the fundamental findings
      that have resulted from these methods are discussed, such as the role of
      configurational entropy and solvent in intermolecular interactions, along with
      selected results of the model system T4 lysozyme to illustrate potential and
      current limitations of these methods.

PMID- 22082673
TI  - Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation versus surgical ablation treatment (FAST):
      a 2-center randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) and minimally invasive surgical ablation (SA)
      have become accepted therapy for antiarrhythmic drug-refractory atrial
      fibrillation. This study describes the first randomized clinical trial comparing
      their efficacy and safety during a 12-month follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: One
      hundred twenty-four patients with antiarrhythmic drug-refractory atrial
      fibrillation with left atrial dilatation and hypertension (42 patients, 33%) or
      failed prior CA (82 patients, 67%) were randomized to CA (63 patients) or SA (61
      patients). CA consisted of linear antral pulmonary vein isolation and optional
      additional lines. SA consisted of bipolar radiofrequency isolation of the
      bilateral pulmonary vein, ganglionated plexi ablation, and left atrial appendage
      excision with optional additional lines. Follow-up at 6 and 12 months was
      performed by ECG and 7-day Holter recording. The primary end point, freedom from
      left atrial arrhythmia >30 seconds without antiarrhythmic drugs after 12 months,
      was 36.5% for CA and 65.6% for SA (P=0.0022). There was no difference in effect
      for subgroups, which was consistent at both sites. The primary safety end point
      of significant adverse events during the 12-month follow-up was significantly
      higher for SA than for CA (n=21 [34.4%] versus n=10 [15.9%]; P=0.027), driven
      mainly by procedural complications such as pneumothorax, major bleeding, and the
      need for pacemaker. In the CA group, 1 patient died at 1 month of subarachnoid
      hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In atrial fibrillation patients with dilated left atrium
      and hypertension or failed prior atrial fibrillation CA, SA is superior to CA in
      achieving freedom from left atrial arrhythmias after 12 months of follow-up,
      although the procedural adverse event rate is significantly higher for SA than
      for CA. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique
      identifier: NCT00662701.

PMID- 22082676
TI  - Referral, enrollment, and delivery of cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention
      programs at clinical centers and beyond: a presidential advisory from the
      American Heart Association.

PMID- 22082674
TI  - Pak1 as a novel therapeutic target for antihypertrophic treatment in the heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress-induced hypertrophic remodeling is a critical pathogenetic
      process leading to heart failure. Although many signal transduction cascades are
      demonstrated as important regulators to facilitate the induction of cardiac
      hypertrophy, the signaling pathways for suppressing hypertrophic remodeling
      remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identified p21-activated kinase 1
      (Pak1) as a novel signaling regulator that antagonizes cardiac hypertrophy.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Hypertrophic stress applied to primary neonatal rat
      cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) or murine hearts caused the activation of Pak1. Analysis
      of NRCMs expressing constitutively active Pak1 or in which Pak1 was silenced
      disclosed that Pak1 played an antihypertrophic role. To investigate the in vivo
      role of Pak1 in the heart, we generated mice with a cardiomyocyte-specific
      deletion of Pak1 (Pak1(cko)). When subjected to 2 weeks of pressure overload,
      Pak1(cko) mice developed greater cardiac hypertrophy with attendant blunting of
      JNK activation compared with controls, and these knockout mice underwent the
      transition into heart failure when prolonged stress was applied. Chronic
      angiotensin II infusion also caused increased cardiac hypertrophy in Pak1(cko)
      mice. Moreover, we discovered that the Pak1 activator FTY720, a sphingosine-like
      analog, was able to prevent pressure overload-induced hypertrophy in wild-type
      mice without compromising their cardiac functions. Meanwhile, FTY720 failed to
      exert such an effect on Pak1(cko) mice, suggesting that the antihypertrophic
      effect of FTY720 likely acts through Pak1 activation. CONCLUSIONS: These results,
      for the first time, establish Pak1 as a novel antihypertrophic regulator and
      suggest that it may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of
      cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

PMID- 22082675
TI  - A critical role for the protein apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment
      domain in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a lethal syndrome associated with the
      pathogenic remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and the emergence of apoptosis
      resistant cells. Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) is an
      inhibitor of multiple forms of cell death known to be abundantly expressed in
      striated muscle. We show for the first time that ARC is expressed in arterial
      smooth muscle cells of the pulmonary vasculature and is markedly upregulated in
      several experimental models of PH. In this study, we test the hypothesis that ARC
      expression is essential for the development of chronic hypoxia-induced PH.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Experiments in which cells or mice were rendered ARC
      deficient revealed that ARC not only protected pulmonary arterial smooth muscle
      cells from hypoxia-induced death, but also facilitated growth factor-induced
      proliferation and hypertrophy and hypoxia-induced downregulation of selective
      voltage-gated potassium channels, the latter a hallmark of the syndrome in
      humans. Moreover, ARC-deficient mice exhibited diminished vascular remodeling,
      increased apoptosis, and decreased proliferation in response to chronic hypoxia,
      resulting in marked protection from PH in vivo. Patients with PH have
      significantly increased ARC expression not only in remodeled vessels but also in
      the lumen-occluding lesions associated with severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data show that ARC, previously unlinked to pulmonary hypertension, is a critical
      determinant of vascular remodeling in this syndrome.

PMID- 22082677
TI  - Heparin elevates circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 immunoreactivity
      in pregnant women receiving anticoagulation therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alterations in circulating levels of pro- and antiangiogenic factors
      have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Heparin is routinely
      administered to pregnant women, but without clear knowledge of its impact on
      these factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a longitudinal study of 42
      pregnant women. Twenty-one women received prophylactic heparin anticoagulation,
      and 21 healthy pregnant women served as controls. Compared with gestational age
      matched controls, heparin treatment was associated with increased circulating
      levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in the third trimester
      (P<0.05), in the absence of preeclampsia, placental abruption, or fetal growth
      restriction. Heparin had no effect on circulating levels of vascular endothelial
      growth factor, placenta growth factor, or soluble endoglin as assessed by ELISA.
      In vitro, low-molecular weight and unfractionated heparins stimulated sFlt-1
      release from placental villous explants, in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
      This effect was not due to placental apoptosis, necrosis, alteration in protein
      secretion, or increased transcription. Western blot analysis demonstrated that
      heparin induced shedding of the N-terminus of Flt-1 both in vivo and in vitro as
      indicated by a predominant band of 100-112 kDa. By using an in vitro angiogenesis
      assay, we demonstrated that serum of heparin-treated cases inhibited both basal
      and vascular endothelial growth factor-induced capillary-like tube formation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Heparin likely increases the maternal sFlt-1 through shedding of the
      extracellular domain of Flt-1 receptor. Our results imply that upregulation of
      circulating sFlt-1 immunoreactivity in pregnancy is not always associated with
      adverse outcomes, and that heparin's protective effects, if any, cannot be
      explained by promotion of angiogenesis.

PMID- 22082678
TI  - Pathogenic cycle between the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor
      asymmetrical dimethylarginine and the leukocyte-derived hemoprotein
      myeloperoxidase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine
      (ADMA) and the leukocyte-derived hemoprotein myeloperoxidase (MPO) are associated
      with cardiovascular diseases. Activation of monocytes and polymorphonuclear
      neutrophils (PMNs) with concomitant release of MPO is regulated in a nitric oxide
      dependent fashion. The aim of the study was to investigate a potential 2-way
      interaction between ADMA and MPO. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ex vivo, ADMA uptake by
      isolated human PMNs, the principal source of MPO in humans, significantly
      impaired nitric oxide synthase activity determined by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. In humans, short-term ADMA infusion (0.0125 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1))
      significantly increased MPO plasma concentrations. Functionally, PMN exposure to
      ADMA enhanced leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, augmented NADPH oxidase
      activity, and stimulated PMN degranulation, resulting in release of MPO. In vivo,
      a 28-day ADMA infusion (250 MUmol . kg(-1) . d(-1)) in C57Bl/6 mice significantly
      increased plasma MPO concentrations, whereas this ADMA effect on MPO was
      attenuated by human dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase1 (hDDAH1)
      overexpression. Moreover, the MPO-derived reactive molecule hypochlorous acid
      impaired recombinant hDDAH1 activity in vitro. In MPO(-/-) mice, the
      lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in systemic ADMA concentrations was
      abrogated. CONCLUSIONS: ADMA profoundly impairs nitric oxide synthesis of PMNs,
      resulting in increased PMN adhesion to endothelial cells, superoxide generation,
      and release of MPO. In addition, MPO impairs DDAH1 activity. Our data reveal an
      ADMA-induced cycle of PMN activation, enhanced MPO release, and subsequent
      impairment of DDAH1 activity. These findings not only highlight so far
      unrecognized cytokine-like properties of ADMA but also identify MPO as a
      regulatory switch for ADMA bioavailability under inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 22082679
TI  - Absence of SOCS3 in the cardiomyocyte increases mortality in a gp130-dependent
      manner accompanied by contractile dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) is a key negative-feedback
      regulator of the gp130 receptor that provides crucial signaling for cardiac
      hypertrophy and survival; however, an in vivo role of SOCS3 regulation on cardiac
      gp130 signaling remains obscure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We generated cardiac
      specific SOCS3 knockout (SOCS3 cKO) mice. These mice showed increased activation
      of gp130 downstream signaling targets (STAT3, ERK1/2, AKT, and p38) from 15 weeks
      of age and developed cardiac dysfunction from approximately 25 weeks of age with
      signs of heart failure. Surprisingly, SOCS3 cKO failing hearts had minimal
      histological abnormalities with intact myofibril ultrastructure. In addition,
      Ca(2+) transients were significantly increased in SOCS3 cKO failing hearts
      compared with wild-type hearts. We also found that Ser23/24 residues of troponin
      I were hypophosphorylated in SOCS3 cKO hearts before the manifestation of cardiac
      dysfunction. These data suggested the presence of abnormalities in myofilament
      Ca(2+) sensitivity in SOCS3 cKO mice. In addition to the contractile dysfunction,
      we found various ventricular arrhythmias in SOCS3 cKO nonfailing hearts
      accompanied by a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) overload. To determine the
      contribution of gp130 signaling to the cardiac phenotype that occurs with SOCS3
      deficiency, we generated cardiac-specific gp130 and SOCS3 double KO mice. Double
      KO mice lived significantly longer and had different histological abnormalities
      when compared with SOCS3 cKO mice, thus demonstrating the importance of gp130
      signaling in the SOCS3 cKO cardiac phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      demonstrate an important role of SOCS3 regulation on cardiac gp130 signaling in
      the pathogenesis of contractile dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 22082680
TI  - A key role for matrix metalloproteinases and neutral sphingomyelinase-2 in
      transplant vasculopathy triggered by anti-HLA antibody.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes for organ transplantation are constantly improving because
      of advances in organ preservation, surgical techniques, immune clinical
      monitoring, and immunosuppressive treatment preventing acute transplant
      rejection. However, chronic rejection including transplant vasculopathy still
      limits long-term patient survival. Transplant vasculopathy is characterized by
      progressive neointimal hyperplasia leading to arterial stenosis and ischemic
      failure of the allograft. This work sought to decipher the manner in which the
      humoral immune response, mimicked by W6/32 anti-HLA antibody, contributes to
      transplant vasculopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies were performed in vitro on
      cultured human smooth muscle cells, ex vivo on human arterial segments, and in
      vivo in a model consisting of human arterial segments grafted into severe
      combined immunodeficiency/beige mice injected weekly with anti-HLA antibodies. We
      report that anti-HLA antibodies are mitogenic for smooth muscle cells through a
      signaling mechanism implicating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (membrane type 1
      MMP and MMP2) and neutral sphingomyelinase-2. This mitogenic signaling and
      subsequent DNA synthesis are blocked in smooth muscle cells silenced for MMP2 or
      for neutral sphingomyelinase-2 by small interfering RNAs, in smooth muscle cells
      transfected with a vector coding for a dominant-negative form of membrane type 1
      MMP, and after treatment by pharmacological inhibitors of MMPs (Ro28-2653) or
      neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (GW4869). In vivo, Ro28-2653 and GW4869 reduced the
      intimal thickening induced by anti-HLA antibodies in human mesenteric arteries
      grafted into severe combined immunodeficiency/beige mice. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      highlight a crucial role for MMP2 and neutral sphingomyelinase-2 in vasculopathy
      triggered by a humoral immune response and open new perspectives for preventing
      transplant vasculopathy with the use of MMP and neutral sphingomyelinase
      inhibitors, in addition to conventional immunosuppression.

PMID- 22082682
TI  - Sympathetic nerve blocks, pragmatic trials, and responder analysis.

PMID- 22082681
TI  - Predictive value of the high-sensitivity troponin T assay and the simplified
      Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in hemodynamically stable patients with acute
      pulmonary embolism: a prospective validation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The new, high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) assay may improve risk
      stratification of normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We
      externally validated the prognostic value of hsTnT, and of the simplified
      Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI), in a large multicenter cohort. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We prospectively examined 526 normotensive patients with acute PE;
      of those, 31 (5.9%) had an adverse 30-day outcome. The predefined hsTnT cutoff
      value of 14 pg/mL was associated with a high prognostic sensitivity and negative
      predictive value, comparable to those of the sPESI. Both hsTnT >=14 pg/mL (OR,
      4.97 [95% CI, 1.71-14.43]; P=0.003) and sPESI >=1 point(s) (OR, 9.51 [2.24
      40.29]; P=0.002) emerged, besides renal insufficiency (OR, 2.97 [1.42-6.22];
      P=0.004), as predictors of early death or complications; in a multivariable
      model, they remained independent predictors of outcome (P=0.044 and 0.012,
      respectively). A total of 127 patients (24.1%) were identified as low risk by a
      sPESI of 0 and hsTnT <14 pg/mL; none of them had an adverse 30-day outcome.
      During 6-month follow-up, 52 patients (9.9%) died. Kaplan-Meier analysis
      illustrated that patients with hsTnT >=14 pg/mL (P=0.001) and those with sPESI
      >=1 (P<0.001) had a decreased probability of 6-month survival. Patients with
      sPESI of 0 and hsTnT <14 pg/mL at baseline had a 42% reduction in the risk of
      dying (hazard ratio, 0.58 [0.01-0.42]; P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The hsTnT assay and
      the sPESI improve risk stratification of acute PE. Combination of both modalities
      may yield additive prognostic information and particularly identify possible
      candidates for out-of-hospital treatment.

PMID- 22082683
TI  - Selective 5-HT(1A)-R-agonist repinotan prevents remifentanil-induced ventilatory
      depression and prolongs antinociception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 5-HT(1A)-R-agonist repinotan was shown to counteract a morphine
      induced ventilatory depression but had pronociceptive effects at small doses (0.2
      MUg/kg). It remained to be clarified (1) whether a moderate dose of repinotan,
      sufficient to stimulate spontaneous breathing, impairs antinociception if plasma
      concentration decreases over time, and if (2) moderate doses prevent ventilatory
      depression if given before the opioid. METHODS: A dose-response curve of the
      repinotan effects on spontaneous minute ventilation during continuous
      remifentanil infusion in anesthetized rats was established to identify moderate
      doses: (1) tail-flick reflex latencies to assess nociception were recorded until
      60 min after cessation of a continuous remifentanil infusion with or without a
      concomitant moderate repinotan dose (10 MUg/kg), and (2) remifentanil boluses
      (2.5 MUg/kg) were given after repinotan (10 and 20 MUg/kg). RESULTS: (1)
      Remifentanil-induced antinociception lasted only 5 min after infusion was stopped
      (tail-flick reflex latencies; median [interquartile range], 97 [54-100]% of
      maximum possible effect; P = 0.034), but was extended by repinotan (10 MUg/kg) to
      30 min (tail-flick reflex latencies, 100 [75-100]% of maximum possible effect; P
      = 0.031). Repinotan (10 MUg/kg) alone did not have any significant
      antinociceptive effect. (2) The ventilatory depression by remifentanil boluses
      (2.5 MUg/kg; minute ventilation, -65 [-81 to -56]%; P = 0.031, n = 5) was blunted
      by repinotan (20 MUg/kg; minute ventilation, -24 [-53 to 13]%; P = 0.313,
      compared with the pretreatment level). CONCLUSIONS: Repinotan prevented
      remifentanil-induced ventilatory depression in spontaneously breathing,
      anesthetized rats. Although repinotan did not depress nociception itself, it
      prolonged the profound antinociception after discontinuation of remifentanil
      infusion.

PMID- 22082685
TI  - Reliability and component structure of the modified Daily Symptom Report (DSR
      20).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to modify Freeman et al.'s
      (1996) Daily Symptom Report (DSR) for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by adding items
      depicting aggressive and impulsive symptoms, to explore the component structure
      of this revised measure (DSR-20) in a sample of PMS sufferers, and to compare
      their scores with those from controls during the follicular and luteal cycle
      phases. METHODS: The DSR-20 was administered to 140 PMS sufferers who were
      seeking treatment for PMS and 54 controls who considered themselves to be free
      from premenstrual complaints daily for three menstrual cycles. RESULTS:
      Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 for the luteal DSR-20 scores of the PMS sufferers,
      indicating very high internal consistency of the 20 items. Exploratory Principal
      Components Analysis (PCA) of the luteal ratings of the PMS sufferers identified
      two components with high internal consistency (>0.90), describing psychological
      and physical premenstrual symptoms. PMS sufferers scored significantly higher
      than the controls on each of these components during the luteal, but not
      follicular, phase. CONCLUSIONS: The DSR-20 total scale score is an internally
      consistent global measure of the intensity of PMS. The division of PMS symptoms
      into psychological and physical components, both of which significantly
      differentiated PMS sufferers from controls during the luteal phase, sheds further
      light on the description of PMS and provides a clinically relevant and practical
      means by which to summarise and interpret daily symptom ratings, necessary for
      the identification and investigation of the syndrome.

PMID- 22082686
TI  - Early predictors of short term neurodevelopmental outcome in asphyxiated cooled
      infants. A combined brain amplitude integrated electroencephalography and near
      infrared spectroscopy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain Cooling (BC) represents the elective treatment in asphyxiated
      newborns. Amplitude Integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) and Near Infrared
      Spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring may help to evaluate changes in cerebral
      electrical activity and cerebral hemodynamics during hypothermia. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the prognostic value of aEEG time course and NIRS data in asphyxiated
      cooled infants. METHODS: Twelve term neonates admitted to our NICU with moderate
      severe Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) underwent selective BC. aEEG and
      NIRS monitoring were started as soon as possible and maintained during the whole
      hypothermic treatment. Follow-up was scheduled at regular intervals; adverse
      outcome was defined as death, cerebral palsy (CP) or global quotient <88.7 at
      Griffiths' Scale. RESULTS: 2/12 Infants died, 2 developed CP, 1 was normal at 6
      months of age and then lost at follow-up and 7 showed a normal outcome at least
      at 1 year of age. The aEEG background pattern at 24 h of life was abnormal in 10
      newborns; only 4 of them developed an adverse outcome, whereas the 2 infants with
      a normal aEEG developed normally. In infants with adverse outcome NIRS showed a
      higher Tissue Oxygenation Index (TOI) than those with normal outcome (80.0+/
      10.5% vs 66.9+/-7.0%, p=0.057; 79.7+/-9.4% vs 67.1+/-7.9%, p=0.034; 80.2+/-8.8%
      vs 71.6+/-5.9%, p=0.069 at 6, 12 and 24 h of life, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      The aEEG background pattern at 24h of life loses its positive predictive value
      after BC implementation; TOI could be useful to predict early on infants that may
      benefit from other innovative therapies.

PMID- 22082687
TI  - Unusual Doppler trace in mitral stenosis: prominent isovolumic relaxation flow.

PMID- 22082672
TI  - Efficacy and safety of celivarone, with amiodarone as calibrator, in patients
      with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for prevention of implantable
      cardioverter-defibrillator interventions or death: the ALPHEE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Celivarone is a new antiarrhythmic agent developed for the treatment
      of ventricular arrhythmias. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of
      celivarone in preventing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
      interventions or death. METHODS AND RESULTS: Celivarone (50, 100, or 300 mg/d)
      was assessed compared with placebo in this randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, parallel-group study. Amiodarone (200 mg/d after loading dose of 600
      mg/d for 10 days) was used as a calibrator. A total of 486 patients with a left
      ventricular ejection fraction <=40% and at least 1 ICD intervention for
      ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in the previous month or ICD
      implantation in the previous month for documented ventricular
      tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation were randomized. Median treatment duration
      was 9 months. The primary efficacy end point was occurrence of ventricular
      tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation-triggered ICD interventions (shocks or
      antitachycardia pacing) or sudden death. The proportion of patients experiencing
      an appropriate ICD intervention or sudden death was 61.5% in the placebo group;
      67.0%, 58.8%, and 54.9% in the celivarone 50-, 100-, and 300-mg groups,
      respectively; and 45.3% in the amiodarone group. Hazard ratios versus placebo for
      the primary end point ranged from 0.860 for celivarone 300 mg to 1.199 for
      celivarone 50 mg. None of the comparisons versus placebo were statistically
      significant. Celivarone had an acceptable safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Celivarone
      was not effective for the prevention of ICD interventions or sudden death.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:
      NCT00993382.

PMID- 22082684
TI  - Relationship between testosterone deficiency and cardiovascular risk and
      mortality in adult men.
AB  - Classic male hypogonadism is associated with known adverse effects including
      decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, and changes in body
      composition. Recently, we have come to appreciate that reduction in serum
      testosterone (T) levels resulting from aging or chronic disease or androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) have consequences similar to those seen in classic male
      hypogonadism which include increased fat mass, decreased lean body mass,
      decreased muscle strength, and sexual dysfunction. These data suggest that low T
      levels may represent a newly recognized cardiometabolic risk factor. Therefore,
      we carried out a careful review of the literature, focusing on major turning
      points of research and studies which gave more important and controversial
      contribution to the cardiovascular role of T. Observational studies and clinical
      trials investigating the relationship between T levels and cardiovascular disease
      and mortality were identified byMedline search. The results were synthesized,
      tabulated, and interpreted. The aim of this review is to discuss the association
      between low T levels and adverse metabolic profile such as insulin resistance,
      metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. We will also investigate the potential
      mechanisms by which male hypogonadism, especially age related or induced by ADT,
      may increase cardio-metabolic risk. Finally we will detail the emerging
      relationship between low T and mortality in men addressing also the reverse
      hypothesis that low T has a protective role by turning off T-dependent functions.

PMID- 22082688
TI  - Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy: technical innovations and evolving clinical
      applications.

PMID- 22082689
TI  - Cardiac MRI of Lyme disease myocarditis.

PMID- 22082690
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension due to a large acquired systemic arteriovenous fistula.

PMID- 22082691
TI  - Electron tomography of cells.
AB  - The electron microscope has contributed deep insights into biological structure
      since its invention nearly 80 years ago. Advances in instrumentation and
      methodology in recent decades have now enabled electron tomography to become the
      highest resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique available for unique
      objects such as cells. Cells can be imaged either plastic-embedded or frozen
      hydrated. Then the series of projection images are aligned and back-projected to
      generate a 3D reconstruction or 'tomogram'. Here, we review how electron
      tomography has begun to reveal the molecular organization of cells and how the
      existing and upcoming technologies promise even greater insights into structural
      cell biology.

PMID- 22082692
TI  - Spinal cord tumor versus transverse myelitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is one of
      the defining features of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Despite the well-established
      criteria, clinical and paraclinical features, the disease is often misdiagnosed
      and erroneously treated. PURPOSE: We report on a case of LETM in a patient with
      spatially limited NMO spectrum disorder that was misdiagnosed as spinal cord
      tumor and underwent spinal cord biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: A 43-year-old female
      patient is described. METHODS: The patient developed spastic tetraparesis over 1
      week. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed LETM, and she was
      treated with steroids and recovered. Nine months later, her condition worsened
      and repeat spinal cord MRI was interpreted as a large intramedullary tumor in the
      cervical region with irregular postcontrast enhancement. Biopsy revealed
      demyelination. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed positive oligoclonal
      IgG bands, and serum was positive for NMO-IgG antibody. RESULTS: The patient was
      diagnosed with spatially limited NMO spectrum disorder, treated with plasma
      exchange, high-dose corticosteroids, and cyclophosphamide, and with good
      recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The factors favoring inflammatory LETM are acute or
      subacute onset of clinical symptoms, positive oligoclonal bands in the CSF,
      positive NMO-IgG or other antibodies, and brain MRI showing demyelinating
      lesions. Postcontrast axial MRI sequences of the spinal cord can also be helpful.
      In doubtful situations, a trial of therapy and follow-up MRI a month later might
      be a more prudent approach if the patient is not rapidly deteriorating.

PMID- 22082693
TI  - Mantle cell lymphoma.

PMID- 22082694
TI  - Factors affecting patients' pain intensity during in office intravitreal
      injection procedure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with patients' comfort during routine in
      office intravitreal injection. METHODS: Sixty patients receiving intravitreal
      injections over 15 months for macular edema because of diabetes, age-related
      macular degeneration, or retinal vein occlusion who were randomized into 3 groups
      to receive 1 of 3 commonly used forms of anesthesia-TetraVisc, proparacaine HCl,
      or tetracaine HCl-before receiving intravitreal injection were studied. Fifteen
      minutes after injection, patients were asked to rate their pain from 0 (no
      pain/no distress) to 10 (agonizing pain/unbearable distress) using a Visual
      Analog Pain score survey. Self-reported pain scores were stratified by age,
      gender, diagnosis, injection number, substance injected, needle gauge, and visual
      acuity improvement. RESULTS: Intravitreal injection was associated with low pain
      scores. Patients receiving tetracaine reported a statistically significant lower
      pain score (3.05 +/- 2.01) than patients receiving proparacaine (3.17 +/- 2.18)
      or TetraVisc (3.3 9+/- 2.26; P < 0.01). Other important factors influencing pain
      score significantly (P < 0.01) included improved vision from previous injection,
      female sex, and age >65 years. Pain scores decreased with each consecutive
      injection. CONCLUSION: Pain associated with intravitreal injection is generally
      mild, and may be associated with epidemiologic and environmental factors.

PMID- 22082695
TI  - Loss, gain, and the reframing of perspectives in long-term stroke survivors: a
      dynamic experience of quality of life.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little is known about stroke survivors' subjective quality of life
      experience. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of
      quality of life in 6 long-term stroke survivors. METHOD: Using a phenomenological
      design, we interviewed participants (who were 21 months to 11 years post stroke)
      twice and gave them journals to write in between interviews. Data were evaluated
      using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The main theme, "It makes me feel like a human
      again," integrates 2 subthemes - activity loss: "That's what I miss" and
      awakening: "Reality comes to your world." The main theme describes quality of
      life as a constantly changing experience, and the subthemes elaborate on the
      process of change. CONCLUSION: Themes described quality of life as a dynamic
      experience that changed as activities of value were lost or gained and as
      participants experienced changes in their perspectives, beliefs, values, and
      behaviors. The discussion examines these themes through the lens of the Model of
      Human Occupation and the Shifting Perspectives Model of Chronic Illness. Clinical
      implications of the results are also discussed.

PMID- 22082696
TI  - Expanding poststroke depression research: movement toward a dyadic perspective.
AB  - Research on depression following stroke has traditionally been oriented toward
      understanding the experiences of individual survivors or their spousal caregivers
      outside of the context of their committed relationship. Moving toward a dyadic
      orientation to the problem of poststroke depression, in which the stroke survivor
      spouse dyad is viewed as the primary unit of analysis, will open the door to new
      lines of inquiry and may eventually lead to more effective treatments for
      survivors and their spouses. The first half of this article discusses the
      rationale for moving poststroke depression research toward a more dyadic
      perspective and highlights current efforts in this area. The second half of this
      article discusses some methodological challenges associated with dyadic data and
      the practical benefits of one statistical methodology, multilevel modeling, for
      examining depression in survivor-stroke dyads.

PMID- 22082697
TI  - A follow-up study of psychological problems after stroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: Psychological problems are common complications following stroke and
      have an impact on all aspects of recovery. This article investigates levels of
      psychological distress in patients during hospital admission and after discharge
      into the community. Early detection and review of poststroke psychological
      problems may optimize recovery from stroke as recommended in the national stroke
      guideline. Currently, there are very few follow-up investigations on poststroke
      mood disorders available that could inform clinical practice. METHOD:
      Psychological symptoms were defined as poststroke anxiety and depression and were
      measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Revised cutoff
      scores for this clinical group were applied. Seventy-seven stroke patients were
      assessed in the hospital. Forty-two patients from this sample were reassessed
      after their discharge into the community. RESULTS: Patients in the hospital
      sample presented with mean anxiety and depression scores above the recommended
      cutoff for stroke. Far more than 50% of male and female patients presented with
      heightened psychological distress. Psychological symptoms were slightly less
      intense and less frequent in the follow-up after discharge sample. The
      differences between the HADS outcomes of hospitalized and community patients were
      nonsignificant but remained beyond cutoff for more than 50% of follow-up
      patients. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of mood assessments for
      all stroke patients. The percentage of patients with residual psychological
      problems was lower than that reported in the literature. However, it is highly
      recommended for those patients with chronic poststroke psychological distress to
      have access to specialist psychological interventions.

PMID- 22082698
TI  - Boosting exercise beliefs and motivation through a psychological intervention
      designed for poststroke populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of patient education on reducing stroke has had mixed
      effects, raising questions about how to achieve optimal benefit. Because past
      evaluations have typically lacked an appropriate theoretical base, the design of
      past research may have missed important effects. METHOD: This study used a social
      cognitive framework to identify variables that might change in response to
      education. A mixed design was used to evaluate 2 approaches to an intervention,
      both of which included education. Twenty-six seniors completed a measure of
      stroke knowledge and beliefs twice: before and after an intervention that was
      either "standard" (educational brochure plus activities that were not about
      stroke) or "enhanced" (educational brochure plus activities designed to enhance
      beliefs about stroke). Outcome measures were health beliefs, intention to
      exercise to reduce stroke, and stroke knowledge. RESULTS: Selected beliefs
      changed significantly over time but not differentially across conditions. Beliefs
      that changed were (1) perceived susceptibility to stroke, and (2) perceived
      benefit of exercise to reduce risk. Benefit beliefs, in particular, were strongly
      and positively associated with intention to exercise. CONCLUSION: Findings
      suggest that basic approaches to patient education may influence health beliefs.
      More effective stroke prevention programs may result from continued consideration
      of the role of health beliefs in such programs.

PMID- 22082699
TI  - Stroke patients' awareness of risk and readiness to change behaviors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Behavior change is an important component of secondary stroke
      prevention. The transtheoretical model, which describes behavior change as
      occurring through a series of stages, may be a useful way of assessing patients'
      readiness to change behavior. The model has been successfully applied to other
      chronic conditions and argues that people progressing "forward" through the
      stages are more likely to successfully change their behavior. The aim of this
      study was to describe stroke patients' readiness to change behaviors for stroke
      related risk factors using this model, in the absence of a behavior modification
      intervention. METHOD: Patients (n = 27) from an acute stroke ward of a major
      metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Australia, were interviewed prior to and at 3
      months following hospital discharge regarding their awareness of stroke risk
      factors and their readiness to change stroke risk-related behaviors. RESULTS: At
      both points in time, 30% of patients could not spontaneously nominate one or more
      stroke risk factors. Despite a trend of "forward" progression in stages of change
      between the 2 interviews for behaviors relating to hypertension, heart disease,
      and high cholesterol, there were no statistically significant changes over time
      for any of the behaviors. Patients' readiness to change stroke risk-related
      behaviors differed for each risk factor. CONCLUSION: Acknowledging that patients'
      readiness to change may differ for each risk factor may promote more effective
      facilitation of stroke secondary prevention behaviors.

PMID- 22082700
TI  - Understanding hope after stroke: a systematic review of the literature using
      concept analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hope is said to be important in recovery from illness or injury,
      supporting adjustment, perseverance, and positive outcomes. There has been little
      exploration of hope in people after stroke. This is reflected in the literature,
      which lacks consistent definition and terminology. This purpose of this article
      is to clarify the concept of hope after stroke and to synthesize the findings to
      propose a working model of hope. METHOD: A systematic literature search was
      completed. Articles were included if they explored hope from the perspective of
      people with stroke or if hope was reported as a key finding in a study. Coding,
      analytic questions, and matrices were used to extract data and to compare,
      contrast, and synthesize conceptualizations, processes, and outcomes of hope.
      This was guided by a concept analysis methodology. RESULTS: The literature search
      identified 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of these
      articles suggested hope was conceptualized in 3 interrelated ways - as an inner
      state, as being outcome-oriented, and as an active process. Findings suggested
      that internal and external resources contributed to the development of hope. Hope
      was perceived to be linked with positive outcomes and functioned as a motivator
      and source of strength through recovery. Hope reflected elements also found in
      the concepts of expectations, goals, and optimism. CONCLUSION: This novel
      approach to analysis has furthered the understanding of hope. It has proposed a
      working model of hope that could be used by clinicians in considering hope with
      their clients and patients.

PMID- 22082701
TI  - An ecological approach to activity after stroke: it takes a community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biopsychosocial recovery from stroke is remarkable for some
      individuals, but the majority of stroke survivors have difficulty resuming
      activities. Even survivors with mild disability become disengaged. METHODS:
      Situational analysis grounded theory and ecological models were used to examine
      the barriers and facilitators to choice of everyday activities of stroke
      survivors aged 50 to 64 years. RESULTS: Resuming activities was an iterative
      process of scaffolding small tasks into activities through bargaining for access
      to practical support and inclusion into social situations. Although participants
      geared up to manage their condition and access activities, for the most part they
      were not in charge of the services and supports they required. They had little
      control over who was accepted to rehabilitation, for which services they
      qualified or disability policies. CONCLUSIONS: There are layers of interactions
      between individuals and multiple factors in their environments that influence
      participation. Low poststroke activity levels may be amenable to intervention.
      Further research should consider the following: (1) participation in activities
      through the lens of all levels of the socioecological model; (2) the impact of
      disability and aging-related stigma; (3) the results of ad hoc community
      navigation; and (4) the effects of restrictive health and disability policies on
      meaningful activity.

PMID- 22082702
TI  - Testing the effectiveness of knowledge and behavior therapy in patients of
      hemiplegic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine demographic variables
      associated with anger and well-being in patients with stroke, to investigate the
      hypothesis that knowledge and behavior (K&B) therapy improves patients' emotional
      and physical well-being, and to discover psychological variables associated with
      therapeutic outcomes. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with hemiplegic stroke were
      randomly assigned to either a control condition (the conventional therapy) or an
      experimental condition (K&B therapy). Both the experimental and control groups
      received physical therapy, which included prescribed medications and
      rehabilitation training programs for body functions. In addition, the
      experimental group received counseling, which consisted of a knowledge component
      and a behavioral training component. RESULTS: Patients' gender and ratings of
      stressful events were related to emotional health and well-being. Compared to the
      control group, the experimental group generally reported greater improvements in
      state anger, external anger, anger control, depression, quality of life, and
      activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with our expectations,
      patients with stroke who received K&B training showed greater improvements in
      mental and physical health. Our findings suggest that the K&B therapy effectively
      targeted anger and improved the well-being among patients with stroke. It is our
      recommendation that K&B therapy should be implemented with a hospital's standard
      procedure for stroke recovery.

PMID- 22082703
TI  - Living successfully with aphasia: family members share their views.
AB  - Language and lifestyle changes experienced following the onset of aphasia extend
      beyond the individual to impact family members of persons with aphasia. Research
      exploring the meaning of living successfully with aphasia has explored the
      perspectives of individuals with aphasia and speech-language pathologists. Family
      members' views of living successfully with aphasia may also contribute valuable
      insights into positive adaptive processes and factors that may influence clinical
      interventions and community-based services for individuals with aphasia and their
      families. PURPOSE: To explore, from the perspectives of family members of
      individuals with aphasia, the meaning of living successfully with aphasia.
      METHOD: Twenty-four family members (nominated by individuals with aphasia)
      participated in semistructured in-depth interviews about living successfully with
      aphasia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretative
      phenomenological analysis to identify themes relating to the meaning of living
      successfully with aphasia. RESULTS: Seven themes were identified from analysis of
      family member participant transcripts: getting involved in life, support for the
      person with aphasia, communication, family members' own needs, putting life in
      perspective, focusing on and celebrating strengths and improvements, and
      experiences with services. CONCLUSION: Findings provide evidence to support
      previous research indicating that aphasia affects the whole family and not just
      an individual. The inclusion of family members as part of the rehabilitation team
      is indicated. Family members' needs and priorities must be considered in
      conceptualizing living successfully with aphasia to ensure family members are
      included in intervention programs.

PMID- 22082704
TI  - Self-evaluation of driving simulator performance after stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the potential dangers associated with premature
      return to driving after stroke, very little research has examined the
      relationship between impaired self-awareness (ISA) and driving. This study
      examined self-awareness of driving simulator and neuropsychological performance
      among stroke patients, comparing them with healthy control participants. METHODS:
      Thirty stroke survivors and 30 controls each were asked for prediction and
      postdiction ratings of their performance on various driving simulator and
      neuropsychological tasks. Self-estimates versus actual performance discrepancy
      scores were calculated for various simulator and neuropsychological measures by
      converting scores to a shared metric. RESULTS: Across all measures, the stroke
      survivors greatly overestimated their performance in comparison with the accuracy
      of self-evaluations among the controls, thus suggesting ISA. This pattern of
      overestimating was observed on both novel (neuropsychological) and familiar
      (driving) tasks. However, there was some evidence to suggest that stroke
      survivors can benefit from feedback, as seen by increased accuracy in postdiction
      versus prediction self-evaluation scores. Both stroke survivors and controls also
      showed a greater shift toward accurate self-estimation on postdiction of driving
      performance than on postdiction of neuropsychological test performance.
      CONCLUSION: Although the temporal stability of the shift in awareness is not
      known, these results support the use of driving simulators as a useful and safe
      method of assessing and potentially improving stroke survivors' ISA.

PMID- 22082705
TI  - The effect of vocational rehabilitation on return-to-work rates post stroke: a
      systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Returning to work has been identified as an important rehabilitation
      goal following stroke. Twenty percent of stroke survivors are of working age. The
      purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of vocational
      rehabilitation programs on return-to-work rates post stroke. METHOD: Searches
      were performed in electronic databases and Web-based sites. Studies were eligible
      for inclusion if they included an adult population of working age (18 to 65
      years) who had survived a stroke and had participated in a vocational
      rehabilitation program. The exclusion criteria included any other type of
      rehabilitation that did not specifically address vocation, other diagnostic
      groups or studies where stroke population results were not reported
      independently, as well as publications not translated to English. The primary
      outcome was return-to-work rates. RESULTS: Six studies, involving a total of 462
      participants, were included in this review. All studies were a retrospective
      single cohort design. The rates of employment following these vocational
      rehabilitation programs ranged from 12% to 49%. CONCLUSION: There was not an
      adequate number of high-quality trials to make recommendations that support or
      refute the use of specific vocational rehabilitation programs to increase return
      to-work rates following a stroke. Standardized terminology definitions as well as
      quality, randomized controlled trials are required before conclusions can be made
      about the effect of vocational rehabilitation programs on the return-to-work
      rates for stroke survivors.

PMID- 22082706
TI  - Cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, or both for treating chronic widespread
      pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral
      therapy (TCBT), exercise, or a combined intervention in primary care patients
      with chronic widespread pain (CWP) is unclear. METHODS: A total of 442 patients
      with CWP (meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria) were randomized
      to receive 6 months of TCBT, graded exercise, combined intervention, or treatment
      as usual (TAU). The primary outcome, using a 7-point patient global assessment
      scale of change in health since trial enrollment (range: very much worse to very
      much better), was assessed at baseline and 6 months (intervention end) and 9
      months after randomization. A positive outcome was defined as "much better" or
      "very much better." Data were analyzed using logistic regression according to the
      intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: The percentages reporting a positive
      outcome at 6 and 9 months, respectively, were TAU group, 8% and 8%; TCBT group,
      30% and 33%; exercise group, 35% and 24%; and combined intervention group, 37%
      and 37% (P < .001). After adjustment for age, sex, center, and baseline
      predictors of outcome, active interventions improved outcome compared with TAU:
      TCBT (6 months: odds ratio [OR], 5.0 [95% CI, 2.0-12.5]; 9 months: OR, 5.4 [95%
      CI, 2.3-12.8]), exercise (6 months: OR, 6.1 [95% CI, 2.5-15.1]; 9 months: OR, 3.6
      [95% CI, 1.5-8.5]), and combined intervention (6 months: OR, 7.1 [95% CI, 2.9
      17.2]; 9 months: OR, 6.2 [95% CI, 2.7-14.4]). At 6 and 9 months, combined
      intervention was associated with improvements in the 36-Item Short Form Health
      Questionnaire physical component score and a reduction in passive coping
      strategies. Conclusions on cost-effectiveness were sensitive to missing data.
      CONCLUSION: TCBT was associated with substantial, statistically significant, and
      sustained improvements in patient global assessment. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: ISRCTN67013851.

PMID- 22082707
TI  - Implantable cardioverter/defibrillators in the primary prevention of sudden
      death: we know what to do but are we doing it?

PMID- 22082708
TI  - Early signals of harmful drugs.

PMID- 22082709
TI  - Balancing transparency and uncertainty.

PMID- 22082710
TI  - Thinking our way to better treatments of chronic pain.

PMID- 22082711
TI  - Optimal medical therapy use among patients receiving implantable
      cardioverter/defibrillators: insights from the National Cardiovascular Data
      Registry.

PMID- 22082712
TI  - Potential safety signals and their significance.

PMID- 22082713
TI  - Aortic stiffness is increased in acromegaly regardless the method of assessment.

PMID- 22082714
TI  - The incidence and characteristics of supraventricular tachycardia in left atrial
      isomerism: a high incidence of atrial fibrillation in young patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In left atrial isomerism (LAI), both atria show left atrial
      morphology. Although bradyarrhythmias are frequent and highly complex in LAI
      patients, previous studies have reported a low incidence of supraventricular
      tachycardia (SVT). METHODS: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of SVT
      in LAI, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics of SVTs in 83
      patients with LAI (age at last follow-up, 15.3+/-10.5 years). RESULTS: There were
      27 SVTs in 19 patients (23%), including nine episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF)
      and eight non-reentrant SVTs. Sixteen of the 19 patients with SVT had histories
      of atriotomy, but the three patients with AF or non-reentrant tachycardia had no
      history of atriotomy. The rates of freedom from SVT were 66% and 59% at ages of
      20 and 30 years, respectively; the corresponding rates for freedom from AF were
      89% and 74%. In multivariate analysis, the predictors of SVT were age (OR, 1.14;
      95% CI, 1.06-1.26; p=0.003) and sinus node dysfunction (SND) (OR, 3.88; 95% CI,
      1.57-13.34; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LAI, SVTs are common, and AF
      and non-reentrant SVTs are the major type of SVTs. The incidence of AF was high
      in young patients with LAI. The lack of anatomical barriers in the atria that
      allow the formation of macro-reentrant circuits may account for the higher
      incidence of AF and non-reentrant SVT than macro-reentrant tachycardia. Moreover,
      the increasing prevalence of SND with age should contribute to a higher incidence
      of SVT.

PMID- 22082715
TI  - Early onset of puberty in young girls: an Italian cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International literature and clinical practice have referred to
      Marshall and Tanner data to define the physiological age at onset of puberty. A
      study in the United States (1997) showed an anticipation in pubertal onset,
      whereas several European studies did not confirm this trend. AIM: To describe the
      onset of secondary sexual characteristics in a large Italian population of girls
      and to compare it to reference literature data. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study on 7311 2-14-yr-old girls who spontaneously requested a clinical
      evaluation for routine health check-up or acute illness by family pediatrician's
      offices in a northern Italian region (Lombardy), between September 2005 and
      November 2006. Trained family pediatricians performed a complete physical
      examination; pubertal status was evaluated following Tanner's criteria; breast
      development was assessed by palpation. RESULTS: Mean age of thelarche (B2),
      pubarche (PH2), menarche were 9.75, 10.09, and 12.49 yr, respectively. The
      prevalence of B2 and PH2 at ages 7-7.99 was 5.9% and 5.6%, respectively, at ages
      8-8.99 was 15.5% and 13.8%, respectively. Mean time lapse from B2 to B3 and B2 to
      menarche was 1.46 and 2.74 yr, respectively. Mean age at menarche of our
      population and their respective mothers was almost identical. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      population presented earlier clinical signs of pubertal development than those
      defined by Marshall and Tanner. Mean age of menarche was not different in
      comparison to the previous generation. A different progression of pubertal
      development was found, in which the shift to B3 may have more clinical relevance.

PMID- 22082716
TI  - Livestock veterinarians at high risk of acquiring methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus ST398.
AB  - The prevalence and risk factors associated with livestock-associated MRSA (LA
      MRSA) carriage was examined in Danish and Belgian veterinarians. The MRSA and LA
      MRSA carriage rates were 9.5% (95% CI 5.3-15.6) and 7.5% (95% CI 3.8-13.1) for
      MRSA and LA-MRSA, respectively, in Belgium and 1.4% (95% CI: 0.17-5.05) in
      Denmark (all Danish MRSA isolates belonged to the LA-MRSA genotype). All LA-MRSA
      isolates were resistant to tetracycline and 53.4% (7/13) showed a multi-resistant
      phenotype. LA-MRSA was significantly associated with veterinarians in contact
      with livestock (P=0.046). In the multivariable analysis, working with small
      animals in a veterinary clinic seems to be negatively associated (OR 0.15, 95% CI
      0-1.0, P=0.05) and a strong direct association was found for LA-MRSA acquisition
      and exposure to live pigs (OR 12.1, 95% CI 1.6-548.5, P=0.01). Since carriage of
      MRSA ST398 may increase the risk of complications during hospitalization, our
      results underline that preventive measures may need to be developed for
      veterinary professionals, particularly for livestock veterinarians.

PMID- 22082717
TI  - The 30-year war on AIDS: have we reached the tipping point?

PMID- 22082719
TI  - Early awareness and uptake of an effective waiting room video intervention by STD
      clinics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Successful diffusion and adoption is critical for the effectiveness
      and impact of a new intervention. The objective of this research was to evaluate
      the uptake and implementation of a newly released educational waiting room video
      in US sexually transmitted diseases (STD) Clinics. METHODS: A telephone survey
      was administered to a random sample of 73 clinic directors representing 76 US STD
      clinics 3 to 5 months following the availability of the intervention. A
      qualitative analysis was used to categorize survey responses and detect
      associations among them. RESULTS: Of the 76 clinics, 22% were aware of the
      intervention and 17% had ordered the intervention kit. The most frequently
      reported sources for hearing about the video were interpersonal
      communication/word of mouth, national conferences, and the
      STDPreventionOnline.org Website. The majority (74%) of clinic directors reported
      using state or local entities as primary sources of new information; however,
      reporting these channels was associated with unawareness of the new intervention.
      Facilitators to adoption included having adequate video/DVD equipment (55%) and a
      separate, nonshared waiting room for STD services in which to show the video
      (47%). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this sample suggest that making greater use of
      prominent thought leaders and interpersonal communication, including social
      networking, and professional groups may improve awareness of new interventions.
      Some barriers to adoption, such as lack of equipment, have relatively inexpensive
      solutions yet bureaucratic or technical support issues may still play a role.
      However, some structural barriers, such as shared waiting areas, will require
      innovative alternatives to conventional practice.

PMID- 22082718
TI  - The association between Trichomonas infection and incarceration in HIV
      seropositive and at-risk HIV-seronegative women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis is higher among incarcerated
      women than in the general community. We sought to determine whether a history of
      incarceration itself was independently associated with trichomoniasis. METHODS:
      The HIV Epidemiology Research Study is a prospective cohort study of 871 HIV
      seropositive and 439 high-risk seronegative women in 4 urban centers (Bronx, NY;
      Detroit, MI; Providence, RI; Baltimore, MD). All participants enrolled between
      April 1993 and January 1995, with interviews and physical examinations conducted
      at baseline and at follow-up visits every 6 months up to 7 years. RESULTS: Of
      1310 subjects, 427 (33%) reported being incarcerated on at least one occasion. In
      addition, 724 (55%) were found to have a sexually transmitted infection on at
      least one occasion during the study; baseline rates were 21% for T. vaginalis,
      4.3% for Chlamydia trachomatis, 0.6% for N. gonorrhea, and 8% for syphilis.
      Incarceration was associated with the detection of trichomonas infection (between
      subject, odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.85-3.14; P < 0.01 and within
      subject, odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.26-1.92; P < 0.01). The
      association with incarceration remained significant after adjusting for age,
      race, HIV status, enrollment risk group, number of sexual partners, marital
      status, education, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal candidiasis, drug use (crack,
      cocaine, heroin), alcohol use, health insurance, receipt of public assistance,
      employment status, visit number, and study site. CONCLUSIONS: A history of
      incarceration was independently associated with the detection of trichomonas
      infection in a cohort of high-risk women. These data have implications for
      increased sexually transmitted infection prevention, screening, and treatment
      upon entry to jail as well as in the communities most affected by incarceration.

PMID- 22082720
TI  - Self-screening for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in the human
      immunodeficiency virus clinic--high yields and high acceptability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), incident human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) continues to rise, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are well
      known for their part in HIV transmission. National guidelines recommend routine
      STI screening in HIV-positive individuals, but despite this, reported uptake
      remains low. METHODS: We implemented a nurse-led self-screening program for
      Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) in asymptomatic HIV
      patients. Self-collected samples were tested for CT and GC using the GenProbe
      Aptima Combo 2 assay. Clinical records were reviewed for ART history, CD4 T-cell
      count, and plasma viral load. A screening service evaluation questionnaire was
      handed out. RESULTS: During an 8-month period, 976 screens were performed. In
      all, 143 infections were detected which would have been missed without the
      screening program. Overall prevalence of infection among men who have sex with
      men was 17.4%: rectal CT and GC, 9.8% (56/571) and 4.2% (24/571), respectively;
      urethal CT and GC, 2.6% (16/605) and 1.3% (8/605), respectively; and pharyngeal
      CT and GC, 1.7% (10/589) and 3.9% (23/589), respectively. Among heterosexual men
      and women, the rates of CT were 2.1% (3/141) and 1.5% (3/201), and there was no
      GC. Transient viremia was observed at the time of STI diagnosis in 6 patients on
      ART. All men who have sex with men and most women found self-swabbing acceptable,
      and most patients indicated that they would like to be offered testing in future.
      CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for the introduction of similar
      screening approaches in HIV clinics. Self-collected specimens using sensitive and
      specific GC and CT nucleic acid amplification tests are a convenient and
      acceptable way of testing, and it may address some of the barriers to screening
      in this population.

PMID- 22082721
TI  - Racial/ethnic and gender differences among older adults in nonmonogamous
      partnerships, time spent single, and human immunodeficiency virus testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A higher frequency of nonmonogamy, due in part to lower marriage
      prevalence, may contribute to elevated human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)/sexually transmitted disease rates among older blacks. METHODS: To examine
      race and gender differences in nonmonogamy, time spent single (i.e., not married
      or cohabiting), and HIV testing in older adults, we analyzed US population-based
      data from the 2005-2006 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project for 2825
      heterosexual participants ages 57 to 85 years. RESULTS: Blacks spent greater
      portions of their adult lives single than did Hispanics or whites and were far
      more likely to report recent nonmonogamous partnerships (23.4% vs. 10.0% and
      8.2%). Among individuals reporting sex in the prior 5 years, nonmonogamous
      partnerships were strongly associated with time spent single during the period.
      Control for time spent single and other covariates reduced the association of
      black race with nonmonogamous partnerships for men, but increased it for women.
      Less than 20% reported ever testing for HIV; less than 6% had been recommended
      testing by a provider. Testing rates, highest in black men and white women,
      differed little by history of nonmonogamous partnerships within gender strata.
      CONCLUSIONS: Singlehood helps to explain higher nonmonogamous partnership rates
      in older black men but not in older black women. Older adults rarely receive or
      are recommended HIV testing, a key strategy for reducing heterosexual HIV
      transmission.

PMID- 22082722
TI  - Sexually transmitted infections and risk behaviors among African American women
      who have sex with women: does sex with men make a difference?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the prevalence of infection with Chlamydia
      trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium,
      syphilis, and HIV among African American women who have sex with women (AAWSW),
      and compare sociodemographics, sexual risk behavior characteristics, and STI
      diagnoses among women reporting sex exclusively with women (exclusive AAWSW) to
      women reporting sex with both women and men (AAWSWM) during the past 12 months.
      METHODS: Eligible women presenting to the Mississippi State Department of Health
      STD Clinic between February 2009 and October 2010 were invited to participate. A
      survey on sociodemographics, sexual history, and sexual risk behavior
      characteristics was completed. Women were tested for the presence of C.
      trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis, M. genitalium, syphilis, and HIV.
      RESULTS: A total of 196 African American women were enrolled; 56.6% of all women
      reported engaging in sexual activity exclusively with women (AAWSW) during the
      past 12 months and 40.8% reported engaging in sexual activity with both men and
      women (AAWSWM). As compared with exclusive AAWSW, AAWSWM were significantly more
      likely to report prior infection with C. trachomatis (35.0% vs. 13.5%, P <
      0.001), prior infection with N. gonorrhoeae (28.75% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001), and
      transactional sex (18.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.001). Additionally, 13.8% of AAWSWM
      reported having sex with a homosexual or bisexual man during the past 12 months.
      Trichomoniasis was diagnosed in 18.3% of all women, C. trachomatis in 11.0%, M.
      genitalium in 7.6%, and N. gonorrhoeae in 3.7%. There were no cases of syphilis
      or HIV. AAWSWM were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with trichomoniasis
      (25.0% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.04), C. trachomatis (22.5% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001), N.
      gonorrhoeae (7.5% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.01), or any STI (47.5% vs. 18.3%, P < 0.001)
      than exclusive AAWSW. CONCLUSIONS: AAWSW in this study were at high risk for STI.
      AAWSWM, as a subgroup, may demonstrate heightened sexual risk-taking behaviors
      and higher STI rates compared with exclusive AAWSW. Sexual health services
      provided to AAWSW should take into account partner gender heterogeneity when
      counseling and screening for STI.

PMID- 22082723
TI  - Impact of age, gender, and pregnancy on syphilis screening using the Captia
      Syphilis-G assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discordant results have been reported between treponemal-specific
      enzyme immunoassays (EIA) screening and confirmatory tests such as the Treponemal
      pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay. The performance of IgG EIA
      screening in specific populations, such as pregnant women, is not well defined.
      We reviewed laboratory results of 34,251 samples from individuals who underwent
      IgG EIA screening at a large Boston academic medical center, so as to calculate
      positive concordance of these screening tests with a confirmatory TPPA or
      subsequent rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test by age, gender, pregnancy, and
      obstetric or gynecologic (Ob/Gyn) service. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective,
      cross-sectional study of the Captia Syph-G EIA serum samples between 2004 and
      2007. Binary regression modeling was used to identify independent associations
      between demographic variables and positive concordance of EIA screening with RPR
      and confirmatory TPPA tests. RESULTS: Of 34,251 samples, 631 (1.8%) had a
      positive IgG EIA screen. In all, 79% of samples with a positive EIA had a
      reactive TPPA, and 48% had a positive RPR. Patients less than 40 years of age,
      females, and women on an Ob/Gyn clinical service had significantly lower rates of
      positive concordance between EIA screening and TPPA reactivity when covariate
      adjusted in regression modeling, whereas women on Ob/Gyn service were
      significantly associated with lower positive concordance with RPR testing.
      CONCLUSIONS: The relatively low positive concordances between EIA screening and
      confirmatory studies were more pronounced in low-risk patients, and it is
      important to define test performance in diverse patient populations.

PMID- 22082724
TI  - An evaluation of the natural history of bacterial vaginosis using transition
      models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The natural history of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is complex given the
      variability across and within women over time. This article considers 3 different
      transition models for analyzing longitudinal BV data. METHODS: Data from the
      Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora were used to evaluate 3 transition modeling
      strategies: (1) a Markov regression, (2) a Markov regression with random effects,
      and (3) a mover-stayer model. The effect of covariates on the transition process
      of BV, defined as a Nugent score of 7 to 10, was estimated using a logistic
      regression parameterization. Models were compared using various model assessment
      techniques. We analyzed a subset of women completing all 5 visits (n = 1731) as
      well as the complete data (n = 3626), in which 1 or more visit measurements were
      missing. RESULTS: The Markov regression model had a poor fit to the data. A
      random-effects or mover-stayer model accounted for additional unexplained
      heterogeneity and had a better fit to the data. Across all models, douching was
      significantly associated with BV fluctuation. In the mover-stayer model, both
      douching and number of sexual partners were associated with persisting with
      (lambda11 = 0.90, P < 0.001; lambda12 = -0.41, P < 0.03, respectively) or without
      (lambda01 = -0.73, P < 0.001; lambda02 = -0.33, P = 0.023, respectively) BV
      across all visits. Using a random-effects model, we demonstrated that an
      individual propensity to initiate BV was positively associated with their
      propensity to resolve BV. CONCLUSIONS: Transition models that account for
      additional heterogeneity provide an attractive approach for describing the effect
      of covariates on the natural history of BV.

PMID- 22082726
TI  - Would gay men change their sexual behavior to reduce syphilis rates?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The community at which public health strategies for reducing syphilis
      epidemics are potentially targeted may have different considerations with regards
      to their sexual and health priorities. We aimed to elicit information on the
      acceptability of behavior change interventions among gay men for reducing
      syphilis transmission. METHODS: We conducted an online survey (n = 2306
      participants) and focus groups to determine whether further sexual behavior
      change to reduce syphilis is likely to be acceptable to gay men in Australia.
      RESULTS: One quarter of survey respondents (26%) indicated that they would be
      highly likely to reduce partner acquisition rates in order to reduce their
      chances of syphilis infection. However, among the 475 (21%) men who reported
      greater than 10 partners in the previous 6 months, only 11% indicated being
      "highly likely" to reduce partner numbers to avoid syphilis. Among 606 (26%)
      survey respondents who reported not always using condoms in the previous 6
      months, 34% indicated being highly likely to always use condoms with casual
      partners to avoid syphilis. In the focus groups, men indicated little commitment
      to sexual behavior change but some willingness to consider short-term changes to
      reduce community syphilis levels. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions promoting partner
      reduction or increased condom use are unlikely to be adopted on a long-term basis
      by men at greatest risk. Behavioral interventions alone are unlikely to
      materially contribute to syphilis prevention among gay men.

PMID- 22082725
TI  - Effect of sexual activity on vaginal colonization with hydrogen peroxide
      producing lactobacilli and Gardnerella vaginalis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis is associated with sexual activity, but
      mechanisms for this association are unclear. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      analysis of data from women reporting sex with women who provided information on
      sexual behaviors as part of a study of vaginal bacteria was conducted. Vaginal
      bacteria were detected by semiquantitative culture. Binomial regression with log
      link evaluated associations between detection of bacteria and sexual behaviors
      reported to occur before enrollment. Linear regression evaluated associations
      between these behaviors and quantity of bacteria. RESULTS: Of the 320 women, 216
      (68%) were colonized with H2O2-producing lactobacilli and 142 (44%) with
      Gardnerella vaginalis. Colonization with G. vaginalis was associated with >20
      digital-vaginal sex acts (risk ratio, 2.01; 1.22, 3.29) or >10 toy-vaginal acts
      in the past 3 months (risk ratio, 1.76; 1.32, 2.36). Quantity of H2O2-producing
      lactobacilli was 1.3 log lower in colonized women reporting >10 acts of insertive
      vaginal sex-toy use in the past 3 months (95% confidence interval: -2.04, -0.56),
      1.19 log lower with toy-vaginal sex in past 7 days (-1.75, -0.62), and 0.78 log
      lower in women sharing toys with a partner (-1.25, -0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal
      insertive use and sharing of sex toys were associated with decreased quantities
      of H2O2-producing lactobacilli and higher risk of colonization with G. vaginalis.

PMID- 22082727
TI  - Will changes in gay men's sexual behavior reduce syphilis rates?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reducing rates of partner change and increasing condom usage among
      gay men are obvious targets for potentially reducing syphilis transmission among
      gay men. METHODS: We developed an agent-based stochastic model to examine
      syphilis transmission among a population of gay men, representative of gay men in
      Australia. This model was used to explore the potential impact of changes in
      sexual behavior over 1 month, 3 month, and indefinite time frames on syphilis
      epidemics. RESULTS: Simulations of interventions showed that short-term
      reductions in rates of partner change and increased condom use would have
      negligible impact on the long-term trends of syphilis epidemics. If no
      interventions are introduced, then the model forecasts that the syphilis
      prevalence in the population could continue to rise, with an increase of 80% in
      the number of men infected with syphilis during the next decade. However, if
      changes in sexual behavior are maintained in the long-term, then syphilis
      epidemics can be mitigated. If condom use is sustained at 80% in partnerships
      that are HIV discordant or of unknown status, then the prevalence of syphilis is
      estimated to decrease by 9% over 10 years. Similarly, if partner acquisition
      rates decrease by 25%, then there will be a 22% reduction in syphilis prevalence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Interventions promoting partner reduction or increased condom use
      would be ineffective in the short-term, and would have limited prospects for
      success in the long-term unless very large changes in behavior are sustained.
      Complementary social research indicates that such long-term changes in behavior
      are unlikely to be adopted, and therefore other intervention strategies need to
      be developed to reduce syphilis among gay men.

PMID- 22082728
TI  - What difference can we make in reducing syphilis among gay men? And how?

PMID- 22082729
TI  - Role of sexual transmission of HIV among young noninjection and injection opiate
      users: a respondent-driven sampling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual transmissibility of HIV among young drug users in China has
      been investigated in few studies. The objective of this study was to examine the
      role of sexual transmission on HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs)
      and noninjection drug users (NIDUs). METHODS: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS)
      was used to recruit 426 young heroin/opium drug users in Yunnan, China. Logistic
      regression modeling was performed to examine interrelationships among risky
      sexual behaviors, drug-use modes, and drug-use practices. RESULTS: Substantial
      proportions of NIDUs and IDUs reported engagement in risky sexual behaviors
      including: (1) multiple sexual partners (42% of NIDUs vs. 37% of IDUs), (2)
      concurrent sexual partnerships (48% vs. 46%), (3) commercial sex partners (23%
      vs. 24%), and sex partners who were NIDUs (14% vs. 17%). Both NIDUs and IDUs
      reported low levels of condom use with nonregular partners (48% vs. 42%) and
      regular partner (24% vs. 27%), and having a history of recent methamphetamine use
      (21% vs. 18%). Compared to IDUs, NIDUs reported having had fewer sex partners who
      were IDUs, fewer IDU network peers, more NIDU network peers, and having lower
      levels of HIV knowledge and self-perceived HIV risk. CONCLUSIONS: Generalization
      of the HIV epidemic from high-risk groups to the general population may be driven
      by risky sexual behavior among drug users. Reducing sexual transmission of HIV
      among both IDUs and NIDUs is the next major challenge for HIV intervention among
      drug users in China.

PMID- 22082730
TI  - The cytotoxic effects of three different bisphosphonates in-vitro on human
      gingival fibroblasts, osteoblasts and osteogenic sarcoma cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an emerging condition in patients
      undergoing long-term administration of bisphosphonates (BP) for the treatment of
      osteoporosis and hypercalcaemia associated with malignancy, multiple myeloma, and
      metastatic breast and prostate cancers. This is a follow-up study, its purpose
      was to examine the effects in-vitro of intravenous zoledronic acid (ZOL) and
      pamidronate (PAM) and oral alendronate (FOS) on the human oral cavity using
      gingival fibroblasts and osteoblasts cells and, in addition, osteogenic sarcoma
      cells (SaOS-2-cells). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human gingival fibroblasts,
      osteoblasts and SaOS-2-cells were seeded on multiple 6-well plates at a density
      of 5 * 10(5)cells in a 4-week cell culture. Four different concentrations (1, 5,
      10, 20 MUM) of each BP (ZOL, PAM, FOS) and pyrophosphate were used in this study.
      RESULTS: All BP decreased collagen production and lowered cell proliferation in
      vitro. ZOL was the component with most inhibitory effect. CONCLUSION: The
      findings in this study suggest that ZOL, PAM and FOS generally diminish cell
      proliferation and collagen production of human gingival fibroblasts, osteoblasts
      and SaOS-2-cells. The present follow-up study shows that not only ZOL and PAM but
      also FOS have a strong inhibitory effect on collagen production and cell survival
      in-vitro.

PMID- 22082731
TI  - Clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of osteosarcoma of the jaws -
      experience of 36 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteosarcoma of the jaws (OSJ) differs from osteosarcoma of other
      skeletal regions due to later development, a high mortality associated with the
      local disease, fewer incidences of metastases and its extreme rarity. In regard
      to clinical and pathological parameters as well as therapeutic approaches and
      prognosis, OSJ has not been specifically examined to date. In order to achieve a
      better understanding of this special malignancy, an evaluation of incidence,
      treatment and prognosis of patients with OSJ in our department over the past 38
      years was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients
      with OSJ between 1972 and 2010 was performed. Information regarding patient
      characteristics, site of the lesion, main presenting symptoms, latency of initial
      diagnosis, treatment, histology, local recurrence, development of metastatic
      disease, duration of follow up and survival was obtained. The data were compared
      to the literature. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (2-81 years, mean: 33.9, standard
      deviation: 21.3) were diagnosed and treated for OSJ (maxillar:mandibular nearly
      1:2). Initial symptoms were local swelling (81%) and pain (47%). The latency
      period between fist symptoms and clinical presentation was 3.7 months (1-24). A
      radical resection alone was conducted in 15 patients. In nine patients, resection
      and radiotherapy was used. Resection with chemotherapy was the treatment of
      choice in seven patients. Five patients received a triple combination of
      resection, chemo- and radiation therapy. The osteoblastic subtype of osteosarcoma
      was most frequent (42%). In 15 cases (42%) local recurrences, in two cases (5%)
      metastasis were seen. Of these patients, 13 died within the observation period.
      One other patient (3%) died as a result of progressive pulmonary metastasis. A
      mean total survival rate of 61% could be seen whereas the highest survival rate
      (80%) was found in patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy,
      radical resection and adjuvant radiation. Positive prognostic factors were a
      younger age and tumour-free resection margins. DISCUSSION: OSJ is a highly lethal
      tumour entity. According to the data at hand, therapy should possibly include
      chemotherapy, radical resection and irradiation. Nevertheless, due to the rarity
      of OSJ, information remains limited and the treatment of choice should be within
      the focus of clinical multi-centre studies.

PMID- 22082732
TI  - Mucormycosis of the head and neck: report of five cases with different
      presentations.
AB  - Mucormycosis is a lethal fungal disease with a general poor prognosis.
      Rhinocerebral presentation is the more frequent form. The purpose of this study
      was to review and show our experience in the management of 5 cases of
      mucormycosis of the head and neck with different clinical presentations. The high
      suspicion led us a prompt diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment that
      allowed a good outcome in our series.

PMID- 22082733
TI  - Neonates with seizures: what to consider, how to image.
AB  - The immature brain is more prone to seize than the mature brain. Causes of
      seizure are multiple and affect different neuroimaging modalities. The most
      common associated diseases are hypoxia-ischemia, intracranial hemorrhage and
      cerebral infarction, central nervous system infections, and acute metabolic
      disturbances. Ultrasound (US) is not specific. Computed tomography (CT) carries
      the risk of irradiation and is not as productive as magnetic resonance (MR)
      imaging. MR imaging is the modality of choice; it is difficult to perform in a
      neonate, but it is more sensitive and versatile than US or CT, and is now widely
      used in specialized centers.

PMID- 22082734
TI  - MR imaging of the term and preterm neonate with diffuse brain injury.
AB  - Both term and preterm neonates suffer from diffuse brain injury. Global hypoxic
      ischemic injury (HII) describes the diffuse brain injury most common in term
      neonates. HII is thought to result from decreases in blood flow and oxygen
      supply. Diffuse white matter injury of prematurity describes the most common
      diffuse brain injury in preterm neonates. The cause is likely multifactorial.
      Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the most sensitive imaging technique for early
      diagnosis of brain injury in neonates. This article discusses neonatal diffuse
      brain injury, the role of MR imaging in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome,
      and research results using MR imaging techniques.

PMID- 22082735
TI  - MR imaging workup of inborn errors of metabolism of early postnatal onset.
AB  - Immediate or early postnatal onset forms of neurometabolic disorders represent a
      clinically important subgroup because these often present as a life-threatening
      episode of metabolic decompensation shortly after birth. This article focuses on
      this group of diseases, often referred to as "devastating neurometabolic
      diseases" of the newborn. Awareness of the most common entities and their
      clinical, biochemical, and diagnostic imaging manifestations is important because
      if undiagnosed and untreated, the diseases may have catastrophic consequences.
      Although formal diagnosis relies on laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging is often
      pivotal in both reaching the correct diagnosis and/or orienting further targeted
      investigative efforts.

PMID- 22082736
TI  - MR imaging of neonatal brain infections.
AB  - Infections of the brain in the postnatal period differ from those in older
      children as a result of a combination of distinct epidemiologic factors in
      general, and immaturity of neonatal brain and immunologic host response in
      particular. It has been recognized that clinical and neurologic signs are often
      nonspecific, sometimes scarce, and seldom correlate with the extent of
      neuroimaging findings, thus warranting an early MR imaging examination in the
      course of the disease, enabling rapid therapy institution and better clinical
      outcome. This article reviews most of postnatal pathogen agents involved in
      neonatal brain infections, related physiopathology, and neuroimaging findings.

PMID- 22082737
TI  - Birth-related injury to the head and cervical spine in neonates.
AB  - Birth-related injury is defined as any traumatic or ischemic event sustained
      during the process of delivery. Perinatally acquired disease processes secondary
      to birth-related injury can be traumatic or ischemic in nature. In this article,
      the authors focus on traumatic/mechanical injuries. Other diseases of the
      perinatal time period, including germinal matrix hemorrhages and hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy, are beyond the objective of this review.

PMID- 22082738
TI  - Imaging of neonatal child abuse with an emphasis on abusive head trauma.
AB  - Child abuse and neglect is a serious clinical and socioeconomic problem that is
      sometimes underestimated. One of the most devastating forms is abusive head
      trauma. This review addresses the radiological workup in cases of suspected child
      abuse. The use of all modalities, and their advantages and disadvantages, is
      discussed. A special section is devoted to the radiological report in cases of
      child abuse, as a clinical record and a legal document.

PMID- 22082739
TI  - Congenital cardiovascular malformations: noninvasive imaging by MRI in neonates.
AB  - Owing largely to advances in fetal echocardiography, in most developed countries
      the diagnosis of severe congenital heart disease (CHD) is now made during
      gestation, and delivery is electively planned in hospitals that have the
      facilities and expertise to manage these patients, with magnetic resonance (MR)
      imaging performing an important complementary role. MR imaging as a sole imaging
      modality for comprehensive presurgical evaluation is also increasingly being
      explored. This article focuses on the imaging of neonatal CHD by MR, followed by
      a brief discussion of the safety of gadolinium-based contrast agents in this age
      group.

PMID- 22082740
TI  - Congenital cardiac defects and MR-guided planning of surgery.
AB  - In neonates and infants with congenital heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance (CMR) is an established imaging modality in all patients in
      whom echocardiography does not provide sufficient information and definitive
      diagnosis. CMR is noninvasive, and does not involve vascular catheterization or
      ionizing radiation. Therefore the use of CMR obviates the potential risks of
      cardiac catheterization in critically ill infants. This article discusses the use
      of CMR in newborns with CHD before cardiac surgery, focusing on conotruncal
      anomalies, pulmonary venous anomalies, complex CHD in visceroatrial heterotaxy,
      borderline hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and the use of contrast medium in
      newborns.

PMID- 22082741
TI  - MR imaging of the neonatal musculoskeletal system.
AB  - Experience in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the neonatal musculoskeletal
      system is rapidly increasing. The exquisite ability of MR to image the soft
      tissues, especially cartilage, without radiation is its key strength. Although it
      is not practical or sensible to undertake MR imaging in conditions in which
      radiography and ultrasound provide adequate information, MR is proving to be a
      useful adjunct and problem-solving tool in many neonatal musculoskeletal
      conditions.

PMID- 22082742
TI  - MR imaging of the newborn.

PMID- 22082746
TI  - Pleomorphic adenoma of the submandibular gland in children:  a case report and a
      review of the Japanese literature.
AB  - An 8-year-old girl was introduced to our department due to the presence of a left
      painless submandibular mass. The mass had been initially noticed at 7 years of
      age. Preoperative imaging showed the mass to have originated from the left
      submandibular gland. The mass was removed with a part of submandibular gland
      attached to it. The pathologic findings showed the mass to be pleomorphic adenoma
      without any malignant components. The postoperative clinical course was
      uneventful. During the 1-year follow-up period, no recurrence was noticed. In
      addition to the clinical report of our case, we reviewed the pertinent Japanese
      literature to clarify the clinical features of this disease in children.

PMID- 22082744
TI  - Histiocyte-rich xanthomatous pseudotumor mimicking relapse on positron emission
      tomography imaging in an adolescent with primary mediastinal diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma.
AB  - Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs) are rare, enigmatic lesions that may develop as
      a late manifestation of a reparative process. We describe the case of a teenager
      with primary mediastinal subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed
      an IPT at the site of the original lymphoma, mimicking relapse of disease on
      positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. This is the first
      report of IPT in a teenager with mediastinal lymphoma. This case is an important
      reminder of the limitations of positron emission tomography/computed tomography
      imaging in patients with lymphoma and stresses the importance of histologic
      confirmation of suspected treatment failure or relapse.

PMID- 22082743
TI  - Juvenile cobalamin deficiency in a 17-year-old child with autonomic dysfunction
      and skin changes.
AB  - We report a rare case of juvenile cobalamin deficiency who presented at the age
      of 17 years. He was underweight and had skin changes, normocytic anemia, and
      autonomic dysfunction, which led to adynamic ileus and acute postrenal failure.
      The expected macrocytosis was masked by an underlying alpha-thalassemia trait.
      The patient had an excellent response to parenteral cobalamin treatment.

PMID- 22082747
TI  - A multimethod assessment of psychosocial functioning and late effects in
      survivors of childhood cancer and hematopoietic cell transplant.
AB  - Previous research in childhood cancer and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT)
      survivorship has relied on the use of standardized questionnaires that assess
      symptoms of psychological functioning but do not sufficiently capture the cancer
      survivorship experience. Study aims are to quantitatively and qualitatively
      assess the psychosocial functioning of pediatric cancer and HCT survivors seen in
      a multidisciplinary survivorship clinic, determine survivorship concerns, and
      assess potential demographic and medical correlates of psychosocial outcomes.
      Data were collected using a retrospective chart review of a parent-report
      questionnaire of the child's psychological functioning, responses to a
      semistructured interview that qualitatively assessed adjustment to life after
      treatment, and documented medical late effects. Results indicated the majority of
      survivors had healthy psychological adjustment based upon a parent-report
      questionnaire. However, nearly 72% of survivors reported 1 or more survivorship
      concerns during the interview, with the primary concerns being current and future
      health or physical functioning, including the possibility of cancer recurrence. A
      content analysis of the interview responses indicated HCT survivors had more
      school or cognitive functioning concerns compared with survivors who did not have
      an HCT. Further research should use survivorship-specific measures to better
      identify survivors at risk and determine the impact of late effects on their
      quality of life.

PMID- 22082748
TI  - Breast-feeding for the management of painful procedures.

PMID- 22082749
TI  - Right pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula: a description of two cases,
      emphasising a diagnostic approach.
AB  - Right pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula is a rare pathology characterised
      by a right to left shunt. Another important aspect of this pathology is the
      difficulty encountered in making a diagnosis, which is why the diagnosis is
      frequently delayed into adulthood. A description of two cases is used to
      emphasise the importance of the different modes of echocardiography as a
      diagnostic tool in diagnosis, as well as the two different clinical forms that it
      adopts: a group of patients suffering cardiac failure and cyanosis without
      apparent cause generally in neonates and a second group of mostly older patients
      with dyspnoea and cyanosis without apparent cause. Symptoms thus differ depending
      on the time of presentation and are related to the size of the fistula.

PMID- 22082751
TI  - Flaporhexis: rapid and effective technique to limit epithelial ingrowth after
      LASIK enhancement.
AB  - We describe a method of lifting and replacing the laser in situ keratomileusis
      (LASIK) flap to reduce the incidence of epithelial ingrowth beneath the flap
      after LASIK enhancement. In the rapid flaporhexis technique, the flap edge is
      opened by 1 clock hour with a Sinskey hook and the flap is peeled back after the
      exposed edge is grasped with a forceps. When necessary, further blunt retraction
      of the flap is performed with a triangular polyvinyl acetate sponge. After
      ablation and before the flap is replaced, a triangular sponge is used to clear
      epithelial remnants from the interface. This method consistently produces a
      smooth epithelial dissection and decreases the possibility that epithelium is
      retained beneath the flap.

PMID- 22082750
TI  - Preoperative iris configuration and intraocular pressure after cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine predictors of long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) after
      cataract surgery. SETTING: Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration
      Hospital, Richmond, Virginia, USA. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Clinical
      variables, IOP by applanation tonometry, anatomic features on anterior segment
      optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and gonioscopy were assessed before and
      after uneventful cataract surgery in eyes with open filtration angles.
      Multivariate linear regression of preoperative measurements was used to predict
      the mean IOP from 2 to 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study enrolled 77
      eyes (77 patients). Prediction of the mean postoperative IOP improved when up to
      4 preoperative IOP values were averaged (r(2) = 0.20) compared with using the
      final preoperative IOP value only (r(2) = 0.13). The mean iris cross-sectional
      area decreased after surgery, from 3.84 mm(2) to 3.70 mm(2) (P=.01). The mean
      convex hull of the iris segments also decreased, from 5.05 mm(2) to 4.19 mm(2)
      (P<.001). The mean postoperative IOP was independently predicted by the
      preoperative average IOP, primary open-angle glaucoma, and the convex hull of
      cross-sectional iris segments (P=.001, model r(2) = 0.38) or iris cross-sectional
      area (P=.003, model r(2) = 0.36). Phacoemulsification parameters, incision type,
      and anterior chamber angle and depth did not predict postoperative IOP.
      CONCLUSIONS: Averaging up to 4 preoperative IOP values improved postoperative IOP
      predictions. A high iris cross-sectional area or convex hull of the iris segments
      on AS-OCT was associated with lower postoperative IOP. These findings might help
      identify patients who are likely to have the largest IOP drop after cataract
      surgery.

PMID- 22082753
TI  - Testosterone and cardiovascular risk in patients with erectile dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVD) and
      testosterone (T) levels in men has not been completely clarified. AIM: To
      evaluate the association between T levels and CV risk in subjects with erectile
      dysfunction (ED) and to verify whether their body mass index might (BMI)
      represents a possible confounder in T-related CV stratification. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A consecutive series of 2269 male patients attending the Outpatient
      Clinic for ED was studied. The assessment of CV risk was evaluated using the
      engine derived from the Progetto Cuore study. RESULTS: After adjustment and for
      BMI and associated morbidities, SHBG-bound and -unbound T levels decreased as a
      function of CV risk assessed thorough Progetto Cuore risk engine. In addition, a
      higher prevalence of hypogonadism related symptoms and signs was associated with
      a higher CV risk. Among factors included in the Progetto Cuore risk engine age,
      total and HDL cholesterol and diabetes were all significantly associated with CV
      risk-dependent modification of total and calculated free-T levels. When the
      relationship between SHBG bound and unbound T and CV risk was evaluated as a
      function of obesity (BMI>30 kg/m(2)), all the aforementioned associations were
      confirmed only in non obese patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hypogonadism could be
      associated either with an increased or reduced CV risk, depending on the
      characteristics of subjects. Low T observed in obese patients might represent the
      result of higher CV risk rather than a direct pathogenetic mechanism.

PMID- 22082752
TI  - Comparison of clinical outcomes with 2 small-incision diffractive multifocal
      intraocular lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the clinical results of 2 diffractive multifocal
      small-incision intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted after biaxial microincision
      cataract surgery (MICS). SETTING: Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, 2nd
      Ophthalmology Department, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Comparative case series.
      METHODS: Eyes that had biaxial MICS with implantation of an Acri.Lisa 366D IOL
      (Group 1) or Acriva Reviol MFM 611 IOL (Group 2) were followed for at least 6
      months postoperatively. Uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA), and
      near (UNVA) visual acuities; corrected distance visual acuity; distance-corrected
      intermediate and near visual acuities; and contrast sensitivity measurements with
      and without glare were determined. Early and late complications and subjective
      complaints were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 eyes of 32
      patients. The preoperative and intraoperative data were comparable in the 2 IOL
      groups. There were no statistically significant postoperative differences in the
      mean spherical equivalent (Group 1, -0.30 diopter (D) +/- 0.30 [SD]; Group 2, 
      0.26 +/- 0.28 D; P=.584), mean UDVA (0.80 +/- 0.14 and 0.86 +/- 0.17,
      respectively; P=.158), and mean Jaeger UNVA (1.46 +/- 0.73 and J 1.23 +/- 0.50,
      respectively; P=.155). However, there was a significant difference in mean Jaeger
      UIVA (3.06 +/- 0.90 and 2.23 +/- 0.72, respectively; P=.000). Mesopic contrast
      sensitivity and the incidence of complications and dysphotopsia symptoms were not
      significantly different between the 2 IOL groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both IOLs provided
      excellent distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The Group 2
      IOL gave better intermediate distance results.

PMID- 22082754
TI  - Microwave induced shift of the main phase transition in phosphatidylcholine
      membranes.
AB  - Numerous experimental evidence show that exposure of biological systems to
      extremely high frequency microwaves may induce significant effects even at low
      powers. These effects are thought to occur via nonthermal mechanisms involving
      primarily the interaction of microwaves with phospholipid membrane structures.
      However, no conclusive experimental evidence that biomembranes exhibit remarkable
      sensitivity to this radiation has been provided up to now. Here, deuterium
      nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to study the effects of
      microwaves on 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine/(2)H(2)O
      multilamellar vesicles that serve as biomimetic membranes. Here we show that, if
      the membrane is brought into close proximity to the transition point, microwaves
      induce a reduction of water ordering at the membrane interface, an upward shift
      of the main phase transition temperature and a broadening of the transition
      region. A deep dosimetric analysis shows that the above effects are nonthermal,
      indicating the need for a nonthermal hypothesis to explain them. This study
      suggests that exposure to high-frequency microwaves can have far reaching
      consequences on active biological systems.

PMID- 22082755
TI  - Early-stage Hodgkin disease in a 24-year-old woman.

PMID- 22082756
TI  - Low-grade follicular lymphoma of the small intestine: a challenge for management.

PMID- 22082757
TI  - MicroRNAs and cancer: introduction.

PMID- 22082758
TI  - MicroRNAs in the pathogenesis of cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) are small (19-25 nucleotides) non-protein-coding RNAs involved
      in development, differentiation, and aging; they act by inducing messenger RNA
      (mRNA) silencing through degradation, and post-transcriptional or decoy activity.
      miR profiles of human solid and hematologic malignancies have highlighted their
      potential value as tumor markers in cancer patient management. Different
      experimental lines of evidence have confirmed that deregulation of miRs not only
      results as consequence of cancer progression but also directly promotes tumor
      initiation and progression in a cause-effect manner. These findings reveal a
      potential and appealing role for miRs as cancer therapeutic targets. This review
      focuses on the causes and consequences of miR deregulation in carcinogenesis and
      tumor progression. The work aims at providing the molecular bases for the
      understanding of the potential role of miRs in the translational and clinical
      setting.

PMID- 22082760
TI  - MicroRNAs in mutagenesis, genomic instability, and DNA repair.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are aiding our understanding of cancer biology, and are now
      coming close to therapeutic use as well. Here, we focus specifically on the
      interaction between miRNAs and genomic instability. MiRNA regulation is essential
      to many cellular processes, and escape from this regulatory network seems to be a
      common characteristic of malignant transformation. Genomic instability may
      preferentially target miRNAs either because of selective pressure or because of
      inherent vulnerability related to their location near fragile sites. Furthermore,
      disruption of miRNA processing elements affords a more global release from miRNA
      regulation. Finally, we review how miRNAs function as both effectors and
      modulators of the DNA damage response, intricately weaved with traditional
      elements such as ATM, P53, and MMR. Thus, miRNAs are important substrates for
      genomic instability and play a crucial role in cellular DNA sensing and repair
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22082759
TI  - Alterations of microRNAs contribute to colon carcinogenesis.
AB  - MicroRNAs are being evaluated as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colon
      cancer. MicroRNAs have a functional role in the initiation and progression of
      colon cancer. Altered microRNA expression is found in tumors and their expression
      patterns may serve as useful cancer biomarkers. Polymorphisms in microRNAs or
      microRNA binding sites may modify the risk of developing cancer. As we continue
      to improve our understanding of the role for microRNAs in the initiation and
      progression of cancer, one goal is to gain insights that will allow for the
      development of microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. This
      review provides a current understanding of the connection between microRNAs and
      colon cancer. We will cover evidence that global microRNA expression patterns are
      altered in colon tumors, that specific microRNAs have a functional role in colon
      carcinogenesis, that polymorphisms in microRNAs may be associated with risk of
      colon cancer, and the potential for using circulating microRNAs as a noninvasive
      biomarker for the detection of cancer.

PMID- 22082762
TI  - MicroRNAs: toward the clinic for breast cancer patients.
AB  - Expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been found to be deregulated in all human
      cancers, where they may behave either as oncogenes or as tumor-suppressor genes.
      In the last 5 years, miRNA investigations in breast cancer represented an
      exciting area of discovery, which produced new knowledge on the molecular basis
      of this disease, tools for molecular classification, and new markers with
      diagnostic and prognostic relevance, as well as the discovery of novel breast
      cancer-predisposing genes. In this review, we describe current knowledge of the
      role of microRNAs in breast cancer.

PMID- 22082761
TI  - The role of microRNAs in human liver cancers.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver of global
      importance. Recent studies of the expression and role of microRNA (miRNA) in HCC
      are providing new insights into disease pathogenesis. In addition, therapeutic
      efforts targeting specific miRNAs are being evaluated in animal models of HCC.
      The potential of miRNAs as biomarkers of disease or prognostic markers is being
      explored. Herein, we review studies of miRNA expression in human HCC, and discuss
      recent advances in knowledge about the involvement and role of selected miRNAs in
      disease pathogenesis, as biomarkers, or as therapeutic targets for HCC.

PMID- 22082763
TI  - Clinical implications of microRNAs in lung cancer.
AB  - Lung cancer still represents a very deadly disease in strong need of new,
      effective, therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new category of
      noncoding RNAs with gene expression regulatory functions. Several studies have
      shown that miRNAs are frequently deregulated in lung cancer patients with respect
      to healthy individuals. These aberrations of the miRNome (defined as the full
      spectrum of miRNAs in a given genome) occur at several levels, including primary
      tumors and patient body fluids (such as blood and sputum), suggesting that miRNAs
      can be effectively used as biological markers with diagnostic, prognostic, and
      predictive implications. This review focuses on these translational aspects of
      research on the field of miRNAs and lung cancer.

PMID- 22082764
TI  - Potential applications of microRNAs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and
      treatment.
AB  - Early studies have established that microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely deregulated in
      cancer and play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. Recent research efforts
      are directed now towards translating these basic discoveries into novel tests or
      treatments that could improve the diagnosis and outcome of cancer patients. In
      this review, we will summarize the potential applications of miRNAs for cancer
      diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In addition, we will discuss current
      pitfalls and future directions.

PMID- 22082765
TI  - Using virtual reality to provide health care information to people with
      intellectual disabilities: acceptability, usability, and potential utility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities have poor access to health
      care, which may be further compromised by a lack of accessible health
      information. To be effective, health information must be easily understood and
      remembered. People with intellectual disabilities learn better from multimodal
      information sources, and virtual reality offers a 3-dimensional (3D) computer
      generated environment that can be used for providing information and learning. To
      date, research into virtual reality experiences for people with intellectual
      disabilities has been limited to skill-based training and leisure opportunities
      within the young to mid age ranges. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the
      acceptability, usability, and potential utility of a virtual reality experience
      as a means of providing health care-related information to people with
      intellectual disabilities. We designed a prototype multimodal experience based on
      a hospital scenario and situated on an island in the Second Life 3D virtual
      world. We wanted to know how people of different ages and with varying levels of
      cognitive function would participate in the customized virtual environment, what
      they understood from being there, and what they remembered a week later. METHODS:
      The study drew on qualitative data. We used a participatory research approach
      that involved working alongside people with intellectual disabilities and their
      supporters in a community setting. Cognitive function was assessed, using the
      Matrix Analogies Test and the British Picture Vocabulary Scale, to describe the
      sample. Participants, supported by facilitators, were video recorded accessing
      and engaging with the virtual environment. We assessed recall 1 week later, using
      a specialized interview technique. Data were downloaded into NVivo 8 and analyzed
      using the framework analysis technique. RESULTS: Study participants were 20
      people aged between 20 and 80 years with mild to severe intellectual
      disabilities. All participants were able to access the environment and
      voluntarily stayed there for between 23 and 57 minutes. With facilitator support,
      all participants moved the avatar themselves. Participants engaged with the
      scenario as if they were actually there, indicating cognitive presence. Some
      referred back to previous medical experiences, indicating the potential for
      experiential knowledge to become the foundation of new learning and retention of
      knowledge. When interviewed, all participants remembered some aspects of the
      environment. CONCLUSIONS: A sample of adults with intellectual disabilities of
      all ages, and with varying levels of cognitive function, accessed and enjoyed a
      virtual-world environment that drew on a health care-related scenario, and
      remembered aspects of it a week later. The small sample size limits
      generalizability of findings, but the potential shown for experiential learning
      to aid retention of knowledge on which consent is based appears promising.
      Successfully delivering health care-related information in a non-National Health
      Service setting indicates potential for delivery in institutional, community, or
      home settings, thereby widening access to the information.

PMID- 22082766
TI  - The impact of rhythm complexity on brain activation during simple singing: an
      event-related fMRI study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since rhythmical aspects of singing have been neglected up to now our
      objective was to investigate if it was possible to specify areas concerned with
      rhythm processing during simple singing. METHODS: In an event-related fMRI
      experiment we tested 30 healthy non-musicians with rhythm sequences, which had to
      be repeated as monotonously sung vowel changes with (1) regular groupings, (2)
      regular groupings and rests, and (3) irregular groupings. RESULTS: Common
      activations for all conditions were found in bilateral supplementary motor area,
      premotor cortex more distinct in the left hemisphere, left cingulate gyrus, and
      right basal ganglia. Only irregular groupings making the highest demands on
      attention, working memory, and sequencing capabilities resulted in additional
      activation of pars orbitalis and insula more distinct in the left hemisphere, as
      well as bilateral cingulate gyrus, and parietal lobes. Our analyses demonstrated
      that bilateral pars orbitalis (BA 47), insula, and left cingulate gyrus are core
      areas whose activity correlates with rhythm complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Rhythm
      structure is a decisive factor concerning lateralization as well as activation of
      specific areas during simple singing. This finding suggests a directed use of the
      singing voice e.g., in order to support language rehabilitation in patients.

PMID- 22082767
TI  - 4-iodophenyl isothiocyanate: a neuroprotective compound.
AB  - PURPOSE: Naturally occurring isothiocyanates (ITCs) are known to possess
      chemopreventive and neuroprotective properties. Our objective was to study the
      synthetic ITC 4-iodophenyl isothiocyanate (4-IPITC) in different models of
      neurodegeneration. METHODS: In vitro, we exposed primary cortical neurons to
      various insults such as excessive glutamate exposure, oxygen-glucose deprivation,
      oxidative stress and 1-methyl-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). In vivo, experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in dark agouti rats treated with 4
      IPITC in 3 different concentrations (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg), orally for 28 days. In
      a Parkinson's model, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was
      injected in mice pretreated with 4-IPITC (5 mg/kg, orally) for 1 week. Nest
      building behavior at day 1, 3 and 6 after MPTP injection was assessed along with
      dopamine and metabolites, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining on termination
      day 6. RESULTS: 4-IPITC successfully reduced cell death in all in vitro assays.
      Moreover, in two independent neurite outgrowth assays the compound showed
      neurotrophic properties. In the EAE study, 4-IPITC significantly delayed the day
      of onset and decreased the cumulative EAE score. Although the number of animals
      in this MPTP study was limited, 4-IPITC showed potential for dampening toxicity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our in vitro findings suggest robust neuroprotective
      and neurotrophic properties of 4-IPITC, which was confirmed in two in vivo models
      of neurodegeneration.

PMID- 22082768
TI  - Imaging in gynecology.

PMID- 22082769
TI  - Imaging of acute pelvic pain.
AB  - Determining the cause of acute pelvic pain in the female patient is often a
      clinical challenge. Diagnostic imaging can be invaluable in this situation.
      Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are
      the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic conditions presenting with acute pelvic
      pain. Ovarian torsion and degenerating fibroids occur less frequently. Other
      causes to consider include endometriosis, and postpartum causes such as
      endometritis, or ovarian vein thrombosis. Finally, nongynecologic conditions may
      overlap in their presentation of acute pelvic pain and should also be considered.
      The most important of these is acute appendicitis.

PMID- 22082770
TI  - Imaging of benign adnexal masses: characteristic presentations on ultrasound,
      computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Adnexal masses are common in the general population. Although ovarian cancer is a
      significant cause of mortality, large screening studies demonstrate that the
      majority of adnexal masses are benign. These benign masses include physiologic
      cysts, paraovarian masses, and benign ovarian lesions. It is important that
      gynecologists and radiologists appreciate the appearance of these lesions on
      multiple imaging modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography, and
      magnetic resonance imaging to avoid unnecessary intervention.

PMID- 22082771
TI  - Imaging of Mullerian duct anomalies.
AB  - Mullerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are relatively common disorders that are
      particularly relevant in patients with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or
      a history of preterm labor. Accurate characterization of MDAs is crucial to the
      implementation of appropriate treatment. Various imaging modalities have been
      used in the evaluation of MDAs, including hysterosalpingography, ultrasound, and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although hysterosalpingography and ultrasound
      may suggest a Mullerian duct anomaly, further evaluation by MRI is often
      required. MRI is the best imaging method available because of its superior
      ability to reliably visualize complex uterovaginal anatomy.

PMID- 22082772
TI  - Imaging of endometrial pathology.
AB  - The normal endometrium changes regularly with the menstrual cycle and atrophies
      after menopause. It is important to be aware of the normal spectrum of
      endometrial appearances at imaging to accurately detect and diagnose pathologic
      conditions. This article reviews imaging features of the normal and abnormal
      endometrium, and conditions which may mimic endometrial pathology. Emphasis will
      be on ultrasound with sonohysterography and magnetic resonance imaging as these
      are the imaging modalities of choice for evaluation of the endometrium. The
      complementary role of hysterosalpingography, computed tomography, and 18
      fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography will also be discussed.

PMID- 22082773
TI  - Ovarian cancer: detection and radiologic staging.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy. It is the
      deadliest, largely owing to late stage at the time of diagnosis. Ultrasound is
      modality of choice in the evaluation of suspected adnexal masses. Magnetic
      resonance imaging is an excellent problem solver when an adnexal mass is
      indeterminate on ultrasound. Staging of ovarian cancer remains surgical, though
      preoperative imaging can identify inoperable patients and identify suspicious
      sites for intraoperative biopsy. This article reviews the use of different
      imaging modalities in the detection and staging of ovarian carcinoma, and
      discusses imaging indications, radiologic features, and the shortcomings of
      imaging.

PMID- 22082774
TI  - Imaging of cervical pathology.
AB  - A variety of benign and malignant entities affect the uterine cervix. These are
      discussed and illustrated. Cross-sectional and functional imaging can improve the
      accuracy of traditional clinical cervical cancer staging. Emphasis is placed on
      magnetic resonance imaging for initial staging and fused positron emission
      tomography-computed tomography for restaging and surveillance. The imaging
      appearance of benign cervical pathology is reviewed with ultrasonography as the
      first-line imaging modality and magnetic resonance imaging for problem solving in
      difficult cases.

PMID- 22082775
TI  - Effect of colour LEDs on mycelia growth of Aspergillus ficuum and phytase
      production in photo-fermentations.
AB  - Aspergillus ficuum grown on plates and in liquid cultures were illuminated by a
      white fluorescent light and four different colour LED lights (white, blue, green
      and red) to evaluate the regulation of LED lights on fungal growth. Biomass
      conversion, pellet size and phytase activity were examined. In liquid culture,
      luminous intensity was highly correlated with the rate of biomass conversion but
      did not affect pellet size. The white fluorescent light contained several
      different wavelengths, and therefore, its effect on A. ficuum represents the
      cooperative effect of these wavelengths. Strong luminance of a white fluorescent
      light inhibited growth of A. ficuum mycelia on plates, whereas white LED light
      enhanced growth. The development of mycelia was also inhibited by blue LED light
      and enhanced by red LED light illumination. Investigating the effect of LED
      lights on the growth of A. ficuum could provide evidence on the luminous
      intensity that is sufficient for regulating fermentation by light.

PMID- 22082776
TI  - Lifetime-based sensing of the hyaluronidase using fluorescein labeled hyaluronic
      acid.
AB  - In this report we propose a lifetime-based sensing (LBS) for the detection of
      hyaluronidase (HA-ase). First, we heavily label hyaluronan macromolecules (HAs)
      with fluorescein amine. The fluorescein labeled HA (HA-Fl) has a weak
      fluorescence and short fluorescence lifetime due to an efficient self-quenching.
      Upon the addition of HA-ase, the brightness and lifetime of the sample increase.
      The cleavage of an HA macromolecule reduces the energy migration between
      fluorescein molecules and the degree of the self-quenching. A first order of the
      cleavage reaction depends on the amount of the HA-ase enzyme. We describe an HA
      ase sensing strategy based on the lifetime changes of the fluorescein labeled HA
      in the presence of HA-ase. We demonstrate that the calibration of the sensing
      response is the same for the average lifetime as for a single exponential decay
      approximation, which significantly simplifies the analysis of the sensing
      measurements.

PMID- 22082777
TI  - Nonneoplastic signet-ring cell change in gastrointestinal and biliary tracts: a
      pitfall for overdiagnosis.
AB  - Nonneoplastic signet-ring cell change (SRCC) is a rare but known phenomenon in
      gastrointestinal and biliary tracts and is always associated with underlying
      mucosal ulceration/erosion secondary to infection, ischemia, or other etiology.
      Because nonneoplastic SRCC closely mimics signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma (SRCA),
      differentiation of these 2 entities is critical because misdiagnosis of
      nonneoplastic SRCC as SRCA can lead to intense therapeutic interventions such as
      surgery and/or chemoradiation therapy. In this review, a brief overview on
      nonneoplastic SRCC in gastrointestinal and biliary tracts, including the spectrum
      of clinical presentation, important histologic features, and immunohistochemical
      markers that are useful in differentiating nonneoplastic SRCC from SRCA, is
      provided. The pathogenesis of nonneoplastic SRCC in gastrointestinal and biliary
      tracts is discussed.

PMID- 22082778
TI  - Post-ablation tubal sterilization syndrome.

PMID- 22082779
TI  - The final option.

PMID- 22082780
TI  - Prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy.

PMID- 22082781
TI  - Prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy.

PMID- 22082782
TI  - Evaluation of fetal liver volume by tridimensional ultrasound in women with
      gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on fetal
      liver growth during the third trimester. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal
      study of pregnant women recruited at the time of GDM screening (24 to 28 weeks of
      gestation), with follow-up visits at 32 weeks, 36 weeks, and delivery. Women with
      GDM were followed with nutritional recommendations and insulin when necessary
      according to the Canadian Diabetes Association guidelines. Fetal liver volume was
      evaluated using 3-D ultrasound at each antenatal visit, and fetal liver growth
      was compared between women with and without GDM. RESULTS: Twenty-seven women were
      recruited, 10 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 17 with confirmed GDM, five
      who required insulin and 12 who were treated by diet only. We found no difference
      in fetal liver volume between groups at any of the three visits, and median birth
      weight was also similar between groups. On the other hand, we found a strong
      correlation between fetal liver volume at 36 weeks' gestation and birth weight
      (rho = 0.61, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary study, we found that
      fetal liver volume could be a strong predictor of infant birth weight independent
      of GDM status. This suggests that fetal liver volume of offspring of women with
      NGT is similar to that of offspring of women with GDM treated following
      recommended targets. Larger studies are required.

PMID- 22082783
TI  - Carbetocin versus oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in patients
      with severe preeclampsia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In patients with severe preeclampsia there is an increased risk of
      postpartum hemorrhage, but the hemodynamic changes associated with severe
      preeclampsia make the management of any kind of bleeding particularly
      troublesome. There are many pharmacological options for the management of
      postpartum hemorrhage, oxytocin being the first line of treatment. There is as
      yet no evidence about the safety and efficacy of using carbetocin, an oxytocin
      agonist, in these patients. We aimed to compare oxytocin with carbetocin for the
      routine prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in patients with severe preeclampsia.
      METHODS: We performed a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial in
      60 women with severe preeclampsia, recruited between July and September 2010. The
      women were randomized to receive either oxytocin or carbetocin during the third
      stage of labour. The primary outcome measure was postpartum hemorrhage requiring
      additional uterotonics, and the secondary outcome measures were the difference in
      hemoglobin levels between groups, the development of oliguria, and hemodynamic
      status (mean arterial pressure and heart rate) after administration of the drug.
      RESULTS: Carbetocin was as effective as oxytocin in the prevention of postpartum
      hemorrhage in women with severe preeclampsia. Carbetocin had a safety profile
      similar to that of oxytocin, and it was not associated with the development of
      oliguria or hypertension in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Carbetocin is an
      appropriate alternative to oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage
      in women with severe preeclampsia. Considering that it appears not to have a
      major hemodynamic effect in women with severe preeclampsia and that it uses a
      lower volume per dose than oxytocin, it should be considered a valid option in
      the management of the third stage of labour in women with hypertensive disorders
      of pregnancy.

PMID- 22082784
TI  - Comparison of maternity experiences of Canadian-born and recent and non-recent
      immigrant women: findings from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternity experiences of immigrant women (recent, <= 5
      years in Canada; non-recent > 5 years) with those of Canadian-born women.
      METHODS: This study was based on data from the Canadian Maternity Experiences
      Survey of the Public Health Agency of Canada. A stratified random sample of 6421
      women was drawn from a sampling frame based on the 2006 Canadian Census of
      Population. Weighted proportions were calculated using survey sample weights.
      Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios comparing
      recent immigrant women with Canadian-born women and non-recent immigrant women
      with Canadian-born women, adjusting for education, income, parity, and maternal
      age. RESULTS: The sample comprised 7.5% recent immigrants, 16.3% non-recent
      immigrants, and 76.2% Canadian-born women. Immigrant women reported experiencing
      less physical abuse and stress, and they were less likely to smoke or consume
      alcohol during pregnancy, than Canadian women; however, they were more likely to
      report high levels of postpartum depression symptoms and were less likely to have
      access to social support, to take folic acid before and during pregnancy, to rate
      their own and their infant's health as optimal, and to place their infants on
      their backs for sleeping. Recent and non-recent immigrant women also had
      different experiences, suggesting that duration of residence in Canada plays a
      role in immigrant women's maternity experiences. CONCLUSION: These findings can
      assist clinicians and policy-makers to understand the disparities that exist
      between immigrant and non-immigrant women in order to address the needs of
      immigrant women more effectively.

PMID- 22082786
TI  - The Ottawa and Kingston (OaK) Birth Cohort: development and achievements.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Ottawa and Kingston (OaK) Birth Cohort collected data on maternal
      and infant genetic and epidemiologic variables in order to (1) explore the
      association between folate supplementation or thrombophilias and adverse,
      placenta-mediated pregnancy outcomes; (2) create a biobank of maternal and infant
      biological and genetic samples; and (3) stimulate future research using this
      cohort data. METHODS: A prospective cohort design was used to collect mother and
      infant data. Women were recruited at 12 to 20 weeks' gestation, during prenatal
      care visits at The Ottawa Hospital and Kingston General Hospital from October
      2002 to April 2009. Data on maternal and infant demographics, maternal health,
      obstetrical history, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Testing was done for
      biological/serological markers associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
      Maternal and cord blood samples were biobanked. RESULTS: A total of 8085 mothers
      were recruited to the OaK Birth Cohort. Analysis of the cohort data showed that
      taking multivitamin supplements containing folic acid was associated with a
      reduced risk of preeclampsia (aOR 0.37; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.75). The majority of
      participants agreed to have their genetic/biological samples biobanked (samples
      collected for n = 7241 mothers, n = 2175 infants) and to be re-contacted
      regarding future research opportunities. CONCLUSION: Birth cohorts are a useful
      tool in determining associations between risk factors and adverse maternal and
      fetal outcomes, and can serve as a repository of data for future research.
      Creating strong research partnerships helped enhance financial resources and
      increase participant recruitment potential. Epidemiological and biobanked data
      and samples from the OaK Birth Cohort are available for use by other
      investigators.

PMID- 22082785
TI  - Why do Canadian women fail to achieve optimal pre-conceptional folic acid
      supplementation? An observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors that put Canadian women at risk for not
      supplementing with folic acid (FA) in the three months before conception, as
      recommended for the prevention of infant neural tube defects. METHODS: This study
      used data from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey. We used Poisson
      regression analysis with a robust variance to determine which factors were
      associated with women not supplementing with FA in the three months prior to
      pregnancy as compared with women who did supplement. RESULTS: Of the 6421 women
      surveyed, 57.7% were supplementing with FA pre-conceptionally. The risk factors
      associated with a lack of FA supplementation pre-conceptionally were maternal age
      <19 (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.69) or 20 to 24 (PR = 0.75;
      95% CI 0.67 to 0.84); education below high school level (PR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.61
      to 0.87), at high school level (PR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.83), or at post
      secondary level other than university (PR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97); being at
      or below the low-income cut-off (PR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.81); smoking before
      pregnancy (PR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.86); being non-fluent in the language of
      the health care provider (PR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.88); being obese (BMI >=
      30) (PR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98); being unemployed (PR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.89 to
      1.00); and being born outside of Canada (PR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.84).
      CONCLUSION: Young maternal age, low education, low income, smoking, language
      barriers, obesity, unemployment, and being born outside Canada are risk factors
      for suboptimal or lack of FA supplementation pre-conceptionally.

PMID- 22082787
TI  - "They were my eggs; they were her babies": known oocyte donors'
      conceptualizations of their reproductive material.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought the views of women who took part in an altruistic known
      oocyte donation program to provide insights into the dynamics of known oocyte
      donation in Canada. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to
      face or by telephone with 15 Canadian women who had donated oocytes to a friend
      or a relative for family-building and 18 women who had received oocytes donated
      by a friend or a relative in the eight years prior to the interview. RESULTS:
      Donors and recipients recounted few problems with their experiences of oocyte
      donation. Donors' positive experiences were contingent on their desire to
      facilitate the family-building aspirations of a friend or relative and the
      trusting relationship they had with their recipient. These dynamics subsequently
      affected their perceptions regarding the embryos created using their oocytes and
      their relationship with any child born as a result of their donation. Most donors
      would not donate their oocytes to an anonymous recipient and would not support
      donating unused embryos created with their oocytes to an unknown recipient.
      CONCLUSION: Altruistic known donation is an important feature of oocyte donation
      programs in Canada, where commercial procurement of gametes is forbidden. Legal
      clarity, information, and psychosocial counselling are essential to minimize
      relationship problems in known oocyte donation.

PMID- 22082788
TI  - Revisiting the association between endometriosis and bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the association between endometriosis and bipolar
      disorder. METHODS: Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I
      Disorders, the prevalence of bipolar disorder was compared in 27 patients with
      endometriosis and 12 women with pelvic pain not related to endometriosis who were
      seen at a specialty gynaecology clinic for women with chronic pelvic pain.
      RESULTS: A significantly greater proportion of women in the endometriosis group
      were found to have bipolar disorder and a poorer quality of life than women with
      pelvic pain not related to endometriosis. CONCLUSION: There may be an association
      between endometriosis and bipolar disorder. An optimal approach to managing
      endometriosis should include evaluation and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity,
      particularly bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22082789
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of cystocele plication risks: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We wished to determine the feasibility of a single-centre randomized
      controlled trial to investigate whether avoiding cystocele plication in women
      undergoing transvaginal repair of cystocele decreases the need for
      catheterization beyond the second postoperative day. METHODS: Patients undergoing
      transvaginal repair of cystocele were randomly assigned to either have or not
      have plication sutures during their procedure. We assessed the success of
      recruitment, physician acceptability, and adherence to protocol, and we also
      assessed the need for catheterization beyond the second postoperative day.
      RESULTS: Twenty-two women were randomized (a recruitment rate of 85%), and
      participating surgeons did not feel that one surgical technique was superior to
      the other. There were no protocol violations after randomization. No cases of
      postoperative voiding dysfunction were identified. CONCLUSION: A multicentre
      randomized controlled trial is required to determine the short-term and long-term
      risks and benefits of avoiding plication sutures in women undergoing transvaginal
      repair of cystocele. If patients and physicians support the study protocol,
      conducting such a trial is feasible.

PMID- 22082790
TI  - Oral contraceptives and venous thromboembolism: pill scares and public health.
AB  - Post-marketing surveillance of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for rare
      complications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) presents unique challenges.
      Prospective studies, which are costly and time consuming, have to date been
      undertaken by only a few contraceptive manufacturers willing to commit to full
      evaluation of product safety. Often such studies are conducted with the approval
      of regulatory authorities as a precondition for marketing. Alternatively,
      independent investigators with access to large databases have conducted
      retrospective studies to compare the incidence of VTE between new and older
      products. Such studies, however, run the risk of erroneous conclusions if they
      cannot ensure comparable risk profiles for users of these different products.
      Often database studies are unable to access information on important confounders,
      and medical records may not be available to validate the actual diagnosis of VTE.
      "Pill scares" generated following publication and media dissemination of
      worrisome findings, when the conclusions are in doubt and not corroborated by
      stronger prospective study designs, are frequently damaging to public health.
      From a review of recent publications on the VTE risk with drospirenone-containing
      COCs, it can be concluded that the best quality evidence does not support a
      difference in risk between users of COCs containing drospirenone and those of
      COCs containing levonorgestrel.

PMID- 22082791
TI  - The diagnosis and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
      and provide recommendations on its diagnosis and clinical management. OUTCOMES:
      These guidelines will assist in the early recognition and management of ovarian
      hyperstimulation. Early recognition and prompt systematic supportive care will
      help avert poor outcomes. EVIDENCE: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane database
      were searched for relevant articles, using the key words "ovarian
      hyperstimulation syndrome" and "gonadotropins," and guidelines created by other
      professional societies were reviewed. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated
      using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on
      Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the
      method described in that report (Table 1). RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Once the diagnosis
      of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is made, disease severity should be
      classified as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. (III-B) 2. The physician
      prescribing gonadotropins should inform each woman of her personal risk for
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III-A) 3. In areas where patients do not have
      ready access to physicians familiar with the diagnosis and management of ovarian
      hyperstimulation syndrome, the physician prescribing gonadotropins should ensure
      that women are made aware that they should contact a physician or a member of the
      team within the hospital unit who has relevant experience, should the need arise.
      (III-B) 4. Outpatient management is recommended for women with mild and moderate
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. If outpatient management for more severe
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is to be undertaken, the physician should
      ensure that the woman is capable of adhering to clinical instructions and that
      there is a system in place to assess her status every 1 to 2 days. (III-A) 5.
      Paracentesis should be performed in admitted patients with tense ascites to
      alleviate their discomfort. (II-2B) 6. Outpatient culdocentesis should be
      considered for the prevention of disease progression in moderate or severe
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (II-2B) 7. Women with severe and critical
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should be admitted to hospital for intravenous
      hydration and observation. (III-A) 8. Intravenous hydration should be initiated
      with a crystalloid solution to prevent hemoconcentration and provide adequate end
      organ perfusion. If end-organ perfusion is not maintained with a crystalloid
      solution, an alternate colloid solution should be administered. (II-2B) 9. Pain
      relief in admitted patients should be managed with acetaminophen and/or opioid
      analgesics. (III-B) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with antiplatelet
      properties should not be used. (III-B) 10. Women with severe ovarian
      hyperstimulation syndrome should be considered for treatment with prophylactic
      doses of anticoagulants. (II-2B) 11. Critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
      should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, according to the end organ
      affected. (III-C).

PMID- 22082793
TI  - Effect of attentional focus strategies on peak force and performance in the
      standing long jump.
AB  - Significant benefits in standing long jump performance have been demonstrated
      when subjects were provided verbal instructions that promoted an external focus
      of attention compared with an internal focus of attention, suggesting differences
      in ground reaction forces. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate peak
      force and jump performance between internal and external focus of attention
      strategies. Untrained subjects were assigned to both experimental conditions in
      which verbal instructions were provided to promote either an external or internal
      focus of attention. All subjects completed a total number of 5 standing long
      jumps. The results of the study demonstrated that the external focus of attention
      condition elicited significantly greater jump distance (153.6 +/- 38.6 cm) than
      the internal focus of attention condition (139.5 +/- 46.7 cm). There were no
      significant differences observed between conditions in peak force (1429.8 +/-
      289.1 N and 1453.7 +/- 299.7 N, respectively). The results add to the growing
      body of literature describing the training and learning benefits of an external
      focus of attention. Practitioners should create standardized verbal instructions
      using an external focus of attention to maximize standing long jump performance.

PMID- 22082794
TI  - Enhancing jump performance after combined vs. maximal power, heavy-resistance,
      and plyometric training alone.
AB  - Saez Saez de villarreal, E, Izquierdo, M, and Gonzalez-Badillo, JJ. Enhancing
      jump performance after combined vs. maximal power, heavy-resistance, and
      plyometric training alone. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3274-3281, 2011-The
      purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 5 different stimuli on
      jumping ability and power production after 7 weeks of training. Sixty-five (47
      men and 18 women) physical education students were randomly assigned to 5
      experimental groups that performed: combination of all training methods (A);
      heavy-resistance training using full-squat exercise (i.e., 56-85% of 1 RM for 3-6
      repetitions) (B); power-oriented strength training using a parallel-squat
      exercise (i.e., 100-130% of load that maximizes power output for 2-6 repetitions)
      (C); power-oriented strength training using a loaded countermovement jumping
      (i.e., 70-100% of load that maximizes power output for 2-5 repetitions;
      countermovement jump [CMJ]) (D); and plyometric jumping (E). The CMJ (cm), loaded
      CMJ (cm), maximum rate of force development (RFDmax) during early concentric
      phase of loaded CMJ (N.s) and power output during early concentric phase of
      loaded CMJ (watts) were measured before and after 7 weeks of training.
      Significant improvements in CMJ (from 7.8 to 13.2%) were observed in all groups.
      Significantly greater increases in power output during loaded jumps were observed
      in A (10-13%) and D (8-12%) groups compared with in the other groups. Significant
      increases in RFDmax were observed in A (20-30%), C (18-26%), and D (20-26%)
      groups. The results of this study provide evidence to suggest that if training
      program is designed and implemented correctly, both traditional slow velocity
      training and faster power-oriented strength training alone, or in combination
      with plyometric training, would provide a positive training stimulus to enhance
      jumping performance.

PMID- 22082792
TI  - Advanced reproductive age and fertility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To improve awareness of the natural age-related decline in female and
      male fertility with respect to natural fertility and assisted reproductive
      technologies (ART) and provide recommendations for their management, and to
      review investigations in the assessment of ovarian aging. OPTIONS: This guideline
      reviews options for the assessment of ovarian reserve and fertility treatments
      using ART with women of advanced reproductive age presenting with infertility.
      OUTCOMES: The outcomes measured are the predictive value of ovarian reserve
      testing and pregnancy rates with natural and assisted fertility. EVIDENCE:
      Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL,
      and The Cochrane Library in June 2010, using appropriate key words (ovarian
      aging, ovarian reserve, advanced maternal age, advanced paternal age, ART).
      Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled
      trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date
      or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and
      incorporated into the guideline to December 2010. VALUES: The quality of evidence
      was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force
      on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to
      the method described in that report (Table). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Primary
      and specialist health care providers and women will be better informed about
      ovarian aging and the age-related decline in natural fertility and about options
      for assisted reproductive technology. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Women in their 20s and
      30s should be counselled about the age-related risk of infertility when other
      reproductive health issues, such as sexual health or contraception, are addressed
      as part of their primary well-woman care. Reproductive-age women should be aware
      that natural fertility and assisted reproductive technology success (except with
      egg donation) is significantly lower for women in their late 30s and 40s. (II-2A)
      2. Because of the decline in fertility and the increased time to conception that
      occurs after the age of 35, women > 35 years of age should be referred for
      infertility work-up after 6 months of trying to conceive. (III-B) 3. Ovarian
      reserve testing may be considered for women >= 35 years of age or for women < 35
      years of age with risk factors for decreased ovarian reserve, such as a single
      ovary, previous ovarian surgery, poor response to follicle-stimulating hormone,
      previous exposure to chemotherapy or radiation, or unexplained infertility. (III
      B) 4. Ovarian reserve testing prior to assisted reproductive technology treatment
      may be used for counselling but has a poor predictive value for non-pregnancy and
      should be used to exclude women from treatment only if levels are significantly
      abnormal. (II-2A) 5. Pregnancy rates for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation are
      low for women > 40 years of age. Women > 40 years should consider IVF if they do
      not conceive within 1 to 2 cycles of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. (II-2B)
      6. The only effective treatment for ovarian aging is oocyte donation. A woman
      with decreased ovarian reserve should be offered oocyte donation as an option, as
      pregnancy rates associated with this treatment are significantly higher than
      those associated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation or in vitro
      fertilization with a woman's own eggs. (II-2B) 7. Women should be informed that
      the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss and chromosomal abnormalities increases
      with age. Women should be counselled about and offered appropriate prenatal
      screening once pregnancy is established. (II-2A) 8. Pre-conception counselling
      regarding the risks of pregnancy with advanced maternal age, promotion of optimal
      health and weight, and screening for concurrent medical conditions such as
      hypertension and diabetes should be considered for women > age 40. (III-B) 9.
      Advanced paternal age appears to be associated with an increased risk of
      spontaneous abortion and increased frequency of some autosomal dominant
      conditions, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia. Men > age 40 and their
      partners should be counselled about these potential risks when they are seeking
      pregnancy, although the risks remain small. (II-2C).

PMID- 22082795
TI  - Do compression garments enhance the active recovery process after high-intensity
      running?
AB  - Lovell, DI, Mason, DG, Delphinus, EM, and McLellan, CP. Do compression garments
      enhance the active recovery process after high-intensity running? J Strength Cond
      Res 25(12): 3264-3268, 2011-This study examined the effect of wearing waist-to
      ankle compression garments (CGs) on active recovery after moderate- and high
      intensity submaximal treadmill running. Twenty-five male semiprofessional rugby
      league players performed two 30-minute treadmill runs comprising of six 5-minute
      stages at 6 km.h, 10 km.h, approximately 85% VO(2)max, 6 km.h as a recovery stage
      followed by approximately 85% VO(2)max and 6 km.h wearing either CGs or regular
      running shorts in a randomized counterbalanced order with each person acting as
      his own control. All stages were followed by 30 seconds of rest during which a
      blood sample was collected to determine blood pH and blood lactate concentration
      [La]. Expired gases and heart rate (HR) were measured during the submaximal
      treadmill tests to determine metabolic variables with the average of the last 2
      minutes used for data analysis. The HR and [La] were lower (p <= 0.05) after the
      first and second 6 km.h recovery bouts when wearing CGs compared with when
      wearing running shorts. The respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was higher and [La]
      lower (p <= 0.05) after the 10 km.h stage, and only RER was higher after both 85%
      VO(2)max stages when wearing CGs compared with when wearing running shorts. There
      was no difference in blood pH at any exercise stage when wearing the CGs and
      running shorts. The results of this study indicate that the wearing of CGs may
      augment the active recovery process in reducing [La] and HR after high-intensity
      exercise but not effect blood pH. The ability to reduce [La] and HR has important
      consequences for many sports that are intermittent in nature and consist of
      repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with periods of low
      intensity exercise or recovery.

PMID- 22082796
TI  - Sulfonic acid functionalized poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-1-vinyl-1,2,4
      triazole) as a high-performance solid acid catalyst for the esterification of
      lactic acid with methanol.
AB  - Sulfonic acid functionalized poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-1-vinyl-1,2,4
      triazole), poly(EGDMA-VTAZ-SO(3)H), is evaluated in the esterification of lactic
      acid with methanol. From nitrogen physisorption data, high surface area (220
      m(2)/g) and type IV isotherm are obtained. Conversion measurements indicate a
      stronger interaction of poly(EGDMA-VTAZ-20%SO(3)H) with water molecules than that
      occurring in poly(EGDMA-VTAZ-10%SO(3)H). Hence, the higher catalytic activity of
      poly(EGDMA-VTAZ-10%SO(3)H) is related to the more hydrophobic microenvironment of
      -SO(3)H sites, which reduces the acid site deactivation associated with
      adsorption of water generated during the reaction. Moreover, apparent activation
      energy is found to be 48.02 kJ mol(-1), which can be comparable with the
      literature values.

PMID- 22082798
TI  - Packing effects on argon and methanol adsorption inside graphitic cylindrical and
      slit pores: a GCMC simulation study.
AB  - Using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation, we have studied the effects of
      confinement on argon and methanol adsorption in graphitic cylindrical and slit
      pores. Linear chain, zigzag and incomplete helical packing are observed for argon
      adsorption in cylindrical pores. However, for methanol adsorption different
      features appear because the electrostatic interactions favour configurations that
      maximize the hydrogen bonding among methanol molecules. We have found zigzag
      chains with hydrogen-bonded structures for methanol adsorption in cylindrical and
      slit pores. To investigate how dense the adsorbed phase is and how many molecules
      could be packed per unit physical volume of the solid, we consider two different
      definitions of pore density; one based on the physical volume and the other on
      the accessible volume. That based on accessible volume gives a measure of the
      fluid density, while that based on the physical volume gives a measure of how
      much adsorbate can be stored per unit volume of the adsorbent. It is found that
      the adsorbate is denser in cylindrical pores, but that slit pores can pack more
      molecules per unit solid volume. We also discuss the effects on the isosteric
      heat of argon and methanol of pore size, pore geometry and loading.

PMID- 22082797
TI  - Photoswitching in azobenzene self-assembled monolayers capped on zinc oxide:
      nanodots vs nanorods.
AB  - We report the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of nanohybrid
      structures consisting of an azobenzene compound grafted on the surface of zinc
      oxide nanoparticles. Characteristic bathochromic shifts indicate that the
      azobenzene photochromic molecules self-assemble onto the surface of the
      nanocrystals. The extent of packing is dependent on the shape of the
      nanoparticle. ZnO nanorods, with flat facets, enable a tighter organization of
      the molecules in the self-assembled monolayer than in the case of nanodots that
      display a more curvated shape. Consistently, the efficiency of photochromic
      switching of the self-assembled monolayer on ZnO nanoparticles is also shown to
      be strongly affected by nanoparticle shape.

PMID- 22082799
TI  - Modeling carbon dioxide adsorption on polyethylenimine-functionalized TUD-1
      mesoporous silica.
AB  - Samples of porous, foam-like TUD (Technische Universitat Delft)-1 mesoporous
      silica were functionalized with polyethylenimine and were used as a substrate for
      CO(2) adsorption. Produced solids were characterized by means of electron
      microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and N(2) adsorption/desorption at 77K, in
      order to prove that polymer chains efficiently filled the pores of functionalized
      samples. CO(2) adsorption isotherms on polyethylenimine-containing TUD-1 were
      evaluated at T=298, 313, 328, and 348 K for pressures up to 100 kPa by means of a
      volumetric technique. The CO(2) adsorption capacity proved to be significantly
      dependent on temperature, with the highest capacity encountered at T=348 K. The
      experimental data for CO(2) adsorption were satisfactorily described by means of
      the Langmuir isotherm, and the dependence of the isosteric heat on the fractional
      coverage of the adsorbent was evaluated by means of the van't Hoff equation,
      showing values in the order of 80 kJ/mol for a fractional coverage of about 50%.

PMID- 22082800
TI  - In situ synthesis of Pt/carbon nanofiber nanocomposites with enhanced
      electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation.
AB  - Pt/carbon nanofiber (Pt/CNF) nanocomposites were facilely synthesized by the
      reduction of hexachloroplatinic acid (H(2)PtCl(6)) using formic acid (HCOOH) in
      aqueous solution containing electrospun carbon nanofibers at room temperature.
      The obtained Pt/CNF nanocomposites were characterized by TEM and EDX. The Pt
      nanoparticles could in situ grow on the surface of CNFs with small particle size,
      high loading density, and uniform dispersion by adjusting the concentration of
      H(2)PtCl(6) precursor. The electrocatalytic activities of the Pt/CNF
      nanocomposites were also studied. These Pt/CNF nanocomposites exhibited higher
      electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation reaction compared with
      commercial E-TEK Pt/C catalyst. The results presented may offer a new approach to
      facilely synthesize direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) catalyst with enhanced
      electrocatalytic activity and low cost.

PMID- 22082801
TI  - An efficient route to aqueous phase synthesis of nanocrystalline gamma-Al2O3 with
      high porosity: from stable boehmite colloids to large pore mesoporous alumina.
AB  - In this paper we emphasise the important role of Pluronic F127 on the porosity of
      mesoporous alumina prepared from boehmite colloids. By focusing on the
      F127/boehmite interactions we show how the concepts of interface science may help
      to predict and improve the textural characteristics of mesoporous alumina. By
      varying the synthetic parameters, in particular the copolymer content, we show
      that the porosity of gamma-Al(2)O(3) can be enhanced by 400% and the average pore
      diameter can be expanded from 5 to 14 nm. These results are discussed in terms of
      interactions between the Pluronic F127 and boehmite colloids, and are correlated
      to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the copolymer. The textural
      characteristics of the mesoporous alumina can be further improved either by
      introducing hydrocarbons in the preformed boehmite/copolymer sols or by
      concentrating the sols. In comparison with as-synthesised alumina, those prepared
      with F127 showed improved thermal stability. Furthermore, boehmite/copolymer sols
      were stable for all surfactant concentrations investigated and can give high
      quality coatings suitable for catalytic applications.

PMID- 22082802
TI  - A novel orchid-like polyaniline superstructure by solvent-thermal method.
AB  - An orchid-like polyaniline (PANI) structures was synthesized by initialing the
      polymerization at 80  degrees C and growing at 25  degrees C using ethanol and
      water as co-solvent in the presence of toluene-p-sulfonic acid (p-TSA) as the
      dopant. The "flowers" are consisted of 8-14 pieces of "petals" with 5-8 MUm in
      length. By adjusting the molar ratio of p-TSA/aniline, the cooling rate and the
      component of the solvent, flake-like and peony-like morphology can also be
      obtained. The formation mechanism of the orchid-like structure is proposed.

PMID- 22082803
TI  - Interactions between beta-cyclodextrin and an amino acid-based anionic gemini
      surfactant derived from cysteine.
AB  - The interaction between beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and an amino acid-based
      anionic gemini surfactant derived from cysteine (C(8)Cys)(2) was studied by three
      independent techniques: electrical conductivity, UV-Vis spectral displacement
      technique using phenolphthalein as probe, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The data
      obtained indicated the formation of a 1:1 inclusion complex between beta-CD and
      the gemini surfactant studied and allowed for the determination of the binding
      constant, K(1), by considering this stoichiometry. Electrical conductivity,
      spectral displacement technique, and NMR chemical shift measurements, obtained
      for aqueous beta-CD-surfactant systems, yielded consistent K(1) values in the
      order of 10(2) dm(3) mol(-1), typical of a weakly bound beta-CD-surfactant
      complex. The influence of the presence of the inclusion complex on the
      micellization process of the gemini surfactant has also been studied and the
      apparent critical micelle concentration (cmc(*)) has been obtained. Increasing
      beta-CD concentration was found to shift the cmc(*) to higher values, as
      complexed surfactant monomers are not available to form micelles and aggregation
      takes place only when all beta-CD cavities are occupied.

PMID- 22082804
TI  - Aberrant expressions of leptin and adiponectin receptor isoforms in chronic
      myeloid leukemia patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leptin and adiponectin receptors mediate the role of leptin in
      stimulating the growth of leukemic cells and the protective function of
      adiponectin undertaken in several malignancies such as leukemia. In this study,
      we investigated the involvement of the expression of leptin and adiponectin
      receptors in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) pathogenesis. METHODS: The expression
      of leptin receptor isoforms, OB-Rt, OB-Ra, and OB-Rb, and the expression of
      adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, were measured as mRNA levels in two
      CML cell lines (K562 and Meg-01) and 20 CML patients and 24 healthy controls by
      using RT-PCR. RESULTS: OB-Rt and OB-Ra isoforms expression of the leptin
      receptors were found to be significantly lower in Meg-01 cell lines than K562
      cells. All leptin receptors were downregulated in CML patients and more
      particularly OB-Rb level was found to be undetectably low in normal PBMC as well
      as in CML patients. AdipoR1 expression level was higher in Meg-01 than in K562,
      whereas AdipoR2 level was found to be unchanged in both cell lines.
      Interestingly, while AdipoR1 expression increased in CML patients, AdipoR2
      decreased. Moreover, imatinib therapy did not affect both leptin and adiponectin
      isoform expressions. CONCLUSION: While the decrease in leptin receptor levels in
      CML patients was confirmed, the increase in AdipoR1 levels and relevant decrease
      in AdipoR2 levels depicted their possible involvement in CML pathogenesis. This
      suggests different functions of adiponectin receptors in CML development.

PMID- 22082805
TI  - Effects by anthrax toxins on hematopoiesis: a key role for cytokines as
      mediators.
AB  - An understanding of anthrax toxins on the emerging immune system and blood
      production are significant to medicine. This study examined the effects of
      anthrax toxin on hematopoiesis and determined roles for cytokines. Anthrax
      holotoxin toxin is three components: protective antigen (PA) binds to the target
      cell and mediates the entry of lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF). Anthrax
      toxin dramatically inhibits signaling in immune cells. We first identified the
      cell subsets that interacted with the protective antigen (PA) and then studied
      the effects on hematopoietic progenitors in clonogenic assays: granulocytic
      monocytic (CFU-GM) and late erythroid (CFU-E). Multi-color immunofluorescence
      with FITC-PA indicated its interaction with early and late myeloid cells.
      Clonogenic assays, in the presence or absence of holotoxin and individual toxin
      proteins resulted in significant suppression by hologenic toxic alone, despite
      the presence of growth-promoting cytokines. Antibodies to anthrax receptor (ATR1)
      reversed the suppressive effects, indicating specificity. Monomeric proteins
      showed different effects on myeloid and erythroid progenitors. Suppression was
      not due to cell death, based on undetectable active caspase 3. Cytokine array
      analyses with supernatants from toxin-stimulated stroma showed an increase in the
      hematopoietic suppressor, MIP-1alpha. This finding, in addition to our previous
      studies, showing an increase in IL-10, suggested indirect roles for cytokines in
      toxin-mediated hematopoietic suppression. The chemokine, SDF-1alpha was
      increased. Since SDF-1 is involved in the mobilization of hematopoietic cells, it
      is likely that anthrax holotoxin could induce cell exit from BM. In summary,
      anthrax holotoxin, but not individual toxins, exerted hematopoietic effects on
      myeloid and erythroid progenitors via specific receptor, partly through the
      induction of cytokines.

PMID- 22082806
TI  - Function and expression of renal epithelial sodium transporters in rats with
      thyroid dysfunction.
AB  - Thyroid disorders are accompanied by major changes in renal sodium handling and
      blood pressure. Sodium transporters play a crucial role in regulating sodium
      excretion. We determined the function and expression of type 3 Na/H (NHE3)
      exchanger, type 2 Na+K+2Cl co-transporter (NKCC2) co-transporter, NaCl co
      transporter (NCC) cotransporter, and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in hypoand
      hyperthyroid rats at 6 weeks after each thyroid disorder induction. We measured
      the renal response to functional blockade of the tubular sodium transporters,
      using acetazolamide to inhibit the activity of NHE3, furosemide for NKCC2,
      hydrochlorotiazide for NCC, and amiloride for ENaC. Expression of sodium
      transporters was analyzed by measuring the protein abundance by Western blot. The
      responsiveness to NHE3 inhibition and NHE3 protein was lower in hypothyroid rats
      and higher in hyperthyroid rats vs controls. Hypothyroid rats showed greater
      diuretic and natriuretic responses to NKCC2 and ENaC blockade and higher protein
      abundance of NKCC2 vs controls. Hyperthyroid rats showed greater protein
      expression of NKCC2 and NCC vs controls. Groups did not differ in responsiveness
      to NCC blockade. The expression and activity of ENaC were lower in hyperthyroid
      rats. In conclusion, reduced NHE3 activity may participate in the low blood
      pressure of hypothyroid rats and elevated NHE3 activity in the high blood
      pressure of hyperthyroid rats. These proximal alterations are counter-balanced by
      functional upregulation of NKCC2 and ENaC in downstream nephron segments of
      hypothyroid rats and by downregulation of alphaENaC activity and expression in
      hyperthyroid rats.

PMID- 22082810
TI  - Improvement of mitral valve coaptation with supraannular plication of the
      posterior annulus--a newly designed strip for posterior annular plication--.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a newly-designed mitral
      annuloplasty strip (the Mitra-Lift((r)) strip) in patients undergoing mitral
      valve repair for mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: A total of 30 patients who
      underwent posterior mitral strip annuloplasty for moderately severe to severe MR
      were evaluated in this study. The strip annuloplasty (SA) consisted of the use of
      the newly-designed strip and the suture of the supra-annular atrial wall of 5.0
      mm width and the posterior annulus. In addition to SA, six patients (20.0%) with
      tethered posterior leaflets required posterior leaflet augmentation. Improvement
      in MR and hemodynamic parameters of the valve with the fixed strip were assessed.
      RESULTS: After SA, all patients exhibited little or no MR, with no individual
      exhibiting signs of exacerbation during the follow-up period. A stable coaptation
      occurred below the strip and the posterior annulus due to forward movement and
      lifting of the posterior annulus without significant reduction of
      intercommissural dimension. During the cardiac cycle, the intercommissural
      dimensions showed considerable changes, which meant a dynamic motion of the
      anterior leaflet and the commissures. CONCLUSIONS: Formation of a stable leaflet
      coaptation was associated with a dynamic change of the intercommissural dimension
      during the cardiac cycle and resulted in a reliable, annuloplasty strip,
      representing a new concept in annuloplasty.

PMID- 22082811
TI  - Thoracoscopic segmentectomy with intraoperative evaluation of sentinel nodes for
      stage I non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Segmentectomy is the treatment of choice for small-sized non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, it is difficult to decide the surgical
      procedure because accurate evaluation of hilar lymph node metastasis remains
      unclear. We here report the outcome of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
      segmentectomy with and without the assessment of sentinel nodes. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eighty-three patients with stage IA NSCLC underwent VATS segmentectomy
      between January 2003 and December 2010. Twenty patients underwent indocyanine
      green fluorescence imaging for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and 63 did not.
      Intraoperative real-time quantitative RT-PCR to determine the expression of CK-19
      was used for evaluation of metastasis. Perioperative outcome, local recurrence
      rates and survival were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Sentinel lymph nodes
      were identified in 16 of 20 patients (80%) with segmentectomy in the SNB group.
      The false negative rate was 0%. By RT-PCR for CK-19 expression, only one of these
      patients showed positive sentinel nodes, which indicated isolated tumor cells;
      however, segmentectomy was not converted to lobectomy. Seven of 63 patients with
      VATS segementectomy without SNB and none of the SNB group relapsed. In the
      relapsed patients without SNB, 4 (6.3%) were local recurrences and 3 (4.7%) were
      distant metastases. Recurrence-free survival rates in both groups were not
      significantly different because of the short follow-up period of the SNB group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that VATS segmentectomy with SNB was useful
      for deciding intraoperatively to perform segmentectomy with an accurate lymph
      node status.

PMID- 22082812
TI  - Long-term results after the box pulmonary vein isolation procedure for chronic
      atrial fibrillation in mitral valve surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) originated from
      the pulmonary veins, and was maintained by irregular activations of the posterior
      left atrium. We had performed the box pulmonary vein isolation procedure for the
      elimination of chronic AF associated with solitary mitral valve disease from 1999
      to 2004. This paper evaluated the long-term results of this procedure over more
      than 6 years, and discussed the role of the pulmonary veins and posterior left
      atrium in maintaining AF. METHODS: Fifty-three patients were examined after box
      pulmonary vein isolation procedure concomitant with solitary mitral valve surgery
      retrospectively. We divided the patients into two groups with or without the
      elimination of AF (AF group and non-AF group). The disappearance of AF was
      determined by electrocardiography, and atrial function was evaluated by
      transthoracic echocardiography. The elimination of chronic AF and the recovery of
      atrial systolic function after surgery were evaluated over more than 6 years of
      follow-up. RESULTS: In a total of 462.8 patient years of follow-up (range 6.3 to
      11.5 years, mean: 8.9 +/- 2.7 years), AF disappeared in 77.3% of the patients
      (41/53) at 3 months and in 70.6% (36/51) of the patients at 6 years after the box
      pulmonary vein isolation, respectively. Among the preoperative variables, a long
      duration of AF and a large diameter of the left atrium were the predictive
      factors for recurrences of AF (p <0.05). There was no left atrial tachycardia
      even though we did not perform ablation towards the mitral valve annulus.
      CONCLUSIONS: The box pulmonary vein isolation procedure can terminate chronic AF
      associated with solitary mitral valve disease, and maintain a sinus rhythm for
      more than 6 years in 70% of chronic AF patients. This study implicates the
      pulmonary veins and posterior left atrium in maintaining chronic AF associated
      with mitral valve disease.

PMID- 22082813
TI  - Conact lens & anterior eye.

PMID- 22082814
TI  - Cardioprotective effect of apelin-13 on cardiac performance and remodeling in end
      stage heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apelin and its cognate G protein-coupled receptor, APJ, constitute a
      signaling pathway with a positive inotropic effect on cardiac function. Recently,
      we and other investigators demonstrated that a reduction in myocardial apelin/APJ
      expression might play a critical role in experimental models of end-stage heart
      failure (HF). Therefore, we evaluated whether exogenous apelin infusion restores
      apelin/APJ expression and improves cardiac function in the failing heart of Dahl
      salt-sensitive hypertensive (DS) rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: High salt-loaded DS
      rats were treated with vehicle and pyroglutamylated apelin-13 (Pyr-AP13;
      200ug.kg(-1).day(-1), IP) from the age of 11 to 18 weeks. Decreased end-systolic
      elastance and percent fractional shortening in failing rats was significantly
      ameliorated by Pyr-AP13. Pyr-AP13 effectively inhibited vascular lesion formation
      and suppressed expression of inflammation factors such as tumor necrosis factor
      alpha and interleukin-1beta protein. Downregulation of apelin and APJ expression,
      and phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase at Ser(1177) and Akt at
      Ser(473) in failing rats was significantly increased by Pyr-AP13. Upregulation of
      NAD(P)H oxidase p22(phox), p47(phox), and gp91(phox) in DS rats was significantly
      suppressed by Pyr-AP13. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous apelin-13 may ameliorate cardiac
      dysfunction and remodeling and restore apelin/APJ expression in DS rats with end
      stage HF. Thus, apelin-13 may have significant therapeutic potential for end
      stage HF.

PMID- 22082815
TI  - Routine depression assessment for patients with coronary artery disease. A new
      standard of care?

PMID- 22082816
TI  - Platelet inhibition and surgical bleeding. A plea for more science and evidence
      based guidelines.

PMID- 22082817
TI  - Renal protection from prolonged cold ischemia and warm reperfusion in hibernating
      squirrels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that cold ischemia (CI) results in massive
      increases in caspase-3 activity, tubular apoptosis, and brush border injury (BBI)
      in mouse kidneys. During hibernation, the 13-lined ground squirrel (GS) cycles
      through repeated CI during torpor, followed by warm ischemia/reperfusion (WI)
      during interbout arousal (IBA). We sought to determine whether CI and WI during
      hibernation caused caspase-3 activation, tubular apoptosis, acute tubular
      necrosis, or BBI, and reduced renal function. We also determined whether
      protection was dependent on the stage of hibernation. METHODS: Radiotelemeters
      were implanted in 1-year-old GS, and core body temperature was remotely
      monitored. GS kidneys at various stages of hibernation were subjected to ex vivo
      CI. RESULTS: Tubular apoptosis was not detected and caspase-3-like activity was
      not different between hibernating and summer kidneys. Despite prolonged CI
      followed by WI and reperfusion, acute tubular necrosis and apoptosis did not
      occur in hibernating kidneys. BBI was absent in torpid kidneys but significantly
      increased in IBA kidneys and associated with an increase in caspase-3-like
      activity, suggesting that IBA kidneys are more susceptible to injury than summer
      or torpid kidneys. Renal function and urine concentrating ability diminished
      during torpor but returned during IBA. CONCLUSIONS: Despite BBI, IBA kidneys
      clear serum creatinine and concentrate urine. Kidneys from both summer and
      hibernating animals tolerated ex vivo CI, confirming that protection from
      apoptotic and necrotic cell death is independent of the stage of hibernation. An
      understanding of how renal protection occurs during hibernation may help in
      understanding the pathophysiology of delayed graft function.

PMID- 22082818
TI  - Temporal association between increased virus-specific Th17 response and
      spontaneous recovery from recurrent hepatitis C in a liver transplant recipient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after orthotopic
      liver transplantation (OLT) is a rare occurrence. Here, we present detailed
      immunological analysis of an interferon naive OLT recipient receiving
      uninterrupted immunosuppression who cleared HCV spontaneously 2 years after
      transplantation. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunospot assay analysis of peripheral T
      cell interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-17 response to HCV
      core and nonstructural antigen 4 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to
      collagen (Col) subtypes I, II, IV, and V were performed in the index patient at
      the time of viral clearance and compared with an OLT cohort with persistent
      viremia matched for time from OLT, immunosuppression, and histology. Enzyme
      linked immunospot assay and ELISA analysis were repeated on the patient 4 years
      after OLT. Transcription-mediated amplification assays were used to confirm viral
      clearance. RESULTS: Compared with a cohort of post-OLT and nontransplanted
      viremic HCV patients, the index patient with HCV clearance demonstrated higher IL
      17, IL-10, and lower IFN-gamma response to nonstructural antigen 4 and core
      antigen and a higher titer of antibodies (Abs) to Col subtypes I, II, and V
      during clearance. On follow-up 2 years later, HCV-specific IFN-gamma was
      increased in the index patient, with a decline in IL-17 and IL-10 response and
      Col I, II, and V Ab titer. CONCLUSIONS: Virus-induced activation of Th-17 cells
      may contribute to HCV clearance post-OLT. Maintenance of viral suppression may be
      facilitated by restoration of Th1 (IFN-gamma) responses. Modulation of Th17
      immunity deserves further attention as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of
      HCV recurrence post-OLT.

PMID- 22082819
TI  - Tolerance to vascularized composite allografts in canine mixed hematopoietic
      chimeras.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mixed donor-host chimerism, established through hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (HCT), is a reproducible strategy for the induction of tolerance
      toward solid organs. Here, we ask whether a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen
      establishing mixed donor-host chimerism leads to tolerance of antigenic
      vascularized composite allografts. METHODS: Stable mixed chimerism was
      established in dogs given a sublethal dose (1-2 Gy) total body irradiation before
      and a short course of immunosuppression after dog leukocyte antigen-identical
      marrow transplantation. Vascularized composite allografts from marrow donors were
      performed after a median of 36 months (range, 4-54 months) after HCT. RESULTS:
      All marrow recipients maintained mixed donor-host hematopoietic chimerism and
      accepted vascularized composite allografts for periods ranging between 52 and 90
      weeks; in turn, marrow donors rejected vascularized composite allografts from
      their respective marrow recipients within 18 to 29 days. Biopsies of muscle and
      skin of vascularized composite allografts from mixed chimeras showed few
      infiltrating cells compared with extensive infiltrates in biopsies of
      vascularized composite allografts from marrow donors. Elevated levels of CD3+
      FoxP3+ T-regulatory cells were found in skin and muscle of vascularized composite
      allografts of mixed chimeras compared with normal tissues. In mixed chimeras,
      increased numbers of T-regulatory cells were found in draining compared with
      nondraining lymph nodes of vascularized composite allografts. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data suggest that nonmyeloablative HCT may form the basis for future clinical
      applications of solid organ transplantation and that T-regulatory cells may
      function toward maintenance of the vascularized composite allograft.

PMID- 22082820
TI  - Current status of hepatocyte transplantation.
AB  - Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) has been performed in patients with liver-based
      metabolic disease and acute liver failure as a potential alternative to liver
      transplantation. The results are encouraging in genetic liver conditions where HT
      can replace the missing enzyme or protein. However, there are limitations to the
      technique, which need to be overcome. Unused donor livers to isolate hepatocytes
      are in short supply and are often steatotic, although addition of N
      acetylcysteine improves the quality of the cells obtained. Hepatocytes are
      cryopreserved for later use and this is detrimental to metabolic function on
      thawing. There are improved cryopreservation protocols, but these need further
      refinement. Hepatocytes are usually infused into the hepatic portal vein with
      many cells rapidly cleared by the innate immune system, which needs to be
      prevented. It is difficult to detect engraftment of donor cells in the liver, and
      methods to track cells labeled with iron oxide magnetic resonance imaging
      contrast agents are being developed. Methods to increase cell engraftment based
      on portal embolization or irradiation of the liver are being assessed for
      clinical application. Encapsulation of hepatocytes allows cells to be
      transplanted intraperitoneally in acute liver failure with the advantage of
      avoiding immunosuppression. Alternative sources of hepatocytes, which could be
      derived from stem cells, are needed. Mesenchymal stem cells are currently being
      investigated particularly for their hepatotropic effects. Other sources of cells
      may be better if the potential for tumor formation can be avoided. With a greater
      supply of hepatocytes, wider use of HT and evaluation in different liver
      conditions should be possible.

PMID- 22082822
TI  - Ventilatory functions in cotton textile workers and the role of some inflammatory
      cytokines.
AB  - Exposure to cotton dust in industrial environments causes inflammation in the
      airways of the exposed workers. This may manifest as respiratory complaints and
      changes in the respiratory functions after work shift and in the baseline of
      their ventilatory functions. The study aimed to investigate the effect of
      occupational exposure to cotton dust on respiratory symptoms, ventilatory
      functions and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor alpha,
      interleukin 6 and interleukin 1beta). The study was conducted on 63 textile
      workers and 65 nonexposed subjects. Both groups were matched for age,
      socioeconomic status and smoking habit. The respirable dust measured in the
      workplace did not exceed the permissible values of the Egyptian law 1994. The
      bacterial counts detected were within the occupational exposure limits of the
      industrial settings. The results revealed that the percentage of respiratory
      symptoms was higher in textile workers. Respiratory complaints were chronic cough
      (33.2%), chronic bronchitis (39.7%) and dyspnea (23.8%) in textile workers
      compared to (6.2%, 6.2% and 1.5%), respectively, in controls. There was a marked
      reduction in the ventilatory functions (forced vital capacity and forced
      expiratory volume in 1 s) in the textile workers compared to the controls. The
      additive effect of smoking on the ventilatory functions was not apparent. The
      ventilatory functions of the workers were significantly positively correlated
      with the duration of exposure. The cytokines were insignificantly higher in the
      textile workers compared to their controls. The textile workers with respiratory
      complaints showed significant decline in ventilatory functions and elevation in
      the cytokine levels compared to the nonsymtomatizing workers with significant
      difference in interleukin 1beta and interleukin 6. In conclusion, the results
      supported the fact that exposure to cotton dust deteriorates ventilatory
      functions and elevates proinflammatory cytokine levels. Analysis of the release
      of cytokines can be used to evaluate the immune responses to organic dust-induced
      airway inflammation.

PMID- 22082823
TI  - Fatal methanol poisoning: features of liver histopathology.
AB  - Methanol poisoning has become a considerable problem in Iran. Liver can show some
      features of poisoning after methanol ingestion. Therefore, our concern was to
      examine liver tissue histopathology in fatal methanol poisoning cases in Iranian
      population. In this study, 44 cases of fatal methanol poisoning were identified
      in a year. The histological changes of the liver were reviewed. The most striking
      features of liver damage by light microscopy were micro-vesicular steatosis,
      macro-vesicular steatosis, focal hepatocyte necrosis, mild intra-hepatocyte bile
      stasis, feathery degeneration and hydropic degeneration. Blood and vitreous humor
      methanol concentrations were examined to confirm the proposed history of methanol
      poisoning. The majority of cases were men (86.36%). In conclusion, methanol
      poisoning can cause histological changes in liver tissues. Most importantly in
      cases with mean blood and vitreous humor methanol levels greater than 127 +/-
      38.9 mg/dL more than one pathologic features were detected.

PMID- 22082824
TI  - Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of infliximab in a rat model of
      intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of
      infliximab on oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in the rat
      intestinal mucosa after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). A total of 30 male Wistar
      albino rats were divided into three groups: sham, I/R and I/R+ infliximab; each
      group comprised 10 animals. Sham group animals underwent laparotomy without I/R
      injury. I/R groups after undergoing laparotomy, 1 hour of superior mesenteric
      artery ligation occurred, which was followed by 1 hour of reperfusion. In the
      infliximab group, 3 days before I/R, infliximab (3 mg/kg) was administered
      intravenously. All animals were killed at the end of reperfusion and intestinal
      tissues samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigation
      in all groups. To date, no biochemical and histopathological changes have been
      reported regarding intestinal I/R injury in rats due to infliximab treatment.
      Infliximab treatment significantly decreased the elevated tissue malondialdehyde
      levels and increased reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase
      enzyme activities in intestinal tissues samples. I/R caused severe
      histopathological injury including mucosal erosions, inflammatory cell
      infiltration, necrosis, hemorrhage, and villous congestion. Infliximab treatment
      significantly attenuated the severity of intestinal I/R injury, inhibiting I/R
      induced apoptosis, and cell proliferation. Because of its anti-inflammatory and
      antioxidant effects, infliximab pretreatment may have protective effects on the
      experimental intestinal I/R model of rats.

PMID- 22082825
TI  - Biochemical evidence on the potential role of organophosphates in hepatic glucose
      metabolism toward insulin resistance through inflammatory signaling and free
      radical pathways.
AB  - Several studies show that organophosphate pesticides exert several effects on
      glucose homeostasis. The current study investigates the influence of subchronic
      exposure to malathion (MT) on hepatic gluconeogenesis in relation to acetyl
      cholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in
      the rat. MT was administered by gavage at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 32
      days. Fasting hyperglycemia was seen in line with an increased activity of
      hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose 6-phosphatase and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha. In addition to the impaired glucose tolerance and
      inhibition of AChE in a dose-dependent manner, there were significant increases
      in hepatic lipid peroxidation, carbonyl groups and 8-deoxyguanosine as the
      biomarkers of reactive oxygen species-mediated damage to lipid, protein and DNA,
      respectively. Altered quality of the liver in glucose production especially
      gluconeogenesis could be a compensatory mechanism against MT toxicity or even
      result in tissue damage. MT-induced insulin resistance in the liver occurs
      through oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways.

PMID- 22082826
TI  - Heat stress decreases testicular germ cell proliferation and increases apoptosis
      in short term: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.
AB  - Scrotal hyperthermia has been known as a cause of male infertility but the exact
      mechanism leading to impaired spermatogenesis is unknown. This work was aimed to
      investigate the role of scrotal hyperthermia on cell proliferation and apoptosis
      in testes. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental
      groups: A (control), B (1 day after scrotal hyperthermia), C (14 days after
      scrotal hyperthermia), and D (35 days after scrotal hyperthermia); each group
      comprised 7 animals. Scrotal hyperthermia was carried out in a thermostatically
      controlled water bath at 43 degrees C for 30 min once daily for 6 consecutive
      days. Control rats were treated in the same way, except the testes were immersed
      in a water bath maintained at 22 degrees C. Hyperthermia-exposed rats were killed
      under 50 mg/kg ketamine anaesthesia and tissue samples were obtained for
      biochemical and histopathological investigations. Hyperthermia treatment
      significantly decreased the testicular antioxidant system, including decreases in
      the glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase
      activities. Moreover, exposure to hyperthermia resulted in lipid peroxidation
      increase in testes. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the expression
      of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and an enhancement in the activity of
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling after scrotal
      hyperthermia. In scrotal hyperthermia, the mitochondrial degeneration, dilatation
      of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and enlarged intercellular spaces were observed
      in both Sertoli and spermatid cells. Scrotal hyperthermia is one of the major
      factors that impair spermatogenesis in testis. This heat stress is shown to be
      closely associated with oxidative stress, followed by apoptosis of germ cells.

PMID- 22082827
TI  - Tissues distribution of heavy metals and erythrocytes antioxidant status in rats
      exposed to Nigerian bonny light crude oil.
AB  - The harmful effects of folkloric uses of Nigerian bonny light crude oil (BLCO) in
      ailments management may outweigh the expected beneficial effects. We investigated
      the levels of heavy metal concentrations in the tissues as well as the effect of
      BLCO on the antioxidant status of erythrocytes of rats after oral exposure to 0,
      200 and 800 mg/kg BLCO for 7 days. Analysis of heavy metal concentrations in BLCO
      showed that Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Ni. The trend of accumulation of the metals in
      the tissues is blood-Fe > Pb >Zn whereas Cu and Ni levels were not affected;
      Liver-Ni > Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb and Testes-Ni > Cu > Pb > Zn > Fe. The order of
      concentration of the metals in the tissues is as follows: iron-blood > liver >
      testes; zinc-liver > blood > testes; lead-blood > liver > testes; copper-testes >
      liver > blood; nickel-liver > testes > blood. Activities of the antioxidant
      enzymes of erythrocytes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S
      transferase and glutathione peroxidase increased significantly in a dose
      dependent manner with significant elevation in hydrogen peroxide and
      malondialdehyde levels, whereas glutathione level was not significantly decreased
      in BLCO-treated animals. Collectively, the results showed that BLCO induces
      oxidative damage to erythrocytes of rats.

PMID- 22082828
TI  - Aspergillus hazardous problem in ceramic workers.
AB  - Ceramic workers are at a high risk of developing respiratory problems as they are
      exposed to high levels of respirable dust containing silica and high microbial
      counts, including high Aspergillus counts. The aim of the study was to study the
      percentage of ceramic workers with positive Aspergillus (A.) through polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) and specific IgE (sIgE) for the different Aspergillus
      species. PCR and specific IgE (sIgE) for the different Aspergillus species (A.
      flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger) were estimated in 40 ceramic workers and 56
      control subjects. Results revealed that 32.5% of the workers' sputum was PCR
      positive for Aspergillus. About 69.2% of them were A. flavus positive, 15.4% A.
      niger positive, 7.7% A. fumigatus positive and 7.7% A. flavus and A. fumigatus
      positive. The percentage change in sIgE for A. fumigatus between the workers and
      their controls was over 100%, while less than 50% for the other two species. The
      sIgE levels for the three Aspergillus species were not significantly correlated
      with the duration of exposure. Fungal exposure could be considered potential
      hazardous problem in ceramic industry. There were no significant correlations
      between the duration of exposure and the sIgE for the different Aspergillus
      species.

PMID- 22082829
TI  - Effect of fenugreek seed extract on adriamycin-induced hepatotoxicity and
      oxidative stress in albino rats.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of
      fenugreek seeds against hepatotoxicity induced in albino rats by the anticancer
      drug adriamycin (ADR). Animals were given single dose of ADR (10 mg/kg body
      weight) and were killed after 2 and 4 weeks. Liver of ADR-treated animals showed
      histopathological and biochemical alterations. The histopathological changes
      include hepatic tissue impairment, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes,
      congestion of blood vessels, leucocytic infiltrations and fatty infiltration.
      Moreover, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was increased in
      ADR-treated rats. The liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine
      aminotransferase (AST) were increased in the sera of treated rats. Moreover, ADR
      significantly increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased
      the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hepatic
      tissue. Treating animals with ADR and aqueous extract of fenugreek (0.4 g/kg body
      weight) seeds led to an improvement in histological and biochemical alterations
      induced by ADR. The biochemical results showed that AST and ALT appeared normal
      together with reduction in the level of MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) and
      increase in SOD and CAT activities. It was concluded from this study that the
      aqueous extract fenugreek seeds has a beneficial impact on ADR-induced
      hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant effect in albino rats.

PMID- 22082830
TI  - Parkin interacts with Klokin1 for mitochondrial import and maintenance of
      membrane potential.
AB  - Parkin is a multifunctional protein, including maintaining mitochondrial
      homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that Parkin is recruited from the cytoplasm
      to damaged mitochondria with low membrane potential. We found that intracellular
      localization of Parkin changed with cellular growth phase. Parkin was
      preferentially localized in the mitochondria of cultured cells. The mitochondria
      with large amounts of Parkin showed preserved membrane potentials even during
      treatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Here we report a novel
      protein named Klokin 1 that transports Parkin to the mitochondria. Klokin 1 was
      localized to the mitochondria and enhanced mitochondrial expression of Parkin.
      Klokin 1 enhanced cell viability in Parkin-silenced cells. Klokin 1 expression
      was enhanced in the brains of Parkin-deficient mice but not in an autopsied PARK2
      brain. Our findings indicate that mitochondrial Parkin prevents mitochondrial
      depolarization and that Klokin 1 may compensate for Parkin deficiency.

PMID- 22082831
TI  - Targeted mutation of SLC4A5 induces arterial hypertension and renal metabolic
      acidosis.
AB  - The human SLC4A5 gene has been identified as a hypertension susceptibility gene
      based on the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with blood pressure
      (BP) levels and hypertension status. The biochemical basis of this association is
      unknown particularly since no single gene variant was linked to hypertension in
      humans. SLC4A5 (NBCe2, NBC4) is expressed in the collecting duct of the kidney
      and acts as an electrogenic ion-transporter that transports sodium and
      bicarbonate with a 1:2 or 1:3 stoichiometry allowing bicarbonate reabsorption
      with relatively minor concurrent sodium uptake. We have mutated the Slc4a5 gene
      in mice, which caused a persistent increase in systolic and diastolic BP. Slc4a5
      mutant mice also displayed a compensated metabolic acidosis and hyporeninemic
      hypoaldosteronism. Analysis of kidney physiology revealed elevated fluid intake
      and urine excretion and increased glomerular filtration rate. Transcriptome
      analysis uncovers possible compensatory mechanisms induced by SLC4A5 mutation,
      including upregulation of SLC4A7 and pendrin as well as molecular mechanisms
      associated with hypertension. Induction of metabolic alkalosis eliminated the BP
      difference between wild-type and Slc4a5 mutant mice. We conclude that the
      impairment of the function of SLC4A5 favors development of a hypertensive state.
      We reason that the loss of sodium-sparing bicarbonate reabsorption by SLC4A5
      initiates a regulatory cascade consisting of compensatory bicarbonate
      reabsorption via other sodium-bicarbonate transporters (e.g. SLC4A7) at the
      expense of an increased sodium uptake. This will ultimately raise BP and cause
      hypoaldosteronism, thus providing a mechanistic explanation for the linkage of
      the SLC4A5 locus to hypertension in humans.

PMID- 22082833
TI  - Cause of death for those with diabetes and/or cancer provides further support for
      an important role of vitamin D in reducing risk of many types of disease.

PMID- 22082834
TI  - Design, synthesis and anticonvulsant evaluation of novel N-(4-substituted phenyl)
      2-[4-(substituted) benzylidene]-hydrazinecarbothio amides.
AB  - Thirty six new N-(4-substituted phenyl)-2-[4-(substituted) benzylidene]
      hydrazinecarbothioamides were synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant
      activity and neurotoxicity. The anticonvulsant activity was established in three
      seizure models i.e. MES, scMET and 6 Hz model. The most active compound was 2-[4
      (4-chlorophenoxy)benzylidene]-N-(4-fluorophenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide PC 31
      which showed 100% protection at 0.5 h in the 6 Hz test. Compound 2-[4-(4
      bromophenoxy) benzylidene]-N-(4-bromophenyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide PC 23 was
      found to be active in both the MES and 6 Hz test. A computational study was
      carried out from calculation of a pharmacophore pattern and the prediction of
      pharmacokinetic properties. Titled compounds have also exhibited good binding
      properties with epilepsy molecular targets such as glutamate, GABA (A) delta and
      GABA (A) alpha-1 receptors, in the Lamarckian genetic algorithm based on flexible
      docking studies.

PMID- 22082832
TI  - Hyperpolarizing GABAergic transmission depends on KCC2 function and membrane
      potential.
AB  - KCC2 comprises the major Cl(-) extruding mechanism in most adult neurons.
      Hyperpolarizing GABAergic transmission depends on KCC2 function. We recently
      demonstrated that glutamate reduces KCC2 function by a phosphorylation-dependent
      mechanism that leads to excitatory GABA responses. Here we investigated the
      methods by which to estimate changes in E(GABA), as well as the processes that
      lead to depolarizing GABA responses and their effects on neuronal excitability.
      We demonstrated that current-clamp recordings of membrane potential responses to
      GABA can determine upper and lower limits of E(GABA). We also further
      characterized depolarizing GABA responses, which both excited and inhibited
      neurons. Our analyses revealed that persistently active GABA(A) receptors
      contributed to loading Cl(-) during the glutamate exposure, indicating that tonic
      inhibition can facilitate the development of depolarizing GABA responses and
      increase excitability after pathophysiological insults. Finally, we demonstrated
      that hyperpolarizing GABA responses could temporarily switch to depolarizing
      responses when they coincided with an afterhyperpolarization.

PMID- 22082835
TI  - Immunological similarity of thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) and thyroid
      blocking antibody (TBAb) with animal IgG.
AB  - Previously we reported neutralization and partial purification of TSAb and TBAb
      activity using heterophilic antibody (Ab) to animal IgG from Graves' disease.
      Thus, we examined immunological similarity of TSAb and TBAb with animal IgG using
      experimentally generated anti-animal IgG [dog (d), bovine (b), porcine (p) and
      rabbit (rb)] Abs. TBII activity of TSAb- and TBAb-positive serum was neutralized
      by these anti-animal IgG Abs. Applied TSAb- or TBAb-IgG protein (purified by
      Protein A) on these anti-animal IgG Abs-bound column was found mainly in the
      unbound fraction (UF) (>65%) and partially in the bound fraction(BF) (<35%). The
      TBII and TSAb activity of TSAb-IgG in the BF showed significantly higher than the
      UF. Thus, the ratio of TBII activity (U/L)/mg protein in the BF/UF was high. TBII
      activity of TBAb-IgG was similarly purified by this column. We examined
      immunological characteristics of TSAb-and TBAb-Fab or F(ab')2 using rabbit anti
      bF(ab')2 Ab. TBII and TSAb activity of TSAb-Fab or- F(ab')2 and TBII activity of
      TBAb-Fab or -F(ab')2 were neutralized by anti-bF(ab')2 Ab. Partial purification
      of TSAb- or TBAb-Fab and -F(ab')2 by anti-bF(ab')2 Ab-bound column was also
      possible. Immunological similarity of TSAb- and TBAb-IgG with animal IgG such as
      d, b, p, rb by anti-animal IgG Ab, and TSAb- or TBAb-Fab and -F(ab')2 with bFab
      by anti-bF(ab')2 Ab were demonstrated. These fact suggest that both Fab and Fc
      portion of TSAb- and TBAb-IgG molecule have immunological similarity with animal
      IgG.

PMID- 22082836
TI  - Neutralization and purification of thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) and
      thyroid blocking antibody (TBAb) by heterophilic antibody to animal IgG in
      Graves' disease.
AB  - There are several reports that sera from Graves' patients contain heterophilic
      antibody (Ab) to animal IgG such as human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA).  We
      examined the binding of TSAb and TBAb with heterophilic Ab.  The binding of
      animal IgG with patient's IgG was examined by the inhibition of animal IgG on the
      binding of labeled bovine (b) IgG with patient's IgG.  The binding to labeled
      bIgG was detected in the serum of 5 patients (2.7 %) among 185 patients with
      Graves' disease.  The binding of the labeled bIgG with patient's IgG was
      inhibited by animal serum or the crude IgG (45% ammonium sulfate fraction of
      serum)(such as dog, horse, bovine, porcine, goat, ovine, rabbit, guinea-pig, rat,
      mouse) except human, monkey and chick.  This heterophilic Ab which had cross
      reaction with mammalian IgG (except human, monkey) was used as human anti-animal
      IgG Ab.  TBII and TSAb activity of TSAb-positive serum, and TBII activity of TBAb
      positive serum were neutralized by incubation with this Ab-bound column.  Partial
      purification of TSAb- or TBAb- IgG from Protein A-purified TSAb- or TBAb-IgG was
      possible using this Ab-bound column.  TBII and TSAb activity of TSAb-IgG and TBII
      activity of TBAb-IgG were neutralized by incubation with rabbit anti-human (h)
      IgG Ab (having cross-reaction with animal IgG).  Further purification of Protein
      A-purified TSAb-IgG or TBAb-IgG by rabbit anti-hIgG Ab-bound column was
      impossible.  The binding of TSAb and TBAb with heterophlic Ab means that TSAb-and
      TBAb-specific IgG have immunological similarity with mammalian species IgG
      compared to human IgG.

PMID- 22082837
TI  - Association between Leapfrog safe practices score and hospital mortality in major
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Leapfrog Group reports on hospitals' adoption of the National
      Quality Forum Patient Safety Practices. However, it is unknown whether hospital
      compliance with these safe practices is associated with improved outcomes in
      patients undergoing major surgery. METHODS: We analyzed the association between
      hospital mortality and Leapfrog Safe Practices among patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass graft surgery (n=18,565), abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
      (n=2777), and hip replacement (n=25,067) in hospitals participating in the 2007
      Leapfrog Hospital Survey using logistic regression. RESULTS: After adjusting for
      patient and hospital factors, we found that the total safety score (adjusted odds
      ratio: 1.000, 95% confidence interval: 0.999-1.001) was not associated with
      hospital mortality. Computerized physician order entry and ICU physician staffing
      were also not associated with hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find
      evidence that patients undergoing major surgery at hospitals which scored higher
      on the Leapfrog Safe Practices Survey had lower mortality rates. The Leapfrog
      safe practices score as a standalone quality measure may have limited power to
      distinguish between high-quality and low-quality hospitals.

PMID- 22082838
TI  - Spitz nevi and other Spitzoid lesions part I. Background and diagnoses.
AB  - Spitz nevi are melanocytic proliferations that are characterized by spindled
      and/or epithelioid nevomelanocytes. First interpreted as juvenile melanoma, these
      lesions were later characterized as benign and were observed to affect all age
      groups. Today, contrasting opinions persist regarding the fundamental benignancy
      versus malignancy within the spectrum of Spitz tumors. Beyond clinical outcome,
      this controversy has also been fueled by complex and sometimes convoluted
      classification schemes based on pathologic characteristics. More recently,
      immunophenotypic and molecular analyses have begun to clarify the etiologic
      nature of these tumors. Recent evidence suggests that histopathologic features
      that suggest more aggressiveness in Spitz tumors relate to mitoses and
      inflammation.

PMID- 22082840
TI  - Alopecia areata incognita.

PMID- 22082839
TI  - Spitz nevi and other Spitzoid lesions part II. Natural history and management.
AB  - For dermatologists, evidence-based management guidelines for Spitz tumors have
      not been established. Despite the lack of a standardized approach, most
      dermatologists recommend the excision of Spitz tumors occurring in adults and
      adopt more conservative measures towards pediatric cases. The histopathologic
      attributes and the clinical scenario are factored into management in each case.
      While the metastatic behavior of certain Spitz tumors is well known, the
      malignant potential of these lesions remains unclear because they only rarely
      result in negative outcomes. The risks and benefits of adjunctive measures, such
      as sentinel lymph node biopsy and interferon use, remain untested and are
      subjects of ongoing controversy. (In part II of this continuing medical education
      article, we will continue to use the terminology defined in part I for purposes
      of continuity. "Spitz tumor" is used as the umbrella term for the entire category
      of lesions, "common Spitz nevi" refers to only the most typical lesions seen in
      pediatric cases, and "atypical Spitz tumors" encompass the "all other" category,
      which continues to cause debate.).

PMID- 22082841
TI  - Skin carcinogenesis and driving.

PMID- 22082842
TI  - Statins differ significantly in their anti-inflammatory activity.

PMID- 22082843
TI  - Left-sided skin cancers on the arm from driving? Past and future lessons from
      Australia.

PMID- 22082845
TI  - Antibiotic susceptibility of Corynebacterium minutissimum isolated from lesions
      of Turkish patients with erythrasma.

PMID- 22082846
TI  - A randomized controlled crossover trial: lidocaine injected at a 90-degree angle
      causes less pain than lidocaine injected at a 45-degree angle.

PMID- 22082847
TI  - The AC Rule for melanoma: a simpler tool for the wider community.

PMID- 22082848
TI  - Actinomycosis presenting as a destructive ulcerated plaque on the palate and
      gingiva.

PMID- 22082849
TI  - Gemcitabine-associated sweet syndrome-like eruption.

PMID- 22082850
TI  - Zoledronic acid-induced cutaneous B-cell pseudolymphoma.

PMID- 22082853
TI  - Mechanical fatigue cycling on teeth restored with fiber posts: impact of coronal
      grooves and diameter of glass fiber post on fracture resistance.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of different diameters and
      surface characteristics of a glass fiber post on the fracture resistance of teeth
      restored with fiber posts. METHODS: Eighty single-rooted bovine teeth were
      prepared, embedded in a PVC cylinder using acrylic resin, and allocated into 8
      groups (N.=10) according to post diameter and shape: (smooth double-tapered fiber
      post) G1, G2, G3, and G4 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2
      mm, respectively; (double-tapered fiber posts with coronal grooves) G5, G6, G7,
      and G8 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively.
      A self-adhesive cement was used for post cementation, and the core build-up was
      standardized and made with composite resin. Specimens were stored for 7 days and
      then submitted to the mechanical fatigue testing (load=50 N., angle= 45 degrees ,
      frequency=1 Hz, temperature=37 +/- 1  degrees C, number of cycles=1000000); the
      specimens that survived were submitted to static resistance testing (1 mm/min, 45
      degrees ). The fracture loads and fracture modes was recorded. Data were
      submitted to 2-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey test and Pearson Correlation analysis.
      RESULTS: The cervical diameter of the post (P<0.0001) and surface characteristics
      (P=0.01013) significantly affected the fracture resistance (2-way ANOVA). Grooves
      reduced the fracture resistance when post diameter was 1.4 mm (G1 and G5). A
      moderate positive correlation was found between the fracture resistance and the
      fiber post diameter (r2=0.4445; P<0.0001) (Pearson correlation test). CONCLUSION:
      It appears that there is a direct relation between the diameter of the fiber post
      and the fracture strength of roots restored with fiber posts. But other factors
      may have influenced the fracture strength such as the reduction of intracanal
      dentin by the preparation for placement of wider fiber posts, since no difference
      was found for smooth fiber posts with different diameter. Otherwise, grooves at
      coronal part of the fiber post can damage the fracture resistance.

PMID- 22082854
TI  - Antimicrobial prescribing practice by dentists: a study from two primary care
      centres in UK.
AB  - AIM: Antimicrobials are often prescribed by dental practitioners for various
      dental conditions. However, non-adherence to standard prescribing guidelines is
      common in day to day dental practice. The aim of this paper was to investigate
      the types of antimicrobials used for various orofacial infections by primary care
      dental practitioners and to verify their adherence to standard prescribing
      guidelines. METHODS: Clinical data was analyzed from random electronic files of
      patients for whom antimicrobials were prescribed at two Dental Practices in UK
      between January 2009 and December 2010. British National Formulary (60th Edn),
      guidelines of Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme and UK National
      Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines were used to
      identify adherence to prescribing guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 200 cases were
      analyzed. Amoxicillin (52%) was the commonest antimicrobial prescribed followed
      by metronidazole (43.5%). Mean age of the patients was 37.2 (+/- 15.1) years.
      Mean duration of antimicrobial prescription was for 4.3 (+/- 1.4) days. Non
      adherence to the standard prescribing guidelines was observed in 116 (58%)
      prescriptions. CONCLUSION: Amoxicillin continues to be the commonest
      antimicrobial preferred by primary care dental practitioners. Non-adherence to
      standard antimicrobial prescribing guidelines still remains high among primary
      care dentists.

PMID- 22082855
TI  - Comparison between two methods to evaluate temperature changes produced by
      composite light curing units and polymerization techniques.
AB  - AIM: This study evaluated the temperature change into the pulp chamber during the
      light curing of composite resin by direct (bovine tooth) and indirect (matrix)
      methods. METHODS: Direct method: fifty standardized cavities (2x2x2 mm) were
      prepared in bovine incisors, which were randomly assigned to evaluation of the
      temperature changes in the pulp chamber. Indirect method: temperature changes
      were evaluated through a dentine slice of 1.0 mm thickness in a elastomer cubic
      mold (2x2x2 mm). Filtek Z250 composite resin (3M/ESPE) was photo-activated using
      three light curing units: quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) by continuous, soft-start
      or intermittent light modulations; light emitting diode (LED); and plasma arc
      curing (PAC). Ten groups (N.=10) were established according to technique
      evaluation and photo-activation methods. All experiments were carried out in a
      controlled environment (37  degrees C and 50 +/- 10% relative humidity). The
      temperature changes were recorded using a digital thermometer attached to a type
      K thermocouple in contact with the dentin slice (indirect method) or in contact
      with the axial wall (dentin) of pulp chamber (direct method). The results were
      submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Temperature changes
      were statistically higher for the matrix indirect method (2.56 oC) than bovine
      teeth direct method (1.17oC). The change temperature was statistically higher for
      the PAC (1.77 oC) when compared to other photo-activation modes in bovine teeth
      direct method. CONCLUSION: The two methods of temperature evaluation were
      different, however indirect method detected the higher temperature increase.
      Higher energy density arising from the light curing units and polymerization
      techniques promoted higher temperature increase.

PMID- 22082856
TI  - A consensus conference on management of the lower third molar. Italian Society of
      Odontostomatological Surgery.
AB  - During the first Congress of the Italian University Schools of Oral Surgery, held
      in Rome on 18-20th February, 2010, a task force was convened by the Italian
      Society of Odontostomatological Surgery (SIdCO) to summarize the data collected
      from the current literature on selected aspects relating to the mandibular third
      molar and its removal. The task of the Conference Participants was to review and
      analyze the pertinent literature and to elaborate conclusive recommendations for
      the management of the lower third molar. The statements made and the
      recommendations presented represent the consensus of the Conference, which can be
      considered the official statement of the SIdCO.

PMID- 22082857
TI  - Pit and fissure sealants: review of literature and application technique.
AB  - Molars and premolars are the most vulnerable teeth to caries attack. The high
      susceptibility of these teeth to caries is directly related to morphology of
      their occlusal surface that prevents both chemical cleaning by saliva and
      mechanical cleaning by toothbrush. Pit and fissures are therefore the most prone
      areas to caries and need special protection to prevent carious lesions. Fluoride
      is the only chemical element used for caries prevention. In fact, it favors the
      remineralisation of initial lesions, prevents the production of polysaccharides
      essential for the development and sustainment of bacterial plaque, and the
      absorption of salivary glycoprotein. Fluoride also reinforces enamel, making it
      less susceptible to caries. Two methods of fluoroprophylaxis have been proposed:
      the first is the systemic fluoroprophylaxis which is particularly efficient in
      preventing interproximal caries, but it does not form an adequate protective
      barrier on the occlusal surfaces; the other is the topical application of a
      fluoride gel to the tooth surface, although this second method does not
      significantly reduce the incidence of caries. The efficacy of the sealing
      procedures depends on the correct application technique. Observing an operative
      protocol will ensure a longer lasting retention of the sealant on the occlusal
      surface and subsequently prolongs the protection against caries.

PMID- 22082858
TI  - The controversial issue of centric relation: a historical and current dental
      perspective?
AB  - Human mandible is related to the anatomic skull in several positions among these;
      centric relation is a significant spatial position. It contributes not only as a
      reference position to build optimal occlusion in artificial dentition, but is
      also related to sound periodontal health and stomatognatic function. The purpose
      of this article is to critically discuss the historical and current definitions
      of centric relation, the different methods used for recording the same and its
      clinical implication in the restorative dental practice.

PMID- 22082859
TI  - Two-flap palatoplasty for treatment of oronasal fistula by trauma sequel.
AB  - The oronasal fistula is a chronic communication between the oral and nasal cavity
      that often affects patients with cleft palate. However, others uncommon causes of
      oronasal fistula are associated with facial traumas, infections and neoplasias.
      In this report we present a case of oronasal fistula as consequence of facial
      trauma that was treated by two flaps technique for palatoplasty. In this sense,
      we discussed treatment indications, surgical technique and patient prognostic of
      a relatively simple option that can provide a definitive repair with minimal
      morbidity.

PMID- 22082860
TI  - The reading man flap for closure of large meningomyelocele defects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Closure of the skin defect in myelomeningocele repair is an essential
      step that determines the quality of the surgical result. In large
      myelomeningoceles, however, adequate skin coverage may not be accomplished by
      direct closure or skin undermining. In such cases, the skin defect is best
      repaired using flaps. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reading man
      procedure for closure of large meningomyelocele defect. METHODS: In this
      procedure, after neurosurgical repair and closure of the placode, the defect
      surgically becomes a circle in shape. Then, the circular defect is closed by
      transposition of two skin flaps designed in an unequal Z-plasty manner. Over 5
      years, the reading man procedure was used for closure of large meningomyelocele
      defects in seven patients (four females and three males), aged between 1.5 and 6
      months. The defect size was 10.5*7.25 cm (8.5*5.3 and 12.6*9.5 cm) on average.
      The localisation of the lesions was thoracolumbar in two patients and lumbosacral
      in five patients. RESULTS: In all patients, a successful tension-free one-stage
      closure was obtained without dog-ear formation. Except for one patient with
      minimal tip necrosis, healing was uneventful without any complications. There was
      no patient with late breakdown of the wound during 1.5 years (8 months-4 years)
      of mean follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The reading man procedure enables the surgeon to
      achieve a tension-free defect closure of considerably large meningomyeleocele
      defects. Using two well-vascularised fasciocutaneous flaps, it provides a durable
      coverage and soft tissue padding over the neural tissues with no suture seam at
      midline. With these advantages, the Reading Man Procedure seems to be a useful
      and safe alternative for closure of large meningomyelocele defects.

PMID- 22082861
TI  - A transthyroidal method for arytenoid adduction: a basic anatomical study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Arytenoid adduction is a very effective procedure for medializing
      the posterior part of the vocal fold in vocal fold paralysis. Major drawback of
      the method is the technically sometimes-difficult access to the arytenoid with
      increased postoperative morbidity. Aim of this study was to provide basic
      anatomical data regarding the accessibility of the arytenoid cartilage through a
      thyroplasty window. Furthermore, to investigate the feasibility of an arytenoid
      adduction by fixation of a surgical screw to the arytenoid cartilage by using
      this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 cadaver larynges, six female and four
      male, were dissected and measured for our points of interest. A standard
      manufacture-made surgical screw attached to a suture was anchored to the fovea
      oblonga of the arytenoid cartilage. RESULTS: Our anatomical measurements proved a
      mean distance from the posterior edge of the thyroid window to the arytenoid of
      about 8-9 mm in male larynges and 7-8 mm in female larynges. The distances did
      not differ significantly between the sexes. Pulling the anchored surgical screw
      medializes the posterior part of the vocal fold. DISCUSSION: Our data showed that
      there is a very constant morphometric relation between the thyroplasty window and
      the arytenoid cartilage. It is known that gender-related differences result in a
      veritable laryngeal dimorphism in nearly all absolute laryngeal dimensions. These
      differences appear to a much lesser extend in the distances from the surface to
      the depth, as was confirmed in our series. Using these findings led us to
      identification of the fovea oblonga near the muscular process as the most
      favorable point for fixation of a surgical screw through a conventional
      thyroplasty window. Pulling the attached suture medializes the arytenoid
      cartilage.

PMID- 22082862
TI  - The effect of experience on classification of voice quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to compare the agreement
      among several groups of listeners with different types of experience in regard to
      classifying voice quality. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cross-sectional
      quasi-experimental design. METHOD: This study compared three groups: speech
      language pathologists who specialize in voice, singing voice teachers, and
      inexperienced listeners. All groups were asked to classify voice samples as
      breathy, rough, or normal. RESULTS: Results show a significant difference across
      all groups with speech-language pathologists demonstrating a substantial
      interrater agreement, kappa=0.67, z=103.07 (P<0.01); singing voice teachers
      demonstrating a moderate interrater agreement, kappa=0.53, z=79.10 (P<0.01); and
      inexperienced listeners demonstrating a fair interrater agreement, kappa=0.24,
      z=35.82 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Experienced listeners demonstrated a higher
      interrater agreement as compared with inexperienced listeners, with speech
      language pathologists demonstrating a superior agreement as compared with all
      groups.

PMID- 22082863
TI  - Laryngeal manifestations of relapsing polychondritis and a novel treatment
      option.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Laryngotracheal involvement in relapsing polychondritis (RP) is rare.
      However, it is one of the most common causes of death in this patient population.
      We present three patients who primarily presented with laryngeal manifestations
      of RP and a novel treatment option for bamboo nodules. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective chart review and comprehensive review of the literature. RESULTS:
      Two patients first presented to an otolaryngologist because of hoarseness and
      chronic cough that eventually progressed to dyspnea upon exertion. Laryngeal
      examination revealed subglottic stenoses. Upon rheumatologic workup both were
      diagnosed with RP. After treatment with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, one
      of the patient's laryngeal symptoms improved, whereas the other required dilation
      procedures. Neither patient had classic auricular or nasal symptoms upon initial
      presentation. The third patient was being treated for spasmodic dysphonia and was
      noted to have bamboo nodules with accompanying dysphonia. Rheumatologic workup
      revealed RP and systemic treatment ensued. Unfortunately, her symptoms of
      hoarseness persisted despite systemic treatment. A pulsed-potassium-titanyl
      phosphate (KTP) laser was applied to the bilateral bamboo nodules, which
      eventually caused resolution of her vocal fold lesions and dysphonia.
      CONCLUSIONS: We present three patients with RP, all of whom sought health care by
      an otolaryngologist primarily. Awareness of this disease entity and the
      possibility for early laryngeal involvement is crucial for proper care of those
      with this life-threatening disease.

PMID- 22082864
TI  - Resolution of vocal fold polyps with conservative treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vocal fold polyp is generally thought to require surgical removal.
      However, a certain proportion of polyps resolve with conservative treatment. This
      study was performed to clarify the frequency of spontaneous resolution of vocal
      fold polyp and identify features associated with polyps that are likely to
      resolve without surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: A review of
      the medical records of patients diagnosed with vocal fold polyps in Tokyo Voice
      Center from January 2001 to December 2008. RESULTS: Of 644 patients with the
      diagnosis of vocal fold polyp, 132 received conservative treatment, 433 were
      treated surgically, and 79 dropped out without attending for further consultation
      after the initial visit. Of those treated conservatively, 55 experienced complete
      resolution after a mean of 5.1 months of follow-up from the outset, and 29 showed
      lesion shrinkage after a mean of 4.1 months of follow-up. Polyps that resolved
      with conservative therapy were more likely than those that remained unchanged or
      enlarged to occur in women, be smaller, and have a shorter duration of symptoms.
      We could not determine the superiority of voice therapy. CONCLUSIONS: At least
      9.7% of vocal fold polyps might resolve without surgery. Conservative treatment
      should be considered as an option for selected patients with smaller and more
      recent-onset polyps.

PMID- 22082865
TI  - Glottal contact quotient in Mediterranean tongue trill.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a Mediterranean tongue trill (Zalghouta) on
      estimated glottal closed quotient (CQ). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 10 female
      subjects participated in this study. Vocal fold CQ was measured for both
      sustained vowel [a] and the tongue trill named Zlaghouta using
      electroglottography. Frequencies and means (+/-standard deviation) were used to
      describe categorical and continuous variables, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed
      nonparametric test was used to determine any significant changes in CQ means
      pretrill and during trill. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the mean
      CQ during the Mediterranean tongue trill (Zalghouta) versus the sustained vowel
      [a] (P value of 0.002) by 15.98. When stratified by training status there was a
      significant decrease for the trained group (P value of 0.031) and a
      nonsignificant decrease for the untrained group (P value of 0.125). CONCLUSION:
      Zalghouta induces a decrease in the vocal fold contact time. The potential
      benefits of the Mediterranean tongue trill in vocal therapy need consideration.

PMID- 22082866
TI  - The effect of cochlear implantation on nasalance of speech in postlingually
      hearing-impaired adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Hypernasality is considered a prevalent speech abnormality
      that could significantly contribute to the unintelligibility of the hearing
      impaired speakers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cochlear
      implantation and the duration of hearing loss on nasalance of speech of a
      postlingually impaired group of Saudi adult patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      study. METHODS: This study included 25 postlingually hearing-impaired patients
      who underwent cochlear implantation and 25 age-matched control subjects. Patients
      were divided into three groups according to the duration of hearing loss. The
      nasometric data of the hearing-impaired group were compared with the control
      group. Also, the preoperative values were compared with the postoperative values
      6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Significant differences were
      demonstrated between the preimplantation nasalance scores of the three subgroups
      and between the patients and control groups. There were statistically significant
      differences demonstrated between the pre- and the postimplantation nasalance
      values for the three groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation
      appears to have significant effects on improving the nasalance of the speech of
      postlingually hearing-impaired adult patients. However, the degree of improvement
      might vary according to the duration of hearing loss the patients had
      preimplantation.

PMID- 22082867
TI  - Validation and standardization of the Pediatric Voice Symptom Questionnaire: a
      double-form questionnaire for dysphonic children and their parents.
AB  - The aim of our study was to validate a Pediatric Voice Symptom Questionnaire
      (PVSQ) presenting with a parallel form for children and their parents. The items
      of the questionnaire were elaborated from the results of structured interviews
      with dysphonic children (DP) and normophonic children (NP) and their mothers and
      were tested for feasibility in a pilot study involving 42 normophonic children
      aged 5-13 years. The items were then administered in a test-retest mode to 333
      children and their parents (154 boys and 179 girls with a mean age of 9 years,
      standard deviation: 1.8); 45 consulting DP, 34 nonconsulting dysphonics (NcDP),
      163 NP, and 91 others. Classical statistical analyses and an item response
      modeling approach were used to analyze the results. High internal consistency and
      good test-retest stability were found. Significant differences between total
      score of the NP, DP, and NcDP groups were observed both in the children and the
      parents and also between parental and child score for the NP and NcDP groups
      (P<0.001-P=0.014). Correlations between child and parental scores were found only
      in the DP groups (r=0.478; P<0.001). Based on our results, the PVSQ is a valid
      and reliable instrument for the autoevaluation of dysphonia in the child
      population.

PMID- 22082868
TI  - Differences in vocal characteristics between Cantonese and English produced by
      proficient Cantonese-English bilingual speakers--a long-term average spectral
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study objectively examined the possible difference in
      vocal characteristics associated with English and Cantonese produced by
      proficient Cantonese-English bilingual speakers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty
      native speakers of Cantonese (20 males and 20 females) who were proficient in
      Cantonese and English participated in the study. An array of acoustical
      parameters, including fundamental frequency (F0) values and first spectral peak
      (FSP), mean spectral energy (MSE), and spectral tilt (ST) extracted from long
      term average speech spectra were obtained from connected speech samples produced
      in Cantonese and English by the bilingual speakers. Acoustical parameters were
      measured using Praat (P. Boersma & D. Weenink, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and
      used to objectively describe the voice quality. RESULTS: Results indicated that
      female bilingual speakers had significantly higher F0 values in speaking English
      than Cantonese. Although exhibiting comparable FSP values, the bilingual speakers
      showed significantly higher MSE and lower ST values when speaking Cantonese
      compared with English. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings imply that, even with
      the same phonatory apparatus, language being spoken can have an effect on the
      speakers' voice quality.

PMID- 22082869
TI  - Activation of autophagy is required for muscle homeostasis during physical
      exercise.
AB  - Skeletal muscle fibers of collagen VI null (Col6a12/2) mice show signs of
      degeneration due to a block in autophagy, leading to the accumulation of damaged
      mitochondria and excessive apoptosis. Attempts to induce autophagic flux by
      subjecting these mutant mice to long-term or shorter bursts of physical activity
      are unsuccessful (see Grumati, et al., pp. 1415-23). In normal mice, the
      induction of autophagy in the skeletal muscles post-exercise is able to prevent
      the accumulation of damaged organelles and maintain cellular homeostasis. Thus,
      these studies provide an important connection between autophagy and exercise
      physiology.

PMID- 22082870
TI  - Impaired mitophagy at the heart of injury.
AB  - Recent publications link mitophagy mediated by PINK1 and Parkin with
      cardioprotection and attenuation of inflammation and cell death. The field is in
      need of methods to monitor mitochondrial turnover in vivo to support the
      development of new therapies targeting mitochondrial turnover.

PMID- 22082871
TI  - Expression pattern and functions of autophagy-related gene atg5 in zebrafish
      organogenesis.
AB  - The implications of autophagy-related genes in serious neural degenerative
      diseases have been well documented. However, the functions and regulation of the
      family genes in embryonic development remain to be rigorously studied. Here, we
      report on for the first time the important role of atg5 gene in zebrafish
      neurogenesis and organogenesis as evidenced by the spatiotemporal expression
      pattern and functional analysis. Using morpholino oligo knockdown and mRNA
      overexpression, we demonstrated that zebrafish atg5 is required for normal
      morphogenesis of brain regionalization and body plan as well as for expression
      regulation of neural gene markers: gli1, huC, nkx2.2, pink1, beta-synuclein, xb51
      and zic1. We further demonstrated that ATG5 protein is involved in autophagy by
      LC3-II/LC3I ratio and rapamycin-induction experiments, and that ATG5 is capable
      of regulating expression of itself gene in the manner of a feedback inhibition
      loop. In addition, we found that expression of another autophagy-related gene,
      atg12, is maintained at a higher constant level like a housekeeping gene. This
      indicates that the formation of the ATG12-ATG5 conjugate may be dependent on ATG5
      protein generation and its splicing, rather than on ATG12 protein in zebrafish.
      Importantly, in the present study, we provide a mechanistic insight into the
      regulation and functional roles of atg5 in development of zebrafish nervous
      system.

PMID- 22082872
TI  - Atg16L2, a novel isoform of mammalian Atg16L that is not essential for canonical
      autophagy despite forming an Atg12-5-16L2 complex.
AB  - A large protein complex consisting of Atg5, Atg12 and Atg16L1 has recently been
      shown to be essential for the elongation of isolation membranes (also called
      phagophores) during mammalian autophagy. However, the precise function and
      regulation of the Atg12-5-16L1 complex has largely remained unknown. In this
      study we identified a novel isoform of mammalian Atg16L, termed Atg16L2, that
      consists of the same domain structures as Atg16L1. Biochemical analysis revealed
      that Atg16L2 interacts with Atg5 and self-oligomerizes to form an ~800-kDa
      complex, the same as Atg16L1 does. A subcellular distribution analysis indicated
      that, despite forming the Atg12-5-16L2 complex, Atg16L2 is not recruited to
      phagophores and is mostly present in the cytosol. The results also showed that
      Atg16L2 is unable to compensate for the function of Atg16L1 in autophagosome
      formation, and knockdown of endogenous Atg16L2 did not affect autophagosome
      formation, indicating that Atg16L2 does not possess the ability to mediate
      canonical autophagy. Moreover, a chimeric analysis between Atg16L1 and Atg16L2
      revealed that their difference in function in regard to autophagy is entirely
      attributable to the difference between their middle regions that contain a coiled
      coil domain. Based on the above findings, we propose that formation of the Atg12
      5-16L complex is necessary but insufficient to mediate mammalian autophagy and
      that an additional function of the middle region (especially around amino acid
      residues 229-242) of Atg16L1 (e.g., interaction with an unidentified binding
      partner on phagophores) is required for autophagosome formation.

PMID- 22082873
TI  - Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling and autophagy induction are
      interrelated.
AB  - The role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in starvation-induced autophagy remains
      unclear. Here, we examined Ca2+ dynamics during starvation-induced autophagy and
      the underlying molecular mechanisms. Tightly correlating with autophagy
      stimulation, we observed a remodeling of the Ca2+ signalosome. First, short
      periods of starvation (1 to 3 h) caused a prominent increase of the ER Ca2+-store
      content and enhanced agonist-induced Ca2+ release. The mechanism involved the
      upregulation of intralumenal ER Ca2+-binding proteins, calreticulin and
      Grp78/BiP, which increased the ER Ca2+-buffering capacity and reduced the ER Ca2+
      leak. Second, starvation led to Ins(1,4,5)P3R sensitization. Immunoprecipitation
      experiments showed that during starvation Beclin 1, released from Bcl-2, first
      bound with increasing efficiency to Ins(1,4,5)P3Rs; after reaching a maximal
      binding after 3 h, binding, however, decreased again. The interaction site of
      Beclin 1 was determined to be present in the N-terminal Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding
      domain of the Ins(1,4,5)P3R. The starvation-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3R sensitization
      was abolished in cells treated with BECN1 siRNA, but not with ATG5 siRNA,
      pointing toward an essential role of Beclin 1 in this process. Moreover,
      recombinant Beclin 1 sensitized Ins(1,4,5)P3Rs in 45Ca2+-flux assays, indicating
      a direct regulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3R activity by Beclin 1. Finally, we found that
      Ins(1,4,5)P3R-mediated Ca2+ signaling was critical for starvation-induced
      autophagy stimulation, since the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM as well as the
      Ins(1,4,5)P3R inhibitor xestospongin B abolished the increase in LC3 lipidation
      and GFP-LC3-puncta formation. Hence, our results indicate a tight and essential
      interrelation between intracellular Ca2+ signaling and autophagy stimulation as a
      proximal event in response to starvation.

PMID- 22082874
TI  - Accumulation of p62 in degenerated spinal cord under chronic mechanical
      compression: functional analysis of p62 and autophagy in hypoxic neuronal cells.
AB  - Intracellular accumulation of altered proteins, including p62 and ubiquitinated
      proteins, is the basis of most neurodegenerative disorders. The relationship
      among the accumulation of altered proteins, autophagy, and spinal cord
      dysfunction by cervical spondylotic myelopathy has not been clarified. We
      examined the expression of p62 and autophagy markers in the chronically
      compressed spinal cord of tiptoe-walking Yoshimura mice. In addition, we examined
      the expression and roles of p62 and autophagy in hypoxic neuronal cells. Western
      blot analysis showed the accumulation of p62, ubiquitinated proteins, and
      microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), an autophagic marker, in
      the compressed spinal cord. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that p62
      accumulated in neurons, axons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Electron
      microscopy showed the expression of autophagy markers, including autolysosomes
      and autophagic vesicles, in the compressed spinal cord. These findings suggest
      the presence of p62 and autophagy in the degenerated compressed spinal cord.
      Hypoxic stress increased the expression of p62, ubiquitinated proteins, and LC3
      II in neuronal cells. In addition, LC3 turnover assay and GFP-LC3 cleavage assay
      showed that hypoxic stress increased autophagy flux in neuronal cells. These
      findings suggest that hypoxic stress induces accumulation of p62 and autophagy in
      neuronal cells. The forced expression of p62 decreased the number of neuronal
      cells under hypoxic stress. These findings suggest that p62 accumulation under
      hypoxic stress promotes neuronal cell death. Treatment with 3-methyladenine, an
      autophagy inhibitor decreased the number of neuronal cells, whereas lithium
      chloride, an autophagy inducer increased the number of cells under hypoxic
      stress. These findings suggest that autophagy promotes neuronal cell survival
      under hypoxic stress. Our findings suggest that pharmacological inducers of
      autophagy may be useful for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients.

PMID- 22082876
TI  - Mathematical arterialization of venous blood in emergency medicine patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Arterial punctures represent a painful and unpleasant experience.
      Acid-base and oxygenation status can be assessed from peripheral venous blood,
      but agreement with arterial values is not always clinically acceptable. This
      study evaluates a method for mathematically transforming peripheral venous values
      into arterial values in emergency medicine patients. METHODS: Paired arterial and
      peripheral venous samples were analysed in groups A (47 patients) and B (101
      patients), corresponding to the clinical need for arterial blood sampling (A) and
      without (B). Venous values were input into the mathematical arterialization
      method and the values of arterial pH, PCO2 and PO2 were calculated and compared
      with the measured values. RESULTS: The calculated and measured arterial pH and
      PCO2 values correlated well with the correlation coefficients (r ) of group A, pH
      0.94, PCO2 0.97; group B, pH 0.87, PCO2 0.83; and Bland-Altman limits of
      agreement well within the limits of acceptable laboratory and clinical
      performance. The calculated values of arterial PO2 followed a set of predefined
      rules relating calculated and measured PO2 levels in all cases. The method
      represents an improvement on the use of venous blood alone where the correlation
      coefficients were as follows: group A, pH 0.85, PCO2 0.88; group B, pH 0.79, PCO2
      0.59; and limits of agreement for PCO2 at the border of (group A) or beyond
      (group B) acceptable clinical limits. CONCLUSION: Application of the mathematical
      arterialization method may reduce the pain associated with assessment of acid
      base and oxygenation status, maximize the information obtained from peripheral
      venous blood and allow venous measurements to be presented as more commonly
      interpreted arterial values.

PMID- 22082875
TI  - Resveratrol-mediated autophagy requires WIPI-1-regulated LC3 lipidation in the
      absence of induced phagophore formation.
AB  - Canonical autophagy is positively regulated by the Beclin 1/phosphatidylinositol
      3-kinase class III (PtdIns3KC3) complex that generates an essential phospholipid,
      phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P), for the formation of
      autophagosomes. Previously, we identified the human WIPI protein family and found
      that WIPI-1 specifically binds PtdIns(3)P, accumulates at the phagophore and
      becomes a membrane protein of generated autophagosomes. Combining siRNA-mediated
      protein downregulation with automated high through-put analysis of PtdIns(3)P
      dependent autophagosomal membrane localization of WIPI-1, we found that WIPI-1
      functions upstream of both Atg7 and Atg5, and stimulates an increase of LC3-II
      upon nutrient starvation. Resveratrol-mediated autophagy was shown to enter
      autophagic degradation in a noncanonical manner, independent of Beclin 1 but
      dependent on Atg7 and Atg5. By using electron microscopy, LC3 lipidation and GFP
      LC3 puncta-formation assays we confirmed these results and found that this effect
      is partially wortmannin-insensitive. In line with this, resveratrol did not
      promote phagophore localization of WIPI-1, WIPI-2 or the Atg16L complex above
      basal level. In fact, the presence of resveratrol in nutrient-free conditions
      inhibited phagophore localization of WIPI-1. Nevertheless, we found that
      resveratrol-mediated autophagy functionally depends on canonical-driven LC3-II
      production, as shown by siRNA-mediated downregulation of WIPI-1 or WIPI-2. From
      this it is tempting to speculate that resveratrol promotes noncanonical
      autophagic degradation downstream of the PtdIns(3)P-WIPI-Atg7-Atg5 pathway, by
      engaging a distinct subset of LC3-II that might be generated at membrane origins
      apart from canonical phagophore structures.

PMID- 22082877
TI  - Accuracy of urine dipstick in the detection of patients at risk for crush-induced
      rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of urine dipstick test (UDT) for detecting
      rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI) due to crush injury. METHODS: All
      the rescued victims of the Bam earthquake who had a documented urine analysis and
      serum creatine phosphokinase and creatinine levels during their hospitalization
      period were eligible to enter the study. The sensitivity and the specificity,
      along with the positive and negative likelihood ratios, of UDT in detecting at
      risk patients for rhabdomyolysis and crush-related AKI were calculated. RESULTS:
      Urine red blood cell count of 5 or less in blood-positive UDT, as a surrogate
      marker for myoglobinuria, was reported in 210 (31.7%) of the total 1821 urine
      analyses. Blood-positive UDTs (without considering the urine red blood cell
      count) had a 92.5% (95% confidence interval: 79.6-98.4) sensitivity in creatine
      phosphokinase, with a cut-off of 15,000 (IU/l). Comparing the results of the
      serum creatinine level and the urine blood, analysis showed that UDT had a
      sensitivity and a specificity of as high as 83.3 and 56.6% in detecting high-risk
      patients for AKI, respectively. CONCLUSION: UDT can be considered as an early
      screening tool for the detection and triage of patients at risk of developing AKI
      because of traumatic rhabdomyolysis after mass disasters.

PMID- 22082878
TI  - Absolute blood eosinophil count and 1-year mortality risk following
      hospitalization with acute heart failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In acute heart failure (AHF), hemoglobin, red cell distribution width,
      mean platelet volume, leukocytes, and relative lymphocyte count have been
      associated with mortality. It is not known whether absolute blood neutrophil,
      eosinophil, and monocyte counts are mortality predictors. METHODS: One hundred
      and seventy-six patients hospitalized due to AHF were enrolled. Treatment
      modalities and comorbidities influencing leukocyte counts were excluded.
      Hemogram, pro-brain natriuretic peptide, D-dimer, biochemistry, thyroid hormones,
      sensitive C-reactive protein, and echocardiography were obtained. Cardiovascular
      deaths during the first year after hospitalization were determined. RESULTS:
      Leukocyte and absolute neutrophil count were significantly higher and absolute
      lymphocyte count and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) were significantly lower in
      deceased patients than patients who survived. Groups were similar in terms of
      monocyte counts. BMI albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, free T3,
      ejection fraction were significantly lower, and ferritin, uric acid, D-dimer, pro
      brain natriuretic peptide were significantly higher in deceased patients. Mitral
      regurgitation, hypotension, hyponatremia, and acute renal failure were also
      significantly more frequent among the deceased group. Binary logistic regression
      analysis employing significant variables showed that lower BMI, lower ejection
      fraction, hyponatremia, lower free T3, and lower AEC were independent predictors
      of death and as a whole were responsible from 81.8% of cardiovascular deaths.
      Death rate among patients with an AEC of 0.02 n/l*10 or less was 4.4-fold higher
      than patients with an AEC of more than 0.02 n/l*10. CONCLUSION: AEC of AHF
      patients measured at admission was found to be a stronger predictor of mortality
      than all other hemogram parameters and this is consistent with the increased
      sympatho-adrenal activity theory.

PMID- 22082879
TI  - The Clinical Decision Unit has a role to play in the management of acute
      undifferentiated abdominal pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patients with undifferentiated acute abdominal pain (AAP)
      frequently present to the Emergency Department (ED). The most common diagnosis is
      the nonspecific abdominal pain although missed occult surgical pathology in the
      haemodynamically stable patient with equivocal symptoms and signs is a potential
      source of morbidity. The objectives of this study were two-fold. Firstly, to
      ascertain the accuracy of ED clinicians in the diagnosis of AAP, and to delineate
      if there was a population of patients who would normally require admission to
      hospital that would be suitable to be managed on a Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)
      protocol. Secondly, to prospectively evaluate such a strategy by way of a pilot
      study. METHODS: An initial retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients
      presenting to the ED with undifferentiated AAP were analysed. Data were extracted
      on admission, length of stay and the correlation between initial ED clinical
      diagnosis and final discharge diagnosis. Following this, a protocol was developed
      within our institution for the management of patients with stable AAP on a CDU
      pathway. This was then formally evaluated over a period of 25 months as part of a
      quality improvement exercise. RESULTS: A total of 501 patients were analysed of
      whom 48% were admitted from the ED. The initial ED diagnosis was correct in 57%
      of patients, and 28% of admitted patients were discharged within 48 h with no
      specific intervention. During the period of the pilot study, 189 patients were
      entered on to the AAP CDU pathway, of which 85% were safely discharged directly
      from the CDU and 67% within 24 h. Of the 28 patients admitted only four required
      an operation. Use of the protocol in this population resulted in the initial ED
      assessment being correct in 69% of cases. CONCLUSION: The management of stable
      AAP within the ED environment on a well-defined CDU pathway is feasible and can
      facilitate safe, efficient and effective care with early discharge and an
      increase in the accuracy of the final diagnosis.

PMID- 22082880
TI  - Evaluating human, social and cultural capital in nurse education.
AB  - Using the concepts of human, social and cultural capital this paper will review
      the literature on these theories and evaluate their application to nurse
      education in the United Kingdom (UK). Each concept will be explored before
      considering the impact and application within nurse education. Issues of
      sponsorship via mentoring and increased skills and contribution to the knowledge
      economy alongside the delivery of quality care by nursing students will be
      discussed with reference to theory and current policy drivers. As nursing
      education moves to a graduate profession in the UK this paper evaluates the
      drivers of human, social and cultural capital that affect this development.

PMID- 22082881
TI  - Impact of a web based interactive simulation game (PULSE) on nursing students'
      experience and performance in life support training--a pilot study.
AB  - The delivery of effective life support measures is highly associated with the
      quality, design and implementation of the education that underpins it.
      Effectively responding to a critical event is a requirement for all nurses
      illustrating the need for effective educational approaches from pre-registration
      training through to enhancing and maintaining life support skills after
      qualification. This paper reports the findings of utilising a web-based
      multimedia simulation game PULSE (Platform for Undergraduate Life Support
      Education). The platform was developed to enhance the student experience of life
      support education, to motivate on-going learning and engagement and to improve
      psychomotor skills associated with the provision of Intermediate Life Support
      (ILS) training. Pre training participants played PULSE and during life support
      training data was collected from an intervention and a control group of final
      year undergraduate nursing students (N=34). Quantitative analysis of performance
      took place and qualitative data was generated from a questionnaire assessing the
      learning experience. A statistically significant difference was found between the
      competence the groups displayed in the three skills sets of checking equipment,
      airway assessment and the safe/effective use of defibrillator at ILS level, and
      PULSE was positively evaluated as an educational tool when used alongside
      traditional life support training.

PMID- 22082882
TI  - Relationship between kyphosis and Barrett's esophagus in Japanese patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kyphosis is a risk factor for the presence of hiatal hernia, which is
      a strong predictor of Barrett's esophagus. However, the association between
      kyphosis and Barrett's esophagus has not yet been clarified. To investigate this
      relationship, the Cobb angle, a marker of kyphosis, was measured in patients with
      and without Barrett's esophagus. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2010, 26
      patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) were retrospectively
      enrolled. As the comparative groups, 100 consecutive patients with short-segment
      Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) and 100 consecutive control patients without Barrett's
      esophagus were also enrolled in this study. Cobb angles were measured on lateral
      chest radiographs, and kyphosis was defined as a Cobb angle of greater than 50
      degrees . Kyphosis, along with other patient characteristics, were evaluated as
      possible predictors for SSBE and LSBE. RESULTS: The mean Cobb angles in the non
      BE, SSBE, and LSBE groups were 31.6 degrees  (95% CIs, 29.3 degrees -33.9 degrees
      ), 34.8 degrees  (32.1 degrees -37.4 degrees ) and 49.4 degrees  (44.9 degrees 
      53.9 degrees ), respectively. Statistically significant differences were found
      between the LSBE and the other 2 groups (p<0.001). The mean Cobb angles were 33.3
      degrees +/-12.4 degrees  and 37.0 degrees +/-14.1 degrees , respectively in
      patients without and with hiatal hernia (p=0.039). Predictors for Barrett's
      esophagus of any length were erosive esophagitis and hiatal hernia. Kyphosis had
      the highest odds ratio for the presence of LSBE (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.05-1.94;
      p=0.033). Other predictors were hiatal hernia and the absence of Helicobacter
      pylori infection. CONCLUSION: Kyphosis is a risk factor for the presence of LSBE
      in Japanese patients.

PMID- 22082883
TI  - Partial splenic embolization facilitates the adherence to peginterferon in
      chronic hepatitis C with thrombocytopenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Platelet counts before starting the treatment affect the
      discontinuation and dose reduction of peginterferon in chronic hepatitis C.
      Thrombocytopenia leads to failure to achieve sustained virological response. This
      study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of partial splenic embolization
      (PSE) prior to starting peginterferon therapy combined with ribavirin in chronic
      hepatitis C patients showing thrombocytopenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared
      the clinical features of 11 patients receiving PSE (PSE group) prior to starting
      the combined therapy with those of 13 patients not receiving PSE (non-PSE group).
      All of the patients showed platelet counts <=12*10(4)/mm(3) and serum hepatitis C
      virus-RNA levels >=100 KIU/mL at baseline. The end-point of PSE was a volume of
      splenic infarction over 75%. Peginterferon alpha-2b at a dose of 1.2 ug/kg was
      administered by subcutaneous injection once a week. The dose of ribavirin was
      weight adjusted. RESULTS: PSE was successfully performed without serious adverse
      events. The period from PSE to starting the combined therapy was 14 (6-27) days.
      After PSE, platelet counts were significantly increased. In PSE group, platelet
      counts during the combined therapy were maintained above those at baseline. In
      non-PSE group, platelet counts at the 2nd week after the start of the combined
      therapy significantly decreased to less than those at baseline. Overall, 80%
      adherence to expected peginterferon dose was not achieved in 5 patients (45%) of
      PSE group and in 11 (85%) of non-PSE group (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Increased
      platelet counts after PSE facilitates the adherence to peginterferon therapy in
      chronic hepatitis C patients with thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22082884
TI  - Rice cake ileus--a rare and ethnic but important disease status in east-southern
      Asia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rice cake is a traditional but very popular food in Asia including
      Japan and has never been known as a cause of ileus. Rice cake is now becoming
      widespread in the United States and European countries along with other Japanese
      foods. We may encounter rice cake ileus all over the world. This study was aimed
      at characterizing the rice cake ileus. METHODS: We consecutively encountered 14
      patients with rice cake ileus from April 2003 to October 2010 in our hospital.
      All of the characteristics of the cases were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: All
      patients had ingested rice cake by swallowing without chewing. It has most
      frequently occurred in January (57.1%). The main symptoms were abdominal colicky
      pain (100%) and nausea (85.7%) and physical findings included abdominal
      tenderness (100%) and muscular defense (28.6%). All patients improved by
      conservative therapy including fluid supply (100%), naso-gastric tube (28.6%) and
      long tube (28.6%) insertion. No patient needed emergency open surgery.
      CONCLUSION: Rice cake ileus which is caused by swallowing the rice cake without
      chewing, frequently occurs in January, has previous history of abdominal surgery
      and shows high density intestinal contents on CT and only needs conservative
      therapy. Globalism in food culture may provide a new disease entity. Therefore,
      we should be aware of this type of ileus and be prepared to manage it
      appropriately.

PMID- 22082885
TI  - Blood pressure and sympathetic nerve tone relation during hemodialysis may
      reflect cardiovascular dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The blood pressure response to the rapid removal of fluid during
      hemodialysis is complex and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying
      intradialytic hypotension are not clear and sometimes these mechanisms render
      dialysis difficult to continue. PURPOSE: We analyzed the changes in blood
      pressure and sympathetic nerve tone and attempted to clarify whether the dynamic
      pattern of this relationship reflects cardiovascular dysfunction. METHODS: The
      dynamic pattern of sympathetic nerve activity throughout dialysis was analyzed by
      frequency analysis of RR intervals recorded by 24 hours Holter
      electrocardiography in 64 patients and 3 minutes ECG every 15 minutes during
      dialysis in 121 stable end-stage renal failure patients who underwent maintenance
      hemodialysis. Blood pressure and fluid volume removed was measured every 15-30
      minutes during dialysis and the average value of the ratio of low to high
      frequency components (LF/HF) was calculated as an index of sympathetic nerve
      tone. The relationship between removed fluid volume, systolic blood pressure (Bp)
      and LF/HF was analyzed. RESULTS: The patients were classified into 3 groups based
      on the correlation between the LF/HF and Bp as follows: positive (52 cases),
      inverse (54 cases), and not significant (NS; 61 cases). Eighteen patients who
      showed multiple arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and other artifacts or noises
      were eliminated as they were inadequate for frequency analysis of RR intervals.
      The positive group was characterized by a hypotension-resistant response with a
      low LF/HF, whereas the inverse group was characterized by a hypotension-prone
      response with high LF/HF. These results suggest that cardiovascular dysfunction
      is responsible for the inverse correlation. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the
      relationship between sympathetic nerve tone and Bp is effective in predicting the
      existing of cardiovascular dysfunction.

PMID- 22082886
TI  - Prevalence of preexisting metabolic syndrome as defined by Japanese original
      criteria among patients with non-fatal myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the prevalence of preexisting Metabolic Syndrome
      (MetS) defined by the Japanese original criteria among patients with non-fatal
      myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using
      the computer database obtained by the preliminary health checkup from April 2003
      to December 2008. We extracted the subjects with newly developed non-fatal MI
      from the study population. The newly non-fatal MI was diagnosed by the history of
      coronary heart disease (CHD) and new appearance of abnormal Q wave on
      electrocardiograms. MetS was diagnosed by using the Japanese original criteria.
      If waist circumference was not available, BMI was used alternatively. We
      evaluated the prevalence of preexisting MetS and other risk factors of CHD among
      the subjects. We compared the prevalence of preexisting risk factors between MetS
      group and non-MetS group. RESULTS: From a study population of 298,455 subjects,
      446 subjects with a history of CHD were found. Among the 446, 92 subjects (85 men
      and 7 women) with abnormal Q wave on electrocardiogram were found. The prevalence
      of preexisting MetS with non-fatal MI was 19.6% (95% CI; 15.5-23.7%). The
      prevalence of other preexisting risk factors were 60.0% with smoking history,
      55.6% with over-work, 53.3% with stressful life and 36.1% with impaired glucose
      tolerance. These prevalence rates were not significantly different between MetS
      group and non-MetS group. Only the prevalence (22.3%) of elevated LDL-cholesterol
      in the non-MetS group was significantly higher than in the MetS group (14.4%).
      CONCLUSION: Preexisting MetS may be able to predict only 20% of future MI. To
      prevent future myocardial infarction, precaution guidance may be required for
      people with not only preexisting MetS but also other preexisting risk factors of
      CHD.

PMID- 22082887
TI  - Association of hemoglobin with ambulatory arterial stiffness index in untreated
      essential hypertensive patients without anemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Increased hemoglobin (Hb) levels are known to be associated with
      increased cardiovascular events and mortality in hypertensive patients, but the
      underlying mechanism remains unclear. However, an increased Ambulatory Arterial
      Stiffness Index (AASI), the surrogate maker of arterial stiffness, has been
      proven to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. This pilot study
      evaluated the association between Hb and AASI in untreated essential hypertensive
      patients without anemia. METHODS: A total of 566 untreated essential hypertensive
      patients without anemia were divided into Normal-Hb and High-Hb groups according
      to their Hb levels. The AASI and its symmetric calculation (Sym_AASI) were
      derived from 24h-Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (24h-ABPM). A multivariable
      linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between Hb
      and AASI, Sym_AASI. RESULTS: High-Hb group (n=127) showed higher AASI and
      Sym_AASI (0.51+/-0.11 vs 0.43+/-0.12, p<0.001; 0.33+/-0.10 vs 0.27+/-0.08,
      p<0.001) compared to Normal-Hb group (n=439). Univariate correlation analysis
      showed that Hb levels were positively related to AASI and Sym_AASI values
      (r=0.459, p<0.001; r=0.353, p<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, current
      smoker, eGFR, uric acid, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, 24h-SBP,
      24h-PP and dipper status, Hb persisted as a independent determinant of AASI and
      Sym_AASI (beta=0.402, p<0.001 and beta=0.298, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      High hemoglobin seems be to associated with increased AASI in untreated essential
      hypertensive patients without anemia.

PMID- 22082888
TI  - Significant correlation between visceral adiposity and high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) in Japanese subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker for low-grade
      inflammation, as well as atherosclerosis, obesity, hyperglycemia and
      hypertension. Because the factor showing the strongest association with
      inflammation is currently unknown, we investigated the associations between hs
      CRP and clinical and biochemical characteristics in Japanese subjects with mild
      obesity or impaired glucose tolerance. METHODS: Subjects aged <65 years old,
      attending the Seirei Medical Examination Center, underwent complete physical and
      laboratory examinations. A total of 112 subjects (mean age 59.9+/-5.9 years old,
      males/females: n=50/62) with a waist circumference of >85 cm in males and >90 cm
      in females, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) >=1.7, or
      impaired glucose tolerance were eligible for this study. All subjects had normal
      albuminuria. RESULTS: Log-transformed hs-CRP concentrations were significantly
      correlated with BMI (r=0.278, p<0.01), HOMA-IR (r=0.296, p<0.005), 2-h post
      challenge IRI during an oral glucose tolerance test (r=0.218, p<0.05), maximum
      intima-media thickness (r=0.240, p<0.05), visceral fat area evaluated by computed
      tomography (r=0.423, p<0.0001) and subcutaneous fat area (r=0.231, p<0.05).
      Multiple linear regression analysis showed that visceral fat was the most
      significantly correlated factor with hs-CRP. CONCLUSION: Visceral fat mass was a
      significant and independent predictor for serum hs-CRP levels in Japanese
      subjects with mild obesity and/or impaired glucose tolerance.

PMID- 22082889
TI  - PSP as distinguished from CBD, MSA-P and PD by clinical and imaging differences
      at an early stage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Because it is often difficult to precisely diagnose and distinguish
      progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from corticobasal degeneration (CBD),
      multiple system atrophy-parkinsonism (MSA-P) and Parkinson's disease (PD) at the
      onset of the disease, we compared the patients and clarified the features of
      these diseases. METHODS: We compared 77 PSP, 26 CBD, 26 MSA-P and 166 PD patients
      from clinical and imaging points of view including cerebral blood flow (CBF) in
      the frontal eye field. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of PSP were
      supranuclear gaze disturbance, optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) impairment and falls
      at the first visit. On head MRI, midbrain tegmentum atrophy was much more
      frequently detected in PSP than in all of the other groups. Heart-to-mediastinum
      average count ratio (H/M) in iodine-123 meta-iodobenzyl guanidine ((123)I-MIBG)
      myocardial scintigraphy was not decreased in PSP, CBD, MSA-P and PD-Yahr 1 (-1),
      but patients of PD-2, 3, 4 and 5 showed a significant decrease compared with the
      PSP group. The CBF in the left frontal eye field of PD-3 group and that in right
      frontal eye field of PD-3 and PD-4 groups were lower than that of PSP group,
      although other groups showed a tendency without a significant decrease compared
      with PSP group. CONCLUSION: PSP is distinguishable from CBD, MSA-P and PD even at
      the early stage with extra-ocular movement (EOM) disturbance, falls, atrophy of
      the midbrain tegmentum, and H/M in (123)I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, and the
      reduction of CBF in area 8 could serve as a supplemental diagnostic method for
      distinguishing PSP from PD-3 or PD-4.

PMID- 22082890
TI  - Diagnosis of invasive fungal disease using serum (1->3)-beta-D-glucan: a
      bivariate meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The (1->3)-beta-D-Glucan (BG) assay has been approved for diagnosing
      invasive fungal disease (IFD). However, the test performance has been variable.
      We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the overall accuracy of BG assay for
      diagnosing IFD. METHODS: The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
      likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively) of BG for diagnosing IFD were
      pooled using a bivariate meta-analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses.
      RESULTS: Twelve reports, including 15 studies, were included for the analysis
      (proven and probable IFD vs possible or no IFD). The sensitivity, specificity,
      PLR and NLR were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67-0.83), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.73-0.92), 5.05 (95%
      CI, 2.71-9.43), and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.20-0.39), respectively. Subgroup analyses
      showed that the BG assay had higher specificities for patients with hematological
      disorders and a positive BG result with two consecutive samples. The combination
      of galactomannan and BG increased the specificity value to 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95
      0.99) for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. CONCLUSION: Serum BG determination
      is clinically useful for diagnosing IFD in at-risk patients, especially for
      hematology patients. The combination of galactomannan and BG was sufficient for
      diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Since the BG assay is not absolutely sensitive
      and specific for IFD, the BG results should be interpreted in parallel with
      clinical findings.

PMID- 22082891
TI  - Management and treatment of osteoporosis in patients receiving long-term
      glucocorticoid treatment: current status of adherence to clinical guidelines and
      related factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence of guidelines for
      the management and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and to
      investigate whether it is associated with factors such as age, gender,
      glucocorticoid dose, physician specialty, and size of facility. METHODS: This was
      a cross-sectional study utilizing administrative data from a database of health
      insurance claims (2004-2007); 2,368 patients who received glucocorticoid
      treatment for >=90 days were extracted. The guideline adherence was determined by
      evaluations based on glucocorticoid prescription dose, prescription of anti
      osteoporosis drugs, and whether or not bone mineral density was measured.
      RESULTS: Overall proportion of guideline adherence was 23.3%. In cases in which
      the equivalent dose of prednisolone was <5 mg/d and >=5 mg/d, the adherence was
      8.3% and 30.5% respectively. Factors correlating with low adherence included
      young age, male gender, and lower glucocorticoid doses. Surgery and
      otolaryngology specialties had lower adherence than internal medicine. Smaller
      clinical facilities had lower adherence than larger facilities. CONCLUSION: The
      adherence of guidelines for the management and treatment of glucocorticoid
      induced osteoporosis is still low, and improvements in treatment quality can be
      expected through education of patient groups and medical care providers with
      large deviations from the guidelines.

PMID- 22082892
TI  - A case of thyroid storm with multiple organ failure effectively treated with
      plasma exchange.
AB  - We describe a 48-year-old man with thyroid storm presenting with heart failure.
      He presented severely impaired left ventricular wall motion and a marked increase
      in the liver enzymes. He developed disseminated intravascular coagulation on day
      2. Due to elevated serum thyroid hormone level, anti-thyroid hormone receptor
      antibody positivity, and his clinical symptoms, he was diagnosed as thyroid storm
      due to untreated Graves' disease. His condition did not improve even after 6 days
      of conventional therapy including steroids. After therapeutic plasma exchange was
      carried out, his thyroid hormone level decreased markedly. Consequently, his
      condition recovered gradually, and he was discharged at day 43.

PMID- 22082893
TI  - Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy associated with esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is an uncommon cancer-related
      complication that has been most frequently reported to be associated with
      adenocarcinoma. We present a case of PTTM which developed in a 60-year-old man
      with esophageal carcinoma. One year after definitive treatment of the tumor, he
      developed pulmonary hypertension. Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) specimens
      showed fibrocellular intimal proliferation and luminal stenosis of the small
      pulmonary vessels, which contained squamous cell carcinoma cells. Thus, PTTM
      associated with esophageal carcinoma was diagnosed. This is the first reported
      case of PTTM associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. TBLB seemed to
      be useful for obtaining a definitive diagnosis.

PMID- 22082894
TI  - A pitfall of fractional flow reserve associated with the presence of collateral
      circulation.
AB  - An 82-year-old man had a severe stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending
      artery (LAD) and an intermediate stenosis in the distal right coronary artery
      (RCA). The territory of mid to distal LAD was perfused via an angiographically
      well-developed collateral circulation from the distal RCA. Fractional flow
      reserve (FFR) in the distal RCA was 0.84. After successful coronary intervention
      for the proximal LAD, repeat FFR in the distal RCA was 0.96. In this case, the
      severity of the stenosis in the donor artery was overestimated by using FFR due
      to the presence of well-developed collateral circulation.

PMID- 22082895
TI  - An appropriate defibrillation threshold obtained by the combined connection
      between two shock leads and ICD generator.
AB  - A 60-year-old man with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy was
      readmitted for the battery exchange of his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
      (ICD). Since (i) he had been treated with a dual-coil shock lead (Sprint Fidelis,
      Medtronic) and (ii) pre-operative venography showed mild collateral flow to the
      left subclavian vein, a single-coil lead was additionally implanted. However, the
      single-coil defibrillation system was unable to terminate the induced ventricular
      fibrillation (VF), thus dual defibrillation shock pathways were created using the
      connection to the superior vena cava coil of the Fidelis lead. The combined
      connections of the two shock leads provided an appropriate margin of the
      defibrillation threshold.

PMID- 22082896
TI  - Notable pink excreta and severe myocardial suppression in superwarfarin
      (difethialone) intoxication.
AB  - Patients rarely consult physicians before developing coagulopathy or bleeding in
      most reported cases of superwarfarin intoxication. A 57-year-old woman ingested
      red-dyed pellets of anticoagulant rodenticide containing difethialone and
      warfarin as well as tablets of nitrazepam. Although she presented to the hospital
      in a comatose state, notable pink-colored excreta hinted at the consumption of
      anticoagulant rodenticide, which led to the early diagnosis of superwarfarin
      intoxication. Supplementation of large doses of intravenous and oral vitamin K
      successfully prevented coagulopathy and bleeding. On the other hand, temporary
      and reversible myocardial suppression was extremely severe, and required the
      introduction of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support.

PMID- 22082897
TI  - Severe obliterative bronchitis associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
AB  - We report a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in which the patient had been
      diagnosed with severe obliterative bronchitis. A 29-year-old woman was admitted
      with a high fever and a widespread vesicular rash. She was diagnosed with SJS and
      betamethasone administration was started. After one month, her vesicular skin
      rash improved; however, she developed respiratory failure and was assisted with
      mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography of the chest demonstrated a
      hyperlucent lung with narrowing of the peripheral vessels. Bronchoscopy revealed
      an occlusion of the bronchus when the patient exhaled. The flow-volume curve
      revealed a severe obstructive pattern. The patient was diagnosed with
      obliterative bronchitis following SJS. She was treated with a bronchodilator and
      steroids, but could not breathe adequately without the ventilator. During the
      following year, her PaCO(2) increased to 100 torr and her heart function also
      continued to worsen. Despite intensive treatment, she died one year and seven
      months after the onset of SJS. In SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
      patients, chronic pulmonary complications are rare, but there is no effective
      therapy for obliterative bronchitis following SJS/TEN. Therefore, early awareness
      of this condition is needed and lung transplantation must be considered at an
      early stage of this disease.

PMID- 22082898
TI  - Neuromyelitis optica in Japanese sisters.
AB  - We report cases of Japanese sisters with neuromyelitis optica (NMO). The elder
      sister was 25, when she was diagnosed with right optic neuritis. After 3 months,
      she developed left optic neuritis and myelitis. At age 27, she had the second
      relapse, but she has been free from episodes thereafter. The younger sister was
      26, when she was diagnosed with optic neuritis. Thus far, she has 9 relapses,
      comprising both myelitis and optic neuritis. Both sisters had normal brain MRI
      scans, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis over 3 vertebral segments,
      and positive results for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQAP4Ab). They fulfilled the
      Wingerchuk criteria for definite NMO. Both sisters shared some immunogenetic
      factors, but they were not exposed to the same environmental factors after their
      early twenties. The final disability status was almost the same in both cases,
      and both showed a very benign course. These data suggest that genetic factors
      affect the age at onset and environmental factors may affect the frequency of
      relapse.

PMID- 22082899
TI  - p.Arg332Cys mutation of NOTCH3 gene in two unrelated Japanese families with
      CADASIL.
AB  - Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and
      leukoencephalopathy is a cerebrovasuclar disease caused by NOTCH3 mutations,
      usually localized to exons 3 and 4. This report describes the clinical and
      neuroradiological findings of 2 subjects of two unrelated Japanese families who
      shared a common p.Arg332Cys mutation. The subject from family A presented syncope
      attacks as the sole clinical presentation at the beginning of his disease course.
      The subject from family B showed recurrent ischemic attacks, followed by a large
      intracranial hemorrhage. This is the first report to describe the detailed
      phenotypes of patients with a rare p.Arg332Cys mutation in Japan.

PMID- 22082900
TI  - A Japanese case with Nasu-Hakola disease of DAP12 gene mutation exhibiting
      precuneus hypoperfusion.
AB  - A 38-year-old Japanese man with Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD) had repeated
      pathological fractures and frontal lobe symptoms which developed when he was 18
      and 26 years old, respectively. Neuropsychological testing showed memory
      impairment, and in particular, visuo-spatial memory at the age of 35.
      Furthermore, single-photon emission computed tomography revealed precuneus
      hypoperfusion. The patient later suffered prolonged convulsive seizures, which
      left him in a persistent vegetative state. Genetic testing confirmed a
      heterozygous mutation in the DAP12 gene (a single-base deletion of 141 G in exon
      3) specific to NHD. Precuneus dysfunction might contribute to characteristic
      memory impairment of NHD.

PMID- 22082901
TI  - Sclerosing mesenteritis presenting as protein-losing enteropathy: a fatal case.
AB  - Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare, benign disorder characterized by non-specific
      and chronic inflammation of the mesenteric adipose tissue. The disease usually
      presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal masses. The long-term
      prognosis is favorable, but it often becomes severe. In the present report we
      describe a 77-year-old man who presented with diarrhea, massive ascites and an
      abdominal mass. The rapid deterioration of the general condition of the patient
      limited invasive examinations and left the primary disease unclear. Despite
      symptomatic therapy, malnutrition and hypovolemia were prolonged, and he died.
      The definitive diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis and the cause of the fatal
      outcome were disclosed at autopsy. This case indicates that sclerosing
      mesenteritis is a potentially-fatal disease and the need for aggressive treatment
      should be discussed.

PMID- 22082902
TI  - Fulminant amebic colitis in an HIV-infected homosexual man.
AB  - We present a case of fulminant amebic colitis in a human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)-infected homosexual man. The patient developed colonic perforation over a
      short time despite empirical therapy with metronidazole, and underwent right
      hemicolectomy. Amebic colitis was pathologically diagnosed by identifying
      invasive trophozoites of Entamoeba in a surgical specimen. Amebic colitis is one
      of the important differential diagnoses of acute abdomen in HIV-infected patients
      and/or homosexual men, especially in East Asia. Although fulminant amebic colitis
      is a rare manifestation of amebiasis, early diagnosis and treatment are thought
      to be important to improve the outcome of this highly fatal complication.

PMID- 22082903
TI  - Visceral leishmaniasis mimicking as second line anti retroviral therapy failure.
AB  - Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has increased as a complicating infection in subjects
      with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in developing countries. Both infections
      tend to lower the cell-mediated immunity resulting in poor drug response. In HIV
      positive subjects the clinical course as well as organ involvement of VL
      simulates tuberculosis, another very common tropical infection. We present a case
      of VL/HIV co-infection where the individual failed to respond to first and second
      line antiretroviral therapy with persistently low CD4 counts. This patient was
      also subjected empirically to antitubercular therapy with no clinical
      improvement; he was finally diagnosed as a case of VL in HIV upon revelation of
      amastigotes in bone marrow despite the initial negative serology on two
      occasions. He showed dramatic improvement in CD4 counts and clinical status on
      Amphotericin B therapy. In endemic areas and in HIV positive subjects a systemic
      and careful parasitology follow-up is necessary to ensure that no clinical form
      of leishmaniasis is overlooked.

PMID- 22082904
TI  - Emphysematous pyelonephritis concurrent with psoas muscle abscess.

PMID- 22082905
TI  - Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia complicated with Cushing syndrome.

PMID- 22082906
TI  - Isolated impairment of confrontation naming task due to left premotor subcortical
      infarct.

PMID- 22082907
TI  - Thoracic sandwich sign.

PMID- 22082908
TI  - Thinker's sign.

PMID- 22082909
TI  - Autoantibody profile and other immunological parameters in recurrent spontaneous
      abortion patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An autoimmune cause and related immunological alterations resulting
      in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) have been suggested in patients with
      unknown etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated the autoantibody
      profile and other immunological parameters among RSA patients and normal pregnant
      women from Mumbai western India. Fifty RSA patients with unknown cause and
      greater than three consecutive abortions along with 50 normal pregnant women were
      studied for various auto antibodies such as ANA, anti-dsDNA, ANCA, AECA, 2 micro
      globulin, anti-HLA antibodies and ACLA using immunofluorescence
      microlymphocytotoxicity and ELISA. Immunological parameters such as HLA class I
      monoclonal antibody expression, CD3 (T cell), CD19 (B cell), and CD56 (NK cell)
      were estimated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results revealed 34% positivity of
      all auto antibodies tested among patients. ANA(12%), ANCA (20%), AECA (24%), ACLA
      (8%), anti-dsDNA(0%), beta2 microglobulin (14%), and anti-HLA antibodies(10%)
      among RSA patients were identified. An increased expression of HLA class I
      specific monoclonal antibody (10%) with HLA A3 (16%) specificity were found to
      correlate with shared HLA alleles among the RSA couples. Among normal pregnant
      (control) group ANA (2%), ANCA (2%), AECA (3%), ACLA (4%) and increased
      expression of CD56 with reduced HLA class I monoclonal were observed. CONCLUSION:
      Our findings suggest a possible role of various autoantibodies along with the
      related immunological parameters underlying RSA.

PMID- 22082910
TI  - Deciphering the transcriptional regulatory logic of amino acid metabolism.
AB  - Although metabolic networks have been reconstructed on a genome scale, the
      corresponding reconstruction and integration of governing transcriptional
      regulatory networks has not been fully achieved. Here we reconstruct such an
      integrated network for amino acid metabolism in Escherichia coli. Analysis of
      ChIP-chip and gene expression data for the transcription factors ArgR, Lrp and
      TrpR showed that 19 out of 20 amino acid biosynthetic pathways are either
      directly or indirectly controlled by these regulators. Classifying the regulated
      genes into three functional categories of transport, biosynthesis and metabolism
      leads to the elucidation of regulatory motifs that constitute the integrated
      network's basic building blocks. The regulatory logic of these motifs was
      determined on the basis of relationships between transcription factor binding and
      changes in the amount of transcript in response to exogenous amino acids.
      Remarkably, the resulting logic shows how amino acids are differentiated as
      signaling and nutrient molecules, revealing the overarching regulatory principles
      of the amino acid stimulon.

PMID- 22082912
TI  - Re: comparison of laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy with
      conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for localized renal-cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22082913
TI  - Re: laparoendoscopic single-site surgery versus standard laparoscopic simple
      nephrectomy: a prospective randomized study.

PMID- 22082911
TI  - A neutral diphosphate mimic crosslinks the active site of human O-GlcNAc
      transferase.
AB  - Glycosyltransferases (Gtfs) catalyze the formation of a diverse array of
      glycoconjugates. Small-molecule inhibitors to manipulate Gtf activity in cells
      have long been sought as tools for understanding Gtf function. Success has been
      limited because of challenges in designing inhibitors that mimic the negatively
      charged diphosphate substrates. Here we report the mechanism of action of a small
      molecule that inhibits O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT), an
      essential human enzyme that modulates cell signaling pathways by catalyzing a
      unique intracellular post-translational modification, beta-O-GlcNAcylation. The
      molecule contains a five-heteroatom dicarbamate core that functions as a neutral
      diphosphate mimic. One dicarbamate carbonyl reacts with an essential active site
      lysine that anchors the diphosphate of the nucleotide-sugar substrate. A nearby
      cysteine then reacts with the lysine adduct to form a carbonyl crosslink in the
      OGT active site. Though this unprecedented double-displacement mechanism reflects
      the unique architecture of the OGT active site, related dicarbamate scaffolds may
      inhibit other enzymes that bind nucleotide-containing substrates.

PMID- 22082914
TI  - Re: long-term follow-up of the treatment of renal angiomyolipomas after selective
      arterial embolization with alcohol.

PMID- 22082915
TI  - Re: gemcitabine versus bacille Calmette-Guerin after initial bacille Calmette
      Guerin failure in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a multicenter prospective
      randomized trial.

PMID- 22082916
TI  - Re: a new multimodality technique accurately maps the primary lymphatic landing
      sites of the bladder.

PMID- 22082917
TI  - Re: effect of a minimum lymph node policy in radical cystectomy and pelvic
      lymphadenectomy on lymph node yields, lymph node positivity rates, lymph node
      density, and survivorship in patients with bladder cancer.

PMID- 22082918
TI  - Re: Risk Profiles and Treatment Patterns Among Men Diagnosed as Having Prostate
      Cancer and a Prostate-Specific Antigen Level Below 4.0 ng/ml.

PMID- 22082919
TI  - Re: the relationship between prostate-specific antigen and prostate cancer risk:
      the prostate biopsy collaborative group.

PMID- 22082920
TI  - Re: years of potential life lost caused by prostate cancer deaths in the United
      States-projection from 2004 through 2050.

PMID- 22082921
TI  - Re: comparative risk-adjusted mortality outcomes after primary surgery,
      radiotherapy, or androgen-deprivation therapy for localized prostate cancer.

PMID- 22082922
TI  - Re: impact of common medications on serum total prostate-specific antigen levels:
      analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey.

PMID- 22082923
TI  - Re: Prevalence and Impact of Bacteriuria and/or Urinary Tract Infection in
      Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.

PMID- 22082924
TI  - Re: Malignant Renal Cysts: Diagnostic Performance and Strong Predictors at MDCT.

PMID- 22082925
TI  - Re: Use of Inverted Fluoroscope's C-Arm During Endoscopic Treatment of Urinary
      Tract Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Practicable Solution to Cut Radiation.

PMID- 22082926
TI  - Re: multicenter experience with metallic ureteral stents for malignant and
      chronic benign ureteral obstruction.

PMID- 22082927
TI  - Re: Complications of the AdVance Transobturator Male Sling in the Treatment of
      Male Stress Urinary Incontinence.

PMID- 22082928
TI  - Re: penoscrotal plication as a uniform approach to reconstruction of penile
      curvature.

PMID- 22082929
TI  - Re: clinical experience in a modified roux-y-shaped sigmoid neobladder:
      assessment of complications and voiding patterns in 43 patients.

PMID- 22082930
TI  - Re: antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone inhibit the proliferation of
      human benign prostatic hyperplasia cells.

PMID- 22082931
TI  - Re: Long-Term Treatment and Prognostic Factors of alpha1-Blockers for Lower
      Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Pilot
      Study Comparing Naftopidil and Tamsulosin Hydrochloride.

PMID- 22082932
TI  - Re: effects of age on levator function and morphometry of the levator hiatus in
      women with pelvic floor disorders.

PMID- 22082933
TI  - Re: prevalence and correlates of nocturia in community-dwelling older adults.

PMID- 22082934
TI  - Re: lessons learned: impact of a continence promotion activity for older
      community-dwelling women.

PMID- 22082935
TI  - Re: randomized trial of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation to treat urge
      urinary incontinence in older women.

PMID- 22082936
TI  - Re: Effect of Sexual Function on Health-Related Quality of Life Mediated by
      Depressive Symptoms in Cardiac Rehabilitation. Findings of the SPARK Project in
      493 Patients.

PMID- 22082937
TI  - Re: persistent sexual dysfunction impairs quality of life after cardiac
      transplantation.

PMID- 22082938
TI  - Re: A Low Intake of Antioxidant Nutrients is Associated With Poor Semen Quality
      in Patients Attending Fertility Clinics.

PMID- 22082939
TI  - Re: testicular spermatozoa have statistically significantly lower DNA damage
      compared with ejaculated spermatozoa in patients with unsuccessful oral
      antioxidant treatment.

PMID- 22082940
TI  - Re: soybean isoflavone exposure does not have feminizing effects on men: a
      critical examination of the clinical evidence.

PMID- 22082941
TI  - Re: a novel application of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy: non-invasive
      identification of spermatogenesis in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

PMID- 22082942
TI  - Re: cystic dysplasia of the rete testis: a case of spontaneous regression and
      review of published reports.

PMID- 22082943
TI  - Re: our initial experience with the technique of complete primary repair for
      bladder exstrophy.

PMID- 22082944
TI  - Re: renal impairment in children with cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 22082945
TI  - Re: reconstitution of experimental neurogenic bladder dysfunction using skeletal
      muscle-derived multipotent stem cells.

PMID- 22082946
TI  - Re: Innervation of Reconstructed Bladder Above the Level of Spinal Cord Injury
      for Inducing Micturition by Contractions of the Abdomen-to-Bladder Reflex Arc.

PMID- 22082947
TI  - Biliary atresia in the Netherlands: outcome of patients diagnosed between 1987
      and 2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcome of biliary atresia (BA) and to identify
      prognostic factors using a national database. STUDY DESIGN: All children born
      between January 1987 and December 2008 who underwent the Kasai surgical procedure
      for BA were retrieved from the Netherlands Study Group on Biliary Atresia
      Registry database. Outcomes were measured in terms of clearance of jaundice
      (bilirubin <1.17 g/dL, or 20 MUmol/L, within 6 months after surgery) and 4-year
      transplant-free survival. Two cohorts, one from 1987-1997 and the other from 1998
      2008, were compared. Survival rates were determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis,
      and prognostic factors were tested with univariate and multivariate analyses.
      RESULTS: Between January 1987 and December 2008, 214 patients underwent Kasai
      surgery for BA. In this series, the 4-year transplant-free survival was 46%+/-4%,
      and 4-year overall survival was 73%+/-3%. Clearance of jaundice, surgery within
      60 days, and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis use were independently
      associated with increased transplant-free survival. The yearly caseload per
      center (range, 0.5-2.1) was not correlated with transplant-free survival
      (r=0.024; P=.73). CONCLUSION: During the past 2 decades, outcome parameters have
      remained constant and are comparable with those reported from other Western
      countries, despite a relatively low annual caseload per center. Timely surgical
      correction and postoperative antibiotic therapy were associated with a higher
      transplant-free survival rate.

PMID- 22082948
TI  - Hypertension in a girl with severe coarctation of the aorta and renal agenesis.

PMID- 22082949
TI  - Non-blood group-specific red blood cell transfusions in preterm infants and
      necrotizing enterocolitis.

PMID- 22082951
TI  - Blood pressure in pediatric chronic kidney disease--it's in the ears of the
      beholder.

PMID- 22082952
TI  - Hip ultrasounds: where do we go from here?

PMID- 22082953
TI  - Longitudinal, three-dimensional analysis of head shape in children with and
      without deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess 3-dimensional (3D) changes in head shape in infancy and at
      age 18 months in children with and without plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. STUDY
      DESIGN: Using a longitudinal design, we evaluated head shape using 3D surface
      imaging. We compared the head shapes of children with (1) diagnosed deformational
      plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (cases; n=233); (2) unaffected controls, with no
      evidence of dysmorphology (n=167); and (3) affected controls, who despite having
      no previous diagnosis demonstrated skull dysmorphology on 3D surface imaging
      (n=70). RESULTS: Cases had greater skull flattening and asymmetry than unaffected
      controls at both time points, as did controls with skull dysmorphology. In all
      groups, head shapes became less flat and more symmetric over time. Among cases,
      symmetry improved slightly more for those who received orthotic treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although head shape improves over time for children with
      deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, skull dysmorphology persists
      relative to unaffected controls. Further research is needed to clarify the extent
      to which these differences are detectable to clinicians and lay observers.

PMID- 22082955
TI  - Development and validation of educational materials for food allergy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a food allergy educational program. STUDY
      DESIGN: Materials developed through focus groups and parental and expert review
      were submitted to 60 parents of newly referred children with a prior food allergy
      diagnosis and an epinephrine autoinjector. The main outcome was correct
      demonstration of an autoinjector. RESULTS: The correct number of autoinjector
      activation steps increased from 3.4 to 5.95 (of 6) after training (P < .001) and
      was 5.47 at 1 year (P < .05). The mean score for comfort with using the
      autoinjector (7-point Likert scale) before the curriculum was 4.63 (somewhat
      comfortable) and increased to 6.23 after the intervention (P < .05) and remained
      elevated at 1 year (6.03). Knowledge tests (maximum 15) increased from a mean
      score of 9.2 to 12.4 (P < .001) at the initial visit and remained at 12.7 at 1
      year. The annualized rate of allergic reactions fell from 1.77 (historical) the
      year prior, to 0.42 (P < .001) after the program. On a 7-point Likert scale, all
      satisfaction categories remained above a favorable mean score of 6: straight
      forward, organized, interesting, relevant, and recommend to others. CONCLUSIONS:
      This food allergy educational curriculum for parents, now available online at no
      cost, showed high levels of satisfaction and efficacy.

PMID- 22082956
TI  - Radiotherapy as a risk factor for malignant melanoma after childhood skin
      hemangioma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine therapy-related risk factors for the
      development of melanoma after hemangioma. A cohort study was conducted among 4620
      patients treated before 16 years of age for skin hemangioma in France. A nested
      case-control study was also conducted on 13 patients who developed a melanoma
      (cases) matched with five controls in cohort according to sex, age at the
      hemangioma diagnostic, the calendar year of occurrence of the hemangioma, and
      follow-up. The radiation dose received at the site of the melanoma and at the
      same site in controls was estimated, and named 'local dose'. A total of 13
      melanomas were registered during an average follow-up of overall 35 years, the
      risk of developing melanoma after a hemangioma treatment was 2.5-fold higher [95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.4-4.1] compared with that of the general population,
      this ratio being only 0.8 (95% CI: 0.05-3.6) in 896 patients who did not receive
      radiotherapy, but 3.0 (95% CI: 1.6-5.1) after radiotherapy. When adjusting on
      sex, age, and year of the treatment and follow-up duration, melanoma risk was
      11.9 (95% CI: 1.4-123) times higher in patients treated with ytrium 90 than in
      the ones who did not received radiotherapy. In the case-control study, the risk
      of melanoma was not linked to the local radiation dose. Indeed, the increase in
      melanoma risk was observed even for very low local doses. Compared with the
      corresponding skin areas in patients who did not receive radiotherapy, the ones
      having received less than 0.001 Gy had a melanoma risk of 3.9 (95% CI: 0.5-32)
      and those who received more than 0.01 Gy had a risk of 6.9 (0.5-99). This study
      suggests that radiation therapy of skin hemangioma increases the risk of further
      melanoma, but we were not able to evidence a relation with the local dose.
      Nevertheless, childhood treated for hemangioma should be considered at risk for
      developing melanoma and suspicious pigmented lesions should be carefully
      evaluated even far from treated areas.

PMID- 22082957
TI  - Regional lymphatic immunity in melanoma.
AB  - Melanoma is an immunogenic tumor that has developed methods to successfully evade
      immune recognition, while paradoxically spreading through the lymphatic system.
      Increasing evidence supports that melanoma-derived factors suppress regional
      immunity within the host. At a very early stage, melanoma communicates with the
      tumor-draining lymph nodes, and prepares them for seeding of metastatic disease
      by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and downregulation of the sentinel lymph node
      immunity well before the malignant cells arrive. Investigations have demonstrated
      that the induction of suppressor cells, peripheral tolerance, and a less tumor
      responsive Th2 cytokine environment may provide a hospitable environment for
      subsequent lymphatic metastasis. Patients with early-stage disease may benefit
      from the restoration of the regional immune function to a level that controls the
      progression of residual occult metastases and ensures a durable clinical
      response. Herein we provide a succinct summary of the current progress in this
      field in order to guide future investigations.

PMID- 22082958
TI  - Listeria and autophagy escape: involvement of InlK, an internalin-like protein.
AB  - Autophagy is a cell-autonomous mechanism of innate immunity that protects the
      cytosol against bacterial infection. Invasive bacteria, including Listeria
      monocytogenes, have thus evolved strategies to counteract a process that limits
      their intracellular growth. ActA is a surface protein produced by L.
      monocytogenes to polymerize actin and mediate intra- and intercellular movements,
      which plays a critical role in autophagy escape. We have recently investigated
      the role of another L. monocytogenes surface protein, the internalin InlK, in the
      infection process. We showed that in the cytosol of infected cells, InlK
      interacts with the Major Vault Protein (MVP), the main component of cytoplasmic
      ribonucleoprotein particles named vaults. Although MVP has been implicated in a
      variety of key cellular process, its role remains elusive. We demonstrated that
      L. monocytogenes is able, via InlK, to decorate its surface with MVP in order to
      escape autophagic recognition. Strikingly, this new strategy used by L.
      monocytogenes to avoid autophagy is independent of ActA, suggesting that InlK-MVP
      interactions and actin polymerization are two processes that favor in the same
      manner the infection process. Understanding the role of MVP may provide new
      insights into bacterial infection and autophagy.

PMID- 22082959
TI  - Pro-tumorigenic function of autophagy in mammary oncogenesis.
AB  - Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic cellular process by which cells degrade
      intracellular constituents in lysosomes, and its dysfunctions have been
      associated with a variety of human diseases including cancer. Previous studies
      have linked autophagy to both tumor-suppressive and promoting functions in
      different contexts, although the pro-tumorigenic function of autophagy has not
      been examined directly in breast or other cancers in animal models with intact
      immune functions in vivo. FIP200 (focal adhesion kinase family interacting
      protein of 200 kD) is a component of the ULK1-Atg13-FIP200-Atg101 complex that is
      essential for the induction of mammalian autophagy. In our recent study, we show
      that conditional knockout (KO) of FIP200 in the well-characterized MMTV-PyMT
      mouse model of human breast cancer significantly suppresses mammary tumorigenesis
      and progression. Similar to a number of recent studies in Ras-transformed cells,
      our studies revealed the importance of autophagy in promoting tumorigenesis
      through regulation of tumor cell glycolysis and proliferation. In addition to the
      intrinsic defects in proliferation of FIP200-null tumor cells, we also showed
      that FIP200 deletion in mammary tumor cells triggers increased host anti-tumor
      immune surveillance, which also contributes to the decreased mammary
      tumorigenesis and progression. Our study provides the first direct demonstration
      of a pro-tumorigenic role of autophagy in oncogene-driven tumor models with
      intact immune functions in vivo. They also suggest FIP200 and other autophagy
      proteins as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, and raise a
      number of questions for future studies on the potentially dual functions of
      autophagy in promoting and suppressing tumorigenesis under different conditions
      in vivo.

PMID- 22082960
TI  - Autophagy: a new player in hepatic stellate cell activation.
AB  - Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, the transition from a resident quiescent
      HSC to a myofibroblastic collagen-producing HSC, is a fundamental feature of
      liver fibrosis. Autophagy has been implicated in major liver pathologies, such as
      HCV infection and hepatocarcinoma. However, its role in HSC biology is largely
      unknown. Recently, we were able to demonstrate that HSC activation is followed by
      an increased autophagic flux and that its inhibition can partially inhibit the
      HSC myofibroblastic transition. These results point to autophagy as a possible
      target in the prevention of HSC activation.

PMID- 22082954
TI  - Physical activity, fitness, and serum leptin concentrations in adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of physical activity and fitness with
      leptin concentrations in European adolescents, after taking into account several
      potential confounders including total body fat (TBF). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted
      a cross-sectional study in a school setting for the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe
      by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study. This study included 902 (509
      girls) adolescents aged 12.5-17.5 years. Weight, height, and TBF (sum of 6
      skinfold thickness) were measured, and fat free mass and body mass index were
      calculated. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Physical fitness was
      assessed by the handgrip, standing long jump, 4 * 10-m shuttle run, and 20-m
      shuttle run tests. Serum fasting leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations were
      measured, and homeostasis model assessment was computed. Multiple linear
      regression models were used. RESULTS: Vigorous physical activity and fitness
      tests (all P < .05) were negatively associated with leptin, independently of
      several confounders including TBF and homeostasis model assessment. These
      associations remained significant after further controlling for each other
      (physical activity and fitness). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that vigorous
      physical activity and fitness moderate the levels of leptin concentrations,
      regardless of relevant confounders including TBF. Intervention programs addressed
      to increase high intensity physical activity and fitness as well as to assess its
      impact on leptin concentration are required.

PMID- 22082962
TI  - Circadian regulation of autophagy rhythm through transcription factor C/EBPbeta.
AB  - Temporal organization of nutrient and energy metabolism is important for
      maintaining homeostasis in mammals. Autophagy is a conserved cellular pathway
      that is activated in response to nutrient limitation, resulting in the
      degradation of cytoplasmic components and the release of amino acids and other
      nutrients. Recently, we reported that autophagy exhibits robust circadian rhythm
      in mouse liver, accompanied by cyclic induction of genes involved in various
      steps of autophagy. Rhythmic activation of physiological autophagy appears to be
      regulated by transcription factor C/EBPbeta, which is sufficient and required for
      nutritional and circadian regulation of autophagy gene expression. These findings
      provide new insight into transcriptional control of autophagy and reveal a
      potentially important role of autophagy cycles in metabolic homeostasis.

PMID- 22082961
TI  - Vid30 is required for the association of Vid vesicles and actin patches in the
      vacuole import and degradation pathway.
AB  - When Saccharomyces cerevisiae is starved of glucose, the gluconeogenic enzymes
      fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), malate dehydrogenase (MDH2), isocitrate
      lyase (Icl1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pck1) are induced. However,
      when glucose is added to prolonged starved cells, these enzymes are degraded in
      the vacuole via the vacuole import and degradation (Vid) pathway. Recent evidence
      suggests that the Vid pathway merges with the endocytic pathway at actin patches
      where endocytic vesicles are formed. The convergence of the Vid pathway with the
      endocytic pathway allows cells to remove intracellular and extracellular proteins
      simultaneously. However, the genes that regulate this step of the convergence
      have not been identified previously. Here we show that VID30 plays a critical
      role for the association of Vid vesicles and actin patches. Vid30 is
      constitutively expressed and interacts with Vid vesicle proteins Vid24 and Sec28
      but not with the cargo protein FBPase. In the absence of SEC28 or VID24, Vid30
      association with actin patches was prolonged. In cells lacking the VID30 gene,
      FBPase and Vid24 were not localized to actin patches, suggesting that Vid30 has a
      role in the association of Vid vesicles and actin patches. Vid30 contains a LisH
      and a CTLH domain, both of which are required for FBPase degradation. When these
      domains were deleted, FBPase trafficking to the vacuole was impaired. We suggest
      that Vid30 also has a role in the Vid pathway at a later step in a process that
      is mediated by the LisH and CTLH domains.

PMID- 22082964
TI  - The end of autophagic cell death?
AB  - In the mammalian system, cell death is often preceded or accompanied by
      autophagic vacuolization, a finding that initially led to the widespread belief
      that so-called "autophagic cell death" would be mediated by autophagy. Thanks to
      the availability of genetic tools to disable the autophagic machinery, it has
      become clear over recent years that autophagy usually constitutes a futile
      attempt of dying cells to adapt to lethal stress rather than a mechanism to
      execute a cell death program. Recently, we systematically addressed the question
      as to whether established or prospective anticancer agents may induce "autophagic
      cell death". Although a considerable portion among the 1,400 compounds that we
      evaluated induced autophagic puncta and actually increased autophagic flux, not a
      single one turned out to kill tumor cells through the induction of autophagy.
      Thus, knockdown of essential autophagy genes (such as ATG5 and ATG7) failed to
      prevent and rather accelerated chemotherapy-induced cell death, in spite of the
      fact that this manipulation efficiently inhibits autophagosome formation. Herein,
      we review these finding and--polemically--raise doubts as to the very existence
      of "autophagic cell death".

PMID- 22082963
TI  - DRAM-1 encodes multiple isoforms that regulate autophagy.
AB  - Macro(autophagy) is a cellular mechanism which delivers cytoplasmic constituents
      to lysosomes for degradation. Due to its role in maintaining cellular integrity,
      autophagy protects against various diseases including cancer. p53 is a major
      tumor suppressor gene which can modulate autophagy both positively and
      negatively. p53 induces autophagy via transcriptional activation of Damage
      Regulated Autophagy Modulator (DRAM-1). We report here that DRAM-1 encodes not
      just one mRNA, but a series of p53-inducible splice variants which are expressed
      at varying levels in multiple human and mouse cell lines. Two of these new splice
      variants, termed SV4 and SV5, result in mature mRNA species. Different to 'full
      length' DRAM-1 (SV1), SV4 and SV5 do not localise to lysosomes or endosomes, but
      instead partially localise to peroxisomes and autophagosomes respectively. In
      addition, SV4 and SV5 can also be found co-localised with certain markers of the
      endoplasmic reticulum. Similar to SV1, SV4 and SV5 do not appear to be inducers
      of programmed cell death, but they do modulate autophagy. In summary, these
      findings identify new autophagy regulators that provide insight into the control
      of autophagy downstream of p53.

PMID- 22082965
TI  - Propagation direction of natural mechanical oscillations in the biceps brachii
      muscle during voluntary contraction.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the directionality of the coupling of
      mechanical vibrations across the biceps brachii muscle at different frequencies
      of interest during voluntary contraction. The vibrations that are naturally
      generated by skeletal muscles were recorded by a two-dimensional array of skin
      mounted accelerometers over the biceps brachii muscle (surface mechanomyogram, S
      MMG) during voluntary isometric contractions in ten healthy young men. As a
      measure of the similarity of vibration between a given pair of accelerometers,
      the spatial coherence of S-MMG at low (f<25Hz) and high (f>25Hz) frequency bands
      were investigated to determine if the coupling of the natural mechanical
      vibrations were due to the different physiological muscle activity at low and
      high frequencies. In both frequency bands, spatial coherence values for sensor
      pairs aligned longitudinally along the proximal to distal ends of the biceps were
      significantly higher compared with those for the sensor pairs oriented
      perpendicular to the muscle fibers. This difference was more evident at the
      higher frequency band. The findings indicated that coherent mechanical
      oscillations mainly propagated along the longitudinal direction of the biceps
      brachii muscle fibers at high frequencies (f>25Hz).

PMID- 22082966
TI  - A protocol for computer-based protein structure and function prediction.
AB  - Genome sequencing projects have ciphered millions of protein sequence, which
      require knowledge of their structure and function to improve the understanding of
      their biological role. Although experimental methods can provide detailed
      information for a small fraction of these proteins, computational modeling is
      needed for the majority of protein molecules which are experimentally
      uncharacterized. The I-TASSER server is an on-line workbench for high-resolution
      modeling of protein structure and function. Given a protein sequence, a typical
      output from the I-TASSER server includes secondary structure prediction,
      predicted solvent accessibility of each residue, homologous template proteins
      detected by threading and structure alignments, up to five full-length tertiary
      structural models, and structure-based functional annotations for enzyme
      classification, Gene Ontology terms and protein-ligand binding sites. All the
      predictions are tagged with a confidence score which tells how accurate the
      predictions are without knowing the experimental data. To facilitate the special
      requests of end users, the server provides channels to accept user-specified
      inter-residue distance and contact maps to interactively change the I-TASSER
      modeling; it also allows users to specify any proteins as template, or to exclude
      any template proteins during the structure assembly simulations. The structural
      information could be collected by the users based on experimental evidences or
      biological insights with the purpose of improving the quality of I-TASSER
      predictions. The server was evaluated as the best programs for protein structure
      and function predictions in the recent community-wide CASP experiments. There are
      currently >20,000 registered scientists from over 100 countries who are using the
      on-line I-TASSER server.

PMID- 22082967
TI  - Is there still a place for LASER technology in modern neurosurgery?

PMID- 22082968
TI  - In situ reconstruction of parietal bone craniectomy after convexity meningioma
      resection.

PMID- 22082969
TI  - Pituitary carcinoma.

PMID- 22082970
TI  - Is it useful to administer routine antihelminthic therapy after the resection of
      intraventricular cysticercosis?

PMID- 22082971
TI  - A pathway to endoscopic bariatric therapies.
AB  - The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) is dedicated to
      advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in
      gastrointestinal endoscopy. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric
      Surgery (ASMBS) is dedicated to improving public health and well-being by
      lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases. They are the
      largest professional societies for their respective specialties of
      gastrointestinal endoscopy and bariatric surgery in the world. The ASGE/ASMBS
      task force was developed to collaboratively address opportunities for endoscopic
      approaches to obesity, reflecting the strengths of our disciplines, to improve
      patient and societal outcomes. This white paper is intended to provide a
      framework for, and a pathway towards, the development, investigation, and
      adoption of safe and effective endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT).

PMID- 22082975
TI  - Temporal variation and provenance of thorium deposition observed at Tsukuba,
      Japan.
AB  - Temporal variations of monthly thorium (Th) deposition observed at Tsukuba, Japan
      during the period 1990-2007, comparing with plutonium deposition, was studied.
      The monthly (232)Th deposition as did (239,240)Pu, varied according to season and
      inter-annually. In particular, (232)Th deposition increased significantly in
      spring coinciding with Asian dust (Kosa) events. The (230)Th/(232)Th activity
      ratios vary according to sources and can therefore be used to differentiate
      between locally derived and remotely derived (232)Th. The (230)Th/(232)Th
      activity ratios in deposition samples showed large variability with high ratios
      occurring in early spring. These high (230)Th/(232)Th ratios in deposition can be
      attributed to local dust storms, especially in early spring, that cause
      resuspension of soils from cultivated fields which are characterized by high
      (230)Th/(232)Th activity ratios. The results reveal that both locally and
      remotely derived (232)Th deposition showed seasonal variations with maxima in
      spring, although the remotely derived fraction is dominant rather than the
      locally derived one. The (232)Th deposition maxima later in spring is
      attributable to the remotely derived fraction, corresponding to the Kosa events.
      Annual (232)Th deposition exhibited an increasing trend, suggesting the presence
      of sources other than soil dust such as fly ash from increasing coal burning.

PMID- 22082976
TI  - Please close this skin wound.
AB  - Acute cutaneous wounds following trauma are commonly encountered in the emergency
      department. This article explains the principles of their closure and provides
      advice on optimal management. Wound healing occurs in four phases: haemostatic,
      inflammatory, proliferative and maturation (Janis et al, 2010). The guidance
      below is based on the authors' personal practice, designed to promote transition
      through these stages and result in optimized healing with minimal scarring. It is
      intended to guide the reader through what can be a daunting prospect for many
      doctors in training: the acute closure of simple wounds.

PMID- 22082977
TI  - Splenomegaly.
AB  - Splenomegaly is a common finding on clinical examination, and frequently features
      in postgraduate assessments. The spleen does not normally descend below the left
      costal margin. The routine abdominal examination will identify whether the spleen
      is palpable, and if so splenomegaly is almost universally present. This is
      generally pathological and warrants investigation.

PMID- 22082978
TI  - Pregnancy and the liver.
AB  - In pregnancy the liver can be affected by diseases specific to pregnancy as well
      as unrelated conditions. The possible effect of the disease and its management on
      both the fetus and mother must be considered. Several physiological changes occur
      during pregnancy as liver metabolism is altered. Serum protein concentrations
      fall, with a decrease in serum albumin in part the result of the dilutional
      effect of an increase in plasma volume. Alanine transaminase and aspartate
      transaminase levels decrease (Table 1), complicating the diagnosis of disorders
      involving subtle changes in liver function. Alkaline phosphatase is also produced
      by the placenta, making this an unreliable marker of liver dysfunction in
      pregnancy.

PMID- 22082979
TI  - Management and prognosis of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is a common disease of the CNS. The first of these articles
      (Hassan-Smith and Douglas, 2011) examined its epidemiology and diagnosis. This
      article explores the management and prognosis of multiple sclerosis, including
      the rapidly evolving field of disease-modifying therapeutics. However, equally
      important is the management of problems related to chronic multiple sclerosis and
      knowledge of which symptomatic treatments may be helpful. Finally, the prognosis
      is discussed; vital when counselling newly diagnosed patients.

PMID- 22082980
TI  - Evaluation of global left ventricular systolic function using three-dimensional
      echocardiography speckle-tracking strain parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity and
      reproducibility of three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) strain parameters in
      the assessment of global left ventricular (LV) systolic function. METHODS: A
      total of 128 subjects with differing LV ejection fractions were investigated
      using two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) and 3DE strains. Three-dimensional
      echocardiographic strain allows obtaining longitudinal, circumferential, radial,
      and area strains. First, values of global longitudinal strain (GLS) by 2DE and
      3DE speckle-tracking analyses were compared. Thereafter, 3DE strain parameters
      were correlated with LV ejection fraction and indexed output. Last, the
      variability of 3DE versus 2DE strain measurements as well as recorded time of
      analysis were assessed. RESULTS: After excluding 21 patients for insufficient
      image quality, four for arrhythmia, two for severe valvular disease, and one for
      severe dyspnea, the final population consisted of 100 patients. Comparison
      between 2DE and 3DE GLS revealed high correspondence (r = 0.91, y = 1.04x - 0.71)
      and mean error measurement of -1.3% (95% confidence interval, -5.7 to 3.2). Among
      strain parameters, global area strain exhibited the highest correlation with LV
      ejection fraction (y = -1.65 + 10.4, r = -0.92, P < .001). Intraobserver
      measurement variability proved acceptable: 8% for GLS (vs 6% on 2DE analysis), 7%
      for circumferential strain (vs 15% on 2DE analysis), 7% for radial strain (vs 33%
      on 2DE analysis), and 5% for global area strain. The mean error between two
      measurements was lower with 3DE than 2DE analysis for circumferential and radial
      strains but similar for GLS. The mean time of analysis was of 117 +/- 16 sec for
      3DE analysis, which was 25% less than for 2DE analysis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Of all strain parameters, new 3DE area strain correlated best with common LV
      systolic function parameters and is thus the most promising approach, while all
      3DE strain markers exhibited good reproducibility.

PMID- 22082981
TI  - Elective oocyte cryopreservation: who should pay?
AB  - Despite the initial reactions of disapproval, more and more fertility clinics are
      now offering oocyte cryopreservation to healthy women in order to extend their
      reproductive options. However, so-called social freezing is not placed on an
      equal footing with 'regular' IVF treatments where public funding is concerned. In
      those countries or states where IVF patients receive a number of free cycles, we
      argue that fertilization and transfer cycles of women who proactively
      cryopreserved their oocytes should be covered. Moreover, when the argument of
      justice is consistently applied, coverage should also include the expenses of
      ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval and storage. Different modalities are
      possible: full coverage from the onset, reimbursement in cash or reimbursement in
      kind, by offering more free transfer cycles.

PMID- 22082982
TI  - The efficiency of male fertility restoration is dependent on the recovery
      kinetics of spermatogonial stem cells after cytotoxic treatment with busulfan in
      mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of
      spermatogenesis and represent a crucial resource for male fertility restoration.
      It has not been well documented, however, whether the recovery of SSC population
      size after cytotoxic damage associates with the kinetics of male fertility
      restoration. We addressed this issue using the mouse as a model. METHODS:
      Following single injections of busulfan at 15, 30 or 45 mg/kg into male mice, we
      examined their ability to sire offspring at different times by natural mating and
      determined SSC numbers using spermatogonial transplantation. We measured testis
      physiological parameters (testis weights, sperm counts, serum and intratesticular
      testosterone levels, and histological assessments of spermatogenic recovery) and
      quantified the expression of glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)
      transcripts. RESULTS: Regardless of busulfan doses, fertility was lost within 4
      weeks after treatment, while more than 95% of SSCs were lost within 3 days.
      Fertility and SSC numbers gradually recovered with time, but the recoveries were
      delayed at higher busulfan doses. Interestingly, SSC numbers reached ~30% of
      before-treatment levels by 4 weeks prior to the time of fertility restoration,
      across the dose groups. Sperm counts were ~20% of before-treatment levels at the
      onset of fertility restoration, regardless of busulfan doses. We detected a
      significant increase in total GDNF mRNA per testis immediately after busulfan
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The loss and restoration of fertility after busulfan
      treatment are direct consequences of SSC loss and expansion. Our data suggest
      that there is a threshold in SSC numbers that allows for male fertility
      restoration and that the testicular somatic environment responds rapidly and
      temporarily to the loss of spermatogonia, including SSCs, by altering GDNF mRNA
      levels. This study provides fundamental information to clinically apply SSCs for
      male fertility restoration in the future.

PMID- 22082983
TI  - Overexpression of receptor for advanced glycation end products induces monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1 expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cell line.
AB  - AIM: The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has been suggested
      to play a pivotal role in the development of diabetic vasculopathy and
      atherosclerosis; however, due to its low expression, the physiological role of
      RAGE in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) remains unknown. METHODS: Using VSMC
      lines stably expressing RAGE (RAGE-A10), we studied the molecular mechanism by
      which S100B, a RAGE ligand, induces proinflammatory gene expression. RESULTS:
      S100B induced NF-kappaB activation and the expression of several proinflammatory
      genes (MCP-1, IL-6, ICAM-1) at mRNA and protein levels in RAGE-A10, among which
      MCP-1 expression was the most robust. S100B-induced MCP-1 expression was dose
      dependently blocked by inhibitors of JNK (SP600125), p38 (SB203580), MEK-1
      (U0126) as well as NF-kappaB (Bay117085). In RAGE-A10, S100B activated JNK, MEK-1
      and p38. S100B-induced MCP-1 promoter activity via NF-kappaB binding sites and
      nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit were blocked by SP600125, U0126,
      and SB203580 in RAGE-A10. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that S100B increased
      MCP-1 expression via NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (JNK, ERK1/2,
      and p38) pathways in RAGE-overexpressed A10 cell lines. Thus, RAGE-A10 could be a
      useful cell model for studying the molecular mechanism(s) of up-regulated RAGE in
      the vasculature.

PMID- 22082984
TI  - Studying cell behavior in whole zebrafish embryos by confocal live imaging:
      application to hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Confocal live imaging is a key tool for studying cell behavior in the whole
      zebrafish embryo. Here we provide a detailed protocol that is adaptable for
      imaging any progenitor cell behavior in live zebrafish embryos. As an example, we
      imaged the emergence of the first hematopoietic stem cells from the aorta. We
      discuss the importance of selecting the appropriate zebrafish transgenic line as
      well as methods for immobilization of embryos to be imaged. In addition, we
      highlight the confocal microscopy acquisition parameters required for stem cell
      imaging and the software tools we used to analyze 4D movies. The whole protocol
      takes 2 h 15 min and allows confocal live imaging from a few hours to several
      days.

PMID- 22082985
TI  - Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing from paraffin
      embedded pathology tissue.
AB  - Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples represent the gold standard for
      storage of pathology samples. Here we describe pathology tissue chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (PAT-ChIP), a technique for extraction and high-throughput
      analysis, by techniques such as ChIP-seq, of chromatin derived from FFPE samples.
      Technically, the main challenge of PAT-ChIP is the preparation of good-quality
      chromatin from FFPE samples. Here we provide a detailed explanation of the
      methodology used, the choice of reagents and the troubleshooting steps required
      to establish a robust chromatin preparation procedure. Other steps have also been
      adapted from existing techniques to optimize their use for PAT-ChIP-seq. The
      protocol requires 4 d from the start to the end of the PAT-ChIP procedure. PAT
      ChIP provides, for the first time, the chance to perform analyses of histone
      modifications and transcription factor binding on a genome-wide scale using
      patient-derived FFPE samples. This technique therefore allows the immediate use
      of pathology archives (even those that are several years old) for epigenetic
      analyses and the identification of candidate epigenetic biomarkers or targets.

PMID- 22082986
TI  - Generating human intestinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells in vitro.
AB  - Here we describe a protocol for generating 3D human intestinal tissues (called
      organoids) in vitro from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). To generate
      intestinal organoids, pluripotent stem cells are first differentiated into
      FOXA2(+)SOX17(+) endoderm by treating the cells with activin A for 3 d. After
      endoderm induction, the pluripotent stem cells are patterned into CDX2(+) mid-
      and hindgut tissue using FGF4 and WNT3a. During this patterning step, 3D mid- or
      hindgut spheroids bud from the monolayer epithelium attached to the tissue
      culture dish. The 3D spheroids are further cultured in Matrigel along with
      prointestinal growth factors, and they proliferate and expand over 1-3 months to
      give rise to intestinal tissue, complete with intestinal mesenchyme and
      epithelium comprising all of the major intestinal cell types. To date, this is
      the only method for efficiently directing the differentiation of hPSCs into 3D
      human intestinal tissue in vitro.

PMID- 22082988
TI  - Efficacy of pregabalin in a case of stiff-person syndrome: clinical and
      neurophysiological evidence.
AB  - Symptomatic treatment of stiff-person syndrome (SPS) might be challenging and a
      significant improvement of stiffness and rigidity is generally reached with high
      doses of benzodiazepines or baclofen causing side effects. A 71-year old woman
      diagnosed with SPS complained of marked stiffness of trunk and lower limb muscles
      with sudden painful spasms. She was unable to walk and she could not lean on her
      right leg. Cortical silent period (CSP) duration evaluated from right abductor
      pollicis brevis (APB) with transcranial magnetic stimulation was shortened.
      Polygraphic electromyographic (EMG) evaluation from paraspinal and leg muscles
      disclosed continuous motor unit activity at rest with interference muscular
      pattern. Symptomatic treatment with diazepam was withdrawn because of excessive
      sedation. In order to relieve the intense lumbar pain, she was prescribed
      pregabalin; since the day after, rigidity and painful spasms dramatically
      improved and she could walk without assistance. The clinical benefit persisted at
      3 months follow-up and was paralleled by almost complete disappearance of EMG
      activity at rest and prolongation of CSP. The clinical and electrophysiological
      data in this SPS patient suggest the possible efficacy of pregabalin as
      symptomatic treatment without any significant side effects, which needs to be
      replicated in larger case series.

PMID- 22082987
TI  - Measuring and interpreting point spread functions to determine confocal
      microscope resolution and ensure quality control.
AB  - This protocol outlines a procedure for collecting and analyzing point spread
      functions (PSFs). It describes how to prepare fluorescent microsphere samples,
      set up a confocal microscope to properly collect 3D confocal image data of the
      microspheres and perform PSF measurements. The analysis of the PSF is used to
      determine the resolution of the microscope and to identify any problems with the
      quality of the microscope's images. The PSF geometry is used as an indicator to
      identify problems with the objective lens, confocal laser scanning components and
      other relay optics. Identification of possible causes of PSF abnormalities and
      solutions to improve microscope performance are provided. The microsphere sample
      preparation requires 2-3 h plus an overnight drying period. The microscope setup
      requires 2 h (1 h for laser warm up), whereas collecting and analyzing the PSF
      images require an additional 2-3 h.

PMID- 22082990
TI  - Movement-related neuromagnetic fields and performances of single trial
      classifications.
AB  - In order to clarify whether neurophysiological profiles affect the performance of
      brain machine interfaces (BMI), we examined the relationships between amplitudes
      of movement-related cortical fields (MRCFs) and decoding performances during
      movement. Neuromagnetic activities were recorded in nine healthy participants
      during three types of unilateral upper limb movements. The movement types were
      inferred by a support vector machine. The amplitude of MRCF components, motor
      field (MF), movement-evoked field I (MEFI), and movement-evoked field II (MEFII)
      were compared with the decoding accuracies in all participants. Decoding
      accuracies at the latencies of MF, MEFI, and MEFII surpassed the chance level in
      all participants. In particular, accuracies at MEFI and MEFII were significantly
      higher in comparison with that of MF. The amplitudes and decoding accuracies were
      strongly correlated (MF, r(s)=0.90; MEFI, r(s)=0.90; and MEFII, r(s)=0.87). Our
      results show that the variation of MRCF components among participants reflects
      decoding performance. Neurophysiological profiles may serve as a predictor of
      individual BMI performance and assist in the improvement of general BMI
      performance.

PMID- 22082989
TI  - Specific knockdown of the D2 long dopamine receptor variant.
AB  - Dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens is critical in mediating the effects
      of cocaine. There are two splice variants of dopamine D2 receptors, D2L and D2S,
      which are believed to have different functional roles. Here, we show, that
      knocking down D2L selectively using viral-mediated short-hairpin RNA led to a
      slight but significant decrease in basal locomotor activity with no significant
      change in cocaine-induced stimulation of locomotion. The knockdown appears to
      produce a trend of reduced conditioned place preference to cocaine but the
      difference was not statistically significant. Our results demonstrated that the
      splice variants of D2 receptors can be selectively manipulated in vivo in
      specific brain regions allowing more specific studies of each D2 receptor
      isoform.

PMID- 22082991
TI  - Outcomes of surgical management of bowel obstruction in relapsed epithelial
      ovarian cancer (EOC).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of surgical management of bowel obstruction
      in relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) so as to define the criteria for
      patient selection for palliative surgery. METHODS: 90 women with relapsed EOC
      underwent palliative surgery for bowel obstruction between 1992 and 2008.
      RESULTS: Median age at time of surgery for bowel obstruction was 57 years (range,
      26 to 85 years). All patients had received at least one line of platinum-based
      chemotherapy. Median time from diagnosis of primary disease to documented bowel
      obstruction requiring surgery was 19.5 months (range, 29 days-14 years). Median
      interval from date of completed course of chemotherapy preceding surgery for
      bowel obstruction was 3.8 months (range, 5 days-14 years). Ascites was present in
      38/90(42%). 49/90(54%) underwent emergency surgery for bowel obstruction. The
      operative mortality and morbidity rates were 18% and 27%, respectively.
      Successful palliation, defined as adequate oral intake at least 60 days
      postoperative, was achieved in 59/90(66%). Only the absence of ascites was
      identified as a predictor for successful palliation (p=0.049). The median overall
      survival (OS) was 90.5 days (range, <1 day-6 years). Optimal debulking, treatment
      free interval (TFI) and elective versus emergency surgery did not predict
      survival or successful palliation from surgery for bowel obstruction (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Surgery for bowel obstruction in relapsed EOC is associated with a
      high morbidity and mortality rate especially in emergency cases when compared to
      other gynaecological oncological procedures. Palliation can be achieved in almost
      two thirds of cases, is equally likely in elective and emergency cases but is
      less likely in those with ascites.

PMID- 22082993
TI  - Indoor air pollution from gas cooking and infant neurodevelopment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gas cooking is a main source of indoor air pollutants, including
      nitrogen dioxide and particles. Because concerns are emerging for
      neurodevelopmental effects of air pollutants, we examined the relationship
      between indoor gas cooking during pregnancy and infant neurodevelopment. METHODS:
      Pregnant mothers were recruited between 2004 and 2008 to a prospective birth
      cohort study (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) in Spain during the first trimester of
      pregnancy. Third-trimester questionnaires collected information about the use of
      gas appliances at home. At age 11 to 22 months, children were assessed for mental
      development using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Linear regression
      models examined the association of gas cooking and standardized mental
      development scores (n = 1887 mother-child pairs). RESULTS: Gas cookers were
      present in 44% of homes. Gas cooking was related to a small decrease in the
      mental development score compared with use of other cookers (-2.5 points [95%
      confidence interval = -4.0 to -0.9]) independent of social class, maternal
      education, and other measured potential confounders. This decrease was strongest
      in children tested after the age of 14 months (-3.1 points [-5.1 to -1.1]) and
      when gas cooking was combined with less frequent use of an extractor fan. The
      negative association with gas cooking was relatively consistent across strata
      defined by social class, education, and other covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      suggests a small adverse effect of indoor air pollution from gas cookers on the
      mental development of young children.

PMID- 22082995
TI  - Health effects of flooding in rural Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little information available on nontraumatic health risks as
      the result of floods, and on the factors that determine vulnerability to them
      (especially in low-income settings). We estimated the pattern of mortality,
      diarrhea, and acute respiratory infection following the 2004 floods in rural
      Bangladesh. METHODS: We conducted controlled interrupted time-series analysis of
      adverse health outcomes, from 2001 to 2007, in a cohort of 211,000 residents of
      the Matlab region classified as flooded or nonflooded in 2004. Ratios of
      mortality, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infection rates in flooded compared
      with nonflooded areas were calculated by week for mortality and diarrhea, and by
      month for acute respiratory infection. We controlled for baseline differences as
      well as normal seasonal patterns in the flooded and nonflooded areas. Variations
      in flood-related health risks were examined by age, income level, drinking-water
      source, latrine type, and service area. RESULTS: After fully controlling for pre
      flood rate differences and for seasonality, there was no clear evidence of
      excesses in mortality or diarrhea risk during or after flooding. For acute
      respiratory infection, we found no evidence of excess risk during the flood
      itself but a moderate increase in risk during the 6 months after the flood
      (relative risk = 1.25 [95% confidence interval = 1.06-1.47]) and the subsequent
      18 months. CONCLUSIONS: We found little evidence of increased risk of diarrhea or
      mortality following the floods, but evidence of a moderate elevation in risk of
      acute respiratory infection during the 2 years after flooding. The discrepancies
      between our results and the apparent excesses for mortality and diarrhea reported
      in other situations, using less- controlled estimates, emphasize the importance
      of stringent confounder control.

PMID- 22082994
TI  - Maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy and risk of lower respiratory tract
      infections, wheezing, and asthma in offspring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adequate vitamin D status in mothers during pregnancy may influence
      the health status of the child later in life. We assessed whether maternal
      circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations in pregnancy are
      associated with risk of lower respiratory tract infections, wheezing, and asthma
      in the offspring. METHODS: Data were obtained from 1724 children of the INfancia
      y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Project, a population-based birth cohort study. Maternal
      circulating 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in pregnancy (mean gestational
      age = 12.6 [SD = 2.5] weeks). When the child was age 1 year, parents were asked
      if their child had a physician-confirmed history of lower respiratory tract
      infections or a history of wheezing. The questions about wheezing were repeated
      annually thereafter. Asthma was defined as parental report of doctor diagnosis of
      asthma or receiving treatment at the age of 4-6 years or wheezing since the age
      of 4 years. RESULTS: The median maternal circulating 25(OH)D concentration in
      pregnancy was 29.5 ng/mL (interquartile range, 22.5-37.1 ng/mL). After
      multivariable adjustment, there was a trend for an independent association
      between higher levels of maternal circulating 25(OH)D levels in pregnancy and
      decreased odds of lower respiratory tract infections in offspring (for cohort-
      and season-specific quartile Q4 vs. Q1, odds ratio = 0.67 [95% confidence
      interval = 0.50-0.90]; test for trend, P = 0.016). We found no association
      between 25(OH)D levels in pregnancy and risk of wheezing at age 1 year or 4
      years, or asthma at age 4-6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Higher maternal circulating
      25(OH)D concentrations in pregnancy were independently associated with lower risk
      of lower respiratory tract infections in offspring in the first year of life but
      not with wheezing or asthma in childhood.

PMID- 22082996
TI  - Cell phone use and crash risk:  evidence for positive bias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiologic studies have estimated little or no increased
      risk of automotive crashes related to cell phone conversations by the driver,
      whereas earlier case-crossover studies estimated the relative risk as close to 4.
      Did earlier studies introduce a positive bias in relative risk estimates by
      overestimating driving exposure in control windows? METHODS: Driving exposures in
      a "control" window and a corresponding "case" window on the subsequent day were
      tabulated across 100 days for 439 GPS-instrumented vehicles in the Puget Sound
      area during 2005-2006. RESULTS: For control windows containing at least some
      driving, driving exposure was about one-fourth that of case windows. Adjusting
      for this imbalance reduces relative risk estimates in the earlier case-crossover
      studies from 4 to 1. CONCLUSION: Earlier case-crossover studies likely
      overestimated the relative risk for cell phone conversations while driving by
      implicitly assuming that driving during a control window was full-time when it
      may have been only part-time.

PMID- 22082998
TI  - Functional somatic syndromes.
AB  - Common medical disorders that fail to achieve proportionate clinical or research
      attention are usually complex, hidden or stigmatized. Functional somatic
      syndromes are all three of these, complicated further by ongoing disagreements
      about terminology and diagnostic criteria.

PMID- 22082999
TI  - Frontline health care can be improved by bringing research into the clinic.
AB  - Progress in clinical research has played a huge role in the great improvements in
      frontline health care achieved over the last 50 years, both in general practice
      and in hospitals.

PMID- 22082997
TI  - Effects of ambient pollen concentrations on frequency and severity of asthma
      symptoms among asthmatic children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the associations between ambient pollen exposures
      and daily respiratory symptoms have produced inconsistent results. We
      investigated these relationships in a cohort of asthmatic children using pollen
      exposure models to estimate individual ambient exposures. METHODS: Daily symptoms
      of wheeze, night symptoms, shortness of breath, chest tightness, persistent
      cough, and rescue medication use were recorded in a cohort of 430 children with
      asthma (age 4-12 years) in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Daily
      ambient exposures to tree, grass, weed, and total pollen were estimated using
      mixed-effects models. We stratified analyses by use of asthma maintenance
      medication and sensitization to grass or weed pollens. Separate logistic
      regression analyses using generalized estimating equations were performed for
      each symptom outcome and pollen type. We adjusted analyses for maximum daily
      temperature, maximum 8-hour average ozone, fine particles (PM2.5), season, and
      antibiotic use. RESULTS: Associations were observed among children sensitized to
      specific pollens; these associations varied by use of asthma maintenance
      medication. Exposures to even relatively low levels of weed pollen (6-9
      grains/m(3)) were associated with increased shortness of breath, chest tightness,
      rescue medication use, wheeze, and persistent cough, compared with lower exposure
      among sensitized children on maintenance medication. Grass pollen exposures >= 2
      grains/m(3) were associated with wheeze, night symptoms, shortness of breath, and
      persistent cough compared with lower exposure among sensitized children who did
      not take maintenance medication. CONCLUSION: Even low-level pollen exposure was
      associated with daily asthmatic symptoms.

PMID- 22083001
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis: pathogenesis and new treatments.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most problematic organism in patients with cystic
      fibrosis. This article reviews its pathogenic mechanisms, with particular
      relevance to the pathophysiology of the cystic fibrosis airway, and recent
      advances in therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22083002
TI  - Lyme disease and the heart in the UK.
AB  - Heart involvement from Lyme disease is uncommon in the UK but, when it does
      occur, can be rapidly progressive and require intensive therapy. A history of
      exposure and frequently a characteristic rash (erythema migrans) are the cardinal
      features in diagnosis.

PMID- 22083003
TI  - Morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is known to increase morbidity and mortality. Physical illness in
      schizophrenia is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental
      factors. This review highlights the multifactorial aetiology of morbidity and
      mortality in schizophrenia and considers the use of antipsychotics for patients
      with this disorder.

PMID- 22083004
TI  - Coexistent asymptomatic myeloma and hereditary cardiac amyloidosis: an unusual
      case of heart failure.
AB  - A 76-year-old Afro-Caribbean man presenting with heart failure was diagnosed with
      isolated cardiac amyloid. He had evidence of myeloma on bone marrow biopsy
      suggesting AL amyloid, the commonest type of systemic amyloidosis, as the
      underlying cause. He had no other myeloma-related organ damage. However,
      endocardial biopsy revealed amyloid fibrils composed of transthyretin and genetic
      typing established heterozygozity for the valine to isoleucine mutation at
      position 122 (Val122Ile). The diagnosis was therefore hereditary systemic
      amyloidosis as a result of a genetic transthyretin variant (ATTR) causing cardiac
      amyloidosis and coexistent asymptomatic myeloma. This requires symptomatic
      treatment of heart failure only.  This article discusses a rare cause of heart
      failure and uses this case to illustrate that histological confirmation of the
      amyloid-causing protein is essential. Mistaken assumption of AL amyloid could
      have resulted in inappropriate cytotoxic therapy targeting the plasma cell clone.

PMID- 22083005
TI  - Positron emission tomography computed tomography in oncology.
AB  - The role of positron emission tomography computed tomography in oncological
      imaging has rapidly evolved. It has proven itself to be cost effective and alters
      patient management in a significant proportion of cases. This article discusses
      its current and future applications.

PMID- 22083006
TI  - Medical leadership: an international perspective.
AB  - Doctors are increasingly seen as key to embedding health service improvements and
      there has been much international debate over how best this can be achieved. This
      article takes an international perspective on medical leadership and leadership
      development through discussion of case study examples and initiatives from around
      the world.

PMID- 22083007
TI  - Learning to make better clinical decisions.
AB  - To achieve the optimum patient outcome one must be able to choose the most
      appropriate course of action. How this choice is made may not be actively
      contemplated, and there may be many unrecognized pitfalls for the unwary. An
      increased awareness of how we think should increase both the efficiency and
      success of clinical decision making.

PMID- 22083008
TI  - Inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy  secondary to adrenaline injection.
AB  - A young woman presented with severe chest pain and an inverted takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy following adrenaline injection for treatment of an allergic
      reaction. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of inverted
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy following systemic adrenaline administration. The case
      strongly suggests a central role of catecholamines in the pathogenesis of
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22083009
TI  - Vasodepressor syncope and recurrent pharyngeal carcinoma: a form of carotid sinus
      syndrome?
AB  - Syncope occurring in the setting of head and neck malignancy may have several
      possible causes. Local effects of a tumour in the parapharyngeal area may produce
      a syncopal syndrome similar to carotid sinus hypersensitivity, but with
      distinctive differentiating features. This article presents a case of profound
      vasodepressor syncope in a patient with recurrent pharyngeal malignancy, and
      discusses the mechanisms by which this occurs and the possible therapeutic
      options.

PMID- 22083010
TI  - Pulmonary and paradoxical embolism with platypnoea-orthodeoxia.
AB  - This article outlines the case of a 62-year-old man who presented with a deep
      vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus and right middle cerebral artery territory
      ischaemic stroke in association with a patent foramen ovale with right-to-left
      shunting. Despite anticoagulation, he was noted to have desaturation and
      tachypnoea when upright, without other symptoms or  cardiovascular compromise,
      that resolved on lying down. The article describes the syndrome of platypnoea
      orthodeoxia, characterized by breathlessness, hypoxia and/or cyanosis while in
      the upright position that improves on lying down, its relationship to this case,
      and its resolution by closure of the patent foramen ovale.

PMID- 22083011
TI  - Ileo-ileal intussusception from Crohn's ileitis.
AB  - Crohn's disease can cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. A 33-year-old man
      presented with a 3-month history of recurrent abdominal pain and occasional
      diarrhoea.

PMID- 22083012
TI  - Sir Samuel Wilks (1824-1911): brilliant observer who 'rediscovered' Hodgkin's
      disease.
AB  - Guy's Hospital and its medical school rejoiced in a remarkable group of
      physicians in the 19th century. These included Richard Bright, a pioneer in the
      study of chronic nephritis, Thomas Addison, who described two diseases that bear
      his name (Addison's disease of the suprarenals and Addison's, or pernicious,
      anaemia), Thomas Hodgkin, who gave the first clear account of lymphadenoma and
      Sir William Gull, who documented myxoedema, its relationship to the thyroid and
      its resemblance to cretinism in children.

PMID- 22083013
TI  - Dupuytrent's disease and occupation: still a debate?

PMID- 22083014
TI  - Helping your children save for the future.
AB  - This autumn sees the launch of junior individual saving accounts, which allow
      family members and friends to save on behalf a child. This article explains what
      they are and the other options available to help parents save for their
      children's future.

PMID- 22083016
TI  - Supportive therapy with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory
      distress syndrome.
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe form of respiratory failure
      characterized by acute onset of significant hypoxaemia (PaO2:FiO2<200mmHg) with
      diffuse bilateral pulmonary air-space shadowing on chest X-ray, without clinical
      signs of heart failure (Bernard et al, 1994). It has a heterogeneous aetiology
      with wide-ranging pulmonary and extra-pulmonary causes.

PMID- 22083017
TI  - H2 dissociation on individual Pd atoms deposited on Cu(111).
AB  - We present a Molecular Dynamics (MD) study based on Density Functional Theory
      (DFT) calculations for H(2) interacting with a Pd-Cu(111) surface alloy for low
      Pd coverages, Theta(Pd). Our results show, in line with recent experimental data,
      that single isolated Pd atoms evaporated on Cu(111) significantly increase the
      reactivity of the otherwise inert pure Cu surface. On top of substitutional Pd
      atoms in the Pd-Cu(111) surface alloy, the activation energy barrier for H(2)
      dissociation is smaller than the lowest one found on Cu(111) by a factor of two:
      0.25 eV vs. 0.46 eV. Also in agreement with experiments, our DFT-MD calculations
      show that a large fraction of the dissociating H atoms efficiently spillover from
      Pd (i.e. the active sites), thanks to their extra kinetic energy due to the ~0.50
      eV chemisorption exothermicity. Still, our DFT-MD calculations predict a
      dissociative sticking probability for low energy H(2) molecules that is much
      smaller than the estimated value from scanning tunneling microscopy experiments.
      Thus, further theoretical and experimental investigations are required for a
      complete understanding of H(2) dissociation on low-Theta(Pd) Pd-Cu(111) surface
      alloys.

PMID- 22083018
TI  - Should minimization replace randomization in all clinical trials?

PMID- 22083019
TI  - Efficient derivation of human cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes from
      pluripotent human embryonic stem cells with small molecule induction.
AB  - To date, the lack of a suitable human cardiac cell source has been the major
      setback in regenerating the human myocardium, either by cell-based
      transplantation or by cardiac tissue engineering. Cardiomyocytes become
      terminally-differentiated soon after birth and lose their ability to proliferate.
      There is no evidence that stem/progenitor cells derived from other sources, such
      as the bone marrow or the cord blood, are able to give rise to the contractile
      heart muscle cells following transplantation into the heart. The need to
      regenerate or repair the damaged heart muscle has not been met by adult stem cell
      therapy, either endogenous or via cell delivery. The genetically stable human
      embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have unlimited expansion ability and unrestricted
      plasticity, proffering a pluripotent reservoir for in vitro derivation of large
      supplies of human somatic cells that are restricted to the lineage in need of
      repair and regeneration. Due to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease
      worldwide and acute shortage of donor organs, there is intense interest in
      developing hESC-based therapies as an alternative approach. 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 (see a schematic in Fig. 1A). 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. 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 (see a schematic in Fig. 1B). After screening a variety of small
      molecules and growth factors, we found that such defined conditions rendered
      nicotinamide (NAM) sufficient to induce the specification of cardiomesoderm
      direct from pluripotent hESCs that further progressed to cardioblasts that
      generated human beating cardiomyocytes with high efficiency (Fig. 2). We defined
      conditions for induction of cardioblasts direct from pluripotent hESCs without an
      intervening multi-lineage embryoid body stage, enabling well-controlled efficient
      derivation of a large supply of human cardiac cells across the spectrum of
      developmental stages for cell-based therapeutics.

PMID- 22083021
TI  - Venous thromboembolism: Increased embolic risk from combined oral contraceptives.

PMID- 22083022
TI  - Radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging among patients with gastrointestinal
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are concerns about levels of radiation exposure among
      patients who undergo diagnostic imaging for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
      compared with other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. We quantified imaging
      studies and estimated the cumulative effective dose (CED) of radiation received
      by patients with organic and functional GI disorders. We also identified factors
      and diagnoses associated with high CEDs. METHODS: We analyzed data from 2590
      patients who were diagnosed with GI disorders at a tertiary gastroenterology
      center from January 1999-January 2009 on the basis of International Statistical
      Classification of Diseases and Health-related Problems, 10th revision and Rome
      III criteria. High annual CED and high total CED were defined as figures
      exceeding the 90th percentile for the population. RESULTS: Diagnostic imaging was
      performed on 57% of the patients (1429 of 2509). High annual CEDs (>9.6
      millisieverts/annum) were independently associated with Crohn's disease (odds
      ratio [OR], 5.3; P < .0001), organic small bowel disease (OR, 2.6; P < .005), and
      functional disorders of childhood and adolescence (OR, 9.8; P < .005). High total
      CEDs (>30.8 millisieverts) were independently associated with Crohn's disease
      (OR, 81.9; P < .0001), ulcerative colitis (OR, 19.0; P < .0001), indeterminate
      colitis (OR, 7.5; P < .0005), and the following non-IBD diagnoses: organic small
      bowel disorders (OR, 12.5; P < .0001), organic hepatic disorders (OR, 3.6; P <
      .01), and functional disorders of childhood and adolescence (OR, 13.8; P = .02).
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of annual and total diagnostic radiation exposure are
      associated with IBD and with other organic and functional GI disorders. Evidence
      based guidelines for image analysis of patients with organic and functional
      gastrointestinal disorders, especially those that reduce radiation exposure, are
      needed.

PMID- 22083020
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: current and future approaches.
AB  - The first human transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in 2002, and
      several subsequent single-center series, showed the feasibility of this new
      approach for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis who were
      considered to be at very high or prohibitive surgical risk. More-recent
      multicenter registries have confirmed the safety and efficacy of this procedure,
      despite a very-high-risk patient profile. Moreover, the randomized, controlled
      PARTNER trial has confirmed both the superiority of TAVI over medical treatment
      in patients not considered to be candidates for standard surgical aortic valve
      replacement and the noninferiority of TAVI compared with surgical aortic valve
      replacement in high-risk patients. The hemodynamics of transcatheter valves are
      usually excellent, although residual paravalvular aortic regurgitation (usually
      trivial or mild) is frequent. Stroke, major vascular complications, and
      conduction disturbances leading to permanent pacemaker implantation remain among
      the most-concerning periprocedural complications of TAVI. Nevertheless, promising
      preliminary data exist for long-term outcomes following TAVI, 'valve-in-valve'
      TAVI for surgical prosthesis dysfunction, and for the treatment of lower-risk
      patients. Improvements in transcatheter valve technology, optimization of
      procedural and midterm results, and confirmation of long-term durability of
      transcatheter valve prostheses will determine the expansion of TAVI towards the
      treatment of a broader spectrum of patients.

PMID- 22083023
TI  - Multidisciplinary management of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis.
      Management algorithms continually are increasing in sophistication and involve
      application of single and multimodality treatments, including liver
      transplantation, hepatic resection, ablation, transarterial chemoembolization,
      radioembolization, and systemic chemotherapy. These treatments have been shown to
      increase survival times. As many as 75% of patients with limited-stage disease
      who are given curative therapies survive 5 years, whereas less than 20% of
      untreated patients survive 1 year. Treatment can be optimized based on the
      patient's tumor stage, hepatic reserve, and functional status. However, because
      of the heterogeneity in presentation among patients, a multidisciplinary approach
      is required to treat hepatocellular carcinoma, involving hepatologists, surgeons,
      interventional radiologists, and oncologists. We present each specialist's
      viewpoint on controversies and advances in the management of hepatocellular
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22083024
TI  - Efficacy of topical 5-aminosalicylates in preventing relapse of quiescent
      ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Topical 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) such as mesalamine are
      effective in inducing remission in patients with mild to moderately active
      ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there has been no meta-analysis of their
      efficacy in preventing relapse of quiescent UC. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials through July 2011
      for randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of topical 5-ASAs with
      placebo in adults with quiescent UC. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain
      relative risk (RR) of relapse of disease activity. The number needed to treat
      (NNT) was calculated from the reciprocal of the risk difference. Adverse events
      data were summarized. RESULTS: The search identified 3061 citations; we analyzed
      data from seven (555 patients). All trials used mesalamine, but only one included
      patients with extensive disease. The duration of therapy ranged from 6-24 months.
      The RR of relapse of disease activity in patients with quiescent UC who were
      given topical mesalamine, compared with placebo, was 0.60 (95% confidence
      interval, 0.49-0.73; NNT = 3); there was no significant heterogeneity between
      studies (I(2) = 21%, P = .27). No significant differences in rates of adverse
      events rates were detected (RR = 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.72).
      CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of a meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials,
      topical mesalamine is effective in preventing relapse of quiescent UC, with no
      greater number of adverse events than placebo. However, because most studies
      included only patients with left-sided disease or proctitis, the efficacy of
      topical mesalamine in preventing relapse in patients with more extensive
      quiescent UC is not known.

PMID- 22083025
TI  - Mechanistic insights on one-phase vs. two-phase Brust-Schiffrin method synthesis
      of Au nanoparticles with dioctyl-diselenides.
AB  - Metal precursors in the one-phase (1p) and two-phase (2p) Brust-Schiffrin method
      (BSM) synthesis of Au nanoparticles (NPs) using dioctyl-diselenides were
      identified. A single dominant type of metal precursor was found in the 1p
      synthesis as compared to multiple ones in the 2p synthesis, which was proposed as
      the key reason why the former is better than the latter.

PMID- 22083027
TI  - Substrate selected polymorphism of epitaxially aligned tetraphenyl-porphyrin thin
      films.
AB  - Porphyrin molecules, of interest as versatile materials for organic electronics,
      are highly prone to formation of significantly different polymorphic phases. To
      elucidate the determinants for the specific polymorphic phase formed in thin
      films as well as for the arrangement of the molecules on a given substrate two
      different anisotropic substrate surfaces have been selected: KCl(100) and the
      oxygen reconstructed Cu(110) surface. We observe that the crystal structure of
      the thin films depends on the substrate, whereas the relative molecular
      orientations in both cases are similar. X-Ray and transmission electron
      diffraction of 30 nm thick tetraphenyl-porphyrin (H(2)TPP) and platinum
      tetraphenyl-porphyrin (PtTPP) thin films deposited on KCl(100) surfaces reveals
      that both kinds of molecules crystallize in a tetragonal polymorph with the (001)
      lattice planes, i.e. with their macrocycles, parallel to the substrate. Films
      deposited on the oxygen reconstructed Cu(110)-(2 * 1)O surface exhibit in
      contrast the triclinic polymorph even though molecules again align nearly
      parallel to the substrate surface as observed by LEED and X-ray diffraction. On
      both substrates we identify two driving forces for the epitaxial alignment of
      porphyrins: (i) molecules aligning with their macrocycles (nearly) parallel to
      the substrate surface and (ii) the porphyrin molecules forming a commensurate
      unit cell with the respective substrate. The polymorphic phase meeting both
      requirements is the most favorable to be formed on a given substrate and due to
      this structural flexibility in both cases well-ordered, epitaxially aligned
      porphyrin thin films are achieved.

PMID- 22083026
TI  - Attention training and the threat bias: an ERP study.
AB  - Anxiety is characterized by exaggerated attention to threat. Several studies
      suggest that this threat bias plays a causal role in the development and
      maintenance of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, although the threat bias can be
      reduced in anxious individuals and induced in non-anxious individual, the
      attentional mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. To address this
      issue, 49 non-anxious adults were randomly assigned to either attentional
      training toward or training away from threat using a modified version of the dot
      probe task. Behavioral measures of attentional biases were also generated pre-
      and post-training using the dot probe task. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were
      generated to threat and non-threat face pairs and probes during pre- and post
      training assessments. Effects of training on behavioral measures of the threat
      bias were significant, but only for those participants showing pre-training
      biases. Attention training also influenced early spatial attention, as measured
      by post-training P1 amplitudes to cues. Results illustrate the importance of
      taking pre-training attention biases in non-anxious individuals into account when
      evaluating the effects of attention training and tracking physiological changes
      in attention following training.

PMID- 22083028
TI  - Effect of anemia on hepatotoxicity of HAART in HIV patients in Benin city.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatotoxicity is a relevant adverse effect of highly active
      antiretroviral Treatment owing to its frequency, and it can cause interruption of
      therapy, hepatitis, and death. There is dearth of information on hepatotoxicity
      arising from highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in anemic patients.
      Anemia is the most common symptom in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome. We studied the effect of anemia on hepatotoxicity in
      HIV patients who were about to start HAART, attending clinic, or in the medical
      wards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study in which patients were
      recruited consecutively and followed up for 24 weeks. RESULTS: In all, 84
      patients were recruited and 42 were enrolled as controls. The mean ages of the
      cases and controls were 35.2+/-9.9 and 35.5+/-9.0 years, respectively. The age
      range of the cases was 18-68 years with a median age of 31.5 years, whereas the
      mean age of the controls was 20-57 years with a median age of 33.5 years. There
      was no difference (t=0.197, df=124, and P=0.844). There were 61 females (72.6%)
      and 23 males (27.4%) in the cases, whereas in the controls, there were 34 females
      (81.0%) and 8 males (19.0%). Among the cases, 30 (35.7%) were anemic, while 54
      (64.3%) were not anemic. Six (20%) of the anemic patients had hepatotoxicity, and
      9 (16.7%) of the patients with normal packed cell volume had hepatotoxicity.
      Among the controls, all 42 (100%) patients had normal packed cell volume. Four
      (9.5%) of the patients had hepatotoxicity. There was no association between
      hepatotoxicity and anemia (chi(2) =3.243, df=2, P=0.198). CONCLUSION: Anemia did
      not affect hepatotoxicity of HAART in this study.

PMID- 22083029
TI  - A general method for evaluating incubation of sucrose craving in rats.
AB  - For someone on a food-restricted diet, food craving in response to food-paired
      cues may serve as a key behavioral transition point between abstinence and
      relapse to food taking. Food craving conceptualized in this way is akin to drug
      craving in response to drug-paired cues. A rich literature has been developed
      around understanding the behavioral and neurobiological determinants of drug
      craving; we and others have been focusing recently on translating techniques from
      basic addiction research to better understand addiction-like behaviors related to
      food. As done in previous studies of drug craving, we examine sucrose craving
      behavior by utilizing a rat model of relapse. In this model, rats self-administer
      either drug or food in sessions over several days. In a session, lever responding
      delivers the reward along with a tone+light stimulus. Craving behavior is then
      operationally defined as responding in a subsequent session where the reward is
      not available. Rats will reliably respond for the tone+light stimulus, likely due
      to its acquired conditioned reinforcing properties. This behavior is sometimes
      referred to as sucrose seeking or cue reactivity. In the present discussion we
      will use the term "sucrose craving" to subsume both of these constructs. In the
      past decade, we have focused on how the length of time following reward self
      administration influences reward craving. Interestingly, rats increase responding
      for the reward-paired cue over the course of several weeks of a period of forced
      abstinence. This "incubation of craving" is observed in rats that have self
      administered either food or drugs of abuse. This time-dependent increase in
      craving we have identified in the animal model may have great potential relevance
      to human drug and food addiction behaviors. Here we present a protocol for
      assessing incubation of sucrose craving in rats. Variants of the procedure will
      be indicated where craving is assessed as responding for a discrete sucrose
      paired cue following extinction of lever pressing within the sucrose self
      administration context (Extinction without cues) or as responding for sucrose
      paired cues in a general extinction context (Extinction with cues).

PMID- 22083030
TI  - The role of atrial natriuretic peptide in modulating cardiac electrophysiology.
AB  - Since the discovery of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in 1981, significant
      progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of its release and its role
      in salt and water balance in the body. It has also become clear that ANP plays a
      key role in cardiac electrophysiology, modulating the autonomic nervous system
      and regulating the function of cardiac ion channels. The clinical importance of
      this role was established when mutations in NPPA, the gene encoding ANP, were
      identified as a cause of familial atrial fibrillation. This review examines our
      current understanding of the electrophysiological effects of ANP, and their
      physiological relationship to clinical studies linking ANP and atrial
      fibrillation.

PMID- 22083031
TI  - Device surgery in the anticoagulated patient: the Goldilocks principle.

PMID- 22083033
TI  - To the editor--ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22083037
TI  - Control of medical comorbidities in individuals with HIV.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With improved combination antiretroviral therapy-related survival,
      diabetes and hypertension increasingly contribute to morbidity and mortality
      among individuals with HIV. However, there is limited data on diabetes and blood
      pressure control in this population. We examined whether virologic control is
      associated with control of diabetes and hypertension. METHODS: We examined HIV
      viral load, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and blood pressure measurements from 70
      diabetics and 291 hypertensives in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort, an
      urban, university-based cohort. All patients were treated for HIV and diabetes or
      hypertension. HbA1c and HIV-1 RNA were captured electronically from laboratory
      data, and blood pressure was collected electronically from vital signs taken at
      clinic visits. We used HIV-1 RNA values within 30 days of the HbA1c measurement
      or blood pressure measurement. The relationships between HIV-1 RNA and HbA1c and
      HIV-1 RNA and blood pressure were examined using separate random effects
      generalized least squares linear regression models. RESULTS: The study sample was
      predominantly male and black, with a high prevalence of comorbid hepatitis C
      virus infection and psychiatric illness. In multivariable analysis, each log(10)
      increase in HIV-1 RNA was associated with higher HbA1c (beta = 0.47 units, P <
      0.001) among diabetics and higher mean arterial pressure among hypertensive
      patients (beta = 1.95 mmHg, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal control of HIV,
      indicated by detectable viral load, correlates with suboptimal control of
      diabetes and hypertension, indicated by higher HbA1c and mean arterial pressure.
      Achieving control of multiple medical comorbidities and HIV simultaneously may
      require expansion of current adherence interventions focused primarily on
      antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 22083039
TI  - Raman spectrum of supercritical C(18)O2 and re-evaluation of the Fermi resonance.
AB  - We report the first Raman spectra of fully (18)O-labeled supercritical CO(2)
      (scCO(2)) and various isotopic mixtures. The experimental results, coupled with
      ab initio molecular dynamics calculations, demonstrate that the frequencies
      assigned to the Fermi dyad of the CO(2) molecule transpose upon isotopic labeling
      of both oxygen atoms. Although the transposition of the Fermi dyad of CO(2) gas
      due to isotopic substitution has been discussed before, this is the first
      confirmation of the effect in the Raman spectrum of the supercritical fluid and
      provides necessary groundwork for future Raman spectroscopy studies of reactions
      in this important medium. More importantly, the work yields a quantitative
      assessment of the mixing of states upon labeling that provides the needed
      clarification concerning the pedigree of the assignments for the dyad of CO(2)
      under supercritical conditions.

PMID- 22083040
TI  - Disease prevention: Pain killer--cancer preventer.

PMID- 22083038
TI  - Efficacy of behavioral interventions to increase condom use and reduce sexually
      transmitted infections:  a meta-analysis, 1991 to 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the absence of an effective HIV vaccine, safer sexual practices are
      necessary to avert new infections. Therefore, we examined the efficacy of
      behavioral interventions to increase condom use and reduce sexually transmitted
      infections (STIs), including HIV. DESIGN: Studies that examined a behavioral
      intervention focusing on reducing sexual risk, used a randomized controlled trial
      or a quasi-experimental design with a comparison condition, and provided needed
      information to calculate effect sizes for condom use and any type of STI,
      including HIV. METHODS: Studies were retrieved from electronic databases (eg,
      PubMed, PsycINFO) and reference sections of relevant papers. Forty-two studies
      with 67 separate interventions (N = 40,665; M age = 26 years; 68% women; 59%
      Black) were included. Independent raters coded participant characteristics,
      design and methodological features, and intervention content. Weighted mean
      effect sizes, using both fixed-effects and random-effects models, were
      calculated. Potential moderators of intervention efficacy were assessed. RESULTS:
      Compared with controls, intervention participants increased their condom use [d+
      = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04, 0.29; k = 67], had fewer incident
      STIs (d+ = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.29; k = 62), including HIV (d+ = 0.46, 95% CI =
      0.13, 0.79; k = 13). Sample (eg, ethnicity) and intervention features (eg, skills
      training) moderated the efficacy of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral
      interventions reduce sexual risk behavior and avert STIs and HIV. Translation and
      widespread dissemination of effective behavioral interventions are needed.

PMID- 22083041
TI  - Screening: get it off your chest.

PMID- 22083043
TI  - Platinum nanoparticles suppress osteoclastogenesis through scavenging of reactive
      oxygen species produced in RAW264.7 cells.
AB  - Recent research has shown that platinum nanoparticles (nano-Pt) efficiently
      quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a reducing catalyst. ROS have been
      suggested to regulate receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-stimulated
      osteoclast differentiation. In the present study, we examined the direct effects
      of platinum nano-Pt on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of murine pre
      osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. The effect of the nano-Pt on the number of
      osteoclasts was measured and their effect on the mRNA expression for osteoclast
      differentiation was assayed using real-time PCR. Nano-Pt appeared to have a ROS
      scavenging activity. Nano-Pt decreased the number of osteoclasts (2+ nuclei) and
      large osteoclasts (8+ nuclei) in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell
      viability. In addition, this agent significantly blocked RANKL-induced mRNA
      expression of osteoclastic differentiation genes such as c-fms, NFATc1, NFATc2,
      and DC-STAMP as well as that of osteoclast-specific marker genes including MMP-9,
      Cath-K, CLC7, ATP6i, CTR, and TRAP. Although nano-Pt attenuated expression of the
      ROS-producing NOX-family oxidases, Nox1 and Nox4, they up-regulated expression of
      Nox2, the major Nox enzyme in macrophages. These findings suggest that the nano
      Pt inhibit RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation via their ROS scavenging
      property. The use of nano-Pt as scavengers of ROS that is generated by RANKL may
      be a novel and innovative therapy for bone diseases.

PMID- 22083042
TI  - Targeted therapies: how personal should we go?
AB  - Despite the development of drugs inhibiting the oncogenic proteins that cancer
      cells are dependent on, attempts to match targeted therapies to the genetic
      makeup of individual tumors is proving more difficult than expected. Until now,
      the paradigm has been a binary correlation between a mutated cancer gene and
      response to a given therapy. However, recent evidence indicates that different
      genetic alterations, such as mutations in different codons of a cancer gene,
      might be related to distinct sensitivity to targeted therapies. An example is the
      divergent effect that individual EGFR, PIK3CA and KRAS mutations might have on
      response or resistance to tailored drugs. Furthermore, the idea that the presence
      of a specific mutation translates into sensitivity or resistance to a particular
      drug is likely too simplistic, since it does not capture the complexity of the
      signaling pathways in an individual cancer. Only the overall genetic milieu
      (alterations in upstream and/or parallel pathways) ultimately determines the
      response of individual tumors to therapy. We have critically analyzed data
      supporting the genetic, biological and biochemical differences of individual
      mutations within a single cancer gene. The role of cancer mutations as predictors
      of sensitivity and resistance to targeted therapies is discussed, together with
      the implications for the 'personalized' treatment of cancer patients.

PMID- 22083044
TI  - Diabetes-induced central cholinergic neuronal loss and cognitive deficit are
      attenuated by tacrine and a Chinese herbal prescription, kangen-karyu:
      elucidation in type 2 diabetes db/db mice.
AB  - We investigated the effect of kangen-karyu (KK), a Chinese herbal prescription,
      on cognitive deficits and central cholinergic systems of type 2 diabetic db/db
      mice. Seven-week-old db/db (Y-db/db) mice received daily administration of test
      drugs during an experimental period of 12 weeks. At 18 weeks of age (O-db/db),
      the animals underwent the water maze test. Compared with age-matched control
      strain mice (O-m/m), vehicle-treated O-db/db mice showed impaired learning and
      memory performance. KK (100 - 200 mg/kg per day) and the reference drug tacrine
      (THA: 2.5 mg/kg per day) ameliorated the performance of O-db/db mice without
      affecting their serum glucose level. O-db/db mice had lower levels of brain
      derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and its protein in the brain than O-m/m
      mice. Expression levels of central cholinergic marker proteins in the hippocampus
      and the number of cholinergic cells in the medial septum and basal forebrain were
      also significantly lower in O-db/db than in O-m/m mice, whereas no significant
      differences in the expression levels of these factors and the cell number were
      found between Y-m/m and Y-db/db mice. KK and THA treatment significantly reversed
      the down-regulated levels of cholinergic markers, choline acetyltransferase
      positive cell number, and BDNF expression in db/db mice. These findings suggest
      that KK as well as THA prevents diabetes-induced cognitive deficits by
      attenuating dysfunction of central cholinergic systems.

PMID- 22083045
TI  - Altruism in clinical research: coordinators' orientation to their professional
      roles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research coordinators have significant responsibilities in clinical
      trials that often require them to find unique ways to manage their jobs, thus
      reshaping their professional identities. The purpose of this study was to
      identify how research coordinators manage role and ethical conflicts within
      clinical research trials. METHODS: A qualitative study combining observation and
      63 semistructured interviews at 25 research organizations was used. RESULTS:
      Altruism is a recurring theme in how research coordinators define and view their
      work. CONCLUSION: Altruism is adopted by research coordinators to: (1) Teach
      patient-subjects the appropriate reasons to participate in clinical research, (2)
      minimize the conflict between research and care, and (3) contest the
      undervaluation of coordinating. Altruism is a strategy used to handle the various
      conflicts they experience in a difficult job, and it has become part of the
      professional identity of clinical research coordinators.

PMID- 22083046
TI  - [Implantation of the endo-exo femur prosthesis to improve the mobility of
      amputees].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Improvement of function following above-knee amputation with an
      osseointegrated, transcutaneous femoral implant as a hard point for the exo
      prosthesis, the so-called endo-exo femur prosthesis (EEFP). INDICATIONS: Above
      knee amputation following trauma, tumor, or infection. CONTRAINDICATIONS:
      Diabetes, PAOD, psychiatric diseases, use of chemotherapeutic or corticosteroid
      medication, nonconcluded bone growth, lack of compliance, and florid infection at
      the time of implantation. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Performed as a two-step procedure:
      Stage 1 (implantation): sharp dissection of the end of the residual bone,
      adequate access to the intramedullar canal, cortical reaming using curettes and a
      flexible drill followed by cement-free, press-fit implantation of the
      endoprosthesis itself, closing of the soft tissue coat of the femur stump to
      reduce the risk of infection, assurance of primary and secondary stability via
      the metal spongiosa-like surface of the implant (Spongiosa Metal 2(r)). Stage 2
      (exteriorization): 6 weeks postoperatively, opening of the skin at the distal
      point of the femur stump, the soft tissue between the skin and endoprosthesis is
      then removed and the double conus and the connecting adapter for the exoprothesis
      is attached. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Ascending weight bearing depending on bone
      quality. On average, full weight bearing can be achieved 8-10 weeks after stage 1
      surgery. RESULTS: The first endo-exo femur prosthesis (EEFP) was implanted in
      1999. Through December 2009, 39 cases were operated in Lubeck, early
      serosanguinous drainage, soft tissue problems at the stoma, and ascending
      infections after mobilization of the patients could be minimized by further
      development of the design of the EEFP. Intramedullary infections were the
      exception (1 of 39 patients). A total of 4 explantations had to be performed (3
      due to infection and 1 due to prosthetic failure). Two of those patients were
      again provided with an EEFP. Overall, the EEFP improved the gait pattern because
      of the bone-guided transmission of muscle power, increased osseoperception, and
      improved economical energy balance. Of the 39 patients, 37 said that they would
      again undergo operation.

PMID- 22083047
TI  - Anatomical glenoid reconstruction via a J-bone graft for recurrent posttraumatic
      anterior shoulder dislocation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reconstruct the anatomical glenoid shape in cases of osseous
      glenoid rim defects after recurrent posttraumatic anterior shoulder dislocation
      to restore stability without severely compromising the range of motion.
      INDICATIONS: Osseous glenoid defects after recurrent posttraumatic anterior
      shoulder dislocation. Suitable for primary stabilization as well as for revision
      surgery in cases previously operated on. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Recurrent anterior
      shoulder dislocations without glenoid rim defects. Hyperlax shoulders with
      multidirectional instability. Patients over 60 years of age due to compromised
      bone quality. Teenage patients due to incomplete apophyseal fusion at the iliac
      crest. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The subscapularis tendon and capsule are split. The
      humeral head is retracted laterally, and the glenoid defect is prepared and
      abraded with a rasp. A bicortical iliac crest bone block including crest and
      outer cortex is harvested and molded in a J-shaped manner. To incorporate the
      graft, a crevice on the glenoid rim is produced using a chisel. The keel is
      fitted into the preformed crevice with a spiked impactor. The graft's surface is
      contoured using a high-speed burr. RESULTS: A total of 47 shoulders were followed
      up after an average of 90 months (range 25-152 months). The mean Rowe scores were
      94.3 for the affected shoulder and 96.8 for the uninjured shoulder. The Constant
      scores reached 93.5 and 95 points, respectively. Loss of external rotation was
      4.4 degrees . In addition, 24 shoulders were followed-up by computed tomography
      (CT). There were no recurrences, with the exception of one traumatic graft
      fracture. Of 19 patients with arthropathy at follow-up, 11 already had
      arthropathy prior to the procedure.

PMID- 22083049
TI  - Longstanding hydrocele in adult Black Africans: Is preoperative scrotal
      ultrasound justified?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longstanding hydrocele is very common among adult Black Africans.
      Preoperative scrotal ultrasound is widely used for adult patients presenting with
      hydrocele, with the main aim to rule out more serious underlying pathologies like
      malignancy or testicular torsion. This paper analyzes the findings and the
      necessity of automatic ordering of scrotal ultrasound in cases of longstanding
      hydrocele in adult Black Africans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 consecutive
      patients with longstanding scrotal hydrocele were investigated clinically and all
      patients also had routine preoperative scrotal ultrasound. RESULTS: Overall, none
      of our patients had any serious underlying pathology associated with their
      hydrocele. 97% of the patients had simple hydrocele on ultrasound. Hydrocele is
      more common on the right (P=0.04) and is more bilateral in elderly patients
      (P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Routine preoperative scrotal ultrasound does not seem to
      be justified in longstanding hydroceles. This is especially important considering
      the fact that most hydroceles are benign in origin and nature.

PMID- 22083050
TI  - Maternal mortality.

PMID- 22083052
TI  - Magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection.

PMID- 22083053
TI  - Magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection in patients at risk for early preterm
      delivery: not yet.

PMID- 22083055
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of general anesthesia vs spinal anesthesia in fast-track
      abdominal benign hysterectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to compare total costs for hospital stay and
      postoperative recovery for 2 groups of women who underwent fast-track abdominal
      benign hysterectomy: 1 group under general anesthesia; 1 group under spinal
      anesthesia. Costs were evaluated in relation to health-related quality of life.
      STUDY DESIGN: Costs of treatment were analyzed retrospectively with data from a
      randomized multicenter study at 5 hospitals in Sweden. Of 180 women who were
      scheduled for benign abdominal hysterectomy, 162 women were assigned randomly for
      the study: 80 women allocated to general anesthesia and 82 women to spinal
      anesthesia. RESULTS: Total costs (hospital costs plus cost-reduced productivity
      costs) were lower for the spinal anesthesia group. Women who had spinal
      anesthesia had a faster recovery that was measured by health-related quality of
      life and quality adjusted life-years gained in postoperative month 1. CONCLUSION:
      The use of spinal anesthesia for fast-track benign abdominal hysterectomy was
      more cost-effective than general anesthesia.

PMID- 22083056
TI  - Beyond the numbers: classifying contributory factors and potentially avoidable
      maternal deaths in New Zealand, 2006-2009.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe a new classification system for contributory
      factors in, and potential avoidability of, maternal deaths and to determine the
      contributory factors and potential avoidability among 4 years of maternal deaths
      in New Zealand. STUDY DESIGN: A new classification system for reporting
      contributory factors in all maternal deaths was developed from previous tools and
      applied to all maternal deaths in New Zealand from 2006 through 2009. RESULTS:
      There were 49 deaths and the maternal mortality ratio was 19.2/100,000
      maternities. Contributory factors were identified in 55% of cases. An expert
      panel identified 35% of maternal deaths as potentially avoidable. In cases where
      potential avoidability was determined, there were nearly always 2 or 3 domains
      where contributory factors were identified. CONCLUSION: Almost one third of
      maternal deaths in New Zealand can be considered to be potentially avoidable.
      This methodology has the potential to identify areas for improvement in the
      quality of maternity care.

PMID- 22083057
TI  - First-trimester screening in triplets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of Down
      syndrome screening in triplet pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Nuchal translucency (NT; n
      = 794), nasal bone (n = 219), and biochemistry (n = 198) were evaluated in
      triplet pregnancy. Screening performance was evaluated with the use of delta and
      Gaussian models. RESULTS: The median multiples of the median values for free beta
      human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A were 2.86
      and 3.48, respectively. A significant correlation in delta NT within pregnancy
      was observed (0.46-0.68). The modeled false-positive rates were 11.7%, 7.4%, and
      8.9% with the delta model and 11.9%, 6.6%, and 12.0% with the Gaussian model for
      NT, NT + nasal bone, and NT + biochemistry. Based on simulation, the detection
      rate at 12 weeks' gestation was 78%, 93%, and 80% for NT, NT + nasal bone, and NT
      + biochemistry at a 10% false-positive rate using either the delta or Gaussian
      models. CONCLUSION: In triplet pregnancy, the addition of nasal bone lowers the
      false-positive rate of nuchal translucency screening. More data are required on
      the effectiveness of biochemistry.

PMID- 22083058
TI  - Effects of pravastatin on mediators of vascular function in a mouse model of
      soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-induced preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the mechanisms of action by which pravastatin
      improves vascular reactivity in a mouse model of preeclampsia induced by
      overexpression of soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt)-1. STUDY DESIGN:
      Pregnant CD-1 mice were randomly allocated to tail vein injection with adenovirus
      carrying sFlt-1 or murine immunoglobulin G2 Fc (control), and thereafter to
      receive pravastatin (5 mg/kg/d) or water. Mice were sacrificed at gestational day
      18. Protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor-1, and hemeoxygenase-1 were assayed by Western
      blot in aorta, liver, and kidneys. Serum total cholesterol concentrations were
      measured. RESULTS: Pravastatin up-regulated eNOS expression in the aorta of sFlt
      1 mice by nearly 2-fold (P = .005) to levels similar to control mice. Total
      cholesterol levels, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1, and
      hemeoxygenase-1 protein expression were similar across groups. CONCLUSION:
      Pravastatin prevents vascular dysfunction in part by up-regulation of eNOS in the
      vasculature. Our data support a role for statins in preeclampsia prevention.

PMID- 22083059
TI  - Comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocols improve patient safety and reduce
      utilization of blood products.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of
      instituting a comprehensive protocol for the treatment of maternal hemorrhage.
      STUDY DESIGN: The protocol was separated into 4 stages, designated 0-3, based on
      the degree of blood loss and the patient response to interventions. Key
      components included admission risk assessment, measurement of blood loss, early
      but limited use of uterotonic agents, early presence of obstetrical and
      anesthesia staff, and transfusion with fixed ratios of blood products. Data were
      collected retrospectively and prospectively relative to the start of the
      protocol. RESULTS: We noted a significant shift toward resolution of maternal
      bleeding at an earlier stage (P < .01), use of fewer blood products (P < .01),
      and a 64% reduction in the rate of disseminated intravascular coagulation. In
      addition, there were significant improvements in staff and physician perceptions
      of patient safety (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive maternal hemorrhage
      treatment protocols improve patient safety and reduce utilization of blood
      products.

PMID- 22083060
TI  - Use of alcohol-free antimicrobial mouth rinse is associated with decreased
      incidence of preterm birth in a high-risk population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if treatment of periodontal disease during
      pregnancy with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouth rinse containing
      cetylpyridinium chloride impacts the incidence of preterm birth (PTB) in a high
      risk population. STUDY DESIGN: This single-blind clinical trial studied pregnant
      women (6-20 weeks' gestation) with periodontal disease who refused dental care.
      Subjects receiving mouth rinse were compared to designated controls who did not
      receive rinse (1 rinse:2 controls), balanced on prior PTB and smoking. Primary
      outcome was PTB <35 weeks. RESULTS: In all, 226 women were included in the
      analysis (71 mouth rinse subjects, 155 controls). Incidence of PTB <35 weeks was
      lower in the rinse group compared to controls (5.6% and 21.9% respectively, P <
      .01); relative risk was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.096-0.70). Gestational
      age and birthweight were significantly higher in the rinse group (P < .01).
      CONCLUSION: A nonalcohol antimicrobial mouth rinse containing cetylpyridinium
      chloride was associated with decreased incidence of PTB <35 weeks.

PMID- 22083061
TI  - Midtrimester dilation and evacuation versus prostaglandin induction: a comparison
      of composite outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the optimal procedure for
      midtrimester uterine evacuation. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort
      study of women undergoing midtrimester uterine evacuation by prostaglandin
      induction or dilation and evacuation (D&E). Primary outcome was composite
      complication, defined as any of the following: infection, need for additional
      surgery, unexpected admission or readmission, serious maternal morbidity, and/or
      maternal death. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty patients met inclusion criteria: 94
      D&E and 126 induction. D&E was associated with less composite complications (15%
      vs 28%, P = .02), which persisted in adjusted analysis (adjusted odds ratio,
      0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.99; P = .05). Women in the induction group
      had higher rates of retained placenta requiring curettage (22% vs 2%, P = .01),
      whereas cervical injury was more common in the D&E group (5% vs 0%, P = .01).
      Median length of stay was significantly shorter in the D&E group (5.7 hours vs
      28.4 hours, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Midtrimester D&E is associated with fewer
      complications than prostaglandin induction.

PMID- 22083062
TI  - A model patient: Female pelvic anatomy can be viewed in diverse 3-dimensional
      images with a new interactive tool.

PMID- 22083063
TI  - Discussion: 'Uterine artery embolization vs surgery' by van der Kooij 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: van der Kooij SM, Bipat S,
      Hehenkemp WJK, et al. Uterine artery embolization vs surgery in the treatment of
      symptomatic fibroids: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol
      2011;205:317.e1-18.

PMID- 22083064
TI  - Comments on Sheiner et al's "Pregnancy outcome of patients who conceive during or
      after the first year following bariatric surgery".

PMID- 22083066
TI  - Management of combined soft tissue and osseous defect of the midfoot with a free
      osteocutaneous radial forearm flap: a case report.
AB  - Extensive soft tissue and osseous defects of the foot are difficult to manage and
      often result in amputation. Most of these wounds are created by trauma, but other
      causes, such as infection and malignancy, can create similar defects. A variety
      of wound management options exist for the treatment of these challenging wounds,
      including negative pressure wound therapy, autogenous skin grafting, and the use
      of skin substitutes, as well as internal and external fixation methods. In the
      present report, we describe the use of a free osteocutaneous radial forearm flap
      to manage a 10-cm * 5-cm dorsal soft tissue defect and a 2.5-cm second metatarsal
      diaphyseal defect in an adult male.

PMID- 22083067
TI  - Function after total calcanectomy for malignant tumor in a child: is complex
      reconstruction necessary?
AB  - Complex reconstruction after calcaneal excision for aggressive or malignant
      tumors has been advocated. In this report we describe a 7-year-old child who
      underwent chemotherapy followed by total calcanectomy for a primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor of the calcaneum. The near-normal function achieved after
      the operation leads us to believe that complex reconstruction after calcaneal
      excision is not warranted in every pediatric case. This report also highlights
      the benefits of the Cincinnati incision for calcanectomy, and describes the gait
      abnormalities after the operation. To the best of our knowledge, a description of
      the gait abnormality observed after calcanectomy for tumor resection in a
      pediatric patient has not been reported up to now.

PMID- 22083069
TI  - Using cluster heat maps to investigate relationships between body composition and
      laboratory measurements in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children and young
      adults.
AB  - Cluster heat maps were used to investigate relationships between body
      composition, lipid levels, and glucose metabolism in HIV-infected and HIV
      uninfected children and young adults using data from a cross-sectional study.
      Three distinct clusters of participants were identified. One group had lower body
      fat and higher lipid measures and was mostly HIV infected. The other 2 groups
      were a mix of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants. Of these, 1 cluster
      had more participants with higher body fat and insulin resistance, which are risk
      factors for future cardiovascular disease, and the other had relatively normal
      measurements on all outcomes.

PMID- 22083068
TI  - CCR5 expression is elevated on endocervical CD4+ T cells in healthy
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New HIV-1 infections are increasing in older American women largely
      through heterosexual transmission. Activated CD4+ T cells and CCR5 expression are
      linked to HIV-1 susceptibility, but whether these parameters are altered in the
      cervix of older women is unknown. METHODS: Whole blood and in some instances
      endocervical brush samples were collected from healthy premenopausal (n = 22) and
      postmenopausal women (n = 24). Percentages of HLA-DR(DR)+CD38(38)+CD4+ T cells
      and HIV-1 chemokine coreceptor expression were determined by flow cytometry.
      RESULTS: Percentages of DR+38+CD4+ T cells were 6 times greater in cervix
      (median: 6.4%) than blood (median: 1.1%; P < 0.001) but did not differ within
      each compartment between premenopausal and postmenopausal women (P = 0.2).
      Postmenopausal women had greater percentages of CCR5+CD4+ and CCR5+DR+38+CD4+ T
      cells compared with premenopausal women in cervix (median: 70% vs. 42%, P =
      0.005; and 80% vs. 57%; P = 0.05, respectively) and blood (medians: 22% vs. 13%,
      and 76% vs. 62%, respectively; P < 0.001). Postmenopausal women had more CCR5
      molecules on cervical DR+38+CD4+ T cells (median: 3176) than premenopausal women
      (median: 1776; P = 0.02). Age and percent CCR5+CD4+ and CCR5+DR+38+CD4+ cells
      were linearly related in cervix (r(2) = 0.47, P < 0.001 and r(2) = 0.25, P =
      0.01, respectively) and blood (r(2) = 0.20, P = 0.001 and r(2) = 0.31, P < 0.001;
      respectively), but confounding of age with menopause could not be excluded.
      Cervical CXCR4 expression did not differ substantially between premenopausal and
      postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated cervical CCR5 expression in
      postmenopausal women may increase their risk for HIV-1 acquisition. Studies are
      needed to confirm whether elevated CCR5 expression confers increased HIV-1
      susceptibility in postmenopausal women, and if it is related to hormonal or
      nonhormonal effects of aging.

PMID- 22083070
TI  - Calendar time trends in the incidence and prevalence of triple-class virologic
      failure in antiretroviral drug-experienced people with HIV in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing success of antiretroviral therapy (ART),
      virologic failure of the 3 original classes [triple-class virologic failure,
      (TCVF)] still develops in a small minority of patients who started therapy in the
      triple combination ART era. Trends in the incidence and prevalence of TCVF over
      calendar time have not been fully characterised in recent years. METHODS:
      Calendar time trends in the incidence and prevalence of TCVF from 2000 to 2009
      were assessed in patients who started ART from January 1, 1998, and were followed
      within the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe
      (COHERE). RESULTS: Of 91,764 patients followed for a median (interquartile range)
      of 4.1 (2.0-7.1) years, 2722 (3.0%) developed TCVF. The incidence of TCVF
      increased from 3.9 per 1000 person-years of follow-up [95% confidence interval
      (CI): 3.7 to 4.1] in 2000 to 8.8 per 1000 person-years of follow-up (95% CI: 8.5
      to 9.0) in 2005, but then declined to 5.8 per 1000 person-years of follow-up (95%
      CI: 5.6 to 6.1) by 2009. The prevalence of TCVF was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.27% to 0.42%)
      at December 31, 2000, and then increased to 2.4% (95% CI: 2.24% to 2.50%) by the
      end of 2005. However, since 2005, TCVF prevalence seems to have stabilized and
      has remained below 3%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TCVF in people who started
      ART after 1998 has stabilized since around 2005, which most likely results from
      the decline in incidence of TCVF from this date. The introduction of improved
      regimens and better overall HIV care is likely to have contributed to these
      trends. Despite this progress, calendar trends should continue to be monitored in
      the long term.

PMID- 22083072
TI  - Associations of sexual identity or same-sex behaviors with history of childhood
      sexual abuse and HIV/STI risk in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure associations of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with sexual
      orientation, behaviors, and attractions and HIV/sexually transmitted infection
      (STI) incidence in a nationally representative sample of men and women. METHODS:
      Data from the 2004-2005 Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol
      and Related Conditions were analyzed, including frequencies of CSA and HIV/STI
      incidence for 5 subgroups defined by sexual orientation based on identity and
      behaviors and attraction to the same sex or opposite sex. RESULTS: Overall, 14.9%
      of women and 5.2% of men reported CSA. Among women, bisexuals, lesbians, and
      heterosexuals with same-sex partners had 5.3 times, 3.4 times, and 2.9 times the
      odds, respectively, for CSA occurring sometimes/more frequently (vs. never)
      compared with heterosexuals not having same-sex partners or attractions. Among
      men, bisexuals, gay men, and heterosexuals with same-sex partners had 12.8 times,
      9.5 times, and 7.9 times the odds, respectively, for CSA. Men and women sometimes
      or frequently abused had significant increases in odds for HIV/STI incidence
      compared with those not abused. Among women, sexual minorities had 3.8 times the
      odds and heterosexuals had 2.8 times the odds, whereas among men, sexual
      minorities had 4.2 times odds and heterosexuals had 1.5 times odds. CONCLUSIONS:
      Extraordinarily high rates of CSA were observed for sexual minorities, and sexual
      minorities were more likely to have incident HIV or STIs, in this U.S. population
      survey. Identifying the impact of CSA among heterosexuals and sexual minorities
      in the US is a crucial first step in examining the sequelae of CSA, including the
      potential mediators of mental health and substance abuse disorders in the
      relationship between CSA and sexual risk taking.

PMID- 22083071
TI  - Efavirenz pharmacokinetics during the third trimester of pregnancy and
      postpartum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of pregnancy on efavirenz (EFV) pharmacokinetics is
      unknown. METHODS: International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical
      Trials P1026s is an on-going, prospective, nonblinded study of antiretroviral
      pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected pregnant women that included a cohort receiving
      600 mg EFV once daily as part of combination antiretroviral therapy. Intensive
      steady-state 24-hour blood sampling was performed during the third trimester and
      at 6-12 weeks postpartum. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were drawn at
      delivery. Pharmacokinetics targets were the estimated 10th percentile EFV area
      under the curve (AUC) in nonpregnant historical controls (40.0 mcg.hr(-1).mL(-1))
      and a trough concentration of 1 mcg/mL. RESULTS: Twenty-five women were enrolled
      during the third trimester: median (range) age was 29.3 (18.9-42.9) years, weight
      69.0 (40-130) kg, and gestational age 32.9 (30.1-38.7) weeks. Median (range) EFV
      AUC(0-24), C(max), and C(24 hours) were 55.4 mcg.hr(-1).mL(-1) (13.5-220.3), 5.4
      mcg/mL (1.9-12.2), and 1.6 mcg/mL (0.23-8.13), respectively. EFV AUC and C(max)
      did not differ during pregnancy and postpartum but C(24 hours) was lower during
      the third trimester (1.6 vs. 2.1 mcg/mL, P = 0.01). During the third trimester, 5
      of 25 (20%) women had an EFV AUC below the target and 3 of 25 (12%) had a trough
      concentration below 1 mcg/mL. EFV cord blood/maternal concentration ratio was
      0.49 (0.37-0.74). All women had a HIV-1 RNA viral load less than 400 copies per
      milliliter at delivery and 19 (76%) had a viral load below 50 copies per
      milliliter. One child was perinatally HIV infected. Three women were exposed to
      EFV throughout the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. EFV was well tolerated, and among
      the 25 infants, no congenital anomalies or newborn complications were reported.
      CONCLUSIONS: Changes in EFV pharmacokinetics during pregnancy compared with
      postpartum are not sufficiently large enough to warrant a dose adjustment during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 22083074
TI  - Suicidal single gunshot injury to the head: differences in site of entrance wound
      and direction of the bullet path between right- and left-handed--an autopsy
      study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the anatomical site of
      a gunshot entrance wound and the direction of the bullet path between right- and
      left-handed subjects who committed a suicide by a single gunshot injury to the
      head. The retrospective autopsy study was performed for a 10-year period, and it
      included selected cases of single suicidal gunshot head injury, committed by
      handguns. We considered only contact or near-contact wounds. The sample included
      479 deceased, with average age 47.1 +/- 19.1 years (range, 12-89 years): 432
      males and 47 females, with 317 right-handed, 25 left-handed, and 137 subjects
      with unknown dominant hand. In our observed sample, most cases involved the right
      temple as the site of entrance gunshot wound (about 67%), followed by the mouth
      (16%), forehead (7%), left temple (6%), submental (2%), and parietal region (1%).
      The left temple, right temple, and forehead were the sites of the gunshot
      entrance wounds, which were the best predictors of the handedness of the deceased
      (Spearman rho = 0.149, P = 0.006). Our study showed that the direction of the
      bullet intracranial path in cases of suicide was even a more potent predictor of
      the handedness of the deceased (Spearman rho = 0.263, P = 0.000; Wald = 149.503,
      P = 0.000).

PMID- 22083075
TI  - The increase in the user rate of child seats is clearly an important factor in
      the decreases in the rates of death and serious injury.

PMID- 22083073
TI  - No effect of raltegravir intensification on viral replication markers in the
      blood of HIV-1-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy continues regarding the extent of ongoing viral
      replication in HIV-1-infected patients on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART).
      Adding an additional potent agent, such as raltegravir, to effective ART in
      patients with low-level residual viremia may reveal whether there is ongoing HIV
      1 replication. METHODS: We previously reported the outcome of a randomized
      placebo-controlled study of raltegravir intensification in patients on ART with
      HIV-1 RNA <50 copies per milliliter that showed no effect on residual viremia
      measured by single copy assay. We now report the effects of raltegravir
      intensification in that trial on other potential measures of ongoing HIV-1
      replication as follows: 2-LTR HIV-1 circles, total cellular HIV-1 DNA, and T-cell
      activation. RESULTS: Of 50 patients tested, 12 (24%) had 2-LTR circles detected
      at baseline. Patients who were 2-LTR-positive had higher plasma HIV-1 RNA and HIV
      1 DNA levels than 2-LTR-negative individuals. At week 12 of raltegravir
      intensification, there was no change from baseline in 2-LTR circles, in total HIV
      1 DNA or in the ratio of 2-LTR circles to total HIV-1 DNA. There was also no
      change in markers of T-cell activation. CONCLUSIONS: In HIV-1-infected
      individuals on effective ART, we find no evidence of ongoing viral replication in
      the blood that is suppressible by raltegravir intensification. The results imply
      that raltegravir intensification alone will not eradicate HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 22083076
TI  - Accidental hanging: a novel mobile suspension apparatus partially hidden inside
      the clothes.
AB  - Accidental hanging is uncommon. An immobile/fixed and exposed suspension
      apparatus is seen in almost all cases of hanging. A 50-year-old man, who was
      drunk, was trying to steal an iron rod by hiding it under his clothing. To secure
      hiding, he attached it to his body by a loose ligature around the neck, the waist
      belt of the sarong, and another band around the waist and by his underwear.
      Sometime later, because of ethanol intoxication, he fell asleep in the sitting
      position. While he was sitting on the floor, the iron rod was lifted up
      accidentally, and its upper end was wedged against the wall behind the victim,
      and the lower end was fixed against the floor. When he fell asleep, the weight of
      the tilted head acted as the constricting force compressing the neck by the
      ligature that was used to attach the iron rod to the neck. The cause of death was
      concluded as hanging in a man with ethanol intoxication. This case highlights a
      novel mobile suspension apparatus partially hidden inside the clothes, in a case
      of accidental hanging. A similar case has not been reported in the forensic
      literature.

PMID- 22083077
TI  - Radiographic examination using an X-ray tunnel (Passagix) before a forensic
      autopsy.

PMID- 22083078
TI  - Unusual death by rubber bullet: should these guns be reclassified as lethal
      weapons?

PMID- 22083079
TI  - Does hypernatremia cause subdural hematoma in children?: two case reports and a
      meta-analysis of the literature.
AB  - Hypernatremia has been causally linked with subdural hematoma (SDH), but more
      recently this has been called into question. Conversely, there is a well
      established link between SDH and injury. We wish to examine the evidence base
      that hypernatremia in infants and young children causes SDH.We present 2 cases of
      children with severe hypernatremia whose intracranial contents were assessed by
      imaging in the first case and postmortem examination in the second. Neither
      demonstrated SDH. The first case was important as the hypernatremia was
      iatrogenic occurring in a controlled hospital environment.We also searched the
      literature from 1950 to 2007, collecting data on all reported cases of
      hypernatremia in children younger than 7 years whose intracranial contents were
      examined by imaging, surgery, and/or postmortem examination. Of 124 cases
      reported in 31 articles, 112 cases developed hypernatremia in the community, and
      12 in the hospital. Subdural hematoma was demonstrated in 7 cases, all of which
      had developed hypernatremia in the community under circumstances that would make
      it difficult to exclude nonaccidental injury. None of the 12 cases that developed
      hypernatremia in a controlled hospital environment had SDH.The evidence base
      supporting the hypothesis that hypernatremia causes SDH is poor, depending on
      isolated reports with uncertain histories.

PMID- 22083080
TI  - Fusarium verticillioides fungemia in a liver transplantation patient: successful
      treatment with voriconazole.
AB  - Fusarium is an opportunistic fungal pathogen which is emerging as a significant
      cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. We present a rare
      case of F. verticillioides fungemia that occurred in a patient who underwent a
      second orthotopic liver transplantation for chronic rejection and completely
      responded to treatment with voriconazole.

PMID- 22083081
TI  - Tuberculosis patients are characterized by a low-IFN-gamma/high-TNF-alpha
      response to methylated HBHA produced in M. smegmatis.
AB  - Whole blood from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected subjects was stimulated with
      heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA). Tuberculosis (TB) patients showed an HBHA
      specific T-cell response characterized by low-IFN-gamma/high-TNF-alpha secretion,
      while asymptomatic subjects with latent infection (LTBI) and TB patients under
      therapy showed a pattern with high IFN-gamma/low TNF-alpha. These results
      underscore the usefulness of HBHA in helping to distinguish LTBI subjects versus
      TB patients.

PMID- 22083082
TI  - Pelvic abscess caused by New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1-producing Klebsiella
      oxytoca in Taiwan in a patient who underwent renal transplantation in China.

PMID- 22083083
TI  - The binding of curcumin to various types of canine amyloid proteins.
AB  - Curcumin is a constituent phenol compound of turmeric, and has been used as a
      dietary spice and Indian medicine. Curcumin has been reported to inhibit the
      formation of amyloid beta fibrils and aggregation. In this study, the binding
      activity of curcumin to various types of canine amyloid was examined. Tissue
      samples used were lesions of AA, AL, amyloid of canine amyloid-producing
      odontogenic tumor (Aapot), and senile cardiovascular amyloid (ScA). Curcumin
      stained all types of amyloid. The binding of curcumin to AA, ScA, and AL was lost
      by the KMnO(4) treatment, but Aapot maintained the binding. These findings
      indicate that curcumin binds several types of amyloid, while the binding sites of
      amyloid molecules might be different from that of Congo red.

PMID- 22083084
TI  - Alternative BSE risk assessment methodology for beef and beef offal imported into
      Japan.
AB  - The Food Safety Commission (FSC) of Japan, established in July 2003, has its own
      initiative to conduct risk assessments on food stuffs known as "self-tasking
      assessment". Within this framework, the FSC decided to conduct a risk assessment
      of beef and beef offal imported into Japan from countries with no previous BSE
      reports; thus, a methodology was formed to suit to this purpose. This methodology
      was partly based on the previous assessments of Japanese domestic beef and beef
      imported from U.S.A./Canada, but some modifications were made. Other
      organizations' assessment methods, such as those used for BSE status assessment
      in live cattle by the OIE and EFSA's GBR, were also consulted. In this review,
      the authors introduce this alternative methodology, which reflects (1) the risk
      of live cattle in the assessed country including temporal risks of BSE invasion
      and domestic propagation, with the assessment results verified by surveillance
      data, and (2) the risk of beef and beef offal consisting of cumulative BSE risk
      by types of slaughtering and meat production processes implemented and the status
      of mechanically recovered meat production. Other possible influencing factors
      such as atypical BSE cases were also reviewed. The key characteristic of the
      current assessment is a combination of the time-sequential risk level of live
      cattle and qualitative risk level of meat production at present in an assessed
      country.

PMID- 22083085
TI  - Norlittorine and norhyoscyamine identified as products of littorine and
      hyoscyamine metabolism by (13)C-labeling in Datura innoxia hairy roots.
AB  - The presence of two compounds, norlittorine and norhyoscyamine, has been reported
      in leaves and roots of Datura innoxia; however their metabolic origin in the
      tropane alkaloid pathway has remained unknown. Precise knowledge of this pathway
      is a necessary pre-requisite to optimize the production of hyoscyamine and
      scopolamine in D. innoxia hairy root cultures. The exact structure of
      norlittorine and norhyoscyamine was confirmed by LC-MS/MS and NMR analyses.
      Isotopic labeling experiments, using [1-(13)C]-phenylalanine, [1'-(13)C]
      littorine and [1'-(13)C]-hyoscyamine, combined with elicitor treatments, using
      methyl jasmonate, coronalon and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, were used
      to investigate the metabolic origin of the N-demethylated tropane alkaloids. The
      results suggest that norlittorine and norhyoscyamine are induced under stress
      conditions by conversion of littorine and hyoscyamine. We propose the N
      demethylation of tropane alkaloids as a mechanism to detoxify cells in
      overproducing conditions.

PMID- 22083086
TI  - Pharmacotherapy: vandetanib-a new therapeutic option in advanced medullary
      thyroid cancer.

PMID- 22083087
TI  - Obesity: influenza immunity impaired in obesity.

PMID- 22083088
TI  - Gastrointestinal hormones: uroguanylin-a new gut-derived weapon against obesity?
AB  - A recent report has identified uroguanylin as an endocrine signal that exerts a
      physiological role in energy homeostasis, adding another factor to the gut-brain
      axis. From a clinical point of view, several observations highlight the
      uroguanylin-guanylyl cyclase C pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the
      development of antiobesity drugs.

PMID- 22083090
TI  - Understanding the regioselectivity in Scholl reactions for the synthesis of
      oligoarenes.
AB  - A short reaction sequence leads to oligoarene derivatives utilising a
      regioselective Scholl reaction for the unprecedented cyclisation to the mono
      functionalised oligoarene under methanol elimination. Quantum-chemical
      investigations reveal the reason for the remarkably high regioselectivity.

PMID- 22083089
TI  - The multifactorial role of leptin in driving the breast cancer microenvironment.
AB  - Adipose-tissue-derived signaling molecules, including the adipokines, are
      emerging as key candidate molecules that link obesity with cancer. Peritumoral,
      stromal, adipose tissue and secreted adipokines, particularly leptin, have
      important roles in breast cancer biology. For example, leptin signaling
      contributes to the metabolic features associated with breast cancer malignancy,
      such as switching the cells' energy balance from mitochondrial beta-oxidation to
      the aerobic glycolytic pathway. Leptin also shapes the tumor microenvironment,
      mainly through its ability to potentiate both migration of endothelial cells and
      angiogenesis, and to sustain the recruitment of macrophages and monocytes, which
      in turn secrete vascular endothelial growth factor and proinflammatory cytokines.
      This article presents an overview of current knowledge on the involvement of
      leptin in the pathogenesis and progression of breast cancer, highlighted by
      human, in vitro and animal studies. Data are presented on the functional
      crosstalk between leptin and estrogen signaling, which further contributes to
      promotion of breast carcinogenesis. Finally, future perspectives and clinical
      applications in which leptin and the leptin receptor are considered as potential
      therapeutic targets for breast cancer are reviewed.

PMID- 22083091
TI  - Ab initio and empirical defect modeling of LaMnO(3+/-delta) for solid oxide fuel
      cell cathodes.
AB  - Sr doped LaMnO(3) is a perovskite widely used for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
      cathodes. Therefore, there is significant interest in its defect chemistry.
      However, due to coupling of defect reactions and inadequate constraints of the
      defect reaction equilibrium constants obtained from thermogravimetry analysis,
      large discrepancies (up to 4 eV) exist in the literature for defect energetics
      for Sr doped LaMnO(3). In this work we demonstrate how ab initio energetics and
      empirical modelling can be combined to develop a defect model for LaMnO(3).
      Defect formation enthalpies, including concentration dependence due to defect
      interactions, are extracted from ab initio energies calculated at various defect
      concentrations. Defect formation entropies for the defect reactions in LaMnO(3)
      involving O(2-)(solid) <-> 1/2O(2)(gas) + 2e(-) are shown to be accessible
      through combining the gas phase thermodynamics and simple models for the solid
      phase vibrational contributions. This simple treatment introduces a useful
      constraint on fitting defect formation entropies. The predicted defect
      concentrations from the model show good agreement with experimental oxygen
      nonstoichiometry vs. P(O(2)) for a wide range of temperatures (T = 873-1473 K),
      suggesting the effectiveness of the ab initio defect energetics in describing the
      defect chemistry of LaMnO(3). Further incorporating a temperature dependent
      charge disproportionation energy within 0.0-0.2 eV, the model is capable of
      describing both defect chemistry and oxygen tracer diffusivity of LaMnO(3). The
      model suggests an important role for defect interactions which are typically
      excluded from LaMnO(3) defect models, and sensitivity of the oxygen defect
      concentration to the charge disproportionation energy in the high P(O(2)) region.
      Similar approaches to those used here can be used to model the defect chemistry
      for other complex oxides.

PMID- 22083092
TI  - Low abdominal contribution to breathing as daytime predictor of nocturnal
      desaturation in adolescents and young adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
AB  - In the respiratory management of DMD patients it is still under debate what
      parameter should indicate the correct timing for institution of nocturnal non
      invasive ventilation (NIV), in addition to forced vital capacity, which is
      generally considered as a prognostic marker of disease progression. The aim of
      this study was to determine if volume variations of rib cage and abdominal
      compartments measured by Opto-Electronic Plethysmography can be helpful to
      distinguish between those patients who are in the early stages of nocturnal
      oxygen desaturation development and those who do not yet. Pulmonary function,
      abdominal contribution to tidal volume and to inspiratory capacity (%Abd IC) and
      a set of breathing pattern indexes were assessed in 40 DMD patients older than 14
      years and not yet under nocturnal NIV. ROC analysis revealed that among all the
      considered parameters, %Abd IC in supine position was the best discriminator
      between DeSat (at least 10% of the night time with SpO(2) < 95%) and NonDeSat
      patients, providing an area under the curve with 95%CI equal to 0.752. In
      conclusion, in adolescents and adults DMD patients who present either no sign or
      only mild nocturnal oxygen desaturation, a reduced abdominal contribution to
      inspiratory capacity is a marker of the onset of diaphragm weakness and should be
      considered to identify the correct timing for the institution of nocturnal NIV.

PMID- 22083093
TI  - Extracranial carotid-vertebral bypass for endovascular access to complex
      posterior circulation aneurysms:  a novel management approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endovascular embolization is a desirable treatment option for complex
      posterior circulation aneurysms, particularly recurrent aneurysms or those in
      difficult-to-access surgical locations. However, endovascular access is
      occasionally prohibited by proximal vertebral artery (VA) occlusion or vessel
      tortuosity. One strategy in such instances involves creation of an extracranial
      bypass conduit to the distal VA. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel strategy to allow
      for endovascular treatment of aneurysms at high risk for direct surgery. METHODS:
      Three cases of carotid-VA bypass performed to provide endovascular access to
      posterior circulation aneurysms were identified. The clinical indications,
      radiographic characteristics, operative technique, and outcomes were reviewed.
      RESULTS: Indications for bypass were previously clipped recurrent basilar tip
      aneurysm, previously coiled midbasilar aneurysm with compaction requiring stent
      placement, and distal intracranial VA aneurysm with iatrogenic vertebral
      dissection/occlusion after initial coil attempt. In all cases, routine
      endovascular access for primary or stent-assisted coiling was prohibited by VA
      tortuosity. Bypass with the use of interposition saphenous vein grafts was
      successfully performed to the C1-C2 region of the V2 segment without
      complications. The bypass was followed by successful endovascular treatment in
      all cases 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. In 1 patient, 2 recurrent treatments
      through the graft were subsequently performed for coil compaction. CONCLUSION:
      Extracranial carotid-VA bypass can be a valuable tool in the management of
      complex posterior circulation aneurysms. It is a safe and efficacious technique
      providing a conduit for repeated access to the posterior circulation in patients
      with otherwise prohibitive vertebral anatomy.

PMID- 22083094
TI  - Interactions between gaze-evoked blinks and gaze shifts in monkeys.
AB  - Rapid eyelid closure, or a blink, often accompanies head-restrained and head
      unrestrained gaze shifts. This study examines the interactions between such gaze
      evoked blinks and gaze shifts in monkeys. Blink probability increases with gaze
      amplitude and at a faster rate for head-unrestrained movements. Across animals,
      blink likelihood is inversely correlated with the average gaze velocity of large
      amplitude control movements. Gaze-evoked blinks induce robust perturbations in
      eye velocity. Peak and average velocities are reduced, duration is increased, but
      accuracy is preserved. The temporal features of the perturbation depend on
      factors such as the time of blink relative to gaze onset, inherent velocity
      kinematics of control movements, and perhaps initial eye-in-head position.
      Although variable across animals, the initial effect is a reduction in eye
      velocity, followed by a reacceleration that yields two or more peaks in its
      waveform. Interestingly, head velocity is not attenuated; instead, it peaks
      slightly later and with a larger magnitude. Gaze latency is slightly reduced on
      trials with gaze-evoked blinks, although the effect was more variable during head
      unrestrained movements; no reduction in head latency is observed. Preliminary
      data also demonstrate a similar perturbation of gaze-evoked blinks during
      vertical saccades. The results are compared with previously reported effects of
      reflexive blinks (evoked by air-puff delivered to one eye or supraorbital nerve
      stimulation) and discussed in terms of effects of blinks on saccadic suppression,
      neural correlates of the altered eye velocity signals, and implications on the
      hypothesis that the attenuation in eye velocity is produced by a head movement
      command.

PMID- 22083095
TI  - Pathological features of salivary gland cysts in a Shiba dog with GM1
      gangliosidosis: a possible misdiagnosis as malignancy.
AB  - Salivary gland cysts are often concurrent with GM1 gangliosidosis in Shiba dogs.
      Although the etiology is unknown, these cysts may be misdiagnosed as malignant
      due to the accumulation of foamy cells. The present study investigated the
      cytological, histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic
      characteristics of salivary gland cysts in a Shiba dog affected with GM1
      gangliosidosis. The salivary gland masses were surgically enucleated and examined
      clinicopathologically and pathologically in a 7-month-old Shiba dog with GM1
      gangliosidosis. Many large cells with rich cytoplasm including vacuoles of
      various sizes, i.e., foamy cells, were observed in stamp smears from the cut
      surface of the masses and histopathologically in major parts of the cyst wall.
      Some of these foamy cells presented features similar to a spider-web appearance.
      The foamy cells were confirmed to have originated from macrophages based on
      marked immunohistochemical expression of vimentin, HLA-DR, lysozyme and Iba1. An
      ultrastructural study demonstrated electron-dense vesicular structures in the
      vacuolated cells. Therefore, the masses were diagnosed pathologically as benign
      salivary gland cysts with accumulation of foamy cells. In conclusion, the
      histopathological features of the salivary gland cysts in this Shiba dog were
      similar to those of lipoma and/or liposarcoma. In such cases, immunohistochemical
      and ultrastructural examinations were useful in the differential diagnosis.
      Practitioners, clinical pathologists and pathologists should take GM1
      gangliosidosis into consideration when they encounter salivary gland cysts in
      Shiba dogs.

PMID- 22083096
TI  - Sonographic detection of small amounts of free peritoneal gas in beagle dogs.
AB  - The detection of small amounts of free peritoneal gas in the canine patient can
      pose a diagnostic dilemma. The objective of this study was to determine how much
      of this free gas could be detected ultrasonographically. Ultrasound examinations
      were carried out after increments (0.1 ml) of air were intraperitoneally
      injected. Via ultrasonography, 0.4 ml of free gas can be reliably detected. The
      authors concluded that ultrasonography is a very sensitive modality for the
      detection of small amounts of peritoneal free gas (above 0.4 ml).

PMID- 22083097
TI  - Do we need meshes in pelvic floor reconstruction?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Transvaginally placed mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery for women
      with pelvic organ prolapse has gained popularity because of excellent anatomical
      outcomes, but postoperative mesh-related complications have lead to a number of
      cautious reviews and warnings. This review focuses on functional outcomes after
      synthetic transvaginal mesh placement. METHODS: MEDLINE database was searched
      from 2010 to August 2011 for original articles on transvaginal mesh surgery for
      pelvic organ prolapse not included in recent reviews. The following search terms
      were used: pelvic organ prolapse, genital prolapse, cystocele, rectocele and
      mesh, synthetic graft, and repair. Studies were assessed and appropriate data
      extracted and tabularized. Studies were excluded if the follow-up time was less
      than 12 months and if studies did not contain original data or data on subjective
      outcome. RESULTS: Eleven studies irregularly reported functional outcomes. After
      trocar-guided transobturator vaginal mesh surgery, symptomatic recurrence of
      pelvic organ prolapse was reported between 7 and 33%. If analyzed cumulatively,
      76 of 370 patients (21%) complained of prolapse symptoms postoperatively. De novo
      stress urinary incontinence occurred in 12-17% and persisted in up to 68% after
      trocar-guided mesh surgery. De novo dyspareunia was present between 2 and 15%,
      worsened or de novo dyspareunia between 25 and 44%. Deteriorating coital
      incontinence was described in 6 of 16 women after anterior Prolift in one trial.
      CONCLUSIONS: When counseling women for pelvic reconstructive surgery, we should
      provide them with evidence-based information on functional outcomes and
      subsequently take the patient's concerns and preferences into account. Pelvic
      floor symptoms were scarcely reported in reviewed trials, but demonstrated a
      worse scenario than anatomical outcomes.

PMID- 22083098
TI  - 18F-DOPA PET/CT biodistribution consideration in 107 consecutive patients with
      neuroendocrine tumours.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: L-6-fluoro 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA), an amino acid-based
      radiopharmaceutical, is increasingly being used in the detection and management
      of neuroendocrine tumours. Knowledge of the normal biodistribution of this
      radiopharmaceutical is essential for the proper interpretation of such studies,
      but the literature available is scanty due to the rarity of these tumours. The
      aim of this study is to evaluate the biodistribution pattern and normal variants
      of 18F-DOPA in a cohort of patients with neuroendocrine tumours using
      semiquantitative analysis (maximum standardized uptake value). METHODS: We
      analysed 107 consecutive 18F-DOPA PET/CT studies of patients referred with
      medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (43), phaeochromocytoma including cases of Von
      Hippel Lindau syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA cases (34),
      paraganglioma (14) and other neuroendocrine tumours (16). The study population
      were divided into two groups: those with negative 18F-DOPA PET/CT scans (32) and
      those with positive scans (75). The biodistribution of 18F-DOPA in each group was
      measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The physiological
      biodistribution in the basal ganglia and liver parenchyma showed no variability
      between the two groups. Conversely, uptake in the pancreas (particularly the
      uncinate process) and adrenals showed considerable variability between the
      groups. However, these differences were found not to be significant on
      statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: The data presented may provide useful
      information in understanding the physiologic biodistribution of DOPA and its
      variants, for the purpose of improving the interpretation of 18F-DOPA PET/CT.

PMID- 22083099
TI  - [Complications of peripheral regional anesthesia].
AB  - Peripheral regional anesthesia is a commonly used and safe procedure and eneral
      complications or side effects are generally rare. Nerve damage has an incidence
      <0.1% depending on the definition and the prognosis is good. To avoid bleeding
      complications the national standards of block performance under antithrombotic
      therapy should be respected. Intoxication is mainly the result of accidental
      intravenous administration and is difficult to treat but higher doses of
      intravenous lipid emulsions can improve the outcome. Potential infectious
      complications can occur mainly as a result of catheter techniques and require a
      strict aseptic approach. Further rare complications are allergies, dislocation of
      catheters and knotting or loops in catheters. Besides the general complications,
      there are some specific complications depending on the puncture site, such as
      pneumothorax or renal puncture.

PMID- 22083100
TI  - [Future-oriented design of ambulatory surgery. Organizational aspects and medical
      options].
AB  - Ambulatory surgery continues to grow and is slowly becoming routine in the
      majority of cases. Although the development of ambulatory surgery in Germany
      appears to be somewhat delayed, this is actually a chance to learn from worldwide
      experiences and avoid the mistakes others made earlier. This article investigates
      current trends and developments in day case surgery and discusses the extended
      role and influence of the anesthetist in the perioperative setting.

PMID- 22083102
TI  - A comparison of two-electron chemistry performed by the manganese and iron
      heterodimer and homodimers.
AB  - Two-electron chemistry with an iron dimer, a manganese dimer, and a manganese
      iron dimer as a catalyst has been modeled using B3LYP* hybrid density functional
      theory. The recently discovered MnFe proteins form (at least) two functionally
      distinct groups, performing radical generation (class Ic ribonucleotide reductase
      subunit II) and substrate oxidations (subunit II-like ligand-binding oxidases,
      R2lox), respectively. Proteins from the latter group appear to be functionally
      similar to the diiron carboxylate proteins that perform two-electron oxidations
      of substrates, such as methane monooxygenase. To qualitatively determine the
      potential role of a MnFe center in R2lox, methane hydroxylation with the MnFe
      heterodimer and with the FeFe and MnMn homodimers is studied. The redox potential
      of the active state of the Mn(IV)Fe(IV) heterodimer is about 7 kcal mol(-1) lower
      than that of the active state of the Fe(IV)Fe(IV) homodimer, leading to a high
      barrier for the rate-limiting hydrogen abstraction with the MnFe site. If the
      entropy loss is not included, the barriers are lower, and the MnFe heterodimer
      can therefore have a role in R2lox as an oxidase for larger substrates
      exergonically bound to the protein. A MnMn center has a high barrier both with
      and without entropy loss. The higher stability of Fe(IV) in the presence of
      Mn(IV) in the other site compared with a second Fe(IV) suggests an explanation
      for the presence of the MnFe site in R2lox: to provide a metal center that is
      capable of two-electron chemistry, and which is more stable and less sensitive to
      external reductants than an Fe(IV)Fe(IV) site.

PMID- 22083103
TI  - Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of heteroaryl boronic acids and vinyl chlorides.
AB  - A protocol for the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of heteroaryl boronic acids and vinyl
      chlorides that minimizes protodeboronation is described. A combination of
      catalytic amounts of Pd(OAc)(2) and SPhos in conjunction with CsF in isopropanol
      effectively affords a variety of coupled products. Surprisingly, a dramatic
      temperature dependence in product selectivity was observed.

PMID- 22083104
TI  - Ten years of BSE surveillance in Italy: neuropathological findings in clinically
      suspected cases.
AB  - Between 2001 and 2010, 244 clinically suspected cases of bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy (BSE) were reported in Italy. This report summarizes the
      neuropathological findings in cattle displaying clinical signs consistent with a
      diagnosis of BSE. All animal specimens were submitted for confirmatory testing;
      samples testing negative underwent neuropathological examination to establish the
      differential diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry for scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) at
      the level of frontal cortex was carried out to exclude atypical BSE.
      Neuropathological changes were detected in 34.9% of cases; no histological
      lesions were found in 52.3% of subjects; 12.8% of samples were found unsuitable
      for analysis. BSE was detected in one case, but no cases of atypical BSE were
      observed. This study identified the diseases most commonly encountered in the
      differential diagnosis of BSE; furthermore, it demonstrated that the surveillance
      system is necessary for monitoring neuropathological disease in cattle and for
      the detection of BSE cases.

PMID- 22083101
TI  - Uncovering the role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the epigenome.
AB  - Just over 2 years ago, TET1 was found to catalyse the oxidation of 5
      methylcytosine, a well-known epigenetic mark, into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in
      mammalian DNA. The exciting prospect of a novel epigenetic modification that may
      dynamically regulate DNA methylation has led to the rapid accumulation of
      publications from a wide array of fields, from biochemistry to stem cell biology.
      Although we have only started to scratch the surface, interesting clues on the
      role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine are quickly emerging.

PMID- 22083106
TI  - Acetylene and argon adsorption in a supramolecular organic zeolite.
AB  - The adsorption properties of a new nanoporous organic zeolite with respect to
      acetylene and Ar were studied by volumetric adsorption analysis,
      microcalorimetric experiments, and synchrotron high-resolution X-ray powder
      diffraction. This allowed us to locate the guest molecules inside the host
      channels and characterize the host-guest interactions.

PMID- 22083105
TI  - Performance and microbial community dynamics of a sulfate-reducing bioreactor
      treating coal generated acid mine drainage.
AB  - The effectiveness of a passive flow sulfate-reducing bioreactor processing acid
      mine drainage (AMD) generated from an abandoned coal mine in Southern Illinois
      was evaluated using geochemical and microbial community analysis 10 months post
      bioreactor construction. The results indicated that the treatment system was
      successful in both raising the pH of the AMD from 3.09 to 6.56 and in lowering
      the total iron level by 95.9%. While sulfate levels did decrease by 67.4%, the
      level post treatment (1153 mg/l) remained above recommended drinking water
      levels. Stimulation of biological sulfate reduction was indicated by a +2.600/00
      increase in delta(34)S content of the remaining sulfate in the water post
      treatment. Bacterial community analysis targeting 16S rRNA and dsrAB genes
      indicated that the pre-treated samples were dominated by bacteria related to iron
      oxidizing Betaproteobacteria, while the post-treated water directly from the
      reactor outflow was dominated by sequences related to sulfur-oxidizing
      Epsilonproteobacteria and complex carbon degrading Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes
      phylums. Analysis of the post-treated water, prior to environmental release,
      revealed that the community shifted back to predominantly iron-oxidizing
      Betaproteobacteria. DsrA analysis implied limited diversity in the sulfate
      reducing population present in both the bioreactor outflow and oxidation pond
      samples. These results support the use of passive flow bioreactors to lower the
      acidity, metal, and sulfate levels present in the AMD at the Tab-Simco mine, but
      suggest modifications of the system are necessary to both stimulate sulfate
      reducing bacteria and inhibit sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.

PMID- 22083107
TI  - Skeletal remodeling following clinically relevant radiation-induced bone damage
      treated with zoledronic acid.
AB  - Our aim was to determine if zoledronic acid (ZA) changes (45)Ca pharmacokinetics
      and bone microstructure in irradiated, ovary-intact (I) and irradiated,
      ovariectomized mice (OVX), two groups with different patterns of skeletal damage.
      The hind limbs of I and OVX BALB/c mice received a single 16-Gy radiation dose,
      simulating pre- and postmenopausal female cancer patients undergoing radiation
      treatment. All I and OVX mice were radiolabeled with 15 MUCi (45)Ca. Mice were
      treated with or without a 0.5 mg/kg injection of ZA. The time course of bone
      mineral remodeling was evaluated using a fecal (45)Ca assay, measured by liquid
      scintillation. A group of nonirradiated, intact mice were used for the
      longitudinal evaluation of (45)Ca biodistribution. Distal femur bone
      histomorphometric parameters were measured using microCT at 50 days post-ZA
      intervention. Most (45)Ca was incorporated into the skeleton and eliminated from
      the soft tissues within 3-5 days postirradiation, attaining a steady state of
      excretion at 25-30 days. ZA intervention in both groups resulted in a rapid
      decrease in fecal (45)Ca excretion. There was a significant difference in (45)Ca
      excretion in the OVX +/- ZA (P = 0.005) group but not in the I +/- ZA (P = 0.655)
      group. The rate of excretion of fecal (45)Ca was slower in the OVX + ZA compared
      to the I + ZA group (P = 0.064). (45)Ca assay is useful to monitor the time
      course of bone mineral remodeling after an antiresorptive intervention in
      irradiated mice, providing a basis to investigate bone effects of cancer therapy
      protocols. For equivalent doses of ZA, recovery may depend on the nature and
      degree of skeletal damage.

PMID- 22083108
TI  - Landfill mining: a critical review of two decades of research.
AB  - Landfills have historically been seen as the ultimate solution for storing waste
      at minimum cost. It is now a well-known fact that such deposits have related
      implications such as long-term methane emissions, local pollution concerns,
      settling issues and limitations on urban development. Landfill mining has been
      suggested as a strategy to address such problems, and in principle means the
      excavation, processing, treatment and/or recycling of deposited materials. This
      study involves a literature review on landfill mining covering a meta-analysis of
      the main trends, objectives, topics and findings in 39 research papers published
      during the period 1988-2008. The results show that, so far, landfill mining has
      primarily been seen as a way to solve traditional management issues related to
      landfills such as lack of landfill space and local pollution concerns. Although
      most initiatives have involved some recovery of deposited resources, mainly cover
      soil and in some cases waste fuel, recycling efforts have often been largely
      secondary. Typically, simple soil excavation and screening equipment have
      therefore been applied, often demonstrating moderate performance in obtaining
      marketable recyclables. Several worldwide changes and recent research findings
      indicate the emergence of a new perspective on landfills as reservoirs for
      resource extraction. Although the potential of this approach appears significant,
      it is argued that facilitating implementation involves a number of research
      challenges in terms of technology innovation, clarifying the conditions for
      realization and developing standardized frameworks for evaluating economic and
      environmental performance from a systems perspective. In order to address these
      challenges, a combination of applied and theoretical research is required.

PMID- 22083109
TI  - Toxicity monitoring with primary cultured hepatocytes underestimates the
      acetaminophen-induced inflammatory responses of the mouse liver.
AB  - In vitro gene expression profiling with isolated hepatocytes has been used to
      assess the hepatotoxicity of certain chemicals because of animal welfare issues. 
      However, whether an in vitro system can completely replace the in vivo system has
      yet to be elucidated in detail.  Using a focused microarray established in our
      laboratory, we examined gene expression profiles in the mouse liver and primary
      cultured hepatocytes after treatment with different doses of acetaminophen, a
      widely used analgesic that frequently causes liver injury.  The acute
      hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen was confirmed by showing the induction of an
      oxidative stress marker, heme oxygenase-1, elevated levels of serum transaminase,
      and histopathological findings.  In vivo microarray and network analysis showed
      that acetaminophen treatment provoked alterations in relation to the inflammatory
      response, and that tumor necrosis factor-alpha plays a central role in related
      pathway alterations.  By contrast, pathway analyses in in vitro isolated
      hepatocytes did not find such prominent changes in the inflammation-related
      networks compared with the in vivo situation.  Thus, although in vitro gene
      expression profiles are useful for evaluating the direct toxicity of chemicals,
      indirect toxicities including inflammatory responses mediated by cell-cell
      interactions or secondary toxicity due to pathophysiological changes in the whole
      body may be overlooked.  Our results indicate that the in vitro hepatotoxicity
      prediction system using isolated hepatocytes does not fully reflect the in vivo
      cellular response.  An in vitro system may be appropriate, therefore, for high
      throughput screening to detect the direct hepatotoxicity of a test compound.

PMID- 22083110
TI  - Elemental and configural olfactory coding by antennal lobe neurons of the
      honeybee (Apis mellifera).
AB  - When smelling an odorant mixture, olfactory systems can be analytical (i.e.
      extract information about the mixture elements) or synthetic (i.e. creating a
      configural percept of the mixture). Here, we studied elemental and configural
      mixture coding in olfactory neurons of the honeybee antennal lobe, local neurons
      in particular. We conducted intracellular recordings and stimulated with
      monomolecular odorants and their coherent or incoherent binary mixtures to
      reproduce a temporally dynamic environment. We found that about half of the
      neurons responded as 'elemental neurons', i.e. responses evoked by mixtures
      reflected the underlying feature information from one of the components. The
      other half responded as 'configural neurons', i.e. responses to mixtures were
      clearly different from responses to their single components. Elemental neurons
      divided in late responders (above 60 ms) and early responder neurons (below 60
      ms), whereas responses of configural coding neurons concentrated in-between these
      divisions. Latencies of neurons with configural responses express a tendency to
      be faster for coherent stimuli which implies employment in different processing
      circuits.

PMID- 22083111
TI  - Effect of maternal dietary intake on the weight of the newborn in Aligarh city,
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed (1) To record the nutrient intake of the respondents
      and compare the same with the available recommended dietary allowances (RDA). (2)
      To assess the correlation between maternal dietary intake and the weight of
      newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ninety two pregnant women. STUDY
      AREA: Five hospitals of Aligarh city, Uttar Pradesh. Study Tool and Data
      Collection: Interview schedule was administered to record information regarding
      dietary intake and weight of newborn. The data collection was initiated in April
      2009 and was completed in March' 2010. DATA ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was
      done by using version SPSS 17. Frequency distributions were calculated for all
      variables. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the
      influence of the dietary intake on the birth weight of newborn. RESULTS: Results
      revealed that the nutrient intake in all trimesters of pregnancy was lower as
      compared to RDA. There were significant correlations between the nutrient intake
      of the mothers and the weight of newborn in all trimesters of pregnancy (P=0.01).
      CONCLUSION: It was found that the dietary intake during all trimesters of
      pregnancy were significantly associated with the birth weight.

PMID- 22083115
TI  - Transplantation: Liver steatosis and errors in estimation of standard liver
      volume.

PMID- 22083118
TI  - Pancreas: Limiting EUS misinterpretation of mucus as mural nodules in pancreatic
      cysts.

PMID- 22083120
TI  - Colorectal cancer: Fusobacterium nucleatum found in colon cancer tissue--could an
      infection cause colorectal cancer?

PMID- 22083123
TI  - Liver: Usefulness of noninvasive biomarkers of fibrosis in chronic liver disease.

PMID- 22083124
TI  - Pancreas: Oral microbiota and pancreatic disease.

PMID- 22083127
TI  - New perspectives on photosynthetic phosphorylation in the light of a torsional
      mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis.
AB  - New perspectives on photophosphorylation have been offered from the standpoint of
      the torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis. New
      experimental data on the involvement of malate anions in ATP synthesis in an acid
      base malate bath procedure has been reported on spinach chloroplast thylakoids as
      the model system. The data cannot be reconciled with the chemiosmotic theory but
      has been shown to be naturally explained by the torsional mechanism. The path of
      malic acid in the acid and base stages of the experiment has been traced,
      offering further strong support to the new paradigm. Classical observations in
      the field have been re-interpreted in the light of these findings. A new concept
      of ion translocation, energy transduction and coupling at the overall
      physiological level in photophosphorylation has been presented and a large number
      of novel experimentally testable predictions have been made and shown to arise as
      logical consequences of the new perspectives.

PMID- 22083126
TI  - Mitochondrial pathobiology in ALS.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common human adult-onset
      neurodegenerative disease. Some forms of ALS are inherited, and disease-causing
      genes have been identified. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in
      ALS are unresolved. Genetic, biochemical, and morphological analyses of human ALS
      as well as cell and animal models of ALS reveal that mitochondria could have
      roles in this neurodegeneration. The varied functions and properties of
      mitochondria might render subsets of selectively vulnerable neurons intrinsically
      susceptible to cellular aging and stress and overlying genetic variations.
      Changes occur in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and mitochondrial
      programmed cell death proteins in ALS. Transgenic mouse models of ALS reveal
      possible principles governing the biology of neurodegeneration that implicate
      mitochondria and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This paper
      reviews how mitochondrial pathobiology might contribute to the mechanisms of
      neurodegeneration in ALS.

PMID- 22083128
TI  - Architecture and characterization of sarcosine oxidase from Thermococcus
      kodakarensis KOD1.
AB  - Sarcosine oxidase (SOX) catalyzes the oxidation of the methyl group in sarcosine
      and transfer of the oxidized methyl group into the one-carbon metabolic pool.
      Here, we separately cloned and expressed alpha and beta subunit of SOX from
      Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1 (TkSOX) in Escherichia coli and the recombinant
      proteins were purified to homogeneity. Gel filtration chromatography and
      transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the alpha subunit formed a
      dimeric structure and behaved as an NADH dehydrogenase; beta subunit was a
      tetramer that had sarcosine oxidase and L: -proline dehydrogenase activity. The
      TkSOX complex assembled into the hetero-octameric (alphabeta)(4) form and had
      NADH dehydrogenase activity. Gold-label analysis indicated that alpha and beta
      subunits were oriented in the alternative form. Based on these results, we
      suggested that TkSOX was a multifunctional enzyme and that each subunit and
      (alphabeta)(4) complex may separately exist as a function enzyme in different
      conditions.

PMID- 22083129
TI  - Temperature responses of growth, photosynthesis, fatty acid and nitrate reductase
      in Antarctic and temperate Stichococcus.
AB  - Stichococcus, a genus of green algae, distributes in ice-free areas throughout
      Antarctica. To understand adaptive strategies of Stichococcus to permanently cold
      environments, the physiological responses to temperature of two psychrotolerants,
      S. bacillaris NJ-10 and S. minutus NJ-17, isolated from rock surfaces in
      Antarctica were compared with that of one temperate S. bacillaris FACHB753. Two
      Antarctic Stichococcus strains grew at temperature from 4 to 25 degrees C, while
      the temperate strain could grow above 30 degrees C but could not survive at 4
      degrees C. The photosynthetic activity of FACHB753 at lower than 10 degrees C was
      less than that of Antarctic algae. Nitrate reductase in NJ-10 and NJ-17 had its
      optimal temperature at 20 degrees C, in comparison, the maximal activity of
      nitrate reductase in FACHB753 was found at 25 degrees C. When cultured at 4-15
      degrees C a large portion of unsaturated fatty acids in the two Antarctic species
      was detected and the regulation of the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids by
      temperature was observed only above 15 degrees C, though the content of the major
      unsaturated fatty acid alphaC18:3 in FACHB753 decreased with the temperatures
      elevated from 10 to 25 degrees C. Elevated nitrate reductase activity and
      photosynthetic rates at low temperatures together with the high proportion of
      unsaturated fatty acids contribute to the ability of the Antarctic Stichococcus
      to thrive.

PMID- 22083130
TI  - Cooperative folding of tau peptide by coordination of group IIB metal cations
      during heparin-induced aggregation.
AB  - The group IIB elements, especially Cd(II) and Hg(II), are increasingly considered
      as potential environmental neurotoxins. This study demonstrates that the
      Alzheimer's tau fragment R2, corresponding to the second repeat of the
      microtubule-binding domain, can bind to Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II). Isothermal
      titration calorimetry experiments suggest that the most likely coordination site
      is the thiol group of Cys291, and this is further confirmed by a control
      experiment using a C291A mutant peptide. Circular dichroism spectrum reveals that
      the coordination of group IIB cations, especially Hg(II), can induce pronounced
      conformational conversions in natively unfolded R2, from random coil to other
      ordered structures. ThS fluorescence assays and electron microscopy indicate that
      the group IIB cations promote heparin-induced aggregation of R2, giving
      relatively small R2 filaments. The efficiency in promoting aggregation, as well
      as inducing conformational conversion, varies strongly with the cation's
      polarizability. Based on these results, a model is proposed in which the
      cooperative folding of R2 through cross-bridging of group IIB cations is
      suggested to be a key factor in promoting aggregation, in addition to the
      effective neutralization of coulombic charge-charge repulsion by heparin, the
      poly-anion inducer. Our results provide clues to understanding the potential
      pathogenic role of group IIB metals in the development of neurofibrillary
      tangles, a typical hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22083131
TI  - The Phaseolus vulgaris miR159a precursor encodes a second differentially
      expressed microRNA.
AB  - Plant microRNAs originate from a stem-loop structured single-stranded RNA
      precursor. Each stem-loop is processed to generate a mature microRNA that is
      recruited to an ARGONAUTE-containing multi-protein complex to direct silencing of
      its target mRNA. Here we report that the conserved plant miR159a precursor
      produces a second 21-nt long RNA with the properties of a microRNA. Its presence
      in different plant species is supported by its conservation in the stem-loop
      position and expression as determined by northern blot analysis. We show that
      successive processing by DCL1 produces this novel microRNA from the same
      precursor as miR159a. In contrast to the low levels observed in other plant
      models for the equivalent of miR159.2, in P. vulgaris, the accumulation of
      miR159.2 is easily detectable and when compared to miR159a, their expression
      patterns are distinct in different organs and growth conditions. Further evidence
      of the functionality of miR159.2 comes from its association with silencing
      complexes as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation experiments using an AGO1
      specific antibody and processing of an artificial GFP reporter construct
      containing a complementary target sequence. These results indicate that the
      second small RNA corresponds to a microRNA, at least partially independent of
      miR159 activity, and that in plants a miRNA precursor may encode multiple
      regulatory small RNAs.

PMID- 22083132
TI  - Microarray analysis of broad-spectrum resistance derived from an indica cultivar
      Rathu Heenati.
AB  - Rathu Heenati (RHT) is a Sri Lankan rice cultivar that carries a brown
      planthopper (BPH) resistance gene, Bph3, and shows broad-spectrum resistance to
      all four biotypes of BPH. The BPH-resistance loci in RHT has been studied
      extensively and assigned to four different rice chromosomes (3, 4, 6, and 10) by
      different research groups, but the gene has not been cloned previously. An
      Affymetrix rice genome array containing 48,564 japonica and 1,260 indica
      sequences was used to analyze the potential resistance-related genes on the four
      chromosomes by comparative analysis of the differentially expressed genes between
      resistant and susceptible rice cultivars exposed to BPH attack. The microarray
      results showed that at least 17 genes related to induced resistance and at least
      193 genes related to constitutive resistance in RHT. On chromosome 3, the AOC4
      was hypothesized to be the most important candidate gene. On chromosome 6, no
      valuable candidate resistance gene was identified in the Bph3 localization
      region. In the three Quantitative trait locus regions of chromosomes 3, 4, and
      10, the numbers of constitutive and induced resistance-related genes found were
      17, 26, and 12, respectively. The major probe on chromosome 10 represents a
      constitutive expression gene with a very high absolute fold-change of 2,588.82.
      The microarray analysis indicated that BPH resistance in RHT is probably
      controlled by a series of resistance-related genes. This study provides valuable
      information for cloning, functional analysis and marker-assisted breeding of
      these BPH resistance genes.

PMID- 22083133
TI  - An unusual Me3SiI-promoted [4+2] annulation and reduction: an efficient approach
      to construct 4H-benzopyrans.
AB  - Me(3)SiI-promoted reaction of salicylic aldehydes with beta-dicarbonyl compounds
      provided a facile way to construct 4H-benzopyrans in moderate to good yields.
      This tandem reaction proceeds with high efficiency through nucleophilic addition,
      silyl enol ether formation, substitution, reduction, and intramolecular
      nucleophilic cyclization.

PMID- 22083135
TI  - Silver-catalyzed low-temperature CO isotopic scrambling reaction: 12C16O + 13C18O
      -> 12C18O + 13C16O.
AB  - In this paper we report on low-temperature CO isotopic scrambling ((12)C(16)O +
      (13)C(18)O ->(12)C(18)O + (13)C(16)O). The reaction proceeds on a commercial
      silver-exchanged zeolite even at about 100 K and requires an optimal reduction
      degree of the catalysts.

PMID- 22083134
TI  - New horizons for cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitors.
AB  - High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels bear an inverse relationship to
      cardiovascular risk. To date, however, no intervention specifically targeting HDL
      has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol ester transfer
      protein (CETP) mediates transfer of cholesterol ester from HDL to apolipoprotein
      B-containing particles. Most, but not all observational cohort studies indicate
      that genetic polymorphisms of CETP associated with reduced activity and higher
      HDL cholesterol levels are also associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.
      Some, but not all studies indicate that CETP inhibition in rabbits retards
      atherosclerosis, whereas transgenic CETP expression in mice promotes
      atherosclerosis. Torcetrapib, the first CETP inhibitor to reach phase III
      clinical development, was abandoned due to excess mortality associated with
      increases in aldosterone and blood pressure. Two other CETP inhibitors have
      entered phase III clinical development. Anacetrapib is a potent inhibitor of CETP
      that produces very large increases in HDL cholesterol and large reductions in low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, beyond those achieved with statins.
      Dalcetrapib is a less potent CETP inhibitor that produces smaller increases in
      HDL cholesterol with minimal effect on LDL cholesterol. Both agents appear to
      allow efflux of cholesterol from macrophages to HDL in vitro, and neither agent
      affects blood pressure or aldosterone in vivo. Two large cardiovascular outcomes
      trials, one with anacetrapib and one with dalcetrapib, should provide a
      conclusive test of the hypothesis that inhibition of CETP decreases
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22083137
TI  - Reply to the comment by Carmelo Anile on the paper "Complexity analysis of the
      cerebrospinal fluid pulse waveform during infusion studies".

PMID- 22083136
TI  - Deficient language acquisition in children with single suture craniosynostosis
      and deformational posterior plagiocephaly.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examined early language acquisition in children with single
      suture craniosynostosis (SSC) and in children with deformational posterior
      plagiocephaly. Our purpose was to determine whether infants with SSC have normal
      language acquisition at the age of 3 years, and whether infants with
      deformational posterior plagiocephaly demonstrate parallel development when
      compared with children with SSC. METHODS: The study population includes 61
      infants. Twenty of them had synostosis of the sagittal suture, 12 synostosis of
      other suture and 29 deformational posterior plagiocephaly. Forty-nine of them
      were operated on a mean age of 10.6 months, and 12 were non-operated children
      with deformational posterior plagiocephaly. Language skills of participants were
      prospectively evaluated at the mean age of 3 years 4 months. RESULTS: About one
      half of the subjects (49%) had normal linguistic development, 30% had slight
      developmental problems and 21% had severe disorders in speech-language-related
      skills. These figures showed the prevalence of severe language disorders to be
      three times higher in our study population when compared with the general
      population. Children with sagittal synostosis managed better in all language
      skills compared with other types of SSC. Defective language development was found
      in deformational posterior plagiocephaly, both operated and non-operated.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found a noticeable developmental risk for specific language
      impairment in children with nonsyndromic SSC, and that the deviant language
      development is observable already in early infancy. Contrary to previous beliefs,
      the developmental risk for defective language development in deformational
      posterior plagiocephaly was found in both operated and non-operated subjects.

PMID- 22083138
TI  - Stem cells: on the front line.

PMID- 22083140
TI  - Inhibition of GSK3 by Wnt signalling--two contrasting models.
AB  - The key read-out of Wnt signalling is a change in the transcriptional profile of
      the cell, which is driven by beta-catenin. beta-catenin levels are normally kept
      low by a phosphorylation event that is mediated by glycogen synthase kinase 3
      (GSK3, alpha- and beta-isoforms), which targets beta-catenin for ubiquitylation
      and proteasomal degradation. Wnt blocks this phosphorylation event, thereby
      allowing beta-catenin to accumulate and to co-activate transcription in the
      nucleus. Exactly how Wnt inhibits GSK3 activity towards beta-catenin is unclear
      and has been the focus of intensive research. Recent studies on the role of
      conserved PPPSPxS motifs in the cytoplasmic tail of low-density lipoprotein
      receptor-related protein (LRP, isoforms 5 and 6) culminated in a biochemical
      model: Wnt induces the phosphorylation of LRP6 PPPSPxS motifs, which consequently
      access the catalytic pocket of GSK3 as pseudo-substrates, thus directly blocking
      its activity against beta-catenin. A distinct cell-biological model was proposed
      more recently: Wnt proteins induce the uptake of GSK3 into multivesicular bodies
      (MVBs), an event that sequesters the enzyme away from newly synthesised beta
      catenin substrate in the cytoplasm, thus blocking its phosphorylation. This new
      model is based on intriguing observations but also challenges a body of existing
      evidence, so will require further experimental consolidation. We shall consider
      whether the two models apply to different modes of Wnt signaling: acute versus
      chronic.

PMID- 22083139
TI  - The haematopoietic stem cell niche at a glance.

PMID- 22083141
TI  - Complications associated with new-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation.
AB  - New-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation (NODAT) is widely
      acknowledged to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as
      poor quality of life. Clear evidence links the occurrence of NODAT to accelerated
      progression of some macrovascular and/or microvascular complications. However,
      the evidence that some complications commonly attributed to diabetes mellitus
      occur in the context of transplantation lacks robustness. Certain complications
      are transplantation-specific and prevalent, but others are not frequently
      observed or documented. For this reason, it is essential that clinicians are
      aware of the array of potential complications associated with NODAT in kidney
      allograft recipients. Rather than simply translating evidence from the general
      population to the high-risk transplant recipient, this Review aims to provide
      specific guidance on diabetes-related complications in the context of a complex
      transplantation environment.

PMID- 22083142
TI  - A transdisciplinary approach to the selection of moderators of an exercise
      promotion intervention: baseline data and rationale for Colorado STRIDE.
AB  - A transdisciplinary approach incorporating biological, psychological, behavioral,
      and genetic factors was taken to better identify proposed moderators of the
      effectiveness of an intervention to increase physical activity. This paper
      illustrates how theory-based individual difference variables can be integrated
      into a complex randomized controlled trial. The transdisciplinary framework
      guiding the selection of moderators, the COSTRIDE intervention study and sample,
      and the relationships among baseline variables are provided. Participants were
      non-active individuals randomly assigned to either the STRIDE exercise or health
      and-wellness contact control condition. Structural equation modeling was utilized
      to demonstrate that relationships among baseline variables confirm hypothesized
      relationships in the transdisciplinary framework. Preliminary data from COSTRIDE
      suggest that interventions among sedentary individuals may be more effective if a
      broader range of factors influencing physical activity are considered.

PMID- 22083144
TI  - Comparisons of zinc with cadmium in N2S2 coordination and as S-bonded adducts to
      tungsten carbonyls.
AB  - The synthesis and characterization of bis-mercaptoethanediazaheptane cadmium(II)
      is reported and compared to the analogous zinc complex. Of significance is the
      dimeric form of the [Zn(N(2)S(2))](2) complex achieves penta-coordination about
      zinc through a bridging thiolate whereas cadmium engages two thiolate as S
      bridges resulting in hexa-coordination about cadmium within a coordination
      polymer whose X-ray crystal structure is reported here. In the presence of
      W(CO)(5), this polymer breaks up, generating dimeric [Cd(N(2)S(2))](2) with two
      W(CO)(5) units appended to the terminal thiolates, a feat that is not observed
      for the zinc dimer analogue. The greater thiophilicity of cadmium over zinc is
      noted in several features of these complexes.

PMID- 22083143
TI  - Health professional advice for smoking and weight in adults with and without
      diabetes: findings from BRFSS.
AB  - Health risk behaviors including smoking and weight-gain can cause and exacerbate
      chronic diseases like diabetes. Brief provider advice is an effective
      intervention to reduce risk from these behaviors. However, behavioral advice is
      provided more often to those who already have a chronic illness when compared
      with those who are at risk. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the
      frequency of provider advice for smoking cessation and weight loss varies between
      overweight or obese smokers with and without diabetes. BRFSS data from a subset
      of overweight and obese smokers with (n = 848) and without (n = 6,279) diabetes
      were analyzed to determine differences in reported provider advice. Overweight
      and obese smokers with diabetes reported receiving more advice for both weight
      (46.4% vs. 23.4%, P < 0.001) and smoking (84.5% vs. 72.8%, P < 0.001) compared to
      those without diabetes. Advice for smoking cessation was reported two to three
      times more often than advice for weight. Nearly a quarter of those with diabetes
      and almost half of those without reported no receipt of advice about weight.
      Results indicate that providers are not adequately addressing overweight and
      obesity in patients with and at risk for diabetes.

PMID- 22083145
TI  - QTc behavior during exercise and genetic testing for the long-QT syndrome.

PMID- 22083147
TI  - Iron overload cardiomyopathy in clinical practice.

PMID- 22083146
TI  - Definition of early repolarization: a tug of war.

PMID- 22083148
TI  - Atrial fibrillation pathophysiology: implications for management.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, is an
      important contributor to population morbidity and mortality. An arrhythmia that
      is particularly common in the elderly, AF is growing in prevalence with the aging
      of the population. Our understanding of the basic mechanisms that govern AF
      occurrence and persistence has been increasing rapidly. This article reviews the
      basic pathophysiology of AF over a broad range of levels, touching on the tissue
      mechanisms that maintain the arrhythmia, the relationship between clinical
      presentation and basic mechanisms, ion channel and transporter abnormalities that
      lead to ectopic impulse formation, basic models and tissue determinants of
      reentry, ion channel determinants of reentry, the nature and roles of electric
      and structural remodeling, autonomic neural components, anatomic factors,
      interactions between atrial and ventricular functional consequences of AF, and
      the basic determinants of atrial thromboembolism. We then review the potential
      implications of the basic pathophysiology of the arrhythmia for its management.
      We first discuss consequences for improved rhythm control pharmacotherapy:
      targeting underlying conditions, new atrium-selective drug targets, new targets
      for focal ectopic source suppression, and upstream therapy aiming to prevent
      remodeling. We then review the implications of basic mechanistic considerations
      for rate control therapy, AF ablation, and the prevention of thromboembolic
      events. We conclude with some thoughts about the future of translational research
      related to AF mechanisms.

PMID- 22083149
TI  - Giant intramural left ventricular rhabdomyoma in a newborn.

PMID- 22083150
TI  - An inverted location of the bicuspid valve disease: a variant of a variant.

PMID- 22083151
TI  - Advances in the epidemiology of heart failure and left ventricular remodeling.

PMID- 22083153
TI  - Letter by Falk regarding article, "An unusual heart failure: cardiac amyloidosis
      due to light chain myeloma".

PMID- 22083154
TI  - Letter by Anyfanti et al regarding article, "Effect of renal sympathetic
      denervation on glucose metabolism in patients with resistant hypertension: a
      pilot study".

PMID- 22083155
TI  - Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (a rare form of adrenal insufficiency and
      ambiguous genitalia) caused by a novel mutation of the steroidogenic acute
      regulatory protein gene.
AB  - Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH) is a rare autosomal recessive
      disorder of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. It is most frequently caused by
      mutations in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene. Patients
      with lipoid CAH typically present with adrenal crisis in early infancy, and those
      with a 46,XY karyotype have female genitalia. However, it has been recently
      recognized that the phenotype can be quite variable, in that adrenal
      insufficiency is detected later in life and patients may have partially
      masculinized or even normal male genitalia. We report a patient assigned and
      reared as a female with a 46,XY karyotype and with a homozygous intron 2
      (c.178+1G>C) splice site mutation of the StAR gene, which is a novel mutation
      that causes lipoid CAH. Her clinical presentation was somewhat atypical for a
      patient with classic lipoid CAH, marked by mild masculinization of the genitalia,
      detectable adrenal steroids at baseline, and ability to tolerate the stress of a
      surgical procedure with anesthesia without receiving glucocorticoid treatment.
      CONCLUSION: There is significant phenotypic variability among patients with
      lipoid CAH. While splice site mutations in the StAR gene lead to premature
      translational termination, resulting in truncated and non-functional proteins,
      there is phenotypic variability among patients with such mutations. Our patient
      appears to have the more atypical phenotype compared to reported patients with
      similar mutations. The molecular mechanism underlying this heterogeneity remains
      unclear.

PMID- 22083156
TI  - Detection of pulmonary arterial morphology in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary
      atresia by computed tomography: 12 years of experience.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using computed tomography (CT) to
      define the pulmonary artery anatomy in patients with tetralogy of Fallot and
      pulmonary atresia (TOF-PA). We retrospectively reviewed 110 patients with TOF-PA
      between 1995 and 2008. Those who received cardiac catheterization and surgery
      within 3 months of their CT examinations were enrolled. Based on Dr. Somerville's
      classification, the pulmonary arterial pattern was determined, including
      identifiable pulmonary trunk (type I), the presence of both left and right
      pulmonary arteries without trunk (II), only left or right pulmonary artery
      present (III), and absent intrapericardial pulmonary arteries (IV). The accuracy
      of both imaging modalities was evaluated with operation findings as the golden
      standard. The effective radiation doses and adverse events were also recorded. In
      the 64 eligible patients (median age, 23 months), CT and catheterization
      demonstrated accurate pulmonary arterial morphology in 60 (60/64) and 53 (53/64)
      TOF-PA patients, respectively. Thirty-two of 35 type I patients were correctly
      identified by CT, whereas 26 were correctly identified by catheterization (p =
      0.03). Of the 20 type II TOF-PA patients, 19 were diagnosed by CT, whereas 18
      were diagnosed by catheterization. CT and catheterization both successfully
      defined six type III and three type IV patients. The median calculated radiation
      doses caused by CT and catheterization were 4.5 and 5.6 mSv, respectively (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with TOF-PA, CT could accurately delineate
      pulmonary arterial morphology with the same level of accuracy as cardiac
      catheterization. Therefore, CT can be considered a reasonable diagnostic
      alternative for such patients.

PMID- 22083157
TI  - Ambulatory and home blood pressure measurement: complementary rather than
      competitive methods.

PMID- 22083159
TI  - A new presentation of the chimeric CYP11B1/CYP11B2 gene with low prevalence of
      primary aldosteronism and atypical gene segregation pattern.
AB  - Familial hyperaldosteronism type I is caused by an unequal crossover of 11beta
      hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) genes, giving rise to a
      chimeric CYP11B1/CYP11B2 gene (CG). We describe a family carrying a CG with high
      levels of free 18-hydroxycortisol but low prevalence of primary aldosteronism
      (PA) and an atypical CG inheritance pattern in a family of 4 generations with 16
      adults and 13 children, we measured the arterial blood pressure, serum
      aldosterone, and plasma renin activity and then calculated the serum
      aldosterone:plasma renin activity ratio and urinary free 18-hydroxycortisol. We
      identified the CG by long-extension PCR and predicted its inheritance pattern.
      The CG was found in 24 of 29 subjects (10 children and 14 adults). In CG+
      patients, hypertension and high 18-hydroxycortisol were prevalent (83% and 100%,
      respectively). High serum aldosterone:plasma renin activity ratio was more
      frequent in pediatric than adult patients (80% versus 36%; P<0.001). An inverse
      association between serum aldosterone:plasma renin activity ratio and age was
      observed (r=-0.48; P=0.018). Sequence analysis identified the CYP11B1/CYP11B2
      crossover in a 50-bp region spanning intron 3 of CYP11B1 and exon 4 of CYP11B2.
      The CG segregation differs from an autosomal disease, showing 100% of CG
      penetrance in generations II and III. Statistical analysis suggests that
      inheritance pattern was not attributed to random segregation (P<0.001). In
      conclusion, we describe a family with an atypical CYP11B1/CYP11B2 gene
      inheritance pattern and variable phenotypic expression, where the majority of
      pediatric patients have primary aldosteronism. Most adults have normal
      aldosterone and renin levels, which could mask them as essential hypertensives.

PMID- 22083158
TI  - Role of uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase in abdominal aortic aneurysm
      formation: treatment with folic acid.
AB  - It has been shown that endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling occurs in
      hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, its causal role in vascular
      pathogenesis has not been characterized previously. Here, we challenged eNOS
      preuncoupled hyperphenylalaninemia (hph)-1 mice (deficient in eNOS cofactor
      tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthetic enzyme GTPCHI) with angiotensin II (Ang II; 0.7
      mg/kg per day, 14 days). Both wild-type and hph-1 groups developed hypertension
      similarly up to day 6 to 7. Thereafter, ~14% of Ang II-infused (0.7 mg/kg per
      day) hph-1 mice (n=72) started to die suddenly of ruptured abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA). Among the survivors, 65% developed AAA, resulting in a total
      morbidity rate of 79%. In contrast, none of the Ang II-infused wild-type mice
      died or developed AAA. Ang II progressively deteriorated eNOS uncoupling in hph-1
      mice while augmenting tetrahydrobiopterin and nitric oxide (NO(.)) deficiencies.
      The abundance of the tetrahydrobiopterin salvage enzyme dihydrofolate reductase
      in the endothelium was decreased in hph-1 mice and further diminished by Ang II
      infusion. Intriguingly, restoration of dihydrofolate reductase expression by oral
      administration of folic acid or overexpression of dihydrofolate reductase
      completely prevented AAA formation in Ang II-infused hph-1 mice while attenuating
      progressive uncoupling of eNOS. Folic acid also attenuated vascular remodeling
      and inflammation characterized by medial elastin breakdown and augmented matrix
      metalloproteinase 2 activity and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 9, as
      well as macrophage infiltration. In conclusion, these data innovatively suggest a
      causal role of eNOS uncoupling/tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in AAA formation.
      Therefore, oral folic acid administration, endothelium-targeted dihydrofolate
      reductase gene therapy, and perhaps other countermeasures directed against eNOS
      uncoupling could be used as new therapeutics for AAA.

PMID- 22083160
TI  - Mechanisms of premature vascular aging in children with Hutchinson-Gilford
      progeria syndrome.
AB  - Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a rare, segmental premature aging
      syndrome of accelerated atherosclerosis and early death from myocardial
      infarction or stroke. This study sought to establish comprehensive
      characterization of the fatal vasculopathy in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria
      syndrome and its relevance to normal aging. We performed cardiovascular
      assessments at a single clinical site on the largest prospectively studied cohort
      to date. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was dramatically elevated (mean:
      13.00+/-3.83 m/s). Carotid duplex ultrasound echobrightness, assessed in
      predefined tissue sites as a measure of arterial wall density, was significantly
      greater than age- and sex-matched controls in the intima-media (P<0.02), near
      adventitia (P<0.003), and deep adventitia (P<0.01), as was internal carotid
      artery mean flow velocity (P<0.0001). Ankle-brachial indices were abnormal in 78%
      of patients. Effective disease treatments may be heralded by normalizing trends
      of these noninvasive cardiovascular measures. The data demonstrate that, along
      with peripheral vascular occlusive disease, accelerated vascular stiffening is an
      early and pervasive mechanism of vascular disease in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria
      syndrome. There is considerable overlap with cardiovascular changes of normal
      aging, which reinforces the view that defining mechanisms of cardiovascular
      disease in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome provides a unique opportunity to
      isolate a subset of factors influencing cardiovascular disease in the general
      aging population.

PMID- 22083161
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma regulates inflammation and renin
      angiotensin system activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and
      ameliorates peripheral manifestations of heart failure.
AB  - Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, a nuclear
      transcription factor, has been shown to inhibit the production of proinflammatory
      cytokines and, in peripheral tissues, to downregulate the renin-angiotensin
      system. PPAR-gamma is expressed in key brain areas involved in cardiovascular and
      autonomic regulation. We hypothesized that activation of central PPAR-gamma would
      reduce sympathetic excitation and ameliorate peripheral manifestations of heart
      failure (HF) by inhibiting central inflammation and brain renin-angiotensin
      system activity. Two weeks after coronary artery ligation, HF rats received an
      intracerebroventricular infusion of the PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone or
      vehicle for another 2 weeks. PPAR-gamma expression in the paraventricular nucleus
      of hypothalamus, an important cardiovascular region, was unchanged in HF compared
      with sham-operated rats. However, PPAR-gamma DNA binding activity was reduced,
      nuclear factor-kappaB activity was increased, and expression of proinflammatory
      cytokines and angiotensin II type-1 receptor was augmented in the HF rats. Mean
      blood pressure response to ganglionic blockade was greater; plasma norepinephrine
      levels, lung/body weight, right ventricle/body weight, and left ventricular end
      diastolic pressure were increased; and maximal left ventricular dP/dt was
      decreased. All of these findings were ameliorated in HF rats treated with
      intracerebroventricular pioglitazone, which increased PPAR-gamma expression and
      DNA binding activity in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus. The results
      demonstrate that cardiovascular and autonomic mechanisms leading to heart failure
      after myocardial infarction can be modulated by activation of PPAR-gamma in the
      brain. Central PPAR-gamma may be a novel target for treatment of sympathetic
      excitation in myocardial infarction-induced HF.

PMID- 22083162
TI  - Sympathoexcitation by brain oxidative stress mediates arterial pressure elevation
      in salt-induced chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Hypertension is very prevalent in chronic kidney disease and critical for its
      prognosis. Sympathoexcitation and oxidative stress have been demonstrated to be
      involved in chronic kidney disease. We have shown previously that
      sympathoexcitation by brain oxidative stress mediates arterial pressure elevation
      in the salt-sensitive hypertension model, Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Thus, we
      investigated whether sympathoexcitation by excessive brain oxidative stress could
      contribute to arterial pressure elevation in salt-induced chronic kidney disease
      model rats. Young (3-week-old) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to
      a uninephrectomy or sham operation and then subjected to either a normal salt
      (0.5%) or high-salt (8.0%) diet for 4 weeks. The young salt-loaded
      uninephrectomized rats exhibited sympathoexcitation, hypertension, and renal
      injury, proteinuria and global glomerulosclerosis together with
      tubulointerstitial damage. Under urethane anesthesia and artificial ventilation,
      renal sympathetic nerve activity, arterial pressure, and heart rate decreased to
      a greater degree in the salt-loaded uninephrectomized rats than in the nonsalt
      loaded uninephrectomized rats and the salt-loaded or nonsalt-loaded sham-operated
      rats, when Tempol, a membrane-permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic, was infused
      acutely into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Oxidative stress in the
      hypothalamus, measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence, was also significantly
      greater. Furthermore, in the salt-loaded uninephrectomized rats, antioxidant
      treatment with chronic intracerebroventricular Tempol decreased sympathetic nerve
      activity and arterial pressure, which, in turn, led to a decrease in renal
      damage. Similar effects were elicited by treatment with oral moxonidine, the
      central sympatholytic agent. In conclusion, sympathoexcitation by brain oxidative
      stress may mediate arterial pressure elevation in salt-induced chronic kidney
      disease.

PMID- 22083163
TI  - Ambulatory versus home versus clinic blood pressure: the association with
      subclinical cerebrovascular diseases: the Ohasama Study.
AB  - The usefulness of ambulatory, home, and casual/clinic blood pressure measurements
      to predict subclinical cerebrovascular diseases (silent cerebrovascular lesions
      and carotid atherosclerosis) was compared in a general population. Data on
      ambulatory, home, and casual/clinic blood pressures and brain MRI to detect
      silent cerebrovascular lesions were obtained in 1007 subjects aged >=55 years in
      a general population of Ohasama, Japan. Of the 1007 subjects, 583 underwent
      evaluation of the extent of carotid atherosclerosis. Twenty-four-hour, daytime,
      and nighttime ambulatory and home blood pressure levels were closely associated
      with the risk of silent cerebrovascular lesions and carotid atherosclerosis (all
      P<0.05). When home and one of the ambulatory blood pressure values were
      simultaneously included in the same regression model, each of the ambulatory
      blood pressure values remained a significant predictor of silent cerebrovascular
      lesions, whereas home blood pressure lost its predictive value. Of the ambulatory
      blood pressure values, nighttime blood pressure was the strongest predictor of
      silent cerebrovascular lesions. The home blood pressure value was more closely
      associated with the risk of carotid atherosclerosis than any of the ambulatory
      blood pressure values when home and one of the ambulatory blood pressure values
      were simultaneously included in the same regression model. The casual/clinic
      blood pressure value had no significant association with the risk of subclinical
      cerebrovascular diseases. Although the clinical indications for ambulatory blood
      pressure monitoring and home blood pressure measurements may overlap, the
      clinical significance of each method for predicting target organ damage may
      differ for different target organs.

PMID- 22083164
TI  - Council for [corrected] High Blood Pressure Research/InterAmerican Society of
      Hypertension/International Society of Hypertension: [corrected] first New
      Investigators Symposium at the High Blood Pressure Research 2011 Scientific
      Sessions.

PMID- 22083165
TI  - Conserved water-mediated H-bonding dynamics of catalytic His159 and Asp158:
      insight into a possible acid-base coupled mechanism in plant thiol protease.
AB  - Cysteine protease is ubiquitous in nature. Excess activity of this enzyme causes
      intercellular proteolysis, muscle tissue degradation, etc. The role of water
      mediated interactions in the stabilization of catalytically significant Asp158
      and His159 was investigated by performing molecular dynamics simulation studies
      of 16 three-dimensional structures of plant thiol proteases. In the simulated
      structures, the hydrophilic W(1), W(2) and WD(1) centers form hydrogen bonds with
      the OD1 atom of Asp158 and the ND1 atom of His159. In the solvated structures,
      another water molecule, W(E), forms a hydrogen bond with the NE2 atom of His159.
      In the absence of the water molecule W(E), Trp177 (NE1) and Gln19 (NE2) directly
      interact with the NE2 atom of His159. All these hydrophilic centers (the
      locations of W(1), W(2), WD(1), and W(E)) are conserved, and they play a critical
      role in the stabilization of His-Asp complexes. In the water dynamics of solvated
      structures, the water molecules W(1) and W(2) form a water...water hydrogen
      bonded network with a few other water molecules. A few dynamical conformations or
      transition states involving direct (His159 ND1...Asp158 OD1) and water-mediated
      (His159 ND1...W(2)...Asp158 OD1) hydrogen-bonded complexes are envisaged from
      these studies.

PMID- 22083166
TI  - CYP2D6 genotype and dextromethorphan hydroxylation phenotype in an Ecuadorian
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotypes and the
      dextromethorphan/dextrorphan (DXM/DXT) metabolic ratio (MR), which is a marker of
      CYP2D6 activity, were studied in 118 unrelated healthy Ecuadorians. METHODS:
      Genotyping of CYP2D6 was performed by amplification of entire CYP2D6 gene by XL
      PCR for CYP2D6*5 and multiplication alleles and by real time-PCR for CYP2D6 *2,
      *3, *4, *6, *10, *17, *29, *35, *41, and copy number. The plasma levels of DXM
      and its metabolite DXT were determined on a high-performance liquid
      chromatography-UV system. RESULTS: The proportions of non-functional alleles were
      0.4, 10.6, 0.8, 2.1, and 0% for CYP2D6*3, *4, *4 * N, *5, and *6, respectively.
      Genotypically, only one of the subjects (0.9%) was homozygous for two inactive
      alleles and phenotypically classified as a poor metabolizer (PM). The MRs (mean
      +/- standard deviation) corresponding to "activity scores" of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2,
      and 2.5 were 10.57 (n = 1), 1.63 +/- 0.35 (n = 2), 1.16 +/- 0.74 (n = 29), 1.00
      +/- 0.47 (n = 8), 1.24 +/- 0.82 (n = 76), and 1.30 +/- 0.32 (n = 2),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that only 1% of subjects of this
      Ecuadorian population were PMs and that none were phenotypically ultrarapid
      metabolizers, which is in agreement with previous findings in other Amerindian
      populations.

PMID- 22083167
TI  - Statins and associated risk of pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
      of observational studies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Statins have potential anti-inflammatory effects, but the association
      between statin use and lower incidence of pneumonia is unclear. We have therefore
      performed a systematic review on the risk of pneumonia in statin users versus non
      users. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched in December 2010 for controlled
      observational studies that reported on the risk of pneumonia in statin users. We
      performed a random effects meta-analysis and assessed heterogeneity using the I2
      statistic. RESULTS: A total of 451 citations were screened, and ultimately nine
      studies (4 case-control, 4 retrospective cohort, 1 prospective cohort) with more
      than 3 million participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis
      of seven studies that reported unadjusted data failed to show a significantly
      reduced risk of pneumonia [odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      0.84-1.06, p = 0.33, I2 = 79%] in statin users as compared to non-users. However,
      a significant reduction in the likelihood of pneumonia associated with statin use
      (n = 8 studies, OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.97, p = 0.02, I2 = 81%) was found in the
      meta-analysis of adjusted data. Both analyses were limited by substantial
      statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis failed to fully clarify the
      source of heterogeneity, but cohort studies seemed to be less heterogenous (n = 5
      studies, OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84-1.01, I2 = 43%). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate
      that the purported benefit of statins in preventing pneumonia is inconsistent,
      and of low magnitude, with upper bounds of the confidence interval being close to
      null. In view of the substantial statistical and clinical heterogeneity in the
      dataset, there is no convincing evidence to support the therapeutic application
      of statins for reducing the risk of pneumonia.

PMID- 22083168
TI  - Mutational analysis of NOG in esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The NOG protein is a secretory antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins
      (BMPs). Nog-/- mouse embryos demonstrate proximal esophageal atresia (EA) and
      distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) compatible with the most common
      configuration of EA/TEF observed in humans. Four microdeletions that span the NOG
      locus at 17q22 have been described in human patients having EA/TEF. We
      investigated the incidence of point mutations in the coding region of the NOG
      gene in human EA/TEF. METHODS: DNA was collected from 50 patients previously
      treated for EA/TEF. PCR was used to amplify the coding region of NOG. To detect
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), amplicons were subjected to temperature
      gradient capillary electrophoresis (TGCE). Candidate SNPs were directly
      sequenced. RESULTS: TGCE analysis revealed a SNP in the coding region of NOG in 1
      of 50 patients (2%). DNA sequencing revealed a synonymous SNP at position 468 (C
      T) of the NOG coding region. CONCLUSION: SNPs in the coding region of the NOG
      gene are identified infrequently in human cases of EA/TEF. Further investigation
      of SNPs in the promoter region of NOG is warranted, as is the effect of
      synonymous SNPs on NOG mRNA stability.

PMID- 22083170
TI  - Efficient synthesis of plate-like crystalline hydrated tungsten trioxide thin
      films with highly improved electrochromic performance.
AB  - Plate-like hydrated tungsten trioxide (3WO(3).H(2)O) films were grown on a
      fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated transparent conductive substrate via an
      efficient, facile and template-free hydrothermal method. The film exhibited a
      fast coloration/bleaching response (t(c90%) = 4.3 s and t(b90%) = 1.4 s) and a
      high coloration efficiency (112.7 cm(2) C(-1)), which were probably due to a
      large surface area.

PMID- 22083169
TI  - Evolving perspectives in Wilson disease: diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
AB  - Wilson disease (WD), the autosomal recessively inherited copper overload
      disorder, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In the last decade,
      direct sequencing of the affected gene ATP7B became commercially available, but
      interpretation of the results still requires careful attention. Thus, a
      combination of tests reflecting the disturbed copper metabolism is needed to make
      the final diagnosis. Because of the low disease frequency, the existing treatment
      concepts are not based on controlled trails. Here, recent outcome reports of
      larger cohort studies challenge the recommended therapies and call for
      individualized treatment strategies. The notion, that certain medical regimens
      may either be insufficient to upkeep copper homeostasis or may lead to a
      clinically relevant overtreatment, demand a continuous monitoring of patients
      even after decades of therapy. In this article, we review current diagnostic and
      therapeutic approaches in WD.

PMID- 22083171
TI  - Density functional theory calculations for two-dimensional silicene with halogen
      functionalization.
AB  - The electronic structures and band gaps of silicene (the Si analogue of graphene)
      adsorbed with halogen elements are studied using the density functional theory
      based screened exchange local density approximation method. It is found that the
      band gaps of silicene adsorbed with F, Cl, Br and I have a nonmonotonic change as
      the periodic number of the halogen elements increases. This is attributed to the
      transfer of contributions to band gaps from Si-Si bonding to Si-halogen bonding.

PMID- 22083172
TI  - In the news: Doubt over Azilect(r) relabeling.

PMID- 22083173
TI  - Epilepsy: Electric source imaging--an inexpensive and reliable method to estimate
      the epileptic focus.

PMID- 22083175
TI  - Ultrafast energy transfer pathways in R-phycoerythrin from Polysiphonia
      urceolata.
AB  - Energy transfer (ET) processes between chromophores in R-phycoerythrin (R-PE)
      from Polysiphonia urceolata were studied by use of ultrafast spectroscopic
      methods. Several primary ET pathways were elaborated. A fluorescence decay
      component with a time constant of several hundred picoseconds observed by streak
      camera is tentatively assigned to the reversible formation of exciton traps
      between alpha84 and beta84 pigment pairs. In order to investigate much faster ET
      processes in R-PE, a noncollinear optical parametric amplifier based femtosecond
      time-resolved transient fluorescence spectrometer was employed. The results
      reveal that the ET between alpha84 and beta84 pigment pair has a time constant of
      1-2 ps; the energy migration between alpha84 and beta84 pairs within the R-PE
      trimer has a time constant of 30-40 ps. We also demonstrated an ET process from
      phycourobilin to phycoerythrobilin with a time constant as fast as 2.5-3.0 ps,
      which was directly observed in fluorescence kinetics by selective excitation of
      the phycourobilin molecules acting as the energy donor.

PMID- 22083177
TI  - [Genomic imprinting and carcinogenesis].
AB  - Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic marking and a stable transmission of
      monoallelic gene expression patterns in a parent of- origin-specific manner.
      Aberrant imprinting has been linked to a number of human genetic disorders,
      including congenital abnormalities, childhood cancer, behavior disorders, and
      cancer in adults. Imprinted genes play roles in carcinogenesis. Recently,
      progress in researched on epigenetic mechanisms of imprinted genes, in edition to
      analysis of the pathology of the oncogenetic mechanisms, has begun to be
      clinically applied to diagnostic methods, prevention, and cancer drug
      development.

PMID- 22083176
TI  - Pathogenic role of effector cells and immunoglobulins in cationic bovine serum
      albumin-induced membranous nephropathy.
AB  - Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune-mediated glomerulonephritis. The
      roles of effector cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) in the mediation of glomerular
      injury in MN have not been fully elucidated. MN was induced by cationic bovine
      serum albumin (cBSA), and passive disease was induced by transferring effector
      cells or serum into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. MN could not be
      induced in SCID mice. Transfer of serum from MN mice, but not from normal control
      mice, to SCID mice induced granular immune complex deposits and pathologic
      proteinuria. Increased immunofluorescent staining for complement, oxidative
      stress, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end-labeling assay
      positive cells, and augmented phospho-NF-kappaB staining were evident in the
      kidneys of MN serum recipients. However, no histological or clinical
      manifestations were exhibited by SCID mice that received an adoptive transfer of
      splenocytes. Adaptive immunity was essential for the development of MN. Specific
      Igs and their subsequent response contribute to the development of renal injury
      in cBSA-induced MN.

PMID- 22083178
TI  - [Management of extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents].
AB  - Extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents can potentially cause severe skin damage
      such as ulceration, resulting in a dramatic decrease in quality of life in
      patients receiving chemotherapy. Although guidelines for treating extravasation
      were published in Japan a few years ago, practical procedures on how to deal with
      it, have not been presented in the guidelines yet due to a lack of supporting
      evidence. Therefore, each hospital should provide its own procedures to manage
      the extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents. We describe here the treatment of
      extravasation by topical injection of steroids. We have never experienced
      significant skin damage in patients after treatment with topical steroid
      injections.

PMID- 22083179
TI  - [Infusion reaction and anaphylaxis].
AB  - Infusion reactions and allergic reactions are common side effects of anti-cancer
      drugs, and are known as hypersensitivity reactions. Patients with these severe
      reactions require close attention because these reactions sometimes lead to
      critical conditions. Infusion reactions are caused by cytokine release, although
      the precise mechanisms involved are still obscure. Infusion reactions are often
      caused by rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, and other monoclonal antibodies.
      Allergic reactions, mediated by IgE, are observed with a variety of
      chemotherapeutic drugs, especially platinum compounds and taxanes. An acute
      severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, and is often fatal unless treated
      appropriately. In this review, we describe the prevention of hypersensitivity
      reactions and their treatment based on our clinical experience.

PMID- 22083180
TI  - [Risk management in ambulatory anti-cancer therapy, focusing on nausea and
      vomiting].
AB  - Patients who receive ambulatory-based chemotherapy worry about nausea and
      vomiting leading to appetite loss, decreased activity, and finally, the lowering
      of QOL. The management of nausea and vomiting also prevents decreased body weight
      loss, encourages compliance with chemotherapy treatments, and promotes social
      activity. Recently, NCCN, ASCO, MASCC as well as JSCO guideline for antiemesis
      were updated and approved for delayed antiemetic drugs in Japan. According to
      these guidelines, we should administer antiemetic drugs appropriately to prevent
      anticipatory emesis. Last year, in a retrospective analysis of head and neck
      cancer, in a comparison of before and after the use of aprepitant, the use can
      improved the dose intensity of CDDP and one-year survival after chemotherapy. We
      need to have prospective analyses, but appropriate use of antiemetic drugs and
      management of chemotherapy lead to a better clinical outcome and safety.

PMID- 22083181
TI  - [Chemotherapy-induced stomatitis and diarrhea].
AB  - Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is a clinically important and sometimes dose
      limiting toxicity of cancer treatment, including standard-dose chemotherapy, high
      dose chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Consequently, dose reductions or
      treatment delays resulting from mucositis may impair treatment effectiveness.
      Symptoms are oral mucositis, dysphagia, abdominal pain and diarrhea, depending on
      the affected site. Although the underlying pathobiology of oral mucositis has
      been considerably elucidated over the past decade, there are few interventions
      for the prevention or treatment validated by randomized trials. The most commonly
      accepted intervention is basic oral care. Diarrhea is most common in patients
      treated with irinotecan and in some cases, life-threatening. No definitive
      interventions for the prevention of diarrhea exist, but there is evidence that
      loperamide and octreotide are effective for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. In
      future, there is a need for well designed trials, preferably including a placebo
      or no treatment control, validating more effective interventions for managing
      chemotherapy- induced mucositis.

PMID- 22083182
TI  - [Skin toxicity].
AB  - It has been suggested that skin symptoms may cause psychological distress
      associated with change in appearance, and affect patients' quality of life(QOL).
      Also, there is a correlation between the severity of skin disorder resulting from
      treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)inhibitors(cetuximab,
      panitumumab, erlotinib)and their clinical effects. Treatment with EGFR inhibitors
      needs to be continued as long as possible while treatment-related skin symptoms
      are managed appropriately. Adherence to this approach will benefit the patients.
      Daily self-skin care(keeping the skin surface clean, maintaining moisture
      retention, and preventing irritation)is the most important countermeasure for
      hand-foot syndrome resulting from oral administration of fluorinated pyrimidine
      anticancer drugs(capecitabine, S-1). An early introduction of effective
      countermeasures including dose reduction/establishment in the rest period is
      essential for management of such syndrome.

PMID- 22083183
TI  - [Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy].
AB  - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN)is one of chemotherapy's common
      and disabling adverse effects. It may be caused by many chemotherapeutic agents
      including the taxanes(paclitaxel, docetaxel), the vinca alkaloids(vincristine,
      vinorelbine, vinblastine), the platinum analogues(cisplatin, carboplatin,
      oxaliplatin), bortezomib and thalidomide, among others. Once the symptoms have
      developed, they may lead to compromising patients' quality of life(QOL). For
      medical oncologists, the management of CIPN remains an important challenge. At
      the present time, no agent has shown enough solid beneficial evidence to be
      recommended for the treatment or/prophylaxis of CIPN. The standard of care for
      CIPN includes awareness and early detection of neuropathy, and dose reduction
      and/or discontinuation of the problematic agents.

PMID- 22083184
TI  - [The strategy for chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression].
AB  - Myelosuppression is one of the most serious adverse effects induced by
      chemotherapy targeting solid tumors and hematological malignancies, and results
      in neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. In particular, prompt and
      appropriate treatments are required for febrile neutropenia, because that disease
      may be fatal.

PMID- 22083185
TI  - [Interstitial pneumonitis].
AB  - The risk management of interstitial pneumonitis in cancer chemotherapy not only
      involves an adverse event by an anticancer drug, but there are four steps with
      the incidence of interstitial pneumonitis: 1 ) the time before chemotherapy
      treatment, selection of chemotherapy regimens and patients, 2 ) the time
      chemotherapy treatment is performed, 3 ) the time during following-up, 4 ) the
      time when interstitial pneumonitis occurs. It is necessary to decrease the risk
      of interstitial pneumonitis by several steps, cooperating with an entire medical
      staff.

PMID- 22083186
TI  - [A review of toxicity superselective intra-arterial concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy(SIACC)for oral cancer].
AB  - Superselective intra-arterial concurrent chemoradiotherapy(SIACC)for oral cancer
      has been favored for its efficacy and ability to not damage organs. SIACC was
      applied to 13 previously untreated patients with oral cancer for the purpose of
      avoiding surgical resection of the primary tumor in our hospital from 2007 to
      2009. Although a complete response of the primary tumor was achieved in all
      cases, various adverse events also occurred. All patients experienced leucopenia,
      and most patients suffered from mucotitis and dry mouth. One patient had
      dizziness and nausea due to the catheter insertion into the vertebra artery.
      Although SIACC is an important treatment strategy for oral cancer, careful
      attention for adverse events should be taken into account during and after
      treatment.

PMID- 22083187
TI  - [T2 laryngeal cancer study in our department].
AB  - Laryngeal cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck
      region.Because early detection and treatment are possible, outcomes are
      relatively good.Many studies have reported on the treatment of laryngeal
      cancer.Different hospitals have used generally similar treatment
      regimens.However, factors such as laryngeal preservation and the treatment of
      choice for patients with T2 laryngeal cancer still differ among
      hospitals.Survival rates can be increased depending on treatment, sometimes at
      the cost of losing voice functions that could have been preserved.In our
      department, we have emphasized curative treatment and the preservation of organs
      and functions.We have mainly used chemoradiotherapy concurrently with S-1 and
      nedaplatin for the treatment of T2 laryngeal cancer.We studied 27 patients(23 men
      and 4 women)with T2 laryngeal cancer, who received first-line therapy in our
      department from April 2005 through March 2010. Their mean age was 64.1
      years(range, 42 to 80).The mean follow-up period was 30.6 months(range, 2 to 60
      months).The tumor-nodemetastasis classification was T2N0M0 in 24 patients, T2N1M0
      in 1, and T2N2bM0 in 2.In our department, the disease-specific survival rate was
      96.3%. The complete response rate was 88.9%, and the laryngeal preservation rate
      was 92.6%.

PMID- 22083188
TI  - [Retrospective analysis of pemetrexed plus cisplatin chemotherapy for elderly
      advanced non-small-cell lung cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of pemetrexed(PEM)plus cisplatin(CDDP)therapy for
      chemotherapy-naive non-squamous cell lung cancer has been reported, but the
      effectiveness of such a regimen for elderly patients is unknown. PURPOSE: The aim
      of this study is to examine the efficacy and toxicity of CDDP plus PEM therapy
      for elderly patients, retrospectively. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      analysis of six patients 75 years old or older with non-squamous lung cancer, who
      underwent CDDP plus PEM therapy from June 2009 to May 2010. RESULTS: The mean age
      was 79. 2 years old(range, 76-82), gender: 3 males/3 females; stage: III B/IV;
      1/5, pathology: all patients had adenocarcinoma without epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR)mutation, line: first/third; 5/1. The scheduled chemotherapy of
      four courses was completed in four patients. The overall response rate was 50%,
      and the disease control rate was 83%. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia
      were observed in 1/2 and 1/1 patients, respectively, but no blood transfusions
      were needed. Severe myelosuppression was shown in patients who were impaired in
      renal function. Grade 3 nausea or anorexia was also observed in 50%of patients.
      Therefore, two patients were terminated in one courses of therapy and long-term
      hospitalization for them was needed. CONCLUSION: Although CDDP plus PEM therapy
      for elderly patients has sufficient patients compliance because of its tolerable
      myelosuppression, it is necessary to pay attention to deterioration in renal
      function and to care for nausea during chemotherapy.

PMID- 22083189
TI  - [S-1-based chemotherapy for unresectable advanced gastric cancer of the elderly
      or patients with renal dysfunction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: S-1 based therapy is a valued standard chemotherapy regimen for
      unresectable gastric cancer in Japan. S-1/ CDDP therapy has been highly
      effective, especially for patients under 75 years old who have good organ
      function. However, it is the elderly and/or patients with renal dysfunction who
      make up the majority of the candidates for chemotherapy in general hospitals.
      These factors make it difficult to apply the results of RCTs to chemotherapy
      regimens. AIM AND METHODS: To investigate clinical outcomes, the medical records
      of patients who had received S-1 based chemotherapy for gastric cancer at our
      hospital from January 2002 to September 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.
      RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were evaluated for analyses. Among the patients,
      23(29%)were the elderly, 8(10%)had renal dysfunction, and 27(35%)were either the
      elderly or those who had renal dysfunction. S-1/CDDP therapy was provided for 63%
      of the patients. Regarding the outcomes from therapy, RR was 44%, mPFS was 5. 4
      months, and MST was 10. 6 months. Regarding survival benefit for OS, the elderly,
      the intestinal type, and therapy with S-1 alone were considered to be good
      factors in multi-variant analysis, but no significant differences were confirmed.
      CONCLUSION: In general practice, the elderly and/or patients with renal
      dysfunction account for 35%, and S-1-based chemotherapy has been proven to be
      very effective. However, additional effects of CDDP were not shown in this study.

PMID- 22083190
TI  - [The feasibility of oral fluoropyrimidines as adjuvant chemotherapy after
      resection and local coagulation therapy of colorectal liver metastases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of oral fluoropyrimidines after resection
      and microwave coagulation(MCT), or radiofrequency ablation(RFA)of liver
      metastases from colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Background factors,
      fluoropyrimidine administration(S-1 or UFT/LV), and adverse events were analyzed
      in 20 patients(17 males, 3 females; an average of 62. 4 years)with colorectal
      liver metastases after resection and RFA or MCT. RESULTS: The synchronous:
      metachronous metastases ratio was 13:7. Fifteen patients received the recommended
      dose and 5 received a reduced dose. S-1 was administered for 4 weeks followed by
      a 2-week rest for 7 patients, and for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest for 9
      patients. UFT/LV was administered for 4 weeks followed by a 1-week rest for 4
      patients. Fourteen patients(70%)had adverse events. One patient showed grade 3
      leukocyte toxicity while other patients showed grade 1 or 2. Two patients
      discontinued chemotherapy because of grade 2 delirium and grade 2 CPK elevation;
      another 2 discontinued voluntarily. Eight patients with recurrence changed the
      rugs, while 8 of 12(67%)continued for 1 year. Median disease-free and med ian
      overall survival lengths were 16. 1 and 4 7. 6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      S-1 and UFT /LV were used safely as adjuvant chemotherapies after the resection
      and local coagulation therapy of liver metastases.

PMID- 22083191
TI  - [High-throughput screening method of KRAS mutations at codons 12 and 13 in
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of metastatic colorectal
      cancer].
AB  - Clinical studies overseas using the therapeutic anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies,
      cetuximab or panitumumab against metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC), have
      revealed KRAS mutations as a negative predictive marker of response. Accordingly,
      the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan approved medical
      reimbursement of the KRAS mutation test in April 2010. Anti-EGFR monoclonal
      antibody therapies are now used as first-line treatment for patients with mCRC.
      To advance the simple high-throughput KRAS mutation test, we established a high
      throughput screening system for detecting KRAS mutations utilizing
      Luminex(xMAP)technology(the fluorescent bead-based multiplex analyte profiling
      method), in combination with the polymerase chain reaction-reverse sequence
      specific oligonucleotide method. Here we evaluated the basic performance of our
      system and confirmed its high specificity and reproducibility in detecting KRAS
      mutations at codons 12 and 13 in both plasmid DNAs carrying mutant KRAS genes and
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from mCRC patients. We demonstrated the
      KRAS mutation status in paraffin-embedded tissues of mCRC and confirmed that the
      results were comparable to those of the direct sequencing method. Our high
      throughput method has an advantage in simultaneous analysis of multiple mutations
      in one well of 96-well PCR plates, and will advance the KRAS mutation test in
      clinical laboratories.

PMID- 22083192
TI  - [The impact of systematic lymphadenectomy for early-stage ovarian carcinomas].
AB  - Among the 161 cases of pT1 ovarian cancer treated at our hospital during the last
      25 years, the impact of systematic lymphadenectomy was evaluated in 93 cases of
      the pT1N0M0 group(N0 group), 59 cases of the pT1NxM0(Nx group), and 9 cases of
      the pT1N1M0(N1 group). Significantly greater relapse-free survival(RFS)and
      overall survival(OS)were observed in 108 cases of the N0+N1 group compared to the
      Nx group(p=0. 006, p=0. 02). Multivariate analysis showed that systematic
      lymphadenectomy was a significant prognostic factor(hazard ratio 0. 473(95%CI, 0.
      235-0. 951; p=0. 036). The present study suggested the systematic lymphadenectomy
      had a significant therapeutic effect on pT1 stage ovarian cancers.

PMID- 22083193
TI  - [Clinical analyses of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients showing a complete
      response to chemotherapy with S-1 alone].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of
      palliative chemotherapy using S-1 alone. We clinically analyzed 8 oral squamous
      cell carcinoma patients showing a complete response(CR)to chemotherapy with S-1
      alone. These patients received chemotherapy consisting of 2 weeks'
      administration, including 5-days' administration and 2- days' termination,
      following a 1-week rest. Adverse effects were observed in 4 patients. However,
      all of them were grade 1 toxicities. The average length of S-1 administration
      before achieving CR was 9. 8 +/- 3. 1 weeks(3. 3 +/- 1. 0 courses). Seven
      patients had a recurrence. The prognosis of this group was 5 deaths by local
      recurrence, and 1 death by lymph node metastasis. The average length of disease
      progression was 447. 4 +/- 479. 5 days. Two patients, one who received surgery
      and the other who received irradiation after chemotherapy by S-1, are alive
      without tumors. The 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 100% and
      37. 5%, respectively.

PMID- 22083194
TI  - [A case of esophageal cancer with intramural metastasis demonstrates a good
      clinical course after induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation].
AB  - A 63-year-old man with dysphagia visited our hospital in February 2007.
      Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomography revealed that he suffered from
      advanced esophageal cancer with intramural metastasis at clinical stage III
      (T3N1). The patient underwent induction chemotherapy because he had great
      difficulty deciding which treatment would be more beneficial for him use dash
      surgery or chemoradiation. The reason for his in decision was that esophageal
      cancer with intramural metastasis is known to have a poor prognosis after
      surgery, and although chemoradiation is the more attractive therapy that avoids
      invasive surgery, it is very difficult to predict a response. Currently, he has
      survived for more than 3 years with no recurrence, after chemoradiation that
      followed a good response to induction chemotherapy. This result suggested that
      induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation can be one of the useful
      strategies for patients who have esophageal cancer with a negative prognosis
      factor for surgery, such as intramural metastasis.

PMID- 22083195
TI  - [A case of recurrent lymph node metastases of advanced colon cancer with
      penetration of the gastric wall, treated effectively by cetuximab monotherapy as
      third-line treatment].
AB  - A 45-year-old man was first treated for lymph node metastases of colon cancer
      with FOLFIRI. After 13 courses, the lymph node metastases worsened, and he was
      treated with mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab as the second-line chemotherapy. After 8
      courses, his anorexia and anemia became increasingly troublesome. We diagnosed
      this as the direct invasion of lymph node metastases to the gastric wall. As the
      third-line chemotherapy, cetuximab monotherapy was applied. The gastric ulcer
      lesion then began healing as a scar. In our progressive case, cetuximab
      monotherapy was effective as a third-line treatment.

PMID- 22083196
TI  - [A successful treatment of conversion chemotherapy by mFOLFOX6 plus cetuximab for
      initially unresectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases].
AB  - A 63-year-old woman with a synchronous huge colorectal liver metastasis was
      referred to our institution.The lesion was technically diagnosed unresectable
      because the estimated future remnant liver volume was insufficient due to the
      invasion of the three hepatic veins and hepatic hilum.She underwent 7 courses of
      mFOLFOX6 and 14 administrations of cetuximab as conversion chemotherapy.Periodic
      abdominal CT scans revealed the tumor becoming PR, and she was free of cancer
      invasion to the left hepatic vein.After the remainder of chemotherapy lasting 4
      weeks, right trisectionectomy and combined partial resection of the inferior vena
      cava and primary closure was performed.The postoperative course was uneventful
      and the patient was discharged at 20 days after the operation.She underwent
      chemotherapy postoperatively, and then underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy.A
      conversion chemotherapy using cetuximab may contribute to ward rapidly reducing
      tumor size and improving the resectability of initially unresectable huge
      colorectal liver metastases, thus leading to prolonged survival.

PMID- 22083197
TI  - [Synchronous double cancer of the gallbladder and rectum successfully treated
      with S-1 as second-line chemotherapy- a case report].
AB  - A 66-year-old man was referred to our hospital with obstructive jaundice.
      Computed tomography(CT)scan showed thickening of the gallbladder wall, invasion
      into the liver bed, and thickening of the rectal wall. Colonoscopy revealed a
      type 2 rectal cancer, in which adenocarcinoma was identified by endoscopic
      biopsy. He was diagnosed with double-cancer of the gallbladder and rectum.
      Because his gallbladder cancer was more life threatening than his rectal cancer,
      gemcitabine was administered at 1, 000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day
      course. After 3 courses of gemcitabine, the CT scan showed that the lymph nodes
      in the hepatoduodenal ligament had been enlarged, and duodenal stenosis had
      occurred as a result of gallbladder cancer invasion. S-1 was administered orally
      at doses of 120 mg/day twice daily on days 1-28 of a 42-day course. Partial
      response was confirmed by CT scan. After 8 courses of S-1, the gallbladder cancer
      had progressed and liver metastases had appeared. He subsequently died of disease
      progression. He survived for 17 months after the first course of chemotherapy,
      and the progression-free survival with S-1 was 10 months. Therefore, S-1 could be
      an effective agent for synchronous double cancer of the gallbladder and rectum.

PMID- 22083198
TI  - [A case of the usage of entecavir to prevent hepatitis B virus reactivation
      during chemotherapy in breast cancer patient].
AB  - Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a serious clinical problem for HBV infected
      patients, and one of its possible causes is chemotherapy for malignant disease.
      At the onset of active hepatitis, planned chemotherapy should be discontinued and
      acute or fetal fulminant hepatitis must be induced in some cases. Therefore, it
      is desirable to prevent virus reactivation during chemotherapy in HBV-positive
      patients. We report a case in which adjuvant chemotherapy for a breast cancer
      patient was accomplished safely by using entecavir. The patient was a 48-year-old
      woman with breast cancer whose HBV infection had been pointed out when she was 20
      years old. Breast reconstruction was performed, followed by mastectomy.
      Pathological findings were invasive ductal carcinoma, three positive nodes,
      estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive, and HER2-negative. An adjuvant
      chemotherapy with anthracycline followed by taxane was planned. Blood chemistry
      revealed the seroconversion of HBV and the quantity of HBV-DNA was 2. 8 log
      copies/mL. Administration of the anti-virus agent, entecavir, was started three
      weeks before chemotherapy. The HBV-DNA was decreased under the titer of detection
      and no re-increase in HBV-DNA was found during chemotherapy. Planned chemotherapy
      was accomplished safely without HBV reactivation.

PMID- 22083199
TI  - [A case of pagetoid carcinoma of the breast in nearly complete response by
      primary systemic therapy].
AB  - A 62-year-old female presented with an erosion of the left nipple. At the
      preoperative examination, it was diagnosed as a Pagetoid carcinoma with an
      invasive carcinoma. After primary systemic therapy(weekly
      paclitaxel/trastuzumab), we performed an operation. The only remaining Paget cell
      was confirmed in the resected specimen, and no other malignant cells were
      confirmed. There is no report that the preoperative chemotherapy for the Pagetoid
      carcinoma with an invasive carcinoma. The patient has had no evidence of
      recurrence 1. 5 years after the operation.

PMID- 22083200
TI  - [A case report-bleeding from the ulcer of wound for mastectomy after
      postoperative chemotherapy with bevacizumab for Sigmoid colon cancer].
AB  - We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with a delayed radiation ulcer and
      bleeding caused by bevacizumab. She has been undergoing chemotherapy for advanced
      colon cancer for two years. She received a mastectomy and adjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy for right breast cancer twenty-one years ago, and colon cancer
      with liver metastasis was detected using PET two years ago. Since last year she
      has been treated with bevacizumab chemotherapy bevacizumab due to increased liver
      metastases. As a result, her radiation ulcer worsened and bleeding occurred
      repeatedly. On suspicion of an adverse event, we stopped the bevacizumab, and
      that improved the radiation ulcer and the bleeding. In this case, we discussed
      radiation induced ulcers, wound healing, and adverse events caused by
      bevacizumab.

PMID- 22083201
TI  - [A case of repeated bone metastases of breast carcinoma successfully treated by S
      1 chemotherapy].
AB  - We report a case of breast carcinoma with repeated recurrences in the right bone.
      The recurrent site of the bone was treated by radiation therapy with a total of 3
      7. 5 Gy irradiation, and chemotherapy with the CMF regimen. After 2 years,
      recurrence was suspected in the same region because there was an elevation of the
      NCC-ST-439 tumor marker. We carried out chemotherapy with S-1 100mg/body/day. The
      NCC-ST-439 value returned to within the normal range after 3 months'
      administration of S -1, and continued in the normal value for 20 months.

PMID- 22083202
TI  - [A case of lung cancer showing marked reduction of pleural effusion by
      bevacizumab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel].
AB  - A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea. Chest computed
      tomographic(CT)scans showed right pleural effusion. He was diagnosed with
      adenocarcinoma of the lung(cTXN2M1a, stage IV). Although combination chemotherapy
      with 80 mg/m / 2 cisplatin(CDDP)and 60 mg/m2 docetaxel hydrate(DOC)was performed
      for 3 courses, the pleural effusion increased. As he had a progressive disease,
      his chemotherapy was changed to a new combination of AUC5 carboplatin(CBDCA),
      200mg/m / 2 paclitaxel(PTX)and 15 mg/kg bevacizumab. After 2 courses, the pleural
      effusion dramatically decreased. During 6-month follow-up after the initial
      consultation, there has been no exacerbation.

PMID- 22083203
TI  - [Hypercalcemia associated with parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrP)in a
      patient with diffuse large- type B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)].
AB  - We report a patient with diffuse large-type B-cell lymphoma showing hypercalcemia
      and a raised PTHrP serum level. He was a 72-year-old man with a history of
      multiple bone fractures due to a traffic accident 3 month ago, and was
      transferred to our hospital for further evaluation of a hepatic mass and for his
      rapidly deteriorating general condition. He had been in good health until about 2
      weeks ago, but he developed dehydration, azotemia, lethargy, and altered
      mentality on admission. Laboratory tests revealed hypercalcemia of1 5. 3mg/dL.
      The hypercalcemia was associated with a high plasma concentration of PTHrP,
      whereas the parathyroid hormone(PTH-C)was undetectable. After forced hydration
      and administration of furocemide and calcitonin, hypercalcemia was improved. CT
      and MRI imaging showed para-aortic lymphadenopathy and a huge mass involving most
      of the light hepatic lobe and spleen. The pathological diagnosis at liver biopsy
      was DLBCL. He received six courses of chemotherapy with R-CHOP and is now stable.
      There was no recurrence of hypercalcemia or an elevation of PTHrP serum level
      during chemotherapy. The existence of PTHrP produced by tumor cells was
      suspected, and may have been related to the hypercalcemia in our case.

PMID- 22083204
TI  - [A case of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma associated with transverse
      myelopathy].
AB  - We present a 68-year-old man suffering from transverse myelopathy since May 2010.
      The spinal cord MRI showed a T2- hyperintense lesion invading the Th5 level
      spinal cord. Although the patient transiently responded to steroid-pulse therapy,
      his neurological symptoms degenerated three months after wards. On admission, he
      had an apparent hepatosplenomegaly, but no lymphadenopathy. A laboratory
      examination revealed bicytopenia and increased levels ofLDH and soluble IL-2
      receptors. Histological analysis ofa skin biopsy specimen demonstrated
      proliferation of large atypical lymphoid cells positive for CD20 and CD79a in the
      small capillaries, leading to our diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell
      lymphoma(IVLBCL). Thus, the patient's progressive myelopathy was probably caused
      by IVLBCL invasion. The patient responded well to Rituximab-combined CHOP
      therapy(R-CHOP), and his neurological symptoms improved immediately. A spinal
      cord MRI showed the disappearance of the abnormal signal after two courses of R 
      CHOP. IVLBCL often presents with neurological manifestations, including
      transverse myelopathy.

PMID- 22083205
TI  - [Problems and potential solutions of regional palliative care: a trial of the
      multiregional and multidisciplinary conference in the OPTIM study].
AB  - Quality palliative care is required at the community level, and interaction among
      multidisciplinary practitioners from various regions might be useful for
      improving community palliative care. The aims of the present study are: 1)to
      evaluate the participant's-perception of the usefulness of the interactive
      conference of multidisciplinary multiregional healthcare practitioners, and 2)to
      clarify the areas needing to be improved in community palliative care, raised in
      the conference. A total of 336 multidisciplinary practitioners from 4 areas of
      Japan participated in the conference. Overall, more than 80% of the participants
      evaluated the conference as very useful or useful; more than half reported that
      the conference was very useful or useful to obtain a concrete solution for the
      obstacles and to utilize the lessons though the conference as a means to improve
      quality of care in their own community. The identified areas needing improvement
      are: 1)developing an interactive networking among healthcare practitioners and/or
      organizations in the community; 2)developing a system of high quality, easily
      available specialized palliative care service; 3)improving the knowledge and
      perception of medical professionals concerning palliative care and home care;
      4)developing a collaborative care system between hospitals and community
      healthcare practitioners and/or organizations; 5)developing a collaborative care
      system among community healthcare practitioners and/or organizations;
      6)optimizing existing resources available in the community; 7)improving the
      perception of patients and the general public about palliative care, home care,
      and cancer; and 8)to reevaluate the regulations, laws, healthcare system, and
      financial or human resources at the social level.

PMID- 22083206
TI  - Suppression of antigen-specific CD4+ T cell activation by SRA/CD204 through
      reducing the immunostimulatory capability of antigen-presenting cell.
AB  - Pattern recognition scavenger receptor SRA/CD204, primarily expressed on
      specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and
      macrophages, has been implicated in multiple physiological and pathological
      processes, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, endotoxic shock, host
      defense, and cancer development. SRA/CD204 was also recently shown to function as
      an attenuator of vaccine response and antitumor immunity. Here, we, for the first
      time, report that SRA/CD204 knockout (SRA(-/-)) mice developed a more robust
      CD4(+) T cell response than wild-type mice after ovalbumin immunization. Splenic
      DCs from the immunized SRA(-/-) mice were much more efficient than those from WT
      mice in stimulating naive OT-II cells, indicating that the suppressive activity
      of SRA/CD204 is mediated by DCs. Strikingly, antigen-exposed SRA(-/-) DCs with or
      without lipopolysaccharide treatment exhibited increased T-cell-stimulating
      activity in vitro, which was independent of the classical endocytic property of
      the SRA/CD204. Additionally, absence of SRA/CD204 resulted in significantly
      elevated IL12p35 expression in DCs upon CD40 ligation plus interferon gamma (IFN
      gamma) stimulation. Molecular studies reveal that SRA/CD204 inhibited the
      activation of STAT1, mitogen activated protein kinase p38, and nuclear factor
      kappa B signaling activation in DCs treated with anti-CD40 antibodies and IFN
      gamma. Furthermore, splenocytes from the generated SRA(-/-) OT-II mice showed
      heightened proliferation upon stimulation with OVA protein or MHC-II-restricted
      OVA(323-339) peptide compared with cells from the SRA(+/+) OT-II mice. These
      results not only establish a new role of SRA/CD204 in limiting the intrinsic
      immunogenicity of APCs and CD4(+) T cell activation but also provide additional
      insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the immune suppression by this
      molecule.

PMID- 22083207
TI  - In response to "Prenatal screening of sialic acid storage disease and
      confirmation in cultured fibroblasts by LC-MS/MS" by van den Bosch et al.

PMID- 22083208
TI  - Predictors of impaired renal function among HIV infected patients commencing
      highly active antiretroviral therapy in Jos, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kidney disease is a common complication of human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection even in the era of antiretroviral therapy, with kidney
      function being abnormal in up to 30% of HIV-infected patients. We determined the
      predictors of impaired renal function in HIV-infected adults initiating highly
      active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was
      a retrospective study among HIV-1 infected patients attending the antiretroviral
      clinic at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), between November 2005 and
      November 2007. Data were analysed for age, gender, weight, WHO clinical stage,
      CD4 count, HIV-1 RNA viral load, HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody status. Estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault
      equation. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info 3.5.1. RESULTS: Data for
      491 (294 females and 197 males) eligible patients were abstracted. The mean age
      of this population was 38.8+/-8.87 years. One hundred and seventeen patients
      (23.8%; 95% CI, 20.2-27.9%) had a reduced eGFR (defined as <60 mL/min), with more
      females than males (28.6% vs. 16.8%; P=0.02) having reduced eGFR. Age and female
      sex were found to have significant associations with reduced eGFR. Adjusted odds
      ratios were 1.07 (95% CI, 1.04, 1.10) and 1.96 (95% CI, 1.23, 3.12) for age and
      female sex, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Older age and female sex are independently
      associated with a higher likelihood of having lower eGFRs at initiation of HAART
      among our study population. We recommend assessment of renal function of HIV
      infected patients prior to initiation of HAART to guide the choice and dosing of
      antiretroviral drugs.

PMID- 22083209
TI  - The natural plant product sophocarpine ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced
      colitis in mice by regulating cytokine balance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sophora alopecuroides L., a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, has
      been widely used for treating enteritis and bacillary dysentery for many years.
      Sophocarpine is a major ingredient of S. alopecuroides L. and has a wide range of
      pharmacological effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we investigated
      the therapeutic potential of sophocarpine for treating dextran sulfate sodium
      (DSS)-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice, a well
      characterized murine model of ulcerative colitis. Experimental colitis was
      induced in these mice by dissolving 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days and
      sophocarpine (60, 30, and 15 mg/kg of body weight) and sulfasalazine (520 mg/kg)
      were administered orally once a day for 7 days. RESULTS: Sophocarpine
      significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis as identified by a reduced disease
      activity index and wet weight of colons as well as recovery of body weight.
      Furthermore, the oral administration of sophocarpine significantly decreased
      myeloperoxidase activity and the level of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 in serum (P
      < 0.01), while there was no significant effect on the level of IL-4. CONCLUSIONS:
      In conclusion, sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice
      by regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based upon our
      results, we suggest that sophocarpine is an effective agent for treating colonic
      inflammation.

PMID- 22083210
TI  - Functional analysis of protein targets by metabolomic approaches.
AB  - Proteomics methods, such as activity-based protein profiling, can be used to
      connect proteins to biology and disease. Some proteins found through unbiased
      methods are not well characterized, which makes it difficult to ascertain the
      role of these proteins. Metabolomics approaches are useful in characterizing
      proteins that regulate or bind metabolites. Here, we provide examples of the
      development and use of metabolomics approaches to elucidate protein-metabolite
      interactions.

PMID- 22083211
TI  - 20 years of DNA-encoded chemical libraries.
AB  - The identification of specific binding molecules is a central problem in
      chemistry, biology and medicine. Therefore, technologies, which facilitate ligand
      discovery, may substantially contribute to a better understanding of biological
      processes and to drug discovery. DNA-encoded chemical libraries represent a new
      inexpensive tool for the fast and efficient identification of ligands to target
      proteins of choice. Such libraries consist of collections of organic molecules,
      covalently linked to a unique DNA tag serving as an amplifiable identification
      bar code. DNA-encoding enables the in vitro selection of ligands by affinity
      capture at sub-picomolar concentrations on virtually any target protein of
      interest, in analogy to established selection methodologies like antibody phage
      display. Multiple strategies have been investigated by several academic and
      industrial laboratories for the construction of DNA-encoded chemical libraries
      comprising up to millions of DNA-encoded compounds. The implementation of next
      generation high-throughput sequencing enabled the rapid identification of binding
      molecules from DNA-encoded libraries of unprecedented size. This article reviews
      the development of DNA-encoded library technology and its evolution into a novel
      drug discovery tool, commenting on challenges, perspectives and opportunities for
      the different experimental approaches.

PMID- 22083212
TI  - Histopathology of surgically treated renal tumours in young adults: a developing
      country perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no data on the histopathological characteristics of renal
      tumours in young adults in Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      analysed 133 young adults (age: 16 to <=40 years) who underwent nephrectomy for
      suspected renal cancer from 1994 till July 2010. The demographical and
      pathological parameters were determined from original surgical biopsy reports and
      case files, and analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 33.3 +/- 6.2
      years. Overall, 121 (88.9%) renal tumours were malignant, and 15 (11%) benign.
      Among malignant tumours, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was predominant (100/121;
      82.6%). The subtypes of RCC included: clear cell RCC, 84 (84%); papillary RCC, 11
      (11%), chromophobe RCC, 3 (3%) and sarcomatoid RCC, 2 (2%). Other malignant
      tumours included: transitional cell carcinoma (9/121; 7.4%), primitive
      neuroectodermal tumour (5/121; 4.1%), synovial sarcoma (2/121; 1.6%), Non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma (2/121; 1.6%), leiomyosarcoma (1/121; 0.8%), malignant fibrous
      histiocytoma (1/121; 0.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma (1/121; 0.8%). Among
      benign tumours, there were 11 cases of angiomyolipoma (11/15; 73.3%), three cases
      of oncocytoma (3/15; 20%) and one case of schwannoma (1/15; 6.6%). Almost two
      third (62.7%) patients had stage I/II tumours, 22 (18.1%) stage III and 23 (19%)
      stage IV disease at the time of surgery. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of renal
      tumours is documented in young adults with large size of the tumours and late
      presentation in our population.

PMID- 22083215
TI  - Ownership.

PMID- 22083213
TI  - Aberrant expression of intelectin-1 in gastric cancer: its relationship with
      clinicopathological features and prognosis.
AB  - PURPOSES: Human intelectin-1 (ITLN-1) is a novel identified galactose-binding
      lectin that is expressed in the colonic goblet cells. Since gastric
      adenocarcinomas can arise through a process of intestinalization, we speculate
      that ITLN-1 may be aberrantly expressed in gastric cancer. This study was
      undertaken to examine the ITLN-1 expression in gastric cancer and correlate it
      with clinical outcomes. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-six gastric cancer
      patients were evaluated for the ITLN-1 expression by immunohistochemistry. The
      ITLN-1 transcripts were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: ITLN-1
      expression was absent in normal gastric mucosa, whereas areas of intestinal
      metaplasia revealed ITLN-1 immunoreactivity. One hundred and forty-two gastric
      cancer patients (72.4%) were positive for ITLN-1 expression. In a subtotal of 20
      patients, ITLN-1 transcripts were significantly enhanced in gastric cancer
      tissues than in normal gastric mucosa (P < 0.001). The expression rate of ITLN-1
      was higher in intestinal-type carcinomas than in diffuse-type carcinomas (P =
      0.003). ITLN-1 positivity in gastric cancer was positively correlated with tumor
      differentiation (P = 0.001) and CDX2 expression (P < 0.001), and inversely
      correlated with depth of invasion (P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001),
      distant metastasis (P = 0.014), clinical stage (P = 0.006), Ki-67 expression (P =
      0.001), and heparanase expression (P < 0.001), without correlation with age,
      gender, tumor location, or tumor size. In univariate and multivariate analyses,
      ITLN-1 was an independent prognostic factor for longer survival of gastric cancer
      patients (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The aberrant ITLN-1 expression in gastric
      cancer is correlated with clinicopathological features and may be a useful
      prognostic factor for predicting the outcomes of gastric cancer patients.

PMID- 22083214
TI  - Noninvasive studies of central aortic pressure.
AB  - Our purpose is to review noninvasive methods for measuring central arterial
      pressure. Indices of central arterial pressure measured from central aortic and
      peripheral arterial waveforms have shown value in predicting cardiovascular
      events and death, as well as in guiding therapeutic management. This article
      reviews noninvasive techniques of measuring central arterial pressure that have
      been validated against intra-arterial pressure. This paper explains methods to
      derive central (aortic and carotid) pressure from radial and brachial sites. It
      focuses on specific issues of brachial calibration applied to carotid pressure
      waveforms, which were regarded as a surrogate of aortic pressures used in three
      major studies (Framingham, Asklepios, and Australian National Blood Pressure 2
      studies). We explain why radial-based methods are superior to carotid-based
      methods for estimating central pressure. Physiological principles of pressure
      measurement need be satisfied to ensure accurate recording.

PMID- 22083216
TI  - Effect of the interaction between food state and the action of estrogen on
      oxytocinergic system activity.
AB  - Increased plasma osmolality by food intake evokes augmentation of plasma oxytocin
      (OT). Ovarian steroids may also influence the balance of body fluids by acting on
      OT neurones. Our aim was to determine if estrogen influences the activity of OT
      neurones in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) under
      different osmotic situations. Ovariectomized rats (OVX) were treated with either
      estradiol (E(2)) or vehicle and were divided into three groups: group I was fed
      ad libitum, group II underwent 48 h of fasting, and group III was refed after 48
      h of fasting. On the day of the experiment, blood samples were collected to
      determine the plasma osmolality and OT. The animals were subsequently perfused,
      and OT/FOS immunofluorescence analysis was conducted on neurones in the PVN and
      the SON. When compared to animals which were fasted or fed ad libitum, the plasma
      osmolality of refed animals was higher, regardless of whether they were treated
      with vehicle or E(2). We observed neural activation of OT cells in vehicle- or
      E(2)-treated OVX rats refed after 48 h of fasting, but not in animals fed ad
      libitum or in animals that only underwent 48 h of fasting. Finally, the
      percentage of neurones that co-expressed OT and FOS was lower in both the PVN and
      the SON of animals treated with E(2) and refed, when compared to vehicle-treated
      animals. These results suggest that E(2) may have an inhibitory effect on OT
      neurones and may modulate the secretion of OT in response to the increase of
      osmolality induced by refeeding.

PMID- 22083217
TI  - Urocortin is a novel regulator of osteoclast differentiation and function through
      inhibition of a canonical transient receptor potential 1-like cation channel.
AB  - This study investigated the role of urocortin (UCN), a member of the
      corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides, in osteoclast
      maturation and function. We found that 10(-7) M UCN significantly (P<0.05)
      suppressed osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow precursor cells in culture
      and reduced the expression of several osteoclastic markers. Furthermore, UCN
      potently suppressed osteoclast bone resorption, by significantly inhibiting both
      the plan area of bone resorbed by osteoclasts and actin ring formation within
      osteoclasts at 10(-9) M (P<0.05), with complete inhibition at 10(-7) M (P<0.001).
      UCN also inhibited osteoclast motility (10(-7) M) but had no effect on osteoclast
      survival. Osteoclasts expressed mRNA encoding both UCN and the CRF receptor 2beta
      subtype. Pre-osteoclasts however, expressed CRF receptor 2beta alone.
      Unstimulated osteoclasts contained constitutively active cation channel currents
      with a unitary conductance of 3-4 pS, which were inhibited by over 70% with UCN
      (10(-7) M). Compounds that regulate calcium signalling and energy status of the
      cell, both crucial for osteoclast activity were investigated. The non-selective
      cation channel blockers, lanthanum (La(3)(+)) and gadolinium (Gd(3)(+)),
      inhibited actin ring formation in osteoclasts, whereas modulators of voltage
      dependent Ca(2)(+) channels and K(ATP) channels had no effect. These findings
      show for the first time that UCN is a novel anti-resorptive molecule that acts
      through a direct effect on osteoclasts and their precursor cells.

PMID- 22083218
TI  - Connective tissue diseases: Unpicking Dupruyten disease etiology-is Wnt the way?

PMID- 22083219
TI  - Perioperative care for patients with rheumatic diseases.
AB  - The perioperative care of patients with rheumatic diseases is hampered by a lack
      of evidence-based recommendations. Rheumatologists are called upon to 'clear'
      their patients for surgery, yet the evidence upon which to base decisions is
      fractionated and inconsistent. We have systematically reviewed the current
      literature and developed suggestions for three key areas that require particular
      deliberations in patients with rheumatic diseases scheduled for surgery: the
      management of cardiovascular risk, use of immunosuppressive drugs, and states of
      altered coagulation. For patients with rheumatic diseases associated with
      increased cardiovascular risk, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus
      erythematosus, we suggest following the American College of Cardiology-American
      Heart Association guidelines using the underlying disease as a risk modifier.
      Most evidence suggests a neutral effect of conventional DMARDs in the
      perioperative period, with no need to discontinue them prior to surgery.
      Conversely, we suggest minimizing perioperative steroid use and unnecessary
      'steroid preps'. The potential benefits of discontinuing biologic drugs in the
      perioperative setting needs to be carefully balanced with the risks associated
      with a disease flare. We discuss the American College of Chest Physicians
      guidelines, which classify individuals with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome as
      high-risk patients for perioperative thrombosis who are likely to require
      bridging therapy in most perioperative settings.

PMID- 22083221
TI  - Screening: Assessing bone structure in the prediction of osteoporotic fractures.

PMID- 22083220
TI  - Cardiovascular safety of biologic therapies for the treatment of RA.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease represents a major source of extra-articular comorbidity
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A combination of traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors and RA-related factors accounts for the excess risk
      in RA. Among RA-related factors, chronic systemic inflammation has been
      implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. A growing body
      of evidence--mainly derived from observational databases and registries--suggests
      that specific RA therapies, including methotrexate and anti-TNF biologic agents,
      can reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events in patients with RA. The
      cardiovascular profile of other biologic therapies for the treatment of RA has
      not been adequately studied, including of investigational drugs that improve
      systemic inflammation but alter traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In the
      absence of large clinical trials adequately powered to detect differences in
      cardiovascular events between biologic drugs in RA, deriving firm conclusions on
      cardiovascular safety is challenging. Nevertheless, observational research using
      large registries has emerged as a promising approach to study the cardiovascular
      risk of emerging RA biologic therapies.

PMID- 22083222
TI  - Experimental arthritis: EBV induces arthritis in mice.

PMID- 22083223
TI  - Validation of the Dutch version of the VascuQol questionnaire and the Amsterdam
      Linear Disability Score in patients with intermittent claudication.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the
      vascular quality of life questionnaire (VascuQol) and the AMC Linear Disability
      Score (ALDS) in patients with stable intermittent claudication (IC). METHODS:
      During a 5-month period we performed a prospective study in which we included
      every patient with stable IC, who visited our vascular surgery outpatient clinic
      and consented to participate. Forty consecutive patients filled in the Dutch
      VascuQol, the ALDS, and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Twenty patients filled in the same
      questionnaires after 4 weeks. Internal reliability consistencies were expressed
      as Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability was expressed as intraclass
      correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was expressed as Spearman rho
      correlations between SF-36 and relevant domains of Dutch VascuQol and the ALDS.
      RESULTS: Internal reliability consistencies were, respectively, good and
      excellent for the total scores of VascuQol, SF-36, and ALDS (Cronbach's alpha.
      0.87, 0.89, and 0.92). Test-retest reliability was excellent for the total
      VascuQol scores [ICC 0.91 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96)], and for the ALDS [ICC 0.90 (95%
      CI, 0.76-0.96)]. Spearman correlations between VascuQol, ALDS, and SF-36 domains
      varied from r = 0.34-0.79. CONCLUSION: The Dutch VascuQol is a valid and reliable
      questionnaire for assessment of Qol in patients with IC. This study confirms the
      good clinimetric properties of the ALDS for assessing disability in patients with
      IC.

PMID- 22083224
TI  - Solar hydrogen production with semiconductor metal oxides: new directions in
      experiment and theory.
AB  - An overview of a collaborative experimental and theoretical effort toward
      efficient hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical splitting of water into di
      hydrogen and di-oxygen is presented here. We present state-of-the-art
      experimental studies using hematite and TiO(2) functionalized with gold
      nanoparticles as photoanode materials, and theoretical studies on electro and
      photo-catalysis of water on a range of metal oxide semiconductor materials,
      including recently developed implementation of self-interaction corrected energy
      functionals.

PMID- 22083226
TI  - A novel BF2-chelated azadipyrromethene-fullerene dyad: synthesis,
      electrochemistry and photodynamics.
AB  - The synthesis, structure, electrochemistry and photodynamics of a BF(2)-chelated
      azadipyrromethene-fullerene dyad are reported in comparison with BF(2)-chelated
      azadipyrromethene without fullerene. The attachment of fullerene resulted in
      efficient generation of the triplet excited state of the azadipyrromethene via
      photoinduced electron transfer.

PMID- 22083225
TI  - Cooperation, conflict, and the evolution of queen pheromones.
AB  - While chemical communication regulates individual behavior in a wide variety of
      species, these communication systems are most elaborated in insect societies. In
      these complex systems, pheromones produced by the reproductive individuals
      (queens) are critical in establishing and maintaining dominant reproductive
      status over hundreds to thousands of workers. The proximate and ultimate
      mechanisms by which these intricate pheromone communication systems evolved are
      largely unknown, though there has been much debate over whether queen pheromones
      function as a control mechanism or as an honest signal facilitating cooperation.
      Here, we summarize results from recent studies in honey bees, bumble bees, wasps,
      ants and termites. We further discuss evolutionary mechanisms by which queen
      pheromone communication systems may have evolved. Overall, these studies suggest
      that queen-worker pheromone communication is a multi-component, labile dialog
      between the castes, rather than a simple, fixed signal-response system. We also
      discuss future approaches that can shed light on the proximate and ultimate
      mechanisms that underlie these complex systems by focusing on the development of
      increasingly sophisticated genomic tools and their potential applications to
      examine the molecular mechanisms that regulate pheromone production and
      perception.

PMID- 22083227
TI  - [Pertrochanteric fractures. What impact do surgical timing and implant choice
      have on the outcome?].
AB  - Pertrochanteric fractures are grouped together with femoral neck fractures to
      represent the most frequent femur fractures in the region of the hip joint and
      usually occur in elderly people with preexisting conditions. Analysis of the data
      from the 2004/2005 quality assurance program of North Rhine-Westphalia shows,
      just as is the case for medial femoral neck fractures, that not only does delayed
      management increase risk-adjusted general and surgical complications but also
      mortality.

PMID- 22083228
TI  - [Suicide in old age: the underestimated risk. An analysis of 1,894 patients in
      the Trauma Registry of the German Trauma Society].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Germany, the number of suicides and suicide attempts (n = 9,616)
      exceeds the number of traffic deaths (n = 4,152) by far. It is unknown how many
      suicide attempts are treated in trauma centres. Due to a lack of registered
      suicide attempts in Germany, no data exist about injury patterns, mortality or
      duration of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed data
      collected on emergency room patients from the Trauma Registry of the German
      Trauma Society (TR-DGU) between 1993 and 2009. All patients with an Injury
      Severity Score (ISS) >= 9, age >= 18 years and a documented suicide attempt were
      included in the study. The main target points were epidemiological data, cause of
      injury and injury patterns, ISS, gender distribution, mortality, duration of
      treatment and patients' psychiatric medical history. RESULTS: Of 42,248 patients
      of the TR-DGU, 1,894 were included in the study; 274 patients were >= 65 years
      old. The most common method was jumping from a height among the group of female
      patients, whereas the use of firearms predominated in the male group. The average
      ISS was 31 points in all patient groups. The mortality was highest in patients
      aged >= 65 years. Psychiatric disorders were found predominantly in women.
      CONCLUSION: Of all severely injured patients in trauma centres, 5% suffered their
      injuries as a consequence of a suicidal attempt. In women who survived initially,
      jumping from a height was the most frequently chosen method. In elderly men the
      use of firearms dominated. The significant increase of mortality in elderly
      patients, preexisting depressive conditions and the expected increase in the
      number of these patients as a consequence of the changed age pyramid should lead
      to more intensive recognition and treatment of this disease and possibly improved
      suicide prevention.

PMID- 22083230
TI  - Case report and review of the literature: secretory breast cancer in a 13-year
      old boy--10 years of follow up.
AB  - Carcinoma of the breast is very rare in childhood, accounting for less than 1% of
      all childhood malignancies and is especially rare in boys. Delay in diagnosis and
      treatment in children with breast cancer may occur because surgeons are very
      reluctant to perform biopsies on the developing breast, since these can cause
      future deformity. We report a case of male secretory breast carcinoma in a 13
      year-old boy. Radical mastectomy was performed followed by chemotherapy. The
      patient is free of disease after 10 years. Secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) is
      the commonest type of breast carcinoma in children. In this article, we discuss
      the diagnosis and treatment options for breast cancer among children as well as
      features of SBC, based on a literature review.

PMID- 22083229
TI  - A phase II study of 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin in metastatic or
      locally advanced, unresectable breast cancer.
AB  - Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is an attractive target for breast cancer
      treatment, as it is required for the proper folding and stabilization of several
      proteins known to be involved in breast cancer growth and development. These
      proteins include the epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth
      factor receptor 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and
      src. 17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) is an intravenous Hsp90
      inhibitor in development for breast cancer treatment. We conducted a phase II
      study of 17-AAG 220 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days in patients
      with metastatic and locally advanced breast cancer. Since we expected the
      molecular effects of Hsp90 inhibition to extend beyond just ER, PR, and HER2 down
      regulation and to impact a variety of other cellular proteins, patients were not
      selected based on ER, PR, or HER2 status. Eleven patients, including 6 patients
      with triple negative breast cancer, were enrolled and treated. There were no
      responses and 3 patients had stable disease as their best response. Five patients
      developed grade 3/4 toxicities, which were primarily hepatic and pulmonary. Based
      on these results, we do not recommend further study of 17-AAG at this dosing
      schedule or in unselected breast cancer patients.

PMID- 22083231
TI  - Breast epithelial cell proliferation is markedly increased with short-term high
      levels of endogenous estrogen secondary to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
AB  - Oocyte donors have high serum estradiol (E2) levels similar to the serum levels
      seen in the first trimester of pregnancy. We report in this article our studies
      comparing cell proliferation, Ki67 (MIB1), and estrogen and progesterone receptor
      levels (ERalpha, PRA, and PRB) in the breast terminal duct lobular units of
      oocyte donors, women in early pregnancy, and in normally cycling women. Breast
      tissue and blood samples were obtained from 10 oocyte donors, and 30 pregnant
      women at 5-18 weeks of gestation. Breast tissue samples were also obtained from
      26 normally cycling women. In the oocyte donors: peak E2 (mean ~15,300 pmol/l)
      was reached on the day before oocyte (and tissue) donation; peak progesterone
      (P4; mean 36.3 nmol/l) was reached on the day of donation; Ki67 was positively
      associated with level of E2, and the mean Ki67 was 7.0% significantly greater
      than the mean 1.8% of cycling women. In the pregnant women: mean E2 rose from
      ~2,000 pmol/l at 5 weeks of gestation to ~27,000 pmol/l at 18 weeks; mean P4 did
      not change from ~40 nmol/l until around gestational week 11 when it increased to
      ~80 nmol/l; mean Ki67 was 15.4% and did not vary with gestational age or E2.
      Oocyte donors have greatly increased levels of E2 and of breast-cell
      proliferation, both comparable in the majority of donors to the levels seen in
      the first trimester of pregnancy. Whether their short durations of greatly
      increased E2 levels are associated with any long-term beneficial effects on the
      breast, as occurring in rodent models, is not known.

PMID- 22083232
TI  - Topoisomerase 2A gene amplification in breast cancer. Critical evaluation of
      different FISH probes.
AB  - The HER2 amplicon on chromosome 17q is variable in size and occasionally includes
      Topoisomerase 2A (TOP2A) at 17q21-22. It has been suggested that TOP2 co
      amplification, not HER2 amplification on chromosome 17q11.2-12, is a useful
      predictive marker of response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast
      cancer patients. Given the significant toxicities of anthracyclines, the
      detection methods of TOP2A gene amplifications have to be standardized. We
      determined TOP2A gene alterations using two different fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) DNA probes. HER2 amplifications were identified with the
      PathVysion probe. TOP2A status of 42 HER2 amplified breast cancers was tested by
      FISH with PathVysion covering 160 kb and DAKO pharm DX covering 228 kb of the
      TOP2A amplicon. TOP2A protein expression was tested by immunohistochemistry.
      Multiplex-ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was performed
      retrospectively in cases showing discrepancies. TOP2A was amplified in 15 of 42
      cases (35%) with DAKO pharm DX and in 11 of 42 cases (26%) with PathVysion. In
      all four discrepant cases, MLPA showed no TOP2A amplification, but instead
      amplification of an upstream region including HER2. TOP2A was deleted in the same
      seven of 42 carcinomas (17%) with both probes. TOP2A protein expression was
      detected in all 42 tumours (100%) with high intratumoral heterogeneity. TOP2A
      amplification rate depends on the length of the hybridized probes for the TOP2A
      locus. Because TOP2A, not HER2, is a target of anthracyclines, non-overlapping
      DNA probes should be used to evaluate any associations between such alterations
      and response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 22083234
TI  - Mapping of locus for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa on chromosome 6q23.
AB  - Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous group of retinal
      degenerative disorders resulting in severe visual loss and blindness that have
      remained incurable till date. We report the mapping of the disease locus in a 3
      generation family of Indian origin with autosomal dominant RP (ADRP). Diagnosis
      of RP and recruitment was made after a complete clinical evaluation of all
      members. Manifestations of the disease included night blindness with blurred
      central vision in some cases, loss of peripheral vision, and diffuse degeneration
      of the retinal pigment epithelium. Linkage analysis using microsatellite markers
      was carried out on 34 members (14 affected). After testing for linkage to known
      retinal dystrophy loci as well as a subsequent genome-wide analysis, we detected
      linkage to markers on chromosome 6q23: D6S262 at 130 cM, D6S457 (130 cM) and
      D6S1656 (131 cM) gave significant 2-point LOD scores of 3.0-3.8. Multipoint LOD
      scores of >=3.0 were obtained for markers between 121 and 130 cM. Haplotype
      analysis with several markers in the same region on chromosome 6 shows a disease
      cosegregating region of about 25 Mb between 109 and 135 Mb. There are no known RP
      genes in this interval, which contains >100 genes. This study provides evidence
      for a novel ADRP locus on chromosome 6q23.

PMID- 22083233
TI  - Solid-phase submonomer synthesis of peptoid polymers and their self-assembly into
      highly-ordered nanosheets.
AB  - Peptoids are a novel class of biomimetic, non-natural, sequence-specific
      heteropolymers that resist proteolysis, exhibit potent biological activity, and
      fold into higher order nanostructures. Structurally similar to peptides, peptoids
      are poly N-substituted glycines, where the side chains are attached to the
      nitrogen rather than the alpha-carbon. Their ease of synthesis and structural
      diversity allows testing of basic design principles to drive de novo design and
      engineering of new biologically-active and nanostructured materials. Here, a
      simple manual peptoid synthesis protocol is presented that allows the synthesis
      of long chain polypeptoids (up to 50mers) in excellent yields. Only basic
      equipment, simple techniques (e.g. liquid transfer, filtration), and commercially
      available reagents are required, making peptoids an accessible addition to many
      researchers' toolkits. The peptoid backbone is grown one monomer at a time via
      the submonomer method which consists of a two-step monomer addition cycle:
      acylation and displacement. First, bromoacetic acid activated in situ with N,N'
      diisopropylcarbodiimide acylates a resin-bound secondary amine. Second,
      nucleophilic displacement of the bromide by a primary amine follows to introduce
      the side chain. The two-step cycle is iterated until the desired chain length is
      reached. The coupling efficiency of this two-step cycle routinely exceeds 98% and
      enables the synthesis of peptoids as long as 50 residues. Highly tunable, precise
      and chemically diverse sequences are achievable with the submonomer method as
      hundreds of readily available primary amines can be directly incorporated.
      Peptoids are emerging as a versatile biomimetic material for nanobioscience
      research because of their synthetic flexibility, robustness, and ordering at the
      atomic level. The folding of a single-chain, amphiphilic, information-rich
      polypeptoid into a highly-ordered nanosheet was recently demonstrated. This
      peptoid is a 36-mer that consists of only three different commercially available
      monomers: hydrophobic, cationic and anionic. The hydrophobic phenylethyl side
      chains are buried in the nanosheet core whereas the ionic amine and carboxyl side
      chains align on the hydrophilic faces. The peptoid nanosheets serve as a
      potential platform for membrane mimetics, protein mimetics, device fabrication,
      and sensors. Methods for peptoid synthesis, sheet formation, and microscopy
      imaging are described and provide a simple method to enable future peptoid
      nanosheet designs.

PMID- 22083235
TI  - Purification of a lectin from Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott and its pro
      inflammatory effects.
AB  - The monocot lectin from the tubers of Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott has been
      purified by consecutive hydrophobic chromatography and ion exchange
      chromatography methods. The molecular weight of this A. erubescens lectin (AEL)
      was determined to be about 12 kDa by high performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)
      methods. AEL could agglutinate rabbit erythrocytes. The haemagglutination
      activity of AEL was only inhibited by asialofetuin, while monosaccharide did not
      react. Rat paw edema and neutrophil migration models were used to investigate the
      pro-inflammatory activity of AEL. AEL (100 and 200 MUg/paw) could induce
      significant rat paw edema. In addition, AEL (100, 200 and 300 MUg/mL/cavity)
      could induce significant and dose-dependent neutrophil migration in the rat
      peritoneal cavities. Besides, AEL at doses ranging from 100 to 300 MUg/mL/cavity
      could significantly increase the concentration of nitric oxide (NO),
      prostaglandin E(2 )(PGE(2)) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in
      peritoneal fluid. As compared with control animals, 75% depletion in the number
      of resident cells following peritoneal lavage did not reduce the AEL-induced
      neutrophil migration. However, pre-treatment with 3% thioglycollate which
      increased the peritoneal macrophage population by 201%, enhanced the neutrophil
      migration induced by AEL (200 MUg/mL/cavity) (p < 0.05). Reduction of peritoneal
      mast cell population by chronic treatment of rat peritoneal cavities with
      compound 48/80 (N-methyl-p-methoxyphenethylamine with formaldehyde) did not
      modify AEL-induced neutrophil migration. The results provided the basis for
      identifying the toxic components of A. erubescens and AEL could be a new useful
      tool for pro-inflammatory research.

PMID- 22083236
TI  - Synthesis of endohedral metallofullerene glycoconjugates by carbene addition.
AB  - Endohedral metallofullerene glycoconjugates were synthesized under mild
      conditions by carbene addition using appropriate glycosylidene-derived diazirine
      with La(2)@I(h)-C(80). NMR spectroscopic studies revealed that the glycoconjugate
      consists of two diastereomers of [6,6]-open mono-adducts. The electronic
      properties were characterized using Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy and
      electrochemical measurements. This study demonstrates that glycosylidene carbene
      is useful to incorporate carbohydrate moieties onto endohedral metallofullerene
      surfaces.

PMID- 22083239
TI  - Metastasis of a ductal breast carcinoma to the buccal mucosa of the mandible with
      tooth involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present a metastatic tumour from the breast to the gingiva, with
      the rare finding of tooth invasion. Metastatic tumours to the oral region are
      uncommon. The breast is the most common primary site for metastatic tumours to
      the jawbones in women, with the mandible being most often affected. CASE REPORT:
      We report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with a swelling
      of the buccal mucosa in the molar region of the left mandible. Biopsy revealed a
      metastatic lesion, with involvement of the two adjacent molars.
      Immunohistochemical analysis ruled out other malignancies and confirmed the
      diagnosis of a ductal breast carcinoma origin. DISCUSSION: Management in such
      cases should be in the context of the treatment of a metastatic disease that
      could prolong survival and improve quality of life, but is not curative. Tooth
      invasion has been described since 1910 for different primary malignancies with
      distant metastases to the oral cavity. This report seems to describe the second
      case in the literature of a metastatic breast carcinoma to the mandible with
      tooth invasion. Management in such cases should be in the context of the
      treatment of a metastatic disease that could prolong survival and improve quality
      of life, but is not curative.

PMID- 22083238
TI  - Novel insights into the pathomechanisms of skeletal muscle channelopathies.
AB  - The nondystrophic myotonias and primary periodic paralyses are an important group
      of genetic muscle diseases characterized by dysfunction of ion channels that
      regulate membrane excitability. Clinical manifestations vary and include
      myotonia, hyperkalemic and hypokalemic periodic paralysis, progressive myopathy,
      and cardiac arrhythmias. The severity of myotonia ranges from severe neonatal
      presentation causing respiratory compromise through to mild later-onset disease.
      It remains unclear why the frequency of attacks of paralysis varies greatly or
      why many patients develop a severe permanent fixed myopathy. Recent detailed
      characterizations of human genetic mutations in voltage-gated muscle sodium
      (gene: SCN4A), chloride (gene: CLCN1), calcium (gene: CACNA1S), and inward
      rectifier potassium (genes: KCNJ2, KCNJ18) channels have resulted in new insights
      into disease mechanisms, clinical phenotypic variation, and therapeutic options.

PMID- 22083240
TI  - In vivo monitoring of organ-selective distribution of CdHgTe/SiO2 nanoparticles
      in mouse model.
AB  - CdHgTe/SiO(2) nanoparticles were prepared by SiO(2) capping on the surface of
      CdHgTe QDs. The characteristics, such as optical spectra, photostability, size
      and cell toxicity were investigated. The dynamic distribution of CdHgTe/SiO(2)
      nanoparticles was in vivo monitored by near infrared fluorescence imaging system.
      CdHgTe/SiO(2) nanoparticles acted as a novel fluorescence probe have a maximum
      fluorescence emission of 785 nm and high photo-stability. The hydrodynamic
      diameter of CdHgTe/SiO(2) nanoparticles could be adjusted to 122.3 nm. Compared
      to CdHgTe QDs, inhibitory effects of CdHgTe/SiO(2) nanoparticles on proliferation
      of HCT116 cells decreased to a certain extent. CdHgTe/SiO(2) nanoparticles had
      their specific dynamic distribution behavior, which provided new perspectives for
      bio-distribution of nanoparticles.

PMID- 22083241
TI  - Urinary incontinence: incontinence guidelines--is lack of adherence a form of
      ageism?

PMID- 22083242
TI  - Therapy: two birds, one stone: tadalafil is an effective treatment for men with
      both BPH-LUTS and ED.

PMID- 22083243
TI  - Prostate cancer: Scribble complex protein deficiency promotes prostate tumors in
      vivo.

PMID- 22083244
TI  - Kidney cancer: zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy--further evaluations are needed.

PMID- 22083245
TI  - Prostate cancer: Vitamin E and prostate cancer--what is the real risk?

PMID- 22083246
TI  - The evaluation of myomectomies performed during cesarean section in our clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the data of patients who had applied myomectomy during
      cesarean section operation in our clinic between April, 2008 and December, 2010.
      OBJECTIVE: I0 n this period, 3689 cesarean sections were done in our clinic, we
      analyzed their data retrospectively and determined 27 myomectomy cases during
      cesarean section operation. The age of the patients, the numbers of pregnancy,
      parities, the rates of abortus, indications of cesarean, pregnancy weeks,
      residential areas of myoms detected during the cesarean and their size, were
      recorded. Furthermore, pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin (Hb) values,
      differences between hemoglobin values, whether there was bleeding or not, the
      need of blood transfusion if it occurred, the duration of operation and
      hospitaization and the pathological diagnoses of myomectomy materials, were
      examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of myomectomies. RESULTS:
      The mean age of patients was 29.6+/-5.9 (19-42) and mean gestational age was
      39.2+/-1.0(37-42) weeks. The mean size of the fibroids was 5.94+/-6.29 cm(3)
      (0.96-26.50 cm3). Subserous myoms were the most frequently seen ones (24 of 27
      patients=89%) with fundal, corporal localizations in most of the instances. T0 he
      pre-operative and post-operative values of Hb were 11.8+/-1.52 (8.6-10.5) and
      10.3+/-2.6 (6.9-13.3) g/dl respectively and the difference was statistically
      significant (P<0.001). Blood transfusion was not necessary in any patient. The
      mean duration of the operation was found to be 40.7+/-13.9 (13-60) minutes.
      CONCLUSION: Myomectomies can be performed safely during cesarean section by
      experienced obstetricians and gynecologists, and myomectomy performed for
      fibroids in appropriate localizations does not increase post-operative bleeding
      or maternal morbidity or mortality.

PMID- 22083247
TI  - Coloring genetically modified soybean grains with anthocyanins by suppression of
      the proanthocyanidin genes ANR1 and ANR2.
AB  - Detection and quantification of the levels of adventitious presence of
      genetically modified (GM) soybeans in non-GM grain shipments currently requires
      sophisticated tests that can have issues with their reproducibility. We show here
      that pigment biosynthesis in the soybean seed coat can be manipulated to provide
      a distinct color that would enable the simple visible detection of the GM soybean
      grain. We observed that a distinct red-brown grain color could be engineered by
      the simultaneous suppression of two proanthocyanidin (PA) genes, ANTHOCYANIDIN
      REDUCTASE1 (ANR1) and ANR2. Multiple reaction monitoring by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify differentially accumulated seed
      coat metabolites, and revealed the redirection of metabolic flux into the
      anthocyanin pigment pathway and unexpectedly the flavonol-3-O-glucoside pathway.
      The upregulations of anthocyanin isogenes (DFR1 and GST26) and the
      anthocyanin/flavonol-3-O-glycosyltransferase (UGT78K2) were identified by
      quantitative RT-PCR to be endogenous feedback and feedforward responses to
      overaccumulation of upstream flavonoid intermediates resulting from ANR1 and ANR2
      suppressions. These results suggested the transcription of flavonoid genes to be
      a key component of the mechanism responsible for the redirection of metabolite
      flux. This report identifies the suppression of PA genes to be a novel approach
      for engineering pigmentation in soybean grains.

PMID- 22083249
TI  - Quantum confinement controlled photocatalytic water splitting by suspended CdSe
      nanocrystals.
AB  - The photocatalytic hydrogen production of CdSe nanocrystals (1.75-4.81 nm) in the
      presence of aqueous sodium sulphite depends exponentially on the bandgap of the
      particles, confirming that the material's activity is controlled by the degree of
      quantum confinement.

PMID- 22083250
TI  - Bacterial diversity in the cecum of the world's largest living rodent
      (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).
AB  - The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world's largest living rodent.
      Native to South America, this hindgut fermenter is herbivorous and coprophagous
      and uses its enlarged cecum to digest dietary plant material. The microbiota of
      specialized hindgut fermenters has remained largely unexplored. The aim of this
      work was to describe the composition of the bacterial community in the fermenting
      cecum of wild capybaras. The analysis of bacterial communities in the capybara
      cecum is a first step towards the functional characterization of microbial
      fermentation in this model of hindgut fermentation. We sampled cecal contents
      from five wild adult capybaras (three males and two females) in the Venezuelan
      plains. DNA from cecal contents was extracted, the 16S rDNA was amplified, and
      the amplicons were hybridized onto a DNA microarray (G2 PhyloChip). We found 933
      bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 182 families in 21 bacterial
      phyla in the capybara cecum. The core bacterial microbiota (present in at least
      four animals) was represented by 575 OTUs. About 86% of the cecal bacterial OTUs
      belong to only five phyla, namely, Firmicutes (322 OTUs), Proteobacteria (301
      OTUs), Bacteroidetes (76 OTUs), Actinobacteria (69 OTUs), and Sphirochaetes (37
      OTUs). The capybara harbors a diverse bacterial community that includes lineages
      involved in fiber degradation and nitrogen fixation in other herbivorous animals.

PMID- 22083251
TI  - New stem-sauropodomorph (Dinosauria, Saurischia) from the Triassic of Brazil.
AB  - Post-Triassic theropod, sauropodomorph, and ornithischian dinosaurs are readily
      recognized based on the set of traits that typically characterize each of these
      groups. On the contrary, most of the early members of those lineages lack such
      specializations, but share a range of generalized traits also seen in more basal
      dinosauromorphs. Here, we report on a new Late Triassic dinosaur from the Santa
      Maria Formation of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The specimen comprises the
      disarticulated partial skeleton of a single individual, including most of the
      skull bones. Based on four phylogenetic analyses, the new dinosaur fits
      consistently on the sauropodomorph stem, but lacks several typical features of
      sauropodomorphs, showing dinosaur plesiomorphies together with some neotheropod
      traits. This is not an exception among basal dinosaurs, the early radiation of
      which is characterized by a mosaic pattern of character acquisition, resulting in
      the uncertain phylogenetic placement of various early members of the group.

PMID- 22083252
TI  - Seaweed intake and urinary sex hormone levels in preschool Japanese children.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated whether seaweed intake is associated with sex steroid
      levels in young Japanese children. METHODS: The design of the study was cross
      sectional and it was conducted in October-November 2006. Subjects were
      substantially healthy preschoolers, 230 boys and 198 girls, aged 3-6 years.
      Dietary data, including seaweed intake, were assessed using 3-day dietary records
      covering 2 consecutive weekdays and 1 weekend day. Urinary estrone, estradiol,
      testosterone, and 5-androstene-3beta,17alpha diol levels were measured by liquid
      chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Urinary
      dehydroepiandrosterone level was measured with a radioimmunoassay. Steroid
      hormones were adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. RESULTS: Spearman's
      correlation coefficient between seaweed intake and estrone level was -0.144 (p =
      0.030) in boys and -0.147 (p = 0.041) in girls after adjustments for age, BMI,
      and total energy intake. Seaweed intake was neither associated with estradiol,
      testosterone, 3beta,17alpha-AED nor with DHEA among boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS:
      The negative association between seaweed intake and estrone level suggests that
      dietary seaweed intake might affect estrogen metabolism in childhood.

PMID- 22083253
TI  - Neurofibromatosis 2011: a report of the Children's Tumor Foundation annual
      meeting.
AB  - The 2011 annual meeting of the Children's Tumor Foundation, the annual gathering
      of the neurofibromatosis (NF) research and clinical communities, was attended by
      330 participants who discussed integration of new signaling pathways into NF
      research, the appreciation for NF mutations in sporadic cancers, and an expanding
      pre-clinical and clinical agenda. NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis collectively
      affect approximately 100,000 persons in US, and result from mutations in
      different genes. Benign tumors of NF1 (neurofibroma and optic pathway glioma) and
      NF2 (schwannoma, ependymoma, and meningioma) and schwannomatosis (schwannoma) can
      cause significant morbidity, and there are no proven drug treatments for any form
      of NF. Each disorder is associated with additional manifestations causing
      morbidity. The research presentations described in this review covered basic
      science, preclinical testing, and results from clinical trials, and demonstrate
      the remarkable strides being taken toward understanding of and progress toward
      treatments for these disorders based on the close interaction among scientists
      and clinicians.

PMID- 22083254
TI  - Clinical and neuropathologic heterogeneity of c9FTD/ALS associated with
      hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72.
AB  - Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are part of
      a disease spectrum associated with TDP-43 pathology. Strong evidence supporting
      this is the existence of kindreds with family members affected by FTD, ALS or
      mixed features of FTD and ALS, referred to as FTD-MND. Some of these families
      have linkage to chromosome 9, with hexanucleotide expansion mutation in a
      noncoding region of C9ORF72. Discovery of the mutation defines c9FTD/ALS. Prior
      to discovery of mutations in C9ORF72, it was assumed that TDP-43 pathology in
      c9FTD/ALS was uniform. In this study, we examined the neuropathology and clinical
      features of 20 cases of c9FTD/ALS from a brain bank for neurodegenerative
      disorders. Included are six patients clinically diagnosed with ALS, eight FTD,
      one FTD-MND and four Alzheimer-type dementia. Clinical information was
      unavailable for one patient. Pathologically, the cases all had TDP-43 pathology,
      but there were three major pathologic groups: ALS, FTLD-MND and FTLD-TDP. The ALS
      cases were morphologically similar to typical sporadic ALS with almost no
      extramotor TDP-43 pathology; all had oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions. The
      FTLD-MND showed predominantly Mackenzie Type 3 TDP-43 pathology, and all had ALS
      like pathology in motor neurons, but more extensive extramotor pathology, with
      oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions and infrequent hippocampal sclerosis. The
      FTLD-TDP cases had several features similar to FTLD-TDP due to mutations in the
      gene for progranulin, including Mackenzie Type 1 TDP-43 pathology with neuronal
      intranuclear inclusions and hippocampal sclerosis. FTLD-TDP patients were older
      and some were thought to have Alzheimer-type dementia. In addition to the FTD and
      ALS clinical presentations, the present study shows that c9FTD/ALS can have other
      presentations, possibly related to age of onset and the presence of hippocampal
      sclerosis. Moreover, there is pathologic heterogeneity not only between ALS and
      FTLD, but also within the FTLD group. Further studies are needed to address the
      molecular mechanism of clinical and pathological heterogeneity of c9FTD/ALS due
      to mutations in C9ORF72.

PMID- 22083256
TI  - Weight change during and after Ramadan fasting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a
      month. Knowing whether Ramadan fasting affects body weight has implications for
      health advice to the Muslim community, for understanding the effects of skipping
      meals on body weight, and for general weight management advice. METHODS: We
      compared body weight before and after the Ramadan fast and 1 month later in
      observant Muslims attending a Mosque in East London, UK. RESULTS: In 202
      participants who provided weight at the beginning and the end of Ramadan, there
      was a small weight decrease (-0.84 kg, 95% CI = -0.6 to -1, P < 0.0001), with 46%
      of participants losing >1 kg. Participants who fasted throughout Ramadan lost
      significantly more weight (1 kg) than those who occasionally broke fast (0.3 kg,
      P = 0.013). In 87 participants who provided weight at the beginning and end of
      Ramadan and also 1 month later, all the lost weight was regained (+0.1 kg, 95% CI
      = 0.2-0.5, P = 0.504 compared with baseline). CONCLUSIONS: Observers of Ramadan
      lose on average about a kilogram of weight over 4 weeks, and the lost weight is
      quickly regained. Current weight management treatments generally assume that
      skipping meals leads to weight gain and advise against it. The finding suggests
      that further research is needed on the justification of the 'do not skip meals'
      advice.

PMID- 22083255
TI  - An experimental rat model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease and rescue of cognitive
      impairment with a neurotrophic peptide.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is multifactorial and, to date, no single cause of the
      sporadic form of this disease, which accounts for over 99% of the cases, has been
      established. In AD brain, protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) activity is known to be
      compromised due to the cleavage and translocation of its potent endogenous
      inhibitor, I2PP2A, from the neuronal nucleus to the cytoplasm. Here, we show that
      adeno-associated virus vector-induced expression of the N-terminal I2NTF and C
      terminal I2CTF halves of I2PP2A , also called SET, in brain reproduced key
      features of AD in Wistar rats. The I2NTF-CTF rats showed a decrease in brain PP2A
      activity, abnormal hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau, a loss of
      neuronal plasticity and impairment in spatial reference and working memories. To
      test whether early pharmacologic intervention with a neurotrophic molecule could
      rescue neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits, 2.5-month-old I2NTF-CTF rats
      and control littermates were treated for 40 days with Peptide 6, an 11-mer
      peptide corresponding to an active region of the ciliary neurotrophic factor.
      Peripheral administration of Peptide 6 rescued neurodegeneration and cognitive
      deficit in I2NTF-CTF animals by increasing dentate gyrus neurogenesis and mRNA
      level of brain derived neurotrophic factor. Moreover, Peptide 6-treated I2NTF-CTF
      rats showed a significant increase in dendritic and synaptic density as reflected
      by increased expression of synapsin I, synaptophysin and MAP2, especially in the
      pyramidal neurons of CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus.

PMID- 22083257
TI  - Vemurafenib and BRAF inhibition: a new class of treatment for metastatic
      melanoma.
AB  - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved vemurafenib for the
      treatment of BRAF valine in exon 15, at codon 600 (V600E) mutant metastatic
      melanoma. Vemurafenib is a competitive small-molecule serine-threonine kinase
      inhibitor that functions by binding to the ATP-binding domain of mutant BRAF.
      Compared with dacarbazine chemotherapy, vemurafenib significantly improved the 6
      month overall survival of patients from 64% to 84% and exhibited a response rate
      of approximately 50%. Median progression-free survival was also significantly
      improved with vemurafenib as compared with dacarbazine (5.3 versus 1.6 months,
      respectively), and this was consistent among groups analyzed, including age, sex,
      geography, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, disease stage, and serum
      lactate dehydrogenase. The success of targeting melanoma genomics has created a
      paradigm shift for future drug development. Currently, the elucidation of
      resistant mechanisms to vemurafenib therapy remains an important area of active
      investigation that will shape rational drug treatments for melanoma. The
      development of vemurafenib, the role of BRAF targeting, and the changing
      landscape of treatment for melanoma provide a new foundation for clinical
      investigation.

PMID- 22083259
TI  - Electrochemical synthesis of CdS/ZnO nanotube arrays with excellent
      photoelectrochemical properties.
AB  - A facile electrochemical method was developed to synthesize CdS/ZnO nanotube
      arrays. Implemented as the photoanode in a photoelectrochemical cell, the CdS/ZnO
      nanotube arrays exhibited a photocurrent as high as 10.64 mA cm(-2).

PMID- 22083260
TI  - Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in heparin-containing hydrogels via
      coculture with osteoblasts.
AB  - The therapeutic potency of delivered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tissue
      engineering applications may be improved by priming cells toward a differentiated
      state via coculture with native, differentiated cells prior to implantation;
      however, there is a lack of understanding in what may be the most efficacious
      method. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of negatively
      charged heparin in priming hydrogel-encapsulated MSCs toward the osteoblastic
      lineage during coculture with a monolayer of osteoblasts in the absence of
      dexamethasone. MSCs encapsulated with higher amounts of heparin and cocultured
      with osteoblasts exhibited an over 36-fold increase in alkaline phosphatase
      activity and 13-fold increase in calcium accumulation by day 21, compared to MSCs
      cocultured with MSCs at the same heparin content. Moreover, hydrogels with higher
      amounts of heparin and cocultured with osteoblasts exhibited enhanced
      mineralization on the edges, suggesting that heparin may be important in
      sequestering osteoblast-secreted soluble factors, particularly on the surfaces of
      hydrogels. The ability of heparin to selectively interact with soluble positively
      charged proteins from the surroundings was confirmed through protein labeling and
      microscopy. These results suggest that heparin-containing hydrogels as part of a
      coculture system can be utilized as a versatile platform to study and enhance
      priming of MSCs toward various cell types for a wide variety of regenerative
      medicine-based therapies.

PMID- 22083261
TI  - Using reverse genetics to manipulate the NSs gene of the Rift Valley fever virus
      MP-12 strain to improve vaccine safety and efficacy.
AB  - Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), which causes hemorrhagic fever, neurological
      disorders or blindness in humans, and a high rate abortion and fetal malformation
      in ruminants, has been classified as a HHS/USDA overlap select agent and a risk
      group 3 pathogen. It belongs to the genus Phlebovirus in the family Bunyaviridae
      and is one of the most virulent members of this family. Several reverse genetics
      systems for the RVFV MP-12 vaccine strain as well as wild-type RVFV strains,
      including ZH548 and ZH501, have been developed since 2006. The MP-12 strain
      (which is a risk group 2 pathogen and a non-select agent) is highly attenuated by
      several mutations in its M- and L-segments, but still carries virulent S-segment
      RNA, which encodes a functional virulence factor, NSs. The rMP12-C13type
      (C13type) carrying 69% in-frame deletion of NSs ORF lacks all the known NSs
      functions, while it replicates as efficient as does MP-12 in VeroE6 cells lacking
      type-I IFN. NSs induces a shut-off of host transcription including interferon
      (IFN)-beta mRNA and promotes degradation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein
      kinase (PKR) at the post-translational level. IFN-beta is transcriptionally
      upregulated by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), NF-kB and activator
      protein-1 (AP-1), and the binding of IFN-beta to IFN-alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR)
      stimulates the transcription of IFN-alpha genes or other interferon stimulated
      genes (ISGs), which induces host antiviral activities, whereas host transcription
      suppression including IFN-beta gene by NSs prevents the gene upregulations of
      those ISGs in response to viral replication although IRF-3, NF-kB and activator
      protein-1 (AP-1) can be activated by RVFV7. Thus, NSs is an excellent target to
      further attenuate MP-12, and to enhance host innate immune responses by
      abolishing the IFN-beta suppression function. Here, we describe a protocol for
      generating a recombinant MP-12 encoding mutated NSs, and provide an example of a
      screening method to identify NSs mutants lacking the function to suppress IFN
      beta mRNA synthesis. In addition to its essential role in innate immunity, type-I
      IFN is important for the maturation of dendritic cells and the induction of an
      adaptive immune response. Thus, NSs mutants inducing type-I IFN are further
      attenuated, but at the same time are more efficient at stimulating host immune
      responses than wild-type MP-12, which makes them ideal candidates for vaccination
      approaches.

PMID- 22083263
TI  - Stimulating visual exploration of the neglected space in the early stage of
      stroke by hemifield eye-patching: a randomized controlled trial in patients with
      right brain damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been well established that the presence of neglect is a
      predictor of poor functional outcome after stroke. Most rehabilitation studies on
      neglect have been performed with at least two months post-stroke. However, a
      recent series of stroke management indications highlight the importance of early
      rehabilitation treatment and evidence regarding neglect rehabilitation in the
      early phase after stroke is needed. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of right
      half-field patches in treating neglect in patients during the early phase of
      stroke. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Acute care setting in an
      urban general hospital. POPULATION: Eighteen patients with left unilateral
      neglect recruited among 56 patients consecutively admitted with right hemispheric
      stroke. METHODS: The patients were evaluated at pre-treatment, post-treatment,
      and at a 7-day follow-up. The experimental group received right half-field patch
      treatment (n=10) for approximately 8 hours a day for 15 consecutive days. The
      control group received visual scanning training (n=8) for 40 minutes every
      weekday in a 15 day period. RESULTS: Both groups significantly improved their
      performance in all outcome measures. No difference in the amount of improvement
      between the two groups was found. CONCLUSION: Right half-field eye patching could
      be a promising technique for treating visual spatial neglect during the early
      stages of stroke. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The eye-patching technique may
      represent an easily applicable and inexpensive method for neglect rehabilitation
      in the early stage after stroke.

PMID- 22083262
TI  - Defining the differences between episodic migraine and chronic migraine.
AB  - Chronic migraine (CM) and episodic migraine (EM) are part of the spectrum of
      migraine disorders, but they are distinct clinical entities. Population-based
      studies have shown that those with CM demonstrate higher individual and societal
      burden because they are significantly more disabled than those with EM and have
      greater impaired quality of life both inside and outside the home. Proper
      diagnosis of both conditions requires clearly defined clinical criteria.
      Diagnosis enables the initiation of appropriate treatments and risk-factor
      modification, which ultimately improve functional status and quality of life for
      persons with migraine. Recognizing that both disorders are on the spectrum of
      migraine, this review serves as a guide to define the disease state of CM as
      distinct from EM in terms of clinical, epidemiological, sociodemographic, and
      comorbidity profiles.

PMID- 22083264
TI  - Persistent hiccup after surgical resection of a brainstem arteriovenous
      malformation: a case successfully treated with gabapentin during rehabilitation.
      Case report.
AB  - Persistent hiccup rarely occurs during rehabilitation, but its management can
      prove to be very difficult, particularly in presence of associated dysphagia,
      requiring longer hospitalization and higher risk of severe clinical
      complications. We present a case of persistent hiccup after surgical resection of
      a brainstem arteriovenous malformation successfully treated with gabapentin
      during rehabilitation.

PMID- 22083265
TI  - Cause-specific mortality following radical prostatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate cause-specific mortality following radical prostatectomy
      (RP) in a population cohort of US men adjusting for competing risks. METHODS: The
      Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify
      120,392 men undergoing RP for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1988
      and 2003. Cause-specific mortality data were extracted through 2006 and
      cumulative incidence was estimated using a competing risks approach. RESULTS: The
      stage distribution of the cancers was 32% local, 28% regional, 40% unknown, and
      80% of tumors Gleason <= 7. Median follow-up was 7 years. The 15-year prostate
      cancer-specific mortality was 5.3% and the non-prostate cancer mortality was
      30.6%. Stage, grade and race had minimal impact on non-prostate cancer mortality.
      At 15 years following surgery, mortality due to cardiovascular diseases was 11%,
      other cancers 9.1%, and other causes 10.5%. Among men >= 65 years, 15-year cancer
      specific mortality was 6% and non-prostate cancer mortality was 40.8%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Following RP, death from cardiovascular diseases, other cancers, and
      other causes is far more common than death from prostate cancer. In men diagnosed
      with prostate cancer, significant efforts should be made to prevent, diagnose,
      and treat these diseases.

PMID- 22083266
TI  - Predictive value in the analysis of RNASEL genotypes in relation to prostate
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We would like to compare the different RNASEL genotypes with the
      stage of the cancer using parameters such as PSA levels, Gleason score and T
      stage, and to develop a clinical protocol for the monitoring of the disease for
      trying a better evolution of the patient. METHODS: A total of 231 patients with
      sporadic prostate cancer and 100 of controls were genotyped in RNASEL gene by
      sequencing the exons 1 and 3. A survey of clinical information was collected by a
      specialist following the Helsinki protocol. All patients and controls were
      interviewed by a researcher and signed their informed consent to participation in
      the study, which was approved by Ethics Committee of the hospital. The genetic
      information was processed and collected with an ABI PRISM Genetic Analyser 3130
      using SeqScape software v.2.6. All the patients were analysed by comparing the
      genetic and clinical data. chi(2)-tests, Monte Carlo, Fisher tests and contigency
      tables were performed using SPSS v.15.0 and ARLEQUIN v.3.5 software on patient
      population. RESULTS: Significant differences were found only between patients and
      controls in D541E, R461Q and I97L genotypes, the remainder of the variants did
      not seem relevant to our population in contrast to other populations, such as
      north-Caucasians, Afro Americans and Ashkenazi Jews. The genotypes associated
      with the worst prognoses are G/G in D541E, A/A in R462Q and A/G in I97L. The
      controls were included in our study to determine an approximation of the genotype
      in our population compared with the patients, but they did not account for the
      statistical process. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic profile of patients with this
      cancer combined with other parameters could be used as a prognosis factor in
      deciding to give more radical and frequent treatments, depending on personal
      genotype.

PMID- 22083267
TI  - Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, P276-00, inhibits HIF-1alpha and induces G2/M
      arrest under hypoxia in prostate cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a master regulator of the
      transcriptional response to oxygen deprivation and controls genes involved in
      glycolysis, angiogenesis, migration and invasion. Overexpression of HIF-1alpha
      has been demonstrated in many common human cancers. METHODS: Luciferase reporter
      gene assay under hypoxia and normoxia was used to demonstrate transcriptional
      inhibition of HIF-1 by P276-00. Detailed studies such as western blotting,
      reverse-transcriptase-PCR and immunofluorescence were carried out to elucidate
      its mechanism of action. Cytotoxic potential of P276-00 under normoxia and
      hypoxia was determined on prostate cancer cells using CCK-8 assay, and cell-cycle
      analysis was carried out using flow cytometry. Antiangiogenic activity of P276-00
      was demonstrated by migration assay and tube-formation assay. Efficacy study of
      P276-00 was performed in a PC-3 xenograft model. RESULTS: P276-00 inhibits
      transcriptional activation of HIF-1 under hypoxia. It suppressed hypoxia-mediated
      nuclear HIF-1alpha expression, as well as phosphorylation of Akt and 4E-BP1 and
      abrogated expression of HIF-1-inducible gene viz. vascular endothelial growth
      factor. Under hypoxia, P276-00 did not exhibit enhanced cytotoxic activity in
      prostate cancer cells but arrested them in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The
      tubular formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and migration of
      prostate cancer cells were also inhibited by P276-00 in vitro. In addition, it
      demonstrated significant in vivo efficacy in the PC-3 xenograft model.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given its low toxicity profile, its demonstrated antitumor activity
      and its potential to inhibit the HIF-1 pathway, P276-00 should be considered as
      antiangiogenic chemotherapy for prostate cancer.

PMID- 22083268
TI  - Visible light-driven CO2 reduction by enzyme coupled CdS nanocrystals.
AB  - Assemblies of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase molecules with CdS nanocrystals show
      fast CO(2) reduction driven by visible light. Activity is strongly influenced by
      size and shape of nanocrystals, and by the nature of the electron donor.

PMID- 22083270
TI  - Egg production and quality under three housing systems in the tropics.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate egg production and quality of Rhode Island
      Red (RIR) laying hens in an outdoor system in the subhumid tropic. Eighty RIR
      laying hens were measured in two periods and housed randomly under three
      treatments: outdoor (O), indoor (I) and in conventional cages (C). Egg weight
      (55.88, 53.76 and 57.16 g, for O, I and C, respectively), food intake/hen/day
      (138.94, 129.74 and 162.90 g, for O, I and C, respectively) and food efficiency
      (3.13, 3.22 and 3.96 for O, I and C, respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05)
      influenced by housing system; however, both egg production and final body weight
      were not different (P > 0.05). Yolk colour (10.76, 9.94 and 10.08 colour scale,
      for O, I and C, respectively), albumen weight (92.63, 92.28 and 90.08 g, for O, I
      and C, respectively) and yolk weight (15.19, 14.61, 15.48 g for O, I and C,
      respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by housing system, but
      albumen height, Haugh units and egg shell weight remained similar (P > 0.05).
      Under the conditions of this study, outdoor egg production seems to be a
      sustainable system comparable to the commercial type based on wired cages.

PMID- 22083269
TI  - Changes of vitamins A, E, and C and lipid peroxidation status of breeding and
      pregnant sheep during dry seasons on medium-to-low quality forages.
AB  - This study assessed the changes of plasma vitamin A, E, and C and the lipid
      peroxidation status of sheep during breeding and pregnancy under drought
      conditions. The study was conducted on 105 cross-bred fat tailed ewes, 3-5 years
      old with body condition scores (BCS) of 2.5 to 3.5. The ewes were grazing on
      medium-to-low quality forages during summer and low quality forages within the
      succeeding months and had ad libitum access to a mixture of alfalfa hay (40%) and
      wheat straw (60%) in the afternoons. From 3 weeks before breeding till 1 month
      after the introduction of rams, 300 g of barley grain/head/day was offered to the
      ewes and then the supplemental grain was reduced to 100 g/head/day. For better
      synchronization of estrus cycles in ewes, they were isolated from the rams for at
      least 2 months and then kept in close proximity of the rams for 1 week before the
      introduction of the rams to the ewe flock. Then, whole blood samples were
      collected on days 1, 7, 21, and 120 after ram introduction. Vitamins A, E, and C
      were measured in plasma. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the hemolysate as
      a biomarker of lipid peroxidation. Plasma progesterone (P4) was measured in the
      samples of day 120 for assessing pregnancy status of the ewes. Vitamins A and C
      showed continuous and significant declines (P < 0.05) through days 1 to 120.
      Vitamin E declined only during the first 21 days of the study and remained almost
      constant till day 120. MDA concentration increased significantly at day 21. An
      elevated concentration of MDA was also detected at day 120. The difference
      between days 21 and 120 was not significant (P > 0.05). A positive correlation
      between vitamins E and C was detected at day 120 (r = 0.349, P < 0.01). Age and
      BCS did not affect the patterns of changes. Assuming that the ewes with P4
      concentrations >=2.5 ng/ml were pregnant, 95 out of 105 ewes (90.5%) were
      pregnant at day 120 of the study. Under the conditions of the present study with
      medium-to-low quality pastures as the main sources of feed, ewes of various ages
      and body conditions may suffer from oxidative stress during breeding and
      pregnancy.

PMID- 22083271
TI  - Implementation of herd health program to improve survival of Boer goats in
      Malaysia.
AB  - A Boer goat breeding farm with 800 heads of breeder females, 50 breeder males,
      and 400 growing goats of various ages in Sabah, Malaysia was selected to study
      the effect of implementing herd health program. This included vaccination program
      against pneumonic mannheimiosis; fecal monitoring for helminthiasis, coccidiosis,
      and colibacillosis; and introduction of modified feeding regime comprised of day
      time grazing and feeding of cut grass and supplemented feed. The herd health
      program was implemented in September 2007 and the impact was observed on body
      weight gains, body scoring, and annual mortality among adults and kids. It was
      found that implementation of herd health program significantly (p < 0.05)
      increased the average body weight gains in both adults and kids from 1.8 g per
      kid and 0.6 g per adult in 2006 to 3.7 g per kid and 2.2 g per adult in 2008. The
      percentage of adults with body scoring of <3 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced
      from 82.3% in 2006 to 77.6% in 2007 and 4% in 2008. Similarly, the annual
      mortality rate was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 6.5% among kids and
      58.2% among adults in 2006 to 12.1% among kids and 10.4% among adults in 2007,
      and to 9.1% among kids and 1.1% among adults in 2008. Therefore, it was concluded
      that implementation of herd health program significantly improved the survival
      and performance of goats.

PMID- 22083272
TI  - In vitro evaluation, in vivo quantification, and microbial diversity studies of
      nutritional strategies for reducing enteric methane production.
AB  - The main objective of the present work was to study nutritive strategies for
      lessening the CH(4) formation associated to ruminant tropical diets. In vitro gas
      production technique was used for evaluating the effect of tannin-rich plants,
      essential oils, and biodiesel co-products on CH(4) formation in three individual
      studies and a small chamber system to measure CH(4) released by sheep for in vivo
      studies was developed. Microbial rumen population diversity from in vitro assays
      was studied using qPCR. In vitro studies with tanniniferous plants, herbal plant
      essential oils derived from thyme, fennel, ginger, black seed, and Eucalyptus oil
      (EuO) added to the basal diet and cakes of oleaginous plants (cotton, palm,
      castor plant, turnip, and lupine), which were included in the basal diet to
      replace soybean meal, presented significant differences regarding fermentation
      gas production and CH(4) formation. In vivo assays were performed according to
      the results of the in vitro assays. Mimosa caesalpineaefolia, when supplemented
      to a basal diet (Tifton-85 hay Cynodon sp, corn grain, soybean meal, cotton seed
      meal, and mineral mixture) fed to adult Santa Ines sheep reduced enteric CH(4)
      emission but the supplementation of the basal diet with EuO did not affect (P >
      0.05) methane released. Regarding the microbial studies of rumen population
      diversity using qPCR with DNA samples collected from the in vitro trials, the
      results showed shifts in microbial communities of the tannin-rich plants in
      relation to control plant. This research demonstrated that tannin-rich M.
      caesepineapholia, essential oil from eucalyptus, and biodiesel co-products either
      in vitro or in vivo assays showed potential to mitigate CH(4) emission in
      ruminants. The microbial community study suggested that the reduction in CH(4)
      production may be attributed to a decrease in fermentable substrate rather than
      to a direct effect on methanogenesis.

PMID- 22083273
TI  - Hydroxy-fatty acid production in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2 PHA synthase
      mutant generated by directed mutagenesis.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2 growing on waste frying oils is capable to synthesize
      polyhydroxyalkanoic acids (PHAs) and hydroxy-fatty acids as a result of several
      enzymatic conversions. In order to study the physiological role of PHA
      biosynthesis in P. aeruginosa with respect to the synthesis of hydroxy-fatty
      acids, an unmarked deletion mutant deficient for PHA biosynthesis was generated
      in P. aeruginosa 42A2. A combination of the sacB-based negative selection system
      with a cre-lox antibiotic marker recycling method was used for mutant isolation.
      Electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and transmission
      electron microscopy confirmed that PHA accumulation was completely abolished in
      the mutant strain. Interestingly, the new mutant strain showed higher carbon and
      oxygen uptake rate than the wild-type strain and higher efficiency in the
      conversion of oleic acid into (E)-10-hydroxy-8-octadecenic acid-octadecenoic
      acid.

PMID- 22083274
TI  - Heterologous expression system in Aspergillus oryzae for fungal biosynthetic gene
      clusters of secondary metabolites.
AB  - Fungal secondary metabolites have been considered promising resources in the
      search for novel bioactive compounds. Given the high potential of fungi as
      genetic resources, it is essential to find an efficient way to link biosynthetic
      genes to the product in a heterologous system, because many genes for the
      secondary metabolite in the original strain are silent under standard laboratory
      conditions. In a previous study, we constructed a heterologous expression system
      for a biosynthetic gene cluster using Aspergillus oryzae as the host. To make the
      host more versatile for the expression of secondary metabolism genes, the
      expression levels of a global regulator, laeA, were increased by placing the A.
      oryzae laeA gene under the control of the constitutive active pgk promoter. In
      the A. oryzae overexpressing laeA, two clusters of heterologous biosynthetic
      genes [the monacolin K (MK) gene cluster from Monascus pilosus and the
      terrequinone A (TQ) gene cluster from Aspergillus nidulans] were successfully
      overexpressed, resulting in the production of the corresponding metabolite, MK or
      TQ. The successful production of secondary metabolites belonging to different
      structural groups, namely MK as a polyketide and TQ as a hybrid of amino acid and
      isoprenoid, indicated that the laeA-enriched A. oryzae was a versatile host for
      the heterologous expression of the biosynthetic gene cluster.

PMID- 22083276
TI  - Cloning and overexpression of ketopantoic acid reductase gene from
      Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and its application to stereospecific production of
      D-pantoic acid.
AB  - Ketopantoic acid (KPA) reductase catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of
      ketopantoic acid to D-pantoic acid. Based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence
      of KPA reductase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 845, the KPA reductase gene
      was cloned from S. maltophilia NBRC14161 and sequenced. This gene contains an
      open reading frame of 777 bp encoding 258 amino acid residues, and the deduced
      amino acid sequence showed high similarity to the SDR superfamily proteins. An
      expression vector, pETSmKPR, containing the full KPA reductase gene was
      constructed and introduced into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) to overexpress the
      enzyme. Bioreduction of KPA using E. coli transformant cells coexpressing KPA
      reductase together with cofactor regeneration enzyme gene was also performed. The
      conversion yield of KPA to D-pantoic acid reached over 88% with a substrate
      concentration up to 1.17 M.

PMID- 22083275
TI  - N-glycans are not required for the efficient degradation of the mutant
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae CPY* in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - In eukaryotic cells, aberrant proteins generated in the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) are degraded by the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. Here, we
      report on the ERAD pathway of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We
      constructed and expressed Saccharomyces cerevisiae wild-type CPY (ScCPY) and CPY
      G255R mutant (ScCPY*) in S. pombe. While ScCPY was glycosylated and efficiently
      transported to the vacuoles in S. pombe, ScCPY* was retained in the ER and was
      not processed to the matured form in these cells. Cycloheximide chase experiments
      revealed that ScCPY* was rapidly degraded in S. pombe, and its degradation
      depended on Hrd1p and Ubc7p homologs. We also found that Mnl1p and Yos9p,
      proteins that are essential for ERAD in S. cerevisiae, were not required for
      ScCPY* degradation in S. pombe. Moreover, the null-glycosylation mutant of ScCPY,
      CPY*0000, was rapidly degraded by the ERAD pathway. These results suggested that
      N-linked oligosaccharides are not important for the recognition of luminal
      proteins for ERAD in S. pombe cells.

PMID- 22083277
TI  - Enzyme immobilization for biodiesel production.
AB  - Biodiesel has attracted more and more attention in recent years because of its
      biodegradability, environmentally friendliness, and renewability. Contrary to the
      conventional chemical catalysis method to produce biodiesel, the biochemical
      catalysis method developed quickly in the past decade and many immobilized
      enzymes are commercially available to meet the large-scale industrialization of
      biodiesel. This review is focusing on the current status of biodiesel production
      by biochemical catalysis method, especially the commercial enzyme and its
      immobilization for biodiesel production. Consequently, we believe that
      biochemical catalysis with immobilized enzymes is bound to be an alternative
      method instead of chemical catalysis in biodiesel production in the near future.

PMID- 22083278
TI  - Construction of a new recombinant protein expression system in the
      basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus sp. strain S-2 and enhancement of the
      production of a cutinase-like enzyme.
AB  - Yeast host-vector systems have been very successful in expressing recombinant
      proteins. However, because there are some proteins that cannot be expressed with
      existing systems, there is a need for new yeast expression systems. Here we
      describe a new host-vector system based on the basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus
      sp. strain S-2 (S-2). Two advantages of S-2 are that it naturally produces some
      very useful enzymes, so it would be a good system for expressing multiple copies
      of some of its genes, and that, it is a nonhazardous species. The orotate
      phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRTase, EC 2.4.2.10) gene (URA5) was selected as a
      selectable marker for transformation in the new host-vector system. URA5 was
      isolated and introduced into a uracil auxotroph of S-2 by electroporation. To
      demonstrate the S-2 system, we selected one of its unique enzymes, a plastic
      degrading cutinase-like enzyme (CLE). We were able to insert multiple copies of
      the CLE gene (CLE1) into the chromosomes in a high fraction of the targeted
      cells. Under optimal conditions, one transformant exhibited 3.5 times higher CLE
      activity than the wild type. Expression vectors, including an inducible promoter
      (the promoter for the xylanase or alpha-amylase gene), were constructed for
      recombinant protein production, and green fluorescent protein was expressed under
      the control of these promoters. The xylanase promoter was more tightly
      controlled. Furthermore, putting CLE1 under the control of the xylanase promoter,
      which is induced by xylose, increased CLE activity of the culture medium to
      approximately 15 times greater than that of the wild type.

PMID- 22083279
TI  - Wild-type and feedback-resistant phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetases from
      Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: purification, characterization, and application to
      increase purine nucleoside production.
AB  - Bacillus strains are used for the industrial production of the purine nucleosides
      inosine and guanosine, which are raw materials for the synthesis of the flavor
      enhancers disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. An important precursor of
      purine nucleosides is 5-phospho-alpha-D: -ribosyl-1-pyrophosphate, which is
      synthesized by phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (PRS, EC 2.7.6.1). Class I
      PRSs are widespread in bacteria and mammals, are highly conserved among different
      organisms, and are negatively regulated by two end products of purine
      biosynthesis, adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) and guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP).
      The D52H, N114S, and L129I mutations in the human PRS isozyme I (PRS1) have been
      reported to cause uric acid overproduction and gout due to allosteric
      deregulation and enzyme superactivity. In this study, to find feedback-resistant
      Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PRS, the influence of the D58H, N120S, and L135I
      mutations (corresponding to the D52H, N114S, and L129I mutations in PRS1,
      respectively) on PRS enzymatic properties has been studied. Recombinant histidine
      tagged wild-type PRS and three mutant PRSs were expressed in Escherichia coli,
      purified, and characterized. The N120S and L135I mutations were found to release
      the enzyme from ADP and GDP inhibition and significantly increase its sensitivity
      to inorganic phosphate (P(i)) activation. In contrast, PRS with the D58H mutation
      exhibited nearly identical sensitivity to ADP and GDP as the wild-type protein
      and had a notably greater P(i) requirement for activation. The N120S and L135I
      mutations improved B. amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis purine nucleoside
      producing strains.

PMID- 22083280
TI  - Simvastatin ameliorates angiotensin II-induced endothelial dysfunction through
      restoration of Rho-BH4-eNOS-NO pathway.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the initiation and development of
      hypertension. We previously found that simvastatin moderately decreases blood
      pressure in 2-kidney-2-clip (2k2c) renal hypertension, but the precise mechanisms
      are still unclear. The present study was designed to examine the protective
      actions of simvastatin in 2k2c-evoked endothelial dysfunction and also delineate
      the underlying mechanisms. Here we show that 2k2c-induced elevation in plasma
      angiotensin II impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vascular
      relaxation, suppressed endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity and reduced nitric
      oxide (NO) production. Additionally, the levels of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an
      essential cofactor of eNOS, as well as the activity of GTP cyclohydrolase I
      (GTPCH I), the rate-limiting enzyme for BH4 synthesis, were markedly reduced.
      Administration of simvastatin significantly improved acetylcholine-induced
      endothelium-dependent carotid arteries relaxation at 9 weeks in reno-hypertensive
      rats. Notably, GTPCH I activity, BH4 production, p-eNOS expression and NO levels
      in the vascular endothelium were elevated as a result of simvastatin
      administration. In cultured rat arterial endothelial cells, simvastatin restored
      BH4, GTPCH I activity and NO release impaired by angiotensin II, and pretreatment
      with mevalonate (MVA) or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) abolished the
      beneficial effects exerted by simvastatin. Moreover, RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme,
      Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and dominant negative mutant of RhoA prevented BH4
      and NO loss due to Ang II treatment. Taken together, normalization of BH4-eNOS-NO
      pathway at least in part accounts for the beneficial actions of simvastatin on
      vascular endothelium during 2k2c hypertension, and RhoA-Rho kinase pathway is
      involved in regulation of BH4 production.

PMID- 22083281
TI  - [Neurological psychiatric medicolegal assessment].

PMID- 22083282
TI  - [Drug treatment of epilepsy].
AB  - Modern medical treatment of epilepsy renders two out of three newly diagnosed
      epilepsy patients seizure-free. More than 20 drugs are currently available and
      even for epilepsy specialists it may not be easy to select the drug which is best
      suited for the individual patient. Current guidelines recommend drugs with proven
      efficacy and optimal tolerability that address the individual needs of the
      patient. Non-enzyme-inducing agents are preferred if possible, to protect the
      patient from loss of efficacy when taking other medications for life-threatening
      disorders. In one out of three patients, seizure freedom is currently not
      possible due to drug-resistance, which requires a prompt diagnostic and
      therapeutic reevaluation of the epilepsy.

PMID- 22083283
TI  - Behavioral plasticity in an invaded system: non-native whelks recognize risk from
      native crabs.
AB  - Inducible defenses have the potential to affect both invasion success and the
      structure of invaded communities. However, little is known about the cues used
      for risk-recognition that influence the expression of inducible defenses in
      invasive prey, because they involve a novel threat. In laboratory experiments, we
      investigated behavioral defenses induced by a native crab on two invasive oyster
      drills (marine whelks Urosalpinx cinerea and Ocinebrina inornata). Both drills
      hid more often and reduced their feeding rates when they detected predators
      consuming conspecific prey. Examination of the responses of U. cinerea to
      specific cue sources (predator kairomones, conspecific alarm cues) indicated that
      this species had the strongest responses to cues from injured conspecifics, but
      that it did recognize the novel crab predator. Our observation of native predator
      (per se) recognition by an invasive marine prey is novel. In addition, we
      observed that neither species of drill reduced their defensive behavior to
      reflect predation risk shared by a group of prey. The lack of density dependence
      in risk-assessment could cause populations of invasive prey to transmit both
      quantitatively and qualitatively different community effects over the course of
      an invasion as abundance changes. Together, these findings demonstrate several
      ways that the risk-assessment strategies could be important in establishment and
      post-establishment dynamics of invasive prey.

PMID- 22083284
TI  - Non-linear effects of drought under shade: reconciling physiological and
      ecological models in plant communities.
AB  - The combined effects of shade and drought on plant performance and the
      implications for species interactions are highly debated in plant ecology.
      Empirical evidence for positive and negative effects of shade on the performance
      of plants under dry conditions supports two contrasting theoretical models about
      the role of shade under dry conditions: the trade-off and the facilitation
      hypotheses. We performed a meta-analysis of field and greenhouse studies
      evaluating the effects of drought at two or more irradiance levels on nine
      response variables describing plant physiological condition, growth, and
      survival. We explored differences in plant response across plant functional
      types, ecosystem types and methodological approaches. The data were best fit
      using quadratic models indicating a humped-back shape response to drought along
      an irradiance gradient for survival, whole plant biomass, maximum photosynthetic
      capacity, stomatal conductance and maximal photochemical efficiency. Drought
      effects were ameliorated at intermediate irradiance, becoming more severe at
      higher or lower light levels. This general pattern was maintained when
      controlling for potential variations in the strength of the drought treatment
      among light levels. Our quantitative meta-analysis indicates that dense shade
      ameliorates drought especially among drought-intolerant and shade-tolerant
      species. Wet tropical species showed larger negative effects of drought with
      increasing irradiance than semiarid and cold temperate species. Non-linear
      responses to irradiance were stronger under field conditions than under
      controlled greenhouse conditions. Non-linear responses to drought along the
      irradiance gradient reconciliate opposing views in plant ecology, indicating that
      facilitation is more likely within certain range of environmental conditions,
      fading under deep shade, especially for drought-tolerant species.

PMID- 22083286
TI  - Biphenotypic surface epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tube with mixed
      epithelial-myofibroblastic differentiation: a paradigm.
AB  - Epithelial cells and myofibroblasts are well-characterized histomorphological
      elements of tissues. They are distinguished from one another on the basis of
      topography and of differences in cytokeratin (CK) and alpha-smooth muscle actin
      (SMA) expression. Certain epithelial cells exhibit CK / SMA co-expression. This
      study aimed to define the immunophenotypical characteristics of these
      biphenotypic cells with respect to cytodifferentiation (broad spectrum of CKs,
      SMA), cell-cell interaction (E-cadherin, adenomatous polyposis coli - APC, beta
      catenin), and cell survival (cyclooxygenase-2 - Cox-2). At the routine
      gastrointestinal pathology service of the Department of Pathology, University of
      Szeged, tissue samples were identified from instances of cervical inlet patch (n
      = 5), Barrett's esophagus (n=5), gastritis (n=5), fundic gland polyp (n=2),
      gastric neoplastic polyp (n=1), inflammatory bowel disease (n=5), and colonic
      neoplastic polyp (n=3). that contained epithelial cells expressing SMA. These
      biphenotypic cells were further immunophenotyped. Foregut-derived biphenotypic
      cells expressed CKs 7 and 20, while hindgut-derived biphenotypic cells expressed
      only CK 20. Subepithelial myofibroblasts adjacent to biphenotypic epithelium
      expressed Cox-2, SMA, and beta-catenin, as did biphenotypic cells.
      Myofibroblasts, however, did not express CKs. In neoplastic polyps, APC
      expression weakened as cytologic atypism increased, while intermingled
      biphenotypic cells in neoplastic glands overexpressed APC, as did myofibroblasts
      beneath. CK subspecies expression in biphenotypic cells reflects embryonic
      development of the gastrointestinal tract. The immunophenotyping analysis
      addresses bidirectional (via transdifferentiation from epithelia into
      myofibroblasts or vice versa) formation of biphenotypic cells within damaged
      epithelium, a phenomenon that must be further analysed.

PMID- 22083287
TI  - Labeling stem cells with ferumoxytol, an FDA-approved iron oxide nanoparticle.
AB  - Stem cell based therapies offer significant potential for the field of
      regenerative medicine. However, much remains to be understood regarding the in
      vivo kinetics of transplanted cells. A non-invasive method to repetitively
      monitor transplanted stem cells in vivo would allow investigators to directly
      monitor stem cell transplants and identify successful or unsuccessful engraftment
      outcomes. A wide range of stem cells continues to be investigated for countless
      applications. This protocol focuses on 3 different stem cell populations: human
      embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and
      induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. HEK 293 cells are derived from human
      embryonic kidney cells grown in culture with sheared adenovirus 5 DNA. These
      cells are widely used in research because they are easily cultured, grow quickly
      and are easily transfected. hMSCs are found in adult marrow. These cells can be
      replicated as undifferentiated cells while maintaining multipotency or the
      potential to differentiate into a limited number of cell fates. hMSCs can
      differentiate to lineages of mesenchymal tissues, including osteoblasts,
      adipocytes, chondrocytes, tendon, muscle, and marrow stroma. iPS cells are
      genetically reprogrammed adult cells that have been modified to express genes and
      factors similar to defining properties of embryonic stem cells. These cells are
      pluripotent meaning they have the capacity to differentiate into all cell
      lineages. Both hMSCs and iPS cells have demonstrated tissue regenerative capacity
      in-vivo. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging together with the use of
      superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle cell labels have proven
      effective for in vivo tracking of stem cells due to the near microscopic
      anatomical resolution, a longer blood half-life that permits longitudinal imaging
      and the high sensitivity for cell detection provided by MR imaging of SPIO
      nanoparticles. In addition, MR imaging with the use of SPIOs is clinically
      translatable. SPIOs are composed of an iron oxide core with a dextran,
      carboxydextran or starch surface coat that serves to contain the bioreactive iron
      core from plasma components. These agents create local magnetic field
      inhomogeneities that lead to a decreased signal on T2-weighted MR images.
      Unfortunately, SPIOs are no longer being manufactured. Second generation,
      ultrasmall SPIOs (USPIO), however, offer a viable alternative. Ferumoxytol
      (FerahemeTM) is one USPIO composed of a non-stoichiometric magnetite core
      surrounded by a polyglucose sorbitol carboxymethylether coat. The colloidal,
      particle size of ferumoxytol is 17-30 nm as determined by light scattering. The
      molecular weight is 750 kDa, and the relaxivity constant at 2T MRI field is
      58.609 mM(-1) sec(-1) strength. Ferumoxytol was recently FDA-approved as an iron
      supplement for treatment of iron deficiency in patients with renal failure. Our
      group has applied this agent in an "off label" use for cell labeling
      applications. Our technique demonstrates efficient labeling of stem cells with
      ferumoxytol that leads to significant MR signal effects of labeled cells on MR
      images. This technique may be applied for non-invasive monitoring of stem cell
      therapies in pre-clinical and clinical settings.

PMID- 22083288
TI  - [Recommendations for sedation during flexible bronchoscopy].
AB  - Flexible bronchoscopy is a standard examination today and is conducted not only
      in nearly every hospital but also in privately owned practices. The vast majority
      of patients want sedation for this examination. Such a procedure is nearly always
      necessary in complex and interventional procedures, irrespective of the patient's
      wish. The recommendation at hand to use sedation measures for flexible
      bronchoscopy is based on the results of numerous clinical studies and also takes
      account of individual experiences in this area. The structural and procedural
      requirements and the requirements for staff training are defined and should
      describe the minimum standard when it comes to conducting a bronchoscopy under
      sedation. Furthermore the drugs recommended for sedation are discussed and their
      methods of application shown. Finally the recommendations also include
      suggestions for patient clarification, monitoring and discharge. They should
      provide the examiner with concrete operating options and therefore above all
      increase patient safety.

PMID- 22083289
TI  - [New recommendations for contact tracing in tuberculosis].

PMID- 22083291
TI  - [Obstructive airway disorders representing occupational diseases].
AB  - Obstructive airway diseases, i. e., bronchial asthma and COPD, have a prevalence
      of about 5 % each in our population. 5 to 25 % of the cases are caused by the
      impact of hazardous substances in workplace atmospheres. Pathophysiologically and
      according to legal definitions on occupational diseases, allergic disorders
      (occupational disease no 4301) have to be differentiated from those of chemically
      irritative genesis (occupational disease no 4302 and predominantly also no 1315)
      and from afflictions in coal miners induced by inorganic dust (occupational
      disease no 4111). At present, hard coal mine dust is still the prevailing noxious
      agent followed by flour/baking additives, fumes occurring during welding, casting
      and cutting procedures, and isocyanates. In the majority of cases, the prognosis
      is not good and depends on the duration of exposure to the causative impact. This
      emphasises the urgency of early diagnosis and targetted individual prevention.
      The new international labelling of working materials hazardous to health (GHS;
      EU: CLP) also refers to inhalative noxae. It replaces the hitherto valid R und S
      notes by hazard statements (H) and precautionary statements (P) as well as by new
      hazard pictograms.

PMID- 22083292
TI  - [Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in occupational medical fitness examination and
      assessment].
AB  - Medical expert opinion by occupational physicians and pneumologists has two main
      objectives: making a diagnosis with probability bordering on certainty and
      clarifying a causal relationship to a present or former occupational exposure to
      irritant toxic, allergenic or fibrosing dusts, gases, welding fumes or mineral
      fibres. Especially for conditions that are associated with exertional dyspnea,
      the diagnosis at rest using spirometry, body plethysmography, pulmonary function
      test, blood gas analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiography is of limited
      use. This paper identifies the indications for cardiopulmonary exercise testing
      (CPET) in occupational medicine, explains the related measurements and their
      differential diagnostic value with special consideration of the flow-volume curve
      under exercise as well as the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient. Diagnostic
      statements on the relevance of oxygen uptake measured at continuous and peak load
      compared to the wattage ascertained on the bicycle ergometer are presented.
      Characteristic CPET findings are explained in terms of their differential
      diagnostic significance. Furthermore, the importance of CPET for the assessment
      of occupational disease-related functional loss (clinical proportions in the
      reduction of working capacity) is shown.

PMID- 22083293
TI  - [Differential diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary     diseases with angiitis and
      granulomatosis].

PMID- 22083294
TI  - [In memory of Prof Dr. med. Hans-Ludwig Hahn].

PMID- 22083295
TI  - Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole-fused heterocycles via Pd-catalyzed cyclization of 5
      iodotriazoles.
AB  - A convenient approach toward polycyclic frameworks containing fused 1,2,3
      triazoles is described. The synthesis consists of a Cu-catalyzed cycloaddition
      and an intramolecular Pd-catalyzed direct arylation or Heck reaction, and affords
      the products in good to excellent yields.

PMID- 22083296
TI  - Angiogenesis and vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis: evolving concepts.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma [SSc]) is a multifactorial disease characterized
      by inflammation, extensive and progressive fibrosis, and multiple vasculopathies.
      The vascular manifestations can be seen early in the pathogenesis of the disease
      and include malformed capillaries, Raynaud's phenomenon, and digital ulcers. As
      the disease progresses, the vasculopathy proceeds to significant clinical
      manifestations, including renal crisis and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
      Moreover, later stages of the disease are marked by increasingly avascular areas.
      Despite the obliteration of microvascular structures, compensatory vasculogenesis
      and angiogenesis do not occur normally. This is in spite of a general increase in
      many potent angiogenic factors. Recent studies are beginning to examine this
      paradox and subsequent paucity of an angiogenic response in SSc. In this review,
      we discuss these findings and examine the role that chemokine and growth factor
      receptors, proteases, adhesion molecules, and transcription factors play in the
      dysregulation of angiogenesis in SSc.

PMID- 22083297
TI  - Extremity doses of nuclear medicine personnel: a concern.

PMID- 22083298
TI  - The effect of device-based cardiac contractility modulation therapy on myocardial
      efficiency and oxidative metabolism in patients with heart failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a device-based therapy that
      involves delivery of nonexcitatory electrical signals resulting in improved
      ventricular function and a reversal of maladaptive cardiac fetal gene programmes.
      Our aim was to evaluate whether acute application of CCM leads to an increase in
      myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO(2)) in patients with chronic heart failure
      using (11)C-acetate positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS: We prospectively
      enrolled 21 patients with severe heart failure. (11)C-acetate PET was performed
      before and after activation of the CCM device. In 12 patients an additional
      stress study with dobutamine was performed. RESULTS: Under resting conditions,
      the values of myocardial blood flow (MBF), MVO(2) and work metabolic index (WMI,
      reflecting myocardial efficiency) with the CCM device activated did not differ
      significantly from the values with the device deactivated. MBF was 0.81 +/- 0.18
      ml min(-1) g(-1) with the device off and 0.80 +/- 0.15 ml min(-1) g(-1) with the
      device on (p = 0.818), MVO(2) was 6.81 +/- 1.69 ml/min/100 g with the device off
      and 7.15 +/- 1.62 ml/min/100 g with the device on (p = 0.241) and WMI was 4.94 +/
      1.14 mmHg ml/m(2) with the device off and 5.21 +/- 1.36 mmHg ml/m(2) with the
      device on (p = 0.344). Under dobutamine stress, the values of MBF, MVO(2) and WMI
      with the CCM device activated did not differ from the values with the device
      deactivated, but were significantly increased compared with the values obtained
      under resting conditions. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that CCM does not
      induce increased MVO(2), even under stress conditions.

PMID- 22083299
TI  - Profile and prevalence of malnutrition in children with spinal cord injuries
      assessment of the Screening Tool for Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics
      (STAMP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the prevalence of malnutrition in paediatric patients with
      spinal cord injury (SCI) are limited. The present study aimed to establish the
      risk of (i) under-nutrition by using the Screening Tool for Assessment of
      Malnutrition in Paediatrics: STAMP (score >=2) and (ii) over-nutrition by body
      mass index (BMI) centile (>=91st: overweight; >=98th: obese). METHODS: After
      obtaining informed consent, a standardized questionnaire was used to collect
      baseline demographic data and nutrition risk score; BMI was measured and routine
      blood biochemistry was reviewed in every child (>6 months and <18 years) admitted
      to the SCI centre. RESULTS: Sixty-two children (mean age, 11.4 years; s.d., 4.9;
      median, 13 years; interquartile range, 7.8-15.6, 39.4% female) with SCI (46.5%
      tetraplegia, 53.4% complete SCI) were assessed. Prevalence of over-nutrition was
      high (BMI centile >=91st, 41.1%; >=98th, 25.5%). Under-nutrition risk was 47.1%
      (STAMP >=2). Only 60% of these 'at risk' patients were referred for further
      nutritional assessment. Associated phenomena included previous intensive care
      (55.6 versus 20.8%, P<0.05), mechanical ventilation (58.3 versus 18.2%, P<0.01)
      and past need for artificial nutrition support (75 versus 12.8%, P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Both over- and under-nutrition appear common in children with SCI.
      Our data indicate, furthermore, that children at nutritional risk are under
      managed. Future research is needed to complete the validation of the screening
      tools and to determine how effective intervention can be ensured.

PMID- 22083300
TI  - Characterization of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated from
      poultry in Pakistan 2006-2008.
AB  - Nine avian influenza viruses (AIV), H5N1 subtype, were isolated from dead poultry
      in the Karachi region of Pakistan from 2006 to 2008. The intravenous
      pathogenicity indices and HA protein cleavage sites of all nine viruses were
      consistent with highly pathogenic AIV. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the HA
      genes, these isolates belong to clade 2.2 and both the HA and NA are closely
      related to each other (nucleotide identities above 99.0%) and to other Middle
      Eastern H5N1 AIV isolates (nucleotide identities above 98.0%). The phylogenetic
      data suggest that the virus in both epornitics of H5N1 HPAIV in commercial
      poultry in the Karachi region of Pakistan between 2006 and 2008 were from a very
      closely related source, however, there is inadequate epidemiological data to
      determine what the reservoir was for the virus between the 2006 and 2007
      outbreaks other than that there was a single introduction into the region.

PMID- 22083301
TI  - Raising chickens in city backyards: the public health role.
AB  - There is increasing interest in raising chickens in urban settings across North
      America. Current regulations on backyard chickens vary by jurisdiction due to
      concerns about perceived health threats. Proposed negative impacts on public
      health and community well-being include infectious diseases acquired through
      rearing practices or consumption of eggs, inappropriate waste management,
      interaction with pests and predators and nuisance factors such as noise and
      odour. Proposed benefits are derived largely from the human-animal bond and from
      feelings of autonomy over food selection. The importance or validity of claims of
      positive and negative effects cannot be supported by literature specific to the
      urban agriculture context. Public health practitioners might approach this issue
      in a manner analogous to concerns over keeping domestic pets.

PMID- 22083302
TI  - Is the Y chromosome disappearing?--both sides of the argument.
AB  - On August 31, 2011 at the 18th International Chromosome Conference in Manchester,
      Jenny Graves took on Jenn Hughes to debate the demise (or otherwise) of the
      mammalian Y chromosome. Sex chromosome evolution is an example of convergence;
      there are numerous examples of XY and ZW systems with varying degrees of
      differentiation and isolated examples of the Y disappearing in some lineages. It
      is agreed that the Y was once genetically identical to its partner and that the
      present-day human sex chromosomes retain only traces of their shared ancestry.
      The euchromatic portion of the male-specific region of the Y is ~1/6 of the size
      of the X and has only ~1/12 the number of genes. The big question however is
      whether this degradation will continue or whether it has reached a point of
      equilibrium. Jenny Graves argued that the Y chromosome is subject to higher rates
      of variation and inefficient selection and that Ys (and Ws) degrade inexorably.
      She argued that there is evidence that the Y in other mammals has undergone
      lineage-specific degradation and already disappeared in some rodent lineages. She
      also pointed out that there is practically nothing left of the original human Y
      and the added part of the human Y is degrading rapidly. Jenn Hughes on the other
      hand argued that the Y has not disappeared yet and it has been around for
      hundreds of millions of years. She stated that it has shown that it can outsmart
      genetic decay in the absence of "normal" recombination and that most of its genes
      on the human Y exhibit signs of purifying selection. She noted that it has added
      at least eight different genes, many of which have subsequently expanded in copy
      number, and that it has not lost any genes since the human and chimpanzee
      diverged ~6 million years ago. The issue was put to the vote with an exact 50/50
      split among the opinion of the audience; an interesting (though perhaps not
      entirely unexpected) skew however was noted in the sex ratio of those for and
      against the notion.

PMID- 22083303
TI  - Tracking chromosome dynamics in live yeast cells: coordinated movement of rDNA
      homologs and anaphase disassembly of the nucleolus during meiosis.
AB  - A prerequisite for determination of chromosome dynamics in live cells is
      development of a method for staining or marking the chromosome of interest. We
      describe here a unique chromosome-tracking system that differentially marks two
      large chromosome segments from homologs in the budding yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. Using yeast genetics and the special features at the repetitive
      ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene cluster, we incorporated arrays of the tet operator and
      the lac operator into each repeat of the two rDNA homologs by homologous
      recombination. Expression of tet repressor-fused green fluorescent protein and
      lac repressor-fused red fluorescent protein in engineered cells led to the
      differential labeling of rDNA homologs. Using live-cell three-dimensional
      fluorescence microscopy, we showed that homologs undergo contraction and
      expansion cycles in an actin-dependent manner during meiosis and that chromosome
      mobility appears to be correlated with nuclear positioning. Our observations
      further revealed that, in contrast to mitosis, in meiosis the yeast nucleolus,
      the site of rRNA processing, was disassembled upon anaphase onset, suggesting a
      differential regulation of the rDNA array during meiotic chromosome segregation.
      Because rRNA genes are highly conserved, a similar chromosome-engineering
      approach may be adaptable in other eukaryotes for functional assays of chromosome
      organization in live cells.

PMID- 22083304
TI  - Ion currents induced by ATP and angiotensin II in cultured follicular cells of
      Xenopus laevis.
AB  - Xenopus laevis oocytes are commonly used to study the biophysical and
      pharmacological properties of foreign ion channels and receptors, but little is
      known about those endogenously expressed in their enveloping layer of follicular
      cells (FCs). Whole-cell recordings and the perforated patch-clamp technique in
      cultured FCs held at -60 mV revealed that ATP (20-250 MUM) generates inward
      currents of 465 +/- 93 pA (mean +/- standard error) in ~60% of the FCs studied,
      whereas outward currents of 317 +/- 100 pA were found in ~5% of the cells. The
      net effect of ATP on the FCs was to activate both mono- and biphasic inward
      currents, with an associated increase in membrane chloride conductance. Two
      microelectrode voltage-clamp recordings of nude oocytes held at -60 mV disclosed
      that ATP elicited biphasic inward currents, corresponding to the well-known F(in)
      and S(in)-like currents. ATP receptor antagonists like suramin, TNP-ATP, and RB2
      did not inhibit any of these responses. On the other hand, when using whole-cell
      recordings, 1 MUM Ang II yielded smooth inward currents of 157 +/- 45 pA in ~16%
      of the FC held at -60 mV. The net Ang II response, mediated by the activation of
      the AT(1) receptor, was a chloride current inhibited by 10 nM ZD7155. This study
      will help to better understand the roles of ATP and Ang II receptors in the
      physiology of X. laevis oocytes.

PMID- 22083305
TI  - Jolkinolide B from Euphorbia fischeriana Steud induces apoptosis in human
      leukemic U937 cells through PI3K/Akt and XIAP pathways.
AB  - Jolkinolide B, a bioactive diterpene isolated from the roots of Euphorbia
      fischeriana Steud, is known to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the
      molecular mechanism of its anti-cancer activity has not been fully elucidated. In
      the present study, we found that Jolkinolide B reduced cell viability and induced
      apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in human leukemic U937. The
      induction of apoptosis was also accompanied by the downregulation of PI3K/Akt and
      the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family proteins. Moreover, we observed
      that Jolkinolide B treatment resulted in activation of caspase-3 and -9, which
      may partly explain the anti-cancer activity of Jolkinolide B. Taken together, our
      study for the first time suggest that Jolkinolide B is able to enhance apoptosis
      of U937 cells, at least in part, through downregulation of PI3K/Akt and IAP
      family proteins. Moreover, triggering of caspase-3 and -9 activation mediated
      apoptotic induction.

PMID- 22083306
TI  - Nuclear factor-kappaB2 represses Sp1-mediated transcription at the CD99 promoter.
AB  - Downregulation of the CD99 antigen on the surface of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL)
      cells via EBV LMP1-mediated NF-kappaB suppression of Sp1 transcriptional activity
      is known to be associated with the appearance of pathogenic Reed-Sternberg cells.
      Here, we show that in addition, EBV LMP1 heterologous NF-kappaB activators such
      as CD30 and CD40 repress the CD99 promoter, which contains multiple Sp1-binding
      sites but no NF-kappaB binding sites. In addition, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase
      (NIK) repressed the CD99 promoter while NIK kinase mutants and JNK inhibitory
      protein failed to do so. Of the NF-kappaB subunits, NF-kappaB2 (p52) alone or in
      combination with other Rel subunits consistently inhibited the CD99, while NF
      kappaB1 (p50) showed a marginal repressive effect. Furthermore, while
      transfection of LMP1 repressed the CD99 promoter in wild-type or NF-kappaB1
      deficient MEFs, the same repression was not observed in NF-kappaB2 (p52)
      deficient MEFs, indicating that NF-kappaB2 (p52) is required for LMP1-mediated
      repression of the CD99 promoter. Consistently, basal activity of the CD99
      promoter was significantly higher in IKKalpha(-/-) and IKKbeta(-/-) MEFs, but not
      in IKKGamma(-/-) MEFs compared to the wild-type control MEFs. Sp1-binding sites
      were directly used in the repression, because a synthetic Sp1 reporter with 10
      Sp1-binding sites from the CD99 promoter was repressed by LMP1 or p52
      transfection. These data indicate that LMP1-mediated NF-kappaB2 exhibits the
      major inhibitory role in the transcription at the CD99 promoter.

PMID- 22083308
TI  - Dentinal sensitivity among a selected group of young adults in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is paucity of data on the prevalence of dentinal sensitivity
      outside the hospital setting and impact of dentinal sensitivity among young
      adults in Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of
      dentinal sensitivity among young adults in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduates of University of
      Benin in August, 2010. Self-administered questionnaire elicited information on
      demography, self-reported dentinal sensitivity, the trigger factor, action taken,
      functional, and psychological impact. RESULTS: The prevalence of dentinal
      sensitivity was 211 (52.8%) among the participants and it was significantly
      higher in females than males (P=0.027). Participants experienced shocking
      sensation more on the left-side of the mouth. The most common trigger factor for
      the dentinal sensitivity was due to cold drink [169 (80.1%)]. Among the
      participants with dentinal sensitivity, majority [139 (65.9%)] have not taken any
      action and only 24 (11.4%) have visited the dentist because of the problem.
      Dentinal sensitivity exhibited psychological impact among the participants as 64
      (30.3) reported unhappiness due to the shocking sensation. Eating and talking
      were disturbed, respectively, in 59 (28.0%) and 12 (5.7%) of the participants.
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was high which was
      significantly higher in females than males. Despite the negative functional and
      psychological impact among the participants, only a few sought dental
      professional care. Screening for dentinal sensitivity at community level is
      required to proffer early treatment and ameliorate its impact on the populace.

PMID- 22083307
TI  - Time-dependent changes in lipid metabolism in mice with methionine choline
      deficiency-induced fatty liver disease.
AB  - Methionine and choline-deficient diet (MCD)-induced fatty liver is one of the
      best-studied animal models of fatty liver disease. The present study was
      performed to clarify the relative contributions of individual lipid metabolic
      pathways to the pathogenesis of MCD-induced fatty liver. Hepatic lipogenesis
      mediated by the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1c) was
      increased at 1 week, but not at 6 weeks, of MCD feeding. On the other hand, (14)C
      palmitate oxidation did not change at 1 week, but significantly decreased at 6
      weeks. This decrease was associated with increased expression of fatty acid
      translocase, a key enzyme involved in fatty acid uptake. Expression of
      endoplasmic reticulum stress markers was increased in mice given MCD for both 1
      and 6 weeks. These findings suggest the presence of time-dependent differences in
      lipid metabolism in MCD-induced fatty liver disease: SREBP-1c-mediated
      lipogenesis is important in the early stages of fatty liver disease, whereas
      increased fatty acid uptake and decreased fatty acid oxidation become more
      important in the later stages.

PMID- 22083309
TI  - [New ultrasound technologies for the diagnostics of prostate cancer].
AB  - CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
      The diagnosis is based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal
      examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy. These
      techniques have considerable limitations, which result in unnecessary biopsies.
      Furthermore the biopsies are associated with morbidity and costs. STANDARD
      RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Standard gray-scale ultrasound has a low sensitivity and
      specificity for prostate cancer detection. METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: New
      ultrasound technologies, including color- and power Doppler ultrasound, contrast
      enhanced US and real-time sonoelastography have shown to improve prostate cancer
      diagnosis. PERFORMANCE: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has shown a sensitivity of
      100% (95% CI, 95%), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.8% and a positive
      predictive value (PPV) of 88.8% for prostate cancer detection. Real-time
      sonoelastography has shown a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 81% and NPV of
      91% for prostate cancer diagnosis. ACHIEVEMENTS: Most studies show that these new
      ultrasound modalities demonstrate a 1.5 to 2.5 times higher detection of prostate
      cancer per biopsy specimen compared with systematic biopsy. Multicenter studies
      results are at present lacking but are, however ongoing. PRACTICAL
      RECOMMENDATIONS: In patients with suspected prostate cancer (elevated PSA,
      suspicious DRE) these new ultrasound techniques should be used. These techniques
      can detect prostate cancer and allow a targeted biopsy approach.

PMID- 22083310
TI  - [CT-guided biopsies and drainage].
AB  - Following the implementation of computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound-guided
      biopsy of solid tumors and the puncture and drainage of liquid processes, the
      number of surgical open biopsies and curative operations for abscess drainage has
      declined. Such CT-guided interventions are performed in nearly every organ.
      Instead of aspiration biopsies, more and more core biopsies are being performed
      to allow histopathological evaluation and thus allowing targeted therapy.This
      article is intended to give a general overview of techniques, materials,
      indications and contraindications. Ultrasound-guided biopsies as well as large
      bore vacuum biopsies of the breast are not included in this review.

PMID- 22083312
TI  - Changes in coagulation and hemodynamics during pregnancy: a prospective
      longitudinal study of 58 cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate changes and establish reference values in coagulation,
      anticoagulation, fibrinolysis, anti-fibrinolysis and hemodynamics during normal
      pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 58 women with singleton pregnancies were
      recruited. Blood and ultrasound examinations were performed in the 10th-14th,
      20th-24th, and 30th-34th weeks of pregnancy. The same examinations were performed
      in 50 non-pregnant women who were selected as the control group. RESULTS: Levels
      of fibrinogen, thrombin time, fibronectin, prothrombin activated fragments 1+2
      and thrombomodulin were higher in early pregnancy than those in the control group
      (P < 0.05). Fibrinogen, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time,
      thrombin time, thromboxane B2, prothrombin activated fragments 1+2,
      thrombomodulin, D-dimer, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 were statistically
      different between the mid pregnancy and the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile,
      fibrinogen, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin
      time, fibronectin, thromboxane B2, prothrombin activated fragments 1+2,
      thrombomodulin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 were obviously elevated in
      late pregnancy as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover,
      fibrinogen, thromboxane B2, prothrombin activated fragment 1+2, D-dimer
      plasminogen, and activator inhibitor-2 gradually increased during pregnancy with
      some fluctuation. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time,
      thrombin time, international normalized ratio, and thrombomodulin as well as
      systolic/diastolic ratio, pulsatility index, and resistance index in uterine
      arteries showed a tendency to decrease in pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS:
      Coagulation, anti-coagulation, fibrinolytic and anti-fibrinolytic activities are
      enhanced and balanced at a higher level during pregnancy. In addition, uterine
      artery and umbilical artery hemodynamics become more baby friendly (i.e., high
      flow and low resistance).

PMID- 22083313
TI  - Critical analysis of risk factors for shoulder dystocia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to define trends, risk factors and perinatal
      outcome associated with shoulder dystocia (SD). METHODS: A population-based study
      comparing all singleton deliveries with and without SD was conducted. Statistical
      analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:
      Shoulder dystocia complicated 0.2% (n = 451) of all deliveries included in the
      study (n = 240,189). The rate of SD declined from 0.4% in 1988 to 0.13% in 2009.
      Independent risk factors for SD in a multivariable analysis were fetal macrosomia
      (birth-weight >= 4 kg; OR = 16.1; 95% CI 13.2-19.6, P < 0.001), failure of labor
      to progress during the second stage (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.5-3.7, P < 0.001),
      diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.4-2.3, P < 0.001) and advanced maternal age
      (years, OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.001-1.03, P = 0.029). Perinatal mortality was
      significantly higher after SD as compared to the comparison group (6.2 vs. 1.4%,
      P <0.001). Another multivariable analysis, with perinatal mortality as the
      outcome variable, controlling for confounders such as maternal age, gestational
      age, diabetes mellitus, etc. was constructed; SD was noted as an independent risk
      factor for perinatal mortality (adjusted OR = 11.1; 95% CI 7.2-17.1, P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder dystocia, associated with macrosomia, labor dystocia,
      diabetes mellitus, and advanced maternal age, is an independent risk factor for
      perinatal mortality. In an era of increased rate of cesarean deliveries, and
      perhaps increased accuracy of birth weight estimation, the rate of shoulder
      dystocia gradually declines.

PMID- 22083314
TI  - Effect of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) phytochemicals on stable free radicals and
      human cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The commercial development of plants as sources of antioxidants that
      can be used to enhance the properties of foods, for nutritional purposes and
      preservation as well as for prevention of oxidation-related diseases, is
      currently of major interest. Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) is a rich source of vitamin
      C and polyphenols. RESULTS: Phytochemicals in rosehip tea were separated into
      three fractions: Fr1 (vitamin C, 39.17 mg kg(-1)), Fr2 (flavonoids, 451.05 ug kg(
      1)) and Fr3 (phenolic acids, 504.69 ug kg(-1)). Quercetin and ellagic acid were
      the most abundant polyphenolic compounds. Rosehip fractions, primarily rosehip
      flavonoids (EC(50) = 49 mg L(-1)), showed high antioxidant activity towards 2,2
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH(*)). Cell growth effects of rosehip
      fractions were assessed in HeLa, MCF7 and HT-29 cell lines, with the lowest
      IC(50) values being determined for rosehip flavonoids, (80.63, 248.03 and 363.95
      mg L(-1) respectively). However, the vitamin C fraction did not inhibit the
      growth of tested tumour cells. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm that
      vitamin C and flavonoids are responsible for the antioxidant activity of rosehip
      tea, while only polyphenols contribute to its antiproliferative activity.

PMID- 22083316
TI  - Adhesion frequency assay for in situ kinetics analysis of cross-junctional
      molecular interactions at the cell-cell interface.
AB  - The micropipette adhesion assay was developed in 1998 to measure two-dimensional
      (2D) receptor-ligand binding kinetics. The assay uses a human red blood cell
      (RBC) as adhesion sensor and presenting cell for one of the interacting
      molecules. It employs micromanipulation to bring the RBC into contact with
      another cell that expresses the other interacting molecule with precisely
      controlled area and time to enable bond formation. The adhesion event is detected
      as RBC elongation upon pulling the two cells apart. By controlling the density of
      the ligands immobilized on the RBC surface, the probability of adhesion is kept
      in mid-range between 0 and 1. The adhesion probability is estimated from the
      frequency of adhesion events in a sequence of repeated contact cycles between the
      two cells for a given contact time. Varying the contact time generates a binding
      curve. Fitting a probabilistic model for receptor-ligand reaction kinetics to the
      binding curve returns the 2D affinity and off-rate. The assay has been validated
      using interactions of Fcgamma receptors with IgG Fc, selectins with
      glycoconjugate ligands, integrins with ligands, homotypical cadherin binding, T
      cell receptor and coreceptor with peptide-major histocompatibility complexes. The
      method has been used to quantify regulations of 2D kinetics by biophysical
      factors, such as the membrane microtopology, membrane anchor, molecular
      orientation and length, carrier stiffness, curvature, and impingement force, as
      well as biochemical factors, such as modulators of the cytoskeleton and membrane
      microenvironment where the interacting molecules reside and the surface
      organization of these molecules. The method has also been used to study the
      concurrent binding of dual receptor-ligand species, and trimolecular interactions
      using a modified model. The major advantage of the method is that it allows study
      of receptors in their native membrane environment. The results could be very
      different from those obtained using purified receptors. It also allows study of
      the receptor-ligand interactions in a sub-second timescale with temporal
      resolution well beyond the typical biochemical methods. To illustrate the
      micropipette adhesion frequency method, we show kinetics measurement of
      intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) functionalized on RBCs binding to
      integrin alpha(L)beta(2) on neutrophils with dimeric E-selectin in the solution
      to activate alpha(L)beta(2).

PMID- 22083318
TI  - Minimally invasive treatment of rectovaginal fistula.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are a rare surgical condition. Their
      treatment is extremely difficult, and no standard surgical technique is accepted
      worldwide. This report describes a new approach using transanal endoscopic
      microsurgery (TEM) to treat RVFs. METHODS: A retrospective review of 13 patients
      who underwent repair of rectovaginal fistula using TEM between 2001 and 2008 was
      undertaken. The surgical technique is widely described, and the advantages of the
      endorectal approach are noted. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 25
      months, and the median age of the patients was 44 years (range, 25-70 years). The
      mean operative time was 130 min (range, 90-150 min), and the hospital stay was 5
      days (range, 3-8 days). One patient experienced recurrence. This patient
      underwent reoperation with TEM and experienced re-recurrence. Two patients had
      minor complications (hematoma of the septum and abscess of the septum), which
      were treated with medical therapy. For two patients, a moderate sphincter
      hypotonia was registered. CONCLUSIONS: A new technique for treating RVFs using
      TEM is presented. The authors strongly recommend this approach that avoids any
      incision of the perineal area, which is very painful and can damage sphincter
      functions.

PMID- 22083319
TI  - Video. Repeated transvaginal notes: is it possible?
AB  - PURPOSE: Transvaginal surgery has been performed by gynecologists for decades
      with abundant literature supporting its efficacy and safety. Recently, several
      groups reported on the NOTES transvaginal (TV) approach for extrapelvic disease.
      Nevertheless, repeated TV access for NOTES has never been reported to date. Two
      cases of "repeated" TV access for NOTES cholecystectomy after TV hybrid sleeve
      gastrectomy are described. METHODS: Two women, aged 57 and 32 years, developed
      symptomatic cholelithiasis respectively 6 and 8 months after TV sleeve
      gastrectomy for morbid obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy: a 2-cm posterior colpotomy
      was performed under laparoscopic control between the uterosacral ligaments. A
      double-channel endoscope and a 60-cm-long laparoscopic grasper were introduced
      transvaginally. Two abdominal ports were placed to allow the introduction of the
      stapling device and to assist during the procedure. An intragastric endoscope
      served to expose the stomach and to calibrate the gastric sleeve, which was
      performed in the standard fashion. Colpotomy was closed by separate 3/0 Vicryl
      stitches. At cholecystectomy, an exploratory laparoscopy ascertained the
      feasibility of a NOTES cholecystectomy. The posterior vaginal vault was carefully
      examined before regaining peritoneal access with the technique described above.
      Cholecystectomy was performed by using a double-channel endoscope introduced TV
      and a 5-mm transabdominal port. Follow-up consisted of 3 and 6 months pelvic
      examination and interview, which included sexual function assessment by sexual
      function questionnaire (SFQ31). RESULTS: Both operations were performed
      successfully with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. At
      cholecystectomy, minimal pelvic adhesions were found with no vaginal scarring at
      the colpotomy site. No bleeding, pain, or vaginal infection occurred after both
      procedures. Patients resumed sexual activity 5.2 weeks postoperatively with a
      consistently normal SFQ31. CONCLUSIONS: This report suggests that, in experienced
      hands, repeated TV access for extrapelvic surgery is possible and safe, putting
      forward the intriguing promises of less adhesions formation.

PMID- 22083320
TI  - Plasma from the second and third weeks after open colorectal resection for cancer
      stimulates in vitro endothelial cell growth, migration, and invasion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis is central to wound healing and tumor growth.
      Postoperative (postop) plasma from weeks 2 and 3 after minimally invasive
      colorectal resection (MICR) stimulates endothelial cell (EC) migration (MIG),
      invasion (INV), and proliferation (all vital to angiogenesis) compared with
      preoperative (preop) plasma results and may promote postop tumor growth. The
      purpose of this study was to determine whether plasma from open colorectal
      resection (OCR) patients has similar proangiogenic EC effects in vitro. METHODS:
      OCR cancer patient plasma from institutional review board-approved banks was
      used; patients with preop and one postop sample from postoperative days (POD) 7
      33 were eligible. Samples were bundled into 7- to 13-day periods and considered
      as single time points. In vitro cultures of human umbilical venous ECs were used
      for the EC proliferation (BPF, Branch Point Formation), INV, and MIG assays
      performed with preop, POD 7-13, POD 14-20, and POD 21-33 plasma. Data were
      analyzed by paired t test and were reported as mean +/- standard deviation
      (significance, P < 0.05). RESULTS: Plasma from 53 cancer patients (25 rectal and
      28 colon) was used. Because of limited postop samples, the number for each time
      point varies: POD 7-13, n = 30; POD 14-20, n = 26; and POD 21-33, n = 17. In
      vitro EC BPF was significantly greater at the POD 7-13 (P < 0.0001) and POD 14-20
      (P < 0.0001) time points versus preop results. Significantly greater EC INV and
      MIG were noted on POD 7-13 and POD 14-20 versus the preop plasma results (P <
      0.0001). In regards to POD 21-33, a significantly greater result was noted only
      for the INV assay versus preop. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma from weeks 2 and 3 after OCR
      stimulates in vitro EC BPF, INV, and MIG. A significant difference from preop
      baseline was noted only for the INV assay in week 4. The OCR and previous MICR
      results were largely similar. Tumor angiogenesis may be stimulated after OCR and
      MICR for 3 weeks. Further studies are warranted.

PMID- 22083322
TI  - Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a modified dome-down approach
      with conventional laparoscopic instruments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) may increase
      the risk of bile duct injury due to compromised operative exposure. Dome-down
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides the ability to evaluate the cystic duct
      circumferentially prior to its division, thus minimizing the risks of bile duct
      injury. This study assesses the feasibility and safety of SILC using a modified
      dome-down approach with all conventional laparoscopic instruments. METHODS: Three
      low-profile 5-mm trocars are placed via a single transumbilical incision. The two
      working trocars are aimed laterally via the rectus to achieve adequate
      triangulation. An extralong 5-mm 30o laparoscope with an L-shaped light-cord
      adaptor is used to yield more external working space. Cephalic liver retraction
      is achieved with one transabdominal suture through the gallbladder fundus.
      Leaving the gallbladder fundus attached to the liver bed, a window is first
      created between the gallbladder body and the liver. The dissection is then
      carried down retrograde toward the porta hepatis. A 360o view of the gallbladder
      cystic duct junction is achieved prior to transecting the cystic duct. The
      gallbladder is then freed by separation of the fundal attachments. The specimen
      is retrieved by enlarging the fascial incision. All fascial defects are then
      primarily closed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (mean age 31 years, mean BMI 26.3
      kg/m(2)) were enrolled in this study. Thirteen had elective surgery for
      symptomatic cholelithiasis, and three had emergency surgery for acute
      cholecystitis. Mean operating time was 80.3 min, and blood loss was minimal. All
      patients were discharged within 24 h without complications. Follow-up at 1 month
      revealed a barely visible scar within the umbilicus. CONCLUSIONS: SILC using a
      modified dome-down approach is technically feasible with all straight
      instruments, and it is safe because of good delineation of ductal anatomy.
      Adoption of this approach may minimize the risk of bile duct injury during early
      experience of SILC.

PMID- 22083321
TI  - Effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on glucose-6 phosphate
      dehydrogenase activity in obese type 2 diabetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the rate-limiting enzyme
      of the pentose phosphate pathway that provides the majority of NADPH required for
      lipid biosynthesis. G6PD overexpression has been implicated in insulin
      resistance, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress in animals. This study
      examines G6PD expression in obese diabetic and nondiabetic subjects pre- and post
      laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS: Patients undergoing LRYGB
      were recruited for the IRB-approved study and placed in either the diabetic (n =
      11) or nondiabetic group (n = 16) (diabetic, HbA1c > 6.5%; nondiabetic, HbA1c <
      6.0%). Blood samples were collected at baseline and throughout the first 3
      postoperative months. Liver, adipose, and omental samples were taken during
      surgery. Results are expressed as mean +/- SEM and were compared statistically
      using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly
      different at baseline except for fasting glucose and HbA1c. G6PD activity
      (nm/min/mg protein) was significantly higher in red blood cells (RBCs) (3.12 +/-
      1.39 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.14) and liver (17.23 +/- 2.40 vs. 9.74 +/- 2.18) in diabetics
      compared to nondiabetics. There was good correlation between increased liver G6PD
      activity and the severity of diabetes as measured by HbA1c (r (2) = 0.525) and
      fasting glucose (r (2) = 0.542). No significant difference was found in the
      adipose or omental G6PD expression. Both groups experienced a significant
      increase in G6PD blood activity shortly following surgery (1 week) followed by a
      reduction 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: These results are the first ever
      seen in human subjects and demonstrate increased G6PD activity in diabetics
      compared to nondiabetics. These results suggest a correlation between G6PD
      activity and the severity of type 2 diabetes. The early increases in G6PD
      activity after LRYGB were unexpected and longer follow-up is needed to determine
      the effects of LRYGB on G6PD activity.

PMID- 22083323
TI  - Multimedia manuscript. Thoracoscopic management of chylothorax after
      esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chylothorax after esophagectomy is a potentially life-threatening
      complication, with a reported incidence rate of 1-4%. Two cases of postoperative
      chylothorax successfully managed thoracoscopically are reported. METHODS: In case
      1, a 61-year-old man presenting with an adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus
      underwent laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
      The thoracic duct was identified, and no obvious leaks were detected. The
      thoracic drain was removed on postoperative day (POD) 6, and chest X-rays were
      normal. The patient was discharged on POD 10. On POD 20, he was readmitted for
      acute cardiopulmonary distress. Computed tomography scan showed a massive right
      collection. After insertion of a chest tube, 8 l of chylous fluid were drained.
      Once hemodynamic stabilization had been established, the patient was scheduled
      for surgery. In case 2, a 54-year-old woman presenting with esophageal stenosis
      after caustic injury refractory to balloon dilation and stenting underwent
      esophagectomy. Mediastinal dissection was difficult due to fibrotic reaction. On
      POD 2, the patient presented with a massive chylothorax. In both cases, three
      trocars were inserted in the right pleural cavity. An incomplete lateral injury
      of the thoracic duct was found in case 1, and a complete transection proximal to
      the cervical anastomosis next to the left subclavian was found in case 2. Clips
      and sutures were used first to seal the duct. Fibrin glue was applied to
      reinforce the closure. A chest tube was left in place. RESULTS: The operative
      time was 60 min in case 1 and 55 min in case 2. The chylothorax did not recur,
      although the postoperative course was longer in case 2 due to associate
      comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The thoracic duct is exposed to injuries during
      esophagectomies, especially in cases of cancer and postcaustic injuries, leading
      to fibrotic reaction of the surrounding tissue. Early and delayed chylothorax can
      be managed efficiently by a thoracoscopic approach replicating the sealing
      techniques used in thoracotomy.

PMID- 22083324
TI  - Single-stage treatment with intraoperative ERCP: management of patients with
      possible choledocholithiasis and gallbladder in situ in a non-tertiary Spanish
      hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The best way to reduce endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      (ERCP) complications is not to perform it if it is unnecessary. Both
      intraoperative and postoperative ERCP rely on use of intraoperative
      cholangiography as a final diagnostic test for choledocholithiasis (CLD) whenever
      clinical data are unable to rule out CLD. Intraoperative ERCP could become a
      therapeutic option when a previous preoperative ERCP fails. We present our
      experience with intraoperative ERCP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive
      and prospective study of a cohort of 82 patients with moderate risk of CLD. They
      were operated on by laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative
      cholangiography (IOC). We performed intraoperative ERCP using the rendezvous
      technique. RESULTS: Thirty-six out of 82 patients had an abnormal IOC study. Mean
      age was 58.7 years (standard deviation, SD 16.6, 25-83 years), and 60.6% were
      females. Ultrasound study showed that 51.4% of patients had a dilated bile duct.
      Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) was performed on three patients (8.3%).
      The success rate of intraoperative ERCP was 88.2%. Three out of the 36 patients
      (8.8%) had ERCP complications [2 mild papillary bleeding (5.8%), 1 acute
      pancreatitis (2.9%)]. The rate of conversion to open surgery was 5% with a
      surgical complications rate of 4% [one injured duct and two surgical bleeding
      which required re-operation (2.5%)]. There were no mortalities. Four patients
      (11.1%) needed post-surgical ERCP, with a residual CLD rate of 5.6% (two
      patients) in the postoperative period. Mean surgical time was 181 min (SD 60, 75
      345 min). Mean hospital stay was 6.2 days (SD 4.7, 2-24 days). CONCLUSIONS:
      Intraoperative ERCP is an option to prevent performing ERCP unnecessarily on
      patients with moderate risk of CLD not confirmed using appropriate radiological
      studies. It can resolve the biliary disease in a single step with a similar
      success rate to standard ERCP, but with low morbidity, especially of acute
      pancreatitis. The residual CLD rate is also very low.

PMID- 22083325
TI  - Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery versus conventional laparoscopic varicocele
      ligation in men with palpable varicocele: a randomized, clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the outcomes of two different
      surgical techniques: conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic varicocele
      ligation (CTL-VL), and laparoendoscopic single-site varicocele ligation (LESS
      VL), using transumbilical home-made single port device. METHODS: Our sample
      included 82 male patients with 92 clinically palpable varicoceles who underwent
      varicocelectomy. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups
      according to varicocele ligation technique. Early postoperative complications,
      hospital stay, time to return to work, degree of satisfaction, and semen
      parameters were assessed. A visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score that ranged
      from 0 to 10 and analgesia requirements during the postoperative course were used
      to evaluate postoperative pain. RESULTS: The operating room time and hospital
      stay of the two study groups were comparable, but time to return to normal
      activity was significantly shorter in the LESS group compared with the CTL group
      (P = 0.025). Both VAS and the postoperative use of analgesics were significantly
      lower during postoperative days 2 (P = 0.005) and 3 (P = 0.047) in patients who
      underwent LESS-VL compared with patients who underwent CTL-VL. Significant
      improvements in sperm count, motility, and morphology were observed in both
      groups (P < 0.001; at each of the variables in both groups), but the proportion
      of patients who showed improvement was not significantly different between the
      two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This relatively small-scale study suggests that LESS-VL
      is a safe and effective alternative to CTL-VL that provides surgeons with a
      minimally invasive surgical option and the ability to hide the surgical incision
      within the umbilicus.

PMID- 22083326
TI  - A comparative study of multiport versus laparoendoscopic single-site
      adrenalectomy for benign adrenal tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety and feasibility of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS)
      adrenalectomy for benign adrenal lesions was proved in early clinical series.
      However, the advantages of LESS over multiport laparoscopic adrenalectomy still
      are under investigation. METHODS: Since October 2009, the authors have
      prospectively performed LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for 21 consecutive
      patients with benign adrenal tumors (LESS group). Another 28 patients with benign
      adrenal tumors were prospectively collected between June 2006 and October 2009
      and served as a multiport laparoscopic adrenalectomy group. The patients'
      demographic data, operating time, estimated blood loss, peri- and postoperative
      complications, and short-term outcome were collected for further analysis.
      RESULTS: The demographic data were comparable between the two groups in terms of
      the patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), laterality, diagnosis, and
      resected specimen weight. No major complication or mortality occurred in either
      group. Neither group had any conversions. No differences were observed between
      the two groups in terms of intraoperative hemodynamic status or peri- or
      postoperative complications. The LESS patients had quicker resumption of oral
      intake (0.18 vs 1 day; p < 0.001), a shorter hospital stay (2 vs 4 days; p <
      0.001), and a reduced analgesic requirement postoperatively (0 vs 0.84 mg/kg; p =
      0.023) than the multiport laparoscopic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      demonstrate that LESS adrenalectomy is as safe and effective as conventional
      multiport laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign adrenal tumors. In addition, LESS
      adrenalectomy provides short-term convalescence advantages over multiport
      laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

PMID- 22083327
TI  - Mesh fixation with a barbed anchor suture results in significantly less
      strangulation of the abdominal wall.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using an underlay mesh frequently
      requires suture fixation across the abdominal wall, which results in significant
      postoperative pain. This study investigates the utility of a novel mesh fixation
      technique to reduce the strangulation force on the abdominal wall. METHODS:
      Multiple 2-cm(2) pieces of polyester mesh (Parietex Composite, Covidien) were
      placed as an underlay against a porcine abdominal wall. Fixation was accomplished
      using either the standard 0-polyglyconate or the 0-polyglyconate barbed anchor
      suture designed to hold in tissue without the need to tie a knot (V-Loc 180;
      Covidien). Suture fixation began with a stab wound incision in the skin. A suture
      passing device then was used to pass the suture across the abdominal wall and
      through the mesh. The suture passer was removed and reintroduced through the same
      stab wound incision but at a different fascial entry point 1.5 cm away. The tail
      of the suture was grasped and pulled up through both the mesh and the abdominal
      wall, creating a full-thickness U-stitch. One tail of the suture was attached to
      a tensiometer, and the strangulation force on the abdominal wall was measured
      while the suture was tied (standard) or looped (barbed). To compare pullout
      force, the tensiometer was attached to either the mesh or the suture, and
      traction was applied until material failure or suture pull through. Results are
      expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. Comparisons were performed using
      Student's t-test. RESULTS: Eight pieces of mesh were placed for each suture. The
      average force required to secure the barbed suture (0.59 +/- 0.08 kg) was
      significantly less than the force needed to secure the standard suture (2.17 +/-
      0.58 kg) (P < 0.0001). Table 1 compares the suture pullout forces with the mesh
      failure forces. Although the pullout force for the standard suture is
      significantly greater than for the barbed suture, both sutures have a pullout
      strength significantly greater than the mesh failure force. Table 1 Suture
      fixation forces for standard and barbed sutures Suture fixation force (kg)
      Standard suture 2.17 +/- 0.58 Barbed suture 0.59 +/- 0.08 P < 0.0001 CONCLUSIONS:
      A barbed anchor suture used to secure mesh to the abdominal wall requires nearly
      75% less strangulation force than a standard monofilament suture while still
      providing significantly greater pullout force than that required for the mesh to
      tear and fail. This method of mesh fixation should result in less postoperative
      pain and warrants a clinical trial.

PMID- 22083329
TI  - Sympathetic chain clipping for hyperhidrosis is not a reversible procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many techniques have been used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis.
      Compensatory sweating is a difficult adverse effect. Clipping has been proposed
      because of its supposed reversibility when clips are removed at a later date. The
      primary aims of this article are to investigate the neuronal lesion of the
      sympathetic chain caused by clipping and to study the possibility of regeneration
      after removal of the clips. METHODS: We performed an experimental study at the
      Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre Jesus Uson in Caceres (Spain). We used a swine
      model, performing clipping, unclipping, and extirpation of different segments of
      sympathetic chain with clips and after clip removal, following a chronogram of
      10, 20, and 30 days. Pathologic studies of specimens and statistics were done at
      the University of Seville. RESULTS: Ten days after clipping, all sympathetic
      chains displayed evident Wallerian degeneration. Twenty days after clipping,
      Wallerian degeneration of myelinated fibers was more widespread and also more
      striking. Thirty days after clipping, a very marked macrophagic reaction was
      visible, with multiple signs of phagocytosis of myelin debris. By 30 days post
      operation and 20 days after clip removal, a few residual myelin and amyelinated
      fibers were visible. These findings suggest that axon regeneration is not
      possible. CONCLUSIONS: There are Wallerian degeneration and axon loss 10 days
      after clipping. The almost total absence of myelinated and amyelinated fibers
      following clip removal suggests that there was no nerve regeneration, and that
      therefore clipping cannot be considered a reversible technique.

PMID- 22083328
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review of
      comparative studies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic approach to distal pancreatectomy (DP) for benign
      and malignant diseases appears to offer advantages and is replacing open surgery
      in some centers. This review examined the evidence from published data of
      comparative studies of laparoscopic versus open DP. METHODS: The Medline and
      PubMed databases were searched and relevant English language publications were
      systematically retrieved. Data were pooled by two independent reviewers. The
      results shown represent mean. RESULTS: Up to December 2010, 13 comparative
      studies of laparoscopic versus open DP were identified of which two were
      excluded, leaving 503 and 588 patients respectively for analysis. The conversion
      rate was 9.5%. The groups were comparable for age and sex, whilst open surgery
      was associated with significantly higher incidence of malignant pathology (20.1
      vs. 15.0%) and larger tumors (3.9 vs. 3.5 cm) compared with laparoscopic surgery.
      There were no differences between the two approaches with regard to the operative
      time (220 vs. 208 min), rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (16.1 vs.
      19.5%), and mortality (0.6 vs. 0.5%). However, the laparoscopic approach was
      associated with significantly lower operative blood loss (237 vs. 562 ml), higher
      spleen preservation rate (37.8 vs. 8%), lower morbidity (30.5 vs. 38.4%), and
      shorter postoperative hospital stay (9.1 vs. 14.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The
      laparoscopic approach to DP offers advantages over open surgery with lower
      operative morbidity, higher spleen preservation rate, and shorter hospital stay;
      these benefits are particularly observed in patients with benign disease and
      borderline malignancy. The experience with laparoscopic DP for malignant disease
      remains limited, and long-term follow-up data are required to clearly define this
      role.

PMID- 22083330
TI  - Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: does primary repair in addition to placement
      of mesh decrease recurrence?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) not only
      reduced the morbidity associated with open repair but also led to a decrease in
      the hernia recurrence rate. However, the rate continues to remain significant.
      METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 193 patients who
      were treated with LVHR by two minimally invasive surgeons in a 24-month period.
      The patient population was broadly divided into two groups based on the
      laparoscopic repair of the fascial defect with mesh underlay, or with primary
      suture repair and mesh underlay (PSR + MU). Patient demographics, rates of hernia
      recurrence, and other associated complications were compared between the two
      groups. Patient variables and the clinical outcomes were analyzed with
      descriptive statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three
      consecutive patients underwent LVHR for incisional (n = 136), umbilical (n = 44),
      epigastric (n = 9), and parastomal (n = 4) hernia. Hernia recurrence was
      documented in eight patients (4.1%). The mean follow-up period was 10.5 months
      (range 1-36 months). Incisional hernias accounted for all eight recurrences. The
      rate of recurrence in those treated with PSR + MU was 3% (two of 67 cases) in
      comparison with 4.8% (six of 126 patients) associated with mesh alone. The rate
      of recurrence in the recurrent hernia group, treated with mesh only, was 10.5%
      (four of 38 patients) compared with 4.8% (one of 21 patients) in the PSR + MU
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Primary laparoscopic repair along with mesh placement for the
      management of ventral hernia was found to be effective in selected cases as
      evidenced by the low rate of recurrence when compared with conventional
      laparoscopic repair with mesh alone. Further retrospective and prospective
      studies, with larger patient enrollment, are warranted to confirm the benefit of
      this technique over traditional repair.

PMID- 22083331
TI  - Intermediate results of a prospective randomized controlled trial of traditional
      four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus single-incision laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques have become an integral part of general
      surgery, with recent investigation into single-incision laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy (SILC). This study presents a prospective, randomized,
      multicenter, single-blind trial of SILC compared with four-port cholecystectomy
      (4PLC) with the goal of assessing safety, feasibility, and factors predicting
      outcomes. METHODS: Patients with biliary colic and documented gallstones or
      polyps or with biliary dyskinesia were randomized to SILC or 4PLC. Data measures
      included operative details, adverse events, and conversion to 4PLC or laparotomy.
      Pain, cosmesis, and quality-of-life scores were documented. Patients were
      followed for 12 months. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were randomized to SILC (n
      = 117) or 4PLC (n = 80) (3 patients chose not to participate after
      randomization). Patients were similar except for body mass index (BMI), which was
      lower in the SILC patients (28.9 vs. 31.0, p = 0.011). One SILC patient required
      conversion to 4PLC. Operative time was longer for SILC (57 vs. 45 min, p <
      0.0001), but outcomes, including total adverse events, were similar (34% vs. 38%,
      p = 0.55). Cosmesis scores favored SILC (p < 0.002), but pain scores were lower
      for 4PLC (1 point difference in 10-point scale, p < 0.028) despite equal
      analgesia use. Wound complications were greater after SILC (10% vs. 3%, p =
      0.047), but hernia recurrence was equivalent for both procedures (1.3% vs. 3.4%,
      p = 0.65). Univariate analysis showed female gender, SILC, and younger age to be
      predictors for increased pain scores, while SILC was associated with improved
      cosmesis scores. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial of
      SILC versus 4PLC, SILC appears to be safe with a similar biliary complication
      profile. Pain scores and wound complication rates are higher for SILC; however,
      cosmesis scores favored SILC. For patients preferring a better cosmetic outcome
      and willing to accept possible increased postoperative pain, SILC offers a safe
      alternative to the standard 4PLC. Further follow-up is needed to detail the long
      term risk of wound morbidities, including hernia recurrence.

PMID- 22083333
TI  - Trainees' adenoma detection rate is higher if >= 10 minutes is spent on
      withdrawal during colonoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that prolonged colonoscopic withdrawal times
      (WT; >6 min) are beneficial for the adenoma detection rate (ADR) for experienced
      endoscopists. There are little data, however, to guide the appropriate
      colonoscopic withdrawal times for trainees. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether there is a relationship between WTs and ADR for first-year
      fellows training in colonoscopy. METHODS: This is a prospective study of first
      year gastroenterology fellows at a single academic teaching hospital who
      documented each colonoscopy with a self-report form over the course of an
      academic year (March 2010 to February 2011). The internal policy for the trainees
      was to have at least a 6-min withdrawal time for each colonoscopy. RESULTS: Four
      first-year fellows in gastroenterology at an academic medical center completed
      self-reports for 1,210 colonoscopies. Mean WT was 10.2 +/- 3.4 min. The aggregate
      polyp detection rate was 33.2% and the aggregate ADR was 22.3%. For colonoscopies
      with WT < 10 min, ADR was 9.5%, and for colonoscopies with WT >= 10 min, ADR was
      32.3% (p < 0.001). When the quality indicator of 25% goal ADR for males and 15%
      goal ADR for females is applied, this aggregate rate is achieved for both sexes
      for screening colonoscopies (n = 676) with WT >= 10 min. CONCLUSIONS: First-year
      trainees had a significantly higher ADR if their colonoscopic WT is >= 10 min.

PMID- 22083332
TI  - Testicular functions, chronic groin pain, and quality of life after laparoscopic
      and open mesh repair of inguinal hernia: a prospective randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is still not the gold standard
      for patients with inguinal hernia. The aim of this study was to compare
      testicular dysfunction, incidence and factors influencing chronic groin pain, and
      quality of life after laparoscopic and open mesh repair. METHODS: One hundred
      twenty patients were studied in a prospective randomized trial. One hundred
      seventeen patients completed the required follow-up, 60 following laparoscopic
      repair and 57 following open repair. Testicular functions were assessed by
      testicular volume, blood flow, and hormones, and quality of life was assessed
      with Short Form 36 version 2 preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months. Pain
      was assessed at different time intervals preoperatively and postoperatively.
      RESULTS: Preoperative profiles of both groups were well matched. A significant
      decrease in testicular volume (p = 0.01) and less improvement in blood flow (p =
      0.048) was seen after open repair. There was also a significant reduction in
      serum testosterone level (p = 0.02) with a significant increase in FSH and LH
      level (p < 0.001); however, there was no testicular atrophy. Incidence and
      severity of chronic groin pain were significantly less after laparoscopic repair
      during normal and strenuous activities, though they were similar to those after
      open repair during rest after 3 months postoperatively. Age, preoperative pain,
      pain at 1 week, and open repair were found to be independent risk factors for
      chronic pain on multivariate analysis. Quality of life was significantly better
      postoperatively in terms of physical functions, role physical, bodily pain, and
      general health after laparoscopic repair. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair seems
      favorable in terms of better preservation of testicular functions, lower
      incidence of acute and chronic groin pain, and significant improvement in quality
      of life when compared to open repair. Younger age, preoperative pain, pain after
      1 week postoperatively, and open mesh repair were found to be significant risk
      factors for chronic groin pain.

PMID- 22083334
TI  - Medical image analysis: computer-aided diagnosis of gastric cancer invasion on
      endoscopic images.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of diagnosing
      depth of wall invasion of gastric cancer on endoscopic images using computer
      aided pattern recognition. METHODS: The back propagation algorithm was used for
      computer training. Data of 344 patients who underwent gastrectomy or endoscopic
      tumor resection between 2001 and 2010 and their 902 endoscopic images were
      collected. The images were divided into ten groups among which the number of
      patients and images were almost equally distributed according to T staging. The
      computer learning was performed using about 800 images from all but one group,
      and the accuracy rate of diagnosing the depth of wall invasion of gastric cancer
      was calculated using the remaining group of about 90 images. The various numbers
      of input layers, hidden layers, and learning counts were updated, and the ideal
      setting was decided. Similar learning and diagnostic procedures were repeated ten
      times using every group and all 902 images were tested. The accuracy rate was
      calculated based on the ideal setting. RESULTS: The most appropriate setting was
      a resolution of 16 * 16, a hidden layer of 240, and a learning count of 50. In
      the next step, using all the images on the ideal setting, the overall accuracy
      rate was 64.7%. The diagnostic accuracy was 77.2, 49.1, 51.0, and 55.3% in the
      T1, T2, T3, and T4 stagings, respectively. The accuracy was 68.9% in T1a(M)
      staging and 63.6% in T1b(SM) staging. The positive predictive values were 80.1,
      41.6, 51.4, and 55.8% in the T1, T2, T3, and T4 staging, respectively. It was
      69.2% in T1a(M) staging and 68.3% in T1b(SM) staging. CONCLUSION: Computer-aided
      diagnosis is useful for diagnosing depth of wall invasion of gastric cancer on
      endoscopic images.

PMID- 22083335
TI  - A review of the role of GERD-induced aspiration after lung transplantation.
AB  - The increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in lung
      transplantation patients has been established; however, many questions persist
      regarding the relationship of GERD to aspiration and its potential to induce
      pulmonary allograft failure. Moreover, the biological implications of aspiration
      in lung transplantation have yet to be fully elucidated. The goal of this review
      was to assess the relationship between GERD and aspiration, focusing on the role
      of these events in the development of allograft injury after lung
      transplantation.

PMID- 22083336
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided endoscopic necrosectomy of the pancreas: is
      irrigation necessary?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Findings have shown endoscopic necrosectomy to be beneficial for
      patients with symptomatic pancreatic necrosis accessible for an endoscopic
      approach. The available studies show that endoscopic necrosectomy requires a
      multitude of subsequent procedures including repeat irrigation for removal of the
      necrotic material. This study aimed to investigate the need for additional
      irrigation in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis treated by endoscopic
      necrosectomy. METHODS: The study enrolled 35 consecutive patients (27 men) with a
      median age of 59 years who had pancreatic necrosis treated with endoscopic
      necrosectomy. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided internal drainage and consecutive
      endoscopic necrosectomy was combined with interval multistenting of the cavity.
      Neither endoscopic nor external irrigation was part of the procedure. RESULTS: An
      average of 6.2 endoscopy sessions per patient were needed for access,
      necrosectomy, and stent management. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6% (2/35),
      including one procedure-related death resulting from postinterventional
      aspiration. The immediate morbidity rate was 9% (3/35). It was possible to
      achieve clinical remission for all the surviving patients with no additional
      surgery needed for management of the necroses. The median follow-up period was 23
      months. CONCLUSION: Neither endoscopic nor external flushing is needed for
      successful endoscopic treatment of symptomatic necroses. Even without irrigation,
      the outcome for patients treated with endoscopic necrosectomy is comparable to
      that described in the published data.

PMID- 22083337
TI  - Possible mortality reduction by endoscopic sphincterotomy during endoscopic
      retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a population-based case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used
      for young patients, but ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy in particular are
      reported to be associated with increased complication and mortality rates. This
      study aimed to calculate mortality and to identify risk factors for death within
      90 days after ERCP for nonmalignant disease. METHODS: From the Swedish Hospital
      Discharge Registry, the authors identified all individuals in Stockholm County
      who had undergone in-patient ERCP during 1990-2003. Among these individuals, they
      excluded those recorded in the Swedish Cancer Registry as having a diagnosis of
      malignancy in the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts. Cases, defined as patients who
      had died within 90 days after the procedure, were identified by cross-linkage to
      the causes of death registry. Control subjects were randomly sampled from the
      same cohort. The medical records were studied to discern risk factors for death
      after ERCP. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 1.6%. Advanced age, severe
      comorbidity, high complexity of the procedure, and occurrence of a complication
      were associated with death within 90 days, whereas a previous cholecystectomy or
      the simultaneous performance of an endoscopic sphincterotomy reduced the risk.
      CONCLUSIONS: Old age and comorbidity are the main risk factors for death after
      ERCP, but a complex procedure or the occurrence of a complication also seems to
      increase short-term mortality. The performance of a sphincterotomy may reduce the
      risk of death, possibly by facilitating adequate drainage. A previous
      cholecystectomy also may decrease the risk of death after ERCP.

PMID- 22083338
TI  - Robot-assisted total gastrectomy is comparable with laparoscopically assisted
      total gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) is technically
      difficult. Robot surgery has theoretical advantages such as increased degrees of
      freedom of instruments and a three-dimensional view. The current study aimed to
      determine whether a robot-assisted total gastrectomy (RATG) has a real benefit
      over LATG in terms of surgical and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: A single-center
      case-control study was conducted. The study included 36 patients who underwent
      RATG and 65 patients who underwent LATG at the National Cancer Center in Korea
      between February 2009 and May 2011. No patients were excluded from the analysis
      within the study period. Clinicopathologic data, operative data, postoperative
      morbidity, and pathologic data were analyzed by Student's t-tests and Chi-square
      tests, as indicated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.9 +/- 11.7
      years in the RATG group and 56.9 +/- 12.3 years in the LATG group (P = 0.236).
      The mean BMI was 23.2 +/- 2.5 kg/m(2) in the RATG group and 23.6 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2)
      in the LATG group (P = 0.494). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.8 +/-
      3.3 days in the RATG group and 10.3 +/- 10.8 days in the LATG group (P = 0.416).
      The mean operative time was 305.8 +/- 115.8 min in the RATG group and 210.2 +/-
      57.7 min in the LATG group (P < 0.001). The mean number of dissected lymph nodes
      was 42.8 +/- 12.7 in the RATG group and 39.4 +/- 13.4 in the LATG group (P =
      0.209). Postoperative complications were experienced by 6 patients (16.7%) in the
      RATG group and 10 patients (15.4%) in the LATG group (P = 0.866). CONCLUSION:
      Despite early experiences, RATG was shown to be comparable with LATG in terms of
      surgical and oncologic outcomes. However, no apparent benefit is associated with
      RATG to date.

PMID- 22083339
TI  - The safety of biologic mesh for laparoscopic repair of large, complicated hiatal
      hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biologic mesh is widely used for repair of large, complicated hiatal
      hernias. Recently, there have been reports of complications after its
      implantation. We studied the course of a large group of patients who had
      undergone hiatal hernia repair with use of biologic mesh to determine the rate of
      immediate and late complications related to its use. METHODS: All patients who
      had biologic mesh placed at the hiatus and who had been followed for at least 1
      year were included. Perioperative data were reviewed, and a questionnaire was
      administered, designed to identify symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, other
      symptoms such as dysphagia, and all other operative or endoscopic interventions
      that occurred after mesh implantation. In addition, postoperative radiologic and
      endoscopic studies were reviewed to assess signs of complications related to use
      of mesh. RESULTS: There were 126 patients eligible for the study. We were able to
      contact 73 of these patients, at median follow-up of 45 months. No mesh-related
      complications were found. The frequency and severity of heartburn, regurgitation,
      and dysphagia improved significantly compared with preoperative values, and 89%
      of the patients reported good to excellent results in terms of overall
      satisfaction. Six patients recorded worsening of dysphagia postoperatively, but
      after careful work-up and review of each individual case, no case seemed to be
      directly related to the mesh. No erosions, strictures, or other complications
      directly related to use of mesh were found. One patient required reoperation due
      to hiatal hernia recurrence with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: Use of biologic mesh for laparoscopic repair of large, complicated
      hiatal hernias appears safe. There were no major complications related to the
      mesh, and overall satisfaction with the operation was very good.

PMID- 22083341
TI  - Measuring sensitivity to conflicts of interest: a preliminary test of method.
AB  - This study presents and develops test methods for assessing sensitivity to
      conflict of interest (COIsen). We are aware of no study assessing COIsen, but
      note that some popular methods for assessing ethical sensitivity and related
      constructs (which include COIsen) are flawed in that their presentation of
      stimulus material to subjects actually guides subjects to attend to ethical (or
      related) issues. The method tested here was designed to avoid this flaw. Using
      adaptations of two existing cases, a quota sample of 12 students was interviewed.
      Our method used funnel-sequenced, open-ended interviews that were audiotaped and
      transcribed, then subjected to a form of cognitive mapping. These maps revealed
      the presence of "indicators" of COIsen. We found that COIsen can be measured and
      that the global COIsen score generated by our method is able to reveal much
      variation across subjects, making it a worthwhile candidate for further
      consideration.

PMID- 22083340
TI  - Three new sensitive and specific heat-shock protein 70 PCRs for global Leishmania
      species identification.
AB  - The heat-shock protein 70 gene (hsp70) has been exploited for Leishmania species
      identification in the New and Old World, using PCR followed by restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Current PCR presents limitations in
      terms of sensitivity, which hampers its use for analyzing clinical and biological
      samples, and specificity, which makes it inappropriate to discriminate between
      Leishmania and other trypanosomatids. The aim of the study was to improve the
      sensitivity and specificity of a previously reported hsp70 PCR using alternative
      PCR primers and RFLPs. Following in silico analysis of available sequences, three
      new PCR primer sets and restriction digest schemes were tested on a globally
      representative panel of 114 Leishmania strains, various other infectious agents,
      and clinical samples. The largest new PCR fragment retained the discriminatory
      power from RFLP, while two smaller fragments discriminated less species. The
      detection limit of the new PCRs was between 0.05 and 0.5 parasite genomes, they
      amplified clinical samples more efficiently, and were Leishmania specific. We
      succeeded in significantly improving the specificity and sensitivity of the PCRs
      for hsp70 Leishmania species typing. The improved PCR-RFLP assays can impact
      diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological studies of leishmaniasis in any setting
      worldwide.

PMID- 22083342
TI  - Arsenic toxicity in a sediment-dwelling polychaete: detoxification and arsenic
      metabolism.
AB  - The accumulation, subcellular distribution and speciation of arsenic in the
      polychaete Arenicola marina were investigated under different laboratory exposure
      conditions representing a range of metal bioavailabilities, to gain an insight
      into the physiological mechanisms of how A. marina handles bioaccumulated arsenic
      and to improve our understanding of the potential ecotoxicological significance
      of bioaccumulated arsenic in this deposit-feeder. The exposure conditions
      included exposure to sublethal concentrations of dissolved arsenate, exposure to
      sublethal concentrations of sediment-bound metal mining mixtures, and exposure to
      lethal concentrations of sediment-bound metal mining mixtures and arsenic- and
      multiple metal-spiked sediments. The sub-lethal exposures indicate that arsenic
      bioaccumulated by the deposit-feeding polychaete A. marina is stored in the
      cytosol as heat stable proteins (~50%) including metallothioneins, possibly as As
      (III)-thiol complexes. The remaining arsenic is mainly accumulated in the
      fraction containing cellular debris (~20%), with decreasing proportions
      accumulated in the metal-rich granules, organelles and heat-sensitive proteins
      fractions. A biological detoxified metal compartment including heat stable
      proteins and the fraction containing metal-rich granules is capable of binding
      arsenic coming into the cells at a constant rate under sublethal arsenic
      bioavailabilities. The remaining arsenic entering the cell is bound loosely into
      the cellular debris fraction, which can be subsequently released and diverted to
      an expanding detoxified pool. Our results suggest that a metal sensitive
      compartment comprising the cellular debris, enzymes and organelles fractions may
      be more representative of the toxic effects observed.

PMID- 22083343
TI  - Labelling of granulocytes by phagocytic engulfment with 64Cu-labelled chitosan
      coated magnetic nanoparticles.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present work was to perform the labelling of granulocytes
      by their engulfment with chitosan-coated magnetic (64)Cu nanoparticles (MNPs) in
      order to obtain a radiopharmaceutical suitable for dual imaging (PET-MRI) of
      inflammatory/infective diseases. PROCEDURES: Specimens of 5-20 mg MNPs were
      washed with saline-isotonic solution and recuperated by magnetic decantation; 15
      58 MUg Cu(2+) (CuCl(2).H(2)O) in 50 MUl of acidified (pH 5.5) saline solution was
      added to the MNPs re-suspended saline-isotonic solution; 10 mg MNPs was allowed
      to react with 16 MUg (64)Cu [(64)Ni(p,n) at 12-9 MeV] followed by anion exchange
      chromatography with a specific activity of 56 MBq/MUg. Pellets of granulocytes
      were obtained from peripheral blood; MNPs engulfment by granulocytes was obtained
      and granulocyte-engulfed viability was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion
      (TBE) test performed at 5 min, 2 h and 4 h; assessment of the release of (64)Cu
      from labelled granulocytes in plasma was performed by measuring the radioactivity
      of both the cellular pellet and the supernatant solution. RESULTS: Our data
      showed the binding capacity of chitosan-coated MNPs for cationic metal. The
      amount of Cu(+2) chelated captured per milligram of MNPs was constant and
      independent of the reagent concentrations. In all cases, more than 90% of the
      engulfed granulocytes were positive to the TBE test. The MNPs were localised
      within the cells. CONCLUSION: In our in vitro model, MNPs are taken up by
      granulocytes through phagocytosis, whereas previously described methods were
      based on the use of a chelating agent that permit Cu to cross the cell membrane.
      Moreover, the (64)Cu-engulfed granulocytes showed a high stability of up to 80%
      of retained radioactivity after 24 h of incubation.

PMID- 22083344
TI  - Discrimination, family relationships, and major depression among Asian Americans.
AB  - Depression represents a growing concern among Asian Americans. This study
      examined whether discrimination and family dynamics are associated with
      depression in this population. Weighted logistic regressions using nationally
      representative data on Asian American adults (N = 2095) were used to examine
      associations between discrimination, negative interactions with relatives, family
      support, and 12-month major depressive disorder (MDD). Discrimination (odds ratio
      [OR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67, 2.71) and negative interactions
      with relatives (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.58) were positively associated with
      MDD. Family support was associated with lower MDD (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59,
      0.89), and buffered lower levels of discrimination. Results suggest that
      discrimination may have negative mental health implications, and also point to
      the importance of family relationships for depression among Asian Americans.
      Findings suggest that providers may consider stress experienced at multiple
      ecological levels to address Asian American mental health needs.

PMID- 22083346
TI  - MicroRNA regulation in cancer-associated fibroblasts.
AB  - The microenvironment of cancer cells has proven to be a critical component of
      tumors that strongly influences cancer development and progression into invasive
      and metastatic disease. Compared to normal tissue, dramatic differences in gene
      expression occur in multiple cell types that constitute the tumor
      microenvironment including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are
      important stromal components of growing tumors. In this review, we present recent
      advances in understanding how microRNAs are deregulated in cancer-associated
      fibroblasts (CAFs) and how this affects tumor biology. The microRNA signature of
      CAFs is discussed with respect to their functional relevance to tumor cells as
      well as other cell types involved in tumor homeostasis.

PMID- 22083345
TI  - Immunotherapy with IL-10- and IFN-gamma-producing CD4 effector cells modulate
      "Natural" and "Inducible" CD4 TReg cell subpopulation levels: observations in
      four cases of patients with ovarian cancer.
AB  - Adoptive T cell therapy for cancer patients optimally requires participation of
      CD4 T cells. In this phase I/II study, we assessed the therapeutic effects of
      adoptively transferred IL-10- and IFN-gamma-producing CD4 effector cells in
      patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Using MUC1 peptide and IL-2 for ex vivo
      CD4 effector cell generation, we show that three monthly treatment cycles of
      autologous T cell restimulation and local intraperitoneal re-infusion-modulated T
      cell-mediated immune responses that were associated with enhanced patient
      survival. One patient remains disease-free, another patient experienced prolonged
      survival for nearly 16 months with recurrent disease, and two patients expired
      within 3-5 months following final infusion. Prolonged survivors showed elevated
      levels of systemic CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells when
      compared to that of pre-treatment levels and similarly treated short-term
      survivors. Such cell populations among these patients contained variable levels
      of "Inducible" Tr1 (CD4(+)CD25(-)FoxP3(-)IL-10(+)) and "Natural"
      (CD4(+)CD25(+)CD45RO(+)FoxP3(+)) TReg cell numbers and ratios that were
      associated with prolonged and/or disease-free survival. Moreover, peptide
      restimulated T cells from these patients showed an elevation in both IFN-gamma
      production, memory cell phenotype, and select TNF family ligands associated with
      enhanced T cell survival and apoptosis-inducing activities. This suggests that
      intraperitoneally administered Th1-like cells, producing elevated levels of IL
      10, may require and/or induce differential levels of distinct systemic TReg
      subpopulations that influence, in part, long-term tumor immunity and enhanced
      memory/effector CD4-mediated therapeutic potentials. Furthermore, treatment
      efficacy and enhanced memory cell phenotype did not appear to be dependent on
      TReg cell numbers but upon ratios of "Inducible" and "Natural" TReg
      subpopulations.

PMID- 22083347
TI  - Calreticulin as a potential diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer.
AB  - Calreticulin (CRT) is an endoplasmic reticulum luminal Ca(2+)-binding chaperone
      protein. By immunizing mice with recombinant fragment (rCRT/39-272), six clones
      of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated and characterized. Based on these
      mAbs, a microplate chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) system with a
      measured limit of detection of 0.09 ng/ml was developed. Using this CLEIA system,
      it was found that soluble CRT (sCRT) level in serum samples from 58 lung cancer
      patients was significantly higher than that from 40 healthy individuals (only 9
      were detectable, P < 0.0001). Among them, serum sCRT in the small cell lung
      cancer was lower than that in adenocarcinoma (P = 0.0085), while both were lower
      than that in the squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.013, P = 0.0012, respectively).
      Moreover, it was found that sCRT in sera from the patients after chemotherapy was
      higher than that from the patients without chemotherapy (P = 0.042). Further
      study by immunohistochemistry showed that CRT was also highly expressed in the
      cytoplasm and on the membrane of the lung cancer cells, while there was a trace
      amount of CRT expression in normal lung cells. Correspondingly, the expression
      level of CRT on lung cancer cell membrane was associated with the tumor
      pathological grade. This study demonstrates that sCRT concentration in sera of
      lung cancer patients is higher than that in sera of healthy individuals, and CRT
      expression level on lung cancer cell membrane is associated with tumor
      pathological classification and grade. These findings suggest that CRT may be
      used as a biomarker in lung cancer prediction and diagnosis.

PMID- 22083348
TI  - [Certification of colorectal cancer units -- a critical overview on the basis of
      unsettled aspects].
AB  - In this contribution the rational of colorectal cancer centre certification is
      discussed on the basis of previously published literature and several unsettled
      factors which are not yet considered as influencing the quality of cancer
      treatment. The representation of the theme cannot be comprehensive or complete.
      The readers should be stimulated by one or the other topic to reach their own
      critical assessment. Due to several limitations of the published literature and
      the various unsettled aspects, the purpose of colorectal cancer centre
      certification is called into question.

PMID- 22083349
TI  - [Left renal vein - optional collateral damage in aortic aneurysm surgery?].

PMID- 22083350
TI  - [Anorectal melanoma--a retrospective analysis of seven cases].

PMID- 22083351
TI  - A genomic approach to predict synergistic combinations for breast cancer
      treatment.
AB  - We leverage genomic and biochemical data to identify synergistic drug regimens
      for breast cancer. In order to study the mechanism of the histone deacetylase
      (HDAC) inhibitors valproic acid (VPA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)
      in breast cancer, we generated and validated genomic profiles of drug response
      using a series of breast cancer cell lines sensitive to each drug. These genomic
      profiles were then used to model drug response in human breast tumors and show
      significant correlation between VPA and SAHA response profiles in multiple breast
      tumor data sets, highlighting their similar mechanism of action. The genes
      deregulated by VPA and SAHA converge on the cell cycle pathway (Bayes factor 5.21
      and 5.94, respectively; P-value 10(-8.6) and 10(-9), respectively). In
      particular, VPA and SAHA upregulate key cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors.
      In two independent datasets, cancer cells treated with CDK inhibitors have
      similar gene expression profile changes to the cellular response to HDAC
      inhibitors. Together, these results led us to hypothesize that VPA and SAHA may
      interact synergistically with CDK inhibitors such as PD-033299. Experiments show
      that HDAC and CDK inhibitors have statistically significant synergy in both
      breast cancer cell lines and primary 3-dimensional cultures of cells from pleural
      effusions of patients. Therefore, synergistic relationships between HDAC and CDK
      inhibitors may provide an effective combinatorial regimen for breast cancer.
      Importantly, these studies provide an example of how genomic analysis of drug
      response profiles can be used to design rational drug combinations for cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 22083352
TI  - In situ controlled growth of well-dispersed gold nanoparticles in TiO2 nanotube
      arrays as recyclable substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - In this paper, well-aligned Au-decorated TiO(2) nanotube arrays with high surface
      enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement were prepared using a facile in situ
      reduction and controlled growth approach. The gold nanoparticles are well
      dispersed and assembled on the mouth surface and the inside of the TiO(2)
      nanotubes without clogging. The structure and optical properties of the Au
      decorated TiO(2) nanotube arrays have been characterized. The Au-decorated TiO(2)
      nanotube arrays were employed as SERS-active substrates, which exhibit good
      performance due to long-range coupling between Au nanoparticles, and TiO(2)
      assisted enhanced charge-transfer from Au to Rh6G. The SERS activity of the
      substrates strongly depends on the crystallite size and level of aggregation. The
      substrates display significant fluorescence quenching ability and uniform SERS
      responses throughout the whole surface area. Particularly, good recyclability is
      shown. The photocatalytic property of Au-decorated TiO(2) nanotube array was
      exploited to recycle the substrate through UV light photocatalytic purification.
      The experimental results showed that the substrate is featured by high
      reproducibility and can be used as a highly efficient SERS substrate for multiple
      detection of different chemical and biological molecules.

PMID- 22083353
TI  - Enantioselective organocatalytic fluorination using organofluoro nucleophiles.
AB  - Synthetic fluorinated compounds are enormously useful in areas such as materials,
      agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. While methods of electrophilic
      fluorination have been extensively developed to stereoselectively install
      fluorine atoms onto molecules, nucleophilic fluorination is a much less explored
      approach. Recently, several organofluoro reagents have been designed and used as
      nucleophiles in the asymmetric synthesis of fluorinated compounds, significantly
      expanding the scope of enantio-enriched fluorine-containing compounds that can be
      synthesised. Such organofluoro nucleophiles are particularly useful in
      organocatalytic transformations. In this review, recent advances in the
      application of organofluoro nucleophiles in organocatalysis are summarised.

PMID- 22083354
TI  - Molecular sequence variations of the lipoxygenase-2 gene in soybean.
AB  - Soybean lipoxygenase genes comprise a multi-gene family, with the seed
      lipoxygenase isozymes LOX1, LOX2, and LOX3 present in soybean seeds. Among these,
      the LOX2 isozyme is primarily responsible for the "beany" flavor of most soybean
      seeds. The variety, Jinpumkong 2, having null alleles (lx1, lx2, and lx3) lacks
      the three seed lipoxygenases; so, sequence variations between the lipoxygenase-2
      genes of Pureunkong (Lx2) and Jinpumkong 2 (lx2) cultivars were examined. One
      indel, four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a 175-bp fragment in the 5'
      flanking sequence, and a missense mutation within the coding region were found in
      Jinpumkong 2. The distribution of the sequence variations was investigated among
      90 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross of Pureunkong *
      Jinpumkong 2 and in 480 germplasm accessions with various origins and maturity
      groups. Evidence for a genetic bottleneck was observed: the 175-bp fragment was
      rare in Glycine max, but present in the majority of the G. soja accessions.
      Furthermore, the 175-bp fragment was not detected in the 5' upstream region of
      the Lx2 gene on chromosome (Chr) 13 in Williams 82; instead, a similar 175-bp
      fragment was positioned in the homeologous region on Chr 15. The findings
      indicated that the novel fragment identified was originally present in the Lx2
      region prior to the recent genome duplication in soybean, but became rare in the
      G. max gene pool. The missense mutation of the conserved histidine residue of the
      lx2 allele was developed into a single nucleotide-amplified polymorphism (SNAP)
      marker. The missense mutation showed a perfect correlation with the LOX2-lacking
      phenotype, so the SNAP marker is expected to facilitate breeding of soybean
      cultivars which lack the LOX2 isozyme.

PMID- 22083355
TI  - Intron-length polymorphism identifies a Y2K4 dehydrin variant linked to superior
      freezing tolerance in alfalfa.
AB  - Breeding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with superior freezing tolerance could be
      accelerated by the identification of molecular markers associated to that trait.
      Dehydrins are a group of highly hydrophilic proteins that have been related to
      low temperature tolerance. We previously identified a dehydrin restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) among populations recurrently selected for
      superior tolerance to freezing (TF). Analysis of crosses between genotypes with
      (D+) or without (D-) that RFLP revealed a significant impact on freezing
      tolerance. In this study, we sought to develop a PCR marker for freezing
      tolerance based on prior evidence of a relationship between size variation in
      Y(2)K(4) dehydrins and the RFLP. Results confirm the enrichment of Y(2)K(4)
      sequences of intermediate size (G2 group) in response to recurrent selection and
      in the D+ progeny. Analysis of genomic sequences revealed significant intron
      length polymorphism (ILP) within the G2 group. G2 sequences with a characteristic
      short intron were more frequently found in D+ genotypes. Amplification using
      sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers bordering the intron
      confirmed an increase in the number of fragments with small introns in the D+
      progeny and in the ATF5 population obtained after five cycles of recurrent
      selection for superior TF within the cultivar Apica (ATF0). Conversely, there was
      a reduction in the number of fragments with long introns in the D+ progeny and in
      ATF5 as compared to ATF0. Recurrent selection for superior tolerance to freezing
      in combination with ILP identified a sequence variant of Y(2)K(4) dehydrins
      associated to the phenotypic response to selection.

PMID- 22083356
TI  - Identifying novel QTLs for submergence tolerance in rice cultivars IR72 and
      Madabaru.
AB  - Short-term submergence is a recurring problem in many rice production areas. The
      SUB1 gene, derived from the tolerant variety FR13A, has been transferred to a
      number of widely grown varieties, allowing them to withstand complete submergence
      for up to 2 weeks. However, in areas where longer-term submergence occurs,
      improved varieties having higher tolerance levels are needed. To search for novel
      quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from other donors, an F(2:3) population between
      IR72 and Madabaru, both moderately tolerant varieties, was investigated. After a
      repeated phenotyping of 466 families under submergence stress, a subset of 80
      families selected from the two extreme phenotypic tails was used for the QTL
      analysis. Phenotypic data showed transgressive segregation, with several families
      having an even higher survival rate than the FR13A-derived tolerant check
      (IR40931). Four QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 9, and 12; the largest
      QTL on chromosome 1 had a LOD score of 11.2 and R (2) of 52.3%. A QTL mapping to
      the SUB1 region on chromosome 9, with a LOD score of 3.6 and R (2) of 18.6%, had
      the tolerant allele from Madabaru, while the other three QTLs had tolerant
      alleles from IR72. The identification of three non-SUB1 QTLs from IR72 suggests
      that an alternative pathway may be present in this variety that is independent of
      the ethylene-dependent pathway mediated by the SUB1A gene. These novel QTLs can
      be combined with SUB1 using marker assisted backcrossing in an effort to enhance
      the level of submergence tolerance for flood-prone areas.

PMID- 22083357
TI  - Feasibility of three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic
      resonance imaging as a prognostic factor in patients with sudden hearing loss.
AB  - The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of high signal on three
      dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (3D
      FLAIR MRI) as one of the prognostic factors in recovery of sudden idiopathic
      hearing loss. A retrospective study was conducted using patients who were
      diagnosed with unilateral sudden idiopathic hearing loss from January 2008 to
      December 2010. A total of 120 patients were enrolled in for this study. High
      intensity signal in the inner ear on precontrast 3D FLAIR MRI was observed in 31
      patients (25.8%; FHS) and labyrinthine enhancement was not observed in another 89
      patients (FNS; 74.2%). There was no significant difference in patients'
      characteristics between two groups except final hearing. Final puretone average
      of the FHS group was 49.4 dB, significantly worse than FNS group's 36.7 dB (p =
      0.037 < 0.05). Final hearing was related to initial hearing, accompanying
      dizziness, and abnormal auditory brainstem response result by multiple regression
      analysis. However, presence of high-intensity signal on precontrast 3D FLAIR MRI
      did not affect final hearing significantly. Significant difference due to the
      presence of dizziness in final hearing was observed in whole patients and in the
      FHS group, whereas no significant difference in final hearing was observed in FNS
      group. (p = 0.063 > 0.05). From these findings, the presence of high-intensity
      signal on 3D FLAIR MRI is a subfactor related to dizziness rather than a single
      poor prognostic factor and the absence of high-intensity signal on 3D FLAIR MRI
      can possibly imply relative good prognosis.

PMID- 22083358
TI  - The relationship between Bell's palsy and morphometric aspects of the facial
      nerve.
AB  - Epidemiological data of Bell's palsy (BP) have been reported. For example, the
      annual incidence of BP is 15-30 per 100,000 persons, with equal numbers of men
      and women affected, and there is no predilection for either side of the face.
      However, details of the relationship between BP and morphometric aspects of the
      facial nerve have not been available in textbooks. We performed a morphometric
      analysis of human facial nerve fibers and estimated the total number of
      myelinated axons (TN) and average transverse area of myelinated axons (ATA). The
      facial nerve showed a significant decrease of TN with increasing age (r = -0.77;
      p < 0.01), but showed no significant changes of ATA with age (r = -0.01; p =
      0.96). We supposed that the TN decrease with age was a factor in the delayed
      recovery from BP seen in the elderly. Moreover, the TN and ATA showed no
      significant differences between female and male specimens (p < 0.05), or between
      the right and left side specimens (p < 0.05). Our present results seem to explain
      the absence of significant sex and affected side differences in BP.

PMID- 22083360
TI  - Assessing somatic hypermutation in Ramos B cells after overexpression or
      knockdown of specific genes.
AB  - B cells start their life with low affinity antibodies generated by V(D)J
      recombination. However, upon detecting a pathogen, the variable (V) region of an
      immunoglobulin (Ig) gene is mutated approximately 100,000-fold more than the rest
      of the genome through somatic hypermutation (SHM), resulting in high affinity
      antibodies. In addition, class switch recombination (CSR) produces antibodies
      with different effector functions depending on the kind of immune response that
      is needed for a particular pathogen. Both CSR and SHM are initiated by activation
      induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which deaminates cytosine residues in DNA to
      produce uracils. These uracils are processed by error-prone forms of repair
      pathways, eventually leading to mutations and recombination. Our current
      understanding of the molecular details of SHM and CSR come from a combination of
      studies in mice, primary cells, cell lines, and cell-free experiments. Mouse
      models remain the gold standard with genetic knockouts showing critical roles for
      many repair factors (e.g. Ung, Msh2, Msh6, Exo1, and polymerase eta). However,
      not all genes are amenable for knockout studies. For example, knockouts of
      several double-strand break repair proteins are embryonically lethal or impair B
      cell development. Moreover, sometimes the specific function of a protein in SHM
      or CSR may be masked by more global defects caused by the knockout. In addition,
      since experiments in mice can be lengthy, altering expression of individual genes
      in cell lines has become an increasingly popular first step to identifying and
      characterizing candidate genes. Ramos - a Burkitt lymphoma cell line that
      constitutively undergoes SHM - has been a popular cell-line model to study SHM.
      One advantage of Ramos cells is that they have a built-in convenient semi
      quantitative measure of SHM. Wild type cells express IgM and, as they pick up
      mutations, some of the mutations knock out IgM expression. Therefore, assaying
      IgM loss by fluorescence-activated cell scanning (FACS) provides a quick read-out
      for the level of SHM. A more quantitative measurement of SHM can be obtained by
      directly sequencing the antibody genes. Since Ramos cells are difficult to
      transfect, we produce stable derivatives that have increased or lowered
      expression of an individual gene by infecting cells with retroviral or lentiviral
      constructs that contain either an overexpression cassette or a short hairpin RNA
      (shRNA), respectively. Here, we describe how we infect Ramos cells and then use
      these cells to investigate the role of specific genes on SHM (Figure 1).

PMID- 22083361
TI  - Does lengthening and then plating (LAP) shorten duration of external fixation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Classic bone lengthening requires patients wear external fixation for
      the distraction and consolidation phases and there is fracture risk after frame
      removal. Our technique of lengthening with the Taylor Spatial Frame(TM) and then
      insertion of a locked plate allows earlier removal of the external fixator during
      consolidation. Plate insertion is accomplished through a clean pin-free zone
      avoiding contamination and before frame removal maintaining bone position.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked (1) whether lengthening and then plating (LAP)
      decrease the time for external fixation (2) how alignment and complications
      compare with those of the classic method. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      case-matched comparison between LAP and the classic technique with 27 extremities
      in each group. We compared time wearing the frame, bone healing index, external
      fixation index, joint ROM, alignment, and complications. RESULTS: The time
      wearing the frame and external fixation index were lower in the LAP group (4.5
      versus 6.2 months and 1.5 versus 2 months/cm). Deviation from normal alignment
      was observed in seven and six patients in the LAP and classic group,
      respectively. Varus malalignment in two patients in the LAP group was associated
      with plate breakage. The incidence of pin-tract infection was greater in the
      classic group (12 versus two). No deep infections occurred in the LAP group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The LAP technique shortened the time patients wore the external
      fixator but was associated with a high incidence of varus deformity. Stronger
      plates may help prevent deformity and allow earlier removal of the frame. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study (retrospective study). See the
      Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22083362
TI  - Hyperkalaemia in a female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22083364
TI  - Henoch-Schonlein nephritis with nephrotic state in children: predictors of poor
      outcomes.

PMID- 22083365
TI  - Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System dialysis in children with cholestatic
      pruritus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholestatic pruritus may severely compromise quality of life. The
      Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System (MARS) allows removal of pruritogenic
      substances without exposure to foreign proteins. Pediatric data, however, are
      scant. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of MARS in three boys
      with severe cholestatic pruritus. They received a total of 135 MARS sessions
      during 8, 4, and 13 months prior to liver transplantation. Total serum bilirubin
      and bile acids were monitored, and pruritus was assessed by a numerical rating
      scale (NRS 0 = no pruritus, 10 = maximal pruritus). RESULTS: MARS sessions were
      initially performed three times weekly at a mean duration of 6.3 +/- 1.4 h.
      Sessions could be reduced to once weekly and once every other week in two
      patients. Pre-MARS plasma bile acid concentrations averaged 207 +/- 67 MUmol/l.
      They declined to 67 +/- 9%, 48 +/- 3%, 38 +/- 14%, and 37 +/- 5% of baseline
      within 2, 4, 6 and 8 h of therapy, respectively (all p < 0.05). The average
      interdialytic increase of plasma bile acids was 34 +/- 33 MUmol/l per day. Mean
      NRS score decreased from 6.5 +/- 2.3 to 3.3 +/- 2.9 (p < 0.01). Skin lesions from
      itching disappeared. All MARS treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: MARS
      dialysis substantially reduces cholestatic pruritus in children refractory to
      pharmacological treatment.

PMID- 22083366
TI  - Individually customised fetal weight charts derived from ultrasound measurements:
      the Generation R Study.
AB  - Maternal and fetal characteristics are important determinants of fetal growth
      potential, and should ideally be taken into consideration when evaluating fetal
      growth variation. We developed a model for individually customised growth charts
      for estimated fetal weight, which takes into account physiological maternal and
      fetal characteristics known at the start of pregnancy. We used fetal ultrasound
      data of 8,162 pregnant women participating in the Generation R Study, a
      prospective, population-based cohort study from early pregnancy onwards. A
      repeated measurements regression model was constructed, using backward selection
      procedures for identifying relevant maternal and fetal characteristics. The final
      model for estimating expected fetal weight included gestational age, fetal sex,
      parity, ethnicity, maternal age, height and weight. Using this model, we
      developed individually customised growth charts, and their corresponding standard
      deviations, for fetal weight from 18 weeks onwards. Of the total of 495 fetuses
      who were classified as small size for gestational age (<10th percentile) when
      fetal weight was evaluated using the normal population growth chart, 80 (16%)
      were in the normal range when individually customised growth charts were used.
      550 fetuses were classified as small size for gestational age using individually
      customised growth charts, and 135 of them (25%) were classified as normal if the
      unadjusted reference chart was used. In conclusion, this is the first study using
      ultrasound measurements in a large population-based study to fit a model to
      construct individually customised growth charts, taking into account
      physiological maternal and fetal characteristics. These charts might be useful
      for use in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice.

PMID- 22083368
TI  - Development of a minimally invasive laser needle system: effects on cortical bone
      of osteoporotic mice.
AB  - Many studies have shown the positive effects of low-level laser therapy in the
      treatment of bone disease. However, laser radiation is scattered in the skin
      surface which reduces the initial photon density for tissue penetration and
      consequently the therapeutic efficacy. We developed a minimally invasive laser
      needle system (MILNS) to avoid laser scattering in tissue and investigated its
      stimulatory effects in the cortical bone of osteoporotic mice. The MILNS was
      designed to stimulate cortical bone directly by employing fine hollow needles to
      guide 100 MUm optical fibers. The study animals comprised 12 mice which were
      subjected to sciatic denervation of the right hind limb and were randomly divided
      into two groups, a sham group and a laser group which were treated using the
      MILNS for 2 weeks without and with laser irradiation, respectively. In vivo micro
      CT images were taken to analyze the structural parameters and bone mineral
      density. After 2 weeks of treatment with the MILNS, the relative changes in mean
      polar moment inertia, cross-section thickness, and periosteal perimeter were
      significantly higher in the laser group than in the sham group. Moreover, the
      distribution of bone mineral density index was higher in the laser group. The
      MILNS was developed as a minimally invasive treatment modality for bone disease
      and resulted in positive therapeutic efficacy in the cortical bone of
      osteoporotic mice.

PMID- 22083369
TI  - RFID sensor-tags feeding a context-aware rule-based healthcare monitoring system.
AB  - Along with the growing of the aging population and the necessity of efficient
      wellness systems, there is a mounting demand for new technological solutions able
      to support remote and proactive healthcare. An answer to this need could be
      provided by the joint use of the emerging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
      technologies and advanced software choices. This paper presents a proposal for a
      context-aware infrastructure for ubiquitous and pervasive monitoring of
      heterogeneous healthcare-related scenarios, fed by RFID-based wireless sensors
      nodes. The software framework is based on a general purpose architecture
      exploiting three key implementation choices: ontology representation, multi-agent
      paradigm and rule-based logic. From the hardware point of view, the sensing and
      gathering of context-data is demanded to a new Enhanced RFID Sensor-Tag. This new
      device, de facto, makes possible the easy integration between RFID and generic
      sensors, guaranteeing flexibility and preserving the benefits in terms of
      simplicity of use and low cost of UHF RFID technology. The system is very
      efficient and versatile and its customization to new scenarios requires a very
      reduced effort, substantially limited to the update/extension of the ontology
      codification. Its effectiveness is demonstrated by reporting both customization
      effort and performance results obtained from validation in two different
      healthcare monitoring contexts.

PMID- 22083370
TI  - Implement the RFID position based system of automatic tablets packaging machine
      for patient safety.
AB  - Patient safety has been regarded as the most important quality policy of hospital
      management. The medicine dispensing definitely plays an influential role in the
      Joint Commission International Accreditation Standards. The problem we are going
      to discuss in this paper is that the function of detecting mistakes does not
      exist in the Automatic Tablets packaging machine (ATPM) in the hospital pharmacy
      department when the pharmacists implement the replenishment of cassettes. In this
      situation, there are higher possibilities of placing the wrong cassettes back to
      the wrong positions, so that the human errors will lead to a crucial impact on
      total inpatients undoubtedly. Therefore, this study aims to design the RFID
      (Radio frequency identification) position based system (PBS) for the ATPM with
      passive high frequency (HF) model. At first, we placed the HF tags on each
      cassette and installed the HF readers on the cabinets for each position. Then,
      the system works on the reading loop to verify ID numbers and positions on each
      cassette. Next, the system would detect whether the orbit opens or not and
      controls the readers' working power consumption for drug storage temperature.
      Finally, we use the RFID PBS of the ATPM to achieve the goal of avoiding the
      medication errors at any time for patient safety.

PMID- 22083372
TI  - Indications and outcome of abdominal myomectomy in University of Maiduguri
      Teaching Hospital: Review of ten year.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal myomectomy is a common modality of treatment for large and
      symptomatic uterine fibroid in women who wish to retain their fertility. Though
      frequently performed the procedure may still be associated with complications.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who had abdominal
      myomectomy from January 1999 to December 2008 at the University of Maiduguri
      Teaching Hospital. Information on the Sociodemographic characteristics,
      indication for the myomectomy, uterine size, pre and post operative packed cell
      volume (PCV), intraoperative findings, cadre of surgeon, duration of hospital
      stay and complications were obtained. RESULTS: The rate of abdominal myomectomy
      was 3.34%. Majority of the patients (79.8%) aged 30-49 years, and most (58.9%)
      were nulliparas. Abdominal mass (63.7%), menorrhagia (57.7%), and subfertility
      55.2% were the leading indications for abdominal myomectomy. Complications were
      seen in 10.9% of the cases, 55.5 % of which were wound infections. Clinical and
      intra operative factors associated with complications included menorrhagia
      (P=0.003), estimated blood loss (EBL) >=500mls (P=0.005) and post operative PCV
      of <30% (P=0.081). CONCLUSION: Complication rate after myomectomy was low with
      menorrhagia and EBL >= 500 mls being significantly associated with development of
      complication.

PMID- 22083373
TI  - Detection and determination of manganese concentration in water using a fiber
      Bragg grating coupled with nanotechnology.
AB  - Through this paper we experimentally demonstrate the fabrication of a fiber Bragg
      grating (FBG) chemical sensor to detect and determine the manganese concentration
      in water and compare our results with sophisticated spectroscopic methods, such
      as atomic absorption spectrometry and the inductively coupled plasma method. Here
      we propose a simple method to develop a thin layer of gold nanoparticles above
      the etched grating region to enhance the sensitivity of the reflected spectrum of
      the FBG. By doing so, we achieve a sensitivity of 1.26 nm/parts per million in
      determining the trace level of Mn in water. Proper reagents are used to detect
      manganese in water.

PMID- 22083374
TI  - High precision dynamic multi-interface profilometry with optical coherence
      tomography.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has mostly been used for high-speed volume
      imaging but its profilometry potentials have not been fully exploited. This paper
      demonstrates high precision (as good as ~50 nm) multi-interface profilometry
      using a Fourier domain OCT system without special antivibration devices. The
      precision is up to 2 orders of magnitude better than the depth resolution of the
      OCT. Detailed analysis of the precision achieved for different surfaces is
      presented. The multi-interface profiles are obtained as a by-product of the
      tomography data. OCT has the advantage in speed and sensitivity at detecting
      rough and internal interfaces versus conventional optical profilometry. An
      application of the technique to the dynamic monitoring of varnish drying on
      paintlike substrates is demonstrated, which provides a better understanding of
      the formation of surface roughness. The technique has potential benefits in the
      fields of art conservation, coatings technology, and soft matter physics.

PMID- 22083371
TI  - The use of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage to treat open
      comminuted fractures of tibia in the Wenchuan earthquake.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the results of external fixation
      combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) to treat patients who sustained
      tibial and fibular fractures in the Wenchuan earthquake. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analysed 179 cases (of which 85 were classified as Gustilo grade
      III) of open comminuted fracture of the tibia and fibula caused by the Wenchuan
      earthquake. The patients were followed up for an average of 15 months; detailed
      records were kept on their function and recovery. RESULTS: After caring for the
      life-threatening injuries; fractures were treated by external fixation, with VSD
      used on the surface or in the cavity of the wound after debridement. Antibiotics
      were administered on the basis of drug sensitivity test results. After the
      infection had been controlled and healthy granulation tissue had developed, the
      patients underwent secondary suture, free skin grafting, or skin flap transfer.
      CONCLUSION: Good results can be achieved when external fixation combined with
      vacuum sealing drainage were used to treat open comminuted fractures of tibia and
      fibula in the Wenchuan earthquake.

PMID- 22083375
TI  - Optical programmable Boolean logic unit.
AB  - Logic units are the building blocks of many important computational operations
      likes arithmetic, multiplexer-demultiplexer, radix conversion, parity checker cum
      generator, etc. Multifunctional logic operation is very much essential in this
      respect. Here a programmable Boolean logic unit is proposed that can perform 16
      Boolean logical operations from a single optical input according to the
      programming input without changing the circuit design. This circuit has two
      outputs. One output is complementary to the other. Hence no loss of data can
      occur. The circuit is basically designed by a 2*2 polarization independent
      optical cross bar switch. Performance of the proposed circuit has been achieved
      by doing numerical simulations. The binary logical states (0,1) are represented
      by the absence of light (null) and presence of light, respectively.

PMID- 22083376
TI  - Measurement of the surface profile of an axicon lens with a polarization phase
      shifting shearing interferometer.
AB  - We present a Twyman-Green interferometer (TGI)-based polarization phase-shifting
      shearing interferometric technique for testing the conical surface of an axicon
      (AX) lens. In this technique, the annular beam generated due to the passing of an
      expanded collimated laser beam traveling along the axis of revolution of the
      transparent glass AX element is split up into its reflected and transmitted
      components, having the plane of polarization in the orthogonal planes, by the
      polarization beam splitter (PBS) cube of the TGI-based optical setup. The split
      up components are made to travel unequal paths along the two arms of the TGI and
      are recombined by the PBS. Because of the difference in path lengths traveled by
      the annular conical beams, a linear shear is introduced along the radial
      direction between the interfering components. Thus, the resulting interference
      pattern gives a map of the optical path difference (OPD) between two successive
      close points along a radial direction on the conical surface of the AX lens. The
      OPD map along radial directions, and hence the slopes/profiles of the conical
      surface, are obtained by applying polarization phase-shifting interferometry.
      Results obtained for an AX lens are presented.

PMID- 22083377
TI  - Information-theoretic analysis of a stimulated-Brillouin-scattering-based slow
      light system.
AB  - We use an information-theoretic method developed by Neifeld and Lee [J. Opt. Soc.
      Am. A 25, C31 (2008)] to analyze the performance of a slow-light system. Slow
      light is realized in this system via stimulated Brillouin scattering in a 2 km
      long, room-temperature, highly nonlinear fiber pumped by a laser whose spectrum
      is tailored and broadened to 5 GHz. We compute the information throughput (IT),
      which quantifies the fraction of information transferred from the source to the
      receiver and the information delay (ID), which quantifies the delay of a data
      stream at which the information transfer is largest, for a range of experimental
      parameters. We also measure the eye-opening (EO) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
      of the transmitted data stream and find that they scale in a similar fashion to
      the information-theoretic method. Our experimental findings are compared to a
      model of the slow-light system that accounts for all pertinent noise sources in
      the system as well as data-pulse distortion due to the filtering effect of the
      SBS process. The agreement between our observations and the predictions of our
      model is very good. Furthermore, we compare measurements of the IT for an optimal
      flattop gain profile and for a Gaussian-shaped gain profile. For a given pump
      beam power, we find that the optimal profile gives a 36% larger ID and somewhat
      higher IT compared to the Gaussian profile. Specifically, the optimal (Gaussian)
      profile produces a fractional slow-light ID of 0.94 (0.69) and an IT of 0.86
      (0.86) at a pump-beam power of 450 mW and a data rate of 2.5 Gbps. Thus, the
      optimal profile better utilizes the available pump-beam power, which is often a
      valuable resource in a system design.

PMID- 22083378
TI  - Dirac bra-ket in radiometry of quasi-homogeneous sources.
AB  - The concept of "throughput" is used in traditional radiometry of Lambertian
      sources for computing and estimating the radiant flux passed through a pair of
      stops, in particular through the window and the pupil of an optical system. It is
      shown that in a more general case of quasi-homogeneous sources for energetic
      calculations of the perfect optical system, one must use instead of the
      throughput a functional that is similar to the famous "Dirac bra-ket." This
      functional takes into account the radiation pattern of the source. As the Dirac
      bra-ket satisfies the axioms of the inner product, powerful mathematical tools of
      functional analysis for the energy calculation of the optical systems are used.
      The main equations and principles of radiometry (the principle of reversibility
      and Maxwell's principle) are reformulated from the concept "throughput" into the
      concept "Dirac bra-ket." For generalization of Maxwell's principle to the class
      of quasi-homogeneous sources the concept of "effective stops" is introduced.

PMID- 22083379
TI  - 3D video visualization employing wavelet multilevel decomposition.
AB  - This study analyzed the implementation and performance of a framework that can be
      efficiently applied to three-dimensional (3D) video sequence visualization. The
      proposed algorithm is based on wavelets and wavelet atomic functions used in the
      computation of disparity maps. The proposed algorithm employs wavelet multilevel
      decomposition and 3D visualization via color anaglyphs synthesis. Simulations
      were run on synthetic images, synthetic video sequences, and real-life video
      sequences. Results shows that this novel approach performs better in depth and
      spatial perception tasks compared to existing methods, both in terms of objective
      criteria such as quantity of bad disparities and similarity structural index
      measure and the more subjective measure of human vision.

PMID- 22083381
TI  - Passive frequency stabilization in Nd:YAG pulse laser using reflective volume
      Bragg grating.
AB  - We demonstrate a stable Q-switched single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) Nd:YAG laser
      using a volume Bragg grating as the output coupler. The reflective volume Bragg
      grating, serving as a longitudinal selector and passive frequency stabilizer,
      effectively eliminates the mode hopping effect of the laser. The maximum output
      energy of the SLM obtained from the current experimental setup is 18.5 mJ. The
      maximum separation of frequencies is significantly less than the longitudinal
      mode separation, indicating that a stable SLM laser is achieved.

PMID- 22083382
TI  - Evolution process from ghost diffraction to ghost imaging in a lensless imaging
      system.
AB  - Ghost diffraction and ghost imaging are investigated in a lensless imaging
      system. The evolution process from ghost diffraction to ghost imaging is
      discussed when the object is moved far away from the source in the test arm. The
      relation of ghost diffraction and imaging is also studied, and it is found that
      the visibility of ghost imaging is always better than that of ghost diffraction.

PMID- 22083383
TI  - Analytical approach to thermal lensing in end-pumped Yb:YAG thin-disk laser.
AB  - Thermal lensing in the thin-disk laser influences the output beam quality and
      optical efficiency significantly. In this paper, an analytical approach is taken
      to study the production mechanisms, features, and influences of thermal lensing
      in the end-pumped thin-disk laser. We calculate the distributions of temperature,
      stress, strain, and expansion in the disk and the curvature of the crystal using
      an analytic method. The expressions of the thermal lens focal length depending on
      the radius are presented. The optical path difference, a major cause of thermal
      lensing, is induced by the thermo-optical effect, the photoelastic effect, and
      inhomogeneous distribution of thermal expansion and the excited population.
      Thermal lensing is found to be aspheric with undesired aberrations and
      birefringence effects. Furthermore, a convex mirror due to the axial temperature
      gradient occurs in a free disk, and the convex mirror is found to be spherical in
      the center region of the disk. Based on the results of our analysis, the aspect
      ratio and size of the laser mode of the gain region may be adjusted to limit the
      damaging effects of thermal lensing.

PMID- 22083384
TI  - Nonmechanical transverse scanning laser Doppler velocimeter using wavelength
      change.
AB  - A transverse scanning laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) that does not require any
      moving mechanism in its sensor probe is proposed, and the scanning function is
      demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. In the proposed scanning LDV, the
      measurement position is transversely scanned on the basis of a wavelength change
      induced by a tunable laser and a combination of a grating and a Dove prism. To
      demonstrate the scanning function in the transverse direction, an experiment was
      carried out using a setup of the sensor probe consisting of bulk optical
      components. The experimental results indicate that a transverse scanning function
      was successfully obtained. The scanning range in the vertical direction is
      estimated to be 11.3 mm over wavelengths of 1520 to 1570 nm.

PMID- 22083385
TI  - Effects of manufacturing errors on diffraction efficiency for multilayer
      diffractive optical elements.
AB  - The effect of manufacturing errors on diffraction efficiency for multilayer
      diffractive optical elements (MLDOEs) used in imaging optical systems is
      discussed in this paper. The relationship of diffraction efficiency and depth
      scaling errors are analyzed for two different cases: the two relative depth
      scaling errors change in the same sign and in the opposite sign. For the first
      condition, the corresponding diffraction efficiency decreases more slowly. The
      effect of periodic width errors on diffraction efficiency is also evaluated. When
      the two major manufacturing errors coexist, the magnitude of the decrease of
      diffraction efficiency is analyzed for MLDOEs. The result can be used for
      analyzing the effects of the manufacturing errors on diffraction efficiency for
      MLDOEs.

PMID- 22083386
TI  - Influences of pyramid prism deflection on inversion of wind velocity and
      temperature in a novel static polarization wind imaging interferometer.
AB  - The principle of the novel static polarization wind imaging interferometer
      (NSPWII) [Acta Opt. Sin. 28, 700 (2008)] based on a pyramid prism is described.
      Since the measured wind velocity and temperature depend on the transmittance of
      the pyramid prism, the deflection of the prism introduced by vibration would
      produce some measuring errors. In this paper, with an assumed deflection case, we
      analyze its influence on the derived wind velocity and temperature theoretically.
      The relative error of the inversion temperature and variety of the inversion
      velocity as they changed with the deflection angle are discussed.

PMID- 22083387
TI  - Comparison of structure and performance between extended blue and standard
      transmission-mode GaAs photocathode modules.
AB  - Extended blue and standard transmission-mode GaAs photocathode modules were
      prepared, respectively, by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The
      experimental reflectivity, transmissivity, and spectral response curves were
      measured and compared separately. The integral sensitivities are 1980 MUA/lm and
      2022 MUA/lm for both the modules. By use of the revised quantum yield formula,
      the experimental spectral response curves are fitted to obtain the structure
      parameters. The fitted results show that the Ga(1-x)Al(x)As window layer with
      varied aluminum components is beneficial to improve extended blue GaAs
      photocathode module. In addition, the layer-thickness and aluminum component in
      the window layer determine the extended blue performance, while the thickness of
      the GaAs active layer settles the long-waveband performance for the transmission
      mode GaAs photocathode module.

PMID- 22083388
TI  - Prediction formulas for nasal continuous positive airway pressure in patients
      with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PMID- 22083389
TI  - Synthesis of functionalized tetrahydro-1,3-diazepin-2-ones and 1-carbamoyl-1H
      pyrroles via ring expansion and ring expansion/ring contraction of
      tetrahydropyrimidines.
AB  - A general approach to 6-phenylthio-substituted 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,3-diazepin
      2-ones based on the ring expansion reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ones
      under the action of nucleophiles has been developed. The first step of the
      synthesis was preparation of N-[(2-benzoyloxy-1-tosyl)ethyl]urea by three
      component condensation of 2-benzoyloxyethanal, urea and p-toluenesulfinic acid.
      Nucleophilic substitution of the tosyl group in the obtained sulfone with sodium
      enolates of alpha-phenylthioketones followed by cyclization-dehydration, and
      debenzoylation gave 4-hydroxymethyl-5-phenylthio-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-2
      ones which were transformed into the 4-mesyloxymethyl-derivatives. Treatment of
      the latter with nucleophilic reagents, such as NaCN, sodium diethyl malonate,
      PhSNa, MeONa, NaBH(4), sodium succinimide, or potassium phthalimide, afforded the
      target multi-functionalized diazepinones. The obtained 6-phenylthio-diazepinones
      and their 6-tosyl-substituted analogues were converted into 3-substituted 1
      carbamoyl-1H-pyrroles under acidic conditions as a result of ring contraction.
      Effective one-pot synthesis of the latter from 4-mesyloxymethyl-pyrimidines was
      realized using a ring expansion/ring contraction sequence.

PMID- 22083390
TI  - The relationships between employment, clinical status, and psychiatric
      hospitalisation in patients with schizophrenia receiving either IPS or a
      conventional vocational rehabilitation programme.
AB  - PURPOSE: Positive relationships between employment and clinical status have been
      found in several studies. However, an unequivocal interpretation of these
      relationships is difficult on the basis of common statistical methods. METHODS:
      In this analysis, a structural equation model approach for longitudinal data was
      applied to identify the direction of statistical relationships between hours
      worked, clinical status and days in psychiatric hospital in 312 persons with
      schizophrenia who participated in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial
      comparing the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) with
      conventional vocational services in six study settings across Europe. Data were
      analysed by an autoregressive cross-lagged effects model, an autoregressive cross
      lagged model with random intercepts and an autoregressive latent trajectory
      model. RESULTS: Comparison of model fit parameters suggested the autoregressive
      cross-lagged effects model to be the best approach for the given data structure.
      All models indicated that patients who received an IPS intervention spent more
      hours in competitive employment and, due to indirect positive effects of
      employment on clinical status, spent fewer days in psychiatric hospitals than
      patients who received conventional vocational training. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      support the hypothesis that the IPS intervention has positive effects not only on
      vocational but also on clinical outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22083393
TI  - The vasodilator stress ECG: should depression cause anxiety?

PMID- 22083394
TI  - In vitro azadirachtin production by hairy root cultivation of Azadirachta indica
      in nutrient mist bioreactor.
AB  - Azadirachtin, a well-known biopesticide is a secondary metabolite conventionally
      extracted from the seeds of Azadirachta indica. The present study involved in
      vitro azadirachtin production by developing hairy roots of A. indica via
      Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of A. indica explants. Liquid
      culture of hairy roots was established in shake flask to study the kinetics of
      growth and azadirachtin production. A biomass production of 13.3 g/L dry weight
      (specific growth rate of 0.7 day(-1)) was obtained after 25 days of cultivation
      period with an azadirachtin yield of 3.3 mg/g root biomass. To overcome the mass
      transfer limitation in conventionally used liquid-phase reactors, batch
      cultivation of hairy roots was carried out in gas-phase reactors (nutrient spray
      and nutrient mist bioreactor) to investigate the possible scale-up of A. indica
      hairy root culture. The nano-size nutrient mist particles generated from the
      nozzle of the nutrient mist bioreactor could penetrate till the inner core of the
      inoculated root matrix, facilitating uniform growth during high-density
      cultivation of hairy roots. A biomass production of 9.8 g/L dry weight with
      azadirachtin accumulation of 2.8 mg/g biomass (27.4 mg/L) could be achieved in 25
      days of batch cultivation period, which was equivalent to a volumetric
      productivity of 1.09 mg/L per day of azadirachtin.

PMID- 22083391
TI  - Executive summary of the report by the WPA section on pharmacopsychiatry on
      general and comparative efficacy and effectiveness of antidepressants in the
      acute treatment of depressive disorders.
AB  - Current gold standard in the treatment of depression includes pharmacotherapeutic
      and psychotherapeutic strategies together with social support. Due to the
      actually discussed controversies concerning the differential efficacy of
      antidepressants, a contribution to a comprehensive clarification seems to be
      necessary to avert further deterioration and uncertainty from patients,
      relatives, and their treating psychiatrists and general practitioners. Both
      efficacy and clinical effectiveness of antidepressants in the treatment of
      depressive disorders can be confirmed. Clinically meaningful antidepressant
      treatment effects were confirmed in different types of studies. Methodological
      issues of randomized controlled studies, meta-analyses, and effectiveness studies
      will be discussed. Furthermore, actual data about the differential efficacy and
      effectiveness of antidepressants with distinct pharmacodynamic properties and
      about outcome differences in studies using antidepressants and/or psychotherapy
      are discussed. This is followed by a clinically oriented depiction-the
      differential clinical effectiveness of different pharmacodynamic modes of action
      of antidepressants in different subtypes of depressive disorders. It can be
      summarized that the spectrum of different antidepressant treatments has broadened
      during the last decades. The efficacy and clinical effectiveness of
      antidepressants is statistically significant and clinically relevant and proven
      repeatedly. For further optimizing antidepressant treatment plans, clearly
      structured treatment algorithms and the implementation of psychotherapy seem to
      be useful. A modern individualized antidepressant treatment in most cases is a
      well-tolerated and efficacious tool to minimize the negative impact of the
      otherwise devastating and life-threatening outcome of depressive disorders.

PMID- 22083395
TI  - Genome shuffling enhanced epsilon-poly-L-lysine production by improving glucose
      tolerance of Streptomyces graminearus.
AB  - The productivity of epsilon-poly-L: -lysine (epsilon-PL) in currently reported
      wild-type strains is low. Here we improved glucose tolerance of a Streptomyces
      graminearus strain LS-B1 by genome shuffling while simultaneously enhancing the
      epsilon-PL productivity. The starting population was generated by ultraviolet
      irradiation and nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis and then subjected for recursive
      protoplast fusion. The positive colonies from library, created by fusing the
      inactivated protoplasts were screened on agar plates containing different
      concentrations of glucose. Characterization of all recombinants and wild-type
      strain in shake-flask fermentation indicated the compatibility of two phenotypes
      of glucose tolerance and epsilon-PL yield enhancement. The best performing
      recombinant, F3-4, was isolated after three rounds of genome shuffling, whose
      epsilon-PL production was about 88% higher than that of the parent strain. In
      batch fermentation test, the epsilon-PL concentration was obtained as 2.4 g/L by
      F3-4 compared with 1.6 g/L of wild type. Fed-batch fermentation by F3-4 was
      carried out and the epsilon-PL production accumulated to 13.5 g/L when initial
      glucose concentration was improved from 50 to 85 g/L. Enzyme activities of
      hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and citrate synthase revealed that the glycolytic
      pathway and tricarboxylic acid circle way in F3-4 were more active than those in
      wild type, which was a possible reason for enhanced epsilon-PL production.

PMID- 22083397
TI  - Geochemical evidence for the origin of vanadium in an urban environment.
AB  - The city of Salamanca in central Mexico is surrounded by heavy industry, i.e., a
      refinery, a thermoelectric plant and chemical industries. Variable concentrations
      of vanadium (V) have been reported in the groundwater, and their presence has
      been related to particulates so this hypothesis was tested by sampling soil in
      the urban area and the surrounding uncontaminated country site. The 0-10-cm soil
      layer in the industrial and rural area was analyzed for V and other metal trace
      elements found in hydrocarbons, i.e., chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and
      nickel (Ni). The concentrations of V were higher in the urban rather than in the
      rural soil, reaching values of >600 mg kg(-1) in the urban soils. In the rural
      area, V in the soil was related to regional geology, i.e., volcanic rocks such as
      basalts and rhyolites but not in the urban area where it was related to
      particulate distribution mostly emitted from the industries burning fuel oil
      number 6.

PMID- 22083398
TI  - Development of fuzzy air quality index using soft computing approach.
AB  - Proper assessment of air quality status in an atmosphere based on limited
      observations is an essential task for meeting the goals of environmental
      management. A number of classification methods are available for estimating the
      changing status of air quality. However, a discrepancy frequently arises from the
      quality criteria of air employed and vagueness or fuzziness embedded in the
      decision making output values. Owing to inherent imprecision, difficulties always
      exist in some conventional methodologies like air quality index when describing
      integrated air quality conditions with respect to various pollutants parameters
      and time of exposure. In recent years, the fuzzy logic-based methods have
      demonstrated to be appropriated to address uncertainty and subjectivity in
      environmental issues. In the present study, a methodology based on fuzzy
      inference systems (FIS) to assess air quality is proposed. This paper presents a
      comparative study to assess status of air quality using fuzzy logic technique and
      that of conventional technique. The findings clearly indicate that the FIS may
      successfully harmonize inherent discrepancies and interpret complex conditions.

PMID- 22083399
TI  - Chemometric study on the trace metal accumulation in the sediments of the Cochin
      Estuary--Southwest coast of India.
AB  - The distribution and accumulation of trace metals in the sediments of the Cochin
      estuary during the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods were
      investigated. Sediment samples from 14 locations were collected and analysed for
      the metal contents (Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb), organic carbon,
      total nitrogen, total sulphur and grain size. The data were processed using
      statistical tools like correlation, factor and cluster analysis. The study
      revealed an enrichment of Cd and Zn in the study area particularly at station 2,
      which is confirmed by enrichment factor, contamination factor and geoaccumulation
      index. The factor analysis revealed that the source of Cd and Zn may be same. The
      study indicated that the spatial variation for the metals like Mg, Cr, Fe, Co,
      Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were predominant unlike Mn which shows a temporal
      variation. The strong association of trace metals with Fe and Mn hydroxides and
      oxides are prominent along the Cochin estuary. The anthropogenic inputs of
      industrial effluents mainly control the trace metals enrichment in the Cochin
      estuary.

PMID- 22083400
TI  - Soil pollution under the effect of treated municipal wastewater.
AB  - Soil heavy metal pollution due to wastewater reuse was assessed by means of the
      concentration factor (CF) and/or pollution load index (PLI).In this respect, a
      greenhouse pot experiment was conducted, using a completely randomized block
      design, including five treatments of treated municipal wastewater (0%, 25%, 50%,
      75%, and 100%), in four replications. Brassica oleracea var. Capitata was used as
      a test crop. The optimum CFs were expressed as a function of maximum dry matter
      of cabbage plant parts yield, and the values obtained per plant part were as
      follows: stems-Zn-CF 2.96, Co-CF 0.85, Ni-CF 0.92; whole plant-Cu-CF 3.90, Ni-CF
      0.87, and Pb-CF 11.52; and leaves-Pb-CF 11.78. The PLI was calculated as the
      geometric mean of the CF of each metal, and was related to the maximum dry mater
      yield of cabbage stems and heads. The optimum values found were: stems PLI 1.99
      2.55 and heads 2.25.

PMID- 22083402
TI  - Square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of diazinon in its
      insecticidal formulations.
AB  - The pesticide diazinon was determined in its insecticidal formulations by square
      wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry. The method of its determination is based
      on the irreversible reduction reaction at the hanging mercury drop electrode. The
      optimal signal was detected at -1.05 V vs. Ag/AgCl in Britton-Robinson buffer at
      pH 4.4. Various parameters such as pH, buffer concentration, frequency,
      amplitude, step potential, accumulation time, and potential were investigated to
      enhance the sensitivity of the determination. The highest response was recorded
      at an accumulation potential -0.4 V, accumulation time 60 s, amplitude 75 mV,
      frequency 100 Hz, and step potential 5 mV. The pesticide electrochemical behavior
      was considered under experimental conditions. The electroanalytical procedure
      enabled diazinon determination in the concentration range 4.0 * 10(-8)-3.9 * 10(
      7) mol L(-1) in supporting electrolyte. The detection and quantification limit
      were found to be 1.1 * 10(-8) and 3.7 * 10(-8) mol L(-1), respectively. The
      method was applied successfully in the determination of the active ingredients in
      the insecticidal formulations Diazinon 10GR and Beaphar 275.

PMID- 22083401
TI  - Study of electromagnetic radiation pollution in an Indian city.
AB  - Electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phone towers is a form of environmental
      pollution and is a new health hazard, especially to children and patients. The
      present studies were taken to estimate the microwave/RF pollution by measuring
      radiation power densities near schools and hospitals of Chandigarh city in India.
      The cell phone radiations were measured using a handheld portable power density
      meter TES 593 and specific absorption rates were estimated from the measured
      values. These values of electromagnetic radiation in the environment were
      compared with the levels at which biological system of humans and animals starts
      getting affected. The values were also compared with the international exposure
      limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
      (ICNIRP). The highest measured power density was 11.48 mW/m(2) which is 1,148% of
      the biological limit. The results indicated that the exposure levels in the city
      were below the ICNIRP limit, but much above the biological limit.

PMID- 22083403
TI  - Effects of selected soil properties on phytoremediation applicability for heavy
      metal-contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy.
AB  - Phytoremediation is a well-known promising alternative to conventional approaches
      used for the remediation of diffused and moderated contaminated soils. The
      evaluation of the accumulation, availability, and interactions of heavy metals in
      soil is a priority objective for the possible use of phytoremediation techniques
      such as phytoextraction and phytostabilization. The soils used in this work were
      collected from a number of sites inside a protected area in the Apulia region
      (Southern Italy), which were contaminated by various heavy metals originated from
      the disposal of wastes of different sources of origin. Soils examined contained
      Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in amounts exceeding the critical limits imposed by EU
      and Italian laws. However, the alkaline conditions, high organic matter content,
      and silty to silty loamy texture of soils examined would suggest a reduced
      availability of heavy metals to plants. Due to the high total content but the low
      available fraction of heavy metals analyzed, especially Cr, phytoextraction
      appears not to be a promising remediation approach in the sites examined, whereas
      phytostabilization appears to be the best technique for metal decontamination in
      the studied areas.

PMID- 22083404
TI  - Effect of various refrigeration temperatures on quality of shell eggs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low
      storage temperatures on shell egg quality. RESULTS: Approximately 2100 shell eggs
      were collected and stored at - 1.1, 0.6, 2.2, 3.9, 5.6 and 7.2  degrees C for up
      to 4 weeks. Eighteen eggs at each storage temperature were evaluated after 0, 2,
      7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage. Haugh units (HU), yolk index (YI), albumen pH
      (pHA), yolk pH (pHY) and angel food cake density (CD) were measured. Shell egg
      quality tended to be preserved better at below 2.2  degrees C, as high HU and YI
      values relative to eggs stored at 7.2  degrees C were determined on day 28.
      However, storage at - 1.1  degrees C tended to cause the opposite effect,
      especially highly declined HU values over time. Significantly different HU values
      of shell eggs were measured after 14 days of storage, with eggs stored at 0.6 and
      2.2  degrees C having the highest HU values, 80.42 and 77.97 respectively.
      CONCLUSION: A lower temperature limit for shell egg storage could be established
      between 0.6 and 2.2  degrees C, as both temperatures showed the highest HU
      values, 77.88 and 77.60 respectively, after 28 days of storage.

PMID- 22083405
TI  - Determination of normal dimension of the spleen by ultrasound in an endemic
      tropical environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the normal dimensions of spleen by ultrasonography in
      our environment exposed to endemic tropical infection and infestation. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A prospective study of normal spleen ultrasound-based measurements
      in 200 Nigerian adults at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin,
      Nigeria. RESULTS: There were 91 males and 109 females; their age ranged between
      20 and 60 years. For the males the mean age was 32.4 years (+/- 9.2 SD), mean
      height was 175.0 cm (+/-7.3 SD), mean weight was 72.5 kg (+/-10.1 SD), and mean
      body mass index was 23.6 (+/-2.8 SD) and the females the mean age was 29.7 years
      (+/-9.0 SD) mean height was 164.6 cm (+/-5.8 SD), mean weight 64.1 kg (+/-12.9
      SD), and mean BMI was 24.9 (+/-1.4 SD). For the males the mean splenic length,
      width, depth, and volume were 11.1 cm (+/-0.9 SD), 4.4 cm (+/-0.5 SD), 7.8 cm (+/
      0.6 SD), and 202.7 cm(3) (+/-49.4 SD), respectively. For the females the
      corresponding values of splenic length, width, depth, and volume were 10.1 cm (+/
      0.7 SD), 4.0 cm (+/-0.4 SD), 7.1 cm (+/-0.5 SD), and 153.7 cm(3) (+/-33.2 SD),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Comparison between mean splenic dimension parameters
      for males and females (from unpaired t-test determination) showed a statistically
      significant difference (P<0.001 for splenic length, width, depth, and volume).
      There was also statistically significant increasing value correlation between
      subjects' weight and height (in favor of height) when compared to spleen length,
      width, depth, and volume. The other parameters show no significant correlation in
      both female and male. In particular there was also no statistically significant
      correlation of splenic measurements with age in either sex. This is similar to
      what was noted in other centers.

PMID- 22083406
TI  - A thermal manikin with human thermoregulatory control: implementation and
      validation.
AB  - Tens of different sorts of thermal manikins are employed worldwide, mainly in the
      evaluation of clothing thermal insulation and thermal environments. They are
      regulated thermally using simplified control modes. This paper reports on the
      implementation and validation of a new thermoregulatory control mode for thermal
      manikins. The new control mode is based on a multi-segmental Pierce (MSP) model.
      In this study, the MSP control mode was implemented, using the LabVIEW platform,
      onto the control system of the thermal manikin 'Therminator'. The MSP mode was
      then used to estimate the segmental equivalent temperature (t(eq)) along with
      constant surface temperature (CST) mode under two asymmetric thermal conditions.
      Furthermore, subjective tests under the same two conditions were carried out
      using 17 human subjects. The estimated segmental t(eq) from the experiments with
      the two modes and from the subjective assessment were compared in order to
      validate the use of the MSP mode for the estimation of t(eq). The results showed
      that the t(eq) values estimated by the MSP mode were closer to the subjective
      mean votes under the two test conditions for most body segments and compared
      favourably with values estimated by the CST mode.

PMID- 22083407
TI  - Stem cell transplantation in an in vitro simulated ischemia/reperfusion model.
AB  - Stem cell transplantation protocols are finding their way into clinical practice.
      Getting better results, making the protocols more robust, and finding new sources
      for implantable cells are the focus of recent research. Investigating the
      effectiveness of cell therapies is not an easy task and new tools are needed to
      investigate the mechanisms involved in the treatment process. We designed an
      experimental protocol of ischemia/reperfusion in order to allow the observation
      of cellular connections and even subcellular mechanisms during
      ischemia/reperfusion injury and after stem cell transplantation and to evaluate
      the efficacy of cell therapy. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were placed onto cell
      culture plates. Ischemia was simulated with 150 minutes in a glucose free medium
      with oxygen level below 0.5%. Then, normal media and oxygen levels were
      reintroduced to simulate reperfusion. After oxygen glucose deprivation, the
      damaged cells were treated with transplantation of labeled human bone marrow
      derived mesenchymal stem cells by adding them to the culture. Mesenchymal stem
      cells are preferred in clinical trials because they are easily accessible with
      minimal invasive surgery, easily expandable and autologous. After 24 hours of co
      cultivation, cells were stained with calcein and ethidium-homodimer to
      differentiate between live and dead cells. This setup allowed us to investigate
      the intercellular connections using confocal fluorescent microscopy and to
      quantify the survival rate of postischemic cells by flow cytometry. Confocal
      microscopy showed the interactions of the two cell populations such as cell
      fusion and formation of intercellular nanotubes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed
      3 clusters of damaged cells which can be plotted on a graph and analyzed
      statistically. These populations can be investigated separately and conclusions
      can be drawn on these data on the effectiveness of the simulated therapeutical
      approach.

PMID- 22083408
TI  - Uterine fibroids: Which treatment?

PMID- 22083409
TI  - Rhytidoplasty without periauricular scar.
AB  - As plastic surgeons, it has always been our goal to reduce the scarring
      associated with facial plastic surgeries. These scars generally occur on the
      scalp and in both the pre- and retroauricular areas. In 194 of our patients who
      underwent rhytidoplasties, we successfully eliminated these retroauricular and
      preauricular scars. To achieve these results, we did not make periauricular
      incisions; instead, we made a superior incision, a subcutaneous dissection, and
      used various surgical maneuvers such as subdermal plication and structural
      grafting. By utilizing this facelift technique, we were able to eliminate the
      appearance of periauricular scars associated with facial plastic surgery, reduce
      complications, achieve natural-looking results, and increase patient
      satisfaction.

PMID- 22083410
TI  - Primary nasal tip surgery: a conservative approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty and rhinoseptoplasty are very important and complex
      surgical procedures because the nose plays a pivotal aesthetic role in the face
      and an important functional role in breathing. Mild bulbous, plunging, undefined
      tips are very common, and tip refining and repositioning often are required
      surgical procedures. METHODS: For 97 selected patients, the authors performed
      their personal technique consisting of a transcartilaginous approach, incomplete
      vertical interruption, and retrograde undermining of the lower lateral cartilages
      to improve tip projection and definition. The five aspects analyzed were nasal
      tip symmetry, nostril symmetry, tip projection, tip definition, and appearance of
      the nasal tip only. Each parameter was assessed using pre- and postoperative
      quantification according to a visual analog scale. Postoperative evaluation was
      performed during a mean follow-up period of 1 year. RESULTS: The results at 1
      year showed high rates of improvement in tip definition (mean, 7.9+/-2.4) and
      nasal tip only evaluation (mean, 6.5+/-3.1). The patients reported an improvement
      in nasal tip symmetry (mean, 4.2+/-3.2), nostril symmetry (mean, 4.5+/-4.1), and
      tip projection (mean, 5.8+/-2.9). CONCLUSIONS: This simple, safe, and effective
      technique is proposed for mild bulbous, plunging, undefined, and hypoprojected
      tips.

PMID- 22083411
TI  - Subfascial breast augmentation: is there any advantage over the submammary plane?
AB  - Subfascial (SF) breast augmentation has been proposed as an alternative to
      placement of a breast prosthesis in a subpectoral (SP) or direct submammary (SM)
      plane, producing advantages over both techniques. This study compares
      complication rates in 200 SF-placed implants with 83 SM implants, undertaken over
      a 51-month period by a single surgeon. No statistical difference was found in the
      complication rate or patient satisfaction of one technique over the other. No
      clinical advantage can be demonstrated by placing breast prostheses behind the
      pectoral fascia compared to directly behind the breast.

PMID- 22083412
TI  - A study of postural changes after breast augmentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of factors, including body mass and one's mood, may
      influence posture. Breast augmentation results not only in a significant
      improvement in body image-related feelings and self-esteem but also in a sudden
      change in body mass. The aim of this study was to assess postural changes
      following breast augmentation by studying body position, orientation through
      space, and center of pressure. METHODS: Patients with breast hypoplasia who
      underwent breast augmentation were enrolled. Posture evaluation was performed
      before and 1, 4, and 12 months after surgery by quantifying the center of mass
      using the FastrakTM system and the center of pressure using stabilometry. The
      Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test was used to compare value modifications. RESULTS:
      Forty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. A retropositioning of the upper
      part of the body, confirmed by baropodometric analysis, was evident in the early
      postoperative period. We subsequently observed a reprogramming of the
      biomechanical system, which reached a state of equilibrium 1 year after surgery,
      with a slight retropositioning of the head and a compensatory anterior
      positioning of the pelvis. CONCLUSION: We believe that with respect to posture,
      the role played by psychological aspects is even more important than that played
      by changes in body mass. Indeed, hypomastia is often associated with kyphosis
      because patients try to hide what they consider a deficiency. Following breast
      augmentation, the discovery of new breasts overcomes the dissatisfaction with the
      patient's own body image, increases self-esteem, and modifies posture regardless
      of the changes in body mass due to the insertion of the implants.

PMID- 22083413
TI  - The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is written in the plastic surgery literature about thyroid
      associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), a condition that is separate from Graves-Basedow
      disease and may not be accompanied by hyperthyroidism. Many patients with this
      disease frequently seek periocular aesthetic reconstruction prior to medical
      workup. METHODS: This study presents a comprehensive review of the literature
      surrounding TAO in order to better understand the prevalence, diagnosis,
      pathophysiology, and appropriate management of TAO. RESULTS: TAO is frequently
      under- or misdiagnosed by health-care providers. Patients seeking blepharoplasty
      or other oculoplastic procedures may have underlying TAO, and the prevalence of
      TAO in patients who have had a blepharoplasty is approximately 3%. This condition
      occurs five times more often in women than in men. As a product of the relatively
      high prevalence of this disease and its underdiagnosis, TAO patients may
      experience perioperative and late complications due to surgery. CONCLUSION:
      Blepharoplasties performed on TAO patients must be undertaken with care and
      insight to avoid cosmetic and functional complications.

PMID- 22083414
TI  - Sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to low and high density
      polyethylene (PE).
AB  - BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE: According to their high sorption capacity
      polyethylene (PE) passive samplers are often used for the analysis of polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the aquatic environment. PE is also one of the
      primary synthetic polymers found in oceans, and sorption of PAHs to marine PE
      debris may determine PAH exposure and therefore hazards in marine ecosystems.
      Thus, an understanding of the sorption process is of great importance. In the
      present study, the sorption of several PAHs with different polarities to low
      density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied in
      order to improve our understanding of the influence of material properties on the
      Fickian diffusion of PAHs into PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Batch sorption
      experiments were performed with aqueous solutions containing acenaphthylene,
      acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and LPDE or HDPE
      pellets. Samples were shaken in the dark at 20 +/- 1 degrees C for 16 time
      intervals within one week. Concentrations of PAHs were determined in the aqueous
      samples using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. The distribution coefficients (K (PE)) between PE and water were
      estimated from different models reported in the literature. Kinetic sorption of
      the PAHs into the plastic pellets was described by a diffusion model based on
      Fick's second law in spherical coordinates. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A comparison
      between different models describing the equilibrium distribution of PAHs between
      PE and water revealed that the sorption equilibrium seemed to be driven by
      parameters other than, or in addition to, organic carbon. For both plastic types,
      diffusion coefficients decreased while the molecular weight of the PAHs increased
      which indicates a hindered diffusion through the matrix as a result of a larger
      molecule size. Higher diffusion coefficients were derived for LPDE than for HDPE
      indicating a greater sorption velocity for LPDE according to the lower polymer
      density. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that equilibrium time could be
      shortened during passive sampling as polymer membranes of lower density are used.
      In some areas, marine ecosystems may not be in equilibrium with respect to
      concentrations of organic contaminants and abundance of marine plastic debris. In
      such cases, different polymer densities should be taken into account in risk
      assessments.

PMID- 22083415
TI  - Clinical image: salmonella mycotic aneurysm in a patient receiving etanercept for
      rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22083416
TI  - Skeletal rearrangements resulting from reactions of 1,6:2,3- and 1,6:3,4
      dianhydro-beta-D-hexopyranoses with diethylaminosulphur trifluoride.
AB  - A complete series of eight 1,6:2,3- and 1,6:3,4-dianhydro-beta-D-hexopyranoses
      were subjected to fluorination with DAST. The 1,6:3,4-dianhydropyranoses yielded
      solely products of skeletal rearrangement resulting from migration of the
      tetrahydropyran oxygen (educts of D-altro and D-talo configuration) or of the 1,6
      anhydro bridge oxygen (D-allo, D-galacto). The major products yielded by the
      1,6:2,3-dianhydropyranoses were compounds arising from nucleophilic substitution,
      with configuration at C4 either retained (D-talo, D-gulo) or inverted (D-manno),
      or from C6 migration (D-allo). The minor products in the 1,6:2,3-series resulted
      from migration of the tetrahydropyran oxygen (D-gulo) or the oxirane oxygen (D
      manno), or from nucleophilic substitution with retention of configuration (D
      manno). The structure of most of the rearranged products was verified by X-ray
      crystallography.

PMID- 22083417
TI  - Adenocarcinoma arising in an intramural diverticulum presenting as a long
      standing submucosal tumor.
AB  - We report a rare case of adenocarcinoma arising in a gastric partial diverticulum
      in the upper portion of the stomach. The lesion had been followed up for
      approximately 14 years as a gastric submucosal tumor. However, a recent regular
      check-up revealed mucous material with some neoplastic tissue discharged from the
      top of the lesion. A surgically resected specimen showed a well-demarcated
      submucosal lesion identical to a pseudo-diverticulum carrying a distinctive
      intramucosal minimally invasive adenocarcinoma in part, with surrounding non
      neoplastic but hyperplastic mucosal components. Intestinal phenotype, along with
      gastric foveolar, pyloric gland-type phenotypes, and neoplastic cells with
      neuroendocrine differentiation, were also identified in the adenocarcinoma.
      Chronic and persistent irritation within the diverticulum was postulated to be
      implicated in the carcinogenesis of the lesion, which carried no definite
      Helicobacter pylori microorganisms. We believe it is crucial not to overlook
      carcinoma in a diverticulum presenting as a long-standing submucosal tumor.

PMID- 22083418
TI  - A case of lymph node metastasis following a curative endoscopic submucosal
      dissection of an early gastric cancer.
AB  - Currently in Japan, differentiated gastric submucosal invasive cancers <500 MUm
      (SM1) with negative lymphovascular involvement are included in expanded
      pathological criteria for curative endoscopic treatment. This is based on a
      retrospective examination of surgical resection cases in which patients suitable
      for such expanded criteria were determined to have a negligible risk of lymph
      node metastasis. We performed endoscopic submucosal dissection on a 65-year-old
      male with early gastric cancer in April 2005, and pathology revealed a well
      differentiated adenocarcinoma, 21 * 10 mm in size, SM1 invasion depth and
      negative lymphovascular invasion as well as tumor-free margins, so the case was
      diagnosed as a curative resection. This case, however, resulted in lymph node
      metastasis that was diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography with fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy in May 2009. Distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection
      was then performed, confirming lymph node metastasis from the original gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 22083419
TI  - Quality of life beyond the early postoperative period after laparoscopy-assisted
      distal gastrectomy: the level of patient expectation as the essence of quality of
      life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life after the
      early postoperative period and before reaching 5 years postoperatively between
      patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (Group A) and
      patients who underwent open distal subtotal gastrectomy (Group B). METHODS: The
      Korean versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC)
      Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and a gastric cancer-specific
      module, the EORTC QLQ-STO22, were used to assess the quality of life of 80
      patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy or open distal
      subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The postoperative period ranged between
      6 months and 5 years. RESULTS: The global health status/quality of life scores of
      Groups A and B were 56.0 +/- 19.0 and 57.4 +/- 18.2, respectively (p = 0.729).
      Group A experienced worse quality of life in role functioning (p = 0.026),
      cognitive functioning (p = 0.034), fatigue (p = 0.039), eating restrictions (p =
      0.009), and anxiety (p = 0.033). Group A showed a trend to experience worse
      quality of life in physical functioning, emotional functioning, social
      functioning, insomnia, and body image, albeit without statistical significance.
      CONCLUSION: After the early postoperative period and before achieving long-term
      survival, patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy appeared
      to experience lower quality of life compared to patients who underwent open
      distal subtotal gastrectomy. This finding may be associated with the patients'
      erroneously high expectations of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

PMID- 22083420
TI  - CD83(+) dendritic cells and Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in primary lesions and
      regional lymph nodes are inversely correlated with prognosis of gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that are
      central to the regulation, maturation, and maintenance of the cellular immune
      response against cancer. In contrast, CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs)
      play a central role in self-tolerance and suppress antitumor immunity. In this
      study, we investigated the clinical significance of mature CD83(+) DCs and
      Foxp3(+) Tregs in the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes from the viewpoint
      of the two opposing players in the immune responses. METHODS: We investigated,
      immunohistochemically, the density of CD83(+) DCs and Foxp3(+) Tregs in primary
      lesions of gastric cancer (n = 123), as well as in regional lymph nodes with (n =
      40) or without metastasis (n = 40). RESULTS: Decreased density of CD83(+) DCs and
      increased density of Foxp3(+) Tregs were observed in the primary tumor and
      metastatic lymph nodes. Density was significantly correlated with certain
      clinicopathological features. Poor prognosis was observed in patients with a low
      density of CD83(+) DCs and a high density of Foxp3(+) Tregs in primary lesions.
      For patients with metastatic lymph nodes, the density of CD83(+) DCs in negative
      lymph nodes was found to be an independent prognostic factor by multivariate
      analysis. CONCLUSION: The density of CD83(+) DCs and Foxp3(+) Tregs was inversely
      correlated with tumor progression and reflected the prognosis of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22083421
TI  - Occupational exposure influences on gender differences in respiratory health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate gender differences in the
      respiratory health of workers exposed to organic and inorganic dusts. METHODS:
      Meta-analysis techniques incorporating logistic regression were applied to a
      combined file of 12 occupational health studies. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of data
      on 1,367 women and 4,240 men showed that women had higher odds of shortness of
      breath whether exposed to inorganic dust or having no occupational exposure, with
      an overall odds ratio (OR) of 2.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57-2.73)
      adjusted for smoking status, age, body mass index (BMI), ethnic status, atopy,
      and job duration. Inorganic dust exposure was associated with the highest odds of
      asthma (adjusted OR = 8.38, 95% CI = 1.72-40.89) for women compared to men, but
      no differences were found for unexposed workers. With organic dust exposure, men
      had elevated odds for occasional wheeze and worse lung function compared to
      women. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this analysis, gender differences in
      respiratory health, as suggested by population-based studies, were confirmed in
      our analysis of occupational health studies, with the general type of exposure,
      organic or inorganic, generally determining the extent of differences. The higher
      risks for women compared to men for shortness of breath were robust regardless of
      work exposure category, with the highest odds ratios found for asthma.

PMID- 22083422
TI  - [Which hip articulation bearing for which patient? :  Tribology of the future].
AB  - Replacement of the hip joint has become an exceptionally successful procedure
      since the inauguration of the low friction principle by Charnley. Aseptic
      osteolysis and joint dislocation have been addressed by the development of wear
      optimized materials and the introduction of larger heads. As an increase in head
      diameter against polyethylene causes wear increase, larger hard-on-hard bearings
      were introduced, which exhibit reduced wear and reduced dislocation risk with
      increasing head diameter. These findings were derived from standard simulator
      testing, not sufficiently considering the risk of fluid film breakdown under
      adverse conditions, which can cause a dramatic increase in wear and friction
      proportional to the head diameter. Such adverse conditions can occur clinically
      in patients due to several factors and have caused the presently observed
      unexpected problems with these new designs. Standardized preclinical testing has
      to be viewed as a minimum requirement but certainly not as a guarantee for the
      clinical success of new materials and designs even if the testing is adapted to
      the current patient requirements, which is presently not the case. The future of
      tribology lies in the prevention of adverse conditions in patients, the
      improvement and optimized use of proven existing materials and not in the use of
      new materials.

PMID- 22083423
TI  - Changes in trace metals in hemolymph of baculovirus-infected noctuid larvae.
AB  - We studied how biologically relevant trace metals (i.e., micronutrients) in the
      hemolymph of larval Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera:
      Noctuidae) changed in response to per os baculovirus infection, larval
      development, and injection of heat-killed bacteria. Concentrations of hemolymph
      Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, and Zn were measured using inductively coupled
      plasma-mass spectrometry. H. virescens larvae exhibited greater fluctuations in
      hemolymph trace metal levels in response to baculovirus infection and development
      than did H. zea larvae. H. zea single nucleopolyhedrosis virus infection
      significantly altered the levels of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Zn in fourth instar
      H. virescens larvae. Conversely, in fifth instar H. virescens and both H. zea
      instar infections, no metal levels were significantly different between infected
      and uninfected larvae. In fourth instar H. virescens hemolymph, Cu, Fe, Mo, and
      Zn increased during development. Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Zn levels changed
      significantly during development in fifth instar H. virescens as well as both H.
      zea instars. Based on this analysis, metals were identified whose levels changed
      during development in both species and during the immune response of H. virescens
      larvae.

PMID- 22083424
TI  - The interactions of glutathione-capped CdTe quantum dots with trypsin.
AB  - Due to their unique fluorescent properties, quantum dots present a great
      potential for biolabelling applications; however, the toxic interactions of
      quantum dots with biopolymers are little known. The toxic interactions of
      glutathione-capped CdTe quantum dots with trypsin were studied in this paper
      using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectra, and
      UV-vis absorption spectra. The interaction between CdTe quantum dots and trypsin
      resulted in structure changes of trypsin and inhibited trypsin's activity.
      Fluorescence emission spectra revealed that the quenching mechanism of trypsin by
      CdTe quantum dots was a static quenching process. The binding constant and the
      number of binding sites at 288 and 298 K were calculated to be 1.98 * 10(6) L
      mol(-1) and 1.37, and 6.43 * 10(4) L mol(-1) and 1.09, respectively. Hydrogen
      bonds and van der Waals' forces played major roles in this process.

PMID- 22083425
TI  - Anti-genotoxic potential of casein phosphopeptides (CPPs): a class of fermented
      milk peptides against low background radiation and prevention of cancer in
      radiation workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiation workers are constantly exposed to low background radiation
      which is their occupational hazard. This continuous and prolonged exposure
      produces genotoxicity and cancerous condition in many workers. The authors have
      tested casein phosphopeptides (CPP) as a radioprotectant against low background
      radiation using animal models. METHODS: Fermented milk was produced by addition
      of a bacterial culture, Lactobacillus acidophilus to a commercially available
      milk brand. After the fermentation process is completed in the milk, CPP is
      isolated from fermented milk by enzymatic hydrolysis-based method. The
      radioprotective role of CPP was proved using albino mice and Catla catla fish.
      RESULTS: The micronucleus assay showed higher level of cell deformation and
      micronucleus formation in the control animal cells than the test animal cells.
      CPP has found to be having radioprotective activity potential. CONCLUSIONS: This
      radioprotective potential of CPP can be harnessed to produce formulations which
      can be used by radiation workers and personnel exposed to low ionization
      background as an occupational hazard, thus reducing the risk and preventing any
      type of cancer.

PMID- 22083426
TI  - Treatment options in end-stage heart failure: where to go from here?
AB  - Chronic heart failure is a major healthcare problem associated with high
      morbidity and mortality. Despite significant progress in treatment strategies,
      the prognosis of heart failure patients remains poor. The golden standard
      treatment for heart failure is heart transplantation after failure of medical
      therapy, surgery and/or cardiac resynchronisation therapy. In order to improve
      patients' outcome and quality of life, new emerging treatment modalities are
      currently being investigated, including mechanical cardiac support devices, of
      which the left ventricular assist device is the most promising treatment option.
      Structured care for heart failure patients according to the most recent
      international heart failure guidelines may further contribute to optimal decision
      making. This article will review the conventional and novel treatment modalities
      of heart failure.

PMID- 22083427
TI  - Delayed pseudoaneurysm of the internal mammary artery: conservative management.

PMID- 22083428
TI  - Imaging the prosthetic valve sewing ring thrombosis using real-time three
      dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 22083429
TI  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension: an update.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), defined as group 1 of the World Heart
      Organisation (WHO) classification of pulmonary hypertension, is an uncommon
      disorder of the pulmonary vascular system. It is characterised by an increased
      pulmonary artery pressure, increased pulmonary vascular resistance and specific
      histological changes. It is a progressive disease finally resulting in right
      heart failure and premature death. Typical symptoms are dyspnoea at exercise,
      chest pain and syncope; furthermore clinical signs of right heart failure develop
      with disease progression. Echocardiography is the key investigation when
      pulmonary hypertension is suspected, but a reliable diagnosis of PAH and
      associated conditions requires an intense work-up including invasive measurement
      by right heart catheterisation. Treatment includes general measures and drugs
      targeting the pulmonary artery tone and vascular remodelling. This advanced
      medical therapy has significantly improved morbidity and mortality in patients
      with PAH in the last decade. Combinations of these drugs are indicated when
      treatment goals of disease stabilisation are not met. In patients refractory to
      medical therapy lung transplantation should be considered an option.

PMID- 22083432
TI  - Involvement of the capsular genu in reward-related feeding.

PMID- 22083431
TI  - Personality traits in patients with Parkinson's disease: assessment and clinical
      implications.
AB  - This study reviews empirical evidence on the association between personality
      traits and Parkinson's disease (PD), with a twofold aim. First, to better
      identify non-motor symptoms, such as affective symptoms and personality changes,
      that could help to define the pre-motor phase of PD; second, to better understand
      the neurobiological bases of personality traits, a goal that is not fully
      accomplished by a purely anatomical approach. A literature review was performed
      on studies of personality traits in PD patients, in electronic databases ISI Web
      of Knowledge, Medline and PsychInfo, conducted in July 2011. We found evidence
      that the existence of a characteristic premorbid personality profile of PD
      patients is not actually sustained by robust empirical evidence, mainly due to
      the methodological bias of the retrospective assessment of personality; PD
      patients present a personality profile of low novelty seeking and high harm
      avoidance. We concluded that the definition of a pre-motor phase of PD, based on
      non-motor symptoms, should search for the presence of concomitant affective
      disorders and for a positive psychiatric history for affective disorders rather
      than for a typical personality profile or personality changes. The low novelty
      seeking profile is probably related to the dopaminergic deficit, while the high
      harm avoidance profile is probably associated with the presence of affective
      disorders. Clinical implications of these findings, in regard to personality
      assessment and pharmacological treatments in PD, are also discussed.

PMID- 22083433
TI  - Emergency surgery in patients who have undergone recent radiotherapy is
      associated with increased complications and mortality: review of 536 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding patients undergoing emergency
      surgery following radiotherapy. This study examines the morbidity and mortality
      of patients having emergent surgery <=90 days after irradiation. METHODS: We
      identified patients >=18 years of age in the American College of Surgeons
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (Radiation group) who underwent
      irradiation <=90 days before emergency surgery. Patients receiving concomitant
      chemotherapy were excluded. Subjects were compared to a Control group that did
      not have preoperative irradiation but underwent similar emergent procedures
      (matched 1:1 on age and procedure). Demographic and clinical characteristics,
      including patient co-morbidities, functional status, and preoperative laboratory
      values, were assessed. Primary outcomes included 30-day postoperative morbidity
      and mortality. Log-transformed data, bivariate and multivariate linear and
      conditional logistic regression were used. RESULTS: A total of 536 patients were
      included, 268 per group. Patient demographics and preoperative co-morbidities
      were similar between groups. The Radiation group had more mortality [23.9% vs.
      11.6%, P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.4], major complications (45.1% vs. 34.7%, P =
      0.014; OR 1.55), and a greater likelihood of sustaining a complication (48.1% vs.
      38.1%, P = 0.019; OR 1.51). Days from admission to operation, operating time,
      likelihood of reoperation, days from operation to death, and length of hospital
      stay were not statistically different. By conditional logistic regression, death
      was independently associated with irradiation, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD), impaired preoperative functional status, and thrombocytopenia;
      and a major complication was associated with COPD, hypoalbuminemia, and
      preoperative wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who require emergent surgery
      <=90 days after irradiation sustain increased morbidity and mortality. Optimizing
      the nutritional and functional status of these patients may improve surgical
      outcomes.

PMID- 22083434
TI  - Risk factors for prolonged postoperative ileus after colorectal cancer surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze factors contributing to
      prolonged postoperative ileus (POI) after elective bowel resection in patients
      with colorectal cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a
      prospectively maintained database of patients operated on for colorectal cancer
      during 2006-2009. Patients with abdominal procedures and bowel resection without
      anastomotic leakage were included. Prolonged POI was defined as no flatus by
      postoperative day (POD) 6, with or without intolerance to oral intake by POD 6.
      Variables studied included demographics, prior medical conditions, details of the
      surgical procedure, and hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 773 patients met the
      inclusion criteria. POI occurred in 15.9%. The mean hospital stay was 11 days
      without POI and 20 days for POI patients (P < 0.001). Factors associated with POI
      in the univariate analysis were ASA III-IV (P < 0.005), male sex (P < 0.004),
      smoking (P < 0.015), chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) (P < 0.002), rectal cancer
      (P < 0.02), and ileostomy (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis
      showed male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-3.5];
      COPD (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.25-31.0), and ileostomy (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.23-3.07) as risk
      factors for POI. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of POI seems increased in patients with
      preoperative COPD and patients with an ileostomy, especially in men.
      Consideration of these factors could be important for the prevention and
      treatment of POI.

PMID- 22083435
TI  - Dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients
      undergoing thyroidectomy: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication
      after thyroidectomy. Steroids effectively reduce nausea, pain, and inflammation;
      therefore, preoperative administration of steroids ought to improve these
      surgical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) that compared preoperative single-dose administration of
      dexamethasone with no dexamethasone in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The
      primary outcome was occurrence of PONV within 24 h, and the secondary outcomes
      were pain, use of analgesics, and steroid-related complications. RESULTS: Five
      RCTs were included with a total of 497 patients. A statistically and clinically
      significant difference in the incidence of PONV was found in favor of
      dexamethasone [relative risk (RR) 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.49).
      The visual analog pain score was significantly diminished (weighted mean
      difference, WMD)-1.50; 95% CI-2.54 to -0.46) at 24 h. The incidence of analgesics
      use was also reduced (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41-0.90) in the dexamethasone group. No
      steroid-related complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: A single preoperative
      administration of dexamethasone reduced the incidence of PONV and analgesic
      requirements in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Prophylactic use of steroids
      for patients undergoing thyroidectomy is safe and should be considered for
      routine clinical practice.

PMID- 22083436
TI  - The importance of preoperative laryngeal examination before thyroidectomy and the
      usefulness of a voice questionnaire in screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to emphasize the importance of
      preoperative laryngeal examination before thyroidectomy by investigating the
      incidence of coincident abnormal laryngeal conditions that impair the quality of
      voice, and evaluate the usefulness of the "thyroidectomy-related voice
      questionnaire" as a screening tool. METHODS: Five hundred consecutive patients
      scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy underwent preoperative laryngeal examination
      and voice analysis and completed the questionnaire. According to the laryngeal
      examination results, patients were classified into normal and abnormal groups.
      Acoustic-analysis results and questionnaire scores were compared between the two
      groups, and correlations between acoustic parameters and questionnaire scores
      were evaluated. The cutoff score of the questionnaire that can effectively
      discriminate between the two groups was also determined. RESULTS: The incidence
      of abnormal laryngeal conditions was 35.8%. The most common finding was
      laryngopharyngeal reflux (27.2%) followed by vocal nodule (4.8%), vocal polyp
      (1.8%), vocal cord palsy (1.2%), Reinke's edema (0.4%), vocal cyst (0.2%), and
      vocal sulcus (0.2%). The perceptual grade of voice quality (0.33 +/- 0.49 for
      normal group vs. 0.65 +/- 0.62 for abnormal group, P = 0.000) and the
      questionnaire scores (3.21 +/- 5.47 for normal group vs. 13.41 +/- 11.67 for
      abnormal group, P = 0.000) of the two groups were significantly different, and
      there was a significant correlation between objective voice parameters and
      questionnaire scores. A questionnaire score of 5 showed the best sensitivity
      (74%) and specificity (71%) in discriminating between the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of coincident abnormal laryngeal conditions is
      relatively high; therefore, voice screening before thyroidectomy is important.
      The "thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire" is a simple and effective
      screening tool to detect preexisting laryngeal disorders that can affect the
      quality of voice.

PMID- 22083437
TI  - The prevalence and some metabolic traits of Brochothrix thermosphacta in meat and
      meat products packaged in different ways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of Brochothrix thermosphacta on the quality of meat and
      meat products is of vital importance in connection with Regulation EC/178/2002
      extending the definition of unsafe foodstuffs to encompass all those which are
      unfit for human consumption. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of B.
      thermosphacta in meat and meat products packaged under different conditions and
      to estimate the effect of B. thermosphacta strains on product quality based on
      their protein and lipid degradation activity. RESULTS: B. thermosphacta was
      absent in only two of 132 samples. All other samples were contaminated with this
      bacterium (10(1) to 10(9) cfu g(-1) meat and 10(2) to 10(8) cfu g(-1) meat
      product). In products stored under high-oxygen atmosphere Brochothrix cells
      accounted for almost 100% total mesophilic count (TMC) and below 50% TMC in
      oxygen-free atmosphere. While the tested B. thermosphacta strains did not show
      any proteolytic activity, most of them displayed lipolytic activity at 25 
      degrees C and some even at 4  degrees C. CONCLUSION: B. thermosphacta is commonly
      present in meat and meat products packaged in different ways. This bacterium can
      display lipolytic activity also at refrigeration temperature. Its over
      proliferation can be inhibited through vacuum packaging or packaging under a
      modified atmosphere with reduced oxygen content.

PMID- 22083438
TI  - The effect of resveratrol on lifespan depends on both gender and dietary nutrient
      composition in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, has been shown to extend lifespan in
      different organisms. Emerging evidence suggests that the prolongevity effect of
      resveratrol depends on dietary composition. However, the mechanisms underlying
      the interaction of resveratrol and dietary nutrients in modulating lifespan
      remain elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on lifespan of
      Drosophila melanogaster fed diets differing in the concentrations of sugar, yeast
      extract, and palmitic acid representing carbohydrate, protein, and fat,
      respectively. Resveratrol at up to 200 MUM in diets did not affect lifespan of
      wild-type female flies fed a standard, restricted or high sugar-low protein diet,
      but extended lifespan of females fed a low sugar-high protein diet. Resveratrol
      at 400 MUM extended lifespan of females fed a high-fat diet. Lifespan extension
      by resveratrol was associated with downregulation of genes in aging-related
      pathways, including antioxidant peroxiredoxins, insulin-like peptides involved in
      insulin-like signaling and several downstream genes in Jun-kinase signaling
      involved in oxidative stress response. Furthermore, resveratrol increased
      lifespan of superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1) knockdown mutant females fed a standard
      or high-fat diet. No lifespan extension by resveratrol was observed in wild-type
      and sod1 knockdown males under the culture conditions in this study. Our results
      suggest that the gender-specific prolongevity effect of resveratrol is influenced
      by dietary composition and resveratrol promotes the survival of flies by
      modulating genetic pathways that can reduce cellular damage. This study reveals
      the context-dependent effect of resveratrol on lifespan and suggests the
      importance of dietary nutrients in implementation of effective aging
      interventions using dietary supplements.

PMID- 22083440
TI  - Use of Self-Organizing Maps for Balanced Scorecard analysis to monitor the
      performance of dialysis clinic chains.
AB  - The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a validated tool to monitor enterprise
      performances against specific objectives. Through the choice and the evaluation
      of strategic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), it provides a measure of the past
      company's outcome and allows planning future managerial strategies. The Fresenius
      Medical Care (FME) BSC makes use of 30 KPIs for a continuous quality improvement
      strategy within its dialysis clinics. Each KPI is monthly associated to a score
      that summarizes the clinic efficiency for that month. Standard statistical
      methods are currently used to analyze the BSC data and to give a comprehensive
      view of the corporate improvements to the top management. We herein propose the
      Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) as an innovative approach to extrapolate information
      from the FME BSC data and to present it in an easy-readable informative form. A
      SOM is a computational technique that allows projecting high-dimensional datasets
      to a  two-dimensional space (map), thus providing a compressed representation.
      The SOM unsupervised (self-organizing) training procedure results in a map that
      preserves similarity relations existing in the original dataset; in this way, the
      information contained in the high-dimensional space can be more easily visualized
      and understood. The present work demonstrates the effectiveness of the SOM
      approach in extracting useful information from the 30-dimensional BSC dataset:
      indeed, SOMs enabled both to highlight expected relationships between the KPIs
      and to uncover results not predictable with traditional analyses. Hence we
      suggest SOMs as a reliable complementary approach to the standard methods for BSC
      interpretation.

PMID- 22083439
TI  - A worldwide investigation of tuberculosis epidemics.
AB  - We analyse the tuberculosis (TB) epidemics of 211 countries with a view to
      proposing more efficient and targeted TB control strategies. Countries are
      classified by how their TB case notification rates have evolved over time and the
      age distribution of those suffering from active TB disease in 2008. Further
      analysis of key statistics associated with each of the countries shows the impact
      of different indicators. As expected, HIV is a key driver of TB epidemics and
      affects their age-distribution and their scale. The level of development of a
      country and its wealth also vary with the shape and scale of a country's TB
      epidemic. Immigration has an influence on the shape of TB epidemics, which is
      particularly pronounced in highly developed countries with low levels of TB
      disease in the native population. We conclude by proposing how the TB control
      programme in each country analysed should prioritise its efforts.

PMID- 22083441
TI  - Modelling human resources policies with Markov models: an illustration with the
      South African nursing labour market.
AB  - This article proposes a modelling framework to simulate and assess the immediate
      and long-term effects of policy interventions to attract and retain nurses in
      rural areas. Specifically, we use a Markov model to model the dynamics of
      movements of health care workers in a professional labour market. A model is
      developed to simulate the movements of South African nurses between different
      segments of the labour market over time. The model builds upon a series of
      assumptions that are stated in details, and uses predictions generated by
      discrete choice experiments. The results demonstrate the ability of Markov models
      to model the effects of human resources policy interventions in the short and
      long run. They highlight the effects of time on the effectiveness of some
      potential policy interventions, whose immediate positive effects can be eroded as
      different adverse effects appear. Despite its complexity, this innovative method
      provides a transparent and useful tool to inform the design of policies to
      address rural staff shortages.

PMID- 22083444
TI  - The Altemeier procedure using biologic mesh.
AB  - Transperineal rectosigmoidectomy is a relatively safe operation for the treatment
      of rectal prolapse; however, it carries a high rate of recurrence. The use of
      biologic mesh to buttress the repair and support the pelvic floor muscles may
      decrease the rate of recurrence. The technique for performing an Altemeier
      procedure with biologic mesh is described.

PMID- 22083443
TI  - Simple excision and closure of a distal limb of loop colostomy prolapse by
      stapler device.
AB  - Stomal prolapse is one of the common complications in transverse colostomy and
      can be managed conservatively in most cases; however, laparotomy and
      reconstruction of the stoma may sometimes be required, especially in case of
      irreducible colostomy prolapse. We have reported a simple local repair with
      reconstruction of the loop colostomy. We herein report a new more simple
      technique to avoid laparotomy and allow excision of the irreducible colostomy
      prolapse and complete closure of the distal limb of loop colostomy when no
      decompression is required in the distal limb of the stoma. In this procedure, the
      number of stapler and the time with blood loss for the operation can be saved.

PMID- 22083445
TI  - The state of the journal: a report to AJH readers, reviewers, and authors.

PMID- 22083447
TI  - NKCC1 as an epigenetically regulated transporter involved in blood pressure
      elevation with age.

PMID- 22083448
TI  - Rapid cortisol assay increases the success of adrenal vein sampling.

PMID- 22083449
TI  - Generation of accurate aortic pressure waves from calibrated upper limb pressure
      waveforms.

PMID- 22083452
TI  - Neuronal growth promoting sesquiterpene-neolignans; syntheses and biological
      studies.
AB  - The use of small molecules that can promote neuronal growth represents a
      promising approach to regenerative science. Along these lines we have developed
      separate short or modular syntheses of the natural products caryolanemagnolol and
      clovanemagnolol, small molecules previously shown to promote neuronal growth and
      induce choline acetyltransferase activity. The postulated biosynthetic pathways,
      potentially leading to the assembly of these molecules in nature, have guided the
      laboratory syntheses, allowing the preparation of both natural products in as few
      as two steps. With synthetic access to the compounds as single enantiomers we
      have examined clovanemagnolol's ability to promote the growth of embryonic
      hippocampal and cortical neurons. Clovanemagnolol has been shown to be a potent
      neurotrophic agent, promoting neuronal growth at concentrations of 10 nM.

PMID- 22083453
TI  - MRP1 expressed on Burkitt's lymphoma cells was depleted by catfish egg lectin
      through Gb3-glycosphingolipid and enhanced cytotoxic effect of drugs.
AB  - A novel anticancer mechanism of catfish (Silurus asotus) egg lectin (SAL) was
      found to occur via the down-regulation of the membrane transopter protein, MRP1
      (multidrug resistance associate protein-1) on Burkitt's lymphoma cells through
      Gb3(Galalpha1-4Galbeta1-4Glc)-glycosphingolipid. Although SAL did not influence
      the viability of the cells directly, only 10 and 100 ng/mL of vincristine and
      etoposide, respectively induced anticancer effects when the lectin was applied in
      conjunction with these drugs. These phenomena were specifically inhibited by the
      co-presence of the alpha-galactoside, melibiose, which is a strong haptenic sugar
      of SAL that mimicks Gb3. The degree of expression regulation of the transporter
      proteins on the cells surface was investigated through the examination of the
      binding between SAL and Gb3-glycosphingolipid by immunological and molecular
      biological procedures. PCR data showed that MRP1 was more highly expressed when
      compared to another ATP-binding cassette family, multi-drug resistant protein and
      the expression levels of MRP1 on the cells were specifically dose- and time
      dependently depleted by the addition of SAL. These results were also evaluated by
      immunological procedures using FACS and western-blotting. Small interfering RNA
      coding a part of MRP1 was transfected to Raji cells to knock down the protein,
      and cell death was increased by 10% when vincristine was administered at a
      concentration as low as 10 ng/mL compared to non-transfected cells. These results
      indicated that SAL possesses the potential to enhance the anticancer activites of
      low-concentrations of vincristine by the down-regulating the MRP1 gene expression
      to inhibit the multidrug resistance by binding to the target ligand Gb3
      glycosphingolipid on Burkitt's lymphoma cells.

PMID- 22083454
TI  - A study evaluating the effect of mifepristone (RU-486) for the treatment of
      leiomyomata uteri.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To estimate the efficacy of daily administration of 25 mg
      mifepristone for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 30 women were to receive 25 mg mifepristone daily for a period of 6
      months. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed before treatment, at 3 months and
      after 6 months, to evaluate the leiomyoma size and uterine volume. Endometrial
      biopsy was done after the treatment. Efficacy was estimated by the reduction in
      leiomyoma size, uterine volume, and improvement in quality of life. RESULTS:
      After 180 days of treatment, there was a 47% decrease in the leiomyoma volume and
      a 53% decrease in the uterine volume. Symptomatic improvement was noted. Twenty
      three of 30 women (75.7%) became amenorrheic after the treatment. Endometrial
      biopsy after treatment revealed simple hyperplasia in two of 30 women.
      CONCLUSION: 25 mg mifepristone produces reduction in leiomyoma size and uterine
      volume and produces symptomatic improvement in women with fibroids.

PMID- 22083455
TI  - Single-step synthesis of pyrazoles using titanium catalysis.
AB  - A simple titanium complex catalyzes the coupling of alkynes, isonitriles, and
      monosubstituted hydrazines to generate substituted pyrazoles in a single step.

PMID- 22083456
TI  - Developing a provisional definition of flare in patients with established gout.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Various nonvalidated criteria for disease flare have been used in
      studies of gout. Our objective was to develop empirical definitions for a gout
      flare from patient-reported features. METHODS: Possible elements for flare
      criteria were previously reported. Data were collected from 210 gout patients at
      8 international sites to evaluate potential gout flare criteria against the gold
      standard of an expert rheumatologist definition. Flare definitions based on the
      presence of the number of criteria independently associated with the flare and
      classification and regression tree approaches were developed. RESULTS: The mean
      +/- SD age of the study participants was 56.2 +/- 15 years, 207 of them (98%)
      were men, and 54 of them (26%) had flares of gout. The presence of any patient
      reported warm joint, any patient-reported swollen joint, patient-reported pain at
      rest score of >3 (0-10 scale), and patient-reported flare were independently
      associated with the study gold standard. The greatest discriminating power was
      noted for the presence of 3 or more of the above 4 criteria (sensitivity 91% and
      specificity 82%). Requiring all 4 criteria provided the highest specificity (96%)
      and positive predictive value (85%). A classification tree identified pain at
      rest with a score of >3, followed by patient self-reported flare, as the rule
      associated with the gold standard (sensitivity 83% and specificity 90%).
      CONCLUSION: We propose definitions for a disease flare based on self-reported
      items in patients previously diagnosed as having gout. Patient-reported flare,
      joint pain at rest, warm joints, and swollen joints were most strongly associated
      with presence of a gout flare. These provisional definitions will next be
      validated in clinical trials.

PMID- 22083458
TI  - Cell cycle proteins in brain in mild cognitive impairment: insights into
      progression to Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated the re-emergence of cell cycle proteins in brain
      as patients progress from the early stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
      into Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress markers present in AD have also
      been shown to be present in MCI brain suggesting that these events occur in early
      stages of the disease. The levels of key cell cycle proteins, such as CDK2, CDK5,
      cyclin G1, and BRAC1 have all been found to be elevated in MCI brain compared to
      age-matched control. Further, peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase (Pin1), a
      protein that plays an important role in regulating the activity of key proteins,
      such as CDK5, GSK3-beta, and PP2A that are involved in both the phosphorylation
      state of Tau and in the cell cycle, has been found to be oxidatively modified and
      downregulated in both AD and MCI brain. Hyperphosphorylation of Tau then results
      in synapse loss and the characteristic Tau aggregation as neurofibrillary
      tangles, an AD hallmark. In this review, we summarized the role of cell cycle
      dysregulation in the progression of disease from MCI to AD. Based on the current
      literature, it is tempting to speculate that a combination of oxidative stress
      and cell cycle dysfunction conceivably leads to neurodegeneration.

PMID- 22083459
TI  - Protective efficacy of coenzyme Q10 against DDVP-induced cognitive impairments
      and neurodegeneration in rats.
AB  - The present study was carried out to elucidate the effects of coenzyme Q(10)
      (CoQ(10)) against cognitive impairments induced by dichlorvos (DDVP). We have
      previously shown organophosphate, DDVP-induced impairments in neurobehavioral
      indices viz. rota rod, passive avoidance, and water maze tests. In addition to
      this, we have also reported that chronic DDVP exposure leads to decreased
      mitochondrial electron transfer activities of cytochrome oxidase along with
      altered mitochondrial complexes I-III activity. Administration of CoQ(10) (4.5
      mg/kg, i.p. for 12 weeks prior to DDVP administration daily) to DDVP-treated rats
      improved cognitive performance in passive avoidance task and Morris water maze
      test. Furthermore, CoQ(10) treatment also reduced oxidative stress (as evident by
      reduced malondialdehyde, decreased ROS and increased Mn-SOD activity) in DDVP
      treated rats' hippocampus region, along with enhanced activity of complexes I-III
      and complex IV. Electron microscope studies of rat hippocampus mitochondria
      revealed that CoQ(10) administration leads to near normal physiology of
      mitochondria with well-defined cristae compared with DDVP-treated animals where
      enlarged mitochondria with distorted cristae are observed. CoQ(10) administration
      also attenuated neuronal damage in hippocampus as evident from histopathological
      studies. These results demonstrate the beneficial effects of CoQ(10) against
      organophosphate-induced cognitive impairments and hippocampal neuronal
      degeneration.

PMID- 22083462
TI  - Nicking enzyme based homogeneous aptasensors for amplification detection of
      protein.
AB  - A simple and highly sensitive homogeneous aptasensor is developed, which relies
      on nicking enzyme. The sensitivity of this newly proposed aptasensor is about
      three orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional homogeneous
      aptasensors. Furthermore, it is capable of detecting target protein in real
      samples.

PMID- 22083460
TI  - Common pathways of autoimmune inflammatory myopathies and genetic neuromuscular
      disorders.
AB  - It has been shown that many hereditary motor neuron diseases are caused by
      mutation of RNA processing enzymes. Survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) is well
      known as a causative gene for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and mutations of
      glycyl- and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases are identified as a cause of distal SMA and
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Why and how the dysfunction of these ubiquitously
      expressed genes involved in RNA processing can cause a specific neurological
      disorder is not well understood. Interestingly, SMN complex has been identified
      recently as a new target of autoantibodies in polymyositis (PM). Autoantibodies
      in systemic rheumatic diseases are clinically useful biomarkers associated with a
      particular diagnosis, subset of a disease, or certain clinical characteristics.
      Many autoantibodies produced in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis
      (PM/DM) target RNA-protein complexes such as aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. It is
      interesting to note these same RNA-protein complexes recognized by autoantibodies
      in PM/DM are also responsible for genetic neuromuscular disease. Certain RNA
      protein complexes are also targets of autoantibodies in paraneoplastic
      neurological disorders. Thus, there are several interesting associations between
      RNA-processing enzymes and neuromuscular disorders. Although pathogenetic roles
      of autoantibodies to intracellular antigens are generally considered unlikely,
      understanding the mechanisms of antigen selection in a particular disease and
      specific neurological symptoms caused by disruption of ubiquitous RNA-processing
      enzyme may help identify a common path in genetic neuromuscular disorders and
      autoimmunity in inflammatory myopathies.

PMID- 22083463
TI  - Fasciae anatomy.

PMID- 22083464
TI  - The strength to cope: spirituality and faith in chronic disease.
AB  - The lifelong management of a chronic condition requires considerable mental
      fortitude and commitment in social adjustment and adherence to medical advice. In
      examining strategies of adaptation, we draw on ethnographic research, including
      interviews with 69 people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. We
      explore how they incorporate spirituality into their self-management routines,
      with positive impact on their health and wellbeing, and highlight the role of
      spiritual practices in supporting people with chronic conditions mentally,
      physically and socially, so encouraging personal responsibility for one's health
      and wellbeing. 

PMID- 22083465
TI  - Genetic features of the widespread plasmid coding for the carbapenemase OXA-48.
AB  - Complete sequencing of plasmid pOXA-48a carrying the bla(OXA-48) gene from a
      Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate was performed. Its backbone corresponded to that of
      an IncL/M-type plasmid, in which the bla(OXA-48) gene had been integrated through
      the acquisition of the Tn1999 composite transposon without any other antibiotic
      resistance gene. Molecular epidemiology using a collection of international OXA
      48 producers revealed the wide diffusion of pOXA-48a or closely related plasmids.

PMID- 22083466
TI  - Penetration of doripenem into skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue in
      healthy volunteers.
AB  - Sufficient antibiotic concentrations at the infection site are a prerequisite for
      good bacterial killing. This study was performed to determine pharmacokinetics of
      doripenem in soft tissues and saliva. Six healthy male volunteers received a
      single intravenous infusion of 500 mg doripenem over 1 h. The concentrations of
      doripenem were measured over 8 h in saliva, plasma, and extracellular space fluid
      of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue employing in vivo
      microdialysis. Unbound drug concentrations were determined using ultra-high
      performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Maximum
      concentrations of doripenem were 15.3 +/- 6.0 mg/liter in plasma, 9.9 +/- 2.3
      mg/liter in subcutaneous adipose tissue, 6.6 +/- 2.9 mg/liter in skeletal muscle,
      and 0.5 +/- 0.2 mg/liter in saliva. Areas under the concentration-time curve
      (AUC) from 0 to infinity were 26.3 +/- 10.1, 20.4 +/- 3.8, 12.8 +/- 3.0, and 1.0
      +/- 0.5 mg . h/liter in plasma, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and saliva,
      respectively. Ratios of AUC in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and saliva to
      those in plasma were 0.84 +/- 0.28, 0.53 +/- 0.19, and 0.04 +/- 0.03,
      respectively. In all six volunteers, a threshold of >=40% for "time above MIC,"
      an index indicative of good antimicrobial activity, was exceeded in adipose
      tissue for MICs of <=2 mg/liter and in skeletal muscle for MICs <=1.5 mg/liter.
      Doripenem penetrates well into interstitial space fluid of skeletal muscle and
      adipose tissue, suggesting good antimicrobial activity in infected soft tissues,
      whereas it is detectable in relatively low concentrations in saliva.

PMID- 22083467
TI  - Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of in vitro-selected artemisinin-resistant
      progeny of Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - Emergence of artemisinin resistance in Cambodia highlights the importance of
      characterizing resistance to this class of drugs. Previously, intermediate levels
      of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum were generated in vitro for artelinic acid
      (AL) and artemisinin (QHS). Here we expanded on earlier selection efforts to
      produce levels of clinically relevant concentrations, and the resulting lines
      were characterized genotypically and phenotypically. Recrudescence assays
      determined the ability of resistant and parent lines to recover following
      exposure to clinically relevant levels of drugs. Interestingly, the parent clone
      (D6) tolerated up to 1,500 ng/ml QHS, but the resistant parasite, D6.QHS340*3,
      recovered following exposure to 2,400 ng/ml QHS. Resistant D6, W2, and TM91c235
      parasites all exhibited elevated 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) to
      multiple artemisinin drugs, with >3-fold resistance to QHS and AL; however, the
      degree of resistance obtained with standard methods was remarkably less than
      expected for parasite lines that recovered from 2,400-ng/ml drug pressure. A
      novel assay format with radiolabeled hypoxanthine demonstrated a greater degree
      of resistance in vitro than the standard SYBR green method. Analysis of merozoite
      number in resistant parasites found D6 and TM91c235 resistant progeny had
      significantly fewer merozoites than parent strains, whereas W2 resistant progeny
      had significantly more. Amplification of pfmdr1 increased proportionately to the
      increased drug levels tolerated by W2 and TM91c235, but not in resistant D6. In
      summary, we define the artemisinin resistance phenotype as a decrease in
      susceptibility to artemisinins along with the ability to recover from drug
      induced dormancy following supraclinical concentrations of the drug.

PMID- 22083468
TI  - PD 404,182 is a virocidal small molecule that disrupts hepatitis C virus and
      human immunodeficiency virus.
AB  - We describe a virucidal small molecule, PD 404,182, that is effective against
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The median 50%
      inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) for the antiviral effect of PD 404,182
      against HCV and HIV in cell culture are 11 and 1 MUM, respectively. The antiviral
      activity of PD 404,182 is due to the physical disruption of virions that is
      accompanied to various degrees (depending on the virus and exposure
      temperature/time) by the release of viral nucleic acids into the surrounding
      medium. PD 404,182 does not directly lyse liposomal membranes even after extended
      exposure, and it shows no attenuation in antiviral activity when preincubated
      with liposomes of various lipid compositions, suggesting that the compound
      inactivates viruses through interaction with a nonlipid structural component of
      the virus. The virucidal activity of PD 404,182 appears to be virus specific, as
      little to no viral inactivation was detected with the enveloped Dengue and
      Sindbis viruses. PD 404,182 effectively inactivates a broad range of primary
      isolates of HIV-1 as well as HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and
      it does not exhibit significant cytotoxicity with multiple human cell lines in
      vitro (50% cytotoxic concentration, >300 MUM). The compound is fully active in
      cervical fluids, although it exhibits decreased potency in the presence of human
      serum, retains its full antiviral potency for 8 h when in contact with cells, and
      is effective against both cell-free and cell-associated HIV. These qualities make
      PD 404,182 an attractive candidate anti-HIV microbicide for the prevention of HIV
      transmission through sexual intercourse.

PMID- 22083469
TI  - Activities of E1210 and comparator agents tested by CLSI and EUCAST broth
      microdilution methods against Fusarium and Scedosporium species identified using
      molecular methods.
AB  - Fusarium (n = 67) and Scedosporium (n = 63) clinical isolates were tested by two
      reference broth microdilution (BMD) methods against a novel broad-spectrum
      (active against both yeasts and molds) antifungal, E1210, and comparator agents.
      E1210 inhibits the inositol acylation step in glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)
      biosynthesis, resulting in defects in fungal cell wall biosynthesis. Five species
      complex organisms/species of Fusarium (4 isolates unspeciated) and 28
      Scedosporium apiospermum, 7 Scedosporium aurantiacum, and 28 Scedosporium
      prolificans species were identified by molecular techniques. Comparator
      antifungal agents included anidulafungin, caspofungin, itraconazole,
      posaconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. E1210 was highly active against
      all of the tested isolates, with minimum effective concentration (MEC)/MIC(90)
      values (MUg/ml) for E1210, anidulafungin, caspofungin, itraconazole,
      posaconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B, respectively, for Fusarium of
      0.12, >16, >16, >8, >8, 8, and 4 MUg/ml. E1210 was very potent against the
      Scedosporium spp. tested. The E1210 MEC(90) was 0.12 MUg/ml for S. apiospermum,
      but 1 to >8 MUg/ml for other tested agents. Against S. aurantiacum, the MEC(50)
      for E1210 was 0.06 MUg/ml versus 0.5 to >8 MUg/ml for the comparators. Against S.
      prolificans, the MEC(90) for E1210 was only 0.12 MUg/ml, compared to >4 MUg/ml
      for amphotericin B and >8 MUg/ml for itraconazole, posaconazole, and
      voriconazole. Both CLSI and EUCAST methods were highly concordant for E1210 and
      all comparator agents. The essential agreement (EA; +/-2 doubling dilutions) was
      >93% for all comparisons, with the exception of posaconazole and F. oxysporum
      species complex (SC) (60%), posaconazole and S. aurantiacum (85.7%), and
      voriconazole and S. aurantiacum (85.7%). In conclusion, E1210 exhibited very
      potent and broad-spectrum antifungal activity against azole- and amphotericin B
      resistant strains of Fusarium spp. and Scedosporium spp. Furthermore, in vitro
      susceptibility testing of E1210 against isolates of Fusarium and Scedosporium may
      be accomplished using either of the CLSI or EUCAST BMD methods, each producing
      very similar results.

PMID- 22083470
TI  - Characterization of CIA-1, an Ambler class A extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
      from Chryseobacterium indologenes.
AB  - An Ambler class A beta-lactamase gene, bla(CIA-1), was cloned from the reference
      strain Chryseobacterium indologenes ATCC 29897 and expressed in Escherichia coli
      BL21. The bla(CIA-1) gene encodes a novel extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
      that shared 68% and 60% identities with the CGA-1 and CME-1 beta-lactamases,
      respectively. bla(CIA-1)-like genes were detected from clinical isolates. In
      addition to the metallo-beta-lactamase IND of Ambler class B, C. indologenes has
      a class A ESBL gene, bla(CIA-1), located on the chromosome.

PMID- 22083471
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin in
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients.
AB  - Liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) and caspofungin (CAS) are important antifungal
      agents in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) recipients.
      Little is known, however, about the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both agents and
      their combination in this population. The PK of LAMB and CAS and the potential
      for PK interactions between both agents were investigated within a risk
      stratified, randomized phase II clinical trial in 53 adult aHSCT recipients with
      granulocytopenia and refractory fever. Patients received either LAMB (n = 17; 3
      mg/kg once a day [QD]), CAS (n = 19; 50 mg QD; day 1, 70 mg), or the combination
      of both (CAS-LAMB; n = 17) for a median duration of 10 to 13 days (range, 4 to 28
      days) until defervescence and granulocyte recovery. PK sampling was performed on
      days 1 and 4. Drug concentrations in plasma (LAMB, 405 samples; CAS, 458 samples)
      were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography and were analyzed using
      population pharmacokinetic modeling. CAS concentration data best fitted a two
      compartment model with a proportional error model and interindividual variability
      (IIV) for clearance (CL) and central volume of distribution (V(1)) (CL, 0.462
      liter/h +/- 25%; V(1), 8.33 liters +/- 29%; intercompartmental clearance [Q],
      1.25 liters/h; peripheral volume of distribution [V(2)], 3.59 liters).
      Concentration data for LAMB best fitted a two-compartment model with a
      proportional error model and IIV for all parameters (CL, 1.22 liters/h +/- 64%;
      V(1), 19.2 liters +/- 38%; Q, 2.18 liters/h +/- 47%; V(2), 52.8 liters +/- 84%).
      Internal model validation showed predictability and robustness of both models.
      None of the covariates tested (LAMB or CAS comedication, gender, body weight,
      age, body surface area, serum bilirubin, and creatinine clearance) further
      improved the models. In summary, the disposition of LAMB and CAS was best
      described by two-compartment models. Drug exposures in aHSCT patients were
      comparable to those in other populations, and no PK interactions were observed
      between the two compounds.

PMID- 22083472
TI  - In vitro activities of candidate microbicides against cell-associated HIV.
AB  - Most research on HIV transmission and microbicides focuses on the inhibition of
      cell-free virus (CFV) present in genital secretions. However, an effective
      microbicide should also block the transmission of cell-associated virus (CAV)
      originating from seminal T cells and macrophages. Because inhibition of CAV
      remains controversial, especially for viral entry inhibitors, we developed a
      novel in vitro assay to evaluate the activities of different classes of candidate
      microbicides against cell-free HIV and HIV-infected leukocytes (i.e., resting
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC], activated PBMC, and monocyte-derived
      macrophages). The assay is based on two CD4(+) CXCR4(+) T-cell lines (R5MaRBLE
      and X4MaRBLE) that both contain a firefly luciferase reporter gene but differ in
      the expression of the CCR5 coreceptor. Consequently, the quantification of the
      luciferase activities and the Gag p24 concentrations in cocultures of R5-tropic
      HIV-infected leukocytes with each cell line separately allowed us to discriminate
      between the infection of the cell lines (i.e., target cells), the ongoing
      infection in the HIV-infected leukocytes (i.e., effector cells), and the total
      infection of the coculture (i.e., effector plus target cells). All 14
      antiretrovirals tested were able to block target cell infection by all three
      sources of CAV, although a small decrease in activity (2- to 18-fold) was
      observed for all entry inhibitors. On the other hand, the production of Gag p24
      by the infected effector cells could be blocked only by protease inhibitors.
      Overall, these results show that entry and protease inhibitors are eligible drug
      classes for inclusion in future combination microbicides.

PMID- 22083473
TI  - Ertapenem pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics during continuous ambulatory
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - Scant data exist for the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ertapenem in patients on
      continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The goals of this study were to
      characterize the PK profile of ertapenem during CAPD, determine the extent of
      ertapenem penetration into the peritoneal cavity, and quantify the probability of
      the target attainment (PTA) profile in the serum and peritoneal cavity. A single
      dose PK study was conducted in seven patients on CAPD. Population PK modeling and
      Monte Carlo simulation determined the probability that ertapenem at 500 mg
      intravenously (i.v.) every 24 h (q24h) would achieve concentrations in excess of
      the MIC for 40% of the dosing interval (40% T>MIC, where T is time) in the serum
      and peritoneal cavity. Monte Carlo simulation was also used to calculate the
      peritoneal cavity/serum mean and median penetration ratios by estimating the area
      under the concentration-time curve in the peritoneal cavity and serum
      (AUC(Peritoneal) and AUC(Serum), respectively) from zero to infinity after a
      single simulated dose. The population mean (+/- standard deviation [SD]) values
      for the apparent volume in the central compartment, clearance, and apparent
      volume in the peritoneal cavity were 2.78 (0.62) liters, 0.24 (0.07) liters/hr,
      and 5.81 (2.05) liters, respectively. The mean (SD) AUC(Peritoneal)/AUC(Serum)
      ratio was 1.039 (0.861), and the median penetration ratio was 0.801
      (interquartile range, 0.486 to 1.317). In both the serum and peritoneal cavity,
      ertapenem at 500 mg i.v. q24h was very likely (>90%) to achieve the
      pharmacodynamic target for MICs of <=2 mg/liter. The simulations suggest that 500
      mg of ertapenem i.v. q24h is very likely to achieve the exposure target
      associated with clinical efficacy in both the serum and peritoneal cavity against
      the range of MIC values deemed susceptible by the Clinical and Laboratory
      Standards Institute.

PMID- 22083474
TI  - Inactivation of the lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin by hydrolytic mechanisms.
AB  - The lipopeptide daptomycin is a member of the newest FDA-approved antimicrobial
      class, exhibiting potency against a broad range of Gram-positive pathogens with
      only rare incidences of clinical resistance. Environmental bacteria harbor an
      abundance of resistance determinants orthologous to those in pathogens and thus
      may serve as an early-warning system for future clinical emergence. A collection
      of morphologically diverse environmental actinomycetes demonstrating
      unprecedented frequencies of daptomycin resistance and high levels of resistance
      by antibiotic inactivation was characterized to elucidate modes of drug
      inactivation. In vivo studies revealed that hydrolysis plays a key role,
      resulting in one or both of the following structural modifications: ring
      hydrolysis resulting in linearization (in 44% of inactivating isolates) or
      deacylation of the lipid tail (29%). Characterization of the mechanism in
      actinomycete WAC4713 (a Streptomyces sp. with an MIC of 512 MUg/ml) demonstrated
      a constitutive resistance phenotype and established daptomycin's circularizing
      ester linkage to be the site of hydrolysis. Characterization of the hydrolase
      responsible revealed it to be likely a serine protease. These studies suggested
      that daptomycin is susceptible to general proteolytic hydrolysis, which was
      further supported by studies using proteases of diverse origin. These findings
      represent the first comprehensive characterization of daptomycin inactivation in
      any bacterial class and may not only presage a future mechanism of clinical
      resistance but also suggest strategies for the development of new lipopeptides.

PMID- 22083475
TI  - In vitro and in vivo activity of solithromycin (CEM-101) against Plasmodium
      species.
AB  - With the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum infections exhibiting increased
      parasite clearance times in response to treatment with artemisinin-based
      combination therapies, the need for new therapeutic agents is urgent.
      Solithromycin, a potent new fluoroketolide currently in development, has been
      shown to be an effective, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Malarial parasites
      possess an unusual organelle, termed the apicoplast, which carries a cryptic
      genome of prokaryotic origin that encodes its own translation and transcription
      machinery. Given the similarity of apicoplast and bacterial ribosomes, we have
      examined solithromycin for antimalarial activity. Other antibiotics known to
      target the apicoplast, such as the macrolide azithromycin, demonstrate a delayed
      death effect, whereby treated asexual blood-stage parasites die in the second
      generation of drug exposure. Solithromycin demonstrated potent in vitro activity
      against the NF54 strain of P. falciparum, as well as against two multidrug
      resistant strains, Dd2 and 7G8. The dramatic increase in potency observed after
      two generations of exposure suggests that it targets the apicoplast.
      Solithromycin also retained potency against azithromycin-resistant parasites
      derived from Dd2 and 7G8, although these lines did demonstrate a degree of cross
      resistance. In an in vivo model of P. berghei infection in mice, solithromycin
      demonstrated a 100% cure rate when administered as a dosage regimen of four doses
      of 100 mg/kg of body weight, the same dose required for artesunate or chloroquine
      to achieve 100% cure rates in this rodent malaria model. These promising in vitro
      and in vivo data support further investigations into the development of
      solithromycin as an antimalarial agent.

PMID- 22083476
TI  - Characterization of the inhibitor-resistant SHV beta-lactamase SHV-107 in a
      clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae strain coproducing GES-7 enzyme.
AB  - The clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae INSRA6884 strain exhibited nonsusceptibility
      to all penicillins tested (MICs of 64 to >2,048 MUg/ml). The MICs of penicillins
      were weakly reduced by clavulanate (from 2,048 to 512 MUg/ml), and tazobactam
      restored piperacillin susceptibility. Molecular characterization identified the
      genes bla(GES-7) and a new beta-lactamase gene, bla(SHV-107), which encoded an
      enzyme that differed from SHV-1 by the amino acid substitutions Leu35Gln and
      Thr235Ala. The SHV-107-producing Escherichia coli strain exhibited only a beta
      lactam resistance phenotype with respect to amoxicillin, ticarcillin, and
      amoxicillin-clavulanate combination. The kinetic parameters of the purified SHV
      107 enzyme revealed a high affinity for penicillins. However, catalytic
      efficiency for these antibiotics was lower for SHV-107 than for SHV-1. No
      hydrolysis was detected against oxyimino-beta-lactams. The 50% inhibitory
      concentration (IC(50)) for clavulanic acid was 9-fold higher for SHV-107 than for
      SHV-1, but the inhibitory effects of tazobactam were unchanged. Molecular
      dynamics simulation suggested that the Thr235Ala substitution affects the
      accommodation of clavulanate in the binding site and therefore its inhibitory
      activity.

PMID- 22083477
TI  - Blood, tissue, and intracellular concentrations of erythromycin and its
      metabolite anhydroerythromycin during and after therapy.
AB  - For macrolides, clinical activity but also the development of bacterial
      resistance has been attributed to prolonged therapeutic and subtherapeutic
      concentrations. Although erythromycin is a long-established antimicrobial,
      concomitant determination of the pharmacokinetics of erythromycin and its
      metabolites in different compartments is limited. To better characterize the
      pharmacokinetics of erythromycin and its anhydrometabolite (anhydroerythromycin
      [AHE]) in different compartments during and after the end of treatment with 500
      mg of erythromycin four times daily, concentration-time profiles were determined
      in plasma, interstitial space of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and
      white blood cells (WBCs) at days 1 and 3 of treatment and 2 and 7 days after end
      of therapy. In WBCs, concentrations of erythromycin exceeded those in plasma
      approximately 40-fold, while free concentrations in plasma and tissue were
      comparable. The observed delay of peak concentrations in tissue might be caused
      by fast initial cellular uptake. Two days after the end of treatment,
      subinhibitory concentrations were observed in plasma and interstitial space of
      both soft tissues, while 7 days after the end of treatment, erythromycin was not
      detectable in any compartment. This relatively short period of subinhibitory
      concentrations may be advantageous compared to other macrolides. The ratio of
      erythromycin over AHE on day 1 was highest in plasma (2.81 +/- 3.45) and lowest
      in WBCs (0.27 +/- 0.22). While the ratio remained constant between single dose
      and steady state, after the end of treatment the concentration of AHE declined
      more slowly than that of the parent compound, indicating the importance of the
      metabolite for the prolonged drug interaction of erythromycin.

PMID- 22083478
TI  - Emergence of carbapenem-resistant non-baumannii species of Acinetobacter
      harboring a blaOXA-51-like gene that is intrinsic to A. baumannii.
AB  - The bla(OXA-51)-like gene, originally intrinsic to Acinetobacter baumannii, had
      been detected in two clones of Acinetobacter nosocomialis and one clone of
      Acinetobacter genomic species "Close to 13TU." These bla(OXA-51)-like genes, all
      preceded by ISAba1, were located on plasmids that might have originated with A.
      baumannii. The plasmid-borne ISAba1--bla(OXA-51)-like confers a high level of
      carbapenem resistance and affects the accuracy of using bla(OXA-51)-like
      detection as a tool for differentiating A. baumannii from other Acinetobacter
      species.

PMID- 22083479
TI  - Decoding the functional roles of cationic side chains of the major antimicrobial
      region of human cathelicidin LL-37.
AB  - Human cathelicidin LL-37 is a critical cationic antimicrobial peptide for host
      defense against infection, immune modulation, and wound healing. This article
      elucidates the functional roles of the cationic side chains of the major
      antimicrobial region of LL-37, corresponding to residues 17 to 32 (designated GF
      17). Antimicrobial assays, killing kinetics studies, and vesicle leakage
      experiments all indicate that a conversion of lysines to arginines affected the
      ability of the peptide to kill the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus strain
      USA300. Alanine scanning experiments show that S. aureus is less sensitive than
      Escherichia coli to a single cationic residue mutation of GF-17. Among the five
      cationic residues, R23 appears to be somewhat important in killing S. aureus.
      However, R23 and K25 of GF-17 are of prime importance in killing the Gram
      negative organism E. coli. In particular, R23 is essential for (i) rapid
      recognition, (ii) permeation of the E. coli outer membrane, (iii) clustering of
      anionic lipids in a membrane system mimicking the E. coli inner membrane, and
      (iv) membrane disruption. Bacterial aggregation (i.e., rapid recognition via
      charge neutralization) is the first step of the peptide action. Structurally, R23
      is located in the interface (i.e., the first action layer), a situation ideal for
      the interactions listed above. In contrast, residues K18, R19, and R29 are on the
      hydrophilic surface of the amphipathic helix and play only a secondary role.
      Mapping of the functional spectrum of cationic residues of GF-17 provides a solid
      basis for engineering bacterium-specific antimicrobials using this highly potent
      template.

PMID- 22083480
TI  - Characterization of the inhibition mechanism of HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein
      chaperone activities by methylated oligoribonucleotides.
AB  - Since currently available therapies against HIV/AIDS still show important
      drawbacks, the development of novel anti-HIV treatments is a key issue. We
      recently characterized methylated oligoribonucleotides (mONs) that extensively
      inhibit HIV-1 replication in primary T cells at nanomolar concentrations. The
      mONs were shown to target both HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and the
      nucleocapsid protein (NC), which is an essential partner of RT during viral DNA
      synthesis. To further understand the mechanism of such mONs, we studied by
      isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence-based techniques their NC
      binding properties and ability to inhibit the nucleic acid chaperone properties
      of NC. Notably, we investigated the ability of mONs to inhibit the NC-induced
      destabilization of the HIV-1 cTAR (complementary DNA sequence to TAR
      [transactivation response element]) stem-loop and the NC-promoted cTAR annealing
      to its complementary sequence, required at the early stage of HIV-1 viral DNA
      synthesis. Moreover, we compared the activity of the mONs to that of a number of
      modified and nonmodified oligonucleotides. Results show that the mONs inhibit NC
      by a competitive mechanism whereby the mONs tightly bind the NC peptide, mainly
      through nonelectrostatic interactions with the hydrophobic platform at the top of
      the NC zinc fingers. Taken together, these results favor the notion that the mONs
      impair the process of the RT-directed viral DNA synthesis by sequestering NC
      molecules, thus preventing the chaperoning of viral DNA synthesis by NC. These
      findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis for NC inhibition
      by mONs, which could be used for the rational design of antiretroviral compounds
      targeting HIV-1 NC protein.

PMID- 22083482
TI  - Effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil and the major
      monoterpene component terpinen-4-ol on the development of single- and multistep
      antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial susceptibility.
AB  - This study examined the effect of subinhibitory Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)
      essential oil on the development of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus
      aureus and Escherichia coli. Frequencies of single-step antibiotic-resistant
      mutants were determined by inoculating bacteria cultured with or without
      subinhibitory tea tree oil onto agar containing 2 to 8 times the MIC of each
      antibiotic and with or without tea tree oil. Whereas most differences in
      resistance frequencies were relatively minor, the combination of kanamycin and
      tea tree oil yielded approximately 10-fold fewer resistant E. coli mutants than
      kanamycin alone. The development of multistep antibiotic resistance in the
      presence of tea tree oil or terpinen-4-ol was examined by culturing S. aureus and
      E. coli isolates daily with antibiotic alone, antibiotic with tea tree oil, and
      antibiotic with terpinen-4-ol for 6 days. Median MICs for each antibiotic alone
      increased 4- to 16-fold by day 6. Subinhibitory tea tree oil or terpinen-4-ol did
      not greatly alter results, with day 6 median MICs being either the same as or one
      concentration different from those for antibiotic alone. For tea tree oil and
      terpinen-4-ol alone, day 6 median MICs had increased 4-fold for S. aureus (n =
      18) and 2-fold for E. coli (n = 18) from baseline values. Lastly, few significant
      changes in antimicrobial susceptibility were seen for S. aureus and S.
      epidermidis isolates that had been serially subcultured 14 to 22 times with
      subinhibitory terpinen-4-ol. Overall, these data indicate that tea tree oil and
      terpinen-4-ol have little impact on the development of antimicrobial resistance
      and susceptibility.

PMID- 22083481
TI  - Antiviral breadth and combination potential of peptide triazole HIV-1 entry
      inhibitors.
AB  - The first stage of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection involves
      the fusion of viral and host cellular membranes mediated by viral envelope
      glycoprotein gp120. Inhibitors that specifically target gp120 are gaining
      increased attention as therapeutics or preventatives to prevent the spread of HIV
      1. One promising new group of inhibitors is the peptide triazoles, which bind to
      gp120 and simultaneously block its interaction with both CD4 and the coreceptor.
      In this study, we assessed the most potent peptide triazole, HNG-156, for
      inhibitory breadth, cytotoxicity, and efficacy, both alone and in combination
      with other antiviral compounds, against HIV-1. HNG-156 inhibited a panel of 16
      subtype B and C isolates of HIV-1 in a single-round infection assay. Inhibition
      of cell infection by replication-competent clinical isolates of HIV-1 was also
      observed with HNG-156. We found that HNG-156 had a greater than predicted effect
      when combined with several other entry inhibitors or the reverse transcriptase
      inhibitor tenofovir. Overall, we find that HNG-156 is noncytotoxic, has a broad
      inhibition profile, and provides a positive combination with several inhibitors
      of the HIV-1 life cycle. These results support the pursuit of efficacy and
      toxicity analyses in more advanced cell and animal models to develop peptide
      triazole family inhibitors of HIV-1 into antagonists of HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 22083483
TI  - Yersinia pestis AcrAB-TolC in antibiotic resistance and virulence.
AB  - The efflux pump AcrAB is important in the antibiotic resistance and virulence of
      several pathogenic bacteria. We report that deletion of the Yersinia pestis AcrAB
      TolC homolog leads to increased susceptibility to diverse substrates, including,
      though unlike in Escherichia coli, the aminoglycosides. Neither is the Y. pestis
      pump affected by the efflux pump inhibitor phenylalanine-arginine beta
      naphthylamide. In mouse plague models, pump deletion does not have a significant
      effect on tissue colonization.

PMID- 22083484
TI  - Evaluation of once-daily vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus in a hollow-fiber infection model.
AB  - For methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, data suggest
      that the clinical response is significantly better if the total vancomycin area
      under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratio is >=400. While the AUC/MIC
      ratio is the accepted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) index for
      vancomycin, this target has been achieved using multiple daily doses. We are
      unaware of a systematically designed dose fractionation study to compare the
      bactericidal activity of once-daily administration to that of traditional twice
      daily administration. A dose fractionation study was performed with vancomycin in
      an in vitro hollow-fiber infection model against an MRSA USA300 strain (MIC of
      0.75 MUg/ml) using an inoculum of ~10(6) CFU/ml. The three vancomycin regimens
      evaluated for 168 h were 2 g every 24 h (q24h) as a 1-h infusion, 1 g q12h as a 1
      h infusion, and 2 g q24h as a continuous infusion. Free steady-state
      concentrations (assuming 45% binding) for a total daily AUC/MIC ratio of >=400
      were simulated for all regimens. A validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry method was used to determine vancomycin concentrations. Although
      once-daily and twice-daily dosage regimens exhibited total trough concentrations
      of <15 MUg/ml, all regimens achieved similar bactericidal activities between 24
      and 168 h and suppressed the amplification of nonsusceptible subpopulations. No
      colonies were found on agar plates with 3* MIC for any of the treatment arms.
      Overall, the results suggest that once-daily vancomycin administration is
      feasible from a PK/PD perspective and merits further inquiry in the clinical
      arena.

PMID- 22083485
TI  - Prospective investigation of nasal mupirocin, hexachlorophene body wash, and
      systemic antibiotics for prevention of recurrent community-associated methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
AB  - Recurrent community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA
      MRSA) skin infections are an increasingly common problem. However, there are no
      data on the efficacy of decolonization regimens. We prospectively evaluated 31
      patients with recurrent CA-MRSA skin infections who received nasal mupirocin,
      topical hexachlorophene body wash, and an oral anti-MRSA antibiotic. The mean
      number of MRSA infections after the intervention decreased significantly from
      baseline (0.03 versus 0.84 infections/month, P = <0.0001). This regimen appears
      promising at preventing recurrent CA-MRSA infections.

PMID- 22083486
TI  - Micafungin concentrations in the plasma and burn eschar of severely burned
      patients.
AB  - Micafungin concentrations in plasma and burn eschar after daily intravenous
      infusion (1 h) of micafungin (200 to 300 mg) were investigated for six patients
      with severe burns. Micafungin treatment was initiated more than 72 h after the
      burn injuries. The peak and trough levels in the plasma after the initial
      administration and repeated administrations for more than 4 days were comparable
      with or slightly lower than the reported values for healthy volunteers.
      Micafungin concentrations in the plasma and burn eschar were between 3.6 and
      >1,000 times higher than the reported MIC(90)s of micafungin against clinically
      important Candida and Aspergillus species.

PMID- 22083487
TI  - Complete sequence of broad-host-range plasmid pRIO-5 harboring the extended
      spectrum-beta-lactamase gene blaBES-1.
AB  - Broad-host-range plasmid pRIO-5, harboring the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
      bla(BES-1) gene in Serratia marcescens, was fully sequenced. Analysis of the
      12,957-bp sequence of this IncP6-type plasmid revealed that the bla(BES-1) gene
      was associated with two copies of the insertion sequence IS26. The promoter
      responsible for the bla(BES-1) expression was hybrid, made of a -35 box located
      inside the inverted repeat of IS26 and a -10 box inside a remnant of an insertion
      sequence.

PMID- 22083488
TI  - Interplay between single resistance-associated mutations in the HIV-1 protease
      and viral infectivity, protease activity, and inhibitor sensitivity.
AB  - Resistance-associated mutations in the HIV-1 protease modify viral fitness
      through changes in the catalytic activity and altered binding affinity for
      substrates and inhibitors. In this report, we examine the effects of 31 mutations
      at 26 amino acid positions in protease to determine their impact on infectivity
      and protease inhibitor sensitivity. We found that primary resistance mutations
      individually decrease fitness and generally increase sensitivity to protease
      inhibitors, indicating that reduced virion-associated protease activity reduces
      virion infectivity and the reduced level of per virion protease activity is then
      more easily titrated by a protease inhibitor. Conversely, mutations at more
      variable positions (compensatory mutations) confer low-level decreases in
      sensitivity to all protease inhibitors with little effect on infectivity. We
      found significant differences in the observed effect on infectivity with a
      pseudotype virus assay that requires the protease to cleave the cytoplasmic tail
      of the amphotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV) Env protein. Additionally, we
      were able to mimic the fitness loss associated with resistance mutations by
      directly reducing the level of virion-associated protease activity. Virions
      containing 50% of a D25A mutant protease were 3- to 5-fold more sensitive to
      protease inhibitors. This level of reduction in protease activity also resulted
      in a 2-fold increase in sensitivity to nonnucleoside inhibitors of reverse
      transcriptase and a similar increase in sensitivity to zidovudine (AZT),
      indicating a pleiotropic effect associated with reduced protease activity. These
      results highlight the interplay between enzyme activity, viral fitness, and
      inhibitor mechanism and sensitivity in the closed system of the viral replication
      complex.

PMID- 22083489
TI  - The class A beta-lactamase FTU-1 is native to Francisella tularensis.
AB  - The class A beta-lactamase FTU-1 produces resistance to penicillins and
      ceftazidime but not to any other beta-lactam antibiotics tested. FTU-1 hydrolyzes
      penicillin antibiotics with catalytic efficiencies of 10(5) to 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)
      and cephalosporins and carbapenems with catalytic efficiencies of 10(2) to 10(3)
      M(-1) s(-1), but the monobactam aztreonam and the cephamycin cefoxitin are not
      substrates for the enzyme. FTU-1 shares 21 to 34% amino acid sequence identity
      with other class A beta-lactamases and harbors two cysteine residues conserved in
      all class A carbapenemases. FTU-1 is the first weak class A carbapenemase that is
      native to Francisella tularensis.

PMID- 22083490
TI  - Pyranocoumarins isolated from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn suppress
      lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in murine macrophages through
      inhibition of NF-kappaB and STAT3 activation.
AB  - Praeruptorin C, D, and E (PC, PD, and PE) are three pyranocoumarins isolated from
      the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn of Umbelliferae. In the present
      study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of these compounds in
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Pyranocoumarins
      significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6 (IL
      6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The mRNA and protein expressions
      of inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were also suppressed by
      these compounds. Both PD and PE exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activities
      than PC. Further study showed that pyranocoumarins suppressed the cytoplasmic
      loss of inhibitor kappaB-alpha protein and inhibited the translocation of NF
      kappaB from cytoplasm to nucleus. In addition, pyranocoumarins suppressed LPS
      induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, the results suggest that
      pyranocoumarins may exert anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7
      macrophages through the inhibition of NF-kappaB and STAT3 activation.

PMID- 22083491
TI  - Acute oxidative stress affects IL-8 and TNF-alpha expression in IPEC-J2 porcine
      epithelial cells.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species are implicated in cell and tissue damage in a number of
      diseases including acute and chronic inflammation of the gut. Effects of H(2)O(2)
      exposure on non-carcinogenic porcine epithelial cell line, IPEC-J2 cells cultured
      on collagen-coated membrane inserts were monitored based on transepithelial
      electrical resistance (TER) change, extent of necrotic cell damage, gene
      expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, the
      junction proteins claudin-1 and E-cadherin were also investigated by
      immunohistochemistry. Peroxide (1mM) increased IL-8 and TNF-alpha gene expression
      levels significantly allowing 1 h recovery time without affecting the cellular
      distribution of junction proteins, TER and cell survival rate. In conclusion, the
      IPEC-J2 cell line on membrane insert was introduced as a fast and reliable
      investigation tool for oxidative stimuli-triggered intestinal inflammation and in
      the future as a screening method for antioxidant and probiotic candidates.

PMID- 22083493
TI  - Absence of caveolin-1 alters heat shock protein expression in spontaneous mammary
      tumors driven by Her-2/neu expression.
AB  - In a previous study, we measured caveolin-1 protein levels, both in the normal
      breast and in breast cancer. The study revealed no association between caveolin-1
      expression in the epithelial compartment and clinical disease outcome. However,
      high levels of caveolin-1 in the stromal tissue surrounding the tumor associated
      strongly with reduced metastasis and improved survival. Using an animal model, we
      found that the onset of mammary tumors driven by Her-2/neu expression was
      accelerated in mice lacking caveolin-1. We have analysed the heat shock protein
      (Hsp) response in the tumors of mice lacking caveolin-1. In all cases, the
      mammary tumors were estrogen and progesterone receptor negative, and the levels
      of Her-2/neu (evaluated by immunohistochemistry) were not different between the
      caveolin-1 +/+ (n = 8) and the caveolin-1 -/- (n = 7) tumors. However, a
      significant reduction in the extent of apoptosis was observed in mammary tumors
      from animals lacking caveolin-1. While Bcl-2, Bax, and survivin levels in the
      tumors were not different, the amount of HSPA (Hsp70) was almost double in the
      caveolin-1 -/- tumors. In contrast, HSPB1 (Hsp27/Hsp25) levels were significantly
      lower in the caveolin-1 -/- tumors. The mammary tumors from caveolin-1 null mice
      expressed more HSPC4 (gp96 or grp94), but HSPC1 (Hsp90), HSPA5 (grp78), HSPD1
      (Hsp60), and CHOP were not altered. No significant changes in these proteins were
      found in the stroma surrounding these tumors. These results demonstrate that the
      disruption of the Cav-1 gene can cause alterations of specific Hsps as well as
      tumor development.

PMID- 22083494
TI  - Synthesis of geminal bisphosphonates via organocatalyzed enantioselective Michael
      additions of cyclic ketones and 4-piperidones.
AB  - A Michael addition reaction of cyclic ketones and piperidones to a vinyl
      phosphonate is described. The reaction, catalyzed by chiral diamines, produced
      geminal gamma-oxobisphosphonates in high yields (up to 92%) and very high ees (up
      to >99%). Disubstituted ketones gave drs of up to 8 : 92. The synthesis and
      characterization of several new compounds with potential biological activity is
      described.

PMID- 22083495
TI  - Revisiting polymer statistical physics to account for the presence of long-range
      correlated structural disorder in 2D DNA chains.
AB  - We elaborate on a generalization of the 2D wormlike chain (WLC) model that
      accounts for the presence of long-range correlations (LRC) in the intrinsic
      curvature distribution of eukaryotic DNA. This model predicts some decrease of
      the DNA persistence length resulting from some large-scale intrinsic curvature
      induced by sequence-dependent persistent random distribution of local bending
      sites. When assisting exact analytical calculations by numerical DNA simulations,
      we show that the conjugated contributions of i) the thermal curvature
      fluctuations characterized by the "dynamic" persistence length l(p)(d) = 2A,
      where A is the elastic bending modulus, and ii) the intrinsic LRC curvature
      disorder of amplitude sigma(o) and Hurst exponent H > 1/2, characterized by a
      "static" persistence length l(p)(H) = A(1/2H)sigma(o)(-1/H) Gamma(1/2H + 1), can
      be described by a continuum of generalized WLC (GWLC) models parametrized by the
      LRC exponent H. We use perturbation analysis to investigate the two limiting
      cases of weak static disorder (w(H) << 1 and weak dynamical fluctuations (1/w (H)
      << 1), where w(H) = l(p)(d)/l(p)(H) is a dimensionless parameter. From a
      quantitative point of view, our study demonstrates that even for a small value of
      the LRC (H approximately equal 0.6-0.8) static disorder amplitude sigma(o) ~ 10(
      2), as previously reported for genomic DNA, the decrease of the persistence
      length from the WLC prediction l(p)(d) can be very significant, up to twofold.
      The implications of these results on the first steps of compaction of DNA in
      eukaryotic cells are discussed.

PMID- 22083496
TI  - Fatty acid composition of Celta pig breed as influenced by sex and location of
      fat in the carcass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of sex and location of fat in the carcass on the fatty
      acid profile of Celta pigs was studied. Twenty pigs (10 castrated males and 10
      females) from the Carballina line were used. RESULTS: The fatty acids composition
      was predominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; approximately 48% of total
      methyl esters), followed by saturated fatty acids (SFA; approximately 40% of
      total methyl esters) and, finally, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA;
      approximately 12% of total methyl esters). The sex and location of fat in the
      carcass showed significant differences in PUFA and SFA content while both factors
      were not significantly different with respect to MUFA content. Linoleic,
      linolenic, eicosatrienoic and arachidonic fatty acids showed the largest
      difference among the three locations (intramuscular, subcutaneous ventral and
      subcutaneous dorsal) of the fat in the carcass. CONCLUSION: The fatty acid
      profile that we observed in the fat of the Celta pigs does not differ greatly
      from those described by other authors in other autochthonous pig breeds.
      Principal component analysis offered a good separation of the mean samples
      according to the sex and location of fat of the pigs.

PMID- 22083497
TI  - Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is instrumental in the pathogenesis of
      antibody-mediated nephritis in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mechanism by which anti-DNA antibodies mediate lupus nephritis has
      yet to be conclusively determined. Previously, we found that treatment of
      mesangial cells with anti-DNA antibodies induced high expression of neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), an iron-binding protein up-regulated in
      response to kidney injury. We undertook this study to determine whether NGAL is
      instrumental in the pathogenesis of nephritis, is induced as part of repair, or
      is irrelevant to damage/repair pathways. METHODS: To investigate the role of NGAL
      in antibody-mediated nephritis, we induced nephrotoxic nephritis by passive
      antibody transfer to 129/SyJ and C57BL/6 mice. To determine if NGAL up-regulation
      is instrumental, we compared the severity of renal damage in NGAL wild-type mice
      and NGAL-knockout mice following induction of nephrotoxic nephritis. RESULTS: We
      found that kidney NGAL expression, as well as urine NGAL levels, were
      significantly increased in mice with nephrotoxic nephritis as compared to control
      injected mice. Tight correlations were observed between NGAL expression, renal
      histopathology, and urine NGAL excretion. NGAL-knockout mice had attenuated
      proteinuria and improved renal histopathology compared to wild-type mice.
      Similarly, following nephritis induction, NGAL injection significantly
      exacerbated nephritis and decreased survival. NGAL induced apoptosis via caspase
      3 activation and up-regulated inflammatory gene expression in kidney cells in
      vitro and when injected in vivo. CONCLUSION: We conclude that kidney binding of
      pathogenic antibodies stimulates local expression of NGAL, which plays a crucial
      role in the pathogenesis of nephritis via promotion of inflammation and
      apoptosis. NGAL blockade may be a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of
      nephritis mediated by pathogenic antibodies, including anti-glomerular basement
      membrane disease and lupus nephritis.

PMID- 22083498
TI  - Demonstration and manifestation of self-determination and illness resistance--a
      qualitative study of long-term maintenance of physical activity in posttreatment
      cancer survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe posttreatment cancer survivors'
      lived experience of long-term maintenance of physical activity (PA). METHODS: A
      qualitative, salutogenetic-oriented study was conducted based on four audiotaped,
      semistructured focus group interviews. Interviewee selection was carried out
      through purposeful sampling. Twenty-three cancer survivors (17 women and 6 men;
      median age 50 years, range 29-70) who were physically inactive prior to their
      diagnosis but who had been exercising regularly for a minimum of 18 months
      posttreatment participated in the study. The participants were recruited from The
      Copenhagen PACT Study that evaluated the effect of a one-year rehabilitation
      program (supervised exercise [weekly], expert lectures [trimonthly], in-group
      coaching [bimonthly] and individual coaching [3 * 1 h]). Data were analyzed by
      use of systematic condensation analysis inspired by Giorgi's descriptive
      phenomenological methodology (see Sketch of a psychological phenomenological
      method, in: Giorgi A (ed.), Phenomenology and Psychological Research, Duquesne
      University Press, Pittsburgh, 1985). RESULTS: The analysis revealed five
      categories, which were summarized into an overall sentence describing the essence
      of long-term PA maintenance in cancer survivors: demonstration and manifestation
      of self-determination and illness resistance. In sum, the participants described
      regular PA as a prerequisite for feeling and staying well and preserving and
      pursuing own potentials whereby PA maintenance becomes a goal in itself.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that cancer survivors' continued motivation for
      PA may be dependent on the fulfillment of a personal and conscious experience of
      being in the process of creating and living a comprehensible and meaningful life.
      Future theory-based interventions to encourage PA maintenance in cancer survivors
      could potentially benefit by integration of humanistic and existential psychology
      in addition to social cognitive theory and theory of planned behavior.

PMID- 22083499
TI  - Influence of the valgus force during knee flexion in neutral rotation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pivot shift test is generally accepted to be a clinically useful
      tool. In the current study, the authors aimed to determine the minimum amount of
      valgus force required to elicit a positive pivot shift test utilizing a
      mechanized pivot shifter device in ACL-deficient knees. The authors proposed that
      increasing the applied force from a minimum critical value would lead to greater
      magnitudes of femoro-tibial translation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six fresh-frozen
      pelvis-to-toes specimens were used in this cadaveric study. Tracking and
      recording of tibiofemoral kinematics during throughout testing was achieved by an
      image-free surgical navigation system with dedicated ACL software. A load cell
      was attached to the mechanized pivot shifter through a three-degree-of-freedom
      arm. Valgus force magnitudes of 0-5 kg were then sequentially applied, and knee
      flexion in neutral rotation was performed on the ACL-deficient knees. A total of
      two trials were performed for each force. RESULTS: The greatest difference in
      lateral and medial compartment translation, during the pivot shift test,
      utilizing a mechanized pivot shifter in an ACL-deficient knee, was measured
      between an applied valgus force of 0 and 1 kg. The mean difference between 4 and
      5 kg was 0.2 mm (CI = -11.29 to 10.89) for the lateral compartment, and there was
      no difference in translation for the medial compartment (CI = -17.43 to 17.43).
      CONCLUSIONS: The principal finding of the current study was that a greater force
      does not produce a greater magnitude of femoro-tibial translation during knee
      flexion in neutral rotation, contrary to the initial hypothesis.

PMID- 22083500
TI  - Behavioral and molecular evidence for a feedback interaction between morphine and
      HIV-1 viral proteins.
AB  - Morphine use and addiction is common among HIV infected individuals. There is an
      abundance of research supporting the effects of morphine and other mu opioid
      receptor (MOR) ligands, on the function of HIV-1 viral proteins and progression
      of HIV-1 viral infection to AIDS. On the other hand, there is much less research
      that investigates the possible effects of the persistent presence of HIV-1 viral
      proteins on the expression of the MOR and the analgesic and rewarding effects of
      MOR ligands such as morphine. While researchers have made a great deal of
      progress in the past several years, the overall investigation of the interaction
      between opiates such as morphine and HIV-1 viral proteins is largely unilateral.
      It has become widely accepted that drugs of abuse interact with HIV-1 viral
      proteins, but the mechanisms by which this takes place are only recently being
      discovered. Molecular and behavioral research suggests a feedback interaction
      between morphine and HIV-1 viral proteins. This interaction is mediated largely
      by the MOR as well as interplay between MOR ligands and cytokines, chemokines and
      their receptors. Some of the mechanisms underlying the feedback interaction
      between morphine and HIV-1 viral proteins has been demonstrated using cell
      culture and the recently engineered HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat models.

PMID- 22083501
TI  - Patterns and predictors of self-medication amongst antenatal clients in Ibadan,
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-medication is widely practiced in the study area, as many drugs
      are available over-the-counter, in addition to the use of local herbal
      preparations. Also, apprehension about the dangers of drug use in pregnancy
      appears to affect the compliance of prescribed medication. This study assess the
      drug use profile of an antenatal population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a
      questionnaire-based descriptive study of 410 antenatal clients attending primary,
      secondary and tertiary centers in Ibadan, Nigeria. The variables analysed were
      demographic data of respondents and level of health care received. Outcome
      measures were use of prescribed drugs, self-medication or herbal preparations.
      Chi-tests and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS:
      All patients on prescribed medication for medical conditions claimed to be
      compliant with their drugs. Exactly 19.2% admitted to self-medication, mostly
      hematinics and pain-relieving pills (acetaminophen). No one admitted to alcohol
      or tobacco use, but 46.3%, especially attendees of the rural center (OR 5.79; 95%
      CI 2.56-13.10), ingested herbal concoctions while pregnant. Married women (OR
      0.2; 95% CI 0.05-0.75) or those whose spouses had higher education (OR 0.43; 95%
      CI 0.21-0.89) were less likely to practice self-medication, while hypertensive
      women were more likely to practice it (OR 22.54; 95% CI 3.81-133.49).
      CONCLUSIONS: Social support has a role in safe drug use practices. This should be
      used to advantage by encouraging partners' attendance at antenatal sessions.
      Patients need counseling on the dangers of procuring their usual prescription
      drugs without consultation. Use of herbal concoctions needs to be explored in the
      community.

PMID- 22083502
TI  - An unusual cause of acute renal failure in a patient with surgical
      hypoparathyroidism: nephrocalcinosis.

PMID- 22083503
TI  - Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in struma ovarii.

PMID- 22083504
TI  - Quantification of image quality using information theory.
AB  - Aims of present study were to examine usefulness of information theory in visual
      assessment of image quality. We applied first order approximation of the
      Shannon's information theory to compute information losses (IL). Images of a
      contrast-detail mammography (CDMAM) phantom were acquired with computed
      radiographies for various radiation doses. Information content was defined as the
      entropy Sigmap( i )log(1/p ( i )), in which detection probabilities p ( i ) were
      calculated from distribution of detection rate of the CDMAM. IL was defined as
      the difference between information content and information obtained. IL decreased
      with increases in the disk diameters (P < 0.0001, ANOVA) and in the radiation
      doses (P < 0.002, F-test). Sums of IL, which we call total information losses
      (TIL), were closely correlated with the image quality figures (r = 0.985). TIL
      was dependent on the distribution of image reading ability of each examinee, even
      when average reading ratio was the same in the group. TIL was shown to be
      sensitive to the observers' distribution of image readings and was expected to
      improve the evaluation of image quality.

PMID- 22083506
TI  - Commentary Re: Botox Article by Berger & Knoll IPH 19(5):243-244 on "The efficacy
      of botulinum toxin type A in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic
      review and meta analysis".

PMID- 22083507
TI  - A parametric model fitting time to first event for overdispersed data:
      application to time to relapse in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - In this article, we propose a parametric model for the distribution of time to
      first event when events are overdispersed and can be properly fitted by a
      Negative Binomial distribution. This is a very common situation in medical
      statistics, when the occurrence of events is summarized as a count for each
      patient and the simple Poisson model is not adequate to account for
      overdispersion of data. In this situation, studying the time of occurrence of the
      first event can be of interest. From the Negative Binomial distribution of
      counts, we derive a new parametric model for time to first event and apply it to
      fit the distribution of time to first relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS). We
      develop the regression model with methods for covariate estimation. We show that,
      as the Negative Binomial model properly fits relapse counts data, this new model
      matches quite perfectly the distribution of time to first relapse, as tested in
      two large datasets of MS patients. Finally we compare its performance, when
      fitting time to first relapse in MS, with other models widely used in survival
      analysis (the semiparametric Cox model and the parametric exponential, Weibull,
      log-logistic and log-normal models).

PMID- 22083509
TI  - Beneficial effect of myricetin on renal functions in streptozotocin-induced
      diabetes.
AB  - Myricetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that is known to decrease plasma
      glucose levels in diabetes; however, its influence on renal functions has not yet
      been determined. This study investigated the effect of myricetin on structural
      and functional changes occurring in diabetic nephropathy. Male Albino Wistar rats
      were divided into three groups: normoglycemic, diabetic and myricetin-treated
      diabetic. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of
      streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and rats having fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels
      greater than 200 mg/dl were included in the study. Treatment of myricetin (6
      mg/day ip) was initiated 16 weeks after diabetes was confirmed. Light microscopy
      was performed on hematoxylin-eosin- and Masson's trichrome-stained sections to
      evaluate the effect of myricetin on structural changes in the kidney, while
      creatinine clearance, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney weight, urine volume and
      protein were measured to assess kidney functions. Activities of glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were also measured in renal tissues
      obtained from all experimental groups. Myricetin treatment significantly
      decreased glomerulosclerosis and reduced BUN, urinary volume and protein
      excretion, which was profoundly increased in diabetic rats. Decreased creatinine
      clearance measured in diabetic rats was significantly increased following
      myricetin treatment. Myricetin also restored altered renal activities of GPx and
      XO, which were decreased and increased in diabetic rats, respectively. In
      conclusion, myricetin improved altered renal functions and restored renal
      activities of GPx and XO in diabetic rats. Obtained data suggest that myricetin
      could be of therapeutic potential in diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22083510
TI  - Oct4 links multiple epigenetic pathways to the pluripotency network.
AB  - Oct4 is a well-known transcription factor that plays fundamental roles in stem
      cell self-renewal, pluripotency, and somatic cell reprogramming. However, limited
      information is available on Oct4-associated protein complexes and their intrinsic
      protein-protein interactions that dictate Oct4's critical regulatory activities.
      Here we employed an improved affinity purification approach combined with mass
      spectrometry to purify Oct4 protein complexes in mouse embryonic stem cells
      (mESCs), and discovered many novel Oct4 partners important for self-renewal and
      pluripotency of mESCs. Notably, we found that Oct4 is associated with multiple
      chromatin-modifying complexes with documented as well as newly proved functional
      significance in stem cell maintenance and somatic cell reprogramming. Our study
      establishes a solid biochemical basis for genetic and epigenetic regulation of
      stem cell pluripotency and provides a framework for exploring alternative factor
      based reprogramming strategies.

PMID- 22083511
TI  - Live imaging of newly formed lymphatic vessels in the cornea.

PMID- 22083512
TI  - Late effects on haemostasis after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantations are important
      therapeutic options for patients with hematologic disorders. Hemostatic
      complications are frequent after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a
      considerable morbidity and mortality. The incidence of bleedings and thrombosis
      is highest in the first few weeks after transplantation, but may also occur
      later. However, beyond the first year of transplantation only limited data are
      available. In long-term survivors the risk for premature atherosclerosis
      increases over time after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and
      it is higher than in the age-adjusted general population and in recipients of
      autologous transplantation.

PMID- 22083513
TI  - A mathematical model of cell cycle progression applied to the MCF-7 breast cancer
      cell line.
AB  - In this paper, we present a model of cell cycle progression and apply it to cells
      of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. We consider cells existing in the three
      typical cell cycle phases determined using flow cytometry: the G1, S, and G2/M
      phases. We further break each phase up into model phases in order to capture
      certain features such as cells remaining in phases for a minimum amount of time.
      The model is also able to capture the environmentally responsive part of the G1
      phase, allowing for quantification of the number of environmentally responsive
      cells at each point in time. The model parameters are carefully chosen using data
      from various sources in the biological literature. The model is then validated
      against a variety of experiments, and the excellent fit with experimental results
      allows for insight into the mechanisms that influence observed biological
      phenomena. In particular, the model is used to question the common assumption
      that a 'slow cycling population' is necessary to explain some results. Finally,
      an extension is proposed, where cell death is included in order to accurately
      model the effects of tamoxifen, a common first line anticancer drug in breast
      cancer patients. We conclude that the model has strong potential to be used as an
      aid in future experiments to gain further insight into cell cycle progression and
      cell death.

PMID- 22083514
TI  - Identification of patients with indolent B cell lymphoma sensitive to rituximab
      monotherapy.
AB  - The potential predictive value of tumor bulk, genetic, and immunological variants
      in patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to respond to treatment with
      rituximab (RTX) monotherapy was evaluated. Thus, the value of assessing the
      effect of 18-fluoro-desoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake on PET scan, polymorphisms in
      Fc gamma receptor (FcgammaR) IIIa-158, FcgammaRIIa-131, and C1qA-276 genes in
      predicting the response to treatment were evaluated in 50 low-grade non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma patients. The influence of RTX pharmacokinetics, plasma levels of the B
      cell-activating factor (BAFF), and human antichimeric antibodies was also
      investigated. The therapeutic response was evaluated 10 weeks after treatment
      using revised Cheson's criteria. Lower maximal standardized uptake values
      (SUV(max)) at baseline were predictive of complete response. FcgammaRIIIa-158
      polymorphism was also associated with complete response to RTX confirming
      previous findings, whereas polymorphisms in the FcgammaRIIa-131 and C1qA-276
      genes were not. Lower blood levels of RTX were observed in males, but the
      effectiveness of RTX in males and females was the same. BAFF was not detectable
      in plasma before or after treatment, and no patients developed human antichimeric
      antibodies. Low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients with a low SUV(max) at
      baseline and an FcgammaRIIIa-158 V/V genotype generally had a complete response
      to RTX.

PMID- 22083515
TI  - Center-by-center results of a multicenter prospective trial to determine the
      inter-observer correlation of the simplified POP-Q in describing pelvic organ
      prolapse.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study was conducted to determine the
      differences in the inter-observer agreement of the simplified Pelvic Organ
      Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system from center to center in a large
      international multicenter study. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the
      results of a large prospective single blind multicenter trial studying the inter
      observer agreement of a simplified POP-Q exam. Twelve centers from four
      continents with a total of 511 subjects were included in this study. The number
      of subjects recruited per center ranged from 20 to 81. Each patient was
      independently examined by two investigators, with examination order randomly
      assigned and investigators blinded to each other's result. The weighted kappa
      statistic was used to evaluate the inter-observer agreement. RESULTS: Good and
      significant associations were observed on the anterior, posterior, and apical
      segments. Six out of 11 sites did not provide adequate number of subjects with
      prior hysterectomy for weighted kappa statistics or achieve significance
      regarding vaginal cuff measurement. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified POP-Q
      demonstrated good inter-examiner agreement across multiple centers.

PMID- 22083518
TI  - Middle pancreatectomy.
AB  - Middle pancreatectomy is parenchyma- and adjacent organ-sparing pancreatectomy
      indicated for small tumors located in the body, but deeply located in the gland,
      and therefore hard to enucleate. Others lesions including pancreatic trauma or
      arteriovenous malformation are also candidate targets. Invasive ductal carcinoma,
      even when the tumor is small enough, is not eligible because the most of these
      tumors show extrapancreatic invasion. After exposure of neck to body of the
      pancreas, middle pancreatectomy was performed by proximal and distal transection,
      reconstruction after Roux-Y pancreaticojejunostomy, which is the most common.
      This procedure is low-invasive and allow the preservation of exocrine and
      endocrine pancreatic function without loss of duodenal passage, however, it also
      has a high morbidity associated with pancreatic fistula. This article provides
      indications and surgical techniques with special focus on the procedure of middle
      pancreatectomy.

PMID- 22083517
TI  - Pancreaticoduodenectomy for invasive pancreatic cancer (with video).
AB  - Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the only treatment option that potentially
      provides a cure for pancreatic head cancer. Various arrangements and
      modifications have been proposed to achieve pathological margin negative (R0)
      resection safely. In this article, we introduce a standard procedure for PD,
      including pancreaticogastrostomy with invagination and mattress sutures (video
      clip provided), for invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreatic head, with a
      description of the need-to-know pitfalls for Board-certified HBP surgeons in
      Japan. The important points in performing PD for pancreatic cancer are: (1) While
      dissecting connective tissue and nerve plexus as well as lymph nodes, maintain a
      dissection plane to expose the surfaces of vessels or other organs to be
      preserved to achieve R0 resection: i.e., while dissecting the anterior surface of
      the inferior vena cava and the right side of the superior mesenteric artery,
      these vessels should be completely exposed with the connective tissue and nerve
      plexuses being attached to the resection side. (2) There should be early
      interruption of the afferent blood supply via the inferior pancreaticoduodenal
      artery to reduce blood loss by avoiding congestion of the pancreatic head and to
      increase the operative safety (video clip provided). (3) Eligibility for PD
      should be carefully evaluated because there are many "resectable" but not many
      "curable" cases. In addition, the clinical significance of various modifications
      of the surgical techniques used for PD are also discussed.

PMID- 22083516
TI  - Loss of matrilin 1 does not exacerbate the skeletal phenotype in a mouse model of
      multiple epiphyseal dysplasia caused by a Matn3 V194D mutation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mutations in matrilin 3 can result in multiple epiphyseal dysplasia
      (MED), a disease characterized by delayed and irregular bone growth and early
      onset osteoarthritis. Although intracellular retention of the majority of mutant
      matrilin 3 was previously observed in a murine model of MED caused by a Matn3
      V194D mutation, some mutant protein was secreted into the extracellular matrix.
      Thus, it was proposed that secretion of mutant matrilin 3 may be dependent on the
      formation of hetero-oligomers with matrilin 1. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the hypothesis that deletion of matrilin 1 would abolish the
      formation of matrilin 1/matrilin 3 hetero-oligomers, eliminate the secretion of
      mutant matrilin 3, and influence disease severity. METHODS: Mice with a Matn3
      V194D mutation were crossed with Matn1-null mice, generating mice that were
      homozygous for V194D and null for matrilin 1. This novel mouse was used for in
      depth phenotyping, while cartilage and chondrocytes were studied both
      histochemically and biochemically. RESULTS: Endochondral ossification was not
      disrupted any further in mice with a double V194D mutation compared with mice
      with a single mutation. A similar proportion of mutant matrilin 3 was present in
      the extracellular matrix, and the amount of retained mutant matrilin 3 was not
      noticeably increased. Retained mutant matrilin 3 formed disulfide-bonded
      aggregates and caused the co-retention of matrilin 1. CONCLUSION: We showed that
      secretion of matrilin 3 V194D mutant protein is not dependent on hetero
      oligomerization with matrilin 1, and that the total ablation of matrilin 1
      expression has no impact on disease severity in mice with MED. Mutant matrilin 3
      oligomers form non-native disulfide-bonded aggregates through the misfolded A
      domain.

PMID- 22083519
TI  - Development of more labile low electron count Co(I) sources: mild, catalytic
      functionalization of activated alkanes using a [(Cp*Co)2-MU-(eta4:eta4-arene)]
      complex.
AB  - Catalytic transfer dehydrogenation of silyl protected amines, requiring sp(3) C-H
      bond activation, is mediated by a bridging arene complex of the type [(Cp*Co)(2)
      MU-(eta(4):eta(4)-arene)] under mild conditions. Mechanistic and qualitative rate
      studies establish the compound as a more reactive Co(I) source when compared to
      other known Cp*Co(I) complexes.

PMID- 22083520
TI  - Characterization of a multilayer film activated with Lactobacillus curvatus
      CRL705 bacteriocins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria offer enormous promise
      for food safety preservation. In this study an active multilayer film obtained by
      the incorporation of lactocin 705 and lactocin AL705, two bacteriocins produced
      by Lactobacillus curvatus CRL705 with antimicrobial activity against
      Lactobacillus plantarum CRL691 and Listeria innocua 7, respectively, was
      characterized for its potential application in active packaging technology. Film
      activity performance at different storage conditions, bacteriocins transfer into
      water and sunflower oil, and film surface properties were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Film activity against L. innocua 7 was maintained during 2, 4 and 6 weeks at 30,
      10 and 5  degrees C respectively. At 30 and 10  degrees C, activity loss against
      L. plantarum CRL691 was observed on the second week of storage and after the
      fourth week at 5  degrees C. Results showed no significant difference for active
      multilayer film contact angle and seal properties compared to the control
      (without bacteriocins). A decrease in lactocin 705 inhibitory activity after
      sunflower oil contact was observed, while lactocin AL705 remained unaffected.
      After water contact, film activity was retained for both bacteriocins.
      CONCLUSIONS: As demonstrated by antimicrobial activity and physico-mechanical
      properties retention, lactocin 705 and AL705 active multilayer film present
      potential for application in active packaging technology.

PMID- 22083521
TI  - A multiscale description of molecular adsorption on gold nanoparticles by
      nonlinear optical spectroscopy.
AB  - Nonlinear optical Sum and Difference-Frequency spectroscopies are used to probe
      and model the surface of thiophenol-functionalised gold nanoparticles grafted on
      a Si(100) substrate through two different silanization procedures. By scanning
      the [980-1100 cm(-1)] infrared spectral range with the CLIO Free Electron Laser,
      ring deformation vibrations of adsorbed thiophenol are investigated. Quantitative
      data analysis addresses three levels of organization: microscopic, nanoscopic and
      molecular. Grafting with p-aminophenyl-trimethoxysilane shows an increase of
      around 40% in surface density of nanoparticles (N(s)) as compared to 3
      aminopropyl-triethoxysilane. The relative amplitudes of the resonant and
      nonresonant contributions to the SFG and DFG spectra are discussed in terms of
      N(s), Fresnel reflectivity factors and local amplification of the nonlinear
      signals by coupling to the surface plasmon of the particles. They are shown to
      quantitatively scale with N(s), as measured by atomic force microscopy. Vibration
      mode assignment is performed through a critical analysis of literature data on IR
      and Raman spectroscopies coupled to DFT calculations, for which a methodology
      specific to molecules adsorbed on gold atoms is discussed.

PMID- 22083522
TI  - The benefit of myomectomy in women aged 40 years and above: Experience in an
      urban teaching hospital in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal myomectomy remains the mainstay of surgical management of
      uterine fibroids in our environment. However, its benefit in women aged 40 years
      and above remains debatable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 11-year prospective study
      was conducted involving 98 women, aged 40 years and above, who had abdominal
      myomectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroid at the University of Maiduguri
      Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. They were followed up regularly for 1-6 years to
      detect conception, resolution of symptoms and obstetrics performance. Data were
      analyzed using SPSS version 13. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.6+/
      2.9 years and 77 (78.6%) of them were nulliparous. Lower abdominal swelling was
      the commonest clinical presentation and the mean uterine size was 18.6+/-8.5
      weeks. Infertility with uterine fibroids was the indication for myomectomy in
      majority of the cases [48 (48.9%)], while pregnancy complications accounted for
      11.2% (11) of the cases Fertility restoration was 10.4% among the infertile
      patients. There was complete resolution of symptoms in 35.9% of those who
      required symptomatic relief, and term pregnancies were recorded in 72.7% of
      patients with pregnancy complications. CONCLUSION: Myomectomy is the recommended
      treatment of uterine fibroids in women aged 40 years and above with infertility
      and who wish to become pregnant. If there is no need for further fertility
      preservation, hysterectomy should be offered.

PMID- 22083523
TI  - Predictive value of MGMT, hMLH1, hMSH2 and BRCA1 protein expression for
      pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in basal-like breast
      cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the importance of biological markers to predict pathologic
      complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with
      locally advanced basal-like breast cancers (BLBCs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty
      two BLBC patients receiving NACT with an anthracycline-based regimen plus taxane
      were included in this study. The immunoreactivities of MGMT, MLH1, MSH2 and BRCA1
      before and after NACT were evaluated. RESULTS: A pCR was obtained in 10 of 32
      cases (31%). Cancer-related (P = 0.013) and disease-free (P = 0.023) survival
      rates were significantly higher in the pCR group than in the non-pCR group. In
      biopsy samples before NACT, attenuated expression of MGMT, MLH1, MSH2 and BRCA1
      was observed in 12/32 (38%), 0/32 (0%), 5/32 (16%) and 28/32 (88%) cases,
      respectively. On evaluation of pCR, patients' characteristics (patients' age,
      menopausal status, or clinical and pathological stages) and immunohistochemical
      patterns, attenuated expression of MGMT was only found to be significantly
      predictive of a pCR (P = 0.018). Paired biopsy sample before NACT and a surgical
      tumor material after NACT were available for 19 cases of non-pCR. In these cases,
      decrease in expression during NACT were more frequently observed for MGMT as
      compared to MLH1, MSH2 or BRCA1 (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: MGMT status is a
      predictive factor for pCR with neoadjuvant anthracycline-based plus taxane
      combination chemotherapy, which may be helpful in the selection of appropriate
      NACT for Japanese patients with BLBC.

PMID- 22083524
TI  - Sea cucumber aquaculture in the Western Indian ocean: challenges for sustainable
      livelihood and stock improvement.
AB  - The decline in sea cucumber fisheries that serve the Asian dried seafood market
      has prompted an increase in global sea cucumber aquaculture. The tropical
      sandfish (Holothuria scabra) has, in this context, been reared and produced with
      mixed success. In the Western Indian Ocean, villagers often participate in the
      export fishery for sea cucumbers as a source of income. However, with a growing
      concern of depleted stocks introduction of hatcheries to farm sandfish as a
      community livelihood and to replenish wild stocks is being promoted. This review
      identifies and discusses a number of aspects that constitute constraints or
      implications with regard to development of sandfish farming in the region. The
      conclusion is that for sandfish farming to live up to its expectations the
      possible impacts need to be further studied, and that improved evaluation of
      ongoing projects is required. In the interim, a precautionary approach toward new
      enterprise activities is suggested.

PMID- 22083525
TI  - Lysine acetylation in obesity, diabetes and metabolic disease.
AB  - Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) mediate
      acetylation and deacetylation of histone proteins and transcription factors.
      There is abundant evidence that these enzymes regulate the acetylation state of
      many cytoplasmic proteins, including lysine residues in important metabolic
      enzymes. Lysine acetylation regulates major cellular functions as a common post
      transcriptional modification of proteins, conserved from prokaryotes to humans.
      In this article, we refer to HATs and HDACs broadly as lysine acetyltransferases
      (KATs) and deacetylases (KDACs). Lysine acetylation is vitally important in both
      immunological and metabolic pathways and may regulate the balance between energy
      storage and expenditure. Obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease
      (metabolic syndrome) are widely recognised as features of a chronic low-grade
      inflammatory state, involving significant alterations in primary
      immunometabolism. Identifying effective therapeutic and preventive options to
      treat this multi-factorial syndrome has proven to be very challenging, with an
      emerging focus on developing anti-inflammatory agents that can combat adiposity
      and metabolic disease. Here, we summarise current evidence and understanding of
      innate immune and metabolic pathways relevant to adiposity and metabolic disease
      regulated by lysine acetylation. Developing this understanding in greater detail
      may facilitate strategic development of novel and enzyme-specific lysine
      deacetylase modulators that regulate both metabolic and immune systems.

PMID- 22083526
TI  - Arginase-dependent suppression by CpG-ODN plus IFA-induced splenic myeloid
      CD11b(+)Gr1(+) cells.
AB  - The ability of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated cytosine
      guanine motifs (CpG-ODN) to induce both stimulatory and counter-regulatory
      responses offers novel opportunities for using these molecules as
      immunomodulatory agents in different therapeutic strategies. Here, we
      investigated the potential of CpG-ODN to activate the arginase (ARG) enzyme in
      vivo and focused on the consequences of this activation in T-cell proliferation.
      Challenging mice subcutaneously with CpG-ODN emulsified in incomplete Freund's
      adjuvant (IFA) induced ARG and reduced T-cell proliferation associated with
      CD3zeta chain downregulation. Interestingly, impaired T-cell expansion correlated
      with elevated levels of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) myeloid cells localized near T-cell areas
      in the spleen. In addition, purified CD11b(+) cells obtained from the spleen of
      CpG-ODN+IFA-treated mice exhibited increased ARG activity and ARG I expression
      along with an augmented [(3)H]-L-arginine uptake. CD11b(+) myeloid cells
      significantly suppressed T-cell proliferation and CD3zeta chain expression
      induced by a polyclonal stimulus. Furthermore, these effects could be recovered
      by the addition of excess L-arginine or by treatment of CD11b(+) cells with a
      specific ARG inhibitor. This study provides a novel evidence that CpG-ODN+IFA are
      able to induce splenic CD11b(+) cells with ARG activity, with this population
      being responsible for the impaired T-cell proliferation observed after the
      treatment with CpG-ODN+IFA. These results underscore a key role of CpG-ODN on ARG
      activity in vivo and add support to the growing body of evidence in favor of a
      counter-regulatory role for CpG-ODN in an immune response.

PMID- 22083527
TI  - HDACi: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications in the innate immune
      system.
AB  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are an emerging class of novel anti-cancer
      drugs that cause growth arrest, differentiation and apoptosis of tumor cells. In
      addition, many advances have been made in understanding the immunoregulation of
      Toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors and interferons that have recently
      generated new momentum for the study of HDACi in immunity as a whole, and in the
      regulation of these innate signaling pathways specifically. HDACi have shown
      promise as new anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agents. They have also
      demonstrated great potency and relative selectivity in various human/animal
      models of inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on recent progress and the
      current state of HDACi knowledge, as well as the molecular mechanisms and
      therapeutic potential of HDACi for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and
      cancers.

PMID- 22083528
TI  - HDAC inhibitors in HIV.
AB  - Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has led to a very substantial reduction
      in morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients; however, cART alone is
      unable to cure HIV and therapy is lifelong. Therefore, a new strategy to cure HIV
      is urgently needed. There is now a concerted effort from scientists, clinicians
      and funding agencies to identify ways to achieve either a functional cure (long
      term control of HIV in the absence of cART) or a sterilizing cure (elimination of
      all HIV-infected cells). Multiple strategies aiming at achieving a cure for HIV
      are currently being investigated, including both pharmacotherapy and gene
      therapy. In this review, we will review the rationale as well as in vitro and
      clinical trial data that support the role of histone deacetylase inhibitors as
      one approach to cure HIV.

PMID- 22083529
TI  - Sensitivity of human dental pulp cells to eighteen chemical agents used for
      endodontic treatments in dentistry.
AB  - To determine the adverse effects against human dental pulp tissue, the
      sensitivity of human dental pulp cells (D824 cells) to 18 chemical agents used
      for endodontic treatments in dentistry was examined. The cytotoxicity, as
      determined by a decrease in colony-forming ability of cells treated with the
      chemical agents, increased as the concentration increased. As a quantitative
      measure of the cytotoxic effect, LC(50), the concentration which induces a 50%
      lethality, was extrapolated from the concentration-response curves. The rank of
      the chemical agents according to their cytotoxic effect (LC(50)) was sodium
      arsenite > formaldehyde > hydrogen peroxide > zinc oxide > thymol ~ iodoform ~
      eugenol > guaiacol > ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ~ iodine > procaine >
      lidocaine ~ chloramphenicol ~ m-cresol > calcium hydroxide ~ sodium hypochlorite
      ~ phenol ~ p-phenolsulfonic acid. To compare the cytotoxicity and the levels of
      apoptosis and mRNA expression of five genes related to the function of dental
      pulp tissue, D824 cells treated with the LC(50) concentrations of chemical agents
      were assayed by the TUNEL method and quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. The inducibility of apoptotic
      cells and the level of mRNA expression of the genes varied with the chemical
      agents, indicating that both effects occurred independent of the rank of
      cytotoxic effect of the chemical agents. The results not only provide information
      concerning cytotoxicity of various chemical agents to human dental pulp cells,
      but also show an insight into the diversity of the pharmacodynamic action of the
      chemical agents.

PMID- 22083530
TI  - Conversion reaction mimicking a high spinal anesthesia.

PMID- 22083531
TI  - Effect of surgeon volume on outcome following pancreaticoduodenectomy in a high
      volume hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the close relationship between hospital volume and mortality
      after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), the role of surgeon volume still remains an
      open issue. Retrospective multi-institutional reviews considered only in-hospital
      mortality, whereas no data about major complications are available so far. The
      aim of this study is to assess the independent impact of surgeon volume on
      outcome after PD in a single high-volume institution. METHODS: Demographics and
      clinical and surgical variables were prospectively collected on 610 patients who
      underwent PD from August 2001 to August 2009. The cutoff value to categorize high
      and low-volume surgeons (HVS and LVS, respectively) was 12 PD/year. The primary
      endpoint was operative mortality (death within 30-day post-discharge). Secondary
      endpoints were morbidity, pancreatic fistula (PF), and length of hospital stay
      (LOS). RESULTS: In the whole series, mortality was 4.1%, overall morbidity was
      61.3%, and PF rate was 27.5%. Two HVS performed 358 PD (58.6%), while six LVS
      performed 252 PD (41.4%). Mortality was 3.9% for HVS and 4.3% for LVS (p=0.84).
      The major complication rate was similar for HVS and LVS (14.5% vs. 16.2%). The PF
      rate was higher for LVS (32.4% vs. 24.1%, p=0.03). The mean LOS was 15.5 days for
      HVS vs. 16.9 days for LVS (p=0.11). At multivariate analysis, risk factors for PF
      occurrence were LVS, soft pancreatic stump, small duct diameter, and longer
      operative time. CONCLUSION: Low-volume surgeons had a higher PF rate. However,
      this did not increase mortality and major morbidity rates probably because of the
      protective effect of high-volume hospital in improving patient rescue from life
      threatening complications.

PMID- 22083532
TI  - LFA-1 expression in a series of colorectal adenocarcinomas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: LFA-1 is an adhesion molecule which belongs to the beta2-integrin
      family. Overexpression of LFA-1 in hepatic natural killer cells has been
      associated with increased apoptosis of neoplastic cells in colorectal cancer
      (CRC); moreover, studies in CRC have linked LFA-1 overexpression in neoplastic
      cells with vascular intrusion through adhesion to endothelial cells, thus
      implying a possible role in creation of metastases. AIMS AND METHODS: We studied
      the expression of LFA-1 in a series of 82 patients with CRC. A standard three
      step immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded tissue sections. An IgG2a anti-CD11a monoclonal antibody was used. Cases
      were characterized according to clinicopathological variables including sex, age,
      tumor localization, size, grade, Dukes stage, wall invasion, and presence of
      metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs) or distal metastases. RESULTS: LFA-1 was expressed
      at the primary tumor site in 51 cases and 6/33 cases with metastatic lymphnodes.
      In Dukes D cases (n = 4), only one case was LFA-1(+). LFA-1 expression at the
      primary tumor site was associated with the absence of metastatic disease and with
      Dukes B stage. However, in those cases with LFA-1 expression in cancer cells in
      mLNs, this was associated with its expression at the primary tumor site.
      CONCLUSION: The positive association of LFA-1 expression in mLNs when the primary
      tumor site is also LFA-1(+) could imply an adaptation advantage of this specific
      cellular clone to its micro-environment, predisposing it to creation of mLNs,
      pointing to a role for LFA-1 in creation of mLNs in CRC.

PMID- 22083533
TI  - Concomitant Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor and Gastric GIST in a
      Patient Without Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

PMID- 22083534
TI  - Sustainable food and local development.

PMID- 22083535
TI  - A centrifuge simulated push-pull manoeuvre with subsequent reduced +Gz tolerance.
AB  - The push-pull effect (PPE) has been recognized as a deleterious contributor to
      fatal flight accidents. The purpose of the study was to establish a push-pull
      manoeuvre (PPM) simulation with a tri-axes centrifuge, studying the effect of
      this PPM on the +Gz tolerance, and to make this simulation suitable for pilot
      centrifuge training. The PPM was realized through pre-programmed acceleration
      profiles consisting of -1 Gz for 5 s followed by a +Gz plateau for 10 s. Relaxed
      +Gz tolerance recordings were obtained from 20 healthy male fighter aircraft
      pilots and 6 healthy male volunteers through exposure to pre-programmed profiles
      with and without previous -1 Gz exposure. A statistically significant decrease in
      +Gz tolerance was seen in all subjects after -1 Gz for 5 s exposure, 0.87 +/-
      0.13 G in the volunteer group and 0.95 +/- 0.25 G in the pilot group. The ear
      opacity pulse as a +Gz tolerance endpoint criterion was sometimes found to be
      unreliable during the PPM experiments. The simulated PPM in this study elicited a
      PPE, which was obvious from the significant reduction in +Gz tolerance. The PPM
      profile appears useful to be included in centrifuge training.

PMID- 22083536
TI  - Comparison of the acute impact of maximal arm and leg aerobic exercise on
      arterial stiffness.
AB  - Acute aerobic exercise decreases arterial stiffness based on the intensity of the
      exercise and the arterial segment studied. Arm exercise may differentially affect
      arterial stiffness compared to leg exercise but this has not been studied. We
      hypothesized that maximal aerobic exercise would reduce local peripheral pulse
      wave velocity i.e. femoral-dorsalis pedis (LPWV) following leg exercise and
      carotid-radial (APWV) following arm exercise without any crossover effect. The
      main purpose of the study is to compare the effects of maximal arm versus leg
      aerobic exercise on peripheral and central arterial stiffness. Fifteen healthy
      participants (9 males and 6 females, 25 +/- 5 years) performed maximal arm
      ergometer and leg-ergometer exercise in a randomized, crossover design.
      Peripheral and central pulse wave velocities (PWV) were obtained using
      applanation tonometry before and 10 min after each maximal exercise bout. 2 * 2
      repeated measures analysis of variance was used to detect differences between
      conditions. There was a significant interaction in the APWV between the two
      exercise modes. However, there was no condition or interaction effect on LPWV
      following maximal arm versus leg exercise. There was no significant difference in
      central PWV between conditions or with time. There was no change in MAP (75 +/- 6
      77 +/- 3) after maximal arm exercise as compared to the maximal leg exercise (73
      +/- 6-80 +/- 2). Arm exercise produced a more generalized effect on arterial
      stiffness than leg exercise. The prescription of upper limb exercise may be
      considered for purposes of eliciting post-exercise systemic changes in arterial
      stiffness.

PMID- 22083537
TI  - The art of medicine: recognising influenza  and pneumonia.

PMID- 22083538
TI  - Knowledge of asthma management by general practitioners  in Karachi, Pakistan:
      comparison with international  guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suboptimal management of asthma by general practitioners (GPs) can
      lead to poor health outcomes AIMS: To assess the management of common asthma
      presentations by GPs using the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines as
      a  comparative tool. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi,
      Pakistan. Of 250 GPs approached, 192 completed a self-administered  questionnaire
      regarding pathology, key history points, risk factors, diagnosis, and management
      of asthma. RESULTS: Overall, 28.6% of GPs had adequate knowledge of the core
      concepts of asthma, while only 10.4% had adequate practice in  asthma management.
      About 78% of GPs had inadequate knowledge of pathology, about 90% had inadequate
      knowledge of medications  to be used, and 63% had inadequate knowledge regarding
      diet restrictions. Knowledge regarding symptoms not usually associated with 
      asthma was adequate, as was knowledge regarding non-pharmacological management
      (79% each). Practices regarding asthma diagnosis  were good (99.0%). However,
      practices regarding acute exacerbations and patients who wish to exercise were
      inadequate in 85.9% and  82.8% of GPs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of
      GPs had poor knowledge and practice of asthma. We recommend initiation of
      programmes to improve  their knowledge and practices.

PMID- 22083540
TI  - Relationship between cardiovascular disease knowledge and race/ethnicity,
      education, and weight status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inadequate cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge has been cited to
      account for the imperfect decline in CVD among women over the last 2 decades.
      HYPOTHESIS: Due to concerns that at-risk women might not know the leading cause
      of death or symptoms of a heart attack, our goal was to assess the relationship
      between CVD knowledge race/ethnicity, education, and body mass index (BMI).
      METHODS: Using a structured questionnaire, CVD knowledge, socio-demographics,
      risk factors, and BMI were evaluated in 681 women. RESULTS: Participants included
      Hispanic, 42.1% (n = 287); non-Hispanic white (NHW), 40.2% (n = 274); non
      Hispanic black (NHB), 7.3% (n = 50); and Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI), 8.7% (n =
      59). Average BMI was 26.3 +/- 6.1 kg/m(2) . Hypertension was more frequent among
      overweight (45%) and obese (62%) than normal weight (24%) (P < 0.0001), elevated
      total cholesterol was more frequent among overweight (41%) and obese (44%) than
      normal weight (30%) (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), and diabetes was more
      frequent among obese (25%) than normal weight (5%) (P < 0.0001). Knowledge of the
      leading cause of death and symptoms of a heart attack varied by race/ethnicity
      and education (P < 0.001) but not BMI. Concerning the leading cause of death
      among women in the United States, 87.6% (240/274) NHW answered correctly compared
      to 64% (32/50) NHB (P < 0.05), 28.3% (80/283) Hispanic (P < 0.0001), and 55.9%
      (33/59) A/PI (P < 0.001). Among participants with <=12 years of education, 21.2%
      knew the leading cause of death and 49.3% knew heart attack symptoms vs 75.7% and
      75.5%, respectively, for >12 years (both P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Effective
      prevention strategies for at-risk populations need to escalate CVD knowledge and
      awareness among the undereducated and minority women.

PMID- 22083541
TI  - Trabecular bone score (TBS): available knowledge, clinical relevance, and future
      prospects.
AB  - The diagnosis of osteoporosis rests on areal bone mineral density (BMD)
      measurement using DXA. Cancellous bone microarchitecture is a key determinant of
      bone strength but cannot be measured using DXA. To meet the need for a clinical
      tool capable of assessing bone microarchitecture, the TBS was developed. The TBS
      is a texture parameter that evaluates pixel gray-level variations in DXA images
      of the lumbar spine. The TBS variations may reflect bone microarchitecture. We
      explain the general principles used to compute the TBS, and we report the
      correlations between TBS and microarchitectural parameters. Several limitations
      of the TBS as it is used now are pointed out. We discuss data from currently
      available clinical studies on the ability of the TBS to identify patients with
      fractures and to evaluate the fracture risk. We conclude that this new index
      emphasizes the failure of the BMD T-score to fully capture the fragility fracture
      risk. However, although microarchitecture may influence the TBS, today, to the
      best of our understanding, there is no sufficient evidence that a TBS measurement
      provides reliable information on the status of the bone microarchitecture for a
      given patient. The TBS depends on gray-level variations and in a projectional
      image obtained in vivo, these variations can have many causes. Nevertheless, as
      clinical studies suggest that the TBS predicts the risk of fracture even after
      adjustment for BMD, we are encouraged to learn more about this score. Additional
      studies will have to be performed to assess the advantages and limitations of the
      TBS, in order to ensure that it is used appropriately in clinical practice.

PMID- 22083544
TI  - Chemical composition of ripe fruits of Rubus chamaemorus L. grown in different
      habitats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) is one of the most valuable berry
      producing plants because of its nutritional properties. The chemical composition
      and crop yield of ripe fruits of cloudberry grown wild in 10 habitats in northern
      Finland was analysed over two consecutive summers. For comparison, two clones of
      cultivated cloudberries were studied as well. RESULTS: The concentrations of
      citric and malic acids, alpha-tocopherol, anthocyanins and beta-carotene had
      notable variations between habitats. In particularly, cloudberries grown on open
      habitats had higher content of citric acid and less alpha-tocopherol compared to
      those grown on shaded sites. In a colder and rainy summer the content of
      anthocyanins and the unsaturation level of fatty acids were significantly higher
      than in a warmer and drier summer. Crop yields were higher in the warmer summer,
      except in open sites where yields were quite equal. CONCLUSION: Cloudberries
      grown in open habitats showed notable differences in chemical composition when
      compared to those grown on shaded sites. Results suggest that the amount of
      sunlight and temperature levels could be the main factors affecting crop yield
      and chemical composition of cloudberry. In addition, the amount of rainfall may
      have an effect on anthocyanin concentrations.

PMID- 22083543
TI  - The loss of alpha2beta1 integrin suppresses joint inflammation and cartilage
      destruction in mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Integrin alpha2beta1 functions as a major receptor for type I collagen
      on different cell types, including fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Although
      in vitro data suggest a role for alpha2beta1 integrin in regulating both cell
      attachment and expression of matrix-degrading enzymes such as matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs), mice that lack the alpha2 integrin subunit (Itga2(-/-)
      mice) develop normally and are fertile. We undertook this study to investigate
      the effect of Itga2 deficiency in 2 different mouse models of destructive
      arthritis: the antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model and the human tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-transgenic mouse model. METHODS: AIA was induced
      in the knee joints of Itga2(-/-)  mice and wild-type controls. Human TNF
      transgenic mice were crossed with Itga2(-/-)  mice and were assessed clinically
      and histopathologically for signs of arthritis, inflammation, bone erosion, and
      cartilage damage. MMP expression, proliferation, fibroblast attachment, and ERK
      activation were determined. RESULTS: Under arthritic conditions, Itga2 deficiency
      led to decreased severity of joint pathology. Specifically, Itga2(-/-)  mice
      showed less severe clinical symptoms and dramatically reduced pannus formation
      and cartilage erosion. Mice lacking alpha2beta1 integrin exhibited reduced MMP-3
      expression, both in their sera and in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), due to
      impaired ERK activation. Further, both the proliferation and attachment of FLS to
      cartilage were partially dependent on alpha2beta1 integrin in vitro and in vivo.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that alpha2beta1 integrin contributes
      significantly to inflammatory cartilage destruction by promoting fibroblast
      proliferation and attachment and MMP expression.

PMID- 22083545
TI  - Reduced field of view MRI with rapid, B1-robust outer volume suppression.
AB  - MRI scans are inefficient when the size of the anatomy under investigation is
      small relative to the subject's full extent. The field of view must be expanded,
      and acquisition times accordingly prolonged. Shorter scans are feasible with
      reduced field of view imaging (rFOV) using outer volume suppression (OVS), a
      magnetization preparation sequence that attenuates signal outside a region of
      interest (ROI). This work presents a new OVS sequence with a cylindrical ROI,
      short duration, and improved tolerance for B(1)+ inhomogeneity. The sequence
      consists of a nonselective adiabatic tipdown pulse, which provides B(1)+-robust
      signal suppression, and a fast 2D spiral cylindrical tipback pulse. Analysis of
      the Bloch equations with transverse initial magnetization reveals a conjugate
      symmetric constraint for tipback pulses with small flip angles. This property is
      exploited to achieve two-shot performance from the single-shot tipback pulse. The
      OVS sequence is validated in phantoms and in vivo with multislice spiral imaging
      at 3 T. The relative signal-to-noise ratio efficiency of the proposed sequence
      was 98% in a phantom and 75-90% in vivo. The effectiveness is demonstrated with
      cardiovascular rFOV imaging, which exhibits improved resolution and reduced
      artifacts compared to conventional, full field of view imaging.

PMID- 22083546
TI  - Involvement of calcium-sensing receptor in oxLDL-induced MMP-2 production in
      vascular smooth muscle cells via PI3K/Akt pathway.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is constitutively expressed in vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) and up-regulated in atherosclerotic lesion by various
      stimuli, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Calcium-sensing
      receptor (CaSR) is also expressed in VSMCs, but it remains unclear whether CaSR
      is associated with overproduction of MMP-2 in VSMCs. In this study, the
      expression of MMP-2 was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, and
      the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 was measured using gelatin zymography. Our
      results showed that oxLDL enhanced MMP-2 expression and activity in rat aortic
      VSMCs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, CaSR expression was up
      regulated by oxLDL. Manipulating CaSR function in these cells by NPS2390 (an
      antagonist of CaSR) or GdCl(3) (an agonist of CaSR) affected the oxLDL-induced
      MMP-2 production. In VSMCs, oxLDL stimulated the rapid activation of
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal pathway, as determined by Western
      blot analysis. Phosphorylation of Akt and MMP-2 production stimulated by oxLDL
      were attenuated by LY294002 (a specific inhibitor of PI3K). Activation of Akt was
      suppressed by NPS2390 but enhanced by GdCl(3). In contrast, oxLDL had no
      stimulatory effect on the phosphorylation of JNK, and pretreatment with SP600125
      (an inhibitor of JNK) produced no significant effect on oxLDL-induced MMP-2
      production. These results suggest that CaSR mediates oxLDL-induced MMP-2
      production in VSMCs via PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

PMID- 22083547
TI  - Progression of apoptic signaling from mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury to
      lungs: correlation in the level of ER chaperones expression.
AB  - Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is characterized by the development of
      probably reversible, progressive dysfunction of vital systems in two or more
      organs, directly undamaged by surgery or other trauma. The organs which have the
      most common potential dysfunction are lungs, liver, kidneys, heart and
      gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine is the source of production of
      proinflammatory mediators leading and contributing to multiorgan failure. The
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER), after ischemia and post-ischemic reperfusion, is
      significantly involved in the activation of enterocyte apoptosis. The purpose of
      this study was to determine the stage of apoptosis in the lungs, initiated
      through inflammatory response from the small intestine. We analyzed changes in
      mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic genes Gadd153 (Chop) and anti-apoptotic genes Grp78
      (Bip) in the small intestine wall and lung parenchyma. During experimental
      procedure the rats underwent 60 min of ischemia, caused by complete occlusion of
      the mesenteric arteria cranialis, with subsequent reperfusion and evaluation
      after 1 h, 24 h and 30 days (from R1, R24 to R30, respectively, each group n =
      8). The gene expression levels were measured using RT-PCR followed by
      electrophoresis and visualization under UV. In the lungs we detected
      significantly lower level of expression Grp78 by 45 +/- 6.9%. This suggests that
      ischemic attack and subsequent reperfusion did not promote ER stress in the lungs
      through induction of Gadd153 expression in the small intestine. There is still no
      effective approach to the treatment of affected ischemic intestine tissue, to
      stop the processes with could eventually lead to MODS. Therefore it is necessary
      to study changes in the damaged tissue at the molecular level and try to suggest
      possible therapeutic defined routes to the protection of tissue.

PMID- 22083548
TI  - Arterio-venous differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells across human
      adipose tissue and the effect of adrenaline infusion.
AB  - Recent evidence indicates that adipose tissue macrophages and lymphocytes have a
      major role in the pathophysiology of obesity. The arterio-venous (A-V) difference
      technique has been used very effectively to understand adipose tissue metabolism
      in humans in vivo, and we set out to investigate whether it is possible to apply
      and use this technique to determine A-V differences for peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) across human adipose tissue. We used flow-cytometric
      analysis of arterial blood and venous blood draining upper- (abdominal) and lower
      body (femoral) adipose tissue depots in middle-aged volunteers (age 45+/-8 years,
      BMI 25.9+/-4.1 kg m(-2)). We determined A-V differences for various PBMCs. In
      basal conditions, there was evidence of modest retention of some PBMCs in adipose
      tissue, whereas the infusion of low-dose (physiological) adrenaline led to a
      marked release of many PBMCs (with little evidence of depot-specific
      differences). In addition to the demonstration that this approach is technically
      feasible, these results also indicate that physiological stimuli that change
      adrenaline concentrations and/or adipose tissue blood flow (such as physical
      activity) provoke the release of PBMCs from femoral and abdominal adipose depots.

PMID- 22083549
TI  - Study of eight GWAS-identified common variants for association with obesity
      related indices in Chinese children at puberty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified some common
      variants associated with obesity risk in European descents. However, their
      influences on obesity-related indices for the Chinese children at puberty are not
      widely clear yet. To address this question, we conducted a study that aims to
      examine effects of eight previously reported GWAS single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) on four obesity-related indices in a sample of Chinese children aged 10-12
      years. METHODS: Anthropometric indices were measured in 1688 children (10.8+/-0.4
      years, boys=877, girls=811) from Shanghai Children's Sleep Project. Eight SNPs
      within the NEGR1, TMEM18, GNPDA2, MTCH2, SH2B1, FTO, MC4R and KCTD15 genes were
      genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass
      spectrometry. Linear regression and genetic additive model were used to test for
      the association betweens SNPs and obesity-related indices (weight, body mass
      index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio and body fat). RESULTS: Only two SNPs,
      rs6548238 (TMEM18) and rs9939609 (FTO), were associated with all obesity-related
      indices with P<0.05. After adjusting for multiple tests, rs9939609 is the only
      one significantly associated with the indices. SNPs, rs6548238 and rs9939609
      explained 0.28% (P=0.03) and 0.54% (P=0.002) variance of BMI, respectively, that
      are almost two-fold of the previously GWAS-reported effects. In addition,
      rs6548238 was associated with four indices in boys, but not in girls. In
      contrast, rs9939609 showed a strong association only in girls. Six other SNPs,
      rs2815752 (NEGR1), rs10938397 (GNPDA2), rs10838738 (MTCH2), rs7498665 (SH2B1),
      rs17782313 (MC4R) and rs11084753 (KCTD15), were not associated with obesity
      (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Variants of TMEM18 and FTO are associated with obesity
      indices during puberty in Chinese children, but candidate SNPs of NEGR1, GNPDA2,
      MTCH2, SH2B1, MC4R and KCTD15 have no significant effects on obesity indices. The
      findings also suggest that obesity susceptibility genes may exert more obvious
      effects during children's puberty. In addition, gender differences may exist in
      various obesity-related genes.

PMID- 22083550
TI  - Altered expression of gustatory-signaling elements in gastric tissue of morbidly
      obese patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sensing of nutrients in the stomach is of crucial importance for the
      regulation of ingestive behavior especially in the context of metabolic
      dysfunctions such as obesity. Cells in the gastric mucosa with taste-signaling
      elements are considered as candidates for sensing the composition of ingested
      food and consequently modulate gastrointestinal processes. To assess whether
      obesity might have an impact on gastric chemosensory cells, gastric tissue
      samples from morbidly obese patients and normal-weight subjects were compared
      using a reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, qPCR and immunohistochemical approach.
      RESULTS: Analysis of biopsy tissue samples from human stomach revealed that
      transcripts for the taste-signaling elements, including the receptor T1R3
      involved in the reception of amino acids and carbohydrates, the fatty acid
      receptor GPR120, the G protein gustducin, the effector enzyme PLCbeta2 and the
      ion channel TRPM5 are present in the human gastric mucosa and led to the
      visualization of candidate chemosensory cells in the stomach expressing gustatory
      marker molecules. RT-PCR and qPCR analyses indicated striking differences in the
      expression profiles of specimens from obese subjects compared with controls. For
      GPR120, gustducin, PLCbeta2 and TRPM5 the expression levels were increased,
      whereas for T1R3 the level decreased. Using TRPM5 as an example, we found that
      the higher expression level was associated with a higher number of TRPM5 cells in
      gastric tissue samples from obese patients. This remarkable change was
      accompanied by an increased number of ghrelin-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings argue for a relationship between the amount of food intake and/or the
      energy status and the number of candidate chemosensory cells in the gastric
      mucosa.

PMID- 22083551
TI  - Leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mouse ovaries show fatty degeneration, enhanced
      apoptosis and decreased expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory enzyme.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice are obese and infertile. Dysfunctions of
      the ovaries are preferentially related to leptin-deficiency. DESIGN:
      Morphological and molecular biological obesity-dependent changes in ob/ob
      ovaries. SUBJECTS: Ovaries were obtained from three-month-old mice either
      homozygote (ob/ob) and heterozygote (ob/+) or wild-type (C57BL6, WT) for the
      investigation by light and electron microscopy, as well as for western blot
      analysis of lectin-like oxidised low density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1), Toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4), CD36, cleaved caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein
      light chain 3 (LC3), and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR).
      RESULTS: Compared with control ovaries with corpora lutea, ob/ob ovaries lacked
      corpora lutea, follicular atresia was at a higher rate; lipid droplets
      accumulated in follicle cells and in the oocyte with damaged mitochondria; the
      basement membrane of follicles was thickened. LOX-1 and CD36 expressions were
      comparable for all three groups. Ob/ob ovaries showed significantly higher levels
      of TLR4 and cleaved caspase-3 than the ones from the control groups. The high LC3
      II/I ratio in the WT and ob/+ ovaries was related to the presence of corpora
      lutea. The StAR protein was lower in the ob/ob ovaries signifying reduced
      steroidogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive lipid storage causes disorders of ovarian
      function in ob/ob mice. The local lipid overload leads to advanced follicular
      atresia with apoptosis and defect steroidogenesis. We suggest that the changes in
      lipid metabolism lead to increased oxidative stress and thereby, they are an
      important reason of anovulation and infertility.

PMID- 22083553
TI  - Computer-based route-definition system for peripheral bronchoscopy.
AB  - Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners produce high-resolution images
      of the chest. Given a patient's MDCT scan, a physician can use an image-guided
      intervention system to first plan and later perform bronchoscopy to diagnostic
      sites situated deep in the lung periphery. An accurate definition of complete
      routes through the airway tree leading to the diagnostic sites, however, is vital
      for avoiding navigation errors during image-guided bronchoscopy. We present a
      system for the robust definition of complete airway routes suitable for image
      guided bronchoscopy. The system incorporates both automatic and semiautomatic
      MDCT analysis methods for this purpose. Using an intuitive graphical user
      interface, the user invokes automatic analysis on a patient's MDCT scan to
      produce a series of preliminary routes. Next, the user visually inspects each
      route and quickly corrects the observed route defects using the built-in
      semiautomatic methods. Application of the system to a human study for the
      planning and guidance of peripheral bronchoscopy demonstrates the efficacy of the
      system.

PMID- 22083552
TI  - Depression and anxiety diagnoses are not associated with delayed resolution of
      abnormal mammograms and pap tests among vulnerable women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delays in care after abnormal cancer screening contribute to
      disparities in cancer outcomes. Women with psychiatric disorders are less likely
      to receive cancer screening and may also have delays in diagnostic resolution
      after an abnormal screening test. OBJECTIVE: To determine if depression and
      anxiety are associated with delays in resolution after abnormal mammograms and
      Pap tests in a vulnerable population of urban women. DESIGN: We conducted
      retrospective chart reviews of electronic medical records to identify women who
      had a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in the year prior to the abnormal
      mammogram or Pap test. We used time-to-event analysis to analyze the outcome of
      time to resolution after abnormal cancer screening, and Cox proportional hazards
      regression modeling to control for confounding. PARTICIPANTS: Women receiving
      care in six Boston-area community health centers 2004-2005: 523 with abnormal
      mammograms, 474 with abnormal Pap tests. RESULTS: Of the women with abnormal
      mammogram and pap tests, 19% and 16%, respectively, had co-morbid depression.
      There was no difference in time to diagnostic resolution between depressed and
      not-depressed women for those with abnormal mammograms (aHR = 0.9, 95 CI 0.7,1.1)
      or Pap tests (aHR = 0.9, 95 CI 0.7,1.3). CONCLUSIONS: An active diagnosis of
      depression and/or anxiety in the year prior to an abnormal mammogram or Pap test
      was not associated with a prolonged time to diagnostic resolution. Our findings
      imply that documented mood disorders do not identify an additional barrier to
      resolution after abnormal cancer screening in a vulnerable population of women.

PMID- 22083554
TI  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus and prognosis in early stage breast cancer women.
AB  - It has been suggested that type 2 diabetes mellitus may affect breast cancer
      prognosis, possibly due to increased diabetes-related comorbidity, or direct
      effects of insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinemia. The aim of this study was
      to determine the impact of diabetes on disease-free survival (DFS) following
      mastectomy for breast cancer patients. The cases included in this retrospective
      study were selected from breast cancer women who had undergone mastectomy and
      completed adjuvant chemotherapy from 1998 to 2010. Patients were classified into
      two groups: diabetic and non-diabetic. Patients' age, sex, menopausal status,
      body mass index (BMI), histopathological features, tumor size, lymph node
      involvement, hormone receptor and HER2-neu status, and treatment types were
      recorded. There were 483 breast cancer patients included in the study.
      Postmenopausal patients' rate (53.7% vs. 36.8%, P = 0.016) and mean BMI levels
      were statistically higher (32.2 vs. 27.9, P = 0.007) in diabetic patients. There
      was no statistical difference for histological subgroup, grade, ER and PR
      positivity, HER2-neu overexpression rate, and tumor size between the diabetic and
      non-diabetic group. Lymph node involvements were statistically higher in diabetic
      patients compared with non-diabetic patients (P = 0.013). Median disease-free
      survival is 81 months (95% CI, 61.6-100.4) in non-diabetic patients and 36 months
      (95% CI, 13.6-58.4) in diabetic patients (P < 0.001). The odds ratio of
      recurrence was significantly increased in those with HER2-neu overexpression and
      lymph node involvement and decreased with PR-positive tumors. Our results suggest
      that diabetes is an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer.

PMID- 22083556
TI  - Differential prognostic effect of revascularization according to a simple
      comorbidity index in high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the effect of revascularization on outcome in patients with
      high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) and
      significant comorbidities are scarce. Recently, a simple comorbidity index (SCI)
      including 5 comorbidities (renal failure, dementia, peripheral artery disease,
      heart failure, and prior myocardial infarction [MI]) has shown to be a useful
      tool for risk stratification. Nevertheless, therapeutic implications have not
      been derived. HYPOTHESIS: We sought to evaluate the prognostic effect
      attributable to revascularization in NSTEACS according the SCI score. METHODS: We
      included 1017 consecutive patients with NSTEACS. The effect of revascularization
      on a combined end point of all-cause mortality or nonfatal MI was evaluated by
      Cox regression according to SCI categories. RESULTS: A total of 560 (55.1%), 236
      (23.2%), and 221 (21.7%) patients showed 0, 1, and >=2 points according to the
      SCI, respectively. Coronary angiography was performed in 725 patients (71.5%),
      and 450 patients (44.3%) underwent revascularization. During a median follow-up
      of 16 months (interquartile range, 12-36 months), 305 (30%) patients experienced
      the combined end point (202 deaths [19.9%] and 170 MIs [16.7%]). In multivariate
      analysis, a differential prognostic effect of revascularization was observed
      comparing SCI >=2 vs 0 (P for interaction = 0.008). Thus, revascularization was
      associated with a greater prognostic benefit in patients with SCI >=2 (hazard
      ratio [HR]: 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.89), P = 0.018), whereas
      no significant benefit was observed in those with 0 and 1 point (HR: 1.31, 95%
      CI: 0.88-1.94, P = 0.171 and HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.70-1.76, P = 0.651,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In NSTEACS, the SCI score appears to be a useful tool
      for identifying a subset of patients with a significant long-term death/MI risk
      reduction attributable to revascularization.

PMID- 22083558
TI  - Discovery of potential antipsychotic agents possessing pro-cognitive properties.
AB  - Current antipsychotic drug therapies for schizophrenia have limited efficacy and
      are notably ineffective at addressing the cognitive deficits associated with this
      disorder. The present study was designed to develop effective antipsychotic
      agents that would also ameliorate the cognitive deficits associated with this
      disease. In vitro studies comprised of binding and functional assays were
      utilized to identify compounds with the receptor profile that could provide both
      antipsychotic and pro-cognitive features. Antipsychotic and cognitive models
      assessing in vivo activity of these compounds included locomotor activity assays
      and novel object recognition assays. We developed a series of potential
      antipsychotic agents with a novel receptor activity profile comprised of
      muscarinic M(1) receptor agonism in addition to dopamine D(2) antagonism and
      serotonin 5-HT(2A) inverse agonism. Like other antipsychotic agents, these
      compounds reverse both amphetamine and dizocilpine-induced hyperactivity in
      animals. In addition, unlike other antipsychotic drugs, these compounds
      demonstrate pro-cognitive actions in the novel object recognition assay. The dual
      attributes of antipsychotic and pro-cognitive actions distinguish these compounds
      from other antipsychotic drugs and suggest that these compounds are prototype
      molecules in the development of novel pro-cognitive antipsychotic agents.

PMID- 22083560
TI  - Established HPLC fraction analysis to predict furanocoumarin-based herb-drug
      metabolic interactions.
AB  - An attempt was made in this study to predict the potential for metabolic
      interactions of herbal extracts of drugs from their chromatographic profiles in
      reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Twenty-nine
      structurally related furanocoumarin compounds with known inhibitory interactions
      with cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), which is important for phase-I drug metabolism,
      were selected as a model system. A sigmoidal relationship was established between
      the CYP3A inhibitory potency (y) and the RP-HPLC total peak response unit (R(u),
      x) as y = 85.36 x (14.86 + x)-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.63. The
      sigmoidal curve could be divided into three ranges designated low, medium and
      high risk that were used to indicate the relative inhibitory potency of the
      metabolic interactions of herbs or traditional Chinese herb medicines with CYP3A.
      These predictive classifications provide information or might be useful for 'risk
      category' decisions concerning herb-drug interactions.

PMID- 22083559
TI  - Importance of the Kir6.2 N-terminus for the interaction of glibenclamide and
      repaglinide with the pancreatic K(ATP) channel.
AB  - The pancreatic K(ATP) channel, SUR1/Kir6.2, couples insulin secretion to the
      plasma glucose level. The channel is an octamer with four Kir6.2 subunits forming
      the pore and four sulphonylurea receptors (SUR1) regulating channel activity.
      SUR1 is an ABC protein with adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase activity which
      activates the channel. It also contains the binding site for antidiabetic drugs
      like glibenclamide and repaglinide which close the channel by disrupting the
      stimulatory effect SUR-ATPase (MgATP-dependent) and by stabilising a long-lived
      closed channel state (MgATP-independent). In this study, we examined the effects
      of progressive truncation of the Kir6.2 N-terminus up to 20 amino acids on
      equilibrium binding and channel closure by glibenclamide and repaglinide, on the
      channel activating effect of the opener, 6-chloro-3-(1-methylcyclobutyl)amino-4H
      thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (NNC 55-0462), and on the binding
      kinetics of [(3)H]glibenclamide. Kir and SUR were transiently coexpressed in HEK
      cells and [(3)H]glibenclamide binding and patch-clamp experiments were performed
      in whole cells at 37 degrees C and in isolated inside/out patches at 22 degrees
      C. Truncation of the first 5 N-terminal amino acids abolished most of the
      affinity increase for glibenclamide and repaglinide that is produced by the
      association of Kir6.2 with SUR1. Progressive truncation continuously reduced the
      potency and efficacy of these drugs in closing the channel and impaired the
      ability to stabilise the closed state more than the ability to disrupt channel
      stimulation by SUR-ATPase. The effects of NNC 55-0462 were unchanged. Progressive
      truncation also speeded up dissociation of [(3)H]glibenclamide from the channel
      when dissociation was induced by an excess of (unlabelled) glibenclamide. This
      suggests the existence of a putative low affinity glibenclamide site on the
      channel whose affinity increases upon truncation. The data show that progressive
      truncation of the Kir6.2 N-terminus impairs the transduction of drug binding into
      channel closure more strongly than drug binding but leaves the effect of the
      opener NNC 55-0462 unchanged.

PMID- 22083561
TI  - Noise and ischemic heart disease.

PMID- 22083562
TI  - Differences in apparent diffusion coefficients of brain metabolites between grey
      and white matter in the human brain measured at 7 T.
AB  - Diffusion weighted spectroscopy can provide microstructural information that is
      specific to compartmental geometry. So far, in human brain, apparent diffusion
      coefficients (ADCs) of only the metabolites N-acetyl aspartate, creatine (tCr)
      and choline (tCho) have been assessed. High field MR at 7 T allows the collection
      and analysis of diffusion weighted spectroscopy data of additional metabolites of
      interest such as glutamate (Glu), N-acetyl aspartyl glutamate, and glutamine
      (Gln), which are of interest due to their different compartmentalization and role
      in brain physiology. In this study, we performed (1)H diffusion weighted
      spectroscopy at 7 T using a diffusion-weighted PRESS sequence in parietal white
      matter (n = 6) and occipital grey matter (n = 7). Data were analyzed using the
      LCmodel. ADCs could reliably be obtained of N-acetyl aspartate, tCr, tCho, Glu,
      Gln in grey and white matter, and N-acetyl aspartyl glutamate in white matter.
      Significant differences in ADC values were observed between grey and white matter
      for all metabolites. ADCs in grey matter were consistently lower than in white
      matter. These differences can probably be attributed to different
      compartmentalization as well as to the differential impact of diffusion time on
      ADC of different molecules under conditions of restricted diffusion.

PMID- 22083563
TI  - Young women with family history of breast cancer and their risk factors for
      benign breast disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) patients wonder how their daughters might reduce
      their risk. The authors investigated childhood/adolescent risk factors for benign
      breast disease (BBD), a well-documented risk factor for BC, among girls with a
      family history. METHODS: GUTS (the Growing Up Today Study) includes females, aged
      9 to 15 years in 1996, who completed annual questionnaires during 1996 to 2001,
      then in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Participants provided information regarding
      alcohol, menarche, height, and body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)). Peak height growth
      velocity (PHV; in./y) was estimated from longitudinal heights. On 2005-2007
      surveys, 6888 women (18-27 years old) reported whether they were diagnosed with
      biopsy-confirmed BBD (n = 67 cases); 6741 women (noncases) reported no BBD.
      Participants' mothers reported their own biopsy-confirmed BBD and BC, and BC in
      their sisters and mothers. Stratified by family history, logistic models
      investigated BBD risk factors. RESULTS: Young women whose mothers or aunts had BC
      were more likely to be diagnosed with BBD (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; P = .01), as
      were those with maternal BBD (OR, 1.59; P = .095). Adolescents with BC family
      history (mother, aunt, grandmother) who consumed alcohol (7 drinks/wk) doubled
      their BBD risk (OR, 2.28; P = .01), similar to those with maternal BBD (OR, 1.96;
      P = .02). Girls whose mother or aunt had BC saw their BBD risk elevated with
      higher PHV (OR, 1.82 [inch/yr]; P = .05). Among girls with no family history, BBD
      risk appeared to be related to other factors: childhood BMI, adolescent waist
      circumference, and adult height. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with family history may
      reduce their risk by avoiding alcohol. Separate risk factors were observed among
      girls with family history versus girls with no family history, possibly
      reflecting different causes of BC.

PMID- 22083564
TI  - Growth, yield and seed composition of native Australian legumes with potential as
      grain crops.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many Australian native legumes grow in arid and nutrient-poor
      environments. Yet few Australian herbaceous legumes have been investigated for
      domestication potential. This study compared growth and reproductive traits,
      grain yield and seed composition of 17 native Australian legumes with three
      commercial grain legumes. RESULTS: Seed yields of seven native legumes were > 40%
      of Cicer arietnum, with highest seed yields and harvest indices in Glycine sp.
      (14.4 g per plant, 0.54 g g(-1) ) and Lotus cruentus (10.2 g per plant, 0.65 g g(
      1) ). Five native species flowered earlier than field pea (Pisum sativa) (109
      days), though many were slower to flower and set seed. Largest seeds were found
      in Glycine canescens (17 mg), with seed of other native species 14 times smaller
      than commercial cultivars. Seed composition of many native legumes was similar to
      commercial cultivars (200-330 g protein kg(-1) dry weight (DW), 130-430 g dietary
      fibre kg(-1) DW). Two Cullen species had high fat content (>110 g kg(-1) DW) and
      Trigonella sauvissima had the highest crude protein content (370 g kg(-1) DW).
      CONCLUSION: The seed composition and reproductive traits of some wild native
      Australian legumes suggest they could offer potential as grain crops for soils
      and environments where the current grain legumes are uneconomic. Further
      evaluation of genetic diversity, especially for seed size, overall productivity,
      and reproductive development is needed.

PMID- 22083565
TI  - A new route towards nanoporous TiO2 as powders or thin films from the thermal
      treatment of titanium-based hybrid materials.
AB  - Calcination of cyclopentadienyltitanium-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials
      at 450-500  degrees C led to the formation of anatase titanium dioxide as white
      powders consisting of a porous network of aggregated nanoparticles, the
      nanoporosity detected being related to the inter-particle space. Depending on the
      calcination temperatures, the surface area of the titanium dioxide particles
      varied from 65 to 158 m(2) g(-1).

PMID- 22083567
TI  - Comprehensive approach to restoration of function in patients with radiation
      induced pharyngoesophageal stenosis: report of 31 patients and proposal of new
      classification scheme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment for upper aerodigestive tract malignancy with external
      beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy can result in a "cure," yet result in
      pharyngoesophageal (PE) stenosis. To improve communication, compare therapeutic
      results, and assist in treatment planning, we developed a new classification
      system to describe PE stenoses. Additionally, we analyzed our 6-year experience.
      METHODS: The new classification system was defined and used to assess patient
      management. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients underwent treatment for PE stenoses
      using: 4 rendezvous dilations, 3 regional, and 24 free tissue transfers. Overall
      success was based on airway status, speech, and swallowing outcomes. CONCLUSION:
      Classification of posttreatment stenoses has been applied to this patient group.
      It is effective in defining the problem and considerations related to treatment
      planning and surgical access when augmentation pharyngoplasty is required.
      Patients with an intact larynx have many issues that make recovery of function
      less consistent, despite segment restoration.

PMID- 22083566
TI  - Exploratory investigation on nitro- and phospho-proteome cerebellum changes in
      hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy rat models.
AB  - Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological disease associated with hepatic
      dysfunction. Current knowledge suggests that hyperammonemia, related to liver
      failure, is a main factor contributing to the cerebral alterations in HE and that
      hyperammonemia might impair signal transduction associated with post
      translational modification of proteins such as tyrosine-nitration and
      phosphorylation. However, the molecular bases of the HE remain unclear and very
      little is known about the occurrence of post-translational modification on in
      vivo proteins. In this exploratory study we look for evidence of post-translation
      modifications of proteins in the cerebellum of experimental HE rat models using a
      proteomic approach. For the first time we showed that hyperammonemia without
      liver failure (HA rats) and experimental HE with liver failure due to portacaval
      shunt (PCS rats) lead to a reduced protein nitration in rat cerebellum, where the
      undernitrated proteins were involved in energy metabolism and cytoskeleton
      remodelling. Moreover we showed that tyrosine nitration loss of these proteins
      was not necessarily associated to a change in their phosphorylation state as
      result of the disease. Interestingly the rat cerebellum phosphoproteome was
      mainly perturbed in PCS rats, whereas HA rats did not shown appreciable changes
      in their phosphoprotein profile. Since the protein nitration level decreased
      similarly in the cerebellum of both HA and PCS rats, this implies that the two
      disease models share common effects but also present some differential signalling
      effects in the cerebellum of the same animals. This study highlights the interest
      for studying the concerted action of multiple signalling pathways in HE
      development.

PMID- 22083568
TI  - Differences in serum zn levels in acutely ill and recovered adolescents and young
      adults with anorexia nervosa--a pilot study.
AB  - Preliminary evidence suggests that changes in zinc (Zn) metabolism are associated
      with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, data are scarce regarding potential
      differences in serum Zn concentrations in adolescent and young adult patients
      with AN. It was the aim of the present pilot study to compare serum Zn
      concentrations between acutely ill and remitted adolescent and young adult female
      patients with AN and female controls. Zn concentrations were higher in remitted
      compared with acutely ill patients. Zn concentrations were also higher in
      remitted patients compared with controls, but there was no significant difference
      in Zn concentrations between acutely ill patients and controls. The present study
      provides preliminary evidence for differences in serum Zn status in recovered
      patients with AN. These differences are likely influenced by reported food
      preferences, in particular as regards Ca2+ and phosphorus-containing foods.
      However, because of limited statistical power, future research involving larger
      samples is necessary.

PMID- 22083569
TI  - Dramatic increases in carotid stenting despite nonconclusive data.

PMID- 22083570
TI  - Goals of care for hip fracture: promoting independence and reducing mortality.

PMID- 22083571
TI  - Atrial fibrillation in the otherwise healthy patient: still a cause for concern.

PMID- 22083572
TI  - Growth in dementia-associated hospitalizations among the oldest old in the United
      States: implications for ethical health services planning.

PMID- 22083573
TI  - Hearing loss prevalence in the United States.

PMID- 22083574
TI  - Invited commentary--creating the future of aging.

PMID- 22083575
TI  - Psychological distress as a risk factor for dementia death.

PMID- 22083576
TI  - More is less.

PMID- 22083577
TI  - QRS morphology rather than QRS duration for predicting CRT response.

PMID- 22083578
TI  - Acid suppressive therapy in noncritically ill patients.

PMID- 22083579
TI  - Disclosure of outside income.

PMID- 22083580
TI  - Autonomic mechanisms associated with heart rate and vasoconstrictor reserves.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage is accompanied by baroreflex-mediated tachycardia and
      vasoconstriction. The difference between baseline and maximum responses is
      defined as the heart rate (HR) and vasoconstrictor 'reserve'. OBJECTIVE: To test
      the hypothesis that higher HR and vasoconstrictor reserves in subjects with high
      tolerance (HT) to central hypovolemia is associated with greater reserve for
      sympathoexcitation and vagal withdrawal compared with low tolerant (LT) subjects.
      METHODS: R-R intervals (RRI), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), estimated stroke
      volume, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured during lower
      body negative pressure (LBNP) designed to induce pre-syncope. Subjects with
      tolerance <= 60 mmHg LBNP were classified as LT (n = 22) while subjects who
      tolerated LBNP levels >60 mmHg were classified as HT (n = 56). Spontaneous
      cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was assessed via RRI-SAP down-down
      sequences. RESULTS: HR reserve in HT subjects (+52 +/- 2 bpm) was twofold greater
      (P < 0.001) than that in LT subjects (+27 +/- 3 bpm). Vasoconstrictor reserve in
      the HT group (+3.4 +/- 0.5 pru) was greater (P = 0.04) than that of the LT group
      (+1.9 +/- 0.3 pru). HT subjects demonstrated greater (P <= 0.03) BRS reserve (
      14.2 +/- 1.8 ms/mmHg) and MSNA reserve (+41 +/- 2 bursts/min) compared with LT
      subjects (-7.4 +/- 1.7 ms/mmHg and +26 +/- 7 bursts/min). INTERPRETATION: Our
      data support the hypothesis that greater physiological reserve capacity for
      tachycardia and vasoconstriction related to high tolerance to central hypovolemia
      is associated with greater reserves for sympathoexcitation and cardiac vagal
      withdrawal.

PMID- 22083581
TI  - An embryonic stem cell-based system for rapid analysis of transcriptional
      enhancers.
AB  - With the growing use of genome-wide screens for cis-regulatory elements, there is
      a pressing need for platforms that enable fast and cost-effective experimental
      validation of identified hits in relevant developmental and tissue contexts.
      Here, we describe a murine embryonic stem cell (ESC)-based system that
      facilitates rapid analysis of putative transcriptional enhancers. Candidate
      enhancers are targeted with high efficiency to a defined genomic locus via
      recombinase-mediated cassette exchange. Targeted ESCs are subsequently
      differentiated in vitro into desired cell types, where enhancer activity is
      monitored by reporter gene expression. As a proof of principle, we analyzed a
      previously characterized, Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-dependent, V3 interneuron
      progenitor (pV3)-specific enhancer for the Nkx2.2 gene, and observed highly
      specific enhancer activity. Given the broad potential of ESCs to generate a
      spectrum of cell types, this system can serve as an effective platform for the
      characterization of gene regulatory networks controlling cell fate specification
      and cell function.

PMID- 22083582
TI  - Polydimethylsiloxane-functionalized monolithic silica column for reversed-phase
      capillary liquid chromatography.
AB  - A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-modified monolithic silica column was prepared for
      performing reversed-phase capillary liquid chromatography. The prepared PDMS
      column has a permeability of 6.4*10(-14) m(2) with a plate height <9.2 MUm.
      Alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were well separated
      with the PDMS stationary phase, which exhibited similar selectivity and
      separation mechanism to that of octadecyl stationary phase. The hydrophobic
      interactions between the analytes and the PDMS stationary phase mainly play the
      roles for the separation of alkylbenzenes and PAHs. The characteristics of the
      PDMS column for the separation of alkylbenzenes and PAHs demonstrated that it
      would be a promising alternative to the octadecyl column.

PMID- 22083584
TI  - Peritoneal sarcomatosis associated with telemetry implants in Sprague Dawley CD
      rats: a review of eight cases.
AB  - Surgical implantation of radiotelemetric transmitters is a current practice to
      collect a variety of physiological parameters in unrestrained laboratory animals,
      and in rodents in particular. In this study, the incidence of peritoneal
      sarcomatosis arising secondary to surgically implanted telemetry devices (< 15%
      of implanted Sprague Dawley rats) is considered to represent a significant issue
      for both animal welfare and data validity in affected animals. Macroscopically,
      the telemetry-associated fibrosarcomas spread along the visceral and parietal
      peritoneum and mesentery surrounding abdominal organs. The histologic morphology
      of these sarcomas was typically an undifferentiated sarcoma, although well
      differentiated fibrosarcomas and telangiectatic and pleomorphic variants were
      noted. Using special stains such as Masson's Trichrome demonstrated a collagenous
      extracellular matrix in 50% of these rats, which is consistent with a
      fibroblastic origin. Immunohistochemical studies clearly delineated the
      mesenchymal components of the sarcomas (fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells); one
      case, however, was diagnosed as an osteosarcoma.

PMID- 22083583
TI  - Intrasplenic transplantation of isolated adult rat hepatocytes: sex-reversal
      and/or suppression of the major constituent isoforms of cytochrome P450.
AB  - Adult male and female rat hepatocytes were individually transplanted into the
      spleens of adult male and female rats. The recipients were euthanized at either
      eight, sixteen, thirty, or forty-five weeks following transplantation, at which
      time hepatic and splenic levels of liver-specific rat albumin mRNA as well as sex
      dependent transcript levels of CYP2C11, -2C12, -2C7, -2A1, and -3A2-which
      accounts for > 60% of the total concentration of hepatic constituent cytochrome
      P450-were determined. Whereas the pre-infused hepatocytes expressed their
      expected cytochrome P450 sexual dimorphisms (female-specific CYP2C12, male
      specific CYP3A2, and female-predominant CYP2A1), their post-transplantational
      competence now reflected the sexual dimorphisms of the recipient (as observed in
      the host's liver), which supports the concept that the sex-dependent growth
      hormone circulating profiles are the determinants regulating the expression
      levels of hepatic cytochrome P450. Also expressed at normal concentrations in the
      pre-infused hepatocytes, male-specific CYP2C11 and female-predominant CYP2C7 were
      inexplicably undetectable in the spleens of both recipient males and females,
      regardless of the sex of the donor hepatocytes, almost one year after
      transplantation.

PMID- 22083586
TI  - Small molecule immunomodulatory drugs: challenges and approaches for balancing
      efficacy with toxicity.
AB  - As the molecular pathobiology of immunologically based diseases, such as
      rheumatoid arthritis, has become clearer, pharmaceutical researchers have
      responded with highly efficacious and selective biological compounds. In contrast
      to older, nonspecific small-molecule therapeutics, the exquisite species
      sensitivity of monoclonal antibodies has introduced new challenges to preclinical
      safety studies. Repeated exposure of animals to biopharmaceutical compounds tends
      to be restricted in the species in which these compounds have pharmacological
      action, and it tends to stimulate antidrug immune responses with acceleration of
      clearance, thereby limiting the duration of repeat-dose studies and potentially
      resulting in hypersensitivity reactions. Thus, the safety testing of
      biopharmaceutical compounds has necessitated the use of relatively short-term
      studies in rodents, whereas nonhuman primates have become the primary tool for
      large-animal, repeat-dose studies. However, as the number of highly targeted and
      efficacious small-molecule immunomodulators rapidly increases, these molecules
      will be developed in a manner similar to that of other small molecules with
      regard to safety assessment. Because such approaches inherently push drug levels
      to achieve maximally tolerated doses, the pharmacologic specificity of these new
      small-molecule drugs may be lost as they affect additional receptors and
      pathways. Therefore, toxicologic pathologists must refamiliarize themselves with
      the consequences of profound immunosuppression in species other than nonhuman
      primates. The interrelationships of cytokine signaling and receptor biology are
      complex, highly integrated, and at times paradoxical, and the loss of specificity
      at high doses may result in unforeseen consequences caused by the impact on
      complex down-stream pathways that culminate in exaggerated and adverse responses.
      The species specificity of such responses may not be inherently familiar or
      anticipated.

PMID- 22083585
TI  - Comparative long-term preclinical safety evaluation of two glatiramoid compounds
      (glatiramer Acetate, Copaxone(R), and TV-5010, protiramer) in rats and monkeys.
AB  - Glatiramer acetate (GA), the active ingredient in Copaxone(r), is a complex
      mixture of polypeptides used for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple
      sclerosis. Glatiramoids are related mixtures that may differ in some
      characteristics of the prototype molecule. Our aim is to describe the long-term
      toxicity studies with protiramer (TV-5010), a new glatiramoid, in comparison with
      similar studies conducted with GA. The toxicity of twice-weekly subcutaneous
      injections of protiramer to Sprague-Dawley rats (twenty-six weeks) and cynomolgus
      monkeys (fifty-two weeks) was compared with similar studies done with daily
      subcutaneous injections of GA. Daily treatment with GA was safe and well
      tolerated, without systemic effects or death. Protiramer administration was not
      as well tolerated as GA and led to dose- and time-related mortalities, probably
      mediated through severe injection-site lesions both in rats and in monkeys.
      Bridging fibrosis in the liver and severe progressive nephropathy were seen in
      rats. A dose-related increase in eosinophils was observed in monkeys. The
      protiramer toxicity studies show that minor variations in the manufacturing of
      glatiramoids may lead to significant toxic effects. It is therefore essential
      that the safety of any new glatiramoid be studied in long-term preclinical
      studies before exposing humans.

PMID- 22083587
TI  - Association of coronary artery calcium with severity of myocardial ischemia in
      left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery territories.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing coronary artery calcium score is associated with a
      higher likelihood of myocardial ischemia. HYPOTHESIS: The association of the
      coronary calcium score with myocardial ischemia in different coronary arteries
      needed to be investigated. METHODS: We correlated the coronary artery calcium
      (CAC) score with the severity of myocardial ischemia diagnosed by myocardial
      perfusion imaging in the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX),
      and right coronary artery (RCA) territories in 206 patients, mean age 66 years,
      without cardiac stents or coronary artery surgery. RESULTS: The mean CAC score in
      the LAD coronary artery was 160 +/- 218 in patients with no or mild ischemia and
      336 +/- 379 in patients with moderate or severe ischemia (P = 0.039). The mean
      CAC score in the LCX coronary artery was 57 +/- 117 in patients with no or mild
      ischemia and 161 +/- 191 in patients with moderate or severe ischemia (P =
      0.018). The mean CAC score in the RCA was 114 +/- 237 in patients with no or mild
      ischemia and 261 +/- 321 in patients with moderate or severe ischemia (P =
      0.045). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that male gender (P < 0.0001),
      age (P < 0.0001), and moderate or severe ischemia (P = 0.023) were significantly
      associated with high LAD coronary artery CAC scores. Male gender (P < 0.0001),
      age (P = 0.0002), and moderate or severe ischemia (P = 0.006) were significantly
      associated with high LCX coronary artery CAC scores. Male gender (P < 0.0001) and
      age (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with high RCA CAC scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher CAC scores are significantly associated with moderate or
      severe ischemia in the LAD and LCX coronary arteries.

PMID- 22083588
TI  - HDXFinder: automated analysis and data reporting of deuterium/hydrogen exchange
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - Hydrogen/deuterium exchange in combination with mass spectrometry (H/D MS) is a
      sensitive technique for detection of changes in protein conformation and
      dynamics. However, wide application of H/D MS has been hindered, in part, by the
      lack of computational tools necessary for efficient analysis of the large data
      sets associated with this technique. We report a novel web-based application for
      automatic analysis of H/D MS experimental data. This application relies on the
      high resolution of mass spectrometers to extract all isotopic envelopes before
      correlating these envelopes with individual peptides. Although a fully automatic
      analysis is possible, a variety of graphical tools are included to aid in the
      verification of correlations and rankings of the isotopic peptide envelopes. As a
      demonstration, the rate constants for H/D exchange of peptides from rabbit muscle
      pyruvate kinase are mapped onto the structure of this protein.

PMID- 22083589
TI  - Detection and characterization of low abundance glycopeptides via higher-energy C
      trap dissociation and orbitrap mass analysis.
AB  - Broad-scale mass spectrometric analyses of glycopeptides are constrained by the
      considerable complexity inherent to glycoproteomics, and techniques are still
      being actively developed to address the associated analytical difficulties. Here
      we apply Orbitrap mass analysis and higher-energy C-trap dissociation (HCD) to
      facilitate detailed insights into the compositions and heterogeneity of complex
      mixtures of low abundance glycopeptides. By generating diagnostic oxonium product
      ions at mass measurement errors of <5 ppm, highly selective glycopeptide
      precursor ion detections are made at sub-fmol limits of detection: analyses of
      proteolytic digests of a hen egg glycoprotein mixture detect 88 previously
      uncharacterized glycopeptides from 666 precursor ions selected for MS/MS, with
      only one false positive due to co-fragmentation of a non-glycosylated peptide
      with a glycopeptide. We also demonstrate that by (1) identifying multiple series
      of glycoforms using high mass accuracy single stage MS spectra, and (2)
      performing product ion scans at optimized HCD collision energies, the
      identification of peptide + N-acetylhexosamine (HexNAc) ions (Y1 ions) can be
      readily achieved at <5 ppm mass measurement errors. These data allow base peptide
      sequences and glycan compositional information to be attained with high
      confidence, even for glycopeptides that produce weak precursor ion signals and/or
      low quality MS/MS spectra. The glycopeptides characterized from low fmol
      abundances using these methods allow two previously unreported glycosylation
      sites on the Gallus gallus protein ovoglycoprotein (amino acids 82 and 90) to be
      confirmed; considerable glycan heterogeneities at amino acid 90 of
      ovoglycoprotein, and amino acids 34 and 77 of Gallus gallus ovomucoid are also
      revealed.

PMID- 22083590
TI  - Formation and fragmentation of radical peptide anions: insights from vacuum ultra
      violet spectroscopy.
AB  - We have studied the photodissociation of gas-phase deprotonated caerulein anions
      by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons in the 4.5 to 20 eV range, as provided by the
      DESIRS beamline at the synchrotron radiation facility SOLEIL (France). Caerulein
      is a sulphated peptide with three aromatic residues and nine amide bonds.
      Electron loss is found to be the major relaxation channel at every photon energy.
      However, an increase in the fragmentation efficiency (neutral losses and peptide
      backbone cleavages) as a function of the energy is also observed. The oxidized
      ions, generated by electron photodetachment were further isolated and activated
      by collision (CID) in a MS(3) scheme. The branching ratios of the different
      fragments observed by CID as a function of the initial VUV photon energy are
      found to be independent of the initial photon energy. Thus, there is no memory
      effect of the initial excitation energy on the fragmentation channels of the
      oxidized species on the time scale of our tandem MS experiment. We also report
      photofragment yields as a function of photon energy for doubly deprotonated
      caerulein ions, for both closed-shell ([M-2H](2-)) non-radical ions and open
      shell ([M-3H](2-*)) radical ions. These latter ions are generated by electron
      photodetachment from [M-3H](3-) precursor ions. The detachment yield increases
      monotonically with the energy with the appearance of several absorption bands.
      Spectra for radical and non-radical ions are quite similar in terms of observed
      bands; however, the VUV fragmentation yield is enhanced by the presence of a
      radical in caerulein peptides.

PMID- 22083591
TI  - Individual differences in the effects of environmental stimuli on cocaine choice
      in socially housed male cynomolgus monkeys.
AB  - RATIONALE: Studies in laboratory animals have demonstrated an influence of
      environmentally derived stress and enrichment on the reinforcing effects of
      stimulants. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of acute exposure to
      ethologically valid environmental stimuli on the reinforcing strength of cocaine
      relative to food in socially housed monkeys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Choice
      between cocaine and food was assessed in subsets of 16 socially housed (4/pen)
      male cynomolgus monkeys immediately after the following manipulations: (1) treats
      placed in home cage, (2) a 10-min exposure to a rubber snake, or (3) 3 to 7 days
      of living in a larger environment without cage mates. RESULTS: Placing treats in
      the home cage shifted the cocaine dose-response curve to the left in five monkeys
      tested and to the right in 4 of 12 animals. The rubber snake significantly
      shifted the cocaine choice curve to the left in dominant monkeys. Exposure to an
      enlarged environment decreased cocaine choice in 9 of 15 monkeys; this effect was
      transient and not related to social rank. Repeated testing did not affect cocaine
      choice. CONCLUSIONS: Brief exposure to environmental events hypothesized to be
      stressors or enrichment altered cocaine choice, although not all individuals were
      affected and the effects were transient. Importantly, the data suggest that
      implementing positive changes in the environment produced effects that are
      clinically desirable. Understanding the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms
      mediating sensitivity to environmental events in socially housed animals will
      lead to better treatment strategies for drug addiction.

PMID- 22083592
TI  - Anxiogenic-like effects of chronic cannabidiol administration in rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: Several pre-clinical and human-based studies have shown that acutely
      administered cannabidiol (CBD) can produce anxiolytic-like effects OBJECTIVES:
      The present study investigated the effects of chronic administration of CBD on
      rat behaviour and on the expression of brain proteins. METHODS: Male Lister
      hooded rats (150-200 g, n = 8 per group) received daily injections of CBD (10
      mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. The rats were subjected to two behavioural tests:
      locomotor activity and conditioned emotional response (CER). The expression of
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its receptor tyrosine kinase B (Trk B),
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 and the
      transcription factor cyclic AMP response element binding protein activation
      (CREB) and phospho-CREB were determined in brain regions such as the frontal
      cortex and hippocampus using Western immunoblotting. RESULTS: CBD significantly
      increased the time spent freezing in the CER test with no effect on locomotor
      activity. CBD significantly reduced BDNF expression in the hippocampus and
      frontal cortex with no change in the striatum. In addition, CBD significantly
      reduced TrkB expression in the hippocampus with a strong trend towards reduction
      in the striatum but had no effect in the frontal cortex. In the hippocampus, CBD
      had no effect on ERK1/2 or phospho-ERK2, but in the frontal cortex, CBD
      significantly reduced phospho-ERK1/2 expression without affecting total ERK.
      CONCLUSION: Chronic administration of CBD produced an anxiogenic-like effect in
      clear opposition to the acute anxiolytic profile previously reported. In
      addition, CBD decreased the expression of proteins that have been shown to be
      enhanced by chronic treatment with antidepressant/anxiolytic drugs.

PMID- 22083593
TI  - Trypanocidal activity of ergosterol peroxide from Pleurotus ostreatus.
AB  - Chagas' disease, which is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is
      a public health problem in South America affecting millions of people, and more
      recently several thousands in countries where the disease is not endemic. Due to
      the magnitude of the problem, finding a cure for this disease remains a major
      challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of
      ergosterol peroxide (5alpha, 8alpha-epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6, 22-dien-3beta-ol)
      isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. f. sp. Florida. The ergosterol
      peroxide showed strong trypanocidal activity on the intracellular form of T.
      cruzi. Ergosterol peroxide had an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.74 ug/mL
      on T. cruzi, but showed no lytic action on erythrocytes and no cytotoxic effect
      on mammalian cells at concentrations higher than 1600 ug/mL. The interaction of
      Trypanosoma cruzi with ergosterol peroxide in vitro resulted in a strong lytic
      activity possibly due to the disruption of the parasite membrane. This is the
      first report of trypanocidal activity, a new biological property of ergosterol
      peroxide isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. f. sp. Florida.

PMID- 22083594
TI  - Local SAR in parallel transmission pulse design.
AB  - The management of local and global power deposition in human subjects (specific
      absorption rate, SAR) is a fundamental constraint to the application of parallel
      transmission (pTx) systems. Even though the pTx and single channel have to meet
      the same SAR requirements, the complex behavior of the spatial distribution of
      local SAR for transmission arrays poses problems that are not encountered in
      conventional single-channel systems and places additional requirements on pTx
      radio frequency pulse design. We propose a pTx pulse design method which builds
      on recent work to capture the spatial distribution of local SAR in numerical
      tissue models in a compressed parameterization in order to incorporate local SAR
      constraints within computation times that accommodate pTx pulse design during an
      in vivo magnetic resonance imaging scan. Additionally, the algorithm yields a
      protocol-specific ultimate peak in local SAR, which is shown to bound the
      achievable peak local SAR for a given excitation profile fidelity. The
      performance of the approach was demonstrated using a numerical human head model
      and a 7 Tesla eight-channel transmit array. The method reduced peak local 10 g
      SAR by 14-66% for slice-selective pTx excitations and 2D selective pTx
      excitations compared to a pTx pulse design constrained only by global SAR. The
      primary tradeoff incurred for reducing peak local SAR was an increase in global
      SAR, up to 34% for the evaluated examples, which is favorable in cases where
      local SAR constraints dominate the pulse applications.

PMID- 22083595
TI  - Extraction, identification and characterization of the water-insoluble proteins
      from tobacco biomass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tobacco leaves are a potential candidate for plant proteins, yielding
      fourfold more protein per acre than soybeans. However, more than 60% of these
      proteins are water-insoluble and remain in the residue (referred to as 'tobacco
      biomass') after aqueous extraction. Efficient extraction of tobacco biomass
      proteins (TBPs) could boost the development of value-added products from
      tobaccos. RESULTS: TBPs were resistant to salt extraction at pH 2.0-12.0, but
      they were readily extracted by organic solvents. A simplified extracting method,
      including mechanical homogenization, a first extraction with a methanol-water
      mixture (40/60, v/v) and a second one with water at pH 6.0, recovered at most 68%
      of the TBPs. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis indicated the presence of both the water-soluble tobacco F(1)
      protein and the less soluble cell wall proteins in TBPs, while Fourier transform
      infrared spectra suggested the coexistence of TBPs with polysaccharides
      (especially pectin). Meanwhile, a higher content of hydrophobic amino acids was
      found in TBPs compared with water-extractable tobacco proteins. The amino acid
      score of TBPs was 0.71, with cysteine and methionine being the primary limiting
      amino acids. CONCLUSION: Satisfying recovery of TBPs was achieved using a two
      step organic solvent extraction. The hydrophobicity and protein-pectin
      interaction of TBPs explained for this result.

PMID- 22083596
TI  - Stool DNA testing for the detection of pancreatic cancer: assessment of
      methylation marker candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PanC) presents at late stage with high mortality.
      Effective early detection methods are needed. Aberrantly methylated genes are
      unexplored as markers for noninvasive detection by stool testing. The authors
      aimed to select discriminant methylated genes and to assess accuracy of these and
      mutant KRAS in stool to detect PanC. METHODS: Nine target genes were assayed by
      real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in bisulfite
      treated DNA from microdissected frozen specimens of 24 PanC cases and 30 normal
      colon controls. Archived stools from 58 PanC cases and 65 controls matched on
      sex, age, and smoking were analyzed. Target genes from fecal supernatants were
      enriched by hybrid capture, bisulfite-treated, and assayed by MSP. KRAS mutations
      were assayed using the QuARTS technique. RESULTS: Areas under the receiver
      operating characteristics curves (AUCs) for tissue BMP3, NDRG4, EYA4, UCHL1,
      MDFI, Vimentin, CNTNAP2, SFRP2, and TFPI2 were 0.90, 0.79, 0.78, 0.78, 0.77,
      0.77, 0.69, 0.67, and 0.66, respectively. The top 4 markers and mutant KRAS were
      evaluated in stool. BMP3 was the most discriminant methylation marker in stool.
      At 90% specificity, methylated BMP3 alone detected 51% of PanCs, mutant KRAS
      detected 50%, and combination detected 67%. AUCs for methylated BMP3, mutant
      KRAS, and combination in stool were 0.73, 0.75, and 0.85, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that stool assay of a methylated gene marker
      can detect PanC. Among candidate methylated markers discriminant in tissue, BMP3
      alone performed well in stool. Combining methylated BMP3 and mutant KRAS
      increased stool detection over either marker alone.

PMID- 22083597
TI  - Influences on blockade by t-butylbicyclo-phosphoro-thionate of GABA(A) receptor
      spontaneous gating, agonist activation and desensitization.
AB  - Picrotoxin and t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) are GABA(A) receptor
      (GABA(A)R) open channel blockers. However, picrotoxin displaceable [(35)S]TBPS
      binding to alpha1beta2gamma2 GABA(A)Rs occurs in the absence of GABA, suggesting
      that access to the binding site is independent of activation. Alternatively,
      spontaneous gating may provide access to the channel. In the absence of episodic
      GABA application, picrotoxin and TBPS blocked (by 91 +/- 3% and 85 +/- 5%,
      respectively) GABA-evoked currents mediated by alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors. We
      used two approaches to inhibit spontaneous GABA(A)R gating, bicuculline, which
      inhibits spontaneous current in the absence of exogenous agonist and the
      alpha1(K278M) mutant subunit. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that
      alpha1(K278M)beta2gamma2 receptors have negligible spontaneous gating.
      Application of bicuculline to alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors in the absence of
      exogenous GABA caused a 35% reduction of current blockade by TBPS and reduced
      [(35)S]TBPS binding by 25%. Consistent with this, in the absence of exogenous
      GABA, alpha1(K278M)beta2gamma2 receptors exhibited reduced blockade by TBPS
      current compared to wild-type receptors. These data suggest that a decrease in
      spontaneous gating reduces accessibility of TBPS to its binding site. GABA
      application during picrotoxin or TBPS administration enhanced alpha1beta2gamma2
      receptor blockade (to 98% in both cases). The GABA-dependent component of TBPS
      blockade accounts for the stimulation of [(35)S]TBPS binding to alpha1beta2gamma2
      receptors seen with GABA (1 MUm) application. Moreover, application of GABA at
      concentrations that cause significant steady-state desensitization reduced
      [(35)S]TBPS binding. The alpha1(K278M) subunit slowed desensitization kinetics
      and increased the rate of deactivation of GABA-evoked currents. Furthermore,
      there was a marked increase in the GABA EC(50) for desensitization of
      alpha1(K278M)beta2gamma2 receptors associated with a large increase in the GABA
      dependent stimulation of [(35)S]TBPS binding. These data establish a relationship
      between GABA(A)R function and the three phases of [(35)S]TBPS binding seen in the
      absence and the presence of GABA.

PMID- 22083598
TI  - Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition attenuates plasma volume loss and transvascular
      exchange in volume-expanded mice.
AB  - We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) with
      rolipram to increase vascular endothelial cAMP and stabilize the endothelial
      barrier would attenuate the action of endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
      to increase vascular permeability to the plasma protein albumin after an acute
      plasma volume expansion. After rolipram pretreatment (8 mg (kg body wt)(-1),
      intraperitoneal, 30 min) more than 95% of the peak increase in plasma volume
      after volume expansion (4.5% bovine serum albumin, 114 MUl (g body wt)(-1) h(-1),
      15 min) remained in the vascular space 75 min after the end of infusion, whereas
      only 67% of the fluid was retained in volume-expanded animals with no rolipram
      pretreatment. Rolipram significantly decreased 30 min fluorescently labelled
      albumin clearance (MUl (g dry wt)(-1)) relative to untreated volume-expanded
      controls in skin (e.g. back, 10.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 19.5 +/- 3.6, P = 0.04), muscle
      (e.g. hamstring, 15.0 +/- 1.9 vs. 20.8 +/- 1.4, P = 0.04) and in colon, caecum,
      and rectum (average reduction close to 50%). The mass of muscle and skin tissue
      accounted for 70% of volume-expansion-dependent albumin shifts from plasma to
      interstitium. The results are consistent with observations that the PDE4
      inhibitor rolipram attenuates ANP-induced increases in vascular permeability
      after infusion of exogenous ANP and observations of elevated central venous
      pressure after a similar volume expansion in mice with selective deletion of the
      endothelial ANP receptor. These observations may form the basis for new
      strategies to retain intravenous fluid containing macromolecules.

PMID- 22083599
TI  - Intrinsic morphological diversity of thick-tufted layer 5 pyramidal neurons
      ensures robust and invariant properties of in silico synaptic connections.
AB  - The morphology of neocortical pyramidal neurons is not only highly characteristic
      but also displays an intrinsic diversity that renders each neuron morphologically
      unique. We investigated the significance of this intrinsic morphological
      diversity in in silico networks composed of thick-tufted layer 5 (TTL5) pyramidal
      neurons, by comparing the in silico and in vitro properties of TTL5 synaptic
      connections. The synaptic locations of in silico connections were determined by
      placing 3D reconstructed TTL5 neurons randomly in a volume equivalent to that of
      layer 5 in the juvenile rat somatosensory cortex and using a 'collision
      detection' algorithm to identify the incidental loci of axo-dendritic overlap.
      The activation time of the modelled synapses and their biophysical properties
      were characterized based on experimental measurements. We found that the
      anatomical loci of synapses and the physiological properties of the somatically
      recorded EPSPs closely matched those recorded experimentally without the need for
      any fine-tuning. Furthermore, perturbations to both the physiological or
      anatomical parameters of the model did not alter the average physiological
      properties of the population of modelled synaptic connections. This microcircuit
      level robust behaviour was due to the intrinsic diversity of the morphology of
      pyramidal neurons in the microcircuit. We conclude that synaptic transmission in
      a network of TTL5 neurons is highly invariant across microcircuits suggesting
      that intrinsic diversity is a mechanism to ensure the same average synaptic
      properties in different animals of the same species. Finally, we show that the
      average physiological properties of the TTL5 microcircuit are surprisingly robust
      to anatomical and physiological perturbations also partly due to the intrinsic
      diversity of pyramidal neuron morphology.

PMID- 22083600
TI  - Lobule-specific membrane excitability of cerebellar Purkinje cells.
AB  - Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are the sole output of the cerebellar cortex
      and function as key to a variety of learning-related behaviours by integrating
      multimodal afferent inputs. Intrinsic membrane excitability of neurons determines
      the input-output relationship, and therefore governs the functions of neural
      circuits. Cerebellar vermis consists of ten lobules (lobules I-X), and each
      lobule receives different sensory information. However, lobule-specific
      differences of electrophysiological properties of PC are incompletely understood.
      To address this question, we performed a systematic comparison of membrane
      properties of PCs from different lobules (lobules III-V vs. X). Two types of
      firing patterns (tonic firing and complex bursting) were identified in response
      to depolarizing current injections in lobule III-V PCs, whereas four distinct
      firing patterns (tonic firing, complex bursting, initial bursting and gap firing)
      were observed in lobule X. A-type K(+) current and early inactivation of fast
      Na(+) conductance with activation of 4-aminopyridine-sensitive conductances were
      shown to be responsible for the formation of gap firing and initial bursting
      patterns, respectively, which were observed only in lobule X. In response to
      current injection, PCs in lobule X spiked with wider dynamic range. These
      differences in firing pattern and membrane properties probably contribute to
      signal processing of afferent inputs in lobule-specific fashion, and particularly
      diversity of discharge patterns in lobule X, as a part of the
      vestibulocerebellum, might be involved in strict coordination of a precise
      temporal response to a wide range of head movements.

PMID- 22083601
TI  - Physiological characterization and functional heterogeneity of narrow-field
      mammalian amacrine cells.
AB  - Light-evoked responses of 106 morphologically identified narrow-field amacrine
      cells (ACs) were studied in dark-adapted mouse retinal slices. Forty-five cells
      exhibit AIIAC morphology, 55% of which show characteristic AIIAC physiological
      properties (AIIAC1s) and the remaining 45% display different physiological
      responses, suggesting that AIIACs are functionally heterogeneous. Moreover, we
      found that 42 cells exhibit morphology that resembles the seven morphological
      types of glycine-positive ACs (GlyAC1-7) reported in the rat retina, and for the
      first time assigned light response and function properties to these morphological
      types of glycinergic ACs in the mouse retina. In addition, five narrow-field ACs
      exhibited morphology resembling that of the GlyAC5 or GlyAC7 but with different
      physiological responses (GlyAC5(#) and GlyAC7(#)). Therefore, the eight
      morphological types of narrow-field ACs exhibit 12 classes of physiological
      responses. Furthermore, we found ACs whose physiological responses were
      indistinguishable from those of GlyAC3 or GlyAC4s but with different morphology
      (GlyAC3* or GlyAC4*). These observations suggest that although the majority of
      narrow-field mammalian ACs forms discrete functional groups that correlate with
      their morphology, a significant number of these cells with similar morphology do
      not display the same light responses, and some with similar light responses do
      not exhibit the same morphology.

PMID- 22083602
TI  - Chronic imaging of cortical sensory map dynamics using a genetically encoded
      calcium indicator.
AB  - In vivo optical imaging can reveal the dynamics of large-scale cortical activity,
      but methods for chronic recording are limited. Here we present a technique for
      long-term investigation of cortical map dynamics using wide-field ratiometric
      fluorescence imaging of the genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) Yellow
      Cameleon 3.60. We find that wide-field GECI signals report sensory-evoked
      activity in anaesthetized mouse somatosensory cortex with high sensitivity and
      spatiotemporal precision, and furthermore, can be measured repeatedly in separate
      imaging sessions over multiple weeks. This method opens new possibilities for the
      longitudinal study of stability and plasticity of cortical sensory
      representations.

PMID- 22083603
TI  - Postsynaptic BDNF signalling regulates long-term potentiation at thalamo-amygdala
      afferents.
AB  - The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to regulate
      synaptic plasticity and memory formation in the hippocampus and the neocortex of
      the mammalian brain. In contrast, a role of BDNF in mediating synaptic plasticity
      and fear learning in the amygdala is just beginning to evolve. Using patch clamp
      recordings from projection neurons of the dorsal lateral amygdala (LA) in acute
      slices of mice, we now investigated the cellular mechanism of BDNF-mediated long
      term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the
      amygdala. LTP was elicited in cortical and thalamic synaptic inputs by pairing
      postsynaptic depolarisation with presynaptic stimulation. LTP in the cortico
      amygdala pathway was not changed in heterozygous BDNF-knockout (BDNF(+/-)) mice.
      In contrast, pairing induced LTP in the thalamic input was abolished in BDNF(+/-)
      mice (BDNF(+/-): 104.0 +/- 5.7% of initial EPSC values; WT: 132.5 +/- 7.3%).
      Likewise, inhibition of BDNF/TrkB signalling with TrkB-IgGs as scavenger
      molecules for endogenous BDNF blocked LTP in wild-type mice in this pathway (TrkB
      IgG: 102.7 +/- 6.9% of initial EPSC values; control: 132.5 +/- 8.7%). Inclusion
      of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor K252a in the pipette solution also prevented the
      induction of LTP in the thalamic pathway, indicating a postsynaptic site of
      action of BDNF in regulating LTP. Reduced BDNF levels in BDNF(+/-) mice did not
      affect intrinsic membrane properties of LA projection neurons. Likewise,
      presynaptic glutamate release, and postsynaptic membrane properties also remained
      unaffected in BDNF(+/-) mice. These data suggest a postsynaptic site of action of
      BDNF in mediating LTP selectively in the thalamic fear conditioning pathway.

PMID- 22083604
TI  - State of the art: surgery for endemic goiter.

PMID- 22083605
TI  - Inflammation and repeated infections in CGD: two sides of a coin.
AB  - Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an uncommon congenital immunodeficiency
      seen approximately in 1 of 250,000 individuals. It is caused by a profound defect
      in a burst of oxygen consumption that normally accompanies phagocytosis in all
      myeloid cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and macrophages). This
      "respiratory burst" involves the catalytic conversion of molecular oxygen to the
      oxygen free-radical superoxide, which in turn gives rise to hydrogen peroxide,
      hypochlorous acid, and hydroxyl radicals. These oxygen derivatives play a
      critical role in the killing of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. As a result of the
      failure to activate the respiratory burst in their phagocytes, the majority of
      CGD patients suffer from severe recurrent infections and rather unexplained
      prolonged inflammatory reactions that may result in granulomatous lesions. Both
      may cause severe organ dysfunction depending on the tissues involved. Preventive
      measures as well as rapid (invasive) diagnostic procedures are required to
      successfully treat CGD. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be a serious
      option in some of the patients.

PMID- 22083607
TI  - Rosai-Dorfman disease: presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy or Rosai-Dorfman
      disease (RDD) is a rare benign disease with nodal and extranodal involvement.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Herein, we report 3 cases in which the patients presented
      with nasal masses. In addition, 2 of the 3 patients had subglottic lesions. Only
      2 of the 3 patients had cervical lymphadenopathy, which is the commonest
      presentation of RDD. Histopathology via fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or
      open biopsy is required for diagnosis. Emperipolesis with S-100
      immunohistochemical staining is characteristic. The disease runs a benign course
      and the literature reports that treatment can vary from steroids, to cytotoxic
      chemotherapy to radiotherapy with variable outcomes. Surgical intervention may be
      necessary for airway protection. CONCLUSION: RDD is self-limiting, but can
      sometimes be a life-threatening condition. Treatment should be tailored to the
      individual patient.

PMID- 22083608
TI  - 2,2'-Dithiobis(5-nitropyridine) (DTNP) as an effective and gentle deprotectant
      for common cysteine protecting groups.
AB  - Of all the commercially available amino acid derivatives for solid phase peptide
      synthesis, none has a greater abundance of side-chain protection diversity than
      cysteine. The high reactivity of the cysteine thiol necessitates its attenuation
      during peptide construction. Moreover, the propensity of cysteine residues within
      a peptide or protein sequence to form disulfide connectivity allows the
      opportunity for the peptide chemist to install these disulfides iteratively as a
      post-synthetic manipulation through the judicious placement of orthogonal pairs
      of cysteine S-protection within the peptide's architecture. It is important to
      continuously discover new vectors of deprotection for these different blocking
      protocols in order to achieve the highest degree of orthogonality between the
      removal of one species in the presence of another. We report here a complete
      investigation of the scope and limitations of the deprotective potential of 2,2'
      dithiobis(5-nitropyridine) (DTNP) on a selection of commercially available Cys S
      protecting groups. The gentle conditions of DTNP in a TFA solvent system show a
      remarkable ability to deprotect some cysteine blocking functionality
      traditionally removable only by more harsh or forcing conditions. Beyond
      illustrating the deprotective ability of this reagent cocktail within a cysteine
      containing peptide sequence, the utility of this method was further demonstrated
      through iterative disulfide formation in oxytocin and apamin test peptides. It is
      shown that this methodology has high potential as a stand-alone cysteine
      deprotection technique or in further manipulation of disulfide architecture
      within a more complex cysteine-containing peptide template.

PMID- 22083609
TI  - Histology of plastic embedded amphibian embryos and larvae.
AB  - Amphibians including the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, its close
      relative Xenopus tropicalis, and the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) are
      important vertebrate models for cell biology, development, and regeneration. For
      the analysis of embryos and larva with altered gene expression in gain-of
      function or loss-of-function studies histology is increasingly important. Here,
      we discuss plastic or resin embedding of embryos as valuable alternatives to
      conventional paraffin embedding. For example, microwave-assisted tissue
      processing, combined with embedding in the glycol methacrylate Technovit 7100, is
      a fast, simple, and reliable method to obtain state-of-the-art histology with
      high resolution of cellular details in less than a day. Microwave-processed
      samples embedded in Epon 812 are also useful for transmission electron
      microscopy. Finally, Technovit-embedded samples are well suited for serial
      section analysis of embryos labeled either by whole-mount immunofluorescence, or
      with tracers such as GFP or fluorescent dextrans. Therefore, plastic embedding
      offers a versatile alternative to paraffin embedding for routine histology and
      immunocytochemistry of amphibian embryos.

PMID- 22083606
TI  - Eukaryotic DNA damage checkpoint activation in response to double-strand breaks.
AB  - Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most detrimental form of DNA damage. Failure
      to repair these cytotoxic lesions can result in genome rearrangements conducive
      to the development of many diseases, including cancer. The DNA damage response
      (DDR) ensures the rapid detection and repair of DSBs in order to maintain genome
      integrity. Central to the DDR are the DNA damage checkpoints. When activated by
      DNA damage, these sophisticated surveillance mechanisms induce transient cell
      cycle arrests, allowing sufficient time for DNA repair. Since the term
      "checkpoint" was coined over 20 years ago, our understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms governing the DNA damage checkpoint has advanced significantly. These
      pathways are highly conserved from yeast to humans. Thus, significant findings in
      yeast may be extrapolated to vertebrates, greatly facilitating the molecular
      dissection of these complex regulatory networks. This review focuses on the
      cellular response to DSBs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, providing a comprehensive
      overview of how these signalling pathways function to orchestrate the cellular
      response to DNA damage and preserve genome stability in eukaryotic cells.

PMID- 22083611
TI  - Effect of methotrexate on inflammatory cells redistribution in experimental
      adjuvant arthritis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes in the spleen,
      the thymus and the knee joints of rats with experimental adjuvant arthritis
      induced by Mycobacterium butyricum in the incomplete Freund's adjuvant and the
      effect of treatment with methotrexate (MTX). Particular attention was aimed on
      the redistribution of granulocytes in the tissues during the inflammatory
      process. Clinical parameters, e.g., joint edema, body weight and of gamma
      glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity as an inflammatory marker, have also been
      determined. Induction of adjuvant arthritis caused a significant decrease in
      granulocyte number in the spleen and vice versa a significant increase in the
      knee joints, but without significant changes in the thymus. Treatment with
      methotrexate reversed this phenomenon by increasing the granulocyte number in the
      spleen and decreasing it in knee joints. MTX decreased the joint edema as well as
      the activity of GGT in the spleen, modified the size of the white pulp of the
      spleen and increased the cortex/medulla ratio in the thymus. The observed changes
      support the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of MTX supporting
      its use as the first-line medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22083612
TI  - Association study of the candidate gene for knee osteoarthritis in Koreans.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      rs7639618 of double von Willebrand factor (DVWA) gene for the association with
      osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility in Korean cohort. The study was a part of the
      Korean cohort study. Two thousand four hundred sixty-two subjects aged 50 years
      and older who were derived from the cohort and who were assessed for OA at the
      knee were genotyped. The anteroposterior extended-view weight-bearing radiographs
      of the knees were obtained. Of the subjects, 725 subjects had radiographic OA.
      Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using a QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit
      (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Genotyping was performed using High Resolution Melt or
      the Taq-Man allelic discrimination assay and the Rotor-Gene 6000 (Corbett
      Research, Sydney,Australia). Associations were tested by calculating the odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), using logistic regression
      analysis with adjustments for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). The mean
      age of the OA patients (females: 554 subjects, 76.4%) was 67.4 (7.9) years. The
      intraobserver agreement was high for the identification of osteophytes (kappa:
      0.80) and joint space narrowing (kappa: 0.70). There was no significant
      difference (all P values > 0.05) in the genotype or allele frequencies between
      the patients with OA and healthy controls. There was also no significant
      difference when the cases were adjusted by age, gender, and BMI. The associations
      of DVWA SNPs with OA were noted in previous studies and were not found in the
      Korean OA cohort.

PMID- 22083610
TI  - Evidence-based, interdisciplinary guidelines for anti-inflammatory treatment of
      uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - Uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is frequently associated with the
      development of complications and visual loss. Topical corticosteroids are the
      first-choice therapy, and immunosuppression is commonly used. However, treatment
      has not been standardized. Representatives from the German Ophthalmological
      Society, Society for Childhood and Adolescent Rheumatology, and the German
      Society for Rheumatology reached consensus on a standardized treatment strategy
      according to disease severity in the individual patient. The recommendations were
      based on a systematic literature analysis in MEDLINE and consensus expert
      meetings. Evidence and recommendations were graded, and an algorithm for anti
      inflammatory treatment and final statements confirmed in a Delphi method. An
      interdisciplinary, evidence-based treatment guideline for JIA uveitis is
      presented.

PMID- 22083613
TI  - Differential proteomic analysis of renal tissue in lupus nephritis using iTRAQ
      reagent technology.
AB  - In clinical practice, it is difficult to monitor the repeating relapse in
      patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who usually
      associated with some potential complications, for example, lupus nephritis (LN),
      repetition renal biopsy is necessary to determine LN flares. To identify and
      quantify the total proteins in renal tissue of LN patients, isobaric tags for
      relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology was performed. Eight-plex
      iTRAQ coupled with multiple chromatographic fractionation and tandem mass
      spectrometry were used to analyze total proteins in renal tissue of LN patients
      and healthy controls. Proteins were identified by mascot, which expressed
      differentially were noted. A total of 490 distinct proteins were identified, 113
      proteins were up-regulation or down-regulation at one fold or more alteration in
      levels. Among of them, there was significant deviation of four proteins between
      our present iTRAQ study, which are up-regulated heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP-), Annexins and down-regulated Argininosuccinate
      synthetase (ASS), aldolase. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic technology is
      efficiently applicable for identification and relative quantitation of proteome
      of renal tissue. Differentially expressed proteome profiles of LN patients are
      determined. And further investigation is necessary using large cohorts of patient
      samples with long-term clinical follow-up data, to assess the usefulness of the
      pathogenesis and novel biomarker candidates of LN, which may develop a new way
      for diagnosis of LN.

PMID- 22083614
TI  - Bamboo nodes associated with mixed connective tissue disease as a cause of
      hoarseness.
AB  - Vocal fold lesions related to autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid nodules and, to
      a lesser extent, bamboo nodes. Mostly transverse, they are located in the middle
      third of the vocal cord and exhibit a yellowish appearance. The characteristic
      shape of these lesions led to their name. These vocal fold deposits may interfere
      with the normal vibratory cycle during phonation and thus may be an unusual cause
      of hoarseness. We present a 43-year-old woman with known mixed connective tissue
      disease and a dysphonia. Laryngostroboscopy showed bamboo nodes as described
      above. We applied several laryngeal injections of cortisone as described
      previously in the literature. Since this treatment did not lead to a sufficient
      voice improvement, we attempted to surgically remove the deposits. After the
      surgery, the voice improved considerably. In all patients with rheumatic diseases
      who suffer from a rough, breathy, or unstable voice, a laryngostroboscopic
      examination should be done. If, however, a bamboo node lesion of the vocal folds
      is found by the laryngologists, an associated autoimmune disorder must be
      assumed, and adequate diagnostic procedures have to be initiated. Local laryngeal
      injections (1-3 times) with steroids should be the first line of therapy. In
      unsuccessful cases, subsequent surgery can be a useful treatment of bamboo nodes
      to stabilize and improve voice quality.

PMID- 22083615
TI  - The prevalence and progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis over 6 years
      in a population-based cohort of middle-aged subjects.
AB  - Details of the development of early knee osteoarthritis (OA) are largely unknown.
      The prevalence and progression of radiographic knee OA over 6 years in middle
      aged subjects with chronic knee pain is investigated. In a prospective population
      based study, tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) radiographs were graded in
      128 subjects (mean age 45 +/- 6.2 years) for the presence of osteophytes and
      joint space narrowing (JSN). Radiographic progression was defined as: (i) the
      presence of osteophytes and/or JSN in subjects with no previous OA or (ii) an
      increase in the grade and/or number of already existing osteophytes and/or JSN.
      Altogether 56% (72/128) of subjects had knee OA, the majority of them was
      diagnosed with OA grade 1. In 57% of cases, radiographic OA was based on the
      presence of osteophytes alone versus 13% on JSN. More than 1/3 of subjects had
      isolated PF joint involvement. Knee OA progression rate over 6 years was 56%
      (71/128). During 6 years, a non-linear course of radiographic OA progression with
      intermittent periods of progression and stabilization was observed. Individual
      course of OA revealed distinct subsets of radiographic progression. Osteophytosis
      is an important early radiographic sign of OA and its progression. Isolated PF
      joint involvement is a frequent expression of knee OA. In middle-aged subjects,
      the progression rate of knee OA over 6 years was 56%. A non-linear course of
      radiographic OA progression was observed. Several radiographic subsets refer to
      the heterogeneity of the OA process.

PMID- 22083616
TI  - Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor sera titers in
      leprosy patients from Mexico.
AB  - Leprosy offers a broad spectrum of altered immunological sceneries, ranging from
      strong cell-mediated immune responses seen in tuberculoid leprosy (TT), through
      borderline leprosy (BB), to the virtual absence of T cell responses
      characteristic in lepromatous leprosy (LL). The exact mechanism of autoantibodies
      production remains unknown in leprosy and other chronic inflammatory diseases and
      also the contribution of these antibodies to the pathogenesis of the disease. The
      aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and profiles of serum anti-cyclic
      citrullinated peptide antibodies (a-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and its
      relationship with leprosy spectrum. Serum samples from 67 leprosy patients (54
      LL, 5 TT and 8 BB) and 46 clinically healthy subjects (CHS) from the same endemic
      region were investigated. The clinical chart and questionnaire were used to
      obtain clinical information. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (a-CCP)
      were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas the rheumatoid factor
      (RF) levels were measured by nephelometric method. The mean age of patients was
      51.5 +/- 13 years. Sera levels of a-CCP where higher in leprosy patients than in
      CHS (5.9 +/- 11.6 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.29) (P < 0.0001); the same pattern was found for
      RF sera titers without reaching statistical significance (16.8 +/- 22.5 vs. 9.9
      +/- 3) (P = NS). We did not find a correlation between a-CCP and RF Rho =0.02786
      (IC 95%) P = 0.8229. However, LL patients had higher a-CCP and RF levels than TT
      patients. Although an absence in correlation was observed, the serum levels of a
      CCP antibodies and RF appeared to be useful in distinguishing LL from TT patients
      with a limited significance in detecting reactional leprosy patients.

PMID- 22083617
TI  - Synovial fluid and serum levels of IL-17, IL-23, and CCL-20 in rheumatoid
      arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a Tunisian cross-sectional study.

PMID- 22083619
TI  - Anakinra: a safe and effective first-line treatment in systemic onset juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA).
AB  - Systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA) is a rare inflammatory
      disorder. It can result in disease and treatment-related disability. SoJIA is
      characterized by remitting fevers, evanescent rash, generalized lymphadenopathy,
      hepatomegaly/splenomegaly, and/or serositis. Non-responsiveness to standard
      therapy with corticosteroids and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs is not
      uncommon. IL-1beta has been shown to be a main contributor to the pathogenesis of
      SoJIA. Anakinra, a recombinant IL-1beta receptor antagonist, was shown to be
      effective in small cohorts of therapy-resistant adult and pediatric Still's
      patients. In order to assess the efficacy and safety of first-line anakinra
      treatment in SoJIA, we reviewed the charts of all SoJIA patients in our
      institution from 2005 to 2010, searching for first-line anakinra-treated
      patients. We report the clinical and laboratory course of four SoJIA patients.
      The mean follow-up was 13.5 (range: 2-50) months. Anakinra was started at doses
      from 1.5 to 4 mg/kg for a median duration of 3 (range: 3-18) months. Two patients
      responded to anakinra mono-therapy; two cases required corticosteroids.
      Normalized body temperatures and the absence of evanescent rashes were achieved
      after a median of 4 (range: 2-10) days. We did not see treatment-related adverse
      reactions other than local injection site inflammation. This is the first single
      center series, reporting anakinra as first-line treatment in SoJIA. We show rapid
      efficacy of anakinra in early SoJIA with reduced treatment-related side effects.
      A subset of patients remains corticosteroid dependent. Further studies are
      warranted to follow larger cohorts and to assess long-term safety.

PMID- 22083618
TI  - Anomalies of intra-synovial citrullination: is there any interest in the
      diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis?
AB  - Autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPA) are specifically associated with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and seem to play an important role in its pathogenesis.
      The specific immunological conflict between ACPA and citrullinated fibrin plays a
      major role in the self-maintenance of synovial inflammation by forming fibrin
      deposits in the synovial tissue. These deposits, secondarily citrullinated by a
      local peptidylarginine deiminase (PADI) enzyme activity, seem to maintain the
      immunological conflict and the inflammation. Our objective in this work is to
      study the anomalies of citrullination in a group of patients with early RA, in
      comparison with a control group of patients suffering from undetermined
      inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis and spondyloarthropathy. For this purpose,
      we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the levels of
      ACPA in serum and synovial fluid. By immunohistochemistry, subtype 4 of PADI was
      also sought in the synovial biopsies taken from all our patients. We found that
      the ACPA levels in serum and synovial fluid were significantly higher in patients
      with RA. The enzyme PADI4 was found only in the group with RA and was
      statistically correlated with ACPA mean levels in sera and synovial fluid. The
      expression of PADI4 seems to correlate with intra-synovial deposits of fibrin in
      RA. However, determination of synovial ACPA levels and detection of intra
      synovial PADI4 deposits are of no additional benefit compared with assessment of
      ACPA levels in serum for the diagnosis of early RA.

PMID- 22083620
TI  - An unusual cause of hemichorea-hemiballism in a patient with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.

PMID- 22083621
TI  - Meeting report: novel targets for cancer and connective tissues diseases.

PMID- 22083622
TI  - Comparison of single-port laparoscopy, standard laparoscopy, and robotic surgery
      in patients with endometrial cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate single-port laparoscopy (SPL)
      for the surgical treatment of presumed early-stage endometrial cancer and to
      compare surgical outcomes to laparoscopy and robotics. METHODS: A multi
      institutional, matched retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients
      with clinical stage I or occult stage II endometrial cancer who underwent SPL
      hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy +/- lymphadenectomy from April 2009
      to September 2010 were identified. Outcomes were compared with patients matched
      by age, body mass index (BMI), tumor histology, and grade, who underwent
      laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis 1-way
      analysis of variance and chi-square test for frequency data. A P value of <.05
      was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 90 matched patients (30 SPL, 30
      LSC, and 30 robotic) were included in the study. There were no significant
      differences in median operating time or estimated blood loss between the 3
      groups. The median number of pelvic lymph nodes obtained was significantly higher
      in the robotic (17.0 [8-36] and SPL group (16.0 [11-21]) compared with the
      laparoscopy group (13.0 [3-18]) P = .04. However, there was no significant
      difference in the median number of para-aortic nodes obtained between the 3
      groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in length of
      hospital stay, comorbid conditions, complication rates, or operative times.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest SPL surgery for endometrial carcinoma is
      feasible with similar operating times, hospital length of stay, complication
      rates, and estimated blood loss when compared with laparoscopy and robotics.

PMID- 22083623
TI  - Determination of quinine in beverages by online coupling capillary
      isotachophoresis to capillary zone electrophoresis with UV spectrophotometric
      detection.
AB  - The present study illustrates the possibilities of capillary isotachophoresis
      (CITP) online coupled with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and hyphenated
      with fiber-based spectrophotometric diode array detection (DAD) for the direct,
      highly reliable, and ultrasensitive determination of quinine (QUI) in real
      multicomponent ionic matrices (beverages). Here, the CITP provided an effective
      online sample pretreatment (preseparation and preconcentration) prior to the CZE
      separation. Due to the CITP sample preconcentration, a simple UV-visible
      absorbance spectrophotometric detection was sufficient for obtaining very low
      concentration limits of detection (~2.3 ng/mL). Enhanced separation selectivity
      due to the combination of different separation mechanisms (CITP vs. CZE) enabled
      to obtain a pure analyte zone, suitable for its detection and quantitation in the
      directly injected real samples. The spectrophotometric DAD, unlike single
      wavelength UV detection, enabled to characterize the purity (i.e. spectral
      homogeneity) of the analyte zone and preliminary data indicate structurally
      related compounds via characteristic spectra recorded in the interval of 200-600
      nm. The proposed CITP-CZE-DAD method was characterized by favorable performance
      parameters (sensitivity, linearity, precision, recovery, accuracy, robustness,
      and selectivity) and successfully applied to the control of QUI and potential QUI
      impurities in commercial beverages. This method is proposed as a routine
      automatized method for the highly reliable quality food control.

PMID- 22083624
TI  - Stable transformation and cloning mediated by piggyBac vector and RNA
      interference knockdown of Drosophila ovarian cell line.
AB  - An in vitro study is a powerful method for elucidating gene functions in cellular
      and developmental events. However, until date, no reliable in vitro
      transformation, cloning, or knockdown system has been reported for Drosophila
      cells, with the exception of S2 and Kc cells. In this study, we demonstrated that
      the piggyBac vector stably integrates donor DNA into ovarian somatic sheets
      derived from follicle stem cells. The transformed ovarian somatic sheet cells
      were easily cloned with a new piggyBac selection vector carrying enhanced green
      fluorescent protein and dihydrofolate reductase genes, egfp, and dhfr,
      respectively, in culture media containing methotrexate, an inhibitor of DNA
      synthesis. Donor egfp continued to be expressed at a high level in long-term
      culture. Furthermore, the translation of donor egfp was inhibited by treatment
      with double-stranded RNA derived from the target gene. The transfection and
      cloning methods mediated by the piggyBac vector would thus be useful for future
      analyses of gene functions in OSS cells and possibly be applicable to other
      Drosophila cell lines.

PMID- 22083625
TI  - Antioxidant effect of a phytoestrogen equol on cultured muscle cells of embryonic
      broilers.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that the in ovo injection of equol can markedly
      improve the water-holding capacity of muscles of broilers chickens at 7 wk of age
      through promotion of the antioxidant status. We aimed to investigate directly the
      antioxidant effects of equol on muscle cells in broilers. Muscle cells were
      separated from leg muscle of embryos on the 11th day of incubation and treated
      with equol and H(2)O(2), either alone or together. Cells were pretreated with
      medium containing 1, 10, or 100 MUM equol for 1 h prior to the addition of 1 mM
      H(2)O(2) for a further 1 h. Photomicrographs of cells were obtained. Cell
      viability, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
      activity in the cell supernatant, as well as intracellular total superoxide
      dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined.
      Treatment with 1 mM H(2)O(2) caused serious damage to cells, indicated by comets
      with no clear head region but a very apparent tail of DNA fragments. Pretreatment
      with low (1 MUM) but not high concentrations of equol (10 MUM) inhibited cell
      damage, while 100 MUM equol caused more serious damage than H(2)O(2) alone.
      Pretreatment with 1 MUM equol had no effect on cell viability, while pretreatment
      with 10 and 100 MUM equol significantly decreased cell viability in a dose
      dependent manner. Compared with H(2)O(2) alone, pretreatment with low-dosage
      equol markedly decreased LDH activity and MDA production in the supernatant,
      significantly increased intracellular T-SOD activity (P < 0.05) and tended to
      increase intracellular GSH-Px activity (0.05 < P < 0.1). Pretreatment with high
      dosage equol (10 and 100 MUM) significantly enhanced LDH activity, but had no
      effect on MDA content, T-SOD or GSH-Px activity induced by H(2)O(2,) except for
      an obvious increase in GSH-Px activity caused by 10 MUM equol. These results
      indicate that equol at low dosage can prevent skeletal muscle cell damage induced
      by H(2)O(2), while pretreatment with high-dosage equol shows a synergistic effect
      with H(2)O(2) in inducing cell damage.

PMID- 22083626
TI  - Study strategies of college students: are self-testing and scheduling related to
      achievement?
AB  - Previous studies, such as those by Kornell and Bjork (Psychonomic Bulletin &
      Review, 14:219-224, 2007) and Karpicke, Butler, and Roediger (Memory, 17:471-479,
      2009), have surveyed college students' use of various study strategies, including
      self-testing and rereading. These studies have documented that some students do
      use self-testing (but largely for monitoring memory) and rereading, but the
      researchers did not assess whether individual differences in strategy use were
      related to student achievement. Thus, we surveyed 324 undergraduates about their
      study habits as well as their college grade point average (GPA). Importantly, the
      survey included questions about self-testing, scheduling one's study, and a
      checklist of strategies commonly used by students or recommended by cognitive
      research. Use of self-testing and rereading were both positively associated with
      GPA. Scheduling of study time was also an important factor: Low performers were
      more likely to engage in late-night studying than were high performers; massing
      (vs. spacing) of study was associated with the use of fewer study strategies
      overall; and all students-but especially low performers-were driven by impending
      deadlines. Thus, self-testing, rereading, and scheduling of study play important
      roles in real-world student achievement.

PMID- 22083628
TI  - Changing careers in chemistry.

PMID- 22083627
TI  - Active and passive contributions to spatial learning.
AB  - It seems intuitively obvious that active exploration of a new environment will
      lead to better spatial learning than will passive exposure. However, the
      literature on this issue is decidedly mixed-in part, because the concept itself
      is not well defined. We identify five potential components of active spatial
      learning and review the evidence regarding their role in the acquisition of
      landmark, route, and survey knowledge. We find that (1) idiothetic information in
      walking contributes to metric survey knowledge, (2) there is little evidence as
      yet that decision making during exploration contributes to route or survey
      knowledge, (3) attention to place-action associations and relevant spatial
      relations contributes to route and survey knowledge, although landmarks and
      boundaries appear to be learned without effort, (4) route and survey information
      are differentially encoded in subunits of working memory, and (5) there is
      preliminary evidence that mental manipulation of such properties facilitates
      spatial learning. Idiothetic information appears to be necessary to reveal the
      influence of attention and, possibly, decision making in survey learning, which
      may explain the mixed results in desktop virtual reality. Thus, there is indeed
      an active advantage in spatial learning, which manifests itself in the task
      dependent acquisition of route and survey knowledge.

PMID- 22083629
TI  - Growth hormone secretagogues: out of competition.
AB  - Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) constitute a new GH deficiency treatment
      increasing exponentially in number and improved potency and bioavailability over
      the last decade. The growth hormone releasing activity makes these compounds
      attractive for the artificial improvement of the human sports skills, now that
      recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration is effectively detected.
      The GHS family is extremely diverse both in number and chemical heterogeneity and
      keeps growing continuously. In this paper, a general screening test is proposed.
      To develop a universal method, the single common property of growth hormone
      secretagogues has been targeted: their capacity to bind to the GHS receptor 1a
      (GHS-R1a). Pretreated urine samples have been tested in a competition assay where
      eventually the GHS presence detached a radiolabelled ligand from the receptor in
      a dose-dependent manner. Blank urine samples were processed to determine
      potential age, gender and exercise effects, and to define a threshold beyond
      which a specimen is considered positive. Samples from a growth hormone releasing
      peptide 2 (GHRP-2) excretion study corroborated the screening assay applicability
      with a detection window of approximately 4.5 h, and results were confirmed by
      comparison with a dedicated LC-MS quantification of the intact compound.

PMID- 22083630
TI  - A novel off-center paddle impeller (OPI) dissolution testing system for
      reproducible dissolution testing of solid dosage forms.
AB  - Dissolution testing is routinely conducted in the pharmaceutical industry to
      provide in vitro drug release information for quality control purposes. The most
      common dissolution testing system for solid dosage forms is the United States
      Pharmacopeia (USP) Dissolution Testing Apparatus 2. This apparatus is very
      sensitive to the initial location of the tablet, which cannot be controlled
      because the tablet is dropped into the vessel at the beginning of the test and it
      may rest at random locations at the vessel's bottom. In this work, a modified
      Apparatus 2 in which the impeller was placed 8 mm off center in the vessel was
      designed and tested. This new design was termed "OPI" for "off-center paddle
      impeller." Dissolution tests were conducted with the OPI apparatus for nine
      different tablet locations using both disintegrating tablets (prednisone) and
      nondisintegrating tablets (salicylic acid). The dissolution profiles in the OPI
      apparatus were largely independent of the tablet location at the vessel's bottom,
      whereas those obtained in the Standard System generated statistically different
      profiles depending on the tablet location. The newly proposed OPI system can
      effectively eliminate artifacts generated by random settling of the tablet at the
      vessel's bottom, thus making the test more robust.

PMID- 22083631
TI  - Magnesium nutrition on accumulation and transport of amino acids in tea plants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Free amino acids in young tea shoots are important chemical
      constituents, remarkably influencing the quality of green teas. Nutrient
      solution, soil pot and field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect
      of magnesium nutritional status on accumulation and transport of free amino acids
      in tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). RESULTS: A sufficient supply of
      Mg in nutrient solution increased biomass production and concentrations of free
      amino acids, notably theanine in young shoots and roots, without affecting total
      N in the leaves, absorption rates of inorganic N and glutamine synthetase
      activity. Amino acids in xylem saps and phloem exudates or total sugars in phloem
      exudates of tea plants from pot and field experiments showed their highest levels
      in bud breaking and shoot extension in early spring (March and early April).
      Application of Mg increased the amounts of amino acids and total sugars in the
      xylem saps and phloem exudates. CONCLUSION: Adequate supply of Mg nutrient
      promoted the synthesis of theanine in roots and its accumulation in the young
      shoots of tea plants. Magnesium nutritional status was an important factor
      influencing the mobility of amino acids and sugars via xylem and phloem
      especially when N and C reserves remobilized to support spring growth of young
      shoots.

PMID- 22083634
TI  - PPAR-alpha targeting in kidney fibrosis: is BAY PP1 just another renoprotector?
AB  - Interstitial fibrosis plays a major role in the progression of renal diseases.
      Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) ligands are
      increasingly explored for their potential to reverse or halt tubulointerstitial
      fibrosis. This Commentary discusses new findings by Boor et al., who show that
      BAY PP1, a novel PPAR-alpha agonist, ameliorates renal fibrosis and dysfunction.

PMID- 22083635
TI  - Old friends form alliance against podocytes.
AB  - Wang and colleagues identify the activation of Wnt signaling as an important
      downstream event in transforming growth factor-beta-mediated podocyte injury.
      Supported by other recent studies, canonical Wnt signaling is emerging as a
      critical stress pathway in podocytes and may be exploited for therapeutic
      strategies in the treatment of glomerulopathies.

PMID- 22083636
TI  - Blockade of PDGF receptor signaling reduces myofibroblast number and attenuates
      renal fibrosis.
AB  - Fibrosis can be considered as wound healing that never ceases, and activated
      fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) probably play a critical role in this unabated
      tissue repair process. In the setting of renal fibrosis, two central questions
      remain unanswered: Where do activated myofibroblasts come from; and what
      mechanism or mechanisms keep them activated? The study by Chen and colleagues
      addresses the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling
      in the activation of myofibroblasts.

PMID- 22083637
TI  - Warfarin-related nephropathy can be mimicked by an interaction between
      sulfonamide derivatives and vitamin K antagonists.

PMID- 22083638
TI  - Dental caries in renal tubular acidosis.

PMID- 22083639
TI  - Multiplexed immunoassay of thyroglobulin autoantibodies in patients with
      differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies (TgAb) screening is recommended in
      patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) to validate Tg measurements.
      We compared a new multiplexed and 2 conventional TgAb immunoassays in patients
      with DTC and healthy controls. METHODS: TgAb were measured by 2 conventional
      automated immunoassays and a multiplexed immunoassay in sera from 163 patients
      with DTC and 64 controls. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between
      the different assays when the suggested manufacturer cutoffs were used. The
      positive rate of multiplexed assay, but not of conventional assays, significantly
      increased when limits of detection were used as cutoff. CONCLUSION: Further
      technical evaluations are necessary to explain the very high rate of detectable
      TgAb values in both patients with DTC and controls by the multiplexed assay. For
      the moment, we suggest caution in using such methods in the current clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22083640
TI  - The ventriculophasic response revisited: analysis of clinical correlations using
      a new proposed definition derived in pacemaker patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ventriculophasic response (VR) refers to shortening of atrial
      cycle length during heart block when a QRS complex is interposed between P waves.
      No formal quantitative definition has heretofore been proposed, nor have its
      potential clinical correlations been studied. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that VR
      is present in selected patients who are distinguished by clinical features from
      those who lack VR. METHODS: Pacing devices were temporarily programmed to VVI
      mode at 30 ppm as electrocardiogram and intracardiac electrograms were recorded
      at 50 mm/sec paper speed. We measured the percentage decrease in a P-P interval
      (A-A interval on the atrial electrogram) containing a QRS, compared to the
      preceding P-P interval. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by
      echocardiogram. RESULTS: Shortening of P-P interval was observed chiefly when the
      interposed QRS occurred early in the anticipated P-P interval (as judged by the
      preceding P-P interval). P-P shortening of 0% to 3% occurred randomly. Defining
      VR as being a >3% P-P interval shortening when an interposed QRS occurred in the
      first 60% of the anticipated P-P interval, we found that VR was present in 28
      (55%) of our patients. It was quite reproducible, was more common in women (81%
      vs 37% of men; P = 0.004), and positively correlated with LVEF (r = 0.41, P =
      0.004). It did not correlate with age, diabetes, or beta-blocker use.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using our newly derived definition of VR, we found the phenomenon
      was present in 55% of our patients. It was reproducible and more commonly seen in
      women and patients with LVEF >=40%.

PMID- 22083641
TI  - ClC-5 mutations associated with Dent's disease: a major role of the dimer
      interface.
AB  - Dent's disease is an X-linked recessive disorder affecting the proximal tubules.
      Mutations in the 2Cl(-)/H(+) exchanger ClC-5 gene CLCN5 are frequently associated
      with Dent's disease. Functional characterization of mutations of CLCN5 have
      helped to elucidate the physiopathology of Dent's disease and provided evidence
      that several different mechanisms underlie the ClC-5 dysfunction in Dent's
      disease. Modeling studies indicate that many CLCN5 mutations are located at the
      interface between the monomers of ClC-5, demonstrating that this protein region
      plays an important role in Dent's disease. On the basis of functional data, CLCN5
      mutations can be divided into three different classes. Class 1 mutations impair
      processing and folding, and as a result, the ClC-5 mutants are retained within
      the endoplasmic reticulum and targeted for degradation by quality control
      mechanisms. Class 2 mutations induce a delay in protein processing and reduce the
      stability of ClC-5. As a consequence, the cell surface expression and currents of
      the ClC-5 mutants are lower. Class 3 mutations do not alter the trafficking of
      ClC-5 to the cell surface and early endosomes but induce altered electrical
      activity. Here, we discuss the functional consequences of the three classes of
      CLCN5 mutations on ClC-5 structure and function.

PMID- 22083642
TI  - Brainstem mechanisms of paradoxical (REM) sleep generation.
AB  - Paradoxical sleep (PS) is characterized by EEG activation with a disappearance of
      muscle tone and the occurrence of rapid eye movements (REM) in contrast to slow
      wave sleep (SWS, also known as non-REM sleep) identified by the presence of delta
      waves. Soon after the discovery of PS, it was demonstrated that the structures
      necessary and sufficient for its genesis are restricted to the brainstem. We
      review here recent results indicating that brainstem glutamatergic and GABAergic,
      rather than cholinergic and monoaminergic, neurons play a key role in the genesis
      of PS. We hypothesize that the entrance to PS from SWS is due to the activation
      of PS-on glutamatergic neurons localized in the pontine sublaterodorsal tegmental
      nucleus. The activation of these neurons would be due to a permanent
      glutamatergic input arising from the lateral and ventrolateral periaqueductal
      gray (vlPAG) and the removal at the onset of PS of a GABAergic inhibition present
      during W and SWS. Such inhibition would be coming from PS-off GABAergic neurons
      localized in the vlPAG and the adjacent deep mesencephalic reticular nucleus. The
      cessation of activity of these PS-off GABAergic neurons at the onset and during
      PS would be due to direct projections from intermingled GABAergic PS-on neurons.
      Activation of PS would depend on the reciprocal interactions between the
      GABAergic PS-on and PS-off neurons, intrinsic cellular and molecular events, and
      integration of multiple physiological parameters.

PMID- 22083643
TI  - Mechanisms of sleep-disordered breathing: causes and consequences.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common in the general population and is
      characterized by ineffective inspiratory efforts against a collapsed upper airway
      during sleep. Collapse occurs mainly at the level of the velopharynx and
      oropharynx due to a combination of predisposing anatomy and the withdrawal of
      pharyngeal dilator activity during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a
      manifestation of chemoreflex control instability, leading to periods of
      inadequate respiratory drive sufficient to trigger breathing, usually alternating
      with periods of hyperventilation. While both forms of apnea are the result of
      differing pathophysiology, it has become increasingly clear that OSA and CSA
      often coexist in the same patient, the existence of one can predispose to the
      other, and that the two are not as distinct as previously thought. Both OSA and
      CSA exert a number of acute deleterious effects including intermittent hypoxia,
      arousals from sleep, and swings in negative intrathoracic pressure, which in turn
      lead to chronic physiologic consequences such as autonomic dysregulation,
      endothelial dysfunction, and cardiac remodeling. These underlying
      pathophysiological mechanisms provide a framework for understanding why OSA and
      CSA may predispose to cardiovascular diseases like ischemic heart disease and
      stroke.

PMID- 22083645
TI  - In vivo three-dimensional whole-brain pulsed steady-state chemical exchange
      saturation transfer at 7 T.
AB  - Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a technique to indirectly detect
      pools of exchangeable protons through the water signal. To increase its
      applicability to human studies, it is needed to develop sensitive pulse sequences
      for rapidly acquiring whole-organ images while adhering to stringent amplifier
      duty cycle limitations and specific absorption rate restrictions. In addition,
      the interfering effects of direct water saturation and conventional magnetization
      transfer contrast complicate CEST quantification and need to be reduced as much
      as possible. It is shown that for protons exchanging with rates of less than 50
      100 Hz, such as imaged in amide proton transfer experiments, these problems can
      be addressed by using a three-dimensional steady state pulsed acquisition of
      limited B(1) strength (~ 1 MUT). Such an approach exploits the fact that the
      direct water saturation width, magnetization transfer contrast magnitude, and
      specific absorption rate increase strongly with B(1) , while the size of the CEST
      effect for such protons depends minimally on B(1) . A short repetition time (65
      ms) steady-state sequence consisting of a brief saturation pulse (25 ms) and a
      segmented echo-planar imaging train allowed acquisition of a three-dimensional
      whole-brain volume in approximately 11 s per saturation frequency, while
      remaining well within specific absorption rate and duty cycle limits.
      Magnetization transfer contrast was strongly reduced, but substantial saturation
      effects were found at frequencies upfield from water, which still confound the
      use of magnetization transfer asymmetry analysis. Fortunately, the limited width
      of the direct water saturation signal could be exploited to fit it with a
      Lorentzian function allowing CEST quantification. Amide proton transfer effects
      ranged between 1.5% and 2.5% in selected white and grey matter regions. This
      power and time-efficient 3D pulsed CEST acquisition scheme should aid endogenous
      CEST quantification at both high and low fields.

PMID- 22083646
TI  - Interference of low-molecular substances with the thioflavin-T fluorescence assay
      of amyloid fibrils.
AB  - Abnormal fibrillization of amyloidogenic peptides/proteins has been linked to
      various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as
      well as with type-II diabetes mellitus. The kinetics of protein fibrillization is
      commonly studied by using a fluorescent dye Thioflavin T (ThT) that binds to
      protein fibrils and exerts increased fluorescence intensity in bound state.
      Recently, it has been demonstrated that several low-molecular weight compounds
      like Basic Blue 41, Basic Blue 12, Azure C, and Tannic acid interfere with the
      fluorescence of ThT bound to Alzheimers' amyloid-beta fibrils and cause false
      positive results during the screening of fibrillization inhibitors. In the
      current study, we demonstrated that the same selected substances also decrease
      the fluorescence signal of ThT bound to insulin fibrils already at submicromolar
      or micromolar concentrations. Kinetic experiments show that unlike to true
      inhibitors, these compounds did neither decrease the fibrillization rate nor
      increase the lag-period. Absence of soluble insulin in the end of the experiment
      confirmed that these compounds do not disaggregate the insulin fibrils and, thus,
      are not fibrillization inhibitors at concentrations studied. Our results show
      that interference with ThT test is a general phenomenon and more attention has to
      be paid to interpretation of kinetic results of protein fibrillization obtained
      by using fluorescent dyes.

PMID- 22083644
TI  - Identification of the muscarinic pathway underlying cessation of sleep-related
      burst activity in rat thalamocortical relay neurons.
AB  - Modulation of the standing outward current (I (SO)) by muscarinic acetylcholine
      (ACh) receptor (MAChR) stimulation is fundamental for the state-dependent change
      in activity mode of thalamocortical relay (TC) neurons. Here, we probe the
      contribution of MAChR subtypes, G proteins, phospholipase C (PLC), and two pore
      domain K(+) (K(2P)) channels to this signaling cascade. By the use of spadin and
      A293 as specific blockers, we identify TWIK-related K(+) (TREK)-1 channel as new
      targets and confirm TWIK-related acid-sensitve K(+) (TASK)-1 channels as known
      effectors of muscarinic signaling in TC neurons. These findings were confirmed
      using a high affinity blocker of TASK-3 and TREK-1, namely, tetrahexylammonium
      chloride. It was found that the effect of muscarinic stimulation was inhibited by
      M(1)AChR-(pirenzepine, MT-7) and M(3)AChR-specific (4-DAMP) antagonists,
      phosphoinositide-specific PLCbeta (PI-PLC) inhibitors (U73122, ET-18-OCH(3)), but
      not the phosphatidylcholine-specific PLC (PC-PLC) blocker D609. By comparison,
      depleting guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) in the intracellular milieu nearly
      completely abolished the effect of MAChR stimulation. The block of TASK and TREK
      channels was accompanied by a reduction of the muscarinic effect on I (SO).
      Current-clamp recordings revealed a membrane depolarization following MAChR
      stimulation, which was sufficient to switch TC neurons from burst to tonic firing
      under control conditions but not during block of M(1)AChR/M(3)AChR and in the
      absence of intracellular GTP. These findings point to a critical role of G
      proteins and PLC as well as TASK and TREK channels in the muscarinic modulation
      of thalamic activity modes.

PMID- 22083647
TI  - Spinal cord glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands with 1p/19q deletion in
      an adult with low-grade cerebral oligodendroglioma.
AB  - Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands (GTNI) is considered a rare variant
      of astrocytoma, characterized by discrete aggregates of cells expressing neuronal
      markers that punctuate a GFAP-positive glial background. Of the 24 published GTNI
      cases, only two occurred in adult spinal cords; none occurred concurrent with
      another CNS tumor; and none of those tested exhibited the 1p/19q deletion typical
      of oligodendroglioma. A 48-year-old man without significant past medical history
      was diagnosed with a WHO grade II oligodendroglioma by stereotactic biopsy of a
      lesion discovered after the patient suffered a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
      By FISH analysis, this tumor exhibited the 1p/19q deletion present in up to 80%
      of oligodendrogliomas. The patient received 14 monthly cycles of temozolomide,
      and his cerebral tumor had a minor response. When the patient subsequently
      reported progressive paresthesias of his lower extremities, an MRI revealed an
      enhancing, cystic tumor of the thoracic spinal cord that was diagnosed as GTNI by
      histological analysis. By FISH analysis, this lesion exhibited the same 1p/19q
      deletion present in the concurrent cerebral oligodendroglioma. This case of a
      spinal cord GTNI with 1p/19q deletions constitutes the third report of a spinal
      cord GTNI in an adult patient; the first report of a GTNI in an individual with a
      separate CNS neoplasm; and the first report of a GTNI with 1p/19q deletions. This
      case establishes a potential genetic kinship between GTNI and oligodendroglioma
      that warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22083648
TI  - Characterization of a novel Xenopus tropicalis cell line as a model for in vitro
      studies.
AB  - Cell lines are useful tools to facilitate in vitro studies of many biological and
      molecular processes. We describe a new permanent fibroblast-type cell line
      obtained from disaggregated Xenopus tropicalis limb bud. The cell line population
      doubling time was ~24 h. Its karyotype was genetically stable with a chromosome
      number of 2n = 21 and a chromosome 10 trisomy. These cells could be readily
      transfected and expressed transgenes faithfully. We obtained stable transformants
      using transposon-based gene transfer technology. These cells responded to thyroid
      hormone and thus can provide a complementary research tool to study thyroid
      hormone signaling events. In conclusion, this cell line baptized "Speedy" should
      prove useful to couple in vitro and in vivo biological studies in the X.
      tropicalis frog model.

PMID- 22083649
TI  - Random BAC FISH of monocot plants reveals differential distribution of repetitive
      DNA elements in small and large chromosome species.
AB  - BAC FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization using bacterial artificial
      chromosome probes) is a useful cytogenetic technique for physical mapping,
      chromosome marker screening, and comparative genomics. As a large genomic
      fragment with repetitive sequences is inserted in each BAC clone, random BAC FISH
      without adding competitive DNA can unveil complex chromosome organization of the
      repetitive elements in plants. Here we performed the comparative analysis of the
      random BAC FISH in monocot plants including species having small chromosomes
      (rice and asparagus) and those having large chromosomes (hexaploid wheat, onion,
      and spider lily) in order to understand a whole view of the repetitive element
      organization in Poales and Asparagales monocots. More unique and less dense
      dispersed signals of BAC FISH were observed in species with smaller chromosomes
      in both the Poales and Asparagales species. In the case of large-chromosome
      species, 75-85% of the BAC clones were detected as dispersed repetitive FISH
      signals along entire chromosomes. The BAC FISH of Lycoris did not even show
      localized repetitive patterns (e.g., centromeric localization) of signals.

PMID- 22083650
TI  - Functional characterization of sugarcane MYB transcription factor gene promoter
      (PScMYBAS1) in response to abiotic stresses and hormones.
AB  - The sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) stress-related MYB transcription factor
      gene, ScMYBAS1, demonstrated induced response to water deficit and salt stress in
      our previous study. To elucidate its stress tolerance mechanism at the
      transcriptional level, we isolated and characterized the promoter (PScMYBAS1,
      1,033 bp) flanking the 5' ScMYBAS1 coding region from the sugarcane genome. A
      series of PScMYBAS1 deletion derivatives from the transcription start site (-56, 
      152, -303, -442, -613, -777, -843, -1,033) was fused to the uidA reporter gene
      (GUS) and each deletion construct was analyzed by Agrobacterium-mediated
      transient transformation in tobacco leaves subjected to dehydration, salinity,
      cold, wounding, gibberellic acid (GA), salicylic acid (SA), and methyl jasmonic
      acid (MeJA). Deletion analysis of the promoter, PScMYBAS1, suggested that the 303
      bp promoter region was required for basal expression. Promoter fragments, 777 bp
      or longer showed ~twofold to ~fourfold increased induction of GUS in response to
      abiotic stress (dehydration, salt, cold, wounding) and hormone (SA, MeJA)
      treatments. These findings further our understanding of the regulation of
      ScMYBAS1 expression and provide a new stress-inducible promoter system in
      transgenic plants.

PMID- 22083651
TI  - Determination of hydrate inhibitor in crude oil by nanoextraction-gas
      chromatography.
AB  - This work focused on the quantitation of methanol as a hydrate inhibitor in crude
      oil. The novelty is nanoextraction of a polar compound from a complex non-polar
      matrix and selection of the proper fiber with maximum selectivity, loading
      percent, and lifetime. This approach not only does not require specific
      instrumentation, such as multiple columns and selective detectors, but also has
      eliminated the use of organic solvent and avoids the insertion of water inside
      the GC columns. The objective is optimization of extraction conditions, GC
      adjustments, and data processing. Experiments were conducted on the real sample
      of Iranian offshore crude oil by a carboxen/PDMS fiber via GC equipped with a
      cross-linked polyethylene glycol column and flame ionization detector. The
      results revealed that this fiber adsorbed the alcohols among other light non
      polar compounds of crude oil. Moreover, the interference effects of ethanol were
      solved by proper selection of the thermal program. The LOD, LOQ, and linear range
      of this approach were determined to be 3.9, 12.9, and 14-229 ppm for methanol,
      respectively. Using the standard calibration and the standard addition methods,
      the relative errors of 1.6-7.2 and 5.3-14.0% were determined.

PMID- 22083652
TI  - Heuristic value of eclecticism in theory development: the case of Piagetian
      Vygotskian dialogue about proportional reasoning.
AB  - Koppe's proposition of four layers in theoretical building are used here in the
      exploration of a specific case of eclectic combination, the use of Piagetian and
      Vygotskian general approaches to the analysis of proportional reasoning as a
      cognitive mathematical ability. It is proposed here that the eclectic
      consideration of these contributions depends on the consideration of their
      specificity, in the sense that they highlight different aspects of the phenomenon
      under scrutiny, and also on the consideration of the coherence between this
      eclectic convergence and premises in terms of schools of thought under which each
      contribution is framed. We conclude proposing in accordance to S. Koppe's
      proposal that eclecticism can be valuable and heuristic in theory development,
      but this contribution will depend largely on the effort in establishing careful
      relations between the four layers of theory-building.

PMID- 22083653
TI  - What are the important decisions in the lives of german and Indian university
      students? The structure of real-life decision-making processes.
AB  - In intercultural research, bias is sometimes introduced when a methodological
      approach that was mostly developed within one of the cultures (usually the
      Western one) is chosen. Instead of identifying and controlling such bias after
      data collection and during analysis, eliminating and minimizing bias during
      planning and while conducting the research is much more advisable. Particularly
      cross-cultural decision-making research has been hindered by the lack of
      instruments that are equally applicable in different cultures, resulting in
      biased findings. We have proposed a methodology for comparing cultures that uses
      qualitative methods and have used it in a comparison of German and Indian
      students' most important decision-making situations. In the first study, we
      identified common and different decision-making situations and recommended major
      areas for further cross-cultural research on decision making. In the second
      study, we made an attempt to explore the factors underlying important decision
      making areas in the two cultures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to
      look for strong similarities and differences between cultures. Transcribed
      interview data were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Several
      themes were identified and descriptions of factors influencing decision making
      were derived inductively from interviews with students. Similarities and
      differences are explained in detail and a further, quantitative survey in
      different cultures is recommended.

PMID- 22083654
TI  - Effects of individual differences on the efficacy of different distracters during
      visual sexual stimulation in women.
AB  - Distractions from sexual cues have been shown to decrease the sexual response,
      but it is unclear how distracters decrease sexual response. Individual
      differences may modulate the efficacy of distracters. Forty women viewed three
      sexual films while their labial temperature and continuous self-reported sexual
      arousal were monitored. One sexual film had simultaneous verbal distracters
      concerning dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance (higher salience
      distracter), a second had distracters concerning daily chores (lower salience
      distracter), and the third sexual film had no distracters. Participant's
      reporting greater relationship satisfaction and more communication with their
      partner about their own physical appearance were expected to decrease the
      efficacy (increased sexual arousal) of the distracters concerning physical
      appearance. Contrary to expectations, women who received less feedback about
      their body from their partners reported less sexual arousal during a sexual film
      with body distracters than a sexual film with general distracters or a sexual
      film with no distracters. All women exhibited lower labial temperature in Minutes
      2 and 3 of the sexual film with body image distracters as compared to the other
      two sexual films. Possible explanations explored include self-verification theory
      and individual differences in the indicators that women consider when rating
      their sexual arousal.

PMID- 22083655
TI  - Online sexual activity: cross-national comparison between United States and
      Peruvian college students.
AB  - The current generation of college students commonly uses the Internet for myriad
      sexually-related purposes. Yet, it has been suggested that usage of the Internet
      for sexual purposes might lead to psychological problems. In this study,
      undergraduate students from a public university in the U.S. (n = 320) and Peru (n
      = 251) completed questionnaires addressing their online sexual activity (OSA),
      psychological adjustment, and family environment and communication. Results
      indicated that Peruvians used the Internet significantly more than U.S. students
      to view sexually-explicit material (SEM), find sexual partners, and search for
      sex-related information. Men, irrespective of nationality, used the Internet to
      view SEM significantly more than women. Social support, religiosity, and
      erotophilia were found to moderate the relations between nationality and OSA. In
      absolute terms, both national groups, on average, engaged in OSA a relatively low
      number of hours each week. Further, no differences were found in maladjustment
      between those who engage in OSA and those who do not, suggesting that concerns
      over OSA are probably unwarranted.

PMID- 22083656
TI  - Risk reduction practices in men who have sex with men in Switzerland:
      serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify predictors of intentional use of the HIV
      risk reduction practices of serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal
      before ejaculation during unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual
      partners. A cross-sectional survey pertaining to the Swiss HIV behavioral
      surveillance system, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, was
      conducted in 2007 in a self-selected sample of men having sex with other men
      (MSM). Analysis was restricted to participants with UAI with casual partner(s) (N
      = 410). Logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with
      intentional use of serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before
      ejaculation. In the previous 12 months, 71% of participants reported having UAI
      with a casual partner of different or unknown HIV-status. Of these, 47% reported
      practicing withdrawal, 38% serosorting, and 25% strategic positioning. In the 319
      participants with known HIV-status, serosorting was associated with frequent
      Internet use to find partners (OR = 2.32), STI (OR = 2.07), and HIV testing in
      the past 12 months (OR = 1.81). Strategic positioning was associated with HIV
      status (OR = 0.13) and having UAI with a partner of different or unknown HIV
      status (OR = 3.57). Withdrawal was more frequently practiced by HIV-negative
      participants or participants reporting high numbers of sexual partners (OR =
      2.48) and having UAI with a partner of unknown or different serostatus (OR =
      2.08). Risk reduction practices are widely used by MSM, each practice having its
      own specificities. Further research is needed to determine the contextual factors
      surrounding harm reduction practices, particularly the strategic or opportunistic
      nature of their use.

PMID- 22083657
TI  - "We belong to them": the costs of funding for rape crisis centers.
AB  - This research explores the transformation of rape crisis centers and whether
      directors, staff, interns, and volunteers see changes as beneficial or
      detrimental to rape crisis centers and the victims they serve. Data from 63
      interviews with directors, staff, interns, and volunteers from six rape crisis
      centers located in four East Coast states indicate that although centers may have
      been formed for different reasons depending on when they opened, all have become
      more professional, rely less on volunteers, engage in more collaboration with
      other agencies, and have largely abandoned their traditional activism agenda.
      Traditional activism through political protests and membership in consciousness
      raising groups has been replaced by community education and outreach. Some of
      these changes are viewed as positive whereas others are viewed as negative.

PMID- 22083658
TI  - A test for psychometric function shift.
AB  - A nonparametric, small-sample-size test for the homogeneity of two psychometric
      functions against the left- and right-shift alternatives has been developed. The
      test is designed to determine whether it is safe to amalgamate psychometric
      functions obtained in different experimental sessions. The sum of the lower and
      upper p-values of the exact (conditional) Fisher test for several 2 * 2
      contingency tables (one for each point of the psychometric function) is employed
      as the test statistic. The probability distribution of the statistic under the
      null (homogeneity) hypothesis is evaluated to obtain corresponding p-values.
      Power functions of the test have been computed by randomly generating samples
      from Weibull psychometric functions. The test is free of any assumptions about
      the shape of the psychometric function; it requires only that all observations
      are statistically independent.

PMID- 22083659
TI  - Clusterwise HICLAS: a generic modeling strategy to trace similarities and
      differences in multiblock binary data.
AB  - In many areas of the behavioral sciences, different groups of objects are
      measured on the same set of binary variables, resulting in coupled binary object
      * variable data blocks. Take, as an example, success/failure scores for different
      samples of testees, with each sample belonging to a different country, regarding
      a set of test items. When dealing with such data, a key challenge consists of
      uncovering the differences and similarities between the structural mechanisms
      that underlie the different blocks. To tackle this challenge for the case of a
      single data block, one may rely on HICLAS, in which the variables are reduced to
      a limited set of binary bundles that represent the underlying structural
      mechanisms, and the objects are given scores for these bundles. In the case of
      multiple binary data blocks, one may perform HICLAS on each data block
      separately. However, such an analysis strategy obscures the similarities and, in
      the case of many data blocks, also the differences between the blocks. To resolve
      this problem, we proposed the new Clusterwise HICLAS generic modeling strategy.
      In this strategy, the different data blocks are assumed to form a set of mutually
      exclusive clusters. For each cluster, different bundles are derived. As such,
      blocks belonging to the same cluster have the same bundles, whereas blocks of
      different clusters are modeled with different bundles. Furthermore, we evaluated
      the performance of Clusterwise HICLAS by means of an extensive simulation study
      and by applying the strategy to coupled binary data regarding emotion
      differentiation and regulation.

PMID- 22083660
TI  - OpenSesame: an open-source, graphical experiment builder for the social sciences.
AB  - In the present article, we introduce OpenSesame, a graphical experiment builder
      for the social sciences. OpenSesame is free, open-source, and cross-platform. It
      features a comprehensive and intuitive graphical user interface and supports
      Python scripting for complex tasks. Additional functionality, such as support for
      eyetrackers, input devices, and video playback, is available through plug-ins.
      OpenSesame can be used in combination with existing software for creating
      experiments.

PMID- 22083661
TI  - On the reliability, consistency, and method-specificity based on the CT-C(M-1)
      model.
AB  - In the present study, we discuss reliability, consistency, and method specificity
      based on the CT-C(M - 1) model, which provides clear definitions of trait and
      method factors and can facilitate parameter estimation. Properties of the
      reliability coefficient, the consistency coefficient, and the method-specificity
      coefficient of the summated score for a trait factor are addressed. The
      consistency coefficient and the method-specificity coefficient are both functions
      of the number of items, the average item consistency, and the average item method
      specificity. The usefulness of the findings is demonstrated in an alternative
      approach proposed for scale reduction. The approach, taking into account both
      traits and methods, helps identify the items leading to the maximum of convergent
      validity or method effects. The approach, illustrated with a simulated data set,
      is recommended for scale development based on multitrait-multimethod designs.

PMID- 22083662
TI  - Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE-761) on the survival of fasciocutaneous
      flaps in rats.
AB  - Cutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps are used widely in the surgical
      reconstruction of various body segments, especially to cover exposed vital
      tissues. Partial or total necrosis of these flaps, secondary to insufficient
      tissue irrigation, is one possible complication. Therefore, investigations into
      antiplatelet aggregation, vasodilation and antioxidant properties are highly
      significant. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of GbE 761 on
      the survival of fasciocutaneous flaps in rats. For that purpose, GbE 761 was
      administered to 30 rats after the creation of 10 * 3 cm dorsal flaps on each
      animal. The rats were divided into three equal groups. GbE 761 was administered
      to Group A, starting immediately after surgery; Group B received it 24 h after
      the flap was cut; and Group C (controls) received 0.9% NaCl solution. The average
      area of necrosis was 29.53% in Group A, 26.25% in Group B and 46.12% in Group C.
      The difference between Groups B and C was statistically significant (p = 0.026).
      These initial findings suggest that GbE 761 administered on day 1 after surgery
      reduces the percentage of necrosis in fasciocutaneous flaps, relative to not
      giving GbE at all.

PMID- 22083663
TI  - Perspectives to breed for improved baking quality wheat varieties adapted to
      organic growing conditions.
AB  - Northwestern European consumers like their bread to be voluminous and easy to
      chew. These attributes require a raw material that is rich in protein with, among
      other characteristics, a suitable ratio between gliadins and glutenins. Achieving
      this is a challenge for organic growers, because they lack cultivars that can
      realise high protein concentrations under the relatively low and variable
      availability of nitrogen during the grain-filling phase common in organic
      farming. Relatively low protein content in wheat grains thus needs to be
      compensated by a high proportion of high-quality protein. Organic farming
      therefore needs cultivars with genes encoding for optimal levels of glutenins and
      gliadins, a maximum ability for nitrogen uptake, a large storage capacity of
      nitrogen in the biomass, an adequate balance between vegetative and reproductive
      growth, a high nitrogen translocation efficiency for the vegetative parts into
      the grains during grain filling and an efficient conversion of nitrogen into high
      quality proteins. In this perspective paper the options to breed and grow such
      varieties are discussed.

PMID- 22083664
TI  - Comparison of aortic and carotid arterial stiffness parameters in patients with
      verified coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness parameters are commonly used to determine the
      development of atherosclerotic disease. The independent predictive value of
      aortic stiffness has been demonstrated for coronary events. HYPOTHESIS: The aim
      of our study was to compare regional and local arterial functional parameters
      measured by 2 different noninvasive methods in patients with verified coronary
      artery disease (CAD). We also compared and contrasted these stiffness parameters
      to the coronary SYNTAX score in patients who had undergone coronary angiography.
      METHODS: In this study, 125 CAD patients were involved, and similar noninvasive
      measurements were performed on 125 healthy subjects. The regional velocity of the
      aortic pulse wave (PWVao) was measured by a novel oscillometric device, and the
      common carotid artery was studied by a Doppler echo-tracking system to determine
      the local carotid pulse wave velocity (PWVcar). The augmentation index (AIx),
      which varies proportionately with the resistance of the small arteries, was
      recorded simultaneously. RESULTS: In the CAD group, the PWVao and aortic
      augmentation index (Alxao) values increased significantly (10.1 +/- 2.3 m/sec and
      34.2% +/- 14.6%) compared to the control group (9.6 +/- 1.5 m/sec and 30.9% +/-
      12%; P < 0.05). We observed similar significant increases in the local stiffness
      parameters (PWVcar and carotid augmentation index [Alxcar]) in patients with
      verified CAD. Further, we found a strong correlation for PWV and AIx values that
      were measured with the Arteriograph and those obtained using the echo-tracking
      method (r = 0.57, P < 0.001 for PWV; and r = 0.65, P < 0.001 for AIx values).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that local and regional arterial stiffness
      parameters provide similar information on impaired arterial stiffening in
      patients with verified CAD.

PMID- 22083665
TI  - The use of N-methylpyrrolidone as a cosolvent and oxidant in pharmaceutical
      stress testing.
AB  - The use of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) as an oxidant and cosolvent in
      pharmaceutical stress testing (forced degradation) is examined. Various active
      pharmaceutical ingredients were heated in NMP-water solutions under nitrogen,
      air, and oxygen and then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography,
      usually with ultraviolet diode array detection and mass spectrometry detection.
      In some cases, degradation products were isolated and characterized by nuclear
      magnetic resonance. The NMP-water-air-heat system provided oxidative and
      hydrolytic degradation products. The observed oxidation products were consistent
      with products expected from free radical autoxidation, reactions with
      hydroperoxides, and possibly singlet oxygen. Oxidative and hydrolytic pathways
      could be distinguished by comparison of the reactions carried out under
      air/oxygen and nitrogen. In many cases, the oxidation products observed during
      stress testing were also observed during formal stability studies of drug
      products. The NMP-water-air-heat stress condition facilitates various oxidative
      degradation pathways, which are often relevant to drug product on stability. This
      approach facilitates stability-indicating method development and helps elucidate
      degradation pathways.

PMID- 22083666
TI  - Murine model of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on squamous cell carcinoma:
      potential implications for dysphagia therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a potential consequence of treatment for head and neck
      cancer. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has evolved as a treatment
      option, with the goal of improved swallow function in patients with chronic
      dysphagia. However, the effects of NMES on tumorigenicity are unknown and often
      confound the initiation of this therapy, potentially limiting its efficacy in
      treating patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: Squamous cell carcinoma was
      grown in the flank of athymic, nude mice. Mice were randomized into treatment and
      control groups; the experimental group received daily NMES directly to the flank
      for 8 days. RESULTS: Tumor volumes, recorded on days 0, 3, 7, and 10,
      demonstrated no significant differences between groups on each day of
      measurement. Immunohistochemical analysis of apoptosis, proliferation, and
      vascularization also failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences
      between treated and untreated groups. CONCLUSIONS: NMES does not promote the
      growth of underlying tumor in our model. These data may provide preliminary
      evidence that applying electrical stimulation over the muscles of the anterior
      neck does not increase the risk of tumorigenicity. Early initiation of NMES in
      this challenging population may be feasible from an oncologic standpoint.

PMID- 22083667
TI  - Peripheral assessment of the genes AQP4, PBP and TH in patients with Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) typically appears in late middle-aged and in elderly
      persons progressing over a period of several years. The characteristic
      pathological features of PD patients include defective motor function and
      cognitive function affecting the quality of life of PD patients. Oxidative stress
      is considered to a play a central role along with various other factors in the
      pathogenesis of PD and the incidence and prevalence of the disease is incessantly
      increasing worldwide. The objective of the current study was to assess mRNA
      expressional changes of AQP4, TH and PBP in blood samples of control and patients
      with PD. The study included 30 healthy controls and 90 PD patients subjected to
      treatment through the entire period of the study. RNA isolation was carried out
      using blood samples of the subjects recruited in the study and used for RT-PCR
      analysis of AQP4, TH as well as PBP. The mRNA expressions of AQP4 and TH were
      found to be reduced whereas that of PBP was found to be elevated when compared
      with those of healthy control samples. The statistically analysed data were
      presented which could be helpful for appreciation of PD pathology reflecting in
      the blood samples of PD population.

PMID- 22083669
TI  - Characterization of novel germline c-kit gene mutation, KIT-Tyr553Cys, observed
      in a family with multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - We found a novel type germline mutation at exon 11 of the c-kit gene, which
      results in a substitution of Tyr to Cys at codon 553 of the c-kit gene product
      (KIT-Tyr553Cys), in a 68-year-old female patient with multiple gastrointestinal
      stromal tumors (GISTs). In the present study, we carried out mutational analysis
      in her family members to determine the carriers and characterized the mutation by
      introducing the corresponding mutation (murine KIT-Tyr552Cys) into expression
      vector possessing murine c-kit cDNA. Mutational analysis of peripheral blood
      leukocytes of her family members revealed that a 44-year-old son had the same
      mutation, but at present he had neither apparent symptoms nor images of multiple
      GISTs. By transfection with the expression vector possessing the murine mutant c
      kit cDNA, interleukin-3-dependent Ba/F3 murine lymphoid cells started growing
      autonomously without any growth factors, indicating that the mutation was
      considered to be of gain-of-function. Imatinib, a small molecule of tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor, effectively inhibited autophosphorylation of KIT-Tyr552Cys.
      Nilotinib, another small molecule of the KIT inhibitor, also effectively
      inhibited autophosphorylation of KIT-Tyr552Cys. In fact, proliferation of Ba/F3
      cells expressing KIT-Tyr552Cys was effectively inhibited by both imatinib and
      nilotinib. These findings indicate that the novel type human KIT-Tyr553Cys
      mutation is the cause of the present familial and multiple GISTs, and that both
      imatinib and nilotinib might effectively inhibit the growth of GISTs developing
      in the patients of this family.

PMID- 22083668
TI  - The role of the Golgi-resident SPCA Ca2+/Mn2+ pump in ionic homeostasis and
      neural function.
AB  - Recent evidence highlights the functional importance of the Golgi apparatus (GA)
      in neurological diseases. The functions of the mammalian GA, in addition to the
      processing and transport of cargo, also include ionic homeostasis. Besides Ca2+
      release channels which serves GA as an agonist-sensitive intracellular Ca2+
      store, and Ca2+-binding proteins, the GA contains Ca2+-uptake mechanisms
      consisting of the well-known sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-transport ATPases
      and the much less characterized secretory-pathway Ca2+-transport ATPases (SPCA).
      SPCA can transport both Ca2+ and Mn2+ into the Golgi lumen and therefore is
      involved in the cytosolic and intra-Golgi Ca2+ and Mn2+ homeostasis. It has shown
      that both of the mRNA and protein of SPCAs are highly expressed in brain. In
      addition, brain is the region with the highest activity of SPCA isoforms, which
      may be related to the involvement of Ca2+ and Mn2+ homeostasis in neural
      functions. In this review, we compile some recent findings showing that the SPCA
      isoform plays a much more important role in intracellular ionic homeostasis than
      previously anticipated and illustrating the involvement of SPCA isoforms in
      certain neurophysiological or neuropathological process. We are interested in
      gaining insight into the intricate role of the SPCA pumps to explain the GA
      specific functions in neurological disorders.

PMID- 22083670
TI  - Wnt activation is implicated in glioblastoma radioresistance.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have dismal median survival even with the most
      rigorous treatments currently available. Radiotherapy is the most effective non
      surgical therapy for GBM patients; however, patients succumb due to tumor
      recurrence within a year. To develop a curative therapeutic approach, we need to
      better understand the underlying molecular mechanism of radiation resistance in
      GBM. Towards this goal, we developed an in vivo orthotopic GBM model system that
      mimics the radiation response of human GBM, using both established-GBM cell line
      and patient-derived freshly dissociated GBM specimen. In-vivo ionizing radiation
      (IR) treatment prolonged the survival of mice with intracranical tumor derived
      from U373MG, but failed to prevent tumor recurrence. U373MG and GBM578 cells
      isolated after in-vivo IR (U373-IR and 578-IR) were more clonogenic and enriched
      with stem cell-like characteristics, compared with mock-treated control tumor
      cells. Transcriptomic analyses and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription
      PCR analyses using these matched GBM cells before and after radiation treatment
      revealed that Wnt pathways were preferentially activated in post-IR GBM cells.
      U373-IR cells and 578-IR were enriched with cells positive for both active beta
      catenin (ABC) and Sox2 population, and this subpopulation was further increased
      after additional in-vitro radiation treatment, suggesting that radiation
      resistance of GBM is mediated due, in part, to the activation of stem cell
      associated pathways including Wnt. Finally, pharmacological and siRNA inhibition
      of Wnt pathway significantly decreased the survival and clonogenicity of GBM
      cells and reduced their ABC(+)/Sox2(+) population. Together, these data suggest
      that Wnt activation is a molecular mechanism to confer GBM radioresistance and an
      important therapeutic target.

PMID- 22083671
TI  - Bevacizumab attenuates major signaling cascades and eIF4E translation initiation
      factor in multiple myeloma cells.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM), a malignancy of plasma cells, remains fatal despite
      introduction of novel therapies, partially due to humoral factors, including
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in their microenvironment. The aim of
      this study was to explore the efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab
      directly on MM cells. Particular attention was directed to the affect of VEGF
      inhibition on protein translation initiation. Experiments were conducted on MM
      cells (lines, bone marrow (BM) samples) cultured on plastic. Inhibition of VEGF
      was achieved with the clinically employed anti-VEGF antibody, bevacizumab, as a
      platform and its consequences on viability, proliferation, and survival was
      assessed. VEGF downstream signals of established importance to MM cell biology
      were assayed as well, with particular emphasis on translation initiation factor
      eIF4E. We showed that blocking VEGF is deleterious to the MM cells and causes
      cytostasis. This was evidenced in MM cell lines, as well as in primary BM samples
      (BM MM). A common bevacizumab-induced attenuation of critical signaling effectors
      was determined: VEGFR1, mTOR, c-Myc, Akt, STAT3, (cell lines) and eIF4E
      translation initiation factor (lines and BM). ERK1/2 displayed a variegated
      response to bevacizumab (lines). Utilizing a constitutively Akt-expressing MM
      model, we showed that the effect of bevacizumab on viability and eIF4E status is
      Akt-dependent. Of note, the effect of bevacizumab was achieved with high
      concentrations (2 mg/ml), but was shown to be specific. These findings
      demonstrate that bevacizumab has a direct influence on major pathways critically
      activated in MM that is independent from its established effect on angiogenesis.
      The cytostatic effect of VEGF inhibition on MM cells underscores its potential in
      combined therapy, and our findings, regarding its influence on translation
      initiation, suggest that drugs that unbalance cellular proteostasis may be
      particularly effective.

PMID- 22083672
TI  - Whole again: the practice of foreskin restoration.

PMID- 22083673
TI  - No regulatory double standard for natural health products.

PMID- 22083674
TI  - The role of seroepidemiology in the comprehensive surveillance of vaccine
      preventable diseases.

PMID- 22083675
TI  - WHO mulls phase out of vaccine linked to polio outbreaks.

PMID- 22083677
TI  - Provinces to support national clinical guidelines strategy.

PMID- 22083678
TI  - Could parenting programs lead to lower health care costs in future generations?

PMID- 22083679
TI  - Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: a catastrophic presentation of a
      flare-up of systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22083680
TI  - Family medicine's obligation to society.

PMID- 22083682
TI  - Busting myths about guidelines.

PMID- 22083681
TI  - Childhood aggression, withdrawal and likeability, and the use of health care
      later: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Literature suggests that early patterns of aggressive behaviour in
      both girls and boys are predictive of a variety of health risks in adulthood.
      However, longitudinal examination of the predictive links between childhood
      aggression, negative physical health outcomes in adulthood and overall use of
      health care has not been done. We looked at use of health care and a variety of
      physical health outcomes in adulthood to extend the current body of knowledge
      regarding the long-term negative sequelae of childhood aggression. METHODS:
      Participants of the Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project were eligible for the
      current study if they had received medical care in the province of Quebec between
      1992 and 2006, and if we were able to retrieve their medical and education
      records. Our primary outcome was use of the health care system, as determined
      using records from the Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec and the Ministere
      de la sante et des services sociaux. Our controlled variables were socioeconomic
      status of the neighbourhood in which participants lived in 1986 and level of
      education. We used hierarchical multiple regression to explore the association
      between childhood behaviour and physical health in adulthood. RESULTS: During the
      15-year period studied, childhood agression corresponded to an increase in
      medical visits (8.1% per 1 standard deviation increase in agression), and
      injuries (10.7%) or lifestyle-related illnesses (44.2%), visits to specialists
      (6.2%) and visits to emergency departments (12.4%). We saw a positive relation
      between social withdrawal during childhood and government-funded visits to
      dentists. Peer-rated likeability during childhood showed negative relations with
      use of health care (overall), medical visits due to injuries and government
      funded visits to dentists. INTERPRETATION: Childhood aggression is a health risk
      that should be considered when designing interventions to improve public health
      and diminish the costs of medical services, particularly when considering
      interventions targeting children and families.

PMID- 22083683
TI  - Recurrent appendicitis after appendectomy.

PMID- 22083684
TI  - Incidence of bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers in patients with end-stage renal
      disease receiving hemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few large population-based studies have compared the incidence of
      bleeding of gastroduodenal ulcers between patients with and without end-stage
      renal disease. We investigated the association between ulcer bleeding and end
      stage renal disease in patients receiving hemodialysis, and we sought to identify
      risk factors for ulcer bleeding. METHODS: We performed a nationwide seven-year
      population study using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database
      in Taiwan. We identified 36 474 patients with end-stage renal disease who were
      receiving hemodialysis, 6320 patients with chronic kidney disease and 36 034
      controls matched for age, sex and medication use. We performed log-rank testing
      to analyze differences in survival time without ulcer bleeding among the three
      groups. We performed Cox proportional hazard regressions to evaluate the risk
      factors for ulcer bleeding among the three groups and to identify risk factors in
      patients receiving hemodialysis. RESULTS: Patients receiving hemodialysis and
      those with chronic kidney disease had a significantly higher incidence of ulcer
      bleeding than controls had (p<0.001). Hemodialysis (hazard ratio [HR] 5.24, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 4.67-5.86) and chronic kidney disease (HR 1.95, 95% CI
      1.62-2.35) were independently associated with an increased risk of ulcer
      bleeding. Diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cirrhosis and use of
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were risk factors for ulcer bleeding in
      patients with end-stage renal disease who were receiving hemodialysis
      INTERPRETATION: Patients with end-stage renal disease who are receiving
      hemodialysis had a high risk of ulcer bleeding. Diabetes mellitus, coronary
      artery disease, cirrhosis and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      were important risk factors for ulcer bleeding in these patients.

PMID- 22083685
TI  - The eggshell in the C. elegans oocyte-to-embryo transition.
AB  - In egg-laying animals, embryonic development takes place within the highly
      specialized environment provided by the eggshell and its underlying extracellular
      matrix. Far from being simply a passive physical support, the eggshell is a key
      player in many early developmental events. Herein, we review current
      understanding of eggshell structure, biosynthesis, and function in zygotic
      development of the nematode, C. elegans. Beginning at sperm contact or entry,
      eggshell layers are produced sequentially. The earlier outer layers are required
      for secretion or organization of inner layers, and layers differ in composition
      and function. Developmental events that depend on the eggshell include polyspermy
      barrier generation, high fidelity meiotic chromosome segregation, osmotic barrier
      synthesis, polar body extrusion, anterior-posterior polarization, and
      organization of membrane and cortical proteins. The C. elegans eggshell is
      proving to be an excellent, tractable system to study the molecular cues of the
      extracellular matrix that instruct cell polarity and early development.

PMID- 22083686
TI  - One- and comprehensive two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography
      analysis of alkylphenol polyethoxylates.
AB  - High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of alkylphenol
      polyethoxylates (APnEOs) in one-dimensional (1-D) mode usually separates either
      the ethoxy or alkyl moiety distribution and requires different modes for adequate
      resolution. Simultaneous complete separation of variable ethoxymer chain lengths
      and variable alkyl end groups using 1-D-HPLC has not been reported and suggests
      that multidimensional (MDLC) or comprehensive two-dimensional liquid
      chromatography (LC*LC) might offer a suitable separation approach for this goal.
      This study compares different separation modes--normal phase LC (NPLC), reversed
      phase LC (RPLC) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)--in terms of
      separation for alkyl and ethoxy distributions. RPLC provided adequate separation
      of octyl and nonyl APnEOs using an isocratic elution program and was selected as
      second dimension ((2)D) for LC*LC. NPLC offered better resolution than HILIC;
      however, non-polar NPLC solvent immiscibility with RPLC mobile phases leads to
      HILIC being chosen as first dimension ((1)D). The HILIC*RPLC system was evaluated
      by analysis of four APnEO mixtures. Complete simultaneous separation of APnEOs
      into individual oligomers, with each alkyl end group resolved, demonstrated the
      capability of the LC*LC method. Different descriptors and metrics for assessing
      system orthogonality were investigated to evaluate HILIC*RPLC performance. A
      relatively high dimensionality of 1.76 was demonstrated.

PMID- 22083687
TI  - Antinociceptive effect of [Met5]enkephalin semicarbazide is not affected by
      dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase-I.
AB  - Dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase-I is an enzyme involved in the biological degradation
      of enkephalins. It has been suggested that C-terminal amidation of enkephalins
      enhances their resistance to dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase-I-mediated
      biodegradation. In this study, a novel [Met5]enkephalin amide (MEA) analogue
      [Met5]enkephalin (ME)-semicarbazide synthesized by another laboratory in our
      group was assessed for its antinociceptive effects compared with ME-ethylamide,
      MEA and ME, using tail flick test. To protect the administered drugs from
      biodegradation, rats were pretreated with peptidase inhibitors including
      amastatin, phosphoramidon and captopril. Then captopril (dipeptidyl
      carboxypeptidase-I inhibitor) was deleted from the peptidase inhibitors'
      combination for evaluating in vivo resistance of the synthetic drugs to
      dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase-I. According to the results, ME-semicarbazide and MEA
      were resistant enough to dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase-I to exert their strong
      antinociception following intrathecal administration even in the absence of
      captopril, whereas the antinociceptive effects produced by ME-ethylamide (10
      nmol) were abolished in rats not pretreated with captopril, indicating that
      significant amounts of the ME-ethylamide were degraded by dipeptidyl
      carboxypeptidase-I. Replacement of the amide moiety of MEA with semicarbazide
      provides a new ME derivative, with high analgesic effects as well as more
      resistance to dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase-I-mediated biodegradation.

PMID- 22083689
TI  - Surgical management of muscular trabecular ventricular septal defects.
AB  - Despite recent advances in diagnosis, surgical techniques, and postoperative care
      of children with congenital cardiac defects, muscular trabecular ventricular
      septal defects (VSDs) are still a therapeutic challenge. Among these defects, it
      is more difficult to achieve secure and complete closure of low trabecular or
      apical VSDs because of the presence of numerous muscular trabeculations overlying
      the defect. When they are associated with "Swiss cheese"-type of VSDs, it is
      almost impossible to visualize the true edges of the defect through the
      transatrial approach. Consequently, there remains an unacceptable incidence of
      mortality and morbidity when compared to those that occur with closure of the
      usual perimembranous VSD. Although various techniques for closure of these
      difficult trabecular VSDs have been attempted, there is still a significant
      incidence of complications in the surgical management of trabecular VSDs, mostly
      significant residual shunts, a need for multiple reoperations, and severe left
      ventricular dysfunction. This article describes the anatomical details and
      classification of muscular trabecular VSDs. It also reviews several techniques
      currently utilized and their outcomes.

PMID- 22083690
TI  - Two-staged treatment strategy in patients with severe carotid or cerebrovascular
      diseases undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is no clear consensus on how to treat patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass grafting (CABG) who have severe concomitant carotidcerebral artery
      stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate our surgical results in patients
      with severe carotid and/or cerebrovascular disease undergoing CABG. METHODS:
      Between October 2003 and April 2009, a total of 47 such patients were treated at
      our institution with the following strategies: (1) protective carotid artery
      stenting for severe carotid stenosis performed either before (n = 20) or after (n
      = 5) CABG or (2) a superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis
      procedure followed by CABG if indicated (n = 4). Off-pump CABG was performed in
      75% of the patients. RESULTS: There were no major perioperative strokes or in
      hospital deaths; however, three patients had transient ischemic attacks and two
      had minor strokes during the early post-CABG period. All of the patients with
      postoperative cerebrovascular events had had unilateral carotid artery occlusion.
      There were no late deaths during the follow-up period (up to 6 years, with a mean
      of 27 months). However, major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events (MACCE)
      occurred in seven patients (14.9%). The rates of freedom from MACCE at 1 and 3
      years were 92% and 74%, respectively. CONCLUSION: It appears that our two-staged
      approach is safe and may reduce the risk of postoperative cerebrovascular events.

PMID- 22083691
TI  - Systolic anterior motion after mitral valve repair: predicting factors and
      management.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of systolic
      anterior motion (SAM) after mitral valve (MV) repair by analyzing the clinical
      data of patients with MV repair. METHODS: A total of 104 MV repairs were
      performed for patients with isolated degenerative posterior leaflet prolapse.
      Eight patients (7.7%) developed SAM with severe mitral regurgitation. We compared
      the preoperative and intraoperative findings of the two groups (8 patients in the
      SAM group, 96 in the non-SAM group) and reported the clinical courses of the SAM
      patients. RESULTS: Preoperative left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic
      diameters were significantly smaller and the preoperative left ventricular
      ejection fraction was significantly greater in the SAM group than in the non-SAM
      group. The number of patients with a sigmoid septum and the number with anterior
      leaflet-septal contact (LSC) during diastole were significantly larger in the SAM
      group. Incidence of billowing posterior leaflet, prolapsed segments, and
      operative techniques were comparable for the two groups. SAM improved with
      correction of hemodynamic status in four patients. In four other patients
      secondary cardiopulmonary bypass was required to resolve SAM. SAM resolved with
      additional repairs in two patients, whereas the other two required MV
      replacement. Of the six patients in whom conservative treatment or re-repair was
      successful, one had recurrent SAM 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The sigmoid
      septum and LSC may predict SAM after MV repair. A strict follow-up is imperative
      for patients with persistent or recurrent SAM.

PMID- 22083692
TI  - Effect of CD4+ T-lymphocyte count on hospital outcome of elective general
      thoracic surgery patients with human immunodeficiency virus.
AB  - PURPOSE: Traditionally, the chief surgical indicator for human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-infected patients was the CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count; however,
      there is no current consensus. Reports published after 2006 indicated that HIV
      infected patients had a higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia and higher 12
      month mortality rates. In addition, CD4 counts had no relation to the in-hospital
      outcome. Therefore, we retrospectively examined all of the previous patients who
      underwent operations in our department on the basis of these findings. METHODS:
      Regardless of the initiation of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), we
      retrospectively reviewed 10 general thoracic surgeries performed in our
      department according to the CD4 cell count, HIV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) viral
      load, time of HAART initiation, operating time, amount of blood, postoperative
      course, and period of observation. RESULTS: There was no incidence of
      postoperative pneumonia or wound infection. There were also no complications
      during the perioperative period. One patient died 7 months after surgery.
      CONCLUSION: Our retrospective study demonstrates that the indicator for elective
      general thoracic surgery is not the CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count and that the
      initiation of HAART may reduce the 12-month mortality rates. In HIV-positive
      patients, regardless of the CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count, surgeons can operate
      in the same manner as they would with HIV-negative patients.

PMID- 22083693
TI  - Surgical treatment for gastrointestinal metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer
      after pulmonary resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal metastasis is not common in recurrent non-small-cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. There is thus limited information on clinical
      outcome for these patients. This report presents the clinical characteristics and
      outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal metastasis after pulmonary resection.
      METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed nine NSCLC patients with
      gastrointestinal metastases. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal metastases were observed
      in the small intestine (n = 4), colon or rectum (n = 4), and stomach (n = 1). All
      of the patients were symptomatic. The median survival after gastrointestinal
      recurrence was 10.8 months. Gastrointestinal surgery was performed in five
      patients, whereas no cancer treatment was indicated in the remaining four
      patients. Three patients who underwent surgery for a solitary metastasis survived
      for more than 2 years after surgery with no other recurrence. CONCLUSION:
      Surgical resection of gastrointestinal metastasis is indicated not only for
      symptom relief but also for providing a potentially long-term survival if the
      patients are properly selected.

PMID- 22083694
TI  - Reoperation for prosthetic ventricular septal defect patch endocarditis: long
      term results with an autologous atrial septal patch.
AB  - Treatment of prosthetic patch endocarditis after closure of a ventricular septal
      defect is challenging. It is essential to reduce inflammation and prevent
      recurrence of endocarditis. We report a successful case of reclosure of a
      ventricular septal defect using an autologous atrial septal patch taken from the
      fossa ovalis. There were no complications, and the long-term results were
      satisfactory. The autologous septal patch might be a promising material for
      prosthetic patch endocarditis.

PMID- 22083695
TI  - Temporary ventricular overdrive pacing for electrical storm after coronary artery
      bypass grafting.
AB  - A 57-year-old man who had been receiving chemotherapy for multiple myeloma
      complained of chest pain and was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Coronary
      artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass was performed smoothly, and
      extubation was done in the operating room. The next evening, cluster of
      ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation triggered by ventricular premature
      contractions occurred and required multiple electrical defibrillations. Despite
      intravenous administration of lidocaine, amiodarone, magnesium, and beta-blocker,
      the storm sustained and was suppressed only by temporary ventricular overdrive
      pacing. He was discharged on foot.

PMID- 22083696
TI  - Isolated right diaphragmatic rupture following blunt trauma.
AB  - Blunt diaphragmatic injuries are usually caused by blunt trauma or penetrating
      injuries. The diagnosis may be delayed or missed because of the confusing
      clinical and radiographic findings and the presence of multiple associated
      injuries. We report the case of an isolated right diaphragm rupture in a 56-year
      old man who sustained blunt thoracic trauma after car accident 2 weeks before
      presentation. No other injuries were detected, and he was subjected to
      laparotomy. Diaphragmatic rupture is perceived as an emergency entity. The late
      appearance of such an injury, without other accompanying injuries, is rare and
      should be in mind by clinicians treating trauma patients who have a delayed
      presentation after the injury.

PMID- 22083697
TI  - Benign fibrous histiocytoma arising from the intercostal space.
AB  - Benign fibrous histiocytoma is a tumor of unknown etiology that is believed to be
      of mixed fibroblastic and histiocytic origin. Deep benign fibrous histiocytomas
      are most commonly found in the lower limbs or the head and neck region; it is
      relatively rare that they are seen in the intercostal space. Only six case
      reports of this entity are described in the literature. We report a 20-year-old
      woman who suffered from a painless swelling in the left chest wall, with a
      computed tomographic correlation. The lesion was totally excised, and
      histopathology revealed a benign fibrous histiocytoma. This is the first case of
      a benign fibrous histiocytoma that arose from the intercostal space reported in
      the English-language literature. The six cases reported in the medical literature
      are also discussed.

PMID- 22083698
TI  - Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation.
AB  - Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (BPFM) is a rare anomaly of accessory
      pulmonary tissue that usually arises from esophagus or stomach. We present a case
      of extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) connecting with the esophagus by a
      cyst, the inner wall of which is lined with squamous epithelium or respiratory
      epithelium. BPFM is sometimes used to group a number of ventral anomalies of
      accessory pulmonary tissue. The term currently refers specifically to those
      lesions composed of sequestrations that retain communication with the
      gastrointestinal tract. Usually the communication is a well-formed muscular tube
      lined with stratified squamous or columnar epithelium. The presence of both
      epithelia in a communication that is a component of the BPFM suggests
      embryogenesis. We describe an adult with BPFM composed of ELS and a connecting
      stalk to the esophagus by a foregut cyst that contains both squamous epithelium
      and respiratory epithelium.

PMID- 22083699
TI  - Postoperative bronchial stump fistula after lobectomy: response to occlusion with
      polyglycolic acid mesh and fibrin glue via bronchoscopy.
AB  - Bronchial stump fistula after resection of lung cancer is an extremely difficult
      to treat postoperative complication. Endoscopic fistula closure is a favorable
      alternative, potentially avoiding major surgical intervention. an 80-year-old man
      underwent curative resection of squamous cell carcinoma by left upper lobectomy
      of the lung. The patient suddenly developed massive subcutaneous emphysema on
      postoperative day 10. Bronchoscopy revealed a fistula about 3 mm in diameter at
      the lateral edge of the bronchial stump. Concentrated fibrinogen 0.5 ml (fluid A)
      was sprinkled on the bronchial fistula initially, and then pieces of polyglycolic
      acid mesh presoaked in fluid A or fluid B (thrombin) of the fibrin glue were
      pushed with biopsy forceps into the fistula in an alternating fashion (A->B->A
      >B) under endotracheal local anesthesia. Air leakage was stopped, and the patient
      did not develop empyema. Particularly for patients in poor general condition, our
      noninvasive technique seems to serve as a therapy of first choice.

PMID- 22083700
TI  - The enolase of Borrelia burgdorferi is a plasminogen receptor released in outer
      membrane vesicles.
AB  - The agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, has a number of outer membrane
      proteins that are differentially regulated during its life cycle. In addition to
      their physiological functions in the organism, these proteins also likely serve
      different functions in invasiveness and immune evasion. In borreliae, as well as
      in other bacteria, a number of membrane proteins have been implicated in binding
      plasminogen. The activation and transformation of plasminogen into its
      proteolytically active form, plasmin, enhances the ability of the bacteria to
      disseminate in the host. Outer membrane vesicles of B. burgdorferi contain
      enolase, a glycolytic-cycle enzyme that catalyzes 2-phosphoglycerate to form
      phosphoenolpyruvate, which is also a known plasminogen receptor in Gram-positive
      bacteria. The enolase was cloned, expressed, purified, and used to generate
      rabbit antienolase serum. The enolase binds plasminogen in a lysine-dependent
      manner but not through ionic interactions. Although it is present in the outer
      membrane, microscopy and proteinase K treatment showed that enolase does not
      appear to be exposed on the surface. However, enolase in the outer membrane
      vesicles is accessible to proteolytic degradation by proteinase K. Samples from
      experimentally and tick-infected mice and rabbits as well as from Lyme disease
      patients exhibit recognition of enolase in serologic assays. Thus, this
      immunogenic plasminogen receptor released in outer membrane vesicles could be
      responsible for external proteolysis in the pericellular environment and have
      roles in nutrition and in enhancing dissemination.

PMID- 22083701
TI  - Novel protein substrates of the phospho-form modification system in Neisseria
      gonorrhoeae and their connection to O-linked protein glycosylation.
AB  - The zwitterionic phospho-form moieties phosphoethanolamine (PE) and
      phosphocholine (PC) are important components of bacterial membranes and cell
      surfaces. The major type IV pilus subunit protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, PilE,
      undergoes posttranslational modifications with these moieties via the activity of
      the pilin phospho-form transferase PptA. A number of observations relating to
      colocalization of phospho-form and O-linked glycan attachment sites in PilE
      suggested that these modifications might be either functionally or
      mechanistically linked or interact directly or indirectly. Moreover, it was
      unknown whether the phenomenon of phospho-form modification was solely dedicated
      to PilE or if other neisserial protein targets might exist. In light of these
      concerns, we screened for evidence of phospho-form modification on other membrane
      glycoproteins targeted by the broad-spectrum O-linked glycosylation system. In
      this way, two periplasmic lipoproteins, NGO1043 and NGO1237, were identified as
      substrates for PE addition. As seen previously for PilE, sites of PE
      modifications were clustered with those of glycan attachment. In the case of
      NGO1043, evidence for at least six serine phospho-form attachment sites was
      found, and further analyses revealed that at least two of these serines were also
      attachment sites for glycan. Finally, mutations altering glycosylation status led
      to the presence of pptA-dependent PC modifications on both proteins. Together,
      these results reinforce the associations established in PilE and provide evidence
      for dynamic interplay between phospho-form modification and O-linked
      glycosylation. The observations also suggest that phospho-form modifications
      likely contribute biologically at both intracellular and extracellular levels.

PMID- 22083702
TI  - RrgB321, a fusion protein of the three variants of the pneumococcal pilus
      backbone RrgB, is protective in vivo and elicits opsonic antibodies.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae pilus 1 is present in 30 to 50% of invasive disease
      causing strains and is composed of three subunits: the adhesin RrgA, the major
      backbone subunit RrgB, and the minor ancillary protein RrgC. RrgB exists in three
      distinct genetic variants and, when used to immunize mice, induces an immune
      response specific for each variant. To generate an antigen able to protect
      against the infection caused by all pilus-positive S. pneumoniae strains, we
      engineered a fusion protein containing the three RrgB variants (RrgB321). RrgB321
      elicited antibodies against proteins from organisms in the three clades and
      protected mice against challenge with piliated pneumococcal strains. RrgB321
      antisera mediated complement-dependent opsonophagocytosis of piliated strains at
      levels comparable to those achieved with the PCV7 glycoconjugate vaccine. These
      results suggest that a vaccine composed of RrgB321 has the potential to cover 30%
      or more of all pneumococcal strains and support the inclusion of this fusion
      protein in a multicomponent vaccine against S. pneumoniae.

PMID- 22083703
TI  - The Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm-associated protein plays a role in adherence
      to human epithelial cells.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant source of nosocomial infections
      worldwide. This bacterium has the ability to survive and persist on multiple
      abiotic surfaces in health care facilities, and once a focus has been
      established, this opportunistic pathogen is difficult to eradicate. This paper
      demonstrates that the A. baumannii biofilm-associated protein (Bap) is necessary
      for mature biofilm formation on medically relevant surfaces, including
      polypropylene, polystyrene, and titanium. Scanning electron microscopy analyses
      of biofilms show that Bap is required for three-dimensional tower structure and
      water channel formation. In conjunction with persistence on abiotic surfaces,
      adherence to eukaryotic cells is an important step in bacterial colonization
      resulting in infection of the host. We have described Bap as the surface
      structure involved in adherence of A. baumannii to both normal human bronchial
      epithelial cells and normal human neonatal keratinocytes. However, Bap is not
      involved in internalization of the bacterium in these two cell lines.
      Furthermore, this study shows that the presence of Bap increases the bacterial
      cell surface hydrophobicity. The results of this study are pertinent, as the data
      lead to a better understanding of the role of Bap in biofilm formation on medical
      surfaces and in colonization of the host.

PMID- 22083704
TI  - Protection of piglets against Edema disease by maternal immunization with Stx2e
      toxoid.
AB  - Edema disease (ED) in piglets is caused by Shiga toxin Stx2e-producing
      Escherichia coli. We show that a genetically disarmed Stx2e toxoid is a safe
      antigen that generates antiserum protecting piglets against the Stx2e toxin.
      Immunization of suckling piglets with the Stx2e toxoid was safe, had no adverse
      effects on growth of the piglets, and resulted in effective prevention of edema
      disease clinical symptoms after challenge with the Stx2e toxin. Our data showed
      that maternal immunity against the Stx2e toxoid can be transmitted from the
      vaccinated sows to the piglets via the colostrum. Very high levels of Stx2e
      specific serum antibodies persisted in these piglets until 1 month postweaning,
      bridging the critical period in which the weaned piglets are most susceptible to
      edema infection. Challenge with Stx2e toxin resulted in clinical signs of edema
      disease and death of all control piglets from nonimmunized sows, whereas none of
      the piglets from immunized sows developed clinical signs of ED.

PMID- 22083705
TI  - Entamoeba histolytica induces intestinal cathelicidins but is resistant to
      cathelicidin-mediated killing.
AB  - The enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the cause of potentially
      fatal amebic colitis and liver abscesses. E. histolytica trophozoites colonize
      the colon, where they induce inflammation, penetrate the mucosa, and disrupt the
      host immune system. The early establishment of E. histolytica in the colon occurs
      in the presence of antimicrobial human (LL-37) and murine (CRAMP [cathelin
      related antimicrobial peptide]) cathelicidins, essential components of the
      mammalian innate defense system in the intestine. Studying this early step in the
      pathogenesis of amebic colitis, we demonstrate that E. histolytica trophozoites
      or their released proteinases, including cysteine proteinase 1 (EhCP1), induce
      intestinal cathelicidins in human intestinal epithelial cell lines and in a mouse
      model of amebic colitis. Despite induction, E. histolytica trophozoites were
      found to be resistant to killing by these antimicrobial peptides, and LL-37 and
      CRAMP were rapidly cleaved by released amebic cysteine proteases. The
      cathelicidin fragments however, did maintain their antimicrobial activity against
      bacteria. Degradation of intestinal cathelicidins is a novel function of E.
      histolytica cysteine proteinases in the evasion of the innate immune system in
      the bowel. Thus, early intestinal epithelial colonization of invasive
      trophozoites involves a complex interplay in which the ultimate outcome of
      infection depends in part on the balance between degradation of cathelicidins by
      amebic released cysteine proteinases and upregulation of proinflammatory
      mediators which trigger the inflammatory response.

PMID- 22083706
TI  - Immunobiotic Lactobacillus jensenii elicits anti-inflammatory activity in porcine
      intestinal epithelial cells by modulating negative regulators of the Toll-like
      receptor signaling pathway.
AB  - The effect of Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937 on the inflammatory immune response
      triggered by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      in a porcine intestinal epitheliocyte cell line (PIE cells) was evaluated.
      Challenges with ETEC or LPS elicited Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated
      inflammatory responses in cultured PIE cells, indicating that our cell line may
      be useful for studying inflammation in the guts of weaning piglets. In addition,
      we demonstrated that L. jensenii TL2937 attenuated the expression of
      proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines caused by ETEC or LPS challenge by
      downregulating TLR4-dependent nuclear factorkappaB (NF-kappaB) and mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that L.
      jensenii TL2937 stimulation of PIE cells upregulated three negative regulators of
      TLRs: A20, Bcl-3, and MKP-1, deepening the understanding of an immunobiotic
      mechanism of action. L. jensenii TL2937-mediated induction of negative regulators
      of TLRs would have a substantial physiological impact on homeostasis in PIE
      cells, because excessive TLR inflammatory signaling would be downregulated. These
      results indicated that PIE cells can be used to study the mechanisms involved in
      the protective activity of immunobiotics against intestinal inflammatory damage
      and may provide useful information for the development of new immunologically
      functional feeds that help to prevent inflammatory intestinal disorders,
      including weaning-associated intestinal inflammation.

PMID- 22083707
TI  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent interleukin-1alpha intracrine
      signaling is modulated by YopP during Yersinia enterocolitica infection.
AB  - Yersinia enterocolitica is a food-borne pathogen that preferentially infects the
      Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, causing an acute inflammatory
      reaction. Even though Y. enterocolitica induces a robust inflammatory response
      during infection, the bacterium has evolved a number of virulence factors to
      limit the extent of this response. We previously demonstrated that interleukin
      1alpha (IL-1alpha) was critical for the induction of gut inflammation
      characteristic of Y. enterocolitica infection. More recently, the known actions
      of IL-1alpha are becoming more complex because IL-1alpha can function both as a
      proinflammatory cytokine and as a nuclear factor. In this study, we tested the
      ability of Y. enterocolitica to modulate intracellular IL-1alpha-dependent IL-8
      production in epithelial cells. Nuclear translocation of pre-IL-1alpha protein
      and IL-1alpha-dependent secretion of IL-8 into the culture supernatant were
      increased during infection with a strain lacking the 70-kDa virulence plasmid
      compared to the case during infection with the wild type, suggesting that
      Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) might be involved in modulating intracellular IL
      1alpha signaling. Infection of HeLa cells with a strain lacking the yopP gene
      resulted in increased nuclear translocation of pre-IL-1alpha and IL-1alpha
      dependent secretion of IL-8 similar to what is observed with bacteria lacking the
      virulence plasmid. YopP is a protein acetylase that inhibits mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAP kinase)- and NF-kappaB-dependent signal transduction
      pathways. Nuclear translocation of pre-IL-1alpha and IL-1alpha-dependent
      secretion of IL-8 in response to Yersinia enterocolitica infection were dependent
      on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAP kinase signaling but
      independent of NF-kappaB. These data suggest that Y. enterocolitica inhibits
      intracellular pre-IL-1alpha signaling and subsequent proinflammatory responses
      through inhibition of MAP kinase pathways.

PMID- 22083708
TI  - Tissue barriers of the human placenta to infection with Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, obligate intracellular parasite capable of
      crossing the placenta to cause spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, or
      significant disease in the surviving neonate. Exploration of the cellular and
      histological components of the placental barrier is in its infancy, and both how
      and where T. gondii breaches it are unknown. The human placenta presents two
      anatomical interfaces between maternal cells and fetal cells (trophoblasts): (i)
      the villous region where maternal blood bathes syncytialized trophoblasts for
      nutrient exchange and (ii) the maternal decidua, where mononuclear, extravillous
      trophoblasts anchor the villous region to the uterus. Using first-trimester human
      placental explants, we demonstrate that the latter site is significantly more
      vulnerable to infection, despite presenting a vastly smaller surface. This is
      consistent with past findings concerning two vertically transmitted viruses and
      one bacterium. We further explore whether three genetically distinct T. gondii
      types (I, II, and III) are capable of preferential placental infection and
      survival in this model. We find no difference in these strains' ability to infect
      placental explants; however, slightly slower growth is evident in type II
      (Prugniaud [Pru]) parasites relative to other cell types, although this did not
      quite achieve statistical significance.

PMID- 22083709
TI  - Disruption of the phospholipase D gene attenuates the virulence of Aspergillus
      fumigatus.
AB  - Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent airborne fungal pathogen that induces
      serious infections in immunocompromised patients. Phospholipases are key enzymes
      in pathogenic fungi that cleave host phospholipids, resulting in membrane
      destabilization and host cell penetration. However, knowledge of the impact of
      phospholipases on A. fumigatus virulence is rather limited. In this study,
      disruption of the pld gene encoding phospholipase D (PLD), an important member of
      the phospholipase protein family in A. fumigatus, was confirmed to significantly
      decrease both intracellular and extracellular PLD activity of A. fumigatus. The
      pld gene disruption did not alter conidial morphological characteristics,
      germination, growth, and biofilm formation but significantly suppressed the
      internalization of A. fumigatus into A549 epithelial cells without affecting
      conidial adhesion to epithelial cells. Importantly, the suppressed
      internalization was fully rescued in the presence of 100 MUM phosphatidic acid,
      the PLD product. Indeed, complementation of pld restored the PLD activity and
      internalization capacity of A. fumigatus. Phagocytosis of A. fumigatus conidia by
      J774 macrophages was not affected by the absence of the pld gene. Pretreatment of
      conidia with 1-butanol and a specific PLD inhibitor decreased the internalization
      of A. fumigatus into A549 epithelial cells but had no effect on phagocytosis by
      J774 macrophages. Finally, loss of the pld gene attenuated the virulence of A.
      fumigatus in mice immunosuppressed with hydrocortisone acetate but not with
      cyclophosphamide. These data suggest that PLD of A. fumigatus regulates its
      internalization into lung epithelial cells and may represent an important
      virulence factor for A. fumigatus infection.

PMID- 22083710
TI  - The repeat-in-toxin family member TosA mediates adherence of uropathogenic
      Escherichia coli and survival during bacteremia.
AB  - Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is responsible for the majority of
      uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) and represents the most common
      bacterial infection in adults. UPEC utilizes a wide range of virulence factors to
      colonize the host, including the novel repeat-in-toxin (RTX) protein TosA, which
      is specifically expressed in the host urinary tract and contributes significantly
      to the virulence and survival of UPEC. tosA, found in strains within the B2
      phylogenetic subgroup of E. coli, serves as a marker for strains that also
      contain a large number of well-characterized UPEC virulence factors. The presence
      of tosA in an E. coli isolate predicts successful colonization of the murine
      model of ascending UTI, regardless of the source of the isolate. Here, a detailed
      analysis of the function of tosA revealed that this gene is transcriptionally
      linked to genes encoding a conserved type 1 secretion system similar to other RTX
      family members. TosA localized to the cell surface and was found to mediate (i)
      adherence to host cells derived from the upper urinary tract and (ii) survival in
      disseminated infections and (iii) to enhance lethality during sepsis (as assessed
      in two different animal models of infection). An experimental vaccine, using
      purified TosA, protected vaccinated animals against urosepsis. From this work, it
      was concluded that TosA belongs to a novel group of RTX proteins that mediate
      adherence and host damage during UTI and urosepsis and could be a novel target
      for the development of therapeutics to treat ascending UTIs.

PMID- 22083711
TI  - Pathoadaptive conditional regulation of the type VI secretion system in Vibrio
      cholerae O1 strains.
AB  - The most recently discovered secretion pathway in gram-negative bacteria, the
      type VI secretion system (T6SS), is present in many species and is considered
      important for the survival of non-O1 non-O139 Vibrio cholerae in aquatic
      environments. Until now, it was not known whether there is a functionally active
      T6SS in wild-type V. cholerae O1 strains, the cause of cholera disease in humans.
      Here, we demonstrate the presence of a functionally active T6SS in wild-type V.
      cholerae O1 strains, as evidenced by the secretion of the T6SS substrate Hcp,
      which required several gene products encoded within the putative vas gene
      cluster. Our analyses showed that the T6SS of wild-type V. cholerae O1 strain
      A1552 was functionally activated when the bacteria were grown under high
      osmolarity conditions. The T6SS was also active when the bacteria were grown
      under low temperature (23 degrees C), suggesting that the system may be important
      for the survival of the bacterium in the environment. A test of the
      interbacterial virulence of V. cholerae strain A1552 against an Escherichia coli
      K-12 strain showed that it was strongly enhanced under high osmolarity and that
      it depended on the hcp genes. Interestingly, we found that the newly recognized
      osmoregulatory protein OscR plays a role in the regulation of T6SS gene
      expression and secretion of Hcp from V. cholerae O1 strains.

PMID- 22083712
TI  - Infection of mice by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis involves additional
      genes that are absent in the genome of serovar Typhimurium.
AB  - Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis causes a systemic, typhoid-like infection
      in newly hatched poultry and mice. In the present study, a library of 54,000
      transposon mutants of S. Enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4) strain P125109 was
      screened for mutants deficient in the in vivo colonization of the BALB/c mouse
      model using a microarray-based negative-selection screening. Mutants in genes
      known to contribute to systemic infection (e.g., Salmonella pathogenicity island
      2 [SPI-2], aro, rfa, rfb, phoP, and phoQ) and enteric infection (e.g., SPI-1 and
      SPI-5) in this and other Salmonella serovars displayed colonization defects in
      our assay. In addition, a strong attenuation was observed for mutants in genes
      and genomic islands that are not present in S. Typhimurium or in most other
      Salmonella serovars. These genes include a type I restriction/modification system
      (SEN4290 to SEN4292), the peg fimbrial operon (SEN2144A to SEN2145B), a putative
      pathogenicity island (SEN1970 to SEN1999), and a type VI secretion system remnant
      SEN1001, encoding a hypothetical protein containing a lysin motif (LysM) domain
      associated with peptidoglycan binding. Proliferation defects for mutants in these
      individual genes and in exemplar genes for each of these clusters were confirmed
      in competitive infections with wild-type S. Enteritidis. A DeltaSEN1001 mutant
      was defective for survival within RAW264.7 murine macrophages in vitro.
      Complementation assays directly linked the SEN1001 gene to phenotypes observed in
      vivo and in vitro. The genes identified here may perform novel virulence
      functions not characterized in previous Salmonella models.

PMID- 22083714
TI  - Oral infection with signature-tagged Listeria monocytogenes reveals organ
      specific growth and dissemination routes in guinea pigs.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes causes a serious food-borne disease due to its ability to
      spread from the intestine to other organs, a process that is poorly understood.
      In this study we used 20 signature-tagged wild-type clones of L. monocytogenes in
      guinea pigs in combination with extensive quantitative data analysis to gain
      insight into extraintestinal dissemination. We show that L. monocytogenes
      colonized the liver in all asymptomatic animals. Spread to the liver occurred as
      early as 4 h after ingestion via a direct pathway from the intestine to the
      liver. This direct pathway contributed significantly to the bacterial load in the
      liver and was followed by a second wave of dissemination via the mesenteric lymph
      nodes (indirect pathway). Furthermore, bacteria were eliminated in the liver,
      whereas small intestinal villi provided a niche for bacterial replication,
      indicating organ-specific differences in net bacterial growth. Bacteria were shed
      back from intestinal villi into the small intestinal lumen and reinfected the
      Peyer's patches. Together, these results support a novel dissemination model
      where L. monocytogenes replicates in intestinal villi, is shed into the lumen,
      and reinfects intestinal immune cells that traffic to liver and mesenteric lymph
      nodes, a process that occurs even during asymptomatic colonization.

PMID- 22083713
TI  - The Neisseria meningitidis ZnuD zinc receptor contributes to interactions with
      epithelial cells and supports heme utilization when expressed in Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis employs redundant heme acquisition mechanisms, including
      TonB receptor-dependent and receptor-independent uptakes. The TonB-dependent zinc
      receptor ZnuD shares significant sequence similarity to HumA, a heme receptor of
      Moraxella catarrhalis, and contains conserved motifs found in many heme
      utilization proteins. We present data showing that, when expressed in Escherichia
      coli, ZnuD allowed heme capture on the cell surface and supported the heme
      dependent growth of an E. coli hemA strain. Heme agarose captured ZnuD in
      enriched outer membrane fractions, and this binding was inhibited by excess free
      heme, supporting ZnuD's specific interaction with heme. However, no heme
      utilization defect was detected in the meningococcal znuD mutant, likely due to
      unknown redundant TonB-independent heme uptake mechanisms. Meningococcal
      replication within epithelial cells requires a functional TonB, and we found that
      both the znuD and tonB mutants were defective not only in survival within
      epithelial cells but also in adherence to and invasion of epithelial cells.
      Ectopic complementation rescued these phenotypes. Interestingly, while znuD
      expression was repressed by Zur with zinc as a cofactor, it also was induced by
      iron in a Zur-independent manner. A specific interaction of meningococcal Fur
      protein with the znuD promoter was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift
      assay (EMSA). Thus, the meningococcal ZnuD receptor likely participates in both
      zinc and heme acquisition, is regulated by both Zur and Fur, and is important for
      meningococcal interaction with epithelial cells.

PMID- 22083715
TI  - The Vsa shield of Mycoplasma pulmonis is antiphagocytic.
AB  - The infection of mice with Mycoplasma pulmonis is a model for studying chronic
      mycoplasmal respiratory disease. Many in vivo and in vitro studies have used the
      organism to gain a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions in chronic
      respiratory infection. The organism's Vsa proteins contain an extensive tandem
      repeat region. The length of the tandem repeat unit varies from as few as 11
      amino acids to as many as 19. The number of tandem repeats can be as high as 60.
      The number of repeats varies at a high frequency due to slipped-strand mispairing
      events that occur during DNA replication. When the number of repeats is high,
      e.g., 40, the mycoplasma is resistant to lysis by complement but does not form a
      robust biofilm. When the number of repeats is low, e.g., 5, the mycoplasma is
      killed by complement when the cells are dispersed but has the capacity to form a
      biofilm that resists complement. Here, we examine the role of the Vsa proteins in
      the avoidance of phagocytosis and find that cells producing a protein with many
      tandem repeats are relatively resistant to killing by macrophages. These results
      may be pertinent to understanding the functions of similar proteins that have
      extensive repeat regions in other microbes.

PMID- 22083716
TI  - Fusion of HSA influences TNF-alpha neutralizing activity of shTNFRs.
AB  - Soluble human tumor necrosis factor receptors (shTNFRI and shTNFRII) are
      antagonists of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and are under clinical
      investigation as therapy for autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
      However, shTNFRI and shTNFRII are limited for clinical usage because of their
      short half-lives in vivo. Recombinant TNF-alpha receptors (infliximab and
      etanercept) are used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease but
      are also being tested for a number of other autoimmune diseases. Human serum
      albumin (HSA) has been used to construct long-acting fusion proteins. Here, we
      report the effect of fusion of HSA with shTNFRI and with shTNFRII on shTNFR's
      neutralizing activity against TNF-alpha. HSA fusion proteins were separately
      expressed in Pichia pastoris. Purified recombinant shTNFRI-HSA, HSA-shTNFRI and
      HSA-shTNFRII could block the cytolytic activity of TNF-alpha in L929 cells, and
      the fusion at N-terminus of shTNFRI could result in larger degree of activity
      decline than that at the C-terminus. Activity of three fusion proteins was much
      weaker than etanercept, which demonstrated that fusion of HSA significantly
      influenced TNF-alpha neutralizing activity of shTNFRs. Compared with Fc fragment,
      HSA fusion technology may therefore not be an ideal strategy in development of
      long-acting shTNFRs protein drugs.

PMID- 22083717
TI  - Small RNA RyhB as a potential tool used for metabolic engineering in Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Small RNA (RyhB) was overexpressed artificially using an arabinose-inducible
      system in Escherichia coli and resulted in more succinate (7-fold) accumulation,
      which suggested that RyhB had a strong effect on sdhCDAB genes. Acetate was also
      increased indicating that RyhB had a comprehensive influence on glucose central
      metabolism. RyhB might therefore be useful for metabolic engineering of E. coli.

PMID- 22083718
TI  - Virus-binding activity of the truncated C subunit of porcine aminopeptidase N
      expressed in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Seven overlapping truncated forms of the C subunit of porcine aminopeptidase N
      (pAPN-C) were expressed in Escherichia coli. By western blotting and ELISA test,
      all recombinant proteins were recognized by the antibody against native porcine
      aminopeptidase N. Recombinant proteins, rpAPN-C2 (aa 623-722) and rpAPN-C3 (aa
      673-772), had the highest binding activity with swine transmissible
      gastroenteritis virus among the truncated pAPN-C recombinant proteins. The
      overlapping region (aa 673-722) between rpAPN-C2 and rpAPN-C3 is indicated to
      play a key role in viral binding.

PMID- 22083719
TI  - Ultrahigh field systems and applications at 7 T and beyond: progress, pitfalls,
      and potential.
AB  - About 150 researchers around the world convened at the Chateau Lake Louise on
      February 20-23, 2011 to present and discuss the latest research in human and
      animal imaging and spectroscopy at field strengths of 7 T or above (termed
      ultrahigh field) at the third ISMRM-sponsored high field workshop. The clear
      overall message from the workshop presentations and discussion is that ultrahigh
      field imaging is gaining momentum with regard to new clinically relevant
      findings, anatomic and functional MRI results, susceptibility contrast
      advancements, solutions to high field-related image quality challenges, and to
      generally push the limits of resolution and speed of high field imaging. This
      meeting report is organized in a manner reflecting the meeting organization
      itself, covering the seven sessions that were approximately titled: (1) high
      field overview from head to body to spectroscopy; (2) susceptibility imaging; (3)
      proffered session on susceptibility, ultrafast imaging, unique contrast at 7 T,
      and angiography; (4) neuroscience applications; (5) proffered session on coils,
      shimming, parallel imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and MRI-PET fusion; (6)
      high field animal imaging and spectroscopy, as well as a vendor overview, and (7)
      Cutting edge technology at 7 T.

PMID- 22083720
TI  - Sexuality in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - McKee and Schover have suggested that sexuality is an aspect of intimacy that is
      frequently compromised by cancer and its treatments. Cancer, both in terms of
      diagnosis and treatments, may have a dramatic impact on both intimacy and
      sexuality. There is a body of published research addressing sexual concerns among
      patients with prostatic, testicular, breast, and rectal cancers. This issue seems
      to be less well documented in patients who have undergone haematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation (HSCT). In this review, we seek to elaborate different
      points regarding sexuality and how it is affected in patients undergoing HSCT,
      with the aim of identifying optimum solutions for such patients in confronting
      such problems in the course of cancer treatment.

PMID- 22083721
TI  - Effect of alternating magnetic field treatments on enzymatic parameters of
      cellulase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cellulase is an enzyme of the glycosyl hydrolase family that
      catalyses the cleavage of beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds in cellulose. In this study
      an alternating magnetic field was applied to evaluate cellulase activity using
      carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as substrate. RESULTS: The maximum and minimum
      activities of cellulase occurred when magnetic fields of 2.2 and 4.2 mT
      respectively were applied for 20 min. Following these treatments, the enzymatic
      parameters K(m) and V(m) were determined based on fitting to the Michaelis-Menten
      equations. Generally, K(m) showed the opposite trend to V(m) under magnetic field
      treatments. Treatment of enzyme/substrate solutions at 4.2 mT inhibited enzyme
      activity whereas treatment at 2.2 mT promoted it. CONCLUSION: It appears that
      treating enzyme/substrate solutions with different magnetic fields can inhibit or
      promote enzyme activity. Further research is needed to determine how the magnetic
      field influences the enzyme and substrate.

PMID- 22083722
TI  - Atrial natriuretic peptides in Han Wistar, Sprague-Dawley and spontaneously
      hypertensive rats.
AB  - The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its precursor (N-terminal fragment of
      atrial natriuretic peptide, NT-proANP) are natriuretic peptides released into the
      circulation as a consequence of an acute atrial stretch. As for the brain
      natriuretic peptide and its N-terminal fragment, the biological significance of
      ANP and NT-proANP has been widely studied in humans, but the literature is
      lacking information about the determination of these biomarkers in veterinary
      medicine and, in particular, in the toxicological species used in preclinical
      pharmaceutical drug development. This paper describes the evaluation of ANP and
      NT-proANP levels in a healthy population of Han Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats,
      as well as in a rodent model of hypertension (Spontaneously Hypertensive rats).
      Both biomarkers were measured by mean of two commercially available enzyme
      immunoassays and serum levels were correlated with heart weight and
      histopathological findings in the heart, with the aim of building an integrated
      assessment of the significance of these biomarkers. Results obtained demonstrated
      that NT-proANP and ANP can be accurately measured in the different rat strains,
      with NT-proANP concentrations higher than those of ANP, as expected because of
      its longer half-life. In addition, both correlated well with cardiac hypertrophy
      evaluated by means of heart weight and histopathological examination. NT-proANP
      and ANP represent reliable markers of cardiac hypertrophy in the rat.

PMID- 22083723
TI  - Pharmaceutical interventions on prescription problems in a Danish pharmacy
      setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International studies regarding pharmacists' interventions towards
      prescription problems produce highly variable results. The only peer-reviewed
      study in a Danish setting estimated an intervention rate of 2.3 per 1,000
      prescriptions. With the introduction of a new tool for registration, we
      hypothesized that a better estimate could be obtained. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      produce an up-to-date estimate of the extent and type of pharmacists'
      interventions towards prescription problems in a Danish pharmacy setting SETTING:
      The study was conducted at Copenhagen Sonderbro Pharmacy, a large urban 24-hour
      pharmacy. METHOD: Data were collected prospectively through an electronic form.
      All interventions were primarily classified as either clinical or administrative
      in nature, and further classified in a number of pre-determined subcategories.
      Furthermore, information about age, sex, time of day, the wording of the
      prescription, the performed intervention, the person performing the intervention
      and the type of prescriber were recorded. All entries were manually validated by
      a study pharmacist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The intervention rate, given as the
      number of interventions per 1,000 prescriptions. RESULTS: We found 599 validated
      interventions. Thirty-two percent of the interventions were clinical and 68%
      administrative by nature. Fifty-one percent of the administrative and 35% of the
      clinical interventions were regarding antibiotics. In the study period, a total
      of 55,522 prescriptions were filled out together with 3,069 dose-dispensing
      packages, giving a rate of 10.2 (9.4-11.1) interventions per 1,000 prescriptions.
      CONCLUSION: We found an intervention rate substantially higher than reported in
      previous Danish studies.

PMID- 22083724
TI  - Diabetes knowledge, medication adherence and glycemic control among patients with
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most of interventions that have attempted to improve medication
      adherence in type 2 diabetes have been educational; on the assumption that
      knowledge regarding diabetes might affect patients' adherence to their treatment
      regimen. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to investigate any association
      of knowledge and medication adherence with glycemic control in patients with type
      2 diabetes mellitus. Setting The study was conducted at the Diabetes Outpatients
      Clinic, Hospital Pulau Penang. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted
      with a convenience sample of 540 adult patients with type 2 diabetes attending
      the clinic. A questionnaire including previously validated Michigan Diabetes
      Knowledge Test and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used and the patients'
      medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels and other
      disease-related information. A total of 35 (6.48%) patients were excluded after
      data collection due to lack of HbA1C results. RESULTS: Five hundred and five
      patients were included in the final analysis, with a mean age of 58.15 years (SD
      = 9.16), 50.7% males and median HbA1C of 7.6 (IQR was 6.7-8.9). The median total
      knowledge score was 7.0 (IQR was 5.0-10.0) while the median adherence score was
      6.5 (IQR was 4.75-7.75). Significant correlations were found between the three
      variables (HbA1C, knowledge and adherence). A significantly higher score for
      knowledge and adherence (P < 0.05) was found in those patients with lower HbA1C.
      Higher diabetes knowledge, higher medication adherence and using mono-therapy
      were significant predictors of good glycemic control in the multivariate
      analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients' knowledge about diabetes is associated with
      better medication adherence and better glycemic control. In addition to other
      factors affecting medication adherence and glycemic control, healthcare providers
      should pay attention to knowledge about diabetes that the patients carry towards
      medication adherence.

PMID- 22083725
TI  - Octreotide-modified N-octyl-O, N-carboxymethyl chitosan micelles as potential
      carriers for targeted antitumor drug delivery.
AB  - Octreotide (OCT) was recently found to have high binding affinity to the positive
      tumor cells of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). In this study, octreotide-Phe
      polyethylene glycol-stearic acid was first successfully synthesized and used as a
      targeting molecule for N-octyl-O, N-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCC). Doxorubicin
      (DOX) was loaded into OCT-modified OCC micelles (DOX-OCC-OCT). The drug-loaded
      micelles obtained exhibited spherical shape, small particle sizes, and negative
      zeta potentials. The cytotoxicity of DOX-OCC-OCT micelles against MCF-7 cells
      (SSTRs expressing) was found to significantly increase with the increased amount
      of OCT modification, whereas no significant difference was observed against WI-38
      cells (no SSTRs expressing). Results of flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy,
      and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that DOX-OCC-OCT micelles could
      remarkably increase the uptake of DOX in MCF-7 cells. All the results indicated
      that OCC-OCT micelles may be a promising intracellular targeting carrier for
      efficient delivery of antitumor drugs into tumor cells.

PMID- 22083726
TI  - Lentiviral-mediated RNAi knockdown yields a novel mouse model for studying Cyp2b
      function.
AB  - There are few in vivo knockout models available to study the function of Cyp2
      members involved in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous chemicals. These
      models may help provide insight into the cytochrome P450s (CYPs) responsible for
      the detoxification and activation of drugs, environmental toxicants, and
      endobiotics. The aim of this work is to produce a potent Cyp2b-knockdown (KD)
      mouse for subsequent study of Cyp2b function. We made a quintuple Cyp2b-KD mouse
      using lentiviral-promoted short hairpin RNA (shRNA) homologous to all five murine
      Cyp2b subfamily members (Cyp2b9, 2b10, 2b13, 2b19, and 2b23). The Cyp2b-KD mice
      are viable, fertile, and without obvious gross abnormalities except for an
      increase in liver weight. Expression of the three hepatic Cyp2b members, 2b9,
      2b10, and 2b13, is significantly repressed as demonstrated by quantitative real
      time PCR and Western blotting. The constitutive androstane receptor activator,
      1,4-Bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP), was used to determine if
      shRNA-mediated Cyp2b10 repression could be outcompeted by Cyp2b10 induction.
      TCPOBOP-treated Cyp2b-KD mice show 80-90% less Cyp2b protein expression than
      TCPOBOP-treated wild-type (WT) mice, demonstrating that Cyp induction does not
      outcompete the repressive function of the shRNA. Untreated and TCPOBOP-treated
      Cyp2b-KD mice are poor metabolizers of parathion compared with WT mice.
      Furthermore, Cyp2b-KD mice are sensitive to parathion, an organophosphate
      insecticide primarily metabolized by Cyp2b enzymes, when compared with WT mice.
      In summary, we designed an shRNA construct that repressed the expression and
      activity of multiple Cyp2b enzymes. We foresee that this novel Cyp2b-KD mouse
      model will significantly improve our understanding of the role of Cyp2b enzymes
      in chemical sensitivity and drug metabolism.

PMID- 22083727
TI  - Understanding ciliated epithelia: the power of Xenopus.
AB  - Ciliated epithelia are important in a wide variety of biological contexts where
      they generate directed fluid flow. Here we address the fundamental advances in
      understanding ciliated epithelia that have been achieved using Xenopus as a model
      system. Xenopus embryos are covered with a ciliated epithelium that propels fluid
      unidirectionally across their surface. The external nature of this tissue,
      coupled with the molecular tools available in Xenopus and the ease of microscopic
      analysis on intact animals has thrust Xenopus to the forefront of ciliated
      epithelia biology. We discuss advances in understanding the molecular regulators
      of ciliated epithelia cell fate as well as basic aspects of ciliated epithelia
      cell biology including ciliogenesis and cell polarity.

PMID- 22083728
TI  - De novo CNV analysis implicates specific abnormalities of postsynaptic signalling
      complexes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
AB  - A small number of rare, recurrent genomic copy number variants (CNVs) are known
      to substantially increase susceptibility to schizophrenia. As a consequence of
      the low fecundity in people with schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental
      phenotypes to which these CNVs contribute, CNVs with large effects on risk are
      likely to be rapidly removed from the population by natural selection.
      Accordingly, such CNVs must frequently occur as recurrent de novo mutations. In a
      sample of 662 schizophrenia proband-parent trios, we found that rare de novo CNV
      mutations were significantly more frequent in cases (5.1% all cases, 5.5% family
      history negative) compared with 2.2% among 2623 controls, confirming the
      involvement of de novo CNVs in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Eight de novo
      CNVs occurred at four known schizophrenia loci (3q29, 15q11.2, 15q13.3 and
      16p11.2). De novo CNVs of known pathogenic significance in other genomic
      disorders were also observed, including deletion at the TAR (thrombocytopenia
      absent radius) region on 1q21.1 and duplication at the WBS (Williams-Beuren
      syndrome) region at 7q11.23. Multiple de novos spanned genes encoding members of
      the DLG (discs large) family of membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs)
      that are components of the postsynaptic density (PSD). Two de novos also affected
      EHMT1, a histone methyl transferase known to directly regulate DLG family
      members. Using a systems biology approach and merging novel CNV and proteomics
      data sets, systematic analysis of synaptic protein complexes showed that,
      compared with control CNVs, case de novos were significantly enriched for the PSD
      proteome (P=1.72 * 10-6. This was largely explained by enrichment for members of
      the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (P=4.24 * 10-6) and neuronal activity
      regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC) (P=3.78 * 10-8) postsynaptic
      signalling complexes. In an analysis of 18 492 subjects (7907 cases and 10 585
      controls), case CNVs were enriched for members of the NMDAR complex (P=0.0015)
      but not ARC (P=0.14). Our data indicate that defects in NMDAR postsynaptic
      signalling and, possibly, ARC complexes, which are known to be important in
      synaptic plasticity and cognition, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22083730
TI  - Replication of association between a SLITRK1 haplotype and Tourette Syndrome in a
      large sample of families.

PMID- 22083729
TI  - Pharmacogenetics in psychiatry: translating research into clinical practice.
AB  - Pharmacogenetic/pharmacogenomic (PGx) approaches to psychopharmacology aim to
      identify clinically meaningful predictors of drug efficacy and/or side-effect
      burden. To date, however, PGx studies in psychiatry have not yielded compelling
      results, and clinical utilization of PGx testing in psychiatry is extremely
      limited. In this review, the authors provide a brief overview on the status of
      PGx studies in psychiatry, review the commercialization process for PGx tests and
      then discuss methodological considerations that may enhance the potential for
      clinically applicable PGx tests in psychiatry. The authors focus on design
      considerations that include increased ascertainment of subjects in the earliest
      phases of illness, discuss the advantages of drug-induced adverse events as
      phenotypes for examination and emphasize the importance of maximizing adherence
      to treatment in pharmacogenetic studies. Finally, the authors discuss unique
      aspects of pharmacogenetic studies that may distinguish them from studies of
      other complex traits. Taken together, these data provide insights into the design
      and methodological considerations that may enhance the potential for clinical
      utility of PGx studies.

PMID- 22083731
TI  - Genetic modulation of neural response during working memory in healthy
      individuals: interaction of glucocorticoid receptor and dopaminergic genes.
AB  - Suboptimal performance in working memory (WM) tasks and inefficient prefrontal
      cortex functioning are related to dysregulation of dopaminergic (DA) and
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal systems. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the joint effect of genetic polymorphisms coding for DA catabolism
      and glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1) on brain functioning. The study group (90
      right-handed white Caucasian healthy individuals) underwent functional magnetic
      resonance imaging experiments to examine blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD)
      response during a WM task with varying cognitive load (1-, 2- and 3-back). We
      have also examined skin conductance response (SCR) during the WM task and resting
      state cerebral blood flow with continuous arterial spin labelling. The genetic
      markers of interest included Catechol-O-Methyl-Transferase (COMT) (Met(158)Val)
      and NR3C1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (BclI C/G rs41423247, 9beta A/G rs6198
      and rs1866388 A/G). Haplotype-based analyses showed (i) a significant effect of
      COMT polymorphism on left anterior cingulate cortex, with greater deactivation in
      Met carriers than in Val/Val homozygotes; (ii) a significant effect of BclI
      polymorphism on right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with greater
      activation in G/G carriers than in C carriers and (iii) an interactive effect of
      BclI (G/G) and COMT (Met/Met) polymorphisms, which was associated with greater
      activation in right DLPFC. These effects remained significant after controlling
      for whole-brain resting-state blood flow. SCR amplitude was positively correlated
      with right DLPFC activation during WM. This study demonstrated that GR and COMT
      markers exert their separate, as well as interactive, effects on DLPFC function.
      Epistasis of COMT and BclI minor alleles is associated with higher activation,
      suggesting lower efficiency, of DLPFC during WM.

PMID- 22083732
TI  - Synthesis of polyester nanoparticles in miniemulsion obtained by radical ring
      opening of BMDO and their potential as biodegradable drug carriers.
AB  - 5,6-Benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (BMDO) is used to obtain degradable polymeric
      nanoparticles via a statistical free-radical copolymerization with MMA and
      styrene in direct miniemulsion. The nanoparticles are analyzed by means of IR,
      NMR, DLS, SEM, and TEM. They show excellent cellular uptake and drug delivery
      properties. The cellular uptake into HeLa cells of particles resulting from
      copolymerization of BMDO with styrene is drastically enhanced compared to pure
      polystyrene. As a model drug system, paclitaxel is incorporated in PBMDO
      particles and its release and the effect on HeLa cells is studied and compared to
      commercial drug formulations. It is found that a drug delivery system based on
      PBMDO shows an excellent pharmacological effect.

PMID- 22083733
TI  - In silico implementation of synthetic gene networks.
AB  - Computational synthetic biology has borrowed methods, concepts, and techniques
      from systems biology and electrical engineering. Features of tools for the
      analysis of biochemical networks and the design of electric circuits have been
      combined to develop new software, where Standard Biological Parts (physically
      stored at the MIT Registry) have a mathematical description, based on mass action
      or Hill kinetics, and can be assembled into genetic networks in a visual, "drag &
      drop" fashion. Recent tools provide the user with databases, simulation
      environments, formal languages, and even algorithms for circuit automatic design
      to refine and speed up gene network construction. Moreover, advances in
      automation of DNA assembly indicate that synthetic biology software soon will
      drive the wet-lab implementation of DNA sequences.

PMID- 22083734
TI  - Standardization in synthetic biology.
AB  - Synthetic Biology is founded on the idea that complex biological systems are
      built most effectively when the task is divided in abstracted layers and all
      required components are readily available and well-described. This requires
      interdisciplinary collaboration at several levels and a common understanding of
      the functioning of each component. Standardization of the physical composition
      and the description of each part is required as well as a controlled vocabulary
      to aid design and ensure interoperability. Here, we describe standardization
      initiatives from several disciplines, which can contribute to Synthetic Biology.
      We provide examples of the concerted standardization efforts of the BioBricks
      Foundation comprising the request for comments (RFC) and the Registry of
      Standardized Biological parts as well as the international Genetically Engineered
      Machine (iGEM) competition.

PMID- 22083735
TI  - Robust optimal design of synthetic biological networks.
AB  - In engineering, the use of mathematical modeling for design purposes has a long
      history. Long before any technical realization, a system is planned, simulated,
      and tested extensively on the computer. In biosciences, however, the application
      of model-based design before going to the wet lab is still rather rare but has
      particularly high potential in synthetic biology. We demonstrate exemplarily how
      mathematical modeling and numerical optimization can be used for the design of a
      circadian rhythm that is supposed to oscillate robustly with respect to
      uncertainty in system parameters.

PMID- 22083736
TI  - Predicting synthetic gene networks.
AB  - Synthetic biology aims at designing and building new biological functions in
      living organisms. The complexity of cellular regulation (regulatory, metabolic,
      and signaling interactions, and their coordinated action) can be tackled via the
      development of quantitative mathematical models. These models are useful to test
      biological hypotheses and observations, and to predict the possible behaviors of
      a synthetic network. Indeed, synthetic biology uses such models to design
      synthetic networks, prior to their construction in the cell, to perform specific
      tasks, or to change a biological process in a desired way. The synthetic network
      is built by assembling biological "parts" taken from different systems; therefore
      it is fundamental to identify, isolate, and test regulatory motifs which occur
      frequently in biological pathways. In this chapter, we describe how to model and
      predict the behavior of synthetic networks in two difference cases: (1) a
      synthetic network composed of five genes regulating each other through a variety
      of regulatory interactions in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2) a synthetic
      transcriptional positive feedback loop stably integrated in Human Embryonic
      Kidney 293 cells (HEK293).

PMID- 22083737
TI  - Reprogramming a GFP reporter gene subjects it to complex lentiviral gene
      regulation.
AB  - Late human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-derived RNAs encoding relevant
      therapeutic targets or promising vaccine compounds, such as the HIV-1 group
      specific antigen (Gag), are translocated from the nucleus into the cytoplasm via
      sophisticated export machinery. Relevant steps include the concerted action of
      several cis-acting RNA elements with the viral Rev-shuttle protein and several
      cellular components (Ran1/Exportin; Crm1). Based on detailed understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms guiding this complex process, we used rational codon usage
      modification to design and reprogram a GFP encoding reporter RNA now exactly
      mimicking the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of late
      lentiviral mRNAs.

PMID- 22083738
TI  - A high-throughput microfluidic method for generating and characterizing
      transcription factor mutant libraries.
AB  - Characterizing libraries of mutant proteins is a challenging task, but can lead
      to detailed functional insights on a specific protein, and general insights for
      families of proteins such as transcription factors. Challenges in mutant protein
      screening consist in synthesizing the necessary expression-ready DNA constructs
      and transforming them into a suitable host for protein expression. Protein
      purification and characterization are also non-trivial tasks that are not easily
      scalable to hundreds or thousands of protein variants. Here we describe a method
      based on a high-throughput microfluidic platform to screen and characterize the
      binding profile of hundreds of transcription factor variants. DNA constructs are
      synthesized by a rapid two-step PCR approach without the need of cloning or
      transformation steps. All transcription factor mutants are expressed on-chip
      followed by characterization of their binding specificities against 64 different
      DNA target sequences. The current microfluidic platform can synthesize and
      characterize up to 2,400 protein-DNA pairs in parallel. The platform method is
      also generally applicable, allowing high-throughput functional studies of
      proteins.

PMID- 22083739
TI  - Identifying and optimizing intracellular protein-protein interactions using
      bacterial genetic selection.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions are crucial for the vast majority of biological
      processes. To fully understand these processes therefore requires methods for
      identifying protein interactions within the complex cellular environment. To
      isolate interacting proteins, we have developed a simple and reliable genetic
      selection by exploiting the inbuilt "hitchhiker" mechanism of the Escherichia
      coli twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway. This method is based on the
      unique ability of the Tat system to efficiently co-localize noncovalent complexes
      of two folded polypeptides to the periplasmic space of E. coli. The genetic
      selection is comprised of two engineered fusion proteins: an N-terminal Tat
      signal peptide fused to the protein of interest, and the known or putative
      partner protein fused to mature TEM-1 beta-lactamase. The efficiency with which
      co-localized beta-lactamase chimeras are exported in the periplasm, and thus
      confer ampicillin resistance to cells, is directly linked to the relative binding
      affinity of the protein-ligand system. Thus, ampicillin resistance can be used as
      a convenient readout for identifying and optimizing protein interactions in E.
      coli. Furthermore, because Tat substrates must be correctly folded for export,
      our method favors the identification of soluble, non-aggregating, protease
      resistant protein pairs. Overall, we anticipate that this new selection tool will
      be useful for discovering and engineering protein drugs, protein complexes for
      structural biology, factors that inhibit PPIs, and components for synthetic
      biology.

PMID- 22083740
TI  - Zinc-finger nucleases-based genome engineering to generate isogenic human cell
      lines.
AB  - Customized zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) have developed into a promising
      technology to precisely alter mammalian genomes for biomedical research,
      biotechnology, or human gene therapy. In the context of synthetic biology, the
      targeted integration of a transgene or reporter cassette into a "neutral site" of
      the human genome, such as the AAVS1 locus, permits the generation of isogenic
      human cell lines with two major advantages over standard genetic manipulation
      techniques: minimal integration site-dependent effects on the transgene and, vice
      versa, no functional perturbation of the host-cell transcriptome. Here we
      describe in detail how ZFNs can be employed to target integration of a transgene
      cassette into the AAVS1 locus and how to characterize the targeted cells by PCR
      based genotyping.

PMID- 22083741
TI  - RNA-based networks: using RNA aptamers and ribozymes as synthetic genetic
      devices.
AB  - Within the last few years, a set of synthetic riboswitches has been engineered,
      which expands the toolbox of genetic regulatory devices. Small molecule binding
      aptamers have been used for the design of such riboswitches by insertion into
      untranslated regions of mRNAs, exploiting the fact that upon ligand binding the
      RNA structure interferes either with translation initiation or pre-mRNA splicing
      in yeast. In combination with self-cleaving ribozymes, aptamers have been used to
      modulate RNA stability. In this chapter, we discuss the applicability of
      different aptamers, ways to identify novel genetic devices, the pros and cons of
      various insertion sites and the application of allosteric ribozymes. Our
      expertise help to apply synthetic riboswitches to engineer complex genetic
      circuits.

PMID- 22083742
TI  - MicroRNA circuits for transcriptional logic.
AB  - One of the longstanding challenges in synthetic biology is rational design of
      complex regulatory circuitry with multiple biological inputs, complex internal
      processing, and physiologically active outputs. We have previously proposed how
      to address this challenge in the case of transcription factor inputs. Here we
      describe the methods used to construct these synthetic circuits, capable of
      performing logic integration of transcription factor inputs using microRNA
      expression vectors and RNA interference (RNAi). The circuits operate in mammalian
      cells and they can serve as starting point for more complex synthetic information
      processing networks in these cells.

PMID- 22083743
TI  - Light-regulated gene expression in yeast.
AB  - An important basic requirement of synthetic genetic networks is the option of
      external control of gene expression. Although several chemically inducible
      systems are available, all of these suffer from the common problem: the chemical
      inducers are difficult to remove so that to terminate the response. We have
      described a regulatory expression system for yeast, which employs light as
      inducer. This light switch translates light-controlled protein-protein
      interactions into the transcription of selected genes in a dose-dependent and
      reversible manner.

PMID- 22083744
TI  - Light-controlled gene switches in mammalian cells.
AB  - Remote control of cells is a desirable feature in synthetic biology. We
      established a light-switchable interfering peptide (iPEP) which controls gene
      expression by modulating the activity of a transcription factor. For photo
      switching, the iPEP is cross-linked with a cis-trans isomerizable cross-linker in
      such a way that the light-activated cis form enables inhibitor folding rendering
      it active, whereas the dark-adapted trans form forces the inhibitor into an
      inactive form. Switching can be repeated in both directions. The iPEP acts as
      dominant-negative inhibitor targeting c-Jun and c-Fos of the transcription factor
      activator protein-1 (AP-1). Light-activated peptides exhibited much stronger
      inhibition of AP-1:DNA complexes and interference with gene transcription than
      their nonactivated counter parts. In this chapter, we provide protocols for cross
      linking, peptide purification, observation of structural changes upon photo
      switching, DNA binding analyses as well as gene expression studies in mammalian
      cells.

PMID- 22083745
TI  - Expressed protein modifications: making synthetic proteins.
AB  - Techniques to manipulate cellular gene expression such that amino acid analogs
      not encoded by the genetic code are incorporated into a polypeptide chain have
      recently gained increasing interest. The so-called noncanonical amino acids often
      have unusual properties that can be translated into target proteins by
      reprogrammed ribosomal protein synthesis. Residue-specific substitution of a
      specific canonical amino acid by its analogs provokes global effects in the
      resulting protein congeners that include improved stability or catalytic
      activity, reduced redox sensitivity, as well as altered spectral properties.
      Thus, the approach holds great promise for the engineering of synthetic
      proteins.This contribution describes a protocol for the incorporation of a
      noncanonical amino acid into a target protein expressed in an appropriate amino
      acid auxotrophic E. coli strain.

PMID- 22083746
TI  - Using transcription machinery engineering to elicit complex cellular phenotypes.
AB  - Cellular hosts are widely used for the production of chemical compounds,
      including pharmaceutics, fuels, and specialty chemicals. However, common
      metabolic engineering techniques are limited in their capacity to elicit
      multigenic, complex phenotypes. These phenotypes can include non-pathway-based
      traits, such as tolerance and productivity. Global transcription machinery
      engineering (gTME) is a generic methodology for eliciting these complex cellular
      phenotypes. In gTME, dominant mutant alleles of a transcription-related protein
      are screened for their ability to reprogram cellular metabolism and regulation,
      resulting in a unique and desired phenotype. gTME has been successfully applied
      to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, resulting in improved environmental
      tolerances, metabolite production, and substrate utilization. The underlying
      principle involves creating mutant libraries of transcription factors, screening
      for a desired phenotype, and iterating the process in a directed evolution
      fashion. The successes of this approach and details for its implementation and
      application are described here.

PMID- 22083747
TI  - Streamlining of a Pseudomonas putida genome using a combinatorial deletion method
      based on minitransposon insertion and the Flp-FRT recombination system.
AB  - Here, we document a technique to reduce the size of the genome of Pseudomonas
      putida by using a combinatorial mini-Tn5-targeted Flp-FRT recombination system.
      This method combines random insertions with the site-specific Flp-FRT
      recombination system to generate successive random deletions in a single strain
      in which parts of the genome are excised via the action of the cognate flippase.
      For this purpose, we have generated two mini-Tn5 transposon mutant libraries with
      single and double integrations of either mini-Tn5 KpF alone or mini-Tn5 KpF in
      parallel with mini-Tn5 TF, respectively. These mini-Tn5 transposons carry
      different selectable markers and each has an FRT (Flippase Recognition Target)
      site. Mapping of the position of both mini-Tn5 transposons in the chromosome of
      P. putida was conducted by Arbitrary Primed-PCR (AP-PCR). Subsequent sequencing
      of the PCR fragments led to the identification of the coordinates of the
      transposons and the orientation of both FRT sites. Under specific laboratory
      conditions, both FRT sites were recognized by the flippase, and the deletion of a
      nonessential intervening genomic segment along with the transposon backbones
      occurred without inheritance of any marker genes.

PMID- 22083748
TI  - Transposon-based and plasmid-based genetic tools for editing genomes of gram
      negative bacteria.
AB  - A good part of the contemporary synthetic biology agenda aims at reprogramming
      microorganisms to enhance existing functions and/or perform new tasks. Moreover,
      the functioning of complex regulatory networks, or even a single gene, is
      revealed only when perturbations are entered in the corresponding dynamic systems
      and the outcome monitored. These endeavors rely on the availability of genetic
      tools to successfully modify a la carte the chromosome of target bacteria. Key
      aspects to this end include the removal of undesired genomic segments, systems
      for the production of directed mutants and allelic replacements, random mutant
      libraries to discover new functions, and means to stably implant larger genetic
      networks into the genome of specific hosts. The list of gram-negative species
      that are appealing for such genetic refactoring operations is growingly
      expanding. However, the repertoire of available molecular techniques to do so is
      very limited beyond Escherichia coli. In this chapter, utilization of novel tools
      is described (exemplified in two plasmids systems: pBAM1 and pEMG) tailored for
      facilitating chromosomal engineering procedures in a wide variety of gram
      negative microorganisms.

PMID- 22083749
TI  - Synthetic networks: oscillators and toggle switches for Escherichia coli.
AB  - Bacterial synthetic gene networks are constructed by manipulating the regulation
      of genes inside a cell, with the purpose of eliciting novel regulatory behaviors.
      The methods for manipulating genes and gene regulation in E. coli are well
      established, making it the preferred host for basic studies of synthetic
      networks. We focus our work on constructing two kinds of synthetic gene networks:
      toggle switches (bistable systems) and oscillators. Toggle switches are capable
      of exhibiting two stable steady states of gene expression (OFF and ON) without
      stable intermediate states; the steady state reached by the system depends on the
      previous history of the system. Biological oscillators exhibit regular cycles in
      gene expression around an unstable steady state. Studying these two kinds of
      synthetic networks helps advance our understanding of natural bistable systems
      and oscillators, such as the circadian oscillators controlling gene expression in
      many types of cells, and the genetic systems controlling the cell cycle and
      differentiation in metazoans.

PMID- 22083750
TI  - Studying microbial communities in biofilms.
AB  - Most microorganisms in nature subsist as heterogeneous surface-associated
      communities called biofilms. In biofilms members of one or more microbial species
      live together for multiple generations, and this allows them to cooperate and co
      adapt. The ability to reliably manipulate, characterize, and engineer microbial
      biofilms will enable controlled studies of ecosystem dynamics and unprecedented
      design opportunities for biological sensors and actuators. Biofilms can be grown
      in the laboratory, and spatial structure, gene expression, and productivity
      (total biomass accumulation) can be observed and quantified as a function of time
      using confocal laser scanning microscopy. This chapter details the materials and
      methods necessary to grow and study engineered microbial communities in biofilms.

PMID- 22083751
TI  - Quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of a synthetic predator-prey
      ecosystem.
AB  - A major focus in synthetic biology is the rational design and implementation of
      gene circuits to control dynamics of individual cells and, increasingly, cellular
      populations. Population-level control is highlighted in recent studies which
      attempt to design and implement synthetic ecosystems (or engineered microbial
      consortia). On the one hand, these engineered systems may serve as a critical
      technological foundation for practical applications. On the other hand, they may
      serve as well-defined model systems to examine biological questions of broad
      relevance. Here, using a synthetic predator-prey ecosystem as an example, we
      illustrate the basic experimental techniques involved in system implementation
      and characterization. By extension, these techniques are applicable to the
      analysis of other microbial-based synthetic or natural ecosystems.

PMID- 22083752
TI  - Drosophila S2 Schneider cells: a useful tool for rebuilding and redesigning
      approaches in synthetic biology.
AB  - Synthetic biology is an engineering approach to biology. A synthetic biologist
      wants to describe biological molecules and their subdomains as well-defined parts
      of a molecular machine. To achieve this goal, synthetic biologists rebuild
      minimal functional biological systems from well-defined parts or they design new
      molecules that do not exist in nature but have new and useful functions. In
      short, these engineering approaches can be summarized as "rebuild, alter, and
      understand." The Drosophila S2 Schneider cell is a useful tool for both
      rebuilding and redesigning approaches. S2 cells are phagocytic cells that easily
      take up large amounts of DNA from the cell culture. They, thus, have a high
      cotransfection rate, allowing the coexpression of up to 12 different proteins. We
      have developed a transient transfection protocol allowing the rapid and parallel
      analysis of wild-type and altered forms of a biological system. This chapter
      describes our methods to rebuild and better understand mammalian signaling
      systems in the evolutionary distant environment of Drosophila S2 cells.

PMID- 22083753
TI  - Synthetic gene networks in plant systems.
AB  - Synthetic biology methods are routinely applied in the plant field as in other
      eukaryotic model systems. Several synthetic components have been developed in
      plants and an increasing number of studies report on the assembly into functional
      synthetic genetic circuits. This chapter gives an overview of the existing plant
      genetic networks and describes in detail the application of two systems for
      inducible gene expression. The ethanol-inducible system relies on the ethanol
      responsive interaction of the AlcA transcriptional activator and the AlcR
      receptor resulting in the transcription of the gene of interest (GOI). In
      comparison, the translational fusion of GOI and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
      domain leads to the dexamethasone-dependent nuclear translocation of the GOI::GR
      protein. This chapter contains detailed protocols for the application of both
      systems in the model plants potato and Arabidopsis, respectively.

PMID- 22083755
TI  - Synthetic gene networks as blueprint for smart hydrogels.
AB  - The rapidly emerging ability to design and construct synthetic gene networks in
      mammalian cells is based on the availability of mutually compatible genetic
      switches that enable the time-dependent induction of transgene expression in
      response to the dose of an externally applied stimulus. As these genetic switches
      are inherently compatible with mammalian cell physiology, they are as well
      predestined to control the functionality of cell-free synthetic devices within an
      overall physiologic background. In this chapter, we describe how a genetic switch
      that was originally designed for gene therapeutic studies can be applied in
      materials science to design and construct a biohybrid hydrogel that can be used
      to release a therapeutic growth factor in response to an externally applied
      stimulus for controlling cell fate and function in a time- and space-resolved
      manner.

PMID- 22083754
TI  - Design and construction of synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells.
AB  - Advances in the development of molecular tools for the inducible control of
      transcription, translation, and protein degradation are the basis for the rapidly
      emerging design and construction of synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells.In
      this chapter, we describe such tools and how they can be integrated into a
      synthetic gene network with desired functionality. The network design and
      construction process is illustrated in the form of a detailed protocol for the
      implementation of a logic NOR gate based on an inducible promoter combined with
      an inducible protein degradation system.

PMID- 22083756
TI  - Antibacterial potential of hGlyrichin encoded by a human gene.
AB  - Emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are an enormous threat to human life
      because of their resistance to currently available antibiotics. The genes
      encoding antibacterial peptides have been studied extensively and are excellent
      candidates for a new generation of antibiotic drugs to fight MDR bacteria. In
      contrast to traditional antibiotics, antibacterial peptides, which do not cause
      drug resistance, have an unparalleled advantage. However, because most
      antibacterial peptides originate in species other than humans, the hetero
      immunological rejection of antibacterial peptides is a key disadvantage that
      limits their clinical application. In this study, we identify hGlyrichin as a
      potential human antibacterial polypeptide. The hGlyrichin polypeptide kills a
      variety of bacteria including the MDR bacteria methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MDR tubercle bacillus. A
      19 amino acid peptide (pCM19) at positions 42-60 of hGlyrichin is crucial for its
      antibacterial activity. The hGlyrichin polypeptide kills bacteria through the
      destruction of the bacterial membrane. In addition, all peptides that are
      homologous to hGlyrichin have antibacterial activity and can penetrate the
      bacterial membrane. Importantly, hGlyrichin does not cause hemolytic side effects
      in vitro or in vivo. Therefore, based on the virtues of hGlyrichin, i.e., the
      absence of hetero-immunological rejection and hemolytic side effects and the
      unambiguous efficacy of killing pathogenic MDR bacteria, we propose hGlyrichin as
      a potential human antibacterial polypeptide.

PMID- 22083757
TI  - Successful treatment of anaplastic meningioma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical lymph node metastases of meningioma represent an important
      diagnostic and treatment challenge. Not only has this entity been rarely
      described, but successful treatment has never been reported in the literature.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: This case report was conducted using reviews of the
      literature. A 58-year-old man with a history of resected anaplastic meningioma
      was referred for a right neck mass. Excisional biopsy revealed metastatic
      meningioma, and a metastatic workup was negative. Modified radical neck
      dissection showed positivity in 5 lymph nodes. The patient received adjuvant
      intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), for a mean target dose of 60 Gray
      (Gy). Two years after treatment, the patient was disease free. Eleven cases of
      cervical lymph node metastasis of meningioma were identified in our literature
      search, and none described successful treatment of this entity. CONCLUSION:
      Cervical lymph node metastasis of anaplastic meningioma is potentially treatable
      with surgical resection and IMRT, although further studies with long-term follow
      up are necessary.

PMID- 22083758
TI  - The influence of field strength on the apparent diffusion coefficient of 3He gas
      in human lungs.
AB  - The (3)He MR diffusion signal is sensitive to lung microstructure, but it is also
      affected by the presence of background field inhomogeneities induced by the
      magnetic susceptibility difference at the air-tissue interface. These
      susceptibility-induced gradients, which are dependent on field strength, have
      been assumed negligible in theoretical models used to extract airway morphometric
      information from (3)He MR diffusion data at field strengths up to 4.7 T. In this
      work, the effect of susceptibility gradients on (3)He apparent diffusion
      coefficient is demonstrated with experiments in healthy volunteers at two B(0)
      field strengths: 1.5 and 3 T. Apparent diffusion coefficient values obtained at 3
      T were systematically larger than at 1.5 T, demonstrating that susceptibility
      effects are statistically significant even at clinical field strengths (B(0) <= 3
      T) and introduce biases in the estimates of airway dimensions (e.g., mean linear
      intercept up to 17% larger at 3 T than 1.5 T). Susceptibility effects should be
      taken into account in the development of theoretical models of lung (3)He MR
      diffusion and considered when interpreting (3)He apparent diffusion coefficients
      obtained at different B(0).

PMID- 22083759
TI  - High-temperature dielectric response of ferroelectric relaxors.
AB  - It has long been considered that polar nanoregions in relaxors form at Burns
      temperature T(d) ~ 600K. High-temperature dielectric investigations of
      Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3)) O(3) (PMN) single crystal, PMN-PbTiO(3) ceramics, and (Pb,La)
      (Zr,Ti)O(3) ceramics reveal, however, that dielectric dispersion, detected around
      600K, is due to the Maxwell-Wagner-type contributions of surface layers. The
      intrinsic response was analyzed in terms of the universal scaling, taking into
      account the asymptotic and the correction-to-scaling behavior, and the results
      imply much higher T(d) or formation of polar nanoregions in a broad temperature
      range. High values of the dielectric constant indicate, however, that polar order
      already exists at the highest measured temperatures of 800K. The obtained
      critical exponents indicate critical behavior associated with universality
      classes typically found in spin glasses.

PMID- 22083760
TI  - Terahertz dielectric response of ferroelectric Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 thin films.
AB  - Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy has been used to investigate the dielectric
      and optical properties of ferroelectric Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO(3) thin films for nominal
      x-values of 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 in the frequency range of 0.3 to 2.5 THz. The
      ferroelectric thin films were deposited at approximately 700 nm thickness on
      [001] MgO substrate by pulsed laser deposition. The measured complex dielectric
      and optical constants were compared with the Cole-Cole relaxation model. The
      results show that the Cole-Cole relaxation model fits well with the data
      throughout the frequency range and the dielectric relaxation behavior of
      ferroelectric Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO(3) thin films varies with the films compositions.
      Among the compositions of Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO(3) films with different Ba/Sr ratios,
      Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO(3) has the highest dielectric constants and the shortest
      dielectric relaxation time.

PMID- 22083761
TI  - 80-MHz intravascular ultrasound transducer using PMN-PT free-standing film.
AB  - [Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)](0.63)[PbTiO(3)](0.37) (PMN-PT) free-standing film of
      comparable piezoelectric properties to bulk material with thickness of 30 MUm has
      been fabricated using a modified precursor coating approach. At 1 kHz, the
      dielectric permittivity and loss were 4364 and 0.033, respectively. The remnant
      polarization and coercive field were 28 MUC/cm(2) and 18.43 kV/cm. The
      electromechanical coupling coefficient k(t) was measured to be 0.55, which was
      close to that of bulk PMN-PT single-crystal material. Based on this film, high
      frequency (82 MHz) miniature ultrasonic transducers were fabricated with 65%
      bandwidth and 23 dB insertion loss. Axial and lateral resolutions were determined
      to be as high as 35 and 176 MUm. In vitro intravascular imaging on healthy rabbit
      aorta was performed using the thin film transducers. In comparison with a 35-MHz
      IVUS transducer, the 80-MHz transducer showed superior resolution and contrast
      with satisfactory penetration depth. The imaging results suggest that PMN-PT free
      standing thin film technology is a feasible and efficient way to fabricate very
      high-frequency ultrasonic transducers.

PMID- 22083762
TI  - Miniaturized acceleration sensors with in-plane polarized piezoelectric thin
      films produced by micromachining.
AB  - Miniaturized acceleration sensors employing piezoelectric thin films were
      fabricated through batch micromachining with silicon and silicon-on-insulator
      (SOI) wafers. The acceleration sensors comprised multiple suspension beams
      supporting a central seismic mass. Ferroelectric (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti) O(3) (PLZT) thin
      films were coated and in-plane polarized on the surfaces of the suspension beams
      for realizing electromechanical conversion through the piezoelectric effect.
      Interdigital electrodes were formed on the PLZT films and connected in parallel.
      Finite element analyses were conducted for the stress and strain distributions,
      providing guidance to the structural design, including optimizing electrode
      positioning for collecting the electrical output constructively. Uniformity of
      the beam thickness and sample consistency were significantly improved by using
      SOI wafers instead of silicon wafers. The measurement results showed that all the
      sensor samples had fundamental resonances of symmetric out-of-plane vibration
      mode at frequencies in the range of 8 to 35 kHz, depending on the sample
      dimensions. These sensors exhibited stable electrical outputs in response to
      acceleration input, achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio without any external
      amplifier or signal conditioning.

PMID- 22083763
TI  - Oscillator frequency stability improvement by means of negative feedback.
AB  - A novel, simple method is proposed to increase the frequency stability of an
      oscillator. An additional negative feedback is used in combination with the
      positive loop of the harmonic oscillator to decrease the phase sensitivity to
      fluctuations of parameters other than the resonator. The main advantage of the
      proposed correction approach is that it does not require expensive external
      elements such as mixers or resonators. The validity of the method is
      theoretically demonstrated on a Colpitts oscillator using the control system
      theory approach and numerical simulations, and is experimentally verified with
      phase noise measurements of an actual oscillator-mockup. It is shown that the
      medium-term frequency stability can be easily improved by a factor of ten.

PMID- 22083764
TI  - Assessment of viscous and elastic properties of sub-wavelength layered soft
      tissues using shear wave spectroscopy: theoretical framework and in vitro
      experimental validation.
AB  - In elastography, quantitative imaging of soft tissue elastic properties is
      provided by local shear wave speed estimation. Shear wave imaging in a
      homogeneous medium thicker than the shear wavelength is eased by a simple
      relationship between shear wave speed and local shear modulus. In thin layered
      organs, the shear wave is guided and thus undergoes dispersive effects. This case
      is encountered in medical applications such as elastography of skin layers,
      corneas, or arterial walls. In this work, we proposed and validated shear wave
      spectroscopy as a method for elastic modulus quantification in such layered
      tissues. Shear wave dispersion curves in thin layers were obtained by finite
      difference simulations and numerical solving of the boundary conditions. In
      addition, an analytical approximation of the dispersion equation was derived from
      the leaky Lamb wave theory. In vitro dispersion curves obtained from phantoms
      were consistent with numerical studies (deviation <1.4%). The least-mean-squares
      fitting of the dispersion curves enables a quantitative and accurate (error < 5%
      of the transverse speed) assessment of the elasticity. Dispersion curves were
      also found to be poorly influenced by shear viscosity. This phenomenon allows
      independent recovery of the shear modulus and the viscosity, using, respectively,
      the dispersion curve and the attenuation estimation along the propagation axis.

PMID- 22083765
TI  - Dual-pulse frequency compounded superharmonic imaging.
AB  - Tissue second-harmonic imaging is currently the default mode in commercial
      diagnostic ultrasound systems. A new modality, superharmonic imaging (SHI),
      combines the third through fifth harmonics originating from nonlinear wave
      propagation through tissue. SHI could further improve the resolution and quality
      of echographic images. The superharmonics have gaps between the harmonics because
      the transducer has a limited bandwidth of about 70% to 80%. This causes ghost
      reflection artifacts in the superharmonic echo image. In this work, a new dual
      pulse frequency compounding (DPFC) method to eliminate these artifacts is
      introduced. In the DPFC SHI method, each trace is constructed by summing two
      firings with slightly different center frequencies. The feasibility of the method
      was established using a single-element transducer. Its acoustic field was modeled
      in KZK simulations and compared with the corresponding measurements obtained with
      a hydrophone apparatus. Subsequently, the method was implemented on and optimized
      for a setup consisting of an interleaved phased-array transducer (44 elements at
      1 MHz and 44 elements at 3.7 MHz, optimized for echocardiography) and a
      programmable ultrasound system. DPFC SHI effectively suppresses the ghost
      reflection artifacts associated with imaging using multiple harmonics. Moreover,
      compared with the single-pulse third harmonic, DPFC SHI improved the axial
      resolution by 3.1 and 1.6 times at the -6-dB and -20-dB levels, respectively.
      Hence, DPFC offers the possibility of generating harmonic images of a higher
      quality at a cost of a moderate frame rate reduction.

PMID- 22083766
TI  - Time-delay spectrometry measurement of magnitude and phase of hydrophone
      response.
AB  - A method based on time-delay spectrometry (TDS) was developed for measuring both
      magnitude and phase response of a hydrophone. The method was tested on several
      types of hydrophones used in medical ultrasound exposimetry over the range from 5
      to 18 MHz. These included polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) spot-poled membrane,
      needle, and capsule designs. One needle hydrophone was designed for high
      intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) applications. The average reproducibility
      (after repositioning the hydrophone) of the phase measurement was 2.4 degrees .
      The minimum-phase model, which implies that the phase response is equal to the
      inverse Hilbert transform of the natural logarithm of the magnitude response, was
      tested with TDS hydrophone data. Direct TDS-based measurements of hydrophone
      phase responses agreed well with calculations based on the minimum-phase model,
      with rms differences of 1.76 degrees  (PVDF spot-poled membrane hydrophone), 3.10
      degrees  (PVDF capsule hydrophone), 3.43 degrees  (PVDF needle hydrophone), and
      3.36 degrees  (ceramic needle hydrophone) over the range from 5 to 18 MHz.
      Therefore, phase responses for several types of hydrophones may be inferred from
      measurements of their magnitude responses. Calculation of phase response based on
      magnitude response using the minimumphase model is a relatively simple and
      practical alternative to direct measurement of phase.

PMID- 22083768
TI  - A restoration framework for ultrasonic tissue characterization.
AB  - Ultrasonic tissue characterization has become an area of intensive research. This
      procedure generally relies on the analysis of the unprocessed echo signal.
      Because the ultrasound echo is degraded by the non-ideal system point spread
      function, a deconvolution step could be employed to provide an estimate of the
      tissue response that could then be exploited for a more accurate
      characterization. In medical ultrasound, deconvolution is commonly used to
      increase diagnostic reliability of ultrasound images by improving their contrast
      and resolution. Most successful algorithms address deconvolution in a maximum a
      posteriori estimation framework; this typically leads to the solution of l(2)
      norm or (1)-norm constrained optimization problems, depending on the choice of
      the prior distribution. Although these techniques are sufficient to obtain
      relevant image visual quality improvements, the obtained reflectivity estimates
      are, however, not appropriate for classification purposes. In this context, we
      introduce in this paper a maximum a posteriori deconvolution framework expressly
      derived to improve tissue characterization. The algorithm overcomes limitations
      associated with standard techniques by using a nonstandard prior model for the
      tissue response. We present an evaluation of the algorithm performance using both
      computer simulations and tissue-mimicking phantoms. These studies reveal
      increased accuracy in the characterization of media with different properties. A
      comparison with state-of-the-art Wiener and l(1)-norm deconvolution techniques
      attests to the superiority of the proposed algorithm.

PMID- 22083767
TI  - Lesion generation through ribs using histotripsy therapy without aberration
      correction.
AB  - This study investigates the feasibility of using high-intensity pulsed
      therapeutic ultrasound, or histotripsy, to non-invasively generate lesions
      through the ribs. Histotripsy therapy mechanically ablates tissue through the
      generation of a cavitation bubble cloud, which occurs when the focal pressure
      exceeds a certain threshold. We hypothesize that histotripsy can generate precise
      lesions through the ribs without aberration correction if the main lobe retains
      its shape and exceeds the cavitation initiation threshold and the secondary lobes
      remain below the threshold. To test this hypothesis, a 750-kHz focused transducer
      was used to generate lesions in tissue-mimicking phantoms with and without the
      presence of rib aberrators. In all cases, 8000 pulses with 16 to 18 MPa peak
      rarefactional pressure at a repetition frequency of 100 Hz were applied without
      aberration correction. Despite the high secondary lobes introduced by the
      aberrators, high-speed imaging showed that bubble clouds were generated
      exclusively at the focus, resulting in well-confined lesions with comparable
      dimensions. Collateral damage from secondary lobes was negligible, caused by
      single bubbles that failed to form a cloud. These results support our hypothesis,
      suggesting that histotripsy has a high tolerance for aberrated fields and can
      generate confined focal lesions through rib obstacles without aberration
      correction.

PMID- 22083770
TI  - Analysis of interaction between two SAW modes in Pt grating on langasite cut (0
      degrees , 138.5 degrees , 26.6 degrees ).
AB  - The numerical technique based on a previously developed rational approximation of
      harmonic admittance of a periodic grating was applied to analysis of SAW behavior
      in platinum grating on langasite cut with Euler angles (0 degrees , 138.5 degrees
      , 26.6 degrees ). The approximation is able to take into account interaction
      between surface and bulk waves or between two SAW modes. SAW dispersion was
      calculated at different values of electrode thickness varying between 1% and 4%
      of wavelength. It was found that with increasing Pt thickness, SAW behavior in
      the grating is strongly affected by interaction between two SAW modes propagating
      in the same orientation. An additional stopband, which results from this
      interaction, occurs at certain detuning from synchronous reflection condition and
      can cause spurious resonances of the admittance function. Interaction between two
      SAW modes is also responsible for anomalously slow growth of reflectivity with
      increasing platinum thickness.

PMID- 22083769
TI  - Use of smoothing splines for analysis of backscattered ultrasonic waveforms:
      application to monitoring of steroid treatment of dystrophic mice.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disease characterized by
      progressive weakness and wasting of skeletal and cardiac muscle; boys present
      with weakness by the age of 5 years and, if left untreated, are unable to walk
      without assistance by the age of 10 years. Therapy for DMD has been primarily
      palliative, with oral steroids emerging as a first-line approach even though this
      treatment has serious side-effects. Consequently, low-cost imaging technology
      suitable for improved diagnosis and treatment monitoring of DMD would be of great
      value, especially in remote and underserved areas. Previously, we reported use of
      the logarithm of the signal energy, log [E(f)], and a new method for ultrasound
      signal characterization using entropy, H(f), to monitor prednisolone treatment of
      skeletal muscle in a dystrophin-deficient mouse model. Three groups were studied:
      mdx mice treated with prednisolone, a control group of mdx mice treated with
      saline, and a control group of wild-type mice treated with saline. It was found
      that both log [E(f)] and H(f) were required to statistically differentiate the
      three groups. In the current study, we show that preprocessing of the raw
      ultrasound using optimal smoothing splines before computation of either log
      [E(f)] or a rapidly computable variant of Hf, denoted I(f,infinity), permits
      delineation of all three groups by either metric alone. This opens the way to the
      ultimate goal of this study, which is identification and implementation of new
      diagnostically sensitive algorithms on the new generation of low-cost hand-held
      clinical ultrasonic imaging systems.

PMID- 22083771
TI  - Revisited mode-expansion method for elastic strips.
AB  - The mode-expansion method is widely applied in waveguide analysis. Particular
      applications usually include only a few modes to obtain explicit analytical
      results for simple waveguides. Here, we apply the method to the evaluation of the
      dynamic properties of elastic strips; to obtain useful results for thin strips,
      tens of plate modes must be involved in the expansion, representing the vibration
      shape of the strip. Although this increases the numerical complexity of the
      analysis, it is still easy for both numerical implementation and for physical
      interpretation of results. The final result we seek in this paper is the matrix
      of harmonic impedance of strips that provides dependence of displacements on both
      upper and lower sides of a strip of rectangular cross-section on arbitrary
      traction applied to these sides, where both the traction and displacements are
      expressed in the spatial Fourier series (other sides of strips are assumed to be
      stress-free). Detailed discussion of numerical issues is provided for isotropic
      strips and example applications are presented for strips interacting with surface
      waves or with other strips arranged in a "woodpile" super-lattice.

PMID- 22083772
TI  - Maximization of the effective impulse delivered by a high-frequency/low-frequency
      planetary drill tool.
AB  - Ultrasonic tools are used for a variety of cutting applications in surgery and
      the food industry, but when they are applied to harder materials, such as rock,
      their cutting performance declines because of the low effective impulse delivered
      by each vibration cycle. To overcome this problem, a technique known as high
      frequency/low-frequency (or alternatively, ultrasonic/sonic) drilling is
      employed. In this approach, an ultrasonic step-horn is used to deliver an impulse
      to a free mass which subsequently moves toward a drilling bit, delivering the
      impulse on contact. The free mass then rebounds to complete the cycle. The horn
      has time between impacts to build significant vibration amplitude and thus
      delivers a much larger impulse to the free mass than could be delivered if it
      were applied directly to the target. To maximize the impulse delivered to the
      target by the cutting bit, both the momentum transfer from the ultrasonic horn to
      the free mass and the dynamics of the horn/free mass/cutting bit stack must be
      optimized. This paper uses finite element techniques to optimize the ultrasonic
      horns and numerical propagation of the stack dynamics to maximize the delivered
      effective impulse, validated in both cases by extensive experimental analysis.

PMID- 22083773
TI  - A cylindrical traveling wave ultrasonic motor using a circumferential composite
      transducer.
AB  - This paper intends to present and verify a new idea for constructing traveling
      wave ultrasonic motors that may effectively avoid the drawbacks of conventional
      traveling wave motors using bonded PZT plates as the exciting elements. In the
      configuration of the motor's stator, a composite sandwich type transducer is used
      to excite a traveling wave in a cylinder with two cantilevers as the coupling
      bridges between the transducer and the cylinder. The design process of the stator
      is described using the FEM modal analysis method, and the establishment of
      traveling wave on the cylindrical stator was simulated by FEM transient analysis.
      To verify the theoretical analysis results, a laser Doppler scanner was employed
      to test the mode shapes of a prototype stator excited by the longitudinal and
      bending vibrations respectively. Finally, to validate the design idea, a
      prototype motor was fabricated and tested; the typical output features are no
      load speed of 156 rpm and maximum torque of 0.75 N.m under exciting voltages of
      70 V(rms) applied to excite the longitudinal vibration of the transducer and 200
      V(rms) applied to excite the bending vibration.

PMID- 22083774
TI  - Fast direct solution of 3-D scattering problems via nonuniform grid-based matrix
      compression.
AB  - A fast non-iterative algorithm for the solution of large 3-D acoustic scattering
      problems is presented. The proposed approach can be used in conjunction with the
      conventional boundary element discretization of the integral equations of
      acoustic scattering. The algorithm involves domain decomposition and uses the
      nonuniform grid (NG) approach for the initial compression of the interactions
      between each subdomain and the rest of the scatterer. These interactions,
      represented by the off-diagonal blocks of the boundary element method matrix, are
      then further compressed while constructing sets of interacting and local basis
      and testing functions. The compressed matrix is obtained by eliminating the local
      degrees of freedom through the Schur's complement-based technique procedure
      applied to the diagonal blocks. In the solution process, the interacting unknowns
      are first determined by solving the compressed system equations. Subsequently,
      the local degrees of freedom are determined for each subdomain. The proposed
      technique effectively reduces the oversampling typically needed when using low
      order discretization techniques and provides significant computational savings.

PMID- 22083775
TI  - Membrane hydrophone phase characteristics through nonlinear acoustics
      measurements.
AB  - This work considers the need for both the amplitude and phase to fully
      characterize polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane hydrophones and presents a
      comprehensive discussion of the nonlinear acoustic measurements utilized to
      extract the phase information and the experimental results taken with two widely
      used PVDF membrane hydrophones up to 100 MHz. A semi-empirical computer model
      utilized the hyperbolic propagation operator to predict the nonlinear pressure
      field and provide the complex frequency response of the corresponding source
      transducer. The PVDF hydrophone phase characteristics, which were obtained
      directly from the difference between the computer-modeled nonlinear field
      simulation and the corresponding measured harmonic frequency phase values, agree
      to within 10% with the phase predictions obtained from receive-transfer-function
      simulations based on software modeling of the membrane's physical properties.
      Cable loading effects and membrane hydrophone resonances were distinguished and
      identified through a series of impedance measurements and receive transfer
      function simulations on the hydrophones including their hard-wired coaxial
      cables. The results obtained indicate that the PVDF membrane hydrophone's phase
      versus frequency plot exhibits oscillations about a monotonically decreasing
      line. The maxima and minima inflection point slopes occur at the membrane
      thickness resonances and antiresonances, respectively. A cable resonance was seen
      at 100 MHz for the hydrophone with a 1-m cable attached, but not seen for the
      hydrophone with a shorter 0.65-m cable.

PMID- 22083776
TI  - ZnO-based FBAR resonators with carbon nanotube electrodes.
AB  - Film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) devices with carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes
      directly grown on a ZnO film by thermal chemical vapor deposition have been
      fabricated. CNT electrodes possess a very low density and high acoustic
      impedance, which reduces the intrinsic mass loading effect resulting from the
      electrodes? weight and better confines the longitudinal acoustic standing waves
      inside the resonator, in turn providing a resonator with a higher quality factor.
      The influence of the CNTs on the frequency response of the FBAR devices was
      studied by comparing two identical sets of devices; one set comprised FBARs
      fabricated with chromium/ gold bilayer electrodes, and the second set comprised
      FBARs fabricated with CNT electrodes. It was found that the CNTs had a
      significant effect on attenuating traveling waves at the surface of the FBARs'
      membranes because of their high elastic stiffness. Three-dimensional finite
      element analysis of the devices fabricated was carried out, and the numerical
      simulations were consistent with the experimental results obtained.

PMID- 22083777
TI  - A hybrid method for calibrating acoustic arrays.
AB  - A method to calibrate the elements of large arrays devoted to underwater
      applications is presented. The goal is to measure the sensitivity and directivity
      of the elements over their full bandwidth. The main constraint comes from the
      bounded geometry of the experimental setups that limits the duration of the time
      windows available for analyzing the received signals. Using a short wideband
      pulse is detrimental to obtaining high signal-to-noise ratios. A classical method
      for handling this problem is time-delay spectrometry (TDS), which is based on the
      transmission of a linear frequency- modulated signal combined with a sliding
      frequency filter. An alternative, hybrid method based on the transmission of a
      sequence of time-frequency-limited signals is proposed. This hybrid method is
      shown to provide the same spectral density as TDS in the frequency scanning, but
      the filtering process is quite different. The transmitted signals are designed to
      take advantage of the coherent sums of the received signals to track the time of
      flight of the direct paths between the source and the elements. In addition, a
      fitting process based on the calibration geometry of data acquisition enables the
      boundaries of the interference-free time windows to be precisely delineated. An
      example of the application is described.

PMID- 22083778
TI  - Modeling of surface acoustic wave strain sensors using coupling-of-modes
      analysis.
AB  - SAW devices may be configured as strain sensors, providing passive, wireless
      strain measurement in demanding conditions. A key consideration is the modeling
      of the sensors, enabling different device designs to be considered. This paper
      presents a simulation scheme using coupling-of-modes (COM) analysis which allows
      both the frequency response of a SAW strain sensor and its bias sensitivity to be
      evaluated. Example applications are presented to demonstrate the use of the
      model.

PMID- 22083779
TI  - Determination of mass density, dielectric, elastic, and piezoelectric constants
      of bulk GaN crystal.
AB  - Mass density, dielectric, elastic, and piezoelectric constants of bulk GaN
      crystal were determined. Mass density was obtained from the measured ratio of
      mass to volume of a cuboid. The dielectric constants were determined from the
      measured capacitances of an interdigital transducer (IDT) deposited on a Z-cut
      plate and from a parallel plate capacitor fabricated from this plate. The elastic
      and piezoelectric constants were determined by comparing the measured and
      calculated SAW velocities and electromechanical coupling coefficients on the Z-
      and X-cut plates. The following new constants were obtained: mass density p =
      5986 kg/m(3); relative dielectric constants (at constant strain S)
      epsilon(S)(11)/epsilon(0) = 8.6 and epsilon(S)(11)/epsilon(0) = 10.5, where
      epsilon(0) is a dielectric constant of free space; elastic constants (at constant
      electric field E) C(E)(11) = 349.7, C(E)(12) = 128.1, C(E)(13) = 129.4, C(E)(33)
      = 430.3, and C(E)(44) = 96.5 GPa; and piezoelectric constants e(33) = 0.84, e(31)
      = -0.47, and e(15) = -0.41 C/m(2).

PMID- 22083780
TI  - Deep-collapse operation of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers.
AB  - Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have been introduced as a
      promising technology for ultrasound imaging and therapeutic ultrasound
      applications which require high transmitted pressures for increased penetration,
      high signal-to-noise ratio, and fast heating. However, output power limitation of
      CMUTs compared with piezoelectrics has been a major drawback. In this work, we
      show that the output pressure of CMUTs can be significantly increased by deep
      collapse operation, which utilizes an electrical pulse excitation much higher
      than the collapse voltage. We extend the analyses made for CMUTs working in the
      conventional (uncollapsed) region to the collapsed region and experimentally
      verify the findings. The static deflection profile of a collapsed membrane is
      calculated by an analytical approach within 0.6% error when compared with static,
      electromechanical finite element method (FEM) simulations. The electrical and
      mechanical restoring forces acting on a collapsed membrane are calculated. It is
      demonstrated that the stored mechanical energy and the electrical energy increase
      nonlinearly with increasing pulse amplitude if the membrane has a full-coverage
      top electrode. Utilizing higher restoring and electrical forces in the deep
      collapsed region, we measure 3.5 MPa peak-to-peak pressure centered at 6.8 MHz
      with a 106% fractional bandwidth at the surface of the transducer with a collapse
      voltage of 35 V, when the pulse amplitude is 160 V. The experimental results are
      verified using transient FEM simulations.

PMID- 22083781
TI  - Comparison of template-matching and singular-spectrum-analysis methods for
      imaging implanted brachytherapy seeds.
AB  - Brachytherapy using small implanted radioactive seeds is becoming an increasingly
      popular method for treating prostate cancer, in which a radiation oncologist
      implants seeds in the prostate transperineally under ultrasound guidance.
      Dosimetry software determines the optimal placement of seeds for achieving the
      prescribed dose based on ultrasonic determination of the gland boundaries.
      However, because of prostate movement and distortion during the implantation
      procedure, some seeds may not be placed in the desired locations; this causes the
      delivered dose to differ from the prescribed dose. Current ultrasonic imaging
      methods generally cannot depict the implanted seeds accurately. We are
      investigating new ultrasonic imaging methods that show promise for enhancing the
      visibility of seeds and thereby enabling real-time detection and correction of
      seed-placement errors during the implantation procedure. Real-time correction of
      seed-placement errors will improve the therapeutic radiation dose delivered to
      target tissues. In this work, we compare the potential performance of a template
      matching method and a previously published method based on singular spectrum
      analysis for imaging seeds. In particular, we evaluated how changes in seed angle
      and position relative to the ultrasound beam affect seed detection. The
      conclusion of the present study is that singular spectrum analysis has better
      sensitivity but template matching is more resistant to false positives; both
      perform well enough to make seed detection clinically feasible over a relevant
      range of angles and positions. Combining the information provided by the two
      methods may further reduce ambiguities in determining where seeds are located.

PMID- 22083782
TI  - Radially composite piezoelectric ceramic tubular transducer in radial vibration.
AB  - The radially composite piezoelectric tubular transducer is studied. It is
      composed of radially poled piezoelectric and a long metal tube. The electro
      mechanical equivalent circuit of the radially poled piezoelectric and metal tube
      in radial vibration is obtained. Based on the force and velocity boundary
      conditions, the six-port electro-mechanical equivalent circuit for the composite
      tubular transducer is given and the resonance/anti-resonance frequency equations
      are obtained. The relationship between the resonance frequency and the dimensions
      is analyzed. Numerically simulated results obtained by the finite element method
      are compared with those from the analytical method. Composite piezoelectric
      tubular transducers are designed and manufactured. The resonance/anti-resonance
      frequencies are measured, and it is shown that the theoretical results are in
      good agreement with the simulated and experimental results. It is expected that
      radially composite piezoelectric tubular transducers can be used as high-power
      ultrasonic radiators in ultrasonic applications, such as ultrasonic liquid
      processing.

PMID- 22083783
TI  - Limitations of meta-analyses.

PMID- 22083784
TI  - The use of glass beads cultivation system to study the global effect of the ppk
      gene inactivation in Streptomyces lividans.
AB  - The glass beads cultivation system developed in our laboratory for physiological
      studies of filamentous microorganisms supports differentiation and allows
      complete recovery of bacterial colonies and their natural products from
      cultivation plates. Here, we used this system to study the global effect of ppk
      gene disruption in Streptomyces lividans. The ppk encoding the enzyme
      polyphosphate kinase (P) catalyses the reversible polymerisation of gamma
      phosphate of ATP to polyphosphates. The resulting are phosphate and energy stock
      polymers. Because P activity impacts the overall energetic state of the cell, it
      is also connected to secondary metabolite (e.g. antibiotic) biosynthesis. We
      analysed the global effects of the disruption of this gene including its
      influence on the production of pigmented antibiotics, on morphological
      differentiation, on the levels of ATP and on the whole cytoplasmic protein
      expression pattern of S. lividans. We observed that the S. lividans ppk mutant
      produced antibiotics earlier and in greater amount than the wild-type (wt)
      strain. On the other hand, we did not observe any obvious effect on colony
      morphological development. In agreement with the function of Ppk, we detected
      much lower levels of ATP in ppk- mutant than in the wt strain. Proteomic analysis
      revealed that the genes that were influenced by ppk inactivation included enzymes
      involved in carbon or nitrogen metabolism, phosphate transport and components of
      the cell translational machinery. We showed that the synthesis of translation
      elongation factor Tu is during sporulation much higher in ppk- mutant than in
      wild-type strain.

PMID- 22083785
TI  - Genetic and virulence characterization of Streptococcus suis type 2 isolates from
      swine in the provinces of Zhejiang and Henan, China.
AB  - This study was aimed to examine the genetic characteristics of 44 Streptococcus
      suis type 2 (SS2) isolates and the virulence attributes of 23 representative
      isolates. Multilocus sequence typing revealed five sequence types (ST1, ST7,
      ST28, ST86, and ST162) with 19 isolates assigned to ST7 (43.2%), 14 to ST1
      (31.8%), and 9 to ST28 (20.5%). PCR typing of the pilus gene clusters classified
      the isolates into three types: A (72.7%), B (22.7%), and N (4.5%). All isolates
      of pilus types A and N were assigned to the ST1 complex containing ST1, ST7, and
      ST86, while those of type B belonged to the ST27 complex comprising ST28 and
      ST162. Only two strains had the putative pathogenicity island 89-kb cluster (89K)
      and were of type N. The type B strains had a significantly lower adhesion, were
      more readily killed by macrophage, and had lower virulence to mice than those of
      types A and N. We conclude that SS2 strains of both ST1 and ST27 complexes,
      parallel to pilus types A and B, were prevalent in the pig populations in
      Zhejiang Province, and ST7 and ST1 strains were the predominant genotypes in the
      diseased pigs with pneumonia.

PMID- 22083786
TI  - A survey on distribution and toxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus from indoor and
      outdoor hospital environments.
AB  - In the present study, genetic diversity and mycotoxin profiles of Aspergillus
      flavus isolated from air (indoors and outdoors), levels (surfaces), and soils of
      five hospitals in Southwest Iran were examined. From a total of 146 Aspergillus
      colonies, 63 isolates were finally identified as A. flavus by a combination of
      colony morphology, microscopic criteria, and mycotoxin profiles. No Aspergillus
      parasiticus was isolated from examined samples. Chromatographic analyses of A.
      flavus isolates cultured on yeast extract-sucrose broth by tip culture method
      showed that approximately 10% and 45% of the isolates were able to produce
      aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), respectively. Around 40% of
      the isolates produced sclerotia on Czapek-Dox agar. The isolates were classified
      into four chemotypes based on the ability to produce AF and CPA that majority of
      them (55.5%) belonged to chemotype IV comprising non-mycotoxigenic isolates.
      Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles generated by a combination of
      four selected primers were used to assess genetic relatedness of 16 selected
      toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates. The resulting dendrogram demonstrated the
      formation of two separate clusters for the A. flavus comprised both mycotoxigenic
      and non-toxigenic isolates in a random distribution. The obtained results in this
      study showed that RAPD profiling is a promising and efficient tool to determine
      intra-specific genetic variation among A. flavus populations from hospital
      environments. A. flavus isolates, either toxigenic or non-toxigenic, should be
      considered as potential threats for hospitalized patients due to their obvious
      role in the etiology of nosocomial aspergillosis.

PMID- 22083787
TI  - Diagnostic properties of three conventional selective plating media for selection
      of Bacillus cereus, B. thuringiensis and B. weihenstephanensis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic properties of the two
      selective plating media and a chromogenic medium for identification of Bacillus
      cereus. The 324 isolates were B. cereus (37%), Bacillus weihenstephanensis (45%)
      or Bacillus thuringiensis (18%), as identified by a new combination of
      techniques. All isolates were growing on mannitol-egg yolk-polymyxin agar (MYP),
      and they did not form acid from mannitol. However, a significant lower number of
      B. thuringiensis isolates did not show lecithinase activity. All isolates were
      also growing on polymyxin-egg yolk-mannitol-bromothymol blue agar (PEMBA);
      however, 11% isolates indicated that they did produce acid from mannitol, and 15%
      isolates did not show any lecithinase activity. Five of the isolates did not grow
      at all on the chromogenic agar, and 14 of the growing isolates were beta
      glucosidase negative. It is concluded that the two recommended selective plating
      media MYP and PEMBA for detection of B. cereus group bacteria both have their
      limitations for identification of some B. cereus, B. weihenstephanensis or B.
      thuringiensis. However, MYP is preferable compared to PEMBA. The chromogenic
      medium has its own advantages and limitations, and some of the limitations seem
      to be solved by incubation at 30 degrees C instead of the recommended 37 degrees
      C.

PMID- 22083788
TI  - The role of ABC efflux pump, Rv1456c-Rv1457c-Rv1458c, from Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis clinical isolates in China.
AB  - Recently the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux pumps have been proved to be a
      major component of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The objective
      of this study was to investigate the expression profiles of Rv1456c-Rv1457c
      Rv1458c efflux system in clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis and its involvement
      in drug-resistance mechanisms. Significantly increased mRNA expression of
      Rv1456c, Rv1457c, and Rv1458c appeared among the clinical isolates (P < 0.05),
      which are resistant to at least one of the four first-line drugs including
      rifampin, isoniazid, streptomycin, and ethambutol. In addition, overexpression of
      this efflux system was more frequently found in multidrug-resistant and
      extensively drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains. Therefore, Rv1456c-Rv1457c
      Rv1458c efflux pumps may play an important role in drug resistance of treatment
      of M. tuberculosis. Further investigation of this gene may lead to the
      development of countermeasures against M. tuberculosis drug resistance.

PMID- 22083789
TI  - Mutational biosynthesis of neomycin analogs by a mutant of neomycin-producing
      Streptomyces fradiae.
AB  - Neomycin, produced by Streptomyces fradiae, has been widely used for the
      treatment of bacterial infections in clinical and agricultural applications. In
      this study, a neomycin nonproducing mutant of S. fradiae was obtained by gene
      disruption technique for mutational biosynthesis. A crucial gene neoC (neo7)
      which encodes 2-deoxystreptamine (2-DOS) synthases was disrupted. The mutant
      could resume producing neomycin in the presence of 2-DOS. Salen derivatives of 2
      DOS were synthesized and individually added to cultures of the mutant.
      Antibacterial activity of the mutasynthesis products against Staphylococcus
      aureus and four plant pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas solanacarum, Erwinia
      carotovora, Xanthomonas oryzae, and Xanthomonas campestris) was detected
      quantitatively by Oxford cup method. It is suggested that all 2-DOS derivatives
      were incorporated by the mutant into new active neomycin analogs except for 2-DOS
      derivative 2d ((1R,2r,3S,4R,6S)-4,6-bis((E)-3,5-di-tert-butyl-2
      hydroxybenzylideneamino)cyclohexane-1,2,3-triol). Neomycin analogs produced by
      feeding 2-DOS derivative 2a ((1R,2r,3S,4R,6S)-4,6-bis((E)-2
      hydroxybenzylideneamino)cyclohexane-1,2,3-triol) to cultures of the mutant
      displayed a similar antibacterial activity with neomycin produced by wild strain.

PMID- 22083790
TI  - BioMart: driving a paradigm change in biological data management.

PMID- 22083791
TI  - Effects of oligosaccharides on phase transition temperatures and rheological
      characteristics of waxy rice starch dispersion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The creation of starch-based foods incorporated with functional
      ingredients such as probiotics is of great current interest in the food industry.
      This study aimed to investigate the effects of prebiotic oligosaccharides on the
      phase transition temperatures and rheological characteristics of waxy rice starch
      dispersions. Four oligosaccharides were applied to the rice starch dispersions:
      chitooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides and
      xylooligosaccharides. RESULTS: The addition of 125 g kg(-1) oligosaccharides
      elevated the onset and peak temperatures for gelatinisation of 200-400 g kg(-1)
      waxy rice starch dispersions. The temperature of the storage modulus (G') for
      gelatinisation increased markedly on adding fructooligosaccharides to 200-300 g
      kg(-1) waxy rice starch. For gelatinisation of 300 g kg(-1) rice starch
      dispersion the effectiveness of the oligosaccharides in changing the above
      parameters was as follows: chitooligosaccharides > fructooligosaccharides >
      isomaltooligosaccharides > xylooligosaccharides. Moreover, their effectiveness
      was dependent on the amylose content, as illustrated by comparing waxy and non
      waxy rice starches (amylose contents 9-256 g kg(-1)). Importantly, the
      logarithmic G'(95) change was linearly and negatively correlated with amylose
      content. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that oligosaccharide-containing rice
      starch dispersions may potentially be used for the formulation of oligosaccharide
      containing starchy functional foods owing to the rheological changes of these
      starch dispersions.

PMID- 22083792
TI  - Forced degradation of therapeutic proteins.
AB  - The scope of this paper is to review approaches used for forced degradation
      (synonym, stress testing) of therapeutic proteins. Forced degradation studies
      play a central role in the development of therapeutic proteins, for example, for
      candidate selection, molecule characterization, formulation development, assay
      development, and comparability studies. Typical stress methods are addressed
      within this review, such as exposure to elevated temperatures, freeze-thawing,
      mechanical stress, oxidation, light, as well as various materials and devices
      used in the clinics during final administration. Stability testing is briefly
      described as far as relevant to the discussion of forced degradation studies.
      Whereas stability-testing requirements are defined in regulatory guidelines,
      standard procedures for forced degradation of therapeutic proteins are largely
      unavailable, except for photostability. Possible selection criteria to identify
      appropriate stress conditions and recommendations for setting up forced
      degradation studies for the different phases of development of therapeutic
      proteins are presented.

PMID- 22083794
TI  - Modification of poly(ether urethane) with fluorinated phosphorylcholine
      polyurethane for improvement of the blood compatibility.
AB  - In order to improve the blood compatibility, poly(ether urethane) (PEU) and
      fluorinated phosphorylcholine polyurethane (P-HFPC) were used to prepare PU/P
      HFPC blends by solution mixing. The hemocompatibility in vitro was evaluated with
      protein adsorption and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contact tests. It was found
      that the amount of adsorbed protein on surface was decreased by 87%, and almost
      no platelet adhesion and activation was observed on the surface of blends when P
      HFPC content was above 5 wt %. After adding P-HFPC, the blends basically kept
      favorable mechanical properties of PEU though the content of P-HFPC rises to 20
      wt %. To better understand the relationship between structure and properties, the
      phase structure and surface property of the blend films were further investigated
      via differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic force
      microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The
      results indicated that the fluorinated phosphorylcholine units could be easily
      enriched on the surface of blend films due to the phase separation between the
      PEU and P-HFPC. Therefore, ordinary poly(ether urethane)s can obtain both
      satisfactory blood compatibility and good mechanical properties just by blending
      with small amount of P-HFPC.

PMID- 22083793
TI  - Shadow enhancers: frequently asked questions about distributed cis-regulatory
      information and enhancer redundancy.
AB  - This paper, in the form of a frequently asked questions page (FAQ), addresses
      outstanding questions about "shadow enhancers", quasi-redundant cis-regulatory
      elements, and their proposed roles in transcriptional control. Questions include:
      What exactly are shadow enhancers? How many genes have
      shadow/redundant/distributed enhancers? How redundant are these elements? What is
      the function of distributed enhancers? How modular are enhancers? Is it useful to
      study a single enhancer in isolation? In addition, a revised definition of
      "shadow enhancers" is proposed, and possible mechanisms of shadow enhancer
      function and evolution are discussed.

PMID- 22083795
TI  - Development of a biodegradable, temperature-sensitive dextran-based polymer as a
      cell-detaching substrate.
AB  - A biodegradable, temperature-sensitive dextran-allyl isocyanate-ethylamine
      (TSDAIE) as a nonenzymatic cell detachment polymeric substrate for human
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is developed and examined. The lower critical
      solution temperature of TSDAIE is determined; its phase transition occurrs at 18
      to 22  degrees C. For EPC culture, cell culture flasks are coated with TSDAIE and
      type I collagen. The TSDAIE coating enables EPC detachment when the culture is
      cooled to 4  degrees C. The concentration of TSDAIE affects EPC attachment, which
      is thereby used to optimize the concentration of TSDAIE for coating. At the
      determined optimal concentration, TSDAIE is found to be compatible for use in EPC
      culture as revealed by cell attachment, spreading, proliferation, and phenotype.
      Overall, biodegradable TSDAIE shows promise for applications that culture and
      expand EPCs including vascular regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

PMID- 22083796
TI  - Symptoms and signs of posterior circulation ischemia in the new England medical
      center posterior circulation registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequencies of symptoms and signs in patients with
      posterior circulation ischemia in a large case series of prospectively collected
      patients. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Outpatient and inpatient setting at the
      New England Medical Center, a tertiary care referral center in Boston,
      Massachusetts. PATIENTS: Consecutive sample of 407 adult patients who had stroke
      and/or transient ischemic attacks in the posterior circulation within 6 months of
      study inclusion. All patients were examined by senior stroke neurologists. All
      patients had either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the
      brain as well as vascular imaging of the head and neck. The study included 256
      men (63%) and 151 women (37%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequencies of posterior
      circulation ischemic symptoms and signs. These outcome measures were planned
      before data collection began. Correlations between symptoms and signs with
      separate vascular territories of the posterior circulation were then analyzed.
      RESULTS: The most frequent posterior circulation symptoms were dizziness (47%),
      unilateral limb weakness (41%), dysarthria (31%), headache (28%), and nausea or
      vomiting (27%). The most frequent signs were unilateral limb weakness (38%), gait
      ataxia (31%), unilateral limb ataxia (30%), dysarthria (28%), and nystagmus
      (24%). Logistic regression analysis reveals that the clinical features dysphagia
      (P = .004; 95% CI, 1.8-24.4), nausea or vomiting (P = .002; 95% CI, 1.6-8.2),
      dizziness (P = .047; 95% CI, 1.0-5.4), and Horner syndrome (P = .001; 95% CI, 2.4
      26.6) were positively correlated with the proximal vascular territory. Unilateral
      limb weakness (P = .001; 95% CI, 1.7-8.7) and cranial nerve VII deficits (P =
      .02; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3) were positively correlated with the middle territory. Limb
      sensory deficit (P = .001; 95% CI, 1.8-7.8), lethargy (P = .001; 95% CI, 2.3
      12.4), and visual field loss (P = .001; 95% CI, 5.3-23.9) were positively
      correlated with the distal territory. CONCLUSIONS: We report the most frequent
      symptoms and signs in the largest published registry, the New England Medical
      Center Posterior Circulation Registry, of patients with posterior circulation
      ischemia who had complete neurological examinations and extensive cerebrovascular
      imaging. Knowledge of the vascular territory involved aids in the diagnosis of
      the causative vascular lesion and stroke mechanism.

PMID- 22083797
TI  - Clinical significance of rare copy number variations in epilepsy: a case-control
      survey using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform an extensive search for genomic rearrangements by
      microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization in patients with epilepsy.
      DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Epilepsy centers in Italy. PATIENTS:
      Two hundred seventy-nine patients with unexplained epilepsy, 265 individuals with
      nonsyndromic mental retardation but no epilepsy, and 246 healthy control subjects
      were screened by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Identification of copy number variations (CNVs) and gene enrichment.
      RESULTS: Rare CNVs occurred in 26 patients (9.3%) and 16 healthy control subjects
      (6.5%) (P = .26). The CNVs identified in patients were larger (P = .03) and
      showed higher gene content (P = .02) than those in control subjects. The CNVs
      larger than 1 megabase (P = .002) and including more than 10 genes (P = .005)
      occurred more frequently in patients than in control subjects. Nine patients
      (34.6%) among those harboring rare CNVs showed rearrangements associated with
      emerging microdeletion or microduplication syndromes. Mental retardation and
      neuropsychiatric features were associated with rare CNVs (P = .004), whereas
      epilepsy type was not. The CNV rate in patients with epilepsy and mental
      retardation or neuropsychiatric features is not different from that observed in
      patients with mental retardation only. Moreover, significant enrichment of genes
      involved in ion transport was observed within CNVs identified in patients with
      epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with epilepsy show a significantly increased
      burden of large, rare, gene-rich CNVs, particularly when associated with mental
      retardation and neuropsychiatric features. The limited overlap between CNVs
      observed in the epilepsy group and those observed in the group with mental
      retardation only as well as the involvement of specific (ion channel) genes
      indicate a specific association between the identified CNVs and epilepsy.
      Screening for CNVs should be performed for diagnostic purposes preferentially in
      patients with epilepsy and mental retardation or neuropsychiatric features.

PMID- 22083798
TI  - The evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy: a physician survey of clinical
      practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define current clinical practice for evaluating distal symmetric
      polyneuropathy. DESIGN: Using a modified Dillman method, we sent surveys to 600
      internists, 600 neurologists, and 45 neuromuscular specialists selected from the
      American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. Survey questions pertained to
      which tests providers would order in the following 3 scenarios: (1) the initial
      evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy, (2) the use of additional tests if
      the initial evaluation was unrevealing, and (3) patients with diabetes. The t
      test was used to compare the number of tests ordered by physician type, and the
      chi(2) test was used to compare proportions of tests ordered. SETTING: National
      survey of physicians. PARTICIPANTS: Internists, neurologists, and neuromuscular
      specialists. RESULTS: The response rate was 35%. Overall, many tests were ordered
      for the full evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy (mean [SD], 16.5 [7.2]
      tests), and there was substantial variation within and between provider types.
      Internists ordered fewer tests (mean [SD], 14.5 [6.1] tests) than did
      neurologists (mean [SD], 17.5 [7.9] tests) (P < .001). Regarding the glucose
      tolerance test, substantial differences were found between physician types, with
      neurologists and neuromuscular specialists ordering this test more frequently
      (28.6% and 72.3%, respectively) and internists ordering it less frequently
      (4.1%). A brain and/or spine magnetic resonance imaging scan was ordered by 19.8%
      of internists and 12.9% of neurologists. CONCLUSIONS: From the supporting
      evidence, current practice intent on evaluating distal symmetric polyneuropathy
      is highly variable and differs widely. For this disorder of the peripheral
      nerves, a high-yield test such as the glucose tolerance test is rarely used,
      whereas magnetic resonance imaging is likely overused. Research that defines the
      optimal evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy has the potential to result
      in more efficient care.

PMID- 22083799
TI  - Low serum vitamin D levels and recurrent inflammatory spinal cord disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels have been associated with a higher
      risk of developing multiple sclerosis and increased relapse rates in patients
      with multiple sclerosis. As a sterol hormone involved in multiple immunologic
      pathways, vitamin D may play a role in preventing monophasic immune-mediated
      central nervous system attacks from developing into recurrent disease. OBJECTIVE:
      To investigate the association between low serum vitamin D levels and recurrent
      spinal cord disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We performed a retrospective
      analysis at Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center, Baltimore, Maryland,
      evaluating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in 77 patients with monophasic and
      recurrent inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Levels
      of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels are significantly lower in
      patients who developed recurrent spinal cord disease, adjusting for season, age,
      sex, and race. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a basis for a prospective trial
      of measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in these patient populations and
      assessing the influence of vitamin D supplementation on the frequency of relapses
      in those with recurrent inflammatory spinal cord disease.

PMID- 22083800
TI  - The evolution of academic neurology: new information will bring new meaning.
AB  - We are on the cusp of what promises to be an era of unprecedented progress in
      neurology. Even with current fiscal constraints and serious concerns about how
      health care will be organized and financed, in the next 2 decades progress in
      neurology and neurological science will create important new insights into
      understanding the brain as we decipher its disorders and discover and apply
      effective treatments.

PMID- 22083801
TI  - Classification of cause of motor weakness in traumatic brain injury using
      diffusion tensor imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have attempted to elucidate the causes of motor weakness
      in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most of these studies have focused
      on the specific cause of motor weakness. However, little is known about the
      classification and elucidation of the causes of motor weakness in consecutive
      patients with TBI. OBJECTIVE: To attempt to classify with diffusion tensor
      imaging the causes of motor weakness in patients with TBI by conducting an
      analysis of the injury mechanism of the corticospinal tract (CST). DESIGN:
      Retrospective study. SETTING: Rehabilitation department of a university hospital.
      Patients  We recruited 41 consecutive patients who showed motor weakness among
      patients with TBI admitted for rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We
      classified the causes of weakness according to the injury mechanism of the CST on
      diffusion tensor imaging. RESULTS: Injury mechanisms of the CST were classified
      as follows, in order: diffuse axonal injury, 24 patients (58.5%); traumatic
      intracerebral hemorrhage, 9 patients (21.9%); transtentorial herniation, 6
      patients (14.6%); and focal cortical contusion, 4 patients (9.8%). In patients
      with diffuse axonal injury, the mean number of lesions composing CST injury was
      3.6 (range, 2-6) and CST injury locations were as follows: the pons (61%), the
      cerebral peduncle (50%), the medulla (40%), the posterior limb of the internal
      capsule (17%), and the corona radiata (13%). CONCLUSION: We found that diffusion
      tensor imaging was useful in elucidation and classification of the causes of
      motor weakness resulting from CST injury in patients with TBI.

PMID- 22083802
TI  - Metastases to the oral region from pleural mesothelioma: Clinicopathologic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm that usually develops after
      exposure to asbestos and particularly involves the pleural cavity. It has a poor
      prognosis with aggressive local invasion and metastatic spread. METHODS: The
      literature relating to malignant mesothelioma metastatic to the oral region was
      reviewed. RESULTS: In all, 14 cases of malignant mesothelioma metastatic to the
      oral cavity were found. All were from pleural mesotheliomas, the tongue was the
      most common site of metastasis (8/14), and most metastases (9/13) were of the
      epithelioid type. The newly reported case is only the second report of a
      mesothelioma metastasizing to the buccal mucosa. It showed strong
      immunopositivity for keratin markers, vimentin, calretinin, and Wilms tumor
      product-1. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of mesothelioma is predicted to continue to
      increase for at least another decade. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware
      of this lesion and its propensity to metastasize to the oral cavity.

PMID- 22083803
TI  - Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met and the risk of dyskinesias in Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The A-allele of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met
      polymorphism is associated with decreased enzymatic activity and higher dopamine
      availability. METHODS: We studied 219 patients with PD who were free of
      dyskinesias at baseline and underwent thorough annual examinations. RESULTS: The
      A-allele of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was related to an increased risk of
      developing dyskinesias during follow-up, in a dose-dependent manner (adjusted
      hazard ratios for the AG and AA genotypes [compared to GG]: 2.09 [95% confidence
      interval (CI), 1.07-4.06] and 2.81 [CI, 1.43-5.54], respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      This finding suggests that genetic factors may affect susceptibility to
      dyskinesias in PD.

PMID- 22083804
TI  - Comparative activity and mechanism of action of three types of bovine
      antimicrobial peptides against pathogenic Prototheca spp.
AB  - The yeast-like algae of the genus Prototheca are ubiquitous saprophytes causing
      infections in immunocompromised patients and granulomatous mastitis in cattle.
      Few available therapies and the rapid spread of resistant strains worldwide
      support the need for novel drugs against protothecosis. Host defence
      antimicrobial peptides inactivate a wide array of pathogens and are a rich source
      of leads, with the advantage of being largely unaffected by microbial resistance
      mechanisms. Three structurally diverse bovine peptides [BMAP-28, Bac5 and lingual
      antimicrobial peptide (LAP)] have thus been tested for their capacity to
      inactivate Prototheca spp. In minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, they
      were all effective in the micromolar range against clinical mastitis isolates as
      well as a Prototheca wickerhamii reference strain. BMAP-28 sterilized Prototheca
      cultures within 30-60 min at its MIC, induced cell permeabilization with near
      100% release of cellular adenosine triphosphate and resulted in extensive surface
      blebbing and release of intracellular material as observed by scanning electron
      microscopy. Bac5 and LAP inactivated Prototheca following 3-6 h incubation at
      fourfold their MIC and did not result in detectable surface damage despite 70-90%
      killing, suggesting they act via non-lytic mechanisms. In circular dichroism
      studies, the conformation of BMAP-28, but not that of Bac5 or LAP, was affected
      by interaction with liposomes mimicking algal membranes. Our results indicate
      that BMAP-28, Bac5 and LAP kill Prototheca with distinct potencies, killing
      kinetics, and modes of action and may be appropriate for protothecal mastitis
      treatment. In addition, the ability of Bac5 and LAP to act via non-lytic
      mechanisms may be exploited for the development of target-selective drugs.

PMID- 22083810
TI  - MG132 treatment during oocyte maturation improves embryonic development after
      somatic cell nuclear transfer and alters oocyte and embryo transcript abundance
      in pigs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the effect of treating pig oocytes
      during in vitro maturation (IVM) with a proteasome inhibitor, MG132, on oocyte
      maturation and embryonic development. In one series of experiments, oocytes from
      medium-sized follicles (3-8 mm in diameter) were untreated (MCO) or treated with
      MG132 during 0-22 hr (M0-22) or 30-42 hr (M30-42) of IVM. There was no
      significant effect of MG132 on nuclear maturation or cytoplasmic maturation (as
      assessed by intracellular amounts of glutathione and p34cdc2 kinase activity).
      Blastocyst formation after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and somatic cell
      nuclear transfer (SCNT), however, was increased for M30-42 (65.2% and 27.7% for
      PA and SCNT, respectively) compared to MCO (42.6% and 13.6%, respectively) and M0
      22 (45.3% and 19.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Expression of PCNA and ERK2 was
      increased in M30-42 for IVM oocytes while transcript abundance for POUF51, DNMT1,
      FGFR2, and PCNA was increased in M30-42 for 4-cell SCNT embryos. When oocytes
      derived from small follicles (<3 mm in diameter) were untreated (SCO) or treated
      with MG132 during 0-22 hr (S0-22), 30-42 hr (S30-42) of IVM, or 0-22 and 30-42 hr
      of IVM (S0-22/30-42), expression of POU5F1, DNMT1, FGFR2, and PCNA and blastocyst
      formation were increased for SCNT embryos derived from S30 to 42 (16.5%) and S0
      22/30-42 oocytes (20.8%) as compared to embryos from SCO (8.7%) or S0-22 oocytes
      (8.8%; P<0.05). Results demonstrate that treatment of oocytes with MG132 during
      the later stage of IVM improves embryonic development and alters gene expression
      in pigs.

PMID- 22083811
TI  - Concentration-dependent displacement of cholesterol in micelles by hydrophobic
      rice bran protein hydrolysates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rice bran, containing about 100-150 g kg(-1) protein, is a by-product
      of rice milling that has only become an available ingredient in recent years
      owing to the centralisation of rice milling. Rice bran, but not its protein
      fraction or hydrolysates, has been shown to have a hypocholesterolaemic effect.
      Peptides from soy, milk and other foods have been proposed to have
      hypocholesterolaemic effects based on their ability to lower cholesterol
      solubility in bile acid/phosphotidyl choline micelles. RESULTS: Rice bran protein
      hydrolysates (RBPHs) were prepared and investigated for their potential to lower
      cholesterol concentration in micelles. The RBPHs were produced by digestion using
      four different peptidases, alcalase 2.4L((r)), neutrase 0.8L((r)), papaya latex
      papain and porcine pancreas trypsin, and then fractionated by hydrophobicity
      using styrene/divinylbeneze resins. Alcalase 2.4L((r)) produced the highest
      degree of hydrolysis, and the resulting hydrolysates had the highest micellar
      cholesterol inhibition ability in an in vitro hypocholesterolaemic test. The
      adsorption dynamics of four different macroporous resins, DA201-C, Sepabeads
      SP207 and SP825 and Diaion HP20, were determined using the Langmuir isotherm
      model. DA201-C had the highest adsorption capacity with an equilibrium
      concentration of 220 mg g(-1). The hydrolysates eluted with 25, 50, 75 and 95%
      (v/v) ethanol lowered the micellar cholesterol concentration by 11.88, 14.76,
      19.37 and 7.56% respectively. CONCLUSION: A hydrophobic fraction of RBPH had the
      highest inhibitory activity on micellar cholesterol, which suggests that it may
      have hypocholesterolaemic properties.

PMID- 22083812
TI  - Optimized conditions for a quantitative SELDI TOF MS protein assay.
AB  - The development of peptide/protein analyte assays for the purpose of diagnostic
      tests is driven by multiple factors, including sample availability, required
      throughput, and quantitative reproducibility. Laser Desorption/ionization mass
      spectrometry methods (LDI-MS) are particularly well suited for both peptide and
      protein characterization, and combining chromatographic surfaces directly onto
      the MS probe in the form of surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI)
      biochips has improved the reproducibility of analyte detection and provided
      effective relative quantitation. Here, we provide methods for developing
      reproducible SELDI-based assays by providing a complex artificial protein matrix
      background within the sample to be analyzed that allows for a common and
      reproducible ionization background as well as internal normalization standards.
      Using this approach, quantitative assays can be developed with CVs typically less
      than 10% across assays and days. Although the method has been extensively and
      successfully implemented in association with a protein matrix from E. coli, any
      other source for the complex protein matrix can be considered as long as it
      adheres to a set of conditions including the following: (1) the protein matrix
      must not provide interferences with the analyte to be detected, (2) the protein
      matrix must be sufficiently complex such that a majority of ion current generated
      from the desorption of the sample comes from the complex protein matrix, and (3)
      specific and well-resolved protein matrix peaks must be present within the mass
      range of the analyte of interest for appropriate normalization.

PMID- 22083813
TI  - Solid-phase fractionation strategies applied to proteomics investigations.
AB  - Methods for protein fractionation in the proteomics investigation field are
      relatively numerous. They apply to the prefractionation of the sample to obtain
      less complex protein mixtures for an easier analysis; they are also used as a
      means to evidence specific proteins or protein classes otherwise impossible to
      detect. They involve depletion of high-abundance proteins suppressing the signal
      of dilute species; they are also capable to enhance the detectability of low
      abundance species while concomitantly decreasing the concentration of abundant
      proteins such as albumin in serum and hemoglobin in red blood cell lysates.
      Fractionation of proteomes is also used for the isolation of targeted species
      that are selected for their different expression under certain pathological
      conditions and that are detected by mass spectrometry. Two unconventional methods
      of large interest in proteomics due to the low level of protein redundancy
      between fractions are also reported.All these methods are reviewed and detailed
      method given to allow specialists of proteomics investigation to access selected
      separation methods generally dispersed on different technical reviews or books.

PMID- 22083814
TI  - Data processing and analysis using ProteinChip(r) data manager software.
AB  - Mass spectrometry-based clinical proteomics and biomarker research require the
      processing of large numbers of patient samples in order to attain the statistical
      significance required to produce robust biomarker candidates. When processed
      using the high-sensitivity and high-throughput Surface Enhanced Laser
      Desorption/Ionization ProteinChip SELDI system, the result is an enormous amount
      of mass spectrometric profiling data. The time and effort required to mine this
      data and the quality of the candidate biomarkers generated is largely dependent
      on the quality and appropriate use of the software tools available. This chapter
      describes the typical workflow for processing and analyzing SELDI data using both
      univariate and unsupervised multivariate analysis tools.

PMID- 22083815
TI  - Purification and identification of candidate biomarkers discovered using SELDI
      TOF MS.
AB  - Purification and identification of candidate biomarkers is a critical step in the
      biomarker development process, since it provides insight into the disease biology
      and facilitates the development of analyte-specific assays. Top-down biomarker
      discovery workflows like SELDI-TOF MS yield candidate markers that are identified
      based on native mass. Positive identification of these candidate biomarkers
      requires further enrichment and/or purification. While purification methods must
      be optimized for each protein target, there are two general workflows. Native
      peptides under approximately 4 kDa can be subjected to direct sequence analysis
      using a tandem mass spectrometer whereas proteins over approximately 4 kDa
      usually require proteolytic digestion prior to MS/MS analysis. In both cases,
      partial purification is usually necessary to enrich the candidate biomarker
      relative to other proteins in a complex biological mixture. This chapter provides
      detailed protocols for protein purification (including anion exchange, metal
      affinity, and reverse phase chromatography as well as SDS-PAGE) and
      identification (including protein processing, digestion, and database searching).

PMID- 22083816
TI  - Biomarker discovery in serum/plasma using surface enhanced laser desorption
      ionization time of flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.
AB  - Proteins and peptides that undergo variations in concentration or state as a
      result of a biological process or disease may be used as biomarkers for the
      diagnosis or prognosis of diseases and/or for the monitoring of therapy.
      Serum/plasma is one of the most easily obtained patient specimens and contains
      thousands of proteins produced and secreted from cells and tissues. While
      serum/plasma is a valuable specimen for protein biomarker research, especially in
      the area of infectious diseases, the dynamic range of the proteome presents a
      technical challenge. Serum/plasma is dominated by high abundance proteins, such
      as albumin, immunoglobulins, haptogloblulin, which constitute almost 90% of the
      total serum/plasma protein by weight and make the detection of the low abundance
      proteins difficult. Therefore, effective fractionation and separation methods are
      essential to detect potential biomarker proteins present in small quantities for
      mass spectrometry.The current tests for blood-borne protozoan diseases are
      inadequate by monitoring treatment efficacy or for prognosis and also lack
      sensitivity and specificity. To overcome these limitations, we began a program to
      develop novel assays for infectious diseases using mass spectrometric data
      directly as well as "next generation" assays that exploit the richness of the MS
      data converted to standard platforms. Here we focus on high-throughput
      fractionation and proteomic analysis using Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption
      Ionization Time of Flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry platform. Separation and
      enrichment is achieved using stepwise anion exchange fractionation prior to
      analysis on multiple ProteinChip array chemistries. We have used this approach
      successfully to identify proteins/peptides or protein "profiles" (biomarkers) in
      subjects chronically infected with blood-borne protozoan parasites (i.e. Chagas
      disease, babesia, toxoplasma, malaria), fascioliosis, and cysticercosis.

PMID- 22083818
TI  - Profiling of urine using ProteinChip(r) technology.
AB  - Urine is an extremely valuable sample type for biomarker discovery due to the non
      invasive collection and the relatively low protein content, which makes detection
      of perturbations associated with disease easier. SELDI-TOF analysis is ideally
      suited for analysis of urine since the chromatographic capture mechanism can
      tolerate salt and urea in the urine sample that would otherwise need to be
      removed prior to mass spectrometric analysis. While neat urine can be analyzed
      directly on ProteinChip arrays, urine can also benefit from an enrichment step,
      which has been shown to increase the number of proteins detected more than
      twofold. Because urine volume and contents can vary substantially between
      individuals and within individuals over time, sample collection and storage
      should be carefully controlled to assure reproducible and clinically relevant
      results.

PMID- 22083817
TI  - Plasma proteomic profiling of pediatric osteosarcoma.
AB  - The development of a sensitive, specific, and non-invasive approach for cancer
      detection will facilitate early detection and, hence, improve the outcome of
      individuals with known cancer predispositions. Proteomic profiling of blood
      emerges to be a logical choice of such non-invasive or minimal invasive
      detection. However, plasma biomarker discovery of pediatric cancers lags behind
      that of adult cancers, suggesting more efforts are needed in this area. In this
      study, we used surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass
      spectrometry to profile plasma proteome in osteosarcoma patients. Osteosarcoma is
      a bone cancer that affects many children and young adults. We have shown that the
      plasma proteome contains a unique cancer signature that can distinguish patients
      with osteosarcoma from those with a benign bone disease. To improve cancer
      biomarker discovery in plasma, we have also shown that depletion of two highly
      abundant plasma proteins increases the detection sensitivity of lower-abundance
      proteins. The combination of depletion and proteomic profiling may increase the
      chance of identifying tumor-derived proteins within the plasma of pediatric
      cancer patients.

PMID- 22083819
TI  - Protein profiling of cerebrospinal fluid.
AB  - The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) perfuses the brain and spinal cord. CSF contains
      proteins and peptides important for brain physiology and potentially also
      relevant for brain pathology. Hence, CSF is the perfect source to search for new
      biomarkers to improve diagnosis of neurological diseases as well as to monitor
      the performance of disease-modifying drugs. This chapter presents methods for
      SELDI-TOF profiling of CSF as well as useful advice regarding pre-analytical
      factors to be considered.

PMID- 22083820
TI  - SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry-based protein profiling of tissue samples for
      toxicological studies.
AB  - Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (SELDI-TOF MS) has become a popular method for protein profiling in clinical
      diagnosis, as well as in toxicological studies. It combines solid-phase
      chromatography with TOF-MS on a single platform, which enables the application of
      crude samples, such as plasma or tissue lysate. In this chapter, we outline two
      methods that enable the extraction of proteins from tissue samples for subsequent
      application on ProteinChip arrays. The first method is the extraction of proteins
      only from tissue using simply lysis buffers. The second method is helpful if
      proteins, as well as RNA or DNA, should be extracted from one and the same piece
      of tissue and is based on phenol-chloroform separation. Although initially
      developed for liver and kidney tissue both methods can be used for other tissue
      types.

PMID- 22083821
TI  - Proteomic analysis of skeletal muscle tissue using SELDI-TOF MS: application to
      disuse atrophy.
AB  - Skeletal muscle atrophy in response to disuse/unloading is a complex adaptation
      that involves many components of the muscle tissue. The underlying mechanisms
      that initiate and control the loss of muscle tissue during this response,
      especially contractile proteins located within the myofibers, are as yet unclear.
      One approach capable of distinguishing protein changes specifically associated
      with disuse/unloading-induced skeletal muscle atrophy is to compare the proteomic
      profiles of similar muscles between control, unloaded/atrophied, and
      unloaded/"atrophy-protected" experimental conditions. By utilizing a subtractive
      proteomic analysis approach, those proteins specifically modulated during the
      atrophic response can be identified and discriminated from those associated with
      disuse in general. We here describe the use of SELDI-TOF MS coupled with micro
      scale preparative ion-exchange chromatography to detect proteins potentially
      specifically associated with the atrophic response in rat skeletal muscle.

PMID- 22083822
TI  - Profiling cervical lavage fluid by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
AB  - The mucosal surface of the female genital tract is the first site of contact for
      many sexually transmitted infections and serves as the first layer of defense.
      This layer has components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems to
      protect against infections. For these reasons, this fluid is a major focus of
      study to understand the pathogenesis of different infectious diseases. Novel
      tools are available to allow for the analysis of the components of this mucosal
      layer, including the area of proteomics. The emergence of proteomics has allowed
      for the development of many types of platforms for protein profiling, including
      gel-based technologies (2-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis) and
      mass spectrometry-based techniques. SELDI-TOF, a mass spectrometry-based platform
      coupled to on-chip chromatographic separation, has been developed as a high
      throughput technique to profile complex protein samples. This chapter will
      outline detailed methods to profile cervical mucosal samples by SELDI-TOF and can
      serve as a guideline for other types of mucosal samples.

PMID- 22083823
TI  - Isolation and proteomic analysis of platelets by SELDI-TOF MS.
AB  - Many growth factors, leukotrines, and biological ligands are not circulating free
      in plasma or serum, except in the case of late or disseminated disease. During
      early tumor growth and angiogenesis, platelets actively and selectively sequester
      regulators of angiogenesis and, as such, the platelet protein content can be used
      as a marker of early tumor growth or angiogenesis. With the recent increase in
      the clinical use of biologic modifiers in cancer and chronic disease therapy, the
      search for markers of early disease, therapeutic response, and/or recurrence has
      suggested that analysis of platelet proteins may be more relevant and accurate.
      We provide a guideline for the proteomic analysis of platelet proteome, placing
      specific emphasis on angiogenesis regulators, even though other platelet proteins
      may serve as markers of disease in the future. The analysis of serum/plasma has
      been fraught with difficulties because of the extraordinarily large number of
      proteins and because some of the proteins are contained in extraordinarily large
      amounts, masking the less abundant proteins. Thus, platelets may provide a much
      more biologically relevant analyte for biomarker discovery.

PMID- 22083824
TI  - Using SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry on amniotic fluid and for clinical proteomics
      and theranostics in disorders of pregnancy.
AB  - Clinical proteomics encompasses a multitude of experimental approaches, tools,
      and techniques based on proteomics technology which are directly aimed to
      accelerate and improve diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Surface
      enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry
      is a variant of matrix-enhanced laser desorption ionization (MALDI) that makes
      use of chemically-modified surfaces to reduce the complexity of biological
      samples prior to separation in the mass analyzer. Compared to other proteomic
      techniques, SELDI has several important advantages such as ability to analyze
      complex biological samples with minimal pre-processing, ease of handling and high
      throughput. Importantly, once the biomarker or combination of biomarkers with
      potential clinical value has been established, validation analyses can be
      conducted in close proximity to clinical settings which is important for
      establishing the utility of new diagnostics in clinical decision making and
      perhaps future theranostic interventions. This chapter provides protocols for
      experimental design and methodology aimed at (1) discovering biologically
      relevant biomarkers in amniotic fluid using SELDI-TOF; (2) validating the
      clinical utility of the biomarkers as new diagnostics; (3) translating the
      biomarker findings into pathophysiological phenomena to provide further insight
      and extend the current understanding of the disease process. Many of the
      principles described herein for amniotic fluid could be generalized to studies
      involving other types of biological samples and other clinical questions.

PMID- 22083826
TI  - Analysis of protein-protein interaction using proteinchip array-based SELDI-TOF
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions are key elements in the assembly of cellular
      regulatory and signaling protein complexes that integrate and transmit signals
      and information in controlling and regulating various cellular processes and
      functions. Many conventional methods of studying protein-protein interaction,
      such as the immuno-precipitation and immuno-blotting assay and the affinity
      column pull-down and chromatographic analysis, are very time-consuming and labor
      intensive and lack accuracy and sensitivity. We have developed a simple, rapid,
      and sensitive assay using a ProteinChip array and SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry to
      analyze protein-protein interactions and map the crucial elements that are
      directly involved in these interactions. First, a purified "bait" protein or a
      synthetic peptide of interest is immobilized onto the preactivated surface of a
      PS10 or PS20 ProteinChip and the unoccupied surfaces on the chip are protected by
      application of a layer ethanolamine to prevent them from binding to other non
      interactive proteins. Then, the target-containing cellular protein lysate or
      synthetic peptide containing the predicted amino acid sequence of protein
      interaction motif is applied to the protected array with immobilized bait
      protein/peptide. The nonspecific proteins/peptides are washed off under various
      stringent conditions and only the proteins specifically interacting with the bait
      protein/peptide remain on the chip. Last, the captured interacting
      protein/peptide complexes are then analyzed by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry and
      their identities are confirmed by their predicted distinctive masses. This method
      can be used to unambiguously detect the specific protein-protein interaction of
      known proteins/peptides, to easily identify potential cellular targets of
      proteins of interest, and to accurately analyze and map the structural elements
      of a given protein and its target proteins using synthetic peptides with the
      predicted potential protein interaction motifs.

PMID- 22083827
TI  - Quantitation of amyloid beta peptides in CSF by surface enhanced MALDI-TOF.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the deposition of amyloid plaques in the
      brain. The major components of these plaques are beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides.
      The CSF concentration of these peptides can therefore provide a valuable
      biomarker for potentially predicting the state of disease and/or monitoring the
      efficacy of a drug aiming to inhibit the formation of amyloid plaques. Although
      the concentration of a given peptide in CSF can easily be measured by ELISA
      methods, few methods are able to simultaneously observe and distinguish between
      various peptides of similar yet slightly different amino acid composition. The
      Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time Of Flight mass spectrometry
      (SELDI-TOF) technology, a platform combining the use of an antibody and MALDI
      TOF, can be used to simultaneously detect and quantitate various Abeta peptides
      with sensitivities in the picomolar range.

PMID- 22083825
TI  - High throughput profiling of serum phosphoproteins/peptides using the SELDI-TOF
      MS platform.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that plays a
      critical role in the regulation of a wide spectrum of biological events and
      cellular functions including signal transduction, gene expression, cell
      proliferation, and apoptosis. Determination of the sites and magnitudes of
      protein phosphorylation has been an essential step in the analysis of the control
      of many biological systems. A high throughput analysis of phosphorylation of
      proteins would provide a simple, logical, and useful tool for a functional
      dissection and prediction of biological functions and signaling pathways in
      association with these important molecular events. We have developed a functional
      proteomics technique using the ProteinChip array-based SELDI-TOF-MS analysis for
      high throughput profiling of phosphoproteins/phosphopeptides in human serum for
      the early detection and diagnosis as well as for the molecular staging of human
      cancer. The methodology and experimental approach consists of five steps: (1)
      generation of a total peptide pool of serum proteins by a global trypsin
      digestion; (2) rapid isolation of phosphopeptides from the total serum peptide
      pool by an affinity selection, purification, and enrichment using a novel
      automated micro-bioprocessing system with phospho-antibody-conjugated
      paramagnetic beads and a hybrid magnet plate; (3) high throughput phosphopeptide
      analysis on ProteinChip arrays by automated SELDI-TOF-MS; and (4) bioinformatics
      and statistical methods for data analysis. This method with appropriate
      modifications may be equally applicable to serine-, threonine- and tyrosine
      phosphorylated proteins and for selectively isolating, profiling, and identifying
      phosphopeptides present in a highly complex phosphor-peptide mixture prepared
      from various human specimens such as cells, tissue samples, and serum and other
      body fluids.

PMID- 22083828
TI  - Impact of the extraction procedure on the kinetics of anthocyanin and colour
      degradation of roselle extracts during storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The stability of anthocyanins and colour of aqueous extracts from
      roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) was investigated during storage at 4-45  degrees
      C. The effect of the extraction procedure (cold or hot extraction with or without
      pasteurisation) on the kinetic behaviour was determined. RESULTS: Data analysis
      showed first-order kinetics for the evolution of anthocyanin content, colour
      density, colour strength and browning index. Three models (Arrhenius, Eyring and
      Ball) were used to represent the temperature dependence of the reaction rates.
      The three models allowed the prediction of colour modifications according to the
      storage temperature over 6 months. Activation energies ranged from 22 to 26 kJ
      mol(-1) for anthocyanin degradation and from 18 to 34 kJ mol(-1) for colour
      parameter modification. The degradation rate during storage depended on the
      extraction procedure. When heated, the extracts were clearly less stable. Their
      colour changed faster during storage especially when hot water and pasteurisation
      were used. CONCLUSION: Although the anthocyanin content and initial colour were
      not modified, the extraction conditions, especially temperature, greatly affected
      the stability of the extracts during storage. Further studies are needed to
      understand the mechanisms involved.

PMID- 22083829
TI  - Label-free identification and characterization of human pluripotent stem cell
      derived cardiomyocytes using second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (PSC-CMs) are a potentially
      unlimited source of cardiomyocytes (CMs) for cardiac transplantation therapies.
      The establishment of pure PSC-CM populations is important for this application,
      but is hampered by a lack of CM-specific surface markers suitable for their
      identification and sorting. Contemporary purification techniques are either non
      specific or require genetic modification. We report a second harmonic generation
      (SHG) signal detectable in PSC-CMs that is attributable to sarcomeric myosin,
      dependent on PSC-CM maturity, and retained while PSC-CMs are in suspension. Our
      study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a SHG-activated flow cytometer
      for the non-invasive purification of PSC-CMs.

PMID- 22083830
TI  - Effects of PEGylation and immune complex formation on the pharmacokinetics and
      biodistribution of recombinant interleukin 10 in mice.
AB  - Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a potent cytokine homodimer with multiple
      immunoregulatory functions. Here, we have characterized the effects of PEGylation
      and formation of human IL-10 (hIL-10)/humanized anti-human IL-10 (halphahIL-10)
      immune complexes in the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and biotransformation
      of IL-10 in mice. To assess the fate of native, PEGylated, and antibody-bound IL
      10; we implemented an analytical set of fluorescence emission-linked assays.
      Plasma size exclusion chromatography analysis indicated that fluoro-labeled
      native and PEGylated murine IL-10 (PEG-mIL-10) are stable in the circulation.
      PEGylation of IL-10 resulted in a 21-fold increased exposure, 2.7-fold increase
      in half-life, and 20-fold reduction in clearance. Kidney is the major organ of
      disposition for both native and PEGylated mIL-10 with renal uptake directly
      related to systemic clearance. The fluorescence signal in the kidneys reached
      tissue/blood ratios up to 150 and 20 for native and PEG-mIL-10, respectively. hIL
      10/halphahIL-10 immune complexes are detectable in the circulation without
      evidence of unbound or degraded hIL-10. The exposure of hIL-10 present in immune
      complexes versus that of hIL-10 alone increased from 0.53 to 11.28 MUg . day/ml,
      with a half-life of 1.16 days and a 23-fold reduction in clearance. Unlike hIL-10
      alone, antibody-bound hIL-10 was targeted mainly to the liver with minimal renal
      distribution. In addition, we found an 11-fold reduction (from 9.9 to 113 nM) in
      binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) when the halphahIL10 antibody is
      conjugated to hIL-10. The potential changes in FcRn binding in vivo and increased
      liver uptake may explain the unique pharmacokinetic properties of hIL
      10/halphahIL-10 immune complexes.

PMID- 22083831
TI  - Quantitative analysis of free flap volume changes in head and neck
      reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether free flap volume
      decreases or increases in the long-term postoperative period. METHODS: We used a
      retrospective analysis of 17 patients to measure muscle and fat volume in free
      flap with 3-dimensional (3D) images using the AZE Virtual Place Lexus64. RESULTS:
      Seventeen patients underwent free flap reconstruction with rectus abdominis
      musculocutaneous flaps (n = 11) or anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 6). Median
      follow-up was 28.9 months (range, 2.1-48.4 months). Total flap volume was
      significantly decreased in flaps including >=40% muscle (p = .011). Mean final
      muscle volume was 50% at an average of 12 months. Final fat volume was
      significantly higher for cases with no evidence of disease (mean, 116.7%) than
      for died-of-the-disease cases (mean, 70.3%; p = .007). CONCLUSION: Use of free
      flaps with a high ratio of fat to muscle is sustainable and can gain volume over
      time, as transplanted fat can increase depending on host condition.

PMID- 22083832
TI  - Antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in cardiac surgery. Current
      debate concerns the type of antibiotic(s), dosing and the duration of
      prophylaxis. METHODS: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing
      one antibiotic regimen versus another in cardiac surgery. We searched The
      Cochrane Library, PubMed, LILACS, conference proceedings and bibliographies. Two
      reviewers independently extracted the data. The primary outcome was deep sternal
      wound infections (DSWIs). Meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel
      fixed-effect method. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)
      are reported. RESULTS: Fifty-nine trials were included. There were no significant
      differences in DSWI or all other categories of surgical site infections (SSIs)
      for antibiotic prophylaxis with beta-lactams comprising a Gram-negative spectrum
      of coverage versus prophylaxis targeting Gram-positive bacteria, but the former
      led to a significantly lower rate of post-operative pneumonia (RR 0.68, 95% CI
      0.51-0.90) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.92). In trials
      comparing different antibiotic regimens for different durations, prophylaxis
      duration of <=24 h post-operation led to higher rates of DSWI (RR 1.83, 95% CI
      1.25-2.66), any sternal SSI, surgical interventions for SSI and endocarditis
      compared with longer duration prophylaxis. There was no advantage of regimens
      lasting >48 h post-operation. In the comparison of glycopeptides versus beta
      lactams, an advantage of glycopeptides was observed when comparators were given
      for similar duration and for beta-lactams when given for a longer duration than
      the glycopeptides. There was no significant advantage of high antibiotic dosing.
      CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports second- or third-generation cephalosporins for
      cardiac surgery prophylaxis and points at a possible advantage of prophylaxis
      prolongation up to 48 h post-operatively.

PMID- 22083833
TI  - Streptavidin-coated TiO2 surfaces are biologically inert: protein adsorption and
      osteoblast adhesion studies.
AB  - Non-fouling TiO2 surfaces are attractive for a wide range of applications such as
      biosensors and medical devices, where biologically inert surfaces are needed.
      Typically, this is achieved by controlled surface modifications which prevent
      protein adsorption. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG-derived
      polymers have been widely applied to render TiO2 surfaces biologically inert.
      These surfaces have been further modified in order to achieve specific bio
      activation. Therefore, there have been efforts to specifically functionalize TiO2
      surfaces with polymers with embedded biotin motives, which can be used to couple
      streptavidin for further functionalization. As an alternative, here a
      streptavidin layer was immobilized by self-assembly directly on a biotinylated
      TiO2 surface, thus forming an anti-adhesive matrix, which can be selectively bio
      activated. The anti-adhesive properties of these substrates were analyzed by
      studying the interaction of the surface coating with fibronectin, lysozym, and
      osteoblast cells using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, atomic force
      microscopy, and light microscopy. In contrast to non-modified TiO2 surfaces,
      streptavidin-coated TiO2 surfaces led to a very biologically inert substrate,
      making this type of surface coating a promising alternative to polymer coatings
      of TiO2 surfaces.

PMID- 22083834
TI  - Chemical control of spin propagation between heterometallic rings.
AB  - We present a synthetic, structural, theoretical, and spectroscopic study of a
      family of heterometallic ring dimers which have the formula
      [{Cr(7)NiF(3)(Etglu)(O(2)CtBu)(15)}(2)(NLN)], in which Etglu is the
      pentadeprotonated form of the sugar N-ethyl-D-glucamine, and NLN is an aromatic
      bridging diimine ligand. By varying NLN we are able to adjust the strength of the
      interaction between rings with the aim of understanding how to tune our system to
      achieve weak magnetic communication between the spins, a prerequisite for quantum
      entanglement. Micro-SQUID and EPR data reveal that the magnetic coupling between
      rings is partly related to the through-bond distance between the spin centers,
      but also depends on spin-polarization mechanisms and torsion angles between
      aromatic rings. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations allow us to make
      predictions of how such chemically variable parameters could be used to tune very
      precisely the interaction in such systems. For possible applications in quantum
      information processing and molecular spintronics, such precise control is
      essential.

PMID- 22083835
TI  - Solution structure by nuclear magnetic resonance of the two lantibiotics 97518
      and NAI-107.
AB  - Lantibiotics 97518 and NAI-107, produced by the related genera Planomonospora and
      Microbispora respectively, are members of a family of nisin-related compounds.
      They represent promising compounds to treat infections caused by multiresistant
      Gram-positive pathogens. Despite their similar structure and a similar
      antibacterial spectrum, the two lantibiotics exhibit significant differences in
      their potency. To gain an insight into the structure-activity relationships,
      their conformational properties in solution are determined by NMR. After carrying
      out an NOE analysis of 2D (1)H NMR spectra, high-resolution 3D structures are
      determined using molecular dynamics simulations.

PMID- 22083836
TI  - Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy: haplotype of Asian origin in 2 Italian
      families.

PMID- 22083837
TI  - Expert's comment concerning Grand Rounds case entitled "Congenital kypho
      scoliosis: a case of thoracic insufficiency syndrome and the limitations of
      treatment" (by A.D. Chatterjee, K. Hassan and M.P. Grevitt).

PMID- 22083838
TI  - Iliac crest orientation and geometry in able-bodied and non-treated adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis girls with moderate and severe spinal deformity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify pelvic rotation and/or distortion in able-bodied and
      untreated AIS girls with moderate and severe scoliosis and verify association of
      pelvic morphological changes with Cobb angle increase. METHODS: The 3D
      coordinates of nine anatomic bony landmarks were identified to estimate pelvic
      orientation using a Flock of Birds system. The distances between the first sacral
      vertebral body (S1) and each of the eight iliac spine landmarks in all three
      planes were calculated to identify pelvic distortion. Analysis of variance was
      used to assess pelvic orientation and determine pelvic distortion. Pearson
      coefficients of correlation were used to identify any relationships between Cobb
      angle and pelvic morphological parameters. RESULTS: Pelvic orientation was
      similar in able-bodied and scoliotic girls regardless of the severity of the
      spinal deformity. Significant differences were observed in pelvic morphology
      between AIS with severe untreated scoliosis and those with a moderate scoliosis
      for the right anterosuperior iliac spines (ASIS), the tip of the superior iliac
      crest (TSIC) and the widest tip of the iliac crest (WTIC) widths from S1.
      Statistically significant correlations were observed between the Cobb angles and
      the iliac crest distances measured from S1. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in iliac
      spine geometries occurred in the transverse plane correlating to Cobb angles
      which suggest altered bone growth in AIS girls. Such findings could indicate
      right thoracic spinal deformity as a result of pelvic torsion.

PMID- 22083839
TI  - The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score as a predictor of early discharge following
      fractured neck of femur.
AB  - BACKGROUND: hip fracture represents a huge medical, social and financial burden
      on patients, their carers and the health and social care systems. For survivors,
      return to their own home may be a key outcome. The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score
      (NHFS) is a validated score, based on admission characteristics, for predicting
      30-day and 1-year mortality that may be of benefit in predicting return-to-home,
      directly from the acute orthopaedic ward. OBJECTIVE: to assess the utility of the
      NHFS as a predictor of return-to-home in patients following hip fracture.
      METHODS: the NHFS was calculated for all patients admitted from their own home
      and the correlation between the NHFS and eventual return-to-home was calculated,
      as well as the probability of discharge by within 7, 14 and 21 days. RESULTS: a
      total of 6,123 patients were available for analysis. Of which, 3,699 (60%) were
      discharged from acute hospital to their own home. Increasing NHFS was negatively
      correlated with eventual return-to-home (r(2) = 0.949) and with the proportion of
      patients discharged back to their own home at 7, 14 and 21 postoperative days,
      respectively (r(2) = 0.84, 0.94, 0.96, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: the NHFS is a
      reliable tool for predicting return-to-home. It may be useful for discharge
      planning, and for the design of future research trials.

PMID- 22083840
TI  - Is there a role for physical activity in preventing cognitive decline in people
      with mild cognitive impairment?
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common clinical syndrome that identifies
      people at high risk of developing dementia. Although treatments for MCI are
      currently unavailable, preliminary evidence has identified potential neuro
      protective effects of physical activity, which may lead to improved outcomes.
      However, there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness, feasibility and
      acceptability of this treatment strategy. These uncertainties require further
      investigation before physical activity interventions can be recommended for
      routine care.

PMID- 22083841
TI  - Computational chemistry in pharmaceutical research: at the crossroads.
AB  - Computational approaches are an integral part of pharmaceutical research.
      However, there are many of unsolved key questions that limit the scientific
      progress in the still evolving computational field and its impact on drug
      discovery. Importantly, a number of these questions are not new but date back
      many years. Hence, it might be difficult to conclusively answer them in the
      foreseeable future. Moreover, the computational field as a whole is characterized
      by a high degree of heterogeneity and so is, unfortunately, the quality of its
      scientific output. In light of this situation, it is proposed that changes in
      scientific standards and culture should be seriously considered now in order to
      lay a foundation for future progress in computational research.

PMID- 22083842
TI  - Intragenomic conflict of maternal HLA haplotypes: a potential link between
      vigorous intrauterine growth and risk of autoimmunity in adulthood.

PMID- 22083843
TI  - [Package leaflets of pharmaceutical products - a closed book?].

PMID- 22083844
TI  - Spatiotemporal control over growth factor delivery from collagen-based membrane.
AB  - Exogenous administration of growth factors has been identified as a potential
      therapeutic approach for healing wounds. A way to enhance the efficacy of growth
      factors would be to achieve spatiotemporal control over their delivery to desired
      sites for an extended period. In this study, we designed and prepared a kind of
      double-layered collagen membrane, a dense layer and a loose layer, which
      incorporated basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-loaded chitosan-heparin
      nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared by polyelectrolyte gelation
      process and then were sandwiched between the two layers of collagen membrane. The
      release of model protein human serum albumin (HSA) from the double-layered
      membrane was tracked by radio-label assay, and the bioactivity of the growth
      factor on fibroblast cell (L929) was evaluated by MTT assay. The release of
      protein displayed a spatiotemporal control model and its release in undesired
      direction was lessened. The bFGF maintained the bioactivities after release from
      the membranes. Moreover, different release amounts of bFGF from the different
      layers of the membrane induced significant difference in cell proliferation when
      the cells were seeded on the different layers of membrane in vitro. This kind of
      double-layered collagen membrane could have potential applications in the field
      of tissue repair due to the spatiotemporal control over growth factor delivery,
      the mild fabrication conditions, and the simple processes.

PMID- 22083845
TI  - Are anchoring vignettes ratings sensitive to vignette age and sex?
AB  - Anchoring vignettes are commonly used to study and correct for differential item
      functioning and response bias in subjective survey questions. Self-assessed
      health status is a leading example. A crucial assumption of the vignette
      methodology is 'vignette equivalence': The health status of the person described
      in the vignette must be perceived by all respondents in the same way. We use data
      from a survey experiment conducted with a sample of almost 5000 older Americans
      to validate this assumption. We find weak evidence that respondents' vignette
      ratings may be sensitive to the sex and, for older respondents, also to the age
      (implied by the first name) of the person described in the vignette. Our findings
      suggest that vignette equivalence may not hold, at least if the potentially
      subtle connotations of vignette persons' names are not fully controlled.

PMID- 22083846
TI  - Effect of micro-oxygenation on sensory characteristics and consumer preference of
      Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to improve the structure of a
      Cabernet Sauvignon red wine in a short period of time by micro-oxygenation (MOX)
      at high rates (25 and 50 mL L(-1) month(-1) ), the effects of which were
      evaluated based on sensory characteristics and consumer preference. Sensory data
      were analysed by principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and ordinal
      logistic regression (OLR). RESULTS: MOX led to significant differences in the
      colour, colour stability and phenolic compounds of wine. Sensory characteristics
      also changed through MOX treatment, and wine experts were able to discriminate
      between MOX-treated and untreated samples, with olfactory intensity, complexity,
      astringency and roundness being the main discriminating characteristics. Ordinal
      logistic regression enabled identification of the sensory characteristics that
      drove consumer preference. CONCLUSION: MOX at high rates improved the sensory
      characteristics of wine and may therefore be considered a valid technique for
      obtaining structured wines in a short period of time, i.e. within just a few
      months after the vintage. The results highlight the need for (i) careful
      selection of the MOX dosage rate and duration (the 25 mL L(-1) month(-1) dose for
      6 days provided the best result) and (ii) continuous monitoring of the MOX
      treatment.

PMID- 22083848
TI  - The influence of movement on the localization precision of sub-resolution
      particles in fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Obtaining sub-resolution particle positions in fluorescence microscopy images is
      essential for single particle tracking and high-resolution localization
      microscopy. While the localization precision of stationary single molecules or
      particles is well understood, the influence of particle motion during image
      acquisition has been largely neglected. Here, we address this issue and provide a
      theoretical description on how particle motion influences the centroid
      localization precision, both in case of 2-D and 3-D diffusion. In addition, a
      novel method is proposed, based on dual-channel imaging, for the experimental
      determination of the localization precision of moving particles. For typical
      single particle tracking experiments, we show that the localization precision is
      approximately two-fold worse than expected from the stationary theory.
      Strikingly, we find that the most popular localization method, based on the
      fitting of a Gaussian distribution, breaks down for lateral diffusion. Instead,
      the centroid localization method is found to perform well under all conditions.

PMID- 22083847
TI  - Solvent exposures and Parkinson disease risk in twins.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several case reports have linked solvent exposure to Parkinson disease
      (PD), but few studies have assessed associations with specific agents using an
      analytic epidemiologic design. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to specific
      solvents is associated with PD risk using a discordant twin pair design. METHODS:
      Ninety-nine twin pairs discordant for PD ascertained from the National Academy of
      Sciences/National Research Council World War II Veteran Twins Cohort were
      interviewed regarding lifetime occupations and hobbies using detailed job task
      specific questionnaires. Exposures to 6 specific solvents selected a priori were
      estimated by expert raters unaware of case status. RESULTS: Ever exposure to
      trichloroethylene (TCE) was associated with significantly increased risk of PD
      (odds ratio [OR], 6.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-33; p = 0.034), and
      exposure to perchloroethylene (PERC) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) tended
      toward significance (respectively: OR, 10.5; 95% CI, 0.97-113; p = 0.053; OR,
      2.3; 95% CI, 0.9-6.1; p = 0.088). Results were similar for estimates of exposure
      duration and cumulative lifetime exposure. INTERPRETATION: Exposure to specific
      solvents may increase risk of PD. TCE is the most common organic contaminant in
      groundwater, and PERC and CCl(4) are also ubiquitous in the environment. Our
      findings require replication in other populations with well-characterized
      exposures, but the potential public health implications are substantial.

PMID- 22083849
TI  - One-step method for isolation and purification of native beta-lactoglobulin from
      bovine whey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The major whey protein beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) has been widely
      studied for its functional properties. The aim of this study was to develop an
      efficient, inexpensive and rapid one-step method for the isolation and
      purification of BLG while preserving its native structure. RESULTS: BLG was
      purified from defatted whey obtained from raw cow's milk by anion exchange
      chromatography. Protein purity and identity were determined using reverse phase
      high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Total BLG yield was
      80% with protein purity from 97 to 99%. BLG isoforms A and B were separated into
      fractions of 91 and 99% purity respectively. The structure and native
      conformation of the isolated BLG were compared with those of standard commercial
      BLG by circular dichroism spectrometry, susceptibility to various crosslinking
      enzymes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition. CONCLUSION: The
      proposed method is very useful for the rapid preparation of BLG suitable for
      studying antigenic and molecular characteristics of this protein, as well as the
      effect of food processing on these properties. The procedure requires only 1 day
      for the purification of about 300 mg of BLG from a single run using a small
      column (2.5 cm * 20 cm) of diethylaminoethyl Sephadex and has potential for
      scaling up.

PMID- 22083850
TI  - Design and photophysical properties of zinc(II) porphyrin-containing dendrons
      linked to a central artificial special pair.
AB  - The click chemistry synthesis and photophysical properties, notably photo-induced
      energy and electron transfers between the central core and the peripheral
      chromophores of a series of artificial special pair-dendron systems (dendron =
      G1, G2, G3; Gx = zinc(II) tetra-meso-arylporphyrin-containing polyimides) built
      upon a central core of dimethylxanthenebis(metal(II) porphyrin) (metal = zinc,
      copper), are reported. The dendrons act as singlet and triplet energy acceptors
      or donors, depending on the dendrimeric systems. The presence of the paramagnetic
      d(9) copper(II) in the dendrimers promotes singlet-triplet energy transfer from
      the zinc(II) tetra-meso-arylporphyrin to the bis(copper(II) porphyrin) unit and
      slow triplet-triplet energy transfer from the central bis(copper(II) porphyrin)
      fragment to the peripheral zinc(II) tetra-meso-arylporphyrin. If bis(zinc(II)
      porphyrin) is the central core, evidence for chain folding is observed; this is
      unambiguously demonstrated by the presence of triplet-triplet energy transfer in
      the heterobimetallic systems, a process that can only occur at short distances.

PMID- 22083851
TI  - Endoscopic endonasal removal of laterally extended clival chordoma using side
      viewing scopes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transsphenoidal approach provides a straight and direct route to
      the clival chordoma, but has limitations for removing the tumor compartment
      extending laterally into the space posterior to the paraclival internal carotid
      artery. To overcome the limitations, a side-viewing endoscope and
      malleable/steerable instruments were employed. METHODS: Four clinical cases with
      clival chordoma extending into the retro-carotid space were analyzed for extent
      of resection, complications and clinical outcome. FINDINGS: The retro-carotid
      tumor compartment was removed in all cases under 30- and 70-degree side-viewing
      endoscopes using a malleable dissector and/or steerable forceps, resulting in
      gross total removal of the entire tumor. Single cases were complicated by
      transient abducens nerve palsy and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which required
      surgical revision. All patients have been symptom free without tumor recurrence
      during the mean postoperative follow-up of 21.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Though a
      longer follow-up is needed to evaluate its effectiveness in long-term tumor
      control, the surgical maneuver using the side-viewing endoscope is effective for
      removing laterally extended clival chordomas.

PMID- 22083852
TI  - Secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus in a patient with isolated frontal
      dilatation--an insight into pathophysiology?
AB  - Current theories of the pathophysiology of normal pressure hydrocephalus suggest
      the classical symptoms are a consequence of disruption of normal frontal
      function. We present the case of a 70-year-old patient with an isolated, frontal
      dilatation of his lateral ventricles in the presence of a complete triad as
      supportive of these theories.

PMID- 22083854
TI  - Cobalt-catalyzed coupling of alkyl iodides with alkenes: deprotonation of
      hydridocobalt enables turnover.

PMID- 22083856
TI  - ToF-SIMS analysis of chemical heterogenities in inkjet micro-array printed
      drug/polymer formulations.
AB  - Three different formulations comprising two drugs, felodipine and
      hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and two polymers, poly(vinyl pyrolidone) (PVP) and
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were inkjet printed as micro-dot arrays and
      analysed on an individual micro-spot basis by time-of-flight secondary ion mass
      spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). For the HCT/PLGA formulation, the spots showed
      heterogeneity of the drug and other chemical constituents. To further investigate
      these heterogeneities, multivariate curve resolution was applied to the ToF-SIMS
      hyperspectral image datasets. This approach successfully identified distinct
      chemical components elucidating the HCT, PLGA, substrate material, and
      contaminants based on sulphur, phosphorous and sodium chloride. Spots printed
      using either of the drugs with PVP exhibited full substrate coverage and a
      uniform distribution of the active ingredient along with all other constituents
      within the printed spot area. This represents the preferred situation in terms of
      stability and controlling the release of a drug from a polymer matrix.

PMID- 22083857
TI  - A combined chitosan/nano-size hydroxyapatite system for the controlled release of
      icariin.
AB  - Icariin, a plant-derived flavonol glycoside, has been proved as an osteoinductive
      agent for bone regeneration. For this reason, we developed an icariin-loaded
      chitosan/nano-sized hydroxyapatite (IC-CS/HA) system which controls the release
      kinetics of icariin to enhance bone repairing. First, by Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy, we found that icariin was stable in the system developed
      without undergoing any chemical changes. On the other hand, X-ray diffraction,
      scanning electron microscopy and mechanical test revealed that the introduction
      of icariin did not remarkably change the phase, morphology, porosity and
      mechanical strength of the CS/HA composite. Then the hydrolytic degradation and
      drug release kinetics in vitro were investigated by incubation in phosphate
      buffered saline solution. The results indicated that the icariin was released in
      a temporally controlled manner and the release kinetics could be governed by
      degradation of both chitosan and hydroxyapatite matrix. Finally the in vitro
      bioactivity assay revealed that the loaded icariin was biologically active as
      evidenced by stimulation of bone marrow derived stroma cell alkaline phosphatase
      activity and formation of mineralized nodules. This successful IC-CS/HA system
      offers a new delivery method of osteoinductive agents and a useful scaffold
      design for bone regeneration.

PMID- 22083858
TI  - [Treatment related swallowing dysfunction and the potentialities of IMRT].
AB  - Altered fractionated radiotherapy and concurrent chemoradiation could improve
      local control and survival for patients with locally advanced head and neck
      cancer. However, intensified treatment seems to increase late toxicity. Late
      swallowing dysfunction is common and has a large impact on quality of life and
      can get life-threatening character. Recent studies could show interrelations
      between the radiation dose to certain anatomical structures involved in the
      swallowing process and the risk of swallowing dysfunction. Important structures
      seem to be the pharyngeal constrictors and the supraglottic and glottic larynx.
      Further prospective clinical validations using standardized diagnostic protocols
      for dysphagia are necessary to establish dose constraints to anatomical
      structures involved in swallowing.

PMID- 22083860
TI  - [Prognosis of surgically treated primary parotid gland cancer - an evaluation of
      231 cases].
AB  - We present our results on the prognosis of parotid gland cancer with the help of
      a group of patients who were treated in a standardised manner and received a long
      term follow-up.We retrospectively analysed the clinicopathological data of 231
      patients with a surgically treated primary parotid gland cancer and calculated
      survival parameters. The mean follow-up time was 52 months.The 5- and 10-year
      overall survival rate was 74.2% and 66.9%. 70 patients got a locoregional
      recurrence, 18.6% of those even after more than 5 years. Initial facial nerve
      palsy was a significant negative prognostic indicator for the disease-free
      survival. The most frequent histological subtypes could be divided into 3
      prognostic groups with significant differences in the survival. The pathological
      tumour stage was a prognostic indicator for a worse overall and disease-free
      survival. The pT-stage, the pN-stage and the existence of distant metastases were
      independent prognostic factors.The group of patients is mainly characterised by
      the large size, the standardised therapy and the long follow-up time. We could
      show that the facial nerve palsy is a severe negative prognostic factor. For
      practical purpose, the classification into 3 histological subgroups seemed to be
      of great help. This should be considered in patient follow-up. Due to the amount
      of late recurrences, we propose a follow-up time longer than 5 years. We propose
      standardized surgery including total parotidectomy in combination with neck
      dissection.

PMID- 22083861
TI  - [Evaluation of the Dresden Tympanoplasty Model (DTM)].
AB  - The training of microsurgical motor skills is essentiell for surgical education
      if the interests of the patient are to be safeguarded. In otosurgery the complex
      anatomy of the temporal bone and variations necessitate a special training before
      performing surgery on a patient. We therefore developed and evaluated a
      simplified middle ear model for acquiring first microsurgical skills in
      tympanoplasty.The simplified tympanoplasty model consists of the outer ear canal
      and a tympanic cavity. A stapes model is placed in projection of the upper
      posterior tympanic membrane quadrant at the medial wall of the simulated tympanic
      cavity. To imitate the annular ligament flexibility the stapes is fixed on a soft
      plastic pad. 41 subjects evaluated the model's anatomical analogy, the
      comparability to the real surgical situation and the general model properties the
      using a special questionnaire.The tympanoplasty model was very well evaluated by
      all participants. It is a reasonably priced model and a useful tool in
      microsurgical skills training. Thereby, it closes the gap between theoretical
      training and real operation conditions.

PMID- 22083862
TI  - [Recurrent periorbital swelling - intraorbital foreign body].

PMID- 22083863
TI  - [A dubious middle ear trauma].

PMID- 22083864
TI  - [From the expert's office: a new grading table for the reduction in earning
      capacity for the occupational cancer of larynx].

PMID- 22083865
TI  - Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the University of Ibadan women towards
      cancer of the cervix and its prevention.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The two commonest cancers in Nigerian women are cancers of the breast
      and the cervix. Cancer of the cervix is the second commonest cancer and is a
      killer disease worldwide. The main objective of this study is to find out the
      knowledge, attitude and practices of the female university staff towards cancer
      of the cervix as a leadership group in the local effort towards cancer
      prevention. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 302 female staff of the University of
      Ibadan, which comprised 151 academic and 151 non-academic staff was studied.
      These were all the female members of staff who were met during the study
      visitation of all the departments on the main campus of the university and who
      were willing to participate in the study. A self-constructed and validated
      instrument called the knowledge, attitude and practice towards cervical cancer
      scale was used in collecting data for the study. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty
      two (79.1%) were aware of the disease, whereas 19.9% (60) were not aware. The
      academic staff were statistically significantly more knowledgeable of cervical
      cancer than the non-academic staff (p = 0.05). Two hundred and thirty-two (232 or
      76.82%) have a positive attitude towards preventive measures for cancer of the
      cervix such as Pap smear or ascetic acid test. However, as much as 210 (73.5%) of
      the women had never undertaken a Pap smear or other screening test for the
      condition. CONCLUSION: There is need for more education and promotion of cancer
      screening and services in this locality.

PMID- 22083866
TI  - Accelerating progress at contaminated sediment sites: moving from guidance to
      practice.
AB  - Contaminated sediments are a pervasive problem in the United States. Significant
      economic, ecological, and social issues are intertwined in addressing the
      nation's contaminated sediment problem. Managing contaminated sediments has
      become increasingly resource intensive, with some investigations costing tens of
      millions of dollars and the majority of remediation projects proceeding at a slow
      pace. At present, the approaches typically used to investigate, evaluate, and
      remediate contaminated sediment sites in the United States have largely fallen
      short of producing timely, risk-based, cost-effective, long-term solutions. With
      the purpose of identifying opportunities for accelerating progress at
      contaminated sediment sites, the US Army Corps of Engineers-Engineer Research and
      Development Center and the Sediment Management Work Group convened a workshop
      with experienced experts from government, industry, consulting, and academia.
      Workshop participants identified 5 actions that, if implemented, would accelerate
      the progress and increase the effectiveness of risk management at contaminated
      sediment sites. These actions included: 1) development of a detailed and explicit
      project vision and accompanying objectives, achievable short-term and long-term
      goals, and metrics of remedy success at the outset of a project, with refinement
      occurring as needed throughout the duration of the project; 2) strategic
      engagement of stakeholders in a more direct and meaningful process; 3)
      optimization of risk reduction, risk management processes, and remedy selection
      addressing 2 important elements: a) the deliberate use of early action remedies,
      where appropriate, to accelerate risk reduction; and b) the systematic and
      sequential development of a suite of actions applicable to the ultimate remedy,
      starting with monitored natural recovery and adding engineering actions as needed
      to satisfy the project's objectives; 4) an incentive process that encourages and
      rewards risk reduction; and 5) pursuit of sediment remediation projects as a
      public-private collaborative enterprise. These 5 actions provide a clear path for
      connecting current US regulatory guidance to improved practices that produce
      better applications of science and risk management and more effective and
      efficient solutions at contaminated sediment sites.

PMID- 22083868
TI  - Exploring iron-based multifunctional catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: a
      review.
AB  - The continuous increase in oil prices together with an increase in carbon dioxide
      concentration in the atmosphere has prompted an increased interest in the
      production of liquid fuels from non-petroleum sources to ensure the continuation
      of our worldwide demands while maximizing CO(2) utilization. In this sense, the
      Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology provides a feasible option to render high value
      added hydrocarbons. Alternative sources, such as biomass or coal, offer a real
      possibility to realize these purposes by making use of H(2)-deficient or CO(2)
      rich syngas feeds. The management of such feeds ideally relies on the use of iron
      catalysts, which exhibit the unique ability to adjust the H(2)/CO molar ratio to
      an optimum value for hydrocarbon synthesis through the water-gas-shift reaction.
      Taking advantage of the emerging attention to hybrid FT-synthesis catalysts based
      on cobalt and their associated benefits, an overview of the current state of
      literature in the field of iron-based multifunctional catalysts is presented. Of
      particular interest is the use of zeolites in combination with a FT catalyst in a
      one-stage operation, herein named multifunctional, which offer key opportunities
      in the modification of desired product distributions and selectivity, to
      eventually overcome the quality limitations of the fuels prepared under intrinsic
      FT conditions. This review focuses on promising research activities addressing
      the conversion of syngas to liquid fuels mediated by iron-based multifunctional
      materials, highlights their preparation and properties, and discusses their
      implication and challenges in the area of carbon utilization through
      H(2)/CO(+CO(2)) mixtures.

PMID- 22083869
TI  - Hydrogen sorption from the Mg(NH2)2-KH system and synthesis of an amide-imide
      complex of KMg(NH)(NH2).
AB  - The interaction between KH and Mg(NH(2))(2) is investigated. Results from
      temperature-programmed desorption measurements on samples of
      [Mg(NH(2))(2)][KH](x) (x=0.5, 1.0, and 2.0) indicated that dehydrogenation from
      [Mg(NH(2))(2)][KH] occurred through a two-step reaction with an onset temperature
      as low as 60  degrees C. Accompanied by hydrogen release, K(2)Mg(NH(2))(4) and
      MgNH successively developed at lower temperatures, whereas KMg(NH)(NH(2))
      developed at higher temperatures. However, when dehydrogenation was conducted
      under isothermal and near-equilibrium conditions, a single-step reaction that led
      to the formation of KMg(NH)(NH(2)) was observed. KMg(NH)(NH(2)) is a new amide
      imide complex. The synthesis of KMg(NH)(NH(2)) can be achieved either by
      dehydrogenation of the [Mg(NH(2))(2)][KH] mixture or by thermal decomposition of
      the [K(2)Mg(NH(2))(4)][Mg(NH(2))(2)] mixture.

PMID- 22083870
TI  - Remarkable uptake of CO2 and CH4 by graphene-Like borocarbonitrides, BxCyNz.
AB  - The surface areas and uptake of CO(2) and CH(4) by four graphene samples are
      measured and compared with activated charcoal. The surface areas are in the range
      of 5-640 m(2) g(-1), whereas the CO(2) and CH(4) uptake values are in the range
      of 18-45 wt % (at 195 K, 0.1 MPa) and 0-2.8 wt % (at 273 K, 5 MPa), respectively.
      The CO(2) and CH(4) uptake values of the graphene samples vary linearly with the
      surface area. In contrast, graphene-like B(x)C(y)N(z) samples with compositions
      close to BC(2)N exhibit surface areas in the range of 1500-1990 m(2) g(-1) and
      CO(2) and CH(4) uptake values in the ranges 97-128 wt % (at 195 K, 0.1 MPa) and
      7.5-17.3 wt %, respectively. The uptake of these gases varies exponentially with
      the surface area of the B(x)C(y)Z(n) samples, and the uptake of CH(4) varies
      proportionally with that of CO(2). The uptake of CO(2) for the best BC(2)N sample
      is 64 wt % at 298 K. The large uptake of both CO(2) and CH(4) gases by BC(2)N
      betters the performance of graphenes and activated charcoal. First-principles
      calculations show that the adsorption of CO(2) and CH(4) is more favored on BCN
      samples compared to graphene.

PMID- 22083872
TI  - Exploiting salivary miR-31 as a clinical biomarker of oral squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral carcinoma is an important malignancy throughout the world.
      MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed, non-coding RNAs that regulate post
      transcriptional levels of targeted mRNAs. MiRNA-31(miR-31) is significantly
      upregulated in oral carcinoma tissues and plays oncogenic roles in oral
      carcinogenesis. METHODS: We analyzed the levels of miR-31 in saliva of patients
      with oral carcinoma (n = 45), oral verrucous leukoplakia (n = 10), and control
      healthy individuals (n = 24) by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Salivary miR-31 was significantly increased in
      patients with oral carcinoma at all clinical stages, including very small tumors.
      However, our preliminary analysis showed no increase of salivary miR-31 in
      patients with oral verrucous leukoplakia relative to controls. The miR-31 was
      more abundant in saliva than in plasma, suggesting salivary miR-31 was a more
      sensitive marker for oral malignancy. After excision of oral carcinoma, salivary
      miR-31 was remarkably reduced, indicating that most of the upregulated salivary
      miR-31 came from tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results point to a potential
      application of salivary miR-31 as a biomarker for early detection and
      postoperative follow-up of oral carcinoma.

PMID- 22083873
TI  - Pharmacist intervention in primary care to improve outcomes in patients with left
      ventricular systolic dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meta-analysis of small trials suggests that pharmacist-led
      collaborative review and revision of medical treatment may improve outcomes in
      heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied patients with left ventricular
      systolic dysfunction in a cluster-randomized controlled, event driven, trial in
      primary care. We allocated 87 practices (1090 patients) to pharmacist
      intervention and 87 practices (1074 patients) to usual care. The intervention was
      delivered by non-specialist pharmacists working with family doctors to optimize
      medical treatment. The primary outcome was a composite of death or hospital
      admission for worsening heart failure. This trial is registered, number
      ISRCTN70118765. The median follow-up was 4.7 years. At baseline, 86% of patients
      in both groups were treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an
      angiotensin receptor blocker. In patients not receiving one or other of these
      medications, or receiving less than the recommended dose, treatment was started,
      or the dose increased, in 33.1% of patients in the intervention group and in
      18.5% of the usual care group [odds ratio (OR) 2.26, 95% CI 1.64-3.10; P< 0.001].
      At baseline, 62% of each group were treated with a beta-blocker and the
      proportions starting or having an increase in the dose were 17.9% in the
      intervention group and 11.1% in the usual care group (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.31-2.35;
      P< 0.001). The primary outcome occurred in 35.8% of patients in the intervention
      group and 35.4% in the usual care group (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.83-1.14; P =
      0.72). There was no difference in any secondary outcome. CONCLUSION: A low
      intensity, pharmacist-led collaborative intervention in primary care resulted in
      modest improvements in prescribing of disease-modifying medications but did not
      improve clinical outcomes in a population that was relatively well treated at
      baseline.

PMID- 22083874
TI  - Composition of milk from minor dairy animals and buffalo breeds: a biodiversity
      perspective.
AB  - A comprehensive review is presented of the nutrient composition for buffalo,
      mare, and dromedary camel milks at the level of breed, and species-level data for
      yak, mithun, musk ox, donkey, Bactrian camel, llama, alpaca, reindeer and moose
      milks. Average values of nutrients were calculated and compared. Interspecies
      values (g 100 g-1) were 0.7-16.1 for total fat, 1.6-10.5 for protein, 2.6-6.6 for
      lactose, and 67.9-90.8 for water. Reindeer and moose milks had the highest fat
      and protein concentrations and the lowest lactose contents. Mare and donkey milks
      had the lowest protein and fat contents, in addition to showing the most
      appropriate fatty acid profile for human nutrition. Dromedary camel milk was most
      similar to cow milk in proximate composition. Moose milk was the richest in
      minerals, having values as high as 358 mg 100 g-1 for calcium, 158 mg 100 g-1 for
      sodium and 150 mg 100 g-1 for phosphorus. Interbreed differences of 4 g 100 g-1
      were observed in total fat in buffalo, yak, mare and dromedary camel milks. Large
      interbreed differences were also present in the mineral contents in mare, buffalo
      and dromedary camel milks. By bringing together these compositional data, we hope
      to usefully widen the biodiversity knowledge base, which may contribute to the
      conservation and sustainable use of milk from underutilized dairy breeds and
      species, and to improved food and nutrition security, particularly in developing
      countries.

PMID- 22083875
TI  - N-(Imidazolidin-2-ylidene)-1-arylmethanamine oxides: synthesis, structure and
      pharmacological evaluation.
AB  - A high yielding three-step procedure was applied for the synthesis of N
      (imidazolidin-2-ylidene)-1-arylmethanamine oxides 3 (alpha-aminonitrones)
      starting from the easily accessible imidazolidin-2-one O-benzyl oxime 1. The
      alpha-aminonitrone-alpha-iminohydroxyloamine tautomerism of these products was
      studied theoretically and the structures of the synthesised compounds were
      confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The compounds were
      evaluated in vitro for their binding affinities to alpha(1)  and alpha(2) 
      adrenoceptors as well as imidazoline I(1)  and I(2)  receptors. The highest
      potencies at the alpha(2)  adrenergic receptors were observed for compounds
      bearing biphenyl (4h, K(i)  = 9 nM) and naphthyl (4i, K(i)  = 92 nM) moieties.
      Compounds 4h and 4i were further tested in vivo for their cardiovascular and
      sedative-hypnotic effects in rats.

PMID- 22083876
TI  - Lateral extension of pi conjugation along the bay regions of bisanthene through a
      Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction.
AB  - Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions at the bay regions of bisanthene (1) with
      dienophiles such as 1,4-naphthoquinone have been investigated. The products were
      submitted to nucleophilic addition followed by reductive aromatization reactions
      to afford the laterally extended bisanthene derivatives 2 and 3. Attempted
      synthesis of a larger expanded bisanthene 4 revealed an unexpected hydrogenation
      reaction at the last reductive aromatization step. Unusual Michael addition was
      observed on quinone 14, which was obtained by Diels-Alder reaction between 1 and
      1,4-anthraquinone. Compounds 1-3 exhibited near-infrared (NIR) absorption and
      emission with high-to-moderate fluorescent quantum yields. Their structures and
      absorption spectra were studied by density function theory and non-planar twisted
      structures were calculated for 2 and 3. All compounds showed amphoteric redox
      behavior with multiple oxidation/reduction waves. Oxidative titration with
      SbCl(5)  gave stable radical cations, and the process was followed by UV/Vis/NIR
      spectroscopic measurements. Their photostability was measured and correlated to
      their different geometries and electronic structures.

PMID- 22083877
TI  - [Editorial: Pharmazie in unserer Zeit 5/2011].

PMID- 22083878
TI  - The presumed atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 signals through G(i/o)  proteins
      in primary rodent astrocytes and human glioma cells.
AB  - SDF-1/CXCL12 binds to the chemokine receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, and controls cell
      proliferation and migration during development, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory
      processes. It is currently assumed that CXCR7 would represent an atypical or
      scavenger chemokine receptor which modulates the function of CXCR4. Contrasting
      this view, we demonstrated recently that CXCR7 actively mediates SDF-1 signaling
      in primary astrocytes. Here, we provide evidence that CXCR7 affects astrocytic
      cell signaling and function through pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i/o) proteins.
      SDF-1-dependent activation of G(i/o) proteins and subsequent increases in
      intracellular Ca(2+) concentration persisted in primary rodent astrocytes with
      depleted expression of CXCR4, but were abolished in astrocytes with depleted
      expression of CXCR7. Moreover, CXCR7-mediated effects of SDF-1 on Erk and Akt
      signaling as well as on astrocytic proliferation and migration were all sensitive
      to pertussis toxin. Likewise, pertussis toxin abolished SDF-1-induced activation
      of Erk and Akt in CXCR7-only expressing human glioma cell lines. Finally,
      consistent with a ligand-biased function of CXCR7 in astrocytes, the alternate
      CXCR7 ligand, I-TAC/CXCL11, activated Erk and Akt through beta-arrestin. The
      demonstration that SDF-1-bound CXCR7 activates G(i/o) proteins in astrocytes
      could help to explain some discrepancies previously observed for the function of
      CXCR4 and CXCR7 in other cell types.

PMID- 22083879
TI  - The role of cytoplasmic nanospaces in smooth muscle cell Ca2+ signalling.
AB  - We address the importance of cytoplasmic nanospaces in Ca(2+) transport and
      signalling in smooth muscle cells and how quantitative modelling can shed
      significant light on the understanding of signalling mechanisms. Increasingly
      more convincing evidence supports the view that these nanospaces--nanometre-scale
      spaces between organellar membranes, hosting cell signalling machinery--are key
      to Ca(2+) signalling as much as Ca(2+) transporters and Ca(2+) storing
      organelles. Our research suggests that the origin of certain diseases is to be
      sought in the disruption of the proper functioning of cytoplasmic nanospaces. We
      begin with a historical perspective on the study of smooth muscle cell plasma
      membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum nanospaces, including experimental evidence of
      their role in the generation of asynchronous Ca(2+) waves. We then summarize how
      stochastic modelling approaches have aided and guided our understanding of two
      basic functional steps leading to healthy smooth muscle cell contraction. We
      furthermore outline how more sophisticated and realistic quantitative stochastic
      modelling is now being employed not only to deepen our understanding but also to
      aid in the hypothesis generation for further experimental investigation.

PMID- 22083880
TI  - Al NMR: a novel NMR data processing program optimized for sparse sampling.
AB  - Sparse sampling in biomolecular multidimensional NMR offers increased acquisition
      speed and resolution and, if appropriate conditions are met, an increase in
      sensitivity. Sparse sampling of indirectly detected time domains combined with
      the direct truly multidimensional Fourier transform has elicited particular
      attention because of the ability to generate a final spectrum amenable to
      traditional analysis techniques. A number of sparse sampling schemes have been
      described including radial sampling, random sampling, concentric sampling and
      variations thereof. A fundamental feature of these sampling schemes is that the
      resulting time domain data array is not amenable to traditional Fourier transform
      based processing and phasing correction techniques. In addition, radial sampling
      approaches offer a number of advantages and capabilities that are also not
      accessible using standard NMR processing techniques. These include sensitivity
      enhancement, sub-matrix processing and determination of minimal sets of sampling
      angles. Here we describe a new software package (Al NMR) that enables these
      capabilities in the context of a general NMR data processing environment.

PMID- 22083881
TI  - Alteration of ictal and interictal perfusion in patients with paroxysmal
      kinesigenic dyskinesia.
AB  - Although previous cerebral blood flow studies have suggested that the basal
      ganglia or thalamus are involved in the pathogenesis of paroxysmal kinesigenic
      dyskinesia (PKD), the precise anatomic substrate or pathophysiological networks
      associated with PKD remain unclear. Here, ictal and interictal single photon
      emission computed tomography (SPECT) in 2 patients with idiopathic PKD compared
      to 6 age-matched normal controls and the perfusion findings of subtraction ictal
      SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) in 1 patient are reported. The interictal and
      ictal perfusion changes were different in each of the patients and there were no
      consistent anatomic substrates observed. 2 patients had significant perfusion
      changes in the left frontal/temporal cortices compared to controls, whereas the
      others showed an increased uptake of 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) in the
      left occipital area on subtraction SPECT imaging. The results of this study
      suggest that the pathophysiology of PKD cannot be simply explained by lesions of
      the basal ganglia or thalamus, and that other associated areas of the cortex are
      likely involved in these movement disorders.

PMID- 22083882
TI  - Complicated pneumococcal meningitis in a fully vaccinated child: value of
      magnetic resonance imaging monitoring.
AB  - We present a unique case of life-threatening pneumococcal meningitis complicated
      by vasculitis in a fully vaccinated 4-year-old female with the heptavalent
      conjugate vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae (PCV7). Serotype 23F was isolated
      in both blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples. Pulses of
      methylprednisolone were promptly initiated in addition to antibiotics leading to
      a good recovery. CSF studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain
      were used for diagnosis and monitoring the response to corticoid therapy. We
      report the investigations of a child with failure of PCV7 vaccine to protect
      against vaccine-serotype invasive disease. Use of corticosteroids and temporal
      association with changes in brain imaging are described for the first time in
      literature.

PMID- 22083884
TI  - Barcoded nucleotides.

PMID- 22083883
TI  - Molecular interactions between glycopeptide vancomycin and bacterial cell wall
      peptide analogues.
AB  - The molecular interactions of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin (Van) with
      bacterial cell wall analogues N,N'-diacetyl-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala (Ac(2) KdAdA) and
      N,N'-diacetyl-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Lac (Ac(2) KdAdL) were investigated in neat water,
      phosphate buffer and HEPES buffer by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
      (FCS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The FCS determined dissociation
      constants (k(d)) show that the intrinsic binding affinity between Van and the
      drug-sensitive peptide ligand Ac(2)KdAdA remains invariant when the solvent is
      changed from neat water to either PBS or HEPES buffer; this demonstrates that
      there are no obvious solvent effects on the association between Van and
      Ac(2)KdAdA due to the strong intermolecular interaction between the two moieties.
      When compared to Ac(2)KdAdA, a significantly larger k(d) value was observed for
      the binding between the drug-resistant peptide ligand Ac(2)KdAdL and Van.
      Furthermore, the k(d) increased by about 8- to 11-times when the solvent was
      changed from neat water to 10 mM phosphate/HEPES buffer. The stability of the
      Ac(2)KdAdL-Van complex was dependent on the concentration of the buffer and k(d)
      increases as the concentration of either phosphate ions or HEPES increased until
      an equilibrium was attained. Both FCS and MD simulation studies clearly showed
      that the components constituting the buffer solution (e.g., phosphate ions and
      HEPES) are involved in molecular interactions with the binding pocket of Van and
      they profoundly affect the intrinsic stability of the complex formed between the
      low-affinity Ac(2)KdAdL and Van. These results could help us to better understand
      the detailed structure and activity of glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives toward
      bacterial cell wall peptide analogues, and can further facilitate the development
      of new drug candidates against drug-resistant bacterial strains.

PMID- 22083885
TI  - Prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia by submandibular gland transfer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was carried out for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy
      of submandibular gland transfer to prevent radiation-induced xerostomia. METHODS:
      Thirty-eight patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma were recruited. Twenty-six
      submandibular glands were transferred into the submental space to elude
      radiotherapy in 24 patients (transfer group); the submandibular gland was not
      disturbed in the control group (n = 14). The salivary flow rate, xerostomia, and
      quality of life (QOL) were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and after
      radiotherapy. The swallowing function was then evaluated after radiotherapy.
      RESULTS: All the transferred glands survived and functioned after radiotherapy.
      The submandibular salivary flow rate recovered by 6 months after radiotherapy in
      the transfer group, whereas the flow rate declined drastically after radiotherapy
      and remained at a low level in the longer term in the control group. Two years
      after radiotherapy, 92.3% of patients in the transfer group had no or minimal
      xerostomia. QOL in the transfer group was better than that in the control group
      from 3 months after radiotherapy. Histologically, the majority of the transferred
      glands had normal glandular acini and ducts. There was no significant difference
      in dysphagia between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The submandibular gland can be
      successfully transferred to the submental space, thus preserving salivary
      function and preventing radiation-induced xerostomia. The transfer of the
      submandibular gland can improve the QOL by alleviating xerostomia, although it
      did not relieve dysphagia in this study.

PMID- 22083887
TI  - Optimal apheresis treatment volume for the efficacy and safety of
      leukocytapheresis with Cellsorba in patients with active ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) is used as an adjunct therapy for patients
      with active ulcerative colitis (UC). Although, LCAP is routinely performed at
      3,000 mL per session, we were interested to see that if this can be replaced with
      bodyweight (BW) adjusted volume. METHODS: In an open label prospective trial, the
      clinical response to BW adjusted LCAP (BWA-LCAP) was evaluated in 14 patients
      with active UC. Fourteen demography matched UC patients who had been treated with
      the routine 3,000 mL LCAP were randomly sampled from our database as a control
      group. All patients were given 10 weekly LCAP sessions. In the BWA-LCAP group,
      the processed blood volume (PBV) was set at 30 mL/kg * BW/session. Baseline
      demographic measures were not significantly different between the two groups.
      RESULTS: The average PBV in the BWA-LCAP group was 1971.0 +/- 330.0 mL, range
      1,020-2,460. In both groups, the average UC clinical disease activity index, the
      endoscopic index, and the concomitant prednisolone dosage were significantly and
      equally reduced during the course of 10 LCAP. Accordingly, at the end of the
      trial, no significant difference was seen in any outcome measure between the two
      groups. However, a significantly higher incidence of adverse event (AE) was
      observed in the routine 3,000 mL LCAP group as compared with the BWA-LCAP group
      (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this investigation showed that the
      therapeutic efficacy of LCAP based on 30 mL/kg * BW is similar to the routine
      3,000 mL per session LCAP. However, BWA-LCAP should be favored if one is to see
      the full potential of LCAP without AE.

PMID- 22083888
TI  - Highly sensitive and specific detection of neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid
      in environmental and food samples by a polyclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imidacloprid is one of the main neonicotinoid insecticides widely
      used in agriculture owing its broad spectrum of activity and low bioaccumulation.
      However, imidacloprid is toxic to honey bees and other beneficial organisms, and
      its residues may occur in environmental and food samples, posing a potential
      hazard to consumers. In this study the imidacloprid derivative bearing a three
      atom length spacer was synthesized and coupled to carrier proteins. Highly
      sensitive and specific polyclonal antibodies against imidacloprid were
      successfully produced and the polyclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (pAb-ELISA) was developed. RESULTS: The ELISA standard curve
      was constructed within the concentration range 0.1-100 ng mL(-1). The IC(50)
      value for nine standard curves was in the range 1.2-3.0 ng mL(-1) and the limit
      of detection was 0.03-0.16 ng mL(-1). The sensitivity of the assay was one order
      of magnitude higher than that in most published papers. There was almost no cross
      reactivity of the antibody with four structurally related compounds (acetamiprid,
      nicotine, clothianidin and nitenpyram) and six other compounds, indicating that
      the assay displays not only high sensitivity but also high specificity. No
      detectable imidacloprid was found in 11 collected environmental and food samples
      by the assay. For imidacloprid-spiked samples, acceptable recoveries of 73.4
      94.4% and intra-assay coefficients of variation of 2.2-12.8% were obtained. The
      assay was also validated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a
      good correlation of ELISA with HPLC was achieved. CONCLUSION: The proposed ELISA
      provides a sensitive, specific, simple and cost-effective quantitative/screening
      method for detecting imidacloprid in environmental and food samples.

PMID- 22083890
TI  - Interaction of hesperetin glucuronide conjugates with human BCRP, MRP2 and MRP3
      as detected in membrane vesicles of overexpressing baculovirus-infected Sf9
      cells.
AB  - The citrus flavonoid hesperetin (4'-methoxy-3',5,7-trihydroxyflavanone) is the
      aglycone of hesperidin, the major flavonoid present in sweet oranges. Hesperetin
      7-O-glucuronide (H7G) and hesperetin 3'-O-glucuronide (H3'G) are the two most
      abundant metabolites of hesperetin in vivo. In this study, their interaction with
      specific ABC transporters, believed to play a role in the disposition and
      bioavailability of hesperetin, was studied using Sf9 membranes from cells
      overexpressing human BCRP (ABCG2), MRP2 (ABCC2) and MRP3 (ABCC3). Both H7G and
      H3'G were tested for their potential to activate and inhibit ATPase activity, and
      to inhibit vesicular transport by these transporters. Both H7G and H3'G
      demonstrated interaction with all tested ABC transporters, especially with BCRP
      and MRP3. An interesting difference between H7G and H3'G was seen with respect to
      the interaction with BCRP: H7G stimulated the ATPase activity of BCRP up to 76%
      of the maximal effect generated by the reference activator sulfasalazine, with an
      EC(50) of 0.45 uM, suggesting that H7G is a high affinity substrate of BCRP,
      whereas H3'G did not stimulate BCRP ATPase activity. Only moderate inhibition of
      BCRP ATPase activity at high H3'G concentrations was observed. This study
      provides information on the potential of hesperetin glucuronide conjugates to act
      as specific ABC transporter substrates or inhibitors and indicates that regio
      specific glucuronidation could affect the disposition of hesperetin.

PMID- 22083891
TI  - Chiral self-assembled solid microspheres: a novel multifunctional microphotonic
      device.
AB  - Solid chiral microspheres with unique and multifunctional optical properties are
      produced from cholesteric liquid crystal-water emulsions using
      photopolymerization processes. These self-organizing microspheres exhibit
      different internal configurations of helicoidal structures with radial, conical
      or cylindrical geometries, depending on the physicochemical characteristics of
      the precursor liquid crystal emulsion.

PMID- 22083892
TI  - Tissue transglutaminase, inflammation, and cancer: how intimate is the
      relationship?
AB  - Despite significant advances in surgery and biology, cancer remains a major
      health problem. It is now well accepted that metastasis and cancer cells'
      acquired or inherent resistance to conventional therapies are major roadblocks to
      successful treatment. Chronic inflammation is an important driving force that
      provides a favorable platform for cancer's progression and development and
      suggests a link between inflammation and metastatic transformation. However, how
      chronic inflammation contributes to metastatic cell transformation is not well
      understood. According to the current theory of cancer progression, a small
      subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is responsible for their
      metastasis, resistance, and sustenance. Whether CSCs originate from normal stem
      cells or from dedifferentiation of terminally differentiated cells remains
      unknown. Recent evidence indicates that stem cells are not unique; malignant or
      nonmalignant cells can reprogram and de-differentiate to acquire a stemness
      phenotype. Thus, phenotypic plasticity may exist between stem cells and non-stem
      cells, and a dynamic equilibrium may exist between the two phenotypes. Moreover,
      this equilibrium may shift in one direction or another on the basis of contextual
      signals in the microenvironment that influence the interconversion between stem
      and non-stem cell compartments. Whether the inflammatory microenvironment
      influences this interconversion and shifts the dynamic equilibrium towards stem
      cell compartments remains unknown. We recently found that aberrant tissue
      transglutaminase (TG2) expression induces the mesenchymal transition (EMT) and
      stem cell characteristics in epithelial cells. This finding, in conjunction with
      the observation that inflammatory signals (e.g., TGFbeta, TNFalpha, and NF
      kappaB) which induce EMT, also induce TG2 expression, suggests a possible link
      between TG2, inflammation, and cancer progression. In this review, we summarize
      TG2-driven processes in inflammation and their implications in cancer
      progression.

PMID- 22083893
TI  - Involvement of AtoSC two-component system in Escherichia coli flagellar regulon.
AB  - The AtoSC two-component system in Escherichia coli is a key regulator of many
      physiological processes. We report here the contribution of AtoSC in E. coli
      motility and chemotaxis. AtoSC locus deletion in DeltaatoSC cells renders cells
      not motile or responsive against any chemoattractant or repellent independently
      of the AtoSC inducer's presence. AtoSC expression through plasmid complemented
      the DeltaatoSC phenotype. Cells expressing either AtoS or AtoC demonstrated
      analogous motility and chemotactic phenotypes as DeltaatoSC cells, independently
      of AtoSC inducer's presence. Mutations of AtoC phosphate-acceptor sites
      diminished or abrogated E. coli chemotaxis. trAtoC, the AtoC constitutive active
      form which lacks its receiver domain, up-regulated E. coli motility. AtoSC
      enhanced the transcription of the flhDC and fliAZY operons and to a lesser extent
      of the flgBCDEFGHIJKL operon. The AtoSC-mediated regulation of motility and
      chemotactic response required also the expression of the CheAY system. The AtoSC
      inducers enhanced the AtoSC-mediated motility and chemotaxis. Acetoacetate or
      spermidine further promoted the responses of only AtoSC-expressing cells, while
      Ca(2+) demonstrated its effects independently of AtoSC. Histamine regulated
      bacterial chemotaxis only in atoSC (+) cells in a concentration-dependent manner
      while reversed the AtoSC-mediated effects when added at high concentrations. The
      trAtoC-controlled motility effects were enhanced by acetoacetate or spermidine,
      but not by histamine. These data reveal that AtoSC system regulates the motility
      and chemotaxis of E. coli, participating in the transcriptional induction of the
      main promoters of the chemotactic regulon and modifying the motility and
      chemotactic phenotypes in an induction-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 22083895
TI  - Assessing the effectiveness of environmental enrichment in bottlenose dolphins
      (Tursiops truncatus).
AB  - Environmental enrichment is often used to improve well-being and reduce
      stereotyped behaviors in animals under human care. However, the use of objects to
      enrich animal environments should not be considered to be effective until its
      success has been scientifically demonstrated. This study was conducted at Asterix
      Park in France in April 2009. The study investigated the use of 21 familiar
      objects with a group of six bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The dolphin
      trainers introduced four different objects into the dolphin pool every day on a
      rotating basis. Using a focal-object sampling method, we collected and analyzed
      data from twenty-one 15 min sessions. The results revealed a positive correlation
      between interest behaviors and interactive behaviors. Some dolphins had "favorite
      toys". However, only 50% of objects elicited manipulative behaviors. These
      findings demonstrate that dolphins do not treat all objects provided to them as
      "toys". Behavioral changes in the animals subsequent to the introduction of
      objects do not necessarily indicate an enrichment effect of the objects; rather,
      the motivation for the dolphins' behaviors toward the objects must be
      investigated. The animals' behavior must be considered in light of the social
      context and of the animals' individual behavioral profiles. The relevance of a
      constructivist approach to evaluating the effectiveness of enrichment programs is
      discussed.

PMID- 22083896
TI  - Astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol stimulate the phosphorylation of
      extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase in multiple cell types.
AB  - Two Chinese herb-derived small molecule telomerase activators, astragaloside IV
      (AG-IV) and cycloastragenol (CAG), have recently been shown to improve the
      proliferative response of CD8+ T lymphocytes from HIV-infected patients by
      upregulating telomerase activity. Here, we examined the signaling mechanism of AG
      IV and CAG. Telomerase activity in human embryonic kidney HEK293 fibroblasts was
      increased upon treatment with increasing concentrations of AG-IV or CAG. Both
      compounds induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein
      kinase (ERK) in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HEK293 cells and HEK-neo
      keratinocytes. AG-IV and CAG also stimulated ERK phosphorylation in other cell
      lines of lung, brain, mammary, endothelial, and hematopoietic origins. Use of
      selective inhibitors and dominant negative mutants revealed the involvement of c
      Src, MEK (ERK kinase), and epidermal growth factor receptor in CAG-induced ERK
      phosphorylation. Our data indicate that AG-IV and CAG may exert their cellular
      effects through the activation of the Src/MEK/ERK pathway.

PMID- 22083897
TI  - 20-OH-ecdysone prevents hot flushes in ovariectomized rats.
AB  - Hot flushes are due to the lack of estrogens and are the most characteristic
      climacteric complaints. Hormone replacement therapy was the standard treatment
      but now its use is limited because of side effects. Need therefore arises to
      search for non-estrogenic alternatives. The molting hormone 20-beta
      hydroxyecdysone (Ecd) is produced by several plants including spinach and has no
      estrogenic or androgenic properties but enhances GABAergic effects in neurons.
      Since GABAergic compounds can ameliorate hot flushes, we investigated the effects
      of Ecd on subcutaneous body temperature of intact and ovariectomized (ovx) rats.
      The subcutaneous body temperature was recorded at 5-min intervals over a period
      of 3 hours. Rats were then ovx, and skin temperatures were recorded after an
      acute intravenous (5 mg) and during subchronic and chronic oral application of
      Ecd (73 mg/animal/day). For additional control purposes, a group of ovx rats
      received food containing estradiol-17 beta (E2). Skin temperature in individual
      ovx animals fluctuated largely with peaks (hot flushes) occurring every 20-40
      minutes. Following the i.v. treatment with Ecd, skin temperature dropped by more
      than 1  degrees C, an effect much larger than in the controls. One and two weeks
      later, hot flushes were only seen in ovx controls but not in intact, E2-, or Ecd
      treated animals. As a consequence, E2 and Ecd intake significantly (p < 0.05)
      reduced the mean temperature in ovx rats during the various time points of the
      study. These results suggest that Ecd is efficient to prevent hot flushes in ovx
      rats.

PMID- 22083894
TI  - Drosophila as a model for epithelial tube formation.
AB  - Epithelial tubular organs are essential for life in higher organisms and include
      the pancreas and other secretory organs that function as biological factories for
      the synthesis and delivery of secreted enzymes, hormones, and nutrients essential
      for tissue homeostasis and viability. The lungs, which are necessary for gas
      exchange, vocalization, and maintaining blood pH, are organized as highly
      branched tubular epithelia. Tubular organs include arteries, veins, and
      lymphatics, high-speed passageways for delivery and uptake of nutrients, liquids,
      gases, and immune cells. The kidneys and components of the reproductive system
      are also epithelial tubes. Both the heart and central nervous system of many
      vertebrates begin as epithelial tubes. Thus, it is not surprising that defects in
      tube formation and maintenance underlie many human diseases. Accordingly, a
      thorough understanding how tubes form and are maintained is essential to
      developing better diagnostics and therapeutics. Among the best-characterized
      tubular organs are the Drosophila salivary gland and trachea, organs whose
      relative simplicity have allowed for in depth analysis of gene function, yielding
      key mechanistic insight into tube initiation, remodeling and maintenance. Here,
      we review our current understanding of salivary gland and trachea formation -
      highlighting recent discoveries into how these organs attain their final form and
      function.

PMID- 22083898
TI  - Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Chilean plants traditionally used for
      wound healing therapy against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Anti-staphylococcal activity of Chilean medicinal plants traditionally used by
      the Huilliche people for wound healing therapy was evaluated against nine
      Staphylococcus aureus strains. Three extracts of 26 plant samples (20 species)
      were evaluated by agar overlay bioautography and MIC determination. Total
      phenolics and tannins were determined, and the antibacterial contribution of the
      latter was evaluated. The diffusion assay showed that 17 species were active
      against susceptible S. AUREUS and that 15 species were active against resistant
      S. aureus. Removal of tannins from extracts rendered only six species active. MIC
      determination showed that 20 extracts had antibacterial activity on all eight
      strains, and the most potent MIC value was 64 ug/mL. Remarkably, 37 extracts were
      active against the otherwise multidrug-resistant vanthida strain. Our findings
      support the wound healing properties of Huilliche medicinal plants and the
      hypothesis that these plants are promising sources of potential anti
      staphylococcal agents towards multidrug-resistant strains.

PMID- 22083899
TI  - Phosphodiesterase I-inhibiting Diels-Alder adducts from the leaves of Morus
      mesozygia.
AB  - A new 2-arylbenzofuran derivative, (+)-dimethylsmoracin O (1), and three new
      Diels-Alder type adducts, mesozygins A-C (2-4), in addition to eight known
      compounds, artonin I (5), chalcomaracin (6), norartocarpetin (7), moracin L (8),
      mulberrofuran F (9), moracin M (10), moracin C (11), and morachalcone A (12),were
      isolated from the leaves of Morus mesozygia Stapf. Structures were elucidated by
      spectroscopic data analyses. Compounds 2-7 displayed a potent phosphodiesterase I
      inhibitory activity.

PMID- 22083900
TI  - Metabolites of the mangrove fungus Xylaria sp. BL321 from the South China Sea.
AB  - Two new lactones, 1 and 2, together with five known compounds, 3-7, were isolated
      from the marine mangrove fungus Xylaria sp. BL321. Their structures were
      determined by comprehensive analysis of their MS and NMR spectroscopic data. The
      absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were established on the basis of electronic
      circular dichroism calculations. It was found that the exocyclic double bond of 1
      rearranged into a cyclic double bond to form a new crystal compound (1a) in
      diluted NaOH solution. Compound 3 was isolated for the first time as a natural
      product; its absolute configuration was determined by single-crystal X-ray
      crystallography. Compounds 4-7 displayed cytotoxicity against human breast cancer
      cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435, while compounds 1- 3 were inactive (IC(50) > 50
      uM).

PMID- 22083901
TI  - Comparison of the conductance of three types of porphyrin-based molecular wires:
      beta,meso,beta-fused tapes, meso-Butadiyne-linked and twisted meso-meso linked
      oligomers.
AB  - The length dependence of charge transport is evaluated in three families of
      porphyrin-based wires. Planar edge-fused tapes and alkyne-linked oligomers
      mediate efficient charge transport with exceptionally shallow distance
      dependence, whereas the conductances of the twisted singly linked chains decrease
      steeply with increasing oligomer length. The planar tapes are more conjugated
      than the alkyne-linked oligomers, but these two types of wires have similar
      conductance attenuation factors.

PMID- 22083902
TI  - 2,2'-Biphospholes: building blocks for tuning the HOMO-LUMO gap of pi-systems
      using covalent bonding and metal coordination.

PMID- 22083903
TI  - Indications for pedicled pectoralis major flap in a free tissue transfer
      practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) was highly
      used over the last 3 decades. The current era of free tissue transfer has
      gradually relegated the PMMF to a secondary role. METHODS: In a retrospective
      review of all patients undergoing pedicled PMMF from 2002 to now, we sought to
      determine the current role and assess the outcomes of the PMMF in a primary
      microvascular head and neck reconstructive center. RESULTS: Fifty-five PMMFs were
      performed in 53 patients (24 myocutaneous and 31 myofascial); group 1 consisted
      of 20 patients (38%) who underwent a secondary PMMF after a free flap
      complication (flap failure 9/20, fistula 5/20, wound breakdown with great vessel
      exposure 3/20, loss of soft tissue skin paddle 2/20, and delayed hematoma in
      1/20); group 2 included 18 patients (33%) who had a simultaneous free flap with a
      PMMF for dead space filler or cervical skin/great vessel coverage reconstruction,
      whereas the remaining 15 patients (29%) in group 3 underwent primary PMMF for
      reconstruction of cervical skin defect, great vessel coverage, pharyngocutaneous
      fistula, infection, and dead space filler. Complications of PMMF included 3
      hematomas, 2 partial dehiscences, 1 chest wall abscess, and 1 case of mastitis.
      Because of cervical tethering, 14 of 53 patients underwent secondary pectoralis
      myectomy with cervical contracture release at a mean of 10.3 months after initial
      surgery. CONCLUSION: The pedicled PMMF continues to serve an important role in
      head and neck reconstruction in the microvascular era with notable uses for free
      flap rescue, with simultaneous free flap reconstruction and for primary
      reconstruction in select circumstances with an overall acceptable short- and long
      term morbidity profile.

PMID- 22083904
TI  - Blue emitting 3pi-2spiro terfluorene-indenofluorene isomers: a structure
      properties relationship study.
AB  - Two novel terfluorenyl derivatives, 2,2'',7,7''-tetrakis(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluoren-2
      yl)dispiro[fluorene-9,11'-indeno-(2,1-a)-fluorene-12',9''-fluorene] ((2,1-a)-DST
      IF) and 2,2'',7,7''-tetrakis(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)dispiro- [fluorene-9,6'
      indeno-(1,2-b)-fluorene-12',9''-fluorene] ((1,2-b)-DST-IF) have been synthesized
      by two different synthetic approaches. These terfluorenyl derivatives possess a
      different central indenofluorene core, namely (2,1-a)-indenofluorene or (1,2-b)
      indenofluorene, which imposes two distinct geometry profiles, and different
      structural environments for the terfluorenyl fluorophores that translates into
      drastically different optical and electrochemical properties for (2,1-a)-DST-IF
      and (1,2-b)-DST-IF. These properties have been carefully studied through a
      combined experimental and theoretical approach. The (2,1-a)-DST-IF isomer has
      been successfully used as emitting layer in a blue single-layer small-molecule
      organic light-emitting diode (SMOLED) and appears as the first example of a blue
      emission arising from intramolecular terfluorenyl excimers. Regarding the
      importance of terfluorenyl derivatives in organic electronics, the present
      structure-properties relationship study, may open new avenues in the design of
      efficient blue fluorophores.

PMID- 22083905
TI  - Osteoporosis Patient Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire in postmenopausal women
      intermittently treated with oral bisphosphonates: the BRAVO study.
AB  - The Osteoporosis Patient Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (OPSAT-Q) is a
      psychometric measure of patient satisfaction with bisphosphonate treatment for
      osteoporosis. The study was a multicenter, nationwide, cross-sectional, patient
      reported outcome study conducted to evaluate treatment satisfaction and quality
      of life using the OPSAT-Q in patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy. This
      study enrolled postmenopausal women from 43 hospitals and 112 clinics who had
      intermittently taken oral bisphosphonates for treatment of osteoporosis. 4,220
      postmenopausal Korean women with a mean age of 65.3 years and a mean body mass
      index of 22.9 kg/m(2) participated in the study. All items within each subscale
      domain were more highly correlated with their hypothesized subscale domain
      relative to the other subscale domains, and all 16 items were significantly
      correlated with an overall composite satisfaction score (CSS). All scores showed
      acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha >0.70, range 0.88
      0.91). Comparisons of OPSAT-Q scores were made between selective subgroups of
      participants: monthly versus weekly administration, years of taking
      bisphosphonates, smoking habitus, acid-related medication and comorbid
      conditions. Mean OPSAT-Q subscale domains and CSS were higher for users of
      monthly bisphosphonates, with shorter duration, non-smokers, and non-users of
      acid-related medication. Mean OPSAT-Q subscale domain scores of side-effects were
      high for absence of comorbid conditions. The OPSAT-Q demonstrated acceptable
      measurement properties, including validity and reliability of subscale domains
      and CSS, in oriental women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women
      intermittently using oral bisphosphonate therapy reported increased satisfaction
      with monthly administration, with shorter duration, non-smokers, non-users of
      acid-related medication, and an absence of comorbid conditions.

PMID- 22083906
TI  - Asymptomatic Paget's bone disease in ethnic Thais: a series of four case reports
      and a review of the literature.
AB  - Paget's bone disease is quite common in some parts of Europe and countries
      inhabited by European emigrants, but it is rare in Asia. There have been only 13
      reported cases in Southeast Asia, including one reported case from Thailand. Half
      of the previously reported cases had bone symptoms and the other half were
      asymptomatic, but were incidentally discovered when patients were being
      investigated for other medical problems. Here are reported cases of four
      asymptomatic patients who presented elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase
      during routine annual medical checkups. All patients were of Chinese descent and
      all cases were proven by biopsy. Based on this experience, we are of the opinion
      that a substantial number of unrecognized cases of Paget's disease exist among
      ethnic Thais. We feel that they would be revealed if clinicians were alerted of
      its presence and if they included it as a possible diagnosis together with
      metastasis and osteoporosis when examining bone lesions or when results for
      elevated serum alkaline phosphatase are detected during routine checkups. We also
      anticipate that a higher prevalence of this disease may occur in future Thai
      generations due to the addition of offspring from Asian-European intermarriages
      to offspring of Chinese descent in the ethnic Thai population.

PMID- 22083907
TI  - Triterpenoid saponins from the genus Camellia.

PMID- 22083908
TI  - Chemical constituents of plants from the genus Machilus.

PMID- 22083909
TI  - Chemical constituents of plants from the genus Trigonostemon.

PMID- 22083910
TI  - Historical variation of structural novelty in a natural product library.
AB  - To evaluate the potential of natural products as novel structure suppliers, a
      historical analysis was performed on the structural novelty of a natural product
      library, viz., the Chapman & Hall/CRC Dictionary of Natural Products. The results
      show that although the unexplored natural product universe is still ample, it is
      more and more difficult to find novel agents from nature, with the discovery
      probability of novel structures and scaffolds being lower than 50% in the near
      future, which mainly results from the intrinsic redundancy of natural products
      and, thus, is unlikely to be reversed merely through technical progresses.

PMID- 22083911
TI  - Chemical characterization and genetic relationships among Ocimum basilicum L.
      cultivars.
AB  - Twenty-seven Ocimum basilicum cultivars were subjected to a chemical
      characterization of essential oil components by gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry (GC/MS) and a genetic characterization using the amplified fragment
      length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. Since the same 27 accessions had previously
      been classified into six morphotypes, these analyses allowed us to make detailed
      comparisons of chemistry, genetics, and morphology. The chemical composition and
      morphology of the studied cultivars appeared to have a strong genetic component.
      The AFLP analysis revealed a distinction between the green and purple
      morphotypes. The green morphotypes predominantly utilized the terpene
      biosynthetic pathway, while most purple morphotypes primarily utilized the
      phenylpropene biosynthetic pathway. The GC/MS analysis led to identification of
      87 volatiles. Among the 27 cultivars, five chemotypes were identified. A detailed
      characterization of the essential oil constituents indicated the existence of
      both specific combinations of compounds and 'private' compounds with the
      potential to be used in many aspects of human life. The established relationship
      between a genetic profile, chemical composition, and morphology represents an
      important step in future breeding programs and in the cultivation of this
      species.

PMID- 22083912
TI  - Composition of the essential oils in various organs at different developmental
      stages of Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. from Tunisia.
AB  - The composition of the essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from various
      organs at different development stages of Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. growing in
      Tunisia was determined by GC/MS analysis. In particular, the oil profiles of the
      leaves, stems, flower buds, roots, umbels, and fruits have been examined during
      the whole life cycle. The oil from the flowering aerial parts was characterized
      by a high content of isoamyl 2-methylbutanoate. After flowering and during
      desiccation and fructification, the umbels and fruits expressed a high content of
      linalool. The oils, extracted from the roots collected in the vegetatif, buds
      floral, and floral stages, were rich in monoterpene aldehydes, oxygenated
      monoterpenes, and monoterpene hydrocarbons. The highest level of non-terpene
      hydrocarbons was found at the flower-bud stage, represented by 61.3% of nonane.
      Among the monoterpenes, sabinene (12.5%) and beta-pinene (8.5%) were identified
      in the flower buds.

PMID- 22083913
TI  - Volatiles of Curcuma mangga Val. & Zijp (Zingiberaceae) from Malaysia.
AB  - Analysis by GC and GC/MS of the essential oil obtained from Malaysian Curcuma
      mangga Val. & Zijp (Zingiberaceae) rhizomes allowed the identification of 97
      constituents, comprising 89.5% of the total oil composition. The major compounds
      were identified as myrcene (1; 46.5%) and beta-pinene (2; 14.6%). The chemical
      composition of this and additional 13 oils obtained from selected Curcuma L. taxa
      were compared using multivariate statistical analyses (agglomerative hierarchical
      cluster analysis and principal component analysis). The results of the
      statistical analyses of this particular data set pointed out that 1 could be
      potentially used as a valuable infrageneric chemotaxonomical marker for C.
      mangga. Moreover, it seems that C. mangga, C. xanthorrhiza Roxb., and C. longa L.
      are, with respect to the volatile secondary metabolites, closely related. In
      addition, comparison of the essential oil profiles revealed a potential influence
      of the environmental (geographical) factors, alongside with the genetic ones, on
      the production of volatile secondary metabolites in Curcuma taxa.

PMID- 22083914
TI  - New flavanones from the leaves of Cryptocarya chinensis and their
      antituberculosis activity.
AB  - Four new flavanones, cryptoflavanones A-D (1-4, resp.), together with eight known
      compounds, were isolated from the leaves of Cryptocarya chinensis. The structures
      of these new compounds were determined by spectral analyses. Among the isolated
      compounds, pinocembrin (5) and cryptocaryone (6) exhibited antituberculosis
      activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37) Rv strain in vitro with MIC
      values of 3.5 and 25.0 MUg/ml, respectively.

PMID- 22083915
TI  - Novel tirucallane-type triterpenoids from Aphanamixis grandifolia.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation on the stem bark of Aphanamixis grandifolia afforded
      five novel tirucallane-type triterpenoids, (13alpha,14beta,17alpha,23Z)-25
      methoxy-21,23-epoxylanosta-7,20(22),23-triene-3,21-dione (1),
      (13alpha,14beta,17alpha,23Z)-21,23-epoxylanosta-7,20(22),23,25-tetraene-3,21
      dione (2), (3R,5R, 9R,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-{(2R,3S,5R)-5-[(2S)-3,3-dimethyloxiran
      2-yl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2,5-dimethoxyfuran-3-yl}-4,4,10,13,14-pentamethyl
      2,3,4,5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3
      ol (3), (5R,9R,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-{(2R,3S,5R)-5-[(2S)-3,3-dimethyloxiran-2-yl]
      2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran-3-yl}-1,2,4,5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17
      tetradecahydro-4,4,10,13,14-pentamethyl-3H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one (4),
      and (3alpha,13alpha,14beta,17alpha,20S,23R)-23-ethoxy-3-hydroxy-21,23-epoxylanost
      7-en-24-one (5). The (1) H- and (13) C-NMR spectra of all compounds were fully
      assigned using a combination of 2D-NMR experiments, including HSQC, HMBC, and
      ROESY sequences. The structure of 1 with the absolute configuration was
      determined by ECD calculation. Compounds 3 and 4 showed moderate activities
      against human MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells.

PMID- 22083916
TI  - Synthesis of (glycopyranosyl-triazolyl)-purines and their inhibitory activities
      against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B).
AB  - Development of novel purine derivatives has attracted considerable interest,
      since both purine and purine-based nucleosides display a wide range of crucial
      biological activities in nature. We report here a novel expansion of these
      studies by introducing gluco- or galactopyranosyl scaffold to the N- or 9
      position (or both) of 6-Cl purine moiety via Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition. By such an efficient reaction, a series of glycosyl-triazolyl
      purines were successfully synthesized in good yields. Biological evaluation
      showed that the majority of these glycoconjugates were good PTP1B inhibitors with
      IC(50) values in low micromolar range (1.5-11.1 MUM). The benzylated sugar
      derivatives displayed better inhibitory potency than that of the acetylated ones.
      Replacement of Cl by MeO at C(6) of the purine moiety decreased the inhibition in
      the case of benzylated (glycosyl-mono-triazolyl)-purines 11 and 12 (IC(50) >80
      MUM), whereas MeO-substituted benzylated bis[galactosyl-triazolyl]-purine 16
      possessed the best inhibitory activity with an IC(50) value of 1.5 MUM.
      Additionally, these compounds exhibited 2- to 57-fold selectivity over other PTPs
      (TCPTP, SHP1, SHP2, and LAR).

PMID- 22083917
TI  - Sea sand disruption method (SSDM) as a valuable tool for isolating essential oil
      components from conifers.
AB  - Essential oils are one of nature's most precious gifts with surprisingly potent
      and outstanding properties. Coniferous oils, for instance, are nowadays being
      used extensively to treat or prevent many types of infections, modify immune
      responses, soothe inflammations, stabilize moods, and to help ease all forms of
      non-acute pain. Given the broad spectrum of usage of coniferous essential oils, a
      fast, safe, simple, and efficient sample-preparation method is needed in the
      estimation procedure of essential oil components in fresh plant material.
      Generally, the time- and energy-consuming steam distillation (SD) is applied for
      this purpose. This paper will compare SD, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE),
      matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), and the sea sand disruption method (SSDM)
      as isolation techniques to obtain aroma components from Scots pine (Pinus
      sylvestris), spruce (Picea abies), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).
      According to the obtained data, SSDM is the most efficient sample preparation
      method in determining the essential oil composition of conifers. Moreover, SSDM
      requires small organic solvent amounts and a short extraction time, which makes
      it an advantageous alternative procedure for the routine analysis of coniferous
      oils. The superiority of SSDM over MSPD efficiency is ascertained, as there are
      no chemical interactions between the plant cell components and the sand. This
      fact confirms the reliability and efficacy of SSDM for the analysis of volatile
      oil components.

PMID- 22083918
TI  - Volatile components of whole and different plant parts of bastard balm (Melittis
      melissophyllum L., Lamiaceae) collected in Central Italy and Slovakia.
AB  - The aim of this work was to trap the volatiles released from whole frozen and dry
      aerial parts, and, separately, from different organs (leaves, stems, corolla and
      calyx) of bastard balm (Melittis melissophyllum L., Lamiaceae) populations
      collected in Italy and Slovakia by HS-SPME, and to identify the headspace
      constituents responsible for the characteristic aroma impression by GC/FID and
      GC/MS techniques. Among more than 100 volatile components detected, the C(8) 
      alcohol oct-1-en-3-ol, responsible for the typical mushroom-like odor, and the
      phenolic coumarin, with a characteristic sweet and creamy vanilla bean odor,
      played a major role in the aroma of whole aerial parts and different plant organ
      samples. In particular, dry calyx parts could be proposed as flavoring agent in
      food products as mushroom aroma enhancer. Multivariate chemometric techniques,
      such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis, were used to
      characterize the sample populations according to the geographical origin and
      processing of plant material.

PMID- 22083919
TI  - Secondary metabolites from two species of Pulicaria and their cytotoxic activity.
AB  - Two new compounds, the sesquiterpene (1E,5E)-8beta-acetoxy-4alpha-hydroxy-7betaH
      germacra-1(10),5-dien-14-oic acid (2), and a nor-sesquiterpene, (5E)-8beta
      acetoxy-4alpha-hydroxy-7betaH-germacr-5-en-10-one (3), were isolated from
      Pulicaria canariensis ssp. lanata, along with ten known compounds, including the
      flavonoid 5,3'-dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (4). From Pulicaria burchardii,
      we isolated seven known compounds; the physical and spectroscopic data of the
      triterpenoid 3beta-hydroxytaraxaster-20-en-30-al (1) are reported. The structures
      of compounds 1-3 were determined on the basis of HR-MS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR
      studies. The structure of 2 was corroborated by X-ray crystal diffraction. Cell
      viability experiments revealed that the semisynthetic flavonoid 4b was the most
      cytotoxic compound against human leukemia cells, and the cytotoxicity was caused
      by induction of apoptosis, as determined by microscopy of nuclear changes.

PMID- 22083920
TI  - Glucosinolate distribution in aerial parts of Degenia velebitica.
AB  - The glucosinolates present in the leaf, stem, and seed extracts of Degenia
      velebitica (Degen) Hayek were characterized and quantified according to the ISO
      9167-1 method, which is based on the HPLC analysis of desulfoglucosinolates. The
      stems contained glucoalyssin (3a) as the major compound as well as glucoberteroin
      (1a) and glucoaubrietin (4a). The leaves contained three glucosinolates, the
      major one being 3a, followed by glucobrassicanapin (2a) and 1a. Glucoberteroin
      (1a) was the major glucosinolate in the seeds, along with the two minor
      glucosinolates 3a and glucoerucin (5a). The content of 1a in the whole, non
      defatted seeds amounted to 4% (w/w). The compound was characterized as its
      desulfo counterpart by spectroscopic techniques.

PMID- 22083922
TI  - Honatisine, a novel diterpenoid alkaloid, and six known alkaloids from Delphinium
      honanense and their cytotoxic activity.
AB  - A novel diterpene alkaloid named honatisine (1) has been isolated from the whole
      plants of Delphinium honanense, along with six known alkaloids, siwanine E (2),
      isoatisine (3), atisine (4), delcorinine (5), uraphine (6), and nordhagenine A
      (7). Their structures were deduced on the basis of their spectral data. All of
      them were evaluated by a SRB assay for their cytotoxicity, and compound 1 showed
      a significant cytotoxic activity (IC(50) =3.16 MUM) against the MCF-7 cell line.

PMID- 22083921
TI  - Armenin and isoarmenin--two prenylated coumarins from the aerial parts of
      Artemisia armeniaca.
AB  - The reversed-phase (RP) preparative HPLC analyses of the MeOH extract of the
      aerial parts of Artemisia armeniaca yielded four prenylated coumarins, 7-hydroxy
      8-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutoxy)coumarin (named armenin), 8-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3
      methylbutoxy)coumarin (named isoarmenin), lacarol, and deoxylacarol, together
      with five other compounds, including three flavonoid glycosides, quercetin 3-O
      beta-D-glucopyranoside, rutin, and kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and
      chlorogenic acid, and tryptophan. (10E,12Z)-9-Hydroxyoctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid
      (beta-dimorphecolic acid) was isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2) extract. Armenin and
      isoarmenin were new coumarins. Structures of all compounds were determined by
      spectroscopic means, including UV, MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR. The in vitro free-radical
      scavenging property of the extracts and isolated compounds was evaluated by the
      1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

PMID- 22083923
TI  - Phenolic compounds from the rhizomes of Dioscorea bulbifera.
AB  - One new bibenzyl, 7, and one new diarylheptanone, diobulbinone A (18), together
      with sixteen known compounds, 1-6 and 8-17, have been isolated form the rhizomes
      of Dioscorea bulbifera. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses.
      Compound 7 showed high antioxidant capacity in FRAP assay and DPPH radical
      scavenging activity.

PMID- 22083924
TI  - Four new doramectin congeners with acaricidal and insecticidal activity from
      Streptomyces avermitilis NEAU1069.
AB  - Four new doramectin congeners, 1-4, were isolated from Streptomyces avermitilis
      NEAU1069. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic
      analysis, including 1D- and 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS, ESI-MS, UV, and IR, and
      comparison with literature data. All compounds exhibited noticeable acaricidal
      and insecticidal activities. Especially compound 2 was found to be the most
      potent pesticide of the compounds evaluated with the IC(50) values of 10.2, 65.1
      and 124.4 MUg/ml against adult two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae
      Koch), two-spotted spider mite eggs, and Mythimna separata, respectively, which
      are comparable to those of commercial pesticide milbemycin A(3)/A(4) as positive
      reference.

PMID- 22083925
TI  - Phenolic derivatives from Ruprechtia polystachya and their inhibitory activities
      on the glucose-6-phosphatase system.
AB  - Two new compounds, 5-methyl-2-(2-methylbutanoyl)phloroglucinol 1-O-(6-O-beta-D
      apiofuranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and trans-2,3-dihydrokaempferol 3-O-(4
      O-sulfo)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (2), together with 14 known flavonoids, trans
      dihydrokaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (3), trans-taxifolin 3-O-alpha-L
      arabinofuranoside (4), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), quercetin 3'-O
      alpha-L-arabinofuranoside (6), catechin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (7), trans
      taxifolin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (8), cis-dihydrokaempferol 3-O-alpha-L
      arabinopyranoside (9), catechin (10), myricetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside
      (11), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (12), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L
      arabinofuranoside (13), quercetin 3-O-(3"-galloyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (14),
      quercetin 3-O-(2"-galloyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (15), and epicatechin 3-O
      gallate (16), were isolated from the leaves of Ruprechtia polystachya Griseb.
      (Polygonaceae). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D-
      and 2D-NMR experiments as well as MS analyses. All compounds, except 1, showed
      inhibition of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase in intact microsomes.

PMID- 22083926
TI  - Triterpenes from the fungus Poria cocos and their inhibitory activity on nitric
      oxide production in mouse macrophages via blockade of activating protein-1
      pathway.
AB  - Two new triterpenes, 29-hydroxydehydrotumulosic acid (1) and 29
      hydroxydehydropachymic acid (2), together with six known compounds,
      dehydropachymic acid (3), dehydrotumulosic acid (4), 29-hydroxypolyporenic acid C
      (5), polyporenic acid C (6), tumulosic acid (7), and pachymic acid (8), were
      isolated from the dried sclerotia of Poria cocos. In the in vitro bioassays,
      these isolated compounds reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, nitric oxide (NO)
      production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with compounds
      5 and 6, the IC(50) values of which were 16.8+/-2.7 and 18.2+/-3.3 MUM,
      respectively, exhibiting the greatest inhibition activity. Further Western blot
      analysis conducted on cells pre-treated with compounds 5 and 6, and luciferase
      assays on activator protein 1-dependent gene expression revealed that the
      inhibited NO release was attributed to the reduced expression of iNOs (=inducible
      NO synthase) enzymes, which might be regulated via the blockade of activator
      protein-1 signaling pathway.

PMID- 22083927
TI  - Anticandidal activity of the essential oil of Nepeta transcaucasica Grossh.
AB  - Hydrodistallation of the aerial parts of Nepeta transcaucasica Grossh.
      (Lamiaceae), collected in Agri, Dogubayazit Province, afforded an essential oil
      that was characterized by GC and GC/MS analyses. Twenty-seven compounds,
      representing 97.69% of the total oil composition, were identified, and
      4aalpha,7alpha,7abeta-nepetalactone (1; 39%), 4aalpha,7alpha,7aalpha
      nepetalactone (2; 28%), and germacrene D (3; 15%) constituted the major
      components. The anticandidal effects of the oil were evaluated against seven
      Candida strains by using the broth microdilution method. The oil showed good
      inhibitory effects against C. glabrata and C. tropicalis at minimal inhibitory
      concentrations (MICs) of 0.09 and 0.375 mg/ml, respectively.

PMID- 22083928
TI  - Chemical composition and in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the essential oil
      of Plectranthus neochilus grown in Southeast Brazil.
AB  - The chemical composition and the in vitro schistosomicidal effects of the
      essential oil of Plectranthus neochilus (PN-EO) grown in Southeast Brazil was
      studied. beta-Caryophyllene (1; 28.23%), alpha-thujene (2; 12.22%), alpha-pinene
      (3; 12.63%), beta-pinene (4; 6.19%), germacrene D (5; 5.36%), and caryophyllene
      oxide (6; 5.37%) were the major essential oil constituents. This chemical
      composition differed from that previously reported for specimens harvested in
      Africa. Concerning the in vitro schistosomicidal activity against adult
      Schistosoma mansoni worms, PN-EO was considered to be active, but less effective
      than the positive control praziquantel (PZQ) in terms of separation of coupled
      pairs, mortality, decrease in the motor activity, and tegumental alterations.
      However, PN-EO caused an interesting dose-dependent reduction in the number and
      the percentage of developed S. mansoni eggs. These results suggest that PN-EO
      might be very promising for the development of new schistosomicidal agents.

PMID- 22083929
TI  - Chemistry students and human rights.

PMID- 22083930
TI  - Effect of feed intake level on ileal digestibilities of crude protein and amino
      acids in diets for piglets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of
      feed intake on apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibilities of
      crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in diets for piglets. The piglets were
      surgically fitted with simple T-cannulas at the distal ileum. The cornstarch
      casein-soybean meal-based diets were fed at three graded levels of feed intake
      corresponding to 30, 45 and 60 g kg(-1) body weight (BW) per day. RESULTS: The
      AID and SID of most AA were quadratically affected by the feed intake level
      (P<=0.05). Initially, both AID and SID of most AA increased up to 1.9 percentage
      units as the feed intake level was increased from 30 to 45 g kg(-1) BW.
      Thereafter, these AID and SID values decreased by 2.6 and 2.7 percentage units,
      respectively, as the feed intake level was further increased from 45 to 60 g kg(
      1) BW. CONCLUSION: Because the voluntary feed intake is highly variable in
      piglets after weaning, comparison of ileal AA digestibilities between and within
      studies may be confounded by variations in feed intake level. Thus, when
      designing digestibility studies with piglets, a standardization of feed intake
      should be taken into consideration.

PMID- 22083931
TI  - Recruitment and enrollment of caregivers for a lifestyle physical activity
      clinical trial.
AB  - This article presents the efficacy of the recruitment framework used for a
      clinical trial with sedentary family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's
      disease. An integrated social marketing approach with principles of community
      based participatory research provided the theoretical framework for organizing
      recruitment activities. This multi-pronged approach meant that caregivers were
      identified from a range of geographic locations and numerous sources including a
      federally funded Alzheimer's disease center, health care providers, community
      based and senior organizations, and broad-based media. Study enrollment
      projections were exceeded by 11% and resulted in enrolling n = 211 caregivers
      into this clinical trial. We conclude that social marketing and community-based
      approaches provide a solid foundation for organizing recruitment activities for
      clinical trials with older adults.

PMID- 22083932
TI  - Predicting pulmonary adenocarcinoma outcome based on a cytology grading system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary adenocarcinoma (AD) has a variety of architectural
      patterns. Recently, a 3-tiered histological pattern-based grading system was
      developed for stage I lung AD, stratifying patients into low, intermediate, and
      high risk for recurrence. However, cytology may serve as the primary method for
      diagnosis in patients with inoperable disease. Attempts to correlate architecture
      between parallel cytological and histological preparations have not been
      successful. Therefore, we evaluated cytomorphologic features of previously
      histologically graded AD to identify features of potential prognostic
      significance. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen fine-needle aspirations with
      excised adenocarcinomas were reviewed. In the liquid-based preparation, we
      evaluated cell arrangements(flat sheets vs 3-D clusters vs single cells), nuclear
      features (size variability, shape, and contour),nucleoli (prominent or
      inconspicuous), presence of nuclear inclusions, chromatin (fine, coarse,or
      clumped), and quality of background. The features were tested by multivariate
      analysis to identify associations with histological grade and disease-free
      survival (DFS), and a cytological score was generated. RESULTS: Nuclear size,
      chromatin pattern, and nuclear contours showed a significant association with
      histological grade and DFS. These features were included in the composite
      cytological score (range,0-5). By grouping the cytological scores, we stratified
      the tumors into low (median DFS, 100%), intermediate(median DFS, 78%), and high
      (median DFS, 55%) rate of recurrence (P 1/4 .008). There was a good correlation
      with the histological grading system. CONCLUSIONS: In liquid-based preparations,
      distinctive cytological features of pulmonary adenocarcinoma correlate with
      levels of histological differentiation and can be combined into a score with
      prognostic significance.

PMID- 22083933
TI  - Effect of diet on the incidence of and mortality owing to gastritis and renal
      disease in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa.
AB  - Seventy-two adult cheetahs were evaluated for the degree of gastritis by
      endoscopic biopsy and for renal disease by serum creatinine. Cheetahs free of
      Grade 3 gastritis and renal disease were placed on Trial A; remaining cheetahs
      were placed on Trial B, which ran concurrently. All cheetahs were monitored for 4
      years. Cheetahs exited Trial A and entered Trial B if they developed Grade 3
      gastritis or renal disease. Cheetahs exited Trial B if they developed clinical
      gastritis or renal disease that required a dietary change or aggressive medical
      therapy or died owing to either disease. Cheetahs on Trial A were fed either a
      supplemented meat diet (N = 26) or commercial cat food (N = 22). Cheetahs on
      Trial B were fed either the same meat diet (N = 28) or a commercial dry cat food
      formulated for renal disease (N = 16). Cheetahs fed meat on Trial A had a daily
      hazard of developing Grade 3 gastritis 2.21 times higher (95% CI 0.95-5.15) than
      cheetahs fed commercial cat food. This hazard was not statistically significant
      (P = 0.07). Mean gastritis scores were not significantly different between the
      two groups. Cheetahs fed commercial cat food in both Trials had lower serum urea
      levels and higher creatinine levels than those fed meat. Evidence for the effect
      of diet in cheetahs with gastritis and/or renal disease (Trial B) was
      inconclusive. The number of cheetahs dying of gastritis or renal disease at the
      facility has dropped markedly since the study began. These results indicate that
      diet may play an important role in the incidence of Grade 3 gastritis and that
      dietary and/or therapeutic management of gastritis may reduce mortality owing to
      gastritis and renal disease in captive cheetahs.

PMID- 22083934
TI  - Location, location, cis-mutation.

PMID- 22083935
TI  - BAG3 in heart disease: novel clues for cardiomyocyte survival from the Z-disk?

PMID- 22083936
TI  - High-performance organic optoelectronic devices enhanced by surface plasmon
      resonance.
AB  - The surface plasmon effect on polymer solar cells and polymer light-emitting
      diodes is demonstrated by using metal nanoparticles prepared from block copolymer
      templates. Light absorption of the polymer thin layer is increased with the
      incorporation of metallic nanostructures, resulting in a significant surface
      plasmon effect in the optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 22083937
TI  - Expression of cancer-testis antigens MAGE-A4 and MAGE-C1 in oral squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor markers are genes or their products expressed exclusively or
      preferentially in tumor cells and cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) form a group of
      genes with a typical expression pattern expressed in a variety of malignant
      neoplasms. CTAs are considered potential targets for cancer vaccines. It is
      possible that the CTA MAGE-A4 (melanoma antigen) and MAGE-C1 are expressed in
      carcinoma of the oral cavity and are related with survival. METHODS: This study
      involved immunohistochemical analysis of 23 patients with oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) and was carried out using antibodies for MAGE-A4 and MAGE-C1.
      Fisher's exact test and log-rank test were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS:
      The expression of the MAGE-A4 and MAGE-C1 were 56.5% and 47.8% without
      statistical difference in studied variables and survival. CONCLUSION: The
      expression of at least 1 CTA was present in 78.3% of the patients, however,
      without correlation with clinicopathologic variables and survival.

PMID- 22083938
TI  - Quinone-based, redox-active resorcin[4]arene cavitands.

PMID- 22083939
TI  - Squaraine dyes as efficient coupling bridges between triarylamine redox centres.
AB  - Various indolenine squarylium dyes with additional electron-donating amine redox
      centres have been synthesised and their redox chemistry has been studied. A
      combination of cyclic voltammetry, spectro-electrochemistry and DFT calculations
      has been used to characterise the electronic structure of the mono-, di- and, in
      one case, trications. All monocations still retain the cyanine-like, delocalised
      character due to the relatively low redox potential of the squaraine bridge and
      are therefore compounds of Robin-Day class III. Thus we extended previous studies
      on organic mixed-valence systems by using the indolenine squaraine moiety as very
      electron-rich bridge between two electron-donating amine redox centres to provoke
      a strong coupling between the additional redox centres. We synthesised TA3, which
      has an N-N distance of 26 bonds between the triarylamine redox centres and is to
      our knowledge the longest bis(triarylamine) radical cation that is completely
      delocalised. We furthermore show that altering the symmetry of a squaraine dye by
      substitution of a squaric ring oxygen atom by a dicyanomethylene group has a
      direct impact on the optical properties of the monocations. In case of the
      dications, it turned out that the energetically most stable state of
      dianisylamine-substituted squaraines is an anti-ferromagnetically coupled open
      shell singlet state.

PMID- 22083940
TI  - Risk factors of cardiac troponin T elevation in patients with stable coronary
      artery disease after elective coronary drug-eluting stent implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin T elevation after coronary intervention has been
      demonstrated to be associated with the prognosis of coronary artery disease
      (CAD). However, there were few studies about comprehensive risk factors analysis
      of troponin T elevation after elective drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.
      HYPOTHESIS: The prognosis of CAD after coronary interventions was associated with
      clinical and procedural risk factors of CAD, such as age, hypertension, severity
      extent of CAD and so on. METHODS: From March to December in 2010, patients with
      stable CAD were admitted for elective coronary intervention in our hospital. They
      were divided into an elevated troponin T group and a normal troponin T group by
      postprocedural troponin T. Clinical factors, laboratory-test factors, and
      angiographic factors (such as gender, age, cholesterol, Gensini score, and
      others) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients with an average age of
      64.0 +/- 9.9 years were enrolled in the study: 70 patients with elevated troponin
      T (>=0.03 ng/mL) after DES implantation and 139 patients with normal troponin T
      (<0.03 ng/mL). After univariate analysis, we found that age, hypertension, total
      cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), Gensini score, number
      of stenosed vessels, and total implanted stents were associated with
      postprocedural troponin T elevation. According to the results of multivariate
      analysis, we found that age, total cholesterol, number of stenosed vessels, and
      number of implanted stents were independent risk factors of postprocedural
      troponin T elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Age, serum total cholesterol, number of
      stenosed vessels, and number of implanted stents could be independent risk
      factors of troponin T elevation after elective DES implantation.

PMID- 22083941
TI  - Molecular mechanisms for anti-aging by natural dietary compounds.
AB  - Aging is defined as a normal decline in survival with advancing age; however, the
      recent researches have showed that physiological functions of the body change
      during the aging process. Majority of the changes are often subject to a higher
      risk of developing diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes,
      Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, as well as the dysregulated immune and
      inflammatory disorders. Aging process is controlled by a complicated and precise
      signaling network that involved in energy homeostasis, cellular metabolism and
      stress resistance. Over the past few decades, research in natural dietary
      compounds by various organism and animal models provides a new strategy for anti
      aging. Natural dietary compounds act through a variety mechanisms to extend
      lifespan and prevent age-related diseases. This review summarizes the current
      understanding on signaling pathways of aging and knowledge and underlying
      mechanism of natural dietary compounds that provide potential application on anti
      aging and improve heath in human.

PMID- 22083942
TI  - Canonical Wnt signaling in the notochordal cell is upregulated in early
      intervertebral disk degeneration.
AB  - The notochordal cell (NC) of the nucleus pulposus (NP) is considered a potential
      NP progenitor cell, and early intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration involves
      replacement of NCs by chondrocyte-like cells (CLCs). Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      plays a crucial role in maintaining the notochordal fate during embryogenesis,
      but is also involved in tissue degeneration and regeneration. The canine species,
      which can be subdivided into non-chondrodystrophic and chondrodystrophic breeds,
      is characterized by differential maintenance of the NC: in non-chondrodystrophic
      dogs, the NC remains the predominant cell type during the majority of life, with
      IVD degeneration only occurring at old age; conversely, in chondrodystrophic dogs
      the NC is lost early in life, with concurrent degeneration of all IVDs. This
      study investigated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the healthy, NC-rich NP and
      early degenerated, CLC-rich NP of both breed types by immunohistochemistry of
      beta-catenin and relative gene expression of brachyury and cytokeratin 8
      (notochordal markers) and Wnt targets axin2, cyclin D1, and c-myc. Both NCs and
      CLCs showed nuclear and cytoplasmic beta-catenin protein expression and axin2
      gene expression, but beta-catenin signal intensity and Wnt target gene expression
      were higher in the CLC-rich NP. Primary NCs in monolayer culture (normoxic
      conditions) showed Wnt/beta-catenin signaling comparable to the in vivo
      situation, with increased cyclin D1 and c-myc gene expression. In conclusion,
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activity in the NC within the NC-rich NP and in
      culture supports the role of this cell as a potential progenitor cell; increased
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activity in early IVD degeneration may be a reflection
      of its dual role.

PMID- 22083943
TI  - Nanoscale DNA tetrahedra improve biomolecular recognition on patterned surfaces.
AB  - The bottom-up approach of DNA nano-biotechnology can create biomaterials with
      defined properties relevant for a wide range of applications. This report
      describes nanoscale DNA tetrahedra that are beneficial to the field of biosensing
      and the targeted immobilization of biochemical receptors on substrate surfaces.
      The DNA nanostructures act as immobilization agents that are able to present
      individual molecules at a defined nanoscale distance to the solvent thereby
      improving biomolecular recognition of analytes. The tetrahedral display devices
      are self-assembled from four oligonucleotides. Three of the four tetrahedron
      vertices are equipped with disulfide groups to enable oriented binding to gold
      surfaces. The fourth vertex at the top of the bound tetrahedron presents the
      biomolecular receptor to the solvent. In assays testing the molecular
      accessibility via DNA hybridization and protein capturing, tetrahedron-tethered
      receptors outperformed conventional immobilization approaches with regard to
      specificity and amount of captured polypeptide by a factor of up to seven. The
      bottom-up strategy of creating DNA tetrahedrons is also compatible with the top
      down route of nanopatterning of inorganic substrates, as demonstrated by the
      specific coating of micro- to nanoscale gold squares amid surrounding blank or
      poly(ethylene glycol)-passivated glass surfaces. DNA tetrahedra can create
      biofunctionalized surfaces of rationally designed properties that are of
      relevance in analytical chemistry, cell biology, and single-molecule biophysics.

PMID- 22083944
TI  - Differential effect of beta-blockers for heart rate control in coronary artery
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resting heart rate is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular
      disease and is mainly controlled by beta-blockers (BBs). BBs are part of the
      optimal medical treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD), and their benefit
      correlates with resting heart rate (RHR) reduction. HYPOTHESIS: RHR is poorly
      controlled in daily practice among patients with stable cardiovascular disease,
      and control is only achieved by some BBs. METHODS: Observational, cross
      sectional, and multicenter study of CAD patients recruited nationwide from 20
      institutions. Antecedents, risk factors, and treatments were collected.
      Controlled RHR was considered at <70 bpm. RESULTS: The mean age of the 2897
      patients included was 67.4 years (11.4%), and 75.9% were males. Patients treated
      with a BB (56.5%) had a lower mean age and comorbidities. The mean RHR was 69.6
      bpm (12.6). A significantly lower RHR was observed in patients treated with a BB
      compared to the rest (67.2 vs 73.0 bpm; P<0.01), and no difference was observed
      in patients treated with a calciumchannel blocker (CCB). The analysis by
      individual agents identified that only patients treated with atenolol,
      bisoprolol, and metoprolol had significantly lower RHR than those not receiving a
      BB. No differences were observed in mean doses of each agent according to RHR
      control, except for verapamil. BB treatment was independently associated with RHR
      control (odds ratio [OR]: 2.42, 95% CI: 2.05-2.87; P<0.01), and no association
      was found for nondihydropyridine CCBs (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.02; P = 0.38).
      Bisoprolol (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.38-1.78; P<0.01), atenolol (OR: 2.01, 95% CI:
      1.57-3.49; P<0.01), and metoprolol (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04-1618; P = 0.04) were
      independently associated with RHR control. CONCLUSIONS: RHR is poorly controlled
      in CAD patients, and although BBs are the most efficient therapy, in daily
      clinical practice RHR <70 bpm is only independently associated with atenolol,
      bisoprolol, or metoprolol.

PMID- 22083945
TI  - Mapping hemodynamic correlates of seizures using fMRI: A review.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is able to detect changes in blood
      oxygenation level associated with neuronal activity throughout the brain. For
      more than a decade, fMRI alone or in combination with simultaneous EEG recording
      (EEG-fMRI) has been used to investigate the hemodynamic changes associated with
      interictal and ictal epileptic discharges. This is the first literature review to
      focus on the various fMRI acquisition and data analysis methods applied to map
      epileptic seizure-related hemodynamic changes from the first report of an fMRI
      scan of a seizure to the present day. Two types of data analysis approaches,
      based on temporal correlation and data driven, are explained and contrasted. The
      spatial and temporal relationship between the observed hemodynamic changes using
      fMRI and other non-invasive and invasive electrophysiological and imaging data is
      considered. We then describe the role of fMRI in localizing and exploring the
      networks involved in spontaneous and triggered seizure onset and propagation. We
      also discuss that fMRI alone and combined with EEG hold great promise in the
      investigation of seizure-related hemodynamic changes non-invasively in humans. We
      think that this will lead to significant improvements in our understanding of
      seizures with important consequences for the treatment of epilepsy.

PMID- 22083948
TI  - Cross-coupling of aryl Grignard reagents with aryl iodides and bromides through
      S(RN)1 pathway.

PMID- 22083949
TI  - Plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA concentration and clearance rate as novel
      prognostic factors for metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the pretreatment copy number and the clearance rate of
      plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA as novel prognostic outcome markers for
      metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Seventy-three patients with
      metastatic NPC were treated at outpatient department. Plasma EBV DNA
      concentrations and half-life values of plasma viral clearance rates, were
      determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:
      Treatment response evaluated after 3 to 6 months of treatment showed that the
      overall response rate was 53.5%. The pretreatment plasma EBV DNA concentrations
      and the half-life of plasma EBV DNA clearance rates had significant effects on
      treatment response and overall survival prediction. In the chemotherapy regimen,
      gemcitabine plus cisplatin had a better treatment outcome than the cisplatin plus
      oral UFT and calcium folinate-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS: The pretreatment
      plasma EBV DNA copy number and their clearance rates are significant predictors
      for NPC treatment outcome.

PMID- 22083951
TI  - New insights into cyclobutenone rearrangements: a total synthesis of the natural
      ROS-generating anti-cancer agent cribrostatin 6.
AB  - Aryl- and heteroarylcyclobutenone rearrangements proceed in excellent yield under
      continuous-flow conditions. The former shows a Hammett correlation with sigma(I)
      providing strong evidence that electrocyclisation is the rate-determining step
      and has a late transition state. The reaction has been modelled by using DFT and
      CCSD(T) methods, with the latter giving excellent correlation with the
      experimental rate constant. A short and efficient total synthesis of cribrostatin
      6, an anti-neoplastic and anti-microbial agent, provides a topical demonstration
      of the value of this method.

PMID- 22083950
TI  - Regulation of epithelial permeability by the actin cytoskeleton.
AB  - The actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic structure necessary for cell and tissue
      organization, including the maintenance of epithelial barriers. The epithelial
      barrier regulates the movement of ions, macromolecules, immune cells, and
      pathogens, and is thus essential for normal organ function. Disruption in the
      epithelial barrier has been shown to coincide with alterations of the actin
      cytoskeleton in several disease states. These disruptions primarily manifest as
      increased movement through the paracellular space, which is normally regulated by
      tight junctions (TJ). Despite extensive research demonstrating a direct link
      between the actin cytoskeleton and epithelial permeability, our understanding of
      the physiological mechanisms that link permeability and tight junction structure
      are still limited. In this review, we explore the role of the actin cytoskeleton
      at TJ and present several areas for future study.

PMID- 22083952
TI  - The forkhead transcription factor FOXK2 promotes AP-1-mediated transcriptional
      regulation.
AB  - The transcriptional control circuitry in eukaryotic cells is complex and is
      orchestrated by combinatorially acting transcription factors. Forkhead
      transcription factors often function in concert with heterotypic transcription
      factors to specify distinct transcriptional programs. Here, we demonstrate that
      FOXK2 participates in combinatorial transcriptional control with the AP-1
      transcription factor. FOXK2 binding regions are widespread throughout the genome
      and are often coassociated with AP-1 binding motifs. FOXK2 acts to promote AP-1
      dependent gene expression changes in response to activation of the AP-1 pathway.
      In this context, FOXK2 is required for the efficient recruitment of AP-1 to
      chromatin. Thus, we have uncovered an important new molecular mechanism that
      controls AP-1-dependent gene expression.

PMID- 22083953
TI  - RBFOX2 promotes protein 4.1R exon 16 selection via U1 snRNP recruitment.
AB  - The erythroid differentiation-specific splicing switch of protein 4.1R exon 16,
      which encodes a spectrin/actin-binding peptide critical for erythrocyte membrane
      stability, is modulated by the differentiation-induced splicing factor RBFOX2. We
      have now characterized the mechanism by which RBFOX2 regulates exon 16 splicing
      through the downstream intronic element UGCAUG. Exon 16 possesses a weak 5'
      splice site (GAG/GTTTGT), which when strengthened to a consensus sequence
      (GAG/GTAAGT) leads to near-total exon 16 inclusion. Impaired RBFOX2 binding
      reduces exon 16 inclusion in the context of the native weak 5' splice site, but
      not the engineered strong 5' splice site, implying that RBFOX2 achieves its
      effect by promoting utilization of the weak 5' splice site. We further
      demonstrate that RBFOX2 increases U1 snRNP recruitment to the weak 5' splice site
      through direct interaction between its C-terminal domain (CTD) and the zinc
      finger region of U1C and that the CTD is required for the effect of RBFOX2 on
      exon 16 splicing. Our data suggest a novel mechanism for exon 16 5' splice site
      activation in which the binding of RBFOX2 to downstream intronic splicing
      enhancers stabilizes the pre-mRNA-U1 snRNP complex through interactions with U1C.

PMID- 22083954
TI  - Novel roles of Caenorhabditis elegans heterochromatin protein HP1 and linker
      histone in the regulation of innate immune gene expression.
AB  - Linker histone (H1) and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) are essential components
      of heterochromatin which contribute to the transcriptional repression of genes.
      It has been shown that the methylation mark of vertebrate histone H1 is
      specifically recognized by the chromodomain of HP1. However, the exact biological
      role of linker histone binding to HP1 has not been determined. Here, we
      investigate the function of the Caenorhabditis elegans H1 variant HIS-24 and the
      HP1-like proteins HPL-1 and HPL-2 in the cooperative transcriptional regulation
      of immune-relevant genes. We provide the first evidence that HPL-1 interacts with
      HIS-24 monomethylated at lysine 14 (HIS-24K14me1) and associates in vivo with
      promoters of genes involved in antimicrobial response. We also report an increase
      in overall cellular levels and alterations in the distribution of HIS-24K14me1
      after infection with pathogenic bacteria. HIS-24K14me1 localization changes from
      being mostly nuclear to both nuclear and cytoplasmic in the intestinal cells of
      infected animals. Our results highlight an antimicrobial role of HIS-24K14me1 and
      suggest a functional link between epigenetic regulation by an HP1/H1 complex and
      the innate immune system in C. elegans.

PMID- 22083955
TI  - Occludin: one protein, many forms.
AB  - Intercellular tight junctions (TJs) exhibit a complex molecular architecture
      involving the regulated cointeraction of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins (e.g.,
      zonula occludens) and integral membrane linker proteins (e.g., occludin and
      claudins). They provide structural integrity to epithelial and endothelial
      tissues and create highly polarized barriers essential to homeostatic maintenance
      within vertebrate physiological systems, while their dysregulation is an
      established pathophysiological hallmark of many diseases (e.g., cancer, stroke,
      and inflammatory lung disease). The junctional complex itself is a highly dynamic
      signaling entity wherein participant proteins constantly undergo a blend of
      regulatory modifications in response to diverse physiological and pathological
      cues, ultimately diversifying the overall adhesive properties of the TJ.
      Occludin, a 65-kDa tetraspan integral membrane protein, contributes to TJ
      stabilization and optimal barrier function. This paper reviews our current
      knowledge of how tissue occludin is specifically modified at the
      posttranscriptional and posttranslational levels in diverse circumstances, with
      associated consequences for TJ dynamics and epithelial/endothelial homeostasis.
      Mechanistic concepts such as splice variance and alternate promoter usage,
      proteolysis, phosphorylation, dimerization, and ubiquitination are
      comprehensively examined, and possible avenues for future investigation
      highlighted.

PMID- 22083956
TI  - CBP mediates NF-kappaB-dependent histone acetylation and estrogen receptor
      recruitment to an estrogen response element in the BIRC3 promoter.
AB  - Estrogen receptor (ER) and NF-kappaB are transcription factors with profound
      effects on breast cancer cell proliferation and survival. While many studies
      demonstrate that ER and NF-kappaB can repress each other, we previously
      identified a gene signature that is synergistically upregulated by these two
      factors in more aggressive luminal B breast tumors. Herein, we examine a novel
      mechanism of cross talk between ER and NF-kappaB that results in the upregulation
      of the antiapoptotic gene BIRC3 (also known as cIAP2). We demonstrate that NF
      kappaB, acting through two response elements, is required for ER recruitment to
      an adjacent estrogen response element (ERE) in the BIRC3 promoter. This effect is
      accompanied by a major increase in NF-kappaB-dependent histone acetylation around
      the ERE. Interestingly, CBP, a histone acetyltransferase previously implicated in
      repressive interactions between ER and NF-kappaB, plays a permissive role by
      promoting histone acetylation and ER recruitment, as well as enhanced expression
      of BIRC3. These findings suggest a new gene regulatory mechanism by which
      inflammation and NF-kappaB activation can influence ER recruitment to inherently
      inactive ER binding sites. This fine-tuning mechanism may explain how two factors
      that generally repress each other's activity may work together on certain genes
      to promote breast cancer cell survival and tumor progression.

PMID- 22083957
TI  - Integration of regulatory networks by NKX3-1 promotes androgen-dependent prostate
      cancer survival.
AB  - The NKX3-1 gene is a homeobox gene required for prostate tumor progression, but
      how it functions is unclear. Here, using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to
      massively parallel sequencing (ChIP-seq) we showed that NKX3-1 colocalizes with
      the androgen receptor (AR) across the prostate cancer genome. We uncovered two
      distinct mechanisms by which NKX3-1 controls the AR transcriptional network in
      prostate cancer. First, NKX3-1 and AR directly regulate each other in a feed
      forward regulatory loop. Second, NKX3-1 collaborates with AR and FoxA1 to mediate
      genes in advanced and recurrent prostate carcinoma. NKX3-1- and AR-coregulated
      genes include those found in the "protein trafficking" process, which integrates
      oncogenic signaling pathways. Moreover, we demonstrate that NKX3-1, AR, and FoxA1
      promote prostate cancer cell survival by directly upregulating RAB3B, a member of
      the RAB GTPase family. Finally, we show that RAB3B is overexpressed in prostate
      cancer patients, suggesting that RAB3B together with AR, FoxA1, and NKX3-1 are
      important regulators of prostate cancer progression. Collectively, our work
      highlights a novel hierarchical transcriptional regulatory network between NKX3
      1, AR, and the RAB GTPase signaling pathway that is critical for the genetic
      molecular-phenotypic paradigm in androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

PMID- 22083958
TI  - Histone H1 recruitment by CHD8 is essential for suppression of the Wnt-beta
      catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - Members of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) family of proteins are
      thought to regulate gene expression. Among mammalian CHD proteins, CHD8 was
      originally isolated as a negative regulator of the Wnt-beta-catenin signaling
      pathway that binds directly to beta-catenin and suppresses its transactivation
      activity. The mechanism by which CHD8 inhibits beta-catenin-dependent
      transcription has been unclear, however. Here we show that CHD8 promotes the
      association of beta-catenin and histone H1, with formation of the trimeric
      complex on chromatin being required for inhibition of beta-catenin-dependent
      transactivation. A CHD8 mutant that lacks the histone H1 binding domain did not
      show such inhibitory activity, indicating that histone H1 recruitment is
      essential for the inhibitory effect of CHD8. Furthermore, either depletion of
      histone H1 or expression of a dominant negative mutant of this protein resulted
      in enhancement of the response to Wnt signaling. These observations reveal a new
      mode of regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway by CHD8, which counteracts beta
      catenin function through recruitment of histone H1 to Wnt target genes. Given
      that CHD8 is expressed predominantly during embryogenesis, it may thus contribute
      to setting a threshold for responsiveness to Wnt signaling that operates in a
      development-dependent manner.

PMID- 22083959
TI  - RAD6 regulates the dosage of p53 by a combination of transcriptional and
      posttranscriptional mechanisms.
AB  - Maintaining an appropriate cellular concentration of p53 is critical for cell
      survival and normal development in various organisms. In this study, we provide
      evidence that the human E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme RAD6 plays a critical
      role in regulating p53 protein levels under both normal and stress conditions.
      Knockdown and overexpression of RAD6 affected p53 turnover and transcription. We
      showed that RAD6 can form a ternary complex with MDM2 and p53 that contributes to
      the degradation of p53. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis showed that
      RAD6 also binds to the promoter and coding regions of the p53 gene and modulates
      the levels of H3K4 and K79 methylation on local chromatin. When the cells were
      exposed to stress stimuli, the RAD6-MDM2-p53 ternary complex was disrupted; RAD6
      was then recruited to the chromatin of the p53 gene, resulting in an increase in
      histone methylation and p53 transcription. Further studies showed that stress
      induced p53 transcriptional activation, cell apoptosis, and disrupted cell cycle
      progression are all RAD6 dependent. Overall, this work demonstrates that RAD6
      regulates p53 levels in a "yin-yang" manner through a combination of two distinct
      mechanisms in mammalian cells.

PMID- 22083960
TI  - Recognition of CpG island chromatin by KDM2A requires direct and specific
      interaction with linker DNA.
AB  - Up to 70% of human genes are associated with regions of nonmethylated DNA called
      CpG islands (S. Saxonov, P. Berg, and D. L. Brutlag, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S.
      A. 103:1412-1417, 2006). Usually associated with the 5' end of genes, CpG islands
      are thought to impact gene expression. We previously demonstrated that the
      histone demethylase KDM2A is specifically recruited to CpG islands to define a
      unique chromatin architecture and highlight gene regulatory regions in large and
      complex mammalian genomes. This targeting relies on a zinc finger CXXC DNA
      binding domain (ZF-CXXC), but how this demethylase interfaces with CpG island
      chromatin in vivo remains unknown. Here we demonstrate, using defined chromatin
      templates in vitro and chromatin profiling in vivo, that nucleosomes are a major
      barrier to KDM2A binding and that CpG islands are directly interpreted by the ZF
      CXXC domain through specific interaction with linker DNA. Furthermore, KDM2A
      appears to be constrained to CpG islands not only by their nonmethylated state
      but also by a combination of methylated DNA and nucleosome occlusion elsewhere in
      the genome. Our observations suggest that both DNA sequence and chromatin
      structure are defining factors in interpreting CpG island chromatin and
      translation of the CpG signal. More generally, these features of CpG island
      recognition suggest that chromatin structure and accessibility play a major role
      in defining how transcription factors recognize DNA and regulatory elements
      genome-wide.

PMID- 22083961
TI  - The evolutionarily conserved protein Las1 is required for pre-rRNA processing at
      both ends of ITS2.
AB  - Ribosome synthesis entails the formation of mature rRNAs from long precursor
      molecules, following a complex pre-rRNA processing pathway. Why the generation of
      mature rRNA ends is so complicated is unclear. Nor is it understood how pre-rRNA
      processing is coordinated at distant sites on pre-rRNA molecules. Here we
      characterized, in budding yeast and human cells, the evolutionarily conserved
      protein Las1. We found that, in both species, Las1 is required to process ITS2,
      which separates the 5.8S and 25S/28S rRNAs. In yeast, Las1 is required for pre
      rRNA processing at both ends of ITS2. It is required for Rrp6-dependent formation
      of the 5.8S rRNA 3' end and for Rat1-dependent formation of the 25S rRNA 5' end.
      We further show that the Rat1-Rai1 5'-3' exoribonuclease (exoRNase) complex
      functionally connects processing at both ends of the 5.8S rRNA. We suggest that
      pre-rRNA processing is coordinated at both ends of 5.8S rRNA and both ends of
      ITS2, which are brought together by pre-rRNA folding, by an RNA processing
      complex. Consistently, we note the conspicuous presence of ~7- or 8-nucleotide
      extensions on both ends of 5.8S rRNA precursors and at the 5' end of pre-25S RNAs
      suggestive of a protected spacer fragment of similar length.

PMID- 22083962
TI  - Mitochondrial fission contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin
      resistance in skeletal muscle.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle has been implicated in the
      development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Considering the importance
      of mitochondrial dynamics in mitochondrial and cellular functions, we
      hypothesized that obesity and excess energy intake shift the balance of
      mitochondrial dynamics, further contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and
      metabolic deterioration in skeletal muscle. First, we revealed that excess
      palmitate (PA), but not hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, or elevated tumor
      necrosis factor alpha, induced mitochondrial fragmentation and increased
      mitochondrion-associated Drp1 and Fis1 in differentiated C2C12 muscle cells. This
      fragmentation was associated with increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial
      depolarization, loss of ATP production, and reduced insulin-stimulated glucose
      uptake. Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Drp1 attenuated PA-induced
      mitochondrial fragmentation, mitochondrial depolarization, and insulin resistance
      in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, we found smaller and shorter mitochondria and
      increased mitochondrial fission machinery in the skeletal muscle of mice with
      genetic obesity and those with diet-induced obesity. Inhibition of mitochondrial
      fission improved the muscle insulin signaling and systemic insulin sensitivity of
      obese mice. Our findings indicated that aberrant mitochondrial fission is
      causally associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in
      skeletal muscle. Thus, disruption of mitochondrial dynamics may underlie the
      pathogenesis of muscle insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22083963
TI  - Visualizing human telomerase activity with primer-modified Au nanoparticles.
AB  - Telomerase is over-expressed in over 85% of all known human tumors. This renders
      the enzyme a valuable biomarker for cancer diagnosis and an important therapeutic
      target. The most widely used telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay
      has been questioned for telomerase detection. It is reported that human
      telomerase activity can be visualized by using primer-modified Au nanoparticles.
      The working principle is based on the elongated primers conjugated to the gold
      nanoparticle (AuNP) surface, which can fold into a G-quadruplex to protect the
      AuNPs from the aggregation. The developed simple and sensitive colorimetric assay
      can measure telomerase activity down to 1 HeLa cell uL(-1). More importantly,
      this assay can be easily extended to high-throughput and automatic format. The
      AuNP-TS method is PCR-free and therefore avoids the amplification-related errors
      and becomes more reliable to evaluate telomerase activity. This assay has also
      been used for initial screening of telomerase inhibitors as anticancer drug
      agents.

PMID- 22083965
TI  - A general strategy for the perfluoroalkylation of arenes and arylbromides by
      using arylboronate esters and [(phen)CuR(F)].
AB  - A versatile method for the synthesis of aryl perfluoroalkanes from arenes and
      aryl bromides is described. Substituted arenes or aryl bromides are converted in
      situ to an aryl boronate ester that readily undergoes perfluoroalkylation in air
      with [(phen)CuR(F)]. A broad range of aryl bromide substrates were
      perfluoroalkylated in good yield for the first time. [(phen)CuCF(3)] is now
      commercially available and has been prepared on 20 g scale.

PMID- 22083966
TI  - Concise review: Multidimensional regulation of the hematopoietic stem cell state.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are characterized by their unique function to
      produce all lineages of blood cells throughout life. Such tissue-specific
      function of HSC is attributed to their ability to execute self-renewal and
      multilineage differentiation. Accumulating evidence indicates that the
      undifferentiated state of HSC is characterized by dynamic maintenance of
      chromatin structures and epigenetic plasticity. Conversely, quiescence, self
      renewal, and differentiation of HSCs are dictated by complex regulatory
      mechanisms involving specific transcription factors and microenvironmental
      crosstalk between stem cells and multiple compartments of niches in bone marrows.
      Thus, multidimensional regulatory inputs are integrated into two opposing
      characters of HSCs-maintenance of undifferentiated state analogous to pluripotent
      stem cells but execution of tissue-specific hematopoietic functions. Further
      studies on the interplay of such regulatory forces as "cell fate determinant"
      will likely shed the light on diverse spectrums of tissue-specific stem cells.

PMID- 22083964
TI  - Biological responses of human mesenchymal stem cells to titanium wear debris
      particles.
AB  - Wear debris-induced osteolysis is a major cause of orthopedic implant aseptic
      loosening, and various cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, osteoblasts,
      and osteoclasts, are involved. We recently showed that mesenchymal
      stem/osteoprogenitor cells (MSCs) are another target, and that endocytosis of
      titanium (Ti) particles causes reduced MSC proliferation and osteogenic
      differentiation. Here we investigated the mechanistic aspects of the endocytosis
      mediated responses of MSCs to Ti particulates. Dose-dependent effects were
      observed on cell viability, with doses >300 Ti particles/cell resulting in
      drastic cell death. To maintain cell viability and analyze particle-induced
      effects, doses <300 particles/cell were used. Increased production of interleukin
      8 (IL-8), but not IL-6, was observed in treated MSCs, while levels of TGF-beta,
      IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha were undetectable in treated or control cells, suggesting
      MSCs as a likely major producer of IL-8 in the periprosthetic zone. Disruptions
      in cytoskeletal and adherens junction organization were also observed in Ti
      particles-treated MSCs. However, neither IL-8 and IL-6 treatment nor conditioned
      medium from Ti particle-treated MSCs failed to affect MSC osteogenic
      differentiation. Among other Ti particle-induced cytokines, only GM-CSF appeared
      to mimic the effects of reduced cell viability and osteogenesis. Taken together,
      these results strongly suggest that MSCs play both responder and initiator roles
      in mediating the osteolytic effects of the presence of wear debris particles in
      periprosthetic zones.

PMID- 22083967
TI  - A novel in situ probe for oxygen uptake rate measurement in mammalian cell
      cultures.
AB  - The newly developed in situ oxygen uptake rate (in situ OUR) probe presented in
      this article is based on the in situ microscope technology platform. It is
      designed to measure the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) of mammalian cells, an important
      parameter for metabolic flux analysis, inside a reactor (in situ) and in real
      time. The system isolates a known volume of cell culture from the bulk inside the
      bioreactor, monitors the oxygen consumption over time, and releases the sample
      again. The sample is mixed during the measurement with a new agitation system to
      keep the cells in suspension and prevent oxygen concentration gradients. The OUR
      measurement system also doubles as a standard dissolved oxygen (DO) probe for
      process monitoring when it is not performing OUR measurements. It can be equipped
      with two different types of optical sensors (i.e., DO, pH) simultaneously or a
      conventional polarographic DO-probe (Clark type). This new probe was successfully
      tested in baby hamster kidney perfusion cell cultures.

PMID- 22083968
TI  - Concurrent chemoradiation for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective review of patients with nonresected head
      and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) treated with concurrent chemoradiation.
      METHODS: Sixteen patients (nasopharynx 7, oropharynx 4, trachea 3, oral and nasal
      cavity 1 each) were treated at 3 tertiary care centers. Six patients received
      intraarterial cisplatin and 10 received intravenous cisplatin or carboplatin
      concurrently with radiation. RESULTS: Thirteen patients are alive, 7 without
      signs of disease with a median follow-up of 61 months. Tumor progression was
      noted in 8 patients (50%) (distant metastasis in 5 patients and local tumor
      progression in 3 patients) with a median time to progression of 25 months (range,
      4-52 months). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local
      progression-free survival (LPFS) rates at 5 years were 87%, 39%, and 61%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Concurrent chemoradiation is a feasible treatment
      option and may lead to sustained locoregional tumor control in patients with
      nonresected ACC of the head and neck.

PMID- 22083970
TI  - Asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines with quaternary stereocenters
      through the Povarov reaction.
AB  - The asymmetric Povarov reaction with alpha-alkyl styrenes as dienophiles was
      catalyzed by an N,N'-dioxide L4-Sc(OTf)(3) complex. Enantiopure
      tetrahydroquinoline derivatives with a quaternary stereocenter at the C4 position
      were synthesized for the first time. A wide variety of alpha-alkyl styrenes and N
      aryl aldimines were tolerated in the reaction, to give excellent diastereo- (up
      to 99:1 d.r.) and enantioselectivities (92 to >99% ee). In addition, the reaction
      could be performed on the gram scale without any loss of yield,
      diastereoselectivity, or enantioselectivity. An intermolecular hydrogen-shift
      reaction was found to be a side reaction, which offered a method to synthesize
      the corresponding quinoline derivatives with chiral quaternary sterocenters.

PMID- 22083971
TI  - Preparative isolation and purification of antioxidative diarylheptanoid
      derivatives from Alnus japonica by high-speed counter-current chromatography.
AB  - This study employed the online HPLC-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6
      sulphonic acid) (ABTS)(+) bioassay to rapidly determine the antioxidant compounds
      occurring in the crude extract of Alnus japonica. The negative peaks of the
      ABTS(+) radical scavenging detection system, which indicated the presence of
      antioxidant activity, were monitored by measuring the decrease in absorbance at
      734 nm. The ABTS(+)-based antioxidant activity profile showed that three negative
      peaks exhibited antioxidant activity. High-speed counter-current chromatography
      (HSCCC) was used for preparative scale separation of the three active peaks from
      the extract. The purity of the isolated compounds was analyzed by HPLC and their
      structures were identified by (1)H- and (13)C-nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectrometry (NMR), heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), and
      heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC). Two solvent systems composed of
      n-hexane/ethylacetate/methanol/water (4:6:4:6, v/v) and of ethyl
      acetate/methanol/water (1:0.1:1, v/v) were performed in high-speed counter
      current chromatography. Consequently, a total of 527 mg of hirsutanonol 5-O-beta
      D-glucopyranoside, 80.04 mg of 3-deoxohirsutenonol 5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside,
      and 91.0 mg of hirsutenone were obtained with purity of 94.7, 90.5, and 98.6%,
      respectively.

PMID- 22083972
TI  - Failure characteristics of the isolated distal radius in response to dynamic
      impact loading.
AB  - We examined the mechanical response of the distal radius pre-fracture and at
      fracture under dynamic impact loads. The distal third of eight human cadaveric
      radii were potted and placed in a custom designed pneumatic impact system. The
      distal intra-articular surface of the radius rested against a model scaphoid and
      lunate, simulating 45 degrees  of wrist extension. The scaphoid and lunate were
      attached to a load cell that in turn was attached to an impact plate. Impulsive
      impacts were applied at increasing energy levels, in 10 J increments, until
      fracture occurred. Three 45 degrees  stacked strain gauge rosettes were affixed
      along the length of the radius quantifying the bone strains. The mean (SD)
      fracture energy was 45.5 (16) J. The mean (SD) resultant impact reaction force
      (IRFr) at failure was 2,142 (1,229) N, resulting in high compressive strains at
      the distal (2,718 (1,698) uepsilon) and proximal radius (3,664 (1,890) uepsilon).
      We successfully reproduced consistent fracture patterns in response to dynamic
      loads. The fracture energy and forces reported here are lower and the strains are
      higher than those previously reported and can likely be attributed to the
      controlled, incremental, dynamic nature of the applied loads.

PMID- 22083969
TI  - Enantioselective decarboxylative alkylation reactions: catalyst development,
      substrate scope, and mechanistic studies.
AB  - alpha-Quaternary ketones are accessed through novel enantioselective alkylations
      of allyl and propargyl electrophiles by unstabilized prochiral enolate
      nucleophiles in the presence of palladium complexes with various
      phosphinooxazoline (PHOX) ligands. Excellent yields and high enantiomeric
      excesses are obtained from three classes of enolate precursor: enol carbonates,
      enol silanes, and racemic beta-ketoesters. Each of these substrate classes
      functions with nearly identical efficiency in terms of yield and
      enantioselectivity. Catalyst discovery and development, the optimization of
      reaction conditions, the exploration of reaction scope, and applications in
      target-directed synthesis are reported. Experimental observations suggest that
      these alkylation reactions occur through an unusual inner-sphere mechanism
      involving binding of the prochiral enolate nucleophile directly to the palladium
      center.

PMID- 22083973
TI  - Copper-catalyzed borylation reactions of alkynes and arynes.

PMID- 22083974
TI  - In vivo fate mapping identifies mesenchymal progenitor cells.
AB  - Adult mesenchymal progenitor cells have enormous potential for use in
      regenerative medicine. However, the true identity of the progenitors in vivo and
      their progeny has not been precisely defined. We hypothesize that cells
      expressing a smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter (alphaSMA)-directed Cre transgene
      represent mesenchymal progenitors of adult bone tissue. By combining
      complementary colors in combination with transgenes activating at mature stages
      of the lineage, we characterized the phenotype and confirmed the ability of
      isolated alphaSMA(+) cells to progress from a progenitor to fully mature state.
      In vivo lineage tracing experiments using a new bone formation model confirmed
      the osteogenic phenotype of alphaSMA(+) cells. In vitro analysis of the in vivo
      labeled SMA9(+) cells supported their differentiation potential into mesenchymal
      lineages. Using a fracture-healing model, alphaSMA9(+) cells served as a pool of
      fibrocartilage and skeletal progenitors. Confirmation of the transition of
      alphaSMA9(+) progenitor cells to mature osteoblasts during fracture healing was
      assessed by activation of bone-specific Col2.3emd transgene. Our findings provide
      a novel in vivo identification of defined population of mesenchymal progenitor
      cells with active role in bone remodeling and regeneration.

PMID- 22083975
TI  - Use of computational fluid dynamics as a tool for establishing process design
      space for mixing in a bioreactor.
AB  - The concept of "design space" plays an integral part in implementation of quality
      by design for pharmaceutical products. ICH Q8 defines design space as "the
      multidimensional combination and interaction of input variables (e.g., material
      attributes) and process parameters that have been demonstrated to provide
      assurance of quality. Working within the design space is not considered as a
      change. Movement out of the design space is considered to be a change and would
      normally initiate a regulatory post-approval change process. Design space is
      proposed by the applicant and is subject to regulatory assessment and approval."
      Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is increasingly being used as a tool for
      modeling of hydrodynamics and mass transfer. In this study, a laboratory-scale
      aerated bioreactor is modeled using CFD. Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase model is
      used along with dispersed k-epsilon turbulent model. Population balance model is
      incorporated to account for bubble breakage and coalescence. Multiple reference
      frame model is used for the rotating region. We demonstrate the usefulness of CFD
      modeling for evaluating the effects of typical process parameters like impeller
      speed, gas flow rate, and liquid height on the mass transfer coefficient (k(L)a).
      Design of experiments is utilized to establish a design space for the above
      mentioned parameters for a given permissible range of k(L)a.

PMID- 22083976
TI  - Copolymers comprising 2,7-carbazole and bis-benzothiadiazole units for bulk
      heterojunction solar cells.
AB  - On the basis of theoretical considerations of the intramolecular charge transfer
      (ICT) effect, we have designed a series of donor (D)-acceptor (A) conjugated
      polymers based on bis-benzothiadiazole (BBT). A PPP-type copolymer of electron
      rich 2,7-carbazole (CZ) and electron-deficient BBT units poly[N-(2
      decyltetradecyl)-2,7-carbazole-co-7,7'-{4,4'-bis-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)}] (PCZ
      BBT), a PPV-type copolymer poly[N-(2-decyltetradecyl)-2,7-carbazolevinylene-co
      7,7'-{4,4'-bis-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazolevinylene)}] (PCZV-BBTV), and a tercopolymer
      based on carbazole, thiophene, and BBT poly[N-(2-decyltetradecyl)-2,7-(di-2
      thienyl)carbazole-co-7,7'-{4,4'-bis-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)}] (PDTCZ-BBT) have
      been synthesized to understand the influence of BBT acceptor structure and
      linkage on the photovoltaic characteristics of the resulting materials. Both the
      HOMO and LUMO of the resulting polymers are found to be deeper-lying than those
      of benzothiadiazole-based polymers. The measured electrochemical band gaps (eV)
      are in the following order: PDTCZ-BBT (1.65 eV) < PCZV-BBTV (1.69 eV) < PCZ-BBT
      (1.75 eV). All the polymers provide a photovoltaic response when blended with a
      fullerene derivative as an electron acceptor. The best cell reaches a power
      conversion efficiency of 2.07 % estimated under standard solar light conditions
      (AM1.5G, 100 mW cm(-2)). We demonstrate for the first time that BBT-based
      polymers are promising materials for use in bulk-heterojunction solar cells.

PMID- 22083978
TI  - An unusual organoyttrium alkyl complex containing a [C5HMe3(eta(3)-CH2)-C5H4N
      kappa]- ligand and an elusive cyclopentadienide-based scandium tuck-over
      zwitterion obtained by C-H bond activation.
AB  - The acid-base reaction between Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2) and the pyridyl
      functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand C(5)Me(4)H-C(5)H(4)N (1 equiv) at 0 
      degrees C afforded a mixture of two products: (eta(5):kappa-C(5)Me(4)
      C(5)H(4)N)Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(thf) (1 a) and (eta(5):kappa-C(5)Me(4)
      C(5)H(4)N)(2)YCH(2)SiMe(3) (1 b), in a 5:2 ratio. Addition of the same ligand (2
      equiv) to Y(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2), however, generated 1 b together with the
      novel complex 1 c, the first well defined yttrium mono(alkyl) complex
      (eta(5):kappa-C(5)Me(4)-C(5)H(4)N)[C(5)HMe(3)(eta(3)-CH(2))-C(5)H(4)N
      kappa]Y(CH(2)SiMe(3)) containing a rare kappa/eta(3)-allylic coordination mode in
      which the C-H bond activation occurs unexpectedly with the allylic methyl group
      rather than conventionally on Cp ring. If the central metal was changed to
      lutetium, the equimolar reaction between Lu(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2) and
      C(5)Me(4)H-C(5)H(4)N exclusively afforded the bis(alkyl) product (eta(5):kappa
      C(5)Me(4)-C(5)H(4)N)Lu(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(thf) (2 a). Similarly, the reaction
      between the ligand (2 equiv) and Lu(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2) gave the mono(alkyl)
      complex (eta(5):kappa-C(5)Me(4)-C(5)H(4)N)(2)LuCH(2)SiMe(3) (2 b), in which no
      ligand redistribution was observed. Strikingly, treatment of
      Sc(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)(thf)(2) with C(5)Me(4)H-C(5)H(4)N in either 1:1 or 1:2 ratio
      at 0  degrees C generated the first cyclopentadienide-based scandium zwitterionic
      "tuck-over" complex 3, (eta(5):kappa-C(5)Me(4)-C(5)H(4)N)Sc(thf)[MU
      eta(5):eta(1):kappa-C(5)Me(3)(CH(2))-C(5)H(4)N]Sc(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3). In the
      zwitterion, the dianionic ligand [C(5)Me(3)(CH(2))-C(5)H(4)N](2-) binds both to
      Sc1(3+) and to Sc2(3+), in eta(5) and eta(1)/kappa modes. In addition, the
      reaction chemistry, the molecular structures, and the mechanism are also
      discussed in detail.

PMID- 22083977
TI  - Novel germline CDKN2A mutation associated with head and neck squamous cell
      carcinomas and melanomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to identify individuals at increased risk of cancer is of
      immediate clinical relevance. Germline mutations in the CDKN2A locus, encoding
      the key tumor suppressor proteins p16/INK4A and p14/ARF, are frequently present
      in kindreds with hereditary cutaneous melanoma but have seldom been reported in
      families with genetic susceptibility to head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
      (HNSCC). METHODS: We report the pedigree of a patient with an unusually high
      incidence of HNSCC and melanomas. CDKN2A mutation analysis was performed with
      standard capillary sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification. RESULTS: A previously unreported germline CDKN2A mutation
      affecting only the p16/INK4A open reading frame, c.106delG (p.Ala36ArgfsX17), was
      detected in the proband. This mutation causes a premature termination codon.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our report emphasizes the need to consider germinal CDKN2A mutations
      in the differential diagnosis of familial HNSCC and the importance of awareness
      of these tumors in carriers of CDKN2A mutations.

PMID- 22083979
TI  - Guest-responsive fluorescence of inclusion crystals with pi-stacked
      supramolecular beads.

PMID- 22083980
TI  - Enlightening the past: analytical proof for the use of Pistacia exudates in
      ancient Egyptian embalming resins.
AB  - Mastic, the resinous exudate of the evergreen shrub Pistacia lentiscus, is
      frequently discussed as one of the ingredients used for embalming in ancient
      Egypt. We show the identification of mastic in ancient Egyptian embalming resins
      by an unambiguous assignment of the mastic triterpenoid fingerprint consisting of
      moronic acid, oleanonic acid, isomasticadienonic and masticadienonic acid through
      the consolidation of NMR and GC/MS analysis. Differences in the observed
      triterpenoid fingerprints between mummy specimens suggest that more than one
      plant species served as the triterpenoid resin source. Analysis of the
      triterpenoid acids of ancient embalming resin samples in the form of their methyl
      and trimethylsilyl esters is compared. In addition we show a simple way to
      differentiate between residues of mastic from its use as incense during embalming
      or from direct mastic application in the embalming resin.

PMID- 22083981
TI  - Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome distribution in chronic hepatitis B
      populations: a systematic review.
AB  - Many patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) seek help from traditional Chinese
      medicine (TCM). TCM treatment is based on syndrome differentiation. This study
      aimed to investigate the syndrome distribution in populations of CHB patients.
      The pre-specific search strategy was set, and 93 studies (20,106 participants)
      were identified by electronic and hand searches. The methodological quality of
      included studies was assessed. Data on syndrome distribution and correlations
      between syndromes and severity of CHB, were extracted and analyzed. Forty-seven
      syndromes were identified under 24 different syndrome diagnosis systems for CHB.
      The majority of included studies reported Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency
      (LDSD) (52.54% of studies) or Liver-Gallbladder Dampness Heat (LGDH)/Dampness
      Heat Obstructing Middle Energizer (DHME) (32.20%) as the major syndromes in CHB
      patients without cirrhosis. Pooled analysis revealed that LDSD and LGDH/DHME
      accounted for 61.19% of participants without cirrhosis. In addition, Liver-Kidney
      Yin Deficiency (LKYinD) (40.99%) and Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency (SKYangD)
      (40.43%) syndromes were common in patients with severe CHB. The percentage of
      patients with Blood Stasis syndrome increased as the disease progressed to
      cirrhosis (32.09%). To conclude, LDSD and LGDH/DHME syndromes are found in a
      significant majority of CHB patients, particularly in the early stages. LKYinD,
      SKYangD and Blood Stasis dominate in patients at more advanced stages. More
      epidemiological studies of high methodological quality on syndrome distribution
      in CHB and standardization of syndrome differentiation for CHB are required to
      confirm the trends indicated by the studies reviewed here; confirming these
      trends can increase the efficacy of treatment and give guidance to doctors.

PMID- 22083982
TI  - Anticancer activity of Nigella sativa (black seed) - a review.
AB  - Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed has been an important nutritional flavoring agent
      and natural remedy for many ailments for centuries in ancient systems of
      medicine, e.g. Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese and Arabic Medicines. Many active
      components have been isolated from N. sativa, including thymoquinone,
      thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, nigellimine-N-oxide,
      nigellicine, nigellidine and alpha-hederin. In addition, quite a few
      pharmacological effects of N. sativa seed, its oil, various extracts and active
      components have been identified to include immune stimulation, anti-inflammation,
      hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antiasthmatic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic,
      antioxidant and anticancer effects. Only a few authors have reviewed the
      medicinal properties of N. sativa and given some description of the anticancer
      effects. A literature search has revealed that a lot more studies have been
      recently carried out related to the anticancer activities of N. sativa and some
      of its active compounds, such as thymoquinone and alpha-hederin. Acute and
      chronic toxicity studies have recently confirmed the safety of N. sativa oil and
      its most abundant active component, thymoquinone, particularly when given orally.
      The present work is aimed at summarizing the extremely valuable work done by
      various investigators on the effects of N. sativa seed, its extracts and active
      principles against cancer. Those related to the underlying mechanism of action,
      derivatives of thymoquinone, nano thymoquinone and combinations of thymoquinone
      with the currently used cytotoxic drugs are of particular interest. We hope this
      review will encourage interested researchers to conduct further preclinical and
      clinical studies to evaluate the anticancer activities of N. sativa, its active
      constituents and their derivatives.

PMID- 22083983
TI  - Applications of nanoparticles in herbal medicine: zedoary turmeric oil and its
      active compound beta-elemene.
AB  - Zedoary turmeric oil and its main active ingredient beta-elemene are novel plant
      derived anticancer agents with long-term clinical application history and low
      toxicity, which have been approved by the Chinese SFDA to treat different tumors
      including cancers of the brain, ovary, prostate, breast, lungs, liver, colon, and
      other tissues. Unfortunately, their hydrophobic properties, poor stabilities and
      low bioavailabilities seriously hamper their applications in clinic. Therefore,
      more attention should be paid to develop novel drug delivery systems for zedoary
      turmeric oil and beta-elemene to enhance their overall quality. Recently,
      increased research has been carried out on a nanoparticle drug delivery system of
      zedoary turmeric oil and beta-elemene to solve their poor aqueous solubilities
      and low bioavailabilities in vivo with much remarkable achievements springing up
      in the last decade. This review presents the novel nanoparticle formulations of
      zedoary turmeric oil and beta-elemene and introduces the possible future
      prospects of their further study.

PMID- 22083985
TI  - Acupuncture for treatment of noncyclic breast pain: a pilot study.
AB  - Noncyclic breast pain is a common breast disorder prompting women to seek medical
      evaluation. We aimed to perform a pilot study on the relief of noncyclic breast
      pain using acupuncture. Thirty-seven women seen at a diagnostic breast clinic
      between April 2003 and January 2009 were enrolled. Treatment consisted of four
      acupuncture sessions over two weeks, with three months of follow-up. Response to
      treatment was measured with use of a breast pain questionnaire, a quality of life
      (QOL) questionnaire, and the Cleeland Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) assessed at
      baseline, end of treatment, and three months after treatment. Data were analyzed
      using standard descriptive statistics. Twenty-two patients completed four
      acupuncture sessions. Pain described as throbbing and heavy decreased
      significantly after acupuncture (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). After
      treatment, pain scores (on the 10-point BPI scale) decreased by an average of 3.5
      points for the worst pain during the previous month (p = 0.001), by 2.7 points
      for average pain (p < 0.001), and by 2.3 points for pain interference (p =
      0.002). The percentage of patients reporting a clinically meaningful decrease of
      2 points from baseline to the end of treatment included 67% (12/18) for the worst
      pain, 65% (11/17) for average pain, and 56% (10/18) for pain interference. QOL
      data showed no improvement in QOL measures (mental, physical, emotional, social,
      or spiritual well-being). The results of this preliminary study suggest that a
      randomized controlled trial may be warranted to evaluate the effect of
      acupuncture on noncyclic breast pain, as well as the optimal frequency of
      acupuncture treatments.

PMID- 22083984
TI  - Bioactivity enhancement of herbal supplements by intestinal microbiota focusing
      on ginsenosides.
AB  - Intestinal microbiota contribute to diverse mammalian processes including the
      metabolic functions of drugs. It is a potential new territory for drug targeting,
      especially for dietary herbal products. Because most herbal medicines are orally
      administered, the chemical profile and corresponding bioactivities of herbal
      medicines may be altered by intestinal microbiota. Ginseng is one of the most
      commonly used herbs and it is an attractive natural product to study its effect
      in the body. In this review, after briefly introducing the interactions of herbal
      products and gut microbiota, we discuss the microbiota-mediated metabolism of
      ginsenosides in ginseng and red ginseng. In particular, the major metabolite
      compound K and its pharmacological advances are described including anticancer,
      antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. In summary, the intestinal microbiota
      may play an important role in mediating the metabolism bioactivity of herbal
      medicines.

PMID- 22083986
TI  - Effects of auricular acupuncture on heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood
      lactic acid for elite basketball athletes.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of auricular acupuncture on athletes'
      recovery abilities after exercise. Subjects were selected from twenty-four male
      elite university basketball players, randomly divided into two groups: auricular
      acupuncture group (AAG), and normal control group (NCG), each group containing
      twelve subjects. Auricular acupuncture was experimented to each AAG athlete while
      no auricular acupuncture was conducted to each NCG athlete. Each subject in both
      groups performed a ride on the stationary bike until exhausted. The data of heart
      rate (HR(max)), oxygen consumption (VO(2 max)), and blood lactic acid were
      measured at four points of time: during the rest period after warm-ups and at the
      5th, 30th and 60th minutes post-exercise, respectively. One-way ANOVA and
      repeated Scheffe methods were used to test the differences of the data between
      these two groups. The results showed that both HR(max) and blood lactic acid in
      AAG were significantly lower than those in NCG at the 30th and 60th minutes post
      exercise. This suggests that auricular acupuncture can enhance athletes' recovery
      abilities after aggressive exercise.

PMID- 22083987
TI  - Effect of acupressure in treating urodynamic stress incontinence: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - The efficacy of acupressure therapy in managing urodynamic stress incontinence
      has not been fully investigated. This study evaluates the effects of a validated
      acupressure protocol for treating women with urodynamic stress incontinence. A
      randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with a before-and-after
      study design was conducted. Eighty-one women aged between 18 and 60 were
      recruited at a urogynecology clinic in an acute hospital in Hong Kong.
      Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (acupressure) group, a
      sham group, or a usual care (control) group. A validated acupressure protocol was
      employed in the intervention group. The intervention comprised three weekly
      sessions of 30 minutes each for a total of thirty sessions. Outcome measures
      included pelvic floor muscle strength, number of episodes of urine leakage over
      four days, self-reported severity of urine leakage, and responses on the Chinese
      version of the King's Health Questionnaire. No adverse effects were reported.
      Five percent of the participants dropped out of the study. Intention-to-treat
      analysis was conducted, the results indicated significant differences in pelvic
      floor muscle strength across the three groups (H =7.05, p =0.03) and in self
      reported severity of urine leakage between the intervention and control groups (Z
      = -2.48, p = 0.01). Significant improvement in all domains of the Chinese version
      of the King's Health Questionnaire was evident in the intervention group.
      Acupressure is a simple and non-invasive intervention that appears to have
      positive physiological and psychological effects on women with urodynamic stress
      incontinence. The findings support acupressure as an intervention option for
      managing urodynamic stress incontinence in women.

PMID- 22083989
TI  - Hot water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa inhibit liver
      inflammation and fibrosis in rats.
AB  - Polysaccharide-rich Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa have been considered
      to have immune-modulating activity. This study investigated the effects of water
      extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (HE) on carbon tetrachloride
      (CCl(4))-induced liver injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly
      divided into: normal diet + peritoneal injection of olive oil (control), normal
      diet + CCl(4) injection (CCl(4)), 1 * HE (0.05% HE for each) + CCl(4) (1 * HE),
      and 3 * HE (0.15% HE for each) + CCl(4) (3 * HE) groups. Rats were injected with
      40% CCl(4) at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg body weight once a week for seven weeks, one
      week after herbal extract treatment. After eight week herbal extract treatment,
      pathohistological examination showed that both 1* and 3 * HE treatments
      diminished necrotic hepatocytes, chemoattraction of inflammatory cells, and liver
      fibrosis. Both 1* and 3 * HE treatments decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and reduced hepatic levels
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines - tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta
      - compared to CCl(4) treatment alone. The 1 * HE treatment increased hepatic anti
      inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. Both the 1* and 3 * HE treatments suppressed
      liver fibrosis biomarkers - transforming growth factor-beta1 and hydroxyproline.
      Therefore, treatment with water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa
      (0.05% and 0.15% for each) for eight weeks protects against necrotic damage,
      indicated by decreases in plasma ALT and AST activities, and suppresses liver
      fibrosis by down-regulation of liver inflammation in rats with CCl(4)-induced
      liver injury.

PMID- 22083988
TI  - Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      analysis of ginsenoside metabolites in human plasma.
AB  - American ginseng is a commonly used herbal medicine in the United States. When
      ginseng is taken orally, its active components, ginsenosides, are reportedly
      biotransformed by intestinal microbiota. Previous pharmacokinetic evaluations of
      ginseng in humans have focused on its parent constituents. However, the
      metabolites, especially those transformed by intestinal microbiota, have not been
      carefully studied. We used an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/TOF-MS) method to determine 15 ginsenosides and/or
      metabolites and their bioavailability in humans. Six healthy human subjects
      received a single oral dose of 10 g of American ginseng root powder, after which
      samples of their blood were collected at 0, 2, 4, 7, 9 and 12 h for measurement
      of ginsenoside/metabolite levels in plasma. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, Rg2 and
      compound K (C-K) were detected in human plasma samples at different time points.
      The Rb1 concentration peak was 19.90 +/- 5.43 ng/ml at 4 h. C-K was detected from
      7 h to 12 h with 7.32 +/- 1.35 ng/ml at 12 h. Since the last time point was at 12
      h, C-K peak level was not observed. The areas under the concentration curves
      (AUC) from 0 to 12 h were 155.0 +/- 19.5 ng?h/ml for Rb1 and 26.4 +/- 6.4 ng?h/ml
      for C-K, respectively. The gradual decrease of Rb1 levels and the delayed
      increase in levels of C-K observed in human subjects supported previous reports
      that enteric microbiota played a key role in transforming Rb1 to C-K.

PMID- 22083990
TI  - Scutellarin attenuates human-neutrophil-elastase-induced mucus production by
      inhibiting the PKC-ERK signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of scutellarin on mucus
      production induced by human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and the possible in vitro
      and in vivo mechanisms. To this purpose, cells were incubated with saline,
      scutellarin or gefitinib for 60 min and exposed to 0.1 MUM HNE for 24 h. After
      being pretreated respectively with saline, scutellarin or gefitinib, rats were
      challenged intratracheally with HNE by means of nebulization for 30 days. The
      expression of mucin (MUC) 5AC, protein kinase C (PKC), and extracellular signal
      regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was assessed by ELISA, RT-PCR or Western blotting.
      The results showed that scutellarin inhibited MUC5AC mRNA and protein expressions
      induced by HNE in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. In the in vivo
      model, scutellarin significantly attenuated MUC5AC mRNA expression and goblet
      cell hyperplasia in rats treated with HNE for 30 days, as well as decreased the
      phosporylation of PKC and ERK1/2 compared to the HNE control group. Therefore,
      our study showed that scutellarin could prevent mucus hypersecretion by
      inhibiting the PKC-ERK signaling pathway. Inhalation scutellarin may be valuable
      in the treatment of chronic inflammatory lung disease.

PMID- 22083991
TI  - Puerarin accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration.
AB  - This study investigates the effect of puerarin (PR) on peripheral nerve
      regeneration in vitro and in vivo. PR at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 MUM
      significantly promoted survival and outgrowth of cultured Schwann cells, as
      compared to the controls treated with culture medium only. in vivo study,
      peripheral nerve regeneration was evaluated across a 15-mm gap in the sciatic
      nerve of rats using a silicone rubber nerve chamber filled with PR solution. The
      control group chambers were filled with normal saline only. At the end of eight
      weeks, animals in the PR groups, especially at a concentration of 1 MUM, had a
      significantly higher density of myelinated axons, greater evoked action potential
      area, and a larger nerve conductive velocity, as compared to the controls. All
      experimental results indicate that PR treatment promotes nerve growth and is a
      promising herbal medicine for recovery of regenerating peripheral nerves.

PMID- 22083992
TI  - In vitro activity of Paris polyphylla smith against enterovirus 71 and
      coxsackievirus B3 and its immune modulation.
AB  - Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) have resulted in severe
      pathogenesis caused by the host's immune response, including the cytokine
      cascade. Paris polyphylla Smith is a folk medicinal plant in Asia traditionally
      prescribed for the reduction of pain and elimination of poisoning. In this study,
      we investigated the anti-EV71 and CVB3 activity of P. polyphylla Smith as well as
      its immune modulation. The IC(50) for the P. polyphylla Smith 95% ethanol extract
      against EV71 and CVB3 were 12.5-23% and 99-156% of that of ribavirin, a positive
      control. Prevention of viral infection, viral inactivation, and anti-viral
      replication effects against both EV71 and CVB3 were demonstrated by the extract,
      the anti-viral replication effect being dominant. The extract significantly
      increased IL-6 production in both EV71- and CVB3-infected cells. A high
      correlation was possibly demonstrated between the high amounts of IL-6 induction
      in the EV71 and CVB3-infected cells and the anti-viral replication activity of
      the extract. In conclusion, good anti-EV71 and CVB3 activity was observed in the
      P. polyphylla Smith 95% ethanol extract. The high amounts of IL-6 induction in
      the virus-infected cells played a key role in the anti-viral activity of the
      extract.

PMID- 22083993
TI  - Herbal cocktail ka-mi-kae-kyuk-tang stimulates mouse bone marrow stem cell
      hematopoiesis and janus-activated kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 5 pathway.
AB  - Ka-mi-kae-kyuk-tang (KMKKT) is an Oriental herbal medicinal cocktail. Our
      collaborative team has shown that it has potent anti-angiogenic, anti-cancer and
      anti-metastatic activities in vivo without observable side effects. We have
      documented evidence for KMKKT to alleviate drug-induced hematotoxicity in vivo.
      In the present study, we investigated the mechanistic and signaling events
      through which KMKKT enhances hematopoiesis, using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)
      isolated from the bone marrow of 8-12 week-old C57BL/6 mice. Our results show
      that KMKKT significantly increased the expression of the hematopoietic cytokines
      interleukin (IL)-3, stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte-macrophage-colony
      stimulating factor (GM-CSF), thrombopoietin (TPO) and erythropoietin (EPO) at the
      level of mRNA and secretion in HSCs. KMKKT also increased the expression of c
      Kit, a cytokine receptor expressed in HSCs. In addition, KMKKT enhanced
      phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 5 (STAT5), and increased the binding activity of STAT5 to gamma
      interferon activated sites (GAS) that mediate JAK2 downstream signaling.
      Furthermore, we found that KMKKT significantly enhanced the growth rate of colony
      forming unit granulocyte erythrocyte monocyte macrophages (CFU-GEMM) and burst
      forming unit erythroid (BFU-E) of mouse HSCs (mHSCs) stimulated by IL-3/EPO.
      Overall, our results demonstrated that KMKKT alleviated drug-induced side effects
      through enhanced hematopoiesis, at least in part through cytokine-mediated
      JAK2/STAT5 signaling.

PMID- 22083994
TI  - Royal jelly reduces melanin synthesis through down-regulation of tyrosinase
      expression.
AB  - For cosmetic reasons, the demand for effective and safe skin-whitening agents is
      high. Since the key enzyme in the melanin synthetic pathway is tyrosinase, many
      depigmenting agents in the treatment of hyperpigmentation act as tyrosinase
      inhibitors. In this study, we have investigated the hypo-pigmentary mechanism of
      royal jelly in a mouse melanocyte cell line, B16F1. Treatment of B16F1 cells with
      royal jelly markedly inhibited melanin biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner.
      Decreased melanin content occurred through the decrease of tyrosinase activity.
      The mRNA levels of tyrosinase were also reduced by royal jelly. These results
      suggest that royal jelly reduces melanin synthesis by down-regulation of
      tyrosinase mRNA transcription and serves as a new candidate in the design of new
      skin-whitening or therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22083995
TI  - The chloroform fraction of Solanum nigrum suppresses nitric oxide and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages through
      inhibition of p38, JNK and ERK1/2.
AB  - Solanum nigrum L., commonly known as black nightshade, is used worldwide for the
      treatment of skin and mucosal ulcers, liver cirrhosis and edema. We aimed to
      determine the anti-inflammatory active fraction of S. nigrum by serial
      extractions. S. nigrum was first extracted with methanol, then fractionated with
      chloroform and water. The effects of S. nigrum fractions, diosgenin and alpha
      solanine on LPS/interferon-gamma-induced nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO
      synthase (iNOS), or LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukin (IL)-6, in mouse peritoneal macrophages were determined. Western
      blotting analysis was used to detect LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK and
      ERK1/2. The chloroform fraction of S. nigrum was cytotoxic in a time and
      concentration dependent manner; however, the methanol and water fractions were
      not. The chloroform fraction reduced NO through inhibition of iNOS synthesis and
      inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-6 at the level of protein secretion; the methanol and
      water fractions showed a weak or no effect. The chloroform fraction also
      suppressed p38, JNK and ERK1/2. Diosgenin and alpha-solanine were cytotoxic at a
      high concentration. In particular, diosgenin was able to inhibit TNF-alpha and IL
      6, but both compounds did not affect LPS-induced iNOS expression. These results
      indicate that the anti-inflammatory compounds of S. nigrum exist preferentially
      in the nonpolar fraction, ruling out the possibility that diosgenin and alpha
      solanine are the likely candidates. The inhibition of iNOS, TNF-alpha and IL-6 by
      the chloroform fraction may be partly due to the suppression of p38, JNK and
      ERK1/2. Further study is required to identify the active compounds of S. nigrum.

PMID- 22083996
TI  - Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of Kalanchoe
      gracilis (L.) DC stem.
AB  - Oxidative stress and inflammation are related to several chronic diseases
      including cancer and atherosclerosis. Kalanchoe gracilis (L.) DC is a special
      folk medicinal plant in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of the methanolic
      extract and fractions of the stem of K. gracilis. TEAC, total phenolic compound
      content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing
      power, inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and inhibition
      of cancer cell proliferation were analyzed. Among all fractions, the chloroform
      fraction showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The
      chloroform fraction also had the highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids.
      Chloroform fractions also decreased LPS-induced NO production and expressions of
      iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. The antiproliferative activities of the
      methanolic extract and fractions were studied in vitro using HepG2 cells, and the
      results were consistent with their antioxidant capacities. Chloroform fractions
      had the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC(50) of 136.85 +/- 2.32
      MUg/ml. Eupafolin also had good pharmacological activity in the antioxidant, anti
      inflammation and antiproliferative. Eupafolin might be an important bioactive
      compound in the stem of K. gracilis. The above experimental data indicated that
      the stem of K. gracilis is a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such
      efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.

PMID- 22083997
TI  - Self-renewal of leukemia stem cells in Friend virus-induced erythroleukemia
      requires proviral insertional activation of Spi1 and hedgehog signaling but not
      mutation of p53.
AB  - Friend virus induces erythroleukemia through a characteristic two-stage
      progression. The prevailing model proposes that during the initial, polyclonal
      stage of disease most of the infected cells terminally differentiate, resulting
      in acute erythrocytosis. In the late stage of disease, a clonal leukemia develops
      through the acquisition of new mutations--proviral insertional activation of
      Spi1/Pu.1 and mutation of p53. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated
      that Friend virus activates the bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4)-dependent
      stress erythropoiesis pathway, which leads to the rapid expansion of stress
      erythroid progenitors, which are the targets for Friend virus in the spleen. We
      recently showed that stress erythroid progenitors have intrinsic self-renewal
      ability and therefore could function as leukemia stem cells (LSCs) when infected
      with Friend virus. Here, we show that the two stages of Friend virus-induced
      disease are caused by infection of distinct stress progenitor populations in the
      spleen. The development of leukemia relies on the ability of the virus to hijack
      the intrinsic self-renewal capability of stress erythroid progenitors leading to
      the generation of LSCs. Two signals are required for the self-renewal of Friend
      virus LSCs proviral insertional activation of Spi1/Pu.1 and Hedgehog-dependent
      signaling. Surprisingly, mutation of p53 is not observed in LSCs. These data
      establish a new model for Friend virus-induced erythroleukemia and demonstrate
      the utility of Friend virus as a model system to study LSC self-renewal.

PMID- 22083999
TI  - Microwave-assisted organocatalytic enantioselective intramolecular aza-Michael
      reaction with alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones.
AB  - An organocatalytic enantioselective intramolecular aza-Michael reaction of
      carbamates bearing conjugated ketones as Michael acceptors is described. By using
      9-amino-9-deoxy-epi-hydroquinine as the catalyst and pentafluoropropionic acid as
      a co-catalyst, a series of piperidines, pyrrolidines, and the corresponding benzo
      fused derivatives (indolines, isoindolines, tetrahydroquinolines, and
      tetrahydroisoquinolines) can be obtained in excellent yields and
      enantioselectivities. In addition, the use of microwave irradiation at 60 
      degrees C improves the efficiency of the process giving rise to the final
      products with comparable yields and enantiomeric excesses. Some mechanistic
      insights are also considered.

PMID- 22083998
TI  - Accelerated phase-contrast cine MRI using k-t SPARSE-SENSE.
AB  - Phase-contrast (PC) cine MRI is a promising method for assessment of pathologic
      hemodynamics, including cardiovascular and hepatoportal vascular dynamics, but
      its low data acquisition efficiency limits the achievable spatial and temporal
      resolutions within clinically acceptable breath-hold durations. We propose to
      accelerate PC cine MRI using an approach which combines compressed sensing and
      parallel imaging (k-t SPARSE-SENSE). We validated the proposed 6-fold accelerated
      PC cine MRI against 3-fold accelerated PC cine MRI with parallel imaging
      (generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions). With the
      programmable flow pump, we simulated a time varying waveform emulating hepatic
      blood flow. Normalized root mean square error between two sets of velocity
      measurements was 2.59%. In multiple blood vessels of 12 control subjects, two
      sets of mean velocity measurements were in good agreement (mean difference = 
      0.29 cm/s; lower and upper 95% limits of agreement = -5.26 and 4.67 cm/s,
      respectively). The mean phase noise, defined as the standard deviation of the
      phase in a homogeneous stationary region, was significantly lower for k-t SPARSE
      SENSE than for generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (0.05
      +/- 0.01 vs. 0.19 +/- 0.06 radians, respectively; P < 0.01). The proposed 6-fold
      accelerated PC cine MRI pulse sequence with k-t SPARSE-SENSE is a promising
      investigational method for rapid velocity measurement with relatively high
      spatial (1.7 mm * 1.7 mm) and temporal (~35 ms) resolutions.

PMID- 22084000
TI  - Metabolomics study of stepwise hepatocarcinogenesis from the model rats to
      patients: potential biomarkers effective for small hepatocellular carcinoma
      diagnosis.
AB  - The aim of this study is to find the potential biomarkers from the rat
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disease model by using a non-target metabolomics
      method, and test their usefulness in early human HCC diagnosis. The serum
      metabolic profiling of the diethylnitrosamine-induced rat HCC model, which
      presents a stepwise histopathological progression that is similar to human HCC,
      was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate data
      analysis methods were utilized to identify the potential biomarkers. Three
      metabolites, taurocholic acid, lysophosphoethanolamine 16:0, and
      lysophosphatidylcholine 22:5, were defined as "marker metabolites," which can be
      used to distinguish the different stages of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. These
      metabolites represented the abnormal metabolism during the progress of
      hepatocarcinogenesis, which could also be found in patients. To test their
      diagnosis potential 412 sera from 262 patients with HCC, 76 patients with
      cirrhosis and 74 patients with chronic hepatitis B were collected and studied, it
      was found that 3 marker metabolites were effective for the discrimination of
      small liver tumor (solitary nodules of less than 2 cm in diameter) patients,
      achieved a sensitivity of 80.5% and a specificity of 80.1%,which is better than
      those of alpha-fetoprotein (53 and 64%, respectively). Moreover, they were also
      effective for the discrimination of all HCCs and chronic liver disease patients,
      which could achieve a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 72.3%, better
      than those of alpha-fetoprotein (61.2 and 64%). These results indicate
      metabolomics method has the potential of finding biomarkers for the early
      diagnosis of HCC.

PMID- 22084001
TI  - Cryogun cryotherapy for oral leukoplakia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed that cotton-swab cryotherapy is an
      alternative treatment modality for oral leukoplakia. METHODS: This study used
      liquid nitrogen spray with a cryogun (cryogun cryotherapy) to treat 60 oral
      leukoplakia lesions. RESULTS: Complete regression was achieved in all 60 oral
      leukoplakia lesions after cryogun cryotherapy. We found that 60 oral leukoplakia
      lesions treated with cryogen cryotherapy needed significantly fewer mean
      treatments (3.1 +/- 1.3) to achieve complete regression than 60 previously
      reported oral leukoplakia lesions treated with cotton-swab cryotherapy (mean, 6.3
      +/- 3.8 treatments). Oral leukoplakia lesions on oral mucosal sites other than
      the tongue, <2 cm(2) , with epithelial dysplasia, or with a surface keratin
      thickness <55 MUm required significantly fewer cryogun cryotherapy treatments to
      achieve complete regression. CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of oral leukoplakia, the
      cryogun cryotherapy needed fewer mean treatments to achieve complete regression
      of the lesions than the cotton-swab cryotherapy.

PMID- 22084002
TI  - Conformational and electronic consequences in crafting extended, pi-conjugated,
      light-harvesting macrocycles.
AB  - The synthesis of a new series of free-base, Ni(II) and Zn(II) 2,3,12,13
      tetra(ethynyl)-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl porphyrins is described. Upon heating, two
      of the four ethynyl moieties undergo Bergman cyclization to afford the
      monocyclized 2,3-diethynyl-5,20-diphenylpiceno[10,11,12,13,14,15-jklmn]porphyrin
      in 30 %, 10 %, and trace yields, respectively. The structures of all products
      were investigated by using quantum chemical calculations and the free-base
      analogue was isolated and crystallized; all compounds show significant deviation
      from the idealized planar structure. No fully-cyclized
      bispiceno[20,1,2,3,4,5,10,11,12,13,14,15-fghij]porphyrin was isolated from the
      reaction mixture. To understand why only two of the four enthynyl groups undergo
      Bergman cyclization, the reaction coordinates were examined by using DFT at the
      PWPW91/cc-pVTZ(-f) level coupled to a continuum solvation model. The barrier to
      cyclization of the second pair of ethynyl groups was found to be 5.5 kcal  mol(
      1) higher than the first, suggesting a negative cooperative effect and
      significantly slower rate for the second cyclization. Cyclization reactions for
      model porphyrin-enediynes with ethene- and H-functionality substitutions at the
      meso-phenyl rings were also examined, and found to have a similar barrier to
      diradical formation for the second cyclization event as for the first in these
      highly planar molecules. By enforcing an artificial 30 degrees  cant in two of
      the pyrrole rings of the porphyrin, the second barrier was increased by 2 kcal 
      mol(-1) in the ethene model system; this suggests that the disruption of the pi
      conjugation of the extended porphyrin structure is the cause of the increased
      barrier to the second cyclization event.

PMID- 22084005
TI  - HILIC-MS/MS method development for targeted quantitation of metabolites:
      practical considerations from a clinical diagnostic perspective.
AB  - The development of targeted assays for polar molecules is a persistent challenge
      in quantitative metabolite measurement. In addressing these challenges,
      hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) has proved to be a
      valuable, though under-used and poorly understood chromatographic technique. This
      work has addressed a number of components that are intrinsic in development of a
      high-throughput, specific and sensitive assay for metabolites using HILIC-MS/MS.
      Generally accepted HILIC doctrine, such as addition of water to all mobile phases
      and re-equilibration time, was shown to be flawed under gradient HILIC mode. The
      effect of non-classical mobile phase additives on HILIC-MS/MS specificity,
      sensitivity and assay throughput was shown for endogenous metabolites. A broad
      evaluation of columns and mobile phases for the retention of varied molecular
      classes was performed, elucidating the empirical nature of HILIC method
      development. Application of the empirical evaluations performed in the paper was
      demonstrated by detailing a method development cycle for methylmalonic acid to
      achieve a highly selective and sensitive HILIC-MS/MS quantitation capable of high
      throughput analysis for clinical utility.

PMID- 22084006
TI  - Reduced resolution transit delay prescan for quantitative continuous arterial
      spin labeling perfusion imaging.
AB  - Arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI can suffer from artifacts and quantification
      errors when the time delay between labeling and arrival of labeled blood in the
      tissue is uncertain. This transit delay is particularly uncertain in broad
      clinical populations, where reduced or collateral flow may occur. Measurement of
      transit delay by acquisition of the arterial spin labeling signal at many
      different time delays typically extends the imaging time and degrades the
      sensitivity of the resulting perfusion images. Acquisition of transit delay maps
      at the same spatial resolution as perfusion images may not be necessary, however,
      because transit delay maps tend to contain little high spatial resolution
      information. Here, we propose the use of a reduced spatial resolution arterial
      spin labeling prescan for the rapid measurement of transit delay. Approaches to
      using the derived transit delay information to optimize and quantify higher
      resolution continuous arterial spin labeling perfusion images are described.
      Results in normal volunteers demonstrate heterogeneity of transit delay across
      different brain regions that lead to quantification errors without the transit
      maps and demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to perfusion and transit
      delay quantification.

PMID- 22084007
TI  - Sequential linear neighborhood propagation for semi-supervised protein function
      prediction.
AB  - Predicting protein function is one of the most challenging problems of the post
      genomic era. The development of experimental methods for genome scale analysis of
      molecular interaction networks has provided new approaches to inferring protein
      function. In this paper we introduce a new graph-based semi-supervised
      classification algorithm Sequential Linear Neighborhood Propagation (SLNP), which
      addresses the problem of the classification of partially labeled protein
      interaction networks. The proposed SLNP first constructs a sequence of node sets
      according to their shortest distance to the labeled nodes, and then predicts the
      function of the unlabel proteins from the set closer to labeled one, using Linear
      Neighborhood Propagation. Its performance is assessed on the Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae PPI network data sets, with good results compared with three current
      state-of-the-art algorithms, especially in settings where only a small fraction
      of the proteins are labeled.

PMID- 22084008
TI  - A graph-based semantic similarity measure for the gene ontology.
AB  - Existing methods for calculating semantic similarities between pairs of Gene
      Ontology (GO) terms and gene products often rely on external databases like Gene
      Ontology Annotation (GOA) that annotate gene products using the GO terms. This
      dependency leads to some limitations in real applications. Here, we present a
      semantic similarity algorithm (SSA), that relies exclusively on the GO. When
      calculating the semantic similarity between a pair of input GO terms, SSA takes
      into account the shortest path between them, the depth of their nearest common
      ancestor, and a novel similarity score calculated between the definitions of the
      involved GO terms. In our work, we use SSA to calculate semantic similarities
      between pairs of proteins by combining pairwise semantic similarities between the
      GO terms that annotate the involved proteins. The reliability of SSA was
      evaluated by comparing the resulting semantic similarities between proteins with
      the functional similarities between proteins derived from expert annotations or
      sequence similarity. Comparisons with existing state-of-the-art methods showed
      that SSA is highly competitive with the other methods. SSA provides a reliable
      measure for semantics similarity independent of external databases of functional
      annotation observations.

PMID- 22084009
TI  - Using binding profiles to predict binding sites of target RNAs.
AB  - Prediction of RNA-RNA interaction is a key to elucidating possible functions of
      small non-coding RNAs, and a number of computational methods have been proposed
      to analyze interacting RNA secondary structures. In this article, we focus on
      predicting binding sites of target RNAs that are expected to interact with
      regulatory antisense RNAs in a general form of interaction. For this purpose, we
      propose bistaRNA, a novel method for predicting multiple binding sites of target
      RNAs. bistaRNA employs binding profiles that represent scores for hybridized
      structures, leading to reducing the computational cost for interaction
      prediction. bistaRNA considers an ensemble of equilibrium interacting structures
      and seeks to maximize expected accuracy using dynamic programming. Experimental
      results on real interaction data validate good accuracy and fast computation time
      of bistaRNA as compared with several competitive methods. Moreover, we aim to
      find new targets given specific antisense RNAs, which provides interesting
      insights into antisense RNA regulation. bistaRNA is implemented in C++. The
      program and Supplementary Material are available at
      http://rna.naist.jp/program/bistarna/.

PMID- 22084010
TI  - A new genotype calling method for affymetrix SNP arrays.
AB  - Current genotype-calling methods such as Robust Linear Model with Mahalanobis
      Distance Classifier (RLMM) and Corrected Robust Linear Model with Maximum
      Likelihood Classification (CRLMM) provide accurate calling results for Affymetrix
      Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) chips. However, these methods are
      computationally expensive as they employ preprocess procedures, including chip
      data normalization and other sophisticated statistical techniques. In the small
      sample case the accuracy rate may drop significantly. We develop a new genotype
      calling method for Affymetrix 100 k and 500 k SNP chips. A two-stage
      classification scheme is proposed to obtain a fast genotype calling algorithm.
      The first stage uses unsupervised classification to quickly discriminate
      genotypes with high accuracy for the majority of the SNPs. And the second stage
      employs a supervised classification method to incorporate allele frequency
      information either from the HapMap data or from a self-training scheme.
      Confidence score is provided for every genotype call. The overall performance is
      shown to be comparable to that of CRLMM as verified by the known gold standard
      HapMap data and is superior in small sample cases. The new algorithm is
      computationally simple and standalone in the sense that a self-training scheme
      can be used without employing any other training data. A package implementing the
      calling algorithm is freely available at
      http://www.sfs.ecnu.edu.cn/teachers/xuj_en.html.

PMID- 22084011
TI  - Verification of phylogenetic inference programs using metamorphic testing.
AB  - Many phylogenetic inference programs are available to infer evolutionary
      relationships among taxa using aligned sequences of characters, typically DNA or
      amino acids. These programs are often used to infer the evolutionary history of
      species. However, in most cases it is impossible to systematically verify the
      correctness of the tree returned by these programs, as the correct evolutionary
      history is generally unknown and unknowable. In addition, it is nearly impossible
      to verify whether any non-trivial tree is correct in accordance to the
      specification of the often complicated search and scoring algorithms. This
      difficulty is known as the oracle problem of software testing: there is no oracle
      that we can use to verify the correctness of the returned tree. This makes it
      very challenging to test the correctness of any phylogenetic inference programs.
      Here, we demonstrate how to apply a simple software testing technique, called
      Metamorphic Testing, to alleviate the oracle problem in testing phylogenetic
      inference programs. We have used both real and randomly generated test inputs to
      evaluate the effectiveness of metamorphic testing, and found that metamorphic
      testing can detect failures effectively in faulty phylogenetic inference programs
      with both types of test inputs.

PMID- 22084012
TI  - JAGUC--a software package for environmental diversity analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study of microbial diversity and community structures heavily
      relies on the analyses of sequence data, predominantly taxonomic marker genes
      like the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) amplified from
      environmental samples. Until recently, the "gold standard" for this strategy was
      the cloning and Sanger sequencing of amplified target genes, usually restricted
      to a few hundred sequences per sample due to relatively high costs and labor
      intensity. The recent introduction of massive parallel tag sequencing strategies
      like pyrosequencing (454 sequencing) has opened a new window into microbial
      biodiversity research. Due to its swift nature and relatively low expense, this
      strategy produces millions of environmental SSU rDNA sequences granting the
      opportunity to gain deep insights into the true diversity and complexity of
      microbial communities. The bottleneck, however, is the computational processing
      of these massive sequence data, without which, biologists are hardly able to
      exploit the full information included in these sequence data. RESULTS: The freely
      available standalone software package JAGUC implements a broad regime of
      different functions, allowing for efficient and convenient processing of a huge
      number of sequence tags, including importing custom-made reference data bases for
      basic local alignment searches, user-defined quality and search filters for
      analyses of specific sets of sequences, pairwise alignment-based sequence
      similarity calculations and clustering as well as sampling saturation and rank
      abundance analyses. In initial applications, JAGUC successfully analyzed hundreds
      of thousands of sequence data (eukaryote SSU rRNA genes) from aquatic samples and
      also was applied for quality assessments of different pyrosequencing platforms.
      CONCLUSIONS: The new program package JAGUC is a tool that bridges the gap between
      computational and biological sciences. It enables biologists to process large
      sequence data sets in order to infer biological meaning from hundreds of
      thousands of raw sequence data. JAGUC offers advantages over available tools
      which are further discussed in this manuscript.

PMID- 22084013
TI  - Comparison of two academic software packages for analyzing two-dimensional gel
      images.
AB  - One of the key limitations for proteomic studies using two-dimensional (2D) gel
      is the lack of automatic, fast, robust, and reliable methods for detecting,
      matching, and quantifying protein spots. Although there are commercial software
      packages for 2D gel image analysis, extensive human intervention is still needed
      for spot detection and matching, which is time-consuming and error-prone.
      Moreover, the commercial software packages are usually expensive and non-open
      source. Thus, it is very beneficial for researchers to have free software that is
      fast, fully automatic, and robust. In this paper, we review and compare two
      recently developed and publicly available software packages, RegStatGel and
      Pinnacle, for analyzing 2D gel images. These two software packages share some
      common features and also have some fundamental difference in the aspects of spot
      detection and quantification. Based on our experience, RegStatGel is much better
      in terms of spot detection and matching. It also contains more advanced
      statistical tools and is more user-friendly. In contrast, Pinnacle is quite
      sensitive to background noise and relies on external statistical software
      packages for statistical analysis.

PMID- 22084014
TI  - How to choose a normalization strategy for miRNA quantitative real-time (qPCR)
      arrays.
AB  - Low-density arrays for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) are increasingly being
      used as an experimental technique for miRNA expression profiling. As with gene
      expression profiling using microarrays, data from such experiments needs
      effective analysis methods to produce reliable and high-quality results. In the
      pre-processing of the data, one crucial analysis step is normalization, which
      aims to reduce measurement errors and technical variability among arrays that
      might have arisen during the execution of the experiments. However, there are
      currently a number of different approaches to choose among and an unsuitable
      applied method may induce misleading effects, which could affect the subsequent
      analysis steps and thereby any conclusions drawn from the results. The choice of
      normalization method is hence an important issue to consider. In this study we
      present the comparison of a number of data-driven normalization methods for
      TaqMan low-density arrays for qPCR and different descriptive statistical
      techniques that can facilitate the choice of normalization method. The
      performance of the normalization methods was assessed and compared against each
      other as well as against standard normalization using endogenous controls. The
      results clearly show that the data-driven methods reduce variation and represent
      robust alternatives to using endogenous controls.

PMID- 22084015
TI  - Hierarchical mesoporous zeolites: direct self-assembly synthesis in a
      conventional surfactant solution by kinetic control over the zeolite seed
      formation.
AB  - By kinetic control over the zeolite seed formation, we report the direct
      fabrication of hierarchical mesoporous zeolites using hexadecyl trimethyl
      ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the soft template in a conventional solution route.
      Nanometer-sized, subnanocrystal-type zeolite seeds with a high degree of
      polymerization are essential to prevent the formation of a separate amorphous
      mesoporous phase and the phase separation between the mesophase and zeolite
      crystals in the presence of CTAB and a certain amount of ethanol. The mechanisms
      for the formation of hierarchically porous zeolites in the solution process,
      including the effect of mother liquid aging, formation of subnanocrystal zeolite
      seeds and their self-assembly effect with CTAB, and the role of ethanol are
      proposed and discussed in detail. The prepared mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite showed
      much higher catalytic activity than conventional counterparts for aldol
      condensations involving large molecules, especially in the synthesis of vesidryl.

PMID- 22084016
TI  - HOXB4 can enhance the differentiation of embryonic stem cells by modulating the
      hematopoietic niche.
AB  - Hematopoietic differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro has been
      used as a model to study early hematopoietic development, and it is well
      documented that hematopoietic differentiation can be enhanced by overexpression
      of HOXB4. HOXB4 is expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) where it
      promotes self-renewal, but it is also expressed in the primitive streak of the
      gastrulating embryo. This led us to hypothesize that HOXB4 might modulate gene
      expression in prehematopoietic mesoderm and that this property might contribute
      to its prohematopoietic effect in differentiating ESCs. To test our hypothesis,
      we developed a conditionally activated HOXB4 expression system using the mutant
      estrogen receptor (ER(T2)) and showed that a pulse of HOXB4 prior to HPC
      emergence in differentiating ESCs led to an increase in hematopoietic
      differentiation. Expression profiling revealed an increase in the expression of
      genes associated with paraxial mesoderm that gives rise to the hematopoietic
      niche. Therefore, we considered that HOXB4 might modulate the formation of the
      hematopoietic niche as well as the production of hematopoietic cells per se. Cell
      mixing experiments supported this hypothesis demonstrating that HOXB4 activation
      can generate a paracrine as well as a cell autonomous effect on hematopoietic
      differentiation. We provide evidence to demonstrate that this activity is partly
      mediated by the secreted protein FRZB.

PMID- 22084017
TI  - Longitudinal analysis of voice quality in patients with early glottic cancer
      after transoral laser microsurgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted longitudinal voice evaluations in patients with early
      glottic cancer who underwent transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) to determine the
      time to stability. METHODS: Twenty-five patients underwent TLM, including 13
      limited cordectomies (type I and type II) and 12 extended cordectomies (type III
      to type IV). Multidimensional voice evaluations were performed before treatment
      and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Voice parameters of
      asthenicity, strain, mean airflow rate (MFR), voice handicap index (VHI)
      functional, VHI-physical, and VHI-total scores improved in all patients. Most
      patients had improved 6 months after TLM. Patients with extended cordectomy
      showed higher breathiness, MFR, VHI-functional, and VHI-total scores. Healing was
      complete in all cases by 6 months and in a majority of cases (76%) by 3 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Voice quality achieved stability 6 months after TLM. Comparing
      treatment outcomes and surgical intervention are not recommended within 6 months
      of surgery.

PMID- 22084018
TI  - A fluorophoric-axle-based, nonfluororescent, metallo anti-[3]pseudorotaxane:
      recovery of fluorescence by means of an axle substitution reaction.
AB  - A Cu(2+)-templated, multinuclear, nonfluorescent, anti-[3]pseudorotaxane was
      synthesized on a fluorophoric axle. The Cu(2+)-templated [3]pseudorotaxane was
      characterized by the electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), UV/Vis
      and EPR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray data. The ESI-MS showed peaks that
      support the formation of [3]pseudorotaxane. The UV/Vis spectrum of
      [3]pseudorotaxane in CH(3)CN showed a characteristic d-d band of a Cu(2+) complex
      at 650 nm. Further, the X-band in the EPR spectrum of [3]pseudorotaxane suggested
      a distorted square-pyramidal geometry of Cu(2+). Importantly, formation of the
      [3]pseudorotaxane was confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray structural analysis,
      which showed that one fluorophoric axle was threaded into two Cu(2+) macrocyclic
      wheels (MC-Cu(2+)) with an anti conformation. The UV/Vis and fluorescence
      titration experiments were carried out to follow the solution-state formation of
      [3]pseudorotaxane by MC-Cu(2+) and fluorophoric axle in CH(3)CN. In both studies,
      the sigmoidal curve fit supported the formation of 1:2 complex of the
      fluorophoric axle and MC-Cu(2+) complex. Secondly, the release of the
      fluorophoric axle from the nonfluorescent [3]pseudorotaxane through the formation
      of a [2]pseudorotaxane was demonstrated by titrating a solution of the
      [3]pseudorotaxane with a stronger bidentate chelating ligand, such as 1,10
      phenanthroline (Phen). Substitution of the fluorophoric axle from the
      [3]pseudorotaxane with about 100% efficiency was achieved by the addition of
      approximately two equivalents of Phen, and the formation of a Phen-threaded
      [2]pseudorotaxane was established by ESI-MS of the resulting solution and a
      single-crystal X-ray study. Axle substitution was also confirmed by a
      fluorescence titration experiment, which showed a step-wise recovery of the
      fluorescence intensity of the fluorophoric axle. The association constants for
      the formation of the [3]- and [2]pseudrotaxanes were calculated from the
      fluorescence and UV/Vis data. In addition, 2,2'-bipyridine (BPy), which is a
      relatively weaker bidendate chelating ligand compared to Phen, showed an
      inefficient and incomplete axle substitution of the [3]pseudorotaxane, although
      BPy previously showed the formation of [2]pseudrotaxane with the MC-Cu(2+) wheel
      in solution and ESI-MS studies. In this context, the formation of a BPy-threaded
      [2]pseudrotaxane was further established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      study.

PMID- 22084019
TI  - Genetic vs. phenotypic responses of trees to altitude.

PMID- 22084020
TI  - Growth and physiology of olive pioneer and fibrous roots exposed to soil moisture
      deficits.
AB  - In woody plants, pioneer roots are the main roots used to expand the root system
      horizontally and vertically whereas fibrous 'feeder' roots are chiefly used in
      the absorption of water and nutrients. Because of their different roles, we
      expected newly emerged pioneer and fibrous roots to respond differently to
      restrictions in soil moisture. We hypothesized that fibrous roots would exhibit
      greater growth plasticity and greater physiological impairment from soil moisture
      deficits, especially under heterogeneous conditions. We compared the responses of
      fibrous and pioneer roots of olive seedlings (Olea europaea) to localized and
      uniform soil moisture deficits in transparent containers in the greenhouse. In
      comparison with uniformly wet conditions, uniformly dry conditions caused reduced
      shoot photosynthesis and reduced shoot growth, but no significant effect on root
      morphology, root respiration (measured in aerated buffer solution using excised
      roots) or electrolyte leakage as a function of root age. Under heterogeneous soil
      moisture conditions, root growth tended to preferentially occur in the moist
      sector, especially in the pioneer roots. In comparison with pioneer roots in the
      moist sector, pioneer roots in the dry sector had higher tissue density and
      higher suberin content, but no shift in root respiration, non-structural
      carbohydrates or electrolyte leakage. In contrast, fibrous roots in the dry
      sector exhibited evidence of impaired physiology in older (>38 days) roots
      compared with similar age fibrous roots in the moist sector. While we anticipated
      that, compared with pioneer roots, fibrous roots would be more sensitive to soil
      moisture deficits as expressed by higher electrolyte leakage, we did not expect
      the strong growth plasticity of pioneer roots under heterogeneous soil moisture
      conditions. Differentiating the responses of these two very different root types
      can improve our understanding of how different portions of the root system of
      woody plants cope with soil moisture deficits.

PMID- 22084021
TI  - Boron nutrition affects the carbon metabolism of silver birch seedlings.
AB  - Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient whose deficiency is common both in
      agriculture and in silviculture. Boron deficiency impairs the growth of plants
      and affects many metabolic processes like carbohydrate metabolism. Boron
      deficiency and also excess B may decrease the sink demand by decreasing the
      growth and sugar transport which may lead to the accumulation of carbohydrates
      and down-regulation of photosynthesis. In this study, we investigated the effects
      of B nutrition on the soluble and storage carbohydrate concentrations of summer
      leaves and autumn buds in a deciduous tree species, Betula pendula Roth. In
      addition, we investigated the changes in the pools of condensed tannins between
      summer and autumn harvests. One-year-old birch seedlings were fertilized with a
      complete nutrient solution containing three different levels of B: 0, 30 and 100%
      of the standard level for complete nutrient solution. Half of the seedlings were
      harvested after summer period and another half when leaves abscised. The highest
      B fertilization level (B100) caused an accumulation of starch and a decrease in
      the concentrations of hexoses (glucose and fructose) in summer leaves, whereas in
      the B0 seedlings, hexoses (mainly glucose) accumulated and starch decreased.
      These changes in carbohydrate concentrations might be related to the changes in
      the sink demand since the autumn growth was the smallest for the B100 seedlings
      and largest for the B30 seedlings that did not accumulate carbohydrates. The
      autumn buds of B30 seedlings contained the lowest levels of glucose, glycerol,
      raffinose and total polyols, which was probably due to the dilution effect of the
      deposition of other substances like phenols. Condensed tannins accumulated in
      high amounts in the birch stems during the hardening of seedlings and the largest
      accumulation was detected in the B30 treatment. Our results suggest that B
      nutrition of birch seedlings affects the carbohydrate and phenol metabolism and
      may play an important role in the hardening process of the seedlings.

PMID- 22084022
TI  - The pathogenic white-rot fungus Heterobasidion parviporum triggers non-specific
      defence responses in the bark of Norway spruce.
AB  - Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] is one of the economically most important
      conifer species in Europe. The major pathogen on Norway spruce is Heterobasidion
      parviporum (Fr.) Niemela & Korhonen. To achieve a better understanding of Norway
      spruce's defence mechanisms, transcriptional responses in bark to H. parviporum
      infection were compared with the response to wounding using cDNA-amplified
      fragment length polymorphism. The majority of the recovered transcript-derived
      fragments (TDFs) showed a similar expression pattern for infection and wounding
      treatment, although inoculated samples showed an enhanced reaction. Genes related
      to systemic acquired resistance, e.g., PR1, accumulated after H. parviporum
      infection. Simultaneously, several transcripts involved in various aspects of
      jasmonic acid (JA)- and ethylene (ET)-mediated signalling accumulated. Genes
      involved in the ubiquitin/proteasome system were also regulated. Expression
      patterns have been confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The
      expression patterns of the isolated TDFs suggest that infection with H.
      parviporum in Norway spruce induces a broad defence, with many similarities to
      non-specific defence responses in angiosperms. The parallel induction of
      salicylic acid- and JA/ET-mediated pathways implies spatially separated responses
      in different cell layers, with and without hyphal contact. A set of TDFs were
      analysed in an independent experiment with unrelated material treated with
      wounding or with inoculation with H. parviporum or Phlebiopsis gigantea,
      verifying the original observations and underlining the non-specific defence
      responses. In addition, our data suggest that rerouting of carbon in secondary
      metabolism is an integral part of Norway spruce induced defence. We report the
      sequences of three 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase genes
      (PaDAHP1, PaDAHP2 and PaDAHP3) and their relative expression in response to
      wounding and infection with H. parviporum and P. gigantea. The results clearly
      indicate differential regulation of the three DAHPs in the induced defence
      responses in Norway spruce. This study gives insights into the central mechanisms
      in the induced defences in Norway spruce.

PMID- 22084023
TI  - Probing the effects of one-electron reduction and protonation on the electronic
      properties of the Fe-S clusters in the active-ready form of [FeFe]-hydrogenases.
      A QM/MM investigation.
AB  - A QM/MM investigation of the active-ready (H(ox)) form of [FeFe]-hydrogenase from
      D. desulfuricans, in which the electronic properties of all Fe-S clusters (H, F
      and F') have been simultaneously described using DFT, was carried out with the
      aim of disclosing a possible interplay between the H-cluster and the accessory
      iron-sulfur clusters in the initial steps of the catalytic process leading to
      H(2) formation. It turned out that one-electron addition to the active-ready form
      leads to reduction of the F'-cluster and not of the H-cluster. Protonation of the
      H-cluster in H(ox) is unlikely, and in any case it would not trigger electron
      transfer from the accessory Fe(4)S(4) clusters to the active site. Instead, one
      electron reduction and protonation of the active-ready form trigger electron
      transfer within the protein, a key event in the catalytic cycle. In particular,
      protonation of the H-cluster after one-electron reduction of the enzyme lowers
      the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals localized on the H-cluster
      to such an extent that a long-range electron transfer from the F'-cluster towards
      the H-cluster itself is allowed.

PMID- 22084024
TI  - Separation and purification of isorhamnetin 3-sulphate from Flaveria bidentis
      (L.) Kuntze by counter-current chromatography comparing two kinds of solvent
      systems.
AB  - The first preparative separation of a flavonoid sulphate isorhamnetin 3-sulphate
      from Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze by counter-current chromatography (CCC) was
      presented. Two kinds of solvent systems were used. A conventional organic/aqueous
      solvent system n-butanol-ethyl acetate-water (4:1:5, v/v) was used, yielding
      isorhamnetin 3-sulphate 2.0 mg with a purity of 93.4% from 83 mg of pre-enriched
      crude extract obtained from 553 mg ethanol extract by macroporous resin. A one
      component organic/salt-containing system composed of n-butanol-0.25% sodium
      chloride aqueous solution (1:1, v/v) was also used, and the LC column packed with
      macroporous resin has been employed for desalination of the target compound
      purified from CCC. As a result, 2.1 mg of isorhamnetin 3-sulphate with a purity
      of over 97% has been isolated from 402 mg of crude extract without pre
      enrichment. Compared with the conventional organic/aqueous system, the one
      component organic/salt-containing aqueous system was more suitable for the
      separation of isorhamnetin 3-sulphate, and purer target compound was obtained
      from the crude extract without pre-enrichment using the new solvent system. The
      chemical structure was confirmed by ESI-MS and (1)H, (13)C NMR. In summary, our
      results indicated that CCC using one-component organic/salt-containing aqueous
      solution is very promising and powerful for high-throughput purification of
      isorhamnetin 3-sulphate from Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze.

PMID- 22084025
TI  - Optically transmitted and inductively coupled electric reference to access in
      vivo concentrations for quantitative proton-decoupled 13C magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - This report describes our efforts on quantification of tissue metabolite
      concentrations in mM by nuclear Overhauser enhanced and proton decoupled (13) C
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the Electric Reference To access In vivo
      Concentrations (ERETIC) method. Previous work showed that a calibrated synthetic
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy-like signal transmitted through an optical fiber
      and inductively coupled into a transmit/receive coil represents a reliable
      reference standard for in vivo (1) H magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      quantification on a clinical platform. In this work, we introduce a related
      implementation that enables simultaneous proton decoupling and ERETIC-based
      metabolite quantification and hence extends the applicability of the ERETIC
      method to nuclear Overhauser enhanced and proton decoupled in vivo (13) C
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, ERETIC signal stability under the
      influence of simultaneous proton decoupling is investigated. The proposed
      quantification method was cross-validated against internal and external reference
      standards on human skeletal muscle. The ERETIC signal intensity stability was
      100.65 +/- 4.18% over 3 months including measurements with and without proton
      decoupling. Glycogen and unsaturated fatty acid concentrations measured with the
      ERETIC method were in excellent agreement with internal creatine and external
      phantom reference methods, showing a difference of 1.85 +/- 1.21% for glycogen
      and 1.84 +/- 1.00% for unsaturated fatty acid between ERETIC and creatine-based
      quantification, whereas the deviations between external reference and creatine
      based quantification are 6.95 +/- 9.52% and 3.19 +/- 2.60%, respectively.

PMID- 22084026
TI  - Benzo[e]pyrene skeleton dipyrylium dication with a strong donor-acceptor-donor
      interaction, and its two-electron reduced molecule.
AB  - The donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) conjugated molecules 1,4
      bis(diarylaminophenylethynyl)anthraquinone (1,4-Am(2)Aq) and 1,4
      bis(ferrocenylethynyl)anthraquinone (1,4-Fc(2)Aq), undergo a double proton
      cyclization reaction with bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide acid (TFSIH) to yield
      1,4-bis(diarylaminophenyl or ferrocenyl) dipyrylium salts [1,4
      R(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2) (R=Am or Fc) with novel planar pentacyclic structures
      similar to the aromatic benzo[e]pyrene-type skeleton. [1,4-Am(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2)
      could be reduced to give the neutral molecule [1,4-Am(2)Pyl(2)](0), which is
      stable and maintains the benzo[e]pyrene-type skeleton. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first oxygen-atom-containing polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbon with 22 (4n+2) pi-electrons. The obtained condensed-ring
      benzo[e]pyrene-type skeleton compounds show physical and chemical properties that
      are significantly different from those of [1,5-Am(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2), which has a
      perylene-type skeleton.

PMID- 22084028
TI  - Surgical management of T1 oropharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of primary
      transoral surgery in the management of T1 oropharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: A
      retrospective evaluation was conducted on the files of all patients treated with
      primary surgery for pT1 oropharyngeal carcinoma at a tertiary referral center
      between 1976 and 2005. RESULTS: A total of 223 cases were assessed. Disease
      specific survival was 88% and local control 93%. Transoral surgery with the use
      of CO(2) laser or electrocautery was adopted in every case. Positive surgical
      margins and regional disease were found to significantly worsen prognosis. A low
      rate of complications and satisfactory retention of pharyngeal function were
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: Primary transoral surgical treatment is very effective
      against T1 oropharyngeal carcinoma. A low rate of complications should be
      expected. However, in every case complete excision of the tumor must be
      accomplished and the neck included in the primary treatment plan.

PMID- 22084027
TI  - Nitric oxide sustains long-term skeletal muscle regeneration by regulating fate
      of satellite cells via signaling pathways requiring Vangl2 and cyclic GMP.
AB  - Satellite cells are myogenic precursors that proliferate, activate, and
      differentiate on muscle injury to sustain the regenerative capacity of adult
      skeletal muscle; in this process, they self-renew through the return to
      quiescence of the cycling progeny. This mechanism, while efficient in
      physiological conditions does not prevent exhaustion of satellite cells in
      pathologies such as muscular dystrophy where numerous rounds of damage occur.
      Here, we describe a key role of nitric oxide, an important signaling molecule in
      adult skeletal muscle, on satellite cells maintenance, studied ex vivo on
      isolated myofibers and in vivo using the alpha-sarcoglycan null mouse model of
      dystrophy and a cardiotoxin-induced model of repetitive damage. Nitric oxide
      stimulated satellite cells proliferation in a pathway dependent on cGMP
      generation. Furthermore, it increased the number of Pax7(+)/Myf5(-) cells in a
      cGMP-independent pathway requiring enhanced expression of Vangl2, a member of the
      planar cell polarity pathway involved in the Wnt noncanonical pathway. The
      enhanced self-renewal ability of satellite cells induced by nitric oxide is
      sufficient to delay the reduction of the satellite cell pool during repetitive
      acute and chronic damages, favoring muscle regeneration; in the alpha-sarcoglycan
      null dystrophic mouse, it also slowed disease progression persistently. These
      results identify nitric oxide as a key messenger in satellite cells maintenance,
      expand the significance of the Vangl2-dependent Wnt noncanonical pathway in
      myogenesis, and indicate novel strategies to optimize nitric oxide-based
      therapies for muscular dystrophy.

PMID- 22084029
TI  - All organic host-guest crystals based on a dumb-bell-shaped conjugated host for
      light harvesting through resonant energy transfer.
AB  - Together we glow: Fully organic host-guest crystals with two dyes inserted in
      their parallel nanochannels display broad emission in the visible range thanks to
      resonant energy transfer. The conjugated host crystal provides light harvesting
      in the UV region.

PMID- 22084030
TI  - Energy transfer tunes phosphorescent color of single-dopant white OLEDs.

PMID- 22084031
TI  - Electromembrane extraction of peptides--fundamental studies on the supported
      liquid membrane.
AB  - A large screening of different components in the supported liquid membrane (SLM)
      in electromembrane extraction (EME) was performed to test the extraction
      efficiency on eight model peptides. Electromembrane extraction from a 500 MUL
      acidified aqueous sample containing the model peptides in the concentration 10
      MUg/mL was used. Extraction time was 5 min with an electric potential of 10 V and
      900 rpm agitation of the sample vial. The samples were extracted through a hollow
      fiber-based SLM with different compositions of organic solvents and carriers. A
      small volume of acidified acceptor solution (25 MUL) was after extraction
      analyzed directly, or with some dilution, on CE or HPLC. This article has
      identified mono- or di-substituted phosphate groups as the prominent group of
      carrier molecules needed to obtain acceptable recoveries. For the organic
      solvents, primary alcohols and ketones have shown promise regarding recovery and
      reproducibility, with some differences in selectivity. A new composition of the
      SLM, namely 2-octanone and tridecyl phosphate (90:10 w/w) has proved to give
      higher extraction recoveries and lower standard deviation than SLMs previously
      reported in the literature.

PMID- 22084032
TI  - Survey of the frequency and perceived stressfulness of ethical dilemmas
      encountered in UK veterinary practice.
AB  - The scale of the ethical challenges faced by veterinary surgeons and their
      perceived stressful consequences were investigated via a short questionnaire,
      completed by 58 practising veterinary surgeons. Respondents were asked to report
      how frequently they faced ethical dilemmas, and to rate on a simple numerical
      scale (zero to 10) how stressful they found three common scenarios. Fifty seven
      per cent of respondents reported that they faced one to two dilemmas per week,
      while 34 per cent stated they typically faced three to five dilemmas per week.
      The three scenarios provided were all rated as highly stressful with 'client
      wishing to continue treatment despite poor animal welfare' rated as the most
      stressful (median 9). The female veterinary surgeons gave two of the scenarios
      significantly higher stress ratings than the male veterinary surgeons. Stress
      ratings were not influenced by number of years in practice (which ranged from one
      to more than 25 years). The results show that veterinary surgeons regularly face
      ethical dilemmas and that they find these stressful. This has implications for
      the wellbeing of veterinary surgeons and supports the case for increased
      provision of training and support, especially for those who entered the
      profession before undergraduate ethics teaching was widely available.

PMID- 22084033
TI  - Human neural stem cell tropism to metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Metastasis to multiple organs is the primary cause of mortality in breast cancer
      patients. The poor prognosis for patients with metastatic breast cancer and toxic
      side effects of currently available treatments necessitate the development of
      effective tumor-selective therapies. Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess inherent
      tumor tropic properties that enable them to overcome many obstacles of drug
      delivery that limit effective chemotherapy strategies for breast cancer. We
      report that increased NSC tropism to breast tumor cell lines is strongly
      correlated with the invasiveness of cancer cells. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was
      identified as a major cytokine mediating NSC tropism to invasive breast cancer
      cells. We show for the first time in a preclinical mouse model of metastatic
      human breast cancer that NSCs preferentially target tumor metastases in multiple
      organs, including liver, lung, lymph nodes, and femur, versus the primary
      intramammary fat pad tumor. For proof-of-concept of stem cell-mediated breast
      cancer therapy, NSCs were genetically modified to secrete rabbit carboxylesterase
      (rCE), an enzyme that activates the CPT-11 prodrug to SN-38, a potent
      topoisomerase I inhibitor, to effect tumor-localized chemotherapy. In vitro data
      demonstrate that exposure of breast cancer cells to conditioned media from rCE
      secreting NSCs (NSC.rCE) increased their sensitivity to CPT-11 by 200-fold. In
      vivo, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with NSC.rCE cells in combination with CPT
      11 resulted in reduction of metastatic tumor burden in lung and lymph nodes.
      These data suggest that NSC-mediated enzyme/prodrug therapy may be more effective
      and less toxic than currently available chemotherapy strategies for breast cancer
      metastases.

PMID- 22084034
TI  - Ectopic mediastinal goiter successfully managed via cervical approach: case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ectopic mediastinal goiter is a rare entity that presents diagnostic
      and treatment challenges to the clinician. METHODS: A case of primary ectopic
      mediastinal goiter is presented and use of a cervical approach for excision is
      described herein. Additionally, precedent literature highlighting surgical
      treatment approaches is reviewed. RESULTS: The distinction between primary and
      secondary ectopic mediastinal goiter is significant as this indicates the
      vascular supply to the ectopic mass. Previous authors suggested open thoracic
      procedures for all primary mediastinal goiters to safely divide intrathoracic
      vascular supply, but favorably positioned anterior mediastinal goiter may be
      safely removed via cervical approach. This is the second case of primary ectopic
      mediastinal goiter successfully resected via cervical approach. CONCLUSION:
      Select cases of primary mediastinal goiter may be amenable to excision via
      cervical approach, avoiding potential complications of open thoracic procedures.
      Additionally, CT-guided biopsy is an effective tool in preoperative diagnosis of
      anterior mediastinal masses.

PMID- 22084036
TI  - Synthesis of tripeptide mimetics based on dihydroquinolinone and benzoxazinone
      scaffolds.

PMID- 22084037
TI  - Online tissue discrimination for transcutaneous needle guidance applications
      using broadband impedance spectroscopy.
AB  - This paper reports on a novel system architecture for measuring impedance spectra
      of a biological tissue close to the tip of a hollow needle. The measurement is
      performed online using fast broadband chirp signals. The time domain measurement
      raw data are transformed into the transfer function of the tissue in frequency
      domain. Correlation technique is used to analyze the characteristic shape of the
      derived tissue transfer function with respect to known "library functions" for
      different types of tissue derived in earlier experiments. Based on the resulting
      correlation coefficients the exact type of tissue is determined. A bipolar
      coaxial needle is constructed, simulated by finite element method and tested
      during various in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results show a good spatial
      resolution of approximately 1.0 mm for a needle with a diameter of 2.0 mm. The
      correlation coefficients for the three tested tissue types muscle, fat, and blood
      allow for a clear tissue classification. Best results have been obtained using
      the characteristic phase diagrams for each tissue. Correlated to the
      corresponding library transfer function the coefficients are in the range of
      +0.96 to +0.99 for the matching tissue. In return, the resulting coefficients for
      correlation with nonmatching tissues are in the range of -0.93 to +0.81.

PMID- 22084035
TI  - Simple, fast, tissue-specific bacterial artificial chromosome transgenesis in
      Xenopus.
AB  - We have developed a method of injecting bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA
      into Xenopus embryos that is simple and efficient, and results in consistent and
      tissue-specific expression of transgenes cloned into BAC vectors. Working with
      large pieces of DNA, as can be accommodated by BACs, is necessary when studying
      large or complex genes and conducive to studying the function of long-range
      regulatory elements that act to control developmentally restricted gene
      expression. We recombineered fluorescent reporters into three Xenopus tropicalis
      BAC clones targeting three different genes and report that up to 60% of injected
      embryos express the reporter in a manner consistent with endogenous expression.
      The behavior of these BACs, which are replicated after injection, contrasts with
      that of smaller plasmids, which degrade relatively quickly when injected as
      circular molecules and generally fail to recapitulate endogenous expression when
      not integrated into the Xenopus genome.

PMID- 22084038
TI  - Cross validation for selection of cortical interaction models from scalp EEG or
      MEG.
AB  - A cross-validation (CV) method based on state-space framework is introduced for
      comparing the fidelity of different cortical interaction models to the measured
      scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) data being
      modeled. A state equation models the cortical interaction dynamics and an
      observation equation represents the scalp measurement of cortical activity and
      noise. The measured data are partitioned into training and test sets. The
      training set is used to estimate model parameters and the model quality is
      evaluated by computing test data innovations for the estimated model. Two CV
      metrics normalized mean square error and log-likelihood are estimated by
      averaging over different training/test partitions of the data. The effectiveness
      of this method of model selection is illustrated by comparing two linear modeling
      methods and two nonlinear modeling methods on simulated EEG data derived using
      both known dynamic systems and measured electrocorticography data from an
      epilepsy patient.

PMID- 22084039
TI  - Setting adaptive spike detection threshold for smoothed TEO based on robust
      statistics theory.
AB  - We propose a novel approach aimed at adaptively setting the threshold of the
      smoothed Teager energy operator (STEO) detector to be used in extracellular
      recording of neural signals. In this proposed approach, to set the adaptive
      threshold of the STEO detector, we derive the relationship between the low-order
      statistics of its input signal and the ones of its output signal. This
      relationship is determined with only the background noise component assumed to be
      present at the input. Robust statistics theory techniques were used to achieve an
      unbiased estimation of these low-order statistics of the background noise
      component directly from the neural input signal. In this paper, the emphasis is
      made on extracellular neural recordings. However, the proposed method can be used
      in the analysis of different biomedical signals where spikes are important for
      diagnostic (e.g., ECG, EEG, etc.). We validated the efficacy of the proposed
      method using synthetic neural signals constructed from real neural recordings
      signals. Four different sets of extracellular recordings from four distinct
      neural sources have been exploited to that purpose. The first dataset is recorded
      from an adult male monkey using the Utath 10*10 microelectrode array implemented
      in the prefrontal cortex, the second one was obtained from the visual cortex of a
      rat using a stainless-steel-tipped microelectrode, the third dataset came from
      recording in a human medial lobe using intracranial electrode, and finally, the
      fourth one was extracted from recordings in a macaque parietal cortex using a
      single tetrode. Simulation results show that our approach is effective and
      robust, and outperforms state-of-the-art adaptive detection methods in its
      category (i.e., efficient and simple, and do not require a priori knowledge about
      neural spike waveforms shapes).

PMID- 22084040
TI  - Personalized tooth shape estimation from radiograph and cast.
AB  - Three-dimensional geometric information of teeth is usually needed in pre- and
      postoperative diagnoses of orthodontic dentistry. The computerized tomography can
      provide comprehensive 3-D teeth geometries. However, there is still a discussion
      on computed tomography (CT) as a routine in orthodontic dentistry due to
      radiation dose. Moreover, the CT is useless when a dentist needs to extract 3-D
      structures from old archive files with only radiographs and casts, where
      patient's teeth changed ever since. In this paper, we propose a reconstruction
      framework for patient-specific teeth based on an integration of 2-D radiographs
      and digitized casts. The reconstruction is under a template-fitting framework.
      The shape and orientation of teeth templates are tuned in accordance with
      patient's radiographs. Specially, the tooth root morphology is controlled by 2-D
      contours in radiographs. With ray tracing and a contour plane assumption, 2-D
      root contours in radiographs are projected back to 3-D space, and guide tooth
      root deformations. Moreover, the template's crown is deformed nonrigidly to fit
      digitized casts that bear patient's crown details. The system allows 3-D tooth
      reconstruction with patient-specific geometric details from just casts and 2-D
      radiographs.

PMID- 22084041
TI  - DiBa: a data-driven Bayesian algorithm for sleep spindle detection.
AB  - Although the spontaneous brain rhythms of sleep have commanded much recent
      interest, their detection and analysis remains suboptimal. In this paper, we
      develop a data-driven Bayesian algorithm for sleep spindle detection on the
      electroencephalography (EEG). The algorithm exploits the Karhunen-Loeve transform
      and Bayesian hypothesis testing to produce the instantaneous probability of a
      spindle's presence with maximal resolution. In addition to possessing
      flexibility, transparency, and scalability, this algorithm could perform at
      levels superior to standard methods for EEG event detection.

PMID- 22084042
TI  - Optimal multiresolution blending of confocal microscope images.
AB  - Typical mosaicing schemes assume that to-be-combined images are equally
      informative; thus, the images are processed in a similar manner. However, the new
      imaging technique for confocal fluorescence images has revealed a problem when
      two asymmetrically informative biological images are stitched during microscope
      image mosaicing. The latter process is widely used in biological studies to
      generate a higher resolution image by combining multiple images taken at
      different times and angles. To resolve the earlier problem, we propose a
      multiresolution optimization approach that evaluates the blending coefficients
      based on the relative importance of the overlapping regions of the to-be-combined
      image pair. The blending coefficients are the optimal solution obtained by a
      quadratic programming algorithm with constraints that are enforced by the
      biological requirements. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach on
      several confocal microscope fluorescence images and compare the results with
      those derived by other methods.

PMID- 22084043
TI  - Modeling the slow wave shapes of spreading depression in a rat cortex: a
      methodology for seeking physiological parameters.
AB  - Spreading depression (SD) consists of a transient significant suppression of the
      spontaneous neural electrical activity that spreads slowly across regions of the
      gray matter in a wave form. Nowadays, this phenomenon is being studied by means
      of mathematical and computational models to reproduce the main characteristics of
      SD. Given the high number of parameters and their unknown ranges of variation,
      the setting of parameters for current SD models is usually a hard task that must
      be addressed in order to make such models reproduce real data. In this paper, we
      present a 1-D model which is able to reproduce the most important characteristics
      of SD waves observed in laboratory experiments: the slow extracellular potential
      shift and extracellular ionic concentration variations regarding speed, shape,
      and amplitude. Such a reproduction is possible due to a methodology that we
      introduced to set the parameters of the SD models. The methodology allows the
      impact of each parameter on the results produced by the model and the range of
      parameters for which the model displays plausible behavior to be determined. The
      methodology also helps to identify features that the model cannot produce and it
      gives insights about what parts of the model should be modified to improve its
      capacities through the identification of parameters involved with each behavior.

PMID- 22084044
TI  - Vibrotactile pattern recognition: a portable compact tactile matrix.
AB  - Compact tactile matrix (CTM) is a vibrotactile device composed of a seven-by
      seven array of electromechanical vibrators "tactip" used to represent tactile
      patterns applied to a small skin area. The CTM uses a dynamic feature to generate
      spatiotemporal tactile patterns. The design requirements focus particularly on
      maximizing the transmission of the vibration from one tactip to the others as
      well as to the skin over a square area of 16 cm (2) while simultaneously
      minimizing the transmission of vibrations throughout the overall structure of the
      CTM. Experiments were conducted on 22 unpracticed subjects to evaluate how the
      CTM could be used to develop a tactile semantics for communication of
      instructions in order to test the ability of the subjects to identify: 1)
      directional prescriptors for gesture guidance and 2) instructional commands for
      operational task requirements in a military context. The results indicate that,
      after familiarization, recognition accuracies in the tactile patterns were
      remarkably precise for more 80% of the subjects.

PMID- 22084046
TI  - A splitting-based iterative algorithm for accelerated statistical X-ray CT
      reconstruction.
AB  - Statistical image reconstruction using penalized weighted least-squares (PWLS)
      criteria can improve image-quality in X-ray computed tomography (CT). However,
      the huge dynamic range of the statistical weights leads to a highly shift-variant
      inverse problem making it difficult to precondition and accelerate existing
      iterative algorithms that attack the statistical model directly. We propose to
      alleviate the problem by using a variable-splitting scheme that separates the
      shift-variant and ("nearly") invariant components of the statistical data model
      and also decouples the regularization term. This leads to an equivalent
      constrained problem that we tackle using the classical method-of-multipliers
      framework with alternating minimization. The specific form of our splitting
      yields an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm with an
      inner-step involving a "nearly" shift-invariant linear system that is suitable
      for FFT-based preconditioning using cone-type filters. The proposed method can
      efficiently handle a variety of convex regularization criteria including smooth
      edge-preserving regularizers and nonsmooth sparsity-promoting ones based on the
      l(1)-norm and total variation. Numerical experiments with synthetic and real in
      vivo human data illustrate that cone-filter preconditioners accelerate the
      proposed ADMM resulting in fast convergence of ADMM compared to conventional
      (nonlinear conjugate gradient, ordered subsets) and state-of-the-art (MFISTA,
      split-Bregman) algorithms that are applicable for CT.

PMID- 22084047
TI  - Three-dimensional in silico breast phantoms for multimodal image simulations.
AB  - Anatomic simulators have provided researchers with the realistic objects needed
      to develop and evaluate medical imaging approaches. Today we have new insights
      into the cellular biology of breast tissues that is driving many new targeted
      diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including molecular imaging. We report on
      our initial efforts to build a scalable framework for the construction of
      realistic 3-D in silico breast phantoms (ISBP) capable of leveraging existing
      knowledge and yet adaptable to fully integrate future discoveries. The ISBP
      frames are developed with scalable anatomical shapes and morphologic features as
      adapted from a rich literature on this topic. Frames are populated with tissue
      subtypes essential for imaging and object contrast functions are assigned. These
      data can be resampled to match the intrinsics scales of various imaging
      modalities; we explore mammography, sonography and computed tomography. Initial
      comparisons between simulated and clinical images demonstrate reasonable
      agreement and provides guidance for future development of a more realistic ISBP.
      An end-to-end simulation of breast images is described to demonstrate techniques
      for including stochastic variability and deterministic physical principles on
      which image formation is based.

PMID- 22084048
TI  - Motion correction in dual gated cardiac PET using mass-preserving image
      registration.
AB  - Respiratory and cardiac motion leads to image degradation in positron emission
      tomography (PET) studies of the human heart. In this paper we present a novel
      approach to motion correction based on dual gating and mass-preserving
      hyperelastic image registration. Thereby, we account for intensity modulations
      caused by the highly nonrigid cardiac motion. This leads to accurate and
      realistic motion estimates which are quantitatively validated on software phantom
      data and carried over to clinically relevant data using a hardware phantom. For
      patient data, the proposed method is first evaluated in a high statistic (20 min
      scans) dual gating study of 21 patients. It is shown that the proposed approach
      properly corrects PET images for dual-cardiac as well as respiratory-motion. In a
      second study the list mode data of the same patients is cropped to a scan time
      reasonable for clinical practice (3 min). This low statistic study not only shows
      the clinical applicability of our method but also demonstrates its robustness
      against noise obtained by hyperelastic regularization.

PMID- 22084049
TI  - Robust image deblurring with an inaccurate blur kernel.
AB  - Most existing nonblind image deblurring methods assume that the blur kernel is
      free of error. However, it is often unavoidable in practice that the input blur
      kernel is erroneous to some extent. Sometimes, the error could be severe, e.g.,
      for images degraded by nonuniform motion blurring. When an inaccurate blur kernel
      is used as the input, significant distortions will appear in the image recovered
      by existing methods. In this paper, we present a novel convex minimization model
      that explicitly takes account of error in the blur kernel. The resulting
      minimization problem can be efficiently solved by the so-called accelerated
      proximal gradient method. In addition, a new boundary extension scheme is
      incorporated in the proposed model to further improve the results. The
      experiments on both synthesized and real images showed the efficiency and
      robustness of our algorithm to both the image noise and the model error in the
      blur kernel.

PMID- 22084050
TI  - Robust multichannel blind deconvolution via fast alternating minimization.
AB  - Blind deconvolution, which comprises simultaneous blur and image estimations, is
      a strongly ill-posed problem. It is by now well known that if multiple images of
      the same scene are acquired, this multichannel (MC) blind deconvolution problem
      is better posed and allows blur estimation directly from the degraded images. We
      improve the MC idea by adding robustness to noise and stability in the case of
      large blurs or if the blur size is vastly overestimated. We formulate blind
      deconvolution as an  l(1) -regularized optimization problem and seek a solution
      by alternately optimizing with respect to the image and with respect to blurs.
      Each optimization step is converted to a constrained problem by variable
      splitting and then is addressed with an augmented Lagrangian method, which
      permits simple and fast implementation in the Fourier domain. The rapid
      convergence of the proposed method is illustrated on synthetically blurred data.
      Applicability is also demonstrated on the deconvolution of real photos taken by a
      digital camera.

PMID- 22084051
TI  - Selective recognition of cysteine in its free and protein-bound states by the
      Zn2+ complex of a triazole-based calix[4]arene conjugate.

PMID- 22084052
TI  - Connectivity analysis as a novel approach to motor decoding for prosthesis
      control.
AB  - The use of neural signals for prosthesis control is an emerging frontier of
      research to restore lost function to amputees and the paralyzed.
      Electrocorticography (ECoG) brain-machine interfaces (BMI) are an alternative to
      EEG and neural spiking and local field potential BMI approaches. Conventional
      ECoG BMIs rely on spectral analysis at specific electrode sites to extract
      signals for controlling prostheses. We compare traditional features with
      information about the connectivity of an ECoG electrode network. We use time
      varying dynamic Bayesian networks (TV-DBN) to determine connectivity between ECoG
      channels in humans during a motor task. We show that, on average, TV-DBN
      connectivity decreases from baseline preceding movement and then becomes
      negative, indicating an alteration in the phase relationship between electrode
      pairs. In some subjects, this change occurs preceding and during movement, before
      changes in low or high frequency power. We tested TV-DBN output in a hand
      kinematic decoder and obtained an average correlation coefficient   (r(2))
      between actual and predicted joint angle of 0.40, and as high as 0.66 in one
      subject. This result compares favorably with spectral feature decoders, for which
      the average correlation coefficient was 0.13. This work introduces a new feature
      set based on connectivity and demonstrates its potential to improve ECoG BMI
      accuracy.

PMID- 22084053
TI  - Aerodynamics of cyclist posture, bicycle and helmet characteristics in time trial
      stage.
AB  - The present work is focused on the aerodynamic study of different parameters,
      including both the posture of a cyclist's upper limbs and the saddle position, in
      time trial (TT) stages. The aerodynamic influence of a TT helmet large visor is
      also quantified as a function of the helmet inclination. Experiments conducted in
      a wind tunnel on nine professional cyclists provided drag force and frontal area
      measurements to determine the drag force coefficient. Data statistical analysis
      clearly shows that the hands positioning on shifters and the elbows joined
      together are significantly reducing the cyclist drag force. Concerning the saddle
      position, the drag force is shown to be significantly increased (about 3%) when
      the saddle is raised. The usual helmet inclination appears to be the inclination
      value minimizing the drag force. Moreover, the addition of a large visor on the
      helmet is shown to provide a drag coefficient reduction as a function of the
      helmet inclination. Present results indicate that variations in the TT cyclist
      posture, the saddle position and the helmet visor can produce a significant gain
      in time (up to 2.2%) during stages.

PMID- 22084054
TI  - Enantioselective intermolecular carbon-carbon bond formation of glyoxylate imines
      with allylstannanes catalyzed by tropos BIPHEP-gold(I) complexes with Au-Au
      interactions.

PMID- 22084055
TI  - Impact response and simulation of damaged ulna with internal fixation.
AB  - The objectives of this work were to explore a methodology that combines static
      and dynamic finite element (FE) analysis, linear elastic fracture mechanics
      (LEFM) and experimental methods to investigate a worst-case scenario in which a
      previously damaged bone plate system is subjected to an impact load. Cadaver
      ulnas with and without midshaft dynamic compression plates are subjected to a
      static three-point bend test and loaded such that subcritical crack growth occurs
      as predicted by a hybrid method that couples LEFM and static FE. The plated and
      unplated bones are then unloaded and subsequently subjected to a midshaft
      transverse impact test. A dynamic strain-based FE model is also developed to
      model the midshaft transverse impact test. The average value of the impact energy
      required for failure was observed to be 10.53% greater for the plated set. There
      appears to be a trade-off between impact damage and impact resistance when ulnas
      are supported by fixation devices. Predictions from the dynamic FE model are
      shown to corroborate inferences from the experimental approach.

PMID- 22084057
TI  - Antibacterial compounds from the mushroom Ganoderma colossum from Nigeria.
AB  - Three colossolactones (colossolactone E, colossolactone B and 23
      hydroxycolossolactone E) were isolated and characterized from an n
      hexane:dichloromethane (2:7) extract of Ganoderma colossum using chromatographic
      techniques. The antimicrobial activity of the three compounds was then tested
      against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The activity was evaluated by
      the thin-layer chromatography agar overlay method. The results showed that
      colossolactone E and 23-hydroxycolossolactone E were active against Bacillus
      subtilis and Pseudomonas syringae. Colossolactone B was not active against the
      bacteria. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Potency of
      the compounds against bacteria tested supports the use of this mushroom in
      therapeutic medicine.

PMID- 22084058
TI  - Influence of shear stress on behaviors of piezoelectric voltages in bone.
AB  - The piezoelectric properties of bone play an important role in the bone
      remodeling process and can be employed in clinical bone repair. In this study,
      the piezo-voltage of bone between two surfaces of a bone beam under bending
      deformation was measured using an ultra-high-input impedance bioamplifier. The
      influence of shear stress on the signs of piezo-voltages in bone was determined
      by comparing and contrasting the results from three-point and four-point bending
      experiments. From the three-point bending experiment, the study found that the
      signs of piezo-voltages depend only on shear stress and are not sensitive to the
      normal stress.

PMID- 22084059
TI  - An antithrombotic fucoidan, unlike heparin, does not prolong bleeding time in a
      murine arterial thrombosis model: a comparative study of Undaria pinnatifida
      sporophylls and Fucus vesiculosus.
AB  - The antithrombotic activities and bleeding effects of selected fucoidans (source
      from either Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls or from Fucus vesiculosus) have been
      compared with heparin in the ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombus mouse
      model. Thrombosis was induced by applying 5% ferric chloride for 3 min on the
      carotid artery region of Balb/c mouse. Five minutes prior to thrombus induction,
      mice were infused through the tail vein with either saline (control) or
      polysaccharides. Either fucoidan or heparin was dosed at 0.1, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10,
      25, or 50 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) The carotid blood flow was monitored until
      more than 60 min post-thrombus induction. Mouse tail transection bleeding time
      was measured up to 60 min after making a cut in the mouse tail. Both
      antithrombotic and bleeding effects were observed in a dose-dependent manner for
      both fucoidans and heparin. Thrombus formation was totally (reflected by Doppler
      flow meter) inhibited at either 5 or 50 mg/kg of unfractionated Undaria fucoidan
      or a low-molecular-weight Undaria fucoidan fraction, respectively, without
      prolonging the time-to-stop bleeding compared with the control (p < 0.01). The
      total inhibition of thrombus formation was observed for unfractionated Fucus
      fucoidan at 25 mg/kg where the time-to-stop bleeding was still significantly
      prolonged, by as much as 8 +/- 1.7 min (p < 0.02). In contrast the heparin
      treated group showed total inhibition of thrombus formation even at a small dose
      of 0.8 mg/kg (400 IU) at which bleeding continued until 60 min. In conclusion
      algal fucoidans are highly antithrombotic without potential haemorrhagic effects
      compared with heparin in the arterial thrombus model, but this property differs
      from algal species to species, and from the molecular structure of fucoidans.

PMID- 22084060
TI  - The antimutagenic effect of mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum
      agglutinin).
AB  - A galactose- and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-specific lectin (Viscum album L. var.
      coloratum agglutinin, VCA), which is known for its anticancer activity, was
      isolated from mistletoe. In this study, we investigated the antimutagenic
      potentials of VCA by using the pre-incubation method of the Ames test (Salmonella
      typhimurium TA98 and TA100) in the presence or absence of S9 mixture. Viscum
      album L. var. coloratum agglutinin was assessed for its antimutagenic properties
      against the mutagens 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) and furylfuramide (AF-2) for strain
      TA98, and sodium azide (NaN(3) ) and 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) for strain TA100.
      The concentrations used for this test compound were 100, 200 and 400 ug per
      plate.  Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin showed moderate, but not
      negligible, protective effects regarding the antimutagenic properties against the
      direct-acting mutagens NaN(3) and AF-2. Furthermore, VCA was more effective in
      preventing the mutagenicity of the indirect-acting mutagen 2-AA (in the presence
      of S9) when tested with both TA98 and TA100. In conclusion, this report has shown
      broad ranging antimutagenic effects of VCA to numerous mutagens in TA98 and TA100
      Salmonella typhimurium strains. Although the data presented here cannot be
      applied in vivo, they can support other antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic
      findings for VCA.

PMID- 22084061
TI  - Red clover extract ameliorates dyslipidemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      C57BL/6 mice by activating hepatic PPARalpha.
AB  - The effects of red clover extract and its bioactive components, biochanin A and
      formononetin, on the blood glucose and lipid levels of streptozotocin (STZ)
      induced-diabetic mice were investigated. Male diabetic C57BL/6 mice were induced
      by multiple low-dose STZ administration and then treated with red clover extract
      or isoflavones for a period of 3 weeks. Red clover extract had no significant
      effect on lowering the blood glucose levels of STZ-diabetic mice. Similarly,
      biochanin A and formononetin exerted no hypoglycemic effect. However, the serum
      triglycerides, total cholesterols and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels
      for STZ-diabetic mice receiving red clover extract were significantly lower than
      that of untreated STZ-diabetic mice. In addition, treatment with biochanin A or
      formononetin significantly ameliorated these lipid profiles in diabetic mice. The
      mRNA expression of two target genes transcriptionally regulated by peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha were determined by semi-quantitative
      RT-PCR and biochanin A or formononetin were found to significantly down-regulate
      hepatic APOC3 expression, whereas they had no significant effect on hepatic APOA5
      expression. Thus we conclude that red clover extract and biochanin A or
      formononetin significantly ameliorate the lipid profiles of STZ-diabetic mice and
      these effects are achieved at least in part by activating hepatic PPARalpha.

PMID- 22084063
TI  - Direct-bandgap light-emitting germanium in tensilely strained nanomembranes.
AB  - Silicon, germanium, and related alloys, which provide the leading materials
      platform of electronics, are extremely inefficient light emitters because of the
      indirect nature of their fundamental energy bandgap. This basic materials
      property has so far hindered the development of group-IV photonic active devices,
      including diode lasers, thereby significantly limiting our ability to integrate
      electronic and photonic functionalities at the chip level. Here we show that Ge
      nanomembranes (i.e., single-crystal sheets no more than a few tens of nanometers
      thick) can be used to overcome this materials limitation. Theoretical studies
      have predicted that tensile strain in Ge lowers the direct energy bandgap
      relative to the indirect one. We demonstrate that mechanically stressed
      nanomembranes allow for the introduction of sufficient biaxial tensile strain to
      transform Ge into a direct-bandgap material with strongly enhanced light-emission
      efficiency, capable of supporting population inversion as required for providing
      optical gain.

PMID- 22084062
TI  - Frozen steady states in active systems.
AB  - Even simple active systems can show a plethora of intriguing phenomena and often
      we find complexity where we would have expected simplicity. One striking example
      is the occurrence of a quiescent or absorbing state with frozen fluctuations that
      at first sight seems to be impossible for active matter driven by the incessant
      input of energy. While such states were reported for externally driven systems
      through macroscopic shear or agitation, the investigation of frozen active states
      in inherently active systems like cytoskeletal suspensions or active gels is
      still at large. Using high-density motility assay experiments, we demonstrate
      that frozen steady states can arise in active systems if active transport is
      coupled to growth processes. The experiments are complemented by agent-based
      simulations which identify the coupling between self-organization, growth, and
      mechanical properties to be responsible for the pattern formation process.

PMID- 22084064
TI  - Nitrosyl hydride (HNO) replaces dioxygen in nitroxygenase activity of manganese
      quercetin dioxygenase.
AB  - Quercetin dioxygenase (QDO) catalyzes the oxidation of the flavonol quercetin
      with dioxygen, cleaving the central heterocyclic ring and releasing CO. The QDO
      from Bacillus subtilis is unusual in that it has been shown to be active with
      several divalent metal cofactors such as Fe, Mn, and Co. Previous comparison of
      the catalytic activities suggest that Mn(II) is the preferred cofactor for this
      enzyme. We herein report the unprecedented substitution of nitrosyl hydride (HNO)
      for dioxygen in the activity of Mn-QDO, resulting in the incorporation of both N
      and O atoms into the product. Turnover is demonstrated by consumption of
      quercetin and other related substrates under anaerobic conditions in the presence
      of HNO-releasing compounds and the enzyme. As with dioxygenase activity, a
      nonenzymatic base-catalyzed reaction of quercetin with HNO is observed above pH
      7, but no enhancement of this basal reactivity is found upon addition of divalent
      metal salts. Unique and regioselective N-containing products ((14)N/(15)N) have
      been characterized by MS analysis for both the enzymatic and nonenzymatic
      reactions. Of the several metallo-QDO enzymes examined for nitroxygenase activity
      under anaerobic condition, only the Mn(II) is active; the Fe(II) and Co(II)
      substituted enzymes show little or no activity. This result represents an
      enzymatic catalysis which we denote nitroxygenase activity; the unique reactivity
      of the Mn-QDO suggests a metal-mediated electron transfer mechanism rather than
      metal activation of the substrate's inherent base-catalyzed reactivity.

PMID- 22084065
TI  - Imaging guided trials of the angiogenesis inhibitor sunitinib in mouse models
      predict efficacy in pancreatic neuroendocrine but not ductal carcinoma.
AB  - Preclinical trials in mice represent a critical step in the evaluation of
      experimental therapeutics. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) represent
      a promising platform for the evaluation of drugs, particularly those targeting
      the tumor microenvironment. We evaluated sunitinib, an angiogenesis inhibitor
      that targets VEGF and PDGF receptor signaling, in two GEMMs of pancreatic cancer.
      Sunitinib did not reduce tumor burden in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC),
      whereas tumor burden was reduced in the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET)
      model, the latter results confirming and extending previous studies. To explore
      the basis for the lack of pathologic response in PDAC, we used noninvasive
      microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, which revealed that sunitinib
      reduced blood flow both in PDAC and in PNET, concomitant with a reduction in
      vessel density; nevertheless, PDAC tumors continued to grow, whereas PNET were
      growth impaired. These results parallel the response in humans, where sunitinib
      recently garnered FDA and European approval in PNET, whereas two antiangiogenic
      drugs failed to demonstrate efficacy in PDAC clinical trials. The demonstration
      of on-target activity but with discordant benefit in the PDAC and PNET GEMMs
      illustrates the potential value of linked preclinical and clinical trials.

PMID- 22084066
TI  - Differential effects on p53-mediated cell cycle arrest vs. apoptosis by p90.
AB  - p53 functions as a central node for organizing whether the cell responds to
      stress with apoptosis or cell cycle arrest; however, the molecular events that
      lead to apoptotic responses are not completely understood. Here, we identified
      p90 (also called Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 8) as a unique regulator for p53.
      p90 has no obvious effects on either the levels of p53 or p53-mediated cell cycle
      arrest but is specifically required for p53-mediated apoptosis upon DNA damage.
      Notably, p90 is crucial for Tip60-dependent p53 acetylation at Lys120, therefore
      facilitating activation of the proapoptotic targets. These studies indicate that
      p90 is a critical cofactor for p53-mediated apoptosis through promoting Tip60
      mediated p53 acetylation.

PMID- 22084067
TI  - Organ aging and susceptibility to cancer may be related to the geometry of the
      stem cell niche.
AB  - Telomere loss at each cell replication limits the proliferative capacity of
      normal cells, including adult stem cells. Entering replicative senescence
      protects dividing cells from neoplastic transformation, but also contributes to
      aging of the tissue. Recent experiments have shown that intestinal mouse stem
      cells divide symmetrically, at random make decisions to remain stem cells or to
      differentiate, and gradually lose telomeric DNA. A cell's decision whether to
      differentiate or to remain a stem cell depends on the local cellular and chemical
      environment and thus tissue architecture is expected to play role in cell
      proliferation dynamics. To take into account the structure of the stem cell niche
      in determining its proliferative potential and susceptibility to cancer, a
      theoretical model is introduced and the niche proliferative potential is
      quantified for different architectures. The niche proliferative potential is
      quantitatively related to the proliferative potential of the individual stem
      cells for different structural classes of the stem cell niche. Stem cells at the
      periphery of a niche are under pressure to divide and to differentiate, as well
      as to maintain the stem cell niche boundary, and thus the geometry of the stem
      cell niche is expected to play a role in determining the stem cell division
      sequence and differentiation. Smaller surface-to-volume ratio is associated with
      higher susceptibility to cancer, higher tissue renewal capacity, and decreased
      aging rate. Several testable experimental predictions are discussed, as well the
      presence of stochastic effects.

PMID- 22084068
TI  - Landslide-dammed paleolake perturbs marine sedimentation and drives genetic
      change in anadromous fish.
AB  - Large bedrock landslides have been shown to modulate rates and processes of river
      activity by forming dams, forcing upstream aggradation of water and sediment, and
      generating catastrophic outburst floods. Less apparent is the effect of large
      landslide dams on river ecosystems and marine sedimentation. Combining analyses
      of 1-m resolution topographic data (acquired via airborne laser mapping) and
      field investigation, we present evidence for a large, landslide-dammed paleolake
      along the Eel River, CA. The landslide mass initiated from a high-relief,
      resistant outcrop which failed catastrophically, blocking the Eel River with an
      approximately 130-m-tall dam. Support for the resulting 55-km-long, 1.3-km(3)
      lake includes subtle shorelines cut into bounding terrain, deltas, and lacustrine
      sediments radiocarbon dated to 22.5 ka. The landslide provides an explanation for
      the recent genetic divergence of local anadromous (ocean-run) steelhead trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by blocking their migration route and causing gene flow
      between summer run and winter run reproductive ecotypes. Further, the dam
      arrested the prodigious flux of sediment down the Eel River; this cessation is
      recorded in marine sedimentary deposits as a 10-fold reduction in deposition
      rates of Eel-derived sediment and constitutes a rare example of a terrestrial
      event transmitted through the dispersal system and recorded offshore.

PMID- 22084069
TI  - Low absorption losses of strongly coupled surface plasmons in nanoparticle
      assemblies.
AB  - Coupled surface plasmons in one-dimensional assemblies of metal nanoparticles
      have attracted significant attention because strong interparticle interactions
      lead to large electromagnetic field enhancements that can be exploited for
      localizing and amplifying electromagnetic radiation in nanoscale structures.
      Ohmic loss (i.e., absorption by the metal), however, limits the performance of
      any application due to nonradiative surface plasmon relaxation. While absorption
      losses have been studied theoretically, they have not been quantified
      experimentally for strongly coupled surface plasmons. Here, we report on the
      ohmic loss in one-dimensional assemblies of gold nanoparticles with small
      interparticle separations of only a few nanometers and hence strong plasmon
      coupling. Both the absorption and scattering cross-sections of coupled surface
      plasmons were determined and compared to electrodynamic simulations. A lower
      absorption and higher scattering cross-section for coupled surface plasmons
      compared to surface plasmons of isolated nanoparticles suggest that coupled
      surface plasmons suffer smaller ohmic losses and therefore act as better
      antennas. These experimental results provide important insight for the design of
      plasmonic devices.

PMID- 22084070
TI  - Assessment of individual radionuclide distributions from the Fukushima nuclear
      accident covering central-east Japan.
AB  - A tremendous amount of radioactivity was discharged because of the damage to
      cooling systems of nuclear reactors in the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in
      March 2011. Fukushima and its adjacent prefectures were contaminated with fission
      products from the accident. Here, we show a geographical distribution of
      radioactive iodine, tellurium, and cesium in the surface soils of central-east
      Japan as determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. Especially in Fukushima
      prefecture, contaminated area spreads around Iitate and Naka-Dori for all the
      radionuclides we measured. Distributions of the radionuclides were affected by
      the physical state of each nuclide as well as geographical features. Considering
      meteorological conditions, it is concluded that the radioactive material
      transported on March 15 was the major contributor to contamination in Fukushima
      prefecture, whereas the radioactive material transported on March 21 was the
      major source in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures and in Tokyo.

PMID- 22084071
TI  - Evolutionary dynamics of feedback escape and the development of stem-cell-driven
      cancers.
AB  - Cancers are thought to arise in tissue stem cells, and similar to healthy tissue,
      are thought to be maintained by a small population of tumor stem or initiating
      cells, whereas the majority of tumor cells are more differentiated with limited
      replicative potential. Healthy tissue homeostasis is achieved by feedback loops,
      and particular importance has been attached to signals secreted from
      differentiated cells that inhibit stem-cell division and stem-cell self-renewal,
      as documented in the olfactory epithelium and other tissues. Therefore, a key
      event in carcinogenesis must be escape from these feedback loops, which is
      studied here using evolutionary computational models. We find that out of all
      potential evolutionary pathways, only one unique sequence of phenotypic
      transitions can lead to complete escape in stem-cell-driven tumors, even though
      the required mutations for these transitions are certainly tissue specific. This
      insight, supported by data, facilitates the search for driver mutations and for
      therapeutic targets. Different growth patterns can result from feedback escape,
      which we call "inhibited," "uninhibited," and "sigmoidal," and which are found in
      published data. The finding of inhibited growth patterns in data indicates that
      besides architecture, the regulatory mechanisms of healthy tissue continue to
      operate to a degree in tumors.

PMID- 22084072
TI  - Evidence for an allosteric mechanism of substrate release from membrane
      transporter accessory binding proteins.
AB  - Numerous membrane importers rely on accessory water-soluble proteins to capture
      their substrates. These substrate-binding proteins (SBP) have a strong affinity
      for their ligands; yet, substrate release onto the low-affinity membrane
      transporter must occur for uptake to proceed. It is generally accepted that
      release is facilitated by the association of SBP and transporter, upon which the
      SBP adopts a conformation similar to the unliganded state, whose affinity is
      sufficiently reduced. Despite the appeal of this mechanism, however, direct
      supporting evidence is lacking. Here, we use experimental and theoretical methods
      to demonstrate that an allosteric mechanism of enhanced substrate release is
      indeed plausible. First, we report the atomic-resolution structure of apo TeaA,
      the SBP of the Na(+)-coupled ectoine TRAP transporter TeaBC from Halomonas
      elongata DSM2581(T), and compare it with the substrate-bound structure previously
      reported. Conformational free-energy landscape calculations based upon molecular
      dynamics simulations are then used to dissect the mechanism that couples ectoine
      binding to structural change in TeaA. These insights allow us to design a triple
      mutation that biases TeaA toward apo-like conformations without directly
      perturbing the binding cleft, thus mimicking the influence of the membrane
      transporter. Calorimetric measurements demonstrate that the ectoine affinity of
      the conformationally biased triple mutant is 100-fold weaker than that of the
      wild type. By contrast, a control mutant predicted to be conformationally
      unbiased displays wild-type affinity. This work thus demonstrates that substrate
      release from SBPs onto their membrane transporters can be facilitated by the
      latter through a mechanism of allosteric modulation of the former.

PMID- 22084073
TI  - Friction mechanism of individual multilayered nanoparticles.
AB  - Inorganic nanoparticles of layered [two-dimensional (2D)] compounds with hollow
      polyhedral structure, known as fullerene-like nanoparticles (IF), were found to
      have excellent lubricating properties. This behavior can be explained by
      superposition of three main mechanisms: rolling, sliding, and exfoliation
      material transfer (third body). In order to elucidate the tribological mechanism
      of individual nanoparticles in different regimes, in situ axial nanocompression
      and shearing forces were applied to individual nanoparticles using a high
      resolution scanning electron microscope. Gold nanoparticles deposited onto the IF
      nanoparticles surface served as markers, delineating the motion of individual IF
      nanoparticle. It can be concluded from these experiments that rolling is an
      important lubrication mechanism for IF-WS(2) in the relatively low range of
      normal stress (0.96 +/- 0.38 GPa). Sliding is shown to be relevant under slightly
      higher normal stress, where the spacing between the two mating surfaces does not
      permit free rolling of the nanoparticles. Exfoliation of the IF nanoparticles
      becomes the dominant mechanism at the high end of normal stress; above 1.2 GPa
      and (slow) shear; i.e., boundary lubrication conditions. It is argued that the
      modus operandi of the nanoparticles depends on their degree of crystallinity
      (defects); sizes; shape, and their mechanical characteristics. This study
      suggests that the rolling mechanism, which leads to low friction and wear, could
      be attained by improving the sphericity of the IF nanoparticle, the dispersion
      (deagglomeration) of the nanoparticles, and the smoothness of the mating
      surfaces.

PMID- 22084074
TI  - Cesium-137 deposition and contamination of Japanese soils due to the Fukushima
      nuclear accident.
AB  - The largest concern on the cesium-137 ((137)Cs) deposition and its soil
      contamination due to the emission from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
      (NPP) showed up after a massive quake on March 11, 2011. Cesium-137 ((137)Cs)
      with a half-life of 30.1 y causes the largest concerns because of its deleterious
      effect on agriculture and stock farming, and, thus, human life for decades.
      Removal of (137)Cs contaminated soils or land use limitations in areas where
      removal is not possible is, therefore, an urgent issue. A challenge lies in the
      fact that estimates of (137)Cs emissions from the Fukushima NPP are extremely
      uncertain, therefore, the distribution of (137)Cs in the environment is poorly
      constrained. Here, we estimate total (137)Cs deposition by integrating daily
      observations of (137)Cs deposition in each prefecture in Japan with relative
      deposition distribution patterns from a Lagrangian particle dispersion model,
      FLEXPART. We show that (137)Cs strongly contaminated the soils in large areas of
      eastern and northeastern Japan, whereas western Japan was sheltered by mountain
      ranges. The soils around Fukushima NPP and neighboring prefectures have been
      extensively contaminated with depositions of more than 100,000 and 10,000 MBq km(
      2), respectively. Total (137)Cs depositions over two domains: (i) the Japan
      Islands and the surrounding ocean (130-150  degrees E and 30-46  degrees N) and,
      (ii) the Japan Islands, were estimated to be approximately 6.7 and 1.3 PBq,
      [corrected] respectively.We hope our (137)Cs deposition maps will help to
      coordinate decontamination efforts and plan regulatory measures in Japan.

PMID- 22084075
TI  - An entirely specific type I A-kinase anchoring protein that can sequester two
      molecules of protein kinase A at mitochondria.
AB  - A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) tether the cAMP-dependent protein kinase
      (PKA) to intracellular sites where they preferentially phosphorylate target
      substrates. Most AKAPs exhibit nanomolar affinity for the regulatory (RII)
      subunit of the type II PKA holoenzyme, whereas dual-specificity anchoring
      proteins also bind the type I (RI) regulatory subunit of PKA with 10-100-fold
      lower affinity. A range of cellular, biochemical, biophysical, and genetic
      approaches comprehensively establish that sphingosine kinase interacting protein
      (SKIP) is a truly type I-specific AKAP. Mapping studies located anchoring sites
      between residues 925-949 and 1,140-1,175 of SKIP that bind RI with dissociation
      constants of 73 and 774 nM, respectively. Molecular modeling and site-directed
      mutagenesis approaches identify Phe 929 and Tyr 1,151 as RI-selective binding
      determinants in each anchoring site. SKIP complexes exist in different states of
      RI-occupancy as single-molecule pull-down photobleaching experiments show that 41
      +/- 10% of SKIP sequesters two YFP-RI dimers, whereas 59 +/- 10% of the anchoring
      protein binds a single YFP-RI dimer. Imaging, proteomic analysis, and subcellular
      fractionation experiments reveal that SKIP is enriched at the inner mitochondrial
      membrane where it associates with a prominent PKA substrate, the coiled-coil
      helix protein ChChd3.

PMID- 22084076
TI  - Mechanical stochastic tug-of-war models cannot explain bidirectional lipid
      droplet transport.
AB  - Intracellular transport via the microtubule motors kinesin and dynein plays an
      important role in maintaining cell structure and function. Often, multiple
      kinesin or dynein motors move the same cargo. Their collective function depends
      critically on the single motors' detachment kinetics under load, which we
      experimentally measure here. This experimental constraint--combined with other
      experimentally determined parameters--is then incorporated into theoretical
      stochastic and mean-field models. Comparison of modeling results and in vitro
      data shows good agreement for the stochastic, but not mean-field, model. Many
      cargos in vivo move bidirectionally, frequently reversing course. Because both
      kinesin and dynein are present on the cargos, one popular hypothesis explaining
      the frequent reversals is that the opposite-polarity motors engage in unregulated
      stochastic tugs-of-war. Then, the cargos' motion can be explained entirely by the
      outcome of these opposite-motor competitions. Here, we use fully calibrated
      stochastic and mean-field models to test the tug-of-war hypothesis. Neither model
      agrees well with our in vivo data, suggesting that, in addition to inevitable
      tugs-of-war between opposite motors, there is an additional level of regulation
      not included in the models.

PMID- 22084077
TI  - Socially transmitted gut microbiota protect bumble bees against an intestinal
      parasite.
AB  - Populations of important pollinators, such as bumble bees and honey bees, are
      declining at alarming rates worldwide. Parasites are likely contributing to this
      phenomenon. A distinct resident community of bacteria has recently been
      identified in bumble bees and honey bees that is not shared with related solitary
      bee species. We now show that the presence of these microbiota protects bee hosts
      against a widespread and highly virulent natural parasite (Crithidia bombi) in an
      experimental setting. We add further support to this antagonistic relationship
      from patterns found in field data. For the successful establishment of these
      microbiota and a protective effect, exposure to feces from nest mates was needed
      after pupal eclosion. Transmission of beneficial gut bacteria could therefore
      represent an important benefit of sociality. Our results stress the importance of
      considering the host microbiota as an "extended immune phenotype" in addition to
      the host immune system itself and provide a unique perspective to understanding
      bees in health and disease.

PMID- 22084079
TI  - Two processes support visual recognition memory in rhesus monkeys.
AB  - A large body of evidence in humans suggests that recognition memory can be
      supported by both recollection and familiarity. Recollection-based recognition is
      characterized by the retrieval of contextual information about the episode in
      which an item was previously encountered, whereas familiarity-based recognition
      is characterized instead by knowledge only that the item had been encountered
      previously in the absence of any context. To date, it is unknown whether monkeys
      rely on similar mnemonic processes to perform recognition memory tasks. Here, we
      present evidence from the analysis of receiver operating characteristics,
      suggesting that visual recognition memory in rhesus monkeys also can be supported
      by two separate processes and that these processes have features considered to be
      characteristic of recollection and familiarity. Thus, the present study provides
      converging evidence across species for a dual process model of recognition memory
      and opens up the possibility of studying the neural mechanisms of recognition
      memory in nonhuman primates on tasks that are highly similar to the ones used in
      humans.

PMID- 22084078
TI  - Basic residues in the T-cell receptor zeta cytoplasmic domain mediate membrane
      association and modulate signaling.
AB  - The T-cell receptor (TCR) consists of a TCRalphabeta heterodimer, a TCRzeta
      homodimer, and CD3gammaepsilon and CD3deltaepsilon heterodimers. The precise
      mechanism of T-cell triggering following TCR ligand engagement remains elusive.
      Previous studies reported that the cytoplasmic tail of CD3epsilon binds to the
      plasma membrane through a basic residue-rich stretch (BRS) and proposed that
      dissociation from the membrane is required for phosphorylation thereof. In this
      report we show that BRS motifs within the cytoplasmic tail of TCRzeta mediate
      association with the plasma membrane and that TCR engagement results in TCRzeta
      dissociation from the membrane. This dissociation requires phosphorylation of the
      TCRzeta immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs by lymphocyte cell
      specificprotein tyrosine kinase (Lck) but not zeta-chain-associated protein
      kinase 70 binding. Mutations of the TCRzeta BRS motifs that disrupt this membrane
      association attenuate proximal and distal responses induced by TCR engagement.
      These mutations appear to alter the localization of TCRzeta with respect to Lck
      as well as the mobility of the TCR complex. This study reveals that tyrosine
      phosphorylation of the TCRzeta cytoplasmic domain regulates its association with
      the plasma membrane and highlights the functional importance of TCRzeta BRS
      motifs.

PMID- 22084080
TI  - On the strengths and drawbacks of tsunami-buffer forests.

PMID- 22084081
TI  - Social network models predict movement and connectivity in ecological landscapes.
AB  - Network analysis is on the rise across scientific disciplines because of its
      ability to reveal complex, and often emergent, patterns and dynamics.
      Nonetheless, a growing concern in network analysis is the use of limited data for
      constructing networks. This concern is strikingly relevant to ecology and
      conservation biology, where network analysis is used to infer connectivity across
      landscapes. In this context, movement among patches is the crucial parameter for
      interpreting connectivity but because of the difficulty of collecting reliable
      movement data, most network analysis proceeds with only indirect information on
      movement across landscapes rather than using observed movement to construct
      networks. Statistical models developed for social networks provide promising
      alternatives for landscape network construction because they can leverage limited
      movement information to predict linkages. Using two mark-recapture datasets on
      individual movement and connectivity across landscapes, we test whether commonly
      used network constructions for interpreting connectivity can predict actual
      linkages and network structure, and we contrast these approaches to social
      network models. We find that currently applied network constructions for
      assessing connectivity consistently, and substantially, overpredict actual
      connectivity, resulting in considerable overestimation of metapopulation
      lifetime. Furthermore, social network models provide accurate predictions of
      network structure, and can do so with remarkably limited data on movement. Social
      network models offer a flexible and powerful way for not only understanding the
      factors influencing connectivity but also for providing more reliable estimates
      of connectivity and metapopulation persistence in the face of limited data.

PMID- 22084082
TI  - Regulatory functions of limbic Y1 receptors in body weight and anxiety uncovered
      by conditional knockout and maternal care.
AB  - Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays an important role in stress, anxiety, obesity, and
      energy homeostasis via activation of NPY-Y1 receptors (Y1Rs) in the brain.
      However, global knockout of the Npy1r gene has low or no impact on anxiety and
      body weight. To uncover the role of limbic Y1Rs, we generated conditional
      knockout mice in which the inactivation of the Npy1r gene was restricted to
      excitatory neurons of the forebrain, starting from juvenile stages (Npy1r(rfb)).
      Npy1r(rfb) mice exhibited increased anxiety and reduced body weight, less adipose
      tissue, and lower serum leptin levels. Npy1r(rfb) mutants also had a hyperactive
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, as indicated by higher peripheral
      corticosterone and higher density of NPY immunoreactive fibers and corticotropin
      releasing hormone immunoreactive cell bodies in the paraventricular hypothalamic
      nucleus. Importantly, through fostering experiments, we determined that
      differences in phenotype between Npy1r(rfb) and Npy1r(2lox) mice became apparent
      when both genotypes were raised by FVB/J but not by C57BL/6J dams, suggesting
      that limbic Y1Rs are key targets of maternal care-induced programming of anxiety
      and energy homeostasis.

PMID- 22084083
TI  - Conformational lability in the class II MHC 310 helix and adjacent extended
      strand dictate HLA-DM susceptibility and peptide exchange.
AB  - HLA-DM is required for efficient peptide exchange on class II MHC molecules, but
      its mechanism of action is controversial. We trapped an intermediate state of
      class II MHC HLA-DR1 by substitution of alphaF54, resulting in a protein with
      increased HLA-DM binding affinity, weakened MHC-peptide hydrogen bonding as
      measured by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, and increased
      susceptibility to DM-mediated peptide exchange. Structural analysis revealed a
      set of concerted conformational alterations at the N-terminal end of the peptide
      binding site. These results suggest that interaction with HLA-DM is driven by a
      conformational change of the MHC II protein in the region of the alpha-subunit
      3(10) helix and adjacent extended strand region, and provide a model for the
      mechanism of DM-mediated peptide exchange.

PMID- 22084084
TI  - Chemical screen identifies FDA-approved drugs and target pathways that induce
      precocious pancreatic endocrine differentiation.
AB  - Pancreatic beta-cells are an essential source of insulin and their destruction
      because of autoimmunity causes type I diabetes. We conducted a chemical screen to
      identify compounds that would induce the differentiation of insulin-producing
      beta-cells in vivo. To do this screen, we brought together the use of transgenic
      zebrafish as a model of beta-cell differentiation, a unique multiwell plate that
      allows easy visualization of lateral views of swimming larval fish and a library
      of clinical drugs. We identified six hits that can induce precocious
      differentiation of secondary islets in larval zebrafish. Three of these six hits
      were known drugs with a considerable background of published data on mechanism of
      action. Using pharmacological approaches, we have identified and characterized
      two unique pathways in beta-cell differentiation in the zebrafish, including down
      regulation of GTP production and retinoic acid biosynthesis.

PMID- 22084085
TI  - Nonlinear response of summer temperature to Holocene insolation forcing in
      Alaska.
AB  - Regional climate responses to large-scale forcings, such as precessional changes
      in solar irradiation and increases in anthropogenic greenhouse gases, may be
      nonlinear as a result of complex interactions among earth system components. Such
      nonlinear behaviors constitute a major source of climate "surprises" with
      important socioeconomic and ecological implications. Paleorecords are key for
      elucidating patterns and mechanisms of nonlinear responses to radiative forcing,
      but their utility has been greatly limited by the paucity of quantitative
      temperature reconstructions. Here we present Holocene July temperature
      reconstructions on the basis of midge analysis of sediment cores from three
      Alaskan lakes. Results show that summer temperatures during 10,000-5,500
      calibrated years (cal) B.P. were generally lower than modern and that peak summer
      temperatures around 5,000 were followed by a decreasing trend toward the present.
      These patterns stand in stark contrast with the trend of precessional insolation,
      which decreased by ~10% from 10,000 y ago to the present. Cool summers before
      5,500 cal B.P. coincided with extensive summer ice cover in the western Arctic
      Ocean, persistence of a positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation, predominantly
      La Nina-like conditions, and variation in the position of the Alaskan treeline.
      These results illustrate nonlinear responses of summer temperatures to Holocene
      insolation radiative forcing in the Alaskan sub-Arctic, possibly because of state
      changes in the Arctic Oscillation and El Nino-Southern Oscillation and associated
      land-atmosphere-ocean feedbacks.

PMID- 22084086
TI  - Transcriptomic resilience to global warming in the seagrass Zostera marina, a
      marine foundation species.
AB  - Large-scale transcription profiling via direct cDNA sequencing provides important
      insights as to how foundation species cope with increasing climatic extremes
      predicted under global warming. Species distributed along a thermal cline, such
      as the ecologically important seagrass Zostera marina, provide an opportunity to
      assess temperature effects on gene expression as a function of their long-term
      adaptation to heat stress. We exposed a southern and northern European population
      of Zostera marina from contrasting thermal environments to a realistic heat wave
      in a common-stress garden. In a fully crossed experiment, eight cDNA libraries,
      each comprising ~125 000 reads, were obtained during and after a simulated heat
      wave, along with nonstressed control treatments. Although gene-expression
      patterns during stress were similar in both populations and were dominated by
      classical heat-shock proteins, transcription profiles diverged after the heat
      wave. Gene-expression patterns in southern genotypes returned to control values
      immediately, but genotypes from the northern site failed to recover and revealed
      the induction of genes involved in protein degradation, indicating failed
      metabolic compensation to high sea-surface temperature. We conclude that the
      return of gene-expression patterns during recovery provides critical information
      on thermal adaptation in aquatic habitats under climatic stress. As a unifying
      concept for ecological genomics, we propose transcriptomic resilience, analogous
      to ecological resilience, as an important measure to predict the tolerance of
      individuals and hence the fate of local populations in the face of global
      warming.

PMID- 22084088
TI  - First synchronous retreat of ice shelves marks a new phase of polar deglaciation.

PMID- 22084087
TI  - Increase in dNTP pool size during the DNA damage response plays a key role in
      spontaneous and induced-mutagenesis in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Exposure of Escherichia coli to UV light increases expression of NrdAB, the major
      ribonucleotide reductase leading to a moderate increase in dNTP levels. The role
      of elevated dNTP levels during translesion synthesis (TLS) across specific
      replication-blocking lesions was investigated. Here we show that although the
      specialized DNA polymerase PolV is necessary for replication across UV-lesions,
      such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers or pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproduct,
      Pol V per se is not sufficient. Indeed, efficient TLS additionally requires
      elevated dNTP levels. Similarly, for the bypass of an N-2-acetylaminofluorene
      guanine adduct that requires Pol II instead of PolV, efficient TLS is only
      observed under conditions of high dNTP levels. We suggest that increased dNTP
      levels transiently modify the activity balance of Pol III (i.e., increasing the
      polymerase and reducing the proofreading functions). Indeed, we show that the
      stimulation of TLS by elevated dNTP levels can be mimicked by genetic
      inactivation of the proofreading function (mutD5 allele). We also show that
      spontaneous mutagenesis increases proportionally to dNTP pool levels, thus
      defining a unique spontaneous mutator phenotype. The so-called "dNTP mutator"
      phenotype does not depend upon any of the specialized DNA polymerases, and is
      thus likely to reflect an increase in Pol III's own replication errors because of
      the modified activity balance of Pol III. As up-regulation of the dNTP pool size
      represents a common physiological response to DNA damage, the present model is
      likely to represent a general and unique paradigm for TLS pathways in many
      organisms.

PMID- 22084089
TI  - Metacommunity theory explains the emergence of food web complexity.
AB  - Food webs are highly complex ecological networks, dynamic in both space and time.
      Metacommunity models are now at the core of unified theories of biodiversity, but
      to date they have not addressed food web complexity. Here we show that
      metacommunity theory can explain the emergence of species-rich food webs with
      complex network topologies. Our analysis shows that network branching in the food
      web is maximized at intermediate colonization rates and limited dispersal scales,
      which also leads to concomitant peaks in species diversity. Increased food web
      complexity and species diversity are made possible by the structural role played
      by network branches that are supported by omnivore and generalist feeding links.
      Thus, in contrast to traditional food web theory, which emphasizes the
      destabilizing effect of omnivory feeding in closed systems, metacommunity theory
      predicts that these feeding links, which are commonly observed in empirical food
      webs, play a critical structural role as food webs assemble in space. As this
      mechanism functions at the metacommunity level, evidence for its operation in
      nature will be obtained through multiscale surveys of food web structure.
      Finally, we apply our theory to reveal the effects of habitat destruction on
      network complexity and metacommunity diversity.

PMID- 22084090
TI  - Statistical learning of visual transitions in monkey inferotemporal cortex.
AB  - One of the most fundamental functions of the brain is to predict upcoming events
      on the basis of the recent past. A closely related function is to signal when a
      prediction has been violated. The identity of the brain regions that mediate
      these functions is not known. We set out to determine whether they are
      implemented at the level of single neurons in the visual system. We gave monkeys
      prolonged exposure to pairs of images presented in fixed sequence so that each
      leading image became a strong predictor for the corresponding trailing image. We
      then monitored the responses of neurons in the inferotemporal cortex to image
      sequences that obeyed or violated the transitional rules imposed during training.
      Inferotemporal neurons exhibited a transitional surprise effect, responding much
      more strongly to unpredicted transitions than to predicted transitions. Thus,
      neurons even in the visual system make experience-based predictions and react
      when they fail.

PMID- 22084091
TI  - Cell cycle adaptations of embryonic stem cells.
AB  - ES cells proliferate with very short gap phases yet maintain their capacity to
      differentiate. It had been thought that the levels of cyclins and other
      substrates of ubiquitin ligase APC/C remain nearly constant and Cdk activity
      remains constitutively high in mouse ES cells. Here we demonstrate that APC/C
      (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) enzyme is active in ES cells but
      attenuated by high levels of the Emi1 (early mitotic inhibitor-1) protein.
      Despite the presence of high Cdk activity during the G1 phase, chromatin can be
      effectively licensed for DNA replication and fast entry into the S phase can
      still occur. High Cdk activity during S-G2-M phases produces high levels of the
      DNA replication factor Cdt1, and this leads to efficient Mcm proteins loading on
      chromatin after mitotic exit. Although disturbing the usual balance between Cdk
      activity and APC/C activity found in somatic cells, a few key adaptations allow
      normal progression of a very rapid cell cycle.

PMID- 22084092
TI  - Effects of brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange (BIG) 1 and KANK1
      proteins on cell polarity and directed migration during wound healing.
AB  - Brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange protein (BIG) 1 activates class
      I ADP ribosylation factors (ARFs) by accelerating the replacement of bound GDP
      with GTP to initiate recruitment of coat proteins for membrane vesicle formation.
      Among proteins that interact with BIG1, kinesin family member 21A (KIF21A), a
      plus-end-directed motor protein, moves cargo away from the microtubule-organizing
      center (MTOC) on microtubules. Because KANK1, a protein containing N-terminal KN,
      C-terminal ankyrin-repeat, and intervening coiled-coil domains, has multiple
      actions in cells and also interacts with KIF21A, we explored a possible
      interaction between it and BIG1. We obtained evidence for a functional and
      physical association between these proteins, and found that the effects of BIG1
      and KANK1 depletion on cell migration in wound-healing assays were remarkably
      similar. Treatment of cells with BIG1- or KANK1-specific siRNA interfered
      significantly with directed cell migration and initial orientation of Golgi/MTOC
      toward the leading edge, which was not mimicked by KIF21A depletion. Although
      colocalization of overexpressed KANK1 and endogenous BIG1 in HeLa cells was not
      clear microscopically, their reciprocal immunoprecipitation (IP) is compatible
      with the presence of small percentages of each protein in the same complexes.
      Depletion or overexpression of BIG1 protein appeared not to affect KANK1
      distribution. Our data identify actions of both BIG1 and KANK1 in regulating cell
      polarity during directed migration; these actions are consistent with the
      presence of both BIG1 and KANK1 in dynamic multimolecular complexes that maintain
      Golgi/MTOC orientation, differ from those that might contain all three proteins
      (BIG1, KIF21A, and KANK1), and function in directed transport along microtubules.

PMID- 22084093
TI  - Glucocorticoid therapy of antigen-induced arthritis depends on the dimerized
      glucocorticoid receptor in T cells.
AB  - Despite several side effects, glucocorticoids (GCs) have been widely used for 60
      y to treat rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of their antiinflammatory effects.
      However, the cells targeted by GCs and the transcriptional mechanisms underlying
      their actions through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in steroid therapy remain
      poorly defined. Using cell type-specific GR-deficient mice subjected to antigen
      induced arthritis (AIA) as a model of human rheumatoid arthritis, we show that GC
      action on T cells but not myeloid cells is critical for therapeutic intervention
      in AIA. Furthermore, the resistance of mice expressing a DNA binding-defective GR
      (GR(dim)) to GC treatment reveals that dimerization of the GR is indispensable
      for the antiinflammatory effects. In these mice, the GC-induced suppression of
      T(H)1 and T(H)17 cell-derived proinflammatory cytokines is impaired. Our finding
      that IL-17A(-/-) mice are resistant to GC therapy, whereas IFN-gamma(-/-) mice
      respond as efficiently as WT mice implies that IL-17-producing T cells and not
      IFN-gamma-producing T cells are the most important targets for an efficient GC
      therapy. The present study's identification of the critical cell type and the
      mode of GR action in steroid therapy of AIA significantly advances our
      understanding of steroid therapy and should lead to therapies with greater
      efficiency and fewer side effects.

PMID- 22084094
TI  - Wing patterning gene redefines the mimetic history of Heliconius butterflies.
AB  - The mimetic butterflies Heliconius erato and Heliconius melpomene have undergone
      parallel radiations to form a near-identical patchwork of over 20 different wing
      pattern races across the Neotropics. Previous molecular phylogenetic work on
      these radiations has suggested that similar but geographically disjunct color
      patterns arose multiple times independently in each species. The neutral markers
      used in these studies, however, can move freely across color pattern boundaries,
      and therefore might not represent the history of the adaptive traits as
      accurately as markers linked to color pattern genes. To assess the evolutionary
      histories across different loci, we compared relationships among races within H.
      erato and within H. melpomene using a series of unlinked genes, genes linked to
      color pattern loci, and optix, a gene recently shown to control red color-pattern
      variation. We found that although unlinked genes partition populations by
      geographic region, optix had a different history, structuring lineages by red
      color patterns and supporting a single origin of red-rayed patterns within each
      species. Genes closely linked (80-250 kb) to optix exhibited only weak
      associations with color pattern. This study empirically demonstrates the
      necessity of examining phenotype-determining genomic regions to understand the
      history of adaptive change in rapidly radiating lineages. With these refined
      relationships, we resolve a long-standing debate about the origins of the races
      within each species, supporting the hypothesis that the red-rayed Amazonian
      pattern evolved recently and expanded, causing disjunctions of more ancestral
      patterns.

PMID- 22084095
TI  - An antinociceptive role for substance P in acid-induced chronic muscle pain.
AB  - Release of substance P (SP) from nociceptive nerve fibers and activation of its
      receptor neurokinin 1 (NK1) are important effectors in the transmission of pain
      signals. Nonetheless, the role of SP in muscle pain remains unknown. Here we show
      that a single i.m. acid injection in mice lacking SP signaling by deletion of the
      tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1) gene or coadministration of NK1 receptor
      antagonists produces long-lasting hyperalgesia rather than the transient
      hyperalgesia seen in control animals. The inhibitory effect of SP was found
      exclusively in neurons expressing acid-sensing ion channel 3, where SP enhances M
      channel-like potassium currents through the NK1 receptor in a G protein
      independent but tyrosine kinase-dependent manner. Furthermore, the SP signaling
      could alter action potential thresholds and modulate the expression of TTX
      resistant sodium currents in medium-sized muscle nociceptors. Thus, i.m. SP
      mediates an unconventional NK1 receptor signal pathway to inhibit acid activation
      in muscle nociceptors, resulting in an unexpected antinociceptive effect against
      chronic mechanical hyperalgesia, here induced by repeated i.m. acid injection.

PMID- 22084096
TI  - Temporally structured metapopulation dynamics and persistence of influenza A H3N2
      virus in humans.
AB  - Populations of seasonal influenza virus experience strong annual bottlenecks that
      pose a considerable extinction risk. It has been suggested that an influenza
      source population located in tropical Southeast or East Asia seeds annual
      temperate epidemics. Here we investigate the seasonal dynamics and migration
      patterns of influenza A H3N2 virus by analysis of virus samples obtained from
      2003 to 2006 from Australia, Europe, Japan, New York, New Zealand, Southeast
      Asia, and newly sequenced viruses from Hong Kong. In contrast to annual temperate
      epidemics, relatively low levels of relative genetic diversity and no seasonal
      fluctuations characterized virus populations in tropical Southeast Asia and Hong
      Kong. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis using discrete temporal and spatial
      characters reveal high rates of viral migration between urban centers tested.
      Although the virus population that migrated between Southeast Asia and Hong Kong
      persisted through time, this was dependent on virus input from temperate regions
      and these tropical regions did not maintain a source for annual H3N2 influenza
      epidemics. We further show that multiple lineages may seed annual influenza
      epidemics, and that each region may function as a potential source population. We
      therefore propose that the global persistence of H3N2 influenza A virus is the
      result of a migrating metapopulation in which multiple different localities may
      seed seasonal epidemics in temperate regions in a given year. Such complex global
      migration dynamics may confound control efforts and contribute to the emergence
      and spread of antigenic variants and drug-resistant viruses.

PMID- 22084097
TI  - Diameter and rigidity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes are critical factors in
      mesothelial injury and carcinogenesis.
AB  - Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have the potential for widespread
      applications in engineering and materials science. However, because of their
      needle-like shape and high durability, concerns have been raised that MWCNTs may
      induce asbestos-like pathogenicity. Although recent studies have demonstrated
      that MWCNTs induce various types of reactivities, the physicochemical features of
      MWCNTs that determine their cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity in mesothelial cells
      remain unclear. Here, we showed that the deleterious effects of nonfunctionalized
      MWCNTs on human mesothelial cells were associated with their diameter-dependent
      piercing of the cell membrane. Thin MWCNTs (diameter ~ 50 nm) with high
      crystallinity showed mesothelial cell membrane piercing and cytotoxicity in vitro
      and subsequent inflammogenicity and mesotheliomagenicity in vivo. In contrast,
      thick (diameter ~ 150 nm) or tangled (diameter ~ 2-20 nm) MWCNTs were less toxic,
      inflammogenic, and carcinogenic. Thin and thick MWCNTs similarly affected
      macrophages. Mesotheliomas induced by MWCNTs shared homozygous deletion of
      Cdkn2a/2b tumor suppressor genes, similar to mesotheliomas induced by asbestos.
      Thus, we propose that different degrees of direct mesothelial injury by thin and
      thick MWCNTs are responsible for the extent of inflammogenicity and
      carcinogenicity. This work suggests that control of the diameter of MWCNTs could
      reduce the potential hazard to human health.

PMID- 22084098
TI  - Does evening sun increase the risk of skin cancer?

PMID- 22084099
TI  - Tripartite motif 8 (TRIM8) modulates TNFalpha- and IL-1beta-triggered NF-kappaB
      activation by targeting TAK1 for K63-linked polyubiquitination.
AB  - The tripartite motif (TRIM)-containing proteins are a family of proteins that
      have been known to be involved in divergent biological processes, including
      important roles in immune responses through regulating various signaling
      pathways. In this study, we identified a member of the TRIM family, TRIM8, as a
      positive regulator of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin
      1beta (IL-1beta)-triggered NF-kappaB activation. Overexpression of TRIM8
      activated NF-kappaB and potentiated TNFalpha- and IL-1beta-induced activation of
      NF-kappaB, whereas knockdown of TRIM8 had opposite effects.
      Coimmunoprecipitations indicated that TRIM8 interacted with TGFbeta activated
      kinase 1 (TAK1), a serine/threonine kinase essential for TNFalpha- and IL-beta
      induced NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, we found that TRIM8 mediated K63
      linked polyubiquitination of TAK1 triggered by TNFalpha and IL-1beta. Our
      findings demonstrate that TRIM8 serves as a critical regulator of TNFalpha- and
      IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB activation by mediating K63-linked polyubiquitination
      of TAK1.

PMID- 22084100
TI  - Intragenic alternative splicing coordination is essential for Caenorhabditis
      elegans slo-1 gene function.
AB  - Alternative splicing is critical for diversifying eukaryotic proteomes, but the
      rules governing and coordinating splicing events among multiple alternate splice
      sites within individual genes are not well understood. We developed a
      quantitative PCR-based strategy to quantify the expression of the 12 transcripts
      encoded by the Caenorhabditis elegans slo-1 gene, containing three alternate
      splice sites. Using conditional probability-based models, we show that splicing
      events are coordinated across these sites. Further, we identify a point mutation
      in an intron adjacent to one alternate splice site that disrupts alternative
      splicing at all three sites. This mutation leads to aberrant synaptic
      transmission at the neuromuscular junction. In a genomic survey, we found that a
      UAAAUC element disrupted by this mutation is enriched in introns flanking
      alternate exons in genes with multiple alternate splice sites. These results
      establish that proper coordination of intragenic alternative splicing is
      essential for normal physiology of slo-1 in vivo and identify putative
      specialized cis-regulatory elements that regulate the coordination of intragenic
      alternative splicing.

PMID- 22084101
TI  - Profile of Michael Grunstein.

PMID- 22084102
TI  - Heroin relapse requires long-term potentiation-like plasticity mediated by NMDA2b
      containing receptors.
AB  - Persistent relapse to addictive drugs constitutes the most challenging problem in
      addiction therapy, and is linked to impaired prefrontal cortex regulation of
      motivated behaviors involving the nucleus accumbens. Using a rat model of heroin
      addiction, we show that relapse requires long-term potentiation (LTP)-like
      increases in synaptic strength in the prefrontal cortex projection to the nucleus
      accumbens. The increased synaptic strength was paralleled by dendritic spine
      enlargement in accumbens spiny neurons and required up-regulated surface
      expression of NMDA2b-containing receptors (NR2B). Accordingly, blocking NR2B
      before reinstating heroin-seeking prevented the induction of LTP-like changes in
      spine remodeling and synaptic strength, and inhibited heroin relapse. These data
      show that LTP-like neuroplasticity in prefrontal-accumbens synapses is initiated
      by NR2B stimulation and strongly contributes to heroin relapse. Moreover, the
      data reveal NR2B-containing NMDA receptors as a previously unexplored therapeutic
      target for treating heroin addiction.

PMID- 22084103
TI  - Dynamic social networks promote cooperation in experiments with humans.
AB  - Human populations are both highly cooperative and highly organized. Human
      interactions are not random but rather are structured in social networks.
      Importantly, ties in these networks often are dynamic, changing in response to
      the behavior of one's social partners. This dynamic structure permits an
      important form of conditional action that has been explored theoretically but has
      received little empirical attention: People can respond to the cooperation and
      defection of those around them by making or breaking network links. Here, we
      present experimental evidence of the power of using strategic link formation and
      dissolution, and the network modification it entails, to stabilize cooperation in
      sizable groups. Our experiments explore large-scale cooperation, where subjects'
      cooperative actions are equally beneficial to all those with whom they interact.
      Consistent with previous research, we find that cooperation decays over time when
      social networks are shuffled randomly every round or are fixed across all rounds.
      We also find that, when networks are dynamic but are updated only infrequently,
      cooperation again fails. However, when subjects can update their network
      connections frequently, we see a qualitatively different outcome: Cooperation is
      maintained at a high level through network rewiring. Subjects preferentially
      break links with defectors and form new links with cooperators, creating an
      incentive to cooperate and leading to substantial changes in network structure.
      Our experiments confirm the predictions of a set of evolutionary game theoretic
      models and demonstrate the important role that dynamic social networks can play
      in supporting large-scale human cooperation.

PMID- 22084104
TI  - Developmental stalling and organ-autonomous regulation of morphogenesis.
AB  - Timing of organ development during embryogenesis is coordinated such that at
      birth, organ and fetal size and maturity are appropriately proportioned. The
      extent to which local developmental timers are integrated with each other and
      with the signaling interactions that regulate morphogenesis to achieve this end
      is not understood. Using the absolute requirement for a signaling pathway
      activity (bone morphogenetic protein, BMP) during a critical stage of tooth
      development, we show that suboptimal levels of BMP signaling do not lead to
      abnormal morphogenesis, as suggested by mutants affecting BMP signaling, but to a
      24-h stalling of the intrinsic developmental clock of the tooth. During this
      time, BMP levels accumulate to reach critical levels whereupon tooth development
      restarts, accelerates to catch up with development of the rest of the embryo and
      completes normal morphogenesis. This suggests that individual organs can
      autonomously control their developmental timing to adjust their stage of
      development to that of other organs. We also find that although BMP signaling is
      critical for the bud-to-cap transition in all teeth, levels of BMP signaling are
      regulated differently in multicusped teeth. We identify an interaction between
      two homeodomain transcription factors, Barx1 and Msx1, which is responsible for
      setting critical levels of BMP activity in multicusped teeth and provides
      evidence that correlates the levels of Barx1 transcriptional activity with cuspal
      complexity. This study highlights the importance of absolute levels of signaling
      activity for development and illustrates remarkable self-regulation in
      organogenesis that ensures coordination of developmental processes such that
      timing is subordinate to developmental structure.

PMID- 22084105
TI  - Acrosome-reacted mouse spermatozoa recovered from the perivitelline space can
      fertilize other eggs.
AB  - Many investigators maintain that spermatozoa that have initiated the acrosome
      reaction (AR) before reaching the surface of the egg's zona pellucida (ZP) are
      unable to bind and penetrate the ZP. A recent study has revealed that most
      fertilizing mouse spermatozoa initiate the AR before contacting the ZP. We found
      that acrosome-reacted spermatozoa collected from the perivitelline space of Cd9
      null mice (whose egg plasma membranes are incapable of fusing with spermatozoa)
      were able to pass through both the cumulus and ZP of WT mouse eggs and produced
      live offspring. This means that the spermatozoa we used had the ability to pass
      through the ZP at least twice. Apparently, some spermatozoa that had undergone
      the AR long before contact with the ZP remained capable of crossing the ZP and
      fertilizing eggs. Thus, the concept that acrosome-reacted spermatozoa are unable
      to bind to the ZP and have lost their fertilizing capacity must be reconsidered.

PMID- 22084106
TI  - alpha-Oscillations in the monkey sensorimotor network influence discrimination
      performance by rhythmical inhibition of neuronal spiking.
AB  - Extensive work in humans using magneto- and electroencephalography strongly
      suggests that decreased oscillatory alpha-activity (8-14 Hz) facilitates
      processing in a given region, whereas increased alpha-activity serves to actively
      suppress irrelevant or interfering processing. However, little work has been done
      to understand how alpha-activity is linked to neuronal firing. Here, we
      simultaneously recorded local field potentials and spikes from somatosensory,
      premotor, and motor regions while a trained monkey performed a vibrotactile
      discrimination task. In the local field potentials we observed strong activity in
      the alpha-band, which decreased in the sensorimotor regions during the
      discrimination task. This alpha-power decrease predicted better discrimination
      performance. Furthermore, the alpha-oscillations demonstrated a rhythmic relation
      with the spiking, such that firing was highest at the trough of the alpha-cycle.
      Firing rates increased with a decrease in alpha-power. These findings suggest
      that alpha-oscillations exercise a strong inhibitory influence on both spike
      timing and firing rate. Thus, the pulsed inhibition by alpha-oscillations plays
      an important functional role in the extended sensorimotor system.

PMID- 22084107
TI  - Thin-slicing study of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and the evaluation and
      expression of the prosocial disposition.
AB  - Individuals who are homozygous for the G allele of the rs53576 SNP of the
      oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene tend to be more prosocial than carriers of the A
      allele. However, little is known about how these differences manifest
      behaviorally and whether they are readily detectable by outside observers, both
      critical questions in theoretical accounts of prosociality. In the present study,
      we used thin-slicing methodology to test the hypotheses that (i) individual
      differences in rs53576 genotype predict how prosocial observers judge target
      individuals to be on the basis of brief observations of behavior, and (ii) that
      variation in targets' nonverbal displays of affiliative cues would account for
      these judgment differences. In line with predictions, we found that individuals
      homozygous for the G allele were judged to be more prosocial than carriers of the
      A allele. These differences were completely accounted for by variations in the
      expression of affiliative cues. Thus, individual differences in rs53576 are
      associated with behavioral manifestations of prosociality, which ultimately guide
      the judgments others make about the individual.

PMID- 22084108
TI  - Oceanic islands are not sinks of biodiversity in spore-producing plants.
AB  - Islands have traditionally been considered as migratory and evolutionary dead
      ends for two main reasons: island colonizers are typically assumed to lose their
      dispersal power, and continental back colonization has been regarded as unlikely
      because of niche preemption. The hypothesis that islands might actually represent
      dynamic refugia and migratory stepping stones for species that are effective
      dispersers, and in particular, for spore-producing plants, is formally tested
      here, using the archipelagos of the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira, as a
      model. Population genetic analyses based on nuclear microsatellite variation
      indicate that dispersal ability of the moss Platyhypnidium riparioides does not
      decrease in the island setting. The analyses further show that, unlike island
      populations, mainland (southwestern Europe and North Africa) populations
      underwent a severe bottleneck during the last glacial maximum (LGM). Our results
      thus refute the traditional view of islands as the end of the colonization road
      and point to a different perception of North Atlantic archipelagos as major
      sources of biodiversity for the postglacial recolonization of Europe by spore
      producing plants.

PMID- 22084109
TI  - QnAs with Bruce M. Spiegelman.

PMID- 22084110
TI  - Ecological mechanisms underlying the sustainability of the agricultural heritage
      rice-fish coculture system.
AB  - For centuries, traditional agricultural systems have contributed to food and
      livelihood security throughout the world. Recognizing the ecological legacy in
      the traditional agricultural systems may help us develop novel sustainable
      agriculture. We examine how rice-fish coculture (RF), which has been designated a
      "globally important agricultural heritage system," has been maintained for over
      1,200 y in south China. A field survey demonstrated that although rice yield and
      rice-yield stability are similar in RF and rice monoculture (RM), RF requires 68%
      less pesticide and 24% less chemical fertilizer than RM. A field experiment
      confirmed this result. We documented that a mutually beneficial relationship
      between rice and fish develops in RF: Fish reduce rice pests and rice favors fish
      by moderating the water environment. This positive relationship between rice and
      fish reduces the need for pesticides in RF. Our results also indicate a
      complementary use of nitrogen (N) between rice and fish in RF, resulting in low N
      fertilizer application and low N release into the environment. These findings
      provide unique insights into how positive interactions and complementary use of
      resource between species generate emergent ecosystem properties and how modern
      agricultural systems might be improved by exploiting synergies between species.

PMID- 22084111
TI  - POST, partner of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), targets STIM1 to
      multiple transporters.
AB  - Specialized proteins in the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and
      mitochondria tightly regulate intracellular calcium. A unique mechanism called
      store-operated calcium entry is activated when ER calcium is depleted, serving to
      restore intra-ER calcium levels. An ER calcium sensor, stromal interaction
      molecule 1 (STIM1), translocates within the ER membrane upon store depletion to
      the juxtaplasma membrane domain, where it interacts with intracellular domains of
      a highly calcium-selective plasma membrane ion channel, Orai1. STIM1 gates Orai1,
      allowing calcium to enter the cytoplasm, where it repletes the ER store via
      calcium-ATPases pumps. Here, we performed affinity purification of Orai1 from
      Jurkat cells to identify partner of STIM1 (POST), a 10-transmembrane-spanning
      segment protein of unknown function. The protein is located in the plasma
      membrane and ER. POST-Orai1 binding is store depletion-independent. On store
      depletion, the protein binds STIM1 and moves within the ER to localize near the
      cell membrane. This protein, TMEM20 (POST), does not affect store-operated
      calcium entry but does reduce plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump activity. Store
      depletion promotes STIM1-POST complex binding to smooth ER and plasma membrane
      Ca(2+) ATPases (SERCAs and PMCAs, respectively), Na/K-ATPase, as well as to the
      nuclear transporters, importins-beta and exportins.

PMID- 22084112
TI  - Different levels of the Tripartite motif protein, Anomalies in sensory axon
      patterning (Asap), regulate distinct axonal projections of Drosophila sensory
      neurons.
AB  - The axonal projection pattern of sensory neurons typically is regulated by
      environmental signals, but how different sensory afferents can establish distinct
      projections in the same environment remains largely unknown. Drosophila class IV
      dendrite arborization (C4da) sensory neurons project subtype-specific axonal
      branches in the ventral nerve cord, and we show that the Tripartite motif
      protein, Anomalies in sensory axon patterning (Asap) is a critical determinant of
      the axonal projection patterns of different C4da neurons. Asap is highly
      expressed in C4da neurons with both ipsilateral and contralateral axonal
      projections, but the Asap level is low in neurons that have only ipsilateral
      projections. Mutations in asap cause a specific loss of contralateral
      projections, whereas overexpression of Asap induces ectopic contralateral
      projections in C4da neurons. We also show by biochemical and genetic analysis
      that Asap regulates Netrin signaling, at least in part by linking the Netrin
      receptor Frazzled to the downstream effector Pico. In the absence of Asap, the
      sensory afferent connectivity within the ventral nerve cord is disrupted,
      resulting in specific larval behavioral deficits. These results indicate that
      different levels of Asap determine distinct patterns of axonal projections of
      C4da neurons by modulating Netrin signaling and that the Asap-mediated axonal
      projection is critical for assembly of a functional sensory circuit.

PMID- 22084113
TI  - Parasitoid-specific induction of plant responses to parasitized herbivores
      affects colonization by subsequent herbivores.
AB  - Plants are exposed to a suite of herbivorous attackers that often arrive
      sequentially. Herbivory affects interactions between the host plants and
      subsequently attacking herbivores. Moreover, plants may respond to herbivory by
      emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that attract carnivorous natural
      enemies of the herbivores. However, information borne by VOCs is ubiquitous and
      may attract carnivores, such as parasitoids, that differ in their effectiveness
      at releasing the plant from its herbivorous attackers. Furthermore, the
      development of parasitoids within their herbivorous hosts, attacking a given host
      plant, may influence the elicitation of defensive reactions in the host plant.
      This may, in turn, affect the behavior of subsequent herbivores attacking the
      host plant. Here, we show that the species identity of a parasitoid had a more
      significant effect on defense responses of Brassica oleracea plants than the
      species identity of the herbivorous hosts of the parasitoids. Consequently, B.
      oleracea plants that were damaged by caterpillars (Pieris spp.) parasitized by
      different parasitoid species varied in the degree to which diamondback moths
      (Plutella xylostella) selected the plants for oviposition. Attracting parasitoids
      in general benefitted the plants by reducing diamondback moth colonization.
      However, the species of parasitoid that parasitized the herbivore significantly
      affected the magnitude of this benefit by its species-specific effect on
      herbivore-plant interactions mediated by caterpillar regurgitant. Our findings
      show that information-mediated indirect defense may lead to unpredictable
      consequences for plants when considering trait-mediated effects of parasitized
      caterpillars on the host plant and their consequences because of community-wide
      responses to induced plants.

PMID- 22084114
TI  - Modeling rotavirus strain dynamics in developed countries to understand the
      potential impact of vaccination on genotype distributions.
AB  - Understanding how immunity shapes the dynamics of multistrain pathogens is
      essential in determining the selective pressures imposed by vaccines. There is
      currently much interest in elucidating the strain dynamics of rotavirus to
      determine whether vaccination may lead to the replacement of vaccine-type
      strains. In developed countries, G1P[8] strains constitute the majority of
      rotavirus infections most years, but occasionally other genotypes dominate for
      reasons that are not well understood. We developed a mathematical model to
      examine the interaction of five common rotavirus genotypes. We explored a range
      of estimates for the relative strength of homotypic vs. heterotypic immunity and
      compared model predictions against observed genotype patterns from six countries.
      We then incorporated vaccination in the model to examine its impact on rotavirus
      incidence and the distribution of strains. Our model can explain the coexistence
      and cyclical pattern in the distribution of genotypes observed in most developed
      countries. The predicted frequency of cycling depends on the relative strength of
      homotypic vs. heterotypic immunity. Vaccination that provides strong protection
      against G1 and weaker protection against other strains will likely lead to an
      increase in the relative prevalence of non-G1 strains, whereas a vaccine that
      provides equally strong immunity against all strains may promote the continued
      predominance of G1. Overall, however, disease incidence is expected to be
      substantially reduced under both scenarios and remain below prevaccination levels
      despite the possible emergence of new strains. Better understanding of homotypic
      vs. heterotypic immunity, both natural and vaccine-induced, will be critical in
      predicting the impact of vaccination.

PMID- 22084116
TI  - Shedding light on the vitamin D-tuberculosis-HIV connection.

PMID- 22084115
TI  - Crystal structure of the Lassa virus nucleoprotein-RNA complex reveals a gating
      mechanism for RNA binding.
AB  - Arenaviruses cause disease in industrialized and developing nations alike. Among
      them, the hemorrhagic fever virus Lassa is responsible for ~300,000-500,000
      infections/y in Western Africa. The arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) forms the
      protein scaffold of the genomic ribonucleoprotein complexes and is critical for
      transcription and replication of the viral genome. Here, we present crystal
      structures of the RNA-binding domain of Lassa virus NP in complex with ssRNA.
      This structure shows, in contrast to the predicted model, that RNA binds in a
      deep, basic crevice located entirely within the N-terminal domain. Furthermore,
      the NP-ssRNA structures presented here, combined with hydrogen-deuterium
      exchange/MS and functional studies, suggest a gating mechanism by which NP opens
      to accept RNA. Directed mutagenesis and functional studies provide a unique look
      into how the arenavirus NPs bind to and protect the viral genome and also suggest
      the likely assembly by which viral ribonucleoprotein complexes are organized.

PMID- 22084117
TI  - LRRC52 (leucine-rich-repeat-containing protein 52), a testis-specific auxiliary
      subunit of the alkalization-activated Slo3 channel.
AB  - KSper, a pH-dependent K(+) current in mouse spermatozoa that is critical for
      fertility, is activated by alkalization in the range of pH 6.4-7.2 at membrane
      potentials between -50 and 0 mV. Although the KSper pore-forming subunit is
      encoded by the Slo3 gene, heterologously expressed Slo3 channels are largely
      closed at potentials negative to 0 mV at physiological pH. Here we identify a
      Slo3-associating protein, LRRC52 (leucine-rich repeat-containing 52), that shifts
      Slo3 gating into a range of voltages and pH values similar to that producing
      KSper current activation. Message for LRRC52, a homolog of the Slo1-modifying
      LRRC26 protein, is enriched in testis relative to other homologous LRRC subunits
      and is developmentally regulated in concert with that for Slo3. LRRC52 protein is
      detected only in testis. It is markedly diminished from Slo3(-/-) testis and
      completely absent from Slo3(-/-) sperm, indicating that LRRC52 expression is
      critically dependent on the presence of Slo3. We also examined the ability of
      other LRRC subunits homologous to LRRC26 and LRRC52 to modify Slo3 currents.
      Although both LRRC26 and LRRC52 are able to modify Slo3 function, LRRC52 is the
      stronger modifier of Slo3 function. Effects of other related subunits were weaker
      or absent. We propose that LRRC52 is a testis-enriched Slo3 auxiliary subunit
      that helps define the specific alkalization dependence of KSper activation.
      Together, LRRC52 and LRRC26 define a new family of auxiliary subunits capable of
      critically modifying the gating behavior of Slo family channels.

PMID- 22084118
TI  - Construction of regulatory networks using expression time-series data of a
      genotyped population.
AB  - The inference of regulatory and biochemical networks from large-scale genomics
      data is a basic problem in molecular biology. The goal is to generate testable
      hypotheses of gene-to-gene influences and subsequently to design bench
      experiments to confirm these network predictions. Coexpression of genes in large
      scale gene-expression data implies coregulation and potential gene-gene
      interactions, but provide little information about the direction of influences.
      Here, we use both time-series data and genetics data to infer directionality of
      edges in regulatory networks: time-series data contain information about the
      chronological order of regulatory events and genetics data allow us to map DNA
      variations to variations at the RNA level. We generate microarray data measuring
      time-dependent gene-expression levels in 95 genotyped yeast segregants subjected
      to a drug perturbation. We develop a Bayesian model averaging regression
      algorithm that incorporates external information from diverse data types to infer
      regulatory networks from the time-series and genetics data. Our algorithm is
      capable of generating feedback loops. We show that our inferred network recovers
      existing and novel regulatory relationships. Following network construction, we
      generate independent microarray data on selected deletion mutants to
      prospectively test network predictions. We demonstrate the potential of our
      network to discover de novo transcription-factor binding sites. Applying our
      construction method to previously published data demonstrates that our method is
      competitive with leading network construction algorithms in the literature.

PMID- 22084120
TI  - Wnt signaling and a Smad pathway blockade direct the differentiation of human
      pluripotent stem cells to multipotent neural crest cells.
AB  - Neural crest stem cells can be isolated from differentiated cultures of human
      pluripotent stem cells, but the process is inefficient and requires cell sorting
      to obtain a highly enriched population. No specific method for directed
      differentiation of human pluripotent cells toward neural crest stem cells has yet
      been reported. This severely restricts the utility of these cells as a model for
      disease and development and for more applied purposes such as cell therapy and
      tissue engineering. In this report, we use small-molecule compounds in a single
      step method for the efficient generation of self-renewing neural crest-like stem
      cells in chemically defined media. This approach is accomplished directly from
      human pluripotent cells without the need for coculture on feeder layers or cell
      sorting to obtain a highly enriched population. Critical to this approach is the
      activation of canonical Wnt signaling and concurrent suppression of the Activin
      A/Nodal pathway. Over 12-14 d, pluripotent cells are efficiently specified along
      the neuroectoderm lineage toward p75(+) Hnk1(+) Ap2(+) neural crest-like cells
      with little or no contamination by Pax6(+) neural progenitors. This cell
      population can be clonally amplified and maintained for >25 passages (>100 d)
      while retaining the capacity to differentiate into peripheral neurons, smooth
      muscle cells, and mesenchymal precursor cells. Neural crest-like stem cell
      derived mesenchymal precursors have the capacity for differentiation into
      osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. In sum, we have developed methods for
      the efficient generation of self-renewing neural crest stem cells that greatly
      enhance their potential utility in disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22084121
TI  - Constitutive exposure of phosphatidylserine on viable cells.
AB  - Apoptotic cells are quickly recognized and engulfed by phagocytes to prevent the
      release of noxious materials from dying cells. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposed on
      the surface of apoptotic cells is a proposed "eat-me" signal for the phagocytes.
      Transmembrane protein 16F (TMEM16F), a membrane protein with eight transmembrane
      segments, has the Ca-dependent phospholipid scramblase activity. Here we show
      that when lymphoma cells were transformed with a constitutively active form of
      TMEM16F, they exposed a high level of PS that was comparable to that observed on
      apoptotic cells. The PS-exposing cells were morphologically normal and grew
      normally. They efficiently responded to interleukin 3 and underwent apoptosis
      upon treatment with Fas ligand. The viable PS-exposing cells bound to peritoneal
      macrophages at 4  degrees C, but not at 25  degrees C. Accordingly, these cells
      were not engulfed by macrophages. When apoptotic cells were injected i.v. into
      mice, they were phagocytosed by CD11c(+)CD8(+) dendritic cells (DCs) in the
      spleen, but the PS-exposing living cells were not phagocytosed by these DCs.
      Furthermore, when PS-exposing lymphoma cells were transplanted s.c. into nude
      mice, they generated tumors as efficiently as parental lymphoma cells that did
      not expose PS. These results indicated that PS exposure alone is not sufficient
      to be recognized by macrophages as an eat-me signal.

PMID- 22084122
TI  - Cholesterol level and statin use in Alzheimer disease: II. Review of human trials
      and recommendations.
AB  - Substantial evidence has accumulated in support of the hypothesis that elevated
      cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD). As a
      result, much work has investigated the potential use of lipid-lowering agents,
      particularly statins, as preventive or therapeutic agents for AD. Although
      epidemiology and preclinical statin research (described in part I of this review)
      have generally supported an adverse role of high cholesterol levels regarding AD,
      human studies of statins (reviewed herein) show highly variable outcomes, making
      it difficult to draw firm conclusions. We identify several confounding factors
      among the human studies, including differing blood-brain barrier permeabilities
      among statins, the stage in AD at which statins were administered, and the drugs'
      pleiotropic metabolic effects, all of which contribute to the substantial
      variability observed to date. We recommend that future human studies of this
      important therapeutic topic (1) take the blood-brain barrier permeabilities of
      statins into account when analyzing results, (2) include specific analyses of the
      effects on low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and, most important,
      (3) conduct statin treatment trials solely in patients with mild AD, who have the
      best chance for disease modification.

PMID- 22084123
TI  - Coping with death and dying on a neurology inpatient service: death rounds as an
      educational initiative for residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residents in neurology may feel unprepared to care for dying
      patients. We developed Death Rounds to provide emotional support and end-of-life
      care teaching for residents caring for dying patients on the inpatient neurology
      service. Death Rounds are monthly 1-hour clinical case discussions where
      residents identify issues through shared experiences. OBJECTIVE: To survey
      neurology residents' perceptions of Death Rounds with respect to end-of-life care
      teaching and emotional support. Design, Setting, and PARTICIPANTS: We conducted
      an electronic survey of all (n = 26) neurology residents and recent residency
      graduates at the University of Washington 2 years after instituting monthly Death
      Rounds. Main Outcome Measure  The survey consisted of 10 questions examining
      residents' perceptions of the extent to which Death Rounds provided emotional
      support and end-of-life care teaching. We dichotomized responses to statements
      about Death Rounds as agree or disagree. RESULTS: All 26 residents responded to
      the survey and attended at least 1 Death Rounds session. More than half of
      residents attended more than 3 sessions. Residents agreed that Death Rounds
      helped them cope with dying patients (17 residents [65%]), delivered closure for
      the team (16 residents [61%]), and provided emotional support, more for the team
      (18 residents [69%]) than the individual (10 residents [38%]). Most residents
      felt that Death Rounds provided useful teaching about end-of-life care (18
      residents [69%]), and they were satisfied overall with Death Rounds (16 residents
      [61%]). CONCLUSIONS: Death Rounds afford an opportunity for physicians-in
      training to process as a group their feelings, intense emotions, and insecurities
      while learning from the dying process. In our inpatient neurology service, most
      residents found it a rewarding and valuable experience.

PMID- 22084124
TI  - Interferon beta-1b for the treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis:
      five-year clinical trial follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate, during the 5-year period without treatment after
      termination of a 2-year clinical trial of interferon beta-1b for the treatment of
      primary progressive multiple sclerosis, differences in the evolution of clinical
      variables and magnetic resonance imaging results between trial arms and to
      investigate correlations between in-trial changes in Multiple Sclerosis
      Functional Composite (MSFC) score and magnetic resonance imaging variables and
      Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score evolution. DESIGN: Five-year
      clinical trial follow-up. SETTING: Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Multiple
      Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.
      Patients  Seventy-three patients received interferon beta-1b or placebo during
      the trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After 5 years without treatment, the EDSS and
      MSFC measures were scored for 63 and 59 patients, respectively.
      Neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging assessments were performed for
      59 and 50 patients, respectively. RESULTS: After 5 years without treatment, the
      interferon beta-1b group had better 9-Hole Peg Test (P = .02) and Word List
      Generation Test (P < .001) scores, and their magnetization transfer ratio
      measures in the normal-appearing white matter were significantly higher (P = .02,
      P = .009, and P = .03 for the mean, peak location, and peak height magnetic
      transfer ratios, respectively). During the entire study period (from trial
      baseline to assessment at 5 years without treatment), the placebo group showed a
      greater decrease in brain parenchymal fraction (P = .004). The in-trial increase
      of lesions correlated with the worsening of the EDSS score during the 5-year
      period without treatment (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Modest but beneficial effects
      of interferon beta-1b on clinical variables and brain atrophy development were
      observed 5 years after trial termination. Moreover, in-trial lesion activity
      correlated with EDSS progression after trial termination. Therefore, we provide
      evidence to consider immunomodulation as a sensible approach to treat primary
      progressive multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 22084125
TI  - Natalizumab and impedance of the homing of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with natalizumab, an antibody blocking the alpha4-integrin,
      is associated with increased numbers of circulating CD34+ cells in the peripheral
      blood of patients with multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether
      natalizumab mobilizes CD34+ cells from or inhibits homing to the bone marrow
      (BM). DESIGN: Fifty-two patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
      treated with natalizumab were included. Flow cytometric analyses; polymerase
      chain reaction assays for JC (John Cunningham) virus DNA detection; and adhesion,
      migration, and apoptosis assays of immunomagnetically enriched peripheral blood
      and BM CD34+ cells were conducted. A comparison was made with CD34+ cells from
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood or steady-state
      BM of age- and sex-matched healthy donors. RESULTS: We found adhesion and
      migration of peripheral blood-derived CD34+ cells to be reduced. In BM aspirates
      from natalizumab-treated patients, the cellularity, the proportion, and the
      adhesive capacity of CD34+ cells were normal. The JC virus was undetectable.
      CONCLUSIONS: Natalizumab mediates an increase in circulating CD34+ cells by
      interfering with homing to the BM. Thus, CD34+ cells appear unlikely to represent
      a source mobilizing JC virus out of the BM in patients treated with natalizumab.

PMID- 22084126
TI  - Brain involvement in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are severe
      inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. Brain
      involvement is increasingly recognized. OBJECTIVE: To study brain involvement in
      NMOSDs among Hong Kong Chinese patients. DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients
      with NMOSDs. SETTING: Tertiary medical center in Hong Kong. Patients  Thirty-four
      Hong Kong Chinese patients with NMOSDs of 2 years or longer were recruited.
      INTERVENTIONS: Brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging was performed
      during NMOSD attacks and was repeated yearly for the first 3 years. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: We evaluated clinical features of NMOSDs associated with brain
      involvement and brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Among 34
      patients with NMOSDs of 2 years or longer, 20 (59%) had brain involvement. The
      mean age at onset among these 20 patients was 45.6 years (age range, 19-67
      years); 18 were women. Eleven patients (32% of all the patients with NMOSDs) had
      clinical manifestation of brain involvement, 19 patients (56%) had brain
      abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging consistent with inflammatory
      demyelination, and 2 patients (6%) fulfilled criteria for multiple sclerosis.
      Clinical manifestation of brain involvement included the following: trigeminal
      neuralgia; vomiting, vertigo, ataxia, dysphagia, and tetraparesis from lesions
      around the third and fourth ventricles and aqueduct; homonymous hemianopia,
      aphasia, hemiparesis, and cognitive impairment from extensive hemispheric white
      matter lesions; and ataxia, diplopia, hiccups, facial sensory loss, internuclear
      ophthalmoplegia, hemisensory loss, and hemiparesis from other lesions in the
      midbrain, pons, cerebellar peduncles, and medulla. Eight patients (24%) developed
      brainstem encephalitis clinically, and brainstem encephalitis was the initial
      clinical manifestation in 6 patients (18%). Brain abnormalities on magnetic
      resonance imaging were detected in brainstem in 15 patients (44%), hemispheric
      periventricular white matter in 7 patients (21%), deep white matter in 7 patients
      (21%), corpus callosum in 4 patients (12%), subcortical white matter in 3
      patients (9%), thalamus in 2 patients (6%), hypothalamus in 1 patient (3%), basal
      ganglia in 1 patient (3%), internal capsule in 1 patient (3%), periaqueductal
      gray matter in 1 patient (3%), and around the third and fourth ventricles in 1
      patient (3%); large confluent lesions were detected in 2 patients (6%).
      CONCLUSION: Brain involvement manifesting clinically as brainstem encephalitis is
      common among Hong Kong Chinese patients with NMOSDs.

PMID- 22084127
TI  - SQSTM1 mutations in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SQSTM1 gene encodes p62, a major pathologic protein involved in
      neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether SQSTM1 mutations contribute to
      familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). DESIGN: Case-control
      study. SETTING: Academic research. Patients  A cohort of 546 patients with
      familial (n = 340) or sporadic (n = 206) ALS seen at a major academic referral
      center were screened for SQSTM1 mutations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated
      the distribution of missense, deletion, silent, and intronic variants in SQSTM1
      among our cohort of patients with ALS. In silico analysis of variants was
      performed to predict alterations in p62 structure and function. RESULTS: We
      identified 10 novel SQSTM1 mutations (9 heterozygous missense and 1 deletion) in
      15 patients (6 with familial ALS and 9 with sporadic ALS). Predictive in silico
      analysis classified 8 of 9 missense variants as pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS: Using
      candidate gene identification based on prior biological knowledge and the
      functional prediction of rare variants, we identified several novel SQSTM1
      mutations in patients with ALS. Our findings provide evidence of a direct genetic
      role for p62 in ALS pathogenesis and suggest that regulation of protein
      degradation pathways may represent an important therapeutic target in motor
      neuron degeneration.

PMID- 22084128
TI  - Prefrontal cortex and executive function impairments in primary breast cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in prefrontal-executive function between
      breast cancer (BC) survivors with and without a history of chemotherapy treatment
      compared with healthy control women and to determine the associations between
      prefrontal cortex deficits and behavioral impairments, as well as certain
      demographic and disease variables. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING:
      University-based research facility. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five women with BC who
      had received chemotherapy, 19 women with BC who had not received chemotherapy,
      and 18 healthy female controls, all matched for age and other demographic
      variables. RESULTS: Women with BC demonstrated significantly reduced activation
      in the left middle dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and premotor cortex compared
      with healthy controls. The chemotherapy group also demonstrated significantly
      reduced left caudal lateral prefrontal cortex activation and increased
      perseverative errors and reduced processing speed compared with the other 2
      groups. Reduced left caudal lateral prefrontal cortex activation was
      significantly correlated with higher disease severity and elevated subjective
      executive dysfunction in the chemotherapy-treated women. Older age and lower
      educational level were associated with increased executive function impairment in
      the chemotherapy group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide further evidence of
      neurological impairment associated with primary BC irrespective of treatment
      history. The left caudal lateral prefrontal region may be particularly vulnerable
      to the effects of chemotherapy and/or disease severity and may represent a novel
      biomarker of subjective executive dysfunction in chemotherapy-treated women.
      Furthermore, negative effects of chemotherapy on brain function may be
      exacerbated by such factors as increased age and lower educational level.

PMID- 22084129
TI  - Relationship between chronic atrial fibrillation and worse outcomes in stroke
      patients after intravenous thrombolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)
      are prone to adverse outcomes following treatment with intravenous recombinant
      tissue plasminogen activator, and whether the burden of AF affects these
      outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of AF (whether it be a first
      detected episode of AF or chronic AF) to stroke outcomes in patients treated with
      intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. DESIGN: Retrospective
      study. SETTING: Academic hospital. Patients  Consecutive patients with acute
      ischemic stroke who received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator
      within 3 hours from symptom onset were included. Vascular risk factors, stroke
      characteristics, and outcome measures were compared between patients with and
      without AF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and poor
      functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale score of >2). RESULTS: Of the 214
      patients who were studied (mean [SD] age, 74 [14] years, with 50% of patients
      being men), 21 had a first-detected episode of AF, and 55 had chronic AF. The
      incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher in
      patients with chronic AF than in patients without AF (16% vs 5%), and the
      incidence of poor functional recovery was significantly higher in patients with
      chronic AF than in patients without AF (62% vs 44%). The increase in risk of
      symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (but not in poor functional recovery) among
      patients with chronic AF remained significant after adjusting for age and
      baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 2.95 [95%
      CI, 1.12-9.30]). Patients with chronic AF who developed a symptomatic
      intracranial hemorrhage had a longer duration of AF than those who did not (59 vs
      23 months), and patients with chronic AF who had a poor functional recovery had a
      longer duration of AF than those who did not (36 vs 16 months) (P < .05). By
      contrast, there were no differences in outcomes between patients with a first
      detected episode of AF and those without AF, and between patients with paroxysmal
      AF and those with persistent or permanent AF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic
      AF have worse stroke outcomes than do patients without AF, and the risk for worse
      outcomes was greater in patients with a longer duration of AF.

PMID- 22084130
TI  - Clusterin as an Alzheimer biomarker.

PMID- 22084132
TI  - New type of cortical neuroplasticity after nerve repair in brachial plexus
      lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In brachial plexus avulsion, a recent technique connects the ending
      of the disrupted musculocutaneous nerve to the side of the intact phrenic nerve
      to regain elbow flexion. This requires the phrenic nerve to perform a new double
      function: independent control of breathing and elbow flexion. Neuroplastic
      changes associated with acquisition of double nerve functions have not yet been
      investigated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate neuroplastic changes associated with
      acquisition of double nerve functions in a monofunctional nerve (phrenic nerve).
      DESIGN: Clinical and functional magnetic resonance imaging investigations during
      arm movements, forced inspiration, and motor control tasks. SETTING:
      Investigations at the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
      PARTICIPANTS: Three healthy control subjects, 2 patients with phrenic nerve end
      to-side coaptation, and 1 control patient with C7 end-to-end coaptation (same
      clinical presentation but phrenic nerve unchanged). RESULTS: Clinical
      documentation showed that both patients with phrenic nerve end-to-side coaptation
      were able to control the diaphragm and the biceps independently via the same
      phrenic nerve. In contrast to all controls, both patients with phrenic nerve end
      to-side coaptation activated the cortical diaphragm areas with flexion of the
      diseased arm. CONCLUSION: Our functional magnetic resonance imaging data indicate
      that the patient's cortical diaphragm areas reorganize in such a way that
      independent control of breathing and elbow flexion is possible with the same
      neuronal population.

PMID- 22084131
TI  - Positron emission tomography and neuropathologic estimates of fibrillar amyloid
      beta in a patient with Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Down syndrome appears to be associated with a virtually certain risk
      of fibrillar amyloid-beta (Abeta) pathology by the age of 40 and a very high risk
      of dementia at older ages. The positron emission tomography (PET) ligand
      florbetapir F18 has been shown to characterize fibrillar Abeta in the living
      human brain and to provide a close correlation with subsequent Abeta
      neuropathology in individuals proximate to and after the end of life. The extent
      to which the most frequently used PET ligands can be used to detect fibrillar
      Abeta in patients with Down syndrome remains to be determined. OBJECTIVES: To
      characterize PET estimates of fibrillar Abeta burden in a Down syndrome patient
      very close to the end of life and to compare them with neuropathologic assessment
      made after his death. Design/ METHODS: With the family's informed consent,
      florbetapir PET was used to study a 55-year-old Down syndrome patient with
      Alzheimer disease near the end of life; his brain was donated for neuropathologic
      assessment when he died 14 days later. Visual ratings of cerebral florbetapir
      uptake were performed by trained readers who were masked to the patient's
      diagnosis as part of a larger study, and an automated algorithm was used to
      characterize regional-to-cerebellar standard uptake value ratios in 6 cerebral
      regions of interest. Neuropathologic assessments were performed masked to the
      patient's diagnosis or PET measurements. RESULTS: Visual ratings and automated
      analyses of the PET image revealed a heavy fibrillar Abeta burden in cortical,
      striatal, and thalamic regions, similar to that reported for patients with late
      onset Alzheimer disease. This matched neuropathologic findings of frequent
      neuritic and diffuse plaques, as well as frequent amyloid angiopathy, except for
      neuropathologically demonstrated frequent cerebellar diffuse plaques and amyloid
      angiopathy that were not detected by the PET scan. CONCLUSIONS: Florbetapir PET
      can be used to detect increased cerebral-to-cerebellar fibrillar Abeta burden in
      a Down syndrome patient with Alzheimer disease, even in the presence of frequent
      amyloid angiopathy and diffuse plaques in the cerebellum. Additional studies are
      needed to determine the extent to which PET could be used to detect and to track
      fibrillar Abeta and to evaluate investigational Abeta-modifying treatments in the
      presymptomatic and symptomatic stages of Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 22084133
TI  - Whipple limbic encephalitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a relapse of Whipple disease revealed by isolated limbic
      encephalitis with no other signs of systemic involvement. DESIGN: Case report.
      SETTING: University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. Patient  A 41
      year-old patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive functions and results of
      cerebrospinal fluid analysis and brain magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: A 41
      year-old patient was hospitalized for headache associated with anterograde
      amnesia and temporospatial disorientation. Whipple disease with systemic
      manifestations was diagnosed 4 years previously and insufficiently treated. The
      neuropsychological evaluation showed impaired episodic memory and executive
      functions. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid showed increased lymphocytes and a
      positive Tropheryma whipplei polymerase chain reaction result. Cerebral magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed a typical pattern of limbic encephalitis with an
      intense signal in the amygdalae and hippocampi. The outcome under antibiotic
      treatment was marked by partial improvement of the cognitive disorders,
      disappearance of the positive T whipplei polymerase chain reaction result in
      cerebrospinal fluid, and a clear decrease of inflammation on brain magnetic
      resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Whipple disease can present as limbic
      encephalitis. Few cases have been previously described in the literature. Such
      diagnosis is of importance because of the specific treatment.

PMID- 22084134
TI  - Ring sign on diffusion-weighted imaging.

PMID- 22084135
TI  - Pontine ring-enhancing glioblastoma multiforme-like fungal abscess.

PMID- 22084136
TI  - Unilateral tongue atrophy and fasciculation.

PMID- 22084137
TI  - Limitations of NIS database in evaluation of epilepsy surgery morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 22084138
TI  - The European Society of Cardiology publishes its first Guidelines on peripheral
      artery diseases.

PMID- 22084140
TI  - Remembrances of Walter M. Fitch.

PMID- 22084141
TI  - BRIEF: Computing a Local Binary Descriptor Very Fast.
AB  - Binary descriptors are becoming increasingly popular as a means to compare
      feature points very fast while requiring comparatively small amounts of memory.
      The typical approach to creating them is to first compute floating-point ones,
      using an algorithm such as SIFT, and then to binarize them. In this paper, we
      show that we can directly compute a binary descriptor, which we call BRIEF, on
      the basis of simple intensity difference tests. As a result, BRIEF is very fast
      both to build and to match. We compare it against SURF and SIFT on standard
      benchmarks and show that it yields comparable recognition accuracy, while running
      in an almost vanishing fraction of the time required by either. 

PMID- 22084142
TI  - Combining Single and Packet-Ray Tracing for Arbitrary Ray Distributions on the
      Intel MIC Architecture.
AB  - Wide-SIMD hardware is power and area efficient, but it is challenging to
      efficiently map ray tracing algorithms to such hardware especially when the rays
      are incoherent. The two most commonly used schemes are either packet tracing, or
      relying on a separate traversal stack for each SIMD lane. Both work great for
      coherent rays, but suffer when rays are incoherent: The former experiences a
      dramatic loss of SIMD utilization once rays diverge; the latter requires a large
      local storage, and generates multiple incoherent streams of memory accesses that
      present challenges for the memory system. In this paper, we introduce a single
      ray tracing scheme for incoherent rays that uses just one traversal stack on 16
      wide SIMD hardware. It uses a bounding-volume hierarchy with a branching factor
      of four as the acceleration structure, exploits four-wide SIMD in each box and
      primitive intersection test, and uses 16-wide SIMD by always performing four such
      node or primitive tests in parallel. We then extend this scheme to a hybrid
      tracing scheme that automatically adapts to varying ray coherence by starting out
      with a 16-wide packet scheme and switching to the new single-ray scheme as soon
      as rays diverge. We show that on the Intel Many Integrated Core architecture this
      hybrid scheme consistently, and over a wide range of scenes and ray
      distributions, outperforms both packet and single-ray tracing. 

PMID- 22084143
TI  - A Curvature-Adaptive Implicit Surface Reconstruction for Irregularly Spaced
      Points.
AB  - A curvature-adaptive implicit surface reconstruction for noisy and irregularly
      spaced points in 3D is introduced. The reconstructed surface traces the zero
      crossings of a signed field obtained from the sum of first-derivative anisotropic
      Gaussians centered at the points. The standard deviations of the anisotropic
      Gaussians are adapted to surface curvatures estimated from local data. A key
      characteristic of the formulation is its ability to smooth more along edges than
      across them, thereby preserving shape details while smoothing noise. The behavior
      of the proposed method under various density and organization of points is
      investigated and surface reconstruction results are compared with those obtained
      by well-known methods in the literature. 

PMID- 22084144
TI  - Tuning self-motion perception in virtual reality with visual illusions.
AB  - Motion perception in immersive virtual environments significantly differs from
      the real world. For example, previous work has shown that users tend to
      underestimate travel distances in virtual environments (VEs). As a solution to
      this problem, researchers proposed to scale the mapped virtual camera motion
      relative to the tracked real-world movement of a user until real and virtual
      motion are perceived as equal, i.e., real-world movements could be mapped with a
      larger gain to the VE in order to compensate for the underestimation. However,
      introducing discrepancies between real and virtual motion can become a problem,
      in particular, due to misalignments of both worlds and distorted space cognition.
      In this paper, we describe a different approach that introduces apparent self
      motion illusions by manipulating optic flow fields during movements in VEs. These
      manipulations can affect self-motion perception in VEs, but omit a quantitative
      discrepancy between real and virtual motions. In particular, we consider to which
      regions of the virtual view these apparent self-motion illusions can be applied,
      i.e., the ground plane or peripheral vision. Therefore, we introduce four
      illusions and show in experiments that optic flow manipulation can significantly
      affect users' self-motion judgments. Furthermore, we show that with such
      manipulations of optic flow fields the underestimation of travel distances can be
      compensated.

PMID- 22084145
TI  - Designing filters for fast-known NcRNA identification.
AB  - Detecting members of known noncoding RNA (ncRNA) families in genomic DNA is an
      important part of sequence annotation. However, the most widely used tool for
      modeling ncRNA families, the covariance model (CM), incurs a high-computational
      cost when used for genome-wide search. This cost can be reduced by using a filter
      to exclude sequences that are unlikely to contain the ncRNA of interest, applying
      the CM only where it is likely to match strongly. Despite recent advances,
      designing an efficient filter that can detect ncRNA instances lacking strong
      conservation while excluding most irrelevant sequences remains challenging. In
      this work, we design three types of filters based on multiple secondary structure
      profiles (SSPs). An SSP augments a regular profile (i.e., a position weight
      matrix) with secondary structure information but can still be efficiently scanned
      against long sequences. Multi-SSPbased filters combine evidence from multiple SSP
      matches and can achieve high sensitivity and specificity. Our SSP-based filters
      are extensively tested in BRAliBase III data set, Rfam 9.0, and a published soil
      metagenomic data set. In addition, we compare the SSPbased filters with several
      other ncRNA search tools including Infernal (with profile HMMs as filters),
      ERPIN, and tRNAscan-SE. Our experiments demonstrate that carefully designed SSP
      filters can achieve significant speedup over unfiltered CM search while
      maintaining high sensitivity for various ncRNA families. The designed filters and
      filter-scanning programs are available at our website:
      www.cse.msu.edu/~yannisun/ssp/.

PMID- 22084146
TI  - Eigen-genomic system dynamic-pattern analysis (ESDA): modeling mRNA degradation
      and self-regulation.
AB  - High-throughput methods systematically measure the internal state of the entire
      cell, but powerful computational tools are needed to infer dynamics from their
      raw data. Therefore, we have developed a new computational method, Eigen-genomic
      System Dynamic-pattern Analysis (ESDA), which uses systems theory to infer
      dynamic parameters from a time series of gene expression measurements. As many
      genes are measured at a modest number of time points, estimation of the system
      matrix is underdetermined and traditional approaches for estimating dynamic
      parameters are ineffective; thus, ESDA uses the principle of dimensionality
      reduction to overcome the data imbalance. Since degradation rates are naturally
      confounded by self-regulation, our model estimates an effective degradation rate
      that is the difference between self-regulation and degradation. We demonstrate
      that ESDA is able to recover effective degradation rates with reasonable accuracy
      in simulation. We also apply ESDA to a budding yeast dataset, and find that
      effective degradation rates are normally slower than experimentally measured
      degradation rates. Our results suggest that either self-regulation is widespread
      in budding yeast and that self-promotion dominates self-inhibition, or that self
      regulation may be rare and that experimental methods for measuring degradation
      rates based on transcription arrest may severely overestimate true degradation
      rates in healthy cells. 

PMID- 22084147
TI  - Identification of essential proteins based on edge clustering coefficient.
AB  - Identification of essential proteins is key to understanding the minimal
      requirements for cellular life and important for drug design. The rapid increase
      of available protein-protein interaction (PPI) data has made it possible to
      detect protein essentiality on network level. A series of centrality measures
      have been proposed to discover essential proteins based on network topology.
      However, most of them tended to focus only on the location of single protein, but
      ignored the relevance between interactions and protein essentiality. In this
      paper, a new centrality measure for identifying essential proteins based on edge
      clustering coefficient, named as NC, is proposed. Different from previous
      centrality measures, NC considers both the centrality of a node and the
      relationship between it and its neighbors. For each interaction in the network,
      we calculate its edge clustering coefficient. A node's essentiality is determined
      by the sum of the edge clustering coefficients of interactions connecting it and
      its neighbors. The new centrality measure NC takes into account the modular
      nature of protein essentiality. NC is applied to three different types of yeast
      protein-protein interaction networks, which are obtained from the DIP database,
      the MIPS database and the BioGRID database, respectively. The experimental
      results on the three different networks show that the number of essential
      proteins discovered by NC universally exceeds that discovered by the six other
      centrality measures: DC, BC, CC, SC, EC, and IC. Moreover, the essential proteins
      discovered by NC show significant cluster effect.

PMID- 22084148
TI  - A framework for incorporating functional interrelationships into protein function
      prediction algorithms.
AB  - The functional annotation of proteins is one of the most important tasks in the
      post-genomic era. Although many computational approaches have been developed in
      recent years to predict protein function, most of these traditional algorithms do
      not take interrelationships among functional terms into account, such as
      different GO terms usually coannotate with some common proteins. In this study,
      we propose a new functional similarity measure in the form of Jaccard coefficient
      to quantify these interrelationships and also develop a framework for
      incorporating GO term similarity into protein function prediction process. The
      experimental results of cross-validation on S. cerevisiae and Homo sapiens data
      sets demonstrate that our method is able to improve the performance of protein
      function prediction. In addition, we find that small size terms associated with a
      few of proteins obtain more benefit than the large size ones when considering
      functional interrelationships. We also compare our similarity measure with other
      two widely used measures, and results indicate that when incorporated into
      function prediction algorithms, our proposed measure is more effective.
      Experiment results also illustrate that our algorithms outperform two previous
      competing algorithms, which also take functional interrelationships into account,
      in prediction accuracy. Finally, we show that our method is robust to annotations
      in the database which are not complete at present. These results give new
      insights about the importance of functional interrelationships in protein
      function prediction.

PMID- 22084149
TI  - A top-r feature selection algorithm for microarray gene expression data.
AB  - Most of the conventional feature selection algorithms have a drawback whereby a
      weakly ranked gene that could perform well in terms of classification accuracy
      with an appropriate subset of genes will be left out of the selection.
      Considering this shortcoming, we propose a feature selection algorithm in gene
      expression data analysis of sample classifications. The proposed algorithm first
      divides genes into subsets, the sizes of which are relatively small (roughly of
      size h), then selects informative smaller subsets of genes (of size r < h) from a
      subset and merges the chosen genes with another gene subset (of size r) to update
      the gene subset. We repeat this process until all subsets are merged into one
      informative subset. We illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm by
      analyzing three distinct gene expression data sets. Our method shows promising
      classification accuracy for all the test data sets. We also show the relevance of
      the selected genes in terms of their biological functions.

PMID- 22084150
TI  - A new efficient data structure for storage and retrieval of multiple
      biosequences.
AB  - Today's genome analysis applications require sequence representations allowing
      for fast access to their contents while also being memory-efficient enough to
      facilitate analyses of large-scale data. While a wide variety of sequence
      representations exist, lack of a generic implementation of efficient sequence
      storage has led to a plethora of poorly reusable or programming language-specific
      implementations. We present a novel, space-efficient data structure (GtEncseq)
      for storing multiple biological sequences of variable alphabet size, with
      customizable character transformations, wildcard support and an assortment of
      internal representations optimized for different distributions of wildcards and
      sequence lengths. For the human genome (3.1 gigabases, including 237 million
      wildcard characters) our representation requires only 2 + 8 &#x00D7; 10^-6bits
      per character. Implemented in C, our portable software implementation provides a
      variety of methods for random and sequential access to characters and substrings
      (including different reading directions) using an object-oriented interface. In
      addition, it includes access to metadata like sequence descriptions or character
      distributions. The library is extensible to be used from various scripting
      languages. GtEncseq is much more versatile than previous solutions, adding
      features that were previously unavailable. Benchmarks show that it is competitive
      with respect to space and time requirements. 

PMID- 22084151
TI  - Low-dose Erythropoietin reduces risk of heart failure induced by anti-cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22084152
TI  - Microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer: time to stop hiding!

PMID- 22084153
TI  - Impact of phosphodiesterase 8B gene rs4704397 variation on thyroid homeostasis in
      childhood obesity.
AB  - CONTEXT: Several studies demonstrated that obese children have higher TSH than
      normal-weight children. The polymorphism rs4704397 in the phosphodiesterase 8B
      (PDE8B) gene showed an association with TSH. OBJECTIVES: i) To assess the effect
      of PDE8B on TSH in obese children; ii) to dissect the role of obesity degree in
      modulating this association; and iii) to stratify the individual risk to show
      hyperthyrotropinaemia according to PDE8B genotype. METHODS: Eight hundred and
      sixty-seven Italian obese children were investigated. Clinical data and thyroid
      hormones were evaluated and the PDE8B rs4704397 was genotyped. RESULTS: PDE8B A/A
      homozygous subjects showed higher TSH (P=0.0005) compared with A/G or G/G. No
      differences were found for peripheral thyroid hormones. Among A/A children, 22%
      had hyperthyrotropinaemia, compared with 11.6% of heterozygotes and 10.8% of G/G
      (P=0.0008). Consistently, A/A had an odds ratio (OR) to show abnormal TSH level
      of 2.25 (P=0.0004). Body mass index (BMI) appeared correlated with TSH
      (P=0.0001), but the strength of the effect of PDE8B on TSH was independent of BMI
      (P=0.1). Children were subdivided into six groups according to obesity degree and
      genotypes. PDE8B A/A with BMI SDS above 3 had the highest OR (OR 2.6, P=0.0015)
      to have hyperthyrotropinaemia, whereas G/G with BMI SDS below 3 showed the lowest
      possibilities (OR 0.3, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown: i) in obese
      children, PDE8B is associated with TSH; ii) the interaction between adiposity and
      PDE8B on TSH is not synergistic, but follows an additive model; and iii) impact
      of this association in the stratification of individual risk to have
      hyperthyrotropinaemia.

PMID- 22084154
TI  - Mechanisms in endocrinology: micro-RNAs: targets for enhancing osteoblast
      differentiation and bone formation.
AB  - Osteoblast differentiation and bone formation (osteogenesis) are regulated by
      transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Recently, a novel class of
      regulatory factors termed micro-RNAs (miRNAs) has been identified as playing an
      important role in the regulation of many aspects of osteoblast biology including
      proliferation, differentiation, metabolism and apoptosis. Also, preliminary data
      from animal disease models suggest that targeting miRNAs in bone can be a novel
      approach to increase bone mass. This review highlights the current knowledge of
      miRNA biology and their role in bone formation and discusses their potential use
      in future therapeutic applications for metabolic bone diseases.

PMID- 22084155
TI  - Adrenal involvement in MEN1. Analysis of 715 cases from the Groupe d'etude des
      Tumeurs Endocrines database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Limited data regarding adrenal involvement in multiple endocrine
      neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is available. We describe the characteristics of MEN1
      associated adrenal lesions in a large cohort to provide a rationale for their
      management. METHODS: Analysis of records from 715 MEN1 patients from a
      multicentre database between 1956 and 2008. Adrenal lesions were compared with
      those from a multicentre cohort of 144 patients with adrenal sporadic
      incidentalomas. RESULTS: Adrenal enlargement was reported in 20.4% (146/715) of
      patients. Adrenal tumours (>10 mm in size) accounted for 58.1% of these cases
      (10.1% of the whole patient cohort). Tumours were bilateral and >40 mm in size in
      12.5 and 19.4% of cases respectively. Hormonal hypersecretion was restricted to
      patients with tumours and occurred in 15.3% of them. Compared with
      incidentalomas, MEN1-related tumours exhibited more cases of primary
      hyperaldosteronism, fewer pheochromocytomas and more adrenocortical carcinomas
      (ACCs; 13.8 vs 1.3%). Ten ACCs occurred in eight patients. Interestingly, ACCs
      occurred after several years of follow-up of small adrenal tumours in two of the
      eight affected patients. Nine of the ten ACCs were classified as stage I or II
      according to the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. No evident
      genotype/phenotype correlation was found for the occurrence of adrenal lesions,
      endocrine hypersecretion or ACC. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal pathology in MEN1 differs
      from that observed in sporadic incidentalomas. In the absence of relevant
      symptoms, endocrine biology can be restricted to patients with adrenal tumours
      and should focus on steroid secretion including the aldosterone-renin system.
      MEN1 is a high-risk condition for the occurrence of ACCs. It should be considered
      regardless of the size of the tumour.

PMID- 22084156
TI  - The utility of basal serum LH in prediction of central precocious puberty in
      girls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mainstay of distinction between prepubertal girls and girls who
      are suspected of having central precocious puberty (CPP) is based on gonadotropin
      measurements after a GnRH stimulation test to evaluate hypothalamic-pituitary
      gonadal axis maturity. The objective of this study was to determine whether a
      single basal gonadotropin measurement carries a useful predictive value in
      verifying or refuting the diagnosis of CPP. DESIGN AND METHODS: Basal serum LH
      and FSH were measured by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay in a cohort of
      girls who had been evaluated for CPP before and after GnRH stimulation test. Peak
      LH levels higher than 5 IU/l were considered a pubertal response. RESULTS: Eighty
      girls with suspected breast development before 8 years of age were enrolled to
      the study, out of whom 42 had CPP. Low basal serum LH (<=0.1 IU/l) was sufficient
      to rule out the diagnosis of CPP in 94.7% of the 38 prepubertal girls; the
      sensitivity of basal LH levels for this purpose was only 64%. The basal FSH and
      the basal LH to FSH ratio achieved less efficient predictive value with 76 and
      71% sensitivity and 73 and 86% specificity respectively. CONCLUSION: A single
      basal LH measurement may be adequate to confirm but not to refute the presence of
      CPP in most of the girls who are evaluated for early pubertal signs.

PMID- 22084158
TI  - Three-dimensional distribution of the vitelliform lesion, photoreceptors, and
      retinal pigment epithelium in the macula of patients with best vitelliform
      macular dystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomical phenotypes of Best vitelliform macular
      dystrophy (BVMD) with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a
      large series of patients with confirmed mutations in the BEST1 gene. METHODS: In
      our retrospective observational case series, we assessed 15 patients (30 eyes)
      with a clinical diagnosis of vitelliform macular dystrophy who were found to have
      mutations in the BEST1 gene. Color fundus photographs and SD-OCT images were
      evaluated and compared with those of 15 age-matched controls (30 eyes). Using a
      validated 3-dimensional SD-OCT segmentation algorithm, we calculated the
      equivalent thickness of photoreceptors and the equivalent thickness of the
      retinal pigment epithelium for each patient. The photoreceptor equivalent
      thickness and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) equivalent thickness were
      compared in all patients, in a region of the macula outside the central lesion
      for patients with BVMD and outside the fovea in control patients. Paired t tests
      were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The SD-OCT findings revealed that
      the vitelliform lesion consists of material above the RPE and below the outer
      segment tips. Additionally, drusen-like deposition of sub-RPE material was
      notable, and several patients exhibited a sub-RPE fibrotic nodule. Patients with
      BVMD had a mean photoreceptor equivalent thickness of 28.3 MUm, and control
      patients had a mean photoreceptor equivalent thickness of 21.8 MUm, a mean
      difference of 6.5 MUm (P < .01), whereas the mean RPE equivalent thickness was
      not statistically different between patients with BVMD and control patients (P =
      .53). CONCLUSIONS: The SD-OCT findings suggest that vitelliform material is
      located in the subretinal space and that BVMD is associated with diffuse
      photoreceptor outer segment abnormalities overlying a structurally normal RPE.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings provide new insight into the pathophysiology
      of BVMD and thus have implications for the development of therapeutic
      interventions.

PMID- 22084157
TI  - Glaucoma-related adverse events in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study: 1-year
      results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report the incidence of glaucoma and glaucoma suspects in the
      IATS, and to evaluate risk factors for the development of a glaucoma-related
      adverse event in patients in the IATS in the first year of follow-up. METHODS: A
      total of 114 infants between 1 and 6 months of age with a unilateral congenital
      cataract were assigned to undergo cataract surgery either with or without an
      intraocular lens implant. Standardized definitions of glaucoma and glaucoma
      suspect were created and used in the IATS. RESULTS: Of these 114 patients, 10
      (9%) developed glaucoma and 4 (4%) had glaucoma suspect, for a total of 14
      patients (12%) with a glaucoma-related adverse event in the treated eye through
      the first year of follow-up. Of the 57 patients who underwent lensectomy and
      anterior vitrectomy, 5 (9%) developed a glaucoma-related adverse event; of the 57
      patients who underwent an intraocular lens implant, 9 (16%) developed a glaucoma
      related adverse event. The odds of developing a glaucoma-related adverse event
      were 3.1 times higher for a child with persistent fetal vasculature and 1.6 times
      higher for each month of age younger at cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Modern
      surgical techniques do not eliminate the early development of glaucoma following
      congenital cataract surgery with or without an intraocular lens implant. Younger
      patients with or without persistent fetal vasculature seem more likely to develop
      a glaucoma-related adverse event in the first year of follow-up. Vigilance for
      the early development of glaucoma is needed following congenital cataract
      surgery, especially when surgery is performed during early infancy or for a child
      with persistent fetal vasculature. Five-year follow-up data for the IATS will
      likely reveal more glaucoma-related adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00212134.

PMID- 22084160
TI  - Prevention and management of graft detachment in descemet membrane endothelial
      keratoplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevention and management of various types of graft
      detachment after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: In 150
      consecutive eyes that underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, the
      incidence and type of graft detachment were studied at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24
      months after surgery in a nonrandomized, prospective clinical study at a tertiary
      referral center. Four groups of detachments were identified: a partial detachment
      of one-third or less of the graft surface area (n = 16; group 1); a partial
      detachment of more than one-third of the graft surface area (n = 8; group 2); a
      graft positioned upside down (n = 4; group 3); and a free-floating Descemet roll
      in the host anterior chamber (n = 8; group 4). RESULTS: Partial or complete graft
      detachment was found in 36 cases (24%), of which 18 (12%) were clinically
      significant. All 24 eyes with a partial detachment (groups 1 and 2) showed
      spontaneous corneal clearance, and all but 6 of these eyes (75%) reached visual
      acuity of 20/40 or better (>=0.5). A reversed clearance pattern and interface
      spikes were observed in eyes with the graft positioned upside down (group 3).
      Eyes with a free-floating graft (group 4) showed persistent corneal edema.
      Detachments were associated with inward folds (12 eyes [33%]), insufficient air
      bubble support (7 eyes [19%]), upside-down graft positioning (4 eyes [11%]), use
      of plastic materials (2 eyes [6%]), irido-graft synechiae (1 eye [3%]), poor
      endothelial morphology (1 eye [3%]), and stromal irregularity under the main
      incision (1 eye [3%]); 14 (58%) of the partial detachments were localized
      inferiorly. CONCLUSIONS: Awaiting spontaneous clearance may be advocated in eyes
      with a partial detachment. Minor adjustments in surgical protocol as well as
      careful patient selection may further reduce the incidence of graft detachment
      after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty to 4% or less. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00521898.

PMID- 22084159
TI  - Retinal microvascular signs and disability in the Cardiovascular Health Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the associations of retinal microvascular changes, which are
      associated with systemic conditions and cognitive decline, with disability in
      performing activities of daily living (ADL). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of
      1487 community-dwelling participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study (mean
      age, 78 years) who were free of ADL disability and had available data on retinal
      signs and carotid intima-media thickness at the 1998-1999 visit. Main outcome
      measures were incident ADL disability, defined as self-reported difficulty in
      performing any ADL, by the presence of retinal signs and advanced carotid
      atherosclerosis, defined by carotid intima-media thickness in the 80th percentile
      or more or 25% or more stenosis, and potential mediation by cerebral
      microvascular disease on brain imaging or by executive dysfunction, slow gait,
      and depressive mood, which are symptoms of frontal subcortical dysfunction.
      RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 3.1 years (maximum, 7.8 years),
      participants with 2 or more retinal signs had a higher rate of disability than
      those with fewer than 2 retinal signs (10.1% vs 7.1%; adjusted hazard ratio,
      1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.69; P < .001). There was no evidence of
      interaction by advanced carotid atherosclerosis (P > .10). The association seemed
      to be partially mediated by executive dysfunction, slow gait, and depressive
      symptoms but not by cerebral microvascular disease on brain imaging. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results provide further support for the pathophysiologic and prognostic
      significance of microvascular disease in age-related disability. However, it
      remains to be determined how to best use retinal photography in clinical risk
      prediction.

PMID- 22084162
TI  - Genomic c-Myc quadruplex DNA selectively kills leukemia.
AB  - c-Myc, a key regulator of cell cycle and proliferation, is commonly overexpressed
      in leukemia and associated with poor prognosis. Conventional antisense
      oligonucleotides targeting c-myc may attenuate leukemic cell growth, however, are
      poorly taken into cells, rapidly degraded, and have unwanted effects on normal
      cells. The c-myc promoter contains a guanine-rich sequence (PU27) capable of
      forming quadruplex (four-stranded) DNA, which may negatively regulate c-myc
      transcription. However, its biological significance is unknown. We show that
      treatment of leukemia with an oligonucleotide encoding the genomic PU27 sequence
      induces cell-cycle arrest and death by oncotic necrosis due to PU27-mediated
      suppression of c-myc mRNA/protein expression. Furthermore, PU27 is abundantly
      taken into cells, localized in the cytoplasm/nucleus, inherently stable in serum
      and intracellularly, and has no effect on normal cells. Suppression of c-myc
      expression by PU27 caused significant DNA damage, cell and mitochondrial
      swelling, and membrane permeability characteristic of oncotic necrosis. Induction
      of oncosis caused mitochondrial dysfunction, depletion of cellular ATP levels,
      and enhanced oxidative stress. This novel antileukemic strategy addresses current
      concerns of oligonucleotide therapeutics including problems with uptake,
      stability, and unintentional effects on normal cells and is the first report of
      selective cancer cell killing by a genomic DNA sequence.

PMID- 22084163
TI  - Effective targeting of Hedgehog signaling in a medulloblastoma model with PF
      5274857, a potent and selective Smoothened antagonist that penetrates the blood
      brain barrier.
AB  - Inhibition of the Smoothened (Smo) represents a promising therapeutic strategy
      for treating malignant tumors that are dependent on the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling
      pathway. PF-5274857 is a novel Smo antagonist that specifically binds to Smo with
      a K(i) of 4.6 +/- 1.1 nmol/L and completely blocks the transcriptional activity
      of the downstream gene Gli1 with an IC(50) of 2.7 +/- 1.4 nmol/L in cells. This
      Smo antagonist showed robust antitumor activity in a mouse model of
      medulloblastoma with an in vivo IC(50) of 8.9 +/- 2.6 nmol/L. The downregulation
      of Gli1 is closely linked to the tumor growth inhibition in patched(+/-)
      medulloblastoma mice. Mathematical analysis of the relationship between the
      drug's pharmacokinetics and Gli1 pharmacodynamics in patched(+/-) medulloblastoma
      tumor models yielded similar tumor and skin Gli1 IC(50) values, suggesting that
      skin can be used as a surrogate tissue for the measurement of tumor Gli1 levels.
      In addition, PF-5274857 was found to effectively penetrate the blood-brain
      barrier and inhibit Smo activity in the brain of primary medulloblastoma mice,
      resulting in improved animal survival rates. The brain permeability of PF-5274857
      was also confirmed and quantified in nontumor-bearing preclinical species with an
      intact blood-brain barrier. PF-5274857 was orally available and metabolically
      stable in vivo. These findings suggest that PF-5274857 is a potentially
      attractive clinical candidate for the treatment of tumor types including brain
      tumors and brain metastasis driven by an activated Hh pathway.

PMID- 22084164
TI  - Vascular disruption in combination with mTOR inhibition in renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an angiogenesis-dependent and hypoxia-driven
      malignancy. As a result, there has been an increased interest in the use of
      antiangiogenic agents for the management of RCC in patients. However, the
      activity of tumor-vascular disrupting agents (tumor-VDA) has not been extensively
      examined against RCC. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of
      the tumor-VDA ASA404 (DMXAA, 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid, or vadimezan)
      in combination with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (RAD001) against RCC. In vitro
      studies were carried out using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in vivo
      studies using orthotopic RENCA tumors and immunohistochemical patient tumor
      derived RCC xenografts. MRI was used to characterize the vascular response of
      orthotopic RENCA xenografts to combination treatment. Therapeutic efficacy was
      determined by tumor growth measurements and histopathologic evaluation.
      ASA404/everolimus combination resulted in enhanced inhibition of endothelial cell
      sprouting in the 3-dimensional spheroid assay. MRI of orthotopic RENCA xenografts
      revealed an early increase in permeability 4 hours posttreatment with ASA404, but
      not with everolimus. Twenty-four hours after treatment, a significant reduction
      in blood volume was observed with combination treatment. Correlative CD31/NG2
      staining of tumor sections confirmed marked vascular damage following combination
      therapy. Histologic sections showed extensive necrosis and a reduction in the
      viable rim following combination treatment compared with VDA treatment alone.
      These results show the potential of combining tumor-VDAs with mTOR inhibitors in
      RCC. Further investigation into this novel combination strategy is warranted.

PMID- 22084165
TI  - Targeting interleukin-4 receptor alpha with hybrid peptide for effective cancer
      therapy.
AB  - Interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Ralpha) chain is highly expressed on the
      surface of various human solid tumors. We designed a novel hybrid peptide termed
      IL-4Ralpha-lytic peptide that targets the IL-4Ralpha chain. The IL-4Ralpha-lytic
      peptide contains a target moiety to bind to IL-4Ralpha and a cellular toxic lytic
      peptide that selectively kills cancer cells. The anticancer activity of the IL
      4Ralpha-lytic peptide was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the
      IL-4Ralpha-lytic peptide has cytotoxic activity in cancer cell lines expressing
      IL-4Ralpha, determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The IC(50) ratios of the
      lytic peptide to the IL-4Ralpha-lytic peptide correlated well with the expression
      levels of IL-4Ralpha on cancer cells (r = 0.80). In addition, IL-4Ralpha-lytic
      peptide administered either intratumoraly or intravenously significantly
      inhibited tumor growth in xenograft model of human pancreatic cancer (BXPC-3) in
      mice. These results indicate that the IL-4Ralpha-lytic peptide generated in this
      study has a potent and selective anticancer potential against IL-4Ralpha-positive
      solid cancers.

PMID- 22084166
TI  - Induction of vascular endothelial growth factor secretion by childhood acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia cells via the FLT-3 signaling pathway.
AB  - Human leukemia cells secrete VEGF, which can act in a paracrine manner within the
      bone marrow microenvironment to promote leukemia cell survival and proliferation.
      The FLT-3 receptor tyrosine kinase plays an essential role in regulating normal
      hematopoiesis, but its constitutive activation via mutation in acute leukemias is
      generally associated with poor outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate
      interactions between the FLT-3 and VEGF signaling pathways in acute leukemia
      using cell lines and ex vivo cultures of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      cells following expansion of direct patient explants in immunodeficient mice.
      Different xenograft lines exhibited variable cell surface FLT-3 expression, as
      well as basal and FLT-3 ligand-induced VEGF secretion, whereas the MV4;11 cell
      line, which expresses constitutively active FLT-3, secreted high levels of VEGF.
      The FLT-3 inhibitor, SU11657, significantly reduced VEGF secretion in three of
      six xenograft lines and MV4;11 cells, in conjunction with inhibition of FLT-3
      tyrosine phosphorylation. Moreover, exposure of xenograft cells to the FLT-3
      blocking antibody, D43, also reduced VEGF secretion to basal levels and decreased
      FLT-3 tyrosine phosphorylation. In terms of downstream signaling, SU11657 and D43
      both caused dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, with
      no changes in AKT or STAT5 phosphorylation. Finally, partial knockdown of FLT-3
      expression by short interfering RNA also resulted in inhibition of VEGF
      secretion. These results indicate that FLT-3 signaling plays a central role in
      the regulation of VEGF secretion and that inhibition of the FLT-3/VEGF pathway
      may disrupt paracrine signaling between leukemia cells and the bone marrow
      microenvironment.

PMID- 22084167
TI  - Apigenin induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells and exhibits anti-leukemic
      activity in vivo.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the functional role of Akt and c-jun-NH(2)-kinase
      (JNK) signaling cascades in apigenin-induced apoptosis in U937 human leukemia
      cells and anti-leukemic activity of apigenin in vivo. Apigenin induced apoptosis
      by inactivation of Akt with a concomitant activation of JNK, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2
      downregulation, cytochrome c release from mitochondria, and activation of
      caspases. Constitutively active myristolated Akt prevented apigenin-induced JNK,
      caspase activation, and apoptosis. Conversely, LY294002 and a dominant-negative
      construct of Akt potentiated apigenin-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells.
      Interruption of the JNK pathway showed marked reduction in apigenin-induced
      caspase activation and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Furthermore, in vivo
      administration of apigenin resulted in attenuation of tumor growth in U937
      xenografts accompanied by inactivation of Akt and activation of JNK. Attenuation
      of tumor growth in U937 xenografts by apigenin raises the possibility that
      apigenin may have clinical implications and can be further tested for
      incorporating in leukemia treatment regimens.

PMID- 22084168
TI  - Gene expression profile in response to doxorubicin-rapamycin combined treatment
      of HER-2-overexpressing human mammary epithelial cell lines.
AB  - HER-2-positive breast cancers frequently sustain elevated AKT/mTOR signaling,
      which has been associated with resistance to doxorubicin treatment. Here, we
      investigated whether rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, increased the sensitivity to
      doxorubicin therapy in two HER-2-overexpressing cell lines: C5.2, which was
      derived from the parental HB4a by transfection with HER-2 and SKBR3, which
      exhibits HER-2 amplification. The epithelial mammary cell line HB4a was also
      analyzed. The combined treatment using 20 nmol/L of rapamycin and 30 nmol/L of
      doxorubicin arrested HB4a and C5.2 cells in S to G(2)-M, whereas SKBR3 cells
      showed an increase in the G(0)-G(1) phase. Rapamycin increased the sensitivity to
      doxorubicin in HER-2-overexpressing cells by approximately 2-fold, suggesting
      that the combination displayed a more effective antiproliferative action. Gene
      expression profiling showed that these results might reflect alterations in genes
      involved in canonical pathways related to purine metabolism, oxidative
      phosphorylation, protein ubiquitination, and mitochondrial dysfunction. A set of
      122 genes modulated by the combined treatment and specifically related to HER-2
      overexpression was determined by finding genes commonly regulated in both C5.2
      and SKBR3 that were not affected in HB4a cells. Network analysis of this
      particular set showed a smaller subgroup of genes in which coexpression pattern
      in HB4a cells was disrupted in C5.2 and SKBR3. Altogether, our data showed a
      subset of genes that might be more robust than individual markers in predicting
      the response of HER-2-overexpressing breast cancers to doxorubicin and rapamycin
      combination.

PMID- 22084171
TI  - Targeting allosteric regulatory modules in oncoproteins: "drugging the
      undruggable".

PMID- 22084169
TI  - Targeted mutations in the ATR pathway define agent-specific requirements for
      cancer cell growth and survival.
AB  - Many anticancer agents induce DNA strand breaks or cause the accumulation of DNA
      replication intermediates. The protein encoded by ataxia-telangiectasia mutated
      and Rad 3-related (ATR) generates signals in response to these altered DNA
      structures and activates cellular survival responses. Accordingly, ATR has drawn
      increased attention as a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies
      designed to potentiate the effects of existing drugs. In this study, we use a
      unique panel of genetically modified human cancer cells to unambiguously test the
      roles of upstream and downstream components of the ATR pathway in the responses
      to common therapeutic agents. Upstream, the S-phase-specific cyclin-dependent
      kinase (Cdk) 2 was required for robust activation of ATR in response to diverse
      chemotherapeutic agents. While Cdk2-mediated ATR activation promoted cell
      survival after treatment with many drugs, signaling from ATR directly to the
      checkpoint kinase Chk1 was required for survival responses to only a subset of
      the drugs tested. These results show that specifically inhibiting the
      Cdk2/ATR/Chk1 pathway via distinct regulators can differentially sensitize cancer
      cells to a wide range of therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22084174
TI  - Role of imaging in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of thymoma.
AB  - Thymoma is a rare mediastinal neoplasm but is the most common primary neoplasm of
      the anterior mediastinum. There have been only a few published reports assessing
      this disease. Furthermore, many of these reports are from a single institution
      and span several decades, which may lead to potentially misleading conclusions
      related to diagnosis, staging, and treatment. Computed tomography is the imaging
      modality of choice for evaluating thymoma and can help distinguish thymoma from
      other anterior mediastinal abnormalities. Tumor stage and extent of resection are
      the most important prognostic factors. Tumors that are encapsulated and are
      amenable to complete resection have a good prognosis, whereas invasive and
      unresectable tumors have a poor prognosis regardless of their histologic
      characteristics. Radiologists must be aware of the full spectrum of imaging
      findings of thymoma, the standard guidelines for diagnostic evaluation, and how
      imaging findings affect therapeutic decisions.

PMID- 22084170
TI  - MK1775, a selective Wee1 inhibitor, shows single-agent antitumor activity against
      sarcoma cells.
AB  - Wee1 is a critical component of the G(2)-M cell-cycle checkpoint control and
      mediates cell-cycle arrest by regulating the phosphorylation of CDC2. Inhibition
      of Wee1 by a selective small molecule inhibitor MK1775 can abrogate G(2)-M
      checkpoint, resulting in premature mitotic entry and cell death. MK1775 has
      recently been tested in preclinical and clinical studies of human carcinoma to
      enhance the cytotoxic effect of DNA-damaging agents. However, its role in
      mesenchymal tumors, especially as a single agent, has not been explored. Here, we
      studied the cytotoxic effect of MK1775 in various sarcoma cell lines and patient
      derived tumor explants ex vivo. Our data show that MK1775 treatment at clinically
      relevant concentrations leads to unscheduled entry into mitosis and initiation of
      apoptotic cell death in all sarcomas tested. In MK1775-treated cells, CDC2
      activity was enhanced, as determined by decreased inhibitory phosphorylation of
      tyrosine-15 residue and increased expression of phosphorylated histone H3, a
      marker of mitotic entry. The cytotoxic effect of Wee1 inhibition on sarcoma cells
      seems to be independent of p53 status as all sarcoma cell lines with different
      p53 mutation were highly sensitive to MK1775 treatment. Finally, in patient
      derived sarcoma samples, we showed that MK1775 as a single agent causes
      significant apoptotic cell death, suggesting that Wee1 inhibition may represent a
      novel approach in the treatment of sarcomas.

PMID- 22084176
TI  - Sclerosing bone dysplasias: review and differentiation from other causes of
      osteosclerosis.
AB  - Sclerosing bone dysplasias are skeletal abnormalities of varying severity with a
      wide range of radiologic, clinical, and genetic features. Hereditary sclerosing
      bone dysplasias result from some disturbance in the pathways involved in
      osteoblast or osteoclast regulation, leading to abnormal accumulation of bone.
      Several genes have been discovered that, when disrupted, result in specific types
      of hereditary sclerosing bone dysplasia (osteopetrosis, pyknodysostosis,
      osteopoikilosis, osteopathia striata, progressive diaphyseal dysplasia,
      hereditary multiple diaphyseal sclerosis, hyperostosis corticalis generalisata),
      many of which exhibit similar pathologic mechanisms involving endochondral or
      intramembranous ossification and some of which share similar underlying genetic
      defects. Nonhereditary dysplasias include intramedullary osteosclerosis,
      melorheostosis, and overlap syndromes, whereas acquired syndromes with increased
      bone density, which may simulate sclerosing bone dysplasias, include osteoblastic
      metastases, Paget disease of bone, Erdheim-Chester disease, myelofibrosis, and
      sickle cell disease. Knowledge of the radiologic appearances, distribution, and
      associated clinical findings of hereditary and nonhereditary sclerosing bone
      dysplasias and acquired syndromes with increased bone density is crucial for
      accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 22084177
TI  - AIRP best cases in radiologic-pathologic correlation: synovial chondrosarcoma.

PMID- 22084178
TI  - Masses and malformations of the third ventricle: normal anatomic relationships
      and differential diagnoses.
AB  - The third ventricle lies in the center of the brain. It is surrounded by critical
      nuclear structures (the hypothalamus and thalami) and important glandular
      structures (the pituitary and pineal glands). Although a wide array of pathologic
      processes may involve the third ventricle, most are extrinsic masses. By
      understanding the anatomic boundaries of the third ventricle and its relationship
      to adjacent structures, it is possible to create short lists of differential
      diagnoses. Third ventricle masses can be classified as arising in or immediately
      adjacent to one of five locations: anterior, posterior, inferior, foramen of
      Monro, and intraventricular. Anterior masses involve the optic and infundibular
      recesses, posterior masses affect or arise in the posterior commissure and pineal
      gland, and inferior masses involve or affect the ventricle floor. Masses may also
      arise at or adjacent to the foramen of Monro or entirely within the third
      ventricle. Of the intraventricular masses, chordoid glioma-a rare low-grade
      primary neoplasm-is unique to the third ventricle. Congenital malformations of
      the third ventricle are uncommon and are most often noted during childhood. Most
      commonly, these anomalies represent malformations of the neurohypophysis, which
      may manifest as hormonal abnormalities, or stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius,
      which manifests as dilatation of the third and lateral ventricles
      (hydrocephalus).

PMID- 22084179
TI  - Primary lesions of the root of the tongue.
AB  - In the assessment of the head and neck, differential diagnoses can be formulated
      by subdividing the anatomy into spaces along identifiable and logical boundaries.
      In the oral cavity, the root of the tongue is notably unlike adjacent regions due
      to structural and tissue-specific differences. The majority of lesions found in
      the root of the tongue are congenital and benign, representing ectopic tissues of
      thyroidal, epidermal, dermal, foregut, venous, and lymphatic origin. A greater
      number of acquired neoplasms and infections are seen in the adjacent sublingual,
      submandibular, and oropharyngeal regions of the base of the tongue, presumably
      due to their greater exposure to mucosal surfaces and lymphatic tissues. Many
      lesions of the root of the tongue have clinical and imaging characteristics that
      can help narrow the differential diagnosis, and surgical management may be
      required. Familiarity with these lesions and how they differ from other lesions
      of the oral cavity and oropharynx can significantly aid in their diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 22084180
TI  - Soft tissue tumors of the head and neck: imaging-based review of the WHO
      classification.
AB  - The World Health Organization (WHO) system for defining and classifying soft
      tissue tumors is usually applied to lesions that occur in the trunk and
      extremities, but it also provides an excellent framework for characterizing
      nonepithelial extraskeletal tumors of the head and neck. Although nonepithelial
      extraskeletal tumors are in the minority among head and neck lesions, they are by
      no means rare. The WHO classification system recognizes nine major types based on
      histologic differentiation: adipocytic, fibroblastic or myofibroblastic,
      fibrohistiocytic, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, vascular, pericytic, and
      chondro-osseous tumors, as well as soft tissue tumors of uncertain
      differentiation. Tumors of each histologic type may be further subclassified on
      the basis of their biologic behavior as benign, intermediate (ie, having
      malignant potential), or malignant. Imaging plays an important role in the
      noninvasive diagnosis and characterization of nonepithelial soft tissue tumors of
      the head and neck, providing clues about tumor grade, composition, extent, and
      involvement of adjacent structures. Although the imaging characteristics of many
      such tumors are nonspecific, consideration of the clinical history in concert
      with the imaging findings may help limit the differential diagnosis or even allow
      reliable diagnosis of some of these tumors.

PMID- 22084181
TI  - Distinguishing breast skin lesions from superficial breast parenchymal lesions:
      diagnostic criteria, imaging characteristics, and pitfalls.
AB  - Superficial lesions are commonly encountered in the breast and may be located in
      the dermis, hypodermis (subcutaneous fat), or parenchyma. The differential
      diagnosis varies for each anatomic layer. Dermal lesions that are seen by breast
      imagers are usually benign skin cysts. Hypodermal lesions, although usually
      benign, may include lesions that arise from anterior terminal duct lobular units
      and include papilloma, adenosis, fibroadenoma, and breast cancer. To avoid
      misclassifying a small superficial breast cancer as a benign dermal lesion, it is
      necessary to understand superficial breast and skin anatomy and the mammographic,
      ultrasonographic (U.S.), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging signs that indicate
      that a lesion is dermal. Mammography is the optimal modality for localizing
      calcifications to the dermis or hypodermis. However, U.S. typically has higher
      resolution for localizing masses than mammography and MR imaging. At US, a lesion
      may be categorized as dermal (a) if it is contained entirely within the dermis,
      (b) if a tract that extends from the lesion to the skin is seen, or (c) if a claw
      of tissue surrounding the margin of the lesion is present. As with other breast
      lesions, suspicious imaging features should be sought in addition to determining
      the anatomic origin. If histologic analysis is necessary to characterize lesions
      with an unknown cause or origin, precautions must be taken to decrease patient
      morbidity.

PMID- 22084182
TI  - Paget disease of the breast: mammographic, US, and MR imaging findings with
      pathologic correlation.
AB  - Paget disease is a rare malignancy of the breast characterized by infiltration of
      the nipple epidermis by adenocarcinoma cells. The clinical features of Paget
      disease are characteristic and should increase the likelihood of the diagnosis
      being made. An important point is that more than 90% of cases of Paget disease
      are associated with an additional underlying breast malignancy. Paget disease is
      frequently associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the underlying
      lactiferous ducts of the nipple-areolar complex; it may even be associated with
      DCIS or invasive breast cancer elsewhere in the breast, at least 2 cm from the
      nipple-areolar complex. Nevertheless, mammographic findings may be negative in up
      to 50% of cases. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be useful in patients with
      Paget disease for evaluation of the nipple-areolar complex and identification of
      an additional underlying malignancy in the breast. The appropriate surgical
      treatment must be carefully selected and individualized on the basis of
      radiologic findings, especially those obtained with breast MR imaging.

PMID- 22084183
TI  - saline-infused sonohysterography: tips for achieving greater success.
AB  - Saline-infused sonohysterography (SIS) may help improve visualization of the
      endometrium and endometrial cavity and assess tubal patency. Although most SIS
      procedures are straightforward, a variety of pitfalls may lead to an unsuccessful
      procedure or incomplete evaluation. SIS should be scheduled between days 4 and 10
      of the patient's menstrual cycle, when the endometrium is at its thinnest, and
      physiologic changes during the secretory phase are not present. Performing
      preprocedure imaging serves many purposes, such as depicting hydrosalpinx, causes
      of uterine and adnexal tenderness, and pelvic inflammatory disease, as well as
      assessing the size and position of the uterus and the orientation of the cervix.
      It is important not to presume that fibroids are the cause of bleeding when the
      endometrium is obscured at preprocedure imaging. Obstacles to a successful
      procedure include issues related to patient anxiety and discomfort, which may be
      prevented or minimized at almost every step of the procedure. Inability to obtain
      access to the cervix is the most common cause of unsuccessful SIS; proper patient
      positioning in a semi-upright lithotomy position is important. Injection of air
      during any US-guided procedure may lead to shadowing that obscures the region of
      interest. Adequate distention of the endometrial cavity is crucial for successful
      SIS, and optimal positioning of the distended balloon may improve the degree of
      distention. However, poor distention may be indicative of an underlying
      pathologic condition. Knowledge of these pitfalls and the strategies to overcome
      them may prevent premature or unnecessary termination of an otherwise successful
      study.

PMID- 22084184
TI  - Pelvic reconstruction with omental and VRAM flaps: anatomy, surgical technique,
      normal postoperative findings, and complications.
AB  - Soft-tissue reconstruction of the pelvis with vascularized tissue flaps has
      become an increasingly common procedure. The types of flaps and the indications
      for their use vary, but all flap procedures are performed with the goal of
      transferring tissue from a donor site to a recipient site to restore form and
      function, obliterate dead space, and create an environment favorable to wound
      healing. Oncologic surgeries, including total pelvic exenteration and
      abdominoperineal resection, are the leading indications for pelvic
      reconstruction. The pedicle flaps most commonly used for pelvic reconstruction
      following these oncologic interventions are the vertical rectus abdominis
      myocutaneous flap (VRAM) and the omental pedicle flap. Familiarity with the
      surgical techniques used for pelvic reconstruction with these flaps is crucial
      for the accurate interpretation of cross-sectional imaging studies, allowing the
      radiologist to distinguish between normal postoperative findings and
      complications or recurrent disease.

PMID- 22084185
TI  - Imaging manifestations of abdominal fat necrosis and its mimics.
AB  - Intraabdominal fat is a metabolically active tissue that may undergo necrosis
      through a number of mechanisms. Fat necrosis is a common finding at abdominal
      cross-sectional imaging, and it may cause abdominal pain, mimic findings of acute
      abdomen, or be asymptomatic and accompany other pathophysiologic processes.
      Common processes that are present in fat necrosis include torsion of an epiploic
      appendage, infarction of the greater omentum, and fat necrosis related to trauma
      or pancreatitis. In addition, other pathologic processes that involve fat may be
      visualized at computed tomography, including focal lipohypertrophy, pathologic
      fat paucity (lipodystrophies), and malignancies such as liposarcoma, which may
      mimic benign causes of fat stranding. Because fat necrosis and malignant
      processes such as liposarcoma and peritoneal carcinomatosis may mimic one
      another, knowledge of a patient's clinical history and prior imaging studies is
      essential for accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 22084186
TI  - AIRP best cases in radiologic-pathologic correlation: spindle cell carcinoma of
      the esophagus.

PMID- 22084188
TI  - Interpretation of SPECT/CT myocardial perfusion images: common artifacts and
      quality control techniques.
AB  - Nuclear medicine has long played an important role in the noninvasive evaluation
      of known or suspected coronary artery disease. The development of single photon
      emission computed tomography (SPECT) led to improved assessments of myocardial
      perfusion, and the use of electrocardiographic gating made accurate measurements
      of ventricular wall motion, ejection fractions, and ventricular volumes possible.
      With the use of hybrid SPECT/computed tomography (CT) scanning systems, the
      cardiac functional parameters can be measured in a single imaging session. These
      recent advances in imaging technology have not only enhanced image quality but
      also improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in the detection of
      clinically relevant coronary artery disease. The CT-based attenuation maps
      obtained with hybrid SPECT/CT systems also have been useful for improving
      diagnostic accuracy. However, when attenuation correction and other advanced
      image data postprocessing techniques are used, unexpected artifacts may arise.
      The artifacts most commonly encountered are related to the characteristics either
      of the technology or of the patient. Thus, close attention to the details of
      acquisition protocols, processing techniques, and image interpretation is needed
      to ensure high diagnostic quality in myocardial perfusion studies.

PMID- 22084189
TI  - Novel oncologic drugs: what they do and how they affect images.
AB  - Targeted therapies are designed to interfere with specific aberrant biologic
      pathways involved in tumor development. The main classes of novel oncologic drugs
      include antiangiogenic drugs, antivascular agents, drugs interfering with EGFR
      HER2 or KIT receptors, inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and hormonal
      therapies. Cancer cells usurp normal signal transduction pathways used by growth
      factors to stimulate proliferation and sustain viability. The interaction of
      growth factors with their receptors activates different intracellular pathways
      affecting key tumor biologic processes such as neoangiogenesis, tumor metabolism,
      and tumor proliferation. The response of tumors to anticancer therapy can be
      evaluated with anatomic response assessment, qualitative response assessment, and
      response assessment with functional and molecular imaging. Angiogenesis can be
      measured by means of perfusion imaging with computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging allows imaging evaluation
      of tumor cellularity. The main imaging techniques for studying tumor metabolism
      in vivo are positron emission tomography and MR spectroscopy. Familiarity with
      imaging findings secondary to tumor response to targeted therapies may help the
      radiologist better assist the clinician in accurate evaluation of tumor response
      to these anticancer treatments. Functional and molecular imaging techniques may
      provide valuable data and augment conventional assessment of tumor response to
      targeted therapies. Supplemental material available at
      http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.317115108/-/DC1.

PMID- 22084190
TI  - Radiologic assessment of response to therapy: comparison of RECIST Versions 1.1
      and 1.0.
AB  - Improvements in radiologic imaging technology and therapeutic options available
      for management of tumors have necessitated the revision of guidelines for the
      imaging-based assessment of tumor response to therapy. The purpose of this
      article is to familiarize radiologists with the modifications to the Response
      Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) that have been incorporated in the
      latest version of the guidelines, RECIST 1.1. The most important differences
      between this version and the previous one, RECIST 1.0, include reductions in the
      maximum number of lesions per patient and per organ that may be targeted for
      measurement, augmentation of the criteria defining progressive disease,
      additional guidelines for reporting findings of lesions that are too small to
      measure and for measuring lesions that appear to have fragmented or coalesced at
      follow-up imaging, new criteria for characterizing lymphadenopathy, new criteria
      for selecting bone lesions and cystic lesions as targets for measurement, and the
      inclusion of findings at positron emission tomography among the indicators of
      disease response.

PMID- 22084191
TI  - Vascular abnormalities of the breast: arterial and venous disorders, vascular
      masses, and mimic lesions with radiologic-pathologic correlation.
AB  - Vascular abnormalities of the breast include a wide spectrum of arterial and
      venous disorders, as well as benign and malignant vascular masses. Multimodality
      imaging is often necessary to accurately diagnose several of these uncommon
      conditions, and pathologic correlation can be important for accurate diagnosis of
      vascular masses. After a review of the vascular anatomy of the breast, the
      authors discuss the imaging appearance of several native arterial disorders
      (atherosclerosis and aneurysm) and venous disorders (superior vena cava syndrome,
      congestive heart failure, thrombophlebitis, and varix). Benign vascular tumors
      (hemangioma, lymphangioma, and angiolipoma) and malignant vascular tumors
      (angiosarcoma and hemangiopericytoma) that may be encountered in the breast are
      also reviewed. In addition, pitfalls in the correct interpretation of vascular
      breast lesions (devascularization of masses and pathologic mimics) are reviewed.
      Understanding and assessing normal and pathologic breast vasculature will permit
      more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning and allow breast imagers to have a
      more active role in breast care.

PMID- 22084192
TI  - Enlargement of the inferior intercavernous sinus: a new sign for the diagnosis of
      craniospinal hypotension.

PMID- 22084193
TI  - Dabigatran.

PMID- 22084194
TI  - Bone marrow therapy for myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22084196
TI  - BGMUT: NCBI dbRBC database of allelic variations of genes encoding antigens of
      blood group systems.
AB  - Analogous to human leukocyte antigens, blood group antigens are surface markers
      on the erythrocyte cell membrane whose structures differ among individuals and
      which can be serologically identified. The Blood Group Antigen Gene Mutation
      Database (BGMUT) is an online repository of allelic variations in genes that
      determine the antigens of various human blood group systems. The database is
      manually curated with allelic information collated from scientific literature and
      from direct submissions from research laboratories. Currently, the database
      documents sequence variations of a total of 1251 alleles of all 40 gene loci that
      together are known to affect antigens of 30 human blood group systems. When
      available, information on the geographic or ethnic prevalence of an allele is
      also provided. The BGMUT website also has general information on the human blood
      group systems and the genes responsible for them. BGMUT is a part of the dbRBC
      resource of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA, and is
      available online at
      http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/gv/rbc/xslcgi.fcgi?cmd=bgmut. The database
      should be of use to members of the transfusion medicine community, those
      interested in studies of genetic variation and related topics such as human
      migrations, and students as well as members of the general public.

PMID- 22084195
TI  - Effect of intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells 2 to
      3 weeks following acute myocardial infarction on left ventricular function: the
      LateTIME randomized trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Clinical trial results suggest that intracoronary delivery of autologous
      bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) may improve left ventricular (LV) function
      when administered within the first week following myocardial infarction (MI).
      However, because a substantial number of patients may not present for early cell
      delivery, the efficacy of autologous BMC delivery 2 to 3 weeks post-MI warrants
      investigation. OBJECTIVE: To determine if intracoronary delivery of autologous
      BMCs improves global and regional LV function when delivered 2 to 3 weeks
      following first MI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: A randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled trial (LateTIME) of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
      Institute-sponsored Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network of 87 patients
      with significant LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] <=45%) following
      successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between July 8, 2008,
      and February 28, 2011. INTERVENTIONS: Intracoronary infusion of 150 * 10(6)
      autologous BMCs (total nucleated cells) or placebo (BMC:placebo, 2:1) was
      performed within 12 hours of bone marrow aspiration after local automated cell
      processing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in global (LVEF) and regional (wall
      motion) LV function in the infarct and border zone between baseline and 6 months,
      measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary end points included
      changes in LV volumes and infarct size. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were
      randomized (mean [SD] age, 57 [11] years; 83% men). Harvesting, processing, and
      intracoronary delivery of BMCs in this setting was feasible. Change between
      baseline and 6 months in the BMC group vs placebo for mean LVEF (48.7% to 49.2%
      vs 45.3% to 48.8%; between-group mean difference, -3.00; 95% CI, -7.05 to 0.95),
      wall motion in the infarct zone (6.2 to 6.5 mm vs 4.9 to 5.9 mm; between-group
      mean difference, -0.70; 95% CI, -2.78 to 1.34), and wall motion in the border
      zone (16.0 to 16.6 mm vs 16.1 to 19.3 mm; between-group mean difference, -2.60;
      95% CI, -6.03 to 0.77) were not statistically significant. No significant change
      in LV volumes and infarct volumes was observed; both groups decreased by a
      similar amount at 6 months vs baseline. CONCLUSION: Among patients with MI and LV
      dysfunction following reperfusion with PCI, intracoronary infusion of autologous
      BMCs vs intracoronary placebo infusion, 2 to 3 weeks after PCI, did not improve
      global or regional function at 6 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT00684060.

PMID- 22084197
TI  - AP endonuclease independent repair of abasic sites in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - Abasic (AP) sites are formed spontaneously and are inevitably intermediates
      during base excision repair of DNA base damages. AP sites are both mutagenic and
      cytotoxic and key enzymes for their removal are AP endonucleases. However, AP
      endonuclease independent repair initiated by DNA glycosylases performing
      beta,delta-elimination cleavage of the AP sites has been described in mammalian
      cells. Here, we describe another AP endonuclease independent repair pathway for
      removal of AP sites in Schizosaccharomyces pombe that is initiated by a
      bifunctional DNA glycosylase, Nth1 and followed by cleavage of the baseless sugar
      residue by tyrosyl phosphodiesterase Tdp1. We propose that repair is completed by
      the action of a polynucleotide kinase, a DNA polymerase and finally a DNA ligase
      to seal the gap. A fission yeast double mutant of the major AP endonuclease Apn2
      and Tdp1 shows synergistic increase in MMS sensitivity, substantiating that Apn2
      and Tdp1 process the same substrate. These results add new knowledge to the
      complex cellular response to AP sites, which could be exploited in chemotherapy
      where synthetic lethality is a key strategy of treatment.

PMID- 22084198
TI  - PLEXdb: gene expression resources for plants and plant pathogens.
AB  - PLEXdb (http://www.plexdb.org), in partnership with community databases, supports
      comparisons of gene expression across multiple plant and pathogen species,
      promoting individuals and/or consortia to upload genome-scale data sets to
      contrast them to previously archived data. These analyses facilitate the
      interpretation of structure, function and regulation of genes in economically
      important plants. A list of Gene Atlas experiments highlights data sets that give
      responses across different developmental stages, conditions and tissues. Tools at
      PLEXdb allow users to perform complex analyses quickly and easily. The Model
      Genome Interrogator (MGI) tool supports mapping gene lists onto corresponding
      genes from model plant organisms, including rice and Arabidopsis. MGI predicts
      homologies, displays gene structures and supporting information for annotated
      genes and full-length cDNAs. The gene list-processing wizard guides users through
      PLEXdb functions for creating, analyzing, annotating and managing gene lists.
      Users can upload their own lists or create them from the output of PLEXdb tools,
      and then apply diverse higher level analyses, such as ANOVA and clustering.
      PLEXdb also provides methods for users to track how gene expression changes
      across many different experiments using the Gene OscilloScope. This tool can
      identify interesting expression patterns, such as up-regulation under diverse
      conditions or checking any gene's suitability as a steady-state control.

PMID- 22084199
TI  - Solution structure and DNA-binding properties of the phosphoesterase domain of
      DNA ligase D.
AB  - The phosphoesterase (PE) domain of the bacterial DNA repair enzyme LigD possesses
      distinctive manganese-dependent 3'-phosphomonoesterase and 3'-phosphodiesterase
      activities. PE exemplifies a new family of DNA end-healing enzymes found in all
      phylogenetic domains. Here, we determined the structure of the PE domain of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa LigD (PaePE) using solution NMR methodology. PaePE has a
      disordered N-terminus and a well-folded core that differs in instructive ways
      from the crystal structure of a PaePE*Mn(2+)* sulfate complex, especially at the
      active site that is found to be conformationally dynamic. Chemical shift
      perturbations in the presence of primer-template duplexes with 3'
      deoxynucleotide, 3'-deoxynucleotide 3'-phosphate, or 3' ribonucleotide termini
      reveal the surface used by PaePE to bind substrate DNA and suggest a more
      efficient engagement in the presence of a 3'-ribonucleotide. Spectral
      perturbations measured in the presence of weakly catalytic (Cd(2+)) and
      inhibitory (Zn(2+)) metals provide evidence for significant conformational
      changes at and near the active site, compared to the relatively modest changes
      elicited by Mn(2+).

PMID- 22084200
TI  - AH-DB: collecting protein structure pairs before and after binding.
AB  - This work presents the Apo-Holo DataBase (AH-DB, http://ahdb.ee.ncku.edu.tw/ and
      http://ahdb.csbb.ntu.edu.tw/), which provides corresponding pairs of protein
      structures before and after binding. Conformational transitions are commonly
      observed in various protein interactions that are involved in important
      biological functions. For example, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which
      destroys free superoxide radicals in the body, undergoes a large conformational
      transition from an 'open' state (apo structure) to a 'closed' state (holo
      structure). Many studies have utilized collections of apo-holo structure pairs to
      investigate the conformational transitions and critical residues. However, the
      collection process is usually complicated, varies from study to study and
      produces a small-scale data set. AH-DB is designed to provide an easy and unified
      way to prepare such data, which is generated by identifying/mapping molecules in
      different Protein Data Bank (PDB) entries. Conformational transitions are
      identified based on a refined alignment scheme to overcome the challenge that
      many structures in the PDB database are only protein fragments and not complete
      proteins. There are 746,314 apo-holo pairs in AH-DB, which is about 30 times
      those in the second largest collection of similar data. AH-DB provides
      sophisticated interfaces for searching apo-holo structure pairs and exploring
      conformational transitions from apo structures to the corresponding holo
      structures.

PMID- 22084201
TI  - Improving patient safety via automated laboratory-based adverse event grading.
AB  - The identification and grading of adverse events (AEs) during the conduct of
      clinical trials is a labor-intensive and error-prone process. This paper
      describes and evaluates a software tool developed by City of Hope to automate
      complex algorithms to assess laboratory results and identify and grade AEs. We
      compared AEs identified by the automated system with those previously assessed
      manually, to evaluate missed/misgraded AEs. We also conducted a prospective
      paired time assessment of automated versus manual AE assessment. We found a
      substantial improvement in accuracy/completeness with the automated grading tool,
      which identified an additional 17% of severe grade 3-4 AEs that had been
      missed/misgraded manually. The automated system also provided an average time
      saving of 5.5 min per treatment course. With 400 ongoing treatment trials at City
      of Hope and an average of 1800 laboratory results requiring assessment per study,
      the implications of these findings for patient safety are enormous.

PMID- 22084202
TI  - Prevalence rate and dentoskeletal features associated with buccally displaced
      maxillary canines.
AB  - The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence and distribution of buccally
      displaced canines (BDCs) in subjects scheduled for orthodontic treatment and to
      investigate the association between BDC and sagittal, vertical, and transverse
      dentoskeletal relationships. A study sample of 1852 subjects was examined, and it
      was divided randomly into two groups. A first group of 252 subjects served as
      control group: the 'reference' prevalence rates for the examined parameters were
      calculated in this group. The remaining 1600 subjects comprised the sample from
      which the experimental BDC group was derived. Presence of unilateral or bilateral
      maxillary BDC, ANB, and SN GOGn angles for sagittal and vertical skeletal
      relationships, intercanine and intermolar distances, and tooth crowding at the
      maxillary arch were recorded for each subject. The statistical significance of
      differences between the BDC and the control groups in transverse relations and
      tooth crowding at the upper arch was tested by means of independent sample t
      tests. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the prevalence rates of BDC and
      also sagittal and vertical skeletal features in the two groups. The prevalence
      rate of BDC was 3.06 per cent with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. BDC subjects
      exhibited a significant association with hyperdivergent skeletal relationships
      (38.8%), reduced maxillary intercanine width, and crowding in the upper arch. The
      presence of specific dentoskeletal characteristics can be considered as a risk
      indicator for developing a buccal displacement of upper permanent canines.

PMID- 22084203
TI  - Prognostic implications of dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging: a prospective
      multicenter registry.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate dipyridamole cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the
      prediction of major events (MEs) in patients with ischemic chest pain in a large
      multicenter registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional ethics committee
      approval and written informed consent were obtained. A total of 1722 patients who
      were undergoing cardiac MR imaging for chest pain were included. Wall motion
      abnormalities (WMAs) at rest, hyperemia perfusion defect (PD), late gadolinium
      enhancement (LGE), and inducible WMA were analyzed (abnormal if more than one
      abnormal segment was seen) with the 17-segment model. A cardiac MR categorization
      was created: category 1, no PD, LGE, or inducible WMA; category 2, PD without LGE
      and inducible WMA; category 3, LGE without inducible WMA; and category 4,
      inducible WMA. The association with ME was analyzed by using Cox proportional
      hazard regression multivariate models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period
      of 308 days, 61 MEs (4%) occurred (36 cardiac deaths, 25 nonfatal myocardial
      infarctions). MEs were associated with a greater extent of WMA, PD, LGE, and
      inducible WMA (P <= .001 for all analyses). In multivariable analyses, PD (P =
      .002) and inducible WMA (P = .0001) were the only cardiac MR predictors. ME rate
      in categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2% (14 of 901 patients), 3% (six of 219
      patients), 4% (15 of 409 patients), and 14% (26 of 193 patients), respectively
      (category 4 vs category 1, adjusted P < .001). Cardiac MR-directed
      revascularization was performed in 242 patients (14%) and reduced the risk of ME
      in only category 4 (7% [six of 92 patients] vs 26% [26 of 101 patients], P =
      .0004). CONCLUSION: Dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging can be used to predict MEs in
      patients with ischemic chest pain. Patients with inducible WMA are at the highest
      risk for MEs and benefit the most from revascularization.

PMID- 22084204
TI  - Vasculitis: molecular imaging by targeting the inflammatory enzyme
      myeloperoxidase.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if a molecular imaging approach targeting the highly
      oxidative enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) can help noninvasively identify and
      confirm sites of vascular wall inflammation in a murine model of vasculitis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animal experiments were approved by the institutional
      animal care committee. Twenty-six mice were studied, including eight MPO
      deficient and six sham-operated mice as controls. Vasculitis was induced with
      intraperitoneal injection of Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS).
      Aortic root magnetic resonance imaging was performed after intravenous injection
      of the activatable MPO sensor (bis-5-hydroxytryptamide
      diethylenetriaminepentatacetate gadolinium) (n = 23), referred to as MPO-Gd, or
      gadopentetate dimeglumine (n = 10). Seven mice were randomly assigned to receive
      either MPO-Gd or gadopentetate dimeglumine first. Aortic root specimens were
      collected for biochemical and histopathologic analyses to validate imaging
      findings. Statistical significance was calculated for contrast-to-noise ratios
      (CNRs) by using the paired t test. RESULTS: In the aortic root, the mean MPO-Gd
      CNRs after agent injection (CNR = 28.1) were more than 2.5-fold higher than those
      of sham-operated mice imaged with MPO-Gd and vasculitis mice imaged with
      gadopentetate dimeglumine (CNR = 10.6) (P < .05). MPO-Gd MR imaging helped
      identify areas of vasculitis that were not seen at unenhanced and contrast
      material-enhanced imaging with gadopentetate dimeglumine. Histopathologic and
      biochemical analyses for MPO and myeloid cells confirmed imaging findings. In MPO
      deficient mice, injection of CAWS did not result in a vasculitis phenotype,
      implying a key role of the imaging target in disease cause. CONCLUSION: Molecular
      imaging targeting MPO can be a useful biomarker to noninvasively detect and
      confirm inflammation in vasculitis by using a murine model of Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 22084205
TI  - Chronic multiple sclerosis lesions: characterization with high-field-strength MR
      imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To elucidate the mechanism of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast
      in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion appearance by using susceptibility-weighted
      imaging and to assess with histologic correlation the role of iron and myelin in
      generating this MR imaging contrast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each patient provided
      written consent to a human subject protocol approved by an institutional review
      board. High-spatial-resolution susceptibility-weighted 7.0-T MR images were
      obtained in 21 patients with MS. Contrast patterns in quantitative phase and R2*
      images, derived from 7.0-T data, were investigated in 220 areas defined as
      chronic MS lesions on conventional T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery, T2-weighted, and T1-weighted spin-echo images. The presence of positive
      or negative phase shifts (ie, decreased or increased MR frequency, respectively)
      was assessed in each lesion. In addition, postmortem MR imaging was performed at
      7.0 T and 11.7 T, and its results were correlated with those of
      immunohistochemical staining specific for myelin, iron, and ferritin. RESULTS:
      The majority (133 [60.5%] of 220) of the identified lesions had a normal phase
      and reduced R2*. A substantial fraction of the lesions (84 [38.2%] of 220) had
      negative phase shift, either uniformly or at their rim, and a variety of
      appearances on R2* maps. These two lesion contrast patterns were reproduced in
      the postmortem MR imaging study. Comparison with histologic findings showed that,
      while R2* reduction corresponded to severe loss of both iron and myelin, negative
      phase shift corresponded to focal iron deposits with myelin loss. CONCLUSION:
      Combined analysis of 7.0-T R2* and phase data may help in characterizing the
      pathologic features of MS lesions. The observed R2* decreases suggest profound
      myelin loss, whereas negative phase shifts suggest a focal iron accumulation.

PMID- 22084206
TI  - Reduced iodine load at CT pulmonary angiography with dual-energy monochromatic
      imaging: comparison with standard CT pulmonary angiography--a prospective
      randomized trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare quantitative and subjective image quality and radiation dose
      between standard computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and CTPA
      with a dual-energy technique with reduced iodine load. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board and each
      participant provided informed consent. Ninety-four patients (59% male; mean age
      +/- standard deviation, 62 years +/- 15) were randomized to one of two protocols:
      standard CTPA (100-120 kVp) with standard contrast medium injection (n = 46) and
      dual-energy CTPA (image reconstruction at 50 keV) with the same injection volume
      as in the standard protocol but composed of contrast medium and saline in a 1:1
      fashion, resulting in 50% reduction in iodine load (n = 48). Signal intensity and
      noise in three central and two segmental pulmonary arteries were measured; signal
      to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. A five
      point scale was used to subjectively evaluate vascular enhancement and image
      noise. The proportion of diagnostic (score, >= 3) studies and the interreader
      agreement regarding the dichotomized diagnostic versus nondiagnostic scale were
      compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with standard CTPA, dual
      energy CTPA demonstrated higher signal intensity in all pulmonary arteries (all P
      < .01), inferior noise only in segmental arteries (P < .05), higher SNR and CNR
      (both P < .05), and compatible effective dose (P > .05). The five-point score was
      higher in the standard CTPA protocol (P < .05). The interreader agreement
      regarding the dichotomized diagnostic versus nondiagnostic scale was similar (P >
      .05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Dual-energy CTPA with image
      reconstruction at 50 keV allows a significant reduction in iodine load while
      improving intravascular signal intensity, maintaining SNR and with comparable
      radiation dose.

PMID- 22084207
TI  - Determination of grade and subtype of meningiomas by using histogram analysis of
      diffusion-tensor imaging metrics.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether histogram analysis of diffusion-tensor (DT)
      magnetic resonance (MR) imaging metrics, including tensor shape measurements, can
      help determine the grades and subtypes of meningiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      institutional review board approved this HIPAA-compliant study. Nine atypical,
      three anaplastic, and 39 typical meningiomas were retrospectively studied. The 39
      typical meningiomas included one secretory meningioma and 11 fibroblastic, 11
      transitional, 14 meningothelial, and two angiomatous meningiomas. DT imaging
      metrics, including fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, linear anisotropy
      coefficient, planar anisotropy coefficient (CP), spherical anisotropy coefficient
      (CS), and eigenvalue skewness (SK), as well as normalized signal intensity from
      contrast-enhanced T1- and T2-weighted images, were measured from the enhancing
      region of the tumor. Mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis were extracted from
      the histograms. A two-level decision tree was designed, and a multivariate
      logistic regression analysis was used at each level to determine the best model
      for classification. RESULTS: Histogram skewness of SK and kurtosis of SK were
      significantly higher in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas than in typical
      meningiomas (P<.01). Among typical meningiomas, significant differences in
      histogram measures of CP and CS between fibroblastic meningiomas and other
      subtypes were observed (P<.01). The best model for differentiating atypical and
      anaplastic meningiomas from typical meningiomas consisted of mean and skewness of
      SK and kurtosis of T1 signal intensity, with an area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.946. The best model for differentiating
      fibroblastic meningiomas from other subtypes consisted of skewness of T2 signal
      intensity and kurtosis of CP (AUC, 0.970). CONCLUSION: Histogram analysis of DT
      imaging metrics can help determine the grades and subtypes of meningiomas, which
      can better assist in surgical planning.

PMID- 22084208
TI  - New reference values for the neonatal cerebral ventricles.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish new cross-sectional reference values for the size of the
      lateral ventricles in a large cohort of neonates between 24 and 42 weeks'
      gestational age (GA) as well as longitudinal reference values for the follow-up
      of very preterm infants born at less than 30 weeks' gestation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Institutional review board approval and parental written informed
      consent were obtained for this prospective cohort study of 625 neonates (58% male
      patients) with a median GA of 33.4 weeks (range, 24.7-42.6 weeks). All infants
      underwent cranial ultrasonography (US) within 4 days after birth to evaluate the
      size of the lateral ventricles. Scanning was repeated in 301 preterm and term
      neonates within the 1st week of life to assess the presence of ventricular
      reopening. Seventy-nine very preterm infants (GA, <30 weeks) were prospectively
      included for cranial US at term-equivalent age (TEA). US measurements were
      performed of the ventricular index (VI), anterior horn width (AHW), and thalamo
      occipital distance (TOD). Statistical analysis was conducted by using a paired t
      test, multilevel analysis, and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Cross-sectional
      reference values for the VI and TOD increased with maturity, whereas the AHW
      remained constant. Vaginal birth was independently associated with a slightly
      smaller AHW following birth and with an increase in AHW within the 1st week of
      life (P < .05). Preterm-born infants showed a larger ventricular size at TEA
      compared with term infants (P < .001). CONCLUSION: New cross-sectional and
      longitudinal reference curves were established for the size of the neonatal
      lateral ventricles, which may allow for early identification and quantification
      of ventriculomegaly due to either posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation or
      periventricular white matter loss.

PMID- 22084209
TI  - Distinguishing benign from malignant masses at breast US: combined US
      elastography and color doppler US--influence on radiologist accuracy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the combined use of ultrasonographic (US)
      elastography and color Doppler US on the accuracy of radiologists in
      distinguishing benign from malignant nonpalpable breast masses and in making the
      decision for biopsy recommendations at B-mode US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      prospective study was conducted with institutional review board approval; written
      informed consent was obtained. A cohort of 367 biopsy-proved cases in 319 women
      (age range, 22-78 years; mean age, 48.6 years) with B-mode US, US elastographic,
      and Doppler US images was included. Five blinded readers independently scored the
      likelihood of malignancy for four data sets (ie, B-mode US alone, B-mode US and
      elastography, B-mode US and Doppler US, and B-mode US, US elastography, and
      Doppler US). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A(z))
      values, sensitivities, and specificities of each data set were compared. RESULTS:
      The A(z) of B-mode US, US elastography, and Doppler US (average, 0.844; range,
      0.797-0.876) was greater than that of B-mode US alone (average, 0.771; range,
      0.738-0.798) for all readers (P = .001 for readers 1, 2, and 3; P < .001 for
      reader 4; P = .002 for reader 5). When both elastography and Doppler scores were
      negative, leading to strict downgrading, the specificity increased for all
      readers from an average of 25.3% (75.4 of 298; range, 6.4%-40.9%) to 34.0% (101.2
      of 298; range, 26.5%-48.7%) (P < .001 for readers 1, 2, 4, and 5; P = .016 for
      reader 3) without a significant change in sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Combined use
      of US elastography and color Doppler US increases both the accuracy in
      distinguishing benign from malignant masses and the specificity in decision
      making for biopsy recommendation at B-mode US.

PMID- 22084210
TI  - When does a radiologist's recommendation for follow-up result in high-cost
      imaging?
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure the proportion of high-cost imaging generated by a
      radiologist's recommendation and to identify the imaging findings resulting in
      follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective HIPAA-compliant study had
      institutional review board approval, with waiver of informed consent. A
      recommended examination was defined as one performed within a single episode of
      care (defined as fewer than 60 days after the initial imaging) following a
      radiologist's recommendation in a prior examination report. Chest and abdominal
      computed tomography (CT), brain and lumbar spine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,
      and body positron emission tomography were included for analysis. From a database
      of all radiology examinations (approximately 200,000) at one institution over a 6
      month period, a computerized search identified all high-cost examinations that
      were preceded by an examination containing a radiologist recommendation. Medical
      records were reviewed to verify accuracy of the recommending-recommended
      examination pairs and to determine the reason for the radiologist's
      recommendation. For proportions, 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
      RESULTS: Overall, 1558 of 29,232 (5.3%) high-cost examinations followed a
      radiologist's recommendation. Chest CT was the high-cost examination most often
      resulting from a radiologist's recommendation (878 of 9331, 9.4%), followed by
      abdominal CT (390 of 10,258, 3.8%) and brain MR imaging (222 of 6436, 3.4%). The
      examination types with the highest numbers of follow-up examinations were chest
      radiography (n=431), chest CT (n=410), abdominal CT (n=214), and abdominal
      ultrasonography (n=120). The most common findings resulting in follow-up were
      pulmonary nodules or masses (559 of 1558, 35.9%), other pulmonary abnormalities
      (150 of 1558, 9.6%), adenopathy (103 of 1558, 6.6%), renal lesions (101 of 1558,
      6.5%), and negative examination findings (101 of 1558, 6.5%). CONCLUSION:
      Radiologists' recommendations account for only a small proportion of outpatient
      high-cost imaging examinations. Pulmonary nodule follow-up is the most common
      cause for radiologist-generated examinations.

PMID- 22084211
TI  - Acute lower intestinal bleeding: feasibility and diagnostic performance of CT
      angiography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of computed tomographic (CT)
      angiography as the initial diagnostic examination for patients presenting to the
      emergency room with acute lower intestinal bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee, and written informed
      consent was obtained from each patient or their closest relative when the
      clinical condition precluded consent by the patient. This prospective study
      comprised 47 patients (27 men, 20 women; mean age, 68 years) with acute lower
      gastrointestinal tract bleeding who were referred to undergo emergency
      colonoscopy for evaluation. CT angiography was performed in all patients shortly
      after arrival to the emergency room. Findings identified at CT angiography
      included active extravasation (ongoing hemorrhage) or hyperattenuating
      intraluminal contents on noncontrast material-enhanced images (recent
      hemorrhage). Presence and location of bleeding and likely cause of hemorrhage
      were determined and compared with the standard of reference (angiography,
      colonoscopy, or surgical findings). Data collected were analyzed with a
      statistical software package. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
      predictive values of CT angiography in depicting ongoing or recent hemorrhage
      were calculated and compared with those of standard of reference. RESULTS: CT
      angiography demonstrated active bleeding in 14 patients and intraluminal
      hyperattenuating material in six patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value, and negative predictive value of CT angiography in depicting
      active or recent bleeding were 100% (19 of 19), 96% (27 of 28), 95% (19 of 20),
      and 100% (27 of 27), respectively. Findings of CT angiography and the standard of
      reference were concordant for determining definite or potential cause of bleeding
      in 44 of 47 patients (93% accuracy). CONCLUSION: CT angiography performed in the
      emergency setting in patients with acute lower intestinal bleeding is feasible
      and correctly depicts the presence and location of active or recent hemorrhage,
      as well as the potential cause, in the majority of patients.

PMID- 22084212
TI  - Roadway characteristics and pediatric pedestrian injury.
AB  - Changing the built environment is a sound, but often underutilized approach to
      injury control. The authors reviewed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis
      to synthesize the evidence on the association of roadway characteristics with
      risk of pediatric pedestrian injury. To synthesize the data, they converted
      results to odds ratios based on direct results or abstracted outcomes and used
      Bayesian meta-analytic approaches by modeling outcomes as the logit of a normally
      distributed set of outcomes with vague prior distributions for the central
      measure of effect and its variance. On the basis of 10 studies of roadway
      features restricted exclusively to pediatric populations, the synthesized effect
      estimate for the association of roadway characteristics with pedestrian injury
      risk was 2.5 (95% credible interval: 1.8, 3.2). The probability of a new study
      showing an association between the built roadway and pediatric pedestrian injury
      was nearly 100%. The authors concluded that the built environment is directly
      related to the risk of pedestrian injury. This review and meta-analysis suggests
      that even modest interventions to the built roadway environment may result in
      meaningful reductions in the risk of pediatric pedestrian injury.

PMID- 22084213
TI  - Postenucleation adjuvant chemotherapy with vincristine, etoposide, and
      carboplatin for the treatment of high-risk retinoblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Analysis of 52 eyes with high-risk retinoblastoma managed with
      postenucleation adjuvant chemotherapy using vincristine sulfate, etoposide
      phosphate, and carboplatin showed no evidence of systemic metastasis in any case
      during a mean (range) follow-up of 66 (12-202) months. PURPOSE: To determine the
      efficacy of postenucleation adjuvant chemotherapy with vincristine, etoposide,
      and carboplatin in the prevention of metastasis for patients with high-risk
      retinoblastoma. METHODS: Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series
      of 52 eyes in 51 patients with high-risk retinoblastoma consisting of tumor
      invasion into the anterior segment, posterior uvea 3 mm or greater, postlaminar
      optic nerve, or any combination of posterior uvea and optic nerve involvement.
      RESULTS: Of 51 consecutive patients with high-risk retinoblastoma, there were 30
      males (59%) and 21 females (41%), with a median age of 28 months at diagnosis.
      All 52 eyes were classified as group E. The main histopathologic risk factors
      included anterior segment invasion (7 [13%]), isolated massive posterior uveal
      invasion of 3 mm or greater (6 [12%]), isolated postlaminar optic nerve invasion
      (15 [29%]), or any posterior uveal invasion with any optic nerve involvement (24
      [46%]). There was additional invasion into the sclera (3 [6%]) and extrascleral
      structures, including the orbit (1 [2%]). A single histopathologic high-risk
      factor was present in 32 eyes (62%), whereas 20 eyes (38%) manifested 2 or more
      high-risk characteristics. Based on previously published series, untreated high
      risk retinoblastoma carries at least a 24% risk for metastatic disease. In the
      present series, using vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin in all cases, there
      was no metastasis during a mean follow-up of 66 months (median [range], 55 [12
      202] months). CONCLUSIONS: Retinoblastoma with invasion into the postlaminar
      optic nerve and/or posterior uvea is at high risk for metastasis and death. In
      this study, postenucleation chemotherapy using vincristine, etoposide, and
      carboplatin was effective in preventing metastasis in every case (100%).

PMID- 22084214
TI  - Outcomes of integrating genetics in management of patients with retinoblastoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present the outcome of a comprehensive team approach to provide
      genetic evaluation and testing for a large cohort of children diagnosed with
      retinoblastoma. METHODS: The multidisciplinary team included pediatric
      oncologists, an ophthalmologist, an ophthalmic pathologist, a geneticist, and
      genetic counselors. Retrospective data from 8 years included 90 initial
      evaluations, of which 81 probands were diagnosed with retinoblastoma (34
      bilateral and 47 unilateral) and 9 were evaluated because of a positive family
      history. RESULTS: Genetic testing was accomplished equivalently in bilateral and
      unilateral cases in 51 of 81 patients (63%). In 5 of 30 patients (17%), with
      unilateral disease an RB1 mutation was identified in peripheral blood samples. In
      another 7 of 30 patients (23%), mutation analysis confirmed the occurrence of
      sporadic retinoblastoma. Overall, genetic testing of 48 at-risk family members
      from 21 families revealed 6 individuals positive and 42 negative for the familial
      mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasizes that genetics can be incorporated
      into the management plan of all retinoblastoma patients using a team approach to
      ensure timely evaluations and appropriate counseling. Genetic evaluations
      improved risk prediction for patients and family members as well as prevented
      overutilization of clinical screening tests, which had potential morbidity for
      relatives documented to not carry an RB1 mutation.

PMID- 22084215
TI  - Real-time ophthalmoscopic findings of superselective intraophthalmic artery
      chemotherapy in a nonhuman primate model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report real-time ophthalmoscopic findings during superselective
      intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SSIOAC) in a nonhuman primate model.
      METHODS: Six adult male Rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta) were randomly assigned
      to 1 of 2 treatment cohorts: melphalan (5 mg/30 mL) or carboplatin (30 mg/30 mL).
      Each animal underwent 3 separate SSIOAC procedures at 3-week intervals. Digital
      retinal images were obtained during each infusion. Intravenous fluorescein
      angiography was performed immediately after each procedure. RESULTS: All SSIOAC
      procedures were successfully completed. Toxicities were equally distributed
      between drug cohorts. Systemic toxicities included mild bone marrow suppression
      in all animals and anorexia in 1. One animal had greater than 50% narrowing of
      the treated ophthalmic artery after its second infusion. All 18 procedures (100%)
      resulted in pulsatile optic nerve and choroid blanching, retinal artery
      narrowing, and retinal edema. Of the 18 procedures, retinal artery sheathing was
      found during 17 (94%), and retinal artery precipitates were seen in 10 (56%);
      choroidal hypoperfusion was seen by fluorescein angiogram in 18 (100%).
      CONCLUSION: Real-time ophthalmic investigations are useful and, in our nonhuman
      primate model, indicate prevalent, acute ocular vascular toxicities during
      SSIOAC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Real-time retinal imaging is feasible in a nonhuman
      primate model of SSIOAC. Application to SSIOAC in children may shed insight into
      reported vascular toxicities.

PMID- 22084216
TI  - Aceruloplasminemia: retinal histopathologic manifestations and iron-mediated
      melanosome degradation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the retinal histopathologic manifestation of
      aceruloplasminemia, an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutation of the
      ferroxidase ceruloplasmin, resulting in tissue iron overload. METHODS: The
      morphologic features of the human aceruloplasminemic retina were studied with
      light and electron microscopy. Retinal iron accumulation was assessed with Perls
      Prussian blue staining, immunohistochemistry, and secondary ion mass
      spectrometry. RESULTS: Light and electron microscopic analysis revealed several
      ocular pathologic findings that resembled age-related macular degeneration,
      including retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) depigmentation, atrophy and
      hypertrophy, nodular and diffuse drusen, and lipofuscin and melanolipofuscin
      granules. Complement deposition was detected in drusen. The RPE cells and neural
      retina had increased levels of iron. Two major types of RPE cells were observed:
      melanosome rich and melanosome poor. Melanosome-rich cells had increased levels
      of iron and melanolipofuscin. The melanolipofuscin granules were observed in
      large aggregates, where some of the melanosomes were degrading. Melanosome-poor
      cells lacked melanosomes, melanolipofuscin, and lipofuscin but contained electron
      dense aggregates high in iron, phosphorus, and sulfur. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      in the aceruloplasminemic retina resemble some of those found in age-related
      macular degeneration. Also, they suggest that melanosomes in the RPE can be
      degraded via iron-mediated reactive oxygen species production. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Mechanisms underlying the pathologic mechanisms found in
      aceruloplasminemia also may be important in age-related macular degeneration.

PMID- 22084217
TI  - Phenotypic characterization of 3 families with autosomal dominant retinitis
      pigmentosa due to mutations in KLHL7.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the visual phenotype caused by mutations in the BTB
      Kelch protein, KLHL7, responsible for the RP42 form of autosomal dominant
      retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Comprehensive ophthalmic testing included
      visual acuity, static visual field, kinetic visual field, dark adaptometry, full
      field electroretinography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and
      fundus photography. Longitudinal visual function data (range, 15-27 years) were
      available for some of the affected individuals. RESULTS: We report a phenotypic
      assessment of 3 unrelated families, each harboring different KLHL7 mutations
      (c.458C>T, c.449G>A, and c.457G>A). The fundi showed classic signs of RP. Best
      corrected visual acuity was 20/50 or better in at least one eye up to age 65
      years. Static and kinetic visual fields showed concentric constriction to central
      10 degrees  to 20 degrees  by age 65 years; 2 patients with Goldmann perimetry
      exhibited bilateral visual field retention in the far periphery. Both rod and
      cone full-field electroretinographic amplitudes were substantially lower than
      normal, with a decline rate of 3% per year in cone 31-Hz flicker response. Rod
      and cone activation and inactivation variables were abnormal. Spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography indicated retention of foveal inner segment-outer
      segment junction through age 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in KLHL7 are
      associated with a late-onset form of autosomal dominant retinal degeneration that
      preferentially affects the rod photoreceptors. Full-field electroretinographic
      findings, including recovery kinetics, are consistent with those observed in
      other forms of autosomal dominant RP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The phenotypes are
      similar among patients with 3 types of KLHL7 mutations (c.458C>T, c.449G>A, and
      c.457G>A). Strong retention of foveal function and bilateral concentric
      constriction of visual fields with far periphery sparing may guide mutation
      screening in autosomal dominant RP.

PMID- 22084218
TI  - Analysis of pars plana vitrectomy for optic pit-related maculopathy with
      intraoperative optical coherence tomography: a possible connection with the
      vitreous cavity.
AB  - Optimal management of optic pit-related maculopathy remains to be determined. The
      fluid source for the maculopathy also remains controversial. In this article, we
      present a unique surgical technique for internal drainage of the intraretinal
      fluid and describe the intraoperative use of spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography to assist in the surgical management of this condition. Pars plana
      vitrectomy was performed with elevation of the posterior hyaloid. Following an
      air-fluid exchange, aspiration over the optic nerve pit was performed. Following
      aspiration, intraoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
      demonstrated collapse of the retinoschisis, strongly suggesting a connection
      between the vitreous cavity and the intraretinal fluid.

PMID- 22084219
TI  - Intra-arterial chemotherapy for advanced retinoblastoma: is the time right for a
      prospective clinical trial?

PMID- 22084220
TI  - Superselective intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy: what we do not know.

PMID- 22084221
TI  - Chemosurgery for retinoblastoma: what we know after 5 years.

PMID- 22084222
TI  - Acute retinal necrosis after herpes zoster vaccination.

PMID- 22084223
TI  - Vitelliform retinopathy in metastatic cutaneous melanoma with choroidal
      involvement.

PMID- 22084224
TI  - Cutaneous halo nevi following plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma.

PMID- 22084225
TI  - Histopathologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and cytogenetic analysis
      of oncocytic uveal melanoma.

PMID- 22084226
TI  - Solitary epithelioid histiocytoma (reticulohistiocytoma) of the eyelid.

PMID- 22084227
TI  - Obviating endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: excellent wound closure is the
      key.

PMID- 22084229
TI  - Colobomas and amblyopia.

PMID- 22084231
TI  - Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine toxicity.

PMID- 22084232
TI  - Proportionate topographic areas of retinal zones 1, 2, and 3 for use in
      describing infectious retinitis.

PMID- 22084233
TI  - Peripheral retinal nonperfusion in septo-optic dysplasia.

PMID- 22084234
TI  - Cardiac hypertrophy is positively regulated by MicroRNA miR-23a.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that mediate post
      transcriptional gene silencing. Myocardial hypertrophy is frequently associated
      with the development of heart failure. A variety of miRNAs are involved in the
      regulation of cardiac hypertrophy, however, the molecular targets of miRNAs in
      the cardiac hypertrophic cascades remain to be fully identified. We produced miR
      23a transgenic mice, and these mice exhibit exaggerated cardiac hypertrophy in
      response to the stimulation with phenylephrine or pressure overload by transverse
      aortic banding. The endogenous miR-23a is up-regulated upon treatment with
      phenylephrine, endothelin-1, or transverse aortic banding. Knockdown of miR-23a
      attenuates hypertrophic responses. To identify the downstream targets of miR-23a,
      we found that transcription factor Foxo3a is suppressed by miR-23a. Luciferase
      assay indicates that miR-23a directly inhibits the translation activity of Foxo3a
      3' UTR. Introduction or knockdown of miR-23a leads to the alterations of Foxo3a
      protein levels. Enforced expression of the constitutively active form of Foxo3a
      counteracts the provocative effect of miR-23a on hypertrophy. Furthermore, we
      observed that miR-23a is able to alter the expression levels of manganese
      superoxide dismutase and the consequent reactive oxygen species, and this effect
      is mediated by Foxo3a. In addition, our results show that miR-23a and Foxo3a bi
      transgenic mice exhibit a reduced hypertrophic response compared with the miR-23a
      transgenic mice alone. Our present study reveals that miR-23a can mediate the
      hypertrophic signal through regulating Foxo3a. They form an axis in hypertrophic
      machinery and can be targets for the development of hypertrophic treatment.

PMID- 22084235
TI  - Core fucosylation of MU heavy chains regulates assembly and intracellular
      signaling of precursor B cell receptors.
AB  - alpha1,6-Fucosyltransferase (Fut8) knock-out (Fut8(-/-)) mice showed an
      abnormality in pre-B cell generation. Membrane assembly of pre-BCR is a crucial
      checkpoint for pre-B cell differentiation and proliferation in both humans and
      mice. The assembly of pre-BCR on the cell surface was substantially blocked in
      the Fut8-knockdown pre-B cell line, 70Z/3-KD cells, and then completely restored
      by re-introduction of the Fut8 gene to 70Z/3-KD (70Z/3-KD-re) cells. Moreover,
      loss of alpha1,6-fucosylation (also called core fucosylation) of MUHC was
      associated with the suppression of the interaction between MUHC and lambda5. In
      contrast to Fut8(+/+) CD19(+)CD43(-) cells, the subpopulation expressing the
      MUHC.lambda5 complex in the Fut8(-/-) CD19(+)CD43(-) cell fraction was decreased.
      The pre-BCR-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of CD79a and activation of Btk were
      attenuated in Fut8-KD cells, and restored in 70Z/3-KD-re cells. The frequency of
      CD19(low)CD43(-) cells (pre-B cell enriched fraction) was also reduced in Fut8(-/
      ) bone marrow cells, and then the levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA of 12-week-old
      Fut8(-/-) mice sera were significantly lower than those of Fut8(+/+) mice. Our
      results suggest that the core fucosylation of MUHC mediates the assembly of pre
      BCR to regulate pre-BCR intracellular signaling and pre-B cell proliferation.

PMID- 22084236
TI  - Lipocalin-2 (24p3/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)) receptor is
      expressed in distal nephron and mediates protein endocytosis.
AB  - In the kidney, bulk reabsorption of filtered proteins occurs in the proximal
      tubule via receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) through the multiligand receptor
      complex megalin-cubilin. Other mechanisms and nephron sites for RME of proteins
      are unclear. Recently, the secreted protein 24p3 (lipocalin-2, neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)), which is expressed in the distal
      nephron, has been identified as a sensitive biomarker of kidney damage. A high
      affinity receptor for 24p3 (24p3R) that is involved in endocytotic iron delivery
      has also been cloned. We investigated the localization of 24p3R in rodent kidney
      and its role in RME of protein-metal complexes and albumin. Immunostaining of
      kidney tissue showed expression of 24p3R in apical membranes of distal tubules
      and collecting ducts, but not of proximal tubule. The differential expression of
      24p3R in these nephron segments was confirmed in the respective cell lines. CHO
      cells transiently transfected with 24p3R or distal tubule cells internalized
      submicromolar concentrations of fluorescence-coupled proteins transferrin,
      albumin, or metallothionein (MT) as well as the toxic cadmium-MT (Cd2+(7)-MT)
      complex, which caused cell death. Uptake of MT or transferrin and Cd2+(7)-MT
      toxicity were prevented by picomolar concentrations of 24p3. An EC50 of 123+/-50
      nM was determined for binding of MT to 24p3R by microscale thermophoresis. Hence,
      24p3R binds proteins filtered by the kidney with high affinity and may contribute
      to RME of proteins, including 24p3, and to Cd2+(7)-MT toxicity in distal nephron
      segments.

PMID- 22084237
TI  - Outer membrane lipoprotein Lpp is Gram-negative bacterial cell surface receptor
      for cationic antimicrobial peptides.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) are important components of the host
      innate defense mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that the outer membrane
      lipoprotein, Lpp, of Enterobacteriaceae interacts with and promotes
      susceptibility to the bactericidal activities of AMPs. The oligomeric Lpp was
      specifically recognized by several cationic alpha-helical AMPs, including SMAP
      29, CAP-18, and LL-37; AMP-mediated bactericidal activities were blocked by anti
      Lpp antibody blocking. Blebbing of the outer membrane and increase in membrane
      permeability occurred in association with the coordinate internalization of Lpp
      and AMP. Interestingly, the specific binding of AMP to Lpp was resistant to
      divalent cations and salts, which were able to inhibit the bactericidal
      activities of some AMPs. Furthermore, using His-tagged Lpp as a ligand, we
      retrieved several characterized AMPs, including SMAP-29 and hRNase 7, from a
      peptide library containing crude mammalian cell lysates. Overall, this study
      explores a new mechanism and target of antimicrobial activity and provides a
      novel method for screening of antimicrobials for use against drug-resistant
      bacteria.

PMID- 22084238
TI  - Intramembrane proton binding site linked to activation of bacterial pentameric
      ion channel.
AB  - Prokaryotic orthologs of eukaryotic Cys-loop receptor channels recently emerged
      as structural and mechanistic surrogates to investigate this superfamily of
      intercellular signaling proteins. Here, we examine proton activation of the
      prokaryotic ortholog GLIC using patch clamp electrophysiology, mutagenesis, and
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Whole-cell current recordings from human
      embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells expressing GLIC show half-maximal activation at
      pH 6, close to the pK(a) of histidine, implicating the three native His residues
      in proton sensing linked to activation. The mutation H235F abolishes proton
      activation, H277Y is without effect, and all nine mutations of His-127 prevent
      expression on the cell surface. In the GLIC crystal structure, His-235 on
      transmembrane (TM) alpha-helix 2, hydrogen bonds to the main chain carbonyl
      oxygen of Ile-259 on TM alpha-helix 3. MD simulations show that when His-235 is
      protonated, the hydrogen bond persists, and the channel remains in the open
      conformation, whereas when His-235 is deprotonated, the hydrogen bond
      dissociates, and the channel closes. Mutations of the proximal Tyr-263, which
      also links TM alpha-helices 2 and 3 via a hydrogen bond, alter proton sensitivity
      over a 1.5 pH unit range. MD simulations show that mutations of Tyr-263 alter the
      hydrogen bonding capacity of His-235. The overall findings show that His-235 in
      the TM region of GLIC is a novel proton binding site linked to channel
      activation.

PMID- 22084239
TI  - Energetics of cyclic AMP binding to HCN channel C terminus reveal negative
      cooperativity.
AB  - Cyclic AMP binds to the HCN channel C terminus and variably stabilizes its open
      state. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we show that cAMP binds to one
      subunit of tetrameric HCN2 and HCN4 C termini with high affinity (~0.12 MUM) and
      subsequently with low affinity (~1 MUM) to the remaining three subunits. Changes
      induced by high affinity binding already exist in both a constrained HCN2
      tetramer and the unconstrained HCN1 tetramer. Natural "preactivation" of HCN1 may
      explain both the smaller effect of cAMP on stabilizing its open state and the
      opening of unliganded HCN1, which occurs as though already disinhibited.

PMID- 22084240
TI  - Nitric oxide storage and transport in cells are mediated by glutathione S
      transferase P1-1 and multidrug resistance protein 1 via dinitrosyl iron
      complexes.
AB  - Nitrogen monoxide (NO) plays a role in the cytotoxic mechanisms of activated
      macrophages against tumor cells by inducing iron release. We showed that NO
      mediated iron efflux from cells required glutathione (GSH) (Watts, R. N., and
      Richardson, D. R. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 4724-4732) and that the GSH
      conjugate transporter, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), mediates
      this release potentially as a dinitrosyl-dithiol iron complex (DNIC; Watts, R.
      N., Hawkins, C., Ponka, P., and Richardson, D. R. (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
      U.S.A. 103, 7670-7675). Recently, glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GST P1-1) was
      shown to bind DNICs as dinitrosyl-diglutathionyl iron complexes. Considering this
      and that GSTs and MRP1 form an integrated detoxification unit with
      chemotherapeutics, we assessed whether these proteins coordinately regulate
      storage and transport of DNICs as long lived NO intermediates. Cells transfected
      with GSTP1 (but not GSTA1 or GSTM1) significantly decreased NO-mediated 59Fe
      release from cells. This NO-mediated 59Fe efflux and the effect of GST P1-1 on
      preventing this were observed with NO-generating agents and also in cells
      transfected with inducible nitric oxide synthase. Notably, 59Fe accumulated in
      cells within GST P1-1-containing fractions, indicating an alteration in
      intracellular 59Fe distribution. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance
      studies showed that MCF7-VP cells transfected with GSTP1 contain significantly
      greater levels of a unique DNIC signal. These investigations indicate that GST P1
      1 acts to sequester NO as DNICs, reducing their transport out of the cell by
      MRP1. Cell proliferation studies demonstrated the importance of the combined
      effect of GST P1-1 and MRP1 in protecting cells from the cytotoxic effects of NO.
      Thus, the DNIC storage function of GST P1-1 and ability of MRP1 to efflux DNICs
      are vital in protection against NO cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22084241
TI  - Discovery of intracellular heme-binding protein HrtR, which controls heme efflux
      by the conserved HrtB-HrtA transporter in Lactococcus lactis.
AB  - Most commensal and food bacteria lack heme biosynthesis genes. For several of
      these, the capture of environmental heme is a means of activating aerobic
      respiration metabolism. Our previous studies in the Gram-positive bacterium
      Lactococcus lactis showed that heme exposure strongly induced expression of a
      single operon, called here hrtRBA, encoding an ortholog of the conserved membrane
      hrt (heme-regulated transporter) and a unique transcriptional regulator that we
      named HrtR. We show that HrtR expressed as a fusion protein is a heme-binding
      protein. Heme iron interaction with HrtR is non-covalent, hexacoordinated, and
      involves two histidines, His-72 and His-149. HrtR specifically binds a 15-nt
      palindromic sequence in the hrtRBA promoter region, which is needed for hrtRBA
      repression. HrtR-DNA binding is abolished by heme addition, which activates
      expression of the HrtB-HrtA (HrtBA) transporter in vitro and in vivo. The use of
      HrtR as an intracellular heme sensor appears to be conserved among numerous
      commensal bacteria, in contrast with numerous Gram-positive pathogens that use an
      extracellular heme-sensing system, HssRS, to regulate hrt. Finally, we show for
      the first time that HrtBA permease controls heme toxicity by its direct and
      specific efflux. The use of an intracellular heme sensor to control heme efflux
      constitutes a novel paradigm for bacterial heme homeostasis.

PMID- 22084242
TI  - Two-pronged binding with bromodomain-containing protein 4 liberates positive
      transcription elongation factor b from inactive ribonucleoprotein complexes.
AB  - The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) exists in two forms in
      cells as follows: an inactive form where the core components cyclin T1 and CDK9
      are incorporated in the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex containing
      the inhibitory molecule HEXIM1, and an active form, part of which associates with
      the bromodomain-containing protein BRD4. Here, we define a novel interaction
      between P-TEFb and BRD4 involving tri-acetylated cyclin T1 (acK380, acK386, and
      acK309) and the second bromodomain in BRD4. This interaction is observed with the
      short splice variant of BRD4 (amino acids 1-722) lacking a previously defined C
      terminal P-TEFb-interacting domain (PID). Notably, P-TEFb complexes associated
      with short BRD4 contain HEXIM1 and 7SK snRNA, implicating the PID in the
      liberation of P-TEFb from the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex (7SK
      snPNP). Overexpression of the PID alone in cells dissociates HEXIM1 and 7SK snRNA
      from P-TEFb, but it is not sufficient to activate P-TEFb-dependent transcription
      of the HIV LTR. Our data support a model where two BRD4 domains, the second
      bromodomain and the PID, bind P-TEFb and are required for full transcriptional
      activation of P-TEFb response genes.

PMID- 22084244
TI  - An electrostatic switch controls palmitoylation of the large conductance voltage-
      and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel.
AB  - Protein palmitoylation is a major dynamic posttranslational regulator of protein
      function. However, mechanisms that control palmitoylation are poorly understood.
      In many proteins, palmitoylation occurs at cysteine residues juxtaposed to
      membrane-anchoring domains such as transmembrane helices, sites of irreversible
      lipid modification, or hydrophobic and/or polybasic domains. In particular,
      polybasic domains represent an attractive mechanism to dynamically control
      protein palmitoylation, as the function of these domains can be dramatically
      influenced by protein phosphorylation. Here we demonstrate that a polybasic
      domain immediately upstream of palmitoylated cysteine residues within an
      alternatively spliced insert in the C terminus of the large conductance calcium-
      and voltage-activated potassium channel is an important determinant of channel
      palmitoylation and function. Mutation of basic amino acids to acidic residues
      within the polybasic domain results in inhibition of channel palmitoylation and a
      significant right-shift in channel half maximal voltage for activation.
      Importantly, protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of a single serine
      residue within the core of the polybasic domain, which results in channel
      inhibition, also reduces channel palmitoylation. These data demonstrate the key
      role of the polybasic domain in controlling stress-regulated exon palmitoylation
      and suggests that phosphorylation controls the domain by acting as an
      electrostatic switch.

PMID- 22084243
TI  - Regulation of arginine acquisition and virulence gene expression in the human
      pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae by transcription regulators ArgR1 and AhrC.
AB  - In this study, we investigated for the first time the transcriptional response of
      the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae to fluctuating concentrations of
      arginine, an essential amino acid for this bacterium. By means of DNA microarray
      analyses, several operons and genes were found, the expression of which was
      affected by the concentration of arginine in the medium. Five of the identified
      operons were demonstrated to be directly repressed in the presence of high
      arginine concentrations via the concerted action of the ArgR-type regulators
      ArgR1 and AhrC. These ArgR1/AhrC targets encompass the putative amino acid
      transport genes artPQ, abpA, abpB, and aapA; the arginine biosynthetic genes
      argGH; and the virulence genes aliB and lmB/adcAII-phtD encoding an oligopeptide
      binding lipoprotein and cell surface Zn(2+)-scavenging units, respectively. In
      addition, the data indicate that three of the amino acid transport genes encode
      an arginine ATP-binding cassette transporter unit required for efficient growth
      during arginine limitation. Instead of regulating arginine biosynthetic and
      catabolic genes as has been reported for other Gram-positive bacteria, our
      findings suggest that the physiological function of ArgR1/AhrC in S. pneumoniae
      is to ensure optimal uptake of arginine from the surrounding milieu.

PMID- 22084245
TI  - Protein-tyrosine kinase 6 promotes peripheral adhesion complex formation and cell
      migration by phosphorylating p130 CRK-associated substrate.
AB  - Protein-tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) is a non-myristoylated intracellular tyrosine
      kinase evolutionarily related to Src kinases. Aberrant PTK6 expression and
      intracellular localization have been detected in human prostate tumors. In the
      PC3 prostate cancer cell line, the pool of endogenous activated PTK6, which is
      phosphorylated on tyrosine residue 342, is localized at the membrane. Expression
      of ectopic membrane-targeted PTK6 led to dramatic morphology changes and
      formation of peripheral adhesion complexes in PC3 cells. Peripheral adhesion
      complex formation was dependent upon PTK6 kinase activity. We demonstrated that
      p130 CRK-associated substrate (p130CAS) is a novel direct substrate of PTK6, and
      it works as a crucial adapter protein in inducing peripheral adhesion complexes.
      Activation of ERK5 downstream of p130CAS was indispensable for this process.
      Knockdown of endogenous PTK6 led to reduced cell migration and p130CAS
      phosphorylation, whereas knockdown of p130CAS attenuated oncogenic signaling
      induced by membrane-targeted PTK6, including ERK5 and AKT activation. Expression
      of membrane-targeted PTK6 promoted cell migration, which could be impaired by
      knockdown of p130CAS or ERK5. Our study reveals a novel function for PTK6 at the
      plasma membrane and suggests that the PTK6-p130CAS-ERK5 signaling cascade plays
      an important role in cancer cell migration and invasion.

PMID- 22084246
TI  - Hypoxia-induced acidosis uncouples the STIM-Orai calcium signaling complex.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-sensing STIM proteins mediate Ca(2+) entry
      signals by coupling to activate plasma membrane Orai channels. We reveal that
      STIM-Orai coupling is rapidly blocked by hypoxia and the ensuing decrease in
      cytosolic pH. In smooth muscle cells or HEK293 cells coexpressing STIM1 and
      Orai1, acute hypoxic conditions rapidly blocked store-operated Ca(2+) entry and
      the Orai1-mediated Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) current (I(CRAC)). Hypoxia
      induced blockade of Ca(2+) entry and I(CRAC) was reversed by NH(4)(+)-induced
      cytosolic alkalinization. Hypoxia and acidification both blocked I(CRAC) induced
      by the short STIM1 Orai-activating region. Although hypoxia induced STIM1
      translocation into junctions, it did not dissociate the STIM1-Orai1 complex.
      However, both hypoxia and cytosolic acidosis rapidly decreased Forster resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) between STIM1-YFP and Orai1-CFP. Thus, although hypoxia
      promotes STIM1 junctional accumulation, the ensuing acidification functionally
      uncouples the STIM1-Orai1 complex providing an important mechanism protecting
      cells from Ca(2+) overload under hypoxic stress conditions.

PMID- 22084247
TI  - CUEDC2 (CUE domain-containing 2) and SOCS3 (suppressors of cytokine signaling 3)
      cooperate to negatively regulate Janus kinase 1/signal transducers and activators
      of transcription 3 signaling.
AB  - Janus kinase 1/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3)
      pathway is one of the recognized oncogenic signaling pathways that frequently
      overactivated in a variety of human tumors. Despite rapid progress in elucidating
      the molecular mechanisms of activation of JAK/STAT pathway, the processes that
      regulate JAK/STAT deactivation need to be further clarified. Here we demonstrate
      that CUE domain-containing 2 (CUEDC2) inhibits cytokine-induced phosphorylation
      of JAK1 and STAT3 and the subsequent STAT3 transcriptional activity. Further
      analysis by a yeast two-hybrid assay showed that CUEDC2 could engage in a
      specific interaction with a key JAK/STAT inhibitor, SOCS3 (suppressors of
      cytokine signaling 3). The interaction between CUEDC2 and SOCS3 is required for
      the inhibitory effect of CUEDC2 on JAK1 and STAT3 activity. Additionally, we
      found CUEDC2 functions collaboratively with SOCS3 to inhibit JAK1/STAT3 signaling
      by increasing SOCS3 stability via enhancing its association with Elongin C.
      Therefore, our findings revealed a new biological activity for CUEDC2 as the
      regulator of JAK1/STAT3 signaling and paved the way to a better understanding of
      the mechanisms by which SOCS3 has been linked to suppression of the JAK/STAT
      pathway.

PMID- 22084248
TI  - Up-regulation of the neuronal nicotinic receptor alpha7 by HIV glycoprotein 120:
      potential implications for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder.
AB  - Approximately 30-50% of the >30 million HIV-infected subjects develop
      neurological complications ranging from mild symptoms to dementia. HIV does not
      infect neurons, and the molecular mechanisms behind HIV-associated neurocognitive
      decline are not understood. There are several hypotheses to explain the
      development of dementia in HIV(+) individuals, including neuroinflammation
      mediated by infected microglia and neuronal toxicity by HIV proteins. A key
      protein associated with the neurological complications of HIV, gp120, forms part
      of the viral envelope and can be found in the CSF of infected individuals. HIV-1
      gp120 interacts with several receptors including CD4, CCR5, CXCR4, and nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the role of nAChRs in HIV-associated
      neurocognitive disorder has not been investigated. We studied the effects of
      gp120(IIIB) on the expression and function of the nicotinic receptor alpha7
      (alpha7-nAChR). Our results show that gp120, through activation of the CXCR4
      chemokine receptor, induces a functional up-regulation of alpha7-nAChRs. Because
      alpha7-nAChRs have a high permeability to Ca(2+), we performed TUNEL staining to
      investigate the effects of receptor up-regulation on cell viability. Our data
      revealed an increase in cell death, which was blocked by the selective antagonist
      alpha-bungarotoxin. The in vitro data are supported by RT-PCR and Western blot
      analysis, confirming a remarkable up-regulation of the alpha7-nAChR in gp120
      transgenic mice brains. Specifically, alpha7-nAChR up-regulation is observed in
      mouse striatum, a region severely affected in HIV(+) patients. In summary, CXCR4
      activation induces up-regulation of alpha7-nAChR, causing cell death, suggesting
      that alpha7-nAChR is a previously unrecognized contributor to the neurotoxicity
      associated with HIV infection.

PMID- 22084249
TI  - Increasing rate of cleavage at boundary between non-structural proteins 4B and 5A
      inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus.
AB  - In hepatitis C virus, non-structural proteins are cleaved from the viral
      polyprotein by viral encoded proteases. Although proteolytic processing goes to
      completion, the rate of cleavage differs between different boundaries, primarily
      due to the sequence at these positions. However, it is not known whether slow
      cleavage is important for viral replication or a consequence of restrictions on
      sequences that can be tolerated at the cleaved ends of non-structural proteins.
      To address this question, mutations were introduced into the NS4B side of the
      NS4B5A boundary, and their effect on replication and polyprotein processing was
      examined in the context of a subgenomic replicon. Single mutations that modestly
      increased the rate of boundary processing were phenotypically silent, but a
      double mutation, which further increased the rate of boundary cleavage, was
      lethal. Rescue experiments relying on viral RNA polymerase-induced error failed
      to identify second site compensatory mutations. Use of a replicon library with
      codon degeneracy did allow identification of second site compensatory mutations,
      some of which fell exclusively within the NS5A side of the boundary. These
      mutations slowed boundary cleavage and only enhanced replication in the context
      of the original lethal NS4B double mutation. Overall, the data indicate that slow
      cleavage of the NS4B5A boundary is important and identify a previously
      unrecognized role for NS4B5A-containing precursors requiring them to exist for a
      minimum finite period of time.

PMID- 22084250
TI  - Elucidation of acid-induced unfolding and aggregation of human immunoglobulin
      IgG1 and IgG2 Fc.
AB  - Understanding the underlying mechanisms of Fc aggregation is an important
      prerequisite for developing stable and efficacious antibody-based therapeutics.
      In our study, high resolution two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      was employed to probe structural changes in the IgG1 Fc. A series of (1)H-(15)N
      heteronuclear single-quantum correlation NMR spectra were collected between pH
      2.5 and 4.7 to assess whether unfolding of C(H)2 domains precedes that of C(H)3
      domains. The same pH range was subsequently screened in Fc aggregation
      experiments that utilized molecules of IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses with varying
      levels of C(H)2 glycosylation. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry
      data were collected over a pH range of 3-7 to assess changes in C(H)2 and C(H)3
      thermostability. As a result, compelling evidence was gathered that emphasizes
      the importance of C(H)2 stability in determining the rate and extent of Fc
      aggregation. In particular, we found that Fc domains of the IgG1 subclass have a
      lower propensity to aggregate compared with those of the IgG2 subclass. Our data
      for glycosylated, partially deglycosylated, and fully deglycosylated molecules
      further revealed the criticality of C(H)2 glycans in modulating Fc aggregation.
      These findings provide important insights into the stability of Fc-based
      therapeutics and promote better understanding of their acid-induced aggregation
      process.

PMID- 22084251
TI  - Multiple site acetylation of Rictor stimulates mammalian target of rapamycin
      complex 2 (mTORC2)-dependent phosphorylation of Akt protein.
AB  - The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt is a critical regulator of cell growth
      and survival in response to growth factors. A key step in Akt activation is
      phosphorylation at Ser-473 by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 2
      (mTORC2). Although Rictor is required for the stability and activity of mTORC2,
      little is known about functional regions or post-translational modifications
      within Rictor that are responsible for regulating mTORC2. Here, we demonstrate
      that Rictor contains two distinct central regions critical for mTORC2 function.
      One we refer to as the stability region because it is critical for interaction
      with Sin1.1 and LST8, and a second adjacent region is required for multisite
      acetylation. p300-mediated acetylation of Rictor increases mTORC2 activity toward
      Akt, whereas site-directed mutants within the acetylation region of Rictor
      exhibit reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-stimulated mTORC2 kinase
      activity. Inhibition of deacetylases, including the NAD+-dependent sirtuins,
      promotes Rictor acetylation and IGF-1-mediated Akt phosphorylation. These results
      suggest that multiple-site acetylation of Rictor signals for increased activation
      of mTORC2, providing a critical link between nutrient-sensitive deacetylases and
      mTORC2 signaling to Akt.

PMID- 22084252
TI  - rNA: a fast and accurate short reads numerical aligner.
AB  - SUMMARY: The advent of high-throughput sequencers (HTS) introduced the need of
      new tools in order to analyse the large amount of data that those machines are
      able to produce. The mandatory first step for a wide range of analyses is the
      alignment of the sequences against a reference genome. We present a major update
      to our rNA (randomized Numerical Aligner) tool. The main feature of rNA is the
      fact that it achieves an accuracy greater than the majority of other tools in a
      feasible amount of time. rNA executables and source codes are freely downloadable
      at http://iga-rna.sourceforge.net/. CONTACT: vezzi@appliedgenomics.org;
      delfabbro@appliedgenomics.org SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22084253
TI  - Feature-based classifiers for somatic mutation detection in tumour-normal paired
      sequencing data.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The study of cancer genomes now routinely involves using next
      generation sequencing technology (NGS) to profile tumours for single nucleotide
      variant (SNV) somatic mutations. However, surprisingly few published
      bioinformatics methods exist for the specific purpose of identifying somatic
      mutations from NGS data and existing tools are often inaccurate, yielding
      intolerably high false prediction rates. As such, the computational problem of
      accurately inferring somatic mutations from paired tumour/normal NGS data remains
      an unsolved challenge. RESULTS: We present the comparison of four standard
      supervised machine learning algorithms for the purpose of somatic SNV prediction
      in tumour/normal NGS experiments. To evaluate these approaches (random forest,
      Bayesian additive regression tree, support vector machine and logistic
      regression), we constructed 106 features representing 3369 candidate somatic SNVs
      from 48 breast cancer genomes, originally predicted with naive methods and
      subsequently revalidated to establish ground truth labels. We trained the
      classifiers on this data (consisting of 1015 true somatic mutations and 2354 non
      somatic mutation positions) and conducted a rigorous evaluation of these methods
      using a cross-validation framework and hold-out test NGS data from both exome
      capture and whole genome shotgun platforms. All learning algorithms employing
      predictive discriminative approaches with feature selection improved the
      predictive accuracy over standard approaches by statistically significant
      margins. In addition, using unsupervised clustering of the ground truth 'false
      positive' predictions, we noted several distinct classes and present evidence
      suggesting non-overlapping sources of technical artefacts illuminating important
      directions for future study. AVAILABILITY: Software called MutationSeq and
      datasets are available from http://compbio.bccrc.ca.

PMID- 22084254
TI  - Gene set analysis in the cloud.
AB  - Cloud computing offers low cost and highly flexible opportunities in
      bioinformatics. Its potential has already been demonstrated in high-throughput
      sequence data analysis. Pathway-based or gene set analysis of expression data has
      received relatively less attention. We developed a gene set analysis algorithm
      for biomarker identification in the cloud. The resulting tool, YunBe, is ready to
      use on Amazon Web Services. Moreover, here we compare its performance to those
      obtained with desktop and computing cluster solutions. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: YunBe is open-source and freely accessible within the Amazon
      Elastic MapReduce service at s3n://lrcv-crp-sante/app/yunbe.jar. Source code and
      user's guidelines can be downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/yunbedownload.

PMID- 22084255
TI  - PubChem promiscuity: a web resource for gathering compound promiscuity data from
      PubChem.
AB  - SUMMARY: Promiscuity counts allow for a better understanding of a compound's
      assay activity profile and drug potential. Although PubChem contains a vast
      amount of compound and assay data, it currently does not have a convenient or
      efficient method to obtain in-depth promiscuity counts for compounds. PubChem
      promiscuity fills this gap. It is a Java servlet that uses NCBI Entrez (eUtils)
      web services to interact with PubChem and provide promiscuity counts in a variety
      of categories along with compound descriptors, including PAINS-based functional
      group detection. AVAILABILITY: http://chemutils.florida.scripps.edu/pcpromiscuity
      CONTACT: southern@scripps.edu

PMID- 22084256
TI  - Discovering transcription factor regulatory targets using gene expression and
      binding data.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Identifying the target genes regulated by transcription factors (TFs)
      is the most basic step in understanding gene regulation. Recent advances in high
      throughput sequencing technology, together with chromatin immunoprecipitation
      (ChIP), enable mapping TF binding sites genome wide, but it is not possible to
      infer function from binding alone. This is especially true in mammalian systems,
      where regulation often occurs through long-range enhancers in gene-rich
      neighborhoods, rather than proximal promoters, preventing straightforward
      assignment of a binding site to a target gene. RESULTS: We present EMBER
      (Expectation Maximization of Binding and Expression pRofiles), a method that
      integrates high-throughput binding data (e.g. ChIP-chip or ChIP-seq) with gene
      expression data (e.g. DNA microarray) via an unsupervised machine learning
      algorithm for inferring the gene targets of sets of TF binding sites. Genes
      selected are those that match overrepresented expression patterns, which can be
      used to provide information about multiple TF regulatory modes. We apply the
      method to genome-wide human breast cancer data and demonstrate that EMBER
      confirms a role for the TFs estrogen receptor alpha, retinoic acid receptors
      alpha and gamma in breast cancer development, whereas the conventional approach
      of assigning regulatory targets based on proximity does not. Additionally, we
      compare several predicted target genes from EMBER to interactions inferred
      previously, examine combinatorial effects of TFs on gene regulation and
      illustrate the ability of EMBER to discover multiple modes of regulation.
      AVAILABILITY: All code used for this work is available at http://dinner
      group.uchicago.edu/downloads.html.

PMID- 22084257
TI  - Where the United States falls down and how we might stand up.

PMID- 22084258
TI  - When lightning strikes.

PMID- 22084259
TI  - Impact of insurance and hospital ownership on hospital length of stay among
      patients with ambulatory care-sensitive conditions.
AB  - PURPOSE Some studies suggest proprietary (for-profit) hospitals are maximizing
      financial margins from patient care by limiting therapies or decreasing length of
      stay for uninsured patients. This study examines the role of insurance related to
      length of stay once the patient is in the hospital and risk for mortality,
      particularly in a for-profit environment. METHODS We undertook an analysis of
      hospitalizations in the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) of the 5-year
      period of 2003 to 2007 for patients aged 18 to 64 years (unweighted n = 849,866;
      weighted n = 90 million). The analysis included those who were hospitalized with
      both ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs), hospitalizations considered to
      be preventable, and non-ACSCs. We analyzed the transformed mean length of stay
      between individuals who had Medicaid or all other insurance types while
      hospitalized and those who were hospitalized without insurance. This analysis was
      stratified by hospital ownership. We also examined the relationship between in
      hospital mortality and insurance status. RESULTS After controlling for
      comorbidities; age, sex, and race/ethnicity; and hospitalizations with either an
      ACSC or non-ACSC diagnosis, patients without insurance tended to have a
      significantly shorter length of stay. Across all hospital types, the mean length
      of stay for ACSCs was significantly shorter for individuals without insurance
      (2.77 days) than for those with either private insurance (2.89 days, P = .04) or
      Medicaid (3.19, P <.01). Among hospitalizations for ACSCs, in-hospital mortality
      rate for individuals with either private insurance or Medicaid was not
      significantly different from the mortality rate for those without insurance.
      CONCLUSIONS Patients without insurance have shorter lengths of stay for both
      ACSCs and non-ACSCs. Future research should examine whether patients without
      insurance are being discharged prematurely.

PMID- 22084260
TI  - Effect of closure of a local safety-net hospital on primary care physicians'
      perceptions of their role in patient care.
AB  - PURPOSE We examined how the closure of a large safety-net hospital in Los Angeles
      County, California, affected local primary care physicians. METHODS We conducted
      semistructured interviews with 42 primary care physicians who practiced in both
      underserved and nonunderserved settings in Los Angeles County. Two investigators
      independently reviewed and coded transcripts. Three investigators used pile
      sorting to sort the codes into themes. RESULTS Overall, 28 of 42 physicians (67%)
      described some effect of the hospital closure on their practices. Three major
      themes emerged regarding the impact of the closure on the affected physicians:
      (1) reduced local access to specialist consultations, direct hospital admissions,
      and timely emergency department evaluation; (2) more patient delays in care and
      worse health outcomes because of poor patient understanding of the health care
      system changes; and (3) loss of colleagues and opportunities to teach residents
      and medical students. CONCLUSIONS Physicians in close proximity to the closed
      hospital-even those practicing in nonunderserved settings-reported difficulty
      getting their patients needed care that extended beyond the anticipated loss of
      inpatient services. There is a need for greater recognition of and support for
      the role primary care physicians play in coordinating care; promoting continuity
      of care; and informing patients, clinic administrators and policy makers about
      system changes during such transitions.

PMID- 22084262
TI  - Trends in quality during medical home transformation.
AB  - PURPOSE We describe changes over time in performance on measures of technical
      quality and patient experience as a group of primary care clinics transformed
      themselves into level III patient-centered medical homes. METHODS A group of 21
      Minnesota primary care clinics achieving level III recognition as medical homes
      by the National Committee for Quality Assurance has been tracking a variety of
      quality and patient satisfaction measures for years. We analyzed trends in these
      measures and compared them with those of other medical groups in the community to
      estimate what we might expect as other primary care sites gear up to achieve
      medical home status. RESULTS The clinics in this group achieved a 1% to 3%
      increase per year in patient satisfaction and a 2% to 7% increase per year in
      performance on quality measures for diabetes, coronary artery disease, preventive
      services, and generic medication use. When compared with the average for other
      medical groups in the region, the rates of increase were greater for
      satisfaction, but similar for the quality measures. CONCLUSIONS Achieving medical
      home recognition was associated with improvements in quality and patient
      satisfaction for these clinics, but the rate of improvement is slow and does not
      always exceed levels in the surrounding community in Minnesota (which are also
      improving). Expectations for large and rapid change are probably unrealistic.

PMID- 22084261
TI  - Parent and child usual source of care and children's receipt of health care
      services.
AB  - PURPOSE In the United States, children who have a usual source of care (USC) have
      better access to health care than those who do not, but little is known about how
      parental USC affects children's access. We examined the association between child
      and parent USC patterns and children's access to health care services. METHODS We
      undertook a secondary analysis of nationally representative, cross-sectional data
      from children participating in the 2002-2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (n
      = 56,302). We assessed 10 outcome measures: insurance coverage gaps, no doctor
      visits in the past year, less than yearly dental visits, unmet medical and
      prescription needs, delayed care, problems getting care, and unmet preventive
      counseling needs regarding healthy eating, regular exercise, car safety devices,
      and bicycle helmets. RESULTS Among children, 78.6% had a USC and at least 1
      parent with a USC, whereas 12.4% had a USC but no parent USC. Children with a USC
      but no parent USC had a higher likelihood of several unmet needs, including an
      insurance coverage gap (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.21-1.47), an unmet medical or prescription need (aRR 1.70; 95% CI 1.09
      2.65), and no yearly dental visits (aRR 1.12; 95% CI 1.06-1.18), compared with
      children with a USC whose parent(s) had a USC. CONCLUSIONS Among children with a
      USC, having no parent USC was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting
      unmet needs when compared with children whose parent(s) had a USC. Policy reforms
      should ensure access to a USC for all family members.

PMID- 22084263
TI  - Complaints against family physicians submitted to disciplinary tribunals in the
      Netherlands: lessons for patient safety.
AB  - PURPOSE We analyzed the disciplinary law verdicts concerning family physicians,
      submitted to the Dutch disciplinary law system, to identify domains of high risk
      of harm for patients in family practice. METHODS The Dutch disciplinary law
      system offers patients the opportunity to file complaints against physicians
      outside a legal malpractice system, without possibility of financial compensation
      in case of verdicts in which the physician was found to be at fault. We performed
      an analysis of 250 random disciplinary law verdicts on Dutch family physicians
      submitted to disciplinary tribunals and published between 2008 and 2010. Our
      analysis focused on clinical domains represented in the verdicts with serious
      permanent damage or death. RESULTS Of the 74 complaints with a serious health
      outcome, 44.6% (n = 33) were related to a wrong diagnosis, 23.0% (n = 17) to
      insufficient care, 8.1% (n = 6) to a wrong treatment, 8.1% (n = 6) to a late
      arrival at a house visit, 5.4% (n = 4) to a late referral to the hospital, and
      1.4% (n = 1) to insufficient information given; 9.5% (n = 7) consisted of other
      complaints. The wrong or late diagnosis-related cases mostly consisted of
      myocardial infarction and stroke (35.1%) and malignancies (33.7%). The family
      physician was disciplined as a result of 37 of these 74 complaints (50%).
      Logistic regression analysis showed that a serious outcome was associated with a
      higher probability of disciplinary measures (B=0.703; P =.02) CONCLUSIONS The
      disciplinary law system in the Netherlands differs fundamentally from a legal
      malpractice system. It can be used to learn from patients' complaints with a view
      on improving patient safety.

PMID- 22084264
TI  - Translating cholesterol guidelines into primary care practice: a multimodal
      cluster randomized trial.
AB  - PURPOSE We wanted to determine whether an intervention based on patient
      activation and a physician decision support tool was more effective than usual
      care for improving adherence to National Cholesterol Education Program
      guidelines. METHODS A 1-year cluster randomized controlled trial was performed
      using 30 primary care practices (4,105 patients) in southeastern New England. The
      main outcome was the percentage of patients screened for hyperlipidemia and
      treated to their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein
      (HDL) cholesterol goals. RESULTS After 1 year of intervention, both randomized
      practice groups improved screening (89% screened), and 74% of patients in both
      groups were at their LDL and non-HDL cholesterol goals (P <.001). Using intent-to
      treat analysis, we found no statistically significant differences between
      practice groups in screening or percentage of patients who achieved LDL and non
      HDL cholesterol goals. Post hoc analysis showed practices who made high use of
      the patient activation kiosk were more likely to have patients screened (odds
      ratio [OR] = 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.97-3.27) compared with those
      who made infrequent or no use. Additionally, physicians who made high use of
      decision support tools were more likely to have their patients at their LDL
      cholesterol goals (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07-1.50) and non-HDL goals (OR = 1.23;
      95% CI, 1.04-1.46) than low-use or no-use physicians. CONCLUSION This study
      showed null results with the intent-to-treat analysis regarding the benefits of a
      patient activation and a decision support tool in improving cholesterol
      management in primary care practices. Post hoc analysis showed a potential
      benefit in practices that used the e-health tools more frequently in screening
      and management of dyslipidemia. Further research on how to incorporate and
      increase adoption of user-friendly, patient-centered e-health tools to improve
      screening and management of chronic diseases and their risk factors is warranted.

PMID- 22084266
TI  - Promoting healthy lifestyles and decreasing childhood obesity: increasing
      physician effectiveness through advocacy.
AB  - Childhood obesity is a well-documented public health crisis. Even many children
      who are not overweight have inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition,
      excessive television and other screen time, or some combination thereof. The
      solution lies in the community. Environmental interventions are among the most
      effective for improving public health. In addition to addressing lifestyle issues
      in the office, physicians should advocate for environmental approaches. We can
      advocate at institutional, local, state, and federal levels through speaking,
      writing, and collaborating with others. In the United States, the timing is right
      to synergize with efforts such as the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity
      and the Surgeon General's emphasis on changing the national conversation "from a
      negative one about obesity and illness" to a positive one about health and
      fitness.

PMID- 22084265
TI  - Patient-doctor depth-of-relationship scale: development and validation.
AB  - PURPOSE Because patient-doctor continuity has been measured in its longitudinal
      rather than its personal dimension, evidence to show that seeing the same doctor
      leads to better patient care is weak. Existing relational measures of patient
      doctor continuity are limited, so we developed a new patient self-completion
      instrument designed to specifically measure patient-doctor depth of relationship.
      METHODS Draft versions of the questionnaire were tested with patients in face-to
      face interviews and 2 rounds of pilot testing. The final instrument was completed
      by patients attending routine appointments with their general practitioner, and
      some were sent a follow-up questionnaire. Scale structure, validity, and
      reliability were assessed. RESULTS Face validity of candidate items was confirmed
      in interviews with 11 patients. Data from the pilot rounds 1 (n = 375) and 2 (n =
      154) were used to refine and shorten the questionnaire. The final instrument
      comprised a single scale of 8 items and had good internal reliability (Cronbach's
      alpha = .93). In the main study (N = 490), seeing the same doctor was associated
      with deep patient-doctor relationships, but the relationship appeared to be
      nonlinear (overall adjusted odds ratio = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8). Test-retest
      reliability in a sample of participants (n = 154) was good (intracluster
      correlation coefficient 0.87; 95% CI, 0.53-0.97). CONCLUSIONS The Patient-Doctor
      Depth-of-Relationship Scale is a novel, conceptually grounded questionnaire that
      is easy for patients to complete and is psychometrically robust. Future research
      will further establish its validity and answer whether patient-doctor depth of
      relationship is associated with improved patient care.

PMID- 22084267
TI  - Family physicians leaving their clinic--the Balint group as an opportunity to say
      good-bye.
AB  - The cornerstone of family medicine is the belief in both the continuity and
      availability of care. These beliefs are challenged when a doctor leaves his or
      her clinic because of personal reasons. In the example described in this article,
      the involvement of colleagues in a Balint group led a doctor to a flash insight
      into her conflicting feelings related to leaving her clinic. The group process
      helped her to prepare and deal with her own feelings and needs, as well as those
      of her patients and staff. Balint groups are a secure place to explore and gain
      insight into the emotional aspects of attachment and separation of physicians
      from their patients.

PMID- 22084268
TI  - AAFP's new president urges family physicians to "be part of the unstoppable force
      of family medicine".

PMID- 22084269
TI  - Pisacano Leadership Foundation names 2011 Pisacano Scholars.

PMID- 22084270
TI  - Building a high-performance organization for the discipline.

PMID- 22084271
TI  - Leadership in an age of uncertainty and austerity.

PMID- 22084272
TI  - Implications of the 2011 ACGME duty hour rules.

PMID- 22084273
TI  - Lessons learned from rebuilding a primary care infrastructure: a Canadian
      perspective.

PMID- 22084276
TI  - POLG-related disorders: defects of the nuclear and mitochondrial genome
      interaction.

PMID- 22084277
TI  - Neuron-specific enolase correlates with other prognostic markers after cardiac
      arrest.

PMID- 22084278
TI  - SPP1 genotype is a determinant of disease severity in Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy: predicting the severity of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: implications
      for treatment.

PMID- 22084279
TI  - The outer arterial wall layers are primarily affected in spontaneous cervical
      artery dissection.

PMID- 22084280
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: apathetic variant of frontotemporal dementia.

PMID- 22084281
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: perineural spread of basal cell carcinoma along the
      trigeminal nerve.

PMID- 22084282
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: recurrent vertebrobasilar embolism out of a blind sack.

PMID- 22084283
TI  - Reduced uptake of [18F]FDOPA PET in asymptomatic welders with occupational
      manganese exposure.

PMID- 22084284
TI  - A new golden age: testing general relativity with cosmology.
AB  - Gravity drives the evolution of the Universe and is at the heart of its
      complexity. Einstein's field equations can be used to work out the detailed
      dynamics of space and time and to calculate the emergence of large-scale
      structure in the distribution of galaxies and radiation. Over the past few years,
      it has become clear that cosmological observations can be used not only to
      constrain different world models within the context of Einstein gravity but also
      to constrain the theory of gravity itself. In this article, we look at different
      aspects of this new field in which cosmology is used to test theories of gravity
      with a wide range of observations.

PMID- 22084285
TI  - One gravitational potential or two? Forecasts and tests.
AB  - The metric of a perturbed Robertson-Walker space-time is characterized by three
      functions: a scale-factor giving the expansion history and two potentials that
      generalize the single potential of Newtonian gravity. The Newtonian potential
      induces peculiar velocities and, from these, the growth of matter fluctuations.
      Massless particles respond equally to the Newtonian potential and to a curvature
      potential. The difference of the two potentials, called the gravitational slip,
      is predicted to be very small in general relativity, but can be substantial in
      modified gravity theories. The two potentials can be measured, and gravity tested
      on cosmological scales, by combining weak gravitational lensing or the integrated
      Sachs-Wolfe effect with galaxy peculiar velocities or clustering.

PMID- 22084286
TI  - Modifications of gravity.
AB  - General relativity (GR) is a phenomenologically successful theory that rests on
      firm foundations, but has not been tested on cosmological scales. The deep
      mystery of dark energy (and possibly even the requirement of cold dark matter
      (CDM)) has increased the need for testing modifications to GR, as the inference
      of such otherwise undetected fluids depends crucially on the theory of gravity.
      Here, I discuss a general scheme for constructing consistent and covariant
      modifications to the Einstein equations. This framework is such that there is a
      clear connection between the modification and the underlying field content that
      produces it. I argue that this is mandatory for distinguishing modifications of
      gravity from conventional fluids. I give a non-trivial example, a simple metric
      based modification of the fluctuation equations for which the background is exact
      LambdaCDM, but differs from it in the perturbations. I show how this can be
      generalized and solved in terms of two arbitrary functions. Finally, I discuss
      future prospects and directions of research.

PMID- 22084287
TI  - Constraints on gravity on cosmic scales with upcoming large-scale structure
      surveys.
AB  - We consider how upcoming, prospective large-scale structure surveys, measuring
      galaxy weak lensing and position in tandem with the cosmic microwave background
      temperature anisotropies, constrain cosmic scale modifications to general
      relativity. In such theories, both the homogeneous expansion history and the
      growth of large-scale structure can have signatures of the modification. We
      consider an equation of state figure of merit parameter, and introduce an
      analogous figure of merit parameter for modified gravity, to quantify the
      relative constraints. We discuss how assumptions about the presence of
      astrophysical and instrumental systematics such as galaxy bias, intrinsic
      alignments, weak lensing shear calibration uncertainties and photometric redshift
      offsets can impact the prospective dark energy constraints.

PMID- 22084288
TI  - Model-independent tests of cosmic gravity.
AB  - Gravitation governs the expansion and fate of the universe, and the growth of
      large-scale structure within it, but has not been tested in detail on these
      cosmic scales. The observed acceleration of the expansion may provide signs of
      gravitational laws beyond general relativity (GR). Since the form of any such
      extension is not clear, from either theory or data, we adopt a model-independent
      approach to parametrizing deviations to the Einstein framework. We explore the
      phase space dynamics of two key post-GR functions and derive a classification
      scheme, and an absolute criterion on accuracy necessary for distinguishing
      classes of gravity models. Future surveys will be able to constrain the post-GR
      functions' amplitudes and forms to the required precision, and hence reveal new
      aspects of gravitation.

PMID- 22084289
TI  - A gravitational puzzle.
AB  - The challenge to understand the physical origin of the cosmic acceleration is
      framed as a problem of gravitation. Specifically, does the relationship between
      stress-energy and space-time curvature differ on large scales from the
      predictions of general relativity. In this article, we describe efforts to model
      and test a generalized relationship between the matter and the metric using
      cosmological observations. Late-time tracers of large-scale structure, including
      the cosmic microwave background, weak gravitational lensing, and clustering are
      shown to provide good tests of the proposed solution. Current data are very close
      to proving a critical test, leaving only a small window in parameter space in the
      case that the generalized relationship is scale free above galactic scales.

PMID- 22084290
TI  - Tensor-vector-scalar-modified gravity: from small scale to cosmology.
AB  - The impressive success of the standard cosmological model has suggested to many
      that its ingredients are all that one needs to explain galaxies and their
      systems. I summarize a number of known problems with this programme. They might
      signal the failure of standard gravity theory on galaxy scales. The requisite
      hints as to the alternative gravity theory may lie with the modified Newtonian
      dynamics (MOND) paradigm, which has proved to be an effective summary of galaxy
      phenomenology. A simple nonlinear modified gravity theory does justice to MOND at
      the non-relativistic level, but cannot be consistently promoted to relativistic
      status. The obstacles were first side-stepped with the formulation of tensor
      vector-scalar theory (TeVeS), a covariant-modified gravity theory. I review its
      structure, its MOND and Newtonian limits, and its performance in the face of
      galaxy phenomenology. I also summarize features of TeVeS cosmology and describe
      the confrontation with data from strong and weak gravitational lensing.

PMID- 22084291
TI  - Modifying gravity: you cannot always get what you want.
AB  - The combination of general relativity (GR) and the Standard Model of particle
      physics disagrees with numerous observations on scales from our Solar System up.
      In the canonical concordance model of Lambda cold dark matter (LambdaCDM)
      cosmology, many of these contradictions between theory and data are removed or
      alleviated by the introduction of three completely independent new components of
      stress energy--the inflaton, dark matter and dark energy. Each of these in its
      turn is meant to have dominated (or to currently dominate) the dynamics of the
      Universe. There is, until now, no non-gravitational evidence for any of these
      dark sectors, nor is there evidence (though there may be motivation) for the
      required extension of the Standard Model. An alternative is to imagine that it is
      GR that must be modified to account for some or all of these disagreements.
      Certain coincidences of scale even suggest that one might expect not to make
      independent modifications of the theory to replace each of the three dark
      sectors. Because they must address the most different types of data, attempts to
      replace dark matter with modified gravity are the most controversial. A
      phenomenological model (or family of models), modified Newtonian dynamics, has,
      over the last few years, seen several covariant realizations. We discuss a number
      of challenges that any model that seeks to replace dark matter with modified
      gravity must face: the loss of Birkhoff's theorem, and the calculational
      simplifications it implies; the failure to explain clusters, whether static or
      interacting, and the consequent need to introduce dark matter of some form,
      whether hot dark matter neutrinos or dark fields that arise in new sectors of the
      modified gravity theory; the intrusion of cosmological expansion into the
      modified force law, which arises precisely because of the coincidence in scale
      between the centripetal acceleration at which Newtonian gravity fails in galaxies
      and the cosmic acceleration. We conclude with the observation that, although
      modified gravity may indeed manage to replace dark matter, it is likely to do so
      by becoming or at least incorporating a dark matter theory itself.

PMID- 22084292
TI  - Testing general relativity: from local to cosmological scales.
AB  - I summarize various tests of general relativity on astrophysical scales, based on
      the large-scale structure of the universe but also on other systems, in
      particular the constants of physics. I emphasize the importance of hypotheses on
      the geometric structures of our universe while performing such tests and discuss
      their complementarity as well as their possible extensions.

PMID- 22084293
TI  - Redshift-space distortions.
AB  - Comparing measurements of redshift-space distortions (RSDs) with geometrical
      observations of the expansion of the Universe offers tremendous potential for
      testing general relativity on very large scales. The basic linear theory of RSDs
      in the distant-observer limit has been known for 25 years and the effect has been
      conclusively observed in numerous galaxy surveys. The next generation of galaxy
      survey will observe many millions of galaxies over volumes of many tens of
      Gpc(3). They will provide RSD measurements of such exquisite precision that we
      will have to carefully analyse and correct for many systematic deviations from
      this simple picture in order to fully exploit the statistical precision obtained.
      We review RSD theory and show how ubiquitous RSDs actually are, and then consider
      a number of potential systematic effects, shamelessly highlighting recent work in
      which we have been involved. This review ends by looking ahead to the future
      surveys that will make the next generation of RSD measurements.

PMID- 22084294
TI  - Cosmological probes of modified gravity: the nonlinear regime.
AB  - We review the effects of modified gravity on large-scale structure in the
      nonlinear regime, focusing on f(R) gravity and the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model,
      for which full N-body simulations have been performed. In particular, we discuss
      the abundance of massive halos, the nonlinear matter power spectrum and the
      dynamics within clusters and galaxies, with particular emphasis on the screening
      mechanisms present in these models.

PMID- 22084295
TI  - Designing surveys for tests of gravity.
AB  - Modified gravity theories may provide an alternative to dark energy to explain
      cosmic acceleration. We argue that the observational programme developed to test
      dark energy needs to be augmented to capture new tests of gravity on
      astrophysical scales. Several distinct signatures of gravity theories exist
      outside the 'linear' regime, especially owing to the screening mechanism that
      operates inside halos such as the Milky Way to ensure that gravity tests in the
      solar system are satisfied. This opens up several decades in length scale and
      classes of galaxies at low redshift that can be exploited by surveys. While
      theoretical work on models of gravity is in the early stages, we can already
      identify new regimes that cosmological surveys could target to test gravity.
      These include: (i) a small-scale component that focuses on the interior and
      vicinity of galaxy and cluster halos, (ii) spectroscopy of low-redshift galaxies,
      especially galaxies smaller than the Milky Way, in environments that range from
      voids to clusters, and (iii) a programme of combining lensing and dynamical
      information, from imaging and spectroscopic surveys, respectively, on the same
      (or statistically identical) sample of galaxies.

PMID- 22084296
TI  - Model selection for modified gravity.
AB  - In this article, we review model selection predictions for modified gravity
      scenarios as an explanation for the observed acceleration of the expansion
      history of the Universe. We present analytical procedures for calculating
      expected Bayesian evidence values in two cases: (i) that modified gravity is a
      simple parametrized extension of general relativity (GR; two nested models), such
      that a Bayes' factor can be calculated, and (ii) that we have a class of non
      nested models where a rank-ordering of evidence values is required. We show that,
      in the case of a minimal modified gravity parametrization, we can expect large
      area photometric and spectroscopic surveys, using three-dimensional cosmic shear
      and baryonic acoustic oscillations, to 'decisively' distinguish modified gravity
      models over GR (or vice versa), with odds of ?1:100. It is apparent that the
      potential discovery space for modified gravity models is large, even in a simple
      extension to gravity models, where Newton's constant G is allowed to vary as a
      function of time and length scale. On the time and length scales where dark
      energy dominates, it is only through large-scale cosmological experiments that we
      can hope to understand the nature of gravity.

PMID- 22084297
TI  - What do we really know about dark energy?
AB  - In this paper, we discuss what we truly know about dark energy. I shall argue
      that, to date, our single indication for the existence of dark energy comes from
      distance measurements and their relation to redshift. Supernovae, cosmic
      microwave background anisotropies and observations of baryon acoustic
      oscillations simply tell us that the observed distance to a given redshift z is
      larger than the one expected from a Friedmann-Lemaitre universe with matter only
      and the locally measured Hubble parameter.

PMID- 22084298
TI  - Is the Universe homogeneous?
AB  - The standard model of cosmology is based on the existence of homogeneous surfaces
      as the background arena for structure formation. Homogeneity underpins both
      general relativistic and modified gravity models and is central to the way in
      which we interpret observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the
      galaxy distribution. However, homogeneity cannot be directly observed in the
      galaxy distribution or CMB, even with perfect observations, since we observe on
      the past light cone and not on spatial surfaces. We can directly observe and test
      for isotropy, but to link this to homogeneity we need to assume the Copernican
      principle (CP). First, we discuss the link between isotropic observations on the
      past light cone and isotropic space-time geometry: what observations do we need
      to be isotropic in order to deduce space-time isotropy? Second, we discuss what
      we can say with the Copernican assumption. The most powerful result is based on
      the CMB: the vanishing of the dipole, quadrupole and octupole of the CMB is
      sufficient to impose homogeneity. Real observations lead to near-isotropy on
      large scales--does this lead to near-homogeneity? There are important partial
      results, and we discuss why this remains a difficult open question. Thus, we are
      currently unable to prove homogeneity of the Universe on large scales, even with
      the CP. However, we can use observations of the cosmic microwave background,
      galaxies and clusters to test homogeneity itself.

PMID- 22084299
TI  - Confirmation of the Copernican principle through the anisotropic kinetic Sunyaev
      Zel'dovich effect.
AB  - The Copernican principle remains largely unproven at Gpc radial scale and above.
      Generally, violations of this type cause a first-order anisotropic kinetic
      Sunyaev Zel'dovich (kSZ) effect. Here we show that, if large-scale radial
      inhomogeneities have amplitude large enough to explain the 'dark energy'
      phenomena, the induced kSZ power spectrum will be orders of magnitude larger than
      the Atacama cosmology telescope/South Pole telescope upper limit. This single
      test rules out the void model as the cause of the apparent cosmic acceleration,
      confirms the Copernican principle on Gpc radial scale and above, and closes a
      loophole in the standard cosmology.

PMID- 22084300
TI  - Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathies: the riddle of the chicken and the egg still
      unanswered?
AB  - The hypothesis testing of inappropriate fast, irregular, or asynchronous
      myocardial contraction provoking cardiomyopathy has been the primary focus of
      numerous research efforts, especially during the last few decades. Rapid
      ventricular rates resulting from supraventricular arrhythmias and atrial
      fibrillation (AF), irregularity of heart rhythm-basic element of AF-and
      asynchrony, as a consequence of right ventricular pacing, bundle branch block, or
      frequent premature ventricular complexes, have been established as primary causes
      of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. The main pathophysiological pathways
      involved have been clarified, including neurohumoral activation, energy stores
      depletion, and abnormalities in stress and strain. Unfortunately, from a clinical
      point of view, patients usually seek medical advice only when symptoms develop,
      while the causative arrhythmia may be present for months or years, resulting in
      myocardial remodelling, diastolic, and systolic dysfunction. In some cases,
      making a definite diagnosis may become a strenuous exercise for the treating
      physician, as the arrhythmia may not be present and, additionally, therapy must
      be applied for the diagnosis to be confirmed retrospectively. The diagnostic
      process is also hardened due to the fact that strict diagnosing criteria are
      still a matter of discrepancy. Therapy options include pharmaceutical agents
      trials, catheter-based therapies and, in the context of chronic ventricular
      pacing, resynchronization. For the majority of patients, partial or complete
      recovery is expected, although they have to be followed up thoroughly due to the
      risk of recurrence. Large, randomized controlled trials are more than necessary
      to optimize patients' stratification and therapeutic strategy choices.

PMID- 22084301
TI  - Doubly robust estimation of the generalized impact fraction.
AB  - The attributable fraction (AF) is commonly used in epidemiology to quantify the
      impact of an exposure to a disease. Recently, Sjolander and Vansteelandt (2011.
      Doubly robust estimation of attributable fractions. Biostatistics 12, 112-121)
      introduced the doubly robust (DR) estimator of the AF, which involves positing
      models for both the exposure and the outcome and is consistent if at least one of
      these models is correct. In this article, we derived a DR estimator of the
      generalized impact fraction (IF) with a polytomous exposure. The IF is a measure
      that generalizes the AF by allowing the possibility of incomplete removal of the
      exposure. We demonstrated the performance of the proposed estimator via a
      simulation study and by application to data from a large prospective cohort study
      conducted in Japan.

PMID- 22084302
TI  - Gene-environment interaction testing in family-based association studies with
      phenotypically ascertained samples: a causal inference approach.
AB  - We propose a method for testing gene-environment (G * E) interactions on a
      complex trait in family-based studies in which a phenotypic ascertainment
      criterion has been imposed. This novel approach employs G-estimation, a
      semiparametric estimation technique from the causal inference literature, to
      avoid modeling of the association between the environmental exposure and the
      phenotype, to gain robustness against unmeasured confounding due to population
      substructure, and to acknowledge the ascertainment conditions. The proposed test
      allows for incomplete parental genotypes. It is compared by simulation studies to
      an analogous conditional likelihood-based approach and to the QBAT-I test, which
      also invokes the G-estimation principle but ignores ascertainment. We apply our
      approach to a study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

PMID- 22084303
TI  - Denise Montell: lighting the way in border cell migration by Caitlin Sedwick.

PMID- 22084304
TI  - The secret life of alpha-catenin: moonlighting in morphogenesis.
AB  - Cadherin-based intercellular adhesions are important determinants of proper
      tissue architecture. These adhesions must be both stable and dynamic to maintain
      tissue integrity as cells undergo morphogenetic movements during development. The
      role of alpha-catenin in this process has been vigorously debated due to
      conflicting in vitro and in vivo evidence regarding its molecular mechanism of
      action. Recent data supports the classical view that alpha-catenin facilitates
      actin attachments at adherens junctions, but also suggests that alpha-catenin may
      act as a force transducer, and may have additional roles in the cytoplasm. These
      multiple functions for alpha-catenin converge on the regulation of adhesion and
      may help to explain its stable yet dynamic nature.

PMID- 22084305
TI  - The Rap1-Rgl-Ral signaling network regulates neuroblast cortical polarity and
      spindle orientation.
AB  - A crucial first step in asymmetric cell division is to establish an axis of cell
      polarity along which the mitotic spindle aligns. Drosophila melanogaster neural
      stem cells, called neuroblasts (NBs), divide asymmetrically through intrinsic
      polarity cues, which regulate spindle orientation and cortical polarity. In this
      paper, we show that the Ras-like small guanosine triphosphatase Rap1 signals
      through the Ral guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rgl and the PDZ protein Canoe
      (Cno; AF-6/Afadin in vertebrates) to modulate the NB division axis and its
      apicobasal cortical polarity. Rap1 is slightly enriched at the apical pole of
      metaphase/anaphase NBs and was found in a complex with atypical protein kinase C
      and Par6 in vivo. Loss of function and gain of function of Rap1, Rgl, and Ral
      proteins disrupt the mitotic axis orientation, the localization of Cno and
      Mushroom body defect, and the localization of cell fate determinants. We propose
      that the Rap1-Rgl-Ral signaling network is a novel mechanism that cooperates with
      other intrinsic polarity cues to modulate asymmetric NB division.

PMID- 22084306
TI  - CENP-A exceeds microtubule attachment sites in centromere clusters of both
      budding and fission yeast.
AB  - The stoichiometries of kinetochores and their constituent proteins in yeast and
      vertebrate cells were determined using the histone H3 variant CENP-A, known as
      Cse4 in budding yeast, as a counting standard. One Cse4-containing nucleosome
      exists in the centromere (CEN) of each chromosome, so it has been assumed that
      each anaphase CEN/kinetochore cluster contains 32 Cse4 molecules. We report that
      anaphase CEN clusters instead contained approximately fourfold more Cse4 in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and ~40-fold more CENP-A (Cnp1) in Schizosaccharomyces
      pombe than predicted. These results suggest that the number of CENP-A molecules
      exceeds the number of kinetochore-microtubule (MT) attachment sites on each
      chromosome and that CENP-A is not the sole determinant of kinetochore assembly
      sites in either yeast. In addition, we show that fission yeast has enough Dam1
      DASH complex for ring formation around attached MTs. The results of this study
      suggest the need for significant revision of existing CEN/kinetochore
      architectural models.

PMID- 22084307
TI  - Point centromeres contain more than a single centromere-specific Cse4 (CENP-A)
      nucleosome.
AB  - Cse4 is the budding yeast homologue of CENP-A, a modified histone H3 that
      specifies the base of kinetochores in all eukaryotes. Budding yeast is unique in
      having only one kinetochore microtubule attachment site per centromere. The
      centromere is specified by CEN DNA, a sequence-specific binding complex (CBF3),
      and a Cse4-containing nucleosome. Here we compare the ratio of kinetochore
      proximal Cse4-GFP fluorescence at anaphase to several standards including
      purified EGFP molecules in vitro to generate a calibration curve for the copy
      number of GFP-fusion proteins. Our results yield a mean of ~5 Cse4s, ~3 inner
      kinetochore CBF3 complexes, and ~20 outer kinetochore Ndc80 complexes. Our
      calibrated measurements increase 2.5-3-fold protein copy numbers at eukaryotic
      kinetochores based on previous ratio measurements assuming two Cse4s per budding
      yeast kinetochore. All approximately five Cse4s may be associated with the CEN
      nucleosome, but we show that a mean of three Cse4s could be located within
      flanking nucleosomes at random sites that differ between chromosomes.

PMID- 22084308
TI  - Sticky/Citron kinase maintains proper RhoA localization at the cleavage site
      during cytokinesis.
AB  - In many organisms, the small guanosine triphosphatase RhoA controls assembly and
      contraction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis by activating different
      effectors. Although the role of some RhoA effectors like formins and Rho kinase
      is reasonably understood, the functions of another putative effector, Citron
      kinase (CIT-K), are still debated. In this paper, we show that, contrary to
      previous models, the Drosophila melanogaster CIT-K orthologue Sticky (Sti) does
      not require interaction with RhoA to localize to the cleavage site. Instead, RhoA
      fails to form a compact ring in late cytokinesis after Sti depletion, and this
      function requires Sti kinase activity. Moreover, we found that the Sti Citron
      Nik1 homology domain interacts with RhoA regardless of its status, indicating
      that Sti is not a canonical RhoA effector. Finally, Sti depletion caused an
      increase of phosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain at the cleavage site in
      late cytokinesis. We propose that Sti/CIT-K maintains correct RhoA localization
      at the cleavage site, which is necessary for proper RhoA activity and contractile
      ring dynamics.

PMID- 22084310
TI  - Astrocyte pVHL and HIF-alpha isoforms are required for embryonic-to-adult
      vascular transition in the eye.
AB  - Successful transition from embryonic to adult circulation is critical for
      survival of mammalian organisms. This shift occurs in the central cardiovascular
      circulation and in the eye as oxygen tension increases. However, its regulation
      is not well understood. We have used combinatorial gene deletion and
      overexpression assays to assess the effect of astrocyte-targeted deletion of von
      Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (Vhl), hypoxia-inducible factor-alphas (Hif
      alphas), and Vegf on the normal regression of the hyaloidal vessels, the fetal
      ocular circulation system. Astrocytic Vhl deletion induced accelerated hyaloidal
      regression and subsequent massive secondary outgrowth. Combinatorial gene
      deletion involving Vhl, Hif-alphas, and Vegf genes revealed that HIF
      2alpha/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling induces secondary outgrowth
      in Vhl mutants. Conversely, HIF-1alpha regulated macrophage migration inhibitory
      factor and promoted macrophage infiltration that accelerates hyaloidal vessel
      regression. The phenotype observed in Vhl mutants strongly resembles human
      persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous cases and may provide insights into
      vascular remodeling mechanisms in other systems.

PMID- 22084309
TI  - Two single-headed myosin V motors bound to a tetrameric adapter protein form a
      processive complex.
AB  - Myo4p, one of two class V myosins in budding yeast, continuously transports
      messenger RNA (mRNA) cargo in the cell but is nonprocessive when characterized in
      vitro. The adapter protein She3p tightly binds to the Myo4p rod, forming a single
      headed motor complex. In this paper, we show that two Myo4p-She3p motors are
      recruited by the tetrameric mRNA-binding protein She2p to form a processive
      double-headed complex. The binding site for She3p was mapped to a single alpha
      helix that protrudes at right angles from She2p. Processive runs of several
      micrometers on yeast actin-tropomyosin filaments were observed only in the
      presence of She2p, and, thus, motor activity is regulated by cargo binding. While
      moving processively, each head steps ~72 nm in a hand-over-hand motion. Coupling
      two high-duty cycle monomeric motors via a common cargo-binding adapter protein
      creates a complex with transport properties comparable with a single dimeric
      processive motor such as vertebrate myosin Va.

PMID- 22084311
TI  - Blood and body fluid exposures in the French military.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) is a hazard of
      many occupations, particularly hospital-based health care providers. However, non
      hospital-based health care workers (HCWs) and other personnel not providing
      health care are also at risk. AIMS: To present the results of surveillance of
      accidental exposure to BBFs among non-hospital-based French military personnel
      between 2007 and 2009, comparing different occupational categories. METHODS: The
      study population included all French military personnel subjected to occupational
      BBF exposure in a non-hospital setting. BBF exposure was defined as any
      percutaneous (needlestick injury, scalpel cut, etc.) or mucocutaneous (splash to
      mucosa, eyes or non-intact skin) exposure to blood, a biological fluid
      contaminated with blood or a fluid known to transmit blood-borne pathogens.
      RESULTS: Between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009, 704 occupational BBF
      exposures were reported in non-hospital-based French military personnel.
      Annualized BBF exposure incidence rates were statistically different among health
      care workers in non-hospital settings, firefighters, 'gendarmes' and other
      military personnel, with respectively 38.7, 5.4, 0.8 and 0.1 exposures per 1000
      persons per year. Among the 97 cases of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
      initiated, the source patient's HIV status was unknown in 78 cases (84%).
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the appropriateness of HIV PEP initiation
      in the French military should be reviewed. Adapting French guidelines for
      managing BBF exposure, for non-hospital-based environments should be considered.

PMID- 22084312
TI  - A functional variant in the core promoter of the CD95 cell death receptor gene
      predicts prognosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - Up to 15% of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients fail to achieve or
      maintain remission. We investigated a common G > A polymorphism at position -1377
      (rs2234767) in the core promoter of the CD95 cell death receptor gene in 708
      subjects with acute myeloid leukemia, including 231 patients with APL. Compared
      with the GG genotype, carrier status for the -1377A variant was associated with a
      significantly worse prognosis in APL patients. Carriers were more likely to fail
      remission induction (odds ratio = 4.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-12.6, P =
      .01), were more likely to die during the first 8 weeks of remission induction
      therapy (hazard ratio = 7.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.39-22.9, P = .0005), and
      had a significantly worse 5-year overall survival (odds ratio = 2.14; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.10-4.15, P = .03). The -1377A variant destroys a binding
      site for the SP1 transcriptional regulator and is associated with lower
      transcriptional activity of the CD95 promoter. Identifying patients at high risk
      of life-threatening events, such as remission induction failure, is a high
      priority in APL, especially because such events represent a major cause of death
      despite the introduction of differentiation therapy.

PMID- 22084313
TI  - Functional CSF-1 receptors are located at the nuclear envelope and activated via
      the p110delta isoform of PI 3-kinase.
AB  - Colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and its receptor (CSF-1R) are key regulators
      of macrophage biology, and their elevated expression in cancer cells has been
      linked to poor prognosis. CSF-1Rs are thought to function at the plasma membrane.
      We show here that functional CSF-1Rs are present at the nuclear envelope of
      various cell types, including primary macrophages, human cancer cell lines, and
      primary human carcinomas. In response to CSF-1, added to intact cells or isolated
      nuclei, nucleus-associated CSF-1R became phosphorylated and triggered the
      phosphorylation of Akt and p27 inside the nucleus. Extracellularly added CSF-1
      was also found to colocalize with nucleus-associated CSF-1Rs. All these
      activities were found to depend selectively on the activity of the p110delta
      isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). This finding was related to the
      p110delta-dependent translocation of exogenous CSF-1 to the nucleus-associated
      CSF-1Rs, correlating with a prominent role of p110delta in activation of the Rab5
      GTPase, a key regulator of the endocytic trafficking. siRNA-silencing of Rab5a
      phenocopied p110delta inactivation and nuclear CSF-1 signaling. Our work
      demonstrates for the first time the presence of functional nucleus-associated CSF
      1Rs, which are activated by extracellular CSF-1 by a mechanism that involves
      p110delta and Rab5 activity. These findings may have important implications in
      cancer development.

PMID- 22084314
TI  - A rice transmembrane bZIP transcription factor, OsbZIP39, regulates the
      endoplasmic reticulum stress response.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) responds to the accumulation of unfolded proteins
      in its lumen (ER stress) by activating intracellular signal transduction
      pathways. These pathways are known as the ER stress response or the unfolded
      protein response. In this study, three rice basic leucine zipper (bZIP)
      transcription factors (OsbZIP39, OsbZIP50 and OsbZIP60) containing putative
      transmembrane domains (TMDs) in their C-terminal regions were identified as
      candidates of the ER stress sensor transducer. One of these proteins, OsbZIP39,
      was characterized in this study. OsbZIP39 was shown to associate with microsomes
      as a membrane-integrated protein using the subcellular fractionation method. When
      the full length and a truncated form of OsbZIP39 without the TMD (OsbZIP39DeltaC)
      was fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and transfected into rice
      protoplasts, the proteins were identified in the cytoplasm and nucleus,
      respectively. This suggests that OsbZIP39 may be converted into a soluble
      truncated form by proteolytic cleavage and subsequently translocated to the
      nucleus. Expression of OsbZIP39DeltaC clearly activated the binding protein 1
      (BiP1) promoter in a rice protoplast transient assay. Overexpression of
      OsbZIP39DeltaC in stable transgenic rice also led to the up-regulation of several
      ER stress response genes including BiP1 and OsbZIP50 in the absence of ER stress.
      However, in the OsbZIP39DeltaC-overexpressing line, OsbZIP50 mRNA did not undergo
      IRE1 (inositol-requiring protein 1)-mediated cytoplasmic splicing that is
      required for its activation. These data indicate that OsbZIP39 may be directly
      involved in the regulation of several ER stress response genes.

PMID- 22084316
TI  - Renal transplantation.

PMID- 22084315
TI  - Extensive genomic variation within clonal complexes of Neisseria meningitidis.
AB  - Meningococcal disease is a widely distributed complex disease affecting all age
      categories. It can cause severe meningitis and septicemia, especially in
      unvaccinated infants and young children. The causative agent, Neisseria
      meningitidis (Nm), can be phenotypically and genetically differentiated into
      serogroups and sequence types (STs) and has a highly dynamic population
      structure. To obtain a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of Nm, we
      sequenced seven Nm genomes. Large-scale genomic analysis was conducted with these
      7 Nm genomes, 27 additional Nm genomes from GenBank, and 4 other Neisseria
      genomes. We observed extensive homologous recombination in all gene functional
      categories among different Nm genomes. Homologous recombination is so frequent
      that it has resulted in numerous chimeric open reading frames, including genes in
      the capsule biosynthesis cluster and loci targeted by commercial vaccines. Our
      results reveal that, despite widespread use, evolutionary relationships inferred
      from the standard seven-gene multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method could not
      predict virulence gene content or strain phenotype. In fact, up to 28% of the
      virulence-associated genes could differ between strains of identical STs.
      Consistent with previous studies, we found that allelic recombination is also
      associated with alterations in antibiotic susceptibility. Overall, these findings
      emphasize the extensive genomic plasticity of Nm and the limitations of standard
      molecular methods to quantify this genotypic and phenotypic diversity.

PMID- 22084317
TI  - Be more radical, vocal, and bold to improve patient safety, conference hears.

PMID- 22084318
TI  - Nature defends itself in High Court over issue of "freedom of scientific
      expression".

PMID- 22084319
TI  - Medical researchers in Germany receive largest grants of all university
      disciplines.

PMID- 22084320
TI  - Definition of refugee is inadequate for current patterns of migration in armed
      conflicts, report says.

PMID- 22084321
TI  - EU is set to use innovative solutions to help elderly people live more healthily.

PMID- 22084322
TI  - Government is not taking responsibility for improving air quality, MPs say.

PMID- 22084323
TI  - Attitudes toward newborn screening for cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Newborns are not routinely screened for cytomegalovirus (CMV), the
      leading infectious cause of developmental disability. Congenital CMV satisfies a
      number of criteria for inclusion in newborn screening, and screening potentially
      offers benefits. Screening could also introduce harms such as anxiety and
      unnecessary costs for the families of the substantial proportion of CMV-infected
      children who never develop CMV-related disabilities. Our objective was to assess
      attitudes toward newborn screening for CMV. METHODS: We analyzed responses to 5
      statements about CMV and newborn screening from 3922 participants in the 2009
      HealthStyles survey, a national mail survey designed to include a group similar
      to the US population with respect to gender, age, race/ethnicity, income, and
      household size. Two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters of
      parental attitudes. RESULTS: The majority of respondents strongly or somewhat
      agreed that they would want to have their newborn tested for CMV even if it was
      not performed routinely (84%), they had to pay $20 (87%), or CMV-related problems
      never developed (84%). Nearly half (47%) of them "would worry that the CMV test
      would lead to unneeded doctor visits and expenses," and 32% "think CMV problems
      are too rare to worry about." Three clusters of parent respondents were
      identified on the basis of their attitudes toward CMV screening: "strongly in
      favor" (31%), "moderately in favor" (49%), and "weakly opposed" (20%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Among most parents, costs, worry, and anxiety associated with
      newborn screening for CMV would be acceptable. Although attitudes were generally
      favorable, a minority of the parents were weakly opposed to newborn screening for
      CMV.

PMID- 22084324
TI  - Contemporary ethical issues in human milk-banking in the United States.
AB  - Donor human milk has been used in the United States for >90 years, but recent
      advances in human milk science and laboratory techniques have led to increasing
      use of this resource. Pediatricians began using donor human milk in the 1900s in
      response to anecdotal observation that premature infants had better health
      outcomes when receiving their own mothers' milk. Since then, a formalized human
      milk-banking system developed in the mid-1980s and distributed >1 million ounces
      of pasteurized donor human milk in 2008. Despite growth in the use of pasteurized
      donor human milk, there is little discussion in the medical literature regarding
      the ethical considerations of collection and use of this resource. Key ethical
      considerations include issues surrounding medical decision-making and informed
      consent, increasing the limited supply of human milk, how ethically to allocate
      this scarce resource, and concerns linked to the marketing of a human milk.

PMID- 22084325
TI  - Medical-legal partnership: impact on patients with sickle cell disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the types of legal problems addressed by the Health Law
      Partnership (HeLP) and the impact of the legal interventions in pediatric
      patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) or its variants. We hypothesized that an
      interdisciplinary team that includes lawyers would positively affect the social
      determinants of health that affect patients with SCD. METHODS: The HeLP database
      was retrospectively queried for all patients with the diagnosis of SCD or 1 of
      its variants who had been seen by the lawyers of HeLP between April 2004 and
      September 2010. Data collected in this cohort of patients included income level
      of the patient/client, the initial presenting problems, any
      patient/parent/guardian problems identified during the legal checkup, and the
      type of legal assistance provided. Estimated annualized financial outcomes were
      calculated. RESULTS: From April 2004 through September 2010, 71 parents/guardians
      with 76 children with SCD were referred to the HeLP for legal intervention. Of
      the 71 parents/guardians, 33 were at <100% of the federal poverty level. There
      were 106 initial case problems identified in the 71 parents/guardians; 51 of 106
      problems were directly related to the child. An additional 93 issues were
      identified during the legal checkup. Of 106 cases, 99 were closed with 21
      resulting in a measurable gain of benefits. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of families
      of children with SCD, incorporating access to legal services as part of the care
      plan resulted in a positive impact on these patients/parents/guardians. The
      impact was directly attributable to the intervention of the HeLP.

PMID- 22084326
TI  - Adolescent vaccination-coverage levels in the United States: 2006-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: From 2005 through 2007, 3 vaccines were added to the adolescent
      vaccination schedule: tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (TdaP);
      meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY); and human papillomavirus (HPV) for girls.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess implementation of new adolescent vaccination
      recommendations. METHODS: Data from the 2006-2009 National Immunization Survey
      Teen, an annual provider-verified random-digit-dial survey of vaccination
      coverage in US adolescents aged 13 to 17 years, were analyzed. Main outcome
      measures included percentage of adolescents who received each vaccine according
      to survey year; potential coverage if all vaccines were administered during the
      same vaccination visit; and, among unvaccinated adolescents, the reasons for not
      receiving vaccine. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2009, >=1 TdaP and >=1 MenACWY
      coverage increased from 11% to 56% and 12% to 54%, respectively. Between 2007 and
      2009, >=1 HPV coverage among girls increased from 25% to 44%; between 2008 and
      2009, >=3 HPV coverage increased from 18% to 27%. In 2009, vaccination coverage
      could have been >80% for Td/TdaP and MenACWY and as high as 74% for the first HPV
      dose if providers had administered all recommended vaccines during the same
      vaccination visit. For all years, the top reported reasons for not vaccinating
      were no knowledge about the vaccine, provider did not recommend, and vaccine is
      not needed/necessary (for TdaP and MenACWY) and adolescent is not sexually
      active, no knowledge about the vaccine, and vaccine is not needed/necessary (for
      HPV). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent vaccination coverage is increasing but could be
      improved. Strategies are needed to increase parental knowledge about adolescent
      vaccines and improve provider recommendation and administration of all vaccines
      during the same visit.

PMID- 22084327
TI  - Delayed acyclovir and outcomes of children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology and outcomes of children hospitalized
      with eczema herpeticum and to determine the association with delayed acyclovir on
      outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study
      conducted between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2010, of 1331 children aged 2
      months to 17 years with eczema herpeticum from 42 tertiary care children's
      hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Multivariable
      linear regression models determined the association between delayed acyclovir
      therapy and the main outcome measure: hospital length of stay (LOS). RESULTS:
      There were no deaths during the study period. Staphylococcus aureus infection was
      diagnosed in 30.3% of the patients; 3.9% of the patients had a bloodstream
      infection. Fifty-one patients (3.8%) required ICU admission. There were 893
      patients (67.1%) who received acyclovir on the first day of admission. The median
      LOS increased with each day delay in acyclovir initiation. In multivariable
      analysis, delay of acyclovir initiation by 1 day was associated with an 11%
      increased LOS (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3%-20%; P = .008), and LOS increased
      by 41% when acyclovir was started on day 3 (95% CI: 19%-67%; P < .001) and by 98%
      when started on day 4 to 7 (95% CI: 60%-145%; P < .001). Use of topical
      corticosteroids on day 1 of hospitalization was not associated with LOS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Delay of acyclovir initiation is associated with increased LOS in
      hospitalized children with eczema herpeticum. Use of topical corticosteroids on
      admission is not associated with increased LOS. The mortality rate of
      hospitalized children with eczema herpeticum is low.

PMID- 22084328
TI  - Leveraging state immunization information systems to measure the effectiveness of
      rotavirus vaccine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electronic immunization information systems (IISs) are now established
      in almost all US states. We used the IIS in Minnesota, Georgia, and Connecticut
      for immunization data and as the source of 1 of 2 control groups to measure
      pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) effectiveness (VE) using case-control
      methodology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case-subjects were vaccine-eligible children
      who presented to 1 of 5 hospitals or emergency departments with gastroenteritis
      and had rotavirus antigen detected in stool during any of 3 rotavirus seasons
      (2007-2009). Two control groups were used: children with gastroenteritis who
      tested negative for rotavirus and children from the IIS matched by zip code and
      birth date. In Minnesota and Georgia, immunization records for rotavirus-positive
      and -negative children were also obtained from providers. RESULTS: Overall, 402
      (96%) rotavirus case-subjects and 825 (97%) rotavirus-negative controls who met
      eligibility criteria were found in the IISs. Ten IIS controls were identified for
      each case. VE estimates for RV5 were similar across control groups, immunization
      data sources, and states. VE point estimates for 3 vs 0 doses were 89% to 94%
      among children aged 8 months or older and 86% to 92% among those aged 24 months
      or older. VE for 2 doses was >=90% among children aged 8 months or older, and VE
      for 1 dose was 66% among those aged 6 weeks through 5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Three
      RV5 doses confer sustained protection against rotavirus disease during the first
      3 years of life in US children. Two RV5 doses also seem to provide good
      protection. IISs can be valuable tools for assessing the effectiveness of
      vaccines administered to young children.

PMID- 22084329
TI  - Expert panel on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular health and risk
      reduction in children and adolescents: summary report.

PMID- 22084330
TI  - Preoperative anxiety and pain sensitivity are independent predictors of propofol
      and sevoflurane requirements in general anaesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychological factors are thought to drive inter-patient variations
      in anaesthetic and analgesic requirements. This cross-sectional study
      investigated whether preoperative psychological factors can predict anaesthetic
      requirements and postoperative pain. METHODS: Before total thyroidectomy, 100
      consecutive women completed the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
      (STAI) and the pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ). Target-controlled propofol
      was administered for induction of anaesthesia, and sevoflurane-oxygen-air was
      given to maintain equal depths of anaesthesia, as determined by bispectral index
      (BIS) monitoring. RESULTS: Patients with higher anxiety scores (state and trait)
      required greater amounts of propofol to reach light (BIS=85) and moderate
      (BIS=75) levels of sedation, but only trait anxiety was significantly associated
      with propofol requirements in reaching a deep level of sedation (BIS=65). The MAC
      hour of sevoflurane was significantly correlated only with PSQ scores. The
      postoperative pain intensity was significantly correlated with both STAI and PSQ.
      CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anxiety and pain sensitivity are independent predictors
      of propofol and sevoflurane requirements in general anaesthesia. Anaesthetic and
      analgesic doses could be modified based on the patient's preoperative anxiety and
      pain sensitivity.

PMID- 22084331
TI  - Warfarin dose assessment every 4 weeks versus every 12 weeks in patients with
      stable international normalized ratios: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend that patients receiving warfarin undergo
      international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring every 4 weeks. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate whether assessment of warfarin dosing every 12 weeks is as safe as
      assessment every 4 weeks. DESIGN: Noninferiority randomized trial. The
      randomization schedule (in a 1:1 ratio) was computer-generated, and allocation
      was concealed until the database was locked by using a centralized schedule.
      Patients, study and clinical personnel, adjudicators of clinical events, and the
      study statistician were blinded to treatment assignment. (ClinicalTrials.gov
      registration number: NCT00356759) SETTING: Single center in Hamilton, Ontario,
      Canada. PATIENTS: 250 patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy, whose dose
      was unchanged for at least 6 months; 226 completed the study. INTERVENTION:
      Dosing assessment every 12 weeks (n = 124) compared with every 4 weeks (n = 126)
      for 12 months. Patients in the 12-week group were tested every 4 weeks; sham INRs
      within the target range were reported for two of the three 4-week periods.
      MEASUREMENTS: Percentage of time in the therapeutic range (primary outcome) and
      number of extreme INRs, changes in maintenance dose, major bleeding events,
      objectively verified thromboembolism, and death (secondary outcomes). RESULTS:
      The percentage of time in the therapeutic range was 74.1% (SD, 18.8%) in the 4
      week group compared with 71.6% (SD, 20.0%) in the 12-week group (absolute
      difference, 2.5 percentage points [1-sided 97.5% upper confidence bound, 7.3
      percentage points]; noninferiority P = 0.020 for a 7.5-percentage point margin).
      Fewer patients in the 12-week group than in the 4-week group had any dose changes
      (37.1% vs. 55.6%; absolute difference, 18.5 percentage points [95% CI, 6.1 to
      30.0 percentage points]; P = 0.004). Secondary outcomes did not differ between
      groups. LIMITATIONS: Patients in the 12-week group had testing and contact with
      clinic staff every 4 weeks. The study was conducted at a single center and used
      surrogate outcomes. CONCLUSION: Assessment of warfarin dosing every 12 weeks
      seems to be safe and noninferior to assessment every 4 weeks. A comparison of INR
      testing, patient contact, and warfarin dose assessment every 12 weeks versus
      every 4 weeks is necessary before INR testing every 12 weeks can be routinely
      recommended for practice. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Physicians' Services
      Incorporated Foundation.

PMID- 22084332
TI  - Risks for stroke, bleeding, and death in patients with atrial fibrillation
      receiving dabigatran or warfarin in relation to the CHADS2 score: a subgroup
      analysis of the RE-LY trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CHADS(2) is a simple, validated risk score for predicting the risk
      for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation not treated with anticoagulants.
      There are sparse data on the risk for thrombotic and bleeding complications
      according to the CHADS(2) score in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic importance of CHADS(2) risk score in
      patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulants, including the
      vitamin K antagonist warfarin and the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran.
      DESIGN: Subgroup analysis of a randomized, controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov
      registration number: NCT00262600) SETTING: Multinational study setting. PATIENTS:
      18 112 patients with atrial fibrillation who were receiving oral anticoagulants.
      MEASUREMENTS: Baseline CHADS(2) score, which assigns 1 point each for congestive
      heart failure, hypertension, age 75 years or older, and diabetes mellitus and 2
      points for stroke. RESULTS: Distribution of CHADS(2) scores were as follows: 0 to
      1-5775 patients; 2-6455 patients; and 3 to 6-5882 patients. Annual rates of the
      primary outcome of stroke or systemic embolism among all participants were 0.93%
      in patients with a CHADS(2) score of 0 to 1, 1.22% in those with a score of 2,
      and 2.24% in those with a score of 3 to 6. Annual rates of other outcomes among
      all participants with CHADS(2) scores of 0 to 1, 2, and 3 to 6, respectively,
      were the following: major bleeding, 2.26%, 3.11%, and 4.42%; intracranial
      bleeding, 0.31%, 0.40%, and 0.61%; and vascular mortality, 1.35%, 2.39%, and
      3.68% (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Rates of stroke or systemic embolism,
      major and intracranial bleeding, and vascular and total mortality each increased
      in the warfarin and dabigatran groups as CHADS(2) score increased. The rates of
      stroke or systemic embolism with dabigatran, 150 mg twice daily, and of
      intracranial bleeding with dabigatran, 150 mg or 110 mg twice daily, were lower
      than those with warfarin; there was no significant heterogeneity in subgroups
      defined by CHADS(2) scores. LIMITATION: These analyses were not prespecified and
      should be deemed exploratory. CONCLUSION: Higher CHADS(2) scores were associated
      with increased risks for stroke or systemic embolism, bleeding, and death in
      patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulants. PRIMARY FUNDING
      SOURCE: Boehringer Ingelheim.

PMID- 22084334
TI  - Whole-body vibration therapy for osteoporosis: state of the science.
AB  - Clinical guidelines for osteoporosis recommend dietary and pharmacologic
      interventions and weight-bearing exercise to prevent bone fractures. These
      interventions sometimes have low adherence and can cause adverse effects. A
      proposed alternative or adjunctive treatment is whole-body vibration therapy
      (WBV), in which energy produced by a forced oscillation is transferred to an
      individual from a mechanical vibration platform. Whole-body vibration platforms
      are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for medical purposes.
      This review provides a broad overview of important issues related to WBV therapy
      for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Relying on key informants and a
      search of the gray and published literature from January 2000 to August 2011, the
      investigators found that the designs of WBV platforms and protocols for their use
      vary widely. The optimal target population for the therapy is not defined.
      Although WBV has some theoretical advantages, key informants have voiced several
      concerns, including uncertain safety and potential consumer confusion between low
      intensity vibration platforms intended for osteoporosis therapy and high
      intensity platforms intended for exercise. Finally, the scant literature did not
      establish whether WBV therapy leads to clinically important increases in bone
      mineral density or reduces risk for fracture.

PMID- 22084333
TI  - Effect of 12 months of whole-body vibration therapy on bone density and structure
      in postmenopausal women: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although data from studies in animals demonstrated beneficial effects
      of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy on bone, clinical trials in postmenopausal
      women showed conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether WBV improves
      bone density and structure. DESIGN: A 12-month, single-center, superiority,
      randomized, controlled trial with 3 parallel groups. (ClinicalTrials.gov
      registration number: NCT00420940) SETTING: Toronto General Hospital, Ontario,
      Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 202 healthy postmenopausal women with bone mineral density
      (BMD) T-scores between -1.0 and -2.5 who were not receiving prescription bone
      medications. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups
      (1:1:1 ratio) by using a block-randomization scheme and sealed envelopes. They
      were asked to stand on a low-magnitude (0.3g) 90-Hz or 30-Hz WBV platform for 20
      minutes daily or to serve as control participants; all participants received
      calcium and vitamin D. MEASUREMENTS: Bone outcome assessors, who were blinded to
      group assignment, determined trabecular volumetric BMD and other measurements of
      the distal tibia and distal radius with high-resolution peripheral quantitative
      computed tomography and areal BMD with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at
      baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: 12 months of WBV therapy had no significant
      effect on any bone outcomes compared with no WBV therapy. For the primary outcome
      of tibial trabecular volumetric BMD, mean change from baseline was 0.4 mg/cm(3)
      (95% CI, -0.4 to 1.2 mg/cm(3)) in the 90-Hz WBV group, -0.1 mg/cm(3) (CI, -1.0 to
      0.8 mg/cm(3)) in the 30-Hz WBV group, and -0.2 mg/cm(3) (CI, -1.1 to 0.6
      mg/cm(3)) in the control group (P = 0.55). Changes in areal BMD at the femoral
      neck, total hip, and lumbar spine were also similar among the groups. Overall,
      low-magnitude WBV at both 90 and 30 Hz was well-tolerated. LIMITATIONS: Adherence
      to WBV ranged from 65% to 79%. Double-blinding was not possible. CONCLUSION:
      Whole-body vibration therapy at 0.3g and 90 or 30 Hz for 12 months did not alter
      BMD or bone structure in postmenopausal women who received calcium and vitamin D
      supplementation.

PMID- 22084335
TI  - Promises and challenges of stem cell research for regenerative medicine.
AB  - In recent years, stem cells have generated increasing excitement, with frequent
      claims that they are revolutionizing medicine. For those not directly involved in
      stem cell research, however, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction or
      realistic expectation from wishful thinking. This article aims to provide
      internists with a clear and concise introduction to the field. While recounting
      some scientific and medical milestones, the authors discuss the 3 main varieties
      of stem cells-adult, embryonic, and induced pluripotent-comparing their
      advantages and disadvantages for clinical medicine. The authors have sought to
      avoid the moral and political debates surrounding stem cell research, focusing
      instead on scientific and medical issues.

PMID- 22084336
TI  - Learning the respective roles of warfarin and dabigatran to prevent stroke in
      patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22084337
TI  - A matter of the heart.

PMID- 22084338
TI  - House call.

PMID- 22084339
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084340
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084341
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084342
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084343
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084344
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084345
TI  - Hospital care and medical utilization after discharge.

PMID- 22084346
TI  - Therapy-related acute myelogenous leukemia in a hydroxyurea-treated patient with
      sickle cell anemia.

PMID- 22084347
TI  - Summaries for patients: can people who are receiving steady doses of warfarin
      have their dose assessed less frequently?

PMID- 22084348
TI  - Summaries for patients: whole-body vibration therapy for the prevention of bone
      loss.

PMID- 22084349
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Simvastatin plus ezetimibe reduced major atherosclerotic events
      in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 22084350
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: lowering systolic BP to <= 135 mm Hg reduces CV events
      in type 2 diabetes/IFG/IGT.

PMID- 22084351
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) reduces mortality in
      adults; other forms of vitamin D do not.

PMID- 22084352
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Influenza vaccination reduced cardiovascular events in patients
      hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 22084353
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Screening with low-dose computed tomography reduced lung cancer
      mortality in high-risk patients.

PMID- 22084354
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Adding short-term androgen-deprivation therapy to radiotherapy
      improved survival in localized prostate cancer.

PMID- 22084355
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: pregabalin and other drugs reduce pain in patients with
      painful diabetic neuropathy.

PMID- 22084356
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Systematic pain management reduced agitation in nursing home
      residents with dementia.

PMID- 22084357
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: cholinesterase inhibitors but not memantine increase
      syncope in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

PMID- 22084358
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Late initiation of parenteral nutrition reduced length of
      intensive care unit stay.

PMID- 22084359
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: several instruments are accurate for evaluating patient
      capacity for medical treatment decision-making.

PMID- 22084360
TI  - ACP Journal Club. A 5-item score predicted risk for warfarin-associated major
      hemorrhage in patients with atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22084362
TI  - Novel staging system for predicting disease-specific survival in patients with
      breast cancer treated with surgery as the first intervention: time to modify the
      current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system.
AB  - PURPOSE: American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging is used to determine
      breast cancer prognosis, yet patient survival within each stage shows wide
      variation. We hypothesized that differences in biology influence this variation
      and that addition of biologic markers to AJCC staging improves determination of
      prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified a cohort of 3,728 patients who
      underwent surgery as the first intervention between 1997 and 2006. A Cox
      proportional hazards model, with backward stepwise exclusion of factors and
      stratification on pathologic stage (PS), was used to test the significance of
      adding grade (G), lymphovascular invasion (L), estrogen receptor (ER) status (E),
      progesterone receptor (PR) status, combined ER and PR status (EP), or combined
      ER, PR, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status (M). We assigned
      values of 0 to 2 to these disease-specific survival (DSS) -associated factors and
      assessed six different staging systems: PS, PS + G, PS + G L, PS + G E, PS + G
      EP, and PS + G M. We compared 5-year DSS rates, Akaike's information criterion
      (AIC), and Harrell's concordance index (C-index) between systems. Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results data were used as the external validation cohort (n
      = 26,711). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 6.5 years, and 5-year DSS rate was
      97.4%. The PS + G E status staging system was most precise, with a low AIC
      (1,931.9) and the highest C-index (0.80). PS + G E status was confirmed to
      stratify outcomes in internal bootstrapping samples and the external validation
      cohort. CONCLUSION: Our results validate an improved breast cancer staging system
      that incorporates grade and ER status. We recommend that biologic markers be
      incorporated into revised versions of the AJCC staging system.

PMID- 22084361
TI  - Aspirin in the chemoprevention of colorectal neoplasia: an overview.
AB  - Considerable evidence supports the effectiveness of aspirin for chemoprevention
      of colorectal cancer (CRC) in addition to its well-established benefits in the
      prevention of vascular disease. Epidemiologic studies have consistently observed
      an inverse association between aspirin use and risk of CRC. A recent pooled
      analysis of a long-term posttrial follow-up of nearly 14,000 patients from four
      randomized, cardiovascular disease prevention trials showed that daily aspirin
      treatment for about five years was associated with a 34% reduction in 20-year CRC
      mortality. A separate metaanalysis of nearly 3,000 patients with a history of
      colorectal adenoma or cancer in four randomized adenoma prevention trials showed
      that aspirin reduced the occurrence of advanced adenomas by 28% and any adenoma
      by 17%. Aspirin has also been shown to be beneficial in a clinical trial of
      patients with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary CRC syndrome; in those treated with
      aspirin for at least two years, there was a 50% or more reduction in the risk of
      CRC commencing five years after randomization and after aspirin had been
      discontinued. A few observational studies have shown an increase in survival
      among patients with CRC who use aspirin. Taken together, these findings
      strengthen the case for consideration of long-term aspirin use in CRC prevention.
      Despite these compelling data, there is a lack of consensus about the balance of
      risks and benefits associated with long-term aspirin use, particularly in low
      risk populations. The optimal dose to use for cancer prevention and the precise
      mechanism underlying aspirin's anticancer effect require further investigation.

PMID- 22084363
TI  - Acute isolated transmural neutropenic gastritis.

PMID- 22084364
TI  - Multiple cytokine-producing solitary plasmacytoma of bone with expression of
      cytokine receptors.

PMID- 22084365
TI  - Activity of alemtuzumab in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic
      syndrome with chromosome 7 aberrations.

PMID- 22084366
TI  - Predicting survival after curative colectomy for cancer: individualizing colon
      cancer staging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cancer staging determines extent of disease, facilitating
      prognostication and treatment decision making. The American Joint Committee on
      Cancer (AJCC) TNM classification system is the most commonly used staging
      algorithm for colon cancer, categorizing patients on the basis of only these
      three variables (tumor, node, and metastasis). The purpose of this study was to
      extend the seventh edition of the AJCC staging system for colon cancer to
      incorporate additional information available from tumor registries, thereby
      improving prognostic accuracy. METHODS: Records from 128,853 patients with
      primary colon cancer reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results
      Program from 1994 to 2005 were used to construct and validate three survival
      models for patients with primary curative-intent surgery. Independent
      training/test data sets were used to develop and test alternative models. The
      seventh edition TNM staging system was compared with models supplementing TNM
      staging with additional demographic and tumor variables available from the
      registry by calculating a concordance index, performing calibration, and
      identifying the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
      RESULTS: Inclusion of additional registry covariates improved prognostic
      estimates. The concordance index rose from 0.60 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.61) for the
      AJCC model, with T- and N-stage variables, to 0.68 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.68) for the
      model including tumor grade, number of collected metastatic lymph nodes, age, and
      sex. ROC curves for the extended model had higher sensitivity, at all values of
      specificity, than the TNM system; calibration curves indicated no deviation from
      the reference line. CONCLUSION: Prognostic models incorporating readily available
      data elements outperform the current AJCC system. These models can assist in
      personalizing treatment and follow-up for patients with colon cancer.

PMID- 22084368
TI  - The care people need and the education of physicians.

PMID- 22084369
TI  - Prognostic impact of morphologic and phenotypic features of childhood ALK
      positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma: results of the ALCL99 study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The prognostic value of pathologic characteristics of childhood ALK
      positive anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCL), such as histologic subtypes,
      immunophenotype, and presence of the t(2;5) translocation or its variants, was
      assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 375 patients with systemic ALK-positive ALCL
      included in an international trial launched by the European Intergroup for
      Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma were reviewed by an international panel of
      pathologists based on conventional hematoxylin and eosin-stained and
      immunostained sections and classified according to the 2001 WHO classification.
      RESULTS: A small-cell (SC) or lymphohistiocytic (LH) component was observed in
      114 (32%) of 361 patients, whereas ALCL of common type was diagnosed in 235 (65%)
      of 361 patients. Regarding the histologic subtyping of patients within the two
      categories of ALCL (with v without SC/LH component), the concordance between the
      national and international reviews was quite good, with a kappa index equal to
      0.67 (95% CI, 0.57 to 0.75). The presence of an SC/LH component was significantly
      associated with a high risk of failure (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to
      3.0; P = .002) in the multivariate analysis controlling for clinical
      characteristics, as well as the perivascular pattern (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to
      2.7; P = .01), whereas CD3 positivity was significantly associated with a high
      risk of failure only in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study, which to our
      knowledge includes the largest series of childhood systemic ALK-positive ALCL so
      far, demonstrates the adverse prognostic value of SC and/or LH morphologic
      features. Combining these histologic characteristics with other biologic or
      clinical factors might have a high potential for future risk stratification and
      treatment.

PMID- 22084370
TI  - Taxane doublets for metastatic breast cancer: do we need another cytotoxic pair
      or another approach?

PMID- 22084371
TI  - Survival data from a phase II, open-label study of pazopanib or lapatinib
      monotherapy in patients with advanced and recurrent cervical cancer.

PMID- 22084372
TI  - Medical oncologists' attitudes and practice in cancer pain management: a national
      survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of US medical
      oncologists that are related to management of cancer pain. METHODS: An anonymous
      survey was mailed to a geographically representative sample of medical
      oncologists randomly selected from the American Medical Association's Physician
      Master File. RESULTS: From a total of 2,000 oncologists, 354 responded to the
      original questionnaire and 256 responded to one of two subsequent shortened
      versions (overall response rate, 32%). Responders were demographically similar to
      all US medical oncologists. Using numeric rating scales of 0 to 10, oncologists
      rated their specialty highly for the ability to manage cancer pain (median, 7;
      interquartile range [IQR], 6 to 8) but rated their peers as more conservative
      prescribers than themselves (median, 3; IQR, 2 to 5). The quality of pain
      management training during medical school and residency was rated as 3 (IQR, 1 to
      5) and 5 (IQR, 3 to 7), respectively. The most important barriers to pain
      management were poor assessment (median, 6; IQR, 4 to 7) and patient reluctance
      to take opioids (median, 6; IQR, 5 to 7) or report pain (median, 6; IQR, 4 to 7).
      Other barriers included physician reluctance to prescribe opioids (median, 5;
      IQR, 3 to 7) and perceived excessive regulation (median, 4; IQR, 2 to 7). In
      response to two vignettes describing challenging clinical scenarios, 60% and 87%,
      respectively, endorsed treatment decisions that would be considered unacceptable
      by pain specialists. Frequent referrals to pain or palliative care specialists
      were reported by only 14% and 16%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggest
      that, for more than 20 years, a focus on cancer pain has not adequately addressed
      the perception of treatment barriers or limitations in pain-related knowledge and
      practice within the oncology community. Additional efforts are needed to achieve
      meaningful progress.

PMID- 22084373
TI  - Adverse prognostic impact of abnormal lesions detected by genome-wide single
      nucleotide polymorphism array-based karyotyping analysis in acute myeloid
      leukemia with normal karyotype.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study attempted to analyze the prognostic role of single nucleotide
      polymorphism array (SNP-A) -based karyotying in 133 patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia with normal karyotype (AML-NK), which presents with diverse clinical
      outcomes, thus requiring further stratification of patient subgroups according to
      their prognoses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 133 patients with AML-NK
      confirmed by metaphase cytogenetics (MC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization
      analysis were included in this study. Analysis by Genome-Wide Human SNP 6.0 Array
      was performed by using DNAs derived from marrow samples at diagnosis. RESULTS:
      Forty-three patients (32.3%) had at least one abnormal SNP lesion that was not
      detected by MC. One hundred thirteen abnormal SNP lesions included 55 losses, 23
      gains, and 35 copy-neutral losses of heterozygosity. Multivariate analyses showed
      that detection of abnormal SNP lesions by SNP-A karyotyping results in an
      unfavorable prognostic value for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.69; 95%
      CI, 1.50 to 4.82; P = .001); other significant prognostic factors included
      secondary AML (HR, 5.55; 95% CI, 1.80 to 17.14; P = .003), presence of the FLT3
      mutation (HR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.71 to 5.87; P < .001), and age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI,
      1.01 to 1.05; P = .020). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that abnormal SNP
      lesions detected by SNP-A karyotyping might indicate an adverse prognosis in
      patients with AML-NK, thus requiring a more sophisticated treatment strategy for
      improvement of treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22084374
TI  - Gemcitabine plus docetaxel versus docetaxel in patients with predominantly human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast
      cancer: a randomized, phase III study by the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative
      Group.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this phase III study was to compare the efficacy of
      gemcitabine plus docetaxel (GD) versus docetaxel in patients with advanced breast
      cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Predominantly human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2 (HER2) -negative patients were randomly assigned to gemcitabine (1,000
      mg/m(2)) on days 1 and 8 plus docetaxel (75 mg/m(2)) on day 8 or to docetaxel
      (100 mg/m(2)) on day 1, every 21 days. Patients were untreated or had prior
      (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy or a single anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen
      for metastatic breast cancer. The primary end point was time to progression
      (TTP), and secondary end points were overall survival (OS), response rate (RR),
      and toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were allocated to GD, and 167 were
      allocated to docetaxel. Median TTP on GD was 10.3 months versus 8.3 months on
      docetaxel (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.01; log-rank P = .06). The
      adjusted Cox proportional model for TTP showed a significant difference favoring
      the combination (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.90; P = .007). However, RR was
      similar (GD, 36%; docetaxel, 34%), and OS was not different (P = .57). Grades 3
      to 4 neutropenia was common (GD, 75%; docetaxel, 69%); infection was reported in
      26% and 21% of patients in the GD and docetaxel groups, respectively. Grades 3 to
      4 thrombocytopenia was more frequent with GD (GD, 16%; docetaxel, 0.6%), and
      peripheral neuropathy was higher with docetaxel (GD, 5%; docetaxel, 16%).
      CONCLUSION: GD compared with docetaxel demonstrated increased TTP in metastatic
      breast cancer. However, RR and OS were similar. Thus, the addition of gemcitabine
      failed to demonstrate any clinically meaningful benefit when combined with
      docetaxel.

PMID- 22084375
TI  - The cell cycle. Preface.

PMID- 22084376
TI  - The cell cycle.

PMID- 22084377
TI  - Quiescence: early evolutionary origins and universality do not imply uniformity.
AB  - Cell cycle investigations have focused on relentless exponential proliferation of
      cells, an unsustainable situation in nature. Proliferation of cells, whether
      microbial or metazoan, is interrupted by periods of quiescence. The vast majority
      of cells in an adult metazoan lie quiescent. As disruptions in this quiescence
      are at the foundation of cancer, it will be important for the field to turn its
      attention to the mechanisms regulating quiescence. While often presented as a
      single topic, there are multiple forms of quiescence each with complex inputs,
      some of which are tied to conceptually challenging aspects of metazoan regulation
      such as size control. In an effort to expose the enormity of the challenge, I
      describe the differing biological purposes of quiescence, and the coupling of
      quiescence in metazoans to growth and to the structuring of tissues during
      development. I emphasize studies in the organism rather than in tissue culture,
      because these expose the diversity of regulation. While quiescence is likely to
      be a primitive biological process, it appears that in adapting quiescence to its
      many distinct biological settings, evolution has diversified it. Consideration of
      quiescence in different models gives us an overview of this diversity.

PMID- 22084378
TI  - Nutrient limitations alter cell division control and chromosome segregation
      through growth-related kinases and phosphatases.
AB  - In dividing fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells, the balance between
      Wee1 kinase and Cdc25 phosphatase which control the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)
      at the G2-M transition determines the rod-shaped cell length. Under nitrogen
      source starvation or glucose limitation, however, cell size determination is
      considerably modulated, and cell size shortening occurs for wild-type cells. For
      several mutants of kinases or phosphatases, including CDK, target of rapamycin
      complex (TORC) 1 and 2, stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      Sty1/Spc1, MAPK kinase Wis1, calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase
      kinase-like Ssp1, and type 2A and 2A-related phosphatases inhibitor Sds23, this
      cell shortening does not normally occur. In tor1 and ssp1 mutants, cell
      elongation is observed. Sds23 that binds to and inhibits 2A and 2A-related
      phosphatases is synergistic with Ssp1 in the cell size determination and survival
      under low glucose and nitrogen source. Tor2 (TORC1) is required for growth,
      whereas Tor1 (TORC2) is needed for determining division size according to
      different nutrient conditions. Surprisingly, in growth-diminished tor2 mutant or
      rapamycin-treated cells, the requirement of separase/Cut1-securin/Cut2 essential
      for chromosome segregation is greatly alleviated. By contrast, defects of tor1
      with secruin/cut2 or overproduction of Cut1 are additive. While Tor1 and Tor2 are
      opposite in their apparent functions, both may actually coordinate cell division
      with growth in response to the changes in nutrients.

PMID- 22084379
TI  - Regulation of entry into gametogenesis.
AB  - Gametogenesis is a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. In
      the unicellular fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) and
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), where this developmental programme has
      been extensively studied, entry into gametogenesis requires the convergence of
      multiple signals on the promoter of a master regulator. Starvation signals and
      cellular mating-type information promote the transcription of cell fate inducers,
      which in turn initiate a transcriptional cascade that propels a unique type of
      cell division, meiosis, and gamete morphogenesis. Here, we will provide an
      overview of how entry into gametogenesis is initiated in budding and fission
      yeast and discuss potential conserved features in the germ cell development of
      higher eukaryotes.

PMID- 22084380
TI  - Evolution of networks and sequences in eukaryotic cell cycle control.
AB  - The molecular networks regulating the G1-S transition in budding yeast and
      mammals are strikingly similar in network structure. However, many of the
      individual proteins performing similar network roles appear to have unrelated
      amino acid sequences, suggesting either extremely rapid sequence evolution, or
      true polyphyly of proteins carrying out identical network roles. A yeast/mammal
      comparison suggests that network topology, and its associated dynamic properties,
      rather than regulatory proteins themselves may be the most important elements
      conserved through evolution. However, recent deep phylogenetic studies show that
      fungal and animal lineages are relatively closely related in the opisthokont
      branch of eukaryotes. The presence in plants of cell cycle regulators such as Rb,
      E2F and cyclins A and D, that appear lost in yeast, suggests cell cycle control
      in the last common ancestor of the eukaryotes was implemented with this set of
      regulatory proteins. Forward genetics in non-opisthokonts, such as plants or
      their green algal relatives, will provide direct information on cell cycle
      control in these organisms, and may elucidate the potentially more complex cell
      cycle control network of the last common eukaryotic ancestor.

PMID- 22084381
TI  - Quality control in the initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication.
AB  - Origins of DNA replication must be regulated to ensure that the entire genome is
      replicated precisely once in each cell cycle. In human cells, this requires that
      tens of thousands of replication origins are activated exactly once per cell
      cycle. Failure to do so can lead to cell death or genome rearrangements such as
      those associated with cancer. Systems ensuring efficient initiation of
      replication, while also providing a robust block to re-initiation, play a crucial
      role in genome stability. In this review, I will discuss some of the strategies
      used by cells to ensure once per cell cycle replication and provide a
      quantitative framework to evaluate the relative importance and efficiency of
      individual pathways involved in this regulation.

PMID- 22084382
TI  - Surviving chromosome replication: the many roles of the S-phase checkpoint
      pathway.
AB  - Checkpoints were originally identified as signalling pathways that delay mitosis
      in response to DNA damage or defects in chromosome replication, allowing time for
      DNA repair to occur. The ATR (ataxia- and rad-related) and ATM (ataxia-mutated)
      protein kinases are recruited to defective replication forks or to sites of DNA
      damage, and are thought to initiate the DNA damage response in all eukaryotes. In
      addition to delaying cell cycle progression, however, the S-phase checkpoint
      pathway also controls chromosome replication and DNA repair pathways in a highly
      complex fashion, in order to preserve genome integrity. Much of our understanding
      of this regulation has come from studies of yeasts, in which the best
      characterized targets are the stimulation of ribonucleotide reductase activity by
      multiple mechanisms, and the inhibition of new initiation events at later origins
      of DNA replication. In addition, however, the S-phase checkpoint also plays a
      more enigmatic and apparently critical role in preserving the functional
      integrity of defective replication forks, by mechanisms that are still understood
      poorly. This review considers some of the key experiments that have led to our
      current understanding of this highly complex pathway.

PMID- 22084383
TI  - Regulatory networks integrating cell cycle control with DNA damage checkpoints
      and double-strand break repair.
AB  - Double-strand breaks (DSBs), arising from exposure to exogenous clastogens or as
      a by-product of endogenous cellular metabolism, pose grave threats to genome
      integrity. DSBs can sever whole chromosomes, leading to chromosomal instability,
      a hallmark of cancer. Healing broken DNA takes time, and it is therefore
      essential to temporarily halt cell division while DSB repair is underway. The
      seminal discovery of cyclin-dependent kinases as master regulators of the cell
      cycle unleashed a series of studies aimed at defining how the DNA damage response
      network delays cell division. These efforts culminated with the identification of
      Cdc25, the protein phosphatase that activates Cdc2/Cdk1, as a critical target of
      the checkpoint kinase Chk1. However, regulation works both ways, as recent
      studies have revealed that Cdc2 activity and cell cycle position determine
      whether DSBs are repaired by non-homologous end-joining or homologous
      recombination (HR). Central to this regulation are the proteins that initiate the
      processing of DNA ends for HR repair, Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 protein complex and
      Ctp1/Sae2/CtIP, and the checkpoint kinases Tel1/ATM and Rad3/ATR. Here, we review
      recent findings and provide insight on how proteins that regulate cell cycle
      progression affect DSB repair, and, conversely how proteins that repair DSBs
      affect cell cycle progression.

PMID- 22084384
TI  - A quantitative model for cyclin-dependent kinase control of the cell cycle:
      revisited.
AB  - The eukaryotic cell division cycle encompasses an ordered series of events.
      Chromosomal DNA is replicated during S phase of the cell cycle before being
      distributed to daughter cells in mitosis. Both S phase and mitosis in turn
      consist of an intricately ordered sequence of molecular events. How cell cycle
      ordering is achieved, to promote healthy cell proliferation and avert insults on
      genomic integrity, has been a theme of Paul Nurse's research. To explain a key
      aspect of cell cycle ordering, sequential S phase and mitosis, Stern & Nurse
      proposed 'A quantitative model for cdc2 control of S phase and mitosis in fission
      yeast'. In this model, S phase and mitosis are ordered by their dependence on
      increasing levels of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activity. Alternative
      mechanisms for ordering have been proposed that rely on checkpoint controls or on
      sequential waves of cyclins with distinct substrate specificities. Here, we
      review these ideas in the light of experimental evidence that has meanwhile
      accumulated. Quantitative Cdk control emerges as the basis for cell cycle
      ordering, fine-tuned by cyclin specificity and checkpoints. We propose a
      molecular explanation for quantitative Cdk control, based on thresholds imposed
      by Cdk-counteracting phosphatases, and discuss its implications.

PMID- 22084385
TI  - Switches and latches: a biochemical tug-of-war between the kinases and
      phosphatases that control mitosis.
AB  - Activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk1) cyclin B (CycB) complex
      (Cdk1:CycB) in mitosis brings about a remarkable extent of protein
      phosphorylation. Cdk1:CycB activation is switch-like, controlled by two auto
      amplification loops--Cdk1:CycB activates its activating phosphatase, Cdc25, and
      inhibits its inhibiting kinase, Wee1. Recent experimental evidence suggests that
      parallel to Cdk1:CycB activation during mitosis, there is inhibition of its
      counteracting phosphatase activity. We argue that the downregulation of the
      phosphatase is not just a simple latch that suppresses futile cycles of
      phosphorylation/dephosphorylation during mitosis. Instead, we propose that
      phosphatase regulation creates coherent feed-forward loops and adds extra
      amplification loops to the Cdk1:CycB regulatory network, thus forming an integral
      part of the mitotic switch. These network motifs further strengthen the bistable
      characteristic of the mitotic switch, which is based on the antagonistic
      interaction of two groups of proteins: M-phase promoting factors (Cdk1:CycB,
      Cdc25, Greatwall and Endosulfine/Arpp19) and interphase promoting factors (Wee1,
      PP2A-B55 and a Greatwall counteracting phosphatase, probably PP1). The bistable
      character of the switch implies the existence of a CycB threshold for entry into
      mitosis. The end of G2 phase is determined by the point where CycB level crosses
      the CycB threshold for Cdk1 activation.

PMID- 22084386
TI  - Spindle assembly checkpoint: the third decade.
AB  - The spindle assembly checkpoint controls cell cycle progression during mitosis,
      synchronizing it with the attachment of chromosomes to spindle microtubules.
      After the discovery of the mitotic arrest deficient (MAD) and budding uninhibited
      by benzymidazole (BUB) genes as crucial checkpoint components in 1991, the second
      decade of checkpoint studies (2001-2010) witnessed crucial advances in the
      elucidation of the mechanism through which the checkpoint effector, the mitotic
      checkpoint complex, targets the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) to prevent
      progression into anaphase. Concomitantly, the discovery that the Ndc80 complex
      and other components of the microtubule-binding interface of kinetochores are
      essential for the checkpoint response finally asserted that kinetochores are
      crucial for the checkpoint response. Nevertheless, the relationship between
      kinetochores and checkpoint control remains poorly understood. Crucial advances
      in this area in the third decade of checkpoint studies (2011-2020) are likely to
      be brought about by the characterization of the mechanism of kinetochore
      recruitment, activation and inactivation of checkpoint proteins, which remains
      elusive for the majority of checkpoint components. Here, we take a molecular view
      on the main challenges hampering this task.

PMID- 22084387
TI  - Structural insights into anaphase-promoting complex function and mechanism.
AB  - The anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C) controls sister chromatid
      segregation and the exit from mitosis by catalysing the ubiquitylation of cyclins
      and other cell cycle regulatory proteins. This unusually large E3 RING-cullin
      ubiquitin ligase is assembled from 13 different proteins. Selection of APC/C
      targets is controlled through recognition of short destruction motifs,
      predominantly the D box and KEN box. APC/C-mediated coordination of cell cycle
      progression is achieved through the temporal regulation of APC/C activity and
      substrate specificity, exerted through a combination of co-activator subunits,
      reversible phosphorylation and inhibitory proteins and complexes. Recent
      structural and biochemical studies of the APC/C are beginning to reveal an
      understanding of the roles of individual APC/C subunits and co-activators and how
      they mutually interact to mediate APC/C functions. This review focuses on the
      findings showing how information on the structural organization of the APC/C
      provides insights into the role of co-activators and core APC/C subunits in
      mediating substrate recognition. Mechanisms of regulating and modulating
      substrate recognition are discussed in the context of controlling the binding of
      the co-activator to the APC/C, and the accessibility and conformation of the co
      activator when bound to the APC/C.

PMID- 22084388
TI  - The Renaissance or the cuckoo clock.
AB  - '...in Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror,
      murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the
      Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years
      of democracy and peace-and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock'. Orson Welles
      as Harry Lime: The Third Man. Orson Welles might have been a little unfair on the
      Swiss, after all cuckoo clocks were developed in the Schwartzwald, but, more
      importantly, Swiss democracy gives remarkably stable government with considerable
      decision-making at the local level. The alternative is the battling city-states
      of Renaissance Italy: culturally rich but chaotic at a higher level of
      organization. As our understanding of the cell cycle improves, it appears that
      the cell is organized more along the lines of Switzerland than Renaissance Italy,
      and one major challenge is to determine how local decisions are made and
      coordinated to produce the robust cell cycle mechanisms that we observe in the
      cell as a whole.

PMID- 22084389
TI  - Whither systems biology.
AB  - Cell biologists are interested in how complexity arises from the interaction of
      different molecules. However, cells are many orders of magnitude larger than the
      protein-binding interfaces. To bridge these vast difference in scales, biologists
      construct hierarchies of organization of cellular structures. I describe how
      systems biology provides an approach to bridge these different scales.

PMID- 22084391
TI  - A population-based assessment of live births in women with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The authors aim to calculate the number of live births, before and
      after systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis, in women diagnosed during
      their reproductive years and to compare this with general population rates.
      METHODS: The authors identified women with SLE using Quebec administrative
      databases (1 January 1994 to 31 December 2003). The authors determined the number
      of live births, and calculated the standardised incidence ratio (SIR) of observed
      to expected live births. RESULTS: 1334 women with SLE were identified. Overall,
      the number of live births over the interval (559) was below that which would be
      expected (708) (SIR 0.79; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.86). Compared with the general
      population, live births were substantially lower after SLE diagnosis (SIR 0.62;
      95% CI 0.55 to 0.70) than before diagnosis (SIR 1.01; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.13).
      CONCLUSION: After diagnosis, women with SLE have substantially fewer live births
      than the general population.

PMID- 22084390
TI  - Translational regulation of the cell cycle: when, where, how and why?
AB  - Translational regulation contributes to the control of archetypal and specialized
      cell cycles, such as the meiotic and early embryonic cycles. Late meiosis and
      early embryogenesis unfold in the absence of transcription, so they particularly
      rely on translational repression and activation of stored maternal mRNAs. Here,
      we present examples of cell cycle regulators that are translationally controlled
      during different cell cycle and developmental transitions in model organisms
      ranging from yeast to mouse. Our focus also is on the RNA-binding proteins that
      affect cell cycle progression by recognizing special features in untranslated
      regions of mRNAs. Recent research highlights the significance of the cytoplasmic
      polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB). CPEB determines polyadenylation
      status, and consequently translational efficiency, of its target mRNAs in both
      transcriptionally active somatic cells as well as in transcriptionally silent
      mature Xenopus oocytes and early embryos. We discuss the role of CPEB in
      mediating the translational timing and in some cases spindle-localized
      translation of critical regulators of Xenopus oogenesis and early embryogenesis.
      We conclude by outlining potential directions and approaches that may provide
      further insights into the translational control of the cell cycle.

PMID- 22084392
TI  - Interleukin-1beta-regulating antibody XOMA 052 (gevokizumab) in the treatment of
      acute exacerbations of resistant uveitis of Behcet's disease: an open-label pilot
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uveitis and retinal vasculitis are sight-threatening manifestations of
      Behcet's disease with limited treatment options. This pilot study aimed to
      evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and clinical activity of XOMA 052
      (gevokizumab), a recombinant humanised anti-interleukin 1beta antibody, in
      Behcet's disease patients with uveitis. METHODS: Patients with acute posterior or
      panuveitis, and/or retinal vasculitis, resistant to azathioprine and/or
      ciclosporin, and receiving 10 mg/day or less of prednisolone, were enrolled into
      the 98-day study. Immunosuppressive agents were discontinued at baseline.
      Patients received a single infusion of XOMA 052 (0.3 mg/kg). The safety and
      uveitis status and pharmacokinetics of XOMA 052 were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven
      patients enrolled and completed the study. No treatment-related adverse event was
      observed. XOMA 052 treatment was associated with rapid and durable clinical
      response in all patients. Complete resolution of intraocular inflammation was
      achieved in 4-21 days (median 14 days), with a median duration of response of 49
      days (range 21-97 days); one patient remained exacerbation free throughout the
      study. CONCLUSIONS: Well tolerated, XOMA 052 resulted in a rapid onset and
      sustained reduction in intraocular inflammation in patients with resistant
      uveitis and retinal vasculitis. Moreover, the effect was observed despite
      discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents and without the need to increase
      corticosteroid dosages.

PMID- 22084393
TI  - IgG from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and/or systemic sclerosis
      binds to vascular smooth muscle cells and induces cell contraction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by remodelling
      of pulmonary arteries with enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)
      contraction, migration and proliferation. The authors investigated the presence
      of antibodies to human VSMCs in the serum of patients with systemic sclerosis
      with or without PAH and idiopathic PAH (iPAH). METHODS AND RESULTS: Antibodies to
      VSMCs were detected by immunofluorescence in sera from healthy controls and
      patients with scleroderma without PAH, scleroderma-associated PAH and iPAH. Serum
      IgG from these patients induced contraction of VSMCs in a collagen matrix in
      contrast with IgG from healthy controls. Several protein spots of interest and
      target antigens were identified by two-dimensional immunoblotting and MS,
      including stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 and alpha-enolase. Finally, antibodies
      to stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 were detected by ELISA in sera from 84%, 76%
      and 24% of patients with scleroderma without PAH, scleroderma-associated PAH and
      iPAH, respectively, compared with only 3% of healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The
      authors have identified IgG that binds to VSMCs in the serum of patients with
      scleroderma and iPAH. These antibodies may be pathogenic by modulating vascular
      contraction. The target antigens of these antibodies are stress-induced
      phosphoprotein 1 and alpha-enolase.

PMID- 22084394
TI  - Autophagy activation by rapamycin reduces severity of experimental
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis is associated with cell death and extracellular matrix
      degradation in articular cartilage. Autophagy is an essential cellular
      homeostasis mechanism that was found to be deficient in ageing and osteoarthritic
      cartilage. This study determined whether pharmacological inhibition of the
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a key inhibitor of autophagy, has disease
      modifying activity in experimental osteoarthritis. METHODS: Experimental
      osteoarthritis was induced by transection of the medial meniscotibial ligament
      and the medial collateral ligament in 2-month-old C57Bl/6 mice (n=36). Rapamycin
      (1 mg/kg weight/day) (n=18 mice) or dimethyl sulphoxide vehicle control (n=18
      mice) was administered intraperitoneally for 10 weeks. Histopathological changes
      in articular cartilage and synovium were examined by using semiquantitative
      scoring systems. Rapamycin effects on mTOR signalling, autophagy, cartilage
      homeostasis and inflammation were analysed by immunohistochemistry and
      immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Rapamycin affected the mTOR signalling
      pathway in mouse knee joints as indicated by the inhibition of ribosomal protein
      S6 phosphorylation, a target of mTOR and activation of LC3, a main marker of
      autophagy. The severity of cartilage degradation was significantly (p<0.01)
      reduced in the rapamycin-treated group compared with the control group and this
      was associated with a significant (p<0.05) decrease in synovitis. Rapamycin
      treatment also maintained cartilage cellularity and decreased ADAMTS-5 and
      interleukin-1beta expression in articular cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that rapamycin, at least in part by autophagy activation, reduces the
      severity of experimental osteoarthritis. Pharmacological activation of autophagy
      may be an effective therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22084395
TI  - Anti-Ro52 monoclonal antibodies specific for amino acid 200-239, but not other
      Ro52 epitopes, induce congenital heart block in a rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital heart block (CHB) may develop in fetuses of women with
      anti-Ro/La autoantibodies following placental transfer of maternal autoantibodies
      and disruption of the fetal atrioventricular (AV) conduction system. Animal
      models of CHB currently rely on immunisation or transfer of anti-Ro/La antibodies
      purified from mothers of children with CHB, which does not allow precise
      identification of the disease-inducing antibody specificity. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the ability of different anti-Ro52 monoclonal antibodies to induce
      cardiac electrophysiological abnormalities in vivo and affect the calcium
      homoeostasis of cardiomyocytes in vitro. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies
      recognising different domains of Ro52 were generated and injected into pregnant
      rats, and ECG was recorded on newborn pups. Cultures of rat neonatal
      cardiomyocytes were established to assess the effect of the different anti-Ro52
      monoclonal antibodies on calcium homoeostasis. RESULTS: First-degree AV block and
      bradycardia developed after maternal transfer of antibodies specific for amino
      acids 200-239 of Ro52 (p200), while pups exposed to antibodies targeting N- or C
      terminal epitopes of Ro52 did not show any electrocardiogram abnormalities.
      Addition of an anti-p200 antibody to cultured cardiomyocytes induced calcium
      dyshomoeostasis in a time- and dose-dependent manner, while addition of other
      Ro52 antibodies had no effect. CONCLUSION: These data for the first time show
      unambiguously that antibodies specific for amino acids 200-239 of Ro52 can induce
      cardiac conduction defects in the absence of other autoantibodies, and may
      therefore be the main initiators of cardiac pathology in the pool of anti-Ro52
      antibodies in mothers of children with CHB.

PMID- 22084396
TI  - Intermittent administration of MEK inhibitor GDC-0973 plus PI3K inhibitor GDC
      0941 triggers robust apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition.
AB  - Combinations of MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)
      inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical cancer models, leading to the
      initiation of clinical trials cotargeting these two key cancer signaling
      pathways. GDC-0973, a novel selective MEK inhibitor, and GDC-0941, a class I PI3K
      inhibitor, are in early stage clinical trials as both single agents and in
      combination. The discovery of these selective inhibitors has allowed
      investigation into the precise effects of combining inhibitors of two major
      signaling branches downstream of RAS. Here, we investigated multiple biomarkers
      in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K pathway to search for
      points of convergence that explain the increased apoptosis seen in combination.
      Using washout studies in vitro and alternate dosing schedules in mice, we showed
      that intermittent inhibition of the PI3K and MAPK pathway is sufficient for
      efficacy in BRAF and KRAS mutant cancer cells. The combination of GDC-0973 with
      the PI3K inhibitor GDC-0941 resulted in combination efficacy in vitro and in vivo
      via induction of biomarkers associated with apoptosis, including Bcl-2 family
      proapoptotic regulators. Therefore, these data suggest that continuous exposure
      of MEK and PI3K inhibitors in combination is not required for efficacy in
      preclinical cancer models and that sustained effects on downstream apoptosis
      biomarkers can be observed in response to intermittent dosing.

PMID- 22084397
TI  - Novel transcriptional targets of the SRY-HMG box transcription factor SOX4 link
      its expression to the development of small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The HMG box transcription factor SOX4 involved in neuronal development is
      amplified and overexpressed in a subset of lung cancers, suggesting that it may
      be a driver oncogene. In this study, we sought to develop this hypothesis
      including by defining targets of SOX4 that may mediate its involvement in lung
      cancer. Ablating SOX4 expression in SOX4-amplified lung cancer cells revealed a
      gene expression signature that included genes involved in neuronal development
      such as PCDHB, MYB, RBP1, and TEAD2. Direct recruitment of SOX4 to gene promoters
      was associated with their upregulation upon ectopic overexpression of SOX4. We
      confirmed upregulation of the SOX4 expression signature in a panel of primary
      lung tumors, validating their specific response by a comparison using embryonic
      fibroblasts from Sox4-deficient mice. Interestingly, we found that small cell
      lung cancer (SCLC), a subtype of lung cancer with neuroendocrine characteristics,
      was generally characterized by high levels of SOX2, SOX4, and SOX11 along with
      the SOX4-specific gene expression signature identified. Taken together, our
      findings identify a functional role for SOX genes in SCLC, particularly for SOX4
      and several novel targets defined in this study.

PMID- 22084398
TI  - Intracellular ATP levels are a pivotal determinant of chemoresistance in colon
      cancer cells.
AB  - Altered metabolism in cancer cells is suspected to contribute to chemoresistance,
      but the precise mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that intracellular ATP
      levels are a core determinant in the development of acquired cross-drug
      resistance of human colon cancer cells that harbor different genetic backgrounds.
      Drug-resistant cells were characterized by defective mitochondrial ATP
      production, elevated aerobic glycolysis, higher absolute levels of intracellular
      ATP, and enhanced HIF-1alpha-mediated signaling. Interestingly, direct delivery
      of ATP into cross-chemoresistant cells destabilized HIF-1alpha and inhibited
      glycolysis. Thus, drug-resistant cells exhibit a greater "ATP debt" defined as
      the extra amount of ATP needed to maintain homeostasis of survival pathways under
      genotoxic stress. Direct delivery of ATP was sufficient to render drug-sensitive
      cells drug resistant. Conversely, depleting ATP by cell treatment with an
      inhibitor of glycolysis, 3-bromopyruvate, was sufficient to sensitize cells cross
      resistant to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. In revealing that intracellular ATP
      levels are a core determinant of chemoresistance in colon cancer cells, our
      findings may offer a foundation for new improvements to colon cancer treatment.

PMID- 22084399
TI  - Norathyriol suppresses skin cancers induced by solar ultraviolet radiation by
      targeting ERK kinases.
AB  - Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is the leading factor in the development of skin
      cancer, prompting great interest in chemopreventive agents for this disease. In
      this study, we report the discovery of norathyriol, a plant-derived
      chemopreventive compound identified through an in silico virtual screening of the
      Chinese Medicine Library. Norathyriol is a metabolite of mangiferin found in
      mango, Hypericum elegans, and Tripterospermum lanceolatum and is known to have
      anticancer activity. Mechanistic investigations determined that norathyriol acted
      as an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activity to
      attenuate UVB-induced phosphorylation in mitogen-activated protein kinases
      signaling cascades. We confirmed the direct and specific binding of norathyriol
      with ERK2 through a cocrystal structural analysis. The xanthone moiety in
      norathyriol acted as an adenine mimetic to anchor the compound by hydrogen bonds
      to the hinge region of the protein ATP-binding site on ERK2. Norathyriol
      inhibited in vitro cell growth in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells at the level
      of G(2)-M phase arrest. In mouse skin tumorigenesis assays, norathyriol
      significantly suppressed solar UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. Further analysis
      indicated that norathyriol mediates its chemopreventive activity by inhibiting
      the ERK-dependent activity of transcriptional factors AP-1 and NF-kappaB during
      UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. Taken together, our results identify norathyriol
      as a safe new chemopreventive agent that is highly effective against development
      of UV-induced skin cancer.

PMID- 22084401
TI  - Psychological stress and cytokine production in multiple sclerosis: correlation
      with disease symptomatology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychological variables such as perceived stress appear to play a role
      in symptom onset or disease exacerbation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The authors
      sought to determine if perceived stress is indeed associated with the expression
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines and disease symptoms in individuals with MS. To do
      so, the authors examined the relationships among disease symptomatology,
      perceived stress, and cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      in 42 outpatients with MS and 36 normative controls. METHOD: The authors drew
      peripheral blood from all subjects prior to the completion of a series of
      psychological instruments. The authors measured stress using the Perceived Stress
      scale and negative mood with the Profile of Mood States. Disease symptoms were
      measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Checklist. Cytokine production was
      induced separately by lipopolysaccharide and a combination of phytohemagglutinin
      and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. RESULTS: In MS subjects, the induced
      production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 positively correlated with
      psychological stress, mood disturbance, and disease symptomatology. In contrast,
      psychological stress in control subjects significantly correlated with level of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and mood disturbance correlated with
      levels of TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma. As well, compared to controls, MS
      subjects exhibited a significant fourfold increase in the production of IL-12.
      CONCLUSION: There is, in those with MS, a pattern of IL-6 and IL-10 production
      that correlates significantly with perceived stress and disease symptomatology.

PMID- 22084400
TI  - The brief family relationship scale: a brief measure of the relationship
      dimension in family functioning.
AB  - The Relationship dimension of the Family Environment Scale, which consists of the
      Cohesion, Expressiveness, and Conflict subscales, measures a person's perception
      of the quality of his or her family relationship functioning. This study
      investigates an adaptation of the Relationship dimension of the Family
      Environment Scale for Alaska Native youth. The authors tested the adapted
      measure, the Brief Family Relationship Scale, for psychometric properties and
      internal structure with 284 12- to 18-year-old predominately Yup'ik Eskimo Alaska
      Native adolescents from rural, remote communities. This non-Western cultural
      group is hypothesized to display higher levels of collectivism traditionally
      organized around an extended kinship family structure. Results demonstrate a
      subset of the adapted items function satisfactorily, a three-response alternative
      format provided meaningful information, and the subscale's underlying structure
      is best described through three distinct first-order factors, organized under one
      higher order factor. Convergent and discriminant validity of the Brief Family
      Relationship Scale was assessed through correlational analysis. 

PMID- 22084402
TI  - Fatigue-related gene networks identified in CD14+ cells isolated from HIV
      infected patients: part II: statistical analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: In limited samples of valuable biological tissues, univariate ranking
      methods of microarray analyses often fail to show significant differences among
      expression profiles. In order to allow for hypothesis generation, novel
      statistical modeling systems can be greatly beneficial. The authors applied new
      statistical approaches to solve the issue of limited experimental data to
      generate new hypotheses in CD14(+) cells of patients with HIV-related fatigue
      (HRF) and healthy controls. METHODOLOGY: We compared gene expression profiles of
      CD14(+) cells of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-treated HIV
      patients with low versus high fatigue to healthy controls (n = 5 each). With
      novel Bayesian modeling procedures, the authors identified 32 genes predictive of
      low versus high fatigue and 33 genes predictive of healthy versus HIV infection.
      Sparse association and liquid association networks further elucidated the
      possible biological pathways in which these genes are involved. RELEVANCE FOR
      NURSING PRACTICE: Genetic networks developed in a comprehensive Bayesian
      framework from small sample sizes allow nursing researchers to design future
      research approaches to address such issues as HRF. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The
      findings from this pilot study may take us one step closer to the development of
      useful biomarker targets for fatigue status. Specific and reliable tests are
      needed to diagnosis, monitor and treat fatigue and mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 22084403
TI  - Pain and inflammation in women with early-stage breast cancer prior to induction
      of chemotherapy.
AB  - CONTEXT: Pain is a commonly experienced and distressing symptom in women with
      breast cancer (BCA), and recent evidence suggests that immune activation may be
      associated with pain and other co-occurring symptoms. However, no studies to date
      have explored the relationships among perceived pain and biomarkers of
      inflammation in women with early-stage BCA during the initial course of
      treatment. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research study was to examine the
      relationships among pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and the presence of
      pain and other symptoms (anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disorder) prior
      to induction of chemotherapy. METHOD: This was a secondary analysis of data that
      measured perceived symptoms, including the presence of pain and pain
      interference, and plasma levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and C
      reactive protein (CRP) in women with early-stage BCA (N = 32) at 1 month
      postsurgery but prior to induction of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Women experiencing
      pain had significantly higher levels of CRP (p < .01), interleukin (IL) 13 (p <
      .02), and IL-7 (p < .02) and more pain interference (p < .01), depression (p <
      .01), and sleep disturbance (p < .01) compared to women reporting no pain.
      CONCLUSION: The presence of pain during the initial course of treatment in women
      with early-stage BCA was associated with significantly higher levels of CRP, IL
      7, and IL-13, suggesting a potential role of immune activation in perceived pain.
      Further research to examine the precise effects of these biological factors in
      modulating pain is needed. Perceived pain was also associated with multiple co
      occurring symptoms, and this finding has important implications for symptom
      management.

PMID- 22084404
TI  - Lymphocyte recovery after breast cancer treatment and mindfulness-based stress
      reduction (MBSR) therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine immune
      recovery following breast cancer (BC) therapy and evaluate the effect of
      mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (MBSR) on immune recovery with
      emphasis on lymphocyte subsets, T cell activation, and production of T-helper 1
      (Th1; interferon [IFN]-gamma) and T-helper 2 (Th2; interleukin-4 [IL-4])
      cytokines. METHOD: Participants who completed the study consisted of 82 patients
      diagnosed with Stage 0-III BC, who received lumpectomy and adjuvant radiation +/-
      chemotherapy. Patients were randomized into an MBSR(BC) intervention program or a
      control (usual care) group. Immune cell measures were assessed at baseline and
      within 2 weeks after the 6-week intervention. The numbers and percentages of
      lymphocyte subsets, activated T cells, and Th1 and Th2 cells in peripheral blood
      samples were determined by immunostaining and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Immune
      subset recovery after cancer treatment showed positive associations with time
      since treatment completion. The B and natural killer (NK) cells were more
      susceptible than T cells in being suppressed by cancer treatment. Women who
      received MBSR(BC) had T cells more readily activated by the mitogen
      phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and an increase in the Th1/Th2 ratio. Activation was
      also higher for the MBSR(BC) group if <12 weeks from the end of treatment and
      women in MBSR(BC) <12 weeks had higher T cell count for CD4(+). CONCLUSION:
      MBSR(BC) promotes a more rapid recovery of functional T cells capable of being
      activated by a mitogen with the Th1 phenotype, whereas substantial recovery of B
      and NK cells after completion of cancer treatment appears to occur independent of
      stress-reducing interventions.

PMID- 22084405
TI  - Evi1 is essential for hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, and its expression
      marks hematopoietic cells with long-term multilineage repopulating activity.
AB  - Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (Evi1), a transcription factor of the SET/PR
      domain protein family, is essential for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSCs) in mice and is overexpressed in several myeloid malignancies. Here,
      we generate reporter mice in which an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-GFP
      cassette is knocked-in to the Evi1 locus. Using these mice, we find that Evi1 is
      predominantly expressed in long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) in adult bone marrow, and in
      the hematopoietic stem/progenitor fraction in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros,
      placenta, and fetal liver of embryos. In both fetal and adult hematopoietic
      systems, Evi1 expression marks cells with long-term multilineage repopulating
      activity. When combined with conventional HSC surface markers, sorting according
      to Evi1 expression markedly enhances purification of cells with HSC activity.
      Evi1 heterozygosity leads to marked impairment of the self-renewal capacity of LT
      HSCs, whereas overexpression of Evi1 suppresses differentiation and boosts self
      renewal activity. Reintroduction of Evi1, but not Mds1-Evi1, rescues the HSC
      defects caused by Evi1 heterozygosity. Thus, in addition to documenting a
      specific relationship between Evi1 expression and HSC self-renewal activity,
      these findings highlight the utility of Evi1-IRES-GFP reporter mice for the
      identification and sorting of functional HSCs.

PMID- 22084406
TI  - Dendritic cells induce antigen-specific regulatory T cells that prevent graft
      versus host disease and persist in mice.
AB  - Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (T reg cells) effectively suppress immunity, but it
      is not determined if antigen-induced T reg cells (iT reg cells) are able to
      persist under conditions of inflammation and to stably express the transcription
      factor Foxp3. We used spleen cells to stimulate the mixed leukocyte reaction
      (MLR) in the presence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and retinoic
      acid. We found that the CD11c(high) dendritic cell fraction was the most potent
      at inducing high numbers of alloreactive Foxp3(+) cells. The induced
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells appeared after extensive proliferation. When purified
      from the MLR, iT reg cells suppressed both primary and secondary MLR in vitro in
      an antigen-specific manner. After transfer into allogeneic mice, iT reg cells
      persisted for 6 mo and prevented graft versus host disease (GVHD) caused by co
      transferred CD45RB(hi) T cells. Similar findings were made when iT reg cells were
      transferred after onset of GVHD. The CNS2 intronic sequence of the Foxp3 gene in
      the persisting iT reg cells was as demethylated as the corresponding sequence of
      naturally occurring T reg cells. These results indicate that induced Foxp3(+) T
      reg cells, after proliferating and differentiating into antigen-specific
      suppressive T cells, can persist for long periods while suppressing a powerful
      inflammatory disease.

PMID- 22084408
TI  - Type I interferon negatively controls plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers in
      vivo.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) specialize in the secretion of type I
      interferons (IFN-I) and thus are considered critical mediators of antiviral
      responses. We recently reported that pDCs have a very early but limited and
      transient capacity to curtail viral infections. Additionally, pDC numbers are not
      sustained in human infections caused by Hepatitis B or C viruses (HBV and HCV)
      and HIV. Thus, the numbers and/or function of pDCs appear to be regulated during
      the course of viral infection. In this study, we show that splenic pDCs are
      reduced in vivo during several systemic viral infections and after administration
      of synthetic toll-like receptor ligands. We demonstrate that IFN-I, regardless of
      the source, contributes to this decline and mediates pDC death via the intrinsic
      apoptosis pathway. These findings demonstrate a feedback control mechanism by
      which IFN-I modulates pDC numbers, thus fine-tuning systemic IFN-I response to
      viruses. IFN-I-mediated control of pDCs may explain the loss of pDCs during human
      infections caused by HBV, HCV, or HIV and has important therapeutic implications
      for settings in which IFN-I is used to treat infections and autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22084407
TI  - Central nervous system inflammation induces muscle atrophy via activation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
AB  - Skeletal muscle catabolism is a co-morbidity of many chronic diseases and is the
      result of systemic inflammation. Although direct inflammatory cytokine action on
      muscle promotes atrophy, nonmuscle sites of action for inflammatory mediators are
      less well described. We demonstrate that central nervous system (CNS)-delimited
      interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) signaling alone can evoke a catabolic program in
      muscle, rapidly inducing atrophy. This effect is dependent on hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, as CNS IL-1beta-induced atrophy is
      abrogated by adrenalectomy. Furthermore, we identified a glucocorticoid
      responsive gene expression pattern conserved in models of acute and chronic
      inflammatory muscle atrophy. In contrast with studies suggesting that the direct
      action of inflammatory cytokines on muscle is sufficient to induce catabolism,
      adrenalectomy also blocks the atrophy program in response to systemic
      inflammation, demonstrating that glucocorticoids are requisite for this process.
      Additionally, circulating levels of glucocorticoids equivalent to those produced
      under inflammatory conditions are sufficient to cause profound muscle wasting.
      Together, these data suggest that a significant component of inflammation-induced
      muscle catabolism occurs indirectly via a relay in the CNS.

PMID- 22084409
TI  - IGSF4 is a novel TCR zeta-chain-interacting protein that enhances TCR-mediated
      signaling.
AB  - Immunoglobulin superfamily member 4 (IGSF4) is a known ligand of CRTAM, a
      receptor expressed in activated NKT and CD8(+) T cells, but its function in T
      cell immunity has not been elucidated. In this study, we show that IGSF4 directly
      interacts with the T cell receptor (TCR) zeta-chain and enhances TCR signaling by
      enhancing zeta-chain phosphorylation. Ectopic overexpression of IGSF4 enhances
      TCR-mediated T cell activation. In contrast, IGSF4 knockdown shows a dramatic
      decrease in markers associated with T cell activation compared with those in
      control small interfering RNA. The transmembrane domain is essential for TCR zeta
      chain association and clustering to the immunological synapse, and the ectodomain
      is associated with T cell interaction with antigen-presenting cells (APCs). IGSF4
      deficient mice have impaired TCR-mediated thymocyte selection and maturation.
      Furthermore, these mice reveal attenuated effector T cell functions accompanied
      by defective TCR signaling. Collectively, the results indicate that IGSF4 plays a
      central role in T cell functioning by dual independent mechanisms, control of TCR
      signaling and control of T cell-APC interaction.

PMID- 22084411
TI  - Retraction. Foxp3-positive macrophages display immunosuppressive properties and
      promote tumor growth.

PMID- 22084410
TI  - Deregulation of TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis triggers nuclear factor
      kappaB-mediated pathogenic pathways.
AB  - TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) inclusions are a hallmark of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we report that TDP-43 and nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 messenger RNA and protein expression is higher in spinal
      cords in ALS patients than healthy individuals. TDP-43 interacts with and
      colocalizes with p65 in glial and neuronal cells from ALS patients and mice
      expressing wild-type and mutant TDP-43 transgenes but not in cells from healthy
      individuals or nontransgenic mice. TDP-43 acted as a co-activator of p65, and
      glial cells expressing higher amounts of TDP-43 produced more proinflammatory
      cytokines and neurotoxic mediators after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or
      reactive oxygen species. TDP-43 overexpression in neurons also increased their
      vulnerability to toxic mediators. Treatment of TDP-43 mice with Withaferin A, an
      inhibitor of NF-kappaB activity, reduced denervation in the neuromuscular
      junction and ALS disease symptoms. We propose that TDP-43 deregulation
      contributes to ALS pathogenesis in part by enhancing NF-kappaB activation and
      that NF-kappaB may constitute a therapeutic target for the disease.

PMID- 22084412
TI  - Prevention of venous thromboembolism using enoxaparin in day surgery: results of
      the SMART noninterventional study.
AB  - We aimed to confirm the results of randomized, controlled trials on enoxaparin
      prophylaxis in unselected patients undergoing day surgery. The primary end point
      was the incidence of thromboembolic events during prophylaxis and up to 48 hours
      thereafter. A total of 11 794 patients, consisting of 52.1% male with mean age of
      49.2 +/- 15.7 were included. In all, 61.5% had no predisposing risk factors and
      67.1% received no concomitant medication with the potential to increase bleeding.
      Patients were exposed to 20 mg (63.6%) and 40 mg (36.4%) of enoxaparin for a mean
      of 12.4 +/- 9.8 days. Forty-four patients (0.39%) had confirmed symptomatic deep
      venous thrombosis and 1 patient confirmed pulmonary embolism. Bleeding occurred
      in 3.47% of patients (3.29% minor bleeding). Differences between 20 and 40 mg
      enoxaparin were negligible. Adverse drug reactions were experienced by 3.1% of
      patients. The present study results demonstrate that it is effective and
      tolerable to use a risk stratified dose of 20 or 40 mg enoxaparin in patients
      undergoing day surgery.

PMID- 22084413
TI  - Prevalence of factor V Leiden G1691A, MTHFR C677T, and prothrombin G20210A among
      Asian Indian sickle cell patients.
AB  - The prevalence of factor V (FV) Leiden G1691A, prothrombin G20210A, and
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutations were investigated
      among 90 sickle trait, 61 sickle homozygous, 75 sickle beta thalassemia, and 15
      HbSD Asian Indian sickle cell patients. In all, 297 healthy controls were
      evaluated to compare the polymorphism frequency. The prevalence of FV Leiden
      heterozygous G>A were significant in the group (P = .02), while PRT G20210A
      polymorphism was not seen among patients as well as controls. However, an
      increased frequency of the MTHFR 677 C>T genotype was seen among patients as well
      as controls, but this was not statistically significant (P = .13). This suggested
      a low impact of inherited hypercoagulability risk factors in the pathogenesis of
      sickle cell disease and/or its complications.

PMID- 22084414
TI  - Ischemic stroke in the setting of chronic immune thrombocytopenia in an elderly
      patient--a therapeutic dilemma.
AB  - Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) carries a poor prognosis in the elderly
      patients. Increasing evidence proposes that a subgroup of patients with chronic
      ITP may be more susceptible to ischemic stroke. An 84-year-old Caucasian man with
      multiple ischemic stroke risk factors presented with acute onset of slurred
      speech, confusion, and unsteady gait. Physical examination and neurologic imaging
      were consistent with a new left thalamic infarct. Platelet counts ranged between
      40 000 * 10(9)/L and 65 000 * 10(9) /L. Antiplatelet therapy for his newly
      acquired stroke was not initiated considering his low platelet counts and for
      mildly symptomatic thrombocytopenia, and the patient was discharged home. Both
      hematologic and neurologic guidelines for the management of chronic ITP and
      stroke have contradictory goals. Although anticoagulation is mandated in acute
      stroke, ITP causes low platelet counts that increase bleeding complications.

PMID- 22084415
TI  - Cl(-) concentration changes and desensitization of GABA(A) and glycine receptors.
AB  - Desensitization of ligand-gated ion channels plays a critical role for the
      information transfer between neurons. The current view on gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA)(A) and glycine receptors includes significant rapid components of
      desensitization as well as cross-desensitization between the two receptor types.
      Here, we analyze the mechanism of apparent cross-desensitization between native
      GABA(A) and glycine receptors in rat central neurons and quantify to what extent
      the current decay in the presence of ligand is a result of desensitization versus
      changes in intracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)](i)). We show that apparent
      cross-desensitization of currents evoked by GABA and by glycine is caused by
      changes in [Cl(-)](i). We also show that changes in [Cl(-)](i) are critical for
      the decay of current in the presence of either GABA or glycine, whereas changes
      in conductance often play a minor role only. Thus, the currents decayed
      significantly quicker than the conductances, which decayed with time constants of
      several seconds and in some cells did not decay below the value at peak current
      during 20-s agonist application. By taking the cytosolic volume into account and
      numerically computing the membrane currents and expected changes in [Cl(-)](i),
      we provide a theoretical framework for the observed effects. Modeling diffusional
      exchange of Cl(-) between cytosol and patch pipettes, we also show that
      considerable changes in [Cl(-)](i) may be expected and cause rapidly decaying
      current components in conventional whole cell or outside-out patch recordings.
      The findings imply that a reevaluation of the desensitization properties of
      GABA(A) and glycine receptors is needed.

PMID- 22084417
TI  - Psychodynamic Parenthood Therapy: a model for therapeutic work with parents and
      parenthood.
AB  - The approach to therapeutic work with parents in psychotherapy has been described
      in the literature in various ways but is not well defined. This article will give
      a short review of four main types of therapeutic work with parents: 1) Meeting to
      update and to accompany parents (Periodic update meeting with parents
      complementary to the child's psychotherapy), 2) Parental counseling (guidance),
      3) Parent-child therapy (Relationship or dyadic therapy), 4) Family therapy. The
      claim is made that those approaches, important and effective as they are, do not
      deal with the parent as a main issue, and do not place enough attention on
      parenthood. This article offers a model referred to here as Psychodynamic
      Parenthood Therapy (PPT). PPT is a dynamic therapeutic intervention with parents
      based upon a contract focusing mainly on working on their parenthood. In general,
      a parent's negative feelings towards his parenthood or towards his child are some
      of the basic issues that can be helped by this approach. After clarifying the
      guidelines for choosing PPT, both the contract and the process itself will be
      explained. The process deals with parenthood: internalizations, unconscious
      feelings, intergenerational transmissions and parental identity. In comparison
      with other methods which do not deal specifically with parenthood, PPT will often
      lead to a meaningful and effective therapeutic result.

PMID- 22084416
TI  - Expression and characterization of the bacterial mechanosensitive channel MscS in
      Xenopus laevis oocytes.
AB  - We have successfully expressed and characterized mechanosensitive channel of
      small conductance (MscS) from Escherichia coli in oocytes of the African clawed
      frog, Xenopus laevis. MscS expressed in oocytes has the same single-channel
      conductance and voltage dependence as the channel in its native environment. Two
      hallmarks of MscS activity, the presence of conducting substates at high
      potentials and reversible adaptation to a sustained stimulus, are also exhibited
      by oocyte-expressed MscS. In addition to its ease of use, the oocyte system
      allows the user to work with relatively large patches, which could be an
      advantage for the visualization of membrane deformation. Furthermore, MscS can
      now be compared directly to its eukaryotic homologues or to other
      mechanosensitive channels that are not easily studied in E. coli.

PMID- 22084418
TI  - Problems with binary gender discourse: using context to promote flexibility and
      connection in gender identity.
AB  - Western society recognises male and female sex from physiological attributes,
      such as genitals and chromosomes. 'Gender' is the social and cultural expectation
      of how males and females should think, behave and how they should be treated by
      others (Diamond, 2002). Some children and adolescents experience distress,
      marginalization, and abuse associated with their gender identifications,
      preferences and behaviours, which are inconsistent with those expected of their
      biological sex. Often their families and society find gender non-conformity at
      best difficult, at worst offensive, distressing and intolerable. There is
      increasing focus on how mental health professionals work with difference in
      gender and sexual identity and recent publications highlight the shift from
      pathologizing transgender to a more 'identity-based' perspective, focussing more
      on the stigmatizing affects of the environment and the impact on the individual
      (Bockting, 2009). This article describes the challenges of binary gender
      discourse for young people and their wider contexts and considers how clinicians
      may more helpfully respond to avoid unhelpful binaries and so keep the young
      person in mind. The therapeutic aims of the UK Gender Identity Development
      Service (GIDS) for children and young people are considered and examples of our
      work provided.

PMID- 22084419
TI  - YeastBook: an encyclopedia of the reference eukaryotic cell.

PMID- 22084420
TI  - DNA sequence-mediated, evolutionarily rapid redistribution of meiotic
      recombination hotspots.
AB  - Hotspots regulate the position and frequency of Spo11 (Rec12)-initiated meiotic
      recombination, but paradoxically they are suicidal and are somehow resurrected
      elsewhere in the genome. After the DNA sequence-dependent activation of hotspots
      was discovered in fission yeast, nearly two decades elapsed before the key
      realizations that (A) DNA site-dependent regulation is broadly conserved and (B)
      individual eukaryotes have multiple different DNA sequence motifs that activate
      hotspots. From our perspective, such findings provide a conceptually
      straightforward solution to the hotspot paradox and can explain other, seemingly
      complex features of meiotic recombination. We describe how a small number of
      single-base-pair substitutions can generate hotspots de novo and dramatically
      alter their distribution in the genome. This model also shows how equilibrium
      rate kinetics could maintain the presence of hotspots over evolutionary
      timescales, without strong selective pressures invoked previously, and explains
      why hotspots localize preferentially to intergenic regions and introns. The model
      is robust enough to account for all hotspots of humans and chimpanzees
      repositioned since their divergence from the latest common ancestor.

PMID- 22084421
TI  - Yeast: an experimental organism for 21st Century biology.
AB  - In this essay, we revisit the status of yeast as a model system for biology. We
      first summarize important contributions of yeast to eukaryotic biology that we
      anticipated in 1988 in our first article on the subject. We then describe
      transformative developments that we did not anticipate, most of which followed
      the publication of the complete genomic sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in
      1996. In the intervening 23 years it appears to us that yeast has graduated from
      a position as the premier model for eukaryotic cell biology to become the pioneer
      organism that has facilitated the establishment of the entirely new fields of
      study called "functional genomics" and "systems biology." These new fields look
      beyond the functions of individual genes and proteins, focusing on how these
      interact and work together to determine the properties of living cells and
      organisms.

PMID- 22084425
TI  - Notch-1 and Notch-4 biomarker expression in triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demonstrates lack of expression of hormone
      receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor. However, there is no
      targeted therapy for TNBC. The authors analyzed 29 TNBC cases for Notch-1 and
      Notch-4 biomarker expression and subcellular location, Ki67 proliferation rate,
      and relevant clinical/survival data. Results demonstrated an unfavorable Ki67
      rate in 90% of cases, Notch-1 expression in tumor and endothelial cells in 100%
      of cases, and Notch-4 expression in tumor cells in 73% of cases and endothelial
      cells in 100% of cases. Additionally, subcellular localization of Notch-1 and
      Notch-4 was predominantly nuclear and cytoplasmic. In conclusion, (a) the
      majority of TNBCs are high-grade infiltrating ductal carcinomas with high Ki67
      proliferation rate and (b) both Notch-1 and Notch-4 receptors are overexpressed
      in tumor and vascular endothelial cells with subcellular localization different
      from that of hormone-positive breast cancer. Targeting Notch signaling with gamma
      secretase inhibitors should to be explored to further improve the survival rate
      of TNBC patients.

PMID- 22084426
TI  - Intra-abdominal clear-cell sarcoma: a report of 3 cases, including 1 case with
      unusual morphological features, and review of the literature.
AB  - Clear-cell sarcoma (CCS) is a soft-tissue neoplasm that morphologically resembles
      cutaneous malignant melanoma but has a distinct molecular profile.
      Gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal CCSs are very rare. Here, the authors
      present 3 cases of intra-abdominal CCS and review the literature. Of these cases,
      2 involved the small bowel, and 1 involved the peritoneum. Cases 1 and 3 had the
      characteristic CCS morphology, but case 2 was morphologically unusual and
      therefore difficult to diagnose. It had relatively small cells with less
      prominence of clear cells; many pseudoglandular structures were also present. It
      also showed aberrant expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). The other 2
      cases also involved some diagnostic uncertainty and were therefore referred to
      specialized centers. The authors wish to emphasize the importance of molecular
      studies in making a conclusive diagnosis of intra-abdominal CCS.

PMID- 22084427
TI  - Cutaneous pseudolymphoma following tattoo application: report of two new cases of
      a potential lymphoma mimicker.
AB  - The authors report 2 cases of cutaneous pseudolymphoma that occurred in 2 young
      adult patients who referred for relentlessly growing nodules that appeared within
      4 to 5 months after the application of a mercury-based tattoo. Systemic symptoms
      were not present and there was no evidence of lymph node enlargement. Clinically,
      both lesions were limited to the red, mercury-based areas of the tattoo.
      Microscopic examination featured a dense cellular infiltrate composed of
      polytypic T cells in the upper to mid-dermis, coupled with focal interface tissue
      reaction. Scattered macrophages contained finely granular particles in their
      cytoplasm. In addition, extracellular pigment particles were also recognized.
      Collections of epithelioid macrophages were present in both cases and were
      reminiscent of epithelioid granulomas. This study confirms evidence that, among
      skin diseases featuring a dense lymphoid infiltrate, cutaneous pseudolymphoma
      secondary to tattooing is a rare but not exceptional source of diagnostic
      challenges.

PMID- 22084428
TI  - "Fruiting bodies" of Aspergillus flavus: a rare finding in histopathology.

PMID- 22084429
TI  - Late recurrence of a seminoma of the testis with a poorly differentiated
      neuroendocrine carcinoma component.
AB  - The frequency and clinical relevance of late recurrences of testicular germ cells
      tumors (GCTs) has increased in the past few decades because of the improved
      survival of patients following the introduction, in the late 1970s, of cisplatin
      based chemotherapy. The late recurrences of GCT may take extremely variable
      features and occur several years after the primary tumor, making the diagnosis a
      challenge for both clinicians and pathologists. This study reports a case of a
      testicular seminoma that relapsed 28 years after surgery as an undifferentiated
      GCT with a heterologous component of neuroendocrine carcinoma that was initially
      misdiagnosed as a metastasis of primary intestinal tumor.

PMID- 22084430
TI  - Intestinal ancylostomiasis: an unusual histologic finding.

PMID- 22084423
TI  - Sporulation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In response to nitrogen starvation in the presence of a poor carbon source,
      diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergo meiosis and package
      the haploid nuclei produced in meiosis into spores. The formation of spores
      requires an unusual cell division event in which daughter cells are formed within
      the cytoplasm of the mother cell. This process involves the de novo generation of
      two different cellular structures: novel membrane compartments within the cell
      cytoplasm that give rise to the spore plasma membrane and an extensive spore wall
      that protects the spore from environmental insults. This article summarizes what
      is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling spore assembly with
      particular attention to how constitutive cellular functions are modified to
      create novel behaviors during this developmental process. Key regulatory points
      on the sporulation pathway are also discussed as well as the possible role of
      sporulation in the natural ecology of S. cerevisiae.

PMID- 22084422
TI  - Transcriptional regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: transcription factor
      regulation and function, mechanisms of initiation, and roles of activators and
      coactivators.
AB  - Here we review recent advances in understanding the regulation of mRNA synthesis
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Many fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms have
      been conserved in all eukaryotes, and budding yeast has been at the forefront in
      the discovery and dissection of these conserved mechanisms. Topics covered
      include upstream activation sequence and promoter structure, transcription factor
      classification, and examples of regulated transcription factor activity. We also
      examine advances in understanding the RNA polymerase II transcription machinery,
      conserved coactivator complexes, transcription activation domains, and the
      cooperation of these factors in gene regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22084431
TI  - Leukemic priming of resting NK cells is killer Ig-like receptor independent but
      requires CD15-mediated CD2 ligation and natural cytotoxicity receptors.
AB  - Resting human NK cells require a two-stage activation process that we have
      previously described as "priming" and "triggering." NK-sensitive tumor cells
      provide both priming and triggering signals. NK-resistant tumors evade lysis,
      mostly by failure to prime; however, we recently reported a tumor cell line (CTV
      1) that primes resting NK cells but fails to trigger lysis. In this article, we
      report two additional leukemia cell lines that prime NK cells but are resistant
      to lysis. Tumor-mediated NK priming is via CD2 binding to a ligand within CD15 on
      the tumor cell. NK-resistant RAJI cells became susceptible to NK lysis following
      transfection and expression of CD15. Blockade of CD15 on K562 cells or on CD15(+)
      RAJI cells significantly inhibited lysis, as did blockade of CD2 on resting NK
      cells. NK priming via CD2 induced CD16 shedding, releasing CD3zeta to the CD2,
      leading to its phosphorylation and the subsequent phosphorylation of linker for
      activation of T cells and STAT-5 and synthesis of IFN-gamma. Blockade of C-type
      lectin receptors significantly suppressed the tumor-mediated priming of NK cells,
      whereas blockade of Ig-superfamily-like receptors had no effect at the NK-priming
      stage. Tumor priming of resting NK cells was irrespective of HLA expression, and
      blockade of HLA-killer Ig-like receptor interactions did not influence the
      incidence or degree of priming. However, CD15-CD2 interactions were critical for
      NK priming and were required, even in the absence of HLA-mediated NK inhibition.
      Tumor-mediated priming led to a sustained primed state, and the activated NK
      cells retained the ability to lyse NK-resistant tumors, even after
      cryopreservation.

PMID- 22084432
TI  - Cutting edge: microRNA-181 promotes human NK cell development by regulating Notch
      signaling.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently been identified as important regulators of gene
      expression at the posttranscriptional level. Although it has clearly been
      established that miRs influence the ontogeny of several immune cell lineages, the
      role of individual miRs during NK cell development has not been described. In
      this study, we show that miR-181 expression levels have a profound impact on the
      development of human NK cells from CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells and IFN
      gamma production in primary CD56(+) NK cells. We also demonstrate that nemo-like
      kinase (NLK), an inhibitor of Notch signaling, is a target of miR-181 in NK
      cells, and knockdown of NLK mirrors the developmental effect of miR-181
      overexpression. We conclude that miR-181 promotes NK cell development, at least
      in part, through the suppression of NLK, providing an important link between miRs
      and Notch signaling.

PMID- 22084433
TI  - Expansion of functionally anergic CD21-/low marginal zone-like B cell clones in
      hepatitis C virus infection-related autoimmunity.
AB  - Homeostasis of peripheral B cell subsets is disturbed during chronic hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) infection, leading to the occurrence of autoimmunity and B cell
      lymphoproliferation. However, mechanisms by which HCV causes lymphoproliferation
      remain controversial. We report in this article on the elevated number of clonal
      CD21(-/low)IgM(+)CD27(+) marginal zone (MZ)-like B cells, which correlates with
      autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation in HCV patients. We found an increase in
      autoreactive BCRs using V(H)1-69 and V(H)4-34 genes in CD21(-/low) MZ B cells.
      CD21(-/low) MZ B cells showed impaired calcium-mediated signaling, did not
      upregulate activation markers, and did not proliferate in response to BCR
      triggering. CD21(-/low) MZ B cells also were prone to dying faster than their
      CD21(+) counterparts, suggesting that these B cells were anergic. CD21(-/low) MZ
      B cells, in contrast, remained responsive to TLR9 stimulation. Gene array
      analyses revealed the critical role of Early growth response 2 and Cbl-b in the
      induction of anergy. Therefore, HCV patients who display high frequencies of
      unresponsive CD21(-/low) MZ B cells are more susceptible to developing
      autoimmunity and/or lymphoproliferation. These cells remain in peripheral blood
      controlled by functional anergy instead of being eliminated, and chronic
      antigenic stimulation through TLR stimulation may create a favorable environment
      for breaking tolerance and activating these cells.

PMID- 22084434
TI  - Hepcidin is regulated during blood-stage malaria and plays a protective role in
      malaria infection.
AB  - Hepcidin is one of the regulators of iron metabolism. The expression of hepcidin
      is induced in spleens and livers of mice infected with pathogenic bacteria.
      Recent studies have indicated that serum hepcidin level is also increased in
      human subjects infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The mechanism of the
      regulation of hepcidin expression and its role in the infection of malaria
      remains unknown. In this study, we determined the expression of hepcidin in
      livers of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The expression of hepcidin in
      the liver was upregulated and downregulated during the early and late stages of
      malaria infection, respectively. Inflammation and erythropoietin, rather than the
      iron-sensing pathway, are involved in the regulation of hepcidin expression in
      livers of infected mice. Meanwhile, we investigated the effect of hepcidin on the
      survival of mice infected with P. berghei. Treatment of malaria-infected mice
      with anti-hepcidin neutralizing Abs promoted the rates of parasitemia and
      mortality. In contrast, lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of hepcidin
      improved the outcome of P. berghei infection in mice. Our data demonstrate an
      important role of hepcidin in modulating the course and outcome of blood-stage
      malaria.

PMID- 22084436
TI  - Alloantibodies against MHC class I: a novel mechanism of neonatal pancytopenia
      linked to vaccination.
AB  - Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a frequent disease in humans where
      alloantibodies against platelet Ags lead to platelet destruction and hemorrhage.
      Although a role in the disease for Abs against MHC has been suspected, this has
      not been formally demonstrated. Since 2007, a hemorrhagic syndrome due to
      thrombocytopenia and designated as bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) has been
      recognized in calves in several European countries. An inactivated antiviral
      vaccine is strongly suspected to be involved in this syndrome because of its
      highly frequent use in the dams of affected calves. In this study, we show that
      BNP is an alloimmune disease, as we reproduced the signs by transferring serum
      Abs from vaccinated BNP dams into healthy neonatal calves. Ab specificity was
      strongly associated with the presence of allogeneic MHC class I Abs in the dams.
      MHC class I staining was also observed on Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells, a cell
      line related to the one used to produce the vaccine Ag. Our report emphatically
      demonstrates that alloimmunization against MHC class I is associated with a
      substantial risk of developing cytopenia-associated syndromes in neonates when a
      cell line of the same species is used to produce an inactivated vaccine injected
      into the mother.

PMID- 22084435
TI  - IL-15 regulates homeostasis and terminal maturation of NKT cells.
AB  - Semi-invariant NKT cells are thymus-derived innate-like lymphocytes that modulate
      microbial and tumor immunity as well as autoimmune diseases. These
      immunoregulatory properties of NKT cells are acquired during their development.
      Much has been learned regarding the molecular and cellular cues that promote NKT
      cell development, yet how these cells are maintained in the thymus and the
      periphery and how they acquire functional competence are incompletely understood.
      We found that IL-15 induced several Bcl-2 family survival factors in thymic and
      splenic NKT cells in vitro. Yet, IL-15-mediated thymic and peripheral NKT cell
      survival critically depended on Bcl-x(L) expression. Additionally, IL-15
      regulated thymic developmental stage 2 to stage 3 lineage progression and
      terminal NKT cell differentiation. Global gene expression analyses and validation
      revealed that IL-15 regulated Tbx21 (T-bet) expression in thymic NKT cells. The
      loss of IL-15 also resulted in poor expression of key effector molecules such as
      IFN-gamma, granzyme A and C, as well as several NK cell receptors, which are also
      regulated by T-bet in NKT cells. Taken together, our findings reveal a critical
      role for IL-15 in NKT cell survival, which is mediated by Bcl-x(L), and effector
      differentiation, which is consistent with a role of T-bet in regulating terminal
      maturation.

PMID- 22084437
TI  - An MHC class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cell response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis
      virus.
AB  - Conventional MHC class Ia-restricted CD8(+) T cells play a dominant role in the
      host response to virus infections, but recent studies indicate that T cells with
      specificity for nonclassical MHC class Ib molecules may also participate in host
      defense. To investigate the potential role of class Ib molecules in anti-viral
      immune responses, K(b-/-)D(b-/-)CIITA(-/-) mice lacking expression of MHC class
      Ia and class II molecules were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
      (LCMV). These animals have a large class Ib-selected CD8(+) T cell population and
      they were observed to mediate partial (but incomplete) virus clearance during
      acute LCMV infection as compared with K(b-/-)D(b-/-)beta(2)-microglobulin(-/-)
      mice that lack expression of both MHC class Ia and class Ib molecules. Infection
      was associated with expansion of splenic CD8(+) T cells and induction of granzyme
      B and IFN-gamma effector molecules in CD8(+) T cells. Partial virus clearance was
      dependent on CD8(+) cells. In vitro T cell restimulation assays demonstrated
      induction of a population of beta(2)-microglobulin-dependent, MHC class Ib
      restricted CD8(+) T cells with specificity for viral Ags and yet to be defined
      nonclassical MHC molecules. MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cell responses were
      also observed after infection of K(b-/-)D(b-/-)mice despite the low number of
      CD8(+) T cells in these animals. Long-term infection studies demonstrated chronic
      infection and gradual depletion of CD8(+) T cells in K(b-/-)D(b-/-)CIITA(-/-)
      mice, demonstrating that class Ia molecules are required for viral clearance.
      These findings demonstrate that class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells have the
      potential to participate in the host immune response to LCMV.

PMID- 22084438
TI  - Transfer of regulatory properties from tolerogenic to proinflammatory dendritic
      cells via induced autoreactive regulatory T cells.
AB  - Infectious tolerance is a term generally assigned to the process through which
      regulatory T cells (Tregs) transfer immunoregulatory properties to other T cells.
      In this study, we demonstrated that a similar process applies to human dendritic
      cells (DCs), albeit through a different mechanism. We induced and cloned
      proinsulin-specific Tregs using tolerogenic DCs and investigated mechanisms by
      which induced Ag-specific regulatory T cells (iaTregs) endorse the suppressive
      effects. iaTregs expressed FOXP3, programmed death-1, and membrane-bound TGF-beta
      and upregulated IL-10 and CTLA-4 after stimulation with the cognate Ag. The
      iaTregs suppressed effector T cells only when both encountered the cognate Ags on
      the same APCs (linked suppression). This occurred independently of IL-10, TGF
      beta, programmed death-1, or CTLA-4. Instead, iaTregs used a granzyme B-mediated
      mechanism to kill B cells and monocytes, whereas proinflammatory DCs that
      resisted being killed were induced to upregulate the inhibitory receptors B7
      (family) homolog 3 and ICOS ligand. These re-educated mature monocyte-derived
      dendritic cells (mDCs) suppressed effector T cells and induced IL-10-producing
      cells from the naive T cell pool. Our data indicated that human tolerogenic DCs
      confer infectious tolerance by inducing Ag-specific Tregs, which, in turn, re
      educate proinflammatory mature DCs into DCs with regulatory properties.

PMID- 22084440
TI  - Cutting edge: loss of alpha4 integrin expression differentially affects the
      homing of Th1 and Th17 cells.
AB  - The neutralization of alpha4 integrin is currently used as treatment in several
      autoimmune diseases and is thought to prevent the entry of most immune cells in
      target tissues. In this study, we showed that selective deletion of alpha4
      integrin in T cells did not prevent but delayed the development of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Whereas both Th1 and Th17 cells infiltrate the CNS
      of wild-type mice, T cells present in the CNS of mice lacking alpha4 integrin
      were mainly enriched in Th17 cells, suggesting that this T cell subset uses other
      integrins to access the CNS. In contrast, alpha4 integrin expression is important
      for Th1 cells to enter the CNS and for the stability of their Th1-associated
      genetic program. Therefore, our data suggest that anti-alpha4 integrin Ab
      treatment may be more efficient in the treatment of Th1- rather than Th17
      mediated disease.

PMID- 22084439
TI  - Neutralizing IL-6 reduces human arterial allograft rejection by allowing
      emergence of CD161+ CD4+ regulatory T cells.
AB  - Perioperative injuries to an allograft exacerbate graft rejection, which in
      humans is primarily mediated by effector memory T cells. IL-6 transcripts in
      human coronary artery segments rapidly increase posttransplantation into
      immunodeficient mouse hosts compared with those of pretransplant specimens and
      fall dramatically by 30 d. Adoptive transfer of human PBMCs allogeneic to the
      artery 2 d postoperatively results in T cell infiltrates and intimal expansion 4
      wk later. Ab neutralization of human IL-6 reduces the magnitude of intimal
      expansion and total T cell infiltration but increases the relative expression of
      CD161 while decreasing other Th17 markers. Coculture of MHC class II-expressing
      human endothelial cells (ECs) with allogeneic CD4(+) memory T cells results in T
      cell activation and EC secretion of IL-6. Neutralizing IL-6 in primary allogeneic
      T cell-EC cocultures results in enhanced T cell proliferation of CD161(+) CD4(+)
      T cells, reduces total T cell proliferation upon restimulation in secondary
      cultures (an effect dependent on CD161(+) T cells), increases expression of FOXP3
      in CD161(+) T cells, and generates T cells that suppress proliferation of freshly
      isolated T cells. These data suggest that IL-6 released from injured allograft
      vessels enhances allogeneic T cell infiltration and intimal expansion in a model
      of human allograft rejection by inhibiting an increase in CD161(+) regulatory T
      cells.

PMID- 22084441
TI  - Rat and mouse CD94 associate directly with the activating transmembrane adaptor
      proteins DAP12 and DAP10 and activate NK cell cytotoxicity.
AB  - Signaling by the CD94/NKG2 heterodimeric NK cell receptor family has been well
      characterized in the human but has remained unclear in the mouse and rat. In the
      human, the activating receptor CD94/NKG2C associates with DAP12 by an ionic bond
      between oppositely charged residues within the transmembrane regions of NKG2C and
      DAP12. The lysine residue responsible for DAP12 association is absent in rat and
      mouse NKG2C and -E, raising questions about signaling mechanisms in these
      species. As a possible substitute, rat and mouse NKG2C and -E contain an arginine
      residue in the transition between the transmembrane and stalk regions. In this
      article, we demonstrate that, similar to their human orthologs, NKG2A inhibits,
      whereas NKG2C activates, rat NK cells. Redirected lysis assays using NK cells
      transfected with a mutated NKG2C construct indicated that the activating function
      of CD94/NKG2C did not depend on the transmembrane/stalk region arginine residue.
      Flow cytometry and biochemical analysis demonstrated that both DAP12 and DAP10
      can associate with rat CD94/NKG2C. Surprisingly, DAP12 and DAP10 did not
      associate with NKG2C but instead with CD94. These associations depended on a
      transmembrane lysine residue in CD94 that is unique to rodents. Thus, in the
      mouse and rat, the ability to bind activating adaptor proteins has been
      transferred from NKG2C/E to the CD94 chain as a result of mutation events in both
      chains. Remarkable from a phylogenetic perspective, this sheds new light on the
      evolution and function of the CD94/NKG2 receptor family.

PMID- 22084442
TI  - Granzyme B regulates antiviral CD8+ T cell responses.
AB  - CTLs and NK cells use the perforin/granzyme cytotoxic pathway to kill virally
      infected cells and tumors. Human regulatory T cells also express functional
      granzymes and perforin and can induce autologous target cell death in vitro.
      Perforin-deficient mice die of excessive immune responses after viral challenges,
      implicating a potential role for this pathway in immune regulation. To further
      investigate the role of granzyme B in immune regulation in response to viral
      infections, we characterized the immune response in wild-type, granzyme B
      deficient, and perforin-deficient mice infected with Sendai virus. Interestingly,
      granzyme B-deficient mice, and to a lesser extent perforin-deficient mice,
      exhibited a significant increase in the number of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells in
      the lungs and draining lymph nodes of virally infected animals. This increase was
      not the result of failure in viral clearance because viral titers in granzyme B
      deficient mice were similar to wild-type mice and significantly less than
      perforin-deficient mice. Regulatory T cells from WT mice expressed high levels of
      granzyme B in response to infection, and depletion of regulatory T cells from
      these mice resulted in an increase in the number of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells,
      similar to that observed in granzyme B-deficient mice. Furthermore, granzyme B
      deficient regulatory T cells displayed defective suppression of CD8(+) T cell
      proliferation in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest a role for granzyme
      B in the regulatory T cell compartment in immune regulation to viral infections.

PMID- 22084443
TI  - Structural basis of diverse peptide accommodation by the rhesus macaque MHC class
      I molecule Mamu-B*17: insights into immune protection from simian
      immunodeficiency virus.
AB  - The MHC class I molecule Mamu-B*17 has been associated with elite control of SIV
      infection in rhesus macaques, akin to the protective effects described for HLA
      B*57 in HIV-infected individuals. In this study, we determined the crystal
      structures of Mamu-B*17 in complex with eight different peptides corresponding to
      immunodominant SIV(mac)239-derived CD8(+) T cell epitopes: HW8 (HLEVQGYW), GW10
      (GSHLEVQGYW), MW9 (MHPAQTSQW), QW9 (QTSQWDDPW), FW9 (FQWMGYELW), MF8 (MRHVLEPF),
      IW9 (IRYPKTFGW), and IW11 (IRYPKTFGWLW). The structures reveal that not only P2,
      but also P1 and P3, can be used as N-terminal anchor residues by Mamu-B*17
      restricted peptides. Moreover, the N-terminal anchor residues exhibit a broad
      chemical specificity, encompassing basic (H and R), bulky polar aliphatic (Q),
      and small (T) residues. In contrast, Mamu-B*17 exhibits a very narrow preference
      for aromatic residues (W and F) at the C terminus, similar to that displayed by
      HLA-B*57. Flexibility within the whole peptide-binding groove contributes to the
      accommodation of these diverse peptides, which adopt distinct conformations.
      Furthermore, the unusually large pocket D enables compensation from other peptide
      residues if P3 is occupied by an amino acid with a small side chain. In addition,
      residues located at likely TCR contact regions present highly flexible
      conformations, which may impact TCR repertoire profiles. These findings provide
      novel insights into the structural basis of diverse peptide accommodation by Mamu
      B*17 and highlight unique atomic features that might contribute to the protective
      effect of this MHC I molecule in SIV-infected rhesus macaques.

PMID- 22084445
TI  - Lactate: a metabolic key player in cancer.
AB  - Increased glucose uptake and accumulation of lactate, even under normoxic
      conditions (i.e., aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg Effect), is a common feature
      of cancer cells. This phenomenon clearly indicates that lactate is not a
      surrogate of tumor hypoxia. Tumor lactate can predict for metastases and overall
      survival of patients, as shown by several studies of different entities.
      Metastasis of tumors is promoted by lactate-induced secretion of hyaluronan by
      tumor-associated fibroblasts that create a milieu favorable for migration.
      Lactate itself has been found to induce the migration of cells and cell clusters.
      Furthermore, radioresistance has been positively correlated with lactate
      concentrations, suggesting an antioxidative capacity of lactate. Findings on
      interactions of tumor metabolites with immune cells indicate a contribution of
      lactate to the immune escape. Furthermore, lactate bridges the gap between high
      lactate levels in wound healing, chronic inflammation, and cancer development.
      Tumor cells ensure sufficient oxygen and nutrient supply for proliferation
      through lactate-induced secretion of VEGF, resulting in the formation of new
      vessels. In summary, accumulation of lactate in solid tumors is a pivotal and
      early event in the development of malignancies. The determination of lactate
      should enter further clinical trials to confirm its relevance in cancer biology.

PMID- 22084446
TI  - Tyrosine isomers mediate the classical phenomenon of concomitant tumor
      resistance.
AB  - Concomitant tumor resistance (CR) is a phenomenon originally described in 1906 in
      which a tumor-bearing host is resistant to the growth of secondary tumor implants
      and metastasis. Although recent studies have indicated that T-cell-dependent
      processes mediate CR in hosts bearing immunogenic small tumors, manifestations of
      CR induced by immunogenic and nonimmunogenic large tumors have been associated
      with an elusive serum factor. In this study, we identify this serum factor as
      tyrosine in its meta and ortho isoforms. In three different murine models of
      cancer that generate CR, both meta-tyrosine and ortho-tyrosine inhibited tumor
      growth. In addition, we showed that both isoforms of tyrosine blocked metastasis
      in a fourth model that does not generate CR but is sensitive to CR induced by
      other tumors. Mechanistic studies showed that the antitumor effects of the
      tyrosine isoforms were mediated, in part, by early inhibition of mitogen
      activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and inactivation
      of STAT3, potentially driving tumor cells into a state of dormancy. By revealing
      a molecular basis for the classical phenomenon of CR, our findings may stimulate
      new generalized approaches to limit the development of metastases that arise
      after resection of primary tumors, an issue of pivotal importance to oncologists
      and their patients.

PMID- 22084447
TI  - Neurobehavioral effects of acute exposure to isoparaffinic and cycloparaffinic
      hydrocarbons.
AB  - This article reports neurobehavioral tests in rats with C5-C11 isoparaffinic and
      cycloparaffinic hydrocarbons. Testing, conducted shortly after exposure,
      evaluated the effects in several domains including clinical effects, motor
      activity, functional observations, and visual discrimination performance.
      Isopentane and cyclopentane did not produce any evidence of acute central nervous
      system (CNS) effects at levels up to 20 000 mg/m(3). A C(6)/C(7) mixed
      cycloparaffinic solvent produced minor, reversible changes in latency to response
      in visual discrimination testing at 14 000 mg/m(3); the no-effect level was 4200
      mg/m(3). A C(8) isoparaffin produced no effects at 14 000 mg/m(3), the highest
      level tested. A C(9)/C(11) isoparaffinic solvent produced minor acute CNS effects
      at 5000 mg/m(3), with 1500 mg/m(3) as the no-effect level. A C(10)
      cycloparaffinic solvent did not produce any statistically significant CNS effects
      at 5000 mg/m(3). These studies were designed to provide data that may be useful
      in setting occupational exposure limits for C5-C11 isoparaffinic and
      cycloparaffinic hydrocarbons.

PMID- 22084448
TI  - Time course of treatment effect of OROS(r) methylphenidate in children with ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the time course of the treatment effect of
      Osmotic-Release Oral System methylphenidate (OROS((r)) MPH) HCl (Concerta((r)),
      Raritan, NJ) CII in children with ADHD. METHOD: Data were combined from two
      double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over, analog classroom
      studies in children (9-12 years) with ADHD. Participants received an
      individualized dose of placebo or OROS((r)) MPH on two laboratory school days.
      Permanent Product Math Test and Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham
      scores were evaluated 0.5 hr before dosing and 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, and 12.5 hr post
      dose. Analysis used a repeated-measures mixed model. RESULTS: Treatment effects
      were present at all postdose assessment points (p < .0001 for all comparisons, n
      = 139). Adverse events were similar to previous reports for OROS((r)) MPH.
      CONCLUSION: A robust treatment effect occurred with OROS((r)) MPH; onset was at 1
      hr and persisted for at least 12.5 hr after dosing.

PMID- 22084449
TI  - Health advocate: what do we expect of family physicians?

PMID- 22084452
TI  - Should patients be entitled to cesarean section on demand?: Yes.

PMID- 22084451
TI  - Prescription opioid abuse: what is the real problem and how do we fix it?

PMID- 22084453
TI  - Should patients be entitled to cesarean section on demand?: No.

PMID- 22084455
TI  - Canadian guideline for safe and effective use of opioids for chronic noncancer
      pain: clinical summary for family physicians. Part 1: general population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide family physicians with a practical clinical summary of the
      Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer
      Pain, developed by the National Opioid Use Guideline Group. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE:
      Researchers for the guideline conducted a systematic review of the literature on
      the effectiveness and safety of opioids for chronic noncancer pain, and drafted a
      series of recommendations. A panel of 49 clinicians from across Canada reviewed
      the draft and achieved consensus on 24 recommendations. MAIN MESSAGE: Screening
      for addiction risk is recommended before prescribing opioids. Weak opioids
      (codeine and tramadol) are recommended for mild to moderate pain that has not
      responded to first-line treatments. Oxycodone, hydromorphone, and morphine can be
      tried in patients who have not responded to weaker opioids. A low initial dose
      and slow upward titration is recommended, with patient education and close
      monitoring. Physicians should watch for the development of complications such as
      sleep apnea. The optimal dose is one which improves function or decreases pain
      ratings by at least 30%. For by far most patients, the optimal dose will be well
      below a 200-mg morphine equivalent dose per day. Tapering is recommended for
      patients who have not responded to an adequate opioid trial. CONCLUSION: Opioids
      play an important role in the management of chronic noncancer pain, but careful
      prescribing is needed to limit potential harms. The new Canadian guideline
      provides much-needed guidance to help physicians achieve a balance between
      optimal pain control and safety.

PMID- 22084456
TI  - Canadian guideline for safe and effective use of opioids for chronic noncancer
      pain: clinical summary for family physicians. Part 2: special populations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide family physicians with a practical clinical summary of
      opioid prescribing for specific populations based on recommendations from the
      Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer
      Pain. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Researchers for the guideline conducted a systematic
      review of the literature, focusing on reviews of the effectiveness and safety of
      opioids in specific populations. MAIN MESSAGE: Family physicians can minimize the
      risks of overdose, sedation, misuse, and addiction through the use of strategies
      tailored to the age and health status of patients. For patients at high risk of
      addiction, opioids should be reserved for well-defined nociceptive or neuropathic
      pain conditions that have not responded to first-line treatments. Opioids should
      be titrated slowly, with frequent dispensing and close monitoring for signs of
      misuse. Suspected opioid addiction is managed with structured opioid therapy,
      methadone or buprenorphine treatment, or abstinence-based treatment. Patients
      with mood and anxiety disorders tend to have a blunted analgesic response to
      opioids, are at higher risk of misuse, and are often taking sedating drugs that
      interact adversely with opioids. Precautions similar to those for other high-risk
      patients should be employed. The opioid should be tapered if the patient's pain
      remains severe despite an adequate trial of opioid therapy. In the elderly,
      sedation, falls, and overdose can be minimized through lower initial doses,
      slower titration, benzodiazepine tapering, and careful patient education. For
      pregnant women taking daily opioid therapy, the opioids should be slowly tapered
      and discontinued. If this is not possible, they should be tapered to the lowest
      effective dose. Opioid-dependent pregnant women should receive methadone
      treatment. Adolescents are at high risk of opioid overdose, misuse, and
      addiction. Patients with adolescents living at home should store their opioid
      medication safely. Adolescents rarely require long-term opioid therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Family physicians must take into consideration the patient's age,
      psychiatric status, level of risk of addiction, and other factors when
      prescribing opioids for chronic pain.

PMID- 22084457
TI  - Prophylactic use of antimalarials during pregnancy.
AB  - QUESTION: Some of my pregnant patients wish to travel to malaria-endemic regions.
      Are there medications that can be used safely during pregnancy for malaria
      prophylaxis? ANSWER: Pregnant women should avoid travel to malaria-endemic areas
      if possible. However, if travel cannot be avoided, measures to prevent mosquito
      bites, along with an effective chemoprophylaxis regimen, should be implemented.
      Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are considered safe to use in all trimesters of
      pregnancy. Mefloquine is the agent of choice for chloroquine-resistant areas, and
      evidence suggests it is not associated with an increased risk to the fetus.
      Although the atovaquone-proguanil drug combination is not currently recommended
      for use during pregnancy, limited data suggest that it is not harmful to the
      fetus. Doxycycline and primaquine are not recommended during pregnancy.

PMID- 22084458
TI  - Update on acute otitis media in children younger than 2 years of age.
AB  - QUESTION: As concern about antimicrobial resistance grows, I am aware of the need
      to reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment; however, in my practice I see many
      children with acute otitis media (AOM) and this is the most common reason I
      prescribe antibiotics. Most of these children are young and otherwise healthy,
      and I am uncertain about when to prescribe antibiotics and when to endorse
      "watchful waiting." Which children will benefit from antibiotic treatment?
      ANSWER: Current Canadian guidelines recommend all children younger than 2 years
      of age with otalgia due to AOM and fever greater than 39 degrees C be considered
      for treatment with amoxicillin. Watchful waiting is indicated only for children
      older than 6 months with mild-to-moderate AOM. Recent evidence suggests young
      children with a definitive diagnosis of AOM will benefit from antibiotics and
      experience fewer treatment failures compared with placebo, regardless of the
      severity of otitis. These studies do not challenge watchful waiting directly, and
      determining which children will improve spontaneously remains an enigma.

PMID- 22084459
TI  - Delayed antibiotic prescriptions for URTIs.

PMID- 22084460
TI  - Common cold.

PMID- 22084461
TI  - Dermacase. Can you identify this condition? Nevus anemicus.

PMID- 22084462
TI  - Ophthaproblem. Can you identify this condition? Temporal arteritis.

PMID- 22084463
TI  - Part 12. Systematic desensitization.

PMID- 22084466
TI  - Advocating for the advocate.

PMID- 22084464
TI  - Age equity in different models of primary care practice in Ontario.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the model of service delivery affects the equity of
      the care provided across age groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING:
      Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-seven practices, including traditional
      fee-for-service practices, salaried community health centres (CHCs), and
      capitation-based family health networks and health service organizations. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: To compare the quality of care across age groups using
      multilevel linear or logistic regressions. Health service delivery measures and
      health promotion were assessed through patient surveys (N = 5111), which were
      based on the Primary Care Assessment Tool, and prevention and chronic disease
      management were assessed, based on Canadian recommendations for care, through
      chart abstraction (N = 4108). RESULTS: Older individuals reported better health
      service delivery in all models. This age effect ranged from 1.9% to 5.7%, and was
      larger in the 2 capitation-based models. Individuals aged younger than 30 years
      attending CHCs had more features of disadvantage (ie, living below the poverty
      line and without high school education) and were more likely than older
      individuals to report discussing at least 1 health promotion subject at the index
      visit. These differences were deemed an appropriate response to greater needs in
      these younger individuals. The prevention score showed an age-sex interaction in
      all models, with adherence to recommended care dropping with age for women. These
      results are largely attributable to the fact that maneuvers recommended for
      younger women are considerably more likely to be performed than other maneuvers.
      Chronic disease management scores showed an inverted U relationship with age in
      fee-for-service practices, family health networks, and health service
      organizations but not in CHCs. CONCLUSION: The salaried model might have an
      organizational structure that is more conducive to providing appropriate care
      across age groups. The thrust toward adopting capitation-based payment is
      unlikely to have an effect on age disparities.

PMID- 22084467
TI  - Continuity: middle C--a very good place to start.

PMID- 22084470
TI  - Cesarean section on demand: is it a fad or an advance in medical practice?

PMID- 22084471
TI  - Addiction medicine and substance abuse care.

PMID- 22084472
TI  - Comprehensive treatment program for pregnant substance users in a family medicine
      clinic.
AB  - PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED: Substance use during pregnancy is a substantial public
      health problem and a risk factor for poor neonatal outcomes. Prenatal care is
      often provided in high-risk pregnancy units, separate from addiction treatment.
      OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM: To provide comprehensive prenatal care and addiction
      treatment in a family medicine setting. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: The Toronto
      Centre for Substance Use in Pregnancy (T-CUP) is a family medicine-based program
      in a large urban city in Ontario. The T-CUP program comprises an
      interdisciplinary team using a one-stop access model to provide comprehensive
      services for pregnant women with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, including
      prenatal and postnatal medical care, addiction counseling, and assistance with
      complex psychosocial needs. EVALUATION: A retrospective chart review was
      performed, including charts for 121 women who received care at T-CUP from August
      2000 to January 2006. Women demonstrated a high compliance rate with prenatal
      care attendance. Most women reported reduction in a variety of drug use
      categories. Significant differences were found especially among women who
      presented earlier in their pregnancies (P < .05). As a result, neonatal outcomes
      were satisfactory and approximately 75% of newborns were discharged home in the
      care of their mothers. CONCLUSION: Pregnant substance-using women have positive
      maternal and infant health outcomes when they receive comprehensive care in a
      family medicine setting.

PMID- 22084473
TI  - Characteristics of chronic pain patients in a rural teaching practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP)
      patients taking oxycodone or its derivatives in a rural teaching practice.
      DESIGN: Characteristics of CNCP patients taking oxycodone over a 5-year period
      (September 2003 to September 2008) were compared with those of patients not
      taking opioid medications using a retrospective chart audit. SETTING: A rural
      teaching practice in southwestern Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 103 patients
      taking chronic oxycodone therapy for CNCP and a random sample of 104 patients not
      taking opioid medication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of visits, health
      problems, sex, and previous history of addiction and mental illness. RESULTS:
      Patients with CNCP taking oxycodone had significantly more health problems (P <
      .001), including drug and tobacco addictions. They had more than 3 times as many
      clinic visits during the same period of time as patients not taking opioid
      medication (mean of 39.0 vs 12.8 visits, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients with
      CNCP in this rural teaching practice had significantly more health issues (P <
      .001) and were more likely to have a history of addiction than other patients
      were. They created more work with significantly more visits over the same period
      compared with the comparison group.

PMID- 22084474
TI  - Narcotic-exposed neonates in a First Nations population in northwestern Ontario:
      incidence and implications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To document the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and
      the rate of narcotic use during pregnancy in northwestern Ontario, where narcotic
      abuse is a growing social and medical problem. DESIGN: Retrospective chart
      review. SETTING: The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre catchment area in
      northwestern Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: Mothers and neonates for the 482 live births
      that took place in the 18-month study period (January 2009 to June 2010). MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal drug use and neonatal outcomes were documented.
      RESULTS: The incidence of narcotic (oxycodone) abuse during pregnancy increased
      from a low of 8.4% at the beginning of the study period to a high of 17.2% by mid
      2010. Narcotic-using mothers were more likely to also use nicotine and alcohol,
      to have premature deliveries, and to be episodic users. Narcotic-exposed neonates
      experienced NAS 29.5% of the time; daily maternal use was associated with a
      higher rate of NAS (66.0%). While all infants roomed in with their mothers,
      exposed infants were more likely to require transfer to a tertiary care nursery.
      Infants with severe NAS were treated with oral morphine and had significantly
      longer hospital stays compared with the entire cohort (4.5 vs 1.5 days, P =
      .004). Narcotic abuse during pregnancy in our region is not currently associated
      with increased rates of HIV or hepatitis C infection, as intravenous route of
      administration is less common at present than intranasal and oral ingestion.
      CONCLUSION: Narcotic abuse during pregnancy is a considerable problem in First
      Nations communities in northwestern Ontario. Community-based initiatives need to
      be developed to address this issue, and medical and nursing staff need to develop
      surveillance, assessment, and therapeutic responses. Passive neonatal addiction
      and withdrawal result from maternal narcotic use during pregnancy. Rates of
      opioid use among pregnant Canadian women are unknown.

PMID- 22084475
TI  - Pharmacists' experiences with dispensing opioids: provincial survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore pharmacists' beliefs, practices, and experiences regarding
      opioid dispensing. DESIGN: Mailed survey. SETTING: The province of Ontario.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1011 pharmacists selected from the Ontario College of
      Pharmacists' registration list. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pharmacists' experiences
      with opioid-related adverse events (intoxication and aberrant drug-related
      behaviour) and their interactions with physicians. RESULTS: A total of 652
      pharmacists returned the survey, for a response rate of 64%. Most (86%) reported
      that they were concerned about several or many of their patients who were taking
      opioids; 36% reported that at least 1 patient was intoxicated from opioids while
      visiting their pharmacies within the past year. Reasons for opioid intoxication
      included the patient taking more than prescribed (84%), the patient using alcohol
      or sedating drugs along with the opioid (69.9%), or the prescribed dose being too
      high (34%). Participants' most common concerns in the 3 months before the survey
      were patients coming in early for prescription refills, suspected double
      doctoring, and requests for replacement doses for lost medication (reported
      frequently by 39%, 12%, and 16% of respondents, respectively). Pharmacists were
      concerned about physician practices, such as prescribing benzodiazepines along
      with opioids. Pharmacists reported difficulty in reaching physicians directly by
      telephone (43%), and indicated that physicians frequently did not return their
      calls promptly (28%). The strategies rated as most helpful for improving opioid
      dispensing were a provincial prescription database and opioid prescribing
      guidelines. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists commonly observe opioid intoxication and
      aberrant drug-related behaviour in their patients but have difficulty
      communicating their concerns to physicians. System-wide strategies are urgently
      needed to improve the safety of opioid prescribing and to enhance communication
      between physicians and pharmacists.

PMID- 22084481
TI  - Return of the "intimate outsider": current trends and issues in family nursing
      research revisited.
AB  - This article reviews family nursing research published from 1996 to 2011. This is
      a follow-up to a review published in the Journal of Family Nursing in 1995.
      Findings from the first review are compared with this one, trends in family
      nursing scholarship are identified, and predictions and suggestions for future
      directions are offered. The latest generation of family nursing scholarship is
      conceptually and methodologically sound, and there is evidence of more
      multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research conducted by family nursing
      researchers. Scholars are paying more attention to issues of diversity and family
      context at present than in the past, although there are still aspects of
      diversity that need more attention. Strong research programs in family nursing
      exist worldwide; an international synergism has helped promote rapid expansion of
      family nursing research and theory development. A vigorous movement to promote
      research to practice initiatives and greater attention to family interventions
      are exciting developments.

PMID- 22084479
TI  - Frequent and widespread vascular abnormalities in human signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) deficiency
      is responsible for autosomal dominant hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome,
      characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, connective tissue
      abnormalities, hyperimmunoglobulin E, and Th17 lymphopenia. Although vascular
      abnormalities have been reported in some patients, the prevalence,
      characteristics, and etiology of these features have yet to be described. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We prospectively screened 21 adult STAT3-deficient patients
      [corrected] (median age, 26 years; range, 17-44 years) [corrected] for vascular
      abnormalities. We explored the entire arterial vasculature with whole-body
      magnetic resonance imaging angiography, coronary multislice computed tomography,
      and echo-tracking-based imaging specifically for the [corrected] carotid
      arteries. We also assayed for serum biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial
      dysfunction. Finally, we studied murine models of aortic aneurysm in the presence
      and absence of inhibitors of STAT3-dependent signaling. Ninety-five percent of
      patients showed brain abnormalities (white matter hyperintensities, lacunar
      lesions suggestive of ischemic infarcts, and atrophy). We reported peripheral and
      brain artery abnormalities in 84% of the patients and detected coronary artery
      abnormalities in 50% of the patients. The most frequent vascular abnormalities
      were ectasia and aneurysm. The carotid intima-media thickness was markedly
      decreased, with a substantial increase in circumferential wall stress, indicating
      the occurrence of hypotrophic arterial remodeling in this STAT3-deficient
      population. Systemic inflammatory biomarker levels correlated poorly with the
      vascular phenotype. In vivo inhibition of STAT3 signaling or blockade of IL-17A
      resulted in a marked increase in aneurysm severity and fatal rupture in mouse
      models. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular abnormalities are highly prevalent in patients with
      STAT3 deficiency. This feature is consistent with the greater susceptibility to
      vascular aneurysm observed after inhibition of STAT3-dependent signaling in mouse
      models.

PMID- 22084482
TI  - Contending and adapting every day: norwegian parents' lived experience of having
      a child with ADHD.
AB  - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common
      childhood disorders, and little attention has been paid to the parents and their
      experiences. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the
      Norwegian parents' lived experiences of having a child with an ADHD diagnosis. A
      descriptive design using phenomenological approach was chosen as the research
      method. Individual qualitative interviews with nine parents, who were members of
      the ADHD Association, were conducted. The interviews were analyzed according to
      Colaizzi's method. The essential structure of the parents' experiences was
      Contending and Adapting Every Day-Windsurfing in unpredictable waters which was
      embedded in the interrelated main themes: Maintaining the Self and Parenthood,
      and Interacting With the Surrounding World. Being the parent of a child with ADHD
      is a demanding situation. Nurses need to address the needs of these parents and
      focus on the family unit.

PMID- 22084483
TI  - Misconceptions about missed conceptions: the meanings of emergency contraceptive
      pills use among young adult couples.
AB  - Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) are a safe and efficacious backup method of
      birth control. Despite widespread availability, ECP is underutilized by young
      women. While partner level of involvement has been shown to influence
      contraceptive behavior, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding any possible
      association between partner influence and ECP use. To better understand the
      reasons for the seemingly underuse of ECP, a grounded theory study was conducted
      to elucidate the relationship of couple dynamics and knowledge of, attitudes
      toward, and decision making regarding the use of ECP in coupled young adults.
      Consistent with contemporary constructivist grounded theory methods, several
      categories were identified including the meanings associated with ECP use. This
      article presents an elaboration of this particular finding. The meanings that
      participants ascribed to ECP use represented a continuum of value attributes
      regarding ethics, safety, efficacy, and responsibility.

PMID- 22084484
TI  - Family functioning of child-rearing Japanese families on family-accompanied work
      assignments in Hong Kong.
AB  - Although the number of employees on overseas assignments accompanied by their
      families has increased steadily, little is known about the effects of this
      experience on family functioning. Japanese families on family-accompanied
      assignments living in Hong Kong were compared with families living in Japan
      (consisting of 135 and 248 paired partners, respectively). Applying an ecological
      framework, family functioning was examined using the Feetham Family Functioning
      Survey-Japanese (FFFS-J). Japanese wives living in Hong Kong rated family
      functioning lower, particularly in the area of "relationship between family and
      family members." Between paired marital partners living in Hong Kong, the level
      of satisfaction in the area of "relationship between family and society" was
      significantly lower for wives than for husbands. This study provides application
      of the family ecological framework in families in a multicultural environment and
      identifies potential areas for family assessment and intervention that may of
      interest to health care professionals who care for families living away from
      their home countries.

PMID- 22084486
TI  - International Family Nursing Association (IFNA): Update and Membership
      Recruitment.

PMID- 22084488
TI  - Tolerance and effects of FK506 (tacrolimus) on nerve regeneration: a pilot study.
AB  - In adults, the outcome of nerve suture and nerve autograft remains generally
      unsatisfactory. FK506 (tacrolimus), an immunosuppressant drug used in
      transplantation, has been reported in animal studies to enhance nerve
      regeneration. In hand transplantation patients, nerve regeneration was
      unexpectedly good and rapid, and this observation has been attributed to FK506.
      The present Phase II experiment investigated the tolerance to FK506 after nerve
      suture or autograft, and the potential effects of the drug on axonal
      regeneration. Following strict criteria, five patients were included in this
      study. Within 7 days of nerve repair (median, ulnar and sciatic transections),
      patients received FK506 (aiming for blood concentrations between 5 and 8 ng/ml)
      for a total duration of 60 days. The patients were carefully followed with
      clinical and biological monitoring in order to detect side-effects. A clinical
      and electrophysiological assessment of the effect of FK506 on nerve regeneration
      was conducted. No undesirable side-effect was observed during or after FK506
      treatment, but one non-compliant patient discontinued treatment. There was no
      evident improvement of sensory, motor or functional recovery at the end of the
      follow-up period (average duration 39.8 months), as compared to the expected
      clinical result without treatment. Although statistically non-significant, FK506
      seemed to accelerate the progression of the Hoffmann-Tinel sign, but without
      impact on the final result.

PMID- 22084489
TI  - Anti-HHV-6 IgG titer significantly predicts subsequent relapse risk in multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some of the strongest associations with MS onset are for human
      herpesviruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV
      6). Their role in MS clinical course is less clear, however. METHODS: Prospective
      cohort of 198 persons with clinically definite MS, followed 2002-5, and serum
      samples obtained from all subjects at study entry to measure anti-HHV-6 and anti
      EBV (Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen [EBNA] and viral capsid antigen [VCA]) IgG
      titers. Association with relapse evaluated using survival analysis; association
      with disability/progression evaluated using linear regression or multilevel mixed
      effects linear regression. RESULTS: For the 145 persons with relapsing-remitting
      MS followed beyond one review, anti-HHV-6 IgG titer was positively associated
      with the hazard of relapse with a dose-dependent trend (p = 0.003), not affected
      by adjustment for anti-EBV IgG titers, neither of which were independently
      associated with relapse. There was no significant association between anti-human
      herpesvirus IgG titers and baseline-measured disability scores, or change in
      disability scores; however, anti-HHV-6 IgG titers were 2.8 times higher among
      progressive-course females than progressive-course males. DISCUSSION: These
      findings suggest that, in addition to a potential etiological role in MS, HHV-6
      infection or the immune response to HHV-6 antigens may have an effect on the risk
      of MS relapses and possibly on progressive courses of MS. The observed effect was
      directly related to anti-HHV-6 IgG titers and may indicate that either HHV-6
      infection or factors associated with an altered humoral immune response to HHV-6
      may have an effect on MS clinical course. Anti-HHV-6 IgG titer may be a useful
      prognostic factor in relapsing-remitting MS clinical course.

PMID- 22084490
TI  - Effects of 3 weeks' whole body vibration training on muscle strength and
      functional mobility in hospitalized persons with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is effective
      for improving muscle strength and functional mobility. OBJECTIVE: To investigate,
      in MS patients attending an in-patient rehabilitation program, the additional
      effects of a 3-week exercise program, performed on a whole body vibration
      platform, on muscle strength and functionality. METHODS: Median Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of participating patients was 5.5. This randomized
      controlled trial differentiated a MS control group (n = 17) and two exercise
      groups performing exercises on a vibration platform (WBV-full group, n = 20) and
      on the platform additionally covered by a damping mat (WBV-light group, n = 18).
      Exercise groups performed, during 10 training sessions, six static and dynamic
      exercises standing on a platform vibrating at high frequency and low amplitude.
      Isometric muscle strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior and
      gluteus medius was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Functional mobility was
      measured with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 3-minute walk test and Timed Get up and
      Go test. RESULTS: Eight drop-outs occurred in the exercise groups (WBV-full = 4,
      WBV-light = 4), but were unrelated to WBV as type of intervention. Across groups,
      significant time effects were found for all muscle groups. For maximal quadriceps
      and hamstrings muscle strength, interaction effects were found with post-hoc
      tests indicating exercise group-significant improvements in the WBV-full group
      only. Significant time effects were found for all functional tests. Improvements
      on the BBS and 3-minute walk test were larger in training than in control groups,
      but no significant interactions were found. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-week exercise
      program on a vibration plate significantly improved muscle strength, but not
      functionality, in persons with MS.

PMID- 22084491
TI  - Incidence and causes for syringe driver site reactions in palliative care: A
      prospective hospice-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Syringe drivers are routinely used in palliative care for the
      subcutaneous infusion of drugs for pain and symptom control. Local site reactions
      occurring at the site of infusion can lead to patient discomfort and the
      potential for sub-optimal symptom control. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether there was a correlation between drugs administered
      subcutaneously via a syringe driver and the incidence of syringe driver site
      reactions, further linking this to time to syringe driver site reaction. DESIGN:
      Prospective quantitative data collection of syringe driver use for 170 hospice
      inpatients. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Specialist palliative care inpatient facility
      in the UK. Syringe driver recording forms were retrieved from case notes of
      consecutive patients who received medication via a syringe driver. RESULTS: An
      association between the presence of cyclizine and levomepromazine and the
      incidence of syringe driver site reactions was identified. A marked difference in
      incidence of syringe driver site reaction was observed between the two study
      centres (26.5% vs. 7.7%). Although baseline patient characteristics were
      comparable, a difference in practice between the centres was identified, i.e. use
      of parenteral cannulae. An association between the time a syringe driver was in
      situ and the occurrence of a syringe driver site reaction was also demonstrated.
      CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations can be made for the frequency of syringe driver site
      changes based on which drugs are in use. Incidental findings from the study have
      been used to change practice at the hospice study site, with regard to choice of
      parenteral cannulae.

PMID- 22084492
TI  - The impact of body-part-naming training on the accuracy of imitative performances
      in 2- to 3-year-old children.
AB  - A series of three experiments explored the relationship between 3-year-old
      children's ability to name target body parts and their untrained matching of
      target hand-to-body touches. Nine participants, 3 per experiment, were presented
      with repeated generalized imitation tests in a multiple-baseline procedure,
      interspersed with step-by-step training that enabled them to (i) tact the target
      locations on their own and the experimenter's bodies or (ii) respond accurately
      as listeners to the experimenter's tacts of the target locations. Prompts for on
      task naming of target body parts were also provided later in the procedure. In
      Experiment 1, only tact training followed by listener probes were conducted; in
      Experiment 2, tacting was trained first and listener behavior second, whereas in
      Experiment 3 listener training preceded tact training. Both tact and listener
      training resulted in emergence of naming together with significant and large
      improvements in the children's matching performances; this was true for each
      child and across most target gestures. The present series of experiments provides
      evidence that naming--the most basic form of self-instructional behavior--may be
      one means of establishing untrained matching as measured in generalized imitation
      tests. This demonstration has a bearing on our interpretation of imitation
      reported in the behavior analytic, cognitive developmental, and comparative
      literature.

PMID- 22084493
TI  - Contextual influences on resistance to disruption in children with intellectual
      disabilities.
AB  - Training context can influence resistance to disruption under differing
      reinforcement schedules. With nonhumans, when relatively lean and rich
      reinforcement schedules are experienced in the context of a multiple schedule,
      greater resistance is found in the rich than the lean component, as described by
      behavioral momentum theory. By contrast, when the schedules are experienced in
      separated blocks of sessions (i.e., as single schedules), resistance is not
      consistently greater in either component. In the current study, two groups of 6
      children with intellectual disabilities responded to stimuli presented in
      relatively lean or rich components. For both, reinforcers were delivered
      according to the same variable-interval reinforcement schedule; additionally, the
      rich component included the delivery of response-independent reinforcers. The
      Within group was trained on a multiple schedule in which lean and rich components
      alternated regularly within sessions; the Blocked group was trained on two single
      schedules in which sessions with either the lean or rich schedule were conducted
      in successive blocks. Disruption tests presented a concurrently available
      alternative stimulus disrupter signaling the availability of tangible
      reinforcers. All 6 Within participants showed greater resistance to disruption in
      the rich component, consistent with behavioral momentum theory. By contrast,
      there was no consistent or significant difference in resistance for Blocked
      participants. This finding is potentially relevant to the development of
      interventions in applied settings, where such interventions often approximate
      single schedules and include response-independent reinforcers.

PMID- 22084494
TI  - Emergent identity matching after successive matching training, I: reflexivity or
      generalized identity.
AB  - This research investigated the source of an ostensible reflexivity effect in
      pigeons reported by Sweeney and Urcuioli (2010). In Experiment 1, pigeons learned
      two symmetrically reinforced symbolic successive matching tasks (hue-form and
      form-hue) using red-green and triangle-horizontal line stimuli. They differed in
      their third concurrently trained baseline task: form-form matching with stimuli
      appearing in the symbolic tasks (triangle and horizontal) for one group versus
      hue-hue matching with stimuli not appearing in the symbolic tasks (blue and
      white) for the other. During subsequent nonreinforced probe tests, all pigeons in
      the former group and most pigeons in the latter group responded more to the
      comparisons on matching than on nonmatching red-green probes. In Experiment 2,
      the latter group was tested on nonreinforced form-form probes. One of the 4
      pigeons responded significantly more to the comparisons on matching than on
      nonmatching triangle-horizontal probes. These data are consistent with
      generalized identity and at least one other interpretation of the reflexivity
      results and question the functional stimulus assumption of Urcuioli's (2008)
      stimulus-class theory.

PMID- 22084495
TI  - Whatever gave you that idea? False memories following equivalence training: a
      behavioral account of the misinformation effect.
AB  - The misinformation effect is a term used in the cognitive psychological
      literature to describe both experimental and real-world instances in which
      misleading information is incorporated into an account of an historical event. In
      many real-world situations, it is not possible to identify a distinct source of
      misinformation, and it appears that the witness may have inferred a false memory
      by integrating information from a variety of sources. In a stimulus equivalence
      task, a small number of trained relations between some members of a class of
      arbitrary stimuli result in a large number of untrained, or emergent relations,
      between all members of the class. Misleading information was introduced into a
      simple memory task between a learning phase and a recognition test by means of a
      match-to-sample stimulus equivalence task that included both stimuli from the
      original learning task and novel stimuli. At the recognition test, participants
      given equivalence training were more likely to misidentify patterns than those
      who were not given such training. The misinformation effect was distinct from the
      effects of prior stimulus exposure, or partial stimulus control. In summary,
      stimulus equivalence processes may underlie some real-world manifestations of the
      misinformation effect.

PMID- 22084496
TI  - A mechanism for reducing delay discounting by altering temporal attention.
AB  - Rewards that are not immediately available are discounted compared to rewards
      that are immediately available. The more a person discounts a delayed reward, the
      more likely that person is to have a range of behavioral problems, including
      clinical disorders. This latter observation has motivated the search for
      interventions that reduce discounting. One surprisingly simple method to reduce
      discounting is an "explicit-zero" reframing that states default or null outcomes.
      Reframing a classical discounting choice as "something now but nothing later"
      versus "nothing now but more later" decreases discount rates. However, it is not
      clear how this "explicit-zero" framing intervention works. The present studies
      delineate and test two possible mechanisms to explain the phenomenon. One
      mechanism proposes that the explicit-zero framing creates the impression of an
      improving sequence, thereby enhancing the present value of the delayed reward. A
      second possible mechanism posits an increase in attention allocation to
      temporally distant reward representations. In four experiments, we distinguish
      between these two hypothesized mechanisms and conclude that the temporal
      attention hypothesis is superior for explaining our results. We propose a model
      of temporal attention whereby framing affects intertemporal preferences by
      modifying present bias.

PMID- 22084497
TI  - Some determinants of remote behavioral history effects in humans.
AB  - Undergraduates were exposed to a series of reinforcement schedules: first, to a
      fixed-ratio (FR) schedule in the presence of one stimulus and to a differential
      reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) schedule in the presence of another (multiple FR
      DRL training), then to a fixed-interval (FI) schedule in the presence of a third
      stimulus (FI baseline), next to the FI schedule under the stimuli previously
      correlated with the FR and DRL schedules (multiple FI FI testing), and, finally,
      to a single session of the multiple FR DRL schedule again (multiple FR DRL
      testing). Response rates during the multiple FI FI schedule were higher under the
      former FR stimulus than under the former DRL stimulus. This effect of remote
      histories was prolonged when either the number of FI-baseline sessions was small
      or zero, or the time interval between the multiple FR DRL training and the
      multiple FI FI testing was short. Response rates under these two stimuli
      converged with continued exposure to the multiple FI FI schedule in most cases,
      but quickly differentiated when the schedule returned to the multiple FR DRL.

PMID- 22084498
TI  - Relational discrimination by pigeons in a go/no-go procedure with compound
      stimuli: a methodological note.
AB  - A go/no-go procedure with compound stimuli typically establishes emergent
      behavior that parallels in structure and typical outcome that of conventional
      tests for symmetric, transitive, and equivalence relations in normally capable
      adults. The present study employed a go/no-go compound stimulus procedure with
      pigeons. During training, pecks to two-component compounds A1B1, A2B2, B1C1, and
      B2C2 were followed by food. Pecks to compounds A1B2, A2B1, B1C2, and B2C1 re
      started the 30-s stimulus presentation interval. The absence of pecking to those
      compounds for 30 s ended the trial. Subsequent tests presented these components
      in new spatial arrangements and/or in recombinative compounds that together
      corresponded to conventional tests of symmetry, transitivity, and equivalence:
      B1A1, B2A2, C1B1, C2B2, A1C1, A2C2, C1A1, C2A2 vs. B1A2, B2A1, C1B2, C2B1, A1C2,
      A2C1, C1A2, C2A1 (positive vs. negative instances of symmetric, transitive, and
      equivalence relations). On tests for symmetric relations, all pigeons behaved in
      a manner consistent with training on both positive instances (i.e., by
      responding) and on negative instances (i.e., by not responding). By contrast, the
      pigeons' behavior on tests for transitivity and equivalence was inconsistent with
      baseline training, thus failing to show the recombinative discrimination
      performance that is typical of normally capable humans when trained and tested
      using the go/no-go procedure with compound stimuli.

PMID- 22084499
TI  - Delay discounting: I'm a k, you're a k.
AB  - Delay discounting is the decline in the present value of a reward with delay to
      its receipt. Across a variety of species, populations, and reward types, value
      declines hyperbolically with delay. Value declines steeply with shorter delays,
      but more shallowly with longer delays. Quantitative modeling provides precise
      measures to characterize the form of the discount function. These measures may be
      regarded as higher-order dependent variables, intervening variables, or
      hypothetical constructs. I suggest the degree of delay discounting may be a
      personality trait. In the end, the ontological status of measures of delay
      discounting is irrelevant. Whatever delay discounting may be, its study has
      provided the field of behavior analysis and other areas measures with robust
      generality and predictive validity for a variety of significant human problems.
      Research on moderating the degree of delay discounting has the potential to
      produce substantial societal benefits.

PMID- 22084501
TI  - Global action on social determinants of health.

PMID- 22084502
TI  - Social determinants of health: practical solutions to deal with a well-recognized
      issue.

PMID- 22084504
TI  - Behind the "Glasgow effect".
AB  - Michael Reid reports on how the Scottish city is tackling the stark inequities in
      its people's health.

PMID- 22084506
TI  - A decade towards better health in Chile.
AB  - In 1990, after 17 years of dictatorship, Chile started rebuilding its political
      system with a focus on improving social conditions and health. A recent study of
      the last 10 years shows some positive results. Irene Helmke reports.

PMID- 22084505
TI  - Tackling social factors to save lives in India.
AB  - Health inequalities persist amid a booming economy. Patralekha Chatterjee
      reports.

PMID- 22084507
TI  - Dealing with the big picture in Australia.
AB  - Public health challenges cannot be tackled by departments of health alone.
      Matthew Heath reports on how the state government of South Australia is taking a
      new approach.

PMID- 22084508
TI  - Brazil calls for pact on social factors to improve health.
AB  - As host of the World Conference on Social Determinants of Health on 19-21 October
      2011, Brazil has shown its commitment to tackling social factors to improve
      people's health and well-being. Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha talks to the
      WHO Bulletin about what his country has done in this respect and his hopes for
      the conference.

PMID- 22084509
TI  - Global mesothelioma deaths reported to the World Health Organization between 1994
      and 2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To carry out a descriptive analysis of mesothelioma deaths reported
      worldwide between 1994 and 2008. METHODS: We extracted data on mesothelioma
      deaths reported to the World Health Organization mortality database since 1994,
      when the disease was first recorded. We also sought information from other
      English-language sources. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated
      and mortality trends were assessed from the annual percentage change in the age
      adjusted mortality rate. FINDINGS: In total, 92,253 mesothelioma deaths were
      reported by 83 countries. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates were 6.2 and 4.9
      per million population, respectively. The age-adjusted mortality rate increased
      by 5.37% per year and consequently more than doubled during the study period. The
      mean age at death was 70 years and the male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1. The
      disease distribution by anatomical site was: pleura, 41.3%; peritoneum, 4.5%;
      pericardium, 0.3%; and unspecified sites, 43.1%. The geographical distribution of
      deaths was skewed towards high-income countries: the United States of America
      reported the highest number, while over 50% of all deaths occurred in Europe. In
      contrast, less than 12% occurred in middle- and low-income countries. The overall
      trend in the age-adjusted mortality rate was increasing in Europe and Japan but
      decreasing in the United States. CONCLUSION: The number of mesothelioma deaths
      reported and the number of countries reporting deaths increased during the study
      period, probably due to better disease recognition and an increase in incidence.
      The different time trends observed between countries may be an early indication
      that the disease burden is slowly shifting towards those that have used asbestos
      more recently.

PMID- 22084510
TI  - Excess child mortality after discharge from hospital in Kilifi, Kenya: a
      retrospective cohort analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore excess paediatric mortality after discharge from Kilifi
      District Hospital, Kenya, and its duration and risk factors. METHODS: Hospital
      and demographic data were used to describe post-discharge mortality and survival
      probability in children aged < 15 years, by age group and clinical syndrome. Cox
      regression models were developed to identify risk factors. FINDINGS: In 2004
      2008, approximately 111,000 children were followed for 555,000 person-years. We
      analysed 14,971 discharges and 535 deaths occurring within 365 days of discharge.
      Mortality was higher in the post-discharge cohort than in the community cohort
      (age-adjusted rate ratio, RR: 7.7; 95% confidence interval, CI: 6.6-8.9) and
      declined little over time. An increased post-discharge mortality hazard was found
      in children aged < 5 years with the following: weight-for-age Z score < -4
      (hazard ratio, HR: 6.5); weight-for-age Z score > -4 but < -3 (HR: 3.4); hypoxia
      (HR: 2.3); bacteraemia (HR: 1.8); hepatomegaly (HR: 2.3); jaundice (HR: 1.8);
      hospital stay > 13 days (HR: 1.8). Older age was protective (reference < 1
      month): 6-23 months, HR: 0.8; 2-4 years, HR: 0.6. Children with at least one risk
      factor accounted for 545 (33%) of the 1655 annual discharges and for 39 (47%) of
      the 83 discharge-associated deaths. CONCLUSION: Hospital admission selects
      vulnerable children with a sustained increased risk of dying. The risk factors
      identified provide an empiric basis for effective outpatient follow-up.

PMID- 22084511
TI  - Childhood and adult mortality from unintentional falls in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate fall-related mortality by type of fall in India. METHODS:
      The authors analysed unintentional injury data from the ongoing Million Death
      Study from 2001-2003 using verbal autopsy and coding of all deaths in accordance
      with the International statistical classification of diseases and related health
      problems, tenth revision, in a nationally representative sample of 1.1 million
      homes throughout the country. FINDINGS: Falls accounted for 25% (2003/8023) of
      all deaths from unintentional injury and were the second leading cause of such
      deaths. An estimated 160,000 fall-related deaths occurred in India in 2005; of
      these, nearly 20,000 were in children aged 0-14 years. The unintentional-fall
      related mortality rate (MR) per 100,000 population was 14.5 (99% confidence
      interval, CI: 13.7-15.4). Rates were similar for males and females at 14.9 (99%
      CI: 13.7-16.0) and 14.2 (99% CI: 13.1-15.4) per 100,000 population, respectively.
      People aged 70 years or older had the highest mortality rate from unintentional
      falls (MR: 271.2; 99% CI: 249.0-293.5), and the rate was higher among women (MR:
      281; 99% CI: 249.7-311.3). Falls on the same level were the most common among
      older adults, whereas falls from heights were more common in younger age groups.
      CONCLUSION: In India, unintentional falls are a major public health problem that
      disproportionately affects older women and children. The contexts in which these
      falls occur and the resulting morbidity and disability need to be better
      understood. In India there is an urgent need to develop, test and implement
      interventions aimed at preventing falls.

PMID- 22084512
TI  - Risk factors for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among children in
      Greenland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk factors for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
      (MTI) among Greenlandic children for the purpose of identifying those at highest
      risk of infection. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2007, 1797 Greenlandic
      schoolchildren in five different areas were tested for MTI with an interferon
      gamma release assay (IGRA) and a tuberculin skin test (TST). Parents or guardians
      were surveyed using a standardized self-administered questionnaire to obtain data
      on crowding in the household, parents' educational level and the child's health
      status. Demographic data for each child--i.e. parents' place of birth, number of
      siblings, distance between siblings (next younger and next older), birth order
      and mother's age when the child was born--were also extracted from a public
      registry. Logistic regression was used to check for associations between these
      variables and MTI, and all results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs). Children were considered to have MTI if they tested
      positive on both the IGRA assay and the TST. FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of
      MTI was 8.5% (152/1797). MTI was diagnosed in 26.7% of the children with a known
      TB contact, as opposed to 6.4% of the children without such contact. Overall, the
      MTI rate was higher among Inuit children (OR:  4.22; 95% CI: 1.55-11.5) and among
      children born less than one year after the birth of the next older sibling (OR: 
      2.48; 95% CI: 1.33-4.63). Self-reported TB contact modified the profile to
      include household crowding and low mother's education. Children who had an older
      MTI-positive sibling were much more likely to test positive for MTI themselves
      (OR:  14.2; 95% CI: 5.75-35.0) than children without an infected older sibling.
      CONCLUSION: Ethnicity, sibling relations, number of household residents and
      maternal level of education are factors associated with the risk of TB infection
      among children in Greenland. The strong household clustering of MTI suggests that
      family sources of exposure are important.

PMID- 22084513
TI  - Preoperative visual acuity among cataract surgery patients and countries' state
      of development: a global study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the preoperative surgical case mix among patients
      undergoing cataract extraction and explore associations between case mix, country
      level of development (as measured by the Human Development Index, HDI) and
      cataract surgery rates (CSRs). METHODS: Ophthalmologists in 50 countries were
      invited to join the newly-established International Eye Research Network and
      asked to complete a web-based questionnaire about their eye hospitals. Those who
      complied received a data collection form for recording demographic and clinical
      data on 100 consecutive patients about to undergo cataract surgery. Countries
      were ranked into five HDI categories and multivariable regression was used to
      explore associations. FINDINGS: Ophthalmologists at 112 eye hospitals (54% of
      them nongovernmental) in 50 countries provided data on 11,048 cataract procedures
      over 9 months in 2008. Patients whose visual acuity (VA) before surgery was <
      6/60 in the better eye comprised 47% of the total case mix in poorly developed
      countries and 1% in developed countries (P < 0.001). Overall, 72% of the eyes
      undergoing surgery had a VA < 6/60. Very low VA before cataract surgery was
      strongly associated with poor development at the country level and inversely
      associated with national CSR. CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients with very
      poor preoperative VA is a simple indicator that can be easily measured
      periodically to monitor progress in ophthalmological services. Additionally, the
      internet can be an effective tool for developing and supporting an
      ophthalmological research network capable of providing a global snapshot of
      service activity, particularly in developing countries.

PMID- 22084514
TI  - Health-care-associated infection in Africa: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiology of endemic health-care-associated infection
      (HAI) in Africa. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the
      WHO regional medical database for Africa) were searched to identify studies
      published from 1995 to 2009 on the epidemiology of HAI in African countries. No
      language restriction was applied. Available abstract books of leading
      international infection control conferences were also searched from 2004 to 2009.
      FINDINGS: The eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review were met by 19
      articles, only 2 of which met the criterion of high quality. Four relevant
      abstracts were retrieved from the international conference literature. The
      hospital-wide prevalence of HAI varied between 2.5% and 14.8%; in surgical wards,
      the cumulative incidence ranged from 5.7% to 45.8%. The largest number of studies
      focused on surgical site infection, whose cumulative incidence ranged from 2.5%
      to 30.9%. Data on causative pathogens were available from a few studies only and
      highlighted the importance of gram-negative rods, particularly in surgical site
      infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Limited information is
      available on the endemic burden of HAI in Africa, but our review reveals that its
      frequency is much higher than in developed countries. There is an urgent need to
      identify and implement feasible and sustainable approaches to strengthen HAI
      prevention, surveillance and control in Africa.

PMID- 22084516
TI  - Action on social determinants of health is essential to tackle noncommunicable
      diseases.

PMID- 22084515
TI  - Estimated global incidence of Japanese encephalitis: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To update the estimated global incidence of Japanese encephalitis (JE)
      using recent data for the purpose of guiding prevention and control efforts.
      METHODS: Thirty-two areas endemic for JE in 24 Asian and Western Pacific
      countries were sorted into 10 incidence groups on the basis of published data and
      expert opinion. Population-based surveillance studies using laboratory-confirmed
      cases were sought for each incidence group by a computerized search of the
      scientific literature. When no eligible studies existed for a particular
      incidence group, incidence data were extrapolated from related groups. FINDINGS:
      A total of 12 eligible studies representing 7 of 10 incidence groups in 24 JE
      endemic countries were identified. Approximately 67,900 JE cases typically occur
      annually (overall incidence: 1.8 per 100,000), of which only about 10% are
      reported to the World Health Organization. Approximately 33,900 (50%) of these
      cases occur in China (excluding Taiwan) and approximately 51,000 (75%) occur in
      children aged 0-14 years (incidence: 5.4 per 100,000). Approximately 55,000 (81%)
      cases occur in areas with well established or developing JE vaccination
      programmes, while approximately 12,900 (19%) occur in areas with minimal or no JE
      vaccination programmes. CONCLUSION: Recent data allowed us to refine the estimate
      of the global incidence of JE, which remains substantial despite improvements in
      vaccination coverage. More and better incidence studies in selected countries,
      particularly China and India, are needed to further refine these estimates.

PMID- 22084518
TI  - Impact of non-health policies on infant mortality through the social determinants
      pathway.

PMID- 22084519
TI  - Maternal death surveillance and response.

PMID- 22084520
TI  - Public health round-up.

PMID- 22084521
TI  - Family planning gains ground.
AB  - Once a taboo subject, family planning is increasingly being recognized as
      essential for social and economic development in countries in WHO's Eastern
      Mediterranean Region. Dale Gavlak reports from Jordan.

PMID- 22084522
TI  - Mixed uptake of social media among public health specialists.
AB  - Public health organizations are starting to use social media.Some specialists say
      they hold untapped potential for public health. Ben Jones reports.

PMID- 22084523
TI  - Will the Arab spring bring better health to Egyptians?
AB  - Parliamentary elections in Egypt this month look set to change the political
      landscape. Former member of parliament and equity campaigner Hoda Rashad tells
      Fiona Fleck why the country's public health programmes need to take a social
      justice approach.

PMID- 22084524
TI  - Twenty-year trends in the prevalence of disability in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in the age-adjusted prevalence of disability in
      transitional China from 1987 to 2006. METHODS: Data from nationally
      representative surveys conducted in 1987 and 2006 were used to calculate age
      adjusted disability prevalence rates by applying appropriate sample weights and
      directly adjusting to the age distribution of the 1990 Chinese population. Trends
      were assessed in terms of average annual percentage change. FINDINGS: The
      estimated number of disabled people in China in 1987 and 2006 was 52.7 and 84.6
      million, respectively, corresponding to a weighted prevalence of 4.9% and 6.5%.
      The age-adjusted prevalence of disability decreased by an average of 0.5% per
      year (average annual percentage change, AAPC: -0.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI:
      -0.7 to -0.4) during 1987-2006. However, it increased by an average of 0.3%
      (AAPC: 0.3%; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.5) per year in males and by an average of 1.0%
      (AAPC: 1.0%; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.2) per year among rural residents, whereas among
      females it showed an average annual decrease of 1.5% (AAPC: -1.5%; 95% CI: -1.7
      to -1.3) and among urban residents, an average annual decrease of 3.9% (AAPC: 
      3.9%; 95% CI: -4.3 to -3.5). Despite significant declining trends for hearing and
      speech, intellectual and visual disabilities, the annual age-adjusted prevalence
      of physical and mental disabilities increased by an average of 11.2% (AAPC:
      11.2%; 95% CI: 10.5 to 11.9) and 13.3% (AAPC: 13.3%; 95% CI: 10.7 to 16.2),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: In China, the age-adjusted prevalence of disability has
      declined since 1987, with inconsistencies dependent on the type of disability.
      These findings call for continuing and specific efforts to prevent disabilities
      in China.

PMID- 22084525
TI  - Syphilis test availability and uptake at medical facilities in southern China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine syphilis testing capacity, screening coverage rates and
      types of syphilis tests used in medical facilities in southern China. METHODS:
      Eleven of the 14 municipalities in Guangdong province participated. Data on
      syphilis testing capacity, screening coverage and types of syphilis tests used
      were collected from all types of public medical facilities offering prenatal care
      (n = 109). A total of 494 680 women who delivered during 2004-2008 were studied.
      FINDINGS: In 2008, 54 196 pregnant women (43.1%) were not screened for syphilis.
      Among such women, 32 863 (60.6%) attended clinics without any syphilis testing
      capacity and 21 333 (39.4%) attended clinics that performed testing but were not
      screened. The likelihood of not having syphilis test capacity was much higher for
      hygiene stations (odds ratio, OR: 10; 95% confidence interval, CI: 4-25),
      services at the township level (OR: 33; 95% CI: 10-100) and services with <= 1000
      deliveries per year (OR: 1.002; 95% CI: 1.001-1.003). These same service
      characteristics correlated with lower screening coverage rates (P < 0.01). Only
      one antenatal clinic had the capacity to conduct both treponemal and non
      treponemal tests for diagnosing syphilis. CONCLUSION: Syphilis screening is
      available in very few of the basic medical facilities offering prenatal care
      where most neonates in southern China are delivered. In light of this and of the
      increasing incidence of syphilis in the area, expanding point-of-care rapid
      syphilis testing is a priority.

PMID- 22084526
TI  - Under-registration of deaths in Thailand in 2005-2006: results of cross-matching
      data from two sources.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the magnitude of under-registration of deaths, by age and
      sex, in Thailand. METHODS: THE DATA IN THIS STUDY WERE DERIVED FROM TWO SOURCES:
      the Thai Survey of Population Changes (SPC) 2005-2006, a consecutive multi-round
      household survey conducted over a 12-month period, and Thailand's vital
      registration records. SPC death entries for people of all ages were matched to
      2005-2006 death records from vital registration. The principles of a dual records
      system were applied to estimate the magnitude of under-registration of deaths,
      classified by age and sex, using the Chandrasekaran-Deming formula. FINDINGS:
      Overall under-registration of deaths during 2005-2006 was 9.00% (95% confidence
      interval, CI: 8.95-9.05) for males and 8.36% (95% CI: 8.31-8.41) for females. For
      both males and females, under-registration decreased as age increased. Under
      registration was greatest among people of either sex aged 1-4 years, whereas it
      was < 10% among people 60 years of age and older, both males and females.
      CONCLUSION: These findings provided correction factors that can be used for
      adjusting mortality data from the registration system.

PMID- 22084527
TI  - Iodine status in late pregnancy and psychosocial determinants of iodized salt use
      in rural northern Viet Nam.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish iodine status among pregnant women in rural northern Viet
      Nam and explore psychosocial predictors of the use of iodized salt in their
      households. METHODS: This prospective study included pregnant women registered in
      health stations in randomly-selected communes in Ha Nam province. At recruitment
      (< 20 weeks of gestation), sociodemographic factors, reproductive health,
      intimate partner relationship, family violence, symptoms of common mental
      disorders and use of micronutrient supplements were assessed. During a second
      assessment (> 28 weeks of gestation) a urine specimen was collected to measure
      urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and iodized salt use was assessed. Predictors
      were explored through univariable analyses and multivariable linear and logistic
      regression. FINDINGS: The 413 pregnant women who provided data for this study had
      a median UIC of 70 ug/l; nearly 83% had a UIC lower than the 150 ug/l recommended
      by the World Health Organization; only 73.6% reported using iodized salt in any
      form in their households. Iodized salt use was lower among nulliparous women
      (odds ratio, OR: 0.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.32-0.96); less educated
      women (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16-0.71); factory workers or small-scale traders (OR:
      0.52; 95% CI: 0.31-0.86), government workers (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13-0.89) and
      women with common mental disorders at recruitment (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.98).
      CONCLUSION: The decline in the use of iodized salt in Viet Nam since the National
      Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme was suspended in 2005 has placed
      pregnant women and their infants in rural areas at risk of iodine deficiency
      disorders.

PMID- 22084528
TI  - Human papillomavirus vaccine delivery strategies that achieved high coverage in
      low- and middle-income countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage after
      demonstration projects conducted in India, Peru, Uganda and Viet Nam by PATH and
      national governments and to explore the reasons for vaccine acceptance or
      refusal. METHODS: Vaccines were delivered through schools or health centres or in
      combination with other health interventions, and either monthly or through
      campaigns at fixed time points. Using a two-stage cluster sample design, the
      authors selected households in demonstration project areas and interviewed over
      7000 parents or guardians of adolescent girls to assess coverage and
      acceptability. They defined full vaccination as the receipt of all three vaccine
      doses and used an open-ended question to explore acceptability. FINDINGS:
      Vaccination coverage in school-based programmes was 82.6% (95% confidence
      interval, CI: 79.3-85.6) in Peru, 88.9% (95% CI: 84.7-92.4) in 2009 in Uganda and
      96.1% (95% CI: 93.0-97.8) in 2009 in Viet Nam. In India, a campaign approach
      achieved 77.2% (95% CI: 72.4-81.6) to 87.8% (95% CI: 84.3-91.3) coverage, whereas
      monthly delivery achieved 68.4% (95% CI: 63.4-73.4) to 83.3% (95% CI: 79.3-87.3)
      coverage. More than two thirds of respondents gave as reasons for accepting the
      HPV vaccine that: (i) it protects against cervical cancer; (ii) it prevents
      disease, or (iii) vaccines are good. Refusal was more often driven by
      programmatic considerations (e.g. school absenteeism) than by opposition to the
      vaccine. CONCLUSION: High coverage with HPV vaccine among young adolescent girls
      was achieved through various delivery strategies in the developing countries
      studied. Reinforcing positive motivators for vaccine acceptance is likely to
      facilitate uptake.

PMID- 22084529
TI  - Evaluating large-scale health programmes at a district level in resource-limited
      countries.
AB  - Recent experience in evaluating large-scale global health programmes has
      highlighted the need to consider contextual differences between sites
      implementing the same intervention. Traditional randomized controlled trials are
      ill-suited for this purpose, as they are designed to identify whether an
      intervention works, not how, when and why it works. In this paper we review
      several evaluation designs that attempt to account for contextual factors that
      contribute to intervention effectiveness. Using these designs as a base, we
      propose a set of principles that may help to capture information on context.
      Finally, we propose a tool, called a driver diagram, traditionally used in
      implementation that would allow evaluators to systematically monitor changing
      dynamics in project implementation and identify contextual variation across
      sites. We describe an implementation-related example from South Africa to
      underline the strengths of the tool. If used across multiple sites and multiple
      projects, the resulting driver diagrams could be pooled together to form a
      generalized theory for how, when and why a widely-used intervention works.
      Mechanisms similar to the driver diagram are urgently needed to complement
      existing evaluations of large-scale implementation efforts.

PMID- 22084530
TI  - Can pharmacogenomics improve malaria drug policy?
AB  - Coordinated global efforts to prevent and control malaria have been a tour-de
      force for public health, but success appears to have reached a plateau in many
      parts of the world. While this is a multifaceted problem, policy strategies have
      largely ignored genetic variations in humans as a factor that influences both
      selection and dosing of antimalarial drugs. This includes attempts to decrease
      toxicity, increase effectiveness and reduce the development of drug resistance,
      thereby lowering health care costs. We review the potential hurdles to developing
      and implementing pharmacogenetic-guided policies at a national or regional scale
      for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. We also consider current
      knowledge on some component drugs of artemisinin combination therapies and ways
      to increase our understanding of host genetics, with the goal of guiding policy
      decisions for drug selection.

PMID- 22084533
TI  - Let us all join hands in strengthening the publication process.

PMID- 22084531
TI  - Redesigning the AIDS response for long-term impact.
AB  - Three decades since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was identified, the
      pandemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has developed into diverse
      epidemics around the world. In many populations, HIV infection has become
      endemic. While there is good progress on expanding access to treatment, with an
      estimated 6.6 million people on antiretroviral therapy at the end of 2010,
      prevention efforts are still highly inadequate with 2.6 million new infections
      occurring in 2009. Demand for treatment is increasing while funding is becoming
      more scarce and activism is waning. In 2007, the Joint United Nations Programme
      on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) established an independent forum called aids2031 to take a
      critical look at the global HIV/AIDS response. This paper outlines four key areas
      for a re-designed AIDS response based on the deliberations of this initiative and
      on the learning and experience of the first three decades of the epidemic: (i) a
      new culture of knowledge generation and utilization; (ii) transformed prevention
      and treatment to increase effectiveness; (iii) increased efficiency through
      better management and maximizing synergies with other programmes; and (iv)
      investment for the long term. Across all these areas is a strong emphasis on
      local capacity building, leadership, programme priorities and budgets.

PMID- 22084534
TI  - Traffic related air pollution and respiratory morbidity.

PMID- 22084535
TI  - Mapping of asthma research in India: A scientometric analysis of publications
      output during 1999-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the research output of India in asthma during the
      period from 1999 till 2008. It analyzes the growth, rank and global publications
      share, citation impact, share of international collaborative papers, contribution
      of major collaborative partner countries and contribution of various subject
      fields. It also analyzes the characteristics of most productive institutions,
      authors and high-cited papers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SCOPUS database has been
      used to retrieve the data on publication output in asthma research. RESULTS:
      India ranks 15(th) position among the top 23 countries in asthma research, with
      its global publication share of 1.27% (862 papers), registering an average
      citation per paper of 3.43 and achieved an h-index of 33 during 1999-2008.
      CONCLUSION: Indian research output on asthma is quite low in the global context
      as reflected from its publication output per thousand population (0.001) and its
      world publication share (1.27%) during 1999-2008. Also, the impact and quality of
      Indian research is low compared to select developed and developing countries.

PMID- 22084536
TI  - Normative values for maximal respiratory pressures in an Indian Mangalore
      population: A cross-sectional pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the pilot study is to obtain normal maximal
      inspiratory and expiratory pressures for individuals in the age group 20-70 years
      in the Mangalore population and to predict normal values according to age, sex,
      height, and weight using the regression equation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      hundred and fifty subjects were selected through a convenient method of sampling.
      Fifty subjects each were enrolled in the following age groups: 20 to 29, 30 to
      39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 to 70. Each group had 50 subjects (males-25 and
      females-25). Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index were recorded.
      Maximal inspiratory pressure (PI) and expiratory pressure (PE) were determined
      following standardized protocol. RESULT: With regard to PI max and PE max, the
      measured values were significantly lower than those recorded in previous studies
      for both males (30%) and females (20%). We found that age served as the best
      factor for the prediction of PI max and PE max in both genders. CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study can be used to predict respiratory muscle strength in
      healthy adult subjects, and the strategy employed in this study will serve as a
      useful, simple, reproducible, rapid assessment of respiratory muscle function and
      also aid the planning of treatment.

PMID- 22084537
TI  - Respiratory effects of air pollutants among nonsmoking traffic policemen of
      Patiala, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Air pollution due to road traffic is a serious health hazard and thus
      the persons who are continuously exposed, may be at an increased risk. Although
      several studies have confirmed the ill effects of air pollutants on the lung
      function of traffic policemen, only a few have investigated the relationship
      between respiratory health and duration of exposure in this category of
      occupationally exposed persons. AIM: The study was carried out with the aim of
      evaluating the extent of impairment in lung function in traffic policemen in
      respect to an unexposed control group having the same age group. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the spirometric
      parameters of a group of 100 nonsmoking traffic policemen, aged 20-55 years,
      working in and around Patiala city, were compared with those obtained in an age
      matched control group, consisting of 100 healthy males, serving in the Punjab
      Police, who have never done traffic duty and are thus not exposed to traffic
      pollution. Lung function was done with MEDSPIROR. The data on the overall health
      status of the subjects was collected using the standard Respirator Medical
      Evaluation Questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS PC
      software version 13. RESULTS: Traffic policemen recorded a significant decline in
      various parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume
      in one second (FEV(1)), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) when compared with
      controls, and is probably due to exposure to vehicular pollution. It was also
      observed that in traffic policemen with >8 years of exposure, the values of FVC
      (2.7 L), FEV(1) (1.8 L), and PEFR (7.5 L/s) were significantly lower than those
      obtained in traffic policemen with <8 years of exposure, in whom the values were
      2.9 L, 2.3 L, and 7.7 L/s for FVC, FEV(1), and PEFR, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      The effect of pollution by vehicular exhausts may be responsible for these
      pulmonary function impairments.

PMID- 22084538
TI  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Does gender really matter?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited data is available on the clinical expression of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from India. The impact of gender on
      expression of COPD has received even less attention. Apart from tobacco smoke,
      indoor air pollution, especially from biomass fuel may play an important role in
      development of COPD in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred and two
      patients of COPD were studied regarding the etiological and risk factors leading
      to COPD, gender-related differences in clinical presentation, radiological
      expression of COPD and the co-morbidities in COPD. RESULTS: Tobacco smoke in the
      form of beedi smoking was the predominant smoke exposure in males, whereas smoke
      from biofuel burning was the predominant exposure in females. As compared to
      males, females were younger, reported more dyspnea, more severe bronchial
      obstruction, more exacerbations, and exhibited higher prevalence of systemic
      features. Also, females smoked less and had lesser incidence of productive cough,
      lower body mass index, lesser co-morbidities and less number of hospital
      admissions as compared to males. Males were more likely than females to have an
      emphysema-predominant phenotype, while airway-predominant disease was more common
      among females. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that gender-related
      differences do exist in COPD patients. Understanding these differences in
      etiological agent and clinical picture will help early diagnosis of COPD in
      females.

PMID- 22084539
TI  - Manifestations of tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients and its relationship with CD4
      count.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS pandemic is responsible for the resurgence of TB worldwide,
      resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. HIV and Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis have a synergistic interaction; each propagates progression of the
      other. Coinfection with HIV infection leads to difficulties in both the diagnosis
      and treatment of tuberculosis, increase risk of death, treatment failure and
      relapse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to study the clinical,
      radiological profile of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in HIV
      seropositive patients and their relationship to CD4 counts. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: It was a prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year in the
      department of medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. We examined 87 HIV
      infected patients with associated tuberculosis recruited from the department of
      medicine and antiretroviral center and were subjected to thorough clinical
      examination, X-ray chest, tuberculin testing and sputum examination for AFB and
      necessary relevant investigations for EPTB. RESULTS: Most common affected age
      group was 31-40 years. EPTB is the commonest form of TB in our study detected in
      65 patients. Commonest EPTB was CNS tuberculosis. Disseminated tuberculosis was
      only found in patient with CD4 count less than 200/cmm. Majority of lymph node TB
      was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) examination. All patients
      with AFB-positive lymph node had CD4 count below 200/cum. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study provide information regarding the various forms of TB and
      their presentation in HIV-infected persons. Early diagnosis of tuberculosis and
      prompt institution of antitubercular treatment (ATT) reduces mortality and
      morbidity significantly. In resource-poor areas, the diagnosis can be established
      with cytological/biochemical analysis of fluid, histopathological examination and
      ZN staining of tissue coupled with radiological features and response to ATT.
      Therefore, adequate knowledge of the manifestations of tuberculosis in HIV
      infected patients is absolutely necessary for optimal management and to reduce
      mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 22084540
TI  - Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in 132 patients with malignant
      mesothelioma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our objective is to scrutinize clinical, laboratory, radiological
      characteristics, treatment regimens, and treatment outcomes of malignant
      mesothelioma (MM) cases in our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated,
      retrospectively, the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of all 132
      MM patients at Dicle University Hospital between January 2006 and April 2010.
      RESULTS: A total of 82 (62.1%) patients were male, and 50 (37.9%) female. Median
      age was 56.0 years. Mean survival time was 9.6+/-6.9 months. Mean survival time
      of patients who had received best supportive care was 7.5 months, chemotherapy
      10.4 months, and multimodality treatment regimen 12.6 months. Patients in the
      multimodality treatment group survived longer than did those in the other two
      groups (P=0.042). A total of 76 patients received chemotherapy, of whom 17
      (22.3%) were administered Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Gemcitabine, 58 (76.4%)
      Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Pemetrexed, and one (1.3%) Cisplatin + Docetaxel.
      Complete and partial response to treatment in patients receiving
      Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Gemcitabine was found 47.1% and Cisplatin/Carboplatin
      and Pemetrexed was found 50.0% (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MM related to asbestos
      exposure is seen frequently in Turkey. Patients present with the typical clinical
      features of dyspnea, weight loss, and chest pain. Survival analysis shows that
      patients receiving multimodality treatment may be better.

PMID- 22084541
TI  - Impact of inhalation therapy on oral health.
AB  - Inhalation therapy has been employed as the mainstay of the treatment in chronic
      respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD). Beta-2 agonists, anticholinergic bronchodilators, inhaled
      corticosteroids, and sodium cromoglycate are often used alone or in combination
      in an inhaled form. Studies have shown that inhaled drugs used in the treatment
      have some adverse effects on the oral health based on their dosage, frequency,
      and duration of use. Several oral conditions such as xerostomia, dental caries,
      candidiasis, ulceration, gingivitis, periodontitis, and taste changes have been
      associated with inhalation therapy. Since the prevalence of chronic respiratory
      diseases is rising, it is important to provide optimal oral care to the
      individuals receiving inhalation therapy. This article will review the influence
      of inhaled drugs on the oral health of individuals and adequate management and
      prevention of the same.

PMID- 22084542
TI  - Pulmonary rehabilitation: An overview.
AB  - The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased recently
      in developing countries. On the other hand, structured or non-structured
      rehabilitation services for COPD patients are not routinely available in these
      countries. We, therefore, planned this review to re-emphasize the emerging
      benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD population. Aim of this review is to
      stimulate pulmonary physicians in India and other resource-poor areas of the
      world so that they start using pulmonary rehabilitation or its components more
      often. The search included standard english literature PubMed citation of
      relevant original articles, review articles and practice guidelines. The articles
      and reviews were searched including standard MeSH terms - Rehabilitation (TIAB)
      and pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive/therapy (MAJOR) and guidelines (TIAB).
      Available 58 articles in English including 23 reviews from July 2001 to October
      2010 were screened for evidence-based benefits regarding respiratory
      rehabilitation as a whole or its different components. The cross references and
      current citations relating to primary articles were also included for
      description. No attempt was done to make a systematic analysis because our
      purpose was not to derive evidence-based recommendations from database and
      because sufficient evidence is already available for benefits of selected
      components of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation
      has emerged as an important modality as an adjunct to other therapies in patients
      of COPD. Limited and more cost-effective protocols are to be developed and
      executed by healthcare providers, especially in developing countries like India.

PMID- 22084543
TI  - Hughes-Stovin syndrome: A rare cause of hemoptysis.
AB  - Multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms are seen along with venous thrombosis in
      Hughes-Stovin syndrome, which many investigators believe is an incomplete form of
      Behcet's disease. We present a case of hemoptysis with multiple pulmonary artery
      aneurysms, femoral vein thrombosis, and oral ulcers with emphasis on its CT
      features.

PMID- 22084544
TI  - A rapidly developing lung mass diagnosed as desmoplastic small round cell tumor.
AB  - We present a case of a young male who presented with complaints of fever along
      with cough and sputum. He was diagnosed with having right pleural effusion. He
      was already taking anti-tubercular therapy for one month before presentation. He
      was started on intravenous antibiotics and continued on anti-tubercular therapy
      in our hospital, based on his high leukocyte count, pleural fluid analysis, and
      ultrasonographic report of multiple hypoechoic areas in the liver. His symptoms
      continued to worsen and he subsequently developed mediastinal widening and a left
      lung mass. Commuted tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the lung mass revealed a
      desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor. Desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor is a
      rare and aggressive tumor, which presents rarely as a mediastinal and lung mass.
      This tumor has very poor prognosis.

PMID- 22084545
TI  - Subcutaneous emphysema due to bronchial foreign body demonstrated by
      multidetector-row computed tomography.
AB  - Foreign body aspiration is an important cause of emergency hospital admissions in
      young children less than 3 years of age. It may manifest with acute respiratory
      difficulty, choking and wheeze acutely or may be asymptomatic. Surgical emphysema
      is an unusual presentation of bronchial foreign body aspiration in young
      children. We describe an infant with bronchial foreign body aspiration that
      manifested with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Multidetector-row
      CT with virtual bronchoscopy helped in the diagnosis by detecting and localizing
      the intraluminal foreign body in the right main bronchus that was removed with
      rigid bronchoscopy.

PMID- 22084546
TI  - Cement dust exposure-related emphysema in a construction worker.
AB  - Although, smoking is considered the most important predisposing factor in
      development of emphysema; environmental exposures also play an important role.
      There have been several studies on work related respiratory symptoms and
      ventilatory disorders among employees of cement industry. We report a case of
      cement exposure related emphysema in 75 years old woman construction worker.

PMID- 22084547
TI  - Herniation of unruptured tuberculous lung abscess into chest wall without pleural
      or bronchial spillage.
AB  - A 22-year-old unmarried man presented to the chest outpatient department with a
      history of productive cough of two-month duration. He also complained of pain and
      swelling on the anterior aspect of right side of chest of one-month duration.
      Imaging studies of the thorax, including chest roentgenography and computerized
      tomography, revealed an unruptured lung abscess which had herniated into the
      chest wall. Culture of pus aspirated from the chest wall swelling grew
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He was diagnosed to have a tuberculous lung abscess
      which had extended into the chest wall, without spillage into the pleural cavity
      or the bronchial tree. Antituberculosis drugs were prescribed, and he responded
      to the treatment with complete resolution of the lesion.

PMID- 22084548
TI  - Spontaneous esophageal-pleural fistula.
AB  - Spontaneous esophageal-pleural fistula (EPF) is a rare entity. We describe a case
      in a middle-aged female who presented with severe retrosternal chest pain and
      shortness of breadth. Chest computed tomography showed right EPF and
      hydropneumothorax. She was managed conservatively keeping the chest tube drainage
      and performing feeding jejunostomy. A brief review of the imaging finding and
      management of EPF is discussed.

PMID- 22084549
TI  - Traumatic esophago-bronchopleural fistula-CT finding and treatment using glue: A
      procedure not so commonly performed.
AB  - Bronchopleural fistulas can occur from a number of causes (infective, traumatic,
      or neoplastic). Combined esophageal-pleural and bronchopleural fistula is not a
      common entity and previously has been reported after pneumonectomy. We describe
      the imaging findings and procedure of endoscopic glue injection in a case of
      combined esophageal-pleural and bronchopleural fistula after penetrating thoracic
      trauma. The treatment included esophageal exclusion for esophageal-pleural
      fistula, followed by endoscopic injection of glue for closure of bronchopleural
      fistula. The fistulae were completely sealed.

PMID- 22084550
TI  - Right hilar mass with hemoptysis: An unusual presentation of uncommon disorder.
AB  - Common differential diagnosis of lung and hilar opacity includes infectious
      pathology or a mitotic lesion. Behcet's disease (BD) is a rarely diagnosed
      disease in Indian subcontinent. BD is a multisystem inflammatory disorder that
      presents with recurrent orogenital ulceration, uveitis, and erythema nodosum. We
      present here the case of a patient who presented with recurrent hemoptysis with
      radiological picture of hilar mass, during the evaluation of which the diagnosis
      of BD was established.

PMID- 22084552
TI  - Two cases of aspiration of calcium tablets.
AB  - Two clinical cases of aspiration are reported in elderly ladies with differing
      presentations following inhalation of the same brand of calcium tablet. One of
      the patients distinctly recalled the choking episode, whereas the other failed to
      do so making the diagnosis of aspiration difficult. One of the aspirated tablets
      was successfully retrieved during rigid bronchoscopy after the patient reported
      several months of cough requiring multiple courses of antibiotics. The other
      aspirated tablet was coughed up by the patient after the successful treatment of
      a pneumonia complicated by a parapneumonic effusion.

PMID- 22084551
TI  - Solitary plasmacytoma of the rib: A rare case.
AB  - Localized solitary plasmacytoma of the bone is a rare disease and is
      characterized by only one or two isolated bone lesions with no evidence of
      disease dissemination. We report a case of solitary plasmacytoma of the rib in a
      43-year-old female. The patient underwent complete en-bloc resection of the chest
      wall including rib, muscle, and parietal pleura. Patient is asymptomatic without
      any recurrence after two and half years of follow up.

PMID- 22084553
TI  - Hydatidothorax.

PMID- 22084554
TI  - Hemoptysis with a classical radiological sign.
AB  - There can be various causes for hemoptysis. We present here a case of hemoptysis
      in which the chest X-ray helped us to arrive at the diagnosis because of a
      classical sign. This highlights the need of identifying this finding for prompt
      recognition of the cause of hemoptysis.

PMID- 22084555
TI  - Habits of tobacco use among the medical and non-medical students of Kolkata.

PMID- 22084556
TI  - A study on habits of tobacco use among medical and non-medical students of
      Kolkata.

PMID- 22084557
TI  - Mycobacteria in keloid.

PMID- 22084558
TI  - Closed needle pleural biopsy: A victim of western advancement?

PMID- 22084559
TI  - Percutaneous closed-needle pleural biopsy and undiagnosed exudative pleural
      effusion.

PMID- 22084560
TI  - Pneumothorax in hair dye poisoning: An unrecognized danger.

PMID- 22084561
TI  - Publication: An essential step in research.

PMID- 22084562
TI  - Characterization and inference of gene gain/loss along burkholderia evolutionary
      history.
AB  - A comparative analysis of 60 complete Burkholderia genomes was conducted to
      obtain insight in the evolutionary history behind the diversity and pathogenicity
      at species level. A concatenated multiprotein phyletic pattern and a dataset with
      Burkholderia clusters of orthologous genes (BuCOGs) were constructed. The extent
      of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) was assessed using a Markov based probabilistic
      method. A reconstruction of the gene gains and losses history shows that more
      than half of the Burkholderia genes families are inferred to have experienced HGT
      at least once during their evolution. Further analysis revealed that the number
      of gene gain and loss was correlated with the branch length. Genomic islands
      (GEIs) analysis based on evolutionary history reconstruction not only revealed
      that most genes in ancient GEIs were gained but also suggested that the fraction
      of the genome located in GEIs in the small chromosomes is higher than in the
      large chromosomes in Burkholderia. The mapping of coexpressed genes onto
      biological pathway schemes revealed that pathogenicity of Burkholderia strains is
      probably mainly determined by the gained genes in its ancestor. Taken together,
      our results strongly support that gene gain and loss especially in ancient
      evolutionary history play an important role in strain divergence, pathogenicity
      determinants of Burkholderia and GEIs formation.

PMID- 22084563
TI  - On the Interplay between the Evolvability and Network Robustness in an
      Evolutionary Biological Network: A Systems Biology Approach.
AB  - In the evolutionary process, the random transmission and mutation of genes
      provide biological diversities for natural selection. In order to preserve
      functional phenotypes between generations, gene networks need to evolve robustly
      under the influence of random perturbations. Therefore, the robustness of the
      phenotype, in the evolutionary process, exerts a selection force on gene networks
      to keep network functions. However, gene networks need to adjust, by variations
      in genetic content, to generate phenotypes for new challenges in the network's
      evolution, ie, the evolvability. Hence, there should be some interplay between
      the evolvability and network robustness in evolutionary gene networks. In this
      study, the interplay between the evolvability and network robustness of a gene
      network and a biochemical network is discussed from a nonlinear stochastic system
      point of view. It was found that if the genetic robustness plus environmental
      robustness is less than the network robustness, the phenotype of the biological
      network is robust in evolution. The tradeoff between the genetic robustness and
      environmental robustness in evolution is discussed from the stochastic stability
      robustness and sensitivity of the nonlinear stochastic biological network, which
      may be relevant to the statistical tradeoff between bias and variance, the so
      called bias/variance dilemma. Further, the tradeoff could be considered as an
      antagonistic pleiotropic action of a gene network and discussed from the systems
      biology perspective.

PMID- 22084564
TI  - Mathematical prognostic biomarker models for treatment response and survival in
      epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - Following initial standard chemotherapy (platinum/taxol), more than 75% of those
      patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) experience a
      recurrence. There are currently no accurate prognostic tests that, at the time of
      the diagnosis/surgery, can identify those patients with advanced stage EOC who
      will respond to chemotherapy. Using a novel mathematical theory, we have
      developed three prognostic biomarker models (complex mathematical functions) that
      based on a global gene expression analysis of tumor tissue collected during
      surgery and prior to the commencement of chemotherapy-can identify with a high
      accuracy those patients with advanced stage EOC who will respond to the standard
      chemotherapy [long-term survivors (>7 yrs)] and those who will not do so [short
      term survivors (<3 yrs)]. Our three prognostic biomarker models were developed
      with 34 subjects and validated with 20 unknown (new and different) subjects. Both
      the overall biomarker model sensitivity and specificity ranged from 95.83% to
      100.00%. The 12 most significant genes identified, which are also the input
      variables to the three mathematical functions, constitute three distinct gene
      networks with the following functions: 1) production of cytoskeletal components,
      2) cell proliferation, and 3) cell energy production. The first gene network is
      directly associated with the mechanism of action of anti-tubulin chemotherapeutic
      agents, such as taxanes and epothilones. This could have a significant impact in
      the discovery of new, more effective pharmacological treatments that may
      significantly extend the survival of patients with advanced stage EOC.

PMID- 22084565
TI  - Improved Statistical Analysis for Array CGH-Based DNA Copy Number Aberrations.
AB  - Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) allows measuring DNA copy
      number at the whole genome scale. In cancer studies, one may be interested in
      identifying DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs) associated with certain
      clinicopathological characteristics such as cancer metastasis. We proposed to
      define test regions based on copy number pattern profiles across multiple
      samples, using either smoothed log(2)-ratio or discrete data of copy number
      gain/loss calls. Association test performed on the refined test regions instead
      of the probes has improved power due to reduced number of tests. We also compared
      three types of measurement of copy number levels, normalized log(2)-ratio,
      smoothed log(2)-ratio, and copy number gain or loss calls in statistical
      hypothesis testing. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the proposed method
      were demonstrated using both simulation studies and real data analysis of a liver
      cancer study.

PMID- 22084567
TI  - Erratum for "Aberrantly Expressed Genes in HaCaT Keratinocytes Chronically
      Exposed to Arsenic Trioxide".
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 7 in vol. 6, PMID: 21461292.].

PMID- 22084566
TI  - New short term prediction method for chemical carcinogenicity by hepatic
      transcript profiling following 28-day toxicity tests in rats.
AB  - We have previously shown the hepatic gene expression profiles of carcinogens in
      28-day toxicity tests were clustered into three major groups (Group-1 to 3).
      Here, we developed a new prediction method for Group-1 carcinogens which consist
      mainly of genotoxic rat hepatocarcinogens. The prediction formula was generated
      by a support vector machine using 5 selected genes as the predictive genes and
      predictive score was introduced to judge carcinogenicity. It correctly predicted
      the carcinogenicity of all 17 Group-1 chemicals and 22 of 24 non-carcinogens
      regardless of genotoxicity. In the dose-response study, the prediction score was
      altered from negative to positive as the dose increased, indicating that the
      characteristic gene expression profile emerged over a range of carcinogen
      specific doses. We conclude that the prediction formula can quantitatively
      predict the carcinogenicity of Group-1 carcinogens. The same method may be
      applied to other groups of carcinogens to build a total system for prediction of
      carcinogenicity.

PMID- 22084568
TI  - Levels of Circulating MMCN-151, a Degradation Product of Mimecan, Reflect
      Pathological Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice.
AB  - AIM: Arterial extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs) is one of the major hallmarks of atherosclerosis. Mimecan, also known as
      osteoglycin has been implicated in the integrity of the ECM. This study assessed
      the validity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed to measure
      a specific MMP12-derived fragment of mimecan, MMCN-151, in apolipoprotein-E
      knockout (ApoE-KO) mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: A mouse monoclonal antibody raised
      against MMCN-151 was used to develop a competitive ELISA. The assay was validated
      using samples from 20 ApoE-KO and 20 wild type [C57 BL/6] male mice fed a normal
      or high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 20 weeks. The technical reliability of the assay
      was established with intra-assay variability <2% and inter-assay variability
      <10%. The lowest limit of quantification of MMCN-151 was 0.5 ng/ml. ApoE-KO mice
      fed a HFD for 20 weeks had four-fold increased circulating levels of MMCN-151
      compared to baseline, whereas MMCN-151 levels in control mice on HFD increased
      two-fold compared with baseline. After 10 weeks of a HFD, a significant
      difference in MMCN-151 levels was observed between ApoE-KO and control mice (P =
      0.005) and became more significant at 20 weeks (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The
      newly developed assay is a reliable detector of MMCN-151 levels which ultimately
      may be useful indicators of arterial remodeling in patients affected by
      atherosclerotic disease.

PMID- 22084569
TI  - The primary cilium as a biomarker in the hypoxic adaptation of bone marrow
      derived mesenchymal stromal cells: a role for the secreted frizzled-related
      proteins.
AB  - A pivotal role in guiding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation has
      recently been attributed to the primary cilium. This solitary, non-motile
      microtubule-based organelle emerging from the cell surface acts as a sensorial
      membrane structure reflecting developmental and adaptive processes associated
      with pathologies including human cystic kidney disease, skeletal malformations,
      obesity and cancer. Given that the intrinsic hypoxic adaptation of MSC remains
      poorly understood within ischemic tissues or hypoxic tumours, we questioned
      whether the hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) might be a downstream
      effector regulating cilium maintenance. We show that murine bone marrow-derived
      MSC cultured under hypoxic conditions (1.2% O(2)) lose their primary cilia in a
      time-dependent manner. Gene silencing of HIF-1alpha prevented cilia loss in
      hypoxic cultures, and generation of MSC expressing a constitutively active HIF
      1alpha (MSC-HIF) was found to decrease primary cilium formation. A Wnt pathway
      related gene expression array was also performed on MSC-HIF and indicated that
      the secreted Frizzled-related proteins (sFRP)-1, -3 and -4 were down-regulated,
      while sFRP-2 was up-regulated. Overexpression of recombinant sFRP-2 or gene
      silencing of sFRP-1, -3 and -4 in MSC led to primary cilium disruption. These
      results indicate a molecular signalling mechanism for the hypoxic disruption of
      the primary cilium in MSC involving an HIF-1alpha/sFRP axis. This mechanism
      contributes to our understanding of the adaptive processes possibly involved in
      the oncogenic transformation and tumour-supporting potential of MSC. Our current
      observations also open up the possibility for the primary cilia to serve as a
      biomarker in MSC adaptation to low oxygen tension within (patho)physiological
      microenvironments.

PMID- 22084570
TI  - Detection of suPAR in the Saliva of Healthy Young Adults: Comparison with Plasma
      Levels.
AB  - The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been detected in
      blood, plasma, serum, urine, ovarian cystic fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid.
      Elevated suPAR levels in plasma have been associated with negative outcomes in
      various diseases, such as bacteremia, sepsis, SIRS, cardiovascular disease,
      cancer, and tuberculosis. The primary aim of this study was to investigate
      whether suPAR can be detected in saliva from healthy individuals and thus, if
      saliva suPAR can be related to plasma suPAR, CRP, BMI, or gender. Blood and
      unstimulated whole saliva was collected from 20 healthy individuals (10 female
      and 10 male, median age of 28 years; range 21-41). CRP and suPAR were measured
      with ELISA in saliva and serum/plasma. suPAR was detected in all saliva samples
      in the 5.2-28.1 ng/mL range, with a median value of 17.1 ng/mL. Saliva suPAR was
      significantly higher (P < 0.001) but not correlated to plasma suPAR in healthy
      young adults with normal plasma suPAR levels. suPAR and CRP levels were
      correlated in blood but not in saliva. No correlation was found between BMI, age,
      or gender and suPAR in saliva.

PMID- 22084571
TI  - Developmental Regulation of Genes Encoding Universal Stress Proteins in
      Schistosoma mansoni.
AB  - The draft nuclear genome sequence of the snail-transmitted, dimorphic, parasitic,
      platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni revealed eight genes encoding proteins that
      contain the Universal Stress Protein (USP) domain. Schistosoma mansoni is a
      causative agent of human schistosomiasis, a severe and debilitating Neglected
      Tropical Disease (NTD) of poverty, which is endemic in at least 76 countries. The
      availability of the genome sequences of Schistosoma species presents
      opportunities for bioinformatics and genomics analyses of associated gene
      families that could be targets for understanding schistosomiasis ecology,
      intervention, prevention and control. Proteins with the USP domain are known to
      provide bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and plants with the ability to respond
      to diverse environmental stresses. In this research investigation, the functional
      annotations of the USP genes and predicted nucleotide and protein sequences were
      initially verified. Subsequently, sequence clusters and distinctive features of
      the sequences were determined. A total of twelve ligand binding sites were
      predicted based on alignment to the ATP-binding universal stress protein from
      Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. In addition, six USP sequences showed the presence
      of ATP-binding motif residues indicating that they may be regulated by ATP.
      Public domain gene expression data and RT-PCR assays confirmed that all the S.
      mansoni USP genes were transcribed in at least one of the developmental life
      cycle stages of the helminth. Six of these genes were up-regulated in the
      miracidium, a free-swimming stage that is critical for transmission to the snail
      intermediate host. It is possible that during the intra-snail stages, S. mansoni
      gene transcripts for universal stress proteins are low abundant and are induced
      to perform specialized functions triggered by environmental stressors such as
      oxidative stress due to hydrogen peroxide that is present in the snail hemocytes.
      This report serves to catalyze the formation of a network of researchers to
      understand the function and regulation of the universal stress proteins encoded
      in genomes of schistosomes and their snail intermediate hosts.

PMID- 22084572
TI  - Functional Annotation Analytics of Rhodopseudomonas palustris Genomes.
AB  - Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a nonsulphur purple photosynthetic bacteria, has been
      extensively investigated for its metabolic versatility including ability to
      produce hydrogen gas from sunlight and biomass. The availability of the finished
      genome sequences of six R. palustris strains (BisA53, BisB18, BisB5, CGA009, HaA2
      and TIE-1) combined with online bioinformatics software for integrated analysis
      presents new opportunities to determine the genomic basis of metabolic
      versatility and ecological lifestyles of the bacteria species. The purpose of
      this investigation was to compare the functional annotations available for
      multiple R. palustris genomes to identify annotations that can be further
      investigated for strain-specific or uniquely shared phenotypic characteristics. A
      total of 2,355 protein family Pfam domain annotations were clustered based on
      presence or absence in the six genomes. The clustering process identified groups
      of functional annotations including those that could be verified as strain
      specific or uniquely shared phenotypes. For example, genes encoding
      water/glycerol transport were present in the genome sequences of strains CGA009
      and BisB5, but absent in strains BisA53, BisB18, HaA2 and TIE-1. Protein
      structural homology modeling predicted that the two orthologous 240 aa R.
      palustris aquaporins have water-specific transport function. Based on
      observations in other microbes, the presence of aquaporin in R. palustris strains
      may improve freeze tolerance in natural conditions of rapid freezing such as
      nitrogen fixation at low temperatures where access to liquid water is a limiting
      factor for nitrogenase activation. In the case of adaptive loss of aquaporin
      genes, strains may be better adapted to survive in conditions of high-sugar
      content such as fermentation of biomass for biohydrogen production. Finally, web
      based resources were developed to allow for interactive, user-defined selection
      of the relationship between protein family annotations and the R. palustris
      genomes.

PMID- 22084573
TI  - In Vitro Enhanced Sensitivity to Cisplatin in D67Y BRCA1 RING Domain Protein.
AB  - BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor protein involved in maintaining genomic integrity
      through multiple functions in DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, cell
      cycle checkpoint, and protein ubiquitination. The BRCA1-BARD1 RING complex has an
      E3 ubiquitin ligase function that plays essential roles in response to DNA damage
      repair. BRCA1-associated cancers have been shown to confer a hypersensitivity to
      chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we have studied the functional consequence of the
      in vitro E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and cisplatin sensitivity of the missense
      mutation D67Y BRCA1 RING domain. The D67Y BRCA1 RING domain protein exhibited the
      reduced ubiquitination function, and was more susceptible to the drug than the
      D67E or wild-type BRCA1 RING domain protein. This evidence emphasized the
      potential of using the BRCA1 dysfunction as an important determinant of
      chemotherapy responses in breast cancer.

PMID- 22084575
TI  - Economic aspects of sanitation in developing countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improved sanitation has been shown to have great impacts on people's
      health and economy. However, the progress of achieving the Millennium Development
      Goals (MDGs) on halving the proportion of people without access to clean water
      and basic sanitation by 2015 has thus far been delayed. One of the reasons for
      the slow progress is that policy makers, as well as the general public, have not
      fully understood the importance of the improved sanitation solutions. This paper,
      by gathering relevant research findings, aims to report and discuss currently
      available evidence on the economic aspects of sanitation, including the economic
      impacts of unimproved sanitation and the costs and economic benefits of some
      common improved sanitation options in developing countries. METHODS: DATA USED IN
      THIS PAPER WERE OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT INFORMATION SOURCES: international and
      national journal articles and reports, web-based statistics, and fact sheets. We
      used both online search and hand search methods to gather the information.
      RESULTS: Scientific evidence has demonstrated that the economic cost associated
      with poor sanitation is substantial. At the global level, failure to meet the MDG
      water and sanitation target would have ramifications in the area of US$38
      billion, and sanitation accounts for 92% of this amount. In developing countries,
      the spending required to provide new coverage to meet the MDG sanitation target
      (not including program costs) is US$142 billion (US$ year 2005). This translates
      to a per capita spending of US$28 for sanitation. Annually, this translates to
      roughly US$14 million. The evidence complied in this paper demonstrates that
      investing in sanitation is socially and economically worthwhile. For every US$1
      invested, achieving the sanitation MDG target and universal sanitation access in
      the non-OECD countries would result in a global return of US$9.1 and US$11.2,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Given the current state of knowledge, sanitation is
      undeniably a profitable investment. It is clear that achieving the MDG sanitation
      target not only saves lives but also provides a foundation for economic growth.

PMID- 22084574
TI  - Exemestane in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
AB  - Exemestane is an irreversible inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme, which is a key
      component in the production of estrogen. The majority of breast cancers are
      sensitive to the proliferative effects of estrogen. Exemestane is approved for
      the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with breast cancer after 2 to 3
      years of tamoxifen therapy, based on a 32% improvement in disease-free survival
      compared with 5 years of tamoxifen alone (P < 0.001). Exemestane has also shown
      clinical benefits as an upfront therapy. The safety profile of exemestane shares
      some side effects with tamoxifen (hot flashes and arthralgia), but is not
      associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer or thromboembolic events.
      This review will discuss in detail the efficacy and safety of exemestane in early
      breast cancer.

PMID- 22084576
TI  - Introductory editorial.

PMID- 22084577
TI  - Tryptophan research in panic disorder.
AB  - A considerable body of evidence suggests the involvement of serotonin
      neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of panic disorder. Research on pathways and
      functions of tryptophan, an essential amino acid converted into serotonin, may
      advance our understanding of serotonergic actions in panic disorder and related
      phenomena. The investigative approaches in this field include manipulations of
      tryptophan availability as well as genetic association and functional brain
      imaging studies. In this review we examine the principle findings of these
      studies and propose further research directions.

PMID- 22084579
TI  - Paolo guidetti.

PMID- 22084578
TI  - Kynurenine pathway metabolites in humans: disease and healthy States.
AB  - Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can be metabolised through different
      pathways, a major route being the kynurenine pathway. The first enzyme of the
      pathway, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, is strongly stimulated by inflammatory
      molecules, particularly interferon gamma. Thus, the kynurenine pathway is often
      systematically up-regulated when the immune response is activated. The biological
      significance is that 1) the depletion of tryptophan and generation of kynurenines
      play a key modulatory role in the immune response; and 2) some of the
      kynurenines, such as quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine and kynurenic acid, are
      neuroactive. The kynurenine pathway has been demonstrated to be involved in many
      diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis, Huntington's disease, AIDS dementia complex, malaria, cancer,
      depression and schizophrenia, where imbalances in tryptophan and kynurenines have
      been found. This review compiles most of these studies and provides an overview
      of how the kynurenine pathway might be contributing to disease development, and
      the concentrations of tryptophan and kynurenines in the serum, cerebrospinal
      fluid and brain tissues in control and patient subjects.

PMID- 22084581
TI  - Production and Peripheral Roles of 5-HTP, a Precursor of Serotonin.
AB  - Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) has been implicated in a variety of
      physiological and pathological functions. Multiple steps of enzyme reactions
      enable biosynthesis of 5-HT. The first and rate-limiting step of the reaction is
      the synthesis of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) from L-tryptophan. This step is
      dictated by an enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). TPH requires 6R-L-erythro
      5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a co-substrate of TPH. 5-HTP has been simply
      regarded as a precursor of 5-HT and it is believed that the biological
      significance of 5-HTP is essentially ascribed to the production of 5-HT. However,
      recent works shed light on the specific functions of 5-HTP in the periphery. In
      this review article, we focus on the specific roles of exogenous 5-HTP as well as
      the endogenous 5-HTP in the gut epithelial cells. Since systemic treatment with 5
      HTP is applied to patients with lower 5-HT levels, the studies on the specific
      role of 5-HTP might create an opportunity to explore the effects of exogenously
      applied 5-HTP in the gut in man.

PMID- 22084580
TI  - Assessment of the Potential Role of Tryptophan as the Precursor of Serotonin and
      Melatonin for the Aged Sleep-wake Cycle and Immune Function: Streptopelia Risoria
      as a Model.
AB  - In the present review we summarize the relationship between the amino acid,
      tryptophan, the neurotransmitter, serotonin, and the indole, melatonin, with the
      rhythms of sleep/wake and the immune response along with the possible connections
      between the alterations in these rhythms due to aging and the so-called
      "serotonin and melatonin deficiency state." The decrease associated with aging of
      the brain and circulating levels of serotonin and melatonin seemingly contributes
      to the alterations of both the sleep/wake cycle and the immune response that
      typically accompany old age. The supplemental administration of tryptophan, e.g.
      the inclusion of tryptophan-enriched food in the diet, might help to remediate
      these age-related alterations due to its capacity of raise the serotonin and
      melatonin levels in the brain and blood. Herein, we also summarize a set of
      studies related to the potential role that tryptophan, and its derived product
      melatonin, may play in the restoration of the aged circadian rhythms of
      sleep/wake and immune response, taking the ringdove (Streptopeliarisoria) as a
      suitable model.

PMID- 22084582
TI  - Effects of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites on Intracellular NAD Synthesis and Cell
      Death in Human Primary Astrocytes and Neurons.
AB  - The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of L-tryptophan catabolism resulting
      in the production of the essential pyridine nucleotide nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide, (NAD(+)). Up-regulation of the KP during inflammation leads to the
      release of a number of biologically active metabolites into the brain. We
      hypothesised that while some of the extracellular KP metabolites may be
      beneficial for intracellular NAD(+) synthesis and cell survival at physiological
      concentrations, they may contribute to neuronal and astroglial dysfunction and
      cell death at pathophysiological concentrations. In this study, we found that
      treatment of human primary neurons and astrocytes with 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid
      (3-HAA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), quinolinic acid (QUIN), and picolinic acid
      (PIC) at concentrations below 100 nM significantly increased intracellular NAD(+)
      levels compared to non-treated cells. However, a dose dependent decrease in
      intracellular NAD(+) levels and increased extracellular LDH activity was observed
      in human astrocytes and neurons treated with 3-HAA, 3-HK, QUIN and PIC at
      concentrations >100 nM and kynurenine (KYN), at concentrations above 1 MUM.
      Intracellular NAD(+) levels were unchanged in the presence of the
      neuroprotectant, kynurenic acid (KYNA), and a dose dependent increase in
      intracellular NAD(+) levels was observed for TRP up to 1 mM. While anthranilic
      acid (AA) increased intracellular NAD(+) levels at concentration below 10 MUM in
      astrocytes. NAD(+) depletion and cell death was observed in AA treated neurons at
      concentrations above 500 nM. Therefore, the differing responses of astrocytes and
      neurons to an increase in KP metabolites should be considered when assessing KP
      toxicity during neuroinflammation.

PMID- 22084583
TI  - The physiological action of picolinic Acid in the human brain.
AB  - Picolinic Acid is an endogenous metabolite of L-tryptophan (TRP) that has been
      reported to possess a wide range of neuroprotective, immunological, and anti
      proliferative affects within the body. However the salient physiological function
      of this molecule is yet to be established. The synthesis of picolinic acid as a
      product of the kynurenine pathway (KP) suggests that, similar to other KP
      metabolites, picolinic acid may play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory
      disorders within the CNS and possibly other organs.In this paper we review the
      limited body of literature dealing with the physiological actions of picolinic
      acid in the CNS and its associated synthesis via the kynurenine pathway in health
      and disease. Discrepancies and gaps in our current knowledge of picolinic acid
      are identified highlighting areas of research to promote a more complete
      understanding of its endogenous function in the brain.

PMID- 22084585
TI  - Endogenous Kynurenine Aminotransferases Inhibitor is Proposed to Act as "Glia
      Depressing Factor" (GDF).
AB  - The endogenous neuroinhibitory amino acid receptor antagonist kynurenic acid
      (KYNA) has been hypothetically linked to physiological processes and to the
      pathogenesis of several brain disorders. The aim of this study was to search KYNA
      metabolism i.e. KYNA levels and enzymes synthesising KYNA kynurenine
      aminotransferase I and II (KAT I and II) in the central nervous system (CNS) and
      in the peripheral nervous system. Within the investigated species we found a
      remarkably low KYNA content (3.4 nM) in piglet's serum compared to rat and human
      serum. Furthermore, in contrast to high KAT activity present in rat and human
      livers, a lack of KAT I and KAT II activity was found in piglet liver and other
      piglet peripheral organs. Therefore we attempted to find a reason for the absence
      of KYNA formation in piglet peripheral tissue and we researched to find if KYNA
      formation in rat liver homogenate (measured under standard assay conditions for
      KAT activity) can be influenced by the application of piglet tissue homogenates
      and other body fluids. KYNA formation in rat liver homogenate was investigated in
      the presence of piglet liver, piglet brain, rat brain and human brain
      homogenates, and also in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the control
      and of Multiple Sclerosis patients. We found a significant and dose dependent
      reduction of rat liver KAT I and KAT II activities in the presence of piglet
      brain, piglet liver, and human brain, but not in the presence of rat brain
      homogenate. Interestingly, CSF of the human control subjects significantly
      lowered rat liver KAT I activity. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of CSF of
      Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients was significantly weaker when compared to the
      CSF of control subjects. Our data, for the first time, indicated the presence of
      active component(s)-depressing factor-in the body, which was able to block KYNA
      formation. Reduced KAT inhibitory effect by CSF of MS patients would suggest a
      lowered "depressing factor" level in CSF of MS patients and is possibly
      responsible for an enhancement of KYNA formation and for glia activation and
      gliosis in the CNS. Subsequently, two fractions obtained after centrifugation of
      CSF from patients with Neuroborreliosis showed a significantly different ability
      to block KAT I activity. The CSF-sediment fraction exerts a stronger inhibitory
      activity than the CSF-supernatant fraction, supporting further the presence of a
      depressing factor. For the first time, data revealed and demonstrated the ability
      of endogenous components to block KYNA's synthesis. We propose that a glia
      depressing factor (GDF), which is abundantly present in the body, might
      simultaneously control glia cell's KAT activity, respectively KYNA synthesis and
      also glia proliferation. The mechanism(s) of action, the composition and
      structure of this factor needs to be further elaborated.

PMID- 22084584
TI  - Role of the NMDA-receptor in Prepulse Inhibition in the Rat.
AB  - Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan. Studies have
      revealed increased brain KYNA levels in patients with schizophrenia. Prepulse
      inhibition (PPI) is a behavioral model for sensorimotor gating and found to be
      reduced in schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown that pharmacologically
      elevated brain KYNA levels disrupt PPI in the rat. The aim of the present study
      was to investigate the receptor(s) involved in this effect. Rats were treated
      with different drugs selectively blocking each of the sites that KYNA
      antagonizes, namely the glutamate recognition site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate
      receptor (NMDAR), the alpha7* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR) and
      the glycine site of the NMDAR. Kynurenine (200 mg/kg) was given to replicate the
      effects of increased levels of KYNA on PPI. In order to block the glutamate
      recognition site of the NMDAR, CGS 19755 (10 mg/kg) or SDZ 220-581 (2.5 mg/kg)
      were administered and to antagonize the alpha7nAChR methyllycaconitine (MLA; 6
      mg/kg) was given. L-701,324 (1 and 4 mg/kg) or 4-Chloro-kynurenine (4-Cl-KYN; 25,
      50 and 100 mg/kg), a drug in situ converted to 7-Chloro-kynurenic acid, were used
      to block the glycine-site of the NMDAR. Administration of SDZ 220-581 or CGS
      19755 was associated with a robust reduction in PPI, whereas L-701,324, 4-Cl-KYN
      or MLA failed to alter PPI. Kynurenine increased brain KYNA levels 5-fold and
      tended to decrease PPI. The present study suggests that neither antagonism of the
      glycine-site of the NMDA receptor nor antagonism of the alpha7nAChR disrupts PPI,
      rather with regard to the effects of KYNA, blockade of the glutamate recognition
      site is necessary to reduce PPI.

PMID- 22084586
TI  - Editorial ISTRY Special Issue.

PMID- 22084588
TI  - Accelerated tryptophan degradation predicts poor survival in trauma and sepsis
      patients.
AB  - Immune system activation and inflammation accompanies immune dysfunction in
      trauma and sepsis patients. Immunodeficiency may develop in such patients as one
      consequence of an activated chronic pro-inflammatory response. According to
      recent data, degradation of L-tryptophan (TRP) via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway
      by the cytokine-inducible enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) could
      represent an important contributor to the deficient responsiveness of
      immunocompetent cells. Compared to healthy controls, patients post trauma or with
      sepsis had increasing KYN concentrations and KYN to TRP ratios (KYN/TRP) whereas
      TRP concentrations decreased. Likewise, concentrations of cytokines tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and of immune
      activation marker neopterin increased in patients (all p < 0.001). Furthermore in
      patients KYN/TRP, KYN and neopterin concentrations were further increasing (all p
      < 0.001), whereas the changes of TRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations were not
      significant. Compared to the survivors, the non-survivors had a higher
      concentration of KYN, neopterin, TNF-alpha and IL-6 as well as a higher KYN/TRP
      ratio. KYN/TRP correlated with neopterin (p < 0.001) and also with TNF-alpha (p <
      0.01) and IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.05) and inversely with the in vitro response
      of stimulated monocytes. We conclude that increased TRP degradation in patients
      post trauma is closely associated with immune activation. Cytokines released
      during the pro-inflammatory response may induce the activity of IDO and thus
      accelerate TRP degradation. Thus, increased IDO activity most likely represents a
      result of host response to pro-inflammation in patients. Data support a possible
      role of inflammation-induced IDO in the diminished immunoresponsiveness in
      patients.

PMID- 22084587
TI  - On the Biological Importance of the 3-hydroxyanthranilic Acid: Anthranilic Acid
      Ratio.
AB  - Of the major components of the kynurenine pathway for the oxidative metabolism of
      tryptophan, most attention has focussed on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor agonist quinolinic acid, and the glutamate receptor blocker kynurenic
      acid. However, there is increasing evidence that the redox-active compound 3
      hydroxyanthranilic acid may also have potent actions on cell function in the
      nervous and immune systems, and recent clinical data show marked changes in the
      levels of this compound, associated with changes in anthranilic acid levels, in
      patients with a range of neurological and other disorders including osteoporosis,
      chronic brain injury, Huntington's disease, coronary heart disease, thoracic
      disease, stroke and depression. In most cases, there is a decrease in 3
      hydroxyanthranilic acid levels and an increase in anthranilic acid levels. In
      this paper, we summarise the range of data obtained to date, and hypothesise that
      the levels of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid or the ratio of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid
      to anthranilic acid levels, may contribute to disorders with an inflammatory
      component, and may represent a novel marker for the assessment of inflammation
      and its progression. Data are presented which suggest that the ratio between
      these two compounds is not a simple determinant of neuronal viability. Finally, a
      hypothesis is presented to account for the development of the observed changes in
      3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and anthranilate levels in inflammation and it is
      suggested that the change of the 3HAA:AA ratio, particularly in the brain, could
      possibly be a protective response to limit primary and secondary damage.

PMID- 22084589
TI  - Serum levels of tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin in patients
      affected with different forms of amenorrhea.
AB  - Tryptophan (Trp) is present in the serum, partly bound to albumine and in the
      free form. The unbound portion of circulating tryptophan has the property of
      crossing the hematoencephalic barrier and being converted within the brain into
      serotonin (5-HT) through the enzymatic processes of hydroxylation and
      decarboxylation. The serotoninergic system plays an important role in
      neuroendocrine control of reproductive hormone secretion, and in particular, it
      may influence GnRH pulsatility, a function essential for reproductive processes.
      In this study, we analysed serum levels of tryptophan, serotonin and 5
      hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in women with three different forms of amenorrhea: 16
      patients were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 60 patients with functional
      hypothalamic amenorrhea, and 14 patients with hyperprolactinemia. Data were
      compared with those of a group of 25 healthy women. Serum Trp levels were
      significantly (P <= 0.05) lower in the anorexic (11.64 +/- 0.53 MUg/ml, mean +/-
      S.E.) than in the control (12.98 +/- 0.37 MUg/ml) groups. In addition, in the
      anorexic group a statistical dispersion of Trp values was shown indicating a
      bimodal data distribution suggesting the existence of two different subgroups of
      patients. Regarding 5-HTP, an increase of its serum level was observed in all the
      groups with amenorrhea with the highest value in hyperprolactinemic patients. On
      the contrary, no statistical differences in serum 5-HT levels among the four
      analyzed groups were observed.This study shows that women affected by various
      forms of amenorrhea present an altered metabolism of tryptophan via serotonin
      and, in particular, markedly high differences are observed between the two
      subgroups of anorexic patients.

PMID- 22084590
TI  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in human hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - In recent years tryptophan metabolism and its rate limiting enzyme indoleamine
      2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) have attracted increasing attention for their potential to
      modulate immune responses including the regulation of transplantation tolerance.
      The focus of this review is to discuss some features of IDO activity which
      particularly relate to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT
      invariably involves the establishment of some degree of a donor-derived immune
      system in the recipient. Thus, the outstanding feature of tolerance in HSCT is
      that in this type of transplantation it is not rejection, which causes the most
      severe problems to HSCT recipients, but the reverse, graft-versus-host (GvH)
      directed immune responses. We will discuss the peculiar role of IDO activity and
      accelerated tryptophan metabolism at the interface between immune activation and
      immune suppression and delineate from theoretical and experimental evidence the
      potential significance of IDO in mediating tolerance in HSCT. Finally, we will
      examine therapeutic options for exploitation of IDO activity in the generation of
      allo-antigen-specific tolerance, i.e. avoiding allo-reactivity while maintaining
      immunocompetence, in HSCT.

PMID- 22084591
TI  - Proteasomal Degradation of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase in CD8 Dendritic Cells is
      Mediated by Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3).
AB  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting step of
      tryptophan catabolism in a specific pathway, resulting in a series of
      extracellular messengers collectively known as kynurenines. IDO has been
      recognized as an authentic regulator of immunity not only in mammalian pregnancy,
      but also in infection, autoimmunity, inflammation, allergy, transplantation, and
      neoplasia. Its suppressive effects are mostly mediated by dendritic cells (DCs)
      and involve tryptophan deprivation and/or production of kynurenines, which act on
      IDO-negative DCs as well as CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. We have found that mouse
      IDO contains two tyrosine residues within two distinct putative immunoreceptor
      tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs, VPY(115)CEL and LLY(253)EGV. We have also found
      that Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3)-known to interact with
      phosphotyrosine-containing peptides and be selectively induced by interleukin 6
      (IL-6)-binds mouse IDO, recruits the ECS (Elongin-Cullin-SOCS) E3 ligase, and
      targets the IDO/SOCS3 complex for proteasomal degradation. This event underlies
      the ability of IL-6 to convert otherwise tolerogenic, IDO-competent DCs into
      immunogenic cells. Thus onset of immunity in response to antigen within an early
      inflammatory context demands that IDO be degraded in tolerogenic DCs. These
      studies support the finding that IDO is regulated by proteasomal degradation in
      response to immunogenic and inflammatory stimuli.

PMID- 22084592
TI  - Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on three different types of behavioral
      impulsivity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While central nervous system serotonin has been implicated in a
      variety of problematic impulsive behaviors, biological manipulation of brain
      serotonin using acute tryptophan depletion for studying changes in impulsive
      behavior has received little attention. METHODS: Using identical treatment
      conditions, we examined the effects of reduced serotonin synthesis for each of
      three matched groups using acute tryptophan depletion. Thirty healthy men and
      women (ages 18-45) were assigned to perform one of three tasks assessing
      different types of behavioral impulsivity: response initiation, response
      inhibition, and consequence sensitivity (N = 90). Participants completed two
      experimental days during which each consumed either a tryptophan-depletion or
      balanced-placebo amino-acid formulation and completed 5 sessions of their
      respective tasks at 0.25 h before and 1.5, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 h after beverage
      consumption. RESULTS: During peak effectiveness (5.0 h to 6.0 h following amino
      acid consumption), depletion produced selective differences dependent on the type
      of impulsivity being tested. Specifically, relative to baseline testing (pre
      depletion), response initiation impulsivity was significantly increased during
      the peak effects of depletion. And, when compared to placebo control, both
      response initiation and consequence sensitivity impulsivity were increased during
      the peak effects of depletion. CONCLUSION: Though response initiation and
      consequence sensitivity impulsivity were affected by tryptophan depletion,
      response inhibition impulsivity was not, suggesting that other biological
      processes may underlie this specific component of impulsivity. Future research in
      other populations or using different pharmacological agents is warranted to
      further examine the biological processes underlying these components of
      impulsivity.

PMID- 22084593
TI  - IDO-Mediated Tryptophan Degradation in the Pathogenesis of Malignant Tumor
      Disease.
AB  - Immune escape is a fundamental trait of cancer in which the Th1-type cytokine
      interferon- gamma (IFN-gamma) seems to play a key role. Among other tumoricidal
      biochemical pathways, IFN-gamma induces the tryptophan-degrading enzyme
      indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in a variety of cells including macrophages,
      dendritic cells (DCs) and tumor cells. IDO activity has been shown to reflect the
      extent and the course in a plethora of malignancies including prostate,
      colorectal, pancreatic, cervical, endometrial, gastric, lung, bladder, ovarian,
      esophageal and renal cell carcinomas, glioblastomas, mesotheliomas, and
      melanomas. Furthermore IDO activity during malignant tumor diseases seems to be
      part of the tumoricidal immune defense strategy, which in the long run is
      detrimental to the host, when tryptophan deprivation and production of pro
      apoptotic tryptophan catabolites counteract T-cell responsiveness.

PMID- 22084595
TI  - Kynurenine Pathway Metabolism is Involved in the Maintenance of the Intracellular
      NAD Concentration in Human Primary Astrocytes.
AB  - Efficient synthesis of NAD(+) is critical to maintaining cell viability in all
      organs of the body. However, little is known of the pathway(s) by which cells of
      the central nervous system produce NAD(+). The aim of this study was to
      investigate the relationship, between tryptophan degradation via the kynurenine
      pathway (KP) and de novo NAD(+) synthesis in human astrocytes, a major cell type
      within the brain. In this study we observed that inhibition of single enzymes of
      the KP resulted in significant decreases in NAD(+) levels in astroglial cells
      after a 24 hr period. We also observed that astrocytes cultured in media
      deficient in tryptophan, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide resulted in a 50%
      decrease in NAD(+) levels after 24 hrs. This decrease in NAD(+) was partially
      restored by supplementation of the culture media with either tryptophan or
      kynurenine, or nicotinic acid or with supply of the salvage pathway precursor
      nicotinamide.

PMID- 22084597
TI  - Alzheimer's and seizures: interleukin-18, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and
      quinolinic Acid.
AB  - Emergent seizures are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the mechanisms
      mediating this are unknown. It is proposed that stress induced interleukin-18 (IL
      18), via interferon-gamma (IFNy) and independently, increases indoleamine 2,3
      dioxygenase (IDO) and subsequent quinolinic acid (QA) in microglia. QA increases
      seizures and concurrently contributes to neuronal loss via excitotoxicity. The
      ApoE4 allele interacts with IL-18 polymorphisms to increase the risk of AD, and
      seems likely to potentiate the emergence of seizures. Concurrent changes in IDO
      and the kynurenine pathways at the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) have implications
      for treatment, including in the efficacy of different anti-hypertensives.
      Melatonin is proposed to inhibit these overlapping excitotoxic and
      neurodegenerative processes, and would be a useful adjunctive treatment.

PMID- 22084596
TI  - Understanding the roles of the kynurenine pathway in multiple sclerosis
      progression.
AB  - The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major degradative pathway of tryptophan
      ultimately leading to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      (NAD(+)) and is also one of the major regulatory mechanisms of the immune
      response. The KP is known to be involved in several neuroinflammatory disorders
      including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, AIDS dementia
      complex, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease and brain
      tumours. However, the KP remains a relatively new topic for the field of multiple
      sclerosis (MS). Over the last 2-3 years, some evidence has progressively emerged
      suggesting that the KP is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune
      diseases especially MS. Some KP modulators are already in clinical trials for
      other inflammatory diseases and would potentially provide a new and important
      therapeutic strategy for MS patients. This review summarizes the known
      relationships between the KP and MS.

PMID- 22084594
TI  - Tryptophan, Neurodegeneration and HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder.
AB  - This review presents an up-to-date assessment of the role of the tryptophan
      metabolic and catabolic pathways in neurodegenerative disease and HIV-associated
      neurocognitive disorder. The kynurenine pathway and the effects of each of its
      enzymes and products are reviewed. The differential expression of the kynurenine
      pathway in cells within the brain, including inflammatory cells, is explored
      given the increasing recognition of the importance of inflammation in
      neurodegenerative disease. An overview of common mechanisms of neurodegeneration
      is presented before a review and discussion of the evidence for a pathogenetic
      role of the kynurenine pathway in Alzheimer's disease, HIV-associated
      neurocognitive disorder, Huntington's disease, motor neurone disease, and
      Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22084598
TI  - Rapid Isocratic Liquid Chromatographic Separation and Quantification of
      Tryptophan and Six kynurenine Metabolites in Biological Samples with Ultraviolet
      and Fluorimetric Detection.
AB  - A simple, rapid isocratic liquid chromatographic procedure with ultraviolet and
      fluorimetric detection is described for the separation and quantification of L
      tryptophan (Trp) and six of its kynurenine metabolites (kynurenine, 3
      hydroxykynurenine, and 3-hydroxyanthranilic, kynurenic, xanthurenic and
      anthranilic acids). Using the Perkin Elmer LC 200 system, a reverse phase Synergi
      4 MU fusion-RP80 A column (250 * 4.6 mm) (Phenomenex), and a mobile phase of 10
      mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate: methanol (73:27, by vol) at pH 2.8 and a flow
      rate of 1.0-1.2 ml/min at 37  degrees C, a run took ~13 min. The run took <7 min
      at 40  degrees C and a 1.4 ml/min flow rate. Limits of detection of all 7
      analytes were 5-72 nM and their recoveries from human plasma and rat serum and
      liver varied between 62% and 111%. This simple method is suitable for high
      throughput work and can be further developed to include quinolinic acid and other
      Trp metabolites.

PMID- 22084599
TI  - Tryptophan oxidative metabolism catalyzed by geobacillus stearothermophilus: a
      thermophile isolated from kuwait soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.
AB  - Tryptophan metabolism has been extensively studied in humans as well as in soil.
      Its metabolism takes place mainly through kynurenine pathway yielding
      hydroxylated, deaminated and many other products of physiological significance.
      However, tryptophan metabolism has not been studied in an isolated thermophilic
      bacterium. Geobacillus stearothermophilus is a local thermophile isolated from
      Kuwait desert soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. The bacterium grows
      well at 65  degrees C in 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 7), when supplied with
      organic compounds as a carbon source and has a good potential for transformation
      of steroids and related molecules. In the present study, we used tryptophan ethyl
      ester as a carbon source for the bacterium to study the catabolism of the amino
      acid at pH 5 and pH 7. In this endeavor, we have resolved twenty one
      transformation products of tryptophan by GC/LC and have identified them through
      their mass spectral fragmentation.

PMID- 22084600
TI  - Tryptophan transport in human fibroblast cells-a functional characterization.
AB  - There are indications that serotonergic neurotransmission is disturbed in several
      psychiatric disorders. One explanation may be disturbed transport of tryptophan
      (precursor for serotonin synthesis) across cell membranes. Human fibroblast cells
      offer an advantageous model to study the transport of amino acids across cell
      membranes, since they are easy to propagate and the environmental factors can be
      controlled. The aim of this study was to functionally characterize tryptophan
      transport and to identify the main transporters of tryptophan in fibroblast cell
      lines from healthy controls.Tryptophan kinetic parameters (V(max) and K(m)) at
      low and high concentrations were measured in fibroblasts using the cluster tray
      method. Uptake of (3)H (5)-L-tryptophan at different concentrations in the
      presence and absence of excess concentrations of inhibitors or combinations of
      inhibitors of amino acid transporters were also measured. Tryptophan transport at
      high concentration (0.5 mM) had low affinity and high V(max) and the LAT1 isoform
      of system-L was responsible for approximately 40% of the total uptake of
      tryptophan. In comparison, tryptophan transport at low concentration (50 nM) had
      higher affinity, lower V(max) and approximately 80% of tryptophan uptake was
      transported by system-L with LAT1 as the major isoform. The uptake of tryptophan
      at the low concentration was mainly sodium (Na(+)) dependent, while uptake at
      high substrate concentration was mainly Na(+) independent. A series of different
      transporter inhibitors had varying inhibitory effects on tryptophan uptake.This
      study indicates that tryptophan is transported by multiple transporters that are
      active at different substrate concentrations in human fibroblast cells. The
      tryptophan transport trough system-L was mainly facilitated by the LAT1 isoform,
      at both low and high substrate concentrations of tryptophan.

PMID- 22084601
TI  - Effects of Kynurenine Pathway Inhibition on NAD Metabolism and Cell Viability in
      Human Primary Astrocytes and Neurons.
AB  - The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the principle route of L-Tryptophan (TRP)
      metabolism, producing several neurotoxic and neuroprotective metabolic precursors
      before complete oxidation to the essential pyridine nucleotide nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)). KP inhibition may prove therapeutic in central
      nervous system (CNS) inflammation by reducing the production of excitotoxins such
      as quinolinic acid (QUIN). However, KP metabolism may also be cytoprotective
      through the de novo synthesis of intracellular NAD(+). We tested the hypothesis
      that the KP is directly involved in the maintenance of intracellular NAD(+)
      levels and SIRT1 function in primary astrocytes and neurons through regulation of
      NAD(+) synthesis. Competitive inhibition of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO),
      and quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) activities with 1-methyl-L
      Tryptophan (1-MT), and phthalic acid (PA) respectively, resulted in a dose
      dependent decrease in intracellular NAD(+) levels and sirtuin deacetylase-1
      (SIRT1) activity, and correlated directly with reduced cell viability. These
      results support the hypothesis that the primary role of KP activation during
      neuroinflammation is to maintain NAD(+) levels through de novo synthesis from
      TRP. Inhibition of KP metabolism under these conditions can compromise cell
      viability, NAD-dependent SIRT1 activity and CNS function, unless alternative
      precursors for NAD(+) synthesis are made available.

PMID- 22084602
TI  - L-Tryptophan Production by Auxotrophic and Analogue Resistant Mutants of
      Aureobacterium flavescens.
AB  - A number of tyrosine plus phenylalanine double auxotrophic mutants were isolated
      by N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) treatment of a locally isolated
      strain of Aureobacterium flavescens of which 11A(39) and 11A(17) were selected on
      the basis of their tryptophan production in a mineral salt medium over other
      isolated mutant strains. The mutational block in the aromatic amino acid
      biosynthetic pathway of the selected double auxotrophs were determined. By
      controlling pH of the production medium to near neutrality, the active growth
      period could be extended up to 72 h and more tryptophan was accumulated compared
      to pH unregulated culture where the active growth ceased after 48 h. Further
      improvement of the tryptophan production has been achieved by stepwise isolation
      of a mutant strain resistant to the tryptophan analogues p-fluorotryptophan (FT)
      and 5-methyl tryptophan (MT) from the 11A(39). Demand for L-tryptophan as food
      additive and therapeutic agent is increasing day by day throughout the World,
      particularly in the underdeveloped and developing countries like India. Still to
      date India depends on other countries for L-tryptophan. The aim of this work is
      to develop a potent high yielding, feed back insensitive mutant strain and
      optimization of its medium pH for maximum production of tryptophan.

PMID- 22084603
TI  - Kynurenine pathway Hypothesis: The nature of the chronic Fatigue syndrome (cFs)
      Revisited.

PMID- 22084604
TI  - Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)-A Rare Etiology of Dysphagia.
AB  - A 72-year-old gentleman presented to the hospital with progressively worsening
      dysphagia to soft foods and liquids. He was diagnosed with severe pharyngeal
      dysphagia by modified barium swallow. A CT scan of the neck with IV contrast
      showed anterior flowing of bridging osteophytes from C3-C6, indicative of DISH,
      resulting in esophageal impingement. He underwent resection of the DISH segments.
      Following the surgery, a PEG tube for nutrition supplementation was placed.
      However, the PEG tube was removed after five months when the speech and swallow
      evaluation showed no residual dysphagia. DISH is a rare non-inflammatory
      condition that results in pathological ossification and calcification of the
      anterolateral spinal ligaments.

PMID- 22084605
TI  - Asymptomatic pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious and often fatal
      complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because the diagnosis of PAH
      often is made years after symptom onset, early diagnostic strategies are
      essential. Doppler echocardiography currently is considered the noninvasive
      screening test of choice for evaluating pulmonary hypertension. AIM: Screening
      for asymptomatic pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
      using Doppler echocardiography, and correlating it with inflammatory parameters
      of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Doppler echocardiography was performed in
      74 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus over one year (66 adult and 8
      juvenile), adult SLE included 57 patients with adult-onset and 9 patients with
      childhood-onset. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed if the peak systolic
      pressure gradient at the tricuspid valve was more than 30 mmHg. All patients were
      subjected to full history taking, rheumatological examination, laboratory studies
      and chest x-ray. RESULTS: In seventy four SLE patients, the pulmonary
      hypertension was detected in 8 patients (10.8%), 7 adult-onset SLE patients (aged
      from 19 to 30 years) and 1 juvenile SLE (aged 12 years). The range of pulmonary
      artery systolic pressure was 34-61.2 mmHg (43.19 +/- 9.28). No significant
      differences between patients with and those without pulmonary hypertension as
      regard clinical features. Significantly higher frequencies of rheumatoid factor
      and anti-cardiolipin antibodies were found in patients with pulmonary
      hypertension versus those without (P = 0.02, P = 0.008 respectively). Positive
      rheumatoid factor and ACL were significantly associated with occurrence of PAH in
      SLE (P = 0.007, P = 0.006 respectively). No significant correlations were found
      between pulmonary artery pressure, disease duration, SLE Disease Activity Index
      (SLEDAI), ESR, and anti-ds DNA. CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE have an increased
      risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Echocardiography should be used as a
      screening tool in patients at high risk for development of pulmonary
      hypertension. Positive anti-cardiolipin antibodies and rheumatoid factor were
      significant predictors of pulmonary hypertension in our study.

PMID- 22084606
TI  - Bone mineral density changes in patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and related fragility fractures are one of the most
      common complications seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
      dramatically affect quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in bone
      mineral density in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (<1 year) and
      its correlation if any with a modified DAS-28 score and simple erosion narrowing
      score (SENS). METHODS: This study included 30 patients with recent-onset
      rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling the new American College of Rheumatology/European
      League Against Rheumatism diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and 20
      healthy volunteers as controls. All were subjected to a complete blood count,
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, liver function tests, renal
      function tests, rheumatoid factor, and plain x-rays of the hands and feet. Dual
      energy x-ray absorptiometry DEXA was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD)
      of the left proximal femur, lumbar spine (L1-L4), and lower distal radius at the
      time of recruitment. RESULTS: In the RA patients, 13.3% had osteoporosis, 50% had
      osteopenia, and 36.7% had normal BMD. The most common site of osteoporosis was
      the lumbar spine (four patients, 13.3%) followed by the femur (two patients,
      6.6%), and forearm (only one patient, 3.3%). There was a significantly higher
      percentage of osteoporosis among RA males than females and the difference was
      statistically significant (P = 0.009). Osteoporosis was more common in patients
      treated with corticosteroids and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
      than in patients treated with only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P =
      0.004). Higher disease activity (DAS-28) was found in RA patients with
      osteoporosis compared to RA patients with normal BMD or osteopenia, but the
      difference was not statistically significant. Osteoporotic RA patients were found
      to have a higher SENS score for radiological damage than nonosteoporotic ones.
      CONCLUSION: BMD changes do occur in patients with early RA, and are not
      necessarily correlated with disease activity (DAS-28). However, a significant
      negative correlation was found between BMD and the score of radiological damage
      (SENS). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is an important investigation to assess
      BMD in early RA patients.

PMID- 22084607
TI  - Extended release niacin-laropiprant in patients with hypercholesterolemia or
      mixed dyslipidemias improves clinical parameters.
AB  - The progression of atherosclerosis remains a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality. Plaque formation is an immunological response driven by a number of
      risk factors, and reduction of risk is the primary goal of treatment. The role of
      LDL-C is well established and statins have proved effective drugs, although the
      relative risk reduction is only around 30%. The importance of other factors
      notably low HDL-C and high TGs-has become increasingly clear and the search for
      alternative strategies continues. Niacin is particularly effective in achieving
      normalization of HDL-C but is clinically underutilized due to the side effect of
      cutaneous flushing. The discovery that flushing is mediated by mechanisms
      distinct from the lipid-lowering effects has led to the development of
      combination drugs with reduced side effects. This review considers the evidence
      regarding the clinical efficacy of extended-release niacin and the DP1 antagonist
      laropiprant in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemias.

PMID- 22084609
TI  - Bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in the middle cerebral artery territory.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have suggested embolic mechanisms for
      bihemispheric subcortical infarcts involving the anterior and posterior
      circulation. However, the mechanism of bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in
      middle cerebral artery (MCA) territories remains uncertain. We describe a patient
      with acute bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in restricted MCA territories
      suggesting an embolic mechanism. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old woman with a
      history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia suddenly presented with left
      hemiplegia. Diffusion-weighted and T(2)-weighted magnetic resolution imaging of
      the brain showed multiple subcortical high intensity in the MCA territories.
      There were no acute infarctions in the cerebrum, brain stem, or cerebellum,
      including cortical lesions. The patient had no carotid, internal carotid artery,
      or MCA disease. CONCLUSION: Bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in the MCA
      territory are likely to have a proximal embolic source and such infarcts could be
      associated with multiple subcortical infarcts due to small vessel disease.

PMID- 22084608
TI  - Safety and efficacy of dronedarone in the treatment of atrial
      fibrillation/flutter.
AB  - Dronedarone is an amiodarone analog but differs structurally from amiodarone in
      that the iodine moiety was removed and a methane-sulfonyl group was added. These
      modifications reduced thyroid and other end-organ adverse effects and makes
      dronedarone less lipophilic, shortening its half-life. Dronedarone has been shown
      to prevent atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFl) recurrences in several multi
      center trials. In addition to its rhythm control properties, dronedarone has rate
      control properties and slows the ventricular response during AF. Dronedarone is
      approved in Europe for rhythm and rate control indications. In patients with
      decompensated heart failure, dronedarone treatment increased mortality and
      cardiovascular hospitalizations. However, when dronedarone was used in elderly
      high risk AF/AFl patients excluding such high risk heart failure, cardiovascular
      hospitalizations were significantly reduced and the drug was approved in the USA
      for this indication in 2009 by the Food and Drug Administration. Updated
      guidelines suggest dronedarone as a front-line antiarrhythmic in many patients
      with AF/Fl but caution that the drug should not be used in patients with advanced
      heart failure. In addition, the recent results of the PALLAS trial suggest that
      dronedarone should not be used in the long-term treatment of patients with
      permanent AF.

PMID- 22084610
TI  - A case of cutaneous infection caused by mycobacterium szulgai with progression to
      acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - A 59-year-old man presented with a skin eruption and bilateral swelling of the
      legs. Soon after the initial presentation, he developed acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS) with miliary lung nodules. Culture of samples from the
      skin ulcers, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid all revealed Mycobacterium
      szulgai infection. The patient was successfully treated with antituberculosis
      drugs. M. szulgai infection is very rarely reported worldwide, and disseminated
      infection usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. However, the present
      patient was a non-immunocompromised case, although he was a hepatitis B virus
      carrier. While the progression to ARDS from M. tuberculosis infection is well
      known, this is the first case of M. szulgai infection progressing to ARDS.

PMID- 22084611
TI  - Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: A Case Report of High-Energy Type without
      Surgical Repair.
AB  - Repair of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) has been reported to be
      necessary. Reported here is one case of TAWH without repair. A 27-year-old man
      was accidentally sandwiched between a rock and a truck and admitted to our
      emergency department. There was a swelling of 10 cm in the right upper quadrant
      of the abdomen. The enhanced computed tomographic scan demonstrated a large
      abdominal wall muscular defect, transverse colon protrusion, and the presence of
      subcutaneous emphysema at the site. Based on these findings, lacerated transverse
      colon entrapped in TAWH was diagnosed. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy
      for laceration of the transverse colon, duodenum and pancreas, and open book
      fracture of the pelvis. Repair of the hernia was not performed because of the
      possibility of abscess formation by stool contamination. However, the hernia
      disappeared and the patient is doing well without recurrence of hernia 16 months
      after injury.

PMID- 22084612
TI  - Spontaneous Transient Lateral Thoracic Lung Herniation Resulting in Systemic
      Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Subsequent Contralateral Lung Injury.
AB  - Lung herniation is a relatively rare clinical entity that is most commonly either
      congenital or acquired traumatically. We describe a case of spontaneous lung
      herniation secondary to acute cough in an obese male smoker complicated by
      contralateral acute lung injury and systemic inflammatory response syndrome
      (SIRS). Mechanisms of lung herniation, classification, diagnosis, and management
      will be discussed.

PMID- 22084613
TI  - A boy with non-herpes simplex acute limbic encephalitis and antiglutamate
      receptor antibodies.
AB  - This report concerns a 12-year-old male with intractable seizures over a long
      period. The case fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for nonherpetic acute limbic
      encephalitis. He had frequent convulsions starting with a partial seizure at the
      left angle of the mouth and progressing to secondary generalized seizures. He was
      treated with several anticonvulsants, combined with methylprednisolone and gamma
      globulin under mechanical ventilation. However, his convulsions reappeared after
      tapering of the barbiturate. His magnetic resonance imaging showed a high
      intensity area in the hippocampus by FLAIR and diffusion. After five months he
      recovered without serious sequelae. Virological studies, including for herpes
      simplex virus, were all negative. He was transiently positive for antiglutamate
      receptor antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and serum.

PMID- 22084614
TI  - Treatment with etanercept in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis-associated
      interstitial lung disease.
AB  - We report a case of a 52-year-old woman with a 1-year history of rheumatoid
      arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease referred to hospital because of
      aggravated pulmonary symptoms in spite of intensive treatment including
      prednisone, azathioprine and triptergium glycoside. We subsequently initiated
      treatment with 25 mg of etanercept, subcutaneously injected twice weekly.
      Following 6 months of therapy with this agent, sustained improvement in dyspnea,
      cough was reported by the patient and respiratory function test showed marked
      improvement. The improvement was confirmed by reduced middle and lower lung
      markings on chest radiography and high-resolution CT scan. This report suggests
      etanercept may be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-associated
      interstitial lung disease.

PMID- 22084615
TI  - Reduced hypoxia risk in a systemic sclerosis patient with interstitial lung
      disease after long-term pulmonary rehabilitation.
AB  - Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective for improving exercise capacity in patients
      with interstitial lung disease (ILD), and most programs last about 8 weeks. A 43
      year-old male patient with systemic sclerosis and oxygen saturation (SpO(2))
      declining because of severe ILD was hospitalized for treatment of chronic skin
      ulcers. During admission, he completed a 27-week walking exercise program with
      SpO(2) monitoring. Consequently, continuous walking distance without severe
      hypoxia (SpO(2) > 90%) increased from 60 m to 300 m after the program, although
      his six-minute walking distance remained the same. This suggests that walking
      exercise for several months may reduce the risk of hypoxia in patients with ILD,
      even though exercise capacity does not improve.

PMID- 22084616
TI  - Arterial stiffness in lower limb amputees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been related to
      increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but has not been previously
      evaluated in amputees. The aim of this study was to compare PWV between amputees
      and nonamputees. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from
      60 male lower limb amputees and 86 male age-matched nonamputees. PWV was measured
      noninvasively using a Complior((r)) device. All participants underwent laboratory
      investigations and anthropometry. The difference in PWV between amputee and
      nonamputees was estimated. Multivariate regression was used to adjust for
      differences between the groups as a result of potential confounders. RESULTS: PWV
      was higher in amputees than in nonamputees (10.8 +/- 1.9 m/sec versus 9.9 +/- 1.8
      m/sec, P = 0.008, respectively). This difference remained even after adjusting
      for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: A higher PWV was demonstrated in lower limb
      amputees. Routine assessment of PWV may contribute to cardiovascular risk
      stratification in amputees.

PMID- 22084617
TI  - Roflumilast, a Novel Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor, for COPD Patients with a
      History of Exacerbations.
AB  - Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are major clinical events. They are
      associated with a more rapid decline in lung function, poorer quality of life
      scores, and an increased risk of dying. Exacerbations that require
      hospitalization have particular significance. Approximately 40% of the AECOPD
      patients who require hospitalization will die in the subsequent year. Since many
      AECOPD require hospitalization, they account for most of the expense of caring
      for COPD patients. Treatment with long-acting bronchodilators and combination
      inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting bronchodilator inhalers reduces but does not
      eliminate AECOPD. Roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor,
      is an anti-inflammatory medication that improves lung function in patients with
      COPD. In patients with more severe airway obstruction, clinical features of
      chronic bronchitis, and a history of AECOPD, roflumilast reduces the frequency of
      AECOPD when given in combination with short-acting bronchodilators, long-acting
      bronchodilators, or inhaled corticosteroids. It is generally well tolerated but
      the most common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, and
      headaches. In clinical trials, patients treated with roflumilast experienced
      weight loss that averaged just over 2 kg but was primarily due to the loss of fat
      tissue. Weight loss was least in underweight patients and obese patients
      experienced the greatest weight loss. An unexpected benefit of treatment with
      roflumilast was that fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels improved in
      patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus. Roflumilast, the first selective
      PDE4 inhibitor to be marketed, is a promising drug for the management of COPD
      patients with more severe disease.

PMID- 22084618
TI  - Sleep insufficiency, sleep health problems and performance in high school
      students.
AB  - A survey on sleep schedule, sleep health, school performance and school start
      times was conducted in 1,941 adolescents. A high level of early and circadian
      disadvantaged sleep/wake schedules during weekdays was observed. Shorter sleep
      duration on weekdays was reported, especially in upper classmen. Complaints of
      inadequate sleep and sleepiness during weekdays, alarm clock use, and napping
      were prevalent. Night awakening and prolonged sleep onset were common and
      associated with poor school performance. Students with a sleep length of less
      than 7 hours on both weekdays and weekends exhibited poorer performance, while
      those who made up this sleep loss on weekends did not. The total number of poor
      sleep factors in an individual also correlated with poor school performance.
      Earlier school start times were associated with a perception of poor sleep
      quality, shorter sleep duration and more sleep health problems. We conclude that
      sleep inadequacies and sleep health problems were prevalent in this population,
      especially in those who started school earlier in the morning, and that these
      poor sleep factors were associated with school performance.

PMID- 22084620
TI  - Antitumor Efficacy of Intravesical BCG, Gemcitabine, Interferon-alpha and
      Interleukin-2 as Mono- or Combination-Therapy for Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic
      Tumor Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reduce adverse effects and improve efficacy of intravesical BCG for
      bladder cancer, alternative treatment options were investigated in an orthotopic
      rat tumor model. METHODS: Superficial bladder cancer was established in syngeneic
      female rat bladders by instillation of AY-27 cells. Animals were randomly
      assigned to treatment groups including dose escalation of intravesical BCG with
      or without interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) or interleukin-2 (IL-2); or graded doses
      of gemcitabine alone; or BCG plus gemcitabine. Treatments were given twice weekly
      for 3 weeks. Rats in control groups received saline instillations. Treatment
      response was monitored by animals' well-being, survival days, tumor growth
      inhibition, and histological examination at necropsy. RESULTS: Rats receiving
      monotherapy with intravesical BCG, gemcitabine, or IFN-alpha, attained
      significantly better survival and tumor reduction compared with control (P =
      0.002; 0.001; 0.002, respectively, Log-rank Test). A dose-dependent treatment
      response was observed in animals with established bladder tumor receiving
      escalated BCG instillations. Only high-dose BCG significantly improved animal
      survival. Although high-dose BCG plus gemcitabine or IFN-alpha did not increase
      benefit over monotherapies, low-dose BCG plus IL-2 did show improved efficacy (P
      = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intravesical monotherapies with gemcitabine and IFN-alpha
      were as effective as BCG for treatment of early non-muscle-invasive urothelial
      bladder cancer in this immune competent rat model. Combining these agents with
      high-dose BCG did not further increase efficacy. However, combining low-dose BCG
      with IL-2 enhanced BCG effectiveness.

PMID- 22084621
TI  - Management Options in Advanced Prostate Cancer: What is the Role for Sipuleucel
      T?
AB  - Most prostate cancer-related deaths occur in patients with castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (CRPC). Until recently, only therapy with docetaxel and
      prednisone has been shown to prolong survival in men with metastatic CRPC. With
      the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approvals of sipuleucel
      T, cabazitaxel, and abiraterone acetate, all based on improvement in overall
      survival, the landscape for management of men with metastatic CRPC has
      dramatically changed. In this review we will discuss the pivotal clinical trial
      data leading to these approvals, with particular focus on the unique indication
      for sipuleucel-T and the implications for optimal management and sequencing of
      treatment in this patient population.

PMID- 22084622
TI  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma:
      focus on pazopanib.
AB  - Advances in our understanding of renal cancer biology have led to a new treatment
      paradigm in renal cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), that target the
      intracellular kinase domain of the VEGF receptor, have become established as the
      most successful class of agent in this disease. Three TKIs are currently approved
      for use in patients with advanced disease. Newer, more potent inhibitors have
      reached phase III clinical testing, meaning others are likely to follow. In 2009,
      pazopanib became the most recent TKI to receive FDA approval. This review sets
      out to discuss the key opportunities and challenges associated with TKI use in
      RCC, focusing particularly on pazopanib. We also review the current place of
      pazopanib in the management of patients with advanced disease, in what is a
      rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape.

PMID- 22084623
TI  - Outreach to Improve Patient Education at South Carolina Free Medical Clinics.
AB  - The University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine (SOM) librarians have
      partnered with eight free medical clinics in South Carolina to enhance patient
      education efforts. During these outreach projects, project librarians purchased
      and installed computers, projectors, screens, LCD monitors, and touch-screen
      information kiosks equipment in each clinic, conducted MedlinePlus training
      sessions with clinic staff, and added links to MedlinePlus on the patient
      education area of the clinics' websites. As a result, the free medical clinics
      incorporated MedlinePlus into their patient education classes or use the self
      playing tutorials in patient waiting rooms.

PMID- 22084624
TI  - Fast Track THR: One Hospital's Experience with a 2-Day Length of Stay Protocol
      for Total Hip Replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current trends in total joint replacement have focused on shorter
      hospital stays. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if a pathway for total hip
      replacement (THR) with the goal of a 2-day discharge (fast track) is safe and
      effective compared to our traditional pathway (control). METHODS: One hundred
      forty-nine patients undergoing unilateral, uncomplicated, THR were enrolled in an
      accelerated postoperative pathway and 134 were enrolled in the traditional
      pathway. Patients were followed prospectively and outcomes included hospital
      length of stay, intra- and postoperative complications, readmissions,
      reoperations. A statistical model was created to determine factors predictive of
      a 2-day discharge. RESULTS: At 1 year, there were no differences in
      complications, readmissions, or reoperations. The average length of stay
      decreased from 4.1 to 2.6 days (p < 0.0001). In the fast track group, 58% of
      patients were discharged home within 2 days. Barriers to a 2-day discharge were
      postoperative pain, nausea, and dizziness. The only preoperative factor that was
      predictive of a 2-day discharge was hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: In a select group
      of patients, a protocol that allows for a 2-day discharge following THR is safe
      and effective.

PMID- 22084625
TI  - Repeated 24-hour recalls versus dietary records for estimating nutrient intakes
      in a national food consumption survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The methodology used in the first Belgian food consumption survey
      followed to a large extent the instructions of the European Food Consumption
      (EFCOSUM) reports, where repeated 24-hour recalls (24HR) using EPIC-SOFT were
      recommended. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relative validity of two non-consecutive
      24HR using EPIC-SOFT by comparison with 5-day estimated dietary records (EDR). To
      assess misreporting in energy for both methods by comparing energy intake with
      energy expenditure from accelerometery in a subsample. DESIGN: A total of 175
      subjects (aged 15 and over) were recruited to participate in the study. Repeated
      24HR were performed with an interval of 2-8 weeks. After completion of the second
      interview, subjects were instructed to keep an EDR. Dietary intakes were adjusted
      for within-person variability to reflect usual intakes. A Student's t-test was
      calculated to assess differences between both methods. Spearman and Kappa
      correlation coefficients were used to investigate agreement. RESULTS: In total,
      127 subjects completed the required repeated 24HR, as well as the five record
      days. From 76 participants, accelerometer data were available. In both methods,
      about 35% of participants had ratios of Energy Intake/Total Energy Expenditure
      (EI/TEE) above or below 95% confidence intervals for EI/TEE, suggesting
      misreporting of energy. Significant differences between the two dietary intake
      methods were found for total energy, total fat, fatty acids, cholesterol,
      alcohol, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and iron. In general, intakes from 24HR
      were higher compared to EDR. Correlation coefficients for all nutrients ranged
      from 0.16 for thiamine to 0.70 for water. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this
      study show that in the context of nutritional surveillance, duplicate 24HR can be
      used to asses intakes of protein, carbohydrates, starch, sugar, water, potassium
      and calcium.

PMID- 22084619
TI  - Inhibitors of Glioma Growth that Reveal the Tumour to the Immune System.
AB  - Treated glioblastoma patients survive from 6 to 14 months. In the first part of
      this review, we describe glioma origins, cancer stem cells and the genomic
      alterations that generate dysregulated cell division, with enhanced proliferation
      and diverse response to radiation and chemotherapy. We review the pathways that
      mediate tumour cell proliferation, neo-angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, as well
      as necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Then, we examine the ability of gliomas to
      evade and suppress the host immune system, exhibited at the levels of antigen
      recognition and immune activation, limiting the effective signaling between
      glioma and host immune cells.The second part of the review presents current
      therapies and their drawbacks. This is followed by a summary of the work of our
      laboratory during the past 20 years, on oligosaccharide and glycosphingolipid
      inhibitors of astroblast and astrocytoma division. Neurostatins, the O-acetylated
      forms of gangliosides GD1b and GT1b naturally present in mammalian brain, are
      cytostatic for normal astroblasts, but cytotoxic for rat C6 glioma cells and
      human astrocytoma grades III and IV, with ID50 values ranging from 200 to 450 nM.
      The inhibitors do not affect neurons or fibroblasts up to concentrations of 4 MUM
      or higher.At least four different neurostatin-activated, cell-mediated
      antitumoral processes, lead to tumor destruction: (i) inhibition of tumor
      neovascularization; (ii) activation of microglia; (iii) activation of natural
      killer (NK) cells; (iv) activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). The enhanced
      antigenicity of neurostatin-treated glioma cells, could be related to their
      increased expression of connexin 43. Because neurostatins and their analogues
      show specific activity and no toxicity for normal cells, a clinical trial would
      be the logical next step.

PMID- 22084626
TI  - Climate change and environmental impacts on maternal and newborn health with
      focus on Arctic populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
      presented a report on global warming and the impact of human activities on global
      warming. Later the Lancet commission identified six ways human health could be
      affected. Among these were not environmental factors which are also believed to
      be important for human health. In this paper we therefore focus on environmental
      factors, climate change and the predicted effects on maternal and newborn health.
      Arctic issues are discussed specifically considering their exposure and
      sensitivity to long range transported contaminants. METHODS: Considering that the
      different parts of pregnancy are particularly sensitive time periods for the
      effects of environmental exposure, this review focuses on the impacts on maternal
      and newborn health. Environmental stressors known to affects human health and how
      these will change with the predicted climate change are addressed. Air pollution
      and food security are crucial issues for the pregnant population in a changing
      climate, especially indoor climate and food security in Arctic areas. RESULTS:
      The total number of environmental factors is today responsible for a large number
      of the global deaths, especially in young children. Climate change will most
      likely lead to an increase in this number. Exposure to the different
      environmental stressors especially air pollution will in most parts of the world
      increase with climate change, even though some areas might face lower exposure.
      Populations at risk today are believed to be most heavily affected. As for the
      persistent organic pollutants a warming climate leads to a remobilisation and a
      possible increase in food chain exposure in the Arctic and thus increased risk
      for Arctic populations. This is especially the case for mercury. The perspective
      for the next generations will be closely connected to the expected temperature
      changes; changes in housing conditions; changes in exposure patterns; predicted
      increased exposure to Mercury because of increased emissions and increased
      biological availability. CONCLUSIONS: A number of environmental stressors are
      predicted to increase with climate change and increasingly affecting human
      health. Efforts should be put on reducing risk for the next generation, thus
      global politics and research effort should focus on maternal and newborn health.

PMID- 22084627
TI  - Mapping spikes to sensations.
AB  - Single-unit recordings conducted during perceptual decision-making tasks have
      yielded tremendous insights into the neural coding of sensory stimuli. In such
      experiments, detection or discrimination behavior (the psychometric data) is
      observed in parallel with spike trains in sensory neurons (the neurometric data).
      Frequently, candidate neural codes for information read-out are pitted against
      each other by transforming the neurometric data in some way and asking which
      code's performance most closely approximates the psychometric performance. The
      code that matches the psychometric performance best is retained as a viable
      candidate and the others are rejected. In following this strategy, psychometric
      data is often considered to provide an unbiased measure of perceptual
      sensitivity. It is rarely acknowledged that psychometric data result from a
      complex interplay of sensory and non-sensory processes and that neglect of these
      processes may result in misestimating psychophysical sensitivity. This again may
      lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the adequacy of candidate neural codes.
      In this review, we first discuss requirements on the neural data for a subsequent
      neurometric-psychometric comparison. We then focus on different psychophysical
      tasks for the assessment of detection and discrimination performance and the
      cognitive processes that may underlie their execution. We discuss further factors
      that may compromise psychometric performance and how they can be detected or
      avoided. We believe that these considerations point to shortcomings in our
      understanding of the processes underlying perceptual decisions, and therefore
      offer potential for future research.

PMID- 22084628
TI  - The circadian clock, reward, and memory.
AB  - During our daily activities, we experience variations in our cognitive
      performance, which is often accompanied by cravings for small rewards, such as
      consuming coffee or chocolate. This indicates that the time of day, cognitive
      performance, and reward may be related to one another. This review will summarize
      data that describe the influence of the circadian clock on addiction and mood
      related behavior and put the data into perspective in relation to memory
      processes.

PMID- 22084631
TI  - MEGen: A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model Generator.
AB  - Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models are being used in an increasing
      number of different areas. However, they are perceived as complex, data hungry,
      resource intensive, and time consuming. In addition, model validation and
      verification are hindered by the relative complexity of the equations. To begin
      to address these issues a web application called MEGen for the rapid construction
      and documentation of bespoke deterministic PBPK model code is under development.
      MEGen comprises a parameter database and a model code generator that produces
      code for use in several commercial software packages and one that is freely
      available. Here we present an overview of the current capabilities of MEGen, and
      discuss future developments.

PMID- 22084629
TI  - Moving forward: advances in the treatment of movement disorders with deep brain
      stimulation.
AB  - The modern era of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery has ushered in state
      of the art technologies for the treatment of movement disorders, particularly
      Parkinson's disease (PD), tremor, and dystonia. After years of experience with
      various surgical therapies, the eventual shortcomings of both medical and
      surgical treatments, and several serendipitous discoveries, deep brain
      stimulation (DBS) has risen to the forefront as a highly effective, safe, and
      reversible treatment for these conditions. Idiopathic advanced PD can be treated
      with thalamic, globus pallidus internus (GPi), or subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS.
      Thalamic DBS primarily relieves tremor while GPi and STN DBS alleviate a wide
      range of Parkinsonian symptoms. Thalamic DBS is also used in the treatment of
      other types of tremor, particularly essential tremor, with excellent results.
      Both primary and various types of secondary dystonia can be treated very
      effectively with GPi DBS. The variety of anatomical targets for these movement
      disorders is indicative of the network-level dysfunction mediating these movement
      disturbances. Despite an increasing understanding of the clinical benefits of
      DBS, little is known about how DBS can create such wide sweeping neuromodulatory
      effects. The key to improving this therapeutic modality and discovering new ways
      to treat these and other neurologic conditions lies in better understanding the
      intricacies of DBS. Here we review the history and pertinent clinical data for
      DBS treatment of PD, tremor, and dystonia. While multiple regions of the brain
      have been targeted for DBS in the treatment of these movement disorders, this
      review article focuses on those that are most commonly used in current clinical
      practice. Our search criteria for PubMed included combinations of the following
      terms: DBS, neuromodulation, movement disorders, PD, tremor, dystonia, and
      history. Dates were not restricted.

PMID- 22084630
TI  - Modulation of neuronal signal transduction and memory formation by synaptic zinc.
AB  - The physiological role of synaptic zinc has remained largely enigmatic since its
      initial detection in hippocampal mossy fibers over 50 years ago. The past few
      years have witnessed a number of studies highlighting the ability of zinc ions to
      regulate ion channels and intracellular signaling pathways implicated in
      neuroplasticity, and others that shed some light on the elusive role of synaptic
      zinc in learning and memory. Recent behavioral studies using knock-out mice for
      the synapse-specific zinc transporter ZnT-3 indicate that vesicular zinc is
      required for the formation of memories dependent on the hippocampus and the
      amygdala, two brain centers that are prominently innervated by zinc-rich fibers.
      A common theme emerging from this research is the activity-dependent regulation
      of the Erk1/2 mitogen-activated-protein kinase pathway by synaptic zinc through
      diverse mechanisms in neurons. Here we discuss current knowledge on how synaptic
      zinc may play a role in cognition through its impact on neuronal signaling.

PMID- 22084634
TI  - Bilingualism and creativity: benefits in convergent thinking come with losses in
      divergent thinking.
AB  - Bilingualism is commonly assumed to improve creativity but the mechanisms
      underlying creative acts, and the way these mechanisms are affected by
      bilingualism, are not very well understood. We hypothesize that learning to
      master multiple languages drives individuals toward a relatively focused
      cognitive-control state that exerts strong top-down impact on information
      processing and creates strong local competition for selection between cognitive
      codes. Considering the control requirements posed by creativity tasks tapping
      into convergent and divergent thinking, this predicts that high-proficient
      bilinguals should outperform low-proficient bilinguals in convergent thinking,
      while low-proficient bilinguals might be better in divergent thinking. Comparing
      low- and high-proficient bilinguals on convergent-thinking and divergent-thinking
      tasks indeed showed a high-proficient bilingual advantage for convergent thinking
      but a low-proficient bilingual advantage for fluency in divergent thinking. These
      findings suggest that bilingualism should not be related to "creativity" as a
      unitary concept but, rather, to the specific processes and mechanisms that
      underlie creativity.

PMID- 22084633
TI  - Heart rate variability and non-linear dynamics in risk stratification.
AB  - The time-domain measures and power-spectral analysis of heart rate variability
      (HRV) are classic conventional methods to assess the complex regulatory system
      between autonomic nervous system and heart rate and are most widely used. There
      are abundant scientific data about the prognostic significance of the
      conventional measurements of HRV in patients with various conditions,
      particularly with myocardial infarction. Some studies have suggested that some
      newer measures describing non-linear dynamics of heart rate, such as fractal
      measures, may reveal prognostic information beyond that obtained by the
      conventional measures of HRV. An ideal risk indicator could specifically predict
      sudden arrhythmic death as the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
      therapy can prevent such events. There are numerically more sudden deaths among
      post-infarction patients with better preserved left ventricular function than in
      those with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Recent data support the concept
      that HRV measurements, when analyzed several weeks after acute myocardial
      infarction, predict life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients
      with moderately depressed left ventricular function. However, well-designed
      prospective randomized studies are needed to evaluate whether the ICD therapy
      based on the assessment of HRV alone or with other risk indicators improves the
      patients' prognosis. Several issues, such as the optimal target population,
      optimal timing of HRV measurements, optimal methods of HRV analysis, and optimal
      cutpoints for different HRV parameters, need clarification before the HRV
      analysis can be a widespread clinical tool in risk stratification.

PMID- 22084632
TI  - Neurotoxins and their binding areas on voltage-gated sodium channels.
AB  - Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are large transmembrane proteins that
      conduct sodium ions across the membrane and by doing so they generate signals of
      communication between many kinds of tissues. They are responsible for the
      generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells, in close
      collaboration with other channels like potassium channels. Therefore, genetic
      defects in sodium channel genes can cause a wide variety of diseases, generally
      called "channelopathies." The first insights into the mechanism of action
      potentials and the involvement of sodium channels originated from Hodgkin and
      Huxley for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1963. These concepts still
      form the basis for understanding the function of VGSCs. When VGSCs sense a
      sufficient change in membrane potential, they are activated and consequently
      generate a massive influx of sodium ions. Immediately after, channels will start
      to inactivate and currents decrease. In the inactivated state, channels stay
      refractory for new stimuli and they must return to the closed state before being
      susceptible to a new depolarization. On the other hand, studies with neurotoxins
      like tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) also contributed largely to our
      today's understanding of the structure and function of ion channels and of VGSCs
      specifically. Moreover, neurotoxins acting on ion channels turned out to be
      valuable lead compounds in the development of new drugs for the enormous range of
      diseases in which ion channels are involved. A recent example of a synthetic
      neurotoxin that made it to the market is ziconotide (Prialt((r)), Elan). The
      original peptide, omega-MVIIA, is derived from the cone snail Conus magus and now
      FDA/EMA-approved for the management of severe chronic pain by blocking the N-type
      voltage-gated calcium channels in pain fibers. This review focuses on the current
      status of research on neurotoxins acting on VGSC, their contribution to further
      unravel the structure and function of VGSC and their potential as novel lead
      compounds in drug development.

PMID- 22084635
TI  - Cultural differences in affect intensity perception in the context of
      advertising.
AB  - Cultural differences in the perception of positive affect intensity within an
      advertising context were investigated among American, Japanese, and Russian
      participants. Participants were asked to rate the intensity of facial expressions
      of positive emotions, which displayed either subtle, low intensity, or salient,
      high intensity expressions of positive affect. In agreement with previous
      findings from cross-cultural psychological research, current results demonstrate
      both cross-cultural agreement and differences in the perception of positive
      affect intensity across the three cultures. Specifically, American participants
      perceived high arousal (HA) images as significantly less calm than participants
      from the other two cultures, while the Japanese participants perceived low
      arousal (LA) images as significantly more excited than participants from the
      other cultures. The underlying mechanisms of these cultural differences were
      further investigated through difference scores that probed for cultural
      differences in perception and categorization of positive emotions. Findings
      indicate that rating differences are due to (1) perceptual differences in the
      extent to which HA images were discriminated from LA images, and (2)
      categorization differences in the extent to which facial expressions were grouped
      into affect intensity categories. Specifically, American participants revealed
      significantly higher perceptual differentiation between arousal levels of facial
      expressions in high and intermediate intensity categories. Japanese participants,
      on the other hand, did not discriminate between high and low arousal affect
      categories to the same extent as did the American and Russian participants. These
      findings indicate the presence of cultural differences in underlying decoding
      mechanisms of facial expressions of positive affect intensity. Implications of
      these results for global advertising are discussed.

PMID- 22084636
TI  - Monetary Incentives Improve Performance, Sometimes: Speed and Accuracy Matter,
      and so Might Preparation.

PMID- 22084638
TI  - Larger Error Signals in Major Depression are Associated with Better Avoidance
      Learning.
AB  - The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is particularly reactive to signals of error,
      punishment, and conflict in the service of behavioral adaptation and it is
      consistently implicated in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). This
      association makes conceptual sense, given that MDD has been associated with hyper
      reactivity in neural systems associated with punishment processing. Yet in
      practice, depression-related variance in measures of mPFC functioning often fails
      to relate to performance. For example, neuroelectric reflections of mediofrontal
      error signals are often found to be larger in MDD, but a deficit in post-error
      performance suggests that these error signals are not being used to rapidly adapt
      behavior. Thus, it remains unknown if depression-related variance in error
      signals reflects a meaningful alteration in the use of error or punishment
      information. However, larger mediofrontal error signals have also been related to
      another behavioral tendency: increased accuracy in avoidance learning. The
      integrity of this error-avoidance system remains untested in MDD. In this study,
      EEG was recorded as 21 symptomatic, drug-free participants with current or past
      MDD and 24 control participants performed a probabilistic reinforcement learning
      task. Depressed participants had larger mid-frontal EEG responses to error
      feedback than controls. The direct relationship between error signal amplitudes
      and avoidance learning accuracy was replicated. Crucially, this relationship was
      stronger in depressed participants for high conflict "lose-lose" situations,
      demonstrating a selective alteration of avoidance learning. This investigation
      provided evidence that larger error signal amplitudes in depression are
      associated with increased avoidance learning, identifying a candidate mechanistic
      model for hypersensitivity to negative outcomes in depression.

PMID- 22084637
TI  - A potential role of the inferior frontal gyrus and anterior insula in cognitive
      control, brain rhythms, and event-related potentials.
AB  - IN THE PRESENT PAPER, WE REVIEW EVIDENCE FOR OF A MODEL IN WHICH THE INFERIOR
      FRONTAL GYRUS/ANTERIOR INSULA (IFG/AI) AREA IS INVOLVED IN ELABORATE ATTENTIONAL
      AND WORKING MEMORY PROCESSING AND WE PRESENT THE HYPOTHESIS THAT THIS PROCESSING
      MAY TAKE DIFFERENT FORMS AND MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECTS, DEPENDING ON THE TASK AT
      HAND: (1) it may facilitate fast and accurate responding, or (2) it may cause
      slow responding when prolonged elaborate processing is required to increase
      accuracy of responding, or (3) it may interfere with accuracy and speed of next
      trial (for instance, post-error) performance when prolonged elaborate processing
      interferes with processing of the next stimulus. We present our viewpoint that
      ventrolateral corticolimbic control pathways, including the IFG/AI, and
      mediodorsal corticolimbic control pathways, including dorsal anterior cingulate
      cortex areas, play partly separable, but interacting roles in adaptive behavior
      in environmental conditions that differ in the level of predictability: compared
      to dorsal feed-forward control, the ventral corticolimbic control pathways
      implement control over actions through higher responsiveness to momentary
      environmental stimuli. This latter control mode is associated with an attentional
      focus on stimuli that are urgent or close in time and space, while the former
      control mode is associated with a broader, more global focus in time and space.
      Both control pathways have developed extensively through evolution, and both
      developed their own "cognitive controls," such that neither one can be properly
      described as purely "cognitive" or "emotional." We discuss literature that
      suggests that the role of IFG/AI in top-down control is reflected in cortical
      rhythms and event-related potentials. Together, the literature suggests that the
      IFG/AI is an important node in brain networks that control cognitive and
      emotional processing and behavior.

PMID- 22084639
TI  - Is the genetic landscape of the deep subsurface biosphere affected by viruses?
AB  - Viruses are powerful manipulators of microbial diversity, biogeochemistry, and
      evolution in the marine environment. Viruses can directly influence the genetic
      capabilities and the fitness of their hosts through the use of fitness factors
      and through horizontal gene transfer. However, the impact of viruses on microbial
      ecology and evolution is often overlooked in studies of the deep subsurface
      biosphere. Subsurface habitats connected to hydrothermal vent systems are
      characterized by constant fluid flux, dynamic environmental variability, and high
      microbial diversity. In such conditions, high adaptability would be an
      evolutionary asset, and the potential for frequent host-virus interactions would
      be high, increasing the likelihood that cellular hosts could acquire novel
      functions. Here, we review evidence supporting this hypothesis, including data
      indicating that microbial communities in subsurface hydrothermal fluids are
      exposed to a high rate of viral infection, as well as viral metagenomic data
      suggesting that the vent viral assemblage is particularly enriched in genes that
      facilitate horizontal gene transfer and host adaptability. Therefore, viruses are
      likely to play a crucial role in facilitating adaptability to the extreme
      conditions of these regions of the deep subsurface biosphere. We also discuss how
      these results might apply to other regions of the deep subsurface, where the
      nature of virus-host interactions would be altered, but possibly no less
      important, compared to more energetic hydrothermal systems.

PMID- 22084640
TI  - The potential for poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in cancer therapy.
AB  - The modulation of DNA repair pathways for therapeutic benefit in cancer has now
      become a reality with the development of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors
      (PARPi). PARP is involved in single-strand DNA breaks, which in the presence of
      defective homologous recombination repair lead to double-strand DNA breaks, the
      most lethal form of DNA damage. These agents therefore may be the drugs of choice
      for BRCA mutant breast and ovarian cancers. PARPi result in synergistic antitumor
      effects when combined with cisplatin, temozolomide, topoisomerase inhibitors and
      ionizing radiation. The indications for PARPi lie beyond BRCA mutations and may
      include genomic and functional defects in DNA repair and damage response
      pathways. Several PARPi are in the clinical development phase at this time and,
      given the recent failure of a phase III clinical trial of iniparib in triple
      negative breast cancer, the identification of structural and functional
      differences between these inhibitors becomes critical. Acquired resistance to
      PARPi is being noted and represents an important limitation in this field. A
      concise review of the literature in this field is presented.

PMID- 22084641
TI  - Preventing bowel cancer: an insight for clinicians.
AB  - Worldwide, colorectal cancer causes 610,000 deaths annually with 38,000 new cases
      diagnosed in the UK and 16,000 deaths each year. The prognosis is directly
      related to the staging of the cancer at diagnosis, with an overall 5-year
      survival rate of approximately 50%. However, for localized disease the figure is
      much higher at 90%, although unfortunately many cancers present at an advanced
      stage. Importantly, there is the potential to reduce the incidence because most
      tumours arise from premalignant adenomatous polyps, which if detected and removed
      interrupts the adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence. In addition, identifying
      colorectal cancer at an early stage can impact on the mortality rates for this
      neoplasm. The current screening options for bowel cancer include analysis of
      stool for occult blood and endoscopic assessments of the colorectum, including
      flexible sigmoidoscopy and full colonoscopy. The aim of this review is to present
      information on the natural history of colorectal cancer, the evaluation of the
      different screening modalities and the current faecal occult blood screening
      program within the UK National Health Service, and to discuss how dietary factors
      and aspirin may affect aetiology.

PMID- 22084642
TI  - The potential for crizotinib in non-small cell lung cancer: a perspective review.
AB  - Tyrosine kinases have a crucial role as key regulators of signaling pathways that
      influence cell differentiation and growth. Dysregulation of tyrosine kinase
      mediated signaling is understood to be an important oncogenic driver. Genetic
      rearrangements involving the tyrosine kinase anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)
      gene occur in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), anaplastic large cell
      lymphomoas, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, and other cancers. Cells with
      abnormal ALK signaling are sensitive to ALK inhibitors such as crizotinib. This
      review will highlight the discovery of the fusion between echinoderm microtubule
      associated protein-like 4 (EML4) and ALK as an oncogenic driver, recognition of
      other ALK gene rearrangements in NSCLC, and the confirmation that crizotinib is
      an effective treatment for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. Work is underway to
      further define the role for crizotinib in the treatment of ALK-positive lung
      cancer and other cancers and to investigate the molecular mechanisms for
      resistance to ALK inhibition with crizotinib.

PMID- 22084643
TI  - Zoledronic acid in breast cancer: latest findings and interpretations.
AB  - The intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid has been shown
      to block multiple steps in tumor metastasis (e.g. angiogenesis, invasion,
      adhesion, proliferation) in preclinical and translational studies. Moreover,
      clinical data from the ABCSG-12 and ZO-FAST trials demonstrate significantly
      improved disease-free survival with zoledronic acid in the adjuvant breast cancer
      setting. In contrast to these two trials, recent interim results from the AZURE
      trial do not show a benefit from adding zoledronic acid to adjuvant therapy in
      the overall patient population. However, subset analyses of AZURE data show that
      zoledronic acid significantly improved overall survival in women who were more
      than 5 years postmenopausal or older than 60 years at baseline. Similarly, subset
      analyses of the ABCSG-12 trial data demonstrate greater benefits from zoledronic
      acid treatment in patients who theoretically would have achieved more complete
      ovarian suppression. These observations, together with the AZURE postmenopausal
      data, suggest that the endocrine environment may affect the potential anticancer
      activity of zoledronic acid. Indeed, current data support the possibility that
      zoledronic acid might be most effective for improving disease-free survival in
      the adjuvant breast cancer setting in women who are postmenopausal or have
      endocrine therapy-induced menopause.

PMID- 22084644
TI  - Malignant melanoma in the elderly: different regional disease and poorer
      prognosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Age is a poor prognostic factor in melanoma patients. Elderly melanoma
      patients have a different presentation and clinical course than younger patients.
      We evaluated the impact of age >=70 years (yrs) on the diagnosis and natural
      history of melanoma. METHODS: Retrospective review of 610 patients with malignant
      melanoma entered into a prospective sentinel lymph node (SLN) database, treated
      from June 1997 to June 2010. Disease characteristics and clinical outcomes were
      compared between patients >=70 yrs vs. <70 yrs of age. RESULTS: 237 patients
      (39%) were >=70 yrs. Elderly patients had a higher proportion of head and neck
      melanomas (34% vs. 20%, p<0.001), and greater mean tumor thickness (2.4mm vs.
      1.8mm, p<0.001). A greater proportion of T3 or T4 melanoma was seen in the
      elderly (p<0.001) as well as a greater mean number of mitotic figures: 3.6/mm(2)
      vs. 2.7/mm(2) (p=0.005). Despite greater mean thickness, the incidence of SLN
      metastases was less in the >=70 yrs group with T3/T4 melanomas (18% vs. 33%,
      p=0.02). The elderly had a higher rate of local and in-transit recurrences, 14.5%
      vs. 3.4% at 5 yrs (p<0.001). 5 yr disease-specific mortality and overall
      mortality were worse for those >=70 yrs: 16% vs. 8% (p=0.004), and 30% vs. 12%
      (p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly (>=70 yrs) melanoma patients
      present with thicker melanomas and a higher mitotic rate but have fewer SLN
      metastases. Melanoma in the elderly is more common on the head and neck. Higher
      incidence of local/in-transit metastases is seen among the elderly. Five-year
      disease-specific mortality and overall mortality are both worse for these
      patients.

PMID- 22084645
TI  - Complications following expander/implant breast reconstruction utilizing
      acellular dermal matrix: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent increase in popularity of acellular dermal matrix
      assistance in immediate expander/implant breast reconstruction has led to variety
      of viewpoints. Many studies are published indicating an increase in complications
      with the use of acellular dermal matrix, while others indicate there is no
      increase in complications. METHODS: This meta-analysis utilizes information from
      available studies that directly compare one specific type of acellular dermal
      matrix with traditional methods of immediate expander/implant breast
      reconstruction. Eight studies were found through a meticulous literature search
      that met these criteria. RESULTS: There was more than a 2-fold increase in the
      number of infections and explanations in the acellular dermal matrix group
      compared to the control. There was a 3-fold increase in seroma formation in the
      acellular dermal matrix group compared to the control. There was a significant
      difference of intraoperative fill volumes between the acellular dermal matrix
      group compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates that after
      pooling all available date regarding the use of acellular dermal matrix in
      immediate expander/implant breast reconstruction there appears to be an increased
      rate of complications. However, the increased intraoperative fill volume may lead
      to ultimately greater patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22084647
TI  - Quality control for diagnostic oral microbiology laboratories in European
      countries.
AB  - Participation in diagnostic microbiology internal and external quality control
      (QC) processes is good laboratory practice and an essential component of a
      quality management system. However, no QC scheme for diagnostic oral microbiology
      existed until 2009 when the Clinical Oral Microbiology (COMB) Network was
      created. At the European Oral Microbiology Workshop in 2008, 12 laboratories
      processing clinical oral microbiological samples were identified. All these were
      recruited to participate into the study and six laboratories from six European
      countries completed both the online survey and the first QC round. Three
      additional laboratories participated in the second round. Based on the survey,
      European oral microbiology laboratories process a significant (mean per
      laboratory 4,135) number of diagnostic samples from the oral cavity annually. A
      majority of the laboratories did not participate in any internal or external QC
      programme and nearly half of the laboratories did not have standard operating
      procedures for the tests they performed. In both QC rounds, there was a large
      variation in the results, interpretation and reporting of antibiotic
      susceptibility testing among the laboratories. In conclusion, the results of this
      study demonstrate the need for harmonisation of laboratory processing methods and
      interpretation of results for oral microbiology specimens. The QC rounds
      highlighted the value of external QC in evaluating the efficacy and safety of
      processes, materials and methods used in the laboratory. The use of standardised
      methods is also a prerequisite for multi-centre epidemiological studies that can
      provide important information on emerging microbes and trends in anti-microbial
      susceptibility for empirical prescribing in oro-facial infections.

PMID- 22084648
TI  - Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia with AIDA Based Regimen. Update of a
      Tunisian Single Center Study.
AB  - In Tunisia, the ATRA era began in 1998 with the use, consecutively, of two
      regimens combining ATRA and an anthracycline with cytarabine (APL93), and without
      cytarabine (LPA99). From 2004, 51 patients with confirmed APL either by t(15;17)
      or PML/RARA were treated according to the PETHEMA LPA 99 trial. Forty three
      patients achieved CR (86%). The remaining seven patients had early death (one
      died before treatment onset): four caused by differentiation syndrome (DS) and
      three died from central nervous system hemorrhage. Multivariate analysis revealed
      that female gender (P=0.045), baseline WBC> 10 G/L (P=0.041) and serum creatinine
      > 1.4mg/dl (P=0.021) were predictive of mortality during induction. DS was
      observed in 16 patients (32%) after a median onset time of 15 days from treatment
      onset (range, 2-29). Body mass index >= 30 (P=0.01) remained independent
      predictor of DS. Occurrence of hypertensive peaks significantly predicted
      occurrence of DS (P=0.011) and was significantly associated with high BMI
      (p=0.003). With a median follow-up of 50 months, 5 year cumulative incidence of
      relapse, event free and overall survival were 4.7%, 74% and 78%, respectively.

PMID- 22084649
TI  - ATRA Induced Reactive Hemophagocytosis: a Case Report.
AB  - All trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is a targeted therapy, used in Acute Promyelcytic
      leukemia (APL) and causes the abnormal promyelocytes to differentiate in to
      mature leucocytes, however their clearance in vivo is not known. ATRA has been
      found to be associated with hemophagocytosis, but sometimes one may find
      phagocytosis of differentiated cells by histiocytes without the overt
      manifestations of hemophagocytic syndrome. We report a case of APL showing
      differentiated cells being phagocytosed by marrow histiocytes while patient was
      getting ATRA therapy.

PMID- 22084646
TI  - The use of growth factors and other humoral agents to accelerate and enhance burn
      wound healing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Certain cytokines, especially those known as growth factors, have been
      demonstrated to mediate or modulate burn wound healing. Experimental and clinical
      evidence suggests that there are therapeutic advantages to the wound healing
      process when these agents are utilized. Positive effects have been reported for 4
      types of wounds seen in the burn patient: partial-thickness wounds, full
      thickness wounds, interstices of meshed skin grafts, and skin graft donor sites.
      METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, Ovid,
      and Web of Science databases to identify pertinent articles regarding growth
      factors and other cytokines in burns and wound healing. RESULTS: The current
      knowledge about cytokine growth factors and their potential therapeutic
      applications in burn wound healing are discussed and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS:
      Platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, epidermal growth
      factors, transforming growth factor alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor,
      insulin-like growth factor I, nerve growth factor, transforming growth factor
      beta, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and amnion-derived
      cellular cytokine solution have all been suggested to enhance the rate and
      quality of healing in 1 or more of these wounds encountered in burn care.

PMID- 22084650
TI  - A case series highlighting the relative frequencies of the common, uncommon and
      atypical/unusual hematological findings on bone marrow examination in cases of
      visceral leishmaniasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy still remains as one of the vital
      tests for confirmation of diagnosis of visceral Leishmaniasis. The aim of the
      present study is to assess the relative frequency of common, uncommon and
      atypical hematological findings in cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis.  MATERIALS
      #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: A total of 16 cases of Leishmaniasis diagnosed on
      Bone marrow examination over a period of two years (2008-2010), were retrieved
      from the archives and the peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration smears
      and trephine biopsies were examined for the common, uncommon and atypical
      features as described in the literature. RESULTS: Out of the total of 16 cases,
      10 were pediatric and 6 adult cases. The common findings like pancytopenia,
      peripheral blood monocytosis, increased histiocytes on aspirate smears and
      granulomas on biopsies were noted in 12/16 (75%), 9/16 (56.25%), 13/16 (81.2%)
      and 11/16 (69%) cases respectively. Amongst the uncommon findings,
      hemophagocytosis was noted in 12/16 (75%) cases, plasma cells with inclusions in
      6/16 (37.5%) and LD bodies in cells other than histiocytes in 4/16 (25%) cases.
      The atypical findings included organism aggregates noted in 9/16 (56%) cases,
      Pelger-Heut cells seen in 4/16 (25%) cases and increased focal vascularity on
      biopsies in 10/16 (62.5%) cases. The average parasite density (APD) on smears was
      3+ and the range of positivity was 1+ to 5+. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of these
      morphological clues can assist us in searching for LD bodies and correctly
      diagnosing the condition without excessive dependence on unnecessary and
      sophisticated tests.

PMID- 22084651
TI  - Coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and mucormycosis in a patient with aplastic
      anemia post allogenic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Infections are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in allogenic stem
      cell transplant recipients. Survival of the patient depends on the accurate
      diagnosis of the infectious agents and prompt and effective management of the
      infection alongwith maintenance of adequate immunosuppression post
      transplantation. We here reported a case of aplastic anemia who developed left
      upper lobe consolidation post allogenic stem cell transplantation and was found
      to have combined infection with tuberculosis and mucormycosis. This is the first
      case of combined infection with tuberculosis and mucormycosis reported in such a
      host, with a favourable outcome.

PMID- 22084653
TI  - Clinical profile of dengue infection in patients with hematological diseases.
AB  - Managing hematological disorders in a tropical country presents several unique
      diagnostic and management problems. Apart from the disease process, we need to be
      aware of infections that can exacerbate or mimic serious hematological problems.
      We present here a series of five patients with pre-existing hematological
      diseases who were infected by dengue virus. These cases highlight the need to
      keep a strong suspicion of common endemic diseases in tropical countries before
      considering extensive workup for the basic hematological disease. There was no
      mortality and all patients recovered without any significant impact on their pre
      existing hematological condition inspite of their low baseline blood counts.
      There was no excessive bleeding, prolonged stay in the hospital or relapse of
      underlying hematological disease in these patients and the only major concern was
      the increased anxiety among both the patient and treating physician regarding the
      relapse/progression of pre-existing hematological disease.

PMID- 22084652
TI  - Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with high white cell blood counts.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with WBC above 10 G/L has long been
      considered, even in the all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) era, to carry a relatively
      poor prognosis (compared to APL with WBC below 10 G/L), due to increased early
      mortality and relapse. However, early deaths can to a large extent be avoided if
      specific measures are rapidly instigated, including prompt referral to a
      specialized center, immediate onset of ATRA and chemotherapy, treatment of
      coagulopathy with adequate platelet transfusional support, and prevention and
      management of differentiation syndrome. Strategies to reduce relapse rate include
      chemotherapy reinforcement with cytarabine and/or arsenic trioxide during
      consolidation, prolonged maintenance treatment, especially with ATRA and low dose
      chemotherapy, and possibly, although this is debated, intrathecal prophylaxis to
      prevent central nervous system relapse. By applying those measures, outcomes of
      patients with high risk APL have considerably improved, and have become in many
      studies almost similar to those of standard risk APL patients.

PMID- 22084654
TI  - Takayasu arteritis initially mimicking infective endocarditis.
AB  - Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects large
      vessels, predominantly the aorta and its main branches, leading to vessel wall
      thickening, fibrosis and stenosis. Cardiac and vascular symptoms are also
      commonly present at disease onset. In TA with thoracic or abdominal involvement,
      although murmur can be present at physical examination, the pulse difference may
      be absent. Here, we report a case of TA who initially resembled infective
      endocarditis and had widespread thoracic murmur.

PMID- 22084655
TI  - Possible clinical failure of artemether-lumefantrine in an italian traveler with
      uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
AB  - Artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended for the treatment of
      uncomplicated malaria in endemic areas with multidrug resistant Plasmodium
      falciparum. We report a case of possible artemether-lumefantrine clinical failure
      in an Italian traveler with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria imported from
      Democratic Republic of Congo.

PMID- 22084656
TI  - Cauda Equina Enhancing Lesion in an HIV-Infected Patient. Case Report and
      Literature Review.
AB  - We report the case of an HIV-infected young men with neuro-toxoplasmosis
      localized in the spinal cord. The patient received chemotherapy and immunotherapy
      for Burkitt lymphoma one year before. At the time of the diagnosis of
      toxoplasmosis, he was on prophylaxis with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole and
      in complete remission of Burkitt lymphoma. The CD4+ T cell count was 270/MUl and
      the HIV viremia was undetectable. These findings suggest that in this patient,
      the immunodeficiency promoting the neurologic toxoplasmosis arose more from
      previous immuno-chemotherapy than from the HIV-infection itself. On the whole,
      this case highlights that the risk stratification for opportunistic infections of
      HIV-infected patients should carefully consider their previous medical history
      and therapies received.

PMID- 22084657
TI  - Simplifying thromboprophylaxis could improve outcomes in orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism is a serious complication after total hip or knee surgery,
      and there is a well-established clinical need for thromboprophylaxis. However, in
      a large number of cases adequate administration of thromboprophylaxis does not
      seem to occur after total joint arthroplasty. A major challenge in the management
      of thromboprophylaxis is to balance the benefits of treatment with the risks,
      including bleeding complications. Another potential barrier to the optimal use of
      thromboprophylaxis could be the inconvenience of currently available agents. Many
      surgeons therefore adopt a conservative approach towards thromboprophylaxis.
      Simplifying therapy with more convenient, efficacious, and safe anticoagulants
      could change attitudes to anticoagulant use and improve adherence to
      thromboprophylactic guidelines.

PMID- 22084658
TI  - New oral anticoagulants for thromboprophylaxis after elective total hip and knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - Anticoagulant drugs reduce the risk of venous thromboembolic events after total
      hip and knee arthroplasty. However, the use of current drugs, such as low
      molecular weight heparins, is hampered by their subcutaneous route of
      administration. The use of vitamin K antagonists is hampered by the requirement
      for routine coagulation monitoring and dose titration to provide effective
      anticoagulation without an increased risk of bleeding and numerous food and drug
      interactions. Clearly, there is a need for new oral, fixed-dose anticoagulant
      drugs that do not require coagulation monitoring, while demonstrating similar or
      better efficacy and safety profiles when compared with current agents.

PMID- 22084659
TI  - Thrombin a-chain: activation remnant or allosteric effector?
AB  - Although prothrombin is one of the most widely studied enzymes in biology, the
      role of the thrombin A-chain has been neglected in comparison to the other
      domains. This paper summarizes the current data on the prothrombin catalytic
      domain A-chain region and the subsequent thrombin A-chain. Attention is given to
      biochemical characterization of naturally occurring prothrombin A-chain mutations
      and alanine scanning mutants in this region. While originally considered to be
      simply an activation remnant with little physiologic function, the thrombin A
      chain is now thought to play a role as an allosteric effector in enzymatic
      reactions and may also be a structural scaffold to stabilize the protease domain.

PMID- 22084660
TI  - Different Finite Durations of Anticoagulation and Outcomes following Idiopathic
      Venous Thromboembolism: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Introduction. Controversy remains over the optimal length of anticoagulation
      following idiopathic venous thromboembolism. We sought to determine if a longer,
      finite course of anticoagulation offered additional benefit over a short course
      in the initial treatment of the first episode of idiopathic venous
      thromboembolism. Data Extraction. Rates of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary
      embolism, combined venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and mortality were
      extracted from prospective trials enrolling patients with first time, idiopathic
      venous thromboembolism. Data was pooled using random effects meta-regression.
      Results. Ten trials, with a total of 3225 patients, met inclusion criteria. For
      each additional month of initial anticoagulation, once therapy was stopped,
      recurrent venous thromboembolism (0.03 (95% CI: -0.28 to 0.35); P = .24),
      mortality (-0.10 (95% CI: -0.24 to 0.04); P = .15), and major bleeding (-0.01
      (95% CI: -0.05 to 0.02); P = .44) rates measured in percent per patient years,
      did not significantly change. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an initial idiopathic
      venous thromboembolism should be treated with 3 to 6 months of secondary
      prophylaxis with vitamin K antagonists. At that time, a decision between
      continuing with indefinite therapy can be made, but there is no benefit to a
      longer (but finite) course of therapy.

PMID- 22084661
TI  - The Potential Value of Near Patient Platelet Function Testing in PCI: Randomised
      Comparison of 600 mg versus 900 mg Clopidogrel Loading Doses.
AB  - Whilst poor response to clopidogrel is associated with adverse outcomes
      uncertainty exists as to how (a) response should be assessed and (b) poor
      responders managed. We utilised VerifyNow P2Y12 and short Thrombelastography
      (TEG) to assess 900 mg doses in (i) initial poor responders to 600 mg and (ii) in
      a randomised comparison with 600 mg. Blood was taken before and six hours post
      clopidogrel in (i) 30 volunteers receiving 600 mg (poor responders received 900
      mg > two weeks later) and (ii) 60 patients randomized 1 : 1 to 600 mg or 900 mg
      doses. Poor response was defined as TEG %Clotting Inhibition (%CIn) or VerifyNow
      Platelet Response Unit (PRU) reduction <30%. (i) Poor responders to 600 mg had
      greater PRU reduction (45.0 versus 20.1%, P = 0.03) and greater %CIn (22.9 versus
      -15.1%, P = 0.01) after 900 mg but (ii) there were no significant differences
      between the patient groups. Near-patient assessment of response to clopidogrel is
      feasible and clinically useful. Whilst ineffective on a population basis 900 mg
      doses increase the effect of clopidogrel in initial poor responders.

PMID- 22084662
TI  - Urinary Prothrombin Fragment 1+2 in relation to Development of Non-Symptomatic
      and Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolic Events following Total Knee Replacement.
AB  - Prothrombin fragment 1+2 is excreted in urine (uF1+2) as a result of in vivo
      thrombin generation and can be a marker of coagulation status after an operative
      procedure. This study compared uF1+2 levels in patients with symptomatic and non
      symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee replacement (TKR) and
      in event-free sex- and age-matched controls. Significantly higher median uF1+2
      levels were seen in the VTE patients on days 1, 3, and the day of venography
      (mostly day 7) after TKR compared with controls. The uF1+2 levels tended to be
      high in some patients with symptomatic VTE; however, the discriminatory efficacy
      of the test could not be evaluated. In conclusion, this study showed that
      patients with VTE tend to have significantly higher uF1+2 levels compared with
      patients without events between days 1 and 7 after TKR surgery. Measurement of
      uF1+2 could provide a simple, non-invasive clinical test to identify patients at
      risk of VTE.

PMID- 22084663
TI  - Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in trauma patients.
AB  - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are known collectively as
      venous thromboembolism (VTE). Venous thromboembolic events are common and
      potentially life-threatening complications following trauma with an incidence of
      5 to 63%. DVT prophylaxis is essential in the management of trauma patients.
      Currently, the optimal VTE prophylaxis strategy for trauma patients is unknown.
      Traditionally, pelvic and lower extremity fractures, head injury, and prolonged
      immobilization have been considered risk factors for VTE; however it is unclear
      which combination of risk factors defines a high-risk group. Modalities available
      for trauma patient thromboprophylaxis are classified into pharmacologic
      anticoagulation, mechanical prophylaxis, and inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.
      The available pharmacologic agents include low-dose heparin (LDH), low molecular
      weight heparin (LMWH), and factor Xa inhibitors. Mechanical prophylaxis methods
      include graduated compression stockings (GCSs), pneumatic compression devices
      (PCDs), and A-V foot pumps. IVCs are traditionally used in high risk patients in
      whom pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated. Both EAST and ACCP
      guidelines recommend primary use of LMWHs in trauma patients; however there are
      still controversies regarding the definitive VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients.
      Large randomized prospective clinical studies would be required to provide level
      I evidence to define the optimal VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients.

PMID- 22084664
TI  - Clinical use of the low-molecular-weight heparins in cancer patients: focus on
      the improved patient outcomes.
AB  - Patients with malignant neoplastic diseases represent a high-risk population
      relative to thromboembolic disease. With the advent of improved and accessible
      diagnostic technology, for example, ultrasound and/or spiral CT scans, timely
      diagnosis of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) is readily accomplished. The
      introduction of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) approximately two decades ago
      (in contrast to unfractionated heparin and vitamin K antagonists) has provided a
      class of agents with a favorable therapeutic index. In the review to follow, the
      literature regarding the use of LMWH in oncologic patient populations is
      summarized. Topics addressed include prophylaxis, and treatment as well as
      consideration of the potential anti-neoplastic properties of this class of drugs.

PMID- 22084666
TI  - Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hospitalized Chinese Medical Patients and
      the Impact of DVT Prophylaxis.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in hospitalized
      Chinese medical patients and the impact of DVT prophylaxis. Methods. All cases of
      confirmed proximal DVT from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008 were reviewed
      retrospectively to determine the presence of risk factors and whether DVT
      developed: during hospitalization in medical wards or in case of readmission with
      a diagnosis of DVT within 14 days of discharge from a recent admission to medical
      wards. The impact of prophylaxis will be estimated by comparing the annual
      incidence of proximal DVT among medical patients hospitalized from 2005 to 2007
      with that of 2008 (DVT prophylaxis commonly used). Results. From 1 January 2005
      to 31 December 2008, 3938 Doppler ultrasound studies were performed for suspected
      DVT. Proximal DVT was diagnosed in 687 patients. The calculated incidence of
      proximal DVT among medical patients hospitalized for at least two days was 1.8%,
      2%, and 1.7% for the year 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. The incidence was
      1.1% for 2008 (P < .001). Conclusion. Proximal DVT was substantial in Chinese
      medical patients, and DVT prophylaxis might reduce such risk.

PMID- 22084665
TI  - Thrombocytosis: diagnostic evaluation, thrombotic risk stratification, and risk
      based management strategies.
AB  - Thrombocytosis is a commonly encountered clinical scenario, with a large
      proportion of cases discovered incidentally. The differential diagnosis for
      thrombocytosis is broad and the diagnostic process can be challenging.
      Thrombocytosis can be spurious, attributed to a reactive process or due to clonal
      disorder. This distinction is important as it carries implications for
      evaluation, prognosis, and treatment. Clonal thrombocytosis associated with the
      myeloproliferative neoplasms, especially essential thrombocythemia and
      polycythemia vera, carries a unique prognostic profile, with a markedly increased
      risk of thrombosis. This risk is the driving factor behind treatment strategies
      in these disorders. Clinical trials utilizing targeted therapies in
      thrombocytosis are ongoing with new therapeutic targets waiting to be explored.
      This paper will outline the mechanisms underlying thrombocytosis, the diagnostic
      evaluation of thrombocytosis, complications of thrombocytosis with a special
      focus on thrombotic risk as well as treatment options for clonal processes
      leading to thrombocytosis, including essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia
      vera.

PMID- 22084667
TI  - The use of a scoring system to guide thromboprophylaxis in a high-risk pregnant
      population.
AB  - Guidelines for thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy are usually based upon clinical
      observations and expert opinion. For optimal impact, their use must be attended
      by consistency in the advice given to women. In this observational study, we
      evaluated the performance of a scoring system, used as a guide for clinicians
      administering dalteparin to pregnant women at increased risk of venous
      thromboembolism. The work included 47 women treated with dalteparin prior to
      adoption of the scoring system and 58 women treated with dalteparin after its
      adoption. The indication for thromboprophylaxis was recorded in each case
      together with details of the regimen employed, obstetric, and haematological
      outcomes. The main outcome measure was to determine whether consistency improved
      after adoption of the scoring system. We also recorded the occurrence of any new
      venous thromboembolism, haemorrhage, the use of regional anaesthesia during
      labour, evidence of allergy, and thrombocytopenia. We found that use of the
      scoring system improved the consistency of advice and increased the mean duration
      of thromboprophylaxis. None of the subjects suffered venous thromboembolism after
      assessment using the scoring system. There was no increase in obstetric or
      anaesthetic morbidity when dalteparin was given antenatally period and no
      evidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22084668
TI  - The CYTO-PV: A Large-Scale Trial Testing the Intensity of CYTOreductive Therapy
      to Prevent Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Polycythemia Vera.
AB  - Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder whose major
      morbidity and mortality are thrombohaemorragic events. Current guidelines advise
      maintaining hematocrit (HCT) level below 45% in males and 42% in females. Such
      targets lean on pathophysiological reasoning, while evidence from ECLAP and PVSG
      01, the two largest prospective studies in this disease, suggests no difference
      in the rate of thrombosis in patients maintained at different HCT values below
      50%-52%. Cytoreductive therapy in PV (CYTO-PV) is a multicenter, randomized, and
      controlled trial assess the benefit/risk profile of cytoreductive therapy with
      phlebotomy or HU aimed at maintaining HCT < 45% versus maintaining HCT in the
      range 45%-50%. CYTO-PV is being conducted in the framework of the Gruppo Italiano
      Malattie Ematologiche nell'Adulto (GIMEMA) and is funded by the Italian Drug
      Agency (AIFA). It is an independent trial with broad recruitment criteria to
      mimic clinical practice. We describe here the study and its advancement status.
      Conclusions. Clinical research in rare disease can be carried out with limited
      funds, provided a research hypothesis is felt as clinically relevant by a
      scientific community willing to share knowledge on the outcome of clinical
      practice, thus producing scientific results useful to improve treatment and
      prognosis of patients.

PMID- 22084669
TI  - Venous thromboembolism following colorectal surgery for suspected or confirmed
      malignancy.
AB  - Surgery for colorectal cancer conveys a high risk of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE). The effect of thromboprophylactic regimens of varying duration on the
      incidence of VTE was assessed in 417 patients undergoing surgery between 2005 and
      2009 for colorectal cancer. Low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) was used in
      52.7% of patients, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in 35.3%, and 10.7%
      received LDUH followed by LMWH. Pharmacological prophylaxis was continued after
      hospitalisation in 31.6%. Major bleeding occurred in 4% of patients. The 30-day
      mortality rate was 1.9%. The incidence of symptomatic VTE from hospital admission
      for surgery to 12 months after was 2.4%. There were no in-hospital VTE events.
      The majority of events occurred in the three-month period after discharge, but
      there were VTE events up to 12 months, especially in patients with more advanced
      cancer and multiple comorbidities.

PMID- 22084670
TI  - Gender and Vascular Complications in the JAK2 V617F-Positive Myeloproliferative
      Neoplasms.
AB  - We previously found that gender influenced the JAK2 V617F allele burden, but it
      is unknown whether this gender difference in molecular epidemiology influences
      complications in the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Historically, vascular
      complications represented the most common cause of mortality in polycythemia vera
      and essential thrombocytosis and contributed to morbidity in primary
      myelofibrosis. To determine the influence of gender on vascular complications, we
      retrospectively analyzed associations between gender and vascular complications.
      Despite their younger age, less prevalent dyslipidemia or smoking history, lower
      white blood counts, and lower JAK2 V617F allele burden, women had higher rates of
      abdominal venous thrombosis and comparable rates of all vascular complications.
      Vascular risk is currently not easily stratified by MPN-disease burden or
      traditional risk factors. Our analysis contributes to growing literature
      emphasizing gender differences in the MPN and further supports the important
      impact of individual and host variation on MPN clinical manifestations, and
      especially vascular risk.

PMID- 22084671
TI  - Emergency Physician Performed Ultrasound for DVT Evaluation.
AB  - Deep vein thrombosis is a common condition that is often difficult to diagnose
      and may be lethal when allowed to progress. However, early implementation of
      treatment substantially improves the disease prognosis. Therefore, care must be
      taken to both acquire an accurate differential diagnosis for patients with
      symptoms as well as to screen at-risk asymptomatic individuals. Many diagnostic
      tools exist to evaluate deep vein thrombosis. Compression ultrasonography is
      currently the most effective diagnostic tool in the emergency department, shown
      to be highly accurate at minimal expense. However, limited availability of
      ultrasound technicians may result in delayed imaging or in a decision not to
      image low-risk cases. Many studies support emergency physiciansas capable of
      accurately diagnosing deep vein thrombosis using bedside ultrasound. Further
      integration of ultrasound into the training of emergency physicians for use in
      evaluating deep vein thrombosis will improve patient care and cost-effective
      treatment.

PMID- 22084672
TI  - Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis with Continuous IV Infusion of LMWH: A
      Retrospective Study in 32 Children.
AB  - Thirty-two consecutive children aged 0-18 years with VTE treated with LMWH
      administered as a continuous infusion (CI) were identified at the Children's
      University Hospital Brno. The treatment led to at least partial resolution of the
      thrombus within two weeks in 85% of patients. There were no adverse events or
      increased bleeding reported in any patients. No recurrences were observed during
      a followup period of 6 months. Although continuous infusion should not replace
      subcutaneous (SC) administration of LMWH, CI appeared to be safe and efficient
      and may provide an alternate method of administering LMWH in a subset of the
      paediatric population where SC administration may not be feasible. Further
      prospective studies are needed to support the promising findings of our pilot
      clinical observation.

PMID- 22084673
TI  - Are we missing post-thrombotic syndrome syndrome? An orthopaedic perspective in
      lower limb arthroplasty.
AB  - 2-5% of patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty develop a symptomatic DVT;
      there is evidence to suggest that without prophylaxis 40-60% of patients have a
      subclinical DVT. This can be reduced by around half with appropriate
      thromboprophylaxis; there still remains a significant incidence of subclinical
      DVT. Therefore, it is important to know, as orthopaedic surgeons, if our patients
      undergoing large joint arthroplasty are being adversely affected. Post-thrombotic
      syndrome (PTS) is usually associated with symptomatic DVT, and the purpose of
      this paper is to address if asymptomatic DVT is also associated with an increased
      risk of PTS. The majority of evidence gathered does not support a link;
      therefore, there is no evidence to warrant a change in practice to warn patients
      of a potential risk or to routinely screen asymptomatic patients.

PMID- 22084674
TI  - Postthrombotic syndrome: surgical possibilities.
AB  - Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a late outcome of deep vein thrombosis
      characterized by cramping pain, swelling, hyperpigmentation, eczema,
      lipodermatosclerosis, and ulceration in the leg due to increased venous outflow
      resistance and reflux venous flow. Newer surgical and endovascular interventions
      have a promising result in the management of postthrombotic syndrome. Early
      surgical or endovascular interventions in appropriately selected patients may
      decrease the incidence of recurrent ulceration and skin changes and provide a
      better quality of life. Duplex and IVUS (intravenous ultrasound) along with
      venography serve as cornerstone investigative tools for assessment of reflux and
      obstruction. Venous obstruction, if present, should be addressed earlier than
      reflux. It requires endovenous stenting, endophlebectomy, or open bypass
      procedures. Venous stripping, foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency, or laser
      ablation are used to abolish superficial venous reflux. Valvuloplasty procedures
      are useful for incompetent but intact deep venous valves, while transposition or
      axillary vein autotransplantation is done for completely destroyed valves.

PMID- 22084675
TI  - Heat shock protein: hard worker or bad offender for gastric diseases.
AB  - Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have core housekeeping functions in the cells where
      they are built-in components of folding, signal transduction pathways, and
      quality control functions for which they proofread the structure of proteins and
      repair misfolded conformers. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to
      significant inflammations in the gastric mucosa, which is closely associated with
      development of either precancerous lesion including chronic atrophic gastritis or
      gastric cancer in addition to, peptic ulcer disease, and mucosa-associated
      lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Therefore, the association between H. pylori
      infection and role of HSP has been focused as an important issue because there
      had been rather conflicting publications showing that HSPs as a good worker for
      defense against H. pylori infection, whereas HSPs as a bad offender contributing
      to the progression of H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis in addition to
      aggravation of gastric inflammation. In this paper regarding proteomic discovery
      of HSPs related to H. pylori-associated gastric diseases, we introduce several
      evidences obtained from proteomic analysis dealing with friend or foe role of HSP
      in H. pylori infection from a cellular level to human diseases. The implication
      of HSPs in alcoholic or NSAIDs-induced gastritis and the intervening of HSPs in
      biological changes exemplified with TGF-beta signaling, key tumor suppressor
      growth factors regulating inflammation, immune function, and carcinogenesis were
      further introduced.

PMID- 22084676
TI  - p73-Binding Partners and Their Functional Significance.
AB  - p73 is one of the tumor-suppressor p53 family of nuclear transcription factor. As
      expected from the structural similarity between p53 and p73, p73 has a tumor
      suppressive function. However, p73 was rarely mutated in human primary tumors.
      Under normal physiological conditions, p73 is kept at an extremely low level to
      allow cells normal growth. In response to a certain subset of DNA damages, p73 is
      induced dramatically and transactivates an overlapping set of p53-target genes
      implicated in the promotion of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptotic cell death.
      Cells undergo cell cycle arrest and/or apoptotic cell death depending on the type
      and strength of DNA damages. p73 is regulated largely through the
      posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation. These
      chemical modifications are tightly linked to direct protein-protein interactions.
      In the present paper, the authors describe the functional significance of the
      protein-protein interactions in the regulation of proapoptotic p73.

PMID- 22084677
TI  - Heat shock proteins in the human eye.
AB  - Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are believed to primarily protect and maintain cell
      viability under stressful conditions such as those occurring during thermal and
      oxidative challenges chiefly by refolding and stabilizing proteins. Hsps are
      found throughout the various tissues of the eye where they are thought to confer
      protection from disease states such as cataract, glaucoma, and cancer. This
      minireview summarizes the placement, properties, and roles of Hsps in the eye and
      aims to provide a better comprehension of their function and involvement in
      ocular disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 22084678
TI  - Proteomic Signatures of the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo: Sensitivity and
      Specificity in Toxicity Assessment of Chemicals.
AB  - Studies using embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio (DarT) instead of adult fish
      for characterising the (eco-) toxic potential of chemicals have been proposed as
      animal replacing methods. Effect analysis at the molecular level might enhance
      sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the embryonal studies. The
      present paper aimed to test the potential of toxicoproteomics with zebrafish
      eleutheroembryos for sensitive and specific toxicity assessment. 2-DE-based
      toxicoproteomics was performed applying low-dose (EC(10)) exposure for 48 h with
      three-model substances Rotenone, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and Diclofenac. By
      multivariate "pattern-only" PCA and univariate statistical analyses, alterations
      in the embryonal proteome were detectable in nonetheless visibly intact organisms
      and treatment with the three substances was distinguishable at the molecular
      level. Toxicoproteomics enabled the enhancement of sensitivity and specificity of
      the embryonal toxicity assay and bear the potency to identify protein markers
      serving as general stress markers and early diagnosis of toxic stress.

PMID- 22084679
TI  - Expression of Heat Shock and Other Stress Response Proteins in Ticks and Cultured
      Tick Cells in Response to Anaplasma spp. Infection and Heat Shock.
AB  - Ticks are ectoparasites of animals and humans that serve as vectors of Anaplasma
      and other pathogens that affect humans and animals worldwide. Ticks and the
      pathogens that they transmit have coevolved molecular interactions involving
      genetic traits of both the tick and the pathogen that mediate their development
      and survival. In this paper, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and
      other stress response proteins (SRPs) was characterized in ticks and cultured
      tick cells by proteomics and transcriptomics analyses in response to Anaplasma
      spp. infection and heat shock. The results of these studies demonstrated that the
      stress response was activated in ticks and cultured tick cells after Anaplasma
      spp. infection and heat shock. However, in the natural vector-pathogen
      relationship, HSPs and other SRPs were not strongly activated, which likely
      resulted from tick-pathogen coevolution. These results also demonstrated pathogen
      and tick-specific differences in the expression of HSPs and other SRPs in ticks
      and cultured tick cells infected with Anaplasma spp. and suggested the existence
      of post-transcriptional mechanisms induced by Anaplasma spp. to control tick
      response to infection. These results illustrated the complexity of the stress
      response in ticks and suggested a function for the HSPs and other SRPs during
      Anaplasma spp. infection.

PMID- 22084680
TI  - Comparative proteomic analysis of proteins involved in the tumorigenic process of
      seminal vesicle carcinoma in transgenic mice.
AB  - We studied the seminal vesicle secretion (SVS) of transgenic mice by using one
      dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with LTQ-FT ICR MS analysis to explore
      protein expression profiles. Using unique peptide numbers as a cut-off criterion,
      79 proteins were identified with high confidence in the SVS proteome. Label-free
      quantitative analysis was performed by using the IDEAL_Q software program.
      Furthermore, western blot assays were performed to validate the expression of
      seminal vesicle proteins. Sulfhydryl oxidase 1, glia-derived nexin, SVS1, SVS3,
      and SVS6 showed overexpression in SVS during cancer development. With high
      sequence similarity to human semenogelin, SVS2 is the most abundance protein in
      SVS and is dramatically decreased during the tumorigenic process. Our results
      indicate that these protein candidates could serve as potential targets for
      monitoring seminal vesicle carcinoma. Moreover, this information can provide
      clues for investigating seminal vesicle secretion-containing seminal plasma for
      related human diseases.

PMID- 22084681
TI  - Cladribine and Fludarabine Nucleoside Change the Levels of CD Antigens on B
      Lymphoproliferative Disorders.
AB  - The purine analogs, fludarabine nucleoside (FdA), and cladribine (CdA) (1 MUM, 24
      hours), significantly changed the levels of some surface antigens on the human B
      cell lines MEC2 and Raji. Changes in the surface proteins were identified using a
      Cluster of Differentiation (CD) antibody microarray that captures live cells and
      confirmed by flow cytometry. For Raji cells, CdA up-regulated CD10, CD54, CD80,
      and CD86, with repression of CD22, while FdA up-regulated CD20, CD54, CD80, CD86
      and CD95. For MEC2 cells, CdA up-regulated CD11a, CD20, CD43, CD45, CD52, CD54,
      CD62L, CD80, CD86, and CD95, but FdA had no effect. Up-regulation of particular
      CD antigens induced on a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder by a purine analog
      could provide targets for therapeutic antibodies with synergistic cell killing.

PMID- 22084682
TI  - Proteomics in melanoma biomarker discovery: great potential, many obstacles.
AB  - The present clinical staging of melanoma stratifies patients into heterogeneous
      groups, resulting in the application of aggressive therapies to large
      populations, diluting impact and increasing toxicity. To move to a new era of
      therapeutic decisions based on highly specific tumor profiling, the discovery and
      validation of new prognostic and predictive biomarkers in melanoma is critical.
      Genomic profiling, which is showing promise in other solid tumors, requires fresh
      tissue from a large number of primary tumors, and thus faces a unique challenge
      in melanoma. For this and other reasons, proteomics appears to be an ideal choice
      for the discovery of new melanoma biomarkers. Several approaches to proteomics
      have been utilized in the search for clinically relevant biomarkers, but to date
      the results have been relatively limited. This article will review the present
      work using both tissue and serum proteomics in the search for melanoma
      biomarkers, highlighting both the relative advantages and disadvantages of each
      approach. In addition, we review several of the major obstacles that need to be
      overcome in order to advance the field.

PMID- 22084684
TI  - Protein biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer.
AB  - Advances in breast cancer control will be greatly aided by early detection so as
      to diagnose and treat breast cancer in its preinvasive state prior to metastasis.
      For breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women
      in the United States, early detection does allow for increased treatment options,
      including surgical resection, with a corresponding better patient response.
      Unfortunately, however, many patients' tumors are diagnosed following metastasis,
      thus making it more difficult to successfully treat the malignancy. There are, at
      present, no existing validated plasma/serum biomarkers for breast cancer. Only a
      few biomarkers (such as HER-2/neu, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor)
      have utility for diagnosis and prognosis. Thus, there is a great need for new
      biomarkers for breast cancer. This paper will focus on the identification of new
      serum protein biomarkers with utility for the early detection of breast cancer.

PMID- 22084683
TI  - Secretome Analysis of Skeletal Myogenesis Using SILAC and Shotgun Proteomics.
AB  - Myogenesis, the formation of skeletal muscle, is a multistep event that commences
      with myoblast proliferation, followed by cell-cycle arrest, and finally the
      formation of multinucleated myotubes via fusion of mononucleated myoblasts. Each
      step is orchestrated by well-documented intracellular factors, such as
      cytoplasmic signalling molecules and nuclear transcription factors. Regardless,
      the key step in getting a more comprehensive understanding of the regulation of
      myogenesis is to explore the extracellular factors that are capable of eliciting
      the downstream intracellular factors. This could further provide valuable insight
      into the acute cellular response to extrinsic cues in maintaining normal muscle
      development. In this paper, we survey the intracellular factors that respond to
      extracellular cues that are responsible for the cascades of events during
      myogenesis: myoblast proliferation, cell-cycle arrest of myoblasts, and
      differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. This focus on extracellular
      perspective of muscle development illustrates our mass spectrometry-based
      proteomic approaches to identify differentially expressed secreted factors during
      skeletal myogenesis.

PMID- 22084685
TI  - Proteomics in pancreatic cancer research.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and
      deeply affects the life of people. Therefore, the earlier diagnosis and better
      treatments are urgently needed. In recent years, the proteomic technologies are
      well established and growing rapidly and have been widely applied in clinical
      applications, especially in pancreatic cancer research. In this paper, we attempt
      to discuss the development of current proteomic technologies and the application
      of proteomics to the field of pancreatic cancer research. This will explore the
      potential perspective in revealing pathogenesis, making the diagnosis earlier and
      treatment.

PMID- 22084686
TI  - Phosphorylation: the molecular switch of double-strand break repair.
AB  - Repair of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) is vital to maintaining genomic
      stability. In mammalian cells, DSBs are resolved in one of the following complex
      repair pathways: nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR),
      or the inclusive DNA damage response (DDR). These repair pathways rely on factors
      that utilize reversible phosphorylation of proteins as molecular switches to
      regulate DNA repair. Many of these molecular switches overlap and play key roles
      in multiple pathways. For example, the NHEJ pathway and the DDR both utilize DNA
      PK phosphorylation, whereas the HR pathway mediates repair with phosphorylation
      of RPA2, BRCA1, and BRCA2. Also, the DDR pathway utilizes the kinases ATM and
      ATR, as well as the phosphorylation of H2AX and MDC1. Together, these molecular
      switches regulate repair of DSBs by aiding in DSB recognition, pathway
      initiation, recruitment of repair factors, and the maintenance of repair
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22084687
TI  - Clinical utility of serum autoantibodies detected by protein microarray in
      melanoma.
AB  - Better prognostic and predictive markers in melanoma are needed to select
      patients for therapy. We utilized a dual-lectin affinity chromatography and a
      natural protein microarray-based analysis to select a subproteome of target
      glycoproteins to profile serum antibodies against melanoma associated antigens
      that may predict nodal positivity. We identified 5 melanoma-associated antigens
      using this microarray coupled to mass spectrometry; GRP75, GRP94, ASAH1, CTSD and
      LDHB. We evaluated their predictive value for nodal status adjusting for age,
      gender, Breslow thickness, mitotic rate and ulceration using standard logistic
      regression. After adjustment, ASAH1, CTSD and LDHB were significantly negatively
      associated with nodal status (P = 0.0008) and GRP94 was significantly positively
      associated (P = 0.014). Our best multivariate model for nodal positivity included
      Breslow thickness, presence of serum anti-ASAH1, anti-LDHB or anti-CTSD, and
      presence of serum anti-GRP94, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.869. If
      validated, these results show promise for selecting clinically node negative
      patients for SLN biopsy. In addition, there is strong potential for glycoprotein
      microarray to screen serum autoantibodies that may identify patients at high risk
      of distant metastases or those likely or unlikely to respond to treatment, and
      these proteins may serve as targets for intervention.

PMID- 22084688
TI  - PolyAlign: A Versatile LC-MS Data Alignment Tool for Landmark-Selected and 
      Automated Use.
AB  - We present a versatile user-friendly software tool, PolyAlign, for the alignment
      of multiple LC-MS signal maps with the option of manual landmark setting or
      automated alignment. One of the spectral images is selected as a reference map,
      and after manually setting the landmarks, the program warps the images using
      either polynomial or Hermite transformation. The software provides an option for
      automated landmark finding. The software includes a very fast zoom-in function
      synchronized between the images, which facilitate detecting correspondences
      between the adjacent images. Such an interactive visual process enables the
      analyst to decide when the alignment is satisfactory and to correct known
      irregularities. We demonstrate that the software provides significant
      improvements in the alignment of LC-MALDI data, with 10-15 landmark pairs, and it
      is also applicable to correcting electrospray LC-MS data. The results with
      practical data show substantial improvement in peak alignment compared to MZmine,
      which was among the best analysis packages in a recent assessment. The PolyAlign
      software is freely available and easily accessible as an integrated component of
      the popular MZmine software, and also as a simpler stand-alone Perl
      implementation to preview data and apply landmark directed polynomial
      transformation.

PMID- 22084689
TI  - Heat shock proteins in association with heat tolerance in grasses.
AB  - The grass family Poaceae includes annual species cultivated as major grain crops
      and perennial species cultivated as forage or turf grasses. Heat stress is a
      primary factor limiting growth and productivity of cool-season grass species and
      is becoming a more significant problem in the context of global warming. Plants
      have developed various mechanisms in heat-stress adaptation, including changes in
      protein metabolism such as the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs). This
      paper summarizes the structure and function of major HSPs, recent research
      progress on the association of HSPs with grass tolerance to heat stress, and
      incorporation of HSPs in heat-tolerant grass breeding.

PMID- 22084690
TI  - Proteomic Characterization of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A
      T) Patients Using a LC/MS-Based Label-Free Protein Quantification Technology.
AB  - Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been used for biomarker discovery of
      neurodegenerative diseases in humans since biological changes in the brain can be
      seen in this biofluid. Inactivation of A-T-mutated protein (ATM), a
      multifunctional protein kinase, is responsible for A-T, yet biochemical studies
      have not succeeded in conclusively identifying the molecular mechanism(s)
      underlying the neurodegeneration seen in A-T patients or the proteins that can be
      used as biomarkers for neurologic assessment of A-T or as potential therapeutic
      targets. In this study, we applied a high-throughput LC/MS-based label-free
      protein quantification technology to quantitatively characterize the proteins in
      CSF samples in order to identify differentially expressed proteins that can serve
      as potential biomarker candidates for A-T. Among 204 identified CSF proteins with
      high peptide-identification confidence, thirteen showed significant protein
      expression changes. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these 13 proteins are
      either involved in neurodegenerative disorders or cancer. Future molecular and
      functional characterization of these proteins would provide more insights into
      the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of A-T and the biomarkers
      that can be used to monitor or predict A-T disease progression. Clinical
      validation studies are required before any of these proteins can be developed
      into clinically useful biomarkers.

PMID- 22084691
TI  - Glycoproteomics-based identification of cancer biomarkers.
AB  - Protein glycosylation is one of the most common posttranslational modifications
      in mammalian cells. It is involved in many biological pathways and molecular
      functions and is well suited for proteomics-based disease investigations.
      Aberrant protein glycosylation may be associated with disease processes. Specific
      glycoforms of glycoproteins may serve as potential biomarkers for the early
      detection of disease or as biomarkers for the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy
      for treatment of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Recent technological
      developments, including lectin affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry,
      have provided researchers the ability to obtain detailed information concerning
      protein glycosylation. These in-depth investigations, including profiling and
      quantifying glycoprotein expression, as well as comprehensive glycan structural
      analyses may provide important information leading to the development of disease
      related biomarkers. This paper describes methodologies for the detection of
      cancer-related glycoprotein and glycan structural alterations and briefly
      summarizes several current cancer-related findings.

PMID- 22084692
TI  - Venous thromboembolism: classification, risk factors, diagnosis, and management.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is categorised as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and
      pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE is associated with high morbidity and causes a huge
      financial burden on patients, hospitals, and governments. Both acquired and
      hereditary risks factors contribute to VTE. To diagnose VTE, noninvasive cost
      effective diagnostic algorithms including clinical probability assessment and D
      dimer measurement may be employed followup by compression ultrasonography for
      suspected DVT patients and multidetector computed tomography angiography for
      suspected PE patients. There are pharmacological and mechanical interventions to
      manage and prevent VTE. The pharmacological approaches mainly target pathways in
      coagulation cascade nonspecifically: conventional anticoagulants or specifically:
      new generation of anticoagulants. Excess bleeding is one of the major risk
      factors for pharmacological interventions. Hence, nonpharmacological or
      mechanical approaches such as inferior vena cava filters, graduated compression
      stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression devices in combination with
      pharmacological interventions or alone may be a good approach to manage VTE.

PMID- 22084693
TI  - Hepatitis C virus-related lymphomagenesis in a mouse model.
AB  - B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a typical extrahepatic manifestation frequently
      associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The mechanism by which HCV
      infection leads to lymphoproliferative disorder remains unclear. Our group
      established HCV transgenic mice that expressed the full HCV genome in B cells
      (RzCD19Cre mice). We observed a 25.0% incidence of diffuse large B cell non
      Hodgkin lymphomas (22.2% in male and 29.6% in female mice) within 600 days of
      birth. Interestingly, RzCD19Cre mice with substantially elevated serum-soluble
      interleukin-2 receptor alpha-subunit (sIL-2Ralpha) levels (>1000 pg/mL) developed
      B cell lymphomas. Another mouse model of lymphoproliferative disorder was
      established by persistent expression of HCV structural proteins through
      disruption of interferon regulatory factor-1 (irf-1(_/_)/CN2 mice). Irf
      1(_/_)/CN2 mice showed extremely high incidences of lymphomas and
      lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, these mice showed increased levels of
      interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and Bcl-2 as well as increased Bcl-2 expression, which
      promoted oncogenic transformation of lymphocytes.

PMID- 22084694
TI  - POEMS Syndrome Presentation with an Abscess within the Plasmacytoma-A Rare Case
      Report.
AB  - POEMS Syndrome is a rare cause of demyelinating and axonal mixed neuropathy.
      Plasmacytomas are usually seen in POEMS syndrome and can be osseous or
      extramedullary. Plasmacytomas presenting as an abscess has not been noted
      earlier. Our patient presented with localized hyperpigmented patch on the back
      and later developed progressive weakness in upper and lower limbs. Initially
      serum and urine protein electrophoresis were normal. The patient was thought to
      have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and was treated
      accordingly without any improvement. Repeat serum protein electrophoresis showed
      monoclonal gammopathy. MRI of the back revealed an abscess in the paravertebral
      soft tissues reaching up to the skin. Needle biopsy was consistent with
      plasmacytoma. Later, he developed a purulent fungating lesion in the lower
      midback. Antibiotics were started and local resection was done followed by
      radiation. Pathology of the resected mass showed plasmacytoma extensively
      involving subcutaneous soft tissue and bone. The patient improved with the
      treatment. Cystic plasmacytomas and abscess within the plasmacytoma has not been
      reported earlier. Whether abscess formation is part of the disease spectrum due
      to infiltration of overlying tissue or is secondary to localized
      immunosuppression is unknown. Local treatment of a single plasmacytoma is useful
      in ameliorating systemic symptoms.

PMID- 22084695
TI  - Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22) Mimicking Autoimmune
      Pancreatitis after Second Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation.
AB  - We report the case of a 37-year-old woman who had a relapse of acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) during treatment for chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD)
      after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. She was originally suspected of
      having autoimmune pancreatitis. Relapse of AML often occurs at extramedullary
      sites. Whereas the pancreas is rare as an organ of AML relapse, physicians should
      be aware that enlargement of the pancreas could be a sign of relapsed AML when
      excluding autoimmune pancreatitis, particularly during active cGVHD after
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 22084696
TI  - Management of warfarin anticoagulation in patients with fractured neck of femur.
AB  - Background. Most orthopaedic units do not have a policy for reversal of
      anticoagulation in patients with hip fractures. The aim of this study was to
      examine the current practice in a district general hospital and determine
      difference in the time to surgery, if any, with cessation of warfarin versus
      cessation and treatment with vitamin K. Methods. A retrospective review of the
      case notes between January 2005 and December 2008 identified 1797 patients with
      fracture neck of femur. Fifty seven (3.2%) patients were on warfarin at the time
      of admission. Patients were divided into 2 groups (A and B). Group A patients
      (16/57; 28%) were treated with cessation of warfarin only and group B patients
      (41; 72%) received pharmacological therapy in addition to stopping warfarin. Time
      to surgery between the two groups was compared. Results. The mean INR on
      admission was 2.9 (range 1.7-6.5) and prior to surgery 1.4 (range 1.0-2.1).
      Thirty eight patients received vitamin K only and 3 patients received fresh
      frozen plasma and vitamin K. The average time to surgery was 4.4 days in group A
      and 2.4 days in group B. The difference was statistically significant (P < .01).
      Conclusion. Reversal of high INR is important to avoid significant delay in
      surgery. There is a need for a national policy for reversing warfarin
      anticoagulation in patients with hip fractures requiring surgery. Vitamin K is
      safe and effective for anticoagulation reversal in hip fracture patients.

PMID- 22084697
TI  - Coexistence of plasma cell dyscrasia with prefibrotic stage of primary
      myelofibrosis: a case report.
AB  - Introduction. Coexistence of myeloproliferative neoplasms with
      lymphoproliferative syndromes has been described in the past, whereas plasma cell
      dyscrasias seem to be the most common cases. Case Presentation. We present a case
      of a 59-year-old Caucasian female of Greek origin who presented with
      thrombocytosis. Clinical and laboratory investigation disclosed the presence of a
      smoldering myeloma with coexisting histological and molecular characteristics of
      primary myelofibrosis. The patient had the acquired point mutation V617F in the
      JAK2 gene but not the bcr-abl rearrangement and was treated for myelofibrosis
      with subsequent improvement of all haematological parameters without evidence of
      myelomatic evolution. Conclusion. We present the first case in the literature of
      a smoldering myeloma coexisting with primary myelofibrosis. The underlying
      pathogenetic mechanism could be either related to the presence of a pluripotent
      neoplastic stem cell capable to differentiate into both lymphoid and myeloid
      cells or be related to two separate nosologic entities.

PMID- 22084698
TI  - Iron depletion: an ameliorating factor for sickle cell disease?
AB  - We report some observations from our laboratory practice that might be important
      for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). We describe data from two cases
      indicating that iron depletion might have a beneficial effect diminishing the
      formation of HbS in favor of HbF, possibly reducing the severity of the disease.
      We believe that it would be worthwhile to monitor the course of the disease
      comparing cases with identical genotypes with and without iron depletion, and we
      advise to consider chelation therapy to reduce iron overload in patients with
      SCD.

PMID- 22084699
TI  - Extranodal MALT Lymphoma of the Right Triceps Muscle following Influenza Vaccine
      Injection: A Rare Case with an Interesting Presentation.
AB  - The study describes a case of a 67-year-old female who developed a Stage I E
      marginal zone lymphoma of the right triceps muscle 1 month after influenza
      vaccination at the same site. She was treated with single modality, involved
      field radiation therapy (IFRT) to 4000 cGy in 20 fractions with excellent
      response and no evidence of disease after one year followup.

PMID- 22084701
TI  - The role of albumin in human toxicology of cobalt: contribution from a clinical
      case.
AB  - The distribution and adverse effects, especially to optic and acoustic nerves, of
      cobalt released from a hip arthroplasty and its association with albumin were
      studied. The analysis of cobalt was performed in plasma, whole blood, urine, and
      cerebrospinal fluid by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The
      fraction of albumin binding the metal was determined by colorimetric assay using
      dithiothreitol (DTT). In all the biological matrices very high levels of cobalt
      were measured, but contrary to expected, a higher concentration in whole blood
      than in plasma was observed. The determination of altered albumin confirmed this
      hypothesis. This evidence might indicate an alteration in the binding of cobalt
      to albumin and a consequent increase in the concentration of the diffusible
      (free) fraction of the metal. This appears an interesting starting point for
      further investigations for identifying and better understanding cobalt
      neurotoxicity, apparently not so frequent in occupational medicine and clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22084700
TI  - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Front-line Anthracycline-Based
      Chemotherapy Regimens for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.
AB  - Anthracycline-based chemotherapy remains standard treatment for peripheral T-cell
      lymphoma (PTCL) although its benefits have been questioned. We performed
      systematic literature review and meta-analyses examining the complete response
      (CR) and overall survival (OS) rates for patients with PTCL. The CR rate for PTCL
      patients ranged from 35.9% (95% CI 23.4-50.7%) for enteropathy-type T-cell
      lymphoma (ETTL) to 65.8% (95% CI 54.0-75.9%) for anaplastic large cell lymphoma
      (ALCL). The 5-year OS was 38.5% (95% CI 35.5-41.6%) for all PTCL patients and
      ranged from 20.3% (95% CI 12.5-31.2%) for ETTL to 56.5% (95% CI 42.8-69.2%) for
      ALCL. These data suggest that there is marked heterogeneity across PTCL subtypes
      in the benefits of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. While anthracyclines produce
      CR in half of PTCL patients, this yields reasonable 5-year OS for patients with
      ALCL but not for those with PTCL-NOS or ETTL. Novel agents and regimens are
      needed to improve outcomes for these patients.

PMID- 22084702
TI  - Structural and Functional Characterization of a New Double Variant Haemoglobin
      (HbG-Philadelphia/Duarte alpha(2)beta(2)).
AB  - WE REPORT THE FIRST CASE OF COSEGREGATION OF TWO HAEMOGLOBINS (HBS): HbG
      Philadelphia [alpha68(E17)Asn -> Lys] and HbDuarte [beta62(E6)Ala -> Pro]. The
      proband is a young patient heterozygous also for beta degrees -thalassaemia. We
      detected exclusively two haemoglobin variants: HbDuarte and HbG
      Philadelphia/Duarte. Functional study of the new double variant HbG
      Philadelphia/Duarte exhibited an increase in oxygen affinity, with a slight
      decrease of cooperativity and Bohr effect. This functional behaviour is
      attributed to beta62Ala -> Pro instead of alpha68Asn -> Lys substitution. Indeed,
      HbG-Philadelphia isolated in our laboratory from blood cells donor carrier for
      this variant is not affected by any functional modification, whereas purified Hb
      Duarte showed functional properties very similar to the double variant. NMR and
      MD simulation studies confirmed that the presence of Pro instead of Ala at the
      beta62 position produces displacement of the E helix and modifications of the
      tertiary structure. The substitution alpha68(E17)Asn -> Lys does not cause
      significant structural and dynamical modifications of the protein. A possible
      structure-based rational of substitution effects is suggested.

PMID- 22084703
TI  - Hematological reference values for healthy adults in togo.
AB  - The hematological reference values are very important for diagnostic orientation
      and treatment decision. The aim of this study was to establish hematological
      reference values for healthy adults in Togo. A total of 2571 voluntary blood
      donors participated to this study. Only 1349 subjects negative for HIV, HBV, HCV,
      malaria, and without hemoglobin abnormalities in electrophoresis and hypochromia
      on blood smear, were definitively retained for the study. Median hemoglobin level
      was higher in males than females (15.1 g/dL versus 13.0 g/dL, p = 0.000). Median
      total WBC (4.2*10(9)/L) and absolute neutrophil counts (1.6*10(9)/L) were similar
      by gender. The median lymphocyte counts in males and females were, respectively,
      2.1*10(9)/L and 2.2*10(9)/L (p = 0.11). The median platelet count was lower in
      males than females (236*10(9)/L versus 247*10(9)/L, p = 0.004). Our median values
      for RBC parameters differ from those of African countries probably because of our
      inclusion criteria which eliminate most cases with iron deficiency and/or
      thalassemia.

PMID- 22084704
TI  - Hemoglobin disorders in South India.
AB  - Cation exchange-high performance liquid chromatography (CE-HPLC) is increasingly
      being used as a first line of investigation for hemoglobinopathies and
      thalassemias. Together with a complete blood count, the CE-HPLC is effective in
      categorizing hemoglobinopathies as traits, homozygous disorders and compound
      heterozygous disorders. We carried out a one year study in Apollo Hospitals,
      Chennai (Tamil Nadu, South India) during which 543 abnormal chromatogram patterns
      were seen. The commonest disorder we encountered was beta-thalassemia trait
      (37.9%), followed by HbE trait (23.2%), homozygous HbE disease (18.9%), HbS trait
      (5.3%), HbE beta-thalassemia (4.6%), HbS beta-thalassemia (2.5%), beta
      thalassemia major (2.3%), HbH (1.6%), homozygous HbS (1.4%), HbD trait (0.7%).
      The average value of HbA2 in beta-thalassemia minor was 5.4%. beta-thalassemia
      major had an average HbF of 88% and in HbH the mean A2 was 1.4%. Among the HbE
      disorders the HbA2 + HbE was 30.1% in the heterozygous state, 90.8% in the
      homozygous state and 54.8% in HbE beta-thalassemia. In the sickle cell disorders,
      HbS varied from 30.9% in the trait to 79.9% in the homozygous state to 65.6% in
      HbS beta-thalassemia.

PMID- 22084705
TI  - Late effect of the cervical irradiation on periodontal status and cariogen flora
      in hodgkin lymphoma patients.
AB  - Cervical radiotherapy may leads to elevated caries risk in Hodgkin-lymphoma (HL)
      patients. Our aim was to estimate the late effect of cervical irradiation on
      periodontal status in HL patients. Patients filled out query-form, their clinical
      data were collected, periodontal status was examined, decayed-missing-filled
      teeth and periodontal-indexes were calculated. We examined 68 patients who
      received, 64 patients who did not received cervical radiotherapy and 51 control
      person. 23.5% of cervical irradiated, 18.15% of not irradiated patients and
      17.64% of controls had subjective xerostomia, but it was not objective by
      sialometry. Mean decayed-missing-filled-teeth-index was 22.53 among irradiated,
      21.54 among not irradiated patients while it was 17.23 in control group.
      Periodontal index was 2.47, 2.42, and 2.14 in different groups. Difference
      between decayed-missing-filled-teeth indexes of irradiated patients and controls
      was significant. We have to emphasize the importance of prevention and closer
      dental observation of HL patients.

PMID- 22084706
TI  - Splenic complications of sickle cell anemia and the role of splenectomy.
AB  - Sickle cell disease is one of the common hemoglobinopathies in the world. It can
      affect any part of the body and one of the most common and an early organ to be
      affected in SCA is the spleen. It is commonly enlarged during the first decade of
      life but then undergoes progressive atrophy leading to autosplenectomy. This
      however is not the case always and sometimes splenomegaly persist necessitating
      splenectomy for a variety of reasons including acute splenic sequestration
      crisis, hypersplenism, massive splenic infarction and splenic abscess. Splenic
      complications of SCA are known to be associated with an increased morbidity and
      in some it may lead to mortality. To obviate this, splenectomy becomes an
      essential part of their management. This review is based on our experience in the
      management of 173 children with various splenic complications of SCA
      necessitating splenectomy.

PMID- 22084707
TI  - Clinical challenges of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the dura: case
      report and literature review.
AB  - Primary dural lymphoma is a rare disease with more indolent clinical behavior
      compared to primary central nervous system lymphoma. The majority of the reported
      cases were indolent marginal zone lymphoma subtype with more predilections to the
      spine. Herein, we are presenting a case of intracranial, diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma of the dura that was diagnosed and treated at our institution. We are
      presenting the challenges in the treatment based on a review of the literature.

PMID- 22084708
TI  - Antitumor Activity of Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Leaves in Ehrlich's Ascites
      Carcinoma Cell-Treated Mice.
AB  - Context. The plant Citrus maxima Merr. (Rutaceae), commonly known as shaddock or
      pomelo is indigenous to tropical parts of Asia. The objective of present study is
      to evaluate the methanol extract of Citrus maxima leaves for its antitumor
      activity against Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma cell in Swiss albino mice.
      Experimental design. The antitumor activity of methanol extract of Citrus maxima
      leaves (MECM) was evaluated against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line in
      Swiss albino mice. 2 * 10(6) cells were inoculated in different groups of
      animals. MECM (200 and 400 mg/kg BW i.p.) was administered for nine consecutive
      days. On day 10th half the animals of different groups were sacrificed for
      determination of tumor and haematological parameters and the rest half were kept
      with sufficient food and water ad libitum for determination of increase in life
      span. Result and Discussions. Oral administration of the extract at the doses of
      200 and 400 mg/kg significantly decreased tumor parameters such as tumor volume,
      viable tumor cell count and increased body weight, hematological parameters and
      life span in respect of the EAC control mice. Conclusion. Experimental design
      exhibits significant antitumor activity of the extract (MECM) in a dose dependant
      manner.

PMID- 22084709
TI  - Evaluation of genetic variations in organic cationic transporter 3 in depressed
      and nondepressed subjects.
AB  - Organic cationic transporter 3 (OCT3, SLS22A3) has only recently emerged as one
      of the regulators of monoaminergic neurotransmission, which plays a critical role
      in the pathogenesis of depression and is a potential new antidepressant drug
      target. OCT3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been investigated for
      their association with psychiatric disorders such as methamphetamine use disorder
      and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents, but not
      depression. This study was designed to evaluate the allele frequencies of seven
      OCT3 SNPs in a US Caucasian depressed population and compare these frequencies
      with a control group of nondepressed subjects. Informed consent and a DNA sample
      were obtained from 157 subjects and analysis was performed using real-time PCR.
      Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using a t-test and the Pearson chi
      square analysis, respectively. There were no significant differences in OCT3
      allele or genotype frequencies between the depressed and non-depressed groups for
      all seven SNPs evaluated.

PMID- 22084710
TI  - Novel Phenazine 5,10-Dioxides Release OH in Simulated Hypoxia and Induce
      Reduction of Tumour Volume In Vivo.
AB  - Phenazine 5,10-dioxides (PDOs) are a new class of bioreductive cytotoxins, which
      could act towards tumours containing hypoxic regions. The PDOs selective-hypoxic
      bioreduction was probed in vitro; however, the mechanism of action has not been
      completely explained. Besides, PDOs in vivo antitumour activities have not been
      demonstrated hitherto. We study the mechanism of hypoxic/normoxic cytotoxicity of
      PDO representative members. Electron spin resonance is used to confirm (*)OH
      production, alkaline comet assay to determine genotoxicity, and gel
      electrophoresis and flow cytometry to analyze DNA fragmentation and cell cycle
      distribution. Chemically induced rat breast tumours are employed to evaluate in
      vivo activities. For the most selective cytotoxin, 7(8)-bromo-2-hydroxyphenazine
      5,10-dioxide (PDO1), exclusive hypoxic (*)OH production is evidenced, while for
      the unselective ones, (*)OH is produced in both conditions (normoxia and
      simulated hypoxia). In normoxia (Caco-2 cells), PDO1 induces cell-cycle arrest
      and DNA fragmentation but does not significantly induce apoptosis neither at
      IC(50) nor IC(80). No difference in the comet-assay scores are observed in
      normoxia and simulated hypoxia being the unselective 2-amino-7(8)-bromophenazine
      5,10-dioxide (PDO2) the most genotoxic. The in vivo efficacy with the absence of
      systemic toxicity of PDO1 and PDO2 is checked out. Results from this study
      highlight the potential of PDOs as new therapeutics for cancer.

PMID- 22084711
TI  - Dendritic cell-based graft tolerance.
AB  - It has recently been demonstrated that mouse and human dendritic cells (DCs) can
      produce IL-2 after activation. However the role of the IL2/IL2R pathway in DC
      functions has not yet been fully elucidated. The results presented in this study
      provide several new insights into the role of this pathway in DCs. We report that
      stimulation of human monocyte-derived DCs with LPS strongly upregulated CD25
      (alpha chain of the IL2R) expression. In additon, by using a humanized monoclonal
      antibody against CD25, we demonstrated that the IL2 signalling in DC upregulated
      both IL-12 and gammaIFN production but decreased IL10 synthesis. We also found
      that LPS-matured DCs produced IL2. Taken together, these results suggest that IL
      2 actively contributes to the DC activation through an autocrine pathway.
      Furthermore, our results indicate that the IL2 pathway in DC is involved in the
      development of T-helper priming ability and in the upregulation of surface
      markers characteristic of a "mature" phenotype. This study therefore provide new
      molecular clues regarding the split between these two phenomena and unravel new
      mechanisms of action of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies that may contribute to
      their action in several human immunological disorders such as autoimmune diseases
      and acute allograft rejection.

PMID- 22084712
TI  - Bioremediation of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and petrochemicals with gomeya/cow
      dung.
AB  - Use and misuse of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and petrochemicals by man is
      causing havoc with nature, as they persist as such or as their toxic metabolites.
      These pollutants bioaccumulate in environment, and they ultimately reach man
      through various means. They are hazardous because of potential toxicity,
      mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity. To rejuvenate nature,
      remediation methods currently available are usually expensive and might convert
      one toxic pollutant to another. Bioremediation methods use naturally occurring
      microorganisms to detoxify man-made pollutants so that they change pollutants to
      innocuous products that make soil fertile in the process. Taking cue from
      Ayurveda, Gomeya/cow dung is used as an excellent bioremediation method. Thus,
      utilizing freely available cow dung as slurry or after composting in rural areas,
      is a cheap and effective measure to bioremediate the harmful pollutants. Yet,
      more research in this direction is warranted to bioremediate nonbiodegradable,
      potentially toxic pollutants.

PMID- 22084713
TI  - Carvedilol-Afforded Protection against Daunorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathic Rats
      In Vivo: Effects on Cardiac Fibrosis and Hypertrophy.
AB  - Anthracyclines, most powerful anticancer agents, suffer from their cardiotoxic
      effects, which may be due to the induction of oxidative stress. Carvedilol, a
      third-generation, nonselective beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist, possesses both
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and ROS suppressive effects. It showed
      protective effects against daunorubicin- (DNR-) induced cardiac toxicity by
      reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study therefore was designed to
      examine the effects of carvedilol on DNR-induced cardiomyopathic rats, focused on
      the changes of left ventricular function, cardiac fibrosis, and hypertrophy.
      Carvedilol increased survival rate, prevented systolic and diastolic dysfunction,
      and attenuated myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy. DNR alone treated rats showed
      upregulated myocardial expression of ANP, PKC-alpha, OPN, and TGF-beta1 and
      downregulation of GATA-4 in comparison with control, and treatment with
      carvedilol significantly reversed these changes. The results of the present study
      add the available evidences on the cardioprotection by carvedilol when associated
      with anthracyclines and explain the mechanisms underlying the benefits of their
      coadministration.

PMID- 22084714
TI  - Effect of rosmarinic and caffeic acids on inflammatory and nociception process in
      rats.
AB  - Rosmarinic acid is commonly found in species of the Boraginaceae and the
      subfamily Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae). It has a number of interesting biological
      activities, for example, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and
      antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the
      i.p. administration of caffeic and rosmarinic acid (5 and 10 mg/kg) on anti
      inflammatory and nociceptive response using carrageenan-induced pleurisy model
      and tail-flick assay in rats. The analysis of cells in the pleural exudates
      revealed a reduction of 66% of the number of leukocytes that migrated to the
      pleural cavity in the animals treated with 5 mg/kg caffeic acid, and of 92.9% for
      the animals treated with 10 mg/kg in comparison with the control group. These
      exudates showed a balanced distribution of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and
      mononuclear (MN) cells, differently from the control group, in which PMN cells
      were predominant. The analysis to tail-flick latency was increased in the group
      treated with 10 mg/kg caffeic acid characterizing a nociceptive response. While
      there was no difference between control group and animals treated with
      rosmarinic.

PMID- 22084715
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of COX-2 Inhibitors in the Clinical Management of Arthritis:
      Mini Review.
AB  - In the clinical management of arthritis, the choice of nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drug (NSAID) remains confusing and controversial. A common practice
      on the choice of NSAID in clinical management of arthritis is the risk benefit
      ratio. The main objective of this review is to addresses the main arguments for
      the pharmacological and clinical use of COX-2 inhibitors in relation to
      nonselective NSAIDs for the clinical management of arthritis. This review
      concluded that, both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are equally effective and are
      associated with increased risk of GI, renal, and CV, adverse effects. Complete
      understanding of the patient's comorbid conditions and concomitant medications,
      coupled with precise monitoring during the treatment, may help to decrease the
      threat of adverse effects induced by nonselective NSAIDs and selective COX-2
      inhibitors.

PMID- 22084716
TI  - Hypolipidemic and Antiobesity-Like Activity of Standardised Extract of Hypericum
      perforatum L. in Rats.
AB  - Hypericum perforatum is known to have diverse medicinal uses for centuries. The
      antidepressant activity of Hypericum perforatum is widely accepted and proved in
      both animal and clinical studies. Present study was undertaken to investigate the
      effect of Hypericum perforatum in a battery of animal models for metabolic
      disorder. Hypericum is tested for hypolipidemic activity in normal rats,
      antiobesity activity in high-fat-diet induced obese rats, and fructose-fed rats.
      Hypericum was orally administered as suspension in 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose
      at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 consecutive days. Hypericum
      significantly lowered total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in normal
      rats. Hypericum significantly inhibited weight gain in high-fat-fed rats. In
      fructose-fed rats, Hypericum normalised the dyslipidemia induced by fructose
      feeding and improved the insulin sensitivity. Taken together, Hypericum could be
      the antidepressant therapy of choice for patients suffering from comorbid
      diabetes and obesity.

PMID- 22084717
TI  - Chloroformic and Methanolic Extracts of Olea europaea L. Leaves Present Anti
      Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities.
AB  - Olea europaea L. is used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean areas. Its
      natural products are used in the treatment of different disorders, like fighting
      fever and some infectious diseases such as malaria, the treatment of arrhythmia,
      and relief of intestinal spasms. The aim of the current study is to investigate
      the possible anti-inflammatory and anatinociceptive effects of methanol and
      chloroformic extracts prepared from leaves of Olea europaea L. The anti
      inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the different extracts of Olea
      europaea leaves were assessed after intraperitoneal administration into rats and
      mice, using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats to test the anti
      inflammatory effect and the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice to test the
      analgesic effect. The chloroformic and methanolic leaves extracts, studied at the
      doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (Body Weight: BW), exhibited significant dose
      dependent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Based on the results
      obtained, it can be concluded that Olea europaea leaves extracts have anti
      inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.

PMID- 22084718
TI  - Antioxidant Activity of Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - The antioxidant activity of Aspergillus fumigatus was assayed by different
      procedures and correlated with its extracellular total phenolic contents.
      Different physio-chemical parameters were optimized to enhance the activity. The
      culture grown under stationary conditions for 10 days at 25 degrees C at pH 7
      gave the best antioxidant activity. Statistical approaches demonstrated sucrose
      and NaNO(3) to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively.
      Response surface analysis showed 5% sucrose, 0.05% NaNO(3), and incubation
      temperature of 35 degrees C to be the optimal conditions for best expression of
      antioxidant activity. Under these conditions, the antioxidant potential assayed
      through different procedures was 89.8%, 70.1%, and 70.2% scavenging effect for
      DPPH radical, ferrous ion and nitric oxide ion, respectively. The reducing power
      showed an absorbance of 1.0 and FRAP assay revealed the activity of 60.5%.
      Extracellular total phenolic content and antioxidant activity as assayed by
      different procedures positively correlated.

PMID- 22084719
TI  - Control of Clinical Pathogens by the Haemolymph of Paratelphusa hydrodromous, a
      Freshwater Crab.
AB  - In the present study, effort has been made to find the antimicrobial activity of
      haemolymph collected from freshwater crab, Paratelphusa hydrodromous. The
      haemolymph collected was tested for antimicrobial assay by disc diffusion method
      against clinical pathogens. Five bacterial species, namely, Escherichia coli,
      Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus
      aureus, and five fungal strains, namely and Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
      fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp., and Mucor sp., were selected for the
      study. The result shows a strong response of haemolymph against the clinical
      pathogens which confirms the immune mechanism of the freshwater crab.

PMID- 22084720
TI  - Studies on Wound Healing Activity of Heliotropium indicum Linn. Leaves on Rats.
AB  - The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Heliotropium
      indicum Linn. (Family: Boraginaceae) were separately evaluated for their wound
      healing activity in rats using excision (normal and infected), incision, and dead
      space wound models. The effects of test samples on the rate of wound healing were
      assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, wound
      breaking strength, weights of the granulation tissue, determination of
      hydroxyproline, super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and histopathology of the
      granulation tissues. Nitrofurazone (0.2% w/w) in simple ointment I. P. was used
      as reference standard for the activity comparison. The results revealed
      significant promotion of wound healing with both methanol and aqueous extracts
      with more promising activity with the methanol extract compared to other extracts
      under study. In the wound infection model (with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa), the
      methanol extract showed significant healing activity similar to the reference
      standard nitrofurazone. Significant increase in the granulation tissue weight,
      increased hydroxyproline content, and increased activity of SOD and catalase
      level with the animals treated with methanol extract in dead space wound model
      further augmented the wound healing potential of H. indicum. The present work
      substantiates its validity of the folklore use.

PMID- 22084721
TI  - Increased excretion of c4-carnitine species after a therapeutic acetylsalicylic
      Acid dose: evidence for an inhibitory effect on short-chain Fatty Acid
      metabolism.
AB  - Acetylsalicylic acid and/or its metabolites are implicated to have various
      effects on metabolism and, especially, on mitochondrial function. These effects
      include both inhibitory and stimulatory effects. We investigated the effect of
      both combined and separate oral acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen
      administration at therapeutic doses on the urinary metabolite profile of human
      subjects. In this paper, we provided in vivo evidence, in human subjects, of a
      statistically significant increase in isobutyrylcarnitine after the
      administration of a therapeutic dose of acetylsalicylic acid. We, therefore,
      propose an inhibitory effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the short-chain fatty
      acid metabolism, possibly at the level of isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase.

PMID- 22084722
TI  - Potential Agents against Plasma Leakage.
AB  - Shock due to severe plasma leakage may happen in infectious diseases such as
      severe dengue and sepsis due to various bacterial infections, which may be
      deleterious and may lead to death. Various substances and proteins are known to
      modulate the effects of proleakage mediators and counteract the deleterious
      effect of plasma leakage. Some of the various substances and proteins such as
      focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the Rho GTPases, protein kinase A, and caveolin-1
      have dual actions; therefore they are not suitable for therapy. However,
      sphingosine 1phosphate and its receptor agonists, Angiopoetin-1, Slit, and
      Bbeta15-42 may be promising.

PMID- 22084723
TI  - Colon carcinoma presenting with a synchronous oesophageal carcinoma and Basal
      cell carcinoma of the skin.
AB  - With advances in diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities, the number of
      patients identified with colorectal carcinoma who develop multiple primary
      malignancies during long-term followup has been increasing. We report a patient
      who developed three histologically distinct malignancies. Primary colon carcinoma
      treated radically followed by an 8-year disease-free period. The patient then
      presented with progressive dysphagia and was investigated and diagnosed to have a
      synchronous multicentric squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus and basal cell
      carcinoma of the skin. There was a simultaneous multicentric recurrence in the
      colon. This case is worth mentioning because the clustering of three primary
      malignancies (synchronous and metachronous) is of rare occurrence in a single
      patient, and, to our knowledge, this is the first report of this combination
      occurring in the same individual. In addition, the report emphasizes the
      importance of evaluating patients with known colonic primary neoplasms for
      synchronous colonic and extracolonic tumors.

PMID- 22084724
TI  - Identification of HN-1-Peptide Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
      Cells.
AB  - The HN-1 module was previously reported to ensure efficient targeting of head and
      neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Aim of this work was to indentify the
      target of HN-1. Targeting of HN-1 peptide was compared in normal epithelial cells
      (BEAS-2B) and in HNSCC tumor cells (SCC-25 and Detroit 562). Experimental, cell
      culture, cell polarity, and adhesion conditions were tested; structure models of
      peptides were created. Indeed, HN-1 was able to target HNSCC tumor cells in the
      previously published conditions. The targeting efficiency of immortalized normal
      epithelial cells was significantly lower. Nevertheless, in other experimental
      conditions the binding was less efficient and not specific. A scrambled sequence
      of HN-1, with altered order of amino acids showed even better targeting
      efficiency than HN-1. HN-1 was only uptaken in adherent cells, not in suspension.
      In conclusion, HN-1-peptide-targeting is not based on sequence specificity, but
      more on electrostatic interactions with the cell surface of the tumor cells.

PMID- 22084725
TI  - High Expression of Complement Component 5 (C5) at Tumor Site Associates with
      Superior Survival in Ewing's Sarcoma Family of Tumour Patients.
AB  - Background. Unlike in most adult-onset cancers, an association between typical
      paediatric neoplasms and inflammatory triggers is rare. We studied whether immune
      system-related genes are activated and have prognostic significance in Ewing's
      sarcoma family of tumors (ESFTs). Method. Data analysis was performed on gene
      expression profiles of 44 ESFT patients, 11 ESFT cell lines, and 18 normal
      skeletal muscle samples. Differential expression of 238 inflammation and 299
      macrophage-related genes was analysed by t-test, and survival analysis was
      performed according to gene expression. Results. Inflammatory genes are activated
      in ESFT patient samples, as 38 of 238 (16%) inflammatory genes were upregulated
      (P < 0.001) when compared to cell lines. This inflammatory gene activation was
      characterized by significant enrichment of macrophage-related gene expression
      with 58 of 299 (19%) of genes upregulated (P < 0.001). High expression of
      complement component 5 (C5) correlated with better event-free (P = 0.01) and
      overall survival (P = 0.004) in a dose-dependent manner. C5 and its receptor
      C5aR1 expression was verified at protein level by immunohistochemistry on an
      independent ESFT tumour tissue microarray. Conclusion. Immune system-related gene
      activation is observed in ESFT patient samples, and prognostically significant
      inflammatory genes (C5, JAK1, and IL8) for ESFT were identified.

PMID- 22084726
TI  - Role and efficacy of intraoperative evaluation of resection adequacy in
      conservative breast surgery.
AB  - In the present study we considered the histology of 51 patients who have
      undergone breast conservative surgery and the related 54 re-excisions that were
      performed in the same surgical procedure or in delayed procedures, in order to
      evaluate the role of intraoperative re-excisions in completing tumor removal. In
      13% of the cases the re excision obtained the resection of the target lesion. In
      this study, the occurrence of residual neoplastic lesions in intraoperative re
      excisions (24%) is lower than in delayed re-excisions (62%; P = .03). The
      residual lesions that we could find with definitive histology of re excision
      specimens are related with lesions with ill defined profile. In 77% of the cases
      of re excision with tumoral residual the lesion was close to the new resection
      margin, thus the re-excisions couldn't achieve an adequate ablation of the
      neoplasm. Invasive or preinvasive nature of the main lesion resected for each
      case and the approach to the evaluation of the first resection specimen adequacy
      (surgical or radiological) don't affect the rate of tumoral residual in
      intraoperative re-excisions. In conclusion, our data are consistent with a low
      efficacy of intraoperative re excision in obtaining a complete removal of the
      tumor; intraoperative radiologic evaluation of the first resection specimen is
      however imperative in defining the effective removal of the target lesion.

PMID- 22084727
TI  - The role of tobacco-derived carcinogens in pancreas cancer.
AB  - The extremely poor outcome from pancreas cancer is well known. However, its
      aetiology less well appreciated, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this are
      poorly understood. Tobacco usage is one of the strongest risk factors for this
      disease, and this is a completely avoidable hazard. In addition, there are well
      described hereditary diseases which predispose, and familial pancreas cancer. We
      have sought here to summarise the role of tobacco-derived carcinogens and the
      mode of their tumorigenic action on the pancreas. There is compelling evidence
      from animal and human studies (laboratory including cell line studies and
      epidemiologic) that tobacco derived carcinogens cause pancreas cancer. However,
      the manner in which they do so is not entirely apparent. There is also compelling
      evidence that synergism with genetic and other life-style factors-like diet
      obesity-results in a multifactorial causation of the disease. Ascertaining the
      role of tobacco carcinogens in the development of this cancer and their
      interaction with other risk factors will enable novel therapeutic and
      preventative strategies to improve outcome from this appalling malignancy.

PMID- 22084728
TI  - Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development.
AB  - Nowadays, patients with chronic hepatitis C in all countries are generally
      treated with interferon (IFN), and more than 50% of patients become HCV-RNA
      negative following PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy, but unfortunately, the IFN
      therapy is not effective in about 70% of patients with HCV-associated LC. In
      Japan, HCC actually develops in about 7% of those patients every year. A strategy
      for preventing HCC development other than IFN therapy is, therefore, urgently
      needed for those patients. We reported that the recurrence rate and the
      development of HCC was more rapid in the high serum ALT level (>80 IU) patients
      with HCV-associated LC. Sho-saiko-to, Juzen-taiho-to, and stronger-neo minophagen
      C are herbal medicines used in Japan to treat chronic viral liver diseases, and
      they work by reducing inflammatory processes and controlling ALT levels.
      Aggressive reduction therapy for ALT levels in HCV-LC patients could
      significantly prevent HCC development.

PMID- 22084730
TI  - Cytotoxic Activity of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Leukocytes, Activated by
      Interleukin-2/beta-Cyclodextrin Nanocomposition against Androgen Receptor
      Negative Prostate Cancers.
AB  - Nanocomposition comprised of interleukin-2 in suboptimal noneffective
      concentration and beta-cyclodextrin was studied in vitro. This preparation as
      well as interleukin-2 in optimal concentration was shown to increase natural
      killer activity to K-562 cells and cytotoxicity of activated peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against PC-3 and DU 145 cells. At the same time beta
      cyclodextrin or interleukin-2 in equimolar concentrations did not influence the
      spontaneous killer activity of PBMC. This combination of cyclodextrin +
      interleukin-2 led to the decrease of interleukin-2 effective concentration by an
      order. This phenomenon could be explained by cyclodextrins ability to promote the
      formation of nanoparticles with drugs, which results in enhancing their water
      solubility and bioavailability. Besides, interleukine-2/beta-cyclodextrin
      nanocomposition as opposed to interleukin-2 alone led to increasing the number of
      not only lymphocytes, but also macrophages contained in activated PBMC
      population. Application of low concentration of interleukin-2 allowing for good
      clinical efficiency may significantly mitigate the side effects of the drug and
      enable to develop adoption of immunotherapy for patients with androgen-resistant
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 22084729
TI  - The chemopreventive properties and therapeutic modulation of green tea
      polyphenols in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Chemoprevention is a relatively novel and promising approach for controlling
      cancer that uses specific natural products or synthetic agents to suppress,
      reverse, or prevent premalignancy before transformation into invasive cancer.
      Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) represents a large, worldwide health
      burden with approximately 274,000 cases diagnosed annually worldwide. Smoking and
      alcohol consumption are major inducers of OCSCC. Recently, the human papilloma
      virus was also shown to potentially be an etiologic factor. Due to its easily
      identifiable risk factors and the presence of premalignant regions, oral cancer
      makes a good candidate for chemoprevention. Green tea is the most widely consumed
      beverage in the world, and it has received considerable attention because of its
      abundant, scientifically proven, beneficial effects on human health. In this
      review, we discuss the role of green tea in oral cancer chemoprevention with
      regard to the multiple molecular mechanisms proposed in various in vitro, in
      vivo, and clinical trials.

PMID- 22084731
TI  - Cancer Risk and Behavioral Factors, Comorbidities, and Functional Status in the
      US Elderly Population.
AB  - About 80% of all cancers are diagnosed in the elderly and up to 75% of cancers
      are associated with behavioral factors. An approach to estimate the contribution
      of various measurable factors, including behavior/lifestyle, to cancer risk in
      the US elderly population is presented. The nationally representative National
      Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS) data were used for measuring functional status and
      behavioral factors in the US elderly population (65+), and Medicare Claims files
      linked to each person from the NLTCS were used for estimating cancer incidence.
      The associations (i.e., relative risks) of selected factors with risks of breast,
      prostate, lung and colon cancers were evaluated and discussed. Behavioral risk
      factors significantly affected cancer risks in the US elderly. The most
      influential of potentially preventable risk factors can be detected with this
      approach using NLTCS-Medicare linked dataset and for further deeper analyses
      employing other datasets with detailed risk factors description.

PMID- 22084732
TI  - Olfactory neuroblastomas: an experience of 24 years.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological findings and
      the efficacy of the treatment modalities used in patients with olfactory
      neuroblastomas. Study Design. Retrospective record review. Setting. Istanbul
      University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, medical oncology outpatient clinic.
      Subjects and Methods. There were 3 stage A tumors, 5 stage B and 11 stage C
      according to the Kadish staging system. There were 5 grade I/II and 12 grade
      III/IV according to the Hyams' histopathologic system. Involvement to orbita was
      detected in eight patients at the time of diagnosis. Results. The median follow
      up period was 23.7 months. The 5-year survival rate for the whole group was 26%.
      The stage A/B groups exhibited a better survival rate than the C group with 2
      year survival rates being 25 versus 71% respectively (P = .008). The grade I/II
      groups exhibited a better survival rate than the grade III/IV groups with 2-year
      survival rates being 50 versus 16% respectively (P = .001). The group who had
      orbital involvement exhibited a poor survival rate than the group of patients who
      had no involvement of the orbital. Conclusion. In our study, tumor stage,
      histopathologic grading, involvement of the orbita, brain and bone marow
      metastases were the statistically significant prognostic factors.

PMID- 22084733
TI  - Axillary dissection in breast cancer patients with metastatic sentinel node: to
      do or not to do? Suggestions from our series.
AB  - Several studies have put to question and evaluated the indication and prognosis
      of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) as sole treatment in human breast cancer. We
      reviewed 1588 patients who underwent axillary surgery. In 239 patients, axillary
      lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed following positive fine needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC), and, in 299 cases, ALND was executed after positive
      SNLB. The most dramatic result from our data is that patients with either
      micrometastasis of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) or only metastatic SLN have,
      respectively, an 84.5% and a 75.0% chance of having no other nodal involvement.
      We believe a more refined patient selection is neccessary when considering ALND.
      Where the primary tumor is larger than 5 cm, where radio or adjuvant therapies
      are not indicated, in cases of FNAC+ nodes, and in cases presenting more than one
      metastatic sentinel node, we prefer to carry out ALND. Having thus said, however,
      our data suggests that it is wise not to perform ALND in almost all cases
      presenting positive SLNs.

PMID- 22084734
TI  - Differentiated thyroid cancer in navarra (Spain): historic cohort results (1987
      2003).
AB  - Introduction. Navarra has the highest incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer
      in Spain. The aim of this study was to review its management carried out by the
      Navarra's multidisciplinary Thyroid Disease Unit, from 1987 to 2003. Material and
      Methods. 325 patients were studied to find the incidence, prevalence, and
      prognostic factors. Statistical analysis comprised univariate and multivariate
      Cox proportional hazards regression models for survival and tumor recurrence.
      Results. The average annual incidence was 3.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, with a
      final prevalence of 82.4 per 100,000. Regarding survival and recurrence,
      statistical significance was observed for stage IV, follicular carcinoma,
      capsular and prethyroid muscles invasion, and T4 group. Only survival was related
      to tumour size larger than 40 mm. Only recurrence was related to lymph node
      metastases and radioiodine dose higher than 100 mCi. Conclusions. Attendance of
      patients in a functional unit setting has allowed us to classify them into three
      risk groups.

PMID- 22084735
TI  - 3-5 BI-RADs Microcalcifications: Correlation between MRI and Histological
      Findings.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate the correlation between MRI and histopathological findings
      in patients with mammographically detected 3-5 BI-RAD (Breast Imaging Reporting
      And Data Systems) microcalcifications and to allow a better surgical planning. 
      Materials and Method. 62 female Patients (age 50 +/- 12) with screening detected
      3-5 BI-RAD microcalcifications underwent dynamic 3 T contrast-enhanced breast
      MRI. After 30-day (range 24-36 days) period, 55 Patients underwent biopsy using
      stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), 5 Patients underwent stereotactic
      mammographically guided biopsy, and 2 Patients underwent MRI-guided VAB. Results.
      Microhistology examination demonstrated 36 malignant lesions and 26 benign
      lesions. The analysis of MRI findings identified 8 cases of MRI BI-RADS 5, 23
      cases of MRI BI-RADS 4, 11 cases of MRI BI-RADS 3, 4 cases type A and 7 cases
      type B, and 20 cases of MRI BI-RADS 1-2. MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value, and negative predictive value were 88.8%, 76.9%, 84.2%, and
      83.3%, respectively.

PMID- 22084736
TI  - "Il corpo ritrovato": dermocosmetological skin care project for the oncologic
      patient.
AB  - Neoplastic disease and its therapeutic options have a huge impact on the
      patient's quality of life from both the emotional and the working point of view.
      The project "Il Corpo Ritrovato" aims at creating an interdisciplinary network of
      physicians to improve the quality of life of the oncologic patient, focusing on
      such important aspects as dermocosmetological skin care but also on the
      evaluation of new therapeutic and diagnostic algorithms in order to make further
      progress in the field of prevention.

PMID- 22084737
TI  - Does radioiodine therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer increase
      the frequency of another malignant neoplasm?
AB  - Objectives. To compare the frequency of another primary malignancy in patients
      with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who received radioiodine therapy or
      not ((131)I). Material and Methods. 168 cases of DTC patients were
      retrospectively evaluated as to the frequency of another neoplasia by comparing
      patients with and without it, taking into account clinical, laboratory, and
      therapeutic parameters. Results. Another primary malignancy occurred in 8.9% of
      patients. Of these, 53.3% showed the malignancy before (131)I and 46.7% after it.
      By comparing both groups, the age at the moment of diagnosis of another neoplasia
      was 46.1 +/- 20.2 years for the group before (131)I therapy and of 69.4 +/- 11.4
      years for the group after it (P = 0.02). Of the 148 patients treated with (131)I,
      4.7% developed another malignancy. The latter were older (61 +/- 17 years) than
      those who did not show another cancer type (44.1 +/- 14.2 years) (P < 0.05).
      Conclusion. The frequency of another neoplasia found after (131)I was similar to
      that found before (131)I.

PMID- 22084738
TI  - Cancers of the appendix: review of the literatures.
AB  - Cancers of the appendix are rare. Most of them are found accidentally on
      appendectomies performed for appendicitis. When reviewed, majority of the tumors
      were carcinoid, adenoma, and lymphoma. Adenocarcinomas of appendix are only 0.08%
      of all cancers and the treatment remains controversial. Here we are reporting a
      46-year-old male presented with symptoms of appendicitis, diagnosed with
      adenocarcinoma of the appendix. The patient was treated with appendectomy and
      refused further surgical intervention to complete hemicolectomy. Up to date, he
      remains asymptomatic. We performed literature review of the tumors of the
      appendix. Most of the benign conditions are treated with surgery alone. Lymphomas
      require CHOP-like chemotherapy and carcinoid syndrome treatment with somatostatin
      analogues. It is generally recommended that right hemicolectomy is the preferred
      treatment for adenocarcinoma of appendix. The role of chemotherapy is unclear due
      to lacking randomized trials but seems to be accepted if there is lymph node
      involvement or peritoneal seeding.

PMID- 22084739
TI  - Angiomyolipoma of the right adrenal gland.
AB  - Adrenal angiomyolipoma is rare. Only four cases have been reported so far. These
      are commonly found in Kidney but extrarenal sites are also mentioned.
      Angiomyolipoma arising in adrenal is very rare entity, usually asymptomatic,
      diagnosed incidentally on radiological investigation of abdomen for other
      conditions. We report our experience with a 45-year-old woman who presented with
      epigastric discomfort. A computerised tomography (CT) scan showed an adrenal
      mass. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed and the histopathological features
      confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal angiomyolipoma. The patient recovered without
      any complications following surgery.

PMID- 22084740
TI  - Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Caroli's Disease: A Report of Two Cases.
AB  - Caroli's disease (CD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by
      intrahepatic cystic dilatation of the bile ducts. Patients with bilobar or
      progressive disease may require orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In the
      MELD era, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) raised as the ultimate
      treatment option for these patients, once their MELD score is usually low.
      Herein, we describe 2 cases of patients (a 2-year-old girl and a 19-year-old
      teenager) that successfully underwent LDLT as a treatment for diffuse CD. The
      good postoperative courses of the two cases indicate that LDLT is a feasible
      option in the treatment of this disorder, even in complicated or early age
      patients.

PMID- 22084741
TI  - Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum in children: a case report and review.
AB  - Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum (CAUD) is an uncommon condition in
      children. We describe 2 patients of CAUD who presented with ventral penile
      swelling; in one, the site of swelling was just proximal to corona which is quite
      rare. The diagnosis was made on USG and MCU. Both patients had normal renal
      function. Open diverticulectomy and primary repair was done in both patients.

PMID- 22084742
TI  - Median nerve repair with autologous sciatic nerve graft: a case report.
AB  - Background. Peripheral nerve injury treatment options are limited to primary
      nerve repair, nerve grafting, and tendon transfers. In this case, a large
      suitable donor site was easily accessible and delayed grafting was indicative of
      poor prognosis. Case Description. A 25-year-old soldier presented to a military
      hospital in Afghanistan following a roadside bomb attack. The patient had a
      medial shrapnel wound in the bicipital groove with a cool pulseless hand and
      catastrophic lower extremity injuries. Bilateral above-the-knee amputations
      (AKAs) and exploration of the medial shrapnel wound were undertaken. A 7 cm
      traumatic defect in the median nerve was repaired with interpositional sciatic
      nerve graft harvested from the AKA. Conclusion. Recovery of motor function after
      nerve grafting is dependent on motor axons reinnervating target muscles, making
      proximal nerve injuries problematic. We identify a potential nerve harvest site
      in patients with lower extremity amputations in need of long segment nerve
      repairs.

PMID- 22084743
TI  - Subarachnoid-pleural fistula: applied anatomy of the thoracic spinal nerve root.
AB  - Subarachnoid-pleural fistula (SPF) is a rare complication of chest or spine
      operations for neoplastic disease. Concomitant dural and parietal pleural defects
      permit flow of cerebrospinal fluid into the pleural cavity or intrapleural air
      into the subarachnoid space. Dural injury recognized intraoperatively permits
      immediate repair, but unnoticed damage may cause postoperative pleural effusion,
      intracranial hypotension, meningitis, or pneumocephalus. We review two cases of
      SPF following surgical intervention for chest wall metastatic disease to motivate
      a detailed review of the anatomy of neural, osseous, and ligamentous structures
      at the intervertebral foramen. We further provide recommendations for avoidance
      and detection of such complication.

PMID- 22084745
TI  - Footballer's Lateral Meniscus: Anterior Horn Tears of the Lateral Meniscus with a
      Stable Knee.
AB  - This paper aimed to identify the characteristics of isolated anterior horn tear
      of the lateral meniscus in footballers who underwent arthroscopic surgery. We
      identified 8 patients with stable knee and no ligament injury, who had only
      isolated anterior horn tear of the lateral meniscus between 2007 and 2009. All 8
      patients were footballers, comprising 7 men and 1 woman with mean age of 18.6
      years. Arthroscopy revealed multiple longitudinal tears in 2 patients,
      longitudinal tear in 2 patients, degenerative tear in 3 patients, and flap tear
      in 1 patient. Two patients were treated by repair, five by partial excision, and
      one by rasping only. The mean Lysholm score was 65 before surgery and recovered
      to 89 at the last followup, on average 12 months after surgery. Anterior horn
      tear of the lateral meniscus in footballers with a stable knee is characterized
      by pain at the anterolateral aspect of the knee during knee extension, especially
      when kicking a ball, and pain during weight-bearing knee extension, together with
      MRI finding of hyperintense signal in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus.
      Preoperative diagnosis may be possible based on these findings in footballers.

PMID- 22084744
TI  - Transanal resection of rectal lipoma mimicking rectal prolapse: description of a
      case and review of the literature.
AB  - Submucosal lipomas of the large bowel are uncommon. Occasionally, they occur in
      the rectum and may cause aspecific symptoms; presentation with rectal prolapse is
      very unusual and may lead to a misdiagnosis of simple mucosal prolapse. The paper
      describes an additional case of a prolapsing rectal mass that led to diagnosis
      and surgical treatment of a rectal lipoma under local anesthesia.

PMID- 22084746
TI  - Synchronous Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy Left and Contralateral Right
      Hemicolectomy during the Same Endoscopic Procedure.
AB  - Synchronous renal cell carcinoma in patients with colorectal carcinoma is
      reported in various percentages ranging from 0.03 up to 4.85% (Halak et al.
      (2000), Capra et al. (2003)). When surgical treatment is indicated usually two
      separate operations are planned for resection. In open surgery, in such cases
      simultaneous resection is recommended if possible. Few reports have described the
      resection of colorectal and renal cell carcinoma in a single laparoscopic
      procedure. We have shown that combining left radical nephrectomy and right
      hemicolectomy is technically feasible, safe and that overall operative time can
      be limited. In our case operative time was 210 minutes, blood loss 100
      milliliters, and duration of hospital stay was 8 days. Adequate port placement,
      preoperative scheduling, and surgical experience are essential to achieve this
      goal.

PMID- 22084747
TI  - Two unusual gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
AB  - Swallowed foreign bodies are common in the pediatric age group, but fortunately,
      the majority of them pass spontaneously without any adverse effects. Tube
      gastrostomy is an excellent method to provide prolonged enteral feeding. It is,
      however, associated with complications, namely, intraperitoneal leak and distal
      migration of the gastrostomy tube causing gastric outlet obstruction. This paper
      describes two unusual gastrointestinal foreign bodies, one was swallowed, while
      the other one was a complication of a tube gastrostomy.

PMID- 22084748
TI  - Dystonia and the role of deep brain stimulation.
AB  - Dystonia is a painful, disabling disease whose cause in many cases remains
      unknown. It has historically been treated with a variety methodologies including
      baclofen pumps, Botox injection, peripheral denervation, and stereotactic
      surgery. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is emerging as a viable treatment option
      for selected patients with dystonia. Results of DBS for dystonia appear to be
      more consistently superior in patients with primary versus secondary forms of the
      disorder. Patients with secondary dystonia, due to a variety of causes, may still
      be candidates for DBS surgery, although the results may not be as consistently
      good. The procedure is relatively safe with a small likelihood of morbidity and
      mortality. A randomized trial is needed to determine who are the best patients
      and when it is best to proceed with surgery.

PMID- 22084750
TI  - Emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy in duodenal paraganglioma: case report.
AB  - Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma (DGP) is a rare tumor that characteristically
      occurs in the second part of duodenum. These appear as submucosal masses that
      protrude into the lumen of a duodenum. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the commonest
      manifestation of DGP. Metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes occurs rarely.
      Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for DGP. A case of a DGP is
      reported in young female who presented with a recurrent upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) documented a mass in the
      ampullary region with ulceration in its middle which was bleeding. Recurrent
      gastrointestinal bleeding necessitated an emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy.
      Histopathology of specimen documented gangliocytic paraganglioma.

PMID- 22084749
TI  - Surgical brain metastases: management and outcome related to prognostic indexes:
      a critical review of a ten-year series.
AB  - Brain metastasis are the most common neoplastic lesions of the nervous system.
      Many cancer patients are diagnosed on the basis of a first clinical presentation
      of cancer on the basis of a single or multiple brain lesions. Brain metastases
      are manifestations of primary disease progression and often determine a poor
      prognosis. Not all patients with a brain metastases undergo surgery: many are
      submitted to alternative or palliative treatments. Management of patients with
      brain metastases is still controversial, and many studies have been developed to
      determine which is the best therapy. Furthermore, management of patients operated
      for a brain metastasis is often difficult. Chemotherapy, stereotactic
      radiosurgery, panencephalic radiation therapy, and surgery, in combination or
      alone, are the means most commonly used. We report our experience in the
      management of a ten-year series of surgical brain metastasis and discuss our
      results in the preoperative and postoperative management of this complex
      condition.

PMID- 22084752
TI  - A rare presentation of pellet injury in the neck.
AB  - Penetrating neck injuries are dangerous and deserve emergency treatment by virtue
      of the vital structures present underneath. There is a potential risk of
      unrecognized vascular injury and retained foreign bodies with their associated
      complications in these wounds. Therefore, an early diagnostic workup to localize
      the site of injury and an immediate neck exploration are important.

PMID- 22084751
TI  - Cerebral melanoma metastases: a critical review on diagnostic methods and
      therapeutic options.
AB  - Malignant melanoma represents the third most common cause for cerebral metastases
      after breast and lung cancer. Central nervous system (CNS) metastases occur in 10
      to 40% of patients with melanoma. Most of the symptoms of CNS melanoma metastases
      are unspecific and depend on localization of the lesion. All patients with new
      neurological signs and a previous primary melanoma lesion must be investigated.
      Although primary diagnosis may rely on computed tomography scan, magnetic
      resonance images are usually used in order to study more precisely the
      characteristics of the lesions in and to embase the surgical plan. Other possible
      complementary exams are: positron emission tomography, iofetamine cintilography,
      immunohistochemistry of liquor, monoclonal antibody immunocytology, optical
      coherence tomography, and transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Treatment
      procedures are indicated based on patient clinical status, presence of unique or
      multiple lesions, and family agreement. Often surgery, radiosurgery, whole brain
      radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are combined in order to obtain longer remissions
      and optimal symptom relieve. Corticoids may be also useful in those cases that
      present with remarkable peritumoral edema and important mass effect. Despite of
      the advance in therapeutic options, prognosis for patients with melanoma brain
      metastases remains poor with a median survival time of six months after
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22084753
TI  - Ectopic sequestered thyroid tissue: an unusual cause of a mediastinal mass.
AB  - An 80-year-old female presented with an incidental finding of a retrosternal mass
      on magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound demonstrated a mediastinal lesion
      adjacent to but separate from the inferior pole of the right thyroid lobe. Fine
      needle aspiration cytology demonstrated colloid and follicular cells. At surgery,
      the right thyroid lobe was found to be normal. A discrete 5 cm nodule was found
      in the anterior mediastinum separate from the thyroid and just anterior and to
      the right of the trachea and thymus. The nodule had a vascular pedicle arising
      from the mediastinum. The differential diagnosis included metastatic thyroid
      carcinoma. Histology was consistent with a benign ectopic sequestered thyroid
      nodule. Extensive investigations demonstrated no sign of a thyroid malignancy.

PMID- 22084754
TI  - The results of vascular and biliary variations in turks liver donors: comparison
      with others.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate liver anatomy with a view to access unerring surgery in
      liver donors. Summary Background Data. Liver transplantation, the unique curative
      treatment option for end-stage hepatic failure, has become routinely practicable,
      which was inconceivable in the past. But, the vascular and biliary anatomy of the
      liver has not been completely disclosed yet. Methods. From 1994 to 2009, we have
      done a research on 496 liver donors. The data were accumulated and categorized
      according to the most widely used classification systems. Results. Of 496 liver
      donors, 393 (79.1%) underwent the right donor hepatectomy, 98 (19.9%) were
      performed the left lateral segmentectomy, and 5 donors (1%) underwent the left
      donor hepatectomy surgery. Given the data regarding to 398 liver donors undergone
      right and left donor hepatectomy, arteries, bile ducts, and portal vein showed
      classical anatomy in 107 (21.6%) donors. Variations in all three systems were
      found in 16 donors (3.2%). In the remaining 275 donors (75.2%), anatomical
      variations were found at either of arterial, biliary, or portal system.
      Conclusions. Our study could come up to actual estimate in liver anatomy as any
      of donors have not been removed in our institute due to high hilar dissection
      technique.

PMID- 22084755
TI  - Arthroscopic treatment of stiff elbow.
AB  - Contracture of the elbow represents a disabling condition that can impair a
      person's quality of life. Regardless of the event that causes an elbow
      contracture, the conservative or surgical treatment is usually considered
      technically difficult and associated with complications. When the conservative
      treatment fails to restore an acceptable range of motion in the elbow, open
      techniques have been shown to be successful options. More recently the use of
      arthroscopy has become more popular for several reasons. These reasons include
      better visualization of intra-articular structures, less tissue trauma from open
      incisions, and potentially the ability to begin early postoperative motion. The
      purpose of this paper is to review the indications, complications, and results of
      arthroscopic management of a stiff elbow.

PMID- 22084756
TI  - Giant splenic artery aneurysm: case report.
AB  - Splenic artery aneurysm is the third most common location of intra-abdominal
      aneurysms. Giant splenic artery aneurysm is rarely seen and is at a high risk of
      rupture. Location and size of the splenic artery aneurysm determine the
      likelihood of rupture. A case of giant splenic artery aneurysm in a 35-year-old
      woman is reported. She presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. She had
      splenomegaly and extrahepatic hepatic portal hypertension. Angiography confirmed
      a giant splenic artery aneurysm measuring 8 * 10 centimeters, located in middle
      and distal two-thirds of the splenic artery. Surgical treatment in the form of in
      toto excision of aneurysm with splenectomy and devascularization was performed.

PMID- 22084757
TI  - Pilot study on the efficiency of the biostimulation with autologous plasma rich
      in platelet growth factors in otorhinolaryngology: otologic surgery
      (tympanoplasty type I).
AB  - When otologic procedures that involve tympanic membrane repairs are performed,
      biomaterials or biological tissues as normal as grafts are used. At the moment,
      biological material from the own patient is used with varying success rates. The
      procedure used and the patient's tissue repair capabilities tend to determine the
      outcome. We present a preliminary study on tympanic membrane perforation repairs
      using an autograft obtained by manipulating platelet degranulation and the
      coagulation cascade and reinforced with a seal using platelet growth factors. We
      present three cases in which we used this procedure. The results will be valued
      based on the tympanic perforation closure index. With this study, we want to
      assess the effectiveness of tympanic perforation repairs with this technically
      simple method. If this method was objectively proved to be effective, it would
      lead to lower patient morbidity and sanitary costs.

PMID- 22084758
TI  - Strangulated tension viscerothorax with gangrene of the stomach in missed
      traumatic diaphragmatic rupture.
AB  - Acquired diaphragmatic hernias are usually posttraumatic in occurrence. In
      patients who have blunt trauma and associated diaphragmatic hernia, the diagnosis
      may be missed or delayed, often leading to poor treatment outcomes. We present a
      rare occurrence of tension viscerothorax due to missed traumatic diaphragmatic
      rupture in a 25-year-old woman whose condition was complicated by gangrene and
      perforation of the fundus as well as questionable viability of the anterior wall
      of the body of the stomach. The patient had a successful emergency transabdominal
      suture plication of the diaphragm and gastroplasty and has remained symptomless 3
      months postoperatively.

PMID- 22084759
TI  - A review of posttraumatic bowel injuries in ibadan.
AB  - Background. Bowel injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
      following trauma. Evaluating patients who sustained abdominal trauma with bowel
      injury may pose a significant diagnostic challenge to the surgeon. Prompt
      recognition and timely intervention is necessary to improve outcome. Aim. This
      study was undertaken to evaluate treatment and outcome of patients with bowel
      trauma. Methods. A 5-year retrospective study of all patients presenting with
      abdominal trauma requiring surgical intervention seen in the UCH Ibadan, Nigeria
      was undertaken. Results. There were 71 patients (59 males and 12 females). The
      majority of cases (70%) occurred between the 3rd and 5th decades of life. Some 37
      patients (52%) sustained blunt abdominal injury, while 34 patients (48%)
      sustained penetrating abdominal injury. There were 27 patients with bowel
      injuries (38%). Isolated bowel injuries occurred in 19 patients (27%). The most
      common surgical operation performed was simple closure. There were 3 deaths in
      patients with bowel injuries. Conclusion. Most cases of bowel injury can be
      managed by simple closure, a technique that is not so technically demanding for
      surgeons in less-developed countries. This study has also incidentally identified
      a "rule of six" for patients with bowel injuries and abdominal trauma.

PMID- 22084760
TI  - Simultaneous use of cannulated reamer and schanz screw for closed intramedullary
      femoral nailing.
AB  - Introduction. Closed reduction is a critical component of the intramedullary
      nailing and at times can be difficult and technically challenging resulting in
      increased operative time. Fluoroscopy is used extensively to achieve closed
      reduction which increases the intra-operative radiation exposure. Materials and
      Methods. Sixty patients with femoral diaphyseal fractures treated by locked
      intramedullary nailing were randomized in two groups. In group I, fracture
      reduction was performed under fluoroscopy with a cannulated reamer in the
      proximal fragment or with simultaneous use of a cannulated reamer in the proximal
      fragment and a Schanz screw in the distal fragment. Patients in group II had
      fracture reduction under fluoroscopy alone. Results. Closed reduction was
      achieved in 29 patients in group I and 25 patients in group II. The guide wire
      insertion time, time for nail insertion and its distal locking, total operative
      time, and total fluoroscopic time were 26.57, 27.93, 68.03, and 0.19 minutes in
      group I, compared with 30.87, 27.83, 69.93, and 0.24 minutes in group II,
      respectively. The average number of images taken to achieve guide wire insertion,
      for nail insertion and its locking and for the complete procedure in group I,
      respectively, was 12.33, 25.27, and 37.6 compared with 22.1, 26.17, and 48.27,
      respectively, in group II. Conclusion. The use of cannulated reamer in proximal
      fragment as intramedullary joystick and Schanz screw and in the distal fragment
      as percutaneous joystick facilitates closed reduction of the fracture during
      closed intramedullary femoral nailing with statistically significant reduction in
      guide wire insertion time and radiation exposure.

PMID- 22084761
TI  - Collateral tissue damage by several types of coagulation (monopolar, bipolar,
      cold plasma and ultrasonic) in a minimally invasive, perfused liver model.
AB  - Hemostasis in minimally invasive surgery causes tissue damage. Regardless of the
      method of production of thermal energy, a quick and safe coagulation is essential
      for its clinical use. In this study we examined the tissue damage in the isolated
      perfused pig liver using monopolar, bipolar, cold plasma, and ultrasonic
      coagulation. In a minimally invasive in vitro setup, a 2-3 cm slice of the edge
      of the perfused pig liver was resected. After hemostasis was achieved, liver
      tissue of the coagulated area was given to histopathological examination. The
      depth of tissue necrosis, the height of tissue loss, and the time until
      sufficient hemostasis was reached were analyzed. The lowest risk for extensive
      tissue damage could be shown for the bipolar technique, combined with the highest
      efficiency in hemostasis. Using cold plasma, coagulation time was longer with a
      deeper tissue damage. Monopolar technique showed the worst results with the
      highest tissue damage and a long coagulation time. Ultrasonic coagulation was not
      useful for coagulation of large bleeding areas. In summary, bipolar technique led
      to less tissue damage and best coagulation results in our minimally invasive
      model. These results could be important to recommend bipolar coagulation for
      clinical use in minimally invasive surgery.

PMID- 22084762
TI  - Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in Africa: a clinicopathological study.
AB  - Introduction. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare,
      aggressive soft tissue sarcomas associated with poor prognosis, that most
      commonly affect patients aged 20 to 50 years, but have also been reported in
      children. There is little reported in literature on these tumors in Africa.
      Materials and Methods. A search of the hospital pathology database between 1992
      and 2008 revealed 333 nerve sheath tumors, of which 31 were MPNSTs. Four
      representative case reports are presented. Discussion. MNPSTs have rarely been
      reported from sub-Saharan Africa; in this study, they constituted 9.3% of all
      nerve sheath tumors. The trunk (42%) and limbs (45%) were the most frequently
      affected anatomical sites. Late presentation of malignant lesions in this
      environment is exemplified by the four case presentations patients. Conclusions.
      This report confirms observations from studies on MPNSTs from other environments.
      Anatomically centrally located MPNSTs may have a higher incidence in sub-Saharan
      Africa than in the West. Because NF1-associated MPNSTs are difficult to diagnose
      clinically, and because surgery is the only mode of therapy that offers a
      complete cure, a lifetime follow-up is important, as this would enable diagnosis
      of early lesions amenable to surgical extirpation.

PMID- 22084763
TI  - Secondary tuberculosis of breast: case report.
AB  - Tuberculosis of breast is a rare disease which is difficult to differentiate from
      carcinoma of breast. The involvement of breast can be primary or secondary to
      some focus in body. A case of secondary tuberculosis of right breast in a 21-year
      old female from Kashmir, India, is being reported. Presentation was as a painless
      discharging sinus of right breast. A tubercular foci of rib was the affecting
      source of disease. No other evidence of tuberculosis was present in the body.
      Resection of involved rib segment, along with the discharging sinus, was
      performed. The patient had antitubercular therapy for 9 months, with no
      recurrence seen in followup.

PMID- 22084764
TI  - Adjuvant perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in locally advanced
      colorectal carcinoma: preliminary results.
AB  - Background and Aims. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a basic tool in the
      treatment of peritoneal malignancy. The purpose of the study is to investigate
      the effect of adjuvant perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the
      treatment of locally advanced colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods. Patients
      with T(3) and T(4) colorectal carcinomas that underwent R(0) resection received
      either hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC group = 40
      patients) or early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC group = 67
      patients). The survival, the recurrences and the sites of recurrence were
      assessed. Results. The 3-year survival rate for HIPEC group was 100% and for EPIC
      group 69% (P = .011). Nodal infiltration was found to be the single prognostic
      indicator of survival. The incidence of recurrence in EPIC group was higher than
      in HIPEC group (P = .009). The independent indicators of recurrence were the use
      of HIPEC and the degree of differentiation (P < .05). Conclusions.
      Intraperitoneal chemotherapy, particularly HIPEC, as an adjuvant in locally
      advanced colorectal carcinomas appears to improve survival and decrease the
      incidence of recurrence.

PMID- 22084765
TI  - Alimentation impact of treatments of 254 oropharyngeal cancers (1998-2003).
AB  - Objective. To analyze the functional impact of the various possible treatments of
      oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas to find the main prognostic factors of
      dysphagia induced by these treatments. Patients. Clinical data from 254 patients
      treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx between 1998 and 2003 were
      retrospectively analyzed. A multivariate model enabled us to evaluate the role of
      each potentially harmful factor on swallowing. Main Outcome Measures. The
      significant factors influencing the consumption of liquid, pasty, and normal food
      were the same: the initial T stage and the type of treatment. Conclusion.
      Whatever the possible and selected treatment was, the impact on the functional
      capacities, and thus, the quality of life of the patients was considerable. Even
      though we could not significantly demonstrate exclusive radiotherapy caused more
      long-term undesirable effects than surgery followed by radiotherapy, our daily
      practice has shown that we should favour the latter.

PMID- 22084766
TI  - Spontaneous Hepatic Rupture with Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage without Underlying
      Etiology: A Report of Two Cases.
AB  - Spontaneous hepatic rupture is a rare event most often occurring in association
      with underlying liver disease or pregnancy. We report two unusual cases of
      hepatic rupture without any identifiable pathology, trauma, or comorbid
      conditions.

PMID- 22084767
TI  - Perils of prolonged impaction of oesophageal foreign bodies.
AB  - Ill-conceived effort at removal of impacted foreign bodies (FBs) in oesophagus
      vies with delay in removal as the causes of morbidity and mortality. Most
      oesophageal FBs are safely removed endoscopically when attempted early. However,
      large sharp FBs like dentures and meat bones can get deeply embedded in the wall
      with prolonged impaction or injudicious attempts at removal leading to life
      threatening mediastinitis. Open surgery to access the oesophageal-impacted FB in
      such an event is hazardous. This report emphasizes the need for early site
      specific surgical approaches that may be required, albeit rarely, for oesophageal
      impacted FBs, where attempts at endoscopic removal have failed or complications
      have ensued.

PMID- 22084768
TI  - Treatment of complex fistula in ano with cable-tie seton: a prospective case
      series.
AB  - Objective. To determine the fecal incontinence and recurrence rate in patients
      with complex fistula in ano managed with cable tie seton at a tertiary care
      teaching hospital. Methods. This is a prospective case series of patients with
      complex anal fistula i.e. recurrent fistula or encircling >30% of external anal
      sphincter, managed with cable tie seton from March 2003 to March 2009. Patients
      were seen in the clinic after 72 hours of seton insertion under anesthesia and
      then every other week. Each time the cable-tie was tightened if found loose
      without anesthesia and incontinence was inquired according to wexner's score.
      Results. Seventy nine patients were treated during the study period with the age
      (mean +/- standard deviation) of 41 +/- 10.6 years and. The seton was tightened
      with a median of six times (3-15 times range). Complete healing was achieved in
      11.2 +/- 5.7 weeks. All the patients were followed for a minimum period of one
      year and none of the patients had any incontinence. Recurrence was found in 4
      (5%) patients. Conclusion. The cable tie seton is safe, cost effective and low
      morbidity option for the treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano. It can, therefore,
      be recommended as the standard of treatment for complex fistulae-in-ano requiring
      the placement of a seton.

PMID- 22084769
TI  - Adhesive intestinal obstruction in infants and children: the place of
      conservative treatment.
AB  - Objectives. Adhesive intestinal obstruction (AIO) is rare in the pediatric age
      group and its treatment is still controversial. This is a retrospective review of
      our experience in infants and children with AIO. Patients and Methods. The
      records of infants and children with AIO between January 2001 and December 2010
      were retrospectively reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, initial operation,
      interval between initial operation and presentation, diagnosis, treatment and
      outcome. Results. 44 infants and children were admitted with AIO. There were 28
      males and 16 females who had 46 episodes. Their ages at presentation ranged from
      1 month to 12 years (mean 5.4 years), while their ages at initial operation
      ranged from 2 days to 12 years (mean 4.15 years). Time elapsed from initial
      operation to presentation ranged from 7 days to 8 years (mean 1.5 years), and 66%
      developed AIO within 1 year from initial operation. Appenedecectomy was the
      commonest operation (29.5%). Four (9%) responded to conservative treatment. The
      other 40 (91%) required surgical intervention. Twenty-nine had release of
      adhesions only, while 10 (25%) had resection of small intestines and one
      underwent stricturoplasty. Two developed recurrence and one died. Conclusions.
      AIO is rare in the pediatric age group and the majority becomes symptomatic
      within 1 year of operation. Appendecectomy is the commonest operation leading to
      AIO. The place of conservative treatment is limited and to obviate delay and
      decrease the chance of intestinal ischemia, they should be treated early with
      surgical adhesiolysis.

PMID- 22084770
TI  - Transient myocarditis associated with fulminant colitis.
AB  - Case Summary. An 18-year old man presented with a three-week history of abdominal
      pain, weight loss and bloody diarrhoea. He was profoundly septic, with
      generalised abdominal tenderness. CT and flexible sigmoidosopy confirmed colitis
      of the colon with rectal sparing. Laparotomy was performed when conservative
      management failed to improve his condition. Subtotal colectomy, with end
      ileostomy and mucus fistula formation, was performed in light of active colitis.
      Despite successful operative intervention the patient acute left ventricular
      failure, raising the possibility of giant cell myocarditis, which fully resolved
      before a definitive diagnosis could be reached. Discussion. It is possible that
      the transient cardiac failure in this case may represent an overwhelming
      inflammatory response or myocarditis. Inflammatory bowel disease is rarely
      associated with giant cell myocarditis (GCM). GCM usually affects a young
      population and its prognosis is variable, ranging from complete recovery,
      remission with recurrence and fatality. The management of this group of patients
      is still relatively experimental. Conclusion. Fulminant colitis can be associated
      with a rapid deterioration in cardiac function. Causes include sepsis, systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome or myocarditis. GCM should be considered in
      patients with new onset of left ventricular failure that decline rapidly.

PMID- 22084771
TI  - Prediction of length of stay following elective percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - There have been published risk stratification approaches to predict complications
      following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). However, a formal assessment
      of such approaches with respect to predicting length of stay (LOS) is lacking.
      Therefore, we sought to assess the performance of, an easy-to-use, tree
      structured prognostic classification model in predicting LOS among patients with
      elective PCI. The study is based on the New York State PCI database. The model
      was developed on data for 1999-2000, consisting of 67,766 procedures. Validation
      was carried out, with respect to LOS, using data for 2001-2002, consisting of
      79,545 procedures. The risk groups identified by the model exhibited a strong
      progressively increasing relative risk pattern of longer LOS. The predicted
      average LOS ranged from 3 to 9 days. The performance of this model was comparable
      to other published risk scores. In conclusion, the tree-structured prognostic
      classification is a model which can be easily applied to aid practitioners early
      on in their decision process regarding the need for extra resources required for
      the management of more complicated patients following PCI, or to justify to
      payors the extra costs required for the management of patients who have required
      extended observation and care after PCI.

PMID- 22084772
TI  - A systematic and evidence-based approach to the management of vertebral
      metastasis.
AB  - Diagnosis and management of vertebral metastasis requires a systematic approach
      to patient identification as well as selection of appropriate therapy. Rapid
      identification and prompt intervention in the treatment of malignant epidural
      spinal cord compression (MESCC) is key to maintaining quality of life. This paper
      provides a series of tools as well as guidance in selecting effective and
      evidence-based therapy individualized to the specific patient.

PMID- 22084773
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in parotid lesions.
AB  - Objective. Histopathology of parotid gland tumors is extremely varied and complex
      due to heterogeneous cellular composition. Preoperative diagnostic tools include
      fine needle aspiration cytology, the role of which remains controversial. The aim
      of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of fine needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors. Methods. We
      retrospectively reviewed charts of 129 patients who underwent parotidectomy for
      parotid lesions at Aga Khan University Hospital from 2002 to 2010. We compared
      the results of preoperative FNAC with final histopathological diagnosis. Results.
      Concordance with histological results was observed in 86%, specificity was 98%,
      sensitivity was 84%, and diagnostic accuracy was 94%. Conclusion. Our results
      demonstrate that preoperative cytology in parotid lesions is fairly accurate and
      useful in diagnosing benign from malignant and in planning appropriate approach
      for treatment.

PMID- 22084774
TI  - Trocar site hernia after laparoscopic colectomy: a case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Background. Trocar Site Hernia (TSH) is defined as an incisional hernia which
      occurs after minimally invasive surgery on the trocar incision site.In 2004
      Tonouchi classified trocar site hernias into 3 types: Early onset type; Late
      onset type; Special type. Case Report. We report the case of a 76-year old woman
      that underwent an emergency explorative laparotomy on the 10th p.o. day after a
      laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Surgery showed a small bowel herniation through
      the 12 mm trocar incision site; the intestinal loop appeared necrotic and had to
      be resected, and the hernia orifice was repaired. We carried out a review of
      literature about this topic. Discussion. The clinical onset of a trocar site
      hernia is usually early, occurring within the 30th post operative day and it is
      caused by the omentum or small bowel entrapment into the trocar orifice. The
      clinical presentation is insidious, with progression to an acute abdomen, and an
      emergency surgical approach is often required. Conclusions. TSH is a severe
      complication of operative laparoscopy especially with large-bore trocar ports.
      The incidence of TSH resulting from our review ranges from 0.007% to 22% with an
      average of 1.85%. Prevention of TSH appears to be more effective when trocar
      insertion through the abdominal wall is tangential, the closure of both the
      fascia and the peritoneum is performed if the incision is greater than 7 mm, the
      suture of extra umbilical port site is performed under laparoscopic vision.

PMID- 22084775
TI  - Patient demographics in acute care surgery at the ruijin hospital in shanghai.
AB  - Acute Care Surgery is a discipline that includes trauma care, surgical critical
      care, and emergency surgery. It is organized in different models and provides
      mainly operative and nonoperative care. The aim of this study was to provide a
      demographic analysis of the care of surgical patients at the Emergency Department
      (ED) in a large teaching hospital in Shanghai, where general surgeons and
      orthopedic surgeons take care for most of all acute surgery. A bilingual
      questionnaire was developed to collect data for patients referred to the general
      or orthopedic surgeon in the ED (June-September 2008). Data about the gender,
      age, diagnosis, diagnostic tools, treatments, and outcomes were collected. A
      total of 255 questionnaires were collected; the most common diagnoses of patients
      were infections of abdominal organs and fractures. Complementary diagnostics like
      X-ray (59%), blood tests (36%), and ultrasound (17%) were frequently used. More
      than half of the patients were discharged afterwards most of them with followup.
      This study gives a first overview of acute care surgery of the emergency patients
      of the ED in a large Chinese metropolitan hospital.

PMID- 22084776
TI  - Dysphagia lusoria: a case of an aberrant right subclavian artery and a bicarotid
      trunk.
AB  - Dysphagia Lusoria is dysphagia secondary to an aberrant right subclavian artery
      that has a retroesophageal course. Adachi and Williams categorized aortic arch
      anomalies, showing that the right subclavian artery arising in this fashion (as
      the final branch of the descending aortic arch) is one of the more common.
      However, this very rarely coexists with a bicarotid trunk. We present such a case
      as it is manifested in a 36-year-old lady complaining of marked weight loss and
      dysphagia. The diagnosis remained elusive until a CT scan of the chest was
      performed; angiography further delineated the pathology. It is believed that the
      combination of the common carotid origins with the retroesophageal course of the
      aberrant vessel more frequently accounts for symptoms in the absence of an
      aneurysm of the origin of the aberrant vessel. Several techniques to manage the
      aberrant vessel have been described in the literature, but we favoured open
      ligation and transposition to the right carotid artery.

PMID- 22084777
TI  - Reconsideration of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - We describe the surgical method of cases showing a distended gallbladder. Because
      the most important thing does not cause biliary tract injury, it is to find
      orientation carefully. The frequency of incidental gallbladder cancer was in 7
      (0.7%) of the 983. Only cholecystectomy is necessary to be performed for Tis or
      T1 cancer, and surgery has to be changed to radical surgery for T2 cancer or
      deeper invasion. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is already an established standard
      operation. In the presence of acute or severe chronic inflammation, special
      attention should be paid to these points.

PMID- 22084778
TI  - Small bowel obstruction caused by an incarcerated hernia after iliac crest bone
      harvest.
AB  - The iliac crest has become an often used site for autogenous bone graft, because
      of the easy access it affords. One of the less common complications that can
      occur after removal is a graft-site hernia. It was first reported in 1945 (see
      the work by Oldfield, 1945). We report a case of iliac crest bone hernia in a 53
      year-old male who was admitted for elective resection of a pseudarthrosis and
      reconstruction of the left femur with iliac crest bone from the right side. One
      and a half months after initial surgery, the patient presented with increasing
      abdominal pain and signs of bowel obstruction. A CT scan of the abdominal cavity
      showed an obstruction of the small bowel caused by the bone defect of the right
      iliac crest. A laparoscopy showed a herniation of the small bowel. Due to
      collateral vessels of the peritoneum caused by portal hypertension, an IPOM
      (intraperitoneal onlay-mesh) occlusion could not be performed. We performed a
      conventional ventral hernia repair with an onlay mesh. The recovery was
      uneventful.

PMID- 22084779
TI  - Recurrent chest pain, as a presenting sign of ovarian endometrioma.
AB  - Chest pain is a rare sign of thoracal endometriosis associated with endometrioma
      of the tubo-ovarian endometrioma. We report the case periodic episodes of chest
      pain concurrent with menstruation in a 35-year-old female, in which ovarian
      endometrioma was diagnosed and left-sided oophorectomy was performed. After
      surgery, patient underwent medical treatment which included a Gn-RH agonist and a
      combined oral contraceptive. In the follow-up period, there was no evidence of
      chest pain.

PMID- 22084780
TI  - Acute posterior shoulder dislocation with reverse hill-sachs lesion of the
      epiphyseal humeral head.
AB  - Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is an unfrequent event that often occurs as
      a consequence of a direct trauma or epileptic crisis. Frequently the posterior
      dislocations are misunderstood, so they become chronic lesions. We reported a
      case of an acute posterior left shoulder dislocation with lesser tuberosity
      fracture and reverse Hill-Sachs lesions which involved more than 25% of the
      articular surface of the humeral head, in a 57-old-year man with right
      hemiparesis. We performed a synthesis of the lesser tuberosity with a screw, and
      we restored the shape of the humeral head with allograft. We achieved a good
      result that allows the patient to be able to do his previous activities of daily
      living.

PMID- 22084781
TI  - Treatment of maxillary deficiency by miniplates: a case report.
AB  - Introduction. Numerous devices have been introduced for correction of Class III
      malocclusion and maxillary deficiency. Aim. To assess the dentoskeletal effects
      of miniplates combined with Class III traction in treating Cl III malocclusion
      and maxillary deficiency in growing patients. Methods. This case describes the
      treatment of a maxillary-deficient 11-year-old boy by using miniplates. The
      patient's parents rejected the use of extraoral appliances and major surgical
      correction; therefore the treatment was done by using Class III elastics
      connected from two mandibular miniplates to an upper removable appliance. Two
      miniplates were inserted in the anterior part of the mandible in the canine areas
      under local anaesthesia. The treatment lasted for 10 months after which
      favourable correction of the malocclusion was observed. Results. The SNA and ANB
      angles increased by 5.1 degrees  and 4.4 degrees , respectively. Lower 1 to
      mandibular plane decreased by 3.4 degrees . Conclusions. This case demonstrates
      that miniplates can be a suitable method to extraoral appliances and major
      surgery in maxillary deficiency cases.

PMID- 22084782
TI  - Congenital paraesophageal hernia with intrathoracic gastric volvolus in two
      sisters.
AB  - Congenital paraesophageal hernia is rare in infants and children. This paper
      describes our experience with seven infants and children with congenital
      paraesophageal hernia with emphasis on two sisters who presented with unusually
      large paraesophageal hernias and herniation of most of the stomach resulting in
      intrathoracic gastric volvolus. The literature on the subject is also reviewed.

PMID- 22084783
TI  - Aggressive surgical treatment in late-diagnosed esophageal perforation: a report
      of 11 cases.
AB  - Introduction. Esophageal perforation is a relatively uncommon and lethal disease
      usually resulting from endoscopic procedures. Delay in the diagnosis and
      treatment occurs in more than 50% of cases, leading to a mortality rate of 40% to
      60%, but this rate decreases is 10%-25% if treatment is carried out within 24
      hours of perforation. Case Presentation. To analyze the characteristics,
      etiology, site of perforation, presentation, time interval till diagnosis,
      treatment and outcome of patients with esophageal perforation. Over a five-year
      period, from October 2004 through March 2009, 11 patients with esophageal
      perforation were referred to the division of thoracic surgery of a tertiary
      referral hospital. In eight patients, perforations were thoracic with delayed
      diagnosis for at least 48 hours. Two patients had cervical esophageal
      perforation, and one patient had early-diagnosed Boerhaave's syndrome. Eight
      patients are alive after followup for a period ranging from eight months to five
      years. In the remaining three patients, cancer was the underlying disease and the
      reason of death. Conclusion. No patient with esophageal perforation should be
      deprived from surgical repair due to delayed diagnosis. All, except preterminal
      patients, should undergo exploration after resuscitation, and appropriate
      treatment should be carried out depending on the findings during operation.
      Aggressive treatment is necessary in the case of established mediastinitis.

PMID- 22084784
TI  - Using nodal ratios to predict risk of regional recurrences in patients treated
      with breast conservation therapy with 4 or more positive lymph nodes.
AB  - Purpose. The value of nodal ratios (NRs) as a prognostic variable in breast
      cancer is continually being demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to use NR
      in patients with >=4+ nodes to assess a correlation of NR with regional (lymph
      node) recurrence. Methods. Inclusion criteria was >=8 nodes dissected with >=4+
      nodes after breast conservation therapy. Of 1060 patients treated from 1975 to
      2003 who had a minimum of 8 nodes dissected, 273 were node+; 56 patients had >=4+
      involved nodes and were the focus of this study. Nodal ratios were calculated for
      each patient and grouped into 3 categories: high (>=70%), intermediate (40%-69%)
      and low (<40%). Each nodal ratio was correlated with patterns of local, regional,
      and distant failures and OS. Results. Outcomes for the entire cohort were BRFS
      83%, NRFS-93%, DMFS-61%, and OS 63% at 10 yrs. The OS, DMFS, and NRFS correlated
      with N2 (4-9 nodes+) versus N3 (>=10+) status but did not correlate with BRFS, as
      expected. When evaluating NR, 18 pts had high NR (>70%). Only 3 patients
      experienced nodal recurrences, all within previously radiated supraclavicular
      fields. All 3 in-field regional failures occurred in the N3 group of patients
      with NR >70%. All were treated with a single AP field prescribed to a dose of 46
      Gy at a standard depth of 3 cm. Conclusions. In this group of N2/N3 patients
      treated with BCT, we were able to identify patients at high risk for regional
      failures as those with high NR of >70% and >=10+ nodes. While these findings need
      to be reproduced in larger datasets, this group of patients with NR of >70% in 4
      or more positive axillary lymph nodes may benefit from meticulous targeting of
      regional nodes, dose escalation, and/or more intensive systemic therapies.

PMID- 22084786
TI  - Diffuse cutaneous metastases as the only sign of extranodal tumor spread in a
      patient with adenocarcinoma of the colon.
AB  - Cutaneous metastases from large bowel cancer are uncommon and are usually
      associated with organ involvement. Localization of lesions to the skin is mainly
      attributed to vascular and anatomical relationship, since most of them are seen
      in the abdominal wall or in a surgical scar. We report a 73-year-old woman in
      whom metastatic nodules from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the right
      colon developed throughout the skin (buttock, trunk, chest wall, arms, and neck)
      and remained the only sign of extranodal tumor spread until patient's death,
      seven months later. This unusual behaviour suggests that localization of
      neoplastic cells to the skin may be a site-specific process, determined by
      adhesion molecules and/or by growth factors found at that site.

PMID- 22084785
TI  - Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting as a palpable abdominal mass: an
      unusual presentation.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST-) account for the majority of mesenchymal
      tumors arising within the gastrointestinal tract. GIST presenting as a palpable
      abdominal mass is extremely rare. We report four additional cases of a GIST
      presenting as an abdominal mass along with a pertinent review of the literature.
      Twenty five cases of GISTs presenting with an abdominal mass, including 4 cases
      discussed here, have been reported in the world literature since 2001. The mean
      duration of symptoms was 152.7 days. Twenty one of 25 (84%) patients received
      surgical resection. The mean tumor size was 17.2 cm, with an average mitotic
      index of 7.6 per 50 high power fields. Thirteen of 14 (92.9%) patients had a high
      risk tumor. Five patients were disease-free at a mean followup of 11 months, 2
      patients had stable disease and 2 patients had progressive disease, and one
      patient had a partial response. In conclusion, symptomatic patents have an
      increased incidence of high-risk tumors and metastases at presentation. Adjuvant
      therapy with imatinib improves disease-free survival in patients with large
      abdominal GIST tumors, but no change in overall survival was noted. Finally,
      GISTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass in
      an elderly patient.

PMID- 22084787
TI  - Randomized split-mouth study on postoperative effects of palmitoylethanolamide
      for impacted lower third molar surgery.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Normast 300 mg in reducing
      swelling and pain after the surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars.
      Materials and Methods. A randomized, split-mouth, single-blind study was
      conducted on 30 patients between 18 and 30 years of age requiring lower third
      molar extraction. Patients underwent bilateral extractions in a randomized
      sequence, one extraction being performed under Normast treatment. The Normast
      treatment involved 2 tablets a day for 15 days. The parameters assessed at each
      procedure were trismus, swelling, pain, NSAID consumption, postoperative
      complications, drug tolerability, and safety. The results obtained were processed
      using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results. Perceived postoperative
      pain was reportedly significantly milder on Normast treatment than control. The
      trend of the means differed over time (P < .0001) and between the two extraction
      groups (P < .0221). On the other hand, for edema and trismus, the trend differed
      over time for both groups but did not differ between the two groups. Discussion.
      Our analyses indicate that patients experienced significantly less postoperative
      pain when they were treated with Normast. Conclusions. Administering Normast
      improves the postoperative course-in terms of pain-after lower third molar
      extraction.

PMID- 22084788
TI  - The management of "coats' response" in a patient with x-linked retinitis
      pigmentosa-a case report.
AB  - The management of exudative retinal detachment in Coats disease can be very
      difficult with variable results. A case is presented of a 12 year old boy who was
      diagnosed with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa with an associated "Coat's
      Response". The patient had a marked reduction in his left visual acuity due to
      intragel and subhyaloid haemorrhage as well as exudative retinal detachment. This
      was managed successfully with vitrectomy and endolaser, resulting in clearance of
      the haemorrhage and flattening of the retina. In our experience endolaser should
      be considered as viable therapeutic option in the management of this condition.

PMID- 22084789
TI  - Success rate of microimplants in a university orthodontic clinic.
AB  - Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the success rate and find
      factors affecting the clinical success of microimplants used as orthodontic
      anchorage. Methods. Seventy-three consecutive patients (25 male, 48 female; mean
      age, 22.45 years) with a total of 139 screw implants of 2 types were examined.
      Success rate was determined according to 18 clinical variables. Results. The
      overall success rate was 87.8%. The clinical variables of microimplant factors
      (type), patient factors (sex, skeletal and dental relationships, overbite, jaw
      involved, side involved and site involved), and treatment factors (type of
      insertion, time of loading, purpose of microimplant insertion, mode of loading,
      type of anchorage used, direction of forces applied) did not show any statistical
      difference in success rates. Mandibular angle, vertical position of implant
      placement, oral hygiene status, and inflammation showed significant difference in
      success rates. Conclusions. Proper case selection and following the recommended
      protocol are extremely essential to minimise failures.

PMID- 22084790
TI  - A rare case of recurrent hematuria from right kidney: radiologic diagnosis and
      treatment.
AB  - We report the case of a young woman admitted because of several and recurring
      episodes of macroscopic hematuria beginned after her first pregnancy. Contrast
      enhanced multidetector computed tomography images showed dilated ovarian veins
      due to a typical pelvic varicocele. We supposed to be a right ovarian vein
      syndrome, a rare clinical situation characterized by an anomalous compression of
      the lumbar ureter by the ectasic ovarian vein; this condition may cause a chronic
      inflammatory stimulus above the urothelial mucosa with a following hematuria. All
      symptoms were solved by an endovascular treatment through the sclero-embolisation
      of the pelvic varicocele. After eighteen months the patient didn't present
      hematuria anymore and she no longer complained about her right side lumbar pain.

PMID- 22084791
TI  - Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer:
      technical considerations and review of the literature.
AB  - Men with high-risk prostate cancer are at significant risk of progressive,
      symptomatic disease leading to metastases or death from prostate cancer. Surgery
      specifically robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)-is increasingly
      being considered as a key component of a multimodal strategy to treat these
      patients. Herein, we review key technical considerations of performing RALP with
      bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in men with high-risk disease. Recent literature
      supporting the increasing role of surgery either alone or in combination with
      adjuvant therapies to treat men with high-risk prostate cancer is also reviewed.

PMID- 22084792
TI  - Endourological Management of Urolithiasis in Donor Kidneys prior to Renal
      Transplant.
AB  - Background. We present our centres successful endourological methodology of ex
      vivo ureteroscopy (EVFUS) in the management of these kidneys prior to renal
      transplantation. Patient and Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed of
      all living donors (n = 157) identified to have asymptomatic incidental renal
      calculi from January 2004 until December 2008. The incidence of asymptomatic
      renal calculi was 3.2% (n = 5). Donors were subdivided into 2 groups depending on
      whether theydonated the kidney with the renal calculus (Group 1) versus the
      opposite calculus-free kidney (Group 2). Results. All donors in Group 1 underwent
      a left laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The calculi were extracted in all 3 cases
      using a 7.5 Fr flexible ureteroscope either prior to transplant (n = 2) or on
      revascularization (n = 1). There were no urological complications in either
      group. At a mean followup at 64 months there was no recurrent calculi formation
      in the recipient in Group 1. However, 1 recipient formed a calculus in group 2 at
      a follow up of 72 months. Conclusions. Renal calculi can be successfully
      retrieved during living-related transplantation at the time of transplant itself
      using EVUS. This is technically feasible and is associated with no compromise in
      ureteral integrity or renal allograft function.

PMID- 22084793
TI  - Giant Retroperitoneal Mucinous Tumor Supportively Diagnosed as a Dedifferentiated
      Liposarcoma by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization of MDM2 Gene.
AB  - Surgical resection was performed on a 47-year-old woman for a retroperitoneal
      mass that weighed 8.5 kg. Histological examination revealed a myxoid sarcomatous
      tumor. Because diagnosis could not be determined by immunohistochemistry,
      attention was focused on MDM2 (murine double minute) gene amplification by
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. The tumor was finally
      determined to be a dedifferentiated liposarcoma. We experienced a case of a giant
      retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma. FISH analysis was useful for the
      diagnosis and determination of the therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 22084794
TI  - Urinary Ascites following Mini Lap Tubectomy: A Rare Occurence.
AB  - Iatrogenic bladder injury is a known complication of laparoscopic and
      gynecological surgeries with an incidence of 1.5 per 1000 cases. Urinary ascites
      is a result of undiagnosed iatrogenic bladder injury during pelvic surgeries. We
      report a rare case of urinary ascites following mini lap tubectomy on the eighth
      postoperative day. After the diagnosis was made, conservative management was done
      for the patient, to which she successfully responded.

PMID- 22084795
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Iatrogenic Rectourinary Fistula-York-Mason Technique-a Case
      Report.
AB  - Introduction. Recto-urinary fistulas resulting from trauma or surgery are a
      serious and debilitating complication. They represent a challenge not only
      because of the difficulty on choosing the best technique to solve them but also
      because of the risk of recurrence. Spontaneous cure is rare. Materials and
      Methods. We describe the case of a 61-years-old man that on the 9th postoperative
      day of a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) started with fecaluria and
      liquid faeces. Recto-urinary fistula was confirmed at the 10th postoperative day
      by CT scan and contrast enema. Discussion. We chose the York-Mason technique,
      because it is simple to perform, effective and has minimal morbidity. This is a
      posterior, transrectal, and transsphincteric approach, carried out on healthy
      tissues without previous scarring phenomena. Results. The postoperative period
      progressed without complications, and the patient discharged on the 4th day. The
      closure of the fistula was confirmed radiologically by retrograde cystography
      after 4 weeks allowing the removal of drainage catheter. The reconstruction of
      intestinal transit was carried out 2 months later. Conclusion. The York-Mason
      technique, a transrectal and transsphincteric approach with minimal morbidity,
      proved to be effective on the resolution of the recto-urinary fistula, a rare
      complication of the radical prostatectomy.

PMID- 22084796
TI  - Novel vitamin d analogs for prostate cancer therapy.
AB  - Prostate cells contain specific receptors for 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
      [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D] or calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D.
      1alpha,25(OH)(2)D is known to inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of
      prostate cancer cells. These findings support the use of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D for
      prostate cancer therapy. However, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D can cause hypercalcemia,
      analogs of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D that are less calcemic but exhibit potent
      antiproliferative activity would be attractive as therapeutic agents. To
      accomplish these goals, different strategies, based on metabolism, molecular
      mechanism of actions, and structural modeling, have been taken to modify the
      structure of vitamin D molecule with the aims to improve the efficacy and
      decrease the toxicity of vitamin D to treat different diseases. During the past
      four decades, over 3,000 analogs have been synthesized. In this paper, we discuss
      the development and the biological analysis of a unique class of vitamin D
      analogs with a substitution at the carbon 2 of 19-nor-1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)
      molecule for potential application to the prevention and treatment of prostate
      cancer as well as other cancers.

PMID- 22084797
TI  - Intravesical tension-free vaginal tape removal: is there a single solution?
AB  - Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects 10-20% of women in the general
      population. Surgery for stress incontinence has been performed on women for over
      a century, but with the advent of new urogynaecological sling procedures for its
      management, urological surgeons are having to deal with an increasing number of
      patients presenting with associated complications. With no clarity on the full
      range of possible complications or certain consensus on their optimal management,
      the ideal treatment remains a decision for the individual surgeon. In view of
      this, we felt it of common interest to review the literature for the history of
      sling procedures, present commonly arising complications, and seek to answer the
      question in the title.

PMID- 22084798
TI  - Assessment of the effects of zoledronic Acid therapy on bone metabolic indicators
      in hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients with bone metastatasis.
AB  - Purpose. Assessment of effects of zoledronic acid therapy on bone metabolic
      indicators in hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis.
      Material and Methods. Hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients who were
      identified to have metastases in their bone scintigraphy were taken to trial
      group. Before administration of zoledronic acid, routine tests for serum calcium,
      total alkalen phosphates were studied. Sample sera for bone metabolic indicators
      BALP, PINP, and ICTP were collected. Bone pain was assessed via visual analogue
      scale and performance via Karnofsky performance scale. Four mg zoledronic acid
      was administered intravenously once a month. Results. When serum levels of bone
      forming indicators PINP; BALP were compared before and after therapy, there were
      insignificant decreases (P = .33, P = .21, resp.). Serum levels of bone
      destruction indicator ICTP was compared, and there was a significant decrease
      after zoledronic acid therapy (P = .04). When performances of the patients were
      compared during therapy period, performances decreased significantly due to
      progress of illness (P = .01). All patients had ostalgia caused by bone
      metastases at various degrees. Significant decrease in pain scores was observed
      (P < .01). Conclusion. Zoledronic acid therapy decreased bone destruction and was
      effective in palliation of pain in patient with bone metastasis. Using bone
      metabolic indicators during followup of zoledronic acid therapy might be useful.

PMID- 22084799
TI  - Penile reconstruction for a case of genital lymphoedema secondary to proteus
      syndrome.
AB  - To our knowledge penile lymphoedema secondary to Proteus syndrome has not
      previously been reported. Hence we report a case of a 16-year-old male who was
      referred with features of right hemi-hypertrophy and severe lymphoedema affecting
      his scrotum and penis. He had previously undergone scrotal reduction surgery at
      the age of 13, but had since developed worsening penile oedema. His main concern
      was that of cosmetic appearance prior to sexual debut, and he also complained of
      erectile dysfunction. An MRI confirmed gross oedema of the penile skin, but
      normal underlying cavernosal structure, and no other anatomical abnormality.
      Under general anaesthesia, the entire diseased penile skin was excised. Two full
      thickness skin grafts were harvested from the axillae, and grafted onto the
      dorsal and ventral penile shaft respectively. A compressive dressing and urinary
      catheter was applied for 7 days. Follow-up at 4 months confirmed complete graft
      take with minimal scarring, and the patient was very satisfied with the cosmetic
      outcome. He had also noticed a recovery in erectile activity, and feels
      psychologically and physically more prepared for sexual relations.

PMID- 22084800
TI  - Downstaging of TURBT-Based Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer by Radical Cystectomy
      Predicts Better Survival.
AB  - Differences between clinical (cT) and pathological tumor (pT) stage occur often
      after radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In order to
      evaluate the impact of downstaging on recurrence and survival, we selected
      patients from a large, contemporary, population-based series of 1,409 patients
      with MIBC. We included all patients who underwent RC (N=643) and excluded
      patients who received (neo)adjuvant therapy, those with known metastasis at time
      of diagnosis, and those with nonurothelial cell tumors. Disease outcomes were
      defined as recurrence-free survival (RFS) and relative survival (RS), as a good
      approximation of bladder cancer-specific survival. After applying the exclusion
      criteria, 375 patients were eligible for analysis. Tumor downstaging was found to
      be common after RC; in 99 patients (26.4%), tumor downstaging to non-muscle
      invasive stages at RC occurred. Hydronephrosis at baseline and positive lymph
      nodes at RC occurred significantly less often in these patients. In 62 patients,
      no tumor was left in the cystectomy specimen. pT stage was pT1 in 20 patients and
      pTis in 17 patients. Patients with tumor downstaging have about a 30% higher RFS
      and RS compared to those without. Consequently, tumor downstaging is a favorable
      marker for prognosis after RC.

PMID- 22084801
TI  - Metastatic bladder cancer: a review of current management.
AB  - Bladder cancer continues to result in substantial morbidity and mortality for
      affected individuals. Advances in the management of metastatic bladder cancer
      have been limited. Chemotherapy with platinum-based regimes remains the mainstay
      of first-line treatment. Studies investigating alternative regimes have offered
      no survival advantage. Targeted therapies may offer benefit either as single
      agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Symptoms due to metastatic bladder
      cancer impact patients' quality of life, and therefore holistic management is
      vital. Such management includes radiotherapy, bisphosphonates, and the
      involvement of specialist palliative care services. This review will discuss the
      current management for metastatic bladder cancer, future potential treatment
      modalities, and the evidence to support the management strategies.

PMID- 22084802
TI  - Unique presentation of intra-abdominal testis: small bowel obstruction.
AB  - We describe here a two-year-old male who required urgent laparotomy to relieve a
      strangulated small bowel caused by internal herniation around an intra-abdominal
      testis. This clinical presentation has not been reported previously.

PMID- 22084803
TI  - Extraluminal colonic carcinoma invading into kidney: a case report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - Renal metastasis from primary colon cancer is very rare, comprising less than 3%
      of secondary renal neoplasms. There are just 11 cases reported in the medical
      literature of colonic adenocarcinoma metastatic to the kidney. Of these cases,
      none occurred via direct invasion. We report a unique case of a 51-year-old
      female with extraluminal colonic adenocarcinoma which directly invaded into the
      kidney. Additionally, we investigate the causal relationship between the site of
      invasion and a previous stab injury by reviewing the role of the peritoneum and
      Gerota's fascia in preventing the spread of metastatic cancer into the perirenal
      space. Due to the rarity of this event, we present this case including a review
      of the existing literature relative to the diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22084804
TI  - Mule bite to the male genitalia with complete penile and anterior urethra
      amputation: unusual case and review of the literature.
AB  - Animal bite is rare with few cases reported in the literature. The morbidity of
      animal bites is directly related to the severity of the initial wound. Most
      victims are boys, and dog bites are the most common injury. Infectious
      complications are unusual, since treatment is sought early (Wein 2007). Thus,
      urologists are not usually familiar with management and principles for treating
      this condition. The authors report the case of a 38-year-old male with a severe
      mule bite injury to the genitalia causing complete penile and anterior urethra
      amputation and scrotal wound with no involvement of its contents. To our
      knowledge, no such case had ever been reported in the medical literature. This
      kind of emergencies is challenging for urologists.

PMID- 22084805
TI  - Small cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma occurs in nearly all organs except the
      central nervous system and the liver. We are presenting a case of renal small
      cell carcinoma (SCC) with two unique characters. A 75-year-old patient was
      evaluated for back pain with no other complaints. Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging
      of the abdomen revealed homogeneous tumor in the left renal pelvis extending
      beyond the kidney. Metastatic workup was negative. A left nephroureterectomy was
      performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a small cell
      carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The patient declined adjuvant therapy and died 2
      months after surgery due to unrelated causes. After comprehensive worldwide
      literature search, we found 13 cases of SCC of the renal pelvis, including the
      current case. The mean age was 61.6 years (37-83), with a M : F ratio of 1 : 1.8.
      The average duration of symptoms was 71.4 days (21-168). Gross hematuria was the
      most common symptom (69.2%) followed by pain (61.5%). Adjuvant chemotherapy was
      provided to 4 patients (30.7%), and neoadjuvant to 1 patient. The median survival
      of patients who did and did not receive chemotherapy was 5.5 months (3-8) and 6
      months (2-31), respectively, P < .50. In conclusion, renal SCC (both parenchymal
      and pelvic SCC) is a rapidly fatal disease with a median survival of <=8 months.

PMID- 22084806
TI  - Urachal sinus presenting with abscess formation.
AB  - Urachal affections are rare. Their variable ways of presentation may represent a
      diagnostic challenge. Urachal sinuses are a rare type of these abnormalities.
      They are usually incidental findings and remain asymptomatic unless a
      complication (most commonly the infection) occurs. Infection of the urachal sinus
      would clinically present as purulent umbilical discharge, abdominal pain, and
      periumbilical mass. We report herein a case of infected urachal sinus in male
      adult. The diagnosis was suspected clinically and confirmed with ultrasonography
      and computed tomography scan. A preoperative cysto-fibroscopy showed normal
      aspect of the bladder and excluded sinus communication. An initial broad spectrum
      antibiotic therapy followed by complete excision of the sinus and fibrous tract
      without cuff of bladder has been therefore performed. The postoperative course
      was uneventful. No recurrence was observed after 18 months of followup.
      Histological examination did not reveal any sign of malignancy.

PMID- 22084807
TI  - Spinal versus General Anaesthesia in Postoperative Pain Management during
      Transurethral Procedures.
AB  - We compared the analgesic efficacy of spinal and general anaesthesia following
      transurethral procedures. 97 and 47 patients underwent transurethral bladder
      tumour resection (TUR-B) and transurethral prostatectomy (TUR-P), respectively.
      Postoperative pain was recorded using an 11-point visual analogue scale (VAS).
      VAS score was greatest at discharge from recovery room for general anaesthesia (P
      = 0.027). The pattern changed significantly at 8 h and 12 h for general
      anaesthesia's efficacy (P = 0.017 and P = 0.007, resp.). A higher VAS score was
      observed in pT2 patients. Patients with resected tumour volume >10 cm(3)
      exhibited a VAS score >3 at 8 h and 24 h (P = 0.050, P = 0.036, resp.).
      Multifocality of bladder tumours induced more pain overall. It seems that spinal
      anaesthesia is more effective during the first 2 postoperative hours, while
      general prevails at later stages and at larger traumatic surfaces. Finally, we
      incidentally found that tumour stage plays a significant role in postoperative
      pain, a point that requires further verification.

PMID- 22084808
TI  - The recent progress in quantitative medical image analysis for computer aided
      diagnosis systems.
AB  - Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) has become one of the major research subjects in
      medical imaging and diagnostic radiology. Many different CAD schemes are being
      developed for use in the detection and/or characterization of various lesions
      found through various types of medical imaging. These imaging technologies employ
      conventional projection radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance
      imaging, ultrasonography, etc. In order to achieve a high performance level for a
      computerized diagnosis, it is important to employ effective image analysis
      techniques in the major steps of a CAD scheme. The main objective of this review
      is to attempt to introduce the diverse methods used for quantitative image
      analysis, and to provide a guide for clinicians.

PMID- 22084809
TI  - Recognizing Temporal Information in Korean Clinical Narratives through Text
      Normalization.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acquiring temporal information is important because knowledge in
      clinical narratives is time-sensitive. In this paper, we describe an approach
      that can be used to extract the temporal information found in Korean clinical
      narrative texts. METHODS: We developed a two-stage system, which employs an
      exhaustive text analysis phase and a temporal expression recognition phase. Since
      our target document may include tokens that are made up of both Korean and
      English text joined together, the minimal semantic units are analyzed and then
      separated from the concatenated phrases and linguistic derivations within a token
      using a corpus-based approach to decompose complex tokens. A finite state machine
      is then used on the minimal semantic units in order to find phrases that possess
      time-related information. RESULTS: In the experiment, the temporal expressions
      within Korean clinical narratives were extracted using our system. The system
      performance was evaluated through the use of 100 discharge summaries from Seoul
      National University Hospital containing a total of 805 temporal expressions. Our
      system scored a phrase-level precision and recall of 0.895 and 0.919,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Finding information in Korean clinical narrative is
      challenging task, since the text is written in both Korean and English and
      frequently omits syntactic elements and word spacing, which makes it extremely
      noisy. This study presents an effective method that can be used to aquire the
      temporal information found in Korean clinical documents.

PMID- 22084810
TI  - Exploring the Possibility of Information Sharing between the Medical and Nursing
      Domains by Mapping Medical Records to SNOMED CT and ICNP.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to explore possibility of information
      sharing between the medical and nursing domains. METHODS: Narrative medical
      records of 281 hospitalization days of 36 gastrectomy patients were decomposed
      into single-meaning statements. These single-meaning statements were combined
      into unique statements by removing semantically redundant statements. Concepts
      from the statements describing patients' problem and medical procedures were
      mapped to Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) and
      International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) concepts. RESULTS: A
      total 4,717 single-meaning statements were collected and these single-meaning
      statements were combined into 858 unique statements. Out of 677 unique statements
      describing patients' problems and medical procedures, about 85.5% statements were
      fully mapped to SNOMED CT. The remaining statements were partially mapped. In the
      mapping to the ICNP concepts, 17.4% of unique statements were fully mapped, 62.8%
      were partially mapped, and 19.8% were not mapped. About 32.3% of 705 concepts
      extracted from the statements were mapped to both SNOMED CT and ICNP concepts.
      CONCLUSIONS: These mapping results suggest that physicians' narrative medical
      records can be structured and can be used for electronic medical record system,
      and also it is possible for medicine and nursing to share patient care
      information.

PMID- 22084811
TI  - A SWOT Analysis of the Various Backup Scenarios Used in Electronic Medical Record
      Systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Electronic medical records (EMRs) are increasingly being used by
      health care services. Currently, if an EMR shutdown occurs, even for a moment,
      patient safety and care can be seriously impacted. Our goal was to determine the
      methodology needed to develop an effective and reliable EMR backup system.
      METHODS: Our "independent backup system by medical organizations" paradigm
      implies that individual medical organizations develop their own EMR backup
      systems within their organizations. A "personal independent backup system" is
      defined as an individual privately managing his/her own medical records, whereas
      in a "central backup system by the government" the government controls all the
      data. A "central backup system by private enterprises" implies that individual
      companies retain control over their own data. A "cooperative backup system among
      medical organizations" refers to a networked system established through mutual
      agreement. The "backup system based on mutual trust between an individual and an
      organization" means that the medical information backup system at the
      organizational level is established through mutual trust. RESULTS: Through the
      use of SWOT analysis it can be shown that cooperative backup among medical
      organizations is possible to be established through a network composed of various
      medical agencies and that it can be managed systematically. An owner of medical
      information only grants data access to the specific person who gave the
      authorization for backup based on the mutual trust between an individual and an
      organization. CONCLUSIONS: By employing SWOT analysis, we concluded that a
      linkage among medical organizations or between an individual and an organization
      can provide an efficient backup system.

PMID- 22084812
TI  - The adoption of electronic medical records and decision support systems in Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the current status of hospital information systems (HIS),
      analyze the effects of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Clinical Decision
      Support Systems (CDSS) have upon hospital performance, and examine how management
      issues change over time according to various growth stages. METHODS: Data taken
      from the 2010 survey on the HIS status and management issues for 44 tertiary
      hospitals and 2009 survey on hospital performance appraisal were used. A chi
      square test was used to analyze the association between the EMR and CDSS
      characteristics. A t-test was used to analyze the effects of EMR and CDSS on
      hospital performance. RESULTS: Hospital size and top management support were
      significantly associated with the adoption of EMR. Unlike the EMR results,
      however, only the standardization characteristic was significantly associated
      with CDSS adoption. Both EMR and CDSS were associated with the improvement of
      hospital performance. The EMR adoption rates and outsourcing consistently
      increased as the growth stage increased. The CDSS, Knowledge Management System,
      standardization, and user training adoption rates for Stage 3 hospitals were
      higher than those found for Stage 2 hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Both EMR and CDSS
      influenced the improvement of hospital performance. As hospitals advanced to
      Stage 3, i.e. have more experience with information systems, they adopted EMRs
      and realized the importance of each management issue.

PMID- 22084813
TI  - Japanese EMRs and IT in Medicine: Expansion, Integration, and Reuse of Data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of electronic medical record in Japan varies according
      to the size of the hospital which is 62.5% in major hospitals, 21.7% in medium,
      9.1% in small size hospitals, and 16.5% in clinics. The complete paperless system
      is very limited, though some major hospitals are aiming at this system. Several
      regional network systems which connect different platforms of EMRs, have been
      developing in many districts, while the final picture of a regional network has
      not been clearly proposed. To develop a whole electronic health record or
      personal health records system from the regional network data, we have several
      obstacles to overcome such as standardization, a privacy act, unique national
      health number. METHODS: Some experimental trials have just been started. The
      reuse of the accumulated data has also just been initiated. We exploited text
      mining systems (term frequency-inverse document frequency method) to find similar
      cases and auto-audit Japanese diagnosis related group (DRG) coding by using
      discharge summaries. RESULTS: The same or even a more extreme phenomenon of huge
      data accumulation is occurring in genetic research and confluence of multi
      disciplines of informatics is the next step, which has an enormous accumulation
      of data and discoveries of the relations beyond the dimension of each
      informatics. CONCLUSIONS: We need another approach to science apart from the
      conventional method, and data-driven approach with data mining techniques must be
      brought in for each field. Informaticians have new important roles as
      coordinators to link up numerous phenomena over dimensions.

PMID- 22084814
TI  - Leveraging devices, data and discovery for smarter healthcare in Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Over the past decade, hospitals and clinics have gradually adopted
      hospital information systems, including provider order entries and electronic
      health records. Although these systems have helped to improve patient safety and
      efficiency of healthcare providers, not all healthcare providers and patients are
      satisfied with the current situation. Healthcare should be smarter. Thus, there
      is a need for state-of-the-art medical and healthcare devices that can handle
      massive amounts of data with the help of sophisticated information processing and
      discovery technologies. METHODS: This article compares hospital information
      systems with the information systems of other social infrastructures. It also
      explores the possibilities of smarter healthcare, including personal health
      devices and personal health records with interoperability. RESULTS: The main
      traits of the iEHR at Teikyo University Hospital in Tokyo include IT governance,
      unification, and workflow efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Smarter healthcare can be
      achieved by leveraging the full capabilities of devices, data, and sophisticated
      algorithms.

PMID- 22084815
TI  - eHealth in Queensland: Progressing towards a Patient Centric, Networked Model of
      Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Factors such as an ageing and rapidly growing population, an increase
      in chronic disease rates and a global shortage of health professionals place
      increased pressure on Australian health departments to deliver more with less. To
      address the challenge faced by clinicians and support staff, the Queensland
      Department of Health established an eHealth strategy in 2006 with a vision to
      deliver a patient centric, networked model of care. METHODS: Queensland Health's
      eHealth program is a complex program which brings together the outputs and
      products of numerous projects to provide new clinical capabilities across the
      state. To ensure the potential benefits of the Queensland Government investment
      are realised, the eHealth program is implementing comprehensive benefits
      management to plan for key outcomes and benefits, support projects to deliver
      those benefits and ensure that they are delivered through ongoing measurement.
      RESULTS: The first stage of the eHealth program is already delivering benefits
      across the health department with a number of projects currently live in numerous
      sites across Queensland. CONCLUSIONS: By adopting an evidence based benefits
      management approach, Queensland Health's eHealth program is able to demonstrate
      the achievement of these benefits with tangible evidence that will create
      momentum for change in the short term, provide the evidence for future funding
      applications in the medium term, and build an understanding of the economic
      impacts of eHealth in the long term.

PMID- 22084816
TI  - Mild chemo-selective hydration of terminal alkynes catalysed by AgSbF6.
AB  - The chemo-selective hydration of a wide range of non-activated terminal alkynes
      catalysed by AgSbF(6) under mild conditions is reported.

PMID- 22084817
TI  - Encapsulation, release and applications of LbL polyelectrolyte multilayer
      capsules.
AB  - Ever since their invention in 1998, polyelectrolyte multilayer micro- and nano
      capsules have impacted various areas of biology, chemistry and physics. Here we
      highlight progress achieved since the millennium in the areas of encapsulation in
      and release from microcapsules, describe various structures including
      multicompartment and anisotropic constructs, and provide examples of several
      applications in biology. We also describe application areas such as drug
      delivery, intracellular trafficking, enzyme-catalyzed reactions, mechano-biology
      which benefited from recent developments in the area of polyelectrolyte
      multilayer capsules.

PMID- 22084818
TI  - Using functional-structural plant models to study, understand and  integrate 
      plant development and ecophysiology.
AB  - Functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) explore and integrate relationships
      between a plant's structure and processes that underlie its growth and
      development. In recent years, the range of topics being addressed by scientists
      interested in functional-structural plant modelling has expanded greatly. FSPM
      techniques are now being used to dynamically simulate growth and development
      occurring at the microscopic scale involving cell division in plant meristems to
      the macroscopic scales of whole plants and plant communities. The plant types
      studied also cover a broad spectrum from algae to trees. FSPM is highly
      interdisciplinary and involves scientists with backgrounds in plant physiology,
      plant anatomy, plant morphology, mathematics, computer science, cellular biology,
      ecology and agronomy. This special issue of Annals of Botany features selected
      papers that provide examples of comprehensive functional-structural models,
      models of key processes such as partitioning of resources, software for modelling
      plants and plant environments, data acquisition and processing techniques and
      applications of functional-structural plant models for agronomic purposes.

PMID- 22084819
TI  - The pendulum of anti-industry sentiment.

PMID- 22084821
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22084820
TI  - Retraction: Erratum to "The effectiveness of Korean number naming on insight into
      numbers in Dutch students with mild intellectual disabilities" [Res. Dev.
      Disabil. 32 (5) (2011) 1822-1828].

PMID- 22084822
TI  - New Zealand's bold strategy for reducing health disparities.

PMID- 22084823
TI  - Keeping focused.

PMID- 22084824
TI  - Care of the endurance athlete: promotion, perception, performance and
      professionalism.

PMID- 22084826
TI  - HIV-related conspiracy beliefs and its relationships with HIV testing and
      unprotected sex among men who have sex with men in Tshwane (Pretoria), South
      Africa.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine extent of HIV conspiracy belief
      endorsement among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pretoria, and assess whether
      endorsement of HIV conspiracy beliefs are associated with inconsistent condom use
      and never testing for HIV. A cross-sectional survey using respondent-driven
      sampling was conducted between February and August 2009. A high proportion of
      respondents endorsed HIV conspiracy beliefs. MSM commonly endorsed beliefs
      related to AIDS information being held back from the general public (51.0%), HIV
      being a man-made virus (25.5%), and people being used as guinea pigs in HIV
      research and with HIV treatments (approximately 20%). Bisexually- or
      heterosexually-identified MSM were significantly more likely to endorse
      conspiracy beliefs compared to homosexually-identified MSM (38.5% vs. 14.7%).
      Endorsing conspiracy beliefs was not associated with unprotected anal
      intercourse; however, it was significantly associated with not having been HIV
      tested (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.7). Endorsing beliefs in HIV conspiracies
      reflects a mistrust in government institutions and systems which could be an
      impediment to seeking HIV-related services, including HIV counseling and testing.

PMID- 22084827
TI  - Remarkable enhancement in thermoelectric performance of BiCuSeO by Cu
      deficiencies.
AB  - A significant enhancement of thermoelectric performance in layered oxyselenides
      BiCuSeO was achieved. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of
      BiCu(1-x)SeO (x = 0-0.1) indicate that the carriers were introduced in the
      (Cu(2)Se(2))(2-) layer by Cu deficiencies. The maximum of electrical conductivity
      is 3 * 10(3) S m(-1) for Bicu(0.975)Seo at 650  degrees C, much larger than 470 S
      m(-1) for pristine BiCuSeO. Featured with very low thermal conductivity (~0.5 W
      m(-1) K(-1)) and a large Seebeck coefficient (+273 MUV K(-1)), ZT at 650  degrees
      C is significantly increased from 0.50 for pristine BiCuSeO to 0.81 for
      BiCu(0.975)SeO by introducing Cu deficiencies, which makes it a promising
      candidate for medium temperature thermoelectric applications.

PMID- 22084828
TI  - Exploring the surface sensitivity of TOF-secondary ion mass spectrometry by
      measuring the implantation and sampling depths of Bi(n) and C60 ions in organic
      films.
AB  - The surface sensitivity of Bi(n)(q+) (n = 1, 3, 5, q = 1, 2) and C(60)(q+) (q =
      1, 2) primary ions in static time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF
      SIMS) experiments were investigated for molecular trehalose and polymeric
      tetraglyme organic films. Parameters related to surface sensitivity (impact
      crater depth, implantation depth, and molecular escape depths) were measured.
      Under static TOF-SIMS conditions (primary ion doses of 1 * 10(12) ions/cm(2)),
      the 25 keV Bi(1)(+) primary ions were the most surface sensitive with a molecular
      escape depth of 1.8 nm for protein films with tetraglyme overlayers, but they had
      the deepest implantation depth (~18 and 26 nm in trehalose and tetraglyme films,
      respectively). The 20 keV C(60)(+2) primary ions were the second most surface
      sensitive with a slightly larger molecular escape depth of 2.3 nm. The most
      important factor that determined the surface sensitivity of the primary ion was
      its impact crater depth or the amount of surface erosion. The most surface
      sensitive primary ions, Bi(1)(+) and C(60)(+2), created impact craters with
      depths of 0.3 and 1.0 nm, respectively, in tetraglyme films. In contrast,
      Bi(5)(+2) primary ions created impact craters with a depth of 1.8 nm in
      tetraglyme films and were the least surface sensitive with a molecular escape
      depth of 4.7 nm.

PMID- 22084829
TI  - Proteomic characterization of specific minor proteins in the human milk casein
      fraction.
AB  - Human milk contains many bioactive proteins that are likely to support the early
      development of the newborn. The aim of this study was to identify whether there
      are specific minor proteins associated with the human milk casein micelle
      prepared by the acid precipitation method. Protein identification was performed
      by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Eighty-two proteins
      were identified in the casein micelle, 18 of which are not present in their whey
      compartment. Thirty-two of these proteins specifically associated with the casein
      micelle have not previously been identified in human milk or colostrum. Proteins
      involved in immune function comprised the major part (28%) of total proteins, and
      another significant part is involved in metabolism/energy production (22%). Most
      of the proteins were of extracellular or cytoplasmic origin (accounting for 50
      and 29%, respectively). This study indicates that various soluble proteins should
      be considered as part of the casein compartment, prepared by the acid
      precipitation method. The data provide new insight not only into the proteomic
      profile of the human milk casein micelle and its physiological significance, but
      also into the proper proportion of casein and casein-associated proteins to use
      in infant formula.

PMID- 22084830
TI  - 2D "soap"-assembly of nanoparticles via colloid-induced condensation of mixed
      Langmuir monolayers of fatty surfactants.
AB  - We describe a new type of colloidal 2D gels formed in mixed Langmuir monolayers
      of stearic acid and octadecylamine on a surface of gold hydrosol. The adsorption
      of gold nanoparticles on the mixed monolayer led to an increase of interactions
      between oppositely charged surfactants giving a "soap" of mixed fatty salt. The
      observed effect is equivalent to a virtual "cooling" of floating monolayer, which
      undergoes rapid condensation on a surface of aqueous colloid. The consequent
      shrinking and rearrangement of the monolayer resulted in aggregation of
      nanoparticles into colloidal 2D "soap"-gels, which represented arrested colloidal
      phases within nonadsorbing organic medium. When sequentially deposited onto
      solids by Langmuir-Blodgett technique, the 2D "soap"-gels separated into organic
      and colloidal phases and gave dendrite-like bilateral organic crystallites coated
      with gold nanoparticles. The reported colloidal "soap"-assembly can offer a new
      opportunity to design 2D colloidal systems of widely variable chemistry and
      structures.

PMID- 22084831
TI  - Protective and restorative effects of a Commiphora mukul gum resin and
      triheptanoin preparation on the CCL-110 skin fibroblast cell line.
AB  - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a major ingredient in skin care products because of its
      anti-wrinkle effects, although it has some side effects especially at higher
      amounts. In this study, we compare the anti-wrinkle related properties of CoQ10
      and a proprietary Commiphora mukul gum resin (guggul) and triheptanoin
      preparation (GU-TC7). GU-TC7 is prepared with a supercritical CO2-co-solvent
      extraction with ethanol, standardized to 2% guggulsterones and triheptanoin, a
      triglyceride composed of three 7-carbon fatty acids. Treatment of CCL-110 skin
      fibroblasts with GU-TC7 demonstrates a mild proliferative effect compared to
      CoQ10 and increased type I collagen synthesis. Additionally, GU-TC7 inhibited
      matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in a dose-dependent manner at 20
      100 MUg mL-1 and inhibited human elastase expression by more than 50% as compared
      to no elastase inhibition with CoQ10 treatment. These results suggest that GU-TC7
      possesses properties that are applicable to the treatment of wrinkles and may be
      considered for its further evaluation in skin care products.

PMID- 22084832
TI  - Morphological examinations of oxidatively stressed pork muscle and myofibrils
      upon salt marination and cooking to elucidate the water-binding potential.
AB  - Pork longissimus muscle samples were subjected to the following three marination
      conditions: (A) oxidation (40 min) in hydroxyl radical-generating solutions
      (HRGS; 10 MUM FeCl(3)/100 MUM ascorbate with 5 or 20 mM H(2)O(2), pH 6.2)
      containing 0.1 M NaCl and then marination (40 min) in 0.6 M NaCl with 15 mM
      pyrophosphate (PP); (B) simultaneous oxidation/marination (40 min) in HRGS
      containing 0.6 M NaCl and 15 mM PP; or (C) the same as condition B except that PP
      was omitted. Protein oxidation, measured by the carbonyl and tryptophan
      fluorescence changes, enhanced hydration but increased cooking loss of meat.
      Light microscopy revealed a dense muscle structure characterized by swollen
      fibers and reduced intercellular spacing in intermediately oxidized muscle
      samples marinated with 0.6 M NaCl and 15 mM PP. However, oxidized fibers were
      more susceptible to transverse shrinkage upon cooking than nonoxidized fibers,
      which was supported by the dynamic ultrastructural changes in myofibrils observed
      using phase contrast microscopy. These findings provide a further understanding
      of the complex impact of oxidation on meat hydration and water-binding.

PMID- 22084833
TI  - A new quantitative automatic method for the measurement of non-rapid eye movement
      sleep electroencephalographic amplitude variability.
AB  - The aim of this study was to arrange an automatic quantitative measure of the
      electroencephalographic (EEG) signal amplitude variability during non-rapid eye
      movement (NREM) sleep, correlated with the visually extracted cyclic alternating
      pattern (CAP) parameters. Ninety-eight polysomnographic EEG recordings of normal
      controls were used. A new algorithm based on the analysis of the EEG amplitude
      variability during NREM sleep was designed and applied to all recordings, which
      were also scored visually for CAP. All measurements obtained with the new
      algorithm correlated positively with corresponding CAP parameters. In particular,
      total CAP time correlated with total NREM variability time (r = 0.596; P < 1E
      07), light sleep CAP time with light sleep variability time (r = 0.597; P < 1E
      07) and slow wave sleep CAP time with slow wave sleep variability time (r =
      0.809; P < 1E-07). Only the duration of CAP A phases showed a low correlation
      with the duration of variability events. Finally, the age-related modifications
      of CAP time and of NREM variability time were found to be very similar. The new
      method for the automatic analysis of NREM sleep amplitude variability presented
      here correlates significantly with visual CAP parameters; its application
      requires a minimum work time, compared to CAP analysis, and might be used in
      large studies involving numerous recordings in which NREM sleep EEG amplitude
      variability needs to be assessed.

PMID- 22084834
TI  - A population-based longitudinal community study of major depression and migraine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether major depressive episodes (MDEs) are associated
      with an increased risk of migraine in the general population and to examine
      whether migraine is associated with an increase risk of MDE. BACKGROUND:
      Population-based cross-sectional studies have consistently reported an
      association between migraine and depression. However, longitudinal studies about
      this potentially bidirectional association are inconsistent. METHODS: This
      retrospective cohort study used 12 years of follow-up data from the Canadian
      National Population Health Survey (15,254 respondents, age >12). Stratified
      analysis, logistic regression, and proportional hazard modeling were used to
      quantify the effect of migraine on subsequent MDE status and vice versa. RESULTS:
      After adjusting for sex, age, and other chronic health conditions, respondents
      with migraine were 60% more likely (HR 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3-1.9) to
      develop MDE compared with those without migraine. Similarly adjusting for sex and
      age, respondents with MDE were 40% more likely (HR 1.4, 95% confidence interval
      1.0-1.9) to develop migraine compared with those without MDE. However, the latter
      association disappeared after adjustment for stress and childhood trauma.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides substantial evidence that migraine is
      associated with the later development of MDEs, but does not provide strong causal
      evidence of an association in the other direction. Environmental factors such as
      childhood trauma and stress may shape the expression of this bidirectional
      relationship; however, the precise underlying mechanisms are not yet known.

PMID- 22084835
TI  - Asymmetric hydrogenation on chirally modified Pt: origin of hydrogen in the N-H-O
      interaction between cinchonidine and ketone.
AB  - An understanding of the chiral site-substrate interaction is a necessary
      prerequisite for the rational design and development of efficient heterogeneous
      asymmetric catalysts. For the enantioselective hydrogenation of alpha-ketoesters
      on cinchona-modified platinum, it has earlier been proposed that the crucial
      interaction is an N-H-O type hydrogen bonding between the quinuclidine N atom of
      cinchonidine and the alpha-carbonyl O atom of the substrate. The involved
      hydrogen atom has been proposed to originate either from protonation (in protic
      solvent) or from dissociatively adsorbed hydrogen (in aprotic solvent), but
      experimental evidence for the latter was lacking so far. In this study, in situ
      attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy combined with modulation
      excitation spectroscopy and phase sensitive detection provides clear evidence
      that in aprotic media, hydrogen dissociated on Pt is involved in the N-H-O
      interaction between the chiral modifier, cinchonidine, and the ketone. In the
      absence of Pt (pure alumina support), no such interaction occurs, indicating the
      crucial role of dissociated hydrogen in the formation of the diastereomeric
      transition complex.

PMID- 22084836
TI  - Fetal growth and gestational hypertension in women classified as gestational
      diabetes mellitus defined by the new consensus criteria only.

PMID- 22084837
TI  - Functional identification of a novel F-box/FBA gene in tomato.
AB  - In plants and animals, the SCF-type ubiquitin protein ligases play an important
      role in many different physiological processes by regulating protein stability
      such as S-RNase-based self-compatibility, flower development, hormone responses
      and meiosis. This study identified an SlFbf gene in tomato that encodes 381 amino
      acid residues containing a typical F-box motif and an FBA_1 motif associated
      proteasome pathway; the transcripts of SlFbf was detected in all the tissues
      (root, stem, leaf, sepal, petal, stamen, pistil, green fruit, breaker fruit and
      red fruit), with the highest in stamen specifically during flowering stage; SlFbf
      responded to gibberellins, abscisic acid and light. Suppressed SlFbf leads to
      bigger pollen and less seeds showing that SlFbf might have an effect on
      fertilization through regulating stamen development. These findings provide more
      information about the functions of Fbf gene family.

PMID- 22084838
TI  - Homochiral metal-organic frameworks for asymmetric heterogeneous catalysis.

PMID- 22084839
TI  - A donor-supply electrode (DSE) for colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics.
AB  - The highest-performing colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photovoltaics (PV) reported to
      date have relied on high-temperature (>500 degrees C) annealing of electron
      accepting TiO2. Room-temperature processing reduces energy payback time and
      manufacturing cost, enables flexible substrates, and permits tandem solar cells
      that integrate a small-bandgap back cell atop a low-thermal-budget larger-bandgap
      front cell. Here we report an electrode strategy that enables a depleted
      heterojunction CQD PV device to be fabricated entirely at room temperature. We
      find that simply replacing the high-temperature-processed TiO2 with a sputtered
      version of the same material leads to poor performance due to the low mobility of
      the sputtered oxide. We develop instead a two-layer donor-supply electrode (DSE)
      in which a highly doped, shallow work function layer supplies a high density of
      free electrons to an ultrathin TiO2 layer via charge-transfer doping. Using the
      DSE we build all-room-temperature-processed small-bandgap (1 eV) colloidal
      quantum dot solar cells having 4% solar power conversion efficiency and high fill
      factor. These 1 eV bandgap cells are suitable for use as the back junction in
      tandem solar cells. The DSE concept, combined with control over TiO2
      stoichiometry in sputtering, provides a much-needed tunable electrode to pair
      with quantum-size-effect CQD films.

PMID- 22084840
TI  - Variations in microbicide gel acceptability among young women in the USA and
      Puerto Rico.
AB  - In a multi-site study of vaginal microbicide acceptability conducted with
      sexually active young women, quantitative assessments revealed significant
      differences in acceptability by site. Participants in Puerto Rico rated the gel
      more favourably than mainland US participants in terms of liking the gel and
      likelihood of future use. To explain these differences, we examined responses to
      qualitative behavioural assessments. Young women in mainland USA associated gel
      leakage with uncomfortable sensations experienced during menstruation, while
      young women in Puerto Rico had positive associations of gel use with douching.
      These negative or positive associations affected assessments of the gel's
      physical qualities. In addition, young women's perceptions of primary partners'
      support for microbicide use influenced sexual satisfaction with the gel and,
      ultimately, product acceptability. Finally, geographic HIV-risk context
      contributed to heightened HIV-risk perception, which influenced likelihood of
      future microbicide use, even for women in stated monogamous relationships. Future
      microbicide acceptability studies should take into account potential differences
      in acceptability by site such as HIV-risk perception based on local HIV
      prevalence, popularity of vaginal hygiene products in a specific area and male
      attitudes in different cultures concerning women's use of HIV protection
      strategies.

PMID- 22084841
TI  - Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and the utilisation of primary care in
      urban and regional settings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are marked inequities in access to and use of different
      primary care providers - including GPs, practice nurses, allied health services
      and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers among populations
      residing in different geographical areas of Australia. Little research has
      focused on patterns of primary care health service utilisation according to
      locality in relation to the management of serious chronic illness, with even less
      on the use of CAM. In this article geographic similarities and differences in
      primary care service usage are examined among people with cardiovascular disease
      and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus residing in regional and urban Victoria,
      Australia. METHODS: Between April and July 2010, hard-copy questionnaires were
      sent to a random selection of 10 000 registrants from the National Diabetes
      Services Scheme, 2162 were distributed via Heart Support Australia and community
      organisations within the state of Victoria; an online version yielded 290 valid
      responses. This article draws on data from the 2914 returned survey responses in
      which people provided their residential postal codes. From this information,
      geographic location was determined on the basis of the Australian Standard
      Geographical Classification. Data were subject to inferential analyses using PASW
      Statistics 18.0 (SPSS; Chicago, IL, USA). A series of contingency table analyses
      were conducted to evaluate the relationship between primary care service use and
      respondents' geographical locality. Contingency analyses and chi(2) tests were
      also conducted to examine the differences between rural and metropolitan
      frequency of GP use. RESULTS: In comparison with urban respondents, rural
      respondents reported greater use of allied health practitioners, district or
      practice nurses, and community health centres. Conversely, use of hospital
      outpatient services was significantly higher among metropolitan respondents. Use
      of GP clinics was not related significantly to respondents' locality, nor was use
      of inpatient hospital services or use of counselling, psychiatry or psychology
      services. Frequency of GP use, however, varied significantly among geographical
      categorisations, with urban respondents visiting their GPs more frequently.
      CONCLUSIONS: While GPs play an important role in chronic disease management in
      Australia, the rate of GP attendance remains lower among patients living in
      regional areas. By contrast, the level of patient engagement with nurse
      practitioners and allied health professionals in this study was significantly
      higher among rural respondents. Issues related to access appear to play an
      important role in determining what primary care services people use when managing
      their chronic conditions and their frequency of consultation.

PMID- 22084842
TI  - Introduction: return of research results: how should research results be handled?

PMID- 22084843
TI  - Return of results: towards a lexicon?
AB  - Currently, the return of results in the domain of biobanking constitutes an
      ethical and legal quagmire, whether it involves population or specific clinical
      research studies. In light of the fact that population biobanks are often not
      seen as distinct from those biobanks created for disease research, as well as the
      uncertainty as to what "return of results" means concretely, this lexicon
      attempts to demystify the terminology. The terms - results, return, clinical
      significance, and utility - are discussed. Through an analysis of international
      and national normative guidance on this issue, the authors propose a concordance
      of meaning and a simplified lexicon.

PMID- 22084844
TI  - Return of research results: general principles and international perspectives.
AB  - Five years ago, an article co-written by two of us (Joly and Simard) presented an
      emerging trend to disclose certain individual genetic results to research
      participants. Since then, both technologies and research practices have evolved
      significantly. Given this rapid evolution, our goal is to provide updated and
      thorough guidance on this issue. Our paper begins by identifying the ethical
      principles that support the return of results: justice, beneficence, and respect
      for persons. Then, it presents the results of an analysis of international norms
      on the return of results, covering both general and individual research results.
      It reveals existing divergence and consensus on these topics within the
      international community. With the goal of promoting greater harmonization, we
      conclude by proposing a flexible framework for the return of individual research
      results.

PMID- 22084845
TI  - Pediatric research and the return of individual research results.
AB  - The return of individual research results to participants raises many socio
      ethical issues and is even more challenging when the participant is a child. The
      objective of this article is to present an overview of the few ethical guidelines
      and relevant literature addressing the return of individual results in pediatric
      research. By reviewing policies and the literature, we present some overarching
      considerations and delineate contextual issues in order to propose a framework.

PMID- 22084846
TI  - Familial communication of research results: a need to know?
AB  - Research now provides participants greater indications of genetic risk for
      disease, even for conditions incidental to the research study. Given this
      development, should such information also be disclosed to the family of research
      participants? There has been some indication at the national level that genetic
      risk information can be disclosed to participants' families; however, limited
      attention has been given to returning research results to family. Thus, we have
      also incorporated the discussion surrounding the disclosure of genetic risk
      discovered in the clinic (e.g., genetic testing). A number of important questions
      are examined: Should genetic research results be provided to family? Are there
      differences between clinical and research findings that would prevent research
      results from being disclosed to family? Who should make the disclosure, if in
      fact it is done at all? We conclude by noting that the return of results is
      increasingly accepted as technology permits the discovery of more and more
      medically useful data. However, debates of whether results should be returned to
      participants must first be settled before moving to familial disclosure.

PMID- 22084847
TI  - Biobanks and the return of research results: out with the old and in with the
      new?
AB  - This article examines the complex and contemporary issue of the return of
      research results in biobanks. After suggesting the exclusion of some adjacent
      issues usually flanking the debate, this article reviews the current practices of
      biobanks on the disclosure of research results to participants. It then focuses
      more specifically on the debate in the literature before turning to a review of
      the typology of recent reforms being put forward.

PMID- 22084848
TI  - The return of results of deceased research participants.
AB  - The death of a research participant raises numerous ethical and legal issues
      regarding the return of research results to related family members. This question
      is particularly acute in the context of genetic research since the research
      results from an individual may be relevant to each of the biological relatives.
      This paper first investigates the ethical and legal frameworks governing the
      return of a deceased participant's individual research results to his or her
      related family members. Then, it weighs the rights and interests of both the
      deceased individual and related family members in an attempt to identify key
      ethical considerations underlying the return of such results. This analysis of
      international guidelines and national laws and regulations reveals that though
      the legal framework regarding privacy and confidentiality of clinical and
      research information is well established (albeit not homogenous), guidelines are
      generally absent in the post-mortem context. Nevertheless, a brief analysis of
      this issue through two ethical perspectives (principlism and consequentialism)
      allows us to identify six key elements to be taken into consideration when
      returning a deceased participant's research results.

PMID- 22084849
TI  - The needle in the haystack: international consortia and the return of individual
      research results.
AB  - Returning individual results to participants in research studies is gaining
      acceptance and policy guidance is now available for investigators to develop a
      plan for returning results at the local level. However, returning results
      discovered through the work of an international scientific research consortium
      presents additional ethical and procedural difficulties. No general guidance is
      available for international consortia that wish to consider this issue, but there
      are examples of internal policies that are being used by consortia such as the
      International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics
      Consortium (T1DGC). This paper presents the policy stance these studies have
      adopted regarding returning individual research results and their reasons behind
      it, and gives specific examples from their policy documents and project consent
      materials. Finally, it suggests an oversight mechanism these and other
      international consortia can use to ensure that this important issue is addressed
      appropriately.

PMID- 22084850
TI  - Conflicts over control and use of medical records at the New York hospital before
      the standardization movement.
AB  - Historians of medicine generally credit the hospital standardization movement of
      the early 20th century with establishing the record as a sign of hospital and
      staff quality. The medical record's role had already been the subject of intense
      interest at the New York Hospital several decades before, however. In the 1880s
      malpractice and insurance concerns caused the administration to attempt to
      supervise record creation, quality, and access, over the objections of
      physicians. Contemporary concerns about the uses of the medical record were in
      play well before 1910.

PMID- 22084851
TI  - An ethics expertise for clinical ethics consultation.
AB  - The legitimacy of clinical ethics consultation is often implied to rest on the
      legitimacy of moral expertise. In turn, moral expertise seems subject to many
      serious critiques, the success of which implies that clinical ethics consultation
      is illegitimate. I explore a number of these critiques, and forward "ethics
      expertise," as distinct from "moral expertise," as a way of avoiding these
      critiques. I argue that "ethics expertise" succeeds in avoiding most of the
      critiques, captures what clinical ethics consultants might justifiably do, and
      expresses a subject matter which can be taught and assessed.

PMID- 22084852
TI  - Reforming pharmaceutical industry-physician financial relationships: lessons from
      the United States, France, and Japan.
AB  - This article compares the means that the United States, France, and Japan use to
      oversee pharmaceutical industry-physician financial relationships. These
      countries rely on professional and/or industry ethical codes, anti-kickback laws,
      and fair trade practice laws. They restrict kickbacks the most strictly, allow
      wide latitude on gifts, and generally permit drug firms to fund professional
      activities and associations. Consequently, to avoid legal liability, drug firms
      often replace kickbacks with gifts and grants. The paper concludes by proposing
      reforms that address problems that persist when firms replace kickbacks with
      gifts and grants based on the experience of the three countries.

PMID- 22084853
TI  - Me and my body: the relevance of the distinction for the difference between
      withdrawing life support and euthanasia.
AB  - In this paper, I discuss David Shaw's claim that the body of a terminally ill
      person can be conceived as a kind of life support, akin to an artificial
      ventilator. I claim that this position rests upon an untenable dualism between
      the mind and the body. Given that dualism continues to be attractive to some
      thinkers, I attempt to diagnose the reasons why it continues to be attractive, as
      well as to demonstrate its incoherence, drawing on some recent work in the
      philosophy of psychology. I conclude that, if my criticisms are sound, Shaw's
      attempt to deny the distinction between withdrawal and euthanasia fails.

PMID- 22084854
TI  - Communitarianism and the ethics of communicable disease: some preliminary
      thoughts.
AB  - Communicable diseases, especially those that are highly contagious, are on the
      rise and each of us, no matter who we are or where we live, is equally at risk of
      transmitting contagious diseases to others as we are of contracting such diseases
      from others. Because contagious diseases are as readily passed state-to-state as
      person-to-person, we all have a stake in every country's ability to enact
      effective infectious disease control policies, while policies grounded in shared
      values are more likely to gain widespread acceptance and thereby prove most
      effective. This paper suggests that principlism proved invaluable as an ethical
      framework for resolving hard medical cases and setting health care policy because
      it nicely "fits" dilemmas that arise in the context of the special relationship
      between doctors and patients or within family units. It then argues that
      communitarianism provides the better foundation for crafting infectious diseases
      control policies because contagious diseases, which often pass between perfect
      strangers, raise questions about the moral obligations we owe to (or are entitled
      to demand of) people with whom we share no "special" relationship. Accordingly, a
      socially embedded framework such as communitarianism may be a better fit for the
      more socially embedded ethical dilemmas of communicable diseases.

PMID- 22084855
TI  - Currents in contemporary bioethics: physicians' duty to inform patients of new
      medical discoveries: the effect of health information technology.

PMID- 22084856
TI  - Teaching health law: problem-based learning regarding "fractious problems" in
      health law: reflections on an educational experiment.

PMID- 22084858
TI  - Using symptom validity tests to detect malingered ADHD in college students.
AB  - Recently there has been growing concern that college students may feign symptoms
      of ADHD in order to obtain academic accommodations and stimulant medication.
      Unfortunately research has only begun to validate detection tools for malingered
      ADHD. The present study cross-validated the results of Sollman, Ranseen, and
      Berry (2010) on the efficacy of several symptom validity tests for detection of
      simulated ADHD among college students. Undergraduates with a history of diagnosed
      ADHD were randomly assigned either to respond honestly or exaggerate symptoms,
      and were compared to undergraduates with no history of ADHD or other psychiatric
      disorders who were also randomly assigned to respond honestly or feign symptoms
      of ADHD. Similar to Sollman et al. (2010) and other recent research on feigned
      ADHD, several symptom validity tests, including the Test of Memory Malingering
      (TOMM), Letter Memory Test (LMT), Digit Memory Test (DMT), Nonverbal Medical
      Symptom Validity Test (NV-MSVT), and the b Test were reasonably successful at
      discriminating feigned and genuine ADHD. When considered as a group, the
      criterion of failure of 2 or more of these SVTs had a sensitivity of. 475 and a
      specificity of 1.00.

PMID- 22084860
TI  - Nanotechnology is a major risk analysis issue. From the editors.

PMID- 22084859
TI  - XRCC1 399 Arg-related genotype and allele, but not XRCC1 His107Arg, XRCC1
      Trp194Arg, KCNQ2, AT1R, and hOGG1 polymorphisms, are associated with higher
      susceptibility of endometriosis.
AB  - X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) and human 8-oxoguanine
      glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) play important roles in base excision repair. KCNQ genes
      comprising voltage-gated ion-channels related with cell stability. Angiotensin II
      type 1 receptor (AT1R) is related with angiogenesis, which influence
      endometriosis growth, invasion and regression. We aimed to investigate whether
      these polymorphisms were associated with endometriosis susceptibility. Women were
      divided [ 1 ]: endometriosis (n = 136 [ 2 ]); non-endometriosis groups (n = 112).
      XRCC1 (codon 107, 194, 399), hOGG1, KCNQ2, AT1R polymorphisms were amplified by
      PCR and detected by electrophoresis after restriction enzyme (RsaI, HpaII, MspI,
      Fnu4HI, Ava II, Dde I) digestions. Genotypes and allelic frequencies in both
      groups were compared. Proportions of XRCC1 Arg399Gln*GG/GA/AA and G/A allele
      between both groups were [ 1 ]: 41.9/53.7/4.4% and 68.8/31.2% [ 2 ];
      30.4/54.5/15.1% and 57.6/42.4% (p < 0.05). Other 5 polymorphisms (XRCC1 codon 107
      and 194, hOGG1, KCNQ2, and AT1R) between both groups were non-significantly
      different. Proportions of XRCC1 107*AA/AG/GG and XRCC1 194*TT/TC/CC between both
      groups were [ 1 ]: 3.7/27.2/69.1% and 5.8/34.6/59.6% [ 2 ]; 2.6/21.4/75.8% and
      11.6/37.5/50.9%. HOGG1*CC/CG/GG, KCNQ2*AA/AC/CCC and AT1R*AA/AC/CC were [ 1 ]:
      14.8/42.6/42.6, 14/41.9/44.1 and 92.6/7.4/0% [ 2 ]; 11.6/50/38.4, 17/50/33 and
      100/0/0%. We concluded that XRCC1 399 Arg-related genotype and allele are
      correlated with higher susceptibility to endometriosis, which suggested its
      association with endometriosis pathogenesis. XRCC1 107 and 194, hOGG1, KCNQ2, and
      AT1R are not associated with endometriosis susceptibility.

PMID- 22084861
TI  - Nanotechnology risk perceptions and communication: emerging technologies,
      emerging challenges.
AB  - Nanotechnology involves the fabrication, manipulation, and control of materials
      at the atomic level and may also bring novel uncertainties and risks. Potential
      parallels with other controversial technologies mean there is a need to develop a
      comprehensive understanding of processes of public perception of nanotechnology
      uncertainties, risks, and benefits, alongside related communication issues. Study
      of perceptions, at so early a stage in the development trajectory of a
      technology, is probably unique in the risk perception and communication field. As
      such it also brings new methodological and conceptual challenges. These include:
      dealing with the inherent diversity of the nanotechnology field itself; the
      unfamiliar and intangible nature of the concept, with few analogies to anchor
      mental models or risk perceptions; and the ethical and value questions underlying
      many nanotechnology debates. Utilizing the lens of social amplification of risk,
      and drawing upon the various contributions to this special issue of Risk Analysis
      on Nanotechnology Risk Perceptions and Communication, nanotechnology may at
      present be an attenuated hazard. The generic idea of "upstream public engagement"
      for emerging technologies such as nanotechnology is also discussed, alongside its
      importance for future work with emerging technologies in the risk communication
      field.

PMID- 22084862
TI  - A longitudinal study of newspaper and wire service coverage of nanotechnology
      risks.
AB  - This study reviewed coverage of nanotechnology risks in 20 U.S. and 9 U.K.
      newspapers and 2 wire services from 2000 to 2009. It focused on information that
      citizens could come across in daily newspaper reading that could highlight the
      salience of these issues and alert readers to potential risks. Few articles about
      nanotechnology health, environmental, and societal risks were found in these
      publications during this period, averaging only 36.7 per year for both countries.
      The coverage emphasized three main narratives over time: runaway technology,
      science-based studies, and regulation. Health risks were covered most frequently,
      followed by environmental and societal risk issues. Regulation coverage was not
      as frequent but increased over time. The majority of the coverage focused on news
      events and 10 events drew modest media attention. Scientific uncertainty
      discussions appeared in about half of the articles, and scientists and engineers
      were the dominant information sources in both countries. Some significant
      differences between U.S. and U.K. coverage were found: U.K. coverage emphasized
      more societal concerns, while U.S. coverage paid more attention to environmental
      risks. Because the volume of coverage was not extensive and was counterbalanced
      by many more articles extolling nanotechnology's benefits, it is questionable
      whether this coverage alerted readers about potential nanotechnology risks.
      Coupled with citizens' minimal knowledge about nanotechnology, this type of
      coverage could create public distrust of nanotechnology applications should a
      dangerous risk event occur.

PMID- 22084863
TI  - Labeling of nanotechnology consumer products can influence risk and benefit
      perceptions.
AB  - Currently, there is no mandatory labeling for products containing synthetic
      nanoparticles. The public as well as other stakeholders have positive views about
      mandatory labeling. However, little is known how such a label influences the risk
      and benefit perception of a product. Consumers may infer that a label is a signal
      that there are risks associated with this technology. Data were collected in a
      survey experiment (N= 1,382). Participants were randomly assigned to one of six
      conditions. The control group received a picture of a sunscreen container without
      a label. One experimental group received a picture of a sunscreen container with
      a label. The other groups received, in addition to the sunscreen container with a
      label, some risk or benefit information. Results suggest that labeling of
      products may reduce consumers' benefit perception and increase risk perception.
      Labeling nanotechnology consumer products may change the public perception of the
      products. Respondents may have relied on the affect heuristic for assessing the
      risks and benefits of the sunscreen.

PMID- 22084864
TI  - Evidence maps: communicating risk assessments in societal controversies: the case
      of engineered nanoparticles.
AB  - The transparent and fair characterization of scientific evidence for reporting
      the results of a hazard assessment is a demanding task. In this article, we
      present an approach for characterizing evidence--the evidence map approach. The
      theoretical starting point is to view evidence characterization as a form of
      argumentation. Thus, evidence maps are designed to depict the evidence base, the
      pro and con arguments, and the remaining uncertainties, which together lead
      experts to their conclusions when summarizing and evaluating the scientific
      evidence about a potential hazard. To illustrate its use, the evidence maps
      approach is applied to characterizing the health-relevant effects of engineered
      nanoparticles. Empirical data from an online survey suggests that the use of
      evidence maps improves the reporting of hazard assessments. Nonexperts prefer to
      receive the information included in an evidence map in order to come to an
      informed judgment. Furthermore, the benefits and limitations of evidence maps are
      discussed in the light of recent literature on risk communication. Finally, the
      article underlines the need for further research in order to increase quality of
      evidence reporting.

PMID- 22084865
TI  - The importance of stromal inflammation in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histological risk assessment evaluating worst pattern of tumour
      invasion (WPOI), and lymphocytic response (LR), has previously been shown to be
      of prognostic significance in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
      (SCCHN). SCCHN is a heterogeneous group of tumours including tumours located in
      the oral cavity, of which the majority is located in the tongue. METHODS:
      Haematoxylin/eosin-stained slides from diagnostic biopsies from 94 cases of SCC
      on the tongue were evaluated for WPOI and LR. Within the inflammatory infiltrate,
      the percentage of eosinophilic granulocytes was also estimated. Results were
      correlated with clinical data such as response to treatment and recurrence.
      RESULTS: For WPOI the majority of patients, 84%, showed small invasive tumours
      islands with a size <15 cells (grade 4). No correlation with survival, response
      to treatment or recurrence was seen for WPOI. More than half of the patients
      showed a dense lymphocytic infiltrate, a factor that was significantly correlated
      with complete response to radio therapy. Of the patients with dense lymphoid
      infiltrate, the majority, 63%, did not either have a recurrence. No significant
      correlation with recurrence, response to treatment or any other factor was seen
      for presence of eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS: Data clearly showed that tongue tumours
      have a split invasive growth pattern and an intense inflammatory response at the
      tumour interface. Results also indicated that evaluation of the intensity of the
      inflammatory infiltrate at the tumour interface in tongue SCC could provide
      information of potential importance for choice of treatment and prognosis.

PMID- 22084866
TI  - Histopathology of panniculitis--aspects of biopsy techniques and difficulties in
      diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical and histologic diagnosis of panniculitis may be difficult.
      The patients usually present with erythematous subcutaneous nodules with or
      without additional symptoms. If a skin biopsy does not include enough
      subcutaneous fat, histopathologic assessment is limited and the correct diagnosis
      may be delayed and require further sampling. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To illustrate
      the difficulties in the diagnosis of panniculitis, we performed a retrospective
      examination of four patients with different forms of panniculitis. RESULTS: In
      two patients with subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma and lupus
      panniculitis, the correct diagnosis could only be ascertained after a delay of
      several months because repeated biopsies had to be obtained throughout the course
      of disease. In two further patients with cold panniculitis and pancreatic
      panniculitis, clinicians did not even suspect an inflammatory process in the
      subcutaneous tissue. The correct diagnosis was made with a deep punch biopsy that
      included subcutaneous fat. CONCLUSIONS: On the one hand, these examples
      demonstrate the importance of sampling subcutaneous tissue when obtaining routine
      punch biopsies. On the other hand, in cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, it
      is necessary to perform large and deep incisional biopsies.

PMID- 22084868
TI  - The erosion of the family: A study of the fate of the family in Ghana.
AB  - Abstract   In Ghana, as in other developing countries, it has been held that one
      cultural element acting towards the maintenance of high fertility has been the
      awareness that large families do more than small ones to ensure assistance to
      parents during sickness and especially during old age. The only experience known
      to the society of the fortunes of those in the latter condition is necessarily
      that of those who are already old and need such assistance.   During 1963-64 a
      survey of 800 retired persons over 60 years of age was made in Ghana. Respondents
      of each sex were randomly selected within the urban southern rural and northern
      rural areas of the country. An examination was made of the effects of mortality
      and other factors in reducing the amount of possible assistance given by their
      children below the potential maximum determined by the original level of births. 
      Differentials in fertility by area of present residence were discovered. It was
      shown that, although the average number of children supporting aged parents is
      greater in the case of large families, the extent of the assistance is not
      proportional to original family size, because of differentials in mortality, the
      chances of survivors reaching adulthood by their parents' old age, and the
      chances of adult survivors being able or willing to give such assistance. Only
      families who had between one and four children presented their parents with any
      considerable risk of receiving no help from their children. It was shown that
      there are grounds for conflict between the need for maximising assistance by
      having as many children as possible and by educating as many as possible. It was
      also shown that there is little evidence that parents consciously make such
      decisions in order to create an individual 'social welfare' system in that an
      extension of the state social welfare system would not, according to respondents,
      do much to change their views about desired family size.

PMID- 22084867
TI  - The Philadelphia Brief Assessment of Cognition (PBAC): a validated screening
      measure for dementia.
AB  - The Philadelphia Brief Assessment of the Cognition (PBAC) is a brief dementia
      screening instrument. The PBAC assesses five cognitive domains: working
      memory/executive control; lexical retrieval/language;
      visuospatial/visuoconstructional operations; verbal/visual episodic memory; and
      behavior/social comportment. A revised version of the PBAC was administered to
      198 participants including patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n=46) and four
      groups of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes: behavioral
      variant FTD (bvFTD; n=65), semantic-variant primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
      (svPPA; n=22), non-fluent/agrammatic-variant PPA (nfaPPA; n=23), and corticobasal
      syndrome (CBS; n=42), and a group of normal controls (n=15). The total PBAC score
      was highly correlated with the MMSE. The criterion validity of the PBAC was
      assessed relative to standard neuropsychological test performance. Using standard
      neuropsychological test performance as a criterion, the total PBAC score
      accurately identified the presence and severity of dementia. Intra-class
      correlations between PBAC subscales and standard neuropsychological tests were
      highly significant. PBAC subscales demonstrated good clinical utility in
      distinguishing AD and FTD subtypes using receiver operating characteristic
      analysis and standard diagnostic performance statistics to determine optimal
      subscale cut scores. The PBAC is a valid tool and able to assesses differential
      patterns neuropsychological/behavioral impairment in a broad range of
      neurodegenerative conditions.

PMID- 22084869
TI  - The Americanization of catholic reproductive ideals.
AB  - Abstract   This paper considers the attitude of Roman Catholics in the United
      States of America towards family size and suggests that large family ideals are
      still being put forward by the Church in publications and periodicals. The second
      part of the paper considers the attitudes of American Roman Catholics towards
      family size and shows that though there are indications that Roman Catholics
      regard slightly larger families as ideal than do members of other religions, the
      difference is not now very great.

PMID- 22084870
TI  - A study of internal migration in England and Wales.
AB  - Abstract   The main trend in urban/rural migration is a continuous gain, in net
      terms, of towns from villages and large cities. But this is a result of two
      distinct migration streams associated with the process of family formation. While
      before marriage there is positive net migration from villages to both large
      cities and towns (and from large cities towards towns), after marriage there is a
      tendency for couples to move towards villages. This is explained by the desire of
      families, particularly those belonging to the middle class to move out of the
      urban centres to better accommodation in smaller communities. Considerable
      variations in migrations within and into regions are observed. These reflect the
      continuation oflong-term trends in internal migration (as described in Part I of
      this paper) in particular, population dispersal from Greater London and larger
      distance migration into the Southern and Eastern regions.   Some social
      characteristics of migrants and non-migrants are compared. Associations between
      the intensity of internal migration on the one hand, and occupational status,
      education, social mobility and family size on the other are observed.   An
      attempt is made to assess the extent of migration associated with the marriage
      process. Although this process increases mobility, its relative contribution to
      total adult mobility appears to be only slight.

PMID- 22084871
TI  - The AID computer programme, used to predict adoption of family planning in
      Koyang.
AB  - Abstract   A highly useful computer programme has been developed for predicting
      values of a dependent variable. Basically a sequential analysis of variance, it
      creates a tree of two-way splits of the sample. Each split maximizes the
      reduction of unexplained variance in the dependent variable. The programme is
      remarkably sensitive to interactions, since it assumes neither linear
      relationships, normal distributions, nor homoscedasticity.   This programme is
      put to work here on a prediction problem of administrative importance: which
      women in Korean villages will adopt family planning under a mild programme and
      under an intensive programme? Optimum predictors are identified and are arranged
      in a hierarchy of combinations which give progressively higher predictive
      accuracy. The best two or three predictors isolate large proportions of women
      with extremely low adoption rates.

PMID- 22084872
TI  - Fertility of the american negro in 1830 and 1850.
AB  - Abstract   A comparison of the proportionate age distributions for negroes
      enumerated in the decennial censuses of the United States in the first half of
      the rorh century indicates that by 1850, negro fertility apparently had been
      declining for at least 20 years. This paper develops the relationship of the age
      distribution of a declining fertility population, where the decline has persisted
      for less than 25 years, to the stable population with the same current schedules
      of fertility and mortality.   This relationship is used to estimate the negro
      birth rate and total fertility as of 1850. In turn, these estimates and the
      relationship of the age distributions of two stable populations with different
      fertility are used to estimate the negro birth rate and total fertility as of
      1830.

PMID- 22084873
TI  - Migration and fertility in Puerto Rico.
AB  - Abstract   In an investigation based on special tabulations of the 25 per cent
      sample from the 1960 Census of Population for Puerto Rico, it is found that
      migration experience tends to be associated with fertility for various marital
      statuses, including consensual unions, and for rural, urban and metropolitan
      residence. The findings cannot be attributed to variations in age composition
      among the various categories as age standardization and age-specificcomparisons
      yield similar results.   However, it is also found that rural-urban and
      consensually-legally mated differentials in fertility cannot be accounted for by
      variations in the migration variables that are examined. Thus, consistently
      higher fertility is found for non-migrants than for migrants; for consensually
      mated than for legally married and for rural than for urban or metropolitan
      residents. With a single exception, women in consensual unions, fertility is
      lower for women in the San Juan metropolitan area than in the other urban areas.

PMID- 22084874
TI  - The effect of altitude on fertility in Andean countries.
AB  - Abstract   In papers previously published in this journal J. M. Stycos and D. M.
      Heer have shown that fertility is lower in the economically underdeveloped Indian
      speaking parts of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia than in the more prosperous Spanish
      speaking parts. Stycos concluded that the reason for the fertility difference in
      Peru is the greater marital instability of the Indian speakers which decreased
      their total exposure to the risk of conception. Heer suggested instead that the
      causes of the difference may be voluntary. The present paper questions Heer's
      analysis, and offers the explanation that the difference may be attributed to the
      physiological effects of altitude.

PMID- 22084875
TI  - Demographic and economic changes in the Sinkiang Uighur autonomous region.
AB  - Abstract   The following characteristics of the population of Sinkiang are
      discussed: growth, stressing the importance of the immigration of Han Chinese;
      age-sex ratios; marital status; ethnic composition; education; health; and
      urbanisation. Economic development as it affects the composition of population,
      especiallyindustrial, agricultural and pastoral trends are also considered. A
      final section deals with the geo-political and demographic implications of the
      Sino-Soviet dispute.

PMID- 22084876
TI  - Summary statistics on indenture and associated migration affecting the West
      Indies, 1834-1918.
AB  - Abstract   This paper presents summary statistics of immigration into the West
      Indies, under indenture or government sponsorship, during the period 1834-1918.
      The sources reveal a few discrepancies, but are sufficiently consistent to permit
      the construction of a series for each of the ethnic groups introduced. Most of
      the problems involved in constructing these series centre around the fact that a
      variety of sources have to be utilised. Immigration figures of East Indians,
      Portuguese, Chinese, Europeans and others into the several West Indian colonies
      have been prepared for each calendar year or season, but to conserve space are
      presented here in summary form. In the case of African immigration it is possible
      to give their country of origin. The only group of immigrants who were involved
      in return movements of any consequence are the East Indians.

PMID- 22084887
TI  - Peptide and protein quantitation by acid-catalyzed 18O-labeling of carboxyl
      groups.
AB  - We have developed a new method that applies acidic catalysis with hydrochloric
      acid for (18)O-labeling of peptides at their carboxyl groups. With this method,
      peptides get labeled at their C-terminus, at Asp and Glu residues, and at
      carboxymethylated cysteine residues. Oxygen atoms at phosphate groups of
      phosphopeptide are not exchanged. Our elaborated labeling protocol is easy to
      perform, fast (5 h and 30 min), and results in 95-97 atom % incorporation of
      (18)O at carboxyl groups. Undesired side reactions, such as deamidation or
      peptide hydrolysis, occur only at a very low level under the conditions applied.
      In addition, data analysis can be performed automatically using common software
      tools, such as Mascot Distiller. We have demonstrated the capability of this
      method for the quantitation of peptides as well as for phosphopeptides.

PMID- 22084889
TI  - Changing behaviours and continuing silence: sex in the post-immigration lives of
      mainland Chinese immigrants in Canada.
AB  - In China, reluctance to discuss sex continues to be widely observed despite the
      sexual revolution there. That silence generates questions about health risks in
      the contexts of HIV/AIDS and international migration. Based on a qualitative
      study of mainland Chinese immigrants in Canada, this paper explores the impacts
      of immigration processes on sex and sexuality. The findings reveal a gap between
      these individuals' changing sexual behaviours and the continuing silence on sex.
      Although Canada has exposed them to a new living environment that has shaped the
      dynamics and patterns of their sexual practices, their incomplete integration
      into the host society and their close connections with China as the home country
      mean that traditional Chinese norms continue to influence their understanding of
      these changes. With the increasing openness of these immigrants' sexual
      relationships, the obsolescence of their consciousness and knowledge of sexuality
      should be addressed in order to reduce their vulnerability to sexual inequalities
      and consequent health risks.

PMID- 22084890
TI  - Molecular length, monolayer density, and charge transport: lessons from Al
      AlOx/alkyl-phosphonate/Hg junctions.
AB  - A combined electronic transport-structure characterization of self-assembled
      monolayers (MLs) of alkyl-phosphonate (AP) chains on Al-AlOx substrates indicates
      a strong molecular structural effect on charge transport. On the basis of X-ray
      reflectivity, XPS, and FTIR data, we conclude that "long" APs (C14 and C16) form
      much denser MLs than do "short" APs (C8, C10, C12). While current through all
      junctions showed a tunneling-like exponential length-attenuation, junctions with
      sparsely packed "short" AP MLs attenuate the current relatively more efficiently
      than those with densely packed, "long" ones. Furthermore, "long" AP ML junctions
      showed strong bias variation of the length decay coefficient, beta, while for
      "short" AP ML junctions beta is nearly independent of bias. Therefore, even for
      these simple molecular systems made up of what are considered to be inert
      molecules, the tunneling distance cannot be varied independently of other
      electrical properties, as is commonly assumed.

PMID- 22084891
TI  - Relationship type, condom use and HIV/AIDS risks among men who have sex with men
      in six Chinese cities.
AB  - This study is the first to examine the role of partner type in sexual practices
      of men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Using cross-sectional self
      administered questionnaires (N=692) with MSM in six Chinese cities (Shanghai,
      Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Dalian and Beijing) in 2008, this paper examines
      MSM's sexual practices, particularly condom use with different male and female
      partner types. We categorise sexual partner relationships into five types:
      partner/spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, acquaintance, stranger and sex worker and
      hypothesise that the greater the affective distance between the partners, the
      greater the likelihood of engaging with intimate act and the lesser likelihood
      condom use. Results show that respondents had more MSM than heterosexual
      experiences. Relationships tended to be short-term, multiple (more than two) and
      concurrent (simultaneously two or more) principally with other men and to a
      lesser degree with women. Findings reveal that affective distance varied with
      partner types. Respondents performed more intimate acts (e.g., kissing,
      caressing) with intimate or stable partners (partner/spouse,
      boyfriend/girlfriend) than casual or unknown partners (acquaintance, stranger,
      sex worker). Condom use decreased when the affective distance with a partner
      increased. We conclude that partner type is a key factor of HIV infection among
      MSM in China; short-term, multiple and concurrent relationships are clear risk
      factors. Future research should focus on the subjective varied meanings of
      relationships, the idea of trust and the dynamics with different relationships to
      understand HIV infection of MSM in China.

PMID- 22084892
TI  - Physician-specific variation in medication adherence among diabetes patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship that the patient has with his/her
      healthcare practitioner as a factor affecting medication adherence. STUDY DESIGN:
      Aggregate, physician-level adherence rates for patients were compared in a
      retrospective, non-case-controlled study of 3777 diabetes patients enrolled in a
      commercial pharmacy benefits program in a 6-county area in northeast Ohio.
      METHODS: Data for the top prescribing 200 physicians and their 3777 patients were
      analyzed based on the adherence of their patients to medications for diabetes,
      statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor
      blockers (ACEIs/ARBs). Physicians were then separated into adherence quartiles
      based on the results. Statistical tests for assessing between-group differences
      were performed. Results were reported for diabetes medication-specific adherence
      as well as adherence to statins and ACEIs/ARBs. RESULTS: No appreciable
      demographic differences were noted between patient or physician groups, including
      age, sex, race, cost share, and chronic medication use. Statistically significant
      differences in aggregate physician-specific medication adherence between the best
      performing and worst performing physician quartiles were identified, with
      medication adherence rates of 89.5% for the highest performing quartile compared
      with 68.1% for the lowest performing quartile. Medication adherence for statins
      and ACEIs/ARBs paralleled the results for diabetes medications: 88.4% versus
      73.4% and 89.8% versus 76.9%, respectively. Importantly, significantly fewer
      patients in the lowest performing physician group had filled prescriptions for
      statins or ACEIs/ARBs. CONCLUSIONS: Physician-specific factors have an
      underappreciated impact on medication adherence. A better understanding of these
      factors may have substantial benefit in improving compliance with treatment and
      clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22084893
TI  - Ethnic differences in the development of albuminuria: the DISTANCE study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether ethnic differences in the incidence of
      albuminuria are present in patients with diabetes, and to identify social,
      behavioral, and provider factors that explain ethnic differences. STUDY DESIGN:
      Survey follow-up design with a race-stratified baseline survey (2005-2006) in
      diabetic patients from a nonprofit, fully integrated healthcare system in
      Northern California. We followed the 10,596 respondents (30% whites, 20% blacks,
      23% Hispanics, 14% Asians, and 13% Filipinos) without evidence of prevalent
      albuminuria at baseline. METHODS: Incident albuminuria was defined by positive
      dipstick urinalysis (>1) or urine albumin to creatinine level (>30 mg/g), and
      confirmed with repeat testing at least 3 months later. RESULTS: The 27,292 person
      years of observation yielded 981 incident albuminuria events. Agestandardized
      rates of albuminuria (per 1000 person-years) ranged from 13.6 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 10.5-17.0) in whites to 27.8 (CI 18.2- 38.3) in blacks. In fully
      adjusted Cox models, the hazard ratio for blacks (1.22, 95% CI 1.09-1.38), Asians
      (1.35, 95% CI 1.13-1.61), and Filipinos (1.93, 95% CI 1.61-2.32), but not
      Hispanics, was significantly greater than it was for whites. In some cases, point
      estimates changed markedly from the base model when fully adjusted for potential
      confounders. Moreover, adjustment for an array of potentially mediating factors
      explained only a small proportion of the observed ethnic disparities.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite uniform medical care coverage, Filipinos, blacks, and Asians
      with diabetes developed albuminuria at higher rates than white and Hispanic
      adults.

PMID- 22084894
TI  - Compliance and persistence with concomitant statin and oral antihyperglycemic
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare compliance and persistence with statin and oral
      antihyperglycemic therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes who received
      concomitant therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using a large US
      commercial claims database. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes and dispensed
      prescriptions for both statin and oral antihyperglycemic therapies on the same
      date in 2006 (index date = first date of such dispensing) were included in the
      analysis (N = 52,414). Patients were required to have continuous enrollment in
      the database for 1 year prior to (baseline) and 2 years after (follow-up) index
      date. The 2-year medication possession ratio (MPR) was compared between statin
      and oral antihyperglycemic therapy. For the persistence analysis, treatment
      discontinuation was defined by a gap >30 days between the last date of supply
      from previous dispensing and subsequent refill. The likelihood of discontinuation
      of statin versus oral antihyperglycemic therapy was estimated by fitting a robust
      Cox proportional hazards regression model, adjusted for baseline variables.
      RESULTS: The 2-year MPR was 70% for statin and 78% for oral antihyperglycemic
      therapy (P <.0001). The proportion of patients with a 2-year MPR >80% was 52% for
      statin and 63% for oral antihyperglycemic therapy (P <.0001). The median time to
      discontinuation of statin was significantly shorter compared with oral
      antihyperglycemic therapy (284 vs 495 days, P <.001). There was a greater risk to
      discontinue statin than oral antihyperglycemic therapy (adjusted hazard ratio:
      1.47 [95% confidence interval 1.45-1.48]). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance and
      persistence with statin therapy significantly lagged behind oral
      antihyperglycemic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated
      concomitantly with both therapies.

PMID- 22084895
TI  - Persistence with biologic therapies in the Medicare coverage gap.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe persistence with teriparatide and other biologic
      therapies in Medicare Part D plans with and without a coverage gap. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective (2006) cohort study of Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
      beneficiaries from a large benefits company. Two plans with a coverage gap
      (defined as "basic") were combined and compared with a single plan with coverage
      for generic and branded medications (defined as "complete"). METHODS: Patients
      taking alendronate (nonbiologic comparator), teriparatide, etanercept,
      adalimumab, interferon beta-1a, or glatiramer acetate were selected for the
      study. For patients with complete coverage, equivalent financial thresholds were
      used to define the "gap."The definition of discontinuation was failure to fill
      the index prescription after reaching the gap. RESULTS: For alendronate, 27% of
      133,260 patients had enrolled in the complete plan. Patients taking biologic
      therapies had more commonly enrolled in complete plans: teriparatide (66% of
      6221), etanercept (58% of 1469), adalimumab (52% of 824), interferon beta-1a (60%
      of 438), and glatiramer acetate (53% of 393). For patients taking either
      alendronate or teriparatide, discontinuation rates were higher in the basic,
      versus complete, plan (adjusted odds ratios, 2.02 and 3.56, respectively).
      Discontinuation did not significantly vary by plan type for etanercept,
      adalimumab, interferon beta-1a, or glatiramer acetate. CONCLUSIONS: For patients
      who reached the coverage gap, discontinuation was more likely for patients taking
      osteoporosis (OP) medication. Not having a coverage gap was associated with
      improved persistence with OP treatment.

PMID- 22084896
TI  - Health information exchange among US hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of US hospitals engaged in health
      information exchange (HIE) with unaffiliated providers and to identify key
      hospital-level and market-level factors associated with participating in
      exchange. STUDY DESIGN: Using the 2009 American Hospital Association Information
      Technology survey, supplemented by Dartmouth Atlas, Area Resource File, and other
      national data, we examined which hospitals participated in regional efforts to
      electronically exchange clinical data. METHODS: We used logistic regression
      models to determine hospital-level characteristics and market-level
      characteristics associated with hospitals' likelihood of participating in HIE.
      RESULTS: We found that 10.7% of US hospitals engaged in HIE with unaffiliated
      providers. In communities where exchange occurred, for-profit hospitals and those
      with a small market share were far less likely to engage in HIE than nonprofit
      hospitals or those with a larger market share. Hospitals in more concentrated
      markets were more likely to exchange and hospitals in markets with higher
      Medicare spending were less likely to exchange. CONCLUSIONS: At the start of
      implementation of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical
      Health (HITECH) Act, only a small minority of US hospitals electronically
      exchange clinical data with unaffiliated providers. Health information exchange
      is a key part of reforming the healthcare system, and factors related to
      competitiveness may be holding some providers back.

PMID- 22084897
TI  - Discrimination of three Pegaga (Centella) varieties and determination of growth
      lighting effects on metabolites content based on the chemometry of 1H nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
AB  - The metabolites of three species of Apiaceae, also known as Pegaga, were analyzed
      utilizing (1)H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis. Principal
      component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) resolved the
      species, Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle bonariensis, and Hydrocotyle
      sibthorpioides, into three clusters. The saponins, asiaticoside and
      madecassoside, along with chlorogenic acids were the metabolites that contributed
      most to the separation. Furthermore, the effects of growth-lighting condition to
      metabolite contents were also investigated. The extracts of C. asiatica grown in
      full-day light exposure exhibited a stronger radical scavenging activity and
      contained more triterpenes (asiaticoside and madecassoside), flavonoids, and
      chlorogenic acids as compared to plants grown in 50% shade. This study
      established the potential of using a combination of (1)H NMR spectroscopy and
      multivariate data analyses in differentiating three closely related species and
      the effects of growth lighting, based on their metabolite contents and
      identification of the markers contributing to their differences.

PMID- 22084898
TI  - Site-specific incorporation of photo-cross-linker and bioorthogonal amino acids
      into enteric bacterial pathogens.
AB  - Enteric bacterial pathogens are known to effectively pass through the extremely
      acidic mammalian stomachs and cause infections in the small and/or large
      intestine of human hosts. However, their acid-survival strategy and pathogenesis
      mechanisms remain elusive, largely due to the lack of tools to directly monitor
      and manipulate essential components (e.g., defense proteins or invasive toxins)
      participating in these processes. Herein, we have extended the pyrrolysine-based
      genetic code expansion strategy for encoding unnatural amino acids in enteric
      bacterial species, including enteropathogenic Escherichia coli , Shigella , and
      Salmonella . Using this system, a photo-cross-linking amino acid was incorporated
      into a Shigella acid chaperone HdeA (shHdeA), which allowed the identification of
      a comprehensive list of in vivo client proteins that are protected by shHdeA upon
      acid stress. To further demonstrate the application of our strategy, an azide
      bearing amino acid was introduced into a Shigella type 3 secretion effector,
      OspF, without interruption of its secretion efficiency. This site-specifically
      installed azide handle allowed the facile detection of OspF's secretion in
      bacterial extracellular space. Taken together, these bioorthogonal
      functionalities we incorporated into enteric pathogens were shown to facilitate
      the investigation of unique and important proteins involved in the pathogenesis
      and stress-defense mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria that remain exceedingly
      difficult to study using conventional methodologies.

PMID- 22084899
TI  - Gram-scale synthesis of the A'B'-subunit of angelmicin B.
AB  - A gram-scale enantiospecific synthesis of the A'B'-subunit of angelmicin B is
      reported. The synthesis involves a Lewis acid catalyzed contrasteric Diels-Alder
      reaction and a tandem silyl zincate 1,6-addition/enolate oxidation sequence.

PMID- 22084900
TI  - Material nature versus structural nurture: the embodied carbon of fundamental
      structural elements.
AB  - The construction industry is under considerable legislative pressure to reduce
      its CO(2) emissions. The current focus is on operational CO(2) emissions, but as
      these are compulsorily reduced, the embodied CO(2) of structural components,
      overwhelmingly attributable to the material from which they are manufactured,
      will become of greater interest. Choice of structural materials for minimal
      embodied CO(2) is currently based either on subjective narrative arguments, or
      values of embodied CO(2) per unit volume or mass. Here we show that such
      arguments are invalid. We found that structural design parameters (dimensions,
      section choice, and load capacity) for fundamental structural components (simple
      beams and columns) are at least as important as material choice with regard to
      their effect on embodied CO(2) per unit load capacity per unit dimension, which
      can vary over several decades within and between material choices. This result
      demonstrates that relying on apparently objective analyses based on embodied
      CO(2) per unit volume or mass will not lead to minimum carbon solutions; a formal
      definition of the correct functional unit for embodied CO(2) must be used. In
      short, there is no such thing as a green structural material.

PMID- 22084902
TI  - N-heterocyclic carbene based ruthenium-catalyzed direct amide synthesis from
      alcohols and secondary amines: involvement of esters.
AB  - A well-defined N-heterocyclic carbene based ruthenium complex was developed as a
      highly active precatalyst for the direct amide synthesis from alcohols and
      secondary amines. Notably, reaction of 1-hexanol and dibenzylamine afforded 60%
      of the corresponding amide using our catalytic system, while no amide formation
      was observed for this reaction with the previously reported catalytic systems.
      Unlike the previously reported amidation with less sterically hindered alcohols
      and amines, involvement of ester intermediates was observed.

PMID- 22084901
TI  - Predicting carcinogenicity and understanding the carcinogenic mechanism of N
      nitroso compounds using a TOPS-MODE approach.
AB  - A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) coupled with an enhanced replacement method
      (ERM) was used as an alternative method to predict the carcinogenicity of N
      nitroso compounds (NOCs) in rats. This presented LDA based on the topological
      substructural molecular descriptors (TOPS-MODE) approach was developed to predict
      the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic activity on a data set of 111 NOCs with a
      good classification value of 90.1%. The predictive power of the LDA model was
      validated through an external validation set (37 compounds) with a prediction
      accuracy of 94.6% and a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure (LOOCV) with a
      good prediction of 86.5%. This methodology showed that the TOPS-MODE descriptors
      weighted, respectively, by bond dipole moment and Abraham solute descriptor
      dipolarity/polarizability affected the NOC carcinogenicity. The contributions of
      certain bonds and fragments to carcinogenicity were used to assess
      biotransformation and carcinogenic mechanisms. The positive contribution of the
      carbon-nitrogen single bond (between the N-nitroso group and alpha-carbon to the
      N-nitroso group) indicated that the alpha-hydroxylation reaction could occur at
      the alpha-carbon or otherwise not occur. Similarly, the contributions from the
      molecular fragment could be applied to indicate whether the fragments generated
      an alkylating agent. These results suggested that this approach could
      discriminate between carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic NOCs, thereby providing
      insight into the structural features and chemical factors related to NOC
      carcinogenicity.

PMID- 22084903
TI  - Burning mouth syndrome: a therapeutic approach involving mechanical salivary
      stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of salivary stimulation
      therapy on the salivary flow, quality of saliva, and symptoms in patients with
      burning mouth syndrome (BMS). BACKGROUND: BMS is a chronic disorder characterized
      by a burning sensation. Some reports have proposed a role for saliva in the
      pathogenesis of BMS. METHODS: Twenty-six BMS patients underwent treatment with
      salivary mechanical stimulation. Resting and stimulated saliva were collected
      before and after therapy. Salivary levels of total protein, brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6,
      and nerve growth factor were assessed before and 90 days after therapy by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the burning
      sensation and number of burning sites as well as an improvement of taste
      disturbances and xerostomia were observed after therapy. The salivary flow was
      not significantly modified. However, the therapy resulted in a significant
      decrease in salivary levels of total protein and an increase of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha. CONCLUSION: Salivary mechanical stimulation therapy is effective in
      reducing clinical symptoms of BMS.

PMID- 22084904
TI  - Light microscopic hair shaft analysis in ectodermal dysplasia syndromes.
AB  - The objective of the study was to catalog hair shaft abnormalities in individuals
      with ectodermal dysplasia (ED) syndromes using light microscopy and to compare
      findings with those in unaffected controls. Light microscopy was performed in a
      nonblinded manner on hair shafts from 65 participants with seven types of ED
      (hypohidrotic ED, ED-ectrodactyly-cleft lip or palate, ankyloblepharon-ectodermal
      defects-cleft lip and palate, Clouston syndrome, Goltz syndrome, Schopf-Schulz
      Passarge syndrome, and oculodentodigital dysplasia) and 41 unaffected controls.
      Hair donations were collected at the 28th Annual National Family Conference held
      by the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia. Control participants were
      recruited from a private dermatology practice and an academic children's hospital
      outpatient dermatology clinic. Sixty-five affected participants and 41 unaffected
      controls were included in the analysis. We assessed the hair shafts of ED and
      control participants for abnormalities visible using LM. Light microscopy
      identified various pathologic hair shaft abnormalities in each type of ED,
      although none of the findings were statistically significantly different from
      those of the control group. Light microscopy is a poor adjuvant tool in the
      diagnosis of ED syndromes. Most findings are nonspecific and not sufficiently
      sensitive.

PMID- 22084905
TI  - Care coordinators: a controlled evaluation of an inpatient mental health service
      innovation.
AB  - The study aimed to evaluate the impact of introducing designated care
      coordinators into an acute mental health inpatient unit in terms of service
      delivery, clinical outcomes, and service user and significant other perceptions.
      A pre-post-controlled design was implemented with a consecutive sample of 292
      service users admitted and staying more than 5 days in two wards, with care
      coordinators introduced in one ward. Data were obtained from clinical records,
      standard measures, and service user and significant other surveys. Care
      coordinator input was associated with significant improvements in service
      delivery and stronger involvement of significant others and community resources.
      Care-coordinated clients showed significantly better clinical outcomes, including
      the Health of Nations Outcome Scales behaviour subscale, less time in the
      intensive care subunit, less community crisis team input in the week following
      discharge, and lower rates of readmission in the month following discharge. Care
      coordinated service users and their significant others gave higher ratings of
      service delivery, outcome, and satisfaction. The results indicate that designated
      care coordinators significantly improve care processes, outcomes, and service
      user experience in acute inpatient mental health settings.

PMID- 22084906
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinases in plants: a brief overview.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases
      belonging to the metzincin clan. MMPs have been characterized in detail in
      mammals, and they have been shown to play key roles in many physiological and
      pathological processes. Plant MMP-like proteases exist, but relatively few have
      been characterized. It has been speculated that plant MMPs are involved in
      remodeling of the plant extracellular matrix during growth, development and
      stress response. However, the precise functions and physiological substrates in
      higher plants remain to be determined. In this brief overview, we summarize the
      current knowledge of MMPs in higher plants and algae.

PMID- 22084907
TI  - Differential activation of proapoptotic molecules between mouse and rat models of
      distal motor trigeminal denervation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously developed a rat trigeminal motor neuron axotomy model
      involving masseter and temporal muscle resection to study pathological changes of
      the central nucleus after peripheral nerve injury caused by oral surgery. Because
      motor neurons are reported to be more vulnerable to axotomy in mice than rats, we
      compared the degeneration process of the trigeminal motor nucleus in the rat
      model with a similar mouse model. METHODS: We removed masseter and temporal
      muscles of adult mice or rats. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, and
      56 days post-operation, and the trigeminal motor nuclei were histologically
      analyzed. RESULTS: Size reduction, but no neuronal loss, was seen in the
      trigeminal motor nuclei in both mice and rats. Time-dependent Noxa expression,
      starting at 1 week post-operation (wpo), was seen in the mouse model. By 8 wpo,
      mice expressed a higher level of Noxa than rats. Additionally, we noted
      persistent expression of cleaved caspase-3 in mice but not in rats. Conversely,
      apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), which executes DNA fragmentation in the nucleus,
      was not translocated to the nucleus in either model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      indicate differential activation of motor neuron apoptosis pathways after axotomy
      in mice and rats. Lack of activation of caspase-independent pathways and distal
      end denervation in our model might be related to the survival of motor neurons
      after axonal injury. These findings could be relevant to future neuroprotective
      strategies for peripheral nerve injury caused by oral surgeries.

PMID- 22084908
TI  - The decline of fertility: Innovation or adjustment process.
AB  - Abstract   In Western society the process of fertility decline is often regarded
      as an innovation process. The assumptions behind this approach seem rather
      questionable, and the diffusion lags or gradients of limited importance. Both
      Swedish and other European data are used as illustrations. It is suggested that
      the decline be treated within the wider sociological perspective of a time
      consuming adjustment or change process, not necessarily starting from a position
      of completely uncontrolled fertility within marriage. The situation in to-day's
      high fertility populations is briefly discussed against this background.

PMID- 22084909
TI  - Malthus on norway.
AB  - Abstract   Malthus visited Norway in 1799 and his impression of the country's
      demographic experience was important in determining the character of the second
      edition of his Essay on the Principle of Population. He relied for the most part
      on non-statistical sources. This led him to exaggerate, e.g. the size of
      households, the number of unmarried farm servants and to miss important features,
      e.g. differences in marital age patterns, regional variations in fertility and
      nuptiality. The bias of his itinerary and of his main informants is also
      apparent. Statistical material not available to Malthus indicates that he was
      right to stress the late age at marriage in Norway but wrong to ignore the
      operation of the positive check. Mortality was frequently high in late eighteenth
      and early nineteenth-century Norway, much higher than Malthus ever realized. This
      destroys the symmetry, as well as the morality, of Malthus's exposition.

PMID- 22084910
TI  - Economic considerations in family growth decisions.
AB  - Abstract   Examination of the fertility patterns of a sample of white Detroit
      couples at selected stages of the family life cycle indicates that, in a large
      American metropolis, family income is more closely related to the time when a
      family is formed and has its children than to the number of children it expects
      to have. In a longitudinal study, current income is strongly related to the
      timing of demographic events-the age at marriage, whether pre-maritally pregnant,
      the time interval from marriage to a given parity, and fertility during a two
      year follow-up period.   This paper also explores the hypothesis that a family's
      evaluation of its economic position and the choices it makes about important
      family expenditures has a relation to fertility apart from the family's objective
      current income level. Couples who consider their income adequate for their needs
      or relatively greater than that of their friends or peers, and those who expect
      substantial increases in the future, tend to expect more children than those who
      do not. Small but consistent differences obtain over the parities studied.
      Variables indexing alternative family expenditure patterns, such as cars, or
      savings for college education for children, are associated with lower family size
      expectations and longer spacing patterns.

PMID- 22084911
TI  - Parameters of the menstrual cycle: A reply.
AB  - Abstract   In a set of two papers, one of them published in this journal in July
      1965, W. H. James defends the menstrual statistics of E. J. Farris and his co
      workers and exploits these data to propose a new formula of calendar rhythm that
      allegedly provides maximum protection for a given amount of abstinence.   The
      present paper argues that Farris's data are open to a suspicion of serious bias.
      James's estimates ofvarious parameters of the menstrual cycle are questioned
      mainly on grounds of deficient data. However, it is concluded that his methods of
      estimation will prove useful in future analyses of menstrual variation.

PMID- 22084912
TI  - Bridal pregnancy in rural England in earlier centuries.
AB  - Abstract   A sample of 3,786 marriages, recorded in the parish registers of 77
      rural and semi-rural parishes in 24 English counties during the period 1540-1835,
      is investigated. 49% of the marriages can be followed through to a maternity
      recorded in a baptism-entry in the baptism register of the same parish, i.e. the
      parish of marriage. Of these brides traced to a maternity, roughly one-third had
      their maternity recorded within eight and a half months of marriage and were
      therefore probably pregnant at marriage. When allowance is made for delayed
      baptisms, and for brides whose pre-maritally conceived pregnancy terminated in an
      abortion or stillbirth and hence went unrecorded, the proportion of 'traced'
      brides pregnant may approach one-half. Turning to the 51% of marriages untraced
      to maternities in this investigation, for a large number (perhaps two-thirds) the
      most likely explanation is the removal ofthe married couple from the parish of
      marriage before maternity occurred, for reasons unconnected with the bridal
      condition. It is concluded that there is direct and detailed evidence in the
      parish registers that more than one-sixth of all brides were pregnant at
      marriage, and that it can be reasonably deduced from the direct evidence that in
      fact about one-third were pregnant.   The proportion of brides pregnant in the
      earlier centuries (before 1700) appears to have been only about one-half of that
      in the later centuries. Regionally, the highest rate in both periods appears to
      have been in the northern four counties. The social interpretation of these
      bridal pregnancy rates poses many problems for the social historian.

PMID- 22084913
TI  - On the probable age structure of the Roman population.
AB  - Abstract   The average expectation of life has often been calculated from ages
      given on the many thousands of surviving Roman tombstones. But the distribution
      of these ages at death is demographically most improbable. However, this can be
      easily explained once attention is paid to the patterns of commemoration between
      relatives, for in some inscriptions the age at death is given, in others a
      relationship (e.g. marriage) is commemorated, in yet others both are recorded.
      But the distortions cannot be corrected; these ages at death must be discarded as
      useful evidence for estimating life expectation.

PMID- 22084916
TI  - Detection and identification of plasma bacterial and viral elements in HIV/AIDS
      patients in comparison to healthy adults.
AB  - A low level of CD4+ lymphocyte cells makes end-stage HIV/AIDS patients highly
      susceptible to microbial infections. We have adopted the next generation
      sequencing method to identify the spectrum of bacterial plasma and viral elements
      that might be present in these patients. The HIV/AIDS plasma microbiome was
      dominated by bacterial elements in the taxonomical order Pseudomonadales, while
      healthy people carried fewer bacterial DNA in the plasma. We have found that many
      of the bacterial elements in HIV/AIDS plasma are similar to those of the microbes
      found in the human gut, suggesting potential acquisition of microbial elements
      from the gut. The HIV/AIDS and normal plasma DNA virome shared some similarities
      in the presence of common ubiquitous eukaryotic viruses. The normal DNA virome
      was mainly composed of viruses from Anelloviridae. In contrast, the HIV/AIDS DNA
      virome contained a large proportion of bacteriophages, endogenous retroviruses
      and a non-human virus. In addition, several sequences, which might belong to
      novel bacteria or endogenous retroviruses, were identified. Taken together, the
      use of high-throughput sequencing technology in unveiling microbial metagenomics
      may facilitate future research in combating HIV/AIDS and its associated microbial
      complications.

PMID- 22084917
TI  - Improving wound score classification with limited remission spectra.
AB  - The classification of wounds into healing states depending on their absorption
      spectrum of visible and near infrared light remains an important task in
      dermatology. Moreover, a reduction of the spectrum that is used in the
      classification task to fewer but important wavelengths is desirable, as each
      measured wavelength increases the examination costs without necessarily providing
      further information to the classification of wound healing states. This paper
      addresses two aspects: First the improvement of the classification of wounds into
      healing states and second, a cost reduction by choosing only important
      wavelengths. Standard Data Mining methods are evaluated for their classification
      accuracy (CA) and compared to their performance when applying feature selection
      techniques that are used to reduce the amount of necessary wavelengths. The
      results indicate that the 1-nearest-neighbor approach (IB1 algorithm) comes up
      with the best CA, while only relying on a fraction (4%) of the standard
      wavelength spectrum.

PMID- 22084918
TI  - Shaking a hornets' nest: pitfalls of abortion counselling in a secular
      constitutional order--a view from South Africa.
AB  - There exists an enormous gulf between the aspirations of South Africa's abortion
      legislation--among the most liberal in the world--and its implementation. One
      weakness in the provision of abortion services in South Africa is the absence of
      comprehensive abortion counselling services. On the face of it, the idea that
      counselling ought, as a matter of course, to be a significant component of a
      country's termination of pregnancy service provision, seems both
      straightforwardly sensible and politically innocent. This paper describes how
      abortion counselling has historically, in many different contexts, been saturated
      with questionable assumptions about women and their bodies. Counselling has more
      often than not been deployed, either as the formal policy of states or through
      informal mechanisms, as a means of curbing the right to abortion rather than
      deepening the meaning of that right. Differing approaches to counselling emerge
      as a reflection of contestations over reproductive and gender politics.
      Specifying an appropriate model for the provision of state-sponsored abortion
      counselling in the public health sector of a secular constitutional state
      provokes more of a hornet's nest of dilemmas than is sometimes supposed.

PMID- 22084919
TI  - Assessing the impact of the duration and intensity of inhalation exposure on the
      magnitude of the variability of internal dose metrics in children and adults.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the exposure duration and
      intensity on the human kinetic adjustment factor (HKAF). A physiologically based
      pharmacokinetic model was used to compute target dose metrics (i.e. maximum blood
      concentration (C(max)) and amount metabolized/L liver/24  h (Amet)) in adults,
      neonates (0-30 days), toddlers (1-3 years), and pregnant women following
      inhalation exposure to benzene, styrene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,4-dioxane.
      Exposure scenarios simulated involved various concentrations based on the
      chemical's reference concentration (low) and six of U.S. EPA's Acute Exposure
      Guideline Levels (AEGLs) (high), for durations of 10  min, 60  min, 8  h, and 24 
      h, as well as at steady-state. Distributions for body weight (BW), height (H),
      and hepatic CYP2E1 content were obtained from the literature or from P3M
      software, whereas blood flows and tissue volumes were calculated from BW and H.
      The HKAF was computed based on distributions of dose metrics obtained by Monte
      Carlo simulations [95th percentile in each subpopulation/median in adults]. At
      low levels of exposure, ranges of C(max)-based HKAF were 1-6.8 depending on the
      chemical, with 1,4-dioxane exhibiting the greatest values. At high levels of
      exposure, this range was 1.1-5.2, with styrene exhibiting the greatest value.
      Neonates were always the most sensitive subpopulation based on C(max), and
      pregnant women were most sensitive based on Amet in the majority of the cases
      (1.3-2.1). These results have shown that the chemical-specific HKAF varies as a
      function of exposure duration and intensity of inhalation exposures, and
      sometimes exceeds the default value used in risk assessments.

PMID- 22084925
TI  - Deceptive examinees who committed suicide: report of two cases.
AB  - Deceptive behavior by neuropsychological examinees does not preclude the presence
      of significant psychopathology. To illustrate this fact we present two cases.
      Case 1 had a diagnosis of factitious disorder and clear evidence on neurological
      and neuropsychological exams of exaggeration. Case 2 had a somatoform disorder
      and provided a deceptive social history. Long after the neuropsychological
      evaluations, both persons committed suicide. These cases provide anecdotal
      evidence that deceptive behavior does not preclude the presence of serious
      psychopathology, and that deceptive behavior and self-destructive behavior
      sometimes coincide.

PMID- 22084926
TI  - Population genetic segmentation of MHC-correlated perfume preferences.
AB  - It has become difficult to find a matching perfume. An overwhelming number of 300
      new perfumes launch each year, and marketing campaigns target pre-defined groups
      based on gender, age or income rather than on individual preferences. Recent
      evidence for a genetic basis of perfume preferences, however, could be the
      starting point for a novel population genetic approach to better match perfumes
      with people's preferences. With a total of 116 participants genotyped for alleles
      of three loci of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the aim of this
      study was to test whether common MHC alleles could be used as genetic markers to
      segment a given population into preference types. Significant deviations from
      random expectations for a set of 10 common perfume ingredients indicate how such
      segmentation could be achieved. In addition, preference patterns of participants
      confronted with images that contained a sexual communication context
      significantly differed in their ratings for some of the scents compared with
      participants confronted with images of perfume bottles. This strongly supports
      the assumption that genetically correlated perfume preferences evolved in the
      context of sexual communication. The results are discussed in the light of
      perfume customization.

PMID- 22084927
TI  - Mechanism for singlet fission in pentacene and tetracene: from single exciton to
      two triplets.
AB  - Singlet fission (SF) could dramatically increase the efficiency of organic solar
      cells by producing two triplet excitons from each absorbed photon. While this
      process has been known for decades, most descriptions have assumed the necessity
      of a charge-transfer intermediate. This ab initio study characterizes the low
      lying excited states in acene molecular crystals in order to describe how SF
      occurs in a realistic crystal environment. Intermolecular interactions are shown
      to localize the initially delocalized bright state onto a pair of monomers. From
      this localized state, nonadiabatic coupling mediated by intermolecular motion
      between the optically allowed exciton and a dark multi-exciton state facilitates
      SF without the need for a nearby low-lying charge-transfer intermediate. An
      estimate of the crossing rate shows that this direct quantum mechanical process
      occurs in well under 1 ps in pentacene. In tetracene, the dark multi-exciton
      state is uphill from the lowest singlet excited state, resulting in a dynamic
      interplay between SF and triplet-triplet annihilation.

PMID- 22084928
TI  - Functionalization of a self-assembled monolayer driven by low-energy electron
      exposure.
AB  - Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 10-undecene-1-thiol on Au were functionalized
      with nitrogen-containing groups using an approach in which multilayer ammonia
      (NH(3)) films were deposited at low temperature onto the SAMs and subsequently
      exposed to 15 eV electrons. The result of this process was investigated after
      removal of the remaining NH(3) by annealing to room temperature using high
      resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS). HREELS shows that the CC double bonds disappear during
      electron exposure, while XPS gives evidence that about 25% of the terminal double
      bonds of the SAM were functionalized. Also, XPS shows that a sufficiently thick
      NH(3) layer protects the underlying SAM from electron-induced damage. The process
      suggested here thus represents a particularly gentle approach to the
      functionalization of ultrathin molecular layers. Thermal desorption spectrometry
      (TDS) and electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) experiments on condensed layers of
      NH(3) reveal production of N(2) but show that significant amounts of the initial
      NH(3) as well as N(2) produced during electron exposure desorb. Hydrogen released
      upon formation of N(2) is held responsible for the reduction of double bonds and
      protection of the SAMs from damage.

PMID- 22084929
TI  - Solution NMR approaches for establishing specificity of weak heterodimerization
      of membrane proteins.
AB  - Solution NMR provides a powerful approach for detecting complex formation
      involving weak to moderate intermolecular affinity. However, solution NMR has
      only rarely been used to detect complex formation between two membrane proteins
      in model membranes. The impact of specific binding on the NMR spectrum of a
      membrane protein can be difficult to distinguish from spectral changes that are
      induced by nonspecific binding and/or by changes that arise from forced
      cohabitation of the two proteins in a single model membrane assembly. This is
      particularly the case when solubility limits make it impossible to complete a
      titration to the point of near saturation of complex formation. In this work
      experiments are presented that provide the basis for establishing whether
      specific complex formation occurs between two membrane proteins under conditions
      where binding is not of high avidity. Application of these methods led to the
      conclusion that the membrane protein CD147 (also known as EMMPRIN or basigin)
      forms a specific heterodimeric complex in the membrane with the 99-residue
      transmembrane C-terminal fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (C99 or APP
      betaCTF), the latter being the immediate precursor of the amyloid-beta
      polypeptides that are closely linked to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22084930
TI  - Quantitative spectroscopic analysis of heterogeneous mixtures: the correction of
      multiplicative effects caused by variations in physical properties of samples.
AB  - Spectral measurements of complex heterogeneous types of mixture samples are often
      affected by significant multiplicative effects resulting from light scattering,
      due to physical variations (e.g., particle size and shape, sample packing, and
      sample surface, etc.) inherent within the individual samples. Therefore, the
      separation of the spectral contributions due to variations in chemical
      compositions from those caused by physical variations is crucial to accurate
      quantitative spectroscopic analysis of heterogeneous samples. In this work, an
      improved strategy has been proposed to estimate the multiplicative parameters
      accounting for multiplicative effects in each measured spectrum and, hence,
      mitigate the detrimental influence of multiplicative effects on the quantitative
      spectroscopic analysis of heterogeneous samples. The basic assumption of the
      proposed method is that light scattering due to physical variations has the same
      effects on the spectral contributions of each of the spectroscopically active
      chemical components in the same sample mixture. On the basis of this underlying
      assumption, the proposed method realizes the efficient estimation of the
      multiplicative parameters by solving a simple quadratic programming problem. The
      performance of the proposed method has been tested on two publicly available
      benchmark data sets (i.e., near-infrared total diffuse transmittance spectra of
      four-component suspension samples and near-infrared spectral data of meat
      samples) and compared with some empirical approaches designed for the same
      purpose. It was found that the proposed method provided appreciable improvement
      in quantitative spectroscopic analysis of heterogeneous mixture samples. The
      study indicates that accurate quantitative spectroscopic analysis of
      heterogeneous mixture samples can be achieved through the combination of
      spectroscopic techniques with smart modeling methodology.

PMID- 22084932
TI  - Vacuum cleaner emissions as a source of indoor exposure to airborne particles and
      bacteria.
AB  - Vacuuming can be a source of indoor exposure to biological and nonbiological
      aerosols, although there are few data that describe the magnitude of emissions
      from the vacuum cleaner itself. We therefore sought to quantify emission rates of
      particles and bacteria from a large group of vacuum cleaners and investigate
      their potential determinants, including temperature, dust bags, exhaust filters,
      price, and age. Emissions of particles between 0.009 and 20 MUm and bacteria were
      measured from 21 vacuums. Ultrafine (<100 nm) particle emission rates ranged from
      4.0 * 10(6) to 1.1 * 10(11) particles min(-1). Emission of 0.54-20 MUm particles
      ranged from 4.0 * 10(4) to 1.2 * 10(9) particles min(-1). PM(2.5) emissions were
      between 2.4 * 10(-1) and 5.4 * 10(3) MUg min(-1). Bacteria emissions ranged from
      0 to 7.4 * 10(5) bacteria min(-1) and were poorly correlated with dust bag
      bacteria content and particle emissions. Large variability in emission of all
      parameters was observed across the 21 vacuums, which was largely not attributable
      to the range of determinant factors we assessed. Vacuum cleaner emissions
      contribute to indoor exposure to nonbiological and biological aerosols when
      vacuuming, and this may vary markedly depending on the vacuum used.

PMID- 22084931
TI  - Common variants in FTO are not significantly associated with obesity-related
      phenotypes among Samoans of Polynesia.
AB  - The association between obesity and the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO)
      gene has been widely replicated among Caucasian populations. The limited number
      of studies assessing its significance in Asian populations has been somewhat
      conflicting. We performed a genetic association study of 51 tagging, genome-wide
      association studies, and imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms with 12 measures
      of adiposity and skeletal robustness in two Samoan populations of Polynesia. We
      included 465 and 624 unrelated American Samoan and Samoan individuals,
      respectively; these populations derive from a single genetic background traced to
      Southeast Asia and represent one sociocultural unit, although they are
      economically disparate with distinct environmental exposures. American Samoans
      were significantly larger than Samoans in all measures of obesity and most
      measures of skeletal robustness. In separate analyses of American Samoa and
      Samoa, we found a total of 36 nominal associations between FTO variants and
      skeletal and obesity measures. The preponderance of these nominal associations
      (32 of 36) was observed in the Samoan population, and predominantly with skeletal
      rather than fat mass measures (28 of 36). All significance disappeared, however,
      following corrections for multiple testing. Based on these findings, it could be
      surmised that FTO is not likely a major obesity locus in Polynesian populations.

PMID- 22084933
TI  - Quality of life among Brazilian women living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to assess quality of life (QoL) in Brazilian
      women living with HIV/AIDS, according to the World Health Organization Quality of
      Life HIV-BREF (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) domains. A quantitative-based, cross-sectional,
      analytical study was carried out in healthcare centers specialized in assisting
      people living with HIV/AIDS, located in a municipality of the state of Sao Paulo,
      Brazil. One hundred and six women of age 18 years or more, users of the public
      healthcare system, participated in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical
      variables were collected using a specific questionnaire. Quality of life related
      variables were collected by means of the WHOQoL-HIV-BREF instrument. As per the
      QoL domains, study results show that the Spirituality domain reached a
      standardized mean score of 65.7, followed by the Physical (64.7), Psychological
      (60.6), Social Relationships (59.5), Independence (58.6), and Environment (54.5)
      domains. Results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that the women's
      employment or retirement, income greater than the minimum wage, and higher
      educational level were associated with a higher standardized mean score of QoL.
      However, recent HIV/AIDS diagnosis and exposure to antiretroviral agents for a
      period shorter than two years were negatively associated with QoL. It is critical
      that public policies favor an all-embracing social inclusion of these women, thus
      promoting better social conditions. Counseling, clinical follow-up immediately
      after the infection diagnosis, and initiation of antiretroviral treatment are
      crucial moments in the lives of these individuals.

PMID- 22084934
TI  - Molecular mechanism of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase inactivation by
      alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl derivatives.
AB  - alpha,beta-Unsaturated carbonyls make up an important class of chemicals involved
      in environmental toxicity and disease processes. Whereas adduction of cysteine
      residues on proteins is a well-documented reaction of these chemicals, such a
      generic effect cannot explain the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity. Instead,
      more detailed information is needed regarding the possible specificity and
      kinetics of cysteine targeting and the quantitative relationship between adduct
      burden and protein dysfunction. To address these data gaps, we incubated purified
      human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) with acrylamide (ACR),
      acrolein, or methylvinyl ketone (MVK). Results show that these alpha,beta
      unsaturated carbonyl toxicants inhibited GAPDH activity in a concentration- and
      time-dependent manner. The rank order of enzyme inhibition (K(I)) (i.e., ACR ?
      MVK < acrolein) was related to the calculated electrophilic reactivity of each
      compound and to the corresponding kinetics of cysteine adduct formation. Tandem
      mass spectrometry revealed that adduct formation was selective at lower
      concentrations; i.e., ACR preferentially formed adducts with Cys152 (residues 146
      162). At higher concentrations, ACR also formed adducts with Cys156 and Cys247
      (residues 235-248). Adduct formation at Cys152 was correlated to enzyme
      inhibition, which is consistent with the regulatory role of this residue in
      enzyme function and its location within the GAPDH active site. Further analyses
      indicated that Cys152 was present in a pK(a)-lowering microenvironment (pK(a) =
      6.03), and at physiological pH, the corresponding sulfhydryl group exists in the
      highly reactive nucleophilic thiolate state. These data suggest a general
      cytotoxic mechanism in which electrophilic alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls
      selectively form adducts with reactive nucleophilic cysteine residues
      specifically associated with the active sites of proteins. These specialized
      cysteine residues are toxicologically relevant molecular targets, because
      chemical derivatization causes loss of protein function.

PMID- 22084935
TI  - Abnormal actin binding of aberrant beta-tropomyosins is a molecular cause of
      muscle weakness in TPM2-related nemaline and cap myopathy.
AB  - NM (nemaline myopathy) is a rare genetic muscle disorder defined on the basis of
      muscle weakness and the presence of structural abnormalities in the muscle
      fibres, i.e. nemaline bodies. The related disorder cap myopathy is defined by cap
      like structures located peripherally in the muscle fibres. Both disorders may be
      caused by mutations in the TPM2 gene encoding beta-Tm (tropomyosin). Tm controls
      muscle contraction by inhibiting actin-myosin interaction in a calcium-sensitive
      manner. In the present study, we have investigated the pathogenetic mechanisms
      underlying five disease-causing mutations in Tm. We show that four of the
      mutations cause changes in affinity for actin, which may cause muscle weakness in
      these patients, whereas two show defective Ca2+ activation of contractility. We
      have also mapped the amino acids altered by the mutation to regions important for
      actin binding and note that two of the mutations cause altered protein
      conformation, which could account for impaired actin affinity.

PMID- 22084936
TI  - Identification of splice variants, targeted microRNAs and functional single
      nucleotide polymorphisms of the BOLA-DQA2 gene in dairy cattle.
AB  - Major histocompatibility complex, class II, DQ alpha 2, also named BOLA-DQA2,
      belongs to the Bovine Leukocyte Antigen (BOLA) class II genes which are involved
      in the immune response. To explore the variability of the BOLA-DQA2 gene and
      resistance to mastitis in cows, the splice variants (SV), targeted microRNAs
      (miRNAs), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in this
      study. A new SV (BOLA-DQA2-SV1) lacking part of exon 3 (195 bp) and two 3'
      untranslated regions (UTR) (52 bp+167 bp) of the BOLA-DQA2 gene was found in the
      healthy and mastitis-infected mammary gland tissues. Four of 13 new SNPs and
      multiple nucleotide polymorphisms resulted in amino acid changes in the protein
      and SNP (c. +1283 C>T) may affect the binding to the seed sequence of bta-miR
      2318. Further, we detected the relative expressions of two BOLA-DQA2 transcripts
      and five candidated microRNAs binding to the 3'-UTR of two transcripts in the
      mammary gland tissues in dairy cattle by using the quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. The result showed that expression of the BOLA-DQA2-SV1
      mRNA was significantly upregulated 2.67-fold (p<0.05) in mastitis-infected
      mammary tissues (n = 5) compared with the healthy mammary gland mammary tissues
      (n = 5). Except for bta-miR-1777a, miRNA expression (bta-miR-296, miR-2430, and
      miR-671) was upregulated 1.75 to 2.59-fold (p<0.05), whereas miR-2318 was
      downregulated in the mastitis cows. Our findings reveal that BOLA-DQA2-SV1 may
      play an important role in the mastitis resistance in dairy cattle. Whether the
      SNPs affect the structure of the BOLA-DQA2 gene or association with mastitis
      resistance is unknown and warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22084937
TI  - Modulator effects of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism
      on response to vitamin B12 therapy and homocysteine metabolism.
AB  - In this study, our aim was to investigate the association of
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism on the vitamin B12
      therapy response in 95 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and 92 healthy
      control subjects using vitamin B12, plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), and folate
      as the main measure of outcome. MTHFR C677T genotypes were determined by
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques.
      There were no differences in the distribution of MTHFR genotypes in the cases
      versus the controls. Mean concentrations of plasma tHcy and B12 vitamin were
      18.84 MUM and 142.47 pg/mL in patients with TT (10.5%) genotypes. Furthermore,
      mean concentrations of B12 vitamin after cobalamin therapy were 697.62, 656.64,
      and 488.76 pg/mL in patients with the CC, CT, and TT genotypes, respectively. The
      MTHFR 677 TT genotype has decreasing effect in B12 vitamin and increasing effect
      in tHcy. In comparison with the patients having CC and CT genotypes, patients
      with the TT genotype had a lower response to vitamin B12 therapy.

PMID- 22084938
TI  - Association between VHL single nucleotide polymorphism (rs779805) and the
      susceptibility to prostate cancer in Chinese.
AB  - The Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is a crucial regulator of the
      hypoxia response pathway and plays an important role in tumorigenesis,
      particularly in tumor growth and vascularization. We hypothesize that
      polymorphisms in the functional region of VHL may influence susceptibility to
      prostate cancer (PCa). We genotyped a potentially functional polymorphism
      (rs779805) in 5' UTR region of VHL in a case-control study of 665 PCa patients
      and 715 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population using the Taqman assay. The
      genetic associations between the incidence and progression of PCa were assessed
      by logistic regression. We observed that the rs779805 A>G polymorphism was
      significantly associated with risk for PCa. Compared with the AA genotype, the AG
      and AG/GG genotypes were associated with decreased risk of PCa (adjusted odds
      ratio [OR]=0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.62-0.99, and adjusted OR=0.76,
      95% CI=0.61-0.95, respectively). Further, this decreased risk was more pronounced
      in the subgroups of nonsmokers (OR=0.73, 95% CI=0.54-0.98), nondrinkers (OR=0.70,
      95% CI=0.54-0.91) and patients without family history of cancer (OR=0.72, 95%
      CI=0.57-0.92). In addition, the decreased risk associated with rs779805 variant
      genotypes (AG/GG) was more pronounced among the prostate specific antigen
      (PSA)>20 ng/mL subgroup (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.49-0.95). Our findings suggest that
      the rs779805 A>G polymorphism in VHL may confer susceptibility to PCa in the
      Chinese population.

PMID- 22084939
TI  - An organocascade kinetic resolution.
AB  - Products of a novel iminium-catalyzed oxa-Michael addition undergo a kinetic
      resolution by a subsequent enamine-catalyzed intermolecular reaction. This is a
      rare example of kinetic resolution by enamine catalysis and the first
      organocascade kinetic resolution. This resolution produces enantioenriched 2,6
      cis-tetrahydropyrans and, notably, cascade products with absolute and relative
      configurations normally not observed using this diphenyl prolinol silyl ether.
      This resolution thus provides new insight into asymmetric induction in reactions
      employing this catalyst.

PMID- 22084940
TI  - Determining milk isolated and conjugated trans-unsaturated fatty acids using
      fourier transform Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - The feasibility of Raman spectroscopy in combination with partial least-squares
      (PLS) regression for the determination of individual or grouped trans
      monounsaturated fatty acids (trans-MUFA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in
      milk fat is demonstrated using spectra obtained at two temperature conditions:
      room temperature and after freezing at -80  degrees C. The PLS results displayed
      capability for direct semiroutine quantification of several individual CLA (cis
      9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 C18:2) and trans-MUFA (trans-4-15 C18:1) in minor
      concentrations (below 1.0 g/100 g of milk fat). Calibration models were based on
      reference data cross-correlation or determined by specific scattering signals in
      the Raman spectra. Distinct bands for trans-MUFA (1674 cm(-1)) and CLA (1653 cm(
      1)) from the trans isolated and cis,trans conjugated C ? C bonds were identified,
      as well as original evidence for the temperature effect (new bands, peak shifts,
      and higher intensities) on the Raman spectra of fatty acid methyl ester and
      triacylglyceride standards, are supplied.

PMID- 22084941
TI  - SnO2 nanowire logic devices on deformable nonplanar substrates.
AB  - Logic inverters consisting of n-type FETs and resistors with SnO(2) nanowire
      channels were fabricated on films of the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane,
      prestrained and flattened into planar sheets from initial, preformed
      hemispherical shapes. Upon release, thin and narrow interconnects between
      individual devices in the arrays absorb induced strain by buckling into nonplanar
      sinusoidal shapes, to allow full recovery of the surfaces to their original
      convex geometries. The same physics allows deformation of convex shapes into
      concave ones, as well as more complex surfaces of coexisting convex and concave
      areas, and small regions with extremely stretched, locally tapered forms, all
      nondestructively achieved while maintaining electrical performance, enhanced by
      use of air gap gate dielectrics. This work shows, more generally, that nanowire
      devices with both conventional and unusual designs can be integrated into overall
      systems with irregular, nonplanar layouts, easily deformed in reversible fashion
      without any measurable alteration in electrical characteristics. The results
      suggest potential applicability of nanowire technologies in systems of tissue
      matched implantable electronics for mounting directly on human organs or of
      sensor skins for integration with robotic manipulators.

PMID- 22084942
TI  - Ulcerated lupus vulgaris at the site of Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination.
AB  - We report a case of ulcerated lupus vulgaris occurring in 1.5-year-old boy at the
      Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination site within 6 months, which was diagnosed
      using histology and polymerase chain reaction. The lesion resolved with isoniazid
      and rifampicin therapy.

PMID- 22084943
TI  - Recovery, survival, and function of transfused platelets and detection of
      platelet engraftment after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recovery and survival of transfused platelets (PLTs) are usually
      assessed by radioisotope labeling methods for evaluation of transfusion efficacy
      and new progress in the processing of PLT concentrates. Alternative,
      nonradioactive methods are warranted. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A multicolor flow
      cytometry method was developed for simultaneous studies of recovery, survival,
      and function of transfused PLTs. Eight consecutive patients undergoing allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation (TX) were transfused with apheresis PLTs of nonself
      human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I types, and HLA Class I discrepancy between
      donor and recipient was used to identify transfused PLTs. Hematologic status and
      HLA Class I surface expression were analyzed immediately before transfusion, 1
      and 6 hours after transfusion, and daily during the subsequent week. PLT
      activation was assessed by surface expression of CD63, CD62P, or CD42a, before
      and after stimulation with thrombin receptor agonist peptide. RESULTS: PLT
      recovery was 43, 41, and 31% for fresh (5-72 hr old) and 30, 27, and 17% for
      stored (73-148 hr old) PLTs, after 1, 6, and 15 to 28 hours, respectively.
      Survival of fresh versus stored PLTs were 160 and 105 hours, respectively.
      Spontaneous PLT activation and residual activation potential were almost equal
      for fresh and stored PLTs. PLT engraftment was detected between Day 7 and Day 9,
      which was significantly earlier than first sign of neutrophil engraftment (Days
      11-19; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Flow cytometry is an attractive alternative to
      radiolabeling of PLTs for simultaneous studies of survival, recovery, and
      function of transfused PLTs and early detection of PLT engraftment after
      allogeneic stem cell TX.

PMID- 22084945
TI  - Law, marriage and illegitimacy in nineteenth-century Germany.
AB  - Abstract   Concern arose among legislators in several German States during the
      first half of the nineteenth century about overpopulation and increasing numbers
      of the impoverished classes. This led them to pass legislation restricting
      marriage to those considered by the community authorities as morally and
      financially capable of rearing a family. Census data at the time of the repeal of
      these laws indicate the extent to which they succeeded in repressing marriage.
      Declining illegitimacy which paralleled the repeal, however, suggests strongly
      that the legislation was far less effectual in limiting reproduction than it was
      in preventing marriage. Added confirmation of this interpretation is provided by
      the contrasting nuptiality and illegitimacy patterns of German states with
      liberal marriage regulations.

PMID- 22084946
TI  - Abortion in amsterdam.
AB  - Abstract   Mortality from abortion is low in the Netherlands to-day, and
      approximately equal to mortality at delivery. Calculations suggest that about
      4,000 abortions occur in Amsterdam every year, of which about 2,100 are induced.
      The abortion rate shows a very gradual decline after the Second World War. An
      investigation of the social background of women with induced abortion showed no
      relationship between occupational group and the incidence of abortion, but a
      strong negative correlation between religion and abortion. Abortion was more
      common among women with disturbed relationships in their own or parental
      families. Induced abortion usually occurred in pregnancies resulting from failure
      of contraception; these failures were caused not by lack of knowledge of good
      contraceptives, but by ineffective practice of contraception. The inability to
      use contraceptive methods in an effective way is related to a lack of
      communication between the two partners, and to a negative attitude of the women
      towards sex. An attempt has been made to formulate a theory of the causes of
      induced abortion among the women interviewed in Amsterdam.

PMID- 22084947
TI  - Family planning and fecundity.
AB  - Abstract   A computerized probability model of family-building, FERMOD, is
      described and then utilized in an investigation of relations between family
      planning and fecundity as applying to white couples of the contemporary United
      States. Models of this type that formulate reproductive performance as a
      stochastic process permit one to explore relations that are not directly
      observable and in this manner to secure at least partial answers to questions not
      subject to investigation by survey research alone. Two main questions are
      addressed concerning the dependence of family planning success upon fecundity:
      (1) How quickly does spacing control deteriorate when natural fecundability is
      taken at progressively lower values or when the risk of pregnancy wastage is set
      at progressively higher values? (2) What is the distribution of unsought births
      among couples of average fecundity when they practise contraception with
      specified effectiveness and have stipulated spacing and family size goals?

PMID- 22084948
TI  - Local variations of fertility in taiwan.
AB  - Abstract   Taiwan has attracted a considerable amount of demographic interest in
      recent years because of a marked decline of fertility since 1956. In this paper
      the authors utilize data from the household registration system to analyse
      variations of fertility among 292 local administrative areas in 1961. The study
      reveals a strong negative correlation between total fertility and a series of
      indicators of social development and communication. Most of the variation in
      fertility is accounted for by differences in the fertility of married women aged
      over 30 and in the age at marriage. The decline of total fertility is accounted
      for primarily by a reduction of the marital fertility of women over 30. The
      adoption of family limitation was by no means confined to urban centres, but
      apparently originated there and spread rapidly to small towns and rural areas.

PMID- 22084949
TI  - The malthusian theory in pre-civil War America.
AB  - Abstract   Malthusian pessimism was singled out as the most vulnerable expression
      of the dominant, classical school of economics. Boston idealists, who saw the
      Malthusian concept as 'a curb to all reform', searched for a rebuttal in the
      study of institutional economics.   The Pennsylvania protectionists, centred
      about Henry C. Carey, attacked the Malthusian concept as a barrier to the
      proposed 'American system' which was designed to increase population densities by
      promoting industrial growth.   The fusion of these two schools of thought with
      the Free Soil elements in the Republican party brought about what many at the
      time considered a decisive defeat of the Malthusian philosophy in America.  
      Clearly this was not so, for Malthus was never more popular than in post-Civil
      War America. Why this was so is the subject of this paper. There are various
      possibilities: The growing influence of Spencer, Mill and Darwin was certainly a
      factor, and four years of civil bloodshed appear to have reconciled many to the
      tragic view of life found in the Malthusian concept. Also, the wagefund doctrine
      was widely accepted during this period of industrial growth.   Whatever the
      reasons, Malthus again proved his curious vitality after being buried by his
      enemies.

PMID- 22084950
TI  - Obituary: sir alexander carr-saunders.

PMID- 22084953
TI  - Prognostic significance of matrix metalloproteinase-2, -8, -9, and -13 in oral
      tongue cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) often metastasizes to
      cervical lymph nodes. Mechanisms of this disease progression are not fully known.
      We aimed at finding new predictive markers for diagnosis and disease monitoring.
      METHODS: Seventy-three consecutive T1N0M0 and T2N0M0 OTSCC patients treated at
      Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, in 1992-2002 were
      included. Tissue array blocks were prepared from primary tumors and
      immunostained. Immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -8, -9, and 
      13 was compared with patient characteristics and outcome. RESULTS: Nuclear
      expression of MMP-13, but not cytoplasmic expression of MMP-2, -8, and -9, was
      associated with invasion depth (P = 0.017) and tumor size (P = 0.008).
      Furthermore, high nuclear MMP-13 expression was predictive of poor outcome (P =
      0.042). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that especially MMP-13 may be regarded as
      a prognostic biomarker in OTSCC.

PMID- 22084954
TI  - Evaluation and use of NS1 IgM antibody detection for acute dengue virus
      diagnosis: report from an outbreak investigation.
AB  - The usefulness of detecting circulating non-structural protein 1 (NS1) IgM
      antibodies for diagnosing acute dengue virus infection was evaluated during an
      outbreak investigation along with other routinely used laboratory diagnostic
      methods. For the first time, the samples were also tested for NS1 antigen
      detection. NS1 IgM antibody detects all the serum samples that were positive for
      NS1 antigen detection within first 5 days of infection. The sensitivity of the
      NS1 IgM ELISA was higher when compared with RT-PCR and therefore, it could be
      used for early diagnosis.

PMID- 22084955
TI  - HIV risk among drug-using men who have sex with men, men selling sex, and
      transgender individuals in Vietnam.
AB  - Knowledge about drug use and its association with HIV risk among men who have sex
      with men is limited. Although the HIV epidemic among this population in Vietnam
      is increasingly acknowledged, understanding the impact of drug use on the spread
      of HIV is largely lacking. Using qualitative data from in-depth interviews and
      focus group discussions with 93 drug users, 15 non-drug users and 9 community
      stakeholders, this analysis explores emerging patterns of drug use and risk
      factors for engaging in risk behaviours among drug-using men having sex with men,
      men selling sex and transgender individuals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
      Findings revealed that drug use is shifting from heroin to ecstasy and ice. Drug
      users reported unsafe sex associated with drug use and men selling sex were
      particularly at elevated risk because of using drugs as a tool for sex work and
      trading sex for drugs. These findings are guiding development of programmes
      addressing unmet HIV-prevention needs in Vietnam.

PMID- 22084956
TI  - Economic burden of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in patients with cystic
      fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the primary
      cause of pulmonary deterioration in cystic fibrosis (CF). This study describes
      healthcare costs and resource utilization among CF patients following PA
      infection in the US. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized data from
      MarketScan claims database. CF patients with an initial PA infection were
      identified, and their healthcare utilization, medical and pharmacy costs were
      extracted for 12 months, pre- and post-PA infection. Descriptive and pair-wise
      non-parametric statistical analyses compared healthcare utilization and costs
      before and after infection. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-eight CF patients
      met study criteria (mean age 20.1 years; 48% female). Mean annual per-patient
      costs following initial PA infection increased by an estimated $18,516
      (outpatient: $3113; inpatient: $10,123; pharmacy: $4943). Overall healthcare
      costs were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) following PA infection, as were
      overall inpatient visits, outpatient visits, and unique prescriptions (p <
      0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PA infection in cystic fibrosis creates a significant
      economic burden and the cost is not uniformly distributed across the healthcare
      components. LIMITATIONS: Key limitations of this study include the absence of
      clinical parameters to characterize PA infections and data on indirect costs such
      as loss of productivity or caretaker-related burden.

PMID- 22084957
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of valsartan versus losartan and the effect of
      switching.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Losartan will shortly become generic, and this may encourage
      switching to the generic drug. However, valsartan was shown in a meta-analysis to
      be statistically superior in lowering blood pressure (BP) to losartan. This paper
      examines the costs of treatment with these two drugs and the potential
      consequences of switching established valsartan patients to generic losartan.
      METHODS: A US payer cost-effectiveness model was developed incorporating the risk
      of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events related to systolic blood pressure (SBP)
      control comparing valsartan to continual losartan and switching from valsartan to
      generic losartan. The model, based upon a meta-analysis by Nixon et al. and
      Framingham equations, included first CVD event costs calculated from US
      administrative data sets and utility values from published sources. The modeled
      outcomes were number of CVD events, costs and incremental cost per quality
      adjusted life-year (QALY) and life-year (LY). RESULTS: Fewer patients had fatal
      and non-fatal CVD events with valsartan therapy compared with continual losartan
      and with patients switched from valsartan to generic losartan. The base-case
      model results indicated that continued treatment with valsartan had an
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $27,268 and $25,460 per life year gained,
      and $32,313 and $30,170 per QALY gained, relative to continual losartan and
      switching treatments, respectively. Sensitivity analyses found that patient
      discontinuation post-switching was a sensitive parameter. Including efficacy
      offsets with lowered adherence or discontinuation resulted in more favorable
      ratios for valsartan compared to switching therapy. LIMITATIONS: The model does
      not evaluate post-primary CVD events and considers change in SBP from baseline
      level as the sole predictor of CVD risk. CONCLUSIONS: Valsartan appears to be
      cost-effective compared to switching to generic losartan and switching to the
      generic drug does not support a cost offset argument over the longer term.
      Physicians should continue to consider the needs of individual patient and not
      cost offsets.

PMID- 22084958
TI  - A framework for image-based classification of mitotic cells in asynchronous
      populations.
AB  - High content screening (HCS) has emerged an important tool for drug discovery
      because it combines rich readouts of cellular responses in a single experiment.
      Inclusion of cell cycle analysis into HCS is essential to identify clinically
      suitable anticancer drugs that disrupt the aberrant mitotic activity of cells.
      One challenge for integration of cell cycle analysis into HCS is that cells must
      be chemically synchronized to specific phases, adding experimental complexity to
      high content screens. To address this issue, we have developed a rules-based
      method that utilizes mitotic phosphoprotein monoclonal 2 (MPM-2) marker and works
      consistently in different experimental conditions and in asynchronous
      populations. Further, the performance of the rules-based method is comparable to
      established machine learning approaches for classifying cell cycle data,
      indicating the robustness of the features we use in the framework. As such, we
      suggest the use of MPM-2 analysis and its associated expressive features for
      integration into HCS approaches.

PMID- 22084959
TI  - Transitions experienced by older survivors of critical care.
AB  - The transition from hospital to home is complicated for older adults who
      experience a serious or life-threatening illness. The specific aims of this
      prospective, observational cohort study were to determine the number of older
      adults who experience a change in their functional ability and residence after an
      intensive care unit (ICU) stay and to explore risk factors for functional decline
      and new institutionalization at hospital discharge. We found high rates of
      unrecognized preexisting cognitive impairment, delirium, complications,
      functional decline, and new institutionalization in this sample (N = 43). A
      number of variables were associated with functional decline or new
      institutionalization, including narcotic agent use (p = 0.03), ICU complications
      (p = 0.05), comorbidities (p = 0.01), depression (p = 0.05), and severity of
      illness (p = 0.05). We identified device self-removal, admission type, and ICU
      delirium as also potentially associated with these outcomes (p <= 0.25). There
      are a number of important and potentially modifiable factors that influence an
      older adult's ability to recover after a critical illness.

PMID- 22084960
TI  - Initial efficacy of a cardiac rehabilitation transition program: Cardiac TRUST.
AB  - The purpose of this pilot study was to test the initial efficacy, feasibility,
      and safety of a specially designed postacute care transitional rehabilitation
      intervention for cardiac patients. Cardiac Transitional Rehabilitation Using Self
      Management Techniques (Cardiac TRUST) is a family-focused intervention that
      includes progressive low-intensity walking and education in self-management
      skills to facilitate recovery following a cardiac event. Using a randomized two
      group design, exercise self-efficacy, steps walked, and participation in an
      outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program were compared in a sample of 38
      older adults (17 Cardiac TRUST, 21 usual care). At discharge from postacute care,
      the intervention group trended toward higher levels of self-efficacy for exercise
      outcomes than the usual care group. During the 6 weeks following discharge, the
      intervention group had greater attendance in outpatient CR and a trend toward
      more steps walked during the first week. The feasibility of the intervention was
      better for the home health care participants than for those in the skilled
      nursing facility. The provision of CR during postacute care has the potential to
      bridge the gap in transitional services from hospitalization to outpatient CR for
      these patients at high risk for future cardiac events. Further evidence of the
      efficacy of Cardiac TRUST is warranted.

PMID- 22084961
TI  - Medication regimens in older home care patients.
AB  - Medication regimens in older patients have been strongly associated with adverse
      events leading to hospitalization in ambulatory care settings. Despite a 29%
      hospitalization rate, to date, no research regarding medication regimens and
      readmission to the hospital has been completed in the home care setting. As part
      of a larger study evaluating predictors of readmission to the hospital from home
      care, descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and t tests for independent samples
      were used in this secondary analysis to evaluate the Outcome and Assessment
      Information Set and medication records from 911 older patients admitted from the
      hospital to 15 home care agencies. Patients readmitted back to the hospital were
      older, sicker, and more cognitively impaired, and had complex medication regimens
      that included significant polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use. Nurses
      working with older adults need to be especially vigilant in monitoring medication
      regimens of patients to reduce opportunities for adverse drug events and
      subsequent hospitalization.

PMID- 22084962
TI  - Chronic grief management for dementia caregivers in transition: intervention
      development and implementation.
AB  - Research reveals that Alzheimer's disease (AD) caregivers do not relinquish their
      role after placing a family member in long-term care. Caregivers report increased
      emotional upset around the time of placement, with sustained losses over time
      leading to chronic grief. Chronic grief increases caregivers' risk for depression
      and suicide. There are no documented interventions designed to decrease
      caregivers' chronic grief post placement. The Chronic Grief Management
      Intervention (CGMI) builds on existing evidence to target caregivers' chronic
      grief in the transition of a family member into long-term care. The intervention
      is structured into three major components: (a) knowledge, (b) communication and
      conflict resolution skills, and (c) chronic grief management skills. The 12-week
      intervention was pilot tested with 34 caregivers for feasibility and preliminary
      effects on caregiver skill, knowledge, chronic grief, and depression. This
      article presents a general study description while focusing on the development
      and implementation of the CGMI.

PMID- 22084963
TI  - Medication reconciliation in nursing homes: thematic differences between RN and
      LPN staff.
AB  - The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe medication
      reconciliation practices in nursing homes with a specific focus on nursing staff
      involvement in the process. The study was conducted in eight Midwestern nursing
      homes and included 46 onsite observations of resident transfers to the nursing
      home. Informal interviews of nursing staff performing medication reconciliation
      were conducted during each observation. Findings suggest nursing home nursing
      staff, including both RN and licensed practical nurse (LPN) staff, were primarily
      responsible for performing medication reconciliation; however, these staff often
      varied in how they processed resident transfer information to identify medication
      order discrepancies. Patterns of differences were found related to their
      perceptions about medication reconciliation, as well as their actions when
      performing the process. RN staff were more often focused on resident safety and
      putting the "big picture" together, whereas LPN staff were more often focused on
      the administrative assignment and "completing the task."

PMID- 22084964
TI  - Substance abuse in older adults: policy issues.
AB  - By 2020, it is projected that the number of older adults needing treatment for
      drug and alcohol addictions will increase dramatically. Although Medicare covers
      treatment for mental health issues, copayments can be prohibitive for those with
      lower incomes. The Positive Aging Act, an amendment to the Public Health Service
      Act, is a policy alternative that could address substance abuse in the older
      adult population by (a) demonstrating ways of integrating mental health services
      for older adults into primary care settings, and (b) supporting the establishment
      and maintenance of interdisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in
      community settings where older adults reside or receive social services.
      Increasing funding to states to emphasize primary care provider education on the
      detection, evaluation, and treatment of substance abuse problems of older adults
      has the potential to better meet the substance abuse needs of this population.
      Educating primary care providers, including gerontological nurses, to recognize
      signs of substance abuse in this population and providing age-appropriate
      treatment options is critically important but will require funding beyond what is
      currently available.

PMID- 22084965
TI  - Aging and living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - With individuals either living longer with the disease or contracting it at a
      later stage in life, HIV/AIDS can no longer be regarded as just a young person's
      disease. In fact, people older than 50 will represent 50% of HIV/AIDS cases by
      2015. The intersection of aging and HIV/AIDS is explored in this article through
      the use of an individual example highlighting typical age-related issues
      encountered in living with a chronic HIV infection and two of the more common
      comorbid conditions. Nursing implications for managing these conditions
      depression and dyslipidemia-as well as other considerations for providing care to
      older adults with HIV/AIDS are addressed.

PMID- 22084966
TI  - Biochemical investigation of the formation of three-dimensional networks from DNA
      grafted large silica particles.
AB  - DNA is used to rationally build up networks of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) based
      on the molecular recognition properties of complementary sequences. Network self
      assembly is controlled from DNA covalently grafted at the surface of chemically
      modified SiNPs. Two strategies are compared, where grafted DNA sequences are
      designed in a three-strand system using noncomplementary sequences and an extra
      DNA linker, or in a two-strand approach for direct hybridization. In this paper,
      both systems are compared in terms of DNA hybridization stability, network size,
      and three-dimensional organization using a combination of dynamic light
      scattering and electron microscopy. The observed differences are discussed in
      terms of hybridization interactions between DNA sequences in particle-free
      systems through fluorescence, circular dichroism, and UV spectroscopy techniques.

PMID- 22084967
TI  - Would vaccination against nicotine be a cost-effective way to prevent smoking
      uptake in adolescents?
AB  - AIMS: We used epidemiological modelling to assess whether nicotine vaccines would
      be a cost-effective way of preventing smoking uptake in adolescents. DESIGN,
      SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: We built an epidemiological model using
      Australian data on age-specific smoking prevalence; smoking cessation and relapse
      rates; life-time sex-specific disability-adjusted life years lived for cohorts of
      100,000 smokers and non-smokers; government data on the costs of delivering a
      vaccination programme by general practitioners; and a range of plausible and
      optimistic estimates of vaccine cost, efficacy and immune response rates based on
      clinical trial results. We first estimated the smoking uptake rates for
      Australians aged 12-19 years. We then used these estimates to predict the
      expected smoking prevalence in a birth cohort aged 12 in 2003 by age 20 under (i)
      current policy and (ii) different vaccination scenarios that varied in cost,
      initial vaccination uptake, yearly re-vaccination rates, efficacy and a
      favourable vaccine immune response rate. FINDINGS: Under the most optimistic
      assumptions, the cost to avert a smoker at age 20 was $44,431 [95% confidence
      interval (CI) $40,023-49,250]. This increased to $296,019 (95% CI $252,307
      $355,930) under more plausible scenarios. The vaccine programme was not cost
      effective under any scenario. CONCLUSIONS: A preventive nicotine vaccination
      programme is unlikely to be cost-effective. The total cost of a universal
      vaccination programme would be high and its impact on population smoking
      prevalence negligible. For these reasons, such a programme is unlikely to be
      publicly funded in Australia or any other developed country.

PMID- 22084968
TI  - Non-covalent monolayer-piercing anchoring of lipophilic nucleic acids:
      preparation, characterization, and sensing applications.
AB  - Functional interfaces of biomolecules and inorganic substrates like semiconductor
      materials are of utmost importance for the development of highly sensitive
      biosensors and microarray technology. However, there is still a lot of room for
      improving the techniques for immobilization of biomolecules, in particular
      nucleic acids and proteins. Conventional anchoring strategies rely on attaching
      biomacromolecules via complementary functional groups, appropriate bifunctional
      linker molecules, or non-covalent immobilization via electrostatic interactions.
      In this work, we demonstrate a facile, new, and general method for the reversible
      non-covalent attachment of amphiphilic DNA probes containing hydrophobic units
      attached to the nucleobases (lipid-DNA) onto SAM-modified gold electrodes,
      silicon semiconductor surfaces, and glass substrates. We show the anchoring of
      well-defined amounts of lipid-DNA onto the surface by insertion of their lipid
      tails into the hydrophobic monolayer structure. The surface coverage of DNA
      molecules can be conveniently controlled by modulating the initial concentration
      and incubation time. Further control over the DNA layer is afforded by the
      additional external stimulus of temperature. Heating the DNA-modified surfaces at
      temperatures >80  degrees C leads to the release of the lipid-DNA structures from
      the surface without harming the integrity of the hydrophobic SAMs. These
      supramolecular DNA layers can be further tuned by anchoring onto a mixed SAM
      containing hydrophobic molecules of different lengths, rather than a homogeneous
      SAM. Immobilization of lipid-DNA on such SAMs has revealed that the surface
      density of DNA probes is highly dependent on the composition of the surface layer
      and the structure of the lipid-DNA. The formation of the lipid-DNA sensing layers
      was monitored and characterized by numerous techniques including X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, ellipsometry, contact
      angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and confocal fluorescence imaging.
      Finally, this new DNA modification strategy was applied for the sensing of target
      DNAs using silicon-nanowire field-effect transistor device arrays, showing a high
      degree of specificity toward the complementary DNA target, as well as single-base
      mismatch selectivity.

PMID- 22084969
TI  - New developments for the sensitivity estimation in four-way calibration with the
      quadrilinear parallel factor model.
AB  - Appropriate closed-form expressions are known for estimating analyte
      sensitivities when calibrating with one-, two-, and three-way data (vectors,
      matrices, and three-dimensional arrays, respectively, built with data for a group
      of samples). In this report, sensitivities are estimated for calibration with
      four-way data using the quadrilinear parallel factor (PARAFAC) model, making it
      possible to assess important figures of merit for method comparison or
      optimization. The strategy is based on the computation of the uncertainty in the
      fitted PARAFAC parameters through the Jacobian matrix. Extensive Monte Carlo
      noise addition simulations in four-way data systems having widely different
      overlapping situations are helpful in supporting the present approach, which was
      also applied to two experimental analytical systems. With this proposal, the
      estimation of the PARAFAC sensitivity for calibration scenarios involving three-
      and four-way data may be considered complete.

PMID- 22084970
TI  - Analysis of very elderly (>=80 years) non-hodgkin lymphoma: impact of functional
      status and co-morbidities on outcome.
AB  - Data on outcome, prognostic factors, and treatment for very elderly non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas (NHL) is sparse. We conducted a multicentre retrospective analysis of
      NHL patients >=80 years (at diagnosis) treated between 1999 and 2009. Detailed
      characteristics were obtained including geriatric syndromes, activities of daily
      living (ADLs), and co-morbidities using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale
      Geriatrics (CIRS-G). We identified 303 patients: 170 aggressive NHL (84% B
      cell/16% T cell) and 133 indolent NHL (82% B cell/18% T cell). Median age was 84
      years (80-95). A geriatric syndrome was present in 26% of patients, 18% had >=1
      grade 4 CIRS-G, and 14% had loss of ADLs. At 49-month median follow-up, 4-year
      progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for aggressive NHLs were 31% and
      44% respectively (stage I/II: PFS 53% and OS 66%; stage III/IV: PFS 20% and OS
      32%; P < 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively). Four-year PFS and OS for indolent NHL
      were 44% and 66% respectively, regardless of stage. Multivariate regression
      analysis identified two key factors that predicted inferior PFS and OS for both
      NHL groups: lack of CR and loss of ADLs. Prospective studies for very elderly NHL
      that incorporate geriatric tools, especially ADLs, are warranted.

PMID- 22084971
TI  - Modeling spatial variations of black carbon particles in an urban highway
      building environment.
AB  - Highway-building environments are prevalent in metropolitan areas. This paper
      presents our findings in investigating pollutant transport in a highway-building
      environment by combing field measurement and numerical simulations. We employ and
      improve the Comprehensive Turbulent Aerosol Dynamics and Gas Chemistry (CTAG)
      model to simulate the spatial variations of black carbon (BC) concentrations near
      highway I-87 and an urban school in the South Bronx, New York. The results of
      CTAG simulations are evaluated against and agree adequately with the measurements
      of wind speed, wind directions, and BC concentrations. Our analysis suggests that
      the BC concentration at the measurement point of the urban school could decrease
      by 43-54% if roadside buildings were absent. Furthermore, we characterize two
      generalized conditions in a highway-building environment, i.e., highway-building
      canyon and highway viaduct-building. The former refers to the canyon between
      solid highway embankment and roadside buildings, where the spatial profiles of BC
      depend on the equivalent canyon aspect ratio and flow recirculation. The latter
      refers to the area between a highway viaduct (i.e., elevated highway with open
      space underneath) and roadside buildings, where strong flow recirculation is
      absent and the spatial profiles of BC are determined by the relative heights of
      the highway and buildings. The two configurations may occur at different
      locations or in the same location with different wind directions when highway
      geometry is complex. Our study demonstrates the importance of incorporating
      highway-building interaction into the assessment of human exposure to near-road
      air pollution. It also calls for active roles of building and highway designs in
      mitigating near-road exposure of urban population.

PMID- 22084972
TI  - Perceived burden in adherence of antiretroviral treatment in rural China.
AB  - To determine the level of antiretroviral treatment adherence and explore the
      correlated factors of perceived burden of taking antiretroviral medications among
      people living with HIV (PLH) in a rural area of China. Data were collected from
      66 PLH who were currently receiving antiretroviral treatment. Face-to-face
      interviews were conducted during August to October, 2009. Approximately 18.2% of
      participants failed to adhere to antiretroviral treatment in the previous 30
      days. A majority of PLH reported that taking antiretroviral medications posed a
      burden to them. Those who perceived a higher level of burden were more likely to
      be women, to have lower annual income, and to report a high level of depressive
      symptoms, poor physical health, and strained family interactions. Findings
      suggest that future programs in promoting adherence to antiretroviral treatment
      should address issues related to psychosocial well-being and PLH's interactions
      with their family members.

PMID- 22084973
TI  - DNA strand cleavage by the phenazine di-N-oxide natural product myxin under both
      aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
AB  - Heterocyclic N-oxides are an interesting class of antitumor agents that
      selectively kill the hypoxic cells found in solid tumors. The hypoxia-selective
      activity of the lead compound in this class, tirapazamine, stems from its ability
      to undergo intracellular one-electron reduction to an oxygen-sensitive drug
      radical intermediate. In the presence of molecular oxygen, the radical
      intermediate is back-oxidized to the parent molecule. Under hypoxic conditions,
      the extended lifetime of the drug radical intermediate enables its conversion to
      a highly cytotoxic DNA-damaging intermediate via a "deoxygenative" mechanism
      involving the loss of oxygen from one of its N-oxide groups. The natural product
      myxin is a phenazine di-N-oxide that displays potent antibiotic activity against
      a variety of organisms under aerobic conditions. In light of the current view of
      heterocyclic N-oxides as agents that selectively operate under hypoxic
      conditions, it is striking that myxin was identified from Sorangium extracts
      based upon its antibiotic properties under aerobic conditions. Therefore, we set
      out to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activity of
      myxin. We find that myxin causes bioreductively activated, radical-mediated DNA
      strand cleavage under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Our evidence
      indicates that strand cleavage occurs via a deoxygenative metabolism. We show
      that myxin displays potent cytotoxicity against the human colorectal cancer cell
      line HCT-116 under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions that is comparable to
      the cell-killing properties of tirapazamine under anaerobic conditions. This work
      sheds light on the processes by which the naturally occurring aromatic N-oxide
      myxin gains its potent antibiotic properties under aerobic conditions.
      Furthermore, these studies highlight the general potential for aromatic N-oxides
      to undergo highly cytotoxic deoxygenative metabolism following enzymatic one
      electron reduction under aerobic conditions.

PMID- 22084974
TI  - Progressive strength training (10 RM) commenced immediately after fast-track
      total knee arthroplasty: is it feasible?
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of progressive strength training commenced
      immediately after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A pilot study was
      conducted at an outpatient training facility. Fourteen patients with unilateral
      TKA were included from a fast-track orthopedic arthroplasty unit. They received
      rehabilitation including progressive strength training of the operated leg (leg
      press and knee-extension), using relative loads of 10 repetition maximum with
      three training sessions per week for 2 weeks. Rehabilitation was commenced 1 or 2
      days after TKA. At each training session, knee pain, knee joint effusion and
      training load were recorded. Isometric knee-extension strength and maximal
      walking speed were measured before the first and last session. RESULTS: The
      training load increased progressively (p < 0.0001). Patients experienced only
      moderate knee pain during the strength training exercises, but knee pain at rest
      and knee joint effusion (p < 0.0001) were unchanged or decreased over the six
      training sessions. Isometric knee-extension strength and maximal walking speed
      increased by 147 and 112%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Progressive strength
      training initiated immediately after TKA seems feasible, and increases knee
      extension strength and functional performance without increasing knee joint
      effusion or knee pain.

PMID- 22084975
TI  - ZraP is a periplasmic molecular chaperone and a repressor of the zinc-responsive
      two-component regulator ZraSR.
AB  - The bacterial envelope is the interface with the surrounding environment and is
      consequently subjected to a barrage of noxious agents including a range of
      compounds with antimicrobial activity. The ESR (envelope stress response)
      pathways of enteric bacteria are critical for maintenance of the envelope against
      these antimicrobial agents. In the present study, we demonstrate that the
      periplasmic protein ZraP contributes to envelope homoeostasis and assign both
      chaperone and regulatory function to ZraP from Salmonella Typhimurium. The ZraP
      chaperone mechanism is catalytic and independent of ATP; the chaperone activity
      is dependent on the presence of zinc, which is shown to be responsible for the
      stabilization of an oligomeric ZraP complex. Furthermore, ZraP can act to repress
      the two-component regulatory system ZraSR, which itself is responsive to zinc
      concentrations. Through structural homology, ZraP is a member of the bacterial
      CpxP family of periplasmic proteins, which also consists of CpxP and Spy. We
      demonstrate environmental co-expression of the CpxP family and identify an
      important role for these proteins in Salmonella's defence against the cationic
      antimicrobial peptide polymyxin B.

PMID- 22084978
TI  - Total synthesis of (+/-)-maistemonine, (+/-)-stemonamide, and (+/-)
      isomaistemonine.
AB  - A full account of the total synthesis of (+/-)-maistemonine, (+/-)-stemonamide,
      and (+/-)-isomaistemonine is presented. Two approaches have been developed to
      construct the basic pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine core of the Stemona alkaloids,
      featuring a tandem semipinacol/Schmidt rearrangement of a secondary azide and a
      highly stereoselectively desymmetrizing intramolecular Schmidt reaction,
      respectively. To build the common spiro-gamma-butyrolactone, a new protocol was
      carried out by utilizing an intramolecular ketone-ester condensation as the key
      transformation. The vicinal butyrolactone moiety of (+/-)-maistemonine was
      stereoselectively introduced via a one-pot procedure involving the epimerization
      at C-3 and carbonyl allylation/lactonization. Moreover, (+/-)-stemonamide was
      divergently synthesized from a common intermediate, and (+/-)-isomaistemonine was
      obtained via the epimerization of (+/-)-maistemonine at C-12.

PMID- 22084976
TI  - The hierarchical factor model of ADHD: invariant across age and national
      groupings?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the factor structure of attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD) in a clinical sample of 1,373 children and adolescents with ADHD
      and their 1,772 unselected siblings recruited from different countries across a
      large age range. Hierarchical and correlated factor analytic models were compared
      separately in the ADHD and sibling samples, across three different instruments
      and across parent and teacher informants. Specific consideration was given to
      factorial invariance analyses across different ages and different countries in
      the ADHD sample. METHOD: A sample of children and adolescents between 5 and 17
      years of age with ADHD and their unselected siblings was assessed. Participants
      were recruited from seven European countries and Israel. ADHD symptom data came
      from a clinical interview with parents Parental Account of Childhood Symptoms and
      questionnaires from parents and teachers (Conners Parent and Teacher). RESULTS: A
      hierarchical general factor model with two specific factors best represented the
      structure of ADHD in both the ADHD and unselected sibling groups, and across
      informants and instruments. The model was robust and invariant with regard to age
      differences in the ADHD sample. The model was not strongly invariant across
      different national groups in the ADHD sample, likely reflecting severity
      differences across the different centers and not any substantial difference in
      the clinical presentation of ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: The results replicate previous
      studies of a model with a unitary ADHD component and separable specific traits of
      inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. The unique contribution of this study
      was finding support for this model across a large developmental and
      multinational/multicultural sample and its invariance across ages.

PMID- 22084979
TI  - Investigation of different apple cultivars by high resolution magic angle
      spinning NMR. A feasibility study.
AB  - (1)H HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy was applied to apple tissue samples deriving from 3
      different cultivars. The NMR data were statistically evaluated by analysis of
      variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least-squares
      discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The intra-apple variability of the compounds was
      found to be significantly lower than the inter-apple variability within one
      cultivar. A clear separation of the three different apple cultivars could be
      obtained by multivariate analysis. Direct comparison of the NMR spectra obtained
      from apple tissue (with HR-MAS) and juice (with liquid-state HR NMR) showed
      distinct differences in some metabolites, which are probably due to changes
      induced by juice preparation. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility
      of (1)H HR-MAS NMR in combination with multivariate analysis as a tool for future
      chemometric studies applied to intact fruit tissues, e.g. for investigating
      compositional changes due to physiological disorders, specific growth or storage
      conditions.

PMID- 22084980
TI  - Flexible, low-voltage, and low-hysteresis PbSe nanowire field-effect transistors.
AB  - We report low-hysteresis, ambipolar bottom gold contact, colloidal PbSe nanowire
      (NW) field-effect transistors (FETs) by chemically modifying the silicon dioxide
      (SiO(2)) gate dielectric surface to overcome carrier trapping at the NW-gate
      dielectric interface. While water bound to silanol groups at the SiO(2) surface
      are believed to give rise to hysteresis in FETs of a wide range of nanoscale
      materials, we show that dehydration and silanization are insufficient in reducing
      PbSe NW FET hysteresis. Encapsulating PbSe NW FETs in cured poly(methyl)
      methacrylate (PMMA), dehydrates and uniquely passivates the SiO(2) surface, to
      form low-hysteresis FETs. Annealing predominantly p-type ambipolar PbSe NW FETs
      switches the FET behavior to predominantly n-type ambipolar, both with and
      without PMMA passivation. Heating the PbSe NW devices desorbs surface bound
      oxygen, even present in the atmosphere of an inert glovebox. Upon cooling,
      overtime oxygen readsorption switches the FET polarity to predominantly p-type
      ambipolar behavior, but PMMA encapsulation maintains low hysteresis.
      Unfortunately PMMA is sensitive to most solvents and heat treatments and
      therefore its application for nanostructured material deposition and doping is
      limited. Seeking a robust, general platform for low-hysteresis FETs we explored a
      variety of hydroxyl-free substrate surfaces, including silicon nitride,
      polyimide, and parylene, which show reduced electron trapping, but still large
      hysteresis. We identified a robust dielectric stack by assembling
      octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) on aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)) to form low
      hysteresis FETs. We further integrated the ODPA/Al(2)O(3) gate dielectric stack
      on flexible substrates to demonstrate low-hysteresis, low-voltage FETs, and the
      promise of these nanostructured materials in flexible, electronic circuitry.

PMID- 22084981
TI  - Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease (pityriasis lichenoides et
      varioliformis acuta fulminans) presenting as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
AB  - We present two pediatric patients with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis
      acuta fulminans whose admitting diagnosis was Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The
      patients were successfully treated with methotrexate and prednisone. These cases
      highlight the importance of early recognition and treatment of this disease to
      prevent further morbidity and a potentially fatal prognosis.

PMID- 22084982
TI  - Non-invasive translational Cynomolgus model for studying folliculogenesis and
      ovulation using color Doppler ultrasonography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In women, different events of folliculogenesis can be measured and
      evaluated using ultrasound (US) technology. The availability of a non-invasive
      translational non-human primate model to study these processes would represent a
      major contribution to further advance R&D efforts toward novel therapies in
      assisted reproduction. METHODS: In our study, follicular growth and ovulation was
      measured in six cyclic Cynomolgus monkeys using abdominal Doppler US. RESULTS:
      The mean follicular diameter on cycle day -6 (cycle day 0=day of ovulation) was
      3.7mm that increased to 6.8mm on cycle day -1. After ovulation, the mean diameter
      decreased to 4.6mm, confirming ovulation. The mean percentage of follicular size
      reduction after ovulation was 31%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography in combination
      with color-flow Doppler imaging was shown to be a useful, non-invasive
      translational method to measure ovarian follicular growth and occurrence and
      timing of follicular rupture in Cynomolgus monkeys.

PMID- 22084983
TI  - Fertility differentials as evidence of incipient fertility decline in a
      developing country.
AB  - Abstract   Age data from the 1960 and earlier censuses of Ghana allow the
      construction of child-woman ratios which appear to indicate the existence of a
      substantial urban-rural fertility differential. Plausible assumptions of urban
      rural mortality differentials increase the apparent fertility differential.   In
      this paper recently published data for Statistical Areas in the country's larger
      towns are used to demonstrate that one explanation for the fertility differential
      is almost certainly the enumeration of some females in the towns, while one or
      more of their surviving children were enumerated outside. Nevertheless, in 1960
      the four largest towns exhibited birth levels which are likely to have been about
      11% below those of the population in the surrounding regions. Roughly half the
      differential can be attributed to a general urban-rural differential and half to
      socio-economic differentials within the towns.   It is shown that most fertility
      reduction within the towns may be explained by delayed female marriage, and that
      such delay is associated with extended education. It is also shown that amongst
      the higher socio-economic status groups a small part of the reduction can
      probably be attributed to the prevention of pregnancy within marriage, and that
      the making of such attempts is positively associated with extended education,
      urban birth, participation in first and monogamous marriages, Protestantism, and
      the holding of views about the harmful effect of high population growth rates on
      attempts to raise living standards.   It is argued that these fertility
      differentials are evidence of some fertility decline among key groups in the
      population and that such declines are likely to become more widespread.

PMID- 22084984
TI  - Frequency and timing of intercourse: Its relation to the probability of
      conception.
AB  - Abstract   This paper describes a simple study of the chance of conception
      assuming a fixed-length menstrual cycle, a specific probability distribution for
      the day of ovulation, and a broad and a narrow fertile period. Eight different
      patterns of intercourse throughout the cycle are considered with frequency of
      intercourse ranging between 5 and 12 times per cycle. Results are given in terms
      of chance of conception and in terms of waiting times until conception.

PMID- 22084985
TI  - Reconstruction of fertility trends for the female population of the U.S.S.R.
AB  - Abstract   The article describes fertility trends among Soviet women during the
      past 40 years as compared to American women during the same period of time.
      Period-specific fertility rates were arrived at by relating the annual total of
      live births to a pattern of age-specific fertility rates estimated for each year
      and also to the number of women for each single year of age. These rates were
      then appropriately re-arranged and compressed into five-year age groups to form a
      series of cohort-specific fertility rates.   The findings rest on somewhat
      conjectural estimates of live births and numbers of women in the U.S.S.R., some
      of which were originally prepared before the 1959 Soviet census. The tentative
      evidence shows that changes in the period-specific fertility of Soviet women were
      far more irregular and dramatic in the past, than among American women. After
      World War II these rates dropped in the U.S.S.R. below those of the United
      States, except for women over 30 years of age. On the other hand, the cohort
      specific rates of Soviet women, although declining from one cohort to the next,
      at present show their magnitude in the cumulative series for older ages to be
      marked by higher than among American women.   This experimental investigation of
      fertility in the Soviet Union makes no claim to high standards of accuracy and
      validity. Its intended purpose is to stress the desirability of shifting emphasis
      from the temporal and prognostic type of study, characteristic of present-day
      demographic research about the U.S.S.R., to the generational and historical
      approach.

PMID- 22084986
TI  - Life and death in the sixteenth century in the City of York.
AB  - Abstract   Birth data obtained from the parish records of the City of York show a
      markedly bi-modal seasonal distribution in the sixteenth century. It appeared
      interesting to compare the expectation of life of individuals born during this
      period, during the two minimal and two maximal seasons, to determine if there was
      any adaptive significance in the annual variation of birth rate. No such effect
      could be established by this study. However, certain conclusions of considerable
      interest can be drawn. The survivorship functions for either sex, grouped by
      birth season or on the whole group, are of a rectilinear diagonal type more
      reminiscent of an avian population rather than man. However the York data were
      treated, no statistically significant difference appeared between the sexes when
      their expectation of life was compared, and the female death rate at all times
      until the end of life was somewhat higher than the male. It appeared that
      sixteenth-century York tended to care better for their sons than for their
      daughters, which also appears to be the case in some modern societies of low to
      moderate living standard.

PMID- 22084987
TI  - A probability model applicable to the study of inter-live birth intervals and
      random segments of the same.
AB  - Abstract   This paper deals with an analytical study of two types of birth
      intervals, viz. 'closed intervals' and 'open intervals' through the application
      of simple probability theory. The 'closed interval' stands for the time interval
      between two successive live births of a woman, and the 'open interval' denotes
      the interval between the date of last live birth and the date of survey for a
      married woman in the reproductive age group surveyed at a point of time. The
      study considers the 'closed interval' as the sum of independent random variables,
      each representing a particular component like post-partum amenorrhea, waiting
      time in the susceptible state, etc. Approximations to the patterns of
      distributions of these component random variables are made from the available
      data collected in fertility surveys at Gandhigram.   The 'open interval' for any
      parity is studied separately for two different (mutually exclusive) categories of
      women, viz. those who have at least one more live birth at some time or other
      during their reproductive period and those who cease childbearing. In the first
      case the 'open interval' is considered as a random segment or partition of the
      corresponding 'closed interval'; in the second as a random segment of the
      interval between the date of birth of the last child and date at which the woman
      attains 45 years of age. The mean and variance of the 'open interval' is obtained
      separately in each case, and the moments of the 'open interval' distribution for
      women chosen at random from the population are obtained as an appropriate mixture
      of the two types.

PMID- 22084988
TI  - Fertility differences in Andean countries: A reply to W. H. James.
AB  - Abstract   The lower fertility of the Indian-speaking parts of Bolivia, Ecuador
      and Peru compared with the Spanish-speaking parts of these nations has been the
      topic of several previous articles in this journal. In last year's journal
      William H. James argued that higher altitude was the chief cause of this reduced
      fertility level, whereas D. M. Heer has earlier argued that it might be accounted
      for by higher proportions of women in the labour force. James's data and Heer's
      further computations suggest that James's explanation has substantially more
      merit than that originally advanced by Heer.

PMID- 22084991
TI  - In vitro and in vivo reduced fitness and virulence in ciprofloxacin-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Limited data on relative fitness and virulence of antimicrobial-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii are known. We aimed to study the virulence and fitness
      cost of ciprofloxacin-resistance in A. baumannii (CipR) compared with the
      susceptible parental wild-type strain (CipS). Human lung epithelial cells were
      infected with CipS and CipR for 24 h. Competition fitness was monitored in vitro
      and in vivo in a murine peritoneal sepsis model. We showed that CipR induced less
      cell death than CipS and CipR growth was slow when in competition with CipS.
      Altogether, acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance confers a biological fitness
      cost and reduces virulence in A. baumannii.

PMID- 22084992
TI  - Occupational stigma as a primary barrier to health care for street-based sex
      workers in Canada.
AB  - Individuals working in the sex industry continue to experience many negative
      health outcomes. As such, disentangling the factors shaping poor health access
      remains a critical public health priority. Within a quasi-criminalised
      prostitution environment, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of
      occupational stigma associated with sex work and its relationship to barriers to
      accessing health services. Analyses draw on baseline questionnaire data from a
      community-based cohort of women in street-based sex work in Vancouver, Canada
      (2006-2008). Of a total of 252 women, 141 (55.9%) reported occupational sex work
      stigma (defined as hiding occupational sex work status from family, friends
      and/or home community), while 125 (49.6%) reported barriers to accessing health
      services in the previous six months. In multivariable analysis, adjusting for
      sociodemographic, interpersonal and work environment risks, occupational sex work
      stigma remained independently associated with an elevated likelihood of
      experiencing barriers to health access. Study findings indicate the critical need
      for policy and societal shifts in views of sex work as a legitimate occupation,
      combined with improved access to innovative, accessible and non-judgmental health
      care delivery models for street-based sex workers that include the direct
      involvement of sex workers in development and implementation.

PMID- 22084993
TI  - The way forward for the clinical teacher.

PMID- 22084994
TI  - Hospital simulated patient programme: a guide.
AB  - CONTEXT: Many university courses employ simulated patients to work with students
      in the development of communication skills. Our challenge was to build a
      sustainable programme that could be adapted for medical, nursing and allied
      health staff, and groups of students, on our hospital campus. INNOVATION: In
      recognition of the need to provide practice opportunities for junior medical
      staff to hone their capacity to communicate effectively with parents, we employed
      professional actors who are also qualified teachers. Junior doctors have multiple
      opportunities over their training time to work one-to-one with an actor-tutor in
      the role of simulated parent. The simulated parents are skilled in helping the
      trainees reflect on the conversation, and the trainees are given a recording of
      their sessions for further reflection and feedback from a colleague. This model
      has been adapted to meet the 'topic' needs and scheduling requirements of other
      staff and hospital-based student groups. DISCUSSION: In adapting the original
      medical staff programme, we came to appreciate not only the logistical but also
      the ethical considerations inherent in a simulated parent/patient programme. Our
      guide highlights the importance of safeguarding the educational integrity of the
      design, maintaining the fidelity of the simulations and ensuring the safety of
      all involved.

PMID- 22084995
TI  - An introduction to macrosimulation and Hospex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Hospital Exercise (Hospex) is the pre-deployment training
      programme used by the UK Defence Medical Services. It is one of only a handful of
      examples of macrosimulation existing worldwide. Hospex is innovative and
      engaging, and with the ever-growing evidence base supporting the use of
      simulation as a teaching tool, it is undoubtedly an invaluable resource from
      which other organisations could learn. CONTEXT: This article aims to: introduce
      macrosimulation as a learning technique; present Hospex, one example of the
      ambitious ways in which simulation can be used; and present some of the evidence
      in support of simulation. INNOVATION: Field hospital training has existed for
      decades. However 'early variants lacked realistic clinical input and had little
      relevance to the needs of the deploying field hospital' [Col. K Gill Late (L),
      Royal Army Medical Corps Volunteer (V); personal communication]. With war in Iraq
      and Afghanistan, planners recognised the need for a realistic and relevant
      training model. This was the beginning of Hospex. Hospex in its current form
      involves the complete and realistic simulation of an entire field hospital, in
      which staff work through real-life scenarios in real time. IMPLICATIONS: Evidence
      supporting the value of simulation as a teaching tool is ever growing. It is a
      transferrable resource that could be adapted to fit many briefs, including
      civilian health care training programmes.

PMID- 22084996
TI  - An educational conference in a general hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Western Sussex Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust
      comprises the District General Hospitals of Worthing and Chichester. Both
      hospitals have successful postgraduate medical education centres, providing
      training for junior doctors and continuing professional development for senior
      doctors. Until now, there have been limited multi-professional teaching and
      learning activities available. CONTEXT: The two hospitals have recently merged.
      The education executive felt that workplace learning had become undervalued since
      the implementation of Modernising Medical Careers in the UK. The executive wanted
      to provide a multi-professional conference on Workplace Learning, both to support
      the merger and to promote the value of workplace and multi-professional learning.
      INNOVATION: The conference topic covering the 'how' of workplace learning was
      innovative. Many educational conferences concentrate on the organisation and
      evaluation of classroom learning, rather than on how learning can be facilitated
      in the workplace during ordinary working practice. It was also innovative to
      ensure that the presenters were representative of the multi-professional
      workforce. The presentations were limited to 8 minutes each to promote high
      impact short presentations. The talks were recorded for publishing on the trust's
      intranet and the internet. IMPLICATIONS: A committed team in a district general
      hospital can provide a high-quality educational conference with wide appeal.
      Local health care professionals can produce short high-impact presentations. The
      use of modern information technology and audio-visual systems can make the
      presentations available to both local and worldwide audiences.

PMID- 22084997
TI  - Interactive lecturing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lectures can vary from being entirely teacher-centred through to
      those that value learner-teacher and learner-learner interaction. Advocates of
      the exclusively didactic (teacher-centred) lecture aim to maximise the amount of
      lecture time available to their delivery of content, and regard other activities
      as 'lost' lecture time. Educational research has, however, identified the
      potential benefit of interactivity that promotes mentally active learning and
      improved learning outcomes. This article reviews the notion of 'active learning',
      outlines how active learning is promoted by interactivity and concludes with
      strategies for including interactivity within lectures. METHOD: Narrative review
      and discussion. RESULTS: The article begins with a summary of the purposes of
      lecturing, and the distinctions between mentally active and passive learning. The
      associations between interactivity, cognitively active learning and improved
      learning outcomes are considered, and strategies for promoting interactivity and
      active learning are explored. Three student-student interaction strategies are
      discussed, and an exemplar of each of these strategies in action is provided. The
      exemplar addresses the 'lost time' concern of some advocates of the exclusively
      didactic lecture. DISCUSSION: Interactivity can be readily introduced to lectures
      without a significant reduction in the amount of time available for didactic
      lecturing. This paper challenges the view that the inclusion of interactivity
      equates to a loss of learning time, by showing that students' achievement of
      learning outcomes is enhanced by planned and structured engagement with others.
      The paper concludes with an example of how interactivity can be incorporated
      within the traditional lecture format.

PMID- 22084998
TI  - Determinants of learning ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blockade.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Training in medical procedural skills is currently
      undergoing important change. We set out to identify those factors, perceived by
      trainers and trainees, to be important determinants of learning ultrasound-guided
      axillary brachial plexus blockade (USgABPB). METHODS: We performed a structured,
      prospective, qualitative analysis of these determinants using a design-based
      approach. We collected data using focus groups, semi-structured interviews and
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Based on 113 responses to a detailed questionnaire, the
      most important determinants of learning USgABPB were access to and frequency of
      clinical learning opportunities in the presence of an appropriate trainer. Focus
      groups determined that meaningful learning opportunities required the coexistence
      of an appropriate patient, trainee, trainer and environment. Trainers and
      trainees perceived that the consistent provision of such opportunities required a
      formal structured training programme. CONCLUSIONS: Optimum training in USgABPB
      requires a formal structured training programme. We propose that these findings
      can be used to optimise the design of the curriculum, the training programme and
      assessment on performing the procedure.

PMID- 22084999
TI  - Death and dignity through fresh eyes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trinity College Dublin remains one of the Medical Schools that uses
      traditional dissection to teach anatomy, exposing students from the first week of
      entry to cadavers. This early exposure makes it imperative that issues
      surrounding death and donor remains are explored early on within the main
      structure of the curriculum. CONTEXT: The School of Medicine began a programme of
      Medical Humanities student-selected modules (SSMs) in 2010, and the opportunity
      to offer a module on medical ethics regarding death and dignity was taken.
      INNOVATION: A course was devised that touched only lightly on subjects such as
      palliative care and the concept of a good death. The course focused much more
      strongly on the reality of death as part of cultural and societal identity and
      placement. This was facilitated by field trips to settings where discussions
      regarding death, dying and dignity were commonplace and authentic experiences,
      rather than classroom discussions based on theoretical circumstances that may not
      yet have been experienced by the student. IMPLICATIONS: The module ran very well,
      with students feeling that they had had a chance to think critically about the
      role of death as an event with significance within society and culture, rather
      than purely in a medico-legal framework. Options to extend the module to the
      compulsory element of the course, to be built upon in later years looking at more
      technical aspects surrounding death, are being explored.

PMID- 22085000
TI  - Medical weblogs: advocacy for positive cyber role models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of empathy and of medical professionalism is
      important in medical education. Research has shown a decline in empathy during
      medical study. An important factor that may contribute to this decline is the
      lack of positive role models. Students identify positive and negative role models
      in the clinical ward and in classrooms. Positive clinical role models, showing
      good professionalism, will foster the student's professional growth. CONTEXT:
      Students base both knowledge and opinions on information they find on the
      internet, such as 'medical weblogs'. These weblogs may be regarded as a new
      aspect of the 'informal curriculum', even though they might be written by
      'negative role models'. In our experience, students frequently require debriefing
      of the undifferentiated, frequently disrespectful, grotesque or unprofessional
      approaches they encounter in general, and in this aspect online in particular.
      INNOVATION: When written by appropriate professionals, medical weblogs can
      provide a unique opportunity for the medical student to follow the writings of
      positive role models. Would it be a worthwhile investment if globally distributed
      medical professionals from different specialties put time and effort into writing
      weblogs on their daily practice and reflections? These weblogs could be assembled
      on one international educational website, labelled as 'professionally approved'
      and made easily accessible. Medical students internationally would have access to
      the daily practice of medical professionals who are excellent positive role
      models. They could also be encouraged to discuss issues with them. We hypothesise
      that witnessing the encounters of these globally distributed doctors, and
      following their reflections, may add to the growth of empathy and professionalism
      in students.

PMID- 22085001
TI  - Foundation Programme doctors as teachers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teaching is a core competency outlined in the Foundation Programme
      curriculum in the UK. This article reports data from a larger postal
      questionnaire study asking general practitioner (GP) trainers and GP programme
      directors in the Yorkshire & Humber Deanery whether Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
      doctors were undertaking teaching roles during primary care posts. We also aimed
      to explore their attitudes towards FY2s as teachers. METHODS: A questionnaire was
      designed asking whether FY2s had been present in the practice, and if so what
      teaching methods they had undertaken. The responder was then asked how
      comfortable they would feel with an FY2 doctor undertaking certain teaching
      roles. Responses were prompted using a nine-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The
      response rate was 74 per cent (216/291). Of the respondents, 37 per cent (80/216)
      stated that FY2s had been present in their surgery in the last 12 months; 16 per
      cent (13/80) went on to say that those FY2 doctors had undertaken teaching roles.
      Respondents felt more comfortable with FY2s undertaking the teaching of practical
      skills (median score 6, interquartile range 5-7, on the Likert scale) and giving
      one-to-one tutorials to medical students (median score 6, interquartile range
      range 4-7), but were uncomfortable with them clinically supervising medical
      students (median score 3, interquartile range 2-5) and giving one-to-one
      tutorials to fellow FY2s (median 4, interquartile range 2-5). DISCUSSION: With
      reduced hours resulting in a decrease in exposure to teaching experience during
      hospital rotations, it is important that these doctors are given adequate
      opportunities during primary care placements to improve skills in this area.

PMID- 22085002
TI  - Teaching toolkit for medical students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: From teaching juniors and peers to educating patients, it is
      imperative for all doctors to have basic core teaching skills. The Junior
      Association for the Study of Medical Education (JASME) felt that a short course
      in the fundamentals of teaching would be well received by students. CONTEXT: This
      article shares the lessons from a one-day teaching course aimed at senior medical
      students. Qualitative feedback helped decide which aspects of the course were
      most valued. INTERVENTION: The course was piloted in London. It combined
      interactive plenary sessions on teaching theory with practical teaching sessions.
      Each student taught a small group of others a basic clinical skill, and the
      student teacher then received extensive feedback from their peers and an
      experienced clinician with a special interest in medical education. There was an
      opportunity to re-teach part of the skill after having taken the feedback on
      board. IMPLICATIONS: Students completed questionnaires at the start and end of
      the day to ascertain their expectations of the course and what they found most
      useful. Expectations can be grouped into three main areas: students wanted to
      improve their teaching skills; gain teaching experience; and receive feedback on
      their teaching. The most valuable part of the course was being able to practise
      teaching and receive feedback. Keywords used to describe the feedback included
      'individual', 'valuable', 'constructive', 'instant' and 'in depth'. By continuing
      to run similar workshops we hope that we can further encourage the teachers of
      tomorrow.

PMID- 22085003
TI  - Maximising responses to quality assurance surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the UK all postgraduate trainees complete an annual online quality
      assurance survey. If the response rate is poor, then this has significant
      implications for the validity and usefulness of the data collected. In this
      article we address the issue of survey response rates, with particular reference
      to quality assurance surveys, although the principles can be applied generally.
      METHOD: We have employed mostly evidence-based techniques (predominantly from
      general survey literature rather than published medical education work). We list
      the techniques that we have employed. These include a five-stage process of
      repeated and incremental contact with those who do not complete the survey,
      backed up by personal contact with an influential figure. Stressing the
      importance of completing the survey, assuring responses are confidential and
      keeping the invitation email brief are examples of the techniques used. RESULTS:
      Over a 3-year period we have managed to improve the response rate from 57 per
      cent to over 80 per cent. DISCUSSION: We note that role models remain the single
      most important determinant of medical behaviour, and that if they embrace quality
      assurance, trainees will too. It is important to employ and build upon the
      existing literature within the survey methodology. By doing this we can enhance
      the response rate and validity of future quality assurance surveys, thus
      reinforcing their role as a key tool as we strive to maximise the effectiveness
      of interventions in postgraduate medical education.

PMID- 22085004
TI  - Gen Y learners: just how concerned should we be?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article is a response to expressions of concern from a range of
      sources, including reports of curriculum redesign to accommodate the
      characteristics of Gen Y, claims made in the press and concerns expressed by
      educators in the health professions. Are these concerns grounded in research and
      if so how can educators in the health professions respond? METHOD: Narrative
      review and discussion. RESULTS: Generation Y is defined, and beliefs about its
      defining characteristics are reviewed. The key role of marketing companies in the
      creation and perpetuation of generalised views of Gen Y is addressed, and a
      review of recent research related to members of this generation is presented. The
      more extreme claims of Gen Y as a unique generation are critiqued and
      implications for teaching members of this generation are reviewed. General advice
      is provided in relation to teaching and supervising Gen Y. DISCUSSION: The
      numerous claims regarding the uniqueness of Gen Y can be found to largely arise
      from a limited number of poorly designed and implemented studies, often conducted
      by marketing companies with a vested interest in promoting a belief in the
      existence of another unique societal subgroup. The limited educational research
      conducted to date has emphasised the importance of the relational dimension of
      learner-teacher interaction as a highly valued attribute of quality teaching.

PMID- 22085005
TI  - Student doctors taking responsibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New guidelines require all undergraduate medical students to
      undertake at least one period of assistantship where they assume most of the
      responsibilities of a first-year graduate doctor (FY1 doctor in the UK) under
      supervision. AIM: To investigate the feasibility of these assistantships. METHOD:
      All UK schools were sent a questionnaire addressing the supervision required and
      the main barriers around implementation. RESULTS: Competencies that students
      already engage in as part of existing clinical placements and a number of 'tacit'
      competencies (e.g. practice and promote infection control) were regarded by most
      as suitable. Activities that present a clear clinical risk (e.g. prescribing and
      writing clinical correspondence) were regarded by most as unsuitable or requiring
      continuous supervision. Some lower risk but hard to measure activities (e.g.
      responding in practice to audit) were also regarded as unsuitable by some. A
      competency was usually considered inappropriate for one of three reasons: (1)
      current clinical governance and patient safety protocols appeared to bar students
      undertaking the competency; (2) a competency was not considered to be part of the
      current FY1 doctors' role; or (3) brief assistantships were considered unlikely
      to create sufficient opportunity for performing the competency. DISCUSSION: The
      article presents a number of practical issues in relation to assigning
      responsibility to student doctors. Respondents indicate that successful
      assistantships will only be possible if the UK National Health Service trusts
      review their attitude to balancing short- and long-term risks: assistantships
      need to be long enough to create genuine responsibility opportunities, and will
      require investment in supervision beyond the current capacity.

PMID- 22085006
TI  - Whatever happened to apprenticeship learning?
AB  - BACKGROUND: I have been a clinical tutor for 10 years in Worthing Hospital, UK.
      During this time I have seen an increased emphasis on classroom teaching,
      assessments in controlled situations and simulation, rather than on
      apprenticeship learning during well-supervised clinical working. CONTEXT: At the
      educational conference on 'Learning without Leaving the Workplace' hosted by my
      hospital, I had an opportunity to present my reflections on apprenticeship or
      situated learning. This article is a summary of that talk. IMPLICATIONS: The
      relatively new model of 'situated learning' offers an opportunity for academics
      and clinicians to revitalise the apprenticeship model of learning in, and being
      stimulated by, the clinical workplace.

PMID- 22085007
TI  - Reflections on a surgical elective in Tanzania.

PMID- 22085008
TI  - Subclinical unprofessionalism.

PMID- 22085009
TI  - Preparing for practice: what really counts?

PMID- 22085014
TI  - Feedback fatigue.

PMID- 22085015
TI  - Histopathological features that predict the recurrence of odontogenic
      keratocysts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) constitute between 1.8% and 21.5% of
      odontogenic cysts and are associated with higher propensity to recur than other
      odontogenic cysts following surgical removal. Previous studies have been
      performed to identify clinico-pathological predictive factors in relation to such
      behaviour. The relationship between the presence of hyalinisation and recurrence
      of the OKC has not been explored. METHODS: A total of 110 OKCs were selected,
      comprising 53 non-recurrent cases, 50 cases known to subsequently recur and seven
      syndromic cases. Cases were examined blind, and histological assessment of the
      epithelial lining, connective tissue capsule and cyst lumen was made. Statistical
      analysis was completed using Pearson Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Subepithelial hyalinisation of the underlying
      connective tissue capsule (P = 0.006) was significantly more common in OKC that
      recurred. Recurring cysts demonstrating hyalinisation were seen in a younger age
      group (mean = 40.8 years) than the non-recurrent cysts (mean = 56.4 years). In
      addition, subepithelial splitting (P = 0.015) and the position of mitotic figures
      (P = 0.033) were more common in recurring cysts. CONCLUSION: In this case series,
      several differences were found in relation to histological features of recurring
      and non-recurring OKCs. There are many factors responsible for the high
      recurrence rate of OKCs, and the presence of subepithelial hyalinisation may be
      used as an additional histopathological feature to predict a greater tendency for
      recurrence.

PMID- 22085016
TI  - NaV 1.8, but not NaV 1.9, is upregulated in the inflamed dental pulp tissue of
      human primary teeth.
AB  - AIM: To investigate alterations in Na(V) 1.8 and Na(V) 1.9 expression within
      inflamed dental pulp tissue of human primary teeth. METHODOLOGY: Dental pulp
      tissue obtained from both normal and inflamed pulps in primary teeth as well as
      pulps from normal and inflamed permanent teeth was used. The quantity of Na(V)
      1.8 and Na(V) 1.9 expression in the dental pulp tissue was investigated using
      Western blot analysis. General neuron marker (PGP9.5) was used to quantify for
      neural density, and an increase in metalloproteinase-9 was used to indicate
      pulpal inflammation in inflamed teeth. Statistically significant differences for
      each determined parameter between normal and inflamed teeth of both primary and
      permanent teeth were tested using the Mann-Whitney rank sum test. RESULTS: There
      was no significant difference in neural density of normal and inflamed dental
      pulp tissue, although degrees of inflammation were increased in the inflamed
      dental pulp of both permanent and primary teeth (P < 0.05). Na(V) 1.8 and Na(V)
      1.9 expression in inflamed pulps of permanent teeth increased significantly
      compared with normal permanent teeth (P < 0.05). However, only Na(V) 1.8
      expression was increased significantly in the inflamed dental pulp of primary
      teeth (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Na(V) 1.8 alone may be the therapeutic target for
      treatment of painful pulpitis in primary teeth.

PMID- 22085017
TI  - Assessment of the ex vivo biomechanical properties of porcine cornea with
      inflation test for corneal xenotransplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to obtain the biomechanical properties of porcine
      cornea so as to provide necessary biomechanical experimental basis for pig-to
      human corneal xenotransplantation. METHODS: Seventeen fresh porcine corneal
      specimens obtained from pigs aged 4-6 months were examined under inflation
      conditions to determine the constitutive relationships of the material through
      dynamic loading conditions (pressure range: 1.47-42.66 mmHg). The forward
      deflection of porcine anterior corneal apex was measured by the laser
      displacement sensor. The pressure deformation results were analysed on the basis
      of shell theory to estimate Young's modulus of the cornea and derive its
      relationship with intraocular pressure (IOP). RESULTS: The porcine corneas showed
      a nonlinear corneal forward displacement/IOP and stress/strain relationship with
      an initial low stiffness stage and a later high stiffness stage. In spite of the
      nonlinearity between the internal pressure and apex forward deflection, the
      relationship between the Young's modulus and the IOP was almost linear.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with human corneas, porcine corneas exhibited a similar
      nonlinear behaviour but lower stiffness values. The biomechanical parameters of
      porcine cornea obtained from this test could be applied to numerical simulations
      of refractive surgery procedures and lay a foundation for pig-to-human corneal
      xenotransplantation.

PMID- 22085018
TI  - Evaluation and optimization of compound solubilization and delivery methods in a
      two-tiered ion channel lead optimization triage.
AB  - Low-volume dispensing of neat dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) into plate-based assays
      conserves compound, assay reagents, and intermediate dilution plate cost and, as
      we demonstrate here, significantly improves structure-activity relationship
      resolution. Acoustic dispensing of DMSO solutions into standard volume 384W
      plates yielded inconsistent results in studies with 2 cell lines because of
      apparent effects on the integrity of the cell monolayer (increased intracellular
      Ca++ levels as indicated by elevated basal dye fluorescence after acoustic
      transfer). PocketTip-mediated transfer was successful at increasing apparent
      potency on a more consistent basis. Notably, the correlation coefficient among
      fluorescence imaging plate reader (FLIPR):electrophysiology (EP) across a
      representative ~125 compound collection was increased ~5* via conversion to a
      PocketTip direct dispensation, indicating a triage assay more predictive of
      activity in the decisional patch-clamp assay. Very importantly, the EP
      benchmarked false-negative rate as measured by compounds with FLIPR EC50 more
      than the highest concentration tested fell from >11% to 5% assay-wide, and the
      relative FLIPR:EP rank-order fidelity increased from 55% to 78%. Elimination of
      the aqueous intermediate step provided additional benefits, including reduced
      assay cost, decreased cycle time, and reduced wet compound consumption rate.
      Direct DMSO dispensing has broad applicability to cell-based functional assays of
      multiple varieties, especially in cases where limit solubility in assay buffer is
      a recognized impediment to maximizing interassay connectivity.

PMID- 22085020
TI  - Nanoparticle assemblies as probes for self-assembled monolayer characterization:
      correlation between surface functionalization and agglomeration behavior.
AB  - The ordering of dodecyl chains has been investigated in mixed monolayers of
      phosphonic acid capping agents on the surface of hydrothermally prepared zirconia
      nanocrystals. Methyl-, phenyl-, pyryl-, and tert-butylphosphonic acids have been
      used to investigate series with different mixing ratios with dodecylphosphonic
      acid as the cocapping agent for the mixed monolayer formation. Fourier transform
      infrared (FTIR) studies revealed that an increasing amount (different for each
      type) of coadsorbed capping agent reduces the ordering of the dodecyl chains
      significantly. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) verified that with increasing
      amount of cocapping agent the agglomeration of the particles decreases. The
      strong correlation of the agglomeration behavior with the ordering of the surface
      bound alkyl chains leads to the conclusion that interparticle bilayers, formed
      via long alkyl chain packing, are responsible and can be controlled on a
      molecular level by coadsorbing various molecules. On the basis of this
      correlation, nanoparticles can be used as probes for self-assembled monolayer
      investigation by an indirect structural method (SAXS) and correlated with the
      routine spectroscopical method for the chemical analysis of surface groups
      (FTIR).

PMID- 22085019
TI  - A screening assay to identify agents that enhance T-cell recognition of human
      melanomas.
AB  - Although a series of melanoma differentiation antigens for immunotherapeutic
      targeting has been described, heterogeneous expression of antigens such as Melan
      A/MART-1 and gp100 results from a loss of antigenic expression in many late stage
      tumors. Antigen loss can represent a means for tumor escape from immune
      recognition, and a barrier to immunotherapy. However, since antigen-negative
      tumor phenotypes frequently result from reversible gene regulatory events,
      antigen enhancement represents a potential therapeutic opportunity. Accordingly,
      we have developed a cell-based assay to screen for compounds with the ability to
      enhance T-cell recognition of melanoma cells. This assay is dependent on
      augmentation of MelanA/MART-1 antigen presentation by a melanoma cell line
      (MU89). T-cell recognition is detected as interleukin-2 production by a Jurkat T
      cell transduced to express a T-cell receptor specific for an HLA-A2 restricted
      epitope of the Melan-A/MART-1 protein. This cellular assay was used to perform a
      pilot screen by using 480 compounds of known biological activity. From the
      initial proof-of-principle primary screen, eight compounds were identified as
      positive hits. A panel of secondary screens, including orthogonal assays, was
      used to validate the primary hits and eliminate false positives, and also to
      measure the comparative efficacy of the identified compounds. This cell-based
      assay, thus, yields consistent results applicable to the screening of larger
      libraries of compounds that can potentially reveal novel molecules which allow
      better recognition of treated tumors by T cells.

PMID- 22085021
TI  - Bisexual behavior among Chinese young migrant men who have sex with men:
      implications for HIV prevention and intervention.
AB  - Data from 307 young migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing were
      analyzed to examine bisexual behavior and the associated sociodemographic and
      behavioral factors among Chinese young migrant MSM. More than one-fourth (27%) of
      the MSM were also concurrently engaged in sexual behavior with women (MSMW).
      Among MSMW, 8.4% were infected with HIV, and 10.8% with Syphilis, compared to
      4.9% and 23.7%, respectively, among men who have sex with men only (MSM-only).
      Various HIV-related risk behaviors among MSMW were similar to those of MSM-only,
      such as unprotected anal sex, multiple sexual partners, involvement in commercial
      sex, and substance use. Compared with MSM-only, MSMW were less likely to have
      tested for HIV, to participate in HIV prevention activities, and were less
      knowledgeable about condom use and HIV/AIDS. MSMW also had a higher rate of
      unprotected sex with female stable sexual partners than with male stable sexual
      partners (79.5% vs. 59.5%). Results indicated that MSMW were at a very high risk
      for both HIV infection and transmission. Intervention efforts are needed to
      target this subgroup of MSM and promote AIDS knowledge and HIV/STD testing among
      MSMW, and to reduce HIV transmission through MSM's bisexual behavior.

PMID- 22085022
TI  - The high dielectric constant of staphylococcal nuclease is encoded in its
      structural architecture.
AB  - The pK(a) values of Lys-66, Glu-66, and Asp-66 buried in the interior of the
      staphylococcal nuclease Delta+PHS variant were reported to be shifted by as much
      as 5 pK(a) units from their normal values. Reproducing the pK(a) of these buried
      ionizable residues using continuum electrostatic calculations required the use of
      a high protein dielectric constant of 10 or higher. The apparent high dielectric
      constant has been rationalized as a consequence of a local structural
      reorganization or increased fluctuations in the microenvironment of the mutation
      site (Chimenti, M. S., et al. J. Mol. Biol. 2011, 405, 361-377). We have
      calculated the dielectric constant of Delta+PHS and the Lys-66, Asp-66, and Glu
      66 mutants from first principles using the Kirkwood-Frohlich equation and
      discovered that staphylococcal nuclease has a naturally high dielectric constant
      ranging from 20 to 30. This high dielectric constant does not change
      significantly with the mutation of residue 66 or with the ionization of the
      mutated residues. Calculation of the spatial dependence of the dielectric
      constant for the microenvironment of residue-66 produces a value of about 10,
      which matches well with the apparent dielectric constant needed to reproduce
      pK(a) values from continuum electrostatic calculations. Our results suggest an
      alternative explanation that the high dielectric constant of staphylococcal
      nuclease is a property resulting from the intrinsic backbone fluctuations
      originating from its structural architecture.

PMID- 22085023
TI  - Speculation on the origin of monochloro-nonabromodiphenyl ethers. Letter to the
      editor regarding comment on "identification of monochloro-nonabromodiphenyl
      ethers in the air and soil samples from South China".

PMID- 22085024
TI  - Age and ethnic differences in the onset, persistence and recurrence of alcohol
      use disorder.
AB  - AIMS: To estimate ethnic differences in three components of alcohol use disorder
      and alcohol dependence course (onset, persistence and recurrence) in a
      developmental framework. DESIGN: Longitudinal data from The National
      Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), collected using
      face-to-face interviews. SETTING: Civilian non-institutionalized US population
      aged 18 years and older, with oversampling of Hispanics, blacks and those aged 18
      24 years. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who completed both NESARC assessments, were
      not life-long abstainers and were either white (n = 17,458), black (n = 4995), US
      born Hispanic (n = 2810) or Hispanic-born outside the United States (n = 2389).
      MEASUREMENTS: Alcohol dependence (AD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD; abuse or
      dependence) onset, persistence and recurrence were examined using the Alcohol Use
      Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule, DSM-IV version.
      FINDINGS: Among men: relative to whites aged 18-29, AUD onset and persistence
      were elevated only in US-born Hispanics aged 40 years and older; odds were
      reduced for all non-US-born Hispanics, older whites, most blacks and US-born
      Hispanics aged 30-39. For AD, onset risk was elevated for all younger minority
      men and only reduced among non-US-born aged Hispanics 40 or older. For women:
      compared to young whites, non-US-born Hispanics were at decreased AUD and AD
      onset risk; AUD and AD onset and persistence were increased for older blacks and
      US-born Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, ethnic differences in
      alcohol disorder transitions (onset, persistence, and recurrence) vary across
      age, gender and whether a broad (alcohol use disorder) or narrow (alcohol
      dependence) alcohol definition is used. Evidence of increased risk for some
      transitions in minority groups suggests that attention should be paid to the
      course of alcohol use disorders, and that differences in prevalence should not be
      assumed to reflect differences in specific transitions.

PMID- 22085025
TI  - Exploration of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in relation to urinary
      phthalate metabolites: NHANES 1999-2006.
AB  - Phthalate exposure has been associated with a wide range of adverse health
      outcomes in limited epidemiologic studies, and inflammation and oxidative stress
      have been hypothesized as potential mechanisms involved. In the present study we
      investigated associations between urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites
      and potential blood markers of oxidative stress (bilirubin) and inflammation
      (alkaline phosphatase [ALP], absolute neutrophil count [ANC], ferritin [adjusted
      for iron status], and fibrinogen), using data from 10,026 participants in the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) recruited between 1999
      and 2006. After adjustment for covariates we found that bilirubin was inversely
      associated with several phthalate metabolites (all p-values <0.0001), including
      the metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP),
      in addition to monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate
      (MCPP). Since bilirubin is a potent antioxidant these relationships suggest that
      phthalates may be associated with increased oxidative stress. Many of the same
      metabolites were also significantly and positively related with ANC, ALP, and
      ferritin, suggesting phthalates may be associated with increased inflammation.
      These markers may be useful in other studies of low-dose exposure to
      environmental contaminants.

PMID- 22085026
TI  - Catabolic pathway of gamma-caprolactone in the biocontrol agent Rhodococcus
      erythropolis.
AB  - Gamma-caprolactone (GCL) is well-known as a food flavor and has been recently
      described as a biostimulant molecule promoting the growth of bacteria with
      biocontrol activity against soft-rot pathogens. Among these biocontrol agents,
      Rhodococcus erythropolis, characterized by a remarkable metabolic versatility,
      assimilates various gamma-butyrolactone molecules with a branched-aliphatic
      chain, such as GCL. The assimilative pathway of GCL in R. erythropolis was
      investigated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to matrix-assisted
      laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. This
      analysis suggests the involvement of the lactonase QsdA in ring-opening, a
      feature confirmed by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. According to
      proteome analysis, the open-chain form of GCL was degraded by beta- and omega
      oxidation coupled to the Krebs cycle and beta-ketoadipate pathway. Ubiquity of
      qsdA gene among environmental R. erythropolis isolates was verified by PCR. In
      addition to a previous N-acyl homoserine lactone catabolic function, QsdA may
      therefore be involved in an intermediate degradative step of cyclic recalcitrant
      molecules or in synthesis of flavoring lactones.

PMID- 22085027
TI  - Three-component tandem reaction involving acid chlorides, terminal alkynes, and 2
      aminoindole hydrochlorides: synthesis of alpha-carboline derivatives in aqueous
      conditions via regioselective [3 + 3] cyclocondensation.
AB  - An efficient synthesis toward highly diversified alpha-carboline derivatives via
      a three-component tandem reaction using acid chlorides, terminal alkynes, and 2
      aminoindole hydrochlorides has been described. The salient feature of the one-pot
      strategy involves regioselective [3 + 3]-cyclocondensation and the presence of
      water in the reaction medium to facilitate cyclization. Nonaqueous conditions
      furnished products in poor yields.

PMID- 22085028
TI  - Implementing a client-centred approach in rehabilitation: an autoethnography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Client-centred practice is widely considered a key element of
      rehabilitation. However, there is limited discussion of how it should be
      implemented. This study explored how client-centred practice was operationalized
      during a clinical trial of innovative goal-setting techniques. METHOD: This study
      drew on principles of co-autoethnography. The personal experiences of three
      clinical researchers were explored to identify insights into client-centred
      practice, and seek understanding of this within the broader socio-cultural
      context. Data were collected through group discussions and written reflections.
      Thematic analysis and coding were used to identify the dominant themes from the
      data. RESULTS: The primary way that client-centred practice was operationalized
      was through listening in order to get to know, to uncover and to understand what
      was meaningful. Four strategies were identified: utilizing mindful listening,
      allowing time, supporting clients to prioritize what is meaningful and viewing
      the therapists' role differently. CONCLUSION: While technical competence in
      rehabilitation is important, our study suggested a starting point of 'being with'
      rather than 'doing to' may be beneficial for engaging people in their
      rehabilitation. We have highlighted a number of practical strategies that can be
      used to facilitate more client-centred practice. These approaches are consistent
      with what clients report they want and need from rehabilitation services.

PMID- 22085029
TI  - Description of two new MICA alleles: MICA*058 and MICA*002:03.
AB  - We describe two novel alleles, MICA*058 and MICA* 002:03.

PMID- 22085030
TI  - Multiple stable isotope characterization as a forensic tool to distinguish acid
      scavenger samples.
AB  - Acid scavengers are frequently used as stabilizer compounds in a variety of
      applications. When used to stabilize volatile compounds such as nerve agents, the
      lower volatility and higher stability of acid scavengers make them more
      persistent in a post-event forensic setting. Compound-specific isotope analysis
      of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in three acid-scavenging compounds (N,N
      diethylaniline, tributylamine, and triethylamine) were used as a tool for
      distinguishing between different samples. Combined analysis of multiple isotopes
      improved sample resolution, for instance differentiation between triethylamine
      samples improved from 80% based on carbon alone to 96% when combining with
      additional isotope data. The compound-specific methods developed here can be
      applied to instances where these compounds are not pure, such as when mixed with
      an agent or when found as a residue. Effective sample matching can be crucial for
      linking compounds at multiple event sites or linking a supply inventory to an
      event.

PMID- 22085031
TI  - NHC-catalyzed enantioselective [2 + 2] and [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of ketenes
      with isothiocyanates.
AB  - The enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed formal [2 + 2] and [2 + 2 +
      2] cycloaddition of ketenes and isothiocyanates were developed. Reaction with N
      aryl isothiocyanates at room temperature favors the [2 + 2] cycloaddition, while
      reaction with N-benzoyl isothiocyanates at -40  degrees C favors the [2 + 2 + 2]
      cycloaddition.

PMID- 22085032
TI  - Efficacy of acitretin for porokeratosis in a child with chronic cutaneous graft
      versus host disease.
AB  - Porokeratosis is a rare disorder of epidermal keratinization that is regarded as
      a precancerous. Recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have
      a greater risk of skin cancer; chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) is an
      additional risk factor. A 16-year-old boy who had received HSCT for acute
      myelogenous leukemia was referred to us for sclerodermoid chronic cutaneous GVHD.
      Two years later, he developed disseminated porokeratosis with a few atypical
      lesions. Despite cryotherapy, numerous lesions of porokeratosis recurred rapidly.
      Acitretin resulted in good clinical response and reduced the rate of onset of new
      lesions.

PMID- 22085033
TI  - (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate enhances the expression of an insulin-inducible
      transcription factor gene via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase/atypical protein kinase
      C lambda pathway.
AB  - The rat enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-1 (SHARP-1) is an insulin
      inducible transcriptional repressor. In this study, we examined issues of whether
      (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, regulates the
      expression of the rat SHARP-1 gene and which signaling pathway mediates the
      regulation. When H4IIE cells were treated with EGCG, SHARP-1 mRNA levels rapidly
      increased. Pretreatments with inhibitors for either phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI
      3-K) or protein kinase C partially blocked EGCG induction. Atypical protein
      kinase C lambda (aPKClambda) is known as a downstream target of PI 3-K in the
      liver. When a dominant-negative form of aPKClambda was expressed, the EGCG
      induced SHARP-1 mRNAs was inhibited. Finally, Western blot analysis revealed that
      EGCG rapidly and temporarily stimulates aPKClambda phosphorylation. Thus, we
      conclude that EGCG induces SHARP-1 gene expression via a PI 3-K/aPKClambda
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 22085034
TI  - p-Phenylenediamine and other hair dye sensitizers in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative hair dyes are important skin sensitizers, causing contact
      allergy and dermatitis in hairdressers and consumers. OBJECTIVES: To study the
      prevalence of hair dye substances, categorized as potent skin sensitizers, in
      consumer-available oxidative hair dye products on the market of a southern
      European country and to compare it with that in Sweden. METHODS: Ingredient
      labels of 105 oxidative hair dye products from 19 brands were studied, and the
      prevalence and use pattern of hair dye substances, categorized as potent skin
      sensitizers, was assessed. Network diagrams were used to display results.
      RESULTS: According to the labelling, all 105 products contained hair dye
      substances categorized as potent skin sensitizers. A total of 25 different hair
      dye substances categorized as potent skin sensitizers were identified. Eighty
      seven per cent of the products contained at least four such substances. Either p
      phenylenediamine, toluene-2,5-diamine or toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate was present
      in 103 products. CONCLUSIONS: Hair dye substances categorized as potent skin
      sensitizers were used in all studied hair dye products on the Spanish market. The
      prevalence of p-phenylenediamine was higher in the present study than in a
      similar study in Sweden. More than 20 potent sensitizers were identified in each
      country. Not only p-phenylenediamine should be used to diagnose allergy to hair
      dyes.

PMID- 22085035
TI  - Efficient exciton funneling in cascaded PbS quantum dot superstructures.
AB  - Benzenedithiol (BDT) and ethanedithiol (EDT) ligand-exchange treatments can be
      used to cross-link colloidal PbS quantum dots into nanocrystalline film
      structures with distinct optoelectronic properties. Such structures can provide a
      unique platform to study the energy transfer between layers of quantum dots with
      different sizes. In this report, efficient exciton funneling and recycling of
      surface state-bound excitons is observed in cascaded PbS quantum dot-based
      multilayered superstructures, where the excitons transfer from the larger band
      gap or donor layers to the smallest band gap or acceptor layers. In this system,
      both the BDT- and EDT-treated cascaded structures exhibit dramatically enhanced
      photoluminescence from the acceptor layers. As we show, the energy transfer
      mechanisms involved and their efficiencies are significantly different depending
      on the ligand-exchange treatment. In the future, we believe these efficient
      exciton recycling and funneling mechanisms could be used to improve significantly
      the photocurrent, charge-transport, and conversion efficiencies in low-cost
      nanocrystalline and hybrid solar cells and the emission efficiencies in hybrid
      light-emitting devices.

PMID- 22085036
TI  - Post-War trends in Maori population growth.
AB  - Abstract   Recent levels and trends of mortality and fertility of the minority
      Maori population of New Zealand are analysed. On this basis two projections for
      the year 1976 are presented, the first assuming a further rise in life
      expectation, which has already increased rapidly over the last two decades; and
      the other that both mortality and the consistently high fertility levels will be
      reduced. The conclusion is that, regardless of which projection one accepts,
      growth will be rapid (an increase of 60% to 70% in the period 1961-76), although
      the age distribution will be different at the youngest ages. Unless fertility is
      reduced, as in Projection 2, the dependency burden of Maori family heads will be
      extremely heavy.

PMID- 22085037
TI  - Breast feeding, fertility and infant mortality: An analysis of some early German
      data.
AB  - Abstract   Concern about high infant mortality and its suspected connection with
      the lack of breast-feeding stimulated the collection of statistics about the
      frequency of breast-feeding in several German states during the late roth and
      early 20th centuries. Contrary to the assumption that universal and extended
      breast-feeding is customary among rural agricultural populations, large regional
      variations existed both in the proportion of children who were breast-fed and in
      the average duration of the period for which they were breast-fed. An analysis of
      these data in connection with statistics of infant mortality and marital
      fertility confirms the association between high infant mortality and the absence
      of breast-feeding. An hypothesis linking breast-feeding and fertility, however,
      is not confirmed. Marital fertility appears to be much more closely associated
      with infant mortality than with breast-feeding.

PMID- 22085038
TI  - The decline and recovery of the Murut tribe of Sabah.
AB  - Abstract   The Murut tribe of Sabah (formerly North Borneo) numbered 30,300 in
      1921, decreased to 18,700 in 1951, and increased again to 22,100 in 1960. In
      1951, the tribe was a small diminishing section of a slowly growing population;
      in 1960 it was increasing itself, and the growth rate of the whole population had
      shot up. Marked variations in the age structures of the Murut and other
      indigenous tribes accompanied these changes.   Between 1920 and 1960 several
      investigators attempted to explain the decline, but could not show why only one
      tribe was failing to hold its own among many others which were increasing. Their
      findings are summarized, and unpublished data from the 1960 census are given
      which suggest that increasing contacts with the rest of the population, earlier
      thought to be an important contributor to the decline, were probably the means of
      saving the Murut from extinction.

PMID- 22085039
TI  - Reproductive ideals and educational attainment among white Americans, 1943-1960.
AB  - Abstract   Would the persistent inverse relation between educational attainment
      and family size in the United States be removed if actual fertility were equal to
      ideal? Data on ideal family size from 10 national surveys among white Americans
      of both sexes (from 1943 to 1960) show that gradeschool level respondents have
      higher ideals than the more educated even when age, religious affiliation, and
      farm residence are used as controls. Comparison of these ideals with the actual
      family size or ever-fertile women in the United States indicates that, on the
      average, the actual family size of all major educational groups falls below the
      ideal, but the college-educated are furthest from their ideal. If this group
      lessened the gap between actual and ideal family size, the educational
      differential in fertility would decrease, but at the price of increasing the rate
      of population growth.

PMID- 22085042
TI  - Rapid and accurate identification of genomic species from the Acinetobacter
      baumannii (Ab) group by MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - The closely related members of the Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) group (A.
      baumannii, A. pittii and A. nosocomialis) are difficult to identify with
      phenotypic tests in diagnostic laboratories. Genotypic identification methods
      require special skills and most do not provide rapid results. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify members of the
      Ab group. Sixty epidemiologically unrelated Acinetobacter spp. isolates were
      investigated by MALDI-TOF MS: 18 A. baumannii, 17 A. pittii, 18 A. nosocomialis
      and seven additional isolates representing other Acinetobacter spp. All strains
      were verified by ARDRA, rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS), recA sequencing and bla(OXA
      51) . MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified all the genomic strains but erroneously
      identified A. nosocomialis as A. baumannii because there was no reference strain
      within the Bruker database. Peak analysis of individual spectra from
      representative strains of each member of A. baumannii, A. pittii and A.
      nosocomialis suggested enough differences between their protein signatures to
      allow accurate identification using MALDI-TOF MS. Inclusion of specific signature
      profiles for A. nosocomialis within the Bruker database allowed the correct
      identification of this genomic species. MALDI-TOF MS spectra can be used as a
      fast, simple and reliable method to identify members of the Ab group. The rapid
      and accurate identification of clinically significant Acinetobacter strains will
      improve insight into their epidemiology and allow for targeted therapeutic and
      infection control measures against clinically important strains.

PMID- 22085043
TI  - 'The study has taught me to be supportive of her': empowering women and involving
      men in microbicide research.
AB  - Recognising that women often have little control over most HIV-prevention
      methods, including condoms, researchers have made efforts to develop new bio
      technological interventions, such as microbicides, that could allow women greater
      autonomy in HIV-prevention decision making. In many situations, women are unable
      to negotiate condom use with their partners, meaning that they could be better
      protected through the use of an effective microbicide. This paper uses
      qualitative data from the Microbicide Development Programme 301 (MDP301)
      microbicide trial in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data is taken from in-depth
      interviews with male partners of female trial participants (n = 28), six focus
      group discussions involving male partners of trial participants (n = 4) and
      female participants (n = 2). Data show that men's involvement in microbicide
      research ranges from a disinterest in trials to the desire to actively take part
      in and promote research that affects the health of themselves and their partners.
      Results showed that some participants were reluctant to disclose trial
      involvement and product use to their partners, making identifying men as
      potential research participants problematic. This paper considers how to involve
      men in microbicide research without undermining women's sense of empowerment and
      ownership of the trial and the product that is being tested.

PMID- 22085046
TI  - Clinicopathological evaluation of carcinoma cuniculatum: a variant of oral
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Carcinoma cuniculatum (CC) is a rare neoplasm of oral squamous cell carcinoma
      (OSCC) and remains a histopathological challenge to pathologists because of its
      low incidence and unique architecture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was
      to illustrate the clinicopathological findings and biological behavior about this
      distinctive lesion. Clinical and follow-up information were retrieved from
      medical charts, and histopathological analyses were performed. Our series
      included 15 cases of CC, and the study included seven men and eight women, age 44
      92. The tongue and mandible were the most frequently affected sites. There were
      three lymph node metastasis cases, and three local recurrences; one of the
      patients died of lung metastasis from oral CC. Histopathologically, the point of
      differential diagnosis with other subtypes of OSCC included unique, cuniculatum
      architecture and branching crypts. Because of its well-differentiated status, the
      prognosis of CC is usually optimistic. However, recurrent cases in our study
      might have possessed invasive biological characters that were not well controlled
      by conventional treatment; in one case, a portion of the CC transformed into
      conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This might suggest that transformed
      CC rather than primary CC should be further emphasized.

PMID- 22085045
TI  - The legacy of minimum legal drinking age law changes: long-term effects on
      suicide and homicide deaths among women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior to the establishment of the uniform drinking age of 21 in the
      United States, many states permitted legal purchase of alcohol at younger ages.
      Lower drinking ages were associated with several adverse outcomes, including
      elevated rates of suicide and homicide among youth. The objective of this study
      is to examine whether individuals who were legally permitted to drink prior to
      age 21 remained at elevated risk in adulthood. METHODS: Analysis of data from the
      U.S. Multiple Cause of Death files, 1990 to 2004, combined with data on the
      living population from the U.S. Census and American Community Survey. The
      assembled data contained records on over 200,000 suicides and 130,000 homicides
      for individuals born between 1949 and 1972, the years during which the drinking
      age was in flux. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate whether adults
      who were legally permitted to drink prior to age 21 were at elevated risk for
      death by these causes. A quasi-experimental analytical approach was employed,
      which incorporated state and birth-year fixed effects to account for unobserved
      covariates associated with policy exposure. RESULTS: In the population as a
      whole, we found no association between minimum drinking age and homicide or
      suicide. However, significant policy-by-sex interactions were observed for both
      outcomes, such that women exposed to permissive drinking age laws were at higher
      risk for both suicide (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18, p = 0.0003) and homicide
      (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.25, p = 0.0028). Effect sizes were stronger for the
      portion of the cohort born after 1960, whereas no significant effects were
      observed for women born prior to 1960. CONCLUSIONS: Lower drinking ages may
      result in persistent elevated risk for suicide and homicide among women born
      after 1960. The national drinking age of 21 may be preventing about 600 suicides
      and 600 homicides annually.

PMID- 22085047
TI  - Impedance-based detection of beating rhythm and proarrhythmic effects of
      compounds on stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
AB  - The xCELLigence real time cell analyzer Cardio system offers a new system for
      real-time cell analysis that measures impedance-based signals in a label-free
      noninvasive manner. The aim of this study was to test whether impedance readings
      are a useful tool to detect compound effects on beating frequency (beats per
      minute, bpm) and arrhythmias of human induced pluripotent stem cell- and a mouse
      embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte line (hiPSC-CM and mESC-CM,
      respectively). Baseline values for control wells were 45+/-3 and 179+/-6 bpm,
      respectively (n=6). Correspondingly, isoproterenol increased beating frequency by
      77% and 71%, whereas carbachol decreased frequency by 11% and 100% (stopped in
      5/6 mESC-CM wells). E-4031 decreased beating rate and caused arrhythmias in both
      cell types, however, more pronounced in the human iPSC-CMs. Amlodipine inhibited
      contractions in both models, and T-type calcium channel block strongly reduced
      beating rate and eventually stopped beating in mESC-CM but caused a smaller
      effect in hiPSC-CM. The results of this initial study show that, under the right
      conditions, the beating frequency of a monolayer of cells can be stably recorded
      over several days. Additionally, the system detects changes in beating frequency
      and amplitude caused by added reference compounds. This assay system has the
      potential to enable medium-throughput screening, but for implementation into
      routine daily work, extended validation, testing of additional batches of
      cardiomyocytes, and further assay optimization (e.g., frequency of media
      exchange, growth matrix, seeding density, age of cells after plating, and
      temperature control) will be needed.

PMID- 22085048
TI  - Mussel-inspired anchoring for patterning cells using polydopamine.
AB  - This Article introduces a simple method of cell patterning, inspired by the
      mussel anchoring protein. Polydopamine (PDA), artificial polymers made from self
      polymerization of dopamine (a molecule that resembles mussel-adhesive proteins),
      has recently been studied for its ability to make modifications on surfaces in
      aqueous solutions. We explored the interfacial interaction between PDA and
      poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) using microcontact printing (MUCP). We patterned PDA
      on several substrates such as glass, polystyrene, and poly(dimethylsiloxane) and
      realized spatially defined anchoring of mammalian cells as well as bacteria. We
      applied our system in investigating the relationship between areas of mammalian
      nuclei and that of the cells. The combination of PDA and PEG enables us to make
      cell patterns on common laboratorial materials in a mild and convenient fashion.

PMID- 22085049
TI  - Human mitochondrial ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCB10 is required for
      efficient red blood cell development.

PMID- 22085050
TI  - Training junior doctors.

PMID- 22085051
TI  - Denis Hawkins Memorial Award Recipient 2011.

PMID- 22085052
TI  - SHARING-improving and documentation of handover: mind the gap.
AB  - The dangers of incomplete or inadequate handover as trainee doctors change shifts
      are all too apparent. This paper describes SHARING as a systematic method of
      transferring information and responsibility.

PMID- 22085053
TI  - Structured multidisciplinary intershift handover (SMITH): a tool for promoting
      safer intrapartum care.
AB  - On the labour ward, the key to achieving patient safety is the intershift
      handover, which affords an opportunity for the team to undertake a baseline
      assessment of the current situation, anticipate problems, plan contingencies and
      subsequently maintain situational awareness. If optimised, the handover has
      immense potential not only for enhancing patient safety but also for reducing
      stress to staff. The handover should be regarded not as an end but as the
      beginning of the process of maintaining individual and team situational awareness
      throughout the shift. Each maternity unit should have a Structured
      Multidisciplinary Intershift Handover (SMITH) protocol, which encompasses pre
      handover, handover and post-handover guidance. This paper describes the
      underlying principles, benefits and content of a SMITH protocol.

PMID- 22085054
TI  - How good are obstetric and gynaecology trainees at reviewing and debriefing their
      patients following operative deliveries?
AB  - High levels of obstetric involvement are associated with psychological morbidity
      in patients postnatally. Operative deliveries contribute to up to 40% of
      deliveries. Given this, we decided to assess how well patients were being
      reviewed and debriefed following operative deliveries within our unit. A total of
      53 notes following operative deliveries were analysed. To assess the quality of
      debriefing, the notes were reviewed for evidence of documentation on discussion
      for reason, procedure and complications of mode of delivery, advised plan for
      next delivery and contraception advice. Feedback questionnaires were given to
      patients on discharge to complete, regarding their understanding on the events
      surrounding their delivery. To assess how well doctors reviewed their own
      deliveries, we searched the notes for documented evidence of primary operator
      review. Our results identify significant deficiencies in doctors reviewing and
      debriefing patients following operative deliveries.

PMID- 22085055
TI  - Prioritisation of teaching topics in obstetrics and gynaecology: a Delphi survey
      of postgraduate trainees.
AB  - Topics for theoretical teaching during the obstetrics and gynaecology specialty
      training programme are often chosen by tutors, with little input from the
      trainees. However, it is important to actively involve adults in their learning
      process to maintain their learning ownership and motivation. The Delphi
      methodology is a generic social science technique used to aggregate views and
      opinions of experts, the community and service users. In this study, we conducted
      a two generational Delphi study to achieve consensus between a group of trainees
      in obstetrics and gynaecology, regarding what they considered important topics
      for inclusion in their protected teaching programme. A total of 25 trainees from
      one deanery, participated in this study. We were able to produce a list of 26
      topics in obstetrics and 30 in gynaecology, prioritised according to their
      importance for inclusion in the specialty protected teaching programme, as viewed
      by these trainees.

PMID- 22085056
TI  - Dr Robert Lawson Tait: the forgotten gynaecologist.

PMID- 22085057
TI  - Meta-analysis of sex difference in testosterone levels in umbilical cord blood.
AB  - This meta-analysis reviewed published literature comparing human male and female
      umbilical cord total testosterone (T) levels. A total of 18 studies using 1,229
      samples from 602 male and 627 female newborns were analysed using the RevMan 5
      statistical package. Analysis using the inverse variance method based on a random
      effects model revealed significantly higher cord T in boys than girls at a
      moderate effect size (Hedges' g = 0.57). There was significant heterogeneity
      between the 18 studies, although the five studies using direct assays showed no
      heterogeneity. For studies using extraction and chromatography, those that
      combined T from arterial and venous cord blood found a larger sex difference than
      those using only cord venous samples (Hedges' g = 0.94 vs 0.32); this suggests
      umbilical cord venous T is of maternal/placental origin and arterial T is of
      fetal origin. The wide range of T values between studies suggests high cross
      reactivity in the assay methods reviewed.

PMID- 22085058
TI  - The emergency contraceptive drug, levonorgestrel: a review of post-coital oral
      and peri-coital vaginal administration for prevention of pregnancy.
AB  - The objective of our study was the evaluation and elucidation of levonorgestrel
      (LNG) as emergency contraception (EC) administered through oral and vaginal
      routes. Data regarding post-coital oral and peri-coital vaginal application of
      LNG were extracted from the literature through MEDLINE database service for years
      2001-2010. It was found that a single dose of 1.5 mg LNG or two doses of 0.75 mg
      LNG 12 h apart were used for EC. Currently, LNG is also on trial for vaginal
      application as EC in Carraguard gel for 'dual protection'. The oral or vaginal
      dose of 1.5 mg LNG resulted in peak plasma concentration, C(max) 19.2 or 3.21
      ng/ml, with shorter time, T(max) 1.4 or 6.6 h, and greater AUC, 152.7 or 52.5
      ng.h/ml, with shorter half-life, 25 or 32 h, respectively. LNG EC inhibited mid
      cycle LH surge and delayed or prevented ovulation when administered before
      ovulation. Mechanism of action of LNG EC appeared to inhibit or delay ovulation.
      The risk of pregnancy was 4.12%. A single dose of 1.5 mg LNG could reduce the
      pregnancy rate to 0.7%. Occurrence of ectopic pregnancy following failure of LNG
      EC was reported. This EC caused no serious adverse effects but was associated
      with menstrual disturbance. Although widely acceptable, the cost and short-supply
      to rural areas pose a barrier to access EC for the poor and rural-dwellers,
      respectively. It was concluded that unlike post-coital oral administration, peri
      coital vaginal application of 1.5 mg LNG needs further study to be an alternative
      option for women to use it for prevention of pregnancy.

PMID- 22085059
TI  - Hyperemesis gravidarum: current aspect.
AB  - An advanced state of nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms of early
      pregnancy, is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and may result in dehydration,
      ketonuria, catabolism and require hospitalisation. Aetiological factors include
      increased hCG and steroids, multiple pregnancy and vitamin deficiency.
      Differential diagnosis of nausea and vomiting should be made and supportive
      treatment as well as antiemetic therapy is recommended. This review discusses
      aetiology and management modalities of hyperemesis gravidarum including fluid
      therapy, antiemetics, vitamins, psychological support and non-pharmacological
      measures.

PMID- 22085060
TI  - Operative complications and fetal morbidity encountered in 300 prophylactic
      transabdominal cervical cerclage procedures by one obstetric surgeon.
AB  - This retrospective cohort study identifies complications associated with
      transabdominal cerclage (TAC). In 300 procedures performed over a 24 year time
      span, 11 (3.7%) surgical complications were encountered. Fetal loss (prior to 20
      weeks) occurred in 4.1% of pregnancies. The median estimated blood loss among
      patients was 100 ml, with blood loss sufficient to require transfusion only once.
      Considering patients with classical indications, the gestational age at delivery
      was greater (37 weeks) after TAC than in the latest pre-TAC pregnancy (24 weeks)
      (p < 0.001). Lower uterine dehiscence in four patients and uterine rupture in
      one, underscore the advisability of early term delivery after fetal lung maturity
      is assured. A survival rate of 98.0% was calculated among infants that were
      delivered at >24 weeks' gestation. Our results demonstrate that complications
      encountered in placing a TAC were unusual and generally manageable. This
      communication may assist the surgeon to balance risks in individual clinical
      circumstances more adequately.

PMID- 22085061
TI  - Demographic and clinical variables influencing gestational age at booking among
      South African pregnant women.
AB  - A retrospective record review was made of 758 women who delivered over a 2-month
      period at the Charlottee Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Women booking
      early (up to 14 weeks) were compared with women booking late (from 15 weeks
      onwards). A total of 45 (6%) and 713 (94%) women booked in the early and late
      groups, respectively. Women of white ethnicity and women who experienced previous
      fetal loss booked significantly early. Primigravidae booked significantly late.

PMID- 22085062
TI  - Born before arrival births: impact of a changing obstetric population.
AB  - This retrospective cohort study examined 143/39,895 (0.36%) consecutive born
      before-arrival (BBA) births. The incidence of BBA births doubled from 0.26% in
      2005 to 0.5% in 2009. This increase was mainly attributed to the increase of non
      Irish nationals and patients from low socioeconomic groups attending for
      antenatal care. Poor social background was often coupled with current or past
      substance misuse and/or a diagnosis of an infectious disease. While there was no
      excess in maternal morbidity, the perinatal mortality rate among BBA births was
      three-fold increased (27.9/1,000) when compared with the overall rate for all
      inborn babies in our hospital (8.5/1,000) but significantly less than previously
      published (58.4/1,000). Results of our study call for continuing training of
      paramedic staff involved in these deliveries and neonatal resuscitation. Given
      the easy accessibility of antenatal services in Ireland, this study highlights
      the urgent need for optimising parental education and care in this vulnerable
      group of patients.

PMID- 22085063
TI  - Effect of nalbuphine hydrochloride on the active phase during first stage of
      labour: a pilot study.
AB  - The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether nalbuphine shortens the
      duration of the active phase during the first stage of labour in pregnant women.
      Among 1,619 deliveries, we enrolled 302 pregnant women between March 2003 and
      August 2005. The case group received a nalbuphine injection (n = 57), while the
      remaining patients served as a control group (n = 245). The effects of nalbuphine
      on the length of labour were analysed using a survival analysis (log-rank test).
      The average duration of the initial active phase was 75 and 160 min for the case
      and control groups, respectively. The reduced duration of the active phase in the
      case group occurred regardless of oxytocin infusion (p < 0.01) and was without
      significant risks.

PMID- 22085064
TI  - Repeat caesarean delivery as a risk factor for abnormal blood loss, blood
      transfusion and perinatal mortality.
AB  - We reviewed 450 cases of caesarean delivery (January-December 2009) at the
      University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. We analysed the association
      between caesarean delivery status (primary or previous) and the following
      outcomes: abnormal blood-loss, blood transfusion and perinatal mortality.
      Although significant differences were observed between primary and previous
      caesarean delivery groups in regards to maternal age, urgency of the caesarean
      delivery, booking status, and cadre of birth attendant staff, no association was
      noted between caesarean delivery status and any of the three outcomes. Further
      analyses identified parity as an important predictor for blood transfusion and
      abnormal blood loss. In addition, we found a dose?response relationship between
      parity and abnormal blood loss (< 0.05). Also, mothers with an emergency
      caesarean delivery of the index pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have
      a blood transfusion as compared with those with an elective caesarean delivery.

PMID- 22085065
TI  - Does carbetocin for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage at caesarean section
      provide clinical or financial benefit compared with oxytocin?
AB  - Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. A recent Cochrane review of carbetocin (long-acting oxytocin analogue)
      concluded that its use decreased additional uterotonic requirements, however, no
      included studies compared its use against intravenous bolus oxytocin. The
      majority of studies of carbetocin have considered its use in vaginal delivery; no
      studies have examined the economic implications of its use. This study describes
      a clinical and financial evaluation undertaken at a United Kingdom District
      General Hospital surrounding the introduction of carbetocin for prophylaxis
      against postpartum haemorrhage at caesarean deliveries. A range of clinical
      outcomes were observed including frequency of postpartum haemorrhage, estimated
      blood loss, transfusion requirements, change in haemoglobin or haemodynamics, use
      of additional uterotonics and perioperative recovery. Finally, a composite
      financial analysis was performed. No clinically significant benefit was found,
      however associated costs increased by L18.52/patient.

PMID- 22085066
TI  - Is peripartum zidovudine absolutely necessary for patients with a viral load less
      than 1,000 copies/ml?
AB  - Late access to obstetrics service, viral load of >1,000 copies/ml and short
      duration antenatal highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), are the
      strongest predictors for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Neonatal triple
      therapy did not seem to reduce MTCT if the above risk factors were present.
      Intrapartum intravenous zidovudine (i.v. ZDV) of <4 h does not seem to increase
      the risk of MTCT if the viral load is <1,000 in those receiving HAART.
      Intrapartum i.v. ZDV >4 h did not seem to reduce the risk of MTCT with the viral
      load >1,000 in patients having <4 weeks of HAART.

PMID- 22085067
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound use by on-call registrars in an acute
      gynaecology setting.
AB  - Ultrasound, and in particular transvaginal sonography (TVS), plays an important
      role in the management of women with acute gynaecology conditions. This study
      compared the cost-effectiveness of two models of out-of-hours care for women in
      an acute gynaecology setting. In the ultrasound-based model, the on-call
      registrar with ultrasound experience managed such patients after performing
      pelvic ultrasound as a part of the initial assessment. On the other hand, in the
      traditional model of care the on-call registrar managed the patients without the
      use of ultrasound. The conclusion is that the use of ultrasound by the on-call
      registrars has significant cost implications through reduced hospital admissions.
      It leads to improved outcomes of such patients through timely diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 22085068
TI  - Fluoroscopy-guided, transcervical, selective salpingography and fallopian tube
      recanalisation.
AB  - This study is a retrospective review of the transcervical fluoroscopy-guided
      fallopian tube recanalisation (FTR) procedures done in a multi-ethnic south-east
      Asian population, over 9 years. A total of 100 patients with infertility and
      documented proximal tubal obstruction (PTO) were referred for FTR. On-table
      hysterosalpingography under sedation demonstrated true PTO in 96 patients. At
      selective-salpingography, the PTO cleared in 16 patients; 78 required FTR and two
      had fimbrial blockage. The technical success rate of FTR was 86.8% and the post
      FTR pregnancy rate was 36.84% at a mean follow-up interval of 12.2 months. There
      were no major, immediate procedure-related complications. There was an ectopic
      pregnancy in a single treated patient. Fluoroscopy-guided FTR is a safe treatment
      option in patients with infertility from PTO, with high technical success rate,
      low complication rate and increased chances of pregnancy; therefore it should be
      preferred before attempting more expensive and resource-intensive procedures.

PMID- 22085069
TI  - The social adaptation of children born after ICSI compared with IVF-conceived
      children: a study from China.
AB  - We compared the social adjustment among Chinese children born after
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) vs those after in vitro fertilisation
      (IVF) and identify factors related to the adjustment. The social adaptation of 86
      ICSI and 165 IVF conceived children of 4-6 years of age was assessed using the
      Infants-Junior Middle School Students' Social-Life Abilities Scale. There was no
      significant difference between the ICSI and IVF-conceived groups on the item of
      communication, self-dependence, locomotion, work skills, socialisation, self
      management and total scores. Compared with routine IVF, ICSI does no harm to the
      social adaptation of children conceived through this technology.

PMID- 22085070
TI  - Impact of improving outcome guidance in gynaecological cancer on squamous cell
      carcinoma of the vulva in the West Midlands, UK.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the benefits and outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma
      (SCC) of the vulva managed in a cancer centre post-centralisation of cancer care
      in the UK. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the demography and
      management outcomes of SCC of the vulva in a regional gynaecological cancer
      centre. The results were then compared with the  Rhodes et al. (1998)  population
      based study. Over the years, disease demography remained largely unchanged.
      However, centralisation of cancer care has resulted in significant changes in the
      pattern of care. The number of cases managed has increased by 1.7 times and the
      permutation of surgeries have reduced from 15 to 4. There is also a significant
      increased in the number of lymphadenectomies performed (p = 0.003). These changes
      were accompanied by improvement in 5-year cause-specific survival (p = 0.055).

PMID- 22085071
TI  - Prevalence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions among HIV-positive women
      in Enugu, South-eastern Nigeria.
AB  - HIV infection is a risk factor for cervical cancer and both diseases are
      prevalent in Nigeria. The study determined the prevalence of cervical squamous
      intraepithelial lesion (SIL) among HIV-positive women in Enugu state, which has
      the highest HIV burden in South-eastern Nigeria. Pap smear was carried out on 150
      HIV-positive (HIV+ve) women and 150 HIV-negative (HIV?ve) controls at the
      University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria from December 2007 to
      March 2008. The prevalence of SIL for the HIV+ve group and the control group were
      12.6% and 4.6%, respectively (p = 0.014). Also, the prevalence of each category
      of SIL identified in the study, was higher among the HIV+ve group. There is an
      association between HIV infection and SIL in Enugu, South-eastern Nigeria.
      Cervical cancer screening should be incorporated into the antiretroviral (ARV)
      clinics, so as to prevent the impending surge in the burden of cervical cancer in
      Nigeria.

PMID- 22085072
TI  - Knowledge and perception of the Nigerian Abortion Law by abortion seekers in
      south-eastern Nigeria.
AB  - One in four pregnancies worldwide is voluntarily terminated. Approximately 20
      million terminations are performed under unsafe conditions, mostly in developing
      countries with restrictive abortion laws. A total of 100 consecutive abortion
      seekers were interviewed, to ascertain their knowledge and perceptions on the
      Nigerian Abortion Law. The majority (55.0%) of the respondents were students.
      Most of them (97%) had at least secondary education and the majority (62.0%) were
      within the 20-24 years age range. Only 31.0% of the women interviewed were aware
      of the Nigerian Abortion Law. While 16% perceived the law as being restrictive,
      2% opined that' it was alright'; 1% perceived it as very restrictive and 12% had
      no opinion on the abortion law. Knowledge of the abortion law had no significant
      relationship with either the educational level of the respondent or the number of
      previous pregnancy terminations and overall demand for abortion services. It is
      necessary to ensure a wide dissemination of the abortion law and its provisions
      to the Nigerian public, in order to arm them with the necessary information to
      participate actively in debates on abortion law reforms.

PMID- 22085073
TI  - Twin pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole and co-existent viable fetus.

PMID- 22085074
TI  - Triplet pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole co-existing with two viable
      fetuses.

PMID- 22085075
TI  - Giant lingual granuloma gravidarum.

PMID- 22085076
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of craniosynostosis: sonographic features of Muenke syndrome.

PMID- 22085077
TI  - Spontaneous uterine rupture during the 1st trimester: a rare but life-threatening
      emergency.

PMID- 22085078
TI  - Florid cystic endosalpingiosis with extensive peritoneal involvement and
      concurrent bilateral ovarian serous cystadenoma.

PMID- 22085079
TI  - Successful Thermachoice endometrial ablation immediately following uterine
      perforation at microwave endometrial ablation.

PMID- 22085080
TI  - Endometrial ossification in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22085083
TI  - Acceptability of an "on-demand" pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis trial among men who
      have sex with men living in France.
AB  - Although predictors of willingness to take daily, self-administered pre-exposure
      HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) have been studied in
      the context of several PrEP trials internationally, little is known about MSM
      interested in participating in a trial on the use of PrEP on an "on -demand"
      basis, i.e., taking a first dose of combined tenofovir/emtricitabine a few hours
      before possible HIV sexual exposure and a second dose a few hours afterwards. A
      double-blind placebo randomized PrEP trial will soon begin in France to evaluate
      the effectiveness of PrEP in terms of reducing HIV infection rates, among MSM
      self-administering "on-demand" PrEP. To assess potential participants'
      characteristics associated with willingness to participate in the trial and
      identify barriers and facilitators to implementation, MSM completed a self
      administered questionnaire, distributed via gay venues and community websites.
      Among the 443 respondents who reported being HIV-negative, 40% reported being
      interested in participating. Factors independently associated with interest
      included: reporting lower educational level, more than 20 male sexual partners in
      the previous year, reporting unprotected anal sex with casual partners and
      preferring PrEP follow-up visits in a devoted area within a hospital. There is
      great interest in participating in a future "on-demand" PrEP trial among HIV
      negative MSM and particularly in those at potentially high risk of HIV exposure.
      Providing confidentiality and tailored counseling during PrEP follow-up are
      important issues.

PMID- 22085084
TI  - Templated synthesis of metal nanorods in silica nanotubes.
AB  - We report a general method for the synthesis of noble metal nanorods, including
      Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd, based on their seeded growth in silica nanotube templates.
      The controlled growth of the metals occurs exclusively on the seeds inside the
      silica nanotubes, which act as hard templates to confine the one-dimensional
      growth of the metal nanorods and define their aspect ratios. This method affords
      large quantities of noble metal nanorods with well-controlled aspect ratios and
      high yield, which may find wide use in the fields of nanophotonics, catalysis,
      sensing, imaging, and biomedicine.

PMID- 22085085
TI  - Continuous photochemical generation of catalytically active [CpRu]+ complexes
      from CpRu(eta6-C6H6)PF6.
AB  - Inter- and intramolecular ene-yne coupling reactions catalyzed by a species
      generated in situ via photolysis of CpRu(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))PF(6)--an inexpensive,
      readily available, and shelf-stable complex--have been demonstrated under
      conditions of continuous flow. Importantly, the catalyst can be recovered
      quantitatively at the end of the reaction. Various functional groups are
      tolerated by the reaction, which affords skipped diene products in high yields.

PMID- 22085086
TI  - Detailed characterization of proanthocyanidins in skin, seeds, and wine of Shiraz
      and Cabernet Sauvignon wine grapes (Vitis vinifera).
AB  - The distribution of proanthocyanidin (PA) polymer lengths, proanthocyanidin
      concentration at each polymer length, and polymer composition were determined in
      the seed, skin, and wine of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grape berries grown in
      southeast Australia. PA was fractionated by semipreparative high performance
      liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed by phloroglucinolysis and HPLC to
      report the degree of polymerization (DP), concentration, and composition at 11 DP
      values in seed and wine and 21 DP values in skin. In skin, the highest PA
      concentration was observed at a DP of 31 in Shiraz and 29 in Cabernet Sauvignon
      representing 15% of the total PA in both varieties. The distribution of seed PA
      had the highest concentration at a DP of 7 in Shiraz and 6 in Cabernet Sauvignon
      representing around 30% of the total PA. In the wine PA distribution, the highest
      concentration was observed at a DP of 11 in Shiraz and 9 in Cabernet Sauvignon
      representing around 26 and 32% of the distribution, respectively. A second peak
      in wine PA concentration was observed at the largest DP of 18 in Shiraz and 15 in
      Cabernet Sauvignon representing around 20% of the distribution. The composition
      in wine did not vary at different DP, but the proportion of epicatechin gallate
      varied in seed PA less than 4 DP. The proportion of epigallocatechin increased
      with increasing DP in skin PA. Wine PA had a DP range and composition similar to
      the distribution of skin PA between DP 4 and 18 suggesting that larger skin PAs
      are not extracted into wine. This study provides information that could be used
      to target the important PA fractions in grapes that need to be measured to
      understand (or predict) PA extraction into wine and eventual mouthfeel.

PMID- 22085087
TI  - A survey of community exercise programmes for stroke survivors in Scotland.
AB  - Stroke is the most common cause of complex disability in the community. Physical
      fitness is often reduced after stroke, but training can improve fitness and
      function. UK and international stroke clinical guidelines recommend long-term
      exercise participation for stroke survivors. However, there has been no previous
      research into what services are available to support this. In 2009, we conducted
      the first European survey of community Exercise after Stroke services. A link to
      our web-based survey was emailed to health, leisure service and stroke charity
      contacts in Scotland with email and telephone follow-up to non-respondents. The
      overall response rate was 64% (230/361). A total of 14 Exercise after Stroke
      services were identified, the majority of which were run by charity
      collaborations (7/14), followed by leisure centre services (4/14) and health
      services (3/14). We sought information on session content, referral and
      assessment processes, and the qualifications of exercise instructors. This
      information was cross-referenced with current clinical and exercise guidelines to
      determine whether existing resources were sufficient to meet stroke survivors'
      needs for safe, effective and sustainable access to exercise. The results
      indicated a shortage of stroke-specific community exercise programmes. Further
      service development is required to ensure appropriate instructor training and
      referral pathways are in place to enable stroke survivors to access exercise
      services in accordance with current guidelines.

PMID- 22085089
TI  - A 90th anniversary of AOGS and onwards.

PMID- 22085088
TI  - Modeling the relative GHG emissions of conventional and shale gas production.
AB  - Recent reports show growing reserves of unconventional gas are available and that
      there is an appetite from policy makers, industry, and others to better
      understand the GHG impact of exploiting reserves such as shale gas. There is
      little publicly available data comparing unconventional and conventional gas
      production. Existing studies rely on national inventories, but it is not
      generally possible to separate emissions from unconventional and conventional
      sources within these totals. Even if unconventional and conventional sites had
      been listed separately, it would not be possible to eliminate site-specific
      factors to compare gas production methods on an equal footing. To address this
      difficulty, the emissions of gas production have instead been modeled. In this
      way, parameters common to both methods of production can be held constant, while
      allowing those parameters which differentiate unconventional gas and conventional
      gas production to vary. The results are placed into the context of power
      generation, to give a "well-to-wire" (WtW) intensity. It was estimated that shale
      gas typically has a WtW emissions intensity about 1.8-2.4% higher than
      conventional gas, arising mainly from higher methane releases in well completion.
      Even using extreme assumptions, it was found that WtW emissions from shale gas
      need be no more than 15% higher than conventional gas if flaring or recovery
      measures are used. In all cases considered, the WtW emissions of shale gas
      powergen are significantly lower than those of coal.

PMID- 22085090
TI  - Contribution of proteomics to the study of plant pathogenic fungi.
AB  - Phytopathogenic fungi are one of the most damaging plant parasitic organisms, and
      can cause serious diseases and important yield losses in crops. The study of the
      biology of these microorganisms and the interaction with their hosts has
      experienced great advances in recent years due to the development of moderm,
      holistic and high-throughput -omic techniques, together with the increasing
      number of genome sequencing projects and the development of mutants and reverse
      genetics tools. We highlight among these -omic techniques the importance of
      proteomics, which has become a relevant tool in plant-fungus pathosystem
      research. Proteomics intends to identify gene products with a key role in
      pathogenicity and virulence. These studies would help in the search of key
      protein targets and in the development of agrochemicals, which may open new ways
      for crop disease diagnosis and protection. In this review, we made an overview on
      the contribution of proteomics to the knowledge of life cycle, infection
      mechanisms, and virulence of the plant pathogenic fungi. Data from current,
      innovative literature, according to both methodological and experimental systems,
      were summarized and discussed. Specific sections were devoted to the most studied
      fungal phytopathogens: Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Fusarium
      graminearum.

PMID- 22085091
TI  - An unusual presentation of subcutaneous granuloma annulare in association with
      juvenile-onset diabetes: case report and literature review.
AB  - Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is a rarely reported subtype of granuloma
      annulare that occurs almost exclusively in children. The etiology of these
      lesions is unknown, although a possible relationship to insulin-dependent
      diabetes mellitus (IDDM) has been proposed in the literature. Here we present an
      unusual case of SGA on the right forearm in a 3-year-old girl. Unlike the typical
      lesions noted on the extremities, on magnetic resonance imaging her lesions
      involved the subcutaneous tissue and adjacent muscles in multiple locations.
      Histopathologically, the case was consistent with SGA but was unusual in its
      distribution involving multiple muscles, a finding that has not been previously
      reported. Weeks after incisional biopsy, she was readmitted with diabetic
      ketoacidosis (DKA) secondary to IDDM. After treatment of her DKA and control of
      her glycemia, the forearm SGA vanished, which supported the pathologic diagnosis
      and alleviated our concerns secondary to the unusual distribution.

PMID- 22085093
TI  - A fatal elephant attack.
AB  - A rare case of an elephant attack is presented. A 44-year-old man working as an
      elephant keeper was attacked by a cow elephant when he tripped over a foot chain
      while the animal was being medically treated. The man fell down and was
      consequently repeatedly attacked with elephant tusks. The man sustained multiple
      stab injuries to both groin regions, a penetrating injury to the abdominal wall
      with traumatic prolapse of the loops of the small bowel, multiple defects of the
      mesentery, and incomplete laceration of the abdominal aorta with massive bleeding
      into the abdominal cavity. In addition to the penetrating injuries, the man
      sustained multiple rib fractures with contusion of both lungs and laceration of
      the right lobe of the liver, and comminuted fractures of the pelvic arch and left
      femoral body. The man died shortly after he had been received at the hospital.
      The cause of death was attributed to traumatic shock.

PMID- 22085092
TI  - The incidence and risk factors of invasive fungal infection after haploidentical
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation without in vitro T-cell depletion.
AB  - In recent years, we have successfully established a novel method of
      haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without in vitro T
      cell depletion. This study was aimed at analysing the incidence and risk factors
      of invasive fungal infection (IFI) with this transplantation method. The study
      comprised 291 patients who had undergone haploidentical HSCT from 1 January 2007
      to 31 December 2008. IFI was diagnosed according to the European Organization for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group 2002 criteria, and only
      proven or probable cases of IFI were regarded as true cases. A total of 39
      patients were documented as having IFI, including four proven cases and 35
      probable cases. The median time of diagnosis was 26 days (range: 6-405 days)
      after transplantation. The cumulative incidence rates of IFI at 40 days, 1 year,
      2 years and 3 years after transplantation were 8.25%, 13.1%, 13.4% and 13.4%,
      respectively. Multivariate analysis identified platelet engraftment time (>17
      days) (p 0.027; hazard ratio (HR) 2.432; 95% CI 1.105-5.355), a high risk of
      underlying disease (p 0.001; HR 2.916; 95% CI 1.515-5.611) and grade III-IV acute
      graft-versus-host disease (p 0.019; HR 2.407; 95% CI 1.154-5.022) as risk factors
      for IFI. The incidence rates of IFI in patients with no, one, two or three risk
      factors at 3 years after transplantation were 4.48%, 7.86%, 29.6% and 23.1%,
      respectively. In conclusion, IFI is an important complication following
      haploidentical HSCT without in vitro T-cell depletion.

PMID- 22085094
TI  - Cigarette smoking and widowhood in the United States.
AB  - Abstract   Extract   In the United States, for newly married couples with husband
      aged 23 and wife 21 who never divorce or re-marry after death of spouse,
      expectation of married life increased by 10.1 years between 1910 and 1965.
      Expectation of widowed life decreased by 3.2 years for husbands, but, despite
      large mortality declines for both sexes, increased by 1.8 years for wives. These
      and related data are shown in Table 1.

PMID- 22085095
TI  - On the incidence of illegal abortion.
AB  - Abstract   If the medical, social, and demographic effects of the Abortion Act
      are to be properly assessed, it is essential to have reliable estimates of the
      number of abortions illegally procured in Britain before the Act came into
      operation on 27th April 1968. There is, at present, no agreement on what this
      figure is likely to have been, and published estimates range from several
      hundreds of thousands down to about 15,000 a year. For example, in 1950, Dr
      Eustace Chesser published 'a most conservative estimate that the figure cannot be
      less than a quarter of a million every year',l though 100,000 was the figure most
      often quoted before the law was changed. And in a recent study of the first three
      years of the Act Mrs. Madeleine Simms, who was much concerned as General
      Secretary of the Abortion Law Reform Association at the time, has said that
      'during parliamentary debates on the Abortion Act, the Home Secretary used this
      as his base-line figure'.2 Since this was upgraded in press reports of her
      article to 'the official figure used by the Home Secretary, for the number of
      criminal abortions each year was 100,000',3 it may be useful to recall that what
      Mr Roy Jenkins, who was then Home Secretary, actually said was 'perhaps as many
      as 100,000 illegal operations a year take place'.4 This was in the course of a
      speech supporting a Private Member's Bill upon which the government's collective
      attitude was one of neutrality, and which Mr Jenkins therefore very properly
      prefaced by saying 'I am speaking for myself, as I am entided to do, as is any
      other hon. member, and on my own responsibility'. So whether or not this estimate
      was correct, it plainly has no authority as 'the official figure' and, in fact,
      no official estimate ever does appear to have been published, either by the Home
      Office or by any other government agency.

PMID- 22085096
TI  - High foetal mortality and birth intervals.
AB  - Abstract   Studies of birth intervals have generally separated the process into:
      (1) the period of infertility following a pregnancy termination; (2) the length
      ofthe interval from the end of the infertile period to the next conception (which
      reflects the probability of conception), and (3) the average duration of
      pregnancy for both live births and foetal deaths.(1) Empirically derived
      intervals between successive live births average from 19 to 30 lunar months(2)
      (Table 1), depending upon the population studied and the birth order.(3)
      Estimates of conception rates using birth intervals data require some estimate of
      the extent to which foetal wastage increases the birth interval.

PMID- 22085097
TI  - Family structure and socio-economic differentials in fertility.
AB  - Abstract   The long standing research on the relation of socio-economic status
      and fertility has recently given way to a focus on those factors which account
      for class differentials. Although class differences in fertility seem to be
      diminishing, the basic relationship remains inverse.(2) In an attempt to explain
      class differentials in fertility, researchers have begun to look at such
      variables as age at marriage(3), value orientations(4), and non-fiunilial
      activity.(5) Bumpass demonstrated that age at marriage is an interaction variable
      which greatly attenuates the relationship between social class and fertility. He
      found that the relationship was inverse among women marrying before age 19, but
      direct among women who were 23 years or older at first marriage. Clifford
      examined value orientations as an intervening variable in the socio-economic
      status-fertility relationship. Modern and traditional value orientations did aid
      in interpreting the relationship, but other factors were also operative. Kupinsky
      found that the non-familial activity of women decidedly influenced socio-economic
      differentials infertility. Thelabour force participation of women had a greater
      effect on reducing fertility among upper-status women than among those of lower
      status. This relationship was also influenced by the rural-urban background of
      the women.

PMID- 22085098
TI  - The size and structure of residential families, Guatemala City, 1964.
AB  - Abstract   In a review of census data for the periods 1945-54 and 1955-63, Burch
      discloses an increasing tendency for average household sizes to cluster at five
      to six members for developing nations, compared to three to four for developed
      nations.(1) Also, among developing nations he finds less than 50% of the
      population living in households containing three to six persons. This apparently
      contradicts Levy's general rule which prompted his study, that 'for well over 50%
      of the members of ... all known societies in world history' actual family size
      and composition have varied much less than would be expected, given ideal rules
      of residence which can vary from the classical extended family of Asian renown
      and European history to the small 'isolated' nuclear family of the modernized
      West.(2).

PMID- 22085099
TI  - Urbanization, non-familial work, education, and fertility in Taiwan.
AB  - Abstract   It is well known, that there is a relationship between the level of
      development of a society and its level offertility.(1) However, it is not clear
      which of the complex ofvariables associated with development are primarily
      associated with the reduction of fertility. Urbanization, female labour force
      participation and education are three of the variables most commonly cited as
      bearing a causal relationship to fertility. Urbanization implies a change of
      environment of a substantial portion of the population which may result in a
      change in the value placed on large families. This is particularly true when
      urban mortality is lower than rural, so that more children survive.(2) However,
      it has also been argued that urbanization results in a change in family structure
      from the extended to the nuclear family with a concomitant reduction in the value
      placed on having many children.(3) Additional changes in family patterns which
      are sometimes said to explain fertility reduction due to urbanization are
      increases in the proportion of women never marrying and increases in the age at
      marriage.

PMID- 22085100
TI  - Individual mobility in a stationary population.
AB  - Abstract   An increasing population facilitates individual mobility. One of the
      consequences of moving towards the inevitable stationary population is that
      mobility will become more difficult.

PMID- 22085101
TI  - A cost benefit analysis of the barbados family planning programme.
AB  - Abstract   Of the Caribbean islands, Barbados has the lowest fertility level. The
      crude birth rate in 1970 was only 20.5 per 1,000, which is one of the lowest
      found in any country of similar economic development anywhere in the world. In
      1960 the crude birth rate was much higher, at about 33.6 and for almost 40 years
      before that had fluctuated around a value of 33. Thus, a decline of about 40% has
      been achieved within the comparatively short period of a decade. The reasons for
      this rapid decline are of particular interest to all those concerned with
      population growth and economic development in the less developed areas. In
      Barbados, the importance of population control and the role of family planning
      was recognised early by the government and other civic agencies, and the Barbados
      Family Planning Association (BFPA), an autonomous national family planning
      agency, was established. Since its modest beginning in 1955 the BFPA has grown to
      be a major social institution, comprising 14 clinics situated in various
      localities throughout the island. In 1970, a full-time staff of 28 were providing
      services to an estimated 10,000 clients, about 20% of all women of reproductive
      age. Funds for the BFPA have come from local government with considerable
      assistance from international agencies.

PMID- 22085102
TI  - Population growth rates in perfect contraceptive populations.
AB  - Abstract   Eventually, world population must cease to grow. In many countries
      attempts are made to decrease population growth by providing family planning
      services to all who want to prevent pregnancies. In this paper we use the concept
      'perfect contraceptive population',(1) - a population in which no unwanted births
      occur - to derive estimates of the maximum contribution that prevention of
      unwanted births might make toward attaining a zero rate of natural increase in
      population.

PMID- 22085103
TI  - Family planning in Malta.
AB  - Abstract   The crude birth rate has dropped dramatically in Malta(1) over the
      post-war period, from 36.0 per 1,000 population in 1948 to 17.1 in 1971. A drop
      of this magnitude is not uncommon(2) although it rarely occurs so fast.

PMID- 22085106
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22085107
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22085108
TI  - Allergic complications from orthopaedic joint implants: the role of delayed
      hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide in bone cement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic implants and osteosynthesis materials are increasingly
      being used. Complications include mainly physical-mechanical problems and
      infections. Uncommonly, an allergic reaction towards an alloy metal or a bone
      cement component has been implicated. Potential bone cement allergens include
      acrylates, benzoyl peroxide, N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, and gentamicin. Typical
      symptoms are pain, swelling, inflammatory skin reactions, implant loosening, and
      fistula formation. OBJECTIVES: To report on 5 patients with complications from a
      knee or a shoulder joint implant in whom a relevant sensitization to benzoyl
      peroxide was shown. METHODS: Patch tests were performed with the European
      baseline series, an extended metal series, and a bone cement series. Patch tests
      with benzoyl peroxide were performed twice in all patients. A bone cement-free
      replacement was chosen in sensitized patients. RESULTS: In 4 patients sensitized
      to benzoyl peroxide, a bone cement-free replacement resulted in a considerable
      decrease or disappearance of pain and swelling, and complete clearing of
      cutaneous symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Components of bone cement, such as benzoyl
      peroxide, may rarely cause allergic complications. However, because of the
      irritant potential of these substances, careful performance, reading and
      interpretation of the patch tests is required.

PMID- 22085109
TI  - Carbon consequences and agricultural implications of growing biofuel crops on
      marginal agricultural lands in China.
AB  - Using marginal agricultural lands to grow energy crops for biofuel feedstocks is
      a promising option to meet the biofuel needs in populous China without causing
      further food shortages or environmental problems. Here we quantify the effects of
      growing switchgrass and Miscanthus on Chinese marginal agricultural lands on
      biomass production and carbon emissions with a global-scale biogeochemical model.
      We find that the national net primary production (NPP) of these two biofuel crops
      are 622 and 1546 g C m(-2) yr(-1), respectively, whereas the NPP of food crops is
      about 600 g C m(-2) yr(-1) in China. The net carbon sink over the 47 Mha of
      marginal agricultural lands across China is 2.1 Tg C yr(-1) for switchgrass and
      5.0 Tg C yr(-1) for Miscanthus. Soil organic carbon is estimated to be 10 kg C m(
      2) in both biofuel ecosystems, which is equal to the soil carbon levels of
      grasslands in China. In order to reach the goal of 12.5 billion liters of
      bioethanol in 2020 using crop biomass as biofuel feedstocks, 7.9-8.0 Mha corn
      grain, 4.3-6.1 Mha switchgrass, or 1.4-2.0 Mha Miscanthus will be needed.
      Miscanthus has tremendous potential to meet future biofuel needs, and to benefit
      CO(2) mitigation in China.

PMID- 22085110
TI  - Tandem modular protein-based hydrogels constructed using a novel two-component
      approach.
AB  - Leucine zipper sequences have been widely used to engineer protein-based
      hydrogels for biomedical applications. Previously, we have used this method to
      engineer tandem modular protein-based hydrogels as a step toward developing
      extracellular matrix-mimetic hydrogels. However, the spontaneous self-association
      of leucine zipper sequences in solution has made it challenging to express and
      purify tandem modular proteins carrying leucine zipper under native conditions.
      To obviate this problem, here we report a novel two-component approach to
      engineer tandem modular protein-based hydrogels. This methodology makes use of
      two complementary leucine zipper sequences (CCE and CCK), which do not self
      associate but self-assemble into heterodimeric coiled-coils at neutral pH, as
      functional groups to drive the self-assembly of protein hydrogels. The two
      protein components are bifunctional and trifunctional tandem modular proteins
      carrying the leucine zipper functional groups. We found that the two proteins
      carrying CCE or CCK can be expressed and purified under native conditions with
      high yield. Upon mixing, the aqueous solution of the two proteins readily forms a
      transparent hydrogel. The resultant hydrogel can undergo reversible sol-gel
      transitions as a function of temperature, and shows much improved erosion
      properties. This method provides a new approach to tune the topology and physical
      properties of the protein hydrogels via genetic engineering, and opens the
      possibility to systematically explore the use of large native extracellular
      proteins to engineer extracellular matrix-mimetic hydrogels.

PMID- 22085111
TI  - Treatment of primary intraocular lymphoma with rituximab, high dose methotrexate,
      procarbazine, and vincristine chemotherapy, reduced whole-brain radiotherapy, and
      local ocular therapy.

PMID- 22085112
TI  - Tomentosones A and B, hexacyclic phloroglucinol derivatives from the Thai shrub
      Rhodomyrtus tomentosa.
AB  - Two phloroglucinols named tomentosones A and B (1 and 2) that each possess a
      novel hexacyclic ring system were isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of
      Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves. Their structures were elucidated from analyses of
      2D NMR spectroscopic data. Tomentosone A inhibited the growth of chloroquine
      resistant and -sensitive strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum,
      with IC(50) values of 1.49 MUM and 1.0 MUM, respectively, while tomentosone B was
      significantly less active.

PMID- 22085113
TI  - Cost analysis of store-and-forward telepsychiatry as a consultation model for
      primary care.
AB  - Store-and-forward telepsychiatry, or asynchronous telepsychiatry (ATP), which
      allows clinical data, including video to be collected to be reviewed at a later
      time by a specialist, has been described as a feasible alternative to real-time
      telepsychiatry, or synchronous telepsychiatry (STP), as a consultation model for
      primary care. In theory, ATP should be economically more cost-effective than STP
      due to the increased flexibility of patient data collection and the substitution
      of the time of specialists with that of lower-cost providers. The aim of this
      study was to conduct a retrospective cost-analysis comparing ATP with STP and
      traditional in-person psychiatric consultations in the primary care setting. One
      hundred and twenty five ATP consultations were performed and fixed and marginal
      costs were calculated for each model using inputs such as equipment costs, time
      spent by providers and support staff, and hourly salaries. The fixed costs were
      $7,000 and $20,000 for ATP and STP and marginal costs were $68.18, $107.50, and
      $96.36, respectively, for the three groups. STP was the most expensive of the
      three types of consultations. ATP became the most cost-effective of the three
      models beyond 249 consultations. The marginal cost savings of ATP were due to
      substitution of low-cost providers for specialists. ATP represents a potential
      disruptive healthcare process that could allow more affordable care to be
      delivered to a larger population of patients. A full accounting of ATP's
      efficiency will require further studies, including prospective cost-benefit
      analyses from the perspectives of the patient, provider, and society.

PMID- 22085114
TI  - A systematic review of the evidence base for telehospice.
AB  - Abstract   The use of telehealth technologies to overcome the geographic
      distances in the delivery of hospice care has been termed telehospice. Although
      telehospice research has been conducted over the last 10 years, little is known
      about the comprehensive findings within the field. The purpose of this systematic
      article was to focus on available research and answer the question, What is the
      state of the evidence related to telehospice services? The article was limited to
      studies that had been published in the English language and indexed between
      January 1, 2000 and March 23, 2010. Indexed databases included PubMed and
      PsycINFO and contained specified key words. Only research published in peer
      review journals and reporting empirical data, rather than opinion or editorials,
      were included. A two-part scoring framework was modified and applied to assess
      the methodological rigor and pertinence of each study. Scoring criteria allowed
      the evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Twenty-six
      studies were identified with the search strategy. Although limited in number and
      in strength, studies have evaluated the use of a variety of technologies,
      attitudes toward use by providers and consumers, clinical outcomes, barriers,
      readiness, and cost. A small evidence base for telehospice has emerged over the
      last 10 years. Although the evidence is of medium strength, its pertinence is
      strong. The evidence base could be strengthened with randomized trials and
      additional clinical-outcome-focused research in larger randomized samples and in
      qualitative studies with better-described samples.

PMID- 22085115
TI  - Thiol-based posttranslational modifications in parasites.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Cysteine residues of proteins participate in the catalysis of
      biochemical reactions, are crucial for redox reactions, and influence protein
      structure by the formation of disulfide bonds. Covalent posttranslational
      modifications (PTMs) of cysteine residues are important mediators of redox
      regulation and signaling by coupling protein activity to the cellular redox
      state, and moreover influence stability, function, and localization of proteins.
      A diverse group of protozoan and metazoan parasites are a major cause of diseases
      in humans, such as malaria, African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis,
      toxoplasmosis, filariasis, and schistosomiasis. RECENT ADVANCES: Human parasites
      undergo dramatic morphological and metabolic changes while they pass complex life
      cycles and adapt to changing environments in host and vector. These processes are
      in part regulated by PTMs of parasitic proteins. In human parasites,
      posttranslational cysteine modifications are involved in crucial cellular events
      such as signal transduction (S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation), redox
      regulation of proteins (S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation), protein
      trafficking and subcellular localization (palmitoylation and prenylation), as
      well as invasion into and egress from host cells (palmitoylation). This review
      focuses on the occurrence and mechanisms of these cysteine modifications in
      parasites. CRITICAL ISSUES: Studies on cysteine modifications in human parasites
      are so far largely based on in vitro experiments. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: The in vivo
      regulation of cysteine modifications and their role in parasite development will
      be of great interest in order to understand redox signaling in parasites.

PMID- 22085118
TI  - Early management and long-term outcomes in primary vesico-ureteric reflux.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Despite evolving
      understanding of pathogenesis and natural history, controversy exists regarding
      management of childhood vesicoureteric reflux. Surgical correction of the reflux
      itself may reduce risk of upper tract complications in some but may not in itself
      constitute appropriate management of lower tract morbidity in many. This review
      examines the evidence for early management and long term outcomes in primary
      vesicoureteric reflux. Primary vesico-ureteric reflux is a common condition in
      childhood associated with bladder dysfunction and an increased risk of urinary
      tract infection. Recent evidence indicates a lower tract functional abnormality
      in its pathogenesis. Whilst spontaneous resolution will occur in many, some
      patients will go on to develop complications in adulthood including reflux
      nephropathy, hypertension, urinary tract infection, bladder dysfunction and
      complications of pregnancy. An evolving understanding of the natural history has
      seen radical changes in management. Evidence for management of the child with
      primary vesico-ureteric reflux is reviewed with a focus on the implications on
      long-term outcomes in adulthood.

PMID- 22085119
TI  - Urolithiasis--medical therapies.
AB  - This review paper provides a summary of medical therapies available for
      urolithiasis. The summary includes general medical advice, prophylactic
      medications, dissolution therapy and medical expulsion therapy. The paper is
      designed to provide a management strategy for all physicians who treat
      urolithiasis, from general practitioners, to emergency physicians, to urologists.
      OBJECTIVE: * To provide an up to date review of the literature in relation to the
      medical management of stone disease. This will encompass prophylaxis, dissolution
      therapy and medical expulsion therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * First-time stone
      formers do not regularly have a full urine and electrolyte evaluation due to the
      low incidence of a reversible metabolic cause. * However, stone disease is common
      and over a lifetime urolithiasis can affect up to 10-15% of the population.
      RESULTS: * Medical management of stone disease encompasses preventative measures,
      medical dissolution and medical expulsion therapy. CONCLUSIONS: * Recurrent stone
      formers should have dietary optimization to decrease the risk of further stones.
      * Furthermore, the correct use of prophylactic and therapeutic medications can
      decrease the morbidity associated with ureteric calculi.

PMID- 22085120
TI  - Penile lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans).
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The clinical
      presentation and complications of lichen sclerosus are well known. What is less
      well known is the true incidence of the condition. The published figures are all
      based on attendance at general medical clinics or specialist clinics, but it is
      likely that the true incidence is much higher than this reported incidence as
      many men will not present to the doctor for treatment. The other uncertainty is
      the relationship of lichen sclerosus to the subsequent development of cancer of
      the penis. As pointed out in the paper, it is likely that between 4% and 8% of
      men with this condition will develop squamous cell cancer of the penis. However,
      it is unclear if lichen sclerosus itself causes the development of squamous cell
      cancer or if it is due to coexistent infection with human papillomavirus. This
      review provides a concise summary of the clinical and pathological features of
      the disease and describes its current medical and surgical treatment. It brings
      together a number of papers which have addressed the association of lichen
      sclerosus with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and shows that the likely
      incidence of carcinoma is approximately 4-8% in men with this condition. SUMMARY:
      Penile lichen sclerosus, also known as balanitis xerotica obliterans, is a
      chronic inflammatory condition of the penis which can occur at all ages. The
      inflammation leads to the formation of white plaques most commonly on the
      foreskin or penis, and can lead to inability to retract the foreskin or blockage
      to the flow of urine. Cancer may occur rarely. Penile lichen sclerosus is a
      progressive, sclerosing, inflammatory dermatosis of the glans penis and foreskin
      which is of uncertain aetiology. Recent studies have shown a link between lichen
      sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. In this review, we discuss
      the clinical presentation, pathology and current approach to treatment of this
      condition.

PMID- 22085121
TI  - Urethral diverticula in females.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? This is a review of
      urethral diverticula in females. In addition to modes of presentation,
      differential diagnosis, complications and surgical management, the increasingly
      recognised value of computerised axial imaging, especially with MRI, is
      highlighted. Urethral diverticula are rare but under-diagnosed entities that may
      cause a variety of urinary and pelvic symptoms in women. They are best
      demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging and micturating cysto-urethrography
      prior to transvaginal surgical excision. Although unlikely, the possibility of
      malignant transformation should not be forgotten.

PMID- 22085122
TI  - Outlet obstruction after sling surgery.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? This article provides a
      current update on the risk factors, clinical features, and diagnosis on
      obstruction after female stress incontinence surgery using the mid-urethral
      synthetic sling. Particular attention has been paid to identify the patient at
      risk for developing voiding difficulty post-sling surgery, as well as the utility
      of urodynamics and various imaging modalities, especially translabial ultrasound,
      in the diagnostic process. Urethral obstruction is not an uncommon complication
      after sling surgery for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This paper
      focuses on this complication in the context of the mid-urethral synthetic sling,
      which is now the predominate surgical option used by many surgeons in the
      treatment of female SUI. The epidemiology and risk factors predisposing to sling
      obstruction is reviewed, followed by a description of clinical features used in
      supporting the diagnosis. The use of urodynamics in conjunction with translabial
      ultrasound as a novel approach to assess the position of the sling and its
      relation to the urethra is explained. This is particularly important in the
      understanding of why the sling obstructs from an anatomical standpoint. The paper
      concludes with a brief overview on treatment options.

PMID- 22085123
TI  - Evolution of stone management in Australia.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? There is very little
      contemporary data regarding stone management in Australia. This study assesses
      the impact of technological advances on stone management practises, and raises
      questions as to why there is an increasing rate of intervention for stone disease
      in Australia. Knowledge of management trends as demonstrated in this paper give
      individual surgeons a guideline for contemporary practise in this country.
      OBJECTIVE: * To examine trends in the operative management of upper urinary tract
      stone disease in Australia over the past 15 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: * The
      Medicare Australia and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare databases were
      used to determine the annual number of renal colic presentations and procedural
      interventions undertaken for stone disease. RESULTS: * In Australia over the past
      15 years, the annual number of procedural interventions for upper urinary tract
      stones has increased, primarily due to the rising number of endoscopic procedures
      performed. * During this period, shock wave lithotripsy numbers have remained
      steady whilst open and percutaneous procedures have been in decline. CONCLUSION:
      * The introduction of and subsequent preference for less invasive techniques has
      changed the management pathway of patients presenting with stone disease in
      Australia. * Further studies are necessary to determine whether this escalation
      in endoscopic procedures is due to an increase in the incidence of stone disease,
      earlier detection, a lower intervention threshold or a higher retreatment rate.

PMID- 22085124
TI  - Repeated radiological radiation exposure in patients undergoing surgery for
      urinary tract stone disease in Victoria, Australia.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Radiation exposure is a
      cause of cancer. Increasing use of CT scans has increased patient exposure to
      ionizing radiation which may increase long-term risk of cancer. Not all scans
      performed may be medically necessary. Up to 30% of patients presenting with
      renal/ureteric colic have been estimated to receive too much radiation. At least
      30% of patients attending for stone surgery have exceeded the recommended annual
      radiation dosage. Many Australian radiology providers do not routinely record CT
      radiation dose. Radiation dose varies widely between individual patients and
      between radiology providers. Image intensifiers may be an additional significant
      source of radiation exposure. Implementing guidelines and informing patients of
      their cumulative radiation exposure should reduce exposure and risk. SUMMARY: At
      least 44% of a group of patients undergoing stone operations have been exposed to
      high levels of radiation, mostly from repeated CT scans, over a short period with
      possible increased risk of developing cancer. We suggest ways in which that risk
      can be reduced. OBJECTIVE: * To assess radiation exposure in patients attending
      for surgery for urinary tract stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * Fifty-eight
      consecutive patients attending for stone surgery were asked to provide their
      radiological imaging over the preceding year. * Radiation dosage was recorded
      where available. Individual radiology providers were contacted to provide
      additional data. RESULTS: * The median number of radiological investigations was
      six (range 2-15). * Patients had attended 12 different providers on 22 sites.
      Only three providers routinely recorded computed tomography (CT) radiation dose.
      * Up to 26 patients (44%) were subjected to at least 50 mGy radiation in the
      course of their treatment with at least eight (13.8%) receiving over 100 mGy from
      CT scans alone. * CT and image intensifier radiation dose varied considerably
      between providers even for the same patients. CONCLUSIONS: * Many patients with
      urinary tract stones are subjected to relatively high doses of radiation in the
      course of their investigation and treatment. This may have later malignant
      consequences. * Many providers in Australia are not recording radiation dose and
      patients seem to have many unnecessary scans. * Suggestions on improved
      management are made which could significantly reduce radiation exposure.

PMID- 22085125
TI  - Complete resolution of urinary bladder condyloma acuminatum following definitive
      chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Condyloma acuminatum of
      the bladder is a rare affliction and as such its ideal management is unknown.
      This manuscript describes curative treatment of severe disease with external beam
      radiotherapy concurrent with low dose chemotherapy, an approach which has not
      previously been utilised. OBJECTIVES: * To report the first occurrence of
      complete and sustained resolution of symptomatic condyloma acuminatum of the
      bladder with chemoradiotherapy. * To describe the relevant patient details,
      imaging findings and chemoradiation treatment. PATIENT AND METHOD: * A 54-year
      old female with extensive condyloma acuminatum of the bladder and a long history
      of human papilloma virus related anogenital disease was diagnosed with anal
      squamous cell carcinoma. * Cystectomy for the bladder disease was delayed whilst
      chemoradiotherapy was administered for the anal cancer. RESULTS: * There was
      complete resolution of bladder disease at follow-up which has negated the need
      for cystectomy with its associated morbidity. * Condyloma acuminatum has not
      recurred in 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: * This is the first published
      report to our knowledge of the successful treatment of condyloma acuminatum of
      the bladder with chemoradiotherapy. * The individual contributions of
      radiotherapy vs chemotherapy cannot be discerned.

PMID- 22085126
TI  - Male flexible cystoscopy: does waiting after insertion of topical anaesthetic
      lubricant improve patient comfort?
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Flexible cystoscopy is
      commonly performed. Several studies show that topical anaesthetic lubricant
      reduces patient discomfort, particularly with long lubricant retention times (15
      25 min). No studies have specifically addressed whether a short, clinically
      manageable retention time provides any benefit over immediate cystoscopy. Our
      study demonstrates that delay by a 3-min interval provides no benefit to patients
      and a more expedient approach can be justified without compromising patient
      comfort. LAY-TERM SUMMARY: This prospective comparative trial randomizes 50 men
      to undergo flexible cystoscopy with insertion of local anaesthetic lubricant
      either immediately prior to cystoscope insertion or after a 3-min interval.
      Patients then report discomfort on a visual analogue scale. We show that there is
      no benefit to delay and therefore a more expedient approach can be justified.
      OBJECTIVE: * To determine whether a short, clinically manageable time delay
      between lubrication with topical local anaesthetic and insertion of the flexible
      cystoscope, vs immediate insertion, reduces discomfort in male patients. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: * This was a prospective comparative trial. * Male patients
      undergoing simple flexible cystoscopy were randomized to undergo cystoscope
      insertion either immediately after lubrication with topical lignocaine gel or
      after a 3-min delay. * Patient-reported pain of the procedure was recorded on a
      visual analogue scale and data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: * Fifty male
      patients were randomized to cystoscope insertion either immediately following
      lubrication or after a 3-min delay. * Mean pain score in the immediate insertion
      group was 11.94 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.53-16.36) compared with 10.52
      mm (95% CI 6.24-14.80) in the 3-min delay group. * The mean difference between
      the two groups was 1.42 mm (95% CI -4.57 to 7.41, P= 0.64). CONCLUSION: *
      Findings show that patient comfort is similar between the two groups and
      therefore there is no benefit in delaying insertion by a 3-min interval. *
      Flexible cystoscopy is a well tolerated outpatient procedure.

PMID- 22085127
TI  - A retrospective study to assess the morbidity associated with transurethral
      prostatectomy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? There is controversy
      over the use of anti-platelet and anti-coagulant drugs in men undergoing TURP
      with contradictory evidence on the effect of the drugs on bleeding following the
      operation, particularly for aspirin. If anti-platelet or anti-coagulant drugs are
      not stopped for TURP, there is an unacceptable burden of bleeding. If the drugs
      are stopped there is an unacceptable rate of cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: *
      To determine the morbidity associated with perioperative management of
      antiplatelet (AP) or anticoagulant (AC) medication and transurethral
      prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * A retrospective review was performed on
      163 consecutive patients undergoing transurethural prostatectomy. * Patients were
      grouped according to the perioperative management of AP and AC medications:
      control patients not prescribed any AP/AC drugs (group 1), those on AP/AC who had
      ceased them perioperatively (group 2) and those whose AP/AC were continued (group
      3). * Warfarin was withheld perioperatively for all patients. * Morbidity
      associated with increased blood loss and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events
      was recorded and differences were analysed with SPSS version 16 software.
      RESULTS: * There was a statistically significant increase in bleeding-associated
      morbidity in group 2 (13/65) and group 3 (6/7) compared with the controls (9/91)
      (P < 0.01). * Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were only seen in group 2
      (6/65), statistically significantly higher than the event rate in the other
      groups (P <= 0.01). * All cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events occurred in
      patients prescribed these medications for secondary prevention. CONCLUSION: *
      Patients taking AP or AC medications have a higher rate of perioperative bleeding
      compared with those who are not taking any. * However, for patients prescribed AP
      or AC medication for secondary prevention, withholding these medications results
      in an increased rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. *
      Careful consideration of the risks and other management options should be
      undertaken before performing transurethural prostatectomy in this high risk group
      of patients.

PMID- 22085128
TI  - We should cease offering turp in favour of alternative surgery options for
      anticoagulated patients.

PMID- 22085130
TI  - Comparative analysis of three risk assessment tools in Australian patients with
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 22085129
TI  - Comparative analysis of three risk assessment tools in Australian patients with
      prostate cancer.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Prognostic tools, such
      as the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score and the 1998 Kattan
      and 2006 Stephenson nomograms, predicting biochemical recurrence after radical
      prostatectomy are widely used for treatment decision making and counselling
      patients. However, tools derived in certain cohorts tend to perform less well
      when they are applied to populations that are dissimilar in terms of population
      or disease characteristics, health systems or treatment practices. Some of the
      loss in accuracy of a prognostic tool is a consequence of unknown factors and
      hence the performance of a tool when applied to a different population is unknown
      and largely unpredictable. This study validates these widely used tools in South
      Australian patients treated at three public hospitals. All three tools
      discriminated well according to risk of recurrence in these patients. However,
      when compared against observed rates of recurrence, it was found that predictions
      of recurrence varied widely between the three tools, suggesting that their use in
      counselling patients on such risk may not be appropriate. Interestingly, the
      oldest of the three tools (Kattan 1998) was the best predictor of absolute risk
      of recurrence. In the paper, this is linked to later adoption of updated Gleason
      grading, among other factors. SUMMARY: In many countries, prognostic tools, which
      draw on the experience of thousands of patients with cancer, are used to predict
      cancer outcomes, but accuracy varies. This paper compares the accuracy of three
      widely used tools predicting prostate cancer recurrence after surgery in
      Australian patients. The results show that all tools were good at predicting
      which patients were most likely to experience recurrence and which were least.
      However, prediction of absolute risk varied and the oldest tool was the most
      accurate. OBJECTIVE: * To compare performance of the CAPRA score and two commonly
      used risk assessment nomograms, the 1998 Kattan and the 2006 Stephenson, in an
      untested Australian cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * We present data on 635 men
      from the South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Database who
      underwent radical prostatectomy between January 1996 and May 2009 and had all
      required variables for predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR). * BCR was defined
      as prostate-specific antigen >= 0.2 ng/mL or secondary treatment for a rising
      prostate-specific antigen. * Accuracy was evaluated using Harrell's concordance
      index, plotting calibration curves, and constructing decision analysis curves.
      RESULTS: * Concordance indices were high for all three tools: 0.791, 0.787 and
      0.744 for the 2006 Stephenson nomogram, CAPRA score and 1998 Kattan nomogram
      respectively. *  At 3 years, calibration of the tools (agreement between
      predicted and observed BCR-free probability) was close to ideal for the 1998
      Kattan nomogram, whereas the 2006 Stephenson model underestimated and the CAPRA
      model overestimated BCR-free probability. * The 1998 Kattan and 2005 CAPRA tools
      performed better than the 2006 Stephenson nomogram across a wide range of
      threshold probabilities using decision curve analysis. CONCLUSION: * All three
      tools discriminate between patients' risk effectively. * Absolute estimates of
      risk are likely to vary widely between tools, however, suggesting that models
      should be validated and, if necessary, recalibrated in the population to which
      they will be applied. * Recent development does not mean a nomogram is more
      accurate for use in a particular population.

PMID- 22085131
TI  - Patients' perceptions of surgical registrars' training in the private hospital
      setting.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The Australian private
      health sector is increasingly being recognised as an opportunity for advanced
      surgical training. Little is known about what the patients think of urology
      training in the private sector. Patients perceptions on the place of urology
      registrars in the Australian private sector are assessed for the first time. We
      can confirm that there appears to be acceptance of urology training in the
      private sector. OBJECTIVE: * To determine the acceptance of surgical trainees in
      a private hospital setting. METHOD: * This was an ethics approved prospective
      study using a written survey. * A total of 177 consecutive patients presenting
      for private consultation were recruited. A self-administered written survey was
      completed by each patient in the waiting room prior to consultation. RESULTS: *
      Only 36.8% of subjects (confidence interval 29.6-44.1) initially understood the
      term registrar which significantly increased to 75% (confidence interval 68.4
      81.6, P < 0.05) after reading explanatory notes. * Perceived differences between
      private and public hospitals were choice of surgeon (28%), waiting times for an
      operation (28%), standard of care (17%), cost (16%) and waiting times for an
      appointment (11%). * Patients' acceptance of registrar involvement with either a
      small part of an operation, a large part of an operation, the whole operation and
      assistance only were 34%, 16%, 13% and 37%. CONCLUSIONS: * Patients have a poor
      understanding of the term registrar. * Acceptance of registrars in private
      hospitals is increased if consultant involvement is emphasized. * Surgical
      assistance and performance of minor parts of surgery by trainees is well
      accepted.

PMID- 22085132
TI  - 'One stop' haematuria clinic in Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia: a report
      of the first 500 patients.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Haematuria is a symptom
      of urologic cancer particularly bladder cancer and timely diagnosis can prevent
      disease from progression to a more advanced or incurable stage. The 'One Stop'
      Haematuria clinic is the first rapid assessment clinic for haematuria in a public
      hospital in Western Australia. The results from this study have confirmed that it
      is an efficient and effective model in the streamlined care of patients with
      haematuria and provides evidence to support a more widespread adoption of this
      model of care. OBJECTIVE: * To report the prospective outcomes and clinic process
      for the first 500 patients at a new 'one stop' Haematuria Clinic (OSHC) in a
      Western Australian public hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * The first 500
      patients who attended the weekly OSHC between May 2008 and February 2011 were
      included in this paper. * Patients with haematuria were referred by various
      specialties. Gender, age, outcomes following OSHC attendance, diagnoses and wait
      times were recorded. RESULTS: * In all, 311 males and 189 females presented to
      the clinic with visible haematuria (296 cases) and microscopic haematuria (204
      cases). * Sixty-six new cancers (13.2%) were diagnosed, 63 urological and three
      non-urological. *  Fifty-one patients (10.2%) were diagnosed with transitional
      cell carcinoma of the bladder. Further breakdown of staging for bladder
      transitional cell carcinoma diagnoses were stage Ta (23 patients), stage T1 (21
      patients) and stage 2-4 (seven patients). * Sixty-nine patients (13.8%) were
      diagnosed with urological pathologies requiring surgery. Thirty-four patients
      (6.8%) were followed up by the nurse practitioner or continence advisors. In all,
      61.2% of patients were discharged after a single visit to the OSHC. *  Excluding
      those requiring surgery only 3.4% patients required further urologist follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: *  The results have demonstrated that the first OSHC in a public
      Western Australian hospital is an efficient and effective model for the
      streamlined care of patients with haematuria. *  We encourage that similar models
      are adopted in other public hospitals in the region.

PMID- 22085133
TI  - Prostate cancer incidence in Australia correlates inversely with solar radiation.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Increased sun exposure
      and blood levels of vitamin D have been postulated to be protective against
      prostate cancer. This is controversial. We investigated the relationship between
      prostate cancer incidence and solar radiation in non-urban Australia, and found a
      lower incidence in regions receiving more sunlight. In landmark ecological
      studies, prostate cancer mortality rates have been shown to be inversely related
      to ultraviolet radiation exposure. Investigators have hypothesised that
      ultraviolet radiation acts by increasing production of vitamin D, which inhibits
      prostate cancer cells in vitro. However, analyses of serum levels of vitamin D in
      men with prostate cancer have failed to support this hypothesis. This study has
      found an inverse correlation between solar radiation and prostate cancer
      incidence in Australia. Our population (previously unstudied) represents the
      third group to exhibit this correlation. Significantly, the demographics and
      climate of Australia differ markedly from those of previous studies conducted on
      men in the United Kingdom and the United States. OBJECTIVE: * To ascertain if
      prostate cancer incidence rates correlate with solar radiation among non-urban
      populations of men in Australia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * Local government areas
      from each state and territory were selected using explicit criteria. Urban areas
      were excluded from analysis. * For each local government area, prostate cancer
      incidence rates and averaged long-term solar radiation were obtained. * The
      strength of the association between prostate cancer incidence and solar radiation
      was determined. RESULTS: * Among 70 local government areas of Australia, age
      standardized prostate cancer incidence rates for the period 1998-2007 correlated
      inversely with daily solar radiation averaged over the last two decades.
      CONCLUSION: *  There exists an association between less solar radiation and
      higher prostate cancer incidence in Australia.

PMID- 22085134
TI  - Reporting a unique example of electronic bistability observed in the form of
      valence tautomerism with a copper(II) helicate of a redox-active nitrogenous
      heterocyclic ligand.
AB  - Valence tautomeric compounds involving nondixolene-type ligands are rare. The
      triple-helicate copper(II) complex [Cu(II)(2)(L)(3)](ClO(4))(4).3CH(3)CN (1)
      containing a redox-active N-heterocyclic ligand (L) has been prepared and
      displays VT equilibrium in solution, as established by electronic spectroscopy,
      electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic and differential pulse
      voltammetry carried out at variable temperatures. The process involves
      intramolecular transfer of an electron from one of the L ligands to a copper(II)
      center, leading to the oxidation of L to an L(*+) radical with concomitant
      reduction of the Cu(II) center to Cu(I), as shown by the equilibrium
      [Cu(II)Cu(I)L(*+)L(2)](4+) ? [Cu(II)(2)L(3)](4+).

PMID- 22085136
TI  - Mechanisms for the bone anabolic effect of parathyroid hormone treatment in
      humans.
AB  - Intermittent low-dose treatment with parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues has
      become widely used in the treatment of severe osteoporosis. During normal
      physiological conditions, PTH stimulates both bone formation and resorption, and
      in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, bone loss is frequent. However,
      development of the biochemical measurement of PTH in the 1980s led us to
      understand the regulation of PTH secretion and calcium metabolism which
      subsequently paved the way for the use of PTH as an anabolic treatment of
      osteoporosis as, when given intermittently, it has strong anabolic effects in
      bone. This could not have taken place without the basic understanding achieved by
      the biochemical measurements of PTH. The stimulatory effects of PTH on bone
      formation have been explained by the so-called 'anabolic window', which means
      that during PTH treatment, bone formation is in excess over bone resorption
      during the first 6-18 months. This is due to the following: (1) PTH up-regulates
      c-fos expression in bone cells, (2) IGF is essential for PTH's anabolic effect,
      (3) bone lining cells are driven to differentiate into osteoblasts, (4)
      mesenchymal stem cells adhesion to bone surface is enhanced, (5) PTH has a direct
      antiapoptotic effect on osteoblasts and (6) when PTH interferes with remodelling,
      the osteoblasts over-compensate, and (7) PTH also decreases sclerostin levels,
      thereby removing inhibition of Wnt signalling which is required for PTH's
      anabolic actions. Thus, the net formative effect of PTH given in intermittent
      treatment emerges through a complex network of pathways. In summary, the effects
      of PTH on bone turnover are dependent on the mode and dose of administration and
      studies investigating the mechanisms underlying this effect are reviewed in this
      article.

PMID- 22085137
TI  - Novel phenoxyalkylcarboxylic acid derivatives as hypolipidaemic agents.
AB  - Novel phenoxyalkylcarboxylic acid derivatives based on the natural scaffolds,
      flavonoids, or resveratrol were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for
      hypolipidaemic activity. Among the compounds, 30b lowered the triglycerides by
      48.5% (P < 0.05) and total cholesterol by 44.2% (P < 0.05), respectively, and was
      more effective than the reference drug fenofibric acid in a Triton WR-1339
      induced hyperlipidaemic mice model orally (300 mg/kg body weight). 30b also
      showed 59.4% triglycerides lowering in an alloxan-induced diabetic mice model
      orally (150 mg/kg body weight). Receptor docking studies revealed that compound
      30b could interact with the amino acid residues in the ligand-binding domain
      essential for the activation of the PPARalpha. The results indicate that
      resveratrol should be a better scaffold to derive a new class of hypolipidaemic
      agents in comparison with a flavonoid scaffold.

PMID- 22085135
TI  - Reduced fronto-cerebellar functional connectivity in chronic alcoholic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence is associated with neurocognitive deficits related
      to neuropathological changes in structure, metabolism, and function of the brain.
      Impairments of motor functioning in alcoholics have been attributed to well
      characterized neuropathological brain abnormalities in cerebellum. METHODS: Using
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we studied in vivo the functional
      connectivity between cerebellar and cortical brain regions. Participants were 10
      uncomplicated chronic alcoholic patients studied after 5 to 7 days of abstinence
      when signs of withdrawal had abated and 10 matched healthy controls. We focused
      on regions of prefrontal, frontal, temporal, and parietal cortex that exhibited
      an fMRI response associated with nondominant hand finger tapping in the patients
      but not in the controls. We predicted that fronto-cerebellar functional
      connectivity would be diminished in alcoholics compared with controls. RESULTS:
      Functional connectivity in a circuit involving premotor areas (Brodmann Area 6)
      and Lobule VI of the superior cerebellum was reduced in the patients compared
      with the controls. Functional connectivity was also reduced in a circuit
      involving prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area 9) and Lobule VIII of the inferior
      cerebellum. Reductions in connectivity were specific to fronto-cerebellar
      circuits and were not found in other regions examined. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      show a pattern in recently abstinent alcoholic patients of specific deficits in
      functional connectivity and recruitment of additional brain regions for the
      performance of a simple finger-tapping task. A small sample, differences in
      smoking, and a brief abstinence period preclude definitive conclusions, but this
      pattern of diminished fronto-cerebellar functional connectivity is highly
      compatible with the characteristic neuropathological lesions documented in
      alcoholics and may reflect brain dysfunction associated with alcoholism.

PMID- 22085138
TI  - Synthesis, antibacterial, antielastase, antiurease and antioxidant activities of
      new methoxy substitued bis-1,2,4-triazole derivatives.
AB  - The methoxy substitued two novel bis triazole-schiff bases (6 a-b) were
      synthesized with 4-amino-3,5-diethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole and various bis-aldehydes.
      Their amine derivatives prepared by reduced with NaBH(4) (5 a-b). The obtained
      products 6 a-b and 7 a-b were identified by FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR. The bis
      triazole-schiff bases and amine derivatives were tested for antimicrobial
      activity using the agar diffusion technique against 11 bacteria. The synthesized
      compounds (6 a-b and 7 a-b) were screened for their antielastase, antiurease and
      antioxidant activities. The resuts showed that the synthesized compounds (6 a-b
      and 7 a-b) had effective antielastase and antiurease activities.

PMID- 22085139
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of substrate analogue inhibitors of trypanothione
      reductase.
AB  - Trypanothione reductase (TR) is found in the trypanosomatid parasites, where it
      catalyses the NADPH-dependent reduction of the glutathione analogue,
      trypanothione, and is a key player in the parasite's defenses against oxidative
      stress. TR is a promising target for the development of antitrypanosomal drugs;
      here, we report our synthesis and evaluation of compounds 3-5 as low micromolar
      Trypanosoma cruzi TR inhibitors. Although 4 and 5 were designed as potential
      irreversible inhibitors, these compounds, as well as 3, displayed reversible
      competitive inhibition. Compound 3 proved to be the most potent inhibitor, with a
      K(i) = 2 uM.

PMID- 22085140
TI  - Selenium-catalyzed regioselective cyclization of unsaturated carboxylic acids
      using hypervalent iodine oxidants.
AB  - A new and convenient selenium-catalyzed regioselective cyclization of gamma,delta
      unsaturated carboxylic acids to the corresponding 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-ones is
      described. The cyclization products have been obtained in good to excellent
      yields using diphenyl diselenide as a catalyst and
      [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene as a stoichiometric oxidant.

PMID- 22085141
TI  - Intravenous immunoglobulin to treat severe atopic dermatitis in children: a case
      series.
AB  - Severe cases of atopic dermatitis (AD) may require systemic immunosuppression to
      achieve disease control. Unfortunately, some cases continue to be refractory to
      management or develop unacceptable adverse effects. There are limited reports of
      the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the treatment of severe AD, but
      results are inconsistent. In a retrospective study, we report 10 children with
      severe AD refractory to systemic immunosuppression and maximal topical therapy
      who were treated using IVIg. The children received monthly IVIg for an average of
      24 months. This resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms, with fewer
      infection-related exacerbations and hospitalizations, allowing systemic
      immunosuppression to be tapered. The effect was associated with a significant
      decrease in serum immunoglobulin E and was sustained after cessation of IVIg in
      50% of cases. No significant side effects attributable to the IVIg infusions were
      noted. In this cohort of children with severe AD and recurrent cutaneous
      infections, IVIg provided an effective treatment with minimal side effects and
      significant benefits in school attendance and quality of life.

PMID- 22085142
TI  - The timing of Spanish marriages a socio-statistical study.
AB  - Abstract   A sample survey of 2,012 married and single women aged 18-59 in Madrid
      was in part focused on causes of late marriage, which has for a long time been
      characteristic of Spain. It was found that age at marriage was not related to a
      variety of socio-economic measures, to parental restrictions on courtship, nor to
      birth order or number of siblings. Direct economic motivations appear to have
      affected length of courtship but scarcely age at marriage. Ages at marriage
      differ in different areas of Madrid, even when key demographic and social
      variables are controlled; and evidence from a sub-sample of interviews suggests
      that it may be a characteristic of different families. Along with clear evidence
      of normative patterns supporting long courtships and late marriages, such data
      point to the potential importance of sociological variables, and to the need for
      similar research on determinants of men's ages at marriage.

PMID- 22085143
TI  - Complementarity of work and fertility among young American mothers.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper information about cohorts of young women in the National
      Longitudinal Survey of Work Experience is used to examine the extent to which
      women maintain a continuity of work attachment during their early years of
      childbearing, the years when traditionally they were most likely to withdraw from
      the work force. The results indicate that women who maintain closer ties to the
      work force immediately before and after their first birth are also more likely to
      be employed in 1978 - between five and ten years after their first birth -
      independently of intervening fertility events and other labour supply factors
      considered to be important predictors of work. The notion that work and fertility
      are increasingly becoming complementary activities for American women is
      supported by these data.

PMID- 22085144
TI  - The timing of entry into motherhood in Asia: A comparative perspective.
AB  - Abstract   This paper examines the determinants of age at first birth from an
      explicitly comparative perspective in the following Asian societies: Hong Kong,
      Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and
      Thailand. The key structural variables have the same (or similar) effects in each
      of the groups examined. Education through primary school and beyond has a strong
      delaying effect on age at first birth in all eight populations. Difference of
      rural-urban origin does not affect the timing of motherhood in any of these
      societies. We also find a remarkably strong effect of shared cultural heritage.
      All the Confucian groups tend to behave similarly, as do the Muslim and Hindu
      groups.

PMID- 22085145
TI  - An analysis of indirect mortality estimation.
AB  - Abstract   In this paper the robustness of Brass's child-survivorship indirect
      mortality estimation technique is investigated. An analytical method is developed
      for studying the error or bias caused in indirect mortality estimates by poor
      data, badly chosen model functions, and specific demographic assumptions that are
      often violated in practice. The resulting analytical expressions give insight
      into the rationale of indirect methods, the conditions under which they are
      robust, and the magnitude of errors that occur when specific assumptions are
      violated.

PMID- 22085146
TI  - On the estimation of the distribution of desired family size for a synthetic
      cohort.
AB  - Abstract   Current procedures for the estimation of the desired family size
      distribution from parity-specific data on proportions of women wanting another
      child are shown to be biased. A new procedure is proposed. This procedure is
      based on the underlying relationship between parity and desired family size as
      measured by the extent to which members of the population implement their
      fertility preferences. Numerical examples are given.

PMID- 22085150
TI  - Correlates of the trend of cesarean section rates in twin pregnancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the population-based trend for cesarean births in twin
      pregnancies for the last 13 years in Slovenia, and to find correlates for this
      trend. METHODS: We evaluated data from the Slovenian national perinatal
      information system (NPIS) of all twin pairs born at >=24 weeks during the period
      1997-2009 (n=3916 pairs). RESULTS: We noted a significant and steady increase of
      about 1.1% cesarean births/year, concomitant with significant increased birth
      rates at 34-36 weeks, but with a significant decrease over time in neonatal
      mortality. These trends were neither associated with any particular maternal
      characteristic nor with increased neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: An association
      exists between an increased cesarean birth rate, increased preterm births at 33
      36 weeks and concomitant significantly reduced neonatal mortality in twins.

PMID- 22085151
TI  - Total serum bilirubin level in umbilical cord blood and respiratory distress
      syndrome in very low birth weight infants.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the association between total serum bilirubin (TSB) level in
      umbilical cord blood (UCB) and the occurrence and/or severity of respiratory
      distress syndrome (RDS) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: We
      performed a prospective study of 579 VLBW infants. The mean TSB level in UCB (1.8
      mg/dL) was used to divide the cohort into two groups: neonates with levels <1.8
      mg/dL and those with levels >1.8 mg/dL. Demographic and clinical characteristics
      of the 2 groups, including diagnosis of RDS, need for ventilation, peak fraction
      of inspired oxygen (FiO2), oxygenation index (OI), and duration of respiratory
      support, were compared. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-four infants were
      included in the low-TSB group and 255 infants were included in the high-TSB
      group. RDS was less frequent in the high TSB group than in the low one (46.3% vs.
      56.6%, P=0.01). A negative association between TSB level in UCB and the
      occurrence of RDS [odds ratio (OR)=0.620; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.440
      0.873, P=0.006] was observed. However, lower TSB in UCB was not associated with
      the maximum FiO2, OI, or duration of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: VLBW
      infants with low TSB levels in UCB were more likely to develop RDS. However, in
      conjunction with surfactant replacement therapy, no correlation was found between
      TSB levels in UCB and the severity of RDS. The negative association between high
      TSB in UCB and RDS warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22085152
TI  - Prediction of imminent preterm delivery in women with preterm premature rupture
      of membranes.
AB  - AIMS: To develop a model based on non-invasive clinical parameters to predict the
      probability of imminent preterm delivery (delivery within 48 h) in women with
      preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and to determine if additional
      invasive test results improve the prediction of imminent delivery based on the
      non-invasive model. METHODS: Transvaginal ultrasonographic assessment of cervical
      length was performed and maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood
      cell (WBC) count were determined immediately after amniocentesis in 102
      consecutive women with PPROM at 23-33+6 weeks. Amniotic fluid (AF) obtained by
      amniocentesis was cultured and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and WBC counts were
      determined. RESULTS: Serum CRP, cervical length, and gestational age were chosen
      for the non-invasive model (model 1), which has an area under the curve (AUC) of
      0.804. When adding AF IL-6 as an invasive marker to the non-invasive model, serum
      CRP was excluded from the final model (model 2) as not significant, whereas AF IL
      6, cervical length, and gestational age remained in model 2. No significant
      difference in AUC was found between models 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The non-invasive
      model based on cervical length, gestational age, and serum CRP is highly
      predictive of imminent delivery in women with PPROM. However, invasive test
      results did not add predictive information to the non-invasive model in this
      setting.

PMID- 22085153
TI  - Fetal and neonatal outcome in patients with anterior abdominal wall defects
      (gastroschisis and omphalocele).
AB  - Fetuses with gastroschisis and omphalocele frequently show intrauterine growth
      restriction (IUGR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the intrauterine course
      of IUGR and the neonatal outcome in a large patient collective. We
      retrospectively included all euploid fetuses with gastroschisis and omphalocele
      between 2001 and 2009 in a single tertiary center. Patients' characteristics,
      serial ultrasound examinations and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. From 39
      fetuses (28 gastroschisis, 11 omphalocele) 61.5% had IUGR <5th percentile and
      15.4% had IUGR<10th percentile. The rate of IUGR did not differ significantly
      between the two groups during pregnancy. Newborns with gastroschisis showed an
      average weight of 2386 g, and those with omphalocele showed an average weight of
      3148 g (P<0.001). Nevertheless, newborns with omphalocele were more frequently
      eutrophic than those with gastroschisis (88.8% vs. 52.2%, P=0.079). On average,
      only one surgical intervention was necessary for the definitive repair of the
      defect (65.5% of the newborns). Children with gastroschisis remained hospitalized
      nearly twice as long as children with an omphalocele (38 vs. 20 days). IUGR rates
      during pregnancy did not differ significantly between fetuses with gastroschisis
      and omphalocele although patients with defects of omphalocele were more
      frequently eutrophic at birth. Most newborns needed only one operation for
      definitive surgical treatment. The mean hospitalization time after this
      intervention was 4 weeks.

PMID- 22085154
TI  - Risk factors for preterm delivery with placenta previa.
AB  - AIMS: To identify factors associated with preterm delivery in cases of
      sonographically identified placenta previa. METHODS: Pregnancies with sonographic
      evidence of placenta previa at >= 28 weeks were identified. Demographic
      information, antepartum course, and delivery information were extracted from
      electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's
      exact test, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman's rho (correlation), and logistic
      regression. Continuous data are presented as median (interquartile range).
      RESULTS: Of 113 singleton pregnancies with placenta previa, 54 (48%) delivered at
      term and 59 (52%) delivered preterm. Fifty-one (45%) experienced antepartum
      bleeding at a median gestational age of 31 weeks (29-33 weeks) with a median
      interval of 20 days (11-33 days) between first bleeding episode and delivery.
      Women with antepartum bleeding were more likely to be delivered for hemorrhage
      (36 of 51 vs. 8 of 62, P<0.001) and delivered emergently (40 of 51 vs. 14 of 62,
      P<0.001). Antepartum bleeding before 34 weeks had a positive predictive value of
      88% for preterm birth and 83% for emergent delivery. CONCLUSION: In pregnancies
      with placenta previa, antepartum bleeding is a strong predictor of preterm
      delivery.

PMID- 22085155
TI  - Novel dinuclear platinum(II) complexes containing mixed nitrogen-sulfur donor
      ligands.
AB  - A series of novel dinuclear platinum(II) complexes were synthesized containing a
      mixed nitrogen-sulfur donor bidentate chelate system in which the two platinum
      centers are connected by an aliphatic chain of variable length. The bidentate
      chelating ligands were selected to stabilize the complex toward decomposition.
      The pK(a) values and reactivity of the four synthesized complexes, namely,
      [Pt(2)(S(1),S(4)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-butanedithioether)(OH(2))(4)](4+)
      (4NSpy), [Pt(2)(S(1),S(6)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,6
      hexanedithioether)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (6NSpy), [Pt(2)(S(1),S(8)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)
      1,8-octanedithioether)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (8NSpy), and [Pt(2)(S(1),S(10)-bis(2
      pyridylmethyl)-1,10-decanedithioether)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (10NSpy), were
      investigated. This system is of special interest because only little is known
      about the substitution behavior of dinuclear platinum complexes that contain a
      bidentate chelate that forms part of the aliphatic bridging ligand. Moreover, the
      ligands as well as the dinuclear complexes were examined in terms of their
      cytotoxic activity, and the 10NSpy complex was found to be active.
      Spectrophotometric acid-base titrations were performed to determine the pK(a)
      values of all the coordinated water molecules. The substitution of coordinated
      water by thiourea was studied under pseudo-first-order conditions as a function
      of nucleophile concentration, temperature, and pressure, using stopped-flow
      techniques and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results for the dinuclear complexes were
      compared to those for the corresponding mononuclear reference complex
      [Pt(methylthiomethylpyridine)(OH(2))(2)](2+) (Pt(mtp)), by which the effect of
      the increasing aliphatic chain length of the bridged complexes could be
      investigated. The results indicate that there is a clear interaction between the
      two platinum centers, which becomes weaker as the chain length between the metal
      centers increases. Furthermore, differences and similarities of the N,S-system
      were compared to the corresponding dinuclear N,N-system studied previously in our
      group. In addition, quantum chemical calculations were performed to support the
      interpretation and discussion of the experimental data.

PMID- 22085157
TI  - New updated GRAC Fifth Edition with searchable online version Launch of new
      portal Guide to Pharmacology in association with NC-IUPHAR Transporter-Themed
      Issue.

PMID- 22085158
TI  - Transporters are an under-developed therapeutic target. Discuss.

PMID- 22085159
TI  - Do hairdressers in Denmark have their hand eczema reported as an occupational
      disease? Results from a register-based questionnaire study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational hand eczema is common in hairdressers, owing to wet work
      and chemicals. OBJECTIVES: To estimate whether hairdressers in Denmark have their
      hand eczema reported as an occupational disease and to clarify the reasons for
      not reporting. METHODS: A register-based study was performed, comprising trained
      hairdressers (n = 7840), using a self-administered postal questionnaire including
      questions on hand eczema and it being reported as an occupational disease. A
      response rate of 67.9% (n = 5324) was obtained. RESULTS: Overall, 2186
      respondents ever had hand eczema; 71.3% were apprentices at the time of hand
      eczema onset. The majority (61.9%) had had hand eczema several times and 21.3%
      (almost) all of the time, but only 20.7% had reported their hand eczema as being
      occupational to the National Board of Industrial Injuries (Denmark). A positive
      association between severity of hand eczema and filing a report was found (odds
      ratio 19.2; 95% confidence interval 8.18-45.06). The main reasons for not
      reporting were 'I thought it would eventually get better' (40.4%) and 'My doctor
      didn't tell me it was possible to report it' (26.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Hand eczema is
      considerably under-reported as an occupational disease; the perception of hand
      eczema among hairdressers and the lack of reporting from doctors are the main
      reasons for this.

PMID- 22085161
TI  - Gender-specific clinicopathological features and survival in patients with renal
      cell carcinoma (RCC).
AB  - There has been some controversy about the gender differences in survival in
      patients with RCC. Korean women with RCC had a lower proportion of clear cell
      histology and a higher proportion of chromophobe histology. This histological
      difference might have driven the better survival rates in Korean women.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there are gender-specific differences in the
      clinicopathological features and prognosis in a large cohort of Korean patients
      with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared with Western patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Medical records of 1616 patients clinically diagnosed with RCC who
      underwent partial or radical nephrectomy were analysed between January 1988 and
      July 2009. In all, 1508 patients diagnosed with RCC based on pathology reports
      were included for evaluation. The mean follow-up period was 73.1 months. The
      gender-specific differences in the clinicopathological features and survival
      rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards
      models. RESULTS: Of the 1508 patients, 439 (29.1%) were women. Korean men had a
      higher proportion of clear cell histology (84.3% vs 72.0%, P < 0.001) and a lower
      percentage of chromophobe histology (5.2% vs 12.5%, P < 0.001) than Korean women.
      There were no gender-specific differences in pathological T stage, positive lymph
      nodes or distant metastases, or Fuhrman's nuclear grade (P > 0.05). For both
      cancer-specific and overall survival, Kaplan-Meier curves showed that women had a
      better survival rate than men (P = 0.039 and P = 0.015, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Korean women with RCC had significantly better survival rates than
      Korean men. Additionally, Korean women with RCC had a lower proportion of clear
      cell histology and a higher proportion of chromophobe histology. This
      histological difference might have driven the better survival rates in Korean
      women.

PMID- 22085162
TI  - Hypothesis-based weight-of-evidence evaluation of the neurodevelopmental effects
      of chlorpyrifos.
AB  - We used a hypothesis-based weight-of-evidence (HBWoE) approach to analyze the
      evidence regarding the hypothesis that chlorpyrifos can cause neurodevelopmental
      effects below the threshold for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in
      the nervous system, which is an established mode of action for chlorpyrifos
      neurotoxicity. The epidemiology data do not consistently demonstrate associations
      between chlorpyrifos exposure and neurodevelopmental toxicity, and the animal
      toxicity data do not provide clear evidence that neurodevelopmental effects occur
      at doses below the threshold for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The alternative
      mechanisms proposed to underlie potential neurodevelopmental effects in humans
      have been observed in the absence of acetylcholinesterase inhibition in a few in
      vitro studies but not in the developing brain in vivo. We provide perspective on
      the HBWoE approach compared with frameworks developed by the United States
      Environmental Protection Agency and the European Center for Ecotoxicology and
      Toxicology of Chemicals. We suggest that our HBWoE approach offers advantages
      over these frameworks in providing a better perspective on how to integrate all
      of the relevant data and how to use each line of evidence to inform the
      integration of other kinds of data or compare alternative hypotheses. Based on an
      HBWoE analysis, we conclude that a causal association between chlorpyrifos
      exposure and neurodevelopmental effects in the absence of acetylcholinesterase
      inhibition in the brain is not plausible in humans, and the few positive
      associations observed in epidemiology studies are most likely attributable to
      alternative explanations.

PMID- 22085160
TI  - Acute varicella zoster encephalitis without evidence of primary vasculopathy in a
      case-series of 20 patients.
AB  - Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a leading cause of acute viral encephalitis but
      little is known about its clinical, biological and imaging features. Furthermore,
      the most favourable treatment regimen has not been determined. We studied a
      prospective cohort of 20 HIV-negative patients presenting with acute VZV
      encephalitis caused by primary infection or reactivation. VZV was identified in
      16 of 20 cases by PCR detection of the DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. The four
      remaining cases occurred during or soon after a VZV rash. The median age of the
      17 adults was 76 (19-86) years; the three other patients were children (0.5-5
      years). Three patients were immunocompromised. Nine adult patients presented with
      a rash. Eighteen patients presented with fever and an acute encephalitic
      syndrome: diffuse brain dysfunction, focal neurological signs, seizures and
      cranial nerve palsies. Three patients presented with either ventricular or
      subdural haemorrhage, one with myelitis, and one with asymptomatic stenosis of
      the middle cerebral artery. The imaging was either normal or revealed non
      specific abnormalities such as cortical atrophy but no evidence of stroke. All
      patients were given acyclovir at various dosages and durations but the case
      fatality rate remained high (15%) and sequelae were frequently observed either at
      discharge or at follow-up 3 years later.

PMID- 22085164
TI  - Eradicating polio: persisting challenges beyond endemic countries.

PMID- 22085165
TI  - Current challenges for the creation of effective vaccines against drugs of abuse.

PMID- 22085167
TI  - Rotarix(r): vaccine performance 6 years postlicensure.
AB  - Rotarix((r)) was first licensed in 2004 and rapidly introduced into private and
      public markets worldwide. In a previous 2009 article, we reviewed the impact of
      rotavirus-associated disease, the rationale for different vaccines, prelicensure
      efficacy studies and cost-effectiveness studies for Rotarix. As of September
      2011, Rotarix had been licensed in 123 countries in the Americas, Europe,
      Australia, Africa and Asia, of which 27 have incorporated the vaccine into
      national or regional immunization programs. The current review intends to provide
      the reader with further insight into this vaccine, focusing mainly on the new
      information obtained after a 6-year postlicensure period. This review will
      provide only a brief summary of prelicensure studies extensively discussed in the
      previous publication and refer, in more depth, to the worldwide experience with
      the vaccine, vaccine impact, and safety observed in effectiveness and
      observational studies, including a particular analysis on protection against
      rotavirus G2P[4].

PMID- 22085168
TI  - BiovaxID(r): a customized idiotype vaccine for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Most patients with B-cell lymphoma face an often incurable disease, particularly
      those diagnosed with an indolent subtype. The addition of passive immunotherapy
      to old and new chemotherapy regimens has improved both response rates and disease
      free survival, leading in many cases to an extended overall survival. However, a
      cure remains elusive in most cases. For this reason, the patient- and tumor
      specific idiotype, that is the collection of epitopes exclusively presented by
      the tumor clone's surface immunoglobulin, has been extensively studied as a
      privileged target for vaccine therapy, aiming at preventing disease re-occurrence
      after standard treatment. BiovaxID((r)) (Biovest International, FL, USA), the
      most clinically advanced among such therapeutic vaccines, finds itself at a
      crucial turning point when it comes to further development. Both clinical trials
      in which it has been formally employed have shown intriguing results. Independent
      studies using slightly different versions of a conceptually identical vaccine
      provided all proofs of principle required to ascertain the vaccine's value -
      biological and clinical efficacy as well as clinical benefit. However, all these
      data have failed to bring an idiotype vaccine to the market owing to reasons that
      often have very little to do with the product itself. In fact, some successful
      studies were not conceived with this goal in mind, while others simply did not
      enroll enough patients to convincingly make their case for regulatory approval.
      It is likely that one or more new clinical trials will have to be successfully
      completed to reach the ultimate goal - that is, to make BiovaxID available to
      most patients and to adequately position it in the very crowded therapeutic
      algorithm of B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 22085169
TI  - Vaccine-preventable diseases and their impact on Latin American children.
AB  - A joint meeting of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases,
      the Dominican Society of Pediatrics and the Dominican Society of Vaccinology was
      held in the Dominican Republic. This report highlights the most relevant issues
      that were presented and discussed about vaccine-preventable diseases, their
      epidemiology and impact in Latin American children, the need to move forward and
      expand national immunization programs and the economical and political obstacles
      to introduce 'new' vaccines. These include those against Streptococcus
      pneumoniae, rotavirus, hepatitis A, varicella, Neisseria meningitidis, Bordetella
      pertussis, influenza and human papillomavirus, among others.

PMID- 22085170
TI  - Do new TB vaccines have a place in the Expanded Program on Immunization?
AB  - Several new TB vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials. Among the most
      promising is a vaccine based upon the modified vaccinia virus Ankara-expressing
      mycobacterial antigen 85A (MVA85A). Given the widespread use of the current TB
      vaccine, BCG, many of the new TB vaccines are being tested for their ability to
      boost BCG-induced immunity. The introduction of a new TB vaccine into routine use
      would be facilitated by its coadministration with other vaccines as a part of the
      WHO's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). In the article under review the
      authors tested the immunogenicity of MVA85A given alone or in combination with
      EPI vaccines to infants in The Gambia. Antigen 85A-specific production of IFN
      gamma by peripheral blood cells was reduced significantly in infants coimmunized
      with EPI vaccines compared with infants who received the MVA85A vaccine alone.
      This study highlights a potentially important issue, which should be addressed
      prior to the introduction of new TB vaccines and, perhaps, other vaccines that
      require the induction of a so-called Type 1 T-cell-mediated immune response.

PMID- 22085171
TI  - Salmonella expressing detoxified lipopolysaccharide is immunogenic and protective
      both as an attenuated vaccine and for delivery of foreign antigens.
AB  - The construction of safe and protective vaccines, derived from human pathogens
      that have been genetically modified to remove pathogenicity, is often easier to
      accomplish on paper than it is in the laboratory. Kong and colleagues have
      pursued a clever strategy to reduce the reactogenicity of attenuated Salmonella
      oral vaccines by genetically modifying the surface lipopolysaccharide to lower
      endotoxic activity. The resulting candidate vaccine strains were highly reduced
      in virulence yet were able to confer protection in a mouse model against
      challenge with virulent Salmonella. Remarkably, these strains could also be
      further modified to present foreign antigens from unrelated human pathogens and
      again confer protection against heterologous challenge. This work brings
      important new tools to bear on solving the problem of creating efficacious
      attenuated bacterial vaccines that maximize both safety and immunogenicity in
      clinical trials.

PMID- 22085172
TI  - Influenza viral neuraminidase: the forgotten antigen.
AB  - Influenza is the most common cause of vaccine-preventable morbidity and mortality
      despite the availability of the conventional trivalent inactivated vaccine and
      the live-attenuated influenza vaccine. These vaccines induce an immunity
      dominated by the response to hemagglutinin (HA) and are most effective when there
      is sufficient antigenic relatedness between the vaccine strain and the HA of the
      circulating wild-type virus. Vaccine strategies against influenza may benefit
      from inclusion of other viral antigens in addition to HA. Epidemiologic evidence
      and studies in animals and humans indicate that anti-neuraminidase (NA) immunity
      will provide protection against severe illness or death in the event of a
      significant antigenic change in the HA component of the vaccine. However, there
      is little NA immunity induced by trivalent inactivated vaccine and live
      attenuated influenza vaccine. The quantity of NA in influenza vaccines is not
      standardized and varies significantly among manufacturers, production lots and
      tested strains. The activity and stability of the NA enzyme is influenced by
      concentration of divalent cations. If immunity against NA is desirable, a better
      understanding of how the enzymatic properties affect the immunogenicity is
      needed.

PMID- 22085173
TI  - European Vaccine Initiative: lessons from developing malaria vaccines.
AB  - For over 10 years, the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI; European Malaria Vaccine
      Initiative until 2009) has contributed to the development of 24 malaria candidate
      vaccine antigens with 13 vaccine candidates being advanced into Phase I clinical
      trials, two of which have been transitioned for further clinical development in
      sub-Saharan Africa. Since its inception the EVI organization has operated as a
      funding agency, but with a clear service-oriented strategy. The scientific
      successes and difficulties encountered during these years and how these efforts
      have led to standardization and harmonization in vaccine development through
      large-scale European consortia are discussed. In the future, the EVI will remain
      instrumental in the pharmaceutical and clinical development of vaccines against
      'diseases of poverty' with a continued focus on malaria. EVI will continue to
      focus on funding and managing preclinical evaluation up to Phase I/II clinical
      trials and strengthening the vaccine-development infrastructure in Europe, albeit
      with a global orientation.

PMID- 22085174
TI  - Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness in the face of global HBV genotype diversity.
AB  - Recombinant hepatitis B vaccines are of the A2 genotype; one of ten known
      genotypes whose distribution varies globally. Reports of rare HBV infections in
      blood donors with an imbalance of non-A2 genotype HBV in vaccinated subjects have
      raised questions about the cross-protection afforded by HBV-A2 vaccines.
      Infections in HBV vaccinees were asymptomatic and transient, indicating that
      vaccination prevented clinical disease. Preclinical data demonstrate cross
      reactivity and cross-protection by A2 vaccines against non-A2 HBV genotypes.
      Substantial improvements in HBV control have been demonstrated in countries with
      diverse genotype distribution that have introduced universal childhood HBV
      vaccination programs. Available data show that current HBV-A2 vaccines are highly
      effective in preventing infections and clinical disease caused by all known HBV
      genotypes.

PMID- 22085175
TI  - Epidemiology and prevention of meningococcal disease: a critical appraisal of
      vaccine policies.
AB  - Meningococcal disease is characterized by a marked variation in incidence and
      serogroup distribution by region and over time. In several European countries,
      Canada and Australia, immunization programs, including universal vaccination of
      infants or toddlers with catch-up campaigns in children and adolescents, aimed at
      controlling disease caused by meningococcal serogroup C have been successful in
      reducing disease incidence through direct and indirect protection. More recently,
      meningococcal conjugate vaccines targeting disease caused by serogroups A, C, W
      135 and Y have been licensed and are being used in adolescent programs in the USA
      and Canada while a mass immunization campaign against serogroup A disease has
      been implemented in Africa. Positive results from clinical trials using vaccines
      against serogroup B disease in various age groups suggest the possibility of
      providing broader protection against serogroup B disease than is provided by the
      currently used outer membrane vesicle vaccines. The purpose of our review of
      meningococcal epidemiology and assessment of existing policies is to set the
      stage for future policy decisions. Vaccination policies to prevent meningococcal
      disease in different regions of the world should be based on quality information
      from enhanced surveillance systems.

PMID- 22085178
TI  - Regiospecific synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted (hetero)aryl fused imidazoles with
      tunable fluorescent emission.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed two or fourfold amination was established that allows
      regiospecific synthesis of a diversity-oriented library of 1,2-disubstituted
      (hetero)aryl fused imidazoles, and provides an exceptional tool for the discovery
      of fluorescent scaffolds with tunable fluorescence emission. These fluorophores
      have been applied as fluorescent probes for live cell imaging.

PMID- 22085176
TI  - The long-term potential of biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
      microparticles as the next-generation vaccine adjuvant.
AB  - Biodegradable polymeric microparticles of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) have
      been extensively evaluated for drug delivery and vaccine applications over the
      last three decades. Despite a wealth of studies on the use of PLG microparticles
      in vaccines through controlled release of antigens, there is no commercial PLG
      based vaccine as yet. The key challenge that prevented the development of PLG
      microparticles as commercial vaccines was the instability of encapsulated
      antigen. Over the years, advancements were made towards maintaining antigen
      integrity during PLG microparticle preparation and sterilization. In parallel and
      independently, development of PLG microparticles as therapeutic commercial
      products established PLG with an excellent safety record in humans, and as a
      suitable candidate for next-generation vaccines. Through the combination of Toll
      like receptor agonist encapsulation and surface adsorption of antigen, PLG
      microparticles can be used as a vaccine adjuvant to address unmet medical needs,
      such as vaccines against HIV, malaria and TB. With strategic development of PLG
      based vaccines, PLG microparticles can offer advantages over the conventional
      vaccine adjuvants allowing commercial development of this adjuvant.

PMID- 22085179
TI  - Glycogen storage and degradation during in vitro growth and differentiation of
      Giardia intestinalis.
AB  - Giardia intestinalis is the causative agent of human giardiasis, a common
      diarrheal illness worldwide. Despite its global distribution and prevalence, many
      questions regarding its basic biology and metabolism remain unanswered. In this
      study, we examine the accumulation and degradation of glycogen, an important
      source of stored carbon and energy, during the in vitro growth and
      differentiation of G. intestinalis . We report that, as G. intestinalis
      progresses through its growth cycle, cultures of trophozoites accumulate glycogen
      during the lag and early logarithmic phases of growth and then utilize this
      compound during their remaining logarithmic growth. As cultures enter the
      stationary phase of growth, they re-accumulate glycogen stores. The activity of
      glycogen phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism, also varied
      throughout in vitro trophozoite growth. During the in vitro induction of
      trophozoite differentiation into water-resistant cyst forms, the cultures
      initially accumulated stores of glycogen which diminished throughout transition
      to the cyst form. This observation is suggestive of a role for glycogen in the
      differentiation process. These studies represent the first thorough analysis of
      changes in glycogen content and glycogen phosphorylase activity during G.
      intestinalis growth and differentiation.

PMID- 22085180
TI  - Exenatide BID Observational Study (ExOS): results for primary and secondary
      endpoints of a prospective research study to evaluate the clinical effectiveness
      of exenatide BID use in patients with type 2 diabetes in a real-world setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Exenatide BID Observational Study (ExOS) was designed to evaluate
      the clinical effectiveness of exenatide BID use in patients with type 2 diabetes
      (T2D) in a real-world clinical practice setting in the United States. METHODS:
      Patients were enrolled from 74 practice sites from 9/2007 through 1/2009 and
      followed for 12 months. The primary effectiveness endpoint was achieving or
      maintaining hemoglobin A1C of <=7.0%, or an absolute drop of 0.5% from baseline.
      Secondary measures included absolute and percentage change from baseline for a
      variety of clinical measures (lipid markers, weight, BMI, etc.), and quality of
      life (QOL) was assessed using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL)
      Lite. RESULTS: A total of 452 patients were included in the primary study
      population. At baseline, patients (60% female) had mean (SD) age of 55 (11), T2D
      duration of 9 (8) years, HbA1c of 8.0 (1.7) %, and body mass index (BMI) of 38.2
      (7.4) kg/m(2). Family history of T2D was reported in 73.9% of patients.
      Hypertension was reported in 61.5% of patients, and 47.1% had hyperlipidemia. The
      HbA1c goal was achieved in 76.3% of the 118 patients with A1C measurements
      available at 12 months (P < 0.0001). Patients with available clinical
      measurements achieved significant improvements in HbA1c, weight, BMI, and QOL
      measurements at 12 months. A mean improvement of 4.56 was seen in the total IWQOL
      Lite score at 12 months (P = 0.001). The single-arm design of this study is a
      limitation; however, the overall objective of the study was to observe patients
      on exenatide BID therapy over time, comparing their status at endpoint to
      baseline, rather than to make comparisons among different drug therapies.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Exenatide BID Observational Study supports the clinical
      effectiveness of exenatide BID observed in previous clinical trials and
      retrospective database studies.

PMID- 22085181
TI  - Crystal structure of the zinc-dependent MarR family transcriptional regulator
      AdcR in the Zn(II)-bound state.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesin competence regulator (AdcR), the first metal
      dependent member of the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) family of
      proteins, represses the transcription of a high-affinity zinc-specific uptake
      transporter, a group of surface antigen zinc-binding pneumococcal histidine triad
      proteins (PhtA, PhtB, PhtD, and PhtE), and an AdcA homologue (AdcAII). The 2.0 A
      resolution structure of Zn(II)-bound AdcR reveals a highly helical two-fold
      symmetric dimer with two distinct metal-binding sites per protomer. Zn(II) is
      tetrahedrally coordinated by E24, H42, H108, and H112 in what defines the primary
      sensing site in AdcR. Site 2 is a tetracoordinate site whose function is
      currently unknown. NMR methyl group perturbation experiments reveal that Zn(II)
      drives a global change in the structure of apo-AdcR that stabilizes a
      conformation that is compatible with DNA binding. This co-repression mechanism is
      unprecedented in MarR transcriptional regulators.

PMID- 22085182
TI  - The power of play.

PMID- 22085183
TI  - Drawing attention to difference: dilemmas in discussing dysmorphism with parents.
AB  - Dysmorphism is a sensitive topic to discuss with parents. Discussing dysmorphism
      requires careful thought, awareness of parent reactions, practice and reflection.
      Clinical practice suggests that barriers exist for both parents and health
      professionals, which make these discussions challenging. Here, we explored the
      challenges inherent in dialogue about dysmorphism and offer suggestions for
      communication strategies that are grounded in both theory and practice.

PMID- 22085184
TI  - Blisters on the scrotum of an infant.

PMID- 22085187
TI  - An unusual complication of endoscopic intestinal biopsy.

PMID- 22085188
TI  - An unusual cause of early respiratory distress in a neonate: infective
      endocarditis.

PMID- 22085189
TI  - Complete heart block complicating Acute Rheumatic Fever.

PMID- 22085190
TI  - Child survival and child development in developing countries.

PMID- 22085191
TI  - Reperfusion syndrome after an endovascular procedure in low birth weight newborn.

PMID- 22085192
TI  - Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene is associated with alcohol dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence (AD) vulnerability is determined by a complex
      array of genetic factors. Given the potential role of endocannabinoid system in
      AD, polymorphisms within cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) have been potentially
      associated with susceptibility to this disease. We thus aimed to examine the
      relationship between 3 allelic variants of CNR1 (rs6454674, rs1049353, and
      rs806368) and AD. METHODS: Genotyping of the aforementioned polymorphisms was
      carried out by PCR in 298 male alcoholics (187 of them with AD) and 155 healthy
      controls. Single-marker, haplotype, and interaction analysis were performed to
      analyze the influence of CNR1 gene on AD susceptibility. RESULTS: We found an
      association between CNR1 gene and AD after haplotype analysis. Alcoholic patients
      with TGT haplotype (corresponding to rs6454674-rs1049353-rs806368 polymorphisms
      in this order) were less prone to have AD (p = 0.017). Besides, alcoholics with a
      G/T substitution of the first marker (GGT haplotype) or a C/T substitution of the
      third marker (TGC haplotype) were more likely to develop AD (p = 0.006 and 0.004,
      respectively) and an interaction was found between the G allele of rs6454674
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the C allele of rs806368 SNP (p =
      0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support previously reported associations of
      CNR1 with dependence to alcohol and other substances and emphasizes the relevance
      of endocannabinoid system in AD.

PMID- 22085193
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms of toll-like receptor-4 protect against acne
      conglobata.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Former studies have shown that Propionibacterium acnes may stimulate
      expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in keratinocytes of patients with acne
      vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of single nucleotide polumorphisms
      (SNPs) of the TLR4 gene in acne vulgaris. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from
      191 patients with acne vulgaris and 75 healthy controls. Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile
      SNPs were defined after cutting of the PCR products by restriction enzymes. Sebum
      of lesions was cultured for P. acnes. RESULTS: No differences in SNP allele
      frequencies were found between patients and healthy controls. 46.5% of carriers
      of wild-type alleles were suffering from acne conglobata compared with 28.6% of
      carriers of SNP alleles (P=0.040). After adjusting for gender, family history of
      acnes, intake of any therapy and skin isolation of P. acnes, carriage of TLR4
      gene SNPs was the only independent variable linked with a protective role against
      acne conglobata (OR=0.269, P=0.014). No differences were found in the amount of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines released by peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      isolated from patients with acne conglobata carrying only wild-type alleles and
      SNP alleles. CONCLUSIONS: Carriage of gene SNPs is protective against the
      development of acne conglobata even in the presence of P. acnes.

PMID- 22085194
TI  - Neurons from senescence-accelerated SAMP8 mice are protected against frailty by
      the sirtuin 1 promoting agents melatonin and resveratrol.
AB  - The senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse strain shows early cognitive
      loss that mimics the deterioration of learning and memory in the elderly and is
      widely used as an animal model of aging. SAMP8 mouse brain suffers oxidative
      stress, as well as tau- and amyloid-related pathology. Mitochondrial dysfunction
      and the subsequent increase in cellular oxidative stress are central to the aging
      processes of the organism. Here, we examined the mitochondrial status of
      neocortical neurons cultured from SAMP8 and senescence-accelerated-resistant
      (SAMR1) mice. SAMP8 mouse mitochondria showed a reduced membrane potential and
      higher vulnerability to inhibitors and uncouplers than SAMR1 mitochondria. DL
      buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO) caused greater oxidative damage in neurons
      from SAMP8 mice than in those from SAMR1 mice. This increased vulnerability,
      indicative of frailty-associated senescence, was protected by the anti-aging
      agents melatonin and resveratrol. The sirtuin 1 inhibitor, sirtinol, demonstrated
      that the neuroprotection against BSO was partially mediated by increased sirtuin
      1 expression. Melatonin, like resveratrol, enhanced sirtuin 1 expression in
      neuron cultures of SAMR1 and SAMP8 mice. Therefore, a deficiency in the
      neuroprotection and longevity of the sirtuin 1 pathway in SAMP8 neurons may
      contribute to the early age-related brain damage in these mice. This supports the
      therapeutic use of sirtuin 1-enhancing agents against age-related nerve cell
      dysfunction and brain frailty.

PMID- 22085199
TI  - Michael addition reactions for the modification of gold nanoparticles facilitated
      by hyperbaric conditions.
AB  - The chemical interfacial modification of organic solvent soluble 2.4 +/- 0.5 nm
      maleimide-modified monolayer protected gold nanoparticles (2-C(12)AuNPs) with
      primary or secondary amines via Michael addition reactions is demonstrated.
      Michael addition reactions between 2-C(12)AuNPs and primary or secondary amines
      at ambient temperature and pressure and under the conditions where the AuNP is
      soluble and stable are possible albeit sluggish, often taking days to weeks to go
      to completion. The rates and efficacies of the these same reactions are
      drastically increased at hyperbaric pressure conditions (11 000 atm) with no
      observed adverse effect to the gold nanoparticle stability. The resulting Michael
      addition adducts (3-C(12)AuNPs) formed from 2-C(12)AuNPs and the corresponding
      amines were characterized by TEM and by comparison of the (1)H NMR spectra of the
      3-C(12)AuNPs with those of model reactions of the same amines with N
      dodecylmaleimide, 2. The Michael addition reactions occur more readily with 2
      rather than 2-C(12)AuNPs, consistent with the local environment of the latter
      imposing additional steric or other barriers to the reaction. The use of
      hyperbaric conditions makes the reaction of the organic solvent soluble 2
      C(12)AuNP via Michael addition a viable interfacial modification process that is
      otherwise impractical. The results also suggest that it is a useful protocol for
      facilitating Michael addition reactions generally in solution at low
      temperatures.

PMID- 22085200
TI  - Electronic and molecular structures of the members of the electron transfer
      series [Cr(tbpy)3]n (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0): an X-ray absorption spectroscopic and
      density functional theoretical study.
AB  - The electron transfer series of complexes [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](n)(PF(6))(n) (n = 3+,
      2+, 1+, 0 (1-4)) has been synthesized and the molecular structures of 1, 2, and 3
      have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography; the structure of 4
      has been investigated using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)
      analysis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (4-300 K) established an S = 3/2
      ground state for 1, an S = 1 ground state for 2, an S = 1/2 ground state for 3,
      and an S = 0 ground state for 4. The electrochemistry of this series in CH(3)CN
      solution exhibits three reversible one-electron transfer waves. UV-vis/NIR
      spectra and Cr K-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) are reported. The same
      experimental techniques have been applied for [Cr(III)(tacn)(2)]Br(3).5H(2)O (5)
      and [Cr(II)(tacn)(2)]Cl(2) (6), which possess an S = 3/2 and an S = 2 ground
      state, respectively (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, a tridentate, pure sigma
      donor ligand). The Cr K-edge XAS spectra of the corresponding complexes
      K(4)[Cr(II)(CN)(6)].10H(2)O (S = 1) (7) and K(3)[Cr(III)(CN)(6)] (S = 3/2) (8)
      have also been recorded. All complexes have been studied computationally with
      density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP functional. The molecular and
      electronic structures of the anionic members of the series [Cr(bpy)(3)](1-,2-,3-)
      have also been calculated. It is unequivocally shown that all members of the
      electron transfer series 1-4 and [Cr(bpy)(3)](n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1-, 2, 3-)
      possess a central Cr(III) ion ((t(2g))(3), S = 3/2). The three N,N'-coordinated
      neutral (bpy(0)) ligands in the trication 1 and [Cr(III)(bpy)(3)](3+) are one
      electron reduced in a stepwise fashion to localized one, two, and three pi
      radical anions (bpy(*))(1-) in the dicationic, monocationic, and neutral species,
      respectively. Complexes 2 and [Cr(bpy)(3)](2+) cannot be described as low-spin
      Cr(II) species; they are in fact best described as
      [Cr(III)((t)bpy(*))((t)bpy(0))(2)](2+) and [Cr(III)(bpy(*))(bpy(0))(2)](2+)
      species. Further one-electron reductions yield one, two, and three diamagnetic
      (bpy(2-))(2-) dianions in the mono-, di-, and trianion. Thus, [Cr(III)(bpy(2
      ))(3)](3-) is a normal Werner-type Cr(III) (!) species. In all complexes
      containing (bpy(*))(1-) ligands, the ligand spins are strongly
      antiferromagnetically coupled to the spins of the central Cr(III) ion (d(3),
      S(Cr) = 3/2) affording the observed ground states given above. Thus, all redox
      chemistry of [Cr(bpy)(3)](n) complexes is ligand-based and documents that the
      ligand 2,2'-bipyridine is a redox noninnocent ligand; it exists in three
      oxidation levels in these complexes: as N,N'-coordinated neutral (bpy(0)),
      monoanionic pi-radical (bpy(*))(1-), and diamagnetic dianionic (bpy(2-))(2-).

PMID- 22085201
TI  - A systematic review of early postpartum medroxyprogesterone receipt and early
      breastfeeding cessation: evaluating the methodological rigor of the evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has numerous maternal and infant benefits. Progesterone
      contraception after birth is frequently recommended, but because a decrease in
      progesterone is required to initiate lactation, early postpartum progesterone
      contraception use could inhibit lactation. The purpose of this article is to
      critically evaluate the scientific basis for conflicting clinical recommendations
      related to postpartum medroxyprogesterone use among breastfeeding women. METHODS:
      Relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified through a comprehensive search
      of PubMed through December 2010. The search was restricted to clinical trials,
      randomized clinical trials, or comparative studies written in English and
      conducted among humans. The studies included in this review addressed the effect
      of medroxyprogesterone administration at <6 weeks postpartum on breastfeeding
      exclusivity and/or duration and measured breastfeeding outcomes at >= 6 weeks
      postpartum. RESULTS: Of the 20 articles identified, only three studies satisfied
      the inclusion criteria. However, all three studies were of low-quality
      methodological rigor, and none accounted for potential confounders. CONCLUSION:
      Current evidence is methodologically weak and provides an inadequate basis for
      inference about a possible causal relationship between early postpartum
      medroxyprogesterone use and poor breastfeeding outcomes. However, given the
      presence of a strong biological model describing the potential deleterious effect
      of postpartum medroxyprogesterone use on lactation, further research that
      improves on current literature is warranted. Meanwhile, we recommend that
      potential breastfeeding risks associated with early (<6 weeks) postpartum
      medroxyprogesterone use be disclosed to allow for a fully informed consent and
      decision-making process.

PMID- 22085203
TI  - The ability of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density to predict an upgrade in
      Gleason score between initial prostate biopsy and prostatectomy diminishes with
      increasing tumour grade due to reduced PSA secretion per unit tumour volume.
AB  - Study Type - Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on
      the subject? and What does the study add? Due to sampling error, the Gleason
      score of clinically localized prostate cancer is frequently underestimated at the
      time of initial biopsy. Given that this may lead to inappropriate surveillance of
      patients with high-risk disease, there is considerable interest in identifying
      predictors of significant undergrading. Recently PSAD has been proposed to be an
      accurate predictor of subsequent upgrading in patients diagnosed with Gleason 6
      disease on biopsy. We examined the predictive characteristics of PSAD in patients
      with low- and intermediate-risk disease on biopsy subsequently treated with
      radical prostatectomy. We found that although PSAD was a significant predictor of
      upgrade of biopsy Gleason 6 and 3 + 4 = 7 tumours, it failed to predict upgrading
      in patients with Gleason 7 tumours taken as a whole. When we explored reasons for
      this discrepancy, we found that the amount of PSA produced per unit tumour volume
      decreased with increasing Gleason score, thereby diminishing the predictive value
      of PSAD. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the performance of PSA density (PSAD) as a
      predictor of Gleason score upgrade in a large cohort stratified by Gleason score.
      We and others have shown that an upgrade in Gleason score between initial
      prostate biopsy and final radical prostatectomy (RP) pathology is a significant
      risk factor for recurrence after local therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients
      undergoing RP with matching biopsy information were identified from two
      prospective databases. Patients were analysed according to the concordance
      between biopsy and final pathology Gleason score in three paired groups: 6/>6, 3
      + 4/>3 + 4, 7/>7. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated
      stratified by Gleason score, and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated.
      Logistic regression models were fitted to identify significant predictors of
      tumour upgrade. RESULTS: From 1516 patients, 435 (29%) had an upgrade in Gleason
      score. ROC analysis showed a decline in AUC with increasing biopsy Gleason score,
      from 0.64 for biopsy Gleason score 6, to 0.57 for Gleason score 7. In logistic
      regression models containing pretreatment variables, e.g. clinical stage and
      number of positive cores, for Gleason score 6 and 3 + 4, PSAD was the strongest
      predictor of subsequent tumour upgrade (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% confidence
      interval [95% CI] 1.18-1.83, P= 0.001 and OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.14-1.67, P= 0.002,
      respectively). Surprisingly, in tumours upgraded from Gleason score 7 to >7, PSAD
      was not predictive even on univariable analysis, whereas clinical stage and
      number of positive cores were significant independent predictors. To explore the
      relationship between serum PSA and Gleason score, tumour volume was calculated in
      669 patients. There was a strong association between Gleason score and tumour
      volume, with the median volume of Gleason score 7 and Gleason score >7 tumours
      being approximately twice and four-times that of Gleason score 6 tumours,
      respectively (P < 0.001). In contrast, the median serum PSA level per millilitre
      tumour volume decreased significantly with increasing grade, from 5.4 ng/mL for
      Gleason score 6 to 2.1 ng/mL for >7 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong
      correlation between Gleason score and tumour volume in well/intermediate
      differentiated tumours, and as they produce relatively high amounts of PSA per
      unit volume of cancer, high PSAD is the strongest single predictor of tumour
      undergrading. However, as higher grade tumours produce less PSA per unit volume,
      PSAD loses its predictive ability, and other clinical markers of tumour volume
      such as palpable disease and numbers of positive cores become more predictive.

PMID- 22085202
TI  - The role of autophagy in unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model.
AB  - AIM: Autophagy is a cellular process of degradation of damaged cytoplasmic
      components and regulates cell death or proliferation. Unilateral ureteral
      obstruction (UUO) is a model of progressive renal fibrosis in the obstructed
      kidney. And UUO is followed by compensatory cellular proliferation in the
      contralateral kidney. We investigate the role of autophagy in the obstructed
      kidney and contralateral kidney after UUO. METHODS: To obtain the evidence and
      the patterns of autophagy during UUO, the rats were sacrificed 3, 7 and 14 days
      after UUO. To examine the efficacy of the autophagy inhibitors, 3-methyladenine
      (3-MA), the rats were treated daily with intraperitoneal injection of 3-MA (30
      mg/kg per day) for 7 days. RESULTS: After UUO, autophagy was induced in the
      obstructed kidney in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA
      enhanced tubular cell apoptosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the obstructed
      kidney after UUO. In the contralateral kidney, autophagy was also induced and
      prolonged during UUO. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA increased the protein
      expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen significantly in the
      contralateral kidney after UUO. The Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      signalling pathway was involved in the induction of autophagy after UUO in both
      kidneys. CONCLUSION: Our present results support that autophagy induced by UUO
      has a renoprotective role in the obstructed kidney and regulatory role of
      compensatory cellular proliferation in the contralateral kidney through Akt-mTOR
      signalling pathway.

PMID- 22085204
TI  - Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into dental mesenchymal cells.
AB  - Similar to embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can
      differentiate into various cell types upon appropriate induction, and thus, may
      be valuable cell sources for regenerative medicine. However, iPS cells have not
      been reported to differentiate into odontogenic cells for tooth regeneration.
      Here we demonstrated that neural crest-like cells (NCLC) derived from mouse iPS
      cells have the potential to differentiate into odontogenic mesenchymal cells. We
      developed an efficient culture protocol to induce the differentiation of mouse
      iPS cells into NCLC. We confirmed that the cells exhibited neural crest (NC) cell
      markers as evidenced by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and real-time
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Further, in recombination
      cultures of NCLC and mouse dental epithelium, NCLC exhibited a gene expression
      pattern involving dental mesenchymal cells. Some NCLC also expressed dentin
      sialoprotein. Conditioned medium of mouse dental epithelium cultures further
      enhanced the differentiation of NCLC into odontoblasts. These results suggest
      that iPS cells are useful cell sources for tooth regeneration and tooth
      development studies.

PMID- 22085206
TI  - Enhancing nursing knowledge using high-fidelity simulation.
AB  - The use of high-fidelity simulation as an accepted substitute for traditional
      clinical learning experiences in nursing education has gained acceptance over the
      past decade, as evidenced by the California Board of Registered Nursing now
      allowing up to 25% of student clinical learning to occur in simulation
      laboratories. However, little research evidence has documented the efficacy of
      these simulated learning experiences, particularly on objective outcomes such as
      examination performance. Therefore, this study examined the effects of high
      fidelity simulation participation on knowledge acquisition in 104 undergraduate
      nursing students. Students who participated in high-fidelity simulation scenarios
      scored significantly higher on examinations than students who did not. These
      findings provide beginning evidence that high-fidelity simulation can be an
      effective substitute for traditional clinical experience. More importantly, the
      findings may help boards of nursing more effectively regulate the use of high
      fidelity simulation in the future.

PMID- 22085207
TI  - Effects of communication training on real practice performance: a role-play
      module versus a standardized patient module.
AB  - This study investigated the effectiveness of modules involving standardized
      patients and role-plays on training communication skills. The first module
      involved standardized patients and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination
      (OSCE); the second module consisted of peer role-plays and a written examination.
      A randomized posttest-only control group design with first-year nursing students
      was used. The intervention group received one-to-one communication training with
      direct oral feedback from the standardized patient. The control group had
      training with peer role-playing and mutual feedback. The posttest involved
      students' rating their self-efficacy, and real patients and clinical supervisors
      evaluated their communication skills. No significant differences were found
      between self-efficacy and patient ratings. However, the clinical supervisors
      rated the intervention group's communication skills to be significantly (p <
      0.0001) superior. Assessments by clinical supervisors indicate that communication
      training modules including standardized patients and an OSCE are superior to
      communication training modules with peer role-playing.

PMID- 22085208
TI  - The critical difference assignment: an innovative instructional method.
AB  - Nurse educators are faced with the challenge of developing and evaluating
      learning methods that promote knowledge acquisition, problem solving, and the
      development of clinical judgment to meet today's expectations of new graduates.
      Clinical judgment is at the heart of decision making and drives nursing action.
      It encompasses perceptions and intellectual processing of information through
      mental operations of reasoning, resulting in appropriate actions. An
      instructional method, entitled the Critical Difference Assignment, aimed at
      developing clinical judgment has been developed and piloted at a southwestern
      university. This instructional method requires students in small groups to engage
      in intellectual processing of case study information using mental operations of
      reasoning to discriminate between two case studies through a process of comparing
      and contrasting the data.

PMID- 22085209
TI  - Developing nontraditional community health placements.
AB  - Building capacity for student clinical experiences has become a key concern for
      nurse educators in the 21st century. For community health faculty, traditional
      placements at public health departments or other health-affiliated organizations
      often do not provide adequate numbers or types of placement opportunities.
      Wishing to expand experiences for its undergraduate program, faculty at a
      midwestern university have developed and nurtured long-standing collaborative
      relationships with organizations not typically used by schools of nursing. Such
      partnerships are often called "nontraditional," with the understanding that they
      are not affiliated with the typical health sector organizations. This article
      introduces two of these partnerships, describes the process used to establish and
      maintain them, and identifies the outcomes achieved by students, clients, and
      organizations.

PMID- 22085210
TI  - Knowing nursing through inquiry: engaging students in knowledge creation.
AB  - Two nurse educators share a nursing knowledge course, which was created as a
      forum for questioning and discovery, thereby revealing a process of knowing
      nursing through inquiry. The process of inquiry in nursing praxis is emphasized,
      facilitating students' understanding that they are knowledge-users and creators.
      With students, we explore the construction of praxis, which includes
      being/becoming (ontology), knowing (epistemology), and doing (actions with
      consequences). Nursing knowledge is understood to arise from philosophy, world
      views, nursing theories, patterns of knowing, evidence-based research, and
      standards of practice. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on and use
      what is congruent with their praxis and to construct new knowledge. Exemplars
      from nurse educators and students are presented as evidence of our claim for
      furthering the science of nursing education.

PMID- 22085211
TI  - A prebaccalaureate PhD option: shaping the future of research-focused doctoral
      education.
AB  - The future of PhD education in nursing is at a crossroads. Our current practice
      of primarily enrolling post-master's students with years of clinical experience
      is not producing an adequate number of graduates who are able to make significant
      and sustained contributions to nursing research. Therefore, it is timely to
      consider educational innovations that encourage a different population of
      students to consider doctoral research training. A prebaccalaureate or early
      entry option to the PhD in nursing is a means toward this end. At the University
      of Wisconsin-Madison, a select group of prenursing students and students
      beginning the nursing major are offered an early admission to PhD education. A
      key component of the Early Entry PhD Option is immediate and intensive research
      training with an established nurse faculty researcher. In this article, the
      authors describe the curriculum of a prebaccalaureate, research-focused doctoral
      option and its early results.

PMID- 22085212
TI  - Insight into potential Cu(II)-binding motifs in the four pseudorepeats of tau
      protein.
AB  - Tau protein and Cu(II) are believed to be associated with the pathogenesis of
      Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known about atomic-level interactions
      between tau protein and Cu(II). Herein, we suggest, on the basis of electron spin
      resonance (ESR) data, that the four pseudorepeats of tau protein in the
      microtubule-binding region play an important role in Cu(II) binding. We use a
      number of tau protein fragments in order to examine Cu(II)-binding site(s) and
      binding affinities. Continuous-wave (CW) ESR experiments on the four highly
      conserved octadecapeptides, each of which is a segment of one of the four
      pseudorepeats, reveal that the equimolar Cu(II) complexes of the four
      octadecapeptides are similar to one another in terms of the coordination
      environment and binding affinity. The spectra obtained with pulsed ESR techniques
      such as electron spin-echo envelope modulation and hyperfine sublevel correlation
      provide direct evidence that a histidine residue and a backbone amide group
      coordinate to Cu(II) in each Cu(II)-octadecapeptide complex. The results of CW
      and pulsed ESR experiments on some chemically modified peptides indicate that the
      cysteine residues in the second and third pseudorepeats are unlikely to be
      involved in Cu(II) binding. On the other hand, similar experiments on tau
      fragments of the second pseudorepeat with different lengths lead to the
      conclusion that the affinity for Cu(II) decreases as the octadecapeptide is
      either truncated or elongated. The high Cu(II)-binding affinity of the
      octadecapeptide is presumably due to the N-terminal amino group stabilizing the
      Cu(II)-octadecapeptide complex. Finally, the ESR data for a longer tau fragment
      that contains two octadecapeptides suggest that the Cu(II) binding site(s) of
      even longer fragments of tau protein is similar to that of a single
      octadecapeptide.

PMID- 22085213
TI  - Structural origin and laser performance of thulium-doped germanate glasses.
AB  - The structural origin and laser performance of thulium-doped germanate glasses
      have been studied. The investigation includes two main sections. The first part
      discusses the Raman spectroscopic and thermal stability of the host glass
      structure. The low value of the largest phonon energy (850 cm(-1)) reduces the
      probability of nonradiative relaxation. The large emission cross section of the
      Tm(3+) : (3)F(4) level (8.69 * 10(-21) cm(2)), the high quantum efficiency of the
      (3)F(4) level (71%), and the low nonradiative relaxation rate of the (3)F(4) ->
      (3)H(6) transition (0.09 ms(-1)) illustrate good optical properties of the
      germanate glass. In the second part, the room-temperature laser action from the
      thulium-doped germanate glass is demonstrated when pumped by a 790 nm laser
      diode. The maximum output power of 346 mW and slope efficiency of 25.6% are
      achieved.

PMID- 22085214
TI  - Modular synthesis of functionalized bis-bispidine tetraazamacrocycles.
AB  - An effective synthesis is reported for the construction of highly rigid and
      preorganized bis-bispidine tetraazamacrocycles bearing either identical or
      different functionalities. Using essential building blocks derived from N-Boc-N'
      allylbispidinone, the modular approach facilitates independent incorporation of
      the functional groups to the macrocyclic framework as well as selective
      derivatization of one functionality in the presence of another.

PMID- 22085216
TI  - Silylium-arene adducts: an experimental and theoretical study.
AB  - The solvent-coordinated [Me(3)Si.arene][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] salts (arene = benzene,
      toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p
      xylene, 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)
      are prepared and fully characterized. As an interesting decomposition product the
      formation of bissilylated fluoronium ion [Me(3)Si-F-SiMe(3)](+) was observed and
      even cocrystallized with [Me(3)Si.arene][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (arene = benzene and
      toluene). Investigation of the degradation of [Me(3)Si.arene][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]
      reveals the formation of fluoronium salt [Me(3)Si-F-SiMe(3)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)],
      B(C(6)F(5))(3), and a reactive "C(6)F(4)" species which could be trapped with
      CS(2). Upon addition of CS(2), the formation of a formal S-heterocyclic carbene
      adduct, C(6)F(4)CS(2)-B(C(6)F(5))(3), was observed. The structure and bonding of
      substituted [Me(3)Si.arene][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] with arene = R(n)C(6)H(6-n) (R = H,
      Me, Et, Pr, and Bu; n = 0-6) is discussed on the basis of experimental and
      theoretical data. X-ray data of [Me(3)Si.arene][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] salts reveal
      nonplanar arene species with significant cation...anion interactions. As shown by
      different theoretical approaches (charge transfer, partial charges,
      trimethylsilyl affinity values) stabilizing inductive effects occur; however, the
      magnitude of such effects differs depending on the degree of substitution and the
      substitution pattern.

PMID- 22085215
TI  - Social and psychological determinants of levels of engagement with an online
      breast cancer support group: posters, lurkers, and nonusers.
AB  - Despite the benefits and growing availability of online cancer support groups,
      many breast cancer patients still do not actively participate in them. To better
      understand cancer patients' online information- and support-seeking behaviors,
      this study explores how various social and psychological characteristics predict
      different levels of engagement with an online breast cancer support group:
      posters, lurkers, and nonusers. The study sample included 231 recently diagnosed
      breast cancer patients. Data included baseline survey scores of demographic,
      disease-related, and psychosocial factors and automatically collected discussion
      group use data over the 4-month intervention. Patterns of engagement with the
      cancer support group differed according to the patients' characteristics,
      suggesting that (a) cancer patients have very different orientations to and
      engagement with an online support group, and (b) deficits in social and
      psychological resources may not be barriers to participation in a cancer support
      group, but rather motivators to interact with other patients. The authors discuss
      the theoretical and practical implications of their findings.

PMID- 22085217
TI  - Absolute interdialytic weight gain is more important than percent weight gain for
      intradialytic hypotension in heavy patients.
AB  - AIM: Few published reports have mentioned the difference between absolute
      interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and IDWG/DW (IDWG%), and subsequent effects on
      daily dialysis. The aim of present study was to evaluate the difference between
      absolute IDWG and IDWG% in new haemodialysis patients. METHOD: We retrospectively
      reviewed the records of 255 patients who recently received conventional
      haemodialysis for at least 1 year at the same centre from 1997 to 2008. The first
      4 weeks after starting haemodialysis was defined as the pre-study period. Data
      were collected for 5-56 weeks. RESULTS: IDWG% value remained relatively constant
      in the first year of haemodialysis despite most patients having certain residual
      renal function. For haemodialysis outcomes, both absolute IDWG and IDWG% were
      significantly correlated with intradialytic hypotension (IDH) in men and heavy
      women. After dividing patients into four strata, which according to the gender
      and the median dry weight, stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis
      showed that absolute IDWG, rather than IDWG%, was an independent risk factor for
      IDH in heavy men (Beta = 0.585, P < 0.001) and heavy women (Beta= 0.458, P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Absolute IDWG, rather than IDWG%, is an independent risk
      factor for IDH in heavy haemodialysis patients. Therefore, higher absolute IDWG
      needs to be strictly controlled despite the corresponding IDWG% possibly being
      relatively small in heavy haemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22085218
TI  - Prevalence of Bacillus cereus and associated risk factors in Chinese-style fried
      rice available in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
AB  - The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of Bacillus cereus and its
      associated risk factors in Chinese-style fried rice available in Colombo city. In
      200 samples of fried rice the prevalence of B. cereus was 56%. The prevalence by
      variety of fried rice was chicken (20.0%), vegetable (18.0%), seafood (10.0%),
      egg (5.0%), mixed (2.0%), and beef (1.0%). Of analyzed samples, 28 (14%) had
      colony counts >10(6) colony forming units per gram (cfu/g), the infectious dose
      for B. cereus food borne outbreaks. Occurrence of >10(6) cfu/g of B. cereus were
      associated with storage of boiled rice at room temperature (p=0.030), >4 hours of
      storage at room temperature (p=0.042) and cooking frequency of more than once per
      dining session (p=0.017). The type of rice and the quantity boiled per day were
      not independent risk factors for high B. cereus counts. Majority of B. cereus
      isolates (53.7%) in this study were not typable. The serotypes observed included
      H15 (14.3%), H19 (14.3%), and H20 (10.7%). These serotypes are known to be
      associated with both emetic and diarrheal syndromes. All isolates were sensitive
      to ciprofloxacin (100%), erythromycin (100%), gentamicin (100%), chloramphenicol
      (100%), and amikacin (100%) whereas 100% resistance was observed for penicillin
      with minimal inhibitory concentration range of 32-256 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22085220
TI  - Tournefortia sarmentosa extract attenuates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.
AB  - CONTEXT: Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. (Boraginaceae), a Chinese herbal medicine,
      is commonly used as a detoxicant or anti-inflammatory agent. OBJECTIVE: As
      acetaminophen (APAP) is a well-known hepatotoxin, we investigated the effect of
      the aqueous extract of the T. sarmentosa on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo
      and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Levels of liver function markers serum
      glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase
      (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), inflammatory markers tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1b, and IL-6 in serum, and antioxidant
      enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase
      (GPx), as well as lipid peroxidation were determined. RESULTS: T. sarmentosa
      significantly reduced the elevated liver function (SGOT, SGPT, and ALP, p < 0.01)
      and inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6, p < 0.01) in serum of
      APAP-intoxicated rats. Malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme
      levels (CAT, SOD, and GPx, p < 0.05) were also reduced in APAP-intoxicated rats
      treated with T. sarmentosa. Incubation of rat hepatocyte cell line clone-9 cells
      with APAP reduced cell viability and increased the extent of lipid peroxidation.
      APAP stimulation also reduced the level of glutathione (GSH) and caused reduction
      in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, CAT, SOD, and GPx. Pretreatment of
      hepatocytes with T. sarmentosa aqueous extract before and during APAP stimulation
      attenuated the extent of lipid peroxidation, increased cell viability and GSH
      level, and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the aqueous extract of T. sarmentosa can
      prevent APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 22085219
TI  - rROP2(186-533): a novel peptide antigen for detection of IgM antibodies against
      Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii infections are prevalent in a wide range of mammalian hosts
      including humans. Infection in pregnant women may cause the transmission of
      parasite to the fetus that makes serious problems. IgM antibodies against
      Toxoplasma (Toxo-IgM) have been believed to be significant indicators for both
      recently acquired and congenital toxoplasmosis. So far, however, there has not
      been any recognized protein of T. gondii that specifically reacts to IgM
      antibodies. Here, an antigen exclusively for detection of IgM antibodies screened
      by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry has been reported. The
      study identified 13 Toxoplasma proteins probed by IgG antibodies and one (rhpotry
      protein 2 [ROP2]) by IgM antibodies with human sera of Toxo-IgM(-)-IgG(+) and 
      IgM(+)-IgG(-), respectively, which had been prescreened by Toxo-IgM and -IgG
      commercial kits from the suspected cases. Following cloning, expression, and
      purification of the fragment of ROP2(186-533), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay with rROP2(186-533) to measure IgM and IgG antibodies was developed. As a
      result, 100%(48/48) of sera with Toxo-IgM(+)-IgG(-)showed positive Toxo-IgM but
      none of them (0%) showed positive Toxo-IgG when rROP2(186-533) was used as
      antigen. Neither Toxo-IgG nor Toxo-IgM antibodies were found when tested with 59
      sera of Toxo-IgM(-)-IgG(+). These results indicate that rROP2(186-533) could be
      used as an antigen that specifically capture Toxo-IgM antibodies and may have a
      high potential in the serological diagnosis of both acute acquired and congenital
      toxoplasmosis.

PMID- 22085221
TI  - General and cancer mortality in a large cohort of Italian alcoholics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The consumption of alcohol is an underappreciated risk factor for a
      wide range of conditions. Overall, it is associated with high mortality rates and
      causes approximately 4% of all deaths worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the
      general and cancer mortality in a cohort of subjects with alcohol addiction
      residing in Tuscany (Central Italy). METHODS: Overall, 2,272 alcoholics (1,467
      men and 805 women; mean age at first examination 43.8 years +/- 13.0), treated at
      the Alcohol Centre of Florence in the period April 1985 to September 2001, were
      followed until the end of the study period (median follow-up: 9.6 years). A total
      of 21,855 person-years were available for analyses. Expected deaths were
      estimated by using age, sex, and calendar-specific regional mortality rates.
      Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were
      calculated. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty-six of the 2,272 patients (28.0%)
      died, yielding an SMR of 5.0 (95% CI: 4.6 to 5.4). The alcoholics had
      significantly elevated mortality risk from all malignant cancers (SMR = 3.8, 95%
      CI: 3.3 to 4.4) and a series of specific diseases (infections: SMR = 10.1, 95%
      CI: 4.8 to 21.1; diabetes: SMR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.9 to 6.7; immunological system,
      including AIDS: SMR = 8.1, 95% CI: 4.1 to 16.2; nervous system: SMR = 3.5, 95%
      CI: 1.9 to 6.4; cardiovascular system: SMR = 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0 to 2.9; respiratory
      system: SMR = 5.8, 95% CI: 4.2 to 8.0; digestive system: SMR = 26.4, 95% CI: 22.6
      to 30.8, including liver cirrhosis (SMR = 40.0, 95% CI: 33.9 to 47.1); violent
      causes: SMR = 6.6, 95% CI: 5.0 to 8.6). Among malignant cancers, the highest SMRs
      were found for cancers of the pharynx (SMR = 22.8, 95% CI: 9.5 to 54.8), oral
      cavity (SMR = 22.2, 95% CI: 13.2 to 37.6), liver (SMR = 13.5, 95% CI: 9.2 to
      19.8), and larynx (SMR = 10.7, 95% CI: 5.8 to 19.9). Although women showed higher
      SMR in comparison with the general population of the area, their overall survival
      estimates during the follow-up were higher than those for male alcoholics.
      CONCLUSIONS: This large series of Italian alcoholics showed a significant
      increase in total and cancer mortality in comparison with the general population,
      with female alcoholics reporting higher survival rates.

PMID- 22085222
TI  - Impact of the 2009/2010 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic on trends in influenza
      hospitalization, diagnostic testing, and treatment.
AB  - Analysis of a US hospitalization database demonstrated that more influenza
      patients were hospitalized and the age distribution of hospitalizations was
      younger during the 2009 (H1N1) influenza A pandemic compared with the three
      previous influenza seasons. The duration of hospital stay remained stable in all
      four seasons. A higher proportion of patients was treated with antivirals (P <
      0.0001), comprised almost entirely of neuraminidase inhibitors, and the
      proportion was highest in those with influenza confirmed by diagnostic testing (P
      < 0.0001). Approximately one-third remained untreated. Young children had the
      lowest rate of neuraminidase-inhibitor treatment during the 2009 pandemic (P <
      0.05).

PMID- 22085223
TI  - The effect of an atomically deposited layer of alumina on NiO in P-type dye
      sensitized solar cells.
AB  - We present a systematic investigation of the fundamental effects of an atomically
      deposited alumina (AlO(x)H(y)) onto the NiO films in p-type dye-sensitized solar
      cells (p-DSCs). With P1 as the sensitizing dye and 0.1 M I(2) and 1.0 M LiI in 3
      methoxypropionitrile as the electrolyte, one atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycle
      of alumina was used to achieve a 74% increase in the overall conversion
      efficiency of a NiO-based DSC. The open circuit voltage of the cells increased
      from 0.11 to 0.15 V, and the short circuit current density increased from 0.83 to
      0.95 mA/cm(2). Adsorption isotherm studies were performed to show that the amount
      of dye adsorbed on the NiO-alumina film is slightly lower than the amount
      adsorbed on the nontreated NiO film. The increased J(sc) was therefore assigned
      to the increased efficiency of carrier collection at the semiconductor-FTO
      interface. Our study of the photocurrent onset potentials of NiO and NiO-alumina
      films with the chopped light measurement technique showed no definitive
      difference in the onset potential values. However, the DSCs based on NiO-alumina
      showed a higher recombination resistance value from the electrochemical impedance
      studies and a higher diode ideality factor from the V(oc) versus ln(light
      intensity) plots as compared to the DSCs based on untreated NiO. It has thus been
      established that the increase in V(oc) upon alumina treatment arises due to a
      higher resistance for electron-hole recombination across NiO surface locally.

PMID- 22085224
TI  - Enhancement of the luminescent properties of a new red-emitting phosphor,
      Mn2(HPO3)F2, by Zn substitution.
AB  - The Mn(2)(HPO(3))F(2) phase has been synthesized as single crystals by using mild
      hydrothermal conditions. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pnma space
      group, with unit cell parameters of a = 7.5607(8), b = 10.2342(7), and c =
      5.5156(4) A, with Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional
      framework formed by alternating (010) layers of [MnO(3)F(3)] octahedra linked up
      by three connected [HPO(3)] tetrahedra. Luminescence measurements were performed
      at different temperatures between 10 and 150 K. The 10 K emission spectrum of the
      octahedrally coordinated Mn(II) cation exhibits a broad band centered at around
      615 nm corresponding to the (4)T(1) -> (6)A(1) transition. In order to explore
      the effect of the Mn(II) concentration and the possibility of enhancing the
      luminescence properties of the Mn(II) cation in Mn(2)(HPO(3))F(2), different
      intermediate composition members of the finite solid solution with the general
      formula (Mn(x)Zn(1-x))(2)(HPO(3))F(2) were prepared and their luminescent
      properties studied. The magnetic and specific heat behavior of M(2)(HPO(3))F(2)
      (M = Mn, Fe) have also been investigated. The compounds exhibit a global
      antiferromagnetic ordering with a spin canting phenomenon detected at
      approximately 30 K. The specific heat measurements show sharp lambda-type peaks
      at 29.7 and 33.5 K for manganese and iron compounds, respectively. The total
      magnetic entropy is consistent with spin S = 5/2 and S = 2 of Mn(II) and Fe(II)
      cations.

PMID- 22085226
TI  - Stereoselective vinylation of aryl N-(2-pyridylsulfonyl) aldimines with 1-alkenyl
      1,1-heterobimetallic reagents.
AB  - Vinylation of aryl N-(2-pyridylsulfonyl) aldimines with versatile 1-alkenyl-1,1
      borozinc heterobimetallic reagents is disclosed. In situ hydroboration of air
      stable B(pin)-alkynes followed by chemoselective transmetalation with
      dimethylzinc and addition to aldimines provides B(pin)-substituted allylic amines
      in 53-93% yield in a one-pot procedure. The addition step can be followed by
      either B-C bond oxidation to provide alpha-amino ketones (71-98% yield) or Suzuki
      cross-coupling to furnish trisubstituted 2-arylated (E)-allylic amines (51-73%
      yield).

PMID- 22085227
TI  - Tadalafil once daily and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of
      patients with Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction: results from a
      prospective randomized trial.
AB  - Extracorporeal shock wave therapy improves erectile function in patients with
      Peyronie's disease. However, erectile dysfunction still persists in many cases.
      We aimed to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus
      tadalafil 5 mg once daily in the management of patients with Peyronie's disease
      and erectile dysfunction not previously treated. One hundred patients were
      enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Patients were randomly
      allocated to receive either extracorporeal shock wave therapy alone for 4 weeks
      (n = 50) or extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus tadalafil 5 mg once daily for
      4 weeks (n = 50). Main outcome measures were: erectile function (evaluated
      through the shortened version of the International Index of Erectile Function),
      pain during erection (evaluated through a Visual Analog Scale), plaque size,
      penile curvature and quality of life (evaluated through an internal
      questionnaire). Follow-up evaluations were performed after 12 and 24 weeks. In
      both groups, at 12 weeks follow-up, mean Visual Analog Scale score, mean
      International Index of Erectile Function score and mean quality of life score
      ameliorated significantly while mean plaque size and mean curvature degree were
      unchanged. Intergroup analysis revealed a significantly higher mean International
      Index of Erectile Function score and quality of life score in patients receiving
      the combination. After 24 weeks, intergroup analysis revealed a significantly
      higher mean International Index of Erectile Function score and mean quality of
      life score in patients that received extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus
      tadalafil. In conclusion extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus tadalafil 5 mg
      once daily may represent a valid conservative strategy for the management of
      patients with Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction.

PMID- 22085229
TI  - Strong molecular traffic control effect in TNU-9 zeolite channel topology.
AB  - Reactivity enhancement in a catalytic zeolite grain through molecular traffic
      control (MTC) rests on the basic notion that the reactant and product molecules
      prefer to diffuse along different channels inside the grain and therefore do not
      mutually hinder their transport in and out of the grain. We investigate the
      conditions of reactivity enhancement in the presence of MTC for a realistic
      channel topology that describes the pore structure of a TNU-9 zeolite. We compare
      the output current of an MTC system with a reference system, which does not show
      any channel selectivity. For a wide range of reaction rates and for different
      grain sizes, we find that there is a very significant enhancement of reactivity
      for the MTC system. This effect remains strong as the grain size increases. The
      mechanism behind reactivity enhancement is argued to be generic rather than being
      confined to the particular structure of TNU-9.

PMID- 22085228
TI  - Brief review of models of ectopic bone formation.
AB  - Ectopic bone formation is a unique biologic entity--distinct from other areas of
      skeletal biology. Animal research models of ectopic bone formation most often
      employ rodent models and have unique advantages over orthotopic (bone)
      environments, including a relative lack of bone cytokine stimulation and cell-to
      cell interaction with endogenous (host) bone-forming cells. This allows for
      relatively controlled in vivo experimental bone formation. A wide variety of
      ectopic locations have been used for experimentation, including subcutaneous,
      intramuscular, and kidney capsule transplantation. The method, benefits and
      detractions of each method are summarized in the following review. Briefly,
      subcutaneous implantation is the simplest method. However, the most pertinent
      concern is the relative paucity of bone formation in comparison to other models.
      Intramuscular implantation is also widely used and relatively simple, however
      intramuscular implants are exposed to skeletal muscle satellite progenitor cells.
      Thus, distinguishing host from donor osteogenesis becomes challenging without
      cell-tracking studies. The kidney capsule (perirenal or renal capsule) method is
      less widely used and more technically challenging. It allows for supraphysiologic
      blood and nutrient resource, promoting robust bone growth. In summary, ectopic
      bone models are extremely useful in the evaluation of bone-forming stem cells,
      new osteoinductive biomaterials, and growth factors; an appropriate choice of
      model, however, will greatly increase experimental success.

PMID- 22085232
TI  - When movies matter: exposure to smoking in movies and changes in smoking
      behavior.
AB  - The authors investigated the association between exposure to smoking in movies
      and the initiation and progression of adolescent smoking over time among 6,522
      U.S. adolescents (between the ages of 10 and 14 years, at baseline) in a
      nationally representative, 4-wave random-digit-dial telephone survey. They
      conducted a hazard (survival) analysis testing whether exposure to movie smoking
      and demographic, personality, social, and structural factors predict (a) earlier
      smoking onset and (b) faster transition to experimental (1-99
      cigarettes/lifetime) and established smoking (>100 cigarettes/lifetime). Results
      suggest that higher exposure to movie smoking is associated with less time to
      trying cigarettes for the first time (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.66; 95% CI [1.37,
      2.01]) but not with faster escalation of smoking behavior following initiation
      (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.53; 95% CI [0.84, 2.79]). In contrast, age, peer
      smoking, parenting style, and availability of cigarettes in the home were
      predictors of earlier onset and faster transition to established smoking. Thus,
      the authors concluded that the effect of exposure to mass-mediated images of
      smoking in movies may decline once adolescents have started to smoke, whereas
      peers and access to tobacco remain influential.

PMID- 22085230
TI  - Systemic responses of preterm newborns with presumed or documented bacteraemia.
AB  - AIM: To compare the frequency of elevated concentrations of inflammation-related
      proteins in the blood of infants born before the 28th week of gestation who had
      documented bacteraemia and those who had presumed (antibiotic-treated but culture
      negative) bacteraemia to those who had neither. METHODS: The subjects of this
      study are the 868 infants born at 14 institutions for whom information about
      protein measurements on at least two of the three protocol days (days 1, 7, and
      14) was available and who did not have Bell stage 3 necrotizing enterocolitis or
      isolated bowel perforation, which were strongly associated with bacteraemia in
      this sample. RESULTS: Newborns with presumed early (week 1) bacteraemia had
      elevated concentrations of only a few inflammation-related proteins, while those
      who had presumed late (weeks 2-4) bacteraemia did not have any elevations. In
      contrast, newborns who had documented early bacteraemia had a moderately strong
      signal, while those who had documented late bacteraemia had a stronger signal
      with more protein concentrations elevated on two separate occasions a week apart.
      CONCLUSIONS: Culture-confirmed early and late bacteraemia are
      accompanied/followed by systemic inflammatory responses not seen with presumed
      early and late bacteraemia.

PMID- 22085233
TI  - Cardiovascular comorbidity and treatment regret in men with recurrent prostate
      cancer.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series). Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Treatment regret can have an adverse impact
      on a patient's overall outlook and has been associated with a poorer global
      quality of life. Understanding predictors of regret can help clinicians better
      counsel patients about their treatments so that later regret can be avoided. In
      previous studies, regret has been associated with lesser educational attainment,
      non-White race, greater post-treatment declines in sexual function and systemic
      symptoms. The present study found that, among men with recurrent prostate cancer,
      those with cardiovascular comorbidity were >50% more likely to regret their
      treatment choice than men without cardiovascular comorbidity. This study
      highlights the growing importance of considering comorbidity when counselling
      patients about prostate cancer treatment options, and provides a rationale for
      men with cardiovascular comorbidity to give additional consideration to active
      surveillance for their newly diagnosed prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: * To determine
      whether cardiovascular comorbidity is associated with increased treatment regret
      among men with recurrent prostate cancer. METHODS: * The study cohort comprised
      795 men in the Comprehensive, Observational, Multicenter, Prostate Adenocarcinoma
      (COMPARE) registry who experienced biochemical recurrence at a median
      (interquartile range) of 5.5 (2.8-9.1) years after prostatectomy (n= 410),
      external beam radiation therapy (n= 237), brachytherapy (n= 124) or primary
      androgen deprivation therapy (n= 24). * Multivariable logistic regression
      analysis was used to determine whether cardiovascular comorbidity was associated
      with treatment regret. * Cardiovascular comorbidity, which included myocardial
      infarction, congestive heart failure, angina, diabetes, stroke or circulation
      problems, was defined using a validated two-question screening process after
      adjusting for sociodemographic and treatment factors and post-treatment bladder
      and bowel toxicity. RESULTS: * Of 795 men, 14.8% reported regret. * Men with
      cardiovascular comorbidity were more likely to experience post-therapy bowel
      toxicity (P= 0.022). * In the adjusted multivariable model, the factors
      associated with increased treatment regret were: cardiovascular comorbidity
      (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 1.52 [95% CI:1.00-2.31], P= 0.048); younger age (AOR:
      0.97 [95% CI 0.94-0.99] per year increase in age, P= 0.019); and bowel toxicity
      after treatment (AOR 1.58 [95% CI 1.03-2.43], P= 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: * Among men
      with recurrent prostate cancer, those with cardiovascular comorbidity were >50%
      more likely to experience treatment regret than men without cardiovascular
      comorbidity. * These data provide a rationale for men with cardiovascular
      comorbidity to give additional consideration to active surveillance for their
      newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

PMID- 22085235
TI  - A highly C70 selective shape-persistent rectangular prism constructed through one
      step alkyne metathesis.
AB  - Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) provides an intriguing and highly efficient
      approach for building molecules that are usually thermodynamically favored.
      However, the DCC methods that are efficient enough to construct large, complex
      molecules, particularly those with three-dimensional (3-D) architectures, are
      still very limited. Here, for the first time, we have successfully utilized
      alkyne metathesis, a highly efficient DCC approach, to construct the novel 3-D
      rectangular prismatic molecular cage COP-5 in one step from a readily accessible
      porphyrin-based precursor. COP-5 consists of rigid, aromatic porphyrin and
      carbazole moieties as well as linear ethynylene linkers, rendering its shape
      persistent nature. Interestingly, COP-5 serves as an excellent receptor for
      fullerenes. It forms 1:1 complexes with C(60) and C(70) with association
      constants of 1.4 * 10(5) M(-1) (C(60)) and 1.5 * 10(8) M(-1) (C(70)) in toluene.
      This represents one of the highest binding affinities reported so far for purely
      organic fullerene receptors. COP-5 shows an unprecedented high selectivity in
      binding C(70) over C(60) (K(C70)/K(C60) > 1000). Moreover, the binding between
      the cage and fullerene is fully reversible under the acid-base stimuli, thus
      allowing successful separation of C(70) from a C(60)-enriched fullerene mixture
      (C(60)/C(70), 10/1 mol/mol) through the "selective complexation-decomplexation"
      strategy.

PMID- 22085236
TI  - Alternative regimens for endometrial protection ? Where are we now?

PMID- 22085237
TI  - Physical function in overweight postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22085241
TI  - Computational haemodynamics in two idealised cerebral wide-necked aneurysms after
      stent placement.
AB  - Endovascular stents are being commonly used to treat cerebral wide-necked
      aneurysms recently. The effect of a stent placed in the parent artery is not only
      to protect the parent artery from occlusion, due to extension of coils and
      thrombosis, but also to act as flow diverter to vary the haemodynamics in the
      aneurysm. In this article, two idealised cerebral wide-necked aneurysms were
      created, one was sidewall aneurysm with curved parent vessel and the other was
      terminal aneurysm with the bifurcated parent vessel. The plexiglass models of the
      two aneurysms were 'treated' with commercial porous intravascular stents. The
      stented physical models were scanned by Micro-CT and the numerical models of the
      two idealised cerebral wide-necked aneurysms after stent placement were
      constructed from the scanned image files. The pulsatile flow of non-Newtonian
      fluid inside the models was simulated by using computational fluid dynamics
      package. From the simulated flow dynamics, various haemodynamic characteristics
      such as velocity contours, wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index (OSI)
      were computed. The velocity of the jet entering the sacs reduced after stent was
      deployed across the necks of both sidewall and terminal aneurysms; the wall shear
      stress on the distal neck of sidewall aneurysm reduced, the wall shear stress on
      the dome of the terminal aneurysm increased and the OSI on the dome of the
      terminal aneurysm reduced. Therefore, stent placement not only promotes thrombus
      formation in both aneurysm models but also reduces the regrowth risk of the
      sidewall aneurysm and the rupture risk of the terminal aneurysm.

PMID- 22085242
TI  - Are respiratory complications common causes of death in inflammatory myopathies?
      An autopsy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are
      idiopathic inflammatory myopathies that are associated with a variety of clinical
      manifestations including pulmonary complications. The objective of the present
      study was to determine the causes of deaths in this complex patient population.
      METHODS: A computer-assisted search of medical and autopsy records identified a
      total of 39 patients with either PM or DM who underwent an autopsy at the Mayo
      Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) over a 29-year period from 1 January 1981 to 31
      December 2009. The immediate causes of death along with contributing causes were
      determined by reviewing all available clinical data and autopsy findings. We also
      analysed the discordance between ante-mortem clinical diagnoses provided by
      clinicians and the final diagnosis by the post-mortem analysis. RESULTS:
      Respiratory (33%), infectious (28%) and cardiovascular diseases (26%) accounted
      for the majority of immediate causes of death. Acute exacerbation of chronic
      interstitial lung disease (15%) and bronchopneumonia (15%) were the most common
      specific causes. Immediate cause of death was not suspected in nearly one third
      of cases and included bronchopneumonia, sepsis, acute myocardial infarction,
      aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, aortic stenosis, mycotic aneurysm
      rupture and acute haemoperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that pulmonary injury
      is the immediate cause of death in one third of patients with PM/DM; acute
      exacerbation of chronic interstitial lung disease and bronchopneumonia were the
      most common specific causes. Immediate cause of death was not established ante
      mortem in nearly one third of cases, and some of these causes were treatable.

PMID- 22085243
TI  - Influenza neuraminidase.
AB  - Influenza neuraminidase is the target of two licensed antivirals that have been
      very successful, with several more in development. However, neuraminidase has
      been largely ignored as a vaccine target despite evidence that inclusion of
      neuraminidase in the subunit vaccine gives increased protection. This article
      describes current knowledge on the structure, enzyme activity, and antigenic
      significance of neuraminidase.

PMID- 22085244
TI  - A source of ultrasensitivity in the glutamine response of the bicyclic cascade
      system controlling glutamine synthetase adenylylation state and activity in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity in Escherichia coli is regulated by reversible
      adenylylation, brought about by a bicyclic system comprised of
      uridylyltransferase/uridylyl-removing enzyme (UTase/UR), its substrate, PII,
      adenylyltransferase (ATase), and its substrate, GS. The modified and unmodified
      forms of PII produced by the upstream UTase/UR-PII cycle regulate the downstream
      ATase-GS cycle. A reconstituted UTase/UR-PII-ATase-GS bicyclic system has been
      shown to produce a highly ultrasensitive response of GS adenylylation state to
      the glutamine concentration, but its composite UTase/UR-PII and ATase-GS cycles
      displayed moderate glutamine sensitivities when examined separately. Glutamine
      sensitivity of the bicyclic system was significantly reduced when the trimeric
      PII protein was replaced by a heterotrimeric form of PII that was functionally
      monomeric, and coupling between the two cycles was different in systems
      containing wild-type or heterotrimeric PII. Thus, the trimeric nature of PII
      played a role in the glutamine response of the bicyclic system. We therefore
      examined regulation of the individual AT (adenylylation) and AR (deadenylylation)
      activities of ATase by PII preparations with various levels of uridylylation. AR
      activity was affected in a linear fashion by PII uridylylation, but partially
      modified wild-type PII activated the AT much less than expected based on the
      extent of PII modification. Partially modified wild-type PII also bound to ATase
      less than expected based upon the fraction of modified subunits. Our results
      suggest that the AT activity is only bound and activated by completely unmodified
      PII and that this design is largely responsible for ultrasensitivity of the
      bicyclic system.

PMID- 22085245
TI  - Biomass allocation to leaves, stems and roots: meta-analyses of interspecific
      variation and environmental control.
AB  - We quantified the biomass allocation patterns to leaves, stems and roots in
      vegetative plants, and how this is influenced by the growth environment, plant
      size, evolutionary history and competition. Dose-response curves of allocation
      were constructed by means of a meta-analysis from a wide array of experimental
      data. They show that the fraction of whole-plant mass represented by leaves (LMF)
      increases most strongly with nutrients and decreases most strongly with light.
      Correction for size-induced allocation patterns diminishes the LMF-response to
      light, but makes the effect of temperature on LMF more apparent. There is a clear
      phylogenetic effect on allocation, as eudicots invest relatively more than
      monocots in leaves, as do gymnosperms compared with woody angiosperms. Plants
      grown at high densities show a clear increase in the stem fraction. However, in
      most comparisons across species groups or environmental factors, the variation in
      LMF is smaller than the variation in one of the other components of the growth
      analysis equation: the leaf area : leaf mass ratio (SLA). In competitive
      situations, the stem mass fraction increases to a smaller extent than the
      specific stem length (stem length : stem mass). Thus, we conclude that plants
      generally are less able to adjust allocation than to alter organ morphology.

PMID- 22085246
TI  - Hydrogen-bonded inclusion compounds with reversed polarity: anionic metal
      complexes and cationic organic linkers.
AB  - Synthesized and structurally characterized is a new series of soft-host
      frameworks assembled by charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between an anionic metal
      complex (MC) and cationic organic linkers (OL), specifically [Co(en)(ox)(2)](-)
      and diprotonated 4,4'-bipyridinium (H(2)bpy) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridinium)ethylene
      (H(2)bpye). While frameworks built of cationic complexes and anionic organic
      linkers are already well-known, the seven new compounds described here represent
      the first series of frameworks with reversed polarity, that is, made of anionic
      complexes and cationic organic linkers. The compounds have a general formula
      [OL][MC](2).n(guest), where the guest molecules 4,4'-biphenol (bp), 4
      methoxyphenol (mp), 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (dmb), 1,6-dimethoxynaphtalene (dmn),
      and 4-nitroanisole (na). Structurally the compounds can be described as pillared
      layer frameworks with layers constructed of MC anions and linked together by
      hydrogen-bonded cationic OL pillars. The guest molecules occupy the galleries
      between the pillars while their steric, electronic, and pi-pi and hydrogen
      bonding capabilities influence the overall structure of the soft frameworks.

PMID- 22085247
TI  - Effect of cis and trans double bonds on conformational disordering of the
      hydrocarbon chain of lipid, unsaturated monoacylglycerols, in the lamellar phase
      of a binary system with water.
AB  - To clarify the influence of cis and trans double bonds on conformational
      disordering of unsaturated hydrocarbon-chain of lipids in bilayer formed in the
      binary system with water, calorimetric study was conducted for systems of
      unsaturated monoacylglycerols; monoolein (MO), monovaccenin (MV), and monoelaidin
      (ME). Heat capacities of the binary systems were measured by adiabatic
      calorimetry. The observed entropies of transition (Delta(trs)S) from lamellar
      phase (L(alpha)) to fluid isotropic (FI) phase are very small and depend on
      lipids: Delta(trs)S of MO/water, MV/water, and ME/water were ca. 0.8 J K(-1) (mol
      of lipid) (-1), ca. 0.9 J K(-1) (mol of lipid) (-1), and ca. 0.4 J K(-1) (mol of
      lipid) (-1), respectively. These show that the conformational disordering of the
      hydrocarbon chain over gauche and trans conformations is suppresed in L(alpha)
      phase. Through the comparison of Delta(trs)S among the binary systems, the
      suppresed conformational disordering of hydrocarbon chain in the bilayer is
      discussed.

PMID- 22085248
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 4-aminophthalazin-1(2H)-ones by isocyanide
      insertion.
AB  - Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of a wide range of substituted o
      (pseudo)halobenzoates and hydrazines with isocyanide insertion followed by
      lactamization efficiently affords 4-aminophthalazin-1(2H)-ones that are difficult
      to obtain regioselectively by classical methods.

PMID- 22085249
TI  - Use of hyperbaric oxygen in traumatic brain injury: retrospective analysis of
      data of 20 patients treated at a tertiary care centre.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) related impact results in a permanent need for help
      in performing daily activities. Standard treatment consists of removing the
      cause, restore perfusion, support metabolic requirement and limit inflammatory
      and oxidative damage. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one such newer
      promising treatment that enhances neurological recovery to some extent. HBOT is
      intermittent inhalation of 100% oxygen at greater than normal atmospheric
      pressure and is internationally accepted for its role in well-defined
      indications. It is hypothesised that HBO has a role in reviving 'idling neurons',
      also called the ischemic penumbra defined as area of reduced cerebral blood flow,
      abolished synaptic activity but preserved structural integrity. We carried out a
      retrospective analysis of medical records of 20 patients of TBI who had been
      treated with HBOT in addition to standard management. These were placed in Group
      A (test group) and received at least 30 sessions of HBO along with standard
      treatment. The patients were assessed along the Disability Rating Scale (DRS),
      Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS). Another 20 patients
      of TBI, matched in age and severity of brain injury, who received standard
      treatment but not HBOT, were selected as the control group (Group B). Assessment
      on the DRS showed maximum improvement in patients with scores of 22-24
      (vegetative state).The percentage of patients in the test group fell from 45% to
      5% whereas only 20% patients in Group B had similar progress. After the
      treatment, a significantly higher proportion of HBOT treated subjects showed a
      good response in cognitive functions, as measured by RLA. In group A, 90%
      patients had a score of <= 3 and in Group B 95% had a similar score, which
      improved to >= 3 in 60% patients versus 30% patients respectively. In both groups
      maximum patients are in 1-6 months post-injury category and within the groups
      this category showed the greatest recovery, with a greater improvement in the
      test group as compared to control group.

PMID- 22085250
TI  - Post-operative spinal subdural extra-arachnoid hygroma causing cauda equina
      compression: a report of two cases.
AB  - We present two cases of symptomatic, post-lumbar surgery cauda equina compression
      due to formation of a dissecting subdural extra-arachnoid cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) collection (hygroma) under tension. In both cases, a small inadvertent
      durotomy was sustained during the initial surgery. Surgical re-exploration
      confirmed a tension subdural extra-arachnoid hygroma due to one-way flow of CSF
      through a pinhole puncture in the arachnoid. The mechanism and clinico
      radiological features of this rare post-operative complication are discussed.

PMID- 22085251
TI  - The Goldilocks principle and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
AB  - We have designed and fabricated a microecology to mimic a naturally occurring
      bacterial culture, which includes the stress gradient, metapopulation, and
      cellular motility. In this microecology, we show that it is possible to fix the
      resistance to the mutagenic antibiotic Ciprofloxacin in wild-type Escherichia
      coli within 10 h. We found the evolution of resistance is further accelerated in
      microecology if bacteria have already acquired the phenotype of growth advantage
      at the stationary phase (GASP).

PMID- 22085252
TI  - Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil (Olea europeae L.) in
      mice.
AB  - CONTEXT: Olive [Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae)] is a long-lived evergreen tree that
      is widespread in different parts of the world. OBJECTIVE: Olive oil has been
      reported to relieve pain; however, there is still insufficient data in the
      literature on the subject. Thus, it is considered worthwhile investigating the
      antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil in adult male Balb/C
      mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antinociceptive effects were studied using
      formalin, hot plate and writhing tests. The acute anti-inflammatory effects of
      olive oil in mice were studied using xylene ear edema test. Olive oil (1, 5 and
      10 ml/kg body wt.) was injected intraperitoneally. Intact animals served as
      controls. RESULTS: Our results showed that the olive oil only decreased the
      second phase of formalin-induced pain. In the hot plate test, olive oil did not
      raise the pain threshold over the 60 min duration of the test. Olive oil
      exhibited antinociceptive activity against writhing-induced pain by acetic acid.
      In the xylene ear edema test, olive oil showed significant anti-inflammatory
      activity in the mice. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present data indicated that
      olive oil has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice but further
      investigation of these effects is required to elucidate the mechanism(s) involved
      in analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Olea europaea oil.

PMID- 22085253
TI  - Compaction and transport properties of newly replicated Caulobacter crescentus
      DNA.
AB  - Upon initiating replication of the Caulobacter chromosome, one copy of the parS
      centromere remains at the stalked pole; the other moves to the distal pole. We
      identified the segregation dynamics and compaction characteristics of newly
      replicated Caulobacter DNA during transport (highly variable from cell to cell)
      using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. The parS centromere and a length (also
      highly variable) of parS proximal DNA on each arm of the chromosome are
      segregated with the same relatively slow transport pattern as the parS locus.
      Newly replicated DNA further than about 100 kb from parS segregates with a
      different and faster pattern, while loci at 48 kb from parS segregate with the
      slow pattern in some cells and the fast pattern in others. The observed parS
      proximal DNA compaction characteristics have scaling properties that suggest the
      DNA is branched. HU2-deletion strains exhibited a reduced compaction phenotype
      except near the parS site where only the DeltaHU1DeltaHU2 double mutant had a
      compaction phenotype. The chromosome shows speed-dependent extension during
      translocation suggesting the DNA polymer is under tension. While DNA segregation
      is highly reliable and succeeds in virtually all wild-type cells, the high degree
      of cell to cell variation in the segregation process is noteworthy.

PMID- 22085255
TI  - Locally advanced prostate cancer: a population-based study of treatment patterns.
AB  - Study Type--Therapy (practice patterns). Level of Evidence 2b. What's known on
      the subject? And what does the study add? The treatment of locally advanced
      prostate cancer varies widely even though there is level one evidence supporting
      the use of multimodality therapy as compared with monotherapy. This study defines
      treatment patterns of locally advanced prostate cancer within the United States
      and identifies predicators of who receives multimodality therapy rather than
      monotherapy. OBJECTIVE: * To identify treatment patterns and predictors of
      receiving multimodality therapy in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer
      (LAPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: * The cohort comprised patients >=66 years with
      clinical stage T3 or T4 non-metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed between 1998 and
      2005 identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer
      registry records linked with Medicare claims. * Treatments were classified as
      radical prostatectomy (RP), radiation therapy (RT) and androgen deprivation
      therapy (ADT) received within 6 and 24 months of diagnosis. * We assessed trends
      over time and used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of
      multimodality treatment. RESULTS: * Within the first 6 months of diagnosis, 1060
      of 3095 patients (34%) were treated with a combination of RT and ADT, 1486 (48%)
      received monotherapy (RT alone, ADT alone or RP alone), and 461 (15%) received no
      active treatment. * The proportion of patients who received RP increased,
      exceeding 10% in 2005. * Use of combined RT and ADT and use of ADT alone
      fluctuated throughout the study period. * In all 6% of patients received RT alone
      in 2005. * Multimodality therapy was less common in patients who were older,
      African American, unmarried, who lived in the south, and who had co-morbidities
      or stage T4 disease. CONCLUSIONS: * Treatment of LAPC varies widely, and
      treatment patterns shifted during the study period. * The slightly increased use
      of multimodality therapy since 2003 is encouraging, but further work is needed to
      increase combination therapy in appropriate patients and to define the role of
      RP.

PMID- 22085254
TI  - An in vivo characterization of trophic factor production following neural
      precursor cell or bone marrow stromal cell transplantation for spinal cord
      injury.
AB  - Cellular transplantation strategies for repairing the injured spinal cord have
      shown consistent benefit in preclinical models, and human clinical trials have
      begun. Interactions between transplanted cells and host tissue remain poorly
      understood. Trophic factor secretion is postulated a primary or supplementary
      mechanism of action for many transplanted cells, however, there is little direct
      evidence to support trophin production by transplanted cells in situ. In the
      present study, trophic factor expression was characterized in uninjured, injured
      untreated, injured-treated with transplanted cells, and corresponding control
      tissue from the adult rat spinal cord. Candidate trophic factors were identified
      in a literature search, and primers were designed for these genes. We examined in
      vivo trophin expression in 3 paradigms involving transplantation of either brain
      or spinal cord-derived neural precursor cells (NPCs) or bone marrow stromal cells
      (BMSCs). Injury without further treatment led to a significant elevation of nerve
      growth factor (NGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), insulin-like growth factor
      1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and lower expression
      of vascular endothelial growth factor isoform A (VEGF-A) and platelet-derived
      growth factor-A (PDGF-A). Transplantation of NPCs led to modest changes in
      trophin expression, and the co-administration of intrathecal trophins resulted in
      significant elevation of the neurotrophins, glial-derived neurotrophic factor
      (GDNF), LIF, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). BMSCs transplantation
      upregulated NGF, LIF, and IGF-1. NPCs isolated after transplantation into the
      injured spinal cord expressed the neurotrophins, ciliary neurotrophic factor
      (CNTF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and bFGF at higher levels than host cord.
      These data show that trophin expression in the spinal cord is influenced by
      injury and cell transplantation, particularly when combined with intrathecal
      trophin infusion. Trophins may contribute to the benefits associated with cell
      based repair strategies for spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22085256
TI  - Neurodevelopmental outcome in full-term newborns with refractory neonatal
      seizures.
AB  - AIM: This retrospective study describes the prognosis of full-term newborns with
      refractory neonatal seizures, comparing the need for treatment with two versus
      three or more antiepileptic drugs. METHODS: We reviewed our database (January
      2002-December 2007) to include newborns with refractory neonatal seizures and
      abnormal electroencephalogram. Group A consisted of 17 newborns with two
      antiepileptic drugs. Group B consisted of 29 newborns with three or more
      antiepileptic drugs. Outcome was determined at 2 years of age using the Dutch
      Bayley Scales of Infant Development or a neurodevelopmental classification
      scheme. RESULTS: Group A and group B were comparable regarding to a variety of
      demographic and aetiologic factors. Thirteen newborns died before 2 years of age
      and one was lost to follow-up. Normal development at 2 years of age was found in
      50% and 5% for group A and B, respectively. Severe neurodevelopmental delay at 2
      years of age was found in 30% and 68% for group A and B, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The number of antiepileptic drugs probably reflects increased seizure
      burden and is--in that way--related to poor outcome. This may be useful
      information for early prediction of adverse neurological outcome in the first
      days of life.

PMID- 22085257
TI  - Effects of long-term antiepileptic drug monotherapy on vascular risk factors and
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Long-term therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been associated
      with metabolic consequences that lead to an increase in risk of atherosclerosis
      in patients with epilepsy. We compared the long-term effects of monotherapy using
      different categories of AEDs on markers of vascular risk and the atherosclerotic
      process. METHODS: One hundred sixty adult patients who were receiving AED
      monotherapy, including two enzyme-inducers (carbamazepine, CBZ; and phenytoin,
      PHT), an enzyme-inhibitor (valproic acid, VPA), and a noninducer (lamotrigine,
      LTG) for more than 2 years, and 60 controls were enrolled in this study. All
      study participants received measurement of common carotid artery (CCA) intima
      media thickness (IMT) by B-mode ultrasonography to assess the extent of
      atherosclerosis. Other measurements included body mass index, and serum lipid
      profile or levels of total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, uric acid, fasting blood
      sugar, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), or thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS). KEY FINDINGS: Long-term monotherapy with older
      generation AEDs, including CBZ, PHT, and VPA, caused significantly increased CCA
      IMT in patients with epilepsy. After adjustment for the confounding effects of
      age and gender, the CCA IMT was found to be positively correlated with the
      duration of AED therapy. Patients with epilepsy who were taking enzyme-inducing
      AED monotherapy (CBZ, PHT) manifested disturbances of cholesterol, tHcy or folate
      metabolism, and elevation of the inflammation marker, hs-CRP. On the other hand,
      patients on enzyme-inhibiting AED monotherapy (VPA) exhibited an increase in the
      levels of uric acid and tHcy, and elevation of the oxidative marker, TBARS.
      However, no significant alterations in the markers of vascular risk or CCA IMT
      were observed in patients who received long-term LTG monotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Patients with epilepsy who were receiving long-term monotherapy with CBZ, PHT, or
      VPA exhibited altered circulatory markers of vascular risk that may contribute to
      the acceleration of the atherosclerotic process, which is significantly
      associated the duration of AED monotherapy. This information offers a guide for
      the choice of drug in patients with epilepsy who require long-term AED therapy,
      particularly in aged and high-risk individuals.

PMID- 22085258
TI  - Hood entry coefficients of compound exhaust hoods.
AB  - A traditional method for assessing the flow rate in ventilation systems is based
      on multiple readings of velocity or velocity pressure (VP) (usually 10 or 20
      points) taken in ductwork sections located away from fittings (> seven *
      diameters of straight duct). This study seeks to eliminate the need for a
      multiple-point evaluation and replace it with a simplified method that requires
      only a single measurement of hood static pressure (SP(h)) taken at a more
      accessible location (< three * diameters of straight duct from the hood entry).
      The SP(h) method is widely used for the assessment of flow rate in simple hoods.
      However, industrial applications quite often use compound hoods that are
      regularly of the slot/plenum type. For these hoods, a "compound coefficient of
      entry" has not been published, which makes the use of the hood static pressure
      method unfeasible. This study proposes a model for the computation of a "compound
      coefficient of entry" and validates the use of this model to assess flow rate in
      two systems of well-defined geometry (multi-slotted/plenum and single
      slotted/tapered or "fish-tail" types). When using a conservative value of the
      slot loss factor (1.78), the proposed model yielded an estimate of the volumetric
      flow rate within 10% of that provided by a more comprehensive method of
      assessment. The simplicity of the hood static pressure method makes it very
      desirable, even in the upper range of experimental error found in this study.

PMID- 22085259
TI  - Neonatal respiratory consequences from water birth.
AB  - AIM: Differentiating features were sought for respiratory distress after water
      birth versus air birth in term low-risk babies. Clinical and X-ray features were
      to be assessed to determine if the disease processes could be differentiated.
      METHODS: Review of case records and X-rays over a 7-year period for all admitted
      babies with respiratory distress after water birth and a similar group of babies
      with respiratory distress after air birth. RESULTS: There were 14 water birth
      babies and 24 air birth babies in the study. The water birth babies showed
      greater acidosis, greater requirement for ventilation, greater requirement for
      nitric oxide treatment and greater time to establish feeding. The X-rays could
      not be reliably allocated to the correct group, but the water birth X-rays were
      judged to have more severe changes than the air birth babies. CONCLUSION: In low
      risk babies with respiratory distress, water birth is associated with a greater
      level of respiratory morbidity than seen after air birth.

PMID- 22085260
TI  - Total synthesis of the potent androgen receptor antagonist (-)-arabilin: a
      strategic, biomimetic [1,7]-hydrogen shift.
AB  - The first total synthesis of (-)-arabilin, a  Streptomyces  metabolite that
      inhibits hormone activation of the androgen receptor, has been completed. The key
      step, a [1,7]-hydrogen shift, establishes the enol ether-containing skipped
      tetraene substructure. This nonenzymatic pericyclic reaction is considered to be
      biomimetic.

PMID- 22085261
TI  - The relationship of leukocyte anisocytosis to holotranscobalamin, a marker of
      cobalamin deficiency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After measurement of the mean volumes of leukocyte subpopulations
      as well as the distribution widths (DW) of these volumes has become available, we
      investigated whether such morphometric leukocyte parameters are associated with a
      commonly used marker of cobalamin deficiency, i.e., holotranscobalamin (HoloTC).
      Further, we determined reference intervals for these parameters in an elderly
      population. METHODS: Consecutive subjectively healthy and volunteering
      individuals >=60 years were included. Using the UniCel DxH 800 Coulter Cellular
      Analysis System MoMV, mean neutrophil volume (NeMV), mean lymphocyte volume
      (LyMV), monocyte anisocytosis (MoV-DW), neutrophil anisocytosis (NeV-DW), and
      lymphocyte anisocytosis (LyV-DW) were assessed together with other parameters
      including HoloTC. RESULTS: A total of 150 individuals were included in the study.
      Reference intervals were not dependent on age and gender. MoV-DW (P = 0.002) and
      NeV-DW (P = 0.02) were significantly lower, and LyMV was significantly higher (P
      = 0.04) in participants with a HoloTC concentration <28 pm. In contrast, MCV,
      MoMV, NeMV, and LyV-DW were not associated with HoloTC concentrations. The area
      under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic analysis for
      detecting a HoloTC <28 pm was 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.73, 0.87)]
      for MoV-DW and 0.73 (0.66, 0.80) for NeV-DW. CONCLUSION: In this collective of
      subjectively healthy elderly individuals, monocyte anisocytosis, neutrophil
      anisocytosis and mean lymphocyte volume were associated with decreased HoloTC.

PMID- 22085263
TI  - Observations of PDDTT subject to thermal treatment: correlation between
      performance and order.
AB  - We show that polybis(thienyl)thienodia-thiazolethiophene (PDDTT), a high
      performance semiconducting polymer for photodetectors and field-effect
      transistors, has strong performance dependence on annealing temperature. An
      unprecedented increase of 3 orders of magnitude is observed in both transistor
      and photoconductive properties. XRD and AFM evidence points to increased ordering
      in PDDTT films with annealing. This correlation highlights the importance that
      order has in determining performance in PDDTT and has possible implications in
      the design of polymers.

PMID- 22085262
TI  - Slow motions in the hydrophobic core of chicken villin headpiece subdomain and
      their contributions to configurational entropy and heat capacity from solid-state
      deuteron NMR measurements.
AB  - We have investigated microsecond to millisecond time scale dynamics in several
      key hydrophobic core methyl groups of chicken villin headpiece subdomain protein
      (HP36) using a combination of single-site labeling, deuteron solid-state NMR line
      shape analysis, and computational modeling. Deuteron line shapes of hydrated
      powder samples are dominated by rotameric jumps and show a large variability of
      rate constants, activation energies, and rotameric populations. Site-specific
      activation energies vary from 6 to 38 kJ/mol. An additional mode of diffusion on
      a restricted arc is significant for some sites. In dry samples, the dynamics is
      quenched. Parameters of the motional models allow for calculations of
      configurational entropy and heat capacity, which, together with the rate
      constants, allow for observation of interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic
      picture of the landscape. Mutations at key phenylalanine residues at both distal
      (F47L&F51L) and proximal (F58L) locations to a relatively rigid side chain of L69
      have a pronounced effect on alleviating the rigidity of this side chain at room
      temperature and demonstrate the sensitivity of the hydrophobic core environment
      to such perturbations.

PMID- 22085264
TI  - Self-assembly of polydeoxyadenylic acid studied at the single-molecule level.
AB  - The investigation on the self-assembly of polydeoxyadenylic acid (poly(dA)) is
      highly important to fully understand its biological function and for its
      application in the field of nanotechnology. Using the fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) technique, we report investigations for the self-assembly
      of adenine oligomers induced by pH and coralyne binding at the single-molecule
      level and in the bulk phase. Results presented here show that A-motif 1 (Alexa488
      5'-(dA)(20)-3'-Cy5-5'-(dA)(20)-3'-Alexa488) forms the wire-type duplex at acidic
      pH, whereas the same conformation of A-motif 2 (Alexa488-5'-(dA)(20)-3'-Cy5-3'
      (dA)(20)-5'-Alexa488) is induced by coralyne binding at neutral pH. These results
      indicate that poly(dA) at acidic pH forms a right-handed helical duplex with
      parallel-mannered chains, whereas the coralyne-poly(dA) binding induces a stable
      antiparallel duplex. Furthermore, we found that the antiparallel duplex of
      poly(dA) formed by coralyne binding has a rather extended and less twisted
      structure as compared to the parallel duplex of poly(dA) formed at acidic pH. On
      the other hand, from dilution experiments, we found that the parallel duplex
      formed at acidic pH is converted to "S-form", which has the single-stranded
      structure with short intramolecular double-stranded regions formed by
      intramolecular A:A base pairing, while the A-motif-coralyne assembly is
      dissociated into single strands below a certain concentration. The formation of S
      form with a short intramolecular double-stranded region formed at acidic pH and
      very low concentration is confirmed by the quantitative analysis of FCS curve to
      measure the hydrodynamic radius of a molecule.

PMID- 22085265
TI  - Reactivities of superoxide and hydroperoxyl radicals with disubstituted cyclic
      nitrones: a DFT study.
AB  - The unique ability of nitrone spin traps to detect and characterize transient
      free radicals by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has fueled
      the development of new spin traps with improved properties. Among a variety of
      free radicals in chemical and biological systems, superoxide radical anion
      (O(2)(*-)) plays a critical role as a precursor to other more oxidizing species
      such as hydroxyl radical (HO(*)), peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), and hypochlorous acid
      (HOCl), and therefore the direct detection of O(2)(*-) is important. To overcome
      the limitations of conventional cyclic nitrones, that is, poor reactivity with
      O(2)(*-), instability of the O(2)(*-) adduct, and poor cellular target
      specificity, synthesis of disubstituted nitrones has become attractive.
      Disubstituted nitrones offer advantages over the monosubstituted ones because
      they allow bifunctionalization of spin traps, therefore accommodating all the
      desired spin trap properties in one molecular design. However, because of the
      high number of possible disubstituted analogues as candidate, a systematic
      computational study is needed to find leads for the optimal spin trap design for
      biconjugation. In this paper, calculation of the energetics of O(2)(*-) and
      HO(2)(*) adduct formation from various disubstituted nitrones at PCM/B3LYP/6
      31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory was performed to determine the most
      favorable disubstituted nitrones for this reaction. In addition, our results
      provided general trends of radical reactivity that is dependent upon but not
      exclusive to the charge densities of nitronyl-C, the position of substituents
      including stereoselectivities, and the presence of intramolecular H-bonding
      interaction. Unusually high exoergic DeltaG(298K,aq)'s for O(2)(*-) and HO(2)(*)
      adduct formation were predicted for (3S,5S)-5-methyl-3,5-bis(methylcarbamoyl)-1
      pyrroline N-oxide (11-cis) and (4S,5S)-5-dimethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-4
      ethoxycarbonyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (29-trans) with DeltaG(298K,aq) = -3.3 and 
      9.4 kcal/mol, respectively, which are the most exoergic DeltaG(298K,aq) observed
      thus far for any nitrone at the level of theory employed in this study.

PMID- 22085267
TI  - Interactions of amines with silicon species in undersaturated solutions leads to
      dissolution and/or precipitation of silica.
AB  - The biogeochemical silicon cycle is the focus for many researchers studying the
      dissolution of silicon species from quartz, amorphous, and biogenic silica.
      Furthermore, the precipitation of biogenic silica by diatoms, radiolarian,
      sponges, and plants is also a popular focus for research. The ornate silica
      structures created by these species has attracted interest from biomaterial
      scientists and biochemists who have studied mineral formation in an attempt to
      understand how biogenic silica is formed, often in the presence of proteins and
      long chain polyamines. This article is at the interface of these seemingly
      distinct research areas. Here we investigate the effect of a range of amines in
      globally undersaturated silicon environments. Results are presented on the effect
      of amine-containing molecules on the formation of silica from undersaturated
      solutions of orthosilicic acid and globally undersaturated silicon environments.
      We sought to address two questions: can silica be precipitated/harvested from
      undersaturated solutions, and can we identify the silicon species that are most
      active in silica formation? We demonstrate that none of the bioinspired additives
      investigated here (e.g., poly(allylamine hydrochloride), pentaethylenehexamine,
      and propylamines) have any influence on orthosilicic acid at undersaturated
      concentrations. However, under globally undersaturated silicon concentrations,
      small molecules and polymers containing amine groups were able to interact with
      oligomers of silicic acid to either generate aggregated materials that can be
      isolated from solution or increase rates of oligomer dissolution back to
      orthosilicic acid. Additional outcomes of this study include an extended
      understanding of how polyelectrolytes and small molecules can promote and/or
      inhibit silica dissolution and a new method to explore how (bio)organic molecules
      interact with a forming mineral phase.

PMID- 22085266
TI  - Beta-xylosidase activity of a GH3 glucosidase/xylosidase from yak rumen
      metagenome promotes the enzymatic degradation of hemicellulosic xylans.
AB  - AIMS:   To characterize the duel activities of a glycosyl hydrolase family 3 beta
      glucosidase/xylosidase from rumen bacterial metagenome and to investigate the
      capabilities of its beta-d-xylosidase activities for saccharification of
      hemicellulosic xylans. METHODS AND RESULTS:   A beta-glucosidase/xylosidase gene
      RuBGX1 was cloned from yak (Bos grunniens) rumen using the metagenomic
      technology. Recombinant RuBGX1, expressed in Escherichia coli, demonstrated high
      hydrolytic activities on both p-nitrophenyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside (pNP-Glc) and
      p-nitrophenyl-beta-d-xylopyranoside (pNP-Xyl) substrates. Analysis of the kinetic
      properties indicated that RuBGX1 had a lower affinity for pNP-Glc substrate as
      the K(m) was 0.164 mmol l(-1) for pNP-Glc and 0.03 mmol l(-1) for pNP-Xyl at pH
      6.0 and 50 degrees C, respectively. The capabilities of RuBGX1 beta-xylosidase
      for hydrolysis of xylooligosaccharide substrates were further investigated using
      an endoxylanase-coupled assay. Hydrolysis time courses illustrated that a
      significant increase (about 50%) in the reducing sugars, including xylobiose,
      xylotriose and xylotetraose, was achieved by supplementing endoxylanase with
      RuBGX1. Enzymatic product analysis using high-performance anion-exchange
      chromatography-pulsed amperometric detection showed that RuBGX1 could release
      xyloses from intermediate xylooligosaccharides produced by endoxylanase.
      CONCLUSIONS:   The RuBGX1 shows beta-glucosidase activity in hydrolysis of cello
      oligosaccharides; meanwhile, it has beta-xylosidase activity and functions
      synergistically with endoxylanase to promote the degradation of hemicellulosic
      xylans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   This was the first to report the
      beta-xylosidase activity of family 3 beta-glucosidase/xylosidase functioned in
      the degradation of hemicellulosic xylans. The bifunctional beta
      glucosidase/xylosidase property of RuBGX1 can be used in simultaneous
      saccharification of cellulose and xylan into fermentable glucose and xylose.

PMID- 22085268
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and cancer risk: evidence from 21 case-control
      studies.
AB  - The aim of our meta-analysis was to assess the association between UGT1A7
      polymorphisms and cancer risk. Case?control studies containing available
      polymorphic alleles (UGT1A7*1,*2,*3, and*4) and genotypes categorized according
      to enzymatic activity (High, Intermediate, and Low) were chosen to assess this
      association. Twenty-one case?control studies were identified. Meta-analysis
      indicated that UGT1A7 had a significant effect on cancer risk. In subgroup
      analysis, a significantly increased risk was associated with East Asians,
      hepatocellular cancer, and colorectal cancer. This meta-analysis suggested that
      there is a cancer risk associated with UGT1A7*3, Intermediate, and Low activity
      UGT1A7 genotypes, which is most evident in Asian individuals.

PMID- 22085269
TI  - Systematic review: generating evidence-based guidelines on the concurrent use of
      dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
AB  - The risk-benefit ratio for concurrent use of dietary antioxidants with
      chemotherapy or radiation therapy is a controversial topic. In this review, the
      medical literature on concurrent antioxidant use with chemotherapy or
      radiotherapy was assessed and further steps for generating evidence-based
      guidelines are suggested. The clinical cancer research community should cooperate
      and focus new studies on the use of a specific combination of antioxidant and
      chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and determine optimal doses for a specific cancer
      setting. Mechanistic studies on the interaction between antioxidants and
      conventional cancer therapy could lead to novel biomarkers for assessing dose
      adequacy.

PMID- 22085270
TI  - An analog of withaferin A activates the MAPK and glutathione "stress" pathways
      and inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Withaferin A (WA) (1) and two analogs [4-epi-withaferin A (2) and 4,27-diacetyl-4
      epi-withaferin A (3)] were evaluated for antitumor activity in pancreatic cancer
      cells. IC(50) for 1, 2, and 3 were 0.87, 0.45, and 0.29 ?M (BxPC-3); 1.28, 1.53,
      and 0.52 ?M (MIAPaCa-2); and 0.59, 2.25, and 0.56 ?M (PANC-1), respectively. We
      chose WA analog 3 for functional studies with confirmatory RT-PCR and Western
      blotting. ANOVA identified 33 (MIAPaCa-2), 54 (PANC-1), and 48 (BxPC-3) gene
      expression changes. Fisher exact test demonstrated MAPK and glutathione pathways
      to be overexpressed with WA analog 3. WA analog 3 elicits a dose- and time
      dependent apoptosis, activates MAPK and glutathione ?stress? pathways, and
      inhibits proliferation.

PMID- 22085271
TI  - Tumor endothelial marker 8 overexpression in breast cancer cells enhances tumor
      growth and metastasis.
AB  - Tumor vasculature is known to express high levels of the longest splice variant
      of tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8). Little is known about its expression by
      tumor cells. Five of eight cell breast cancer cell lines tested expressed
      significant levels of the longest TEM8 splice variant (TEM8.1), and to a lesser
      extent, the shortest splice variant (TEM8.3). Breast cancer cell lines expressing
      high levels of TEM8 are known to be more invasive and typify a more aggressive
      basal-like phenotype. In vivo studies in the 4T1 murine model showed enhanced
      tumor growth associated with increased tumor vascularity and metastasis to lymph
      nodes and lungs. These data suggest that TEM8.1 expression in breast cancer cells
      confers a more aggressive, proangiogenic phenotype.

PMID- 22085273
TI  - Carnitine administration reduces cytokine levels, improves food intake, and
      ameliorates body composition in tumor-bearing rats.
AB  - Increased cytokine expression contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer
      anorexia?cachexia syndrome. Carnitine may reduce inflammation in chronic
      diseases. We tested the effects of L-propionylcarnitine (PC group) or saline (C
      group) on food intake (FI), body composition, and inflammatory status of MCA
      sarcoma-bearing rats. On tumor appearance, rats were randomly assigned to daily
      i.p. injection of L-propionylcarnitine (250 mg/kgBW/d; n = 8) or saline (equal
      volume; n = 8). FI and fat-free mass wasting improved in PC rats only (p < .01
      vs. controls). Cytokines? levels decreased in PC rats vs. controls (p < .02).
      Results suggest that carnitine may ameliorate cancer anorexia?cachexia, via
      reduction of the inflammatory status.

PMID- 22085272
TI  - The effect of adenovirus-mediated gene expression of FHIT in small cell lung
      cancer cells.
AB  - The candidate tumor suppressor fragile histidine traid (FHIT) is frequently
      inactivated in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Mutations in the p53 gene also
      occur in the majority of SCLC leading to the accumulation of the mutant protein.
      Here we evaluated the effect of FHIT gene therapy alone or in combination with
      the mutant p53-reactivating molecule, PRIMA-1(Met)/APR-246, in SCLC.
      Overexpression of FHIT by recombinant adenoviral vector (Ad-FHIT)-mediated gene
      transfer in SCLC cells inhibited their growth by inducing apoptosis and when
      combined with PRIMA-1(Met)/APR-246, a synergistic cell growth inhibition was
      achieved.

PMID- 22085274
TI  - Suppression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression by small
      hairpin RNA inhibits the growth of human nonsmall cell lung cancers bearing wild
      type and mutant EGFR.
AB  - In the present study, we have used plasmid-based RNA interference (RNAi) strategy
      to downregulate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in EGFR
      wild-type (H292) and mutant (H1975) lung tumor models. The targeted knockdown of
      EGFR by small hairpin RNA not only inhibited growth of H292 xenograft but also
      inhibited H1975 lung cancer cell and xenograft, which bore L858R/T790M EGFR and
      was resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These data demonstrated that
      small hairpin RNA was an effective therapy against mutant EGFR-expressing cancer
      cells and thus considered to be a promising strategy in the treatment of lung
      cancers.

PMID- 22085275
TI  - Deslongchamps annulations with benzoquinone monoketals.
AB  - The so-called Deslongchamps annulation of deprotonated gamma,delta-unsaturated
      beta-ketoesters 15 to 2-(alkoxycarbonyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-ones or similarly
      activated cyclohex-2-en-1-ones offers a versatile access to various kinds of
      decalindiones. The scope of Deslongchamps annulations was extended by
      establishing acceptor-substituted benzoquinone monoketals such as 13 as viable
      substrates. They gave octalindiones such as 35 with diastereoselectivities >=
      95:5.

PMID- 22085276
TI  - Anticancer activity of Berberis aristata in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing
      mice: a preliminary study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Berberis aristata DC (Berberidaceae) is an important medicinal plant
      with claims of widespread medicinal value in indigenous medicine. It is used by
      herbal healers to treat oral cancers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antineoplastic
      activity of the extracts of Berberis aristata in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)
      bearing mice with cisplatin as positive control in the advanced stage of
      tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brine shrimp lethality bioassay (BSL) of
      extracts and effect on the tumor cell viability in vitro were carried out. EAC
      was induced in Swiss albino mice by injecting 10(6) cell/mL of tumor cell
      suspension i.p. Antineoplastic activity of the aqueous and ethanol extracts (100
      and 6.5 mg/kg i.p., respectively) was compared with that of cisplatin (3.5 mg/kg
      i.p.) on the parameters such as percentage increase in weight, median survival
      time, and hematology. RESULTS: Ethanol extract attenuated percentage increase in
      weight gain (-6.86 +/- 1.50) due to tumor cell proliferation and increased the
      survival time (19.5 days) when compared to control group (19.10 +/- 2.31 and 16
      days, respectively). However, the effect was less than that of cisplatin. In
      vitro cytotoxicity assay as well as BSL test showed the cytotoxic effect of the
      extracts. Cisplatin and the extracts reversed the tumor-induced alterations in
      total white blood cell count, differential leukocyte counts, total red blood cell
      count, and hemoglobin contents. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Of the two extracts,
      the ethanol extract was observed to be more efficient and the presence of
      alkaloids and flavonoids may be responsible for the observed anticancer effects.

PMID- 22085277
TI  - Screening and identification of potential active components in crude Fructus
      Corni using solid-phase extraction and LC-LTQ-linear ion trap mass spectrometry.
AB  - CONTEXT: Fructus Corni is derived from the dry ripe sarcocarp of Cornus
      officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Cornaceae). It has attracted increasingly much
      attention as one of the most popular and valuable herbal medicine in clinic. This
      paper applied a rapid and validated method to the intrinsic quality control of
      Fructus Corni. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The components of crude Fructus Corni were
      investigated by means of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and LTQ-linear ion trap
      mass spectrometry (MS) technique in the negative ion mode. RESULTS: The 29
      detected compounds were identified by comparing the retention time and mass
      spectrometry data and retrieving the reference literatures. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a rapid and validated method was successfully
      applied based on SPE-LC-DAD-LTQ-linear-MS(n) which showed high sensitivity and
      resolution that was more suitable for identifying main components in Traditional
      Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their prescriptions, which would be helpful to their
      quality control.

PMID- 22085278
TI  - Effects of dietary fruits, vegetables and a herbal tea on the in vitro transport
      of cimetidine: comparing the Caco-2 model with porcine jejunum tissue.
AB  - CONTEXT: Dietary botanicals are often consumed together with allopathic
      medicines, which may give rise to pharmacokinetic interactions. In vitro
      intestinal models are useful to identify botanical-drug interactions, but they
      may exhibit different expressions of transporters or enzymes. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the effects of selected dietary botanical extracts on cimetidine
      transport across two in vitro intestinal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bi
      directional transport of cimetidine was measured across Caco-2 cell monolayers
      and excised porcine jejunum tissue in the absence (control) as well as the
      presence of verapamil (positive control) and selected plant extracts. RESULTS:
      Sclerocarya birrea Hochst. (Anacardiaceae) (marula) and Psidium guajava L.
      (Myrtaceae) (guava) crude extracts significantly decreased cimetidine efflux in
      both in vitro models resulting in increased absorptive transport of the drug. On
      the other hand, Dovyalis caffra Sim. (Flacourtiaceae) (Kei-apple), Prunus persica
      (L.) Batsch (Rosaceae) (peach), Aspalathus linearis (Burm. f.) R. Dahlgren
      (Fabaceae) (rooibos tea), Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae) (carrot), Prunus domestica
      A. Sav. (Rosaceae) (plum), Beta vulgaris L. (Chenopodiaceae) (beetroot) and
      Fragaria x ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier. (Rosaceae) (strawberry) crude
      extracts exhibited different effects on cimetidine transport between the two
      models. DISCUSSION: Caco-2 cells were more sensitive to changes in cimetidine
      transport by the plant extracts and therefore may overestimate the effects of co
      administered plant extracts on drug transport compared to the excised pig tissue
      model, which is congruent with findings from previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: The
      excised porcine jejunum model seemed to provide a more realistic estimation of
      botanical-drug pharmacokinetic interactions than the Caco-2 cell model.

PMID- 22085279
TI  - Evaluation of cardiomyocyte hypoxia injury models for the pharmacological study
      in vitro.
AB  - CONTEXT: Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) has many advantages that make it a
      promising choice for the treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD). To study the
      mechanism of IHDs or pharmacological actions of THM, many hypoxia-induced
      cardiomyocyte injury models have been established. Radix Salvia miltorrhiza
      (Danshen) was used as a representative of THM. Danshen is a famous medicinal herb
      widely applied in Asia to relieve ischemic cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the effects of various hypoxic conditions and discuss a suitable
      hypoxia model, cell viability, apoptosis, release of myocardial injury markers,
      and mRNA levels of target genes were tested for the first time. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Radix Salvia miltorrhiza (Danshen) was purchased from a GMP-compliant
      producer and both its preparation method and quality control were standardized.
      Cellular status, such as cell viability, apoptosis, releases of myocardial injury
      markers, and the mRNA level of target gene were tested by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol
      2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, biochemical analyzer, flow
      cytometry, Hoechst 33258 staining, and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS:
      Based on our data, we found a treppe response of cardiomyocyte in the hypoxic
      condition and suggested that 8 h in 2% O2 might be a suitable condition for in
      vitro pharmacological study of cardiomyocytes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings outlined more extended and in-depth capability of cardiomyocyte
      suffering from hypoxia, and might be of particular interest due to the high
      prevalence of THM pharmacological study.

PMID- 22085281
TI  - Molecular cytopathology and flow cytometry: pre-analytical procedures matter.

PMID- 22085283
TI  - Dexamethasone facilitates lipid accumulation in chicken skeletal muscle.
AB  - The effects of glucocorticoid on lipid metabolism of broiler chicken (Gallus
      gallus domesticus) skeletal muscle were investigated. Male Arbor Acres chickens
      (35 days old) were subjected to dexamethasone treatment for 3 days. We found that
      dexamethasone retards body growth while facilitating lipid accumulation. In M.
      pectoralis major (PM), dexamethasone increased the expression of glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1), heart fatty acid-binding
      protein (H-FABP) and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) mRNA and decreased
      the expression of liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (L-CPT1), adenosine
      monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) alpha2 and lipoprotein lipase (LPL)
      mRNA. LPL activity was also decreased. In M. biceps femoris (BF), the levels of
      GR, FATP1 and L-CPT1 mRNA were increased. AMPKalpha (Thr172) phosphorylation and
      CTP1 activity of skeletal muscle were decreased by dexamethasone. In fed
      chickens, dexamethasone enhanced very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR)
      expression and AMPK activity in muscle, but it impaired the expression of LPL and
      L-CPT1 mRNA and LPL activity in PM and augmented the expression of GR, LPL, H
      FABP, L-CPT1, LCAD and AMPKalpha2 mRNA in BF. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)
      protein expression was not affected by dexamethasone. In conclusion, in the
      fasting state, dexamethasone-induced-retarded fatty acid utilisation may be
      involved in the augmented intramyocellular lipid accumulation in both glycolytic
      (PM) and oxidative (BF) muscle tissues. In the fed state, dexamethasone promoted
      the transcriptional activity of genes related to lipid uptake and oxidation in
      muscles. Unmatched lipid uptake and utilisation are suggested to be involved in
      the augmented intramyocellular lipid accumulation.

PMID- 22085282
TI  - Hybrid peptide dendrimers for imaging of chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression.
AB  - The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which is overexpressed in many types of cancer,
      is an emerging target in the field of molecular imaging and therapeutics. The
      CXCR4 binding of several peptides, including the cyclic Ac-TZ14011, has already
      been validated. In this study mono-, di- and tetrameric Ac-TZ14011-containing
      dendrimers were prepared and functionalized with a multimodal (hybrid) label,
      consisting of a Cy5.5-like fluorophore and a DTPA chelate. Confocal microscopy
      revealed that all three dendrimers were membrane bound at 4  degrees C,
      consistent with CXCR4 binding in vitro. The unlabeled dimer and tetramer had a
      somewhat lower affinity for CXCR4 than the unlabeled monomer. However, when
      labeled with the multimodal label the CXCR4 affinity of the dimer and tetramer
      was considerably higher compared to that of the labeled monomer. On top of that,
      biodistribution studies revealed that the additional peptides in the dimer and
      tetramer reduced nonspecific muscle uptake. Thus, multimerization of the cyclic
      Ac-TZ14011 peptide reduces the negative influence of the multimodal label on the
      receptor affinity and the biodistribution.

PMID- 22085284
TI  - Population-based study of erectile dysfunction and polypharmacy.
AB  - Study Type - Symptom prevalence (population cohort). Level of Evidence 1b. What's
      known on the subject? and What does the study add? It is known that medical
      conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and
      prescribed medications cause erectile dysfunction (ED). This has been studied at
      the molecular level and reported in population studies. The present study shows
      that, after accounting for known medical problems, there is a dose-response
      relationship, in which worsening degrees of ED are seen when a greater number of
      medications are taken, regardless if they are prescribed or over the counter. The
      study can help primary care doctors and urologists to make a differential
      diagnosis of ED and it can also help improve patient's erectile function by
      tailoring and curtailing current medication use to maximize therapeutic benefit
      but minimize ED side effects in men, thus improving health-related quality of
      life. OBJECTIVE: * To study the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and
      polypharmacy use in a large, ethnically and racially diverse cohort of men
      enrolled in the California Men's Health Study (CMHS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: * Men
      from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health plan, enrolled in
      the CMHS in 2002, had an age range of 45-69 years. ED and comorbidities of these
      subjects were identified by questionnaire responses. * The number of drugs taken
      was determined from the year before enrollment through electronic pharmacy
      records and questionnaire responses. RESULTS: * Among the 37 712 (KPSC) subjects,
      10 717 (29%) reported moderate or severe ED. * Across all age groups, ED was more
      prevalent as the number of medications increased. * In men taking 0-2, 3-5,6-9
      and >= 10 medications, the percentage of men reporting moderate ED was 15.9,
      19.7, 25.5 and 30.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). * With adjustment for age, race,
      smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, peripheral vascular disease,
      coronary artery disease and body mass index, men taking >10 drugs were more
      likely to have ED (odds ratio = 2.32, 95% confidence interval 2.14-2.52) with
      evidence of a dose-response relationship. CONCLUSION: * These data suggest that
      the number of medications a man takes is associated with worse ED, even after
      comorbidities have been taken into account.

PMID- 22085286
TI  - Condom use within marriage: an assessment of changes in South Africa and Uganda.
AB  - The aim of the study is to measure trends in condom use in marital and cohabiting
      relationships in South Africa and Uganda. The data for the study come from two
      cross sectional surveys conducted in 1998 and 2008 among adult men and women and
      their partners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the Jinja district, Uganda. The
      findings suggest that consistent condom use has risen substantially in both
      countries. The percentage reporting consistent condom use in the South African
      sample of husbands increased from 2.5% in 1998 to 12% in 2008 and from 5.5 to
      12.5% among wives. In Uganda, the corresponding trends are 1.1-8.3% for husbands
      and 4-8.6% for wives. In both countries, condom use was considerably higher among
      the minority of couples where one or both partners were thought to be HIV
      positive. Increasingly, in both countries condoms are also used for contraceptive
      purposes. Condoms play a role in preventing HIV infection but the challenge is
      for prevention programs to broaden their focus toward meeting the needs of
      married and cohabiting couples.

PMID- 22085287
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of diploid Hordeum species and incongruence between
      chloroplast and nuclear datasets.
AB  - The phylogeny of diploid Hordeum species has been studied using both chloroplast
      and nuclear gene sequences. However, the studies of different nuclear datasets of
      Hordeum species often arrived at similar conclusions, whereas the studies of
      different chloroplast DNA data generally resulted in inconsistent conclusions.
      Although the monophyly of the genus is well supported by both morphological and
      molecular data, the intrageneric phylogeny is still a matter of controversy. To
      better understand the evolutionary history of Hordeum species, two chloroplast
      gene loci (trnD-trnT intergenic spacer and rps16 gene) and one nuclear marker
      (thioreoxin-like gene (HTL)) were used to explore the phylogeny of Hordeum
      species. Two obviously different types of trnD-trnT sequences were observed, with
      an approximately 210 base pair difference between these two types: one for
      American species, another for Eurasian species. The trnD-trnT data generally
      separated the diploid Hordeum species into Eurasian and American clades, with the
      exception of Hordeum marinum subsp. gussoneanum. The rps16 data also grouped most
      American species together and suggested that Hordeum flexuosum has a different
      plastid type from the remaining American species. The nuclear gene HTL data
      clearly divided Hordeum species into two clades: the Xu+H genome clade and the
      Xa+I genome clade. Within clades, H genome species were well separated from the
      Xu species, and the I genome species were well separated from the Xa genome
      species. The incongruence between chloroplast and nuclear datasets was found and
      discussed.

PMID- 22085288
TI  - Case mix in paediatric rheumatology: implications for training in Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite a move towards the provision of specialist training in
      Australia in settings that extend beyond the public hospital system, formal
      comparisons of case mix between public and private specialty clinics have rarely
      been performed. It is therefore unclear for many specialties how well training in
      one setting prepares trainees for practice in the other. AIMS: This study aims to
      compare the case mix of paediatric rheumatology patients seen in public and
      private settings and the referral sources of patients in each. METHODS: An audit
      of all new patients seen in the public and private paediatric rheumatology
      clinics on campus at Royal Children's Hospital between June 2009 and January
      2011. Data related to demographics, primary diagnosis, referral source and
      location seen were abstracted and compared. RESULTS: Eight hundred and seventy
      six new patients were seen during the period of interest. Of these, 429 patients
      (48.9%) were seen in private clinics. The commonest diagnostic categories for
      both type of clinics were non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain/orthopaedic
      conditions (public 39.4%, private 33.6%) followed by juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis (public 16.6%, %, private 18.6%), other skin/soft tissue disorders
      (public 8.7%, private 9.6%) and pain syndromes (public 4.9%, private 11.4%).
      Patients with haematological and vasculitic disorders were predominantly seen in
      public clinics. The commonest source of referrals to both clinics was general
      practitioners (public 40.6%, private 53.1%). CONCLUSION: The case mix in private
      paediatric rheumatology clinics closely mirrors that of public clinics at our
      centre. Training in either setting would provide sufficient case-mix exposure to
      prepare trainees for practice in the other.

PMID- 22085290
TI  - Characterization of supported lipid bilayer disruption by chrysophsin-3 using QCM
      D.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring polymers that can kill
      bacteria by destabilizing their membranes. A quartz crystal microbalance with
      dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was used to better understand the action of the
      AMP chrysophsin-3 on supported lipid bilayers (SLB) of phosphatidylcholine.
      Interaction of the SLB with chrysophsin-3 at 0.05 MUM demonstrated changes in
      frequency (Deltaf) and energy dissipation (DeltaD) that were near zero,
      indicating little change in the membrane. At higher concentrations of chyrsophsin
      3 (0.25-4 MUM), decreases in Deltaf of up to 7 Hz were measured. These negative
      frequency changes suggest that mass was being added to the SLB, possibly due to
      peptide insertion into the membrane. At a chrysophsin-3 concentration of 10 MUM,
      there was a net mass loss, which was attributed to pore formation in the
      membrane. QCM-D can be used to describe a mechanistic relationship between AMP
      concentration and interaction with a model cell membrane.

PMID- 22085289
TI  - Reconstitution of KCNE1 into lipid bilayers: comparing the structural, dynamic,
      and activity differences in micelle and vesicle environments.
AB  - KCNE1 (minK), found in the human heart and cochlea, is a transmembrane protein
      that modulates the voltage-gated potassium KCNQ1 channel. While KCNE1 has
      previously been the subject of extensive structural studies in lyso-phospholipid
      detergent micelles, key observations have yet to be confirmed and refined in
      lipid bilayers. In this study, a reliable method for reconstituting KCNE1 into
      lipid bilayer vesicles composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho(1'-rac
      glycerol) (sodium salt) (POPG) was developed. Microinjection of the
      proteoliposomes into Xenopus oocytes expressing the human KCNQ1 (K(V)7.1) voltage
      gated potassium channel led to nativelike modulation of the channel. Circular
      dichroism spectroscopy demonstrated that the percent helicity of KCNE1 is
      significantly higher for the protein reconstituted in lipid vesicles than for the
      previously described structure in 1.0% 1-myristoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3
      phospho(1'-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt) (LMPG) micelles. SDSL electron
      paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques were used to probe the local
      structure and environment of Ser28, Phe54, Phe57, Leu59, and Ser64 of KCNE1 in
      both POPC/POPG vesicles and LMPG micelles. Spin-labeled KCNE1 cysteine mutants at
      Phe54, Phe57, Leu59, and Ser64 were found to be located inside POPC/POPG
      vesicles, whereas Ser28 was found to be located outside the membrane. Ser64 was
      shown to be water inaccessible in vesicles but found to be water accessible in
      LMPG micelle solutions. These results suggest that key components of the micelle
      derived structure of KCNE1 extend to the structure of this protein in lipid
      bilayers but also demonstrate the need to refine this structure using data
      derived from the bilayer-reconstituted protein to more accurately define its
      native structure. This work establishes the basis for such future studies.

PMID- 22085291
TI  - The 20-kDa chaperone-like protein of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis
      enhances yield, crystal size and solubility of Cry3A.
AB  - AIMS:   To determine whether the 20-kDa chaperone-like protein of Bacillus
      thuringiensis ssp. israelensis enhances synthesis, crystallization and solubility
      of the Cry3A coleopteran toxin and whether the crystalline inclusions produced
      are toxic to neonates of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata.
      METHODS AND RESULTS:   The cry3A gene was expressed in the 4Q7 strain of B.
      thuringiensis ssp. israelensis in the absence or presence of the 20-kDa gene. The
      20-kDa protein enhanced Cry3A yield by 2.7-fold per unit of fermentation medium.
      Crystal volumes averaged 2.123 and 0.964 MUm(3) when synthesized in,
      respectively, the presence or absence of the 20-kDa protein. Both crystals were
      soluble at pH 5 and pH 6; however, the larger crystal was 1.7* and 1.5* more
      soluble at, respectively, pH 7 and pH 10. No significant difference in toxicity
      against L. decemlineata neonates was observed. CONCLUSIONS:   This report
      demonstrated that the 20-kDa chaperone-like protein enhances yield, volume and
      solubility of the coleopteran Cry3A crystalline inclusions per unit crystal/spore
      mixture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   This is the first report showing
      that an accessory protein (20-kDa) could enhance synthesis and crystallization of
      Cry3A, a finding that could be beneficial for commercial production of this
      coleopteran-specific insecticidal protein for microbial insecticides and possibly
      even for transgenic crops.

PMID- 22085292
TI  - Hybrid aminoglycoside antibiotics via Tsuji palladium-catalyzed allylic
      deoxygenation.
AB  - Biosynthetically inspired manipulation of the antibiotic paromomycin led, in six
      high-yielding steps, to a ring A harboring an alpha,beta-unsaturated 6'-aldehyde
      and an allylic 3'-methylcarbonate group. Tsuji deoxygenation in the presence of 5
      mol % Pd(2)(dba)(3) and Bu(3)P granted access to a novel series of 3',4'-dideoxy
      4',5'-dehydro ring A hybrids. The neomycin-sisomicin hybrid exhibited superior in
      vitro antibacterial activity to the parent compound neomycin.

PMID- 22085293
TI  - Bonding in ammonia borane: an analysis based on the natural orbitals for chemical
      valence and the extended transition state method (ETS-NOCV).
AB  - In the present study the natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCVs) combined
      with the energy decomposition scheme (ETS) were used to characterize bonding in
      various clusters of ammonia borane (borazane): dimer D, trimer TR, tetramer TE,
      and the crystal based models: nonamer N and tetrakaidecamer TD. ETS-NOCV results
      have shown that shortening of the B-N bond (by ~0.1 A) in ammonia borane crystal
      (as compared to isolated borazane molecule) is related to the enhancement of
      donation (by 6.5 kcal/mol) and electrostatic (by 11.3 kcal/mol) contributions.
      This, in turn, is caused solely by the electrostatic dipole-dipole interaction
      between ammonia borane units; dihydrogen bonding, BH...HN, formed between
      borazane units exhibits no direct impact on B-N bond contraction. On the other
      hand, formation of dihydrogen bonding appeared to be very important in the total
      stabilization of single borazane unit, namely, ETS-based data indicated that it
      leads to significant electronic stabilization DeltaE(orb) = -17.5 kcal/mol, which
      is only slightly less important than the electrostatic term, DeltaE(elstat) = 
      19.4 kcal/mol. Thus, both factors contribute to relatively high melting point of
      the borazane crystal. Deformation density contributions (Deltarho(i)) obtained
      from NOCVs allowed to conclude that dihydrogen bonding is primarily based on
      outflow of electron density from B-H bonding orbitals to the empty sigma*(N-H)
      (charge transfer component). Equally important is the covalent contribution
      resulting from the shift of the electron density from hydrogen atoms of both NH
      and BH groups to the interatomic regions of NH...HB. Quantitatively, averaged
      electronic strength of dihydrogen bond per one BH...HN link varies from 1.95
      kcal/mol (for the crystal structure model, N), 2.47 kcal/mol (for trimer TR),
      through 2.65 kcal/mol (for tetramer TE), up to 3.95 kcal/mol (for dimer D).

PMID- 22085294
TI  - 120-W 2-um thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet vapoenucleation of the prostate: 12
      month follow-up.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Thulium VapoEnucleation of the prostate
      (ThuVEP) has been introduced as a minimally invasive treatment modality of benign
      prostate obstruction (BPO). This study reports the largest series of patients
      with symptomatic BPO undergoing ThuVEP. Efficacy of this procedure was confirmed
      by prostate volume and PSA measurements at 12-month follow up, which have not
      been reported after ThuVEP so far. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy
      of 120-W 2-um thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) vapoenucleation of the
      prostate (ThuVEP) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction.
      METHOD: In total, 207 consecutive patients undergoing ThuVEP at our institution
      were evaluated prospectively. ThuVEP was carried out using the 120-W 2-um
      continuous-wave Tm:YAG laser. The enucleated tissue was then morcellated within
      the bladder. Patient demographic, perioperative and 12-month follow-up data were
      analysed. The complications were assessed. RESULTS: Mean preoperative prostate
      volume was 57.8 +/- 31.5 mL. Total operation duration averaged 64.9 +/- 29.9 min,
      and the enucleation time was 36.5 +/- 20.1 min. The mean catheter time was 2.2 +/
      0.6 days. Thirteen (6.28%) patients required a second-look operation in the
      immediate postoperative course (failed morcellation n= 1, clot retention n= 4,
      residual tissue at the apex of the prostate n= 8). Four patients needed blood
      transfusions (1.93%) postoperatively. In all, 147 (71%) patients were available
      for review at the 12-month follow-up mark. Quality of life (4.4 +/- 1.3 vs 1.2 +/
      1.1), international prostate symptom score (21.9 +/- 7.2 vs 5.1 +/- 4), maximum
      urinary flow rate (9.4 +/- 3.8 vs 23.5 +/- 10.9 mL/s), postvoiding residual urine
      (159.2 +/- 153.2 vs 26.7 +/- 38.3 mL), prostate-specific antigen (5.0 +/- 5.2 vs
      0.6 +/- 0.5 ng/mL) and prostate volume (57.8 +/- 31.5 vs 10.7 +/- 4.4 mL) changed
      significantly (P= 0.000). Median prostate-specific antigen reduction and prostate
      volume reduction were 87% and 80% respectively at follow-up. Urethral stricture
      and bladder neck contracture developed in 1.45% and 1.93% respectively of the
      patients. CONCLUSION: 120-W ThuVEP is a safe and efficacious procedure for the
      treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction. The incidence of
      complications with ThuVEP was low.

PMID- 22085295
TI  - Early maternal separation has mild effects on cardiac autonomic balance and heart
      structure in adult male rats.
AB  - Early life adverse experiences have long-term physiologic and behavioral effects
      and enhance stress sensitivity. This study examined the effects of maternal
      separation (MS) on cardiac stress responsivity and structure in adulthood. Male
      Wistar rats were separated from the dams for 3 h per day from postnatal days 2
      through 15. When exposed to 5-day intermittent restraint stress (IRS) as adults,
      MS, and control rats showed similar acute modifications of cardiac sympathovagal
      balance, quantified via heart rate variability analysis. In addition, MS had no
      effect on cardiac pacemaker intrinsic activity (as revealed by autonomic blockade
      with scopolamine and atenolol) and did not affect the circadian rhythmicity of
      heart rate, neither before nor after IRS. However, MS differed from control rats
      in cardiac parasympathetic drive following IRS, which was heightened in the
      latter but remained unchanged in the former, both during the light and dark
      phases of the daily rhythm. The evaluation of adult cardiac structure indicated
      that stress experienced during a crucial developmental period induced only modest
      changes, involving cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, increased density of vascular
      structures, and myocardial fibrosis. The mildness of these functional-structural
      effects questions the validity of MS as a model for early stress-induced cardiac
      disease in humans.

PMID- 22085296
TI  - Molecular characterization of pyraclostrobin resistance and structural diversity
      of the cytochrome b gene in Botrytis cinerea from apple.
AB  - Botrytis cinerea isolates obtained from apple orchards were screened for
      resistance to the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) pyraclostrobin. Of the 220
      isolates tested, 43 (19.5%) were resistant to pyraclostrobin. Analysis of partial
      sequences of the cytochrome b gene (cyt b) in five pyraclostrobin-resistant (PR)
      and five pyraclostrobin-sensitive (PS) isolates showed that PR isolates harbored
      the point mutation leading to the substitution of glycine by alanine at codon
      position 143 in cyt b (G143A). Two pairs of allele-specific primers were designed
      based on this point mutation, and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction
      analysis with these primers showed that all 73 PR isolates (including 30
      collected from decayed apple fruit) harbored the G143A mutation but PS isolates
      did not. Six pairs of primers were designed to analyze the presence of various
      introns in cyt b. There were six types (I to VI) of cyt b present in 247 isolates
      of B. cinerea collected from various apple-production areas in Washington State.
      Of the 247 isolates, 23 had type I cyt b containing all four introns (Bcbi-67/68,
      Bcbi-131/132, Bcbi-143/144, and Bcbi-164), 176 had type II cyt b containing three
      introns (Bcbi-67/68, Bcbi-131/132, and Bcbi-164), six had type III cyt b
      containing two introns (Bcbi-67/68 and Bcbi-131/132), one had type IV cyt b
      containing two introns (Bcbi-131/132 and Bcbi-164), one had type V cyt b
      containing only the Bcbi-131/132 intron, and 40 had type VI cyt b containing no
      introns. This is the first report of types III to VI cyt b present in B. cinerea.
      All 73 PR isolates did not carry the Bcbi-143/144 intron in cyt b. Of the 247
      isolates tested, >90% did not carry the Bcbi-143/144 intron in cyt b, suggesting
      that B. cinerea populations from apple pose a high inherent risk for the
      development of resistance to QoIs because the presence of this intron in cyt b
      prevents the occurrence of G143A-mediated resistance. Analysis of genetic
      background based on three microsatellite primers showed that PR isolates
      originated from different lineages, and there was no correlation between cyt b
      types (I, II, and III) and the genetic background of the isolates; however,
      isolates carrying type VI cyt b might originate from the same lineage.

PMID- 22085297
TI  - Characterization of CbCyp51 from field isolates of Cercospora beticola.
AB  - The hemibiotrophic fungus Cercospora beticola causes leaf spot of sugar beet.
      Leaf spot control measures include the application of sterol demethylation
      inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. However, reduced sensitivity to DMIs has been
      reported recently in the Red River Valley sugar beet-growing region of North
      Dakota and Minnesota. Here, we report the cloning and molecular characterization
      of CbCyp51, which encodes the DMI target enzyme sterol P450 14alpha-demethylase
      in C. beticola. CbCyp51 is a 1,632-bp intron-free gene with obvious homology to
      other fungal Cyp51 genes and is present as a single copy in the C. beticola
      genome. Five nucleotide haplotypes were identified which encoded three amino acid
      sequences. Protein variant 1 composed 79% of the sequenced isolates, followed by
      protein variant 2 that composed 18% of the sequences and a single isolate
      representative of protein variant 3. Because resistance to DMIs can be related to
      polymorphism in promoter or coding sequences, sequence diversity was assessed by
      sequencing >2,440 nucleotides encompassing CbCyp51 coding and flanking regions
      from isolates with varying EC(50) values (effective concentration to reduce
      growth by 50%) to DMI fungicides. However, no mutations or haplotypes were
      associated with DMI resistance or sensitivity. No evidence for alternative
      splicing or differential methylation of CbCyp51 was found that might explain
      reduced sensitivity to DMIs. However, CbCyp51 was overexpressed in isolates with
      high EC(50) values compared with isolates with low EC(50) values. After exposure
      to tetraconazole, isolates with high EC(50) values responded with further
      induction of CbCyp51, with a positive correlation of CbCyp51 expression and
      tetraconazole concentration up to 2.5 MUg ml(-1).

PMID- 22085299
TI  - Larval Bradysia impatiens (Diptera: Sciaridae) potential for vectoring Pythium
      root rot pathogens.
AB  - A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the capacity of
      Bradysia impatiens (Johannsen) larvae to ingest propagules from two strains each
      of Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. and P. ultimum Trow and transmit the
      pathogens to healthy geranium seedlings on a filter-paper substrate in petri
      dishes. The capacity of fungus gnat larvae to transmit P. aphanidermatum to
      seedlings rooted in a commercial peat-based potting mix and germination of
      Pythium oospores and hyphal swellings before and after passage through the guts
      of larval fungus gnats were also examined. Assays revealed that Pythium spp.
      transmission by larval fungus gnats varied greatly with the assay substrate and
      also with the number and nature of ingested propagules. Transmission was highest
      (65%) in the petri dish assays testing larvae fed P. aphanidermatum K-13, a
      strain that produced abundant oospores. Transmission of strain K-13 was much
      lower (<6%) in plug cells with potting mix. Larvae were less efficient at
      vectoring P. ultimum strain PSN-1, which produced few oospores, and no
      transmission was observed with two non-oospore-producing strains: P.
      aphanidermatum Pa58 and P. ultimum P4. Passage of P. aphanidermatum K-13 through
      larval guts significantly increased oospore germination. However, decreased
      germination of hyphal swellings was observed following larval gut passage for
      strains of P. ultimum. These results expand previous studies suggesting that
      larval fungus gnats may vector Pythium spp.

PMID- 22085298
TI  - The filamentous phage phiRSS1 enhances virulence of phytopathogenic Ralstonia
      solanacearum on tomato.
AB  - Ralstonia solanacearum is the causative agent of bacterial wilt in many important
      crops. phiRSS1 is a filamentous phage that infects R. solanacearum strains. Upon
      infection, it alters the physiological state and the behavior of host cells.
      Here, we show that R. solanacearum infected by phiRSS1 becomes more virulent on
      host plants. Some virulence and pathogenicity factors, such as extracellular
      polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis and twitching motility, increased in the bacterial
      host cells infected with phiRSS1, resulting in early wilting. Tomato plants
      inoculated with phiRSS1-infected bacteria wilted 2 to 3 days earlier than those
      inoculated with wild-type bacteria. Infection with phiRSS1 induced early
      expression of phcA, the global virulence regulator. phcA expression was detected
      in phiRSS1-infected cells at cell density as low as 10(4) CFU/ml. Filamentous
      phages are assembled on the host cell surface and many phage particles accumulate
      on the cell surface. These surface-associated phage particles (phage proteins)
      may change the cell surface nature (hydrophobicity) to give high local cell
      densities. phiRSS1 infection also enhanced PilA and type IV pilin production,
      resulting in increased twitching motility.

PMID- 22085300
TI  - Phenotypic variation within a clonal lineage of Phytophthora infestans infecting
      both tomato and potato in Nicaragua.
AB  - Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is a constraint to
      both potato and tomato crops in Nicaragua. The hypothesis that the Nicaraguan
      population of P. infestans is genotypically and phenotypically diverse and
      potentially subdivided based on host association was tested. A collection of
      isolates was analyzed using genotypic markers (microsatellites and mitochondrial
      DNA haplotype) and phenotypic markers (mating type, virulence, and fungicide
      sensitivity). The genotypic analysis revealed no polymorphism in 121 of 132
      isolates of P. infestans tested. Only the Ia haplotype and the A2 mating type
      were detected. Most of the tested isolates were resistant to metalaxyl. The
      virulence testing showed variation among isolates of P. infestans. No evidence
      was found of population differentiation among potato and tomato isolates of P.
      infestans based on the genotypic and phenotypic analysis. We conclude that the
      Nicaraguan population of P. infestans consists of a single clonal lineage (NI-1)
      which belongs to the A2 mating type and the Ia mitochondrial DNA haplotype.
      Moreover, based on the markers used, this population of P. infestans does not
      resemble the population in countries from which potato seed is imported to
      Nicaragua or the population in neighboring countries. The data presented here
      indicate that the NI-1 clonal lineage is the primary pathogen on both potato and
      tomato, and its success on both host species is unique in a South American
      context.

PMID- 22085301
TI  - BIRC6/Apollon gene expression in childhood acute leukemia: impact on therapeutic
      response and prognosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although BIRC6/Apollon seems to play a critical role as an
      antiapoptotic regulator, its clinical relevance in acute leukemia remains largely
      elusive. Therefore, we aimed to investigate BIRC6 gene expression in childhood
      acute leukemia in relation to clinicopathological characteristics at
      presentation, therapeutic response, and prognosis. METHODS: BIRC6 expression
      level was assessed in 75 children with acute leukemia; 30 patients with acute
      myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and 45 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (ALL) using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: The median level of BIRC6 expression did not differ
      significantly between AML and ALL patients. BIRC6 expression level was higher in
      patients with AML and ALL with extramedullary involvement, white blood cell (WBC)
      count >= 10 * 10(9) /L, and unfavorable cytogenetics at diagnosis. BIRC6 gene
      expression was higher in patients with unfavorable response to therapy at day 14,
      those who developed relapse or died in both leukemic groups. The best cutoff
      value of BIRC6 to predict therapeutic response and disease outcome was
      determined. AML and ALL patients with BIRC6 overexpression had significantly
      shorter overall and disease free survivals. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report
      to study BIRC6 gene in pediatric ALL. Our results suggested that BIRC6 gene
      expression could be considered as an adverse risk factor in childhood acute
      leukemia and, hence, could be used to guide therapeutic regimens.

PMID- 22085302
TI  - Clinical significance of IEX-1 expression in ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The stress-inducible immediate early response gene X-1 (IEX-1)
      regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in a cell type and stimulus-dependent
      manner. The aim of this study was to investigate IEX-1 expression and its role in
      apoptosis of ovarian epithelial tumors for potential use in clinical diagnosis
      and therapy. METHODS: IEX-1 expression was examined in paraffin-embedded
      specimens from 77 patients with epithelial ovarian tumors using
      immunohistochemistry. Correlation between IEX-1 expression and other
      clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. Apoptosis of tumor cells was
      detected by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling
      (TUNEL). RESULTS: IEX-1 expression was significantly lower in ovarian cancers
      compared to cystadenomas and borderline tumors (p < .05). The expression was
      significantly associated with FIGO stage and histological grade (p < .05), but
      not with age, histological type, or residual tumor (p > .05). A positive
      correlation was also observed between IEX-1 expression and apoptotic index (p <
      .01) or survival (p=.005). CONCLUSION: With the development of epithelial ovarian
      tumors from benign to malignant, IEX-1 expression is decreased, concomitant with
      a decreased rate of cell apoptosis. Thus, IEX-1 is pro-apoptotic in the
      development of epithelial ovarian cancer. The pro-apoptotic activity may take
      part in restraining tumor growth at the early stage of ovarian epithelial cancer,
      whereas its decreased expression probably contributes to the abnormal survival
      advantage for malignant cancer. Altered IEX-1 expression can potentially be a new
      predictor of the malignant transformation and a prognostic indicator for cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22085303
TI  - Metachromatic leukodystrophy and its effects on the gallbladder: a case report.
AB  - Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage
      disorder caused by a deficiency of arylsulfatase A enzyme. This deficiency leads
      to accumulation of sulfatides in the central nervous system and other organs,
      such as the gallbladder. Here the authors discuss a 9-year-old Middle Eastern
      patient with late-infantile-type MLD who presented with symptoms of
      cholecystitis. Radiographic studies revealed an enlarged gallbladder with a
      thickened wall and a pericholecystic fluid collection with peripheral
      calcifications. Gross examination of the gallbladder showed multiple small to
      medium-sized papillary projections involving the entire mucosal surface. Sections
      through the gallbladder wall revealed multilocular dilated mucin-producing cystic
      spaces. Microscopically, the mucosa showed numerous papillary projections with
      complex folds lined by mucin-producing cuboidal to tall columnar cells. The
      cystic spaces were composed of numerous markedly distended Rokitansky-Aschoff
      sinuses filled with mucin. Ultrastructurally, the epithelial cells and
      macrophages showed frequent secondary lysosomes containing closely packed
      lamellar amorphous to prismatic material with alternating leaflets and tubules,
      imparting a "herringbone" or "tuffstone" pattern. This case illustrates the
      features of gallbladder involvement in MLD and the potential role of
      ultrastructural examination in diagnosis of MLD.

PMID- 22085304
TI  - Mechanism of visceral fat reduction in Tsumura Suzuki obese, diabetes (TSOD) mice
      orally administered beta-cryptoxanthin from Satsuma mandarin oranges (Citrus
      unshiu Marc).
AB  - The carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin (beta-CRX) is abundant in Satsuma mandarins
      (Citrus unshiu Marc). Several studies have shown a relationship between Satsuma
      mandarin consumption and a low risk of several diseases, for example, diabetes,
      gout, and hypertension, suggesting beta-CRX involvement in disease prevention. We
      investigated the effect of beta-CRX on mildly obese males. beta-CRX
      administration reduced visceral adipose tissue, body weight, and abdominal
      circumference. However, the detailed mechanism by which beta-CRX mediates these
      changes remains unknown. To identify this mechanism, we used an obese model mouse
      (TSOD). Oral beta-CRX administration repressed body weight, abdominal adipose
      tissue weight, and serum lipid concentrations in TSOD; these results are
      identical to previous human trial results. beta-CRX administration significantly
      repressed adipocyte hypertrophy. Gene expression analysis strongly indicated that
      beta-CRX can alter cytokine secretion and cell proliferation. These results
      suggest that beta-CRX derived from Satsuma mandarins can help prevent obesity by
      repressing hypertrophy of abdominal adipocytes.

PMID- 22085305
TI  - Determination of antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions obtained from
      Galinsoga parviflora and Galinsoga quadriradiata, and a qualitative study of the
      most active fractions using TLC and HPLC methods.
AB  - Taking into account the role of reactive oxygen species in the development of
      inflammation, and the application of the plants of genus Galinsoga Ruiz & Pav. in
      folk medicines for inflammatory states, we investigated and compared the
      antioxidant activities of particular Galinsoga extracts and fractions. The
      compositions of the most active fractions were studied using thin layer
      chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods.
      The extracts and fractions from Galinsoga parviflora Cav. and Galinsoga
      quadriradiata Ruiz et Pav. possess dose-dependent free radical-scavenging ability
      against DPPH* and superoxide radicals, as well as inhibitory effects on linoleic
      acid peroxidation in a manner comparable to gallic acid. In the most active
      fractions, flavonoids, patulitrin, quercimeritrin, quercitagetrin and caffeoyl
      derivatives were detected. Our research demonstrates that the investigated herbs
      are an interesting source of preparations with significant antioxidant effects.
      Our results justify the use of both raw materials in inflammatory diseases, among
      others, due to their ability to prevent free radical-induced deleterious effects.

PMID- 22085306
TI  - A qualitative study of barriers to consistent condom use among HIV-1
      serodiscordant couples in Kenya.
AB  - This study explored barriers to consistent condom use among heterosexual HIV-1
      serodiscordant couples who were aware of the HIV-1 serodiscordant status and had
      been informed about condom use as a risk reduction strategy. We conducted 28 in
      depth interviews and 9 focus group discussions among purposively selected
      heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples from Thika and Nairobi districts in
      Kenya. We analyzed the transcribed data with a grounded theory approach. The most
      common barriers to consistent condom use included male partners' reluctance to
      use condoms regardless of HIV-1 status coupled with female partners' inability to
      negotiate condom use, misconceptions about HIV-1 serodiscordance, and desire for
      children. Specific areas of focus should include development of skills for women
      to effectively negotiate condom use, ongoing information on HIV-1 serodiscordance
      and education on safer conception practices that minimize risk of HIV-1
      transmission.

PMID- 22085307
TI  - Joint estimation of contemporary seed and pollen dispersal rates among plant
      populations.
AB  - There are few statistical methods for estimating contemporary dispersal among
      plant populations. A maximum-likelihood procedure is introduced here that uses
      pre- and post-dispersal population samples of biparentally inherited genetic
      markers to jointly estimate contemporary seed and pollen immigration rates from a
      set of discrete external sources into a target population. Monte Carlo
      simulations indicate that accurate estimates and reliable confidence intervals
      can be obtained using this method for both pollen and seed migration rates at
      modest sample sizes (100 parents/population and 100 offspring) when population
      differentiation is moderate (F(ST) >= 0.1), or by increasing pre-dispersal
      samples (to about 500 parents/population) when genetic divergence is weak (F(ST)
      = 0.01). The method exhibited low sensitivity to the number of source populations
      and achieved good accuracy at affordable genetic resolution (10 loci with 10
      equifrequent alleles each). Unsampled source populations introduced positive
      biases in migration rate estimates from sampled sources, although they were minor
      when the proportion of immigration from the latter was comparatively low. A
      practical application of the method to a metapopulation of the Australian
      resprouter shrub Banksia attenuata revealed comparable levels of directional seed
      and pollen migration among dune groups, and the estimate of seed dispersal was
      higher than a previous estimate based on conservative assignment tests. The
      method should be of interest to researchers and managers assessing broad-scale
      nonequilibrium seed and pollen gene flow dynamics in plants.

PMID- 22085309
TI  - Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia in pre-school-aged children.
AB  - AIM: To identify risk factors for children developing and being hospitalised with
      community-acquired pneumonia. METHODS: Children <5 years old residing in urban
      Auckland, New Zealand were enrolled from 2002 to 2004. To assess the risk of
      developing pneumonia, children hospitalised with pneumonia (n= 289) plus children
      with pneumonia discharged from the Emergency Department (n= 139) were compared
      with a random community sample of children without pneumonia (n= 351). To assess
      risk of hospitalisation, children hospitalised with pneumonia were compared with
      the children discharged from the Emergency Department. Adjusted odds ratio (OR)
      with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the risk of pneumonia
      and hospitalisation with pneumonia. RESULTS: After adjustment for season, age and
      ethnicity there was an increased risk of pneumonia associated with lower weight
      for height (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.51), spending less time outside (1.96, 1.11
      3.47), previous chest infections (2.31, 1.55-3.43) and mould in the child's
      bedroom (1.93, 1.24-3.02). There was an increased risk of pneumonia
      hospitalisation associated with maternal history of pneumonia (4.03, 1.25-16.18),
      living in a more crowded household (2.87, 1.33-6.41) and one with cigarette
      smokers (1.99, 1.05-3.81), and mould in the child's bedroom (2.39, 1.25-4.72).
      CONCLUSIONS: Lower quality living environments increase the risk of pneumonia and
      hospitalisation with pneumonia in New Zealand. Poorer nutritional status may also
      increase the risk of pneumonia. Improving housing quality, decreased cigarette
      smoke exposure and early childhood nutrition may reduce pneumonia disease burden
      in New Zealand.

PMID- 22085308
TI  - A unique non-catenane interlocked self-assembled supramolecular architecture and
      its photophysical properties.
AB  - A novel, interlocked, self-assembled (M(2)L(2))(2) molecular architecture was
      constructed from an arene-Ru acceptor and a 1,4-di(pyridin-4-yl)buta-1,3-diyne
      donor. Two M(2)L(2) units, with cavities of ~7.21 A, spontaneously interlock,
      with one unit encapsulating a twin in a non-catenane fashion. The dimeric host
      guest complex thus formed is unique among two-dimensional self-assemblies and is
      stabilized by pi-pi interactions between the M(2)L(2) units.

PMID- 22085310
TI  - Similarities and differences within members of the Ff family of filamentous
      bacteriophage viruses.
AB  - The filamentous bacteriophage viruses of the Ff family, fd and M13, slightly
      differ in their genome, and their 50-residue-long major capsid proteins have a
      single site difference: the uncharged asparagine-12 in M13 is replaced with a
      negatively charged aspartate in fd. We have used magic-angle spinning solid-state
      NMR spectroscopy to site-specifically assign the resonances belonging to the
      capsid protein of M13. Assignment of several mobile residues was facilitated by
      using J-based spectroscopy, which in addition provided sugar-base contacts in the
      M13-DNA stemming from two-bond scalar couplings. A comparison between M13 and fd
      bacteriophages reveals that the two virions have a very conserved and stable
      structure, manifested in negligibly small chemical shift differences and similar
      dynamic properties for nearly all resonances. The principal difference between
      the two phages involves residues in the vicinity of residue 12. We suggest that
      the elimination of the single charge at position 12 throughout the entire
      assembly affects the electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interaction network
      governing inter- and intraresidue contacts, mainly by the rearrangement of the
      positively charged lysine residue at position 8.

PMID- 22085311
TI  - Hyperactive alpha-amylase production by Aspergillus oryzae IFO 30103 in a new
      bioreactor.
AB  - AIMS:   To improve the alpha-amylase production in solid-state fermentation (SSF)
      condition utilizing a new bioreactor (NB) system. METHODS AND RESULTS:   In NB
      system, 20 g of wheat bran moistened with liquid medium in 1:1 ratio (w/v) was
      taken on the tray present inside the upper vessel and an additional 80 ml medium
      was supplemented into the lower vessel. Oxygen uptake rate was improved by
      supplying compressed air that lifted the liquid medium into the upper vessel and
      touched the substrate bed. This condition probably facilitated the heat transfer
      to liquid medium, reduce water loss and catabolite repression. With 1% glucose
      supplementation, maximum alpha-amylase activity of 22 317 Ugds(-1) was produced
      by Aspergillus oryzae IFO 30103 within a very short incubation period (48 h) at 2
      cm bed height with air flow rate of 0.1 l min(-1)  g(-1) wheat bran at 32 degrees
      C and initial medium pH of 6. CONCLUSIONS:   Within a short incubation period,
      significantly high alpha-amylase activity was obtained and it is higher than
      those reported to date at bioreactor scale operating with a fungal strain.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   The reactor is novel and can overcome
      some of the major problems associated with SSF process. A. oryzae IFO 30103 is
      reported as the best fungal source for alpha-amylase production.

PMID- 22085313
TI  - Radical-mediated anti-Markovnikov hydrophosphonation of olefins.
AB  - The radical-mediated addition of triphenylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate to
      olefins (hydrophosphonation) is reported. Both standard radical initiators and
      photochemical conditions are effective, up to the gram scale. The phosphonium
      salts are shown to serve as Z-selective Wittig olefination reagents, even without
      purification.

PMID- 22085312
TI  - Secondary nucleating sequences affect kinetics and thermodynamics of tau
      aggregation.
AB  - Tau protein was scanned for highly amyloidogenic sequences in amphiphilic motifs
      (X)(n)Z, Z(X)(n)Z (n >= 2), or (XZ)(n) (n >= 2), where X is a hydrophobic residue
      and Z is a charged or polar residue. N-Acetyl peptides homologous to these
      sequences were used to study aggregation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
      showed seven peptides, in addition to well-known primary nucleating sequences
      Ac(275)VQIINK (AcPHF6*) and Ac(306)VQIVYK (AcPHF6), formed fibers, tubes,
      ribbons, or rolled sheets. Of the peptides shown by TEM to form amyloid,
      Ac(10)VME, AcPHF6*, Ac(375)KLTFR, and Ac(393)VYK were found to enhance the
      fraction of beta-structure of AcPHF6 formed at equilibrium, and Ac(375)KLTFR was
      found to inhibit AcPHF6 and AcPHF6* aggregation kinetics in a dose-dependent
      manner, consistent with its participation in a hybrid steric zipper model. Single
      site mutants were generated which transformed predicted amyloidogenic sequences
      in tau into non-amyloidogenic ones. A M11K mutant had fewer filaments and showed
      a decrease in aggregation kinetics and an increased lag time compared to wild
      type tau, while a F378K mutant showed significantly more filaments. Our results
      infer that sequences throughout tau, in addition to PHF6 and PHF6*, can seed
      amyloid formation or affect aggregation kinetics or thermodynamics.

PMID- 22085314
TI  - 120-W 2-MUm thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet vapoenucleation of the prostate: 12
      month follow-up.

PMID- 22085315
TI  - Saving face, losing life: obeah pregnancy and reproductive impropriety in
      Southern Belize.
AB  - References to obeah pregnancy are widespread in southern Belize, where the belief
      in supernatural forces combines with Catholic teaching to create a conservative
      reproductive climate in which illegitimate pregnancy, reproductive misfortunes
      and maternal death are located in a discourse of shame. Obeah pregnancy is said
      to result when spiritual forces are unleashed through malicious human intent,
      causing bodily changes that resemble pregnancy. Death of the woman, however,
      usually occurs before prenatal confirmation; thus it is often unclear if an obeah
      pregnancy is a viable pregnancy or some other biomedical - or metaphysical -
      condition. This paper provides a case study of Petrona, whose story is unique in
      that she does not die from her purported obeah pregnancy; rather, she lives to
      bear the consequences of her reproductive behaviours that resulted in the
      stillbirth of a full-term foetus. Petrona was a traditional birth attendant who
      is trained to uphold biomedical antenatal protocols. Arguing that Petrona was not
      adequately educated to fulfill her own prenatal obligations, health care
      personnel sanctioned Petrona's midwifery practice and left her to process her
      'shameful' situation. Ultimately, Petrona's story complicates the culturally
      disengaged narratives of maternal health and highlights the schism between
      medical knowledge and socioculturally influenced embodied experience.

PMID- 22085316
TI  - Effect of two intensive statin regimens on progression of coronary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Statins reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and slow the
      progression of coronary atherosclerosis in proportion to their ability to reduce
      low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, few studies have either
      assessed the ability of intensive statin treatments to achieve disease regression
      or compared alternative approaches to maximal statin administration. METHODS: We
      performed serial intravascular ultrasonography in 1039 patients with coronary
      disease, at baseline and after 104 weeks of treatment with either atorvastatin,
      80 mg daily, or rosuvastatin, 40 mg daily, to compare the effect of these two
      intensive statin regimens on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, as well
      as to assess their safety and side-effect profiles. RESULTS: After 104 weeks of
      therapy, the rosuvastatin group had lower levels of LDL cholesterol than the
      atorvastatin group (62.6 vs. 70.2 mg per deciliter [1.62 vs. 1.82 mmol per
      liter], P<0.001), and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
      (50.4 vs. 48.6 mg per deciliter [1.30 vs. 1.26 mmol per liter], P=0.01). The
      primary efficacy end point, percent atheroma volume (PAV), decreased by 0.99%
      (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.19 to -0.63) with atorvastatin and by 1.22%
      (95% CI, -1.52 to -0.90) with rosuvastatin (P=0.17). The effect on the secondary
      efficacy end point, normalized total atheroma volume (TAV), was more favorable
      with rosuvastatin than with atorvastatin: -6.39 mm(3) (95% CI, -7.52 to -5.12),
      as compared with -4.42 mm(3) (95% CI, -5.98 to -3.26) (P=0.01). Both agents
      induced regression in the majority of patients: 63.2% with atorvastatin and 68.5%
      with rosuvastatin for PAV (P=0.07) and 64.7% and 71.3%, respectively, for TAV
      (P=0.02). Both agents had acceptable side-effect profiles, with a low incidence
      of laboratory abnormalities and cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal doses
      of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin resulted in significant regression of coronary
      atherosclerosis. Despite the lower level of LDL cholesterol and the higher level
      of HDL cholesterol achieved with rosuvastatin, a similar degree of regression of
      PAV was observed in the two treatment groups. (Funded by AstraZeneca
      Pharmaceuticals; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT000620542.).

PMID- 22085318
TI  - Niacin at 56 years of age--time for an early retirement?

PMID- 22085317
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of weight-loss interventions in clinical practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and its cardiovascular complications are extremely common
      medical problems, but evidence on how to accomplish weight loss in clinical
      practice is sparse. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to
      examine the effects of two behavioral weight-loss interventions in 415 obese
      patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Participants were
      recruited from six primary care practices; 63.6% were women, 41.0% were black,
      and the mean age was 54.0 years. One intervention provided patients with weight
      loss support remotely--through the telephone, a study-specific Web site, and e
      mail. The other intervention provided in-person support during group and
      individual sessions, along with the three remote means of support. There was also
      a control group in which weight loss was self-directed. Outcomes were compared
      between each intervention group and the control group and between the two
      intervention groups. For both interventions, primary care providers reinforced
      participation at routinely scheduled visits. The trial duration was 24 months.
      RESULTS: At baseline, the mean body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided
      by the square of the height in meters) for all participants was 36.6, and the
      mean weight was 103.8 kg. At 24 months, the mean change in weight from baseline
      was -0.8 kg in the control group, -4.6 kg in the group receiving remote support
      only (P<0.001 for the comparison with the control group), and -5.1 kg in the
      group receiving in-person support (P<0.001 for the comparison with the control
      group). The percentage of participants who lost 5% or more of their initial
      weight was 18.8% in the control group, 38.2% in the group receiving remote
      support only, and 41.4% in the group receiving in-person support. The change in
      weight from baseline did not differ significantly between the two intervention
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: In two behavioral interventions, one delivered with in
      person support and the other delivered remotely, without face-to-face contact
      between participants and weight-loss coaches, obese patients achieved and
      sustained clinically significant weight loss over a period of 24 months. (Funded
      by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; ClinicalTrials.gov
      number, NCT00783315.).

PMID- 22085319
TI  - Obesity treatment in primary care--are we there yet?

PMID- 22085320
TI  - Needed: pragmatic clinical trials for statin-intolerant patients.

PMID- 22085321
TI  - Attention in children and adolescents with headache.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The previous studies reporting consistent visual reaction times
      slowing in patients with migraine prompted us to verify if headache could be
      associated to a broader impairment of attention. This study aims to undertake a
      thorough investigation of attentional performance by extending the evaluation to
      children with primary headache of different types. METHODS: We compared 62
      children with headache (14 migraineurs with aura, 29 without aura and 19 with
      tension type headache) and 52 controls without headache, matched for age, sex,
      and intelligence using Conners' Continuous Performance Test. RESULTS: The 3
      clinical groups did not differ in attentional measures. The headache patients,
      collapsed in 1 single sample, had mean scores in Hit Reaction Time significantly
      different from those of controls and also had a higher percentage of atypical
      scores in 2 indices of the Conners' Continuous Performance Test (faster mean
      reaction time and more commissions). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the
      presence of an association between attentional problems and headache that may
      impact academic learning and daily activities on the long term. The finding that
      the 3 clinical groups did not show significant differences in attentional
      performance supports the hypothesis that migraine and tension headache form a
      continuum that may share the same pathophysiological mechanisms. These results
      are discussed considering that neurotransmitters and the cerebral circuits
      subserving headache, personality profile, and attention could overlap, thus
      predisposing these children to even mild attention malfunctioning.

PMID- 22085322
TI  - Motor skill assessment of children: is there an association between performance
      based, child-report, and parent-report measures of children's motor skills?
AB  - Client-centered practice requires therapists to actively seek the perspectives of
      children and families. Several assessment tools are available to facilitate this
      process. However, when evaluating motor skill performance, therapists typically
      concentrate on performance-based assessment. To improve understanding of the
      information provided by the different approaches, the study investigated
      correlations between performance-based, child-report, and parent-report measures
      of children's motor skill performance. A sample of convenience of 38 children 8
      12 years of age with no history of motor or intellectual impairments and their
      parents was recruited from Victoria, Australia. Scores for the Bruininks
      Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (performance-based, administered by a
      therapist), Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (child report), and Movement
      Assessment Battery for Children Checklist (parent report) were analyzed using
      Spearman's rho correlation. Several significant moderate-to-large correlations
      were found between scores for parent-report and scores for performance-based
      assessments, while few significant correlations were found between scores for
      child report and scores for the other two measures. The results suggest that
      children offer a unique perspective which should be integrated with other sources
      of information to gain a more holistic perspective of their motor skill
      performance.

PMID- 22085323
TI  - Lenalidomide in multiple myeloma: current experimental and clinical data.
AB  - Lenalidomide (LEN) is a structural analogue of Thalidomide and is currently
      considered a promising compound among immunomodulatory drugs. Following the
      demonstration of its potent anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and
      antineoplastic effects in preclinical models, LEN has emerged as an interesting
      option for the management of selective hematologic malignancies and may also have
      a possible role in certain solid tumors as well. It is currently approved in the
      second-line therapy of multiple myeloma (MM) as well as in myelodysplastic
      syndrome characterized by 5q minus abnormalities. LEN has been found to be
      effective in the treatment of both of these conditions and to possess a
      manageable toxicity profile. In MM, a number of ongoing clinical trials are
      defining its role in the treatment of newly diagnosed disease as well as in
      maintenance therapy. Combination approaches pretransplant have shown great
      promise. Its role in the management of relapsed and refractory disease is now
      well established. Its long-term tolerability profile appears favorable although
      an increased risk in new malignancies in patients receiving LEN as maintenance
      post-stem cell transplant warrants some caution, with follow-up studies being
      important in determining the long-term implications of this observation.

PMID- 22085324
TI  - Comparison of polyphenol extractions from olive pomace and solid fraction of
      olive mill waste water.
AB  - The solid fraction of olive mill waste water (OMWW) was separated from OMWW and
      then the solutes in the solid fraction of OMWW were extracted with ethanol. The
      detection of polyphenols in the ethanol extract showed the presence of
      polyphenols in the solid fraction of OMWW. Effects of solvent-to-solid ratio,
      extraction and agitation time on the extraction of polyphenols from the solid
      fraction of OMWW were examined and the maximum amount of polyphenol was extracted
      from the solid fraction of OMWW with a solvent-to-solid ratio of 15 at 70 min of
      extraction and 10 min of agitation time. Percent yields and purities of the
      polyphenols extracted from solid fraction of OMWW were higher than those of the
      polyphenols extracted from olive pomace with ethanol at 70 min of extraction and
      10 min of agitation time with solvent-to-solid ratio of 15.

PMID- 22085325
TI  - Social assistance needs of children with chronic health conditions: a comparative
      study of international and South african eligibility assessment instruments.
AB  - The efficacy of the current instrument to assess the social assistance needs of
      children with chronic health conditions in South Africa is questioned. To develop
      an improved assessment instrument for South African use, this instrument was
      pitted against two international social assistance assessment instruments, the
      United Kingdom (UK) Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the Australian Child
      Disability Assessment Tool (CDAT). A purposive sample of 18 children representing
      six types of disability and chronic illnesses was selected, and all three
      assessment instruments were used to assess the needs of these children. A
      juxtaposition of the outcomes of the assessment instruments revealed significant
      differences. The South African instrument deemed the majority (56%) of the sample
      ineligible for assistance. On the contrary, significant majorities were deemed
      eligible for assistance in terms of the U.K. (94%) and Australian (89%)
      instruments. The study recommended that a holistic approach to need assessment be
      adopted in the design of a more appropriate assessment instrument for South
      African use.

PMID- 22085326
TI  - Actualizing a provider alliance to expand health services access to a low-income
      urban community.
AB  - Social change to facilitate health care access for vulnerable populations
      sometimes involves model-driven innovative structures and innovative planning and
      implementation approaches. This paper described and analyzed the rationale,
      conceptual framework, program components, and implementation of the South Central
      Health Care Alliance (SCHCA) implemented in South Los Angeles from January 2002
      to December 2004. The program development and implementation was guided by an
      integrated framework linking the Open Systems Theory, the Social Cognitive
      Theory, the Health Belief Model, and the Preventive Health Education and Medical
      Home Project. The performance of the SCHCA as a social system, partnership, and
      participatory implementation program is also presented. While the SCHCA was found
      to be a dynamic social system that responded well to contingencies, its
      performance as a partnership and participatory implementation program was wanting
      in many respects.

PMID- 22085327
TI  - Health system factors affecting communication with pediatricians: gendered work
      culture in primary care.
AB  - This qualitative study examined the roles that practice setting, education level,
      and gender may play in social workers' communication satisfaction with
      pediatricians. Taking an ethnographic approach, the researcher interviewed social
      workers and pediatricians who worked together to provide mental health services
      in primary care. The results suggested that gender at the health system level may
      be an issue and that gendered work culture in primary care was a factor in
      communication. In particular, reimbursement, an aspect of the gendered work
      culture, was a substantial communication barrier, and the implications for
      Medicaid billing are discussed.

PMID- 22085328
TI  - Factors associated with toothache among African American adolescents living in
      rural South Carolina.
AB  - The aim of this study is to explore behavioral factors associated with toothache
      among African American adolescents living in rural South Carolina. Using a self
      administered questionnaire, data were collected on toothache experience in the
      past 12 months, oral hygiene behavior, dental care utilization, and cariogenic
      snack and nondiet soft drink consumption in a convenience sample of 156 African
      American adolescents age 10 to 18 years living in rural South Carolina.
      Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess
      the associations between reported toothache experience and sociodemographic
      variables, oral health behavior, and snack consumption. Thirty-four percent of
      adolescents reported having toothache in the past 12 months. In univariable
      modeling, age, dental visit in the last 2 years, quantity and frequency of
      cariogenic snack consumption, and quantity of nondiet soft drink consumption were
      each significantly associated with experiencing toothache in the past 12 months
      (all p values < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that
      younger age, frequent consumption of cariogenic snacks, and number of cans of
      nondiet soft drink consumed during the weekend significantly increased the odds
      of experiencing toothache in the past 12 months (all p values <= 0.01). Findings
      indicate age, frequent consumption of cariogenic snacks, and number of cans of
      nondiet soft drinks are related to toothache in this group. Public policy
      implications related to selling cariogenic snacks and soft drink that targeting
      children and adolescents especially those from low income families are discussed.

PMID- 22085330
TI  - HIV risk among female sex workers in Miami: the impact of violent victimization
      and untreated mental illness.
AB  - Street-based female sex workers constitute a vulnerable population for HIV, as
      they are often enmeshed in chronic patterns of substance use, sexual risk,
      homelessness, and violent victimization. This study examined the specific
      contributions of victimization history and abuse-related traumagenic factors to
      mental health functioning and sexual risk behaviors, while considering the impact
      of environmental risk factors as well. Using targeted sampling strategies, we
      enrolled 562 Miami-based female sex workers into an intervention trial testing
      the relative effectiveness of two alternative case management conditions in
      establishing linkages with health services and reducing risk for HIV. Lifetime
      prevalence of abuse was extremely elevated at 88%. Nearly half reported abuse
      before the age of 18, while 34% reported violent encounters with "dates" or
      clients in the past 90 days. Serious mental illness (SMI) was quite common, with
      74% reporting severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or traumatic stress. For
      those with histories of abuse, SMI appeared to mediate the association between
      abuse-related trauma and unprotected sex behaviors. Mental health treatment would
      appear to be an important component of effective HIV prevention among this
      vulnerable group, and should form part of a compendium of services offered to
      female sex workers.

PMID- 22085331
TI  - Foldamer structuring by covalently bound macromolecules.
AB  - We used fluorescence and electronic absorption spectroscopy to study the
      molecular weight dependence of macromolecule-induced folding in a chain-centered
      meta-phenylene ethynylene (mPE) oligomer. Analogous to the ability of
      intrinsically unstructured proteins (IUPs) to induce folding of globular proteins
      in cellular environments, we show that macromolecules attached to both ends of an
      mPE dodecamer induce the foldamer to collapse into a presumed helical
      conformation. The collapse is especially prominent once the macromolecule
      segments become larger than ca. 50 kDa. For sufficiently large macromolecules,
      the conformational structuring occurs even in solvents that normally denature the
      foldamer. Based on these findings, chain-centered foldamers might find use as
      models to investigate the fundamental macromolecular physics of IUPs.

PMID- 22085332
TI  - 'Let's have it tested first': choice and circumstances in decision-making
      following positive antenatal screening in Hong Kong.
AB  - There now exists a considerable body of sociological work examining antenatal
      screening for fetal abnormalities. A common theme emerging from this literature
      is that pregnant women report not feeling able to exercise choice freely,
      experiencing constraints both from medical professionals and their perceived
      expectations of the sociocultures in which they live. This study adds to existing
      literature in three ways. Firstly, in contrast to the existing body of interview
      based research, the study uses video recordings of actual consultations, in order
      to capture the interactional processes through which choice and constraints are
      established, negotiated and contested. Secondly, it explores the next stage in
      the process of antenatal screening, by focusing on women who are offered invasive
      diagnostic testing as a result of 'high risk' screening results, and who have
      been the subject of little research. Thirdly, the study site in Hong Kong
      provides a particularly interesting location, given limited research on antenatal
      screening in that part of the world, and Hong Kong's cosmopolitan environment
      that is reflected in the diversity of client population undergoing antenatal
      screening. Using conversation analysis we examine how aspects of the clients'
      diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and circumstances are interactionally managed
      in this setting, and how this might impact on decision-making.

PMID- 22085333
TI  - Effects of bulk colloidal stability on adsorption layers of
      poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/sodium dodecyl sulfate at the air-water
      interface studied by neutron reflectometry.
AB  - We show for the oppositely charged system poly(diallyldimethylammonium
      chloride)/sodium dodecyl sulfate that the cliff edge peak in its surface tension
      isotherm results from the comprehensive precipitation of bulk complexes into
      sediment, leaving a supernatant that is virtually transparent and a depleted
      adsorption layer at the air/water interface. The aggregation and settling
      processes take about 3 days to reach completion and occur at bulk compositions
      around charge neutrality of the complexes which lack long-term colloidal
      stability. We demonstrate excellent quantitative agreement between the measured
      surface tension values and a peak calculated from the surface excess of
      surfactant in the precipitation region measured by neutron reflectometry, using
      the approximation that there is no polymer left in the liquid phase. The
      nonequilibrium nature of the system is emphasized by the production of very
      different interfacial properties from equivalent aged samples that are handled
      differently. We go on to outline our perspective on the "true equilibrium" state
      of this intriguing system and conclude with a comment on its practical relevance
      given that the interfacial properties can be so readily influenced by the
      handling of kinetically trapped bulk aggregates.

PMID- 22085334
TI  - Serpin protease inhibitors in plant biology.
AB  - Protease inhibitors of the serpin family are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom but
      relatively little is known about their biological functions in comparison with
      their counterparts in animals. X-ray crystal structures have provided crucial
      insights into animal serpin functions. The recently solved structure of AtSerpin1
      from Arabidopsis thaliana, which has the highly conserved reactive center P2-P1'
      Leu-Arg-Xaa (Xaa = small residue), displays both conserved and plant-specific
      serpin features. Sequence homology suggests that AtSerpin1 belongs to serpin
      Clade B, composed of intracellular mammalian serpins, which is consistent with
      the lack of strong evidence for secretion of serpins from plant cells. The major
      in vivo target protease for AtSerpin1 is the papain-like cysteine RD21 protease,
      a match reminiscent of the inhibition of cathepsins K, L and S by the Clade-B
      mammalian serpin, SCCA-1 (SERPINB3). The function of AtSerpin1 and other serpins
      that contain P2-P1' Leu-Arg-Xaa (the 'LR' serpins) in plants remains unknown.
      However, based on its homology and interactive partners, AtSerpin1 and perhaps
      other serpins are likely to be involved in regulating programmed cell death or
      associated processes such as senescence. Abundant accumulation of serpins in
      seeds and their presence in phloem sap suggest additional functions in plant
      defense by irreversible inhibition of digestive proteases from pests or
      pathogens. Here we review the most recent findings in plant serpin biology,
      focusing on advances in describing the structure and inhibitory specificity of
      the LR serpins.

PMID- 22085335
TI  - Impact of insulin pumps on glycaemic control in a pump-naive paediatric regional
      population.
AB  - AIM: To examine the clinical impact of insulin-pump therapy for children with
      type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a regional paediatric service, Auckland, New
      Zealand. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of children with T1DM from the Starship
      paediatric diabetes database who started on insulin-pump therapy from 2002 to
      2008 compared with the whole T1DM population and with an equal number of non-pump
      patients matched by age, sex, ethnicity and duration of diabetes. RESULTS: From
      621 subjects with 6680 clinic visits, 75 children were treated with insulin-pump
      therapy for more than 12 months. Transitioning to insulin-pump treatment was
      associated with an improvement in HbA1c compared with baseline (-0.3%/year, P <
      0.001) for up to 3 years. In contrast, despite similar deprivation scores, non
      pump controls showed a continuing trend to higher HbA1C values (+0.2%/year, P <
      0.01). The risk of severe hypoglycaemia fell after pump start (from 27 (0-223) to
      5 (0-0.91) events/100 patient years) with no change in non-pump controls; the
      rate of diabetic ketoacidosis remained low in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a pump
      naive regional paediatric population, insulin-pump therapy for T1DM was safe and
      effective, and associated with sustained improvements in HbA1c and lower risk of
      hypoglycaemia.

PMID- 22085336
TI  - The possibility of using cyanobacterial bloom materials as a medium for white rot
      fungi.
AB  - AIMS:   The present study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of using
      cyanobacterial bloom materials as a medium for white rot fungi and the capability
      of white rot fungi, Trichaptum abietinum 1302BG and Lopharia spadicea to
      biodegrade dried cyanobacterial bloom material taken from Taihu Lake. METHODS AND
      RESULTS:   The results showed T. abietinum 1302BG and L. spadicea could use the
      cyanobacterial bloom materials taken from Taihu Lake for growth to measure the
      mycelial plaque and dry-weight mycelial pellicles of fungi. The removal rate of
      dried cyanobacterial bloom materials incubated with white rot fungi is
      approximately 100%. CONCLUSIONS:   The cyanobacterial bloom material can be used
      as a glucose substitute in white rot fungi medium. The white rot fungi, T.
      abietinum 1302BG and L. spadicea, can also directly decrease the biomass of
      cyanobacterial bloom material taken from Taihu Lake. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF
      THE STUDY:   Cyanobacterial bloom thrives in eutrophic fresh waters all over the
      world. Micro-organisms, particularly fungi, have attracted attention as possible
      agents for the degradation of phytoplankton species. Dealing with cyanobacterial
      bloom material as a medium for fungi instead of directly discharging them as
      organic fertilizers is a new, safe and environmentally friendly approach.

PMID- 22085337
TI  - Escherichia coli SlyD, more than a Ni(II) reservoir.
AB  - SlyD interacts with HypB and contributes to nickel insertion during [NiFe]
      hydrogenase biogenesis. Herein, we provide evidence of SlyD acting as a nickel
      storage determinant in Escherichia coli and show that this Ni(II) can be
      mobilized to HypB in vitro even under competitive conditions. Furthermore, SlyD
      enhances the GTPase activity of HypB, and acceleration of release of Ni(II) from
      HypB is more pronounced when HypB is GDP-bound. The data support a model in which
      a HypB-SlyD complex establishes communication between GTP hydrolysis and nickel
      delivery and provide insight into the role of the HypB-SlyD complex during [NiFe]
      hydrogenase biosynthesis.

PMID- 22085338
TI  - Risk profile of bevacizumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe adverse events (AEs) have been reported in cancer patients
      treated with bevacizumab. Currently, safety of bevacizumab in patients with non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not clear. We conducted a meta-analysis to
      evaluate the risk profile of bevacizumab in NSCLC patients. METHODS: Relevant
      trials were identified by searching databases and conference proceedings. Data on
      treatment-related deaths and grade 3 or 4 AEs were extracted and pooled to
      calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for bevacizumab
      compared with chemotherapy alone. RESULTS: A total of 2210 patients were included
      in the analysis. Compared with chemotherapy alone, high-dosage (15 mg/kg)
      bevacizumab was associated with an increased risk of treatment-related deaths (RR
      = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.18-3.52), but not for low-dosage (7.5 mg/kg) group (RR = 1.20,
      95% CI = 0.60-2.41). In addition, treatment with bevacizumab was associated with
      several grade 3 or 4 AEs in patients with NSCLC, especially in high-dosage
      bevacizumab group. CONCLUSION: The use of the bevacizumab increases the risk of
      treatment-related deaths and several grade 3 or 4 AEs in patient with NSCLC. The
      risk may be dose-dependent. Close monitoring and adequate management are
      recommended to decrease severe AEs.

PMID- 22085339
TI  - Mechanistic analysis of muraymycin analogues: a guide to the design of MraY
      inhibitors.
AB  - The systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the muraymycins (MRYs)
      using an Ugi four-component reaction (U4CR) was investigated. The impact of the
      lipophilic substituent on antibacterial activity was significant, and the
      analogues 8 and 9 having a lipophilic side chain exhibited good activity against
      a range of Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, including MRSA and VRE. Further
      investigation of compounds 8 and 9 revealed these analogues to be selective
      inhibitors of the MraY transferase and nontoxic to HepG2 cells. The SAR of the
      accessory urea-peptide moiety indicated that it could be simplified. Our SAR
      study of the MRYs suggests a probable mechanism for inhibition of the MraY, where
      the inner moiety of the urea-dipeptide motif interacts with the carbohydrate
      recognition domain in the cytoplasmic loop 5. The predicted binding model would
      provide further direction toward the design of potent MraY inhibitors. This study
      has set the stage for the generation of novel antibacterial "lead" compounds
      based on MRYs.

PMID- 22085340
TI  - Au-catalyzed piperidine synthesis via tandem acyloxy migration/intramolecular [3
      + 2] cycloaddition of enynyl esters.
AB  - An Au-catalyzed tandem protocol involving enynyl ester isomerization and
      subsequent intramolecular [3 + 2] cyclization has been developed. This strategy
      provides an efficient approach for the synthesis of polyfunctional piperidines,
      which are subunits of many bioactive molecules.

PMID- 22085341
TI  - Atrophy of corrugator supercilii muscle in a patient induced by the onabotulinum
      toxin injection.
AB  - Onabotulinum toxin has been used to treat a variety of headaches. We report a
      case of a 29-year-old woman who developed temporary and reversible atrophy of
      corrugator supercilii muscle after onabotulinum toxin (Botox, Allergan, Irvine,
      CA, USA) injection. To our best knowledge this has not been described in the
      literature before.

PMID- 22085342
TI  - Gender differences in mobility disability during young, middle and older age in
      West African adults.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and the contribution of
      socio-demographic factors and chronic diseases to mobility disability in West
      African countries. Data were obtained from the World Health Survey (2002-2003) in
      which adults>=18 years participated, from Burkina Faso (n=4822), Mali (n=4230)
      and Senegal (n=3197). Participants reporting mild, moderate, severe, extreme
      difficulty or inability to move around were defined as having mobility
      disability. All estimates were corrected for sampling design. Association
      measures were estimated using logistic regression methods. Mobility disability
      was frequent at young ages (35-44 years old) in men and women, respectively: 17%
      and 23% in Burkina Faso, 12% and 23% in Mali and 22% and 34% in Senegal. Women
      had higher odds of mobility difficulty than men at every age group in the three
      countries: 1.34 (95%CI 1.06; 1.70) in Burkina Faso; 2.33 (95% CI 1.84; 2.71) in
      Mali and 1.82 (95%CI 1.41; 2.36) in Senegal. Controlling for socio-economic
      factors and chronic disease, these odds changed respectively to 0.94 (95%CI 0.70;
      1.25), 2.19 (95%CI 1.61; 2.96) and 1.90 (95%CI 1.27; 2.84). These results
      constitute a benchmark for the study of trends of mobility disability in West
      Africa and could be used by policy planners.

PMID- 22085344
TI  - The patient, the physician and the technician.

PMID- 22085345
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of posterior titanium instrumentation in children with
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the effectiveness and the relative
      safety of posterior spinal fusion with titanium instrumentation in children with
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort
      (case-only) study was conducted to determine this effectiveness and safety. There
      were 24 patients (21 girls, 3 boys; mean age 14.1+/-1.8 years; range 11 to 17
      years) who underwent surgery between January 2002 and December 2003 in our
      clinic, with a minimum of two years follow-up. Upper thoracic, thoracic, and
      thoracolumbar coronal curves as well as kyphosis from T5-T12 were measured as
      main outcome variables and repeated measure ANOVA was used to assess the data.
      RESULTS: The main thoracic curve (coronal plane) correction achieved at the first
      erect period (the first 4 weeks postoperative) (mean 12.21+/-9.78 degrees), this
      correction was maintained at 24 months follow-up (mean 15.71+/-7.15 degrees) and
      both were significantly lower than the preoperative values (mean 57.0+/-12.75
      degrees), (p<0.001). Sagittal plane (kyphosis angle between T5-T12) curve was not
      worsened by posterior titanium instrumentation and it was 19.50+/-10.53 degrees
      preoperatively, 16.45+/-6.68 degrees at the first erect period and 17.73+/-8.40
      degrees at the 24 months follow-up (p=0.74). There were no evidence of
      pseudoarthrosis, no loss of correction and no infections. CONCLUSION: Posterior
      titanium instrumentation in the treatment of AIS is effective due to its ability
      to achieve and maintain curve correction. Further, this instrumentation does not
      worsen hypokyphosis and is safe since there were no adverse events.

PMID- 22085346
TI  - [The relationship between chronic hip pain and femoroacetabular impingement: an
      evaluation with clinical signs and radiography].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the rate of the clinical and
      radiographic findings of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in patients with
      chronic hip pain and compared the findings with those of a control group.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiographic findings of FAI in 38
      patients (group 1) having hip pain for more than three months were analyzed and
      compared with 42 controls (group 2). Internal rotation degrees were measured
      while the hips were at 90 degrees  flexion and impingement test was performed by
      rotating the hips internally at 90 degrees  flexion and adduction. The FAI
      findings were investigated on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and cross-table
      lateral radiographs of the hip joint in both groups. The collum-diaphyseal angle,
      alpha angle and anterior offset ratio on the femoral side and the center-edge
      angle, acetabular index, extrusion index and crossover sign on the acetabular
      side were evaluated. RESULTS: The internal rotation degree of the painful hips
      were less than 20 degree in 18 (47.4%) patients in group 1 and in one (2.4%)
      patient in group 2 (p<0.001). The impingement sign was positive in 15 (39.5%)
      patients in group 1 and in one (2.4%) patient in group 2 (p<0.001). While the
      rate of radiographic findings that can cause pincer type FAI were same in both
      groups, the rate of patients with radiographic findings that can cause cam type
      FAI was 76.3% (n=29) in group 1 and 42.9% (n=18) in group 2 (p=0.002).
      CONCLUSION: Femoroacetabular impingement is one of the causes of chronic hip pain
      and if evaluated with suitable clinical and radiographic parameters, the rates of
      diagnosis may increase.

PMID- 22085347
TI  - [Comparison of the results of supervised physiotherapy program and home-based
      exercise program in patients treated with arthroscopic-assisted mini-open rotator
      cuff repair].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the results of supervised exercise program
      versus standardized home based exercise program after rotator cuff repair with
      respect to severity of pain, functional status, quality of life, and depression.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (5 males, 23 females; mean age 59.8+/
      9.1 years; range 40 to 83 years) who had rotator cuff repair were evaluated.
      Patients were divided into two groups and the first group was treated with
      supervised physiotherapy (n=15) and the second group was treated with home-based
      exercise program (n=13). Pendulum exercises and passive exercises within pain
      limits were performed by all patients in the six-week immobilization period with
      shoulder sling with abduction pillow after rotator cuff repair. After this
      period, the patients in home-based exercise program were taught to perform active
      exercises and the patients in supervised physiotherapy group were treated with
      active shoulder range of motion exercises under the supervision of the
      physiotherapist. When patients reached to active full range of motion,
      strengthening exercises were added to exercise program. Patients were assessed
      preoperatively and at the end of the postoperative third month. Pain was
      evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), functional status with Constant
      shoulder score, quality of life with short form-36 (SF-36), and depressive
      symptoms with Beck depression inventory (BDI). RESULTS: There were significant
      improvements in all evaluation parameters in both groups after rotator cuff
      repair. CONCLUSION: There were no statistical differences between the patients
      who received exercise program under the supervision of the physiotherapist and
      the patients who were treated with standardized home-based exercise program for
      the efficacy of treatment in the evaluation of pain, functional status, quality
      of life, and depression status. When the rehabilitation programs were analyzed
      for cost effectiveness, the supervised physiotherapy group was found to have
      higher costs.

PMID- 22085348
TI  - Relationship between clinical and electrophysiological results in surgically
      treated carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, relationship between clinical and electrophysiological
      results of decompression via mini incision technique was investigated. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Thirty-nine hands of 38 patients (35 females, 3 males; mean age 54.8
      years; range 33 to 81 years) with carpal tunnel syndrome who were treated
      surgically in our clinic between April 2004 and February 2009 were included into
      the study. Patients were evaluated clinically and electrophysiologically both in
      pre- and postoperative period. RESULTS: There was a difference between pre- and
      postoperative clinical results (p=0.00). Clinically, the mean symptom severity
      and functional status scores were decreased in 36 hands (92.3%). Postoperative
      electrophysiological grades were significantly improved compared to the
      preoperative ones. There was a significant difference between the pre- and
      postoperative clinical scores in all of the preoperative electromyography grades,
      except for the moderate grades. However, no relation was found between the
      electrophysiological grades and the clinical results in both pre- and
      postoperative period. CONCLUSION: This study shows that in spite of clinical
      improvement after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery through mini incision technique,
      electrophysiological findings were still suggesting the presence of varying
      degrees of carpal tunnel syndrome in postoperative period.

PMID- 22085349
TI  - Correlation between selective pedobarographic and radiographic measures in the
      assessment of surgically treated CTEV patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the correlation between selective
      pedobarographic and radiographic measures in patients with surgically treated
      congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 50
      patients [70 feet; 34 girls (68%) and 16 boys (32%); mean age 11.2 months; range
      3-30.6 months] surgically treated for CTEV with a mean follow-up of 8.7 years
      (range 4.3 to 15 years). Patients had radiographic and pedobarographic
      measurements simultaneously. The right and left feet were assessed separately.
      The relationship between selective pedobarographs and standing weight-bearing
      radiographs of the foot was assessed by the Pearson's correlation coefficient and
      the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There were moderate
      correlations between selective pedobarographic and radiographic measures in
      surgically treated CTEV patients. The strongest positive correlations were
      between the right heel rise and right anteroposterior calcaneal-5(th) metatarsal
      angle (r=0.54, p=0.001) and, the right anteroposterior talo-1(st) metatarsal
      angle (r=0.48, p=0.003). A similar strong positive correlation was observed
      between lateral tibiocalcaneal angle and left heel rise parameters (r=0.42,
      p=0.01). CONCLUSION: There were moderate correlations between selective
      pedobarographic and radiographic measures of surgically treated CTEV. However,
      the pedobarographic measure is a direct measure of the contact force of the foot
      with the ground and therefore has a more direct functional implication than
      radiographic measures.

PMID- 22085350
TI  - [Effect of bone cement application on the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in
      major joint arthroplasties].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, we have investigated whether the application of bone
      cement has an effect on the frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in major
      joint arthroplasties (MJA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 95 MJA cases meeting
      the inclusion criteria of this study between January 2004 and January 2005 were
      divided into cemented and cementless groups. For prophylaxis, all patients were
      given low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The patients were scanned for DVT
      preoperatively and on the postoperative 12(th) day by color Doppler
      ultrasonography. RESULTS: In hip arthroplasties, in knee arthroplasties and in
      general, DVT was seen more frequently in cemented group, however, there was no
      statistically significant difference between groups in the frequency of DVT
      (p=0.549, p=0.749 and p=0.462, respectively). Also, there was no significant
      difference between the results of the different LMWH groups (p=0.616).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study shows that bone cement application in MJAs
      such as hip or knee arthroplasties has no significant effect on the frequency of
      DVT.

PMID- 22085351
TI  - Football injuries on synthetic turf fields.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Football injuries that occur during football matches played on
      synthetic fields and the features of these injuries were investigated and the
      data was pursued for the prevention and reduction of these injuries. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: All adolescent and adult trauma cases who admitted to the Emergency
      Department with football injuries on synthetic fields were retrospectively
      investigated. Nine hundred and eighty-five male cases were detected with a mean
      age of 30.1+/-4.2 years (range 15-57 years). Age, gender, times of admittance to
      the Emergency Department, site of injury, type of injury, and clinical result
      data of the cases were examined. RESULTS: 19:00 to 24:00 hours (n=852, 86.5%) and
      weekdays were the most frequent admittance times. It was detected that lower
      extremities (n=583, 59.2%) were the most commonly affected body parts and the
      upper-extremity injuries (n=281, 28.6%) and the head and neck injuries (n=75,
      7.6%) were the second and third most commonly seen injuries, respectively.The
      most frequently observed injury types were contusions, abrasions and hematomas in
      all cases (n=364, 37.0%). Sprains/strains were the second most common types of
      injuries (n=343, 34.8%). When the final diagnoses of all cases were examined, it
      was determined that the anterior talofibular ligament injuries were the second
      most frequent after soft-tissue injuries (n=217, 22%). CONCLUSION: Football
      matches on synthetic fields can lead to serious orthopedic injuries.
      Investigation of the mechanisms of these injuries, which cause workday and
      economic losses, will be a guide for the future studies on the prevention of
      these injuries.

PMID- 22085343
TI  - Niacin in patients with low HDL cholesterol levels receiving intensive statin
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with established cardiovascular disease, residual
      cardiovascular risk persists despite the achievement of target low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with statin therapy. It is unclear whether
      extended-release niacin added to simvastatin to raise low levels of high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is superior to simvastatin alone in reducing such
      residual risk. METHODS: We randomly assigned eligible patients to receive
      extended-release niacin, 1500 to 2000 mg per day, or matching placebo. All
      patients received simvastatin, 40 to 80 mg per day, plus ezetimibe, 10 mg per
      day, if needed, to maintain an LDL cholesterol level of 40 to 80 mg per deciliter
      (1.03 to 2.07 mmol per liter). The primary end point was the first event of the
      composite of death from coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction,
      ischemic stroke, hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome, or symptom
      driven coronary or cerebral revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 3414 patients
      were randomly assigned to receive niacin (1718) or placebo (1696). The trial was
      stopped after a mean follow-up period of 3 years owing to a lack of efficacy. At
      2 years, niacin therapy had significantly increased the median HDL cholesterol
      level from 35 mg per deciliter (0.91 mmol per liter) to 42 mg per deciliter (1.08
      mmol per liter), lowered the triglyceride level from 164 mg per deciliter (1.85
      mmol per liter) to 122 mg per deciliter (1.38 mmol per liter), and lowered the
      LDL cholesterol level from 74 mg per deciliter (1.91 mmol per liter) to 62 mg per
      deciliter (1.60 mmol per liter). The primary end point occurred in 282 patients
      in the niacin group (16.4%) and in 274 patients in the placebo group (16.2%)
      (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.87 to 1.21; P=0.79 by the log
      rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular
      disease and LDL cholesterol levels of less than 70 mg per deciliter (1.81 mmol
      per liter), there was no incremental clinical benefit from the addition of niacin
      to statin therapy during a 36-month follow-up period, despite significant
      improvements in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. (Funded by the National
      Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Abbott Laboratories; AIM-HIGH
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00120289.).

PMID- 22085352
TI  - Effect of pentoxifylline on fracture healing: an experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of pentoxifylline on
      fracture healing in an experimental animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty
      one male, Wistar-Albino rats were divided randomly into two groups as the
      pentoxifylline and control groups. Standard, closed femoral shaft fractures were
      established in all rats using a three-point bending device under general
      anesthesia. The rats were administered either pentoxifylline or isotonic NaCl
      injections everyday, beginning after production of fracture until they were
      sacrificed. Ten rats (11 rats in the pentoxifylline group on the 14(th) day) in
      each group were sacrificed on the 7(th), 14(th) and the 21(st) days and clinical,
      radiological, and histological examinations were performed to evaluate bony
      union. RESULTS: Radiological evaluation of callus did not reveal any significant
      difference between the control and the pentoxifylline groups in the first, second
      and the third weeks. However histological callus formation was significantly
      superior in pentoxifylline group compared to the control group at the end of the
      first week and callus formation was better in the control group in the third
      week. CONCLUSION: Pentoxifylline can be used to accelerate fracture union in
      early phases. Because of its hematological effects pentoxifylline accelerates the
      hematoma stage of fracture healing. But it inhibits fracture union in the later
      stages, presumably due to its anti-inflammatory effect. This should be taken into
      consideration during the clinical use of this drug.

PMID- 22085353
TI  - [Effects of human amniotic fluid on posterolateral spinal fusion: an experimental
      preliminary study].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of human amniotic fluid on posterolateral
      spinal fusion were investigated in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty
      eight 20-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study. The
      subjects were divided into two main groups as the control group and the amniotic
      fluid group. Posterolateral spinal fusion was performed by using autografts in
      all groups whereas 0.3 ml of centrifuged human amniotic fluid was added to the
      fusion area in amniotic fluid groups. Groups were further divided into subgroups
      each including seven rats and evaluated radiologically and histologically at the
      third and sixth weeks. RESULTS: The radiological fusion observed in the amniotic
      fluid group was significant at the sixth week when compared to that in the
      control group. The histological fusion quality was significant in the amniotic
      fluid groups both at the third and sixth weeks when compared to the control
      groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that human amniotic fluid enhances posterolateral
      spinal fusion. We believe that the growth factors and hyaluronic acid present in
      the amniotic fluid played a role in this result.

PMID- 22085354
TI  - [Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis in the shoulder joint and the biceps
      tendon: a case report].
AB  - Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disease of
      synovium frequently most frequently seen in the knee joint and hand tendon
      synovial tissues; shoulder involvement is extremely rare. It can be seen in
      joints in two forms as nodular or diffuse involvement. The clinical and
      radiological symptoms are not specific to the disease and usually mimic other
      joint diseases. The general complaint of the patients is long-lasting painful
      swelling that could not be diagnosed. In magnetic resonance imaging it is
      observed as soft tissue mass. Pigment deposition and histiocytic cell
      infiltration in the villous synovial projections are the major histological
      findings. Synovectomy is performed for treatment and the incidence of recurrence
      is high. In this article, we report a 23-years-old male patient with diffuse PVNS
      in the shoulder joint and biceps tendon which are rarely involved in PVNS.

PMID- 22085355
TI  - Traumatic asymmetrical bilateral hip dislocation: a case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Traumatic asymmetrical bilateral dislocation of the hip joint is a rare
      occurrence. Herein we report a case of traumatic asymmetrical bilateral
      dislocation of the hip caused by a falling object. A 31-year-old healthy male was
      injured by a falling wall of weighing approximately 100 kg from behind in the
      lumbosacral area. The patient sustained a pelvic fracture, posterior dislocation
      of the right hip joint associated with a comminuted fracture of the right
      acetabulum, and anterior dislocation of the left hip joint. Manual reduction of
      both hip dislocations was performed in the Emergency Department. The posterior
      wall fracture of the right acetabulum was treated with open reduction and
      internal fixation by plate and screw. Reduction of both hips was successful and
      no femur necrosis or arthrosis was found during the four-year follow-up.
      Heterotopic ossification was found but it did not affect joint function. Prompt
      reduction of hip dislocations in the Emergency Department can reduce the
      incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

PMID- 22085356
TI  - Unusual tennis injuries: boxer's fracture and medial subtalar dislocation: report
      of two cases.
AB  - In this article, we describe two cases of unusual tennis injuries. One of them
      was a 48-year-old elite tennis player. He had boxer's fracture due to fall during
      a tennis match. The other one was a 22-year-old beginner tennis player. He had
      talonavicular and subtalar dislocations due to fall during tennis match caused by
      shoes inappropriate for tennis. Patients were treated conservatively without any
      complications.

PMID- 22085357
TI  - One new diphenylmethane glycoside from the leaves of Psidium guajava L.
AB  - To investigate the chemical constituents of Psidium guajava L, the EtOH/H(2)O
      extract of the fresh leaves was subjected to various chromatography. One
      diphenylmethane, one benzophenone, and eight flavonoids were isolated and
      elucidated as 2,6-dihydroxy-3-formaldehyde-5-methyl-4-O-(6"-O-galloyl-beta-D
      glucopyranosyl)-diphenylmethane (1), 2,6-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-4-O-(6"-O-galloyl
      beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-benzophenone (2), kaempferol (3), quercetin (4),
      quercitrin (5), isoquercitrin (6), guaijaverin (7), avicularin (8), hyperoside
      (9), reynoutrin (10) by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI
      MS spectrometry as well as by comparison with published data. Compounds 5 and 10
      are obtained from P. guajava for the first time, and compound 1 is a new
      diphenylmethane compound.

PMID- 22085358
TI  - Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis--achievements and prospective advances.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the CNS. Different subtypes
      of the disease have been noted, and characterized by distinct clinical courses
      and histopathologic manifestations. The most intensively studied animal model of
      MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), classically leads to
      deficits in motor functions, and is mediated by T helper cells. Recently, T(H)17
      cells were ascribed an even greater pathogenic impact than T(H)1 cells, but new
      findings render this view controversial. Although classic EAE has been an
      invaluable tool, it does not cover the entire pathogenic entity of MS. Especially
      B-cell contribution and autoantibody-dependence are not mirrored adequately:
      therefore, new B-cell-dependent models, such as MP4-induced EAE, have been
      introduced. Furthermore, certain symptoms and the spontaneous onset of MS are not
      featured in classic EAE. Herein, atypical and spontaneous EAE models can be used
      for investigation of common symptoms, such as tremor and ataxia, as well as
      spontaneous disease development. MS displays a marked inter-individual
      heterogeneity, and no single model will be able to cover all features. Thus,
      depending on the objective of one's study, the appropriate EAE model has to be
      carefully chosen. In addition, refined models should be designed to gain a more
      complete understanding of MS.

PMID- 22085359
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor A protein level and gene expression in
      intracranial meningiomas with brain edema.
AB  - Meningiomas are the second most common primary intracranial tumors in adults.
      Although meningiomas are mostly benign, more than 50% of patients with meningioma
      develop peritumoral brain edema (PTBE), which may be fatal because of increased
      intracranial pressure. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an
      endothelial cell-specific mitogen and angiogen. VEGF-A protein, which is
      identical to vascular permeability factor, is a regulator of angiogenesis. In
      this study, 101 patients with meningiomas, and possible co-factors to PTBE, such
      as meningioma subtypes and tumor location, were examined. Forty-three patients
      had primary, solitary, supratentorial meningiomas with PTBE. In these,
      correlations in PTBE, edema index, VEGF-A protein, VEGF gene expression,
      capillary length, and tumor water content were investigated. DNA-branched
      hybridization was used for measuring VEGF gene expression in tissue homogenates
      prepared from frozen tissue samples. The method for VEGF-A analysis resembled an
      ELISA assay, but was based on chemiluminescence. The edema index was positively
      correlated to VEGF-A protein (p = 0.014) and VEGF gene expression (p < 0.05). The
      capillary length in the meningiomas was positively correlated to the PTBE (p =
      0.038). If VEGF is responsible for the formation of PTBE, the edema may be
      treated with the anti-VEGF drug Bevacizumab (Avastin), which has been shown to
      reduce PTBE in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

PMID- 22085360
TI  - Evaluating TIMP-1, Ki67, and HER2 as markers for non-sentinel node metastases in
      breast cancer patients with micrometastases to the sentinel node.
AB  - The aim was to investigate whether the biochemical prognostic markers TIMP-1,
      Ki67, and HER2 could predict metastatic spread to non-sentinel nodes (NSN) in
      breast cancer patients with micrometastases to sentinel node (SN). We included
      all breast cancer patients with micrometastases to SN operated between 2001 and
      2007 at the Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev Hospital. The study was designed
      as a matched case-control study with 25 cases with micrometastases to SN and, in
      addition, metastatic spread to NSN and 50 matched controls with micrometastases
      to SN, but without NSN metastases. Patient and tumor characteristics were
      retrieved from the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group database.
      Immunohistochemical analyses of TIMP-1 and Ki67 and measurements of HER2 on
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue were performed. No significant
      differences in the immunoreactivity of TIMP-1 and Ki67 were found between
      patients with and without NSN metastases. Six of seven HER2 positive patients did
      not have NSN metastases, but the results did not reach statistical significance.
      Despite being prognostic markers in breast cancer, TIMP-1 and Ki67 could not
      predict NSN metastases in women with micrometastatic disease to SN. Larger
      studies are needed to further validate HER2 as a marker for NSN metastases in
      these patients.

PMID- 22085361
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility to parenteral and oral agents in a largely
      polyclonal collection of CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli and
      Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - Activity of oral and parenteral antimicrobials against consecutively isolated
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (n = 149) and
      Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 20) was determined, and susceptibility test methods
      were compared for parenteral beta-lactams. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      targeting bla(CTX-M), bla(SHV) and bla(TEM), and DNA sequencing and
      epidemiological typing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were performed. PCR
      targeting pabB was screened for E. coli O25b-ST131. Minimum inhibitory
      concentrations (MICs) were determined using Etest and broth microdilution. Disc
      diffusion was performed according to European Committee on Antimicrobial
      Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Dominating genotypes were bla(CTX-M-15) (75%)
      and bla(CTX-M-14) (23%). Four E. coli clusters (7-18 isolates) were found. Forty
      two per cent of E. coli belonged to O25b-ST131. Ciprofloxacin resistance was 72%,
      trimethoprim resistance was 70%. Among E. coli, resistance to mecillinam (13%),
      nitrofurantoin (7%) and fosfomycin (3%) was low, although resistance was high in
      K. pneumoniae (25%, 60%, 85%). Susceptibility to ertapenem was 99%, piperacillin
      tazobactam 91%, tigecycline 96% and temocillin 76%. Susceptibility rates obtained
      with broth microdilution and Etest were in agreement for cefotaxime (2 vs 1%) and
      ceftazidime (9 vs 11%), but not for piperacillin-tazobactam (59 vs 91%). With
      disc diffusion major errors occurred with piperacillin-tazobactam (18/169).
      Several therapeutic alternatives exist for ESBL-producing E. coli, but few exist
      for K. pneumoniae. Disc diffusion and Etest can accurately predict susceptibility
      to cefotaxime and ceftazidime, but not to piperacillin-tazobactam with the
      present breakpoints.

PMID- 22085362
TI  - Gonococcal infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic persons seeking medical
      clinics in Sofia--a 3-year study 2008-2010.
AB  - The aim was to determine the prevalence of gonococcal infection and to compare
      the results with those received by other researchers, because in Bulgaria a good
      medical practice for the laboratory confirmation, report and therapy is lacking.
      A total of 617 specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic persons attending
      clinics in Sofia from January 2008 to December 2010 were tested by culture and in
      house PCR. Using PCR Neisseria gonorrhoeae was identified in six urethral (6.25%)
      and eight (1.54%) cervical specimens. By applying culture method, N. gonorrhoeae
      positive result was found in 12 swabs--one cervical and one urethral swab less.
      The positive results correspond predominantly to persons with genital complains
      and suspicions for gonococcal or other sexually transmitted infection. This is
      the first study in Bulgaria since 1989 and determines the prevalence of N.
      gonorrhoeae to 2.3% over a 3-year period. Detection by culture was slightly less
      sensitive than by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Continuous monitoring
      of gonorrhea by culture and NAAT is important for public health in Bulgaria.

PMID- 22085363
TI  - A mathematical approach to the optimal examination of lymph nodes.
AB  - There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that serial sectioning along
      the short axis of the lymph node is superior to a single bisection along the long
      axis. We mathematically evaluated methods of lymph node dissection and applied
      the result to six lymph nodes that had produced false negative results at the
      time of frozen examination. We simplified the geometry of a lymph node to that of
      a three-dimensional ellipse and compared two different cutting methods. Let A be
      the cross-sectional area obtained through a single bisection along the long axis,
      and let B be the sum of the cross-sectional areas of n fragments obtained via
      serial cutting along the short axis. The smallest n (n*) that makes a B larger
      than A can be calculated. n* = [3L + ?9L2 + 16S2)/4S]. ([alpha], the smallest
      integer greater than or equal to alpha; L, long axis; S, short axis). The
      probabilities of tumor detection when the node is bisected along the long axis
      (P(D(A)|E)) and when serially cut along the short axis (P(D(B)|E)) are as
      follows. P(D(A)|E = {(3/2)S2 - 3ST + T2}T/(S - T)3. and P(D(B)|E) = (n - 1){(1 +
      1/n)L2 - 3LT + T2}T/(L - T)3. (T, size of the tumor cell cluster). According to
      these formulas, three out of six lymph nodes were not examined in the most
      appropriate manner.

PMID- 22085364
TI  - The use of a porcine intestinal cell model system for evaluating the food safety
      risk of Bacillus cereus probiotics and the implications for assessing
      enterotoxigenicity.
AB  - The use of porcine intestinal cell lines in assessing toxicity of Bacillus cereus
      probiotics in conjunction with animal challenge trials with toxigenic B. cereus
      was investigated. Toxigenic and toxin deletion mutants of B. cereus and two
      probiotic strains (Paciflor and Toyocerin) were examined for bacterial
      attachment, cytotoxicity and ability to induce nitric oxide as markers of
      toxicity. Both cytotoxicity and production of nitric oxide were detected in wild
      type toxigenic strains and the Paciflor probiotic strain but not Toyocerin.
      Attachment of B. cereus was low (less than 1%) in all strains. Discrimination
      between toxigenic B. cereus and the probiotic strains was possible semi
      quantitatively via dilution. Despite cytotoxicity in vitro, challenge experiments
      using 10(8)-10(9) spores of the toxigenic B. cereus NVH75/95 in weaned piglets
      did not induce diarrhoea or intestinal lesions. Thus, the pig small intestinal
      epithelial intestinal cell line PSI is appropriate for identification of
      potential toxicity in B. cereus strains and sets a low threshold for risk of
      enterotoxicity to humans.

PMID- 22085365
TI  - Characterization of SCCmec elements in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      epidermidis isolated from blood cultures from neonates during three decades.
AB  - Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major cause of nosocomial infections in
      immunocompromised patients and the predominant pathogen in catheter-related
      infections and bloodstream infections. Approximately 70-80% of S. epidermidis
      carry the mecA gene encoding methicillin resistance. The mecA gene is located on
      a mobile genetic element, the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec).
      The aim of this study was to characterize the SCCmec elements as well as the
      adjacent arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) in 30 clinical blood isolates
      of mecA positive S. epidermidis obtained from neonates and collected over a
      period of three decades. The ccr and mec gene complexes were identified using
      PCR. The SCCmec elements were found among 29/30 isolates and 13 different
      combinations of ccr gene complexes and mec gene complexes were identified.
      Staphylococcus epidermidis regularly carried multiple copies of ccr gene
      complexes, but only one class of mec gene complex. Three isolates could be
      assigned the SCCmec type III (3A). The combinations of ccr gene complexes and the
      mec gene complexes differed among the three decades. The most frequent
      combination was class B mec in combination with ccr1 and ccr2. Staphylococcus
      epidermidis may constitute a large reservoir for SCCmec elements, and frequent
      exchange of mobile genetic elements between staphylococcal species may explain
      the emergence of new MRSA strains.

PMID- 22085366
TI  - Immunoglobulin G antibodies against deamidated-gliadin-peptides outperform anti
      endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibodies in children <2 years age.
AB  - To investigate the usefulness of deamidated-gliadin-peptides-antibodies in the
      diagnosis of celiac disease, serology was tested in 212 children suspected with
      celiac disease who had undergone a small-intestinal-biopsy. For deamidated
      gliadin-peptides-antibodies, two kits were tested. Positive and negative
      predictive values for IgA deamidated-gliadin-peptides-antibodies using the
      Bindazyme-kit were 89% and 74%, while the Quanta-Lite-kit had values of 89% and
      85%, respectively. For the IgG subtype using the Bindazyme-kit, these values were
      85% and 89%, while they were 85% and 91% for the Quanta-Lite-kit. The positive
      predictive values for endomysium and tissue-transglutaminase antibodies were
      disappointing (77% and 87%), although the negative predictive values were better
      (97% and 96%). When the analysis was restricted to the 41 children aged <2 years,
      no misclassifications occurred with IgG deamidated-gliadin-peptides-antibodies
      giving 100% accuracy in both kits. The positive predictive value reached 100% for
      tissue-transglutaminase antibodies and both kits for IgA deamidated-gliadin
      peptides-antibodies, while the negative predictive value was 94% in these assays.
      Positive and negative predictive values for endomysium antibodies were 96% and
      93%, respectively. In conclusion, although deamidated-gliadin-peptides-antibodies
      do not outperform anti-endomysium antibodies in the total study population, the
      IgG subtype seems to be the best test in children aged <2 years, reaching 100%
      accuracy.

PMID- 22085367
TI  - Isolation of Brevibacillus brevis from tracheal aspirates of a hospitalized
      patient.

PMID- 22085369
TI  - Reflections on sex research among young Bedouin in Jordan: risks and limitations.
AB  - Research about sexuality is characterised by silences and invisibilities. This is
      particularly evident in some Islamic Arab societies where discussion of sexuality
      in general is not encouraged and practices such as homosexuality or pre-marital
      sex are not acknowledged. This creates a barrier to carrying out sex research and
      also means that much of the research-based knowledge and methodologies developed
      in a Western setting may have limited applicability. This paper uses research
      recently carried out among Bedouin young women in Jordan to examine these
      limitations and the extent to which research approaches and findings from
      relatively liberal Western cultures are appropriate and relevant. Following a
      description of the cultural context in which the study took place, the paper
      identifies potential risks of conducting sex research in this setting and the
      research limitations related to this risk. Finally, it addresses the question of
      whether doing sex research has any value given these restrictions.

PMID- 22085368
TI  - General strategy to analyse coat colour phenotypes in mice.

PMID- 22085370
TI  - The impact of late diagnosis on the survival of patients following their first
      AIDS-related hospitalization in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to estimate the survival probability of patients
      following their first admission for the treatment of AIDS to an infectious
      disease reference hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, during 2005. Study subjects
      were monitored during a 12-month period to identify factors associated with
      survival probability. Late diagnosis was recorded among many of the 250 study
      subjects: almost half (44.8%) were diagnosed less than 30 days prior to or during
      their hospitalization. A high mortality rate was also detected: 39.6% of the
      subjects died during the 12 months of monitoring. The cumulative survival
      probability of the cohort group was estimated at 68.0% after 3 months and at
      61.2% after 12 months. However, certain patient subgroups analyzed had even lower
      cumulative survival probabilities after 12 months of monitoring: if diagnosed
      during hospitalization, it was estimated at only 48.0% and those with no record
      of antiretroviral treatment had a 48.5% cumulative survival probability. Patients
      with severe anemia had the lowest survival probability, similar among the two
      lymphocyte count groups (<1000 mm(3) and >=1000 mm(3)), the former with a 45.5%
      survival probability and the latter with a 46.7% one. The proportional death risk
      was 2.5-fold higher for men residing in other area than the capital city of the
      State of Minas Gerais and greater metropolitan region when compared with women
      residing there. The findings of this study highlight the importance of early
      diagnosis for predicting patient survival and reinforce the necessity of
      facilitating HIV diagnosis.

PMID- 22085371
TI  - A combined approach in characterization of an effective w/o hand cream: the
      influence of emollient on textural, sensorial and in vivo skin performance.
AB  - To formulate a consumer-acceptable cosmetic product, numerous demands have to be
      fulfilled, and as the most important, efficacy (both real and perceived),
      adequate aesthetic (visual perception) and all sensorial characteristics have to
      be achieved. In this study, four model water-in-oil creams intended for hand
      care, varying in one emollient component, were submitted to rheological, sensory
      and textural characterization, and their efficacy was evaluated in in vivo study
      on human volunteers. Our results indicate that certain alteration restricted to
      the oil phase induced a change in all investigated characteristics, showing that
      each instrumental measurement can be used as a sensitive tool in the
      characterization of cream samples. Regarding the correlation between physical
      measurements and certain sensory attributes, it is possible to formulate a
      product with specific sensory characteristics by using pre-defined rheological or
      textural parameters. To obtain a complete sensory profile of a cosmetic product,
      a detailed sensory evaluation should be carried out according to the existing
      standard practices, which are both time- and money-consuming. However, a modified
      sensory study could be useful for fast in-line screening along with instrumental
      characterization of a novel cosmetic emulsion product and could be particularly
      helpful in the process of distinguishing a single formulation from several
      differing in one component.

PMID- 22085372
TI  - The chloroplast ATP-dependent Clp protease in vascular plants - new dimensions
      and future challenges.
AB  - The ATP-dependent Clp protease is by far the most intricate protease in
      chloroplasts of vascular plants. Structurally, it is particularly complex with a
      proteolytic core complex containing 11 distinct subunits along with three
      potential chaperone partners. The Clp protease is also essential for chloroplast
      development and overall plant viability. Over the past decade, many of the
      important characteristics of this crucial protease have been revealed in the
      model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Despite this, challenges still remain
      in fully resolving certain key features, in particular, how the assembly of this
      multisubunit protease is regulated, the full range of native protein substrates
      and how they are targeted for degradation and how this complicated enzyme might
      have developed from simpler bacterial forms. This article focuses upon the recent
      advances in revealing the details underlying these important features. It also
      take the opportunity to speculate upon many of these findings in the hope of
      stimulating further investigation.

PMID- 22085373
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of low-back pain because of paraspinous muscle spasm: a
      physician roundtable.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines to diagnose and
      treat acute low-back pain, practical application is nonuniform and physician
      uncertainty regarding best practices is widespread. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      this study was to further optimal treatment choices for screening, diagnosing,
      and treating acute low-back pain caused by paraspinous muscle spasm. METHODS:
      Four experts in pain medicine (three family physicians and one physiatrist)
      participated in a roundtable conference call on October 18, 2010, to examine
      current common practices and guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute low
      back pain and to offer commentary and examples from their clinical experience.
      RESULTS: Participants discussed the preferred choices and timing of diagnostic
      and imaging tests, nonpharmacologic therapies, nonopioid and opioid medication
      use, biopsychosocial evaluation, complementary therapies, and other issues
      related to treatment of acute low-back pain. Principal clinical recommendations
      to emerge included thorough physical exam and medical history, early patient
      mobilization, conservative use of imaging tests, early administration of muscle
      relaxants combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain
      and spasm, and a strong emphasis on patient education and physician-patient
      communication. CONCLUSIONS: Early, active management of acute low-back symptoms
      during the initial onset may lead to better patient outcomes, reducing related
      pain and disability and, possibly, preventing progression to chronicity.

PMID- 22085374
TI  - Cardiovascular support in preterm infants: a survey of practices in Australia and
      New Zealand.
AB  - AIM: Management of haemodynamic instability in premature neonates and selection
      of inotropic therapy are protocol driven, and therapeutic choices lack scientific
      validation. The aim of this study was to characterise practices related to the
      management of haemodynamic instability in premature infants. METHODS: An
      electronic web-based questionnaire was emailed to all neonatologists and advanced
      trainees in Australia and New Zealand. Respondents were presented with a series
      of questions related to the management of hypotension in a 1-day-old, extremely
      low birthweight infant, and opinions were collected. RESULTS: Survey response
      rate was 65% (114/176). Haemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus, systemic
      blood flow and left ventricular afterload were considered the most important
      physiologic concepts by 81, 68 and 50%, respectively. After initial crystalloid
      replacement, the next step in management reported included a second bolus (35%),
      dobutamine (28%), dopamine (17%) or clinician-performed cardiac ultrasound (CPCU)
      (20%). In the setting of hypotension resistant to dobutamine and dopamine, the
      most common strategies were to perform CPCU (57%), or administer hydrocortisone
      (39%), epinephrine (3.5%) or milrinone (<1%). The majority (66%) of respondents
      felt that premature infants are over-treated on the basis of presumed
      hypotension, while 83% felt that performing a CPCU would enhance clinical
      decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Wide variation in the approach to management of
      haemodynamic instability in extremely low birthweight infants was identified.
      Haemodynamic information provided by a CPCU was considered highly desirable by
      the majority of the respondents.

PMID- 22085376
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib.

PMID- 22085375
TI  - Long-term follow-up of phase II trial of docetaxel and cisplatin with concurrent
      thoracic radiation therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemoradiation improves survival for patients with locally advanced
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but clinical outcomes beyond five years are
      rarely reported. The aim of the present study was to identify the long-term
      results of a phase II study of docetaxel and cisplatin with concurrent thoracic
      radiation. METHODS: We previously reported short-term outcomes from the phase II
      study, which enrolled 42 patients (aged <= 75 years) with unresectable stage III
      NSCLC. We continued to follow these patients for long-term clinical outcomes.
      RESULTS: At a median follow-up for all patients of 6.3 years (range: 5.2-7.1
      years), the median survival time was 2.1 years and the actual five-year survival
      rate was 31%. Among 14 patients who were progression-free longer than two years,
      three patients died due to bacterial or fungal pneumonia and one died due to gall
      bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-one percent of locally advanced patients
      having NSCLC treated with docetaxel and cisplatin and concurrent thoracic
      radiation survived beyond five years. Progression-free patients might be
      cautiously followed up taking precautions against emerging pneumonia.

PMID- 22085378
TI  - Aspirin use and development of inflammatory bowel disease: confounding or
      causation?

PMID- 22085379
TI  - Aspirin use and development of inflammatory bowel disease: confounding or
      causation? authors' reply.

PMID- 22085381
TI  - Intracervical procedures and the risk of subsequent very preterm birth: a case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation of prior intracervical procedures with
      very preterm birth. DESIGN: A population-based case-control study. SETTING: The
      study was conducted in Australia between 2002 and 2004. SAMPLE: Three hundred and
      forty-five women having a medically indicated and 236 having a spontaneous
      singleton birth between 20 and 31 weeks of gestation and 796 women selected
      randomly from all those giving birth at >=37 weeks of gestation. METHODS:
      Interview data were analysed using logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Very preterm birth. RESULTS: Very preterm birth was significantly associated with
      having any intracervical procedure [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.07; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.6-2.7], in particular curettage associated with
      abortion (AOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.2-2.6). Assisted reproductive technology procedures
      were significantly associated with medically indicated very preterm birth (AOR
      3.07; 95% CI 1.8-5.3) and treatments for precancerous cervical changes were
      significantly associated with spontaneous very preterm birth, as follows:
      conization/cone biopsy (AOR 3.33; 95% CI 1.8-6.2) and cauterization/ablation (AOR
      2.27; 95% CI 1.4-3.8). Suction aspiration for abortion, abnormal Pap smear
      without treatment and abortion without instrumentation were not associated with
      very preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Intracervical procedures are associated with
      very preterm birth. Notably, curettage rather than any other procedure associated
      with abortion appears to be implicated in the risk. The introduction of infection
      during cervical procedures may be the common link with risks found. Changing
      clinical practice in the management of abortion and human papillomavirus
      vaccination may lead to lowering the risks of very preterm birth.

PMID- 22085380
TI  - Drug discovery research targeting the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4).

PMID- 22085382
TI  - Role of genotyping in non-small cell lung cancer treatment: current status.
AB  - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignant disease with an
      extremely poor prognosis. Chemotherapeutic treatment for advanced disease is
      currently based on histological subtyping, but recent discoveries of genetic
      alterations in subsets of NSCLC have already changed clinical practice with
      regard to Egfr mutations as predictive markers of response to gefitinib and
      erlotinib. This has also paved the way for the integration of molecular analyses
      into early phase clinical trials, as demonstrated by the clinical development of
      crizotinib, effective in lung cancer harbouring Alk rearrangements. Similarly,
      other subgroups of NSCLC carry potentially targetable molecular alterations and
      their study has the potential to change the diagnostic and therapeutic approach
      to lung cancer in the near future. In contrast to a wealth of knowledge
      surrounding genomic alterations in lung adenocarcinomas, fewer data are available
      concerning squamous cell lung cancer (SCC), although recent data demonstrate that
      genotyping can provide new therapeutic perspectives in SCC treatment. Moreover,
      the study of molecular predictive markers of response to chemotherapy aims to
      improve chemotherapeutic treatment, increasing efficacy and limiting toxicity.

PMID- 22085383
TI  - Serotonergic anti-obesity agents: past experience and future prospects.
AB  - The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in appetite control is long
      established. Serotonergic manipulations reduce food intake in rodents in a manner
      consistent with satiety. In humans, drugs such as fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine
      and sibutramine all reduce energy intake, suppress hunger and enhance satiety.
      Effects on eating behaviour and subjective sensations of appetite are associated
      with the weight loss-inducing effects of these treatments. Currently, no appetite
      suppressing drugs are approved specifically for the treatment of obesity.
      However, a new generation of serotonergic drugs have progressed through clinical
      development. The serotonin 5-HT(2C)-receptor selective agonist lorcaserin, a drug
      specifically developed to target satiety without producing the side effect
      profiles of its predecessors, has been shown to significantly reduce energy
      intake and body weight. The weight loss produced by lorcaserin appears modest,
      and behavioural effects, particularly its supposed satiety-enhancing effects,
      have yet to be characterized. The monoaminergic re-uptake inhibitor tesofensine
      has also been shown to produce impressive weight loss in smaller-scale clinical
      studies. It remains unclear if this drug produces any effects on appetite
      mediated by serotonin, or whether weight loss is produced largely through
      enhanced energy expenditure. Evidence indicates that tesofensine strengthens
      satiety, but behavioural specificity and psychological side effects remain an
      issue. The serotonergic system remains a viable target for anti-obesity
      treatment. In this review, we examine the limited behavioural data available on
      these two new CNS-acting appetite suppressants.

PMID- 22085384
TI  - Adjuvant therapy for early colon cancer: current status.
AB  - Adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of the primary tumour reduces the risk of
      death by an absolute 5% in UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) stage II
      colon cancer and about 15-20% in stage III. Adjuvant treatment has to be
      evaluated separately for each stage due to the different clinical situations: in
      stage II about 80% of patients are cured by surgery alone, whereas only about
      half of patients with stage III are cured by surgery. Decisions on adjuvant
      treatment need to be discussed with the patient on an individual basis, and take
      into account patient characteristics (performance status, age, co-morbidity and
      patient preference) as well as cancer features (pathological stage, grading and
      overall risk of relapse). Recently, capecitabine in combination with oxaliplatin
      has been approved for treatment of stage III colon cancer, providing the benefits
      of an oral fluoropyrimidine. Predictive markers for guidance of treatment have
      gained importance, particularly in stage II disease. Microsatellite instability,
      a well known prognostic factor, might be predictive for a lack of activity of
      fluorouracil treatment in some stage II patients. Furthermore, patients aged >=70
      years do not seem to obtain the same benefit from combination therapy compared
      with those aged <70 years. The impact of these current developments on daily
      clinical practice is discussed in this review.

PMID- 22085386
TI  - Single-pill telmisartan and amlodipine: a rational combination for the treatment
      of hypertension.
AB  - Despite the well documented benefits conferred by adequate control of
      hypertension, the majority of hypertensive patients display suboptimal control
      and few patients achieve blood pressure (BP) levels <140/90 mmHg. As a
      consequence, combination therapy will be required in the majority of patients to
      achieve target BP. Fixed-dose combinations of antihypertensives not only simplify
      treatment regimens, contributing to enhanced patient adherence, they provide
      superior BP-lowering efficacy and an improved tolerability profile. Fixed-dose
      combinations have become the strategy of choice in high-risk patients or those
      with stage 2-3 hypertension. The combination of a renin-angiotensin system
      inhibitor (RASI) with a calcium channel blocker (CCB) is a first-line combination
      that, in addition to its antihypertensive efficacy, reduces oedema, the main
      adverse effect of the dihydropyridine CCB and the main factor limiting their use.
      In morbidity/mortality studies, this fixed-dose combination has also demonstrated
      superiority over a RASI combined with a diuretic. The single-pill combination of
      telmisartan and amlodipine has been shown to produce a dose-dependent BP-lowering
      effect significantly greater than that of either agent administered as
      monotherapy. These findings have been confirmed by ambulatory BP monitoring in
      patients with stage 1 and 2 hypertension, which demonstrated that single-pill
      telmisartan/amlodipine provides substantial 24-hour BP-lowering efficacy. A
      higher proportion of patients achieved 24-hour BP goals of <130/80 mm Hg on
      combination therapy. The superior efficacy of combination therapy has been
      demonstrated across a broad range of patients, including those with moderate-to
      severe hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Moreover, combined use of
      telmisartan and amlodipine reduces the incidence of amlodipine-induced oedema,
      making it a preferred combination for the treatment of hypertension.

PMID- 22085385
TI  - Pharmacological considerations for the proper clinical use of aminoglycosides.
AB  - Aminoglycosides constitute one of the oldest classes of antimicrobials. Despite
      their toxicity, mainly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, aminoglycosides are
      valuable in current clinical practice, since they retain good activity against
      multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
      Acinetobacter spp. Time-kill studies have shown a concentration-dependent and
      partially concentration-dependent bacterial killing against Gram-negative and
      Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Pharmacodynamic data gathered over recent
      decades show that the administration of aminoglycosides by an extended-interval
      dosing scheme takes advantage of the maximum potential of these agents, with the
      goal of achieving an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 100 mg .
      h/L over 24 hours and a peak plasma drug concentration (C(max)) to minimum
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio of 8-10. Several clinical conditions that
      are common in seriously ill patients result in expansion of the extracellular
      space and can lead to a lower than desirable C(max) with the usual loading dose.
      Extended-interval dosing schemes allow adequate time to decrease bacterial
      adaptive resistance, a phenomenon characterized by slow concentration-independent
      killing. Adaptive resistance is minimized by the complete clearance of the drug
      before the subsequent dose, thus favouring the extended-interval dosing schemes.
      The efficacy of these schemes is also safeguarded by the observed post-antibiotic
      sub-MIC effect and post-antibiotic leukocyte enhancement, which inhibit bacterial
      regrowth when the serum aminoglycoside levels fall below the MIC of the pathogen.
      In everyday clinical practice, aminoglycosides are usually used empirically to
      treat severe sepsis and septic shock while awaiting the results of antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing. The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility
      Testing acknowledges the regimen-dependent nature of clinical breakpoints for
      aminoglycosides, i.e. of MIC values that classify bacterial isolates into
      sensitive or resistant, and bases its recommendations on extended-interval
      dosing. To a large extent, the lack of correlation between in vitro antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing and clinical outcome is derived from the fact that the
      available clinical breakpoints for aminoglycosides are set based on mean
      pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in healthy volunteers and not sick patients.
      The nephrotoxicity associated with once- versus multiple-daily administration of
      aminoglycosides has been assessed in numerous prospective randomized trials and
      by several meta-analyses. The once-daily dosing schedule provides a longer time
      of administration until the threshold for nephrotoxicity is met. Regarding
      ototoxicity, no dosing regimen appears to be less ototoxic than another.
      Inactivation of aminoglycosides inside the bacterial pathogens occurs by diverse
      modifying enzymes and by operation of multidrug efflux systems, making both of
      these potential targets for inhibition. In summary, despite their use for several
      decades, the ideal method of administration and the preferred dosing schemes of
      aminoglycosides for most of their therapeutic indications need further
      refinement. Individualized pharmacodynamic monitoring has the potential of
      minimizing the toxicity and the clinical failures of these agents in critically
      ill patients.

PMID- 22085387
TI  - Current status of targeted therapies for mantle cell lymphoma.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with
      treatment outcomes that have historically been poorer than those observed with
      other NHL subtypes. Patients typically present with advanced-stage disease and
      frequent extranodal involvement; the median age at diagnosis is >60 years. Recent
      improvements in progression-free and overall survival have been observed with
      more dose-intensive strategies, although at least half of patients diagnosed with
      MCL are not eligible for such treatment approaches based on age and co
      morbidities. In addition, therapy options for relapsed MCL are limited. Only
      bortezomib is approved for treatment of relapsed MCL in the US. Development of
      targeted therapy approaches to minimize toxicities while preserving anti
      neoplastic properties is of particular importance in MCL. Multiple ongoing
      studies are attempting to build on the known efficacy of bortezomib by evaluating
      combination regimens with other targeted agents or cytotoxic chemotherapy. The
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor temsirolimus has known activity in
      MCL, making this an attractive class of agents for further investigation in
      combination regimens. Rituximab and other monoclonal antibodies are being
      evaluated for novel roles in MCL treatment, including as maintenance therapy.
      Other classes of drugs being investigated in MCL are immunomodulatory agents,
      inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and B-cell receptor signalling
      pathways, and inhibitors of bcl-2 and histone deacetylase. Although many of the
      agents appear to have modest single-agent activity, the favourable toxicity
      profile of many agents will make them best suited for incorporation into
      combination regimens.

PMID- 22085388
TI  - Eculizumab: a review of its use in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.
AB  - Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of
      paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). It binds specifically and with high
      affinity to the complement protein C5, thereby preventing the formation of the
      terminal complement complex C5b-9, which mediates cell lysis. In patients with
      PNH, eculizumab inhibits terminal complement mediated intravascular haemolysis.
      In clinical trials of PNH patients, eculizumab reduced intravascular haemolysis
      compared with baseline and placebo, as determined by significantly decreased
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Significant reductions in LDH levels were
      achieved within the first week of treatment, with near normal levels achieved at
      week 2 and maintained throughout longer term treatment, including periods of up
      to 36 months. Eculizumab achieved rapid and sustained efficacy, regardless of
      baseline LDH levels or platelet counts. In adults with PNH, eculizumab treatment
      for 26 weeks achieved stabilization of haemoglobin levels in significantly more
      patients than placebo treatment, and reduced the requirement for packed red cell
      transfusions to a significantly greater extent than placebo. Half of all patients
      in the eculizumab group became transfusion independent compared with no patients
      in the placebo group. Eculizumab was also associated with significant
      improvements in fatigue and health-related quality-of-life scores in several
      trials. Over the long term, the survival of PNH patients treated with eculizumab
      was normalized. Eculizumab was generally well tolerated in clinical trials of PNH
      patients, including treatment periods of up to 5.5 years. The risk of Neisseria
      meningitidis is increased with eculizumab and patients must be vaccinated prior
      to treatment and monitored throughout. Thus, eculizumab, the first targeted
      terminal complement inhibitor, provides an effective and generally well tolerated
      treatment for PNH patients, who have previously been without adequate treatment
      options.

PMID- 22085390
TI  - Low-dose topiramate plus sodium divalproate for positive responders intolerant to
      full-dose monotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromodulators such as topiramate (TPM) and divalproex sodium (DVS)
      are effective in the preventive treatment of migraine. Nonetheless, patients
      often discontinue their use due to side effects. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to
      determine whether the combination of lower doses of TPM and DVS may be useful for
      patients responsive to higher doses of the individual drugs but experiencing
      intolerable side effects. METHODS: This clinic-based study was conducted to
      evaluate a series of patients who experienced at least a 50% reduction in
      headache frequency after 6 weeks of treatment with either TPM 100 mg/day or DVS
      750 mg/day, but suffered intolerable drug-related side effects. At that point,
      patients were switched to TPM (50 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night) plus DVS
      500 mg/day (single dose) and reevaluated after 6 further weeks. RESULTS: Thirty
      eight patients were evaluated. Mean age was 37 years, and 84% were female. Of the
      38, 17 (77.3%) initially were using TPM only, and 10 (62.5%) initially were using
      DVS only. After 6 weeks on combination therapy, 27 (62.9%) reported improved
      tolerability without any decrease in efficacy. Five patients who initially were
      using TPM only and six using DVS only failed to return for follow-up or were
      noncompliant with treatment due to persistent or worsening side effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: This small, open-label study suggests that the combination of TPM
      and DVS in doses lower than those typically used for migraine prophylaxis may be
      an effective option for patients who benefited from higher doses of these same
      medications used as monotherapy but were unable to tolerate such treatment due to
      side effects.

PMID- 22085389
TI  - Liraglutide: a review of its use in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Liraglutide (Victoza(r)) is a subcutaneously administered glucagon-like peptide-1
      (GLP-1) receptor agonist produced by recombinant DNA technology and used as an
      adjunct to diet and exercise in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. This article reviews the clinical efficacy and tolerability of
      liraglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes, and provides a summary of its
      pharmacological properties. Recently published pharmacoeconomic studies of
      liraglutide are also reviewed. Administered subcutaneously, liraglutide (usually
      1.2 or 1.8 mg once daily) generally produced greater improvements in glycaemic
      control than active comparators or placebo when administered as monotherapy or in
      combination with one or two oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) to adults with type 2
      diabetes in numerous randomized, controlled phase III trials. These included six
      trials in the LEAD trial programme that was designed to evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of liraglutide across a continuum of antihyperglycaemic management for
      patients with type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide was generally well tolerated, with a
      low risk of hypoglycaemia evident, in the phase III trials. The most common
      adverse events were gastrointestinal and included nausea and diarrhoea; most
      events were mild to moderate in severity and decreased in incidence over time. In
      conclusion, liraglutide has an important place in the management of adults with
      type 2 diabetes across a continuum of care. As well as providing effective
      glycaemic control, liraglutide improves pancreatic beta-cell function and leads
      to bodyweight loss, thereby addressing some of the unmet needs of patients
      treated with traditional OADs.

PMID- 22085391
TI  - Topical pimecrolimus effect on Fas inducing apoptosis in oral lichen planus: a
      clinical immunohistochemical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of pimecrolimus treatment in patients
      not responding to corticosteroid treatment and to investigate its effect on Fas
      expression on keratinocytes in oral lichen planus (OLP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Twenty patients with OLP were recruited from the Oral Medicine Clinic at the
      School of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt. Pimecrolimus 1% cream with a
      hydrophilic adhesive gel base was applied to the oral lesions, four times daily,
      for a total of 2 months. A marker lesion was identified and assessed by clinical
      scoring (CS). The symptomatology score was obtained using a visual analog scale
      (VAS). Pre-treatment and post-treatment specimens were immunohistochemically
      stained for detecting Fas. RESULTS: The results of clinical scores showed
      statistically high significant improvement (P = 0.0001). The mean VAS decreased
      significantly over time as well as the mean of Fas expression (P < 0.05). The
      overall percentage of reduction from baseline to week 8 was 87%, 93%, and 67% for
      clinical scores, visual analog score, and Fas expression, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Topical pimecrolimus reduced Fas expression, and it appears to be a
      promising alternative treatment for OLP.

PMID- 22085393
TI  - The role of distress in uptake and response to predisposition genetic testing:
      the BMPR2 experience.
AB  - This study examines psychological determinants and effects of participating in
      genetic testing among persons diagnosed with or at risk for developing primary
      pulmonary arterial hypertension. Longitudinal data were drawn from orally
      administered surveys with 70 affected or at-risk individuals concerning their
      thoughts, feelings, and decision making about testing for mutations in BMPR2.
      Distress was measured by use of the Impact of Events Scale. Variations in
      tolerance for ambiguity were also examined. Although uptake of testing was low,
      as is common for incompletely penetrant mutations that lack clear therapeutic
      interventions, we found that those who participated in testing evidenced greater
      reduction in distress compared to those who had not participated in testing,
      irrespective of test result. No differences in tolerance for ambiguity by testing
      status were found. Participation in genetic testing, irrespective of test
      results, may be particularly beneficial to individuals who may have genetic
      mutations and who are experiencing high levels of distress.

PMID- 22085394
TI  - Parenting through genetic uncertainty: themes in the disclosure of breast cancer
      risk information to children.
AB  - AIM: Among mothers undergoing BRCA1/2 testing and their spouses/partners, this
      study sought to examine decision support needs and motivations for family
      communication of genetic risk information to asymptomatic children. METHODS: This
      study gathered data from 213 tested mothers and 104 of their untested parenting
      partners 1 month after maternal receipt of genetic test results and upon making a
      decision about communicating genetic information to their child (ages 8-21
      years). Data include parents' perceived needs for family communication decision
      support, decision motivations, and parent-child communication. RESULTS: Parents
      reported high decision support needs (e.g., educational materials, professional
      counseling, peer assistance). Motivations for disclosure to children among
      mothers and partners focused on promoting the parent-child bond and maintaining
      family health (55.3% and 75%, respectively) and promoting positive child affect
      (44.7% and 25.5%, respectively). Motivations for nondisclosure to children among
      mothers and partners focused on the lack of appropriateness (69.6% and 51.3%,
      respectively) and relative importance of genetic test results (30.4% and 48.7%,
      respectively). Significant discrepancies in parental motivation for family
      communication were observed. Decision support needs were highest among disclosing
      mothers with affect-related motivations [t (129)=2.47; p=0.01]. Parent-child
      communication was poorest among nondisclosing mothers concerned about the
      appropriateness of genetic information for their child [t (77)=-3.29; p=.002].
      CONCLUSIONS: Parents receiving information about hereditary cancer predisposition
      have unmet needs when making decisions about disclosing genetic risk information
      to their asymptomatic children. These data can guide the development of cancer
      risk communication decision support interventions for parents undergoing such
      testing.

PMID- 22085395
TI  - Serum neural cell adhesion molecule is hyposialylated in hereditary inclusion
      body myopathy.
AB  - Hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM) is a young-adult onset autosomal
      recessive disorder caused by a hypomorphic rate limiting enzyme of sialic acid
      biosynthesis. The enzyme is UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N
      acetylmannosamine kinase, and is encoded by the GNE gene. HIBM causes slowly
      progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Patients are typically diagnosed at 20
      30 years of age, and most patients are incapacitated and wheelchair-confined by
      30-50 years of age. Some sialic acid containing glycoproteins, including neural
      cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), are hyposialylated in HIBM muscle biopsy samples.
      We developed a method to allow detection of serum NCAM sialylation using Western
      blot, and tested serum samples from several patients and a HIBM mouse model.
      Preliminary results showed a clear difference in polysialylated and
      hyposialylated forms of NCAM extracted from serum, and showed NCAM is
      hyposialylated in HIBM serum samples. This initial finding may prove useful in
      reducing the need for serial muscle biopsies in HIBM treatment trials. Additional
      studies are underway to further validate this finding and to evaluate the
      specificity, reliability, and robustness of this potential serum biomarker for
      HIBM.

PMID- 22085396
TI  - Machismo, public health and sexuality-related stigma in Cartagena.
AB  - This paper reports on an ethnographic study in Cartagena, Colombia. Over a seven
      month fieldwork period, 35 men and 35 women between 15 and 60 years of age
      discussed the social context of HIV/AIDS through in-depth interviews, life
      histories and drawing. Participants considered the transgression of traditional
      gender roles as prescribed by machismo a major risk factor for HIV infection. In
      addition, they integrated public-health concepts of risk groups with these long
      standing constructions of gender roles and sexuality-related stigma to create the
      notion of 'AIDS carriers'. The bricolage between machismo, public health and
      sexuality-related stigma that participants created and consequent preventive
      measures (based on an avoidance of sex with people identified as 'AIDS carriers')
      was a dynamic process in which participants were aware that changes in this
      particular interpretation of risk were necessary to confront the local epidemic.

PMID- 22085397
TI  - Haemodialysis nurses knowledge about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Healthcare workers may lack knowledge about antibiotic-resistant bacteria and
      thereby increase the spread of such organisms. The aim of the present study was
      to describe the relationship between self-rated knowledge and actual knowledge
      about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among 326 Swedish
      haemodialysis nurses. Data were collected through a postal questionnaire. The
      findings suggest that ongoing education about MRSA should be provided to
      haemodialysis nurses, but also that standardised evaluation of adequate
      knowledge, skills and competencies' regarding safe practices is warranted. Future
      research should focus on effective mechanisms to ensure that haemodialysis nurses
      provide safe MRSA care.

PMID- 22085398
TI  - Anti-melanoma, tyrosinase inhibitory and anti-microbial activities of gold
      nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous leaf extracts of Teraxacum officinale.
AB  - There has been a tenacious search for pharmaceuticals of natural origin, as they
      are cost-effective and are noted for having little or no side effects. The rate
      at which diseases are developing resistance to synthetic drugs is quite alarming,
      and the side effects of these drugs remain an excruciating agony to the
      pharmaceutical industry. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have wide applications in
      current technology. However, their use in medicine has not been adequately
      explored. Chemical methods for the synthesis are associated with environmental
      benignity and tissue toxicity on in vivo administration. For the first time, we
      have synthesized AuNPs from leaf extracts of Teraxacum officinale that were found
      to have significant anti-melanoma, tyrosinase inhibitory and anti-microbial
      effects, and hence stand as promising candidates for use in cosmetics medical and
      food industries.

PMID- 22085399
TI  - Proteolytic system of plant mitochondria.
AB  - The existence of a proteolytic system which can specifically recognize and cleave
      proteins in mitochondria is now well established. The components of this system
      comprise processing peptidases, ATP-dependent peptidases and oligopeptidases. A
      short overview of experimentally confirmed proteases mainly from Arabidopsis
      thaliana is provided. The role of the mitochondrial peptidases in plant growth
      and development is emphasized. We also discuss the possibility of existence of as
      yet unidentified plant homologs of yeast mitochondrial ATP-independent proteases.

PMID- 22085400
TI  - Synthesis and metal-catalyzed reactions of gem-dihalovinyl systems.

PMID- 22085401
TI  - Orbital Rosai-Dorfman disease with subperiosteal bone involvement mimicking
      eosinophilic granuloma.
AB  - The presentation of RDD as an anterior subperiosteal orbital mass with bone
      involvement has, to the authors' knowledge, not been previously reported. We
      describe a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) presenting as an anterior
      superolateral subperiosteal orbital mass with erosion of overlying bone mimicking
      eosinophilic granuloma. It was debulked using endoscopic-guided curettage and the
      patient was given both local and systemic corticosteroids. Careful histological
      analysis revealed the diagnosis of RDD and the patient remains asymptomatic and
      recurrence free at 16 months follow-up. Involvement of the pituitary gland, a
      recognized yet unusual finding in this condition was also noted. RDD should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass of the
      superolateral orbit.

PMID- 22085402
TI  - Generation of dyspeptic symptoms by direct acid and water infusion into the
      stomachs of functional dyspepsia patients and healthy subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of the development of symptoms in functional dyspepsia
      (FD) patients have not been fully elucidated. We previously reported that acid
      directly infused into the stomach causes dyspeptic symptoms in asymptomatic
      healthy controls (HCs); however, the response to acid infusion of FD patients was
      not determined. AIM: To investigate the severity of dyspeptic symptoms induced by
      direct acid infusion in FD subjects and HCs. METHODS: This was a multi-centre,
      cross-over, randomised, double-blind study in 23 FD subjects and 32 HCs. FD was
      defined using the Rome III criteria. All subjects were Helicobacter pylori
      negative. Each subject received two tests; 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid and water
      infused into the stomach. The presence and severity of 12 dyspeptic symptoms were
      assessed using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The proportion of subjects
      developing symptoms by acid or water infusion was significantly greater in FD
      subjects than HCs. All of the FD subjects experienced at least one symptom by
      water or acid infusion. In the FD subjects, the severity of symptoms was
      significantly greater with acid infusion than water infusion. The severity of
      symptoms in total and the scores for eight of the 12 symptoms induced by acid
      infusion was significantly greater in FD subjects than in HCs. CONCLUSIONS: The
      severity of dyspeptic symptom generation induced by direct acid infusion into the
      stomach was significantly greater in functional dyspepsia subjects than in
      healthy controls, suggesting that hypersensitivity to acid is one of the
      important mechanisms of the development of symptoms in functional dyspepsia
      patients.

PMID- 22085403
TI  - Fear of childbirth; the relation to anxiety and depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the associations of anxiety and depression with fear of
      childbirth. DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire study. SETTING: Prenatal
      public healthcare in Norway. SAMPLE: Pregnant women (n=1642) recruited during
      November 2008 until April 2010. METHODS: Data were collected by a postal
      questionnaire at pregnancy week 32. Fear of childbirth was measured by the Wijma
      Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) and by a numeric rating scale. Symptoms
      of anxiety were measured by the Hopkins Symptom Check List (SCL-25) and symptoms
      of depression by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: Fear of childbirth. RESULTS: Eight per cent (137 of 1642) of the women
      had fear of childbirth (W-DEQ>=85), 8.8% (145 of 1642) had anxiety (SCL
      anxiety>=18) and 8.9% (146 of 1642) had depression (EPDS>=12). More than half
      (56.2%) of the women with fear of childbirth did not have anxiety or depression;
      however, presence of anxiety or depression increased the prevalence of fear of
      childbirth (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-5.2 and odds ratio 8.4,
      95% confidence interval 4.8-14.7, respectively). Women with both anxiety and
      depression had the highest prevalence of fear of childbirth (odds ratio 11.0, 95%
      confidence interval 6.6-18.3). Similar associations of anxiety and depression
      were estimated by using the numerical rating scale for measuring fear of
      childbirth. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of anxiety and depression increased the
      prevalence of fear of childbirth; however, the majority of women with fear of
      childbirth had neither anxiety nor depression.

PMID- 22085404
TI  - Cytokine expression during early and late phase of acute Puumala hantavirus
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hantaviruses of the family Bunyaviridae are emerging zoonotic
      pathogens which cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the Old
      World and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the New World. An immune
      mediated pathogenesis is discussed for both syndromes. The aim of our study was
      to investigate cytokine expression during the course of acute Puumala hantavirus
      infection. RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 64 patients hospitalised with
      acute Puumala hantavirus infection in 2010 during a hantavirus epidemic in
      Germany. Hantavirus infection was confirmed by positive anti-hantavirus IgG/IgM.
      Cytokine expression of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and
      TGF-beta1 was analysed by ELISA during the early and late phase of acute
      hantavirus infection (average 6 and 12 days after onset of symptoms,
      respectively). A detailed description of the demographic and clinical
      presentation of severe hantavirus infection requiring hospitalization during the
      2010 hantavirus epidemic in Germany is given. Acute hantavirus infection was
      characterized by significantly elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-beta1 and
      TNF-alpha in both early and late phase compared to healthy controls. From early
      to late phase of disease, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha significantly decreased
      whereas TGF-beta1 levels increased. Disease severity characterized by elevated
      creatinine and low platelet counts was correlated with high pro-inflammatory IL-6
      and TNF-alpha but low immunosuppressive TGF-beta1 levels and vice versa .
      CONCLUSION: High expression of cytokines activating T-lymphocytes, monocytes and
      macrophages in the early phase of disease supports the hypothesis of an immune
      mediated pathogenesis. In the late phase of disease, immunosuppressive TGF-beta1
      level increase significantly. We suggest that delayed induction of a protective
      immune mechanism to downregulate a massive early pro-inflammatory immune response
      might contribute to the pathologies characteristic of human hantavirus infection.

PMID- 22085405
TI  - Inhibition of glutathione S-transferase M1 by new gabosine analogues is essential
      for overcoming cisplatin resistance in lung cancer cells.
AB  - A new class of human GST inhibitors has been identified via rational design
      approach; we report their discovery, synthesis, inhibitory activity, and
      synergetic effect in combination with cisplatin against A549 lung cancer cell
      line. The results of this effort show that the lead 4-O-decyl-gabosine D (24) has
      optimum synergetic effect in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell and
      that this activity involves inhibition of glutathione S-transferase M1,
      apparently consistent with siRNA-mediated knockdown of GSTM1 gene.

PMID- 22085406
TI  - A proteomic approach to analyzing responses of Arabidopsis thaliana root cells to
      different gravitational conditions using an agravitropic mutant, pin2 and its
      wild type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Root gravitropsim has been proposed to require the coordinated,
      redistribution of the plant signaling molecule auxin within the root meristem,
      but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. PIN proteins are
      membrane transporters that mediate the efflux of auxin from cells. The PIN2 is
      important for the basipetal transport of auxin in roots and plays a critical role
      in the transmission of gravity signals perceived in the root cap to the root
      elongation zone. The loss of function pin2 mutant exhibits a gravity-insensitive
      root growth phenotype. By comparing the proteomes of wild type and the pin2
      mutant root tips under different gravitational conditions, we hope to identify
      proteins involved in the gravity-related signal transduction. RESULTS: To
      identify novel proteins involved in the gravity signal transduction pathway we
      have carried out a comparative proteomic analysis of Arabidopsis pin2 mutant and
      wild type (WT) roots subjected to different gravitational conditions. These
      conditions included horizontal (H) and vertical (V) clinorotation, hypergravity
      (G) and the stationary control (S). Analysis of silver-stained two-dimensional
      SDS-PAGE gels revealed 28 protein spots that showed significant expression
      changes in altered gravity (H or G) compared to control roots (V and S). Whereas
      the majority of these proteins exhibited similar expression patterns in WT and
      pin2 roots, a significant number displayed different patterns of response between
      WT and pin2 roots. The latter group included 11 protein spots in the H samples
      and two protein spots in the G samples that exhibited an altered expression
      exclusively in WT but not in pin2 roots. One of these proteins was identified as
      annexin2, which was induced in the root cap columella cells under altered
      gravitational conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The most interesting observation in this
      study is that distinctly different patterns of protein expression were found in
      WT and pin2 mutant roots subjected to altered gravity conditions. The data also
      demonstrate that PIN2 mutation not only affects the basipetal transport of auxin
      to the elongation zone, but also results in an altered expression of proteins in
      the root columella.

PMID- 22085407
TI  - Validation of metabolic syndrome using medical records in the SUN cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of self
      reported criteria of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad
      de Navarra) cohort using their medical records as the gold standard. METHODS: We
      selected 336 participants and we obtained MS related data according to Adult
      Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Then
      we compared information on the self reported diagnosis of MS and MS diagnosed in
      their medical records. We calculated the proportion of confirmed MS, the
      proportion of confirmed non-MS and the intraclass correlation coefficients for
      each component of the MS. RESULTS: From those 336 selected participants, we
      obtained sufficient data in 172 participants to confirm or reject MS using ATP
      III criteria. The proportion of confirmed MS was 91.2% (95% CI: 80.7- 97.1) and
      the proportion of confirmed non-MS was 92.2% (95% CI: 85.7-96.4) using ATP III
      criteria. The proportion of confirmed MS using IDF criteria was 100% (95% CI:
      87.2-100) and the proportion of confirmed non-MS was 97.1% (95% CI: 85.1-99.9).
      Kappa Index was 0.82 in the group diagnosed by ATP III criteria and 0.97 in the
      group diagnosed by IDF criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficients for the
      different component of MS were: 0.93 (IC 95%:0.91- 0.95) for BMI; 0.96 (IC 95%:
      0.93-0.98) for waist circumference; 0.75 (IC 95%: 0.66-0.82) for fasting glucose;
      0.50 (IC 95%:0.35-0.639) for HDL cholesterol; 0.78 (IC 95%: 0.70-0.84) for
      triglycerides; 0.49 (IC 95%:0.34-0.61) for systolic blood pressure and 0.55 (IC
      95%: 0.41-0.65) for diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported MS based
      on self reported components of the SM in a Spanish cohort of university graduates
      was sufficiently valid as to be used in epidemiological studies.

PMID- 22085409
TI  - Management of sulfur mustard-induced chronic pruritus: a review of clinical
      trials.
AB  - Skin is among the most heavily damaged organs upon sulfur mustard (SM) exposure.
      Chronic complications due to SM-induced dermatotoxicity are quite frequent among
      intoxicated patients. Nevertheless, the exact pathophysiology of SM-induced
      chronic cutaneous complications has not been well clarified yet. The present
      review highlights clinically important findings on the management of SM-induced
      chronic skin complications with a particular focus on pruritus as the most
      prevalent symptom that has a significant impact on patients' quality of life.
      Some methodological pitfalls that implicate the validity of the trials have also
      been identified.

PMID- 22085408
TI  - Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor levels in patients with
      burn injuries and inhalation trauma requiring mechanical ventilation: an
      observational cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has
      been proposed as a biologic marker of fibrinolysis and inflammation. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of systemic and
      pulmonary levels of suPAR in burn patients with inhalation trauma who need
      mechanical ventilation. METHODS: suPAR was measured in plasma and nondirected
      lung-lavage fluid of mechanically ventilated burn patients with inhalation
      trauma. The samples were obtained on the day of inhalation trauma and on
      alternate days thereafter until patients were completely weaned from the
      mechanical ventilator. Mechanically ventilated patients without burns and without
      pulmonary disease served as controls. RESULTS: Systemic levels of suPAR in burn
      patients with inhalation trauma were not different from those in control
      patients. On admission and follow up, pulmonary levels of suPAR in patients with
      inhalation trauma were significantly higher compared with controls. Pulmonary
      levels of suPAR highly correlated with pulmonary levels of interleukin 6, a
      marker of inflammation, and thrombin-antithrombin complexes, markers of
      coagulation, but not plasminogen activator activity, a marker of fibrinolysis.
      Systemic levels of suPAR were predictive of the duration of mechanical
      ventilation and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Duration of mechanical
      ventilation and length of ICU stay were significantly longer in burn-injury
      patients with systemic suPAR levels > 9.5 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary levels of
      suPAR are elevated in burn patients with inhalation trauma, and they correlate
      with pulmonary inflammation and coagulation. Although pulmonary levels of suPAR
      may have diagnostic value in burn-injury patients, systemic levels of suPAR have
      prognostic value.

PMID- 22085410
TI  - Novel pathway of centrosome amplification that does not require DNA lesions.
AB  - Centrosome amplification (also known as centrosome overduplication) is common in
      cancer cells and can be induced by DNA damaging agents. However, the mechanism
      and significance of centrosome amplification during carcinogenesis or after DNA
      damage are not clear. Previously, we showed that centrosome amplification could
      be induced by 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerases (PARPs) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In this paper, we determined
      if the effect of 3-AB on centrosome amplification was dependent on DNA damage in
      CHO-K1 cells. We used the well-known mutagen/carcinogen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N
      nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Ten micromolar MNNG and 10 mM 3-AB induced significant
      centrosome amplification in 18.1 +/- 1.1% and 19.4 +/- 1.8% of CHO-K1 cells,
      respectively, compared to 7.0 +/- 0.5% of untreated CHO-K1 cells. AG14361,
      another potent inhibitor of PARPs, also induced centrosome amplification. We then
      used gamma-H2AX analysis and alkaline comet assays to show that 10 MUM MNNG
      induced a significant number of DNA lesions and cell cycle arrest at the G(2) /M
      phase. However, 10 mM 3-AB neither induced DNA lesions nor altered cell cycle
      progression. In the umu test, 10 MUM MNNG was mutagenic, but 10 mM 3-AB was not.
      In addition, 10 MUM MNNG induced significant accumulation of ataxia
      telangiectasia mutated protein in the nuclei, but 10 mM 3-AB did not. Thus, we
      found no association between apparent DNA lesions and centrosome amplification
      after 3-AB treatment. Therefore, we propose the presence of a novel pathway for
      centrosome amplification that does not necessarily require DNA lesions but
      involves regulation of epigenetic changes or post-translational modifications
      including polyADP-ribosylation.

PMID- 22085411
TI  - Photoregulation of cytochrome P450 activity by using caged compound.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 (P450) species play an important role in the metabolism of
      xenobiotics, and assaying the activities of P450 is important for evaluating the
      toxicity of chemicals in drugs and food. However, the lag time caused by the
      introduction and mixing of sample solutions can become sources of error as the
      throughput is heightened by increasing the sample number and decreasing the
      sample volume. To amend this technological obstacle, we developed a methodology
      to photoregulate the activity of P450 by using photoprotected (caged) compounds.
      We synthesized caged molecules of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
      (NADP(+)) and glucose 6-phosphate (G6P), which are involved in the generation of
      NADPH (cofactor of P450). The use of caged-G6P completely blocked the P450
      catalysis before the UV illumination, whereas caged-NADP(+) resulted in a little
      background reaction. Upon UV illumination, more than 90% of the enzymatic
      activity could be restored. The use of caged-G6P enabled assays in isolated
      microchambers (width, 50 MUm; height, 50 MUm) by encapsulating necessary
      ingredients in advance and initiating the reaction by UV illumination. The
      initiation of enzymatic reaction could be observed in a single microchamber.
      Minimizing uncertainties caused by the introduction and mixing of solutions led
      to significantly reduced errors of obtained kinetic constants.

PMID- 22085412
TI  - Oral neurovascular hamartoma: a lesion searching for a name.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurovascular hamartoma (NVH), in particular in the oral cavity, is
      rarely described in the literature. The low number of cases may reflect a genuine
      rarity of the lesion, or it may be due to its being unrecognized and/or under
      reported. OBJECTIVES: To investigate clinical and microscopic features of oral
      NVH and to define microscopic diagnostic criteria with emphasis on the
      differential diagnosis. METHODS: Archival cases diagnosed as oral NVH between
      1999 and 2011 were retrieved; clinical and demographic data were collected, and a
      paired morphometric analysis was conducted, with each case of NVH a case of
      fibrous hyperplasia (FH) from the same oral location. The nerve bundle and blood
      vessel density were quantified in five microscopic fields at *100 magnification.
      RESULTS: The study group included 25 oral NVH, 11 men and 14 women, aged 6-76
      years, (mean 44). The majority occurred in the tongue (54%), followed by the
      buccal mucosa and lower lip (17% each), clinically presenting as asymptomatic
      0.25-2.5 cm exophytic masses. Microscopic characteristics included poorly
      circumscribed masses of closely packed nerve bundles and blood vessels in a loose
      matrix, containing minimal or no inflammation. The mean nerve bundle density was
      significantly higher in NVH (4.28 +/- 1.26) in comparison with FH (0.27 +/-
      0.27), (P < 0.00001), and mean vessel density was significantly lower (5.98 +/-
      1.4 vs. 7.8 +/- 1.9, respectively), (P < 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Oral NVH may not be
      as rare as previously considered. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that NVH
      presents a separate distinct entity.

PMID- 22085413
TI  - FOCUSED CLINICAL CAMPAIGN IMPROVES MINERAL AND BONE DISORDER OUTCOMES.
AB  - As with other disease states, mineral and bone disorder (MBD) management is
      challenging and may benefit from more systematic management. To evaluate the
      effectiveness of a focused campaign to improve MBD outcomes, we compared the
      percentage of patients meeting 2003 Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative
      (KDOQI)-recommended MBD targets between baseline and 18 months after programme
      initiation. The four components of the clinical campaign were: (1) a set of grids
      allowing simultaneous evaluation of MBD test results, (2) a weighted, facility
      level cumulative scoring system representing percent of patients within KDOQI
      recommended MBD targets, (3) team involvement and (4) patient education. Eighteen
      months after programme initiation, the percent of patients simultaneously meeting
      all 2003 KDOQI targets increased 7% and the percent meeting calcium and
      phosphorus targets increased 24% and 8%, respectively. These findings suggest
      that a coordinated clinical campaign with effective tools, outcome tracking and
      sharing and team involvement is an effective strategy to improve MBD outcomes.

PMID- 22085414
TI  - Association of claw disorders with claw horn colour in Norwegian red cattle--a
      cross-sectional study of 2607 cows from 112 herds.
AB  - Claw disorders cause problems in dairy cattle all over the world. Nutrition,
      feeding, environment, claw trimming routines, hormonal changes related to calving
      and genetics are among the factors which influence the pathogenesis. The colour
      of the claw horn (pigmentation) has been suggested to play a role. The aim of
      this study was to investigate if there were any associations between the colour
      of the sole horn and claw disorders detected at claw trimming. Altogether, 2607
      cows on 112 farms were claw trimmed once and the colour (dark, mixed or light) of
      the right lateral hind claw and hind claw disorders were recorded by 13 trained
      claw trimmers. The data were analysed using logistic regression models with logit
      link function, binomial distribution and herd and claw trimmer as repeated
      effects, with herd nested within claw trimmer. Haemorrhages of the sole (HS) and
      white line (HWL) were more frequently found in light than in dark claws (OR =
      2.61 and 2.34, respectively). Both HS (OR = 1.43) and corkscrewed claws (OR =
      1.84) were slightly more prevalent among cows which had claws with mixed colour
      versus dark claws. There were no significant associations of other claw disorders
      with claw horn colour.

PMID- 22085415
TI  - Comparison of body mass index and triceps skinfold at 5 years and young adult
      body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure.
AB  - AIM: To examine which measure of obesity at 5 years, body mass index (BMI) or
      triceps skinfold thickness, is most strongly associated with 21-year risk factors
      for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including BMI, waist circumference (WC),
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). METHODS:
      Longitudinal birth cohort study with BMI and triceps skinfold measurements at age
      5, and BMI, WC and blood pressure at 21 years. Overweight and obesity at 5 years
      were determined according to Cole-International Obesity Task Force standards, at
      21, by World Health Organization definitions. Triceps skinfold thickness
      measurements were converted to a z-score, and cut-offs for overweight and obesity
      were chosen to reflect similar proportions to the BMI subgroups. BMI, WC, SBP and
      DBP were also measured at 21 years. RESULTS: Five-year BMI and triceps skinfold
      thickness were both significantly associated with the CVD risk measures at 21
      years. For overweight/obesity at 5 years, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence
      interval) for 21-year overweight/obesity was 5.6 (4.2, 7.4), for 21-year WC was
      1.5 (1.2, 2.0). Mean difference (95% CI) in BMI was 4.4 (3.9, 5.0), in WC 8.3 cm
      (6.8, 9.8), in SBP 2.4 mm Hg (0.5, 4.3), in DBP 1.1 mm Hg (0.1, 2.2). For
      skinfold, the similar findings were odds ratio 2.6 (2.0, 3.4) and 1.2 (0.9, 1.6)
      for 21-year BMI and WC, and mean differences of 2.6 (2.0, 3.2), WC 4.8 cm (3.3,
      6.3), SBP 2.3 mm Hg (0.5, 4.2) and DBP 0.7 mm Hg (-0.4, 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In
      children with overweight/obesity, BMI rather than triceps skinfold is the
      preferred epidemiological measure for identifying young adult CVD risk markers of
      BMI, WC and blood pressure.

PMID- 22085417
TI  - Timing of screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in women with moderate and
      severe obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated screening with a diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test
      earlier than 20 weeks gestation in women with moderate to severe obesity. DESIGN:
      Prospective observational study. SETTING: Large university teaching hospital.
      POPULATION: We enrolled 100 women booking for antenatal care in the first
      trimester at their convenience. METHODS: Height and weight were measured and body
      mass index calculated. Only women with a body mass index > 34.9 kg/m(2) were
      included. Women were booked for a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test before 20
      weeks and, if normal, another test at 28 weeks gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Of the 100
      women given an appointment for an oral glucose tolerance test before 20 weeks
      gestation, 92 attended. Of these, 10 (10.8%) women had an abnormal result, with
      impaired glucose tolerance in five (5.4%) cases and gestational diabetes mellitus
      in five (5.4%) cases. Of those with a normal result at 20 weeks, 81 attended for
      a repeat test at 28 weeks gestation. A further four (4.9%) had impaired glucose
      tolerance and four (4.9%) had gestational diabetes mellitus. A total of 18
      (20.5%) of the 88 women who complied with screening had an abnormal test.
      CONCLUSIONS: Women who have moderate/severe obesity have a one in five chance of
      having an abnormal diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test when screened for
      gestational diabetes mellitus. To optimize maternal glycemic control in
      pregnancy, we suggest that women with a body mass index > 34.9 kg/m(2) may need
      to be screened early in pregnancy and, if the test is normal, again at 28 weeks
      gestation.

PMID- 22085416
TI  - End-of-life decision-making in Canada: the report by the Royal Society of Canada
      expert panel on end-of-life decision-making.
AB  - This report on end-of-life decision-making in Canada was produced by an
      international expert panel and commissioned by the Royal Society of Canada. It
      consists of five chapters. Chapter 1 reviews what is known about end-of-life care
      and opinions about assisted dying in Canada. Chapter 2 reviews the legal status
      quo in Canada with regard to various forms of assisted death. Chapter 3 reviews
      ethical issues pertaining to assisted death. The analysis is grounded in core
      values central to Canada's constitutional order. Chapter 4 reviews the
      experiences had in a number of jurisdictions that have decriminalized or recently
      reviewed assisted dying in some shape or form. Chapter 5 provides recommendations
      with regard to the provision of palliative care in Canada, as well as
      recommendations for reform with respect to the various forms of assisted death
      covered in this document.

PMID- 22085418
TI  - ent-Kaurane diterpenoids from Croton tonkinensis stimulate osteoblast
      differentiation.
AB  - Four new ent-kaurane diterpenoids (1-4) were isolated from the leaves of Croton
      tonkinensis by bioactivity-guided fractionation using an in vitro osteoblast
      differentiation assay. Their structures were identified as ent-11beta-acetoxykaur
      16-en-18-ol (1), ent-11alpha-hydroxy-18-acetoxykaur-16-ene (2), ent-14beta
      hydroxy-18-acetoxykaur-16-ene (3), and ent-7alpha-hydroxy-18-acetoxykaur-16-ene
      (4). Compounds 1-4 significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and
      osteoblastic gene promoter activity. Compounds 1-3 also increased the levels of
      ALP and collagen type I alpha mRNA in C2C12 cells in a dose-dependent manner.
      These results suggest that ent-kaurane diterpenoids from C. tonkinensis have a
      direct stimulatory effect on osteoblast differentiation and may be potential
      therapeutic molecules against bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

PMID- 22085419
TI  - The bacteriophage WORiC is the active phage element in wRi of Drosophila simulans
      and represents a conserved class of WO phages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The alphaproteobacterium Wolbachia pipientis, the most common
      endosymbiont in eukaryotes, is found predominantly in insects including many
      Drosophila species. Although Wolbachia is primarily vertically transmitted,
      analysis of its genome provides evidence for frequent horizontal transfer,
      extensive recombination and numerous mobile genetic elements. The genome sequence
      of Wolbachia in Drosophila simulans Riverside (wRi) is available along with the
      integrated bacteriophages, enabling a detailed examination of phage genes and the
      role of these genes in the biology of Wolbachia and its host organisms. Wolbachia
      is widely known for its ability to modify the reproductive patterns of insects.
      One particular modification, cytoplasmic incompatibility, has previously been
      shown to be dependent on Wolbachia density and inversely related to the titer of
      lytic phage. The wRi genome has four phage regions, two WORiBs, one WORiA and one
      WORiC. RESULTS: In this study specific primers were designed to distinguish
      between these four prophage types in wRi, and quantitative PCR was used to
      measure the titer of bacteriophages in testes, ovaries, embryos and adult flies.
      In all tissues tested, WORiA and WORiB were not found to be present in excess of
      their integrated prophages; WORiC, however, was found to be present
      extrachromosomally. WORiC is undergoing extrachromosomal replication in wRi. The
      density of phage particles was found to be consistent in individual larvae in a
      laboratory population. The WORiC genome is organized in conserved blocks of genes
      and aligns most closely with other known lytic WO phages, WOVitA and WOCauB.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results presented here suggest that WORiC is the lytic form of
      WO in D. simulans, is undergoing extrachromosomal replication in wRi, and belongs
      to a conserved family of phages in Wolbachia.

PMID- 22085420
TI  - Parathyroid autotransplantation in extensive head and neck resections: case
      series report.
AB  - Permanent or temporary hypoparathyroidism may be a debilitating result of radical
      cervical surgery, as noted most commonly following thyroid or parathyroid
      surgery. However, it can also be the outcome of any surgical procedure involving
      bilateral extensive manipulation of the anterior neck triangle, especially in
      order to ensure oncologically adequate surgical margins. We report our experience
      of three patients that underwent parathyroid immediate autotransplanation
      following extensive surgical manipulations of the neck region for oncological
      reasons. PTH levels were restored to normal by the fourth postoperative week,
      allowing us to wean the patients off calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation,
      which was attributed to full autograft function. Parathyroid autotransplantation,
      immediate or delayed, is a simple and safe technique which should be considered
      by the surgeon whenever there is a high risk for postoperative hypoparathyroidism
      following radical operations of the neck for oncological reasons.

PMID- 22085421
TI  - Healthy babies through infant-centered feeding protocol: an intervention
      targeting early childhood obesity in vulnerable populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor feeding practices during infancy contribute to obesity risk. As
      infants transition from human milk and/or formula-based diets to solid foods,
      these practices interfere with infant feeding self-regulation and healthy growth
      patterns. Compared with other socioeconomic groups, lower-income mothers are more
      likely to experience difficulty feeding their infants. This may include
      misinterpreting feeding cues and using less-than-optimal feeding styles and
      practices, such as pressuring infants during mealtimes and prematurely
      introducing solid food and sweetened beverages. The Healthy Babies trial aims to
      determine the efficacy of a community-based randomized controlled trial of an in
      home intervention with economically and educationally disadvantaged mother-infant
      dyads. The educational intervention is being conducted during the infant's first
      6 months of life to promote healthy transition to solids during their first year
      and is based on the theory of planned behavior. METHODS/DESIGN: We will describe
      our study protocol for a multisite randomized control trial being conducted in
      Colorado and Michigan with an anticipated sample of 372 economically and
      educationally disadvantaged African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian mothers
      with infants. Participants are being recruited by county community agency staff.
      Participants are randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group. The
      intervention consists of six in-home visits by a trained paraprofessional
      instructor followed by three reinforcement telephone contacts when the baby is 6,
      8, and 10 months old. Main maternal outcomes include a) maternal responsiveness,
      b) feeding style, and c) feeding practices. Main infant outcome is infant growth
      pattern. All measures occur at baseline and when the infant is 6 and 12 months
      old. DISCUSSION: If this project is successful, the expected outcomes will
      address whether the home-based early nutrition education intervention is
      effective in helping mothers develop healthy infant feeding practices that
      contribute to improving infant health and development and reducing the risk of
      early-onset childhood obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials
      ACTRN126100000415000.

PMID- 22085422
TI  - Association between public views of mental illness and self-stigma among
      individuals with mental illness in 14 European countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about how the views of the public are related to self
      stigma among people with mental health problems. Despite increasing activity
      aimed at reducing mental illness stigma, there is little evidence to guide and
      inform specific anti-stigma campaign development and messages to be used in mass
      campaigns. A better understanding of the association between public knowledge,
      attitudes and behaviours and the internalization of stigma among people with
      mental health problems is needed. METHOD: This study links two large,
      international datasets to explore the association between public stigma in 14
      European countries (Eurobarometer survey) and individual reports of self-stigma,
      perceived discrimination and empowerment among persons with mental illness
      (n=1835) residing in those countries [the Global Alliance of Mental Illness
      Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN) study]. RESULTS: Individuals with mental illness
      living in countries with less stigmatizing attitudes, higher rates of help
      seeking and treatment utilization and better perceived access to information had
      lower rates of self-stigma and perceived discrimination and those living in
      countries where the public felt more comfortable talking to people with mental
      illness had less self-stigma and felt more empowered. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting the
      general public through mass anti-stigma interventions may lead to a virtuous
      cycle by disrupting the negative feedback engendered by public stigma, thereby
      reducing self-stigma among people with mental health problems. A combined
      approach involving knowledge, attitudes and behaviour is needed; mass
      interventions that facilitate disclosure and positive social contact may be the
      most effective. Improving availability of information about mental health issues
      and facilitating access to care and help-seeking also show promise with regard to
      stigma.

PMID- 22085423
TI  - Epigenomic insights into common disease.
AB  - A report on the Wellcome Trust Scientific Conference 'Epigenomics of Common
      Diseases', Hinxton, Cambridge, UK, September 13-16, 2011.

PMID- 22085424
TI  - Comparative reactivity of remnant-like lipoprotein particles (RLP) and low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) to LDL receptor and VLDL receptor: effect of a high
      dose statin on VLDL receptor expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparison of the reactivity of remnant-like lipoprotein particles
      (RLP) and LDL particles to LDL receptor and VLDL receptor has not been
      investigated. METHODS: LDL receptor- or VLDL receptor-transfected ldlA-7, HepG2
      and L6 cells were used. Human LDL and rabbit beta-VLDL were isolated by
      ultracentrifugation. Human RLP was isolated using an immunoaffinity mixed gel.
      The effect of statin on lipoprotein receptors was examined. RESULTS: Both LDL
      receptor and VLDL receptor recognized RLP. In LDL receptor transfectants, RLP,
      beta-VLDL and LDL all bound to LDL receptor. Cold RLP competed efficiently with
      DiI-beta-VLDL; however, cold LDL competed weakly. In VLDL receptor transfectants,
      RLP and beta-VLDL bound to VLDL receptor, but not LDL. RLP bound to VLDL receptor
      with higher affinity than beta-VLDL because of higher apolipoprotein E in RLP.
      LDL receptor expression was induced in HepG2 by the low concentration of statin
      while VLDL receptor expression was induced in L6 myoblasts at higher
      concentration. CONCLUSIONS: RLP are bound to hepatic LDL receptor more
      efficiently than LDL, which may explain the mechanism by which statins prevent
      cardiovascular risk by primarily reducing plasma RLP rather than by reducing LDL.
      Additionally, a high-dose of statins also may reduce plasma RLP through muscular
      VLDL receptor.

PMID- 22085425
TI  - Ethylene glycol poisoning: quintessential clinical toxicology; analytical
      conundrum.
AB  - Ethylene glycol poisoning is a medical emergency that presents challenges both
      for clinicians and clinical laboratories. Untreated, it may cause morbidly or
      death, but effective therapy is available, if administered timely. However, the
      diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning is not always straightforward. Thus,
      measurement of serum ethylene glycol, and ideally glycolic acid, its major toxic
      metabolite in serum, is definitive. Yet measurement of these structurally rather
      simple compounds is but simple. This review encompasses an assessment of
      analytical methods for the analytes relevant for the diagnosis and prognosis of
      ethylene glycol poisoning and of the role of the ethylene glycol metabolites,
      glycolic and oxalic acids, in its toxicity.

PMID- 22085427
TI  - Phase II multicenter, randomized, double-blind study of recombinant mutated human
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha in combination with chemotherapies in cancer
      patients.
AB  - We previously prepared a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mutant (rmhTNF-alpha)
      that showed higher antitumor activity and lower systemic toxicity compared with
      native TNF-alpha. The safety profile and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of
      rmhTNF-alpha were suited for clinical use according to biological Investigational
      New Drug application, a standard guideline for new drug investigation in China.
      Here, we evaluate the activity and safety of rmhTNF-alpha combined with
      chemotherapies in head/neck, lung, colorectal, stomach, and renal cancer
      patients. Ninety-five eligible patients received i.m. rmhTNF-alpha treatment
      combined with standard chemotherapies. Another 95 patients were treated with
      standard chemotherapies. After two treatment cycles, one patient achieved a
      complete response and 24 patients had partial response, yielding an overall
      response rate (complete response + partial response) of 27.47% in the rmhTNF
      alpha plus chemotherapy cohort. The chemotherapy alone group acquired only a
      11.39% response rate (P < 0.05). When compared between different cancers, a
      48.89% response rate was detected in the 45 lung cancer patients of the
      combination cohort. The most common grade 1-2 adverse events of rmhTNF-alpha were
      drug-related fever, allergy, flu-like symptoms, and myalgia. No significant
      difference was found in grade 3-4 toxicities between the two cohorts. Based on
      the results of this research, rmhTNF-alpha can significantly enhance the
      effectiveness of chemotherapy. An extended phase III trial of rmhTNF-alpha
      combined with standard chemotherapy is warranted for evaluating its antitumor
      activity and toxicity in a larger cohort of tumor patients. The studies in this
      paper were registered with the State Food and Drug Administration of China (No.
      2003S00692).

PMID- 22085428
TI  - Contacting versus insulated gate electrode for Si nanoribbon field-effect sensors
      operating in electrolyte.
AB  - Electric response to pH variations is employed to investigate Si nanoribbon field
      effect transistors (SiNRFETs) operating in electrolyte with different gate
      configurations. For devices with a conducting gate electrode for direct metal
      electrolyte contact, a well-defined electrode reaction leading to a stable
      electrode potential is essential for retaining a stable electrical potential of
      the electrolyte. However, noble metals such as Pt do not meet the stability
      requirement and consequently bring severe distortions to the electronic response.
      For devices with an insulated gate electrode relying on the principle of
      capacitive gate coupling, the capacitance between the gate electrode and the
      electrolyte should be made much larger than the gate capacitance established
      between the SiNR and the electrolyte. In this case, an efficient gate control as
      well as a high stability against external disturbances can be ensured. Further
      studies show that surface charging of the gate insulator is the main cause
      responsible for the pH response of the SiNRFETs. Hence, devices with different
      gate configurations give rise to a comparable pH sensitivity.

PMID- 22085429
TI  - Increasing the amphiphilicity of an estradiol based steroid structure by Barbier
      allylation--ring-closing metathesis--dihydroxylation sequence.
AB  - Polyhydroxylated steroids, such as brassinosteroids, phytoecdysteroids and
      steroid saponins, are structurally attractive compounds possessing a number of
      interesting biological properties. Accordingly, development of synthetic
      procedures to build steroid based structures mimicking the naturally occurring
      hydrophilic steroids is of topical interest. In the present work, a D-secoestrone
      derivative was modified further by Barbier-allylation - ring-closing metathesis -
      dihydroxylation sequence with the aim to prepare steroid based structures with
      limited hydrophilicity. A straightforward synthesis route was developed with the
      isolated yield for each step ranging from good to excellent. All compounds
      prepared were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopic techniques and completely
      assigned (1)H and (13)C spectra are reported herein. Finally, the effects of the
      synthesized amphiphilic steroid derivatives on the proliferation of cancer cells
      are reported and discussed.

PMID- 22085430
TI  - Identification of the needs of haemodialysis patients using the concept of
      Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
AB  - Along with basic survival and other clinical outcomes, patients' quality of life
      is an important indicator to reflect the needs of these patients. Human needs are
      classified in Maslow's hierarchy, where the most essential basic physiological
      need provides the base, and self actualisation is at the top of pyramid. AIM: The
      aim of this study is to identify the patients' needs who are on maintenance
      haemodialysis using concept of Maslow's hierarchy. METHOD: The descriptive study
      was conducted in the dialysis unit of Suez Canal University Hospitals. The study
      included 50 patients attending the dialysis unit. RESULTS: The findings showed
      that the patients' highest need was for self-esteem (92.0%), whereas the lowest
      was for love and belonging (38.0%). Statistically significant relationships were
      revealed between the identified love and belonging needs and patients' age and
      the duration of dialysis (p = 0.008). The total needs score was lower with the
      longer duration of dialysis (59.6 +/- 7.3), compared to those with a duration
      less than 24 months (65.7 +/- 8.1), p = 0.02. CONCLUSION: Based on the main study
      findings it is concluded that haemodialysis patients' highest need was for self
      esteem, and the lowest was for love and belonging. These needs increased with
      longer duration of dialysis. Nurses need to be aware of these findings in order
      to be able to supply the necessary support to help the patient regain his/her
      self-concept.

PMID- 22085431
TI  - Topiramate attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in gerbils via
      activating GABAergic signaling and inhibiting astrogliosis.
AB  - Impaired GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission plays an essential role in
      the pathogenesis of selective neuronal cell death following transient global
      ischemia. GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R), K+-Cl- co-transporter 2 (KCC2), Na+-K+-Cl-
      co-transporter 1 (NKCC1) and astrocytes are of particular importance to GABAergic
      transmission. The present study was designed to explore whether the
      neuroprotective effect of topiramate (TPM) was linked with the alterations of
      GABAergic signaling and astrocytes. The bilateral carotid arteries were occluded,
      and TPM (80 mg/kg/day (divided twice daily), i.p.) was injected into gerbils. At
      day 1, 3 and 7 post-ischemia, neurological deficit was scored and changes in
      hippocampal neuronal cell death were evaluated by Nissl staining. The apoptosis
      related regulatory proteins (procaspase-3, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2) and
      GABAergic signal molecules (GABA(A)R alpha1, GABA(A)R gamma2, KCC2 and NKCC1)
      were also detected using western blot assay. In addition, the fluorescent
      intensity and protein level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a major
      component of astrocyte, were examined by confocal and immunoblot analysis. Our
      results showed that TPM treatment significantly decreased neurological deficit
      scores, attenuated the ischemia-induced neuronal loss and remarkably decreased
      the expression levels of procaspase-3, caspase-3 as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl
      2. Besides, treatment with TPM also resulted in the increased protein expressions
      of GABA(A)R alpha1, GABA(A)R gamma2 and KCC2 together with the decreased protein
      level of NKCC1 in gerbils hippocampus. Furthermore, fluorescent intensity and
      protein level of GFAP were evidently reduced in TPM-treated gerbils. These
      findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of TPM on global
      ischemia/reperfusion injury appears to be associated with the enhancement of
      GABAergic signaling and the inhibition of astrogliosis in gerbils.

PMID- 22085432
TI  - Surface immobilization of bio-functionalized cubosomes: sensing of proteins by
      quartz crystal microbalance.
AB  - A strategy for tethering lipid liquid crystalline submicrometer particles
      (cubosomes) to a gold surface for the detection of proteins is reported. Time
      resolved quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) was used to monitor the cubosome
      protein interaction in real time. To achieve specific binding, cubosomes were
      prepared from the nonionic surfactant phytantriol, block-copolymer, Pluronic F
      127, and a secondary biotinylated lipid, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphoethanolamine-N-[biotinyl(polyethyleneglycol)-2000], which enabled
      attachment of the particles to a neutravidin (NAv)-alkanethiol monolayer at the
      gold surface of the QCM sensor chip. A second set of cubosomes was further
      functionalized with addition of the glycolipid (G(M1)) to facilitate a specific
      binding uptake of the protein, cholera toxin B subunit (CT(B)), from solution.
      QCM-D confirmed the specificity of the cubosome-NAv binding. The analysis of
      titration experiments, also performed with QCM, suggests that an optimal
      concentration of cubosomes is required for the efficient packing of the particles
      at the surface: high cubosome concentrations lead to chaotic cubosome binding
      onto the surface, sterically inhibiting surface attachment, or require
      significant reorganization to permit uniform cubosome coverage. The methodology
      enabled the straightforward preparation of a complex nanostructured edifice,
      which was then used to specifically capture analyte proteins (cholera toxin B
      subunit or free NAv) from solution, supporting the potential for development of
      this approach as a biosensing platform.

PMID- 22085433
TI  - Complications arising from a misdiagnosed giant lipoma of the hand and palm: a
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lipomas are benign tumors which may appear in almost any human
      organ. Their diagnosis rate in the hand region is not known. CASE PRESENTATION:
      We present the case of a 63-year-old Greek Caucasian woman with a giant lipoma of
      the hand and palm which was not initially diagnosed. After repeated surgical
      decompression of the carpal tunnel the patient was referred with persisting
      symptoms of median and ulnar nerve compression and a prominent mass of her left
      palm and thenar eminence. Clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, nerve
      conduction study and biopsy, revealed a giant lipoma in the deep palmar space
      (8.0 * 4.0 * 3.75 cm), which was also infiltrating the carpal tunnel. She had
      already undergone two operations for carpal tunnel syndrome with no relief of her
      symptoms and she also ended up with a severed flexor pollicis longus tendon.
      Definitive treatment was performed by marginal resection of the lipoma and
      restoration of the flexor pollicis longus with an intercalated graft harvested
      from the palmaris longus. Thirty months after surgery the patient had a fully
      functional hand without any neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: Not all lipomas of
      the wrist and hand are diagnosed. Our report tries to emphasize the hidden danger
      of lipomas in cases with carpal tunnel symptoms. The need for a high index of
      suspicion in conjunction with good clinical evaluation and the use of appropriate
      investigative studies is mandatory in order to avoid unnecessary operations and
      complications. Marginal excision of these tumors is restorative.

PMID- 22085434
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections due to electronic faucets in a neonatal
      intensive care unit.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the role of electronic faucets in a newborn intensive care unit
      during a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak. METHODS: After three patients had P.
      aeruginosa bacteremia, environmental cultures including those from patient rooms,
      incubator, ventilators, total parenteral nutrition solutions, disinfection
      solutions, electronic and hand-operated faucet filters/water samples after
      removing filters and staff hands were taken. RESULTS: Only filters of electronic
      faucets and water samples after removing filters and one liquid hand soap showed
      P. aeruginosa (3-7 * 106 cfu/mL). We have removed the electronic faucets and new
      elbow-operated faucets were installed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis
      of outbreak-blood culture isolates from two patients and isolates from electronic
      water faucets/one liquid hand soap indicated the presence of 90.7% genetically
      related subtype, probably from the same clone. Water cultures from new faucets
      were all clean after installation and after 7 months. CONCLUSION: We suggest that
      electronic faucets may be considered a potential risk for P. aeruginosa in
      hospitals, especially in high-risk units.

PMID- 22085435
TI  - Novel valsartan-loaded solid dispersion with enhanced bioavailability and no
      crystalline changes.
AB  - With the aim of developing a novel valsartan-loaded solid dispersion with
      enhanced bioavailability and no crystalline changes, various valsartan-loaded
      solid dispersions were prepared with water, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
      and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Effects of the weight ratios of SLS/HPMC and
      carrier/drug on both the aqueous solubility of valsartan and the drug-release
      profiles of solid dispersions were investigated. The physicochemical properties
      of solid dispersions were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM),
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The
      bioavailability of the solid dispersions in rats was evaluated compared to
      valsartan powder and a commercial product (Diovan). Unlike the conventional solid
      dispersion system, the valsartan-loaded solid dispersion had a relatively rough
      surface and did not change the crystalline form of the drug. It was suggested
      that the solid dispersions were formed by attaching hydrophilic carriers to the
      surface of the drug, thus changing from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic form
      without changing the crystalline form. The drug-loaded solid dispersion composed
      of valsartan/HPMC/SLS at a weight ratio of 3/1.5/0.75 improved the drug
      solubility by about 43-fold. It gave a higher AUC, C(max) and shorter T(max)
      compared to valsartan powder and the commercial product. The solid dispersion
      improved the bioavailability of the drug in rats by about 2.2 and 1.7-fold in
      comparison with valsartan powder and the commercial product, respectively. Thus,
      the valsartan-loaded solid dispersion would be useful for delivering poorly water
      soluble valsartan with enhanced bioavailability and no crystalline changes.

PMID- 22085436
TI  - Pre-, peri- and neonatal risk factors for autism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify pre-, peri- and neonatal risk factors for pervasive
      developmental disorders (PDD). METHODS: We searched the Medline database through
      March 2011 for relevant case-control and population-based studies on pre-, peri-
      and neonatal hazards related to PDD, including autism. We identified 85 studies
      for this review. Data were extracted systematically and organized according to
      risk factors related to family history, pregnancy, gestational age, delivery,
      birth milestones and the neonate's condition at birth. RESULTS: During the
      prenatal period, risk factors for PDD were advanced maternal or paternal ages,
      being firstborn vs. third or later, maternal prenatal medication use and mother's
      status as foreign born. During the perinatal and neonatal periods, the risk
      factors for PDD were preterm birth, breech presentation, planned cesarean
      section, low Apgar scores, hyperbilirubinemia, birth defect and a birthweight
      small for gestational age. The influence of maternal pre-eclampsia, diabetes,
      vomiting, infections and stress during pregnancy requires further study in order
      to determine risk for PDD. DISCUSSION: Despite evidence for the association of
      some pre-, peri- and neonatal risk factors associated with PDD, it remains
      unclear whether these risks are causal or play a secondary role in shaping
      clinical expression in individuals with genetic vulnerability. A plausible
      hypothsesis is that improvements in obstetric and neonatal management have led to
      an increased rate of survivors with pre-existing brain damage. Given the variety
      of risk factors, we propose that future studies should investigate combinations
      of multiple factors, rather than focusing on a single factor.

PMID- 22085437
TI  - Isolation and determination of the primary structure of a lectin protein from the
      serum of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
AB  - Mass spectrometry in conjunction with de novo sequencing was used to determine
      the amino acid sequence of a 35kDa lectin protein isolated from the serum of the
      American alligator that exhibits binding to mannose. The protein N-terminal
      sequence was determined using Edman degradation and enzymatic digestion with
      different proteases was used to generate peptide fragments for analysis by liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). Separate analysis of the
      protein digests with multiple enzymes enhanced the protein sequence coverage. De
      novo sequencing was accomplished using MASCOT Distiller and PEAKS software and
      the sequences were searched against the NCBI database using MASCOT and BLAST to
      identify homologous peptides. MS analysis of the intact protein indicated that it
      is present primarily as monomer and dimer in vitro. The isolated 35kDa protein
      was ~98% sequenced and found to have 313 amino acids and nine cysteine residues
      and was identified as an alligator lectin. The alligator lectin sequence was
      aligned with other lectin sequences using DIALIGN and ClustalW software and was
      found to exhibit 58% and 59% similarity to both human and mouse intelectin-1. The
      alligator lectin exhibited strong binding affinities toward mannan and mannose as
      compared to other tested carbohydrates.

PMID- 22085438
TI  - An alternative physiological role for the EmhABC efflux pump in Pseudomonas
      fluorescens cLP6a.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efflux pumps belonging to the resistance-nodulation-division (RND)
      superfamily in bacteria are involved in antibiotic resistance and solvent
      tolerance but have an unknown physiological role. EmhABC, a RND-type efflux pump
      in Pseudomonas fluorescens strain cLP6a, extrudes hydrophobic antibiotics, dyes
      and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including phenanthrene. The effects of
      physico-chemical factors such as temperature or antibiotics on the activity and
      expression of EmhABC were determined in order to deduce its physiological role(s)
      in strain cLP6a in comparison to the emhB disruptant strain, cLP6a-1. RESULTS:
      Efflux assays conducted with (14)C-phenanthrene showed that EmhABC activity is
      affected by incubation temperature. Increased phenanthrene efflux was measured in
      cLP6a cells grown at 10 degrees C and decreased efflux was observed at 35 degrees
      C compared with cells grown at the optimum temperature of 28 degrees C. Membrane
      fatty acids in cLP6a cells were substantially altered by changes in growth
      temperature and in the presence of tetracycline. Changed membrane fatty acids and
      increased membrane permeability were associated with ~30-fold increased
      expression of emhABC in cLP6a cells grown at 35 degrees C, and with increased
      extracellular free fatty acids. Growth of P. fluorescens cLP6a at supra-optimal
      temperature was enhanced by the presence of EmhABC compared to strain cLP6a-1.
      CONCLUSIONS: Combined, these observations suggest that the EmhABC efflux pump may
      be involved in the management of membrane stress effects such as those due to
      unfavourable incubation temperatures. Efflux of fatty acids replaced as a result
      of membrane damage or phospholipid turnover may be the primary physiological role
      of the EmhABC efflux pump in P. fluorescens cLP6a.

PMID- 22085439
TI  - Efficacy and safety of inhaled formoterol 4.5 and 9 MUg twice daily in Japanese
      and European COPD patients: phase III study results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the long-acting beta2
      agonist formoterol in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. METHODS: This double
      blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multinational phase III study
      randomized patients >= 40 years of age with moderate-to-severe COPD to inhaled
      formoterol 4.5 or 9 MUg twice daily (bid) via Turbuhaler or placebo for 12 weeks.
      Salbutamol 100 MUg/actuation via pMDI was permitted as reliever medication. The
      primary outcome variable was change (ratio) from baseline to treatment period in
      FEV1 60-min post-dose. RESULTS: 613 patients received treatment (formoterol 4.5
      MUg n = 206; 9 MUg n = 199; placebo n = 208); 539 (87.9%) male; 324 (52.9%)
      Japanese and 289 (47.1%) European. End of study increases in FEV1 60-min post
      dose were significantly greater (p < 0.001 for both) with formoterol 4.5 and 9
      MUg bid (113% of baseline for both) than with placebo, as were all secondary
      outcome measures. The proportion of patients with an improvement in St George's
      Respiratory Questionnaire score of >= 4 was 50.2% for formoterol 4.5 MUg (p =
      0.0682 vs. placebo), 59.2% (p = 0.0004) for 9 MUg, and 41.3% for placebo.
      Reduction in reliever medication use was significantly greater with formoterol
      vs. placebo (9 MUg: -0.548, p < 0.001; 4.5 MUg: -0.274, p = 0.027), with 9 MUg
      being significantly superior to 4.5 MUg (-0.274, p = 0.029). Formoterol was well
      tolerated with the incidence and type of adverse events not being different for
      the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Formoterol 4.5 MUg and 9 MUg bid was effective and
      well tolerated in patients with COPD; there was no difference between formoterol
      doses for the primary endpoint; however, an added value of formoterol 9 MUg over
      4.5 MUg bid was observed for some secondary endpoints. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT00628862 (ClinicalTrials.gov); D5122C00001 (AstraZeneca Study code).

PMID- 22085440
TI  - Efficacy of a compulsory homework programme for increasing physical activity and
      healthy eating in children: the healthy homework pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most physical activity and nutrition interventions in children focus
      on the school setting; however, evidence suggests that children are less active
      and have greater access to unhealthy food at home. The aim of this pilot study
      was to examine the efficacy of a compulsory homework programme for increasing
      physical activity and healthy eating in children. METHODS: The six-week 'Healthy
      Homework' programme and complementary teaching resource was developed under the
      guidance of an intersectoral steering group. Eight senior classes (year levels 5
      6) from two diverse Auckland primary schools were randomly assigned into
      intervention and control groups. A total of 97 children (57 intervention, 40
      control) aged 9-11 years participated in the evaluation of the intervention.
      Daily step counts were monitored immediately before and after the intervention
      using sealed multiday memory pedometers. Screen time, sports participation,
      active transport to and from school, and the consumption of fruits, vegetables,
      unhealthy foods and drinks were recorded concurrently in a 4-day food and
      activity diary. RESULTS: Healthy Homework resulted in a significant intervention
      effect of 2,830 steps.day-1 (95% CI: 560, 5,300, P = 0.013). This effect was
      consistent between sexes, schools, and day types (weekdays and weekend days). In
      addition, significant intervention effects were observed for vegetable
      consumption (0.83 servings.day-1, 95% CI: 0.24, 1.43, P = 0.007) and unhealthy
      food consumption (-0.56 servings.day-1, 95% CI: -1.05, -0.07, P = 0.027) on
      weekends but not weekdays, with no interactions with sex or school. Effects for
      all other variables were not statistically significant regardless of day type.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compulsory health-related homework appears to be an effective
      approach for increasing physical activity and improving vegetable and unhealthy
      food consumption in children. Further research in a larger study is required to
      confirm these initial results.

PMID- 22085441
TI  - Nuclease colicins and their immunity proteins.
AB  - It is more than 80 years since Gratia first described 'a remarkable antagonism
      between two strains of Escherichia coli'. Shown subsequently to be due to the
      action of proteins (or peptides) produced by one bacterium to kill closely
      related species with which it might be cohabiting, such bacteriocins have since
      been shown to be commonplace in the internecine warfare between bacteria.
      Bacteriocins have been studied primarily from the twin perspectives of how they
      shape microbial communities and how they penetrate bacteria to kill them. Here,
      we review the modes of action of a family of bacteriocins that cleave nucleic
      acid substrates in E. coli, known collectively as nuclease colicins, and the
      specific immunity (inhibitor) proteins that colicin-producing organisms make in
      order to avoid committing suicide. In a process akin to targeting in
      mitochondria, nuclease colicins engage in a variety of cellular associations in
      order to translocate their cytotoxic domains through the cell envelope to the
      cytoplasm. As well as informing on the process itself, the study of nuclease
      colicin import has also illuminated functional aspects of the host proteins they
      parasitize. We also review recent studies where nuclease colicins and their
      immunity proteins have been used as model systems for addressing fundamental
      problems in protein folding and protein-protein interactions, areas of biophysics
      that are intimately linked to the role of colicins in bacterial competition and
      to the import process itself.

PMID- 22085442
TI  - Effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on electrocardiogram changes
      after carbon monoxide poisoning in rats.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO), which is produced by the incomplete combustion of
      hydrocarbons, has many toxic effects on different organs, especially the brain
      and heart. CO-induced cardiotoxicity leads to several deleterious effects,
      including electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. The present study aimed to
      evaluate the protective effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony
      stimulation factor (G-CSF) on ECG after CO poisoning in rats. Single and multiple
      doses of G-CSF (10, 50, and 100 ug/kg) were administered to groups, each
      containing 5 male Wistar rats (16 groups for ECG analysis and 16 groups for
      pathological analysis). Rats were already exposed to CO at either 1,500 or 3,000
      ppm concentrations for 60 minutes. ECG findings (e.g., ST-segment and T-wave
      changes), cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., heart blocks and ventricular and
      supraventricular arrhythmias), and histological changes were determined after G
      CSF administration. At 3,000 ppm, frequencies of ST elevation, depression, and T
      inversion in ECG were significantly reduced after G-CSF treatment. Also, some of
      the cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrioventricular block type 1 and 2) after CO
      poisoning were suppressed after G-CSF treatment. However, G-CSF did not show
      protective effects on cardiomyocyte pathological consequences in CO-poisoned
      rats. Therefore, G-CSF could protect against ECG changes after CO-induced cardiac
      ischemia, but did not affect pathological changes.

PMID- 22085443
TI  - An enzyme-coupled continuous fluorescence assay for farnesyl diphosphate
      synthases.
AB  - Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) catalyzes the conversion of isopentenyl
      diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate to farnesyl diphosphate, a crucial
      metabolic intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol, ubiquinone, and
      prenylated proteins; consequently, much effort has gone into developing
      inhibitors that target FDPS. Currently most FDPS assays either use radiolabeled
      substrates and are discontinuous or monitor pyrophosphate release and not
      farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) creation. Here we report the development of a
      continuous coupled enzyme assay for FDPS activity that involves the subsequent
      incorporation of the FPP product of that reaction into a peptide via the action
      of protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase). By using a dansylated peptide whose
      fluorescence quantum yield increases upon farnesylation, the rate of FDPS
      catalyzed FPP production can be measured. We show that this assay is more
      sensitive than existing coupled assays, that it can be used to conveniently
      monitor FDPS activity in a 96-well plate format, and that it can reproduce IC(50)
      values for several previously reported FDPS inhibitors. This new method offers a
      simple, safe, and continuous method to assay FDPS activity that should greatly
      facilitate the screening of inhibitors of this important target.

PMID- 22085444
TI  - In-depth biophysical analysis of interactions between therapeutic antibodies and
      the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor.
AB  - Targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with monoclonal
      antibodies has become an established antitumor strategy in clinical use or in
      late stages of drug development. The mAbs effector mechanisms have been widely
      analyzed based on in vivo or cell studies. Hereby we intend to complement these
      functional studies by investigating the mAb-EGFR interactions on a molecular
      level. Surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, and static
      light scattering were employed to characterize the interactions of matuzumab,
      cetuximab, and panitumumab with the extracellular soluble form ecEGFR. The
      kinetic and thermodynamic determinants dissected the differences in mAbs binding
      mechanism toward ecEGFR. The quantitative stoichiometric data clearly
      demonstrated the bivalent binding of the mAbs to two ecEGFR molecules. Our
      results complement earlier studies on simultaneous binding of cetuximab and
      matuzumab. The antibodies retain their bivalent binding mode achieving a 1:2:1
      complex formation. Interestingly the binding parameters remain nearly constant
      for the individual antibodies in this ternary assembly. In contrast the binding
      of panitumumab is almost exclusive either by directly blocking the accessibility
      for the second antibody or by negative allosteric modulation. Overall we provide
      a comprehensive biophysical dataset on binding parameters, the complex assembly,
      and relative epitope accessibility for therapeutic anti-EGFR antibodies.

PMID- 22085445
TI  - Homing and reparative effect of intra-articular injection of autologus
      mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritic animal model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This work aimed to study the homing evidence and the reparative
      effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the healing process of induced
      osteoarthritis in experimental animal model (donkeys). METHODS: Twenty-seven
      donkeys were equally divided into 3 groups based on the observation period after
      induction of arthritis (3, 6 and 9 weeks) to achieve different degrees of
      osteoarthritis. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of three animals
      each based on the follow-up period (1, 2 and 6 months) after treatment. The
      induction was done through intra-articular (IA) injection of 2 ml of Amphotericin
      B in both carpal joints. MSCs were harvested in a separate procedure, labeled
      with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using monster GFP vector and suspended in
      hyaluronic acid for IA injection. Treatment approaches consisted of cell
      treatment using MSCs suspended in 3 ml of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the right
      carpal joint; and using the same amount of (HA) but without MSCs for the left
      contralateral carpal joint to serve as a control. Animals were assessed
      clinically and radiologically before and after treatment. Synovial fluid was also
      evaluated. Histopathologically; articular cartilage structural changes, reduction
      of articular cartilage matrix staining, osteophyte formation, and subchondral
      bone plate thickening were graded. Data was summarized using median and
      percentile for scores of histopathologic grading. Comparison between groups was
      done using non-parametric Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: The reparative effect of
      MSCs was significant both clinically and radiologically in all treated groups (P
      < 0.05) compared to the control groups. Fluorescence microscopy of sections of
      the cell-treated joints of all animals indicated that the GFP-transduced injected
      cells have participated effectively in the reparative process of the damaged
      articular surface and have integrated within the existing articular cartilage.
      The cells were associated with the surface of the cartilage and, were also
      detected in the interior. CONCLUSIONS: Homing was confirmed by the incorporation
      of injected GFP-labeled MSCs within the repaired newly formed cartilage.
      Significant recovery proves that the use of IA injection of autologous MSCs is a
      viable and a practical option for treating different degrees of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22085446
TI  - Molecular characteristics of bovine virus diarrhoea virus 1 isolates from Turkey:
      approaches for an eradication programme.
AB  - Forty pestivirus isolates sampled from cattle in Turkey between 2002 and 2007
      were characterized according to 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) sequences and
      autoprotease (N(pro) ) gene sequences. The sampling of Bovine virus diarrhoea
      viruses (BVDVs) from 15 farms in five different regions indicated that BVDV 1-l
      (18/40, 45%) was the predominant genotype in Turkey; the samples also contained
      the genotypes 1-f (10/40, 25%), 1-b (7/40, 17.5%), 1-d (3/40, 7.5%), and 1-a
      (2/40, 5%), respectively.

PMID- 22085447
TI  - Grafted poly(1->4-beta-glucan) strands on silica: a comparative study of surface
      reactivity as a function of grafting density.
AB  - Grafted poly(beta-glucan) (beta-glu) strands on the surface of silica are
      synthesized with varying degrees of grafting density, and display an amorphous
      like environment via (13)C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. Thermal gravimetric analysis
      of these materials under oxidative conditions shows increased beta-glu thermal
      stability with higher degrees of grafting density. The range of temperature
      stability between the most and least hydrogen-bound grafted beta-glu strands
      spans 321 to 260  degrees C. This range is bound by the combustion temperature
      previously measured for crystalline and amorphous cellulose, with the former
      having greater oxidative stability, and is likely controlled by the extent of
      hydrogen bonding of a grafted beta-glu strand with the underlying silica surface.
      When using these materials as reactants for glycosidic bond hydrolysis, the total
      number of reducing ends formed during reaction is quantified using a BCA
      colorimetric assay. Results demonstrate that the material with greatest
      interaction with silica surface silanols undergoes hydrolysis at an initial rate
      that is 6-fold higher than the material with the lowest degree of such
      interaction. The role of the surface as a reactive interface that can endow
      oxidative stability and promote hydrolysis activity has broad implications for
      surface-catalyzed processes dealing with biomass-derived polymers.

PMID- 22085448
TI  - CB1 receptor activation inhibits neuronal and astrocytic intermediary metabolism
      in the rat hippocampus.
AB  - Cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) activation decreases synaptic GABAergic and
      glutamatergic transmission and it also controls peripheral metabolism. Here we
      aimed at testing with 13C NMR isotopomer analysis whether CB1Rs could have a
      local metabolic role in brain areas having high CB1R density, such as the
      hippocampus. We labelled hippocampal slices with the tracers [2-13C]acetate,
      which is oxidized in glial cells, and [U-13C]glucose, which is metabolized both
      in glia and neurons, to evaluate metabolic compartmentation between glia and
      neurons. The synthetic CB1R agonist WIN55212-2 (1 MUM) significantly decreased
      the metabolism of both [2-13C]acetate (-11.6+/-2.0%) and [U-13C]glucose (-11.2+/
      3.4%) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle that contributes to the glutamate pool.
      WIN55212-2 also significantly decreased the metabolism of [U-13C]glucose (-11.7+/
      4.0%) but not that of [2-13C]acetate contributing to the pool of GABA. These
      effects of WIN55212-2 were prevented by the CB1R antagonist AM251 (500 nM). These
      results thus suggest that CB1Rs might be present also in hippocampal astrocytes
      besides their well-known neuronal localization. Indeed, confocal microscopy
      analysis revealed the presence of specific CB1R immunoreactivity in astrocytes
      and pericytes throughout the hippocampus. In conclusion, CB1Rs are able to
      control hippocampal intermediary metabolism in both neuronal and glial
      compartments, which suggests new alternative mechanisms by which CB1Rs control
      cell physiology and afford neuroprotection.

PMID- 22085450
TI  - How scientists use social media to communicate their research.
AB  - Millions of people all over the world are constantly sharing an extremely wide
      range of fascinating, quirky, funny, irrelevant and important content all at
      once. Even scientists are no strangers to this trend. Social media has enabled
      them to communicate their research quickly and efficiently throughout each corner
      of the world. But which social media platforms are they using to communicate this
      research and how are they using them? One thing is clear: the range of social
      media platforms that scientists are using is relatively vast and dependent on
      discipline and sentiment. While the future of social media is unknown, a
      combination of educated speculation and persuasive fact points to the industry's
      continual growth and influence. Thus, is that not only are scientists utilizing
      social media to communicate their research, they must. The ability to communicate
      to the masses via social media is critical to the distribution of scientific
      information amongst professionals in the field and to the general population.

PMID- 22085449
TI  - Amygdala-prefrontal pathways and the dopamine system affect nociceptive responses
      in the prefrontal cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated nociceptive discharges to be evoked by
      mechanical noxious stimulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The nociceptive
      responses recorded in the PFC are conceivably involved in the affective rather
      than the sensory-discriminative dimension of pain. The PFC receives dense
      projection from the limbic system. Monosynaptic projections from the basolateral
      nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) to the PFC are known to produce long-lasting
      synaptic plasticity. We examined effects of high frequency stimulation (HFS)
      delivered to the BLA on nociceptive responses in the rat PFC. RESULTS: HFS
      induced long lasting suppression (LLS) of the specific high threshold responses
      of nociceptive neurons in the PFC. Microinjection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid
      (NMDA) receptor antagonists (2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), dizocilpine
      (MK-801)) and also metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) group antagonists
      (alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), and 2-[(1S,2S)-2-carboxycyclopropyl]
      3-(9H-xanthen-9-yl)-D-alanine (LY341495)), prevented the induction of LLS of
      nociceptive responses. We also examined modulatory effects of dopamine (DA) on
      the LLS of nociceptive responses. With depletion of DA in response to 6
      hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection into the ipsilateral forebrain bundle, LLS of
      nociceptive responses was decreased, while nociceptive responses were normally
      evoked. Antagonists of DA receptor subtypes D2 (sulpiride) and D4 (3-{[4-(4
      chlorophenyl) piperazin-1-yl] methyl}-1H-pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridine (L-745,870)),
      microinjected into the PFC, inhibited LLS of nociceptive responses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results indicate that BLA-PFC pathways inhibited PFC nociceptive cell
      activities and that the DA system modifies the BLA-PFC regulatory function.

PMID- 22085451
TI  - Composition and hydrothermal pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification
      performance of grasses and legumes from a mixed-species prairie.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mixtures of prairie species (mixed prairie species; MPS) have been
      proposed to offer important advantages as a feedstock for sustainable production
      of fuels and chemicals. Therefore, understanding the performance in hydrothermal
      pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of select species harvested from a mixed
      prairie is valuable in selecting these components for such applications. This
      study examined composition and sugar release from the most abundant components of
      a plot of MPS: a C3 grass (Poa pratensis), a C4 grass (Schizachyrium scoparium),
      and a legume (Lupinus perennis). Results from this study provide a platform to
      evaluate differences between grass and leguminous species, and the factors
      controlling their recalcitrance to pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis.
      RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the grass and leguminous
      species, and between the individual anatomical components that influence the
      recalcitrance of MPS. We found that both grasses contained higher levels of
      sugars than did the legume, and also exhibited higher sugar yields as a
      percentage of the maximum possible from combined pretreatment and enzymatic
      hydrolysis. Furthermore, particle size, acid-insoluble residue (AcIR), and xylose
      removal were not found to have a direct significant effect on glucan
      digestibility for any of the species tested, whereas anatomical composition was a
      key factor in both grass and legume recalcitrance, with the stems consistently
      exhibiting higher recalcitrance than the other anatomical fractions. CONCLUSIONS:
      The prairie species tested in this study responded well to hydrothermal
      pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification. Information from this study supports
      recommendations as to which plant types and species are more desirable for
      biological conversion in a mixture of prairie species, in addition to identifying
      fractions of the plants that would most benefit from genetic modification or
      targeted growth.

PMID- 22085452
TI  - On the symmetry of siblings: automated single-cell tracking to quantify the
      behavior of hematopoietic stem cells in a biomimetic setup.
AB  - The interplay between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) and their
      local microenvironment is a key mechanism for the organization of hematopoiesis.
      To quantitatively study this process, a time-resolved analysis of cellular
      dynamics at the single-cell level is an essential prerequisite. One way to
      generate sufficient amounts of appropriate data is automatic single-cell tracking
      using time-lapse video microscopy. We describe and apply newly developed
      computational algorithms that allow for an automated generation of high-content
      data of single-cell characteristics at high temporal and spatial resolution,
      together with the reconstruction and statistical evaluation of complete
      genealogical histories. This methodology has been applied to the particular
      example of purified primary human HSPCs in bioengineered culture conditions. The
      combination of genealogical information and dynamic profiles of cellular
      properties identified a marked symmetry between sibling HSPCs regarding cell
      cycle time, but also migration speed and growth kinetics. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate that this symmetry of HSPC siblings can be altered by exogenous cues
      of the local biomimetic microenvironment. Using the example of HSPC growth in
      biomimetic culture systems, we show that our approach provides a valuable tool
      for the quantitative analysis of dynamic single-cell features under defined in
      vitro conditions, allowing for integration of functional and genealogical data.
      The efficiency and accuracy of our approach pave the way for new and intriguing
      insights into the organizational principles of developmental patterns and the
      respective influence of exogenous cues not limited to the study of primary HSPCs.

PMID- 22085455
TI  - An exploration of search patterns and credibility issues among older adults
      seeking online health information.
AB  - The Internet is an important resource for health information, among younger and
      older people alike. Unfortunately, there are limitations associated with online
      health information. Research is needed on the quality of information found online
      and on whether users are being critical consumers of the information they find.
      Also, there is a need for research investigating online use among adults aged 65
      and over - a rapidly growing demographic of Internet users. The current study
      presents important descriptive data about the search patterns of older adults
      seeking online health information, the types of health topics they research, and
      whether they consider credibility issues when retrieving online health
      information. A comparison is also made between search strategies used in printed
      text and hypertext environments. The results, which have implications with
      respect to credibility issues, highlight the need to increase awareness about
      critical searching skills among older adult Internet users.

PMID- 22085453
TI  - Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) inhibition does not improve engraftment of
      unfractionated syngeneic or allogeneic bone marrow after nonmyeloablative
      conditioning.
AB  - In order to develop minimally toxic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) protocols
      suitable for use in a wider range of indications, it is important to identify
      ways to enhance BM engraftment at a given level of recipient conditioning.
      CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha plays a crucial physiological role in
      homing of hematopoietic stem cells to BM. It is regulated by the ectopeptidase
      dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV; DPP4) known as CD26, which cleaves dipeptides
      from the N-terminus of polypeptide chains. Blocking DPPIV enzymatic activity had
      a beneficial effect on hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in various but very
      specific experimental settings. Here we investigated whether inhibition of DPPIV
      enzymatic activity through Diprotin A or sitagliptin (Januvia) improves BM
      engraftment in nonmyeloablative murine models of syngeneic (i.e., CD45-congenic)
      and allogeneic (i.e., Balb/c to B6) BMT (1 Gy total body irradiation, 10-15 *
      10(6) unseparated BM cells/mouse). Neither Diprotin A administered in vivo at the
      time of BMT and/or used for in vitro pretreatment of BM nor sitagliptin
      administered in vivo had a detectable effect on the level of multilineage
      chimerism (follow-up >20 weeks). Similarly, sitagliptin did not enhance chimerism
      after allogeneic BMT, even though DPPIV enzymatic activity measured in serum was
      profoundly inhibited (>98% inhibition at peak exposure). Our results provide
      evidence that DPPIV inhibition via Diprotin A or sitagliptin does not improve
      engraftment of unseparated BM in a nonmyeloablative BMT setting.

PMID- 22085456
TI  - Long-term follow-up in patients with retinopathy of prematurity.

PMID- 22085457
TI  - 15-day-old neonate with cystic swelling. Congenital bilateral dacryocystoceles.

PMID- 22085458
TI  - Physician etiquette in pediatric ophthalmology.

PMID- 22085460
TI  - Screening for amblyopia.

PMID- 22085461
TI  - Combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium.

PMID- 22085462
TI  - Foam granulation: new developments in pharmaceutical solid oral dosage forms
      using twin screw extrusion machinery.
AB  - This paper investigates foam granulation in a twin screw extruder as a new
      continuous wet granulation technique for pharmaceutical powder drug formulations.
      Foamed aqueous binder has a reportedly lower soak-to-spread ratio than drop or
      spray liquid addition in batch granulation. This work demonstrates a twin screw
      extruder configuration for foam granulation and subsequently compares the new
      approach against liquid injection in the granulation of alpha-lactose monohydrate
      with a methylcellulose binder. Trials were conducted at high powder output rates
      (20-40 kg/h) and high screw speeds (220-320 RPM) with two screw configurations.
      Process stability improved with the new technique allowing granulation with less
      binder. The extruded mass maintained a low exit temperature, being insensitive to
      operating conditions unlike the liquid injection approach, where temperatures
      rose significantly as flow rate increased. The particle size distribution by foam
      granulation reflected a more uniformly wetted mass with larger granule growth
      noted even for conditions where dry powder exited by liquid injection. Other
      factors were found similar between the two binder delivery methods such as
      consumed mechanical energy, as well as fracture strength and compressibility of
      produced granules.

PMID- 22085463
TI  - Efficient production of chimeric human papillomavirus 16 L1 protein bearing the
      M2e influenza epitope in Nicotiana benthamiana plants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) L1 protein has the capacity to self
      assemble into capsomers or virus-like particles (VLPs) that are highly
      immunogenic, allowing their use in vaccine production. Successful expression of
      HPV-16 L1 protein has been reported in plants, and plant-produced VLPs have been
      shown to be immunogenic after administration to animals. RESULTS: We investigated
      the potential of HPV-16 L1 to act as a carrier of two foreign epitopes from
      Influenza A virus: (i) M2e2-24, ectodomain of the M2 protein (M2e), that is
      highly conserved among all influenza A isolates, or (ii) M2e2-9, a shorter
      version of M2e containing the N-terminal highly conserved epitope, that is common
      for both M1 and M2 influenza proteins. A synthetic HPV-16 L1 gene optimized with
      human codon usage was used as a backbone gene to design four chimeric sequences
      containing either the M2e2-24 or the M2e2-9 epitope in two predicted surface
      exposed L1 positions. All chimeric constructs were transiently expressed in
      plants using the Cowpea mosaic virus-derived expression vector, pEAQ-HT. Chimeras
      were recognized by a panel of linear and conformation-specific anti HPV-16 L1
      MAbs, and two of them also reacted with the anti-influenza MAb. Electron
      microscopy showed that chimeric proteins made in plants spontaneously assembled
      in higher order structures, such as VLPs of T = 1 or T = 7 symmetry, or
      capsomers. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we report for the first time the transient
      expression and the self-assembly of a chimeric HPV-16 L1 bearing the M2e
      influenza epitope in plants, representing also the first record of a successful
      expression of chimeric HPV-16 L1 carrying an epitope of a heterologous virus in
      plants. This study further confirms the usefulness of human papillomavirus
      particles as carriers of exogenous epitopes and their potential relevance for the
      production in plants of monovalent or multivalent vaccines.

PMID- 22085464
TI  - Neuromelanin is an immune stimulator for dendritic cells in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized at the cellular level by a
      destruction of neuromelanin (NM)-containing dopaminergic cells and a profound
      reduction in striatal dopamine. It has been shown recently that anti-melanin
      antibodies are increased in sera of Parkinson patients, suggesting that NM may
      act as an autoantigen. In this study we tested whether NM is being recognized by
      dendritic cells (DCs), the major cell type for inducing T- and B-cell responses
      in vivo. This recognition of NM by DCs is a prerequisite to trigger an adaptive
      autoimmune response directed against NM-associated structures. RESULTS: Murine
      DCs were treated with NM of substantia nigra (SN) from human subjects or with
      synthetic dopamine melanin (DAM). DCs effectively phagocytized NM and
      subsequently developed a mature phenotype (CD86(high)/MHCII(high)). NM-activated
      DCs secreted the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha. In addition, they
      potently triggered T cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction, showing
      that DC activation was functional to induce a primary T cell response. In
      contrast, DAM, which lacks the protein and lipid components of NM but mimics the
      dopamine-melanin backbone of NM, had only very little effect on DC phenotype and
      function. CONCLUSIONS: NM is recognized by DCs in vitro and triggers their
      maturation. If operative in vivo, this would allow the DC-mediated transport and
      presentation of SN antigens to the adaptive immune system, leading to
      autoimmmunity in susceptible individuals. Our data provide a rationale for an
      autoimmune-based pathomechanism of PD with NM as the initial trigger.

PMID- 22085465
TI  - Interactions of a hydrophobically modified polycation with zwitterionic lipid
      membranes.
AB  - The interactions between synthetic polycations and phospholipid bilayers play an
      important role in some biophysical applications such as gene delivery or
      antibacterial usage. Despite extensive investigation into the nature of these
      interactions, their physical and molecular bases remain poorly understood. In
      this Article, we present the results of our studies on the impact of a
      hydrophobically modified strong polycation on the properties of a zwitterionic
      bilayer used as a model of the mammalian cellular membrane. The study was carried
      out using a set of complementary experimental methods and molecular dynamic (MD)
      simulations. A new polycation, poly(allyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-hexylammonium chloride)
      (polymer 3), was synthesized, and its interactions with liposomes composed of 2
      oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) were examined using dynamic
      light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, and cryo-transmission
      electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Our results have shown that polymer 3 can
      efficiently associate with and insert into the POPC membrane. However, it does
      not change its lamellar structure, as was demonstrated by cryo-TEM. The influence
      of polymer 3 on the membrane functionality was studied by leakage experiments
      applying a fluorescence dye (calcein) encapsulated in the phospholipid vesicles.
      The MD simulations of model systems reveal that polymer 3 promotes formation of
      hydrophilic pores in the membrane, thus increasing considerably its permeability.

PMID- 22085466
TI  - Extraction and inhibition of enzymatic activity of botulinum neurotoxins /B1,
      /B2, /B3, /B4, and /B5 by a panel of monoclonal anti-BoNT/B antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), extremely toxic
      proteins which can induce respiratory failure leading to long-term intensive care
      or death. Treatment for botulism includes administration of antitoxins, which
      must be administered early in the course of the intoxication; therefore, rapid
      determination of human exposure to BoNT is an important public health goal. In
      previous work, our laboratory reported on Endopep-MS, a mass spectrometry-based
      activity method for detecting and differentiating BoNT/A, /B, /E, and /F in
      clinical samples. We also demonstrated that antibody-capture is effective for
      purification and concentration of BoNTs from complex matrices such as clinical
      samples. However, some antibodies inhibit or neutralize the enzymatic activity of
      BoNT, so the choice of antibody for toxin extraction is critical. RESULTS: In
      this work, we evaluated 24 anti-BoNT/B monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for their
      ability to inhibit the in vitro activity of BoNT/B1, /B2, /B3, /B4, and /B5 and
      to extract those toxins. Among the mAbs, there were significant differences in
      ability to extract BoNT/B subtypes and inhibitory effect on BoNT catalytic
      activity. Some of the mAbs tested enhanced the in vitro light chain activity of
      BoNT/B, suggesting that BoNT/B may undergo conformational change upon binding
      some mAbs. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to determining in vitro inhibition abilities
      of a panel of mAbs against BoNT/B1-/B5, this work has determined B12.2 and 2B18.2
      to be the best mAbs for sample preparation before Endopep-MS. These mAb
      characterizations also have the potential to assist with mechanistic studies of
      BoNT/B protection and treatment, which is important for studying alternative
      therapeutics for botulism.

PMID- 22085468
TI  - The 2011 International Psychogeriatric Association Junior Research Awards in
      Psychogeriatrics.

PMID- 22085467
TI  - Assessment of the kidneys: magnetic resonance angiography, perfusion and
      diffusion.
AB  - Renal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has undergone major improvements in the
      past several years. This review focuses on the technical basics and clinical
      applications of MR angiography (MRA) with the goal of enabling readers to acquire
      high-resolution, high quality renal artery MRA. The current role of contrast
      agents and their safe use in patients with renal impairment is discussed. In
      addition, an overview of promising techniques on the horizon for renal MR is
      provided. The clinical value and specific applications of renal MR are critically
      discussed.

PMID- 22085469
TI  - Ten rules to assess and manage the acutely deteriorating patient: a practical
      mnemonic.
AB  - The acutely deteriorating patient is a challenge to even the most seasoned
      provider. The ability to diagnosis the underlying condition quickly and
      accurately is vital to a successful outcome. We present a review of 10 critical
      aspects in the management of the crashing patient, based on up-to-date guidelines
      and organized as an easily remembered mnemonic. The A-A-B-B-C-C-D-D-E-E's of the
      deteriorating patient address many key pearls and current recommendations to give
      physicians an added advantage in the moment of crisis.

PMID- 22085470
TI  - To evaluate the effect of addition of an anionic surfactant on solid dispersion
      using model drug indomethacin.
AB  - Formation of solid dispersion also known as high energy solids is one of the most
      successful concepts to improve dissolution profile of poorly water-soluble drugs.
      Use of surfactants in formulation is one of the methods to increase solubility
      profile. In this research, we have used model drug, a weak acid (indomethacin)
      together with polymer (PVP) and anionic surfactant (sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS))
      in different concentrations to study the effect of incorporation of SLS in solid
      dispersion. Three ratios and control were prepared. Physical characterization was
      performed using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Critical
      micelle concentration (CMC) measurements were conducted to see the effect of SLS
      on dissolution media. Dissolution studies were performed in hydrochloric acid
      buffer (pH 1.2 buffer), purified water and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4),
      respectively. Interestingly, depending upon addition of SLS into the system,
      release profiles were changed. SLS incorporated internally in a solid dispersion
      gave the highest release.

PMID- 22085471
TI  - Atypical mood stabilizers: a new role for neuroleptics?

PMID- 22085472
TI  - Subthreshold bipolarity: diagnostic issues and challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research suggests that current diagnostic criteria for bipolar
      disorders may fail to include milder, but clinically significant, bipolar
      syndromes and that a substantial percentage of these conditions are diagnosed, by
      default, as unipolar major depression. Accordingly, a number of researchers have
      argued for the upcoming 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
      Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to better account for subsyndromal hypomanic
      presentations. METHODS: The present paper is a critical review of research on
      subthreshold bipolarity, and an assessment of some of the challenges that
      researchers and clinicians might face if the DSM-5 were designed to
      systematically document subsyndromal hypomanic presentations. RESULTS:
      Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who display subsyndromal
      hypomanic features, not concurrent with a major depressive episode, have a more
      severe course compared to individuals with MDD and no hypomanic features, and
      more closely resemble individuals with bipolar disorder on a number of clinical
      validators. CONCLUSION: There are clinical and scientific reasons for
      systematically documenting subsyndromal hypomanic presentations in the assessment
      and diagnosis of mood disorders. However, these benefits are balanced with
      important challenges, including (i) the difficulty in reliably identifying
      subsyndromal hypomanic presentations, (ii) operationalizing subthreshold
      bipolarity, (iii) differentiating subthreshold bipolarity from borderline
      personality disorder, (iv) the risk of over-diagnosing bipolar spectrum
      disorders, and (v) uncertainties about optimal interventions for subthreshold
      bipolarity.

PMID- 22085473
TI  - White matter microstructure in untreated first episode bipolar disorder with
      psychosis: comparison with schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: White matter abnormalities have been reported in bipolar disorder.
      The present study aimed to investigate white matter integrity in untreated first
      episode patients with psychotic bipolar disorder using diffusion tensor imaging,
      and to compare observations with those from untreated first episode schizophrenia
      patients. METHODS: Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were measured in
      first episode psychotic patients with bipolar disorder (n = 13) or schizophrenia
      (n = 21) and healthy individuals (n = 18). Group differences were evaluated using
      voxel-based morphometry. Axial and radial diffusivity were examined in regions
      with altered fractional anisotropy in post-hoc analyses. RESULTS: Patients with
      bipolar disorder showed lower fractional anisotropy than healthy controls in
      several white matter tracts. Compared with schizophrenia patients, bipolar
      disorder patients showed lower fractional anisotropy in the cingulum, internal
      capsule, posterior corpus callosum, tapetum, and occipital white matter including
      posterior thalamic radiation and inferior longitudinal fasciculus/inferior fronto
      occipital fasciculus. Lower fractional anisotropy in bipolar disorder was
      characterized by increased radial diffusion rather than axial diffusion along the
      orientation of fiber tracts. Across several white matter tracts, both patient
      groups showed greater mean diffusivity than healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS:
      Selectively increased radial diffusivity in bipolar disorder patients suggests
      structural disorganization in fiber tract coherence of neurodevelopmental origin
      or alterations in myelin sheaths along fiber tracts. In contrast, increased
      isotropic diffusion along white matter tracts in schizophrenia patients with
      alterations in both radial and axial diffusivity suggests increased water content
      outside the axonal space. Thus, the present results suggest that different
      pathophysiological mechanisms may underlie white matter microstructural
      abnormalities in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

PMID- 22085474
TI  - Evidence for the involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in bipolar
      disorder in an isolated northern Swedish population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is one
      of the most consistent findings in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The
      potential role of genes related to HPA axis function has been investigated
      extensively in major depression. However, in bipolar disorder (BPD) such studies
      are scarce. We performed a systematic HapMap-based association study of six genes
      crucial for HPA axis function in relation to BPD. METHODS: Haplotype tagging
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) were selected in order to identify all
      haplotypes with a frequency of more than 1% in the genes encoding the
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), corticotrophin
      releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH-R1) and 2 (CRH-R2), CRH binding protein (CRH
      BP), and FK binding protein 5 (FKBP5). This resulted in a total selection of 225
      SNPs that were genotyped and analyzed in 309 BPD patients and 364 matched control
      individuals all originating from an isolated northern Swedish population.
      RESULTS: Consistent evidence for an association with BPD was found for NR3C1, the
      gene encoding GR. Almost all SNPs in two adjacent haplotype blocks contributed to
      the positive signal, comprised of significant single marker, sliding window, and
      haplotype-specific p-values. All these results point to a moderately frequent (10
      15%) susceptibility haplotype covering the entire coding region and 3'
      untranslated region (UTR) of NR3C1. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the
      growing evidence for a role of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) in
      vulnerability to mood disorders, and BPD in particular, and warrants further in
      vitro investigation of the at-risk haplotypes with respect to disease etiology.
      However, this association might be restricted to this specific population, as it
      is observed in a rather small sample from an isolated population without
      replication, and data from large meta-analyses for genome-wide association
      studies in BPD do not show the GR as a very strong candidate.

PMID- 22085475
TI  - Neonatal antibodies to infectious agents and risk of bipolar disorder: a
      population-based case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is a substantial evidence base linking prenatal exposure to
      infectious agents and an increased risk of schizophrenia. However, there has been
      less research examining the potential for these exposures to also contribute to
      risk for bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to examine the association
      between neonatal markers of selected prenatal infections and risk for bipolar
      disorder. METHODS: Using population-based Danish registers, we examined 127
      individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and 127 sex and day-of-birth
      individually matched controls. Based on neonatal dried blood spots, we measured
      antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), cytomegalovirus
      (CMV), and Toxoplasma gondii. Relative risks were calculated for the matched
      pairs when examined for optical density units for antibodies to each of the
      infectious agents. RESULTS: There was no association between any of the neonatal
      markers of prenatal infection and risk of bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: In
      contrast with studies of schizophrenia, our analysis does not support maternal
      infection with HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, or Toxoplasma gondii as risk factors for
      bipolar disorder. However, larger study samples are needed, and data on, for
      example, specific serotypes of Toxoplasma and indicators of the timing of
      maternal infection are still warranted.

PMID- 22085476
TI  - Evidence of associations between bipolar disorder and the brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has important roles in neural
      cell growth and differentiation. Despite multiple lines of evidence suggesting
      BDNF as a possible contributor to the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD), the
      results of genetic association studies have been mixed. We hypothesize that BDNF
      gene polymorphisms may confer increased susceptibility to BD. METHODS: Using a
      cohort of multiplex bipolar families, we performed family-based association
      testing to look for associations between BD and eight single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) from BDNF. RESULTS: We found associations (p < 0.05) between
      BD and six of the eight SNPs analysed, including two SNPs not previously
      investigated in association studies. We were able to replicate associations
      previously found between BD and the Val66Met polymorphism of BDNF (rs6265) and
      the SNPs rs1519480 and rs12273363. We also found evidence of an association
      between rs11030107 and BD that was not found in a previous study. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results support the hypothesis that some BDNF gene polymorphisms may be
      contributing factors in the pathogenesis of BD. Our study also adds to the body
      of evidence associating the functional Val66Met polymorphism of BDNF with BD.

PMID- 22085477
TI  - Sensitivity to positive and negative feedback in euthymic patients with bipolar I
      disorder: the last episode makes the difference.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is unclear whether abnormalities in cognition and motivation, such
      as altered feedback processing, observed during euthymia represent trait markers
      of bipolar I disorder (BD-I) or scars from previous episodes that also occur in
      major depression (MD). The present research examines how previous episodes
      influence sensitivity to positive and negative feedback, applying multiple
      hierarchical regression analysis with number of past depressive and manic
      episodes, residual mood symptoms, affective quality of the last episode, time in
      remission, medication, illness severity, and age as predictors. METHODS: The
      study included 23 euthymic patients with BD-I, 19 remitted patients with MD, and
      19 healthy persons who underwent a task which discriminates whether persons learn
      better from negative or positive feedback. RESULTS: For both models, predicting
      sensitivity to positive [F((5,60)) = 6.50, p = 0.001, adjusted R(2) = 0.22] and
      negative feedback [F((5,60)) = 5.12, p = 0.001, adjusted R(2) = 0.22], the
      quality of the last affective episode was the only significant predictor. BD-I
      patients who last experienced a manic episode learned well from positive but not
      negative feedback, whereas BD-I patients who last experienced a depressive
      episode showed the opposite pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our data identify differences
      in response to positive and negative consequences carrying over into the euthymic
      state that are qualitatively related to the polarity of the preceding episode,
      whereas other disease-related variables had no significant influence. This sheds
      new light on previous inconsistent data in euthymic BD-I patients and could also
      guide tailored treatment.

PMID- 22085478
TI  - Cognitions in bipolar affective disorder and unipolar depression: imagining
      suicide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorder has the highest rate of suicide of all the
      psychiatric disorders. In unipolar depression, individuals report vivid, affect
      laden images of suicide or the aftermath of death (flashforwards to suicide)
      during suicidal ideation but this phenomenon has not been explored in bipolar
      disorder. Therefore the authors investigated and compared imagery and verbal
      thoughts related to past suicidality in individuals with bipolar disorder (n =
      20) and unipolar depression (n = 20). METHODS: The study used a quasi
      experimental comparative design. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV was
      used to confirm diagnoses. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered
      through questionnaire measures (e.g., mood and trait imagery use). Individual
      interviews assessed suicidal cognitions in the form of (i) mental images and (ii)
      verbal thoughts. RESULTS: All participants reported imagining flashforwards to
      suicide. Both groups reported greater preoccupation with these suicide-related
      images than with verbal thoughts about suicide. However, compared to the unipolar
      group, the bipolar group were significantly more preoccupied with flashforward
      imagery, rated this imagery as more compelling, and were more than twice as
      likely to report that the images made them want to take action to complete
      suicide. In addition, the bipolar group reported a greater trait propensity to
      use mental imagery in general. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation needs to be better
      characterized, and mental imagery of suicide has been a neglected but potentially
      critical feature of suicidal ideation, particularly in bipolar disorder. Our
      findings suggest that flashforward imagery warrants further investigation for
      formal universal clinical assessment procedures.

PMID- 22085479
TI  - Personality traits in bipolar disorder type I: a sib-pair analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare temperament and character traits
      among patients with bipolar disorder (BD), their siblings, and healthy controls
      (HCs) in order to examine whether personality traits are related to the genetic
      vulnerability to develop BD. METHODS: Using the Temperament and Character
      Inventory, we assessed 204 subjects: 67 euthymic outpatients with bipolar
      disorder type I, 67 siblings without BD, and 70 HCs. RESULTS: Scores on harm
      avoidance, novelty seeking, and self-transcendence were significantly higher
      among patients with BD than among HCs, whereas those on self-directedness and
      cooperativeness were significantly lower. Siblings showed higher scores on harm
      avoidance and lower scores on self-directedness than did HCs. As some of the
      siblings presented at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder other than BD (n =
      35), we examined the subset of siblings who had no lifetime psychiatric disorder
      (n = 32). This group showed statistically higher harm avoidance scores than HCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the harm avoidance temperament trait and,
      to a lesser extent, the self-directedness character trait may represent
      vulnerability factors for BD.

PMID- 22085480
TI  - Dimensional psychopathology in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the dimensional psychopathology in offspring of parents
      with bipolar disorder (BP) with offspring of community control parents as
      assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). METHODS: Offspring of parents
      with BP, who were healthy or had non-BP disorders (any psychiatric disorder other
      than BP; n = 319) or who had bipolar spectrum disorders (n = 35), and offspring
      of community controls (n = 235) ages 6-18 years were compared using the CBCL, the
      CBCL-Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP), and a sum of the CBCL items associated with
      mood lability. The results were adjusted for multiple comparisons and for any
      significant between-group demographic and clinical differences in both biological
      parents and offspring. RESULTS: With few exceptions, several CBCL (e.g., Total,
      Internalizing, and Aggression Problems), CBCL-DP, and mood lability scores in non
      BP offspring of parents with BP were significantly higher than in offspring of
      control parents. In addition, both groups of offspring showed significantly lower
      scores in most scales when compared with offspring of parents with BP who had
      already developed BP. Similar results were obtained when analyzing the rates of
      subjects with CBCL T-scores that were two standard deviations or higher above the
      mean. CONCLUSIONS: Even before developing BP, offspring of parents with BP had
      more severe and higher rates of dimensional psychopathology than offspring of
      control parents. Prospective follow-up studies in non-BP offspring of parents
      with BP are warranted to evaluate whether these dimensional profiles are
      prodromal manifestations of mood or other disorders, and can predict those who
      are at higher risk to develop BP.

PMID- 22085481
TI  - Six-month functional outcome of a bipolar disorder cohort in the context of a
      specialized-care program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A marked disparity between functional recovery and symptomatic
      improvement has been demonstrated in bipolar disorder. However, most of the
      previous studies have been conducted in the United States, and there is little
      prospective research from Europe on this topic. The main objective of the present
      six-month follow-up study was to assess functioning in a sample of Spanish
      bipolar disorder patients following an acute episode or subsyndromal state.
      Additionally, we also evaluated the sensitivity to change of the Functioning
      Assessment Short Test (FAST). METHODS: A total of 97 bipolar disorder patients
      with syndromal (n = 59) or subsyndromal (n = 38) symptoms were evaluated using
      the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. The
      FAST was the primary measure to assess multiple areas of psychosocial
      functioning. Functioning was evaluated at four different time periods: baseline,
      21 days, three months, and six months. RESULTS: A significant improvement in
      global functioning was found in the whole sample over the six-month period, as
      indicated by a reduction of FAST total score (mean +/- standard deviation) from
      39.97 +/- 15.10 to 30.65 +/- 16.93 (F = 36.104, p = 0.0001). This was also
      evident in all areas of functioning studied. However, only 26.4% of remitted
      patients (n = 42) achieved functional recovery, while 79.6% of the total sample
      (N = 97) experienced clinical remission of acute symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      many patients presented syndromal recovery, only a minority of them achieved
      favorable functioning in multiple areas, even after specialized mental health
      care. Furthermore, the FAST scale was sensitive to detect minimal changes in
      functioning in both short (21 days) and long (6 months) periods, which may be
      relevant to the use of this scale in clinical trials.

PMID- 22085482
TI  - Do symptoms of bipolar disorder exhibit seasonal variation? A multisite
      prospective investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evidence that symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) vary seasonally is
      inconclusive. Here, a multisite prospective investigation of patients with BD was
      used to test the hypothesis that, on average, depressive symptoms peak in
      autumn/winter and hypo/manic symptoms peak in spring/summer. Secondary analyses
      explored gender and diagnosis [bipolar I disorder (BD-I) versus bipolar II
      disorder (BD-II)] effects on seasonality. METHODS: A sample of 429 patients with
      BD (61.6% female; 56.2% BD-I) were recruited from 12 sites across Canada.
      Clinician-rated measures of manic [Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), n = 4,753
      total observations] and depression symptoms [Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating
      Scale (MADRS), n = 4,691 observations] were taken at scheduled three-month visits
      as well as any unscheduled visits. At scheduled visits only, Hamilton Depression
      Rating Scale (Ham-D) assessments (n = 3,153 observations) were also made. Multi
      level modeling (MLM) analyses were conducted separately for the three dependent
      variables and three definitions of Time: calendar month, nominal season, and
      harmonic analysis. RESULTS: Primary analyses of the whole sample found that for
      manic symptoms (YMRS), neither calendar month nor nominal season were
      significant, and harmonic analyses found an unpredicted frequency two sinusoid,
      with peaks at 4th December and 4th June (p < 0.018). Secondary analyses found
      that this sinusoid approximately fit the YMRS data for females and those
      diagnosed with BD-II. For depression symptoms measured on the MADRS and Ham-D, no
      significant seasonal patterns were found in primary analyses of the whole sample.
      Secondary analyses found a significant increase in MADRS scores in
      November/December among females, but this pattern was not corroborated in nominal
      season or harmonic analyses. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence of systematic seasonal
      variation in symptoms was found in the sample as a whole. Primary analyses found
      no evidence that hypo/manic symptoms peaked in the lighter months and depressive
      symptoms peaked in the darker months. The present findings align with broadly
      negative conclusions from three earlier prospective investigations, and provide
      the strongest evidence to date that seasonal changes do not in fact cause
      coordinated variation in BD symptoms.

PMID- 22085484
TI  - Hippocampal alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor levels in patients with
      schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is involved in
      cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. Consequently, changes in alpha7 nAChR
      function have been implicated in a variety of mental disorders, especially
      schizophrenia. However, there is little knowledge regarding the levels of the
      alpha7 nAChR in patients with bipolar disorder. METHODS: We performed [(125)I]
      bungarotoxin autoradiography to selectively visualize and measure alpha7 nAChRs
      on postmortem sections of the temporal lobe from patients with schizophrenia,
      bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, as well as control subjects.
      Radioligand binding was determined in the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 subfields
      of the hippocampus and the perirhinal cortex. RESULTS: Bungarotoxin binding was
      significantly increased in the CA1 and perirhinal cortex of patients with bipolar
      disorder compared to control subjects, whereas in patients with schizophrenia or
      major depressive disorder the level of binding did not significantly differ from
      control subjects in any region measured. CONCLUSIONS: These data are consistent
      with the reported genetic associations linking the alpha7 nAChR to the pathology
      of bipolar disorder, and may suggest a dysfunction of alpha7 nAChR-dependent
      signalling in bipolar disorder. We could not reproduce the previously reported
      decrease in hippocampal bungarotoxin binding in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22085483
TI  - The association of genetic variation in CACNA1C with structure and function of a
      frontotemporal system.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A single nucleotide polymorphism at the CACNA1C gene (rs1006737) has
      been reported in genome-wide association studies to be associated with bipolar
      disorder (BD) with genome-wide significance. However, the neural system effects
      of CACNA1C that mediate the association are not known. In this study, we assessed
      associations between rs1006737 variation and both morphology and functional
      connectivity within a corticolimbic frontotemporal neural system implicated in
      BD. METHODS: A total of 55 European Americans were divided into two groups: a GG
      group homozygous for the 'G' allele (n = 30) and carriers of the high risk A
      allele ('A-carrier' group, AA/AG genotypes; n = 25). The subjects participated in
      both high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and
      functional MRI scans during emotional face-processing. Voxel-based morphometry
      and functional connectivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Compared to the GG
      group, the A-carrier group showed significantly increased gray matter volume and
      reduced functional connectivity within a corticolimbic frontotemporal neural
      system (p < 0.05, corrected). CONCLUSION: The findings support effects of the
      rs1006737 variation on the frontotemporal neural system implicated in BD, both in
      gray matter morphology and in functional connectivity. This suggests that
      influence of CACNA1C variation on corticolimbic structure and function may be a
      mechanism contributing to the neural circuitry of BD.

PMID- 22085486
TI  - Dysregulated CC receptor/ligand in monocytes/macrophages from tongue squamous
      cell carcinoma patients is partially rectified by interferon alpha-2b.
AB  - In an aim to rectify dysregulated CC chemokine receptor (CCR5)/ligand (RANTES,
      MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta) status of monocytes/macrophages in tongue squamous cell
      carcinoma (TSCC; n = 12) patients, we have tested interferon alpha2b
      (IFNalpha2b), a novel immunomodulator with wide use in the management of several
      forms of cancer. IFNalpha2b can upregulate reduced CCR5 expression and increases
      the suppressed secretory status of its ligands, as evidenced from in vitro
      studies on monocytes/macrophages from the peripheral blood of TSCC patients as
      well as healthy individuals. Isolated monocytes of TSCC patients (n = 5)
      undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment along with IFNalpha2b immunotherapy
      demonstrated significant upregulation in CCR5 expression and secretion of
      corresponding ligands. These rectifications in receptor/ligand levels are
      reflected in improved CCR5-dependent migration of monocytes/macrophages after
      IFNalpha2b treatment. The rectified chemokine profile and cellular migration
      translate into better tumoricidal and antigen-presenting functions of these
      cells. Accordingly, enhanced T-cell-mediated tumor cell killing is demonstrated
      upon IFNalpha2b treatment. Translating dual benefits on monocyte/macrophage
      functions, IFNalpha2b may emerge as a potential form of immunotherapy for TSCC
      patients that may be combined with standard chemotherapy for better clinical
      outcome.

PMID- 22085487
TI  - Acoustic over-exposure triggers burst firing in dorsal cochlear nucleus fusiform
      cells.
AB  - Acoustic over-exposure (AOE) triggers deafness in animals and humans and provokes
      auditory nerve degeneration. Weeks after exposure there is an increase in the
      cellular excitability within the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) and this is
      considered as a possible neural correlate of tinnitus. The origin of this DCN
      hyperactivity phenomenon is still unknown but it is associated with neurons lying
      within the fusiform cell layer. Here we investigated changes of excitability
      within identified fusiform cells following AOE. Wistar rats were exposed to a
      loud (110 dB SPL) single tone (14.8 kHz) for 4 h. Auditory brainstem response
      recordings performed 3-4 days after AOE showed that the hearing thresholds were
      significantly elevated by about 20-30 dB SPL for frequencies above 15 kHz.
      Control fusiform cells fired with a regular firing pattern as assessed by the
      coefficient of variation of the inter-spike interval distribution of 0.19 +/-
      0.11 (n = 5). Three to four days after AOE, 40% of fusiform cells exhibited
      irregular bursting discharge patterns (coefficient of variation of the inter
      spike interval distribution of 1.8 +/- 0.6, n = 5; p < 0.05). Additionally the
      maximal firing following step current injections was reduced in these cells (from
      83 +/- 11 Hz, n = 5 in unexposed condition to 43 +/- 6 Hz, n = 5 after AOE) and
      this was accompanied by an increased firing gain (from 0.09 +/- 0.01 Hz/pA, n = 5
      in unexposed condition to 0.56 +/- 0.25 Hz/pA, n = 5 after AOE). Current and
      voltage clamp recordings suggest that the presence of bursts in fusiform cells is
      related to a down regulation of high voltage activated potassium currents. In
      conclusion we showed that AOE triggers deafness at early stages and this is
      correlated with profound changes in the firing pattern and frequency of the DCN
      major output fusiform cells. The changes here described could represent the
      initial network imbalance prior to the emergence of tinnitus.

PMID- 22085488
TI  - Modulation of T cell proliferation and cytokine response by Plumbagin, extracted
      from Plumbago zeylanica in collagen induced arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extracts of Plumbago zeylanica have been used in China and other
      Asian countries as folk medicine for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid
      arthritis and dysmenorrhoea. Effect of Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4
      naphthoquinone) purified from Plumbago zeylanica on Con A induced T cell
      proliferation was studied in spleen cells from collagen induced arthritic DBA/1
      mice. METHODS: The DBA/1 mice (five per each group) were immunized with 0.1 mL of
      collagen (emulsified in CFA) by intradermal injection at the base of the tail. On
      day 20, mice were given a booster dose of collagen (emulsified in IFA) through
      the same route. Plumbagin was given at different concentrations (3.3, 6.6, 13.3
      mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally. Control mice received olive oil alone. The
      Con A induced T cell proliferative responses of arthritic and Plumbagin treated
      mice were studied by cell culture experiments using tritiated Thymidine. In
      addition the cytokine levels were estimated from the in vitro spleen culture
      supernatants of arthritic mice primed with different concentrations of Plumbagin
      by ELISA. RESULTS: Plumbagin enhanced the decreased Con A induced T cell
      proliferation and Interleukin-2 production in arthritic mice. Moreover elevated
      levels of IFN- gamma were found to be decreased in Plumbagin treated spleen cell
      culture supernatants. Subclasses of IgG were found to be decreased by Plumbagin
      treatment, IgG2a reduction seems to be more prominent. CONCLUSION: The results
      obtained in the current study indicate that Plumbagin is very effective in the
      mechanism based treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22085489
TI  - Transplacental carcinogenesis with dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC): timing of
      maternal exposures determines target tissue response in offspring.
AB  - Dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC) is a transplacental carcinogen in mice (15mg/kg;
      gestation day (GD) 17). To mimic residual exposure throughout pregnancy, dams
      received four smaller doses of DBC (3.75mg/kg) on GD 5, 9, 13 and 17. This
      regimen alleviated the previously established carcinogenic responses in the
      thymus, lung, and liver. However, there was a marked increase in ovarian tumors
      (females) and hyperplastic testes (males). [(14)C]-DBC (GD 17) dosing revealed
      transplacental distribution to fetal tissues at 10-fold lower concentrations than
      in paired maternal tissue and residual [(14)C] 3weeks post-dose. This study
      highlights the importance of developmental stage in susceptibility to
      environmental carcinogens.

PMID- 22085490
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 inhibits migration of endometrial
      cancer cells.
AB  - Cell migration and invasion leading to metastasis is a major cause of death from
      endometrial cancer (EC). We have shown that the rate of EC cell migration is
      inversely related to the level of insulin-like growth factor protein-3 (IGFBP-3).
      Down-regulation of IGFBP-3 by siRNA in EC cells accelerated migration without
      affecting proliferation and cells displayed a more migratory phenotype, with co
      localization of migration-associated markers at the leading edge of cell
      membranes. Opposite effects were seen with either the addition of recombinant
      IGFBP-3 or overexpression of IGFBP-3. Cells with mutated PTEN had the highest
      IGFBP-3 expression and the slowest migration rates. This study demonstrates that
      endogenous IGFBP-3 modulates adhesion-migration dynamics in EC cells, implying
      that it may be important in regulating metastasis in this disease.

PMID- 22085491
TI  - Identification of heat shock protein 90 inhibitors to sensitize drug resistant
      side population tumor cells using a cell based assay platform.
AB  - Current cancer therapeutics are identified based on initial tumor regression
      screens that mostly kill differentiated tumor cells, sparing the rare cancer stem
      cells (CSCs). Being rare and difficult to characterize, it remains a challenge to
      identify compounds active against them. Side population (SP) cells identified in
      multiple cancer cell line panels expressing mitochondrial Cytochrome C-EGFP were
      evaluated for identifying possible drug candidates utilizing high-throughput
      imaging. We identified heat shock protein 90 inhibitors as potential agents to
      sensitize SP cells to anticancer drugs. Hsp90 inhibitors induced down regulation
      of Akt leading to proteasomal degradation of survivin and consequent
      mitochondrial apoptosis. A successful screening platform for identifying
      compounds targeting drug resistant side population cells was developed.

PMID- 22085492
TI  - LCH-7749944, a novel and potent p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitor, suppresses
      proliferation and invasion in human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has involved in
      the regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization, cell proliferation, gene
      transcription, oncogenic transformation and cell invasion. Moreover, PAK4
      overexpression, genetic amplification and mutations were detected in a variety of
      human tumors, which make it potential therapeutic target. In this paper we found
      that LCH-7749944, a novel and potent PAK4 inhibitor, effectively suppressed the
      proliferation of human gastric cancer cells through downregulation of PAK4/c
      Src/EGFR/cyclin D1 pathway. In addition, LCH-7749944 significantly inhibited the
      migration and invasion of human gastric cancer cells in conjunction with
      concomitant blockage of PAK4/LIMK1/cofilin and PAK4/MEK-1/ERK1/2/MMP2 pathways.
      Interestingly, LCH-7749944 also inhibited the formation of filopodia and induced
      cell elongation in SGC7901 cells. Importantly, LCH-7749944 caused successful
      inhibition of EGFR activity due to its inhibitory effect on PAK4. Taken together,
      these results provided novel insights into the development of PAK4 inhibitor and
      potential therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.

PMID- 22085494
TI  - Copy number status and mutation analyses of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene
      in 90 sporadic neuroblastoma tumors.
AB  - Somatic and germline mutations of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene were
      recently described in neuroblastoma (NB). In this study, we investigated the
      association of ALK copy number alterations with copy number status 2p24.1
      amplicon harboring DEAD box polypeptide 1 (DDX1), MYCN and neuroblastoma
      amplified (NAG) genes in 90 primary tumors of sporadic NB cases by multiplex
      ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We also performed mutation
      analysis of ALK gene by directly sequencing the exons 20-28 which cover the
      region that encodes juxtamembrane and kinase domains. A total of 39 (43.3%) NB
      cases revealed copy numbers alterations of ALK gene. There was highly significant
      association of ALK copy number gains with gains of one or more of the genes at
      2p24.1 (DDX1, MYCN or NAG) in MYCN unamplified tumors (P<0.000). In addition, 15
      of 17 MYCN amplified cases (88.2%) had aberrant ALK status. Solitary gain of ALK
      with normal copy number status of all other genes was observed only in one case.
      DNA sequencing of exons 20-28 of ALK revealed two different nucleotide changes in
      three cases leading to amino acid substitutions of F1245V and R1275Q in tyrosine
      kinase domain. In conclusion, the frequency of ALK mutations in NB is low and
      solitary copy number change of it is rarely observed.

PMID- 22085493
TI  - Bortezomib enhances radiation-induced apoptosis in solid tumors by inhibiting
      CIP2A.
AB  - Previously, we demonstrated that cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A
      (CIP2A) mediates bortezomib-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
      Herein, we report that bortezomib sensitizes solid tumor cells to radiation
      induced apoptosis. Treatment with a combination of bortezomib and radiation
      downregulated CIP2A in a dose-dependent manner in solid tumor cells. Knockdown of
      CIP2A enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis in cancer cells, and ectopic
      expression of CIP2A in cancer cells abolished radiation-induced apoptosis.
      Finally, our in vivo data showed that bortezomib and radiation combination
      treatment decreased tumor growth significantly. Thus, bortezomib sensitized solid
      tumor cells to radiation through the inhibition of CIP2A.

PMID- 22085495
TI  - Species-specific toxicity of troglitazone on rats and human by gel entrapped
      hepatocytes.
AB  - Troglitazone, despite passing preclinical trials on animals, was shortly
      withdrawn from market due to its severe hepatotoxicity in clinic. As rat
      hepatocyte monolayer consistently showed sensitive troglitazone toxicity as human
      hepatocyte monolayer in contrast to the species-specific toxicity in vivo, this
      paper utilized both hepatocytes in three-dimensional culture of gel entrapment to
      reflect the species difference on hepatotoxicity. Rat hepatocytes in gel
      entrapment did not show obvious cellular damage even under a long-term exposure
      for 21 days while gel entrapped human hepatocytes significantly displayed
      oxidative stress, steatosis, mitochondrial damage and cell death at a short
      exposure for 4 days. As a result, the detected species-specific toxicity of
      troglitazone between gel entrapped rat and human hepatocytes consisted well with
      the situation in vivo but was in a sharp contrast to the performance of two
      hepatocytes by monolayer culture. Such contradictory toxicity of rat hepatocytes
      between monolayer and gel entrapment culture could be explained by the fact that
      troglitazone was cleared more rapidly in gel entrapment than in monolayer
      culture. Similarly, the differential clearance of troglitazone in rat and human
      might also explain its species-specific toxicity. Therefore, gel entrapment of
      hepatocytes might serve as a platform for evaluation of drug toxicity at early
      stage of drug development by reducing costs, increasing the likelihood of
      clinical success and limiting human exposure to unsafe drugs.

PMID- 22085496
TI  - Strain-induced yielding in bubble clusters.
AB  - We study how shearing clusters of two or four bubbles induces bubble separation
      or topological rearrangement. The critical deformation at which this yielding
      occurs is measured as a function of shear rate, liquid composition, and liquid
      content in the cluster. We establish a geometrical yield criterion in the
      quasistatic case on the basis of these experimental data as well as simulations.
      In the dynamic regime, the deformation where the cluster yields increases with
      the strain rate, and we derive a scaling law describing this phenomenon based on
      the dynamical inertial rupture of the liquid meniscus linking the two bubbles.
      Our experiments show that the same scaling law applies to two- and four-bubble
      clusters.

PMID- 22085497
TI  - A pair of orthologs of a leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase-like disease
      resistance gene family regulates rice response to raised temperature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rice Xa3/Xa26 disease-resistance gene encodes a leucine-rich repeat
      (LRR) receptor kinase-type protein against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo)
      and belongs to a multigene family. However, the functions of most genes in this
      family are unknown. RESULTS: Here we report that two orthologs of this family,
      the NRKe from rice variety Nipponbare and 9RKe from variety 93-11 at the RKe
      locus, have similar functions although they encode different proteins. This pair
      of orthologs could not mediate resistance to Xoo, but they were transcriptionally
      induced by raised temperature. Transcriptional activation of NRKe or 9RKe
      resulted in the formation of temperature-sensitive lesion mimics, which were
      spots of dead cells associated with accumulation of superoxides, in different
      organs of the transgenic plants. These plants were more sensitive to high
      temperature shock than wild-type controls. Transgenic plants carrying a chimeric
      protein consisting of the LRR domain of NRKe and the kinase domain of Xa3/Xa26
      developed the same lesion mimics as the NRKe-transgenic plants, whereas
      transgenic plants carrying another chimeric protein consisting of the LRR domain
      of Xa3/Xa26 and the kinase domain of NRKe were free of lesion mimic. All the
      transgenic plants carrying a chimeric protein were susceptible to Xoo.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the RKe locus is involved in rice response
      to raised temperature. The LRR domain of RKe protein appears to be important to
      sense increased temperature. The RKe-involved temperature-related pathway and
      Xa3/Xa26-mediated disease-resistance pathway may partially overlap.

PMID- 22085498
TI  - E-cadherin cell-cell communication in melanogenesis and during development of
      malignant melanoma.
AB  - Cell-cell communication is necessary for the crosstalk between cells that
      constitute multicellular organisms and is essential for cells to coordinate their
      physiological behavior to create cohesive tissues. Cellular crosstalk is not only
      controlled by molecules, like growth factors, hormones, ions and G-proteins, etc.
      but also by cell-cell contacts. These contacts are essential for intercellular
      communication and are involved in survival, apoptosis, proliferation,
      differentiation and homeostasis of entire tissues. In polarized epithelia of
      vertebrates, the adherent junction is part of the tripartite junctional complex
      that is localized at the juxtaluminal region, which includes tight junctions
      (including claudins, occludins, and zonula occludens proteins), desmosomal
      junctions (including desmogleins), and adherent junctions. In focus of the
      manuscript are adherent molecules of the cadherin superfamily of the skin. In the
      normal epidermis, melanocytes and keratinocytes are mostly connected via E
      cadherin, P-cadherin and H-cadherin [1-3]. Melanocytes that reside in the basal
      layer of the epidermis predominantly contain E-cadherin and H-cadherin, whereas
      those that reside in the hair follicles are rich in P-cadherin [2]. The
      regulation and role of E-cadherin during melanoma development will be the focus
      of this review.

PMID- 22085499
TI  - Cellular and molecular effects of vitamin D on carcinogenesis.
AB  - Epidemiologic data suggest that the incidence and severity of many types of
      cancer inversely correlates with indices of vitamin D status. The vitamin D
      receptor (VDR) is highly expressed in epithelial cells at risk for carcinogenesis
      including those resident in skin, breast, prostate and colon, providing a direct
      molecular link by which vitamin D status impacts on carcinogenesis. Consistent
      with this concept, activation of VDR by its ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
      (1,25D) triggers comprehensive genomic changes in epithelial cells that
      contribute to maintenance of the differentiated phenotype, resistance to cellular
      stresses and protection of the genome. Many epithelial cells also express the
      vitamin D metabolizing enzyme CYP27B1 which enables autocrine generation of 1,25D
      from the circulating vitamin D metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), critically
      linking overall vitamin D status with cellular anti-tumor actions. Furthermore,
      pre-clinical studies in animal models has demonstrated that dietary
      supplementation with vitamin D or chronic treatment with VDR agonists decreases
      tumor development in skin, colon, prostate and breast. Conversely, deletion of
      the VDR gene in mice alters the balance between proliferation and apoptosis,
      increases oxidative DNA damage, and enhances susceptibility to carcinogenesis in
      these tissues. Because VDR expression is retained in many human tumors, vitamin D
      status may be an important modulator of cancer progression in persons living with
      cancer. Collectively, these observations have reinforced the need to further
      define the molecular actions of the VDR and the human requirement for vitamin D
      in relation to cancer development and progression.

PMID- 22085500
TI  - Vitamin D, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - It has now been more than 20years since the vitamin D receptor was identified in
      cells of the immune system. The immune system has now been established as an
      important target of vitamin D. Vitamin D receptor knockout and vitamin D
      deficient mice have a surplus of effector T cells that have been implicated in
      the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
      The active form of vitamin D directly and indirectly suppresses the function of
      these pathogenic T cells while inducing several regulatory T cells that suppress
      MS and IBD development. There is reason to believe that vitamin D could be an
      environmental factor that may play a role in the development of these immune
      mediated diseases in the clinic but at present there has not been a causal
      relationship established. Nonetheless, current evidence suggests that improving
      vitamin D status and/or using vitamin D receptor agonists may be useful in MS and
      IBD.

PMID- 22085501
TI  - S1 pocket fingerprints of human and bacterial methionine aminopeptidases
      determined using fluorogenic libraries of substrates and phosphorus based
      inhibitors.
AB  - Methionyl aminopeptidases (MetAPs) are metallo-dependent proteases responsible
      for removing of N-terminal methionine residue of peptides and proteins during
      protein maturation and activation. In this report we use a comprehensive strategy
      to screen the substrate specificity of three methionyl aminopeptidases: Homo
      sapiens MetAP-1, Homo sapiens MetAP-2 and Escherichia coli MetAP-1. By utilizing
      a 65-membered fluorogenic substrate library consisting of natural and unnatural
      amino acids we established detailed substrate preferences of each enzyme in the
      S1 pocket. Our results show that this pocket is highly conserved for all
      investigated MetAPs, very stringent for methionine, and that several unnatural
      amino acids with methionine-like characteristics were also well hydrolyzed by
      MetAPs. The substrate-derived results were verified using several phosphonate and
      phosphinate-based inhibitors.

PMID- 22085502
TI  - [A man with pain and weakness in his legs].
AB  - A 75-year-old man came to the clinic because of pain and weakness in his legs. He
      had fallen a year earlier. The pain and weakness were caused by a bilateral
      rupture of the tendon of the M. rectus femoris.

PMID- 22085504
TI  - Psoriasiform disorders with joint symptoms.
AB  - We present a 49-year-old man seen at the dermatology outpatient department with a
      3-year history of painful swollen digits of hands and feet. On enquiry he
      reported dysuria. On examination we saw extensive swelling of the digits,
      keratosis of the nails, and some psoriasiform skin lesions on the soles of the
      feet. The differential diagnosis included acrodermatitis continua suppurativa,
      reactive arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Radiographic imaging revealed the
      presence of arthritis. Testing proved negative for rheumatoid factor and positive
      for HLA-B27 making spondyloarthropathy the most likely diagnosis, either in the
      form of reactive arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. The patient was treated with
      combination therapy of doxycycline, methotrexate and folic acid. Because of
      insufficient response to therapy, the methotrexate dose was raised and eventually
      etanercept was added. During the last visit to the outpatient clinic, the patient
      still showed insufficient response to therapy.

PMID- 22085505
TI  - [Unexpected back pain in the elderly ankylosing spondylitis patient].
AB  - A 63-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) presented with persistent pain
      in his back after minor trauma. Radiographs revealed no acute pathology. Six
      weeks later an MRI scan was performed which showed a vertebral fracture at level
      Tiii with kyphotic deformity. Another 63-year-old male AS patient presented with
      back pain after minor trauma 10 days before presentation. At plain radiology a
      vertebral fracture of Tx was discovered. A third patient, an 83-year-old male AS
      patient complained about back pain after minor trauma; CT imaging revealed a Tx
      vertebral fracture. All three patients underwent surgical fixation and were
      discharged without major complications. In principle, an older patient with an
      established AS complaining of back pain must be regarded as having a fracture of
      the vertebral column until the contrary is proven, even in the absence of any
      recent history of trauma. This strategy can prevent major complication in these
      patients.

PMID- 22085506
TI  - [Early recognition of rheumatoid arthritis].
AB  - Target to treat within the first 12 weeks. The rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease
      process may be modulated best in the very early phase of the disease, therefore
      the period of the first 12 weeks of the disease is called the "window of
      opportunity". Patients in whom treatment is started within 12 weeks of onset of
      symptoms develop less severe joint damage and have a better chance of remission.
      At present only 31% of Dutch new RA patients are assessed by a rheumatologist
      within 12 weeks of symptom onset. Arthritis is identified by joint palpation; in
      order to detect subtle arthritis of minor joints, experience in carrying out this
      joint examination is required. In order to distinguish patients with early RA
      from other patients with recent onset arthritis, several prediction models have
      been developed. Early recognition of arthritis and RA is mandatory for early
      treatment of RA and improvement of the prospects of RA patients.

PMID- 22085508
TI  - [The multidisciplinary practice guideline "The responsible use of biologicals"].
AB  - A multidisciplinary working group has developed a practice guideline containing
      various recommendations on the responsible and efficient use of biologicals.
      These biologicals include both soluble immune-receptor proteins and monoclonal
      antibodies that are aimed at immune mediators, receptors or cells. They are
      produced by biotechnology. Biologicals are used to treat patients with immune
      mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
      ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis
      (JIA), psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, uveitis and sarcoidosis.
      This article summarises the most important recommendations contained in the
      practice guideline. The practice guideline is intended for members of the medical
      profession in addition to patients, who are considering, or are already, using
      biologicals.

PMID- 22085509
TI  - [Wenckebach and his rhythm].
AB  - Karel Frederik Wenckebach (1864-1940) showed an aptitude for research even as a
      medical student in Utrecht. After graduation and a thesis on the bursa of
      Fabricius he worked as an assistant in the physiological laboratory. Following a
      stint as general practitioner in a mining community (1891-1896) he returned to
      Utrecht, where he could combine his practice with physiological studies,
      especially disturbances of the heart rhythm. In 1899, with no other recording
      instruments than a sphygmomanometer for tracing the radial pulse and a tuning
      fork for chronometry, he described the 'rhythmic arrhythmia' phenomenon: a missed
      beat after a given number of regular beats (mostly between three and six),
      followed by an intermission shorter than the interval between two regular beats.
      The Wenckebach rhythm is now also known as type I second-degree atrioventricular
      block. Wenckebach subsequently became a professor of medicine in Groningen
      (1901), Strasbourg (1911) and Vienna (1914-1929).

PMID- 22085510
TI  - [Exercise therapy in hip or knee osteoarthritis].
AB  - "Exercise is medicine": exercise therapy reduces pain and activity limitations in
      osteoarthritis of the knee and is likely to have the same effects in
      osteoarthritis of the hip. Further research into exercise therapy is needed,
      since disease-modifying drugs are not available, pain medication can cause side
      effects, and surgical interventions are preferably applied in an advanced stage
      of disease. Classical exercise therapy is aimed at improving muscle strength,
      aerobic capacity, range of joint motion, and training of walking and activities
      of daily living. New modalities of targeted exercise therapy are currently being
      developed, aimed at the correction of low levels of activity and to correct
      instability of the knee. Weight loss, preferably combined with exercise therapy,
      reduces pain and activity limitations in osteoarthritis patients who are
      overweight. Modalities of exercise therapy adapted to comorbid conditions are
      currently being developed.

PMID- 22085511
TI  - [From splint to smart syringe: the changing perspective of rheumatology].
AB  - Over the course of the past 30 years the outlook for patients with rheumatic
      arthritis (RA) has changed substantially. The careful "wait-and-see" attitude of
      rheumatologists of the past has been replaced by early and intensive intervention
      in patients with early RA. These days it is possible to bring about remission in
      half of all patients with, among others, the new medicines-- the "biologicals".
      Auto-antibodies are now detectable in the pre-clinical phase of RA; this means
      that in the future it will be possible to trace people with a raised risk of
      developing RA.

PMID- 22085512
TI  - [Determining cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: waiting
      for trial outcomes is not recommended].
AB  - Cardiovascular risk management is clearly indicated in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) today because this risk is comparable to patients with diabetes.
      Although formal evidence of cardiovascular endpoint trials with statins and/or
      antihypertensives is lacking in patients with RA, there are no indications that
      these drugs will have limited effect. In contrast, there is accumulating evidence
      as to the efficacy of the use of these drugs in RA that is at least comparable to
      their effects in the general population. All patients with RA should therefore
      receive cardiovascular risk-management therapy aimed at powerful suppression of
      the chronic inflammatory process as well as treatment with statins and/or
      antihypertensives, if indicated. Obviously, monitoring in the clinical setting is
      necessary to document if such therapy does indeed reduce cardiovascular disease
      in patients with RA.

PMID- 22085514
TI  - [Employee participation by patients with rheumatoid arthritis and
      spondylarthritis. Biologicals may have an effect on the loss of productivity].
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the various types of spondylarthritis (SpA)
      contribute significantly to employee disability. Each of these inflammatory
      diseases has a great impact on physical and mental health, thereby restricting
      one's ability to participate in one's social roles. This may result in decreased
      productivity during working hours (sickness presenteeism), absenteeism and
      eventually, disablement, with financial consequences for the patient as well as
      society. By incorporating biologicals into treatment strategies, the health of
      patients with RA and SpA can be better regulated; however, the cost of such
      treatment has risen considerably. There are indications that part of these high
      treatment expenditures can be regained by improved employee productivity of these
      patients.

PMID- 22085517
TI  - [The patient with arthritis: care by both general practitioners and
      rheumatologists].
AB  - Early aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with disease-modifying
      antirheumatic drugs such as TNF inhibitors prevents joint damage and improves the
      quality of life. There is increasing insight regarding the cardiovascular risks
      of patients suffering from RA or gout. These aspects and others are considered in
      this paper with respect to early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients
      with arthritis, in particular RA or gout. In the Netherlands approximately 8900
      general practitioners (GPs) and 230 rheumatologists, working in different
      settings (primary care and hospitals), are together responsible for the care of
      patients with arthritis. They must communicate and co-operate at a national,
      regional and local level to organize this care--the aim being to reach mutual
      agreement regarding the responsibility for each part of the diagnosis and
      management at each stage of the disease.

PMID- 22085518
TI  - [Determining cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: prove the
      efficacy of interventions first].
AB  - In the multidisciplinary Dutch guideline on Cardiovascular Risk Management
      (revision 2011) the recommendation for preventive treatment of elevated risks of
      cardiovascular disease in patients with arthritis lacks a trial-based
      justification. This section should therefore be removed. Introduction of clinical
      guidelines with recommendations justified by evidence of an unacceptably low
      grade is a growing international tendency that should be stopped.

PMID- 22085519
TI  - [Tailored therapy for rheumatic disease within reach].
AB  - Personalised medicine has the potential to increase therapeutic effectiveness,
      reduce side effects and lower cost. This approach has recently taken off in
      oncology where different malignancies may be treated with specific drugs based on
      genetic biomarkers or other tumour characteristics. This type of tailored therapy
      could also be developed for immune-mediated inflammatory disease, for which
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may serve as a prototype. While novel treatments are
      able to halt or even prevent disease progression, not all RA patients respond,
      and stratification of patient groups is needed. The identification of biomarkers
      predictive of the clinical response to specific treatments in subsets of patients
      may soon become reality in a variety of diseases.

PMID- 22085520
TI  - [The recognition of patients with spondyloarthritis. New classification
      criteria].
AB  - Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an umbrella term for a group of rheumatic diseases
      characterised by inflammation of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and vertebral column;
      today, differentiation is made between axial SpA and peripheral SpA. Ankylosing
      spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) is the most typical form of axial SpA whereby
      sacroiliitis can be found on X-rays of the SI joints. Axial SpA can, however,
      also be present without radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis. A range of SpA
      related symptoms can also manifest themselves outside the musculoskeletal system,
      for example, uveitis, psoriasis and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors play an important role in the treatment of
      SpA. New classification criteria have recently been established in which MRI of
      the SI joints and the presence of the HLA-B27 tissue antigen are key. Axial and
      peripheral SpA should be recognized early in order to be able to successfully
      treat these conditions.

PMID- 22085521
TI  - [Self-management in anticoagulant therapy--implications for the future?].
AB  - Recent meta-analysis has demonstrated that self-management in oral anticoagulant
      therapy results in fewer thromboembolic complications and a decrease in mortality
      in comparison to conventional treatment, while the number of bleeding
      complications remains unchanged. We discuss the importance of these findings for
      the situation in the Netherlands with its specialized anticoagulation clinics and
      the possible consequences for the introduction of new anticoagulants like
      dabigatran and rivaroxaban.

PMID- 22085522
TI  - [Bicycle spoke-related injuries in children: emphasise prevention].
AB  - Three children, a 6-year-old boy and two girls aged 5 and 4 years, were seen at
      an emergency department due to distal lower-leg injuries sustained from the
      spokes of bicycle wheels. All three patients had been passengers on rear carrying
      seats of moving bicycles. Only the third bicyclist had used a special child
      safety seat. The second girl had drawn her foot up from underneath a strap and
      suffered a tibial fracture later treated with an osteosynthetic plate. The other
      two patients recovered after conservative casting treatment. Bicycle spoke
      related injuries are sustained when the foot or lower limb makes contact with the
      spokes of a bicycle wheel and usually by children who are bicycle passengers. In
      the Netherlands, approximately 4600 children are seen at emergency departments
      with such injuries each year. Bicycle spoke-related accidents can cause severe
      damage that can result in lengthy recovery periods. Not only physical
      complications but also psychological ones can occur. The latter are often
      overlooked but do deserve proper treatment. The physician treating a spoke
      related injury is in a good position to advice parents as to preventive measures,
      particularly on the use of special child safety seats.

PMID- 22085523
TI  - Cook It Up! A community-based cooking program for at-risk youth: overview of a
      food literacy intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Canada, there are limited occasions for youth, and especially at
      risk youth, to participate in cooking programs. The paucity of these programs
      creates an opportunity for youth-focused cooking programs to be developed,
      implemented, and evaluated with the goal of providing invaluable life skills and
      food literacy to this potentially vulnerable group. Thus, an 18-month community
      based cooking program for at-risk youth was planned and implemented to improve
      the development and progression of cooking skills and food literacy. FINDINGS:
      This paper provides an overview of the rationale for and implementation of a
      cooking skills intervention for at-risk youth. The manuscript provides
      information about the process of planning and implementing the intervention as
      well as the evaluation plan. Results of the intervention will be presented
      elsewhere. Objectives of the intervention included the provision of applied food
      literacy and cooking skills education taught by local chefs and a Registered
      Dietitian, and augmented with fieldtrips to community farms to foster an
      appreciation and understanding of food, from 'gate to plate'. Eight at-risk youth
      (five girls and three boys, mean age = 14.6) completed the intervention as of
      November 2010. Pre-test cooking skills assessments were completed for all
      participants and post-test cooking skills assessments were completed for five of
      eight participants. Post intervention, five of eight participants completed in
      depth interviews about their experience. DISCUSSION: The Cook It Up! program can
      provide an effective template for other agencies and researchers to utilize for
      enhancing existing programs or to create new applied cooking programs for
      relevant vulnerable populations. There is also a continued need for applied
      research in this area to reverse the erosion of cooking skills in Canadian
      society.

PMID- 22085524
TI  - POPISK: T-cell reactivity prediction using support vector machines and string
      kernels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of peptide immunogenicity and characterization of
      relation between peptide sequences and peptide immunogenicity will be greatly
      helpful for vaccine designs and understanding of the immune system. In contrast
      to the prediction of antigen processing and presentation pathway, the prediction
      of subsequent T-cell reactivity is a much harder topic. Previous studies of
      identifying T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition positions were based on small-scale
      analyses using only a few peptides and concluded different recognition positions
      such as positions 4, 6 and 8 of peptides with length 9. Large-scale analyses are
      necessary to better characterize the effect of peptide sequence variations on T
      cell reactivity and design predictors of a peptide's T-cell reactivity (and thus
      immunogenicity). The identification and characterization of important positions
      influencing T-cell reactivity will provide insights into the underlying mechanism
      of immunogenicity. RESULTS: This work establishes a large dataset by collecting
      immunogenicity data from three major immunology databases. In order to consider
      the effect of MHC restriction, peptides are classified by their associated MHC
      alleles. Subsequently, a computational method (named POPISK) using support vector
      machine with a weighted degree string kernel is proposed to predict T-cell
      reactivity and identify important recognition positions. POPISK yields a mean 10
      fold cross-validation accuracy of 68% in predicting T-cell reactivity of HLA-A2
      binding peptides. POPISK is capable of predicting immunogenicity with scores that
      can also correctly predict the change in T-cell reactivity related to point
      mutations in epitopes reported in previous studies using crystal structures.
      Thorough analyses of the prediction results identify the important positions 4,
      6, 8 and 9, and yield insights into the molecular basis for TCR recognition.
      Finally, we relate this finding to physicochemical properties and structural
      features of the MHC-peptide-TCR interaction. CONCLUSIONS: A computational method
      POPISK is proposed to predict immunogenicity with scores which are useful for
      predicting immunogenicity changes made by single-residue modifications. The web
      server of POPISK is freely available at http://iclab.life.nctu.edu.tw/POPISK.

PMID- 22085525
TI  - A brief report on perceptions of alcohol and society among Scottish medical
      students.
AB  - AIMS: To assess perceptions on alcohol misuse and addiction among medical
      students prior to in-depth training in order to determine areas of the curriculum
      that need to be reshaped or focused on. METHODS: A questionnaire assessment of
      first- and second-year medical students' perceptions of alcohol misuse. RESULTS:
      Students had some misconceptions about current alcohol misuse rates, including a
      perception that addiction is common among health professionals, that the under
      25s had the fastest increasing rate of alcohol addiction and that British women
      had a more rapidly increasing rate of alcohol addiction than British men.
      CONCLUSION: Encouragingly, students overwhelmingly felt that alcohol addiction
      was something to which they could make a difference. It highlights that early
      education about alcohol misuse is important in terms of teaching students how to
      recognize hazardous and harmful drinkers and how to manage them.

PMID- 22085526
TI  - East meets West: ethnic differences in prostate cancer epidemiology between East
      Asians and Caucasians.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in males in Western countries. The
      reported incidence in Asia is much lower than that in African Americans and
      European Caucasians. Although the lack of systematic prostate cancer screening
      system in Asian countries explains part of the difference, this alone cannot
      fully explain the lower incidence in Asian immigrants in the United States and
      west-European countries compared to the black and non-Hispanic white in those
      countries, nor the somewhat better prognosis in Asian immigrants with prostate
      cancer in the United States. Soy food consumption, more popular in Asian
      populations, is associated with a 25% to 30% reduced risk of prostate cancer.
      Prostate-specific antigen(PSA) is the only established and routinely implemented
      clinical biomarker for prostate cancer detection and disease status. Other
      biomarkers, such as urinary prostate cancer antigen 3 RNA, may increase accuracy
      of prostate cancer screening compared to PSA alone. Several susceptible loci have
      been identified in genetic linkage analyses in populations of countries in the
      West, and approximately 30 genetic polymorphisms have been reported to modestly
      increase the prostate cancer risk in genome-wide association studies. Most of the
      identified polymorphisms are reproducible regardless of ethnicity. Somatic
      mutations in the genomes of prostate tumors have been repeatedly reported to
      include deletion and gain of the 8p and 8q chromosomal regions, respectively;
      epigenetic gene silencing of glutathione S-transferase Pi(GSTP1); as well as
      mutations in androgen receptor gene. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying
      carcinogenesis, aggressiveness, and prognosis of prostate cancer remain largely
      unknown. Gene-gene and/or gene-environment interactions still need to be learned.
      In this review, the differences in PSA screening practice, reported incidence and
      prognosis of prostate cancer, and genetic factors between the populations in East
      and West factors are discussed.

PMID- 22085527
TI  - Schwannoma of the conus medullaris: a rare case.
AB  - Intradural schwannoma of the conus medullaris is a rare form of spinal neoplasm,
      which commonly occurs in the lumbar region. Conus medullaris level is unusual for
      schwannomas. A 49-year-old woman presented with chronic sciatica, mild bladder
      dysfunction, and paresthesia in the buttocks. Magnetic resonance imaging of the
      spine showed a mass lesion in the conus medullaris region with nerve compression.
      The tumor was completely resected and diagnosed histologically as schwannoma. The
      patient recovered after surgery. Clinical and radiologic features of this rare
      tumor are reviewed and are accompanied by literature findings.

PMID- 22085528
TI  - miR-124 suppresses multiple steps of breast cancer metastasis by targeting a
      cohort of pro-metastatic genes in vitro.
AB  - Metastasis is a multistep process involving modification of morphology to suit
      migration, reduction of tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, increase
      of cell mobility, tumor cell resistance to anoikis, and other steps. MicroRNAs
      are well-suited to regulate tumor metastasis due to their capacity to repress
      numerous target genes in a coordinated manner, thereby enabling their
      intervention at multiple steps of the invasion-metastasis cascade. In this study,
      we identified a microRNA exemplifying these attributes, miR-124, whose expression
      was reduced in aggressive MDA-MB-231 and SK-3rd breast cancer cells. Down
      regulation of miR-124 expression in highly aggressive breast cancer cells
      contributed in part to DNA hypermethylation around the promoters of the three
      genes encoding miR-124. Ectopic expression of miR-124 in MDA-MB-231 cells
      suppressed metastasis-related traits including formation of spindle-like
      morphology, migratory capacity, adhesion to fibronectin, and anoikis. These
      findings indicate that miR-124 suppresses multiple steps of metastasis by diverse
      mechanisms in breast cancer cells and suggest a potential application of miR-124
      in breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 22085529
TI  - Both mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal-regulated
      kinases (ERK) 1/2 and phosphatidylinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways
      regulate activation of E-twenty-six (ETS)-like transcription factor 1 (Elk-1) in
      U138 glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) have been shown to play a
      significant role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma. In our study, the EGFR was
      stimulated with EGF in human U138 glioblastoma cells. We show that the activated
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinases
      (ERK) 1/2 pathway phosphorylated the E twenty-six (ETS)-like transcription factor
      1 (Elk-1) mainly at serine 383 residue. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
      (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, UO126 and ERK inhibitor II, FR180204 blocked the Elk-1
      phosphorylation and activation. The phosphatidylinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt
      pathway was also involved in the Elk-1 activation. Activation of the Elk-1 led to
      an increased survival and a proliferative response with the EGF stimulation in
      the U138 glioblastoma cells. Knocking-down the Elk-1 using an RNA interference
      technique caused a decrease in survival of the unstimulated U138 glioblastoma
      cells and also decreased the proliferative response to the EGF stimulation. The
      Elk-1 transcription factor was important for the survival and proliferation of
      U138 glioblastoma cells upon the stimulation of EGFR with EGF. The MAPK/ERK1/2
      and PI3K/Akt pathways regulated this response via activation of the Elk-1
      transcription factor. The Elk-1 may be one of the convergence points for pathways
      located downstream of EGFR in glioblastoma cells. Utilization of the Elk-1 as a
      therapeutic target may lead to a novel strategy in treatment of glioblastoma.

PMID- 22085530
TI  - Oxaloacetate: a novel neuroprotective for acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - It is well established that glutamate acts as an important mediator of neuronal
      degeneration during cerebral ischemia. Different kind of glutamate antagonists
      have been used to reduce the deleterious effects of glutamate. However, their
      preclinical success failed to translate into practical treatments. Far from the
      classical use of glutamate antagonists employed so far, the systemic
      administration of oxaloacetate represents a novel neuroprotective strategy to
      minimize the deleterious effect of glutamate in the brain tissue after ischemic
      stroke. The neuroprotective effect of oxaloacetate is based on the capacity of
      this molecule to reduce the brain and blood glutamate levels as a result of the
      activation of the blood-resident enzyme glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase. Here
      we review the recent experimental and clinical results where it is demonstrated
      the potential applicability of oxaloacetate as a novel and powerful
      neuroprotective treatment against ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22085531
TI  - A butyrolactone derivative suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced autophagic
      injury through inhibiting the autoregulatory loop of p8 and p53 in vascular
      endothelial cells.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular endothelial cell (VEC) dysfunction is
      an important contributing factor in vascular diseases. Recently, we found that
      LPS impaired VEC by inducing autophagy. Our previous researches showed that a
      butyrolactone derivative, 3-benzyl-5-((2-nitrophenoxy) methyl)-dihydrofuran-2(3H)
      one (3BDO) selectively protected VEC function. The objective of the present study
      is to investigate whether and how 3BDO inhibits LPS-induced VEC autophagic
      injury. Our results showed that LPS induced autophagy and led to increase of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential
      (MMP) in Human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore,
      LPS significantly increased p8 and p53 protein levels and the nuclear
      translocation of p53. All of these effects of LPS on HUVECs were strongly
      inhibited by 3BDO. Importantly, the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could
      inhibited LPS-induced autophagy and knockdown of p8 by RNA interference inhibited
      the autophagy, p53 protein level increase, the translocation of p53 into nuclei
      and the ROS level increase induced by LPS in HUVECs. The data suggested that 3BDO
      inhibited LPS-induced autophagy in HUVECs through inhibiting the ROS
      overproduction, the increase of p8 and p53 expression and the nuclear
      translocation of p53. Our findings provide a potential tool for understanding the
      mechanism underlying LPS-induced autophagy in HUVECs and open the door to a novel
      therapeutic drug for LPS-induced vascular diseases.

PMID- 22085532
TI  - Nanoscale chemical and structural study of Co-based FEBID structures by STEM-EELS
      and HRTEM.
AB  - Nanolithography techniques in a scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam
      are very attractive tools for a number of synthetic processes, including the
      fabrication of ferromagnetic nano-objects, with potential applications in
      magnetic storage or magnetic sensing. One of the most versatile techniques is the
      focused electron beam induced deposition, an efficient method for the production
      of magnetic structures highly resolved at the nanometric scale. In this work,
      this method has been applied to the controlled growth of magnetic nanostructures
      using Co2(CO)8. The chemical and structural properties of these deposits have
      been studied by electron energy loss spectroscopy and high-resolution
      transmission electron microscopy at the nanometric scale. The obtained results
      allow us to correlate the chemical and structural properties with the
      functionality of these magnetic nanostructures.

PMID- 22085533
TI  - Hyaluronan serum concentrations are elevated in critically ill patients and
      associated with disease severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The matrix protein hyaluronic acid (HA, hyaluronan) has possibly
      additional immune-regulatory functions in inflammation. We aimed at evaluating
      serum HA concentrations in critically ill patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: We
      analyzed serum HA levels in 164 critically ill patients at a medical ICU and 61
      healthy controls, with respect to organ dysfunction, systemic inflammation and
      mortality. RESULTS: Hyaluronan serum concentrations upon admission to ICU were
      significantly elevated in critically ill patients compared to healthy controls,
      with the highest levels in patients with pre-existing liver cirrhosis or sepsis.
      HA levels were closely correlated with biomarkers of hepatic and renal function,
      systemic inflammation, demand of treatment measures and clinical scores of
      disease severity, but could not predict risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS:
      Measurement of serum HA may supplement the assessment of disease severity in ICU
      patients. Our data suggest that HA might have implications in the pathogenesis of
      critical illness and sepsis.

PMID- 22085534
TI  - Spinal muscular atrophy: clinical validation of a single-tube multiplex real time
      PCR assay for determination of SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe and validate a new protocol for molecular diagnosis of
      spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a frequent neuromuscular disease of childhood.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: SMA is caused in most cases by homozygous deletion of the
      SMN1 gene. We describe a triplex quantitative real-time PCR method in which
      fragments of SMN1, SMN2 (a nearly-identical neighboring gene with markedly
      reduced function) and of a control gene, CFTR, are amplified in the same tube.
      RESULTS: We validated this method in three ways. First, testing the same samples
      ten times yielded CV values <4.6%. Second, in 104 previously-genotyped
      individuals, SMN copy numbers identical to those of the previously-determined
      genotype was unambiguously obtained in all cases. Finally, results using the
      technique in practice are described and analyzed for reproducibility of
      amplification efficiency and for inter-run variability. CONCLUSIONS: In over 1200
      samples, this technique has proven accurate, fast, economical and reproducible.

PMID- 22085535
TI  - Enhancer-driven chromatin interactions during development promote escape from
      silencing by a long non-coding RNA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene regulation in eukaryotes is a complex process entailing the
      establishment of transcriptionally silent chromatin domains interspersed with
      regions of active transcription. Imprinted domains consist of clusters of genes,
      some of which exhibit parent-of-origin dependent monoallelic expression, while
      others are biallelic. The Kcnq1 imprinted domain illustrates the complexities of
      long-range regulation that coexists with local exceptions. A paternally expressed
      repressive non-coding RNA, Kcnq1ot1, regulates a domain of up to 750 kb,
      encompassing 14 genes. We study how the Kcnq1 gene, initially silenced by
      Kcnq1ot1, undergoes tissue-specific escape from imprinting during development.
      Specifically, we uncover the role of chromosome conformation during these events.
      RESULTS: We show that Kcnq1 transitions from monoallelic to biallelic expression
      during mid gestation in the developing heart. This transition is not associated
      with the loss of methylation on the Kcnq1 promoter. However, by exploiting
      chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology, we find tissue-specific and
      stage-specific chromatin loops between the Kcnq1 promoter and newly identified
      DNA regulatory elements. These regulatory elements showed in vitro activity in a
      luciferase assay and in vivo activity in transgenic embryos. CONCLUSIONS: By
      exploring the spatial organization of the Kcnq1 locus, our results reveal a novel
      mechanism by which local activation of genes can override the regional silencing
      effects of non-coding RNAs.

PMID- 22085536
TI  - Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey about antimicrobial resistance and
      prescribing among physicians in a hospital setting in Lima, Peru.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Misuse of antimicrobials (AMs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are
      global concerns. The present study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices
      about AMR and AM prescribing among medical doctors in two large public hospitals
      in Lima, Peru, a middle-income country. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a
      self-administered questionnaire RESULTS: A total of 256 participants completed
      the questionnaire (response rate 82%). Theoretical knowledge was good (mean score
      of 6 +/- 1.3 on 7 questions) in contrast to poor awareness (< 33%) of local AMR
      rates of key-pathogens. Participants strongly agreed that AMR is a problem
      worldwide (70%) and in Peru (65%), but less in their own practice (22%). AM
      overuse was perceived both for the community (96%) and the hospital settings
      (90%). Patients' pressure to prescribing AMs was considered as contributing to AM
      overuse in the community (72%) more than in the hospital setting (50%).
      Confidence among AM prescribing was higher among attending physicians (82%)
      compared to residents (30%, p < 0.001%). Sources of information considered as
      very useful/useful included pocket-based AM prescribing guidelines (69%) and
      internet sources (62%). Fifty seven percent of participants regarded AMs in their
      hospitals to be of poor quality. Participants requested more AM prescribing
      educational programs (96%) and local AM guidelines (92%). CONCLUSIONS: This
      survey revealed topics to address during future AM prescribing interventions such
      as dissemination of information about local AMR rates, promoting confidence in
      the quality of locally available AMs, redaction and dissemination of local AM
      guidelines and addressing the general public, and exploring the possibilities of
      internet-based training.

PMID- 22085537
TI  - Analytical determination of apparent stability constants using a copper ion
      selective electrode.
AB  - Copper(II) complexes of di-, tri- and tetra peptides with previously published
      protonation constants were re-investigated using pH and copper ion selective
      electrode (ISE) potentiometry in conjunction with a modified version of HYPERQUAD
      computer program. The purpose was to demonstrate the suitability of the ISE
      approach for the determination of apparent stability constants for copper(II)
      complexes with ligands for which proton stability constants were not available.
      The interactions of Cu(2+) with oligopeptides were also analysed using surface
      enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-ToF
      MS). The results provide an insight into the metal complex species formed, their
      apparent stabilities under selected conditions and the effect of the relative
      positions of certain amino acids within the peptide sequence.

PMID- 22085538
TI  - Biogenic amines in the nervous system of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana
      following envenomation by the jewel wasp, Ampulex compressa.
AB  - The emerald jewel wasp, Ampulex compressa, exploits the American cockroach,
      Periplaneta americana, as a host for its progeny. The wasp subdues the host by
      stinging directly into the brain and subesophageal ganglion, inducing long-term
      hypokinesia. The hypokinesic host lacks normal escape behavior and motivation to
      walk, making it easy for subjugation by the wasp. The mechanism underlying
      hypokinesia induction is not known, but depletion of monoamines induces behavior
      resembling venom-induced hypokinesia. To test whether amine depletion occurs in
      stung animals, we used high-performance liquid chromatography with
      electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) to measure quantitatively amine levels in the
      central nervous system. Our data show clearly that levels of dopamine, serotonin,
      octopamine and tyramine remain unchanged in stung animals, whereas animals
      treated with reserpine exhibited marked depletion of all amines sampled.
      Furthermore, stung animals treated with reserpine show depletion of amines,
      demonstrating that envenomation also does not interfere with amine release. These
      results show that hypokinesia induced by Ampulex venom does not result from amine
      depletion or inability to release monoamines in the central nervous system.

PMID- 22085539
TI  - Determination of fatty acids in broiler breast meat by near-infrared reflectance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
      (NIRS) calibrations for determination of the fatty acids (FA) in broiler breast
      meat. A total of 144 breast meat samples were freeze-dried and divided into
      calibration set and validation set. Calibration models were developed for FA
      including C14:0, C16:0, C16:1n-7, C18:0, C18:1n-7, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3,
      C18:3n-6, C20:0, C20:1n-9, C20:2n-6, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3, C22:4n-6, C22:6n-3,
      C24:0 and C24:1n-9. Calibration models for FA groups were also developed.
      Calibrations based on the absolute FA content were more accurate than those based
      on the relative composition (%). The coefficients of determination of FA and FA
      groups (based on the absolute content) except C18:3n-6, C20:0, C20:2n-6 and
      C24:1n-9, were between 0.86 and 0.98 for calibration, and 0.83 and 0.97 for
      validation. The results indicate NIRS can be a feasible and rapid method for
      determination of FA with a mean concentration over 0.10g/kg.

PMID- 22085540
TI  - OmniMapFree: a unified tool to visualise and explore sequenced genomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acquiring and exploring whole genome sequence information for a
      species under investigation is now a routine experimental approach. On most
      genome browsers, typically, only the DNA sequence, EST support, motif search
      results, and GO annotations are displayed. However, for many species, a growing
      volume of additional experimental information is available but this is rarely
      searchable within the landscape of the entire genome. * RESULTS: We have
      developed a generic software which permits users to view a single genome in
      entirety either within its chromosome or supercontig context within a single
      window. This software permits the genome to be displayed at any scales and with
      any features. Different data types and data sets are displayed onto the genome,
      which have been acquired from other types of studies including classical
      genetics, forward and reverse genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics and improved
      annotation from alternative sources. In each display, different types of
      information can be overlapped, then retrieved in the desired combinations and
      scales and used in follow up analyses. The displays generated are of publication
      quality. * CONCLUSIONS: OmniMapFree provides a unified, versatile and easy-to-use
      software tool for studying a single genome in association with all the other
      datasets and data types available for the organism.

PMID- 22085541
TI  - Heterologous production and characterisation of two distinct dihaem-containing
      membrane integral cytochrome b(561) enzymes from Arabidopsis thaliana in Pichia
      pastoris and Escherichia coli cells.
AB  - Cytochrome (cyt) b(561) proteins are dihaem-containing membrane proteins,
      belonging to the CYBASC (cytochrome-b(561)-ascorbate-reducible) family, and are
      proposed to be involved in ascorbate recycling and/or the facilitation of iron
      absorption. Here, we present the heterologous production of two cyt b(561)
      paralogs from Arabidopsis thaliana (Acytb(561)-A, Acytb(561)-B) in Escherichia
      coli and Pichia pastoris, their purification, and initial characterisation.
      Spectra indicated that Acytb(561)-A resembles the best characterised member of
      the CYBASC family, the cytochrome b(561) from adrenomedullary chromaffin
      vesicles, and that Acytb(561)-B is atypical compared to other CYBASC proteins.
      Haem oxidation-reduction midpoint potential (E(M)) values were found to be fully
      consistent with ascorbate oxidation activities and Fe(3+)-chelates reductase
      activities. The ascorbate dependent reduction and protein stability of both
      paralogs were found to be sensitive to alkaline pH values as reported for the
      cytochrome b(561) from chromaffin vesicles. For both paralogs, ascorbate
      dependent reduction was inhibited and the low-potential haem E(M) values were
      affected significantly by incubation with diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) in the
      absence of ascorbate. Modification with DEPC in the presence of ascorbate left
      the haem E(M) values unaltered compared to the unmodified proteins. However,
      ascorbate reduction was inhibited. We concluded that the ascorbate-binding site
      is located near the low-potential haem with the Fe(3+)-chelates reduction-site
      close to the high-potential haem. Furthermore, inhibition of ascorbate oxidation
      by DEPC treatment occurs not only by lowering the haem E(M) values but also by an
      additional modification affecting ascorbate binding and/or electron transfer.
      Analytical gel filtration experiments suggest that both cyt b(561) paralogs exist
      as homodimers.

PMID- 22085542
TI  - CNK3 and IPCEF1 produce a single protein that is required for HGF dependent Arf6
      activation and migration.
AB  - Epithelial cells are largely immotile under normal circumstances, but become
      motile during development, repair of tissue damage and during cancer metastasis.
      Numerous growth factors act to initiate epithelial cell movements. Hepatocyte
      growth factor (HGF) induces many epithelial cell lines to begin crawling. A
      number of small GTPases act downstream of HGF to alter cell shape and promote
      movement. Arf6 is one of these GTPases that can alter the cortical actin
      cytoskeleton and promote epithelial movement. Activation of Arf6 in MDCK cells by
      its guanine nucleotide exchange factor cytohesin 2/ARNO produces a scattering
      response strikingly reminiscent of the action of HGF. We have previously shown
      that IPCEF1, a scaffold that binds to cytohesin 2, is required for cytohesin
      induced scattering. We report here that IPCEF1 is actually the C-terminal half of
      CNK3. CNKs are scaffolds involved in signal transduction downstream of Ras. We
      have found that both MDCK and CaCo-2 cells express a fused CNK3/IPCEF1 protein.
      Knockdown of this protein impairs HGF-induced Arf6 activation and migration in
      response to HGF treatment.

PMID- 22085544
TI  - Optical properties of exfoliated MoS2 coaxial nanotubes - analogues of graphene.
AB  - We report on the first exfoliation of MoS2 coaxial nanotubes. The single-layer
      flakes, as the result of exfoliation, represent the transition metal
      dichalcogenides' analogue of graphene. They show a very low degree of restacking
      in comparison with exfoliation of MoS2 plate-like crystals. MoS2 monolayers were
      investigated by means of electron and atomic force microscopies, showing their
      structure, and ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, revealing quantum confinement as
      the consequence of the nanoscale size in the z-direction.

PMID- 22085543
TI  - Long-term perturbation of muscle iron homeostasis following hindlimb suspension
      in old rats is associated with high levels of oxidative stress and impaired
      recovery from atrophy.
AB  - In the present study, we investigated the effects of 7 and 14 days of re-loading
      following 14-day muscle unweighting (hindlimb suspension, HS) on iron transport,
      non-heme iron levels and oxidative damage in the gastrocnemius muscle of young (6
      months) and old (32 months) male Fischer 344*Brown Norway rats. Our results
      demonstrated that old rats had lower muscle mass, higher levels of total non-heme
      iron and oxidative damage in skeletal muscle in comparison with young rats. Non
      heme iron concentrations and total non-heme iron amounts were 3.4- and 2.3-fold
      higher in aged rats as compared with their young counterparts, respectively.
      Seven and 14 days of re-loading was associated with higher muscle weights in
      young animals as compared with age-matched HS rats, but there was no difference
      in muscle weights among aged HS, 7 and 14 days of re-loading rats, indicating
      that aged rats may have a lower adaptability to muscle disuse and a lower
      capacity to recover from muscle atrophy. Protein levels of cellular iron
      transporters, such as divalent metal transport-1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor-1
      (TfR1), Zip14, and ferroportin (FPN), and their mRNA abundance were determined.
      TfR1 protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower in aged muscle. Seven and
      14 days of re-loading were associated with higher TfR1 mRNA and protein levels in
      young animals in comparison with their age-matched HS counterparts, but there was
      no difference between cohorts in aged animals, suggesting adaptive responses in
      the old to cope with iron deregulation. The extremely low expression of FPN in
      skeletal muscle might lead to inefficient iron export in the presence of iron
      overload and play a critical role in age-related iron accumulation in skeletal
      muscle. Moreover, oxidative stress was much greater in the muscles of the older
      animals measured as 4-hydroxy-2-nonhenal (HNE)-modified proteins and 8-oxo-7,8
      dihydroguanosine levels. These markers remained fairly constant with either HS or
      re-loading in young rats. In old rats, HNE-modified proteins and 8-oxo-7,8
      dihydroguanosine levels were markedly higher in HS and were lower after 7 days of
      recovery. However, no difference was observed following 14 days of recovery
      between control and re-loading animals. In conclusion, advanced age is associated
      with disruption of muscle iron metabolism which is further perturbed by disuse
      and persists over a longer time period.

PMID- 22085545
TI  - Cationic liposome-DNA complexes (CLDC) adjuvant enhances the immunogenicity and
      cross-protective efficacy of a pre-pandemic influenza A H5N1 vaccine in mice.
AB  - The development of pre-pandemic influenza A H5N1 vaccines that confer both
      antigen-sparing and cross-clade protection are a high priority given the limited
      worldwide capacity for influenza vaccine production, and the antigenic and
      genetic heterogeneity of circulating H5N1 viruses. The inclusion of potent
      adjuvants in vaccine formulations may achieve both of these aims. Here we show
      that the addition of JVRS-100, an adjuvant consisting of cationic liposome-DNA
      complexes (CLDC) to a clade 1-derived H5N1 split vaccine induced significantly
      higher virus-specific antibody than unadjuvanted formulations, with a >30-fold
      dose-sparing effect and induction of increased antigen-specific CD4(+) T-cell
      responses in mice. All mice that received one dose of adjuvanted vaccine and
      subsequent H5N1 viral challenges exhibited mild illness, lower lung viral titers,
      undetectable spleen and brain viral titers, and 100% survival after either
      homologous clade 1 or heterologous clade 2 H5N1 viral challenges, whereas
      unadjuvanted vaccine recipients showed significantly increased weight loss, viral
      titers, and mortality. The protective immunity induced by JVRS-100 adjuvanted
      H5N1 vaccine was shown to last for over one year without significant waning.
      Thus, JVRS-100 adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine elicited enhanced humoral and T-cell
      responses, dose-sparing, and cross-clade protection in mice. CLDC holds promise
      as an adjuvant for human pre-pandemic inactivated H5N1 vaccines.

PMID- 22085546
TI  - Differential effects of monophosphoryl lipid A and cytokine cocktail as
      maturation stimuli of immunogenic and tolerogenic dendritic cells for
      immunotherapy.
AB  - Immunotherapy using monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) is increasingly being
      considered as alternative therapeutic approach in cancer, infectious diseases and
      also in autoimmunity when patients are not responsive to conventional treatments.
      In general, generation of MDDC from monocytes is induced in the presence of GM
      CSF and IL-4, and a maturation stimulus is added to the culture to obtain mature
      DCs suitable for therapy. For DC maturation, different combinations of pro
      inflammatory mediators and Toll-like receptor ligands have been tested, obtaining
      DCs that differ in their properties and the type of immune response they promote.
      Therefore, it is necessary to find an optimal cytokine environment for DC
      maturation to obtain a cellular product suitable for DC-based immunotherapeutic
      protocols. In this study, we have evaluated in vitro the effects of different
      maturation stimuli on the viability, phenotype, cytokine profile, stability and
      functionality of immunogenic and tolerogenic (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)
      treated) MDDC. Maturation was induced using the clinical grade TLR4-agonist:
      monophosphoryl lipid A (LA), compared to the traditional cytokine cocktail (CC;
      clinical grade TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, PGE2) and a combination of both. Our results
      showed the combination of CC+LA rendered a potent immunogenic DC population that
      induced the production of IFN-gamma and IL-17 in allogeneic co-cultures,
      suggesting a Th17 polarization. Moreover, these immunogenic DCs showed a high
      surface expression of CD83, CD86, HLA-DR and secretion of IL-12p70. When aiming
      to induce tolerance, using LA to generate mature TolDC did not represent a clear
      advantage, and the stability and the suppressive capability exhibited by CC
      matured TolDC may represent the best option. Altogether, these findings
      demonstrate the relevance of an appropriate maturation stimulus to rationally
      modulate the therapeutic potential of DCs in immunotherapy.

PMID- 22085547
TI  - Direct and indirect impact of influenza vaccination of young children on school
      absenteeism.
AB  - Special mass influenza vaccination programs of elementary school-aged children
      (ESAC) in some or all Maryland Counties were conducted during the falls of 2005
      2007. From 3% to 46% of ESAC received live attenuated influenza vaccine during
      these county programs, which were in addition to routine influenza vaccination
      efforts conducted in county medical offices. Anonymous, all cause public school
      absentee data for all grades was available from 11 of Maryland's 24 counties.
      Binomial regression was used to estimate associations between the percentage of
      children vaccinated in each county and the degree of increase in absenteeism
      rates during influenza outbreaks. We estimated that, for every 20% increase in
      vaccination rates for ESAC during these special programs, a 4% decrease in the
      rise in absentee rates occurred during influenza outbreak periods in both
      elementary and upper schools (P<0.05). These results suggest both direct and
      indirect benefits of influenza vaccination of young children.

PMID- 22085548
TI  - Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a vaxfectin-adjuvanted tetravalent
      dengue DNA vaccine.
AB  - A prototype dengue-1 DNA vaccine was shown to be safe and immunogenic in a
      previous Phase 1 clinical trial. Anti-dengue-1 neutralizing antibody responses
      were detectable only in the group of volunteers receiving the high dose of
      nonadjuvanted vaccine and the antibody titers were low. Vaxfectin((r)), a lipid
      based adjuvant, enhances the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. We conducted a
      nonhuman primate study to evaluate the effect of Vaxfectin((r)) on the
      immunogenicity of a tetravalent dengue DNA vaccine. Animals were immunized on
      days 0, 28 and 84, with each immunization consisting of 3mg of Vaxfectin((r))
      adjuvanted tetravalent dengue DNA vaccine. The use of Vaxfectin((r)) resulted in
      a significant increase in anti-dengue neutralizing antibody responses against
      dengue-1, -3 and -4. There was little to no effect on T cell responses as
      measured by interferon gamma ELISPOT assay. Animals immunized with the
      Vaxfectin((r))-formulated tetravalent DNA vaccine showed significant protection
      against live dengue-2 virus challenge compared to control animals (0.75 mean days
      of viremia vs 3.3 days). Animals vaccinated with nonadjuvanted DNA had a mean 2.0
      days of viremia. These results support further evaluation of the Vaxfectin((r))
      adjuvanted tetravalent dengue DNA vaccine in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

PMID- 22085549
TI  - Control of tick infestations in cattle vaccinated with bacterial membranes
      containing surface-exposed tick protective antigens.
AB  - Vaccines containing the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus BM86 and BM95
      antigens protect cattle against tick infestations. Tick subolesin (SUB),
      elongation factor 1a (EF1a) and ubiquitin (UBQ) are new candidate protective
      antigens for the control of cattle tick infestations. Previous studies showed
      that R. microplus BM95 immunogenic peptides fused to the Anaplasma marginale
      major surface protein (MSP) 1a N-terminal region (BM95-MSP1a) for presentation on
      the Escherichia coli membrane were protective against R. microplus infestations
      in rabbits. In this study, we extended these results by expressing SUB-MSP1a,
      EF1a-MSP1a and UBQ-MSP1a fusion proteins on the E. coli membrane using this
      system and demonstrating that bacterial membranes containing the chimeric
      proteins BM95-MSP1a and SUB-MSP1a were protective (>60% vaccine efficacy) against
      experimental R. microplus and Rhipicephalus annulatus infestations in cattle.
      This system provides a novel, simple and cost-effective approach for the
      production of tick protective antigens by surface display of antigenic protein
      chimera on the E. coli membrane and demonstrates the possibility of using
      recombinant bacterial membrane fractions in vaccine preparations to protect
      cattle against tick infestations.

PMID- 22085550
TI  - Impact of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b with and without a
      booster dose on meningitis in four South American countries.
AB  - To inform World Health Organization recommendations regarding use of Haemophilus
      influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines in national immunization programs, a multi
      country evaluation of trends in Hib meningitis incidence and prevalence of
      nasopharyngeal Hib carriage was conducted in four South American countries using
      either a primary, three-dose immunization schedule without a booster dose or with
      a booster dose in the second year of life. Surveillance data suggest that high
      coverage of Hib conjugate vaccine sustained low incidence of Hib meningitis and
      low prevalence of Hib carriage whether or not a booster dose was used.

PMID- 22085551
TI  - Development of orf virus as a bifunctional recombinant vaccine: surface display
      of Echinococcus granulosus antigen EG95 by fusion to membrane structural
      proteins.
AB  - The parapoxvirus, orf virus (ORFV) causes superficial skin lesions in infected
      sheep. Unattenuated ORFV is used globally to vaccinate against orf. Recombinant
      poxviruses are proven delivery systems and we investigated strategies to express
      the immunogenic Echinococcus granulosus peptide EG95 from ORFV with the aim of
      developing a recombinant bivalent vaccine. EG95 is an oncosphere protein of the
      cestode E. granulosus, a parasite responsible for causing cystic hydatid disease
      in a wide range of hosts including humans and grazing animals such as sheep.
      Recombinant viruses were produced in which EG95 was expressed by itself or fused
      to ORFV envelope-associated structural proteins 10 kDa and F1L. Infection studies
      in sheep showed that specific antibodies were produced against ORFV and EG95 and
      that the antibody levels against EG95 were comparable to that of animals
      immunized with purified EG95 in Quil A adjuvant, an immunization regime that is
      known to afford protection. A single exposure to the dual vaccine has potential
      for protecting lambs against orf and for priming against EG95 so as to respond
      strongly to a later injection of EG95 protein.

PMID- 22085552
TI  - Replication and pathogenicity of attenuated human metapneumovirus F mutants in
      severe combined immunodeficiency mice.
AB  - This study was to evaluate the replication and pathogenicity of attenuated human
      metapneumovirus (HMPV) mutants in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice.
      SCID mice were intranasally infected with either wild type GFP-rHMPV (WT), or
      mutant viruses (M1, M2 and M4) with the N-linked glycosylation(s) of the F
      protein removed. The organs were collected for viral isolation, titration,
      pulmonary histopathology and mRNA detection by PCR at different time points. WT
      or mutant viruses were successfully isolated from the lungs of infected mice
      after inoculation. The titers of WT and M1 peaked on 5th day and remained
      detectable until 14th day post-inoculation. M2 reached approximately 4 logs lower
      titer on 5th and 9th day post-inoculation as compared to WT and M1. M4 showed
      similar growth kinetics to M2. Viral signal was never detected from the heart,
      liver, spleen, kidney and brain on 5th day post-inoculation. The pulmonary
      pathology score in the M1 infected mice was similar to WT infected mice but
      higher than in M2 or M4 infected mice. WT and HMPV mutants can thus only
      replicate in the lungs of SCID mice. Attenuated M2 and M4 may be considered as
      candidates for the preparation of vaccine against HMPV.

PMID- 22085554
TI  - HLA class II restriction of HIV-1 clade-specific neutralizing antibody responses
      in ethnic Thai recipients of the RV144 prime-boost vaccine combination of ALVAC
      HIV and AIDSVAX((r)) B/E.
AB  - Immune responses to vaccines may be influenced or associated with allelic
      variants of host genes such as those encoding human leucocyte antigens (HLA). We
      have molecularly determined the HLA class II DR and DQ gene, allele and haploype
      profiles in HIV-1 negative ethnic Thai recipients of an HIV-1 prime boost vaccine
      regimen, designed to induce neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses to HIV-1
      CRF01_AE. Non-response to vaccine associated with DRB1*11 (3/32 responders vs.
      7/13 non-responders, p(c)=0.027) and DRB1*16:02 (0/32 responders vs. 4/13 non
      responders, p(c)=0.078) alleles. Furthermore, vaccine recipients with HLA-DQ
      heterodimers encoded by DQA1*05:01 and DQB1*03:01 alleles, were much less likely
      to produce NAb (p=0.009). These data suggest that the lack of response to a
      vaccine designed to induce clade-specific NAb to HIV-1 is associated with the
      presence of certain HLA class II alleles and heterodimers in some Southeast
      Asians.

PMID- 22085553
TI  - The development and clinical evaluation of second-generation leishmaniasis
      vaccines.
AB  - Infection with Leishmania parasites results in a range of clinical manifestations
      and outcomes. Control of Leishmania parasite transmission is extremely difficult
      due to the large number of vectors and potential reservoirs, and none of the
      current treatments are ideal. Vaccination could be an effective strategy to
      provide sustained control. In this review, the current global situation with
      regard to leishmaniasis, the immunology of Leishmania infection and various
      efforts to identify second generation vaccine candidates are briefly discussed.
      The variety of clinical trials conducted using the only current second generation
      vaccine approved for clinical use, LEISH-F1+MPL-SE, are described. Given that
      epidemiological evidence suggests that reducing the canine reservoir also
      positively impacts human incidence, efforts at providing a vaccine for
      leishmaniasis in dogs are highlighted. Finally, potential refinements and
      surrogate markers that could expedite the introduction of a vaccine that can
      limit the severity and incidence of leishmaniasis are discussed.

PMID- 22085555
TI  - Direct costs of a single case of refugee-imported measles in Kentucky.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Refugees are highly vulnerable populations with limited access to
      health care services. The United States accepts 50,000-75,000 refugees for
      resettlement annually. Despite residing in camps and other locations where
      vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, such as measles, occur frequently,
      refugees are not required to have any vaccinations before they arrive in the
      United States. PURPOSE: We estimated the medical and public-health response costs
      of a case of measles imported into Kentucky by a refugee. METHODS: The Kentucky
      Refugee Health Coordinator recorded the time and labor of local, state, and some
      federal personnel involved in caring for the refugee and implementing the public
      health response activities. Secondary sources were used to estimate the labor and
      medical care costs of the event. RESULTS: The total costs to conduct the response
      to the disease event were approximately $25,000. All costs were incurred by
      government, either public health department or federal, because refugee health
      costs are paid by the federal government and the event response costs are covered
      by the public health department. CONCLUSION: A potentially preventable case of
      measles that was imported into the United States cost approximately $25,000 for
      the public health response. RECOMMENDATION: To maintain the elimination of
      measles transmission in the United States, U.S.-bound refugees should be
      vaccinated overseas. A refugee vaccination program administered during the
      overseas health assessment has the potential to reduce the risk of importation of
      measles and other vaccine-preventable disease and would eliminate costs
      associated with public health response to imported cases and outbreaks.

PMID- 22085556
TI  - New insights in mucosal vaccine development.
AB  - Mucosal surfaces are the major entrance for infectious pathogens and therefore
      mucosal immune responses serve as a first line of defence. Most current
      immunization procedures are obtained by parenteral injection and only few
      vaccines are administered by mucosal route, because of its low efficiency.
      However, targeting of mucosal compartments to induce protective immunity at both
      mucosal sites and systemic level represents a great challenge. Major efforts are
      made to develop new mucosal candidate vaccines by selecting appropriate antigens
      with high immunogenicity, designing new mucosal routes of administration and
      selecting immune-stimulatory adjuvant molecules. The aim of mucosal vaccines is
      to induce broad potent protective immunity by specific neutralizing antibodies at
      mucosal surfaces and by induction of cellular immunity. Moreover, an efficient
      mucosal vaccine would make immunization procedures easier and be better suited
      for mass administration. This review focuses on contemporary developments of
      mucosal vaccination approaches using different routes of administration.

PMID- 22085557
TI  - Rabies vaccination for international travelers.
AB  - Rabies prevention in travelers is a controversial issue. According to experts,
      the decision to vaccinate results from an individual risk assessment based on the
      duration of stay, the likelihood of engagement in at-risk activities, the age of
      the traveler, the rabies endemicity and access to appropriate medical care in the
      country of destination. However, no detailed information is available regarding
      the last two determinants in many regions. Twenty-two cases of rabies were
      reported in tourists, expatriates and migrant travelers over the last decade,
      including three cases following short-term travel of no more than two weeks.
      Studies on rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in travelers show that overall,
      0.4% (range 0.01-2.3%) of travelers have experienced an at-risk bite per month of
      stay in a rabies-endemic country, while 31% of expatriates and 12% of tourists
      were vaccinated against rabies before traveling. The main reason cited by
      travelers for not being vaccinated is the cost of the vaccine. The majority of
      patients who sustained a high risk injury was not vaccinated against rabies
      before traveling and were not properly treated abroad. From available studies,
      the following risk factors for injuries sustained from potentially rabid animals
      may be identified: traveling to South-East Asia, India or North Africa, young
      age, and traveling for tourism. The duration of travel does not appear to be a
      risk factor. It should be noted that "at-risk activities" have not been addressed
      in these studies. Detailed rabies distribution maps and information on the
      availability of rabies biologics are urgently needed in order to identify those
      travelers who need pre-travel vaccination. Meanwhile, cost-minimization of rabies
      pre-exposure vaccination may be achieved in several ways, notably by using the
      intra-dermal method of vaccination.

PMID- 22085558
TI  - Mechanisms of endometrial progesterone resistance.
AB  - Throughout the reproductive years, the rise and fall in ovarian hormones elicit
      in the endometrium waves of cell proliferation, differentiation, recruitment of
      inflammatory cells, apoptosis, tissue breakdown and regeneration. The activated
      progesterone receptor, a member of the superfamily of ligand-dependent
      transcription factors, is the master regulator of this intense tissue remodelling
      process in the uterus. Its activity is tightly regulated by interaction with cell
      specific transcription factors and coregulators as well as by specific
      posttranslational modifications that respond dynamically to a variety of
      environmental and inflammatory signals. Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory
      disorder, disrupts coordinated progesterone responses throughout the reproductive
      tract, including in the endometrium. This phenomenon is increasingly referred to
      as 'progesterone resistance'. Emerging evidence suggests that progesterone
      resistance in endometriosis is not just a consequence of perturbed progesterone
      signal transduction caused by chronic inflammation but associated with epigenetic
      chromatin changes that determine the intrinsic responsiveness of endometrial
      cells to differentiation cues.

PMID- 22085559
TI  - New paradigms in cAMP signalling.
AB  - Signalling through adenosine 3'5' monophosphate (cAMP) is known to be important
      in virtually every cell. The mapping of the human genome over the past two
      decades has revealed an unexpected complexity of cAMP signalling, which is shared
      from insects to mammals. A more recent technical advance is the ability to
      monitor intracellular cAMP levels at subcellular spatial resolution within the
      time-domains of fast biochemical reactions. Thus, new light has been shed on old
      paradigms, some of which turn out to be multiple new ones. The novel aspects of
      cAMP signalling are highlighted here: (1) agonist induced plasticity - showing
      how the repertory of cAMP signalling genes supports homeostatic adaptation; (2)
      sustained cAMP signalling after endocytosis; (3) pre-assembled receptor-Gs
      adenylyl cyclase complexes. Finally, a hypothetical model of propagating neuronal
      cAMP signals travelling form dendrites to the cell body is presented.

PMID- 22085560
TI  - 4-Hydroxynonenal differentially regulates adiponectin gene expression and
      secretion via activating PPARgamma and accelerating ubiquitin-proteasome
      degradation.
AB  - Although well-established, the underlying mechanisms involved in obesity-related
      plasma adiponectin decline remain elusive. Oxidative stress is associated with
      obesity and insulin resistance and considered to contribute to the progression
      toward obesity-related metabolic disorders. In this study, we investigated the
      effects of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), the most abundant lipid peroxidation end
      product, on adiponectin production and its potential implication in obesity
      related adiponectin decrease. Long-term high-fat diet feeding led to obesity in
      mouse, accompanied by decreased plasma adiponectin and increased adipose tissue 4
      HNE content. Exposure of adipocytes to exogenous 4-HNE resulted in decreased
      adiponectin secretion in a dose-dependent manner, which was consistent with
      significantly decreased intracellular adiponectin protein abundance. In contrast,
      adiponectin gene expression was significantly elevated by 4-HNE treatment, which
      was concomitant with increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      (PPAR-gamma) gene expression and transactivity. The effect was abolished by
      T0070907, a PPAR-gamma antagonist, suggesting that PPAR-gamma activation plays a
      critical role in this process. To gain insight into mechanisms involved in
      adiponectin protein decrease, we examined the effects of 4-HNE on adiponectin
      protein degradation. Cycloheximide (CHX)-chase assay revealed that 4-HNE exposure
      accelerated adiponectin protein degradation, which was prevented by MG132, a
      potent proteasome inhibitor. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that 4-HNE exposure
      increased ubiquitinated adiponectin protein levels. These data altogether
      indicated that 4-HNE enhanced adiponectin protein degradation via ubiquitin
      proteasome system. Finally, we demonstrated that supplementation of HF diet with
      betaine, an antioxidant and methyl donor, alleviated high-fat-induced adipose
      tissue 4-HNE increase and attenuated plasma adiponectin decline. Taken together,
      our findings suggest that the lipid peroxidation product 4-HNE can differentially
      regulates adiponectin gene expression and protein abundance and may play a
      mechanistic role in obesity-related plasma adiponectin decline.

PMID- 22085562
TI  - [A woman with 'year rings' on her nails].
AB  - A 50-year-old woman developed Mees' lines on her nails after chemotherapy for
      infiltrating lobulair carcinoma of the breast.

PMID- 22085561
TI  - Characterization of highly efficient heavy-ion mutagenesis in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heavy-ion mutagenesis is recognised as a powerful technology to
      generate new mutants, especially in higher plants. Heavy-ion beams show high
      linear energy transfer (LET) and thus more effectively induce DNA double-strand
      breaks than other mutagenic techniques. Previously, we determined the most
      effective heavy-ion LET (LETmax: 30.0 keV MUm(-1)) for Arabidopsis mutagenesis by
      analysing the effect of LET on mutation induction. However, the molecular
      structure of mutated DNA induced by heavy ions with LETmax remains unclear.
      Knowledge of the structure of mutated DNA will contribute to the effective
      exploitation of heavy-ion beam mutagenesis. RESULTS: Dry Arabidopsis thaliana
      seeds were irradiated with carbon (C) ions with LETmax at a dose of 400 Gy and
      with LET of 22.5 keV MUm(-1) at doses of 250 Gy or 450 Gy. The effects on
      mutation frequency and alteration of DNA structure were compared. To characterise
      the structure of mutated DNA, we screened the well-characterised mutants
      elongated hypocotyls (hy) and glabrous (gl) and identified mutated DNA among the
      resulting mutants by high-resolution melting curve, PCR and sequencing analyses.
      The mutation frequency induced by C ions with LETmax was two-fold higher than
      that with 22.5 keV MUm(-1) and similar to the mutation frequency previously
      induced by ethyl methane sulfonate. We identified the structure of 22 mutated
      DNAs. Over 80% of the mutations caused by C ions with both LETs were base
      substitutions or deletions/insertions of less than 100 bp. The other mutations
      involved large rearrangements. CONCLUSIONS: The C ions with LETmax showed high
      mutation efficiency and predominantly induced base substitutions or small
      deletions/insertions, most of which were null mutations. These small alterations
      can be determined by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection systems.
      Therefore, C ions with LETmax might be useful as a highly efficient reverse
      genetic system in conjunction with SNP detection systems, and will be beneficial
      for forward genetics and plant breeding.

PMID- 22085564
TI  - [Measuring quality of life in every oncological patient].
AB  - There are indications that in cancer patients quality of life is a better
      predictor of survival than clinical measures such as tumour response and stage of
      disease. In addition, health care professionals' expectations about the effect of
      a particular treatment on quality of life often do not correspond with the
      experience of the patient. These are all reasons for every oncological patient to
      complete a short questionnaire on quality of life. Using this questionnaire can
      improve communication between care provider and patient, and also give the care
      provider insight into the problems that are important to the patient at that
      time. This insight could subsequently lead to counseling tailored to the patient,
      and, if necessary, modification of treatment or referral for supportive care. A
      second aim is to link information on quality of life to clinical pathways and
      treatment guidelines.

PMID- 22085565
TI  - [Scalp cooling for chemotherapy-induced alopecia].
AB  - Alopecia is a very common side effect of cytostatic therapy and is considered one
      of the most emotionally distressing effects. To prevent alopecia scalp cooling is
      currently used in some indications in medical oncology in 59 hospitals in the
      Netherlands. The success of scalp cooling depends on various factors such as type
      of chemotherapy, dose, infusion time, number of treatment cycles and combinations
      of drugs. In general, scalp cooling is well tolerated. The reported side-effects
      are headache, coldness, dizziness and sometimes claustrophobia. An increase in
      the risk of scalp metastases has not been demonstrated. Proceeding from the South
      Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Centre a national working group is put together
      in order to draw up a national guideline for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

PMID- 22085566
TI  - [Issues around diffuse glioma].
AB  - Progress in treating diffuse gliomas remains limited and is principally concerned
      with the confirmation that cystostatics as nitrosureum derivatives and
      temozolomide play a role in the treatment of these tumours. At molecular level,
      diffuse gliomas are a heterogeneous group of tumours. This seems to be an
      important explanation of why so far no important breakthrough in the treatment of
      these tumours has been achieved. It is thought that abnormal activation of
      various molecular signal systems working in parallel in the tumour cell are an
      important cause of the absence of efficacy of the targeted agents; the inhibition
      of only one target appears inadequate.

PMID- 22085567
TI  - [Centralising cancer treatment: a good idea].
AB  - The complexity of diagnosis and treatment for common cancers is rapidly
      increasing due to multimodality treatment options, advanced imaging, molecular
      pathology and 'personalized medicine'. To achieve the best chances for cure,
      treatment centres need to invest in highly trained personnel, including all the
      necessary diagnostic and therapeutic subspecialists, and in high-tech facilities.
      In the Netherlands, many patients receive care in community hospitals that lack
      key members of a treatment team (e.g. the radiotherapist). Such teams may depend
      on weekly or biweekly cancer conferences with external experts to arrive at
      patient-management decisions. It is recommended that such hospitals either
      upgrade their teams and facilities or refer their patients to a hospital that has
      an established cancer centre.

PMID- 22085568
TI  - [Issues around melanoma].
AB  - Over the past 30 years little progress has been made in the treatment of patients
      with a metastatic melanoma. Recently there have been two new developments. One of
      these is ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the function of the
      protein cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) which inhibits
      activated T lymphocytes. This gives the immune system a chance to build up an
      immune response to the melanoma. The other development is vemurafenib, a small
      molecule that inhibits a mutated protein (BRAF) that occurs in many melanomas.
      The BRAF mutation leads to uninhibited proliferation.

PMID- 22085569
TI  - [Centralising cancer treatment: there are better ways].
AB  - The Netherlands is strongly leaning towards treating cancer patients at a limited
      number of hospitals. This approach has been poorly investigated and there is
      little evidence that the quality of care and the outcome of treatment in the
      Dutch system are related to the size of the institute. Oncological care is
      getting more and more complicated and requires a certain scale, but the formation
      of networks offers more possibilities than centralisation. Technical developments
      may offer alternatives to centralisation. In addition, care given closer to home
      to an increasingly older patient population is very valuable. Comorbidity is
      another reason to provide care at a general hospital in close cooperation with
      general practitioners. Strong ties with a university clinic is an important
      requirement for such a network to work well.

PMID- 22085570
TI  - [Moritz Kaposi and his sarcoma].
AB  - Nowadays, Kaposi sarcoma is a multidisciplinary condition, not only observed by
      dermatologists. Since the HIV epidemic in the 80s and 90s of the last century,
      more insight into the aetiology of Kaposi sarcoma has been acquired. However,
      this sarcoma had already been described in 1872 by a Hungarian dermatologist
      named Moritz Kaposi (1832-1902). Kaposi described the entity as 'idiopathic
      multiple pigmented sarcoma of the skin'. This entity was an extraordinary
      diagnosis at that time, mostly observed in Jewish or Mediterranean men. In 1912,
      10 years after the death of Moritz Kaposi, the entity name was changed to Kaposi
      sarcoma.

PMID- 22085571
TI  - [Adjuvant cancer treatment: what benefit does the patient consider worthwhile?].
AB  - Adjuvant treatments can be added to primary curative cancer treatments to
      increase the probability of survival. However, these treatments have side
      effects. Research into what additional probability of survival cancer patients
      require from an adjuvant treatment before they consider it worthwhile, has been
      carried out in hypothetical situations. The published literature on this subject
      shows that the additional benefit which patients expect is small. Yet, variation
      in patient preferences within studies is large. Preferences regarding additional
      benefit are not consistently associated with patient socio-demographic or disease
      characteristics. It is very likely that new patients who face the choice of
      adjuvant treatment will greatly differ from each other in the benefit that they
      require from it. In order to give individualized recommendations, specialists
      need to ask the patient which benefits and disadvantages he or she considers to
      be important.

PMID- 22085572
TI  - [A spontaneously resolving T-cell lymphoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is a rare form
      of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is restricted to the skin. CASE DESCRIPTION: A
      50-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic tumorous area in the groin that
      had appeared within the previous week, and a longer history of a transient red,
      flaking area in the popliteal space. Histopathological findings were consistent
      with CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Staging demonstrated no extracutanous
      spread. The skin lesions disappeared without treatment within 3 months.
      CONCLUSION: Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is a rare
      condition. It has a histopathological picture of a diffuse proliferation of large
      atypical anaplastic cells, suggesting an unfavourable disease course. However,
      this condition is characterised by a indolent course and favourable prognosis
      since spontaneous complete regression can occur.

PMID- 22085573
TI  - [Responsible cancer screening].
AB  - In the Netherlands, national screening programs for breast and cervical cancer
      are operating, whilst that for colorectal cancer is in preparation. In the
      meantime, experimental studies have been conducted into the effectiveness of
      prostate and lung cancer screening. Death from these five types of cancer is
      reduced by these screening investigations. However, these screening programmes
      also have disadvantages, such as unnecessary referral for definitive diagnosis in
      the hospital. The average hospital would receive on a yearly basis via screening
      156 referrals of women with breast cancer, 79 for cervical cancer and nearly 1100
      persons for colorectal cancer. n average general practice encounters annually 3
      positive screening results for breast cancer, almost 1 referral for cervical
      carcinoma or an early stage thereof, and every two years a patient with CIN III.
      For colorectal cancer around 22 referrals can be expected yearly, of which 8 will
      have adenoma or cancer.

PMID- 22085574
TI  - [A man with blisters on hand and feet].
AB  - A 41-year-old man with metastases of a gastrointestinal stroma tumour was treated
      with an angiogenesis inhibitor. He presented with a distinct painful erythematous
      hyperkeratotic bullous hand-foot skin reaction. This was thought to be caused by
      the oral angiogenesis inhibitor and resolved after discontinuation of the
      therapy. This is a known adverse effect of angiogenesis inhibitors and is dose
      dependent.

PMID- 22085575
TI  - [New 'targeted therapy' for lung cancer].
AB  - Patients with non-small cell lung cancer with specific mutations for which so
      called 'targeted therapy' is available are likely to have a favourable tumour
      response. The first patient, a man aged 64 with an activating epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, had a longstanding tumour response on erlotinib,
      an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). After 16 months on treatment, there was
      still no progression of the disease. The next patient, a woman aged 78, also
      responded favourably to erlotinib After 2.5 years she discontinued the medication
      and the disease recurred. Remission was induced again with the use of erlotinib,
      but the recovery was of short duration and she died a few months later. A third
      patient, a 66-year-old man, developed resistance to erlotinib due to a T790M
      mutation in the EGFR protein. He responded well to a combination of the
      irreversible EGFR-TKI afatinib and the antibody to EGFR, cetuximab. The final
      patient, a 47-year-old woman, had an EML4-ALK translocation and responded
      remarkably well to an ALK inhibitor, crozotinib. Mutation analysis should be
      carried out in all patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma or large cell lung
      cancer, specifically for genes for which a targeted therapy is already available.

PMID- 22085576
TI  - [Targeted therapy: the benefit of new oncological tests].
AB  - An increasing number of targeted drug treatments are becoming available for many
      types of cancer. There is a great need for adequate biomarkers that can predict
      the effect of targeted therapy in individual cancer patients, in order to
      determine the correct oncological treatment per patient. This way, non-effective
      treatments can be spared, side-effects avoided, and costs reduced. Oestrogen
      receptor (ER) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are
      examples of standardized tests for breast cancer that have been validated in
      randomised studies. Data from randomised studies is also expected for gene
      expression profiles that correlate with tumour growth. Quantifying the predictive
      value of tests for anticipated treatment effects is costly and time-consuming.
      Given the increasing availability of targeted agents and diagnostic and
      prognostic techniques, alternative clinical study designs that can lead to
      quicker and more efficient verification are being sought in many different
      domains.

PMID- 22085577
TI  - [Issues around testicular carcinoma].
AB  - Testicular carcinoma is a rare tumour but the most frequently occurring form of
      cancer in men aged 18-35 years. In metastatic disease, following orchidectomy
      three or four courses of combination chemotherapy with cisplatin are given. With
      a general chance of cure of 80-90%, testicular cancer is still regarded as a
      model for a form of cancer that is curable. Due to this favourable prognosis--and
      to its rising incidence--the group of people who survive testicular cancer is
      growing and more attention is being paid to the risk of adverse consequences of
      treatment: secondary tumours and cardiovascular morbidity. Shared care follow-up
      for testicular cancer survivors with participation of both primary and secondary
      care is currently developed.

PMID- 22085578
TI  - [A woman with palmar and plantar hyperpigmentation].
AB  - A 60-year-old Ghanese woman was treated with radiotherapy and capecitabine for
      metastatic breast cancer. 6 weeks after starting capecitabine she developed
      palmar and plantar hyperpigmentation, which preceded symptoms of hand-foot
      syndrome, a known adverse effect of capecitabine. After a dose reduction, the
      hand-foot syndrome diminished but the hyperpigmentation remained. 8 months later
      the patient was well and stable.

PMID- 22085579
TI  - [Follow-up in oncology: focused on the patient and the disease].
AB  - Follow-up in oncology primarily encompasses medical technical examinations of
      patients following treatment for cancer. The term "aftercare" more accurately
      represents which approach should be taken after completion of cancer treatment:
      not only medical technical care, but fulfilment of care needs that result from
      the disease and its treatment. For each patient an individual aftercare plan
      should be put in place, which fulfils the 3 goals of aftercare: psycho-social and
      medical care, early diagnosis of recurrent disease or new primary disease
      activity if such early diagnosis bears clinical relevance, and medical audit.
      Involving patients in this decision-making process is generally limited in daily
      practice. The way in which the individual patient's aftercare is carried out, is
      still a scientific challenge. It is clear, however, that nothing about this is
      "standard".

PMID- 22085580
TI  - ['Clinical auditing', a novel tool for quality assessment in surgical oncology].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether systematic audit and feedback of information
      about the process and outcomes improve the quality of surgical care. DESIGN:
      Systematic literature review. METHOD: Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science
      databases were searched for publications on 'quality assessment' and 'surgery'.
      The references of the publications found were examined as well. Publications were
      included in the review if the effect of auditing on the quality of surgical care
      had been investigated. RESULTS: In the databases 2415 publications were found.
      After selection, 28 publications describing the effect of auditing, whether or
      not combined with a quality improvement project, on guideline adherence or
      indications of outcomes of care were included. In 21 studies, a statistically
      significant positive effect of auditing was reported. In 5 studies a positive
      effect was found, but this was either not significant or statistical significance
      was not determined. In 2 studies no effect was observed. 5 studies compared the
      combination of auditing with a quality improvement project with auditing alone; 4
      of these reported an additional effect of the quality improvement project.
      CONCLUSION: Audit and feedback of quality information seem to have a positive
      effect on the quality of surgical care. The use of quality information from
      audits for the purpose of a quality improvement project can enhance the positive
      effect of the audit.

PMID- 22085581
TI  - [Aftercare in oncology--greater role for the general practitioner].
AB  - Patients who undergo curative treatment for cancer continue to be medically
      monitored for a number of years. Scheduled aftercare, mainly aimed at early
      detection of locoregional cancer recurrences, distant metastases and secondary
      primary tumours, takes place chiefly in the second line, but is expected to shift
      to the first line. Figures from the Nijmegen Continuous Morbidity Registration
      show that an average (Dutch) general practitioner, caring for about 2500
      patients, has in his practice 90 patients who have or have had cancer. This
      number will increase due to the increasing prevalence of cancer. In addition,
      extra consultations for each cancer patient will increase the demand for GP care.

PMID- 22085582
TI  - [Images of cancer: metaphors in the literature].
AB  - Metaphors of cancer were once rejected by Susan Sontag, because their existence
      slandered the patient. There are a number of very common metaphors about cancer
      and the question raised is as to whether forbidding metaphors is solving the
      problem Susan Sontag put to the fore. We conclude that getting rid of metaphors
      also makes it impossible for patients to use metaphors to feel better.

PMID- 22085583
TI  - The effect of the diterpene 5-epi-icetexone on the cell cycle of Trypanosoma
      cruzi.
AB  - Numerous natural compounds have been used against Trypanosoma cruzi, the
      causative agent of Chagas' disease. Here, we studied the effect of the diterpene
      5-epi-icetexone on growth and morphology of parasites synchronized with
      hydroxyurea, at different periods of time after removal of the nucleotide. We
      observed that the diterpene does not affect the growth of the parasites when
      added within 10 h after removal of hydroxyurea, but the compound was effective on
      growth when added to the cultures after 12 h. Thymidine incorporation was
      somewhat inhibited when the diterpene was added at 12 h after removal of
      hydroxyurea, possibly on the transition S/G2. Using transmission electron
      microscopy we observed that the diterpene induced a delay in the progression of
      cell division. We conclude that the compound, at cytostatic dose, affects the
      cell cycle of T. cruzi, possibly in the transition S/G2 phase and cell division.
      Further studies will focus to identify the molecular targets for the action of 5
      epi-icetexone.

PMID- 22085584
TI  - Phylogenetic relationships amongst Chloromyxum Mingazzini, 1890 (Myxozoa:
      Myxosporea), and the description of six novel species from Australian
      elasmobranchs.
AB  - Six novel species of Chloromyxum Mingazzini, 1890 are described using a whole
      evidence approach combining morphometric and molecular data, together with
      features of their biology. Elasmobranchs were collected in Australian waters,
      from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, off Lizard and Heron Islands; from
      Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland; off Hobart, Tasmania; and from the Tamar
      River, Launceston, Tasmania. The novel species proposed here are: Chloromyxum
      hemiscyllii n.sp. from Hemiscyllium ocellatum; Chloromyxum kuhlii n.sp. from
      Neotrygon kuhlii; Chloromyxum lesteri n.sp. from Cephaloscyllium laticeps;
      Chloromyxum mingazzinii n.sp. from Pristiophorus nudipinnis; Chloromyxum
      myliobati n.sp. from Myliobatis australis; and Chloromyxum squali n.sp. from
      Squalus acanthias. A seventh species from Squalus acanthias is also reported but
      due to limited material is not formally described. Molecular phylogenetic
      analyses revealed that the genus Chloromyxum is polyphyletic, and species from
      elasmobranchs form a well-supported sister clade, with the type species
      Chloromyxum leydigi, to all other congeneric species clustering within the
      freshwater myxosporean clade. Morphological analysis showed that elasmobranch
      infecting species are predominantly pyriform shaped, have clearly thickened spore
      apex and possess caudal filaments, compared to other Chloromyxum species which
      are generally spherical or subspherical, and lack caudal filaments. These
      morphological and phylogenetic data provide further support for the erection of
      new genera, but we conservatively consider the species described in this study
      and other elasmobranch-infecting Chloromyxum species as Chloromyxum sensu
      strictu, whilst the freshwater teleost infecting and amphibian infecting species
      we will assign as Chloromyxum sensu lato, until more comprehensive data are
      available.

PMID- 22085585
TI  - Team behaviors in emergency care: a qualitative study using behavior analysis of
      what makes team work.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Teamwork has been suggested as a promising approach to improving care
      processes in emergency departments (ED). However, for teamwork to yield expected
      results, implementation must involve behavior changes. The aim of this study is
      to use behavior analysis to qualitatively examine how teamwork plays out in
      practice and to understand eventual discrepancies between planned and actual
      behaviors. METHODS: The study was set in a Swedish university hospital ED during
      the initial phase of implementation of teamwork. The intervention focused on
      changing the environment and redesigning the work process to enable teamwork.
      Each team was responsible for entire care episodes, i.e. from patient arrival to
      discharge from the ED. Data was collected through 3 days of observations
      structured around an observation scheme. Behavior analysis was used to pinpoint
      key teamwork behaviors for consistent implementation of teamwork and to analyze
      the contingencies that decreased or increased the likelihood of these behaviors.
      RESULTS: We found a great discrepancy between the planned and the observed
      teamwork processes. 60% of the 44 team patients observed were handled solely by
      the appointed team members. Only 36% of the observed patient care processes
      started according to the description in the planned teamwork process, that is,
      with taking patient history together. Beside this behavior, meeting in a defined
      team room and communicating with team members were shown to be essential for the
      consistent implementation of teamwork. Factors that decreased the likelihood of
      these key behaviors included waiting for other team members or having trouble
      locating each other. Getting work done without delay and having an overview of
      the patient care process increased team behaviors. Moreover, explicit
      instructions on when team members should interact and communicate increased
      adherence to the planned process. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates how
      behavior analysis can be used to understand discrepancies between planned and
      observed behaviors. By examining the contextual conditions that may influence
      behaviors, improvements in implementation strategies can be suggested. Thereby,
      the adherence to a planned intervention can be improved, and/or revisions of the
      intervention be suggested.

PMID- 22085588
TI  - The systemic response to brain injury and disease.
AB  - The idea that the brain is immunologically privileged and displays an atypical
      leukocyte recruitment profile following injury has influenced our ideas about how
      signals might be carried between brain and the periphery. For many, this has
      encouraged a cerebrocentric view of immunological responses to CNS injury, with
      little reference to the potential contribution from other organs. However, it is
      clear that bidirectional pathways between the brain and the peripheral immune
      system are important in the pathogenesis of CNS disease. In recent years, we have
      begun to understand the signals that are carried to the periphery and discovered
      new functions for known chemokines, made by the liver in response to brain
      injury, as important regulators of the CNS inflammatory response.

PMID- 22085587
TI  - Long term adequate n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet protects from depressive
      like behavior but not from working memory disruption and brain cytokine
      expression in aged mice.
AB  - Converging epidemiological studies suggest that dietary essential n-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis
      of mood and cognitive disorders linked to aging. The question arises as to
      whether the decreased prevalence of these symptoms in the elderly with high n-3
      PUFA consumption is also associated with improved central inflammation, i.e.
      cytokine activation, in the brain. To answer this, we measured memory performance
      and emotional behavior as well as cytokine synthesis and PUFA level in the spleen
      and the cortex of adult and aged mice submitted to a diet with an adequate supply
      of n-3 PUFA in form of alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LNA) or a n-3 deficient diet.
      Our results show that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the main n-3 PUFA in the brain,
      was higher in the spleen and cortex of n-3 adequate mice relative to n-3
      deficient mice and this difference was maintained throughout life. Interestingly,
      high level of brain DHA was associated with a decrease in depressive-like
      symptoms throughout aging. On the opposite, spatial memory was maintained in
      adult but not in aged n-3 adequate mice relative to n-3 deficient mice.
      Furthermore, increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) and decreased IL-10 expression were
      found in the cortex of aged mice independently of the diets. All together, our
      results suggest that n-3 PUFA dietary supply in the form of alpha-LNA is
      sufficient to protect from deficits in emotional behavior but not from memory
      disruption and brain proinflammatory cytokine expression linked to age.

PMID- 22085590
TI  - A probabilistic risk assessment approach used to prioritize chemical constituents
      in mainstream smoke of cigarettes sold in China.
AB  - The chemical and physical complexity of cigarette mainstream smoke (MSS) presents
      a challenge in the understanding of risk for smoking-related diseases.
      Quantitative risk assessment is a useful tool for assessing the toxicological
      risks that may be presented by smoking currently available commercial cigarettes.
      In this study, yields of a selected group of chemical constituents were
      quantified in machine-generated MSS from 30 brands of cigarettes sold in China.
      Using constituent yields, exposure estimates specific to and representative of
      the Chinese population, and available dose-response data, a Monte Carlo method
      was applied to simulate probability distributions for incremental lifetime cancer
      risk (ILCR), hazard quotient (HQ), and margin of exposure (MOE) values for each
      constituent as appropriate. Measures of central tendency were extracted from the
      outcome distributions and constituents were ranked according to these three risk
      assessment indices. The constituents for which ILCR >10(-4), HQ >1, and MOE
      <10,000 included acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, benzene, cadmium, formaldehyde, and
      pyridine. While limitations exist to this methodology in estimating the absolute
      magnitude of health risk contributed by each MSS constituent, this approach
      provides a plausible and objective framework for the prioritization of toxicants
      in cigarette smoke and is valuable in guiding tobacco risk management.

PMID- 22085589
TI  - Regulatory assessment of in vitro skin corrosion and irritation data within the
      European framework: Workshop recommendations.
AB  - Validated in vitro methods for skin corrosion and irritation were adopted by the
      OECD and by the European Union during the last decade. In the EU, Switzerland and
      countries adopting the EU legislation, these assays may allow the full
      replacement of animal testing for identifying and classifying compounds as skin
      corrosives, skin irritants, and non irritants. In order to develop harmonised
      recommendations on the use of in vitro data for regulatory assessment purposes
      within the European framework, a workshop was organized by the Swiss Federal
      Office of Public Health together with ECVAM and the BfR. It comprised
      stakeholders from various European countries involved in the process from in
      vitro testing to the regulatory assessment of in vitro data. Discussions
      addressed the following questions: (1) the information requirements considered
      useful for regulatory assessment; (2) the applicability of in vitro skin
      corrosion data to assign the corrosive subcategories as implemented by the EU
      Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation; (3) the applicability of
      testing strategies for determining skin corrosion and irritation hazards; and (4)
      the applicability of the adopted in vitro assays to test mixtures, preparations
      and dilutions. Overall, a number of agreements and recommendations were achieved
      in order to clarify and facilitate the assessment and use of in vitro data from
      regulatory accepted methods, and ultimately help regulators and scientists facing
      with the new in vitro approaches to evaluate skin irritation and corrosion
      hazards and risks without animal data.

PMID- 22085591
TI  - Safety assessment of the commensal strain Bacteroides xylanisolvens DSM 23964.
AB  - We recently isolated and characterized the new strain Bacteroides xylanisolvens
      DSM 23964 and presented it as potential candidate for the first natural probiotic
      strain of the genus Bacteroides. In order to evaluate the safety of this strain
      for use in food, the following standard toxicity assays were conducted with this
      strain in both viable and pasteurized form: in vitro bacterial reverse mutation
      assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration assay, and 90day subchronic repeated oral
      toxicity studies in mice. No mutagenic, clastogenic, or toxic effects were
      detected even at extremely high doses. In addition, no clinical, hematological,
      ophthalmological, or histopathological abnormality could be observed after
      necropsy at any of the doses tested. Hence, the NOAEL could be estimated to be
      greater than 2.3*10(11) CFUs, and 2.3*10(14) for pasteurized bacteria calculated
      as equivalent for an average 70kg human being. In addition, the absence of any in
      vivo pathogenic properties of viable B. xylanisolvens DSM 23964 cells was
      confirmed by means of an intraperitoneal abscess formation model in mice which
      also demonstrated that the bacteria are easily eradicated by the host's immune
      system. The obtained results support the assumed safety of B. xylanisolvens DSM
      23964 for use in food.

PMID- 22085592
TI  - Targeting microRNAs in neurons: tools and perspectives.
AB  - In the past few years, the understanding of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, the
      molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate gene expression, and the functional
      roles of miRNAs has been expanded. Interestingly, numerous miRNAs are expressed
      in a spatially and temporally controlled manner in the nervous system, suggesting
      that their post-transcriptional regulation may be particularly relevant in neural
      development and function. miRNA studies in neurobiology have shown their
      involvement in synaptic plasticity and brain diseases. Approaches for
      manipulating miRNA levels in neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo are described
      here. Recent applications of miRNA antisense oligonucleotides, miRNA gene
      knockout and miRNA sponges in neuronal cells are reviewed. Finally, miRNA-based
      therapies for neurological pathologies related to alterations in miRNA functions
      are discussed.

PMID- 22085593
TI  - Development of yeast cell factories for consolidated bioprocessing of
      lignocellulose to bioethanol through cell surface engineering.
AB  - To build an energy and material secure future, a next generation of renewable
      fuels produced from lignocellulosic biomass is required. Although lignocellulosic
      biomass, which represents an abundant, inexpensive and renewable source for
      bioethanol production, is of great interest as a feedstock, the complicated
      ethanol production processes involved make the cost of producing bioethanol from
      it higher compared to corn starch and cane juice. Therefore, consolidated
      bioprocessing (CBP), which combines enzyme production, saccharification and
      fermentation in a single step, has gained increased recognition as a potential
      bioethanol production system. CBP requires a highly engineered microorganism
      developed for several different process-specific characteristics. The dominant
      strategy for engineering a CBP biocatalyst is to express multiple components of a
      cellulolytic system from either fungi or bacteria in the yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. The development of recombinant yeast strains displaying cellulases
      and hemicellulases on the cell surface represents significant progress toward
      realization of CBP. Regardless of the process used for biomass hydrolysis, CBP
      enabling microorganisms encounter a variety of toxic compounds produced during
      biomass pretreatment that inhibit microbial growth and ethanol yield. Systems
      biology approaches including disruptome screening, transcriptomics, and
      metabolomics have been recently exploited to gain insight into the molecular and
      genetic traits involved in tolerance and adaptation to the fermentation
      inhibitors. In this review, we focus on recent advances in development of yeast
      strains with both the ability to directly convert lignocellulosic material to
      ethanol and tolerance in the harsh environments containing toxic compounds in the
      presence of ethanol.

PMID- 22085594
TI  - Fabrication of superhydrophobic and antibacterial surface on cotton fabric by
      doped silica-based sols with nanoparticles of copper.
AB  - The study discussed the synthesis of silica sol using the sol-gel method, doped
      with two different amounts of Cu nanoparticles. Cotton fabric samples were
      impregnated by the prepared sols and then dried and cured. To block hydroxyl
      groups, some samples were also treated with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. The
      average particle size of colloidal silica nanoparticles were measured by the
      particle size analyzer. The morphology, roughness, and hydrophobic properties of
      the surface fabricated on cotton samples were analyzed and compared via the
      scanning electron microscopy, the transmission electron microscopy, the scanning
      probe microscopy, with static water contact angle (SWC), and water shedding angle
      measurements. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficiency of samples was
      quantitatively evaluated using AATCC 100 method. The addition of 0.5% (wt/wt) Cu
      into silica sol caused the silica nanoparticles to agglomerate in more grape-like
      clusters on cotton fabrics. Such fabricated surface revealed the highest value of
      SWC (155 degrees  for a 10-MUl droplet) due to air trapping capability of its
      inclined structure. However, the presence of higher amounts of Cu nanoparticles
      (2% wt/wt) in silica sol resulted in the most slippery smooth surface on cotton
      fabrics. All fabricated surfaces containing Cu nanoparticles showed the perfect
      antibacterial activity against both of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

PMID- 22085595
TI  - Expression of proinflammatory, proatherogenic genes is reduced by the
      Mediterranean diet in elderly people.
AB  - Ageing is an important determinant of atherosclerosis development rate, mainly by
      the creation of a chronic low-grade inflammation. Diet, and particularly its fat
      content, modulates the inflammatory response in the fasting and postprandial
      states. Our aim was to study the effects of dietary fat on the expression of
      genes related to inflammation (NF-kappaB, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP
      1), TNF-alpha and IL-6) and plaque stability (matrix metalloproteinase 9, MMP-9)
      during the postprandial state of twenty healthy, elderly people who followed
      three diets for 3 weeks each: (1) Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) enriched in MUFA
      with virgin olive oil; (2) SFA-rich diet; and (3) low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
      enriched in n-3 PUFA (CHO-PUFA diet) by a randomised crossover design. At the end
      of each period, after a 12-h fast, the subjects received a breakfast with a
      composition similar to the one when the dietary period ended. In the fasting
      state, the Med Diet consumption induced a lower gene expression of the p65
      subunit of NF-kappaB compared with the SFA-rich diet (P = 0.019). The ingestion
      of the Med Diet induced a lower gene postprandial expression of p65 (P = 0.033),
      MCP-1 (P = 0.0229) and MMP-9 (P = 0.041) compared with the SFA-rich diet, and a
      lower gene postprandial expression of p65 (P = 0.027) and TNF-alpha (P = 0.047)
      compared with the CHO-PUFA diet. Direct plasma quantification mostly reproduced
      the findings. Our data suggest that consumption of a Med Diet reduces the
      postprandial inflammatory response in mononuclear cells compared with the SFA
      rich and CHO-PUFA diets in elderly people. These findings may be partly
      responsible for the lower CVD risk found in populations with a high adherence to
      the Med Diet.

PMID- 22085597
TI  - Detection of changes in luminance distributions.
AB  - How well can observers detect the presence of a change in luminance
      distributions? Performance was measured in three experiments. Observers viewed
      pairs of grayscale images on a calibrated CRT display. Each image was a
      checkerboard. All luminances in one image of each pair consisted of random draws
      from a single probability distribution. For the other image, some patch
      luminances consisted of random draws from that same distribution, while the rest
      of the patch luminances (test patches) consisted of random draws from a second
      distribution. The observers' task was to pick the image with luminances drawn
      from two distributions. The parameters of the second distribution that led to 75%
      correct performance were determined across manipulations of (1) the number of
      test patches, (2) the observers' certainty about test patch location, and (3) the
      geometric structure of the images. Performance improved with number of test
      patches and location certainty. The geometric manipulations did not affect
      performance. An ideal observer model with high efficiency fit the data well and a
      classification image analysis showed a similar use of information by the ideal
      and human observers, indicating that observers can make effective use of
      photometric information in our distribution discrimination task.

PMID- 22085598
TI  - It is time to consider third-line options in antiretroviral-experienced
      paediatric patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The historic use of full-dose ritonavir as part of an unboosted
      protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy regimen in some South
      African children contributes to the frequent accumulation of major PI resistance
      mutations. METHODS: In order to describe the prevalence of major PI resistance in
      children failing antiretroviral therapy and to investigate the clinical,
      immunological and virological outcomes in children with PI resistance, we
      conducted a cross-sectional study, with a nested case series, following up those
      children with major PI resistance. The setting was public health sector
      antiretroviral clinics in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and the
      subjects were children failing antiretroviral therapy. The following outcome
      measures were investigated: CD4 count, viral load and resistance mutations.
      RESULTS: Fourteen (17%) of 82 patients, referred from tertiary hospitals, had
      major PI resistance. All these patients were exposed to regimens that included
      ritonavir as a single PI. Immune reconstitution and clinical benefit were
      achieved when using a lopinavir/ritonavir-based treatment regimen in these
      children with prior PI resistance. At first HIV-1 viral load follow up after
      initial resistance testing (n = 11), only one patient had a viral load of less
      than 400 copies/ml; at a subsequent follow up (n = 9), the viral loads of five
      patients were less than 400 copies/ml. Patients retained on LPV/r had lower viral
      loads than those switched to a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
      (NNRTI). However, two of three patients with follow-up resistance tests
      accumulated additional PI resistance. CONCLUSIONS: In children with pre-existing
      PI resistance, although initially effective, the long-term durability of a
      lopinavir/ritonavir-based treatment regimen can be compromised by the
      accumulation of resistance mutations. Furthermore, a second-line NNRTI regimen is
      often not durable in these patients. As genotypic resistance testing and third
      line treatment regimens are costly and limited in availability, we propose
      eligibility criteria to identify patients with high risk for resistance and
      guidance on drug selection for children who would benefit from third-line
      therapy.

PMID- 22085599
TI  - Measles genotypes D4 and G3 reintroduced by multiple foci after 15 years without
      measles virus circulation, Gipuzkoa, the Basque Country, Spain, March to June
      2011.
AB  - During a three-month period in spring 2011, 23 cases of measles occurred in seven
      independent outbreaks in a region in Spain with around 700,000 inhabitants, where
      the disease had been eliminated since 1997. High vaccination coverage and rapid
      diagnosis allowed implementation of containment measures and this prevented
      spread of the disease. Except for the first outbreak which affected 10 cases,
      each of the other six outbreaks caused a maximum of three secondary cases.

PMID- 22085600
TI  - Human case of autochthonous West Nile virus lineage 2 infection in Italy,
      September 2011.
AB  - On 10 September 2011, a patient in his 50s was admitted to hospital in Ancona,
      Italy, after six days of high fever and no response to antibiotics. West Nile
      virus (WNV) infection was suspected after tests to determine the aetiology of the
      fever were inconclusive. On 20 September, WNV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies
      were detected in the patient's serum. Genomic sequencing of the viral isolate
      showed that the virus belonged to WNV lineage 2.

PMID- 22085601
TI  - First Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain with resistance to cefixime causing gonorrhoea
      treatment failure in Austria, 2011.
AB  - We describe the first cefixime-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain in Austria
      that caused treatment failure.It follows the first five cases in Europe of
      cefixime treatment failure, reported in Norway in 2010 and the United Kingdom in
      2011. Effective treatment of gonorrhoea is crucial for public health control and,
      at present, requires substantially enhanced awareness, more frequent test-of
      cure, interaction with experts after therapeutic failure, tracing and therapy of
      contacts, and surveillance of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance and treatment
      failures worldwide.

PMID- 22085602
TI  - Highly heterogeneous temperature sensitivity of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)
      viral isolates, northern France.
AB  - We assayed the temperature sensitivity of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viral
      isolates (n=23) and seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses (n=18) isolated in
      northern France in 2007/08 and 2008/09. All isolates replicated with a similar
      efficiency at 34  degrees C and 37  degrees C, and with a lower efficiency at 40 
      degrees C. The pandemic viral isolates showed a stronger heterogeneity in their
      ability to grow at the highest temperature, as compared with the seasonal
      isolates. No statistically significant difference in temperature sensitivity was
      observed between the pandemic viral isolates from severe and mild cases of
      influenza. Our data point to the impact of temperature sensitivity on the genetic
      evolution and diversification of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus since its
      introduction into the human population in April 2009, and call for close
      surveillance of this phenotypic marker related to host and tissue tropism.

PMID- 22085603
TI  - Nosocomial and non-nosocomial Clostridium difficile infections in hospitalised
      patients in Belgium: compulsory surveillance data from 2008 to 2010.
AB  - Surveillance of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is compulsory in Belgian
      hospitals. Our objectives were to compare incidence and case characteristics of
      nosocomial infections (Nc-CDI) with onset of diarrhoea more than two days after
      hospital admission, with non-nosocomial cases (Nnc-CDI). The database included
      inpatients from 2008 to 2010. Of 8,351 cases reported by 150 hospitals, 3,102
      (37%) were classified as Nnc-CDI and 5,249 (63%) as Nc-CDI. In 2010, the mean
      incidence per 1,000 admissions was 0.95 for Nc-CDI and 0.56 for Nnc-CDI. Both
      incidences were relatively stable over the three years, with a slight decrease in
      2010 (p<0.01). Onset of symptoms in Nnc- CDI cases took place in the community
      (57.1%), nursing homes (14.2%) or hospitals (17.5%); data for 11.2%were missing.
      Nnc-CDI cases were younger than Nc-CDI (median age 75 vs. 79 years, p<0.001), and
      more likely to be women (62% vs. 57%, p<0.001) and to have pseudomembranous
      colitis (5.3% vs. 1.6%, p<0.001). In 2009, C. difficile ribotype 027 was found in
      32 of 70 reporting hospitals compared with 19 of 69 in 2010 (p<0.03). Although
      our study population only included hospitalised patients, the results do not
      support the hypothesis of an increase in the incidence of severe community
      associated CDI.

PMID- 22085605
TI  - Globotriaosylceramide is correlated with oxidative stress and inflammation in
      Fabry patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy.
AB  - Fabry disease is an X-linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism due to
      deficient activity of alpha-galactosidase A that leads to accumulation of the
      enzyme substrates, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), in body fluids and
      lysosomes of many cell types. Some pathophysiology hypotheses are intimately
      linked to reactive species production and inflammation, but until this moment
      there is no in vivo study about it. Hence, the aim of this study was to
      investigate oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines and Gb3
      levels in Fabry patients under treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)
      and finally to establish a possible relation between them. We analyzed urine and
      blood samples of patients under ERT (n=14) and healthy age-matched controls
      (n=14). Patients presented decreased levels of antioxidant defenses, assessed by
      reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and increased
      superoxide dismutase/catalase (SOD/CAT) ratio in erythrocytes. Concerning to the
      damage to biomolecules (lipids and proteins), we found that plasma levels of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups and di-tyrosine (di-Tyr) in
      urine were increased in patients. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF
      alpha were also increased in patients. Urinary Gb3 levels were positively
      correlated with the plasma levels of IL-6, carbonyl groups and MDA. IL-6 levels
      were directly correlated with di-Tyr and inversely correlated with GPx activity.
      This data suggest that pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant states occur, are
      correlated and seem to be induced by Gb3 in Fabry patients.

PMID- 22085606
TI  - Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles in testicular cells.
AB  - Serious concerns have been expressed about potential risks of engineered
      nanoparticles. Regulatory health risk assessment of such particles has become
      mandatory for the safe use of nanomaterials in consumer products and medicines;
      including the potential effects on reproduction and fertility, are relevant for
      this risk evaluation. In this study, we examined effects of silver particles of
      nano- (20nm) and submicron- (200nm) size, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles
      (TiO(2)-NPs; 21nm), with emphasis on reproductive cellular- and genotoxicity.
      Ntera2 (NT2, human testicular embryonic carcinoma cell line), and primary
      testicular cells from C57BL6 mice of wild type (WT) and 8-oxoguanine DNA
      glycosylase knock-out (KO, mOgg1(-/-)) genotype were exposed to the particles.
      The latter mimics the repair status of human testicular cells vs oxidative damage
      and is thus a suitable model for human male reproductive toxicity studies. The
      results suggest that silver nano- and submicron-particles (AgNPs) are more
      cytotoxic and cytostatic compared to TiO(2)-NPs, causing apoptosis, necrosis and
      decreased proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The 200nm
      AgNPs in particular appeared to cause a concentration-dependent increase in DNA
      strand breaks in NT2 cells, whereas the latter response did not seem to occur
      with respect to oxidative purine base damage analysed with any of the particles
      tested.

PMID- 22085607
TI  - Manganese accumulation in nail clippings as a biomarker of welding fume exposure
      and neurotoxicity.
AB  - Occupational exposure to welding fumes (WF) is thought to cause Parkinson's
      disease (PD)-like neurological dysfunction. An apprehension that WF may
      accelerate the onset of PD also exists. Identifying reliable biomarkers of
      exposure and neurotoxicity are therefore critical for biomonitoring and
      neurological risk characterization of WF exposure. Manganese (Mn) in welding
      consumables is considered the causative factor for the neurological deficits seen
      in welders. Hence, we sought to determine if Mn accumulation in blood or nail
      clippings can be a marker for adverse exposure and neurotoxicity. To model this,
      rats were exposed by intratracheal instillation to dissolved or suspended fume
      components collected from gas metal arc-mild steel (GMA-MS) or manual metal arc
      hard surfacing (MMA-HS) welding. Trace element analysis revealed selective Mn
      accumulation in dopaminergic brain areas, striatum (STR) and midbrain (MB),
      following exposure to the two fumes. This caused dopaminergic abnormality as
      evidenced by loss of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (Th; 25-32% decrease) and
      Parkinson disease (autosomal recessive, early onset) 7 (Park7; 25-46% decrease)
      proteins. While blood Mn was not detectable, Mn levels in nails strongly
      correlated with the pattern of Mn accumulation in the striatum (R(2)=0.9386) and
      midbrain (R(2)=0.9332). Exposure to manganese chloride (MnCl(2)) caused similar
      Mn accumulation in STR, MB and nail. Our findings suggest that nail Mn has the
      potential to be a sensitive and reliable biomarker for long-term Mn exposure and
      associated neurotoxicity. The non-invasive means by which nail clippings can be
      collected, stored, and transported with relative ease, make it an attractive
      surrogate for biomonitoring WF exposures in occupational settings.

PMID- 22085608
TI  - iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling of human serum reveals down-regulation of
      platelet basic protein and apolipoprotein B100 in patients with hematotoxicity
      induced by chronic occupational benzene exposure.
AB  - Benzene is an important industrial chemical and an environmental contaminant, but
      the pathogenesis of hematotoxicity induced by chronic occupational benzene
      exposure (HCOBE) remains to be elucidated. To gain an insight into the molecular
      mechanisms and developmental biomarkers for HCOBE, isobaric tags for relative and
      absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) combined with two-dimensional liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS) were utilized. Identification and
      quantitation of differentially expressed proteins between HCOBE cases and healthy
      control were thus made. Expressions of selected proteins were confirmed by
      western blot and further validated by ELISA. A total of 159 unique proteins were
      identified (>=95% confidence), and relative expression data were obtained for 141
      of these in 3 iTRAQ experiments, with fifty proteins found to be in common among
      3 iTRAQ experiments. Plasminogen (PLG) was found to be significantly up
      regulated, whereas platelet basic protein (PBP) and apolipoprotein B100 (APOB100)
      were significantly down-regulated in the serum of HCOBE cases. Additionally, the
      altered proteins were associated with the molecular functions of binding,
      catalytic activity, enzyme regulator activity and transporter activity, and
      involved in biological processes of apoptosis, developmental and immune system
      process, as well as response to stimulus. Furthermore, differential expressions
      of PLG, PBP and APOB100 were confirmed by western blot, and the clinical
      relevance of PBP and APOB100 with HCOBE was validated by ELISA. Overall, our
      results showed that lowered expression of PBP and APOB100 proteins served as
      potential biomarkers of HCOBE, and may play roles in the benzene-induced
      immunosuppressive effects and disorders in lipid metabolism.

PMID- 22085611
TI  - Stepping to stability and fall prevention in adult psychiatric patients.
AB  - Fall prevention is a major area of concern in inpatient settings. This article
      reports on the feasibility of implementing a daily exercise program that features
      line dancing to promote stability, balance, and flexibility in adult psychiatric
      patients and describes the impact of that program. Six hundred sixty-five patient
      charts drawn from before and after the practice change were reviewed. The fall
      rate after the introduction of line dancing was 2.8% compared with 3.2% before
      implementation. In a setting that treats both men and women of many ages and with
      varying levels of mobility, line dancing offers a viable approach to exercise in
      a secure setting.

PMID- 22085609
TI  - Temperature-dependent structural and functional properties of a mutant (F71L)
      alphaA-crystallin: molecular basis for early onset of age-related cataract.
AB  - Previously we identified a novel mutation (F71L) in the alphaA-crystallin gene
      associated with early onset of age-related cataract. However, it is not known how
      the missense substitution translates into reduced chaperone-like activity (CLA),
      and how the structural and functional changes lead to early onset of the disease.
      Herein, we show that under native conditions the F71L-mutant is not significantly
      different from wild-type with regard to secondary and tertiary structural
      organization, hydrophobicity and the apparent molecular mass of oligomer but has
      substantial differences in structural and functional properties following a heat
      treatment. Wild-type alphaA-crystallin demonstrated increased CLA, whereas the
      F71L-mutant substantially lost its CLA upon heat treatment. Further, unlike the
      wild-type alphaA-subunit, F71L-subunit did not protect the alphaB-subunit in
      hetero-oligomeric complex from heat-induced aggregation. Moreover, hetero
      oligomer containing F71L and alphaB in 3:1 ratio had significantly lower CLA upon
      thermal treatment compared to its unheated control. These results indicate that
      alpha-crystallin complexes containing F71L-alphaA subunits are less stable and
      have reduced CLA. Therefore, F71L may lead to earlier onset of cataract due to
      interaction with several environmental factors (e.g., temperature in this case)
      along with the aging process.

PMID- 22085612
TI  - The role of psychiatric nurse faculty in establishing a campus suicide prevention
      program.
AB  - Suicide among college students has received increased national attention over the
      past few decades, partly due to the publicity regarding high-profile suicide
      events on college campuses throughout the United States and its territories.
      Currently, suicide is identified as the second-leading cause of death in college
      students. Due to federal legislation such as the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act
      of 2004, many college campuses have been able to establish suicide prevention
      programs. This article describes how a psychiatric nurse faculty member
      successfully established a comprehensive suicide prevention program that was
      initially supported by grant funds from the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act.

PMID- 22085613
TI  - Update on energy drinks and youth.
AB  - Energy drinks are attractive and readily available in every grocery store and gas
      station. While most youth verbalize an understanding that too much caffeine is
      bad for one's health, at an age of multiple demands, an over-the-counter offer of
      increased energy and alertness is hard to ignore. What makes energy drinks
      different from regular coffee? Although the heavily caffeinated drinks promise
      increased energy and stamina and are loaded with healthy natural ingredients,
      excessive consumption is of concern on many levels. This article will discuss
      some of the effects of excessive caffeine, as well as risks associated with
      energy drinks mixed with alcohol.

PMID- 22085614
TI  - A critical evaluation of the cardiac toxicity of citalopram: part 2.
AB  - In August 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a drug safety
      communication that the antidepressant drug citalopram (Celexa(r)) should not be
      used at dosages greater than 40 mg per day (or greater than 20 mg per day for
      patients 60 and older) because higher doses have been associated with abnormal
      heart rhythms. Clinical studies using citalopram in patients with cardiac disease
      and in older patients do not confirm such a risk. The major metabolite of
      citalopram is demethylcitalopram, which is subsequently metabolized to the minor
      metabolite didemethylcitalopram (DDCT). High DDCT concentrations have been
      associated with QT interval prolongation in beagle dogs. Therapeutic drug
      monitoring study data suggest that routine or even high oral doses of citalopram
      are unlikely to result in cardiotoxic concentrations of the DDCT metabolite.
      Based on evidence taken from a wide variety of studies, the citalopram dose
      limitations described in the safety announcement do not have strong clinical
      justification.

PMID- 22085615
TI  - Debunking misconceptions about weight loss surgery.
AB  - The recent and steady rise in the U.S. obesity index has resulted in a consumer
      driven market for more effective treatment interventions for the morbidly obese
      population. Given the relatively poor outcomes associated with traditional
      approaches for treating obesity, such as diet programs, behavioral modification,
      and pharmacotherapy, weight loss surgical procedures represent a safe and
      effective option for those who meet selection criteria. To provide optimal
      treatment and consumer education, psychiatric nurses need to be well informed
      about the psychological and physiological aspects of these surgical procedures.
      This article clarifies six common misconceptions related to weight loss surgery.

PMID- 22085616
TI  - Influence of broccoli extract and various essential oils on performance and
      expression of xenobiotic- and antioxidant enzymes in broiler chickens.
AB  - The aim of our present study was to examine the regulation of xenobiotic- and
      antioxidant enzymes by phytogenic feed additives in the intestine and the liver
      of broilers. A total of 240 male Ross-308 broiler chickens (1 d old) were fed a
      commercial starter diet for 2 weeks. On day 15, the birds were assigned to six
      treatment groups of forty birds each. The control (Con) group was fed a diet
      without any additive for 3 weeks. The diet of group sulforaphane (SFN) contained
      broccoli extract providing 0.075 g/kg SFN, whereas the diets of the other four
      groups contained 0.15 g/kg essential oils from turmeric (Cuo), oregano (Oo),
      thyme and rosemary (Ro). Weight gain and feed conversion were slightly impaired
      by Cuo and Oo. In the jejunum SFN, Cuo and Ro increased the expression of
      xenobiotic enzymes (epoxide hydrolases 1 and 2 and aflatoxin B1 aldehyde
      reductase) and of the antioxidant enzyme haeme oxygenase regulated by an
      'antioxidant response element' (ARE) compared to group Con. In contrast to our
      expectations in the liver, the expression of these enzymes was decreased by all
      the additives. Nevertheless, all the additives increased the Trolox equivalent
      antioxidant capacity of the jejunum and the liver and reduced Fe-induced lipid
      peroxidation in the liver. We conclude that the up-regulation of ARE genes in the
      small intestine reduces oxidative stress in the organism and represents a novel
      mechanism by which phytogenic feed additives improve the health of farm animals.

PMID- 22085617
TI  - Concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell
      carcinoma of the head and neck.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard treatment for patients with
      advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).The present study was
      carried out to assess the feasibility and efficacy of low-dose gemcitabine as a
      radiosensitizer when used during radical therapeutic management of patients with
      locally advanced HNSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with locally
      advanced HNSCC (stage III, 50%; stage IVa, 50%) were enrolled during the period
      from July 2008 to December 2010. All received a course of radiotherapy (70 Gy
      over 7 weeks) concurrent with weekly infusions of gemcitabine at 50 mg/m(2).
      RESULTS: All patients were available for toxicity and response. Severe mucositis
      (grade 3-4) was observed in 76% of patients. Severe hematological toxicity was
      uncommon. Xerostomia was the most common late toxicity in 34 patients (65.4%).
      The rate of complete and partial response rate was 67.3% and 21.1%, respectively,
      with an overall response rate of 88.45%. Two years progression-free survival and
      disease-free survival were 46% and 38.46%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using low
      dose gemcitabine concurrent with radiotherapy maintains high response rate with
      low systemic toxicity, in spite of severe mucositis in a high percentage of
      patients.

PMID- 22085618
TI  - Outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection in Norway linked to consumption of fresh
      basil, October 2011.
AB  - We report a Shigella sonnei outbreak of 46 cases that occurred in Norway during
      October 2011. Two municipalities were involved. A large cluster (42 cases)was
      concentrated in north Norway, while a smallcluster (4 cases) occurred in the
      south-east region.Epidemiological evidence and trace back investigations have
      linked the outbreak to the consumption of imported fresh basil. The product has
      been withdrawn from the market. No further cases have been reported since 25
      October.

PMID- 22085619
TI  - Case report: tick-borne encephalitis in two Dutch travellers returning from
      Austria, Netherlands, July and August 2011.
AB  - Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is not endemic in the Netherlands and diagnostics
      are seldom requested. Here, we report about the rare event of TBE in two Dutch
      travellers returning from Austria in July and August 2011. This report serves to
      create awareness among physicians to consider travel-related TBE in their
      differential diagnosis of patients with neurological disease returning from TBE
      virus endemic regions and to promote awareness among professionals advising
      travellers.

PMID- 22085620
TI  - Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in Thuringia, Germany,
      1999 to 2006.
AB  - The prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-specific IgG was determined in
      sera taken in 1999 to 2006 from 1,100 children aged 0-18 years, 800 blood donors
      and 200 pregnant women in Thuringia, Germany, using tests based on the HSV
      glycoproteins (g) gG. By the age of 10-12 years, HSV-1 IgG prevalence reached
      57.3%, rising to 69.3% by the age of 16-18 years and to 78.0% by the age of 28-30
      years. Between 2.7% and 4.7% of the children aged up to 15 years had HSV-2
      antibodies, increasing to 7.3% at the age of 16-18 years and to 13.6% among
      adults. The prevalence of HSV-1 antibodies among girls was significantly lower
      than among boys and a significantly higher prevalence of HSV-2 IgG in women than
      in men was detected. The reduced incidence of HSV-1 infections during childhood,
      especially in girls, has to be followed up since a higher number of primary HSV-2
      infections may result. Between 2.7% and 4.7% of all children tested seemed to
      acquire HSV-2 by intrauterine or neonatal infection. We also compared the use of
      gG-1 with gC-1: the agreement of 97.2% between the two ELISAs suggests that gG-1
      and gC-1 can be considered equivalent antigenic targets.

PMID- 22085621
TI  - Influenza surveillance during the post-pandemic influenza 2010/11 season in
      Greece, 04 October 2010 to 22 May 2011.
AB  - In this manuscript, we summarise the experience of Greece during the post
      pandemic influenza season 2010/11 from 04 October 2010 to 22 May 2011. The spread
      of the disease and its impact were monitored using multiple surveillance systems,
      such as sentinel surveillance, virological surveillance and all-cause mortality
      surveillance. We also focus on the characteristics of laboratory-confirmed severe
      influenza cases who required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) (n=368),
      and/or with a fatal outcome (n=180). The influenza-like illness rate reported
      from sentinel surveillance started rising in early January 2011 and peaked
      between 31 January and 6 February 2011. The total number of ICU admissions was
      higher in the post-pandemic influenza season than during the pandemic period
      causing a lot of pressure on ICUs. The overall population mortality rate due to
      influenza A(H1N1)2009 was higher than during the pandemic period (15.9 vs 13.2
      fatal cases per million, p=0.087). Our data suggest that the severity of clinical
      illness in the first post-pandemic influenza season was comparable or even higher
      than during the pandemic.

PMID- 22085623
TI  - The implications of the new paradigm of dental caries.
AB  - The caries process is the ubiquitous, natural metabolism in the biofilm that
      causes numerous fluctuations in pH. The interaction of this biofilm with the
      dental tissues may result in a caries lesion. However, lesion formation and
      progression can be controlled, particularly by disturbing plaque regularly with a
      fluoride containing toothpaste. This paradigm implies that everyone with teeth is
      at risk to lesion development. Treatment of caries is principally non-operative,
      involving plaque control, fluoride and a sensible diet. Operative dentistry
      repairs un-cleansable cavities and is part of plaque control. A diagnosis is a
      mental resting place on the way to a treatment decision. The relevant diagnostic
      features with respect to caries are lesion activity (active lesions require
      active management) and un-cleansable cavities. When teaching undergraduates, it
      is important that they are credited for the non-operative treatment of caries as
      well as for operative dentistry. This is equally important in dental practice
      where an appropriate skills mix of the dental team is required to deliver dental
      health cost-effectively. Training more dentists may be an expensive mistake as
      far as disease control is concerned. It is ironic that dentists make most money
      from operative care and specialist treatment when disease control could be
      delivered relatively cheaply. The key to dental health is regular and effective
      plaque control with a fluoride containing toothpaste, from cradle to grave.

PMID- 22085624
TI  - Mitochondrial energetics in liver and skeletal muscle after energy restriction in
      young rats.
AB  - The present study investigated the effect of 2 weeks of energy restriction on
      whole body, liver and skeletal muscle energy handling. We measured whole-body
      oxygen consumption, as well as mitochondrial protein mass, respiratory capacity
      and energetic coupling in liver and skeletal muscle from food-restricted (FR)
      rats, age- and weight-matched controls. We also assessed markers of oxidative
      damage and antioxidant defences. The present results show that, in response to
      energy restriction, an adaptive decrease in whole-body energy expenditure is
      coupled with structural and functional changes in mitochondrial compartment, both
      in liver and skeletal muscle. In fact, liver mitochondrial mass per g of liver
      significantly increased, whereas total hepatic mitochondrial oxidative capacity
      was lower in FR than in control rats, because of a significant decrease in liver
      contribution to total body weight. In skeletal muscle, sub-sarcolemmal (SS)
      mitochondrial respiratory capacity, as well as SS and inter-myofibrillar (IMF)
      mitochondrial protein mass per g of tissue, was significantly lower in FR rats,
      compared to controls. Finally, a decrease in oxidative damage was found in liver
      but not in skeletal muscle mitochondria from FR rats, whereas an increase in
      antioxidant defence was found in both tissues. From the present results, it
      appears that skeletal muscle is involved in the decrease in energy expenditure
      induced by energy restriction. Energy sparing is achieved through changes in the
      activity (SS), mass (SS and IMF) and efficiency (IMF) of mitochondrial
      compartment.

PMID- 22085625
TI  - A replication study examining novel common single nucleotide polymorphisms
      identified through a prostate cancer genome-wide association study in a Japanese
      population.
AB  - Five novel prostate cancer risk loci were identified in a recent genome-wide
      association study (GWAS) of Japanese persons (Takata et al., Nat Genet.
      2010;42(9):751-754). Those authors proposed that apart from population-specific
      linkage disequilibrium patterns, limitations of GWAS single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) prioritization and/or study design could explain the lack of
      identification of these loci in GWAS previously conducted among Caucasians. Thus,
      the authors undertook a replication study in 1,357 prostate cancer patients and
      1,403 healthy Australian males of European descent (2004-2008). The rs12653946
      SNP at 5p15 was found to be significantly associated with prostate cancer risk
      (odds ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.34; P = 0.002). On the basis
      of linkage disequilibrium calculations, the rs12653946 SNP represents an
      independent locus, distinct from the previously identified TERT-CLPTM1L cancer
      nexus region. Further, analysis from AceView (Thierry-Mieg and Thierry-Mieg,
      Genome Biol. 2006;7(suppl 1):S12) indicated that rs12653946 falls within the
      intron of a testis-expressed gene strongly predicted to translate a conceptual
      8.1-kilodalton protein named tojy.aApr07. The authors' findings suggest that
      follow-up of apparently ethnicity-specific risk associations are warranted in
      order to highlight risk-associated loci for experimental studies and for
      incorporation into future risk prediction models for prostate cancer.

PMID- 22085626
TI  - Apples and oranges? Interpretations of risk adjustment and instrumental variable
      estimates of intended treatment effects using observational data.
AB  - Instrumental variable (IV) and risk adjustment (RA) estimators, including
      propensity score adjustments, are both used to alleviate confounding problems in
      nonexperimental studies on treatment effects, but it is not clear how estimates
      based on these 2 approaches compare. Methodological considerations have shown
      that IV and RA estimators yield estimates of distinct types of causal treatment
      effects regardless of confounding problems. Many investigators have neglected
      these distinctions. In this paper, the authors use 3 schematic models to explain
      visually the relations between IV and RA estimates of intended treatment effects
      as demonstrated in the methodological studies. When treatment effects are
      homogeneous across a study population or when treatment effects are heterogeneous
      across the study population but treatment decisions are unrelated to the
      treatment effects, RA and IV estimates should be equivalent when the respective
      assumptions are met. In contrast, when treatment effects are heterogeneous and
      treatment decisions are related to the treatment effects, RA estimates of
      treatment effect can asymptotically differ from IV estimates, but both are
      correct even when the respective assumptions are met. Appropriate interpretations
      of IV or RA estimates can be facilitated by developing conceptual models related
      to treatment choice and treatment effect heterogeneity prior to analyses.

PMID- 22085627
TI  - Re: "Sex-steroid hormones and electrocardiographic QT-interval duration: findings
      from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Multi
      Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis".

PMID- 22085628
TI  - Secular trends in Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in adults in the United
      States: evidence for sustained race/ethnic disparities.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence levels in US adults participating in the
      continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2000) increased
      with age in all racial/ethnic groups, with significantly higher age-standardized
      levels in Mexican Americans (64.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 58.8, 69.2) and
      non-Hispanic blacks (52.0%, 95% CI: 48.3, 55.7) compared with non-Hispanic whites
      (21.2%, 95% CI: 19.1, 23.2). Although seroprevalence levels remained similar to
      those found in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1988 to
      1991 among non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans, they were significantly
      lower in non-Hispanic whites, especially at older ages. The factors driving the
      decline in H. pylori seroprevalence appear to be acting preferentially on the non
      Hispanic white population.

PMID- 22085629
TI  - Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in unselected breast cancer patients from
      Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inheritance of a mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 accounts for
      approximately 5% of all breast cancer cases, but varies by country.
      Investigations into the contribution of BRCA mutations to breast cancer incidence
      in Greece have been, for the most part, limited by small sample sizes and by the
      use of cases selected for their family history of cancer. The aim of the current
      study was to estimate BRCA mutation frequencies in breast cancer patients
      unselected for family history. METHODS: To do so, we enrolled 127 unselected
      women with breast cancer from the Alexandra Hospital in Athens, Greece, a large
      public hospital in the city. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were detected using a
      combination of techniques and were confirmed by direct sequencing. Two large
      genomic deletions were sought using mutation-specific assays. A detailed family
      history of cancer was obtained from each patient. RESULTS: We were able to
      successfully complete testing on samples from 127 women. Among these, six
      mutations were identified (four in BRCA1 and two in BRCA2) representing 4.7% of
      the total or 9.5% of cases diagnosed before age forty. None of the mutation
      carriers had a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Three of the four
      BRCA1 mutations were in exon 20: two were a G5331A mutation and the third was a
      3.2 kb deletion. The fourth BRCA1 mutation was the 3819delGTAAA in exon 11. The
      two BRCA2 mutations were in exon 11 (3782del10 and 4512insT). CONCLUSIONS: The
      G5331A mutation in BRCA1 appears to be a founder mutation in the Greek
      population.

PMID- 22085630
TI  - Features of cadmium and calcium uptake and toxicity in rainbow trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss) mitochondria.
AB  - Molecular features of cadmium (Cd) and calcium (Ca) uptake and toxicity in
      rainbow trout liver mitochondria were studied using modulators of mitochondrial
      permeability transition pore (MPTP), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and
      rapid uptake mode (RaM). Malate-glutamate energized mitochondria were exposed to
      20MUM Cd and 50MUM Ca, singly and in combination, with and without addition of
      ruthenium red (RR), cyclosporin A (CsA), bongkrekic acid (BKA) or dithiothreitol
      (DTT). State 3 mitochondrial respiration was inhibited by 50% by either Cd or Ca,
      and by 70% when the two cations were added simultaneously. All the modulators
      tested reduced the inhibition of state 3 respiration with DTT completely
      reversing the Cd effect. While state 4 respiration was unaffected by Ca and/or
      Cd, 1.5-3 fold stimulation was observed on addition of the modulators. Uncoupler
      stimulated respiration was inhibited by Cd, Ca and Cd+Ca with complete (DTT) and
      partial (RR, CsA, BKA) protection of the Cd and Cd+Ca effects. All the modulators
      completely reversed the Ca-induced inhibition. Swelling, the hallmark of MPTP,
      measured following incubation of mitochondria with 0-100MUM of the two cations,
      singly and in combination, was abolished by all the modulators. Overall these
      data show the existence of membrane channels in rainbow trout liver mitochondria
      with some characteristics similar to mammalian MPTP, MCU and RaM. Moreover, entry
      of Ca and Cd into mitochondria is important in the toxicity of these cations.

PMID- 22085631
TI  - Presenting features and long-term effects of growth hormone treatment of children
      with optic nerve hypoplasia/septo-optic dysplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) with/or without septo-optic dysplasia
      (SOD) is a known concomitant of congenital growth hormone deficiency (CGHD).
      METHODS: Demographic and longitudinal data from KIGS, the Pfizer International
      Growth Database, were compared between 395 subjects with ONH/SOD and CGHD and 158
      controls with CGHD without midline pathology. RESULTS: ONH/SOD subjects had
      higher birth length/weight, and mid-parental height SDS. At GH start, height,
      weight, and BMI SDS were higher in the ONH/SOD group. After 1 year of GH, both
      groups showed similar changes in height SDS, while weight and BMI SDS remained
      higher in the ONH/SOD group. The initial height responses of the two groups were
      similar to those predicted using the KIGS-derived prediction model for children
      with idiopathic GHD. At near-adult height, ONH/SOD and controls had similar
      height, weight, and BMI SDS. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to children with CGHD without
      midline defects, those with ONH/SOD presented with greater height, weight, and
      BMI SDS. These differences persisted at 1 year of GH therapy, but appeared to be
      overcome by long-term GH treatment.

PMID- 22085632
TI  - Chitosan-based therapeutic nanoparticles for combination gene therapy and gene
      silencing of in vitro cell lines relevant to type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a blood glucose homeostasis modulating incretin,
      has been proposed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However,
      native GLP-1 pharmacokinetics reveals low bioavailability due to degradation by
      the ubiquitous dipeptydil peptidase IV (DPP-IV) endoprotease. In this study, the
      glucosamine-based polymer chitosan was used as a cationic polymer-based in vitro
      delivery system for GLP-1, DPP-IV resistant GLP-1 analogues and siRNA targeting
      DPP-IV mRNA. We found chitosans to form spherical nanocomplexes with these
      nucleic acids, generating two distinct non-overlapping size ranges of 141-283 nm
      and 68-129 nm for plasmid and siRNA, respectively. The low molecular weight high
      DDA chitosan 92-10-5 (degree of deacetylation, molecular weight and N:P ratio
      (DDA-Mn-N:P)) showed the highest plasmid DNA transfection efficiency in HepG2 and
      Caco-2 cell lines when compared to 80-10-10 and 80-80-5 chitosans. Recombinant
      native GLP-1 protein levels in media of transfected cells reached 23 ng/L while
      our DPP-IV resistant analogues resulted in a fivefold increase of GLP-1 protein
      levels (115 ng/L) relative to native GLP-1, and equivalent to the Lipofectamine
      positive control. We also found that all chitosan-DPP-IV siRNA nanocomplexes were
      capable of DPP-IV silencing, with 92-10-5 being significantly more effective in
      abrogating enzymatic activity of DPP-IV in media of silenced cells, and with no
      apparent cytotoxicity. These results indicate that specific chitosan formulations
      may be effectively used for the delivery of plasmid DNA and siRNA in a
      combination therapy of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22085634
TI  - Nonlinear pharmacokinetics of visnagin in rats after intravenous bolus
      administration.
AB  - Ammi visnaga L. (syn. Khella, Apiaceae) preparations have traditionally been used
      in the Middle East for the treatment of kidney stone disease. Visnagin, a
      furanocoumarin derivative, is one of the main compounds of Ammi visnaga with
      potential effects on kidney stone prevention. To date, no information is
      available about the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of visnagin. It was the aim
      of the study to characterize the PK properties of visnagin after intravenous
      (i.v.) bolus administration in rats and to develop an adequate model for the
      description of the observed data, including model parameter estimates. Therefore,
      three doses of visnagin (1.25, 2.5, and 5mg/kg) solubilized in 25% Captisol(r)
      were administered by i.v. bolus injection to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Plasma
      samples were extracted and subsequently analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS
      method. Both non-compartmental and compartmental PK analyses were performed. A
      stepwise model building approach was applied including nonlinear mixed effect
      modeling for final model selection and to obtain final model estimates in NONMEM
      VI. The average areas under the curve (AUC(0-last)) after doses of 1.25, 2.5, and
      5mg/kg were 1.03, 3.61, and 12.6 mg *h/l, respectively. The shape of the plasma
      concentration-time profiles and the observed disproportionate increase in AUC(0
      last) with increasing dose suggested nonlinearity in the elimination of visnagin.
      A two-compartment Michaelis-Menten model provided the best fit with following
      typical values of the parameter estimates: 2.09 mg/(l*h) (V(max)), 0.08 mg/l
      (K(M)), 0.175 l (V(C)), 1.0 h-1 (k12), and 1.22 h-1 (k21). Associated inter
      subject variability estimates (% CV) for V(max), K(M) and V(C) were 21.8, 70.9,
      and 9.2, respectively. Intra-subject variability (constant CV error model) was
      estimated to be 7.0%. The results suggest the involvement of a saturable process
      in the elimination of visnagin, possibly an enzyme or transporter system.

PMID- 22085635
TI  - Synthesis, stability and pharmacological evaluation of a novel codrug consisting
      of lamivudine and ursolic acid.
AB  - A novel codrug (LMX) was obtained from lamivudine (LMV) and ursolic acid (UA)
      coupled with ethyl chloroacetate through an amide and ester linkage. The
      structure of LMX was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and HRMS. Herein, the in
      vitro non-enzymatic and enzymatic hydrolysis and in vivo pharmacological
      activities of LMX were studied. The kinetics of hydrolysis of LMX was studied in
      aqueous solution of pH 1-10, 80% buffered human plasma and in the presence of
      lipase from Porcine pancreas (EC 3.1.1.3) at 37 degrees C. It is found that LMX
      hydrolysis rate was significantly faster in lipase with half-life of 1.4h
      compared to pH 7.4 phosphate buffer (t(1/2) 11.2h) and buffered human plasma
      (t(1/2) 5.4h). The decomposition rates in aqueous solution (pH 1-10) showed a U
      shaped curve. LMX was comparatively stable between pH 3 and 6 (half-life >40 h).
      Pharmacological studies indicated that LMX had the dual action of anti-hepatitis
      B virus activity and hepatoprotective effects against acute liver injury. These
      findings suggest that LMX could be a promising candidate agent for the treatment
      of hepatitis.

PMID- 22085637
TI  - Inaccuracies in reporting the accuracy of flap creating devices.

PMID- 22085636
TI  - Model-based global sensitivity analysis as applied to identification of anti
      cancer drug targets and biomarkers of drug resistance in the ErbB2/3 network.
AB  - High levels of variability in cancer-related cellular signalling networks and a
      lack of parameter identifiability in large-scale network models hamper
      translation of the results of modelling studies into the process of anti-cancer
      drug development. Recently global sensitivity analysis (GSA) has been recognised
      as a useful technique, capable of addressing the uncertainty of the model
      parameters and generating valid predictions on parametric sensitivities. Here we
      propose a novel implementation of model-based GSA specially designed to explore
      how multi-parametric network perturbations affect signal propagation through
      cancer-related networks. We use area-under-the-curve for time course of changes
      in phosphorylation of proteins as a characteristic for sensitivity analysis and
      rank network parameters with regard to their impact on the level of key cancer
      related outputs, separating strong inhibitory from stimulatory effects. This
      allows interpretation of the results in terms which can incorporate the effects
      of potential anti-cancer drugs on targets and the associated biological markers
      of cancer. To illustrate the method we applied it to an ErbB signalling network
      model and explored the sensitivity profile of its key model readout,
      phosphorylated Akt, in the absence and presence of the ErbB2 inhibitor
      pertuzumab. The method successfully identified the parameters associated with
      elevation or suppression of Akt phosphorylation in the ErbB2/3 network. From
      analysis and comparison of the sensitivity profiles of pAkt in the absence and
      presence of targeted drugs we derived predictions of drug targets, cancer-related
      biomarkers and generated hypotheses for combinatorial therapy. Several key
      predictions have been confirmed in experiments using human ovarian carcinoma cell
      lines. We also compared GSA-derived predictions with the results of local
      sensitivity analysis and discuss the applicability of both methods. We propose
      that the developed GSA procedure can serve as a refining tool in combinatorial
      anti-cancer drug discovery.

PMID- 22085638
TI  - Biophysical characterization of glycosaminoglycan-IL-7 interactions using SPR.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) interact with a number of cytokines and growth factors
      thereby playing an essential role in the regulation of many physiological
      processes. These interactions are important for both normal signal transduction
      and the regulation of the tissue distribution of cytokines/growth factors. In the
      present study, we employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy to
      dissect the binding interactions between GAGs and murine and human forms of
      interleukin-7 (IL-7). SPR results revealed that heparin binds with higher
      affinity to human IL-7 than murine IL-7 through a different kinetic mechanism.
      The optimal oligosaccharide length of heparin for the interactions to human and
      murine IL-7 involves a sequence larger than a tetrasaccharide. These results
      further demonstrate that while IL-7 is principally a heparin/heparan sulfate
      binding protein, it also interacts with dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfates C,
      D, and E, indicating that this cytokine preferentially interacts with GAGs having
      a higher degree of sulfation.

PMID- 22085639
TI  - Foot and mouth disease leader protease (Lbpro): Investigation of prime side
      specificity allows the synthesis of a potent inhibitor.
AB  - Foot and mouth disease virus expresses its genetic information as a single
      polyprotein that is translated from the single-stranded RNA genome. Proteinases
      contained within the polyprotein then generate the mature viral proteins. The
      leader protease (Lb(pro)) performs the initial cleavage by freeing itself from
      the growing polypeptide chain; subsequently, Lb(pro) cleaves the two homologues
      of the host cell protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G). We showed that
      Lb(pro) possesses specific binding sites at the non prime side from S(1) down to
      S(7) [Santos et al. (2009) Biochemistry, 48, 7948-7958]. Here, we demonstrate
      that Lb(pro) has high prime side specificity at least down to the S'(5) site.
      Lb(pro) is thus not only one of the smallest papain-like cysteine peptidases but
      also one of the most specific. It can still however cleave between both K?G and
      G?R pairs. We further determined the two-step irreversible inhibition (E + I <->
      EI-> E - I) kinetic parameters of two known irreversible epoxide-based inhibitors
      of cysteine proteinases, E64 and CA074 on Lb(pro) that show for the reversible
      step (E + I <-> EI) K(i) = 3.4 MUM and 11.6 MUM, and for the irreversible step
      (EI->E-I) k(4) = 0.16 and 0.06 min(-1), respectively. Knowledge of the Lb(pro)
      specificity led us to extend E64 by addition of the dipeptide R-P. This compound,
      termed E64-R-P-NH(2), irreversibly inhibited Lb(pro) with a K(i) = 30 nM and k(4)
      = 0.01 min(-1) and can serve as the basis for design of specific inhibitors of
      FMDV replication.

PMID- 22085640
TI  - Selection of RNA aptamers against mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are capable of unlimited self-renewal and
      differentiation into multiple cell types. Recent large-scale analyses have
      identified various cell surface molecules on ESCs. Some of them are considered to
      be beneficial markers for characterization of cellular phenotypes and/or play an
      essential role for regulating the differentiation state. Thus, it is desired to
      efficiently produce affinity reagents specific to these molecules. In this study,
      to develop such reagents for mouse ESCs (mESCs), we selected RNA aptamers against
      intact, live mESCs using several selection strategies. The initial selection
      provided us with several anti-mESC aptamers of distinct sequences, which
      unexpectedly react with the same molecule on mESCs. Then, to isolate aptamers
      against different surface markers on mESCs, one of the selected aptamers was used
      as a competitor in the subsequent selections. In addition, one of the selections
      further employed negative selection against differentiated mouse cells.
      Consequently, we successfully isolated three classes of anti-mESC aptamers that
      do not compete with one another. The isolated aptamers were shown to distinguish
      mESCs from differentiated mouse cell lines and trace the differentiation process
      of mESCs. These aptamers could prove useful for developing molecular probes and
      manipulation tools for mESCs.

PMID- 22085641
TI  - Aberrant T-lymphocyte development and function in mice overexpressing human
      soluble amyloid precursor protein-alpha: implications for autism.
AB  - Abnormalities in T-lymphocyte populations and function are observed in autism.
      Soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPP-alpha) is elevated in some patients
      with autism and is known to be produced by immune cells. In light of the well
      established role of sAPP-alpha in proliferation, growth, and survival of neurons,
      we hypothesized an analogous role in the immune system. Thus, we explored whether
      sAPP-alpha could modulate immune development and function, especially aspects of
      the pinnacle cell of the adaptive arm of the immune system: the T cell. To do
      this, we generated mice overexpressing human sAPP-alpha and characterized
      elements of T-cell development, signal transduction, cytokine production, and
      innate/adaptive immune functions. Here, we report that transgenic sAPP-alpha
      overexpressing (TgsAPP-alpha) mice displayed increased proportions of CD8(+) T
      cells, while effector memory T cells were decreased in the thymus. Overall
      apoptotic signal transduction was decreased in the thymus, an effect that
      correlated with dramatic elevations in Notch1 activation; while active-caspase
      3/total-caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios were decreased. Greater levels of IFN
      gamma, IL-2, and IL-4 were observed after ex vivo challenge of TgsAPP-alpha mouse
      splenocytes with T-cell mitogen. Finally, after immunization, splenocytes from
      TgsAPP-alpha mice displayed decreased levels IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-4, as well
      as suppressed ZAP70 activation, after recall antigen stimulation. Given elevated
      levels of circulating sAPP-alpha in some patients with autism, sAPP-alpha could
      potentially drive aspects of immune dysfunction observed in these patients,
      including dysregulated T-cell apoptosis, aberrant PI3K/AKT signaling, cytokine
      alterations, and impaired T-cell recall stimulation.

PMID- 22085642
TI  - Oxidation of HRas cysteine thiols by metabolic stress prevents palmitoylation in
      vivo and contributes to endothelial cell apoptosis.
AB  - Here we demonstrate a new paradigm in redox signaling, whereby oxidants resulting
      from metabolic stress directly alter protein palmitoylation by oxidizing reactive
      cysteine thiolates. In mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet and in cultured
      endothelial cells (ECs) treated with high palmitate and high glucose (HPHG),
      there was decreased HRas palmitoylation on Cys181/184 (61+/-24% decrease for
      cardiac tissue and 38+/-7.0% in ECs). This was due to oxidation of Cys181/184,
      detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI
      TOF)-TOF. Decrease in HRas palmitoylation affected its compartmentalization and
      Ras binding domain binding activity, with a shift from plasma membrane tethering
      to Golgi localization. Loss of plasma membrane-bound HRas decreased growth factor
      stimulated ERK phosphorylation (84+/-8.6% decrease) and increased apoptotic
      signaling (24+/-6.5-fold increase) after HPHG treatment that was prevented by
      overexpressing wild-type but not C181/184S HRas. The essential role of HRas in
      metabolic stress was made evident by the similar effects of expressing an
      inactive dominant negative N17-HRas or a MEK inhibitor. Furthermore, the
      relevance of thiol oxidation was demonstrated by overexpressing manganese
      superoxide dismutase, which improved HRas palmitoylation and ERK phosphorylation,
      while lessening apoptosis in HPHG treated ECs.

PMID- 22085643
TI  - The cysteines of the extracellular loop are crucial for trafficking of human
      organic cation transporter 2 to the plasma membrane and are involved in
      oligomerization.
AB  - Human organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2) is involved in transport of many
      endogenous and exogenous organic cations, mainly in kidney and brain cells.
      Because the quaternary structure of transmembrane proteins plays an essential
      role for their cellular trafficking and function, we investigated whether hOCT2
      forms oligomeric complexes, and if so, which part of the transporter is involved
      in the oligomerization. A yeast 2-hybrid mating-based split-ubiquitin system
      (mbSUS), fluorescence resonance energy transfer, Western blot analysis, cross
      linking experiments, immunofluorescence, and uptake measurements of the
      fluorescent organic cation 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium were
      applied to human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells transfected with hOCT2 and
      partly also to freshly isolated human proximal tubules. The role of cysteines for
      oligomerization and trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membranes was
      investigated in cysteine mutants of hOCT2. hOCT2 formed oligomers both in the
      HEK293 expression system and in native human kidneys. The cysteines of the large
      extracellular loop are important to enable correct folding, oligomeric assembly,
      and plasma membrane insertion of hOCT2. Mutation of the first and the last
      cysteines of the loop at positions 51 and 143 abolished oligomer formation. Thus,
      the cysteines of the extracellular loop are important for correct trafficking of
      the transporter to the plasma membrane and for its oligomerization.

PMID- 22085644
TI  - Loss of desmin triggers mechanosensitivity and up-regulation of Ankrd1 expression
      through Akt-NF-kappaB signaling pathway in smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Muscle cells, including human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) express ankyrin
      repeat protein 1 (Ankrd1), a member of ankyrin repeat protein family. Ankrd1
      efficiently interacts with the type III intermediate filament desmin. Our earlier
      study showed that desmin is an intracellular load-bearing protein that influences
      airway compliance, lung recoil, and airway contractile responsiveness. These
      results suggest that Ankrd1 and desmin may play important roles on ASMC
      homeostasis. Here we show that small interfering (si)RNA-mediated knockdown of
      the desmin gene in HASMCs, recombinant HASMCs (reHASMCs), up-regulates Ankrd1
      expression. Moreover, loss of desmin in HASMCs increases the phosphorylation of
      Akt, inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK)-alpha, and inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB)
      alpha proteins, leading to NF-kappaB activation. Treatment of reHASMCs with Akt,
      IKKalpha, IkappaBalpha, or NF-kappaB inhibitor inhibits the loss of desmin
      induced Ankrd1 up-regulation, suggesting Akt/NF-kappaB-mediated Ankrd1
      regulation. Transfection of reHASMCs with siRNA specific for p50 or p65
      corroborates the NF-kappaB-mediated Ankrd1 regulation. Luciferase reporter assays
      show that NF-kappaB directly binds on Ankrd1 promoter and up-regulates Ankrd1
      levels. Overall, our data provide a new link between desmin and Ankrd1
      regulation, which may be important for ASMC homeostasis.

PMID- 22085645
TI  - Interactions between different generation HIV-1 fusion inhibitors and the
      putative mechanism underlying the synergistic anti-HIV-1 effect resulting from
      their combination.
AB  - We previously reported that the combinatorial use of T20 and T1144, the first and
      next generations of HIV fusion inhibitors, containing different functional
      domains resulted in synergistic anti-HIV-1 effect, but this effect diminished
      when T20 and T1144 were covalently linked together. To elucidate the mechanism
      underlying this synergistic anti-HIV-1 effect, we studied the interactions
      between T20 and T1144 either in a mixture state or in a covalently linked state.
      T20 alone in solution was largely featureless, while T1144 alone was in alpha
      helical trimeric conformation. When mixed in solution, T20 and T1144 showed a
      loose and transient interaction, with a moderate 10% alpha-helical content
      increase, but this interaction was greatly enhanced in the linked state, and T20
      and T1144 showed ~100% alpha-helical content. These results suggested that the
      loose and transient interaction between T20 and T1144 may destabilize the T1144
      trimer, which makes its otherwise shielded binding sites more accessible to N
      terminal heptad repeat (NHR) and increases its associating rate, thus increasing
      its anti-HIV-1 potency against the temporarily exposed target in NHR and causing
      the synergistic anti-HIV-1 effect. However, the strong interaction between T20
      and T1144 in the covalently linked state may shield their NHR-binding sites,
      resulting in reduction of the synergistic effect.

PMID- 22085646
TI  - Structural features of the KPI domain control APP dimerization, trafficking, and
      processing.
AB  - The two major isoforms of human APP, APP695 and APP751, differ by the presence of
      a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor (KPI) domain in the extracellular region. APP
      processing and function is thought to be regulated by homodimerization. We used
      bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to study dimerization of
      different APP isoforms and mutants. APP751 was found to form significantly more
      homodimers than APP695. Mutation of dimerization motifs in the TM domain did not
      affect fluorescence complementation, but native folding of KPI is critical for
      APP751 homodimerization. APP751 and APP695 dimers were mostly localized at steady
      state in the Golgi region, suggesting that most of the APP751 and 695 dimers are
      in the secretory pathway. Mutation of the KPI led to the retention of the APP
      homodimers in the endoplasmic reticulum. We finally showed that APP751 is more
      efficiently processed through the nonamyloidogenic pathway than APP695. These
      findings provide new insight on the particular role of KPI domain in APP
      dimerization. The correlation observed between dimerization, subcellular
      localization, and processing suggests that dimerization acts as an efficient
      regulator of APP trafficking in the secretory compartments that has major
      consequences on its processing.

PMID- 22085647
TI  - Localisation to lipid rafts correlates with increased function of the Gal/GalNAc
      lectin in the human protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica.
AB  - Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of dysentery and liver abscess and
      is prevalent in developing countries. Adhesion to the host is critical to
      infection and is mediated by amoebic surface receptors. One such receptor, the
      Gal/GalNAc lectin, binds to galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine residues on host
      components and consists of heavy (Hgl), light (Lgl) and intermediate (Igl)
      subunits. The mechanism by which the lectin assembles into a functional complex
      is not known. The parasite also relies on cholesterol-rich domains (lipid rafts)
      for adhesion. Therefore, it is conceivable that rafts regulate the assembly or
      function of the lectin. To test this, amoebae were loaded with cholesterol and
      lipid rafts were purified and characterised. Western blotting showed that
      cholesterol loading resulted in co-compartmentalisation of all three subunits in
      rafts. This co-compartmentalisation was accompanied by an increase in the ability
      of the amoebae to bind to host cells in a galactose-specific manner, suggesting
      that there is a correlation between location and function of the Gal/GalNAc
      lectin. Cholesterol loading did not increase the surface levels of the lectin
      subunits. Therefore, the cholesterol-induced increase in adhesion was not the
      result of externalisation of an internal pool of subunits. A mutant cell line
      that modestly responded to cholesterol with a slight increase in adhesion
      exhibited only a slight enrichment of Hgl and Lgl in rafts. This supports the
      connection between location and function of the Gal/GalNAc lectin. Actin can also
      influence the interaction of proteins with rafts. Therefore, the sub-membrane
      distribution of the lectin subunits was also assessed after treatment with an
      actin depolymerising agent, cytochalasin D. Cytochalasin D-treatment had no
      effect on the submembrane distribution of the subunits, suggesting that actin
      does not prevent the association of lectin subunits with rafts in this system.
      Together, these data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating the
      location and function of this adhesin.

PMID- 22085648
TI  - Carboxylesterases 1 and 2 hydrolyze phospho-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
      relevance to their pharmacological activity.
AB  - Phospho-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (phospho-NSAIDs) are novel NSAID
      derivatives with improved anticancer activity and reduced side effects in
      preclinical models. Here, we studied the metabolism of phospho-NSAIDs by
      carboxylesterases and assessed the impact of carboxylesterases on the anticancer
      activity of phospho-NSAIDs in vitro and in vivo. The expression of human liver
      carboxylesterase (CES1) and intestinal carboxylesterase (CES2) in human embryonic
      kidney 293 cells resulted in the rapid intracellular hydrolysis of phospho
      NSAIDs. Kinetic analysis revealed that CES1 is more active in the hydrolysis of
      phospho-sulindac, phospho-ibuprofen, phospho-naproxen, phospho-indomethacin, and
      phospho-tyrosol-indomethacin that possessed a bulky acyl moiety, whereas the
      phospho-aspirins are preferentially hydrolyzed by CES2. Carboxylesterase
      expression leads to a significant attenuation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of
      phospho-NSAIDs, suggesting that the integrity of the drug is critical for
      anticancer activity. Benzil and bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate (BNPP), two
      carboxylesterase inhibitors, abrogated the effect of carboxylesterases and
      resensitized carboxylesterase-expressing cells to the potent cytotoxic effects of
      phospho-NSAIDs. In mice, coadministration of phospho-sulindac and BNPP partially
      protected the former from esterase-mediated hydrolysis, and this combination more
      effectively inhibited the growth of AGS human gastric xenografts in nude mice
      (57%) compared with phospho-sulindac alone (28%) (p = 0.037). Our results show
      that carboxylesterase mediates that metabolic inactivation of phospho-NSAIDs, and
      the inhibition of carboxylesterases improves the efficacy of phospho-NSAIDs in
      vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22085649
TI  - 3-Substituted pyrazole analogs of the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor
      antagonist rimonabant: cannabinoid agonist-like effects in mice via non-CB1, non
      CB2 mechanism.
AB  - The prototypic cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist,
      rimonabant, is comprised of a pyrazole core surrounded by a carboxyamide with
      terminal piperidine group (3-substituent), a 2,4-dichlorophenyl group (1
      substituent), a 4-chlorophenyl group (5-substituent), and a methyl group (4
      substituent). Previous structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis has
      suggested that the 3-position may be involved in receptor recognition and agonist
      activity. The goal of the present study was to develop CB1-selective compounds
      and explore further the SAR of 3-substitution on the rimonabant template. 3
      Substituted analogs with benzyl and alkyl amino, dihydrooxazole, and oxazole
      moieties were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Several notable
      patterns emerged. First, most of the analogs exhibited CB1 selectivity, with many
      lacking affinity for the CB2 receptor. Affinity tended to be better when [3H]5-(4
      chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4-methyl-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3
      carboxamide (SR141716), rather than [3H](-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4(1,1-dimethyl
      heptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxy-propyl)cyclohexanol (CP55,940), was used as the
      binding radioligand. Second, many of the analogs produced an agonist-like profile
      of effects in mice (i.e., suppression of activity, antinociception, hypothermia,
      and immobility); however, their potencies were not well correlated with their CB1
      binding affinities. Further assessment of selected analogs showed that none were
      effective antagonists of the effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in mice,
      their agonist-like effects were not blocked by rimonabant, they were active in
      vivo in CB1-/- mice, and they failed to stimulate guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)
      triphosphate binding. Several analogs were inverse agonists in the latter assay.
      Together, these results suggest that this series of 3-substituted pyrazole
      analogs represent a novel class of CB1-selective cannabinoids that produce
      agonist-like effects in mice through a non-CB1, non-CB2 mechanism.

PMID- 22085650
TI  - Effects of feeding polydextrose on faecal characteristics, microbiota and
      fermentative end products in healthy adult dogs.
AB  - Polydextrose is a potential prebiotic, but has not been well tested in dogs.
      Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of
      polydextrose on faecal characteristics, microbial populations and fermentative
      end products in healthy adult dogs. A total of eight adult hound dogs (3.5 (sem
      0.5) years; 20 (sem 0.5) kg) were randomly allotted to one of four test diets
      containing the following concentrations of polydextrose: (1) 0 % (control); (2)
      0.5 %; (3) 1.0 %; or (4) 1.5 %. A Latin square design was used, with each
      treatment period lasting 14 d (days 0-10 adaptation; days 11-14 fresh and total
      faecal collection). All dogs were fed to maintain body weight. Data were
      evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS software. Although apparent
      total tract DM digestibility was unaffected, total tract crude protein
      digestibility tended to decrease (P < 0.10) linearly with increasing dietary
      polydextrose concentrations. Fresh faecal DM percentage tended to decrease (P <
      0.10) linearly, while faecal scores increased (P < 0.05; looser stools) with
      increasing dietary concentrations of polydextrose. Faecal acetate, propionate and
      total SCFA concentrations increased (P < 0.05) linearly with increased dietary
      polydextrose. Faecal pH decreased (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing
      polydextrose. Faecal indole tended to decrease (P < 0.10) linearly with
      increasing polydextrose, but other faecal protein catabolites were not changed.
      Faecal Clostridium perfringens linearly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing
      dietary polydextrose concentrations, but Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp. and
      Bifidobacterium spp. were not affected. Based on the present results,
      polydextrose appears to act as a highly fermentable fibre, but requires further
      research to test its potential as a prebiotic in dogs.

PMID- 22085651
TI  - Interference of kallikrein 1b26 (klk1b26) translation by microRNA specifically
      expressed in female mouse submandibular glands: an additional mechanism for
      sexual dimorphism of klk1b26 protein in the glands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mouse kallikrein 1b26 (klk1b26) protein is more abundant in male
      submandibular glands (SMGs) than in female ones. This sexual dimorphism has been
      thought to be due to increased mRNA synthesis stimulated by androgen. However,
      the klk1b26 protein level in female SMG is far less than that expected from the
      mRNA level, suggesting an additional mechanism for down-regulation of klk1b26
      expression in female SMGs. METHODS: We examined the effects of small non-coding
      RNAs in mouse SMGs on in vitro translation of klk1b26 using a reticulocyte lysate
      system and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR for klk1b26 mRNA. Statistical analyses
      were performed with a computer package (Microsoft Excel). RESULTS: The microRNA
      (miRNA) preparation from female SMGs, but not male SMGs, interfered with the in
      vitro translation of the klk1b26 protein and inhibited the RT-PCR for klk1b26
      mRNA with forward primers targeting its 5'-terminal region (between the 15th and
      40th nucleotide from the 5'-terminal). The miRNA preparation from castrated mouse
      SMGs showed the inhibitory effect on the klk1b26 translation, but that from a
      5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-treated female mouse SMGs did not. Synthetic miRNAs
      (miR-325 and miR-1497a), which have partial complementarity with klk1b26 mRNA at
      its 5'-terminal region (15th to 40th nucleotide position from the 5'-terminal),
      also interfered with the in vitro klk1b26 translation. When the female miRNA
      preparation was incubated with a 30-nucleotide-long single-strand oligoDNA (named
      [15th-44th]ssDNA, whose sequence corresponded to the 15th to 44th position from
      the 5'-terminal of klk1b26 mRNA) prior to the addition into the in vitro
      translation system, the inhibitory effect of the miRNA preparation on klk1b26
      translation disappeared, while [15th-44th]ssDNA itself had no effect on the
      translation. Preincubation of the miRNA preparation with another single-strand
      DNA ([169th-198th]ssDNA, whose sequence corresponded with 169th to 198th position
      of klk1b26 mRNA) did not show the inhibitory effect. CONCLUSIONS: The small non
      coding RNA, most probably miRNA, specifically expressed in female mouse SMGs
      interfered with klk1b26 protein synthesis in the in vitro translation system.
      Therefore sexual dimorphism observed in klk1b26 expression in mouse SMGs is due
      at least in part to the female-specific small non-coding RNA in SMGs.

PMID- 22085652
TI  - Genes, animal models and the current understanding of psychiatric disease.

PMID- 22085653
TI  - Cellular uptake mechanism and knockdown activity of siRNA-loaded biodegradable
      DEAPA-PVA-g-PLGA nanoparticles.
AB  - Efficient downregulation of gene expression depends on the uptake, intracellular
      distribution and efficient release of siRNA from their carrier. Therefore, the
      cellular uptake behavior and mechanism and intracellular localization of siRNA
      loaded biodegradable nanoparticles were investigated. A biodegradable polymer,
      composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified with diamine moieties and grafted
      with PLGA, abbreviated as DEAPA-PVA-g-PLGA, was used for the preparation of siRNA
      loaded nanoparticles by solvent displacement. Particle sizes and morphology were
      determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM). The dependence of particle uptake into H1299-EGFP cells (lung cancer cells
      expressing green fluorescent protein) on both incubation time and temperature was
      studied by flow cytometry. Inhibition experiments focusing on clathrin- or
      caveolae-mediated uptake or uptake by macropinocytosis were performed. The
      intracellular localization was investigated by confocal laser scanning
      microscopy. The GFP knockdown efficiency was determined in vitro to establish the
      potential of the nanoparticles for the downregulation of gene expression.
      Nanoparticles with diameters of 120-180nm were successfully generated. In
      contrast to the uptake of standard PEI-polyplexes, which increased continuously
      over a period of 4h, nanoparticle uptake was complete within 2h. A decrease in
      particle uptake at 4 degrees C (in comparison with 37 degrees C) suggests an
      active uptake process. Inhibition experiments revealed the predominance of
      clathrin-mediated uptake for siRNA-loaded nanoparticles. The siRNA-loaded
      nanoparticles could be clearly located within cells, mainly in intracellular
      vesicles. Particle uptake could be increased by the addition of lung surfactant
      to the formulation. Bioactivity in terms of successful GFP knockdown in vitro was
      demonstrated and could be further optimized by the use of surfactant-modified
      particles. In conclusion, a high and rapid cellular uptake was shown for siRNA
      loaded nanoparticles. Cell internalization is based on an energy-dependent and
      predominantly clathrin-mediated process. Particle localization in endosomes and
      lysosomes was demonstrated. Evidence for the efficient delivery of bioactive
      siRNA and specific GFP knockdown provides a solid basis for the application of
      DEAPA-PVA-g-PLGA-based particles for gene silencing in vivo.

PMID- 22085654
TI  - beta-Casein nanoparticle-based oral drug delivery system for potential treatment
      of gastric carcinoma: stability, target-activated release and cytotoxicity.
AB  - We studied a potential drug delivery system comprising the hydrophobic anticancer
      drug paclitaxel entrapped within beta-casein (beta-CN) nanoparticles and its
      cytotoxicity to human gastric carcinoma cells. Paclitaxel was entrapped by
      stirring its dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution into PBS containing beta-CN. Cryo
      TEM analysis revealed drug nanocrystals, the growth of which was blocked by beta
      CN. Entrapment efficiency was nearly 100%, and the nanovehicles formed were
      colloidally stable. Following encapsulation and simulated digestion with pepsin
      (2 hours at pH=2, 37  degrees C), paclitaxel retained its cytotoxic activity to
      human N-87 gastric cancer cells; the IC(50) value (32.5 +/- 6.2 nM) was similar
      to that of non-encapsulated paclitaxel (25.4 +/- 2.6 nM). Without prior simulated
      gastric digestion, beta-CN-paclitaxel nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic,
      suggesting the lack of untoward toxicity to bucal and esophageal epithelia. We
      conclude that beta-CN shows promise to be useful for target-activated oral
      delivery of hydrophobic chemotherapeutics in the treatment of gastric carcinoma,
      one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide.

PMID- 22085656
TI  - The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside, a flavonoid, increases hepatic
      glutathione synthesis and protects hepatocytes against reactive oxygen species
      during hyperglycemia: Involvement of a cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling pathway.
AB  - Enhanced oxidative stress due to high glucose contributes to pathological changes
      in diabetes-related liver complications. Reducing oxidative stress may alleviate
      these pathogenic processes. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, has been reported
      to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels but the mechanism of
      this reduction is not fully understood. The glutathione (GSH) antioxidant system
      is critical for counteracting oxidative stress-induced intracellular injury. In
      this study, we evaluated the mechanism of the anthocyanin-mediated regulation of
      GSH synthesis and reduction in intracellular ROS levels. We observed that
      treatment of human HepG2 cells with the anthocyanin C3G significantly reduced ROS
      levels induced by high glucose. C3G incubation increased glutamate-cysteine
      ligase expression, which in turn mediated the reduction in ROS levels. However,
      the upregulation of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) expression
      by C3G occurred independent of the Nrf1/2 transcription factors. Notably, the
      cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) was identified as the target
      transcription factor involved in the C3G-mediated upregulation of Gclc
      expression. C3G increased phosphorylation of CREB through protein kinase A (PKA)
      activation, which induced a CREB-mediated upregulation of Gclc transcription. In
      vivo, treatment with C3G increased the GSH synthesis in the liver of diabetic
      db/db mice through PKA-CREB-dependent induction of Gclc expression. Finally,
      oxidative stress determined by lipid peroxidation, neutrophil infiltration, and
      hepatic steatosis was attenuated in C3G-treated db/db mice. Our results
      demonstrate that the anthocyanin C3G has an effect of activating GSH synthesis
      through a novel antioxidant defense mechanism against excessive ROS production,
      contributing to the prevention of hyperglycemia-induced hepatic oxidative damage.

PMID- 22085655
TI  - The role of sirtuins in modulating redox stressors.
AB  - For much of the time since their discovery, the sirtuin family of deacetylase
      enzymes has been associated with extension of life span. This longevity-promoting
      capacity in numerous model systems has enabled the sirtuins to gain "celebrity
      status" in the field of aging research. However, the mechanisms underpinning
      these changes remain incompletely defined. A general phenotype long associated
      with aging is the dysregulation of biological systems, which partly occurs via
      the accumulation of damage over time. One of the major sources of this damage is
      oxidative stress, which can harm both biological structures and the mechanisms
      with which they are repaired. It is now becoming clear that the beneficial life
      span effects of sirtuins, along with many of their other functions, are closely
      linked to their ability to regulate systems that control the redox environment.
      Here we investigate the links between sirtuins and their oxidative/redox
      environment and review the control mechanisms that are regulated by the activity
      of sirtuin deacetylase proteins.

PMID- 22085657
TI  - Gestatational trophoblastic disease: multimodality imaging assessment with
      special emphasis on spectrum of abnormalities and value of imaging in staging and
      management of disease.
AB  - Gestational trophoblastic disease is a spectrum of disorders of varying malignant
      potential arising from trophoblastic cells and encompassing hydatidiform moles
      and persistent trophoblastic neoplasia. Ultrasound is the initial imaging
      investigation of choice when gestational trophoblastic disease is suspected.
      Complete hydatiform mole, the most common form of molar pregnancy, usually has a
      characteristic "cluster of grapes" appearance, especially on second-trimester
      ultrasounds. Persistent trophobastic neoplasia usually appears as a focal,
      hypervascular myometrial mass on pelvic ultrasound. Pelvic magnetic resonance
      imaging is often used as a problem-solving tool in equivocal or complicated cases
      of gestational trophoblastic disease to assess the degree of invasion into the
      myometrium and surrounding tissues. Chest x-ray, brain magnetic resonance
      imaging, and body computed tomography scans are primarily used for the evaluation
      of metastatic disease, which usually occurs in the context of choriocarcinomas.
      Choriocarcinoma metastases are usually hypervascular and have a tendency to
      bleed, features that are reflected in their imaging appearance.

PMID- 22085658
TI  - Neuroimaging of migrational disorders in pediatric epilepsy.
AB  - Seizures in children are common and represent a final pathway for a variety of
      brain insults. Although most children with seizures do not require imaging, when
      indicated, imaging plays an important role in the clinical workup. Imaging in the
      pediatric seizure population is reserved for a particular subset of patients
      depending on factors, such as age of onset, symptomatology, physical examination
      findings, and specific electroencephalography changes to name a few. The
      etiologies of seizures are extensive and include disorders of cortical migration
      and organization. Cortical migration and organization disorders are
      multifactorial and complex and a major cause of seizure disorders. Although
      magnetic resonance imaging is the most common imaging modality used to identify
      the seizure focus, positron emission tomographic and/or diffusion tensor imaging
      are beginning to provide complementary information about the involved areas.
      Early and accurate detection is key to better treatment and overall improved
      patient prognosis.

PMID- 22085659
TI  - Imaging of duodenal diverticula and their complications.
AB  - Duodenal diverticula are common and are often incidentally found during routine
      imaging. Complications can occur but few require surgical intervention. We
      present a review of duodenal diverticula and their complications.

PMID- 22085660
TI  - Spectrum of synovial pathologies: a pictorial assay.
AB  - The synovium, a specialized vascular tissue, lines the diarthrodial joints,
      bursae, and tendon sheaths of the body. It helps in nourishment of articular
      structures. The synovium is affected by a variety of disorders that can be either
      localized or systemic. Although normal synovium is barely perceptible on magnetic
      resonance imaging, it provides an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation
      of pathologic processes involving the synovium. The pathologic processes
      affecting the synovium include 1 of the following etiologies: inflammatory,
      infectious, degenerative, traumatic, or neoplastic and tumor-like conditions. In
      this article, we discuss the magnetic resonance imaging technique and the
      sequences used in the evaluation of synovial pathologies and review the
      characteristic imaging findings of specific conditions thus narrowing the
      differential diagnoses.

PMID- 22085661
TI  - Twenty years after: do animal trials inform clinical resuscitation research?

PMID- 22085662
TI  - Do long-acting beta2 agonists impair the effect of short-acting beta2 agonists in
      some patients?

PMID- 22085664
TI  - Antibiotics for acute otitis media in young children.

PMID- 22085665
TI  - Anaphylaxis: recognition and management.
AB  - Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that is
      almost always unanticipated and may lead to death by airway obstruction or
      vascular collapse. Anaphylaxis occurs as the result of an allergen response,
      usually immunoglobulin E-mediated, which leads to mast cell and basophil
      activation and a combination of dermatologic, respiratory, cardiovascular,
      gastrointestinal, and neurologic symptoms. Dermatologic and respiratory symptoms
      are most common, occurring in 90 and 70 percent of episodes, respectively. The
      three most common triggers are food, insect stings, and medications. The
      diagnosis of anaphylaxis is typically made when symptoms occur within one hour of
      exposure to a specific antigen. Confirmatory testing using serum histamine and
      tryptase levels is difficult, because blood samples must be drawn with strict
      time considerations. Allergen skin testing and in vitro assay for serum
      immunoglobulin E of specific allergens do not reliably predict who will develop
      anaphylaxis. Administration of intramuscular epinephrine at the onset of
      anaphylaxis, before respiratory failure or cardiovascular compromise, is
      essential. Histamine H(1) receptor antagonists and corticosteroids may be useful
      adjuncts. All patients at risk of recurrent anaphylaxis should be educated about
      the appropriate use of prescription epinephrine autoinjectors.

PMID- 22085666
TI  - Evaluation of chronic diarrhea.
AB  - Chronic diarrhea, defined as a decrease in stool consistency for more than four
      weeks, is a common but challenging clinical scenario. It can be divided into
      three basic categories: watery, fatty (malabsorption), and inflammatory. Watery
      diarrhea may be subdivided into osmotic, secretory, and functional types. Watery
      diarrhea includes irritable bowel syndrome, which is the most common cause of
      functional diarrhea. Another example of watery diarrhea is microscopic colitis,
      which is a secretory diarrhea affecting older persons. Laxative-induced diarrhea
      is often osmotic. Malabsorptive diarrhea is characterized by excess gas,
      steatorrhea, or weight loss; giardiasis is a classic infectious example. Celiac
      disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is also malabsorptive, and typically
      results in weight loss and iron deficiency anemia. Inflammatory diarrhea, such as
      ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease, is characterized by blood and pus in the
      stool and an elevated fecal calprotectin level. Invasive bacteria and parasites
      also produce inflammation. Infections caused by Clostridium difficile subsequent
      to antibiotic use have become increasingly common and virulent. Not all chronic
      diarrhea is strictly watery, malabsorptive, or inflammatory, because some
      categories overlap. Still, the most practical diagnostic approach is to attempt
      to categorize the diarrhea by type before testing and treating. This narrows the
      list of diagnostic possibilities and reduces unnecessary testing. Empiric therapy
      is justified when a specific diagnosis is strongly suspected and follow-up is
      available.

PMID- 22085667
TI  - Chronic diarrhea.

PMID- 22085668
TI  - Chronic kidney disease: detection and evaluation.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 27 million adults in the United
      States, and is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular
      disease and stroke. Patients should be assessed annually to determine whether
      they are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease based on clinical
      and sociodemographic factors. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and older age are
      the primary risk factors that warrant screening. Other risk factors include
      cardiovascular disease, family history of chronic kidney disease, and ethnic and
      racial minority status. Serum creatinine levels can be used to estimate the
      glomerular filtration rate, and spot urine testing can detect proteinuria. After
      the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is made, staging based on estimated
      glomerular filtration rate determines prognosis, evaluation, and management.
      Further evaluation should focus on the specific type of kidney disease and on
      identifying complications related to the disease stage. Patients should be
      assessed for risk factors leading to the further loss of kidney function and
      cardiovascular disease. Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates less
      than 30 mL per minute per 1.73 m(2), significant proteinuria, or rapid loss of
      kidney function should be referred to a nephrologist for further evaluation and
      management.

PMID- 22085669
TI  - Clinical vignettes in geriatric depression.
AB  - The diagnosis of depression in older patients is often complicated by comorbid
      conditions, such as cerebrovascular disease or dementia. Tools specific for this
      age group, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale or the Cornell Scale for
      Depression in Dementia, may assist in making the diagnosis. Treatment decisions
      should consider risks associated with medications, such as serotonin syndrome,
      hyponatremia, falls, fractures, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Older white men
      with depression are at high risk of suicide. Depression is common after stroke or
      myocardial infarction, and response to antidepressant treatment has been linked
      to vascular outcomes. Depression care management is an important adjunct to the
      use of antidepressant medications. Structured psychotherapy and exercise programs
      are useful treatments for select patients.

PMID- 22085670
TI  - Caring for older family members with depression.

PMID- 22085671
TI  - Patient with plaques on lower extremities and systemic symptoms.

PMID- 22085672
TI  - Colonic diverticular disease.

PMID- 22085674
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of the PTTH receptor in prothoracic glands of the
      silkworm, Bombyx mori.
AB  - The present study investigated transcriptional regulation of the
      prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) receptor (Torso) gene in prothoracic glands
      (PGs) of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The results showed that PTTH treatment in
      vitro time-dependently affected Torso mRNA levels, with an inhibitory effect
      being detected after 1- and 2-h periods of incubation. When methoprene, a
      juvenile hormone analogue (JHA), was applied to newly ecdysed last instar larvae,
      a decline in Torso mRNA levels during the early last larval instar was delayed
      compared to those treated with acetone. Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone appeared
      to have a stimulatory effect on Torso mRNA levels. Torso mRNA levels were also
      shown to be nutrition-sensitive. From these results, it was suggested that Torso
      mRNA levels of the PGs appear to be hormonally regulated and nutrition-sensitive,
      and the endogenous precisely coordinated regulation of Torso mRNA levels may play
      a role in regulating ecdysteroidogenesis by PGs during development.

PMID- 22085675
TI  - Cellulolytic environment in the midgut of the wood-feeding higher termite
      Nasutitermes takasagoensis.
AB  - Unlike lower termites, xylophagous higher termites thrive on wood without the aid
      of symbiotic protists. In the higher termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis, both
      endogenous endo-beta-1,4-glucanase and beta-glucosidase genes are expressed in
      the midgut, which is believed to be the main site of cellulose digestion. To
      further explore the detailed cellulolytic system in the midgut of N.
      takasagoensis, we performed immunohistochemistry and digital light microscopy to
      determine distributions of cellulolytic enzymes in the salivary glands and the
      midgut as well as the total cellulolytic activity in the midgut. Although
      cellulolytic enzymes were uniformly produced in the midgut epithelium, the
      concentration of endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity and luminal volume in the
      midgut were comparable to those of the wood-feeding lower termite Coptotermes
      formosanus, which digests cellulose with the aid of hindgut protists. However,
      the size of ingested wood particles was considerably larger in N. takasagoensis
      than that in C. formosanus. Nevertheless, it is possible that the cellulolytic
      system in the midgut of N. takasagoensis hydrolyzes highly crystalline cellulose
      to a certain extent. The glucose produced did not accumulate in the midgut lumen.
      Therefore, the present study suggests that the midgut of the higher termite
      provides the necessary conditions for cellulolysis.

PMID- 22085676
TI  - Effect of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (IV) (BMOV) on selenium nutritional status in
      diabetic streptozotocin rats.
AB  - The role of V as a micronutrient, and its hypoglycaemic and toxicological
      activity, have yet to be completely established. The present study focuses on
      changes in the bioavailability and tissue distribution of Se in diabetic
      streptozotocin rats following treatment with V. The following four study groups
      were examined: control; diabetic (DM); diabetic treated with 1 mg V/d (DMV);
      diabetic treated with 3 mg V/d (DMVH). V was supplied in the drinking water as
      bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (IV). The experiment had a duration of 5 weeks. Se was
      measured in food, faeces, urine, serum, muscle, kidney, liver and spleen. Glucose
      and insulin serum were studied, together with glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),
      glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) activity and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver. In the DM group, we recorded higher
      levels of food intake, Se absorbed, Se retained, Se content in the kidney, liver
      and spleen, GSH-Px and GST activity, in comparison with the control rats. In the
      DMV group, there was a significant decrease in food intake, Se absorbed, Se
      retained and Se content in the liver and spleen, and in GSH-Px and GST activity,
      while fasting glycaemia and MDA remained unchanged, in comparison with the DM
      group. In the DMVH group, there was a significant decrease in food intake,
      glycaemia, Se absorbed, Se retained, Se content in the kidney, liver and spleen,
      and in GSH-Px and GST activity, and increased MDA, in comparison with the DM and
      DMV groups. We conclude that under the experimental conditions described, the
      treatment with 3 mg V/d caused a tissue depletion of Se that compromised Se
      nutritional status and antioxidant defences in the tissues.

PMID- 22085677
TI  - Complex formation and kinetics of filament assembly exhibited by the simple
      epithelial keratins K8 and K18.
AB  - We have generated human recombinant keratins K8 and K18 and describe conditions
      to quantitatively follow their assembly into filaments. When renatured
      individually from 8M urea into a low ionic strength/high pH-buffer, K8 was
      present in a dimeric to tetrameric form as revealed by analytical
      ultracentrifugation. In contrast, K18 sedimented as a monomer. When mixed in 8 M
      urea and renatured together, K8 and K18 exhibited s-value profiles compatible
      with homogeneous tetrameric complexes. This finding was confirmed by
      sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation. Subsequently, these tetrameric starter
      units were subjected to assembly experiments at various protein concentrations.
      At low values such as 0.0025 g/l, unit-length filaments were abundantly present
      after 2s of assembly. During the following 5 min, filaments grew rapidly and by
      measuring the length of individual filaments we were able to generate time
      dependent length profiles. These data revealed that keratins K8/K18 assemble
      several times faster than vimentin and desmin. In addition, we determined the
      persistence length l(p) of K8/K18 filaments to be in the range of 300 nm.
      Addition of 1 mM MgCl(2) increases l(p) to 480 nm indicating that magnesium ions
      affect the interaction of keratin subunits within the filament during assembly to
      some extent.

PMID- 22085678
TI  - Intentional forgetting might be more effortful than remembering: an ERP study of
      item-method directed forgetting.
AB  - This study recorded ERPs while participants engaged in a procedure that combined
      semantic priming and item-method directed forgetting, aiming to investigate the
      issues of whether intentional forgetting demands cognitive efforts and modulates
      the semantic processing of to-be-remembered (TBR) and to-be-forgotten (TBF)
      items. Participants made lexical decisions to semantically related or unrelated
      prime and target words. A Remember/Forget cue, presented between the prime and
      target, designated the prime as TBR or TBF. When the cues were shown for 500 ms,
      targets preceded by Forget cues yielded a smaller P200 wave than those preceded
      by Remember cues. Furthermore, the topography of the N400 effect was different
      for targets preceded by Remember and Forget cues. The cues did not modulate the
      ERPs of the targets when they were shown for 1500 ms. Because P200 is sensitive
      to attention influence and the N400 effect reflects semantic processing, we
      conclude that forgetting is more effortful than remembering and that the semantic
      processing is different for TBR and TBF items. Nevertheless, there is a temporal
      limitation for the Remember/Forget cues to modulate the semantic processing and
      attentional resources in item-method directed forgetting.

PMID- 22085679
TI  - Protein-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA microspheres: a tool for cell therapy.
AB  - A promising strategy to repair injured organs is possible by delivering a growth
      factor via poly-(d,l lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres; the latter are
      coated with adhesion molecules that serve as a support for cell delivery. At
      present, PLGA is not the optimal choice of polymer because of poor or incomplete
      protein release. The use of a more hydrophilic PLGA-PEG-PLGA (A-B-A) copolymer
      increases the degree of protein release. In this work, the impact of different
      combinations of (B) and (A) segments on the protein-release profile has been
      investigated. Continuous-release profiles, with no lag phases, were observed. The
      triblock ABA with a low molecular weight of PEG and a high molecular weight of
      PLGA showed an interesting release pattern with a small burst (<10% in 48 h)
      followed by sustained, protein release over 36 days. Incomplete protein release
      was found to be due to various causes: protein adsorption, protein aggregation
      and protein denaturation under acidic conditions. Interestingly, cell viability
      and cell adhesion on microspheres coated with fibronectin highlight the interest
      of these polymers for tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 22085680
TI  - Carboxylated poly(glycerol methacrylate)s for doxorubicin delivery.
AB  - Poly(glycerol methacrylate)s (PGOHMAs) were successfully synthesized via the
      hydrolysis of the epoxy groups on linear and/or star-shaped poly(glycidyl
      methacrylate)s (PGMAs). Further modification of the hydroxyl groups on PGOHMAs
      with succinic anhydride (SA) or 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride (CDA)
      resulted in a new type of polyacid polymer, namely, PGOHMACOOH for short, which
      was then employed to prepare pH-sensitive assemblies using dialysis method. The
      carboxylated polymers were quite effective in the encapsulation of doxorubicin
      hydrochloride (DOX) by electrostatic interaction. Compared with poly(acrylic
      acid) (PAA), the star-shaped PGOHMA modified with CDA exhibited higher
      encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity, as well as better pH-responsive
      release profile. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the polymeric
      nanoparticles before and after encapsulation of DOX were spherical in shape. The
      encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and release properties of these
      polymers were found to rely on their backbone architectures and the type of
      carboxylated functionalities. By fine-tuning these factors to achieve optimal
      properties, such type of polymeric materials holds promise as an attractive and
      effective drug delivery vehicle.

PMID- 22085681
TI  - The concomitant use of an osmotic laxative, magnesium sulphate, and a stimulant
      laxative, bisacodyl, does not enhance the laxative effect.
AB  - Patients with severe constipation are treated with combinations of several
      different laxatives. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the
      concomitant use of different laxatives enhances the laxative effect, using an
      osmotic laxative, magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), and a stimulant laxative,
      bisacodyl. The faecal water content of rats, to which MgSO4 and bisacodyl were
      coadministered, was lower than that in the MgSO4 group, while the change in the
      faecal water content over time was very similar to that in the bisacodyl group.
      The mRNA expression of the osmotic pressure marker, sodium/myo-inositol
      transporter, in the coadministration group 5h after the administration was
      significantly higher than that in the control group and almost equal to that in
      the MgSO4 group. The protein expression level of aquaporin-3 (AQP3), which plays
      an important role in water transfer, in the coadministration group decreased
      compared to the control group, as was the case in the bisacodyl group. The
      results of this study indicates that the coadministration of MgSO4 and bisacodyl
      does not enhance the laxative effect because the expression level of AQP3 in the
      colon in the coadministration group was almost equal to that in the bisacodyl
      group.

PMID- 22085682
TI  - Tricin 7-glucoside protects against experimental cerebral ischemia by reduction
      of NF-kappaB and HMGB1 expression.
AB  - There have been several studies of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and high
      mobility group box1 (HMGB1) associated with the pathophysiology of cerebral
      ischemia. Tricin 7-glucoside, a major bioactive compound extracted from Sedum
      sarmentosum Bunge. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of
      Tricin 7-glucoside on a cultured neuronal cell line, SH-SY5Y in vitro and
      experimental ischemic stroke in vivo. For oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulated SH-SY5Y cell line in vitro, SH
      SY5Y cells were incubated with Tricin 7-glucoside. For in vivo experiment, rats
      were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MACO) for 1h, then followed
      by reperfusion for 23 h. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with Tricin 7-glucoside
      reduced the OGD-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity, blocked TNF-alpha-induced NF
      kappaB and IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation, and decreased HMGB1 expression. At
      doses higher than 50mg/kg, Tricin 7-glucoside produced a significant
      neuroprotective potential in rats with ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Tricin 7
      glucoside (100mg/kg) demonstrated significant neuroprotective activity even after
      delayed administration at 2h and 4h after I/R. Tricin 7-glucoside 100mg/kg
      attenuated histopathological damage, decreased brain edema, inhibited NF-kappaB
      activation and reduced HMGB1 expression. These data show that Tricin 7-glucoside
      protects brain against I/R injury with a favorable therapeutic time-window by
      alleviating cerebral I/R injury and attenuating blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      breakdown, and its protective effects may involve HMGB1 and NF-kappaB signaling
      pathway.

PMID- 22085683
TI  - Acupuncture as analgesia for low back pain, ankle sprain and migraine in
      emergency departments: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain is the most common reason that patients present to an emergency
      department (ED) and is often inadequately managed. Evidence suggests that
      acupuncture is effective for pain relief, yet it is rarely practiced in the ED.
      The current study aims to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for providing
      effective analgesia to patients presenting with acute low back pain, migraine and
      ankle sprain at the EDs of four hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. METHOD: The
      study is a multi-site, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial of
      acupuncture analgesia in patients who present to an ED with low back pain,
      migraine or ankle sprain. Patients will be block randomized to receive either
      acupuncture alone, acupuncture as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy or
      pharmacotherapy alone. Acupuncture will be applied according to Standards for
      Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). Pain after
      one hour, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), is the primary outcome.
      Secondary outcomes measures include the following instruments; the Oswestry low
      back pain disability questionnaire, 24-hour Migraine Quality of Life
      questionnaire and Patient's Global Assessment of Ankle Injury Scale. These
      measures will be recorded at baseline, 1 hour after intervention, each hour until
      discharge and 48+/-12 hours of ED discharge. Data will also be collected on the
      safety and acceptability of acupuncture and health resource utilization.
      DISCUSSION: The results of this study will determine if acupuncture, alone or as
      an adjunct to pharmacotherapy provides effective, safe and acceptable pain relief
      for patients presenting to EDs with acute back pain, migraine or ankle sprain.
      The results will also identify the impact that acupuncture treatment may have
      upon health resource utilisation in the ED setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia
      and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12609000989246.

PMID- 22085684
TI  - Imaging in gout--what can we learn from MRI, CT, DECT and US?
AB  - There are many exciting new applications for advanced imaging in gout. These
      modalities employ multiplanar imaging and allow computerized three-dimensional
      rendering of bone and joints (including tophi) and have the advantage of
      electronic data storage for later retrieval. High-resolution computed tomography
      has been particularly helpful in exploring the pathology of gout by investigating
      the relationship between bone erosions and tophi. Magnetic resonance imaging and
      ultrasonography can image the inflammatory nature of gouty arthropathy, revealing
      synovial and soft tissue inflammation, and can provide information about the
      composition and vascularity of tophi. Dual-energy computerized tomography is a
      new modality that is able to identify tophi by their chemical composition and
      reveal even small occult tophaceous deposits. All modalities are being
      investigated for their potential roles in diagnosis and could have important
      clinical applications in the patient for whom aspiration of monosodium urate
      crystals from the joint is not possible. Imaging can also provide outcome
      measures, such as change in tophus volume, for monitoring the response to urate
      lowering therapy and this is an important application in the clinical trial
      setting.

PMID- 22085685
TI  - Impact of the growing use of narrative verdicts by coroners on geographic
      variations in suicide: analysis of coroners' inquest data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coroners' death certificates form the basis of suicide statistics in
      England and Wales. Recent increases in coroners' use of narrative verdicts may
      affect the reliability of local and national suicide rates. METHOD: We used
      Ministry of Justice data on inquests held between 2008 and 2009 and Local
      Authority suicide data (2001-02 and 2008-09) to investigate variations between
      coroners in their use of narrative verdicts and the impact of these on suicide
      rates, using 'other' verdicts (79% of which are narratives) as a proxy for
      narrative verdicts. RESULTS: There was wide geographic variation in Coroners' use
      of 'other' (mainly narrative) verdicts--they comprised between 0 and 50% (median
      = 9%) of verdicts given by individual coroners in 2008-09. Coroners who gave more
      'other' verdicts gave fewer suicide verdicts (r = - 0.41; P < 0.001). In the 10
      English Coroners' jurisdictions where the highest proportion of 'other' verdicts
      were given, the incidence of suicide decreased by 16% between 2001-02 and 2008
      09, whereas it did not change in areas served by the 10 coroners who used
      narratives the least. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in Coroners' use of narrative
      verdicts influences the validity of reported regional suicide rates. Small-area
      suicide rates, and changes in these rates over time in the last decade, should be
      interpreted with caution.

PMID- 22085686
TI  - Phenotype and transmission efficiency of artificial and natural male-killing
      Spiroplasma infections in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Many insect species carry inherited Spiroplasma bacteria which act as important
      partners and antagonists. The nature of symbioses between Spiroplasma and insects
      has been most extensively studied in the interaction between male-killing
      Spiroplasma infection and Drosophila melanogaster. For historical reasons, these
      studies have largely focussed on the Spiroplasma strain known as NSRO, derived
      from Drosophila nebulosa and transinfected into D. melanogaster. More recently,
      D. melanogaster naturally infected with Spiroplasma were discovered. Whilst the
      well studied strain NSRO is closely related to that found natively in D.
      melanogaster, it is unclear whether strains from D. nebulosa reflect a natural
      interaction when placed in D. melanogaster. In this paper, we determine if NSRO
      has similar or different properties from strains of Spiroplasma naturally
      infecting D. melanogaster in terms of transmission efficiency and the strength
      and timing of male-killing. Native infections were observed to have higher
      transmission efficiency than introduced NSRO infections during the early phases
      of host reproduction, but not during late reproduction. The timing and intensity
      of male-killing did not differ between infection classes. As a precautionary
      measure, it is proposed that future work seeking to reveal the nature of
      coevolved Spiroplasma-Drosophila interactions use the native strain.

PMID- 22085687
TI  - Five-year outcome of major depressive disorder in primary health care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary health care provides treatment for most patients with
      depression. Despite their importance for organizing services, long-term course of
      depression and risk factors for poor outcome in primary care are not well known.
      METHOD: In the Vantaa Primary Care Depression Study, a stratified random sample
      of 1119 patients representing primary care patients in a Finnish city was
      screened for depression with the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders.
      SCID-I/P and SCID-II interviews were used to diagnose Axis I and II disorders.
      The 137 patients with DSM-IV depressive disorder were prospectively followed up
      at 3, 6, 18 and 60 months. Altogether, 82% of patients completed the 5-year
      follow-up, including 102 patients with a research diagnosis of major depressive
      disorder (MDD) at baseline. Duration of the index episode, recurrences, time
      spent in major depressive episodes (MDEs) and partial or full remission were
      examined with a life-chart. RESULTS: Of the MDD patients, 70% reached full
      remission, in a median time of 20 months. One-third had at least one recurrence.
      The patients spent 34% of the follow-up time in MDEs, 24% in partial remission
      and 42% in full remission. Baseline severity of depression and substance use co
      morbidity predicted time spent in MDEs. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective,
      naturalistic, long-term study of a representative cohort of primary care patients
      with depression indicated slow or incomplete recovery and a commonly recurrent
      course, which need to be taken into account when developing primary care
      services. Severity of depressive symptoms and substance use co-morbidity should
      be systematically evaluated in planning treatment.

PMID- 22085688
TI  - Mizoribine--an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor--acts
      synergistically with cyclosporine A in prolonging survival of murine islet cell
      and heart transplants across major histocompatibility barrier.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mizoribine (MZR) is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase
      inhibitor. It has been widely used in Japan in the treatment of autoimmune
      diseases and is known to inhibit T and B cell proliferation. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the efficacy of MZR as an immunosuppressive agent and
      determine its ability to synergize with a commonly used calcineurin inhibitor
      Cyclosporine A (CsA) in prolonging survival of murine islet cells and heart
      transplanted across major histocompatibility barrier. METHODS: Murine allogeneic
      islet cell transplantation between Balb/c donor mice and C57BL/6 recipient mice
      and heterotopic heart transplantation was done between C3H/He donor mice and
      Balb/c recipient mice. Recipients were divided into groups based on
      immunosuppression: Group 1-No immunosuppression, Group 2-MZR alone (20
      mg/kg/day), Group 3-CsA alone (20 mg/kg/day), Group 4-MZR+CsA (20 mg/kg/day).
      Donor specific IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-2, IL-4 secreting cells were enumerated by
      ELISpot. Serum cytokine and chemokine concentration was measured by Luminex.
      RESULTS: Islet cell allograft recipients treated with CsA and MZR had prolonged
      islet function compared to other groups [normoglycemia (blood glucose <200 mg/dL)
      up to 32+/-4 days, p<0.05]. Similarly, heart allograft survival was significantly
      improved in mice treated with CsA and MZR compared to other groups (50% 30-day
      survival, p=0.04). Donor specific IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-2 secreting cells were
      significantly decreased in recipients treated with CsA and MZR with marked
      increase in IL-10 secreting cells (p<0.05). There was also an increase in serum
      IL-10 with decrease in IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-2, MCP-1, and IL-6 in mice treated
      with CsA and MZR CONCLUSION: MZR and CsA when used in combination are potent
      immunosuppressive agents in murine islet cell and heart transplantation models.
      These agents lead to a decrease in donor specific IFN-gamma with increase in IL
      10 secreting cells leading to improved allograft survival and function.

PMID- 22085689
TI  - Inductive expression of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) and associated downstream
      signaling molecules following ligand exposure and bacterial infection in the
      Indian major carp, mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala).
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of the key components of innate immunity.
      Among various types of TLRs, TLR5 is involved in recognizing bacterial flagellin
      and after binding, it triggers myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88
      (MyD88)-dependent signaling pathway to induce pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this
      report, we analyzed the expression profile of TLR5 and its associated downstream
      signaling molecules like MyD88 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor
      associated factor (TRAF) 6 in the Indian major carp (IMC), mrigal (Cirrhinus
      mrigala) which is highly commercially important fish species in the Indian
      subcontinent. Ontogeny analysis of TLR5, MyD88 and TRAF6 revealed constitutive
      expression of these genes in all embryonic developmental stages, and highlighted
      the importance of embryonic innate immune defense system in fish. Tissue specific
      expression analysis of these genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)
      revealed their wide distribution in various organs and tissues; highest
      expression of TLR5 and MyD88 was in liver and TRAF6 was in kidney. Modulation of
      TLR5, MyD88 and TRAF6 gene expression, and the induction of interleukin (IL)-8
      and TNF-alpha were analyzed in various organs by qRT-PCR following flagellin
      stimulation, and Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda infection. In the
      treated fish, majority of the tested tissues exhibited significant induction of
      these genes, although with varied intensity among the tissues and with the types
      of treatments. Among the examined tissues, a significant relationship of TLR5
      induction, MyD88 and TRAF6 up-regulation, and enhanced expression of IL-8 and TNF
      alpha gene transcripts was observed in the blood and intestine of both flagellin
      stimulated and bacteria infected fish. These findings may indicate the
      involvement of TLR5 in inducing IL-8 and TNF-alpha, and suggest the important
      role of TLR5 in augmenting innate immunity in fish in response to pathogenic
      invasion. This study will enrich the information in understanding the innate
      immune mechanism in fish and may be helpful in developing preventive measures
      against infectious diseases in fish.

PMID- 22085690
TI  - Macrophages-mediated neurotoxic effects of intra-nigral manganese administration
      are attenuated by minocycline.
AB  - The present study was designed to address the role of macrophages in Mn-induced
      neurotoxicity and to test the hypothesis that minocycline, a tetracycline
      derivative, attenuates the biochemical and morphological sequelae of Mn. Mn was
      unilaterally microinjected into rat nigra followed by systemic minocycline or
      saline administration 24h later, daily for 3 days. At 72h after the intranigral
      Mn microinjection, tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining (TH-IS) was evaluated in
      the striatum, along with the number of macrophages (as indicated by CD11b
      immunostaining) in the substantia nigra. Mn significantly reduced striatal TH-IS,
      and causes an increased macrophage number at the lesion site when compared with
      the control group. The effects of Mn on striatal TH-IS and the number of
      macrophages at the lesion site were concentration dependent. Consistent with the
      stated hypothesis, minocycline significantly reduced the macrophage number in the
      lesion site and minimized the TH-IS striatal loss induced by Mn. These results
      indicate that an inflammatory response mediated by macrophages is induced by
      intranigral Mn microinjection, which is fully attenuated by minocycline
      treatment, suggesting that suppression of macrophage infiltration provides
      neuroprotection to dopaminergic neurons.

PMID- 22085691
TI  - Modeling the gait of normal and Parkinsonian persons for improving the diagnosis.
AB  - In this study, we present a model for the gait of normal and Parkinson's disease
      (PD) persons. Gait is semi-periodic and has fractal properties. Sine circle map
      (SCM) relation has a sinusoidal term and can show chaotic behaviour. Therefore,
      we used SCM as a basis for our model structure. Moreover, some similarities exist
      between the parameters of this relation and basal ganglia (BG) structure. This
      relation can explain the complex behaviours and the complex structure of BG. The
      presented model can simulate the BG behaviour globally. A model parameter, Omega,
      has a key role in the model response. We showed that when Omega is between 0.6
      and 0.8, the model simulates the behaviour of normal persons; the amounts greater
      or less than this range correspond to PD persons. Our statistical tests show that
      there is a significant difference between the Omega of normal and PD patients. We
      conclude that Omega can be introduced as a parameter to distinguish normal and PD
      persons. Additionally, our results showed that Spearman correlation between the
      Omega and the severity of PD is 0.586. This parameter may be a good index of PD
      severity.

PMID- 22085692
TI  - Sensory feedback prosthesis reduces phantom limb pain: proof of a principle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Constrained functionality and phantom limb pain (PLP) are major
      concerns for forearm amputees. Neuroscientific investigations of PLP suggest that
      behaviorally relevant stimulation of the stump can decrease PLP. Furthermore the
      prosthesis user could use feedback information of the prosthesis hand for
      optimizing prosthesis motor control when handling soft and fragile objects.
      Somatosensory feedback information from a prosthetic hand may therefore help to
      improve prosthesis functionality and reduce phantom limb pain. OBJECTIVES: We
      wanted to find out whether a two weeks training on a hand prosthesis that
      provides somatosensory feedback may help to improve prosthesis functionality and
      reduce phantom limb pain. METHODS: Eight forearm amputees with phantom limb pain
      were trained for two weeks to use a hand prosthesis with somatosensory feedback
      on grip strength. RESULTS: The current study demonstrates a significant increase
      of functionality of the prosthesis in everyday tasks. Furthermore, the study
      shows that usage of a prosthesis that provides somatosensory feedback on the grip
      strength is effective to reduce phantom limb pain. CONCLUSIONS: A prosthesis with
      a feedback function appears to be a promising therapeutic tool to reduce phantom
      limb pain and to increase functionality in everyday tasks. Future studies should
      further investigate the scope of application of that principle.

PMID- 22085693
TI  - Optineurin in Huntington's disease intranuclear inclusions.
AB  - Optineurin mutations cause adult-onset primary open-angle glaucoma and have been
      associated with some familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
      Optineurin is involved in many cellular processes and interacts with a variety of
      proteins, among them huntingtin (htt). Here we report that in Huntington's
      disease (HD) cortex, optineurin frequently occurs in neuronal intranuclear
      inclusions, and to a lesser extent, in inclusions in the neuropil and in
      perikarya. Most intranuclear optineurin-positive inclusions were co-labeled for
      ubiquitin, but they were only occasionally and more weakly co-labeled for htt.
      Optineurin-labeled neuropil and perikaryal inclusions were commonly co-labeled
      for ubiquitin and htt. Although these inclusions were common in cortex, they were
      rare in striatum. Our results show that in HD optineurin is present in
      intranuclear, neuropil and perikaryal inclusions. It is not clear whether this
      indicates a primary involvement in the disease process. In HD, the known
      interaction of htt and optineurin may suggest that a different process takes
      place as compared to other neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 22085694
TI  - Impaired long-trace eyeblink conditioning in a Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Eyeblink conditioning has been used for assessing cognitive performance in cases
      of human neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we
      tested and compared the delay and long-trace interval (TI=500ms) eyeblink
      conditionings in a Tg2576 mouse model of AD, at the age of 3, 6, and 12 months.
      Tg2576 mice exhibited significant impairment in trace conditioning at 6 months of
      age. In contrast, delay conditioning was not impaired in Tg2576 mice even at 12
      months. These findings indicate that the long-TI eyeblink conditioning is more
      susceptible to age-related cognitive deterioration than delay conditioning in
      Tg2576 mice. The long-trace eyeblink conditioning could be a potential tool for
      detecting early cognitive deficits in AD mouse model.

PMID- 22085695
TI  - Membrane resonance and its ionic mechanisms in rat subthalamic nucleus neurons.
AB  - The oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia is believed to have an important
      function, but little is known about its actual mechanisms. We studied the
      resonance characteristics of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons and their ionic
      mechanisms using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in rat brain slices. A swept
      sine-wave current with constant amplitude and linearly increasing frequency was
      applied to measure the resonance frequency (f(res)) of STN neurons. We also used
      single-frequency sine wave current to evoke firing. We found that the resonance
      of STN neurons was temperature- and voltage-dependent. The f(res) of STN neurons
      was about 4Hz when the temperature was maintained at 38 degrees C and holding
      potential was at -70mV. The f(res) increased with more negative holding
      potentials and decreased with lower temperature. Action potentials fired most
      readily when the input frequency was near f(res). After application of drug
      ZD7288 (20MUM), the resonance of STN neurons was blocked and the spikes evoked by
      both impedance amplitude profile (ZAP) current and single-frequency sine wave
      current arose readily at the lowest frequencies, indicating that
      hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I(h)) generated the resonance and
      mediated a preferential coupling at frequencies near f(res) between inputs and
      firing. In conclusion, there is a theta-frequency resonance mediated by I(h) in
      STN neurons. The resonance characteristics are temperature- and voltage
      dependent. The resonance mediates a frequency-selective coupling between inputs
      and firing.

PMID- 22085696
TI  - The anatomical characteristics of superior longitudinal fasciculus I in human
      brain: Diffusion tensor tractography study.
AB  - The superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) I is known to be involved in
      regulation of higher aspects of motor function. Using diffusion tensor imaging
      (DTI), we attempted to identify the SLF I and to investigate the anatomical
      characteristics of the SLF I in the human brain. We recruited 30 healthy subjects
      for this study. The SLF I was obtained using the FMRIB Software Library. The seed
      region of interest (ROI) was given at the superior parietal lobule (SPL) and the
      target ROI was the supplementary motor area (SMA) along with the dorsal part of
      the premotor area (PMA). Values of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity
      (MD), and tract volume were measured. The SLF I originated from the SPL and
      medial parietal cortex, passed through the white matter of the SPL and superior
      frontal gyrus, and then terminated in the SMA and dorsal PMA. There were no
      significant differences between hemispheres in terms of the FA, MD, and tract
      volume. We present with the anatomical characteristics of the SLF I in the human
      brain using DTI. We think that the methodology and results of this study would be
      helpful to researchers in this field.

PMID- 22085697
TI  - Subjective, psychomotor, and physiological effects of pregabalin alone and in
      combination with oxycodone in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug indicated for neuropathic disorders and
      fibromyalgia. Some chronic pain patients suffering from these disorders take both
      this drug and an opioid for pain relief. Pregabalin is a scheduled drug under the
      Controlled Substances Act. The subjective effects of this drug have not been well
      characterized, and the extent to which it alters the subjective effects of
      opioids has not been studied to the best of our knowledge. Using a double-blind,
      randomized, crossover design, 16 healthy volunteers were administered (in
      separate sessions) capsules containing placebo, 75 mg pregabalin, 150 mg
      pregabalin, 10 mg oxycodone, and 75 mg pregabalin combined with 10 mg oxycodone.
      Subjective, psychomotor, and physiological measures were assessed during each of
      the five sessions. Pregabalin produced dose-related increases in some subjective
      effects and decreased respiration rate, but did not impact on psychomotor
      performance. Abuse liability-related subjective effects such as drug liking and
      desire to take the drug again were not increased by either pregabalin dose.
      Oxycodone produced increases in several subjective effects, including ratings of
      drug liking. When 75 mg pregabalin was combined with oxycodone some subjective
      effects were altered relative to placebo, in contrast to when each drug was
      tested alone. Liking of oxycodone was not increased by 75 mg pregabalin. However,
      recent studies have suggested that this drug is abused, and we would recommend
      that further psychopharmacological studies with pregabalin are warranted,
      including a study assessing its abuse liability across a range of doses in
      sedative abusers.

PMID- 22085698
TI  - Enhancing clinical concept extraction with distributional semantics.
AB  - Extracting concepts (such as drugs, symptoms, and diagnoses) from clinical
      narratives constitutes a basic enabling technology to unlock the knowledge within
      and support more advanced reasoning applications such as diagnosis explanation,
      disease progression modeling, and intelligent analysis of the effectiveness of
      treatment. The recent release of annotated training sets of de-identified
      clinical narratives has contributed to the development and refinement of concept
      extraction methods. However, as the annotation process is labor-intensive,
      training data are necessarily limited in the concepts and concept patterns
      covered, which impacts the performance of supervised machine learning
      applications trained with these data. This paper proposes an approach to minimize
      this limitation by combining supervised machine learning with empirical learning
      of semantic relatedness from the distribution of the relevant words in additional
      unannotated text. The approach uses a sequential discriminative classifier
      (Conditional Random Fields) to extract the mentions of medical problems,
      treatments and tests from clinical narratives. It takes advantage of all Medline
      abstracts indexed as being of the publication type "clinical trials" to estimate
      the relatedness between words in the i2b2/VA training and testing corpora. In
      addition to the traditional features such as dictionary matching, pattern
      matching and part-of-speech tags, we also used as a feature words that appear in
      similar contexts to the word in question (that is, words that have a similar
      vector representation measured with the commonly used cosine metric, where vector
      representations are derived using methods of distributional semantics). To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first effort exploring the use of
      distributional semantics, the semantics derived empirically from unannotated text
      often using vector space models, for a sequence classification task such as
      concept extraction. Therefore, we first experimented with different sliding
      window models and found the model with parameters that led to best performance in
      a preliminary sequence labeling task. The evaluation of this approach, performed
      against the i2b2/VA concept extraction corpus, showed that incorporating features
      based on the distribution of words across a large unannotated corpus
      significantly aids concept extraction. Compared to a supervised-only approach as
      a baseline, the micro-averaged F-score for exact match increased from 80.3% to
      82.3% and the micro-averaged F-score based on inexact match increased from 89.7%
      to 91.3%. These improvements are highly significant according to the bootstrap
      resampling method and also considering the performance of other systems. Thus,
      distributional semantic features significantly improve the performance of concept
      extraction from clinical narratives by taking advantage of word distribution
      information obtained from unannotated data.

PMID- 22085699
TI  - Sensitization of epithelial growth factor receptors by nicotine exposure to
      promote breast cancer cell growth.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoke is known to be the main cause of lung, head and neck
      tumors. Recently, evidence for an increasing breast cancer risk associated with
      tobacco smoke exposure has been emerging. We and other groups have shown that
      nicotine, as a non-conventional carcinogen, has the potential to facilitate
      cancer genesis and progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which the
      smoke affects the breast, rather than the lung, remain unclear. Here, we examine
      possible downstream signaling pathways of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
      (nAChR) and their role in breast cancer promotion. METHODS: Using human benign
      MCF10A and malignant MDA-MB-231 breast cells and specific inhibitors of possible
      downstream kinases, we identified nAChR effectors that were activated by
      treatment with nicotine. We further tested the effects of these effector pathways
      on the regulation of E2F1 activation, cell cycle progression and on Bcl-2
      expression and long-term cell survival. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated a
      novel signaling mechanism by which nicotine exposure activated Src to sensitize
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated pathways for breast cancer cell
      growth promotion. After the ligation of nAChR with nicotine, EGFR was shown to be
      activated and then internalized in both MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer
      cells. Subsequently, Src, Akt and ERK1/2 were phosphorylated at different time
      points following nicotine treatment. We further demonstrated that through Src,
      the ligation of nicotine with nAChR stimulated the EGFR/ERK1/2 pathway for the
      activation of E2F1 and further cell progression. Our data also showed that Akt
      functioned directly downstream of Src and was responsible for the increase of Bcl
      2 expression and long-term cell survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the
      existence of a potential, regulatory network governed by the interaction of
      nicotine and nAChR that integrates the conventional, mitogenic Src and EGFR
      signals for breast cancer development.

PMID- 22085700
TI  - Frameless linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases:
      analysis of patient repositioning using a mask fixation system and clinical
      outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of patient repositioning and clinical outcomes of
      frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases using a
      stereotactic mask fixation system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred two patients
      treated consecutively with frameless SRS as primary treatment at University of
      Rome Sapienza Sant'Andrea Hospital between October 2008 and April 2010 and
      followed prospectively were involved in the study. A commercial stereotactic mask
      fixation system (BrainLab) was used for patient immobilization. A computerized
      tomography (CT) scan obtained immediately before SRS was used to evaluate the
      accuracy of patient repositioning in the mask by comparing the isocenter position
      to the isocenter position established in the planning CT. Deviations of isocenter
      coordinates in each direction and 3D displacement were calculated. Overall
      survival, brain control, and local control were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier
      method calculated from the time of SRS. RESULTS: The mean measured isocenter
      displacements were 0.12 mm (SD 0.35 mm) in the lateral direction, 0.2 mm (SD 0.4
      mm) in the anteroposterior, and 0.4 mm (SD 0.6 mm) in craniocaudal direction. The
      maximum displacement of 2.1 mm was seen in craniocaudal direction. The mean 3D
      displacement was 0.5 mm (SD 0.7 mm), being maximum 2.9 mm. The median survival
      was 15.5 months, and 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 58% and 24%,
      respectively. Nine patients recurred locally after SRS, with 1-year and 2-year
      local control rates of 91% and 82%, respectively. Stable extracranial disease (P
      = 0.001) and KPS > 70 (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: Frameless SRS is an effective treatment in the management of
      patients with brain metastases. The presented non-invasive mask-based fixation
      stereotactic system is associated with a high degree of patient repositioning
      accuracy; however, a careful evaluation is essential since occasional errors up
      to 3 mm may occur.

PMID- 22085701
TI  - A flexible framework for sparse simultaneous component based data integration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High throughput data are complex and methods that reveal structure
      underlying the data are most useful. Principal component analysis, frequently
      implemented as a singular value decomposition, is a popular technique in this
      respect. Nowadays often the challenge is to reveal structure in several sources
      of information (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics) that are available for the
      same biological entities under study. Simultaneous component methods are most
      promising in this respect. However, the interpretation of the principal and
      simultaneous components is often daunting because contributions of each of the
      biomolecules (transcripts, proteins) have to be taken into account. RESULTS: We
      propose a sparse simultaneous component method that makes many of the parameters
      redundant by shrinking them to zero. It includes principal component analysis,
      sparse principal component analysis, and ordinary simultaneous component analysis
      as special cases. Several penalties can be tuned that account in different ways
      for the block structure present in the integrated data. This yields known sparse
      approaches as the lasso, the ridge penalty, the elastic net, the group lasso,
      sparse group lasso, and elitist lasso. In addition, the algorithmic results can
      be easily transposed to the context of regression. Metabolomics data obtained
      with two measurement platforms for the same set of Escherichia coli samples are
      used to illustrate the proposed methodology and the properties of different
      penalties with respect to sparseness across and within data blocks. CONCLUSION:
      Sparse simultaneous component analysis is a useful method for data integration:
      First, simultaneous analyses of multiple blocks offer advantages over sequential
      and separate analyses and second, interpretation of the results is highly
      facilitated by their sparseness. The approach offered is flexible and allows to
      take the block structure in different ways into account. As such, structures can
      be found that are exclusively tied to one data platform (group lasso approach) as
      well as structures that involve all data platforms (Elitist lasso approach).
      AVAILABILITY: The additional file contains a MATLAB implementation of the sparse
      simultaneous component method.

PMID- 22085702
TI  - Ethics in practice: the state of the debate on promoting the social value of
      global health research in resource poor settings particularly Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Promoting the social value of global health research undertaken in
      resource poor settings has become a key concern in global research ethics. The
      consideration for benefit sharing, which concerns the elucidation of what if
      anything, is owed to participants, their communities and host nations that take
      part in such research, and the obligations of researchers involved, is one of the
      main strategies used for promoting social value of research. In the last decade
      however, there has been intense debate within academic bioethics literature
      seeking to define the benefits, the beneficiaries, and the scope of obligations
      for providing these benefits. Although this debate may be indicative of
      willingness at the international level to engage with the responsibilities of
      researchers involved in global health research, it remains unclear which forms of
      benefits or beneficiaries should be considered. International and local research
      ethics guidelines are reviewed here to delineate the guidance they provide.
      METHODS: We reviewed documents selected from the international compilation of
      research ethics guidelines by the Office for Human Research Protections under the
      US Department of Health and Human Services. RESULTS: Access to interventions
      being researched, the provision of unavailable health care, capacity building for
      individuals and institutions, support to health care systems and access to
      medical and public health interventions proven effective, are the commonly
      recommended forms of benefits. The beneficiaries are volunteers, disease or
      illness affected communities and the population in general. Interestingly
      however, there is a divide between "global opinion" and the views of particular
      countries within resource poor settings as made explicit by differences in
      emphasis regarding the potential benefits and the beneficiaries. CONCLUSION:
      Although in theory benefit sharing is widely accepted as one of the means for
      promoting the social value of international collaborative health research, there
      is less agreement amongst major guidelines on the specific responsibilities of
      researchers over what is ethical in promoting the social value of research. Lack
      of consensus might have practical implications for efforts aimed at enhancing the
      social value of global health research undertaken in resource poor settings.
      Further developments in global research ethics require more reflection, paying
      attention to the practical realities of implementing the ethical principles in
      real world context.

PMID- 22085704
TI  - A novel approach to prevent endothelial hyperpermeability: the Crataegus extract
      WS(r) 1442 targets the cAMP/Rap1 pathway.
AB  - Endothelial hyperpermeability followed by edema formation is a hallmark of many
      severe disorders. Effective drugs directly targeting endothelial barrier function
      are widely lacking. We hypothesized that the hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) extract
      WS(r) 1442, a proven multi-component drug against moderate forms of heart
      failure, would prevent vascular leakage by affecting endothelial barrier
      regulating systems. In vivo, WS(r) 1442 inhibited the histamine-evoked
      extravasation of FITC-dextran from mouse cremaster muscle venules. In cultured
      human endothelial cells, WS(r) 1442 blocked the thrombin-induced FITC-dextran
      permeability. By applying biochemical and microscopic techniques, we revealed
      that WS(r) 1442 abrogates detrimental effects of thrombin on adherens junctions
      (vascular endothelial-cadherin), the F-actin cytoskeleton, and the contractile
      apparatus (myosin light chain). Mechanistically, WS(r) 1442 inhibited the
      thrombin-induced rise of intracellular calcium (ratiometric measurement),
      followed by an inactivation of PKC and RhoA (pulldown assay). Moreover, WS(r)
      1442 increased endothelial cAMP levels (ELISA), which consequently activated PKA
      and Rap1 (pulldown assay). Utilizing pharmacological inhibitors or siRNA, we
      found that PKA is not involved in barrier protection, whereas Epac1, Rap1, and
      Rac1 play a crucial role in the WS(r) 1442-induced activation of cortactin, which
      triggers a strong cortical actin rearrangement. In summary, WS(r) 1442
      effectively protects against endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro and in
      vivo. It specifically interacts with endothelial permeability-regulating systems
      by blocking the Ca(2+)/PKC/RhoA and activating the cAMP/Epac1/Rap1 pathway. As a
      proven safe herbal drug, WS(r) 1442 opens a novel pharmacological approach to
      treat hyperpermeability-associated diseases. This in-depth mechanistic work
      contributes to a better acceptance of this herbal remedy.

PMID- 22085703
TI  - Back to your heart: ubiquitin proteasome system-regulated signal transduction.
AB  - Awareness of the regulation of cell signaling by post-translational
      ubiquitination has emerged over the past 2 decades. Like phosphorylation, post
      translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin can result in the
      regulation of numerous cellular functions, for example, the DNA damage response,
      apoptosis, cell growth, and the innate immune response. In this review, we
      discuss recently published mechanisms by which the ubiquitin proteasome system
      regulates key signal transduction pathways in the heart, including MAPK JNK,
      calcineurin, FOXO, p53, and estrogen receptors alpha and beta. We then explore
      how ubiquitin proteasome system-specific regulation of these signal transduction
      pathways plays a role in the pathophysiology of common cardiac diseases, such as
      cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, ischemia reperfusion injury, and diabetes.
      This article is part of a Special Section entitled "Post-translational
      Modification."

PMID- 22085705
TI  - Treatment of depressive disorders in primary care--protocol of a multiple
      treatment systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several systematic reviews have summarized the evidence for specific
      treatments of primary care patients suffering from depression. However, it is not
      possible to answer the question how the available treatment options compare with
      each other as review methods differ. We aim to systematically review and compare
      the available evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological, psychological,
      and combined treatments for patients with depressive disorders in primary care.
      METHODS/DESIGN: To be included, studies have to be randomized trials comparing
      antidepressant medication (tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin
      reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), hypericum extracts, other agents) and/or
      psychological therapies (e.g. interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive therapy,
      behavioural therapy, short dynamically-oriented psychotherapy) with another
      active therapy, placebo or sham intervention, routine care or no treatment in
      primary care patients in the acute phase of a depressive episode. Main outcome
      measure is response after completion of acute phase treatment. Eligible studies
      will be identified from available systematic reviews, from searches in electronic
      databases (Medline, Embase and Central), trial registers, and citation tracking.
      Two reviewers will independently extract study data and assess the risk of bias
      using the Cochrane Collaboration's corresponding tool. Meta-analyses (random
      effects model, inverse variance weighting) will be performed for direct
      comparisons of single interventions and for groups of similar interventions (e.g.
      SSRIs vs. tricyclics) and defined time-windows (up to 3 months and above). If
      possible, a global analysis of the relative effectiveness of treatments will be
      estimated from all available direct and indirect evidence that is present in a
      network of treatments and comparisons. DISCUSSION: Practitioners do not only want
      to know whether there is evidence that a specific treatment is more effective
      than placebo, but also how the treatment options compare to each other.
      Therefore, we believe that a multiple treatment systematic review of primary-care
      based randomized controlled trials on the most important therapies against
      depression is timely.

PMID- 22085706
TI  - Physical activity and dietary behavior change in Internet-based weight loss
      interventions: comparing two multiple-behavior change indices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of two Internet-based weight loss
      interventions on physical activity (PA) and dietary behaviors using two
      approaches for computing combined behavior change. METHOD: Participants were 352
      overweight/obese women and men completing 12-month interventions in San Diego,
      California during 2002-2007. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time
      were measured with accelerometers, and dietary fat and fruit and vegetable intake
      were assessed with food frequency questionnaires. Longitudinal analyses tested
      the effect of the intervention on combined health behavior change quantified
      using a standardized residualized change index (SRCI) and a risk factor change
      index (RFCI). RESULTS: At baseline, participants engaged in an average of 153
      min/week of MVPA and 525 min/day of sedentary time, and consumed 37% of calories
      from fat and <3 fruits and vegetables per day. The interventions had a
      significant effect on combined behavior change as measured with each approach
      (p<0.001). The intervention effect was larger (p<0.001) when evaluated using the
      SRCI (standardized regression coefficient [Beta]=0.30) than the RFCI (beta=
      0.18). CONCLUSION: Interventions that target both PA and dietary behaviors appear
      effective. The SRCI was more sensitive for evaluating the intervention, but the
      RFCI may be easier to use for communicating public health significance.

PMID- 22085708
TI  - A comparison of the spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, and biomechanics
      between shod, unshod, and minimally supported running as compared to walking.
AB  - Recreational running has many proven benefits which include increased
      cardiovascular, physical and mental health. It is no surprise that Running USA
      reported over 10 million individuals completed running road races in 2009 not to
      mention recreational joggers who do not wish to compete in organized events.
      Unfortunately there are numerous risks associated with running, the most common
      being musculoskeletal injuries attributed to incorrect shoe choice, training
      errors and excessive shoe wear or other biomechanical factors associated with
      ground reaction forces. Approximately 65% of chronic injuries in distance runners
      are related to routine high mileage, rapid increases in mileage, increased
      intensity, hills or irregular surface running, and surface firmness. Humans have
      been running barefooted or wearing minimally supportive footwear such as
      moccasins or sandals since the beginning of time while modernized running shoes
      were not invented until the 1970s. However, the current trend is that many
      runners are moving back to barefoot running or running in "minimal" shoes. The
      goal of this masterclass article is to examine the similarities and differences
      between shod and unshod (barefoot or minimally supportive running shoes) runners
      by examining spatiotemporal parameters, energetics, and biomechanics. These
      running parameters will be compared and contrasted with walking. The most obvious
      difference between the walking and running gait cycle is the elimination of the
      double limb support phase of walking gait in exchange for a float (no limb
      support) phase. The biggest difference between barefoot and shod runners is at
      the initial contact phase of gait where the barefoot and minimally supported
      runner initiates contact with their forefoot or midfoot instead of the rearfoot.
      As movement science experts, physical therapists are often called upon to assess
      the gait of a running athlete, their choice of footwear, and training regime.
      With a clearer understanding of running and its complexities, the physical
      therapist will be able to better identify faults and create informed treatment
      plans while rehabilitating patients who are experiencing musculoskeletal injuries
      due to running.

PMID- 22085709
TI  - Altered leg muscle activity in volleyball players with functional ankle
      instability during a sideward lateral cutting movement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the activation patterns of tibialis anterior, peroneus
      longus and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles during a lateral shuffle maneuver in
      volleyball players with functional instability of the ankle joint. DESIGN:
      Observational case-control study. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS:
      Sixteen players with functional instability and 18 matched controls. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: RMS values of tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and gastrocnemius
      lateralis muscles for the 50 ms before initial ground contact, timing of onset of
      muscle activity and linear envelopes for the period of ground contact were
      calculated. RESULTS: Onset values showed similar patterns of activation for both
      groups. In healthy subjects, gastrocnemius lateralis activated earlier, followed
      by peroneus longus and tibialis anterior. In the unstable subjects, gastrocnemius
      lateralis and peroneus longus activated at the same time, followed by tibialis
      anterior. Unstable subjects also presented lower peroneus longus activity during
      the 50 ms before initial ground impact, a lower peroneus longus peak magnitude
      and a higher gastrocnemius lateralis peak magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: Volleyball
      players with ankle functional instability showed decreased peroneus longus
      activity before ground impact that may predispose them to repetitive sprains and
      explain their "giving way" sensation, since peroneus longus is the main ankle
      evertor and an important stabilizer against sudden and excessive inversion.

PMID- 22085710
TI  - Comparison of lateral abdominal muscle thickness between weightlifters and
      matched controls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare lateral abdominal muscle thickness between weightlifters
      and matched controls. DESIGN: A case control study design. SETTING: University
      laboratory. SUBJECTS: 16 female Thai national weightlifters and 16 matched
      controls participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasound imaging
      with a 12-MHz linear array was used to measure the resting thickness of
      transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and total thickness (Total) of
      lateral abdominal muscle (LAM) on the right side of abdominal wall. The absolute
      muscle thickness and the relative contribution of each muscle to the total
      thickness were determined. RESULTS: Weightlifters had significantly thicker
      absolute TrA and IO muscles than matched controls (p < 0.01). Further, the
      relative thickness of the IO was significantly greater in weightlifters than
      matched controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that
      routine Olympic style weight training among female weightlifters appears to
      result in preferential hypertrophy or adaptation of the IO muscle.

PMID- 22085711
TI  - Criterion-related validity of four clinical tests used to measure hamstring
      flexibility in professional futsal players.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the criterion related validity of the sit-and-reach test
      (SR), toe touch test (TT), modified sit-and-reach test (MSR) and back-saver sit
      and-reach test (BSSR) for estimating hamstring flexibility measured through the
      passive straight leg raise test (PSLR) in professional futsal players. DESIGN:
      Correlation laboratory study. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and three futsal players (55 males age 26 +/- 4 years,
      48 females age 23 +/- 5 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two trials of SR, TT, MSR,
      BSSR (left and right) and PSLR right and left (hamstring criterion measure) in a
      randomized order. RESULTS: Regression analysis was performed to examine the
      association of SR, TT, MSR and BSSR with PSLR in both males and females
      separately. In males, only MSR test had moderate association criterion with PSLR
      (R(2) = 0.57). In females, SR (R(2) = 0.86), TT (R(2) = 0.85), MSR (R(2) = 0.53)
      and average BSSR (R(2) = 0.82) were associated with PSLR. CONCLUSIONS: SR, TT,
      MSR and BSSR had moderate criterion related validity for estimating hamstring
      flexibility in female but not male professional futsal players. The authors
      recommend that researchers, clinicians, and physical therapists adopt one angular
      test as a measure of hamstring muscle length in futsal players.

PMID- 22085712
TI  - Effectiveness of regular proactive massage therapy for novice recreational
      runners.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess effects of a regular massage program on novice runners over
      a longer-term training period. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve control and sixteen massage
      subjects took part in the study. SETTING: Both groups participated in 10-week
      running preparation clinics. DESIGN: An individualized massage treatment plan was
      developed for each massage group participant. Massage group subjects met weekly
      with a registered massage therapist for a half hour massage. Control subjects
      were given no massage treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants
      maintained a running journal that recorded running behavior: frequency, distance,
      intensity, and pain. At weeks 1, 5, and 10, muscle strength, leg pain, daily
      functioning, and running confidence were assessed. RESULTS: The running behavior
      of both groups was similar (p > 0.05). Both groups experienced a considerable
      amount of pain when they ran. However, 100% of the massage group compared to
      58.3% of control group completed the 10 km race. CONCLUSIONS: A regular massage
      therapy program during training did not improve indices of muscle strength, pain
      perception, daily functioning or running confidence. However, the entire massage
      group met their targeted running goals while only half of the control was able to
      do so however this difference may not be attributable to the massage
      intervention.

PMID- 22085713
TI  - The effect of first ballet classes in the community on various postural
      parameters in young girls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of first season ballet classes in the community
      on the thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), hip external rotation (ER)
      and joint flexibility in young girls. DESIGN: Longitudinal single blinded cohort
      control study. SETTING: Institutional. PARTICIPANTS: 30 girls aged 6-9, recruited
      from the same primary school were divided equally into 2 groups: a group bi
      weekly community ballet class and a sedentary control group. INTERVENTION: All
      girls were assessed prior to ballet classes (t(0)), at the conclusion (t(1)) (6
      months), and approximately one year later (t(fu)). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Beighton score for joint hyper-flexibility, peak of TK and LL, range of hip ER,
      ratio TK/LL, and individual's height, weight and BMI. RESULTS: LL at t1 became
      greater in the ballet girls' group (23.7 degrees +/- 6) as opposed to the
      controls (19.5 degrees +/-3.9) due to a decrease in LL in the controls from t0 to
      t1 (mean difference = -16.5 degrees ) (cut-off score = 3.45 degrees ) (p < 0.05).
      TK decreased from t0 to t1 in the ballet girls' group (mean difference = -26.1
      degrees ) and controls (mean difference = -31.3 degrees ) (cut-off score = 4.85
      degrees ) (p < 0.05). Left hip ER decreased only in the controls from t0 to t1
      (mean difference = -13.8 degrees ) (cut-off score = 5.43 degrees ) (p < 0.05).
      Beighton score at tfu was greater in the ballet girls' group (6.1 +/- 2.3) as
      opposed to the controls (4.4 +/- 1.5) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: First season
      ballet classes for young girls in the community can be associated with relatively
      greater LL, and left hip ER and joint hyper-flexibility.

PMID- 22085714
TI  - Correlation of single leg vertical jump, single leg hop for distance, and single
      leg hop for time.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation among three functional tests: single leg
      vertical jump (SLVJ), single leg hop for distance (SLHD), and single leg hop for
      time (SLHT). DESIGN: Prospective correlational investigation. SETTING: University
      research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Forty healthy men (n = 19) and women (n = 21)
      between the ages of 18 and 30 (23.9 +/- 2.0 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SLVJ
      was measured using the Vertec. SLHD was measured using a standard tape measure.
      SLHT was measured over a 10-m course using a standard stopwatch. RESULTS: The
      strongest correlation was between SLHT and SLHD, -0.89 and -0.89 for dominant and
      non-dominant lower extremities (LE), respectively. The weakest pairwise
      correlation was between SLVJ and SLHT, -0.71 and -0.63 for dominant and non
      dominant LE, respectively. The correlation between SLVJ and SLHD was 0.74 and
      0.71 for dominant and non-dominant LE, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a
      strong correlation between SLHT and SLHD, suggesting that each test measures
      similar constructs of function, while the modest correlation between SLVJ and
      SLHT suggest these two tests do not measure the same functional components, and
      could be paired as outcome measures for the clinical assessment of lower
      extremity function.

PMID- 22085715
TI  - Muscle onset can be improved by therapeutic exercise: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether therapeutic exercise can improve the timing of
      muscle onset following musculoskeletal pathology, and examine what exercise
      prescription parameters are being used to achieve these effects. PARTICIPANTS:
      People with a musculoskeletal pathology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Muscle onset
      timing as measured by electromyography. RESULTS: Sixteen investigations were
      identified containing 19 therapeutic exercise groups. Three exercise modes were
      identified including: isolated muscle training, instability training, and general
      strength training. Isolated muscle training is consistently shown to have a
      positive effect on the muscle onset timing of transversus abdominus in people
      with low back pain. There is some evidence from cohort studies that instability
      training may change muscle onset timing in people with functional ankle
      instability, however controlled trials suggest that no effect is present. General
      strength training shows no effect on muscle onset timing in people with low back
      or neck pain, although one cohort study suggests that a positive effect on
      gluteus maximus may be present in people with low back pain. CONCLUSION:
      Therapeutic exercise training is likely to improve muscle onset timing.
      Additionally, isolated muscle training appears to be the best exercise mode to
      use to achieve these effects.

PMID- 22085716
TI  - Potent and selective inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication by novel
      phenanthridinone derivatives.
AB  - A number of novel phenanthridinone derivatives were examined for their inhibitory
      effect on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in Huh-7 cells harboring self
      replicating subgenomic viral RNA replicons with a luciferase reporter (LucNeo#2).
      The activity of compounds was further confirmed by inhibition of viral RNA copy
      number in different subgenomic and full-genomic replicon cells using real-time
      reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Among the compounds, 4-butyl-11
      (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5
      c]phenanthridin-5(4H)-one (HA-719) was found to be the most active with a 50%
      effective concentration of 0.063 +/- 0.010 MUM in LucNeo#2 cells. The compound
      did not show apparent cytotoxicity to the host cells at concentrations up to 40
      MUM. Western blot analysis demonstrated that HA-719 reduced the levels of NS3 and
      NS5A proteins in a dose-dependent fashion in the replicon cells. Interestingly,
      the phenanthridinone derivatives including HA-719 were less potent inhibitors of
      JFH1 strain (genobtype 2a HCV) in cell-free virus infection assay. Although
      biochemical assays revealed that HA-719 proved not to inhibit NS3 protease or
      NS5B RNA polymerase activity at the concentrations capable of inhibiting viral
      replication, their molecular target (mechanism of inhibition) remains unknown.
      Considering the fact that most of the anti-HCV agents currently approved or under
      clinical trials are protease and polymerase inhibitors, the phenanthridinone
      derivatives are worth pursuing for their mechanism of action and potential as
      novel anti-HCV agents.

PMID- 22085717
TI  - Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) is destabilized by the Cul3-SPOP E3
      ubiquitin ligase complex.
AB  - Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) suppresses metastasis without
      affecting primary tumorigenesis. The regulatory mechanism of BRMS1 at the protein
      level has not been revealed until recently. Here, we found that cullin 3 (Cul3),
      a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a new binding partner of BRMS1 and the
      interaction between BRMS1 and Cul3 is mediated by the SPOP adaptor protein.
      Intriguingly, BRMS1 turns out to be a potent substrate that is ubiquitinated by
      the Cul3-SPOP complex. Knockdown of SPOP increases the level of BRMS1 protein and
      represses the expression of BRMS1 repressive target genes such as OPN and uPA in
      breast cancer cells. These results suggest that the novel regulatory mechanism of
      BRMS1 by Cul3-SPOP complex is important for breast cancer progression.

PMID- 22085718
TI  - Inhibition of PCGF2 enhances granulocytic differentiation of acute promyelocytic
      leukemia cell line HL-60 via induction of HOXA7.
AB  - This study tested the hypothesis that Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) may
      play a negative role in the granulocytic differentiation of acute promyelocytic
      leukemia (APL) cells. We first examined the expression of PRC1 genes during all
      trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-mediated differentiation of human HL-60 cells, and
      identified PCGF2 as a gene down-regulated by ATRA in a time-dependent manner.
      Upon gene silencing of PCGF2 with lentiviral short hairpin RNA, granulocytic
      differentiation was induced as assessed by differentiation marker gene
      expression, nitroblue tetrazolium staining, Wright-Giemsa staining, and cell
      cycle analysis. We next identified HOXA7 as a homeobox gene up-regulated by ATRA
      and successfully induced granulocytic differentiation by overexpression of HOXA7.
      We next tested the relationship between PCGF2 and HOXA7 by quantifying the
      changes in HOXA7 and PCGF2 expression upon PCGF2 gene silencing and HOXA7
      overexpression, respectively. HOXA7 expression was up-regulated by PCGF2 gene
      silencing, while PCGF2 expression remained unchanged by ectopic HOXA7 expression,
      suggesting PCGF2 as acting upstream of HOXA7. Finally, chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assay was performed with HOXA7 chromatin. We observed gene
      specific reduction in direct binding of Pcgf2 protein to HOXA7 chromatin upon
      PCGF2 gene silencing. Taken together, these results support the notion that down
      regulation of PCGF2 is sufficient to induce granulocytic differentiation of HL-60
      cells via de-repression of HOXA7 gene expression. In conclusion, we report that
      PCGF2, a PRC1 gene, played a negative role in the granulocytic differentiation of
      human APL cells.

PMID- 22085719
TI  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase in the amygdala plays a critical role in lithium
      chloride-induced taste aversion learning.
AB  - The intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the brain is
      necessary for the formation of a variety of memories including conditioned taste
      aversion (CTA) learning. However, the functional role of MAPK activation in the
      amygdala during lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced CTA learning has not been
      established. In the present study, we investigated if local microinjection of
      SL327, a MAPK kinase inhibitor, into the rat amygdala could alleviate LiCl
      induced CTA learning. Our results revealed that acute administration of a high
      dose of LiCl (0.15M, 12 ml/kg, i.p.) rapidly increased the level of
      phosphorylated MAPK (pMAPK)-positive cells in the central nucleus of the amygdala
      (CeA) and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of rats as measured by
      immunohistochemistry. Local microinjection of SL327 (1 MUg/0.5 MUl/hemisphere)
      into the CeA 10 min before LiCl administration decreased both the strength of
      LiCl-induced CTA paired with 0.125% saccharin and the level of LiCl-induced pMAPK
      positive cells in the CeA, but not in the NTS. Our data suggest that the
      intracellular signaling cascade of the MAPK pathway in the CeA plays a critical
      role in the processing of visceral information induced by LiCl for CTA learning.

PMID- 22085720
TI  - Different types of exercise induce differential effects on neuronal adaptations
      and memory performance.
AB  - Different exercise paradigms show differential effects on various forms of
      memory. We hypothesize that the differential effects of exercises on memory
      performance are caused by different neuroplasticity changes in relevant brain
      regions in response to different exercise trainings. We examined the effects of
      treadmill running (TR) and wheel running (WR) on the Pavlovian fear conditioning
      task that assesses learning and memory performance associated with the amygdala
      (cued conditioning) and both the amygdala and hippocampus (contextual
      conditioning). The skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity, an indicator of
      aerobic capacity, was elevated in rats received 4 w of TR, but not WR. While both
      TR and WR elevated the contextual conditional response, only TR facilitated the
      cued conditional response. Using a single-neuron labeling technique, we found
      that while both TR and MR enlarged the dendritic field and increased the spine
      density in hippocampal CA3 neurons, only TR showed these effects in basolateral
      amygdalar neurons. Moreover, both types of exercise upregulated synaptic proteins
      (i.e., TrkB and SNAP-25) in the hippocampus; however only TR showed similar
      effects in the amygdala. Injection of K252a, a TrkB kinase inhibitor, in the
      dorsal hippocampus or basolateral amygdala abolished the exercise-facilitated
      contextual or cued fear learning and memory performance, respectively, regardless
      of the types of exercise. In summary, our results supported that different types
      of exercise affect the performance of learning and memory via BDNF-TrkB signaling
      and neuroplasticity in specific brain regions. The brain region-specific neuronal
      adaptations are possibly induced by various levels of intensity/stress elicited
      by different types of exercise.

PMID- 22085721
TI  - A novel protocol for the production of recombinant LL-37 expressed as a
      thioredoxin fusion protein.
AB  - LL-37 is the only cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide found in humans and
      it has a multifunctional role in host defense. The peptide has been shown to
      possess immunomodulatory functions in addition to antimicrobial activity. To
      provide sufficient material for biological and structural characterization of
      this important peptide, various systems were developed to produce recombinant LL
      37 in Escherichia coli. In one previous approach, LL-37 coding sequence was
      cloned into vector pET-32a, allowing the peptide to be expressed as a thioredoxin
      fusion. The fusion protein contains two thrombin cleavage sites: a vector-encoded
      one that is 30-residue upstream of the insert and an engineered one that is
      immediately adjacent to LL-37. Cleavage at these two sites shall generate three
      fragments, one of which is the target peptide. However, when the fusion protein
      was treated with thrombin, cleavage only occurred at the remote upstream site. A
      plausible explanation is that the thrombin site adjacent to LL-37 is less
      accessible due to the peptide's aggregation tendency and cleavage at the remote
      site generates a fragment, which forms a large aggregate that buries the intended
      site. In this study, I deleted the vector-encoded thrombin site and S tag in pET
      32a, and then inserted the coding sequence for LL-37 plus a thrombin site into
      the modified vector. Although removing the S tag did not change the oligomeric
      state of the fusion protein, deletion of the vector-encoded thrombin site allowed
      the fusion to be cleaved at the engineered site to release LL-37. The released
      peptide was separated from the carrier and cleavage enzyme by size-exclusion
      chromatography. This new approach enables a quick production of high quality
      active LL-37 with a decent amount.

PMID- 22085722
TI  - Production of disulfide-bonded proteins in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Disulfide bonds are covalent bonds formed post-translationally by the oxidation
      of a pair of cysteines. A disulfide bond can serve structural, catalytic, and
      signaling roles. However, there is an inherent problem to the process of
      disulfide bond formation: mis-pairing of cysteines can cause misfolding,
      aggregation and ultimately result in low yields during protein production. Recent
      developments in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the formation of
      disulfide bonds have allowed the research community to engineer and develop
      methods to produce multi-disulfide-bonded proteins to high yields. This review
      attempts to highlight the mechanisms responsible for disulfide bond formation in
      Escherichia coli, both in its native periplasmic compartment in wild-type strains
      and in the genetically modified cytoplasm of engineered strains. The purpose of
      this review is to familiarize the researcher with the biological principles
      involved in the formation of disulfide-bonded proteins with the hope of guiding
      the scientist in choosing the optimum expression system.

PMID- 22085723
TI  - Regulation of iron transport and the role of transferrin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron is utilized by several proteins as cofactor for major biological
      processes. However, iron may also harm cells by catalyzing the generation of free
      radicals and promoting oxidative stress. Acquisition, transport, utilization and
      storage of iron are tightly controlled to meet physiological needs and prevent
      excessive accumulation of the metal within cells. Plasma transferrin has been
      known for years as a central player in iron metabolism, assigned to circulate
      iron in a soluble, non-toxic form and deliver it to the erythron and other
      tissues. Recent data uncovered an additional role of transferrin as an upstream
      regulator of hepcidin, a liver-derived peptide hormone that controls systemic
      iron traffic. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Here, we review basic features of iron metabolism,
      highlighting the function of transferrin in iron transport and cellular iron
      uptake. We further discuss the role of hepcidin as an orchestrator of systemic
      iron homeostasis, and the mechanisms underlying hepcidin regulation in response
      to various physiological cues. Emphasis is given on the role of transferrin on
      iron-dependent hepcidin regulation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Transferrin exerts a
      crucial function in the maintenance of systemic iron homeostasis as component of
      a plasma iron sensing system that modulates hepcidin expression. GENERAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Proper expression of transferrin and hepcidin are essential for
      health, and disruption of their regulatory circuits is associated with iron
      related disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins:
      Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders.

PMID- 22085724
TI  - Prevention of mitochondrial disease inheritance by assisted reproductive
      technologies: prospects and challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial diseases are caused by the mutations in both nuclear
      and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the treatment options for patients who have
      mitochondrial disease are rather limited. Mitochondrial DNA is transmitted
      maternally and does not follow a Mendelian pattern of inheritance. Since reliable
      and predictable detection of mitochondrial disorders in embryos and oocytes is
      unattainable at present, an alternative approach to this problem has emerged as
      partial or complete replacement of mutated mtDNA with the wild-type mtDNA through
      embryo manipulations. Currently available methods to achieve this goal are
      germinal vesicle transfer (GVT), metaphase chromosome transfer (CT), pronuclear
      transfer (PNT) and ooplasmic transfer (OT). SCOPE OF REVIEW: We summarize the
      state of the art regarding these technologies and discuss the implications of
      recent advances in the field for clinical practice. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: CT, PNT
      and GVT techniques hold promise to prevent transmission of mutant mtDNA through
      ARTs. However, it is clear that mtDNA heteroplasmy in oocytes, embryos and
      offspring produced by these methods remains as a legitimate concern. GENERAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: New approaches to eliminate transmission of mutant mtDNA certainly
      need to be explored in order to bring the promise of clinical application for the
      treatment of mitochondrial disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled Biochemistry of Mitochondria, Life and Intervention 2010.

PMID- 22085725
TI  - Is maternal smoking during pregnancy a causal environmental risk factor for
      adolescent antisocial behavior? Testing etiological theories and assumptions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although many studies indicate that maternal smoking during pregnancy
      (SDP) is correlated with later offspring antisocial behavior (ASB), recent quasi
      experimental studies suggest that background familial factors confound the
      association. The present study sought to test alternative etiological hypotheses
      using multiple indices of adolescent ASB, comparing differentially exposed
      siblings, and testing assumptions in the sibling-comparison design. METHOD: The
      study examined the association between maternal SDP and adolescent-reported ASB,
      criminal convictions and membership in a group of individuals with early-starting
      and chronic ASB among 6066 offspring of women from the National Longitudinal
      Survey of Youth, a representative sample of women in the USA. The analyses
      controlled for statistical covariates and examined associations while comparing
      differentially exposed siblings. RESULTS: At the population level, each
      additional pack of cigarettes per day predicted greater mean adolescent-reported
      ASB symptoms [ratio of means 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.22], odds
      of being in the top 10% of ASB [odds ratio (OR) 1.34, 95% CI 1.10-1.65], hazard
      of a criminal conviction [hazard ratio (HR) 1.51, 95% CI 1.34-1.68] and odds of
      chronic ASB (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.25-1.99). SDP robustly predicted most assessments
      of ASB while controlling for measured covariates. When siblings exposed to
      differing levels of SDP were compared, however, all of the associations were
      attenuated and were not statistically significant: adolescent-reported mean ASB
      (ratio of means 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-1.01), high ASB (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.41-1.12),
      criminal conviction (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.66-1.44) and chronic ASB (OR 0.80, 95% CI
      0.46-1.38). CONCLUSIONS: The results strongly suggest that familial factors
      account for the correlation between SDP and offspring adolescent ASB, rather than
      a putative causal environmental influence of SDP.

PMID- 22085727
TI  - Biomechanical evaluation of a novel reverse coracoacromial ligament
      reconstruction for acromioclavicular joint separation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enhancing anterior-posterior (AP) stability in acromioclavicular (AC)
      reconstruction may be advantageous. PURPOSE: To compare the initial stability of
      AC reconstructions with and without augmentation by either (1) a novel "reverse"
      coracoacromial (CA) ligament transfer or (2) an intramedullary AC tendon graft.
      HYPOTHESIS: Reverse CA transfer will improve AP stability compared with isolated
      coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.
      METHODS: Six matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders underwent distal clavicle
      resection and CC reconstruction. Displacement (mm) was measured during cyclic
      loading along AP (+/-25 N) and superior-inferior (SI; 10-N compression, 70-N
      tension) axes. Pairs were randomized to receive each augmentation and the same
      loading protocol applied. RESULTS: Reverse CA transfer (3.71 +/- 1.3 mm, standard
      error of the mean [SEM]; P = .03) and intramedullary graft (3.41 +/- 1.1 mm; P =
      .03) decreased AP translation compared with CC reconstruction alone. The SI
      displacement did not differ. Equivalence tests suggest no difference between
      augmentations in AP or SI restraint. CONCLUSION: Addition of either reverse CA
      transfer or intramedullary graft demonstrates improved AP restraint and provides
      similar SI stability compared with isolated CC reconstruction. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Reverse CA ligament transfer may be a reasonable alternative to a free
      tendon graft to augment AP restraint in AC reconstruction.

PMID- 22085726
TI  - Sequentially acting Sox transcription factors in neural lineage development.
AB  - Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells can generate all cell types, but how cell
      lineages are initially specified and maintained during development remains
      largely unknown. Different classes of Sox transcription factors are expressed
      during neurogenesis and have been assigned important roles from early lineage
      specification to neuronal differentiation. Here we characterize the genome-wide
      binding for Sox2, Sox3, and Sox11, which have vital functions in ES cells, neural
      precursor cells (NPCs), and maturing neurons, respectively. The data demonstrate
      that Sox factor binding depends on developmental stage-specific constraints and
      reveal a remarkable sequential binding of Sox proteins to a common set of neural
      genes. Interestingly, in ES cells, Sox2 preselects for neural lineage-specific
      genes destined to be bound and activated by Sox3 in NPCs. In NPCs, Sox3 binds
      genes that are later bound and activated by Sox11 in differentiating neurons.
      Genes prebound by Sox proteins are associated with a bivalent chromatin
      signature, which is resolved into a permissive monovalent state upon binding of
      activating Sox factors. These data indicate that a single key transcription
      factor family acts sequentially to coordinate neural gene expression from the
      early lineage specification in pluripotent cells to later stages of neuronal
      development.

PMID- 22085728
TI  - A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing 3 anterior cruciate ligament graft types:
      bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, hamstring autograft, and allograft.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, despite being one of
      the most common surgical interventions, is also one of the least agreed upon
      surgeries when it comes to optimum graft choice. Three graft choices stand among
      the most widely used in this procedure: (1) bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft
      (BPTB), (2) quadruple hamstring tendon autograft (HS), and (3) allograft.
      HYPOTHESIS: Bone-patellar tendon-bone ACL reconstruction is the most cost
      effective method of ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Economic and decision
      analysis; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A simplified decision tree model was
      created with theoretical patients assigned equally to 1 of 3 ACL reconstruction
      cohorts based on graft type. These treatment arms were further divided into
      outcome arms based on probabilities from the literature. The terminal outcomes
      were assigned a health state/utility score and a societal cost. Utilities were
      calculated from real clinic patients via the time trade-off questionnaire. Costs
      were literature based. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $50 000/quality
      adjusted life year (QALY) was used as the threshold for cost-effectiveness.
      RESULTS: Hamstring tendon autograft was the least costly ($5375/surgery) and most
      effective (0.912) graft choice, dominating both BPTB and allograft
      reconstructions. Allograft was both the most costly and least effective strategy
      for the average patient undergoing ACL reconstruction. However, if baseline costs
      of BPTB could be reduced (by $500) or the effectiveness increased (anterior knee
      pain <15% or postoperative instability <7%), then BPTB became an incrementally
      cost-effective choice. In addition, if the effectiveness of HS could be reduced
      (instability >29% or revision rates >7%), then BPTB also became incrementally
      cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: This model suggests that hamstring autograft ACL
      reconstruction is the most cost-effective method of surgery for the average
      patient with ACL deficiency. However, specific clinical scenarios that change
      postoperative probabilities of the different complications may sway surgeons to
      choose either allografts or BPTB. Cost-effectiveness analysis is not intended to
      replace individual clinician judgment but rather is intended to examine both the
      effectiveness and costs associated with theoretical groups undergoing specific
      multifactorial decisions.

PMID- 22085729
TI  - Prospective randomized clinical evaluation of conventional single-bundle,
      anatomic single-bundle, and anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction: 281 cases with 3- to 5-year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three different techniques of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction--conventional (transtibial) single bundle (CSB), anatomic single
      bundle (ASB), and anatomic double bundle (ADB)--have been described. PURPOSE: To
      determine if double-bundle reconstruction is needed to restore rotational
      stability or if anatomic placement of a single bundle can yield similar results.
      STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: From
      December 2005 to December 2007, 320 patients were prospectively randomized into 3
      groups: ADB, ASB, and CSB reconstruction. The average follow-up was 51.15 months
      (range, 39-63 months). At the final follow-up, 281 patients were available. In
      all groups, hamstring tendons were used with suspensory fixation on the femoral
      side and bioabsorbable interference screw fixation on the tibial side. The
      outcomes were evaluated by an independent blinded observer using the Lysholm
      score and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form. The
      KT-1000 arthrometer was used to evaluate anteroposterior stability, and the pivot
      shift test was used to determine rotational stability. RESULTS: Anatomic single
      bundle reconstruction resulted in better anteroposterior and rotational stability
      than CSB reconstruction (average side-to-side difference for anterior tibial
      translation was 1.6 mm in the ASB group vs 2.0 mm in the CSB group; P = .002).
      Negative pivot shift was 66.7% vs 41.7% (P = .003). In other parameters, the
      differences between groups were not statistically significant. The results of the
      ADB group were also superior to the ASB group for anteroposterior and rotational
      stability (average side-to-side difference for anterior tibial translation was
      1.2 mm in the ADB group vs 1.6 mm in the ASB group; P = .002). Negative pivot
      shift was 93.1% vs 66.7%, respectively (P < .001), and range of motion was also
      significantly different (P = .005). The Lysholm score was 90.9, 91.8, and 93.0 in
      the CSB, ASB, and ADB groups, respectively. The difference was significant only
      when we compared ADB and CSB (P = .025). Subjective IKDC scores were 90.2, 90.6,
      and 92.1 in the CSB, ASB, and ADB groups, respectively. The difference was not
      significant. CONCLUSION: Anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction is
      significantly superior to conventional single-bundle ACL reconstruction and
      better than anatomic single-bundle reconstruction. Anatomic single-bundle
      reconstruction was superior to conventional single-bundle reconstruction.
      However, these differences are small and may not be clinically relevant.

PMID- 22085730
TI  - Advancing regenerative surgery in orthopaedic sports medicine: the critical role
      of the surgeon.
AB  - The constant desire to improve outcomes in orthopaedic sports medicine requires
      us to continuously consider the challenges faced in the surgical repair or
      reconstruction of soft tissue and cartilaginous injury. In many cases, surgical
      efforts targeted at restoring normal anatomy and functional status are ultimately
      impaired by the biological aspect of the natural history of these injuries, which
      acts as an obstacle to a satisfactory repair process after surgery. The clinical
      management of sports injuries and the delivery of appropriate surgical
      intervention are continuously evolving, and it is likely that the principles of
      regenerative medicine will have an increasing effect in this specialized field of
      orthopaedic practice going forward. Ongoing advances in arthroscopy and related
      surgical techniques should facilitate this process. In contrast to the concept of
      engineered replacement of entire tissues, it is probable that the earliest effect
      of regenerative strategies seen in clinical practice will involve biological
      augmentation of current operative techniques via a synergistic process that might
      be best considered "regenerative surgery." This article provides an overview of
      the principles of regenerative surgery in cartilage repair and related areas of
      orthopaedic surgery sports medicine. The possibilities and challenges of a
      gradual yet potential paradigm shift in treatment through the increased use of
      biological augmentation are considered. The translational process and critical
      role to be played by the specialist surgeon are also addressed. We conclude that
      increased understanding of the potential and challenges of regenerative surgery
      should allow those specializing in orthopaedic surgery sports medicine to lead
      the way in advancing the frontiers of biological strategies to enhance modern
      clinical care in an evidence-based manner.

PMID- 22085731
TI  - Force measurements in the medial meniscus posterior horn attachment: effects of
      anterior cruciate ligament removal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn attachment (PHA) occur
      clinically, and an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee may be more
      vulnerable to this injury. HYPOTHESIS: The PHA forces from applied knee loadings
      will increase after removal of the ACL. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory
      study. METHODS: A cap of bone containing the medial meniscus PHA was attached to
      a load cell that measured PHA tensile force. Posterior horn attachment forces
      were recorded before and after ACL removal during anteroposterior (AP) laxity
      testing at +/-200 N and during passive knee extension tests with 5 N.m tibial
      torque and varus-valgus moment. Selected tests were also performed with 500 N
      joint load. RESULTS: For AP tests with no joint load, ACL removal increased
      laxity between 0 degrees  and 90 degrees  and increased PHA force generated by
      applied anterior tibial force between 30 degrees  and 90 degrees . For AP tests
      with an intact ACL, application of joint load approximately doubled PHA forces.
      Anteroposterior testing of ACL-deficient knees was not possible with joint load
      because of bone cap failures from high PHA forces. Removal of the ACL during knee
      extension tests under joint load significantly increased PHA forces between 20
      degrees  and 90 degrees  of flexion. For unloaded tests with applied tibial
      torque and varus-valgus moment, ACL removal had no significant effect on PHA
      forces. CONCLUSION: Applied anterior tibial force and external tibial torque were
      loading modes that produced relatively high PHA forces, presumably by impingement
      of the medial femoral condyle against the medial meniscus posterior horn rim.
      Under joint load, an ACL-deficient knee was particularly susceptible to PHA
      injury from applied anterior tibial force. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because tensile
      forces developed in the PHA are also borne by meniscus tissue near the attachment
      site, loading mechanisms that produce high PHA forces could also produce complete
      or partial radial tears near the posterior horn, a relatively common clinical
      observation.

PMID- 22085732
TI  - Duration of antibiotic therapy for bacteremia: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy for bloodstream
      infections is unknown. Shorter durations of therapy have been demonstrated to be
      as effective as longer durations for many common infections; similar findings in
      bacteremia could enable hospitals to reduce antibiotic utilization, adverse
      events, resistance and costs. METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and
      COCHRANE databases was conducted for the years 1947-2010. Controlled trials were
      identified that randomized patients to shorter versus longer durations of
      treatment for bacteremia, or the infectious foci most commonly causing bacteremia
      in critically ill patients (catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI),
      intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia, pyelonephritis and skin and soft-tissue
      infections (SSTI)). RESULTS: Twenty-four eligible trials were identified,
      including one trial focusing exclusively on bacteremia, zero in catheter related
      bloodstream infection, three in intra-abdominal infection, six in pyelonephritis,
      thirteen in pneumonia and one in skin and soft tissue infection. Thirteen studies
      reported on 227 patients with bacteremia allocated to 'shorter' or 'longer'
      durations of treatment. Outcome data were available for 155 bacteremic patients:
      neonatal bacteremia (n = 66); intra-abdominal infection (40); pyelonephritis (9);
      and pneumonia (40). Among bacteremic patients receiving shorter (5-7 days) versus
      longer (7-21 days) antibiotic therapy, no significant difference was detected
      with respect to rates of clinical cure (45/52 versus 47/49, risk ratio 0.88, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.77-1.01), microbiologic cure (28/28 versus 30/32, risk
      ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.91-1.21), and survival (15/17 versus 26/29, risk ratio 0.97,
      95% CI 0.76-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in clinical cure,
      microbiologic cure and survival were detected among bacteremic patients receiving
      shorter versus longer duration antibiotic therapy. An adequately powered
      randomized trial of bacteremic patients is needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22085733
TI  - Inductive specification and axonal orientation of spinal neurons mediated by
      divergent bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)7 evokes both inductive and axon
      orienting responses in dorsal interneurons (dI neurons) in the developing spinal
      cord. These events occur sequentially during the development of spinal neurons
      but in these and other cell types such inductive and acute chemotactic responses
      occur concurrently, highlighting the requirement for divergent intracellular
      signaling. Both type I and type II BMP receptor subtypes have been implicated
      selectively in orienting responses but it remains unclear how, in a given cell,
      divergence occurs. We have examined the mechanisms by which disparate BMP7
      activities are generated in dorsal spinal neurons. RESULTS: We show that widely
      different threshold concentrations of BMP7 are required to elicit the divergent
      inductive and axon orienting responses. Type I BMP receptor kinase activity is
      required for activation of pSmad signaling and induction of dI character by BMP7,
      a high threshold response. In contrast, neither type I BMP receptor kinase
      activity nor Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation is involved in the low threshold orienting
      responses of dI axons to BMP7. Instead, BMP7-evoked axonal repulsion and growth
      cone collapse are dependent on phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) activation,
      plausibly through type II receptor signaling. BMP7 stimulates PI3K-dependent
      signaling in dI neurons. BMP6, which evokes neural induction but does not have
      orienting activity, activates Smad signaling but does not stimulate PI3K.
      CONCLUSIONS: Divergent signaling through pSmad-dependent and PI3K-dependent (Smad
      independent) mechanisms mediates the inductive and orienting responses of dI
      neurons to BMP7. A model is proposed whereby selective engagement of BMP receptor
      subunits underlies choice of signaling pathway.

PMID- 22085734
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of gene expression during Xenopus tropicalis tadpole tail
      regeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms governing vertebrate appendage regeneration
      remain poorly understood. Uncovering these mechanisms may lead to novel therapies
      aimed at alleviating human disfigurement and visible loss of function following
      injury. Here, we explore tadpole tail regeneration in Xenopus tropicalis, a
      diploid frog with a sequenced genome. RESULTS: We found that, like the
      traditionally used Xenopus laevis, the Xenopus tropicalis tadpole has the
      capacity to regenerate its tail following amputation, including its spinal cord,
      muscle, and major blood vessels. We examined gene expression using the Xenopus
      tropicalis Affymetrix genome array during three phases of regeneration,
      uncovering more than 1,000 genes that are significantly modulated during tail
      regeneration. Target validation, using RT-qPCR followed by gene ontology (GO)
      analysis, revealed a dynamic regulation of genes involved in the inflammatory
      response, intracellular metabolism, and energy regulation. Meta-analyses of the
      array data and validation by RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization uncovered a subset
      of genes upregulated during the early and intermediate phases of regeneration
      that are involved in the generation of NADP/H, suggesting that these pathways may
      be important for proper tail regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The Xenopus tropicalis
      tadpole is a powerful model to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of vertebrate
      appendage regeneration. We have produced a novel and substantial microarray data
      set examining gene expression during vertebrate appendage regeneration.

PMID- 22085735
TI  - Nurse managers' experience with ethical issues in six government hospitals in
      Malaysia: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurse managers have the burden of experiencing frequent ethical
      issues related to both their managerial and nursing care duties, according to
      previous international studies. However, no such study was published in Malaysia.
      The purpose of this study was to explore nurse managers' experience with ethical
      issues in six government hospitals in Malaysia including learning about the way
      they dealt with the issues. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in
      August-September, 2010 involving 417 (69.2%) of total 603 nurse managers in the
      six Malaysian government hospitals. Data were collected using three-part self
      administered questionnaire. Part I was regarding participants' demographics. Part
      II was about the frequency and areas of management where ethical issues were
      experienced, and scoring of the importance of 11 pre-identified ethical issues.
      Part III asked how they dealt with ethical issues in general; ways to deal with
      the 11 pre-identified ethical issues, and perceived stress level. Data were
      analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and Pearson's Chi
      square. RESULTS: A total of 397 (95.2%) participants experienced ethical issues
      and 47.2% experienced them on weekly to daily basis. Experiencing ethical issues
      were not associated with areas of practice. Top area of management where ethical
      issues were encountered was "staff management", but "patient care" related
      ethical issues were rated as most important. Majority would "discuss with other
      nurses" in dealing generally with the issues. For pre-identified ethical issues
      regarding "patient care", "discuss with doctors" was preferred. Only 18.1%
      referred issues to "ethics committees" and 53.0% to the code of ethics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nurse managers, regardless of their areas of practice, frequently
      experienced ethical issues. For dealing with these, team-approach needs to be
      emphasized. Proper understanding of the code of ethics is needed to provide basis
      for reasoning.

PMID- 22085737
TI  - Environ centrality reveals the tendency of indirect effects to homogenize the
      functional importance of species in ecosystems.
AB  - Ecologists and conservation biologists need to identify the relative importance
      of species to make sound management decisions and effectively allocate scarce
      resources. We introduce a new method, termed environ centrality, to determine the
      relative importance of a species in an ecosystem network with respect to
      ecosystem energy-matter exchange. We demonstrate the uniqueness of environ
      centrality by comparing it to other common centrality metrics and then show its
      ecological significance. Specifically, we tested two hypotheses on a set of 50
      empirically based ecosystem network models. The first concerned the distribution
      of centrality in the community. We hypothesized that the functional importance of
      species would tend to be concentrated into a few dominant species followed by a
      group of species with lower, more even importance as is often seen in dominance
      diversity curves. Second, we tested the systems ecology hypothesis that indirect
      relationships homogenize the functional importance of species in ecosystems. Our
      results support both hypotheses and highlight the importance of detritus and
      nutrient recyclers such as fungi and bacteria in generating the energy-matter
      flow in ecosystems. Our homogenization results suggest that indirect effects are
      important in part because they tend to even the importance of species in
      ecosystems. A core contribution of this work is that it creates a formal,
      mathematical method to quantify the importance species play in generating
      ecosystem activity by integrating direct, indirect, and boundary effects in
      ecological systems.

PMID- 22085736
TI  - Biophysical connection between evolutionary dynamics and thermodynamics in in
      vitro evolution.
AB  - We analyzed a mathematical model of in vitro evolution conducted by repetition of
      mutagenesis and selection processes. The selection process consists of the
      selective enrichment and subsequent sampling as follows: each mutant with fitness
      W is amplified by the Boltzmann factor exp(rW/k(B)T(the)), where the fitness W is
      defined as the negative Gibbs free energy (-DeltaG) in a reaction of the
      phenotypic molecules and r is the round number of the selective enrichment; then,
      an arbitrary mutant is randomly chosen from the resulting mutant population and
      it becomes a new parent in the next generation. As a result, we found that the
      evolutionary dynamics is described in a mathematical framework similar to
      thermodynamics: the "evolution constant" k(E) and "evolutionary temperature"
      T(evo) play key roles similar to the Boltzmann constant k(B) and thermodynamic
      temperature T(the), respectively. In the stationary state of the evolutionary
      dynamics, the attractor of the fitness is in inverse proportion to k(E)T(evo).
      Furthermore, beyond the mathematical analogy, we obtained a biophysical
      connection between evolutionary dynamics and thermodynamics. Particularly, we
      found that T(evo) and T(the) are connected by k(E)T(evo)~k(B)T(the)/2r. These
      results suggest that we can predict the fitness value in the stationary state by
      the thermodynamic temperature T(the) in the experimental setup.

PMID- 22085738
TI  - On the meaning and estimation of plasmid transfer rates for surface-associated
      and well-mixed bacterial populations.
AB  - Conjugative plasmid transfer is key to the ability of bacteria to rapidly adapt
      to new environments, but there is no agreement on a single quantitative measure
      of the rate of plasmid transfer. Some studies derive estimates of transfer rates
      from mass-action differential equation models of plasmid population biology. The
      often-used 'endpoint method' is such an example. Others report measures of
      plasmid transfer efficiency that simply represent ratios of plasmid-bearing and
      plasmid-free cell densities and do not correspond to parameters in any
      mathematical model. Unfortunately, these quantities do not measure the same thing
      - sometimes differing by orders of magnitude - and their use is often clouded by
      a lack of specificity. Moreover, they do not distinguish between bulk transfer
      rates that are only relevant in well-mixed populations and the 'intrinsic' rates
      between individual cells. This leads to problems for surface-associated
      populations, which are not well-mixed but spatially structured. We used
      simulations of a spatially explicit mathematical model to evaluate the
      effectiveness of these various plasmid transfer efficiency measures when they are
      applied to surface-associated populations. The simulation results, supported by
      some experimental findings, showed that these measures can be affected by initial
      cell densities, donor-to-recipient ratios and initial cell cluster size, and are
      therefore flawed as universal measures of plasmid transfer efficiency. The
      simulations also allowed us to formulate some guiding principles on when these
      estimates are appropriate for spatially structured populations and how to
      interpret the results. While we focus on plasmid transfer, the general lessons of
      this study should apply to any measures of horizontal spread (e.g., infection
      rates in epidemiology) that are based on simple mass-action models (e.g., SIR
      models in epidemiology) but applied to spatial settings.

PMID- 22085739
TI  - Mathematical modeling of transport and degradation of feedstuffs in the small
      intestine.
AB  - We describe a mathematical model of digestion in the small intestine. The main
      interest of our work is to consider simultaneously the different aspects of
      digestion i.e. transport of the bolus all along the intestine, feedstuffs
      degradation according to the enzymes and local physical conditions, and nutrients
      absorption. A system of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to model
      these phenomena. The major unknowns of this system are the position of the bolus
      and its composition. This system of equations is solved numerically. We present
      several numerical computations for the degradation, absorption and transport of
      the bolus with acceptable accuracy regarding the overall behavior of the model
      and also when challenged versus experimental data. The main feature and interest
      of this model are its genericity. Even if we are at an early stage of
      development, our approach can be adapted to deal with contrasted feedstuffs in
      non-ruminant animal to predict the composition and velocity of bolus in the small
      intestine.

PMID- 22085740
TI  - Ringer's lactate improves liver recovery in a murine model of acetaminophen
      toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose induces massive hepatocyte necrosis.
      Liver regeneration is a vital process for survival after a toxic insult. Since
      hepatocytes are mostly in a quiescent state (G0), the regeneration process
      requires the priming of hepatocytes by cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6.
      Ringer's lactate solution (RLS) has been shown to increase serum TNF-alpha and IL
      6 in patients and experimental animals; in addition, RLS also provides lactate,
      which can be used as an alternative metabolic fuel to meet the higher energy
      demand by liver regeneration. Therefore, we tested whether RLS therapy improves
      liver recovery after APAP overdose. METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice were
      intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of APAP (300 mg/kg dissolved in 1
      mL sterile saline). Following 2 hrs of APAP challenge, the mice were given 1 mL
      RLS or Saline treatment every 12 hours for a total of 72 hours. RESULTS: 72 hrs
      after APAP challenge, compared to saline-treated group, RLS treatment
      significantly lowered serum transaminases (ALT/AST) and improved liver recovery
      seen in histopathology. This beneficial effect was associated with increased
      hepatic tissue TNF-alpha concentration, enhanced hepatic NF-kappaB DNA binding
      and increased expression of cell cycle protein cyclin D1, three important factors
      in liver regeneration. CONCLUSION: RLS improves liver recovery from APAP
      hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 22085741
TI  - Longitudinal study of vitamins A, E and lipid oxidative damage in human milk
      throughout lactation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the intensity of oxidative damage in human milk
      resulting from maternal oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to explore the
      changes in Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and concentrations of antioxidative
      vitamins and isoprostanes (markers of oxidative stress) in human colostrum and
      mature milk. METHODS: The study included 49 postpartum women with normal,
      spontaneous full term delivery. The exclusion criteria included active and
      passive smoking, acute and chronic disorders, and pharmacotherapy other than
      vitamin supplementation. Colostrum samples were collected on the 3rd day after
      delivery and breast milk samples between the 30th and the 32nd day after
      delivery. TAS of colostrum/breast milk was determined by Rice-Evans and Miller
      method. The amount of vitamins A and E was measured by HPLC. Isoprostane
      concentrations in colostrum/mature milk and urine were determined
      immunoenzymatically. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in
      maternal dietary intakes of vitamins A and E determined prior to the colostrum
      and mature milk sampling. The TAS of mature milk was significantly higher
      compared to colostrum (P=0.002), while vitamin A and E concentrations were
      significantly lower (P=0.003 and P=0.001). Although the isoprostane concentration
      of mature milk was significantly higher than the colostrum concentration, this
      difference was not significant (P=0.129). CONCLUSION: Human milk is a source of
      antioxidative vitamins and their concentrations decrease throughout the
      lactation, while their total antioxidative properties increase. The phase of
      lactation does not affect the degree of human milk's lipid oxidative damage.

PMID- 22085742
TI  - The D2/D3-receptor antagonist tiapride impairs concurrent but not sequential
      taste aversion learning.
AB  - Taste aversion learning (TAL) is a learning modality in which the animals reject
      a gustatory stimulus associated with the administration of noxious visceral
      substances. This learning can be established by concurrent or sequential
      procedures that involve different anatomical and functional mechanisms and may
      constitute distinct learning modalities. The dopaminergic system has been related
      to various learning processes and goal-directed behaviours. The present study
      examined the effect of the administration of tiapride, a D(2)/D(3) dopaminergic
      antagonist, on concurrent and sequential TAL. Results obtained showed that pre
      treatment with tiapride blocks the acquisition of concurrent TAL but does not
      affect sequential TAL, including reversal learning tasks. These results
      demonstrate the involvement of the D(2)/D(3) dopaminergic receptors in the former
      but not the latter learning process. The dopaminergic system appears to
      participate in concurrent TAL, an "implicit" learning modality, but not in
      sequential TAL, which is considered a relational/explicit acquisition process.

PMID- 22085743
TI  - Cypermethrin induced damage in genomic DNA and histopathological changes in brain
      and haematotoxicity in rats: the protective effect of sesame oil.
AB  - The protective effect of sesame oil against cypermethrin-induced brain toxicity
      was studied. Female rats were orally treated with cypermethrin, sesame oil and
      their combination for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that cypermethrin
      increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and decreased
      glutathione (GSH) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Brain injury was
      confirmed by histopathological changes and DNA damage. Also, the reduction in the
      activities of acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase (AChE & MAO), total
      protein, albumin and body weight, and the induction in triacylglycerol and
      cholesterol have been observed due to cypermethrin toxicity. Animals treated with
      sesame oil and cypermethrin together showed that brain TBARS and plasma
      triacylglycerol and cholesterol returned to the control level which indicating a
      protective effect of sesame oil. Also, sesame oil was able to attenuate the
      decrease in total protein, albumin, triacylglycerol and cholesterol, GSH, AChE
      and antioxidant enzymes induced by cypermethrin. In addition, sesame oil
      protected the brain histological changes and fragmentation of genomic DNA in
      animals treated with cypermethrin. The present results showed a protective effect
      of sesame oil against the cypermethrin induced brain toxicity and this could be
      associated mainly with the attenuation of the oxidative stress and the
      preservation in antioxidant enzymes.

PMID- 22085744
TI  - Five choice serial reaction time performance in the HdhQ92 mouse model of
      Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, with motor,
      cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. To date there is no cure. In order to
      understand better this disease and to develop novel treatments, many genetically
      modified animal models of Huntington's disease have been created. However, to
      utilize these models fully, appropriate functional assays need to be developed
      for behavioural assessments of the mice. Various facets of attention have been
      reported to be affected in Huntington's disease patients, and the Hdh(Q92/Q92)
      mice have been shown to have deficits on operant tasks which have attentional
      components. In the present study, the Hdh(Q92/Q92) mouse model is assessed on a
      well established test of attentional function, the operant 5-choice serial
      reaction time task (5-CSRT), in which the mice must respond with a nose poke to
      light stimuli presented randomly across a 5 hole light array to receive a reward.
      In the present paper, the Hdh(Q92/Q92) mice exhibited deficits on the 5-CSRT when
      pseudorandomly presented with stimuli of different durations. However,
      alterations in the pacing of the task, therefore requiring an increase in
      sustained attention, did not affect the Hdh(Q92/Q92) mice more than their
      wildtype littermates. This study indicates that the Hdh(Q92/Q92) mice may have
      deficits in aspects of attentional function, in particular disruption in the
      ability to maintain attention in the visuospatial domain, suggesting that this
      knock-in mouse model of Huntington's disease may be a relevant model of the
      disease for the testing of novel therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22085745
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 22085746
TI  - Filaments assembly of ectopically expressed Caenorhabditis elegans lamin within
      Xenopus oocytes.
AB  - Lamins are the major components of the nuclear lamina, a filamentous layer
      underlying the inner nuclear membrane and attached to the peripheral chromatin.
      Lamins are required for maintaining nuclear shape and are involved in most
      nuclear activities. Here, we studied the 3D organization of the nuclear lamina
      formed upon the expression of Caenorhabditis elegans lamin (Ce-lamin) within the
      nucleus of a Xenopus laevis oocyte. We show that Ce-lamin forms an intricate 3D
      meshwork of 5-6 nm lamin protofilaments. The diverse protofilament interactions
      and organization may shed light upon the unique mechano-elastic properties of the
      nuclear lamina scaffold supporting the nuclear envelope. The Q159K Hutchinson
      Gilford Progeria Syndrome-linked mutation alters interactions between
      protofilaments within the lamina, leading to the formation of more bundled arrays
      of less isotropically-oriented protofilaments. Using this system, we show for the
      first time the organization of lamin proteins that were translated and assembled
      within the environment of a living cell.

PMID- 22085747
TI  - Reconstructing adhesion structures in tissues by cryo-electron tomography of
      vitrified frozen sections.
AB  - Cryo-electron tomography enables three-dimensional insights into the
      macromolecular architecture of cells in a close-to-life state. However, it is
      limited to thin specimens, <1.0 MUm in thickness, typically restricted to the
      peripheral areas of intact eukaryotic cells. Analysis of tissue ultrastructure,
      on the other hand, requires physical sectioning approaches, preferably cryo
      sectioning, following which electron tomography (ET) may be performed.
      Nevertheless, cryo-electron microscopy of vitrified sections is a demanding
      technique and typically cannot be used to examine thick sections, >80-100 nm, due
      to surface crevasses. Here, we explore the potential use of cryo-ET of vitrified
      frozen sections (VFSs) for imaging cell adhesions in chicken smooth muscle and
      mouse epithelial tissues. By investigating 300-400 nm thick sections, which are
      collected on the EM grid and re-vitrified, we resolved fine 3D structural details
      of the membrane-associated dense plaques and flanking caveoli in smooth muscle
      tissue, and desmosomal adhesions in stratified epithelium. Technically, this
      method offers a simple approach for reconstructing thick volumes of hydrated
      frozen sections.

PMID- 22085748
TI  - Crystallographic and spectroscopic characterizations of Sulfolobus solfataricus
      TrxA1 provide insights into the determinants of thioredoxin fold stability.
AB  - Structural characterizations of thioredoxins (Trxs) are important for their
      involvement in severe pathologies and for their stable scaffold. Here we report a
      combined structural and spectroscopic characterization of a Trx isolated from the
      hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsTrxA1). Thermal
      denaturation unveils that SsTrxA1 is endowed with a remarkable stability in the
      explored temperature range 50-105 degrees C. The structure of the oxidized form
      of SsTrxA1 determined at 1.9A resolution presents a number of peculiar features.
      Although the protein was crystallized in a slightly acid medium (pH 6.5) as many
      as ten intramolecular/intermolecular carboxyl-carboxylate interactions involving
      glutamic and aspartic acid side chains are found in three independent SsTrxA1
      molecules present in the asymmetric unit. Surprisingly for a hyperthermostable
      protein, the structure of SsTrxA1 is characterized by the presence (a) of a very
      limited number of intramolecular salt bridges and (b) of a cavity nearby Cys52, a
      residue that is frequently a phenylananine in other members of the family.
      Chemical denaturation investigations carried out on SsTrxA1 and SsTrxA2 show that
      both proteins present a significant stability against guanidine hydrochloride,
      thus indicating that ionic interactions play a minor role in their stabilization.
      Compared to Trxs from mesophilic sources, SsTrxA1 displays a longer alpha-helix 1
      and a shorter loop connecting this alpha-helix with beta-strand 2. As these
      features are shared with Trxs isolated from thermophilic sources, the shortening
      of this loop may be a general strategy adopted to stabilize this fold. This
      feature may be exploited for the design of hyperthermostable Trx scaffolds.

PMID- 22085749
TI  - Helical arrangement of filaments in microvillar actin bundles.
AB  - Actin filament arrays in in vivo microvillar bundles of rat intestinal enterocyte
      were re-evaluated using electron tomography (ET). Conventional electron
      microscope observation of semi-thin cross sections (300nm thick) of high-pressure
      freeze fixed and resin embedded brush border has shown a whirling pattern in the
      center of the microvilli instead of hexagonally arranged dots, which strongly
      suggests that the bundle consists of a non-parallel array of filaments. A depth
      compensation method for the ET was developed to estimate the actual structure of
      the actin bundle. Specimen shrinkage by beam irradiation during image acquisition
      was estimated to be 63%, and we restored the original thickness in the
      reconstruction. The depth compensated tomogram displayed the individual actin
      filaments within the bundles and it indicated that the actin filaments do not lie
      exactly parallel to each other: instead, they are twisted in a clockwise coil
      with a pitch of ~120 degrees /MUm. Furthermore, the lattice of actin filaments
      was occasionally re-arranged within the bundle. As the microvillar bundle
      mechanically interacts with the membrane and is thought to be compressed by the
      membrane's faint tensile force, we removed the shrouding membrane using
      detergents to eliminate the mechanical interaction. The bared bundles no longer
      showed the whirling pattern, suggesting that the bundle had released its coiled
      property. These findings indicate that the bundle has not rigid but elastic
      properties and a dynamic transformation in its structure caused by a change in
      the mechanical interaction between the membrane and the bundle.

PMID- 22085751
TI  - Antinociception of beta-D-glucan from Pleurotus pulmonarius is possibly related
      to protein kinase C inhibition.
AB  - beta-D-Glucan, a polysaccharide isolated from an edible mushroom Pleurotus
      pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel., presented antinociceptive activity in mice. This study
      evaluated the involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and
      protein kinase C (PKC) on antinociceptive effect of a (1->3),(1->6)-linked beta-D
      glucan (GL) in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of GL potently inhibited
      nociceptive responses induced by intraplantar injections of capsaicin,
      cinnamaldehyde, menthol, acidified saline and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA).
      Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed that GL treatment also prevented PMA
      induced PKCE activation. Collectively, present results demonstrate that GL could
      constitute an attractive molecule of interest for the development of new
      analgesic drugs.

PMID- 22085750
TI  - The hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome--clinical manifestation diversity in primary
      immune deficiency.
AB  - The hyper-IgE syndromes are rare, complex primary immunodeficiencies
      characterized by clinical manifestation diversity, by particular susceptibility
      to staphylococcal and mycotic infections as well as by a heterogeneous genetic
      origin. Two distinct entities--the classical hyper-IgE syndrome which is
      inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and the autosomal recessive hyper-IgE
      syndrome--have been recognized. The autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome is
      associated with a cluster of facial, dental, skeletal, and connective tissue
      abnormalities which are not observable in the recessive type. In the majority of
      affected patients with autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome a mutation in the
      signal transducer and the activator of the transcription 3 gene has been
      identified, leading to an impaired Th17 cells differentiation and to a
      downregulation of an antimicrobial response. A mutation in the dedicator of the
      cytokinesis 8 gene has been identified as the cause of many cases with autosomal
      recessive hyper-IgE syndrome and, in one patient, a mutation in tyrosine kinase 2
      gene has been demonstrated. In this paper, the authors provide a review of the
      clinical manifestations in the hyper-IgE syndromes with particular emphasis on
      the diversity of their phenotypic expression and present current diagnostic
      guidelines for these diseases.

PMID- 22085752
TI  - Presence of alternating glucosaminoglucan in the sheath of Thiothrix nivea.
AB  - A sheath-forming sulfa oxidizer, Thiothrix nivea, was mixotrophically cultured in
      a medium supplemented with acetic acid and sodium disulfide. Its sheath, a
      microtube-like extracellular supermolecule, was prepared by selectively removing
      the cells with lysozyme, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and sodium hydroxide. The sheath
      was not visibly affected by hydrazine treatment, suggesting that it is not a
      proteinous supermolecule. From the acid hydrolysate of the sheath, glucose and
      glucosamine were detected in an approximate molar ratio of 1:1. Three other
      saccharic compounds were detected and recovered by HPLC as fluorescent
      derivatives prepared by reaction with 4-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester. Nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis suggested that one of the derivatives was
      derived from an unidentified deoxypentose. NMR analysis for the other 2
      derivatives showed that they were derived from beta-1,4-linked disaccharides and
      tetrasaccharides, which were composed of glucose and glucosamine. The sheath was
      readily broken down by weak HCl treatment, releasing an unidentified deoxypentose
      and polymer. Chemical analysis showed the presence of beta-1,4-linked D-Glcp and
      D-GlcNp in the polymer. NMR analysis revealed that the polymer had a repeating
      unit of ->4)-D-Glcp-(beta1->4)-D-GlcNp-(beta1->. The solid-state 1D-(13)C NMR
      spectrum of the polymer in N-acetylated form supported this result. The molecular
      weight of the polymer was estimated to be 8.2*10(4) by size exclusion
      chromatography. Based on these results, the sheath of T. nivea is hypothesized to
      be assembled from alternately beta-1,4-linked glucosaminoglucan grafted with
      unidentified deoxypentose.

PMID- 22085753
TI  - Structures and anti-HSV-2 activities of neutral polysaccharides from an edible
      plant, Basella rubra L.
AB  - Four neutral polysaccharides (BRN-1, BRN-2, BRN-3 and BRN-4) were isolated from
      the hot water extract of the aerial part of Basella rubra L. They were found to
      consist of a large amount of D-galactose (81.0-92.4%) and small amounts of L
      arabinose (5.4-7.8%), D-glucose (2.2-11.0%) and mannose (~2.9%). Linkage analysis
      revealed that all these neutral polysaccharides might be arabinogalactan type I
      polysaccharides in different molecular weight and chain length. Among them, only
      BRN-3 showed antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) with
      50% inhibitory concentration of 55 MUg/mL without showing the cytotoxicity up to
      2300 MUg/mL. Furthermore, the main antiviral target of BRN-3 was shown to be the
      inhibition of virus adsorption to host cells. This is the first report on the
      neutral polysaccharide with anti-HSV-2 activity obtained from B. rubra L.

PMID- 22085754
TI  - Antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes and their
      significance for disease prevention.
AB  - The crude polysaccharide (LEP) was extracted by hot water from the fruiting
      bodies of Lentinus edodes, and further purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sepharose
      CL-6B chromatography, giving three polysaccharide fractions coded as LEPA1, LEPB1
      and LEPC1. In this study, their chemical and physical characteristics of
      polysaccharide fractions and antioxidant capacities, including scavenging
      activity against hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals and Fe(2+)-chelating
      ability, were valuated. The results showed that LEPC1 exhibited significantly
      antioxidant activity at a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore these results
      indicated that the water-extractable polysaccharide fraction was a potent
      antioxidant and could be developed to be new health medicine for fighting against
      various human diseases.

PMID- 22085755
TI  - How does sucrose stabilize the native state of globular proteins?
AB  - It is well known that sucrose stabilizes the native state of globular proteins
      against both chemical denaturants and temperature. A largely accepted explanation
      of sucrose-induced stabilization is not yet emerged. It is shown that the same
      theoretical approach able to rationalize the occurrence of cold denaturation, the
      contrasting role of GdmCl and Gdm(2)SO(4), and the TMAO counteraction of urea
      denaturing activity [PCCP 12 (2010) 14245; PCCP 13 (2011) 12008; PCCP 13 (2011)
      17689] works well also in the case of sucrose. The solvent-excluded volume effect
      plays the fundamental role because sucrose addition to water causes a marked
      increase in volume packing density due to the large size of sucrose molecules,
      that act as crowding agents.

PMID- 22085756
TI  - Characterization and application of a detergent-stable alkaline alpha-amylase
      from Bacillus subtilis strain AS-S01a.
AB  - A strain AS-S01a, capable of producing high-titer alkaline alpha-amylase, was
      isolated from a soil sample of Assam, India and was taxonomically identified as
      Bacillus subtilis strain AS-S01a. Optimized alpha-amylase yield by response
      surface method (RSM) was obtained as 799.0 U with a specific activity of 201.0
      U/mg in a process control bioreactor. A 21.0 kDa alkaline alpha-amylase purified
      from this strain showed optimum activity at 55 degrees C and pH 9.0, and it
      produced high molecular weight oligosaccharides including small amount of glucose
      from starch as the end product. The K(m) and V(max) values for this enzyme
      towards starch were determined as 1.9 mg/ml and 198.21 MUmol/min/mg,
      respectively. The purified alpha-amylase retained its activity in presence of
      oxidant, surfactants, EDTA and various commercial laundry detergents, thus
      advocating its suitability for various industrial applications.

PMID- 22085757
TI  - Guided self-help concreteness training as an intervention for major depression in
      primary care: a Phase II randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of widely accessible, effective psychological
      interventions for depression is a priority. This randomized trial provides the
      first controlled data on an innovative cognitive bias modification (CBM) training
      guided self-help intervention for depression. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-one
      consecutively recruited participants meeting criteria for current major
      depression were randomly allocated to treatment as usual (TAU) or to TAU plus
      concreteness training (CNT) guided self-help or to TAU plus relaxation training
      (RT) guided self-help. CNT involved repeated practice at mental exercises
      designed to switch patients from an unhelpful abstract thinking habit to a
      helpful concrete thinking habit, thereby targeting depressogenic cognitive
      processes (rumination, overgeneralization). RESULTS: The addition of CNT to TAU
      significantly improved depressive symptoms at post-treatment [mean difference on
      the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) 4.28, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.29-7.26], 3- and 6-month follow-ups, and for rumination and
      overgeneralization post-treatment. There was no difference in the reduction of
      symptoms between CNT and RT (mean difference on the HAMD 1.98, 95% CI -1.14 to
      5.11), although CNT significantly reduced rumination and overgeneralization
      relative to RT post-treatment, suggesting a specific benefit on these cognitive
      processes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that CNT guided
      self-help may be a useful addition to TAU in treating major depression in primary
      care, although the effect was not significantly different from an existing active
      treatment (RT) matched for structural and common factors. Because of its relative
      brevity and distinct format, it may have value as an additional innovative
      approach to increase the accessibility of treatment choices for depression.

PMID- 22085758
TI  - Caffeine inhibits antinociception by acetaminophen in the formalin test by
      inhibiting spinal adenosine A1 receptors.
AB  - The present study examined effects of caffeine on antinociception by
      acetaminophen in the formalin test in mice. It demonstrates that caffeine 10mg/kg
      inhibits antinociception produced by acetaminophen 300 mg/kg i.p. against phase 2
      flinches. Chronic administration of caffeine in the drinking water (0.1, 0.3g/l)
      for 8 days also inhibits the action of acetaminophen. The selective adenosine
      A(1) receptor antagonist DPCPX 1mg/kg i.p. mimics the action of caffeine, but the
      selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist SCH58261 3mg/kg i.p. does not.
      While acetaminophen produced the same effect in mice that were +/+, +/- and -/-
      for adenosine A(1) receptors, inhibition of antinociception by caffeine was seen
      only in +/+ and +/- mice. A higher dose of caffeine, 40 mg/kg, produced an
      intrinsic antinociception against formalin-evoked flinches, an effect also seen
      when caffeine was administered intrathecally. SCH58261 30 nmol, but not DPCPX 10
      nmol, also produced antinociception when administered intrathecally indicating
      involvement of adenosine A(2A) receptors in spinal antinociception. Caffeine
      reversal of acetaminophen results from actions in the spinal cord, as intrathecal
      DPCPX 10 nmol inhibited antinociception by systemic acetaminophen; this was also
      observed in +/+ but not in -/- adenosine A(1) receptor mice. We propose that
      spinal adenosine A(1) receptors contribute to the action of acetaminophen
      secondarily to involvement of descending serotonin pathways and release of
      adenosine within the spinal cord. Inhibition of acetaminophen antinociception by
      doses of caffeine relevant to dietary human intake levels suggests a more
      detailed consideration of acetaminophen-caffeine interactions in humans is
      warranted.

PMID- 22085759
TI  - pi-Conjugated cyanostilbene derivatives: a unique self-assembly motif for
      molecular nanostructures with enhanced emission and transport.
AB  - pi-Conjugated organic molecules represent an attractive platform for the design
      and fabrication of a wide range of nano- and microstructures for use in organic
      optoelectronics. The desirable optical and electrical properties of pi-conjugated
      molecules for these applications depend on their primary molecular structure and
      their intermolecular interactions such as molecular packing or ordering in the
      condensed states. Because of the difficulty in satisfying these rigorous
      structural requirements for photoluminescence and charge transport, the
      development of novel high-performance pi-conjugated systems for nano
      optoelectronics has remained a challenge.  This Account describes our recent
      discovery of a novel class of self-assembling pi-conjugated organic molecules
      with a built-in molecular elastic twist. These molecules consist of a cyano
      substituted stilbenic pi-conjugated backbone and various terminal functional
      groups, and they offer excellent optical, electrical, and self-assembly
      properties for use in various nano-optoelectronic devices. The characteristic
      "twist elasticity" behavior of these molecules occurs in response to molecular
      interactions. These large torsional or conformational changes in the
      cyanostilbene backbone play an important role in achieving favorable
      intermolecular interactions that lead to both high photoluminescence and good
      charge carrier mobility in self-assembled nanostructures.  Conventional pi
      conjugated molecules in the solid state typically show concentration
      (aggregation) fluorescence quenching. Initially, we describe the unique
      photoluminescence properties, aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE), of
      these new cyanostilbene derivatives that elegantly circumvent these problems.
      These elastic twist pi-conjugated backbones serve as versatile scaffolds for the
      preparation of well-defined patterned nanosized architectures through facile self
      assembly processes. We discuss in particular detail the preparation of 1D
      nanowire structures through programmed self-assembly.  This Account describes the
      importance of utilizing AIEE effects to explore optical device applications, such
      as organic semiconducting lasers (OSLs), optical memory, and sensors. We
      demonstrate the rich electronic properties, including the electrical
      conductivity, field-effect carrier mobility, and electroluminescence of highly
      crystalline 1D nanowire and coaxial donor-acceptor nanocable structures composed
      of elastic twist pi-conjugated molecules. The electronic properties were measured
      using various techniques, including current-voltage (I-V), conducting-probe
      atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM), and space-charge-limited-current (SCLC)
      measurements. We prepared and characterized several electronic device structures,
      including organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and organic light-emitting
      field-effect transistors (OLETs).

PMID- 22085761
TI  - Reproduction numbers for epidemic models with households and other social
      structures. I. Definition and calculation of R0.
AB  - The basic reproduction number R(0) is one of the most important quantities in
      epidemiology. However, for epidemic models with explicit social structure
      involving small mixing units such as households, its definition is not
      straightforward and a wealth of other threshold parameters has appeared in the
      literature. In this paper, we use branching processes to define R(0), we apply
      this definition to models with households or other more complex social structures
      and we provide methods for calculating it.

PMID- 22085760
TI  - Evolution of anterior Hox regulatory elements among chordates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Hox family of transcription factors has a fundamental role in
      segmentation pathways and axial patterning of embryonic development and their
      clustered organization is linked with the regulatory mechanisms governing their
      coordinated expression along embryonic axes. Among chordates, of particular
      interest are the Hox paralogous genes in groups 1-4 since their expression is
      coupled to the control of regional identity in the anterior nervous system, where
      the highest structural diversity is observed. RESULTS: To investigate the degree
      of conservation in cis-regulatory components that form the basis of Hox
      expression in the anterior nervous system, we have used assays for
      transcriptional activity in ascidians and vertebrates to compare and contrast
      regulatory potential. We identified four regulatory sequences located near the
      CiHox1, CiHox2 and CiHox4 genes of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis which direct
      neural specific domains of expression. Using functional assays in Ciona and
      vertebrate embryos in combination with sequence analyses of enhancer fragments
      located in similar positions adjacent to Hox paralogy group genes, we compared
      the activity of these four Ciona cis-elements with a series of neural specific
      enhancers from the amphioxus Hox1-3 genes and from mouse Hox paralogous groups 1
      4. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis revealed that Kreisler and Krox20 dependent
      enhancers critical in segmental regulation of the hindbrain appear to be specific
      for the vertebrate lineage. In contrast, neural enhancers that function as Hox
      response elements through the action of Hox/Pbx binding motifs have been
      conserved during chordate evolution. The functional assays reveal that these Hox
      response cis-elements are recognized by the regulatory components of different
      and extant species. Together, our results indicate that during chordate
      evolution, cis-elements dependent upon Hox/Pbx regulatory complexes, are
      responsible for key aspects of segmental Hox expression in neural tissue and
      appeared with urochordates after cephalochordate divergence.

PMID- 22085762
TI  - Consumer evaluation of complaint handling in the Dutch health insurance market.
AB  - BACKGROUND: How companies deal with complaints is a particularly challenging
      aspect in managing the quality of their service. In this study we test the direct
      and relative effects of service quality dimensions on consumer complaint
      satisfaction evaluations and trust in a company in the Dutch health insurance
      market. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Survey data of 150
      members of a Dutch insurance panel who lodged a complaint at their healthcare
      insurer within the past 12 months were surveyed. The data were collected using a
      questionnaire containing validated multi-item measures. These measures assess the
      service quality dimensions consisting of functional quality and technical quality
      and consumer complaint satisfaction evaluations consisting of complaint
      satisfaction and overall satisfaction with the company after complaint handling.
      Respondents' trust in a company after complaint handling was also measured. Using
      factor analysis, reliability and validity of the measures were assessed.
      Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between these
      variables. RESULTS: Overall, results confirm the hypothesized direct and relative
      effects between the service quality dimensions and consumer complaint
      satisfaction evaluations and trust in the company. No support was found for the
      effect of technical quality on overall satisfaction with the company. This
      outcome might be driven by the context of our study; namely, consumers get in
      touch with a company to resolve a specific problem and therefore might focus more
      on complaint satisfaction and less on overall satisfaction with the company.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the model we present is valid in the context of the Dutch
      health insurance market. Management is able to increase consumers' complaint
      satisfaction, overall satisfaction with the company, and trust in the company by
      improving elements of functional and technical quality. Furthermore, we show that
      functional and technical quality do not influence consumer satisfaction
      evaluations and trust in the company to the same extent. Therefore, it is
      important for managers to be aware of the type of consumer satisfaction they are
      measuring when evaluating the handling of complaints within their company.

PMID- 22085763
TI  - Identifying critically ill patients who benefit the most from nutrition therapy:
      the development and initial validation of a novel risk assessment tool.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To develop a scoring method for quantifying nutrition risk in the
      intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective, observational study of
      patients expected to stay > 24 hours. We collected data for key variables
      considered for inclusion in the score which included: age, baseline APACHE II,
      baseline SOFA score, number of comorbidities, days from hospital admission to ICU
      admission, Body Mass Index (BMI) < 20, estimated % oral intake in the week prior,
      weight loss in the last 3 months and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin
      (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Approximate quintiles of each
      variable were assigned points based on the strength of their association with 28
      day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 597 patients were enrolled in this study.
      Based on the statistical significance in the multivariable model, the final score
      used all candidate variables except BMI, CRP, PCT, estimated percentage oral
      intake and weight loss. As the score increased, so did mortality rate and
      duration of mechanical ventilation. Logistic regression demonstrated that
      nutritional adequacy modifies the association between the score and 28 day
      mortality (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This scoring algorithm may be helpful in
      identifying critically ill patients most likely to benefit from aggressive
      nutrition therapy.

PMID- 22085764
TI  - Retrospective review of male breast cancer patients: analysis of tamoxifen
      related side-effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 2000 American men are diagnosed with breast cancer
      every year. Limited data are available evaluating toxicity of antihormonal
      treatments in male breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed male
      breast cancer patients evaluated at our institution (1999-2009). Of 126 patients,
      64 met the following inclusion criteria: stage I-III, treated with tamoxifen, at
      least one follow-up visit after starting tamoxifen. A descriptive analysis of
      toxic effects was carried out on these 64 patients. RESULTS: Median follow-up
      from start of tamoxifen therapy was 3.9 years (range 0.3-19.4 years). Median age
      at diagnosis was 61 years (range 30-79 years). Breakdown by stage: 29.7% (n = 19)
      stage I, 54.7% (n = 35) stage II, and 15.6% (n = 10) stage III. Thirty-four (53%)
      patients experienced one or more toxicity while taking tamoxifen. Most common
      toxic effects are weight gain (14 patients, 22%) and sexual dysfunction (14
      patients, 22%). Thirteen (20.3%) patients discontinued tamoxifen due to toxicity:
      one ocular, one leg cramps, two neurocognitive deficits, two bone pain, three
      sexual dysfunction, and four thromboembolic events. CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the largest study examining tamoxifen-related toxic effects
      among male breast cancer patients. Among male patients, there is a high rate of
      discontinuation of tamoxifen. Prospective studies of antihormonal agents in male
      breast cancer are warranted.

PMID- 22085765
TI  - Glycyrrhetinic acid protects mice from Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia.
AB  - In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)
      against Staphylococcus aureus, and its influence on the production of S. aureus
      alpha-haemolysin (Hla) were investigated, along with the in vivo activity of GA
      against S. aureus-induced pneumonia. GA could not inhibit the growth of S.
      aureus, but the secretion of Hla by S. aureus was significantly inhibited by low
      concentrations of GA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in vivo data show
      that GA provides protection against staphylococcal pneumonia in a murine model
      system.

PMID- 22085766
TI  - A retrospective observational study on the efficacy of colistin by inhalation as
      compared to parenteral administration for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia
      associated with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colistin is used as last treatment option for pneumonia associated
      with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas spp.. Literature about the best
      administration mode (inhalation versus parenteral treatment) is lacking. METHODS:
      A retrospective study of 20 intensive care patients with a pneumonia associated
      with MDR P. aeruginosa receiving colistin sulphomethate sodium (Colistineb(r))
      between 2007 and 2009 was performed. A strain was considered multidrug-resistant
      if it was resistant to at least 6 of the following antibiotics: piperacillin
      tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, and
      amikacin. The administration mode, predicted mortality based on the SAPS3 score,
      SOFA score at onset of the colistin treatment, clinical and microbiological
      response, and mortality during the episode of the infection were analysed. The
      non parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's Exact test were used for statistical
      analysis of respectively the predicted mortality/SOFA score and mortality rate.
      RESULTS: Six patients received colistin by inhalation only, 5 were treated only
      parenterally, and 9 by a combination of both administration modes. All patients
      received concomitant beta-lactam therapy. The mean predicted mortalities were
      respectively 72%, 68%, and 69% (p = 0.91). SOFA scores at the onset of the
      treatment were also comparable (p = 0.87). Clinical response was favorable in all
      patients receiving colistin by inhalation (6/6) and in 40% (2/5) of the patients
      receiving colistin parenterally (p = 0.06). In the patients with colistin
      administered both via inhalation and parenterally, clinical response was
      favorable in 78% of the patients (7/9) (p = 0.27 as compared to the treatment
      group receiving colistin only parenterally). When all patients with inhalation
      therapy were compared to the group without inhalation therapy, a favorable
      clinical response was present in respectively 87% and 40% (p = 0.06). In none of
      the patients, the Pseudomonas spp. was eradicated from the follow-up cultures.All
      patients in the parenterally treated group died. None of the patients receiving
      colistin by inhalation, and 3 of 9 patients of the combination group eventually
      died (p = 0.002 and p = 0.03 respectively as compared to the group receiving
      colistin only parenterally). CONCLUSIONS: Aerosolized colistin could be
      beneficial as adjunctive treatment for the management of pneumonia due to MDR P.
      aeruginosa.

PMID- 22085767
TI  - Raccoon dog rabies surveillance and post-vaccination monitoring in Lithuania 2006
      to 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) in rabies infected regions should
      target the primary rabies vector species, which in Lithuania includes raccoon
      dogs as well as red foxes. Specific investigations on ORV in raccoon dogs are
      needed e.g. evaluation of vaccine effectiveness under field conditions. The
      objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of the ORV
      programme 2006-2010 in Lithuania by examining the number of rabies cases and
      estimating the prevalences of a tetracycline biomarker (TTC) and rabies virus
      antibodies in raccoon dogs. METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, 12.5 million rabies
      vaccine-baits were distributed by aircraft. Baiting occurred twice per year
      (spring and autumn), targeting raccoon dogs and red foxes in a 63,000 km2 area of
      Lithuania. The mandibles of raccoon dogs found dead or killed in the vaccination
      area were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy for the presence of the TTC. Rabies
      virus sera neutralizing anti-glycoprotein antibody titres were determined using
      an indirect ELISA method and seroconversion (> 0.5 EU/ml) rates were estimated.
      RESULTS: During the study period, 51.5% of raccoon dog mandibles were positive
      for TTC. 1688 of 3260 tested adults and 69 of 175 tested cubs were TTC positive.
      Forty-seven percent of raccoon dog serum samples were positive for rabies virus
      antibodies. 302 of 621 investigated adults and 33 of 95 investigated cubs were
      seropositive. In the same time 302 of 684 and 43 of 124 tested samples were TTC
      and ELISA positive in spring; whereas 1455 of 2751 and 292 of 592 tested samples
      were TTC and ELISA positive in autumn. There was a positive correlation between
      the number of TTC and antibody positive animals for both adult and cub groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: ORV was effective in reducing the prevalence of rabies in the
      raccoon dog population in Lithuania. The prevalence of rabies cases in raccoon
      dogs in Lithuania decreased from 60.7% in 2006-2007 to 6.5% in 2009-2010.

PMID- 22085768
TI  - A multigene phylogeny of Olpidium and its implications for early fungal
      evolution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: From a common ancestor with animals, the earliest fungi inherited
      flagellated zoospores for dispersal in water. Terrestrial fungi lost all
      flagellated stages and reproduce instead with nonmotile spores. Olpidium
      virulentus (= Olpidium brassicae), a unicellular fungus parasitizing vascular
      plant root cells, seemed anomalous. Although Olpidium produces zoospores, in
      previous phylogenetic studies it appeared nested among the terrestrial fungi. Its
      position was based mainly on ribosomal gene sequences and was not strongly
      supported. Our goal in this study was to use amino acid sequences from four genes
      to reconstruct the branching order of the early-diverging fungi with particular
      emphasis on the position of Olpidium. RESULTS: We concatenated sequences from the
      Ef-2, RPB1, RPB2 and actin loci for maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. In
      the resulting trees, Olpidium virulentus, O. bornovanus and non-flagellated
      terrestrial fungi formed a strongly supported clade. Topology tests rejected
      monophyly of the Olpidium species with any other clades of flagellated fungi.
      Placing Olpidium at the base of terrestrial fungi was also rejected. Within the
      terrestrial fungi, Olpidium formed a monophyletic group with the taxa
      traditionally classified in the phylum Zygomycota. Within Zygomycota,
      Mucoromycotina was robustly monophyletic. Although without bootstrap support,
      Monoblepharidomycetes, a small class of zoosporic fungi, diverged from the basal
      node in Fungi. The zoosporic phylum Blastocladiomycota appeared as the sister
      group to the terrestrial fungi plus Olpidium. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      strong support for Olpidium as the closest living flagellated relative of the
      terrestrial fungi. Appearing nested among hyphal fungi, Olpidium's unicellular
      thallus may have been derived from ancestral hyphae. Early in their evolution,
      terrestrial hyphal fungi may have reproduced with zoospores.

PMID- 22085769
TI  - A double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of
      secreted antigen 1 of Babesia microti using hamster model.
AB  - A double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA)
      targeting secreted antigen 1 of Babesia microti (BmSA1) was developed for
      detection of B. microti infection. The optimized DAS-ELISA was sensitive enough
      to detect circulating BmSA1 by day 2 post-infection, in sequential sera of a
      hamster infected with B. microti. This detection was 4 days earlier than antibody
      detection by indirect ELISA. The kinetics of circulating BmSA1 coincided with the
      profile of parasitemia. The specificity of this assay was evaluated using sera
      from animals experimentally infected with different species of Babesia. The DAS
      ELISA had a higher sensitivity than the microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained
      blood smears for detection of the infection in hamsters. Taken together, these
      results indicated that BmSA1 could be a potential marker for surveillance of
      human babesiosis.

PMID- 22085770
TI  - Expression profile and subcellular localization of HslV, the proteasome related
      protease from Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - Trypanosoma cruzi is a rare example of an eukaryote that has genes for two
      threonine proteases: HslVU complex and 20S proteasome. HslVU is an ATP-dependent
      protease consisting of two multimeric components: the HslU ATPase and the HslV
      peptidase. In this study, we expressed and obtained specific antibodies to HslU
      and HslV recombinant proteins and demonstrated the interaction between HslU/HslV
      by coimmunoprecipitation. To evaluate the intracellular distribution of HslV in
      T. cruzi we used an immunofluorescence assay and ultrastructural localization by
      transmission electron microscopy. Both techniques demonstrated that HslV was
      localized in the kinetoplast of epimastigotes. We also analyzed the HslV/20S
      proteasome co-expression in Y, Berenice 62 (Be-62) and Berenice 78 (Be-78) T.
      cruzi strains. Our results showed that HslV and 20S proteasome are differently
      expressed in these strains. To investigate whether a proteasome inhibitor could
      modulate HslV and proteasome expressions, epimastigotes from T. cruzi were grown
      in the presence of PSI, a classical proteasome inhibitor. This result showed that
      while the level of expression of HslV/20S proteasome is not affected in Be-78
      strain, in Y and Be-62 strains the presence of PSI induced a significantly
      increase in Hslv/20S proteasome expression. Together, these results suggest the
      coexistence of the protease HslVU and 20S proteasome in T. cruzi, reinforcing the
      hypothesis that non-lysosomal degradation pathways have an important role in T.
      cruzi biology.

PMID- 22085771
TI  - Aerobic degradation of sulfanilic acid using activated sludge.
AB  - This paper evaluates the aerobic degradation of sulfanilic acid (SA) by an
      acclimatized activated sludge. The sludge was enriched for over three months with
      SA (>500 mg/L) as the sole carbon and energy source and dissolved oxygen (DO,
      >5mg/L) as the primary electron acceptor. Effects of aeration rate (0-1.74
      L/min), DO concentration (0-7 mg/L) and initial SA concentration (104-1085 mg/L)
      on SA biodegradation were quantified. A modified Haldane substrate inhibition
      model was used to obtain kinetic parameters of SA biodegradation and oxygen
      uptake rate (OUR). Positive linear correlations were obtained between OUR and SA
      degradation rate (R(2)>= 0.91). Over time, the culture consumed more oxygen per
      SA degraded, signifying a gradual improvement in SA mineralization (mass ratio of
      O(2): SA at day 30, 60 and 120 were 0.44, 0.51 and 0.78, respectively). The
      concomitant release of near stoichiometric quantity of sulphate (3.2 mmol SO(4)(2
      ) released from 3.3 mmol SA) and the high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal
      efficacy (97.1%) indicated that the enriched microbial consortia could drive the
      overall SA oxidation close to a complete mineralization. In contrast to other
      pure-culture systems, the ammonium released from the SA oxidation was
      predominately converted into nitrate, revealing the presence of ammonium
      oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the mixed culture. No apparent inhibitory effect of
      SA on the nitrification was noted. This work also indicates that aerobic SA
      biodegradation could be monitored by real-time DO measurement.

PMID- 22085772
TI  - Detection of immune cell response to M. tuberculosis-specific antigens by
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
AB  - One third of the world's population is latently infected with Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (Mtb) and up to 10% of infected individuals develop active
      tuberculosis (TB) in their lifetime. Among the major challenges in the control of
      TB is the implementation of sensitive methods for detection of latent
      tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Currently, in vitro interferon gamma release
      assays, yielding single value readout, are used as an alternative to the
      traditional tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of LTBI. More complex
      characterization of immune status of LTBI individuals, however, is desirable for
      indication of LTBI subjects for preventative chemotherapy. Here we describe a
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for determination of expression
      levels of 14 genes, additional to interferon gamma, which was applied for
      comparison of the specific Mtb-antigen immune response of blood cells from
      healthy, latently infected, and TB individuals. With the use of principal
      component analysis and discriminant analysis, a pattern of mRNA levels of 6 genes
      was identified, allowing discrimination of healthy individuals from active TB and
      LTBI subjects. These results open the way to development of multimarker qPCR for
      the detection of LTBI.

PMID- 22085773
TI  - Evaluation of the performance of 5 commercialized enzyme immunoassays for the
      detection of Taenia solium antibodies and for the diagnosis of
      neurocysticercosis.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate 5 enzyme immunoassays for detecting human antibodies
      against Taenia solium in human serum and for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis
      (NCC): DRGTM, RIDASCREENTM, NOVATECHTM, CYPRESSTM, and IVDTM. A collection of 114
      reference serum samples were used. All sera were tested both by ELISA and by an
      immunoblot method (enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot [EITB]). When
      compared with EITB, the RidascreenTM test had the best positive concordance rate
      (85.1-91.2%) and the NovaLisa testTM showed the optimal negative concordance rate
      (93.7-95.6%). All tests had a sensitivity under 72% and a specificity above 60%.
      The best sensitivity was obtained using RidascreenTM test (71.4%). An optimal
      specificity was achieved by the NovaLisa testTM. T. solium-positive sera all
      cross-reacted with E. granulosus positive samples. In the commercial assays
      evaluated here, the most appropriate ELISA test for screening may be the
      RidascreenTM assay. Antibody detection seems to be not appropriate for NCC
      diagnosis because of its overall lack of sensitivity.

PMID- 22085774
TI  - Inducible galectins are expressed in the inflamed pharynx of the ascidian Ciona
      intestinalis.
AB  - Although ascidians belong to a key group in chordate phylogenesis, amino acid
      sequences of Ciona intestinalis galectin-CRDs (CiLgals-a and -b) have been
      retained too divergent from vertebrate galectins. In the present paper, to
      contribute in disclosing Bi-CRD galectin evolution a novel attempt was carried
      out on CiLgals-a and -b CRDs phylogenetic analysis, and their involvement in
      ascidian inflammatory responses was shown. CiLgals resulted aligned with Bi-CRD
      galectins from vertebrates (Xenopus tropicalis, Gallus gallus, Mus musculus, Homo
      sapiens), cephalochordates (Branchiostoma floridae), echinoderms
      (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) and a mono-CRD galectin from the ascidian
      Clavelina picta. The CiLgals-a N-terminal and C-terminal CRDs contain the
      signature sequence involved in carbohydrate binding, whereas the CiLgals-b C-CRD
      presents only three out of seven key aminoacids and it could not be suitable as
      sugar binding motif. Sequence similarity between clusters suggests an
      evolutionary model based on CRD domain gene duplication and sequence
      diversification. In particular CiLgals-b N-CRD and C-CRD were similar to each
      other and both grouped with the ascidian C. picta mono-CRD. Homology modeling
      process shows a CiLgals molecular structure superimposed to chicken and mouse
      galectins. The CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b genes were upregulated by LPS inoculation
      suggesting that they are inducible and expressed in the inflamed pharynx as
      revealed by real-time PCR analysis. Finally, in situ hybridization and
      immunohistochemical assays showed their localization in the inflamed tissues,
      while immunoblotting analysis indicated that CiLgals can form oligomers.

PMID- 22085775
TI  - Comparison of three combined pharmacological approaches with tiotropium
      monotherapy in stable moderate to severe COPD: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend the use of inhaled long-acting bronchodilators,
      inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and their combinations for maintenance treatment of
      moderate to severe COPD. However, there are limited data supporting combination
      therapy. METHODS: This systematic review assessed the efficacy of three
      therapeutic approaches: tiotropium plus long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) ("dual"
      therapy), LABA/ICS ("combined" therapy), and tiotropium plus LABA/ICS ("triple"
      therapy), all compared with tiotropium monotherapy. Randomized controlled trials
      were identified after a search of different databases of published and
      unpublished trials. RESULTS: Twenty trials (6803 participants) were included.
      "Dual" therapy showed significant improvements in forced volume in the first
      second (FEV(1)), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and dyspnea. However, it
      failed to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations. Compared with tiotropium,
      "combined" therapy presented modest but significant effects on FEV(1), HRQoL, and
      dyspnea. Again, there was no significant difference in exacerbations, but it was
      associated with a significant increase of serious adverse effects (SAE) (number
      need to treat for harm [NNTH] = 20; 95% CI: 11-119). Finally, "triple therapy"
      increased FEV(1), improved HRQoL (both benefits exceeded minimal important
      differences) and decrease COPD exacerbations in anon-significant way. (Odds ratio
      [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.37, p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: "Dual" and "triple"
      therapy seem like the most promising for patients with moderate to very severe
      COPD. However, data are still scarce and studies too short to generate a strong
      recommendation. Future studies should examine long-term efficacy and safety.

PMID- 22085776
TI  - Childhood trauma may combine synergistically with stimulant use rather than
      cannabis use to predict psychosis.

PMID- 22085777
TI  - Health care provider satisfaction with telephone consultations provided by
      pharmacists and physicians at the National HIV/AIDS Clinicians' Consultation
      Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The federally funded National HIV/AIDS Clinicians' Consultation
      Center (NCCC) offers US health care providers expert telephone consultations for
      managing HIV/AIDS and occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens through 3
      telephone services: the National Clinicians' Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline
      (PEPline), the National HIV Telephone Consultation Service (Warmline), and the
      Perinatal HIV Hotline. Callers to the NCCC receive consultation from either a
      clinical pharmacist (PharmD) or a physician (MD) with HIV expertise. OBJECTIVE:
      To compare the satisfaction of NCCC callers who received clinical consultations
      from clinical pharmacists and physicians with HIV expertise. METHODS: We
      prospectively mailed 1256 satisfaction surveys to NCCC health care provider
      callers during a 7-month period. Survey recipients were not aware that
      satisfaction surveys compared PharmD and MD consultation services. Respondents
      rated their level of agreement with 8 statements about the quality of
      consultation, the quality of clinical information given, and future calls to the
      NCCC. RESULTS: Survey return rates were 43% for PEPline and 40% for Warmline and
      Perinatal HIV Hotline combined. Overall, caller satisfaction with the telephone
      consultation service was extremely high (>4 in all categories on a 1-5 Likert
      scale). There was no significant difference in PEPline caller satisfaction
      ratings between PharmD and MD consultations. Callers to the Warmline and
      Perinatal HIV Hotline agreed with all 8 satisfaction statements. For the
      following 3 statements, however, satisfaction was higher when Warmline and
      Perinatal HIV Hotline consultation was provided by an MD: "Overall, I was pleased
      with the quality of my consultation" (p = 0.04); "I would use this service again"
      (p < 0.02); and "I am likely to recommend this service to my colleagues" (p =
      0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Health care provider callers to the NCCC were highly
      satisfied with the information obtained from this HIV/AIDS telephone consultation
      service. By measuring callers' survey response to PharmD and MD consultations,
      the importance of the clinicians' contributions to this advanced HIV/AIDS
      consultation service is documented.

PMID- 22085778
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy, safety, and tolerability data
      from randomized controlled trials of drugs used to treat postherpetic neuralgia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of available data from reports of
      randomized controlled trials on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of drugs
      used to treat postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common type of neuropathic pain.
      DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE (1950-June 30, 2009) and EMBASE (1974-June 30, 2009)
      databases were used to identify source studies, in conjunction with a review of
      reference citations from identified published reports. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA
      EXTRACTION: We selected all English-language reports of randomized placebo
      controlled trials of the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of drugs (oral or
      transdermal) used for treatment in patients with PHN. Studies with treatment
      duration less than 4 weeks were excluded. From each identified trial, we
      extracted information on (1) placebo-corrected percentage reductions in pain
      intensity from randomization to end of active treatment; (2) relative risks of
      withdrawal due to lack of efficacy; (3) relative risks of various adverse events;
      and (4) relative risks of withdrawal due to adverse events. DATA SYNTHESIS:
      Twelve reports of randomized controlled trials in patients with PHN were
      identified, involving 8 different agents (amitriptyline, capsaicin, divalproex
      sodium, gabapentin, morphine, nortriptyline, pregabalin, tramadol). Most studies
      were small, involving fewer than 200 patients. Pain intensity was reported to
      have been reduced significantly with all drugs (range: 13.8% [tramadol] to 42.4%
      [amitriptyline]); data were pooled using techniques of meta-analysis when
      information was available from more than 1 trial. No clinical trial reported a
      significant reduction in risk of withdrawal as a result of lack of efficacy.
      Analysis of adverse events was greatly limited by erratic and inconsistent
      reporting and wide variation in sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: While available
      literature establishes the efficacy of 8 drugs in treatment of PHN, it does not
      provide adequate guidance as to which agents are best to treat this condition, in
      part because of inadequate reporting of data on tolerability and safety.

PMID- 22085779
TI  - Association between mental health conditions and rehospitalization, mortality,
      and functional outcomes in patients with stroke following inpatient
      rehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists regarding the association of pre-existing
      mental health conditions in patients with stroke and stroke outcomes such as
      rehospitalization, mortality, and function. We examined the association between
      mental health conditions and rehospitalization, mortality, and functional
      outcomes in patients with stroke following inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS: Our
      observational study used the 2001 VA Integrated Stroke Outcomes database of 2162
      patients with stroke who underwent rehabilitation at a Veterans Affairs Medical
      Center. Separate models were fit to our outcome measures that included 6-month
      rehospitalization or death, 6-month mortality post-discharge, and functional
      outcomes post inpatient rehabilitation as a function of number and type of mental
      health conditions. The models controlled for patient socio-demographics, length
      of stay, functional status, and rehabilitation setting. RESULTS: Patients had an
      average age of 68 years. Patients with stroke and two or more mental health
      conditions were more likely to be readmitted or die compared to patients with no
      conditions (OR: 1.44, p = 0.04). Depression and anxiety were associated with a
      greater likelihood of rehospitalization or death (OR: 1.33, p = 0.04; OR:1.47, p
      = 0.03). Patients with anxiety were more likely to die at six months (OR: 2.49, p
      = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with stroke with pre-existing mental health
      conditions may need additional psychotherapy interventions, which may potentially
      improve stroke outcomes post-hospitalization.

PMID- 22085780
TI  - The candidate Fu/HC gene in Botryllusschlosseri (Urochordata) and ascidians'
      historecognition--an oxymoron?
AB  - Allorecognition, distinguishing self from non-self allogeneic tissues is the
      underlying basis of innate immunity. In the colonial tunicate Botryllus
      schlosseri this historecognition is governed at a single genetic locus, Fu/HC
      (for fusibility/histocompatibility), with hundreds of co-dominantly expressed
      alleles. Several years ago, De Tomaso et al. (2005) have revolutionized the
      discipline of invertebrate allorecognition by describing a novel form of immune
      recognition in B. schlosseri, a non-vertebrate candidate histocompatibility gene
      (cFu/HC), revealing that allorecognition machinery in urochordates has nothing in
      common with the vertebrates' MHC-based histocompatibility. The authors reported
      absolute concordance of fusibility and cFu/HC genotype, predicted
      fusion/rejection outcomes in allorecognition settings from allelic polymorphism
      at the cFu/HC, also claiming cFu/HC gene expressions only in tissues directly
      engaged in histocompatibility. Here, we raise queries for the validity of the
      results and conclusions of De Tomaso et al. (2005) publication. Our reservations
      include discrepancies in the paper's results, including the perplexing absence of
      key sequencing material from public domains and above all, our own impugning
      outcomes. These include cloning efforts, in situ hybridization results, semi
      quantitative PCR outcomes, and the incongruence emerged between fusion/rejection
      profiles and cFu/HC segregated polymorphism that separately and cumulatively
      contradict the original publication. We conclude that Botryllus
      histocompatibility properties are not signaled in the claimed cFu/HC and that
      cFu/HC gene is unlikely the allodeterminant for Botryllus histocompatibility
      locus. Hence, the molecular nature of the Fu/HC locus in botryllid ascidians is
      still awaiting elucidation.

PMID- 22085781
TI  - The Drosophila larva as a tool to study gut-associated macrophages: PI3K
      regulates a discrete hemocyte population at the proventriculus.
AB  - Immune cells not only patrol the body in the circulation but also importantly,
      associate with specific tissues, such as the intestinal epithelium. The complex
      interactions between immune cells and their target tissues are difficult to study
      and simple, genetically tractable models are lacking. Here, we present the first
      thorough characterization of gut-associated macrophages in Drosophila larvae. We
      analyze their gene expression, morphology, development and lineage and
      importantly, demonstrate that they are functional (phagocytic) macrophages. We
      test their regulation by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and show evidence that
      this pathway regulates the population size of gut hemocytes and their phagocytic
      activity, reminiscent of recent findings in mammalian colitis models. Our data
      suggest that PI3K signaling modifies the adhesive properties of hemocytes, a
      possible mechanism for gut-hemocyte regulation. These results demonstrate the
      potential of the Drosophila larva as a simple tool to uncover mechanisms
      regulating recruitment and maintenance of innate immune cells at their target
      tissues.

PMID- 22085782
TI  - Report on the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Developmental
      and Comparative Immunology (JADCI), 21-23 August 2011, Yokohama Institute for
      Earth Sciences, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC),
      Yokohama, Japan (Local organizer: Tadashi Maruyama, JAMSTEC).

PMID- 22085783
TI  - MIF from mussel: coding sequence, phylogeny, polymorphism, 3D model and
      regulation of expression.
AB  - Three macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-related sequences were
      identified from a Mytilus galloprovincialis EST library. The consensus sequence
      included a 5'-UTR of 32 nucleotides, the complete ORF of 345 nucleotides, and a
      3'-UTR of 349 nucleotides. As for other MIFs, M. galloprovincialis ORF does not
      include any signal or C-terminus extensions. The translated sequence of 115 amino
      acids possesses a molecular mass of 12,681.4, a pI of 6.27 and a stability index
      of 21.48. Its 3D structure resembles human MIF except for one shorter alpha
      helix. Although evolutionary separated from ticks and vertebrates, Mg-MIF
      appeared to be closely related to Pinctada fucata and Haliotis, but not to
      Chlamys farreri and Biomphalaria glabrata. Numerous mutation points were observed
      within the Mg-MIF ORF, defining 11 amino acid variants within the mussels from
      Palavas-France and 14 amino acid variants within the mussels from Palermo-Italy.
      The 2 major variants from Palavas were identical to 2 of the 4 major variants
      from Palermo. In all the 18 Mg-MIF variants, residues involved in tautomerase and
      in oxidoreductase activities were conserved. Generally, one mussel expressed 2 Mg
      MIF amino acid sequences but with different frequencies of occurrence. Mg-MIF is
      constitutively expressed principally in hemocytes and in the mantle. In contrast
      to other animal models, Mg-MIF expression was always down regulated following
      challenge by bacteria and fungi, confirming previous data obtained with
      microarray. Down regulation started as soon as 1 h and Mg-MIF expression returned
      to background 9-48 h after the challenge. Exception was regarding the yeast,
      Candidaalbicans, down-regulation between 9 and 72 h, suggesting yeast and
      bacteria-filamentous fungi trigger different mechanisms of elimination.

PMID- 22085785
TI  - Reduction in hospital-wide mortality after implementation of a rapid response
      team: a long-term cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rapid response teams (RRTs) have been shown to reduce
      cardiopulmonary arrests outside the intensive care unit (ICU). Yet the utility of
      RRTs remains in question, as most large studies have failed to demonstrate a
      significant reduction in hospital-wide mortality after RRT implementation.
      METHODS: A cohort design with historical controls was used to determine the
      effect on hospital-wide mortality of an RRT in which clinical judgment, in
      addition to vital-signs criteria, was widely promoted as a key trigger for
      activation. All nonprisoner patients admitted to a tertiary referral public
      teaching hospital from 2003 through 2008 were included. In total, 77, 021
      admissions before RRT implementation (2003 through 2005) and 79, 013 admissions
      after RRT implementation (2006 through 2008) were evaluated. The a priori primary
      outcome was unadjusted hospital-wide mortality. A Poisson regression model was
      then used to adjust for hospital-wide mortality trends over time. Secondary
      outcomes defined a priori were unadjusted out-of-ICU mortality and out-of-ICU
      cardiopulmonary-arrest codes. RESULTS: In total, 855 inpatient RRTs (10.8 per 1,
      000 hospital-wide discharges) were activated during the 3-year postintervention
      period. Forty-seven percent of RRTs were activated for reasons of clinical
      judgment. Hospital-wide mortality decreased from 15.50 to 13.74 deaths per 1, 000
      discharges after RRT implementation (relative risk, 0.887; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 0.817 to 0.963; P = 0.004). After adjusting for inpatient
      mortality trends over time, the reduction in hospital-wide mortality remained
      statistically significant (relative risk, 0.825; 95% CI, 0.694 to 0.981; P =
      0.029). Out-of-ICU mortality decreased from 7.08 to 4.61 deaths per 1, 000
      discharges (relative risk, 0.651; 95% CI, 0.570 to 0.743; P < 0.001). Out-of-ICU
      cardiopulmonary-arrest codes decreased from 3.28 to 1.62 codes per 1, 000
      discharges (relative risk, 0.493; 95% CI, 0.399 to 0.610; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an RRT in which clinical judgment, in addition to
      vital-signs criteria, was widely cited as a rationale for activation, was
      associated with a significant reduction in hospital-wide mortality, out-of-ICU
      mortality, and out-of-ICU cardiopulmonary-arrest codes. The frequent use of
      clinical judgment as a criterion for RRT activation was associated with high RRT
      utilization.

PMID- 22085784
TI  - Bovine tuberculosis at a cattle-small ruminant-human interface in Meskan, Gurage
      region, Central Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopian cattle. The aim of
      this study was to assess BTB prevalence at an intensive contact interface in
      Meskan Woreda (district) in cattle, small ruminants and suspected TB
      lymphadenitis (TBLN) human patients. METHODS: The comparative intradermal test
      (CIDT) was carried out for all animals involved in the cross-sectional study and
      results interpreted using a > 4 mm and a > 2 mm cut-off. One PPD positive goat
      was slaughtered and lymph nodes subjected to culture and molecular typing. In the
      same villages, people with lymphadenitis were subjected to clinical examination.
      Fine needle aspirates (FNA) were taken from suspected TBLN and analyzed by smear
      microscopy and molecular typing. RESULTS: A total of 1214 cattle and 406 small
      ruminants were tested for BTB. In cattle, overall individual prevalence (> 2 mm
      cut-off) was 6.8% (CI: 5.4-8.5%) with 100% herd prevalence. Only three small
      ruminants (2 sheep and 1 goat) were reactors. The overall individual prevalence
      in small ruminants (> 2 mm cut-off) was 0.4% (CI: 0.03-5.1%) with 25% herd
      prevalence. Cattle from owners with PPD positive small ruminants were all PPD
      negative. 83% of the owners kept their sheep and goats inside their house at
      night and 5% drank regularly goat milk.FNAs were taken from 33 TBLN suspected
      cases out of a total of 127 screened individuals with lymph node swellings. Based
      on cytology results, 12 were confirmed TBLN cases. Nine out of 33 cultures were
      AFB positive. Culture positive samples were subjected to molecular typing and
      they all yielded M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis was also isolated from the goat
      that was slaughtered. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted a low BTB prevalence in
      sheep and goats despite intensive contact with cattle reactors. TBLN in humans
      was caused entirely by M. tuberculosis, the human pathogen. M. tuberculosis seems
      to circulate also in livestock but their role at the interface is unknown.

PMID- 22085786
TI  - The effects of homocysteine and folic acid on angiogenesis and VEGF expression
      during chicken vascular development.
AB  - Homocysteine (Hcy) has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular
      developmental defects. Additionally, in experimental studies, vasculotoxic
      properties of Hcy have been described. Although Hcy has been identified as a
      vascular pathogen, little is known about the direct effects Hcy exerts during
      early embryonic vascular development. Angiogenesis is a critical process involved
      in embryo survival and development. There are limited studies on the effects of
      Hcy on early embryonic vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Folic acid (FA) is a B
      vitamin essential in embryo development, and FA supplementation may lead to
      reduced Hcy levels. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the
      effects of Hcy and FA on early embryonic vascular development. Embryonic day (E)
      3.5 chicken embryos were treated with a sham, Hcy or FA solution. We developed a
      computational program for systematic analysis of microscopic images obtained from
      the extra embryonic vascular beds. These results were combined with real-time PCR
      data on the expression of VEGF-A and its receptor in these vascular beds. Our
      data show that Hcy exposure inhibits early vascular development, displayed by a
      significant reduction of vessel area and altered composition of the vascular
      beds. Vascular beds of Hcy embryos for the greater part consisted of vessels of
      the smallest diameters, compared to middle size vessels in control and FA
      embryos. Hcy also reduced expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2. No significant
      effects of FA were found. We conclude that Hcy exposure causes impaired early
      extra embryonic vascular development, shown by altered composition of the
      vascular beds as well as reduced expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2. These effects
      of Hcy, and the consecutive cascade of events, may be involved in the development
      of cardiovascular developmental defects.

PMID- 22085787
TI  - Searching for differences in the behavioural response of piglet groups subjected
      to novel situations.
AB  - The Backtest (BT), the Open Field (OF) and the Novel Object (NO) tests have been
      used to identify individual reaction patterns in piglets and to measure
      parameters that previous studies have shown to be correlated to the coping
      strategies of animals. The BT allows for the classification of piglets into two
      different "coping styles": high-resisting (HR) and low-resisting (LR), which
      respectively correspond to a (pro-)active and passive (or reactive) behavioural
      response. During previous research, the subjects were tested singularly, so the
      aim of this study was to investigate if differences between HR and LR animals
      could be detected when piglets are tested in a group using the OP and NO tests. A
      total of 132 piglets were subjected to the BT and then were housed in groups
      consisting of four individuals each so as to obtain HR pens, LR pens and mixed
      pens. We found differences in the pigs' behaviour during the OF and the NO tests
      and according to the type of group. Individual differences in the behavioural
      response of piglets to the Backtest were not predictive of the behavioural
      response of the animals subjected to the OF or to NO tests. Our results show that
      there are no relevant differences between HR and LR piglets when they are
      subjected in a group to novel situations.

PMID- 22085788
TI  - Bats' avoidance of real and virtual objects: implications for the sonar coding of
      object size.
AB  - Fast movement in complex environments requires the controlled evasion of
      obstacles. Sonar-based obstacle evasion involves analysing the acoustic features
      of object-echoes (e.g., echo amplitude) that correlate with this object's
      physical features (e.g., object size). Here, we investigated sonar-based obstacle
      evasion in bats emerging in groups from their day roost. Using video-recordings,
      we first show that the bats evaded a small real object (ultrasonic loudspeaker)
      despite the familiar flight situation. Secondly, we studied the sonar coding of
      object size by adding a larger virtual object. The virtual object echo was
      generated by real-time convolution of the bats' calls with the acoustic impulse
      response of a large spherical disc and played from the loudspeaker. Contrary to
      the real object, the virtual object did not elicit evasive flight, despite the
      spectro-temporal similarity of real and virtual object echoes. Yet, their spatial
      echo features differ: virtual object echoes lack the spread of angles of
      incidence from which the echoes of large objects arrive at a bat's ears (sonar
      aperture). We hypothesise that this mismatch of spectro-temporal and spatial echo
      features caused the lack of virtual object evasion and suggest that the sonar
      aperture of object echoscapes contributes to the sonar coding of object size.

PMID- 22085789
TI  - Dissociation between seeing and acting: insights from common marmosets
      (Callithrix jacchus).
AB  - Perception-based measures often reveal much earlier competencies than action
      based approaches. We explored this phenomenon generally labeled as "knowledge
      dissociation" in 28 common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) using a paradigm
      where subjects had to localize a food item dropped down an opaque tube.
      Experiments 1 and 2 assessed common marmoset monkeys' gravity bias in an action
      based version of the tubes task. Experiments 3 and 4 investigated whether
      marmosets' performance increases in an action-free task context where they simply
      look at objects falling down a tube. The results suggest that common marmosets
      have some intuition of continuity/solidity constraints when tested with
      perception based measures even though these principles do not appear to guide
      their search for falling objects.

PMID- 22085790
TI  - Use of a barbed tool by an adult and a juvenile woodpecker finch (Cactospiza
      pallida).
AB  - Here we describe the modification and use of a new tool type in the woodpecker
      finch (Cactospiza pallida). This species is known to habitually use twigs or
      cactus spines to extract arthropods out of tree holes. We observed an adult and a
      juvenile bird using several barbed twigs from introduced blackberry bushes (Rubus
      niveus) which the adult bird had first modified by removing leaves and side
      twigs. The barbs of blackberry tools provide a novel functional feature not
      present in tools made from native plants and de-leafing of twigs never has been
      observed before. Both birds were observed using several of these tools to extract
      prey from under the bark of the native scalesia tree (Scalesia penduculta). They
      oriented the twigs such that the barbs pointed towards themselves; this rendered
      the barbs functional as they could be used to drag prey out of a crevice. The
      juvenile bird first watched the adult using the tool and then used the tool that
      the adult bird had left under the bark at the same location and in the same way
      as the adult. Our observation highlights the fact that opportunities for the
      transmission of social information do occur in the wild and indicates that
      woodpecker finches are flexible in their choice of tool material and tool
      modification.

PMID- 22085791
TI  - Is optimism optimal? Functional causes of apparent behavioural biases.
AB  - We review the use of the terms 'optimism' and 'pessimism' to characterize
      particular types of behaviour in non-human animals. Animals can certainly behave
      as though they are optimistic or pessimistic with respect to specific
      motivations, as documented by an extensive range of examples in the literature.
      However, in surveying such examples we find that these terms are often poorly
      defined and are liable to lead to confusion. Furthermore, when considering
      behaviour within the framework of optimal decision theory using appropriate
      currencies, it is often misleading to describe animals as optimistic or
      pessimistic. There are two common misunderstandings. First, some apparent cases
      of biased behaviour result from misidentifying the currencies and pay-offs the
      animals should be maximising. Second, actions that do not maximise short-term pay
      offs have sometimes been described as optimistic or pessimistic when in fact they
      are optimal in the long term; we show how such situations can be understood from
      the perspective of bandit models. Rather than describing suboptimal, unrealistic
      behaviour, the terms optimism and pessimism are better restricted to informal
      usage. Our review highlights the importance of choosing the relevant currency
      when attempting to predict the action of natural selection.

PMID- 22085792
TI  - Emergence and evolution of the glycoprotein hormone and neurotrophin gene
      families in vertebrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The three vertebrate pituitary glycoprotein hormones (GPH) are
      heterodimers of a common alpha and a specific beta subunit. In human, they are
      located on different chromosomes but in a similar genomic environment. We took
      advantage of the availability of genomic and EST data from two cartilaginous fish
      species as well as from two lamprey species to identify their repertoire of
      neurotrophin, lin7 and KCNA gene family members which are in the close
      environment of gphbeta. Gphalpha and gphbeta are absent outside vertebrates but
      are related to two genes present in both protostomes and deuterostomes that were
      named gpa2 and gpb5. Genomic organization and functional characteristics of their
      protein products suggested that gphalpha and gphbeta might have been generated
      concomitantly by a duplication of gpa2 and gpb5 just prior to the radiation of
      vertebrates. To have a better insight into this process we used new genomic
      resources and tools to characterize the ancestral environment before the
      duplication occurred. RESULTS: An almost similar repertoire of genes was
      characterized in cartilaginous fishes as in tetrapods. Data in lampreys are
      either incomplete or the result of specific duplications and/or deletions but a
      scenario for the evolution of this genomic environment in vertebrates could be
      proposed. A number of genes were identified in the amphioxus genome that helped
      in reconstructing the ancestral environment of gpa2 and gpb5 and in describing
      the evolution of this environment in vertebrates. CONCLUSION: Our model suggests
      that vertebrate gphalpha and gphbeta were generated by a specific local
      duplication of the ancestral forms of gpa2 and gpb5, followed by a translocation
      of gphbeta to a new environment whereas gphalpha was retained in the gpa2-gpb5
      locus. The two rounds of whole genome duplication that occurred early in the
      evolution of vertebrates generated four paralogues of each gene but secondary
      gene losses or lineage specific duplications together with genomic rearrangements
      have resulted in the present organization of these genes, which differs between
      vertebrate lineages.

PMID- 22085793
TI  - Angiogenic biomarkers predict the occurrence of digital ulcers in systemic
      sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible merit of endothelial markers for the
      prediction of ischaemic digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
      METHODS: Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), circulating endothelial
      cells and serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble vascular
      adhesion molecule and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured in a
      prospective cohort of 100 SSc patients. The primary outcome was the occurrence of
      one or more new ischaemic digital ulcers during a planned 3-year follow-up.
      RESULTS: After the follow-up period, 17 patients developed new digital ulcers. By
      multivariate analysis focused on biomarkers, high PlGF serum levels and low EPC
      counts were identified as predictors of the occurrence of at least one new
      digital ulcer. In a secondary model including biomarkers together with clinical
      SSc characteristics all predictors of digital ulcers defined by p<=0.1 in
      univariate analysis, high PlGF serum levels (HR 7.26, 95% CI 1.92 to 27.41) and a
      history of digital ulcers (HR 9.32, 95% CI 1.51 to 59.83) were identified as
      independent predictors of a new digital ulcer. In an alternative model excluding
      patients with a history of digital ulcers at baseline, high PlGF serum levels (HR
      13.46, 95% CI 1.58 to 114.73) and low EPC counts (HR 7.95, 95% CI 2.09 to 30.09)
      remained predictive of new digital ulcer occurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      This study identified high PlGF serum levels and low circulating EPC counts as
      predictors of new digital ulcers in SSc. It highlights the critical role of
      angiogenesis in this vascular outcome. These markers may improve digital ulcer
      risk stratification and therefore allow earlier therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22085794
TI  - Validity of the top-down approach of inverse dynamics analysis in fast and large
      rotational trunk movements.
AB  - This study investigated the validity of the top-down approach of inverse dynamics
      analysis in fast and large rotational movements of the trunk about three
      orthogonal axes of the pelvis for nine male collegiate students. The maximum
      angles of the upper trunk relative to the pelvis were approximately 47 degrees ,
      49 degrees , 32 degrees , and 55 degrees  for lateral bending, flexion,
      extension, and axial rotation, respectively, with maximum angular velocities of
      209 degrees /s, 201 degrees /s, 145 degrees /s, and 288 degrees /s, respectively.
      The pelvic moments about the axes during the movements were determined using the
      top-down and bottom-up approaches of inverse dynamics and compared between the
      two approaches. Three body segment inertial parameter sets were estimated using
      anthropometric data sets (Ae et al., Biomechanism 11, 1992; De Leva, J Biomech,
      1996; Dumas et al., J Biomech, 2007). The root-mean-square errors of the moments
      and the absolute errors of the peaks of the moments were generally smaller than
      10 N.m. The results suggest that the pelvic moment in motions involving fast and
      large trunk movements can be determined with a certain level of validity using
      the top-down approach in which the trunk is modeled as two or three rigid-link
      segments.

PMID- 22085796
TI  - Intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum biosynthesize vitamin E.
AB  - The 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate and shikimate pathways were found to be
      active in Plasmodium falciparum and both can result in vitamin E biosynthesis in
      plants and algae. This study biochemically confirmed vitamin E biosynthesis in
      the malaria parasite, which can be inhibited by usnic acid. Furthermore, we found
      evidence pointing to a role of this vitamin in infected erythrocytes. These
      findings not only contribute to current understanding of P. falciparum biology
      but also reveal a pathway that could serve as a chemotherapeutic target.

PMID- 22085797
TI  - Imaging periprosthetic osteolysis around total knee arthroplasties using a human
      cadaver model.
AB  - We examined the sensitivity and accuracy of measuring osteolysis around total
      knee arthroplasty (TKA) on radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) in a cadaver model. Fifty-four simulated osteolytic
      defects ranging from 0.7 to 14 cm(3) were created in 6 cadaver knees implanted
      with either a cemented or an uncemented TKA. Three blinded investigators assessed
      the presence, location, and volume of defects on radiographs and CT and MRI scans
      with metal reduction protocols. Both CT and MRI had significantly higher
      sensitivities and specificities than did plain radiographs (P < .005). Overall,
      there was no difference in the accuracy of defect volume measurements between CT
      and MRI (P = .574). This study demonstrates the limitations of radiographs and
      the high sensitivity and specificity of both CT and MRI in assessing osteolysis
      around TKA.

PMID- 22085798
TI  - Long-term femoral bone remodeling after cemented hip arthroplasty with the Muller
      straight stem in the operated and nonoperated femora.
AB  - We investigated the cortical bone changes in 35 patients with total hip
      arthroplasty operated on only for osteoarthritis with more than 10 years of
      follow-up and with nonrevised femoral components and without radiologic signs of
      loosening. The mean follow-up was 16 +/- 5 years. The thicknesses of femoral
      cortices were measured medially and laterally at 6 levels from the first
      postoperative and the last follow-up x-rays. A comparison with 10 patients who
      had a nonoperated contralateral hip was performed. We found a significant
      decrease in cortical thicknesses in total hip arthroplasty. The cortical thinning
      was significant at all periprosthetic levels but less expressed distally.
      Prosthetic femora were associated with greater cortical thinning as compared with
      the contralateral nonoperated femora, exceeding that caused by natural aging.

PMID- 22085795
TI  - The susceptibility of the retina to photochemical damage from visible light.
AB  - The photoreceptor/RPE complex must maintain a delicate balance between maximizing
      the absorption of photons for vision and retinal image quality while
      simultaneously minimizing the risk of photodamage when exposed to bright light.
      We review the recent discovery of two new effects of light exposure on the
      photoreceptor/RPE complex in the context of current thinking about the causes of
      retinal phototoxicity. These effects are autofluorescence photobleaching in which
      exposure to bright light reduces lipofuscin autofluorescence and, at higher light
      levels, RPE disruption in which the pattern of autofluorescence is permanently
      altered following light exposure. Both effects occur following exposure to
      visible light at irradiances that were previously thought to be safe.
      Photopigment, retinoids involved in the visual cycle, and bisretinoids in
      lipofuscin have been implicated as possible photosensitizers for photochemical
      damage. The mechanism of RPE disruption may follow either of these paths. On the
      other hand, autofluorescence photobleaching is likely an indicator of
      photooxidation of lipofuscin. The permanent changes inherent in RPE disruption
      might require modification of the light safety standards. AF photobleaching
      recovers after several hours although the mechanisms by which this occurs are not
      yet clear. Understanding the mechanisms of phototoxicity is all the more
      important given the potential for increased susceptibility in the presence of
      ocular diseases that affect either the visual cycle and/or lipofuscin
      accumulation. In addition, knowledge of photochemical mechanisms can improve our
      understanding of some disease processes that may be influenced by light exposure,
      such as some forms of Leber's congenital amaurosis, and aid in the development of
      new therapies. Such treatment prior to intentional light exposures, as in
      ophthalmic examinations or surgeries, could provide an effective preventative
      strategy.

PMID- 22085799
TI  - Reprint of: 'Brain insulin signaling: A key component of cognitive processes and
      a potential basis for cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes'.
AB  - Understanding of the role of insulin in the brain has gradually expanded, from
      initial conceptions of the brain as insulin-insensitive through identification of
      a role in regulation of feeding, to recent demonstration of insulin as a key
      component of hippocampal memory processes. Conversely, systemic insulin
      resistance such as that seen in type 2 diabetes is associated with a range of
      cognitive and neural deficits. Here we review the evidence for insulin as a
      cognitive and neural modulator, including potential effector mechanisms, and
      examine the impact that type 2 diabetes has on these mechanisms in order to
      identify likely bases for the cognitive impairments seen in type 2 diabetic
      patients.

PMID- 22085801
TI  - Improved sensitivity of an interferon-gamma release assay (T-SPOT.TBTM) in
      combination with tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in
      the presence of HIV co-infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) are more specific than the
      tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      infection. Data on sensitivity are controversial in HIV infection. METHODS: IGRA
      (T-SPOT.TB) was performed using lymphocytes stored within 6 months before culture
      confirmed tuberculosis was diagnosed in HIV-infected individuals in the Swiss HIV
      Cohort Study. RESULTS: 64 individuals (69% males, 45% of non-white ethnicity,
      median age 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31-42), 28% with prior AIDS) were
      analysed. Median CD4 cell count was 223 cells/MUl (IQR 103-339), HIV-RNA was 4.7
      log10 copies/mL (IQR 4.3-5.2). T-SPOT.TB resulted positive in 25 patients (39%),
      negative in 18 (28%) and indeterminate in 21 (33%), corresponding to a
      sensitivity of 39% (95% CI 27-51%) if all test results were considered, and 58%
      (95% CI 43-74%) if indeterminate results were excluded. Sensitivity of IGRA was
      independent of CD4 cell count (p = 0.698). Among 44 individuals with available
      TST, 22 (50%) had a positive TST. Agreement between TST and IGRA was 57% (kappa =
      0.14, p = 0.177), and in 34% (10/29) both tests were positive. Combining TST and
      IGRA (at least one test positive) resulted in an improved sensitivity of 67% (95%
      CI 52-81%). In multivariate analysis, older age was associated with negative
      results of TST and T-SPOT.TB (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1,22-7.74, p = 0.017, per 10 years
      older). CONCLUSIONS: T-SPOT.TB and TST have similar sensitivity to detect latent
      TB in HIV-infected individuals. Combining TST and IGRA may help clinicians to
      better select HIV-infected individuals with latent tuberculosis who qualify for
      preventive treatment.

PMID- 22085802
TI  - Automatic discrimination between safe and unsafe swallowing using a reputation
      based classifier.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Swallowing accelerometry has been suggested as a potential non
      invasive tool for bedside dysphagia screening. Various vibratory signal features
      and complementary measurement modalities have been put forth in the literature
      for the potential discrimination between safe and unsafe swallowing. To date,
      automatic classification of swallowing accelerometry has exclusively involved a
      single-axis of vibration although a second axis is known to contain additional
      information about the nature of the swallow. Furthermore, the only published
      attempt at automatic classification in adult patients has been based on a small
      sample of swallowing vibrations. METHODS: In this paper, a large corpus of dual
      axis accelerometric signals were collected from 30 older adults (aged 65.47 +/-
      13.4 years, 15 male) referred to videofluoroscopic examination on the suspicion
      of dysphagia. We invoked a reputation-based classifier combination to
      automatically categorize the dual-axis accelerometric signals into safe and
      unsafe swallows, as labeled via videofluoroscopic review. From these
      participants, a total of 224 swallowing samples were obtained, 164 of which were
      labeled as unsafe swallows (swallows where the bolus entered the airway) and 60
      as safe swallows. Three separate support vector machine (SVM) classifiers and
      eight different features were selected for classification. RESULTS: With selected
      time, frequency and information theoretic features, the reputation-based
      algorithm distinguished between safe and unsafe swallowing with promising
      accuracy (80.48 +/- 5.0%), high sensitivity (97.1 +/- 2%) and modest specificity
      (64 +/- 8.8%). Interpretation of the most discriminatory features revealed that
      in general, unsafe swallows had lower mean vibration amplitude and faster
      autocorrelation decay, suggestive of decreased hyoid excursion and compromised
      coordination, respectively. Further, owing to its performance-based weighting of
      component classifiers, the static reputation-based algorithm outperformed the
      democratic majority voting algorithm on this clinical data set. CONCLUSION: Given
      its computational efficiency and high sensitivity, reputation-based
      classification of dual-axis accelerometry ought to be considered in future
      developments of a point-of-care swallow assessment where clinical informatics are
      desired.

PMID- 22085800
TI  - Interacting brain systems modulate memory consolidation.
AB  - Emotional arousal influences the consolidation of long-term memory. This review
      discusses experimental approaches and relevant findings that provide the
      foundation for current understanding of coordinated interactions between arousal
      activated peripheral hormones and the brain processes that modulate memory
      formation. Rewarding or aversive experiences release the stress hormones
      epinephrine (adrenalin) and glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands into the
      bloodstream. The effect of these hormones on memory consolidation depends upon
      binding of norepinephrine to beta-adrenergic receptors in the basolateral complex
      of the amygdala (BLA). Much evidence indicates that the stress hormones influence
      release of norepinephrine in the BLA through peripheral actions on the vagus
      nerve which stimulates, through polysynaptic connections, cells of the locus
      coeruleus to release norepinephrine. The BLA influences memory storage by actions
      on synapses, distributed throughout the brain, that are engaged in sensory and
      cognitive processing at the time of amygdala activation. The implications of the
      activation of these stress-activated memory processes are discussed in relation
      to stress-related memory disorders.

PMID- 22085805
TI  - Evaluation of algorithms for microperfusion assessment by fast simulations of
      laser Doppler power spectral density.
AB  - In classical laser Doppler (LD) perfusion measurements, zeroth- and first-order
      moments of the power spectral density of the LD signal are utilized for the
      calculation of a signal corresponding to the concentration, speed and flow of red
      blood cells (RBCs). We have analysed the nonlinearities of the moments in
      relation to RBC speed distributions, parameters of filters utilized in LD
      instruments and the signal-to-noise ratio. We have developed a new method for
      fast simulation of the spectrum of the LD signal. The method is based on a
      superposition of analytically calculated Doppler shift probability distributions
      derived for the assumed light scattering phase function. We have validated the
      method by a comparison of the analytically calculated spectra with results of
      Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. For the semi-infinite, homogeneous medium and the
      single Doppler scattering regime, the analytical calculation describes LD spectra
      with the same accuracy as the MC simulation. The method allows for simulating the
      LD signal in time domain and furthermore analysing the index of perfusion for the
      assumed wavelength of the light, optical properties of the tissue and
      concentration of RBCs. Fast simulations of the LD signal in time domain and its
      frequency spectrum can be utilized in applications where knowledge of the LD
      photocurrent is required, e.g. in the development of detectors for tissue
      microperfusion monitoring or in measurements of the LD autocorrelation function
      for perfusion measurements. The presented fast method for LD spectra calculation
      can be used as a tool for evaluation of signal processing algorithms used in the
      LD method and/or for the development of new algorithms of the LD flowmetry and
      imaging. We analysed LD spectra obtained by analytical calculations using a
      classical algorithm applied in classical LD perfusion measurements. We observed
      nonlinearity of the first moment M1 for low and high speeds of particles (v < 2
      mm s-1, v > 10 mm s-1). It was also noted that the first moment M(1) is less
      sensitive to the change of the mean RBC speed for flat speed distributions. The
      low-pass filter frequency f2 implemented in the LD instrument has a significant
      influence on the first moment of the spectrum. In particular, for a cut-off
      frequency lower than 10 kHz the M1 value is strongly underestimated.

PMID- 22085804
TI  - Effects of comorbidity and early age of onset in young people with Bipolar
      Disorder on self harming behaviour and suicide attempts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The age of the first episode of illness in Bipolar Disorder has been
      shown to be an important predictor of outcome with early onset, particularly
      onset before puberty, associated with greater comorbidity, a poorer quality of
      life and greatest impairment in functioning. METHODS: Baseline data from a
      psychotherapy study was used to examine the prevalence of other comorbid
      psychiatric conditions and the impact of onset at an early age on both self
      harming behaviour and suicide attempts in young people with Bipolar Disorder.
      RESULTS: This study of 100 adolescents and young adults (aged 15-36 years) with
      Bipolar Disorder showed that comorbid conditions were very common, even at the
      start of their bipolar illness. Comorbidity increased as the age of onset
      decreased with very early onset (<13 years) patients bearing the greatest burden
      of disease. Greater comorbidity also significantly increased the risk of having
      self harmed and attempted suicide with high lethal intent. Self harming behaviour
      was predicted by having a lifetime diagnoses of Borderline Personality Disorder
      and Panic Disorder along with an early age of onset of Bipolar Disorder. In
      contrast, previous suicide attempts were predicted by greater comorbidity and not
      by very early (<13 years) age of onset.

PMID- 22085803
TI  - Design and methodological considerations of an effectiveness trial of a computer
      assisted intervention: an example from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.
AB  - Computer-assisted interventions hold the promise of minimizing two problems that
      are ubiquitous in substance abuse treatment: the lack of ready access to
      treatment and the challenges to providing empirically-supported treatments.
      Reviews of research on computer-assisted treatments for mental health and
      substance abuse report promising findings, but study quality and methodological
      limitations remain an issue. In addition, relatively few computer-assisted
      treatments have been tested among illicit substance users. This manuscript
      describes the methodological considerations of a multi-site effectiveness trial
      conducted within the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA's) National Drug
      Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). The study is evaluating a web
      based version of the Community Reinforcement Approach, in addition to prize-based
      contingency management, among 500 participants enrolled in 10 outpatient
      substance abuse treatment programs. Several potential effectiveness trial designs
      were considered and the rationale for the choice of design in this study is
      described. The study uses a randomized controlled design (with independent
      treatment arm allocation), intention-to-treat primary outcome analysis,
      biological markers for the primary outcome of abstinence, long-term follow-up
      assessments, precise measurement of intervention dose, and a cost-effectiveness
      analysis. Input from community providers during protocol development highlighted
      potential concerns and helped to address issues of practicality and feasibility.
      Collaboration between providers and investigators supports the utility of
      infrastructures that enhance research partnerships to facilitate effectiveness
      trials and dissemination of promising, technologically innovative treatments.
      Outcomes from this study will further the empirical knowledge base on the
      effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of computer-assisted treatment in clinical
      treatment settings.

PMID- 22085806
TI  - Poisoning and non-poisoning oxygen on Cu(410).
AB  - We have investigated ethene and oxygen co-adsorption on Cu(410) by high
      resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. We find that these two species
      compete for the adsorption sites and that pre-exposure to oxygen affects ethene
      adsorption more or less strongly depending on oxygen coverage and the kind of
      occupied sites. The c(2 * 2) O overlayer is inert with respect to ethene
      adsorption, while when some oxygen is removed by thermally induced subsurface
      incorporation, ethene chemisorption is restored. The latter species also adsorbs
      on the disordered oxygen phase formed when O(2) is dosed at low crystal
      temperature. Contrary to the bare surface case, most of the ethene ends up in a
      pi-bonded configuration. Dehydrogenation occurs, too, albeit as a minority
      channel. The so-produced carbon reacts already at low temperature with adsorbed
      oxygen to yield carbon monoxide, which desorbs around 190 K.

PMID- 22085807
TI  - Whole genome resequencing of black Angus and Holstein cattle for SNP and CNV
      discovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the goals of livestock genomics research is to identify the
      genetic differences responsible for variation in phenotypic traits, particularly
      those of economic importance. Characterizing the genetic variation in livestock
      species is an important step towards linking genes or genomic regions with
      phenotypes. The completion of the bovine genome sequence and recent advances in
      DNA sequencing technology allow for in-depth characterization of the genetic
      variations present in cattle. Here we describe the whole-genome resequencing of
      two Bos taurus bulls from distinct breeds for the purpose of identifying and
      annotating novel forms of genetic variation in cattle. RESULTS: The genomes of a
      Black Angus bull and a Holstein bull were sequenced to 22-fold and 19-fold
      coverage, respectively, using the ABI SOLiD system. Comparisons of the sequences
      with the Btau4.0 reference assembly yielded 7 million single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs), 24% of which were identified in both animals. Of the total
      SNPs found in Holstein, Black Angus, and in both animals, 81%, 81%, and 75%
      respectively are novel. In-depth annotations of the data identified more than 16
      thousand distinct non-synonymous SNPs (85% novel) between the two datasets.
      Alignments between the SNP-altered proteins and orthologues from numerous species
      indicate that many of the SNPs alter well-conserved amino acids. Several SNPs
      predicted to create or remove stop codons were also found. A comparison between
      the sequencing SNPs and genotyping results from the BovineHD high-density
      genotyping chip indicates a detection rate of 91% for homozygous SNPs and 81% for
      heterozygous SNPs. The false positive rate is estimated to be about 2% for both
      the Black Angus and Holstein SNP sets, based on follow-up genotyping of 422 and
      427 SNPs, respectively. Comparisons of read depth between the two bulls along the
      reference assembly identified 790 putative copy-number variations (CNVs). Ten
      randomly selected CNVs, five genic and five non-genic, were successfully
      validated using quantitative real-time PCR. The CNVs are enriched for immune
      system genes and include genes that may contribute to lactation capacity. The
      majority of the CNVs (69%) were detected as regions with higher abundance in the
      Holstein bull. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial genetic differences exist between the
      Black Angus and Holstein animals sequenced in this work and the Hereford
      reference sequence, and some of this variation is predicted to affect
      evolutionarily conserved amino acids or gene copy number. The deeply annotated
      SNPs and CNVs identified in this resequencing study can serve as useful genetic
      tools, and as candidates in searches for phenotype-altering DNA differences.

PMID- 22085808
TI  - Oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in subjects occupationally exposed to
      nitrous oxide (N(2)O).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide (N(2)O) and/or halogenated
      hydrocarbons has been suggested to induce damage of genetic material, but the
      underlying mechanisms remain obscure. This study investigated the role of
      oxidative processes in the genotoxicity associated with exposure to waste
      anaesthetic gases. METHODS: The study was performed in 36 female nurses and in 36
      unexposed female health care workers matched for age and employment duration.
      Genotoxic effects were examined by Comet test modification employing
      formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (FPG) that allows assessment of oxidative DNA
      damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leukocytes were investigated by
      fluorescence spectroscopy with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Oxidative
      stress markers including 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2alpha)),
      thiobarbituric acid-reacive substances (TBARS), alpha-tocopherol, and glutathione
      peroxidise (GPX) activity were measured immuno- or colorimetrically. N(2)O,
      sevoflurane and isoflurane were monitored by gas chromatography and mass
      spectrometry. RESULTS: The study documents for the first time the positive
      correlation between the oxidative DNA damage and the N(2)O levels in the ambient
      air. By contrast, no association was observed between genotoxic effects and
      sevoflurane or isoflurane. In addition, ROS generation and plasma and urine
      concentrations of TBARS and 8-iso-PGF(2alpha), respectively, were elevated, while
      GPX activity was reduced in nurses exposed to waste anaesthetic gases. Path
      analysis pointed to a causal relationship between N(2)O exposure, oxidative
      stress and DNA damage. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to N(2)O is associated
      with increased oxidative DNA damage and the level of exposure plays a critical
      role in this regard. Increased oxidative stress may represent a mechanistic link
      between chronic N(2)O exposure and genotoxicity.

PMID- 22085809
TI  - Functional relevance of miRNA sequences in human disease.
AB  - MicroRNA (miRNA) processing in the cytoplasm produces a miRNA duplex containing
      the forward, miRNA strand and the reverse, miRNA strand, which was thought to be
      degraded. However, recent evidence is challenging this dogma that miRNA is simply
      a non-functional byproduct of miRNA biogenesis. We present a comprehensive review
      of evidence that miRNA plays a significant role in cellular function and
      assembled a table outlining all of the publications before September 2011 that
      have reported on miRNA activity in human disease. Furthermore, we will present
      unexpected diagnostic and therapeutic implications due to the active miRNA
      status.

PMID- 22085810
TI  - A target-orientated algorithm for regional citrate-calcium anticoagulation in
      extracorporeal therapies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Citrate anticoagulation offers several advantages in comparison to
      conventional anticoagulation. Most algorithms for regional citrate-calcium
      anticoagulation are based on citrate and calcium chloride infusion coupled in a
      fixed proportion to the blood flow without considering the hematocrit
      (Hct)/plasma flow or the filter clearance of citrate and calcium. METHODS: The
      aim of this study was to develop an algorithm for optimized citrate
      anticoagulation in extracorporeal therapies such as dialysis. A mathematical
      model was developed to calculate the volume of citrate infusion required to
      achieve a desired ionized calcium (iCa) target level in the extracorporeal
      circuit and to restore the total calcium level to a physiological value. RESULTS:
      The model was validated by correlation analyses for different blood Hct values
      and shows an excellent fit to the laboratory measurements. CONCLUSION: The
      results for both iCa target concentrations, namely those after citrate and
      calcium infusion, proved that the software algorithm adapts well to variable
      treatment parameters.

PMID- 22085811
TI  - Comparison between overground and dynamometer manual wheelchair propulsion.
AB  - Laboratory-based simulators afford many advantages for studying physiology and
      biomechanics; however, they may not perfectly mimic wheelchair propulsion over
      natural surfaces. The goal of this study was to compare kinetic and temporal
      parameters between propulsion overground on a tile surface and on a dynamometer.
      Twenty-four experienced manual wheelchair users propelled at a self-selected
      speed on smooth, level tile and a dynamometer while kinetic data were collected
      using an instrumented wheel. A Pearson correlation test was used to examine the
      relationship between propulsion variables obtained on the dynamometer and the
      overground condition. Ensemble resultant force and moment curves were compared
      using cross-correlation and qualitative analysis of curve shape. User
      biomechanics were correlated (R ranging from 0.41 to 0.83) between surfaces.
      Overall, findings suggest that although the dynamometer does not perfectly
      emulate overground propulsion, wheelchair users were consistent with the
      direction and amount of force applied, the time peak force was reached, push
      angle, and their stroke frequency between conditions.

PMID- 22085812
TI  - Detailed analysis of specific nail psoriasis features and their correlations with
      clinical parameters: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occurrence rates of specific features of psoriatic nails, as well as
      the influence of variable clinical parameters on nail involvement in psoriasis,
      are not determined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of
      nail involvement in patients with psoriasis and determine the relationship
      between nail psoriasis and clinical parameters (age, gender, family history,
      clinical type, age of onset, duration, joint involvement). METHODS: 228 psoriatic
      patients, who had not received any systematic or topical antipsoriatic treatment
      for at least a year, were consecutively selected to participate in this cross
      sectional study. RESULTS: 66.7% of patients had nail psoriasis. A logistic
      regression model showed that none of the clinical covariates were statistically
      significant in predicting nail psoriasis. CONCLUSION: The majority of psoriatic
      patients presented nail psoriasis. The most common feature was oil drop. There
      was a difference in the prevalence of each feature between fingernails and
      toenails. In correlation with clinical parameters, nail psoriasis evolves
      independently.

PMID- 22085813
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: Germany, Greece,
      and The Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) had profound
      public-health impacts and is considered cost-effective and potentially cost
      saving. Two new PCVs have been launched, a 10-valent vaccine (PCV10) and a 13
      valent vaccine (PCV13). We examined public-health and economic impacts of PCV
      pediatric national immunization programs (NIPs) in Germany, Greece, and the
      Netherlands. METHODS: A decision-analytic model was developed to estimate the
      impact of PCV13, PCV7, and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) on
      invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), pneumonia (PNE), and acute otitis media
      (AOM). Using epidemiological data, we calculated the cases of IPD, PNE, and AOM,
      using country-specific incidence, serotype coverage, disease sequelae, mortality,
      vaccine effectiveness, indirect effects, costs, and utilities. Direct effects for
      PCV13- and PCV10-covered serotypes were assumed similar to PCV7. PCV13 was
      assumed to confer an indirect effect, while PCV10 was not. Assumptions were
      tested in sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: In a NIP, PCV13 was estimated to
      eliminate 31.7%, 46.4%, and 33.8% of IPD in Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands,
      respectively. Compared with PCV7 and PCV10, PCV13 was found to be cost-effective
      or cost saving in all cases when PCV13 indirect effects were included.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric NIPs with PCV13 in Europe are expected to have dramatic
      public-health impacts and be cost-effective or cost saving.

PMID- 22085814
TI  - Prevalence of human metapneumovirus in adults with acute respiratory tract
      infection in Beijing, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical manifestations of human
      metapneumovirus (hMPV) in immunocompetent Chinese adults with acute respiratory
      tract infections (ARTIs). METHODS: A reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay
      targeting the P gene was developed in this study and used to detect hMPV in nasal
      and throat swabs collected from 2936 immunocompetent adult patients with ARTIs in
      Beijing, China between July 2008 and June 2010. RESULTS: Among the 2936 patients
      studied, 49 (1.7%) were positive for hMPV, of whom 14 (28.6%) were positive for
      hMPV_A2b, 19 (38.8%) for hMPV_B1, and 16 (32.6%) for hMPV_B2. hMPV_A1 was not
      detected. An average detection rate of 6.6% was observed in the peak months of
      the two epidemic seasons studied. The hMPV prevalence was higher in the sampled
      elderly (>65 years, 3.2%) than in middle aged adults (25-65 years; 2.0%) and
      teenagers (14-25 years; 0.9%). During the study period, hMPV infections showed a
      biennial rhythm of seasonality, peaking from November to March in 2008/09 and
      from March to June in 2010. CONCLUSION: hMPV infection plays an important role in
      immunocompetent adults in its epidemic season. The demographic and clinical data
      presented in this study improves our understanding of the pathogenesis and
      clinical burden of hMPV infection in adults.

PMID- 22085815
TI  - Identification and expression of immune genes in the flat oyster Ostrea edulis in
      response to bonamiosis.
AB  - The European flat Ostrea edulis is highly susceptible to infection by the
      protozoan Bonamia ostreae and Bonamia exitiosa, intracellular parasites able to
      survive and proliferate within the oyster haemocytes. The parasite, once
      phagocytosed by the haemocyte, the main cellular effector of the immune system,
      appears to have some counter mechanism that turns off the haemocyte's metabolic
      destructive capacity, so that the parasite survives within the cell. To further
      understand the molecular basis of the immune response of the flat oyster against
      the bonamiosis, suppression subtractive hybridization and Q-PCR approaches were
      combined to identify genes involved in the development of the infection both in
      early and advanced phases. Four subtractive cDNA libraries were constructed and
      sequenced, obtaining a high number of ESTs that were seen to be up or down
      regulated in the infection. A group of ESTs that play a role in the immune
      response, such as cytokines, stress proteins, eicosanoids, proteins implicated in
      phagocytosis and cell junction as well as in transcription signalling were
      identified and their expression was analysed at different infection levels by Q
      PCR. The results here reported can help to enrich our understanding about the
      immune response of O. edulis against bonamiosis and improve our knowledge of the
      immune mechanisms of oysters.

PMID- 22085816
TI  - Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in malignant large-bowel obstruction: a
      report from two large multinational registries.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To date, this is the largest prospective series in patients with
      malignant colorectal obstruction to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of
      colonic self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) as an alternative to emergency
      surgery. SEMSs allow restoration of bowel transit and careful tumor staging in
      preparation for elective surgery, hence avoiding the high morbidity and mortality
      associated with emergency surgery and stoma creation. METHODS: This report is on
      the SEMS bridge-to-surgery subset enrolled in two multicenter international
      registries. Patients were treated per standard of practice, with documentation of
      clinical and procedural success, safety, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total
      of 182 patients were enrolled with obstructive tumor in the left colon (85%),
      rectum (11%), or splenic flexure (4%). Of these patients, 86% had localized
      colorectal cancer without metastasis. Procedural success was 98% (177/181).
      Clinical success was 94% (141/150). Elective surgery was performed in 150
      patients (9 stomas) and emergency surgery in 7 patients for treatment of a
      complication (3 stomas). The overall complication rate was 7.8% (13/167),
      including perforation in 3% (5/167), stent migration in 1.2% (2/167), bleeding in
      0.6% (1/167), persistent colonic obstruction in 1.8% (3/167), and stent occlusion
      due to fecal impaction in 1.2% (2/167). One patient died from complications
      related to surgical management of a perforation. CONCLUSIONS: SEMSs provide an
      effective bridge to surgery treatment with an acceptable complication rate in
      patients with acute malignant colonic obstruction, restoring luminal patency and
      allowing elective surgery with primary anastomosis in most patients.

PMID- 22085817
TI  - Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetic patients and risk reduction
      associated with anti-diabetic therapy: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Using population-based representative insurance claims data, the risk
      of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among diabetes mellitus (DM)
      patients, as well as whether DM medications alter the risk of developing HCC were
      investigated. METHODS: From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research
      Database, 19,349 newly diagnosed DM patients 20 years and older and 77,396
      comparison subjects without DM were identified from claims from 2000 to 2005. The
      incidences of HCC at the end of 2008 and the risks associated with hepatitis B
      and hepatitis C were determined. Whether metformin and thiazolidinediones reduce
      the risk of developing HCC was also measured. RESULTS: The incidence of HCC was
      twice higher in the DM group compared with the non-DM group (21.0 vs. 10.4 per
      10,000 person-years), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.73 (95% confidence
      interval (CI)=1.47-2.03) using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression.
      Male sex, cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C were significant independent
      factors that predict HCC, with HRs of 2.32, 8.65, 2.52, and 5.61, respectively.
      In the stratified analysis, the HR increased to 72.4 (95% CI=42.9-122) among
      patients with DM, cirrhosis, and hepatitis C. HCC risk reduction was greater for
      diabetics taking metformin than those taking thiazolidinediones (51 vs. 44%
      reduction). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity with cirrhosis and/or hepatitis appears to
      be associated with an extremely increased risk of developing HCC among DM
      patients. These high-risk patients should be closely monitored for HCC. The use
      of metformin or thiazolidinediones may reduce the risk of developing HCC.

PMID- 22085818
TI  - Risk of gastroparesis in subjects with type 1 and 2 diabetes in the general
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and upper gastrointestinal
      symptoms, a diagnosis of diabetic gastroparesis is often considered, but
      population-based data on the epidemiology of diabetic gastroparesis are lacking.
      We aimed to estimate the frequency of and risk factors for gastroparesis among
      community subjects with DM. METHODS: In this population-based, historical cohort
      study, the medical records linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project
      was used to identify 227 Olmsted County, MN residents with type 1 DM in 1995, a
      random sample of 360 residents with type 2 DM, and an age- and sex-stratified
      random sample of 639 nondiabetic residents. Using defined diagnostic criteria, we
      estimated the subsequent risk of developing gastroparesis in each group through
      2006. The risk in DM, compared with frequency-matched community controls, was
      assessed by Cox proportional hazards modeling. RESULTS: The cumulative
      proportions developing gastroparesis over a 10-year time period were 5.2% in type
      1 DM, 1.0% in type 2 DM, and 0.2% in controls. The age- and gender-adjusted
      hazard ratios (HRs) for gastroparesis (relative to controls) was 33 (95%
      confidence interval (CI): 4.0, 274) in type 1 DM and 7.5 (95% CI: 0.8, 68) in
      type 2 DM. The risk of gastroparesis in type 1 DM was significantly greater than
      in type 2 DM (HR: 4.4 (1.1, 17)). Heartburn (HR: 6.6 (1.7, 25)) at baseline was
      associated with diabetic gastroparesis in type 1 DM. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroparesis
      is relatively uncommon in patients with DM, although an increased risk for
      gastroparesis was observed in type 1 DM.

PMID- 22085819
TI  - Gastrointestinal and psychological mediators of health-related quality of life in
      IBS and IBD: a structural equation modeling analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
      are chronic gastrointestinal (GI) syndromes in which both GI and psychological
      symptoms have been shown to negatively impact health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL). The objective of this study was to use structural equation modeling
      (SEM) to characterize the interrelationships among HRQOL, GI, and psychological
      symptoms to improve our understanding of the illness processes in both
      conditions. METHODS: Study participants included 564 Rome positive IBS patients
      and 126 IBD patients diagnosed via endoscopic and/or tissue confirmation. All
      patients completed questionnaires to assess bowel symptoms, psychological
      symptoms (SCL-90R), and HRQOL (SF-36). SEM with its two components of
      confirmatory analyses and structural modeling were applied to determine the
      relationships between GI and psychological symptoms and HRQOL within the IBS and
      IBD groups. RESULTS: For both IBD and IBS, psychological distress was found to
      have a stronger direct effect on HRQOL (-0.51 and -0.48 for IBS and IBD,
      respectively) than GI symptoms (-0.25 and -0.28). The impact of GI symptoms on
      psychological distress was stronger in IBD compared with IBS (0.43 vs. 0.22;
      P<0.05). The indirect effect of GI symptoms on HRQOL operating through
      psychological distress was significantly higher in IBD than IBS (-0.21 vs. -0.11;
      P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress is less dependent on GI symptom
      severity in IBS compared with IBD even though the degree that psychological
      distress impacts HRQOL is similar. The findings emphasize the importance of
      addressing psychological symptoms in both syndromes.

PMID- 22085820
TI  - Fecal incontinence in systemic sclerosis is secondary to neuropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multi-system autoimmune
      disorder with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement in up to 90% of patients
      and anorectal involvement occurs in up to 50% of patients. The pathogenesis of
      gastrointestinal abnormalities may be both myogenic and neurogenic. We aimed to
      identify which anorectal physiological abnormalities correlate with clinical
      symptoms and thus understand the pathophysiology of anorectal involvement in SSc.
      METHODS: In total, 44 SSc patients (24 symptomatic (Sx) (fecal incontinence) and
      20 asymptomatic (ASx)) and 20 incontinent controls (ICs) were studied. Patients
      underwent anorectal manometry, rectal mucosal blood flow (RMBF), rectal
      compliance (barostat), and rectoanal inhibitory reflex assessment (RAIR).
      RESULTS: Anal squeeze pressure was lower in the IC group compared with both the
      ASx and Sx groups (IC: 46.95 (30-63.9)) vs. ASx: 104.6 (81-128.3) vs. (Sx: 121.4
      (101.3-141.6); P < 0.05). Resting pressure was lower in the IC group. RMBF and
      rectal compliance did not differ between groups. Anal, but not rectal, sensory
      threshold, was significantly attenuated in Sx patients (Sx: 10.4 (8.8-11.4) vs.
      ASx: 6.7 (5.7-7.7) vs. IC: 8.5 (6.5-10.4); P < 0.05). There was a positive
      correlation between anal sensory thresholds and incontinence score in SSc
      patients (r = 0.54; P < 0.05). RAIR was absent in 11/24 Sx patients but only in
      2/20 ASx and in 1/20 IC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence in SSc is
      related to neuropathy as suggested by absent RAIR and higher anal sensory
      threshold and is related less so to sphincter atrophy and rectal fibrosis.

PMID- 22085821
TI  - The effects of food shortage during larval development on adult body size, body
      mass, physiology and developmental time in a tropical damselfly.
AB  - Few studies have looked jointly at the effects of larval stressors on life
      history and physiology across metamorphosis, especially in tropical insects. Here
      we investigated how the variation of food availability during the larval stage of
      the tropical and territorial American rubyspot damselfly (Hetaerina americana)
      affects adult body size and body mass, and two physiological indicators of
      condition--phenoloxidase activity (an indicator of immune ability) and protein
      concentration. We also investigated whether larval developmental time is
      prolonged when food is scarce, an expected situation for tropical species whose
      larval time is less constrained, compared to temperate species. Second instar
      larvae were collected from their natural environments and reared in one of two
      diet regimes: (i) "rich" provided with five Artemia salina prey every day, and
      (ii) "poor" provided with two A. salina prey every day. In order to compare how
      distinct our treatments were from natural conditions, a second set of last-instar
      larvae were also collected and allowed to emerge. Only body size and
      phenoloxidase increased in the rich regime, possibly to prioritize investment on
      sexually selected traits (which increase mating opportunities), and immune
      ability, given pathogen pressure. The sexes did not differ in body size in
      relation to food regimes but they did differ in body mass and protein
      concentration; this can be explained on the basis of the energetically demanding
      territorial activities by males (for the case of body mass), and female
      allocation to egg production (for the case of protein). Finally, animals delayed
      larval development when food was scarce, which is coherent for tropical
      environments. These findings provide key insights in the role of food
      availability in a tropical species.

PMID- 22085822
TI  - Using the underlying biological organization of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      functional network for protein function prediction.
AB  - Despite ever-increasing amounts of sequence and functional genomics data, there
      is still a deficiency of functional annotation for many newly sequenced proteins.
      For Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), more than half of its genome is still
      uncharacterized, which hampers the search for new drug targets within the
      bacterial pathogen and limits our understanding of its pathogenicity. As for many
      other genomes, the annotations of proteins in the MTB proteome were generally
      inferred from sequence homology, which is effective but its applicability has
      limitations. We have carried out large-scale biological data integration to
      produce an MTB protein functional interaction network. Protein functional
      relationships were extracted from the Search Tool for the Retrieval of
      Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database, and additional functional
      interactions from microarray, sequence and protein signature data. The confidence
      level of protein relationships in the additional functional interaction data was
      evaluated using a dynamic data-driven scoring system. This functional network has
      been used to predict functions of uncharacterized proteins using Gene Ontology
      (GO) terms, and the semantic similarity between these terms measured using a
      state-of-the-art GO similarity metric. To achieve better trade-off between
      improvement of quality, genomic coverage and scalability, this prediction is done
      by observing the key principles driving the biological organization of the
      functional network. This study yields a new functionally characterized MTB strain
      CDC1551 proteome, consisting of 3804 and 3698 proteins out of 4195 with
      annotations in terms of the biological process and molecular function ontologies,
      respectively. These data can contribute to research into the Development of
      effective anti-tubercular drugs with novel biological mechanisms of action.

PMID- 22085823
TI  - Variation in number of cagA EPIYA-C phosphorylation motifs between cultured
      Helicobacter pylori and biopsy strain DNA.
AB  - The Helicobacter pylori cagA gene encodes a cytotoxin which is activated by
      phosphorylation after entering the host epithelial cell. Phosphorylation occurs
      on specific tyrosine residues within EPIYA motifs in the variable 3'-region. Four
      different cagA EPIYA motifs have been defined according to the surrounding amino
      acid sequence; EPIYA-A, -B, -C and -D. Commonly, EPIYA-A and -B are followed by
      one or more EPIYA-C or -D motif. Due to observed discrepancies in cagA genotypes
      in cultured H. pylori and the corresponding DNA extracts it has been suggested
      that genotyping assays preferentially should be performed directly on DNA
      isolated from biopsy specimens. Gastric biopsies randomly selected from a Swedish
      cohort were homogenised and used for both direct DNA isolation and for H. pylori
      specific culturing and subsequent DNA isolation. In 123 of 153 biopsy specimens,
      the cagA EPIYA genotypes were in agreement with the corresponding cultured H.
      pylori strains. A higher proportion of mixed cagA EPIYA genotypes were found in
      the remaining 30 biopsy specimens. Cloning and sequencing of selected cagA EPIYA
      amplicons revealed variations in number of cagA EPIYA-C motifs in the mixed
      amplicons. The study demonstrates that culturing of H. pylori introduces a bias
      in the number of EPIYA-C motif. Consistent with other H. pylori virulence
      genotyping studies, we suggest that cagA EPIYA analysis should be performed using
      total DNA isolated from biopsy specimens.

PMID- 22085824
TI  - Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on phagocytic leucocytes of rainbow
      trout.
AB  - To clarify the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the fish immune
      system, in vitro effect of GnRH was examined in phagocytic leucocytes of rainbow
      trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Gene expression of GnRH-receptor was detected by RT
      PCR in leucocytes from head kidney. Administration of sGnRH increased
      proliferation and mRNA levels of a proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, in trout leucocytes. Superoxide production in zymosan
      stimulated phagocytic leucocytes was also increased by sGnRH in a dose-related
      manner from 0.01 to 100 nM. There was no significant effect of sGnRH on mRNA
      levels of growth hormone (GH) expressed in trout phagocytic leucocytes.
      Immunoneutralization of GH by addition of anti-salmon GH serum into the medium
      could not block the stimulatory effect of sGnRH on superoxide production. These
      results indicate that GnRH stimulates phagocytosis in fish leucocytes through a
      GnRH-receptor-dependent pathway, and that the effect of GnRH is not mediated
      through paracrine GH in leucocytes.

PMID- 22085825
TI  - Adipokinetic hormone-induced antioxidant response in Spodoptera littoralis.
AB  - The antioxidative potential of the Manduca sexta adipokinetic hormone (Manse-AKH)
      in the last instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) was
      demonstrated after exposure to oxidative stress (OS) elicited by feeding on
      artificial diet containing tannic acid (TA). Determination of protein carbonyls
      (PCs) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, monitoring of activity of antioxidant
      enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferases
      (GSTs), as well as measuring of the mRNA expression of CAT and SOD were used as
      markers of the OS. Injection of the Manse-AKH (5 pmol per individual) reversed
      the OS status by mitigation of PCs formation and by stimulation of glutathione-S
      transferases (GSTs) activity. The CAT and SOD mRNA expression was significantly
      suppressed after the Manse-AKH injection while activity of these enzymes was not
      affected. These results indicate that diminishing of OS after the AKH injection
      might be a result of activation of specific enzymatic pathway possibly at the
      post-translational level rather than a direct effect on regulation of antioxidant
      marker genes at the transcriptional level.

PMID- 22085826
TI  - The influence of social capital and socio-economic conditions on self-rated
      health among residents of an economically and health-deprived South African
      township.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surprisingly few studies have investigated the interplay of multiple
      factors affecting self-rated health outcomes and the role of social capital on
      health in developing countries, a prerequisite to strengthening our understanding
      of the influence of social and economic conditions on health and the most
      effective aid. Our study aimed to identify social and economic conditions for
      health among residents of an economically and health-deprived community. METHODS:
      Data were gathered through a survey administered to respondents from 1,020
      households in Grahamstown a suburb in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (response
      rate 97.9%). We investigated the influence of social and economic conditions
      (education, employment, income, social capital, housing quality and neighborhood
      quality) on self-rated health. We used ordinal logistic regression analyses to
      identify the relationship of these conditions and self-rated health. RESULTS: Our
      study found that education and social capital positively correlated with health;
      unemployment, poor educational level and advanced age negatively correlated. We
      found no significant correlations between self-rated health and housing quality,
      neighbourhood quality, income, gender, or marital status. CONCLUSION: We
      highlight the possible impacts of social capital, employment, and education on
      health, and suggest that health outcomes may be improved through interventions
      beyond the health system: creating job opportunities, strengthening social
      capital, bettering educational systems, and promoting educational access.
      Policymakers should consider the benefits of such programmes when addressing
      health outcomes in financially distressed districts.

PMID- 22085827
TI  - Hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction in Friedreich ataxia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction due to respiratory chain impairment is a
      key feature in pathogenesis of Friedreich ataxia. Friedreich ataxia affects the
      nervous system, heart and pancreas. METHODS: We assessed hepatic mitochondrial
      function by (13)C-methionine-breath-test in 16 Friedreich ataxia patients and
      matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Patients exhaled significantly smaller amounts
      of (13)CO(2) over 90 minutes. Maximal exhaled percentage dose of (13)CO(2)
      recovery was reduced compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: (13)C-methionine-breath
      test indicates subclinical hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction in Friedreich ataxia
      but did not correlate with GAA repeat lengths, disease duration or disease
      severity.

PMID- 22085828
TI  - Reduced prepulse inhibition as an early vulnerability marker of the psychosis
      prodrome in adolescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The onset of psychosis is thought to be preceded by
      neurodevelopmental changes in the brain. However, the timing and nature of these
      changes have not been established. The aim of the present study was to determine
      whether three "classic" neurophysiological markers of schizophrenia are also
      characteristic of young adolescents (12-18 years) at ultra-high risk for
      psychosis (UHR). METHODS: 63 young UHR individuals and 68 typically developing,
      age-, sex- and IQ-matched controls were recruited for neurophysiological
      assessment. Data for P50 suppression, prepulse inhibition (PPI) and smooth
      pursuit eye movements (SPEM) were gathered and compared. RESULTS: UHR individuals
      showed reduced PPI compared to controls, which became more pronounced when
      controls were directly compared to medication-naive UHR individuals (N=39). There
      were no group differences in P50 or SPEM measures. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that PPI is a relatively early vulnerability marker, while changes in
      other neurophysiological measures may only be detected or affected later during
      the illness course. Antipsychotic and antidepressant medication may aid in
      elevating PPI levels and potentially have a neuroprotective effect.

PMID- 22085829
TI  - Parameterization of multiple Bragg curves for scanning proton beams using
      simultaneous fitting of multiple curves.
AB  - Although Bortfeld's analytical formula is useful for describing Bragg curves,
      measured data can deviate from the values predicted by the model. Thus, we sought
      to determine the parameters of a closed analytical expression of multiple Bragg
      curves for scanning proton pencil beams using a simultaneous optimization
      algorithm and to determine the minimum number of energies that need to be
      measured in treatment planning so that complete Bragg curves required by the
      treatment planning system (TPS) can be accurately predicted. We modified
      Bortfeld's original analytical expression of Bragg curves to accurately describe
      the dose deposition resulting from secondary particles. The parameters of the
      modified analytical expression were expressed as the parabolic cylinder function
      of the ranges of the proton pencil beams in water. Thirty-nine discrete Bragg
      curves were measured in our center using a PTW Bragg Peak chamber during
      acceptance and commission of the scanning beam proton delivery system. The
      coefficients of parabolic function were fitted by applying a simultaneous
      optimization algorithm to seven measured curves. The required Bragg curves for 45
      energies in the TPS were calculated using our parameterized analytical
      expression. Finally, the 10 cm width of spread-out Bragg peaks (SOBPs) of beams
      with maximum energies of 221.8 and 121.2 MeV were then calculated in the TPS and
      compared with measured data. Compared with Bortfeld's original formula, our
      modified formula improved fitting of the measured depth dose curves at depths
      around three-quarters of the maximum range and in the beam entrance region. The
      parabolic function described the relationship between the parameters of the
      analytic expression of different energies. The predicted Bragg curves based on
      the parameters fitted using the seven measured curves accurately described the
      Bragg curves of proton pencil beams of 45 energies configured in our TPS. When we
      used the calculated Bragg curves as the input to TPS, the standard deviations of
      the measured and calculated data points along the 10 cm SOBPs created with proton
      pencil beams with maximum energies of 221.8 and 121.2 MeV were 1.19% and 1.18%,
      respectively, using curves predicted by the algorithm generated from the seven
      measured curves. Our method would be a valuable tool to analyze measured Bragg
      curves without the need for time-consuming measurements and correctly describe
      multiple Bragg curves using a closed analytical expression.

PMID- 22085830
TI  - Kinetics and DFT studies on water oxidation by Ce4+ catalyzed by
      [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH2)]2+.
AB  - The Ru(V)==O species and other intermediates in O(2) evolution from water
      catalyzed by [Ru(terpy)(bpy)(OH(2))](2+) were spectrophotometrically
      characterized, and the spectral components observed were identified based on the
      TD-DFT calculations. Moreover, important insights into the rapid paths after the
      RDS were given by the DFT studies.

PMID- 22085831
TI  - Modifying protein adsorption by layers of glutathione pre-adsorbed on Au(111).
AB  - Molecular interaction with metal surfaces raises fundamental questions regarding
      their binding tendency, their dispersion on the surface, as well as their
      conformation which may change their biological properties; addressing these
      questions, and being able to tune protein interactions, is of primary importance
      for the control of biointerfaces. In this study, one tripeptide, GSH (glu-cys
      gly), was used to condition gold surfaces and thus influence the adsorption of
      bovine serum albumin (BSA). Depending on the pH value of the GSH solution,
      cationic, zwitterionic or anionic forms of the tripeptide could be stabilised on
      the surface, before interacting with BSA solutions. The amount of proteins was
      observed to depend both on the chemical state of the adsorbed underlying peptide
      and on the solvent of the protein solution, indicating an important role of
      electrostatic interactions upon protein adsorption. Moreover, atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), and synchrotron IR microscopy revealed a heterogeneous
      distribution of proteins on the GSH layer.

PMID- 22085832
TI  - Nuclear receptor HNF4alpha binding sequences are widespread in Alu repeats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alu repeats, which account for ~10% of the human genome, were
      originally considered to be junk DNA. Recent studies, however, suggest that they
      may contain transcription factor binding sites and hence possibly play a role in
      regulating gene expression. RESULTS: Here, we show that binding sites for a
      highly conserved member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent
      transcription factors, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha, NR2A1), are
      highly prevalent in Alu repeats. We employ high throughput protein binding
      microarrays (PBMs) to show that HNF4alpha binds > 66 unique sequences in Alu
      repeats that are present in ~1.2 million locations in the human genome. We use
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to demonstrate that HNF4alpha binds Alu
      elements in the promoters of target genes (ABCC3, APOA4, APOM, ATPIF1, CANX,
      FEMT1A, GSTM4, IL32, IP6K2, PRLR, PRODH2, SOCS2, TTR) and luciferase assays to
      show that at least some of those Alu elements can modulate HNF4alpha-mediated
      transactivation in vivo (APOM, PRODH2, TTR, APOA4). HNF4alpha-Alu elements are
      enriched in promoters of genes involved in RNA processing and a sizeable fraction
      are in regions of accessible chromatin. Comparative genomics analysis suggests
      that there may have been a gain in HNF4alpha binding sites in Alu elements during
      evolution and that non Alu repeats, such as Tiggers, also contain HNF4alpha
      sites. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that HNF4alpha, in addition to
      regulating gene expression via high affinity binding sites, may also modulate
      transcription via low affinity sites in Alu repeats.

PMID- 22085833
TI  - Galantamine elicits neuroprotection by inhibiting iNOS, NADPH oxidase and ROS in
      hippocampal slices stressed with anoxia/reoxygenation.
AB  - Galantamine is a drug currently used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD); in this
      group of patients it has been observed that concomitant ischemic brain injury can
      accelerate their cognitive deficit. We have previously shown that galantamine can
      afford neuroprotection on in vitro and in vivo models related to brain ischemia.
      In this context, this study was planned to investigate the intracellular
      signaling pathways implicated in the protective effect of galantamine on an in
      vitro brain ischemia-reperfusion model, namely rat hippocampal slices subjected
      to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by reoxygenation. Galantamine
      protected hippocampal slices subjected to OGD in a concentration-dependent
      manner; at 15 MUM, cell death was reduced to almost control levels. The
      neuroprotective effects of galantamine were reverted by mecamylamine and AG490,
      but not by atropine, indicating that nicotinic receptors and Jak2 participated in
      this action. Galantamine also prevented p65 translocation into the nucleus
      induced by OGD; this effect was also linked to nicotinic receptors and Jak2.
      Furthermore, galantamine reduced iNOS induction and production of NO caused by
      OGD via Jak2. ROS production by NADPH oxidase (NOX) activation was also inhibited
      by galantamine. In conclusion, galantamine afforded neuroprotection under OGD
      reoxygenation conditions by activating a signaling pathway that involves
      nicotinic receptors, Jak2 and the consequent inhibition of NOX and NFkappaB/iNOS.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress
      Disorder'.

PMID- 22085834
TI  - Age-dependent changes in temperature regulation - a mini review.
AB  - It is now well recognized that the body temperature of older men and women is
      lower than that of younger people and that their tolerance of thermal extremes is
      more limited. The regulation of body temperature does not depend on a single
      organ, but rather involves almost all the systems of the body, i.e. systems not
      exclusively dedicated to thermoregulatory functions such as the cardiovascular
      and respiratory systems. Since these deteriorate naturally with advancing age,
      the decrement in their functions resonates throughout all the bodily processes,
      including those that control body temperature. To the extent that the age-related
      changes in some of these, e.g. in the musculoskeletal system, can be slowed, or
      even prevented, by certain measures, e.g. fitness training, so can the decrements
      in thermoregulatory functions. Some deficits, however, are unavoidable, e.g.
      structural skin changes and metabolic alterations. These impact directly on the
      ability of the elderly to maintain thermal homeostasis, particularly when
      challenged by ambient thermal extremes. Since the maintenance of a relatively
      stable, optimal core temperature is one of the body's most important activities,
      its very survival can be threatened by these disorders. The present article
      describes the principal, age-associated changes in physiological functions that
      could affect the ability of seniors to maintain their body temperature when
      exposed to hot or cold environments.

PMID- 22085835
TI  - A fully implanted programmable stimulator based on wireless communication for
      epidural spinal cord stimulation in rats.
AB  - Clinical research indicates that the epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) has
      shown potential in promoting locomotor recovery in patients with incomplete
      spinal cord injury (ISCI). This paper presents the development of a fully
      implantable voltage-regulated stimulator with bi-directional wireless
      communication for investigating underlying neural mechanisms of ESCS facilitating
      motor function improvement. The stimulation system consists of a computer, an
      external controller, an implantable pulse generator (IPG), a magnet, the
      extension leads and a stimulation electrode. The telemetry transmission between
      the IPG and the external controller is achieved by a commercially available
      transceiver chip with 2.4GHz carrier band. The magnet is used to activate the IPG
      only when necessary to minimize the power consumption. The encapsulated IPG
      measures 33mm*24mm*8mm, with a total mass of ~12.6g. Feasibility experiments are
      conducted in three Sprague-Dawley rats to validate the function of the
      stimulator, and to investigate the relationship between lumbar-sacral ESCS and
      hindlimb electromyography (EMG) responses. The results show that the stimulation
      system provides an effective tool for investigation of ESCS application in motor
      function recovery in small animals.

PMID- 22085836
TI  - Comparison of within hive sampling and seasonal activity of Nosema ceranae in
      honey bee colonies.
AB  - Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite of the European honey bee, Apis
      mellifera, that is found worldwide and in multiple Apis spp.; however, little is
      known about the effects of N. ceranae on A. mellifera. Previous studies using
      spore counts suggest that there is no longer a seasonal cycle for N. ceranae and
      that it is found year round with little variation in infection intensity among
      months. Our goal was to determine whether infection levels differ in bees
      collected from different areas of the hive and if there may be seasonal
      differences in N. ceranae infections. A multiplex species-specific real-time PCR
      assay was used for the detection and quantification of N. ceranae. Colonies were
      sampled monthly from September 2009-2010 by collecting workers from honey supers,
      the fringe of the brood nest, and the brood nest. We found that all bees sampled
      were infected with N. ceranae and that there was no significant difference in
      infection levels among the different groups of bees sampled (P=0.74). However,
      significant differences in colony infection levels were found at different times
      of the year (P<0.01) with the highest levels in April-June and lower levels in
      the fall and winter. While our study was only performed for one year, it sheds
      light on the fact that there may be a seasonality to N. ceranae infections. Being
      able to predict future N. ceranae infections can be used to better advise
      beekeepers on N. ceranae management.

PMID- 22085838
TI  - Relating temperature dependence of atom scattering spectra to surface
      corrugation.
AB  - It is suggested that a measurement of the temperature dependence of the most
      probable intensity of energy-resolved atom-surface scattering spectra can reveal
      the strength of the surface corrugation. To support this conjecture, a classical
      mechanical theory of atom scattering from a corrugated surface, valid in the weak
      corrugation limit, is developed. The general result for the scattering
      probability is expressed in terms of spatial integrals over the impact parameter
      within a surface unit cell. For the case of a one-dimensional corrugation,
      approximate expressions for the scattering probability are obtained in terms of
      analytic closed form expressions. As an indicator of its relation to experimental
      measurements, calculations using a one-dimensional corrugation model are compared
      with data for Ar scattering from a molten Ga surface and an approximate value of
      the corrugation height parameter is extracted.

PMID- 22085837
TI  - Characterizing the interface between wild ducks and poultry to evaluate the
      potential of transmission of avian pathogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Characterizing the interface between wild and domestic animal
      populations is increasingly recognized as essential in the context of emerging
      infectious diseases (EIDs) that are transmitted by wildlife. More specifically,
      the spatial and temporal distribution of contact rates between wild and domestic
      hosts is a key parameter for modeling EIDs transmission dynamics. We integrated
      satellite telemetry, remote sensing and ground-based surveys to evaluate the
      spatio-temporal dynamics of indirect contacts between wild and domestic birds to
      estimate the risk that avian pathogens such as avian influenza and Newcastle
      viruses will be transmitted between wildlife to poultry. We monitored comb ducks
      (Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos) with satellite transmitters for seven months
      in an extensive Afro-tropical wetland (the Inner Niger Delta) in Mali and
      characterise the spatial distribution of backyard poultry in villages. We
      modelled the spatial distribution of wild ducks using 250-meter spatial
      resolution and 8-days temporal resolution remotely-sensed environmental
      indicators based on a Maxent niche modelling method. RESULTS: Our results show a
      strong seasonal variation in potential contact rate between wild ducks and
      poultry. We found that the exposure of poultry to wild birds was greatest at the
      end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, when comb ducks
      disperse from natural water bodies to irrigated areas near villages. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study provides at a local scale a quantitative evidence of the seasonal
      variability of contact rate between wild and domestic bird populations. It
      illustrates a GIS-based methodology for estimating epidemiological contact rates
      at the wildlife and livestock interface integrating high-resolution satellite
      telemetry and remote sensing data.

PMID- 22085839
TI  - Synergistic effect between BRAP polymorphism and diabetes on the extent of
      coronary atherosclerosis in the Chinese population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disease and
      influenced by genetics. We previously reported that a single nucleotide
      polymorphism (rs11066001) in the BRAP gene was related to the risk of myocardial
      infarction. However, it is unclear whether rs11066001 is associated with the
      extent of coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: We enrolled 732 patients scheduled
      for diagnostic coronary angiography. Angiographic presence of significant CAD (0
      or 1), clinical vessel score (CVS, 0-3 vessels) and diffuse score (DS, 0-11.5)
      were used to evaluate the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Genotyping was
      carried out by the TaqMan technology. RESULTS: Of all patients, 558 (76.2%) had
      significant CAD. The odds ratio for the GG to the AA genotype was 2.45 (95% CI
      1.13-5.34, p = 0.024) for the presence of significant CAD. The CVS was correlated
      with the frequency of genotypes in the recessive model (p = 0.001). Regression
      analysis showed a significant association between rs11066001 and the presence of
      significant CAD and DS (all p < 0.05). There was a synergistic effect between
      rs11066001 and diabetes on the occurrence of significant CAD (p < 0.001 for
      interaction). CONCLUSION: The BRAP rs11066001 gene is associated with the extent
      of coronary atherosclerosis and has a synergistic effect with diabetes on the
      occurrence of significant CAD in the Chinese population.

PMID- 22085840
TI  - The evaluation of knee bone mineral density following open-wedge high tibial
      osteotomy.
AB  - Examinations of bone density changes in selected knee bone ends were evaluated
      prospectively in a randomized group of 28 patients, aged from 41 to 65 (mean:
      55.3 years), who had varus deformations of their mechanic limb axes, mean 8
      degrees. The examinations were conducted during the preoperative period, 10 days,
      3, 6, and 12 weeks, as well as 6 and 12 months after the procedure. A
      statistically significant increase in bone density was observed in the medial
      tibial condyle area, while a statistically insignificant decrease of bone density
      was noted in the medial femoral condyles. Bone density increased in the lateral
      tibial condyle area, whereas there were no density changes in the area of the
      lateral femoral condyles. The research results demonstrate that the relief
      achieved in ailments after high tibial osteotomies does not directly correspond
      to the bone density of the affected areas.

PMID- 22085841
TI  - Associations between cerebral and systemic endothelial function in migraine
      patients: a post-hoc study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in the role of the endothelium in
      migraine. Recently, our group showed differences in endothelial function between
      the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation in healthy subjects, reduced
      vasodilatatory capacity of the posterior cerebral circulation and unimpaired
      systemic endothelial function in migraine patients without comorbidities.
      However, the relationship between cerebral and systemic endothelial function and
      the anterior and posterior cerebral endothelial function in migraine patients is
      still not clear. METHODS: We compared cerebral and systemic endothelial function
      through post-hoc linear regression analysis of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR)
      to L-arginine between the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and flow-mediated
      vasodilatation (FMD) of the right brachial artery and the posterior cerebral
      artery (PCA) and FMD in migraine patients without comorbidities and in healthy
      subjects. The anterior and posterior cerebral endothelial function was also
      compared using post-hoc linear regression analysis between CVR to L-arginine in
      the MCA and the PCA. RESULTS: No significant correlation was found between CVR to
      L-arginine in the MCA and FMD and in the PCA and FMD in migraine patients with
      aura (p = 0.880 vs. p = 0.682), without aura (p = 0.153 vs. p = 0.179) and in
      healthy subjects (p = 0.869 vs. p = 0.662). On the other hand, we found a
      significant correlation between CVR to L-arginine in the MCA and PCA in migraine
      patients with aura (p = 0.004), without aura (p = 0.001) and in healthy subjects
      (p = 0.002). Detailed analysis of the linear regression between all migraine
      patients and healthy subjects did not show any difference in the regression
      coefficient (slope) (p = 0.382). However, a significant difference in curve
      elevation (intercept) was found (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that
      the endothelial function in the cerebral and systemic circulation might be
      different in migraine patients without comorbidities, while that of the anterior
      and posterior cerebral circulation might be coupled. These results could improve
      understanding of endothelial function in migraine patients without comorbidities.

PMID- 22085842
TI  - Investigation of urinary volatile organic metabolites as potential cancer
      biomarkers by solid-phase microextraction in combination with gas chromatography
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-invasive diagnostic strategies aimed at identifying biomarkers of
      cancer are of great interest for early cancer detection. Urine is potentially a
      rich source of volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) that can be used as potential
      cancer biomarkers. Our aim was to develop a generally reliable, rapid, sensitive,
      and robust analytical method for screening large numbers of urine samples,
      resulting in a broad spectrum of native VOMs, as a tool to evaluate the potential
      of these metabolites in the early diagnosis of cancer. METHODS: To investigate
      urinary volatile metabolites as potential cancer biomarkers, urine samples from
      33 cancer patients (oncological group: 14 leukaemia, 12 colorectal and 7
      lymphoma) and 21 healthy (control group, cancer-free) individuals were
      qualitatively and quantitatively analysed. Dynamic solid-phase microextraction in
      headspace mode (dHS-SPME) using a carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS)
      sorbent in combination with GC-qMS-based metabolomics was applied to isolate and
      identify the volatile metabolites. This method provides a potential non-invasive
      method for early cancer diagnosis as a first approach. To fulfil this objective,
      three important dHS-SPME experimental parameters that influence extraction
      efficiency (fibre coating, extraction time and temperature of sampling) were
      optimised using a univariate optimisation design. The highest extraction
      efficiency was obtained when sampling was performed at 50 degrees C for 60 min
      using samples with high ionic strengths (17% sodium chloride, w v(-1)) and under
      agitation. RESULTS: A total of 82 volatile metabolites belonging to distinct
      chemical classes were identified in the control and oncological groups. Benzene
      derivatives, terpenoids and phenols were the most common classes for the
      oncological group, whereas ketones and sulphur compounds were the main classes
      that were isolated from the urine headspace of healthy subjects. The results
      demonstrate that compound concentrations were dramatically different between
      cancer patients and healthy volunteers. The positive rates of 16 patients among
      the 82 identified were found to be statistically different (P<0.05). A
      significant increase in the peak area of 2-methyl-3-phenyl-2-propenal, p-cymene,
      anisole, 4-methyl-phenol and 1,2-dihydro-1,1,6-trimethyl-naphthalene in cancer
      patients was observed. On average, statistically significant lower abundances of
      dimethyl disulphide were found in cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Gas
      chromatographic peak areas were submitted to multivariate analysis (principal
      component analysis and supervised linear discriminant analysis) to visualise
      clusters within cases and to detect the volatile metabolites that are able to
      differentiate cancer patients from healthy individuals. Very good discrimination
      within cancer groups and between cancer and control groups was achieved.

PMID- 22085843
TI  - Involvement of oxidative stress-induced ERK/JNK activation in the
      Cu(2+)/pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complex-triggered mitochondria-regulated
      apoptosis in pancreatic beta-cells.
AB  - Oxidative stress was demonstrated to promote the progression of diabetes mellitus
      (DM). It has been suggested that copper may play a specific role in the
      progression and pathogenesis of DM. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a widely
      apply to the medicine, was known to be capable of enhancing copper accumulation.
      In this study, we investigated the effect of submicromolar-concentration
      Cu(2+)/PDTC complex on pancreatic beta-cell damage and evaluated the role of
      oxidative stress in this effect. CuCl(2) (0.01-300MUM) did not affect the cell
      viability in beta-cell line RIN-m5F cells. However, combination of CuCl(2)
      (0.5MUM) and PDTC (0.3MUM) markedly reduced RIN-m5F cell viability. Cu(2+)/PDTC
      complex could also increase the LPO and decrease the intracellular reduced GSH
      levels, and display several features of apoptosis signals including: increase in
      sub-G1 cell population, annexin-V binding, and caspase-3 activity, mitochondrial
      dysfunctions, and the activation of PARP and caspase cascades, which accompanied
      with the marked increase the intracellular Cu(2+) levels. These apoptotic-related
      responses of Cu(2+)/PDTC complex-induced could be effectively prevented by
      antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Furthermore, Cu(2+)/PDTC complex was capable
      of increasing the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and JNK, and its upstream kinase
      MEK1/2 and MKK4, which could be reversed by NAC. Transfection with ERK2- and JNK
      specific si-RNA and specific inhibitors SP600125 and PD98059 could inhibit ERK1/2
      and JNK activation and attenuate MMP loss and caspase-3 activity induced by the
      Cu(2+)/PDTC complex. Taken together, these results are the first report to
      demonstrate that the Cu(2+)/PDTC complex triggers a mitochondria-regulated
      apoptosis via an oxidative stress-induced ERK/JNK activation-related pathway in
      pancreatic beta-cells.

PMID- 22085844
TI  - Mesothelial cell and anti-nuclear autoantibodies associated with pleural
      abnormalities in an asbestos exposed population of Libby MT.
AB  - Despite data linking amphibole asbestos exposure with production of
      autoantibodies, the role of autoantibodies in subsequent disease is unknown.
      Residents of Libby, Montana have experienced significant exposure to amphibole
      asbestos due to the mining of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite near the
      community over several decades. This population predominantly exhibits pleural
      disease, and an autoimmune-like disorder that has yet to be well defined. This
      study sought to determine whether autoantibodies from asbestos-exposed subjects
      were associated with pleural lesions. Serum samples of subjects from Libby were
      evaluated for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and mesothelial cell autoantibodies
      (MCAA) using cell based ELISA. The presence of radiographic abnormalities
      detected during the time frame of serum collection was determined from screening
      records. In accord with previous studies, 61.3% (76/124) of the Libby samples
      were ANA positive, a frequency much higher than expected for a healthy
      population. The odds of having pleural or interstitial abnormalities in Libby was
      nearly 3.55 times greater for individuals that tested positive for ANA compared
      with individuals negative for ANA (p=0.004). MCAA were also detected at a
      strikingly high frequency (18.5%; 23/124) in samples from Libby. Individuals with
      MCAA had 4.9 times the risk of having pleural abnormalities compared to MCAA
      negative subjects (p=0.044). In conclusion, ANA and MCAA were elevated in a study
      population that was known to have chronic exposure to asbestos, and these
      autoantibodies were associated with pleural abnormalities, the predominant
      finding in the asbestos-exposed population of Libby. Additional research is
      needed to determine the role these autoantibodies may play in pulmonary disease.

PMID- 22085845
TI  - Inhibition of TNF-alpha stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation
      by cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes.
AB  - Cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes [Pt(II)(C^N^N)(C=NR)](+) (HC^N^N = 6-phenyl
      2,2'-bipyridyl) display significant inhibition towards TNF-alpha stimulated NF
      kappaB-dependent gene transcription at concentrations down to the micromolar
      range.

PMID- 22085846
TI  - Membrane trafficking and signaling: two sides of the same coin.
AB  - Recent findings on clathrin-dependent and non clathrin-dependent endocytic routes
      are currently changing our classical view of endocytosis. Originally seen as a
      way for the cell to internalize membrane, receptors or various soluble molecules,
      this process is in fact directly linked to complex signaling pathways. Here, we
      review new insights in endocytosis and present latest development in imaging
      techniques that allow us to visualize and follow the dynamics of membrane
      associated signaling events at the plasma membrane and other intracellular
      compartments. The immune synapse is taken as an illustration of the importance of
      membrane reorganization and proteins clustering to initiate and maintain
      signaling. Future challenges include understanding the crosslink between traffic
      and signaling and how all compartmentalized signals are integrated inside the
      cell at a higher level.

PMID- 22085847
TI  - Zalpha-domains: at the intersection between RNA editing and innate immunity.
AB  - The involvement of A to I RNA editing in antiviral responses was first indicated
      by the observation of genomic hyper-mutation for several RNA viruses in the
      course of persistent infections. However, in only a few cases an antiviral role
      was ever demonstrated and surprisingly, it turns out that ADARs - the RNA editing
      enzymes - may have a prominent pro-viral role through the modulation/down
      regulation of the interferon response. A key role in this regulatory function of
      RNA editing is played by ADAR1, an interferon inducible RNA editing enzyme. A
      distinguishing feature of ADAR1, when compared with other ADARs, is the presence
      of a Z-DNA binding domain, Zalpha. Since the initial discovery of the specific
      and high affinity binding of Zalpha to CpG repeats in a left-handed helical
      conformation, other proteins, all related to the interferon response pathway,
      were shown to have similar domains throughout the vertebrate lineage. What is the
      biological function of this domain family remains unclear but a significant body
      of work provides pieces of a puzzle that points to an important role of Zalpha
      domains in the recognition of foreign nucleic acids in the cytoplasm by the
      innate immune system. Here we will provide an overview of our knowledge on ADAR1
      function in interferon response with emphasis on Zalpha domains.

PMID- 22085848
TI  - Tiarellic acid attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a murine
      model of allergic asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a persistent inflammatory disease characterized by airway obstruction
      and hyperresponsiveness in association with airway inflammation. In the current
      research, we studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of
      tiarellic acid (TA) isolated from Tiarella polyphylla, based on asthmatic
      parameters, such as immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, cytokine release, eosinophilia,
      airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mucus
      hypersecretion, in an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized/challenged mouse model. TA
      significantly inhibited increases in IgE, levels of ROS and T helper cytokines,
      such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, TNF-alpha, and IL-13, in bronchoalveolar lavage
      fluid (BALF), and effectively suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness,
      eosinophilia, and mucus hypersecretion in the asthmatic mouse model. In addition,
      we found that administration of TA attenuated ovalbumin-induced increases in NF
      kappaB activity in lungs. The efficacy of TA was comparable to that of
      montelukast, a currently available anti-asthmatic drug. Our results support the
      utility of TA as a herbal medicine for asthma treatment and may have application
      in the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic drugs.

PMID- 22085852
TI  - Antiviral immunity. Viral restriction goes nuclear.

PMID- 22085849
TI  - Fungal physiology. Ustilago takes control.
AB  - Ustilago maydis Cmu1 is a virulence factor that can move through plant cells,
      redirecting plant metabolic pathways to favour fungal infection.

PMID- 22085857
TI  - Bacterial physiology. Seeing Caulobacter in 3D.

PMID- 22085858
TI  - Molecular biology. Nature of the genetic code finally revealed!

PMID- 22085859
TI  - Animals learn new tricks from microorganisms.

PMID- 22085860
TI  - Phosphonium-based ionic liquids as modifiers for biomedical grade poly(vinyl
      chloride).
AB  - This work reports and discusses the influence of four phosphonium-based ionic
      liquids (PhILs), namely trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium dicyanamide,
      [P(6,6,6,14)][dca]; trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium
      bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [P(6,6,6,14)][Tf(2)N]; tetrabutyl phosphonium
      bromide, [P(4,4,4,4)][Br]; and tetrabutyl phosphonium chloride, [P(4,4,4,4)][Cl],
      on some of the chemical, physical and biological properties of a biomedical-grade
      suspension of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The main goal of this work was to
      evaluate the capacity of these PhILs to modify some of the properties of neat
      PVC, in particular those that may allow their use as potential alternatives to
      traditional phthalate-based plasticizers in PVC biomedical applications. PVC
      films having different PhIL compositions (0, 5, 10 and 20 wt.%) were prepared (by
      solvent film casting) and characterised by Fourier transform infrared,
      thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamical
      mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X
      ray/electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, transmittance, permeability
      towards oxygen and carbon dioxide, thermal degradation, contact angle
      measurement, water and vapour uptake, leachability and biocompatibility
      (haemolytic potential, thrombogenicity and cytotoxicity). A conventional organic
      plasticizer (di-isononyl phthalate) was used for comparison purposes. The results
      obtained showed that it was possible to change the neat PVC hydrophobicity, and
      consequently its water uptake capacity and plasticizer leachability, just by
      changing the PhIL employed and its composition. It was also possible to
      significantly change the thermal and mechanical properties of PVC films by
      choosing appropriate PhIL cation/anion combinations. However, a specific PhIL may
      not always be capable of simultaneously keeping and/or improving both physical
      properties. In addition, ionic halide salts were found to promote PVC
      dehydrochlorination. Finally, none of the prepared materials presented toxicity
      against Caco-2 cells, though pure [P(6,6,6,14)][dca] decreased HepG2 cells
      viability. Moreover, PVC films with [P(6,6,6,14)][dca] and [P(4,4,4,4)][Cl] were
      found to be haemolytic and thus these PhILs must be avoided as PVC modifiers if
      biomedical applications are envisaged. In conclusion, from all the PhILs tested,
      [P(6,6,6,14)][Tf(2)N] showed the most promising results regarding blood
      compatibility, leaching and permeability to gases of PVC films. The results
      presented are a strong indicator that adequate PhILs may be successfully employed
      as PVC multi-functional plasticizers for a wide range of potential applications,
      including those in the biomedical field.

PMID- 22085861
TI  - Rigorous and thorough bioinformatic analyses of olfactory receptor promoters
      confirm enrichment of O/E and homeodomain binding sites but reveal no new common
      motifs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammalian olfactory receptors (ORs) are subject to a remarkable but
      poorly understood regime of transcriptional regulation, whereby individual
      olfactory neurons each express only one allele of a single member of the large OR
      gene family. RESULTS: We performed a rigorous search for enriched sequence motifs
      in the largest dataset of OR promoter regions analyzed to date. We combined
      measures of cross-species conservation with databases of known transcription
      factor binding sites and ab initio motif-finding algorithms. We found strong
      enrichment of binding sites for the O/E family of transcription factors and for
      homeodomain factors, both already known to be involved in the transcriptional
      control of ORs, but did not identify any novel enriched sequences. We also found
      that TATA-boxes are present in at least a subset of OR promoters. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our rigorous approach provides a template for the analysis of the regulation of
      large gene families and demonstrates some of the difficulties and pitfalls of
      such analyses. Although currently available bioinformatics methods cannot detect
      all transcriptional regulatory elements, our thorough analysis of OR promoters
      shows that in the case of this gene family, experimental approaches have probably
      already identified all the binding factors common to large fractions of OR
      promoters.

PMID- 22085862
TI  - Formononetin protects neurons against hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity through
      upregulation of ADAM10 and sAbetaPPalpha.
AB  - Formononetin, an active constituent of the Chinese herb Astragali Radix, has been
      reported to have beneficial effects for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet the
      mechanism of this effect remains to be elucidated. The present study shows that
      formononetin increases soluble-AbetaPPalpha (sAbetaPPalpha) secretion and thus
      protects human-AbetaPP Swedish mutation cell (N2a-AbetaPP cell) from hypoxia
      induced apoptosis. Using hypoxic N2a-AbetaPP cell as an in vitro model of AD-like
      pathology, we confirmed that regular treatment with formononetin could have
      neuroprotective effects, followed respectively by reduced caspase 3 activity and
      increased cell viability. Strikingly, our data revealed that the caspase 3
      blocking effect of formononetin was largely mediated by stimulation of alpha
      secretase cleavage of AbetaPP, and increasing the secretion of its soluble form,
      sAbetaPPalpha. Moreover, the protective effect of formononetin was totally
      inhibited by TAPI-2, an alpha-secretase complex inhibitor, suggesting the role of
      the sAbetaPPalpha pathway in the neuroprotective response to formononetin. We
      also found that the stimulative effect of formononetin on alpha-secretase
      activity was mainly conducted by upregulating ADAM10 expression at the
      transcriptional level. Altogether, our study provides novel insights into how
      formononetin mediates stimulation of the ADAM10-sAbetaPPalpha pathway and exerts
      a neuronal protective effect.

PMID- 22085863
TI  - Neural dissociation in processing noise and accent in spoken language
      comprehension.
AB  - We investigated how two distortions of the speech signal - added background noise
      and speech in an unfamiliar accent - affect comprehension of speech using
      functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Listeners performed a speeded
      sentence verification task for speech in quiet in Standard Dutch, in Standard
      Dutch with added background noise and for speech in an unfamiliar accent of
      Dutch. The behavioural results showed slower responses for both types of
      distortion compared to clear speech, and no difference between the two
      distortions. The neuroimaging results showed that, compared to clear speech,
      processing noise resulted in more activity bilaterally in Inferior Frontal Gyrus,
      Frontal Operculum, while processing accented speech recruited an area in left
      Superior Temporal Gyrus/Sulcus. It is concluded that the neural bases for
      processing different distortions of the speech signal dissociate. It is suggested
      that current models of the cortical organisation of speech are updated to
      specifically associate bilateral inferior frontal areas with processing external
      distortions (e.g., background noise) and left temporal areas with speaker-related
      distortions (e.g., accents).

PMID- 22085864
TI  - Visuomotor performance based on peripheral vision is impaired in the visual form
      agnostic patient DF.
AB  - The perception-action model states that visual information is processed in
      different cortical areas depending on the purpose for which the information is
      acquired. Specifically, it was suggested that the ventral stream mediates visual
      perception, whereas the dorsal stream primarily processes visual information for
      the guidance of actions (Goodale & Milner, 1992). Evidence for the model comes
      from patient studies showing that patients with ventral stream damage (visual
      form agnosia) and patients with dorsal stream damage (optic ataxia) show
      divergent performance in action and perception tasks. Whereas DF, a patient
      suffering from visual form agnosia, was found to perform well in visuomotor tasks
      despite her inability to use vision for perceptual tasks, patients with optic
      ataxia show usually the opposite pattern, i.e. good perception but impaired
      visuomotor control. The finding that both disorders seem to provoke a mirror
      reversed pattern of spared and impaired visual functions, led to the belief that
      optic ataxia and visual form agnosia can be considered as complementary
      disorders. However, the visuomotor performance of patients with optic ataxia is
      typically only impaired when they are tested in visual periphery while being
      often preserved when tested in central vision. Here, we show that DF's visuomotor
      performance is also only preserved when the target is presented centrally. Her
      reaching and grasping movements to targets in peripheral vision are abnormal. Our
      findings indicate that DF's visuomotor performance is quite similar to the
      visuomotor performance of patients with optic ataxia which undermines previous
      suggestions that the two disorders form a double-dissociation.

PMID- 22085865
TI  - The effects of railroad ballast surface and slope on rearfoot motion in walking.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transversely sloped
      ballasted walking surface on gait and rearfoot motion (RFM) parameters. Motion
      analysis was performed with 20 healthy participants (15 male and 5 female)
      walking in six surface-slope conditions: two surfaces (solid and ballasted) by
      three slopes (0, 5, and 10 degrees). The gait parameters (walking velocity, step
      length, step rate, step width, stance time, and toe-out angle) showed significant
      surface effect (p = .004) and surface-slope interaction (p = .017). The RFM
      motion parameters (peak everted/inverted position, eversion/inversion velocity,
      and acceleration) revealed significant surface (p = .004) and slope (p = .024)
      effects. The ballasted conditions showed more cautious gait patterns with lower
      walk velocity, step length, and step rate and longer stance time. In the RFM
      parameters, the slope effect was more notable in the solid conditions due to the
      gait adaptations in the ballasted conditions. Ballast conditions showed reduced
      inversion and increased eversion and RFM range. The RFM data were comparable to
      other typical walking conditions but smaller than those from running.

PMID- 22085866
TI  - Improvement in cardiac function following transplantation of human umbilical cord
      matrix-derived mesenchymal cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal cells (hUCM) can be easily obtained
      and processed in a laboratory. These cells may be considered as a suitable source
      in the repair of heart failure diseases. We, therefore, examined whether these
      cells may contribute to heart regeneration following an acute experimental
      myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: MI-induced animals received 5 * 10(6) hUCM
      cells, 5 * 10(6) 5-azacytidine-treated cells (dhUCM), or PBS alone,
      subepicardially. A group of animals with MI and no other former intervention
      served as controls. dhUCM cells were assessed for F-actin, myogenin and troponin
      I expression. RESULTS: dhUCM cells appeared as binucleated cells with extensive
      cytoplasmic processes. These differentiated cells were F-actin and myogenin
      positive. Thirty days after LAD ligation, left ventricular ejection fraction and
      the percentage of fractional shortening improved significantly in cell-receiving
      animals. In addition, the amount of scar tissue was significantly reduced in hUCM
      and dhUCM groups compared to MI group (p < 0.05). These parameters were
      comparable between hUCM and dhUCM groups. Histopathological evaluations revealed
      that some engrafted cells adjacent to and remote from the MI area expressed
      troponin-I, F-actin and connexin43. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated the
      potential therapeutic use of either differentiated or undifferentiated hUCM cells
      in treatment of heart failure conditions.

PMID- 22085867
TI  - A longitudinal evaluation of growth outcomes at hospital discharge of very-low
      birth-weight preterm infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To quantify the rate of progressive failure of very-low
      birth-weight (VLBW) infants over time in the neonatal intensive care unit to meet
      growth milestones. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a prospective longitudinal study, 114
      VLBW preterm infants (?1500 g) of both sexes, with normal and/or low weight for
      gestational age were included. At the start, weight, length, mid-upper arm
      (MUAC), thigh and cephalic circumferences were measured. Weight/age (W/A),
      length/age and weight/length (+/-2 z-score) indices were calculated. All
      measurements were taken at inclusion, at 7, 15 and 30 days of hospitalization.
      Chi-square test, analysis of variance and repeated-measures tests were estimated.
      RESULTS: Thirteen cases (14%) died and were excluded soon after the first
      determinations. In all, 9 (8.9%) died during the study, 12 (11.9%) were
      discharged before 30 days of life and 80 (79.2%) completed the study. At 7 days,
      the percentage of preterm infants with an index of W/A <-2 z-scores increased
      from 44 to 67% (44-68 subjects; P<0.01), with no changes afterwards; the
      indicator MUAC <-2 z-scores increased at 7 days from 23 to 49% (23-49 subjects);
      at 15 from 23 to 65% (23-61 subjects) and at 30 days from 23 to 79% (23-63
      subjects; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians could use these indicators for
      earlier detection of growth failure in VLBW infants in order to target more
      aggressive nutrition early.

PMID- 22085868
TI  - Alcohol and macronutrient intake patterns are related to general and central
      adiposity.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alcohol and dietary fat have high energy densities and may
      therefore be related to body weight and fat deposition. We studied associations
      between alcohol and macronutrient intake patterns and general and central
      adiposity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study of 524 men
      and 611 women. The participants answered a dietary questionnaire describing
      habitual food consumption including intake of alcoholic beverages. Macronutrient
      intake was analysed in relation to anthropometric measures and dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry determined body fat. RESULTS: In women, total alcohol intake was
      negatively associated with body fat percentage (beta:-0.67, P<0.01). In men,
      total alcohol intake was positively associated with sagittal abdominal diameter
      (SAD) (beta: 0.28, P=0.01). In addition, positive associations were found between
      intake of alcohol from spirits and body fat percentage (beta: 1.17, P<0.05), SAD
      (beta: 0.52, P<0.05) and waist circumference (beta: 2.29, P=0.01). In men,
      protein intake was positively associated with body mass index (BMI) (beta: 0.03,
      P=0.001), body fat percentage (beta: 0.04, P<0.05), SAD (beta: 0.02, P=0.01) and
      waist circumference (beta: 0.09, P<0.01). Also in men only, negative associations
      between fat intake and BMI (beta: -0.03, P<0.01), SAD (beta: -0.02, P<0.05) and
      waist circumference (beta: -0.05, P<0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol intake
      was inversely associated to relative body fat in women whereas spirits
      consumption was positively related to central and general obesity in men.
      Macronutrient intakes, particularly protein and fat, were differently associated
      with obesity indicators in men versus women. This may reflect a differential
      effect by gender, or differential obesity related reporting errors in men and
      women.

PMID- 22085869
TI  - No effect of maternal micronutrient supplementation on early childhood growth in
      rural western China: 30 month follow-up evaluation of a double blind, cluster
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the long-term effects of maternal
      multi-micronutrient supplementation on the growth of children during early
      childhood. In this follow-up study, the effects of maternal supplementation with
      multi-micronutrients in pregnancy on postnatal child growth are examined.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: A longitudinal follow-up of a subset of newborns (n=1388) whose
      mothers were randomly assigned to receive the supplements of folic acid, iron
      folic acid or multi-micronutrients daily during pregnancy in the original trial
      was conducted. Children's weight and length were measured and assessed during
      monthly home visits from birth to 30 months of age. RESULTS: The pooled
      prevalence rate of stunting over different time points during the first 30 months
      was 13.5, 14.9 and 12.1% for the folic acid group, iron-folic acid group and
      multi-micronutrient group, respectively. However, there were no significant
      differences in the pooled odds of stunting in children between the multi
      micronutrient group and the folic acid (odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 0.74-1.26), and between the multi-micronutrient group and the iron
      folic acid group (OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.63-1.07). Similar results for the three
      groups were found for the occurrences of underweight and wasting in children.
      Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in length, weight, length
      for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-length Z-scores among the three treatment
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, available evidence is insufficient to support a
      greater advantage of the effect of maternal multi-micronutrient supplementation
      on child growth over iron-folic acid or folic acid only supplementation during
      the first 30 months.

PMID- 22085870
TI  - Effect of nutrition education on exclusive breastfeeding for nutritional outcome
      of low birth weight babies.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Low birth weight (LBW), defined as the body weight at
      birth of less than 2500 g, is a major public health problem in Bangladesh, where
      37% of the babies are born with LBW. The objective of this study is to see the
      impact of nutrition education on growth of LBW babies with early initiation and
      exclusive breastfeeding compared to control group. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of
      184 LBW babies and their mothers who attended the Maternal Care and Health
      Training Institute and Dhaka Medical College Hospital were randomly allocated to
      either intervention or control group. Enrollment of the study population started
      in May 2008 and was completed in October 2008. Nutrition education was given to
      mothers twice weekly for 2 months, on initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h,
      exclusive breastfeeding and increasing their dietary intake. Nutritional status
      of LBW babies was assessed for length and weight every 2 weeks. Data were
      analyzed using SPSS/Window's version 12. Comparison of mean of data was done
      using standard Student's t-test. RESULTS: Mean initial body weight and length of
      LBW babies were similar in both groups (2261+/-198 g vs 2241+/-244 g, P=0.535 and
      43.0+/-1.3 cm vs 43.0+/-1.7 cm, P=0.77). Body weight and length of the LBW babies
      after 2 months increased significantly (3620+/-229 g vs 3315+/-301 g, P<0.001 and
      50.2+/-1.3 cm vs 48.7+/-1.6 cm, P<0.001). It was found that the intervention
      group suffered less from respiratory illness compared with the control group (39%
      vs 66%, P<0.001). The rate of early initiation of breastfeeding was also
      significantly higher with nutrition intervention (59.8% vs 37.2%, P<0.001).
      Exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in intervention group
      (59.8% vs 37%, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that weight and
      length gain of LBW babies significantly increased by breastfeeding and nutrition
      education. Therefore, nutrition education on breastfeeding proves to be a strong
      tool to reduce the high risk of malnutrition and mortality of the LBW babies.

PMID- 22085871
TI  - Consuming a diet complying with front-of-pack label criteria may reduce
      cholesterol levels: a modeling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Front-of-pack nutrition labels can help consumers to make
      healthier choices and stimulate healthier product development. This is the first
      modeling study to investigate the potential impact on cholesterol levels of
      consuming a diet consisting of products that comply with the criteria for a
      'healthier choice logo'. SUBJECTS/METHODS: National food consumption and food
      composition data were used to estimate the nutrient intake of the Dutch adult
      population (18-70 years) before and after replacing foods that did not comply
      with the choices front-of-pack label criteria. Different scenarios were
      established. The difference in cholesterol levels in the Dutch population was
      assessed before and after replacement by means of equations from meta-analyses
      that calculate how blood lipids change when diet composition changes. RESULTS:
      After replacing non-complying products with products, which comply with the
      label's criteria (maximum scenario), saturated fatty acids median intake reduced
      from 14.5 to 9.8 en%. Trans-fatty acids reduced from 0.95 to 0.57 en%. The
      average predicted changes in low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels
      were -0.25 and -0.31 mmol/l, respectively. Because high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      cholesterol levels reduced as well (-0.05 mmol/l), overall, the result was a
      slightly positive change in the total cholesterol/HDL ratio (-0.03). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings suggest that the consumption of foods complying with the criteria
      for a front-of-pack label could contribute moderately to cardiovascular risk
      reduction via influencing blood lipids. These findings were independent of other
      potential effects on related health outcomes.

PMID- 22085872
TI  - Effect of folic acid intervention on ALT concentration in hypertensives without
      known hepatic disease: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence suggests that altered
      methionine/folate metabolism may contribute to the development of hepatic injury.
      We addressed the question of whether folic acid (FA) supplementation can affect
      serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in hypertensive Chinese adults.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 480 participants with mild or moderate essential
      hypertension and without known hepatic disease were randomly assigned to three
      treatment groups: (1) enalapril only (10 mg, control group); (2) enalapril-FA
      tablet (10 mg enalapril combined with 0.4 mg of FA, low FA group); and (3)
      enalapril-FA tablet (10 mg enalapril combined with 0.8 mg of FA, high FA group),
      once daily for 8 weeks. RESULTS: This report included 455 participants in the
      final analysis according to the principle of intention to treat. We found a
      significant reduction in ALT level in the high FA group (median (25th percentile,
      75th percentile), -0.6 (-6.9, 2.0)IU/l, P=0.0008). Compared with the control
      group, the high FA group showed a significantly greater ALT-lowering response in
      men (median ALT ratio (ALT at week 8 to ALT at baseline; 25th percentile, 75th
      percentile): 0.93 (0.67, 1.06) vs 1.00 (0.91, 1.21), P=0.032), and in
      participants with elevated ALT (ALT>40 IU/l) at baseline. There was no difference
      in ALT lowering between the control and the low FA group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      with treatment using 10 mg of enalapril alone, a daily dose of 10 mg enalapril
      combined with 0.8 mg of FA showed a beneficial effect on serum ALT level,
      particularly in men and in participants with elevated (>40 IU/l) ALT.

PMID- 22085873
TI  - Paraneoplastic syndrome mimicking adult-onset Still's disease caused by advanced
      lung cancer: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs) are common complications of lung
      cancer and often develop preceding the diagnosis of primary malignancy.
      Rheumatologic PNSs mimicking Adult-Onset Still' s Disease (AOSD) is a rare
      condition with only a limited number of cases reported in the literature, none of
      which was associated with lung cancer. It is often difficult to differentiate
      AOSD-like paraneoplasia from coincidental AOSD based on the clinical
      manifestations. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a 56-year-old man with
      advanced lung adenocarcinoma who developed a remittent fever together with
      pharyngodynia and joint pain after first cycle of chemotherapy with paclitaxel
      plus carboplatin. Although a leukocytosis was detected, no evidence of infection
      was acquired and empirical antibiotic treatment was ineffective. A temple skin
      rash, abnormal hepatic function and a remarkable elevated level of serum ferritin
      occurred later in this patient, which highly supported a potential diagnosis of
      AOSD. The patient was finally diagnosed as AOSD-like PNS considering the good and
      prompt response to a short-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
      drug and subsequent cycles of effective chemotherapy with pemetrexed plus
      cisplatin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Though rare, AOSD-like PNS can be one of
      the potential diagnoses in lung cancer patients with fever of undetermined
      origin, especially those having no response to antibiotic treatment. Management
      consists of control of the underlying malignancy and symptomatic treatment of the
      syndromes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.

PMID- 22085874
TI  - Selective formation of angular tricyclic compounds by ruthenium-mediated ring
      rearrangement metathesis.
AB  - Unsaturated spirocyclic substrates bearing two alkenyl chains underwent ruthenium
      mediated ring-rearrangement metathesis through relaying cyclohexene and
      cycloheptene moieties to give angularly fused tricyclics. In some instances where
      two products were expected, high degrees of selectivity were observed. In one
      instance the structural parameter leading to selectivity was very subtle; in
      others the transformation favoured the formation of products with a cis-fused
      cyclohexene moiety. An unusual transformation involving ring-opening, double-bond
      migration, and then ring-closing was observed.

PMID- 22085875
TI  - Temporal and frontal lobe initiation and regulation of the top-down escalation of
      anger and aggression.
AB  - The widespread, across-species strategy of stagewise escalation of aggression in
      agonistic encounters can be understood in terms of resource capture and control
      with least risk and cost. Human anger likely follows similar principles. As an
      adaptive phenomenon, escalation may involve particular neural circuitry. To
      advance beyond a standard view that the frontal lobe tonically inhibits
      subcortical circuits of aggression, a model is proposed which starts with the
      general rostrally directed flow of information in the brain. Earlier stage
      processing of visual and auditory input is transmitted from posterior and middle
      temporal cortices to anterior temporal lobe where rudimentary appraisals of
      threat and provocation are developed. These directly but diffusely activate
      cortical/subcortical anger/aggression response systems. At the same time, the
      anterior temporal loci transmit the modality-specific perceptual information to
      orbito-frontal cortex where it is integrated with information about, e.g., the
      opponent's relative dominance/social status and evaluated for likelihood of
      potential rewards and punishments associated with different modes of responding
      and so forth. These frontal areas then impose an inhibitory gating or modulation
      and focusing of activity initiated by the anterior temporal loci through their
      projections to GABAergic interneurons in the same cortical/subcortical circuits.
      Escalation occurs as the inhibition imposed by the frontal areas is progressively
      lifted. Exploration of the implications, applications and hypotheses flowing from
      this model will improve our understanding of the biologically important and
      socially significant phenomena of escalation.

PMID- 22085877
TI  - Systemic treatment with the enteric bacterial fermentation product, propionic
      acid, produces both conditioned taste avoidance and conditioned place avoidance
      in rats.
AB  - Propionic acid, an enteric bacterial fermentation product, has received recent
      attention in regards to satiety and obesity in humans. The possibility that
      propionic acid might produce internal aversive cues was investigated in two
      experiments using conditioned taste avoidance and place avoidance procedures to
      index the potential aversive nature of systemic treatment with propionic acid in
      male rats. Experiment 1 examined the effect of systemic treatment with propionic
      acid (500 mg/kg), LiCl (95 mg/kg) or vehicle (all corrected to pH 7.5) on the
      formation of conditioned taste avoidance using a lickometer procedure. On 3
      acquisition days three groups of rats were injected with propionic acid, LiCl or
      vehicle, following 30 min access to 0.3M sucrose solution. Both the Propionic
      acid group and the LiCl group evidenced a conditioned taste avoidance by the end
      of the acquisition period. During a drug free extinction phase the Propionic acid
      group showed extinction of the taste avoidance whereas the LiCl group did not.
      Experiment 2 involved place preference conditioning with propionic acid treatment
      associated with one novel context and vehicle with a different novel context on 6
      conditioning trials for each type of injection. Place avoidance was assessed on
      two drug free extinction trials. Multi-variable assessment of the unconditioned
      (Acquisition Trials) and conditioned effects (Extinction Trials) of propionic
      acid on locomotor activity was quantified as was chamber choice time on the
      extinction trials. Propionic acid induced a significant place avoidance and
      significantly reduced locomotor activity on some acquisition trials. During the
      extinction trials rats exhibited enhanced locomotor activity levels in the
      propionic acid associated chamber, likely due to the conditioned aversive nature
      of this chamber.

PMID- 22085876
TI  - Muscarinic receptor/G-protein coupling is reduced in the dorsomedial striatum of
      cognitively impaired aged rats.
AB  - Behavioral flexibility, the ability to modify responses due to changing task
      demands, is detrimentally affected by aging with a shift towards increased
      cognitive rigidity. The neurobiological basis of this cognitive deficit is not
      clear although striatal cholinergic neurotransmission has been implicated. To
      investigate the possible association between striatal acetylcholine signaling
      with age-related changes in behavioral flexibility, young, middle-aged, and aged
      F344 X Brown Norway F1 rats were assessed using an attentional set-shifting task
      that includes two tests of behavioral flexibility: reversal learning and an extra
      dimensional shift. Rats were also assessed in the Morris water maze to compare
      potential fronto-striatal-dependent deficits with hippocampal-dependent deficits.
      Behaviorally characterized rats were then assessed for acetylcholine muscarinic
      signaling within the striatum using oxotremorine-M-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS
      binding and [(3)H]AFDX-384 receptor binding autoradiography. The results showed
      that by old age, cognitive deficits were pronounced across cognitive domains,
      suggesting deterioration of both hippocampal and fronto-striatal regions. A
      significant decline in oxotremorine-M-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding was
      limited to the dorsomedial striatum of aged rats when compared to young and
      middle-aged rats. There was no effect of age on striatal [(3)H]AFDX-384 receptor
      binding. These results suggest that a decrease in M2/M4 muscarinic receptor
      coupling is involved in the age-associated decline in behavioral flexibility.

PMID- 22085878
TI  - Consequences of early life MK-801 administration: long-term behavioural effects
      and relevance to schizophrenia research.
AB  - Animal models contribute significantly to advancing the understanding of
      schizophrenia neurobiology, in addition to being an important tool for the
      screening of antipsychotic potential of new compounds. However, the entire
      spectrum or all the symptoms manifested in schizophrenia cannot be
      straightforwardly reproduced in animals due to the complexity of the disorder,
      difference in mental capacities and behaviours, and the ability to quantify or
      measure the changes. Blockade of the NMDA receptor by the use of MK-801, a non
      competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, during the early postnatal period has been
      proposed to be an experimental model which induces behavioural changes that mimic
      several aspects of the disorder. The long term behavioural profile arising from
      this early life manipulation is reviewed herein, with a specific focus on
      behaviours relevant to a schizophrenia-like condition. Some of the reported
      neurochemical changes are also compiled. Although this method may be suitable to
      model some aspects of schizophrenia in rodents, there are unmet areas which need
      to be addressed, notably the characterisation of its predictive value.

PMID- 22085879
TI  - Neuropeptide Trefoil factor 3 improves learning and retention of novel object
      recognition memory in mice.
AB  - Accumulating evidence has implicated neuropeptides in modulating recognition,
      learning and memory. However, to date, no study has investigated the effects of
      neuropeptide Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) on the process of learning and memory. In
      the present study, we evaluated the acute effects of TFF3 administration (0.1 and
      0.5mg/kg, i.p.) on the acquisition and retention of object recognition memory in
      mice. We found that TFF3 administration significantly enhanced both short-term
      and long-term memory during the retention test, conducted 90 min and 24h after
      training respectively. Remarkably, acute TFF3 administration transformed a
      learning event that would not normally result in long-term memory into an event
      retained for a long-term period and produced no effect on locomotor activity in
      mice. In conclusion, the present results provide an important role of TFF3 in
      improving object recognition memory and reserving it for a longer time, which
      suggests a potential therapeutic application for diseases with recognition and
      memory impairment.

PMID- 22085880
TI  - Synaptic transmission changes in fear memory circuits underlie key features of an
      animal model of schizophrenia.
AB  - Non-competitive antagonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA) such as
      phencyclidine (PCP) elicit schizophrenia-like symptoms in healthy individuals.
      Similarly, PCP dosing in rats produces typical behavioral phenotypes that mimic
      human schizophrenia symptoms. Although schizophrenic behavioral phenotypes of the
      PCP model have been extensively studied, the underlying alterations of intrinsic
      neuronal properties and synaptic transmission in relevant limbic brain
      microcircuits remain elusive. Acute brain slice electrophysiology and
      immunostaining of inhibitory neurons were used to identify neuronal circuit
      alterations of the amygdala and hippocampus associated with changes in extinction
      of fear learning in rats following PCP treatment. Subchronic PCP application led
      to impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) and marked increases in the ratio of
      NMDA to 2-amino-3(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptor
      mediated currents at lateral amygdala (LA) principal neurons without alterations
      in parvalbumin (PV) as well as non-PV, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD 67)
      immunopositive neurons. In addition, LTP was impaired at the Schaffer collateral
      to CA1 hippocampal pathway coincident with a reduction in colocalized PV and
      GAD67 immunopositive neurons in the CA3 hippocampal area. These effects occurred
      without changes in spontaneous events or intrinsic membrane properties of
      principal cells in the LA. The impairment of LTP at both amygdalar and
      hippocampal microcircuits, which play a key role in processing relevant survival
      information such as fear and extinction memory concurred with a disruption of
      extinction learning of fear conditioned responses. Our results show that
      subchronic PCP administration in rats impairs synaptic functioning in the
      amygdala and hippocampus as well as processing of fear-related memories.

PMID- 22085881
TI  - Impaired egocentric memory and reduced somatosensory cortex size in temporal lobe
      epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis.
AB  - Recent research indicates that longstanding temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is
      associated with extratemporal, i.e. parietal cortex damage. We investigated
      egocentric and allocentric memory by use of first-person large-scale virtual
      reality environments in patients with TLE. We expected that TLE patients with
      parietal cortex damage were impaired in the egocentric memory task. Twenty-two
      TLE patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and 22 TLE patients without HS were
      compared with 42 healthy matched controls on two virtual reality tasks affording
      to learn a virtual park (allocentric memory) and a virtual maze (egocentric
      memory). Participants further received a neuropsychological investigation and MRI
      volumetry at the time of the assessment. When compared with controls, TLE
      patients with HS had significantly reduced size of the ipsilateral and
      contralateral somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus). When compared with
      controls or TLE patients without HS, TLE patients with HS were severely impaired
      learning the virtual maze. Considering all participants, smaller volumes of the
      left-sided postcentral gyrus were related to worse performance on the virtual
      maze. It is concluded that the paradigm of egocentric navigation and learning in
      first-person large-scale virtual environments may be a suitable tool to indicate
      significant extratemporal damage in individuals with TLE.

PMID- 22085882
TI  - 17beta-estradiol replacement in young, adult and middle-aged female
      ovariectomized rats promotes improvement of spatial reference memory and an
      antidepressant effect and alters monoamines and BDNF levels in memory- and
      depression-related brain areas.
AB  - Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that estrogens have a major impact on
      cognition, presenting neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions in regions
      involved in such function. In opposite, some studies indicate that certain
      hormone therapy regimens may provoke detrimental effects over female cognitive
      and neurological function. Therefore, we decided to investigate how estrogen
      treatment would influence cognition and depression in different ages. For that
      matter, this study assessed the effects of chronic 17beta-estradiol treatment
      over cognition and depressive-like behaviors of young (3 months old), adult (7
      months old) and middle-aged (12 months old) reproductive female Wistar rats.
      These functions were also correlated with alterations in the serotonergic system,
      as well as hippocampal BDNF. 17beta-Estradiol treatment did not influence
      animals' locomotor activity and exploratory behavior, but it was able to improve
      the performance of adult and middle-aged rats in the Morris water maze, the
      latter being more responsive to the treatment. Young and adult rats displayed
      decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test, suggesting an effect of
      17beta-estradiol also over such depressive-like behavior. This same test revealed
      increased swimming behavior, triggered by serotonergic pathway, in adult rats.
      Neurochemical evaluations indicated that 17beta-estradiol treatment was able to
      increase serotonin turnover rate in the hippocampus of adult rats. Interestingly,
      estrogen treatment increased BDNF levels from animals of all ages. These findings
      support the notion that the beneficial effects of 17beta-estradiol over spatial
      reference memory and depressive-like behavior are evident only when hormone
      therapy occurs at early ages and early stages of hormonal decline.

PMID- 22085883
TI  - Coping in an intermittent swim stress paradigm compromises natural killer cell
      activity in rats.
AB  - The effects of intermittent swim stress and stressor controllability on natural
      killer cell activity (NKCA) was examined. Significant decreases in splenic NKCA
      were observed immediately post-stress, but only when the stress was controllable.
      Although decreased NKCA was also observed in yoked rats subjected to the same
      stressor, it failed to attain statistical significance. Previous results suggest
      these effects are not due to corticosterone. The results suggest a cost of coping
      on the acute, in vitro immune measure of NKCA.

PMID- 22085884
TI  - What do we know about aging and spatial cognition? Reviews and perspectives.
AB  - In order to cope with normal cognitive aging we must understand the patterns and
      neurofunctional underpinnings of cognitive and behavioral changes throughout
      adulthood. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of
      age-related behavioral differences and changes in brain structure throughout the
      spatial domain. Although spatial cognition is critically important to everyday
      life, few studies have examined the relationship between this cognitive function
      and neural changes in the aged brain. Thus, spatial cognition is considered a key
      area in which the cognitive neuroscience of aging may expand in the near future.
      The first section of this review examines the methodologies and studies used to
      assess differences in spatial cognition during normal cognitive aging in animals
      and humans. We then relate how each domain of spatial cognition (e.g.,
      visuospatial perception, mental imagery, memory and navigation) is affected by
      the aging process, and discuss possible links with changes in neural mechanisms.
      Lastly, we address putative links among the age-related deterioration patterns of
      the various spatial domains and make suggestions for future research.

PMID- 22085886
TI  - Effects of the commensurability and disorder on friction for the system Xe/Cu.
AB  - We present molecular dynamics simulations of static friction for a monolayer of
      Xe deposited on a thick slab of Cu for two different geometries. The interaction
      potential between Xe and Cu has been derived from DFT calculations. The first
      geometry is the commensurate adsorption geometry (?3 * ?3 suggested by LEED,
      corresponding to a coverage 1/3, where all Xe atoms are on top positions. The
      second one corresponds to a coverage 0.36 and is characterized by a large surface
      unit cell, containing 9 Xe atoms in different disordered positions. This large
      unit cell mimics an incommensurate case. Our analysis points out the effect of
      the order/disorder in tribological properties of a realistic three-dimensional
      system.

PMID- 22085885
TI  - Age effect on myocellular remodeling: response to exercise and nutrition in
      humans.
AB  - Aging is associated with decline in muscle mass and muscle functions. Muscle
      strength declines disproportionate to the decline in muscle mass indicating that
      muscle quality or protein quality also declines with age. Human studies have
      shown a progressive decline in muscle protein synthesis including proteins in the
      contractile apparatus and mitochondria with age. However, the decline in muscle
      protein synthesis is disproportionate to the decline in muscle mass that occurs
      with age prompting to hypothesize that muscle protein degradation also declines
      with age. A decline in mitochondrial capacity to synthesize ATP is likely a
      limiting factor of both synthesis and degradation, which are ATP dependent
      processes. In support of the above hypothesis, several studies have shown a
      decline in whole body protein turnover (synthesis and degradation). The timely
      and efficient degradation of irreversibly damaged or modified proteins is
      critical to maintain the quality of protein. It is proposed that a failure to
      degrade the damaged proteins and replacing them with newly synthesized proteins
      contribute to age related decline in muscle mass and quality of muscle proteins.
      The underlying molecular mechanism of these age related changes in human muscle
      needs further investigation.

PMID- 22085887
TI  - Effects of genome-wide copy number variation on expression in mammalian cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is only a limited understanding of the relation between copy
      number and expression for mammalian genes. We fine mapped cis and trans
      regulatory loci due to copy number change for essentially all genes using a human
      hamster radiation hybrid (RH) panel. These loci are called copy number expression
      quantitative trait loci (ceQTLs). RESULTS: Unexpected findings from a previous
      study of a mouse-hamster RH panel were replicated. These findings included
      decreased expression as a result of increased copy number for 30% of genes and an
      attenuated relationship between expression and copy number on the X chromosome
      suggesting an Xist independent form of dosage compensation. In a separate
      glioblastoma dataset, we found conservation of genes in which dosage was
      negatively correlated with gene expression. These genes were enriched in
      signaling and receptor activities. The observation of attenuated X-linked gene
      expression in response to increased gene number was also replicated in the
      glioblastoma dataset. Of 523 gene deserts of size > 600 kb in the human RH panel,
      325 contained trans ceQTLs with -log10 P > 4.1. Recently discovered genes, ultra
      conserved regions, noncoding RNAs and microRNAs explained only a small fraction
      of the results, suggesting a substantial portion of gene deserts harbor as yet
      unidentified functional elements. CONCLUSION: Radiation hybrids are a useful tool
      for high resolution mapping of cis and trans loci capable of affecting gene
      expression due to copy number change. Analysis of two independent radiation
      hybrid panels show agreement in their findings and may serve as a discovery
      source for novel regulatory loci in noncoding regions of the genome.

PMID- 22085888
TI  - EVP-6124, a novel and selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial
      agonist, improves memory performance by potentiating the acetylcholine response
      of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
AB  - EVP-6124, (R)-7-chloro-N-quinuclidin-3-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide, is a
      novel partial agonist of alpha7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
      (nAChRs) that was evaluated here in vitro and in vivo. In binding and functional
      experiments, EVP-6124 showed selectivity for alpha7 nAChRs and did not activate
      or inhibit heteromeric alpha4beta2 nAChRs. EVP-6124 had good brain penetration
      and an adequate exposure time. EVP-6124 (0.3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly restored
      memory function in scopolamine-treated rats (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) in an object
      recognition task (ORT). Although donepezil at 0.1 mg/kg, p.o. or EVP-6124 at 0.03
      mg/kg, p.o. did not improve memory in this task, co-administration of these sub
      efficacious doses fully restored memory. In a natural forgetting test, an ORT
      with a 24 h retention time, EVP-6124 improved memory at 0.3 mg/kg, p.o. This
      improvement was blocked by the selective alpha7 nAChR antagonist
      methyllycaconitine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p. or 10 MUg, i.c.v.). In co-application
      experiments of EVP-6124 with acetylcholine, sustained exposure to EVP-6124 in
      functional investigations in oocytes caused desensitization at concentrations
      greater than 3 nM, while lower concentrations (0.3-1 nM) caused an increase in
      the acetylcholine-evoked response. These actions were interpreted as representing
      a co-agonist activity of EVP-6124 with acetylcholine on alpha7 nAChRs. The
      concentrations of EVP-6124 that resulted in physiological potentiation were
      consistent with the free drug concentrations in brain that improved memory
      performance in the ORT. These data suggest that the selective partial agonist EVP
      6124 improves memory performance by potentiating the acetylcholine response of
      alpha7 nAChRs and support new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of
      cognitive impairment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post
      Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22085889
TI  - Efficacy and safety of a tight glucose control protocol in critically ill term
      neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large single-center randomized trial showed that treating
      hyperglycemia in critically ill children improved outcome, despite an increased
      incidence of hypoglycemia, especially in infants. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the
      efficacy and incidence of hypoglycemia using a tight glucose protocol in
      critically ill term neonates. METHODS: Term hyperglycemic (>8 mmol.l(-1); >144
      mg.dl(-1)) neonates treated with a tight glucose protocol during a 3.5-year
      period in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit were retrospectively analyzed.
      RESULTS: Seventy-three term hyperglycemic neonates [age 0 days (0-6), weight 3.2
      +/- 0.8 kg, PRISM 16 (11-20)] were included for analysis. Eighteen neonates died
      (25%). The initial mean (range) glucose level was 11.1 mmol.l(-1) [9.6-15.2; 200
      mg.dl(-1) (173-274)], and normoglycemia (<8 mmol.l(-1); <144 mg.dl(-1)) was
      reached within 5.3 h (1-25) with an overall treatment duration of 27 h (10-57).
      Seven hypoglycemic incidents (5 times <=2.2 mmol.l(-1); 40 mg.dl(-1), and 2 times
      <1.7 mmol.l(-1); 31 mg.dl(-1)) occurred in 5 (6.7%) infants, without severe
      clinical signs. Three hypoglycemic incidents were directly explained due to a
      protocol violation. One hypoglycemic incident occurred with the onset of sepsis,
      while no apparent cause was identified for three hypoglycemic incidents.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our glucose protocol was effective, but hypoglycemia occurred more
      frequently than in older children reported previously. Potential differences in
      glucose and insulin metabolism in term neonates appear to justify additional
      safety approaches, while awaiting further studies assessing the benefits of tight
      glucose protocols in this population. Meanwhile, we have decreased the initial
      insulin starting doses in our protocol.

PMID- 22085890
TI  - Subterranean termite open-air foraging and tolerance to desiccation: Comparative
      water relation of two sympatric Macrotermes spp. (Blattodea: Termitidae).
AB  - The foraging patterns of termites are strongly related to physiological limits in
      overcoming desiccation stress. In this study, we examined moisture preferences
      and physiological characteristics of Macrotermes carbonarius (Hagen) and M.
      gilvus (Hagen) as both exhibit conspicuous patterns of foraging activity. Despite
      both species showing no significant differences in calculated cuticular
      permeability, and percentage of total body water, they differed greatly in rate
      of water loss and surface area to volume ratio. For example, M. carbonarius which
      had a lower surface area to volume ratio (29.26-53.66) showed lower rate of water
      loss and percentage of total body water loss. This also resulted in higher LT(50)
      when exposed to extreme conditions (~2% RH). However, contrasting observations
      were made in M. gilvus that has smaller size with higher surface area to volume
      ratio of 40.28-69.75. It is likely that the standard equation for calculating
      insect surface areas is inadequate for these termite species. The trend was
      further supported by the result of a moisture preference bioassay that indicated
      M. carbonarius had a broader range of moisture preference (between 5% and 20%)
      than M. gilvus which had a relatively narrow moisture preference (only 20%).
      These results explain why M. carbonarius can tolerate desiccation stress for a
      longer period foraging above-ground in the open air; while M. gilvus only forages
      below ground or concealed within foraging mud tubes.

PMID- 22085893
TI  - Management of bedridden patients during an earthquake in Japan.

PMID- 22085895
TI  - A nonparametric empirical Bayes framework for large-scale multiple testing.
AB  - We propose a flexible and identifiable version of the 2-groups model, motivated
      by hierarchical Bayes considerations, that features an empirical null and a
      semiparametric mixture model for the nonnull cases. We use a computationally
      efficient predictive recursion (PR) marginal likelihood procedure to estimate the
      model parameters, even the nonparametric mixing distribution. This leads to a
      nonparametric empirical Bayes testing procedure, which we call PRtest, based on
      thresholding the estimated local false discovery rates. Simulations and real data
      examples demonstrate that, compared to existing approaches, PRtest's careful
      handling of the nonnull density can give a much better fit in the tails of the
      mixture distribution which, in turn, can lead to more realistic conclusions.

PMID- 22085894
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and
      outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed uterine leiomyosarcoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We assessed the IHC expression of ER and PR and their prognostic
      significance in uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS). METHODS: We identified 43 "high
      grade" uterine LMS cases from 7/82-7/07 for whom ER/PR IHC analysis was performed
      at initial diagnosis at our institution. RESULTS: Disease was confined to the
      uterine body in 20/43 (47%). Eighteen (42%) of 43 were ER(+); 17/42 (41%) were
      PR(+). At last follow-up, 33 (77%) had recurred or progressed, and 23 (54%) had
      died. PR expression was associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS;
      P=0.002) and overall survival (OS; P=0.03) overall; ER expression was not. After
      adjusting for stage, ER expression was associated with PFS (P=0.01), not OS
      (P=0.3), and PR expression maintained a significant association with PFS
      (P=0.002) and approached a significant association with OS (P=0.05). Neither ER
      nor PR expression was associated with outcome in cases with disease outside the
      uterine body. In cases with confined disease, median PFS for ER(+) or PR(+) cases
      was not reached compared to 16.9 months for ER(-) cases (95% CI: 8.1-25.7;
      P=0.03) and 13.5 months for PR(-) cases (95% CI: 5.9-21.1; P=0.001). Only 1/10
      PR(+) cases recurred and died; 9/10 PR(-) cases recurred, and 5 died. Two of 9
      ER(+) cases recurred and died; 8/11 ER(-) cases recurred, and 4 died. CONCLUSION:
      ER/PR expression is associated with survival outcomes in patients with high-grade
      uterine LMS confined to the uterine body. PR expression seems capable of
      identifying cases confined to the uterine body, which have better outcomes.

PMID- 22085897
TI  - Biomarkers in acute heart failure syndromes - are they fulfilling their promise?

PMID- 22085896
TI  - ARSyN: a method for the identification and removal of systematic noise in
      multifactorial time course microarray experiments.
AB  - Transcriptomic profiling experiments that aim to the identification of responsive
      genes in specific biological conditions are commonly set up under defined
      experimental designs that try to assess the effects of factors and their
      interactions on gene expression. Data from these controlled experiments, however,
      may also contain sources of unwanted noise that can distort the signal under
      study, affect the residuals of applied statistical models, and hamper data
      analysis. Commonly, normalization methods are applied to transcriptomics data to
      remove technical artifacts, but these are normally based on general assumptions
      of transcript distribution and greatly ignore both the characteristics of the
      experiment under consideration and the coordinative nature of gene expression. In
      this paper, we propose a novel methodology, ARSyN, for the preprocessing of
      microarray data that takes into account these 2 last aspects. By combining
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) modeling of gene expression values and multivariate
      analysis of estimated effects, the method identifies the nonstructured part of
      the signal associated to the experimental factors (the noise within the signal)
      and the structured variation of the ANOVA errors (the signal of the noise). By
      removing these noise fractions from the original data, we create a filtered data
      set that is rich in the information of interest and includes only the random
      noise required for inferential analysis. In this work, we focus on multifactorial
      time course microarray (MTCM) experiments with 2 factors: one quantitative such
      as time or dosage and the other qualitative, as tissue, strain, or treatment.
      However, the method can be used in other situations such as experiments with only
      one factor or more complex designs with more than 2 factors. The filtered data
      obtained after applying ARSyN can be further analyzed with the appropriate
      statistical technique to obtain the biological information required. To evaluate
      the performance of the filtering strategy, we have applied different statistical
      approaches for MTCM analysis to several real and simulated data sets, studying
      also the efficiency of these techniques. By comparing the results obtained with
      the original and ARSyN filtered data and also with other filtering techniques, we
      can conclude that the proposed method increases the statistical power to detect
      biological signals, especially in cases where there are high levels of structural
      noise. Software for ARSyN is freely available at
      http://www.ua.es/personal/mj.nueda.

PMID- 22085898
TI  - A comparison of ballistic and nonballistic lower-body resistance exercise and the
      methods used to identify their positive lifting phases.
AB  - This study compared differences between ballistic jump squat (B) and nonballistic
      back squat (NB) force, velocity, power, and relative acceleration duration, and
      the effect that the method used to identify the positive lifting phase had on
      these parameters. Ground reaction force and barbell kinematics were recorded from
      30 resistance trained men during B and NB performance with 45% 1RM. Force,
      velocity, and power was averaged over positive lifting phases identified using
      the traditional peak barbell displacement (PD) and positive impulse method. No
      significant differences were found between B and NB mean force, and mean power,
      but B mean velocity was 14% greater than the NB equivalent. Positive impulse mean
      force was 24% greater than PD mean force, and B relative acceleration duration
      was 8.6% greater than the NB equivalent when PD was used to identify the end of
      the positive lifting phase. These results challenge common perceptions of B
      superiority for power development.

PMID- 22085899
TI  - UGT1A1 is a major locus influencing bilirubin levels in African Americans.
AB  - Total serum bilirubin is associated with several clinical outcomes, including
      cardiovascular disease, diabetes and drug metabolism. We conducted a genome-wide
      association study in 619 healthy unrelated African Americans in an attempt to
      replicate reported findings in Europeans and Asians and to identify novel loci
      influencing total serum bilirubin levels. We analyzed a dense panel of over two
      million genotyped and imputed SNPs in additive genetic models adjusting for age,
      sex, and the first two significant principal components from the sample
      covariance matrix of genotypes. Thirty-nine SNPs spanning a 78 kb region within
      the UGT1A1 displayed P-values <5 * 10(-8). The lowest P-value was 1.7 * 10(-22)
      for SNP rs887829. None of SNPs in the UGT1A1 remained statistically significant
      in conditional association analyses that adjusted for rs887829. In addition, SNP
      rs10929302 located in phenobarbital response enhancer module was significantly
      associated with bilirubin level with a P-value of 1.37 * 10(-11); this enhancer
      module is believed to have a critical role in phenobarbital treatment of
      hyperbilirubinemia. Interestingly, the lead SNP, rs887829, is in strong linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) (r(2)>=0.74) with rs10929302. Taking advantage of the lower
      LD and shorter haplotypes in African-ancestry populations, we identified rs887829
      as a more refined proxy for the causative variant influencing bilirubin levels.
      Also, we replicated the reported association between variants in SEMA3C and
      bilirubin levels. In summary, UGT1A1 is a major locus influencing bilirubin
      levels and the results of this study promise to contribute to understanding of
      the etiology and treatment of hyperbilirubinaemia in African-ancestry
      populations.

PMID- 22085900
TI  - Severe intellectual disability and autistic features associated with
      microduplication 2q23.1.
AB  - We report on two patients with developmental delay, hypotonia, and autistic
      features associated with duplications of chromosome region 2q23.1-2q23.2 detected
      by chromosome microarray analysis. The duplications include one OMIM Morbid Map
      gene, MBD5, as well as seven known RefSeq genes (ACVR2A, ORC4L, EPC2, KIF5C,
      MIR1978, LYPD6B, and LYPD6). MBD5 lies in the minimum area of overlap of the
      2q23.1 microdeletion syndrome. This report provides the first detailed clinical
      examination of two individuals with a duplication of this region and suggests
      that brain development and cognitive function may be affected by an increased
      dosage of the genes involved.

PMID- 22085901
TI  - Neolithic patrilineal signals indicate that the Armenian plateau was repopulated
      by agriculturalists.
AB  - Armenia, situated between the Black and Caspian Seas, lies at the junction of
      Turkey, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan and former Mesopotamia. This geographic
      position made it a potential contact zone between Eastern and Western
      civilizations. In this investigation, we assess Y-chromosomal diversity in four
      geographically distinct populations that represent the extent of historical
      Armenia. We find a striking prominence of haplogroups previously implicated with
      the Agricultural Revolution in the Near East, including the J2a-M410-, R1b1b1(*)
      L23-, G2a-P15- and J1-M267-derived lineages. Given that the Last Glacial Maximum
      event in the Armenian plateau occured a few millennia before the Neolithic era,
      we envision a scenario in which its repopulation was achieved mainly by the
      arrival of farmers from the Fertile Crescent temporally coincident with the
      initial inception of farming in Greece. However, we detect very restricted
      genetic affinities with Europe that suggest any later cultural diffusions from
      Armenia to Europe were not associated with substantial amounts of paternal gene
      flow, despite the presence of closely related Indo-European languages in both
      Armenia and Southeast Europe.

PMID- 22085902
TI  - Determination of the real effect of genes identified in GWAS: the example of
      IL2RA in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), although efficient to detect genes
      involved in complex diseases, are not designed to measure the real effect of the
      genes. This is illustrated here by the example of IL2RA in multiple sclerosis
      (MS). Association between IL2RA and MS is clearly established, although the
      functional variation is still unknown: the effect of IL2RA might be better
      described by several SNPs than by a single one. This study investigates whether a
      pair of SNPs better explains the observed linkage and association data than a
      single SNP. In total, 522 trio families and 244 affected sib-pairs were typed for
      26 IL2RA SNPs. For each SNP and pairs of SNPs, the phased genotypes of patients
      and controls were compared to determine the SNP set offering the best risk
      discrimination. Consistency between the genotype risks provided by the retained
      set and the identical by descent allele sharing in affected sib-pairs was
      assessed. After controlling for multiple testing, the set of SNPs rs2256774 and
      rs3118470, provides the best discrimination between the case and control genotype
      distributions (P-corrected=0.009). The relative risk between the least and most
      at-risk genotypes is 3.54 with a 95% confidence interval of [2.14-5.94].
      Furthermore, the linkage information provided by the allele sharing between
      affected sibs is consistent with the retained set (P=0.80) but rejects the SNP
      reported in the literature (P=0.006). Establishing a valid modeling of a disease
      gene is essential to test its potential interaction with other genes and to
      reconstruct the pathophysiological pathways.

PMID- 22085903
TI  - Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with Brugada-like electrocardiography:
      a two dimensional strain imaging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sodium channel blockers augment ST-segment elevation in the right
      precordial leads in patients undergoing Brugada-type electrocardiography (ECG).
      However, their effect on echocardiographic features is not known. We address this
      by assessing global and regional ventricular function using conventional Doppler
      and two- dimensional (2D) speckle tracking techniques. METHODS: Thirty-one
      patients with Brugada-type ECG were studied. A pure sodium channel blocker,
      pilsicainide, was used to provoke an ECG response. The percentage longitudinal
      systolic myocardial strain at the base of both the right ventricular (RV) free
      wall and the interventricular septum wall was measured using 2D speckle tracking.
      Left ventricular (LV) and RV myocardial performance (TEI) indices were also
      measured. RESULTS: The pilsicainide challenge provoked a positive ECG response in
      13 patients (inducible group). In the inducible group, longitudinal strain was
      significantly reduced only at the RV (-27.3 +/- 5.4% vs -22.1 +/- 3.6%, P <
      0.01), and both RV and LV TEI indices increased (RV: 0.19 +/- 0.09 vs 0.27 +/-
      0.11, P < 0.05; LV: 0.30 +/- 0.10 vs 0.45 +/- 0.10, P < 0.01) after pilsicainide
      administration. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal and spatial analysis using the TEI index
      and 2D strain imaging revealed the deterioration of global ventricular function
      associated with conduction disturbance and RV regional function in patients with
      Brugada-type ECG and coved type ST elevation due to administration of a sodium
      channel blocker.

PMID- 22085905
TI  - Comparison of human cardiac gene expression profiles in paired samples of right
      atrium and left ventricle collected in vivo.
AB  - Studies of expressed genes in human heart provide insight into both physiological
      and pathophysiological mechanisms. This is of importance for extended
      understanding of cardiac function as well as development of new therapeutic
      drugs. Heart tissue for gene expression studies is generally hard to obtain,
      particularly from the ventricles. Since different parts of the heart have
      different functions, expression profiles should likely differ between these
      parts. The aim of the study was therefore to compare the global gene expression
      in cardiac tissue from the more accessible auricula of the right atrium to
      expression in tissue from the left ventricle. Tissue samples were collected from
      five men undergoing aortic valve replacement or coronary artery bypass grafting.
      Global gene expression analysis identified 542 genes as differentially expressed
      between the samples extracted from these two locations, corresponding to ~2% of
      the genes covered by the microarray; 416 genes were identified as abundantly
      expressed in right atrium, and 126 genes were abundantly expressed in left
      ventricle. Further analysis of the differentially expressed genes according to
      available annotations, information from curated pathways and known protein
      interactions, showed that genes with higher expression in the ventricle were
      mainly associated with contractile work of the heart. Transcription in biopsies
      from the auricula of the right atrium on the other hand indicated a wider area of
      functions, including immunity and defense. In conclusion, our results suggest
      that biopsies from the auricula of the right atrium may be suitable for various
      genetic studies, but not studies directly related to muscle work.

PMID- 22085904
TI  - Mammary gland morphological and gene expression changes underlying pregnancy
      protection of breast cancer tumorigenesis.
AB  - A full-term pregnancy early in life reduces lifetime risk of developing breast
      cancer, and the effect can be mimicked in rodents by full-term pregnancy or short
      term treatment with exogenous estrogen and progesterone. To gain insight into the
      protective mechanism, 15 3-mo-old postpubertal virgin Lewis rats were randomly
      assigned to three groups: control (C), pregnancy (P), or hormone (H). The P group
      animals underwent a full-term pregnancy, and H group animals were implanted
      subcutaneously with silastic capsules filled with ethynyl estradiol and
      megesterol acetate for 21 days. C and P animals were implanted with sham
      capsules. On day 21 capsules were removed, which was followed by a 49-day
      involution period, euthanasia, and mammary tissue collection. Global gene
      expression was measured using Rat Genome 230.2 Arrays. Histological analysis
      revealed that P and H treatments induced sustained morphological changes in the
      mammary gland with significantly increased percentages of mammary parenchyma and
      stromal tissues and higher ratio of stroma to parenchyma. Transcriptome analysis
      showed that P and H treatments induced sustained global changes in gene
      expression in the mammary gland. Analysis of commonly up- and downregulated genes
      in P and H relative to C treatment showed increased expression of three matrix
      metallopeptidases (Mmp3, 8, and 12), more differentiated mammary phenotype,
      enhanced innate and adaptive immunity, and reduced cell proliferation and
      angiogenic signatures. The sustained morphological and global gene expression
      changes in mammary tissue after pregnancy and hormone treatment may function
      together to provide the protective effect against breast cancer.

PMID- 22085906
TI  - Temporal changes in endometrial gene expression and protein localization of
      members of the IGF family in cattle: effects of progesterone and pregnancy.
AB  - In the study presented, the hypothesis that ligands of the insulin-like growth
      factor (IGF) family, as well as their binding proteins (BPs), are temporally
      regulated and are altered by elevated progesterone (P4) and/or pregnancy was
      tested. Heifers detected in standing estrus following synchronization (n = 210,
      day 0), were artificially inseminated (n = 140) or left as noninseminated cyclic
      controls (n = 70). On day 3, half of each group were randomly assigned to receive
      a P4-releasing intravaginal device resulting in four treatment groups, pregnant
      and cyclic heifers with high and normal P4 concentrations on either day 5, 7, 13,
      or 16 of the estrous cycle/early pregnancy. Quantitative real-time PCR and
      immunohistochemistry were performed on endometrial homogenate and uterine cross
      sections to measure transcript abundance and protein localization respectively (n
      = 5 per treatment per time point). No effect of day, treatment, or their
      interactions was observed for IGF2, IGFBP4, and -5 (P > 0.05). IGF1 and IGFBP6
      expression decreased, while IGF1R and IGFBP2 expression increased (P < 0.05) as
      the days of the cycle or pregnancy progressed. The expression of IGFBP2 was
      increased by elevated P4; in addition, localization of both IGF2 and IGFBP2
      protein in the luminal and superficial glandular epithelium displayed a P4 * day
      interaction. In conclusion it is proposed that decreased IGF1 and IGFBP6
      expression with a coordinate increase in IGF1R and IGFBP2 as the estrous
      cycle/early pregnancy progresses, along with other factors, are required to
      establish a uterine environment that promotes the growth and development of the
      conceptus prior to implantation. In addition, the increased protein abundance of
      both IGF2 and IGFBP2 observed in heifers supplemented with P4 contributes to the
      enhanced conceptus elongation observed in this model.

PMID- 22085907
TI  - Myocardial transcriptome analysis of human arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited
      cardiomyopathy primarily of the right ventricle characterized through fibrofatty
      replacement of cardiomyocytes. The genetic etiology in ARVC patients is most
      commonly caused by dominant inheritance and high genetic heterogeneity. Though
      histological examinations of ARVC-affected human myocardium reveals
      fibrolipomatous replacement, the molecular mechanisms leading to loss of
      cardiomyocytes are largely unknown. We therefore analyzed the transcriptomes of
      six ARVC hearts and compared our findings to six nonfailing donor hearts (NF). To
      characterize the ARVC-specific transcriptome, we compared our findings to samples
      from seven patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The myocardial
      DCM and ARVC samples were prepared from hearts explanted during an orthotopic
      heart transplantation representing myocardium from end-stage heart failure
      patients (NYHA IV). From each heart, left (LV) and right ventricular (RV)
      myocardial samples were analyzed by Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 arrays, adding up
      to six sample groups. Unsupervised cluster analyses of the groups revealed a
      clear separation of NF and cardiomyopathy samples. However, in contrast to the
      other samples, the analyses revealed no distinct expression pattern in LV and RV
      of myocardial ARVC samples. We further identified differentially expressed
      transcripts using t-tests and found transcripts separating diseased and NF
      ventricular myocardium. Of note, in failing myocardium only ~15-16% of the genes
      are commonly regulated compared with NF samples. In addition both
      cardiomyopathies are clearly distinct on the transcriptome level. Comparison of
      the expression patterns between the failing RV and LV using a paired t-test
      revealed a lack of major differences between LV and RV gene expression in ARVC
      hearts. Our study is the first analysis of specific ARVC-related RV and LV gene
      expression patterns in terminal failing human hearts.

PMID- 22085908
TI  - A lateral flow biosensor for detection of nucleic acids with high sensitivity and
      selectivity.
AB  - A lateral flow biosensor based on isothermal strand-displacement polymerase
      reaction and gold nanoparticles has been developed for the visual detection of
      nucleic acids with a detection limit of 0.01 fM.

PMID- 22085909
TI  - The role of a disulfide bridge in the stability and folding kinetics of
      Arabidopsis thaliana cytochrome c(6A).
AB  - Cytochrome c(6A) is a eukaryotic member of the Class I cytochrome c family
      possessing a high structural homology with photosynthetic cytochrome c(6) from
      cyanobacteria, but structurally and functionally distinct through the presence of
      a disulfide bond and a heme mid-point redox potential of +71mV (vs normal
      hydrogen electrode). The disulfide bond is part of a loop insertion peptide that
      forms a cap-like structure on top of the core alpha-helical fold. We have
      investigated the contribution of the disulfide bond to thermodynamic stability
      and (un)folding kinetics in cytochrome c(6A) from Arabidopsis thaliana by making
      comparison with a photosynthetic cytochrome c(6) from Phormidium laminosum and
      through a mutant in which the Cys residues have been replaced with Ser residues
      (C67/73S). We find that the disulfide bond makes a significant contribution to
      overall stability in both the ferric and ferrous heme states. Both cytochromes
      c(6A) and c(6) fold rapidly at neutral pH through an on-pathway intermediate. The
      unfolding rate for the C67/73S variant is significantly increased indicating that
      the formation of this region occurs late in the folding pathway. We conclude that
      the disulfide bridge in cytochrome c(6A) acts as a conformational restraint in
      both the folding intermediate and native state of the protein and that it likely
      serves a structural rather than a previously proposed catalytic role.

PMID- 22085910
TI  - DPOFA, a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger antagonist, stimulates fluid absorption across
      basolateral surface of the retinal pigment epithelium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinal detachment is a disorder of the eye in which sensory retina
      separates from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to accumulation of fluid
      in subretinal space. Pharmacological stimulation of fluid reabsorption from
      subretinal space to choroid across the RPE has been suggested as a treatment
      strategy for retinal detachment. DPOFA, (R)-(+)-(5,6-dichloro 2,3,9,9a-tetrahydro
      3-oxo-9a-propyl-1H-fluoren-7-yl)oxy]acetic acid, is an abandoned drug capable of
      inhibiting Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity. We hypothesized that DPOFA may increase
      fluid absorption across basolateral surface of the RPE. METHODS: Reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of mRNA for six
      different transporters that may act as Cl-/HCO3- exchangers was conducted in
      bovine and human RPE to confirm that RPE from two species expresses the same
      repertoire of Cl-/HCO3- exchanger isoforms. The degree of amino acid homology
      between orthologous human and bovine RPE-specific isoforms was calculated after
      performing protein alignments. Transport of fluid across bovine RPE-choroid
      explants mounted in the Ussing chamber was used to assess the ability of DPOFA to
      modulate fluid absorption across the RPE. RESULTS: Using RT-PCR we showed that
      three isoforms (SLC4A2, SLC4A3, and SLC26A6) are strongly expressed in human and
      bovine RPE preparations. Amino acid comparisons conducted for RPE-specific
      isoforms support the use of bovine RPE-choroid explants as an adequate
      experimental system for assessing fluid absorption activity for DPOFA. Our data
      is consistent with the fact that DPOFA stimulates fluid absorption across the RPE
      in bovine RPE-choroid explants. CONCLUSIONS: DPOFA seems to stimulate transport
      of water across the RPE in bovine RPE-choroid explants. Additional experiments
      are required to establish dose-dependent effect of DPOFA on fluid absorption in
      the bovine RPE-choroid experimental system.

PMID- 22085911
TI  - Sex differences and synchronous development of steroid receptor coactivator-1 and
      synaptic proteins in the hippocampus of postnatal female and male C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - The structure and function including synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus are
      deeply affected by steroids in a sex-dependant manner, these processes are
      believed to be mediated by steroid receptors though their coactivators. Our
      previous studies have reported the developmental profiles of steroid receptor
      coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and PSD-95 in the hippocampus of postnatal female rats and
      the sex-differences of SRC-1 immunoreactivities in the brain of adult mice.
      However, whether there are any sex differences about postnatal development of SRC
      1 and synaptic proteins in the hippocampus remain unclear. In this study, we
      investigated the postnatal profile of SRC-1 and key synaptic protein
      synaptophysin (SYN), PSD-95 and GluR1 in the hippocampus of female and male mice
      using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that in the
      female hippocampus, the highest levels of SRC-1 were detected at P14, SYN and
      GluR1 at P30 and PSD-95 at P60; while in the males, the highest levels of SRC-1,
      SYN and GluR1 were detected at P30, and PSD-95 at P60. Female hippocampus tended
      to have higher levels of SRC-1, SYN and GluR1 before P30 and PSD-95 before P14;
      while male hippocampus have higher levels of PSD-95 at P14, P60 and GluR1 at P0.
      Correlation analysis showed the profiles of SRC-1 were highly correlated with
      each synaptic protein. The above results showed that in the hippocampus, except
      some minor sex differences detected at some time-point examined, females and
      males shared similar postnatal developmental profile and SRC-1 may be deeply
      involved in the regulation of hippocampal synaptogenesis.

PMID- 22085912
TI  - PhyloChipTM microarray comparison of sampling methods used for coral microbial
      ecology.
AB  - Interest in coral microbial ecology has been increasing steadily over the last
      decade, yet standardized methods of sample collection still have not been
      defined. Two methods were compared for their ability to sample coral-associated
      microbial communities: tissue punches and foam swabs, the latter being less
      invasive and preferred by reef managers. Four colonies of star coral, Montastraea
      annularis, were sampled in the Dry Tortugas National Park (two healthy and two
      with white plague disease). The PhyloChipTM G3 microarray was used to assess
      microbial community structure of amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences. Samples
      clustered based on methodology rather than coral colony. Punch samples from
      healthy and diseased corals were distinct. All swab samples clustered closely
      together with the seawater control and did not group according to the health
      state of the corals. Although more microbial taxa were detected by the swab
      method, there is a much larger overlap between the water control and swab samples
      than punch samples, suggesting some of the additional diversity is due to
      contamination from water absorbed by the swab. While swabs are useful for
      noninvasive studies of the coral surface mucus layer, these results show that
      they are not optimal for studies of coral disease.

PMID- 22085913
TI  - Dietary sardine protein lowers insulin resistance, leptin and TNF-alpha and
      beneficially affects adipose tissue oxidative stress in rats with fructose
      induced metabolic syndrome.
AB  - The present study aims at exploring the effects of sardine protein on insulin
      resistance, plasma lipid profile, as well as oxidative and inflammatory status in
      rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. Rats were fed sardine protein (S)
      or casein (C) diets supplemented or not with high-fructose (HF) for 2 months.
      Rats fed the HF diets had greater body weight and adiposity and lower food intake
      as compared to control rats. Increased plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1C,
      triacylglycerols, free fatty acids and impaired glucose tolerance and insulin
      resistance was observed in HF-fed rats. Moreover, a decline in adipose tissues
      antioxidant status and a rise in lipid peroxidation and plasma TNF-alpha and
      fibrinogen were noted. Rats fed sardine protein diets exhibited lower food intake
      and fat mass than those fed casein diets. Sardine protein diets diminished plasma
      insulin and insulin resistance. Plasma triacylglycerol and free fatty acids were
      also lower, while those of alpha-tocopherol, taurine and calcium were enhanced as
      compared to casein diets. Moreover, S-HF diet significantly decreased plasma
      glucose and HbA1C. Sardine protein consumption lowered hydroperoxide levels in
      perirenal and brown adipose tissues. The S-HF diet, as compared to C-HF diet
      decreased epididymal hydroperoxides. Feeding sardine protein diets decreased
      brown adipose tissue carbonyls and increased glutathione peroxidase activity.
      Perirenal and epididymal superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and brown
      catalase activity were significantly greater in S-HF group than in C-HF group.
      Sardine protein diets also prevented hyperleptinemia and reduced inflammatory
      status in comparison with rats fed casein diets. Taken together, these results
      support the beneficial effect of sardine protein in fructose-induced metabolic
      syndrome on such variables as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia
      and oxidative and inflammatory status, suggesting the possible use of sardine
      protein as a protective strategy against insulin resistance and related
      situations.

PMID- 22085915
TI  - Switching ability of nitro-spiropyran on Au(111): electronic structure changes as
      a sensitive probe during a ring-opening reaction.
AB  - Spiropyran is a prototype molecular switch which undergoes a reversible ring
      opening reaction by photoinduced cleavage of a C-O bond in the spiropyran (SP) to
      the merocyanine (MC) isomer. While the electronic states and switching behavior
      are well characterized in solution, adsorption on metal surfaces crucially
      affects these properties. Using two-photon photoemission and scanning tunneling
      spectroscopy, we resolve the molecular energy levels on a Au(111) surface of both
      isomeric forms. Illumination at various wavelengths does not yield any observable
      switching rate, thus evidencing a very small upper limit of the quantum
      efficiency. Electron-induced switching from the SP to the MC isomer via
      generation of a negative ion resonance can be detected with a quantum yield of
      (2.2 +/- 0.2) * 10(-10) events/electron in tunneling spectroscopy. In contrast,
      the back reaction could not be observed. This study reveals that the switching
      properties of surface-bound molecular switches can be very different compared
      with free molecules, reflecting the strong influence of the interaction with the
      metal substrate.

PMID- 22085914
TI  - Combination therapy for renal cell cancer: what are possible options?
AB  - Antiangiogenic therapy has shown promise in the treatment of patients with renal
      cell carcinoma (RCC). Two classes of antiangiogenic drugs, the anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      sorafenib, sunitinib and pazopanib, have shown efficacy in patients with RCC and
      are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of this cancer.
      In practice, the clinical benefit of antiangiogenic drugs in RCC has been
      heterogeneous, and in patients who do respond, benefits are modest and/or short
      lived. To improve efficacy, combination targeted therapy has been attempted, but
      with either very limited additional efficacy or nontolerable toxicities. Recent
      advances in the molecular understanding of tumor angiogenesis and mechanism of
      resistance, along with the rapid development of targeted drug discovery, have
      made it possible to further explore novel combination therapy for RCC.

PMID- 22085916
TI  - Congenital parasitic infections: a review.
AB  - This review defines the concepts of maternal-fetal (congenital) and vertical
      transmissions (mother-to-child) of pathogens and specifies the human parasites
      susceptible to be congenitally transferred. It highlights the epidemiological
      features of this transmission mode for the three main congenital parasitic
      infections due to Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium sp.
      Information on the possible maternal-fetal routes of transmission, the placental
      responses to infection and timing of parasite transmission are synthesized and
      compared. The factors susceptible to be involved in parasite transmission and
      development of congenital parasitic diseases, such as the parasite genotypes, the
      maternal co-infections and parasitic load, the immunological features of pregnant
      women and the capacity of some fetuses/neonates to overcome their immunological
      immaturity to mount an immune response against the transmitted parasites are also
      discussed and compared. Analysis of clinical data indicates that parasitic
      congenital infections are often asymptomatic, whereas symptomatic newborns
      generally display non-specific symptoms. The long-term consequences of congenital
      infections are also mentioned, such as the imprinting of neonatal immune system
      and the possible trans-generational transmission. The detection of infection in
      pregnant women is mainly based on standard serological or parasitological
      investigations. Amniocentesis and cordocentesis can be used for the detection of
      some fetal infections. The neonatal infection can be assessed using
      parasitological, molecular or immunological methods; the place of PCR in such
      neonatal diagnosis is discussed. When such laboratory diagnosis is not possible
      at birth or in the first weeks of life, standard serological investigations can
      also be performed 8-10 months after birth, to avoid detection of maternal
      transmitted antibodies. The specific aspects of treatment of T. gondii, T. cruzi
      and Plasmodium congenital infections are mentioned. The possibilities of primary
      and secondary prophylaxes, as well as the available WHO corresponding
      recommendations are also presented.

PMID- 22085917
TI  - Polysaccharides as building blocks for nanotherapeutics.
AB  - The use of polysaccharides as building blocks in the development of nano-sized
      drug delivery systems is rapidly growing. This can be attributed to the
      outstanding virtues of polysaccharides such as biocompatibility,
      biodegradability, low toxicity and low cost. In addition, the variety of
      physicochemical properties and the ease of chemical modifications enable the
      preparation of a wide array of nanoparticles. This tutorial review describes the
      properties of common polysaccharides, the main mechanisms for polysaccharide
      based-nanoparticles preparation, and provides examples from the conceptual design
      towards pre-clinical and clinical applications.

PMID- 22085918
TI  - Oral cancer awareness among dentists in Kuwait.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess oral cancer awareness among
      dentists in Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted
      among 200 dentists working at the Ministry of Health Dental Centers and Kuwait
      University Dental Center using a structured questionnaire. Dentists' knowledge
      about risk factors of oral cancer and about diagnostic concepts, current
      practices and opinions, preferred point of referral as well as interest in
      continuing education were assessed and the responses were analyzed. RESULTS: Of
      the 200 dentists surveyed, 153 responded (76.5% response rate). The mean
      knowledge score of the respondents was 20.6 +/- 4.0 out of a total score of 30.
      Thirty-five (22.9%) dentists had consistently high knowledge scores for both risk
      factors and diagnostic concepts. Of the 153 dentists, 132 (86.3%) were interested
      in obtaining further information about oral cancer. CONCLUSION: This study
      highlighted the need for improved knowledge and education of dental practitioners
      on oral cancer.

PMID- 22085919
TI  - Bioactive glass-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
AB  - Originally developed to fill and restore bone defects, bioactive glasses are
      currently also being intensively investigated for bone tissue engineering
      applications. In this chapter, we review and discuss current knowledge on porous
      bone tissue engineering scaffolds made from bioactive silicate glasses. A brief
      historical review and the fundamental requirements in the field of bone tissue
      engineering scaffolds will be presented, followed by a detailed overview of
      recent developments in bioactive glass-based scaffolds. In addition, the effects
      of ionic dissolution products of bioactive glasses on osteogenesis and angiogenic
      properties of scaffolds are briefly addressed. Finally, promising areas of future
      research and requirements for the advancement of the field are highlighted and
      discussed.

PMID- 22085920
TI  - Advances in biogas technology.
AB  - Biogas technology has been practiced for over a century and is widely used in
      full-scale facilities in China. However, there are still many technological and
      economic barriers to be overcomed in its applications. Recent advances and multi
      disciplinary cooperations in microbiology, biochemistry, and engineering science
      are bringing new promises of a better understanding and control of the anaerobic
      digestion processes, and thus a renaissance of this technology. In particular,
      great progress in biogas technology has been achieved in China in the approach to
      larger-scale and more widespread applications. This chapter overviews the recent
      advances in biogas technology in China, evaluates the current challenges, and
      discusses the emerging technologies and future perspectives.

PMID- 22085921
TI  - Biodiesel from conventional feedstocks.
AB  - At present, traditional fossil fuels are used predominantly in China, presenting
      the country with challenges that include sustainable energy supply, energy
      efficiency improvement, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2007, China
      issued The Strategic Plan of the Mid-and-Long Term Development of Renewable
      Energy, which aims to increase the share of clean energy in the country's energy
      consumption to 15% by 2020 from only 7.5% in 2005. Biodiesel, an important
      renewable fuel with significant advantages over fossil diesel, has attracted
      great attention in the USA and European countries. However, biodiesel is still in
      its infancy in China, although its future is promising. This chapter reviews
      biodiesel production from conventional feedstocks in the country, including
      feedstock supply and state of the art technologies for the transesterification
      reaction through which biodiesel is made, particularly the enzymatic catalytic
      process developed by Chinese scientists. Finally, the constraints and
      perspectives for China's biodiesel development are highlighted.

PMID- 22085922
TI  - Adaptive changes in renal mitochondrial redox status in diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - Nephropathy is a serious and common complication of diabetes. In the
      streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rat model of diabetes, nephropathy does not
      typically develop until 30 to 45days post-injection, although hyperglycemia
      occurs within 24h. We tested the hypothesis that chronic hyperglycemia results in
      a modest degree of oxidative stress that is accompanied by compensatory changes
      in certain antioxidants and mitochondrial redox status. We propose that as
      kidneys progress to a state of diabetic nephropathy, further adaptations occur in
      mitochondrial redox status. Basic parameters of renal function in vivo and
      several parameters of mitochondrial function and glutathione (GSH) and redox
      status in isolated renal cortical mitochondria from STZ-treated and age-matched
      control rats were examined at 30days and 90days post-injection. While there was
      no effect of diabetes on blood urea nitrogen, measurement of other, more
      sensitive parameters, such as urinary albumin and protein, and histopathology
      showed significant and progressive worsening in diabetic rats. Thus, renal
      function is compromised even prior to the onset of frank nephropathy. Changes in
      mitochondrial respiration and enzyme activities indicated existence of a
      hypermetabolic state. Higher mitochondrial GSH content and rates of GSH transport
      into mitochondria in kidneys from diabetic rats were only partially due to
      changes in expression of mitochondrial GSH carriers and were mostly due to higher
      substrate supply. Although there are few clear indicators of oxidative stress,
      there are several redox changes that occur early and change further as
      nephropathy progresses, highlighting the complexity of the disease.

PMID- 22085923
TI  - Postoperative analysis of patients who received the Universal 2 total wrist
      implant system.
AB  - Third-generation total wrist arthroplasty devices have provided joint stability,
      relief from pain and increased wrist motion for patients suffering from severe
      arthritis. While reports of clinical follow-up appointments describe improved
      wrist function, the improvement in overall upper extremity function and patient
      perception remains a question. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess
      the upper extremity function in patients that received the Universal 2 total
      implant system. Eight patients participated in the complete protocol, which
      included testing activities of daily living as well as surveys to assess patient
      perception. The findings of the current study suggest that although patients
      exhibit motion that exceeds the needed amount, many still have a perceived
      disability.

PMID- 22085924
TI  - Culturing INS-1 cells on CDPGYIGSR-, RGD- and fibronectin surfaces improves
      insulin secretion and cell proliferation.
AB  - Rat insulinoma cells (INS-1), an immortalized pancreatic beta cell line, were
      cultured on low-fouling carboxymethyl-dextran (CMD) layers bearing fibronectin,
      the tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) or CDPGYIGSR, a laminin nonapeptide. INS-1 cells
      were non-adherent on CMD and RGE but adhered to fibronectin- and peptide-coated
      CMD surfaces and to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). On CMD bearing fibronectin
      and the peptides, INS-1 cells showed higher glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
      compared to those on TCPS, bare CMD and RGE. INS-1 cells experienced a net cell
      growth, with the lowest found after 7 days on CMD and the highest on fibronectin.
      Similarly, cells on RGD and CDPGYIGSR showed lower net growth rates than those on
      fibronectin. Expression of E-cadherin and integrins alphavbeta3 and alpha5 were
      similar between the conditions, except for alpha5 expression on fibronectin, RGD
      and CDPGYIGSR. Larger numbers of Ki-67-positive cells were found on CDPGYIGSR,
      TCPS, fibronectin and RGD. Cells in all conditions expressed Pdx1.

PMID- 22085925
TI  - Remineralization of artificial dentinal caries lesions by biomimetically modified
      mineral trioxide aggregate.
AB  - Fluoride-releasing restorative materials are available for remineralization of
      enamel and root caries. However, remineralization of dentin is more difficult
      than remineralization of enamel due to the paucity of apatite seed crystallites
      along the lesion surface for heterogeneous crystal growth. Extracellular matrix
      proteins play critical roles in controlling apatite nucleation/growth in
      collagenous tissues. This study examined the remineralization efficacy of mineral
      trioxide aggregate (MTA) in phosphate-containing simulated body fluid (SBF) by
      incorporating polyacrylic acid and sodium tripolyphosphate as biomimetic analogs
      of matrix proteins for remineralizing caries-like dentin. Artificial caries-like
      dentin lesions incubated in SBF were remineralized over a 6 week period using MTA
      alone or MTA containing biomimetic analogs in the absence or presence of dentin
      adhesive application. Lesion depths and integrated mineral loss were monitored
      with microcomputed tomography. The ultrastructure of baseline and remineralized
      lesions was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Dentin remineralization
      was best achieved using MTA containing biomimetic analogs regardless of whether
      an adhesive was applied; dentinal tubules within the remineralized dentin were
      occluded by apatite. It is concluded that the version of MTA employed in this
      study may be doped with biomimetic analogs for remineralization of unbonded and
      bonded artificial caries-like lesions in the presence of SBF.

PMID- 22085926
TI  - Wnt1/betacatenin injury response activates the epicardium and cardiac fibroblasts
      to promote cardiac repair.
AB  - Wnts are required for cardiogenesis but the role of specific Wnts in cardiac
      repair remains unknown. In this report, we show that a dynamic Wnt1/betacatenin
      injury response activates the epicardium and cardiac fibroblasts to promote
      cardiac repair. Acute ischaemic cardiac injury upregulates Wnt1 that is initially
      expressed in the epicardium and subsequently by cardiac fibroblasts in the region
      of injury. Following cardiac injury, the epicardium is activated organ-wide in a
      Wnt-dependent manner, expands, undergoes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      to generate cardiac fibroblasts, which localize in the subepicardial space. The
      injured regions in the heart are Wnt responsive as well and Wnt1 induces cardiac
      fibroblasts to proliferate and express pro-fibrotic genes. Disruption of
      downstream Wnt signalling in epicardial cells decreases epicardial expansion, EMT
      and leads to impaired cardiac function and ventricular dilatation after cardiac
      injury. Furthermore, disruption of Wnt/betacatenin signalling in cardiac
      fibroblasts impairs wound healing and decreases cardiac performance as well.
      These findings reveal that a pro-fibrotic Wnt1/betacatenin injury response is
      critically required for preserving cardiac function after acute ischaemic cardiac
      injury.

PMID- 22085928
TI  - Regulation of p53 stability and function by the deubiquitinating enzyme USP42.
AB  - The p53 tumour suppressor protein is a transcription factor that prevents
      oncogenic progression by activating the expression of apoptosis and cell-cycle
      arrest genes in stressed cells. The stability of p53 is tightly regulated by
      ubiquitin-dependent degradation, driven mainly by the ubiquitin ligase MDM2. In
      this study, we have identified USP42 as a DUB that interacts with and
      deubiquitinates p53. USP42 forms a direct complex with p53 and controls level of
      ubiquitination during the early phase of the response to a range of stress
      signals. Although we do not find a clear role for USP42 in controlling either the
      basal or fully activated levels of p53, the function of USP42 is required to
      allow the rapid activation of p53-dependent transcription and a p53-dependent
      cell-cycle arrest in response to stress. These functions of USP42 are likely to
      contribute to the repair and recovery of cells from mild or transient damage.

PMID- 22085929
TI  - MYBPH, a transcriptional target of TTF-1, inhibits ROCK1, and reduces cell
      motility and metastasis.
AB  - Cell migration driven by actomyosin filament assembly is a critical step in
      tumour invasion and metastasis. Herein, we report identification of myosin
      binding protein H (MYBPH) as a transcriptional target of TTF-1 (also known as
      NKX2-1 and TITF1), a master regulator of lung development that also plays a role
      as a lineage-survival oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma development. MYBPH
      inhibited assembly competence-conferring phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory
      light chain (RLC) as well as activating phosphorylation of LIM domain kinase
      (LIMK), unexpectedly through its direct physical interaction with Rho kinase 1
      (ROCK1) rather than with RLC. Consequently, MYBPH inhibited ROCK1 and negatively
      regulated actomyosin organization, which in turn reduced single cell motility and
      increased collective cell migration, resulting in decreased cancer invasion and
      metastasis. Finally, we also show that MYBPH is epigenetically inactivated by
      promoter DNA methylation in a fraction of TTF-1-positive lung adenocarcinomas,
      which appears to be in accordance with its deleterious functions in lung
      adenocarcinoma invasion and metastasis, as well as with the paradoxical
      association of TTF-1 expression with favourable prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma
      patients.

PMID- 22085927
TI  - Human tRNA genes function as chromatin insulators.
AB  - Insulators help separate active chromatin domains from silenced ones. In yeast,
      gene promoters act as insulators to block the spread of Sir and HP1 mediated
      silencing while in metazoans most insulators are multipartite autonomous
      entities. tDNAs are repetitive sequences dispersed throughout the human genome
      and we now show that some of these tDNAs can function as insulators in human
      cells. Using computational methods, we identified putative human tDNA insulators.
      Using silencer blocking, transgene protection and repressor blocking assays we
      show that some of these tDNA-containing fragments can function as barrier
      insulators in human cells. We find that these elements also have the ability to
      block enhancers from activating RNA pol II transcribed promoters.
      Characterization of a putative tDNA insulator in human cells reveals that the
      site possesses chromatin signatures similar to those observed at other better
      characterized eukaryotic insulators. Enhanced 4C analysis demonstrates that the
      tDNA insulator makes long-range chromatin contacts with other tDNAs and ETC sites
      but not with intervening or flanking RNA pol II transcribed genes.

PMID- 22085930
TI  - Insights into ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme/ co-activator interactions from the
      structure of the Pex4p:Pex22p complex.
AB  - Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) coordinate distinct types of ubiquitination
      via specific E3 ligases, to a large number of protein substrates. While many E2
      enzymes need only the presence of an E3 ligase for substrate ubiquitination, a
      number of E2s require additional, non-canonical binding partners to specify their
      function. Here, we have determined the crystal structure and function of an E2/co
      activator assembly, the Pex4p:Pex22p complex. The peroxisome-associated E2 enzyme
      Pex4p binds the peroxisomal membrane protein Pex22p through a binding site that
      does not overlap with any other known interaction interface in E2 enzymes. Pex22p
      association enhances Pex4p's ability to transfer ubiquitin to a substrate in
      vitro, and Pex22p binding-deficient forms of Pex4p are unable to ubiquitinate the
      peroxisomal import receptor Pex5p in vivo. Our data demonstrate that the
      Pex4p:Pex22p assembly, and not Pex4p alone, functions as the E2 enzyme required
      for Pex5p ubiquitination, establishing a novel mechanism of E2 enzyme regulation.

PMID- 22085931
TI  - Optimal functional levels of activation-induced deaminase specifically require
      the Hsp40 DnaJa1.
AB  - The enzyme activation-induced deaminase (AID) deaminates deoxycytidine at the
      immunoglobulin genes, thereby initiating antibody affinity maturation and isotype
      class switching during immune responses. In contrast, off-target DNA damage
      caused by AID is oncogenic. Central to balancing immunity and cancer is AID
      regulation, including the mechanisms determining AID protein levels. We describe
      a specific functional interaction between AID and the Hsp40 DnaJa1, which
      provides insight into the function of both proteins. Although both major
      cytoplasmic type I Hsp40s, DnaJa1 and DnaJa2, are induced upon B-cell activation
      and interact with AID in vitro, only DnaJa1 overexpression increases AID levels
      and biological activity in cell lines. Conversely, DnaJa1, but not DnaJa2,
      depletion reduces AID levels, stability and isotype switching. In vivo, DnaJa1
      deficient mice display compromised response to immunization, AID protein and
      isotype switching levels being reduced by half. Moreover, DnaJa1 farnesylation is
      required to maintain, and farnesyltransferase inhibition reduces, AID protein
      levels in B cells. Thus, DnaJa1 is a limiting factor that plays a non-redundant
      role in the functional stabilization of AID.

PMID- 22085932
TI  - UCP2 regulates energy metabolism and differentiation potential of human
      pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - It has been assumed, based largely on morphologic evidence, that human
      pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) contain underdeveloped, bioenergetically inactive
      mitochondria. In contrast, differentiated cells harbour a branched mitochondrial
      network with oxidative phosphorylation as the main energy source. A role for
      mitochondria in hPSC bioenergetics and in cell differentiation therefore remains
      uncertain. Here, we show that hPSCs have functional respiratory complexes that
      are able to consume O(2) at maximal capacity. Despite this, ATP generation in
      hPSCs is mainly by glycolysis and ATP is consumed by the F(1)F(0) ATP synthase to
      partially maintain hPSC mitochondrial membrane potential and cell viability.
      Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) plays a regulating role in hPSC energy metabolism by
      preventing mitochondrial glucose oxidation and facilitating glycolysis via a
      substrate shunting mechanism. With early differentiation, hPSC proliferation
      slows, energy metabolism decreases, and UCP2 is repressed, resulting in decreased
      glycolysis and maintained or increased mitochondrial glucose oxidation. Ectopic
      UCP2 expression perturbs this metabolic transition and impairs hPSC
      differentiation. Overall, hPSCs contain active mitochondria and require UCP2
      repression for full differentiation potential.

PMID- 22085933
TI  - FGF signalling inhibits neural induction in human embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can exit the self-renewal programme, through
      the action of signalling molecules, at any given time and differentiate along the
      three germ layer lineages. We have systematically investigated the specific roles
      of three signalling pathways, TGFbeta/SMAD2, BMP/SMAD1, and FGF/ERK, in promoting
      the transition of hESCs into the neuroectoderm lineage. In this context,
      inhibition of SMAD2 and ERK signalling served to cooperatively promote exit from
      hESC self-renewal through the rapid downregulation of NANOG and OCT4. In
      contrast, inhibition of SMAD1 signalling acted to maintain SOX2 expression and
      prevent non-neural differentiation via HAND1. Inhibition of FGF/ERK upregulated
      OTX2 that subsequently induced the neuroectodermal fate determinant PAX6,
      revealing a novel role for FGF2 in indirectly repressing PAX6 in hESCs. Combined
      inhibition of the three pathways hence resulted in highly efficient neuroectoderm
      formation within 4 days, and subsequently, FGF/ERK inhibition promoted rapid
      differentiation into peripheral neurons. Our study assigns a novel, biphasic role
      to FGF/ERK signalling in the neural induction of hESCs, which may also have
      utility for applications requiring the rapid and efficient generation of
      peripheral neurons.

PMID- 22085935
TI  - [When the brain fails].
AB  - Dementia is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Assessment and diagnosis
      largely take place in the primary health service. Should it be like that?

PMID- 22085934
TI  - The structural basis of Edc3- and Scd6-mediated activation of the Dcp1:Dcp2 mRNA
      decapping complex.
AB  - The Dcp1:Dcp2 decapping complex catalyses the removal of the mRNA 5' cap
      structure. Activator proteins, including Edc3 (enhancer of decapping 3), modulate
      its activity. Here, we solved the structure of the yeast Edc3 LSm domain in
      complex with a short helical leucine-rich motif (HLM) from Dcp2. The motif
      interacts with the monomeric Edc3 LSm domain in an unprecedented manner and
      recognizes a noncanonical binding surface. Based on the structure, we identified
      additional HLMs in the disordered C-terminal extension of Dcp2 that can interact
      with Edc3. Moreover, the LSm domain of the Edc3-related protein Scd6 competes
      with Edc3 for the interaction with these HLMs. We show that both Edc3 and Scd6
      stimulate decapping in vitro, presumably by preventing the Dcp1:Dcp2 complex from
      adopting an inactive conformation. In addition, we show that the C-terminal HLMs
      in Dcp2 are necessary for the localization of the Dcp1:Dcp2 decapping complex to
      P-bodies in vivo. Unexpectedly, in contrast to yeast, in metazoans the HLM is
      found in Dcp1, suggesting that details underlying the regulation of mRNA
      decapping changed throughout evolution.

PMID- 22085936
TI  - [Biomarkers of dementia].
AB  - Advances are constantly being made in research on biomarkers, but dementia ought
      still to be a clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 22085937
TI  - [Where did I put my eyeglasses?].

PMID- 22085938
TI  - [Multidisciplinary treatment in stroke].

PMID- 22085939
TI  - [Fear paralysis in Oslo University Hospital?].

PMID- 22085940
TI  - [Something to learn from--something to learn more from?].

PMID- 22085942
TI  - [New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer disease].

PMID- 22085943
TI  - Physical exertion may cause high troponin levels.
AB  - It is important to measure troponin levels when acute myocardial infarct is
      suspected. Many other factors that affect the heart can cause an increase in
      troponin levels, for example extreme physical exertion. Recent studies have shown
      that more normal physical activity can also lead to increase in troponin levels
      in healthy individuals.

PMID- 22085944
TI  - [Engagement against nuclear weapons].

PMID- 22085945
TI  - [Too good to be true].

PMID- 22085946
TI  - Commercialization  of organs.
AB  - The traders are on their way. We should allow the sale of organs. A strictly
      regulated market for organs can ensure a fair distribution of organs and proper
      treatment of the donor. Is this true?

PMID- 22085947
TI  - Low prevalence  of Mycoplasma genitalium in patients examined for Chlamydia
      trachomatis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in Mycoplasma genitalium as a sexually
      transmissible pathogen. The clinical picture resembles that of Chlamydia
      trachomatis infection, but the natural course has not yet been well defined.
      There are no guidelines regarding who should be examined for M. genitalium. Most
      of the prevalence studies have been carried out in patients attending clinics for
      sexually transmissible diseases. We have examined the prevalence in samples sent
      from general practice requesting analysis for C. trachomatis. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: During the period October 1 to December 31 2010, all samples sent to
      Molde Hospital, Norway, that queried C. trachomatis were examined also for M.
      genitalum. Both agents were examined using real time PCR. The PCR for C.
      trachomatis was performed using a CE labelled and IVD approved method from Roche.
      The PCR for M. genitalium was performed using an in-house method where the target
      gene is GAP. RESULT: A total of 950 patients were examined (Men n=225, women
      n=725). The prevalences of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis were 2.0 % and 10.0 %
      respectively (men 4.0 % and 15.1 %, women 1.4 % and 8.4 %). CONCLUSION: Because
      of the low prevalence, we recommend selection of patients for examination for M.
      genitalium. The difference in prevalence between the sexes can reflect different
      indications for sample taking.

PMID- 22085948
TI  - [Biomarkers in spinal fluid of patients with dementia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: We wanted to assess whether biomarkers abeta42, tau and p-tau could
      differentiate between Alzheimer's disease and other dementia illnesses. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Following systematic Pubmed searches, 25 articles which reported
      sensitivity and specificity for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias were
      included. RESULTS: Most studies showed significant differences for all three
      markers between Alzheimer's disease and other dementia illnesses, except abeta42
      which did not differ between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
      Alzheimer's disease was distinguished from vascular dementia with sensitivities
      and specificities 77 % - 87 % and 62-80 % (abeta42); 79-100 % and 14-100 % (tau);
      and 78-80 % and 63-96 % (p-tau181). Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy
      bodies were differentiated by tau and p-tau181 with sensitivities and
      specificities of 72-94 % and 53-92 %, and of 68-85 % and 61-85 %. Markers
      separated Alzheimer's disease from frontal lobe dementia with sensitivities and
      specificities of 37-91 % and 59-92 % (abeta42), 58-88 % and 68-92 % (tau) and 44
      91 % and 79-100 % (p-tau181). INTERPRETATION: Methodological weaknesses impede
      the interpretation. CSF markers are not yet sufficient to differentiate between
      Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

PMID- 22085949
TI  - Cardiotoxic  effects of trastuzumab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer with overexpression of the HER2 receptor is an
      aggressive type of breast cancer with poor prognosis. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is
      a monoclonal antibody that binds to the HER2 receptor on the cell surface
      blocking the signals that promote cell-growth proliferation. Trastuzumab
      treatment has almost halved the risk of relapse, when given as an adjuvant, and
      has improved the overall survival in metastatic breast cancer. However, when
      given alone or in combination with cardiotoxic chemotherapy, especially
      anthracyclines, trastuzumab may lead to congestive heart failure of varying
      severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article is a non-systematic review of
      articles from clinical trails, basic research, and recommendations by Norwegian
      and international expert panels. RESULTS: The cardiotoxic effects of trastuzumab
      and anthracycline in combination were already reported in the pivotal trials.
      Over ten years of research have revealed the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity with
      trastuzumab. Risk factors have been identified and recommendations drawn up for
      cardiac surveillance and treatment of patients with signs of heart failure. By
      following these recommendations the incidence of heart failure is reduced to
      approximately five per cent of treated patients. CONCLUSION: In summary, the
      favourable effects of trastuzumab are convincing, but cardiotoxicity is a
      significant challenge in treatment. Risk factors for side effects indicate extra
      vigilance, but the side effects are unpredictable and all patients treated with
      trastuzumab must undergo regular cardiac surveillance.

PMID- 22085950
TI  - [Glaucoma following lightning].

PMID- 22085951
TI  - [Drug treatment of depression in children and adolescents].
AB  - Antidepressants may increase suicidal behaviour in children and  adolescents with
      depression, and should be used with great care. The  article provides an overview
      of research that may guide the clinician  when treating depression in young
      people. No medication should be  given without a thorough evaluation of diagnoses
      and psychosocial  problems. Psychoeducation and psychotherapy should be tried
      before  medication is started. Fluoxetine is the first choice for depression.  If
      it is not effective, a switch to another SSRI may prove effective.  SSRIs are
      found to be more efficacious in adolescents than in children.

PMID- 22085952
TI  - [Young girl with abscesses in the face].
AB  - Skin and soft tissue infections are most often caused by Staphylococcus  aureus
      or various species of streptococcus. This case report summarizes  the clinical
      features, diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcome  of a facial infection
      presenting as multiple abscesses in a young  and otherwise healthy girl. Nocardia
      brasiliensis was recovered  from abscess aspiration, and treatment failure was
      eventually recognized  for the recommended empirical antibiotic treatment, broad
      spectrum  antibiotics and surgery.

PMID- 22085953
TI  - [A slow growing bacteria].

PMID- 22085954
TI  - Orthopaedic  surgeons in the pocket of the industry.
AB  - The development of new orthopaedic products depends on a close cooperation
      between orthopaedic surgeons and the industry. However, in recent years a number
      of cases of financial collusion between the industry and parts of the
      professional orthopaedic environment in the US have been exposed. This has
      highlighted the question of the extent to which orthopaedic-related research and
      development may have been influenced by inappropriate financial incentives.

PMID- 22085955
TI  - The Memory Clinic--outpatient assessment when dementia is suspected.
AB  - The patients who are assessed at Oslo University Hospital's Memory Clinic are
      young--half of them are under 65 years of age. Most are suffering from mild
      cognitive impairment or dementia at a very early phase while others come to get a
      second opinion. The assessment takes 2 - 3 hours and is conducted by a doctor and
      a nurse. It includes a clinical investigation, cognitive testing, an MRI scan
      with measurement of the medial temporal lobes, a lumbar puncture and single
      photon-emission tomography (SPECT of the brain).

PMID- 22085958
TI  - Fetal calf serum heat inactivation and lipopolysaccharide contamination influence
      the human T lymphoblast proteome and phosphoproteome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of fetal calf serum (FCS) heat inactivation and bacterial
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination on cell physiology have been studied, but
      their effect on the proteome of cultured cells has yet to be described. This
      study was undertaken to investigate the effects of heat inactivation of FCS and
      LPS contamination on the human T lymphoblast proteome. Human T lymphoblastic
      leukaemia (CCRF-CEM) cells were grown in FCS, either non-heated, or heat
      inactivated, having low (< 1 EU/mL) or regular (< 30 EU/mL) LPS concentrations.
      Protein lysates were resolved by 2-DE followed by phospho-specific and silver
      nitrate staining. Differentially regulated spots were identified by nano LC ESI Q
      TOF MS/MS analysis. RESULTS: A total of four proteins (EIF3M, PRS7, PSB4, and
      SNAPA) were up-regulated when CCRF-CEM cells were grown in media supplemented
      with heat inactivated FCS (HE) as compared to cells grown in media with non
      heated FCS (NHE). Six proteins (TCPD, ACTA, NACA, TCTP, ACTB, and ICLN) displayed
      a differential phosphorylation pattern between the NHE and HE groups. Compared to
      the low concentration LPS group, regular levels of LPS resulted in the up
      regulation of three proteins (SYBF, QCR1, and SUCB1). CONCLUSION: The present
      study provides new information regarding the effect of FCS heat inactivation and
      change in FCS-LPS concentration on cellular protein expression, and post
      translational modification in human T lymphoblasts. Both heat inactivation and
      LPS contamination of FCS were shown to modulate the expression and
      phosphorylation of proteins involved in basic cellular functions, such as protein
      synthesis, cytoskeleton stability, oxidative stress regulation and apoptosis.
      Hence, the study emphasizes the need to consider both heat inactivation and LPS
      contamination of FCS as factors that can influence the T lymphoblast proteome.

PMID- 22085959
TI  - Transcranial direct current stimulation--update 2011.
AB  - Non-invasive brain stimulation with weak direct currents (transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS)) has emerged as one of the major tools to induce
      neuroplastic cortical excitability alterations in humans since its (re-)
      introduction to the arsenal of plasticity-inducing brain stimulation tools. In
      this review, we gather newly emerged knowledge about the effect of tDCS on brain
      function in both, basic and applied research. This overview will deliver an
      update of the last two years of research, because especially during this time
      numerous important studies were published covering the above-mentioned fields.

PMID- 22085960
TI  - A master CLOCK hard at work brings rhythm to the transcriptome.
AB  - In this issue of Genes & Development, Abruzzi et al. (pp. 2374-2386) use
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) tiling array assays (ChIP-chip) to show that
      physical interactions between circadian (?24-h) clock machineries and genomes are
      more widespread than previously thought and provide novel insights into how
      clocks drive daily rhythms in global gene expression.

PMID- 22085961
TI  - Competition for cofactor-dependent DNA binding underlies Hox phenotypic
      suppression.
AB  - Hox transcription factors exhibit an evolutionarily conserved functional
      hierarchy, termed phenotypic suppression, in which the activity of posterior Hox
      proteins dominates over more anterior Hox proteins. Using directly regulated Hox
      targeted reporter genes in Drosophila, we show that posterior Hox proteins
      suppress the activities of anterior ones by competing for cofactor-dependent DNA
      binding. Furthermore, we map a motif in the posterior Hox protein Abdominal-A
      (AbdA) that is required for phenotypic suppression and facilitates cooperative
      DNA binding with the Hox cofactor Extradenticle (Exd). Together, these results
      suggest that Hox-specific motifs endow posterior Hox proteins with the ability to
      dominate over more anterior ones via a cofactor-dependent DNA-binding mechanism.

PMID- 22085962
TI  - An ARL3-UNC119-RP2 GTPase cycle targets myristoylated NPHP3 to the primary
      cilium.
AB  - The membrane of the primary cilium is a highly specialized compartment that
      organizes proteins to achieve spatially ordered signaling. Disrupting ciliary
      organization leads to diseases called ciliopathies, with phenotypes ranging from
      retinal degeneration and cystic kidneys to neural tube defects. How proteins are
      selectively transported to and organized in the primary cilium remains unclear.
      Using a proteomic approach, we identified the ARL3 effector UNC119 as a binding
      partner of the myristoylated ciliopathy protein nephrocystin-3 (NPHP3). We mapped
      UNC119 binding to the N-terminal 200 residues of NPHP3 and found the interaction
      requires myristoylation. Creating directed mutants predicted from a structural
      model of the UNC119-myristate complex, we identified highly conserved
      phenylalanines within a hydrophobic beta sandwich to be essential for myristate
      binding. Furthermore, we found that binding of ARL3-GTP serves to release
      myristoylated cargo from UNC119. Finally, we showed that ARL3, UNC119b (but not
      UNC119a), and the ARL3 GAP Retinitis Pigmentosa 2 (RP2) are required for NPHP3
      ciliary targeting and that targeting requires UNC119b myristoyl-binding activity.
      Our results uncover a selective, membrane targeting GTPase cycle that delivers
      myristoylated proteins to the ciliary membrane and suggest that other
      myristoylated proteins may be similarly targeted to specialized membrane domains.

PMID- 22085963
TI  - Maelstrom coordinates microtubule organization during Drosophila oogenesis
      through interaction with components of the MTOC.
AB  - The establishment of body axes in multicellular organisms requires accurate
      control of microtubule polarization. Mutations in Drosophila PIWI-interacting RNA
      (piRNA) pathway genes often disrupt the axes of the oocyte. This results from the
      activation of the DNA damage checkpoint factor Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) due to
      transposon derepression. A piRNA pathway gene, maelstrom (mael), is critical for
      the establishment of oocyte polarity in the developing egg chamber during
      Drosophila oogenesis. We show that Mael forms complexes with microtubule
      organizing center (MTOC) components, including Centrosomin, Mini spindles, and
      gammaTubulin. We also show that Mael colocalizes with alphaTubulin and
      gammaTubulin to centrosomes in dividing cyst cells and follicle cells. MTOC
      components mislocalize in mael mutant germarium and egg chambers, leading to
      centrosome migration defects. During oogenesis, the loss of mael affects oocyte
      determination and induces egg chamber fusion. Finally, we show that the axis
      specification defects in mael mutants are not suppressed by a mutation in mnk,
      which encodes a Chk2 homolog. These findings suggest a model in which Mael serves
      as a platform that nucleates other MTOC components to form a functional MTOC in
      early oocyte development, which is independent of Chk2 activation and DNA damage
      signaling.

PMID- 22085964
TI  - Drosophila CLOCK target gene characterization: implications for circadian tissue
      specific gene expression.
AB  - CLOCK (CLK) is a master transcriptional regulator of the circadian clock in
      Drosophila. To identify CLK direct target genes and address circadian
      transcriptional regulation in Drosophila, we performed chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) tiling array assays (ChIP-chip) with a number of
      circadian proteins. CLK binding cycles on at least 800 sites with maximal binding
      in the early night. The CLK partner protein CYCLE (CYC) is on most of these
      sites. The CLK/CYC heterodimer is joined 4-6 h later by the transcriptional
      repressor PERIOD (PER), indicating that the majority of CLK targets are regulated
      similarly to core circadian genes. About 30% of target genes also show cycling
      RNA polymerase II (Pol II) binding. Many of these generate cycling RNAs despite
      not being documented in prior RNA cycling studies. This is due in part to
      different RNA isoforms and to fly head tissue heterogeneity. CLK has specific
      targets in different tissues, implying that important CLK partner proteins and/or
      mechanisms contribute to gene-specific and tissue-specific regulation.

PMID- 22085965
TI  - Heat shock reduces stalled RNA polymerase II and nucleosome turnover genome-wide.
AB  - Heat shock rapidly induces expression of a subset of genes while globally
      repressing transcription, making it an attractive system to study alterations in
      the chromatin landscape that accompany changes in gene regulation. We
      characterized these changes in Drosophila cells by profiling classical low-salt
      soluble chromatin, RNA polymerase II (Pol II), and nucleosome turnover dynamics
      at single-base-pair resolution. With heat shock, low-salt-soluble chromatin and
      stalled Pol II levels were found to decrease within gene bodies, but no overall
      changes were detected at transcriptional start sites. Strikingly, nucleosome
      turnover decreased genome-wide within gene bodies upon heat shock in a pattern
      similar to that observed with inhibition of Pol II elongation, especially at
      genes involved in the heat-shock response. Relatively high levels of nucleosome
      turnover were also observed throughout the bodies of genes with paused Pol II.
      These observations suggest that down-regulation of transcription during heat
      shock involves reduced nucleosome mobility and that this process has evolved to
      promote heat-shock gene regulation. Our ability to precisely map both nucleosomal
      and subnucleosomal particles directly from low-salt-soluble chromatin extracts to
      assay changes in the chromatin landscape provides a simple general strategy for
      epigenome characterization.

PMID- 22085966
TI  - The H/ACA RNP assembly factor SHQ1 functions as an RNA mimic.
AB  - SHQ1 is an essential assembly factor for H/ACA ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) required
      for ribosome biogenesis, pre-mRNA splicing, and telomere maintenance. SHQ1 binds
      dyskerin/NAP57, the catalytic subunit of human H/ACA RNPs, and this interaction
      is modulated by mutations causing X-linked dyskeratosis congenita. We report the
      crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of yeast SHQ1, Shq1p, and its complex
      with yeast dyskerin/NAP57, Cbf5p, lacking its catalytic domain. The C-terminal
      domain of Shq1p interacts with the RNA-binding domain of Cbf5p and, through
      structural mimicry, uses the RNA-protein-binding sites to achieve a specific
      protein-protein interface. We propose that Shq1p operates as a Cbf5p chaperone
      during RNP assembly by acting as an RNA placeholder, thereby preventing Cbf5p
      from nonspecific RNA binding before association with an H/ACA RNA and the other
      core RNP proteins.

PMID- 22085967
TI  - Reconstitution and structural analysis of the yeast box H/ACA RNA-guided
      pseudouridine synthase.
AB  - Box H/ACA ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) mediate pseudouridine synthesis,
      ribosome formation, and telomere maintenance. The structure of eukaryotic H/ACA
      RNPs remains poorly understood. We reconstituted functional Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae H/ACA RNPs with recombinant proteins Cbf5, Nop10, Gar1, and Nhp2 and a
      two-hairpin H/ACA RNA; determined the crystal structure of a Cbf5, Nop10, and
      Gar1 ternary complex at 1.9 A resolution; and analyzed the structure-function
      relationship of the yeast complex. Although eukaryotic H/ACA RNAs have a
      conserved two-hairpin structure, isolated single-hairpin RNAs are also active in
      guiding pseudouridylation. Nhp2, unlike its archaeal counterpart, is largely
      dispensable for the activity, reflecting a functional adaptation of eukaryotic
      H/ACA RNPs to the variable RNA structure that Nhp2 binds. The N-terminal
      extension of Cbf5, a hot spot for dyskeratosis congenita mutation, forms an extra
      structural layer on the PUA domain. Gar1 is distinguished from the assembly
      factor Naf1 by containing a C-terminal extension that controls substrate turnover
      and the Gar1-Naf1 exchange during H/ACA RNP maturation. Our results reveal
      significant novel features of eukaryotic H/ACA RNPs.

PMID- 22085969
TI  - A facile and efficient strategy for photoelectrochemical detection of cadmium
      ions based on in situ electrodeposition of CdSe clusters on TiO2 nanotubes.
AB  - An efficient protocol for selective and sensitive detection of Cd(2+) was first
      developed based on photocurrents obtained at CdSe clusters which are in situ
      electrodeposited on TiO(2) nanotubes with the gradual addition of Cd(2+), with
      theoretical and technical simplicity, and further successfully applied to an
      assay of Cd(2+) in tap and lake water samples.

PMID- 22085968
TI  - Evidence for evolutionary convergence at MHC in two broadly distributed
      mesocarnivores.
AB  - Variation within major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is important in
      recognizing pathogens and initiating an immune response. These genes are relevant
      in enhancing our understanding of how species cope with rapid environmental
      changes and concomitant fluctuations in selective pressures such as invasive,
      infectious diseases. Disease-based models suggest that diversity at MHC is
      maintained through balancing selection arising from the coevolution of hosts and
      pathogens. Despite intensive balancing selection, sequence motifs or even
      identical MHC alleles can be shared across multiple species; three potential
      mechanisms have been put forth to explain this phenomenon: common ancestry,
      convergent evolution, and random chance. To understand the processes that
      maintain MHC similarity across divergent species, we examined the variation at
      two orthologous MHC-DRB genes in widespread North American Musteloid species,
      striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and raccoons (Procyon lotor). These species
      are often sympatric and exposed to a similar suite of diseases (e.g., rabies,
      canine distemper, and parvovirus). Given their exposure to similar selective
      pressures from pathogens, we postulated that similar DRB alleles may be present
      in both species. Our results indicated that similar motifs are present within
      both species, at functionally relevant polymorphic sites. However, based on
      phylogenetic analyses that included previously published MHC sequences of several
      closely related carnivores, the respective MHC-DRB alleles do not appear to have
      been maintained through common ancestry and unlikely through random chance.
      Instead, the similarities observed between the two mesocarnivore species may
      rather be due to evolutionary convergence.

PMID- 22085970
TI  - Triggering the production of the cryptic blue pigment indigoidine from
      Photorhabdus luminescens.
AB  - The production of the blue pigment indigoidine has been achieved in the
      entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens by a promoter exchange and in
      Escherichia coli following heterologous expression of the biosynthesis gene indC.
      Moreover, genes involved in the regulation of this previously "silent"
      biosynthesis gene cluster have been identified in P. luminescens.

PMID- 22085971
TI  - 1,3-Propanediol production and tolerance of a halophilic fermentative bacterium,
      Halanaerobium saccharolyticum subsp. saccharolyticum.
AB  - 1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) is widely used in polymer industry in production of
      polyethers, polyesters and polyurethanes. In this article, a study on 1,3-PD
      production and tolerance of Halanaerobium saccharolyticum subsp. saccharolyticum
      is presented. 1,3-PD production was optimized for temperature, vitamin B(12) and
      acetate concentration. The highest 1,3-PD concentrations and yields (0.6 mol/mol
      glycerol) were obtained at vitamin B12 concentration 64 MUg/l and an inverse
      correlation between 1,3-PD and hydrogen production was observed with varying
      vitamin B12 concentrations. In the studied temperature range and initial acetate
      concentrations up to 10 g/l, no significant variations were observed in 1,3-PD
      production. High initial acetate (29-58 g/l) was observed to cause slight
      decrease in 1,3-PD concentrations produced but no effects on 1,3-PD yields
      (mol/mol glycerol). Initial 1,3-PD concentrations inhibited the growth of H.
      saccharolyticum subsp. saccharolyticum. When initial 1,3-PD concentration was
      raised from 1g/l to 57 g/l, a decrease of 12% to 75%, respectively, in the
      highest optical density was observed.

PMID- 22085972
TI  - Apoptosis-inducing factor is involved in gentamicin-induced vestibular hair cell
      death.
AB  - AIM: Vestibular hair cell loss in response to different stimuli may be
      attributable to the occurrence of apoptosis, in which apoptosis-inducing factor
      (AIF) is an important regulator mediating apoptotic process independent of
      caspases. This study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of AIF
      in gentamicin (GM)-induced vestibular hair cell death. METHODS: Vestibular organs
      from postnatal day 3 or 4 rats were maintained in tissue culture and were exposed
      to 2 mg/ml GM for up to 72 h. Vestibular hair cell viability was quantified by
      MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. AIF activation was
      examined by RT-PCR. The expressions of the mitochondrial protein and cytoplasm
      protein of AIF were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: GM could significantly
      inhibit the cell viability of vestibular hair cells in a dose- and time-dependent
      manner. The number of apoptotic cells treated with GM was higher than that of
      cells not treated with GM. RT-PCR showed upregulation of AIF mRNA under GM.
      Western blot showed that AIF from mitochondria was decreased, whereas AIF from
      cytoplasm was increased after GM exposure. CONCLUSIONS: AIF participates in GM
      induced apoptosis of vestibular hair cells.

PMID- 22085973
TI  - High-resolution phonon study of the Ag(100) surface.
AB  - Using high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy the phonon dispersion of
      Ag(100) has been studied at two different sample temperatures of 86 and 300 K.
      The dominant feature in the spectra corresponds to the Rayleigh wave. Its full
      dispersion is determined along the GammaX high symmetry direction in the first
      and second Brillouin zones. The Rayleigh phonon maximum at the X point shows a
      redshift with increasing temperature. This is explained based on a surface
      anharmonicity with an anharmonicity constant of 0.014, comparable to the value
      reported for Cu(100). In the vicinity of the Gamma point two additional phonon
      features have been discovered at about 110 and 160 cm(-1), which are tentatively
      assigned to high density of states features from the bulk phonon bands. However,
      the observed steep dispersion is in contrast to theoretical calculations. Along
      GammaX two surface resonance branches have been observed with maximum frequencies
      in the range of 90-110 cm(-1) near to the zone boundary. These branches agree
      with helium atom scattering data where available, but are not predicted by
      theory.

PMID- 22085976
TI  - Fluorescence detection of single guest molecules in ultrasmall droplets of
      nonpolar solvent.
AB  - We have investigated emissive behaviours of individual perylenebisimide
      derivatives, N,N'-dipropyl-1,6,7,12-tetrakis(4-tert-butylphenoxy)-3,4,9,10
      perylenetetra-carboxydiimide (BP-PDI), in single ultrasmall droplets of n-octane
      at room temperature by using confocal and wide-field microscopic techniques.
      Single BP-PDIs in the small droplets show no distinguishable blinking in the time
      courses of fluorescence intensity. This is attributed to small probabilities of
      the formation of the long-lived ionized state leading to the off-state of the
      fluorescence. Temporal change in the degree of polarization of fluorescence and
      wide-field fluorescence images indicated short-time adsorption of the fluorescent
      molecules at the interfaces between n-octane and watery environments.
      Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy revealed that the adsorption/desorption
      processes took place at least in two different time scales, probably due to the
      difference in the adsorption geometry and/or in the interaction, such as van der
      Waals interaction and hydrogen bonding, between the dye and the interface.

PMID- 22085975
TI  - Disentangling the myriad genomics of complex disorders, specifically focusing on
      autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
AB  - Analyses of structural genome variation by array-CGH have dramatically enhanced
      our ability to detect copy number variations (CNVs). De novo CNVs and those co
      segregating with disease in a family are generally interpreted as pathogenic.
      Yet, often CNVs, such as recurrent microdeletions in region 15q13.3, are not so
      clearly pathogenic. Here we discuss potential confounding mechanisms that may
      lead to the phenotypic pleiotropy of CNVs, such as unmasking of recessive alleles
      by hemizygous deletions, interaction of CNVs with other loci and genes, genetic
      epistasis, allelic exclusion, and somatic mosaicism. We illustrate some of these
      mechanisms with a detailed analysis of recent studies of CNVs involving MCPH1,
      AUTS2, CNTNAP2, and mutations in GRIN2B. Next we discuss the clinical
      ramifications of these findings and urge workers to avoid 'diagnostic fatalism'
      (i.e., halting all genetic investigation after the detection of a single CNV) and
      address some of the future challenges likely to result from implementations of
      next generation sequencing techniques.

PMID- 22085974
TI  - TLR9 ligand CpG-ODN applied to the injured mouse cornea elicits retinal
      inflammation.
AB  - During bacterial and viral infections, unmethylated CpG-DNA released by
      proliferating and dying microbes is recognized by toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 in
      host cells, initiating innate immune responses. Many corneal infections occur
      secondary to epithelial breaches and represent a major cause of vision impairment
      and blindness globally. To mimic this clinical situation, we investigated
      mechanisms of TLR9 ligand-induced corneal inflammation in mice after epithelial
      debridement. Application of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) resulted in
      neutrophil and macrophage infiltration to the cornea and loss of transparency. By
      6 hours after CpG-ODN administration, TLR9 mRNA was increased in the cornea and
      retina. In vivo clinical examination at 24 hours revealed inflammatory
      infiltrates in the vitreous and retina, which were confirmed ex vivo to be
      neutrophils and macrophages, along with activated resident microglia. CpG-ODN
      induced intraocular inflammation was abrogated in TLR9(-/-) and macrophage
      depleted mice. Bone marrow reconstitution of irradiated TLR9(-/-) mice with
      TLR9(+/+) bone marrow led to restored corneal inflammatory responses to CpG-ODN.
      Fluorescein isothiocyanate-CpG-ODN rapidly penetrated the cornea and ocular media
      to reach the retina, where it was present within CD68(+) retinal macrophages and
      microglia. These data show that topically applied CpG-ODN induces intraocular
      inflammation owing to TLR9 activation of monocyte-lineage cells. These novel
      findings indicate that microbial CpG-DNA released during bacterial and/or viral
      keratitis can cause widespread inflammation within the eye, including the retina.

PMID- 22085977
TI  - Reduced expression of FXYD domain containing ion transport regulator 5 in
      association with hypertension.
AB  - Experimental evidence indicates that hypertension is a multifactorial disorder
      and that the products of several genes may contribute to its development. The aim
      of this study was to investigate the expression of hypertension-related genes in
      spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs). A microarray screening for hypertension
      related genes was conducted in SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats using total-RNA
      extracted from second-order mesenteric arteries and kidneys. The FXYD5 mRNA
      expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was silenced by RNA
      interference (RNAi). Meanwhile, the FXYD5 mRNA overexpression in renal tubular
      epithelial cells (RTECs) was induced by the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)
      FXYD5. The expression of FXYD5 mRNA was found to be 14.8-fold lower in SHR rats
      compared to that in WKY rats (P<0.01). The levels of FXYD5 mRNA expression were
      the highest in kidneys of SHR 13-week-old rats when the blood pressure reached
      the highest levels. The down-regulated FXYD5 mRNA expression inhibited the
      migration of smooth muscle cells (P<0.01) and cell membrane Na+-K+-ATPase
      activity (P<0.01). Up-regulated FXYD5 mRNA expression enhanced the renal tubular
      epithelial cell membrane Na+-K+-ATPase activity (P<0.05) and cell proliferation
      (P<0.05). FXYD5 is related to the migration of smooth muscle cells and cell
      membrane Na+-K+-ATPase activity in rodents. The results of the present study
      suggest that FXYD5 may have profound impact on the regulation of blood pressure,
      and that this gene may be a potential target for anti-hypertensive therapy.

PMID- 22085978
TI  - Effects of a 5-h hilly running on ankle plantar and dorsal flexor force and
      fatigability.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the effects of a 5-h hilly run on ankle plantar (PF)
      and dorsal flexor (DF) force and fatigability. It was hypothesised that DF
      fatigue/fatigability would be greater than PF fatigue/fatigability. Eight male
      trail long distance runners (42.5 +/- 5.9 years) were tested for ankle PF and DF
      maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction strength and fatigue resistance tests
      (percent decrement score), maximal voluntary and electrically evoked isometric
      contraction strength before and after the run. Maximal EMG root mean square
      (RMS(max)) and mean power frequency (MPF) values of the tibialis anterior (TA),
      gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL) EMG activity were calculated. The
      peak torque of the potentiated high- and low-frequency doublets and the ratio of
      paired stimulation peak torques at 10 Hz over 100 Hz (Db10:100) were analysed for
      PF. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength of PF decreased from pre- to
      post-run (-17.0 +/- 6.2%; P < 0.05), but no significant decrease was evident for
      DF (-7.9 +/- 6.2%). Maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction strength and fatigue
      resistance remained unchanged for both PF and DF. RMS(max) SOL during maximal
      voluntary isometric contraction and RMS(max) TA during maximal voluntary
      isokinetic contraction were decreased (P < 0.05) after the run. For MPF, a
      significant decrease for TA (P < 0.05) was found and the ratio Db10:100 decreased
      for PF (-6.5 +/- 6.0%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, significant isometric strength
      loss was only detected for PF after a 5-h hilly run and was partly due to low
      frequency fatigue. This study contradicted the hypothesis that neuromuscular
      alterations due to prolonged hilly running are predominant for DF.

PMID- 22085979
TI  - The effect of pedalling cadence on maximal accumulated oxygen deficit.
AB  - Pedalling cadence influences the oxygen demand and the tolerable duration of
      severe intensity cycle ergometer exercise. Both of these variables are factors in
      the calculation of maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), which is a widely
      accepted measure of anaerobic capacity. We were therefore interested in
      determining whether pedalling cadence affected the value of MAOD. Eighteen
      university students performed square wave cycling tests, using cadences of 60,
      80, and 100 rev min(-1), at work rates selected to cause exhaustion in ~5 min.
      The oxygen demands for the tests were estimated by extrapolation from the steady
      state oxygen uptake in two 4-min moderate intensity bouts performed using each
      cadence, and were greater at higher cadences. Times to exhaustion were shorter at
      higher cadences (368 +/- 168 s at 60 rev min(-1) > 299 +/- 118 s at 80 rev min(
      1) > 220 +/- 85 s at 100 rev min(-1)). These factors conflated to produce values
      for MAOD that were not affected by cadence (52 +/- 5 ml kg(-1) = 52 +/- 5 ml kg(
      1) = 52 +/- 5 ml kg(-1)). Similarly, the blood lactate concentrations measured 5
      min post-exercise were not affected by the pedalling cadence (10.5 +/- 2.1 mM =
      10.8 +/- 1.0 mM = 10.7 +/- 2.0 mM). Although muscle contraction frequency
      influences many exercise responses, we conclude that the expression of anaerobic
      capacity is not affected by the choice of pedalling cadence.

PMID- 22085980
TI  - NF-kappaB signaling in prostate cancer: a promising therapeutic target?
AB  - Prostate carcinoma (PCa) displays a wide variety of genetic alterations,
      versatile expression profiles as well as cell surface markers. Despite this
      heterogeneity, a common treatment for advanced PCa is androgen deprivation
      therapy (ADT). ADT targets the androgen receptor-a member of the nuclear receptor
      superfamily-which is required for development and function of the prostate and
      critical for PCa growth and survival. After an initial regression of the tumor
      during ADT, a large fraction of tumors progress to so-called castration-resistant
      prostate carcinoma (CRPca) which is highly resistant toward chemotherapy. The
      ensuing high mortality rates illustrate the importance of novel therapeutic
      targets for CRPCa. The transcription factor NF-kappaB was recently proposed as
      such a potential target for therapeutic intervention in CRPCa. Although NF-kappaB
      is essential for the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity recent data
      suggest a role of NF-kappaB in cancer initiation and progression. However, the
      exact function of NF-kappaB signaling in PCa is still a matter of debate. Here,
      we review known roles of NF-kappaB signaling in PCa and emphasize the crosstalk
      of NF-kappaB and androgen receptor signaling. Finally, we discuss potential
      therapeutic relevance of blocking NF-kappaB in PCa.

PMID- 22085981
TI  - Multiple outcomes and multiple sources of evidence: best statistical practices.

PMID- 22085982
TI  - Choosing methods to minimize confounding in observational studies: do the ends
      justify the means?

PMID- 22085983
TI  - Interventions for modern times: complex, collaborative, and culturally
      appropriate.

PMID- 22085984
TI  - Impact of prehospital electrocardiogram protocol and immediate catheterization
      team activation for patients with ST-elevation-myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22085985
TI  - Creating "turbo" accountable care organizations for time-critical diagnoses.

PMID- 22085986
TI  - Statistical analysis of noncommensurate multiple outcomes.
AB  - Many studies collect multiple outcomes to characterize treatment effectiveness or
      evaluate risk factors. These outcomes tend to be correlated because they are
      measuring related quantities in the same individuals, but the common approach
      used by researchers is to ignore this correlation and analyze each outcome
      separately. There may be advantages to consider the simultaneous analysis of the
      outcomes using multivariate methods. Although the joint analysis of outcomes
      measured in the same scale (commensurate outcomes) can be undertaken with
      standard statistical methods, outcomes measured in different scales
      (noncommensurate outcomes), such as mixed binary and continuous outcomes, present
      more difficult challenges. In this article, we contrast some statistical
      approaches to analyze noncommensurate multiple outcomes. We discuss the
      advantages of a multivariate method for the analysis of noncommensurate outcomes,
      including situations of missing data. A real data example from a clinical trial,
      comparing bare-metal with sirolimus-eluting stents, is used to illustrate the
      differences between the statistical approaches.

PMID- 22085987
TI  - Bayesian hierarchical modeling and the integration of heterogeneous information
      on the effectiveness of cardiovascular therapies.
AB  - When making therapeutic decisions for an individual patient or formulating
      treatment guidelines on a population level, it is often necessary to utilize
      information arising from different study designs, settings, or treatments. In
      clinical practice, heterogeneous information is frequently synthesized
      qualitatively, whereas in comparative effectiveness research and guideline
      development, it is imperative that heterogeneous data are integrated
      quantitatively and in a manner that accurately captures the true uncertainty in
      the results. Bayesian hierarchical modeling is a technique that utilizes all
      available information from multiple sources and naturally yields a revised
      estimate of the treatment effect associated with each source. A hierarchical
      model consists of multiple levels (ie, a hierarchy) of probability distributions
      that represent relationships between information arising within single
      populations or trials, as well as relationships between information arising from
      different populations or trials. We describe the structure of Bayesian
      hierarchical models and discuss their advantages over simpler models when
      multiple information sources are relevant. Two examples are presented that
      illustrate this technique: a meta-analysis of immunosuppressive therapy in
      idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and a subgroup analysis of the National
      Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen
      Activator Stroke Trial.

PMID- 22085988
TI  - Tackling heart disease at the global level: implications of the United Nations'
      statement on the prevention and control of noncommunicable disease.

PMID- 22085989
TI  - Risk factors for injuries in alpine skiing, telemark skiing and snowboarding-
      case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alpine skiing and snowboarding have a substantial risk of injuries,
      but precise risk factor estimates are limited. Objective To determine the risk
      factors among skiers and snowboarders. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS:
      Ski patrols reported cases (N=3277) in eight major Norwegian alpine resorts.
      Injury type and risk factors (age, gender, nationality, skill level, equipment,
      helmet use, ski school attendance, rented or own equipment) were recorded. An
      uninjured control group (N=2992) was obtained at the same resorts. A multivariate
      logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between
      individual risk factors and risk of injury. RESULTS: The overall injury risk was
      increased among beginners (OR 2.72; 2.12 to 3.47), children (OR 1.72; 1.41 to
      2.13), adolescents (OR 2.16; 1.72 to 2.66) and non-Nordic skiers (OR 1.80; 1.37
      to 2.36). Snowboarders had a higher overall injury risk than skiers (OR 2.11;
      1.81 to 2.46). Alpine skiers (OR 2.65; 1.47 to 4.80), beginners (OR 2.50; 1.61 to
      3.85), children (OR 11.1; 6.7 to 20.0) and adolescents (OR 4.17; 2.44 to 7.14)
      were prone to lower leg fractures. Knee injuries occurred more frequently among
      alpine skiers (OR 1.82; 1.39 to 2.38), females (OR 1.67; 1.38 to 2.03) and
      beginners (OR 3.13; 2.50 to 3.85). Males (OR 1.85; 1.45 to 2.38), telemark skiers
      (OR 1.70; 1.30 to 2.23), children (OR 2.22; 1.37 to 3.57) and adults (OR 1.64;
      1.11 to 2.37) had an increased risk for shoulder injuries. CONCLUSIONS:
      Snowboarders, beginners, children and adolescents had an increased injury risk.

PMID- 22085990
TI  - Mechanisms of injuries in World Cup Snowboard Cross: a systematic video analysis
      of 19 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Snowboard cross (SBX) became an official Olympic sport in 2006. This
      discipline includes manoeuvring several obstacles while competing in heats. It is
      common for the riders to collide, making this sport both exciting and at risk of
      injuries. Although a recent study from the 2010 Olympic Games has shown that the
      injury risk was high, little is known about the injury mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To
      qualitatively describe the injury situation and mechanism of injuries in World
      Cup Snowboard Cross. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive video analysis. METHODS: Nineteen
      video recordings of SBX injuries reported through the International Ski
      Federation Injury Surveillance System for four World Cup seasons (2006 to 2010)
      were obtained. Five experts in the field of sports medicine, snowboard and
      biomechanics performed analyses of each case to describe the injury mechanism in
      detail (riding situation and rider behaviour). RESULTS: Injuries occurred at
      jumping (n=13), bank turning (n=5) or rollers (n=1). The primary cause of the
      injuries was a technical error at take-off resulting in a too high jump and
      subsequent flat-landing. The rider was then unable to recover leading to fall at
      the time of injury. Injuries at bank turn was characterised by a pattern where
      the rider in a balanced position lost control due to unintentional contact with
      another rider. CONCLUSION: Jumping appeared to be the most challenging obstacle
      in SBX, where a technical error at take-off was the primary cause of the
      injuries. The second most common inciting event was unintentional board contact
      between riders at bank turning.

PMID- 22085991
TI  - Protein-polymer nanoreactors for medical applications.
AB  - Major challenges that confront nanoscience in medicine today include the
      development of efficacious therapies with minimum side effects, diagnostic
      methods featuring significantly higher sensitivities and selectivities, and
      personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for theragnostic approaches. With these
      goals in mind, combining biological molecules and synthetic carriers/templates,
      such as polymer supramolecular assemblies, represents a very promising strategy.
      In this critical review, we present protein-polymer systems as reaction spaces at
      the nano-scale in which the enzymatic reactions take place inside polymer
      supramolecular assembly, at its interface with the environment or in a
      combination of both. The location of the protein(s) with respect to the polymer
      assembly generates a diversity of systems ranging from nanoreactors to active
      enzymatic polymer surfaces. We describe these both in terms of general modelling
      and addressing the specific conditions and requirements related to the medical
      domain. We will particularly present protein-polymer nanoreactors that provide
      protected spaces for enzymatic reactions. We also show how polymer supramolecular
      structures, such as micelles, capsules, dendrimers and vesicles, can accommodate
      sensitive biomolecules to mimic natural systems and functions, and to serve as
      avenues for new medical approaches. Even though not yet on the market, we will
      emphasize possible applications of protein-polymer systems that generate reaction
      nanospaces-as novel ways to advanced medicine (264 references).

PMID- 22085992
TI  - Tityus zulianus venom induces massive catecholamine release from PC12 cells and
      in a mouse envenomation model.
AB  - Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in Venezuela, mainly produced by
      Tityus discrepans (TD) and Tityus zulianus (TZ). Accidents by these two species
      differ clinically. Thus, TZ envenomation is associated with high mortality in
      children due to cardiopulmonary disorders, as a result of, excessive amounts of
      plasma catecholamines (Epinephrine) release from adrenal medulla, probably via
      the voltage-gated sodium-channel activated by specific scorpion toxins. This Epi
      release is, in part responsible, for some of the envenomation clinical
      consequences, resembling those described for patients presenting catecholamine
      releasing tumors (pheochromocytoma). In this work, BALB/c mice and rat
      pheochromocytoma-derived PC12 cells were used to provide in vivo and in vitro
      models, respectively, on which the basis for the TZ-mediated catecholamine
      release mechanism could be elucidated. In mice, TZ venom increased, at 1h post
      injection, the Epi plasma levels in 4000%, which remained elevated for 24h. A
      significant rise in plasma levels of the catecholamine catabolite 3-Methoxy-4
      Hydroxy-Phenyl-Glycol (MHPG) was also observed. In [(3)H]dopamine-loaded PC12
      cells, TZ venom potentiated the carbamylcholine (CC)-mediated release of
      [(3)H]dopamine, as shown by the leftward shift in the CC-dose-response curves.
      Moreover, TZ venom also displayed the maximal [(3)H]dopamine releasing activity
      compared to TD venom, with significant reduction of the EC50 for CC. The
      nicotinic-acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blocker hexamethonium induced a
      significant inhibition of the [(3)H]dopamine release produced by CC in PC12 cells
      but the TZ-elicited release of [(3)H]dopamine was 70% hexamethonium-insensitive,
      suggesting unidentified TZ toxins affecting other regulatory mechanisms of
      catecholamine secretion.

PMID- 22085993
TI  - Further delineation of 17p13.3 microdeletion involving CRK. The effect of growth
      hormone treatment.
AB  - Recently, a 17p13.3 microdeletion syndrome characterized by significant postnatal
      growth retardation, mild to moderate mental retardation and facial dysmorphic
      manifestations has been delineated to a small region within the area of the
      Miller-Dieker syndrome critical region. We report a boy with a 284 kb deletion
      within the Miller-Dieker critical region including CRK, but not involving YWHAE
      and TUSC5. He showed mental retardation and had significant postnatal growth
      retardation. Further, he had slight facial and limb abnormalities. Cerebral MRI,
      including visualization of the pituitary gland, disclosed no abnormalities. The
      findings in the present case indicate, that CRK may also be involved in the
      facial phenotype of the 17p13.3 microdeletion syndrome, and that CRK, and not
      YWHAE, seems to be involved in limb malformations. The effect of growth hormone
      treatment in CRK-deficient children is discussed.

PMID- 22085994
TI  - A novel homozygous 5 bp deletion in FKBP10 causes clinically Bruck syndrome in an
      Indonesian patient.
AB  - We report an Indonesian patient with bone fragility and congenital joint
      contractures. The initial diagnosis was Osteogenesis Imperfecta type III (OI type
      III) based on clinical and radiological findings. Because of (i) absence of
      COL1A1/2 mutations, (ii) a consanguineous pedigree with a similarly affected
      sibling and (iii) the existence of congenital joint contractures with absence of
      recessive variants in PLOD2, mutation analysis was performed of the FKBP10 gene,
      recently associated with Bruck syndrome and/or recessive OI. A novel homozygous
      deletion in FKBP10 was discovered. Our report of the first Indonesian patient
      with clinically Bruck syndrome, confirms the role of causative recessive FKBP10
      mutations in this syndrome.

PMID- 22085995
TI  - 2q23.1 microdeletion of the MBD5 gene in a female with seizures, developmental
      delay and distinct dysmorphic features.
AB  - We report a 2-year-old female who initially presented with seizures,
      developmental delay and dysmorphic features and was found to have a 0.3 Mb
      deletion at chromosome 2q23.1 encompassing the critical seizure gene, MBD5. Her
      distinct physical features include bifrontal narrowing with brachycephaly, low
      anterior hairline, hypotonic facial features with short upturned nose, flat nasal
      bridge, hypertelorism, tented upper lip with everted lower lip, downturned
      corners of her mouth, and relatively coarse facial features including thickened
      tongue. She also had a short neck, brachytelephalangy, clinodactyly, and
      hypertrichosis. At 31/2 years she developed progressive ataxia and lost
      vocabulary at the age of 4. Regression has been reported in one other case of
      MBD5 deletion. MBD5 is a member of the methyl binding gene family and appears to
      be responsible for regulating DNA methylation in the central nervous system. Our
      patient was entirely deleted for the MBD5 gene with partial loss of the EPC2
      gene, which suggests that haploinsufficiency of MBD5 is responsible for the
      distinct phenotype observed. This supports the hypothesis that MBD5 is indeed the
      critical gene implicated for the findings seen in patients with deletions of
      chromosome 2q23.1. Further studies are necessary to delineate the role that the
      MBD5 gene plays in the development of the brain and these specific physical
      characteristics.

PMID- 22085997
TI  - When zip codes are in short supply.

PMID- 22085996
TI  - Autophagy regulation by miRNAs: when cleaning goes out of service.

PMID- 22085998
TI  - Lateral hop movement assesses ankle dynamics and muscle activity.
AB  - Ankle function is frequently measured using static or dynamic tasks in normal and
      injured patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel task to
      quantify ankle dynamics and muscle activity in normal subjects. Twelve subjects
      with no prior ankle injuries participated. Video motion analysis cameras, force
      platforms, and an EMG system were used to collect data during a lateral hop
      movement task that consisted of multiple lateral-medial hops over an obstacle.
      Mean (SD) inversion ankle position at contact was 4.4 degrees  (4.0) in the
      medial direction and -3.5 degrees  (4.4) in the lateral direction; mean (SD)
      tibialis anterior normalized muscle activity was 0.11 (0.08) in the medial
      direction and 0.16 (0.13) in the lateral direction. The lateral hop movement was
      shown to be an effective task for quantifying ankle kinematics, forces, moments,
      and muscle activities in normal subjects. Future applications will use the
      lateral hop movement to assess subjects with previous ankle injuries in
      laboratory and clinical settings.

PMID- 22085999
TI  - [Mechanisms of sympathetic activity in rats  exposed to different patterns of
      hypoxia and  the correlation with blood pressure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of two different hypoxia patterns on blood
      pressure and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Eighteen male SD rats were
      randomly divided into three groups: the intermittent hypoxia group (IH group),
      the continuous hypoxia group (CH group) and the normal control group (NC group).
      The rats of the IH and CH group were subjected to intermittent hypoxia (7 h/d)
      and continuous hypoxia (7 h/d) for 42 days respectively. The NC group rats were
      untreated. The levels of arteria caudilis systolic pressure (ACSP) were measured
      with noninvasive rats arteria caudilis gauge before the experiment, at the end of
      3rd, 6th week of the experiment. The concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) in
      serum and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in plasma were respectively measured by enzyme
      linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay. The contents of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and the ability of inhibiting hydroxyl free radical in
      serum were analyzed by thiobarbituric acid colorimetric analysis (TBAR) at the
      end of 6th week. RESULTS: At the end of 3rd week, the levels of ACSP were
      considerably higher than those before the treatment (P<0.05). The concentrations
      of ACSP, NE, MDA, NPY in the IH group were significantly higher than those in the
      other two groups at the end of 6th week (all P<0.01). The ability of inhibiting
      hydroxyl free radical were decreased by the intermittent hypoxia treatment (all
      P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in ACSP, NE, MDA, NPY
      between CH and NC group (all P>0.05). The levels of NE, NPY and MDA were
      positively related with ACSP (r=0.873, P<0.01; r=0.671, P<0.01; r=0.582, P<0.05).
      The correlation between the ability of inhibiting hydroxyl free radical and ACSP
      was negative (r=-0.790, P<0.01). the concentrations of MDA were positively
      related with NE and NPY respectively (r=0.843, 0.777, P<0.01) and the ability of
      inhibiting hydroxyl free radical was negatively related with NE and NPY
      respectively (r=-0.864, -0.717, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Intermittent hypoxia can
      induce high blood pressure, which may be related to the sympathetic over-activity
      and the oxidative stress.

PMID- 22086000
TI  - Research progress in the organic cation transporters.
AB  - The organic cation transport systems were initially recognized in studies of
      renal elimination. A variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds that are
      harmful to the body are eliminated from the kidney via glomerular filtration
      and/or active tubular secretion. Among those compounds are polar organic cations
      that require a transporter-mediated process to cross cellular membrane and be
      eventually excreted into the urine. The organic cation transport systems in the
      kidney have been recognized for several decades. Following the insight gained
      from the kidney, organic cation transporters (OCTs) have also been characterized
      in other tissues. In particular, the OCTs in the liver and in the intestine have
      been proposed as important determinants of drug absorption and disposition. Over
      the past several decades, the mechanisms of organic cation transport have been
      extensively characterized using in vivo models, ex vivo organ perfusions, in
      vitro tissue preparations and cell lines. In particular, the molecular cloning
      and characterization of OCTs have remarkably increased our knowledge of this
      important subfamily of solute carriers. In this article, we first review the
      molecular cloning and characterization of OCTs. We will then describe their
      transport mechanisms, tissue distribution and localization, and their specificity
      of interaction with organic cations. Regulatory mechanisms and genetic animal
      models will be reviewed as they provide the most important insight on this class
      of transporters in recent years. Finally, we will summarize genetic variation in
      human OCT genes and raise clinical perspectives on these important transporters.

PMID- 22086001
TI  - [Expression of TMPRSS3 in the rat cochlea  following kanamycin ototoxicity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the kanamycin-induced deafness model in SD rats, and to
      investigate the expression and significance of transmembrane protease, serine 3
      (TMPRSS3) in the cochlea following kanamycin ototoxicity. METHODS: A total of 40
      male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The experimental rats received
      intramuscular kanamycin sulfate for 3, 7, and 14 consecutive days, and the
      control group were treated with normal saline for 14 days. Auditory brainstem
      responses (ABR) were obtained before and after the kanamycin administration. The
      expression of TMPRSS3 in the cochlea was identified and detected by
      immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: Kanamycin-induced deafness model
      in the SD rats was successfully established. ABR thresholds were increased and
      the expression of TMPRSS3 in the cochlea was reduced after the kanamycin
      injection (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: TMPRSS3 may play an important role in normal
      cochlea function and involve in the process of aminoglycoside antibiotics induced
      deafness.

PMID- 22086002
TI  - [Correlation studies between urinary retinol binding  protein and renal tubular
      damage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study correlation between urinary retinol binding protein (RBP)
      content and renal tubular damage. METHODS: A total of 1 353 healthy people and
      186 patients with renal tubular damage diagnosed by renal biopsy were enrolled.
      The indicators such as endogenous creatinine clearance rate (Ccr),
      creatinine(Cr), urinary retinol binding protein(RBP), urinary beta(2)
      microglobulin(beta(2)-MG), urinary N-acety1-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), urine
      specific gravity(SG), urine osmolality of the 2 groups were examined and
      compared. Score of tubulointerstitial impairing and all indicators were analyzed
      by Spearman rank correlation analysis, and the sensitivity and specificity of
      indicators were calculated. RESULTS: Renal tubular damage was positively
      correlated with urinary RBP, beta2-MG, NAG (r=0.863, P<0.001; r=0.777, P<0.001;
      r=0.374, P=0.002, respectively), while negatively correlated with urine
      osmolaling, SG (r=-0.519, P<0.001; r=-0.624, P<0.001, respectively). The
      specificity and sensitivity for renal tubular damage of RBP were 91.03% and
      72.06%. CONCLUSION: RBP is an idea marker for renal tubular damage, and is useful
      to diagnose renal tubular damage and assess the extent of the damage.

PMID- 22086003
TI  - [Effects of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha siRNA on  inducible nitric oxide
      synthase expression in HaCaT cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of hypoxia inducible factor -1alpha (HIF-1alpha)
      small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the expression of HIF-1alpha and inducible
      nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in HaCaT cells under hypoxia. METHODS: HaCaT cells
      were divided into 4 groups: the normal control group (without any treatment), the
      hypoxia group (under hypoxia for 24 h), the liposome control group (HaCaT cells
      transfected with liposome before hypoxia treatment), the RNA interference group
      (HaCaT cells transfected with siRNA sequences then under hypoxia for 24 h). Real
      time PCR and Western blot were utilized to determine HIF-1alpha and iNOS mRNA and
      protein expression in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: There was no significant difference
      of the mRNA expression of HIF-1alpha between the hypoxia group and the normoxia
      group (P>0.05), but the protein expressions of HIF-1alpha was increased in the
      hypoxic group than that in the normoxia group (P<0.05). Both the mRNA and protein
      expression of iNOS were increased in hypoxic conditions than that in the normoxia
      (P<0.05). Decreases were more significant in the mRNA and protein expression of
      HIF-1alpha and iNOS in the RNA interference group than that in the liposome
      control group in HaCaT cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypoxia increased HIF-1alpha
      and iNOS expression in HaCaT cells and inhibition of HIF-1alpha expression
      decreased iNOS expression.

PMID- 22086004
TI  - Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1  (MRP1/ABCC1) polymorphism: from 
      discovery to clinical application.
AB  - Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1(MRP1/ABCC1) is the first identified
      member of ABCC subfamily which belongs to ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter
      superfamily. It is ubiquitously expressed in almost all human tissues and
      transports a wide spectrum of substrates including drugs, heavy metal anions,
      toxicants, and conjugates of glutathione, glucuronide and sulfate. With the
      advance of sequence technology, many MRP1/ABCC1 polymorphisms have been
      identified. Accumulating evidences show that some polymorphisms are significantly
      associated with drug resistance and disease susceptibility. In vitro
      reconstitution studies have also unveiled the mechanism for some polymorphisms.
      In this review, we present recent advances in understanding the role and
      mechanism of MRP1/ABCC1 polymorphisms in drug resistance, toxicity, disease
      susceptibility and severity, prognosis prediction, and Methods to select and
      predict functional polymorphisms.

PMID- 22086005
TI  - Modulation of cardiac fibroblast function by  thiazolidinediones with a focus on
      the role of LOX-1.
AB  - Cardiac fibroblasts play a pivotal role in cardiac remodeling. In response to
      various pro-fibrotic stimuli, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, anoxia
      reoxygenation and pressure overload as well as aging, cardiac fibroblasts undergo
      proliferation, migration and activation, leading to the accumulation of
      extracellular matrix components and increased thickness and stiffness of heart.
      The ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, especially
      thiazolidinediones, modulate the function of cardiac fibroblasts and the
      progression of cardiac remodeling, especially under pathological conditions.
      Unfortunately these agents have not been found to be consistently beneficial in
      heart failure. Although the precise intracellular signaling pathways are not
      fully understood, existing evidence strongly supports the involvement of
      oxidative stress and related signaling pathways. Further, peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein
      receptor-1 together play critical roles in thiazolidinediones-modulated cardiac
      fibroblast dysfunction.

PMID- 22086006
TI  - Effect of nicotinamide mononucleotide on insulin  secretion and gene expressions
      of PDX-1 and  FoxO1 in RIN-m5f cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on
      insulin secretion and gene expressions of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1(PDX
      1) and forkhead box-containing protein O-1 (FoxO1), which were important
      transcription factors for insulin secretion. METHODS: Insulin secretion level in
      RIN-m5f cells was detected by rat insulin ELISA detection kit. The mRNA
      expression levels of PDX-1 and FoxO1 in RIN-m5f cells were analyzed by real-time
      PCR. The protein expression of PDX-1 was measured by Western blot. RESULTS:
      Insulin secretion levels in RIN-m5f cells treated with repaglinide (10 nmol/L)
      plus NMN (100 MUmol/L) was significantly higher than those in the blank control,
      the DMSO control group, and the NMN (50 MUmol/L) treated group (P<0.05). The mRNA
      expression levels of PDX-1 in RIN-m5f cells treated with NMN (10, 50 and 100
      MUmol/L) for 36 h were significantly higher than those in the control group
      (P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively). There was marked differences in the
      mRNA expression levels of PDX-1 among different concentrations of NMN (P<0.001),
      but no significant differences in the mRNA expression level of FoxO1 (P>0.05). No
      significant difference was found in the protein expression levels of PDX-1 in RIN
      m5f cells treated by NMN (50, 100, and 200 MUmol/L) for 36 or 48 h compared with
      the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: NMN can stimulate insulin secretion and
      upregulate the mRNA expression of PDX-1 in RIN-m5f cells.

PMID- 22086007
TI  - Calcitonin gene-related peptide suppresses  isoprenaline-induced cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis  through regulation of microRNA-1 and  microRNA-133a expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide
      (CGRP) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: In
      cultured rat cardiomyocytes, apoptosis was induced by the incubation of
      isoprenaline (10(-5) mol/L) for 48 h. CGRP (10(-8) or 10(-7) mol/L) was
      administrated for 1 h before incubating isoprenaline to evaluate its effect on
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis. At the end of the drug treatment, the rate of apoptotic
      cells and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined, and RNA
      was extracted to examine the expression of microRNA-1 and microRNA-133a. RESULTS:
      Isoprenaline significantly increased the rate of apoptotic cells and
      intracellular ROS production concomitantly with the increased microRNA-1
      expression and the decreased microRNA-133a expression, which were inhibited by
      pretreatment with CGRP. The effects of CGRP were reversed by CGRP receptor
      antagonist. CONCLUSION: CGRP can inhibit the isoprenaline-induced cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis. The beneficial effect of CGRP is related to regulating microRNA-1 and
      microRNA-133a expression through the prevention of isoprenaline-induced ROS
      production.

PMID- 22086008
TI  - Ischemic preconditioning protects against myocardial  ischemia-reperfusion injury
      through  inhibiting toll-like receptor 4/NF-kappaB signaling pathway in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the protection of ischemic preconditioning
      (IPC) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is mediated by toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-kappaB pathway, and whether these effects are related
      to the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley
      rats were subjected to 60 min of ligation of the left anterior descending
      coronary artery followed by 3 h of reperfusion to induce I/R injury. IPC was
      performed by 4 cycles of 3-min left coronary artery occlusion followed by 5-min
      reperfusion before the I/R. The expression of TLR4 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR.
      TLR4 and NF-kappaB protein expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.
      Myocardial infarct size, CGRP concentration in plasma and activity of creatine
      kinase in serum were also measured. RESULTS: IPC significantly reduced the
      infarct size and creatine kinase activity concomitantly with the increase in
      plasma CGRP concentration. The expressions of TLR4 protein and mRNA and NF-kappaB
      protein were increased by myocardial I/R injury, and dramatically inhibited by
      IPC. CONCLUSION: IPC protects against myocardial I/R injury by inhibition of
      TLR4/NF-kappaB pathway. These effects are related to the increased the release of
      CGRP.

PMID- 22086009
TI  - Expression of scFv SA3 against hepatoma fused with enhanced green fluorescent
      protein and its targeted ability in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To express and purify the human scFv antibody, SA3, against the
      hepatoma fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein, and to observe the targeted
      capacity of fusion protein EGFP-SA3 in vivo. METHODS: SA3 and EGFP genes were
      cloned into plasmid pET-25b(+) to construct the recombinant plasmid EGFP-SA3/pET
      25b(+), followed by DNA sequencing. Then it was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3)
      and induced for fusion expression of EGFP-SA3 with IPTG. The expressed fusion
      protein EGFP-SA3 was purified and detected with SDS-PAGE. HepG2 cells were
      incubated with the fusion protein EGFP-SA3 in vitro, and the binding bioactivity
      was observed under the fluorescent microscope. Further more, we injected the EGFP
      SA3 by caudal vein into nude mice planted by hepatoma and observed the whole body
      fluorescence image of EGFP. RESULTS: SA3 and EGFP genes were successfully cloned
      into pET-25b(+), which was confirmed by restriction enzyme NcoI-XhoI or NcoI
      EcoRI. A band migrated at the position 750 bp, same to EGFP gene, emerged when
      recombinant plasmid was digested by restriction enzyme NcoI-EcoRI. Similarly, a
      band, about 1 500 bp, emerged when digested by NcoI-XhoI. The open-reading frame
      was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Fusion protein EGFP-SA3 was expressed as
      inclusion body. After purification and refolding, the result of
      immunofluorescence detection verified that EGFP-SA3 could specifically bind to
      HepG2 cells and maximum tumor penetration was at 24 h after the injection.
      CONCLUSION: The purified fusion protein EGFP-SA3 has strong binding capacity to
      HepG2 cells, indicating the scFv SA3 has a potential value as a targeting
      molecule for diagnosis and targeted therapy for liver cancer.

PMID- 22086010
TI  - [Comparative proteomic analysis of hippocampus between  chronic cerebral ischemia
      rats and normal controls].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenesis of brain damage after chronic cerebral
      ischemia through analysis of the differences in proteins expression in
      hippocampus between chronic cerebral ischemia rats and normal rats. METHODS: The
      chronic cerebral ischemia model was established by ligating the bilateral common
      carotid arteries.Twenty rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=10)and a
      sham operation group(n=10). Four weeks later, the differences of proteins
      expression in hippocampus between model group and sham operation group were
      analyzed by two dimensional polyacryalmide gel electrophoresis and ultraflex
      TOF/TOF mass spectrograph. RESULTS: Compared to the sham operation group, the
      expressions of 4 proteins were up-regulated and that of 2 proteins were down
      regulated in the model group. Six proteins were identified by ultraflex TOF/TOF,
      which were ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1; Dynamin-1; TMF regulated
      nuclear protein-like, partial; ATP synthase; rCG50513, isoform CRA_a; and
      expressed sequence AU016693, isoform CRA_b. CONCLUSION: Well-resolved and
      reproducible 2-DE patterns of chronic cerebral ischemia rats were established.
      Six proteins that correlate with nerve damage after chronic cerebral ischemia are
      identified.

PMID- 22086011
TI  - [Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide in  Type 2 diabetes after gastric
      bypass surgery].
AB  - Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), the incretins, is synthesized and
      released from the duodenum and proximal jejunum. Continual high-fat diet
      powerfully stimulated GIP secretion, leading to obesity and harmful lipid
      deposition in islet cells and peripheral tissues, and giving rise to insulin
      resistance and major disturbances in the secretion of insulin. We can improve
      Type 2 diabetes by compromising GIP action. The exclusion of proximal small
      intestine and reduction of GIP secretion may be the important reasons for Type 2
      diabetes after gastric bypass surgery.

PMID- 22086012
TI  - [Academic misconduct of graduates  and the credit education].
AB  - Nowadays the phenomenon of academic misconduct (such as plagiarism, fabrication,
      falsification, etc.) is very frequent. The reasons for academic misconduct are
      involved in the problems in graduate education system, social environment and
      students themselves. Therefore, colleges and universities should place great
      emphasis on constructing a healthy school environment and academic atmosphere for
      failure tolerance with the help of high-tech modern means. It also needs to
      improve the academic supervision and evaluation system, strengthen the
      punishments for academic misconduct and enhance the mentor's exemplary role in
      education. The eventual goal for our education is to obtain innovative talents
      who are integrity, respect science and truth, and are good samples for academic
      performances.

PMID- 22086013
TI  - Impact of retinol binding protein 4 polymorphism on rosiglitazone response in
      Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between rs3758539G-803A and rs10882283T
      179G polymorphism of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and rosiglitazone response
      in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: A total of 472
      Chinese T2DM patients and 198 healthy subjects were enrolled to identify G-803A
      and T-179G genotypes using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Forty-two T2DM patients with different G
      803A or T-179G genotypes were selected to undergo a 12-week rosiglitazone
      treatment (4 mg/d). Serum fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma
      glucose (PPG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc),
      postprandial serum insulin (PINS), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) were
      determined before and after the rosiglitazone treatment. RESULTS: T2DM patients
      with RBP4 G-803A GG genotype showed lower TG and LDL-c concentrations compared
      with that in the GA+AA genotype subjects. T2DM patients with RBP4 T-179G TT
      genotype showed lower waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), FPG and FINS values compared with
      that in the TG+GG genotype individuals. Patients with GG genotype of RBP4 G-803A
      had an enhanced rosiglitazone efficacy on FPG and FINS compared with that in the
      GA+AA genotype group. Patients with RBP4 T-179G TG+GG genotype showed an enhanced
      rosiglitazone efficacy on HbAlc level compared with that in the TT genotype
      group. CONCLUSION: RBP4 G-803A and T-179G polymorphism might be associated with
      the development of T2DM and affect the therapeutic efficacy of rosignitazone in
      Chinese T2DM patients.

PMID- 22086014
TI  - [Proteomics analysis of adenosine A1 receptor  agonist-induced delayed myocardial
      protection in rabbits].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of myocardial protein expression profiles
      in 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), an adenosine A1 receptor agonist
      induced delayed myocardial protection in New Zealand rabbits . METHODS: A total
      of 8 rabbits were randomly divided into a CCPA group (CCPA group) and a normal
      saline group (NS group). CCPA and NS were infused into rabbits in the CCPA group
      and the NS group respectively. Twenty-four hours later, the rabbits were
      subjected to 30 min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and were
      reperfused for 2 hours, then the ischemic zone tissues of left ventricle were
      sampled for proteomic analysis.A total of 12 other New Zeland rabbits were
      divided into a sham group (Sham group), a normal saline group (NS group) and a
      CCPA group (CCPA group). The expression of alphaB-crystalline, one of the
      differential proteins, was confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS: Analysis of two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that the expression of 55 protein spots
      were different between the two groups, 17 protein spots were preliminarily
      identified with the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and Mascot and Expasy bioinformatics software.
      These proteins included stress proteins, metabolism-associated proteins, signal
      transduction pathway-related proteins, ionophorous proteins, immunity-associated
      proteins, and so on. Western blot showed that the expression of alphaB
      crystalline was significantly up-regulated in the CCPA group. CONCLUSION: The
      myocardial protein expression profiles are changed markedly in the
      preconditioning late phase of CCPA .The differential proteins might be involved
      in the delayed cardioprotection induced by CCPA.

PMID- 22086015
TI  - Photon-counting compressive sensing laser radar for 3D imaging.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate a photon-counting, single-pixel, laser radar camera
      for 3D imaging where transverse spatial resolution is obtained through
      compressive sensing without scanning. We use this technique to image through
      partially obscuring objects, such as camouflage netting. Our implementation
      improves upon pixel-array based designs with a compact, resource-efficient design
      and highly scalable resolution.

PMID- 22086016
TI  - Detailed performance modeling of a pulsed high-power single-frequency Ti:sapphire
      laser.
AB  - Differential absorption lidar (DIAL) is a unique technique for profiling water
      vapor from the ground up to the lower stratosphere. For accurate measurements,
      the DIAL laser transmitter has to meet stringent requirements. These include high
      average power (up to 10 W) and high single-shot pulse energy, a spectral purity
      >99.9%, a frequency instability <60 MHz rms, and narrow spectral bandwidth
      (single-mode, <160 MHz). We describe extensive modeling efforts to optimize the
      resonator design of a Ti:sapphire ring laser in these respects. The simulations
      were made for the wavelength range of 820 nm, which is optimum for ground-based
      observations, and for both stable and unstable resonator configurations. The
      simulator consists of four modules: (1) a thermal module for determining the
      thermal lensing of the Brewster-cut Ti:sapphire crystal collinear pumped from
      both ends with a high-power, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser; (2) a module for
      calculating the in-cavity beam propagations for stable and unstable resonators;
      (3) a performance module for simulating the pumping efficiency and the laser
      pulse energy; and (4) a spectral module for simulating injection seeding and the
      spectral properties of the laser radiation including spectral impurity. Both a
      stable and an unstable Ti:sapphire laser resonator were designed for delivering
      an average power of 10 W at a pulse repetition frequency of 250 Hz with a pulse
      length of approximately 40 ns, satisfying all spectral requirements. Although the
      unstable resonator design is more complex to align and has a higher lasing
      threshold, it yields similar efficiency and higher spectral purity at higher
      overall mode volume, which is promising for long-term routine operations.

PMID- 22086017
TI  - Optimization design of diffractive phase elements for beam shaping.
AB  - An improved approach called the weighted YG algorithm for the design of the
      diffractive phase element (DPE) that implements beam shaping in the fractional
      Fourier transform domain and free space is presented. Modeling designs of the DPE
      are carried out for several fractional orders and different parameters of the
      beam for optimally converting a Gaussian profile into a uniform beam. We found
      that our algorithm can improve the beam shaping effect, reduce the error
      function, and increase uniformity of light intensity.

PMID- 22086018
TI  - Measurement based on fringe reflection for testing aspheric optical axis
      precisely and flexibly.
AB  - A method based on fringe reflection is proposed to measure the optical axis of an
      aspheric mirror precisely and flexibly. In the measurement, a screen displaying a
      fringe pattern is moved along its normal direction, and a camera is located
      beside and observes the fringe pattern reflected via a tested surface. This
      method can test the optical axis of an aspheric mirror quantitatively before
      measuring the absolute height of the tested surface. And it can be combined with
      some presented methods that need to fit the aspheric mirror according to the
      optical axis to measure the surface. To validate the ability of this method, it
      is combined with one of the presented methods to measure absolute height of an
      aspheric mirror precisely and flexibly. Computer simulations and preliminary
      experiment validate the feasibility of this method.

PMID- 22086019
TI  - Numerical method to optimize the polar-azimuthal orientation of infrared
      superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors.
AB  - A finite-element method for calculating the illumination-dependence of absorption
      in three-dimensional nanostructures is presented based on the radio frequency
      module of the Comsol Multiphysics software package (Comsol AB). This method is
      capable of numerically determining the optical response and near-field
      distribution of subwavelength periodic structures as a function of illumination
      orientations specified by polar angle, phi, and azimuthal angle, gamma. The
      method was applied to determine the illumination-angle-dependent absorptance in
      cavity-based superconducting-nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) designs.
      Niobium-nitride stripes based on dimensions of conventional SNSPDs and integrated
      with ~ quarter-wavelength hydrogen-silsesquioxane-filled nano-optical cavity and
      covered by a thin gold film acting as a reflector were illuminated from below by
      p-polarized light in this study. The numerical results were compared to results
      from complementary transfer-matrix-method calculations on composite layers made
      of analogous film-stacks. This comparison helped to uncover the optical phenomena
      contributing to the appearance of extrema in the optical response. This paper
      presents an approach to optimizing the absorptance of different sensing and
      detecting devices via simultaneous numerical optimization of the polar and
      azimuthal illumination angles.

PMID- 22086020
TI  - Theory for the measurement of the linear and nonlinear refractive indices of
      double-clad fibers using an interferometric technique.
AB  - Multiple-beam Fizeau fringes are formed across a liquid silvered wedge when it is
      illuminated by a collimated beam of monochromatic light. Inserting the fiber into
      the liquid silvered wedge causes the fringes to shift across the fiber region
      with respect to the fringes at the liquid region. Fringe shift is a function in
      the geometry of the different regions of the fiber and the refractive index
      profile of the fiber. In this paper, theoretical models for the fringe shift
      across double-clad fibers (DCFs) with rectangular, elliptical, circular, and D
      shaped inner cladding are developed. An algorithm to reconstruct the linear and
      nonlinear terms of the refractive index profile of the DCF is outlined. Numerical
      examples are provided and discussed.

PMID- 22086021
TI  - All-optical thermo-plasmonic device.
AB  - We demonstrate an all-optical thermo-plasmonic effect to switch/modulate the
      surface plasmon resonance signal intensity excited at the metal-air interface.
      This optically addressed thermo-plasmonic measurement scheme is suitable to
      amplify very small changes in the complex dielectric constant (epsilon(m)(T)) of
      thin gold (Au) film, induced by the Ar(+) laser. The predominant contributions
      due to small but highly repeatable transient photo-thermal effects in the complex
      metal dielectric constant is confirmed to be the reason behind the highly
      reproducible all-optical thermo-plasmonic device performance presented here.

PMID- 22086022
TI  - Optimization of the pulse-width of diode-pumped passively Q-switched mode-locked
      c-cut Nd:GdVO4 laser with a GaAs saturable absorber.
AB  - By considering the single-photon absorption and two-photon absorption processes
      in the GaAs saturable absorber, the coupled rate equations for a diode-pumped
      passively Q-switched and mode-locked (QML) laser with GaAs coupler under Gaussian
      approximation are given. These rate equations are solved numerically. The key
      parameters of an optimally coupled passively QML laser with the shortest pulse
      width envelope are determined. These key parameters include the parameters of the
      gain medium, the saturable absorber, and the resonator, which can minimize the
      pulse-width of a singly Q-switched envelope. Sample calculations for a diode
      pumped passively Q-switched mode-locked c-cut Nd:GdVO(4) laser with a GaAs
      coupler are presented to demonstrate that the shortest pulse-width envelope can
      be obtained by selecting the optimal small-signal transmission of the saturable
      absorber and the reflectivity of the output mirror.

PMID- 22086023
TI  - Fabrication of phase masks with variable diffraction efficiency using HEBS glass
      technology.
AB  - A new fabrication method of apodized diffractive optical elements is proposed. It
      relies on using high energy beam sensitive glass as a halftone mask for variable
      diffraction efficiency phase masks generation in a resist layer. The presented
      technology is especially effective in mass production. Although fabrication of an
      amplitude mask is required, it is then repeatedly used in a single shot
      projection photolithography, which is much simpler and less laborious than the
      direct variable-dose pattern writing. Three prototypes of apodized phase masks
      were manufactured and characterized. The main advantages as well as limitations
      of the proposed technology are discussed.

PMID- 22086024
TI  - Laser direct writing of rotationally symmetric high-resolution structures.
AB  - We present a laser direct writing system for the efficient fabrication of high
      resolution axicon structures. The setup makes use of scanning beam interference
      lithography incorporated with a fringe locking scheme for tight fringe phase
      control and allows us to fabricate large area structures with a period down to
      450 nm.

PMID- 22086025
TI  - High-precision diode-laser-based temperature measurement for air refractive index
      compensation.
AB  - We present a laser-based system to measure the refractive index of air over a
      long path length. In optical distance measurements, it is essential to know the
      refractive index of air with high accuracy. Commonly, the refractive index of air
      is calculated from the properties of the ambient air using either Ciddor or Edlen
      equations, where the dominant uncertainty component is in most cases the air
      temperature. The method developed in this work utilizes direct absorption
      spectroscopy of oxygen to measure the average temperature of air and of water
      vapor to measure relative humidity. The method allows measurement of temperature
      and humidity over the same beam path as in optical distance measurement,
      providing spatially well-matching data. Indoor and outdoor measurements
      demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. In particular, we demonstrate an
      effective compensation of the refractive index of air in an interferometric
      length measurement at a time-variant and spatially nonhomogeneous temperature
      over a long time period. Further, we were able to demonstrate 7 mK RMS noise over
      a 67 m path length using a 120 s sample time. To our knowledge, this is the best
      temperature precision reported for a spectroscopic temperature measurement.

PMID- 22086026
TI  - Detection of microbubble position by a digital hologram.
AB  - This paper reports on a new technique of measurements of microbubble position in
      three dimensions with high time-resolution. The technique is based on micro
      digital holographic particle tracking velocimetry. In this technique, an
      intensity profile is constructed from a holographic image of a microbubble where
      the profile results in showing two peaks. The distance between the two peaks
      appears to relate to the size of the microbubble's diameter. The three
      dimensional position of the bubble can be detected by the center of the two peaks
      and the center point of the bubble image focused by a digital hologram. We also
      theoretically obtained the intensity profile of a microbubble by considering a
      refraction of light on a bubble surface to a ring-shaped aperture model. The
      theoretically obtained distance between the two peaks is found to be in good
      agreement with the values obtained experimentally.

PMID- 22086027
TI  - Temperature-dependent index of refraction of monoclinic Ga2O3 single crystal.
AB  - We present temperature-dependent refractive index along crystallographic b[010]
      and a direction perpendicular to (100)-plane for monoclinic phase (beta)
      Ga(2)O(3) single crystal grown by the optical floating zone technique. The
      experimental results are consistent with the theoretical result of Litimein et
      al.1. Also, the Sellmeier equation for wavelengths in the range of 0.4-1.55 MUm
      is formulated at different temperatures in the range of 30-175  degrees C. The
      thermal coefficient of refractive index in the above specified range is ~10(-5)/
      degrees C.

PMID- 22086028
TI  - Estimation of wavelength difference using scale adjustment in two-wavelength
      digital holographic interferometry.
AB  - We propose a method for an estimation of wavelength difference using scale
      adjustment in two-wavelength digital holographic interferometry. To estimate
      wavelength difference, two holograms recorded with different wavelengths are
      reconstructed on the basis of the Fresnel diffraction integral, and pixel sizes
      in the reconstruction plane, which depend on the wavelength in recording
      hologram, are analyzed. In the analysis, a zero-padding method and an intensity
      correlation function are used to adjust pixel sizes in the reconstruction plane
      and then obtain a wavelength difference given by a difference between the pixel
      sizes. Theoretical predictions and experimental results are shown to indicate the
      usefulness of the proposed method in this paper.

PMID- 22086029
TI  - Single-channel color image encryption using a modified Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm
      and mutual encoding in the Fresnel domain.
AB  - A single-channel color image encryption is proposed based on the modified
      Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm (MGSA) and mutual encoding in the Fresnel domain.
      Similar to the double random phase encoding (DRPE), this encryption scheme also
      employs a pair of phase-only functions (POFs) as encryption keys. But the two
      POFs are generated by the use of the MGSA rather than a random function
      generator. In the encryption process, only one color component is needed to be
      encrypted when these POFs are mutually served as the second encryption keys. As a
      result, a more compact and simple color encryption system based on one-time-pad,
      enabling only one gray cipheretext to be recorded and transmitted when
      holographic recording is used, is obtained. Moreover, the optical setup is
      lensless, thus easy to be implemented and the system parameters and wavelength
      can be served as additional keys to further enhance the security of the system.
      The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated by
      numerical results.

PMID- 22086030
TI  - Gas Raman sensing with multi-opened-up suspended core fiber.
AB  - Gas sensing and fluid-guiding response properties of a suspended core fiber Raman
      analyzer with side-opened and strut microfluid-guiding array are explored. A
      Raman sensing model is introduced for effective mode area optimization and
      normalized intensity overlap enhancement between Raman sensing light and analyte.
      Calculations predict that there is a trade-off between the overlap and the
      effective mode area, while the optimal trade-off depends on the refractive index
      of the background material, core diameter, and strut's thickness. Furthermore,
      the multi-opened-up structure ensures a fast gases diffusing into/out of each
      hole for real-time Raman sensing. Simulation results confirm a limited gas
      sensing response time of less than 6 s could be feasible and, thus, a new
      approach to real-time gas sensing applications is identified.

PMID- 22086031
TI  - Direct observation of plasmonic index ellipsoids on a deep-subwavelength metallic
      grating.
AB  - We constructed a metallic grating on a deep-subwavelength scale and tested its
      plasmonic features in visible frequencies. The deep-subwavelength metallic
      grating effectively acts as an anisotropic homogeneous uniaxial form-birefringent
      metal, exhibiting different optical responses for polarizations along different
      optical axes. Therefore, this form-birefringent metal supports anisotropic
      surface plasmon polaritons that are characterized by directly imaging the
      generated plasmonic index ellipsoids in reciprocal space. The observed plasmonic
      index ellipsoids also show a rainbow effect, where different colors are
      dispersively distributed in reciprocal space.

PMID- 22086032
TI  - Dynamic switching of the chiral beam on the spiral plasmonic bull's eye structure
      [Invited].
AB  - A polarization-dependent switchable plasmonic beaming structure composed of
      metallic hole surrounded by double spiral dielectric gratings is proposed. The
      main mechanism of the proposed structure is based on the angular momentum change
      of surface plasmon caused by the spiral geometry. On- and off-states of the
      proposed device are determined by the condition whether the rotating direction of
      incident polarization is the same as or opposite of the direction of the spiral
      rotations. Qualitative analytical expressions of the switching mechanisms and
      full-vectorial numerical results are presented.

PMID- 22086033
TI  - Influence of film thickness on the optical transmission through subwavelength
      single slits in metallic thin films.
AB  - Silver and gold films with thicknesses in the range of 120-450 nm were evaporated
      onto glass substrates. A sequence of slits with widths varying between 70 and 270
      nm was milled in the films using a focused gallium ion beam. We have undertaken
      high-resolution measurements of the optical transmission through the single slits
      with 488.0 nm (for Ag) and 632.8 nm (for Au) laser sources aligned to the optical
      axis of a microscope. Based on the present experimental results, it was possible
      to observe that (1) the slit transmission is notably affected by the film
      thickness, which presents a damped oscillatory behavior as the thickness is
      augmented, and (2) the transmission increases linearly with increasing slit width
      for a fixed film thickness.

PMID- 22086034
TI  - Slow pulses in disordered photonic-crystal waveguides.
AB  - Using a 3D fully-vectorial coupled Bloch-mode method, we present a systematic
      study of the transport of slow-light pulses in single-mode photonic-crystal
      waveguides (PhCW) with a realistic disorder model. For the intermediate regime
      corresponding to waveguide lengths of the order of the mean-free path (3 dB
      attenuation), we show that the group-velocity has a strong impact on the pulse
      broadening and distortion, limiting the practical use of PhCW to group indices
      below ~50. For smaller group velocities, the pulse experiences an additional
      delay and the group-velocity is no longer a meaningful quantity.

PMID- 22086035
TI  - Experimental study on polarization lens formed by asymmetrical metallic hole
      array.
AB  - A polarization bifocal lens based on the polarization effect caused by
      asymmetrical hole arrays had been designed, fabricated, and characterized
      experimentally. By considering the fact that the skin depth of an infrared
      electromagnetic field inside metal is much shorter than the incident wavelength,
      a polarization bifocal lens composed of high deep-width ratio metallic holes was
      realized by using a gold-coated silicon structure to replace the one directly
      formed on a thick metal film. An infrared optical experiment setup is built based
      on the secondary imagery method for characterizing the focal length of the
      designed bifocal lens. The measured focal lengths of the fabricated bifocal lens
      coincide well with the designed values, which proves the validity for realizing
      the polarization elements with the proposed structure and the feasibility of the
      fabrication process.

PMID- 22086036
TI  - Surface-enhanced fluorescence from silver fractallike nanostructures decorated
      with silver nanoparticles.
AB  - Fluorescence emission of fluorophore molecules in the close vicinity of a
      nanostructured metal surface can be enhanced through a local electromagnetic
      field with the help of surface plasmon resonance. The fluorescence enhancement
      effect is very sensitive to the topography and dielectric property of the metal
      substrate. In the current work, metal substrates with complex structures, which
      are made of silver fractallike structures and nanoparticles (NPs), are prepared
      through electrochemical reduction followed by physical deposition. The surface
      enhanced fluorescence of Rhodamine 6G monolayer molecules deposited on the
      prepared complex substrates are investigated with the laser spectroscopic
      technique. The experimental results show that the fractallike structure decorated
      with silver NPs presents stronger fluorescence enhancement, compared with silver
      NPs or pure silver fractallike structures.

PMID- 22086037
TI  - Enhancing the lateral photovoltaic effect by coating the absorbing film on metal
      oxide-semiconductor structure.
AB  - By coating with a carbon film and graphene sheet (GS) on position-sensitive
      detectors based on the metal-oxide-semiconductor structure, sensitivity,
      linearity, and saturation power are significantly improved. We attribute this
      enhancement of absorptivity to lasers. The improvement effect of carbon film is
      more obvious than that of GS coating because of GS's high conductivity.

PMID- 22086038
TI  - Subwavelength imaging of a multilayered superlens with layers of nonequal
      thickness.
AB  - We propose a multilayered superlens comprising alternately layered metal and
      dielectric films with layers of nonequal thickness to realize subwavelength
      imaging, even when permittivities of the metal and dielectric are mismatched.
      Based on ideal imaging conditions, the exact constraint relations about the
      thickness of each dielectric layer and the permittivity of the surrounding medium
      of the multilayered superlens are first acquired when the superlens is modeled by
      the effective medium theory. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations
      indicate that a multilayered superlens with constraint relations can realize
      subwavelength imaging at wavelengths of 335 to 385 nm.

PMID- 22086039
TI  - White light-emitting diode coated with ZnSe:Mn/ZnSe nanocrystal films enveloped
      by SiO2.
AB  - Mn-doped nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention for their excellent
      properties. In our work, colloidal Mn-doped NCs with high quantum yield are
      synthesized and enveloped with silica hydrosol. The blend of NCs and silica
      hydrosol is coated on a blue light-emitting diode (LED), and the appropriate
      thickness of the NC film is found. White light is gained through the mix of the
      blue emission of the LED and the orange emission from Mn-doped NC films. The
      chromaticity coordinates and the image of the white LED indicate that Mn-doped
      NCs can be a good substitute for YAG:Ce phosphor, and the reliability of the
      white LED can be improved by enveloping NCs with SiO(2).

PMID- 22086040
TI  - Circular Fibonacci gratings.
AB  - We introduce circular Fibonacci gratings (CFGs) that combine the concept of
      circular gratings and Fibonacci structures. Theoretical analysis shows that the
      diffraction pattern of CFGs is composed of fractal distributions of impulse
      rings. Numerical simulations are performed with two-dimensional fast Fourier
      transform to reveal the fractal behavior of the diffraction rings. Experimental
      results are also presented and agree well with the numerical results. The fractal
      nature of the diffraction field should be of great theoretical interest, and
      shows potential to be further developed into practical applications, such as in
      laser measurement with wideband illumination.

PMID- 22086041
TI  - Ferrodispersion: a promising candidate for an optical capacitor.
AB  - A ferrodispersion, which comprises micrometer-sized magnetizable spheres
      dispersed in a ferrofluid, is shown to store retrievable optical energy. It is
      observed that when such dispersion is subjected to a transverse magnetic field
      and a linearly polarized monochromatic light with its electric vector
      perpendicular to the applied field is incident on it, then for a critical static
      magnetic field of moderate intensity the emerging light disappears. Upon removing
      the light and then switching off the field, again light of the same frequency and
      same state of polarization reappears. A time delay between emission of the light
      and switching off the field is observed. The statistical distribution of this
      delay is reported. Intensity of the retrieval signal is found to depend on the
      storage time. This effect is investigated. Storing and retrieval of optical
      energy will be useful for developing a magnetically tunable optical capacitor.

PMID- 22086042
TI  - Fast photovoltaic effects tuned by vicinal interface microstructure in manganite
      based all-perovskite-oxide heterojunctions.
AB  - Interfacial microstructure tunable photovoltaic effects have been reported in
      heterojunctions of La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(3) thin films and tilted or exact cut Nb-doped
      SrTiO(3) single crystal substrates under irradiation of UV pulsed laser. The
      photoresponse times of vicinal junctions and films were obviously faster than
      those of exact cut samples. The behaviors can be explained by the slope of the
      built-in electric field in the 10 degrees  tilted heterojunction and the
      interfacial terrace microstructure of La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(3) films.

PMID- 22086043
TI  - Subwavelength focusing using a hyperbolic medium with a single slit.
AB  - A hyperbolic dispersion medium with a planar surface that can be used for
      subwavelength focusing is proposed. By combining the hyperbolic medium in a
      single slit with diffraction limit width, a laser beam could be focused to a
      subwavelength spot in the near field. Compared to a conventional superlens, the
      subdiffraction focusing in this work has higher optical throughput. Using a
      planar hyperbolic medium, which is actually alternating silver/dielectric
      multilayers, we showed that the focusing resolution of the designed device is
      down to ~lambda/5 using green light illumination (at a wavelength of 514.5 nm).

PMID- 22086044
TI  - Hyperbranched CdTe nanostructures via a self-assembly route: optical properties.
AB  - In this work, we report a luminescent nanobundle structure formed by a
      hierarchical self-assembly process of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum
      dots (QDs). The luminescence intensity of CdTe nanostructures is high enough to
      get a clear one-photon excitation confocal image. High contrast two-photon
      excitation confocal images suggest that the nonlinear properties of pristine QDs
      are well inherited by the formed CdTe nanostructures. The controllability of the
      structures and inheritance of the optical properties of the building units make
      the self-assembled nanostructures new generation materials.

PMID- 22086045
TI  - Largely extended light-emission shift of ZnSe nanostructures with temperature.
AB  - ZnSe nanowires and nanobelts with zinc blende structure have been synthesized.
      The morphology and the growth mechanisms of the ZnSe nanostructures will be
      discussed. From the photoluminescence (PL) of the ZnSe nanostructures, it is
      interesting to note that red color emission with only a single peak at the photon
      energy of 2 eV at room temperature is obtained while the typical bandgap
      transition energy of ZnSe is 2.7 eV. When the temperature is reduced to 150 K,
      the peak wavelength shifts to 2.3 eV with yellowish emission and then blue
      emission with the peak at 2.7 eV at temperature less than 50 K. The overall
      wavelength shift of 700 meV is obtained as compared to the conventional ZnSe of
      about 100 meV (i.e., sevenfold extension). The ZnSe nanostructures with enhanced
      wavelength shift can potentially function as visible light temperature-indicator.
      The color change from red to yellowish and then to blue is large enough for the
      nanostructures to be used for temperature-sensing applications. The details of PL
      spectra of ZnSe at various temperatures are studied from (i) the spectral
      profile, (ii) the half-width half-maximum, and (iii) the peak photon energy of
      each of the emission centers. The results show that the simplified configuration
      coordinate model can be used to describe the emission spectra, and the frequency
      of the local vibrational mode of the emission centers is determined.

PMID- 22086046
TI  - Nanoscale ridge aperture as near-field transducer for heat-assisted magnetic
      recording.
AB  - Near-field transducer based on nanoscale optical antenna has been shown to
      generate high transmission and strongly localized optical spots well below the
      diffraction limit. In this paper, nanoscale ridge aperture antenna is considered
      as near-field transducer for heat-assisted magnetic recording. The spot size and
      transmission efficiency produced by ridge aperture are numerically studied. We
      show that the ridge apertures in a bowtie or half-bowtie shape are capable of
      generating small optical spots as well as elongated optical spots with desired
      aspect ratios for magnetic recording. The transmission efficiency can be improved
      by adding grooves around the apertures.

PMID- 22086047
TI  - Scattering characterization of nanopigments in metallic coatings using
      hyperspectral optical imaging.
AB  - We have determined the reflectance spectra of colored metallic coatings with high
      spatial resolution by using a hyperspectral imaging system. Reflectance spectra
      were converted to color coordinates revealing characteristic color maps in the
      color space. Principal-component analysis was applied to decorrelate the spatial
      variability of the reflectance spectra. We found that the eigenvalue spectra
      follow different power laws. The scaling exponent was analyzed by considering
      random-walk-type processes. An estimation of the Hurst exponent was done,
      suggesting anomalous diffusion from multiple light scattering. The results show
      that hyperspectral imaging combined with principal-component analysis provides a
      valuable method for nondestructive testing of complex turbid media.

PMID- 22086048
TI  - Enhancement of optical processes in coupled plasmonic nanocavities [Invited].
AB  - We present detailed experimental and numerical investigations of resonances in
      deep nanogroove gratings in metallic substrates. These plasmonic nanocavity
      gratings feature enhanced fields within the grooves that enable a large
      enhancement of linear and nonlinear optical processes. This enhancement relies on
      both localized and propagating surface plasmons on the nanopatterned surface. We
      show that the efficiency of optical processes such as Raman scattering and four
      wave mixing is dramatically enhanced by plasmonic nanocavity gratings.

PMID- 22086049
TI  - Enhanced absorptive characteristics of metal nanoparticle-coated silicon
      nanowires for solar cell applications.
AB  - The optical properties of metal nanoparticle (NP)-coated silicon nanowires (Si
      NWs) are theoretically investigated using COMSOL Multiphysics commercial
      software. A geometrical array of periodic Si NWs coated with metal NPs is
      proposed. The simulation demonstrates that light absorption could be enhanced
      significantly in a long wavelength region of the solar spectrum, based upon the
      localized surface plasmons generated around metal NPs. Various metal NPs, such as
      Au, Ag, and Al, are all found to increase their light absorption while in contact
      with Si NWs, in which the Au NPs show the best result in light enhancement. This
      theoretical work might prove useful in providing a fundamental understanding
      toward improving further the efficiency of Si wired solar cells.

PMID- 22086050
TI  - Preparation of wide range refractive index diamond-like carbon films by means of
      plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technology has been elaborated for
      obtaining diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings of a wide range of properties.
      Alternative and direct bias voltages have been applied on the substrate, and
      refractive index dependencies upon various deposition technological parameters
      have been investigated. The frequency of the bias voltage has been varied in the
      region of 150-450 kHz. The maximum refractive index range that has been achieved
      is 1.46-3.2. Thin DLC films have been prepared on crystalline silicon substrates.
      Because of the wide range of physical, optical, and mechanical properties of the
      obtained films, they can successfully be applied in different fields of nano
      optics.

PMID- 22086051
TI  - Polymer microfiber rings for high-sensitivity optical humidity sensing.
AB  - We demonstrate microrings assembled with polyacrylamide (PAM) microfibers for
      high-sensitivity relative humidity (RH) sensing. When exposed to moisture, the
      PAM microfiber absorbs water molecules and inflates monotonically with the
      increasing humidity, resulting in evident spectral shifts of the resonance peaks
      of the microring. By measuring the spectral shifts, the microring shows
      sensitivity as high as 490 pm/%RH and a response time of about 120 ms, within a
      dynamic range from 5% to 71% RH.

PMID- 22086052
TI  - Tuning of localized surface plasmon resonance of well-ordered Ag/Au bimetallic
      nanodot arrays by laser interference lithography and thermal annealing.
AB  - A novel hybrid approach to fabricate large-area well-ordered Ag/Au bimetallic
      nanodot arrays and its potential applications for biosensing is investigated.
      With the combination of laser interference lithography and the thermal annealing
      technique, Ag/Au bimetallic nanodots about ~50 nm are formed inside periodic
      nanodisk arrays at a dimension of ~530 nm on quartz substrates. Extinction
      spectra of the fabricated nanostructures show their localized surface plasmon
      resonance (LSPR) can be well controlled by Au concentration, which offers a means
      to flexibly tune the optical properties of the nanodot arrays. To study the
      sensitivity of the nanodot arrays, resonance wavelength changes per refractive
      index unit (RIU) are performed in different surrounding environments. This shows
      a 94% increase in peak shift per refractive index unit (nanometers/RIU) compared
      to the nanodot arrays formed only by thermal annealing. These results demonstrate
      a feasible approach to improve LSPR-based biosensor performance.

PMID- 22086053
TI  - Theoretical and experimental studies on tightly focused vector vortex beams.
AB  - The high-NA focusing properties of vector vortex beams are studied theoretically
      and experimentally. The vector vortex beams are generated by space-variant
      segmented subwavelength metallic gratings first. Then the mathematical
      expressions for the focused fields are derived based on the vector diffraction
      theory, and some numerical simulations are presented that show that the focused
      fields are not dark at the center and the focusing spot size of vector vortex
      beams with high topological charges approaches the diffraction limitation at high
      NA. Finally, to verify the theoretical analysis, the tightly focused fields are
      measured based on a confocal microscopy system when the NA of the objective lens
      is 0.90. The research results confirm the potential of vector vortex beams in
      some applications, such as optical trapping, laser printing, lithography, and
      material processing.

PMID- 22086054
TI  - Two-dimensional subwavelength imaging from a hemispherical hyperlens.
AB  - We report a hemispherical-shaped hyperlens with subwavelength resolution less
      than 100 nm. Simulations with the finite-element method show that with a 365 nm
      illumination, the hemispherical hyperlens isotropically magnifies the image along
      the radial direction. Under linearly polarized light, portions of an object can
      be resolved. A complete image of the object can be generated by superposing
      sufficient number of images obtained with incident light in different
      polarization directions. Such a hyperlens has great potential for realization of
      nanoscale imaging.

PMID- 22086055
TI  - Disorder effect in the transmission spectra of a noncompact single layer of
      dielectric spheres derived from microwave spectroscopy.
AB  - Single layers of dielectric spheres are an interesting system to study from the
      fundamental and applied points of view. In this paper we present a systematic
      study of the influence of structural disorder on the transmission spectra of
      arrangements of spheres of different compactness. Glass sphere (epsilon=7) planes
      were built and their transmission spectra in the microwave range measured.
      Transmission behavior of this system is highly tolerant to disorder. Even in
      completely disordered arrangements, there is a highly rejected band with the dips
      of the spectrum observable. These results suggest that the collective modes of
      the sphere planes are formed by weakly coupled Mie modes of the individual
      spheres, and this coupling is governed by the average distance among the spheres.
      Disorder tolerance allows simpler fabrication procedures where the position of
      the spheres does not need to be precisely controlled.

PMID- 22086056
TI  - Wideband slow light with ultralow dispersion in a W1 photonic crystal waveguide.
AB  - A dispersion tailoring scheme for obtaining slow light in a silicon-on-insulator
      W1-type photonic crystal waveguide, novel to our knowledge, is proposed in this
      paper. It is shown that, by simply shifting the first two rows of air holes
      adjacent to the waveguide to specific directions, slow light with large group
      index, wideband, and low group-velocity dispersion can be realized. Defining a
      criterion of restricting the group-index variation within a +/-0.8% range as a
      flattened region, we obtain the ultraflat slow light with bandwidths over 5.0,
      4.0, 2.5, and 1.0 nm when keeping the group index at 38.0, 48.8, 65.2, and 100.4,
      respectively. Numerical simulations are performed utilizing the three-dimensional
      (3D) plane-wave expansion method and the 3D finite-difference time-domain method.

PMID- 22086057
TI  - Applications of Nano-optics.
AB  - As nanoscale fabrication techniques advance, nano-optics continues to offer
      enabling solutions to numerous practical applications for information optics.
      This Applied Optics feature issue focuses on the Application of Nano-optics.

PMID- 22086058
TI  - Animal models of Rift Valley fever virus infection.
AB  - Emerging and naturally occurring infectious diseases from bacterial and viral
      sources are constantly threatening humans and livestock. Recently, a variety of
      infectious diseases have emerged into previously disease-free areas, resulting in
      new epidemics. Consequently, governmental agencies and researchers in the area of
      biomedical research have started designing ways to prevent their further spread.
      Ongoing research activities are focused on developing therapeutic and
      prophylactic interventions against these emerging infections. Development and
      evaluation of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments often depend on the
      development of appropriate animal models to determine the efficacy of new
      therapeutic agents. In addition, animal models are necessary to understand the
      basic pathobiology of infection. In this minireview, the current animal models
      used for one of these emerging infectious diseases, Rift Valley fever virus
      (RVFV), and the specifics of infection and pathology associated with each model
      are discussed.

PMID- 22086059
TI  - Evidence of extended alternate coreceptor usage by HIV-1 clade C envelope
      obtained from an Indian patient.
AB  - HIV-1 clade C tends to exclusively use CCR5 irrespective of disease stages. We
      previously reported envelopes (Envs) obtained from an Indian patient (VB105) that
      used CXCR4, CXCR6, CCR2b, CCR3, GPR15, and CX3CR1 as additional coreceptors
      besides CCR5 for entry. Here we show that the primary VB105 virus was able to
      replicate in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in presence of inhibitors
      that antagonizes all the above seven coreceptors at excess doses. In addition,
      VB105 Envs were found to efficiently infect CCR5-defective T cells (MOLT-4) in
      presence of excess TAK-779, AMD3100, vMIP-1 and vMIP-2 further substantiated the
      usage of additional coreceptors beyond the seven coreceptors as reported earlier
      by VB105 Env. Interestingly, VB105 Envs showed spontaneous exposure of CD4
      induced epitopes and found to be associated with increased infection of
      macrophages. Information on HIV-1 clade C using alternate coreceptors in primary
      cells to better understand their impact on pathogenesis and efficacy to future
      entry inhibitors.

PMID- 22086060
TI  - [Outpatient surgery. Quo vadis?].

PMID- 22086062
TI  - From karyotyping to array-CGH in prenatal diagnosis.
AB  - Conventional karyotyping detects chromosomal anomalies in up to 35% of
      pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies, depending on the number and type of
      these anomalies. Extensive experience gained in the past decades has shown that
      prenatal karyotyping is a robust technique which can detect the majority of
      germline chromosomal anomalies. For most of these anomalies the phenotype is
      known. In postnatal diagnosis of patients with congenital anomalies and
      intellectual disability, array-CGH/SNP array has become the first-tier
      investigation. The higher abnormality detection yield and its amenability to
      automation renders array-CGH also suitable for prenatal diagnosis. As both
      findings of unclear significance and unexpected findings may be detected, studies
      on the outcome of array-CGH in prenatal diagnosis were initially performed
      retrospectively. Recently, prospective application of array-CGH in pregnancies
      with ultrasound anomalies, and to a lesser extent in pregnancies referred for
      other reasons, was studied. Array-CGH showed an increased diagnostic yield
      compared to karyotyping, varying from 1-5%, depending on the reason for referral.
      Knowledge of the spectrum of array-CGH anomalies detected in the prenatal setting
      will increase rapidly in the years to come, thus facilitating pre- and posttest
      counseling. Meanwhile, new techniques like non-invasive prenatal diagnosis are
      emerging and will claim their place. In this review, we summarize the outcome of
      studies on prenatal array-CGH, the clinical relevance of differences in detection
      rate and range as compared to standard karyotyping, and reflect on the future
      integration of new molecular techniques in the workflow of prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 22086063
TI  - On the interpretation of IETS spectra of a small organic molecule.
AB  - We have investigated vibrational spectra of nitrobenzene molecules adsorbed on
      Cu(111) by low temperature inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. This
      molecule, which should support 39 internal modes, only gives rise to seven peaks
      in the spectra. We outline a comparison with ensemble IR data and interpret the
      small number of vibrational peaks by the superposition of a multitude of almost
      isoenergetic vibrational modes. The non-detectability of further modes cannot be
      understood in terms of symmetry considerations. Additional modes in the spectra
      are attributed to external molecular-metal vibrations.

PMID- 22086061
TI  - Tumor-specific retargeting of an oncogenic transcription factor chimera results
      in dysregulation of chromatin and transcription.
AB  - Chromosomal translocations involving transcription factor genes have been
      identified in an increasingly wide range of cancers. Some translocations can
      create a protein "chimera" that is composed of parts from different proteins. How
      such chimeras cause cancer, and why they cause cancer in some cell types but not
      others, is not understood. One such chimera is EWS-FLI, the most frequently
      occurring translocation in Ewing Sarcoma, a malignant bone and soft tissue tumor
      of children and young adults. Using EWS-FLI and its parental transcription
      factor, FLI1, we created a unique experimental system to address questions
      regarding the genomic mechanisms by which chimeric transcription factors cause
      cancer. We found that in tumor cells, EWS-FLI targets regions of the genome
      distinct from FLI1, despite identical DNA-binding domains. In primary endothelial
      cells, however, EWS-FLI and FLI1 demonstrate similar targeting. To understand
      this mistargeting, we examined chromatin organization. Regions targeted by EWS
      FLI are normally repressed and nucleosomal in primary endothelial cells. In tumor
      cells, however, bound regions are nucleosome depleted and harbor the chromatin
      signature of enhancers. We next demonstrated that through chimerism, EWS-FLI
      acquired the ability to alter chromatin. Expression of EWS-FLI results in
      nucleosome depletion at targeted sites, whereas silencing of EWS-FLI in tumor
      cells restored nucleosome occupancy. Thus, the EWS-FLI chimera acquired chromatin
      altering activity, leading to mistargeting, chromatin disruption, and ultimately,
      transcriptional dysregulation.

PMID- 22086064
TI  - Novel anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide in rodent models of inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repaglinide is an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. The anti-inflammatory effect of repaglinide in the absence of diabetes
      has not been reported previously. It is the objective of this set of studies to
      investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide. METHOD: The
      in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide were studied in two different
      models of delay type hyperreactivity (DTH) response induced by sheep red blood
      cells (sRBC) and 2,5'-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), and in two different rodent
      models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. RESULTS: In mice systemically
      sensitized with sRBC, which subsequently received a local injection of sRBC in
      the footpad, local swelling occurred within 24 h after challenge. Repaglinide was
      efficacious in attenuating this response. In an orthogonal DTH model using DNFB
      as the antigen, the animals received topical sensitization with DNFB on their
      shaved backs, followed by topical challenge on the left ears. Repaglinide
      efficaciously downregulated the resulting ear swelling response. In mice
      challenged systemically or intratracheally with LPS, repaglinide significantly
      decreased serum tumor necrosis factor alpha level and bronchial alveolar lavage
      fluid MCP-1 levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: This set of data suggests novel
      anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide in nondiabetic animals. However, the
      high dose required for an efficacious effect would make this application
      impractical in the clinic.

PMID- 22086065
TI  - Paraganglioma: not just an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PG) are evaluated and treated
      similarly. This study evaluates the hypothesis that tumor characteristics and
      outcome of patients with PCC and PG are equivalent. METHODS: Records of patients
      from a single institution undergoing resection of PCC or PG from 1999 to 2010
      were reviewed. Data were collected for demographics, operative records,
      laboratory and pathologic results, adjuvant and palliative therapy given,
      recurrence, and length of survival. Descriptive statistics were used to describe
      differences between patients with benign and malignant PCC and PG. Analysis was
      performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test with p = 0.05 considered as
      significant. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were identified (106 PCC and
      nine PG). Of the tumors, 5.2% were bilateral and 10.4% were malignant. Forty
      three of the 115 patients underwent genetic testing; 21 out of 37 (56.8%) PCC and
      five out of six (83.3%) PG had a genetic mutation. Twelve patients (seven PCC and
      five PG) had malignant tumors. Malignant PG (mPG) exhibited more invasive
      pathologic characteristics. The median sizes of benign and malignant PCC (mPCC)
      were 4.0 (0.7-14 cm) and 5.5 cm (3.7-11.2 cm), respectively, p = 0.03. The median
      sizes of benign and mPG were 4.1 (2.7-5.4 cm) and 5.8 cm (4-6.2 cm),
      respectively, p = 0.11. Sites of recurrence were similar between the groups.
      Patients with mPG received chemotherapy more often than those with mPCC. With a
      median follow-up of 54.7 months (2.0-185.3), two out of five mPG and zero out of
      seven mPCC had died of the disease. CONCLUSION: Tumor size does not appear to
      correlate with malignancy in a clinically significant manner. Malignant
      paraganglioma may be more aggressive than malignant pheochromocytoma and is
      frequently offered more adjuvant therapy. PCC and PG should be evaluated
      separately in future analyses of these diseases.

PMID- 22086066
TI  - High levels of cellular proliferation predict pseudoprogression in glioblastoma
      patients.
AB  - Radiochemotherapy (RT) with concomitant followed by monthly temozolomide (TMZ)
      chemotherapy is the gold standard for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM)
      patients. GBM patients can experience transient radiological deterioration after
      concurrent RT/TMZ that stabilizes or even resolves after additional cycles of
      adjuvant TMZ, a phenomenon defined as radiological pseudoprogression. The aim of
      this retrospective study was to identify a reliable marker associated with
      pseudoprogression processes. Patients with histologically proven newly diagnosed
      GBM were identified from a retrospective database between 2005 and 2009.
      Predictive factors for pseudoprogression were analyzed from clinical,
      radiological and biological data. Of the 130 analyzed patients, 63 underwent
      RT/TMZ treatment followed by cycles of TMZ and were evaluated for radiological
      responses every two months by magnetic resonance imaging. Early progression was
      confirmed in 52% (33/63) of the patients, and, within this group, 21% (7/33)
      displayed evidence of pseudo-progression. The predictive factors were evidenced
      in terms of clinical or radiological findings. In GBM patients, the level of
      cellular proliferation (Ki67 indices) emerged as a statistically significant
      prognostic marker for distinguishing pseudoprogression from actual progression.
      Our observation, suggesting that GBM associated with a high level of cellular
      proliferation may differentiate tumor progression from pseudoprogression,
      warrants further investigation in a large multi-center prospective study.

PMID- 22086067
TI  - Translaminar screws of the axis--an alternative technique for rigid screw
      fixation in upper cervical spine instability.
AB  - C2 pedicle screws or transarticular atlantoaxial screws are technically demanding
      and carry an increased risk of vertebral artery injury. In up to 20% of cases,
      pedicle and transarticular screw placement is not possible due to a high-riding
      vertebral artery or very small C2 pedicles in addition to other anatomical
      variations. Translaminar screws have been reported to rigidly capture posterior
      elements of C2 and therefore appear to be a suitable alternative. We present our
      first experiences and clinical results with this new method in two neurosurgical
      spine centers. Twenty-seven adult patients were treated between 2007 and 2010 in
      two neurosurgical spine departments with C2 translaminar screw fixation for upper
      cervical spine instability of various origins (e.g., trauma, tumor, dens
      pseudarthrosis). Eight patients were men and 19 were women. Mean age was 68.9
      years. In most cases, translaminar screws were used because of contraindications
      for pedicle or transarticular screws as a salvage technique. All patients were
      clinically assessed and had CT scans postoperatively to verify correct screw
      placement. Follow-up was performed with reexamination on an ambulatory basis.
      Mean follow-up was 7.6 months for all patients. In 27 patients, 52 translaminar
      screws were placed. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively,
      we identified four screw malpositions using a new accuracy grading scale. One
      screw had to be revised because of violation of the spinal canal >4 mm. None of
      the patients had additional neurological deficits postoperatively, and all showed
      stable cervical conditions at follow-up. Two patients died due to causes not
      associated with the stabilization technique. The fusion rate for patients with
      C1/C2 fixation is 92.9%. Translaminar screws can be used at least as an
      additional technique for cases of upper cervical spine instability when pedicle
      screw placement is contraindicated or not possible. The current data suggest
      comparable biomechanical stability and fusion rates of translaminar screws to
      other well-known posterior fixation procedures. In addition, translaminar screw
      placement is technically less demanding and reduces the risk of vertebral artery
      injury.

PMID- 22086068
TI  - RNA-Seq of the xylose-fermenting yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis cultivated in
      glucose or xylose.
AB  - Xylose is the second most abundant lignocellulosic component besides glucose, but
      it cannot be fermented by the widely used ethanol-producing yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. The yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis, however, is well known for its
      high native capacity to ferment xylose. Here, we applied next-generation
      sequencing technology for RNA (RNA-Seq) to generate two high-resolution
      transcriptional maps of the S. stipitis genome when this yeast was grown using
      glucose or xylose as the sole carbon source. RNA-Seq revealed that 5,176 of 5,816
      annotated open reading frames had a uniform transcription and that 214 open
      reading frames were differentially transcribed. Differential expression analysis
      showed that, compared with other biological processes, carbohydrate metabolism
      and oxidation-reduction reactions were highly enhanced in yeast grown on xylose.
      Measurement of metabolic indicators of fermentation showed that, in yeast grown
      on xylose, the concentrations of cysteine and ornithine were twofold higher and
      the concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids were also increased. Analysis of
      metabolic profiles coincided with analysis of certain differentially expressed
      genes involved in metabolisms of amino acid and fatty acid. In addition, we
      predicted protein-protein interactions of S. stipitis through integration of gene
      orthology and gene expression. Further analysis of metabolic and protein-protein
      interactions networks through integration of transcriptional and metabolic
      profiles predicted correlations of genes involved in glycolysis, the
      tricarboxylic acid cycle, gluconeogenesis, sugar uptake, amino acid metabolism,
      and fatty acid beta-oxidation. Our study reveals potential target genes for
      xylose fermentation improvement and provides insights into the mechanisms
      underlying xylose fermentation in S. stipitis.

PMID- 22086069
TI  - Isolation and characterization of a Klebsiella oxytoca strain for simultaneous
      azo-dye anaerobic reduction and bio-hydrogen production.
AB  - A facultative anaerobic bacteria strain GS-4-08, isolated from an anaerobic
      sequence batch reactor for synthetic dye wastewater treatment, was investigated
      for azo-dye decolorization. This bacterium was identified as a member of
      Klebsiella oxytoca based on Gram staining, morphology characterization and 16S
      rRNA gene analysis. It exhibited a good capacity of simultaneous decolorization
      and hydrogen production in the presence of electron donor. The hydrogen
      production was less affected even at a high Methyl Orange (MO) concentration of
      0.5 mM, indicating a superior tolerability of this strain to MO. This efficient
      bio-hydrogen production from electron donor can not only avoid bacterial
      inhibition due to accumulation of volatile fatty acids during MO decolorization,
      but also can recover considerable energy from dye wastewater.

PMID- 22086070
TI  - Conditional confined oscillatory dynamics of Escherichia coli strain K12-MG1655
      in chemostat systems.
AB  - A series of continuous- and sequencing-batch reactor experiments were performed
      to assess the growth dynamics of Escherichia coli strain K12-MG1655 in chemostat
      systems. Previous mathematical predictions and early experimental results had
      shown that confined oscillatory dynamics ensue in bioreactor populations, which
      relates to "group birth and death" events within the population. New results are
      reported here that generally verify the predictions of the model and show that
      confined oscillations occur under different initial conditions, but the
      characteristics of the oscillatory dynamics vary as a function of the hydraulic
      retention time (HRT). Bioreactors were operated at HRTs ranging from 2.7 to 35 h
      and, regardless of initial conditions or the imposition of transient operational
      instabilities, highly patterned oscillations developed when HRT was between ~3
      and 8 h. However, outside of this range, bioreactor populations tended to form
      biofilms on the reactor walls (although the majority of the cells remained
      suspended in the bulk solution) and stable oscillations were not seen in the bulk
      phase. This suggests that alternate operating "states" might exist in chemostat
      populations with biofilm formation and non-homogenous spatial growth influencing
      "system" dynamics at very low and high HRTs. Although the model accurately
      predicts a confined dynamic equilibrium for mid-range HRT operations,
      experimental data show that model predictions do not extend outside of this
      range, when an alternate stable-state seems to be attained.

PMID- 22086071
TI  - Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a halophilic microbial
      consortium.
AB  - In this study we investigated the phenanthrene degradation by a halophilic
      consortium obtained from a saline soil sample. This consortium, named Qphe, could
      efficiently utilize phenanthrene in a wide range of NaCl concentrations, from 1%
      to 17% (w/v). Since none of the purified isolates could degrade phenanthrene,
      serial dilutions were performed and resulted in a simple polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading culture named Qphe-SubIV which was shown to contain
      one culturable Halomonas strain and one unculturable strain belonging to the
      genus Marinobacter. Qphe-SubIV was shown to grow on phenanthrene at salinities as
      high as 15% NaCl (w/v) and similarly to Qphe, at the optimal NaCl concentration
      of 5% (w/v), could degrade more than 90% of the amended phenanthrene in 6 days.
      The comparison of the substrate range of the two consortiums showed that the
      simplified culture had lost the ability to degrade chrysene but still could grow
      on other polyaromatic substrates utilized by Qphe. Metabolite analysis by HPLC
      and GC-MS showed that 2-hydroxy 1-naphthoic acid and 2-naphthol were among the
      major metabolites accumulated in the Qphe-SubIV culture media, indicating that an
      initial dioxygenation step might proceed at C1 and C2 positions. By investigating
      the growth ability on various substrates along with the detection of catechol
      dioxygenase gene, it was postulated that the uncultured Marinobacter strain had
      the central role in phenanthrene degradation and the Halomonas strain played an
      auxiliary role in the culture by utilizing phenanthrene metabolites whose
      accumulation in the media could be toxic.

PMID- 22086072
TI  - Fast crystallization of organic glass formers.
AB  - An unusually fast crystallization of the organic glass former nifedipine has been
      observed. The crystallization process, starting from an amorphous film to
      crystalline material, was investigated by time resolved Raman microspectroscopy.
      The crystallization rates of the initially crystallizing metastable beta-form are
      four orders of magnitude higher than those of previous studies.

PMID- 22086073
TI  - Charge state and adduct reduction in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry
      using solvent vapor exposure.
AB  - The benefits of lowering protein ion charge states in electrospray ionization
      (ESI) have attracted recent interest. We describe a simple approach to decrease
      protein charge states by exposure of electrospray droplets to neutral solvent
      vapor such as acetonitrile. The technique allows detection of weak noncovalent
      complexes, provides preferred charge states for tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
      dissociation of protein complexes, and has the added benefit of reducing common
      adducts, such as alkali metals, without the addition of solution additives or the
      requirement for a secondary spray.

PMID- 22086074
TI  - Bioconjugation of InGaP quantum dots for molecular sensing.
AB  - Fluorescence-based molecular sensing and cellular imaging are commonly carried
      out with the application of organic dyes. Quantum dots (QDs) are now recognized
      as better tools because they are brighter, size tunable, and more photostable
      than dyes. Most of the proposed QD-based biosensing systems involve elements of
      known toxicity. The present work reports the functionalization of biocompatible
      InGaP/ZnS core-shell QDs with anti-bovine serum albumin (anti-BSA) to exploit
      them as fluorescent probes for antigen detection. Successful bioconjugation was
      characterized with the absorption and emission spectra showing blue shifts of
      around 40 and 30 nm, respectively. Gel electrophoresis and particle size
      distribution studies further confirmed the mass increment of QDs after their
      functionalization with anti-BSA. Surface plasmon resonance spectrometry has been
      used to study the affinity of QD-(anti-BSA) probes for bovine serum albumin
      (BSA). Photoluminescence quenching of the developed probe is observed in the
      presence of BSA.

PMID- 22086075
TI  - Isoeccentric locations are not equivalent: the extent of the vertical meridian
      asymmetry.
AB  - Performance in visual tasks is limited by the low-level mechanisms that sample
      the visual field. It is well documented that contrast sensitivity and spatial
      resolution decrease as a function of eccentricity and that those factors impair
      performance in "higher level" tasks, such as visual search. Performance also
      varies consistently at isoeccentric locations in the visual field. Specifically,
      at a fixed eccentricity, performance is better along the horizontal meridian than
      the vertical meridian, and along the lower than the upper vertical meridian.
      Whether these asymmetries in visual performance fields are confined to the
      vertical meridian or extend across the whole upper versus lower visual hemifield
      has been a matter of debate. Here, we measure the extent of the upper versus
      lower asymmetry. Results reveal that this asymmetry is most pronounced at the
      vertical meridian and that it decreases gradually as the angular distance (polar
      angle) from the vertical meridian increases, with eccentricity held constant.
      Beyond 30 degrees  of polar angle from the vertical meridian, the upper to lower
      asymmetry is no longer reliable. Thus, the vertical meridian is uniquely
      asymmetric and uniquely insensitive. This pattern of results is consistent with
      early anatomical properties of the visual system and reflects constraints that
      are critical to our understanding of visual information processing.

PMID- 22086076
TI  - Chromosomal evolution in Rodentia.
AB  - Rodentia is the most species-rich mammalian order and includes several important
      laboratory model species. The amount of new information on karyotypic and
      phylogenetic relations within and among rodent taxa is rapidly increasing, but a
      synthesis of these data is currently lacking. Here, we have integrated
      information drawn from conventional banding studies, recent comparative painting
      investigations and molecular phylogenetic reconstructions of different rodent
      taxa. This permitted a revision of several ancestral karyotypic reconstructions,
      and a more accurate depiction of rodent chromosomal evolution.

PMID- 22086077
TI  - The origin and evolution of vertebrate sex chromosomes and dosage compensation.
AB  - In mammals, birds, snakes and many lizards and fish, sex is determined
      genetically (either male XY heterogamy or female ZW heterogamy), whereas in
      alligators, and in many reptiles and turtles, the temperature at which eggs are
      incubated determines sex. Evidently, different sex-determining systems (and sex
      chromosome pairs) have evolved independently in different vertebrate lineages.
      Homology shared by Xs and Ys (and Zs and Ws) within species demonstrates that
      differentiated sex chromosomes were once homologous, and that the sex-specific
      non-recombining Y (or W) was progressively degraded. Consequently, genes are left
      in single copy in the heterogametic sex, which results in an imbalance of the
      dosage of genes on the sex chromosomes between the sexes, and also relative to
      the autosomes. Dosage compensation has evolved in diverse species to compensate
      for these dose differences, with the stringency of compensation apparently
      differing greatly between lineages, perhaps reflecting the concentration of genes
      on the original autosome pair that required dosage compensation. We discuss the
      organization and evolution of amniote sex chromosomes, and hypothesize that
      dosage insensitivity might predispose an autosome to evolving function as a sex
      chromosome.

PMID- 22086078
TI  - Chromosomal dynamics of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in the house mouse:
      micro-evolutionary insights.
AB  - Variation in the number and chromosomal location of nucleolar organizer regions
      (NORs) was studied in the house mouse, Mus musculus (2n=40). From an origin in
      Western Asia, this species colonized the Middle East, Europe and Asia. This
      expansion was accompanied by diversification into five subspecies. NOR diversity
      was revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using 18S and 28S probes on
      specimens spanning Asia to Western Europe. The results showed that the house
      mouse genome possessed a large number of NOR-bearing autosomes and a surprisingly
      high rate of polymorphism for the presence/absence of rRNA genes on all these
      chromosomes. All NOR sites were adjacent to the centromere except for two that
      were telomeric. Subspecific differentiation established from the NOR frequency
      data was concordant with the overall pattern of radiation proposed from molecular
      studies, but highlighted several discrepancies that need to be further addressed.
      NOR diversity in M. musculus consisted of a large number of polymorphic NORs that
      were common to at least two subspecies, and a smaller number of NORs that were
      unique to one subspecies. The most parsimonious scenario argues in favor of a
      subspecific differentiation by lineage sorting of ancestral NOR polymorphisms;
      only the unique NORs would have appeared by inter-chromosomal transposition,
      except for the two telomeric ones that may have originated by hybridization with
      another species. Such a scenario provides an alternative view from the one
      prevailing in most systematic and phylogenetic analyses that NORs have a high
      transposition rate due to concerted evolution of rRNA genes.

PMID- 22086079
TI  - Chromosomal rearrangements and karyotype evolution in carnivores revealed by
      chromosome painting.
AB  - Chromosomal evolution in carnivores has been revisited extensively using cross
      species chromosome painting. Painting probes derived from flow-sorted chromosomes
      of the domestic dog, which has one of the most rearranged karyotypes in mammals
      and the highest dipoid number (2n=78) in carnivores, are a powerful tool in
      detecting both evolutionary intra- and inter-chromosomal rearrangements. However,
      only a few comparative maps have been established between dog and other non
      Canidae species. Here, we extended cross-species painting with dog probes to
      seven more species representing six carnivore families: Eurasian lynx (Lynx
      lynx), the stone marten (Martes foina), the small Indian civet (Viverricula
      indica), the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), Javan mongoose
      (Hepestes javanicas), the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda
      melanoleuca). The numbers and positions of intra-chromosomal rearrangements were
      found to differ among these carnivore species. A comparative map between human
      and stone marten, and a map among the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena
      phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), stone marten and human were also established to
      facilitate outgroup comparison and to integrate comparative maps between stone
      marten and other carnivores with such maps between human and other species. These
      comparative maps give further insight into genome evolution and karyotype
      phylogenetic relationships among carnivores, and will facilitate the transfer of
      gene mapping data from human, domestic dog and cat to other species.

PMID- 22086081
TI  - Genetic drift and rapid evolution of viviparity in insular fire salamanders
      (Salamandra salamandra).
AB  - Continental islands offer an excellent opportunity to investigate adaptive
      processes and to time microevolutionary changes that precede macroevolutionary
      events. We performed a population genetic study of the fire salamander
      (Salamandra salamandra), a species that displays unique intraspecific diversity
      of reproductive strategies, to address the microevolutionary processes leading to
      phenotypic and genetic differentiation of island, coastal and interior
      populations. We used eight microsatellite markers to estimate genetic diversity,
      population structure and demographic parameters in viviparous insular populations
      and ovoviviparous coastal and interior populations. Our results show considerable
      genetic differentiation (F(ST) range: 0.06-0.27), and no clear signs of gene flow
      among populations, except between the large and admixed interior populations. We
      find no support for island colonization by rafting or intentional/accidental
      anthropogenic introductions, indicating that rising sea levels were responsible
      for isolation of the island populations approximately 9000 years ago. Our study
      provides evidence of rapid genetic differentiation between island and coastal
      populations, and rapid evolution of viviparity driven by climatic selective
      pressures on island populations, geographic isolation with genetic drift, or a
      combination of these factors. Studies of these viviparous island populations in
      early stages of divergence help us better understand the microevolutionary
      processes involved in rapid phenotypic shifts.

PMID- 22086082
TI  - Proteomics and bioinformatics analysis of lovastatin-induced differentiation in
      ARO cells.
AB  - Lovastatin (lova), a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor,
      can induce differentiation in cancer cells at low concentration, thus having
      potential to be used as an auxiliary agent in cancer therapy. However, biological
      networks associated with the differentiation effect of lova have not been
      elucidated. To investigate molecular mechanisms of lova, the present study was
      aimed at proteomics and bioinformatics analyses on anaplastic thyroid cancer cell
      line ARO differentiated with low concentration of lova. Thyroid differentiation
      was induced by treating ARO cells with 25 MUM of lova and confirmed by checking
      upregulation of some thyroid differentiation markers. Gel-based proteomics
      analysis was then performed to identify proteins differentially expressed between
      undifferentiated and lova-differentiated ARO cells. Bioinformatics analysis was
      finally performed to estimate biological networks regulated by lova. Our results
      showed that lova impacted on proteins involved in protein folding, biomolecule
      metabolism, signal transduction, protein expression and protein degradation.
      Specifically, transfecting ARO cells with plasmid DNA encoding flotillin 1
      (FLOT1) up-regulated the thyroid differentiation markers, indicating that FLOT1
      might at least partially mediate the lova-induced thyroid differentiation. These
      data may shed light on the mechanism underlying lova-induced re-differentiation
      of thyroid cancer, and give a rationale for clinical use of lova as an auxiliary
      agent in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22086080
TI  - Characterising chromosome rearrangements: recent technical advances in molecular
      cytogenetics.
AB  - Genomic rearrangements can result in losses, amplifications, translocations and
      inversions of DNA fragments thereby modifying genome architecture, and
      potentially having clinical consequences. Many genomic disorders caused by
      structural variation have initially been uncovered by early cytogenetic methods.
      The last decade has seen significant progression in molecular cytogenetic
      techniques, allowing rapid and precise detection of structural rearrangements on
      a whole-genome scale. The high resolution attainable with these recently
      developed techniques has also uncovered the role of structural variants in normal
      genetic variation alongside single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We describe
      how array-based comparative genomic hybridisation, SNP arrays, array painting and
      next-generation sequencing analytical methods (read depth, read pair and split
      read) allow the extensive characterisation of chromosome rearrangements in human
      genomes.

PMID- 22086083
TI  - Serum proteome analysis of vivax malaria: An insight into the disease
      pathogenesis and host immune response.
AB  - Vivax malaria is the most widely distributed human malaria resulting in 80-300
      million clinical cases every year. It causes severe infection and mortality but
      is generally regarded as a benign disease and has not been investigated in
      detail. The present study aimed to perform human serum proteome analysis in a
      malaria endemic area in India to identify potential serum biomarkers for vivax
      malaria and understand host response. The proteomic analysis was performed on 16
      age and gender matched subjects (vivax patients and control) in duplicate.
      Protein extraction protocols were optimized for large coverage of the serum
      proteome and to obtain high-resolution data. Identification of 67 differentially
      expressed and statistically significant (Student's t-test; p<0.05) protein spots
      was established by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Many of the identified
      proteins such as apolipoprotein A and E, serum amyloid A and P, haptoglobin,
      ceruloplasmin, and hemopexin are interesting from a diagnostic point of view and
      could further be studied as potential serum biomarkers. The differentially
      expressed serum proteins in vivax malaria identified in this study were subjected
      to functional pathway analysis using multiple software, including Ingenuity
      Pathway Analysis (IPA), Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships
      (PANTHER) and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery
      (DAVID) functional annotation tool for better understanding of the biological
      context of the identified proteins, their involvement in various physiological
      pathways and association with disease pathogenesis. Functional pathway analysis
      of the differentially expressed proteins suggested the modulation of multiple
      vital physiological pathways, including acute phase response signaling,
      complement and coagulation cascades, hemostasis and vitamin D metabolism pathway
      due to this parasitic infection. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Proteomics: The clinical link.

PMID- 22086084
TI  - Selective intraarterial injection of ICG for fluorescence angiography as a guide
      to extirpate perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green (ICG) provides real
      time information regarding the patency of vessels. To enhance the capability to
      delineate flow direction, flow velocity and sequence of dye filling in different
      components of complex spinal vascular lesions such as perimedullary arteriovenous
      fistulas (AVFs), we tried selective intraarterial injection of ICG with
      catheterization in the proximity of the AVFs. METHOD: Prior to taking the
      position for surgery, a metallic introducer sheath was placed into the femoral
      artery, and placed over the patient's lateral buttock. After the exposure of the
      AVFs, a standard angiographic catheter was advanced into the proximal portion of
      the feeding artery and a small volume of diluted ICG (0.06 mg in 5 ml saline for
      one examination) injected repeatedly. To avoid the thromboembolism, heparinized
      saline was perfused continuously thorough the catheter and sheath. FINDINGS: The
      small injection volume and the close proximity of the injection site to the
      lesions resulted in quick rise and fall of the fluorescence without any
      background. Time and spatial resolution of analysis were enhanced; flow dynamics
      such as direction, velocity and alteration after temporary occlusion were well
      visualized. The feeders and drainers were clearly distinguished, and the shunts
      could be precisely identified. CONCLUSIONS: Selective intraarterial injection ICG
      fluorescence angiography was very useful for perimedullary AVFs. Albeit that it
      requires intraoperative selective catheterization, this repeatable technique has
      an advantage to improve temporary resolution and provides accurate information of
      the flow dynamics through the complex anatomy of vascular lesions.

PMID- 22086085
TI  - Temporal resolution for calling song signals by female crickets, Gryllus
      bimaculatus.
AB  - A behavioural gap detection paradigm was used to determine the temporal
      resolution for song patterns by female crickets, Gryllus bimaculatus. For stimuli
      with a modulation depth of 100% the critical gap duration was 6-8 ms. A reduction
      of the modulation depth of gaps to 50% led either to an increase or a decrease of
      the critical gap duration. In the latter case, the critical gap duration dropped
      to 3-4 ms indicating a higher sensitivity of auditory processing. The response
      curve for variation of pulse period was not limited by temporal resolution.
      However, the reduced response to stimuli with a high duty cycle, and thus short
      pause durations, was in accordance with the limits of temporal resolution. The
      critical duration of masking pulses inserted into pauses was 4-6 ms. An analysis
      of the songs of males revealed that gaps (5.8 ms) and masking pulses (6.9 ms)
      were at detectable time scales for the auditory pathway of female crickets.
      However, most of the observed temporal variation of song patterns was tolerated
      by females. Critical cues such as pulse period and pulse duty cycle provided
      little basis for inter-individual selection by females.

PMID- 22086086
TI  - Controlled synthesis and size-dependent thermal conductivity of Fe3O4 magnetic
      nanofluids.
AB  - The effect of nanoparticle size (4~44 nm) on the thermal conductivities of heat
      transfer oils has been systematically examined using iron oxide nanoparticles.
      Such Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple one-pot pyrolysis
      method. The size (16~44 nm), shape and assembly patterns of monodisperse
      Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were modulated by only controlling the amount of
      Fe(acac)(3). After the as-prepared Fe(3)O(4) NPs were dispersed in heat transfer
      oils, the prepared magnetic nanofluids exhibit higher thermal conductivity than
      heat transfer oils, and the enhanced values increase with a decrease in particle
      size. In addition, the viscosities of all nanofliuids are remarkably lower than
      that of the base fluid, which has been found for the first time in the nanofluid
      field. The promising features offer potential application in thermal energy
      engineering.

PMID- 22086089
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 22086087
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis reveals calcium regulation of specific promoter motifs in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - Increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) mediate plant
      responses to stress by regulating the expression of genes encoding proteins that
      confer tolerance. Several plant stress genes have previously been shown to be
      calcium-regulated, and in one case, a specific promoter motif Abscisic Acid
      Responsive-Element (ABRE) has been found to be regulated by calcium. A
      comprehensive survey of the Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome for calcium
      regulated promoter motifs was performed by measuring the expression of genes in
      Arabidopsis seedlings responding to three calcium elevations of different
      characteristics, using full genome microarray analysis. This work revealed a
      total of 269 genes upregulated by [Ca(2+)](c) in Arabidopsis. Bioinformatic
      analysis strongly indicated that at least four promoter motifs were [Ca(2+)](c)
      regulated in planta. We confirmed this finding by expressing in plants chimeric
      gene constructs controlled exclusively by these cis-elements and by testing the
      necessity and sufficiency of calcium for their expression. Our data reveal that
      the C-Repeat/Drought-Responsive Element, Site II, and CAM box (along with the
      previously identified ABRE) promoter motifs are calcium-regulated. The
      identification of these promoter elements targeted by the second messenger
      intracellular calcium has implications for plant signaling in response to a
      variety of stimuli, including cold, drought, and biotic stress.

PMID- 22086088
TI  - O-acetylation of Arabidopsis hemicellulose xyloglucan requires AXY4 or AXY4L,
      proteins with a TBL and DUF231 domain.
AB  - In an Arabidopsis thaliana forward genetic screen aimed at identifying mutants
      with altered structures of their hemicellulose xyloglucan (axy mutants) using
      oligosaccharide mass profiling, two nonallelic mutants (axy4-1 and axy4-2) that
      have a 20 to 35% reduction in xyloglucan O-acetylation were identified. Mapping
      of the mutation in axy4-1 identified AXY4, a type II transmembrane protein with a
      Trichome Birefringence-Like domain and a domain of unknown function (DUF231).
      Loss of AXY4 transcript results in a complete lack of O-acetyl substituents on
      xyloglucan in several tissues, except seeds. Seed xyloglucan is instead O
      acetylated by the paralog AXY4like, as demonstrated by the analysis of the
      corresponding T-DNA insertional lines. Wall fractionation analysis of axy4
      knockout mutants indicated that only a fraction containing xyloglucan is non-O
      acetylated. Hence, AXY4/AXY4L is required for the O-acetylation of xyloglucan,
      and we propose that these proteins represent xyloglucan-specific O
      acetyltransferases, although their donor and acceptor substrates have yet to be
      identified. An Arabidopsis ecotype, Ty-0, has reduced xyloglucan O-acetylation
      due to mutations in AXY4, demonstrating that O-acetylation of xyloglucan does not
      impact the plant's fitness in its natural environment. The relationship of AXY4
      with another previously identified group of Arabidopsis proteins involved in
      general wall O-acetylation, reduced wall acetylation, is discussed.

PMID- 22086090
TI  - Relationships between glide efficiency and swimmers' size and shape
      characteristics.
AB  - Glide efficiency, the ability of a body to minimize deceleration over the glide,
      can change with variations in the body's size and shape. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the relationships between glide efficiency and the size
      and shape characteristics of swimmers. Eight male and eight female swimmers
      performed a series of horizontal glides at a depth of 70 cm below the surface.
      Glide efficiency parameters were calculated for velocities ranging from 1.4 to
      1.6 m/s for female swimmers (and at the Reynolds number of 3.5 million) and from
      1.6 to 1.8 m/s for male swimmers (and at the Reynolds number of 4.5 million).
      Several morphological indices were calculated to account for the shape
      characteristics, with the use of a photogrammetric method. Relationships between
      the variables of interest were explored with correlations, while repeated
      measures ANOVA was used to assess within-group differences between different
      velocities for each gender group. Glide efficiency of swimmers increased when
      velocity decreased. Some morphological indices and postural angles showed a
      significant correlation with glide efficiency. The glide coefficient was
      significantly correlated to the chest to waist taper index for both gender
      groups. For the male group, the glide coefficient correlated significantly to the
      fineness ratio of upper body, the chest to hip cross-section. For the female
      group the glide coefficient had a significant correlation with the waist to hip
      taper index. The findings suggested that gliding efficiency was more dependent on
      shape characteristics and appropriate postural angles rather than being dependent
      on size characteristics.

PMID- 22086091
TI  - Interlaminar versus transforaminal epidural steroids for the treatment of
      subacute lumbar radicular pain: a randomized, blinded, prospective outcome study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty in the literature over the relative
      effectiveness of lumbar epidural interlaminar (IL) steroid injection versus
      transforaminal (TF) steroid injection for lumbar radiculopathy. Most studies to
      date have been retrospective, or technically focused. OBJECTIVE: To complete a
      randomized, blinded, prospective outcome study of the short-term benefit for IL
      versus TF epidural steroids for the treatment of subacute lumbar radicular pain.
      STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded, subacute efficacy trial. SETTING:
      Tertiary care pain management center, major metropolitan city, United States.
      METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 42 age-matched patients with
      similar lower back pain and unilateral radicular symptoms were enrolled and
      randomized in a patient and evaluating physician blinded trial to IL or TF
      epidural steroids from 2007 through 2009. Prior to intervention and 10-16 days
      after injection, each participant was evaluated by questionnaire and physical
      exam by an independent physician. All injections were performed by the same
      physician. Thirty-eight participants completed the study, 18 in the IL group and
      20 in the TF group. Four participants required a repeat injection, and 2
      participants crossed over to the alternative injection type (IL to TF). RESULTS:
      Overall, physical exam, diagnostic testing, disability, activity, depression
      measures, and opioid pill use were similar between the 2 groups, both pre
      injection baseline and post-injection improvement. In primary outcomes, the post
      injection follow-up Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was more greatly reduced in the TF
      group. The NRS decreased from 7.0 +/- 1.9 to 3.9 +/- 3.1 (mean values +/-
      standard deviation) in the IL group and 6.4 +/- 2.1 to 1.7 +/- 1.4 in the TF
      group. The Oswestry Disability Index was reduced from 37.5 +/- 12.6 to 19.0 +/-
      16.7 in the IL group and 38.3 +/- 6.4 to 21.6 +/- 16.8 in the TF group. In
      secondary outcomes, the depression scale was reduced from 4.39 +/- 3.22 to 2.28
      +/- 3.20 in the IL group and 4.10 +/- 1.94 to 1.65 +/- 1.63 in the TF group.
      Walking tolerance was increased from 8.1 +/- 4.6 blocks to 10.6 +/- 4.4 in the IL
      group and 8.9 +/- 5.3 blocks to 11.8 +/- 4.2 in the TF group. LIMITATIONS: The
      study did not examine long-term outcomes. A single experienced interventionalist
      performed all injections. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that patients may
      experience greater subjective relief, at least initially, from TF epidural
      steroid injections over IL. However, more objective, and likely subacute,
      therapeutic effects are similar.

PMID- 22086092
TI  - Rates of lead migration and stimulation loss in spinal cord stimulation: a
      retrospective comparison of laminotomy versus percutaneous implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation has been used to treat neuropathic pain. Leads have
      been implanted using laminotomy or percutaneous approaches. Laminotomy
      implantation has been shown to be superior in terms of lead migration when
      compared to percutaneous implantation. Lead migration has been reported as high
      as 68% with the percutaneous approach. Because of this, newer anchors have been
      developed but not tested in vivo. OBJECTIVES: This study tests the hypothesis
      that newer anchoring systems have improved lead migration rates for percutaneous
      leads relative to laminotomy leads to the point of parity. This study also
      analyzed if factors such as laterality of symptoms, lead type, level of implant
      and diagnosis affect migration rates. STUDY DESIGN: Neurostimulators implanted in
      the thoracolumbar spine at Henry Ford Hospital between 2006 and 2008 were
      reviewed for the following: age, sex, diagnosis, lead type, and implant level.
      Implants were reviewed for the following: age, sex, diagnosis, lead type, implant
      level, implant method, symptom laterality, loss of stimulation, radiographic lead
      migration, and time to loss. Loss of capture and lead migration in the laminotomy
      and percutaneous groups were compared using Fisher's exact test. Variables within
      each group included: lead type, level of implantation, location of symptoms, and
      diagnosis. They were compared using Fisher's exact test. Time to loss of
      stimulation was compared using the Wilcoxon 2-sample test. SETTING: Pain Clinic,
      Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI. RESULTS: Laminotomies were performed by a
      single neurosurgeon and percutaneous implants were performed by a single pain
      medicine specialist. Percutaneous leads were anchored using Titan (Medtronic
      Corporation, Minneapolis, MN) anchors. Loss of capture was 24% laminotomy and 23%
      percutaneous with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.787).
      Radiographic evidence of migration was 13.63% percutaneous and 12.67% laminotomy
      with no significant difference (P = 0.999). The average days to loss of
      stimulation for the laminotomy versus percutaneous were as follows: 124.82 and
      323.6 which were not statistically significant. There was no statistical
      difference in the days to loss of capture between the groups (P = 0.060). There
      was no significant difference between unilateral or bilateral symptoms in loss of
      capture within either group (P = 0.263, P = 0.326). There was not enough data to
      do comparisons by diagnosis. Comparisons of loss of capture based on electrode
      type was not significant in either group (P = 0.687, P = 0.371). The effect of
      the spinal level on the lack of recapture rates was not able to be calculated due
      to the number of levels. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSION: Rates of
      stimulation loss and radiographic lead migration are similar for both laminotomy
      and percutaneous implantation. Time to loss of stimulation was not statistically
      different in either group, although there was a trend toward laminotomy leads
      migrating earlier. Lead type and laterality of symptoms do not affect lead
      migration rates. The effect of the level of implant and diagnosis was
      indeterminate.

PMID- 22086093
TI  - Use of observational mechanical gateway connector in spinal cord stimulation
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established treatment option for
      chronic pain. Prior to permanent implantation, temporary trials are performed to
      evaluate the SCS treatment. Currently there are multiple manufacturers with
      varying fundamental differences in delivery and resultant paresthesias. However,
      trials are typically limited to one manufacturer for the patient to evaluate.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the Observational Mechanical Gateway (OMG)
      Connector for patients undergoing SCS trials. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      design study. Patients undergoing SCS trials were offered at the end of the 7 day
      trial to experience stimulation using the OMG Connector. SETTING: Academic
      university-based pain management center. METHOD: Participants were trialed using
      the OMG Connector at the end of the 7 day spinal cord stimulation trial. Data
      based on participants' preference were collected. RESULTS: The average pain score
      at baseline was 7.3 on a 10-point scale overall, with improvement during the SCS
      trial to 2.9 overall; 3.5 in Medtronic (MT); and 2.4 in St. Jude (SJ) SCS trials
      (P = 0.04). The average pain score with OMG was 2.6 overall; 2.8 in MT; and 2.4
      in SJ (P = 0.28). In terms of overall coverage of pain distribution, paresthesia
      and overall satisfaction, the P values were 0.24, 0.21 and 0.33 respectively.
      Overall, 12 of 16 participants underwent permanent implantation. One of the 4
      failed trials was successfully retrialed with the OMG Connector. LIMITATIONS:  
      Small sample of participants and the duration of the OMG Connector trial.
      CONCLUSIONS: The OMG Connector offers patients another opportunity to better
      access the available treatment options during the SCS trial period.

PMID- 22086094
TI  - Ultrasound-guided interventional release of rotator interval and posteroinferior
      capsule for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder using a specially designed
      needle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adhesive capsulitis is a common but poorly understood disorder of the
      shoulder. Various treatments have been developed to manage this condition, but
      the efficacy of these treatments is controversial. We developed an ultrasound
      guided, minimally invasive interventional technique to manage adhesive capsulitis
      of the shoulder using a specially designed needle. OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      methodological approach of our intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Technical report.
      SETTING: Pain management clinic. METHODS: Thirteen participants with adhesive
      capsulitis of the shoulder underwent ultrasound-guided interventional release of
      the rotator interval and posteroinferior capsule using a specially designed
      curved Round Needle. A convex ultrasound probe was placed along the oblique
      coronal plane over the supraspinatus muscle and acromion. Under ultrasonographic
      guidance, the needle was passed through the supraspinatus muscle and superior
      labrum and reached the rotator interval. It was moved forward and backward until
      no resistance was felt. After finishing the rotator interval release, the needle
      was inserted toward the posteroinferior capsule. While the operator released the
      adhesion in the posteroinferior capsule by moving the needle forward and
      backward, an assistant gradually abducted the shoulder. When full abduction of
      the affected shoulder was achieved, the intervention was completed. RESULTS:  
      Following our intervention, significant improvements in pain levels, glenohumeral
      range of motion, and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were
      attained at follow-up. LIMITATIONS: Technical report only. Efficacy of this
      technique is beyond the scope of the article. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided
      interventional release of the rotator interval and posteroinferior capsule
      appears to have clinical significance in the management of adhesive capsulitis of
      the shoulder.

PMID- 22086095
TI  - Kyphoplasty for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures in a cancer
      patient with neurological deficits and anterior vertebral wall destruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty is an effective, minimally invasive
      procedure that is used to relieve pain and stabilize spine fractures caused by
      severe osteoporosis or osteolysis due to tumor metastasis. However, there remains
      a risk of bone cement leakage during and after kyphoplasty, especially in cases
      with severe vertebral wall destruction or neurological deficits. OBJECTIVE: This
      article presents a case in which kyphoplasty was used to manage these
      complications in a woman with vertebral compression fractures caused by tumor
      metastasis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Pain management clinic. METHODS:
      The patient was a 76-year-old woman who had severe low back pain, lower extremity
      weakness, and cauda equina syndrome because of vertebral compression fracture and
      spinal metastasis with epidural involvement. The patient had a large bony defect
      in the vertebra that the bone filler device could pass freely through the
      anterior body wall. Nevertheless, kyphoplasty was successfully performed by using
      our new cement injection technique, which is a slow injection of the highly
      viscous bone cement, followed by a second injection 10 minutes later to allow the
      previously injected cement to harden. RESULTS: The procedure significantly
      alleviated all symptoms. The day after the procedure, in the absence of
      additional pain medication, the pain had dropped dramatically to a numerical
      rating scale 3-4, and there was an improvement in motor function that allowed the
      patient to sit and go to the bathroom by herself. In addition, the voiding
      sensation had returned, which allowed the patient to defecate and urinate
      normally. LIMITATIONS: This report describes a single case report. CONCLUSION:
      Our new cement injection technique may allow balloon kyphoplasty to be safely and
      effectively performed in cancer patients with pathological vertebral compression
      fractures, even if there are large defects in the anterior vertebral wall and
      neurological deficits.

PMID- 22086096
TI  - An analysis of reasons for failed back surgery syndrome and partial results after
      different types of surgical lumbar nerve root decompression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the evident progress in treating vertebral column
      degenerative diseases, the rate of a so-called "failed back surgery syndrome"
      associated with pain and disability remains relatively high. However, this term
      has an imprecise definition and includes several different morbid conditions
      following spinal surgery, not all of which directly illustrate the efficacy of
      the applied technology; furthermore, some of them could even be irrelevant.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and systematize the reasons for persistent pain syndromes
      following surgical nerve root decompression. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective,
      nonrandomized, cohort study of 138 consecutive patients with radicular pain
      syndromes, associated with nerve root compression caused by lumbar disc
      herniation, and resistant to conservative therapy for at least one month. The
      minimal period of follow-up was 18 months. SETTING: Hospital outpatient
      department, Russian Federation METHODS: Pre-operatively, patients were examined
      clinically, applying the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index
      (ODI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), discography and computed tomography
      (CT). According to the disc herniation morphology and applied type of surgery,
      all participants were divided into the following groups: for those with disc
      extrusion or sequester, microdiscectomy was applied (n = 65); for those with disc
      protrusion, nucleoplasty was applied (n = 46); for those with disc extrusion,
      nucleoplasty was applied (n = 27). After surgery, participants were examined
      clinically and the VAS and ODI were applied. All those with permanent or
      temporary pain syndromes were examined applying MRI imaging, functional
      roentgenograms, and, to validate the cause of pain syndromes, different types of
      blocks were applied (facet joint blocks, paravertebral muscular blocks,
      transforaminal and caudal epidural blocks). RESULTS: Group 1 showed a
      considerable rate of pain syndromes related to tissue damage during the
      intervention; the rates of radicular pain caused by epidural scar and myofascial
      pain were 12.3% and 26.1% respectively. Facet joint pain was found in 23.1% of
      the cases. Group 2 showed a significant rate of facet joint pain (16.9%) despite
      the minimally invasive intervention. The specificity of Group 3 was the very high
      rate of unresolved or recurred nerve root compression (63.0%); in other words, in
      the majority of cases, the aim of the intervention was not achieved. The results
      of the applied intervention were considered clinically significant if 50% pain
      relief on the VAS and a 40% decrease in the ODI were achieved. LIMITATIONS: This
      study is limited because of the loss of participants to follow-up and because it
      is nonrandomized; also it could be criticized because the dynamics of numeric
      scores were not provided. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that an
      analysis of the reasons for failures and partial effects of applied interventions
      for nerve root decompression may help to understand better the efficacy of the
      interventions and could be helpful in improving surgical strategies, otherwise
      the validity of the conclusion could be limited because not all sources of
      residual pain illustrate the applied technology efficacy. In the majority of
      cases, the cause of the residual or recurrent pain can be identified, and this
      may open new possibilities to improve the condition of patients presenting with
      failed back surgery syndrome.

PMID- 22086097
TI  - Predictors for persistent neuropathic pain--a Delphi survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic neuropathic pain has a major effect on quality of life. In
      order to prevent neuropathic pain from becoming chronic and improve neuropathic
      pain care, it is important to identify predictors associated with the persistence
      of neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVE: To identify potential predictors associated with
      the persistence of neuropathic pain. STUDY DESIGN: A 2-round Delphi study.
      SETTING: University Medical Center and Pain Management Research Center. METHODS:
      A 2-round Delphi study was conducted among 17 experts in the field of neuropathic
      pain. Selection of the panel was based on the citation index ranking for
      neuropathic pain-related research and/or membership in the neuropathic pain
      special interest group of the International Association for the Study of Pain
      (IASP), complemented with experts with demonstrated field knowledge.Potential
      predictors were categorized according to the International Classification of
      Functioning, Disability and Health model. Participants were asked to identify
      important predictors, suggest new predictors, and grade the importance on a 0-10
      scale. For the second round, predictors were considered important if the median
      score was >= 7 and the interquartile range (IQR) <= 3. RESULTS: In the first
      round, 20 predictors were selected and 58 were added by the experts (patient
      characteristics [15], environmental factors [25], functions & structure [4],
      participation & health related quality of life [14]). In the second round, 12
      predictors were considered important (patient characteristics [4; e.g.,
      depression, pain catastrophizing], environmental factors [surgery as treatment
      for neuropathic pain], functions & structure [6; e.g., allodynia, duration of the
      complaints], participation & trait anxiety/depression as a part of health related
      quality of life). Presence of depression and pain catastrophizing were considered
      the most important predictors for chronic neuropathic pain (median >= 8; IQR <=
      2). LIMITATIONS: The study design did not include plenary discussion among the
      experts. The meaning of the individual topics used in this study could have been
      subject to interpretation bias. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, psychological factors and
      factors related to sensory disturbances were considered important predictors for
      persistence of neuropathic pain. Activity related factors and previously received
      paramedical and alternative treatment were considered to be less important. The
      list of possible predictors obtained by this study may serve as a basis for
      development of a clinical prediction rule for chronic neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22086098
TI  - Vertebral augmentation and radiation therapy: which should be given first to
      patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures?

PMID- 22086100
TI  - Feasibility study of rapid opioid rotation and titration: is it truly feasible or
      paradoxical?

PMID- 22086102
TI  - One more beers? It's time to STOPP!

PMID- 22086103
TI  - Treatment considerations in painful HIV-related neuropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related distal sensory
      polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most common HIV-associated sensory neuropathy. The
      envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1, gp 120, appears to contribute to this painful
      neuropathy. Two standard treatments for HIV infection/HIV-related painful DSP
      (e.g., antiviral therapy [e.g., nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
      (NRTI)] opioids) should each be carefully evaluated prior to being utilized to
      ameliorate the pain of DSP, since they may actually promote nociception.
      Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors require activation in the cell via
      the addition of 3 phosphate groups (by cellular kinases) to their deoxyribose
      moiety, to form NRTI triphosphates. Subsequently, these deoxynucleotide analogs
      compete with natural deoxynucleotides for incorporation into the growing viral
      DNA chain. The incorporation of NRTIs into the viral DNA chain leads to chain
      termination; since the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors lack a 3'
      hydroxyl group on the deoxyribose moiety (unlike natural deoxynucleotides), so
      that the next incoming deoxynucleotide cannot form the next 5'-3' phosphodiester
      bond needed to extend the DNA chain. Unfortunately, many conventional agents
      utilized as pharmacologic therapy for neuropathic pain are not effective for
      providing satisfactory analgesia in painful HIV-related distal sensory
      polyneuropathy. Although there is no robust data, there does seem to be
      information which would support the notion of opioids having increased risk of
      being particularly pronociceptive when being used to treat painful HIV-related
      neuropathy. It thus appears conceivable that the use of at least certain opioids
      in efforts to achieve analgesia in patients with painful HIV-related neuropathy
      may be less than ideal since at least certain opioid analgesics themselves may
      potentially contribute to "fueling the fire" of HIV enhanced pain
      hypersensitivity; at least in part via upregulation of specific chemokine
      receptors (e.g., CXCR4) which seem to be vitally important in promoting HIV
      related pain facilitation. The risk benefit ratio of treatment with agents such
      as NRTIs as well as opioids should be reviewed for specific individual patients,
      prior to clinicians initiating these agents. OBJECTIVES: To raise awareness of
      the theoretical potential downside that opioids may possess if they are used for
      the treatment of painful HIV-related neuropathy. METHODS: A narrative review of
      selected literature. LIMITATIONS: Hypothetical in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians
      should consider all aspects of various therapeutic options, carefully weighing
      the risk/benefit ratios of each potential treatment before initiating opioids for
      painful HIV-related neuropathy.  

PMID- 22086104
TI  - [Salt consumption and cardiovascular risk : a plea for salt reduction].
AB  - High salt intake over long term is associated with increased incidence of
      arterial, predominantly systolic, hypertension and increased risk of
      cardiovascular diseases, e.g., stroke, heart failure, and renal insufficiency.
      High salt consumption is a vascular risk factor generating aortic stiffness and
      decreased vascular compliance leading to central blood pressure augmentation,
      higher cardiac load, and diminished diastolic perfusion. The development of heart
      failure can be a consequence of this sequelae. Randomized trials show a reduction
      in blood pressure with lower sodium intake. In long-term clinical trials, a
      reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been demonstrated.
      Recommendations should emphasize the simultaneous reduction in sodium intake and
      increase in potassium intake.

PMID- 22086105
TI  - [Risk reduction in cardiovascular diseases by physical activity].
AB  - A sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity is recognized as an important risk
      factor for cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity improves muscular
      function, cardiac function, and metabolic syndrome-related disorders. Leisure
      time physical activity reduces all-cause mortality by 22-34% and cardiovascular
      mortality by 27-35%. These data have been shown in many prospective cohort
      studies and published in four large meta-analyses with more than 800,000
      participants (evidence IA). The risk reduction is somewhat more pronounced in the
      elderly and in women (IB). In addition to reduced mortality, physical activity
      also improves cardiopulmonary function and quality of life (IB). This also holds
      true for coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, and arterial hypertension with
      high-grade evidence (IA). Furthermore, evidence has been shown a risk reduction
      in stroke, development of cognitive dysfunction, and intermittent claudication.
      Training recommendations for physical activity have reached high-grade evidence
      (IA). Therefore, regular physical activity is one of the most important
      components of a healthy lifestyle. All physicians should ask their patients at
      all clinic and office visits about physical activity and recommend activity for
      prevention and therapy.

PMID- 22086106
TI  - [Treatment of autoimmune liver diseases. Autoimmune hepatitis and primary
      sclerosing cholangitis].
AB  - Since the 1950s, autoimmune hepatitis has been recognized as a chronic liver
      disease that responds to treatment with steroids. Nevertheless, even today 25% of
      all diagnosed patients still present with liver cirrhosis, which emphasizes the
      importance of a timely and efficient diagnosis. Steroid-containing
      immunosuppression is characterized by a high rate of unwanted side effects. For
      non-cirrhotic patients, the synthetic steroid budesonide, which is characterized
      by high first-pass metabolism, represents a study-evaluated alternative. In the
      new guidelines for the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis, the
      therapeutic role of ursodeoxycholic acid has been modified, with no other
      effective alternative drugs being available. Management of sclerosing cholangitis
      is also made more difficult by the high risk of cholangiocarcinoma and colon
      carcinoma in addition to new differential diagnoses such as secondary sclerosing
      cholangitis and IgG4-associated cholangitis. IgG4-associated cholangitis can
      mimic primary sclerosing cholangitis but--in contrast-- can respond to the
      administration of steroid-containing immunosuppression.

PMID- 22086107
TI  - Interpretation of array comparative genome hybridization data: a major challenge.
AB  - The advent and application of high-resolution array-based comparative genome
      hybridization (array CGH) has led to the detection of large numbers of copy
      number variants (CNVs) in patients with developmental delay and/or multiple
      congenital anomalies as well as in healthy individuals. The notion that CNVs are
      also abundantly present in the normal population challenges the interpretation of
      the clinical significance of detected CNVs in patients. In this review we will
      illustrate a general clinical workflow based on our own experience that can be
      used in routine diagnostics for the interpretation of CNVs.

PMID- 22086108
TI  - Effect of progesterone as a tocolytic and in maintenance therapy during preterm
      labor.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the efficacy of vaginal micronized natural progesterone as a
      tocolytic and in maintenance therapy during threatened preterm birth. METHODS:
      Eighty-three women with symptoms of threatened preterm birth were either
      randomized to study groups receiving tocolytic treatment combined with
      intravaginal micronized natural progesterone (200 mg daily) or to a control group
      receiving only tocolysis. RESULTS: Micronized natural progesterone treatment
      resulted in a prolonged latency period of 32.1 +/- 17.8 versus 21.2 +/- 16.3 days
      in the control group and heavier birth weights of 2,982.8 +/- 697.8 g versus
      2,585.3 +/- 746.6 g. No significant differences were found between the groups in
      admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, stay at the neonatal intensive
      care unit, need for a mechanical ventilator, respiratory distress syndrome or
      neonatal sepsis. CONCLUSION: The treatment of threatened preterm birth with
      tocolytics combined with intravaginal micronized natural progesterone
      significantly prolonged pregnancy and increased birth weight. However, an
      improvement in adverse perinatal outcomes was not observed.

PMID- 22086109
TI  - Structure of bottle-brush brushes under good solvent conditions: a molecular
      dynamics study.
AB  - We report a simulation study for bottle-brush polymers grafted on a rigid
      backbone. Using a standard coarse-grained bead-spring model extensive molecular
      dynamics simulations for such macromolecules under good solvent conditions are
      performed. We consider a broad range of parameters and present numerical results
      for the monomer density profile, density of the untethered ends of the grafted
      flexible backbones and the correlation function describing the range that
      neighboring grafted bottle-brushes are affected by the presence of the others due
      to the excluded-volume interactions. The end beads of the flexible backbones of
      the grafted bottle-brushes do not access the region close to the rigid backbone
      due to the presence of the side chains of the grafted bottle-brush polymers,
      which stretch the chains further in the radial directions. Although a number of
      different correlation lengths exist as a result of the complex structure of these
      macromolecules, their properties can be tuned with high accuracy in good
      solvents. Moreover, qualitative differences with 'typical' bottle-brushes are
      discussed. Our results provide a first approach to characterizing such complex
      macromolecules with a standard bead-spring model.

PMID- 22086110
TI  - Endogenous hydrogen peroxide is a key factor in the yeast extract-induced
      activation of biphenyl biosynthesis in cell cultures of Sorbus aucuparia.
AB  - Biphenyls are unique phytoalexins produced by plants belonging to Pyrinae, a
      subtribe of the economically important Rosaceae family. The formation of
      aucuparin, a well-known biphenyl, is induced by yeast extract (YE) in cell
      cultures of Sorbus aucuparia. However, the molecular mechanism underlying YE
      induced activation of biphenyl biosynthesis remains unknown. Here we demonstrate
      that the addition of YE to the cell cultures results in a burst of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS; H(2)O(2) and O(2) (-)), followed by transcriptional
      activation of the biphenyl synthase 1 gene (BIS1) encoding the key enzyme of the
      biphenyl biosynthetic pathway and aucuparin accumulation. Pretreatment of the
      cell cultures with ROS scavenger dihydrolipoic acid and NADPH oxidase-specific
      inhibitor diphenylene iodonium abolished all of the above YE-induced biological
      events. However, when the cell cultures was pretreated with superoxide dismutase
      specific inhibitor N,N-diethyldithiocarbamic acid, although O(2) (-) continued to
      be generated, the H(2)O(2) accumulation, BIS1 expression and aucuparin production
      were blocked. Interestingly, exogenous supply of H(2)O(2) in the range of 0.05-10
      mM failed to induce aucuparin accumulation. These results indicate that
      endogenous generation of H(2)O(2) rather than that of O(2) (-) is a key factor in
      YE-induced accumulation of biphenyl phytoalexins in cell cultures of S.
      aucuparia.

PMID- 22086111
TI  - Cockayne syndrome, underlying molecular defects and p53.

PMID- 22086112
TI  - DNA damage responses in the prostate: implications for cancer formation?

PMID- 22086113
TI  - Spindle assembly checkpoint and its regulators in meiosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND Meiosis is a unique form of cell division in which cells divide twice
      but DNA is duplicated only once. Errors in chromosome segregation during meiosis
      will result in aneuploidy, followed by loss of the conceptus during pregnancy or
      birth defects. During mitosis, cells utilize a mechanism called the spindle
      assembly checkpoint (SAC) to ensure faithful chromosome segregation. A similar
      mechanism has been uncovered for meiosis in the last decade, especially in the
      past several years.  METHODS For this review, we included data and relevant
      information obtained through a PubMed database search for all articles published
      in English from 1991 through 2011 which included the term 'meiosis', 'spindle
      assembly checkpoint', or 'SAC'.  RESULTS There are 91 studies included. Evidence
      for the existence of SAC functions in meiosis is provided by studies on the SAC
      proteins mitotic-arrest deficient-1 (Mad1), Mad2, budding uninhibited by
      benzimidazole-1 (Bub1), Bub3, BubR1 and Mps1; microtubule-kinetochore attachment
      regulators Ndc80 complex, chromosomal passenger complex, mitotic centromere
      associated kinesin (MCAK), kinetochore null 1 (KNL1) and Mis12 complex and
      spindle stability regulators.  CONCLUSIONS SAC and its regulators exist and
      function in meiosis, and their malfunctions may cause germ cell aneuploidy.
      However, species and sexual differences exist. Moreover, interaction of SAC
      components with other regulators is still poorly understood, which needs further
      study.

PMID- 22086114
TI  - Gold nanoparticles show electroactivity: counting and sorting nanoparticles upon
      impact with electrodes.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous 0.10 M HCl are shown to be electroactive at
      oxidising potentials greater than 1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) by means of voltammetric
      monitoring of AuNP-electrode collisions. The method promises the use of anodic
      particle coulometry for the detection and characterisation of the AuNPs.

PMID- 22086115
TI  - 5-AZA-2'-deoxycytidine induced demethylation influences N-glycosylation of
      secreted glycoproteins in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Glycosylation is the most common posttranslational modification of proteins and
      is highly reflective of changes in the environment of a cell. Epigenetic
      modifications to the genome are stably transmitted to daughter cells without the
      requirement for genetic sequence alterations. Aberrant regulation of both
      epigenetic programming and glycosylation patterning are integral aspects of
      carcinogenesis. The objective of this study was to determine the interplay
      between these two complex cellular processes. We demonstrate that global DNA
      methylation changes in ovarian cancer epithelial cells (OVCAR3) resulted in
      significant alterations in the glycosylation of secreted glycoproteins. These
      changes included a reduction in core fucosylation, increased branching and
      increased sialylation. We further show that the change in core fucose levels was
      mirrored by altered expression of GMDS and FX, key enzymes in fucose
      biosynthesis. Alterations in the expression of key glycosyltransferase enzymes
      such as MGAT5 reflect the changes seen in the branching and sialylation of
      secreted glycans. Overall, our results highlight that modifications to the
      epigenetic machinery have a profound effect on the glycan structures generated by
      cells, which may be a key step in understanding metastasis and drug resistance
      during cancer progression.

PMID- 22086116
TI  - Multigenerational programming in the glucocorticoid programmed rat is associated
      with generation-specific and parent of origin effects.
AB  - Exposure to an adverse early life environment is associated with increased cardio
      metabolic disease risk, a phenomenon termed "programming." The effects of this
      are not limited to the exposed first (F1) generation but can be transmissible to
      a second generation (F2) through male and female lines. Using a three generation
      animal model of programming by initial prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure we
      have identified effects on fetal and placental weight in both the F1 and F2
      offspring. However, the expression of candidate imprinted genes in the fetus and
      placenta differed between the F1 and F2, with marked parent-of-origin effects in
      F2. Since DNA methylation at imprinted genes is maintained at fertilization, they
      are potential templates for the transmission of programming effects across
      generations. Although we detected alterations in DNA methylation at
      differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the key prenatal growth factor Igf2
      in F1 and F2 fetal liver, the changes in DNA methylation at these DMRs do not
      appear to underlie the transmission of effects on Igf2 expression through sperm.
      Thus, multigenerational programming effects on birth weight and disease risk is
      associated with different processes in F1 and F2. These findings have
      implications for the pathogenesis and future attempts to stratify therapies for
      the "developmental component" of cardiometabolic disease.

PMID- 22086119
TI  - Intrasomatic injection of corticosteroid followed by vertebroplasty increases
      early pain relief rather than vertebroplasty alone in vertebral bone neoplasms:
      preliminary experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this prospective multicenter study, we evaluate the effectiveness of
      corticosteroid plus vertebroplasty rather than vertebroplasty alone in the
      analgesic treatment of single-level vertebral neoplasms or pathological
      fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to February 2011, we
      prospectively enrolled 20 consecutive patients (11 women, nine men; age range 46
      78 years; mean age 65.1 years) with single-level vertebral neoplasm or
      pathological fractures totally or partially refractory to analgesic treatment,
      with indication to vertebroplasty. Institutional review board approval and
      informed consent were obtained. The inclusion criteria for the study were the
      presence of a single-level pathological fracture not extended to the posterior
      wall or symptomatic localization of primary or secondary neoplasms, visual
      analogue score (VAS) >=5, and life expectancy more than 3 months. Exclusion
      criteria where all contraindications either to corticosteroid injection included
      allergy (local sepsis, bacteremia, allergy) or vertebroplasty included
      coagulopathy, etc. The population was randomly divided into two groups: in group
      A, patients underwent intrasomatic injections of 4 mg/ml of dexamethasone
      phosphate followed by a cement injection; patients in group B underwent standard
      vertebroplasty. VAS score was evaluated and compared between both groups of
      patients at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 7 days, 30 days, and 3 months after the intervention
      plus last available follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed by application
      of the t test. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all cases. In group A,
      we treated six male and six female patients (age range 46-73 years, average 60.2
      years). Pre-intervention VAS in group A ranged between 7 and 10 points, average 8
      points. In group B, we treated three male and five female patients (age range 52
      78 years, average 67.3 years). Pre-intervention VAS score in group B ranged
      between 7 and 9 points, with an average 8 points. Patients in group A in respect
      to patients in group B had a higher reduction in VAS, with a difference of 25.4%
      (VAS reduction average 5.5 versus 4.1) at 6 h post-intervention, 24.5% (VAS
      average 5.7 versus 4.3) at 24 h, 25% (VAS average 6 versus 4.5) at 48 h, 23% (VAS
      average 6.5 versus 5) at 7 days, 16.4% (VAS average 6.7 versus 5.6) at 30 days,
      8.9% (VAS average 6.7 versus 6, .1) at 3 months. The last available follow-up
      ranged from 3 to 24 months in group A and from 5 to 20 months in group B.
      CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary experience, pre-vertebroplasty injection of
      intrasomatic corticosteroid in comparison to vertebroplasty alone is able to
      increase the early pain relief of the procedure.

PMID- 22086120
TI  - Intramolecular cross-linking in the native JHBP molecule.
AB  - Juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP) acts as a shuttle, carrying one of the
      most crucial hormones for insect development to target tissues. We have found
      that although the JHBP molecule does not contain tryptophan residues, it exhibits
      a weak fluorescence maximum near 420nm upon excitation at 315nm. Gel filtration
      experiments performed in denaturing conditions and ESI-MS analyses excluded the
      possibility that some low molecular ligand was bound to the protein molecules.
      Further UV and CD spectroscopy studies, as well as immunoblotting, showed that
      the unusual JHBP optical properties were due to dityrosine intramolecular cross
      linking. These bridges were detected both in native and recombinant protein
      molecules. We believe that in Galleria mellonella hemolymph the DT generation
      occurs via ROS-mediated oxidation leading to the formation of cross-linked JHBP
      monomers. MS analyses of peptides generated after JHBP proteolysis indicated,
      that the dityrosine bridge occurs between the Y128 and Y130 residues.

PMID- 22086121
TI  - Results of surgery for perforated gastroduodenal ulcers in a Dutch population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite improvements in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine,
      mortality for perforated gastroduodenal ulcer disease remains high. This study
      was designed to evaluate the results of surgery for perforated ulcer disease and
      to identify prognostic factors for mortality in order to optimize treatment.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 272 patients undergoing emergency
      surgery for perforated ulcer disease from 2000 to 2005 in two large teaching
      hospitals and one university hospital in the Netherlands were retrospectively
      analyzed. Information on 89 pre-, peri- and postoperative data were recorded.
      Statistical analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression analysis.
      The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was
      16%. Variables associated with 30-day mortality were age, shock, tachycardia,
      anemia and ASA class. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively low 30-day mortality rate was
      achieved. Age, shock, tachycardia and anemia were significantly associated with
      30-day mortality. Finding that shock, tachycardia and anemia are independently
      associated with 30-day mortality could indicate that patients are septic upon
      admission. Improvements in survival might be achieved by early sepsis treatment.

PMID- 22086122
TI  - Kinetic and kinematic compensations in amputee vertical jumping.
AB  - A unilateral transtibial amputation causes a disruption to the musculoskeletal
      system, which results in asymmetrical biomechanics. The current study aimed to
      assess the movement asymmetry and compensations that occur as a consequence of an
      amputation when performing a countermovement vertical jump. Six unilateral
      transtibial amputees and 10 able-bodied (AB) participants completed 10 maximal
      vertical jumps, and the highest jump was analyzed further. Three-dimensional
      lower limb kinematics and normalized (body mass) kinetic variables were
      quantified for the intact and prosthetic sides. Symmetry was assessed through the
      symmetry index (SI) for each individual and statistically using the Mann-Whitney
      U test between the intact and prosthetic sides for the amputee group. A
      descriptive analysis between the amputee and AB participants was conducted to
      explore the mechanisms of amputee jumping. The amputee jump height ranged from
      0.09 to 0.24 m. In the countermovement, all ankle variables were asymmetrical (SI
      > 10%) and statistically different (p < .05) for the amputees. At the knee and
      hip, there was no statistical difference between the intact and prosthetic sides
      range of motion, although there was evidence of individual asymmetry. The knees
      remained more extended compared with the AB participants to prevent collapse. In
      propulsion, the prosthesis did not contribute to the work done and the ankle
      variables were asymmetrical (p < .05). The knee and hip variables were not
      statistically different between the intact and prosthetic sides, although there
      was evidence of functional asymmetry and the contribution tended to be greater on
      the intact compared with the prosthetic side. The lack of kinetic involvement of
      the prosthetic ankle and both knees due to the limitation of the prosthesis and
      the altered musculoskeletal mechanics of the joints were the reason for the
      reduced height jumped.

PMID- 22086123
TI  - A treatment dilemma in adult immunoglobulin A nephropathy: what is the
      appropriate target, preservation of kidney function or induction of clinical
      remission?
AB  - Immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy is the most common type of glomerulonephritis
      worldwide. Data on its natural history suggest that approximately 40% of patients
      progress to end-stage renal failure after 20 years. Various therapies such as
      antiplatelet medication, fish oil, oral prednisolone, intravenous prednisolone,
      tonsillectomy, and tonsillectomy plus steroid pulse (TSP) have been proposed.
      Japanese nephrologists face challenging issues regarding this disease, such as
      the usefulness of the annual urinary screening system (kenshin) and kidney
      biopsies, the desire of patients and their families for treatment despite
      insufficient clinical evidence, and the risk of overtreatment with TSP versus the
      loss of a 'golden period' with late intervention. We review the current
      literature on tonsillectomy, steroid therapy, and TSP, which was first proposed
      in Japan, and present some perspectives on the treatment of IgA nephropathy.

PMID- 22086124
TI  - Biopsy-proven vancomycin-associated interstitial nephritis and acute tubular
      necrosis.
AB  - Fewer than ten biopsy-proven case reports exist on vancomycin-associated
      interstitial nephritis (VAIN) and vancomycin-associated acute tubular necrosis
      (VAATN). Among these, several are confounded by the use of other potentially
      offending drugs. We report a case of isolated VAIN/VAATN in a patient on no other
      potentially nephrotoxic agents other than vancomycin. The patient received
      intravenous vancomycin for coagulase-negative staphylococcus bacteremia. Her
      baseline serum creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL increased to 9.6 mg/dL after 1 week of
      therapy during which vancomycin levels peaked at 141 MUg/mL. Renal biopsy
      revealed acute interstitial nephritis with lymphocytic and eosinophilic
      infiltrate and acute tubular necrosis. Upon discontinuation of vancomycin and
      administration of prednisone complete renal recovery ensued over a period of 4
      weeks.

PMID- 22086126
TI  - A new case of pure partial 7q duplication.
AB  - We report on an 18-month-old boy conceived by assisted reproduction technology
      with developmental delay, hypotonia, microcephaly, frontal bossing, a mild
      convergent squint, malformed ears, and a short neck. Karyotype analysis revealed
      a de novo 7q21.1q22.3 duplication characterized by array comparative genomic
      hybridization (array-CGH) as a segment of 18.69 Mb. Duplications of the long arm
      of chromosome 7 are uncommon. There are 18 reported cases of different 7q
      segments with a pure duplication with no additional deletion of other
      chromosomes. As a consequence, duplications of chromosome 7q have been classified
      in 4 groups on the basis of the involved region. The present case is included in
      group 3 which involves interstitial duplications of different sizes. In the
      literature, only one case with an apparently smaller duplication of the same
      region has been described. Despite this, the phenotype is different. Moreover,
      the 2 patients share some phenotypic features, such as psychomotor delay,
      hypotonia, frontal bossing, short neck, and strabismus. However, the absence of
      physical characterization in most of the reported cases could justify the lacking
      phenotype-genotype correlation in patients with partial 7q duplication. Further
      studies using recent molecular approaches such as array-CGH might permit a more
      clinically useful grouping of 7q duplications.

PMID- 22086125
TI  - Mathematics and biology: a Kantian view on the history of pattern formation
      theory.
AB  - Driesch's statement, made around 1900, that the physics and chemistry of his day
      were unable to explain self-regulation during embryogenesis was correct and could
      be extended until the year 1972. The emergence of theories of self-organisation
      required progress in several areas including chemistry, physics, computing and
      cybernetics. Two parallel lines of development can be distinguished which both
      culminated in the early 1970s. Firstly, physicochemical theories of self
      organisation arose from theoretical (Lotka 1910-1920) and experimental work (Bray
      1920; Belousov 1951) on chemical oscillations. However, this research area gained
      broader acceptance only after thermodynamics was extended to systems far from
      equilibrium (1922-1967) and the mechanism of the prime example for a chemical
      oscillator, the Belousov-Zhabotinski reaction, was deciphered in the early 1970s.
      Secondly, biological theories of self-organisation were rooted in the
      intellectual environment of artificial intelligence and cybernetics. Turing wrote
      his The chemical basis of morphogenesis (1952) after working on the construction
      of one of the first electronic computers. Likewise, Gierer and Meinhardt's theory
      of local activation and lateral inhibition (1972) was influenced by ideas from
      cybernetics. The Gierer-Meinhardt theory provided an explanation for the first
      time of both spontaneous formation of spatial order and of self-regulation that
      proved to be extremely successful in elucidating a wide range of patterning
      processes. With the advent of developmental genetics in the 1980s, detailed
      molecular and functional data became available for complex developmental
      processes, allowing a new generation of data-driven theoretical approaches. Three
      examples of such approaches will be discussed. The successes and limitations of
      mathematical pattern formation theory throughout its history suggest a picture of
      the organism, which has structural similarity to views of the organic world held
      by the philosopher Immanuel Kant at the end of the eighteenth century.

PMID- 22086128
TI  - Novel HBsAg markers tightly correlate with occult HBV infection and strongly
      affect HBsAg detection.
AB  - Occult HBV infection (OBI) is a threat for the safety of blood-supply, and has
      been associated with the onset of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma and
      lymphomagenesis. Nevertheless, genetic markers in HBsAg (particularly in D
      genotype, the most common in Europe) significantly associated with OBI in vivo
      are missing. Thus, the goal of this study is to define: (i) prevalence and
      clinical profile of OBI among blood-donors; (ii) HBsAg-mutations associated with
      OBI; (iii) their impact on HBsAg-detection. OBI was searched among 422,278 blood
      donors screened by Nucleic-Acid-Testing. Following Taormina-OBI-definition, 26
      (0.006%) OBI-patients were identified. Despite viremia <50IU/ml, HBsAg-sequences
      were obtained for 25/26 patients (24/25 genotype-D). OBI-associated mutations
      were identified by comparing OBI-HBsAg with that of 82 chronically-infected
      (genotype-D) patients as control. Twenty HBsAg-mutations significantly correlated
      for the first time with OBI. By structural analysis, they localized in the major
      HBV B-cell-epitope, and in HBsAg-capsid interaction region. 14/24 OBI-patients
      (58.8%) carried in median 3 such mutations (IQR:2.0-6.0) against 0 in chronically
      infected patients. By co-variation analysis, correlations were observed for
      R122P+S167L (phi=0.68, P=0.01), T116N+S143L (phi=0.53, P=0.03), and Y100S+S143L
      (phi=0.67, p<0.001). Mutants (obtained by site-directed mutagenesis) carrying
      T116N, T116N+S143L, R122P, R122P+Q101R, or R122P+S167L strongly decreased HBsAg
      reactivity (54.9+/-22.6S/CO, 31.2+/-12.0S/CO, 6.1+/-2.4S/CO, 3.0+/-1.0S/CO and
      3.9+/-1.3S/CO, respectively) compared to wild-type (306.8+/-64.1S/CO). Even more,
      Y100S and Y100S+S143L supernatants show no detectable-HBsAg (experiments in
      quadruplicate). In conclusions, unique HBsAg-mutations in genotype-D, different
      than those described in genotypes B/C (rarely found in western countries),
      tightly correlate with OBI, and strongly affect HBsAg-detection. By altering HBV
      antigenicity and/or viral-particle maturation, they may affect full-reliability
      of universal diagnostic-assays for HBsAg-detection.

PMID- 22086127
TI  - Erythropoietin promotes the growth of pituitary adenomas by enhancing
      angiogenesis.
AB  - rhEPO is frequently used in clinical practice to treat anemia. However, recently
      rhEPO has been reported to accelerate tumor growth, progression and metastasis.
      Many pituitary adenoma patients, particularly those with macroprolactinomas, tend
      to have anemia and may need rhEPO therapy. To date, whether rhEPO has deleterious
      effects on pituitary adenomas has not been defined. Here we demonstrated for the
      first time that human pituitary adenomas are EPOR negative tumors and rhEPO
      accelerated the tumor growth of MMQ pituitary adenoma xenografts via enhancement
      of angiogenesis in vivo, whereas rhEPO displayed no direct effect on MMQ cells in
      vitro. Our mechanistic study showed that rhEPO administration increased
      phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 and VEGF expression in human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and in MMQ cell xenografts in vivo.
      Furthermore, VEGF inhibitor attenuated rhEPO induced angiogenesis and delayed
      tumor growth in MMQ pituitary adenoma xenografts in vivo. JAK2 inhibitor AG490
      attenuated EPO induced HUVECs proliferation, phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 and
      VEGF upregulation in vitro and inhibited EPO induced vessel formation in Chicken
      chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis model in vivo. These results suggest
      that rhEPO administration may promote the growth of pituitary adenomas by
      enhancing angiogenesis through EPO-JAK2-STAT3-VEGF signaling pathway. rhEPO
      should be used with caution in anemia patients bearing pituitary adenoma due to
      its potential deleterious effects.

PMID- 22086129
TI  - A conserved matrix epitope based DNA vaccine protects mice against influenza A
      virus challenge.
AB  - DNA vaccination represents a unique strategy to overcome the limitations of
      immunization with conventional vaccines which is restricted by the high
      variability of influenza viruses. We evaluated the protective efficacy of a
      plasmid DNA (pDNA), encoding an evolutionarily conserved epitope of viral matrix
      protein, against the influenza A virus infection. It was found that the mice
      immunized via the intra-muscular route purely elicited cell mediated immune
      response to the pDNA, with enhanced level of Th1 cytokines viz. IL-12 and
      IFNgamma production in the stimulated splenocyte supernatant. The cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes in the spleen of immunized mice significantly lysed the virus
      infected MDCK cells. A significant decrease in virus replication was also
      observed in the lungs of immunized mice and 83% of the mice were protected
      against the lethal challenge of influenza A viruses. These findings suggest that
      the plasmid DNA expressing a single matrix epitope may serve as a promising
      vaccine candidate to provide effective immunity in the susceptible (mouse)
      population.

PMID- 22086130
TI  - RNA interference inhibits replication of tick-borne encephalitis virus in vitro.
AB  - Each year, up to 10,000 cases of infections with the flavivirus tick-borne
      encephalitis (TBE) virus that affect the central nervous system are reported in
      Europe and Asia. Due to the potentially severe adverse effects of post-exposure
      prophylaxis with TBE virus hyperimmunoglobulin, TBE can currently only be treated
      symptomatically. An RNA interference (RNAi) approach to inhibit TBE virus
      replication was therefore developed. In this study we demonstrate for the first
      time that small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted at the TBE virus genome reduce
      the quantity of infectious TBE virus particles, TBE virus genome, and TBE virus
      protein in vitro by up to 85%. The 50% inhibitory dose (DI(50)) of the shRNA
      plasmid was only 0.05MUg/ml. As RNAi-based therapeutics for other diseases are
      already being evaluated in phases II and III clinical trials, it is possible that
      RNAi could become valuable tool for controlling TBE virus infection.

PMID- 22086131
TI  - In vivo comparison of the effects of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on the
      pregnant rat myometrium using electrohysterogram.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The effect of local anesthetics on myometrial contractility
      during labor analgesia is debatable. We aimed to compare the effects of
      bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on rat uterine contractility in an in vivo
      setting. METHODS: Electrical activities of 40 pregnant rat uteruses were recorded
      on electrohysterogram after dividing the rats into bupivacaine and
      levobupivacaine groups. Uterine contraction frequencies were recorded at each 5
      min interval. The first 5-min recording was considered the control, which was
      immediately followed by intramyometrial administration of either bupivacaine or
      levobupivacaine. The recordings were continued for 30 min. The changes in
      frequencies at each time interval of the groups were compared with each other and
      the control recording. RESULTS: The frequencies from both groups at each interval
      were lower than the control values, but not different between the groups. The
      frequencies of the bupivacaine group during the 5-10 min and 10-15 min intervals
      were lower than the control time interval, but no significant differences were
      present between the control and the other time intervals. However, no significant
      differences were found at any time interval for the levobupivacaine group.
      CONCLUSION: Levobupivacaine led to less muscle relaxation compared to bupivacaine
      and may be a better option for labor analgesia and anesthesia considering uterine
      contractility.

PMID- 22086132
TI  - Survival and control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in foods, beverages, soil and
      water.
AB  - Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a significant human pathogen which has mostly
      foodborne and waterborne modes of transmission. Although capable of infecting
      several hosts, the main source of this bacterium is cattle. In humans, it mainly
      causes hemorrhagic colitis, bloody diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. This
      bacterial pathogen is fairly resistant to various stresses and can survive for
      significant periods of time in the environment outside of a host. Some of the
      factors impacting its survival include the indigenous microbial communities, its
      ability to attach to food contact surfaces and form biofilms, temperature, and
      dehydration. To address the public health concerns associated with this pathogen,
      several disinfection and sanitization procedures and technologies have been
      developed in recent years. Synergies between different procedures have been
      evaluated as well. This review addresses recent developments regarding the
      survival and disinfection of E. coli O157:H7.

PMID- 22086133
TI  - Turnabout is fair play: use of the bacterial Multivalent Adhesion Molecule 7 as
      an antimicrobial agent.
AB  - Pathogen attachment to host tissues is one of the initial and most crucial events
      during the establishment of bacterial infections and thus interference with this
      step could be an efficient strategy to fight bacterial colonization. Our recent
      work has identified one of the factors involved in initial binding of host cells
      by a wide range of Gram-negative pathogens, Multivalent Adhesion Molecule (MAM)
      7. Interference with MAM7-mediated attachment, for example by pre-incubation of
      host cells with recombinant MAM7, significantly delays the onset of hallmarks of
      infection, such as pathogen-mediated cytotoxicity or the development of other
      adhesive structures such as actin pedestals. Thus, we are trying to develop tools
      based on MAM7 that can be used to prevent or diminish certain Gram-negative
      bacterial infections. Herein, we describe the use of bead-coupled MAM7 as an
      inhibitor of infection with the clinically relevant pathogen Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa.

PMID- 22086134
TI  - A first-principles description of proton-driven spin diffusion.
AB  - Herein we design a reduced Liouville space for the simulation of proton-driven
      spin diffusion. Using this approach, the experimentally observed carbon-13
      polarisation transfer in a powder sample undergoing magic-angle spinning is
      quantitatively described, directly from crystal geometry and without any
      adjustable parameters.

PMID- 22086135
TI  - Synthesis and structure of the first clathrochelate iron(II) tris-dioximates with
      inherent nitrile substituent(s) and new dehalogenation--reduction reaction at a
      quasi-aromatic macrobicyclic framework.
AB  - Monoribbed-substituted mono- and dicyano-functionalized iron(II) macrobicycles
      were obtained for the first time by the reaction of iron(II) diiodoclathrochelate
      precursor with copper(I) cyanide-triphenylphosphine complex under mild
      conditions. The target dinitrile clathrochelate is a minor product of this
      reaction, whereas the major product contains only one cyano group. The
      clathrochelates obtained were characterized using elemental analysis, (1)H and
      (13)C{(1)H} NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF spectrometry and X-ray
      diffraction crystallography. The geometry of their FeN(6)-coordination polyhedra
      is intermediate between a trigonal prism (TP) and a trigonal antiprism (TAP); the
      distortion angles, phi, are 22.6-24.7 degrees . In the molecule of the precursor,
      the Fe-N distances are close, whereas in the mononitrile macrobicycles those for
      their functionalized chelate fragments are substantially smaller than the
      corresponding distances in the alpha-benzyldioximate moieties. The heights, h, of
      the TP-TAP coordination polyhedra and the average bite angles, alpha, (2.33 A and
      39 degrees , respectively) are the same for the X-rayed clathrochelates. The UV
      vis spectra indicate a dramatic redistribution of the electron density in the pi
      conjugated clathrochelate framework caused by functionalization with inherent
      nitrile substituents. The proposed mechanism of the dehalogenation-reduction
      reaction of iron(II) diiodoclathrochelate resulting in substitution of their
      iodine atoms by a cyano group and hydrogen atom includes the anion-radical
      hydrodehalogenation of this precursor with acetonitrile as a source of hydrogen
      atom. Then, the monomethinemonoiodine macrobicyclic product underwent a
      substitution with a cyano group only. The copper(I) cyanide-triphenylphosphine
      acetonitrile system is proposed as a tool for the synthesis of nitrile
      derivatives of electron-withdrawing heterocycles starting from their halogen
      containing precursors.

PMID- 22086136
TI  - Follicle-stimulating hormone is independently associated with lean mass but not
      BMD in younger postmenopausal women.
AB  - PURPOSE: Increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been associated with
      lower bone mineral density (BMD) in animal models and longitudinal studies of
      women, but a direct effect has not been demonstrated. METHODS: We tested
      associations between FSH, non-bone body composition measures and BMD in 94
      younger (aged 50 to 64 years) postmenopausal women without current use of hormone
      therapy, adjusting for sex hormone concentrations and clinical risk factors for
      osteoporosis. Lean mass, fat mass and areal BMD (aBMD) at the spine, femoral neck
      and total hip were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
      Volumetric BMD (vBMD) was measured at the distal radius using peripheral
      quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). RESULTS: FSH was inversely correlated
      with lean and fat mass, bioavailable estradiol, spine and hip aBMD, and vBMD at
      the ultradistal radius. In the multivariable analysis, FSH was independently
      associated with lean mass (beta=-0.099, p=0.005) after adjustment for age, race,
      years since menopause, bioavailable estradiol, bioavailable testosterone, LH,
      PTH, SHBG and urine N-telopeptide. FSH showed no statistically significant
      association with aBMD at any site or pQCT measures at the distal radius in
      adjusted models. Race was independently associated with aBMD, and race and urine
      N-telopeptide were independently associated with bone area and vBMD. CONCLUSIONS:
      After adjustment for hormonal measures and osteoporosis risk factors, higher
      concentrations of FSH were independently associated with lower lean mass, but not
      with BMD. Previously reported correlations between FSH and BMD might have been
      due to indirect associations via lean mass or weight.

PMID- 22086137
TI  - High glucose concentrations alter the biomineralization process in human
      osteoblastic cells.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) may alter bone remodeling, as osteopenia and osteoporosis
      are among the complications. Moreover, DM increases the risk and severity of
      chronic inflammatory periodontal disease, in which bone resorption occurs. Broad
      evidence suggests that chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of
      DM and its complications. Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of DM that may contribute
      to sustained inflammation by increasing proinflammatory cytokines, which are
      known to cause insulin resistance, via toll-like receptor (TLR)-4-mediated
      mechanisms. However, the mechanisms by which bone-related complications develop
      in DM are still unknown. Studies done on the effect of high glucose
      concentrations on osteoblast functions are contradictory because some suggest
      increases (although others suggest reductions) in the biomineralization process.
      Therefore, we evaluated the effect of high glucose levels on biomineralization
      and inflammation markers in a human osteoblastic cell line. Cells were treated
      with either physiological 5.5 mM or increasing concentrations of glucose up to 24
      mM, and we determined the following: i) the quantity and quality of calcium
      deposit crystals in culture and ii) the expression of the following: a) proteins
      associated with the process of biomineralization, b) the receptor activator of
      nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), c) cytokines
      IL1, IL6, IL8, IL10, MCP-1 and TNF alpha, and d) TLR-2, -3, -4 and -9. Our
      results show that high glucose concentrations (12 mM and particularly 24 mM)
      alter the biomineralization process in osteoblastic cells and provoke the
      following: i) a rise in mineralization, ii) an increase in the mRNA expression of
      RANKL and a decrease of OPG, iii) an increase in the mRNA expression of
      osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein and the transcription factor Runx2, iv) a
      diminished quality of the mineral, and v) an increase in the expression of
      IL1beta, IL6, IL8, MCP-1 and IL10 mRNAs. In addition we found that both high
      glucose levels and hyperosmotic conditions provoked TLR-2, -3, -4 and -9
      overexpression in osteoblastic cells, suggesting that they are susceptible to
      osmotic stress.

PMID- 22086138
TI  - Atrial fibrillation as an uncommon presentation in a large pleomorphic
      xanthoastrocytoma.

PMID- 22086140
TI  - Basic cell physiological activities (cell adhesion, chemotaxis and proliferation)
      induced by selegiline and its derivatives in Mono Mac 6 human monocytes.
AB  - Selegiline (R-deprenyl), a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor, has complex
      pharmacological effect that contributes to treatment of neurodegenerative
      diseases such as Parkinson's and presumably Alzheimer's disease and might work as
      an inhibitor of tumor growth. In respect of tumorigenesis and metastasis
      formation, the controlled modifications of adhesion and migration have high
      therapeutic significance. In the present study, our purpose was to investigate
      cell physiological responses (adhesion, chemotaxis and proliferation) induced by
      selegiline, its metabolites and synthetic derivatives and to find some
      correlations between the molecular structure and the reported antitumor behavior
      of the derivatives. Our results demonstrated that both R- and S-deprenyls have
      the potency to elicit increased adhesion and a chemorepellent activity in
      monocyte model (Mono Mac 6 cell line derived from monoblastic leukemia); however,
      only the R-enantiomer proved to be cytotoxic. Among the metabolites R-amphetamine
      has retained the adhesion inducer and the chemorepellent effect of the parent
      drug on the most significant level. In contrast, a reversed chemotactic effect
      and an improved cytotoxic character were detected in the presence of fluoro group
      (p-fluoro-S-deprenyl). In summary, the adhesion inducer activity, chemorepellent
      and advantageous cytotoxic effects of selegiline and some derivatives indicate
      that these drug molecules might have inhibitory effects in metastasis formation
      in primary tumors.

PMID- 22086139
TI  - Recent rodent models for Alzheimer's disease: clinical implications and basic
      research.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common origin of dementia in the elderly.
      Although the cause of AD remains unknown, several factors have been identified
      that appear to play a critical role in the development of this debilitating
      disorder. In particular, amyloid precursor protein (APP), tau
      hyperphosphorylation, and the secretase enzymes, have become the focal point of
      recent research. Over the last two decades, several transgenic and non-transgenic
      animal models have been developed to elucidate the mechanistic aspects of AD and
      to validate potential therapeutic targets. Transgenic rodent models over
      expressing human beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) and mutant forms of
      tau have become precious tools to study and understand the pathogenesis of AD at
      the molecular, cellular and behavioural levels, and to test new therapeutic
      agents. Nevertheless, none of the transgenic models of AD recapitulate fully all
      of the pathological features of the disease. Octodon degu, a South American
      rodent has been recently found to spontaneously develop neuropathological signs
      of AD in old age. This review aims to address the limitations and clinical
      relevance of transgenic rodent models in AD, and to highlight the potential for
      O. degu as a natural model for the study of AD neuropathology.

PMID- 22086141
TI  - Intermittent hypoxia activates temporally coordinated transcriptional programs in
      visceral adipose tissue.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder characterized by
      intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep. OSA is strongly associated with obesity
      and dysregulation of metabolism-yet the molecular pathways linking the effects of
      IH on adipocyte biology remain unknown. We hypothesized that exposure to IH would
      activate distinct, time-dependent transcriptional programs in visceral adipose
      tissue of mice. We exposed 36 mice to IH or normoxia for up to 13 days. We
      transcriptionally profiled visceral fat tissue harvested from the animals and
      performed functional enrichment and network analysis on differentially expressed
      genes. We identified over 3,000 genes with significant expression patterns during
      the time course of IH exposure. The most enriched pathways mapped to metabolic
      processes, mitochondrion, and oxidative stress responses. We confirmed the
      pathophysiological relevance of these findings by demonstrating that mice exposed
      to chronic IH developed dyslipidemia and underwent significant lipid and protein
      oxidation within their visceral adipose depots. We applied gene-gene interaction
      network analysis to identify critical controllers of IH-induced transcriptional
      programs in adipocytes-these network hubs represent putative targets to modulate
      the effects of chronic IH on adipose tissue. Our approach to integrate
      computational methods with gene expression profiling of visceral fat tissue
      during IH exposure shows promise in helping unravel the mechanistic links between
      OSA and adipocyte biology.

PMID- 22086142
TI  - Oral colon delivery of insulin with the aid of functional adjuvants.
AB  - Oral colon delivery is currently considered of importance not only for the
      treatment of local pathologies, such as primarily inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD), but also as a means of accomplishing systemic therapeutic goals. Although
      the large bowel fails to be ideally suited for absorption processes, it may
      indeed offer a number of advantages over the small intestine, including a long
      transit time, lower levels of peptidases and higher responsiveness to permeation
      enhancers. Accordingly, it has been under extensive investigation as a possible
      strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of peptide and protein drugs.
      Because of a strong underlying rationale, most of these studies have focused on
      insulin. In the present review, the impact of key anatomical and physiological
      characteristics of the colon on its viability as a protein release site is
      discussed. Moreover, the main formulation approaches to oral colon targeting are
      outlined along with the design features and performance of insulin-based devices.

PMID- 22086143
TI  - Relationship between PSA kinetics and [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT detection rates
      of recurrence in patients with prostate cancer after total prostatectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to identify prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) threshold levels, as well as PSA velocity, progression rate and doubling
      time in relation to the detectability and localization of recurrent lesions with
      [(18)F]fluorocholine (FC) PET/CT in patients after radical prostatectomy.
      METHODS: The study group comprised 82 consecutive patients with biochemical
      relapse after radical prostatectomy. PSA levels measured at the time of imaging
      were correlated with the FC PET/CT detection rates in the entire group with PSA
      velocity (in 48 patients), with PSA doubling time (in 47 patients) and with PSA
      progression (in 29 patients). RESULTS: FC PET/CT detected recurrent lesions in 51
      of the 82 patients (62%). The median PSA value was significantly higher in PET
      positive than in PET-negative patients (4.3 ng/ml vs. 1.0 ng/ml; p < 0.01). The
      optimal PSA threshold from ROC analysis for the detection of recurrent prostate
      cancer lesions was 1.74 ng/ml (AUC 0.818, 82% sensitivity, 74% specificity).
      Significant differences between PET-positive and PET-negative patients were found
      for median PSA velocity (6.4 vs. 1.1 ng/ml per year; p < 0.01) and PSA
      progression (5.0 vs. 0.3 ng/ml per year, p < 0.01) with corresponding optimal
      thresholds of 1.27 ng/ml per year and 1.28 ng/ml per year, respectively. The PSA
      doubling time suggested a threshold of 3.2 months, but this just failed to reach
      statistical significance (p = 0.071). CONCLUSION: In a study cohort of patients
      with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy there
      emerged clear PSA thresholds for the presence of FC PET/CT-detectable lesions.

PMID- 22086144
TI  - Laparoscopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) versus extensive pelvic dissection for
      clinically localized prostate carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor in prostate
      cancer (PC). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the accuracy of
      sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy by laparoscopy in staging locoregional patients
      with clinically localized PC. METHODS: A transrectal ultrasound-guided injection
      of 0.3 ml/100 MBq (99m)Tc-sulphur rhenium colloid in each prostatic lobe was
      performed the day before surgery. Detection was performed intraoperatively with a
      laparoscopic probe (Gamma Sup CLERAD) followed by extensive resection. SLN counts
      were performed in vivo and confirmed ex vivo. Histological analysis was performed
      by haematoxylin-phloxine-saffron staining, followed by immunohistochemistry (IHC)
      if the SLN was free of metastasis. RESULTS: The study included 93 patients with
      PC at intermediate or high risk of lymph node metastases. The intraoperative
      detection rate was 93.5% (87/93). Nineteen patients had lymph node metastases,
      nine only in SLN. The false-negative rate was 10.5% (2/19). The internal iliac
      region was the primary metastatic site (43.3%). Metastatic sentinel nodes in the
      common iliac region beyond the ureteral junction were present in 13.3%. Limited
      or standard lymph node resection would have ignored 73.2 and 56.6% of lymph node
      metastases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is suitable for broad
      identification of SLN metastasis, and targeted resection of these lymph nodes
      significantly limits the risk of extended surgical resection whilst maintaining
      the accuracy of the information.

PMID- 22086145
TI  - A finite element model technique to determine the mechanical response of a lumbar
      spine segment under complex loads.
AB  - This study presents a CT-based finite element model of the lumbar spine taking
      into account all function-related boundary conditions, such as anisotropy of
      mechanical properties, ligaments, contact elements, mesh size, etc. Through
      advanced mesh generation and employment of compound elements, the developed model
      is capable of assessing the mechanical response of the examined spine segment for
      complex loading conditions, thus providing valuable insight on stress development
      within the model and allowing the prediction of critical loading scenarios. The
      model was validated through a comparison of the calculated force-induced
      inclination/deformation and a correlation of these data to experimental values.
      The mechanical response of the examined functional spine segment was evaluated,
      and the effect of the loading scenario determined for both vertebral bodies as
      well as the connecting intervertebral disc.

PMID- 22086146
TI  - Dendritic cells and damage-associated molecular patterns: endogenous danger
      signals linking innate and adaptive immunity.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells critical in regulating
      the adaptive immune response. The role of DCs is dichotomous; they may both
      present antigens and the appropriate stimulatory molecules to initiate an
      adaptive immune response, or they may induce tolerance and release anti
      inflammatory signals. The activation of immature DCs, required for the expression
      of the necessary costimulatory T cell molecules, is dependent on pattern
      recognition receptors. In addition to the pathogen-derived ligands of pattern
      recognition receptors, several damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) have
      recently been shown to interact with DCs and dramatically affect their ultimate
      function. The complex interplay of DAMPs on DCs is clinically important, with
      implications for transplantation, tumor immunity, autoimmunity, chronic
      inflammation and other conditions of sterile inflammation such as ischemia
      reperfusion injury. In this review, we will focus on the role of DAMPs in DC
      function.

PMID- 22086147
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulates auditory function in the hearing
      cochlea.
AB  - Neurotrophins prevent spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) degeneration in animal models
      of ototoxin-induced deafness and may be used in the future to improve the hearing
      of cochlear implant patients. It is increasingly common for patients with
      residual hearing to undergo cochlear implantation. However, the effect of
      neurotrophin treatment on acoustic hearing is not known. In this study, brain
      derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was applied to the round window membrane of
      adult guinea pigs for 4 weeks using a cannula attached to a mini-osmotic pump.
      SGN survival was first assessed in ototoxically deafened guinea pigs to establish
      that the delivery method was effective. Increased survival of SGNs was observed
      in the basal and middle cochlear turns of deafened guinea pigs treated with BDNF,
      confirming that delivery to the cochlea was successful. The effects of BDNF
      treatment in animals with normal hearing were then assessed using distortion
      product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), pure tone, and click-evoked auditory
      brainstem responses (ABRs). DPOAE assessment indicated a mild deficit of 5 dB SPL
      in treated and control groups at 1 and 4 weeks after cannula placement. In
      contrast, ABR evaluation showed that BDNF lowered thresholds at specific
      frequencies (8 and 16 kHz) after 1 and 4 weeks posttreatment when compared to the
      control cohort receiving Ringer's solution. Longer treatment for 4 weeks not only
      widened the range of frequencies ameliorated from 2 to 32 kHz but also lowered
      the threshold by at least 28 dB SPL at frequencies >=16 kHz. BDNF treatment for 4
      weeks also increased the amplitude of the ABR response when compared to either
      the control cohort or prior to treatment. We show that BDNF applied to the round
      window reduces auditory thresholds and could potentially be used clinically to
      protect residual hearing following cochlear implantation.

PMID- 22086148
TI  - The effects of idebenone on mitochondrial bioenergetics.
AB  - We have studied the effects of idebenone on mitochondrial function in cybrids
      derived from one normal donor (HQB17) and one patient harboring the G3460A/MT-ND1
      mutation of Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (RJ206); and in XTC.UC1 cells
      bearing a premature stop codon at amino acid 101 of MT-ND1 that hampers complex I
      assembly. Addition of idebenone to HQB17 cells caused mitochondrial
      depolarization and NADH depletion, which were inhibited by cyclosporin (Cs) A and
      decylubiquinone, suggesting an involvement of the permeability transition pore
      (PTP). On the other hand, addition of dithiothreitol together with idebenone did
      not cause PTP opening and allowed maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane
      potential even in the presence of rotenone. Addition of dithiothreitol plus
      idebenone, or of idebenol, to HQB17, RJ206 and XTC.UC1 cells sustained membrane
      potential in intact cells and ATP synthesis in permeabilized cells even in the
      presence of rotenone and malonate, and restored a good level of coupled
      respiration in complex I-deficient XTC.UC1 cells. These findings demonstrate that
      idebenol can feed electrons at complex III. If the quinone is maintained in the
      reduced state, a task that in some cell types appears to be performed by
      dicoumarol-sensitive NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 [Haefeli et al. (2011) PLoS
      One 6, e17963], electron transfer to complex III may allow reoxidation of NADH in
      complex I deficiencies.

PMID- 22086149
TI  - Coupled electron and proton transfer reactions during the O->E transition in
      bovine cytochrome c oxidase.
AB  - A combined DFT/electrostatic approach is employed to study the coupling of proton
      and electron transfer reactions in cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) and its proton
      pumping mechanism. The coupling of the chemical proton to the internal electron
      transfer within the binuclear center is examined for the O->E transition. The
      novel features of the His291 pumping model are proposed, which involve timely
      well-synchronized sequence of the proton-coupled electron transfer reactions. The
      obtained pK(a)s and E(m)s of the key ionizable and redox-active groups at the
      different stages of the O->E transition are consistent with available
      experimental data. The PT step from E242 to H291 is examined in detail for
      various redox states of the hemes and various conformations of E242 side-chain.
      Redox potential calculations of the successive steps in the reaction cycle during
      the O->E transition are able to explain a cascade of equilibria between the
      different intermediate states and electron redistribution between the metal
      centers during the course of the catalytic activity. All four electrometric
      phases are discussed in the light of the obtained results, providing a robust
      support for the His291 model of proton pumping in CcO.

PMID- 22086151
TI  - Economic burden in a German cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - AIMS: To estimate costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a German cohort according
      to severity of the disease and clinical symptoms. METHODS: 144 patients were
      recruited from an MS outpatient clinic. Costs were calculated according to
      current German health-economic guidelines from the perspective of the social
      health insurance system. Patients were either interviewed or completed a
      questionnaire. Cost assessment covered a 3-month period. Health outcomes were:
      Expanded Disability Status Scale, MS Functional Composite, Functional Assessment
      of MS, fatigue, depression (Beck Depression Inventory II) and patients'
      socioeconomic status. Multivariate linear regression identified independent cost
      predictors. RESULTS: Total quarterly costs per patient were EUR 10,329 (95% CI
      9,357-11,390). Direct costs were EUR 5,344 for the social health insurance system
      and EUR 140 for the patient. Drugs represented the major share of direct costs
      (and 35% of total costs); indirect costs accounted for 47% of total costs.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses identified age, disability, fatigue and
      depression as independent predictors for total, indirect or drug costs.
      CONCLUSION: MS represents a high economic burden, with direct costs exceeding
      indirect costs. To reduce costs, research should focus on prevention that slows
      down progression of MS. Rehabilitation and symptomatic treatment may have merits
      in decreasing indirect costs.

PMID- 22086152
TI  - Increased ERK activation and cellular drug accumulation in the enhanced
      cytotoxicity of folate receptor-targeted liposomal carboplatin.
AB  - Folate receptor-targeted (FRT) liposomes for carboplatin were developed and
      evaluated in FR-positive and FR-negative cell lines, KB and A549, respectively,
      for their cytotoxic effects. Significant enhancement in carboplatin potency and
      intracellular drug accumulation was observed in KB cells when treated with FRT
      liposomes, compared to free drug and non-targeted liposomes. No enhancement was
      observed in the FR-negative A549 cells. The increase in carboplatin potency was
      hypothesized to be associated with an increase in the formation of DNA-platinum
      adducts resulted from an increase in cellular accumulation of the drug.
      Surprisingly, FRT carboplatin liposomes showed significantly lower levels of DNA
      platinum adducts in comparison to free drug. To elucidate this discrepancy,
      activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) was probed,
      which has been suggested as an alternative mechanism of carboplatin action. FRT
      liposomes loaded with carboplatin exhibited the highest level of ERK
      phosphorylation, and the cytotoxic effect of FRT carboplatin liposomes could be
      reversed by the MEK/ERK inhibitors, U0126 and PD98059. Importantly, empty FRT
      liposomes could significantly increase ERK phosphorylation in a concentration
      dependent manner without causing toxicity to cells. For the first time, increased
      potency of carboplatin delivered by FRT liposomes was found to be associated with
      other molecular targets in addition to DNA-platinum adduct formation.
      Collectively, the current study suggests a novel mechanism by which FRT liposomes
      could sensitize cancer cells to drug treatment via modulation of ERK-related cell
      survival signals.

PMID- 22086150
TI  - Adrenocortical neoplasia: evolving concepts in tumorigenesis with an emphasis on
      adrenal cortical carcinoma variants.
AB  - Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, heterogeneous malignancy with a poor
      prognosis. According to WHO classification 2004, ACC variants include oncocytic
      ACCs, myxoid ACCs and ACCs with sarcomatous areas. Herein, we provide a
      comprehensive review of these rare subtypes of adrenocortical malignancy and
      emphasize their clinicopathological features with the aim of elucidating aspects
      of diagnostic categorization, differential diagnostics and biological behavior.
      The issue of current terminology, applied to biphasic tumors with pleomorphic,
      sarcomatous or sarcomatoid elements arising in adrenal cortex, is also discussed.
      We additionally present emerging evidence concerning the adrenal cortical
      tumorigenesis and the putative adenoma-carcinoma sequence as well.

PMID- 22086153
TI  - Measuring satiety with pictures compared to visual analogue scales. An
      exploratory study.
AB  - Visual analogue scales (VAS) are a standard tool used to measure subjective
      appetite. To explore a potentially more intuitive and precise alternative, we
      developed a method based on pictures and assessed its performance characteristics
      vs. VAS. The objective was to compare the capacity of the two methods to
      discriminate appetite ratings between interventions. Both methods were applied
      within a previously published trial in which 16 healthy adults received
      standardised meals followed by three different ileal infusions in a balanced
      crossover design. At regular intervals volunteers indicated how many units of
      individually pictured food portions (for 10 different items) they would like to
      eat, and also scored six VAS. Methods were compared over different timeframes and
      assessed for their sensitivity to intervention effects. Pictures were more
      sensitive than VAS in differentiating intervention effects; however, further
      refinement and validation would be needed for pictures to become a standardised
      and accepted alternative to VAS for this type of research.

PMID- 22086154
TI  - The role of bipolar transurethral vaporization in the management of benign
      prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A prospective randomized study was conducted to evaluate the safety
      and effectiveness of bipolar plasma vaporization with a novel electrode that
      produces vaporization of the tissue (transurethral vaporization of the prostate,
      TUVP) immersed in isotonic saline compared to the standard transurethral
      resection of the prostate (TURP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
      (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2009 to February 2010, 90 patients
      with BPH were randomized into two groups, and underwent conventional TURP (group
      1) or TUVP (group 2) utilizing bipolar plasma vaporization with an innovative
      electrode (Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH, Hamburg, Germany). International Prostate
      Symptom Scores (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonographic findings, maximal urine flow
      rates (Qmax), and postvoiding residual urine (PVRU) volumes of all cases were
      evaluated preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively.
      Preoperative and postoperative serum hemoglobin, hematocrit and sodium
      concentrations of all patients were measured. All patients included in the study
      were monitored for 1 year. RESULTS: In patients in group 1 (n = 47; mean age:
      64.7 +/- 7.3 years) TURP was performed. The patients in group 2 (n = 43; mean
      age: 65.4 +/- 8.9 years) underwent bipolar TUVP. Cases in the two study groups
      matched for demographic characteristics and clinical parameters were assessed.
      The evaluation of IPSS scores, PVRU, Qmax, and prostatic volumes of the patients
      1 month, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively did not reveal any significant
      differences between the two groups. In group 2 (TUVP), postoperative catheter
      indwelling times were significantly shorter, and Na serum concentrations were
      also markedly lower (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: We detected similar effectiveness
      and morbidity rates in both groups. Bipolar TUVP has advantages such as shorter
      catheter indwelling times and hospital stays, and fewer bleeding episodes without
      any risk of transurethral resection syndrome. We believe that TUVP might be an
      alternative to TURP which is currently the 'gold standard' treatment in BPH.

PMID- 22086155
TI  - Spanish validation of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the factorial structure and
      psychometric properties of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) in a sample
      of 1,708 Spanish children aged between 8 and 12 years. The SCAS was demonstrated
      to have satisfactory internal consistency with the Spanish sample, and factor
      analysis confirmed the six-factor original model. Convergent validity was
      supported by correlations with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children and
      the welfare dimension of the Child Health and Illness Profile-Children Edition.
      Low correlations between the SCAS and the Children's Depression Inventory
      supported the divergent validity. Analysis suggested that anxiety scores decrease
      with age, and girls reported higher scores than boys. Overall, the SCAS was shown
      to have good psychometric properties for use with Spanish children by clinicians
      and researchers.

PMID- 22086156
TI  - Electrochemical nickel-induced fluoroalkylation: synthetic, structural and
      mechanistic study.
AB  - Electrocatalytic generation of nickel catalysts in low oxidation states by
      reduction of nickel complexes with various ligands (2,2'-bipyridine, 2,2':6',2''
      terpyridine, (S,S)-2,6-bis(4-phenyl-2-oxazolin-2-yl)-pyridine) in the presence of
      olefinic substrates and fluoroalkyl halides leads to new organic products derived
      from addition-dimerization processes. Due to the presence of two stereocenters in
      the dimerization products two diastereomers were characterized by a variety of
      analytical techniques including multi-dimensional NMR methods and X-ray single
      crystal diffraction. The formation of dimers was prevented by the inclusion of
      the hydrogen atom donor tributyltin hydride. The cyclic voltammetry study of
      selected nickel complexes along with fluoroalkyl halides demonstrated that Ni(I)L
      is the active form of the catalyst.

PMID- 22086157
TI  - Detection of torque teno midi virus/small anellovirus (TTMDV/SAV) in chronic
      cervicitis and cervical tumors in Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - Torque teno midi virus and small anellovirus (TTMDV/SAV) are members of the genus
      Gammatorquevirus within the family Anelloviridae. Cervical cancer is the second
      most prevalent cancer after breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine
      the frequency of infection by these viruses in cervicitis and cervical tumors of
      women from Isfahan, Iran. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from
      cervical cancers (n = 42) and cervicitis cases (n = 79) were subjected to nested
      PCR to identify TTMDV/SAV viral sequences. Of the 42 tumor cases, 22, 18 and 2
      were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous
      cell carcinoma, respectively. In total, 23 (55%) of the tumor samples were
      positive for TTMDV/SAV. Of the 79 cervicitis cases, 38 (48%) were also positive
      for TTMDV/SAV. This is the first report of TTMDV/SAV in cervicitis and cervical
      tumors of women.

PMID- 22086158
TI  - The complete sequence of tobacco mosaic virus isolate Ohio V reveals a high
      accumulation of silent mutations in all open reading frames.
AB  - TMVOhioV was first described 1969 by [1] because it did break resistance of
      tomato breeding lines containing Tm-1- and Tm-2 resistance genes. It was obtained
      1987 from Wetter (Saarbrucken, Germany) and transferred into the DSMZ-Plant Virus
      Collection (Braunschweig, Germany). A partial sequence of TMVOhioV, the CP gene,
      has been reported [11] and its comparison with a TMV type isolates (TMVtype),
      e.g. EMBL: V01409, revealed 50 point mutations in a total of 477 nucleotides
      (nts) leading to the replacement of only 7 amino acids (aa). In order to
      investigate the mutations in the non-translated regions and the number of silent
      mutation in the three other open reading frames (ORF), we sequenced the complete
      genome of isolate TMVOhioV and compared it to those of other Tobamoviruses.

PMID- 22086159
TI  - Kidney-targeting Smad7 gene transfer inhibits renal TGF-beta/MAD homologue (SMAD)
      and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signalling pathways, and improves diabetic
      nephropathy in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The TGF-beta/MAD homologue (SMAD) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF
      kappaB) signalling pathways have been shown to play a critical role in the
      development of renal fibrosis and inflammation in diabetic nephropathy. We
      therefore examined whether targeting these pathways by a kidney-targeting Smad7
      gene transfer has therapeutic effects on renal lesions in the db/db mouse model
      of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We delivered Smad7 plasmids into the kidney of db/db
      mice using kidney-targeting, ultrasound-mediated, microbubble-inducible gene
      transfer. The histopathology, ultrastructural pathology and pathways of TGF
      beta/SMAD2/3-mediated fibrosis and NF-kappaB-dependent inflammation were
      evaluated. RESULTS: In this mouse model of type 2 diabetes, Smad7 gene therapy
      significantly inhibited diabetic kidney injury, compared with mice treated with
      empty vectors. Symptoms inhibited included: (1) proteinuria and renal function
      impairment; (2) renal fibrosis such as glomerular sclerosis, tubulo-interstitial
      collagen matrix abundance and renal inflammation, including Inos (also known as
      Nos2), Il1b and Mcp1 (also known as Ccl2) upregulation, as well as macrophage
      infiltration; and (3) podocyte and endothelial cell injury as demonstrated by
      immunohistochemistry and/or electron microscopy. Further study demonstrated that
      the improvement of type 2 diabetic kidney injury by overexpression of Smad7 was
      associated with significantly inhibited local activation of the TGF-beta/SMAD and
      NF-kappaB signalling pathways in the kidney. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our
      results clearly demonstrate that kidney-targeting Smad7 gene transfer may be an
      effective therapy for type 2 diabetic nephropathy, acting via simultaneous
      modulation of the TGF-beta/SMAD and NF-kappaB signalling pathways.

PMID- 22086160
TI  - Sources of inputs to the anterior and posterior aspects of the paraventricular
      nucleus of the thalamus.
AB  - The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is part of a group of midline
      and intralaminar thalamic nuclei implicated in arousal and attention. Recent
      research points to anatomical and functional differences between the anterior
      (aPVT) and posterior PVT (pPVT). The present study re-examines the main sources
      of brain inputs to the aPVT and pPVT in the rat following iontophoretic
      injections of the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B (CTb) in the PVT. The
      location and the number of retrogradely labeled neurons in different regions of
      the brain were examined to determine which brain areas are likely to exert a
      strong influence on the aPVT and pPVT. The largest number of labeled neurons was
      found in layer 6 of the prelimbic, infralimbic and posterior insular cortices
      following injections in the pPVT. In contrast, the largest number of labeled
      neurons following injections of CTb in the aPVT was found to be in the
      hippocampal subiculum and the prelimbic cortex. Other areas of the brain
      including the reticular nucleus of the thalamus, periaqueductal gray,
      parabrachial nucleus and dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus were found to
      contain a more moderate number of neurons following injections of CTb in either
      the aPVT or pPVT. The results of the present tracing study clearly show that more
      neurons in the prefrontal cortex and subiculum project to the PVT than neurons
      from the hypothalamus and brainstem. These results highlight the potential
      importance of top-down modulation of PVT mechanisms and behavioral functions.

PMID- 22086161
TI  - Vaccination with dendritic cells loaded with tumor apoptotic bodies (Apo-DC) in
      patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: effects of various adjuvants and
      definition of immune response criteria.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that autologous dendritic cells that have endocytosed
      apoptotic bodies of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells (Apo-DC) can
      stimulate antileukemic T cell responses in vitro. In this phase I study, we
      vaccinated 15 asymptomatic CLL patients at five time points with Apo-DC
      administered intradermally either alone (cohort I), or in combination with
      subcutaneous granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) (cohort
      II) or with GM-CSF and intravenous low-dose cyclophosphamide (cohort III). Aim of
      the study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Apo-DC alone or in
      combination with GM-CSF and low-dose cyclophosphamide in CLL patients. All
      patients completed the vaccination schedule without dose-limiting toxicity. No
      objective clinical responses were seen. Vaccine-induced leukemia-specific immune
      responses were evaluated by IFN-gamma ELISpot and proliferation assays over a 52
      weeks observation period and immune response criteria were defined. According to
      these criteria, 10/15 patients were defined as immune responders. The frequency
      of immune-responding patients was higher in cohorts II (3/5) and III (5/5) than
      in cohort I (2/5). In order to further characterize the induced immune response,
      estimation of secreted cytokines and CD107-degranulation assay were performed.
      Clustering of T and CLL cells was observed in CD107-degranulation assay and
      visualized by confocal microscopy. Additionally, assessment of regulatory T cells
      (T(regs)) revealed their significantly lower frequencies in immune responders
      versus non-responders (P < 0.0001). Cyclophosphamide did not reduce T(regs)
      frequency. In conclusion, vaccination with Apo-DC + GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide
      was safe and elicited anti-CLL immune responses that correlated inversely with
      T(regs) levels. Lack of clinical responses highlights the necessity to develop
      more potent vaccine strategies in B cell malignancies.

PMID- 22086162
TI  - Are we ready to start studies of Th17 cell manipulation as a therapy for cancer?
AB  - From a therapeutic perspective, the bourgeoning literature on Th17 cells should
      allow us to decide whether to rationally pursue the manipulation of Th17 cells in
      cancer. The purpose of this review is to attempt a synthesis of a number of
      contradictory conclusions as to the role that these cells are playing in the
      process of tumourigenesis in order to provide guidance as to whether our current
      understanding is sufficient to safely pursue Th17-targeted therapy in cancer at
      this time. Th17 cells are a highly plastic population and the cytokine drivers
      for Th17 cell generation and skewing will vary between various cancers and
      importantly between different sites of tumour involvement in any individual
      patient. The net impact of the pro-angiogenic IL-17 produced not only by Th17
      cells but by other cells particularly macrophages and the anti-tumour effects of
      Th1/Th17 cells will in turn be determined by the complex interplay of diverse
      chemokines and cytokines in any tumour microenvironment. Th17 cells that fail to
      home to tumours may be immunosuppressive. The complexity of IL-17 and Th17
      dynamics makes easy prediction of the effects of either enhancing or suppressing
      Th17 cell differentiation in cancer problematic.

PMID- 22086164
TI  - Digital timing: sampling frequency, anti-aliasing filter and signal interpolation
      filter dependence on timing resolution.
AB  - The main focus of our study is to investigate how the performance of digital
      timing methods is affected by sampling rate, anti-aliasing and signal
      interpolation filters. We used the Nyquist sampling theorem to address some basic
      questions such as what will be the minimum sampling frequencies? How accurate
      will the signal interpolation be? How do we validate the timing measurements? The
      preferred sampling rate would be as low as possible, considering the high cost
      and power consumption of high-speed analog-to-digital converters. However, when
      the sampling rate is too low, due to the aliasing effect, some artifacts are
      produced in the timing resolution estimations; the shape of the timing profile is
      distorted and the FWHM values of the profile fluctuate as the source location
      changes. Anti-aliasing filters are required in this case to avoid the artifacts,
      but the timing is degraded as a result. When the sampling rate is marginally over
      the Nyquist rate, a proper signal interpolation is important. A sharp roll-off
      (higher order) filter is required to separate the baseband signal from its
      replicates to avoid the aliasing, but in return the computation will be higher.
      We demonstrated the analysis through a digital timing study using fast LSO
      scintillation crystals as used in time-of-flight PET scanners. From the study, we
      observed that there is no significant timing resolution degradation down to 1.3
      Ghz sampling frequency, and the computation requirement for the signal
      interpolation is reasonably low. A so-called sliding test is proposed as a
      validation tool checking constant timing resolution behavior of a given timing
      pick-off method regardless of the source location change. Lastly, the performance
      comparison for several digital timing methods is also shown.

PMID- 22086163
TI  - Receiving treatment, labor force activity, and work performance among people with
      psychiatric disorders: results from a population survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Standard treatments for psychiatric disorders such as
      schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders are generally expected to benefit
      individuals, employers, and the wider community through improvements in work
      functioning and productivity. METHODS: We repeated a previous secondary
      investigation of receiving treatment, labor force activity and self-reported work
      performance among people with ICD-10 psychiatric disorders, in comparison to
      people with other types of health conditions. Data were collected by the
      Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2003 repeating a survey administered in 1998
      using representative multistage sampling strategies. The 2003 household
      probability sample consisted of 36,241 working age individuals. RESULTS:
      Consistent with the previous secondary investigation based on the 1998 survey
      administration, receiving treatment was consistently associated with non
      participation in the labor force, and was negatively associated with work
      performance. CONCLUSIONS: At a population level, receiving treatment was
      negatively associated with labor force activity and work performance. The
      stability of these results in two independent surveys highlights the need to
      investigate the longitudinal relationships between evidence-based treatments for
      psychiatric conditions as applied in real-world settings, and labor force
      participation and work performance outcomes.

PMID- 22086165
TI  - Accessory cells: no longer just the bridesmaids, now at last the bride. The Nobel
      Prize in physiology or medicine 2011.

PMID- 22086166
TI  - Efflux pump genes and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains
      isolated from lower respiratory tract infections acquired in an intensive care
      unit.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance rates and the
      resistance genes associated with efflux pumps of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains
      isolated from the patients who acquired lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)
      in intensive care unit (ICU). Fifty P. aeruginosa strains isolated from the lower
      respiratory tract specimens of the patients who acquired LRTIs in ICU were
      included in this study. P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from tracheal
      aspirate (27), bronchoalveolar lavage (14) and sputum (9). The susceptibilities
      of the isolates were investigated by the disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR
      assay was carried out for the detection of 13 antibiotic-resistance genes.
      Antimicrobial resistance rates of the isolates were found high and the highest
      resistance rate of the isolates studied was determined against to mezlocillin
      (50%) followed by norfloxacin (48%), ciprofloxacin (46%), meropenem (40%). Fourty
      three isolates (86%) were determined to carry one and more resistance genes. NfxB
      gene was most often determined in the genes that were investigated. The
      significant relation between the resistance to cefepime, piperacilline/tazobactam
      and the mexC gene, that between the resistance to mezlocillin,
      piperacilline/tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime and ampC genes, and that between
      the resistance to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and oprJ, oprN and nfxB genes was
      identified. Resistance caused by genes for carbapenemases, aminoglycoside
      modifying enzymes and other mechanisms were not identified in this study.
      Understanding the prevalence and mechanism of antimicrobial resistance in P.
      aeruginosa may help to select empirical therapy for nosocomial LRTIs due to P.
      aeruginosa in our ICU.

PMID- 22086167
TI  - A remodelling metric for angular fibre distributions and its application to
      diseased carotid bifurcations.
AB  - Many soft biological tissues contain collagen fibres, which act as major load
      bearing constituents. The orientation and the dispersion of these fibres
      influence the macroscopic mechanical properties of the tissue and are therefore
      of importance in several areas of research including constitutive model
      development, tissue engineering and mechanobiology. Qualitative comparisons
      between these fibre architectures can be made using vector plots of mean
      orientations and contour plots of fibre dispersion but quantitative comparison
      cannot be achieved using these methods. We propose a 'remodelling metric' between
      two angular fibre distributions, which represents the mean rotational effort
      required to transform one into the other. It is an adaptation of the earth
      mover's distance, a similarity measure between two histograms/signatures used in
      image analysis, which represents the minimal cost of transforming one
      distribution into the other by moving distribution mass around. In this paper,
      its utility is demonstrated by considering the change in fibre architecture
      during a period of plaque growth in finite element models of the carotid
      bifurcation. The fibre architecture is predicted using a strain-based remodelling
      algorithm. We investigate the remodelling metric's potential as a clinical
      indicator of plaque vulnerability by comparing results between symptomatic and
      asymptomatic carotid bifurcations. Fibre remodelling was found to occur at
      regions of plaque burden. As plaque thickness increased, so did the remodelling
      metric. A measure of the total predicted fibre remodelling during plaque growth,
      TRM, was found to be higher in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic
      group. Furthermore, a measure of the total fibre remodelling per plaque size,
      TRM/TPB, was found to be significantly higher in the symptomatic vessels. The
      remodelling metric may prove to be a useful tool in other soft tissues and
      engineered scaffolds where fibre adaptation is also present.

PMID- 22086169
TI  - Thymoma-associated progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus
      successfully treated with thymectomy and intravenous immunoglobulin.

PMID- 22086170
TI  - PRaTo: a web-tool to select optimal primer pairs for qPCR.
AB  - An essential pre-requisite to perform sound quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qPCR) assays is to design outstanding primer pairs. This means
      they must have a good efficiency and be not prone to produce multiple amplicons
      or primer dimer products. To circumvent these issues, several softwares are
      available to help primer design. Although satisfactory computer-aided primer
      design tools are available for standard PCR, less efforts were done to provide
      specific methods for selection of optimal primer pairs for qPCR. We have
      developed PRaTo a web-based tool that enables checking and ranking of primers
      pairs for their attitude to perform optimally and reliably when used in qPCR
      experiments. PRaTo is available at http://prato.daapv.unipd.it.

PMID- 22086171
TI  - DNA-binding properties of Smc6, a core component of the Smc5-6 DNA repair
      complex.
AB  - The Smc5-6 complex is an essential regulator of chromosome integrity and a key
      component of the DNA damage response. As an essential DNA repair factor, the Smc5
      6 complex is expected to interact with DNA and/or chromatin during the execution
      of its functions. How the Smc6 protein promotes the binding of the Smc5-6 complex
      to DNA lesions is currently unknown. We show here that Smc6 is a strong DNA
      binding protein with a clear preference for single-stranded DNA substrates.
      Importantly, Smc6 associates with DNA in the absence of other Smc5-6 complex
      components and its activity is modulated by nucleotides. Our results also show
      that the minimal size of single-stranded DNA required for tight association with
      Smc6 is ~60 nucleotides in length. Taken together, our results suggest that Smc6
      contributes to DNA repair in vivo by targeting the Smc5-6 complex to single
      stranded DNA substrates created during the processes of homologous recombination
      and/or DNA replication.

PMID- 22086172
TI  - Functional characterization of a synthetic abscisic acid analog with anti
      inflammatory activity on human granulocytes and monocytes.
AB  - The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), in addition to regulating several important
      physiological functions in plants, is also produced and released by human
      granulocytes and monocytes where it stimulates cell activities involved in the
      innate immune response. Here we describe the properties of an ABA synthetic
      analog that competes with the hormone for binding to human granulocyte membranes
      and to purified recombinant LANCL2 (the human ABA receptor) and inhibits several
      ABA-triggered inflammatory functions of granulocytes and monocytes in vitro:
      chemotaxis, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production and release of
      prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) by human granulocytes, release of PGE(2) and of
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by human monocytes. This observation provides
      a proof of principle that ABA antagonists may represent a new class of anti
      inflammatory agents.

PMID- 22086173
TI  - A fluorescence assay for elucidating the substrate specificities of
      deubiquitinating enzymes.
AB  - Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs) are a representative family of
      deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which specifically cleave ubiquitin (Ub) chains
      or extensions. Here we present a convenient method for characterizing the
      substrate specificities of various UCHs by fluorescently mutated Ub-fusion
      proteins (Ub(F45W)-Xaa) and di-ubiquitin chains (Ub(F45W)-diUb). After removal of
      the intact substrate by Ni(2+)-NTA affinity, the enzymatic activities of UCHs
      were quantitatively determined by recording fluorescence of the Ub(F45W) product.
      The results show that three UCHs, i.e. UCH-L1, UCH-L3 and UCH37/UCH-L5, are
      distinct in their substrate specificities for the Ub-fusions and diUb chains.
      This assay method may also be applied to study the enzymatic activities and
      substrate specificities of other DUBs.

PMID- 22086174
TI  - Expression of membrane-bound NPP-type ecto-phosphodiesterases in rat podocytes
      cultured at normal and high glucose concentrations.
AB  - The ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family (E-NPPs) contains
      two membrane-bound members: E-NPP1 and E-NPP3. These enzymes mediate hydrolysis
      of extracellular nucleotides and their abnormal expression may affect
      intracellular signal transduction pathways, leading to cellular dysfunction,
      e.g., insulin resistance. Podocytes are insulin-dependent glomerular epithelial
      cells that regulate the glomerular filtration rate. Pathology of podocytes is a
      hallmark of diabetic nephropathy. Here, we investigated the expressions of E-NPP1
      and E-NPP3 and activity of E-NPP enzymes in rat podocytes cultured with 5mM (NG)
      or 30 mM glucose (HG). Insulin resistance was determined by measuring changes in
      [1,2-(3)H]-deoxy-D-glucose uptake in response to insulin. mRNAs of E-NPP1 and E
      NPP3 were detected within podocytes. The E-NPP expressions were confirmed at the
      protein level using western blot and immunofluorescence techniques. At NG,
      insulin (300 nM, 3 min) increased glucose uptake 1.5-fold; however, this effect
      was abolished at HG. The protein expressions of E-NPP1 and E-NPP3 were not
      affected at HG. The E-NPP activities were 24.68+/-0.72 and 26.51+/-1.55
      nmol/min/mg protein at NG and HG, respectively. In conclusion, ecto-nucleotide
      pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 and 3 are expressed on podocytes, but changes
      in expression of these enzymes are most likely not involved in etiology of
      insulin resistance in podocytes.

PMID- 22086175
TI  - Identification of reference genes for reverse transcription quantitative real
      time PCR normalization in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).
AB  - Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)
      is a commonly used technology for gene expression and transcriptome analysis.
      Normalization is a process that is necessary to accurately analyze qRT-PCR data.
      Stability of reference gene expression is required for this process. Due to the
      large variation in expression levels of reference genes obtained from different
      experimental conditions, gene expression stabilities must be evaluated and
      identified in all experimental systems. In the present paper, the stability of
      the expression levels of seven potential reference genes in pepper are assessed
      using qRT-PCR analysis to determine optimal reference genes. These reference
      genes are evaluated in different pepper tissues, abiotic stress, and hormonal
      treatment samples. Three common statistical algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder, and
      BestKeeper, are used to identify expression stability and provide an accurate
      selection of reference genes. Two reference genes, beta tubulin and ubiquitin
      conjugating protein (UBI-3), showed high stability in sample pools with abiotic
      stress and hormonal treatments. Among the sample pools tested, UBI-3 and
      glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression levels were the most stable
      in different tissues. Therefore, these reference genes are selected for qRT-PCR
      analysis under the experimental conditions tested in pepper. In contrast,
      ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and actin genes are identified as the least stable
      reference genes in all the groups tested, confirming that they are not suitable
      for normalization. Validation of these candidate genes could provide useful
      guidelines for reference gene selection in qRT-PCR studies in pepper.

PMID- 22086176
TI  - Basophil-derived mouse mast cell protease 11 induces microvascular leakage and
      tissue edema in a mast cell-independent manner.
AB  - Mouse mast cell protease 11 (mMCP-11) is the most recently identified member of
      the mouse mast cell tryptase family. This tryptase is preferentially produced by
      basophils in contrast to other members that are expressed by mast cells but not
      basophils. Although blood-circulating basophils have long been considered as
      minor and redundant relatives of tissue-resident mast cells, recent studies
      illustrated that basophils and mast cells play distinct roles in vivo. To explore
      the in vivo role of basophil-derived mMCP-11, here we prepared recombinant mMCP
      11 and its protease-dead mutant. Subcutaneous injection of the wild-type mMCP-11
      but not the mutant induced edematous skin swelling with increased microvascular
      permeability in a dose-dependent manner. No apparent infiltration of
      proinflammatory cells including neutrophils and eosinophils was detected in the
      skin lesions. The cutaneous swelling was abolished by the pretreatment of mice
      with indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, suggesting the major contribution
      of prostaglandins to the microvascular leakage. Of note, the cutaneous swelling
      was elicited even in mast cell-deficient mice, indicating that mast cells are
      dispensable for the mMCP-11-induced cutaneous swelling. Thus, basophil-derived
      mMCP-11 can induce microvascular leakage via prostaglandins in a mast cell
      independent manner, and may contribute to the development of basophil-mediated
      inflammatory responses.

PMID- 22086177
TI  - Suppression of Nrdp1 toxicity by Parkin in Drosophila models.
AB  - Nrdp1 is a RING finger ubiquitin E3 ligase that interacts with Parkin, and
      promotes the degradation of Parkin, a causative protein for early onset Autosomal
      Recessive Juvenile Parkinsonism (AR-JP). To investigate if Nrdp1 plays a role in
      the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, we generated transgenic Drosophila that
      expressed Drosophila Nrdp1 (dNrdp1) and dNrdp1(D56V), an aspartic acid to valine
      mutant at residue 56 that disrupts its ring finger domain, resulting in impaired
      capacity to degrade its substrate ErbB3. Our data show that a pan-neuronal
      expression of transgenic dNrdp1 but not dNrdp1(D56V) mutant leads to the loss of
      dopaminergic neurons in brains, resulting in reduction of dopamine production.
      These flies also manifested decreased flight ability. Co-expression of human
      Parkin (hParkin) provides protection against toxicity induced by over-expression
      of dNrdp1, reversing the effects of dNrdp1 on death of dopaminergic neurons,
      reduction of dopamine production, and decreased flight ability. Taken together,
      we conclude that Nrdp1 plays a role in neurodegeneration and could be potentially
      targeted as a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22086178
TI  - Cdc20 mediates D-box-dependent degradation of Sp100.
AB  - Cdc20 is a co-activator of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C
      complex), which recruits substrates at particular phases of the cell cycle and
      mediates their degradation. Sp100 is a PML-NB scaffold protein, which localizes
      to nuclear particles during interphase and disperses from them during mitosis,
      participates in viral resistance, transcriptional regulation, and apoptosis.
      However, its metabolism during the cell cycle has not yet been fully
      characterized. We found a putative D-box in Sp100 using the Eukaryotic Linear
      Motif (ELM) predictor database. The putative D-box of Sp100 was verified by
      mutational analysis. Overexpression of Cdc20 resulted in decreased levels of both
      endogenous Sp100 protein and overexpressed Sp100 mRNA in HEK 293 cells. Only an
      overexpressed D-box deletion mutant of Sp100 accumulated in HEK293 cells that
      also overexpressed Cdc20. Cdc20 knockdown by cdc20 specific siRNA resulted in
      increased Sp100 protein levels in cells. Furthermore, we discovered that the
      Cdc20 mediated degradation of Sp100 is diminished by the proteasome inhibitor
      MG132, which suggests that the ubiquitination pathway is involved in this
      process. However, unlike the other Cdc20 substrates, which display oscillating
      protein levels, the level of Sp100 protein remains constant throughout the cell
      cycle. Additionally, both overexpression and knockdown of endogenous Sp100 had no
      effect on the cell cycle. Our results suggested that sp100 is a novel substrate
      of Cdc20 and it is degraded by the ubiquitination pathway. The intact D-box of
      Sp100 was necessary for this process. These findings expand our knowledge of both
      Sp100 and Cdc20 as well as their role in ubiquitination.

PMID- 22086179
TI  - Methionine sulfoxide reductase A regulates cell growth through the p53-p21
      pathway.
AB  - MsrA is an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of
      methionine-S-sulfoxide to methionine. Although MsrA is well-characterized as an
      antioxidant and has been implicated in the aging process and cellular senescence,
      its roles in cell proliferation are poorly understood. Here, we report a critical
      role of MsrA in normal cell proliferation and describe the regulation mechanism
      of cell growth by this protein. Down-regulation of MsrA inhibited cell
      proliferation, but MsrA overexpression did not promote it. MsrA deficiency led to
      an increase in p21, a major cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, thereby causing
      cell cycle arrest at the G(2)/M stage. While protein levels of p53 were not
      altered upon MsrA deficiency, its acetylation level was significantly elevated,
      which subsequently activated p21 transcription. The data suggest that MsrA is a
      regulator of cell growth that mediates the p53-p21 pathway.

PMID- 22086180
TI  - Echocardiographic risk stratification of fetuses with sacrococcygeal teratoma and
      twin-reversed arterial perfusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pre-intervention echocardiographic parameters of cardiac
      function in fetuses who survive without hydrops as compared to fetuses who
      develop hydrops or perinatal death in the setting of sacrococcygeal teratoma
      (SCT) and twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP). METHODS: Clinical,
      echocardiographic and sonographic data of fetuses with SCT or TRAP during 1999
      2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Measurements of cardiothoracic ratio (CTR),
      cardiac dimension Z-scores, combined ventricular output (CVO), valvular
      regurgitation, and cardiovascular profile scores (CVPS) were obtained. RESULTS:
      In total, 19 fetuses (11 SCT, 8 TRAP) met the inclusion criteria and 26 detailed
      fetal echocardiographic studies were reviewed. Outcome was poor in 7 pregnancies
      (group A) and good in 12 (group B). Group A had worse CVPS (8.5 vs. 10, p < 0.01)
      and higher CTR (0.37 vs. 0.30, p = 0.04). At least one of the following was
      present in each group A fetus: CTR >0.5, CVO >550 ml/min/kg, tricuspid or mitral
      regurgitation, or mitral valve Z-score >2. No group B fetus had any of these
      abnormalities. No fetus in either group had abnormal venous Doppler waveforms at
      presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal echocardiography can identify abnormalities of
      cardiac size and systolic, but not diastolic, function in all fetuses who
      subsequently died or developed hydrops.

PMID- 22086181
TI  - Dissipation of chlorantraniliprole in tomato fruits and soil.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to understand the residue and persistence
      behaviour of new insecticide chlorantraniliprole in tomato fruit and soil
      samples. Its residue was analyzed by HPLC and it dissipated in tomato fruit and
      soil following first order kinetics. The results showed half life (t(1/2)) value
      of 3.30 and 3.66 days for chlorantraniliprole in tomato fruit and soil,
      respectively. According to maximum residue limit (MRL) the pre-harvest interval
      (PHI) of chlorantraniliprole on tomato was 8-days after the treatment.

PMID- 22086182
TI  - Estimation of indoxacarb residues by QuEChERS technique and its degradation
      pattern in cabbage.
AB  - Indoxacarb residues were estimated by employing standardized QuEChERS technique
      in cabbage following three applications of Avant(R) 14.8 EC @ 52.2 and 104.4 g
      a.i. ha(-1). The average recoveries of indoxacarb on cabbage for fortification
      levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg kg(-1) were observed to be 83.93, 89.86 and
      95.40%, respectively, with relative standard deviation of 1.21, 1.53 and 2.23.
      The method was also validated with respect to parameters of linearity, precision
      and limit of quantification (LOQ). The LOQ for cabbage was found to be 0.01 mg
      kg(-1). The average initial deposits of indoxacarb on cabbage were observed to be
      0.18 and 0.39 mg kg(-1), respectively, at single and double the application rate.
      These indoxacarb residues dissipated below its LOQ of 0.01 mg kg(-1)after 7 and
      10 days, respectively, at single and double dosages. Half-life of indoxacarb was
      observed to be 2.88 and 1.92 days, respectively, at recommended and double the
      recommended dosages.

PMID- 22086183
TI  - Pinus densiflora leaf essential oil induces apoptosis via ROS generation and
      activation of caspases in YD-8 human oral cancer cells.
AB  - The leaf of Pinus (P.) densiflora, a pine tree widely distributed in Asian
      countries, has been used as a traditional medicine. In the present study, we
      investigated the anticancer activity of essential oil, extracted by steam
      distillation, from the leaf of P. densiflora in YD-8 human oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Treatment of YD-8 cells with P. densiflora leaf essential
      oil (PLEO) at 60 ug/ml for 8 h strongly inhibited proliferation and survival and
      induced apoptosis. Notably, treatment with PLEO led to generation of ROS,
      activation of caspase-9, PARP cleavage, down-regulation of Bcl-2, and
      phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 and JNK-1/2 in YD-8 cells. Treatment with PLEO,
      however, did not affect the expression of Bax, XIAP and GRP78. Importantly,
      pharmaco-logical inhibition studies demonstrated that treatment with vitamin E
      (an anti-oxidant) or z-VAD-fmk (a pan-caspase inhibitor), but not with PD98059
      (an ERK-1/2 inhibitor) or SP600125 (a JNK-1/2 inhibitor), strongly suppressed
      PLEO-induced apoptosis in YD-8 cells and reduction of their survival. Vitamin E
      treatment further blocked activation of caspase-9 and Bcl-2 down-regulation
      induced by PLEO. Thus, these results demonstrate firstly that PLEO has anti
      proliferative, anti-survival and pro-apoptotic effects on YD-8 cells and the
      effects are largely due to the ROS-dependent activation of caspases.

PMID- 22086184
TI  - The association between income source and met need among community mental health
      service users in Ontario, Canada.
AB  - We examined income source and match between recommended and received care among
      users of community mental health services. We conducted a secondary analysis of
      needs-based planning data on adults in Ontario community mental health programs
      from 2000 to 2002. The outcome was whether clients were severely underserved
      (yes/no) based on the match between level of care recommended and received. A
      logistic regression model investigated if income source predicted this outcome.
      13% of clients were severely underserved. Over 40% were on public assistance and
      they had a higher risk of being severely undeserved than the others. Men were at
      greater risk. One aim of mental health reform is to increase access to care for
      vulnerable individuals. The finding that among users of community mental health
      services, individuals with public assistance income support are most vulnerable
      to being severely underserved should be considered by service planners and
      providers.

PMID- 22086185
TI  - Downregulation of EphA2 expression suppresses the growth and metastasis in
      squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our previous study has revealed that EphA2 overexpression is
      significantly associated with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis in patients
      with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, the function
      of EphA2 in tumorigenesis and cervical lymph node metastasis of SCCHN has never
      been elucidated in vivo. METHODS: EphA2 was knocked down in SCCHN cell lines. CCK
      8 assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, invasion and migration
      assays were performed in vitro. In vivo tumorigenicity assays were performed, and
      the impact on cervical lymph node metastasis was evaluated. RESULTS: The present
      investigation demonstrated that suppression of EphA2 resulted in a significant
      inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion of SCCHN cells in vitro and
      markedly diminished their tumorigenicity and lymph node metastasis in vivo.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EphA2 plays a critical role in SCCHN
      growth and metastasis and may be a promising therapeutic target to prevent the
      progression of SCCHN.

PMID- 22086186
TI  - Influence of dendrimers on red blood cells.
AB  - Dendrimers, highly branched macromolecules with a specific size and shape,
      provide many exciting opportunities for biomedical applications. However, most
      dendrimers demonstrate toxic and haemolytic activity because of their positively
      charged surface. Masking the peripheral cationic groups by coating them with
      biocompatible molecules is a method to reduce it. It was proven that modified
      dendrimers can even diminish haemolytic activity of encapsulated drugs.
      Experiments confirmed that anionic dendrimers are less haemotoxic than cationic
      ones. Due to the high affinity of dendrimers for serum proteins, presence of
      these components in an incubation buffer might also influence red blood cell
      (RBC)-dendrimer interactions and decrease the haemolysis level. Generally,
      haemotoxicity of dendrimers is concentration-, generation-, and time-dependent.
      Various changes in the RBCs' shape in response to interactions with dendrimers
      have been observed, from echinocytic transformations through cell aggregation to
      cluster formation, depending on the dendrimer's type and concentration.
      Understanding the physical and chemical origins of dendrimers' influences on RBCs
      might advance scientists' ability to construct dendrimers more suitable for
      medical applications.

PMID- 22086187
TI  - Anharmonic nuclear dynamics in the mixed quantum-classical limit.
AB  - This study employs mixed quantum-classical dynamics (MQCD) formalism to evaluate
      the linear electronic dipole moment time correlation function (DMTCF) in which a
      Morse oscillator serves to model the associated vibrations in a mixed quantum
      classical (MQC) environment. While the main purpose of this work is to study the
      applicability of MQCD formalism to anharmonic systems in condensed phase,
      approximate schemes to physically evaluate the mathematically divergent integrals
      have been developed in order to deal with the essential singularities that arise
      while evaluating the Morse oscillator canonical partition function and the DMTCF
      in MQC systems in the classical limit. The motivation for numerically and
      analytically evaluating these divergent integrals is that a partition function of
      any system should lead to a finite value at any temperature and therefore this
      divergence is unphysical. Additionally, since a partition function is to signify
      the number of accessible states to the system at hand, divergent results are not
      physically acceptable. As such, straightforward approximate analytic expressions,
      at different levels of rigor, for both the classical Morse oscillator partition
      function and the DMTCF in MQC systems are derived, for the first time.
      Calculations of Morse oscillator partition function values using different
      approaches at various temperatures for CO, HCl, and I(2) molecules, showing good
      results, are presented to test the expressions derived herein. It is found that
      this divergence, due to singularity, diminishes upon lowering the temperature and
      only arises at high temperatures. The gradual diminishing of the singularity upon
      lowering the temperature is sensible since the Morse potential fits the parabolic
      potential at low temperatures. Model calculations and discussion of the DMTCF and
      linear absorption spectra in MQC systems using the molecular constants of CO
      molecule are provided. The linear absorption lineshape is derived by two methods,
      one of which is asymptotic expansion.

PMID- 22086189
TI  - The influence of dose heterogeneity on tumour control probability in fractionated
      radiation therapy.
AB  - Theoretical modelling of tumour control probability (TCP) with respect to non
      uniformity in the dose to the tumour, alternate fractionation schemes and tumour
      kinetics is a very useful tool for assessment of the influence of changes in
      dosimetric or radiobiological factors on the outcome of the treatment. Various
      attempts have been made to also include effects from non-uniform dose to the
      tumour volume, but the problem has not been fully solved and many factors were
      totally neglected or not accurately taken into account. This paper presents
      derivations of analytical expressions of TCP for macroscopic inter-cell dose
      variations and for random inter-fractional variations in average tumour dose,
      based on binomial statistics for the TCP and the well-known linear quadratic
      model for the cell survival. Numerical calculations have been performed to
      validate the analytical expressions. An analysis of the influence of the
      deterministic and stochastic heterogeneity in dose delivery on the TCP was
      performed. The precision requirements in dose delivery are discussed briefly with
      the support of the presented results. The main finding of this paper is that it
      is primarily the shape of the cell survival curve that governs how the response
      is affected by macroscopic dose variations. The analytical expressions for TCP
      accounting for heterogeneity in dose can quite well describe the TCP for varying
      dose from cell to cell and random dose in each fraction. An increased TCP is seen
      when a large number of fractions are used and the variations in dose to the cells
      are rather high for tissues with low alpha/beta.

PMID- 22086188
TI  - Nematode modulation of inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease arising due to a
      culmination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-associated factors and
      resulting in an excessive pro-inflammatory response to bacterial populations in
      the gastrointestinal tract. The prevalence of IBD in developing nations is
      relatively low, and it has been proposed that this is directly correlated with a
      high incidence of helminth infections in these areas. Gastrointestinal nematodes
      are the most prevalent parasitic worms, and they efficiently modulate the immune
      system of their hosts in order to establish chronic infections. Thus, they may be
      capable of suppressing unrelated inflammation in disorders such as IBD. This
      review describes how nematodes, or their products, suppress innate and adaptive
      pro-inflammatory immune responses and how the mechanisms involved in the
      induction of anti-nematode responses regulate colitis in experimental models and
      clinical trials with IBD patients. We also discuss how refinement of nematode
      derived therapies should ultimately result in the development of potent new
      therapeutics of clinical inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 22086190
TI  - Is the increase in bone mineral density after hip resurfacing uniform across the
      femoral neck?

PMID- 22086191
TI  - On the nature of semantic constraints on lexical access.
AB  - We present two eye-tracking experiments that investigate lexical frequency and
      semantic context constraints in spoken-word recognition in German. In both
      experiments, the pivotal words were pairs of nouns overlapping at onset but
      varying in lexical frequency. In Experiment 1, German listeners showed an
      expected frequency bias towards high-frequency competitors (e.g., Blume,
      'flower') when instructed to click on low-frequency targets (e.g., Bluse,
      'blouse'). In Experiment 2, semantically constraining context increased the
      availability of appropriate low-frequency target words prior to word onset, but
      did not influence the availability of semantically inappropriate high-frequency
      competitors at the same time. Immediately after target word onset, however, the
      activation of high-frequency competitors was reduced in semantically constraining
      sentences, but still exceeded that of unrelated distractor words significantly.
      The results suggest that (1) semantic context acts to downgrade activation of
      inappropriate competitors rather than to exclude them from competition, and (2)
      semantic context influences spoken-word recognition, over and above anticipation
      of upcoming referents.

PMID- 22086192
TI  - Pancreatic cancer is not noble.

PMID- 22086193
TI  - OCT4 pseudogenes present in human leukemia cells.
AB  - The transcription factor OCT4 is expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and has
      been considered as a main regulator in maintaining pluripotency of ESCs. Several
      studies have showed OCT4 expression in human solid tumor and adult stem or
      progenitor cells. However, whether OCT4 is expressed in normal hematopoietic
      system including the peripheral blood and bone marrow remains controversial.
      Furthermore, the functional expression of OCT4 in leukemia cells and its
      potential significance in leukemia studies have been poorly defined. The aim of
      this study was to examine and analyze the genuine expression of OCT4 in human
      leukemia cells by means of RT-PCR, flow cytometry, PCR product sequencing and
      alignment with NCBI BLAST and DNAMAN software. The full lengths of the putative
      OCT4 genes were amplified in 2/9 leukemia cell lines and 7/49 leukemia patients'
      samples. However, many base mutations in putative OCT4 positive samples were
      found. Sequence alignment analysis showed a higher similarity between the
      putative OCT4 PCR products and the pseudogenes in chromosomes 1 and 8. The
      positive rates of OCT4 protein detected with flow cytometry were low, and almost
      all of them were less than 10% of positivity. A very small fraction of leukemia
      stem cells with OCT4 protein expression was found. We conclude that OCT4
      pseudogenes in chromosomes 1 and 8 present in the panel of leukemia cells tested
      and the OCT4 protein is rarely detected with flow cytometry in leukemia cells.

PMID- 22086194
TI  - Poly-IC preconditioning protects against cerebral and renal ischemia-reperfusion
      injury.
AB  - Preconditioning induces ischemic tolerance, which confers robust protection
      against ischemic damage. We show marked protection with polyinosinic
      polycytidylic acid (poly-IC) preconditioning in three models of murine ischemia
      reperfusion injury. Poly-IC preconditioning induced protection against ischemia
      modeled in vitro in brain cortical cells and in vivo in models of brain ischemia
      and renal ischemia. Further, unlike other Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, which
      generally induce significant inflammatory responses, poly-IC elicits only modest
      systemic inflammation. Results show that poly-IC is a new powerful prophylactic
      treatment that offers promise as a clinical therapeutic strategy to minimize
      damage in patient populations at risk of ischemic injury.

PMID- 22086195
TI  - Visualizing cell death in experimental focal cerebral ischemia: promises,
      problems, and perspectives.
AB  - One of the hallmarks of stroke pathophysiology is the widespread death of many
      different types of brain cells. As our understanding of the complex disease that
      is stroke has grown, it is now generally accepted that various different
      mechanisms can result in cell damage and eventual death. A plethora of techniques
      is available to identify various pathological features of cell death in stroke;
      each has its own drawbacks and pitfalls, and most are unable to distinguish
      between different types of cell death, which partially explains the widespread
      misuse of many terms. The purpose of this review is to summarize the standard
      histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques used to identify various
      pathological features of stroke. We then discuss how these methods should be
      properly interpreted on the basis of what they are showing, as well as advantages
      and disadvantages that require consideration. As there is much interest in the
      visualization of stroke using noninvasive imaging strategies, we also
      specifically discuss how these techniques can be interpreted within the context
      of cell death.

PMID- 22086196
TI  - Kollidon VA64, a membrane-resealing agent, reduces histopathology and improves
      functional outcome after controlled cortical impact in mice.
AB  - Loss of plasma membrane integrity is a feature of acute cellular injury/death in
      vitro and in vivo. Plasmalemma-resealing agents are protective in acute central
      nervous system injury models, but their ability to reseal cell membranes in vivo
      has not been reported. Using a mouse controlled cortical impact (CCI) model, we
      found that propidium iodide-positive (PI+) cells pulse labeled at 6, 24, or 48
      hours maintained a degenerative phenotype and disappeared from the injured brain
      by 7 days, suggesting that plasmalemma permeability is a biomarker of fatal
      cellular injury after CCI. Intravenous or intracerebroventricular administration
      of Kollidon VA64, poloxamer P188, or polyethylene glycol 8000 resealed injured
      cell membranes in vivo (P<0.05 versus vehicle or poloxamer P407). Kollidon VA64
      (1 mmol/L, 500 MUL) administered intravenously to mice 1  hour after CCI
      significantly reduced acute cellular degeneration, chronic brain tissue damage,
      brain edema, blood-brain barrier damage, and postinjury motor deficits (all
      P<0.05 versus vehicle). However, VA64 did not rescue pulse-labeled PI+ cells from
      eventual demise. We conclude that PI permeability within 48 hours of CCI is a
      biomarker of eventual cell death/loss. Kollidon VA64 reduces secondary damage
      after CCI by mechanisms other than or in addition to resealing permeable cells.

PMID- 22086197
TI  - Sequential activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and specificity protein 1 is
      required for hypoxia-induced transcriptional stimulation of Abcc8.
AB  - Cerebral ischemia causes increased transcription of sulfonylurea receptor 1
      (SUR1), which forms SUR1-regulated NC(Ca-ATP) channels linked to cerebral edema.
      We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia is an initial signal that stimulates
      transcription of Abcc8, the gene encoding SUR1, via activation of hypoxia
      inducible factor 1 (HIF1). In the brain microvascular endothelial cells, hypoxia
      increased SUR1 abundance and expression of functional SUR1-regulated NC(Ca-ATP)
      channels. Luciferase reporter activity driven by the Abcc8 promoter was increased
      by hypoxia and by coexpression of HIF1alpha. Surprisingly, a series of luciferase
      reporter assays studying the Abcc8 promoter revealed that binding sites for
      specificity protein 1 (Sp1), but not for HIF, were required for stimulation of
      Abcc8 transcription by HIF1alpha. Luciferase reporter assays studying Sp1
      promoters of three species, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis in rats
      after cerebral ischemia, indicated that HIF binds to HIF-binding sites on the Sp1
      promoter to stimulate transcription of the Sp1 gene. We conclude that sequential
      activation of two transcription factors, HIF and Sp1, is required to stimulate
      transcription of Abcc8 following cerebral ischemia. Sequential gene activation in
      cerebral ischemia provides a plausible molecular explanation for the prolonged
      treatment window observed for inhibition of the end-target gene product, SUR1, by
      glibenclamide.

PMID- 22086198
TI  - A perspective on the mobilization, localization and delivery of molecules in the
      crowded bacterial cytoplasm.
AB  - It has been assumed that diffusion of molecules in the bacterial cytoplasm is the
      mechanism that moves molecules in the absence of cytoplasmic streaming. However,
      is there an undiscovered mechanism present that mobilizes cytoplasm and its
      molecular contents, and delivers tRNAs to specific ribosomes at specific
      bacterial cytoplasmic locations? Mobilization of specific tRNA (and also mRNA
      transcripts and ribosomes) and cell division proteins to specific intracellular
      locations may suggest that instructions and/or mechanism(s) are needed. The
      alternative is that molecular crowding in the cytoplasm is sufficient for gentle
      contact between mRNA, ribosomes and tRNA. Or is it plausible that the bacterial
      cytoplasm (and its contents) are mobilized with the outcome being more gentle
      collisions between molecules than by a diffusion only mechanism? One hypothesis
      is that cytoplasmic and molecule mobilization and spatial organization are
      possibly driven by the photons in thermal infrared (IR) radiation and generation
      of exclusion zone (EZ) water in the cytoplasm.

PMID- 22086200
TI  - Women with gestational diabetes develop glucose intolerance with high frequency
      within one year postpartum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of glucose intolerance postpartum in
      women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and assess body weight, cholesterol and
      triglyceride concentrations after delivery. METHODS: This was a study of an
      initial cohort of 100 women with GDM who were tested at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1
      year postpartum. Postpartum evaluations were glucose tolerance, weight and
      cholesterol and triglycerides. RESULTS: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or
      impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was present in 36.5% of 52 participants who were
      assessed at 6 weeks postpartum and diabetes in 17.3%; the remaining 48 women
      failed to return for the 3 evaluations. By 6 months, IFG/IGT was demonstrated in
      55.8% and diabetes in 32.7% of the women. At 1 year, 46.2% exhibited IFG/IGT and
      48% diabetes. Moreover, the weight was higher in those women who presented
      IFG/IGT (75.5 +/- 15.2 kg, mean +/- SD) and diabetes (79.0 +/- 16.2 kg) compared
      with those who had normal glucose tolerance (65.3 +/- 14.5 kg; p < 0.05). In
      addition, triglycerides were higher in mothers with glucose intolerance (181.3 +/
      85.9 mg/dl in IFG/IGT and 230.9 +/- 90.9 mg/dl in diabetes) than in women with
      normal glycemia (147.8 +/- 11.2 mg/dl; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated an
      increased incidence of women exhibiting glucose intolerance within 1 year
      postpartum, mainly in those who remained obese.

PMID- 22086201
TI  - Hippocampal atrophy as late sequela of carbon monoxide poisoning.

PMID- 22086199
TI  - Determinants of short- and long-term outcome in patients undergoing simultaneous
      resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - PURPOSE: The optimal surgical strategy for patients presenting with colorectal
      liver metastases has yet to be determined. Short- and long-term outcomes must be
      considered if simultaneous resection of primary and liver metastases is to gain
      acceptance. We examine the prognostic value of patient and tumour characteristics
      in predicting short- and long-term outcomes following simultaneous resection for
      synchronous disease. METHODS: Forty-six patients undergoing simultaneous
      resection between April 2002 and June 2010 in a single institution were included.
      Patient characteristics included preoperative ASA grade and POSSUM. Tumour
      characteristics included TNM stage, Petersen Index and the Clinical Risk Score.
      RESULTS: There were no postoperative deaths. The most common complications were
      atrial fibrillation (seven patients) and pneumonia (seven patients). Mean
      hospital stay with an uncomplicated postoperative recovery was 11 days versus 17
      days with complicated recovery. Age (p = 0.015), ASA grade (p = 0.010) and POSSUM
      score (p = 0.032) were associated with postoperative complications. No
      pathological characteristics of the primary or secondary tumours related to
      surgical morbidity. Median follow-up was 37 months (5-87) during which 24
      patients died, 23 from cancer. Twenty-seven had disease recurrence. N stage of
      the primary (p = 0.035), high-risk Petersen Index of the primary (p = 0.010) and
      Clinical Risk Score >= 3 (p = 0.005) were associated with poorer recurrence-free
      and cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: Post operative morbidity was
      determined by patient factors rather than operative or tumour characteristics. In
      addition to the Clinical Risk Score, pathological characteristics of the primary
      are important determinants of long-term outcome following simultaneous resection
      for synchronous disease.

PMID- 22086203
TI  - Photo-induced DNA cleavage activity and remarkable photocytotoxicity of
      lanthanide(III) complexes of a polypyridyl ligand.
AB  - Lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln(pyphen)(acac)(2)(NO(3))] (1, 2),
      [Ln(pydppz)(acac)(2)(NO(3))] (3, 4) and [La(pydppz)(anacac)(2)(NO(3))] (5), where
      Ln is La(III) (in 1, 3, 5) and Gd(III) (in 2, 4), pyphen is 6-(2-pyridyl)-1,10
      phenanthroline, pydppz is 6-(2-pyridyl)-dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, anacac
      is anthracenylacetylacetonate and acac is acetylacetonate, were prepared,
      characterized and their DNA photocleavage activity and photocytotoxicity studied.
      The crystal structure of complex 2 displays a GdO(6)N(3) coordination. The pydppz
      complexes 3-5 show an electronic spectral band at ~390 nm in DMF. The La(III)
      complexes are diamagnetic, while the Gd(III) complexes are paramagnetic with
      seven unpaired electrons. The molar conductivity data suggest 1 : 1 electrolytic
      nature of the complexes in aqueous DMF. They are avid binders to calf thymus DNA
      giving K(b) in the range of 5.4 * 10(4)-1.2 * 10(6) M(-1). Complexes 3-5
      efficiently cleave supercoiled DNA to its nicked circular form in UV-A light of
      365 nm via formation of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) and hydroxyl radical (HO)
      species. Complexes 3-5 also exhibit significant photocytotoxic effect in HeLa
      cancer cells giving respective IC(50) value of 0.16(+/-0.01), 0.15(+/-0.01) and
      0.26+/-(0.02) MUM in UV-A light of 365 nm, while they are less toxic in dark with
      an IC(50) value of >3 MUM. The presence of an additional pyridyl group makes the
      pydppz complexes more photocytotoxic than their dppz analogues. FACS analysis of
      the HeLa cells treated with complex 4 shows apoptosis as the major pathway of
      cell death. Nuclear localization of complex 5 having an anthracenyl moiety as a
      fluorophore is evidenced from the confocal microscopic studies.

PMID- 22086204
TI  - RNA interference-mediated silencing of SOCS-1 via lentiviral vector promotes
      apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in vitro.
AB  - Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1) is a protein that negatively regulates
      cytokine and growth factor signaling. However, little is known regarding the
      precise role it plays in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of the present
      study was to construct a recombinant lentiviral vector for RNA interference
      targeting the SOCS1 gene and to detect the expression in human alveolar
      epithelial cells. A lentiviral vector-mediated RNA interference method was used
      to establish a SOCS1-negative cell line of alveolar origin (A549). Three pairs of
      complementary small hairpin RNA (shRNA) oligonucleotides targeting the SOCS1 gene
      were designed, synthesized and inserted into the pPll3.7 vector. Packaged
      lentivirus particles were obtained after 48 h, and the supernatant was used to
      transfect the human alveolar epithelial cell line A549. The expression of the
      SOCS1 protein was detected by Western blotting. MTT assay was used to detect the
      cell proliferation of alveolar epithelial cells with SOCS1 knockdown. The
      recombinant plasmids were confirmed by sequencing. The lentivirus-containing
      supernatant effectively infected the A549 cell line, and the expression of SOCS1
      protein was inhibited, which was confirmed by Western blotting in the target
      cells. MTT assay indicated the inhibition effect for cell proliferation of A549
      cells in the SOCS1-RNA interference group, compared to the control group with no
      interference-mediated silencing of the SOCS1 gene. A lentiviral vector for RNA
      interference targeting the SOCS1 gene was successfully constructed, and cell
      survival tests showed that knockdown of the SOCS1 gene promotes the apoptosis of
      alveolar cells.

PMID- 22086205
TI  - Development of the zebrafish myoseptum with emphasis on the myotendinous
      junction.
AB  - Zebrafish myosepta connect two adjacent muscle cells and transmit muscular forces
      to axial structures during swimming via the myotendinous junction (MTJ). The MTJ
      establishes transmembrane linkages system consisting of extracellular matrix
      molecules (ECM) surrounding the basement membrane, cytoskeletal elements anchored
      to sarcolema, and all intermediate proteins that link ECM to actin filaments.
      Using a series of zebrafish specimens aged between 24 h post-fertilization and 2
      years old, the present paper describes at the transmission electron microscope
      level the development of extracellular and intracellular elements of the MTJ. The
      transverse myoseptum development starts during the segmentation period by
      deposition of sparse and loosely organized collagen fibrils. During the hatching
      period, a link between actin filaments and sarcolemma is established. The basal
      lamina underlining sarcolemma is well differentiated. Later, collagen fibrils
      display an orthogonal orientation and fibroblast-like cells invade the myoseptal
      stroma. A dense network of collagen fibrils is progressively formed that both
      anchor myoseptal fibroblasts and sarcolemmal basement membrane. The
      differentiation of a functional MTJ is achieved when sarcolemma interacts with
      both cytoskeletal filaments and extracellular components. This solid structural
      link between contractile apparatus and ECM leads to sarcolemma deformations
      resulting in the formation of regular invaginations, and allows force
      transmission during muscle contraction. This paper presents the first
      ultrastructural atlas of the zebrafish MTJ development, which represents an
      useful tool to analyse the mechanisms of the myotendinous system formation and
      their disruption in muscle disorders.

PMID- 22086208
TI  - Effects of tourism and topography on vegetation diversity in the subalpine
      meadows of the Dongling Mountains of Beijing, China.
AB  - Subalpine meadows in the Dongling Mountains (located at E115o26'-115o40', N40o00'
      40o05') of Beijing, China are important for tourism and the provision of
      ecosystem services. However, because of poor management serious degradation has
      occurred on these subalpine meadows. The aim of this paper is to present a
      quantitative analysis of effects of tourism disturbance and topography on the
      status and diversity of montane meadow communities and to provide direction for
      improved management. Sixty quadrats of 2 * 2 m(2) along 10 transects were set up
      to collect data on site characteristics and vegetation status. The relationships
      between community composition and structure, species diversity, and tourism
      disturbance and topographic variables were analyzed by multivariate methods
      (TWINSPAN and CCA). The results showed that eight meadow communities were
      identified by TWINSPAN. Most of them were seriously degraded. The first CCA axis
      identified an elevation and tourism disturbance intensity gradient, which
      illustrated that tourism disturbance and elevation were most important factors
      influencing meadow types, composition and structure. Some resistant species and
      response species to tourism disturbance were identified and can be used as
      indicator species of tourism disturbance. Species richness, heterogeneity and
      evenness were closely related to tourism disturbance and elevation. It is
      concluded that tourism disturbance must be controlled to enable grassland
      rehabilitation to occur in the meadows. Measures of effective management of the
      meadows were discussed.

PMID- 22086207
TI  - Development and validation of an aquatic Fine Sediment Biotic Index.
AB  - The Fine Sediment Biotic Index (FSBI) is a regional, stressor-specific
      biomonitoring index to assess fine sediment (<2 mm) impacts on macroinvertebrate
      communities in northwestern US streams. We examined previously collected data of
      benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages and substrate particle sizes for 1,139
      streams spanning 16 western US Level III Ecoregions to determine
      macroinvertebrate sensitivity (mostly at species level) to fine sediment. We
      developed FSBI for four ecoregion groupings that include nine of the ecoregions.
      The grouping were: the Coast (Coast Range ecoregion) (136 streams), Northern
      Mountains (Cascades, N. Rockies, ID Batholith ecoregions) (428 streams), Rockies
      (Middle Rockies, Southern Rockies ecoregions) (199 streams), and Basin and Plains
      (Columbia Plateau, Snake River Basin, Northern Basin and Range ecoregions) (262
      streams). We excluded rare taxa and taxa identified at coarse taxonomic levels,
      including Chironomidae. This reduced the 685 taxa from all data sets to 206. Of
      these 93 exhibited some sensitivity to fine sediment which we classified into
      four categories: extremely, very, moderately, and slightly sensitive; containing
      11, 22, 30, and 30 taxa, respectively. Categories were weighted and a FSBI score
      calculated by summing the sensitive taxa found in a stream. There were no orders
      or families that were solely sensitive or resistant to fine sediment. Although,
      among the three orders commonly regarded as indicators of high water quality, the
      Plecoptera (5), Trichoptera (3), and Ephemeroptera (2) contained all but one of
      the species or species groups classified as extremely sensitive. Index validation
      with an independent data set of 255 streams found FSBI scores to accurately
      predict both high and low levels of measured fine sediment.

PMID- 22086206
TI  - Biological aspects of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the aberrant
      expansion of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow (BM). One of the
      hallmarks of this disease is the close interaction between myeloma cells and
      neighboring cells within the BM. Angiogenesis, through the activation of
      endothelial cells, plays an essential role in MM biology. In the current review,
      we describe the angiogenesis process in MM by identifying the interacting cells,
      the pro- and anti-angiogenic cytokines modulated, and the extracellular matrix
      degrading proteases liable to participate in the pathophysiology. Finally, we
      highlight the impact of hypoxia (through hypoxia-inducible factor-1) and
      constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in this tumor-induced neo
      vascularization.

PMID- 22086209
TI  - Concentrations of PM(2.5) mass and components in residential and non-residential
      indoor microenvironments: the Sources and Composition of Particulate Exposures
      study.
AB  - Although short in duration, air pollutant exposures occurring in non-residential
      microenvironments (MEs), including restaurants, vehicles and commercial
      locations, can represent a large fraction of total personal exposures. For the
      Sources and Composition of Particulate Exposures study, a novel compact sampling
      system was developed, facilitating simultaneous measurement of highly speciated
      PM(2.5) mass in a range of commercial and residential locations. This sampler
      also included 1-min measurements of PM(2.5) mass and ultrafine particle (UFP)
      counts. Sampling was conducted in a number of MEs (retail stores, restaurants and
      vehicles) throughout Atlanta. Chemically resolved particulate measurements in
      these locations are of interest for both exposure scientists and epidemiologists
      but have typically not been conducted because of logistical constraints
      associated with sampling these trace constituents. We present measurements from a
      non-random sample of locations that are limited in their generalizability but
      provide several promising hypothesis-generating results. PM(2.5) mass
      concentrations greater than 100  MUg/m(3), and UFPs>10(5) particles /cm(3) were
      measured during several events in the restaurant and vehicle. Somewhat
      unexpectedly, the grocery store ME, along with the restaurant and vehicle, also
      had the highest levels of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC) and most
      elements. In-vehicle concentrations of soil-related elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K and
      Ti) and auto-related elements (EC, OC, Zn and Cu) were higher than those measured
      at a central ambient site. The lowest concentrations for most pollutants were
      found in the hospital and retail locations. It is questionable whether periodic,
      high PM concentrations in the grocery store and restaurant pose health risks for
      customers; however, individuals working in these locations may be exposed to
      levels of concern.

PMID- 22086210
TI  - Classification of G proteins and prediction of GPCRs-G proteins coupling
      specificity using continuous wavelet transform and information theory.
AB  - The coupling between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and guanine nucleotide
      binding proteins (G proteins) regulates various signal transductions from
      extracellular space into the cell. However, the coupling mechanism between GPCRs
      and G proteins is still unknown, and experimental determination of their coupling
      specificity and function is both expensive and time consuming. Therefore, it is
      significant to develop a theoretical method to predict the coupling specificity
      between GPCRs and G proteins as well as their function using their primary
      sequences. In this study, a novel four-layer predictor (GPCRsG_CWTIT) based on
      support vector machine (SVM), continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and information
      theory (IT) is developed to classify G proteins and predict the coupling
      specificity between GPCRs and G proteins. SVM is used for construction of models.
      CWT and IT are used to characterize the primary structure of protein. Performance
      of GPCRsG_CWTIT is evaluated with cross-validation test on various working
      dataset. The overall accuracy of the G proteins at the levels of class and family
      is 98.23 and 85.42%, respectively. The accuracy of the coupling specificity
      prediction varies from 74.60 to 94.30%. These results indicate that the proposed
      predictor is an effective and feasible tool to predict the coupling specificity
      between GPCRs and G proteins as well as their functions using only the protein
      full sequence. The establishment of such an accurate prediction method will
      facilitate drug discovery by improving the ability to identify and predict
      protein-protein interactions. GPCRsG_CWTIT and dataset can be acquired freely on
      request from the authors.

PMID- 22086211
TI  - Dietary L-glutamine supplementation improves pregnancy outcome in mice infected
      with type-2 porcine circovirus.
AB  - Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes reproductive failure in swine. As
      glutamine can enhance immune function in animals, this study was conducted with
      mice to test the hypothesis that dietary glutamine supplementation will improve
      pregnancy outcome in PCV2-infected dams. Beginning on day 0 of gestation, mice
      were fed a standard diet supplemented with 1.0% L-glutamine or 1.22% L-alanine
      (isonitrogenous control). All mice were infected with PCV2 (2000 TCID50) on day
      10 of gestation. On day 17 of gestation, six mice from each group were euthanized
      to obtain maternal tissues and fetuses for hematology and histopathology tests.
      The remaining mice continued to receive their respective diets supplemented with
      1.0% L-glutamine or 1.22% L-alanine through lactation. The PCV2 virus was present
      in maternal samples (serum and lung) of most mice in the control group but was
      not detected in the glutamine-supplemented mice. Dietary glutamine
      supplementation reduced abortion, decreased fetal deaths, and enhanced neonatal
      survival. The glutamine treatment also reduced concentrations of interleukin-6,
      while increasing concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive
      protein, in the maternal serum of mice. Furthermore, glutamine supplementation
      attenuated microscopic lesions in maternal tissues (lung, spleen, and liver).
      Collectively, these results indicate that dietary glutamine supplementation is
      beneficial for ameliorating reproductive failure in virus-infected mice. The
      findings support the notion that gestating dams require adequate amounts of
      dietary glutamine for the optimal survival and growth of embryos, fetuses, and
      neonates, and have important implications for nutritional support of mammals
      (including swine and humans) during gestation and lactation.

PMID- 22086212
TI  - The side chain of glutamine 13 is the acyl-donor amino acid modified by type 2
      transglutaminase in subunit T of the native rabbit skeletal muscle troponin
      complex.
AB  - Subunit T of the native muscle troponin complex is a recognised substrate of
      transglutaminase both in vitro and in situ with formation of isopeptide bonds.
      Using a proteomic approach, we have now determined the precise site of in vitro
      labelling of the protein. A preparation of troponin purified from ether powder
      from mixed rabbit skeletal muscles was employed as transglutaminase substrate.
      The only isoform TnT2F present in our preparation was recognised as acyl
      substrate by human type 2 transglutaminase which specifically modified glutamine
      13 in the N-terminal region. During the reaction, the troponin protein complex
      was polymerized. Results are discussed in relation to the structure of the
      troponin T subunit, in the light of the role of troponins in skeletal and cardiac
      muscle diseases, and to the rules governing glutamine side chain selection by
      tissue transglutaminase.

PMID- 22086213
TI  - The suppression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression by selenium.
AB  - Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a key mediator of allergic diseases such
      as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Selenium (Se) has various
      effects such as antioxidant, antitumor, antiulcer, and anti-inflammatory effects.
      However, the effect of Se on the production of TSLP has not been clarified. Thus,
      we investigated how Se inhibits the production of TSLP in the human mast cell
      line, HMC-1 cells. Se suppressed the production and mRNA expression of TSLP in
      HMC-1 cells. The maximal inhibition rate of TSLP production by Se (10 MUM) was
      59.14 +/- 1.10%. In addition, Se suppressed the nuclear factor-kappaB luciferase
      activity induced by phorbol myristate acetate plus A23187. In the activated HMC-1
      cells, the activation of caspase-1 was increased; whereas the activation of
      caspase-1 was decreased by pretreatment with Se. These results suggest that Se
      can be used to treat inflammatory and atopic diseases through the suppression of
      TSLP.

PMID- 22086214
TI  - Food tolerance in patients submitted to gastric bypass: the importance of using
      an integrated and interdisciplinary approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under the restrictive component, patients undergoing gastric bypass
      may have food intolerance with or without complications. METHODS: This study used
      quantitative, analytical, observational methodology with patients submitted to
      Roux-en-Y gastric bypass without the placement of a ring at Hospital
      Universitario do Rio Grande do Norte in the city of Natal, Brazil between July
      2005 and August 2010. Out of 176 patients monitored after surgery by the
      interdisciplinary team, 47 took part in the study. Two questionnaires were
      applied to participants: one elaborated by Suter et al. and previously validated
      for assessment of food tolerance and another to characterize schooling and
      socioeconomic status. Evaluation of food tolerance considered patient
      satisfaction with eating, most accepted food types, and frequency of vomiting
      and/or regurgitation. After application of the first questionnaire, a score was
      generated, characterizing food intolerance. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients
      evaluated, 85.1% classified their degree of food satisfaction as good or
      excellent. Red meat was the most cited as being difficult to ingest (38.3%),
      representing a significant impact on overall tolerance level (P < 0.001); 48.9%
      of participants exhibited rare episodes of vomiting, which resulted in a mean
      food tolerance score of 23.02 (2.87 +/- SD). Moreover, socioeconomic status
      showed a significant correlation with tolerance level (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS:
      The degree of food tolerance observed in the study sample was better than that
      obtained in other investigations using similar methodology. The questionnaire
      proved to be useful in evaluating food quality and comparing postoperative
      results. Socioeconomic status was correlated with food tolerance level.

PMID- 22086215
TI  - Comparing quantile residual life functions by confidence bands.
AB  - In this article we present a nonparametric method for constructing confidence
      bands for the difference of two quantile residual life (qrl) functions. These
      bands provide evidence for two random variables ordering with respect to the qrl
      order. The comparison of qrl functions is of importance, specially in the
      treatment of cancer when there exists a possibility of benefiting from a new
      secondary therapy. A qrl function is the quantile of the remaining life of a
      surviving subject, as it varies with time. We show the applicability of this
      approach in Medicine and Ecology. A simulation study has been carried out to
      evaluate and illustrate the performance and the consistency of this new
      methodology.

PMID- 22086216
TI  - A deconvolution approach for PET-based dose reconstruction in proton
      radiotherapy.
AB  - Positron emitters are activated by proton beams in proton radiotherapy, and
      positron emission tomography (PET) images can thus be used for dose verification.
      Since a PET image is not directly proportional to the delivered radiation dose
      distribution, predicted PET images are compared to measured PET images and an
      agreement of both indicates a successful irradiation. Such predictions are given
      on the basis of Monte Carlo calculations or a filtering approach which uses a
      convolution of the planned dose with specific filter functions to estimate the
      PET activity. In this paper, we describe and evaluate a dose reconstruction
      method based on PET images which reverses the just mentioned convolution approach
      using appropriate deconvolution methods. Deconvolution is an ill-posed inverse
      problem, and suitable regularization techniques are required in order to
      guarantee a stable solution. The basic convolution approach is developed for
      homogeneous media and additional procedures are necessary to generalize the PET
      estimation to inhomogeneous media. This generalization formalism is used in our
      dose deconvolution approach as well. Various simulations demonstrate that the
      dose reconstruction method is able to reverse the PET estimation method both in
      homogeneous and inhomogeneous media. Measured PET images are however degraded by
      noise and artifacts and the dose reconstructions become more difficult and the
      results suffer from artifacts as well. Recently used in-room PET scanners allow a
      decreased delay time between irradiation and imaging, and thus the influence of
      short-lived positron emitters on the PET images increases considerably. We
      extended our dose reconstruction method to process PET images which contain
      several positron emitters and simulated results are shown.

PMID- 22086217
TI  - Cerebral FDG-PET hypermetabolism in carcinomatous meningitis.

PMID- 22086218
TI  - Effects of stimulation parameters and electrode location on thresholds for
      epidural stimulation of cat motor cortex.
AB  - Epidural electrical stimulation (ECS) of the motor cortex is a developing therapy
      for neurological disorders. Both placement and programming of ECS systems may
      affect the therapeutic outcome, but the treatment parameters that will maximize
      therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects are not known. We delivered ECS to
      the motor cortex of anesthetized cats and investigated the effects of electrode
      placement and stimulation parameters on thresholds for evoking motor responses in
      the contralateral forelimb. Thresholds were inversely related to stimulation
      frequency and the number of pulses per stimulus train. Thresholds were lower over
      the forelimb representation in motor cortex (primary site) than surrounding sites
      (secondary sites), and thresholds at sites <4 mm away from the primary site were
      significantly lower than at sites >4 mm away. Electrode location and montage
      influenced the effects of polarity on thresholds: monopolar anodic and cathodic
      thresholds were not significantly different over the primary site, cathodic
      thresholds were significantly lower than anodic thresholds over secondary sites
      and bipolar thresholds were significantly lower with the anode over the primary
      site than with the cathode over the primary site. A majority of bipolar
      thresholds were either between or equal to the respective monopolar thresholds,
      but several bipolar thresholds were greater than or less than the monopolar
      thresholds of both the anode and cathode. During bipolar stimulation, thresholds
      were influenced by both electric field superposition and indirect, synaptically
      mediated interactions. These results demonstrate the influence of stimulation
      parameters and electrode location during cortical stimulation, and these effects
      should be considered during the programming of systems for therapeutic cortical
      stimulation.

PMID- 22086219
TI  - The Cognitive Change in Women study (CCW): informant ratings of cognitive change
      but not self-ratings are associated with neuropsychological performance over 3
      years.
AB  - The value of self-reported memory complaints for identifying or predicting future
      cognitive decline or dementia is controversial, but observations from a third
      party, or "informant," may prove more useful. The relationship between Informant
      and Self-ratings of cognitive status and neuropsychological test scores was
      examined in a cohort of 384 nondemented, community-dwelling women, aged 60 years
      and older, participating in a single-site Women's Health Initiative ancillary
      study. Each participant and her respective informant separately completed the
      Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE).
      Participants also underwent neuropsychological testing and responded to
      questionnaires on depression and functioning in complex activities of daily
      living. All neuropsychological test scores were significantly correlated (P
      values <0.05 to <0.01) with IQCODE ratings whereas Self-ratings overestimated
      cognitive functioning in some domains. Furthermore, the Self and Informant
      ratings were both positively correlated with depression and negatively correlated
      with participants' activity level. Therefore, informant judgments of functional
      abilities are robust predictors of cognitive status in high functioning
      nondemented women. These results suggest that informants may be sensitive to
      changes that are not clinically significant but that may represent an incipient
      trend for decline.

PMID- 22086221
TI  - Acute and sublethal effects of sequential exposure to the pesticide azinphos
      methyl on juvenile earthworms (Eisenia andrei).
AB  - The use of organophosphate pesticides is an integral part of commercial farming
      activities and these substances have been implicated as a major source of
      environmental contamination and may impact on a range of non-target fauna. The
      extent to which soil dwelling non-target organisms are affected by exposure to
      the organophosphate azinphos-methyl was investigated through monitoring selected
      biomarker responses and life cycle effects under laboratory conditions in the
      earthworm Eisenia andrei. Standard acute toxicity tests were conducted followed
      by a sequential exposure regime experiment, in order to assess the effects of
      multiple pesticide applications on biomarker (cholinesterase activity and neutral
      red retention time), life-cycle (growth and reproduction) and behaviour
      (avoidance and burrowing activity) responses. The present study indicates that
      the time between exposure events was a more important variable than concentration
      and that a longer interval between exposures may mitigate the effects of
      pesticide exposure provided that the exposure concentration is low. Additionally,
      it was shown that E. andrei was unable to avoid the presence of azinphos-methyl
      in soil, even at concentrations as high as 50% of the LC(50) value, indicating
      that the presence of azinphos-methyl in the soil pose a realistic threat to
      earthworms and other soil dwelling organisms. The ChE inhibition test showed a
      high percentage inhibition of the enzyme in all exposure groups that survived and
      NRR times of exposed organisms were lower than that of the controls. The present
      study yielded important results that contribute to the understanding of
      biological impacts of pesticide pollution on the environment. Extrapolating these
      results can aid in optimising pesticide application regimes to mitigate the
      environmental effects thereof and thus ensuring sustained soil biodiversity in
      agricultural areas.

PMID- 22086220
TI  - Neuropsychiatric profiles in dementia.
AB  - We compared patterns of neuropsychiatric symptoms across 4 dementia types
      [Alzheimer disease (AD), vascular dementia (VAD), dementia with Lewy bodies
      (DLB), and Parkinson disease dementia], and 2 mixed groups (AD/VAD and AD/DLB) in
      sample of 2,963 individuals from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center
      Uniform Data Set between September 2005 and June 2008. We used confirmatory
      factor analysis to compare neuropsychiatric symptom severity ratings made by
      collateral sources on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire for people
      with Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 1 or higher. A 3-factor model of
      psychiatric symptoms (mood, psychotic, and frontal) was shared across all
      dementia types. Between-group comparisons revealed unique neuropsychiatric
      profiles by dementia type. The AD group had moderate levels of mood, psychotic,
      and frontal symptoms whereas VAD exhibited the highest levels and Parkinson
      disease dementia had the lowest levels. DLB and the mixed dementias had more
      complex symptom profiles. Depressed mood was the dominant symptom in people with
      mild diagnoses. Differing psychiatric symptom profiles provide useful information
      regarding the noncognitive symptoms of dementia.

PMID- 22086223
TI  - Highly luminescent bis-diketone lanthanide complexes with triple-stranded
      dinuclear structure.
AB  - A new bis-beta-diketone, 3,3'-bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-dioxobutyl)biphenyl (BTB),
      has been designed and prepared for the synthesis of a series of dinuclear
      lanthanide complexes [Ln(2)(BTB)(3)(C(2)H(5)OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] [Ln = Eu (1), Gd
      (2)], [Ln(2)(BTB)(3)(DME)(2)] [Ln = Nd (3), Yb (4); DME = ethylene glycol
      dimethyl ether] and [Eu(2)(BTB)(3)(L)(2)] [L = 2,2-bipydine (5); 1,10
      phenanthroline (6); 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (7)]. Complexes 1-7 have
      been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and their photophysical
      properties are investigated. X-ray crystallographical analysis reveals that
      complexes 1, 3 and 4 adopt triple-stranded dinuclear structures which are formed
      by three bis-bidentate ligands with two lanthanide ions. The complexes 1 and 3-7
      display strong visible red or NIR luminescence upon irradiation at ligand band
      around 372 nm, depending on the choice of the lanthanide. The solid-state
      photoluminescence quantum yields and the lifetimes of Eu(3+) complexes are
      determined and described.

PMID- 22086222
TI  - Patellar morphology and femoral component geometry influence patellofemoral
      contact stress in total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of patellar
      morphology and implant design on patellofemoral contact stress in total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing. METHODS: Radiographic
      investigation: One hundred and fifty-seven knees of 127 patients were included in
      the study. Implants used in the present series were Low Contact Stress (LCS),
      Genesis II and NexGen. The relationship between the pre-operative patellar facet
      angle and newly identified post-operative osteosclerosis was assessed. Finite
      element analysis: Using patient-specific patellar three-dimensional finite
      element models, the relationship between the patellar facet angle and mean von
      Mises stress within the patella was calculated at flexion angles of 15 degrees ,
      45 degrees , 75 degrees  and 105 degrees . RESULTS: Radiographic investigation:
      Post-operative osteosclerosis was observed with decreasing patellar facet angle
      in the Genesis II (odds ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.93; P =
      0.012) and NexGen implants (odds ratio = 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.77
      0.99; P = 0.029). Patients treated with the Genesis II had significantly more
      advanced osteosclerosis than those treated with the other two implants. Finite
      element analysis: A negative correlation was found between the patellar facet
      angle and the mean von Mises stress for all three implants. The Genesis II showed
      significantly higher von Mises stress than the other two implants at flexion
      angles of 15 degrees , 45 degrees  and 105 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: Both patellar
      morphology and femoral component geometry influence patellofemoral contact stress
      in total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case
      control study, Level III.

PMID- 22086224
TI  - Challenge of neurorehabilitation for cerebellar degenerative diseases.
AB  - Cerebellar Ataxia Rehabilitation trial tested if intensive rehabilitation
      improved ataxia, gait, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in 42 patients with
      degenerative cerebellar diseases. They were randomly assigned to the immediate
      intervention group or the delayed-entry control group. The immediate group
      received 1 h physical and 1 h occupational therapy for 4 weeks and delayed-entry
      control group received the same intervention after 4-week delay. The immediate
      group showed significantly greater functional gains in ataxia, gait speed, and
      ADLs than control. The improvements in ataxia and gait speed were sustained at 12
      and 24 weeks after the intervention, respectively. Further strategies inducing
      meaningful gains for a longer period should be investigated.

PMID- 22086226
TI  - [Endocrinology and rheumatology].

PMID- 22086227
TI  - [Comments by the German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh) to report on the plan for
      Biologicals in the second-line therapy of rheumatoid arthritis].

PMID- 22086229
TI  - Can gemcitabine instillation ablate solitary low-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder
      cancer? Results of a phase II marker lesion study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this phase II study was to evaluate whether low-risk non
      muscle-invasive bladder cancer can be ablated with intravesical gemcitabine in a
      marker lesion study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study had a Simon II-stage design.
      Thirteen patients were to be recruited for stage I. In the event of >=4
      responses, another 30 patients were to be recruited. Patients were given
      gemcitabine 2,000 mg intravesically once per week for 6 weeks and the response
      was assessed with endoscopic, histological, and urine cytological findings.
      RESULTS: Fourteen patients evaluated for efficacy completed the study; complete
      responses were achieved by 2 patients (14.3%), both of these patients had lesions
      of <1 cm. Eleven patients (78.6%) were non-responders and 1 patient (7.1%) had
      progressive disease. Since the response rate in stage I was below the minimal pre
      defined limit, the study was stopped. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that
      intravesical gemcitabine does not merit further study in this patient population.
      A tumor size of >1 cm may be a critical factor in accounting for the low response
      rate.

PMID- 22086230
TI  - Rapidly regulating platelet activity in vivo with an antidote controlled platelet
      inhibitor.
AB  - Millions of individuals are prescribed platelet inhibitors, such as aspirin and
      clopidogrel, to reduce their risk of thrombosis-related clinical events.
      Unfortunately many platelet inhibitors are contraindicated in surgical settings
      because of their inherent bleeding risk complicating the treatment of patients
      who require surgery. We describe the development of a potent antiplatelet agent,
      an RNA aptamer-termed Ch-9.14-T10 that binds von Willebrand factor (VWF) with
      high affinity and inhibits thrombosis in a murine carotid artery damage model. As
      expected, when this potent antiplatelet agent is administered, it greatly
      increases bleeding from animals that are surgically challenged. To improve this
      antiplatelet agent's safety profile, we describe the generation of antidotes that
      can rapidly reverse the activity of Ch-9.14-T10 and limit blood loss from
      surgically challenged animals. Our work represents the first antidote
      controllable antiplatelet agent, which could conceivably lead to improved medical
      management of patients requiring antiplatelet medication who also need surgery.

PMID- 22086231
TI  - An artificial PAP gene breaks self-tolerance and promotes tumor regression in the
      TRAMP model for prostate carcinoma.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in men in
      western industrialized countries. As a public health burden, the need for the
      invention of new cost-saving PCa immunotherapies is apparent. In this study, we
      present a DNA vaccine encoding for the prostate-specific antigen prostatic acid
      phosphatase (PAP) linked to the J-domain and the SV40 enhancer sequence. The PAP
      DNA vaccine induced a strong PAP-specific cellular immune response after
      electroporation (EP)-based delivery in C57BL/6 mice. Splenocytes from mice
      immunized with PAP recognized the naturally processed PAP epitopes, indicating
      that vaccination with the PAP-J gene broke its self-tolerance against PAP.
      Remarkably, DNA vaccination with PAP-J inhibited tumor growth in the Transgenic
      Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) mouse model that closely resembled
      human PCa. Therefore, this study highlights a novel cancer immunotherapy approach
      with the potential to control PCa in clinical settings.

PMID- 22086232
TI  - Restoration of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex after exon skipping
      therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - We previously conducted a proof of principle; dose escalation study in Duchenne
      muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients using the morpholino splice-switching
      oligonucleotide AVI-4658 (eteplirsen) that induces skipping of dystrophin exon 51
      in patients with relevant deletions, restores the open reading frame and induces
      dystrophin protein expression after intramuscular (i.m.) injection. We now show
      that this dystrophin expression was accompanied by an elevated expression of
      alpha-sarcoglycan, beta-dystroglycan (BDG) and--in relevant cases--neuronal
      nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) at the sarcolemma, each of which is a component of a
      different subcomplex of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DAPC). As
      expected, nNOS expression was relocalized to the sarcolemma in Duchenne patients
      in whom the dystrophin deletion left the nNOS-binding domain (exons 42-45)
      intact, whereas this did not occur in patients with deletions that involved this
      domain. Our results indicate that the novel internally deleted and shorter
      dystrophin induced by skipping exon 51 in patients with amenable deletions, can
      also restore the dystrophin-associated complex, further suggesting preserved
      functionality of the newly translated dystrophin.

PMID- 22086233
TI  - In vivo delivery of cytoplasmic RNA virus-derived miRNAs.
AB  - The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) revealed an unappreciated level of post
      transcriptional control used by the cell to maintain optimal protein levels. This
      process has represented an attractive strategy for therapeutics that is currently
      limited by in vivo delivery constraints. Here, we describe the generation of a
      single-stranded, cytoplasmic virus of negative polarity capable of producing
      functional miRNAs. Cytoplasmic RNA virus-derived miRNAs accumulated to high
      levels in vitro, generated significant amounts of miRNA star strand, associated
      with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), and conferred post transcriptional
      gene silencing in a sequence-specific manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that
      these vectors could deliver miRNAs to a wide range of tissues, and sustain
      prolonged expression capable of achieving measurable knockdown of physiological
      targets in vivo. Taken together, these results validate noncanonical processing
      of cytoplasmic-derived miRNAs and provide a novel platform for small RNA
      delivery.

PMID- 22086234
TI  - Modification of the early gene enhancer-promoter improves the oncolytic potency
      of adenovirus 11.
AB  - Oncolytic adenoviruses based on serotype 5 (Ad5) have several shortcomings,
      including the downregulation of its receptor in cancer cells, high prevalence of
      neutralizing antibodies and hepatotoxicity. Another adenoviral serotype, Ad11,
      could overcome these obstacles. Here, we show that human cancer cell lines
      express higher levels of the Ad11 receptor CD46, resulting in much better
      infectivity than Ad5. Surprisingly, only 36% (9/25) of the cell lines were more
      sensitive to Ad11- than to Ad5-mediated cytotoxicity. Investigations revealed
      that it was the transcription of Ad11 E1A, not CD46 expression or virus
      infectivity, which determined the cell's sensitivity to Ad11 killing. Ad11 E1A
      mRNA levels have an effect on viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis
      and infectious particle production. To test the hypothesis that increased E1A
      transcription would lead to improved Ad11 replication in Ad5-sensitive (but Ad11
      less sensitive) cells, two Ad11 mutants (Ad11-Ad5-P and Ad11-Ad5-EP) were
      constructed where either the E1A promoter or enhancer-promoter, respectively, was
      replaced by that of Ad5. Ad11-Ad5-EP demonstrated increased E1A mRNA levels and
      replication, together with enhanced oncolytic potency in vitro and in vivo. This
      effect was found in both the Ad5-sensitive and Ad11-sensitive cancer cells,
      broadening the range of tumors that could be effectively killed by Ad11-Ad5-EP.

PMID- 22086235
TI  - Efficient gene therapy for Parkinson's disease using astrocytes as hosts for
      localized neurotrophic factor delivery.
AB  - Current gene therapy approaches for Parkinson's disease (PD) deliver neurotrophic
      factors like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or neurturin via
      neuronal transgene expression. Since these potent signaling-inducing neurotrophic
      factors can be distributed through long-distance neuronal projections to
      unaffected brain sites, this mode of delivery may eventually cause side effects.
      To explore a localized and thus potentially safer alternative for gene therapy of
      PD, we expressed GDNF exclusively in astrocytes and evaluated the efficacy of
      this approach in the mouse 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)
      and rat 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) models of PD. In terms of protection of
      dopaminergic cell bodies and projections, dopamine (DA) synthesis and behaviour,
      astrocyte-derived GDNF demonstrated the same efficacy as neuron-derived GDNF. In
      terms of safety, unilateral striatal GDNF expression in astrocytes did not result
      in delivery of bio-active GDNF to the contralateral hemispheres (potential off
      target sites) as happened when GDNF was expressed in neurons. Thus, astrocytic
      GDNF expression represents a localized but efficient alternative to current gene
      therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PD, especially if viral vectors with
      enhanced tissue penetration are considered. Astrocytic neurotrophic factor
      expression may open new venues for neurotrophic factor-based gene therapy
      targeting severe diseases of the brain.

PMID- 22086236
TI  - Reduced ultraviolet-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in human skin with topical
      application of a photolyase-containing DNA repair enzyme cream: clues to skin
      cancer prevention.
AB  - The exposure of human skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) results in the
      formation of DNA photolesions that give rise to photoaging, mutations, cell death
      and the onset of carcinogenic events. Photolyase (EC 4.1.99.3) is a DNA repair
      enzyme that reverses damage caused by exposure to UVR. We sought to investigate
      whether addition of photolyase enhances the protection provided by a traditional
      sunscreen (SS), by reducing the in vivo formation of cyclobutane-type pyrimidine
      dimers (CPDs) and UVR-induced apoptosis in human skin. Ten volunteers
      (Fitzpatrick skin type II) were exposed to solar-simulated (ss) UVR at a three
      times minimal erythema dose for 4 consecutive days. Thirty minutes prior to each
      exposure, the test materials [vehicle, SS (sun protection factor 50) alone, and
      SS plus photolyase from Anacystis nidulans] were applied topically to three
      different sites. One additional site was left untreated and one received ssUVR
      only. Biopsy specimens were taken 72 h after the last irradiation. The amount of
      CPDs and the extent of apoptosis were measured by ELISA. Photolyase plus SS was
      superior to SS alone in reducing both the formation of CPDs and apoptotic cell
      death (both P<0.001). In conclusion, the addition of photolyase to a traditional
      SS contributes significantly to the prevention of UVR-induced DNA damage and
      apoptosis when applied topically to human skin.

PMID- 22086237
TI  - siRNA directed against Livin inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis in human
      glioma cells.
AB  - Livin, a novel member of the human inhibitors of apoptosis protein family, plays
      an important role in tumor progression and occurrence by inhibiting cell
      apoptosis. It is selectively expressed in the most common human neoplasms and
      appears to be involved in tumor cell resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The
      present study was designed to investigate the potential of using RNA interference
      (RNAi) technique to downregulate Livin expression, and the subsequent effect on
      human glioma cells. The results showed that knockdown of Livin expression by
      short interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly inhibited glioma cell proliferation
      and increased cell apoptosis through cell arrest in the G(1)/G(0) phase of cell
      cycle in vitro. Furthermore, Livin siRNA significantly suppressed tumor growth in
      nude mice. Together, these findings suggest that RNAi-mediated downregulation of
      Livin expression could lead to potent antitumor activity in glioma cells and
      might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy in clinic.

PMID- 22086240
TI  - Traditional versus non-traditional nest-site choice: alternative decision
      strategies for nest-site selection.
AB  - In order to understand habitat selection, it is important to consider the way
      individual animals assess the suitability of a future reproductive site. One way
      of investigating mechanisms (such as those involved in nest site selection) is to
      examine breeding success and habitat characteristics in terms of animals
      returning to a place where they have already reproduced and using the same
      location over successive years or searching for new alternatives. This approach
      seems especially suitable for testing recent hypotheses suggesting that nest site
      selection is an integrative process that includes the use of social information
      (e.g. past breeding success of conspecifics). Determining the factors that elicit
      conservative or innovative behaviour regarding nest-site selection could be
      important for improving our understanding of habitat selection decisions in
      animals. More than half of the nests of the long-distance migratory lesser grey
      shrike Lanius minor, are built in the same or neighbouring trees. We found no
      evidence that habitat characteristics influence nest-site tradition. On the
      contrary, social information in terms of the presence of conspecifics and past
      reproductive success in terms of complete nest failures due to nest predation
      (but not detailed information such as variation in fledgling number) influenced
      nest-site tradition. Hence, social information and past reproductive success may
      play a role in nest-site choice in this species. Our results further demonstrate
      that previous experience with a nest site does not appear to be beneficial.

PMID- 22086238
TI  - The role of stereotactic radiosurgery in cavernous sinus hemangiomas: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Cavernous sinus hemangioma is a rare and complex vascular tumor. A direct
      microsurgical approach usually results in massive hemorrhage. Stereotactic
      radiosurgery has emerged as a treatment alternative to microsurgery. To conduct a
      meta-analysis assessing the effect and complications of stereotactic radiosurgery
      in cavernous sinus hemangioma, a systematic review and meta-analysis of all cases
      of cavernous hemangioma in the cavernous sinus treated with stereotactic
      radiosurgery was performed. The search revealed ten papers with a total
      enrollment of 59 patients. Tumor size ranged from 1.5-51.4 cm(3) (mean 9.6
      cm(3)). The mean follow-up period was 49.2 months (range 6-156 months). The most
      recent MR images demonstrated remarkable tumor shrinkage in 40 patients (67.8%),
      partial shrinkage in 15 patients (25.4%), and no change in four patients (6.8%).
      There was no significant correlation between lesion volume and tumor shrinkage.
      Patients with remarkable tumor shrinkage received higher doses than those with
      partial or no change tumor shrinkage (P = 0.031). Thirteen patients (22.0%) had
      no cranial nerve impairments before stereotactic radiosurgery. Among those 46
      patients with cranial nerve impairments before stereotactic radiosurgery,
      complete resolution was achieved in seven patients and improvement in 28, and
      these impairments remained essentially unchanged in 11 patients. Only one patient
      had additional trigeminal nerve disturbance. There is no statistical significance
      in tumor control between patients treated with or without surgery (P = 0.091).
      The meta-analysis suggests stereotactic radiosurgery avoids the complications
      associated with attempted microsurgical resection. Stereotactic radiosurgery is
      an alternative for cavernous sinus hemangiomas confirmed by typical imaging.

PMID- 22086239
TI  - Complete regression of papillary tumor of the pineal region after radiation
      therapy: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a rare neuroepithelial tumor that
      arises in the pineal region. The optimal treatment for PTPR remains
      controversial, as no definitive treatment strategy exists for this lesion. It is
      not clear whether aggressive surgical removal is superior to biopsy followed by
      radiotherapy. The majority of cases in the literature have undergone attempted
      gross total resection with a supracerebellar-infratentorial or a transcallosal
      transventricular approach. In this report, we describe a case of PTPR in a 23
      year-old male that presented as a third ventricular mass causing obstructive
      hydrocephalus. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed followed by an
      endoscopic biopsy. Postoperative radiotherapy resulted in complete regression of
      the tumor with no evidence of tumor recurrence at 25 months. This case highlights
      a minimally invasive strategy for a rare neoplasm that resulted in a favorable
      response to radiation therapy, thereby avoiding the risks of aggressive surgical
      removal. We also review the radiographic and histopathologic features of PTPR and
      discuss various options of treatment reported in the literature.

PMID- 22086241
TI  - Abstracts of the 11th European Nutrition Conference (FENS). Madrid, Spain.
      October 26-29, 2011.

PMID- 22086242
TI  - Characterization of an extendable multi-leaf collimator for clinical electron
      beams.
AB  - An extendable x-ray multi-leaf collimator (eMLC) is investigated for collimation
      of electron beams on a linear accelerator. The conventional method of collimation
      using an electron applicator is impractical for conformal, modulated and mixed
      beam therapy techniques. An eMLC would allow faster, more complex treatments with
      potential for reduction in dose to organs-at-risk and critical structures. The
      add-on eMLC was modelled using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code and validated against
      dose measurements at 6-21 MeV with the eMLC mounted on a Siemens Oncor linear
      accelerator at 71.6 and 81.6 cm source-to-collimator distances. Measurements and
      simulations at 8.4-18.4 cm airgaps showed agreement of 2%/2 mm. The eMLC dose
      profiles and percentage depth dose curves were compared with standard electron
      applicator parameters. The primary differences were a wider penumbra and up to
      4.2% reduction in the build-up dose at 0.5 cm depth, with dose normalized on the
      central axis. At 90 cm source-to-surface distance (SSD)--relevant to isocentric
      delivery--the applicator and eMLC penumbrae agreed to 0.3 cm. The eMLC leaves,
      which were 7 cm thick, contributed up to 6.3% scattered electron dose at the
      depth of maximum dose for a 10 * 10 cm2 field, with the thick leaves effectively
      eliminating bremsstrahlung leakage. A Monte Carlo calculated wedge shaped dose
      distribution generated with all six beam energies matched across the maximum
      available eMLC field width demonstrated a therapeutic (80% of maximum dose) depth
      range of 2.1-6.8 cm. Field matching was particularly challenging at lower beam
      energies (6-12 MeV) due to the wider penumbrae and angular distribution of
      electron scattering. An eMLC isocentric electron breast boost was planned and
      compared with the conventional applicator fixed SSD plan, showing similar target
      coverage and dose to critical structures. The mean dose to the target differed by
      less than 2%. The low bremsstrahlung dose from the 7 cm thick MLC leaves had the
      added advantage of reducing the mean dose to the whole heart. Isocentric delivery
      using an extendable eMLC means that treatment room re-entry and repositioning the
      patient for SSD set-up is unnecessary. Monte Carlo simulation can accurately
      calculate the fluence below the eMLC and subsequent patient dose distributions.
      The eMLC generates similar dose distributions to the standard electron applicator
      but provides a practical method for more complex electron beam delivery.

PMID- 22086243
TI  - Shape-based classification of 3D facial data to support 22q11.2DS craniofacial
      research.
AB  - 3D imaging systems are used to construct high-resolution meshes of patient's
      heads that can be analyzed by computer algorithms. Our work starts with such 3D
      head meshes and produces both global and local descriptors of 3D shape. Since
      these descriptors are numeric feature vectors, they can be used in both
      classification and quantification of various different abnormalities. In this
      paper, we define these descriptors, describe our methodology for constructing
      them from 3D head meshes, and show through a set of classification experiments
      involving cases and controls for a genetic disorder called 22q11.2 deletion
      syndrome that they are suitable for use in craniofacial research studies. The
      main contributions of this work include: automatic generation of novel global and
      local data representations, robust automatic placement of anthropometric
      landmarks, generation of local descriptors for nasal and oral facial features
      from landmarks, use of local descriptors for predicting various local facial
      features, and use of global features for 22q11.2DS classification, showing their
      potential use as descriptors in craniofacial research.

PMID- 22086244
TI  - Dietary nitrate - a slow train coming.

PMID- 22086245
TI  - Monoacylglycerol lipase: stopping surplus at the synapse.

PMID- 22086246
TI  - PLC: Johnny-come-lately to ORAI and the ups and downs of calcium signalling.

PMID- 22086247
TI  - Elevated haematocrit - when too much of a good thing wreaks havoc on the
      endothelial surface layer.

PMID- 22086248
TI  - Caveat utilitor: take measure of your marker.

PMID- 22086249
TI  - Loss of brainstem serotonergic neurons impairs autoresuscitation in neonate rats:
      is this relevant to the sudden infant death syndrome?

PMID- 22086250
TI  - Sex specific association of potassium channel subunits.

PMID- 22086251
TI  - An 'exciting' spin on cannabinoid signalling.

PMID- 22086252
TI  - Dimethyl sulphoxide addition or withdrawal causes biphasic volume changes and its
      withdrawal causes t-system vacuolation in skeletal muscle.

PMID- 22086254
TI  - Dynamics of intracranial venous flow patterns in patients with idiopathic
      intracranial hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the dynamics of intracranial venous flow patterns in
      patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). METHODS: Nonrandomized
      controlled trial analyzing the difference in cerebral perfusion in 13 IIH
      patients and 12 healthy controls using contrast-enhanced duplex sonography. In
      patients, an additional 3D gradient echo magnetic resonance venography (MRV)
      using a new technique was performed to quantify stenosis of the cerebral sinus.
      The cerebral perfusion parameters, including cerebral transit time (CTT) and time
      to peak (TTP), were analyzed. RESULTS: IIH patients had a higher BMI (29.3 [95%
      CI 26.4, 32.2] vs. 23.3 [95% CI 20.7, 25.9], p = 0.003) and an increased
      prevalence of headache, but all other clinical characteristics were comparable.
      The CTT did not differ significantly. The TTP was significantly longer in IIH
      patients compared to controls (8.5 [95% CI 7.6, 9.4] vs. 7.3 s [95% CI 6.3, 8.1],
      p = 0.04). Twelve of 13 (92%) IIH patients showed stenosis of the cerebral sinus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to report an altered cerebral venous flow in
      IIH patients compared to controls using a dynamic ultrasonographic technique. A
      simplified MRV technique confirms the high prevalence and reliable detection of
      venous stenosis in IIH patients.

PMID- 22086255
TI  - Influence of preoperative chemotherapy on the intraoperative and postoperative
      course of liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver resection is a possibly curative treatment for colorectal
      cancer (CRC) liver metastases. Preoperative chemotherapy may make initially
      irresectable tumors resectable. The aim of this study was to compare
      perioperative course and short-term mortality after liver resection for CRC
      metastases between patients who were and were not treated with preoperative
      chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients who had undergone liver resection for CRC
      metastases were included. A total of 97 patients treated with preoperative
      chemotherapy (group A) were compared with 136 who were not (group B).
      Intraoperative bleeding, operating time, complications, duration of stay, and
      mortality were compared using Pearson's chi(2) test, Fisher's exact test, and the
      Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Mean intraoperative bleeding, duration of stay, and
      operating time were not significantly different. Complications occurred in 62.9%
      and 63.2% in groups A and B, respectively. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates
      were zero in group A, comparable to 1.5% in group B. CONCLUSIONS: There were no
      significant differences in the perioperative course or postoperative mortality
      when comparing CRC patients with or without chemotherapy prior to liver
      resection. Consequently, this study suggests that preoperative chemotherapy
      before liver resection for CRC metastases does not negatively influence
      perioperative outcome and can therefore be applied if "downstaging" is indicated.

PMID- 22086256
TI  - Primary closure following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration combined with
      intraoperative cholangiography and choledochoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has become one of
      the main options for treating choledocholithiasis associated with cholelithiasis.
      Our objective was to assess the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing
      laparoscopic primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) compared with
      laparoscopic choledochotomy plus T-tube drainage. METHODS: We retrospectively
      studied 137 patients undergoing primary closure following LCBDE (group A)
      compared with 102 cases with laparoscopic choledochotomy plus T-tube drainage
      (group B) between January 2007 and January 2010. Intraoperative cholangiography
      (IOC) and choledochoscopy were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Three patients
      in group A (2.2%) were converted to open surgery and two (2.0%) in group B
      because of serious adherence. According to routine IOC, unexpected CBD stones
      were found in 16 cases (6.8%). The duration of the operation in group A was
      shorter than in group B (92.4 +/- 15.2 vs. 125.7+/- 32.6 min, P < 0.05), as was
      length of postoperative stay (3.1+/- 2.4 vs. 5.7+/- 4.3 days, P < 0.05).
      Postoperative bile leakage occurred in six patients (4.5%) in group A and four
      cases (4.0%) in group B; all of the patients recovered after simple drainage
      without reoperation. Bile peritonitis was seen in one case after T-tube removal.
      The median follow-up was 26 months. There were no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopic primary closure of the CBD is safe and successful for the management
      of CBD stones. Application of IOC and choledochoscopy to ensure clearance of the
      CBD and careful suturing are essential for primary closure.

PMID- 22086258
TI  - Direct and inverse reactions of LiH+ with He(1S) from quantum calculations:
      mechanisms and rates.
AB  - The gas-phase reaction of LiH(+) (X(2)Sigma) with He((1)S) atoms, yielding
      Li(+)He with a small endothermicity for the rotovibrational ground state of the
      reagents, is analysed using the quantum reactive approach that employs the
      Negative Imaginary Potential (NIP) scheme discussed earlier in the literature.
      The dependence of low-T rates on the initial vibrational state of LiH(+) is
      analysed and the role of low-energy Feshbach resonances is also discussed. The
      inverse destruction reaction of LiHe(+), a markedly exothermic process, is also
      investigated and the rates are computed in the same range of temperatures. The
      possible roles of these reactions in early universe astrophysical networks, in He
      droplets environments or in cold traps are briefly discussed.

PMID- 22086257
TI  - A finite element analysis of the effect of electrode area and inter-electrode
      distance on the spatial distribution of the current density in tDCS.
AB  - We investigated the effect of electrode area and inter-electrode distance on the
      spatial distribution of the current density in transcranial direct current
      stimulation (tDCS). For this purpose, we used the finite element method to
      compute the distribution of the current density in a four-layered spherical head
      model using various electrode montages, corresponding to a range of electrode
      sizes and inter-electrode distances. We found that smaller electrodes required
      slightly less current to achieve a constant value of the current density at a
      reference point on the brain surface located directly under the electrode center.
      Under these conditions, smaller electrodes also produced a more focal current
      density distribution in the brain, i.e. the magnitude of the current density fell
      more rapidly with distance from the reference point. The combination of two
      electrodes with different areas produced an asymmetric current distribution that
      could lead to more effective and localized neural modulation under the smaller
      electrode than under the larger one. Focality improved rapidly with decreasing
      electrode size when the larger electrode sizes were considered but the
      improvement was less marked for the smaller electrode sizes. Also, focality was
      not affected significantly by inter-electrode distance unless two large
      electrodes were placed close together. Increasing the inter-electrode distance
      resulted in decreased shunting of the current through the scalp and the
      cerebrospinal fluid, and decreasing electrode area resulted in increased current
      density on the scalp under the edges of the electrode. Our calculations suggest
      that when working with conventional electrodes (25-35 cm(2)), one of the
      electrodes should be placed just 'behind' the target relative to the other
      electrode, for maximum current density on the target. Also electrodes with areas
      in the range 3.5-12 cm(2) may provide a better compromise between focality and
      current density in the scalp than the traditional electrodes. Finally, the use of
      multiple small return electrodes may be more efficient than the use of a single
      large return electrode.

PMID- 22086259
TI  - Transvaginal placement of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: more FDA
      concerns--positive reactions are possible.

PMID- 22086260
TI  - Time to rethink: an evidence-based response from pelvic surgeons to the FDA
      Safety Communication: "UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with
      Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse".
AB  - In July of 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety
      communication entitled "UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with
      Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse." The stated
      purpose of this communication is to inform health care providers and patients
      that serious complications with placement of this mesh are not rare and that it
      is not clear that these repairs are more effective than nonmesh repair. The
      comments regarding efficacy are based on a systematic review of the scientific
      literature from 1996-2011 conducted by the FDA. Our review of the literature
      during this time yields some different conclusions regarding the safety and
      efficacy of mesh use in prolapse repair. It may be useful to consider this
      information prior to making recommendations regarding mesh use in prolapse
      surgery according to the recent UPDATE.

PMID- 22086261
TI  - A perfect storm.

PMID- 22086262
TI  - The mesh debate.

PMID- 22086263
TI  - Does a ring pessary in situ influence the pelvic floor muscle function of women
      with pelvic organ prolapse when tested in supine?
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: It has been suggested that repositioning pelvic
      organ prolapse (POP) by pessary support may improve pelvic floor muscle (PFM)
      function. The aim of the present study was to compare vaginal resting pressure
      and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFM measured with and without a
      ring pessary in situ. METHODS: This was a short-term experimental study with
      women acting as their own controls. Twenty-two women with POP quantified II-IV
      were included. Vaginal resting pressure and MVC was measured with a manometer
      (Camtech AS) in supine position. Difference between measurements with and without
      the ring pessary was analyzed by paired sample t test and Wilcoxon signed rank
      test. Significance level was <0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically
      significant difference in measurement of vaginal resting pressure (p <0.01) but
      not of MVC (p= <0.68) with the ring pessary in situ. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of
      PFM strength can be done without repositioning the prolapse.

PMID- 22086264
TI  - Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with bone anchor fixation: short-term anatomic and
      functional results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term
      anatomic and functional outcomes and safety of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with
      bone anchor fixation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of women undergoing
      laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between 2004 and 2009. Anatomic outcome was assessed
      using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification score (POP-Q). Functional outcomes
      were assessed using the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Defecatory Distress
      Inventory, and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire preoperatively and at 6
      months postoperatively. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test
      differences between related samples. RESULTS: Forty-nine women underwent
      laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The objective success rate in the apical compartment
      was 98%, subjective success rate was 79%. One mesh exposure (2%) was found. One
      conversion was necessary due to injury to the ileum. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic
      sacrocolpopexy with bone anchor fixation is a safe and efficacious treatment for
      apical compartment prolapse. It provides excellent apical support and good
      functional outcome 6 months postoperatively.

PMID- 22086265
TI  - Comparison of the cough stress test and 24-h pad test in the assessment of stress
      urinary incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The 24-h pad test and cough stress test are commonly
      used to assess stress urinary incontinence; however, no comparative data are
      available. The cough stress test is superior to the 24-h pad test. METHODS: Women
      with predominant stress urinary incontinence symptoms underwent a cough stress
      test, a 24-h pad test, and urodynamic testing. RESULTS: Complete data were
      available on 55 women. Agreement between the urodynamic results and the stress
      test occurred in 89% of women (k = 0.51). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive
      and negative predictive values were 90%, 80%, 98%, and 44%. Agreement between the
      urodynamic results and the pad test occurred in 60% of women (k = 0.08).
      Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 60%,
      60%, 94%, and 13%. Agreement between the cough stress test and the pad test
      occurred in 67% (k = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: The cough stress test is more reliable
      than the pad test for documentation of stress urinary incontinence.

PMID- 22086266
TI  - Indoor air quality assessment in child care and medical facilities in Korea.
AB  - In order to characterize the status of indoor air pollution in some important
      facilities, a list of key criteria pollutants [particulate matter (PM(10)),
      carbon dioxide (CO(2)), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), and
      bioaerosol] was measured from a total of 91 randomly selected sites in 18
      different cities, Korea (February 2006 to December 2009). The target facilities
      include 43 child care facilities, 38 medical facilities, 6 elementary schools,
      and 4 postnatal care centers. The results showed that some air pollutants (e.g.,
      CO and HCHO) did not exceed the recommended guideline [e.g., the Korean indoor
      air standard (KIAS) values of 10 ppm and 100 ppb, respectively]. However,
      concentration of PM(10), CO(2), and bioaerosol occasionally exceeded their
      respective guidelines (e.g., seven, three, and two cases). Discrete seasonalities
      were observed from indoor pollutants because of varying ventilation practice
      (e.g., summer time dominance of PM(10), HCHO, and bioaerosol or winter dominance
      of CO(2) and CO). However, as the concentrations of the indoor pollutants were
      scarcely above the recommended guideline level, more diversified approaches are
      desirable to diagnose the status of indoor pollution and to provide a realistic
      strategy for the improvement of IAQ.

PMID- 22086268
TI  - Abstracts of the 4th World Congress on Women's Mental Health, hosted by the
      International Association for Women's Mental Health. March 16-19, 2011. Madrid,
      Spain.

PMID- 22086267
TI  - Tidally driven N, P, Fe and Mn exchanges in salt marsh sediments of Tagus estuary
      (SW Europe).
AB  - Short-sediment cores and flooding water were collected at 0, 5, 15, 25 and 50 min
      of tidal inundation in the two sites colonised by pure stands of Spartina
      maritima (low marsh) and Sarcocornia fruticosa (high marsh) from the Rosario salt
      marsh (Tagus estuary, SW Europe). Concentrations of NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-) + NO(2)(-)
      and HPO (4)(2-), Fe and Mn were measured in tidal flooding water and pore water.
      Flooding water is enriched in nutrients, particularly ammonium due to local
      discharge of untreated urban effluents. Nevertheless, NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-) +
      NO(2)(-) concentrations in flooding waters at t = 5 min (NH(4)(+) = 246 +/- 7
      MUM, NO(3)(-) + NO(2)(-) = 138 +/- 1 MUM for S. fruticosa and NH(4)(+) = 256 +/-
      8 MUM, NO(3)(-) + NO(2)(-) = 138 +/- 1 MUM for S. maritima) rose sharply at both
      vegetated sites. An increase was also registered for HPO(4)(2-) and total
      dissolved Fe although the subsequent decrease was smoother. Advective transport
      induced by the two daily pulses of inundation is several orders of magnitude
      higher than the diffusive fluxes during submerged periods. In addition, solutes
      are exported from the sediment with the inundation and imported in submerged
      periods. The exported amount of inorganic nitrogen during tidal inundation
      (export of 3,200 MUmol N m(-2) day(-1)to the water column), is not
      counterbalanced by the sink of -290 MUmol N m(-2) day(-1) occurred during the
      submerged period.

PMID- 22086270
TI  - Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of feeding vessels to a large placental
      chorioangioma following fetal deterioration after amnioreduction.
AB  - Large placental chorioangiomas (>4 cm) can precipitate severe polyhydramnios,
      fetal anemia, growth restriction, high-output cardiac failure, hydrops, and fetal
      demise. We report a case of a large chorioangioma that was treated in a stepwise
      fashion with amnioreduction to ameliorate maternal discomfort, followed by
      fetoscopic laser ablation of the feeding vessels after rapid evolution of heart
      failure. Although amnioreduction was helpful in improving maternal symptoms, we
      suspect that the drop in intrauterine pressure from the amniotic fluid
      decompression may have resulted in increased tumor perfusion, thereby promoting
      fetal deterioration due to a 'steal' phenomenon. Close scrutiny of the fetal
      status via ultrasound is required, particularly if amnioreduction is necessary,
      and definitive treatment should be considered once early signs of heart failure
      develop. Fetoscopic laser ablation of the feeding vessels is a feasible
      definitive treatment of a large chorioangioma in cases in which perfusion of the
      tumor is via a superficial nonterminus umbilical artery. Future reports should
      describe the anatomy of the blood supply to the chorioangioma, in the hopes that
      further guidelines for surgical candidacy may be established.

PMID- 22086271
TI  - LY294002 enhances cytotoxicity of temozolomide in glioma by down-regulation of
      the PI3K/Akt pathway.
AB  - The introduction of temozolomide (TMZ) has advanced chemotherapy for malignant
      gliomas. However, a considerable number of glioblastoma (GBM) cases are
      refractory to TMZ. Previous studies have revealed that the PI3K/Akt pathway is
      activated in an ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related-dependent manner in
      response to TMZ. Thus, we hypothesized that PI3K inhibitors may act as antitumor
      agents against gliomas and potentiate the cytotoxicity of TMZ. The cytotoxicity
      of a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, was examined both alone and in combination with
      TMZ in human glioma cell lines. Proliferation of tumor cells treated with
      LY294002 in combination with TMZ was significantly suppressed compared to
      treatment with either drug used alone. The combination treatment induced a higher
      apoptosis rate, while reducing the invasive capability of U87 cells. The
      apoptosis-associated proteins, cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax, were more significantly
      up-regulated by the combined treatment than by TMZ used alone. In addition, p-Akt
      and Bcl-2, which can promote TMZ resistance, were markedly decreased by LY294002.
      These findings suggest that LY294002 enhances the cytotoxicity of TMZ by down
      regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

PMID- 22086272
TI  - Advanced therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart
      disease: a clinical perspective in a new therapeutic era.

PMID- 22086273
TI  - Polymer imprinting with iron-oxo-hydroxo clusters:
      [Fe6O2(OH)2(O2CC(Cl)=CH2)12(H2O)2], [Fe6O2(OH)2(O2C-Ph-(CH)=CH2)12(H2O)2] and
      [{Fe(O2CC(Cl)=CH2)(OMe)2}10].
AB  - We report the syntheses of imprinted polymers using iron-oxo-hydroxo clusters as
      templates. Three new iron clusters,
      [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)CC(Cl)=CH(2))(12)(H(2)O)(2)] (1),
      [{Fe(O(2)CC(Cl)=CH(2))(OMe)(2)}(10)] (2) and [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)C-Ph
      (CH)=CH(2))(12)(H(2)O)(2)] (3) have been prepared from commercially-available
      carboxylic acids. Cluster-imprinted-polymers (CIPs) of 1, 2 and 3 were prepared
      with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomer, and of 1 with methyl methacrylate
      monomer. The imprinted sites within the CIPs were examined using EXAFS and
      diffuse reflectance UV/vis spectroscopy, demonstrating that the clusters 1, 2 and
      3 were incorporated intact within the polymers. Extraction of the clusters from
      the CIPs imprinted with 1 and 3 gave new polymers that showed evidence of an
      imprinting effect.

PMID- 22086274
TI  - Celebrating synthesis.

PMID- 22086284
TI  - Protein structure: Charting a new course in coiled coils.

PMID- 22086285
TI  - Signaling pathways: Purinosomes under GPCR control.

PMID- 22086286
TI  - Protein misfolding: Tracking a toxic polyQ epitope.

PMID- 22086287
TI  - Membrane trafficking: Arls squeeze the fat out.

PMID- 22086288
TI  - Lessons and revelations from biomimetic syntheses.
AB  - Biomimetic synthesis describes the field of organic chemistry that aims to
      emulate the natural, biosynthetic processes toward natural products. As well as
      providing insight into how molecules are formed in nature, the benefits of this
      approach to total synthesis are numerous and extend beyond the gains typical of
      traditional synthesis. For example, using biosynthetic proposals to design a
      synthetic route can highlight alternative methods to the desired target. The
      pursuit of biomimetic syntheses also promotes the development of new reactions to
      prove or disprove a biosynthetic proposal or to unravel mechanistic implications
      of a proposed biosynthesis and can lead to the identification of new natural
      products. Here we look at some recent compelling examples and examine how
      biomimetic synthesis has led to the discovery of new procedures and principles
      that would not have been found by other approaches.

PMID- 22086290
TI  - Pretreatment of rapeseed straw by sodium hydroxide.
AB  - Pretreatment method for rapeseed straw by sodium hydroxide was investigated for
      production of bioethanol and biobutanol. Various pretreatment parameters,
      including temperature, time, and sodium hydroxide concentration were optimized
      using a statistical method which is a central composite design of response
      surface methodology. In the case of sodium hydroxide pretreatment, optimal
      pretreatment conditions were found to be 7.9% sodium hydroxide concentration, 5.5
      h of reaction time, and 68.4  degrees C of reaction temperature. The maximum
      glucose yield which can be recovered by enzymatic hydrolysis at the optimum
      conditions was 95.7% and the experimental result was 94.0 +/- 4.8%. This
      experimental result was in agreement with the model prediction. An increase of
      surface area and pore size in pretreated rapeseed straw by sodium hydroxide
      pretreatment was observed by scanning electron microscope.

PMID- 22086289
TI  - Choosing an effective protein bioconjugation strategy.
AB  - The collection of chemical techniques that can be used to attach synthetic groups
      to proteins has expanded substantially in recent years. Each of these approaches
      allows new protein targets to be addressed, leading to advances in biological
      understanding, new protein-drug conjugates, targeted medical imaging agents and
      hybrid materials with complex functions. The protein modification reactions in
      current use vary widely in their inherent site selectivity, overall yields and
      functional group compatibility. Some are more amenable to large-scale
      bioconjugate production, and a number of techniques can be used to label a single
      protein in a complex biological mixture. This review examines the way in which
      experimental circumstances influence one's selection of an appropriate protein
      modification strategy. It also provides a simple decision tree that can narrow
      down the possibilities in many instances. The review concludes with example
      studies that examine how this decision process has been applied in different
      contexts.

PMID- 22086291
TI  - The conserved bauplan of the teleostean telencephalon.

PMID- 22086292
TI  - Body integrity identity disorder: deranged body processing, right fronto-parietal
      dysfunction, and phenomenological experience of body incongruity.
AB  - Body integrity identity disorder (BIID) is characterised by profound experience
      of incongruity between the biological and desired body structure. The condition
      manifests in "non-belonging" of body parts, and the subsequent desire to
      amputate, paralyse or disable a limb. Little is known about BIID; however, a
      neuropsychological model implicating right fronto-parietal and insular networks
      is emerging, with potential disruption to body representation. We argue that, as
      there is scant systematic research on BIID published to date and much of the
      research is methodologically weak, it is premature to assume that the only
      process underlying bodily experience that is compromised is body representation.
      The present review systematically investigates which aspects of neurological
      processing of the body, and sense of self, may be compromised in BIID. We argue
      that the disorder most likely reflects dysregulation in multiple levels of body
      processing. That is, the disunity between self and the body could arguably come
      about through congenital and/or developmental disruption of body representations,
      which, together with altered multisensory integration, may preclude the
      experience of self-attribution and embodiment of affected body parts. Ulimately,
      there is a need for official diagnostic criteria to facilitate epidemiological
      characterisation of BIID, and for further research to systematically investigate
      which aspects of body representation and processing are truly compromised in the
      disorder.

PMID- 22086294
TI  - Genomic analysis of a four-way t(4;11;22;10) associated with MLL-AF4 in an adult
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PMID- 22086295
TI  - Role of HuR in keratinocyte migration and wound healing.
AB  - Human antigen R (HuR) is a post-translational modifier of mRNAs rich in AU- and U
      rich elements. These mRNAs typically code for proteins involved in cell growth
      and differentiation, signal transduction, transcriptional and translational
      control, apoptosis, nutrient transport and metabolism. Thus, HuR affects a
      variety of biological functions and processes. Via its effect on growth and
      cellular migration, HuR has been shown to enhance clinical progression of a
      number of cancers. Its role in wound healing remains unknown. In the present
      study, we evaluated HuR tissue expression in a cohort of chronic healed and non
      healed leg ulcers. We also evaluated the effect of HuR knockdown on a number of
      cellular processes using the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. HuR was
      expressed in greater levels in the 'chronic healed' cohort of ulcers, compared to
      the 'chronic non-healed', although this failed to reach statistical significance
      (p=0.13). HuR knockdown resulted in greater cellular growth, faster progression
      through the cell cycle and reduced apoptosis. Furthermore, it reduced cellular
      adhesion rates without affecting migration. We, therefore, concluded that HuR
      promotes wound healing, primarily through its effect on cellular adhesion. It
      also slows cellular growth rate via its effect on both cell cycle progression and
      rates of apoptosis.

PMID- 22086296
TI  - Mediators released during human anaphylaxis.
AB  - A range of mediators are generated during anaphylaxis, with redundancy of
      effects, multiple overlapping pathways, and involvement of several cell types.
      Key steps in the reaction occur at the site of initial contact, and mediators may
      not be detectable systemically. Furthermore, the potencies of various mediators
      vary enormously, and clinical effects may occur below our level of detection. We
      also do not know what converts (amplifies) a local reaction into systemic
      anaphylaxis. Murine models have identified several novel mediators that may
      propagate and/or regulate this process and also indicate that circulating
      neutrophils may play an important role in reaction amplification. Differential
      expression of various genes within specific intracellular signalling pathways of
      mediator release may further explain the varying severities of anaphylactic
      reactions. As our knowledge of the mechanisms of activation, key mediators, and
      the regulation of mediator release improves, new treatments for prevention and
      acute management may emerge.

PMID- 22086298
TI  - Toll-like receptors in systemic lupus erythematosus: potential targets for
      therapeutic intervention.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have attracted increased attention in recent years,
      not only for their role in sensing conserved microbial components, but also in
      the realm of autoimmunity. Although TLRs are most widely known for their capacity
      to detect conserved motifs of infectious agents, mounting evidence indicates that
      these innate receptors also promote autoimmune conditions by causing uncontrolled
      autoinflammation as a result of chronic recognition of self. In response to the
      need for modern approaches to treatment of autoimmune diseases, several groups
      have begun investigating ways to target TLRs as new therapeutic options for
      autoimmune conditions. Here we discuss recent data describing advances in TLRs as
      therapeutic targets for treatment of autoimmune diseases, with a focus on
      systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22086297
TI  - Modulating toll-like receptor 7 and 9 responses as therapy for allergy and
      autoimmunity.
AB  - Type I allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, depend on
      allergen-induced T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells and IgE-secreting plasma cells.
      Fortunately, this harmful immune response can be modified by engaging Toll-like
      receptor (TLR)7 and TLR9, offering hopes to allergy sufferers. While clinical
      trials employing synthetic ligands for TLR7 or TLR9 are under way, one can wonder
      whether TLR7 or TLR9 engagements may trigger inadvertent autoreactivity and/or
      Th1-/Th17-mediated tissue pathology. To neutralize such danger, we have pioneered
      the development of potent TLR9 pathway antagonists, inhibitory oligonucleotides
      (INH-ODNs), which work in a sequence-specific manner. Interestingly, INH-ODNs
      also have TLR7-inhibitory properties; however, these effects appear to be
      sequence independent and phosphorothioate backbone dependent. In B cells, co
      engagement of the B-cell receptor for antigen and TLR7 or TLR9 may influence how
      INH-ODNs impose their regulatory effects. INH-ODNs block TLR9 activation by
      competitively antagonizing ligand binding to proteolytically cleaved C-terminal
      TLR9 fragment. One may envision future use of INH-ODNs in systemic autoimmune
      diseases, DNA-mediated sepsis, or other situations in which chronic inflammation
      results from abnormal TLR7- and/or TLR9-mediated immune activation.

PMID- 22086299
TI  - Pro-inflammatory effects of the mushroom Agaricus blazei and its consequences on
      atherosclerosis development.
AB  - PURPOSE: Extracts of the mushroom Agaricus blazei (A. blazei) have been described
      as possessing immunomodulatory and potentially cancer-protective activities.
      However, these effects of A. blazei as a functional food have not been fully
      investigated in vivo. METHODS: Using apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice,
      an experimental model of atherosclerosis, we evaluated the effects of 6 or 12
      weeks of A. blazei supplementation on the activation of immune cells in the
      spleen and blood and on the development of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Food intake,
      weight gain, blood lipid profile, and glycemia were similar between the groups.
      To evaluate leukocyte homing and activation, mice were injected with (99m)Tc
      radiolabeled leukocytes, which showed enhanced leukocyte migration to the spleen
      and heart of A. blazei-supplemented animals. Analysis of the spleen showed higher
      levels of activation of neutrophils, NKT cells, and monocytes as well as
      increased production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. Circulating NKT cells and
      monocytes were also more activated in the supplemented group. Atherosclerotic
      lesion areas were larger in the aorta of supplemented mice and exhibited
      increased numbers of macrophages and neutrophils and a thinner fibrous cap. A.
      blazei-induced transcriptional upregulation of molecules linked to macrophage
      activation (CD36, TLR4), neutrophil chemotaxy (CXCL1), leukocyte adhesion (VCAM
      1), and plaque vulnerability (MMP9) were seen after 12 weeks of supplementation.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first in vivo study showing that the immunostimulatory
      effect of A. blazei has proatherogenic repercussions. A. blazei enhances local
      and systemic inflammation, upregulating pro-inflammatory molecules, and enhancing
      leukocyte homing to atherosclerosis sites without affecting the lipoprotein
      profile.

PMID- 22086300
TI  - Is a daily supplementation with 40 microgram vitamin D3 sufficient? A randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effect of 40 MUg (1,600 IU) per day of vitamin D(3) on serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and markers of bone and mineral metabolism was
      evaluated. METHODS: This intervention study was designed as a double-blind
      randomised controlled trial. Forty-five community-dwelling subjects (32 females),
      age 55-84 years, at 58 degrees  North latitude were supplemented for 1 year with
      40 MUg vitamin D(3) plus 1,000 mg calcium per day, or with 1,000 mg calcium per
      day for controls. Safety parameters and 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone
      (PTH), ionized calcium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and tartrate
      resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP5b) were measured over the study
      period. RESULTS: All subjects supplemented with vitamin D(3) reached a 25(OH)D
      level above 50 nmol/L. Mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D increased from 50.4 (13.5) nmol/L
      to 84.2 (17.5) nmol/L, range 55.0-125.0 nmol/L in the vitamin D(3) supplemented
      group and the corresponding levels for the control group were 47.3 (14.1) nmol/L
      and 45.7 (13.4) nmol/L, range 26.0-73.0 nmol/L. No serious adverse event was
      recorded and the highest 25(OH)D level reached, 125.0 nmol/L, is well below toxic
      levels. BALP and TRACP5b did not change significantly over the study period.
      CONCLUSIONS: This trial suggests that a daily supplementation with 40 MUg vitamin
      D(3) is sufficient to secure a 25(OH)D level of 50 nmol/L. No side effects were
      observed in the study group.

PMID- 22086301
TI  - Protective effects of olive oil phenolics and gallic acid on hydrogen peroxide
      induced apoptosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Olive oil contains several phenolic compounds possessing antioxidant
      activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of
      olive oil phenolic extract (OOPE) and one of its constituents, gallic acid (GA)
      against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells,
      a model for human epithelial cells. METHODS: The cells were pretreated with
      nontoxic doses of OOPE or GA for 4, 24 and 48 h, and the intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) level was determined, before and after oxidative stress
      induction with H(2)O(2). As an indicator of apoptosis, caspase 9 activity was
      measured. RESULTS: All pretreatments reduced ROS generation. Four hour incubation
      with OOPE or GA completely inhibited ROS generation. Increases in caspase 9
      activity by OOPE and GA pretreatment under harsh stress conditions were inhibited
      92 and 67.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that OOPE and GA
      act as powerful antioxidants against oxidative stress and exert anti-apoptotic
      effects.

PMID- 22086303
TI  - Mutation and association analyses of the candidate genes ESR1, ESR2, MAX, PCNA,
      and KAT2A in patients with unexplained MSH2-deficient tumors.
AB  - Lynch syndrome (Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer/HNPCC) is a cancer
      susceptibility syndrome which is caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch
      repair (MMR) genes, in particular MLH1 and MSH2. A pathogenic germline mutation
      in the respective MMR gene is suggested by the finding of a loss of a mismatch
      repair protein in tumor tissue on immunohistochemical staining combined with an
      early age of onset and/or the familial occurrence of colorectal cancer.
      Pathogenic germline mutations are identifiable in around 60% of patients
      suspected of Lynch syndrome, depending on the familial occurrence. The aim of the
      present study was to identify novel susceptibility genes for Lynch syndrome. 64
      Healthy controls and 64 Lynch syndrome patients with no pathogenic MSH2 mutation
      but a loss of MSH2 expression in their tumor tissue were screened for rare and
      disease causing germline mutations in the functional candidate genes ESR1, ESR2,
      MAX, PCNA, and KAT2A. Thirty variants were identified, and these were then
      genotyped in an independent sample of 36 mutation negative Lynch syndrome
      patients and 234 controls. Since a trend towards association was observed for
      KAT2A, an additional set of 21 tagging SNPs was analyzed at this locus in a final
      case-control sample of 142 mutation negative Lynch syndrome patients and 298
      controls. The mutation analysis failed to reveal any rare disease-causing
      mutations. No association was found at the single-marker or haplotypic level for
      any common disease-modifying variant. The present results suggest that neither
      rare nor common genetic variants in ESR1, ESR2, MAX, PCNA, or KAT2A contribute to
      the development of Lynch syndrome.

PMID- 22086304
TI  - Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer presenting as metastatic kidney
      cancer at 18 years of age: implications for surveillance.
AB  - Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is an autosomal dominant
      syndrome characterized by skin piloleiomyomas, uterine leiomyomas and papillary
      type 2 renal cancer caused by germline mutations in the fumarate hydratase (FH)
      gene. Previously, we proposed renal imaging for FH mutation carriers starting at
      the age of 20 years. However, recently an 18-year-old woman from a Dutch family
      with HLRCC presented with metastatic renal cancer. We describe the patient and
      family data, evaluate current evidence on renal cancer risk and surveillance in
      HLRCC and consider the advantages and disadvantages of starting surveillance for
      renal cancer in childhood. We also discuss the targeted therapies administered to
      our patient.

PMID- 22086305
TI  - Different algorithms for glycemic control will yield different results.

PMID- 22086306
TI  - A highly parallelized framework for computationally intensive MR data analysis.
AB  - OBJECT: The goal of this study was to develop a comprehensive magnetic resonance
      (MR) data analysis framework for handling very large datasets with user-friendly
      tools for parallelization and to provide an example implementation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Commonly used software packages (AFNI, FSL, SPM) were connected via a
      framework based on the free software environment R, with the possibility of using
      Nvidia CUDA GPU processing integrated for high-speed linear algebra operations in
      R. Three hundred single-subject datasets from the 1,000 Functional Connectomes
      project were used to demonstrate the capabilities of the framework. RESULTS: A
      framework for easy implementation of processing pipelines was developed and an R
      package for the example implementation of Fully Exploratory Network ICA was
      compiled. Test runs on data from 300 subjects demonstrated the computational
      advantages of a processing pipeline developed using the framework compared to non
      parallelized processing, reducing computation time by a factor of 15. CONCLUSION:
      The feasibility of computationally intensive exploratory analyses allows broader
      access to the tools for discovery science.

PMID- 22086307
TI  - Diffusion property differences of the lower leg musculature between athletes and
      non-athletes using 1.5T MRI.
AB  - OBJECT: To compare the differences in diffusion properties--namely fractional
      anisotropy (FA), three eigenvalues of the diffusion tensor (lambda1, lambda2, and
      lambda3), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)--between athletically-trained
      and untrained lower leg musculature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve athletes
      (Group A) and 11 non-athletes (Group B) were recruited. All were females in their
      20s. We scanned diffusion tensor images of both calves and compared FA, the three
      eigenvalues, and ADC in the gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis,
      soleus (SOL), and anterior tibialis muscles between Groups A and B, and between
      the right and left sides, using two-factor fractional ANOVA. RESULTS: In all
      muscles of bilateral calves, all three eigenvalues and ADC were lower in Group A
      than in Group B, with statistically significant differences in all muscles for
      lambda1, lambda2, and lambda3 and ADC, with a P value of <0.01. Moreover,
      statistical differences were also found between right and left for lambda1,
      lambda2, and lambda3 (P < 0.05), and ADC (P < 0.01) of the SOL muscle. FA showed
      no statistically significant differences in any muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that training causes a decrease of the three eigenvalues and ADC, which
      we hypothesize is due to an increase of density of myofilaments in the
      intracellular space, and deformation of the cell induced by enlargement of
      extracellular components.

PMID- 22086308
TI  - Comment on: Cost-effectiveness of denosumab for the treatment of postmenopausal
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 22086309
TI  - Vertebral body bone strength: the contribution of individual trabecular element
      morphology.
AB  - SUMMARY: Although the amount of bone explains the largest amount of variability
      in bone strength, there is still a significant proportion unaccounted for. The
      morphology of individual bone trabeculae explains a further proportion of the
      variability in bone strength and bone elements that contribute to bone strength
      depending on the direction of loading. INTRODUCTION: Micro-CT imaging enables
      measurement of bone microarchitecture and subsequently mechanical strength of the
      same sample. It is possible using micro-CT data to perform morphometric analysis
      on individual rod and plate bone trabeculae using a volumetric spatial
      decomposition algorithm and hence determine their contribution to bone strength.
      METHODS: Twelve pairs of vertebral bodies (T12/L1 or L4/L5) were harvested from
      human cadavers, and bone cubes (10 * 10 * 10 mm) were obtained. After micro-CT
      imaging, a volumetric spatial decomposition algorithm was applied, and measures
      of individual trabecular elements were obtained. Bone strength was measured in
      compression, where one bone specimen from each vertebral segment was tested
      supero-inferiorly (SI) and the paired specimen was tested antero-posteriorly
      (AP). RESULTS: Bone volume fraction was the strongest individual determinant of
      SI strength (r(2) = 0.77, p < 0.0001) and AP (r(2) = 0.54, p < 0.0001). The
      determination of SI strength was improved to r(2) = 0.87 with the addition of
      mean rod length and relative plate bone volume fraction. The determination of AP
      strength was improved to r(2) = 0.85 with the addition of mean rod volume and
      relative rod bone volume fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Microarchitectural measures of
      individual trabeculae that contribute to bone strength have been identified. In
      addition to the contribution of BV/TV, trabecular rod morphology increased the
      determination of AP strength by 57%, whereas measures of trabecular plate and rod
      morphology increased determination of SI strength by 13%. Decomposing vertebral
      body bone architecture into its constituent morphological elements shows that
      trabecular element morphology has specific functional roles to assist in
      maintaining skeletal integrity.

PMID- 22086310
TI  - Quality of life and health status with zoledronic acid and generic alendronate--a
      secondary analysis of the Rapid Onset and Sustained Efficacy (ROSE) study in
      postmenopausal women with low bone mass.
AB  - SUMMARY: The ROSE study compared annual infusion with zoledronic acid and weekly
      generic alendronate. No significant differences in quality of life or health
      status between treatment groups were observed. Adherence to alendronate during
      the study was high, with 80.9% of patients achieving adequate adherence.
      INTRODUCTION: A secondary analysis to evaluate quality of life, health status,
      adherence to alendronate and therapy preference in postmenopausal women with low
      bone mass who received treatment with zoledronic acid or alendronate was
      conducted. METHODS: Postmenopausal women with low bone mass were randomised 2:1
      to receive an annual infusion of zoledronic acid or weekly oral generic
      alendronate in this open-label, multicentre study. Changes in quality of life and
      health status were assessed using questionnaires at baseline and month 12.
      Adherence to alendronate was assessed by the investigator and/or study personnel,
      and subjective therapy preference was assessed using a questionnaire at month 12.
      RESULTS: Patients were randomised to zoledronic acid (n = 408) and alendronate (n
      = 191). Overall, there were no significant differences in quality of life between
      zoledronic acid and alendronate. However, improvements in quality of life with
      zoledronic acid versus alendronate could be detected by posthoc analysis in
      patients with previous fractures. There were no significant differences in health
      status between patients receiving zoledronic acid or alendronate. Adherence to
      alendronate during the study was high, with 80.9% of patients achieving adequate
      adherence. A total of 81% of patients who had received zoledronic acid indicated
      that they would prefer to continue with that treatment, and 43% of the patients
      who received oral alendronate would like to switch to zoledronic acid.
      CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in quality of life between
      patients receiving zoledronic acid or alendronate.

PMID- 22086311
TI  - Regional and age-related variations in the proportions of hip fractures and major
      fractures among postmenopausal women: the Global Longitudinal Study of
      Osteoporosis in Women.
AB  - We examined variations in proportions of hip fractures and major fractures among
      postmenopausal women using the Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women
      (GLOW). The proportion of major fractures that were hip fractures varied with age
      and region, whereas variations in the proportion of fractures that were major
      fractures appeared modest. INTRODUCTION: In many countries, the World Health
      Organization fracture risk assessment tool calculates the probability of major
      fractures by assuming a uniform age-associated proportion of major fractures that
      are hip fractures in different countries. We further explored this assumption,
      using data from the GLOW. METHODS: GLOW is an observational population-based
      study of 60,393 non-institutionalized women aged >=55 years who had visited
      practices within the previous 2 years. Main outcome measures were self-reported
      prevalent fractures after the age of 45 years and incident fractures during the 2
      years of follow-up. RESULTS: The adjusted proportion of prevalent and incident
      major fractures after the age of 45 years that were hip fractures was higher in
      North America (16%, 17%) than in northern (13%, 12%) and southern Europe (10%,
      10%), respectively. The proportion of incident major fractures that were hip
      fractures increased more than five-fold with age, from 6.6% among 55-59-year-olds
      to 34% among those aged >=85 years. Regional and age-associated variations in the
      proportion of all incident fractures that were major fractures were less marked,
      not exceeding 16% and 28%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that there
      may be regional differences in the proportion of major fractures that are hip
      fractures in postmenopausal women. In contrast, the regional and age-related
      variations in the proportion of fractures that are major fractures appear to be
      modest. However, because of the limited number of fractures in our sample,
      further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22086313
TI  - [The information in gastroenterology and internet].

PMID- 22086312
TI  - Elevation of both reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes in vein tissue
      of infertile men with varicocele.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in internal
      spermatic vein tissue of men with varicocele and a control group with inguinal
      hernia. Also to compare the levels of oxidants and antioxidants in infertile and
      fertile men with varicocele. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 48 varicocele patients and 12
      non-varicocele inguinal hernia patients participated in this study. The
      varicocele group was again divided into two groups--fertile men with varicocele
      and infertile men with varicocele. Internal spermatic vein tissue samples were
      obtained. The level of the malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative
      stress, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (defense systems) against
      oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were
      estimated in these tissue samples. RESULTS: The mean level of MDA in the
      varicocele group was significantly higher than in the hernia group, whereas the
      levels of antioxidants (SOD and CAT) were significantly lower in the varicocele
      group than in the hernia group. When compared with the subgroups of the
      varicocele group, the MDA levels and SOD and CAT activities were significantly
      higher in the infertile varicocele group than in the fertile varicocele group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant enzyme levels generally decrease due to a high
      consumption in varicocele patients. On the contrary, in our study both MDA and
      antioxidant enzymes increased in the internal spermatic venous wall of infertile
      varicocele patients. This situation may be explained by an adaptation against
      oxidative stress in varicocele, which could be defined as a chronic process.

PMID- 22086314
TI  - [Use of cyanoacrylate in the endoscopic therapy of gastric varices: experience in
      the National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins from 2006 to 2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic success of the injection of N-butyl-2
      cyanoacrylate in the treatment of gastric varices. METHODS: Cross-sectional study
      included 33 patients with gastric varices who only received cyanoacrylate
      endoscopic therapy between 2006 and 2010. Intravariceally, cyanoacrylate was
      injected in a 1:1 dilution with lipiodol until the obliteration of varices. The
      therapeutic situation was: active bleeding, varices with stigmata of recent
      bleeding and secondary prophylaxis. Treatment success was evaluated according to
      hemostasis, recurrent bleeding and obliteration. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients, 3
      (9.1%) were for active bleeding, 20 (60.6%) with stigmata of recent bleeding and
      10 (30.3%) as secondary prophylaxis. Gastric varices were GOV2, 17 (51.5%); IGV1,
      14 (42.4%); GOV1, 2 (6.1%). Hemostasis was achieved in 21 (91.3%) and in 2
      (66.7%) of 3 patients with active bleeding. Five (15.6%) patients had recurrent
      bleeding and 2 of them used cyanoacrylate with successful hemostasis.
      Obliteration was achieved. Four patients died and one for failure of control
      bleeding. A high severity of Child-Pugh classification was related to treatment
      endoscopic failure (p=0.034). The main complication was bleeding after the
      injection of cyanoacrylate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of
      cyanoacrylate in the treatment of gastric varices with few major complications.

PMID- 22086315
TI  - [Fecal leukocytes in children with acute diarrhea: time to reconsider the
      clinical usefulness of the test?].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fecal leukocytes are widely used to identify invasive diarrhea and
      to make then the decision of prescribing or not antibiotics. This test has been
      hardly assessed in small hospitals of developing countries with efficient
      laboratory processes. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of different
      thresholds of fecal leukocytes in children under-five with acute diarrhea.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of clinical and laboratory records in
      the Pediatric Emergency Hospital, Lima, Peru. All cases with a stool culture and
      fecal leukocytes independently and systematically performed were studied.
      Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios (LR), and receiver
      operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated. RESULTS: Out of 1,804
      stool samples assessed, 901 (49,9%) were positive for one or more bacterial
      entheropathogens. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and positive LR varied for
      different thresholds: more than 5 (S: 93.2%, Sp: 21.9%, LR+:), more than 20 (Sn:
      %, Sp: %,+LR: ), more than 50 (Sn: 74.9%, Sp: 56.7%, +LR: 1.73), and more than
      100 fecal leukocytes per high power field (Sn: 60.7%, Sp: 71.9%, LR+: 2.17). The
      general area under the ROC curve was 0.69 (CI 95%: 0.67-0.72). CONCLUSIONS:
      Diagnostic performance of fecal leukocytes is suboptimal and may not warrant its
      continued use in developing settings, as it promotes antibiotic abuse, and on the
      other hand increases the risk of overlooking patients with invasive diarrhea who
      may Benedit from antibiotic treatment. Combination of epidemiological and
      clinical data with either fecal leukocytes or fecal lactoferrin may provide a
      more efficient approach.

PMID- 22086316
TI  - [Antimicrobial susceptibility of helicobacter pylori to levofloxacin determined
      in a miniwell format and disk diffusion tests using egg yolk agar].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of
      Levofloxacin against HELICOBACTER PYLORI (HP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 95 HP
      Peruvian strains were evaluated in Agar dilution and Disk diffusion tests, as
      well as the Pearson Coefficient (r) and the inoculum's effect. RESULTS: 36.9% (35
      of 95) were resistant (MIC>1 MUg/ml) to Levofloxacin. MIC90 was 16 ug/ml
      (CI:90%). MIC of Levofloxacin did not change at different inoculum
      concentrations. r: -0.733 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of HP
      Levofloxacin resistant strains in Peru is higher than in developed countries.
      Periodic testing of antibiotic susceptibility is warranted to select the most
      accurate therapies.

PMID- 22086317
TI  - [Score BISAP validation as a prognostic system in acute pancreatitis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The BISAP score is a simple system, which englobes clinical features
      (laboratory and imagenology tests) allowing to predict the mortality in acute
      pancreatitis within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the validity of the BISAP score in the prediction of prognosis and
      severity of acute pancreatitis. METHOD: In order to validate the BISAP score, a
      study was performed in 57 patients with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis at the
      moment of admission. The reference test was the Atlanta criteria which confirmed
      severe clinical course beyond the fifth day, in many cases supported by CT.
      RESULTS: 71.9% were women. The mean age was 45.33 years. Biliary lithiasis was
      the most frequent cause (66.7%). According to the reference test 71.9% were mild
      and 28.1% severe. According to the BISAP score 77.2% mild and 22.8% severe. The
      sensitivity and specificity for the BISAP score was of 75% and 97.56%
      respectively. The predictive positive value was 92.31% and the predictive
      negative value was 90.91%. CONCLUSIONS: The BISAP score allows to predict the
      severity of the acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 22086318
TI  - [Identifying the severe acute pancreatitis].
AB  - AIMS: To compare patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis without any
      additional complications during their hospital stay (Group A) versus patients
      with Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis with additional complications during their
      hospital stay (Group B). METHODS: Data obtained from a pre-existing base from
      hospitalized patients with diagnosis of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the
      specialized unit of "Unidad de Pancreatitis Aguda Grave del Hospital Nacional
      Edgardo Rebagliati Martins" between 2000 and 2010. Data included patients with
      diagnosis of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, of ages 18 and over. RESULTS: Data
      from 215 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis was included. Patients from
      Group A represented 32% (68) and from Group B 68% (147). Group A had a average of
      39 hospitalized days and Group B had an average of 56 days (p=0.01). From Group A
      22% had more than 50% of necrosis while 43% of Group B had this extension of
      necrosis (p <0.05, OR 3.4, IC (1.12-10)). Of the 14 deaths of the population, all
      part of Group B, 12 of them had more than 50% of necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Not every
      patient classified as severe acute pancreatitis, based on the presence of
      necrosis, behave likewise. It is an extended necrosis, described as more than 50%
      of pancreatic necrosis, and not the presence itself which will determine
      additional complications during the course of disease and a greater mortality.

PMID- 22086319
TI  - [Use of Foley's catheter to control abdominal wall bleeding in the trocar
      insertion place during laparoscopic surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall bleeding in the port-site insertion place during
      laparoscopic surgery is sometimes difficult to control and can be associated with
      morbidity ranging from parietal pain up to haematoma and massive haemoperitoneum.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We perform a retrospective study of our experience in the
      management of the abdominal wall bleeding port-site using a Foley's catheter
      (24F), in those cases when haemostasis with electrocautery was not achieved.
      RESULTS: This technique was used in 35 patients (27 women and 8 men) with a mean
      age of 45,37 years (range 24-82 years). The median of time up to the removal of
      the catheter was 36 hours (range 24-48 hours), without observing bleeding or
      prolongation of the hospital stay or readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Foley's
      catheter is a simple and efficient method for the control of the port-site
      bleeding during laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 22086320
TI  - [Gastroenterology 2.0: useful resources for the gastroenterologist available on
      the Web 2.0].
AB  - The term Web 2.0 refers to the use of Internet applications which enable the
      users to share, participate and collaborate together on information. The
      objective of this study is to check different applications that use Web 2.0,
      which could help the gastroenterologist in his daily practice. The applications
      that will be checked include: blogs, microblogging, RSS, podcasts, wikis and
      social networks. "Gastroenterology 2.0" represents the applications, services,
      and tools based on Web 2.0, which are of easy use and easily accessible - to
      consumers, patients, gastroenterologists and other health professionals, as well
      as researchers. Although several studies have shown the benefits these
      technologies have on the medical practice, it is necessary to conduct further
      studies to demonstrate the use of these applications on improving health.

PMID- 22086321
TI  - [Clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious acute
      diarrhea in children Peru - 2011].
AB  - The Clinical Practice Guidelines cover the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute
      Diarrhea in Pediatric Infectious is a consice information about definition,
      inclusion and exclusion criteria; epidemiology and etiology of infectious
      diarrhea. The guidelines cover aspects of diagnosis and treatment (dehydration,
      antibiotics, supportive therapy), nutritional support and other aspects of
      transferences and prevention.

PMID- 22086322
TI  - [Celiac disease and intestinal obstruction by T cell lymphoma].
AB  - A male patient, 55 years old, born in Ayacucho, with Spanish ancestors, was
      hospitalized through emergency referring abdominal pain, and 10 kilograms weight
      loss. Six months before he was diagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome. His
      previous diseases were rheumatoid arthritis and intolerance to lactose.
      Laboratory results were: Hb 12 gr./dL, white cells 5200 per mm3, albumin 2.7
      gr./dL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 32 mm/hr., and tumor markers were
      negative. Radiographic study of the small bowel showed barium fragmentation, and
      a focal dilation in distal jejunum. Chest X-ray and CT scan of thorax, abdomen
      and pelvis were normal. Colonoscopy was normal for colonic mucosa, but in ileum
      it showed an irregular mucosa, little nodules and fewer folds than usual. Biopsy
      from ileum demonstrated unspecific inflammation. Upper endoscopy showed
      gastritis, a duodenum scar ulcer and an irregular mosaic pattern pink and white.
      Duodenum biopsy demonstrated short villi, chronic inflammation and an increase in
      the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, all these was consistent with celiac
      disease Marsh 3. Antibodies anti-endomisium and anti-transglutaminase were
      positive. After some days he developed signs of bowel obstruction and was
      operated.

PMID- 22086323
TI  - [Metastatic primary gastric adenocarcinoma in amigdala].
AB  - We report the case of a 79 years old female patient, with a one year history of
      dysphagia, presence of a tumor in the right palatine tonsil and cervical lymph
      node involvement. A biopsy of the palatine tonsil tumor informed as an
      adenocarcinoma was performed followed by a gastroscopy that reported a lesion in
      gastric body and antrum whose histologycal diagnosis was a moderately
      differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The patient received chemotherapy with
      5FU. We present this case due to the unusual presentation of metastasis to the
      palatine tonsil and also for being the first manifestation of a gastric cancer.

PMID- 22086324
TI  - [Gastrointestinal Epstein Barr virus positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma in
      elderly: report of five cases and review of literature].
AB  - EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in elderly is a new entity
      included provisionally in the most recent WHO Classification of lymphoid
      neoplasms. It usually affects elderly patients and has a poor survival. The goal
      of this report was to evaluate clinical, endoscopic characteristics and survival
      of five patients with this entity and gastrointestinal afectation. From five
      cases, three cases had gastric infiltration, one ileon and one in cecum.

PMID- 22086325
TI  - [Jejunal GIST with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding].
AB  - We report the case of a woman of 84 years with a history of cardiac arrhythmia
      and hemorrhoids. She had multiple hospitalizations and transfusions for
      symptomatic iron deficiency anemia, endoscopic studies showed only small
      diverticula and colon polyps. He was later hospitalized with bloody stools red
      wines, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy showed gastritis, small colonic ulcers,
      colonic polyp and multiple diverticula. Readmitted with bleeding of obscure
      origin, on that occasion showed gastritis, antral erosions, small ulcers, colon
      polyps and colon ulcers in the process of healing, capsule endoscopy showed
      angiodysplasia in jejunum, anterograde enteroscopy detected some erythematous
      lesions in proximal jejunum without evidence of bleeding. Again hospitalized for
      melena and abdominal.

PMID- 22086326
TI  - Application of a novel score test for genetic association incorporating gene-gene
      interaction suggests functionality for prostate cancer susceptibility regions.
AB  - AIMS: We introduce an innovative multilocus test for disease association. It is
      an extension of an existing score test that gains power over alternative methods
      by incorporating a parsimonious one-degree-of-freedom model for interaction. We
      use our method in applications designed to detect interactions that generate
      hypotheses about the functionality of prostate cancer (PRCA) susceptibility
      regions. METHODS: Our proposed score test is designed to gain additional power
      through the use of a retrospective likelihood that exploits an assumption of
      independence between unlinked loci in the underlying population. Its performance
      is validated through simulation. The method is used in conditional scans with
      data from stage II of the Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility PRCA genome
      wide association study. RESULTS: Our proposed method increases power to detect
      susceptibility loci in diverse settings. It identified two high-ranking,
      biologically interesting interactions: (1) rs748120 of NR2C2 and subregions of
      8q24 that contain independent susceptibility loci specific to PRCA and (2)
      rs4810671 of SULF2 and both JAZF1 and HNF1B that are associated with PRCA and
      type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our score test is a promising multilocus tool for
      genetic epidemiology. The results of our applications suggest functionality for
      poorly understood PRCA susceptibility regions. They motivate replication study.

PMID- 22086328
TI  - Assessment of density functional theory for bonds formed between rare gases and
      open-shell atoms: a computational study of small molecules containing He, Ar, Kr
      and Xe.
AB  - The validity of the description of the DFT approximations currently implemented
      in plane wave DFT codes (LDA, GGA, meta-GGA, hybrid, GGA + empirical dispersion
      correction) for interactions between rare gases and open-shell atoms which form
      materials is poorly known. We have performed a first assessment of the accuracy
      of these functionals for the description of the bonds formed by helium, argon,
      krypton and xenon with various open-shell atoms. This evaluation has been done on
      model molecular systems for which precise experimental data are available and
      reference post-Hartree-Fock calculations (CCSD(T) using large basis sets) are
      feasible. The results show that when the rare gas atom shares density with the
      neighbouring atoms, the GGA functionals yield good geometries and qualitatively
      correct binding energies, even if these are quite significantly overestimated.
      The use of hybrid functionals enables us to obtain good geometries and
      satisfactory binding energies. For compounds in which the rare gas atom forms
      weak dispersive-like bonding, the accuracy yielded by the various functionals is
      not as good. No functional gives satisfactory binding energies for all the
      compounds investigated. Several GGA and hybrid functionals yield correct
      geometries, even if some isomers are not obtained. One GGA functional (PBE)
      yields qualitatively correct results for the compounds of the three rare gases
      and several hybrid functionals give satisfactory energies for He compounds. The
      addition of an empirical dispersive correction improves the results on
      association compounds, but several isomers are not found.

PMID- 22086327
TI  - Computational modeling of temperature elevation and thermoregulatory response in
      the brains of anesthetized rats locally exposed at 1.5 GHz.
AB  - The dominant effect of human exposures to microwaves is caused by temperature
      elevation ('thermal effect'). In the safety guidelines/standards, the specific
      absorption rate averaged over a specific volume is used as a metric for human
      protection from localized exposure. Further investigation on the use of this
      metric is required, especially in terms of thermophysiology. The World Health
      Organization (2006 RF research agenda) has given high priority to research into
      the extent and consequences of microwave-induced temperature elevation in
      children. In this study, an electromagnetic-thermal computational code was
      developed to model electromagnetic power absorption and resulting temperature
      elevation leading to changes in active blood flow in response to localized 1.457
      GHz exposure in rat heads. Both juvenile (4 week old) and young adult (8 week
      old) rats were considered. The computational code was validated against
      measurements for 4 and 8 week old rats. Our computational results suggest that
      the blood flow rate depends on both brain and core temperature elevations. No
      significant difference was observed between thermophysiological responses in 4
      and 8 week old rats under these exposure conditions. The computational model
      developed herein is thus applicable to set exposure conditions for rats in
      laboratory investigations, as well as in planning treatment protocols in the
      thermal therapy.

PMID- 22086329
TI  - Facile in situ copper(II) mediated C-S bond activation transforming
      dithiocarbimate to carbamate and thiocarbamate generating Cu(II) and Cu(I)
      complexes.
AB  - Facile in situ Cu(II) mediated transformation of p-tolylsulfonyldithiocarbimate
      in conjunction with polypyridyl or phosphine ligands into corresponding carbamate
      and thiocarbamate led to the formation of new copper complexes with varying
      nuclearities and geometries, via C-S bond activation of the ligand within
      identical reaction systems.

PMID- 22086330
TI  - Integrin-mediated signaling contributes to gadolinium-containing-particle
      promoted cell survival and G1 to S phase cell cycle transition by enhancing focal
      adhesion formation.
AB  - We previously reported that Gd-containing particles formed under physiological
      conditions act as active entities to enhance cell survival and promote S phase
      entry via activation of both mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular
      signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt
      signaling pathways. However, how they transduce the extracellular signal inside
      the cell remains unclear. The present study demonstrates that Gd-containing
      particles can alleviate serum-deprivation-induced cell death and promote G1 to S
      phase cell cycle progression by enhancing cell adhesion to the extracellular
      matrix. As an indicator of adhesion, the vinculin distribution was detected by
      confocal laser scanning microscopy. The control cells exhibited fewer and less
      typical focal adhesions. After treatment with Gd-containing particles, a large
      number of vinculin-containing focal adhesions were maintained. In the presence of
      integrin antagonists, the percentage of S phase entry induced by Gd-containing
      particles was decreased and the enhancement of cell viability was also
      attenuated, along with a decrease in both cyclin D expression and ERK
      phosphorylation. In summary, the present results suggest that the integrin
      mediated signaling pathway plays an important role in cell survival and G1 to S
      phase transition promoted by Gd-containing particles by enhancing focal adhesion
      formation. The results presented here provide novel evidence to advance knowledge
      leading to further understanding of the mechanisms of both cell proliferation and
      cell survival promoted by Gd and may be helpful for developing effective measures
      to prevent or treat nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

PMID- 22086331
TI  - Transient MPK6 activation in response to oxygen deprivation and reoxygenation is
      mediated by mitochondria and aids seedling survival in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MPKs) are regulated by diverse stresses with a
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) component. Here, we report the rapid and transient
      activation of MPK3, MPK4 and MPK6 upon oxygen deprivation as well as
      reoxygenation in seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana. MPK activation peaked within
      2 h of oxygen deprivation and again at a higher magnitude within 5 min of
      reoxygenation. MPK6 was the predominant kinase regulated by oxygen availability
      in both aerial and root tissue, except in mpk6 mutants, which displayed
      compensatory activation of MPK3. A universal consequence of oxygen deprivation in
      eukaryotes is inhibition of the terminal step of the mitochondrial electron
      transport chain (mETC). We demonstrate that treatment of seedlings with the mETC
      inhibitors antimycin A and potassium cyanide under normoxia promotes transient
      MPK6 and MPK3 activation. Confocal imaging of seedlings provided evidence that
      both oxygen deprivation and mETC inhibitors stimulate mitochondria-associated ROS
      production. We found that seedling survival of prolonged oxygen deprivation was
      improved in transgenics that ectopically overexpress MPK3, MPK4 and MPK6, but the
      induction of mRNAs associated with low oxygen acclimation responses were not
      markedly altered in MPK6 overexpression lines or mpk6 loss-of-function mutants.
      However, distinctions in MPK6 activation potential were correlated with other
      differences in mRNAs accumulation. Our findings suggest that oxygen deprivation
      and reoxygenation trigger mitochondrial ROS production to activate MPK signaling,
      which in turn regulate reversible processes that aid survival of transient oxygen
      deprivation.

PMID- 22086332
TI  - Genome evolution in diploid and tetraploid Coffea species as revealed by
      comparative analysis of orthologous genome segments.
AB  - Sequence comparison of orthologous regions enables estimation of the divergence
      between genomes, analysis of their evolution and detection of particular features
      of the genomes, such as sequence rearrangements and transposable elements.
      Despite the economic importance of Coffea species, little genomic information is
      currently available. Coffea is a relatively young genus that includes more than
      one hundred diploid species and a single tetraploid species. Three Coffea
      orthologous regions of 470-900 kb were analyzed and compared: both subgenomes of
      allotetraploid Coffea arabica (contributed by the diploid species Coffea
      eugenioides and Coffea canephora) and the genome of diploid C. canephora.
      Sequence divergence was calculated on global alignments or on coding and non
      coding sequences separately. A search for transposable elements detected 43
      retrotransposons and 198 transposons in the sequences analyzed. Comparative
      insertion analysis made it possible to locate 165 TE insertions in the
      phylogenetic tree of the three genomes/subgenomes. In the tetraploid C. arabica,
      a homoeologous non-reciprocal transposition (HNRT) was detected and
      characterized: a 50 kb region of the C. eugenioides derived subgenome replaced
      the C. canephora derived counterpart. Comparative sequence analysis on three
      Coffea genomes/subgenomes revealed almost perfect gene synteny, low sequence
      divergence and a high number of shared transposable elements. Compared to the
      results of similar analysis in other genera (Aegilops/Triticum and Oryza), Coffea
      genomes/subgenomes appeared to be dramatically less diverged, which is consistent
      with the relatively recent radiation of the Coffea genus. Based on nucleotide
      substitution frequency, the HNRT was dated at 10,000-50,000 years BP, which is
      also the most recent estimation of the origin of C. arabica.

PMID- 22086333
TI  - MYB80, a regulator of tapetal and pollen development, is functionally conserved
      in crops.
AB  - The Arabidopsis AtMYB80 transcription factor (formerly AtMYB103) regulate genes
      essential for tapetal and pollen development. One of these genes, coding for an
      aspartic protease (UNDEAD), may control the timing of tapetal programmed cell
      death (PCD). In crop plants such as rice and wheat, abiotic stresses lead to
      abnormal tapetal development resulting in delayed PCD. Manipulation of AtMYB80
      function has been used to develop a reversible male sterility system applicable
      to hybrid crop production. MYB80 homologs were cloned from wheat, rice, canola
      and cotton. The promoters of the homologs drove temporal and spatial expression
      patterns of the GUS reporter gene in the tapetum and microspores of Arabidopsis
      anthers identical to the AtMYB80 promoter. A short region is conserved in all
      five MYB80 promoters. The MYB80 homolog genes, driven by the AtMYB80 or their
      respective promoters, rescued the atmyb80 mutant, completely restoring male
      fertility. The canola MYB80 was fused to the EAR (ERF-associated amphiphilic
      repression) repressor and canola plants transgenic for the construct exhibited
      premature tapetal degradation and subsequent pollen abortion. The five MYB80
      homologs all shared a 44 amino acid sequence immediately adjacent to the R2R3
      domain which appears to be necessary for MYB80 function.

PMID- 22086335
TI  - Tactile stimulation lowers stress in fish.
AB  - In humans, physical stimulation, such as massage therapy, reduces stress and has
      demonstrable health benefits. Grooming in primates may have similar effects but
      it remains unclear whether the positive effects are due to physical contact or to
      its social value. Here we show that physical stimulation reduces stress in a
      coral reef fish, the surgeonfish Ctenochaetus striatus. These fish regularly
      visit cleaner wrasses Labroides dimidiatus to have ectoparasites removed. The
      cleanerfish influences client decisions by physically touching the surgeonfish
      with its pectoral and pelvic fins, a behaviour known as tactile stimulation. We
      simulated this behaviour by exposing surgeonfish to mechanically moving
      cleanerfish models. Surgeonfish had significantly lower levels of cortisol when
      stimulated by moving models compared with controls with access to stationary
      models. Our results show that physical contact alone, without a social aspect, is
      enough to produce fitness-enhancing benefits, a situation so far only
      demonstrated in humans.

PMID- 22086334
TI  - MPP8 mediates the interactions between DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a and H3K9
      methyltransferase GLP/G9a.
AB  - DNA CpG methylation and histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation are two major
      repressive epigenetic modifications, and these methylations are positively
      correlated with one another in chromatin. Here we show that G9a or G9a-like
      protein (GLP) dimethylate the amino-terminal lysine 44 (K44) of mouse Dnmt3a
      (equivalent to K47 of human DNMT3A) in vitro and in cells overexpressing G9a or
      GLP. The chromodomain of MPP8 recognizes the dimethylated Dnmt3aK44me2. MPP8 also
      interacts with self-methylated GLP in a methylation-dependent manner. The MPP8
      chromodomain forms a dimer in solution and in crystals, suggesting that a dimeric
      MPP8 molecule could bridge the methylated Dnmt3a and GLP, resulting in a
      silencing complex of Dnmt3a-MPP8-GLP/G9a on chromatin templates. Together, these
      findings provide a molecular explanation, at least in part, for the co-occurrence
      of DNA methylation and H3K9 methylation in chromatin.

PMID- 22086336
TI  - Electric field-induced chemical locomotion of conducting objects.
AB  - Externally triggered motion of small objects has potential in applications
      ranging from micromachines, to drug delivery, and self-assembly of
      superstructures. Here we present a new concept for the controlled propulsion of
      conducting objects with sizes ranging from centimetres to hundreds of
      micrometres. It is based on their polarization, induced by an electric field,
      which triggers spatially separated oxidation and reduction reactions involving
      asymmetric gas bubble formation. This in turn leads to a directional motion of
      the objects. Depending on the implied redox chemistry and the device design, the
      speed can be controlled and the motion can be switched from linear to rotational.
      This type of chemical locomotion is an alternative to existing approaches based
      on other principles.

PMID- 22086337
TI  - Pore surface engineering in covalent organic frameworks.
AB  - Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a class of important porous materials that
      allow atomically precise integration of building blocks to achieve pre-designable
      pore size and geometry; however, pore surface engineering in COFs remains
      challenging. Here we introduce pore surface engineering to COF chemistry, which
      allows the controlled functionalization of COF pore walls with organic groups.
      This functionalization is made possible by the use of azide-appended building
      blocks for the synthesis of COFs with walls to which a designable content of
      azide units is anchored. The azide units can then undergo a quantitative click
      reaction with alkynes to produce pore surfaces with desired groups and preferred
      densities. The diversity of click reactions performed shows that the protocol is
      compatible with the development of various specific surfaces in COFs. Therefore,
      this methodology constitutes a step in the pore surface engineering of COFs to
      realize pre-designed compositions, components and functions.

PMID- 22086338
TI  - Functionalized arrays of Raman-enhancing nanoparticles for capture and culture
      free analysis of bacteria in human blood.
AB  - Detecting bacteria in clinical samples without using time-consuming culture
      processes would allow rapid diagnoses. Such a culture-free detection method
      requires the capture and analysis of bacteria from a body fluid, which are
      usually of complicated composition. Here we show that coating Ag-nanoparticle
      arrays with vancomycin (Van) can provide label-free analysis of bacteria via
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), leading to a ~1,000-fold increase in
      bacteria capture, without introducing significant spectral interference. Bacteria
      from human blood can be concentrated onto a microscopic Van-coated area while
      blood cells are excluded. Furthermore, a Van-coated substrate provides distinctly
      different SERS spectra of Van-susceptible and Van-resistant Enterococcus,
      indicating its potential use for drug-resistance tests. Our results represent a
      critical step towards the creation of SERS-based multifunctional biochips for
      rapid culture- and label-free detection and drug-resistant testing of
      microorganisms in clinical samples.

PMID- 22086339
TI  - Ultrafast direct modulation of a single-mode photonic crystal nanocavity light
      emitting diode.
AB  - Low-power and electrically controlled optical sources are vital for next
      generation optical interconnect systems to meet strict energy demands. Current
      optical transmitters consisting of high-threshold lasers plus external modulators
      consume far too much power to be competitive with future electrical
      interconnects. Here we demonstrate a directly modulated photonic crystal
      nanocavity light-emitting diode (LED) with 10 GHz modulation speed and less than
      1 fJ per bit energy of operation, which is orders of magnitude lower than
      previous solutions. The device is electrically controlled and operates at room
      temperature, while the high modulation speed results from the fast relaxation of
      the quantum dots used as the active material. By virtue of possessing a small
      mode volume, our LED is intrinsically single mode and, therefore, useful for
      communicating information over a single narrowband channel. The demonstrated
      device is a major step forward in providing practical low-power and integrable
      sources for on-chip photonics.

PMID- 22086340
TI  - Self-assembly of DNA nanotubes with controllable diameters.
AB  - The synthesis of DNA nanotubes is an important area in nanobiotechnology.
      Different methods to assemble DNA nanotubes have been reported, and control over
      the width of the nanotubes has been achieved by programmed subunits of DNA tiles.
      Here we report the self-assembly of DNA nanotubes with controllable diameters.
      The DNA nanotubes are formed by the self-organization of single-stranded DNAs,
      exhibiting appropriate complementarities that yield hexagon (small or large) and
      tetragon geometries. In the presence of rolling circle amplification strands,
      that exhibit partial complementarities to the edges of the hexagon- or tetragon
      building units, non-bundled DNA nanotubes of controlled diameters can be formed.
      The formation of the DNA tubes, and the control over the diameters of the
      generated nanotubes, are attributed to the thermodynamically favoured
      unidirectional growth of the sheets of the respective subunits, followed
      subjected to the folding of sheets by elastic-energy penalties that are
      compensated by favoured binding energies.

PMID- 22086341
TI  - Selective dispersion of high purity semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes
      with regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s.
AB  - Conjugated polymers, such as polyfluorene and poly(phenylene vinylene), have been
      used to selectively disperse semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sc
      SWNTs), but these polymers have limited applications in transistors and solar
      cells. Regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s (rr-P3ATs) are the most widely used
      materials for organic electronics and have been observed to wrap around SWNTs.
      However, no sorting of sc-SWNTs has been achieved before. Here we report the
      application of rr-P3ATs to sort sc-SWNTs. Through rational selection of polymers,
      solvent and temperature, we achieved highly selective dispersion of sc-SWNTs. Our
      approach enables direct film preparation after a simple centrifugation step.
      Using the sorted sc-SWNTs, we fabricate high-performance SWNT network transistors
      with observed charge-carrier mobility as high as 12 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and on/off
      ratio of >10(6). Our method offers a facile and a scalable route for separating
      sc-SWNTs and fabrication of electronic devices.

PMID- 22086342
TI  - A gustatory receptor involved in host plant recognition for oviposition of a
      swallowtail butterfly.
AB  - Swallowtail butterflies belonging to the family of Papilionidae selectively
      utilize a limited number of plants from a single or a few families. Female
      butterflies lay eggs on their host only when they detect specific chemicals
      through their foreleg chemosensilla while drumming on the leaf surface. Here we
      show that the butterfly, Papilio xuthus, uses a gustatory receptor specific for
      synephrine to select its host in oviposition behaviour. We identify a gustatory
      receptor gene involved in the recognition of an oviposition stimulant,
      synephrine, from the P. xuthus by a combination of in silico, in vitro and in
      vivo approaches. The receptor, PxutGr1, responds specifically to synephrine in
      Sf9 cells. The sensitivity of tarsal taste sensilla to synephrine and the
      oviposition behaviour in response to synephrine are strongly reduced after
      injecting double-stranded RNA of PxutGr1 into pupae. These observations indicate
      that the receptor PxutGr1 represents a key factor in host specialization in P.
      xuthus.

PMID- 22086343
TI  - Wide-band quantum interface for visible-to-telecommunication wavelength
      conversion.
AB  - Although near-infrared photons in telecommunication bands are required for long
      distance quantum communication, various quantum information tasks have been
      performed by using visible photons for the past two decades. Recently, such
      visible photons from diverse media including atomic quantum memories have also
      been studied. Optical frequency down-conversion from visible to telecommunication
      bands while keeping the quantum states is thus required for bridging such
      wavelength gaps. Here we report demonstration of a quantum interface of frequency
      down-conversion from visible to telecommunication bands by using a nonlinear
      crystal, which has a potential to work over wide bandwidths, leading to a high
      speed interface of frequency conversion. We achieved the conversion of a
      picosecond visible photon at 780  nm to a 1,522-nm photon, and observed that the
      conversion process retained entanglement between the down-converted photon and
      another photon.

PMID- 22086344
TI  - Initiation of statin therapy: are there age limits?
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, with a higher
      prevalence in older adults who form an increasing proportion of the population of
      the United States. Statin treatment reduces cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality in middle-aged adults. However, few studies have included older
      individuals, particularly ages 80 years or older. We review recent publications
      regarding primary and secondary prevention of CVD with statin therapy in older
      adults. Risk scores and their limitations in this population are discussed. The
      association of adverse effects with intensive doses of statin and their
      interactions with other drugs may be more problematic in older adults. Statin
      therapy appears cost-effective for individuals with higher CVD risk but this is
      dependent on the assumptions used. Evidence remains limited regarding the overall
      benefit of starting statin therapy in adults ages 80 years and older; thus,
      clinical judgment remains necessary in making this decision.

PMID- 22086346
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of polymyxin-B immobilized fiber column and
      conventional medical therapy in the management of abdominal septic shock in
      Italy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Severe abdominal sepsis and septic shock are common problems in
      intensive care units (ICUs), and carry high mortality. The purpose of this
      economic analysis was to determine the cost-effectiveness of polymyxin B
      immobilized fiber column (PMX-F) plus conventional therapy (CT) (PMX-F-CT) versus
      CT alone for patients with severe sepsis/septic shock of abdominal origin, in the
      perspective of the Italian hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective cost
      effectiveness analysis (CEA) based on data of clinical efficacy and consumption
      of resources collected alongside an Italian randomized clinical trial. 64
      patients were enrolled following emergency surgery for intra-abdominal infection
      in 10 tertiary care ICUs from December 2004 to December 2007. Direct medical
      costs analyzed in the study included the consumption of hospital days, ICU days,
      catecholamine treatment days, renal replacement therapy days, mechanical
      ventilation treatment days, and the use of the PMX-F device. Resources were
      valued using published 2010 tariffs and market values. All-cause hospital
      mortality was extrapolated to survival as expected life years (LY) per
      patient/arm: for each survivor, average age-gender-related years of life
      expectancy were retrieved from national life tables; for deceased patients, only
      the number of CRF reported survival days was retained. Baseline expected years of
      survival were weighed by the severity of sepsis, according to individual Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (Apache) II scores, showing that
      age/disease severity were comparable in the two groups before treatment
      initiation. Life expectancy per patient in each treatment group was thus
      calculated as the combination of life expectancy from Italian National Statistics
      Institute life tables and intra-hospital mortality detected in the Early Use of
      Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in Abdominal Septic Shock (EUPHAS) study. After all
      costs and 3% discounted survival years were calculated per patient per treatment
      arm, the incremental CEA was run to obtain the incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analyses and 2,000 bootstrap replications
      were run to test the robustness of the study results. RESULTS: Based on the
      expected survival years (mean discounted PMX-F-CT 9.37 LY/patient, CT 4.92
      LY/patient; difference for PMX-F-CT 4.45 LY/patient; mean undiscounted PMX-F-CT
      13.92 LY/patient, CT 7.19 LY/patient; difference +6.73 LY/patient), and the
      expected mean cost (PMX-F-CT mean 59,922 EUR/patient, CT mean 42,712 EUR/patient;
      difference for PMX-F-CT 17,211 EUR/patient), the mean ICER for PMX- F-CT resulted
      in 3,864 EUR/life year gained (LYG; ICER 2,558/undiscounted LYG). Results of the
      base-case CEA were confirmed by all sensitivity analyses, with ICER values always
      well below commonly accepted value thresholds. CONCLUSION: PMX-F-CT versus CT is
      a cost-effective intervention for treatment of severe sepsis/septic shock of
      abdominal origin and could be considered for use in the Italian National Health
      System hospital setting.

PMID- 22086345
TI  - Understanding renal posttransplantation anemia in the pediatric population.
AB  - Advances in renal transplantation management have proven to be beneficial in
      improving graft and patient survival. One of the properties of a well-functioning
      renal allograft is the secretion of adequate amounts of the hormone
      erythropoietin to stimulate erythropoiesis. Posttransplantation anemia (PTA) may
      occur at any point in time following transplantation, and the cause is
      multifactoral. Much of our understanding of PTA is based on studies of adult
      transplant recipients. The limited number of studies that have been reported on
      pediatric renal transplant patients appear to indicate that PTA is prevalent in
      this patient population. Erythropoietin deficiency or resistance is commonly
      associated with iron deficiency. An understanding of the risk factors,
      pathophysiology and management of PTA in the pediatric renal transplant
      population may provide guidelines for clinicians and researchers in the pursuit
      of larger prospective randomized control studies aimed at improving our limited
      knowledge of PTA. Recognition of PTA through regular screening and evaluation of
      the multiple factors that may contribute to its development are recommended after
      transplantation.

PMID- 22086347
TI  - Enhancement of beta-carotene production by over-expression of HMG-CoA reductase
      coupled with addition of ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors in recombinant
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In this study, the synergistic effect of overexpressing the 3-hydroxy-3
      methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase gene and adding ergosterol
      synthesis inhibitor, ketoconazole, on beta-carotene production in the recombinant
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. The results showed that the over
      expression of HMG-CoA reductase gene and adding 100 mg/l ketoconazole alone can
      result in 135.1 and 15.6% increment of beta-carotene concentration compared with
      that of the control (2.05 mg/g dry weight of cells), respectively. However, the
      combination of overexpressing HMG-CoA reductase gene and adding ketoconazole can
      achieve a 206.8% increment of pigment content (6.29 mg/g dry weight of cells)
      compared with that of the control. Due to the fact that over-expression of the
      HMG-CoA reductase gene can simultaneously improve the flux of the sterol and
      carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, it can be concluded that under the circumstances
      of blocking sterol biosynthesis, increasing the activity of HMG-CoA reductase can
      result in more precursors FPP fluxing into carotenoid branch and obtain a high
      increment of beta-carotene production. The results of this study collectively
      suggest that the combination of overexpressing HMG-CoA reductase gene and
      supplying ergosterol synthesis inhibitor is an effective strategy to improve the
      production of desirable isoprenoid compounds such as carotenoids.

PMID- 22086349
TI  - Resorcin[4]arene-derived mono-, bis- and tetra-imidazolium salts as ligand
      precursors for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling.
AB  - Eleven resorcinarene cavitands bearing either one, two or four (3-R-1
      imidazolylium)-methyl substituents (R = (n)Bu, Ph, Mes, (i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3))
      anchored at resorcinolic "ortho" positions have been synthesised from the
      appropriate bromomethylated precursor. Combining the imidazolium salts with
      palladium acetate and Cs(2)CO(3) gave active Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling
      catalysts. The highest activities were observed with the doubly functionalised
      cavitands, which all have the imidazolylium groups attached to proximal
      resorcinol units.

PMID- 22086350
TI  - Promoter methylation of the bone morphogenetic protein 6 gene in multiple
      myeloma.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which belong to the transforming growth
      factor-beta superfamily, are multifunctional signaling molecules that have become
      of increasing interest in cancer research. Recent observations suggest that
      alterations in BMPs and BMP signaling are associated with tumorigenesis and
      disease progression in various types of malignancies. This study investigated the
      methylation status of the BMP6 gene promoter in various types of plasma cell
      proliferative disorders by combined bisulfite restriction analysis. While BMP6
      methylation was not detected in any samples from monoclonal gammopathies of
      undetermined significance, intramedullary multiple myeloma (MM), plasma cell
      leukemia or solitary plasmacytoma, both case studies and cell line studies showed
      that multiple extramedullary plasmacytoma (MEP) consistently carried a methylated
      BMP6 promoter. The BMP6 methylation-positive MEP was an aggressive form of MM
      with extremely high levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bisulfite
      sequencing analysis confirmed intensive methylation at CpG sites of the BMP6
      promoter region. The methylation of BMP6 was correlated with decreased levels of
      mRNA transcripts. Expression of BMP6 was restored by the demethylating agent 5
      aza-2'-deoxycytidine, suggesting that the methylation is associated with
      transcriptional silencing. Our study implied that BMP6 promoter methylation is
      not a common event in MMs, but occurs in aggressive MEP. These findings warrant
      further investigation to clarify whether BMP6 methylation together with elevated
      LDH could be a marker of poor prognosis in MEP patients who should be considered
      for early intensive treatment.

PMID- 22086352
TI  - Grounding compositional symbols: no composition without discrimination.
AB  - The classical computational conception of meaning has been challenged by the idea
      that symbols must be grounded on sensorimotor processes. A difficult question
      arises from the fact that grounding representations cannot be symbolic themselves
      but, in order to support compositionality, should work as primitives. This
      implies that they should be precisely identifiable and strictly connected with
      discriminable perceptual features. Ideally, each representation should correspond
      to a single discriminable feature. The present study was aimed at exploring
      whether feature discrimination is a fundamental requisite for grounding
      compositional symbols. We studied this problem by using Integral stimuli,
      composed of two interacting and not separable features. Such stimuli were
      selected in Experiment 1 as pictures whose component features are easily or
      barely discriminable (Separable or Integral) on the basis of psychological
      distance metrics (City-block or Euclidean) computed from similarity judgments. In
      Experiment 2, either each feature was associated with one word of a two-word
      expression, or the whole stimulus with a single word. In Experiment 3, the
      procedure was reversed and words or expressions were associated with whole
      pictures or separate features. Results support the hypothesis that single words
      are best grounded by Integral stimuli and composite expressions by Separable
      stimuli, where a strict association of single words with discriminated features
      is possible.

PMID- 22086351
TI  - Cognitive architecture of perceptual organization: from neurons to gnosons.
AB  - What, if anything, is cognitive architecture and how is it implemented in neural
      architecture? Focusing on perceptual organization, this question is addressed by
      way of a pluralist approach which, supported by metatheoretical considerations,
      combines complementary insights from representational, connectionist, and dynamic
      systems approaches to cognition. This pluralist approach starts from a
      representationally inspired model which implements the intertwined but
      functionally distinguishable subprocesses of feedforward feature encoding,
      horizontal feature binding, and recurrent feature selection. As sustained by a
      review of neuroscientific evidence, these are the subprocesses that are believed
      to take place in the visual hierarchy in the brain. Furthermore, the model
      employs a special form of processing, called transparallel processing, whose
      neural signature is proposed to be gamma-band synchronization in transient
      horizontal neural assemblies. In neuroscience, such assemblies are believed to
      mediate binding of similar features. Their formal counterparts in the model are
      special input-dependent distributed representations, called hyperstrings, which
      allow many similar features to be processed in a transparallel fashion, that is,
      simultaneously as if only one feature were concerned. This form of processing
      does justice to both the high combinatorial capacity and the high speed of the
      perceptual organization process. A naturally following proposal is that those
      temporarily synchronized neural assemblies are "gnosons", that is, constituents
      of flexible self-organizing cognitive architecture in between the relatively
      rigid level of neurons and the still elusive level of consciousness.

PMID- 22086353
TI  - Caloric restriction modifies both innate and adaptive immunity in the mouse small
      intestine.
AB  - Although caloric restriction (CR) apparently has beneficial effects on the immune
      system, its effects on the immunological function of the intestinal mucosa are
      little known. The present study explored the effect of CR on the innate and
      adaptive intestinal immunity of mice. Balb/c mice were either fed ad libitum
      (control) or on alternate days fed ad libitum and fasted (caloric restriction).
      After 4 months, an evaluation was made of IgA levels in the ileum, the gene
      expression for IgA and its receptor (pIgR), as well as the expression of two
      antimicrobial enzymes (lysozyme and phospholipase A2) and several cytokines of
      the intestinal mucosa. CR increased the gene expression of lysozyme and
      phospholipase A2. The levels of IgA were diminished in the ileum, which
      apparently was a consequence of the reduced transport of IgA by pIgR. In ileum,
      CR increased the gene expression for most cytokines, both pro- and anti
      inflammatory. Hence, CR differentially modified the expression of innate and
      adaptive immunity mediators in the intestine.

PMID- 22086354
TI  - Construction of an extended library of adult male 3D models: rationale and
      results.
AB  - In order to best cover the possible extent of heights and weights of male adults
      the construction of 25 whole body 3D models has been undertaken. Such a library
      is thought to be useful to specify the uncertainties and relevance of dosimetry
      calculations carried out with models representing individuals of average body
      heights and weights. Representative 3D models of Caucasian body types are
      selected in a commercial database according to their height and weight, and 3D
      models of the skeleton and internal organs are designed using another commercial
      dataset. A review of the literature enabled one to fix volume or mass target
      values for the skeleton, soft organs, skin and fat content of the selected
      individuals. The composition of the remainder tissue is fixed so that the weight
      of the voxel models equals the weight of the selected individuals. After mesh and
      NURBS modelling, volume adjustment of the selected body shapes and additional
      voxel-based work, 25 voxel models with 109 identified organs or tissue are
      obtained. Radiation transport calculations are carried out with some of the
      developed models to illustrate potential uses. The following points are discussed
      throughout this paper: justification of the fixed or obtained models' features
      regarding available and relevant literature data; workflow and strategy for major
      modelling steps; advantages and drawbacks of the obtained library as compared
      with other works. The construction hypotheses are explained and justified in
      detail since future calculation results obtained with this library will depend on
      them.

PMID- 22086355
TI  - A novel structural form of MIL-53 observed for the scandium analogue and its
      response to temperature variation and CO2 adsorption.
AB  - The scandium analogue of the flexible terephthalate MIL-53 yields a novel closed
      pore structure upon removal of guest molecules which has unusual thermal
      behaviour and stepwise opening during CO(2) adsorption. By contrast, the nitro
      functionalised MIL-53(Sc) cannot fully close and the structure possesses
      permanent porosity for CO(2).

PMID- 22086356
TI  - Gut pH as a limiting factor for digestive proteolysis in cultured juveniles of
      the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).
AB  - After the development of the gastric function in juvenile fish, dietary proteins
      enter a two-phase digestive process comprising an acidic gastric phase followed
      by an alkaline intestinal phase. However, the main gastric protease, pepsin, is
      strictly dependent on the existence of a low-enough environmental pH. In 20-g
      gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, the mean minimal gastric pH is close to 4.5,
      while the mean pH in the duodenal portion of the intestine was nearly fixed at
      6.5. The mean maximal gastric content of HCl was approximately 20 microEq for a
      low-buffering diet. Gastric proteases were more severely affected than intestinal
      proteases when assayed at actual sub-optimal pH values, 4.5 and 6.5,
      respectively. When the gastric proteases of juvenile fish were pre-incubated with
      a citric acid buffer at pH 6.0, the activity at pH 4.5 was very low, whereas when
      they were pre-incubated with the same buffer at pH 3.0, the activity at pH 4.5
      was significantly increased; this fact suggests a deficient activation of
      zymogens during the gastric digestion and points to a potential approach to
      improve protein digestion in juvenile gilthead sea bream.

PMID- 22086357
TI  - A comparison of approaches to control for confounding factors by regression
      models.
AB  - A common technique to control for confounding factors in practice is by
      regression adjustment. There are various versions of regression modeling in the
      literature, and in this paper we considered four approaches often seen in genetic
      association studies. We carried out both analytical and simulation studies
      comparing the bias of effect size estimates and examining the test sizes under
      the null hypothesis of no association between an outcome and an exposure.
      Further, we compared the methods in a nonsynonymous genome-wide scan for plasma
      lipoprotein(a) levels using a dataset from the Dallas Heart Study. We found that
      a widely employed approach that models the covariate-adjusted outcome and the
      exposure leads to an infranominal test size and underestimation of the exposure
      effect size. In conclusion, we recommend either using multiple regression models
      or modeling the covariate-adjusted outcome and the covariate-adjusted exposure to
      control for confounding factors.

PMID- 22086358
TI  - Central angiotensin I increases swallowing activity and oxytocin release in the
      near-term ovine fetus.
AB  - The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in hydromineral
      and neuroendocrine balance. Although previous studies showed that exogenous
      angiotensin (Ang) II increased dipsogenic and vasopressin responses in near-term
      fetuses, little is known about the functional development of fetal endogenous
      brain RAS in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis. To determine the
      functional development of the central angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in
      utero, we investigated the electrocortical (ECoG) activity, swallowing activity,
      oxytocin (OT) release, and c-fos expression in response to
      intracerebroventricular Ang I administration in the near-term fetal lamb. Ang I
      did not change fetal low-voltage (LV) and high-voltage (HV) ECoG temporal
      distributions, but increased fetal swallowing activity during LV ECoG (1.0+/-0.1
      to 3.5+/-0.4 swallows/min). Additionally, Ang I evoked an increase in c-fos
      immunoreactivity in putative dipsogenic centers, including the supraoptic and
      paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, accompanied by an increase in fetal
      plasma OT levels. The expression of c-fos was demonstrated in OT neurons in the
      hypothalamus. The Ang I-mediated increase in fetal swallowing and plasma OT was
      inhibited by captopril. These results demonstrate the functional development of
      the fetal brain ACE system in the last trimester of gestation, which plays an
      important role in the RAS-mediated dipsogenic response and OT release in the
      regulation of body fluid homeostasis.

PMID- 22086359
TI  - CREB involvement in the regulation of striatal prodynorphin by nicotine.
AB  - RATIONALE: The transcription factor cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein
      plays a pivotal role in drug-dependent neuronal plasticity. CREB phosphorylation
      at Ser133 is enhanced by drugs of abuse, including nicotine. Dynorphin (Dyn)
      contributes to the addictive process and its precursor gene prodynorphin (PD) is
      regulated by CREB. PD mRNA and Dyn synthesis were enhanced in the striatum
      following acute nicotine, suggesting genomic regulation. OBJECTIVE: These studies
      investigated PD transcription in mice acutely treated with nicotine, determined
      the role of CREB, and characterized the receptors involved. RESULTS: Acute
      nicotine increased adenylyl cyclase activity, cAMP, and pCREB Ser133 levels in
      striatum and enhanced CREB binding to CRE elements (DynCREs) of the PD promoter,
      preferentially DynCRE3. DynCRE3 binding was dose dependent with 1 mg of nicotine
      giving a maximal response. Additionally, DynCRE binding was time dependent,
      rising by 15 min, reaching a maximum at 1 h, and returning to control by 3 h, a
      temporal pattern similar to that of cAMP and pCREB. Supershift experiments showed
      that CREB and pCREB Ser133 were the major contributors to DynCRE3 binding
      complex. The nAChR antagonist mecamylamine and the dopamine D1-like receptor
      antagonist SCH 23390 prevented the nicotine-induced increase of pCREB and nuclear
      protein binding to DynCRE3. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that nicotine
      regulates PD expression in striatum at the transcriptional level and CREB is
      involved. Dopamine D1 receptor stimulation by nAChR-released dopamine appears to
      be an underlying mechanism. Altered Dyn synthesis might be relevant for the
      behavioral actions of nicotine and especially its aversive properties.

PMID- 22086360
TI  - Methylphenidate treatment in the spontaneously hypertensive rat: influence on
      methylphenidate self-administration and reinstatement in comparison with Wistar
      rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant given for extended periods of
      time as a treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The long
      term effects of the drug are not yet known, and it is speculated that repeated
      exposure may produce drug dependence. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of
      repeated methylphenidate treatment on methylphenidate self-administration and
      reinstatement in the most validated animal model of ADHD, the spontaneously
      hypertensive rat (SHR), and Wistar rat, strain representing the "normal"
      heterogeneous population. METHODS: Rats were administered intraperitoneally with
      saline or methylphenidate (2 mg/kg) for 14 days, prior to experiments.
      Thereafter, responses for intravenous methylphenidate under the fixed ratio (FR1
      and FR3) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules were assessed. Extinction
      experiments followed, as well as tests to determine the ability of
      intraperitoneal administration of methylphenidate (2 and 5 mg/kg) to reinstate
      extinguished drug-seeking behaviors in rats. RESULTS: Previous exposure to
      methylphenidate enhanced methylphenidate self-administration in Wistar rats but
      not in SHR (FR3). Methylphenidate pretreatment reduced responding for
      methylphenidate in SHR but did not affect self-administration behaviors of Wistar
      rats (PR). Methylphenidate pre-exposure robustly reinstated drug-seeking
      behaviors in Wistar rats, but not in SHR. CONCLUSION: The contrasting effects of
      repeated methylphenidate treatment in methylphenidate self-administration and
      reinstatement in Wistar and SHR, and the increased susceptibility of the Wistar
      rat strain to the reinforcing effects of methylphenidate indicate that "normal"
      individuals are more likely to develop psychological dependence to the drug and
      experience relapse. Meanwhile, the clinical use of methylphenidate may not
      produce drug dependence or relapse in ADHD patients.

PMID- 22086362
TI  - The quality of work life of people with severe mental disorders working in social
      enterprises: a qualitative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this phenomenological study is to provide an in-depth
      understanding of the meaning that people with severe mental disorders give about
      their quality of work life (QWL) while working in social enterprises. METHODS:
      Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants were conducted. All interviews
      were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi's framework for data analysis
      was used. RESULTS: Eight sub-themes emerged and can be better understood within
      two larger themes: (A) interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of QWL and (B)
      structural and physical aspects. Within theme A, sub-themes were (1) having a
      sense of belonging to the enterprise, (2) having the feeling of being a good
      worker, (3) establishing relationships with co-workers, and (4) establishing
      relationships with supervisors. Within theme B, sub-themes were (5) working
      tasks, (6) working conditions, (7) working environment, and (8) organizational
      management. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of understanding
      the perspective of people with severe mental disorders regarding their QWL in
      order to better tailor interventions that enhance it. Although some sub-themes of
      QWL identified in the present study were similar to those found in previous
      studies conducted with other populations, a unique sub-theme of QWL was
      identified: having the feeling of being a good worker. Specific QWL measurement
      that addresses this unique sub-theme is needed when assessing QWL of people with
      severe mental disorders.

PMID- 22086363
TI  - Management of hyperglycemia during the perioperative period.
AB  - Hyperglycemia is frequently encountered in the inpatient setting and is
      distinctly associated with poor clinical outcomes. Recent literature suggests an
      association between stringent glycemic control and increased mortality, thus
      keeping optimal glycemic targets a relevant subject of debate. In the surgical
      population, hyperglycemia with or without diabetes mellitus may be unrecognized.
      Factors contributing to hyperglycemia in the hospital include critical illness,
      use of certain drugs, use of enteral or parenteral nutrition, and variability in
      oral or nutritional intake as can occur when patients are prepared for procedures
      or surgery. A sensible approach to managing hyperglycemia in this population
      includes preoperative recognition of diabetes mellitus and risks for inpatient
      hyperglycemia. Judicious control of glycemia during the pre-, intra-, and
      postoperative time periods with avoidance of hypoglycemia mandates the need for a
      strategy for patient management that extend to time of discharge. We review the
      consequences of uncontrolled perioperative hyperglycemia, discuss current
      clinical guidelines and recent controversies, and provide practical tools for
      glycemic control in the surgical population.

PMID- 22086361
TI  - The association of tooth loss with all-cause and circulatory mortality. Is there
      a benefit of replaced teeth? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - We systematically reviewed whether the number of teeth is related to all-cause or
      circulatory mortality and whether replaced teeth are protective against all-cause
      or circulatory mortality. The search was based on the PubMed database. All cohort
      studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected. Studies on periodontal
      disease and mortality were excluded if they did not provide information on the
      number of teeth. Risk estimates from studies with appropriate exposure
      definition, confounder adjustment and sample size were included in a meta
      analysis. Three high-quality studies found a relationship between the number of
      teeth and circulatory mortality, whereas a moderate study did not. Two out of
      four moderate- to high-quality studies reported a relationship between the number
      of teeth and all-cause mortality. No study has investigated whether replaced
      teeth are protective against mortality. Therefore, denture use was taken as
      proxy. The methodological quality of studies on denture use and mortality was
      generally low to moderate. The findings of two moderate studies indicated an
      effect of prosthodontic replacements on all-cause mortality, which was supported
      in bias analysis. It is open whether competing risks of cause-specific death
      other than circulatory mortality reduce an effect of the number of teeth on all
      cause mortality. An effect of denture use on circulatory mortality remains to be
      established, as well as whether the number of replaced teeth affects mortality.
      Specifying the role of potential pathways by which tooth loss-related mortality
      is mediated will possibly increase the value of dental treatment for general
      health.

PMID- 22086364
TI  - Oral ingestion of Lentinula edodes mycelia extract can restore the antitumor T
      cell response of mice inoculated with colon-26 cells into the subserosal space of
      the cecum.
AB  - We previously reported that oral ingestion of Lentinula edodes mycelia (L.E.M.)
      extract can inhibit the growth of a subcutaneously established melanoma in a T
      cell-dependent manner via mitigation of regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated
      immunosuppression. In this study, we tested the antitumor effect and mechanism of
      oral ingestion of L.E.M. extract following inoculation of murine colon carcinoma
      colon-26 (C26) cells into the subserosal space of the cecum (i.c.) of syngeneic
      mice. In this model, the primary site of the immune response was gut-associated
      lymphoid tissue (GALT), which is known to be an immunological tolerance-inducing
      site for numerous dietary antigens. Oral ingestion of the L.E.M. extract
      suppressed the growth of i.c.-inoculated C26 cells in a T cell-dependent manner
      and restored the T cell response of the mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen,
      not only to a tumor antigen-derived peptide, presented on H-2Ld molecules, but
      also to C26 cells. I.c. inoculation of C26 cells increased the potential of CD4+
      T cells of the mesenteric lymph nodes to produce transforming growth factor (TGF)
      beta, but ingestion of the L.E.M. extract decreased the ability of both CD4+ and
      CD8+ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes to produce this immunosuppressive
      cytokine. Although ingestion of L.E.M. showed only a marginal effect on Tregs in
      this model, this treatment significantly reduced the plasma levels of TGF-beta
      and IL-6, both of which were increased in the i.c. C26-inoculated mice. In
      summary, our results indicate that oral ingestion of L.E.M. extract can restore
      antitumor T cell responses of mice even when the primary antitumor immune
      response is elicited in GALT, and provide important implications for anticancer
      immunotherapy of human colon cancer.

PMID- 22086365
TI  - Immunoadsorption therapy for steroid-unresponsive relapses in patients with
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in steroid-unresponsive relapses of
      patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is an established therapy with response
      rates of up to 70%. Immunoadsorption (IA) specifically removes immunoglobulins
      from the patient's plasma. It is hypothesized that IA therapy might be better
      tolerated than and as effective as TPE in the treatment of MS relapses.
      Experiences with IA therapy of steroid-unresponsive MS relapses are limited.
      METHODS: We report our experiences with IA therapy in a series of 10 patients
      with steroid-unresponsive MS relapses. RESULTS: A marked to moderate clinical
      response with clear gain of function was observed in 66% of our patients. IA
      therapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: IA therapy is an effective and well
      tolerated therapeutic option for steroid-unresponsive MS relapses.

PMID- 22086366
TI  - Reversing invasion in bistable systems.
AB  - In this paper, we discuss a class of bistable reaction-diffusion systems used to
      model the competitive interaction of two species. The interactions are assumed to
      be of classic "Lotka-Volterra" type and we will consider a particular problem
      with relevance to applications in population dynamics: essentially, we study
      under what conditions the interplay of relative motility (diffusion) and
      competitive strength can cause waves of invasion to be halted and reversed. By
      establishing rigorous results concerning related degenerate and near-degenerate
      systems, we build a picture of the dependence of the wave speed on system
      parameters. Our results lead us to conjecture that this class of competition
      model has three "zones of response". In the central zone, varying the motility
      can slow, halt and reverse invasion. However, in the two outer zones, the
      direction of invasion is independent of the relative motility and is entirely
      determined by the relative competitive strengths. Furthermore, we conjecture that
      for a large class of competition models of the type studied here, the wave speed
      is an increasing function of the relative motility.

PMID- 22086367
TI  - A method to derive vegetation distribution maps for pollen dispersion models
      using birch as an example.
AB  - Detailed knowledge of the spatial distribution of sources is a crucial
      prerequisite for the application of pollen dispersion models such as, for
      example, COSMO-ART (COnsortium for Small-scale MOdeling-Aerosols and Reactive
      Trace gases). However, this input is not available for the allergy-relevant
      species such as hazel, alder, birch, grass or ragweed. Hence, plant distribution
      datasets need to be derived from suitable sources. We present an approach to
      produce such a dataset from existing sources using birch as an example. The basic
      idea is to construct a birch dataset using a region with good data coverage for
      calibration and then to extrapolate this relationship to a larger area by using
      land use classes. We use the Swiss forest inventory (1 km resolution) in
      combination with a 74-category land use dataset that covers the non-forested
      areas of Switzerland as well (resolution 100 m). Then we assign birch density
      categories of 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 2.5% to each of the 74 land use categories. The
      combination of this derived dataset with the birch distribution from the forest
      inventory yields a fairly accurate birch distribution encompassing entire
      Switzerland. The land use categories of the Global Land Cover 2000 (GLC2000;
      Global Land Cover 2000 database, 2003, European Commission, Joint Research
      Centre; resolution 1 km) are then calibrated with the Swiss dataset in order to
      derive a Europe-wide birch distribution dataset and aggregated onto the 7 km
      COSMO-ART grid. This procedure thus assumes that a certain GLC2000 land use
      category has the same birch density wherever it may occur in Europe. In order to
      reduce the strict application of this crucial assumption, the birch density
      distribution as obtained from the previous steps is weighted using the mean
      Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI; yearly sums of daily pollen concentrations). For
      future improvement, region-specific birch densities for the GLC2000 categories
      could be integrated into the mapping procedure.

PMID- 22086368
TI  - Development: autophagy eliminates paternal mitochondria.

PMID- 22086370
TI  - Cell cycle: E2F1 ensures the endocycle.

PMID- 22086372
TI  - Photocurrent enhancement tuned with plasmonic resonance in self-assembled
      monolayers fabricated on regularly arrayed gold nanostructures.
AB  - We investigated the enhancement properties of the photocurrent generation from
      self-assembled monolayers of porphyrin fabricated on periodic structures of gold
      half-shells. Tuning the surface plasmon frequency of the nanostructures led to
      correlated wavelength dependences of the external quantum efficiencies of the
      photocurrents, as well as fluorescence intensities resulting from effective
      electronic excitation of porphyrin molecules.

PMID- 22086371
TI  - Tail-anchored membrane protein insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Membrane proteins are inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by two highly
      conserved parallel pathways. The well-studied co-translational pathway uses
      signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor for targeting and the SEC61
      translocon for membrane integration. A recently discovered post-translational
      pathway uses an entirely different set of factors involving transmembrane domain
      (TMD)-selective cytosolic chaperones and an accompanying receptor at the ER.
      Elucidation of the structural and mechanistic basis of this post-translational
      membrane protein insertion pathway highlights general principles shared between
      the two pathways and key distinctions unique to each.

PMID- 22086369
TI  - Post-translational regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton: mechanisms and
      functions.
AB  - Half a century of biochemical and biophysical experiments has provided attractive
      models that may explain the diverse functions of microtubules within cells and
      organisms. However, the notion of functionally distinct microtubule types has not
      been explored with similar intensity, mostly because mechanisms for generating
      divergent microtubule species were not yet known. Cells generate distinct
      microtubule subtypes through expression of different tubulin isotypes and through
      post-translational modifications, such as detyrosination and further cleavage to
      Delta2-tubulin, acetylation, polyglutamylation and polyglycylation. The recent
      discovery of enzymes responsible for many tubulin post-translational
      modifications has enabled functional studies demonstrating that these post
      translational modifications may regulate microtubule functions through an amazing
      range of mechanisms.

PMID- 22086373
TI  - Exploring the role of miRNAs in renal cell carcinoma progression and metastasis
      through bioinformatic and experimental analyses.
AB  - Metastasis results in most of the cancer deaths in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma (ccRCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate many important cell functions and
      play important roles in tumor development, metastasis and progression. In our
      previous study, we identified a miRNA signature for metastatic RCC. In this
      study, we validated the top differentially expressed miRNAs on matched primary
      and metastatic ccRCC pairs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We
      performed bioinformatics analyses including target prediction and combinatorial
      analysis of previously reported miRNAs involved in tumour progression and
      metastasis. We also examined the co-expression of the miRNAs clusters and
      compared expression of intronic miRNAs and their host genes. We observed
      significant dysregulation between primary and metastatic tumours from the same
      patient. This indicates that, at least in part, the metastatic signature develops
      gradually during tumour progression. We identified metastasis-dysregulated miRNAs
      that can target a number of genes previously found to be involved in metastasis
      of kidney cancer as well as other malignancies. In addition, we found a negative
      correlation of expression of miR-126 and its target vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF)-A. Cluster analysis showed that members of the same miRNA cluster
      follow the same expression pattern, suggesting the presence of a locus control
      regulation. We also observed a positive correlation of expression between
      intronic miRNAs and their host genes, thus revealing another potential control
      mechanism for miRNAs. Many of the significantly dysregulated miRNAs in metastatic
      ccRCC are highly conserved among species. Our analysis suggests that miRNAs are
      involved in ccRCC metastasis and may represent potential biomarkers.

PMID- 22086375
TI  - H-bonding and steric effects on the properties of phenolate and phenoxyl radical
      complexes of Cu(II).
AB  - Herein, the N-R substituted N,O-phenol-pyrazole redox-active pro-ligands, (R)LH
      (R = Me, Pr) are reported together with their corresponding bis-Cu(R)L(2)
      complexes (2 and 3, respectively). The latter are reversibly oxidised to the
      corresponding stable Cu(II)-phenoxyl radical complexes 2(+) and 3(+). The
      properties of the tetrahedrally distorted complexes 2 and 3 (and those of 2(+)
      and 3(+)) are being compared to those of the square-planar H-bonded complex 1
      (bis-Cu(H)L(2)) and those of 1(+). These studies have permitted H-bonding and
      steric effects on the redox, spectroscopic and chemical properties of Cu(II)
      phenolate and Cu(II)-phenoxyl radical species to be established.

PMID- 22086374
TI  - Isolation and characterization of a new repetitive DNA family recently amplified
      in the Mesoamerican gene pool of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.,
      Fabaceae).
AB  - The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the most important crop plants.
      About 50% of its genome is composed of repetitive sequences, but only a little
      fraction was isolated and characterized so far. In this paper, a new repetitive
      DNA family from the species, named PvMeso, was isolated and characterized in both
      gene pools of P. vulgaris (Andean and Mesoamerican) and related species. Two
      fragments, 1.7 and 2.3 kb long, were cloned from BAC 255F18, which has previously
      shown a repetitive pattern. The subclone PvMeso-31 showed a terminal block in
      chromosome 7. This subclone contains a 1,705 bp long, AT-rich repeat with small
      internal repeats and shares a 1.2 kb region with PvMeso-47, derived from the 2.3
      kb fragment. The presence of this repetitive block was restricted to Mesoamerican
      accessions of the common bean. In P. acutifolius, P. leptostachyus and Andean P.
      vulgaris, only a faint, 2.3 kb fragment was visualized in Southern experiments.
      Moreover, in Mesoamerican accessions, two other fragments (1.7 kb and 3.4 kb)
      were strongly labelled as well. Taken together, our results indicate that PvMeso
      is a recently emerged, repeat family initially duplicated in chromosome 11, on
      ancestral Mesoamerican accession, and later amplified in chromosome 7, after the
      split of the two major gene pools of the common bean.

PMID- 22086376
TI  - [Discontinuing oral anticoagulation for elective surgical interventions].

PMID- 22086377
TI  - [A lucky find. 1932].

PMID- 22086378
TI  - [The medical emergency department in a Swiss regional hospital: the important
      role of generalists].
AB  - Patients not having a general practitioner will more likely use the emergency
      departments (ED) of hospitals for primary care. Crowding of the ED due to
      patients with minor health problems is a growing burden. The present work was
      aimed to analyze data of ED consultations at a Swiss regional hospital. Leading
      diagnoses of ED consultations covered a broad spectrum of internal medicine. The
      majority of patients seen in the ED are "walk-in" patients with minor problems
      that after initial evaluation and treatment in the ED could be managed as
      outpatients. Pediatric patients made a considerable part of the workload. Elderly
      patients (>65 years) were hospitalized more often.

PMID- 22086379
TI  - [Gallstone disease: basic mechanisms, diagnosis and therapy].
AB  - Gallstone disease is one of the most common gastroenterological diseases and
      represents a major burden for our heath care systems. Cholesterol gallstones,
      responsible for about 90% of stones, represent a multifactorial disease with an
      important genetic component. Most gallstone-carriers remain asymptomatic and
      hence in general, they not need any therapy. In contrast those with symptomatic
      (biliary colic) or complicated gallstone disease (cholecystitis, obstructive
      cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis) have to be treated interdisciplinary by
      surgeons and endoscopists. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy represents the causal
      therapy to avoid recurrent symptoms as well as the therapy of choice for
      cholecystitis as the most common complication of gallstone disease. Bile duct
      stones and the associated complications (cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis) are
      primarily treated endoscopically.

PMID- 22086380
TI  - [Topical therapy of ulcerative colitis].
AB  - The availability of new topical preparations for the treatment of left sided
      ulcerative colitis ulcerosa offers a therapy optimization for many patients.
      Rectal application of steroids and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is associated
      with fewer side effects and has a higher therapeutic efficacy in mild to moderate
      active left-sided colitis as compared to a systemic therapy. Often it is argued
      that the patients' compliance is insufficient with a rectal therapy. However,
      with sufficient information on the proven advantages this is usually not the
      case. The rectal application of drugs in distal ulcerative colitis is suitable
      also for the maintenance of remission. Therefore the new therapy guidelines
      recommend topical therapy more than in former times. Subsequently, these
      manuscripts focussed specifically on the topical therapy of distal colitis, to
      elucidate that clear treatment advantages are present in daily practice.

PMID- 22086381
TI  - [The tearing eye].

PMID- 22086382
TI  - [Ambulatory treatment of patients with lung embolism].

PMID- 22086383
TI  - [No difference in recurrence risk of venous thromboembolism treated with
      anticoagulation for 3 months or longer].

PMID- 22086385
TI  - [Broad complex tachycardia of different morphologies. - CME ECG 35].

PMID- 22086388
TI  - Bridging taxonomic and disciplinary divides in infectious disease.
AB  - Pathogens traverse disciplinary and taxonomic boundaries, yet infectious disease
      research occurs in many separate disciplines including plant pathology,
      veterinary and human medicine, and ecological and evolutionary sciences. These
      disciplines have different traditions, goals, and terminology, creating gaps in
      communication.  Bridging these disciplinary and taxonomic gaps promises novel
      insights and important synergistic advances in control of infectious disease.  An
      approach integrated across the plant-animal divide would advance our
      understanding of disease by quantifying critical processes including
      transmission, community interactions, pathogen evolution, and complexity at
      multiple spatial and temporal scales.  These advances require more substantial
      investment in basic disease research.

PMID- 22086390
TI  - The effect of motion correction on pharmacokinetic parameter estimation in
      dynamic-contrast-enhanced MRI.
AB  - A dynamic-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) dataset consists
      of many imaging frames, often acquired both before and after contrast injection.
      Due to the length of time spent acquiring images, patient motion is likely and
      image re-alignment or registration is required before further analysis such as
      pharmacokinetic model fitting. Non-rigid image registration procedures may be
      used to correct motion artefacts; however, a careful choice of registration
      strategy is required to reduce misregistration artefacts associated with
      enhancing features. This work investigates the effect of registration on the
      results of model-fitting algorithms for 52 DCE-MR mammography cases for 14
      patients. Results are divided into two sections: a comparison of registration
      strategies in which a DCE-MRI-specific algorithm is preferred in 50% of cases,
      followed by an investigation of parameter changes with known applied
      deformations, inspecting the effect of magnitude and timing of motion artefacts.
      Increased motion magnitude correlates with increased model-fit residual and is
      seen to have a strong influence on the visibility of strongly enhancing features.
      Motion artefacts in images close to the contrast agent arrival have a
      disproportionate effect on discrepancies in parameter estimation. The choice of
      algorithm, magnitude of motion and timing of the motion are each shown to
      influence estimated pharmacokinetic parameters even when motion magnitude is
      small.

PMID- 22086389
TI  - The association of CD46, SLAM and CD209 cellular receptor gene SNPs with
      variations in measles vaccine-induced immune responses: a replication study and
      examination of novel polymorphisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The measles virus (MV) interacts with two known cellular receptors:
      CD46 and SLAM. The transmembrane receptor CD209 interacts with MV and augments
      dendritic cell infection. METHODS: 764 subjects previously immunized with measles
      mumps-rubella vaccine were genotyped for 66 candidate SNPs in the CD46, SLAM and
      CD209 genes as part of a larger study. RESULTS: A previously detected association
      of the CD46 SNP rs2724384 with measles-specific antibodies was successfully
      replicated in this study. Increased representation of the minor allele G for an
      intronic CD46 SNP was associated with an allele dose-related decrease (978 vs.
      522 mIU/ml, p = 0.0007) in antibody levels. This polymorphism rs2724384 also
      demonstrated associations with IL-6 (p = 0.02), IFN-alpha (p = 0.007) and TNF
      alpha (p = 0.0007) responses. Two polymorphisms (coding rs164288 and intronic
      rs11265452) in the SLAM gene that were associated with measles antibody levels in
      our previous study were associated with IFN-gamma Elispot (p = 0.04) and IL-10
      responses (p = 0.0008), respectively, in this study. We found associations
      between haplotypes, AACGGAATGGAAAG (p = 0.009) and GGCCGAGAGGAGAG (p < 0.001), in
      the CD46 gene and TNF-alpha secretion. CONCLUSION: Understanding the functional
      and mechanistic consequences of these genetic polymorphisms on immune response
      variations could assist in directing new measles and potentially other viral
      vaccine design, and in better understanding measles immunogenetics.

PMID- 22086391
TI  - Decoding overlapping memories in the medial temporal lobes using high-resolution
      fMRI.
AB  - The hippocampus is proposed to process overlapping episodes as discrete memory
      traces, although direct evidence for this in human episodic memory is scarce.
      Using green-screen technology we created four highly overlapping movies of
      everyday events. Participants were scanned using high-resolution fMRI while
      recalling the movies. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that the hippocampus
      supported distinct representations of each memory, while neighboring regions did
      not, demonstrating that the human hippocampus maintains unique pattern-separated
      memory traces even when memories are highly overlapping. The hippocampus also
      contained representations of spatial contexts that were shared across different
      memories, consistent with a specialized role in processing space.

PMID- 22086392
TI  - The cellular mechanisms of memory are modified by experience.
AB  - The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is thought to be essential for synaptic
      plasticity and learning. However, recent work indicates that the role of this
      receptor depends on the prior history of the research subject. For example,
      animals trained on a hippocampus-dependent learning task are subsequently able to
      acquire new information in the absence of NMDAR activation. The current
      experiments were designed to identify the types of experiences that lead to NMDAR
      independent learning. Using contextual fear conditioning in mice, we find that
      NMDAR-independent learning is only observed when (1) animals are trained on the
      same behavioral task and (2) initial learning is successfully encoded into long
      term memory.

PMID- 22086393
TI  - Anterior thalamic lesions alter both hippocampal-dependent behavior and
      hippocampal acetylcholine release in the rat.
AB  - The anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) are important for learning and memory as
      damage to this region produces a persistent amnestic syndrome. Dense connections
      between the ATN and the hippocampus exist, and importantly, damage to the ATN can
      impair hippocampal functioning. Acetylcholine (ACh) is a key neurotransmitter in
      the hippocampus, and in vivo measures of ACh are correlated to learning and
      memory performance. In the present study, complete lesions of the ATN impaired
      performance on two measures of hippocampal-dependent learning and memory
      (spontaneous alternation and delayed alternation) and severely disrupted
      behaviorally evoked ACh efflux within the hippocampus of adult male rats. In
      contrast, incomplete ATN lesions did not impair spontaneous alternation
      performance but did impair delayed alternation performance while blunting
      hippocampal ACh efflux. Interestingly, ATN lesions of any size did not affect
      basal concentrations of ACh in the hippocampus. These results demonstrate that
      the ATN have the capacity to modulate behaviorally relevant neuronal transmission
      within the hippocampus.

PMID- 22086394
TI  - Efficient inhibition of an intraperitoneal xenograft model of human ovarian
      cancer by HSulf-1 gene delivered by biodegradable cationic heparin
      polyethyleneimine nanogels.
AB  - The HSulf-1 (heparan sulfate 6-O-endosulfatase 1) gene is an important element
      that modulates the sulfation status of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs),
      leading to the interference of HSPG-related signal transduction pathways. HSulf-1
      plays a key role in regulating cell proliferation, tumorigenesis and
      angiogenesis. Recently, some studies have reported that HSulf-1 is a down
      regulated gene in the majority of examined tumor types. In our present study, a
      recombinant plasmid DNA carrying HSulf-1-cDNA (pHSulf-1) was constructed. The
      antitumor effect of pHSulf-1 delivered by heparin-polyethyleneimine (HPEI)
      nanogels on human ovarian cancer and the possible mechanisms of the antitumor
      efficacy in vivo were further investigated. Heparin-polyethyleneimine (HPEI)
      nanogels, as a new safe non-viral gene delivery carrier, were prepared to deliver
      the plasmid expressing HSulf-1 into HSulf-1-deficient SKOV3 human ovarian cancer
      cells in vitro and in vivo. pHSulf-1 could be efficiently transfected into SKOV3
      ovarian cancer cells by HPEI nanogels in vitro and in vivo. Stable expression of
      HSulf-1 in vitro and in vivo was verified by reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, a SKOV3
      intraperitoneal ovarian carcinomatosis model was established to investigate the
      growth inhibition function of pHSulf-1 in nude mice. Tumor weight was measured.
      An anti-angiogenesis effect of pHSulf-1 in vivo was detected by CD31
      immunostaining and alginate-encapsulate tumor cell assay. Assessment of apoptotic
      cells and proliferation index in tumor tissues were performed by TUNEL assay and
      Ki-67 immunostaining. Intraperitoneal injection of pHSulf-1/HPEI complexes
      efficiently reduced tumor weight by approximately 87% compared with control
      groups (P<0.01). Meanwhile, reduction in angiogenesis, inhibition of cell
      proliferation, as well as induction of tumor cell apoptosis were observed,
      without apparent systemic toxic effects. Collectively, these observations provide
      the first evidence that pHSulf-1 delivered by HPEI nanogels may become a
      promising therapeutic strategy against human ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22086395
TI  - Management of renal cell carcinoma in sigmoid kidney.
AB  - Crossed renal ectopia is a rare congenital malformation. We report a case in a 77
      year-old man presenting with a left lower abdominal mass. Abdominal computed
      tomography showed a vascular lesion that developed in a right-to-left crossed
      fused renal ectopia. The patient was treated with radical heminephrectomy.
      Appropriate preoperative imaging and surgical technique for the isthmusectomy are
      highlighted.

PMID- 22086396
TI  - Gold nanoparticle fluorescent molecular beacon for low-resolution DQ2 gene HLA
      typing.
AB  - Coeliac disease is an inflammation of the small intestine triggered by gluten
      ingestion. We present a fluorescent genosensor, exploiting molecular-beacon
      functionalized gold nanoparticles, for the identification of human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA) DQ2 gene, a key genetic factor in coeliac disease. Optimization of
      sensor performance was achieved by tuning the composition of the oligonucleotide
      monolayer immobilized on the gold nanoparticle and the molecular beacon design.
      Co-immobilization of the molecular beacon with a spacing oligonucleotide
      (thiolated ten-thymine oligonucleotide) in the presence of ten-adenine
      oligonucleotides resulted in a significant increase of the sensor response owing
      to improved spacing of the molecular beacons and extension of the distance from
      the nanoparticle surface, which renders them more available for recognition.
      Further increase in the response (approximately 40%) was shown to be achievable
      when the recognition sequence of the molecular beacon was incorporated in the
      stem. Improvement of the specificity of the molecular beacons was also achieved
      by the incorporation within their recognition sequence of a one-base mismatch.
      Finally, gold nanoparticles functionalized with two molecular beacons targeting
      the DQA1*05* and DQB1*02* alleles allowed the low-resolution typing of the DQ2
      gene at the nanomolar level.

PMID- 22086397
TI  - Molecularly imprinted polymers for selective extraction of synephrine from
      Aurantii Fructus Immaturus.
AB  - In this work, molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) has been used
      to selectively enrich, purify, or remove synephrine from Aurantii Fructus
      Immaturus. To this end, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared by
      self-assembly from the template synephrine, the functional monomer methacrylic
      acid, and the crosslinker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in 1:4:20 molar ratio.
      Subsequent molecular interrogation of the MIP binding sites revealed preferential
      structural selectivity for synephrine relative to other structurally related
      naturally occurring compounds (i.e. octopamine and tyramine ). This selectivity
      was subsequently exploited to achieve substantial sample clean-up of extracts of
      crude Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus stir-baked with
      bran. The purity of synephrine in the extracts after MISPE represented
      approximately 24.21-fold enrichment of the synephrine in the untreated extracts
      of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus stir-baked with bran. High recoveries (85-90%) from
      the samples proved that the method was valid for selective enrichment,
      purification, or removal of synephrine from Aurantii Fructus Immaturus.

PMID- 22086398
TI  - Nanoscale analysis of surface oxides on ZnMgAl hot-dip-coated steel sheets.
AB  - In this work, the first few nanometres of the surface of ZnMgAl hot-dip
      galvanised steel sheets were analysed by scanning Auger electron spectroscopy,
      angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.
      Although the ZnMgAl coating itself is exhibiting a complex micro-structure
      composed of several different phases, it is shown that the topmost surface is
      covered by a smooth, homogeneous oxide layer consisting of a mixture of magnesium
      oxide and aluminium oxide, exhibiting a higher amount of magnesium than aluminium
      and a total film thickness of 4.5 to 5 nm. Especially by the combined analytical
      approach of surface-sensitive methods, it is directly demonstrated for the first
      time that within surface imprints--created by industrial skin rolling of the
      steel sheet which ensures a smooth surface appearance as well as reduced yield
      point phenomenon--the original, smooth oxide layer is partly removed and that a
      layer of native oxides, exactly corresponding to the chemical structure of the
      underlying metal phases, is formed.

PMID- 22086399
TI  - Toward the quantification of the 13CO2/12CO2 ratio in exhaled mouse breath with
      mid-infrared hollow waveguide gas sensors.
AB  - Mouse sepsis models are used to gain insight into the complex processes involved
      with patients suffering from glucose metabolism disorders. Measuring the
      expiratory release of (13)CO(2) after administering stable labeled (13)C(6)
      glucose enables assessment of the in vivo integrity and functionality of key
      metabolic processes. In the present study, we demonstrate that Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy operating in the mid-infrared spectral regime (2-20 MUm)
      combined with hollow waveguide gas sensing modules simultaneously serving as a
      miniaturized gas cell and as a waveguide are capable of quantitatively monitoring
      (13)CO(2) enrichment levels in low volume mouse breath samples.

PMID- 22086400
TI  - Fluorescent hybridization probes for nucleic acid detection.
AB  - Due to their high sensitivity and selectivity, minimum interference with living
      biological systems, and ease of design and synthesis, fluorescent hybridization
      probes have been widely used to detect nucleic acids both in vivo and in vitro.
      Molecular beacons (MBs) and binary probes (BPs) are two very important
      hybridization probes that are designed based on well-established photophysical
      principles. These probes have shown particular applicability in a variety of
      studies, such as mRNA tracking, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection,
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) monitoring, and microorganism identification.
      Molecular beacons are hairpin oligonucleotide probes that present distinctive
      fluorescent signatures in the presence and absence of their target. Binary probes
      consist of two fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide strands that can hybridize
      to adjacent regions of their target and generate distinctive fluorescence
      signals. These probes have been extensively studied and modified for different
      applications by modulating their structures or using various combinations of
      fluorophores, excimer-forming molecules, and metal complexes. This review
      describes the applicability and advantages of various hybridization probes that
      utilize novel and creative design to enhance their target detection sensitivity
      and specificity.

PMID- 22086402
TI  - A triterpenoid from Thalictrum fortunei induces apoptosis in BEL-7402 cells
      through the P53-induced apoptosis pathway.
AB  - Thalictrum fortunei S. Moore, a perennial plant distributed in the southeastern
      part of China, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of
      years for its antitumor, antibacterial and immunoregulatory effects. In order to
      investigate the active components and the mechanism of the anti-tumor effects of
      Thalictrum fortunei, the growth inhibitory effects of eight triterpenoids
      isolated from the aerial parts of the plant on tumor cell lines were examined by
      3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazoy1-3,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The MTT
      assay results showed that the inhibitory activity of 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1
      >4)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl(22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3beta,22,26-triol 26-O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside (1) was stronger than that of the other seven tested
      triterpenoids on human hepatoma Bel-7402 cell line (Bel-7402), human colon lovo
      cells (LoVo), human non-small cells lung cancer NCIH-460 cells (NCIH-460) and
      human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 cells (SGC-7901) after 48 h treatment in vitro,
      with the IC(50) values of 66.4, 84.8, 73.5, 89.6 MUM, respectively. Moreover, the
      antitumor mechanism of compound 1 on Bel-7402 cell was explored through nucleus
      dyeing, fluorescence assay, flow cytometry and western blot. The flow cytometric
      analysis results revealed that compound 1 caused apoptosis and mitochondrial
      membrane potential (MMP) loss in Bel-7402 cells. A fluorescence assay indicated
      that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were markedly provoked by
      compound 1 treatment compared to control cells. Immunoblot results showed that
      compound 1 significantly increased the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3,
      P53 and Bax protein, and decreased the expression level of Bcl-2 protein. These
      findings indicate that compound 1 inhibits the growth activity of tumor cells,
      probably through the P53 protein-induced apoptosis pathway.

PMID- 22086401
TI  - Trapping cells on a stretchable microwell array for single-cell analysis.
AB  - There is a need for a technology that can be incorporated into routine laboratory
      procedures to obtain a continuous, quantitative, fluorescence-based measurement
      of the dynamic behaviors of numerous individual living cells in parallel, while
      allowing other manipulations, such as staining, rinsing, and even retrieval of
      targeted cells. Here, we report a simple, low-cost microarray platform that can
      trap cells for dynamic single-cell analysis of mammalian cells. The elasticity of
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was utilized to trap tens of thousands of cells on an
      array. The PDMS microwell array was stretched by a tube through which cells were
      loaded on the array. Cells were trapped on the array by removal of the tube and
      relaxation of the PDMS. Once that was accomplished, the cells remained trapped on
      the array without continuous application of an external force and permitted
      subsequent manipulations, such as staining, rinsing, imaging, and even isolation
      of targeted cells. We demonstrate the utility of this platform by multicolor
      analysis of trapped cells and monitoring in individual cells real-time calcium
      flux after exposure to the calcium ionophore ionomycin. Additionally, a proof of
      concept for target cell isolation was demonstrated by using a microneedle to
      locally deform the PDMS membrane in order to retrieve a particular cell from the
      array.

PMID- 22086403
TI  - Acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting alkaloids from Zephyranthes concolor.
AB  - The bulbs and aerial parts of Zephyranthes concolor (Lindl.) Benth. & Hook. f.
      (Amaryllidaceae), an endemic species to Mexico, were found to contain the
      alkaloids chlidanthine, galanthamine, galanthamine N-oxide, lycorine, galwesine,
      and epinorgalanthamine. Since currently only partial and low resolution (1)H-NMR
      data for chlidanthine acetate are available, and none for chlidanthine, its 1D
      and 2D high resolution (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectra were recorded. Unambiguous
      assignations were achieved with HMBC, and HSQC experiments, and its structure was
      corroborated by X-ray diffraction. Minimum energy conformation for structures of
      chlidanthine, and its positional isomer galanthamine, were calculated by
      molecular modelling. Galanthamine is a well known acetylcholinesterase inhibitor;
      therefore, the isolated alkaloids were tested for this activity. Chlidanthine and
      galanthamine N-oxide inhibited electric eel acetylcholinesterase (2.4 and 2.6 *
      10(-5) M, respectively), indicating they are about five times less potent than
      galanthamine, while galwesine was inactive at 10(-3) M. Inhibitory activity of
      HIV-1 replication, and cytotoxicity of the isolated alkaloids were evaluated in
      human MT-4 cells; however, the alkaloids showed poor activity as compared with
      standard anti-HIV drugs, but most of them were not cytotoxic.

PMID- 22086404
TI  - A phase 2 study of pegylated interferon alpha-2b (PEG-Intron((r))) in children
      with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon-alpha is a cytokine that has demonstrated activity in
      patients with supratentorial gliomas, but its ideal dose and schedule of
      administration is unknown. Studies suggest that low-dose, continuous exposure is
      more efficacious than intermittent, high doses. The authors performed a phase 2
      study of recombinant interferon alpha-2b with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol
      (PEG-Intron((r))) in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a
      population with dismal survival despite decades of clinical investigation. The
      primary objective was to compare 2-year survival with a historic cohort that
      received radiation therapy alone. METHODS: Patients received weekly subcutaneous
      PEG-Intron((r)) at a dose of 0.3 MUg/kg beginning 2 to 10 weeks after the
      completion of radiation therapy until they developed disease progression.
      Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular intervals.
      Serum and urine were assayed for biomarkers before each cycle. Quality-of-life
      (QOL) evaluations were administered at baseline and before every other cycle of
      therapy to the parents of patients ages 6 to 18 years. RESULTS: Thirty-two
      patients (median age, 5.3 years; range, 1.8-14.8 years) were enrolled and
      received a median of 7 cycles of therapy (range, from 1 cycle to >=70 cycles).
      PEG-Intron((r)) was well tolerated, and no decrease in QOL scores was noted in
      the subset of patients tested. The 2-year survival rate was 14%, which was not
      significantly improved compared with the historic cohort. However, the median
      time to progression was 7.8 months, which compared favorably with recent trials
      reporting a time to progression of 5 months in a similar population. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although low-dose PEG-Intron((r)) therapy did not significantly improve 2-year
      survival in children with DIPG compared with an historic control population, it
      did delay the time to progression.

PMID- 22086405
TI  - Degree of freezing does not affect efficacy of frozen gloves for prevention of
      docetaxel-induced nail toxicity in breast cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Frozen gloves (FG) are effective in preventing docetaxel-induced nail
      toxicity (DNT), but uncomfortable. The preventive effect of FG for DNT was
      compared using a standard (-25 to -30 degrees C) or more comfortable (-10 to -20
      degrees C) preparation. METHODS: Breast cancer patients receiving docetaxel were
      eligible. Each patient wore an FG (prepared at -10 to -20 degrees C for 90 min)
      for 60 min without replacement on the right hand. The left hand was protected by
      standard methods (FG prepared at -25 to -30 degrees C overnight and worn for 90
      min with replacement at 45 min). The primary endpoint was DNT occurrence at 5
      months. Secondary endpoints included docetaxel exposure [cumulative dose and area
      under the blood concentration time curve (AUC)] until DNT occurrence and
      discomfort from FG. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel was assessed. RESULTS: From
      23 patients enrolled between December 2006 and June 2010, seven who received
      docetaxel for less than 5 months were excluded from evaluation. The median
      accumulated docetaxel dose was 700 mg/m(2) (340-1430 mg/m(2)). Within 5 months of
      FG use, none developed protocol-defined DNT in either hand. Two patients (13%)
      developed DNT at 7.2 and 7.3 months, respectively, both at -10 to -20 degrees C.
      In the control hand (-25 to -30 degrees C), discomfort occurred in 92% of the
      cycles, compared to 15% in the experimental hand (-10 to -20 degrees C). Five
      patients (22%) experienced pain at -25 to -30 degrees C, but none did at -10 to 
      20 degrees C. The degree of docetaxel exposure was not related to DNT occurrence
      in our study. CONCLUSION: A convenient preparation of FG at -10 to -20 degrees C
      is almost as effective as a standard preparation at -25 to -30 degrees C, with
      significantly less discomfort.

PMID- 22086406
TI  - A dietitian-led clinic for patients receiving (chemo)radiotherapy for head and
      neck cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Malnutrition is prevalent in head and neck cancer patients and is
      associated with poorer outcomes and increased health care costs. This study aimed
      to evaluate the acceptability, organisational efficiency and clinical outcomes of
      a dietitian-led head and neck cancer clinic. METHODS: Two consecutive,
      independent, patient cohorts were studied with a pre-post-test design of 98
      patients prior to the introduction of a dietitian-led clinic (DLC) and the
      subsequent 100 patients who attended the newly formulated DLC. The two groups
      were compared for frequency of dietitian intervention, weight loss, enteral
      feeding, hospital admissions and post-treatment medical follow-up requirements.
      RESULTS: Nutritional management in a DLC was associated with reduced nutrition
      related admissions from 12% to 4.5% (p = 0.0029), unplanned nasogastric tube
      insertions from 75% to 39% (p = 0.02), improved transition to oral diet post
      radiotherapy from 68.3% to 76.7% (p = 0.10) and reduced radiation oncologist
      review at 2 weeks post-radiotherapy from 32% to 15% patients (p = 0.009) compared
      to the cohort prior to the DLC. CONCLUSIONS: A dietitian-led head and neck cancer
      clinic is associated with improved efficiency and nutritional management of head
      and neck cancer patients and offers a feasible model of care.

PMID- 22086407
TI  - Worksite adjustments and work ability among employed cancer survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine how many cancer survivors (CSs)
      make worksite adjustments and what kinds of adjustments they make. Changes in
      work ability among employed CSs were explored, and clinical, sociodemographic,
      and work-related factors associated with the current total work ability were
      studied. METHODS: CSs of the ten most common invasive types of cancer for men and
      women in Norway completed a mailed questionnaire 15-39 months after being
      diagnosed with cancer. Included in the analyses were all participants who worked
      both at the time of diagnosis and at the time of the survey and who had not
      changed their labor force status since diagnosis (n = 563). The current total
      work ability was compared to the lifetime best (0-10 score). RESULTS: Twenty-six
      percent of the employed CSs had made adjustments at work, and the most common
      adjustment was changing the number of work hours per week. Despite the fact that
      31% and 23% reported reduced physical and mental work abilities, respectively,
      more than 90% of the CSs reported that they coped well with their work demands.
      The mean total work ability score was high (8.6) among both men and women. Being
      self-employed and working part-time at the time of diagnosis showed significant
      negative correlations with total work ability, while a favorable psychosocial
      work environment showed a significant positive correlation. CSs with low work
      ability were more often in contact with the occupational health service and also
      made more worksite adjustments than others. CONCLUSION: The prospects of future
      work life seem optimistic for Norwegian employed CSs who return to work
      relatively soon after primary treatment.

PMID- 22086408
TI  - Acute-on-chronic liver failure: what are the implications?
AB  - Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical entity that is well
      recognized by those who care for patients with cirrhosis, however in spite of
      this widespread recognition, there remains little consensus with regard to
      definition and clinical features. While many similarities exist between ACLF and
      decompensated cirrhosis, there are also key differences, the implications of
      which are far reaching for both clinicians and patients alike. Among these
      differences are the possibility of a reversible component, the presence of a
      defined insult, prognosis, and outcomes associated with ACLF (see Fig. 1).
      However, for ACLF to have meaningful clinical implications, it first must be
      defined. If ACLF can be clearly defined and more easily recognized, then
      clinicians may be better able to prevent, treat, prognosticate, and counsel such
      patients.

PMID- 22086409
TI  - Serological evidence for brucellosis in Bos indicus in Nigeria.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nigeria is the largest cattle-rearing nation in Africa with most animals
      kept under traditional husbandry practices. While bovine brucellosis does not
      receive much attention, a relatively high seroprevalence is found in samples
      submitted for laboratory testing. The aim of the study was to provide serological
      evidence of brucellosis in cattle from some of the main cattle-rearing states of
      the country and to validate a simple and rapid field test for the serodiagnosis
      of bovine brucellosis. METHOD: Serum samples collected in various states of
      Nigeria from cattle because of suspicion of brucellosis were investigated in the
      Rose Bengal plate test, and results were compared with a newly developed rapid
      field test for the detection of Brucella-specific antibodies. RESULTS:
      Serological evidence for the presence of brucellosis in cattle was obtained for
      all states included in the study and a high herd prevalence was observed. The
      seroprevalence was also high among trade and slaughter animals. Results of a
      rapid field test for the serodiagnosis of bovine brucellosis correlated well with
      the Rose Bengal plate test (agreement, 95.7%; kappa value, 0.80). CONCLUSIONS:
      The results indicate that bovine brucellosis is an important veterinarian problem
      in Nigeria. The easy-to-use and robust field test is most promising for field
      based surveillance as it provides an immediate result allowing the prompt
      instigation of control measures.

PMID- 22086410
TI  - Polymorphism analysis of BMPR1B gene by forced RFLP and PCR-SSCP techniques and
      expression of the mutation in introgressed sheep.
AB  - The present study was conducted to screen Kashmir valley sheep with history of
      prolificacy for the presence of FecB mutation. Forced polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and single strand
      conformation polymorphism (SSCP) techniques were employed to detect any
      polymorphism present in bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B)
      gene. Further, it was aimed at introgressing the FecB mutation into nonprolific
      noncarrier sheep. A 140-bp fragment of BMPR1B gene was amplified from isolated
      genomic DNA and subjected to forced RFLP with restriction enzyme AvaII. Three
      different RFLP patterns were identified. SSCP analysis showed one-to-one
      correspondence with RFLP patterns. Sequencing of the samples showing different
      patterns revealed that the wild (+) and mutant (B) alleles were different by a
      single nucleotide substitution in the form of A109G from wild to mutant allele.
      It led to change in amino acid from Glutamine (Q) to Arginine (R) from wild to
      mutant allele. The mutation was only detected in NARI-Suwarna and their crosses;
      all Kashmir valley sheep with prolific history lacked it. The + allele was
      abundant in the studied population. The FecB mutation was introgressed in
      nonprolific noncarrier sheep by crossing ewes with NARI-Suwarna rams possessing
      the mutation. First generation crossing produced heterozygous (B+) progeny. Some
      of the F(1) heterozygous ewes gave birth to twins when mated to unrelated NARI
      Suwarna rams. It showed that FecB mutation was successfully expressing in those
      crosses.

PMID- 22086411
TI  - Influence of processing cassava peels on the hydrogen cyanide concentration,
      nutritive value and performance of growing rabbits.
AB  - Forty-eight rabbits used to investigate the response of growing rabbits to diets
      containing differently processed cassava peel meals were divided into four groups
      balanced for sex and weight. These groups were then assigned at random to the
      experimental treatments. Four diets were formulated such that the diets contained
      200 g/kg of the experimental feedstuffs, sun-dried cassava peel meal (S), ensiled
      cassava peel meal (E) and retted cassava peel meal (R), and the control did not
      contain any cassava peels. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration in the processed
      cassava peel meal was lower relative to the unprocessed meal. It was, however,
      lowest in R and highest in E. With the exception of S, fibre fractions were lower
      in the processed meal compared to the unprocessed meal. The E depressed (p <
      0.05) feed and digestible nutrient intakes, weight gain, nutrient digestibility,
      digestible protein (DP), digestible energy (DE) and DP/DE ratio but increased
      protein intake to gain and feed to gain ratios compared to other diets. Intake of
      HCN decreased (p < 0.05) successively in this order: R, S and E. The results
      indicate that retting and sun-drying are more effective in cassava peel
      detoxification than ensiling, and dietary HCN concentration and intake of 56 and
      4 mg/kg BW, respectively, were not toxic under the conditions of the experiment.

PMID- 22086412
TI  - Effect of varying dietary energy levels during the last trimester of pregnancy on
      subsequent first lactation performance in Sahiwal heifers.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine optimum dietary energy level during the
      last trimester of pregnancy for Sahiwal heifers in subtropical Pakistan. Sixteen
      Sahiwal heifers, 5-6 months pregnant, were assigned to four dietary treatments
      with four heifers on each treatment. Isonitrogenous (CP = 14.1%) diets having
      varying energy, namely, ME 88%, ME 100% (Control), ME 112% and ME 124% of NRC
      recommended level for pregnant heifers, were fed until calving. All were fed a
      similar diet after calving. Precalving weight gain was highest (P < 0.05) in
      heifers fed ME 112 and 124% (486 +/- 13 and 497 +/- 5 g/day, respectively)
      followed by ME 100% (444 +/- 7 g/day), and the lowest weight gain was recorded
      for ME 88% (397 +/- 8 g/day). A similar trend was observed for feed efficiency.
      Body condition score at calving in groups ME 124% and ME 112% was higher than ME
      88% and ME 100%. Nutrient digestibility, birth weight of calves and milk
      composition except fat content were not influenced by energy levels. The highest
      daily milk yield was observed in heifers fed ME 100% followed by ME 112, 124, and
      88%. We conclude that the NRC recommendation is applicable to the subtropical
      region.

PMID- 22086413
TI  - Surface IgM stimulation induces MEK1/2-dependent MYC expression in chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia cells.
AB  - Although long considered as a disease of failed apoptosis, it is now clear that
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells undergo extensive cell division in vivo,
      especially in progressive disease. Signaling via the B-cell receptor is thought
      to activate proliferation and survival pathways in CLL cells and also has been
      linked to poor outcome. Here, we have analyzed the expression of the proto
      oncoprotein MYC, an essential positive regulator of the cell cycle, after
      stimulation of surface IgM (sIgM). MYC expression was rapidly increased after
      sIgM stimulation in a subset of CLL samples. The ability of sIgM stimulation to
      increase MYC expression was correlated with sIgM-induced intracellular calcium
      fluxes. MYC induction was partially dependent on the MEK/ERK signaling pathway,
      and MYC and phosphorylated ERK1/2 were both expressed within proliferation
      centers in vivo. Although stimulation of sIgD also resulted in ERK1/2
      phosphorylation, responses were relatively short lived compared with sIgM and
      were associated with significantly reduced MYC induction, suggesting that the
      kinetics of ERK1/2 activation is a critical determinant of MYC induction. Our
      results suggest that ERK1/2-dependent induction of MYC is likely to play an
      important role in antigen-induced CLL cell proliferation.

PMID- 22086414
TI  - Acute leukemia incidence and patient survival among children and adults in the
      United States, 2001-2007.
AB  - Since 2001, the World Health Organization classification for hematopoietic and
      lymphoid neoplasms has provided a framework for defining acute leukemia (AL)
      subtypes, although few population-based studies have assessed incidence patterns
      and patient survival accordingly. We assessed AL incidence rates (IRs), IR ratios
      (IRRs), and relative survival in the United States (2001-2007) in one of the
      first population-based, comprehensive assessments. Most subtypes of acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/L) predominated
      among males, from twice higher incidence of T-cell ALL/L among males than among
      females (IRR = 2.20) to nearly equal IRs of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL;
      IRR = 1.08). Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics had significantly
      higher incidence of B-cell ALL/L (IRR = 1.64) and APL (IRR = 1.28); blacks had
      lower IRs of nearly all AL subtypes. All ALL/L but only some AML subtypes were
      associated with a bimodal age pattern. Among AML subtypes, survival was highest
      for APL and AML with inv(16). B-cell ALL/L had more favorable survival than T
      cell ALL/L among the young; the converse occurred at older ages. Limitations of
      cancer registry data must be acknowledged, but the distinct AL incidence and
      survival patterns based on the World Health Organization classification support
      biologic diversity that should facilitate etiologic discovery, prognostication,
      and treatment advances.

PMID- 22086416
TI  - NOTCH1 mutations in CLL associated with trisomy 12.
AB  - Two recent studies reported whole-genome sequencing of chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL) samples and found repeated mutations in the XPO1 and NOTCH1 genes.
      XPO1 was found mutated in 2.4% of cases, while NOTCH1 was found mutated in 12.2%
      or 15.1% of CLL samples. Here we report the results of sequencing of XPO1 and
      NOTCH1 in 186 CLL cases. Our results confirmed frequency of XPO1 mutations.
      However, we found only 5 NOTCH1 mutations in 127 IGVH unmutated/ZAP70(+) CLL
      samples (4%), and one mutation was found in IGVH mutated/ZAP70(-) CLL for a total
      percentage of 1.5%. Because 4 of 6 mutated samples also showed trisomy 12, we
      sequenced NOTCH1 in an additional 77 cases with trisomy 12 CLLs, including 47
      IGVH unmutated/ZAP70(+) cases. Importantly, we found 41.9% NOTCH1 mutation
      frequency in aggressive trisomy 12 CLL cases. Our data suggest that activation of
      NOTCH1 plays a critical role in IGVH unmutated/ZAP70(+) trisomy 12 CLL.

PMID- 22086415
TI  - Human MAIT and CD8alphaalpha cells develop from a pool of type-17 precommitted
      CD8+ T cells.
AB  - Human mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) CD8(+) and Tc17 cells are important
      tissue-homing cell populations, characterized by high expression of CD161 ((++))
      and type-17 differentiation, but their origins and relationships remain poorly
      defined. By transcriptional and functional analyses, we demonstrate that a pool
      of polyclonal, precommitted type-17 CD161(++)CD8alphabeta(+) T cells exist in
      cord blood, from which a prominent MAIT cell (TCR Valpha7.2(+)) population
      emerges post-natally. During this expansion, CD8alphaalpha T cells appear
      exclusively within a CD161(++)CD8(+)/MAIT subset, sharing cytokine production,
      chemokine-receptor expression, TCR-usage, and transcriptional profiles with their
      CD161(++)CD8alphabeta(+) counterparts. Our data demonstrate the origin and
      differentiation pathway of MAIT-cells from a naive type-17 precommitted
      CD161(++)CD8(+) T-cell pool and the distinct phenotype and function of
      CD8alphaalpha cells in man.

PMID- 22086417
TI  - A genome-wide meta-analysis of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma identifies
      risk loci at 6p21.32.
AB  - Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL) is a distinct, highly heritable
      Hodgkin lymphoma subtype. We undertook a genome-wide meta-analysis of 393
      European-origin adolescent/young adult NSHL patients and 3315 controls using the
      Illumina Human610-Quad Beadchip and Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0.
      We identified 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 6p21.32 that
      were significantly associated with NSHL risk: rs9268542 (P = 5.35 * 10(-10)),
      rs204999 (P = 1.44 * 10(-9)), and rs2858870 (P = 1.69 * 10(-8)). We also
      confirmed a previously reported association in the same region, rs6903608 (P =
      3.52 * 10(-10)). rs204999 and rs2858870 were weakly correlated (r(2) = 0.257),
      and the remaining pairs of SNPs were not correlated (r(2) < 0.1). In an
      independent set of 113 NSHL cases and 214 controls, 2 SNPs were significantly
      associated with NSHL and a third showed a comparable odds ratio (OR). These SNPs
      are found on 2 haplotypes associated with NSHL risk (rs204999-rs9268528-rs9268542
      rs6903608-rs2858870; AGGCT, OR = 1.7, P = 1.71 * 10(-6); GAATC, OR = 0.4, P =
      1.16 * 10(-4)). All individuals with the GAATC haplotype also carried the HLA
      class II DRB1*0701 allele. In a separate analysis, the DRB1*0701 allele was
      associated with a decreased risk of NSHL (OR = 0.5, 95% confidence interval =
      0.4, 0.7). These data support the importance of the HLA class II region in NSHL
      etiology.

PMID- 22086418
TI  - Contrasting dynamic responses in vivo of the Bcl-xL and Bim erythropoietic
      survival pathways.
AB  - Survival signaling by the erythropoietin (Epo) receptor (EpoR) is essential for
      erythropoiesis and for its acceleration in hypoxic stress. Several apparently
      redundant EpoR survival pathways were identified in vitro, raising the
      possibility of their functional specialization in vivo. Here we used mouse models
      of acute and chronic stress, including a hypoxic environment and beta
      thalassemia, to identify two markedly different response dynamics for two
      erythroblast survival pathways in vivo. Induction of the antiapoptotic protein
      Bcl-x(L) is rapid but transient, while suppression of the proapoptotic protein
      Bim is slower but persistent. Similar to sensory adaptation, however, the Bcl
      x(L) pathway "resets," allowing it to respond afresh to acute stress superimposed
      on a chronic stress stimulus. Using "knock-in" mouse models expressing mutant
      EpoRs, we found that adaptation in the Bcl-x(L) response occurs because of
      adaptation of its upstream regulator Stat5, both requiring the EpoR distal
      cytoplasmic domain. We conclude that survival pathways show previously
      unsuspected functional specialization for the acute and chronic phases of the
      stress response. Bcl-x(L) induction provides a "stop-gap" in acute stress, until
      slower but permanent pathways are activated. Furthermore, pathologic elevation of
      Bcl-x(L) may be the result of impaired adaptation, with implications for
      myeloproliferative disease mechanisms.

PMID- 22086419
TI  - Direct infusion mass spectrometry of oxylipin-containing Arabidopsis membrane
      lipids reveals varied patterns in different stress responses.
AB  - Direct infusion electrospray ionization triple quadrupole precursor scanning for
      three oxidized fatty acyl anions revealed 86 mass spectral peaks representing
      polar membrane lipids in extracts from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)
      infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 expressing AvrRpt2 (PstAvr).
      Quadrupole time-of-flight and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass
      spectrometry provided evidence for the presence of membrane lipids containing one
      or more oxidized acyl chains. The membrane lipids included molecular species of
      phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol,
      digalactosyldiacylglycerol, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, and acylated
      monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. The oxidized chains were identified at the level of
      chemical formula and included C(18)H(27)O(3) (abbreviated 18:4-O, to indicate
      four double bond equivalents and one oxygen beyond the carbonyl group),
      C(18)H(29)O(3) (18:3-O), C(18)H(31)O(3) (18:2-O), C(18)H(29)O(4) (18:3-2O),
      C(18)H(31)O(4) (18:2-2O), and C(16)H(23)O(3) (16:4-O). Mass spectral signals from
      the polar oxidized lipid (ox-lipid) species were quantified in extracts of
      Arabidopsis leaves subjected to wounding, infection by PstAvr, infection by a
      virulent strain of P. syringae, and low temperature. Ox-lipids produced low
      amounts of mass spectral signal, 0.1% to 3.2% as much as obtained in typical
      direct infusion profiling of normal-chain membrane lipids of the same classes.
      Analysis of the oxidized membrane lipid species and normal-chain phosphatidic
      acids indicated that stress-induced ox-lipid composition differs from the basal
      ox-lipid composition. Additionally, different stresses result in the production
      of varied amounts, different timing, and different compositional patterns of
      stress-induced membrane lipids. These data form the basis for a working
      hypothesis that the stress-specific signatures of ox-lipids, like those of
      oxylipins, are indicative of their functions.

PMID- 22086420
TI  - Polycomb group complexes mediate developmental transitions in plants.

PMID- 22086421
TI  - The role of CAX1 and CAX3 in elemental distribution and abundance in Arabidopsis
      seed.
AB  - The ability to alter nutrient partitioning within plants cells is poorly
      understood. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a family of endomembrane
      cation exchangers (CAXs) transports Ca(2+) and other cations. However,
      experiments have not focused on how the distribution and partitioning of calcium
      (Ca) and other elements within seeds are altered by perturbed CAX activity. Here,
      we investigate Ca distribution and abundance in Arabidopsis seed from cax1 and
      cax3 loss-of-function lines and lines expressing deregulated CAX1 using
      synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microscopy. We conducted 7- to 10-MUm resolution
      in vivo x-ray microtomography on dry mature seed and 0.2-MUm resolution x-ray
      microscopy on embryos from lines overexpressing deregulated CAX1 (35S-sCAX1) and
      cax1cax3 double mutants only. Tomograms showed an increased concentration of Ca
      in both the seed coat and the embryo in cax1, cax3, and cax1cax3 lines compared
      with the wild type. High-resolution elemental images of the mutants showed that
      perturbed CAX activity altered Ca partitioning within cells, reducing Ca
      partitioning into organelles and/or increasing Ca in the cytosol and abolishing
      tissue-level Ca gradients. In comparison with traditional volume-averaged metal
      analysis, which confirmed subtle changes in seed elemental composition, the
      collection of spatially resolved data at varying resolutions provides insight
      into the impact of altered CAX activity on seed metal distribution and indicates
      a cell type-specific function of CAX1 and CAX3 in partitioning Ca into
      organelles. This work highlights a powerful technology for inferring transport
      function and quantifying nutrient changes.

PMID- 22086423
TI  - The Psb27 assembly factor binds to the CP43 complex of photosystem II in the
      cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - We have investigated the location of the Psb27 protein and its role in
      photosystem (PS) II biogenesis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
      Native gel electrophoresis revealed that Psb27 was present mainly in monomeric
      PSII core complexes but also in smaller amounts in dimeric PSII core complexes,
      in large PSII supercomplexes, and in the unassembled protein fraction. We
      conclude from analysis of assembly mutants and isolated histidine-tagged PSII
      subcomplexes that Psb27 associates with the "unassembled" CP43 complex, as well
      as with larger complexes containing CP43, possibly in the vicinity of the large
      lumenal loop connecting transmembrane helices 5 and 6 of CP43. A functional role
      for Psb27 in the biogenesis of CP43 is supported by the decreased accumulation
      and enhanced fragmentation of unassembled CP43 after inactivation of the psb27
      gene in a mutant lacking CP47. Unexpectedly, in strains unable to assemble PSII,
      a small amount of Psb27 comigrated with monomeric and trimeric PSI complexes upon
      native gel electrophoresis, and Psb27 could be copurified with histidine-tagged
      PSI isolated from the wild type. Yeast two-hybrid assays suggested an interaction
      of Psb27 with the PsaB protein of PSI. Pull-down experiments also supported an
      interaction between CP43 and PSI. Deletion of psb27 did not have drastic effects
      on PSII assembly and repair but did compromise short-term acclimation to high
      light. The tentative interaction of Psb27 and CP43 with PSI raises the
      possibility that PSI might play a previously unrecognized role in the
      biogenesis/repair of PSII.

PMID- 22086424
TI  - Echocardiographic findings in adolescents with anorexia nervosa at beginning of
      treatment and after weight recovery.
AB  - Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder with somatic complications. The aim
      of the study was to analyse echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with AN
      at initial examination and after weight restoration. A total of 173 consecutively
      admitted adolescents (aged 12-17 years), diagnosed with DSM-IV AN (307.1) were
      evaluated in a child and adolescent psychiatric department of a major university
      hospital from December 1997 to August 2008. In addition, 40 healthy adolescents
      of the same age with normal weight were examined. In patients with AN, 34.7% had
      a pericardial effusion (PE) which was clinically silent. In contrast, none of the
      controls presented with PE (p < 0.001). No differences across AN subtypes were
      observed. Patients with PE showed significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (p =
      0.016) than patients without PE. They had more prominent low-T3 syndrome (p =
      0.003) and longer duration of hospitalisation (p = 0.008) after controlling for
      BMI at admission. Remission of PE was observed in 88% of the patients after
      weight restoration. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions in
      AN were significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.001). There were no
      differences in interventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness and
      fractional shortening. This report indicates that adolescents with AN show
      cardiac abnormalities in comparison to healthy young women. Furthermore, PE is a
      frequent cardiac complication in patients with AN and it is associated with BMI,
      low T3 serum levels and duration of hospitalisation.

PMID- 22086425
TI  - [Characteristics and evolution of patients with Alice in Wonderland syndrome].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Alice in Wonderland syndrome is a process characterized for complex
      disorders of the visual perception with multiple etiologies. AIM: To evaluate the
      clinical, electrophysiological, etiological characteristics and natural evolution
      in children with Alice in Wonderland syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have
      realized a retrospective study by what means of a review of 20 clinical histories
      of 18 year old minor patients diagnosed of Alice in Wonderland syndrome from
      January 1995 until February 2010. RESULTS: The average of age to the diagnosis
      was 9.5 +/- 3.8 years (range: 4-16 years). It appeared in an acute way in 85% and
      progressive in 15%. 90% had micropsias and/or macropsias, 85% distortion of the
      form of the objects, 80% displacement of objects, 45% disturbances of body image,
      45% acceleration of the time and 30% sensation of unreality. 95% of the children
      had many episodes a day; these episodes lasted less than 3 minutes in 90%.
      Electroencephalogram was realized in all the patients, it was abnormal in 11
      cases, in one case was found and epileptic foci (left temporal) and in 10 cases
      was found posterior slow waves. The tests of neuroimagen were normal in all the
      patients. The visual evoked potentials were realized in 7 children; five of these
      children showed higher amplitude in evoked potentials and two of these children
      had normal. The infectious etiology was found in nine cases (five partners to
      Epstein-Barr virus), migraine in eight, toxins in two and epilepsy in one case.
      80% did not have recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Alice in Wonderland syndrome is a
      benign process with trend to spontaneous resolution and without recurrence in the
      majority of the occasions. The principal etiologies are migraine and Epstein-Barr
      virus infection.

PMID- 22086426
TI  - [Psychogenic pathology in the neurology unit. A review of the hospital admissions
      over the last 10 years in a third-level service].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Psychogenic disorders are frequently seen in neurological practice
      and sometimes make it necessary to hospitalise the patient in order to rule out a
      potentially severe organic pathology. AIM: To determine the profile of patients
      with a discharge diagnosis of psychogenic disorder that are admitted to the
      neurology unit of a Spanish hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The neurology unit
      discharge abstracts from the last 10 years were reviewed and the patients who
      were diagnosed with 'non-organicity' were selected; a total of 28 demographic,
      epidemiological and clinical variables were also collected. RESULTS: A total of
      64 patients (1% of those admitted to hospital), with a mean age of 40 years, had
      a diagnosis of psychogenicity. The proportion between sexes was one to one and
      the mean length of stay in hospital was 10 days. Mixed symptoms were the most
      usual (50%), followed by isolated motor symptoms (22%). Most cases consisted of
      possible neurological diagnoses of ischaemic stroke and demyelinating disease.
      Only 25% of cases consulted psychiatry during hospitalisation. In 11% of cases
      there was a later history of suicide attempts and in eight cases (12.5%) an
      ambulatory diagnosis of organicity was reached thanks to the developmental follow
      up ('error' in the provisional diagnosis on discharge). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      traces, for the first time in our setting, the profile of the psychogenic patient
      who is admitted to the neurology unit and examines their hospital management and
      their outpatient follow-up. We highlight the need not to underestimate this
      pathological condition and to generate an ordered way of managing it, which
      should always be multidisciplinary with the leading roles played by the
      neurologist and the psychiatrist.

PMID- 22086427
TI  - [Hammersmith functional rating scale for children with spinal muscular atrophy.
      Validation of the Spanish version].
AB  - AIMS: This study was conducted with the aim of developing the Spanish version of
      the Hammersmith functional rating scale for children with spinal muscular atrophy
      (SMA), to establish the interobserver reliability and to adapt it to Spanish
      children with SMA types II and III. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed 31 children
      with a mean age of 4.7 years (range: 2.5-9 years) and they were re-assessed at 3,
      6 and 12 months. The children with SMA type II could not walk and the children
      with SMA type III were able to walk. RESULTS: Interobserver reliability was 95%.
      The median of the score in the group with SMA type II was 17 (range: 0-34) and in
      the SMA type III group it was 39 (range: 37-40). The results of the group with
      SMA type II at 12 months were poorer, although not to a statistically significant
      extent, which suggested that the disease was getting worse. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Spanish version presents a high degree of interobserver reliability, is easy to
      administer in clinical practice and is a good tool for assessing the severity of
      the disease in patients with SMA, above all in those who are unable to walk.

PMID- 22086428
TI  - [Awareness of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease].
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIM: In order to be able to assess the level of awareness of
      swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD), a specific questionnaire was
      designed and validated: the Dysphapark questionnaire. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 470 persons with PD were asked whether they believe they have problems
      swallowing or not, and then they filled in a self-administered questionnaire that
      evaluates the effectiveness and safety of swallowing. The Dysphapark
      questionnaire was validated by means of Rasch analysis and classical psychometric
      methods. RESULTS: The safety and effectiveness dimensions of the Dysphapark fit
      the Rasch model well. The efficacy dimension showed significant differences for
      gender, length of the illness, awareness of dysphagia and length of meals.
      Significant differences were also found in the safety dimension for length and
      severity of illness, awareness of dysphagia, speech therapy and knowledge of
      thickening agents. Despite the fact that 90% of patients had problems concerning
      effectiveness and safety in swallowing, 79.45% were not aware that they suffered
      from dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: The Dysphapark questionnaire is a suitable measure
      of dysphagia in PD, according to the Rasch analysis. A high proportion of
      patients with PD have dysphagia, although it has been observed that they have a
      low level of awareness of the condition, of the consequences it may have and of
      the possibility of using thickening agents. Given that some of the swallowing
      disorders in PD are asymptomatic and that the level of awareness of the disorder
      is low, we recommend including specific questionnaires as well as clinical and
      instrumental evaluation of dysphagia in clinical practice.

PMID- 22086422
TI  - Gene expression and metabolite profiling of developing highbush blueberry fruit
      indicates transcriptional regulation of flavonoid metabolism and activation of
      abscisic acid metabolism.
AB  - Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fruits contain substantial quantities
      of flavonoids, which are implicated in a wide range of health benefits. Although
      the flavonoid constituents of ripe blueberries are known, the molecular genetics
      underlying their biosynthesis, localization, and changes that occur during
      development have not been investigated. Two expressed sequence tag libraries from
      ripening blueberry fruit were constructed as a resource for gene identification
      and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction primer
      design. Gene expression profiling by quantitative real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction showed that flavonoid biosynthetic transcript abundance
      followed a tightly regulated biphasic pattern, and transcript profiles were
      consistent with the abundance of the three major classes of flavonoids.
      Proanthocyanidins (PAs) and corresponding biosynthetic transcripts encoding
      anthocyanidin reductase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase were most concentrated
      in young fruit and localized predominantly to the inner fruit tissue containing
      the seeds and placentae. Mean PA polymer length was seven to 8.5 subunits, linked
      predominantly via B-type linkages, and was relatively constant throughout
      development. Flavonol accumulation and localization patterns were similar to
      those of the PAs, and the B-ring hydroxylation pattern of both was correlated
      with flavonoid-3'-hydroxylase transcript abundance. By contrast, anthocyanins
      accumulated late in maturation, which coincided with a peak in flavonoid-3-O
      glycosyltransferase and flavonoid-3'5'-hydroxylase transcripts. Transcripts of
      VcMYBPA1, which likely encodes an R2R3-MYB transcriptional regulator of PA
      synthesis, were prominent in both phases of development. Furthermore, the
      initiation of ripening was accompanied by a substantial rise in abscisic acid, a
      growth regulator that may be an important component of the ripening process and
      contribute to the regulation of blueberry flavonoid biosynthesis.

PMID- 22086429
TI  - [Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a complication of an epileptic status].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiological complications are the most frequent cause of
      mortality in the epileptic status. Takotsubo cardio-myopathy is a recently
      reported condition that can appear in a number of medical emergencies, including
      epileptic status. CASE REPORT: We present a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
      within the context of an epileptic status and we also review similar cases
      reported in the literature. Special attention is given to the semiology and
      aetiology of the epileptic seizures, patients' epidemiological data, the
      alterations noted in the electrocardiogram and the complications that occurred.
      The patient, a 43-year-old female, recovered completely both cardiologically and
      neurologically, and did not suffer any relapses during the one-year follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a severe, treatable complication that can
      occur in the epileptic status.

PMID- 22086430
TI  - [Neurosurgical techniques for the neuromodulation of pain].
AB  - Neuromodulation for treating pain goes back to the times of the ancient
      Egyptians, who applied natural electric currents to modulate the painful
      sensation. Since then, this concept has been developed in parallel with the
      scientific and technological development, and various forms of neuromodulation
      with different indications and characteristics have originated. Chronic pain may
      produce significant disability, which leads to important physical, social and
      psychological consequences. Peripheral nerve, spinal cord, deep brain and motor
      cortex stimulation are safe and effective techniques that control pain and
      improve quality of life in selected patients.

PMID- 22086431
TI  - [A vertebrobasilar infarct with a possible origin in the carotid artery].

PMID- 22086433
TI  - Bilateral third nerve palsy with pupil involvement as the first manifestation of
      multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 22086434
TI  - [Collaboration between different links: one of the keys to the telestroke
      system].

PMID- 22086435
TI  - Impact of dietary fiber coatings on behavior of protein-stabilized lipid droplets
      under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
AB  - Multilayer emulsions containing lipid droplets coated by lactoferrin (LF) -
      anionic polysaccharide layers have improved resistance to environmental stresses
      (such as pH, salt, and temperature), but their behavior within the
      gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is currently unknown. The objective of this research
      was therefore to monitor changes in the physicochemical properties and
      digestibility of these systems under simulated GIT conditions. Primary emulsions
      (5% corn oil, 0.5% LF) were prepared using a high-pressure homogenizer. Secondary
      emulsions (5% corn oil, 0.5% LF, 0.5% polysaccharide) were prepared by
      incorporating alginate, low methoxyl pectin (LMP) or high methoxyl pectin (HMP)
      into primary emulsions. Emulsions were then subjected to simulated gastric fluid
      (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) conditions in sequence. LF, LF-LMP and
      LF-HMP emulsions were stable to droplet aggregation in the stomach but aggregated
      in the small intestine, whereas LF-alginate emulsions aggregated in both the
      stomach and small intestine. The presence of a dietary fiber coating around the
      initial lipid droplets had little influence on the total extent of lipid
      digestion in SIF, but LF-alginate emulsions had a slower initial digestion rate
      than the other emulsions. These results suggest that the dietary fiber coatings
      may become detached in the small intestine, or that they were permeable to
      digestive enzymes. Pepsin was found to have little influence on the physical
      stability or digestibility of the emulsions. The knowledge obtained from this
      study is important for the design of delivery systems for encapsulation and
      release of lipophilic bioactive ingredients.

PMID- 22086436
TI  - How chromatin prevents genomic rearrangements: locus colocalization induced by
      transcription factor binding.
AB  - The loosening of chromatin structures gives rise to unrestricted access to DNA
      and thus transcription factors (TFs) can bind to their otherwise masked target
      sequences. Regions bound by the same set of TFs tend to be located in close
      proximity and this might increase the probability of activating illegitimate
      genomic rearrangements.

PMID- 22086437
TI  - If at first you don't succeed: try, try again.

PMID- 22086440
TI  - Nonpharmacological therapies for behavioral and cognitive symptoms of mild
      cognitive impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate research on nonpharmacological treatments for symptoms of
      mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHOD: We searched for relevant English
      language articles published from 2000 to 2010 using PUBMED and PsycINFO. We
      included nonpharmacological interventions for treating cognitive and behavioral
      symptoms in persons with MCI other than cognitive/memory training, which has been
      reviewed elsewhere. Effect sizes and hazard ratios were calculated when possible.
      RESULTS: Current research points to the potential influence of behavioral
      interventions on behavioral symptoms. Exercise/diet interventions may alleviate
      cognitive deficits, especially cognitive speed and executive functioning, but
      possibly not memory--a domain central to MCI. Results were limited by small
      sample sizes, lack of rigorous methodology, short follow-ups, and the limited
      number of published studies. DISCUSSION: Behavioral, diet, and exercise regimens
      show some promise with respect to reducing behavioral and cognitive symptomology.
      Rigorous research studies are needed to create more certainty about their
      potential to complement drug and/or cognitive therapies.

PMID- 22086441
TI  - Activation of C-Cl by ground-state aluminum atoms: an EPR and DFT investigation.
AB  - The reaction of ground-state Al atoms with dichloromethane (CH(2)Cl(2)) in an
      adamantane matrix at 77 K yielded two mononuclear Al species. The magnetic
      parameters, extracted from the axial EPR spectrum of Species A/A' (g(1) = 2.0037,
      g(2) = g(3) = 2.0030, a(Al,1) = 1307 MHz, a(Al,2) = a(Al,3) = 1273 MHz, a(35Cl) =
      34 MHz and a(37Cl) = 28 MHz) were assigned to the Al-atom insertion product,
      ClCH(2)AlCl. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the values of the Al
      and Cl hyperfine interaction (hfi) of the Cl(1)-Cl(2)gauche conformer were in
      close agreement with the experimental values of ClCH(2)AlCl. The second species,
      B/B', had identical magnetic parameters to those of ClCH(2)AlCl with the
      exception that the Al hfi was 15% smaller. Coordination of a ligand, possessing a
      lone pair of electrons, to the Al atom of the insertion product, [ClCH(2)AlCl]:X,
      could cause the a(Al) to decrease by 15%. Alternatively, it is possible that the
      Cl(1)-Cl(2) anti conformer of ClCH(2)AlCl is also isolated in the matrix. Support
      for the spectral assignments is given by calculation of the nuclear hfi of
      [ClCH(2)AlCl]:H(2)O and the Cl(1)-Cl(2) anti conformer of ClCH(2)AlCl using a DFT
      method. The potential energy hypersurface for an Al atom approaching CH(2)Cl(2),
      calculated at the B3LYP level, suggests that Al atom abstraction of Cl forming
      AlCl and CH(2)Cl is favoured in the gas phase. When produced in a matrix, the
      close proximity of AlCl and CH(2)Cl could account for the formation of
      ClCH(2)AlCl. EPR evidence was also found for the formation of the CHCl(2)
      radical.

PMID- 22086438
TI  - The cardiorenal syndrome in heart failure: cardiac? renal? syndrome?
AB  - There has been increasing interest on the so-called cardiorenal syndrome (CRS),
      defined as a complex pathophysiological disorder of the heart and kidneys whereby
      acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction
      in the other. In this review, we contend that there is lack of evidence
      warranting the adoption of a specific clinical construct such as the CRS within
      the heart failure (HF) syndrome by demonstrating that: (a) the approaches and
      tools regarding the definition of kidney involvement in HF are suboptimal; (b)
      development of renal failure in HF is often confounded by age, hypertension, and
      diabetes; (c) worsening of renal function (WRF) in HF may be largely independent
      of alterations in cardiac function; (d) the bidirectional association between HF
      and renal failure is not unique and represents one of the several such
      associations encountered in HF; and (e) inflammation is a common denominator for
      HF and associated noncardiac morbidities. Based on these arguments, we believe
      that dissecting one of the multiple bidirectional associations in HF and
      constructing the so-called cardiorenal syndrome is not justified
      pathophysiologically. Fully understanding of all morbid associations and not only
      the cardiorenal is of great significance for the clinician who is caring for the
      patient with HF.

PMID- 22086442
TI  - Data from extension trials: denosumab and zoledronic acid.
AB  - Osteoporosis and fractures that occur as a result of this condition pose a huge
      public health problem to society and result in morbidity and mortality to
      individuals. Because osteoporosis is often a result of aging, many people are not
      aware that therapies exist to reduce the risk of fracture. Until recently, the
      most common therapies used to treat osteoporosis, the oral bisphosphonates, had
      an inconvenient and cumbersome mode of administration. Within the last 4 years,
      two new parenteral antiresorptive drugs to treat osteoporosis were approved by
      the US Food and Drug Administration. As treatment of osteoporosis may extend for
      many years, the collection of long-term efficacy and safety data is warranted.
      This paper discusses data from the extension trials of denosumab and zoledronic
      acid.

PMID- 22086443
TI  - Laparoscopic staging of early ovarian cancer: results of a multi-institutional
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimal access surgery to stage early ovarian cancer (EOC) is still
      regarded as investigational among many gynecologic oncologists. Reporting outcome
      data from large cohorts is currently the only practical way to further define the
      appropriateness of minimally invasive surgery for EOC patients. We sought to
      investigate the safety, adequacy, and outcome of laparoscopic staging of EOC by
      using a multi-institutional sample. METHODS: Prospectively collected data in
      three gynecologic oncology service databases were searched for EOC patients
      undergoing laparoscopic staging. Surgical, pathologic, and oncologic outcome data
      were analyzed. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 82 women. The mean
      operative time was 263 +/- 81 minutes. The median estimated blood loss was 100
      (range 20-3000) ml. The median number of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes
      collected was 23 (3-39) and 13 (3-43), respectively. The disease was reclassified
      to a higher stage in 21 women (25.6%). No conversion to laparotomy occurred, and
      one patient had intraoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. Thirteen
      patients (15.8%) experienced postoperative complications. The median follow-up
      period was 28.5 (range 3-86) months. Overall survival and disease-free survival
      for the entire cohort were 98.8% and 95.1%, respectively. In the subgroup of
      patients who had reached or exceeded 3 years' follow-up (n = 34), 3-year overall
      survival and 3-year disease-free survival were 97% and 91.2%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: When performed by appropriately skilled surgeons, laparoscopic
      comprehensive staging of EOC seems feasible and adequate, with surgicopathologic
      results that are reproducible in different practice settings.

PMID- 22086444
TI  - Combined analysis of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and human equilibrative
      nucleoside transporter 1 expression predicts survival of pancreatic carcinoma
      patients treated with adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 chemotherapy after surgical
      resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC) improves survival in some patients, the effectiveness
      varies by individual, and the results remain unsatisfying. The aim of this study
      was to investigate whether intratumoral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and
      human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) expression can predict the
      survival of PDAC patients treated with adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 (GEM+S-1)
      chemotherapy. METHODS: Intratumoral DPD and hENT1 expression were examined by
      immunohistochemistry in 86 PDAC patients who received adjuvant GEM+S-1
      chemotherapy after surgical resection (all R0 or R1). Relationships between
      clinicopathologic factors, including DPD and hENT1 expression, and disease-free
      or overall survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.
      RESULTS: DPD and hENT1 expression had no significant relationship with any other
      clinicopathologic factors. A multivariate disease-free survival analysis revealed
      that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.90: 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.51-5.90; P = 0.001), DPD expression (HR 2.47; 95% CI 1.37-4.44; P =
      0.003), and hENT1 expression (HR 2.55; 95% CI 1.37-4.64; P = 0.004) as
      independent factors. Multivariate overall survival analysis also identified pT
      factor (HR 3.47; 95% CI 1.08-15.8; P = 0.03), lymph node metastasis (HR 2.08; 95%
      CI 1.01-4.57; P = 0.04), DPD expression (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.06-3.71; P = 0.03),
      and hENT1 expression (HR 2.18; 95% CI 1.10-4.19; P = 0.02) as independent
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: Combined analysis of DPD and hENT1 expression predicts the
      survival of PDAC patients treated with adjuvant GEM+S-1 chemotherapy.

PMID- 22086445
TI  - Transient but not stable ZEB1 knockdown dramatically inhibits growth of malignant
      pleural mesothelioma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of ZEB1, a master epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition gene,
      in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is unclear. METHODS: The expression of
      ZEB1, E-cadherin, vimentin, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in 18
      MPM cell lines and a normal pleural mesothelial cell line MeT-5A was determined
      by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot testing. RNA
      interference-mediated transient and/or stable knockdown of ZEB1 and EpCAM was
      performed. Microarray expression analysis was performed with a TORAY-3D gene
      chip. Growth was evaluated by colorimetric proliferation and colony formation
      assays. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to access the effects of ZEB1
      knockdown on EpCAM promoter activity. RESULTS: Most MPM cell lines exhibited
      mesenchymal phenotype and expressed ZEB1. Transient ZEB1 knockdown suppressed
      growth in all four cell lines studied (ACC-MESO-1, H2052, Y-MESO-8A, Y-MESO-29)
      while stable ZEB1 knockdown suppressed growth only in Y-MESO-29. Genome-wide gene
      expression analysis revealed that EpCAM was the most prominently up-regulated
      gene by both transient and stable ZEB1 knockdown in ACC-MESO-1, with more marked
      up-regulation in stable knockdown. We hypothesized that EpCAM up-regulation
      counteracts the stable ZEB1 knockdown-induced growth inhibition in ACC-MESO-1.
      Transient EpCAM knockdown suppressed growth dramatically in ACC-MESO-1 cells
      expressing shZEB1 but only modestly in those expressing shGFP, supporting our
      hypothesis. Luciferase reporter assay showed that ZEB1 knockdown resulted in
      increased EpCAM promoter activity. EpCAM was also up-regulated in Y-MESO-29
      expressing shZEB1, but this EpCAM up-regulation did not counteract ZEB1knockdown
      induced growth suppression, suggesting that the counteracting effects of EpCAM
      may be cellular context dependent. CONCLUSIONS: RNA interference-mediated ZEB1
      knockdown may be a promising therapeutic strategy for MPM, but one has to
      consider the possibility of diminished growth inhibitory effects of long-term
      ZEB1 knockdown, possibly as a result of EpCAM up-regulation and/or other gene
      expression changes resulting from ZEB1 knockdown.

PMID- 22086446
TI  - Ethical considerations in clinical research.

PMID- 22086447
TI  - Bortezomib-induced sensitization of malignant human glioma cells to vorinostat
      induced apoptosis depends on reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial
      dysfunction, Noxa upregulation, Mcl-1 cleavage, and DNA damage.
AB  - Glioblastomas are invasive tumors with poor prognosis despite current therapies.
      Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) represent a class of agents that can
      modulate gene expression to reduce tumor growth, and we and others have noted
      some antiglioma activity from HDACIs, such as vorinostat, although insufficient
      to warrant use as monotherapy. We have recently demonstrated that proteasome
      inhibitors, such as bortezomib, dramatically sensitized highly resistant glioma
      cells to apoptosis induction, suggesting that proteasomal inhibition may be a
      promising combination strategy for glioma therapeutics. In this study, we
      examined whether bortezomib could enhance response to HDAC inhibition in glioma
      cells. Although primary cells from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients and
      established glioma cell lines did not show significant induction of apoptosis
      with vorinostat treatment alone, the combination of vorinostat plus bortezomib
      significantly enhanced apoptosis. The enhanced efficacy was due to proapoptotic
      mitochondrial injury and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Our
      results also revealed that combination of bortezomib with vorinostat enhanced
      apoptosis by increasing Mcl-1 cleavage, Noxa upregulation, Bak and Bax
      activation, and cytochrome c release. Further downregulation of Mcl-1 using shRNA
      enhanced cell killing by the bortezomib/vorinostat combination. Vorinostat
      induced a rapid and sustained phosphorylation of histone H2AX in primary GBM and
      T98G cells, and this effect was significantly enhanced by co-administration of
      bortezomib. Vorinostat/bortezomib combination also induced Rad51 downregulation,
      which plays an important role in the synergistic enhancement of DNA damage and
      apoptosis. The significantly enhanced antitumor activity that results from the
      combination of bortezomib and HDACIs offers promise as a novel treatment for
      glioma patients.

PMID- 22086450
TI  - Comparing the performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold and Mantoux test in detecting
      latent tuberculosis infection among Iranian health care workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The risk of transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients
      with tuberculosis to health care workers (HCWs) has been well documented but
      little is known about the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in
      Iranian HCWs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of LTBI among
      HCWs by using IFNgamma-release assay and compare the results with those of
      tuberculin skin test (TST). METHODS: Two hundred HCWs were evaluated with both
      TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube test (QFT-GIT). The obtained data were
      analyzed by SPSS v.16 Software. RESULTS: The participants were 73 males and 127
      females with the mean age of 34.36+/-8.26 years. TST was positive in 105 cases
      (52.5%) and the QFT results were positive in 17 cases (8.5%). There was poor
      agreement between the two tests (53%, kappa = 0.115). Induration diameter of TST
      >= 10 mm and working duration >= 10 years were independent predictors for
      positive QFT (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the fact that BCG vaccination has
      been administered routinely to all HCWs in Iran, specific tests should be
      introduced for high risk groups. QFT thus seems to be more effective for LTBI
      diagnosis than TST among HCWs with BCG immunization history.

PMID- 22086449
TI  - Validation of the respiratory toxics exposure score (RTES) for chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to evaluate the validity of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO)
      and of a newly-created score as markers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
      (COPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CO level was measured in a derivation
      subsample of a cross-sectional study and linked to COPD diagnosis; its predictors
      were evaluated, and a scale was constructed. It was evaluated in a validation
      subsample and in a clinical setting. RESULTS: Individuals with COPD had higher CO
      levels than healthy individuals. CO level significant predictors were cigarettes
      per day, waterpipes per week, lower age, male gender, living close to diesel
      exhaust, heating home with the use of diesel, and having indoor family smokers. A
      score composed of CO predictors was able to significantly predict COPD (Ora = 4
      7.5). CONCLUSIONS: Coupled with the clinical judgment of physicians, this scale
      would be an excellent low-cost tool for screening COPD, in absence of spirometry.

PMID- 22086451
TI  - Effect of regular physical activity on non-lipid (novel) cardiovascular risk
      factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular - coronary heart disease, causing heart attack and
      heart failure is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The most
      important risk factors for CVD are well-established and physical activity has
      long been considered the cornerstone of interventions and has shown extremely
      important in reducing the burden of this disease. The aim of this study was to
      examine the association between activity and inactivity and non-lipid CVD risk
      factors in healthy military recruits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selected hormones
      and variables such as testosterone, free testosterone, Vitamin D, homocysteine,
      folic acid, with the inflammatory cytokines such as hsCRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6
      were assessed in two groups (active = 50, inactive = 50), randomly matched by a
      questionnaire. Relationships between some measured variables and CVD risk factors
      were determined using simple correlation procedures. RESULTS: Physically active
      subjects had significantly lower results of homocysteine (14.3+/-1.9 vs. 16.5+/
      3.7, p < 0.000) and interleukin-6 (2.9.+/-5.3 vs. 6+/-8.2, p< 0.025) and tended
      to have a nearly significantly higher free testosterone level (13.1+/-7.1 vs.
      11+/-5.3, p = 0.08). Significant correlations were found between BMI, WC, tHcy,
      and the corresponding risk factors; and also between hsCRP and IL-6, as well as
      TT and FT. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the risk factors of developing CVD events such
      as homocysteine and interleukin-6, together with increasing free testosterone and
      significantly preventing its progression, clearly serve to underscore the
      beneficial properties of physical activity and to promote its effectiveness as a
      support means for healthier lifestyles in the community and, particularly, among
      military personnel.

PMID- 22086452
TI  - Polish mother and child cohort study (REPRO_PL)--methodology of follow-up of the
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A prospective cohort study design gives the opportunity for
      identification, update of different exposures and their verification by biomarker
      measurements. The aim of The Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) is
      to evaluate the impact of exposure to different environmental factors during
      pregnancy and, after birth, on the pregnancy outcome, children's health and
      neurodevelopment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: REPRO_PL cohort was established in 2007.
      From the cohort of 1300 mother-child pairs, 300 children are followed-up until
      they are two years old to asses the exposure, health status and neurodevelopment.
      Children are examined twice: at one and two years of age by a pediatrician and a
      psychologist/child development specialist. During each visit, detailed
      questionnaire is conducted with the mothers and supplemented with the information
      from the medical charts to have appropriate recognition of the child's health and
      development. Additionally, the current health status of the child is checked and
      his/her biometry is performed. A urine sample is collected from each child for
      the verification of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAH) exposure. Some children have a blood sample collected for the
      assessment of the lead and cadmium levels. Child's neurodevelopment is assessed
      based on Bayley Scales for Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III). RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study will become available within the next
      few years and will help to determine the impact of the environmental exposures on
      children's health and neurodevelopment. REPRO_PL cohort is a middle-sized cohort,
      very much focused on specific research questions with the potential for future
      extension and cooperation.

PMID- 22086453
TI  - Asbestos abatement workers versus asbestos workers: exposure and health-effects
      differ.

PMID- 22086455
TI  - The urea renaissance.
AB  - Over the last decade the use of urea derivatives as useful reagents, catalysts,
      and structural features in organic chemistry has increased rapidly. They now find
      utility as hydrogen-bond donors in organocatalysts and anion transporters, as
      important scaffolds in supramolecular chemistry, as lithiation directors,
      amination substrates, and promoters of metalation, and as substrates for novel
      rearrangement reactions. Highlighted herein is the remarkably rapid and recent
      development of the chemistry of ureas, which for many years had been considered
      unreactive, intractable, and of little value.

PMID- 22086457
TI  - Living-donor liver transplantation for moderate or severe porto-pulmonary
      hypertension accompanied by pulmonary arterial hypertension: a single-centre
      experience over 2 decades in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candidates for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) often have
      porto-pulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
      Poor outcomes of PPHTN contraindicate OLT. There are no guidelines for living
      donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in PPHTN patients. METHODS: We present our
      experiences of LDLT in six patients with moderate or severe PPHTN, along with our
      institutional guidelines. Three had liver cirrhosis and three were non-cirrhotic.
      Catheterization studies were undertaken before, during and after LDLT, and the
      mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), cardiac output (CO), pulmonary vascular
      resistance and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were monitored. RESULTS: The
      results showed significant differences in CO and TPR between cirrhotic and non
      cirrhotic patients before, during and after LDLT. Cirrhotic patients showed
      systemic hyperdynamic state. Two cirrhotic patients showed poor responses to pre
      transplant treatment, and continued to have increased PAH and poor clinical
      courses after LDLT. LDLT has an advantage of flexible timing of LT. Currently in
      our institution, PPHTN patients with mPAP <40 mmHg are registered for LDLT after
      treatment and catheterization. However, LDLT is performed when mPAP is <=35 mmHg,
      leading to improved outcomes. CONCLUSION: PPHTN patients with well-controlled
      PAH, or secondary PAH resulting from porto-systemic shunts, may be appropriate
      candidates for LDLT after careful considerations.

PMID- 22086458
TI  - Application of direct thermal desorption gas chromatography time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry for determination of nonpolar organics in low-volume samples from
      ambient particulate matter and personal samplers.
AB  - Direct thermal desorption and in-situ derivatization thermal desorption methods
      in conjunction with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry have been
      characterized and evaluated for analysis of trace components from filters loaded
      with ambient particulate matter (PM). The limits of quantification were in the
      range of 7-24 pg for n-alkanes, 20 pg for hopanes, and 4-22 pg for polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The limit of quantification was defined as the
      minimum amount of substance that conforms to the minimum distinguishable signal
      plus 9 times the standard deviation of this background signal from PM-loaded
      filters. The method has been successfully applied to low-volume samples from
      ambient PM collected with stationary and personal samplers. Stationary samples
      were collected in winter 2008 and 2010 in Augsburg, Germany. Sample aliquots of
      0.2-0.3 m3 from stationary sampling were analyzed. High diurnal variation in
      concentration and source contribution was found especially during periods with
      low wind speed and low mixing layer height. High contributions of solid fuel
      combustion (wood and coal) were found in evening and nighttime samples, leading
      to peak PAH concentrations at midnight more than 10 times higher than at noon.
      Finally, the method was applied to samples collected by means of a personal
      sampler, i.e. a micro aethalometer, in Xi'an, China. Quantitative data on n
      alkanes, hopanes, and PAH were obtained from sample volumes of 17 and 24 l. The
      impact of different sources such as vehicular and biogenic emissions could be
      distinguished.

PMID- 22086459
TI  - Combinable poly(dimethyl siloxane) capillary sensor array for single-step and
      multiple enzyme inhibitor assays.
AB  - We describe a new method for fabricating a capillary-type sensor, called a
      combinable poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) capillary (CPC) sensor. The method for
      preparing the CPC simplifies enzyme inhibitor assays into a simple, single step
      assay. The sample inhibitor solution is introduced by capillary action. This
      triggers the spontaneous dissolution of physically adsorbed fluorescent
      substrates, and the substrate mixes with the inhibitor. This is followed by
      competitive reaction with insoluble enzyme to give a fluorescence response. CPC
      is composed of a convex-shaped PDMS stick containing reagents immobilized in an
      insoluble coating, and a concave-shaped PDMS stick containing reagents
      immobilized in a soluble coating. Since the concave-shaped PDMS has a deeper
      channel than the convex structure, combining these PDMS sticks is like closing
      the zipper of a "freezer bag". This allows easy fabrication of "thin and long"
      capillary structures containing different reagents inside the same capillary,
      without the need for precise alignment. This method allows the immobilization of
      two reactive reagents, such as enzyme and substrate required for a single step
      assay, which are typically very difficult to immobilize using commercially
      available conventional capillaries. Furthermore, by simply arraying various CPCs,
      the CPC sensor allows multiple assays. Here, we carried out a single-step enzyme
      inhibitor assay using the CPC. In addition, two independent CPCs were arrayed to
      demonstrate multiple assaying of a protease inhibitor.

PMID- 22086460
TI  - A comparative study on the B12N12, Al12N12, B12P12 and Al12P12 fullerene-like
      cages.
AB  - The stability, geometry and electronic structure of the title nanoclusters were
      compared by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Their electrical
      property analysis showed that the relative magnitude of the HOMO-LUMO gaps (eV)
      that are average values from the calculated results with five different DFT
      functionals is as follows:
      B12N12(7:02)>>Al12N12(4.09)>B12P12(3.80)>Al12P12(3.39). Computing the standard
      enthalpy and the Gibbs free energy of formation, it was found that the B(12)N(12)
      structure is thermodynamically stable at 298 K and 1 atmosphere of pressure,
      while the Al(12)N(12) structure may be stable at low temperatures. Due to
      positive values of change of enthalpy and entropy of formation for both the
      B(12)P(12) and Al(12)P(12) clusters, it seems that their formation from the
      consisting atoms is not spontaneous at any temperature.

PMID- 22086461
TI  - Aminoglycoside induced nephrotoxicity: molecular modeling studies of calreticulin
      gentamicin complex.
AB  - Gentamicin is a member of aminoglycoside group of broad spectrum antibiotics. It
      impairs protein synthesis by binding to A site of the 30S subunit of bacterial
      ribosomes. One of the main side effects of this drug is nephrotoxicity. The drug
      is known to bind to calreticulin, a chaperone essential for the folding of
      glycosylated proteins. We provide a detailed structural insight of the
      calreticulin-gentamicin complex by molecular modeling and the binding of the drug
      in the presence of explicit solvent was analyzed by molecular dynamics
      simulation. The gentamicin molecule binds to the lectin site of the calreticulin
      and lies in the concave channel formed by the long beta sheets. It makes
      interactions with residues Tyr109, Asp125, Asp135, Asp317 and Trp319 which are
      crucial for the chaperone function of the calreticulin. The superimposing of the
      modeled complex with the only available crystal structure complex of calreticulin
      with a tetrasaccharide (Glc(1)Man(3)) shows interesting features. First, the
      rings of the gentamicin occupy the positions of glucose and the first two mannose
      sugars of the tetrasaccharide molecule. Second, the oxygen atoms of the
      glycosidic linkage of these two ligands have a positional deviation of 1.3 A. The
      predicted binding constant of 16.9 MUM is in accordance with the previous kinetic
      study experiments. The details therefore, strongly implicate gentamicin as a
      competitive inhibitor of sugar binding with calreticulin.

PMID- 22086462
TI  - Systematics-guided bioprospecting for bioactive microbial natural products.
AB  - Advances in the taxonomic characterization of microorganisms have accelerated the
      rate at which new producers of natural products can be understood in relation to
      known organisms. Yet for many reasons, chemical efforts to characterize new
      compounds from new microbes have not kept pace with taxonomic advances. That
      there exists an ever-widening gap between the biological versus chemical
      characterization of new microorganisms creates tremendous opportunity for the
      discovery of novel natural products through the calculated selection and study of
      organisms from unique, untapped, ecological niches. A systematics-guided
      bioprospecting, including the construction of high quality libraries of marine
      microbes and their crude extracts, investigation of bioactive compounds, and
      increasing the active compounds by precision engineering, has become an efficient
      approach to drive drug leads discovery. This review outlines the recent advances
      in these issues and shares our experiences on anti-infectious drug discovery and
      improvement of avermectins production as well.

PMID- 22086463
TI  - Gene expression modulation by heat stress in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans LR.
AB  - During bioleaching, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is subjected to different
      types of stress, including heat stress, which affect bacterial growth. In this
      work, real time quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression of heat shock
      genes, as well as genes that encode proteins related to several functional
      categories in A. ferrooxidans. Cells were submitted to long-term growth and heat
      shock, both at 40 degrees C. The results showed that heat shock affected the
      expression levels of most genes investigated, whilst long-term growth at 40
      degrees C resulted in minor changes in gene expression, except for certain genes
      related to iron transport, which were strongly down-regulated, suggesting that
      the iron processing capability of A. ferrooxidans was affected by long-term
      growth at 40 degrees C. A bioinformatic analysis of the genes' promoter regions
      indicated a putative transcriptional regulation by the sigma(32) factor in 12 of
      the 31 genes investigated, suggesting the involvement of other regulatory
      mechanisms in the response of A. ferrooxidans to heat stress.

PMID- 22086464
TI  - Sertraline inhibits formalin-induced nociception and cardiovascular responses.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to determine the antihyperalgesic effect
      of sertraline, measured indirectly by the changes of sciatic afferent nerve
      activity, and its effects on cardiorespiratory parameters, using the model of
      formalin-induced inflammatory nociception in anesthetized rats. Serum serotonin
      (5-HT) levels were measured in order to test their correlation with the analgesic
      effect. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into 4 groups (N = 8/per
      group): sertraline-treated group (Sert + Saline (Sal) and Sert + Formalin (Form);
      3 mg.kg-1.day-1, ip, for 7 days) and saline-treated group (Sal + Sal and Sal +
      Form). The rats were injected with 5% (50 uL) formalin or saline into the right
      hind paw. Sciatic nerve activity was recorded using a silver electrode connected
      to a NeuroLog apparatus, and cardiopulmonary parameters (mean arterial pressure,
      heart rate and respiratory frequency), assessed after arterial cannulation and
      tracheotomy, were monitored using a Data Acquisition System. Blood samples were
      collected from the animals and serum 5-HT levels were determined by ELISA.
      Formalin injection induced the following changes: sciatic afferent nerve activity
      (+50.8 +/- 14.7%), mean arterial pressure (+1.4 +/- 3 mmHg), heart rate (+13 +/-
      6.8 bpm), respiratory frequency (+4.6 +/- 5 cpm) and serum 5-HT increased to 1162
      +/- 124.6 ng/mL. Treatment with sertraline significantly reduced all these
      parameters (respectively: +19.8 +/- 6.9%, -3.3 +/- 2 mmHg, -13.1 +/- 10.8 bpm, 
      9.8 +/- 5.7 cpm) and serum 5-HT level dropped to 634 +/- 69 ng/mL (P < 0.05).
      These results suggest that sertraline plays an analgesic role in formalin-induced
      nociception probably through a serotonergic mechanism.

PMID- 22086465
TI  - Effects of simultaneous exposure to stress and nicotine on nicotine-induced
      locomotor activation in adolescent and adult rats.
AB  - Preclinical studies have shown that repeated stress experiences can result in an
      increase in the locomotor response to the subsequent administration of drugs of
      abuse, a phenomenon that has been termed behavioral cross-sensitization.
      Behavioral sensitization reflects neuroadaptive processes associated with drug
      addiction and drug-induced psychosis. Although cross-sensitization between stress
      and drug-induced locomotor activity has been clearly demonstrated in adult rats,
      few studies have evaluated this phenomenon in adolescent rats. In the present
      study, we determined if the simultaneous exposure to stress and nicotine was
      capable of inducing behavioral sensitization to nicotine in adolescent and adult
      rats. To this end, adolescent (postnatal day (P) 28-37) and adult (P60-67) rats
      received nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc) or saline (0.9% NaCl, sc) and were immediately
      subjected to restraint stress for 2 h once a day for 7 days. The control group
      for stress was undisturbed following nicotine or saline injections. Three days
      after the last exposure to stress and nicotine, rats were challenged with a
      single dose of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc) or saline and nicotine-induced locomotion
      was then recorded for 30 min. In adolescent rats, nicotine caused behavioral
      sensitization only in animals that were simultaneously exposed to stress, while
      in adult rats nicotine promoted sensitization independently of stress exposure.
      These findings demonstrate that adolescent rats are more vulnerable to the
      effects of stress on behavioral sensitization to nicotine than adult rats.

PMID- 22086466
TI  - MMP-1/PAR-1 signal transduction axis and its prognostic impact in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1)/protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) signal
      transduction axis plays an important role in tumorigenesis. To explore the
      expression and prognostic value of MMP-1 and PAR-1 in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC), we evaluated the expression of two proteins in resected
      specimens from 85 patients with ESCC by immunohistochemistry. Sixty-two (72.9%)
      and 58 (68.2%) tumors were MMP-1- and PAR-1-positive, respectively, while no
      significant staining was observed in normal esophageal squamous epithelium. MMP-1
      and PAR-1 overexpression was significantly associated with tumor node metastasis
      (TNM) stage and regional lymph node involvement. Patients with MMP-1- and PAR-1
      positive tumors, respectively, had poorer disease-free survival (DFS) than those
      with negative ESCC (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). Univariate analysis
      showed a significant relationship between TNM stage [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.836,
      95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.866-4.308], regional lymph node involvement (HR
      = 2.955, 95%CI = 1.713-5.068), MMP-1 expression (HR = 2.669, 95%CI = 1.229
      6.127), and PAR-1 expression (HR = 1.762, 95%CI = 1.156-2.883) and DFS.
      Multivariate analysis including the above four parameters identified TNM stage
      (HR = 2.035, 95%CI = 1.167-3.681), MMP-1 expression (HR = 2.109, 95%CI = 1.293
      3.279), and PAR-1 expression (HR = 1.967, 95%CI = 1.256-2.881) as independent and
      significant prognostic factors for DFS. Our data suggest for the first time that
      MMP-1 and PAR-1 were both overexpressed in ESCC and are novel predictors of poor
      patient prognosis after curative resection. The MMP-1/PAR-1 signal transduction
      axis might be a new therapeutic target for future therapies tailored against
      ESCC.

PMID- 22086467
TI  - Postural balance in patients with social anxiety disorder.
AB  - Body stability is controlled by the postural system and can be affected by fear
      and anxiety. Few studies have addressed freezing posture in psychiatric
      disorders. The purpose of the present study was to assess posturographic behavior
      in 30 patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and 35 without SAD during
      presentation of blocks of pictures with different valences. Neutral images
      consisted of objects taken from a catalog of pictures, negative images were
      mutilation pictures and anxiogenic images were related to situations regarding
      SAD fears. While participants were standing on a force platform, similar to a
      balance, displacement of the center of pressure in the mediolateral and
      anteroposterior directions was measured. We found that the SAD group exhibited a
      lower sway area and a lower velocity of sway throughout the experiment
      independent of the visual stimuli, in which the phobic pictures, a stimulus
      associated with a defense response, were unable to evoke a significantly more
      rigid posture than the others. We hypothesize that patients with SAD when
      entering in a situation of exposure, from the moment the pictures are presented,
      tend to move less than controls, remaining this way until the experiment ends.
      This discrete body manifestation can provide additional data to the
      characterization of SAD and its differentiation from other anxiety disorders,
      especially in situations regarding facing fear.

PMID- 22086468
TI  - Endovascular stent placement for the treatment of nutcracker syndrome.
AB  - A patient presented with recurrent macroscopic hematuria, persistent orthostatic
      proteinuria and intermittent flank pain for 12 months. Doppler ultrasound,
      computed tomography angiography and selective renal vein phlebography revealed
      the compression of the left renal vein by the abdominal aorta. The patient was
      diagnosed with nutcracker syndrome and underwent endovascular stent placement. No
      intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The clinical symptoms
      completely resolved 14 days after the operation. At a follow-up of 6 months, the
      patient continued to be asymptomatic.

PMID- 22086469
TI  - Is there a link between Escherichia coli septicemia and the onset of systemic
      lupus erythematosus? Comment on: overlapping juvenile idiopathic arthritis and
      systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report (Rheumatol Int. 2011 May; 31(5):695
      698).

PMID- 22086470
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and responsiveness of the Korean version
      of the AUSCAN Osteoarthritis Index.
AB  - The Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) is a patient self
      reported 15-item questionnaire measuring the severity of hand osteoarthritis
      symptoms in the respect of pain, stiffness, and function. In this study, we
      developed a Korean version of the AUSCAN Index (K-AUSCAN) and confirmed its
      reliability, validity, and responsiveness. The AUSCAN Index was translated into
      Korean by 3 translators and translated back into English by 3 different
      translators. In a group of 53 patients with clinical hand osteoarthritis (mean
      age 58.3 +/- 7.6 years), validity was evaluated against other outcome measures,
      including the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) and
      Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ). Test-retest reliability
      was assessed at a 2-weeks interval in 51 patients. Internal consistency of K
      AUSCAN was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. Responsiveness was measured by
      standardized response mean (SRM). The test-retest reliability of K-AUSCAN yielded
      intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.46 for pain, 0.58 for stiffness, and 0.67
      for function. The internal consistency of K-AUSCAN was satisfactory with
      Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 for pain and 0.93 for function. The K-AUSCAN index
      showed good correlation with other measures (r (2) was 0.67 for K-AUSCAN pain and
      MDHAQ pain; r (2) was 0.72 for K-AUSCAN function and FIHOA). The pain and
      function of K-AUSCAN correlated substantially with each other and moderately with
      stiffness subscale. The average SRM for K-AUSCAN pain, stiffness, and function
      was -0.92, -0.48, and -0.84, respectively. The Korean version of the AUSCAN Index
      is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for the assessment of hand
      osteoarthritis symptoms.

PMID- 22086471
TI  - Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by an increased turnover of several
      different metalloproteinase-derived collagen species: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by gradual cementation of the
      vertebrae, a process that is described by excessive extracellular matrix
      remodeling. Specific matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-derived collagen fragments
      are released to the circulation, and measurement of those might act as biomarkers
      of ankylosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of
      five novel assays measuring different collagen species. Five newly developed
      ELISAs measuring MMP-degraded collagen fragments in serum of 40 AS patients and
      40 age-matched controls were measured: collagen type I (C1M), type II (C2M), type
      III (C3M), type IV (C4M) and type VI (C6M) as well as the bone formation marker
      osteocalcin. The levels of the five collagen neoepitopes were significantly
      higher in AS patients, except for osteocalcin. Cartilage degradation (C2M) was
      only significantly correlated with the basement membrane (C4M) in the AS
      patients. In contrast, C3M was significantly correlated with all of the other
      collagen markers. The highest diagnostic value was achieved when combining the
      C2M, C3M and C6M markers, AUC 87% (P < 0.0001). Moreover, a combination of the
      markers correlated with the clinical mSASS score (P = 0.004, R = 0.44). Novel and
      unique biomarkers of tissue remodeling may provide diagnostic value and aid in
      understanding of the AS pathology. Each of the biomarkers tells a unique story,
      and by combining them in a panel there, we found a strong correlation with
      mSASSS. We speculate that such panel will be a valuable tool for monitoring
      patients as effect of treatment, for the prediction of responders and for
      diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 22086472
TI  - Evaluation of the mean platelet volume in children with familial Mediterranean
      fever.
AB  - To evaluate the Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) levels in children diagnosed with
      familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), during attack and attack-free periods. The
      records of a total of 117 children with FMF, diagnosed using the Tel-Hashomer
      criteria, have been scanned. The study consisted of 53 patients during an attack
      (group 1), 64 patients in attack-free period (group 2), and 57 healthy controls
      (group 3). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, white blood cell
      count, platelet count, and MPV levels were retrospectively recorded. The MPV and
      platelet values in FMF patients during attack (group 1) and FMF patients during
      attack-free periods (group 2) have been found to be significantly higher than
      those of the health control group (group 3). Positive correlation has been found
      between the MPV and platelet values in Group 1 and the disease's severity score
      (r = 0.224, and r = 0.268, respectively). Positive correlation (r = 0.528, and r
      = 0.485, respectively) has been also identified between MPV and blood platelet
      count in patients in Group 1 and 2. No correlation was found between the
      Colchicine treatment period and MPV (r = -0.005). The MPV values in the complete
      group of FMF diagnosed children have been found to be much higher compared to
      those in healthy children. As a consequence, we consider the MPV value as a
      useful marker that demonstrates the risk of early stage atherosclerosis in
      children with FMF.

PMID- 22086473
TI  - Spinal cord stimulation: a review.
AB  - Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a safe and effective treatment of a variety of
      chronic pain conditions. As our understanding of the mechanisms of action and
      potential uses of SCS has evolved, clinical and technological advancements have
      followed. This review provides an overview of potential mechanisms of action of
      SCS, evidence for its effectiveness, potential complications, and highlights of
      developing areas of interest.

PMID- 22086474
TI  - Residents contributing to inpatient quality: blending learning and improvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality improvement (QI) initiatives reduce medical errors and are an
      important aspect of resident physician training. Many institutions have limited
      funding and few QI experts, making it essential to develop effective programs
      that require only modest resources. We describe a resident-led, hospitalist
      facilitated limited root cause analysis (RCA) QI program developed to meet
      training needs and institutional constraints. METHODS: We initiated a monthly
      quality improvement conference (QIC) at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York
      City, New York. Before each conference, a third-year resident investigated a
      patient care issue and completed a limited RCA. At the QIC, the findings were
      presented to the Internal Medicine residents, followed by a chief resident and
      hospitalist-facilitated group discussion. All proposed interventions were
      recorded, and selected interventions were later implemented. The success of these
      interventions in achieving permanent system-wide change or resident behavior
      change was tracked. Residents' views on the conferences were solicited via an
      anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty conferences were held over the first 22
      months of the program. Twenty-five (54%) of the 46 suggested interventions were
      initiated. Eighteen (72%) attempted interventions resulted in system-wide change
      or resident behavior change. Fifty-three residents evaluated the quality of the
      conferences. The majority believed the conferences were high quality (98%) and
      led to patient care improvements (96%). CONCLUSIONS: Resident-led modified RCAs
      are an effective method of integrating QI efforts into resident training. As
      front line providers, residents are uniquely positioned to identify and implement
      system changes that benefit patients. Conferences were implemented without
      overburdening facilitators or participants.

PMID- 22086475
TI  - Scintigraphic imaging in Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC, stress cardiomyopathy) is more common in elderly
      women and its symptoms can be deceptively similar to those of acute myocardial
      infarction. Although coronary arteries appear normal on coronary angiograms, a
      shape like a Tako-Tsubo (a Japanese fishing pot for trapping octopuses) can be
      observed on left ventriculogram. TTC is generally considered to be a trigger for
      sudden cardiac death. The onset mechanism of TTC is still controversial.
      Catecholamine cardiotoxicity and/or coronary circulation disturbance due to
      coronary microvascular spasm and/or neurogenic stunned myocardium as a result of
      autonomic imbalance are considered to be the most likely causes. In this review,
      we assess the usefulness of myocardial scintigraphic imaging in TTC patients on
      the basis of the results obtained from earlier studies and case reports in order
      to establish a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of this
      syndrome.

PMID- 22086476
TI  - Coincidence of coronary artery disease and Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) predominantly affects elderly people with a high
      prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, one would expect to
      encounter incidental coronary artery disease in a significant number of cases. In
      fact, the prevalence of mild coronary artery disease (CAD), by angiography, has
      been reported to be in the range of 30%-60%. Similarly, more severe stenotic
      lesions in at least one coronary vessel were incidentally found in 10%-35% of
      patients with the disease. Using intravascular ultrasound in a series of 10
      patients with TTC, coronary atherosclerosis was demonstrable in all patients,
      although five patients had normal coronary angiograms. Therefore, TTC and CAD are
      not mutually exclusive disease entities. The incidental finding of coronary
      lesions, even if significant, should not automatically lead to a dismissal of the
      diagnosis of TTC. Rather, a case-by-case approach using additional imaging
      modalities should be endorsed.

PMID- 22086477
TI  - [Historical and current pathophysiological concepts of stress (Tako-Tsubo)
      cardiomyopathy].
AB  - Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also referred to as stress cardiomyopathy (SCM),
      was first described in the 1990s and is characterized by transient left
      ventricular dysfunction. Its incidence represents 1-2% of all acute coronary
      syndromes (ACS). In most cases extreme emotional or physical stress precedes this
      syndrome. The majority of patients affected are postmenopausal women. Since its
      first description, various hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of TTC have
      been discussed. From a historical perspective, coronary vasospasm has often been
      proposed as a possible cause of this disorder. However, reviews from numerous
      registries were able to demonstrate that coronary vasospasm plays only a minor
      role in the pathogenesis of TTC. Several groups showed disturbances in myocardial
      microcirculation and energy metabolism in the acute phase of TTC. Nevertheless,
      with regard to the data currently available, it cannot be differentiated whether
      these changes are the cause or rather the result of TTC. However, recent concepts
      include an excessive catecholamine overload and morphological changes which are
      unequivocally documented in TTC. The relation between elevated catecholamine
      levels and myocardial dysfunction analogous to TTC could be confirmed in animal
      experiments.In summary, it can be assumed that TTC is caused by an excessive
      cardiotoxic release of catecholamines. Ventricular dysfunction can be explained
      by increased numbers of beta-adrenergic receptors in the apex, leading to greater
      vulnerability to catecholamine overload. Individual anatomical differences in the
      sympathoadrenergic system and distribution from beta-adrenergic receptors are
      presumably responsible for the interindividual occurrence of wall motion
      abnormalities in TTC.

PMID- 22086478
TI  - [Complications during exercise testing].
AB  - Exercise electrocardiogram forms the basis for diagnosis of ischemia in coronary
      heart disease. Blood pressure behavior, physical fitness, training heart rate and
      possible cardiac arrhythmias can additionally be assessed using bicycle ergometry
      or treadmill testing. When the indications for and contraindications to exercise
      testing (either bicycle ergometry or treadmill testing) are closely observed,
      serious complications are rare. However, it is important that the treating
      physician is aware of and able to recognize possible complications. The present
      article discusses possible cardiovascular complications and their incidence.

PMID- 22086479
TI  - [Cost-effectiveness of study nurses in the management of patients with heart
      failure. A systematic review].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Heart failure is currently one of the most common and
      cost-intensive diseases. Furthermore, high morbidity and mortality are
      distinctive for this disease. Therefore, new treatment programs are increasingly
      developed; especially the care of heart failure patients by specialized nurses
      (study nurses) represents a frequent new concept. This review gives a systematic
      overview of the cost-effectiveness of new treatment concepts with study nurses in
      comparison to the conventional care of heart failure. METHODS: A systematic
      literature search in MEDLINE was performed for the period from 1995 till April
      2008. The search strategy included terms from three essential areas relating to
      the working subject: twelve search keys with regard to the clinical picture, 21
      words concerning the intervention with study nurses, and 27 terms with reference
      to health economics. The literature selection was carried out on the basis of a
      priori defined in- and exclusion criteria. Economic evaluations based on
      randomized controlled trials with a study duration of at least 6 months which
      were published in English or German were enclosed. An extraction of the relevant
      data as well as a qualitative synthesis of information were conducted. RESULTS: A
      total of 13 studies were identified. With five of nine of the enclosed
      publications, a statistically significant reduction of the number of all-cause
      rehospitalizations was reported. Two of twelve publications showed a
      statistically significant decrease in mortality in favor of the intervention
      group. Twelve of 13 publications only reported the costs and effects of both
      groups separately. For the five of nine publications with significant reductions
      of rehospitalization, an own calculation of the incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratio (ICER) could be carried out based on the cost and effect data. It turned
      out an ICER of costs at the rate of 490 Euros up to savings of 7,330 Euros per
      prevented rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows an
      international trend that concepts for the care of patients with heart failure
      that involve study nurses are cost-effective. For the German context there are no
      comparable data available.

PMID- 22086480
TI  - Real-time three-dimensional TEE guidance of a paravalvular mitral valve leak
      closure procedure.

PMID- 22086482
TI  - Minds on the blink: the relationship between inattentional blindness and
      attentional blink.
AB  - Failures of conscious visual awareness occur when specific task demands prevent
      an observer from detecting a stimulus that would otherwise be clearly visible.
      Two examples are inattentional blindness (IB) and attentional blink (AB). IB is
      the failure to detect an unexpected stimulus when attention is otherwise engaged.
      AB describes the inability to detect a second target that is presented within 180
      500 ms of the first target. Previous research has suggested that similar
      cognitive processes underlie both IB and AB; however, they are distinct
      phenomena, and no evidence has directly linked the two. We tested the same group
      of observers on an IB task and an AB task. Consistent with our hypotheses, we
      found that "non-noticers" who failed to detect an unexpected stimulus in the IB
      task also demonstrated a larger AB effect. This suggests that some observers may
      be more generally susceptible to failures of conscious visual awareness,
      regardless of specific context.

PMID- 22086484
TI  - A case of acquired hemophilia A with massive hemothorax.
AB  - Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening
      hemorrhagic disorder caused by the development of an inhibitor against
      coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). AHA is very rare, affecting approximately 1 in 1
      million individuals. However, the incidence may actually be higher, because
      diagnosis is difficult and the disease can be overlooked. We report a case of an
      80-year-old man who presented with sudden onset of severe hemothorax. The patient
      was diagnosed with presumed AHA based on acute onset of bleeding symptoms and
      unexplained isolated prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Diagnosis
      was definitely established by demonstrating a decrease in FVIII activity,
      presence of FVIII inhibitor activity, and normal von Willebrand factor. The
      patient was successfully treated with recombinant activated coagulation factor
      VII and transcatheter artery embolization of the intercostal arteries.

PMID- 22086485
TI  - Automatic motion and noise artifact detection in Holter ECG data using empirical
      mode decomposition and statistical approaches.
AB  - We present a real-time method for the detection of motion and noise (MN)
      artifacts, which frequently interferes with accurate rhythm assessment when ECG
      signals are collected from Holter monitors. Our MN artifact detection approach
      involves two stages. The first stage involves the use of the first-order
      intrinsic mode function (F-IMF) from the empirical mode decomposition to isolate
      the artifacts' dynamics as they are largely concentrated in the higher
      frequencies. The second stage of our approach uses three statistical measures on
      the F-IMF time series to look for characteristics of randomness and variability,
      which are hallmark signatures of MN artifacts: the Shannon entropy, mean, and
      variance. We then use the receiver-operator characteristics curve on Holter data
      from 15 healthy subjects to derive threshold values associated with these
      statistical measures to separate between the clean and MN artifacts' data
      segments. With threshold values derived from 15 training data sets, we tested our
      algorithms on 30 additional healthy subjects. Our results show that our
      algorithms are able to detect the presence of MN artifacts with sensitivity and
      specificity of 96.63% and 94.73%, respectively. In addition, when we applied our
      previously developed algorithm for atrial fibrillation (AF) detection on those
      segments that have been labeled to be free from MN artifacts, the specificity
      increased from 73.66% to 85.04% without loss of sensitivity (74.48%-74.62%) on
      six subjects diagnosed with AF. Finally, the computation time was less than 0.2 s
      using a MATLAB code, indicating that real-time application of the algorithms is
      possible for Holter monitoring.

PMID- 22086486
TI  - Endoscope shaft-rigidity control mechanism: "FORGUIDE".
AB  - Recent developments in flexible endoscopy and other fields of medical technology
      have raised the need for compact slender shafts that can be made rigid and
      compliant at will. A novel compact mechanism, named FORGUIDE, with this
      functionality was developed. The FORGUIDE shaft rigidifies due to friction
      between a ring of cables situated between a spring and an inflated tube. A
      mathematical model for the FORGUIDE mechanism working principle was made and used
      to obtain understanding of this mechanism, predict the maximum rigidity of a
      FORGUIDE shaft design, and tune its design variables. The mathematical model gave
      suggestions for significant performance improvement by fine-tuning the design. A
      prototype FORGUIDE shaft was built and put to a series of bench tests. These
      tests showed that the FORGUIDE mechanism provides a reliable and simple way to
      control the rigidity of a flexible shaft.

PMID- 22086487
TI  - EIT forward problem parallel simulation environment with anisotropic tissue and
      realistic electrode models.
AB  - Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging technology based on impedance
      measurements. To retrieve meaningful insights from these measurements, EIT relies
      on detailed knowledge of the underlying electrical properties of the body. This
      is obtained from numerical models of current flows therein. The nonhomogeneous
      and anisotropic electric properties of human tissues make accurate modeling and
      simulation very challenging, leading to a tradeoff between physical accuracy and
      technical feasibility, which at present severely limits the capabilities of EIT.
      This work presents a complete algorithmic flow for an accurate EIT modeling
      environment featuring high anatomical fidelity with a spatial resolution equal to
      that provided by an MRI and a novel realistic complete electrode model
      implementation. At the same time, we demonstrate that current graphics processing
      unit (GPU)-based platforms provide enough computational power that a domain
      discretized with five million voxels can be numerically modeled in about 30 s.

PMID- 22086488
TI  - Integrative deep sequencing of the mouse lung transcriptome reveals differential
      expression of diverse classes of small RNAs in response to respiratory virus
      infection.
AB  - We previously reported widespread differential expression of long non-protein
      coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in response to virus infection. Here, we expanded the study
      through small RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis of the host response to both
      severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and influenza virus
      infections across four founder mouse strains of the Collaborative Cross, a
      recombinant inbred mouse resource for mapping complex traits. We observed
      differential expression of over 200 small RNAs of diverse classes during
      infection. A majority of identified microRNAs (miRNAs) showed divergent changes
      in expression across mouse strains with respect to SARS-CoV and influenza virus
      infections and responded differently to a highly pathogenic reconstructed 1918
      virus compared to a minimally pathogenic seasonal influenza virus isolate. Novel
      insights into miRNA expression changes, including the association with pathogenic
      outcomes and large differences between in vivo and in vitro experimental systems,
      were further elucidated by a survey of selected miRNAs across diverse virus
      infections. The small RNAs identified also included many non-miRNA small RNAs,
      such as small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), in addition to nonannotated small RNAs.
      An integrative sequencing analysis of both small RNAs and long transcripts from
      the same samples showed that the results revealing differential expression of
      miRNAs during infection were largely due to transcriptional regulation and that
      the predicted miRNA-mRNA network could modulate global host responses to virus
      infection in a combinatorial fashion. These findings represent the first
      integrated sequencing analysis of the response of host small RNAs to virus
      infection and show that small RNAs are an integrated component of complex
      networks involved in regulating the host response to infection. IMPORTANCE: Most
      studies examining the host transcriptional response to infection focus only on
      protein-coding genes. However, mammalian genomes transcribe many short and long
      non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). With the advent of deep-sequencing
      technologies, systematic transcriptome analysis of the host response, including
      analysis of ncRNAs of different sizes, is now possible. Using this approach, we
      recently discovered widespread differential expression of host long (>200
      nucleotide [nt]) ncRNAs in response to virus infection. Here, the samples
      described in the previous report were again used, but we sequenced another
      fraction of the transcriptome to study very short (about 20 to 30 nt) ncRNAs. We
      demonstrated that virus infection also altered expression of many short ncRNAs of
      diverse classes. Putting the results of the two studies together, we show that
      small RNAs may also play an important role in regulating the host response to
      virus infection.

PMID- 22086489
TI  - Assembly of xylanases into designer cellulosomes promotes efficient hydrolysis of
      the xylan component of a natural recalcitrant cellulosic substrate.
AB  - In nature, the complex composition and structure of the plant cell wall pose a
      barrier to enzymatic degradation. Nevertheless, some anaerobic bacteria have
      evolved for this purpose an intriguing, highly efficient multienzyme complex, the
      cellulosome, which contains numerous cellulases and hemicellulases. The rod-like
      cellulose component of the plant cell wall is embedded in a colloidal blend of
      hemicelluloses, a major component of which is xylan. In order to enhance
      enzymatic degradation of the xylan component of a natural complex substrate
      (wheat straw) and to study the synergistic action among different xylanases, we
      have employed a variation of the designer cellulosome approach by fabricating a
      tetravalent complex that includes the three endoxylanases of Thermobifida fusca
      (Xyn10A, Xyn10B, and Xyn11A) and an Xyl43A beta-xylosidase from the same
      bacterium. Here, we describe the conversion of Xyn10A and Xyl43A to the
      cellulosomal mode. The incorporation of the Xyl43A enzyme together with the three
      endoxylanases into a common designer cellulosome served to enhance the level of
      reducing sugars produced during wheat straw degradation. The enhanced synergistic
      action of the four xylanases reflected their immediate juxtaposition in the
      complex, and these tetravalent xylanolytic designer cellulosomes succeeded in
      degrading significant (~25%) levels of the total xylan component of the wheat
      straw substrate. The results suggest that the incorporation of xylanases into
      cellulosome complexes is advantageous for efficient decomposition of recalcitrant
      cellulosic substrates--a distinction previously reserved for cellulose-degrading
      enzymes. IMPORTANCE: Xylanases are important enzymes for our society, due to
      their variety of industrial applications. Together with cellulases and other
      glycoside hydrolases, xylanases may also provide cost-effective conversion of
      plant-derived cellulosic biomass into soluble sugars en route to biofuels as an
      alternative to fossil fuels. Xylanases are commonly found in multienzyme
      cellulosome complexes, produced by anaerobic bacteria, which are considered to be
      among the most efficient systems for degradation of cellulosic biomass. Using a
      designer cellulosome approach, we have incorporated the entire xylanolytic system
      of the bacterium Thermobifida fusca into defined artificial cellulosome
      complexes. The combined action of these designer cellulosomes versus that of the
      wild-type free xylanase system was then compared. Our data demonstrated that
      xylanolytic designer cellulosomes displayed enhanced synergistic activities on a
      natural recalcitrant wheat straw substrate and could thus serve in the
      development of advanced systems for improved degradation of lignocellulosic
      material.

PMID- 22086491
TI  - Feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week progressive home-based strengthening
      exercise program in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or total hip
      joint replacement: a preliminary trial.
AB  - The feasibility and efficacy of an additional progressive home-based
      strengthening exercise program (PHSEP) on subjects that already attended
      supervised institutional exercise therapy was investigated. Thirty-six hip
      patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and/or total hip replacement in at least
      one hip joint were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or a control
      group (CG). IG (18 patients, mean age 64.9, standard deviation (SD) 7.5) followed
      an 8-week PHSEP in addition to their weekly institutional exercise therapy, while
      CG (18 patients, mean age 64.7, SD 9) solely continued the weekly institutional
      exercise sessions. Before and after the intervention period, strength of hip
      muscles was quantified applying isokinetic concentric and isometric measurements,
      and health-related quality of life was monitored using the SF36 questionnaire.
      Adherence to the exercise program was evaluated using exercise logs. The PHSEP
      was feasible for all subjects in IG with an adherence of 99%. Exercise logs
      reported that pain resulting from the PHSEP was low. Increased strength in
      isokinetic concentric hip adduction (13%) and isometric hip abduction (9%),
      adduction (12%), and flexion (7%) was found in IG in comparison to CG. The
      results of the SF36 did not change during the intervention period. Consequently,
      supervised institutional exercise therapy supplemented by a PHSEP could increase
      hip muscle strength in patients with hip OA and/or total hip replacement.
      However, further research should evaluate the optimal frequency and duration of
      such supplementary sessions and their potential to increase physical function and
      reduce pain.

PMID- 22086492
TI  - Application of IFT and SPSA to servo system control.
AB  - This paper treats the application of two data-based model-free gradient-based
      stochastic optimization techniques, i.e., iterative feedback tuning (IFT) and
      simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA), to servo system
      control. The representative case of controlled processes modeled by second-order
      systems with an integral component is discussed. New IFT and SPSA algorithms are
      suggested to tune the parameters of the state feedback controllers with an
      integrator in the linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) problem formulation. An
      implementation case study concerning the LQG-based design of an angular position
      controller for a direct current servo system laboratory equipment is included to
      highlight the pros and cons of IFT and SPSA from an application's point of view.
      The comparison of IFT and SPSA algorithms is focused on an insight into their
      implementation.

PMID- 22086490
TI  - Genome sequencing reveals a phage in Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori chronically infects the gastric mucosa in more than half of
      the human population; in a subset of this population, its presence is associated
      with development of severe disease, such as gastric cancer. Genomic analysis of
      several strains has revealed an extensive H. pylori pan-genome, likely to grow as
      more genomes are sampled. Here we describe the draft genome sequence (63 contigs;
      26* mean coverage) of H. pylori strain B45, isolated from a patient with gastric
      mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The major finding was a 24.6
      kb prophage integrated in the bacterial genome. The prophage shares most of its
      genes (22/27) with prophage region II of Helicobacter acinonychis strain Sheeba.
      After UV treatment of liquid cultures, circular DNA carrying the prophage
      integrase gene could be detected, and intracellular tailed phage-like particles
      were observed in H. pylori cells by transmission electron microscopy, indicating
      that phage production can be induced from the prophage. PCR amplification and
      sequencing of the integrase gene from 341 H. pylori strains from different
      geographic regions revealed a high prevalence of the prophage (21.4%).
      Phylogenetic reconstruction showed four distinct clusters in the integrase gene,
      three of which tended to be specific for geographic regions. Our study implies
      that phages may play important roles in the ecology and evolution of H. pylori.
      IMPORTANCE: Helicobacter pylori chronically infects the gastric mucosa in more
      than half of the human population, and while most of the infected individuals do
      not develop disease, H. pylori infection doubles the risk of developing gastric
      cancer. An abundance and diversity of viruses (phages) infect microbial
      populations in most environments and are important mediators of microbial
      diversity. Our finding of a 24.6-kb prophage integrated inside an H. pylori
      genome and the observation of circular integrase gene-containing DNA and phage
      like particles inside cells upon UV treatment demonstrate that we have discovered
      a viable H. pylori phage. The additional finding of integrase genes in a large
      proportion of screened isolates of diverse geographic origins indicates that the
      prevalence of prophages may have been underestimated in H. pylori. Since phages
      are important drivers of microbial evolution, the discovery should be important
      for understanding and predicting genetic diversity in H. pylori.

PMID- 22086494
TI  - Manual matching of perceived surface orientation is affected by arm posture:
      evidence of calibration between proprioception and visual experience in near
      space.
AB  - Proprioception of hand orientation (orientation production using the hand) is
      compared with manual matching of visual orientation (visual surface matching
      using the hand) in two experiments. In experiment 1, using self-selected arm
      postures, the proportions of wrist and elbow flexion spontaneously used to orient
      the pitch of the hand (20 and 80%, respectively) are relatively similar across
      both manual matching tasks and manual orientation production tasks for most
      participants. Proprioceptive error closely matched perceptual biases previously
      reported for visual orientation perception, suggesting calibration of
      proprioception to visual biases. A minority of participants, who attempted to use
      primarily wrist flexion while holding the forearm horizontal, performed poorly at
      the manual matching task, consistent with proprioceptive error caused by
      biomechanical constraints of their self-selected posture. In experiment 2,
      postural choices were constrained to primarily wrist or elbow flexion without
      imposing biomechanical constraints (using a raised forearm). Identical relative
      offsets were found between the two constraint groups in manual matching and
      manual orientation production. The results support two claims: (1) manual
      orientation matching to visual surfaces is based on manual proprioception and (2)
      calibration between visual and proprioceptive experiences guarantees relatively
      accurate manual matching for surfaces within reach, despite systematic visual
      biases in perceived surface orientation.

PMID- 22086493
TI  - Roles of amyloid precursor protein family members in neuroprotection, stress
      signaling and aging.
AB  - The roles of amyloid precursor protein (APP) family members in normal brain
      function are poorly understood. Under physiological conditions the majority of
      APP appears to be processed along the non-amyloidogenic pathway leading to the
      formation of the secreted N-terminal APP fragment sAPPalpha. This cleavage
      product of APP has been implicated in several physiological processes such as
      neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis. In
      this review we focus on the role of APP family members in neuroprotection and
      summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms which are believed to mediate
      this effect. We propose that a reduction of APP processing along the non
      amyloidogenic pathway during brain aging could result in an enhanced
      susceptibility of neurons to cellular stress and could contribute to
      neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22086495
TI  - On the opportunistic nature of transcription and replication initiation in the
      metazoan genome.
AB  - Cellular identity and its response to external or internal signalling variations
      are encoded in a cell's genome as regulatory information. The genomic regions
      that specify this type of information are highly variable and degenerated in
      their sequence determinants, as it is becoming increasingly evident through the
      application of genome-scale methods to study gene expression. Here, we speculate
      that the same scenario applies to the regulatory regions controlling where DNA
      replication starts in the metazoan genome. We propose that replication origins
      cannot be defined as unique genomic features, but rather that DNA synthesis
      initiates opportunistically from accessible DNA sites, making cells highly robust
      and adaptable to environmental or developmental changes.

PMID- 22086496
TI  - Assessment of the transforming potential of novel anaplastic lymphoma kinase
      point mutants.
AB  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has emerged as an important oncogene in a number
      of human malignancies ranging from non-Hodgkin lymphoma to neuroblastoma. In the
      former case, ALK is activated as a consequence of a chromosomal translocation and
      in the latter due to point mutations. In both cases the transforming potential of
      these oncogenic forms of ALK have been shown in vitro employing traditional
      cellular transformation assays including 3T3 foci formation. We reasoned that
      other ALK mutants which have been identified by the Cancer Genome Project may
      likewise possess transformation potential. We have selected seven ALK mutants
      identified in cell lines representative of a variety of human cancers based on
      position within the ALK protein, zygosity and frequency of detection including
      R1192Q, K1525E, C1021Y, R412C, A1252V, D1311A, K1518N and have compared their
      transformation capability in comparison to the published neuroblastoma-associated
      F1174L ALK mutant when expressed in immortalized p53(-/-) murine embryonic
      fibroblasts. Whilst the F1174L mutant reproducibly drives foci formation in
      vitro, the other ALK mutants fail in this task. Furthermore, apart from the
      F1174L ALK mutant, the ALK protein is not phosphorylated on tyrosine residue 1604
      suggesting that they are kinase-inactive in this cellular context. We conclude
      that not all ALK mutants have transformation potential and may represent
      "passenger" mutations in the evolution of cancer.

PMID- 22086497
TI  - Inappropriate and excessive guilt: instrument validation and developmental
      differences in relation to depression.
AB  - Inappropriate or excessive guilt is listed as a symptom of depression by the
      American Psychiatric Association (1994). Although many measures of guilt have
      been developed, definitional and operational problems exist, especially in the
      application of such measures in childhood and adolescence. To address these
      problems, the current study introduces the Inappropriate and Excessive Guilt
      Scale (IEGS), assesses its validity for use with children and adolescents, and
      tests its relation to depression across development. From a sample of 370
      children between 7 and 16 years old, results provided (1) evidence that items
      designed to assess inappropriate and excessive guilt converged onto a single
      underlying factor, (2) support for the convergent, discriminant, and construct
      validity of the IEGS in a general youth population, and (3) evidence of
      incremental validity of the IEGS over-and-above other measures of guilt. Results
      also supported the hypothesis that inappropriate and excessive guilt as well as
      negative cognitive errors become less normative and more depressotypic with age.

PMID- 22086498
TI  - Flexible planar microfluidic chip employing a light emitting diode and a PIN
      photodiode for portable flow cytometers.
AB  - Detection of fluorescence particles is a key method of flow cytometry. We
      evaluate the performance of a design for a microfluidic fluorescence particle
      detection device. Due to the planar design with low layer thicknesses, we avoid
      optical components such as lenses or dichroic mirrors and substitute them with a
      shadow mask and colored film filters. A commercially available LED is used as the
      light source and a PIN-photodiode as detector. This design approach reduces
      component cost and power consumption and enables supplying the device with power
      from a standard USB port. From evaluation of this design, we obtain a maximum
      particle detection frequency of up to 600 particles per second at a sensitivity
      of better than 4.7 * 10(5) MESF (molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome)
      measured with particles for FITC sensitivity calibration. Lowering the flow rate
      increases the instrument sensitivity by an order of magnitude enabling the
      detection of particles with 4.5 * 10(4) MESF.

PMID- 22086499
TI  - Freiburg neuropathology case conference: cystic mass lesions of the temporal and
      occipital lobes in an elderly patient.

PMID- 22086500
TI  - JUDOCA: junction detection operator based on circumferential anchors.
AB  - In this paper, we propose an edge-based junction detector. In addition to
      detecting the locations of junctions, this operator specifies their orientations
      as well. In this respect, a junction is defined as a meeting point of two or more
      ridges in the gradient domain into which an image can be transformed through
      Gaussian derivative filters. To accelerate the detection process, two binary edge
      maps are produced; a thick-edge map is obtained by imposing a threshold on the
      gradient magnitude image, and another thin-edge map is obtained by calculating
      the local maxima. Circular masks are centered at putative junctions in the thick
      edge map, and the so-called circumferential anchors or CA points are detected in
      the thin map. Radial lines are scanned to determine the presence of junctions.
      Comparisons are made with other well-known detectors. This paper proposes a new
      formula for measuring the detection accuracy. In addition, the so-called junction
      coordinate systems are introduced. Our operator has been successfully used to
      solve many problems such as wide-baseline matching, 3-D reconstruction, camera
      parameter enhancing, and indoor and obstacle localization.

PMID- 22086501
TI  - Rotation-invariant image and video description with local binary pattern
      features.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a novel approach to compute rotation-invariant features
      from histograms of local noninvariant patterns. We apply this approach to both
      static and dynamic local binary pattern (LBP) descriptors. For static-texture
      description, we present LBP histogram Fourier (LBP-HF) features, and for dynamic
      texture recognition, we present two rotation-invariant descriptors computed from
      the LBPs from three orthogonal planes (LBP-TOP) features in the spatiotemporal
      domain. LBP-HF is a novel rotation-invariant image descriptor computed from
      discrete Fourier transforms of LBP histograms. The approach can be also
      generalized to embed any uniform features into this framework, and combining the
      supplementary information, e.g., sign and magnitude components of the LBP,
      together can improve the description ability. Moreover, two variants of rotation
      invariant descriptors are proposed to the LBP-TOP, which is an effective
      descriptor for dynamic-texture recognition, as shown by its recent success in
      different application problems, but it is not rotation invariant. In the
      experiments, it is shown that the LBP-HF and its extensions outperform
      noninvariant and earlier versions of the rotation-invariant LBP in the rotation
      invariant texture classification. In experiments on two dynamic-texture databases
      with rotations or view variations, the proposed video features can effectively
      deal with rotation variations of dynamic textures (DTs). They also are robust
      with respect to changes in viewpoint, outperforming recent methods proposed for
      view-invariant recognition of DTs.

PMID- 22086502
TI  - Spectral-spatial classification of hyperspectral data based on a stochastic
      minimum spanning forest approach.
AB  - In this paper, a new method for supervised hyperspectral data classification is
      proposed. In particular, the notion of stochastic minimum spanning forest (MSF)
      is introduced. For a given hyperspectral image, a pixelwise classification is
      first performed. From this classification map,   M marker maps are generated by
      randomly selecting pixels and labeling them as markers for the construction of
      MSFs. The next step consists in building an MSF from each of the   M marker maps.
      Finally, all the  M realizations are aggregated with a maximum vote decision rule
      in order to build the final classification map. The proposed method is tested on
      three different data sets of hyperspectral airborne images with different
      resolutions and contexts. The influences of the number of markers and of the
      number of realizations  M on the results are investigated in experiments. The
      performance of the proposed method is compared to several classification
      techniques (both pixelwise and spectral-spatial) using standard quantitative
      criteria and visual qualitative evaluation.

PMID- 22086503
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor
      expression predict poor survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R)
      proteins and IGF-1R gene copy numbers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in
      relation to patients' characteristics and prognosis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical
      staining was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue derived from
      tumor specimens recovered during surgery. Slides were evaluated for membranous
      EGFR and IGF-1R staining using both the HercepTest and the semiquantitative H
      score systems. Chromogenic in situ hybridization was performed to quantify IGF-1R
      gene copy number. The primary outcome was the association between EGFR
      expression, IGF-1R expression-in both neoplastic epithelial and stromal cells-or
      IGF-1R gene copy number and overall survival. Secondary outcomes included
      associations between EFGR and IGF-1R expression and pathologic variables.
      RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were included. EGFR expression was present in
      30.4% of cases and was associated with lymph node metastasis (P = .038). IGF-1R
      was overexpressed in 53% of tumors and correlated with higher tumor grade (P =
      .033). High membranous expression of EGFR (P < .001) and/or IGF-1R (P = .004),
      the cytoplasmic detection of EGFR (P = .027), and high expression levels of IGF
      1R in the tumoral stroma (P < .001) were all associated with shorter overall
      survival, being significantly better in patients who simultaneously do not
      express membranous EGFR or stromal IGF-1R. CONCLUSIONS: EGFR and IGF-1R
      expression, in neoplastic and stromal cells, seems to be an important prognostic
      factor.

PMID- 22086504
TI  - Eggplant mild leaf mottle virus (EMLMV), a new putative member of the genus
      Ipomovirus that harbors an HC-Pro gene.
AB  - Since 2003, a new viral disease of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) has been
      spreading in fields in the Jordan and Arava Valleys, Israel. The symptoms of this
      disease include mild leaf mottling and varying degrees of fruit distortion. This
      disease can be transmitted by mechanical sap inoculation, as well as by the
      whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae) and has been tentatively named
      eggplant mild leaf mottle virus (EMLMV). Our study aimed to determine the
      complete sequence and genome organization of EMLMV. The extracted viral RNA was
      subjected to SOLiD next-generation sequence analysis and used as a template for
      reverse transcription synthesis, which was followed by ds-cDNA synthesis or PCR
      amplification. The ssRNA genome of EMLMV includes 9,280 nucleotides, excluding a
      3' terminal poly-adenylated tail. The genome includes a putative single, large
      open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a polyprotein of 3,011 amino acids, a short
      overlapping ORF of PIPO protein comprised of 71 amino acids and 5' and 3' non
      coding regions of 108 and 136 nucleotides, respectively. The deduced amino acid
      sequence of the EMLMV polyprotein is relatively close to that of sweet potato
      mild mottle virus (SPMMV), with 37% shared sequence identity. Among the four
      ipomoviruses, only SPMMV and the putative genus member EMLMV contain a helper
      component-proteinase (HC-Pro) gene. Like SPMMV-HC-Pro, EMLMV-HC-Pro also contains
      the highly conserved PTK domain that is thought to be involved in the aphid
      assisted transmission of potyviruses.

PMID- 22086505
TI  - Evolutionary analysis of human-origin influenza A virus (H3N2) genes associated
      with the codon usage patterns since 1993.
AB  - This study investigated genetic variations in eight major genes (hemagglutinin,
      HA; neuraminidase, NA; matrix protein, MP; non-structural protein, NS;
      nucleoprotein, NP; polymerase, PA; PA basic protein 1, PB1; and PA basic protein
      2, PB2) of the influenza A virus subtype H3N2 (A/H3N2) to determine the
      evolutionary pattern in codon bias. A total of 6,881 sequences isolated between
      1993 and 2010 were used. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) and G+C%
      content at the three codon positions were analyzed by calculating the codon
      substitution patterns were analyzed by calculating the percentage of synonymously
      substituted codons (SSCs) and that of codons substituted to the same codon within
      each synonymous codon group (EMC) between 1993 and subsequent years. In the
      multivariate analysis of RSCU, we observed directional changes in HA, NA, PB1,
      and PB2, and these changes were significantly correlated with the variation in
      the G+C contents at the first (GC(1st)) and second (GC(2nd)) codon positions over
      time. These directional changes in HA and NA appear to affect their antigenic
      characteristics by altering their SSCs gradually, and NP, PA, PB1, and PB2 genes
      also continuously changed their substitution patterns by accumulating the
      decrements of EMC values over a long term. Our findings suggest that, in human
      populations, A/H3N2 viruses have gradually changed their SSCs in two external
      genes, HA and NA, and that these accumulated alteration patterns may result in
      the antigenic changes over time. Moreover, A/H3N2 viruses also appear to change
      synonymous codon usage patterns in NP, PA, PB1, and PB2 genes by accumulating
      decrements in EMCs within synonymous codon groups over time.

PMID- 22086506
TI  - Complications in brief: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
AB  - When performing reconstruction of the ACL, the major complications that can arise
      include missed concomitant injuries, tunnel malposition, patellar fracture, knee
      stiffness, and infection. We review the complications that can occur as a result
      of errors made before, during, and after surgery.

PMID- 22086507
TI  - Combined anterior-posterior surgery is the most important risk factor for
      developing proximal junctional kyphosis in idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have identified risk factors for proximal junctional
      kyphosis (PJK) after instrumentation for scoliosis, but the relative risks are
      unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We identified risk factors for PJK in idiopathic
      scoliosis and determined their relative risks in a predictive model. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the charts of all 249 patients with idiopathic scoliosis
      who underwent surgery from 1996 to 2008. We compared those who developed PJK to
      those who did not. We identified risk factors for PJK and performed univariate
      and multivariate analyses to determine independent risk factors. We then used a
      Cox proportional-hazards model to evaluate the time to the development of PJK.
      The minimum followup time was 1.5 years (mean, 4 years; range, 1.5-9 years).
      RESULTS: The incidence of PJK in our series of patients with idiopathic scoliosis
      was 17%. There was no difference in Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores between
      patients without and with junctional kyphosis. Independent risk factors included
      proximal fusion to T1 through T3 and sagittal sacral vertical line, while in the
      Cox model a combined anterior-posterior approach surgery was the most important
      risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a T1 through T3 upper instrumented level,
      combined anterior-posterior surgery, and increased sagittal sacral vertical line
      difference had a higher likelihood of developing PJK. Of these risk factors,
      anterior-posterior surgery was the strongest risk factor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22086508
TI  - Roles of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, oxidative stress, and propofol in N
      methyl-D-aspartate-induced dilatation of cerebral arterioles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors
      contribute to cerebral parenchymal vasodilatation, and any effects of clinically
      used anaesthetics on the dilatation. The present study was designed to examine
      whether NMDA induces neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-mediated dilatation, in
      the cerebral parenchymal arterioles, and whether propofol and superoxide modulate
      the dilatation in relation to the NMDA receptor activation. METHODS: The cerebral
      parenchymal arterioles within rat brain slices were monitored by a computer
      assisted microscopy, and the vasodilatation in response to NMDA (10(-7) to 10(-5)
      M) was evaluated. Immunofluorescence analysis to neuronal and endothelial NOS and
      measurement of levels of superoxide and nitric oxide within the arteriole were
      simultaneously performed. RESULTS: Propofol, an NMDA receptor antagonist MK801,
      and a neuronal NOS antagonist S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC) reduced NMDA
      induced dilation, whereas a superoxide inhibitor, Tiron, and NADPH oxidase
      inhibitor, gp91ds-tat, augmented NMDA-induced dilatation. Immunofluorescence
      analysis revealed distribution of neuronal NOS in both endothelial and smooth
      muscle cells in addition to neuronal cells. NMDA-induced superoxide and nitric
      oxide within the parenchymal arterioles. The increased superoxide within the
      arteriole was similarly inhibited by MK801, SMTC, gp91ds-tat, propofol, and a
      neuronal NOS antagonist vinyl-l-NIO, whereas the level of nitric oxide was
      reduced by MK801, SMTC, propofol, and vinyl-l-NIO, and it was augmented by gp91ds
      tat. CONCLUSIONS: NMDA dilates cerebral parenchymal arterioles possibly via
      neuronal NOS activation, whereas it produces superoxide via NADPH oxidase. In
      these arterioles, propofol reduces both the dilatation and superoxide production
      in response to NMDA.

PMID- 22086509
TI  - Comparison of thromboelastometry (ROTEM(r)) with standard plasmatic coagulation
      testing in paediatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thromboelastometry (ROTEM((r))) might be useful to detect
      intraoperative coagulation disorders early in major paediatric surgery. This
      observational trial compares this technique to standard coagulation tests.
      METHODS: Intraoperative blood sampling was obtained in children undergoing
      elective major surgery. At each time point, standard coagulation tests [activated
      partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen level]
      and ROTEM((r)) analyses (InTEM, ExTEM, and FibTEM) were performed simultaneously
      by trained hospital laboratory staff. RESULTS: A total of 288 blood samples from
      50 subjects were analysed. While there was a poor correlation between PT and aPTT
      to ExTEM clotting time (CT) and InTEM CT, respectively, a good correlation was
      detected between PT and aPTT to clot formation time, and a very good correlation
      between fibrinogen level and FibTEM assay (r=0.882, P<0.001). Notably, 64% of PT
      and 94% of aPTT measurements were outside the reference range, while impaired CT
      was observed in 13% and 6.3%, respectively. Standard coagulation test results
      were available after a median of 53 min [inter-quartile range (IQR): 45-63 min],
      whereas 10 min values of ROTEM((r)) results were available online after 23 min
      (IQR: 21-24 min). CONCLUSIONS: PT and aPTT cannot be interchangeably used with
      ROTEM((r)) CT. Based on the results of ROTEM((r)), recommended thresholds for PT
      and aPTT might overestimate the need for coagulation therapy. A good correlation
      was found between the fibrinogen level and the FibTEM assay. In addition,
      ROTEM((r)) offered faster turnaround times.

PMID- 22086510
TI  - Randomized, prospective, observational simulation study comparing residents'
      needle-guided vs free-hand ultrasound techniques for central venous catheter
      access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short-axis ultrasound-guided placement of central venous catheters
      (CVCs) is widely accepted as safe practice. However, utilizing the long-axis
      approach could further improve safety, as it allows for better visualization of
      the needle as it is advanced to the target vessel. However, the long-axis
      approach has not widely been used due to the technical difficulty. Recently, a
      new needle guidance device has become available to aid in the long-axis approach.
      We hypothesized that the use of a needle guide paired with the long-axis approach
      would facilitate puncture of the target vessel in a simulation model more
      effectively than similar free-hand techniques. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study of anaesthesia residents using a CVC partial-task training
      device was conducted. Each resident performed needle puncture of the target
      vessel with three different techniques, assigned in random order: short-axis free
      hand (S-FH), long-axis free hand (L-FH), and long-axis needle guide (NG). To
      prove the effectiveness of the needle guide, the fraction of time the needle tip
      remained in view of the ultrasound was recorded and compared. Time required for
      completing the task and the number of needle sticks and needle re-directions were
      compared. RESULTS: Thirty-three residents participated in the study. The fraction
      of time the needle tip remained in view of the ultrasound was significantly
      higher for the residents using NG [0.90 (0.10)] compared with residents using the
      other techniques [L-FH: 0.36 (0.20), S-FH: 0.18 (0.10)] (P<0.001). For each
      resident, the use of the needle guide in the long-axis approach increased
      visualization by 352 (276)% compared with that of L-FH and by 1028 (1804) %
      compared with that of S-FH. There was no significant difference in time required
      to puncture the target between NG [23.7 (14.6) s] and L-FH [30.3 (36.5) s]
      (P=0.21); however, both were significantly longer than S-FH [17.0 (13.3) s]
      (P=0.012). The numbers of needle sticks and of needle re-directions did not
      differ among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The needle guide device used in the long
      axis approach improved the needle visualization compared with free-hand
      techniques. The needle guide used in the long-axis technique, however, did not
      facilitate puncture of the target vessel in this simulation model when compared
      with free-hand techniques.

PMID- 22086511
TI  - Elevated vancomycin trough is not associated with nephrotoxicity among inpatient
      veterans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vancomycin troughs of 15-20 mg/L are recommended in the treatment of
      invasive staphylococcal disease, higher levels than previously recommended.
      OBJECTIVE/SETTING: We sought to determine if there was an association between
      vancomycin trough and nephrotoxicity, defined as 0.5 mg/L or 50% increase in
      serum creatinine, at a large Veterans Affairs medical center. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We reviewed records of 348 inpatients at our institution who received
      >=5 days of vancomycin during 2 time periods when vancomycin dosing protocols
      differed (May 2005-April 2006 and January 2007-December 2007). Potential risk
      factors for nephrotoxicity were collected prior to nephrotoxicity onset, and all
      patients with nephrotoxicity events occurring within 5 days of starting
      vancomycin were excluded. RESULTS: Overall incidence of nephrotoxicity was 31/348
      patients (8.9%). A similar percentage of patients experienced nephrotoxicity in
      2005-2006 versus 2007 (16/201 vs 15/147, respectively; P = 0.57), despite a rise
      in mean (9.7 mg/L in 2005-2006 vs 13.2 mg/L in 2007; P < 0.0001) and highest
      (11.8 mg/L in 2005-2006 vs 15.7 mg/L in 2007; P < 0.0001) vancomycin trough
      levels achieved. In a multivariate logistic regression model, only receipt of
      intravenous contrast dye was significantly associated with nephrotoxicity (OR
      4.01, P < 0.001), though there was a trend toward an association between maximum
      vancomycin trough >=15 mg/L and nephrotoxicity (OR 2.05, P = 0.082). Overall
      reversibility of nephrotoxicity either prior to or within 72 hours of vancomycin
      discontinuation was 77.8%. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that nephrotoxicity, with
      higher trough levels occurring at >=5 days of vancomycin therapy, was uncommon at
      our institution and typically reversible.

PMID- 22086512
TI  - PROP1 and CTNNB1 expression in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas with or
      without beta-catenin mutations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Activating mutations in exon 3 of the beta-catenin gene are
      involved in the pathogenesis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas. Recently,
      the interaction between beta-catenin and PROP1 has been shown to be responsible
      for pituitary cell lineage determination. We hypothesized that dysregulated PROP1
      expression could also be involved in the pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas
      OBJECTIVES: To determine whether dysregulated gene expression was responsible for
      tumor pathogenesis in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas, the beta-catenin gene
      was screened for mutations, and the expression of the beta-catenin gene and PROP1
      was evaluated. beta-catenin gene was amplified and sequenced from 14 samples of
      adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas. PROP1 and beta-catenin gene expression was
      assessed by real-time RT-PCR from 12 samples, and beta-catenin
      immunohistochemistry was performed on 11 samples. RESULTS: Mutations in the beta
      catenin gene were identified in 64% of the adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas
      samples. Evidence of beta-catenin gene overexpression was found in 71% of the
      tumors with beta-catenin mutations and in 40% of the tumors without mutations,
      and beta-catenin immunohistochemistry revealed a nuclear staining pattern for
      each of the analyzed samples. PROP1 expression was undetectable in all of the
      tumor samples. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of beta-catenin gene overexpression
      in the majority of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas, and we also detected a
      nuclear beta-catenin staining pattern regardless of the presence of a beta
      catenin gene mutation. These results suggest that WNT signaling activation plays
      an important role in the pathogenesis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas.
      Additionally, this study was the first to evaluate PROP1 expression in
      adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas, and the absence of PROP1 expression
      indicates that this gene is not involved in the pathogenesis of this tumor, at
      least in this cohort.

PMID- 22086513
TI  - Autologous stem cell transplantation improves quality of life in economically
      challenged, Brazilian multiple myeloma patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 1) To characterize the impact of multiple myeloma on the quality of
      life of patients treated in two public institutions in Sao Paulo State, Brazil,
      using a generic Short Form 36 Health Survey and a questionnaire specific for
      oncologic patients (QLQ-C30) upon diagnosis, after the clinical treatment, and at
      day +100 after autologous stem cell transplantation; 2) to evaluate whether
      autologous stem cell transplantation can improve the quality of life of our
      economically challenged population aside from providing a clinical benefit and
      disease control. METHODS: We evaluated 49 patients with multiple myeloma (a total
      of 70 interviews) using the two questionnaires. The scores upon diagnosis, post
      treatment/pre-autologous stem cell transplantation, and at D+100 were compared
      using ANOVA (a comparison of the three groups), post hoc tests (two-by-two
      comparisons of the three groups), and paired t-tests (the same case at two
      different times). RESULTS: Of the included patients, 87.8% had a family budget
      under US $600 (economic class C, D, or E) per month. The generic Short Form 36
      Health Survey questionnaire demonstrated that physical function, role-physical,
      and bodily pain indices were statistically different across all three groups,
      favoring the D+100 autologous stem cell transplantation group (ANOVA). The
      questionnaire specific for oncologic patients, the QLQ-C30 questionnaire,
      confirmed what had been demonstrated by the Short Form 36 Health Survey with
      respect to physical function and bodily pain, with improvements in role
      functioning, fatigue, and lack of appetite and constipation, favoring the D+100
      autologous stem cell transplant group (ANOVA). The post hoc tests and paired t
      tests confirmed a better outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation
      CONCLUSION: The questionnaire specific for cancer patients seems to be more
      informative than the generic Short Form 36 Health Survey questionnaire and
      reflects the real benefit of autologous stem cell transplantation in the quality
      of life of multiple myeloma patients in two public Brazilian institutions that
      provide assistance for economically challenged patients.

PMID- 22086514
TI  - Association between participation in community groups and being more physically
      active among older adults from Florianopolis, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, older adults frequently participate in community groups.
      However, the influence of this participation on physical activity levels has not
      been fully investigated. It is known that both regular physical activity and
      social support are beneficial for health. The aim of this study is to evaluate
      the association between participation in community groups and physical activity
      among older adults from Florianopolis, Brazil. METHODS: The sample consisted of
      1062 adults with a mean age of 71.9 (+/-7.6) years. Among these individuals, 293
      subjects participated in community groups and 769 did not. A questionnaire to
      collect sociodemographic data and the long version of the International Physical
      Activity Questionnaire were used for the assessment. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      active older adults was 66.6% among participants in community groups and 58.4%
      among non-participants. Participation in these groups was significantly
      associated with being more physically active in the transportation and domestic
      domains, but with being less physically active in the leisure-time domain. Some
      changes in these associations were observed when the sample was stratified by
      age, gender, body mass index, and health status. With respect to total physical
      activity, participation in community groups was associated with being more
      physically active in only two strata (subjects younger than 70 years and women).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that older adults who participate
      in community groups are characterized by a greater probability of being more
      physically active. However, longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether
      participation in community groups facilitates the adoption of physically active
      behavior.

PMID- 22086515
TI  - Gender differences, polypharmacy, and potential pharmacological interactions in
      the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze pharmacological interactions among drugs
      taken by elderly patients and their age and gender differences in a population
      from Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the database
      provided by the Institute of Geriatric and Gerontology, Porto Alegre, Brazil. The
      database was composed of 438 elderly and includes information about the patients'
      disease, therapy regimens, utilized drugs. All drugs reported by the elderly
      patients were classified using the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical
      Classification System. The drug-drug interactions and their severity were
      assessed using the Micromedex(r) Healthcare Series. RESULTS: Of the 438 elderly
      patients in the data base, 376 (85.8%) used pharmacotherapy, 274 were female, and
      90.4% of females used drugs. The average number of drugs used by each individual
      younger than 80 years was 3.2+/-2.6. Women younger than 80 years old used more
      drugs than men in the same age group whereas men older than 80 years increased
      their use of drugs in relation to other age groups. Therefore, 32.6% of men and
      49.2% of women described at least one interaction, and 8.1% of men and 10.6% of
      women described four or more potential drug-drug interactions. Two-thirds of drug
      drug interactions were moderate in both genders, and most of them involved
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, loop
      and thiazide diuretics, and beta-blockers. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients should be
      closely monitored, based on drug class, gender, age group and nutritional status.

PMID- 22086516
TI  - Non-small cell lung cancer in never smokers: a clinical entity to be identified.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It has been recognized that patients with non-small cell lung cancer
      who are lifelong never-smokers constitute a distinct clinical entity. The aim of
      this study was to assess clinical risk factors for survival among never-smokers
      with non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: All consecutive non-small cell lung
      cancer patients diagnosed (n = 285) between May 2005 and May 2009 were included.
      The clinical characteristics of never-smokers and ever-smokers (former and
      current) were compared using chi-squared or Student's t tests. Survival curves
      were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank tests were used for
      survival comparisons. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was
      evaluated by adjusting for age (continuous variable), gender (female vs. male),
      smoking status (never- vs. ever-smoker), the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale
      (continuous variable), histological type (adenocarcinoma vs. non-adenocarcinoma),
      AJCC staging (early vs. advanced staging), and treatment (chemotherapy and/or
      radiotherapy vs. the best treatment support). RESULTS: Of the 285 non-small cell
      lung cancer patients, 56 patients were never-smokers. Univariate analyses
      indicated that the never-smoker patients were more likely to be female (68% vs.
      32%) and have adenocarcinoma (70% vs. 51%). Overall median survival was 15.7
      months (95% CI: 13.2 to 18.2). The never-smoker patients had a better survival
      rate than their counterpart, the ever-smokers. Never-smoker status, higher
      Karnofsky Performance Status, early staging, and treatment were independent and
      favorable prognostic factors for survival after adjusting for age, gender, and
      adenocarcinoma in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological differences
      exist between never- and ever-smokers with lung cancer. Overall survival among
      never-smokers was found to be higher and independent of gender and histological
      type.

PMID- 22086517
TI  - M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages are associated with poor prognoses
      resulting from accelerated lymphangiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tumor-associated macrophages have been implicated in promoting tumor
      growth, progression and metastasis. However, the activated phenotype (M1 or M2)
      of tumor-associated macrophages remains unknown in solid tumors. Therefore, this
      study examined the density and prognostic significance of M2-polarized tumor
      associated macrophages in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Tumor specimens from 65
      lung adenocarcinoma patients were assessed by ELISA for Th1/Th2 cytokine
      concentrations. The activated phenotype (M1 or M2) of tumor-associated
      macrophages was determined utilizing immunofluorescence staining. Additionally,
      to evaluate lymphangiogenesis, peritumoral lymphatic microvessel density was
      measured using D2-40. The correlation between tumor-associated macrophage subtype
      and overall patient survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and
      compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: A shift toward Th2 cytokine expression
      was detected within lung adenocarcinoma microenvironments. Approximately 79.71+/
      16.27% of tumor-associated macrophages were M2 polarized; the remaining 20.35+/
      5.31% were M1 polarized. The infiltration of M2-polarized macrophages was
      significantly associated with P-TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. The
      peritumoral lymphatic microvessel density was significantly higher in the high M2
      polarized tumor-associated macrophage group than in the low M2-polarized tumor
      associated macrophage group. A significant difference in overall patient survival
      was detected not only between patients with tumors with high and low macrophage
      counts but also between patients with tumors with high and low counts of M2
      polarized macrophages. CONCLUSION: Tumor-associated macrophages in lung
      adenocarcinoma have an M2-polarized subtype and are associated with poor
      prognoses, perhaps resulting from accelerated lymphangiogenesis and lymph node
      metastasis.

PMID- 22086518
TI  - A negative expiratory pressure test during wakefulness for evaluating the risk of
      obstructive sleep apnea in patients referred for sleep studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by increased upper airway
      collapsibility during sleep. The present study investigated the use of the
      negative expiratory pressure test as a method to rule out obstructive sleep
      apnea. METHODS: Flow limitation was evaluated in 155 subjects. All subjects
      underwent a diurnal negative expiratory pressure test and a nocturnal sleep
      study. The severity of sleep apnea was determined based on the apnea-hypopnea
      index. Flow limitation was assessed by computing the exhaled volume at 0.2, 0.5,
      and 1.0 s (V0.2, V0.5, and V1.0, respectively) during the application of a
      negative expiratory pressure and expressed as a percentage of the previous
      exhaled volume. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed to
      identify the optimal threshold volume at 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 s for obstructive
      sleep apnea detection. RESULTS: Mean expiratory volumes at 0.2 and 0.5 s were
      statistically higher (p <0.01) in healthy subjects than in all obstructive sleep
      apneic groups. Increasing disease severity was associated with lower expiratory
      volumes. The V0.2 (%) predictive parameters for the detection of sleep apnea were
      sensitivity (81.1%), specificity (93.1%), PPV (98.1%), and NPV (52.9%).
      Sensitivity and NPV were 96.9% and 93.2%, respectively, for moderate-to-severe
      obstructive sleep apnea, and both were 100% for severe obstructive sleep apnea.
      CONCLUSION: Flow limitation measurement by V 0.2 (%) during wakefulness may be a
      very reliable method to identify obstructive sleep apnea when the test is
      positive and could reliably exclude moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea
      when the test is negative. The negative expiratory pressure test appears to be a
      useful screening test for suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

PMID- 22086519
TI  - The characteristics of stress cardiomyopathy in an ethnically heterogeneous
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stress cardiomyopathy is a cardiac syndrome that is characterized by
      transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of obstructive
      coronary artery disease. Its epidemiology has been described in homogeneous
      Asian, Caucasian and Black populations, but its characteristics in heterogeneous
      populations are poorly understood. Our aim was to assess the characteristics of
      stress cardiomyopathy in a heterogeneous population that included a large
      percentage of Hispanics. METHODS: We reviewed 59 consecutive cases of stress
      cardiomyopathy that were confirmed by coronary angiography and were in agreement
      with the Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients
      was 74 years (range, 39-91 years), and 37 patients were female (62.7%). Twenty
      nine patients (49.2%) were Latino/Hispanic, 26 (44%) were Caucasian, 3 (5%) were
      Asian, and 1 patient (1.7%) was Black. The most common chief symptom was dyspnea,
      followed by chest pain and an absence of symptoms in 54.2, 28.8, and 18.6% of the
      patients, respectively. The primary EKG abnormalities consisted of a T wave
      inversion, an ST segment elevation, and ST segment depression in 69.5%, 25.4%,
      and 15.3% of the patients, respectively. The stressor event was identified in 90%
      of the cases. In 32 cases (54%), the stressor event was physical stress or a
      medical illness, and in 21 cases (35.6%), the stressor event was emotional
      stress. The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.5%. CONCLUSIONS: In our
      heterogeneous study population, stress cardiomyopathy presented with a 3:2 female
      to-male ratio, and dyspnea was the most common chief complaint. Stress
      cardiomyopathy exhibited a T wave inversion as the primary EKG abnormality. These
      findings differ from previous cases that have been reported, and further studies
      are needed.

PMID- 22086520
TI  - Preoperative nodal staging of non-small cell lung cancer using 99mTc-sestamibi
      spect/ct imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The proper nodal staging of non-small cell lung cancer is important
      for choosing the best treatment modality. Although computed tomography remains
      the first-line imaging test for the primary staging of lung cancer, its
      limitations for mediastinum nodal staging are well known. The aim of this study
      is to evaluate the accuracy of hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography
      and computed tomography using 99mTc-sestamibi in the nodal staging of patients
      with non-small cell lung cancer and to identify potential candidates for surgical
      treatment. METHODS: Prospective data were collected for 41 patients from December
      2006 to February 2009. The patients underwent chest computed tomography and
      single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography examinations with
      99mTc-sestamibi within a 30-day time period before surgery. Single-photon
      emission computed tomography/computed tomography was considered positive when
      there was focal uptake of sestamibi in the mediastinum, and computed tomography
      scan when there was lymph nodes larger than 10 mm in short axis. The results of
      single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography were
      correlated with pathology findings after surgery. RESULTS: Single-photon emission
      computed tomography/computed tomography correctly identified six out of 19 cases
      involving hilar lymph nodes and one out of seven cases involving nodal metastases
      in the mediastinum. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and
      negative predictive value for 99mTc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed
      tomography/computed tomography in the hilum assessment were 31.6%, 95.5%, 85.7%,
      and 61.8%, respectively. The same values for the mediastinum were 14.3%, 97.1%,
      50%, and 84.6%, respectively. For the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, chest
      tomography showed sensitivity values of 47.4% and 57.1%, specificity values of
      95.5% and 91.2%, positive predictive values of 90% and 57.1% and negative
      predictive values of 67.7% and 91.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Single-photon
      emission computed tomography/computed tomography with 99mTc-sestamibi showed very
      low sensitivity and accuracy for the nodal staging of patients with non-small
      cell lung cancer, despite its high level of specificity. In addition, the
      performance of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography
      added no relevant information compared to computed tomography that would justify
      its use in the routine preoperative staging of non-small cell lung carcinoma.

PMID- 22086521
TI  - Assessment of symptoms of urinary incontinence in women with polycystic ovary
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The pelvic floor muscles are sensitive to androgens, and due to
      hyperandrogenism, women with polycystic ovary syndrome can have increased mass in
      these muscles compared to controls. The aim of this study is to compare reports
      of urine leakage and quality of life between women with and without polycystic
      ovary syndrome. METHODS: One hundred thirteen 18-to 40-year-old nulliparous women
      with polycystic ovary syndrome or without the disease (controls) were recruited
      at the University Hospital of School Medicine of Sao Paulo University at Ribeirao
      Preto City, Brazil. The subjects were not taking any hormonal medication, had not
      undergone previous pelvic surgery and did not exercise their pelvic floor
      muscles. The women were divided into the following four groups: I-polycystic
      ovary syndrome with normal body mass index (n = 18), II-polycystic ovary syndrome
      with body mass index >25 (n = 32), III-controls with normal body mass index (n =
      29), and IV-controls with Body Mass Index >25 (n = 34). Quality of life was
      evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire, and the subjects with urinary complaints
      also completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short
      Form to evaluate the severity of their urinary incontinence. RESULTS: The replies
      to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form
      revealed a significant difference in urinary function between groups, with 24% of
      the subjects in group IV reporting urinary incontinence. The mean scores for the
      SF-36 questionnaire revealed that group II had the lowest quality of life.
      CONCLUSIONS: The control obese group (IV) reported a higher prevalence of urinary
      incontinence. There was no difference in the reported frequency of urine loss
      between the polycystic ovary syndrome and control groups with normal body mass
      index or between the polycystic ovary syndrome and control groups with body mass
      index >25.

PMID- 22086522
TI  - The validity and reliability of the Portuguese versions of three tools used to
      diagnose delirium in critically ill patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to compare the sensitivity and
      specificity of three diagnostic tools for delirium (the Intensive Care Delirium
      Screening Checklist, the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units and
      the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units Flowsheet) in a mixed
      population of critically ill patients, and to validate the Brazilian Portuguese
      Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units. METHODS: The study was
      conducted in four intensive care units in Brazil. Patients were screened for
      delirium by a psychiatrist or neurologist using the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders. Patients were subsequently screened by an intensivist
      using Portuguese translations of the three tools. RESULTS: One hundred and
      nineteen patients were evaluated and 38.6% were diagnosed with delirium by the
      reference rater. The Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units had a
      sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 96.2%; the Confusion Assessment Method
      for Intensive Care Units Flowsheet had a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity
      of 96.2%; the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist had a sensitivity of
      96.0% and a specificity of 72.4%. There was strong agreement between the
      Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units and the Confusion Assessment
      Method for Intensive Care Units Flowsheet (kappa coefficient = 0.96) CONCLUSION:
      All three instruments are effective diagnostic tools in critically ill intensive
      care unit patients. In addition, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the
      Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units is a valid and reliable
      instrument for the assessment of delirium among critically ill patients.

PMID- 22086523
TI  - Do omega-3 fatty acids prevent atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery? A
      meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been proposed as a novel
      treatment for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation due to their potential
      anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic effects. However, randomized studies have
      yielded conflicting results. The objective of this study is to review randomized
      trials of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid use for postoperative atrial
      fibrillation. METHODS: Using the CENTRAL, PUBMED, EMBASE, and LILACS databases, a
      literature search was conducted to identify all of the studies in human subjects
      that reported the effects of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the prevention of
      postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients. The final search
      was performed on January 30, 2011. There was no language restriction, and the
      search strategy only involved terms for N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (or fish
      oil), atrial fibrillation, and cardiac surgery. To be included, the studies had
      to be randomized (open or blinded), and the enrolled patients had to be >=18
      years of age. RESULTS: Four randomized studies (three double-blind, one open
      label) that enrolled 538 patients were identified. The patients were
      predominantly male, the mean age was 62.3 years, and most of the patients
      exhibited a normal left atrial size and ejection fraction. N-3 polyunsaturated
      fatty acid use was not associated with a reduction in postoperative atrial
      fibrillation. Similar results were observed when the open-label study was
      excluded. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that treatment
      with N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces postoperative atrial fibrillation.
      Therefore, their routine use in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is not
      recommended.

PMID- 22086524
TI  - The ADA*2 allele of the adenosine deaminase gene (20q13.11) and recurrent
      spontaneous abortions: an age-dependent association.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Adenosine deaminase acts on adenosine and deoxyadenosine metabolism
      and modulates the immune response. The adenosine deaminase G22A polymorphism
      (20q.11.33) influences the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme expression, which
      seems to play a key role in maintaining pregnancy. The adenosine deaminase 2
      phenotype has been associated with a protective effect against recurrent
      spontaneous abortions in European Caucasian women. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether the G22A polymorphism of the adenosine deaminase gene is
      associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions in Brazilian women. METHODS: A
      total of 311 women were recruited to form two groups: G1, with a history of
      recurrent spontaneous abortions (N = 129), and G2, without a history of abortions
      (N = 182). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood with a commercial kit
      and PCR-RFLP analysis was used to identify the G22A genetic polymorphism.
      Fisher's exact test and odds ratio values were used to compare the proportions of
      adenosine deaminase genotypes and alleles between women with and without a
      history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (p<0.05). The differences between mean
      values for categorical data were calculated using unpaired t tests. The Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium was assessed with a chi-square test. RESULTS: Statistically
      significant differences were identified for the frequencies of adenosine
      deaminase genotypes and alleles between the G1 and G2 groups when adjusted for
      maternal age. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the adenosine deaminase *2
      allele is associated with a low risk for recurrent spontaneous abortions, but
      this association is dependent on older age.

PMID- 22086525
TI  - Revisiting stapled and handsewn loop ileostomy closures: a large retrospective
      series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of stapled and handsewn closures in
      loop ileostomies. METHODS: The data of 225 patients requiring loop ileostomies
      from 2002 to 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients underwent partial
      small-bowel resections and either handsewn or stapled anastomoses for the
      ileostomy closures. They were followed up postoperatively with routine surgical
      examinations. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 124 men and 101 women with a
      mean age of 49.12 years. The ileostomy closure was performed with handsewn in 129
      patients and with stapled in 96 patients. The mean time to the first
      postoperative flatus was 2.426 days in the handsewn group and 2.052 days in the
      stapled group (p <0.05). The mean time to the first postoperative defecation was
      3.202 days in the handsewn group and 2.667 days in the stapled group (p <0.05).
      The mean duration of patient hospital stay was 8.581 days for the handsewn group
      and 6.063 days for the stapled group (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who
      underwent ileostomy closure with stapled recovered faster in the postoperative
      period and required shorter hospital stays than those whose closures were
      performed with handsewn. In our opinion, stapled should be considered the gold
      standard for loop ileostomy closures.

PMID- 22086526
TI  - Development and analysis of a low-cost screening tool to identify and classify
      hearing loss in children: a proposal for developing countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A lack of attention has been given to hearing health in primary care
      in developing countries. A strategy involving low-cost screening tools may fill
      the current gap in hearing health care provided to children. Therefore, it is
      necessary to establish and adopt lower-cost procedures that are accessible to
      underserved areas that lack other physical or human resources that would enable
      the identification of groups at risk for hearing loss. The aim of this study was
      to develop and analyze the efficacy of a low-cost screening tool to identify and
      classify hearing loss in children. METHODS: A total of 214 2-to-10 year-old
      children participated in this study. The study was conducted by providing a
      questionnaire to the parents and comparing the answers with the results of a
      complete audiological assessment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves
      were constructed, and discriminant analysis techniques were used to classify each
      child based on the total score. RESULTS: We found conductive hearing loss in
      39.3% of children, sensorineural hearing loss in 7.4% and normal hearing in
      53.3%. The discriminant analysis technique provided the following classification
      rule for the total score on the questionnaire: 0 to 4 points - normal hearing; 5
      to 7 points - conductive hearing loss; over 7 points - sensorineural hearing
      loss. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the questionnaire could be used as a
      screening tool to classify children with normal hearing or hearing loss and
      according to the type of hearing loss based on the total questionnaire score.

PMID- 22086527
TI  - Mechanical evaluation of the resistance and elastance of post-burn scars after
      topical treatment with tretinoin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: After burn injuries, scarred skin lacks elasticity, especially in
      hypertrophic scars. Topical treatment with tretinoin can improve the appearance
      and quality of the skin (i.e., texture, distensibility, color, and hydration).
      The objective of this prospective study was to examine the effects of treatment
      with 0.05% tretinoin for one year on the biomechanical behavior and histological
      changes undergone by facial skin with post-burn scarring. SETTING: Tertiary,
      Institutional. METHOD: Fifteen female patients who had suffered partial thickness
      burns with more than two years of evolution were selected. Skin biopsies were
      obtained initially and after one year of treatment. The resistance and elastance
      of these skin biopsies were measured using a mechanical oscillation analysis
      system. The density of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and versican were
      determined using immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Tretinoin treatment
      significantly lowered skin resistance and elastance, which is a result that
      indicates higher distensibility of the skin. However, tretinoin treatment did not
      significantly affect the density of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, or versican.
      CONCLUSION: Topical tretinoin treatment alters the mechanical behavior of post
      burn scarred skin by improving its distensibility and thus leads to improved
      quality of life for patients.

PMID- 22086528
TI  - Restless legs syndrome in subjects with a knee prosthesis: evidence that symptoms
      are generated in the periphery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are no data adressing the prevalence of restless legs syndrome
      in subjects who have knee prosthesis. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional
      survey of subjects who underwent knee prosthesis surgery. METHOD: A total of 107
      subjects (30 male, 77 female) were interviewed over the telephone regarding
      restless legs syndrome symptoms. If the patients exhibited symptoms of the
      syndrome, we conducted face-to-face interviews. Lastly, a therapeutic test with
      pramipexole was proposed for each subject. RESULTS: In our cohort, 7 males (23%)
      and 30 females (39%) had restless legs syndrome. Of these, 6 males and 23 females
      were submitted to face-to-face-interview. Of the males, 5 (83%) had restless legs
      after the knee surgery-exclusively in the operated leg- and reported no family
      restless legs history. One man had a prior case of bilateral restless legs
      syndrome, a positive family history and claimed exacerbation of symptoms in the
      operated leg. Among the females, 16 (69%) had restless legs prior to surgery. A
      total of 10 female patients reported bilateral symptoms, with fewer symptoms in
      the operated leg, while 6 displayed a worse outcome in the operated leg. The 7
      females (31%) without restless legs prior to surgery and without a family history
      experienced symptoms only in the operated leg. All subjects responded favorably
      to the pramipexole therapeutic test. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that
      secondary unilateral restless legs syndrome may ensue from knee prosthesis
      surgery and that the symptoms are generated in the peripheral nervous system.

PMID- 22086529
TI  - Vimentin and laminin are altered on cheek pouch microvessels of streptozotocin
      induced diabetic hamsters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Normal endothelial cells respond to shear stress by elongating and
      aligning in the direction of fluid flow. Hyperglycemia impairs this response and
      contributes to microvascular complications, which result in deleterious effects
      to the endothelium. This work aimed to evaluate cheek pouch microvessel
      morphological characteristics, reactivity, permeability, and expression of
      cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix components in hamsters after the induction
      of diabetes with streptozotocin. METHODS: Syrian golden hamsters (90-130 g) were
      injected with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle either 6 (the diabetes
      mellitus 6 group) or 15 (the diabetes mellitus 15 group) days before the
      experiment. Vascular dimensions and density per area of vessels were determined
      by morphometric and stereological measurements. Changes in blood flow were
      measured in response to acetylcholine, and plasma extravasation was measured by
      the number of leakage sites. Actin, talin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin,
      type IV collagen, and laminin were detected by immunohistochemistry and assessed
      through a semiquantitative scoring system. RESULTS: There were no major
      alterations in the lumen, wall diameters, or densities of the examined vessels.
      Likewise, vascular reactivity and permeability were not altered by diabetes. The
      arterioles demonstrated increased immunoreactivity to vimentin and laminin in the
      diabetes mellitus 6 and diabetes mellitus 15 groups. DISCUSSION: Antibodies
      against laminin and vimentin inhibit branching morphogenesis in vitro. Therefore,
      laminin and vimentin participating in the structure of the focal adhesion may
      play a role in angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated the existence of
      changes related to cell-matrix interactions, which may contribute to the
      pathological remodeling that was already underway one week after induction of
      experimental diabetes.

PMID- 22086530
TI  - Impact of Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 on acid-base status and hemodynamics in a model of
      controlled hemorrhagic shock.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intravenous infusion of crystalloid solutions is a cornerstone of the
      treatment of hemorrhagic shock. However, crystalloid solutions can have variable
      metabolic acid-base effects, perpetuating or even aggravating shock-induced
      metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to compare, in a controlled volume
      driven porcine model of hemorrhagic shock, the effects of three different
      crystalloid solutions on the hemodynamics and acid-base balance. METHODS:
      Controlled hemorrhagic shock (40% of the total blood volume was removed) was
      induced in 18 animals, which were then treated with normal saline (0.9% NaCl),
      Lactated Ringer's Solution or Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4, in a blinded fashion (n = 6 for
      each group). Using a predefined protocol, the animals received three times the
      volume of blood removed. RESULTS: The three different crystalloid infusions were
      equally capable of reversing the hemorrhage-induced low cardiac output and
      anuria. The Lactated Ringer's Solution and Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions resulted
      in an increased standard base excess and a decreased serum chloride level,
      whereas treatment with normal saline resulted in a decreased standard base excess
      and an increased serum chloride level. The Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions did not
      change the level of the unmeasured anions. CONCLUSION: Although the three tested
      crystalloid solutions were equally able to attenuate the hemodynamic and tissue
      perfusion disturbances, only the normal saline induced hyperchloremia and
      metabolic acidosis.

PMID- 22086531
TI  - An overview of recently published medical papers in Brazilian scientific
      journals.
AB  - A brief review intended as information to the readership of Clinics on papers
      recently published under various medical headings in Brazilian scientific
      journals recently indexed or about to be indexed in ISI-THOMSON Journal Citation
      Reports. Journals covered in this review are Acta Ortopedica Brasileira, Arquivos
      Brasileiros de Cardiologia, Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, Revista Brasileira
      de Cirurgia Cardiovascular and Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira.

PMID- 22086532
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-related systemic sclerosing disease in a patient with
      sclerosing cholangitis, inflammatory pseudotumors of the lung and multiple
      radiological patterns: a case report.

PMID- 22086533
TI  - The best approach for diagnosing primary sclerosing cholangitis.

PMID- 22086534
TI  - Primary Sjogren's syndrome in children: is a family approach indicated?

PMID- 22086535
TI  - Unusual presentation of multiple aneurysms of the ascending aorta.

PMID- 22086537
TI  - Aluminum-induced oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant defenses in the
      roots of rice varieties differing in Al tolerance.
AB  - The effects of aluminum (Al) on root elongation, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen
      peroxide (H(2)O(2)) accumulation, antioxidant levels, antioxidant enzymatic
      activity, and lignin content in the roots of the Al-tolerant rice variety azucena
      and the Al-sensitive variety IR64 were investigated. Treatment with Al induced a
      greater decrease in root elongation and a greater increase in H(2)O(2) and lipid
      peroxidation as determined by the total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance
      (TBARS) level in IR64 than in azucena. Azucena had significantly higher levels of
      superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and
      glutathione peroxidase GSH POD activity compared with IR64. The concentrations of
      reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid, and the GSH/GSSG ratio (reduced vs.
      oxidized glutathione) were also higher in azucena than in IR64 in the presence of
      Al. The addition of 1 mg/L GSH improved root elongation in both varieties and
      decreased H(2)O(2) production under Al stress. By contrast, treatment with
      buthionine sulfoximine, a specific inhibitor of GSH synthesis, decreased root
      elongation in azucena and stimulated H(2)O(2) production in both varieties.
      Moreover, Al treatment significantly increased the cytoplasmic activity of
      peroxidase (POD) as well as the levels of POD bound ionically and covalently to
      cell walls in the Al-sensitive variety. The lignin content was also increased.
      Treatment with exogenous H(2)O(2) also increased the lignin content and decreased
      root elongation in IR64. These results suggest that Al induces lignification in
      the roots of Al-sensitive rice varieties, probably through an increase in
      H(2)O(2) accumulation.

PMID- 22086538
TI  - Syrinx resolution after posterior fossa decompression in patients with scoliosis
      secondary to Chiari malformation type I.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Description of syrinx resolution after posterior fossa
      decompression (PFD) in patients with scoliosis secondary to Chiari malformation
      type I (CMI) and syringomyelia (SM) has been rarely reported in the literature.
      This study was performed to investigate the outcome of PFD in patients with
      scoliosis secondary to CMI and to identify potential predictive factors for
      better outcome after PFD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with scoliosis secondary
      to CMI and SM, who had undergone PFD during the period 2000 through 2009, were
      recruited. Inclusion criteria were (1) age <= 18 years, (2) diagnosis of SM
      associated with CMI, (3) scoliosis as the first complaint, (4) having undergone
      preoperative and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with
      acquired CMI anomalies or who had received syringosubarachnoid shunting were
      excluded. The maximal S/C ratio and syrinx length were measured to evaluate
      syrinx resolution after PFD. A 20% decrease in S/C ratio or length at the latest
      follow-up was defined as a significant radiographic improvement and complete
      resolution was used to describe the syrinx disappearing after PFD. RESULTS: 44
      patients were recruited. Follow-up MRI was conducted for all 44 patients at 6 +/-
      3 months postoperatively, for 37 patients at 2 years +/- 3 months, for 26
      patients at 4 years +/- 3 months, and for 15 patients at 6 years +/- 3 months.
      97.7% (43 of 44) of patients showed significant radiographic improvement by MRI.
      The distance of tonsillar descent (mm) was correlated significantly with the
      surgical outcome (r = 0.116, P = 0.013). Significant improvement was observed
      within 6 months postoperatively, with continued slow improvement after that.
      CONCLUSION: Syringes showed significant improvement after PFD in most patients
      with scoliosis secondary to CMI. Resolution generally occurred within 6 months
      follow-up and continued at a slow rate for several years. In addition, the
      severity of tonsillar descent is a potential predictor for better improvement
      after standard PFD.

PMID- 22086539
TI  - CT evaluation of upper thoracic spine for surgical application of transarticular
      screw placement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although pedicle screw fixation has been increasingly used in the
      upper thoracic spine in recent years, controversies exist about the safety and
      complications such as nerve or vascular intrusion associated with the technique.
      In this study, an alternative method of transarticular screw fixation was
      validated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Morphometric analysis was performed on computed
      tomography (CT) scans of the upper thoracic zygapophysial joints of C7, T1, T2
      and T3 in 20 male and 20 female patients in the axial and sagittal planes. The
      degree of screw angulation was recorded in the sagittal and axial planes and the
      screw length was measured at the spinal level from C7 to T3. RESULTS: The
      smallest medial-lateral diameter and anterior-posterior diameter of IAP was found
      at T3 in the female patients and C7 in the male patients. The screw trajectory
      length ranged from 14.9 to 20.5 mm in all patients. All the above measurements
      were significantly different between male and female patients at all levels (P <
      0.05). The mean value of screw trajectory angle was 19.3 degrees -20.1 degrees 
      in the axial plane and 44.3 degrees -45.7 degrees  in the sagittal plane. There
      was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between male and female
      patients in the axial and sagittal angles. CONCLUSION: The morphometric data of
      C7-T3 zygapophysial joints indicate the suitable screw diameter and screw length
      for this technique. Transarticular screw fixation proved to be a potentially safe
      alternative to pedicle screw fixation in this region.

PMID- 22086540
TI  - Meter-long and robust supramolecular strands encapsulated in hydrogel jackets.

PMID- 22086542
TI  - Initialization independent clustering with actively self-training method.
AB  - The results of traditional clustering methods are usually unreliable as there is
      not any guidance from the data labels, while the class labels can be predicted
      more reliable by the semisupervised learning if the labels of partial data are
      given. In this paper, we propose an actively self-training clustering method, in
      which the samples are actively selected as training set to minimize an estimated
      Bayes error, and then explore semisupervised learning to perform clustering.
      Traditional graph-based semisupervised learning methods are not convenient to
      estimate the Bayes error; we develop a specific regularization framework on graph
      to perform semisupervised learning, in which the Bayes error can be effectively
      estimated. In addition, the proposed clustering algorithm can be readily applied
      in a semisupervised setting with partial class labels. Experimental results on
      toy data and real-world data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed
      clustering method on the unsupervised and the semisupervised setting. It is
      worthy noting that the proposed clustering method is free of initialization,
      while traditional clustering methods are usually dependent on initialization.

PMID- 22086543
TI  - A smart health monitoring chair for nonintrusive measurement of biological
      signals.
AB  - We developed nonintrusive methods for simultaneous electrocardiogram,
      photoplethysmogram, and ballistocardiogram measurements that do not require
      direct contact between instruments and bare skin. These methods were applied to
      the design of a diagnostic chair for unconstrained heart rate and blood pressure
      monitoring purposes. Our methods were operationalized through capacitively
      coupled electrodes installed in the chair back that include high-input impedance
      amplifiers, and conductive textiles installed in the seat for capacitive driven
      right-leg circuit configuration that is capable of recording electrocardiogram
      information through clothing. Photoplethysmograms were measured through clothing
      using seat mounted sensors with specially designed amplifier circuits that vary
      in light intensity according to clothing type. Ballistocardiograms were recorded
      using a film type transducer material, polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), which was
      installed beneath the seat cover. By simultaneously measuring signals, beat-to
      beat heart rates could be monitored even when electrocardiograms were not
      recorded due to movement artifacts. Beat-to-beat blood pressure was also
      monitored using unconstrained measurements of pulse arrival time and other
      physiological parameters, and our experimental results indicated that the
      estimated blood pressure tended to coincide with actual blood pressure
      measurements. This study demonstrates the feasibility of our method and device
      for biological signal monitoring through clothing for unconstrained long-term
      daily health monitoring that does not require user awareness and is not limited
      by physical activity.

PMID- 22086544
TI  - Designer peptide surfactants stabilize diverse functional membrane proteins.
AB  - Multi-spanning integral membrane proteins, including G-protein coupled receptors
      (GPCR), ion channels, and ion transporters, comprise a major class of drug
      targets. However, despite their vital importance, most molecular structures of
      membrane proteins remain elusive. This is largely due to lack of effective
      materials and methods to stabilize their functional conformation for sufficient
      time. Thus finding optimal surfactants and developing new approaches to study
      fundamental properties of unstable membrane proteins is urgently needed. In this
      tutorial review we summarize designer peptides with surfactant properties and
      their usefulness to stabilize membrane proteins. These peptide surfactants
      present new opportunities for the stabilization and characterization of diverse
      membrane proteins. Previous studies on the interaction between surfactant
      peptides and membrane proteins revealed strategies to design new peptides tailor
      made for the stabilization of specific proteins. We review examples of
      solubilization, purification, long-term stabilization of membrane proteins, and
      the design principles of peptide sequences. We discuss future trends for
      exploiting spatial features, thermodynamic parameters, and self-assembling
      properties to create peptide surfactant structures to facilitate the
      characterization of diverse membrane proteins.

PMID- 22086546
TI  - Biomechanical investigation of the stabilization principle of the Latarjet
      procedure.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the biomechanical status of
      the different components of the Latarjet procedure. The anterior capsule
      reconstruction with the transferred coracoacromial ligament (CAL) and the
      necessity of an intact subscapularis tendon were of particular interest. We
      hypothesized that the anterior capsule reconstruction will have a significant
      effect and that the Latarjet procedure will lose its stabilizing effect if the
      subscapularis tendon is torn. METHODS: Stability testing of 12 human shoulder
      specimens was performed. After testing of the intact joint, a combined anterior
      glenoid and capsule defect was set arthroscopically. Then the Latarjet procedure
      was performed using an open approach and tested with and without loading of the
      conjoint tendons (10 N). Afterwards, the specimens were distributed into two
      groups and the Latarjet technique was reduced stepwise: dissection of the CAL,
      dissection of the conjoint tendons (group A); reduction of the coracoid segment,
      dissection of the subscapularis tendon (group B). Biomechanical testing was
      performed for each condition in two positions: 60 degrees  of glenohumeral
      abduction with neutral rotation and with 60 degrees  of external rotation; each
      with a passive humerus load of 30 N in the anterior, inferior and anteroinferior
      direction. RESULTS: The Latarjet technique with load applied to the conjoint
      tendons significantly reduced translation compared with the defect condition for
      all tested positions in all directions. In group A, the CAL-dissection led to a
      significant increase of anterior translation (+5.0 mm, p = 0.003) and inferior
      translation (+7.3 mm, p = 0.025) in neutral rotation and of anterior translation
      in 60 degrees  of external rotation (+4.4 mm, p = 0.034). In group B, the
      reduction of the coracoid bone down to the coracoid tip resulted in a significant
      increase of only the anterior translation in abduction and 60 degrees  of
      external rotation (+4.5 mm, p = 0.05). In contrast, the detachment of the
      subscapularis tendon led to a significant increase of translation in all testing
      positions except the inferior direction in the neutral rotation. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found the anterior capsule reconstruction to represent a significant contribution
      to the stabilizing effect of the Latarjet procedure, whereas a deficiency of the
      subscapularis tendon eliminates its effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We recommend to
      perform the Latarjet technique with an anterior capsule reconstruction (e.g. CAL
      transfer) and with a transfer of the coracoid bone block rather than a
      transposition of the coracoid tip. Furthermore, we were able to show that an
      intact subscapularis tendon is a necessary prerequisite for a reliable
      stabilization.

PMID- 22086547
TI  - Unexpected injury of the orthopaedic surgeon: a case report of a hammer splinter.
AB  - Sharps injuries have become one of the most important occupational injuries and
      they are common during surgery, with rates between 1.7 and 6.9% of all surgical
      procedures. This case report, however, revealed an extremely rare and unexpected
      condition, which could not be prevented by the reasonable safety precautions
      against injury. Closed reduction and closed intramedullary fixation was planned
      for the patient with humeral shaft fracture. While advancing the nail by
      hammering a piece of metal detached. A short time following the commencement of
      the procedure, the surgeon who was performing the operation felt a sudden severe
      pain in the neck. A radio-opaque intensity in the cervical region was detected on
      X-rays. There was a piece of metal from the hammer. The risk encountered in the
      present case comprises a condition, the prevention of which is probably
      impossible with the frequently utilized preventive measures against injuries. For
      this reason, the operating room team and in particular, the surgeon, should be
      careful about possible expected injuries, as well as the unexpected ones. Sharps
      injuries continue to be a serious concern for all healthcare workers. In some
      studies however, reporting of sharps injuries by healthcare workers remains a
      problem with reporting levels cited as low as 15% and as high as 90% (Kerr H-L,
      Stewart N Ann R Coll Surg Engl 91:430-432, [6]). Guo et al. pointed out the most
      recent sharps injuries at work, and syringe needles was by far the most important
      items causing injuries, followed by glass products, suture needles, and
      intravenous catheters.

PMID- 22086545
TI  - Visual object categorization in birds and primates: integrating behavioral,
      neurobiological, and computational evidence within a "general process" framework.
AB  - Previous comparative work has suggested that the mechanisms of object
      categorization differ importantly for birds and primates. However, behavioral and
      neurobiological differences do not preclude the possibility that at least some of
      those mechanisms are shared across these evolutionarily distant groups. The
      present study integrates behavioral, neurobiological, and computational evidence
      concerning the "general processes" that are involved in object recognition in
      vertebrates. We start by reviewing work implicating error-driven learning in
      object categorization by birds and primates, and also consider neurobiological
      evidence suggesting that the basal ganglia might implement this process. We then
      turn to work with a computational model showing that principles of visual
      processing discovered in the primate brain can account for key behavioral
      findings in object recognition by pigeons, including cases in which pigeons'
      behavior differs from that of people. These results provide a proof of concept
      that the basic principles of visual shape processing are similar across distantly
      related vertebrate species, thereby offering important insights into the
      evolution of visual cognition.

PMID- 22086548
TI  - More effective antimicrobial mastoparan derivatives, generated by 3D-QSAR-Almond
      and computational mutagenesis.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides are drugs used against a wide range of pathogens which
      present a great advantage: in contrast with antibiotics they do not develop
      resistance. The wide spectrum of antimicrobial peptides advertises them in the
      research and pharmaceutical industry as attractive starting points for obtaining
      new, more effective analogs. Here we predict the antimicrobial activity against
      Bacillus subtilis (expressed as minimal inhibitory concentration values) for 33
      mastoparan analogs and their new derivatives by a non-aligned 3D-QSAR
      (quantitative structure-activity relationship) method. We establish the
      contribution to antimicrobial activity of molecular descriptors (hydrophobicity,
      hydrogen bond donor and steric), correlated with contributions from the membrane
      environment (sodium, potassium, chloride). Our best QSAR models show significant
      cross-validated correlation q(2) (0.55-0.75), fitted correlation r(2) (greater
      than 0.90) coefficients and standard error of prediction SDEP (less than 0.250).
      Moreover, based on our most accurate 3D-QSAR models, we propose nine new
      mastoparan analogs, obtained by computational mutagenesis, some of them predicted
      to have significantly improved antimicrobial activity compared to the parent
      compound.

PMID- 22086549
TI  - Catalyzing denitrification of Paracoccus versutus by immobilized 1,5
      dichloroanthraquinone.
AB  - The accelerating effect of non-dissolved redox mediator (1,5
      dichloroanthraquinone) on the biological denitrification was investigated in this
      paper using 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone immobilized by calcium alginate (CA) and a
      heterotrophic denitrification bacterium of Paracoccus versutus (GU111570). The
      results suggested that the denitrification rate was enhanced 2.1 fold by 25 mmol
      l(-1) 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone of this study, and a positive correlation was
      found for the denitrification rate and 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone concentrations
      from 0 to 25 mmol l(-1). According to the change characteristic of NO(3) (-) and
      NO(2) (-) during the denitrification process, the tentative accelerating
      mechanism of the denitrification by redox mediators was put forward, and redox
      mediator might play the role of reduced cofactors like NADH, N(A)DH and SDH, or
      the similar ubiquinol/ubiquinone (Q/QH(2)) role during the denitrification
      process.

PMID- 22086550
TI  - Effect of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in acute ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Current evidence suggests that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs),
      including erythropoietin and darbepoetin, may have a direct cardio-protective
      effect. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and
      safety of ESAs in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) have yielded heterogeneous results. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of
      RCTs to assess whether the administration of ESAs can improve cardiac functional
      parameters, such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular
      end-systolic volume (LVESV), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV),
      and attenuate infarct size in patients with acute STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: The
      PubMed, EBSCO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      databases were searched for relevant RCT studies on ESAs published before May 13,
      2011. A total of nine RCTs involving 1,244 participants were identified. The
      original data of these studies were aggregated using fixed effect models.
      Compared with controls, the administration of ESAs showed a slight but
      significant improvement in LVEF (1.38%; 95% confidence interval 0.38-2.37%; p =
      0.007). However, no significant improvement in LVEDV, LVESV, and infarct size was
      observed, and no increase in all-cause severe adverse effect was indicated.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicates that the superiority of ESAs over
      conventional therapy in patients with acute STEMI is limited using current
      procedures. However, there is evidence to suggest that the timing and dosing of
      ESA administration may be optimized. Moreover, the long-term cardio-protective
      effect of ESAs in this patient population may be beneficial and worth exploring.

PMID- 22086551
TI  - Effects of cage mesh on pointing: hand shapes in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
AB  - It has been speculated that cage mesh exerts a shaping influence on reaching
      behavior by captive apes, which is then misconstrued as pointing by human
      observers. Although this notion is clearly falsified by the pointing of captive
      language-trained apes-who point in the absence of intervening cage mesh
      nevertheless, the degree to which cage mesh might influence pointing hand shapes
      by captive great apes in other housing environments remains relatively
      unexplored. We examined 259 pointing gestures displayed in archival footage from
      over 18 h of observation by three nonlanguage-trained chimpanzees housed at a
      biomedical research center. We coded points in relation to how close to the
      boundaries of the diamond-shaped cage mesh their points were displayed. We found
      that points with the whole hand were significantly more likely to be displayed
      away from the mesh boundaries, relative to points with the index finger or other
      single-digit points. However, points of each hand shape were displayed at each
      location, demonstrating that these physical parameters do not fully account for
      the number of fingers extended while pointing by chimpanzees.

PMID- 22086552
TI  - Durable remission with salvage second autotransplants in patients with multiple
      myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell transplant
      (auto-HCT) has been shown to improve survival in patients with newly diagnosed
      multiple myeloma. However, the role of salvage auto-HCT for relapsed patients,
      particularly in the era of novel therapeutics, is not well defined. METHODS: The
      authors performed a retrospective analysis of all 44 myeloma patients (24 men, 20
      women) who received a second auto-HCT as salvage between January 3, 1992 and
      November 4, 2008 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. RESULTS:
      Median interval between the first and salvage auto-HCT was 30 months (range, 2-78
      months). Median age at salvage HCT was 54 years (range, 38-73 years), and median
      number of salvage treatment regimens was 2 (range, 0-5). Eleven (25%) patients
      had high-risk chromosomal abnormalities on conventional cytogenetic studies
      between diagnosis and salvage auto-HCT. Ten patients (23%) experienced grade 3 or
      higher nonhematologic toxicity after the salvage auto-HCT. One patient died
      within 100 days, for a treatment-related mortality of 2%. Best responses after
      salvage chemotherapy + salvage auto-HCT were as follows: complete response (CR) +
      near CR, 11%; partial response, 79%; overall response rate, 90%. Eighteen (41%)
      patients received post auto-HCT maintenance therapy. Median follow-up from
      salvage HCT was 41 months. Kaplan-Meier estimates of median progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from time of salvage auto-HCT were 12.3
      and 31.7 months, respectively. Median OS from the time of diagnosis was 75
      months. In a fitted Bayesian multivariate model, shorter time to progression
      after first auto-HCT, greater number of prior therapies, African American race,
      and immunoglobulin G subtype were significantly associated with worse OS.
      CONCLUSIONS: In selected myeloma patients, a second auto-HCT for salvage therapy
      is well tolerated, with acceptable toxicity. The overall response rate and PFS
      are comparable to other salvage regimens.

PMID- 22086553
TI  - P2X receptor antagonists for pain management: examination of binding and
      physicochemical properties.
AB  - Enhanced sensitivity to noxious stimuli and the perception of non-noxious stimuli
      as painful are hallmark sensory perturbations associated with chronic pain. It is
      now appreciated that ATP, through its actions as an excitatory neurotransmitter,
      plays a prominent role in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain states.
      Mechanistically, the ability of ATP to drive nociceptive sensitivity is mediated
      through direct interactions at neuronal P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors. Extracellular
      ATP also activates P2X4, P2X7, and several P2Y receptors on glial cells within
      the spinal cord, which leads to a heightened state of neural-glial cell
      interaction in ongoing pain states. Following the molecular identification of the
      P2 receptor superfamilies, selective small molecule antagonists for several P2
      receptor subtypes were identified, which have been useful for investigating the
      role of specific P2X receptors in preclinical chronic pain models. More recently,
      several P2X receptor antagonists have advanced into clinical trials for
      inflammation and pain. The development of orally bioavailable blockers for ion
      channels, including the P2X receptors, has been traditionally difficult due to
      the necessity of combining requirements for target potency and selectivity with
      suitable absorption distribution, metabolism, and elimination properties. Recent
      studies on the physicochemical properties of marketed orally bioavailable drugs,
      have identified several parameters that appear critical for increasing the
      probability of achieving suitable bioavailability, central nervous system
      exposure, and acceptable safety necessary for clinical efficacy. This review
      provides an overview of the antinociceptive pharmacology of P2X receptor
      antagonists and the chemical diversity and drug-like properties for emerging
      antagonists of P2X3, P2X2/3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors.

PMID- 22086555
TI  - Inhibition of beta-amyloid peptide aggregation by multifunctional carbazole-based
      fluorophores.

PMID- 22086554
TI  - Using antibodies against P2Y and P2X receptors in purinergic signaling research.
AB  - The broad expression pattern of the G protein-coupled P2Y receptors has
      demonstrated that these receptors are fundamental determinants in many
      physiological responses, including neuromodulation, vasodilation, inflammation,
      and cell migration. P2Y receptors couple either G(q) or G(i) upon activation,
      thereby activating different signaling pathways. Ionotropic ATP (P2X) receptors
      bind extracellular nucleotides, a signal which is transduced within the P2X
      protein complex into a cation channel opening, which usually leads to
      intracellular calcium concentration elevation. As such, this family of proteins
      initiates or shapes several cellular processes including synaptic transmission,
      gene expression, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The ever-growing range
      of applications for antibodies in the last 30 years attests to their major role
      in medicine and biological research. Antibodies have been used as therapeutic
      tools in cancer and inflammatory diseases, as diagnostic reagents (flow
      cytometry, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry, to name a few applications), and in
      widespread use in biological research, including Western blot,
      immunoprecipitation, and ELISPOT. In this article, we will showcase several of
      the advances that scientists around the world have achieved using the line of
      antibodies developed at Alomone Labs for P2Y and P2X receptors.

PMID- 22086556
TI  - Starting a new life: sperm PLC-zeta mobilizes the Ca2+ signal that induces egg
      activation and embryo development: an essential phospholipase C with implications
      for male infertility.
AB  - We have discovered that a single sperm protein, phospholipase C-zeta (PLCzeta),
      can stimulate intracellular Ca(2+)  signalling in the unfertilized oocyte ('egg')
      culminating in the initiation of embryonic development. Upon fertilization by a
      spermatozoon, the earliest observed signalling event in the dormant egg is a
      large, transient increase in free Ca(2+)  concentration. The fertilized egg
      responds to the intracellular Ca(2+)  rise by completing meiosis. In mammalian
      eggs, the Ca(2+)  signal is delivered as a train of long-lasting cytoplasmic
      Ca(2+)  oscillations that begin soon after gamete fusion and persist beyond the
      completion of meiosis. Sperm PLCzeta effects Ca(2+)  release from egg
      intracellular stores by hydrolyzing the membrane lipid PIP(2)  and consequent
      stimulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3) ) receptor Ca(2+) 
      signalling pathway, leading to egg activation and early embryogenesis. Recent
      advances have refined our understanding of how PLCzeta induces Ca(2+) 
      oscillations in the egg and also suggest its potential dysfunction as a cause of
      male infertility.

PMID- 22086558
TI  - Genetic variants of a BH3-only pro-apoptotic gene, PUMA, and risk of HPV16
      associated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
AB  - P53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) is a critical factor in the
      intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Through PUMA-dependent mechanisms, human
      papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) oncoprotein may affect apoptosis by E6-mediated p53
      degradation. To examine whether the PUMA variants modify the association between
      HPV16 serology and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN),
      we genotyped two polymorphisms in the PUMA promoter (rs3810294 and rs2032809) in
      380 cases and 335 cancer-free controls of non-Hispanic Whites, who were frequency
      matched by age (+/-5 yr), sex, smoking, and drinking status. We found that each
      individual polymorphism had only a modest impact on risk of SCCHN, particularly
      in oropharyngeal cancer for rs3810294 and non-oropharyngeal cancer for rs2032809.
      After we stratified the individuals by HPV16 serology, and used those with the
      corresponding common homozygous genotype and HPV16 seronegativity as the
      reference group, for each polymorphism we found that the risk of SCCHN associated
      with HPV16 seropositivity was higher among those with variant genotypes than
      those with the corresponding common homozygous genotype. Notably, this effect
      modification was particularly pronounced in several subgroups including never
      smokers, never drinkers, younger patients, and patients with oropharyngeal
      cancer. Furthermore, we also characterized the functional relevance of the two
      polymorphisms to explore the genotype-phenotype correlation. Our results
      suggested that the PUMA promoter polymorphisms may be a biomarker for risk of
      HPV16-associated SCCHN, particularly in never smokers, never drinkers, younger
      patients, and patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Larger studies are needed to
      validate our findings.

PMID- 22086560
TI  - Quantitative assessment of tumour associated neovascularisation in patients with
      liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: role of dynamic-CT perfusion
      imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of perfusion computed tomography (CT-p) in the
      quantitative assessment of tumour-related neoangiogenesis processes in patients
      with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two biopsy
      proven HCC lesions were examined with dynamic CT investigations during injection
      of 50 mL of contrast agent (350 mgI/mL). A dedicated perfusion software which
      generated a quantitative map of arterial and portal perfusion by means of a
      colour scale was employed. The following parameters related to the blood
      microcirculation and tissue perfusion were calculated: hepatic perfusion (Perf),
      tissue blood volume (BV), hepatic perfusion index (HPI), arterial perfusion (AP),
      portal perfusion (PP), and time to peak (TTP). Perfusion parameters were
      statistically analysed, comparing neoplastic lesions with cirrhotic parenchyma.
      RESULTS: Perf, BV, HPI and AP values were higher (P < 0.001), whereas PP and TTP
      were lower (P < 0.001) in HCC relative to the surrounding liver. No significant
      correlation was found between perfusion parameters and HCC grade. Values of
      perfusion parameters in the cirrhotic liver of patients with and without HCC were
      not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CT-p can help
      in non-invasive quantification of tumour blood supply, related to the formation
      of new arterial structures (neoangiogenesis), which are essential for tumour
      growth. KEY POINTS: Perfusion computed tomography (CT) enables depiction of
      tumour vascular physiology. Perfusion CT is non-invasive and is now quick to
      perform and analyse. Quantitative measurements of hepatic perfusion provide
      important information about hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Such perfusion CT
      data may help in the determination of the outcome of HCC. Perfusion CT can act as
      an in-vivo biomarker of tumour-related angiogenesis.

PMID- 22086561
TI  - Tumour heterogeneity in non-small cell lung carcinoma assessed by CT texture
      analysis: a potential marker of survival.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish the potential for tumour heterogeneity in non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) as assessed by CT texture analysis (CTTA) to provide an
      independent marker of survival for patients with NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Tumour heterogeneity was assessed by CTTA of unenhanced images of primary
      pulmonary lesions from 54 patients undergoing (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET
      CT for staging of NSCLC. CTTA comprised image filtration to extract fine, medium
      and coarse features with quantification of the distribution of pixel values
      (uniformity) within the filtered images. Receiver operating characteristics
      identified thresholds for PET and CTTA parameters that were related to patient
      survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The median (range) survival was
      29.5 (1-38) months. 24, 10, 14 and 6 patients had tumour stages I, II, III and IV
      respectively. PET stage and tumour heterogeneity assessed by CTTA were
      significant independent predictors of survival (PET stage: Odds ratio 3.85, 95%
      confidence limits 0.9-8.09, P = 0.002; CTTA: Odds ratio 56.4, 95% confidence
      limits 4.79-666, p = 0.001). SUV was not a significantly associated with
      survival. CONCLUSION: Assessment of tumour heterogeneity by CTTA of non-contrast
      enhanced images has the potential for to provide a novel, independent predictor
      of survival for patients with NSCLC. KEY POINTS: Computed tomography is a routine
      staging procedure in non-small cell lung cancer. CT texture analysis (CTTA) can
      quantify heterogeneity within these lung tumours. CTTA seems to offer a novel
      independent predictor of survival for NSCLC. CTTA could contribute to disease
      risk-stratification for patients with NSCLC.

PMID- 22086562
TI  - Diagnosis by treatment.

PMID- 22086563
TI  - Maximum saccharification of cellulose complex by an enzyme cocktail supplemented
      with cellulase from newly isolated Aspergillus fumigatus ECU0811.
AB  - Either the natural biodegradation process or the industrial hydrolytic process
      requires synergistic interactions between various cellulases. However, it is
      sometimes impeded by low hydrolytic rate of existing cellulases and the lack of
      accessory enzymes. Herein, the ability of a commercial cellulase (Spezyme CP,
      from Genencor) to degrade steam explosion-pretreated corn stover was
      significantly improved. Firstly, a fungal cellulase producer, Aspergillus
      fumigatus ECU0811, was isolated from hundreds of soil samples. A 96-deep-well
      microscale-based platform was developed here to reduce the labor-intensive
      screening work and proved to be consistent with macroscale screening work. After
      optimization of fermentation, 3% corn cob could induce A. fumigatus ECU0811 to
      yield the highest cellulase production. Based on the high activities of beta
      glucosidase and xylanase by A. fumigatus ECU0811, 0.91 and 125 U/mg protein,
      respectively, an enzyme cocktail was composed with a fixed dosage of Spezyme CP
      (CPCel) at 14.2 filter paper units (FPU)/g glucan and varied dosages of A.
      fumigatus cellulase (AFCel). Consequently, the glucan-to-glucose conversion of
      corn stover was increased from 25.6% in the presence of CPCel at a dosage of 14.2
      FPU/g glucan to 99.5% in the presence of the enzyme cocktail (14.2 FPU CPCel plus
      1.21 FPU AFCel per gram of glucan). On the other side, it reduced the total
      protein amount of CPCel by as much as tenfold, which extremely improved the
      hydrolytic rate of Spezyme CP and reduced its dosage.

PMID- 22086564
TI  - Characterization of a thermostable family 1 Glycosyl Hydrolase enzyme from
      Putranjiva roxburghii seeds.
AB  - A 66-kDa thermostable family 1 Glycosyl Hydrolase (GH1) enzyme with beta
      glucosidase and beta-galactosidase activities was purified to homogeneity from
      the seeds of Putranjiva roxburghii belonging to Euphorbiaceae family. N-terminal
      and partial internal amino acid sequences showed significant resemblance to plant
      GH1 enzymes. Kinetic studies showed that enzyme hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl beta-D: 
      glucopyranoside (pNP-Glc) with higher efficiency (K (cat)/K (m) = 2.27   x 10(4)
      M(-1) s(-1)) as compared to p-nitrophenyl beta-D: -galactopyranoside (pNP-Gal; K
      (cat)/K (m) = 1.15 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)). The optimum pH for beta-galactosidase
      activity was 4.8 and 4.4 in citrate phosphate and acetate buffers respectively,
      while for beta-glucosidase it was 4.6 in both buffers. The activation energy was
      found to be 10.6 kcal/mol in the temperature range 30-65  degrees C. The enzyme
      showed maximum activity at 65  degrees C with half life of ~40 min and first
      order rate constant of 0.0172 min(-1). Far-UV CD spectra of enzyme exhibited
      alpha, beta pattern at room temperature at pH 8.0. This thermostable enzyme with
      dual specificity and higher catalytic efficiency can be utilized for different
      commercial applications.

PMID- 22086565
TI  - Enhanced beta-galactosidase production from whey powder by a mutant of the
      psychrotolerant yeast Guehomyces pullulans 17-1 for hydrolysis of lactose.
AB  - In order to isolate beta-galactosidase overproducers of the psychrotolerant yeast
      Guehomyces pullulans 17-1, its cells were mutated by using nitrosoguanidine
      (NTG). One mutant (NTG-133) with enhanced beta-galactosidase production was
      obtained. The mutant grown in the production medium with 30.0 g/l lactose and 2.0
      g/l glucose could produce more beta-galactosidase than the same mutant grown in
      the production medium with only 30.0 g/l lactose while beta-galactosidase
      production by its wild type was sensitive to the presence of glucose in the
      medium. It was found that 40.0 g/l of the whey powder was the most suitable for
      beta-galactosidase production by the mutant. After optimization of the medium and
      cultivation conditions, the mutant could produce 29.2 U/ml of total beta
      galactosidase activity within 132 h at the flask level while the mutant could
      produce 48.1 U/ml of total beta-galactosidase activity within 144 h in 2-l
      fermentor. Over 77.1% of lactose in the whey powder (5.0% w/v) was hydrolyzed in
      the presence of the beta-galactosidase activity of 280 U/g of lactose within 9 h
      while over 77.0% of lactose in the whey was hydrolyzed in the presence of beta
      galactosidase activity of 280 U/g of lactose within 6 h. This was the first time
      to show that the beta-galactosidase produced by the psychrotolerant yeast could
      be used for hydrolysis of lactose in the whey powder and whey.

PMID- 22086566
TI  - Occupational exposure to benzene and chromosomal structural aberrations in the
      sperm of Chinese men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benzene is an industrial chemical that causes blood disorders,
      including acute myeloid leukemia. We previously reported that occupational
      exposures near the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible
      exposure limit (8 hr) of 1 ppm was associated with sperm aneuploidy. OBJECTIVE:
      We investigated whether occupational exposures near 1 ppm increase the incidence
      of sperm carrying structural chromosomal aberrations. METHODS: We applied a sperm
      fluorescence in situ hybridization assay to measure frequencies of sperm carrying
      partial chromosomal duplications or deletions of 1cen or 1p36.3 or breaks within
      1cen-1q12 among 30 benzene-exposed and 11 unexposed workers in Tianjin, China, as
      part of the China Benzene and Sperm Study (C-BASS). Exposed workers were
      categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-exposure groups based on urinary
      benzene (medians: 2.9, 11.0, and 110.6 ug/L, respectively). Median air benzene
      concentrations in the three exposure groups were 1.2, 3.7, and 8.4 ppm,
      respectively. RESULTS: Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) for all structural aberrations combined were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.10,
      1.83), 1.44 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.85), and 1.75 (95% CI: 1.36, 2.24) and for deletion
      of 1p36.3 alone were 4.31 (95% CI: 1.18, 15.78), 6.02 (95% CI: 1.69, 21.39), and
      7.88 (95% CI: 2.21, 28.05) for men with low, moderate, and high exposure,
      respectively, compared with unexposed men. Chromosome breaks were significantly
      increased in the high-exposure group [IRR 1.49 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.02)].
      CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposures to benzene were associated with increased
      incidence of chromosomally defective sperm, raising concerns for worker
      infertility and spontaneous abortions as well as mental retardation and inherited
      defects in their children. Our sperm findings point to benzene as a possible risk
      factor for de novo 1p36 deletion syndrome. Because chromosomal aberrations in
      sperm can arise from defective stem cells/spermatogonia, our findings raise
      concerns that occupational exposure to benzene may have persistent reproductive
      effects in formerly exposed workers.

PMID- 22086567
TI  - Hidden renal dysfunction causes increased in-hospital mortality risk after
      coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative chronic renal dysfunction is an
      independent predictor of mortality in cardiac surgery. As normal range serum
      creatinine is not representative of normal renal function, we compared mortality
      rates, total hospital stay and post-surgical hospital stay for patients who
      underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery with serum creatinine <
      1.5mg/dL as to their estimated creatinine clearance, normal or impaired. METHODS:
      In 4,765 patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery between
      January/1996 and June/2004, the creatinine clearance was estimated by the
      Cockroft-Gault equation. Impaired renal function was considered as a creatinine
      clearance <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (chronic renal disease stage 3 - National Kidney
      Foundation-USA). In hospital mortality, total hospital stay, and post-surgical
      hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: 4,688 patients had the required data, and
      4,403 presented serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL - 3,177 with creatinine clearance >
      60 mL/min (Group A), and 1,226 with <60 mL/min (Group B). Group B patients had
      significantly higher total hospital stay and post-surgical hospital stay than
      those in Group A (respectively 2.85 and 1.79 more days--P < 0.0001). Relative
      risk of in-hospital death was 2.09 to Group B (95%CI:1.54-2.84) when compared to
      Group A. CONCLUSIONS: More than one quarter of the patients with serum creatinine
      <1.5 mg/dL had creatinine clearance <60 mL/min. This expressive number of
      patients, that would not have their renal dysfunction detected by the serum
      creatinine parameter alone, had double the risk of death, longer total hospital
      stay and post-surgical hospital stay than the other patients with serum
      creatinine < 1.5mg/dL.

PMID- 22086568
TI  - Outcomes of patients subjected to aortic valve replacement surgery using
      mechanical or biological prostheses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper evaluates outcomes in patients subjected to surgery for
      replacement of the aortic valve using biological or mechanical substitutes, where
      selection of the type of prosthesis is relevant. METHODS: Three hundred and one
      patients, randomly selected, who had been subjected to aortic valve replacement
      surgery between 1990 and 2005, with a maximum follow-up period of 20 years.
      RESULTS: Survival at 5, 10 and 15 years after surgery using mechanical substitute
      was 83.9%, 75.4% and 60.2% and, for biological substitute, was 89.3%, 70.4% and
      58.4%, respectively (P = 0.939). Factors associated with death were: age,
      obesity, pulmonary disease, arrhythmia, bleeding and aortic valve failure.
      Probability free of reoperation for these patients at 5, 10 and 15 years after
      surgery using mechanical substitute was 97.9%, 95.8% and 95.8% and, for those
      using bioprostheses, was 94.6%, 91.0% and 83.3%, respectively (P = 0.057).
      Factors associated with reoperation were: renal failure, prosthesis endocarditis
      and age. Probability free of bleeding events at 5, 10 and 15 years after surgery
      using mechanical substitute was 94.5%, 91.7% and 91.7% and, for bioprostheses,
      was 98.6%, 97.8% and 97.8%, respectively (P = 0.047). Factors associated with
      bleeding events were: renal failure and mechanical prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: The
      authors have concluded that: 1) mortality was statistically similar in the
      groups; 2) patient characteristics at baseline were a major determinant of late
      mortality after surgery; 3) there was a tendency toward reoperation in the
      bioprostheses group; 4) patients using mechanical prosthesis had more bleeding
      events as time passed; 5) data presented in this paper is in accordance with
      current literature.

PMID- 22086569
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: results of the current development and
      implantation of a new Brazilian prosthesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk,
      but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. Minimally invasive
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as an alternative, with lower
      morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was clinical, safety and efficacy
      assessment. METHODS: Thirty-three high risk patients underwent transcatheter
      balloon expandable aortic valve implantation. Mean Logistic EuroScore risk was
      39.30% and STS score 30.28%. Eight patients presented with dysfunctional
      bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. Procedures
      were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance.
      Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis were implanted trough the ventricular
      apex under rapid ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock. Echocardiographic and
      angiographic controls were performed. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 30 cases.
      Three conversions occured. There was only one case of operative death. Median
      transvalvular aortic gradient reduced from 43.58 mmHg to 10.54 mmHg. Left
      ventricular function improved in the first 7 postoperative days. Paravalvular
      aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 30.30%. One case presented major
      vascular complication and another one permanent pacemaker implant. One major
      stroke case occurred. Overall 30-day mortality was 18.18%. CONCLUSION: The
      transapical implantation of catheter mounted bioprosthesis is a safe procedure
      with acceptable midterm results. Long term follow-up with increased sample power
      is mandatory in order to access hemodynamic, life quality and survival.

PMID- 22086570
TI  - Transcatheter implantation of self-expandable valved prosthesis in outlet right
      ventricle an experimental study in pigs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with congenital heart disease who underwent pulmonary
      valvotomy or surgery to open the pulmonary valve ring are prone to develop
      residual pulmonary insufficiency or stenosis that may lead to right heart failure
      with clinical deterioration. These children require multiple interventions
      throughout their lives, which impose a high rate of morbidity and mortality.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop a less invasive technique for implantation of a valved
      prosthesis through the right ventricle. METHODS: The valved prosthesis consists
      of an auto expanding metal stent built with nitinol, surrounded with polyester,
      where the three leaflets of bovine pericardium were mounted. Twelve pigs were
      used to perform the implants. Echocardiographic control was performed immediately
      after implantation and one, four, eight and 12 weeks. RESULTS: One animal showed
      reflux of moderate to severe and three mild reflux. Transvalvular gradients
      measured before implantation ranged from 3 to 6 mmHg and that soon after the
      implant was increased, ranging from 7 to 45 mmHg. There was a decrease in these
      gradients during follow up and in only four of the twelve animals the gradients
      were above 20 mmHg. Thrombus formation occurred in the prosthesis of six animals,
      and this was the most frequent complication. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight
      the need for studies with the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet, an attempt
      to reduce this event. The study aims to contribute for the start of the use of
      prosthetic heart valves that could be implanted through minimally invasive
      techniques without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

PMID- 22086571
TI  - Influence of respiratory muscle strength in evolution of patients with heart
      failure after cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of preoperative respiratory muscle
      strength in postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with heart failure
      undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: From March 2009 to September 2010, 40
      patients admitted to the cardiology service of the Fundacao de Beneficencia
      Hospital de Cirurgia were divided into two groups according to the values of
      maximal inspiratory pressure measured by manometer: Group A (n = 21), composed of
      patients with normal respiratory muscle strength, and Group B (n = 19), patients
      with reduced strength. After pre-operative evaluation, all patients underwent the
      surgical procedure and followed until hospital discharge by the same researcher,
      who recorded on data collection especially its evolution for the presence of
      pulmonary complications after surgery, which was divided general and specific.
      RESULTS: 19% of patients in group A and 31.6% of patients in group B had
      pulmonary complications overall, this difference was not statistically
      significant (P = 0.29). Regarding the presence of specific complications, group A
      was 14.3% and 10.5% group B (P = 0.55). There was also no difference in the days
      of ICU stay and total (ICU + ward) between groups. CONCLUSION: In this study,
      preoperative respiratory muscle dysfunction does not seem to influence the
      evolution of heart failure patients for the presence of pulmonary complications
      after cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22086572
TI  - Atrioventricular block in the postoperative period of heart valve surgery:
      incidence, risk factors and hospital evolution.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Disturbances of the cardiac conduction system are potential
      complications after cardiac valve surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to
      investigate the association between perioperative factors and atrio-ventricular
      block, the need for temporary cardiac artificial pacing and, if necessary,
      permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac valve surgery. METHODS:
      Retrospective analysis of the Cardiac Surgery Database - Hospital Sao
      Lucas/PUCRS. The data are collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.
      RESULTS: Between January 1996 and December 2008 were included 1102 valve surgical
      procedures: 718 aortic valves (65.2%), 407 (36.9%) mitral valve and 190 (17.2%)
      coronar artery bypass grafting combined with valve repair and 23 (2.1%) aortic
      and mitral combined surgery. 187 patients (17%) showed clinical and
      electrocardiographic pattern of atrio-ventricular block requiring artificial
      temporary pacing. Of these, 14 patients (7.5%) required permanent pacemaker
      implantation (1.27% of the total valve surgery patients). Multivariate analysis
      showed association of the incidence of atrio-ventricular block and temporary
      pacing with mitral valve surgery (OR 1,76; CI 95% 1.08-2.37; P = 0.002),
      implantation of bioprosthetic devices (OR 1.59; CI 95% 1.02-3.91; P = 0,039), age
      over 60 years (OR 1.99; CI 95% 1.352.85; P < 0.001), prior use of anti-arrhythmic
      drugs (OR 1.86; CI 95% 1.04-3.14; P = 0.026) and previous use of b-blocker (OR
      1.76; CI 95% 1.25-2.54; P = 0.002). Remarkably the presence of atrio-ventricular
      block did not significantly show association with increased mortality, but
      significantly prolonged (P < 0.0001) hospital length-of-stay and, therefore,
      hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presents a group of predictive factors
      referring to a specific patient profile by which high risk of atrio-ventricular
      block and the need of temporary cardiac pacing after cardiac valve surgery it is
      determined.

PMID- 22086573
TI  - The use of inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and its relation to events
      in the postoperative period of CABG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the chance of
      death, myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in patients
      with coronary disease. However there is no consensus as to its indication in
      patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). OBJECTIVE: To assess
      the relationship between preoperative use of ACE inhibitors and clinical outcomes
      after CABG. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We included data from 3,139
      consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG in Brazilian tertiary care hospital
      between January 1996 and December 2009. Follow-up was until discharge or death.
      Clinical outcomes after surgery were analyzed between users and nonusers of ACE
      inhibitors preoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent (n=1,635) of patients
      received ACE inhibitors preoperatively. The use of ACE inhibitors was an
      independent predictor of need for inotropic support (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to
      1.47, P = 0.01), acute renal failure (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.73, P = 0.04) and
      progression to atrial fibrillation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.7, P = 0.03)
      postoperatively. The mortality rate among patients receiving or not preoperative
      ACE inhibitors was similar (10.3% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.436), as well as the incidence
      of myocardial infarction and stroke (15.6% vs. 15.0%, P = 0.694 and 3.4% vs.
      3.5%, P = 0.963, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative ACE
      inhibitors was associated with increased need for inotropic support and higher
      incidence of acute renal failure and postoperative atrial fibrillation, not
      associated with increased rates of myocardial infarction, stroke or death.

PMID- 22086574
TI  - Long-term evolution of mitral commissurotomy in rheumatic patients with low
      echocardiographic score.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The good results of open mitral commissurotomy are well known and
      there is a hypothesis that it could provide better results in patients selected
      by echocardiographic score. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze
      the late results with open mitral commissurotomy in patients selected by score
      and to identify variables influencing these results. METHODS: From January 1990
      to August 1994, 50 patients were submitted to open mitral commissurotomy due to
      rheumatic mitral stenosis in Heart Institute of University of Sao Paulo Medical
      School. Patients with age < 60 years, in functional class II, III or IV (New York
      Heart Association) and echocardiographic score 9 were included. The mean age was
      32.7 +/- 8.3 years and 41 patients (82%) were female. The functional class was II
      in three patients (6%), III in 46 (92%) and IV in one (2%). Forty six patients
      (92%) were in sinus rhythm and four (8%) were in atrial fibrillation. The mean
      mitral valve area was 0.9 +/- 0.2 cm2. RESULTS: There was no hospital mortality.
      There were two late deaths, one related to valve disease. Actuarial survival was
      95.5 +/- 3.1 %, freedom from reoperation was 62.3 +/- 11,8% and freedom from
      tromboembolism was 88,2 +/- 5,0% in 18 years. There was no endocarditis. The
      grade of the echocardiographic score had no significant influence on the
      reoperations in late evolution. CONCLUSION: Open mitral commissurotomy presented
      excelent long term results in rheumatic patients with low echocardiographic
      score.

PMID- 22086575
TI  - Validation of MagedanzSCORE as a predictor of mediastinitis after coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of a new score
      for predicting mediastinitis - MagedanzSCORE - in patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of
      Pronto Socorro Cardiologico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE. METHODS: Retrospective study
      involving 500 patients operated between May/2007 and April/2010. The registers
      contained all the information used to calculate the MagedanzSCORE. The outcome of
      interest was mediastinitis. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value, negative predictive value, concordance and accuracy. The
      accuracy of the model was evaluated by ROC (receiver operating characteristic)
      curve. RESULTS: The incidence of mediastinitis was 5.6%, with a lethality rate of
      32.1%. In univariate analysis, the five variables of the MagedanzSCORE were
      predictors of postoperative mediastinitis: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (OR 6.42; 95.0% CI 2.76-14.96; P<0.001), obesity (OR 3.06; 95.0% CI 1.32-7.09;
      P=0.009), surgical reintervention (OR 82.40; 95.0% CI 30.40-223.30; P<0.001),
      multiple transfusion (OR 3.33; 95.0% CI 1.52-7.29; P=0.003) and stable angina
      class IV or unstable (OR 2.59; 95.0% CI 1.19-7.64; P=0.016) according to Canadian
      Cardiovascular Society. The score had a sensitivity of 96.4%, specificity of
      90.0%, positive predictive value of 36.5%, negative predictive value of 99.8% and
      90.4% concordance. The accuracy measured by the area under the ROC curve was
      96.2% (95.0% CI 94.5%-97.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The MagedanzSCORE proved to be a
      simple and objective index, revealing a satisfactory predictor of development of
      postoperative mediastinitis in patients undergoing CABG surgery at our
      institution.

PMID- 22086576
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta/Smad signaling function in the aortopathies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad signaling pathway in
      aortic dissection patients and normal subjects has not been previously described.
      The present study was designed to evaluate the TGF-beta/Smad signaling
      expressions in the patients with acute type A aortic dissection in comparison
      with those in the patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm and with coronary artery
      disease, and (or) the healthy subjects. METHODS: Consecutive surgical patients
      for acute type A aortic dissection (20 patients), aortic aneurysm (nine patients)
      or coronary artery disease (20 patients) were selected into this study. Blood
      samples (4 ml) were obtained from the right radial arterial indwelling catheter
      after systemic heparinization prior to the start of cardiopulmonary bypass in the
      operating room. Twenty-one young healthy volunteers without underlying health
      issues who donated forearm venous blood samples (4 ml) were taken as control. The
      surgical specimens of the aortic tissues were obtained immediately after they
      were severed during the operations of the replacement of the aorta in the
      patients with aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. In patients receiving
      coronary artery bypass grafting, the tiny aortic tissues were taken when the
      punch holes of the proximal anastomosis on the anterior wall of the ascending
      aorta were made. The aortic tissues were for RNA, protein, or supernatant
      preparations until detection of TGF-beta1 mRNA by quantitative real-time reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction, of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta receptor I,
      Smad2/3, Smad4 and Smad7 by Western blot, and of TGF-beta1 by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay, respectively. In particular, the linear correlations of the
      relative grayscales between different proteins of each group, and those
      correlations between the quantitative TGF-beta1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay and the time interval from the onset to surgery or the maximal dimensions
      of the aorta of the aortic dissection group were assessed. RESULTS: Quantitative
      real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that TGF-beta1
      mRNA were upregulated in all surgical groups (1.59 +/- 0.33 vs. 1.45 +/- 0.34 vs.
      1.48 +/- 0.48, P > 0.05). Western blot revealed that the expressions of TGF
      beta1, TGF-beta receptor I, Smad2/3, Smad4 and Smad7 were positive in the aortic
      tissues of all three investigated groups. Of the quantitative relative
      grayscales, a significant reverse correlation was noted between TGF-beta1 and
      Smad2/3 (Y = -0.8552X + 1.6417, r = -0.759, P < 0.0001), and a close direct
      correlation between Smad4 and Smad7 (Y = 0.5905X + 0.2805, r = 0.781, P < 0.0001)
      in the Aortic Dissection Group. In the Aortic Aneurysm Group, Smad4 and Smad7
      were also closely correlated (Y = 0.5228X + 0.1642, r = 0.727, P = 0.026), and in
      the Coronary Artery Disease Group, TGF-beta1 and Smad7 were much significantly
      correlated (Y = 0.5301X + 0.5758, r = 0.917, P = 0.004). By enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay, TGF-beta1 level of the aortic tissue was lower in the aortic
      dissection than in the aortic aneurysm and coronary artery disease groups with no
      statistical significance (319.52 +/- 129.21 pg/mg protein vs. 324.09 +/- 49.70
      pg/mg protein vs. 304.15 +/- 29.39 pg/mg protein, P > 0.05). The plasma TGF-beta1
      levels were 1158.30 +/- 11.54 pg/ ml, 1170.27 +/- 8.26 pg/ml, 1225.00 +/- 174.42
      pg/mL and 1160.25 +/- 13.01 pg/mL in the four groups, respectively, showing
      significant intergroup differences (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was
      found between the aortic or plasma TGF-beta1 levels and the time interval from
      the onset to surgery or the maximal dimensions of the aorta in the patients of
      the aortic dissection group. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm and
      atheroslerosis might be associated with an enhanced TGF beta/Smad signaling
      function, with aortic dissection exhibiting a less prominent upregulation. It
      might have implications for downstream signal activation presumably translating
      into matrix degradation in the condition of aortic dissection in comparison to
      matrix deposition in aortic aneurysm and coronary artery disease.

PMID- 22086577
TI  - Plasmatic vasopressin in patients undergoing conventional infra-renal abdominal
      aorta aneurysm repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate plasmatic arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels in patients
      undergoing scheduled conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.
      METHODS: Plasmatic AVP concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in 22 non
      consecutive adult patients undergoing infra-renal AAA repair. They were under
      combined general and epidural anesthesia at the following time frames: 1--pre
      operative (T0); 2--2h (T1) and 6h (T2) after the surgical procedure; 3--in the
      morning at the first (T3), second (T4) and third (T5) post-operative days. Some
      clinical and laboratory variables were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of
      patients was 68 +/- 10 years; 17 were males. Plasmatic AVP (mean +/- SD; pg/mL)
      was within the normal range at T0 (1.4 +/- 0.7; baseline), increasing
      significantly at T1 (62.6 +/- 62.9; P<0.001) and at T2 (31.5 +/- 49.7; P<0.001),
      with a progressive fall, returning to basal levels at T5 (2.1 +/- 3.8; P = NS).
      Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between AVP and
      glycemia, serum lactate and white blood cells counts, but not with systemic
      arterial pressure or plasma osmolarity during the postoperative period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering that no correlations were found between AVP levels and
      hemodynamic or plasmatic osmolarity variations in AAA repair, it seems that
      stress response is mainly secondary to noxious stimulation mediated by the
      autonomic nervous system that is not completely blocked by anesthetics.

PMID- 22086578
TI  - Parents' knowledge of infective endocarditis in children with congenital heart
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The guidelines to prophylaxis of infectious endocarditis changed,
      but many congenital heart diseases continue to be considered as high risk for the
      development of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of parents or
      guardians of children and adolescents with congenital heart disease seen at a
      referral center in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on infective endocarditis and its
      prevention. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 90 patients with congenital heart
      defects in regular outpatient treatment. The parents' knowledge was assessed
      using a specific questionnaire and other data were obtained through medical
      records. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 5.6 years (3 months -14 years),
      being 57,7% males. The median follow-up time in service was 3.49 years (1.20
      7.38). The years of formal schooling of the parents had a mean of 7.67 +/- 3.25
      years. According to the score previously established, the knowledge of the
      interviewed parents was considered satisfactory in 37.7%, regular in 33.3% and
      unsatisfying in 28,8%. There was significant correlation between the index of
      parents' knowledge and monitoring of children at service (r=0.584; P=0.796).
      There was no correlation between parents' education and knowledge of them
      (r=0.028; P=0.796). CONCLUSION: The parents' knowledge about endocarditis and its
      prevention was inadequate, requiring greater attention to the orientations passed
      in consultations.

PMID- 22086579
TI  - Decellularization as an anticalcification method in stentless bovine pericardium
      valve prosthesis: a study in sheep.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the decellularization process with SDS in
      glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium as an anticalcification method in a
      circulatory sheep model. METHODS: The valved tubs were implanted in pulmonary
      artery position in sheep by 180 days. The animals were divided in two groups of 8
      animals: control group--glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium and the study
      group--decellularized bovine pericardium with 0,1% SDS and glutaraldehyde
      preserved. After explantation the tubs were analized by x-ray macroscopy,
      hematoxilin-eosin, alizarin-red and Russel-Movatz pentacromic histology. The
      calcium content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS:
      There was no early mortality, but two animals in each group died during the
      study. All cusps in the control group were severely calcified and in some points
      in the conduits, while the decellularized group did not show macroscopic
      calcification. Data were proved by x-ray and histologycal exams. The matrix was
      preserved in histologycal analysis in decellularized group, without gross
      calcification. The wall conduits calcium content was 35,25 +/- 42,13 ug/mg in the
      control group versus 15,75 +/- 10,44 ug/mg in the decellularized one: in the
      cusps was 264,4 +/- 126,16 ug/mg in control group versus 94,29 +/- 27,05 ug/mg in
      decellularized group (P = 0,009). CONCLUSION: The decellularization with 0.1% SDS
      was effective as an anticalcification method in bovine pericardial grafts
      implanted in a sheep circulatory model for 180 days.

PMID- 22086580
TI  - Adiponectin expression in epicardial adipose tissue after percutaneous coronary
      intervention with bare-metal stent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The classical view of adipose tissue as a passive reservoir for
      energy storage is no longer valid. In the past decade, adipose tissue has been
      shown to have endocrine functions and the most abundant peptide secreted by
      adipocytes is adiponectin. Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is distributed around
      coronary arteries and endovascular injury, caused by the presence of
      intracoronary bare-metal stent (BMS), could promote inflammatory changes in the
      periadvential fat, contributing to vascular restenosis. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      determine gene expression of inflammatory mediator in pericardial adipose tissue
      after bare-metal stent implantation and vascular restenosis that had been
      referred to operative treatment. METHODS: Paired samples of PAT were harvested at
      the time of elective coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in 11 patients (n =
      22), one sample was obtained of the tissue around BMS area and another sample
      around coronary artery without stent. Local expression of adiponectin was
      determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using Taq DNA
      polymerase. RESULTS: In two samples, there was no gene expression of adiponectin.
      We are able to identify adiponectin in 20 samples, however, the pattern of gene
      expression were heterogeneous.We did not notice specificity when we compared PAT
      obtained near BMS area or far from BMS area. CONCLUSION: There were no
      correlation between adiponectin gene expression and presence of BMS.

PMID- 22086581
TI  - Pantoprazole provides myocardial protection similar to ischemic preconditioning:
      experimental study of isolated hearts of rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pantoprazole effect in the functional recovery of isolated
      hearts of rats, submitted to ischemia and reperfusion with and without ischemic
      preconditioning. METHODS: In four groups of eight Wistar breed rats, the hearts
      were removed after anesthesia and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution (95% O2,
      5% CO2, 37 oC). GI, GII, GIII and GIV hearts were submitted to ischemia (20 min)
      and reperfusion (30 min). In GII and GIV, preconditioning was performed with 5
      min of ischemia and 5 min of reperfusion before 20 min of the ischemia period
      induction. In GIII and GIV pantoprazole 100 mg was done before a 20 min-period of
      ischemia induction. Heart Rate (HR), Coronary Flow (CoF), Systolic Pressure (SP),
      +dP/dt and -dP/dt were registered before (t0) and after reperfusion (t30).
      Kruskal-Wallis (P<0.05) test was used. RESULTS: There were no differences
      (P>0.05) between groups among HR and CoF values. Differences occurred between
      groups, I and II, III and IV at t30 with SP reduced for 32% mean value in GI, 65%
      GII, 65% GIII, and 73% GIV; The t30 + dP/dtmax were 34% in GI, 61% GII, 63% GIII
      and 72% GIV. The t30 -dP/dtmax were GI 28%, GII 63%, GIII 75 % and GIV 75%;
      (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the SP, +dP/dtmax, and 
      dP/dtmax between Groups II, III and IV results. CONCLUSIONS: The administration
      of pantoprazole before induction of ischemia significantly protected the
      myocardial functional recovery with the results of SP, + dP / dtmax and dP/dtmax
      similar to the ischemic preconditioning against ischemia-reperfusion.

PMID- 22086582
TI  - Absence of arteriosclerosis in intramyocardial coronary arteries: a mystery to be
      solved?
AB  - Several studies show that portions of intramyocardial coronary arteries are
      spared of arteriosclerosis, involving morphological, embryological, biochemical
      and pathophysiological aspects. Endothelial function is significantly affected in
      the segment of transition, as estimated by the vasoactive response to Ach. These
      findings suggest that myocardial bridge can provide protection against
      arteriosclerosis by counteracting the negative effects of endothelial
      dysfunction. The intramyocardial portion's protection phenomenon deserves further
      scientific research on all research fronts. Improved morphological, biomechanical
      and especially physiological and embryological knowledge may be the key to a
      future window of opportunity for chronic arterial disease therapy and prevention.
      In addition, this review discusses possible therapeutic approaches for
      symptomatic coronary ischemia caused by myocardial bridges.

PMID- 22086583
TI  - Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: integrative review.
AB  - When atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in pre-operative open heart surgeries,
      including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve operations, it represents an
      independent risk factor for cardiac events and reduced survival. Due to the
      complexity of the subject, especially when evaluating success rates (reversion
      and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm), a consensus statement was recently
      proposed by the International Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic
      Surgery (ISMICS), in order to determine whether the intraoperative ablation of AF
      promotes favorable clinical outcomes in patients undergoing other cardiac
      operations in comparison with individual operations without ablation. The aim of
      this paper is to present published data which has contributed to consensus
      statement and can be useful as update source. The integrative review was the
      methodology that provides synthesis of knowledge and applicability of results of
      significant studies about presented topic.

PMID- 22086584
TI  - Respiratory physiotherapy in the pre and postoperative myocardial
      revascularization surgery.
AB  - The cardiovascular diseases are among the main death causes in the developed
      world. They have been increasing epidemically in the developing countries. In
      spite of several alternatives for the treatment of the coronary artery disease;
      the surgery of the myocardial revascularization is an option with proper
      indications of medium and long-term with good results. It provides the remission
      of the angina symptoms contributing to the increase of the expectation and
      improvement of the life quality. Most of patients undergoing myocardial
      revascularization surgery develop postoperative lung dysfunction with important
      reduction of the lung volumes, damages in the respiratory mechanism, decrease in
      the lung indulgence and increase of the respiratory work. The reduction of
      volumes and lung capacities can contribute to alterations in the gas exchanges,
      resulting in hypoxemia and decrease in the diffusion capacity. Taking this into
      account, the Physiotherapy has been requested more and more to perform in the pre
      as well as in the postoperative period of this surgery. This study aimed at
      updating the knowledge regarding the respiratory physiotherapy performance in the
      pre and postoperative period of the myocardial revascularization surgery
      enhancing the prevention of lung complications. The Physiotherapy uses several
      techniques in the preoperative period; such as: the incentive spirometry,
      exercises of deep breathing, cough, inspiratory muscle training, earlier
      ambulation and physiotherapeutic orientations. While in the postoperative period,
      the objective is the treatment after lung complications took place, performed by
      means of physiotherapeutic maneuvers and noninvasive respiratory devices, aiming
      at improving the respiratory mechanism, the lung reexpansion and the bronchial
      hygiene. Respiratory physiotherapy is an integral part in the care management of
      the patient with cardiopathy, either in the pre or in the postoperative period,
      since it contributes significantly to a better prognosis of these patients with
      the use of specific techniques.

PMID- 22086585
TI  - Near-fatal pulmonary embolism in an experimental model: hemodynamic, gasometric
      and capnographic variables.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Experimental studies on pulmonary embolism (PE) are usually
      performed under mechanical ventilation. Most patients with suspicion of PE enter
      the Emergency Services in spontaneous breathing and environmental air. Thus,
      under these conditions, measurements of hemodynamic, gasometric and capnographic
      variables contribute largely to a more specific comprehension of cardiopulmonary
      and gasometric alterations in the acute phase of the disease. Studies which
      evaluated animals under conditions are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      submit animals under spontaneous ventilation and without supplemental oxygen to
      PE. METHODS: PE was induced in six pigs using autologous blood clots, and
      cardiorespiratory and gasometric records were performed before and after PE. The
      values of "near fatal" mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) were previously
      determined. RESULTS: The presence of obstructive shock could be evidenced by
      increased MPAP (from 17.8 +/- 3.5 to 41.7 +/- 3.3 mmHg) (P<0.0001) and decreased
      cardiac output (from 4.9 +/- 1.0 to 2.7 +/- 1.0 L/min) (P<0.003). Consequently,
      metabolic acidosis occurred (Lac art) (from 2.4 +/- 0.6 to 5.7 +/- 1.8
      mmol/L)(P<0.0001). It was observed hypoxemia (from 73.5 +/- 12.7 to 40.3 +/- 4.6
      mmHg) (P<0.0001); however, PaCO2 did not vary (from 44.9 +/- 4.4 to 48.2 +/- 6.0
      mmHg) (NS). There were significant increases in both P(a-et)CO2 (from 4.8 +/- 2.8
      to 37.2 +/- 5.8 mmHg) and P(A-a)O2 (from 8.2 +/- 8.9 to 37.2 +/- 10.3 mmHg) (both
      P<0.0001). There was also a significant increase in the total alveolar minute
      volume (from 4.0 +/- 0.9 to 10.6 +/- 2.9 L/min) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      model, the near fatal MPAP was from 2 to 2.5 times the basal MPAP; and the
      capnographic variables, associated with arterial and venous gasometry, showed
      effective in discriminating an acute obstructive profile.

PMID- 22086586
TI  - Experimental model of myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and validate, in our laboratory, the essay of myocardial
      infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats by means of analysis of
      hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress markers and histopathological
      parameters. METHODS: Thirty young, male, Wistar rats (145 to 230 g) were randomly
      allocated in two groups: Sham group, which underwent a virtual myocardial
      infarction induction, and the Infarction group, which underwent a myocardial
      infarction induction with isoproterenol. The administrations for the infarction
      induction were performed during two consecutive days and a 24-hour interval
      between them. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, rats from both
      groups were anesthetized and sacrificed for blood sample collection to evaluate
      complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical parameters (SGOT, SGPT, troponin I,
      urea and creatinin), obtain myocardial fragments for oxidative stress markers
      analyses (catalase activity and glutathione concentrations) as well as
      histopathological examinations. RESULTS: There were no death cases in the Sham
      group, while the mortality rate in the Infarction group was 25%. Myocardial
      infarction induction with isoproterenol raised leukocytes and neutrophils counts,
      SGOT, troponin I and urea concentrations, reduced catalase enzyme activity and
      glutathione concentrations in the myocardium and let to histopathological
      concentrations as well. It did not exert alterations in terms of hemoglobin, SGPT
      and creatinin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The isoproterenol-induced myocardial
      infarction essay in rats was adequately reproduced in our laboratory, causing
      alterations in hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress markers and
      histopathological parameters.

PMID- 22086587
TI  - Endovascular repair of ascending aorta and coronary stent implantation.
AB  - Endovascular treatment of ascending aorta pseudoaneurysms with coronary stents
      implantation at the same procedure was feasible, although longer followup is
      necessary.

PMID- 22086588
TI  - Terminal ischemic cardiomyopathy associated with complication of stenting in the
      treatment of acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - A serious complication such as dissection of the left main coronary artery, with
      significant reduction in coronary blood flow by the true light, requires quick
      action. Therefore, the immediate choice of stent with appropriate length and size
      to treat the complication is necessary.

PMID- 22086589
TI  - Geli Putty(r): a new alternative on sternal hemostasis in cardiac surgery.
AB  - We present a gelatin that fills the medullary of sternum providing effective
      hemostasis plus protection for each sternal end.

PMID- 22086590
TI  - Lymphoscintigraphic changes after harvesting of the saphenous vein for coronary
      artery bypass graft.
AB  - Bridged incisions do not eliminate lesions to the lymphatic vessels and so the
      identification of risk factors associated to lymphatic lesions is important.

PMID- 22086591
TI  - Effects of cryopreservation and/or decellularization on extracellular matrix of
      porcine valves.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology of decellularized
      and/or cryopreserved porcine pulmonary valves, to determine a solution capable of
      completely remove the cells without damaging the extracellular matrix. Porcine
      pulmonary valves were incubated for 24 hs in sodium deoxicholate 1% or sodium
      dodecyl sulfate 0.1 and 0.3%, with or without associated cryopreservation.
      Evaluation was done with optical microscopy (Hematoxilin-Eosin, Acetic Orcein and
      Gomori) and with morphometric analysis. The effectiveness of the solutions was
      variable, but the best results were obtained with the sodium dodecyl sulfate
      solution 0.1%.

PMID- 22086592
TI  - Multiple left atrial myxoma: case report.
AB  - Primary cardiac tumors are infrequent, with an incidence between 0.001% and 0.2%,
      mostly comprising benign histological characteristics in 75% of these cases.
      Myxomas account for approximately 50% of these neoplasms. As regards location, 75
      80% of myxomas are in the left atrium, 18% in the right atrium, and more rarely
      in the ventricles. We report a case of a patient in functional class (FC) IV New
      York Heart Association (NYHA) and postoperative histological diagnosis of
      multilobular myxoma originating in the posterior left atrial wall. Clinical
      evaluation 3 months after surgery suggested NYHA functional class I and
      echocardiographic absence of intracardiac masses.

PMID- 22086593
TI  - Calcified amorphous tumor of the heart: case report.
AB  - Calcified amorphous tumor of the heart consists of a cardiac mass of rare
      nonneoplastic nature that mimics malignancy and causes symptoms due to
      obstruction or embolization of calcific fragments. We present a case of tumor 17
      year-old young, male, in tricuspid valve, with classic pathological findings. It
      was preferred to approach for classic median esternotomy, installation of the
      circuit of extracorporal circulation and right atriotomy, exereses of tumor,
      DeVega's plasty in tricuspid valve and bicuspidization. The amatomopathological
      study demonstrated presence of extensive calcification and metaplastic bone
      areas. The patient had an uneventful hospitalization.

PMID- 22086594
TI  - A large pericardial cyst presenting with compression of the right-side cardiac
      chambers.
AB  - Pericardial cysts are rare, usually congenital. Cysts frequently occur in the
      right cardiophrenic angle and their diagnosis is usually suspected after an
      abnormal chest X ray. The present case report shows a case of pericardial cyst
      with atypical radiographic aspect in an athletic patient who presented clinical
      with symptoms of right ventricular failure. The diagnosis was suggested by
      echocardiogram and subsequently was confirmed by pathologic examination.

PMID- 22086595
TI  - Migration of a Kirschner wire into the thoracic ascendent aorta artery.
AB  - The orthopedic metallic pins and wires migration for the chest cavity is uncommon
      and rarely reported in medical literature although it is potentially lethal,
      especially when they reach the heart or mediastinum great vessels. We reported a
      case of Kirschner wire withdrawal, for right postero-lateral thoracotomy, which
      were transfixating ascendent thoracic aorta artery, in its due to its migration
      of left clavicle, where it was placed to fix an occurred fracture 10 years
      before.

PMID- 22086596
TI  - Checklist in pediatric cardiac surgery in Brazil: an useful and necessary
      adaptation of the Quality Improvement Collaborative International Congenital
      Heart Surgery in Developing Countries.

PMID- 22086597
TI  - Cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery: a relevant issue.

PMID- 22086598
TI  - After the impact factor, the DOI.

PMID- 22086599
TI  - Myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass: historical
      background and thirty-year experience.

PMID- 22086600
TI  - Terminal ischemic cardiomyopathy associated to stent extrusion to the aortic
      lumen.

PMID- 22086601
TI  - Quality of valve prostheses: are we treating our patients well in the Brazilian
      National Health System?

PMID- 22086603
TI  - CS-US interval determines the transition from overshadowing to potentiation with
      flavor compounds.
AB  - The present series of five flavor aversion experiments with rat subjects examined
      compound conditioning at varying CS-US intervals. Using a taste-taste design,
      Experiments 1A and 1B demonstrated overshadowing at a 0-min CS-US interval and
      potentiation at a 120-min CS-US interval, and these effects occurred with both
      tastes of the compound. Experiment 2 showed that the aversion to a single element
      is reduced when the CS-US interval is increased to 120 min, but the aversion for
      a compound taste is not. Experiments 3A and 3B explored odor + taste compound
      conditioning; the results demonstrated odor potentiation across the trace
      interval and a transition from taste overshadowing to taste potentiation.
      Collectively, the data show that the change from overshadowing to potentiation
      was not due to changes in the aversions produced by compound conditioning but,
      instead, was due to a more rapid loss of conditionability across a trace interval
      prior to the US in single-element conditioning. These experiments suggest that
      following compound conditioning, the aversion to each element represents
      generalization decrement from the configured compound, but the designation of
      overshadowing or potentiation actually depends on the status of conditioning in
      the single-element control.

PMID- 22086602
TI  - RNA helicase DDX5 regulates microRNA expression and contributes to cytoskeletal
      reorganization in basal breast cancer cells.
AB  - RNA helicase DDX5 (also p68) is involved in all aspects of RNA metabolism and
      serves as a transcriptional coregulator, but its functional role in breast cancer
      remains elusive. Here, we report an integrative biology study of DDX5 in breast
      cancer, encompassing quantitative proteomics, global MicroRNA profiling, and
      detailed biochemical characterization of cell lines and human tissues. We showed
      that protein expression of DDX5 increased progressively from the luminal to basal
      breast cancer cell lines, and correlated positively with that of CD44 in the
      basal subtypes. Through immunohistochemistry analyses of tissue microarrays
      containing over 200 invasive human ductal carcinomas, we observed that DDX5 was
      up-regulated in the majority of malignant tissues, and its expression correlated
      strongly with those of Ki67 and EGFR in the triple-negative tumors. We
      demonstrated that DDX5 regulated a subset of MicroRNAs including miR-21 and miR
      182 in basal breast cancer cells. Knockdown of DDX5 resulted in reorganization of
      actin cytoskeleton and reduction of cellular proliferation. The effects were
      accompanied by up-regulation of tumor suppressor PDCD4 (a known miR-21 target);
      as well as up-regulation of cofilin and profilin, two key proteins involved in
      actin polymerization and cytoskeleton maintenance, as a consequence of miR-182
      down-regulation. Treatment with miR-182 inhibitors resulted in morphologic
      phenotypes resembling those induced by DDX5 knockdown. Using bioinformatics tools
      for pathway and network analyses, we confirmed that the network for regulation of
      actin cytoskeleton was predominantly enriched for the predicted downstream
      targets of miR-182. Our results reveal a new functional role of DDX5 in breast
      cancer via the DDX5->miR-182->actin cytoskeleton pathway, and suggest the
      potential clinical utility of DDX5 and its downstream MicroRNAs in the
      theranostics of breast cancer.

PMID- 22086604
TI  - Further delineation of pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6 due to mutations in the
      gene encoding mitochondrial arginyl-tRNA synthetase, RARS2.
AB  - Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6 (PCH6) (MIM #611523) is a recently described
      disorder caused by mutations in RARS2 (MIM *611524), the gene encoding
      mitochondrial arginyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase, a protein essential for
      translation of all mitochondrially synthesised proteins. This case confirms that
      progressive cerebellar and cerebral atrophy with microcephaly and complex
      epilepsy are characteristic features of PCH6. Additional features of PCH subtypes
      2 and 4, including severe dystonia, optic atrophy and thinning of the corpus
      callosum, are demonstrated. Congenital lactic acidosis can be present, but
      respiratory chain dysfunction may be mild or absent, suggesting that disordered
      mitochondrial messenger RNA (mRNA) translation may not be the only mechanism of
      impairment or that a secondary mechanism exists to allow some translation. We
      report two novel mutations and expand the phenotypic spectrum of this likely
      underdiagnosed PCH variant, where recognition of the characteristic
      neuroradiological phenotype could potentially expedite genetic diagnosis and
      limit invasive investigations.

PMID- 22086606
TI  - Unexpected electron transfer in cryptochrome identified by time-resolved EPR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Subtle differences in the local sequence and conformation of amino acids can
      result in diversity and specificity in electron transfer (ET) in proteins,
      despite structural conservation of the redox partners. For individual ET steps,
      distance is not necessarily the decisive parameter; orientation and solvent
      accessibility of the ET partners, and thus the stabilization of the charge
      separated states, contribute substantially.

PMID- 22086607
TI  - The safe gate to the posterior paranasal sinuses: reassessing the role of the
      superior turbinate.
AB  - Surgery of the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses can be challenging. In
      1999, a technique was described for identification of the superior turbinate and
      utilizing it as a landmark in endoscopic posterior ethmoidectomy and
      sphenoidotomy. Although this was more than a decade ago, it has not been
      supported by further studies. In our practice, we have routinely adopted this
      technique, and have modified it to allow further orientation during endoscopic
      surgery of the posterior sinuses. To describe a review of our technique, and to
      prospectively assess the value of the superior turbinate as a useful landmark
      during endoscopic posterior ethmoidectomy and sphenoidotomy. Fifty patients
      listed for endoscopic posterior ethmoidectomy with or without sphenoidotomy were
      included in a prospective study utilising our surgical technique. Data were
      collated for the success or failure of identification of the landmarks, and for
      any complications during the surgery. A total of 93 sides of endoscopic posterior
      ethmoidectomy and 73 sides of endoscopic sphenoidotomy were performed. The
      superior turbinate was identified in 100% of the cases. The coronal part of the
      superior turbinate basal lamella was identified in 60.22% of the cases, and the
      axial part in 88.17% of the cases. The natural sphenoid ostium was identified
      medial to the posterior part of the superior turbinate in 98.63% of the cases.
      The axial part of the superior turbinate basal lamella was a constant landmark
      for the level of the sphenoid ostium. The number of transverse septae between the
      axial part of the superior turbinate basal lamella and the skull base was
      studied, and was found never to exceed one septum. No major complications were
      recorded. One case of small posterior septal perforation was detected with no
      post-operative effects. Our study represents the first report of identifying the
      two parts of the superior turbinate basal lamella intra-operatively. It also
      represents the first report of using the axial basal lamella of the superior
      turbinate as a landmark for the level of the sphenoid sinus ostium, as well as a
      landmark for the level of the skull base. The superior turbinate represents a
      constant landmark for performing a safe posterior ethmoidectomy and
      sphenoidotomy.

PMID- 22086609
TI  - Hospice eligibility in patients who died in a tertiary care center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospice is a service that patients, families, and physicians find
      beneficial, yet a majority of patients die without receiving hospice care. Little
      is known about how many hospitalized patients are hospice eligible at the time of
      hospitalization. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was used to examine all
      adult deaths (n = 688) at a tertiary care center during 2009. Charts were
      selected for full review if the death was nontraumatic and the patient had a
      hospital admission within 12 months of the terminal admission. The charts were
      examined for hospice eligibility based on medical criteria, evidence of a hospice
      discussion, and hospice enrollment. RESULTS: Two hundred nine patients had an
      admission in the year preceding the terminal admission and a nontraumatic death.
      Sixty percent were hospice eligible during the penultimate admission. Hospice
      discussions were documented in 14% of the hospice-eligible patients. Patients who
      were hospice eligible had more subspecialty consults on the penultimate admission
      compared to those not hospice eligible (P = 0.016), as well as more overall
      hospitalizations in the 12 months preceding their terminal admission (P =
      0.0003), and fewer days between their penultimate admission and death (P =
      0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of terminally ill inpatients did not have a
      documented discussion of hospice with their care provider. Educating physicians
      to recognize the stepwise decline of most illnesses and hospice admission
      criteria will facilitate a more informed decision-making process for patients and
      their families. A consistent commitment to offer hospice earlier than the
      terminal admission would increase access to community or home-based care,
      potentially increasing quality of life.

PMID- 22086608
TI  - Cytochrome c signalosome in mitochondria.
AB  - Cytochrome c delicately tilts the balance between cell life (respiration) and
      cell death (apoptosis). Whereas cell life is governed by transient electron
      transfer interactions of cytochrome c inside the mitochondria, the cytoplasmic
      adducts of cytochrome c that lead to cell death are amazingly stable.
      Interestingly, the contacts of cytochrome c with its counterparts shift from the
      area surrounding the heme crevice for the redox complexes to the opposite
      molecule side when the electron flow is not necessary. The cytochrome c
      signalosome shows a higher level of regulation by post-translational
      modifications-nitration and phosphorylation-of the hemeprotein. Understanding
      protein interfaces, as well as protein modifications, would puzzle the
      mitochondrial cytochrome c-controlled pathways out and enable the design of novel
      drugs to silence the action of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic partners of
      cytochrome c.

PMID- 22086610
TI  - Examination of CD26/DPPIV, p53, and PTEN expression in thyroid follicular
      adenoma.
AB  - Tumor cytology has proven to be inadequate for precise diagnosis of thyroid
      follicular adenoma. This suggests the need for a molecular approach for its
      diagnosis. Expression of CD26/DPPIV (dipeptidyl peptidas IV), p53, and PTEN was
      analyzed in smears or sections obtained from 19 patients with histologically
      proven thyroid follicular adenoma. Papanicolaou staining, CD26/DPPIV activity
      staining, and HE staining were performed and the specimens were observed
      morphologically. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies against p53 and
      PTEN was performed. Genetic mutation of PTEN exons was performed using the laser
      capture microdissection method. The nuclear area of the CD26/DPPIV-positive cells
      was significantly larger than that of the CD26/DPPIV-negative cells. p53
      expression was not observed any specimen. PTEN expression was observed in 18 of
      19 cases. DNA sequence analysis did not reveal mutations in exons 5-9 of PTEN in
      the immunohistochemically PTEN-negative case. In accordance with our previous
      reports, we found that observation of concomitant CD26-positive and PTEN-negative
      status in cases of follicular adenoma suggests a state close to follicular
      carcinoma or progression to cancer, thus warranting careful follow-up.

PMID- 22086611
TI  - Quercetin-3-methyl ether inhibits lapatinib-sensitive and -resistant breast
      cancer cell growth by inducing G(2)/M arrest and apoptosis.
AB  - Lapatinib, an oral, small-molecule, reversible inhibitor of both EGFR and HER2,
      is highly active in HER2 positive breast cancer as a single agent and in
      combination with other therapeutics. However, resistance against lapatinib is an
      unresolved problem in clinical oncology. Recently, interest in the use of natural
      compounds to prevent or treat cancers has gained increasing interest because of
      presumed low toxicity. Quercetin-3-methyl ether, a naturally occurring compound
      present in various plants, has potent anticancer activity. Here, we found that
      quercetin-3-methyl ether caused a significant growth inhibition of lapatinib
      sensitive and -resistant breast cancer cells. Western blot data showed that
      quercetin-3-methyl ether had no effect on Akt or ERKs signaling in resistant
      cells. However, quercetin-3-methyl ether caused a pronounced G(2)/M block mainly
      through the Chk1-Cdc25c-cyclin B1/Cdk1 pathway in lapatinib-sensitive and 
      resistant cells. In contrast, lapatinib produced an accumulation of cells in the
      G(1) phase mediated through cyclin D1, but only in lapatinib-sensitive cells.
      Moreover, quercetin-3-methyl ether induced significant apoptosis, accompanied
      with increased levels of cleaved caspase 3, caspase 7, and poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP) in both cell lines. Overall, these results suggested that
      quercetin-3-methyl ether might be a novel and promising therapeutic agent in
      lapatinib-sensitive or -resistant breast cancer patients.

PMID- 22086612
TI  - Pt and Pd in sediments from the Pearl River Estuary, South China: background
      levels, distribution, and source.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study assessed the concentrations of platinum (Pt) and palladium
      (Pd) in surface sediments and sedimentary cores collected from the Pearl River
      Estuary with a view of evaluating the distribution, background levels, possible
      sources, and contamination level of anthropogenic Pt and Pd. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-six samples of surface sediments and 12 samples from sedimentary
      cores were collected. Al(2)O(3) was analyzed on fused glass disks by X-ray
      fluorescence spectrometer. Heavy metal elements were measured by inductively
      coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Pt and Pd were separated from the sample matrix
      by anion exchange chromatography and subsequent solvent extraction after samples
      had been digested in Carius tubes using aqua regia. The analysis of Pt and Pd was
      performed by isotopic dilution-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Pt and Pd concentrations in surface sediments were 0.28
      2.11 and 0.39-38.30 ng/g, respectively, and Pt and Pd concentrations in
      sedimentary cores were 0.19-1.18 and 0.15-1.76 ng/g, respectively. Background
      values of Pt and Pd were 0.20-1.17 and 0.10-1.34 ng/g, respectively. The spatial
      distribution of the enrichment factor differed between Pt and Pd in surface
      sediments. Down-core variations in Pt, Pd, and other heavy metal elements were
      similar in all cases and were related to sediment type. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the
      Pt and Pt in surface samples were derived from anthropogenic emissions. Pt and Pd
      were delivered to the sediment by fluvial input. In addition to vehicle exhaust
      catalysts, Pt and Pd were derived from other sources (e.g., industrial process).
      An important post-burial remobilization process of Pt and Pd is likely to be
      particle mixing by billows caused by typhoon.

PMID- 22086613
TI  - Unilateral basal-ganglia involvement likely due to valproate-induced
      hyperammonemic encephalopathy.
AB  - A male child suffering from generalized tonic clonic epilepsy, on treatment with
      valproate, developed fulminant hepatic failure, hyperammonemia and encephalopathy
      due to drug toxicity. The most extraordinary feature was his MRI (FLAIR image) of
      brain which showed unilateral hyperintensities in right putamen and caudate
      nucleus. The patient recovered on withdrawal of valproate with mild residual left
      sided athetotic movements during remission. Repeat investigation confirmed an
      improved MRI imaging and normalised blood ammonia levels. The case report is
      unique because of unilateral involvement of basal ganglia due to valproate
      induced encephalopathy.

PMID- 22086614
TI  - Phase 2 trial of irinotecan and thalidomide in adults with recurrent anaplastic
      glioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic options for patients with anaplastic gliomas (AGs) are
      limited despite better insights into glioma biology. The authors previously
      reported improved outcome in patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with
      thalidomide and irinotecan compared with historical controls. Here, results of
      the AG arm of the study are reported, using this drug combination. METHODS:
      Adults with recurrent AG previously treated with radiation therapy, with
      Karnofsky performance score >=70, adequate organ function and not on enzyme
      inducing anticonvulsants were enrolled. Treatment was in 6-week cycles with
      irinotecan at 125 mg/m(2) weekly for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off, and
      thalidomide at 100 mg daily increased to 400 mg/day as tolerated. The primary
      endpoint was progression-free survival rate at 6 months (PFS-6), and the
      secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and response rate (RR). RESULTS:
      In 39 eligible patients, PFS-6 for the intent-to-treat population was 36% (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 21%, 53%), median PFS was 13 weeks (95% CI = 6%, 28%)
      and RR was 10%(95% CI = 3%, 24%). Radiological findings included 2 complete and 2
      partial responses and 17 stable disease. Median OS from study registration was 62
      weeks, (95% CI = 51, 144). Treatment-related toxicities (grade 3 or higher)
      included neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue; 6 patients experienced
      venous thromboembolism. Four deaths were attributable to treatment-related
      toxicities: 1 from pulmonary embolism, 2 from colitis, and 1 from urosepsis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The combination of thalidomide and irinotecan did not achieve
      sufficient efficacy to warrant further investigation against AG, although a
      subset of patients experienced prolonged PFS/OS. A trial of the more potent
      thalidomide analogue, lenalidomide, in combination with irinotecan against AG is
      currently ongoing.

PMID- 22086615
TI  - Early cumulus cell removal could reduce the available embryo rate in human IVF.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare cumulus cell removal at different
      times and to evaluate their effects on embryo developmental potential and the
      outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: We retrieved 606 IVF cycles
      with standard long down regulation protocol from January 2010 to December 2010.
      These cycles were divided into two groups: group A, 364 cycles with high risk of
      fertilization failure, whose cumulus cells were removed 4 h after short gamete
      coincubation; group B, 242 cycles as control, whose cumulus cells removal were
      performed 17 to 18 h after insemination. The epidemiological, clinical,
      laboratory factors and the outcomes of these cycles were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      available embryo rate of group A was significantly lower (P = 0.002). There were
      no significant differences in other laboratory parameters and outcomes between
      the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with high risk of
      fertilization failure, there could be a risk of compromising the rate of
      available embryos, if fertilization is judged by the presence of 2 PB by cumulus
      cell removal only 4 h post-insemination. Therefore, this strategy is not
      recommended to all IVF cycles and future studies are needed to confirm its
      reliability.

PMID- 22086616
TI  - Different ovarian response by age in an anti-Mullerian hormone-matched group
      undergoing in vitro fertilization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has been used as a good
      marker of ovarian response during in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, in the
      clinical setting, we felt that ovarian response was clearly different by age with
      the same AMH level. Then in this study we evaluated the relationship between
      serum AMH, age and parameters related to ovarian response and compared these
      parameters in regard to age within serum AMH-matched group. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      The relationship of these parameters were evaluated retrospectively in patients
      undergoing their first IVF cycle under a GnRH agonist flare up protocol (n = 456)
      between October 2008 and October 2010 in our clinic. To understand the relations
      between variables described above, principal component analysis (PCA) was
      performed. PCA revealed patients' age was at the different dimension from serum
      AMH and other variables. Therefore at first we segregated all patients into Low,
      Normal and High responder groups by their serum AMH using cut-off value of
      receiver operator characteristics curve analysis. Secondary, we divided each
      responder group into four subgroups according to patients' age. The high aged
      subgroups required a significantly higher dose of gonadotropin and a longer
      duration of stimulation; however, they had significantly lower peak E2 and a
      smaller number of total oocytes as well as M2 oocytes compared to the low aged
      subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of aging on the ovarian response was
      clearly seen in all groups; the ovarian response tended to decrease as patients'
      age increased with the same AMH level. Therefore serum AMH in combination with
      age is a better indicator than AMH alone.

PMID- 22086617
TI  - Chemistry and physics of a single atomic layer: strategies and challenges for
      functionalization of graphene and graphene-based materials.
AB  - Graphene has attracted great interest for its superior physical, chemical,
      mechanical, and electrical properties that enable a wide range of applications
      from electronics to nanoelectromechanical systems. Functionalization is among the
      significant vectors that drive graphene towards technological applications. While
      the physical properties of graphene have been at the center of attention, we
      still lack the knowledge framework for targeted graphene functionalization. In
      this critical review, we describe some of the important chemical and physical
      processes for graphene functionalization. We also identify six major challenges
      in graphene research and give perspectives and practical strategies for both
      fundamental studies and applications of graphene (315 references).

PMID- 22086618
TI  - [Health economic evaluations: bringing together academia and policy].

PMID- 22086619
TI  - [Evaluation of social and sanitary interventions: appraising the results to guide
      decisions].

PMID- 22086620
TI  - [Cost-utility of the vaccine against the Human Papiloma Virus in Peruvian women].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost-utility of the vaccine against the Human
      Papiloma Virus (HPV) in peruvian women after the application of the vaccine at 10
      years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cost-utility analysis was performed using
      the Markov's hidden model in a hypothetical cohort of peruvian women, based on
      the information on epidemiological parameters, costs associated to uterine
      cervical cancer (UCC) and the efficacy and costs of the vaccine against the HPV.
      The vaccination costs were estimated from the Peruvian Ministry of Health
      perspective and were compared against the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs),
      using a discount rate of 5%. RESULTS: The annual cost of the vaccination was USD
      16,861,490, for the Papanicoau screening it was USD 3,060,793 and the costs
      associated to the UCC were USD 15,580,000. The incremental cost utility ratio
      (ICUR) was 6,775 USD/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination against HPV can be cost
      utility compared to not vaccinating.

PMID- 22086621
TI  - [Cost analysis of rapid methods for diagnosis of multidrug resistant tuberculosis
      in different epidemiologic groups in Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the costs of three methods for the diagnosis of drug
      susceptibility in tuberculosis, and to compare the cost per case of Multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) diagnosed with these (MODS, GRIESS and Genotype
      MTBDR plus(r)) in 4 epidemiologic groups in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the
      basis of programmatic figures, we divided the population in 4 groups: new cases
      from Lima/Callao, new cases from other provinces, previously treated patients
      from Lima/Callao and previously treated from other provinces. We calculated the
      costs of each test with the standard methodology of the Ministry of Health, from
      the perspective of the health system. Finally, we calculated the cost per patient
      diagnosed with MDR TB for each epidemiologic group. RESULTS: The estimated costs
      per test for MODS, GRIESS, and Genotype MTBDR plus(r) were 14.83. 15.51 and
      176.41 nuevos soles respectively (the local currency, 1 nuevos sol=0.36 US
      dollars for August, 2011). The cost per patient diagnosed with GRIESS and MODS
      was lower than 200 nuevos soles in 3 out of the 4 groups. The costs per diagnosed
      MDR TB were higher than 2,000 nuevos soles with Genotype MTBDR plus(r) in the two
      groups of new patients, and lower than 1,000 nuevos soles in the group of
      previously treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: In high-prevalence groups, like the
      previously treated patients, the costs per diagnosis of MDR TB with the 3
      evaluated tests were low, nevertheless, the costs with the molecular test in the
      low- prevalence groups were high. The use of the molecular tests must be
      optimized in high prevalence areas.

PMID- 22086622
TI  - [Cost utility of renal transplant vs. hemodialysis in the treatment of end stage
      chronic kidney failure in a Peruvian hospital].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the cost utility of the cadaveric donor renal
      transplant (CDRT) at the Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen between
      2000 to 2001, against haemodialysis (HD), 5 years after treatment initiation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cost utility study design was used, which evaluated
      every patient continuing treatment after 5 years of having the CDRT done, and 2
      controls consisting in patients having received HD for 5 years, matched by age,
      sex and disease duration. The costs of each procedure and their Quality-adjusted
      life years (QALY's) were evaluated using the questionnaire of quality of life SF
      36v2(TM), finally calculating the cost utility (CU) and incremental cost utility
      (ICU) ratios. RESULTS: Fifty-eight CDRT were performed between 2000-1. Five years
      later, 17 (29%) patients died and only 27 (47%) continued the treatment after
      CDRT. Out of the 31 patients (53%) having treatment failures, 26% rejected the
      transplant, 55% presented a complication and 19% were irregular. The mean SF
      36v2(TM) scores obtained by the CDRT and HD patients were 95+/-12 and 87+/-18
      points, respectively. The QALYs obtained by the CDRT and HD groups were 251 and
      229 points, respectively; the CU ratios for the CDRT and HD were USD 11,984 and
      USD 9,243; and the ICU ratio for the period was USD 40,669. CONCLUSIONS: CDRTs
      performed during the years 2000-1 at the HNGAI, were 5 years later surprisingly
      less cost effective than the HD and CDRT's performed at year 2000 had a lower
      incremental cost utility ratio that those performed the 2001, probably because of
      the highest rate of irregular treatment.

PMID- 22086623
TI  - [Hip fracture in older adults: prevalence and costs in two hospitals. Tabasco,
      Mexico, 2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine hip fracture prevalence and direct healthcare costs in
      elderly users of the reference hospitals of the Mexican Institute of Social
      Insurance (IMSS by spanish initials) and Mexican Oils (PEMEX by spanish
      initials), from Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, during 2009. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The information was based on the
      registers of surgical interventions and institutional reports of the elderly
      inpatients who had a registered attention in their institution. Descriptive
      statistical analysis was performed considering the following variables: age,
      gender, hip fracture type, occurrence month, direct healthcare cost. RESULTS: Out
      of 10,765 records of hospitalized elderly, 57 hip fracture cases were found (33
      in the IMSS and 24 in PEMEX). Hip fracture prevalence was 0.5%, (IMSS 1.1% and
      PEMEX 0.3%), being more frequent in women and older than 69. The most frequent
      fracture type was the femur neck one (78.9%). The estimated cost of healthcare in
      the hospital per patient was USD 5,803 in the IMSS and USD 11,800 in PEMEX.
      CONCLUSIONS: The hip fracture prevalence was higher in the IMSS users. Estimated
      healthcare costs per patient were higher than the reported in other institutions
      of the of the mexican health national system.

PMID- 22086624
TI  - [Identification of Leishmania species in patients and phlebotomines in
      transmission areas in a region of Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the species of Leishmania present in the skin lesions of
      patients and Lutzomyias living in endemic areas of La Libertad, Peru. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Molecular methods based on PCR and RFLP were used, which allowed to
      have efficient data with small amounts of samples (small specimens), due to their
      high sensitivity and ease of application in the field work. RESULTS: The results
      of PCR of clinical samples of patients and insect vectors showed the presence of
      Leishmania (V.) peruviana as a major causative agent of andean leishmaniasis
      transmitted by Lutzomyia peruensis. The presence of Leishmania (V.) guyanensis in
      Lutzomyia ayacuchensis, was found as well. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of L. (V.)
      peruviana and L. (V.) guyanensis in the Andean areas under study was found. These
      findings remark the need of a wider research about the geographical distribution
      of L. (V.) guyanensis and clinical features related to the infection in endemic
      areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22086625
TI  - [Western blot technique standardization of the diagnosis of human fasciolosis
      using Fasciola hepatica excreted-secreted antigens].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of the enzyme-linked
      immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (EITB, Western blot) using excretory/secretory
      antigens from adult forms of Fasciola hepatica (Fh E/S Ag) for the diagnosis of
      human fasciolosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antigens were obtained after 18 hours
      of incubation in culture medium Minimum Essential Eagle, prepared at a protein
      concentration of 0.15 ug/uL and run against a pool of sera of patients with
      proven fasciolosis (confirmed by the finding of parasite eggs in the stool
      microscopy). Antigens of 10, 12, 17, 23, 27, 30, 36, 43, 66 and 136 kDa were
      detected and used to develop the Western blot technique. The sensitivity was
      evaluated using sera from 67 fasciolosis patients, and the specificity using sera
      from 57 patients with other parasitic diseases, and 10 from healthy individuals.
      RESULTS: Out of the 67 sera, 64 reacted with the 23 kDa band and 61 with the one
      of 17 kDa. These two bands were not detected in sera from patients with other
      parasitic diseases or in those from healthy volunteers and thus could be
      considered specific and diagnostic. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of the test,
      using the bands of 17 and 23 kDa, was 95.5% for positive reactions to at least
      one of these two bands, being its specificity 100% with a positive predictive
      value of 100% and negative predictive value of 95.71%.

PMID- 22086626
TI  - [Internet addiction: development and validation of an instrument in adolescent
      scholars in Lima, Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate an instrument to assess Internet Addiction
      (IA) phenomenon in adolescents of Metropolitan Lima. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      performed an observational analytical study, including a sample of 248 high
      school adolescent students. In order to evaluate the IA, we constructed the
      questionnaire: "Scale for Internet Addiction of Lima" (SIAL), which assesses
      symptoms and dysfunctional characteristics. The resulting items were submitted to
      experts' judgment, finally obtaining a 11-item scale. RESULTS: The mean age was
      14 years old. The psychometric analysis of the instrument showed a Cronbach'
      Alpha Coefficient of 0.84, with values of item-total correlation ranging from
      0.45 to 0.59. The dimensional analysis yielded a two-dimensional structure that
      explained up to 50.7% of the total variance. The bi-dimensional data analysis
      revealed a significant association (p<0,001) between Dimension I (symptoms of IA)
      and the weekly time spent on the Internet, male sex, past history of bad behavior
      in school and plans for the future. Dimension II (dysfunction due to IA) had a
      significant association to past history of bad behavior, plans for the future
      (p<0,001) and missing school without valid reasons. CONCLUSIONS: The SIAL showed
      a good internal consistency, with moderate and significant inter-item
      correlations. The findings show that addiction has a dynamic role, which
      evidences a problem generated in family patterns and inadequate social networks.

PMID- 22086627
TI  - [Bibliometric analysis of scientific production about HIV/AIDS in Peru 1985
      2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of published scientific articles on HIV/AIDS
      in Peru. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis of papers on HIV/AIDS published in
      journals indexed in MEDLINE, SciELO and LILACS until October 2010. We selected
      research papers fully developed in Peru, and multicenter studies with
      participating Peruvian sites. RESULTS: We identified 257 publications on
      HIV/AIDS, showing an increase since 2003. The average publication delay was 2.8+/
      1.8 years. Only 94 (36.6 %) articles were published in Spanish. The most studied
      areas were epidemiology (36.6 %) and clinical topics (35.8 %). The cross
      sectional design was the most frequent (56.8 %) followed by case series.
      According to the WHO classification, studies to learn more about the disease and
      risk factors predominated (85.6 %) and according to the intervention areas, 46.7
      % focused on diagnosis and treatment. Most studies were conducted in Lima (65.9
      %). 48.2 % of studies focused on people living with HIV/AIDS. Finally, Revista
      Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica was the journal that published
      most articles on HIV/AIDS (9.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: We found a growth in scientific
      production on HIV/AIDS in Peru; however, we believe that the research undertaken
      was not based on an agreed national agenda or national research priorities, which
      might have limitted its dissemination and application.

PMID- 22086628
TI  - [Psychometric validation of the International Index of Erectile Function in
      patients with erectile dysfunction in Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To perform the psychometric validation of the International Index of
      Erectile Function (IIEF) in patients with erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Prospective case series to evaluate the validity and the reliability of
      the scale. RESULTS: More than 90 % of experts considered that the IIEF questions
      evaluated the domains and the construct (content validity). There was a perfect
      concordance between the expert evaluation and the IIEF results (criteria
      validity, Kappa = 1). Significant differences were found in the score media by
      domains between patients with and without ED but when severity was evaluated,
      only differences in the erectile function domain were found (discriminatory
      validity). The Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (ISPC) and the IIEF showed
      divergent results (Kappa < 0.01, p = 0.44) in relation with the severity and the
      total scores showed no correlation (divergent validity) (r(s) = -0.22, p = 0.16).
      The correlation coefficients by domains were mild to moderate and the correlation
      between the total scores was high (rs = 0.8, p < 0.001) (test retest
      repeatability). A high degree of internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha
      values > 0.8 in the five domains was found. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-culturally
      validated IIEF in Peru is a valid and reliable instrument for its local use in
      the fields of clinics and research.

PMID- 22086629
TI  - [Maternal hemoglobin in Peru: regional differences and its association with
      adverse perinatal outcomes].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hemoglobin (Hb) levels in pregnant women from different
      geographical regions from Peru; to establish anemia and erythrocytocis rates and
      to establish the role of Hb on adverse perinatal outcomes using the Perinatal
      Information System (PIS) database of Peruvian Ministry of Health. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Data were obtained from 379,816 births of 43 maternity care units
      between 2000 and 2010. Anemia and erythrocytocis rates were determined in each
      geographical region as well as rates of adverse perinatal outcomes. To analyze
      data the STATA program (version 10.0,Texas, USA) was used. The results were
      considered significant at p<0.01. RESULTS: Mild anemia rate was higher in the
      coast (25.8%) and low forest (26.2%). Moderate/severe anemia rate in low forest
      was 2.6% and at the coast was 1.0%. In the highland, the highest rate of
      moderate/severe anemia was in the southern highlands (0.6%). The highest rate of
      erythrocytocis was found in the central highland (23.7%), 11.9% in the southern
      highland and 9.5% in the north highland. Severe anemia and erythrocytocis were
      associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences by
      Peruvian geographical region in anemia rates. In the central highlands were found
      the highest rates of erythrocytocis due to hypoxia effect in the high altitudes;
      however in the southern highlands, erythrocytocis was lower. Severe anemia and
      erythrocytosis were associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes.

PMID- 22086630
TI  - [Results of the implementation of three national guidelines for the prevention of
      HIV vertical transmission in Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal. Lima, Peru].
AB  - A retrospective analysis is performed in three successive periods between the
      years 1996 and 2009, in order to evaluate the impact of the implementation of
      three national guidelines for the prevention of the vertical transmission of HIV.
      275 births were included in 13 years. Significant statistical differences were
      found in the percentage of HIV cases in the children exposed to the virus between
      the three periods: 15% during the period in which only zidovudine (AZT) was
      administered to the pregnant woman, 6.4% during the second period (administration
      of AZT to the pregnant woman not fulfilling HAART initiation criteria and HAART
      to those fulfilling criteria for this treatment), and 4% during the third period
      in which HAART was applied to all pregnant women with HIV infection. 95% of
      pregnant women ended their pregnancy by cesarean section and the 100% of children
      received infant formula. Changes made in national guidelines have produced a
      positive impact in the decrease of HIV infected children in the Instituto
      Nacional Materno Perinatal in Peru.

PMID- 22086631
TI  - [Cluster of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases in a school of the district of
      Ica, Peru].
AB  - We describe the evolution and features of a cluster of Multidrug-resistant
      tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases that occurred in 2001, in a school located in a sub
      urban area of the district of Ica, Peru. We identified 15 students related before
      becoming infected with tuberculosis. The mean age of the cluster was 15 years. A
      total of 12 students were MDR-TB cases and 7 were drug-resistant to 5 first-line
      drugs (RHEZS). Five out of the 15 cases received at least 3 different anti
      tuberculosis treatment schemes. The average treatment duration was 37 months
      (minimum 21 and maximum 59 months). A total of 13 cases recovered and 2 died.
      This study describes a cluster of MDR -TB cases in an educational facility, which
      due to the epidemiological link and time presentation, is probably an outbreak of
      MDR TB with a satisfactory outcome after prolonged treatment.

PMID- 22086632
TI  - [Preliminary construction of a questionnaire about knowledge of HIV/AIDS in
      Colombian veterans].
AB  - In order to identify the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS in Colombia veterans
      of war in the year 2009, a questionnaire was designed, built and validated, using
      a mixed design, for which three stages were followed: 1) Bibliographic review and
      construction of items of the questionnaire using a focus group, 2) Evaluation of
      content validity by a pannel of experts, 3) APLICACION of the final
      questionnaire, we selected non-randomly 323 people who were part of group of
      veterans in Colombia, and 4) Validation of the questionnaire through the
      evaluation of internal consistency and principal component analysis. We found
      that the questionnaire explored three factors: forms of infection, inadequate
      beliefs, and HIV prevention, which accounted for 52% of the variance. The survey
      showed adequate internal consistency values (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77). These
      results suggest the use of the questionnaire to assess knowledge level related to
      the form of infection, inaccurate beliefs and prevention of HIV-AIDS in this
      population.

PMID- 22086633
TI  - [Sporotrichosis in patients attending a reference center in Abancay, Peru].
AB  - A descriptive study was conducted between the months of May and August 2008 in
      Santa Teresa Medical Center, Abancay. Of 33 patients clinically suspected with
      Sporotrichosis: 20 patients were identified with Sporothrix schenckii. 11 (55%)
      of patients were males. Children between 0 and 14 years were most affected. 60%
      of the lesions were fixed cutaneous being more frequent in the head and neck
      (40%). 55% had lessions for less than one month. In pediatric population with
      involvement of head and neck, Sporotrichosis should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of skin lesions of patients from endemic areas.

PMID- 22086634
TI  - [Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B in university students in Abancay, Peru].
AB  - To determine the prevalence of serological markers of viral hepatitis B in
      university students of the city of Abancay, we performed a cross-sectional study
      on 240 students from three universities, from January to October 2010. Informed
      consent was requested to every student, an epidemiological record was filled, and
      a venous blood sample was drawn to determine the presence of HBsAg, total anti -
      HBcAg, anti - HBe, HBeAg and IgM Anti - HBc by ELISA. A prevalence of 2.5% (six
      positive samples) was found for HBsAg and of 28.3% (68 positive samples) for anti
      - HbcAg antibodies. The male sex was associated with the presence of anti - HBcAg
      (OR = 2.0, 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.6). We did not found HBeAg or IgM anti - HBc,
      however, the 6 HBsAg carriers were anti - HBe positive. In conclusion hepatitis B
      infection is still a public health problem in Abancay, with a significant
      prevalence in university students.

PMID- 22086635
TI  - [Basic principles and methodological considerations of health economic
      evaluations].
AB  - Health Economics is an essential instrument for health management, and economic
      evaluations can be considered as tools assisting the decision-making process for
      the allocation of resources in health. Currently, economic evaluations are
      increasingly being used worldwide, thus encouraging evidence-based decision
      making and seeking efficient and rational alternatives within the framework of
      health services activities. In this review, we present an overview and define the
      basic types of economic evaluations, with emphasis on complete Economic
      Evaluations (EE). In addition, we review key concepts regarding the perspectives
      from which EE can be conducted, the types of costs that can be considered, the
      time horizon, discounting, assessment of uncertainty and decision rules. Finally,
      we describe concepts about the extrapolation and spread of economic evaluations
      in health.

PMID- 22086636
TI  - [Synthesis studies as the basis for economic evaluations in health: the need for
      their quality appraisal].
AB  - Synthesis studies (SS): systematic review and meta-analysis are the basis for
      developing Health Economic Evaluations (HEE). SS allow us to obtain parameters
      for estimating probabilities and effectiveness from the combination of the
      results of primary studies, and, as they include in their methodology the
      selection, evaluation, systematization and synthesis processes, they are
      considered the first level of hierarchy in scientific evidence. Nevertheless,
      they can be prone to bias and methodological failures that can affect the
      validity of their results. This article initially presents the relevance of the
      randomization in the hierarchic classification of research designs, then it
      reviews the main factors affecting the validity of the SS, emphasising the
      publication bias, the heterogeneity and the inclusion of primary studies with
      main objective differing from the one of the SS. Moreover, it presents individual
      studies like a valid alternative for the development of a SS. The conclusion is
      that one of the key aspects in a SS is the correct evaluation of the study types
      and the objective evaluation of their quality, being these primary or secondary.

PMID- 22086637
TI  - [Economic evaluations of health technologies: a global perspective for their
      implementation in Latin America].
AB  - Phenomena as the progressive increase of health expenditure and the population
      aging have lead many countries to consider economic methodologies in order to
      obtain bigger sanitary benefits in contexts of limited resources. This article
      describes the basic components to consider in a health technology assessment , it
      analyses the process of decision making with cost-effectiveness analysis and
      reports how this methodology has been widely implemented in Latin America and the
      rest of the world.

PMID- 22086638
TI  - [Budgetary impact analysis in health: update with a model using a generic
      approach].
AB  - Budgetary Impact Analysis (BIA) applied to health care can be defined as the
      estimate of the net financial costs that a given intervention would represent for
      a health care institution given the case it was covered. Routinely, BIAs are used
      to decide the inclusion or exclusion of drugs in therapeutic schemes; actually,
      the increased use of BIAs have raised awareness about the fact that health
      economic evaluations represent a partial view in the analysis of the consequences
      of incorporating health technologies. This paper seeks to identify the
      determinants and components of BIA, and to describe the development of a
      spreadsheet model that enables us to assess the Budget impact of any health
      technology and perform estimations with differing degrees of complexity. Its
      design explicitly adapts to the user skills and gaps in information, thus seeking
      to promote the development of these tools in the management fields in our
      countries.

PMID- 22086639
TI  - [Health technology assessment: experience in the Ministry of Health of Brazil].
AB  - This article aims to describe the main activities carried out by the Ministry of
      Health of Brazil (MHB) for the development of Health Technology Assessments
      (HTA). It is a description based on the MHB efforts and strategies to strengthen
      this area in the last years. Five are the lines of action put in place for that
      purpose: (i) adoption of a National Policy for the Management of Health
      Technology, (ii) supporting the decision making process in the Unified Health
      System, (iii ) promotion of the performance of studies on HTA, (iv) training of
      strategic human resources, and (v) institutional coordination at national and
      international levels. However, challenges remain to achieve a more effective
      structure for HTA in Brazil, like the creation of a government institution with
      greater administrative flexibility, among others.

PMID- 22086640
TI  - [Chromomycosis: report of a disabling case].
AB  - Chromomycosis is a deep subcutaneous mycosis caused by different dymorphic fungi
      species that normally live in vegetal debris. We report the case of a 51 year-old
      patient that six years previous to the evaluation worked making roof tiles in
      Madre de Dios, Peru; where he presented an initial papular lesion in a leg, which
      continued expanding until the 4 limbs were affected with disabling verrucous
      lesions. Fumagoid cells were found in the skin biopsy. The patient was
      hospitalized and received topical cleaning, antibiotics and terbinafine. He was
      discharged two months later with clinical improvement.

PMID- 22086641
TI  - [Cayetano Heredia (1797-1861)].

PMID- 22086642
TI  - [Tegumentary leishmaniosis, a look at a neglected tropical disease].

PMID- 22086643
TI  - [Estimation of chronic co-morbidity on health costs in elderly patients with
      neurological disorders].

PMID- 22086644
TI  - [Etiologic confirmation of the first two cases of human hantavirosis in Peru].

PMID- 22086645
TI  - [Challenges to new regulations of pharmaceutical products in Peru].

PMID- 22086646
TI  - [Health situation in Peru: the pending agenda].

PMID- 22086647
TI  - Ubiquitous expression of selenoprotein N transcripts in chicken tissues and early
      developmental expression pattern in skeletal muscles.
AB  - Previous results revealed a ubiquitous expression pattern of selenoprotein N
      (SelN, SEPN1) in humans, zebrafish, and mouse, suggesting that it plays a
      potential role during the embryogenesis of these species. However, no information
      is known about the tissue distribution of SelN and mRNA expression analysis in
      the muscle tissues during development in birds. We analyzed the mRNA expression
      of SelN in 26 different tissues of 90-day-old chickens and the expression of SelN
      in the muscle tissues of 12-day-old chicken embryos and 15-month-old adult
      chickens by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that SelN transcripts
      were expressed widely in the chicken tissues. Moreover, the expression of SelN
      mRNA in skeletal muscles was present at a high level in whole embryos and at a
      lower level in postnatal stages. However, the expression of SelN mRNA in cardiac
      muscle showed a different expression pattern compared with skeletal muscles. Our
      data indicate that the expression of the SelN gene in chicken is ubiquitous,
      suggesting a role of SelN in the development of chick embryo skeletal muscles.

PMID- 22086648
TI  - The relationship between parental knowledge and monitoring and child and
      adolescent conduct problems: a 10-year update.
AB  - Inadequate parental monitoring is widely recognized as a risk factor for the
      development of child and adolescent conduct problems. However, previous studies
      examining parental monitoring have largely measured parental knowledge and not
      the active methods used by parents to track the activities and behavior of their
      children. The seminal work of Stattin and Kerr (Child Dev 71:1072-1085, 2000;
      Kerr and Stattin in Dev Psychol 36:366-380, 2000) has challenged the field to
      reinterpret the construct of parental monitoring, focusing on the active
      components of this parenting behavior. As a result, this area of research has
      witnessed a resurgence of activity. The goal of the current paper is to review
      the evidence regarding the relationship between parental knowledge and monitoring
      and child and adolescent conduct problems that has accumulated during the past
      decade. Forty-seven studies published between 2000 and 2010 were identified by
      searching major databases and bibliographies and were included in this review.
      This paper will examine the following areas: (a) "parental monitoring" as
      "parental knowledge"; (b) parental knowledge as driven by child disclosure; (c)
      the relationship between parental knowledge and monitoring and child and
      adolescent conduct problems; (d) bidirectional associations between parental
      knowledge and monitoring and child and adolescent conduct problems; (e)
      contextual influences on parental knowledge and monitoring; (f) antecedents of
      parental knowledge and monitoring; (g) clinical implications of research on
      parental knowledge and monitoring; and (h) limitations of existing research and
      future directions.

PMID- 22086649
TI  - Readers' use of source information in text comprehension.
AB  - In two experiments, we examined the role of discrepancy on readers' text
      processing of and memory for the sources of brief news reports. Each story
      included two assertions that were attributed to different sources. We manipulated
      whether the second assertion was either discrepant or consistent with the first
      assertion. On the basis of the discrepancy-induced source comprehension (D-ISC)
      assumption, we predicted that discrepant stories would promote deeper processing
      and better memory for the sources conveying the messages, as compared to
      consistent stories. As predicted, readers mentioned more sources in summaries of
      discrepant stories, recalled more sources, made more fixations, and displayed
      longer gaze times in source areas when reading discrepant than when reading
      consistent stories. In Experiment 2, we found enhanced memory for source-content
      links for discrepant stories even when intersentential connectors were absent,
      and regardless of the reading goals. Discussion was focused on discrepancies as
      one mechanism by which readers are prompted to encode source-content links more
      deeply, as a method of integrating disparate pieces of information into a
      coherent mental representation of a text.

PMID- 22086650
TI  - Bilingual recognition memory: stronger performance but weaker levels-of
      processing effects in the less fluent language.
AB  - The effects of bilingual proficiency on recognition memory were examined in an
      experiment with Spanish-English bilinguals. Participants learned lists of words
      in English and Spanish under shallow- and deep-encoding conditions. Overall, hit
      rates were higher, discrimination greater, and response times shorter in the
      nondominant language, consistent with effects previously observed for lower
      frequency words. Levels-of-processing effects in hit rates, discrimination, and
      response time were stronger in the dominant language. Specifically, with shallow
      encoding, the advantage for the nondominant language was larger than with deep
      encoding. The results support the idea that memory performance in the nondominant
      language is impacted by both the greater demand for cognitive resources and the
      lower familiarity of the words.

PMID- 22086651
TI  - Correlation between psychological distress and C-reactive protein : Comment on
      Puustinen et al., "Psychological distress and C-reactive protein: do health
      behaviours and pathophysiological factors modify the association?" (Eur Arch
      Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2011;261:277-84).

PMID- 22086653
TI  - The Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design: a bibliometric note.
AB  - Summarizes the articles in, and the citations to, volumes 2-24 of the Journal of
      Computer-Aided Molecular Design. The citations to the journal come from almost
      2000 different sources that span a very wide range of academic subjects, with the
      most heavily cited articles being descriptions of software systems and of
      computational methods.

PMID- 22086652
TI  - Computational and experimental studies of the interaction between phospho
      peptides and the C-terminal domain of BRCA1.
AB  - The C-terminal domain of BRCA1(BRCT) is involved in the DNA repair pathway by
      recognizing the pSXXF motif in interacting proteins. It has been reported that
      short peptides containing this motif bind to BRCA1(BRCT) in the micromolar range
      with high specificity. In this work, the binding of pSXXF peptides has been
      studied computationally and experimentally in order to characterize their
      interaction with BRCA1(BRCT). Elucidation of the contacts that drive the protein
      ligand interaction is critical for the development of high affinity small
      molecule BRCA1 inhibitors. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed the key
      role of threonine at the peptide P+2 position in providing structural rigidity to
      the ligand in the bound state. The mutation at P+1 had minor effects. Peptide
      extension at the N-terminal position with the naphthyl amino acid exhibited a
      modest increase in binding affinity, what could be explained by the dispersion
      interaction of the naphthyl side-chain with a hydrophobic patch. Three in silico
      end-point methods were considered for the calculation of binding free energy. The
      Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area and the Solvated Interaction
      Energy methods gave reasonable agreement with experimental data, exhibiting a
      Pearlman predictive index of 0.71 and 0.78, respectively. The MM-quantum
      mechanics-surface area method yielded improved results, which was characterized
      by a Pearlman index of 0.78. The correlation coefficients were 0.59, 0.61 and
      0.69, respectively. The ability to apply a QM level of theory within an end-point
      binding free energy protocol may provide a way for a consistent improvement of
      accuracy in computer-aided drug design.

PMID- 22086654
TI  - Comparative analyses of overall survival in patients with anaplastic lymphoma
      kinase-positive and matched wild-type advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall survival
      (OS) of patients with advanced ALK-positive nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who
      were managed in the pre-ALK inhibitor era and to compare their survival with that
      of a matched case cohort of ALK wild-type (WT) patients. METHODS: Data from 1166
      patients who had stage IIIB/IV NSCLC with nonsquamous histology were collected
      from the NSCLC database of Seoul National University Hospital between 2003 and
      2009. ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to analyze 262
      patients who either had the WT epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or were
      nonresponders to previous EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Overall
      survival (OS) was compared between 3 groups: 1) ALK-positive patients, 2) EGFR
      mutation-positive patients, and 3) ALK-WT/EGFR-WT patients. Progression-free
      survival (PFS) after first-line chemotherapy and EGFR TKIs also was analyzed.
      RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were ALK-positive according to FISH analysis and
      did not receive ALK inhibitors during follow-up. The median OS for ALK-positive
      patients, EGFR mutation-positive patients, and WT/WT patients was 12.2 months,
      29.6 months, and 19.3 months, respectively (vs EGFR mutation-positive patients, P
      = .001; vs WT/WT, P = .127). The PFS after first-line chemotherapy for the 3
      groups was not different. However, the PFS for patients who received EGFR TKIs
      was shorter in ALK-positive patients compared with the other 2 groups (vs EGFR
      mutation-positive patients, P < .001; vs WT/WT, P < .021). CONCLUSIONS: In the
      pre-ALK inhibitor era, ALK-positive patients experienced the shortest survival,
      although it did not differ statistically from that of WT/WT patients. Although
      their responses to platinum-based chemotherapy were not different from comparator
      groups, ALK-positive patients were even more resistant to EGFR TKI treatment than
      WT/WT patients.

PMID- 22086656
TI  - Intein-mediated construction of a library of fluorescent Rab GTPase probes.
AB  - Rab GTPases play a key role in the regulation of membrane trafficking. Post
      translational geranylgeranylation is critical for their biological activity and
      is conferred by Rab geranylgeranyl transferease (RabGGTase), together with an
      accessory factor, Rab escort protein (REP). Mechanistic studies of Rab
      prenylation and identification of RabGGTase inhibitors require sensitive
      reporters of Rab prenylation. In the present work, a combination of protein
      engineering and expressed protein ligation was used to construct a library of
      semisynthetic Rab7 fluorescent conjugates. In order to avoid synthesis of a large
      number of fluorescently labeled peptides, we developed a strategy that combined
      thiol-reactive dye-labeling of cysteine with in vitro protein ligation.
      Application of this strategy required optimization of labeling and ligation
      conditions to promote thiol labeling and disfavor intramolecular cyclization.
      Using this approach, we constructed 46 fluorescent sensors with different
      spectral properties that reported on the interaction of Rab7 with RabGGTase, REP
      1, and the overall prenylation reaction. Two constructs, Rab7Delta3CCK(NBD) and
      Rab7Delta2SCCC-dans, displayed 2.5- and 1.5-fold increase in fluorescence,
      respectively, upon prenylation. Moreover, dansyl-, NBD (4-nitro-benzofurazan)-, I
      BA-, and I-SO-labeled Rab7 conjugates exhibited two- to tenfold change in
      fluorescence upon binding to REP or RabGGTase. These fluorescent sensors allowed
      us to monitor Rab prenylation in real time and to investigate the assembly of Rab
      REP binary and Rab-REP-RabGGTase ternary complexes.

PMID- 22086655
TI  - BK virus infection in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of BK virus (BKV) infection
      in HIV-positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      in our hospital. The presence of BKV was analysed in urine and plasma samples
      from 78 non-selected HIV-infected patients. Clinical data were recorded using a
      pre-established protocol. We used a nested PCR to amplify a specific region of
      the BKV T-large antigen. Positive samples were quantified using real-time PCR.
      Mean CD4 count in HIV-infected patients was 472 cells/mm3 and median HIV viral
      load was <50 copies/mL. BKV viraemia was detected in only 1 HIV-positive patient,
      but 57.7% (45 out of 78) had BKV viruria, which was more common in patients with
      CD4 counts>500 cells/mm3 (74.3% vs 25.7%; p=0.007). Viruria was present in 21.7%
      of healthy controls (5 out of 23 samples, p=0.02). All viral loads were low (<100
      copies/mL), and we could not find any association between BKV infection and renal
      or neurological manifestations. We provide an update on the prevalence of BKV in
      HIV-infected patients treated with HAART. BKV viruria was more common in HIV
      infected patients; however, no role for BKV has been demonstrated in this
      population.

PMID- 22086657
TI  - Facet-mediated photodegradation of organic dye over hematite architectures by
      visible light.

PMID- 22086658
TI  - Pemetrexed induces both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis through ataxia
      telangiectasia mutated/p53-dependent and -independent signaling pathways.
AB  - Pemetrexed, a new-generation antifolate, has demonstrated promising single-agent
      activity in front- and second-line treatments of non-small cell lung cancer.
      However, the molecular mechanism of pemetrexed-mediated antitumor activity
      remains unclear. The current study shows that pemetrexed induced DNA damage and
      caspase-2, -3, -8, and -9 activation in A549 cells and that treatment with
      caspase inhibitors significantly abolished cell death, suggesting a caspase
      dependent apoptotic mechanism. The molecular events of pemetrexed-mediated
      apoptosis was associated with the activation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated
      (ATM)/p53-dependent and -independent signaling pathways, which promoted intrinsic
      and extrinsic apoptosis by upregulating Bax, PUMA, Fas, DR4, and DR5 and
      activating the caspase signaling cascade. Supplementation with dTTP allowed
      normal S-phase progression and rescued apoptotic death in response to pemetrexed.
      Overall, our findings reveal that the decrease of thymidylate synthase and the
      increase of Bax, PUMA, Fas, DR4, and DR5 genes may serve as biomarkers for
      predicting responsiveness to pemetrexed.

PMID- 22086659
TI  - Blood pressure and TNF-alpha act synergistically to increase leucocyte CD11b
      adhesion molecule expression in the BELFAST study: implications for better blood
      pressure control in ageing.
AB  - Hypertension, a key risk factor for stroke, cardiovascular disease and dementia,
      is associated with chronic vascular inflammation, and although poorly understood,
      putative mechanisms include pro-inflammatory responses induced by mechanical
      stretching, with cytokine release and associated up-regulated expression of
      adhesion molecules. Because blood pressure increases with age, we measured
      baseline and tumour necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha)-stimulated CD11b/CD18 adhesion
      molecule expression on leucocytes to assess any association between the two. In
      38 subjects (mean age 85 years), consecutively enrolled from Belfast Elderly
      Longitudinal Free-Living Aging Study (BELFAST), baseline and TNF-alpha-stimulated
      CD11b/CD18 expression on separated monocytes and neutrophils increased with
      systolic blood pressure >120 mmHg (p = 0.05) and for lymphocytes, with diastolic
      blood pressure >80 mmHg (p < 0.05).These findings show increased potential
      stickiness of intravascular cells with increasing blood pressure which is
      accentuated by TNF-alpha, and suggest mechanistic reasons why better hypertension
      control is important.

PMID- 22086660
TI  - Changes in depressive symptoms, social support, and loneliness over 1 year after
      a minimum 3-month videoconference program for older nursing home residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 3-month videoconference interaction program with family members has
      been shown to decrease depression and loneliness in nursing home residents.
      However, little is known about the long-term effects on residents' depressive
      symptoms, social support, and loneliness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      longitudinal quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness
      of a videoconference intervention in improving nursing home residents' social
      support, loneliness, and depressive status over 1 year. METHODS: We purposively
      sampled 16 nursing homes in various areas of Taiwan. Elderly residents (N = 90)
      of these nursing homes meeting our inclusion criteria were divided into an
      experimental (n = 40) and a comparison (n = 50) group. The experimental group
      received at least 5 minutes/week for 3 months of videoconference interaction with
      their family members in addition to usual family visits, and the comparison group
      received regular family visits only. Data were collected in face-to face
      interviews on social support, loneliness, and depressive status using the Social
      Support Behaviors Scale, University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale,
      and Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively, at four times (baseline, 3 months,
      6 months, and 12 months after baseline). Data were analyzed using the generalized
      estimating equation approach. RESULTS: After the videoconferencing program,
      participants in the experimental group had significantly lower mean change in
      instrumental social support scores at 6 months (-0.42, P = .03) and 12 months (
      0.41, P = .03), and higher mean change in emotional social support at 3 (0.74, P
      < .001) and 12 months (0.61, P = .02), and in appraisal support at 3 months
      (0.74, P = .001) after adjusting for confounding variables. Participants in the
      experimental group also had significantly lower mean loneliness and depressive
      status scores at 3 months (-5.40, P < .001; -2.64, P < .001, respectively), 6
      months (-6.47, P < .001; -4.33, P < .001), and 12 months (-6.27, P = .001; -4.40,
      P < .001) compared with baseline than those in the comparison group. CONCLUSION:
      Our videoconference program had a long-term effect in alleviating depressive
      symptoms and loneliness for elderly residents in nursing homes. This intervention
      also improved long-term emotional social support and short-term appraisal
      support, and decreased residents' instrumental social support. However, this
      intervention had no effect on informational social support.

PMID- 22086661
TI  - Improved chemical energy component analysis.
AB  - An improved SCF energy decomposition scheme is proposed in which a special
      treatment is introduced for those "ionic" one-center electron-electron repulsion
      energy contributions which arise from the use of doubly filled bonding orbitals.
      These terms characterize the bonding pattern rather than the state of the atoms,
      therefore they are attributed to the bonds and are redistributed between them in
      accord with the bond orders. This permits one to solve the dilemma which we had
      with the previous decomposition schemes, and obtain very "chemical" one- and two
      center energy components, characterizing well the bonding situation in different
      molecules.

PMID- 22086662
TI  - Prognostic value of tumour necrosis and host inflammatory responses in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis is a marker of poor prognosis in some tumours but the
      mechanism is unclear. This study examined the prognostic value of tumour necrosis
      and host inflammatory responses in colorectal cancer. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective study of patients undergoing potentially curative resection of
      colorectal cancer at a single surgical institution over a 10-year period.
      Patients who underwent preoperative radiotherapy were excluded. The systemic and
      local inflammatory responses were assessed using the modified Glasgow Prognostic
      Score and Klintrup-Makinen criteria respectively. Original tumour sections were
      retrieved and necrosis graded as absent, focal, moderate or extensive.
      Associations between necrosis and clinicopathological variables were examined,
      and multivariable survival analyses carried out. RESULTS: A total of 343 patients
      were included between 1997 and 2007. Tumour necrosis was graded as absent in 32
      (9.3 per cent), focal in 166 (48.4 per cent), moderate in 101 (29.4 per cent) and
      extensive in 44 (12.8 per cent). There were significant associations between
      tumour necrosis and anaemia (P = 0.022), white cell count (P = 0.006), systemic
      inflammatory response (P < 0.001), local inflammatory cell infiltrate (P =
      0.004), tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.015) and Petersen Index (P =
      0.003). On univariable survival analysis, tumour necrosis was associated with
      cancer-specific survival (P < 0.001). On multivariable survival analysis, age
      (hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.00 to 1.66), systemic
      inflammatory response (HR 1.74, 1.27 to 2.39), low-grade local inflammatory cell
      infiltrate (HR 2.65, 1.52 to 4.63), TNM stage (HR 1.55, 1.02 to 2.35) and high
      risk Petersen Index (HR 3.50, 2.21 to 5.55) were associated with reduced cancer
      specific survival. CONCLUSION: The impact of tumour necrosis on colorectal cancer
      survival may be due to close associations with the host systemic and local
      inflammatory responses.

PMID- 22086663
TI  - Square planar coordinate iron oxides.
AB  - We will provide an overview of the synthesis, structures, chemical and physical
      properties of novel iron oxides bearing FeO(4) square planar coordination, such
      as SrFeO(2) and Sr(3)Fe(2)O(5). The preparation of these materials relies on
      topotactic low-temperature reduction using metal hydrides. For instance, a simple
      3D perovskite structure SrFeO(3) converts to a 2D structure SrFeO(2)via
      SrFeO(2.5). SrFeO(2) shows a remarkable stability against temperature and
      chemical substitution (for both A- and B-sites) and also tolerates distortions of
      square planes toward tetrahedra to adapt different A sites. Such structural
      stability and flexibility arise from strong covalent interactions not only
      through the in-plane Fe-O-Fe superexchange interactions but also through the out
      of-plane Fe-Fe direct exchange interactions, and explains why SrFeO(2) exhibits
      magnetic order far beyond room temperature. The application of pressure on
      SrFeO(2) and Sr(3)Fe(2)O(5) further enhances the Fe-Fe direct exchange
      interactions and eventually induces striking transitions at around 34 GPa: spin
      state transition from S = 2 to S = 1, insulator-to-metal transition, and
      antiferro-to-ferromagnetic transition. The high mobility of oxide ions at
      relatively low temperatures, during the reduction and reoxidation reaction
      process would offer an important challenge to tailor and design new solid oxide
      fuel cells/membranes toward lowering working temperatures.

PMID- 22086664
TI  - Voluntary consent in correctional settings: do offenders feel coerced to
      participate in research?
AB  - A major ethical concern in research with criminal offenders is the potential for
      abuse due to coercive influences that may adversely affect offenders' capacity to
      give voluntary consent to participate in research conducted in correctional
      settings. Despite this concern, to date there have been almost no systematic
      scientific investigations of the extent to which offenders themselves perceive
      that coercion occurs in these settings or that it is likely to influence their
      decisions about research participation. In a sample of over 600 ethnically
      diverse men and women recruited from various prisons and community corrections
      facilities in Texas and Florida, we used a vignette-based survey concerning a
      hypothetical research project to measure and compare offenders' global
      perceptions of coercive processes, as well as the differential salience and
      perceived coercive influence of specific factors (e.g., coercion by other
      inmates, inducements from staff). Somewhat surprisingly, across multiple outcome
      measures our participants on average reported relatively little in the way of
      significant coercive influences on their capacity to make voluntary decisions
      concerning research participation. Implications and directions for future
      research on coercive influences in offender research are discussed.

PMID- 22086665
TI  - Medication-assisted treatment research with criminal justice populations:
      challenges of implementation.
AB  - Creating, implementing and evaluating substance abuse interventions, especially
      medication-assisted treatments, for prisoners, parolees, and probationers with
      histories of heroin addiction is an especially challenging endeavor because of
      the difficulty in coordinating and achieving cooperation among diverse criminal
      justice, substance abuse treatment, research, and social service agencies, each
      with its own priorities and agenda. In addition, there are special rules that
      must be followed when conducting research with criminal justice-involved
      populations, particularly prisoners. The following case studies will explore the
      authors' experience of over 10 years conducting pharmacotherapy research using
      methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with criminal justice populations. The
      major obstacles and how they were overcome are presented. Finally,
      recommendations are provided with regard to implementing and conducting research
      with criminal justice populations.

PMID- 22086666
TI  - Prevention of recurrent herpes labialis outbreaks through low-intensity laser
      therapy: a clinical protocol with 3-year follow-up.

PMID- 22086667
TI  - Fatal course of an autochthonous hepatitis E virus infection in a patient with
      leukemia in Germany.
AB  - An acute infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 subtype c was
      diagnosed in a patient with chronic lymphatic B-cell leukemia 6 weeks after the
      infusion of donor lymphocytes. Despite intensive care the patient died 39 days
      after admission due to pericardial effusion that was related to acute liver
      failure. We suggest that diagnostic procedures for detection of HEV infection
      should be seriously considered for the immunocompromised patient with elevated
      liver enzymes in the absence of a travel history to HEV endemic countries.

PMID- 22086668
TI  - Gambling and problem gambling among young adolescents in Great Britain.
AB  - International evidence suggests that problem gambling tends to be 2-4 times
      higher among adolescents as among adults and this proves to be true of Great
      Britain according to the latest adolescent prevalence survey. 8,958 British
      children (11-15) were surveyed in 201 schools during late 2008 and 2009. The
      questionnaire included a standard screen, DSM-IV-MR-J, to test for problem
      gambling. Our regression models explore influences of demographic, home and
      school characteristics on probabilities (both unconditional and conditional on
      being a gambler) of a child testing positive for problem gambling. More than 20%
      of children participated in gambling and, of these, nearly 8% tested positive.
      Age-group prevalence of problem gambling was 1.9%, compared with 0.6-0.9% in the
      most recent official adult surveys. Boys were much more likely than girls to
      gamble and to exhibit symptoms of problem gambling if they did. Generally, home
      characteristics, particularly parental attitude and example, dominated school
      characteristics in accounting for risks. Unanticipated findings included
      significantly elevated probabilities of problem gambling among Asian children and
      among children who live in a home without siblings. Child income was also a
      potent predictor of gambling and problem gambling.

PMID- 22086669
TI  - Extracapsular spread and adjuvant therapy in human papillomavirus-related, p16
      positive oropharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracapsular spread (ECS) is commonly used to justify adjuvant
      chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. The role of ECS as a
      prognosticator and adjuvant therapy determinant in surgically resected, human
      papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), however,
      has never been determined. METHODS: Of 210 oropharynx patients in a prospective
      transoral laser microsurgery database, 152 patients who had p16-positive primary
      OPSCC and pathologically positive necks were eligible for the study. ECS was
      measured from routine reporting (ECS(report)) and by using a novel histologic
      grading system (ECS(graded)). Proportional hazards models and matched analyses
      were used to compare the impact of ECS and adjuvant therapy on disease-free
      survival (DFS). Patients with and without graded ECS were matched for T-stage,
      surgical margins, and adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 43
      months, the presence of ECS was not associated with poorer DFS in multivariate
      analyses (ECS(report): hazard ratio [HR], 3.42; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      0.45-25.88; P = .23; ECS(graded): HR, 2.54; 95% CI, 0.88-7.34; P = .09). T-stage
      and high-grade ECS, ie soft tissue metastasis (STM(graded)) were prognostic.
      Overall and in the presence of ECS or even STM, adjuvant CRT was not associated
      with better DFS over radiotherapy alone (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.06-1.13; P = .07).
      In addition, matched analyses demonstrated no significant reduction in DFS for
      the presence of ECS versus the absence of ECS or reduced DFS for the
      administration of adjuvant radiotherapy alone versus CRT in ECS-positive
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Routinely reported ECS was not prognostic in this study.
      Adjuvant CRT versus radiotherapy alone produced no improvement in DFS for ECS
      positive patients. The authors propose that de-escalated adjuvant therapy should
      be considered for patients with p16-positive OPSCC who undergo surgery and that
      routinely reported ECS should not be used to justify adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 22086670
TI  - Generalized linear model for partially ordered data.
AB  - Within the rich literature on generalized linear models, substantial efforts have
      been devoted to models for categorical responses that are either completely
      ordered or completely unordered. Few studies have focused on the analysis of
      partially ordered outcomes, which arise in practically every area of study,
      including medicine, the social sciences, and education. To fill this gap, we
      propose a new class of generalized linear models--the partitioned conditional
      model--that includes models for both ordinal and unordered categorical data as
      special cases. We discuss the specification of the partitioned conditional model
      and its estimation. We use an application of the method to a sample of the
      National Longitudinal Study of Youth to illustrate how the new method is able to
      extract from partially ordered data useful information about smoking youths that
      is not possible using traditional methods.

PMID- 22086671
TI  - Epoxyquinone formation catalyzed by a two-component flavin-dependent
      monooxygenase involved in biosynthesis of the antibiotic actinorhodin.
AB  - The biosynthetic gene cluster of the aromatic polyketide antibiotic actinorhodin
      (ACT) in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) carries a pair of genes, actVA-ORF5 and
      actVB, that encode a two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FMO). Our
      previous studies have demonstrated that the ActVA-ORF5/ActVB system functions as
      a quinone-forming C-6 oxygenase in ACT biosynthesis. Furthermore, we found that
      this enzyme system exhibits an additional oxygenation activity with
      dihydrokalafungin (DHK), a proposed intermediate in the ACT biosynthetic pathway,
      and generates two reaction products. These compounds were revealed to be
      monooxygenated derivatives of kalafungin, which is spontaneously formed through
      oxidative lactonization of DHK. Their absolute structures were elucidated from
      their NMR spectroscopic data and by computer modeling and X-ray crystallography
      as (5S,14R)-epoxykalafungin and (5R,14S)-epoxykalafungin, demonstrating an
      additional epoxyquinone-forming activity of the ActVA-ORF5/ActVB system in vitro.

PMID- 22086672
TI  - Quantitative determination of four compounds and fingerprint analysis in the
      rhizomes of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm.
AB  - A rapid, sensitive, and accurate reversed-phase high-performance liquid
      chromatography with photodiode array detection method was developed for both
      quantitative determination of four compounds (caffeic acid-4-O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside, 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-O-rutinoside, neoeriocitrin and
      naringin) and fingerprint analysis of the rhizomes of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze)
      J. Sm. The chromatographic separation was accomplished on an MZ-C18 column (4.6 *
      250 mm, 5 MUm) using gradient elution with acetonitrile and 0.02% aqueous acetic
      acid, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1), an operating temperature of 25 degrees C,
      and a wavelength of 260 nm. The four compounds showed good regression
      relationship (R (2) > 0.9990) within linear ranges, and their recoveries were in
      the range of 98.11-102.23%. In the chromatographic fingerprint, thirteen common
      peaks were found and selected as characteristic peaks to assess the consistency
      of ten batches of the rhizomes of D. fortunei. The results indicate that the
      method of multiple compounds determination in combination with chromatographic
      fingerprint analysis is suitable for systematic quality evaluation of D.
      fortunei.

PMID- 22086673
TI  - Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the ethanolic extracts of
      Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis.
AB  - Alkanna species are used in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to
      evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Alkanna frigida
      and Alkanna orientalis ethanolic extracts via the carrageenan-induced paw edema
      test and formalin test in rat and mouse, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of
      plant root were prepared and were injected intraperitoneally 60 min before
      carrageenan-induced inflammation or formalin-induced nociception at 100, 200 and
      400 mg/kg. Anti-inflammatory effects of plants were monitored for 3 h after
      carrageenan injection and anti-nociceptive effects were evaluated during the
      first hour after formalin injection. Diclofenac, a well-known anti-inflammatory
      and anti-nociceptive agent, was used as a positive control. Our results show
      that, in contrast to Alkanna orientalis, ethanolic extract of Alkanna frigida
      significantly decreases carrageenan-induced inflammation at 400 mg/kg, especially
      3 h after inflammation induction. Both Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis
      ethanolic extracts possess a remarkable anti-nociceptive effect at each dose
      (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner during the first hour after
      formalin injection.The present findings provide more evidence for the potential
      anti-nociceptive effect of Alkanna sp. and the anti-inflammatory effect of
      Alkanna frigida. It supports their traditional indication in the treatment of
      pain and inflammatory-related diseases. These useful effects may result from the
      inhibitory interaction of the plant ethanolic extract with cyclooxygenase-2
      enzyme and the subsequent reduction in prostaglandin production.

PMID- 22086674
TI  - Withania somnifera extract attenuates stem cell factor-stimulated pigmentation in
      human epidermal equivalents through interruption of ERK phosphorylation within
      melanocytes.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      signaling, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and
      cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, is a major pathway
      involved in up-regulating melanogenesis within human melanocytes in several
      hyperpigmentary disorders such as UVB melanosis and lentigo senilis. Recently, a
      redox imbalance was shown to be closely linked to a variety of altered cellular
      responses in which the precise balance between levels of oxidizing and reducing
      equivalents that reflect the intracellular redox condition profoundly affects
      intracellular signaling pathways, especially the MAPK pathway. To elucidate the
      effects of redox balance regulation on epidermal pigmentation, we used an
      antioxidant-rich extract of the herb Withania somnifera to assess its effect on
      stem cell factor (SCF)-stimulated pigmentation in human epidermal equivalents and
      analyzed its biological mechanism of action. Addition of the W. somnifera extract
      (WSE) caused a marked reduction in SCF-stimulated pigmentation in a dose
      dependent manner after 14 days of treatment, which was accompanied by a
      significant decrease in eumelanin content. In WSE-treated human epidermal
      equivalents, melanocyte-specific proteins (including tyrosinase) were
      significantly suppressed at the gene and protein levels by WSE. Signaling
      analysis with immunoblots revealed that in human melanocytes or human melanoma
      cells treated with WSE, there was a marked deficiency in SCF-stimulated
      phosphorylation of ERK, MITF and CREB, but not of Raf-1 and MEK. Since WSE had no
      direct inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity and no melano-cytotoxic effect on
      melanocytes present in the human epidermal equivalents or on cultured human
      melanocytes, the sum of these findings indicates that WSE attenuates SCF
      stimulated pigmentation by preferentially interrupting ERK phosphorylation within
      melanocytes and can serve as a therapeutic tool for SCF-associated
      hyperpigmentary disorders.

PMID- 22086675
TI  - Effect of silibinin in human colorectal cancer cells: targeting the activation of
      NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - Chronic inflammation is one of the primary causes of colorectal cancer (CRC), and
      major inflammatory pathways implicated in CRC are cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and
      iNOS; both regulated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) suggesting that
      inhibitors of these pathways could be ideal against CRC. Silibinin has shown
      promising efficacy against various malignancies including CRC, and therefore here
      we assessed whether silibinin targets NF-kappaB activation and associated
      signaling as a mechanism of its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects in CRC.
      Our results indicated that silibinin treatment (50-200 uM) of human CRC SW480,
      LoVo, and HT29 cells strongly inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced NF
      kappaB activation together with decreased nuclear levels of both p65 and p50 sub
      units. Silibinin also significantly increased IkappaBalpha level with a
      concomitant decrease in phospho-IkappaBalpha, without any effect on TNFR1, TRADD,
      and RIP2, indicating its inhibitory effect on IkappaB kinase alpha activity. Next
      we assessed the effect of oral silibinin feeding on NF-kappaB pathway in SW480
      (COX-2 negative) and LoVo (COX-2 positive) tumor xenografts in nude mice.
      Together with its inhibitory efficacy on tumor growth and progression, silibinin
      inhibited NF-kappaB activation in both xenografts. The protein levels of various
      NF-kappaB-regulated molecules such as Bcl-2, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF, and MMPs were
      also decreased by silibinin in both cell culture studies and xenograft analyses,
      suggesting its potential to alter NF-kappaB transcriptional activity. Together,
      these findings are highly significant in establishing for the first time that
      silibinin suppresses CRC growth and progression possibly through its anti
      inflammatory activity by interfering with NF-kappaB activation and thus has
      potential against human CRC.

PMID- 22086676
TI  - Magnetochiral effects in amphiphilic porphyrin J-aggregates.
AB  - The detection of magnetochiral dichroism (MChD; CD: circular dichroism) in a
      suspension of J-aggregate particles of an achiral amphiphilic nonmetalated
      porphyrin renews the interest for porphyrins in supramolecular chemistry and
      reinforces the concept that novel advanced materials can be obtained through self
      assembly and auto-organization processes (see picture).

PMID- 22086677
TI  - Understanding and controlling the interaction of nanomaterials with proteins in a
      physiological environment.
AB  - Nanomaterials hold promise as multifunctional diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
      However, the effective application of nanomaterials is hampered by limited
      understanding and control over their interactions with complex biological
      systems. When a nanomaterial enters a physiological environment, it rapidly
      adsorbs proteins forming what is known as the protein 'corona'. The protein
      corona alters the size and interfacial composition of a nanomaterial, giving it a
      biological identity that is distinct from its synthetic identity. The biological
      identity determines the physiological response including signalling, kinetics,
      transport, accumulation, and toxicity. The structure and composition of the
      protein corona depends on the synthetic identity of the nanomaterial (size,
      shape, and composition), the nature of the physiological environment (blood,
      interstitial fluid, cell cytoplasm, etc.), and the duration of exposure. In this
      critical review, we discuss the formation of the protein corona, its structure
      and composition, and its influence on the physiological response. We also present
      an 'adsorbome' of 125 plasma proteins that are known to associate with
      nanomaterials. We further describe how the protein corona is related to the
      synthetic identity of a nanomaterial, and highlight efforts to control protein
      nanomaterial interactions. We conclude by discussing gaps in the understanding of
      protein-nanomaterial interactions along with strategies to fill them (167
      references).

PMID- 22086678
TI  - Identification of cancer patients with Lynch syndrome: clinically significant
      discordances and problems in tissue-based mismatch repair testing.
AB  - Tissue-based microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis and immunohistochemistry
      for DNA mismatch repair proteins are accepted screening tools to evaluate
      patients with cancer for Lynch syndrome. These laboratory analyses are thus
      important tools in cancer prevention. Quality assurance review was conducted to
      identify test discordances and problems. These results were then analyzed in
      conjunction with genetic testing outcomes. Six hundred and forty-six consecutive
      tumors from 2002 to 2010 were examined. MSI-low tumors were excluded so that 591
      tumors comprised the final analyses. Discordance was defined as a discrepancy
      between immunohistochemical and MSI analysis. Problem was defined as
      indeterminate or questionable immunohistochemical or MSI results. All results and
      clinical and family histories were centrally reviewed by two pathologists and one
      genetics counselor. Discordances and problems were identified in 23 of 591 (3.9%)
      of the tumors. Twelve of 102 MSI-high carcinomas (11.8%) and one of 489
      microsatellite stable tumors had discordant immunohistochemistry. Of these 13
      tumors, 11 were from patients who had personal and/or family cancer histories
      concerning for a germline mismatch repair gene mutation. In addition to
      discordances, 10 tumors with problematic immunohistochemical profiles were
      identified. Accurate evaluation of MSI was possible in all tumors. In summary,
      concordance between immunohistochemistry and MSI was high, particularly for
      tumors that are microsatellite stable. Greater frequency of test discordance was
      identified in the tumors that were MSI-high. Thus, a major consequence of the use
      of immunohistochemistry by itself as a screen is the failure to identify
      colorectal and endometrial cancer patients who likely have Lynch syndrome.

PMID- 22086679
TI  - N-nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea induces premalignant squamous dysplasia in mice.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and premalignant endobronchial lesions have been
      difficult to study in murine models. In this study, we evaluate the topical N
      nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea (NTCU) murine SCC model, determine the extent to
      which resulting premalignant airway dysplasia develops, discuss clinicopathologic
      grading criteria in lesion progression, and confirm that immunohistochemical
      (IHC) staining patterns are consistent with those observed in human endobronchial
      dysplasia and SCC. Male and female FVB mice were treated biweekly with topical
      NTCU (4, 8, or 40 mmol/L) or vehicle for 32 weeks. Following sacrifice, squamous
      cell lesions were enumerated and categorized into the following groups: flat
      atypia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and invasive SCC. The 40
      mmol/L NTCU concentration produced the entire spectrum of premalignant dysplasias
      and squamous cell carcinomas, but was associated with poor survival.
      Concentrations of 4 and 8 mmol/L NTCU were better tolerated and produced only
      significant levels of flat atypia. Squamous origin of the range of observed
      lesions was confirmed with IHC staining for cytokeratin 5/6, p63, thyroid
      transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), and Napsin-A. This study shows that topical
      application of high-dose NTCU produces endobronchial premalignant lesions with
      classic squamous characteristics and should allow for improved preclinical
      evaluation of potential chemopreventive agents.

PMID- 22086680
TI  - Organ specificity of the bladder carcinogen 4-aminobiphenyl in inducing DNA
      damage and mutation in mice.
AB  - Aromatic amines are a widespread class of environmental contaminants present in
      various occupational settings and tobacco smoke. Exposure to aromatic amines is a
      major risk factor for bladder cancer development. The etiologic involvement of
      aromatic amines in the genesis of bladder cancer is attributable to their ability
      to form DNA adducts, which upon eluding repair and causing mispairing during
      replication, may initiate mutagenesis. We have investigated the induction of DNA
      adducts in relation to mutagenesis in bladder and various nontarget organs of
      transgenic Big Blue mice treated weekly (i.p.) with a representative aromatic
      amine compound, 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP), for six weeks, followed by a six-week
      recovery period. We show an organ-specificity of 4-ABP in inducing repair
      resistant DNA adducts in bladder, kidney, and liver of carcinogen-treated
      animals, which accords with the bioactivation pathway of this chemical in the
      respective organs. In confirmation, we show a predominant and sustained mutagenic
      effect of 4-ABP in bladder, and much weaker but significant mutagenicity of 4-ABP
      in the kidney and liver of carcinogen-treated mice, as reflected by the elevation
      of background cII mutant frequency in the respective organs. The spectrum of
      mutations produced in bladder of 4-ABP-treated mice matches the known mutagenic
      properties of 4-ABP-DNA adducts, as verified by the preponderance of induced
      mutations occurring at G:C base pairs (82.9%), with the vast majority being G:C
      >T:A transversions (47.1%). Our data support a possible etiologic role of 4-ABP
      in bladder carcinogenesis and provide a mechanistic view on how DNA adduct-driven
      mutagenesis, specifically targeted to bladder urothelium, may account for organ
      specific tumorigenicity of this chemical.

PMID- 22086682
TI  - Sutureless compression anastomosis with a biofragmentable anastomosis ring.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Many studies have reported the safety and effectiveness of
      biofragmentable anastomotic rings (BARs). However, these devices are not widely
      used, especially in Japan. Therefore, we considered the clinical benefits of BARs
      and the reasons for their unpopularity. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively examined
      61 patients who underwent sigmoidectomy (34 patients) or high anterior resection
      (HAR) (27 patients). The patients were divided into 4 groups: sigmoidectomy and
      anastomosis with a BAR (SB group), sigmoidectomy and anastomosis with an end-to
      end (EEA) stapler (SE group), HAR and anastomosis with a BAR (HARB group), and
      HAR and anastomosis with an EEA stapler (HARE group). RESULTS: The time required
      for anastomosis was significantly lower in the HARE group than in the HARB group.
      The incidence of anastomotic stricture formation was significantly lower in the
      HARB group, however the duration of hospitalization after surgery was
      significantly longer in the HARB group rather than in the HARE group.
      CONCLUSIONS: BARs are unpopular because of the long interval between surgery and
      the passage of the device in the feces, and because compared to BARs, staplers
      are easy to manipulate in the narrow pelvic space.

PMID- 22086681
TI  - Metformin inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion by attenuating CSC
      function mediated by deregulating miRNAs in pancreatic cancer cells.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the
      United States, which is, in part, due to intrinsic (de novo) and extrinsic
      (acquired) resistance to conventional therapeutics, suggesting that innovative
      treatment strategies are required for overcoming therapeutic resistance to
      improve overall survival of patients. Oral administration of metformin in
      patients with diabetes mellitus has been reported to be associated with reduced
      risk of pancreatic cancer and that metformin has been reported to kill cancer
      stem cells (CSC); however, the exact molecular mechanism(s) has not been fully
      elucidated. In the current study, we examined the effect of metformin on cell
      proliferation, cell migration and invasion, and self-renewal capacity of CSCs and
      further assessed the expression of CSC marker genes and microRNAs (miRNA) in
      human pancreatic cancer cells. We found that metformin significantly decreased
      cell survival, clonogenicity, wound-healing capacity, sphere-forming capacity
      (pancreatospheres), and increased disintegration of pancreatospheres in both
      gemcitabine-sensitive and gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells.
      Metformin also decreased the expression of CSC markers,CD44, EpCAM,EZH2, Notch-1,
      Nanog and Oct4, and caused reexpression of miRNAs (let-7a,let-7b, miR-26a, miR
      101, miR-200b, and miR-200c) that are typically lost in pancreatic cancer and
      especially in pancreatospheres. We also found that reexpression of miR-26a by
      transfection led to decreased expression of EZH2 and EpCAM in pancreatic cancer
      cells. These results clearly suggest that the biologic effects of metformin are
      mediated through reexpression of miRNAs and decreased expression of CSC-specific
      genes, suggesting that metformin could be useful for overcoming therapeutic
      resistance of pancreatic cancer cells.

PMID- 22086683
TI  - Preperitoneal approach for femoral hernia repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although Lichtenstein's procedure is the standard procedure in
      surgical hernia treatment, and the role of laparoscopic hernia repair is
      constantly increasing, preperitoneal approach for femoral hernia repair should be
      equally considered. METHODOLOGY: After the horizontal incision of transversal
      fascia, preperitoneal space is visualized. The hernial sac is opened and its
      content is placed in the abdominal cavity, or if there is a need, resection is
      performed. Once the peritoneum is sutured, the iliopubic tract and Cooper's
      ligament are bridged with two or three sutures in the medial portion of the
      femoral ring. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2008, 94 patients were treated for femoral
      hernia using the preperitoneal approach. Out of 94 participants, 86 were female.
      Intestinal obstruction was present in 48 cases. Resection of the small intestine
      or omentum was performed in 40 patients. There was no perioperative mortality. We
      observed early postoperative complications in 4 patients. Following the
      procedure, there was no recurrence of the femoral hernia. CONCLUSIONS: We found
      that preperitoneal repair is the method of choice in surgical treatment of
      femoral hernia. The surgical technique is simple and feasible, while fully
      acknowledging the functional anatomy of the inguinofemoral region and the
      etiology of the condition.

PMID- 22086684
TI  - Elevated C-reactive protein level is associated with the tumor depth of invasion
      in patients with operable colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is increasing evidence to show that the presence of raised
      concentrations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with poor survival
      in patients with colorectal carcinoma. The CRP response with respect to tumor
      characteristics in colorectal carcinoma was examined to identify factors that
      might reflect a raised CRP level. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and eighty-one
      patients who underwent elective colorectal resection were identified for
      inclusion in this study. Eighteen patients with high CRP levels were compared to
      a control group of 163 patients without high CRP levels, and the correlation
      between preoperative CRP level and clinicopathological features in operable
      colorectal carcinoma was investigated. RESULTS: The analysis of factors with
      seeming potential to be associated with CRP levels following colorectal surgery,
      disclosed that only the depth of tumor invasion, serum albumin and lymphovascular
      invasion were of statistical significance. Multivariate subgroup analysis of the
      association between these factors and CRP showed that depth of invasion and
      albumin were independently associated with CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that depth of tumor invasion is associated with an increase in CRP levels. CRP is
      considered an important indicator of advanced local invasion in operable
      colorectal surgery, if other inflammatory conditions are excluded.

PMID- 22086685
TI  - Microsatellite instability in young patients with sporadic colorectal adenomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of
      microsatellite instability (MSI) among colorectal adenomas detected in patients
      <= 40 years of age and to compare the prevalence of MSI in young (<= 40 years)
      and older (>40 years) patients with colorectal adenomas. Additionally, we
      attempted to identify the underlying cause of MSI in these patients. METHODOLOGY:
      We prospectively tested for the presence of MSI using five NCI markers in samples
      from the two patient groups. The frequency of MSI was compared and the underlying
      causes of MSI were determined by methylation specific PCR and germ-line mutation
      analysis for mismatch repair genes. RESULTS: The frequency of MSI was higher in
      the <= 40 group than the >40 group (31.4% and 6.4%, respectively, p=0.0004). The
      MSI-high pattern was also more prevalent in the <= 40 group than the >40 group
      (15.7% and 2.5%, respectively, p=0.014). The hypermethylated hMLH1 gene was
      demonstrated in 7/8 (87.5%) patients with MSI-high in the <= 40 group and in 1/2
      (50.0%) patients with MSI-high in the >40 group. No study subject showed a
      germline mutation of hMLH1 or hMSH2. CONCLUSIONS: MSI-high was more frequent in
      young (<= 40 years) patients with colorectal adenoma than in older (>40 years)
      patients. Hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene appears to be an important cause of
      MSI-high in these patients.

PMID- 22086686
TI  - Prognostic significance of heat shock protein 110 expression and T lymphocyte
      infiltration in esophageal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are well known as tumor rejection
      antigens, most notable of which is HSP70. HSP110 is classified as a member of the
      HSP70/DnaK superfamily. The objective of this study was to clarify the
      clinicopathological and prognostic significance of Heat Shock Protein 110
      expression and T lymphocyte infiltration in esophageal cancer. METHODOLOGY:
      Immunohistochemical staining of HSP110, CD4 and CD8 were performed on surgical
      specimens obtained from 124 patients with esophageal cancer. RESULTS: The
      expression of HSP110 correlated inversely with depth of invasion (p<0.0001),
      lymph node metastasis (p=0.0163), pathological stage (p<0.0001), lymphatic
      invasion (p=0.0104), blood vessel invasion (p=0.0027), infiltrative growth
      pattern (p=0.0368) and correlated positively with CD4+ T lymphocyte infiltration
      (p=0.0018). Reduction of HSP110 expression was significantly correlated with poor
      prognosis (p=0.0010). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that HSP110
      expression and T lymphocyte infiltration is a significant prognostic factor for
      esophageal cancer.

PMID- 22086687
TI  - Therapeutic strategy for esophageal cancer based on solitary lymph node
      metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is essential to perform appropriate lymph node dissection in
      esophageal cancer. However, it may be beneficial if lymph node dissection could
      be minimized to reduce the surgical stress. METHODOLOGY: Between April 1992 and
      March 2005, 121 esophageal cancer patients (42 patients with solitary lymph node
      metastasis and 79 N0 patients) were enrolled. The survival time, distribution of
      solitary lymph node metastasis and the pattern of recurrence were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The distribution of solitary lymph node metastasis was extensively
      observed in cervical, thoracic and abdominal cavities and the site of lymph node
      recurrence could even be detected in non-regional lymph nodes in N0 patients. It
      was difficult to predict the site of initial lymph node metastasis in patients
      with esophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic lymph node dissection for regional
      lymph nodes is recommended for resectable esophageal cancer as the concept of
      sentinel lymph nodes has not yet been proven.

PMID- 22086688
TI  - Influence of neutrophil elastase inhibitor on the postoperative course in
      patients with esophageal cancer after transthoracic esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated influence of sivelestat sodium hydrate in the
      clinical course after transthoracic esophagectomy. METHODOLOGY: Forty-two
      consecutive patients with esophageal cancer underwent transthoracic
      esophagectomy. Twenty-two patients were treated with sivelestat (sivelestat
      group) and twenty patients were untreated (control group). Sivelestat (0.2
      mg/(kg.h)-1) was continuously administered for 5 days since ICU admission.
      Postoperative morbidity, duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome
      (SIRS) and mechanical ventilation, and the time to refilling were examined. The
      level of serum white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate
      transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB) and the
      PaO2/FiO2 ratio were measured. RESULTS: The durations of SIRS and mechanical
      ventilation and the time to refilling were significantly shorter in the
      sivelestat group than in the control group. Postoperative changes in the serum
      WBC, CRP, AST and ALT levels were not significantly different between the groups;
      however, serum TB level was significantly lower in the sivelestat group than in
      the control group. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio at postoperative day 3 was significantly
      higher in the former than in the latter. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that
      sivelestat might contribute to the improvement of acute lung injury,
      hyperbilirubinemia and postoperative circulatory failure.

PMID- 22086689
TI  - Long-term survival and improved quality of life after chemoradiotherapy to treat
      esophageal small cell carcinoma: a report of two cases.
AB  - In case 1, endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor with central ulceration in the
      esophagus of a 54- year-old man. A biopsy specimen revealed small cell carcinoma
      without metastasis and the stage of the cancer was stage I (T2N0M0). Two cycles
      of concurrent cisplatin, etoposide and radiotherapy resulted in an incomplete
      response/stable disease. The tumor recurred and had metastasized to the brain,
      lung, liver, lymph nodes of the mediastinum, abdomen and bones after six cycles.
      Two cycles of irinotecan and cisplatin then elicited a complete response in the
      primary esophageal lesion. However, progressive disease was identified in the
      metastatic bone tumors. Despite two further cycles of therapy, he died 447 days
      after the initial course. In case 2, a biopsy specimen of a tumor with central
      ulceration in the esophagus of a 77-year old man with swallowing difficulty
      indicated small cell carcinoma. The stage of the cancer was diagnosed as stage II
      (T3N0M0). Two cycles of irinotecan, cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy
      elicited a complete response. However, the tumor metastasized to the brain and
      the liver 644 days after starting treatment. Two cycles of carboplastin plus
      irinotecan elicited a partial response in the metastatic tumors, but he died 988
      days after starting chemotherapy.

PMID- 22086690
TI  - Prognostic factors in gastrointestinal perforation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Postoperative complications associated with gastrointestinal
      (GI) perforation may lead to a poor prognosis. The goal of the study was to
      identify factors required for the establishment of appropriate perioperative
      procedures in such cases. METHODOLOGY: The subjects were 51 patients with GI
      perforation treated from July 2007 to June 2008 in six hospitals in the
      Minamikawachi district. RESULTS: The perforation sites were the large intestine
      in 22 cases, small intestine in 15, stomach in 7 and duodenum in 7. Postoperative
      complications developed in 25 cases (49%), including infection in 20 and
      respiratory dysfunction in 13. Hospital mortality was 25% and the major causes of
      death were infection and respiratory dysfunction. The mortality was 52% and 0% in
      patients with and without postoperative complications, respectively. The
      mortality was 69% in the 13 patients with postoperative respiratory dysfunction
      compared to 11% for patients without respiratory dysfunction. Of the 7 patients
      with large intestine perforation, 4 were treated with sivelestat sodium. These 4
      patients had a high mean SOFA score (11.5+/-1.3), but 2 out of 4 survived.
      CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications occurred in approximately half of the
      patients with GI perforation and were associated with a poor prognosis.
      Prevention of respiratory dysfunction is particularly important for an
      improvement of outcome.

PMID- 22086691
TI  - Prognostic impact of lymph node metastasis along the left gastric artery in
      gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This present study investigated a prognostic impact of the lymph
      nodes along left gastric artery metastases in gastric cancer patients.
      METHODOLOGY: In this study we analyzed 189 patients with N1 and N2 (Japanese
      Classification for Gastric Cancer: JCGC) metastasis. The N2 patients were divided
      into two subgroups; patients with N1 + metastases along left gastric artery
      (No.7) (only No.7-positive N2), and the remaining N2 patients (Remaining N2). We
      compared the clinicopathological factors and prognoses among these patient
      groups. RESULTS: Patients in the Only No.7-positive N2 subgroup showed a better
      survival curve than the Remaining N2 subgroup although the difference was not
      significant. In TNM-N1 (six or less), the survival curves of Only No.7-positive
      N2 were better than those of Remaining N2. However, the Only No.7-positive N2 and
      Remaining N2 subgroups both showed similar survival outcomes for TNM-N2 (seven or
      more). CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic impact of lymph node metastases along the left
      gastric artery was found to be rather close to JCGC N1 (peri-gastric nodes) than
      JCGC N2 in patients with gastric cancers, especially in cases in which the total
      number of positive lymph nodes was six or less.

PMID- 22086692
TI  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome after gastrointestinal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occasionally occurs
      after gastrointestinal surgery involving severe inflammation such as diffuse
      peritonitis. Management of this condition has been difficult and effective
      therapies have not yet been established. In the present study the management for
      ARDS after gastrointestinal surgery was evaluated. METHODOLOGY: A total of 15
      patients developed ARDS after gastrointestinal operations performed in our
      institution. The mean patient age was 75.4+/-11.1 years. Onset of ARDS occurred
      <=24 hours postoperatively in 12 patients and 3- 11 days postoperatively in 3
      patients. Treatment for ARDS comprised continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF), high
      dose glucocorticoid therapy or administration of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor
      (sivelestat). RESULTS: Four patients died 3-45 days after onset of ARDS
      (mortality rate, 26.6%). CHDF was performed in 12 patients, 8 patients received
      highdose glucocorticoid therapy and 11 patients received sivelestat. No
      differences in severity scores and clinical data were noted between survivors and
      non-survivors. PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly lower in non-survivors than in
      survivors from 5 days after starting treatment, whereas no difference was
      apparent at the onset of ARDS. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal therapies for ARDS were
      effective. Longitudinal fluctuation in PaO2/ FiO2 ratio after starting treatment
      appears to offer a prognostic factor for ARDS.

PMID- 22086693
TI  - Assessment of the ablated area after radiofrequency ablation by the spread of
      bubbles: comparison with virtual sonography with magnetic navigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether bubble
      images after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can predict the ablated area.
      METHODOLOGY: The spread of bubbles 5 minutes after RFA were compared with the
      unenhanced area of virtual sonography with magnetic navigation in two RFA
      methods: expandable needle and cool-tip needle. RESULTS: Thirty-one
      hepatocellular carcinoma nodules were treated by RFA with either an expandable
      needle or cool-tip needle (n=14 and n=17, respectively) and examined. In the 14
      nodules treated by expandable needle, bubble images (puncture direction; r=0.833,
      p=0.0002, perpendicular direction; r=0.803, p=0.0005) were closely correlated
      with the unenhanced area of virtual sonography. On the other hand, in 17 nodules
      treated by cool-tip needle, there was no correlation between the bubble images
      and virtual sonography (puncture direction; r=0.590, p=0.0127, perpendicular
      direction; r=0.342, p=0.180). CONCLUSIONS: The observation of bubbles with the
      expandable needle can accurately predict the ablated area and is helpful for
      assessing local control of RFA.

PMID- 22086694
TI  - Clinical significance of core gene mutations during the course of genotype C
      chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of HBV
      core gene mutations with disease severity in HBV-infected patients. METHODOLOGY:
      We included 249 genotype C HBV infected patients: 39 asymptomatic carriers (AC),
      68 with chronic hepatitis (CH), 75 with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 67 with HCC.
      HBV DNA was extracted from patient sera and the HBV core gene was analyzed by PCR
      and sequencing. RESULTS: The overall frequency of a codon substitution, which was
      caused by a missense mutation in the HBV core region, was 4.5+/-9.0/patient. The
      codon substitutions were predominantly clustered in the mid-core regions; 22.3%
      of codon substitutions were found in codons 13, 87, 97 and 130. The rate of
      substitution for codon 13 was higher in CH and LC than in AC. For codons 87 and
      130, AC had a lower substitution rate compared to the other 3 groups. The
      substitution rate for codon 97 was higher in CH and HCC than in AC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Core gene mutations were frequently detected during the course of chronic HBV
      infection, and some mutational hot spots were correlated with severe forms of
      disease. Thus, these mutations might play a pathophysiological role in the
      disease progression in HBV infected patients.

PMID- 22086695
TI  - Pegylated interferon alfa-2B for chronic delta hepatitis: 12 versus 24 months.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pegylated
      interferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2b for short (one year) and long (two years) terms of
      treatment for chronic hepatitis D. METHODOLOGY: Eighteen patients with chronic
      hepatitis D were administered PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5MUg/kg twice weekly for 1 month,
      after which they were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive PEG-IFN alfa-2b
      1.5MUg/kg/wk for an additional 23 months (n=11; group 1) or 11 months (n=7; group
      2). All patients were followed-up for 6 months after completing therapy. RESULTS:
      In group 1, there was no significant difference between HDV-RNA and ALT levels at
      follow-up compared with baseline (p=0.219 and p=0.624, respectively). However, in
      group 2, HDVRNA levels, but not ALT levels, were significantly lower at the end
      of follow-up (EOF) than at baseline (p=0.016 and p=0.237, respectively). Three
      patients, all in group 2, had undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at
      the end of followup (EOF). However, there was no patient who had undetectable
      HBsAg in group I (p=0.043). There were statistical differences for all 18
      patients in terms of baseline levels of HDV-RNA compared to end of treatment
      (EOT) (p=0.021) and EOF (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Extending therapy from 12 to 24
      months conferred no additional advantage in terms of HDV-RNA suppression and ALT
      normalisation.

PMID- 22086696
TI  - HCC influence on patient survival after liver transplantation for HDV cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effect of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in patients
      transplanted for hepatitis B and D virus (HB/DV) cirrhosis is not well studied.
      Our aim was to study the long-term survival outcomes of patients who underwent
      liver transplantation for HB/DV cirrhosis with and without HCC. METHODOLOGY: A
      total of 231 primary, adult, single- organ liver transplants were performed from
      1990 to 2007. HB/DV was the cause of cirrhosis in 36 patients. Nine patients died
      during the first 3 postoperative months from surgical complications. The study
      group comprised the remaining 27 patients. The median follow-up was 1515 days.
      RESULTS: The mean patient survival was 3760 days (95% CI: 3013-4507). Six
      patients were diagnosed with HCC. The mean patient survival was 3011 days (95%
      CI: 2344-3679) and 4036 days (95% CI: 3002-5070) for recipients without and with
      HCC, respectively. For the same groups, the incidence of microbial infections was
      61.9% and 33.3%, respectively (p=0.219). HCC has not recurred in any of the six
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: The mean long-term survival after liver transplantation
      for HB/DV and HCC surpassed 11 years. The superior survival of HCC patients is
      difficult to explain. The increased number (almost double) of microbial
      infections in the non- HCC population might be held accountable.

PMID- 22086697
TI  - Drainage patterns of right and accessory hepatic veins: anatomical-functional
      classification derived from 3-dimensional CT reconstructions.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inadequate knowledge of the right (RHV) and accessory (IHV)
      hepatic 'venous drainage' territories can lead to severe postoperative venous
      congestion after right graft live donor liver transplantation. The purpose of our
      study was to define the anatomical-functional RHV and IHV drainage territories.
      METHODOLOGY: One hundred and forty consecutive live liver donor candidates were
      evaluated by means of 3-D CT reconstructions and 3-D virtual hepatectomies. Three
      RHV/IHV drainage patterns were identified and 'risky' configurations for right
      graft resections were defined. RESULTS: Livers with 'small' IHV drainage volumes
      (90.1+/-63.2mL) had dominant type IRHV/ IHV or non-dominant type III-RHV/IHV
      total liver (TL) complexes. All other cases had 'large' IHV volumes (294.7+/
      115.5mL, p<0.001) with dominant type II-RHV/IHV TL complexes. Loss of IHV
      drainage volume (such as with no IHV reconstruction) in these cases was
      associated with a 'dominance transition' from right (RHV) to middle (MHV) hepatic
      veins, placing the grafts at 'high risk' for venous congestion. CONCLUSIONS: Type
      II-RHV/IHV complexes with large IHV drainage volumes are at 'high risk' for
      venous congestion in live donor liver transplantation.

PMID- 22086698
TI  - Postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications after hepatectomy for
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is
      associated with a relatively high morbidity rate. This study investigated risk
      factors for morbidity after resection of HCC that were related to perioperative
      management and operative techniques. METHODOLOGY: Five hundred and thirty HCC
      patients who underwent hepatectomy between 1992 and 2008 were divided into three
      groups: 51 patients with infectious complications during their hospital stay
      (infectious group), 67 patients with non-infectious complications (non-infectious
      group) and 412 patients without complications who were discharged within 21 days
      after hepatectomy (uncomplicated group). RESULTS: Non-infectious complications
      decreased significantly over time. Although infectious complications also
      decreased, the change was not significant. The overall survival rate of the
      groups with complications was significantly worse than that of the uncomplicated
      group (p<0.0005). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that an operating
      time >300min and bile leakage were independent risk factors for infectious
      complications, while a platelet count <=13x104/mL, cirrhosis and operative blood
      loss >1,000mL were risk factors for non-infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: To
      achieve zero morbidity, it is important to avoid bile leakage and minimize blood
      loss during resection of HCC in patients with cirrhosis.

PMID- 22086699
TI  - Effect of beta -catenin siRNA on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatoma cell
      line SMMC-7721 and HepG-2.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of
      expression of siRNA beta- catenin silent gene on cell cycle and apoptosis of
      different hepatoma cells. METHODOLOGY: The effect of the beta-catenin-siRNA
      recombinant plasmid on the growth of different hepatoma cells was observed by MTT
      assays; and the effect of the recombinant plasmid on proliferation and apoptosis
      of different hepatoma cells was detected through flow cytometry. RESULTS:
      Transfection of the beta-catenin-siRNA recombinant plasmid into hepatoma cells
      significantly inhibited beta-catenin expression at protein and mRNA levels
      (p<0.05) as shown by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The MTT assay
      showed that beta-catenin-siRNA can significantly inhibit growth of hepatoma
      cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that the growth of different hepatoma
      cells was blocked at G0/G1 phase and compared with the control group there was a
      significant difference (p<0.05). Flow cytometry also showed that apoptosis of
      different hepatoma cells, compared with the control group, was significantly
      different (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of beta-catenin in hepatoma cells can
      inhibit growth and promote apoptosis, and there was difference in the effect on
      proliferation and apoptosis between different hepatoma cells.

PMID- 22086700
TI  - Delayed bile leak with avastin after liver resection for metastatic colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer is constantly advancing. Its use in
      the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting is also increasing. However, while long-term
      survival is improving, clinicians must be aware of the possible adverse events
      that can occur when treating with adjuvant chemotherapy and liver resection. We
      present a case of a life-threatening delayed bile leak following a liver
      resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in association with adjuvant treatment
      with bevacizumab. A 53-year-old man was treated with neoadjuvant bevacizumab
      followed by liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer. He made an
      uneventful recovery. Forty-three days post-surgery he received bevacizumab and
      developed acute life-threatening bile leaks from the cut surface of the liver. He
      spent a total of 65 days in hospital, and required ERCP repeatedly and eventually
      had a repeat liver resection to resolve the bile leak. This case reports a
      possible association between bevacizumab and a life threatening delayed bile leak
      following liver resection.

PMID- 22086701
TI  - Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy via the posterior approach for pancreatic
      pseudocyst drainage.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts is still being debated.
      Laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts enables definitive drainage with
      faster recovery. Moreover, the best drainage technique for pseudocysts located
      adjacent to the posterior gastric wall is pseudocystgastrostomy. Although,
      drainage via the anterior approach has been frequently reported, reports on the
      posterior approach are rare. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of the posterior
      approach technique for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage. METHODOLOGY: We
      retrospectively studied 28 patients who underwent cystogastrostomy for pancreatic
      pseudocysts: they were divided into the conventional cystogastrostomy group (CCG
      group) and the laparoscopic cystogastrostomy via the posterior approach group
      (LCGP group). RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly shorter, blood
      loss was significantly reduced, and the duration of hospitalization after surgery
      was significantly shorter in the LCGP group than in the CCG group. Recurrence was
      observed in 1 patient (5.6%) in the CGP group; it was an asymptomatic recurrence
      that did not require additional treatment. In contrast, there was no recurrence
      in the LCGP group patients. CONCLUSIONS: We think that our technique of
      performing laparoscopic cystogastrosotmy via the posterior approach is easy and
      feasible for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage.

PMID- 22086702
TI  - Molecular profile of apomucin and p53 protein as predictors of malignancy in
      intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the
      pancreas show poor prognosis similar to ductal adenocarcinomas. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the molecular indicators of invasion and risk factors of
      recurrence of IPMNs. METHODOLOGY: For 46 curative resections of IPMNs, we
      analyzed the expression of apomucin antigens (MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC), p53 and
      Ki67 using resected specimens. RESULTS: All 46 IPMNs were classified into 4
      groups; MUC1+/p53+, MUC1+/p53-, MUC2+ and MUC1-/MUC2-. The incidence of MUC1
      expression increased according to the grade of dysplasia and all of 5 invasive
      carcinomas expressed MUC1. None of the invasive carcinoma, but almost half of
      IPMNs of non-invasive carcinoma and sever dysplasia expressed MUC2. Additionally,
      p53 expression was limited to invasive IPMNs and a non-invasive IPMN which
      recurred after the operation. The Ki67 labeling index was increased according to
      the grade of dysplasia and was highest in the MUC1+/p53+ group. In the MUC2+
      cases, Ki67 labeling index was significantly higher than that in the MUC1-/MUC2-
      cases. MUC5AC was expressed in all IPMNs. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of MUC1,
      MUC2 and p53 might be indicators of malignancy and the expressions of MUC1 and
      p53 were the predictors of tumor invasion and recurrence.

PMID- 22086703
TI  - Modified Cattell's reconstruction with pancreaticogastrostomy following pylorus
      preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for a patient with gastroptosis.
AB  - Gastroptosis is a condition in which the stomach is enlarged and located in an
      abnormally low position, which impedes normal stomach function. A patient with
      gastroptosis has equivocal complaints such as nausea, stomach fullness and
      abdominal pain. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) has a better
      outcome than the Whipple procedure in terms of operative mortality and morbidity,
      and postoperative nutritional state. However, delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is
      frequently observed after PPPD. If PPPD is performed for a patient with
      gastroptosis, the risk of postsurgical DGE may increase. Therefore, we have
      developed a modified Cattell's reconstruction with pancreaticogastrostomy (PG)
      after PPPD to prevent DGE in a patient with gastroptosis and adenocarcinoma of
      the ampulla of Vater.

PMID- 22086704
TI  - Robotic central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy (transgastric
      approach) in a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.
AB  - Function preserving minimal invasive pancreatectomy is thought to be ideal
      approach for benign and borderline malignant tumors of the pancreas because these
      tumors can be expected for longterm survival. Pancreatic tumor in the neck of the
      pancreas is a challenging issue. Pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal
      pancreatectomy with/without splenectomy are the usual modes of surgery for them.
      Central pancreatectomy is a rare surgical procedure, even in open surgery. With
      the development of laparoscopic experiences, a few cases of laparoscopic central
      pancreatectomy have begun to be reported, but they are believed to be still
      demanding tremendous laparoscopic skills and experiences. However, advancements
      in technology have encouraged surgeons to overcome the limitations of
      conventional laparoscopic surgery. Herein, we report a case of robot-assisted
      central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy (transgastric approach). Wrist
      like movements of effector instruments and stable 3-D visualization provided by
      the robot surgical system are believed to enhance the precise and safe
      laparoscopic performance. More experiences need to be accumulated in order to
      evaluate the real value of robot pancreatic surgery.

PMID- 22086705
TI  - Successful neoadjuvant treatment with radiochemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy
      for the locally advanced pancreatic head cancer: report of a case.
AB  - A 49-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for the upper abdominal pain and
      was diagnosed as unresectable pancreatic head cancer because of the invasion
      around the superior mesenteric artery. He was treated with radiochemotherapy,
      followed by systemic gemcitabine alone for 3 courses. He was further treated with
      systemic gemcitabine plus S-1 combination therapy for 5 courses. CT examination
      after these treatments showed a dramatic reduction of the tumor at the head of
      the pancreas and a pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Pathologically, there was
      no residual malignant tumor. He has had no recurrent tumor up until now. Several
      studies of gemcitabine plus S-1 combination therapy show higher response rates
      for unresectable tumors. The current case indicates the effectiveness of the
      radiochemotherapy and gemcitabine plus S-1 combination therapy for locally
      advanced pancreatic head cancer as a neoadjuvant setting. We consider that
      multidisciplinary treatment including gemcitabine plus S-1 therapy may prolong
      the survival time by curative operation.

PMID- 22086706
TI  - Prognostic significance of CD83 positive tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells and
      expression of TGF-beta 1 in human gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this study we analyzed the significance of CD1a and CD83
      positive tumor infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) and the expression of TGF
      beta1 in gastric cancer tissue, and their relationship with disease progression
      and prognosis of patients. METHODOLOGY: The immunohistochemical expression of
      CD1a, CD83 and TGF-beta1, was evaluated in 55 patients with gastric cancer and
      followed-up for five years. RESULTS: We found tumor infiltration with CD1a and
      CD83 positive DCs in all 55 cases and cytoplasmic TGF-beta1 immunoreactivity in
      tumor cells in 76.4% of cases. TGF-beta1 expression correlated to low CD83
      positive DCs in 100% of the samples (chi2=7.66; p=0.022). Low CD83 positive DCs
      in tumor border (chi2=15.38; p<0.001) was also observed in 100% of tumors with
      TGF-beta1 expression. The number of CD1a and CD83 positive TIDCs in the tumor
      border was inversely correlated with positive lymph node metastases (chi2=6.64;
      p=0.036 and chi2=6.44; p<0.04, respectively). Patients with a low number of tumor
      infiltrating CD83 positive DCs had shorter survival rates (p=0.022) and patients
      with TGF-beta1 expression had a worse prognosis after surgical therapy (p=0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that tumor infiltration with DCs may be of great
      importance in initiating the primary anti-tumor immune response. In patients with
      resectable gastric cancer, the grade of TIDCs and TGF-beta1 expression could be a
      useful predictor of prognosis.

PMID- 22086707
TI  - Laparoscopic transhiatal approach for cardiac cancer with lower esophageal
      invasion for patients with compromised respiratory function.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The thoracoabdominal approach with extended abdominal incision
      and a left thoracotomy is the traditional approach for the treatment of cardiac
      cancer with lower esophageal invasion. However, this procedure entails high
      morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the effectiveness of the laparoscopic
      transhiatal approach without a thoracotmy. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively
      analyzed the data obtained from 40 patients who underwent total gastrectomy with
      lower esophagectomy for cardiac cancer with lower esophageal invasion. These
      patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who underwent surgery via the
      conventional thoracoabdominal approach with extended abdominal incision and a
      left thoracotomy group (CTA group) and patients who underwent surgery via the
      laparoscopic transhiatal approach without a thoracotomy group (LTH group).
      RESULTS: All the LTH group patients were successfully treated without a
      thoracotomy. The 1- second forced expiratory volume was significantly lower in
      LTH group than in CTA group. No difference was observed between the groups with
      respect to the mean length of resected esophagus. The LTH group patients did not
      develop postoperative pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic transhiatal
      approach is safe and feasible for the resection of gastric cardiac cancer with
      lower esophageal invasion in patients with compromised respiratory function.

PMID- 22086708
TI  - Patellar tilt correlates with vastus lateralis: vastus medialis activation ratio
      in maltracking patellofemoral pain patients.
AB  - Patellofemoral (PF) pain is a common ailment of the lower extremity. A theorized
      cause for pain is patellar maltracking due to vasti muscle activation imbalance,
      represented as large vastus lateralis:vastus medialis (VL:VM) activation ratios.
      However, evidence relating vasti muscle activation imbalance to patellar
      maltracking is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      relationship between VL:VM activation ratio and patellar tracking measures,
      patellar tilt and bisect offset, in PF pain subjects and pain-free controls. We
      evaluated VL:VM activation ratio and VM activation delay relative to VL
      activation in 39 PF pain subjects and 15 pain-free controls during walking. We
      classified the PF pain subjects into normal tracking and maltracking groups based
      on patellar tilt and bisect offset measured from weight-bearing magnetic
      resonance imaging. Patellar tilt correlated with VL:VM activation ratio only in
      PF pain subjects classified as maltrackers. This suggests that a clinical
      intervention targeting vasti muscle activation imbalance may be effective only in
      PF pain subjects classified as maltrackers.

PMID- 22086709
TI  - Diabetes Cured by Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report of Glucagonoma
      Masquerading as Carcinoma of the Head of Pancreas.

PMID- 22086710
TI  - Primary Malignant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) of the Gallbladder:
      Report of a Case.

PMID- 22086711
TI  - [Assessment of the psychic sequelae of traumatisation].
AB  - This article deals with the question why experts quite frequently arrive at
      totally opposite judgements in clinical psychotraumatological expert opinions.
      This often leads to intense controversially conducted arguments resulting in
      lengthy proceedings. The reasons for this will be presented for two cases taken
      from expert opinions issued for the "Soziales Entschadigungs- und Auslanderrecht"
      (Laws for Social Reparations and Foreigners). A brief synopsis on the legal
      background will be given and solutions suggested.

PMID- 22086712
TI  - [Psychosocial functioning of adults with late diagnosed autism spectrum disorders
      -a retrospective study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first time diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after
      passing childhood and adolescence is still considered a rare event. However, in
      recent years an increasing demand for diagnostic clarifications with suspected
      ASD in adulthood challenges this view. There is insufficient knowledge about the
      neuropsychological characterisation and psychosocial outcome of this adult
      subgroup in the autistic spectrum. AIM: To determine the psychosocial functioning
      (living status, partnerships, level of education, psychiatric history) of adult
      patients with late diagnosed ASD. METHODS: In a retrospective study, a chart
      review was conducted on 178 consecutively diagnosed individuals at a specialised
      outpatient clinic for adults with ASD. Global ratings of psychosocial
      functioning, assessment of psychiatric history and neuropsychological and
      psychopathological investigations were evaluated. RESULTS: The majority of
      patients (92 %) diagnosed with ASD suffered from high-functioning autism
      (HFA)/Asperger syndrome (AS) according to the criteria of ICD-10 (F84.5). The
      gender ratio was 2:1 favouring males. Mean age at diagnosis (34.1 +/- 9.5 years),
      general intelligence (HAWIE-R, global-IQ 115 +/- 20) and self-rated autistic
      symptoms (autism spectrum quotient [AQ] 39 +/- 6) were not discriminative to
      gender. The psychiatric history revealed a lifetime consultation rate of 78 %,
      most frequently with depression (50 %). The self-report instrument Beck
      depression inventory (BDI) identified 30 % of individuals presenting with
      depressive symptoms in clinical relevant intensity (BDI > 17). Achievement of an
      independent living status was reported by 68 % of individuals, 58 % reported
      about current or past intimate partnerships and almost two-thirds of the patients
      had achieved a higher educational status. DISCUSSION: The majority of ASD
      diagnosed late in lifetime turned out to be HFA/AS, presenting with high
      psychosocial adjustment with regard to independent living, educational status and
      partnerships. The high level of global intelligence supports the hypothesis of
      cognitively compensated autistic disturbances leading to the diagnosis comparably
      late in lifetime. The lifetime rate of psychiatric consultations is high,
      reflecting the importance to consider a diagnosis of ASD even late in life.

PMID- 22086713
TI  - [Images of the mind--what brain pictures really show].
AB  - The use of imaging procedures brings with it legal consequences at different
      levels and in various relationships. As far as the generation of knowledge by
      means of imaging procedures is concerned, the problem of so-called incidental
      findings even now already demands a legally sound management in daily routine.
      Similarly, the use of imaging procedures in ongoing legal proceedings is of
      current relevance in cases when expert witnesses make use of the appropriate
      technologies for the formulation of their expertise. In contrast, lie detectors
      are far from any practical utility for forensic purposes. The major challenge in
      the next few years will be to investigate the scientific-medical knowledge gained
      from brain research concerning possible legal implications and to develop on this
      basis a practice-relevant and, if at all possible, proactive regulatory model.

PMID- 22086714
TI  - MicroCT detection of gunshot residue in fresh and decomposed firearm wounds.
AB  - Gunshot residue (GSR) evidence may be altered or obscured by after-death events
      such as putrefaction, autolysis, and/or damage by animals. The present study
      aimed at evaluating and comparing the amount and differential distribution of GSR
      utilizing microcomputed tomography (microCT) analysis of fresh and decomposed
      gunshot wounds. A total of 60 experimental shootings at three different firing
      distances (5, 15, and 30 cm) were performed on human calves surgically amputated
      for medical reasons. Thirty specimens (10 for each tested distance) were
      immediately formalin-fixed, while the other 30 specimens were enclosed in a
      cowshed for 15 days, before formalin fixation (air temperature ranging from 11
      degrees C to 38 degrees C). MicroCT analysis with three-dimensional image
      reconstruction detected GSR particles in all the investigated entrance wounds. In
      fresh specimens, GSR was concentrated on the skin surface around the entrance
      hole and in the epidermis and dermis layers around the cavity, while in
      decomposed specimens, the high density particles were detected only in the dermis
      layer. No GSR was detected in exit wounds of both fresh and decomposed specimens
      regardless of the tested firing distance. Statistical analysis demonstrated that
      also in decomposed wounds the amount of GSR roughly correlated with the distance
      from which the gun was fired, exhibiting, however, a higher variability than in
      fresh samples. The obtained results suggest that microCT analysis can be a valid
      screening tool for differentiating decomposed entrance and exit gunshot wounds.

PMID- 22086715
TI  - Learning to fit in: an exploratory study of general perceived self efficacy in
      selected refugee groups.
AB  - As self efficacy beliefs help determine an individual's response to challenging
      situations, we explored the impact of the refugee experience on efficacy beliefs
      and their contribution to resettlement. General self efficacy (GSE) was assessed
      in 186 resettled Afghan and Kurdish refugees against a range of personal and
      temporal variables. Although no differences in GSE in relation to temporal
      factors were noted, significant relationships between self efficacy, lower
      psychological distress and higher subjective well being were evident. The
      findings suggest that GSE, because of its positive association with mental health
      and well being, is a variable worthy of further examination in refugees. In
      addition to ensuring a supportive environment for learning English, proactive
      employment strategies should be encouraged. Further research examining the use of
      successful refugee role models to promote self efficacy, enhance motivation for
      learning and ensure newly arrived refugees view resettlement as a challenge,
      rather than a threat, is recommended.

PMID- 22086717
TI  - Astragaloside IV attenuates complement membranous attack complex induced podocyte
      injury through the MAPK pathway.
AB  - Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of idiopathic nephrotic
      syndrome in adults and the cause is known to be due to the injury of podocytes
      located in the glomeruli. Astragalus membranaceus has been used for the treatment
      of patients with MN in China for a long time. The beneficial effect of Astragalus
      membranaceus on proteinuria of patients with MN has been well documented.
      However, the mechanism of astragalus membranaceu in alleviation of MN is still
      not completely understood. Therefore, in the current study, we employed a
      podocyte injury model induced by complement membranous attack complex to examine
      the mechanism of astragalus membraneceus in the treatment of MN. We found that
      complement membranous attack complex could increase lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
      release from podocytes and astragaloside IV (AS-IV) could prevent LDH release
      from podocytes in a time- and dose-dependent pattern. Moreover, AS-IV restored
      podocyte morphology and cytoskeleton loss induced by complement membranous attack
      complex. Furthermore, AS-IV was able to reduce phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2
      induced by complement membranous attack complex. In conclusion, the mechanism of
      Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of MN may be related to its attenuation
      of podocyte injury through regulation of cytoskeleton and mitogen activated
      protein kinase.

PMID- 22086716
TI  - Outcome-dependent sampling for longitudinal binary response data based on a time
      varying auxiliary variable.
AB  - Outcome-dependent sampling (ODS) study designs are commonly implemented with rare
      diseases or when prospective studies are infeasible. In longitudinal data
      settings, when a repeatedly measured binary response is rare, an ODS design can
      be highly efficient for maximizing statistical information subject to resource
      limitations that prohibit covariate ascertainment of all observations. This
      manuscript details an ODS design where individual observations are sampled with
      probabilities determined by an inexpensive, time-varying auxiliary variable that
      is related but is not equal to the response. With the goal of validly estimating
      marginal model parameters based on the resulting biased sample, we propose a semi
      parametric, sequential offsetted logistic regressions (SOLR) approach. The SOLR
      strategy first estimates the relationship between the auxiliary variable and the
      response and covariate data by using an offsetted logistic regression analysis
      where the offset is used to adjust for the biased design. Results from the
      auxiliary variable model are then combined with the known or estimated sampling
      probabilities to formulate a second offset that is used to correct for the biased
      design in the ultimate target model relating the longitudinal binary response to
      covariates. Because the target model offset is estimated with SOLR, we detail
      asymptotic standard error estimates that account for uncertainty associated with
      the auxiliary variable model. Motivated by an analysis of the BioCycle Study
      (Gaskins et al., Effect of daily fiber intake on reproductive function: the
      BioCycle Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2009; 90(4): 1061-1069)
      that aims to describe the relationship between reproductive health (determined by
      luteinizing hormone levels) and fiber consumption, we examine properties of SOLR
      estimators and compare them with other common approaches.

PMID- 22086718
TI  - Long-term follow-up of Barrett's epithelium: medical versus antireflux surgical
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the most serious complication of GERD. In
      BE patients, this observational study compares the effects of antireflux surgery
      versus antisecretory medical therapy. METHODS: Overall, 89 BE patients (long BE =
      45; short BE = 44) were considered: 45 patients underwent antireflux surgery and
      44 underwent medical therapy. At both initial and follow-up endoscopy, symptoms
      were assessed using a detailed questionnaire; BE phenotypic changes [intestinal
      metaplasia (IM) presence/type, Cdx2 expression] were assessed by histology (H&E),
      histochemistry (HID), and immunohistochemistry. Surgical failures were defined as
      follows: (1) abnormal 24-h pH monitoring results after surgery, (2)
      endoscopically evident recurrent esophagitis, and (3) recurrent hiatal hernia or
      slipped fundoplication on endoscopy or barium swallow. RESULTS: Reversion of IM
      was observed in 12/44 SSBE and 0/45 LSBE patients (p < 0.01). Reversion was more
      frequently observed after effective antireflux surgery than after medical
      treatment (p = 0.04). In patients with no further evidence of IM after therapy,
      Cdx2 expression was also absent (p = 0.02). The extent of IM was reduced, and the
      IM phenotype improved in SSBE patients after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      short BE (but not those with long BE) may benefit from surgically reducing the
      esophagus' exposure to GE reflux; among these patients, successful surgery
      carries a higher IM reversion rate than medical treatment.

PMID- 22086719
TI  - Influence of chemical and structural properties of functionalized polythiophene
      based layers on electrochemical sensing of atrazine.
AB  - Sensitive layers based on conducting homopolymer [poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene), denoted PEDOT] and copolymers [molecularly imprinted and
      non-imprinted poly(EDOT-co-3-thiophene acetic acid), denoted MICP and NICP,
      respectively] are electrosynthesized on gold substrates and used for the
      electrochemical detection of atrazine. These layers are characterized by cyclic
      voltammetry, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, optical profilemetry, and AFM microscopy in
      order to study the effect of the chemical functionalities and of the structural
      properties of these conducting polymers on the physical chemistry of the
      interaction with atrazine targets and with the aim to improve the sensitivity of
      the recognition process. In particular, due to the presence in their backbones of
      preshaped functionalized cavities which keep the molecular memory of the targets,
      MICP layers show remarkable sensitivity, a low detection limit (10(-9) mol  L(
      1)), and a large linear range of detection (10(-8) to 10(-4) mol  L(-1)), as
      demonstrated by square-wave voltammetry.

PMID- 22086720
TI  - Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1): the misunderstood HDAC.
AB  - The sirtuin family of NAD-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) consists of
      seven mammalian proteins, SIRT1-7. Many of the sirtuin isoforms also deacetylate
      nonhistone substrates, such as p53 (SIRT1) and alpha-tubulin (SIRT2). The sirtuin
      literature focuses on pharmacological activators of SIRT1 (e.g., resveratrol,
      SRT1720), proposed as therapeutics for diabetes, neurodegeneration, inflammation,
      and others. However, many of the SIRT1 activator results may have been due to
      artifacts in the assay methodology (i.e., use of fluorescently tagged
      substrates). A biological role for SIRT1 in cancer has been given less scrutiny
      but is no less equivocal. Although proposed initially as an oncogene, we present
      herein compelling data suggesting that SIRT1 is indeed a context-specific tumor
      suppressor. For oncology, SIRT1 inhibitors (dual SIRT1/2) are indicated as
      potential therapeutics. A number of sirtuin inhibitors have been developed but
      with mixed results in cellular systems and animal models. It is unclear whether
      this has been due to poorly understood model systems, signalling redundancy,
      and/or inadequately potent and selective tool compounds. This review provides an
      overview of recent developments in the field of SIRT1 function. While focusing on
      oncology, it aims to shed light on new concepts of expanding the selectivity
      spectrum, including other sirtuins such as SIRT2.

PMID- 22086721
TI  - A high-content subtractive screen for selecting small molecules affecting
      internalization of GPCRs.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are pivotal in cellular responses to the
      environment and are common drug targets. Identification of selective small
      molecules acting on single GPCRs is complicated by the shared machinery coupling
      signal transduction to physiology. Here, we demonstrate a high-content screen
      using a panel of GPCR assays to identify receptor selective molecules acting
      within the kinase/phosphatase inhibitor family. A collection of 88 kinase and
      phosphatase inhibitors was screened against seven agonist-induced GPCR
      internalization cell models as well as transferrin uptake in human embryonic
      kidney cells. Molecules acting on a single receptor were identified through
      excluding pan-specific compounds affecting housekeeping endocytosis or disrupting
      internalization of multiple receptors. We identified compounds acting on a sole
      GPCR from activities in a broad range of chemical structures that could not be
      easily sorted by conventional means. Selective analysis can therefore rapidly
      select compounds selectively affecting GPCR activity with specificity to one
      receptor class through high-content screening.

PMID- 22086722
TI  - Screening, identification, and characterization of mechanistically diverse
      inhibitors of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis enzyme, pantothenate kinase (CoaA).
AB  - The authors describe the discovery of anti-mycobacterial compounds through
      identifying mechanistically diverse inhibitors of the essential Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (Mtb) enzyme, pantothenate kinase (CoaA). Target-driven drug
      discovery technologies often work with purified enzymes, and inhibitors thus
      discovered may not optimally inhibit the form of the target enzyme predominant in
      the bacterial cell or may not be available at the desired concentration.
      Therefore, in addition to addressing entry or efflux issues, inhibitors with
      diverse mechanisms of inhibition (MoI) could be prioritized before hit-to-lead
      optimization. The authors describe a high-throughput assay based on protein
      thermal melting to screen large numbers of compounds for hits with diverse MoI.
      Following high-throughput screening for Mtb CoaA enzyme inhibitors, a
      concentration-dependent increase in protein thermal stability was used to
      identify true binders, and the degree of enhancement or reduction in thermal
      stability in the presence of substrate was used to classify inhibitors as
      competitive or non/uncompetitive. The thermal shift-based MoI assay could be
      adapted to screen hundreds of compounds in a single experiment as compared to
      traditional biochemical approaches for MoI determination. This MoI was confirmed
      through mechanistic studies that estimated K(ie) and K(ies) for representative
      compounds and through nuclear magnetic resonance-based ligand displacement
      assays.

PMID- 22086723
TI  - A cell-based high-throughput screening assay to measure cellular histone h3 lys27
      trimethylation with a modified dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescent
      immunoassay.
AB  - Histone proteins are subject to several modifications, including phosphorylation,
      acetylation, methylation, sumoylation, and ubiquitination. These
      posttranslational modifications play critical roles in chromatin structure and
      gene transcription. Because of their involvement in the progression of a variety
      of diseases, histone modifications are attracting increased attention. We report
      herein a high-throughput DELFIA assay to quantify H3K27me3 in the prostate cancer
      cell line, PC3. Using a high binding MaxiSorp plate, we were able to eliminate
      the need for the capture antibody. We also developed an effective method, a
      combination of "freeze-thaw" and 0.2 N HCl, to extract histone proteins in PC3
      cells cultured in a 384-well plate. To compensate for cell viability change, we
      normalized H3K27me3 signal to the total amount of H3 in each sample well. As a
      result, we show that the assay has a good dynamic range with a robust assay
      window. Using a methlytransferase inhibitor, DZNep, we show that the change of
      H3K27me3 signal is target specific. This method simplifies the logistics in
      screening and profiling and reduces the cost per well to an acceptable level for
      high-throughput screening. The findings presented here should be applicable to
      other assays involving binding and extraction of histone proteins.

PMID- 22086724
TI  - Common seed analysis to identify off-target effects in siRNA screens.
AB  - Genome-scale small interfering RNA (siRNA) screens have become an increasingly
      popular approach to new target identification and pathway elucidation. However,
      the large data sets generated from siRNA screens have demonstrated high false
      positive rates and the requirement for extensive experimental triage to
      distinguish true hits. A number of groups have independently reported the
      presence of siRNAs with identical seed sequences among their top screening hits.
      Based on these observations, we have developed a comprehensive technique for
      detecting and visualizing seed-based off-target effects in siRNA screening data.
      This is accomplished by analyzing the behavior of siRNAs that share identical
      seed sequences, which we refer to as common seed analysis (CSA). By applying
      these techniques to primary screening data of the Wnt pathway, we identify 158
      distinct seed sequences that have a statistically significant effect on the
      assay. The promiscuous seed sequences identified in this manner can then be
      discounted in the analysis of follow-up experiments using single siRNAs. The
      ability to detect off-target effects when sufficient numbers of siRNAs share a
      common seed has significant implications for the design of siRNA screening
      experiments, data analysis, hit selection, and library design.

PMID- 22086725
TI  - An efficient high-throughput screening method for MYST family acetyltransferases,
      a new class of epigenetic drug targets.
AB  - Epigenetic aberrations are increasingly regarded as key factors in cancer
      progression. Recently, deregulation of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) has been
      linked to several types of cancer. Monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (MOZ)
      is a member of the MYST family of HATs, which regulate gene expression in cell
      proliferation and differentiation. Deregulation of these processes through
      constitutively active MOZ fusion proteins gives rise to the formation of leukemic
      stem cells, rendering MOZ an excellent target for treating myeloid leukemia. The
      authors implemented a hit discovery campaign to identify small-molecule
      inhibitors of MOZ-HAT activity. They developed a robust, homogeneous assay
      measuring the acetylation of synthetic histone peptides. In a primary screening
      campaign testing 243 000 lead-like compounds, they identified inhibitors from
      several chemical classes. Secondary assays were used to eliminate assay
      interfering compounds and prioritize confirmed hits. This study establishes a new
      high-throughput assay for HAT activity and could provide the foundation for the
      development of a new class of drugs for the treatment of leukemias.

PMID- 22086726
TI  - Primary and secondary drug screening assays for Friedreich ataxia.
AB  - Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neuro- and cardiodegenerative
      disorder for which there are no proven effective treatments. FRDA is caused by
      decreased expression and/or function of the protein frataxin. Frataxin chaperones
      iron in the mitochondrial matrix for the assembly of iron-sulfur clusters (ISCs),
      which are prosthetic groups critical for the function of the Krebs cycle and the
      mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Decreased expression of frataxin or
      the yeast frataxin orthologue, Yfh1p, is associated with decreased ISC assembly,
      mitochondrial iron accumulation, and increased oxidative stress, all of which
      contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. Using yeast depleted of Yfh1p, a high
      throughput screening (HTS) assay was developed in which mitochondrial function
      was monitored by reduction of the tetrazolium dye WST-1 in a growth medium with a
      respiration-only carbon source. Of 101 200 compounds screened, 302 were
      identified that effectively rescue mitochondrial function. To confirm activities
      in mammalian cells and begin understanding mechanisms of action, secondary
      screening assays were developed using murine C2C12 cells and yeast mutants
      lacking specific complexes of the ETC, respectively. The compounds identified in
      this study have potential relevance for other neurodegenerative disorders
      associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, such as Parkinson disease.

PMID- 22086727
TI  - Phosphorescent mesomorphic dyads based on tetraacetylethane complexes of
      iridium(III).

PMID- 22086728
TI  - Promoting cancer screening within the patient centered medical home.
AB  - While consensus has grown that primary care is the essential access point in a
      high-performing health care system, the current model of primary care
      underperforms in both chronic disease management and prevention. The Patient
      Centered Medical Home model (PCMH) is at the center of efforts to reinvent
      primary care practice, and is regarded as the most promising approach to
      addressing the burden of chronic disease, improving health outcomes, and reducing
      health spending. However, the potential for the medical home to improve the
      delivery of cancer screening (and preventive services in general) has received
      limited attention in both conceptualization and practice. Medical home
      demonstrations to date have included few evidence-based preventive services in
      their outcome measures, and few have evaluated the effect of different payment
      models. Decreasing use of hospitals and emergency rooms and an emphasis on
      improving chronic care represent improvements in effective delivery of
      healthcare, but leave opportunities for reducing the burden of cancer untouched.
      Data confirm that what does or does not happen in the primary care setting has a
      substantial impact on cancer outcomes. Insofar as cancer is the leading cause of
      death before age 80, the PCMH model must prioritize adherence to cancer screening
      according to recommended guidelines, and systems, financial incentives, and
      reimbursements must be aligned to achieve that goal. This article explores
      capacities that are needed in the medical home model to facilitate the
      integration of cancer screening and other preventive services. These capacities
      include improved patient access and communication, health risk assessments,
      periodic preventive health exams, use of registries that store cancer risk
      information and screening history, ability to track and follow up on tests and
      referrals, feedback on performance, and payment models that reward cancer
      screening.

PMID- 22086730
TI  - Boiling peanut Ara h 1 results in the formation of aggregates with reduced
      allergenicity.
AB  - SCOPE: Roasting rather than boiling and Maillard modifications may modulate
      peanut allergenicity. We investigated how these factors affect the allergenic
      properties of a major peanut allergen, Ara h 1. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ara h 1 was
      purified from either raw (N-Ara h 1) or roasted (R-Ara h 1) peanuts. Boiling (100
      degrees C 15 min; H-Ara h 1) resulted in a partial loss of Ara h 1 secondary
      structure and formation of rod-like branched aggregates with reduced IgE-binding
      capacity and impaired ability to induce mediator release. Glycated Ara h 1 (G-Ara
      h 1) formed by boiling in the presence of glucose behaved similarly. However, H-
      and G-Ara h1 retained the T-cell reactivity of N-Ara h 1. R-Ara h 1 was
      denatured, comprised compact, globular aggregates, and showed no evidence of
      glycation but retained the IgE-binding capacity of the native protein.
      CONCLUSION: Ara h 1 aggregates formed by boiling were morphologically distinct
      from those formed by roasting and had lower allergenic activity. Glycation had no
      additional effect on Ara h 1 allergenicity compared with heating alone. Taken
      together with published data on the loss of Ara h 2/6 from boiled peanuts, this
      supports the hypothesis that boiling reduces the allergenicity of peanuts.

PMID- 22086731
TI  - Reply to: MRI resolution enhancement: how useful are shifted images obtained by
      changing the demodulation frequency?

PMID- 22086733
TI  - 14.1 T whole body MRI for detection of mesoangioblast stem cells in a murine
      model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Noninvasive imaging procedures will be important for stem cell therapy for
      muscular dystrophy (MD). Mesoangioblasts regenerate muscle in animal models of
      muscular dystrophy. In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
      were used to visualize mesoangioblasts in vivo with MRI. Mesoangioblasts
      incorporated superparamagnetic iron oxide without transfection reagents, and cell
      differentiation was not negatively impacted. A custom-built radiofrequency coil
      with an adjustable field of view and 14.1 T magnet were used for whole-body MRI
      of mice. High-resolution images of mesoangioblasts in skeletal and cardiac muscle
      of Mdx mice were obtained following local delivery. Labeled cells were verified
      by Prussian blue staining and dystrophin expression, indicating that the wild
      type mesoangioblasts survived and differentiated in muscle. Iron-labeled cells
      were detected with MRI in vivo 6 months following intracardiac injection but were
      determined to be activated macrophages. Iron-labeled cells were not detected by
      MRI following systemic delivery but were present in skeletal and cardiac muscle,
      visualized by Prussian blue staining. Systemically delivered mesoangioblasts were
      detected in lungs by Prussian blue staining and DiI but not by MRI in our study.
      MRI may be useful for short-term tracking of mesoangioblasts delivered locally
      but not for long-term monitoring or detection after systemic delivery.

PMID- 22086735
TI  - Can ex vivo evaluation (testing) predict the sensitivity of CLL cells to therapy
      with purine analogs in conjunction with an alkylating agent? A comparison of in
      vivo and ex vivo responses to treatment.
AB  - Malfunctions in the regulation of apoptosis cause the accumulation of malignant,
      long-lived B CD19+/CD5+ cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The primary
      goal in CLL therapy is to overcome resistance to apoptosis and efficiently
      trigger programmed cell death in leukemic cells. This study demonstrated that the
      in vivo responses of malignant cells from CLL patients after administration of
      purine analogs (cladribine/fludarabine) with cyclophosphamide vary significantly.
      For comparative purposes, the sensitivity of leukemic cells obtained from the
      same CLL patients to conventional purine analogs and the selective CDK inhibitor
      R-roscovitine (ROSC) was determined, with and without the addition of an
      alkylating agent, prior to the onset of in vivo therapy. The kinetics and rate of
      spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis of CLL cells under ex vivo conditions
      differed significantly between patients, mirroring the variability observed
      during in vivo treatment. Interestingly, individual patients' leukemic cells were
      comparably sensitive to the drugs under both conditions. Of the drugs examined,
      ROSC exerted the highest therapeutic efficacy under ex vivo conditions. Our
      results indicate that ex vivo testing might be useful for identifying the most
      potent first-line therapeutic regimen for specific CLL patients and possibly for
      the design of therapies tailored for individual CLL patients.

PMID- 22086736
TI  - Prognostic significance of phosphorylated RON in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common type of esophageal
      cancer. RON is a transmembrane receptor overexpressed in various cancers;
      however, the clinical significance of its phosphorylated form (pRON) is not fully
      deciphered. This report is the first to investigate the expression and clinical
      significance of pRON in human ESCC. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      revealed an up-regulation of RON mRNA in 70% (7/10) of ESCC tissues when compared
      to the adjacent nontumor tissues. An overexpression of pRON protein was found in
      most of the ESCC cell lines studied (4/5) when compared to two non-neoplastic
      esophageal epithelial cells using immunoblot. In 64 ESCC tissues, pRON was
      localized at the cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus in 15 (23.4%), 63 (98.4%)
      and 61 (95.3%) cases using immunohistochemistry. Patients having high expression
      of cytoplasmic pRON significantly associated with shorter median survival when
      compared to those with low expression (25.41 months vs. 14.43 months), suggesting
      cytoplasmic pRON as a potential marker for poor prognosis in ESCC patients.

PMID- 22086737
TI  - Reduced expression of activin receptor-like kinase 7 in breast cancer is
      associated with tumor progression.
AB  - To explore the clinical implication of activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7)
      expression in breast cancer, we evaluated its protein level in six kinds of human
      breast tissue samples, including adjacent normal tissues, adenosis, breast
      fibroadenoma, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC),
      and lymph node metastases (LNM). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that ALK7
      was more frequently and much more intensely expressed in adjacent normal tissues,
      adenosis, and fibroadenoma tissues than in malignant tissues (DCIS, IDC, and
      LNM). Furthermore, the ALK7 expression in primary tumors and the corresponding
      LNM was evaluated in parallel samples from 60 patients with IDC. Results showed
      that the ALK7 expression status in primary tumors and LNM was concordant in 53
      patients (88%), suggesting that ALK7 expression was retained in LNM. Moreover,
      our results suggested that ALK7 expression inversely correlated with the tumor
      grade (P=0.009) and clinical stage (P=0.004) in IDC significantly. Finally, the
      effect of activin-ALK7 pathway on the breast cancer cell growth was elucidated,
      and results revealed that overexpression of ALK7 could restore the inhibitory
      effect of activin B on the growth of ALK7-negative breast cancer cell line, ZR-75
      30. These findings provide the evidence that the reduction or lack of ALK7
      expression may account for the loss of its ligand sensitivity of breast cancer
      cells, thereby leading to breast tumor progression.

PMID- 22086738
TI  - Understanding the impact of deep brain stimulation on ambulatory activity in
      advanced Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Whilst deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (DBS-STN) improves the
      motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), its effect on daily activity is
      unknown. We aimed to quantify changes in ambulatory activity following DBS-STN in
      advanced PD using novel accelerometry based measures that describe changes to the
      volume and pattern of walking. Seventeen participants with advanced PD were
      measured over a 7-day period using an activPAL (TM) activity monitor. Data were
      collected 6 weeks before and 6 months after surgery and included measures that
      describe the volume and pattern of ambulatory activity (number of steps per day,
      accumulation, diversity and variability of walking time), alongside standard
      measures for disease severity, freezing of gait, gait speed, and extended
      activities of daily living. Activity outcomes were compared pre- and 6 months
      post-surgery using linear mixed models and correlated with standard outcomes. The
      results of this study are despite significant improvements in motor symptoms
      after surgery, the volume of ambulatory activity (total number of steps per day)
      did not change (P = 0.468). However, significant increases in length and
      variability of walking bouts emerged, suggesting improvements in diversity and
      flexibility of walking patterns. Motor severity and extended activities of daily
      living scores were significantly correlated with walking bout variability but not
      with volume of walking. Thus, the conclusions are reduction in motor symptom
      severity after DBS-STN translated into selective improvements in daily activity.
      Novel measures derived from accelerometry provide a discrete measure of
      performance and allow closer interpretation of the impact of DBS-STN on real
      world activity.

PMID- 22086739
TI  - Integrating hospital information systems in healthcare institutions: a mediation
      architecture.
AB  - Many studies have examined the integration of information systems into healthcare
      institutions, leading to several standards in the healthcare domain (CORBAmed:
      Common Object Request Broker Architecture in Medicine; HL7: Health Level Seven
      International; DICOM: Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine; and IHE:
      Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise). Due to the existence of a wide diversity
      of heterogeneous systems, three essential factors are necessary to fully
      integrate a system: data, functions and workflow. However, most of the previous
      studies have dealt with only one or two of these factors and this makes the
      system integration unsatisfactory. In this paper, we propose a flexible, scalable
      architecture for Hospital Information Systems (HIS). Our main purpose is to
      provide a practical solution to insure HIS interoperability so that healthcare
      institutions can communicate without being obliged to change their local
      information systems and without altering the tasks of the healthcare
      professionals. Our architecture is a mediation architecture with 3 levels: 1) a
      database level, 2) a middleware level and 3) a user interface level. The
      mediation is based on two central components: the Mediator and the Adapter. Using
      the XML format allows us to establish a structured, secured exchange of
      healthcare data. The notion of medical ontology is introduced to solve semantic
      conflicts and to unify the language used for the exchange. Our mediation
      architecture provides an effective, promising model that promotes the integration
      of hospital information systems that are autonomous, heterogeneous, semantically
      interoperable and platform-independent.

PMID- 22086740
TI  - Report of a case of steroid-induced psychosis and inappropriate sexual behaviour
      in an adolescent.
AB  - We present the case of an acute steroid-induced psychosis in a 17-year-old boy
      who presented with inappropriate sexual behaviour. Quetiapine treatment was
      initiated at an initial dosage of 300 mg/day. The dosage was increased to 900
      mg/day on the fourth day of the treatment. The patient's symptoms began to
      improve in the second week and were resolved by the fourth week of quetiapine
      treatment. Steroid use may result in a psychosis, including inappropriate sexual
      behaviour. Clinicians should be very cautious while administering these drugs and
      should consider and monitor side effects carefully.

PMID- 22086742
TI  - Venlafaxin-associated post-ictal asystole during electroconvulsive therapy.
AB  - While post-stimulus asystoles occur quite often during electroconvulsive therapy
      (ECT) post-ictal or post-seizure sinus bradycardias or even asystoles are rare
      events. We report the case of an 82-year-old female patient with a current major
      depressive episode, who developed the rare event of a post-ictal asystole of 6 s
      and 4 ventricular escape beats during ECT. In the past this patient with a
      bipolar disorder and mild Alzheimer's disease had already been frequently treated
      with ECT with good success and no adverse events. Relevant comedication was
      venlafaxin, quetiapine, donepezil and clonidine, anesthesia was performed with
      ketamine and succinylcholine. Concurrent medication was completely unchanged
      compared to previous ECT sessions with the exception of venlafaxine, presumably
      at high serum levels. In summary, in line with some already existing reports, we
      expect the noradrenergic action of venlafaxin to have contributed substantially
      to the post-ictal asystole and want to indicate that the combination of ECT and
      venlafaxin might be harmful--especially in the elderly population.

PMID- 22086741
TI  - Coprescription of levodopa with antipsychotics in a population of 84,596
      psychiatric inpatients from 1994 to 2008.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients on levodopa therapy frequently require additional
      antipsychotic pharmacotherapy. However, consideration must be given to
      antagonistic interactions on dopamine receptors between levodopa and
      antipsychotics, and efficacy and safety of such combinations. We therefore aimed
      to explore the practice and rationale of coprescription between levodopa and
      antipsychotics in psychiatric patients. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective
      study based on cross-sectional prescription data repeatedly collected from
      psychiatric inpatients through the international Drug Safety in Psychiatry (AMSP)
      program between 1994 and 2008 was undertaken. RESULTS: Within a population of 84
      596 psychiatric patients the prevalence of levodopa therapy was 1.0% (n=886).
      Among those patients on levodopa therapy 59.6% (n=528) also received
      antipsychotics. Quetiapine coprescription increased after its first marketing in
      2000 to 45.9% in 2008. Coprescription of clozapine and olanzapine decreased from
      up to 25 and 22%, respectively, before to less than 10% after the introduction of
      quetiapine. Coprescribing of other antipsychotics remained approximately stable
      with average prevalences between 6 and less than 1%. DISCUSSION: Quetiapine has
      now replaced clozapine as the most frequently coprescribed neuroleptic in
      psychiatric patients with levodopa therapy. This is in accordance with recent
      data indicating a low potential for clinically relevant interactions with
      levodopa and efficacy against psychosis in levodopa-treated patients. The
      combined use of antipsychotics other than quetiapine and clozapine with levodopa
      is less common and generally not supported by appropriate evidence.

PMID- 22086743
TI  - Olanzapine-induced anaphylactic shock: a case report.
AB  - Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic, which is also used as a mood
      stabilizer. We report a case of a 33-year-old psychiatric patient, with bipolar
      affective disorder, who developed anaphylaxis as a late reaction to olanzapine.
      This case report shows the possibility, although rare, of a severe late
      anaphylactic reaction to olanzapine.

PMID- 22086744
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring of children and adolescents treated with fluoxetine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Information about therapeutic serum levels of fluoxetine (FLX) and
      its major metabolite norfluoxetine (NORFLX) in children and adolescents is
      scarce. METHODS: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of FLX was routinely performed
      in 71 subjects treated for a major depressive disorder (MDD) (10-60 mg/d FLX,
      median: 20 mg/d). Correlations between serum concentration and dosage, age,
      gender, smoking habits and adverse events were analysed. RESULTS: Serum
      concentrations of the active moiety (FLX + NORFLX) ranged from 21 to 613 ng/mL
      (mean concentration of 213 +/- 118 ng/mL, median: 185 ng/mL). High inter
      individual variability in serum concentrations of the active moiety of FLX at
      each dosage level was observed and no relationship between serum concentration
      and clinical outcome was found. Apart from smoking, none of the factors tested
      had a significant eff ect on the serum concentration. DISCUSSION: It was shown
      that serum concentrations of the active moiety of FLX in children and adolescents
      seem to be similar to those in adults, with a high level of inter-individual
      variation. The proportion of patients who showed benefits from treatment with a
      dose of 20 mg/d FLX was high.

PMID- 22086745
TI  - Pregabalin: dose-response relationship in generalized anxiety disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pregabalin is a structural analogue of the inhibitory
      neurotransmitter GABA. Although pregabalin has demonstrated efficacy in the
      treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a number of randomized
      controlled trials, there is little published data on the optimal dose for
      treating this condition. The objective of the current study was to examine the
      dose-response relationship for treatment of GAD with pregabalin. METHOD: The
      current study pools results from previous fixed-dose treatment trials of GAD with
      pregabalin and uses curve-fitting statistical procedures to generate curvilinear
      regression lines as a synthesis of previous dose-response information. RESULTS:
      Peak reduction in anxiety symptoms was observed to occur at a dose of
      approximately 450 mg/day, with a small reduction in treatment effect beyond this
      dose. Treatment effect on psychic anxiety symptoms reached a peak at
      approximately 400 mg, with a reduction in efficacy beyond this dose. Somatic
      anxiety symptoms showed continued increase in therapeutic effect up to the
      maximum dose of 600 mg/day. DISCUSSION: Implications for psychiatric practice,
      limitations of the methodology and avenues for future research are discussed.

PMID- 22086746
TI  - Does pain improve earlier than mood in depressed patients with painful physical
      symptoms treated with duloxetine?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In depressed patients tricyclic antidepressants and selective
      serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors can reduce not only depressive,
      but also painful physical symptoms. We investigated whether under treatment with
      duloxetine pain improves earlier than mood. METHODS: Data were obtained within a
      prospective 6-month multi-centre naturalistic study in adult out-patients with
      depressive episodes treated with duloxetine (fl exible doses: 30-120 mg/day).
      Pain and mood were assessed daily by visual analogue scales. For responders (n =
      622) "time to 50 % pain response" and "time to 50 % mood response" were
      determined by counting the earliest day between day 0 and 27, at which the
      patient achieved 50 % improvement. RESULTS: Mean time to 50 % pain response (mean
      6.3 days, SD 5.3) was significantly shorter than time to 50 % mood response (mean
      7.6 days, SD 6.0, mean difference 1.3 days, SD 6.4; p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: In
      duloxetine-responders to both pain and mood, self-rated pain improved slightly
      earlier than self-rated mood. The short temporal dissociation between pain and
      mood improvement might be explained by an earlier conscious perception of pain
      than mood changes.

PMID- 22086747
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of a once daily formulation of Ginkgo biloba extract
      EGb 761(r) in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: results from a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A 24-week randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess the
      efficacy of a 240 mg once-daily preparation of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(r)
      in 404 outpatients >= 50 years diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia (SKT 9
      23), Alzheimer's disease (AD) or vascular dementia (VaD), with neuropsychiatric
      features (NPI total score >= 5). METHODS: Separate analyses were performed for
      diagnostic subgroups (probable or possible AD; VaD). RESULTS: 333 patients were
      diagnosed with AD and 71 with VaD. EGb 761(r) treatment was superior to placebo
      with respect to the SKT total score (drug-placebo differences: 1.7 for AD,
      p<0.001, and 1.4 for VaD, p<0.05) and the NPI total score (drug-placebo
      differences: 3.1 for AD, p<0.001 and 3.2 for VaD, p<0.05). Significant drug
      placebo differences were found for most secondary outcome variables with no major
      differences between AD and VaD subgroups. Rates of adverse events in EGb 761(r)
      and placebo groups were essentially similar. CONCLUSION: EGb 761(r) improved
      cognitive functioning, neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional abilities in both
      types of dementia.

PMID- 22086748
TI  - The serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) affects the relation
      between antidepressant serum concentrations and effectiveness in major
      depression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Both the serotonin transporter promotor polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and
      serum concentrations of SSRIs have been shown to affect response to SSRIs.
      Results, however, are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate
      whether remission or response to SSRIs is influenced by an interaction of 5
      HTTLPR and SSRI serum concentrations. METHODS: 49 patients with major depression
      and SSRI treatment were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR locus including the rs25531.
      Drug serum concentrations and depression severity were measured weekly. RESULTS:
      Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between 5-HTTLPR,
      SSRI serum concentrations and response to treatment. A favourable treatment
      outcome correlated with SSRI serum concentration in 5-HTTLPR-L(A) allele carriers
      (r2 = 34.3 %; p = 0.001), but not in S/L(G)-allele carriers (p = 0.31).
      DISCUSSION: In the group of L(A) allele carriers, those MDD patients with a high
      antidepressant serum concentrations responded better to treatment than patients
      with a low serum concentration. We conclude that the 5-HTTLPR might affect
      reponse to SRRI subject to serum concentrations. If replicated this might be a
      starting point for prospective clinical trials.

PMID- 22086749
TI  - Risperidone and olanzapine versus another first generation antipsychotic in
      patients with schizophrenia inadequately responsive to first generation
      antipsychotics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy of risperidone and olanzapine to that
      of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) in patients with schizophrenia, who
      failed to show a response to initial trials of FGAs. METHOD: This study was an 8
      week treatment, randomized, rater-blind, active-control study with 3 treatment
      arms. 48 patients, who showed inadequate response to 1 FGA, were enrolled and
      randomized into risperidone, olanzapine, or FGA (haloperidol or trifluoperazine)
      groups. They were blindly assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
      (PANSS), the Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, and the Extrapyramidal
      Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS) at baseline and biweekly. RESULTS: All 3 groups
      demonstrated a significant decrease in the PANSS total, positive, and general
      scores from baseline to endpoint (p-values range from 0.003 to 0.021). There were
      no significant differences among the 3 groups in score changes. The olanzapine
      group had significant score reductions than the risperidone and FGAs groups in
      terms of the ESRS subjective total score and did not experience a significant
      increase in the dose of anticholinergics. The FGA group demonstrated that
      extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) worsened under an increased dosage of anti-EPS
      drugs. Olanzapine was associated with significant body weight gain (2.69 +/- 4.0
      kg, p=0.026), but there were no significant group differences on weight gain.
      CONCLUSIONS: Haloperidol or trifluoperazine demonstrated similar efficacy as
      risperidone or olanzapine for patients with schizophrenia who had failed their
      first trial with a FGA. Related double-blind, fixed dose studies with a larger
      sample size are needed to confirm the results of our study.

PMID- 22086750
TI  - Estimation of dynamic treatment strategies for maintenance therapy of children
      with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: an application of history-adjusted marginal
      structural models.
AB  - Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is treated with long-term intensive
      chemotherapy. During the latter part of the treatment, the maintenance therapy,
      the patients receive oral doses of two cytostatics. The doses are tailored to
      blood counts measured on a weekly basis, and the treatment is therefore highly
      dynamic. In 1992-1996, the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology
      (NOPHO) conducted a randomised study (NOPHO-ALL-92) to investigate the effect of
      a new and more sophisticated dynamic treatment strategy. Unexpectedly, the new
      strategy worsened the outcome for the girls, whereas there were no treatment
      differences for the boys. There are as yet no general guidelines for optimising
      the treatment. On basis of the data from this study, our goal is to formulate an
      alternative dosing strategy. We use recently developed methods proposed by van
      der Laan et al. to obtain statistical models that may be used in the guidance of
      how the physicians should assign the doses to the patients to obtain the target
      of the treatment. We present a possible strategy and discuss the reliability of
      this strategy. The implementation is complicated, and we touch upon the
      limitations of the methods in relation to the formulation of alternative dosing
      strategies for the maintenance therapy.

PMID- 22086751
TI  - Stearylated INF7 peptide enhances endosomal escape and gene expression of
      PEGylated nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - We previously reported on a stearylated INF7 peptide (str-INF7), which enhances
      the endosomal escape of an octaarginine (R8)-modified liposomal particle
      encapsulating plasmid DNA (pDNA) in a fusion-independent manner. This study
      examined whether this peptide derivative enhanced the endosomal escape and gene
      expression of PEGylated liposomes encapsulating pDNA. We used a PEGylated, R8
      modified multifunctional envelope-type nanodevice (R8-MEND) as a model for
      PEGylated liposomes. Polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG2000) attached to two different
      anchors, distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-PEG) or
      dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE-PEG), was used to modify the R8-MEND in
      the presence or absence of two different concentrations of str-INF7. Modification
      of the PEGylated R8-MEND with str-INF7 resulted in luciferase gene expression
      levels in HeLa cells that were 73-fold and 24-fold higher than the corresponding
      value for an unmodified MEND in the case of DSPE-PEG and DMPE-PEG, respectively.
      The endosomal escape of the PEGylated R8-MEND was improved by str-INF7, as
      confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, modification with
      str-INF7 enhanced the hepatic gene expression of the R8-MEND modified with DSPE
      PEG and DMPE-PEG by 95-fold and 1885-fold, respectively, after intravenous
      injection in mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that str-INF7 can be a
      useful device for enhancing the endosomal escape even for PEGylated liposomes
      encapsulating pDNA.

PMID- 22086752
TI  - Providing cancer care: individual or team sport?

PMID- 22086753
TI  - From the editors' desk: realizing the dream: mentorship in academic medicine.

PMID- 22086754
TI  - Older homeless adults: can we do more?

PMID- 22086755
TI  - Arago's best paper.
AB  - The year 2011 is the bicentennial of Francois Arago's discovery of optical
      rotation. The immediate usurpation of the study of optical activity by Jean
      Baptiste Biot led to the first well-known judgments of the arrangements of atoms
      in space. Scientists are less aware that Arago achieved something far greater
      than his contributions to optics, by signing the 1848 decree that abolished
      slavery throughout the French Empire. Opposing attitudes of Arago and Biot toward
      abolition, foreshadowed in their early rift over optical rotation, were
      surprisingly exposed in mid-century developments in chiroptics. As shown in a
      recent book by Levitt, Arago sought a reinvention of the whole colonial
      plantation system consistent with Republican principles, while Biot tried to
      place the cane sugar industry and slave-based economy on the quantitative
      foundation of saccharimetry. A reevaluation of the circumstances of abolition can
      celebrate both societal evolution and optical rotation on the 200th birthday of
      the latter. Episodes from Arago's life that arguably created his predisposition
      toward abolition are emphasized: He was imprisoned several times as a young man
      and knew the loss of liberty, his brother Jacques witnessed slavery in Brazil and
      advocated abolition in travel books prepared with Francois, and finally, in
      writing the biography of the Marquis de Condorcet, the spirit behind the first,
      albeit impermanent French abolition of slavery in 1794, Arago found proof of
      concept for his comparable challenge. Curiously, the measurement of the optical
      rotation of crystals and sugar, the foci of Arago and Biot, respectively, remain
      among the greatest challenges in polarimetry. Current developments are reviewed
      with respect to chiroptical anisotropy and in vivo glucose detection driven by
      the pandemic of diabetes, a disease diagnosed polarimetrically by Biot that
      claimed the life of Arago.

PMID- 22086756
TI  - One-pot synthesis of isoquinolinium salts by rhodium-catalyzed C-H bond
      activation: application to the total synthesis of oxychelerythrine.

PMID- 22086757
TI  - Safety and efficacy of olanzapine monotherapy in treatment-resistant bipolar
      mania: a 12-week open-label study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and efficacy of olanzapine monotherapy in
      treatment-resistant bipolar mania. METHOD: Subjects (n = 18) who were acutely
      manic, did not respond to lithium, anticonvulsants, and neuroleptics, and/or had
      intolerable side effects to them in previous manic episodes were openly treated
      with olanzapine monotherapy (5-40 mg/d) for 12 weeks. The primary and secondary
      outcomes included the change from baseline to endpoint in Young Mania Rating
      Scale (YMRS) total score, Clinical Global Impression for Bipolar Disorder
      Severity Scale (CGI-S), 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and
      Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and response and remission rate.
      RESULTS: The mean change in YMRS total score from baseline to endpoint was -23.3
      +/- 8.4 (p < 0.001). Fifteen (88.5%) patients achieved response (>=50% reduction
      in YMRS total score) and 14 (77.8%) achieved remission (YMRS total score <=9 at
      endpoint). Mean changes from baseline to endpoint in CGI-S for mania and PANSS
      total score were significant, but not the changes in HAM-D total score or CGI-S
      for depression. The most common adverse events were sedation, self-reported
      weight gain, >=7% increase in body weight, dizziness, and akathisia. CONCLUSIONS:
      These preliminary results suggest that olanzapine monotherapy is effective and
      relatively safe in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar mania. Randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled study is warranted.

PMID- 22086758
TI  - The protective role of natural phytoalexin resveratrol on inflammation, fibrosis
      and regeneration in cholestatic liver injury.
AB  - Liver injuries can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses and as a result,
      initiate the process of hepatic regeneration and fibrogenesis. Resveratrol (RSV)
      has multiple health-promoting benefits. This study evaluated the potential
      protective effects and mechanism of RSV as related to cholestatic liver injury.
      RSV was given (4 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for either 3 days or 7 days after bile duct
      ligation (BDL) injury. RSV significantly reduced serum ALT, AST but not T-bil on
      Day 3. At this early stage of injury, RSV significantly reduced TNF-alpha and IL
      6 mRNA and decreased the number of Kupffer cells (CD68(+) ) recruited in the
      injured liver. RSV decreased hepatic fibrosis and reduced collagen Ialpha1 and
      TIMP-1 mRNA on Day 7. At the later stages of injury, RSV increased the number of
      Ki67(+)  hepatocytes indicating that RSV promoted hepatocyte proliferation.
      Additionally, it resulted in decreased expression of 4-hydroxynonenal and
      increased expression of the hepatocyte growth factor protein and mRNA in the RSV
      treated BDL group. Meanwhile, RSV reduced the mortality rate of BDL mice. In
      conclusion, RSV attenuated inflammation and reduced Kupffer cells activation. RSV
      decreased fibrosis and promoted hepatocyte regeneration, which increased the
      survival of BDL mice. RSV was beneficial for the treatment of cholestatic liver
      injury.

PMID- 22086759
TI  - Morphologic and functional association of retinal layers beneath the epiretinal
      membrane with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in eyes without
      photoreceptor abnormality.
AB  - PURPOSE: To access the differential thickening of retinal layers in the
      epiretinal membrane (ERM) and to determine their correlation with visual acuity.
      METHODS: Prospective and comparative case series of 22 patients, each of whom has
      one unilateral ERM eye and one normal eye. The eyes with abnormal photoreceptor
      layer by OCT images were excluded. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
      (SD-OCT) images were generated with Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering,
      Heidelberg, Germany). The thicknesses were obtained by a volume scan program
      using manual segmentation of the total retina, inner retina, inner nuclear layer
      (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), and outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the fovea
      (1.0 mm diameter) and the parafovea (3.0 mm diameter). The thickness and the
      proportion of each retinal layer and their relationship with visual acuity were
      analyzed. RESULTS: All retinal layers of ERM eyes were thicker than the patients'
      normal eyes (P < 0.05). In the fovea, the levels of thickness difference of inner
      retina (240.38%) and INL (266.26%) were significantly higher than total retina
      (126.7%). Visual acuity was not correlated with the retinal thickness in both ERM
      eyes and normal eyes (P > 0.05). However, significant correlations between visual
      acuity difference with retinal thickness difference were found in the total
      retina (rho = 0.450, P = 0.046) and the inner retina (rho = 0.602, P = 0.005) of
      the fovea, as well as in the inner retina (rho = 0.468, P = 0.037) and the INL
      (rho = 0.466, P = 0.039) of the parafovea. When we convert each retinal thickness
      into a proportion, in the foveal area, the percentages of thickness of the inner
      retina and the INL of ERM eye were significantly higher than that of the normal
      eye (P < 0.05), whereas that of the ONL was significantly lower (P < 0.05). In
      the parafoveal area, the percentage of thickness of the inner retina of the ERM
      eye was significantly higher than that of the normal eye (P < 0.05), whereas that
      of ONL was significantly lower (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic ERM affects
      the volume of all retinal layers. Inner retina had the most variability of
      thickness and is strongly associated with visual acuity changes in the case of
      intact photoreceptor layer.

PMID- 22086761
TI  - A latent class method for the selection of prototypes using expert ratings.
AB  - Latent class analysis can be applied to the outcomes of expert ratings to select
      objects or subjects that are regarded as prototypical of a category in an ordinal
      classification system. During a pilot study, Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated
      that the probability of correct selection is larger when using latent class
      analysis than when using methods that rely on agreement statistics. Further
      improvements in the latent class results can also be achieved by applying affine
      transformations to latent class estimates of sensitivity and specificity. An
      application is presented that involves the selection of prototypical radiographs.

PMID- 22086760
TI  - Effect of lipophilicity on the bioavailability of drugs after percutaneous
      administration by dissolving microneedles.
AB  - To elucidate drug lipophilicity effects on the bioavailability (BA) of drugs from
      skin after administration by dissolving microneedles, nine compounds with
      different lipophilicity indexes (log p value) were formulated into two-layered
      dissolving microneedles and administered percutaneously to rat skin: desmopressin
      (DDAVP), sumatriptan (ST), fluorescein (FL), granisetron (GRN), pindolol (PDL),
      pravastatin (PRV), rhodamine 123 (Rho), rifampicin (RFP), and salmeterol (SLM).
      Plasma drug concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry and spectrofluorometry. In vivo dissolution and diffusion in both
      horizontal and vertical directions of FL and RH in the skin were studied using
      fluorescence microscopy. Respective BAs were 95.1 +/- 7.9% (DDAVP), 84.2 +/- 2.7%
      (ST), 82.3 +/- 7.2% (FL), 82.7 +/- 6.7% (GRN), 71.6 +/- 3.8% (PDL), 63.6 +/- 7.5%
      (PRV), 53.7 +/- 8.3% (Rho), 46.2 +/- 6.1% (RFP), and 38.4 +/- 2.7% (SM). BA
      decreased as the lipophilicity index, log p value, of the drug increased from
      1.95 to 1.73. The respective remaining percentages in skin tissue were 1.4 +/-
      0.7% (DDAVP), 0.9 +/- 0.1% (ST), 1.0 +/- 0.2% (FL), 3.4 +/- 1.2% (GRN), 14.5 +/-
      3.7% (PDL), 23.4 +/- 5.2% (PRV), 32.2 +/- 6.0% (Rho), 40.7 +/- 4.9% (RFP), and
      40.6 +/- 5.1% (SLM), dependent on log p. Fluorescence microscopy showed no FL or
      Rho in skin tissue within 4 and 24 h after administration, respectively. The BA
      of drugs delivered by dissolving microneedles depends on the drug solubility in
      the skin epidermis and dermis.

PMID- 22086762
TI  - [Modeling employee stress in psychiatric rehabilitation--effects of personal and
      organizational factors].
AB  - Increasing stress-associated health problems in Germany often are attributed to
      problems on the job, in particular to rising work demands. The study includes
      several stress predictors from other results and from literature in one
      predictive model for the field of work of "psychiatric rehabilitation".A cross
      sectional design was used to measure personal and organizational variables with
      quantitative standard questionnaires as self-ratings from n=243 pedagogically
      active employees from various professions. Overall stress and job stress were
      measured with different instruments.The sample showed above-average overall
      stress scores along with below-average job stress scores. The multivariate
      predictive model for explaining the heightened stress shows pathogenetic and
      salutogenetic main effects for organizational variables such as "gratification
      crisis" and personal variables such as "occupational self-efficacy expectations"
      as well as an interaction of both types of variables. There are relevant gender
      specific results concerning empathy and differences between professions
      concerning the extent of occupational self-efficacy.The results are a matter of
      particular interest for the practice of workplace health promotion as well as for
      social work schools, the main group in our sample being social workers.

PMID- 22086763
TI  - Rhodiola rosea extract protects human cortical neurons against glutamate and
      hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death through reduction in the accumulation of
      intracellular calcium.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a
      titolated extract from Rhodiola rosea L. (RrE) and of salidroside (Sa), one of
      the major biologically active compounds extracted from this medicinal plant,
      against oxidative stressor hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutamate (GLU)-induced
      cell apoptosis in a human cortical cell line (HCN 1-A) maintained in culture. The
      results obtained indicate that exposure of differentiated HCN 1-A neurons to GLU
      or H2O2 resulted in concentration-dependent cell death. A 24 h pre-treatment with
      RrE significantly increased cell survival and significantly prevented the plasma
      membrane damage and the morphological disruption caused by GLU or H2O2,
      indicating that neurons treated with RrE were protected from the neurotoxicity
      induced by the oxidative stressor used. In addition, RrE significantly reduced
      H2O2 or GLU-induced elevation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. The
      results obtained have also shown that Sa caused similar effects in all
      experimental models used; however, the potency of the action was lower than that
      of the extract containing corresponding quantities of Sa. These findings indicate
      that RrE has a neuroprotective effect in cortical neurons and suggest that the
      antioxidant activity of the RrE, due to the structural features of the synergic
      active principles they contain, may be responsible for its ability to stabilize
      cellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

PMID- 22086764
TI  - Optical modulation and selective recovery of Cy5 fluorescence.
AB  - Fluorescence modulation offers the opportunity to detect low-concentration
      fluorophore signals within high background. Applicable from the single-molecule
      to bulk levels, we demonstrate long-wavelength optical depopulation of dark
      states that otherwise limit Cy5 fluorescence intensity. By modulated excitation
      of a long-wavelength Cy5 transient absorption, we dynamically modulate Cy5
      emission. The frequency dependence enables specification of the dark-state
      timescales enabling optical-demodulation-based signal recovery from high
      background. These dual-laser illumination schemes for high-sensitivity
      fluorescence-signal recovery easily improve signal-to-noise ratios by well over
      an order of magnitude, largely by discrimination against background. Previously
      limited to very specialized dyes, our utilization of long-lived dark states in
      Cy5 enables selective detection of this very common single-molecule and bulk
      fluorophore. Although, in principle, the "dark state" can arise from any
      photoinduced process, we demonstrate that cis-trans photoisomerization, with its
      unique transient absorption and lifetime enables this sensitivity boosting, long
      wavelength modulation to occur in Cy5. Such studies underscore the need for
      transient absorption studies on common fluorophores to extend the impact of
      fluorescence modulation for high-sensitivity fluorescence imaging in a much wider
      array of applications.

PMID- 22086765
TI  - Structural dynamics of free amino acids in diffraction.

PMID- 22086766
TI  - Prolonged impact of chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a
      longitudinal comparison with radiotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors and
      noncancer controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the authors examined the influence of prior treatment
      on the course of fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Patients who received
      chemotherapy were expected to have greater fatigue than patients who received
      radiotherapy and noncancer controls 6 months after the completion of treatment,
      but they were expected to recover to levels similar to those of the other 2
      groups 3 years later. METHODS: Patients with stage 0 through II breast cancer
      completed the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) and the Profile of Mood States
      Fatigue Scale (POMS-FAT) 6 months (T1) and 42 months (T2) after completing
      chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy (the CT group; n = 103) or radiotherapy
      only (the RT group; n = 102). An age-matched group of women with no history of
      cancer (the NC group; n = 193) was assessed over a similar interval. RESULTS: A
      significant (P = .041) group * time effect for FSI severity scores revealed that
      fatigue worsened over time in the CT group but remained stable and lower in the
      RT and NC groups. There also were significant group effects for FSI days (P <
      .001) and POMS-FAT (P = .010) scores, indicating that fatigue was significantly
      greater across time in the CT group than in the NC group (POMS-FAT) or the RT and
      NC groups (FSI days). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, fatigue did not
      diminish over time in patients with breast cancer who received chemotherapy. This
      finding has important implications for patient education and for fatigue
      monitoring during follow-up. The authors concluded that future research should
      seek to examine possible mechanisms to explain the apparent prolonged impact of
      chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors.

PMID- 22086767
TI  - Predicting nucleic acid binding interfaces from structural models of proteins.
AB  - The function of DNA- and RNA-binding proteins can be inferred from the
      characterization and accurate prediction of their binding interfaces. However,
      the main pitfall of various structure-based methods for predicting nucleic acid
      binding function is that they are all limited to a relatively small number of
      proteins for which high-resolution three-dimensional structures are available. In
      this study, we developed a pipeline for extracting functional electrostatic
      patches from surfaces of protein structural models, obtained using the I-TASSER
      protein structure predictor. The largest positive patches are extracted from the
      protein surface using the patchfinder algorithm. We show that functional
      electrostatic patches extracted from an ensemble of structural models highly
      overlap the patches extracted from high-resolution structures. Furthermore, by
      testing our pipeline on a set of 55 known nucleic acid binding proteins for which
      I-TASSER produces high-quality models, we show that the method accurately
      identifies the nucleic acids binding interface on structural models of proteins.
      Employing a combined patch approach we show that patches extracted from an
      ensemble of models better predicts the real nucleic acid binding interfaces
      compared with patches extracted from independent models. Overall, these results
      suggest that combining information from a collection of low-resolution structural
      models could be a valuable approach for functional annotation. We suggest that
      our method will be further applicable for predicting other functional surfaces of
      proteins with unknown structure.

PMID- 22086768
TI  - Coordinate-based colocalization analysis of single-molecule localization
      microscopy data.
AB  - Colocalization of differently labeled biomolecules is a valuable tool in
      fluorescence microscopy and can provide information on biomolecular interactions.
      With the advent of super-resolution microscopy, colocalization analysis is
      getting closer to molecular resolution, bridging the gap to other technologies
      such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Among these novel microscopic
      techniques, single-molecule localization-based super-resolution methods offer the
      advantage of providing single-molecule coordinates that, rather than intensity
      information, can be used for colocalization analysis. This requires adapting the
      existing mathematical algorithms for localization microscopy data. Here, we
      introduce an algorithm for coordinate-based colocalization analysis which is
      suited for single-molecule super-resolution data. In addition, we present an
      experimental configuration for simultaneous dual-color imaging together with a
      robust approach to correct for optical aberrations with an accuracy of a few
      nanometers. We demonstrate the potential of our approach for cellular structures
      and for two proteins binding actin filaments.

PMID- 22086769
TI  - Complications in endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a 25-year
      experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to review complications
      occurring as a result of endoscopic sinus surgery by one surgeon in an academic
      practice during a 25-year period. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study.
      METHODS: A register of complications was tabulated during a period of 25 years
      for endoscopic sinus surgery performed for chronic rhinosinusitis in 3,402
      patients (6,148 sides). All complications were reviewed as a whole and were not
      divided into major or minor categories. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were
      found to have complicated endoscopic sinus surgery, for an overall patient
      complication rate of 0.031, or 0.017 per operated side. The most common
      complications were hemorrhage (n = 41), orbital complications (n = 29), and CSF
      leak (n = 19). The following factors were noted to have increased risk for
      complications: age, revision surgery, nasal polyps, anatomic variation, extensive
      disease, overall health, medications, and underlying factors. Certain types of
      instrumentation such as powered instrumentation placed patients at greater risk.
      The use of image guidance or surgical experience did not eliminate complications
      from occurring. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery still
      occur 25 years after the initial introduction of the surgery in 1985. Many
      complications can be managed without a bad outcome. The key to prevention is
      knowledge of anatomy, preparation, anticipation, and experience. Even then,
      complications can occur in the most experienced hands. Patients most at risk for
      complications include those with revision surgery, extensive disease, skull base
      anatomic or radiologic variations or dehiscences related to disease or previous
      surgery, and the use of powered instrumentation.

PMID- 22086770
TI  - Two-dimensional LC-MS fractioning and cross-matching of mass spectrometric data
      for rational identification of bioactive compounds in crude extracts.
AB  - Bioprospecting aims at the identification of biological compounds with novel
      properties. Identification of such compounds in crude complex biological extracts
      is a comprehensive challenge. As a large number of extracts must be screened for
      successful identification of one potential promising lead, rational screening
      strategies must be developed. Here we report on a novel two stage rational LC-MS
      strategy of extracts already pre-screened and proven to contain bioactive
      compound(s). All extracts are initially fractionated using one and the same LC
      condition with parallel mass spectrometric detection. Fractions containing
      bioactive compound(s) are then subjected to a second fractional stage using two
      different chromatographic conditions. Mass detection is also included at this
      stage, and a cross-matching algorithm for comparison of processed mass
      chromatograms from the two dimensions was developed. The algorithm reports only
      masses present in bioactive fractions in both dimensions and enable therefore an
      efficient identification of potential masses that causes the bioactivity. This
      mass list can be used to search in natural compound database(s) for a rapid
      evaluation if the mass belongs to an already identified compound or if it is a
      potentially new one. This strategy enables thorough screening of several hundred
      crude extracts in one week on one single instrument.

PMID- 22086771
TI  - A new classification approach for comparing two active treatments when there is
      no prior projection on which one is better.
AB  - We developed a new classification approach in this paper to compare two active
      treatments. This approach is especially useful when there is no prior judgment on
      which treatment is better and the traditional hypothesis testing approach is thus
      not applicable. Our method classifies all the possible outcomes into categories
      and draws conclusions on the difference in the outcome measurement between two
      treatment arms according to the location of the confidence interval for the
      treatment difference in the response variable. This method controls the
      misclassification rate regardless of the true difference in the response between
      the two treatment arms. The method was applied to a diabetes clinical trial.

PMID- 22086772
TI  - Evaluation of the effects of plant-derived essential oils on central nervous
      system function using discrete shuttle-type conditioned avoidance response in
      mice.
AB  - Although plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have been used to treat various
      mental disorders, their central nervous system (CNS) acting effects have not been
      clarified. The present study compared the effects of 20 kinds of EOs with the
      effects of already-known CNS acting drugs to examine whether the EOs exhibited
      CNS stimulant-like effects, CNS depressant-like effects, or neither. All agents
      were tested using a discrete shuttle-type conditioned avoidance task in mice.
      Essential oils of peppermint and chamomile exhibited CNS stimulant-like effects;
      that is, they increased the response rate (number of shuttlings/min) of the
      avoidance response. Linden also increased the response rate, however, the effect
      was not dose-dependent. In contrast, EOs of orange, grapefruit, and cypress
      exhibited CNS depressant-like effects; that is, they decreased the response rate
      of the avoidance response. Essential oils of eucalyptus and rose decreased the
      avoidance rate (number of avoidance responses/number of avoidance trials) without
      affecting the response rate, indicating that they may exhibit some CNS acting
      effects. Essential oils of 12 other plants, including juniper, patchouli,
      geranium, jasmine, clary sage, neroli, lavender, lemon, ylang-ylang, niaouli,
      vetivert and frankincense had no effect on the avoidance response in mice.

PMID- 22086773
TI  - [Closing the abdominal wall - challenges and possible solutions].
AB  - The most common complications after abdominal surgery - wound infections and the
      development of incisional hernia - are associated with the opening and closing of
      the abdominal wall. Depending on the selection of patients, wound infection rates
      of up to 19 % and hernia rates of up to 38 % are reported. Based on a summary of
      the actual literature, the abdominal wall should be closed with continuous slowly
      absorbable sutures with a suture length to wound length ratio of over 4 using
      small stitches. While antiseptic suture material may help to reduce wound
      infections after abdominal incision, preventing the development of incisional
      hernia is still a unsolved problem. As there is still no standard surgical
      technique for abdominal wall closure, surgeons should pay greater attention to
      the standardisation and documentation of techniques and wound care.

PMID- 22086774
TI  - [Stem cell-induced liver regeneration].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The liver has an excellent regenerative capacity after resection.
      However, below a critical level of future liver remnant volume (FLRV), partial
      hepatectomy is accompanied by a significant increase of postoperative liver
      failure. There is accumulating evidence for the contribution of bone marrow stem
      cells (BMSC) to participate in liver regeneration. Here we report our experience
      with portal vein embolisation (PVE) and CD133+ BMSC administration to the liver,
      compared with PVE alone, to augment hepatic regeneration in patients with
      critically low FLRV or impaired liver function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven
      patients underwent PVE of liver segments I and IV-VIII to stimulate hepatic
      regeneration prior to extended right hepatectomy. In these 11 patients with a
      FLRV below 25% and/or limited quality of hepatic parenchyma, PVE alone did not
      promise adequate proliferation. These patients underwent additional BMSC
      administration to segments II and III. Two radiologists blinded to patients'
      identity and each other's results measured liver and tumour volumes with helical
      computed tomography. Absolute, relative and daily FLRV gains were compared with a
      group of patients that underwent PVE alone. RESULTS: The increase of the mean
      absolute FLRV after PVE with BMSC application from 239.3 mL+/-103.5 (standard
      deviation) to 417.1 mL+/-150.4 was significantly higher than that from 286.3 mL+/
      77.1 to 395.9 mL+/-94.1 after PVE alone (p<0.05). Also the relative gain of FLRV
      in this group (77.3%+/-38.2%) was significantly higher than that after PVE alone
      (39.1%+/-20.4%) (P=0.039). In addition, the daily hepatic growth rate after PVE
      and BMSC application (9.5+/-4.3 mL/d) was significantly superior to that after
      PVE alone (4.1+/-1.9 mL/d) (p=0.03). Time to surgery was 27 days+/-11 in this
      group and 45 days+/-21 after PVE alone (p=0.02). Short- and long-term survival
      were not negatively influenced by the shorter waiting period. CONCLUSION: In
      patients with malignant liver lesions, the combination of PVE with CD133+ BMSC
      administration substantially increased hepatic regeneration compared with PVE
      alone. This procedure bears the potential to allow the safe resection of patients
      with a curative intention that would otherwise carry the risk post-operative
      liver failure.

PMID- 22086775
TI  - Taming saphenous vein grafts using guide catheter extensions.

PMID- 22086776
TI  - If i can't get it, i'll make it myself: adversity as the mother of innovation.

PMID- 22086777
TI  - Transradial PCI in cardiogenic shock, the final frontier?

PMID- 22086778
TI  - Perforation of the sinus of valsalva by guiding catheter during percutaneous
      coronary intervention via right transradial approach: a very unusual
      complication.

PMID- 22086779
TI  - Integrity(r) coronary stent: a very limber bare-metal stent.

PMID- 22086780
TI  - Rise of the machines... and their mechanics.

PMID- 22086781
TI  - The laa occlusion paradigm: are we there yet?

PMID- 22086782
TI  - Mechanisms of resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor blockade.
AB  - Angiogenesis is essential for the growth of primary tumors and for their
      metastasis. This process is induced by factors, such as vascular endothelial
      growth factors (VEGFs), that bind to transmembrane VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). VEGF
      A is the primary factor involved with angiogenesis; it binds to both VEGFR-1 and
      VEGFR-2. The inhibition of angiogenesis by obstructing VEGF-A signaling has been
      investigated as a method to treat solid tumors, but the development of resistance
      to this blockade has complicated treatment. The major mechanisms of this
      resistance to VEGF-A blockade include signaling by redundant receptors, such as
      the fibroblast growth factors, angiopoietin-1, ephrins, and other forms of VEGF.
      Other major mechanisms of resistance are increased metastasis of hypoxia
      resistant tumor cells, recruitment of cell types capable of promoting VEGF
      independent angiogenesis, and increased circulation of nontumor proangiogenic
      factors. Additional mechanisms of resistance to VEGF-A blockade include
      heterogeneity of responsiveness among tumor cells, use of anti-VEGF-A agents at
      insufficient doses or for insufficient duration, altered sensitivity to anti-VEGF
      A agents by mutations in endothelial cells or vascular remodeling, maintenance of
      vascular sleeves that allow for easy regrowth of tumor vasculature upon
      discontinuation of therapy, vascular cooption, and intussusceptive angiogenesis.
      An understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the development of targeted
      therapies that overcome this resistance. Some of these approaches include the
      combined inhibition of redundant angiogenic pathways, proper patient selection
      for various therapies based on gene expression profiles, blockade of cellular
      migration by inhibition of colony-stimulating factor, or the use of agents to
      disrupt vascular architecture.

PMID- 22086783
TI  - Dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy of
      functionalized metal-organic frameworks.

PMID- 22086784
TI  - Endoscopic anatomy of the palatovaginal canal (palatosphenoidal canal): a
      landmark for dissection of the vidian nerve during endonasal transpterygoid
      approaches.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Demonstrate the endoscopic anatomy of the palatovaginal
      (PV) canal and artery for identification and dissection of the vidian nerve
      during endoscopic transpterygoid approaches. Evaluate the length of the PV canal
      and its relation with the vidian nerve. Show that the traditionally known PV
      canal is a misnomer and should be renamed. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study:
      anatomical and radiological. METHODS: Dissection of eight cadaveric heads was
      performed to demonstrate the endoscopic anatomy of the PV canal. Computed
      tomography scan analysis of 20 patients was used to evaluate the length of the PV
      canal, the angle formed between this canal and the vidian nerve, and the distance
      between the vidian canal and the PV canal. Study of 10 dry skull bases was
      performed to verify the structures involved in the formation of the PV canal.
      RESULTS: Anatomic steps and foundations for dissection of the vidian nerve using
      the PV canal as a landmark were described. The mean length of the PV canal was
      7.15 mm. The mean proximal distance between the vidian and the PV canal was 1.95
      mm, and the mean distal distance was 4.14 mm. The mean angle between those canals
      was 48 degrees. The osteology study showed the vaginal process of the sphenoid
      bone did not contribute to the formation of the PV canal. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      anatomic investigations, radiologic studies, and surgical experience demonstrate
      the important anatomic relationship of the PV canal with the vidian canal and the
      relevance of the PV canal as a surgical landmark in endoscopic endonasal
      transpterygoid approaches. Anatomically, PV canal is a misnomer and should be
      replaced with palatosphenoidal canal.

PMID- 22086785
TI  - Too little appreciation for great expenditure? Workload and resources in ICUs.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was providing descriptive information and the
      comparative examination of job strain and mental health of nurses and physicians
      in different intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: The Effort-Reward Imbalance
      Questionnaire by Siegrist and standardized psychometric questionnaires, like
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale, Brief Symptom
      Inventory, Social Support Questionnaire, and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire were
      used. Five ICUs of the same German medical school were included (N = 142).
      RESULTS: For all ICUs investigated, a significantly lower mental health and a
      high effort-reward imbalance were found when compared with other samples. Only a
      few differences between the wards or both professional groups (nurses vs.
      physicians) were noted. The values for social support were comparable with those
      of healthy controls but differed between the wards. The life satisfaction in our
      cohort was lower compared to a population-based sample but was significant
      different between the wards. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the high job
      strain in an ICU, largely independent of the professional group. Noteworthy, a
      high effort-reward imbalance was found that stands in positive relation to
      adverse health effects (anxiety, depression, and general mental health). As a
      consequence, necessary interventions like stress management, supervision, and
      communication trainings should consider ward-specific conditions of employment
      rather than professional affiliation. After these interventions, a follow-up
      study will be performed to examine beneficial effects on job strain and health.

PMID- 22086786
TI  - Efficacy of locking plate fixation in stabilizing distal radius fractures in
      patients aged 50 years or over.

PMID- 22086787
TI  - Early CT for suspected occult scaphoid fractures.
AB  - In this study, the use of computed tomography (CT) early in the management of
      suspected occult scaphoid fractures was evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed
      the notes and radiology of patients who had scaphoid CT scans over the preceding
      3 years. Eighty-four patients that had CT scans within 14 days from injury were
      identified. Of the CT scans, 64% (n = 54) excluded a fracture and these patients
      were promptly mobilized. No patients returned with any complications from this
      management. Overall, 36% of CT scans were abnormal (n = 30), 7% revealed occult
      scaphoid fractures, 18% revealed occult carpal fractures of the triquetrum,
      capitate, and lunate, respectively, and 5% revealed distal radius fractures. All
      patients diagnosed with fractures were successfully managed with plaster
      immobilization and there was one case of complex regional pain syndrome. Early CT
      alters therapeutic decision making in suspected occult fractures preventing
      unnecessary immobilization in a working population without increase in cost.

PMID- 22086788
TI  - The effect of the involvement of the dominant or non-dominant hand on grip/pinch
      strengths and the Levine score in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - The Levine questionnaire is a disease-oriented instrument developed for outcome
      measurement of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) management. The objective of this
      study was to compare Levine scores in patients with unilateral CTS, involving the
      dominant or non-dominant hand, before and after carpal tunnel release. Records of
      144 patients, 126 women (87%) and 18 men (13%) aged a mean of 58 years with
      unilateral CTS, treated operatively, were analysed. The dominant hand was
      involved in 100 patients (69%), the non-dominant in 44 (31%). The parameters were
      analysed pre-operatively, and at 1 and 6 months post-operatively. A comparison of
      Levine scores in patients with the involvement of the dominant or non-dominant
      hand showed no statistically significant differences at baseline and any of the
      follow-up measurements. Statistically significant differences were noted in total
      grip strength at baseline and at 6 month assessments and in key-pinch strength at
      1 and 6 months.

PMID- 22086789
TI  - High levels of hsCRP are associated with carbohydrate metabolism disorder.
AB  - AIM: To determine risk parameters associated with high values of high sensitive C
      reactive protein (hsCRP) in subjects with different glucose fasting levels.
      METHODS: Anthropometric parameters, arterial pressure, glycemia, lipid profile,
      uric acid, and hsCRP were studied in a population of 513 individuals between 40
      and 65 years. RESULTS: In total, 349 (68.0%) were normoglycemic (NG); 113 (22.0%)
      had impaired fasting glucose (IFG); and 51 (9.9%) were diabetic subjects. A
      multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the natural logarithm of
      hsCRP was associated significantly with glycemia levels (P = 0.009), uric acid (P
      = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.011), smoking habit (P = 0.021), BMI
      (P<0.001), and sex (P<0.001). One-third of the NG subjects had high hsCRP levels.
      A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sex and BMI were variables
      related to high levels of hsCRP in subjects with IFG and NG. In NG subjects, uric
      acid levels were associated with risk of presenting high hsCRP levels and were
      higher in women than men. In NG women, ROC curves analysis identified a uric acid
      level of 3.9  mg/dl as a cut-off point to predict a high value of hsCRP. Those
      individuals with uric acid values higher than 3.9 mg/dl and normal glycemia had
      3.5-fold more risk of having hsCRP levels over 3.0 mg/l. CONCLUSIONS: We sustain
      that high levels of hsCRP are associated with disturbance in carbohydrate
      metabolism. In addition, we believe that in low cardiovascular risk population,
      such as NG women, uric acid levels above 3.9 mg/dl might represent a signal of
      possible pro-inflammatory state and cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22086790
TI  - Latent tuberculosis infection screening for laboratory personnel using interferon
      gamma release assay and tuberculin skin test in Korea: an intermediate incidence
      setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Though recent reports have indicated a higher prevalence of latent
      tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in laboratory personnel than in other healthcare
      workers, these studies included only a limited number of laboratory personnel.
      METHODS: We have thus focused on the laboratory personnel, who had a high level
      of exposure to specimens from patients with TB. We recruited 173 laboratory
      personnel and performed QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-G) and tuberculin
      skin test (TST). RESULTS: QFT-G was positive in 21.4% of the enrolled laboratory
      personnel, and TST was positive in 33.3%. The agreement between the two tests was
      fair (kappa = 0.234). In multivariate analyses, household contactwith TBpatients
      (P = 0.013), the laboratory sections of microbiology (P = 0.045) and
      chemistry/immunology (P = 0.014) were shown to be significantly associated with
      positive QFT-G results. CONCLUSION: Our data show a high prevalence of TST and
      QFT-G positivity in laboratory personnel and emphasize the importance of LTBI
      screening for laboratory personnel. In BCG-vaccinated populations with an
      intermediate incidence setting, QFT-G seems to be superior to TST as a screening
      tool for the detection of LTBI. Further study, including results of follow-up
      tests will be helpful for confirmation of our findings.

PMID- 22086791
TI  - Troubleshooting fine-tuning procedures for qPCR system design.
AB  - Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has been improved and optimized over the past
      decade for a wide range of applications. Design of primers and probes is one of
      the crucial steps to obtain high system efficiency of qPCR since design pitfalls
      influence negatively amplification performances. We report the results of some
      experiments. First, we demonstrate the utility of optimal primer design and
      concentration in PCR by constructing suboptimal primers, for instance with
      hairpin and primer-dimers secondarystructures, and quantifying the decrease in
      efficiency of amplification. Second, we show the adverse effects of the target
      sequence harboring stable secondary structures on the primer binding sites.
      Finally, we let see that the mere use of probe-based detection is not enough to
      ensure robustness of qPCR data, because the eventual detrimental products
      generated by primers not well designed may influence in any case the PCR
      efficiency.

PMID- 22086792
TI  - Naringenin is an inhibitor of human serum paraoxonase (PON1): an in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhibition studies on PON1 as an organophosphate-hydrolyzing and
      atheroprotective enzyme could be useful in elucidating the function of PON1. This
      study is aimed at examining the in vitro effects of the flavonoid naringenin on
      PON1 activity in human serum and purified enzyme. METHODS: The inhibition
      kinetics of the interaction of naringenin with human PON1 in serum and purified
      enzyme was determined spectrophotometrically using paraoxon and phenylacetate as
      the substrates. RESULTS: Naringenin could be introduced as an effective inhibitor
      on purified human PON1 activity for phenylacetate as the substrate with an IC(50)
      value of 10 uM. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities of PON1, in the serum
      assay, were also inhibited by naringenin with IC(50) values of 37.9 and 34.6 uM,
      respectively. PON1, according to acompetitive-type inhibition pattern, was
      inhibited by naringenin with K(i) constant of 14.5 uM for serum paraoxonase
      activity. The results were compared with a known inhibitor of PON1, 2
      hydroxyquinoline. We believe (to our knowledge) that this is the first reported
      study for kinetic parameters of PON1 inhibition by naringenin. CONCLUSIONS:
      Lipophilic property appears to be an important feature of the structure in
      evaluating the inhibitor potential. Comparison of our findings and other authors
      showed that the induction of PON1 gene by naringenin and its inhibitory effects
      on the enzyme protein are probably two different mechanisms by which the
      flavonoid affects PON1. The in vitro data reported in this study could be useful
      in the development of structure-activity relationship for PON1 inhibition.

PMID- 22086793
TI  - Screening serum biomarkers for early primary hepatocellular carcinoma using a
      phage display technique.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs mainly in chronically diseased livers
      following hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Early
      detection and diagnosis of HCC would be of great clinical benefit. In this study,
      we used a random phage display peptide library and sera from early-stage primary
      HCC patients (n = 30) to screen potential serum biomarkers for early primary HCC.
      Age- and sex-matched patients with HBV and/or HCV infection were used as
      controls. In the screening phase, 19 out of 20 randomly selected phage clones
      exhibited specific reaction with purified sera IgG from early primary HCC
      patients, among them 14 coming from the same phage clone with inserted
      peptidesequence RGWCRPLPKGEG (named HC1). In the validation phase, phage ELISA
      results showed that the positive reaction rate of the HC1 phage clone was 91.4%
      with the early HCC group (n = 70), significantly higher than that with the HBV
      infection group (20.0%) (n = 70), the HCV infection group (12.9%) (n = 70), the
      HBV + HCV infection group (24.3%) (n = 70), the cirrhosis group (17.1%) (n = 70),
      and the healthy control group (10.0%) (n = 70). In conclusion, the HC1 mimic
      peptide showed high diagnostic validity for early primary HCC, and thereby could
      be a candidate serum biomarker for early primary HCC.

PMID- 22086794
TI  - The serum profile of adipokines in naive patients with diabetes mellitus type 2
      and obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of serum
      profile of adipokines with cardiovascular risk factors and anthropometric
      parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. SUBJECTS: A population of
      108 obese patients with DM2 was analyzed. A complete biochemical anthropometric
      and nutritional evaluation was performed. RESULTS: In the analysis with leptin as
      a dependent variable, the IL-6 and glucose levels remained in the model (F = 6.2;
      P<0.05), with an increase of 5.8 (CI 95%:2.7-7.6) ng/ml with each 1 pg/ml of IL-6
      and of 5.2 (CI95%:2.5-5.8) ng/ml with each 1 mg/dl of glucose. In a second model
      with adiponectin as a dependent variable, the BMI remained in the model (F =
      3.77;P<0.05), with an decrease of -3.77 (CI 95%:0.53-7.1) ng/ml with each 1 point
      of BMI. In the third multivariate analysis with IL-6 as a dependent variable, the
      glucose level remained in the model (F = 10.1; P<0.01), with an increase of 0.09
      (CI95%:0.06-0.12) pg/ml with each 1 mg/dl of glucose. In the fourth multivariate
      analysis with resistin as a dependent variable, the CRP remained in the model (F
      = 2.51; P<0.05), with an increase of 0.28 (CI 95%:0.08-0.48) pg/ml with each 1
      mg/dl of CRP. CONCLUSION: Serum profile of adipokines is associated with
      different risk factors in diabetic obese patients.

PMID- 22086795
TI  - Serum cytokine levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B according to
      lamivudine therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytokines are known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the relationship between cytokines and
      treatment responses to drugs for CHB is not clearly defined yet. We measured the
      serum cytokine levels of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL
      8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis
      factor- (TNF-alpha), macrophage/monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and epidermal
      growth factor to elucidate the cytokine expression pattern according to the
      patients' responses to lamivudine. METHODS: Fifty-eight specimens from 27 CHB
      patients and 98 specimens from healthy individuals were tested for 12 kinds of
      cytokines. The patients were grouped as: before treatment, ongoing treatment,
      duringmaintaining remission, and patients with viral breakthrough owing to
      resistance against lamivudine. The Evidence Investigator (Randox, Antrim, UK), a
      protein chip analyzer, was used to quantify serum cytokines. RESULTS: Among 12
      cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were significantly elevated in
      patients with resistance against lamivudine compared with patients maintaining
      response. IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels also weak to moderate correlated with
      ALT and HBV-DNA concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Serum cytokine levels would reflect
      the pathological differences of the individual treatment phases and may become
      useful indices in monitoring the treatment response of CHB.

PMID- 22086796
TI  - Red cell distribution width (RDW) in the newborn: normative data.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the normal range of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in
      term and preterm newborns dependent on gestational age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      total of 1,594 preterm and term neonates were admitted to our neonatology
      department. Infants were divided into two groups according to their gestational
      age. Group 1 consisted of infants with <=34 weeks of gestation; group 2 consisted
      of infants with >=35 weeks of gestation. Infants in Groups I and II were
      subdivided according to their gestational age. Gestational age, birth weight,
      sex, hemoglobin and hematocrit, MCV levels of all newborns were recorded, and RDW
      was compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,594 newbornswere enrolled
      in the study. Group 1 (<=34 weeks) consisted of 725 newborns and Group 2 (>=35
      weeks) consisted of 869 newborns. The mean normal range of RDW in Group 1 was
      17.8 +/- 2.1 and of group II was 16.7 +/- 1.6 (P<0.05). The normal range for RDW
      values at 32-34 weeks was higher than at 35-36 gestational weeks, and at 37-42
      weeks (P = 0.002 and 0.003). CONCLUSION: RDW values at <=34 weeks in newborns are
      higher than at >=35 weeks. This may be useful in the differential diagnosis of
      neonatal hematologic diseases together with other red cell parameters.

PMID- 22086797
TI  - Detection of alpha-globin gene deletions using denaturing high-performance liquid
      chromatography and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) has been used
      to detect deletions and mutations of the alpha-globin gene for diagnosis of alpha
      thalassemia. MLPA reaction products are usually separated and analyzed by high
      voltage capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE). The goal of this study was to find
      and use a cost-effective method to separate and analyze MLPA products. METHODS:
      Blood samples were collected from China. DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR
      using fluorescently labeled primers. In this study, denaturing high-performance
      liquid chromatography (DHPLC) was used to separate and analyze the reaction
      products. And the optimal separation conditions were determined using
      nondenaturing columntemperature. RESULTS: The DHPLC conditions were optimized and
      have been applied to separate MLPA products and 27 of the MLPA products from 50
      to 320 bp were well separated. DHPLC was able to separate up to 37 reaction
      products that differed by 4-12 base pairs and detected target gene deletions by
      differences in peak size. Compared with CGE, both the specificity and sensitivity
      of DHPLC for the 107 DNA samples were 100%. CONCLUSIONS: DHPLC could be used to
      test routinely for alpha-globin gene mutations and deletions. Combined with MLPA,
      DHPLC is a low-cost, simple to use, accurate technique with practical value.

PMID- 22086798
TI  - Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms are not major risks for
      susceptibility to posttransplantation diabetes mellitus in Taiwan renal
      transplant recipients.
AB  - Glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 null genotype has been reported playing a
      significant role in the diabetes mellitus (DM) susceptibility in Turkish
      population. We investigated whether the GSTM1, GSTA1, and GSTP1 gene
      polymorphisms are associated with posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) in
      Taiwan. There were 283 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) enrolled. Polymerase
      chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the
      measurement of GSTA1, M1, and P1 genetic polymorphisms. PTDM was diagnosed
      according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Eight-five patients
      (30%) were diagnosed with PTDM. The averaged posttransplant follow-up period was
      77.9 +/- 27.2 months. Duration from transplantat to diagnosis of PTDM ranged from
      0.2 to 103.1 months (19.2 +/- 26.3 months). There were significantly differences
      between non-DM and PTDM groups in age (50.6 +/- 11.0 vs. 54.6 +/- 9.36 years, P =
      0.005), BMI (22.4 +/- 3.6 vs. 24.3 +/- 3.8, P<0.001). The distributions of GSTA1,
      GSTP1, and GSTM1 genotypes alleles were not significantly different between PTDM
      and non-DM group. Patients carrying the different GSTA1, GSTP1, and GSTM1 genetic
      and allelic polymorphisms had no differences for the development of PTDM. These
      overall results suggested a lack of strong association with GSTA1, GSTP1, and
      GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms to the susceptibility of PTDM in Taiwanese RTRs.

PMID- 22086799
TI  - Size and power estimation for the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for ordered
      categorical data.
AB  - We derive an exact variance method for the size and power calculation for the
      Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for ordered categorical data. The O'Brien-Castelloe
      approximation implemented in SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA)
      is simplified. Simulation studies show that the exact variance approach tends to
      be more accurate than the O'Brien-Castelloe approximation and the Zhao-Rahardja
      Qu method derived under local alternatives.

PMID- 22086800
TI  - Change, lack of change, and creating optimal change out of chaos.
AB  - Once again, we consider how to effect practice change at the local and national
      levels. This issue includes several articles that relate to quality improvement.
      Some physician actions seem resistant to change, as do the underlying social
      determinants and processes that lead to what are thought to be avoidable
      hospitalizations, but we also find that concerted effort, along with standardized
      orders sets and other avenues, can make a difference. Sometimes, however, our
      attempts at change can lead to more distraction then efficacy. Here we include
      articles that place the quality issues in context, report interventions, and
      advance the types of specific knowledge that allow interventional trials. We also
      have several articles about cancer screening and follow-up, a subset of quality
      improvement.

PMID- 22086801
TI  - Guest family physician commentaries.

PMID- 22086802
TI  - The patient-center medical home and managed care: times have changed, some
      components have not.

PMID- 22086803
TI  - Family physician scope of practice: what it is and why it matters.

PMID- 22086804
TI  - What services do family physicians provide in a time of primary care transition?

PMID- 22086805
TI  - Rewarding family medicine while penalizing comprehensiveness? Primary care
      payment incentives and health reform: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
      Act (PPACA).
AB  - Family physicians' scope of work is exceptionally broad, particularly with
      increasing rurality. Provisions for Medicare bonus payment specified in the
      health care reform bill (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) used a
      narrow definition of primary care that inadvertently offers family physicians
      disincentives to delivering comprehensive primary care.

PMID- 22086806
TI  - Variation over time in preventable hospitalization rates across counties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality developed 14
      prevention quality indicators (PQIs), including four PQIs related to preventable
      hospitalizations for diabetes and one to asthma. Quality indicators vary across
      counties, but variation over time has not been described. METHODS: The Kentucky
      Cabinet for Health and Family Services published PQI data for each county in
      Kentucky in each of the 3 years from 2006 to 2008. Variation and correlations
      among PQI measures were calculated. RESULTS: PQI rates often varied 10-fold
      between counties. Repeated measures of four PQIs were highly correlated,
      suggesting local health care processes that are stable over time. Some PQIs, such
      as PQI01--emergent complications of blood glucose control--correlated poorly with
      other measures. Other PQIs are correlated over geography and time, including
      PQI03 (long-term complications of diabetes); PQI14 (poorly controlled diabetes);
      and PQI15 (asthma). CONCLUSIONS: These county PQI measures were stable over time.
      Stability implies that PQI measures were not the result of random processes and
      did not rapidly shift. However, some health improvement needs varied between
      counties. Although tailoring health promotion interventions to each county's
      needs may be complex, stable needs afford time to undertake targeted quality
      improvement efforts.

PMID- 22086807
TI  - Do urine cultures for urinary tract infections decrease follow-up visits?
AB  - BACKGROUND: No major clinical practice guideline recommends ordering a urine
      culture in the management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). In
      this era of increasing antibiotic resistance, our objective was to determine if
      ordering urine cultures for adult women with uncomplicated UTIs provides results
      that lead to a decrease in follow-up visits for continued UTI symptoms. METHODS:
      This was a retrospective cohort study from the outpatient family medicine clinic,
      Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA. Seven hundred seventy-nine nondiabetic,
      nonpregnant, adult (aged 18-65 years) female patients (mean age +/- SD, 32.9 +/-
      12.1 years) diagnosed with a UTI from November 2006 through March 2008. The main
      outcome measure was follow-up outpatient visits within 2 weeks for recurrent UTI
      symptoms. RESULTS: Of the 779 patients studied, 332 (43%) had no urine culture
      ordered as part of their management and 447 (57%) had a urine culture ordered.
      There was no significant difference in the rate of follow-up within 2 weeks for
      continued UTI symptoms between the cohort without urine culture (28 of 332; 8.4%)
      and the cohort with urine culture (39 of 447; 8.7%) (chi(2) = 0.021; P = .89). In
      multivariate logistic regression, ordering a urine culture was not associated
      with a decreased rate of follow-up visits (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI,
      0.65-1.90). CONCLUSIONS: In adult women with uncomplicated UTI, ordering a urine
      culture was not found to be associated with a decrease in follow-up clinic
      visits. This finding is consistent with current guidelines that recommend against
      ordering a urine culture for uncomplicated UTIs.

PMID- 22086808
TI  - Effect of revised nursery orders on newborn preventive services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aspects of neonatal care that are the subject of evolving guidelines
      include hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization; discharge follow-up
      recommendations; and prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease.
      In 2007, a university hospital's standardized newborn nursery orders were changed
      to reflect current recommendations in these areas. The objective of the study was
      to determine the effect of new nursery orders on the quality of care provided to
      these newborns. METHODS: The study was a retrospective review of medical records,
      birth certificates, and a computer database of 857 infants. The nursery orders
      changed in the following ways: (1) physicians had to "opt out" of HBV
      immunization; (2) discharge follow-up recommendations were based on American
      Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations; and (3) AAP recommendations for GBS
      were followed except blood cultures were not required for certain infants.
      RESULTS: The percentage of infants receiving HBV immunizations increased from 74%
      in 2007 to 83% in 2008 (P = .0018). The percentage of infants whose mothers
      received antibiotics for GBS less than 4 hours before delivery and who received a
      complete blood count increased from 36% to 83% (P < .0001). The percentage of
      newborns who had discharge follow-up plans consistent with AAP recommendations
      did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: A simple change in nursery orders was
      associated with significant improvement in newborn care.

PMID- 22086809
TI  - Physician empathy and listening: associations with patient satisfaction and
      autonomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is used to help patients change their
      behaviors. We sought to determine if physician use of specific MI techniques
      increases patient satisfaction with the physician and perceived autonomy.
      METHODS: We audio-recorded preventive and chronic care encounters between 40
      primary care physicians and 320 of their overweight or obese patients. We coded
      use of MI techniques (eg, empathy, reflective listening). We assessed patient
      satisfaction and how much the patient felt the physician supported him or her to
      change. Generalized estimating equation models with logit links were used to
      examine associations between MI techniques and patient perceived autonomy and
      satisfaction. RESULTS: Patients whose physicians were rated as more empathic had
      higher rates of high satisfaction than patients whose physicians were less
      empathic (29% vs 11%; P = .004). Patients whose physicians made any reflective
      statements had higher rates of high autonomy support than those whose physicians
      did not (46% vs 30%; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: When physicians used reflective
      statements, patients were more likely to perceive high autonomy support. When
      physicians were empathic, patients were more likely to report high satisfaction
      with the physician. These results suggest that physician training in MI
      techniques could potentially improve patient perceptions and outcomes.

PMID- 22086810
TI  - Physician counseling for colorectal cancer screening: impact on patient
      attitudes, beliefs, and behavior.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine how often primary care physicians address patient-level
      health behavioral constructs that are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC)
      screening and whether physician counseling addressing constructs is associated
      with favorable changes in patients' attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and
      subsequent screening. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of
      patients eligible for CRC screening and attending routine appointments within two
      academic primary care clinics (50 patients, 20 primary care clinicians). Patients
      completed validated measures of behavioral constructs associated with CRC
      screening (benefits, barriers, susceptibility, self-efficacy, intention, and
      stage of readiness) before and after their visits. Audio-recorded discussions of
      CRC screening were coded for conversation addressing constructs. Bivariate and
      regression analyses estimated associations between discussions that did and did
      not address constructs and, after the visit, measures of perceived benefits,
      barriers, susceptibility, self-efficacy, intention, and completion of CRC
      screening within 6 months. RESULTS: Physicians discussed CRC screening during 38
      encounters (76%) and addressed behavioral constructs during 26 (52%). Relative to
      visits without CRC screening discussion, visits with discussion were associated
      with increased perceived susceptibility (beta = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.09-0.68) and
      screening intention (beta = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.11-0.73) after the visit but no
      significant change in perceived benefits, barriers, or self-efficacy. Within 6
      months, 17 of 38 patients (45%) who discussed screening completed screening
      compared with 0 of 12 patients who did not discuss screening (P = .001).
      Associations between discussions and outcomes were similar whether or not
      counseling addressed behavioral constructs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that physician counseling is associated with increased patient perception of CRC
      susceptibility, greater screening intention, and completion of screening
      regardless of whether counseling addresses behavioral constructs.

PMID- 22086811
TI  - Diabetes and cancer screening rates among Appalachian and non-Appalachian
      residents of Kentucky.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Having diabetes may increase the odds of late-stage breast cancer. In
      Kentucky, the rates of late-stage disease are higher in rural than in urban
      areas, particularly in rural Appalachia. The objectives of the study were to
      examine the relationship between diabetes and cancer screening and to determine
      whether Appalachia residence modifies this association. METHODS: One thousand
      thirty Kentucky adults responded to a 2008 telephone survey that measured whether
      they had diabetes; lived in Appalachia; had guideline-concordant screening for
      breast (mammogram, clinical breast examination), cervical (Papanicolaou), and
      colorectal (fecal occult blood test or sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy) cancer; and
      whether they reported receiving mammograms regularly every 1 to 2 years. RESULTS:
      Of the subjects, 16% had diabetes, 21% were Appalachian, and 32% were men. In
      multivariate analysis, women with diabetes had about half the odds of "regular"
      mammography screening (odds ratio, 0.56) compared with those without diabetes.
      Men and women in Appalachia had about half the odds of colonoscopy or
      sigmoidoscopy within the past 10 years (odds ratio, 0.54) compared with those
      living outside Appalachia. CONCLUSIONS: Both having diabetes and living in
      Appalachia were negatively associated with current and regular cancer screening.
      Less screening may explain late-stage diagnosis among these populations.

PMID- 22086812
TI  - Determinants of mammography in women with intellectual disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women with intellectual disabilities have the same rate of breast
      cancer as other women but are less likely to undergo screening mammography.
      Characteristics associated with mammography for women with intellectual
      disabilities in the United States are unknown. METHODS: This study was based on a
      secondary data analysis of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
      database, comparing women who had a mammogram within 2 years with women who had
      not on variables related to the ecological model. Bivariate analyses, logistic
      regression, and assessment of interactions were performed. RESULTS: The study
      sample's (n = 2907) mean age was 54.7 years; 58% lived in 24-hour residential
      settings, 52% received nursing health coordination, and more than 25% had
      clinical examination needs (eg, sedation). Residential setting, health
      coordination, and recent influenza vaccination were all associated with
      mammography. Having a guardian, higher level of activities of daily living needs,
      and examination needs (requiring sedation or limited wait time for examinations)
      were associated with lower rates. Interactions between health coordination and
      examination needs confirmed the potential of the nurse to ameliorate barriers to
      mammography. CONCLUSION: Several system-level variables were significantly
      associated with mammography and, in some cases, seemed to ameliorate
      intrapersonal/behavioral barriers to mammography. Community agencies caring for
      intellectually disabled women have potential to impact mammography rates by using
      health coordination.

PMID- 22086813
TI  - Do primary care physicians lose contact with their colorectal cancer patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians and patients perceive that they lose contact
      with each other after a cancer diagnosis. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are less likely to see their
      primary care physicians after cancer diagnosis. METHODS: This was a longitudinal
      cohort study using 1993 to 2001 Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)
      Medicare claims data. Eligible patients were those with stage 0 to 1 and 2 to 3
      CRC aged 67 to 89 years at diagnosis. Main measures included the proportion of
      individuals with a face-to-face primary care visit and mean annual primary care
      visits per patient at baseline and during 5 years after treatment. RESULTS: Fewer
      than half of the cancer patients visited with a primary care physician at
      baseline. In the first year after treatment, patients with stage 0 to 1 CRC
      (48.9% vs 53.3%; P <= .001) and stage 2 to 3 CRC (43.6% vs 53.4%; P <= .001)
      significantly increased their likelihood of visiting a primary care physician
      from baseline. The proportion of patients with stage 0 to 1 CRC with a primary
      care visit remained relatively stable, and the proportion of patients with stage
      2 to 3 CRC decreased somewhat between the first and fifth year after treatment.
      The findings for mean annual primary care visits per patient roughly paralleled
      those for the proportion of individuals with a primary care visit. CONCLUSIONS:
      Elderly patients with CRC, especially stage 2 to 3 CRC, increase rather than
      decrease contact with primary care providers after diagnosis. More work is needed
      to understand the care that different physician specialties provide cancer
      patients and to support their collaboration.

PMID- 22086814
TI  - Patient satisfaction with breast cancer follow-up care provided by family
      physicians.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is little evidence to document patient satisfaction with follow-up
      care provided by family physicians (FPs)/general practitioners (GPs) to breast
      cancer patients. We aimed to identify determinants of satisfaction with such care
      in low-income, medically underserved women with breast cancer. METHODS: This was
      a cross-sectional study of 145 women who reported receiving follow-up care from
      an FP/GP. Women were enrolled in California's Breast and Cervical Cancer
      Treatment Program and were interviewed by phone 3 years after their breast cancer
      diagnosis. Cleary and McNeil's model, which states that patient satisfaction is a
      function of patient characteristics, structure of care, and processes of care,
      was used to understand the determinants of satisfaction. Stepwise logistic
      regression was used to identify significant predictors. RESULTS: Of the patients
      interviewed, 73.4% reported that they were extremely satisfied with their
      treatment by the FP/GP. Women who were able to ask their family physicians
      questions about their breast cancer had six times greater odds of being extremely
      satisfied compared with women who were not able to ask any questions. Women who
      scored the FP higher on the ability to explain things in a way she could
      understand had higher odds of being extremely satisfied compared with women who
      scored their family physicians lower. CONCLUSIONS: FPs/GPs providing follow-up
      care for breast cancer patients should encourage patients to ask questions and
      must communicate in a way that patients understand. These recommendations are
      congruent with the characteristics of patient-centered communication for cancer
      patients enunciated in a recent National Cancer Institute monograph.

PMID- 22086815
TI  - Opioids for back pain patients: primary care prescribing patterns and use of
      services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid prescribing for noncancer pain has increased dramatically. We
      examined whether the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, psychologic distress,
      health care utilization, and co-prescribing of sedative-hypnotics increased with
      increasing duration of prescription opioid use. METHODS: We analyzed electronic
      data for 6 months before and after an index visit for back pain in a managed care
      plan. Use of opioids was characterized as "none," "acute" (<=90 days),
      "episodic," or "long term." Associations with lifestyle factors, psychologic
      distress, and utilization were adjusted for demographics and comorbidity.
      RESULTS: There were 26,014 eligible patients. Of these, 61% received a course of
      opioids, and 19% were long-term users. Psychologic distress, unhealthy
      lifestyles, and utilization were associated incrementally with duration of opioid
      prescription, not just with chronic use. Among long-term opioid users, 59%
      received only short-acting drugs; 39% received both long- and short-acting drugs;
      and 44% received a sedative-hypnotic. Of those with any opioid use, 36% had an
      emergency visit. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription of opioids was common among patients
      with back pain. The prevalence of psychologic distress, unhealthy lifestyles, and
      health care utilization increased incrementally with duration of use.
      Coprescribing sedative-hypnotics was common. These data may help in predicting
      long-term opioid use and improving the safety of opioid prescribing.

PMID- 22086816
TI  - A meta-analysis of bone mineral density in collegiate female athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: In a number of small studies focused on one or two sports, exercise and
      competitive level has been observed to favor attainment of higher bone mineral
      density (BMD) in otherwise healthy athletes. We analyzed merged data from 10
      studies to determine the effects of competitive level on upper extremity BMD in
      female athletes across multiple sports. METHODS: This study is a meta-analysis of
      10 articles reporting results of similar case-control and cross-sectional studies
      of BMD in female athletes and nonathletes reporting an effect of athletic
      participation level. Upper extremity BMD was modeled as an outcome of the level
      of athleticism using a categorical weighted least squares model and controlling
      for upper-body impact, age, and body mass index. RESULTS: Upper extremity BMD
      significantly increased for each level of participation (beta = 0.140; 95% CI,
      0.047-0.234), Age and body mass index approached significance but the level of
      upper extremity impact was not significant in the final model. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinicians may see iteratively greater BMD in female patients who compete at
      increasingly intense athletic levels, with elite athletes having much higher BMD
      than other patients who are either active or not. Further research is needed to
      identify direction and causality of the relationship between competitive level
      and BMD.

PMID- 22086817
TI  - Sunscreen and melanoma: is our prevention message correct?
AB  - Many primary care providers advise patients to use sunscreen as a means to reduce
      their risk for skin cancer, especially cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).
      Despite the availability and promotion of sunscreen for decades, the incidence of
      CMM continues to increase in the U.S. at a rate of 3% per year. There currently
      is little evidence that sunscreens are protective against CMM. A number of
      studies suggest that the use of sunscreen does not significantly decrease the
      risk CMM, and may actually increase the risk of CMM and sunburns. This paper
      discusses current information regarding the relationship between sunscreen use
      and CMM, and how providers may need to alter their advice regarding sunscreen use
      for CMM prevention.

PMID- 22086818
TI  - Increasing the supply of women physicians in rural areas: outcomes of a medical
      school rural program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women physicians are less likely then men to practice in rural areas.
      With women representing an increasing proportion of physicians, there is concern
      that this could exacerbate the rural physician shortage. The Physician Shortage
      Area Program (PSAP) of Jefferson Medical College (JMC) is one of a small number
      of medical school rural programs shown to be successful in addressing the rural
      physician shortage; however, little is known about their specific impact on
      women. METHODS: For 2394 physicians from the 1992 to 2002 JMC graduating classes,
      the 2007 practice location and specialty for PSAP and non-PSAP graduates were
      obtained from the Jefferson Longitudinal Study. The relative likelihood of PSAP
      versus non-PSAP graduates practicing in rural areas was determined for women and
      men and compared. RESULTS: Women PSAP graduates were more than twice as likely as
      non-PSAP women to practice in rural areas (31.7% vs 12.3%; relative risk, 2.6;
      95% CI, 1.6-4.2). This was similar to the PSAP outcomes for men (51.8% vs 17.7%;
      relative risk, 2.9, 95% CI, 2.2-3.9; relative risk ratio, 0.9, 95% CI, 0.5-1.5).
      PSAP outcomes were also similar for women and men practicing rural family
      medicine and rural primary care. CONCLUSION: These results provide support that
      medical school rural programs have the potential to help address the serious
      shortage of women physicians in rural areas, thereby increasing access to care
      for those living there.

PMID- 22086820
TI  - "PDSA-ADHD": a newly reported syndrome.
AB  - We present a satirical case report of a new syndrome, called "plan do study act
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorder," or PDSA-ADHD. This syndrome is
      associated with the implementation of multiple simultaneous plan-do-study-act
      cycles as a quality improvement approach in a health care setting. This case
      represents a clinical warning sign of quality improvement impairment and suggests
      a new variant of organizational attention deficit disorder.

PMID- 22086819
TI  - Information chaos in primary care: implications for physician performance and
      patient safety.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of information
      chaos as it applies to the issues of patient safety and physician workload in
      primary care and to propose a research agenda. METHODS: We use a human factors
      engineering perspective to discuss the concept of information chaos in primary
      care and explore implications for its impact on physician performance and patient
      safety. RESULTS: Information chaos is comprised of various combinations of
      information overload, information underload, information scatter, information
      conflict, and erroneous information. We provide a framework for understanding
      information chaos, its impact on physician mental workload and situation
      awareness, and its consequences, and we discuss possible solutions and suggest a
      research agenda that may lead to methods to reduce the problem. CONCLUSIONS:
      Information chaos is experienced routinely by primary care physicians. This is
      not just inconvenient, annoying, and frustrating; it has implications for
      physician performance and patient safety. Additional research is needed to define
      methods to measure and eventually reduce information chaos.

PMID- 22086821
TI  - Neonatal herpes infection: case report and discussion.
AB  - Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are often life-threatening.
      Although sometimes difficult to diagnose, most infections can be treatable when
      found early. Infection with HSV should be kept high on the differential diagnosis
      of a febrile newborn younger than 1 month old, and treatment should be strongly
      considered for infants with certain risk factors, even before definitive culture
      or polymerase chain reaction results are available. The case presented here
      exemplifies the benefits of maintaining a high suspicion of and empirically
      treating for HSV in a 10-day-old febrile infant.

PMID- 22086822
TI  - Large osteolytic skull tumor presenting as a small subcutaneous scalp lesion.
AB  - Subcutaneous nodules of the scalp are common and usually benign. We describe a
      case that presented as a probable inclusion cyst or lipoma of the scalp that was
      discovered to be a benign osteolytic fibrohistiocytic lesion of the
      frontoparietal skull. This ultimately was successfully treated by neurosurgery
      with a craniectomy, tumor excision, and reconstructive cranioplasty.

PMID- 22086823
TI  - Fitwits MDTM: an office-based tool and games for conversations about obesity with
      9- to 12-year-old children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physician feelings of ineffectiveness and family-related barriers
      hamper childhood obesity discussions. Physicians desire appealing, time-efficient
      tools to frame and sensitively address obesity, body mass index, physical
      activity, nutrition, and portion size. Our university design-led coalition
      codeveloped tools and games for this purpose. METHODS: In this feasibility study,
      we evaluated physician-level counseling of 9- to 12-year-old children and their
      parents/caretakers using Fitwits MD (Carnegie Mellon University School of Design,
      Pittsburgh, PA), a brief, structured intervention with flashcards and take-home
      games. Residency-based physicians in three low- to mid-level socioeconomic urban
      offices provided self-report data over 8 months through surveys, comment cards,
      and interviews. RESULTS: We recruited 33 physicians and 93 preadolescents and
      families. Child-centered key messages resulted in 7-minute conversations, on
      average. For those physicians who used Fitwits MD, 96% felt improved comfort and
      competence and 78% noted barrier reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Fitwits MD improved
      residency-based physician self-efficacy and emphasized important health education
      topics regarding office-based childhood obesity discussions with preadolescents
      and parents/caretakers.

PMID- 22086824
TI  - Cell-line specific protection by berry polyphenols against hydrogen peroxide
      challenge and lack of effect on metabolism of amyloid precursor protein.
AB  - Amyloid precursor protein (APP) altered metabolism, Abeta
      overproduction/aggregation and oxidative stress are implicated in the development
      of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Based on our previous data indicating that
      administration of a polyphenol-rich (PrB) blueberry extract (from wild Vaccinium
      angustifolium) is memory enhancing in healthy mice and in order to delineate the
      neuroprotective mechanisms, this study investigated the antioxidant effects of
      PrB in H2O2-induced oxidative damage, Abeta peptide fibrillogenesis and APP
      metabolism. PrB suppressed H2O2-initiated oxidation (DCF assay) and cell death
      (MTT assay) in SH-SY5Y cells. Protective effects were observed on Chinese hamster
      ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing APP770 carrying the mutation Val717Phe only at
      high concentrations, while further damage on HEK293 cells was induced after co
      treatment with 250 uM H2O2 and PrB in comparison with H2O2 alone. Using the
      thioflavine T assay, blueberry polyphenols inhibited Abeta-aggregation (~70%, 15
      ug/mL) in a time-dependent manner, while in the CHO(APP770) cells it had no
      effect on APP metabolism as assessed by western blot. The results suggest that
      blueberry polyphenols exhibit antioxidant and/or pro-oxidant properties according
      to the cellular environment and have no effect on APP metabolism.

PMID- 22086825
TI  - Serial changes of liver stiffness measured by acoustic radiation force impulse
      imaging in acute liver failure: a case report.
AB  - Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a new technology used to
      determine liver elasticity. We report the case of a patient that survived
      hyperacute-type acute liver failure (ALF) and who showed a dramatic change in the
      value of shear wave velocity (SWV) measured by ARFI, which corresponded with the
      severity of her liver damage. The value of SWV increased significantly up to 3.6
      +/- 0.3 m/s during the encephalopathy phase and then decreased along with the
      recovery of liver function, the blood flow of the right portal vein, and the
      liver volume. These findings suggest the value of SWV in ALF as a reliable marker
      of liver tissue damage. Further investigations of the pathophysiological
      significance of SWV in ALF are warranted.

PMID- 22086826
TI  - Risk assessment models for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in cancer patients, and is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. Several factors, including procoagulant
      agents secreted by tumor cells, immobilization, surgery, indwelling catheters,
      and systemic treatment (including chemotherapy), contribute to an increased risk
      of VTE in cancer patients. There is growing interest in instituting primary
      prophylaxis in high-risk patients to prevent incident (first-time) VTE events.
      The identification of patients at sufficiently high risk of VTE to warrant
      primary thromboprophylaxis is essential, as anticoagulation may be associated
      with a higher risk of bleeding. Current guidelines recommend the use of
      pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in postoperative and hospitalized cancer
      patients, as well as ambulatory cancer patients receiving thalidomide or
      lenalidomide in combination with high-dose dexamethasone or chemotherapy, in the
      absence of contraindications to anticoagulation. However, the majority of cancer
      patients are ambulatory, and currently primary thromboprophylaxis is not
      recommended for these patients, even those considered at very high risk. In this
      concise review, the authors discuss risk stratification models that have been
      specifically developed to identify cancer patients at high risk for VTE, and thus
      might be useful in future studies designed to determine the potential benefit of
      primary thromboprophylaxis.

PMID- 22086827
TI  - Towards quantitative conversion of microalgae oil to diesel-range alkanes with
      bifunctional catalysts.

PMID- 22086828
TI  - Renal function and heart failure treatment: when is a loss really a gain?

PMID- 22086829
TI  - Insanity of left ventricular assist therapy: doing the same thing and expecting
      different results.

PMID- 22086830
TI  - Are we there yet? Steps along the way toward implementing evidence-based heart
      failure guidelines in middle-income countries.

PMID- 22086831
TI  - Mechanisms of bleeding and approach to patients with axial-flow left ventricular
      assist devices.
AB  - Axial-flow LVADs have become an integral tool in the management of end-stage
      heart failure. Consequently, nonsurgical bleeding has emerged as a major source
      of morbidity and mortality in this fragile population. The mechanisms responsible
      for these adverse events include acquired von Willebrand disease, GI tract
      angiodysplasia formation, impaired platelet aggregation, and overuse of
      anticoagulation therapy. Because of ongoing concerns for pump thrombosis and
      thromboembolic events, the thrombotic/bleeding paradigm has led to a difficult
      clinical dilemma for those managing patients treated with axial flow LVADs. As
      the field progresses, advances in the understanding of the pathological
      mechanisms underlying bleeding/thrombosis risk, careful risk stratification, and
      potential use of novel anticoagulants will all play a role in the management of
      the LVAD patient.

PMID- 22086832
TI  - Severe hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury after percutaneous continuous
      flow ventricular assistance.

PMID- 22086834
TI  - Letter by Siracusano and Girasole regarding article, "Toll-like receptor-mediated
      inflammatory signaling reprograms cardiac energy Metabolism by repressing
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-I signaling".

PMID- 22086835
TI  - A general framework for estimating volume-outcome associations from longitudinal
      data.
AB  - Recently, there has been much interest in using volume-outcome data to establish
      causal associations between measures of surgical experience or quality and
      patient outcomes following a surgical procedure, such as coronary artery bypass
      graft, total hip replacement, and radical prostatectomy. However, there does not
      appear to be a standard approach to a volume-outcome analysis with respect to
      specifying a volume measure and selecting an estimation method. We establish the
      recurrent marked point process as a general framework from which to approach a
      longitudinal volume-outcome analysis and examine the statistical issues
      associated with using longitudinal data analysis methods to model aggregate
      volume-outcome data. We review assumptions to ensure that linear or generalized
      linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations provide valid estimates
      of the volume-outcome association. In addition, we provide theoretical and
      empirical evidence that bias may be introduced when an aggregate volume measure
      is used to address a scientific question regarding the effect of cumulative
      experience. We conclude with the recommendation that analysts carefully specify a
      volume measure that most accurately reflects their scientific question of
      interest and select an estimation method that is appropriate for their scientific
      context.

PMID- 22086836
TI  - Chemopreventive effect of a mixture of Chinese Herbs (antitumor B) on chemically
      induced oral carcinogenesis.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated chemopreventive efficacy of Antitumor B, a Chinese
      herbal mixture of six plants (Sophora tonkinensis, Polygonum bistorta, Prunella
      vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis L., Dictamnus dasycarpus, and Dioscorea bulbifera) on
      the development of 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) induced oral squamous cell
      carcinomas in A/J mice. Antitumor B, delivered through diet, inhibited 4NQO
      induced oral cancer development by 59.19%. The reduction of cell proliferation
      appears to be associated with efficacy of Antitumor B against 4NQO-induced oral
      cancer in A/J mice. The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and
      phosphorylated EGFR (Tyr1173) were down-regulated by Antitumor B. Tissue
      distribution of Antitumor B was determined using obacunone, matrine, and
      maackiain as marker chemicals. We found significant amounts of obacunone,
      matrine, and maackiain in the blood after 1-wk treatment. The concentrations of
      these three compounds did not increase further at 18  wk, suggesting that plasma
      concentrations had reached a steady-state level at 1  wk. There was no
      significant body weight loss and there was no other obvious sign of toxicity in
      Antitumor B-treated mice. These results suggest that Antitumor B is a promising
      agent for human oral cancer chemoprevention.

PMID- 22086837
TI  - pH-responsive aggregation of amphiphilic glyco-homopolymer.
AB  - The first example of amphiphilic glyco-homopolymers is reported and their
      aggregation properties as a function of solution pH are studied. Two structurally
      similar polymers with different hydrophobicity (C8 and C6 alkyl chains) are
      examined. Both polymers form micelle-type aggregates in aqueous solution. The
      size and micro-environment of the aggregates are found to be strongly dependent
      on solution pH because of the state of protonation of the tertiary amine group.
      At acidic pH, swollen multi-micellar aggregates are formed, presumably because of
      the electrostatic repulsion among the ammonium ions. At basic pH more compact
      particles are found, which further co-assemble to generate either garland type
      (C8) or fractal-aggregates (C6). 

PMID- 22086839
TI  - Pregnancy-associated breast cancer: an entity needing refinement of the
      definition.

PMID- 22086840
TI  - Angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and risk of
      pregnancy hypertensive disorders: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D)
      polymorphism has been reported inconsistently as being associated with risk of
      pregnancy hypertensive disorders (PHDs). We examined these associations by
      performing a meta-analysis. METHODS: Two investigators independently consulted
      the Medline, Embase, CNKI, and Chinese Biomedicine databases. Odds ratios (ORs)
      and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated in fixed- and random
      effects models when appropriate. Subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity,
      types of PHD (gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), country and
      Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in controls. RESULTS: This meta-analysis
      included 30 case-control studies with 3523 cases and 4817 controls. Overall, we
      found that the DD variant of the ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with a
      significantly increased PHD risk. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the
      results suggested that the DD genotype was significantly associated with risk of
      PHD development among Asians and Caucasians. Moreover, when stratifying by types
      of PHD, a significantly increased risk was observed for pre-eclampsia.
      Interestingly, when stratifying by country, a significantly elevated risk was
      found among 'others' countries (those that were not China or Korea). Limiting the
      analysis to the studies within HWE, the results were persistent and robust.
      CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that the I/D polymorphism of ACE may be
      associated with PHD risk, especially among Asians and Caucasians.

PMID- 22086838
TI  - Polarity proteins are required for left-right axis orientation and twin-twin
      instruction.
AB  - Two main classes of models address the earliest steps of left-right patterning:
      those postulating that asymmetry is initiated via cilia-driven fluid flow in a
      multicellular tissue at gastrulation, and those postulating that asymmetry is
      amplified from intrinsic chirality of individual cells at very early embryonic
      stages. A recent study revealed that cultured human cells have consistent left
      right (LR) biases that are dependent on apical-basal polarity machinery. The
      ability of single cells to set up asymmetry suggests that cellular chirality
      could be converted to embryonic laterality by cilia-independent polarity
      mechanisms in cell fields. To examine the link between cellular polarity and LR
      patterning in a vertebrate model organism, we probed the roles of apical-basal
      and planar polarity proteins in the orientation of the LR axis in Xenopus.
      Molecular loss-of-function targeting these polarity pathways specifically
      randomizes organ situs independently of contribution to the ciliated organ.
      Alterations in cell polarity also disrupt tight junction integrity, localization
      of the LR signaling molecule serotonin, the normally left-sided expression of Xnr
      1, and the LR instruction occurring between native and ectopic organizers. We
      propose that well-conserved polarity complexes are required for LR asymmetry and
      that cell polarity signals establish the flow of laterality information across
      the early blastoderm independently of later ciliary functions. genesis 50:219
      234, 2012. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 22086841
TI  - Speckle reduction imaging of breast ultrasound does not improve the diagnostic
      performance of morphology-based CAD System.
AB  - PURPOSE: Speckle reduction imaging (SRI) is a newly developed technique in
      ultrasound examination. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of
      SRI and non-SRI breast ultrasound examinations by using a morphology-based
      computer-aided diagnostic system. METHODS: One hundred ten patients with
      pathologically proven breast lesions were enrolled consecutively from April 2008
      to October 2008. SRI and non-SRI ultrasound images were both obtained at the same
      examination for each patient. The regions of interest were manually sketched by
      an experienced physician without histological information. Nineteen practical
      morphologic features from the extracted contour were calculated and a support
      vector machine classifier identified the breast tumor as benign or malignant.
      Conventional binomial receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used
      to represent the diagnostic performance of both SRI and non-SRI. RESULTS: Between
      SRI and non-SRI methods, there were no significant differences in the area under
      the receiver operating characteristics curve (Az value: 0.82 versus 0.81), the
      sensitivity (78.9% versus 84.2%), and the specificity (73.6% versus 70.8%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the morphology study, the performance of breast ultrasound
      in characterizing the solid breast mass as benign or malignant was not
      significantly improved with SRI.

PMID- 22086842
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative C-H bond arylation of thiophenes.

PMID- 22086843
TI  - Diversity of animal small RNA pathways and their biological utility.
AB  - Higher eukaryotes employ extensive post-transcriptional gene regulation to
      accomplish fine control of gene expression. The microRNA (miRNA) family plays
      important roles in the post-transcriptional gene regulation of broad networks of
      target mRNA expression. Most miRNAs are generated by a conserved mechanism
      involving two RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer. However, work from the past few
      years has uncovered diverse noncanonical miRNA pathways, which exploit a variety
      of other RNA processing enzymes. In addition, the discovery of another abundant
      small RNA family, endogenous short interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs), has also
      broadened the catalogs of short regulatory RNAs. This review highlights recent
      studies that revealed novel small RNA biogenesis pathways, and discusses their
      relevance to gene regulatory networks.

PMID- 22086844
TI  - JmjC-domain containing histone demethylase 1B-mediated p15(Ink4b) suppression
      promotes the proliferation of leukemic progenitor cells through modulation of
      cell cycle progression in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The histone demethylase JHDM1B has been implicated in cell cycle regulation and
      tumorigenesis. In addition, it has been reported that JHDM1B is highly expressed
      in various human tumors, including leukemias. However, it is not clearly
      understood how JHDM1B contributes to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell
      proliferation. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular function
      of JHDM1B in AML cells. In AML cell lines and AML-derived ALDH(hi) (high aldehyde
      dehydrogenase activity)/CD34(+) cells, the levels of JHDM1B mRNA were
      significantly higher than in normal ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells. Reduction of JHDM1B
      expression in AML cells inhibited cell proliferation compared to control cells,
      through induction of G1 cell cycle arrest, an increase in the p15(Ink4b) mRNA and
      protein expression. JHDM1B mRNA was overexpressed in all 133 AML clinical
      specimens tested (n = 22, 57, 34, and 20 for M1, 2, 4, and 5 subtypes
      respectively). Compared to normal ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells, JHDM1B gene expression
      was 1.57- to 1.87-fold higher in AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells. Moreover,
      the JHDM1B protein was more strongly expressed in AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+)
      cells from compared to normal ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells. In addition, depletion of
      JHDM1B reduced colony formation of AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells due to
      induction of p15(Ink4b) expression through direct binding to p15(Ink4b) promoter
      and loss of demethylation of H3K36me2. In summary, we found that JHDM1B mRNA is
      predominantly expressed in AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells, and that aberrant
      expression of JHDM1B induces AML cell proliferation through modulation of cell
      cycle progression. Thus, inhibition of JHDM1B expression represents an attractive
      target for AML therapy.

PMID- 22086846
TI  - VEGF expression in residual tumor cells in orbital retinoblastoma (IRSS stage
      III) treated with NACT: a prospective study.
AB  - We prospectively evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression
      by immunohistochemistry in 22 consecutive IRSS stage III retinoblastoma patients
      who underwent enucleation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Positive VEGF
      expression was observed in 6/22 (27.3%) patients. VEGF expression was associated
      with local progression on MRI prior to enucleation (P = 0.004), pathological
      scleral (P = 0.023), and extra-scleral tumor extension (P = 0.009). EFS for VEGF
      positive and negative patients was 0% and 56.25%, respectively (P = 0.0002). OS
      for VEGF positive patients was 33.33% and 54.69% for VEGF negative patients (P =
      0.207). Thus, VEGF in residual tumor cells post-NACT may represent poor response
      to NACT, potential for local invasion, and inferior outcome.

PMID- 22086845
TI  - Validation of diagnoses of distress disorders in the US National Comorbidity
      Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A).
AB  - Research diagnostic interviews need to discriminate between closely related
      disorders in order to allow comorbidity among mental disorders to be studied
      reliably. Yet conventional studies of diagnostic validity generally focus on
      single disorders and do not examine discriminant validity. The current study
      examines the validity of fully-structured diagnoses of closely-related distress
      disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, major
      depressive episode, and dysthymic disorder) in the lay-administered Composite
      International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.0 (CIDI) with independent clinical
      diagnoses based on the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for
      School-Age Children (K-SADS) in the US National Comorbidity Survey Replication
      Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). The NCS-A is a national survey of the Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) among 10,148
      adolescents. A probability sub-sample of 347 of these adolescents and their
      parents were administered blinded follow-up K-SADS interviews. Good concordance
      [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)] was found between
      diagnoses based on the CIDI and the K-SADS for generalized anxiety disorder (AUC
      = 0.78), post-traumatic stress disorder (AUC = 0.79), and major depressive
      episode/dysthymic disorder (AUC = 0.86). Further, the CIDI was able to
      effectively discriminate among different types of distress disorders in the sub
      sample of respondents with any distress disorder.

PMID- 22086847
TI  - Accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography and clinical
      assessment in the detection of complete rectal tumor regression after neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation: long-term results of a prospective trial (National Clinical Trial
      00254683).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) therapy may result in significant
      tumor regression in patients with rectal cancer. Patients who develop complete
      tumor regression have been managed by treatment strategies that are alternatives
      to standard total mesorectal excision. Therefore, assessment of tumor response
      with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) after neoadjuvant
      treatment may offer relevant information for the selection of patients to receive
      alternative treatment strategies. METHODS: Patients with clinical T2 (cT2)
      through cT4NxM0 rectal adenocarcinoma were included prospectively. Neoadjuvant
      therapy consisted of 54 grays of radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.
      Baseline PET/CT studies were obtained before CRT followed by PET/CT studies at 6
      weeks and 12 weeks after the completion of CRT. Clinical assessment was performed
      at 12 weeks after CRT completion. PET/CT results were compared with clinical and
      pathologic data. RESULTS: In total, 99 patients were included in the study.
      Twenty-three patients were complete responders (16 had a complete clinical
      response, and 7 had a complete pathologic response). The PET/CT response
      evaluation at 12 weeks indicated that 18 patients had a complete response, and 81
      patients had an incomplete response. There were 5 false-negative and 10 false
      positive PET/CT results. PET/CT for the detection of residual cancer had 93%
      sensitivity, 53% specificity, a 73% negative predictive value, an 87% positive
      predictive value, and 85% accuracy. Clinical assessment alone resulted in an
      accuracy of 91%. PET/CT information may have detected misdiagnoses made by
      clinical assessment alone, improving overall accuracy to 96%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Assessment of tumor response at 12 weeks after CRT completion with PET/CT imaging
      may provide a useful additional tool with good overall accuracy for the selection
      of patients who may avoid unnecessary radical resection after achieving a
      complete clinical response. Cancer 2012;3501-3511. (c) 2011 American Cancer
      Society.

PMID- 22086848
TI  - Expression of NF-kappaB and downstream antioxidant genes in skeletal muscle of
      hibernating ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus.
AB  - Many small mammals survive the winter by hibernating, entering long periods of
      cold torpor that are interspersed with brief periods of arousal back to
      euthermia. This cycling is accompanied by wide changes in oxygen consumption,
      perfusion of tissues and ATP turnover, and the arousal period in particular is
      challenging because of oxidative stress associated with the huge increase in
      oxygen consumption needed to support thermogenesis by brown adipose tissue and
      skeletal muscle. Well-developed antioxidant defences are needed. The present
      study analyses responses of the redox-sensitive transcription factor, NF-kappaB,
      in skeletal muscle over six points on the torpor-arousal cycle to gain insight
      into its regulation and role during hibernation. Immunoblotting was used to
      analyse NF-kappaB p50 and p65 subunit levels, nuclear versus cytoplasmic
      localization and DNA-binding activity as well as levels and phosphorylation state
      of the IkappaBalpha inhibitor and the kinase IKK that phosphorylates IkappaBalpha
      to trigger its dissociation from NF-kappaB. The data were generally consistent
      with an activation of NF-kappaB during the entrance into torpor with responses
      including an auto-up-regulation of p50 subunits seen during early torpor and
      elevated IkappaBalpha protein during arousal. Protein levels of two downstream
      antioxidant targets showed differential regulation, Mn-superoxide dismutase
      (MnSOD) rising during early torpor versus heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) increasing
      during early arousal. The mRNA transcript levels of p50, p65, HO-1 and MnSOD also
      showed differential expression over the torpor-arousal cycle. The results suggest
      that antioxidant defences are up-regulated at specific phases of the torpor
      arousal cycle and that NF-kappaB mediates such protective responses.

PMID- 22086849
TI  - ERK1/2 regulation of CD44 modulates oral cancer aggressiveness.
AB  - Carcinogen-induced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) incurs significant
      morbidity and mortality and constitutes a global health challenge. To gain
      further insight into this disease, we generated cell line models from 7,12
      dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced murine primary OSCC capable of tumor formation
      upon transplantation into immunocompetent wild-type mice. Whereas several cell
      lines grew rapidly and were capable of metastasis, some grew slowly and did not
      metastasize. Aggressively growing cell lines displayed ERK1/2 activation, which
      stimulated expression of CD44, a marker associated with epithelial to mesenchymal
      transition and putative cancer stem cells. MEK (MAP/ERK kinase) inhibition
      upstream of ERK1/2 decreased CD44 expression and promoter activity and reduced
      cell migration and invasion. Conversely, MEK1 activation enhanced CD44 expression
      and promoter activity, whereas CD44 attenuation reduced in vitro migration and in
      vivo tumor formation. Extending these findings to freshly resected human OSCC, we
      confirmed a strict relationship between ERK1/2 phosphorylation and CD44
      expression. In summary, our findings identify CD44 as a critical target of ERK1/2
      in promoting tumor aggressiveness and offer a preclinical proof-of-concept to
      target this pathway as a strategy to treat head and neck cancer.

PMID- 22086850
TI  - Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase genes by E2F transcription factors: Rb-Raf
      1 interaction as a novel target for metastatic disease.
AB  - The retinoblastoma (Rb)-E2F transcriptional regulatory pathway plays a major role
      in cell-cycle regulation, but its role in invasion and metastasis is less well
      understood. We find that many genes involved in the invasion of cancer cells,
      such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), have potential E2F-binding sites in
      their promoters. E2F-binding sites were predicted on all 23 human MMP gene
      promoters, many of which harbored multiple E2F-binding sites. Studies presented
      here show that MMP genes such as MMP9, MMP14, and MMP15 which are overexpressed
      in non-small cell lung cancer, have multiple E2F-binding sites and are regulated
      by the Rb-E2F pathway. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed the
      association of E2F1 with the MMP9, MMP14, and MMP15 promoters, and transient
      transfection experiments showed that these promoters are E2F responsive.
      Correspondingly, depletion of E2F family members by RNA interference techniques
      reduced the expression of these genes with a corresponding reduction in collagen
      degradation activity. Furthermore, activating Rb by inhibiting the interaction of
      Raf-1 with Rb by using the Rb-Raf-1 disruptor RRD-251 was sufficient to inhibit
      MMP transcription. This led to reduced invasion and migration of cancer cells in
      vitro and metastatic foci development in a tail vein lung metastasis model in
      mice. These results suggest that E2F transcription factors may play a role in
      promoting metastasis through regulation of MMP genes and that targeting the Rb
      Raf-1 interaction is a promising approach for the treatment of metastatic
      disease.

PMID- 22086852
TI  - Nanostructured membranes for enzyme catalysis and green synthesis of
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Macroporous membranes functionalized with ionizable macromolecules provide
      promising applications in high capacity toxic metal capture, nanoparticle
      syntheses, and catalysis. Our low-pressure membrane approach has good reaction
      and separation selectivities, which are tunable by varying pH, ionic strength, or
      pressure. The sustainable green chemistry approach under ambient conditions and
      the evaluation of a reactive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-modified polyvinylidene
      fluoride (PVDF) membrane is described. Two distinct membrane types were obtained
      through different methods: 1) a stacked membrane through layer-by-layer assembly
      for the incorporation of enzymes (catalase and glucose oxidase), providing
      tunable product yields and 2) Fe/Pd nanoparticles for degradation of pollutants,
      obtained through an in situ green synthesis. Bioreactor-nanodomain interactions
      and mixed matrix nanocomposite membranes provide remarkable versatility compared
      to conventional membranes.

PMID- 22086851
TI  - GLI1 inhibition promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic
      cancer cells.
AB  - The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been identified as an important deregulated signal
      transduction pathway in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer type
      characterized by a highly metastatic phenotype. In PDAC, the canonical HH pathway
      activity is restricted to the stromal compartment while HH signaling in the tumor
      cells is reduced as a consequence of constitutive KRAS activation. Here, we
      report that in the tumor compartment of PDAC the HH pathway effector
      transcription factor GLI1 regulates epithelial differentiation. RNAi-mediated
      knockdown of GLI1 abolished characteristics of epithelial differentiation,
      increased cell motility, and synergized with TGFbeta to induce an epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, EMT conversion in PDAC cells occurred in
      the absence of induction of SNAIL or SLUG, two canonical inducers of EMT in many
      other settings. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that GLI1 directly
      regulated the transcription of E-cadherin, a key determinant of epithelial tissue
      organization. Collectively, our findings identify GLI1 as an important positive
      regulator of epithelial differentiation, and they offer an explanation for how
      decreased levels of GLI1 are likely to contribute to the highly metastatic
      phenotype of PDAC.

PMID- 22086853
TI  - Plug and play with RNA.
AB  - Retooling RNA: RNA aptamers are high-affinity ligands that can be assembled with
      other structures to yield multivalent molecules. These properties have been
      addressed in two recent studies: One describes a GFP-like RNA reporter used to
      study the dynamics of endogenous RNA; the other study reports on an aptamer
      templated assembly of multi-enzyme complexes in bacteria for the controlled
      production of secondary molecules (see picture).

PMID- 22086854
TI  - Neuroinvasive flavivirus infections.
AB  - Flaviviruses, including Dengue, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, and Tick-borne
      encephalitis virus, are major emerging human pathogens, affecting millions of
      individuals worldwide. Many clinically important flaviviruses elicit CNS diseases
      in infected hosts, including traditional "hemorrhagic" viruses, such as Dengue.
      This review focuses on the epidemiology, symptomatology, neuropathology, and,
      specifically, neuropathogenesis of flavivirus-induced human CNS disease. A
      detailed insight into specific factors priming towards neuroinvasive disease is
      of clear clinical significance, as well as importance to the development of
      antiviral therapies and identification of key mechanisms involved in the
      (re)emergence of specific flaviviruses, including potentially novel or previously
      unrecognized ones, as neuroinvasive pathogens.

PMID- 22086855
TI  - Association of aberrations in one-carbon metabolism with molecular phenotype and
      grade of breast cancer.
AB  - We have earlier demonstrated the role of aberrant one-carbon metabolism in the
      etiology of breast cancer. In the current study, we examine the clinical utility
      of these factors in predicting the subtype of breast cancer and as indicators of
      disease progression. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (RFLP) and PCR-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)
      approaches were used for genetic analysis. Plasma folate and homocysteine were
      measured using Axsym folate kit and reverse phase HPLC, respectively. Multiple
      linear regression models were used to test the predictability of disease
      progression. Luminal A subtype was associated with late age of onset, higher body
      mass index and lack of family history of breast cancer. Thymidylate synthase
      (TYMS) 5'-UTR 28 bp tandem repeat (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.05-4.16) and methylene
      tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.40-11.95) were
      strongly associated with Luminal B. Reduced folate carrier (RFC1) G80A (OR: 2.92,
      95% CI: 1.22-6.97) and methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G (OR: 4.71, 95% CI: 1.66
      13.31) polymorphisms were associated with LuminA-HH subtype while MTHFR C677T
      showed association with HER-enriched (OR: 30.41, 95% CI: 6.47-142.91). Cytosolic
      serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT) conferred protection against basal-like
      breast cancer (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22-0.98). HER-enriched and basal-like subtypes
      showed positive association with familial breast cancer and inverse association
      with plasma folate. Hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in Luminal B and basal-like
      subtypes. Multiple linear regression models of aberrant one-carbon metabolism
      were found to be moderate predictors of breast cancer grade (area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve, C = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.87, P = 0.008).
      To conclude, aberrations in one-carbon metabolism predict the subtype of breast
      cancer and disease progression.

PMID- 22086856
TI  - Hepatic resection for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Before the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), surgical
      resection was the primary treatment for hepatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      (GIST) metastases. Although TKIs have improved survival in the metastatic
      setting, outcomes after multimodal therapy comprised of hepatectomy and TKIs for
      GIST are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether
      combination therapy for hepatic GIST metastases is associated with improved
      overall survival compared with reported outcomes from surgery or TKI therapy
      alone. METHODS: Demographics, clinicopathologic tumor characteristics,
      treatments, and outcomes of patients who underwent hepatic resection at 3 high
      volume centers from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 39 patients
      underwent hepatectomy for metastatic GISTs, and 27 patients received
      postoperative TKI therapy. At a median follow-up of 39.7 months, 23 patients
      (59%) experienced recurrence at a median of 18 months. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3
      year overall survival rates were 96.7%, 76.8%, and 67.9%, respectively. Median
      survival was not reached at 5 years. The rates of severe complication and
      mortality were 10.2% (4 patients) and 2.5% (1 patient), respectively. When
      controlling for confounders, postoperative TKI therapy was associated with
      improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.50; P =
      .006), and extrahepatic disease was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio,
      9.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-55.7; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Overall
      survival after combination therapy exceeded previous reports for the treatment of
      metastatic GIST with hepatic resection or TKI therapy alone and was significantly
      enhanced by postoperative TKI therapy. The results from this study support
      findings that combination therapy for GIST liver metastases comprised of surgical
      resection and TKI therapy is more effective than surgery or TKI therapy alone.

PMID- 22086857
TI  - Paediatric pneumonia or empyema and prior antibiotic use in primary care: a case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between hospital presentation for
      paediatric pneumonia or empyema and prior antibiotic use for respiratory tract
      infection (RTI). METHODS: Case-control study of children aged 6 months to 16
      years presenting to hospital with radiographic evidence of pneumonia or empyema
      and a history of general practitioner (GP) consultation for the index illness.
      Cases were recruited from seven hospitals in South Wales between October 2008 and
      December 2009. Controls were children from the same age group who were diagnosed
      with an uncomplicated RTI in general practice in the same area and at a similar
      time of year. Primary data were collected from carers by a self-complete
      questionnaire, with a subsample compared against general practice records.
      RESULTS: We recruited 89 eligible cases and 166 eligible controls. Cases were
      less likely than controls to have been prescribed antibiotics at the first GP
      consultation for the index illness [odds ratio (OR) 0.53; 95% confidence interval
      (95% CI) 0.31-0.90]. Stratified analyses revealed that this association was
      limited to children who consulted a GP <3 days after illness onset (OR 0.23; 95%
      CI 0.10-0.50). Cases were also less likely to have taken antibiotics before the
      date of index hospital presentation, but this finding was not statistically
      significant after adjustment for confounding factors (adjusted OR 0.84; 95% CI
      0.47-1.49). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics prescribed at the first GP consultation for
      an RTI may protect against subsequent hospital presentation for pneumonia or
      empyema in some children. Given the strong rationale against unnecessary
      antibiotic prescribing, further research is needed to identify which children are
      most likely to benefit from early antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 22086858
TI  - Guidelines for the diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of endocarditis in adults:
      a report of the Working Party of the British Society for Antimicrobial
      Chemotherapy.
AB  - The BSAC guidelines on treatment of infectious endocarditis (IE) were last
      published in 2004. The guidelines presented here have been updated and extended
      to reflect developments in diagnostics, new trial data and the availability of
      new antibiotics. The aim of these guidelines, which cover both native valve and
      prosthetic valve endocarditis, is to standardize the initial investigation and
      treatment of IE. An extensive review of the literature using a number of
      different search criteria has been carried out and cited publications used to
      support any changes we have made to the existing guidelines. Publications
      referring to in vitro or animal models have only been cited if appropriate
      clinical data are not available. Randomized, controlled trials suitable for the
      development of evidenced-based guidelines in this area are still lacking and
      therefore a consensus approach has again been adopted for most recommendations;
      however, we have attempted to grade the evidence, where possible. The guidelines
      have also been extended by the inclusion of sections on clinical diagnosis,
      echocardiography and surgery.

PMID- 22086859
TI  - Molecular surveillance of drug-resistant Plasmodium vivax using pvdhfr, pvdhps
      and pvmdr1 markers in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax occur in Mauritania. Drug
      resistant P. falciparum has been reported, but the drug-resistance status of P.
      vivax is unknown. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence
      of mutant pvdhfr, pvdhps and pvmdr1 genes and of pvmdr1 gene amplification in P.
      vivax isolates in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, and to establish a
      baseline for molecular surveillance of drug-resistant P. vivax in the country.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2009, 439 febrile patients were screened
      for malaria in Nouakchott. The sequences of pvdhfr, pvdhps and pvmdr1 markers in
      110 P. vivax isolates were determined by direct sequencing of PCR products. The
      pvmdr1 gene copy number was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The majority of
      the isolates with a successful PCR amplification (76/86, 88%) were characterized
      to be of the wild-type pvdhfr genotype, while the remaining 10 isolates carried
      the S58R and S117N double mutations. All isolates had the wild-type pvdhps
      genotype SAKAV. For pvmdr1, 75 of 103 (73%) had the wild-type Y976, and 28 (27%)
      carried the mutant F976. Most (98%) carried the mutant L1076 codon. Of 105
      isolates, 102 (97%) had one copy and 3 (3%) had two copies of the pvmdr1 gene.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mutations associated with antifolate resistance is
      low in Mauritania. Further studies are required to determine the roles of pvmdr1
      mutations and gene amplification in conferring drug resistance. These data will
      serve as a baseline for further monitoring of drug-resistant malaria.

PMID- 22086860
TI  - Electrochemical synthesis of indium(0) nanoparticles in haloindate(III) ionic
      liquids.
AB  - A synthetic route to indium(0) nanoparticles via an electrochemical reduction of
      haloindate(III) ionic liquids to indium(I), and its subsequent disproportionation
      to indium(0) and indium(III) in the bulk electrolyte, is described. In this
      sustainable method, the ionic liquid acts simultaneously as metal source,
      templating agent, and stabilising agent, with the electron as the only reducing
      agent. The nature of the ionic liquid cation is demonstrated to strongly affect
      the morphology and size distribution of the indium(0) nanoparticles.

PMID- 22086861
TI  - Inflamm-aging of the stem cell niche: breast cancer as a paradigmatic example:
      breakdown of the multi-shell cytokine network fuels cancer in aged people.
AB  - Inflamm-aging is a relatively new terminology used to describe the age-related
      increase in the systemic pro-inflammatory status of humans. Here, we represent
      inflamm-aging as a breakdown in the multi-shell cytokine network, in which stem
      cells and stromal fibroblasts (referred to as the stem cell niche) become pro
      inflammatory cytokine over-expressing cells due to the accumulation of DNA
      damage. Inflamm-aging self-propagates owing to the capability of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines to ignite the DNA-damage response in other cells surrounding DNA
      damaged cells. Macrophages, the major cellular player in inflamm-aging, amplify
      the phenomenon, by broadcasting pro-inflammatory signals at both local and
      systemic levels. On the basis of this, we propose that inflamm-aging is a major
      contributor to the increase in cancer incidence and progression in aged people.
      Breast cancer will be presented as a paradigmatic example for this relationship.

PMID- 22086862
TI  - What every hospitalist should know about the post-bariatric surgery patient.
AB  - Obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic, increasingly addressed through surgical
      options for weight loss. Benefits of these operations, such as weight loss and
      improvement or reversal of obesity-related comorbidities, are well established;
      however, postoperative complications do occur. This article will evaluate common
      causes for hospital admissions in the post-bariatric surgery population as they
      relate to the hospitalist who is often responsible for their care. Here we
      provide an overview of the most common bariatric procedures currently performed,
      early postoperative complications, late medical complications (ie, abdominal
      complaints, weight fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic bone
      disease), and late surgical complications that often affect these patients and
      result in hospital admissions. Special attention will be paid to radiologic
      pearls that can assist in the initial evaluation and diagnosis of these patients.

PMID- 22086863
TI  - Current or recent pregnancy is associated with adverse pathologic features but
      not impaired survival in early breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) may be defined as breast
      cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year of giving birth. Conflicting
      data exist regarding the impact of pregnancy on clinical features and prognosis
      of breast cancer. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective chart review was
      performed of 99 patients identified with PABC between 1992 and 2007. Non-PABC
      controls were matched 2:1 to PABC cases by year of diagnosis and age. The
      differences in clinical features were compared between cases and controls using
      chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess
      the effect of PABC on survival. RESULTS: Of the 99 PABC cases, breast cancer was
      diagnosed during pregnancy in 36 patients, and after delivery in 63. PABC cases
      were more likely than controls to be negative for estrogen receptor (59% vs 31%,
      P < .0001) and negative for progesterone receptor (72% vs 40%, P < .0001). Cases
      were also more likely to have advanced T class (P = .0271) and N class (P =
      .0104) and higher grade tumors (P = .0115). With a median follow-up of 6.3 years
      for cases and 4.7 years for controls, overall survival did not differ between
      cases and controls (P = .0787). On multivariate analysis, the independent
      prognostic factors for overall survival were estrogen receptor status (P = .0031)
      and N class (P = .0003). The diagnosis of PABC was not an independent prognostic
      factor (P = .1317). CONCLUSIONS: PABC is associated with more adverse tumor
      features than non-PABC matched for age and year of diagnosis. After correcting
      for pathologic features, the diagnosis of PABC is not in itself an adverse
      prognostic factor for survival.

PMID- 22086864
TI  - Vitamin D insufficiency in myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic
      syndromes: clinical correlates and prognostic studies.
AB  - Vitamin D insufficiency is commonly observed in the general population;
      observational studies have suggested an association with increased risk of cancer
      development. We examined the clinical and prognostic relevance of low plasma
      levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and
      myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A total of 409 patients were studied: 247 (60%)
      with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), 74 (18%) with de novo MDS, 63 (15%) with
      polycythemia vera (PV), and 25 (6%) with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Plasma
      25(OH)D levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; a
      level lower than 25 ng/mL indicated vitamin D insufficiency and a level lower
      than 10 ng/mL indicated severe deficiency. The proportion of patients with
      25(OH)D insufficiency was significantly greater in PMF (48%) and PV (43%) when
      compared with ET (28%) and MDS (28%) (P = 0.01). Severe 25(OH)D deficiency was
      significantly more frequent in ET (12%) and PMF (9%), compared with PV (3%) and
      MDS (1%) (P = 0.05). There were no significant correlations between 25(OH)D
      insufficiency, or severe deficiency, and a variety of clinical or laboratory
      variables in PMF, MDS, or PV. Furthermore, Vitamin D insufficiency did not
      influence either overall or leukemia-free survival in PMF, MDS, or PV (P > 0.05).
      We conclude that while hypovitaminosis D is relatively common in MPN and MDS, its
      clinical relevance for prognosis is limited.

PMID- 22086865
TI  - Primary myelofibrosis: 2012 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and
      management.
AB  - DISEASE OVERVIEW: Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm
      characterized by stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation, abnormal cytokine
      expression, bone marrow fibrosis, anemia, splenomegaly, extramedullary
      hematopoiesis (EMH), constitutional symptoms, cachexia, leukemic progression, and
      shortened survival. DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis is based on bone marrow morphology. The
      presence of fibrosis, JAK2/MPL mutation or +9/13q- cytogenetic abnormality is
      supportive but not essential for diagnosis. Prefibrotic PMF mimics essential
      thrombocythemia in its presentation and the distinction is prognostically
      relevant. Differential diagnosis of myelofibrosis should include chronic
      myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia,
      and acute myeloid leukemia. RISK STRATIFICATION: The Dynamic International
      Prognostic Scoring System-plus (DIPSS-plus) prognostic model for PMF can be
      applied at any point during the disease course and uses eight independent
      predictors of inferior survival: age >65 years, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, leukocytes
      >25 * 10(9) /L, circulating blasts >=1%, constitutional symptoms, red cell
      transfusion dependency, platelet count <100 * 10(9) /L, and unfavorable karyotype
      (i.e., complex karyotype or sole or two abnormalities that include +8, -7/7q-,
      i(17q), inv(3), -5/5q-, 12p- or 11q23 rearrangement). The presence of 0, 1, "2 or
      3," and >=4 adverse factors defines low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high
      risk disease with median survivals of ~15.4, 6.5, 2.9, and 1.3 years,
      respectively. A >80% two-year mortality is predicted by monosomal karyotype,
      inv(3)/i(17q) abnormalities, or any two of circulating blasts >9%, leukocytes
      >=40 * 10(9) /L or other unfavorable karyotype. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY: Observation
      alone is adequate for asymptomatic low/intermediate-1 risk disease. Allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation or experimental drug therapy is considered for
      intermediate-2/ high risk disease. Conventional or experimental drug therapy is
      reasonable for symptomatic intermediate-1 risk disease. Splenectomy and low-dose
      radiotherapy are used for drug-refractory splenomegaly. Radiotherapy is also used
      for the treatment of non-hepatosplenic EMH, PMF-associated pulmonary
      hypertension, and extremity bone pain.

PMID- 22086866
TI  - Platinum-catalyzed direct amination of allylic alcohols with aqueous ammonia:
      selective synthesis of primary allylamines.

PMID- 22086867
TI  - Fibrous nano-silica (KCC-1)-supported palladium catalyst: Suzuki coupling
      reactions under sustainable conditions.

PMID- 22086868
TI  - Similarities and differences between the "relativistic" triad gold, platinum, and
      mercury in catalysis.
AB  - Relativistic effects in the valence shell of the elements reach a maximum in the
      triad Pt-Au-Hg and determine their catalytic activity in organic reactions. In
      this Review we examine the catalytic activity of Pt, Au, and Hg compounds for
      some representative reactions, and discuss the respective benefits and
      disadvantages along with other relevant properties, such as toxicity, price, and
      availability. For the reactions considered, gold catalysts are generally more
      active than mercury or platinum catalysts.

PMID- 22086869
TI  - Quantitative replacement of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide by cationic thiol
      ligands on the surface of gold nanorods and their extremely large uptake by
      cancer cells.

PMID- 22086870
TI  - Intensive short-term chemotherapy regimen induces high remission rate (over 90%)
      and event-free survival both in children and adult patients with advanced
      sporadic Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia.
AB  - The optimal treatment of advanced sporadic Burkitt lymphoma in adults is still a
      matter of debate. The salutary results of pediatric therapies did open the road
      for improving the adult outcome. Between May 1988 and March 2009, 71 consecutive
      patients-46 adults, 25 children-affected by Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia were
      treated with the same intensive pediatric protocol alternating vincristine,
      adriamycine and fractionated ciclophosphamide (phase A) with high dose
      methotrexate and high dose cytarabine (phase B) in four Italian institutions.
      Eighty-nine per cent of patients were in Stage III-IV or had L3 leukemia.
      Complete remissions were 67/71 (94.4%), 24/25 (96%) in children, and 43/46
      (93.5%) in adults. Toxic deaths were 3/71 (4.2%), all in adults. There were nine
      relapses (one in children, eight in adults), all but one observed early. After a
      median observation of 94 months (range 23-275), the Event-Free Survival rate is
      92% in children and 71.7% in adults (P = 0.067). The 23 more recent adults
      received also rituximab, without differences in outcome as compared to patients
      who did not. Our experience confirms that such an intensive pediatric-derived
      chemotherapy is feasible and improves the long-term outcome of adults with
      advanced Burkitt lymphoma.

PMID- 22086871
TI  - Post-discharge intervention in vulnerable, chronically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that the inpatient to outpatient transition of care
      is a vulnerable period for patients, and socioeconomically disadvantaged
      populations may be particularly susceptible. OBJECTIVE: In this prospective
      cohort study, clustered by hospital, we sought to determine the feasibility and
      utility of a simple, post-discharge intervention in reducing hospital
      readmissions. METHODS: Chronically ill Medicaid managed care members were
      consecutively identified from the discharge records of 10 area hospitals. For
      patients from the 7 intervention hospitals, trained medical assistants performed
      a brief telephone needs assessment, within 1 week of discharge, in which issues
      requiring near-term resolution were identified and addressed. Patients with more
      complicated care needs were identified according to a 4-domain care needs
      framework and enrolled in more intensive care management. Patients discharged
      from the 3 control hospitals received usual care. We used a generalized
      estimating equation model, which adjusts for clustering by hospital, to evaluate
      the primary outcome of hospital readmission within 60 days. RESULTS: There were
      97 intervention and 130 control patients. Intervention patients were slightly
      younger and had higher adjusted clinical group (ACG) scores. In unadjusted
      analysis, the intervention group had lower, but statistically similar, 60-day
      rehospitalization rates (23.7% vs 29.2%, P = 0.35). This difference became
      significant after controlling for ACG score, prior inpatient utilization, and
      age: adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.49 [0.24-1.00].
      CONCLUSIONS: A simple post-discharge intervention and needs assessment may be
      associated with reduced recurrent hospitalization rates in a cohort of
      chronically ill Medicaid managed care patients with diverse care needs.

PMID- 22086872
TI  - Androgen receptor signals regulate UDP-glucuronosyltransferases in the urinary
      bladder: a potential mechanism of androgen-induced bladder carcinogenesis.
AB  - UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), major phase II drug metabolism enzymes, play
      an important role in urinary bladder cancer initiation by detoxifying
      carcinogens. We aimed to determine if androgens regulate UGT expression via the
      androgen receptor (AR) pathway in the bladder. Real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to assess UGT1A
      levels in the normal urothelium SVHUC cell line stably expressed with AR and in
      bladder tissues from AR knockout (ARKO) and castrated male mice.
      Immunohistochemistry was also performed in radical cystectomy specimens.
      Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment in SVHUC-AR reduced mRNA expression of all
      the UGT1A subtypes (19-75% decrease), and hydroxyflutamide antagonized the DHT
      effects. In contrast, DHT showed only marginal effects on UGT1A expression in
      SVHUC-Vector. Of note were higher expression levels of UGT1As in SVHUC-Vector
      than in SVHUC-AR. In ARKO mice, all the Ugt1a subtypes were up-regulated,
      compared to wild-type littermates. In wild-type male mice, castration increased
      the expression of Ugt1a8, Ugt1a9, and Ugt1a10. Additionally, wild-type female
      mice had higher levels of Ugt1a than wild-type males. Immunohistochemical studies
      showed strong (3+) UGT1A staining in 11/24 (46%) cancer tissues, which was
      significantly lower than in corresponding benign tissues [17/18 (94%) cases (P =
      0.0009)]. These results suggest that androgen-mediated AR signals promote bladder
      carcinogenesis by down-regulating the expression of UGTs in the bladder.

PMID- 22086874
TI  - Dysfunctional telomeres promote genomic instability and metastasis in the absence
      of telomerase activity in oncogene induced mammary cancer.
AB  - Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that maintains the ends of chromosomes
      (telomeres). In normal cells lacking telomerase activity, telomeres shorten with
      each cell division because of the inability to completely synthesize the lagging
      strand. Critically shortened telomeres elicit DNA damage responses and limit
      cellular division and lifespan, providing an important tumor suppressor function.
      Most human cancer cells express telomerase which contributes significantly to the
      tumor phenotype. In human breast cancer, telomerase expression is predictive of
      clinical outcomes such as lymph node metastasis and survival. In mouse models of
      mammary cancer, telomerase expression is also upregulated. Telomerase
      overexpression resulted in spontaneous mammary tumor development in aged female
      mice. Increased mammary cancer also was observed when telomerase deficient mice
      were crossed with p53 null mutant animals. However, the effects of telomerase and
      telomere length on oncogene driven mammary cancer have not been completely
      characterized. To address these issues we characterized neu proto-oncogene driven
      mammary tumor formation in G1 Terc-/- (telomerase deficient with long telomeres),
      G3 Terc-/- (telomerase deficient with short telomeres), and Terc+/+ mice.
      Telomerase deficiency reduced the number of mammary tumors and increased tumor
      latency regardless of telomere length. Decreased tumor formation correlated with
      increased apoptosis in Terc deficient tumors. Short telomeres dramatically
      increased lung metastasis which correlated with increased genomic instability,
      and specific alterations in DNA copy number and gene expression. We concluded
      that short telomeres promote metastasis in the absence of telomerase activity in
      neu oncogene driven mammary tumors.

PMID- 22086875
TI  - Protection against myocardial infarction and no-reflow through preservation of
      vascular integrity by angiopoietin-like 4.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased permeability, predominantly controlled by endothelial
      junction stability, is an early event in the deterioration of vascular integrity
      in ischemic disorders. Hemorrhage, edema, and inflammation are the main features
      of reperfusion injuries, as observed in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Thus,
      preservation of vascular integrity is fundamental in ischemic heart disease.
      Angiopoietins are pivotal modulators of cell-cell junctions and vascular
      integrity. We hypothesized that hypoxic induction of angiopoietin-like protein 4
      (ANGPTL4) might modulate vascular damage, infarct size, and no-reflow during AMI.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We showed that vascular permeability, hemorrhage, edema,
      inflammation, and infarct severity were increased in angptl4-deficient mice. We
      determined that decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2
      (VEGFR2) and VE-cadherin expression and increase in Src kinase phosphorylation
      downstream of VEGFR2 were accentuated after ischemia-reperfusion in the coronary
      microcirculation of angptl4-deficient mice. Both events led to altered VEGFR2/VE
      cadherin complexes and to disrupted adherens junctions in the endothelial cells
      of angptl4-deficient mice that correlated with increased no-reflow. In vivo
      injection of recombinant human ANGPTL4 protected VEGF-driven dissociation of the
      VEGFR2/VE-cadherin complex, reduced myocardial infarct size, and the extent of no
      reflow in mice and rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that ANGPTL4 might
      constitute a relevant target for therapeutic vasculoprotection aimed at
      counteracting the effects of VEGF, thus being crucial for preventing no-reflow
      and conferring secondary cardioprotection during AMI.

PMID- 22086876
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha limits ischemic injury, cardiac rupture, post
      myocardial infarction remodeling and death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular pathways that regulate the extent of ischemic injury
      and post-myocardial infarction (MI) remodeling are not well understood. We
      recently demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha (GSK-3alpha) is
      critical to the heart's response to pressure overload. However, the role, if any,
      of GSK-3alpha in regulating ischemic injury and its consequences is not known.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: MI was induced in wild-type (WT) versus GSK-3alpha((-/-))
      (KO) littermates by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Pre-MI,
      WT, and KO hearts had comparable chamber dimensions and ventricular function, but
      as early as 1 week post-MI, KO mice had significantly more left ventricular
      dilatation and dysfunction than WT mice. KO mice also had increased mortality
      during the first 10 days post-MI (43% versus 22%; P=0.04), and postmortem
      examination confirmed cardiac rupture as the cause of most of the deaths. In the
      mice that survived the first 10 days, left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction
      remained worse in the KO mice throughout the study (8 weeks). Hypertrophy,
      fibrosis, and heart failure were all increased in the KO mice. Given the early
      deaths due to rupture and the significant reduction in left ventricular function
      evident as early as 1 week post-MI, we examined infarct size following a 48-hour
      coronary artery ligation and found it to be increased in the KO mice. This was
      accompanied by increased apoptosis in the border zone of the MI. This increased
      susceptibility to ischemic injury-induced apoptosis was also seen in
      cardiomyocytes isolated from the KO mice that were exposed to hypoxia. Finally,
      Bax translocation to the mitochondria and cytochrome C release into the cytosol
      were increased in the KO mice. CONCLUSION: GSK-3alpha confers resistance to
      ischemic injury, at least in part, via limiting apoptosis. Loss of GSK-3alpha
      promotes ischemic injury, increases risk of cardiac rupture, accentuates post-MI
      remodeling and left ventricular dysfunction, and increases the progression to
      heart failure. These findings are in striking contrast to multiple previous
      reports in which deletion or inhibition of GSK-3beta is protective.

PMID- 22086877
TI  - Hybrid open endovascular technique for aortic thoracoabdominal pathologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many authors using a hybrid debranching strategy for the treatment of
      thoracoabdominal pathologies have reported disappointing results and the initial
      enthusiasm for the technique has given way to criticism and ambiguity. The aim of
      the present meta-analysis study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the
      technique in patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or other aortic
      pathologies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multiple electronic search was performed on
      all articles describing hybrid open endovascular repair. Separate meta-analyses
      were conducted for technical success, visceral graft patency, spinal cord
      ischemia symptoms, renal insufficiency, and other complications as well as 30
      day/in-hospital mortality. Nineteen publications with a total of 507 patients
      were analyzed. The pooled estimates for primary technical success and visceral
      graft patency were 96.2% (95% CI, 93.5%-98.2%) and 96.5% (95% CI, 95.2%-97.8%)
      respectively. A pooled rate of 7.5% (95% CI, 5.0%-11.0%) for overall spinal cord
      ischemia symptoms was observed; whereas for irreversible paraplegia the pooled
      rate was 4.5% (95% CI, 2.5%-7.0%). The pooled estimate for renal failure was 8.8%
      (95% CI, 3.9%-15.5%). The pooled 30-day/in-hospital mortality rate was 12.8% (95%
      CI, 8.6%-17.0%). During the mean follow-up period of 34.5 (95% CI, 31.5-37.5)
      months, a total of 119 endoleaks were identified in 111 patients (22.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The repair of thoracoabdominal pathologies by means of hybrid
      procedures in patients who are poor surgical candidates is still associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality rates. Future studies may substantiate
      whether the technique is amenable to amelioration and improvement.

PMID- 22086878
TI  - Safety and efficacy of allogeneic cell therapy in infarcted rats transplanted
      with mismatched cardiosphere-derived cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) are an attractive cell type for
      tissue regeneration, and autologous CDCs are being tested clinically. However,
      autologous therapy necessitates patient-specific tissue harvesting and cell
      processing, with delays to therapy and possible variations in cell potency. The
      use of allogeneic CDCs, if safe and effective, would obviate such limitations. We
      compared syngeneic and allogeneic CDC transplantation in rats from
      immunologically-mismatched inbred strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro, CDCs
      expressed major histocompatibility complex class I but not class II antigens or
      B7 costimulatory molecules. In mixed-lymphocyte cocultures, allogeneic CDCs
      elicited negligible lymphocyte proliferation and inflammatory cytokine secretion.
      In vivo, syngeneic and allogeneic CDCs survived at similar levels in the
      infarcted rat heart 1 week after delivery, but few syngeneic (and even fewer
      allogeneic) CDCs remained at 3 weeks. Allogeneic CDCs induced a transient, mild,
      local immune reaction in the heart, without histologically evident rejection or
      systemic immunogenicity. Improvements in cardiac structure and function,
      sustained for 6 months, were comparable with syngeneic and allogeneic CDCs.
      Allogeneic CDCs stimulated endogenous regenerative mechanisms (cardiomyocyte
      cycling, recruitment of c-kit(+) cells, angiogenesis) and increased myocardial
      vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and hepatocyte
      growth factor equally with syngeneic CDCs. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic CDC
      transplantation without immunosuppression is safe, promotes cardiac regeneration,
      and improves heart function in a rat myocardial infarction model, mainly through
      stimulation of endogenous repair mechanisms. The indirect mechanism of action
      rationalizes the persistence of benefit despite the evanescence of transplanted
      cell survival. This work motivates the testing of allogeneic human CDCs as a
      potential off-the-shelf product for cellular cardiomyoplasty.

PMID- 22086879
TI  - Treatment of unexplained syncope: a multicenter, randomized trial of cardiac
      pacing guided by adenosine 5'-triphosphate testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The origin of 40% of syncope cases remains unknown even after a
      complete diagnostic workup. Previous studies have suggested that ATP testing has
      value in selecting successful therapy. This patient-blinded, multicenter,
      randomized superiority trial tested whether, in patients with syncope of unknown
      origin, selecting cardiac pacing in those with a positive ATP test leads to fewer
      recurrences than those who do not receive pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 2000
      to 2005, 80 consenting patients (mean age, 75.9+/-7.7 years; 81% women; 56%
      without diagnosed structural heart disease) with syncope of unknown origin and
      atrioventricular or sinoatrial block lasting >10 seconds (average, 17.9+/-6.8
      seconds) under ATP administration (20-mg IV bolus) were recruited from 10
      hospitals, implanted with programmable pacemakers, and randomized to either
      active pacing (dual-chamber pacing at 70 bpm) or backup pacing (atrial pacing at
      30 bpm). Patients were followed up regularly for up to 5 years for any syncope
      recurrence, the primary outcome. Mean follow-up was 16 months. Syncope recurred
      in 8 of 39 patients (21%) randomized to active pacing and in 27 of 41 (66%)
      randomized to backup pacing (control), yielding a hazard ratio of 0.25 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.12-0.56). After recurrence, the 27 recurrent control
      patients were reprogrammed to active pacing, and only 1 reported subsequent
      syncope. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, in elderly patients with syncope
      of unknown origin and positive ATP tests, active dual-chamber pacing reduces
      syncope recurrence risk by 75% (95% confidence interval, 44-88). CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN00029383. Unique
      identifier: ISRCTN00029383.

PMID- 22086880
TI  - Comparison of the durations of mild therapeutic hypothermia on outcome after
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current studies have demonstrated that applying therapeutic
      hypothermia for 12 to 24 hours after resuscitation from cardiac arrest improves
      the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The present study investigated
      whether a shorter duration of therapeutic hypothermia induced quickly and early
      after resuscitation would provide an equal improvement in the outcomes of
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ventricular fibrillation was
      induced and untreated for 8 minutes in 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats.
      Defibrillation was attempted after 8 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
      Seven minutes after resuscitation, animals were randomized into 4 groups (n=6
      each): normothermic, hypothermic-2 hours, hypothermic-5 hours, and hypothermic-8
      hours. Animals in the hypothermic groups received rapid cooling, which was
      started 7 minutes after restoration of spontaneous circulation and maintained at
      33+/-0.5 degrees C for 2, 5, or 8 hours. Normothermic animals were maintained at
      37+/-0.2 degrees C. All animals were anesthetized and ventilated for 8 hours
      after resuscitation. Blood temperature was significantly decreased in the
      hypothermic groups. Postresuscitation myocardial function, neurological deficit
      scores, and 72-hour survival were significantly better in animals treated with
      hypothermia regardless of the duration of cooling. However, significantly better
      postresuscitation tissue microcirculation, myocardial ejection fraction, and
      neurological deficit scores were observed in the hypothermic-2 hours animals.
      CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a shorter duration
      of mild hypothermia induced rapidly and early after restoration of spontaneous
      circulation improved postresuscitation microcirculation, myocardial and cerebral
      functions, and survival as well as, or better than, prolonged duration of
      hypothermia after resuscitation.

PMID- 22086881
TI  - Survival in childhood pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from the registry
      to evaluate early and long-term pulmonary arterial hypertension disease
      management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but important cause
      of morbidity and mortality in children. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data
      from 216 patients <=18 years of age at diagnosis who were enrolled in the
      Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL). Median
      age at diagnosis and enrollment was 7 and 15 years, respectively. The most
      frequent presenting symptom was dyspnea (idiopathic/familial PAH, 53%; PAH
      associated with congenital heart disease, 30%). Presyncope/syncope was more
      frequent in patients with idiopathic PAH/familial PAH (36%) than in those with
      PAH associated with congenital heart disease (4%). At diagnosis, mean pulmonary
      artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index were 56 mm Hg and 17 Wood
      units . m(2), respectively. Five-year survival from diagnosis for the overall
      cohort was 74+/-6%, with no significant difference between the idiopathic
      PAH/familial PAH (n=122, 75+/-7%) and PAH associated with congenital heart
      disease (n=77, 71+/-13%) cohorts (P=0.53). Older age at diagnosis was the only
      variable significantly associated with decreased survival from diagnosis.
      Variables at enrollment that were significantly associated with decreased
      survival from enrollment included higher pulmonary vascular resistance index,
      lower-weight z scores, and familial PAH. Additional variables at enrollment,
      identified in a secondary analysis, that were marginally associated with
      increased survival from enrollment included acute vasoreactivity (adaptation of
      conventional pediatric definition; P=0.087) and lower brain natriuretic peptide
      (P=0.060). None of the 22 patients who were acute responders treated with high
      dose calcium channel blockade as monotherapy or combination therapy died within 5
      years of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Using REVEAL, we identified key predictors of
      survival in childhood PAH. Refining these prognostic parameters should help
      clinicians improve outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00370214.

PMID- 22086882
TI  - No association between Parkinson disease alleles and the risk of melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent data showed that melanoma was more common among patients with
      Parkinson disease than individuals without Parkinson disease and vice versa. It
      has been hypothesized that these two diseases may share common genetic and
      environmental risk factors. METHODS: We evaluated the association between single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) selected on the basis of recent genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS) on Parkinson disease risk and the risk of melanoma
      using 2,297 melanoma cases and 6,651 controls. RESULTS: The Parkinson disease SNP
      rs156429 in the chromosome 7p15 region was nominally associated with melanoma
      risk with P value of 0.04, which was not significant after the Bonferroni
      correction for multiple comparisons. No association was observed between the
      remaining 31 Parkinson disease SNPs and the risk of melanoma. The genetic score
      based on the number of Parkinson disease risk allele was not associated with
      melanoma risk [OR for the highest genetic score quartile (30-35) vs. the lowest
      (15-20), 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47-2.70]. CONCLUSION: The
      Parkinson disease SNPs identified in published GWAS do not seem to play an
      important role in melanoma development. IMPACT: The Parkinson disease
      susceptibility loci discovered by GWAS contribute little to the observed
      epidemiologic association between the Parkinson disease and melanoma.

PMID- 22086883
TI  - Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin D may inhibit pancreatic
      cancer cell growth. However, epidemiologic studies of vitamin D and pancreatic
      cancer risk have been conflicting. METHODS: To determine whether prediagnostic
      levels of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D; IDS Inc.; enzyme immunoassay) were
      associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, we conducted a pooled analysis of
      nested case-control studies with 451 cases and 1,167 controls from five cohorts
      through 2008. Median follow-up among controls was 14.1 years in Health
      Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), 18.3 years in Nurses' Health Study (NHS),
      25.3 years in Physicians' Health Study (PHS), 12.2 years in Women's Health
      Initiative-Observational Study (WHI), and 14.4 years in Women's Health Study
      (WHS). Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of pancreatic cancer by
      plasma level of 25(OH)D. RESULTS: Mean plasma 25(OH)D was lower in cases versus
      controls (61.3 vs. 64.5 nmol/L, P = 0.005). In logistic regression models, plasma
      25(OH)D was inversely associated with odds of pancreatic cancer. Participants in
      quintiles two through five had multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% confidence
      intervals) of 0.79 (0.56-1.10), 0.75 (0.53-1.06), 0.68 (0.48-0.97), and 0.67
      (0.46-0.97; P(trend) = 0.03), respectively, compared with the bottom quintile.
      Compared with those with insufficient levels [25[OH]D, <50 nmol/L], ORs were 0.75
      (0.58-0.98) for subjects with relative insufficiency [25[OH]D, 50 to <75 nmol/L]
      and 0.71 (0.52-0.97) for those with sufficient levels [25[OH]D, >= 75 nmol/L]. No
      increased risk was noted in subjects with 25(OH)D >=100 nmol/L, as suggested in a
      prior study. In subgroup analyses, ORs for the top versus bottom quartile of
      25(OH)D were 0.72 (0.48-1.08) for women, 0.73 (0.40-1.31) for men, and 0.73 (0.51
      1.03) for Whites. CONCLUSIONS: Among participants in five large prospective
      cohorts, higher plasma levels of 25(OH)D were associated with a lower risk for
      pancreatic cancer. IMPACT: Low circulating 25(OH)D may predispose individuals to
      the development of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22086885
TI  - Statistics for school nursing practice.

PMID- 22086884
TI  - Lead, calcium uptake, and related genetic variants in association with renal cell
      carcinoma risk in a cohort of male Finnish smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lead is classified as a probable human carcinogen. However, its role
      in renal cell cancer (RCC) has not been established. Calcium and vitamin D may
      off-set toxicity in vivo. METHODS: In this nested case-control study, whole blood
      lead, total serum calcium, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured in
      blood drawn prior to diagnosis among male smokers participating in the Alpha
      Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study. Single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) in five genes (CALB1, TRPV5, TRPV6, VDR, and ALAD) related to
      lead toxicity or calcium transport were genotyped. Logistic and linear
      regressions were used to determine RCC risk and time to diagnosis (respectively),
      adjusting for other risk factors. RESULTS: Among 154 newly diagnosed cases and
      308 matched controls, RCC was associated with higher whole blood lead [OR = 2.0;
      95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-3.9; quartile 4 (Q4) vs. Q1, P(trend) = 0.022]
      and CALB1 rs1800645 (P(trend) = 0.025, minor 'T' allele frequency = 0.34). Higher
      total serum calcium (P(trend) <= 0.001) was associated with reduced RCC risk.
      Total serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels did not alter the association
      observed with lead. Time from enrollment to RCC diagnosis was positively
      associated with serum calcium (P(trend) = 0.002) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      (P(trend) = 0.054) among cases. CONCLUSIONS: Higher blood lead concentrations,
      below the 10 MUg/dL level of concern, were associated with RCC, independent from
      serum calcium and CALB1 promoter polymorphism. IMPACT: Increased risk of RCC is
      associated with lower serum calcium and higher whole blood lead in smokers. The
      clinical prognostic value of serum calcium and vitamin D in RCC should be further
      investigated.

PMID- 22086887
TI  - Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and herpes zoster: immunization
      guidelines for adults.
AB  - Although vaccinations are most commonly associated with the pediatric population,
      it is important for healthcare professionals to be familiar with the vaccines
      that are recommended for adults. The authors discuss 3 vaccines-the measles,
      mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the varicella vaccine, and the herpes zoster
      vaccine-including information about the diseases and complications that they
      protect against. Two doses, separated by 4 weeks, of both the MMR and varicella
      vaccines are recommended for all adults who do not have immunization or
      contraindications. All adults aged 60 years or older should receive a single dose
      of the herpes zoster vaccine unless they have contraindications. These 3 vaccines
      offer protection from illnesses that can have serious sequelae and substantial
      public health implications.

PMID- 22086888
TI  - A shot at hepatitis prevention.
AB  - Recent trends suggest that the prevalence of hepatitis infection has declined in
      populations vaccinated against the hepatitis viruses. Still, with an estimated
      20,000 new infections annually in the United States from human hepatitis A virus,
      as many as 100,000 annual cases of acute infection from hepatitis B virus, and
      more than 1 million individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, there
      is room for further improvement. Although hepatitis A virus infection causes
      debilitating symptoms and illness, it is typically not a protracted illness, and
      it usually resolves over weeks to months without further sequelae. By contrast,
      hepatitis B may convert to a chronic infection that leads to cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma, underscoring the importance of vaccinations in at-risk
      individuals.

PMID- 22086889
TI  - Protecting the world against meningitis: new recommendations from the CDC's
      advisory committee on immunization practices.
AB  - Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but often fatal disease. Throughout
      adolescence, the incidence of meningococcal meningitis increases, reaching a peak
      among individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 years. Vaccines are available to
      combat this deadly disease. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updated its
      recommendations on meningitis vaccination to improve outcomes and to prevent this
      disease in adolescents and other vulnerable populations, such as adults traveling
      internationally to epidemic areas. Improved meningitis vaccines and revised
      vaccination recommendations will help to create a healthier world.

PMID- 22086890
TI  - Time for changes in pneumococcal vaccination of adults?
AB  - Because Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to be an important cause of morbidity
      and mortality, especially among young children and elderly adults, Healthy People
      2020 includes several objectives for decreasing invasive pneumococcal disease and
      increasing pneumococcal vaccine uptake. Current recommendations of the Advisory
      Committee on Immunization Practices regarding pneumococcal vaccination for adults
      have not changed appreciatively in several years. However, it is possible that
      ongoing research may lead to changes in these recommendations within the next few
      years. Since the licensure of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for
      children in 2000, impressive decreases in pneumonia-related diseases caused by
      strains in the vaccine have been noted among all age groups receiving
      vaccination. Coupled with continued concerns about the efficacy of the 23-valent
      pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for adults, particularly in regard to
      nonbacteremic pneumonia, questions are raised about the potential efficacy and
      viability of conjugate vaccines for adults.

PMID- 22086891
TI  - Revisiting the influenza vaccine.
AB  - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared the decline in
      preventable diseases through vaccination to be 1 of the 10 great public health
      achievements in the past decade in the United States. Still, influenza epidemics
      occur every year in the United States and are associated with high rates of
      morbidity and mortality. A substantial portion of the US population chooses not
      to get vaccinated against influenza despite the illness and death associated with
      the disease. Low rates of vaccination are of particular concern in high-risk
      patients. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has broadened
      its influenza vaccine recommendations to include all individuals older than 6
      months. Education of patients about the value of influenza vaccination will help
      to increase vaccination rates.

PMID- 22086892
TI  - Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
AB  - Optimal protection against preventable diseases for the pregnant woman and her
      fetus can be provided through vaccination prior to pregnancy. When indicated,
      however, the benefits of immunization during pregnancy and breastfeeding may
      outweigh the theoretical risks of potential adverse events. Several vaccinations
      recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can reduce maternal and fetal morbidity
      and mortality from preventable diseases. Physicians can maintain the highest
      standards of clinical practice by advocating for appropriate vaccinations in
      their female patients. The authors discuss current versions of CDC vaccination
      recommendations, contraindications, and precautions for pregnant and
      breastfeeding women.

PMID- 22086893
TI  - Update on the advisory committee on immunization practices' recommendations for
      use of herpes zoster vaccine.
AB  - A live attenuated vaccine to prevent herpes zoster, or shingles (Zostavax; Merck
      & Co Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ), is approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) for use in adults aged 50 years or older. Studies show that
      this vaccine is safe when administered to immunocompetent adults. Investigations
      are being conducted to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the vaccine
      in immunocompromised populations, including patients who are dependent on
      steroids. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that this vaccine be routinely
      administered only to patients aged 60 years or older. As more data regarding
      duration of immunity after vaccination become available and as concerns regarding
      supply of this vaccine are adequately addressed, the ACIP plans to reconsider its
      recommendations regarding its use in patients aged 50 to 59 years. The author
      provides an overview of the herpes zoster vaccine, focusing on the latest
      extension in use approved by the FDA and the recommendations of the ACIP.

PMID- 22086894
TI  - Cracking the shell on egg-hypersensitive patients and egg-containing vaccines.
AB  - Hens' eggs are a common food in the American diet. They are consumed as a primary
      food source and added as an ingredient to other foods. In individuals who are
      hypersensitive to eggs, egg-containing foods can cause mild to severe allergic
      reactions if ingested. These individuals may also have adverse reactions to
      vaccines produced on egg media. Vaccines that are created on egg media include
      those for measles, mumps, and rubella; rabies; yellow fever; and influenza. The
      authors discuss recent developments in the use of egg-containing vaccines in
      hypersensitive patients.

PMID- 22086895
TI  - Tdap vaccine: current indications for adolescent and adult patients in the United
      States.
AB  - Despite the availability of a tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and
      acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in the United States since 2005, the vaccine
      remains underutilized and perhaps misunderstood by many physicians. Pertussis
      continues to be a major public health problem, with adults being the primary
      source of infectious transmission to unprotected infants. Consequently, the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization
      Practices has expanded the indications for the Tdap vaccine. In addition, the
      vaccine can be safely administered regardless of the time since the patient's
      last tetanus-diphtheria booster. Widespread use of the Tdap vaccine-especially in
      health-care workers, adolescents, and adults aged 19 to 64 years-should greatly
      reduce the incidence of Bordetella pertussis infection in the United States. The
      recent Food and Drug Administration approval of the Tdap vaccine for individuals
      aged 65 years or older should increase the use of this vaccine.

PMID- 22086896
TI  - The cancer biomarker osteopontin: combination with other markers.
AB  - Osteopontin (OPN) is a biomarker for cancer progression and prognosis in multiple
      tumor types, however, it has not yet found entry into clinical diagnostics. In
      recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that marker combinations
      may have better diagnostic or prognostic potential than individual molecules.
      While various studies have analyzed OPN in conjunction with other markers, a
      comprehensive review of their published results is still lacking. OPN in tumor
      tissue or in the blood has been investigated in conjunction with a broad range of
      other markers in diverse types of cancer. OPN has been combined with cancer
      specific markers, functionally converging biomolecules (angiogenesis,
      motility/adhesion, extracellular matrix, bone) and synergizing biomolecules
      (fibrinolytic system, calcium homeostatic proteins, squamous cell carcinoma
      antigen, NF-kappaB pathways, proteases). Clinical parameters of interest have
      been cancer detection, assessment of progression, and prognosis/treatment
      response. Some marker combinations with OPN are promising for detection,
      diagnosis or prognosis in various types of cancer. Yet, surprisingly, in many
      cases, the published results are conflicting, and no clear metrics have been
      developed for utilizing marker combinations in clinical decision making. With the
      current intense interest in multiplex marker panels, additional, large-scale
      studies are needed to realize the full diagnostic and prognostic potential of
      OPN.

PMID- 22086897
TI  - Early detection of ovarian cancer in samples pre-diagnosis using CA125 and MALDI
      MS peaks.
AB  - AIM: A nested case-control discovery study was undertaken to test whether
      information within the serum peptidome can improve on the utility of CA125 for
      early ovarian cancer detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-throughput matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to
      profile 295 serum samples from women pre-dating their ovarian cancer diagnosis
      and from 585 matched control samples. Classification rules incorporating CA125
      and MS peak intensities were tested for discriminating ability. RESULTS: Two
      peaks were found which in combination with CA125 discriminated cases from
      controls up to 15 and 11 months before diagnosis, respectively, and earlier than
      using CA125 alone. One peak was identified as connective tissue-activating
      peptide III (CTAPIII), whilst the other was putatively identified as platelet
      factor 4 (PF4). ELISA data supported the down-regulation of PF4 in early cancer
      cases. CONCLUSION: Serum peptide information with CA125 improves lead time for
      early detection of ovarian cancer. The candidate markers are platelet-derived
      chemokines, suggesting a link between platelet function and tumour development.

PMID- 22086898
TI  - The role of metalloendopeptidases in oropharyngeal carcinomas assessed by tissue
      microarray.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of some
      metalloendopeptidases in squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx as well as
      its relation to histological differentiation, staging of disease, and prognosis.
      Paraffin blocks from 21 primary tumors were obtained from archives of the
      Department of Pathology, Paulista Medical School, Federal University of Sao
      Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of
      EP24.15 and EP24.16 by means of tissue microarrays. Expression of EP24.15 or
      EP24.16 was not correlated with the stage of disease, histopathological grading
      or recurrence in squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx. In summary, our
      results support the notion that EP24.15 and EP24.16 are expressed in carcinoma of
      the oropharynx; however, these do not appear to be suitable biomarkers for
      histological grading, disease stage or recurrence as depicted by tissue
      microarrays and immunohistochemistry.

PMID- 22086900
TI  - Favourable response to plasma exchange in tumefactive CNS demyelination with
      delayed B-cell response.
AB  - We report a case of multiple sclerosis-associated fulminant tumefactive
      demyelinating lesion (TDL) with the special feature of delayed humoral immune
      response. Plasma exchange (PE) yielded significant benefit in two consecutive
      steroid-unresponsive relapses, while signs of an intrathecal B-cell response were
      only present 2 years later at the second relapse. Remission was achieved and
      sustained thereafter with natalizumab. Our case indicates that PE might be a
      therapeutic option even when the B-cell response is not fully developed. This
      delay in the development of a humoral immune response may reflect the step-wise B
      cell colonization of the CNS and represent an attractive therapeutic window of
      opportunity.

PMID- 22086901
TI  - Modulation of the central memory and Tr1-like regulatory T cells in multiple
      sclerosis patients responsive to interferon-beta therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon-beta is used to reduce disease activity in multiple
      sclerosis, but its action is incompletely understood, individual treatment
      response varies among patients, and biological markers predicting clinical
      benefits have yet to be identified. Since it is known that multiple sclerosis
      patients have a deficit of the regulatory T-cell subsets, we investigated whether
      interferon-beta therapy induced modifications of the two main categories of
      regulatory T cells (Tregs), natural and IL-10-secreting inducible Tr1 subset, in
      patients who are biologically responsive to the therapy. METHODS: T-cell
      phenotype was determined by flow cytometry, while real-time PCR was used to
      evaluate interferon-beta bioactivity through MxA determination, and to measure
      the RNA for IL-10 and CD46 molecule in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      stimulated with anti-CD46 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies, which are known to
      expand a Tr1-like population. RESULTS: Interferon-beta induced a redistribution
      of natural Treg subsets with a shift of naive Tregs towards the 'central memory
      like' Treg population that expresses the CCR7 molecule required for the in vivo
      suppressive activity. Furthermore, in a subgroup of treated patients, the
      CD46/CD3 co-stimulation, probably through the Tr1-like subset modulation,
      increased the production of RNA for IL-10 and CD46. The same group showed a lower
      median EDSS score after two years of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The selective increase
      of 'central memory-like' subset and the involvement of the Tr1-like population
      may be two of the mechanisms by which interferon-beta achieves its beneficial
      effects. The quantification of RNA for IL-10 and CD46 could be used to identify
      patients with a different response to interferon-beta therapy.

PMID- 22086902
TI  - Effect of condensed tannins addition on the astringency of red wines.
AB  - Astringency has been defined as a group of sensations involving dryness,
      tightening, and shrinking of the oral surface. It has been accepted that
      astringency is due to the tannin-induced interaction and/or precipitation of the
      salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) in the oral cavity, as a result of the
      ingestion of food products rich in tannins, for example, red wine. The sensory
      evaluation of astringency is difficult, and the existence of fast and reliable
      methods to its study in vitro is scarce. So, in this work, the astringency of red
      wine supplemented with oligomeric procyanidins (condensed tannins), and the
      salivary proteins (SP) involved in its development were evaluated by high
      performance liquid chromatography analysis of human saliva after its interaction
      with red wine and by sensorial evaluation. The results show that for low
      concentration of tannins, the decrease of acidic PRPs and statherin is correlated
      with astringency intensity, with these families having a high relative
      complexation and precipitation toward condensed tannins comparatively to the
      other SP. However, for higher concentrations of tannins, the relative astringency
      between wines seems to correlate's to the glycosylated PRPs changes. This work
      shows for the first time that the several families of SP could be involved in
      different stages of the astringency development.

PMID- 22086903
TI  - Effects of robot-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary fitness in subacute
      stroke patients: a randomized controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: . Robot-assisted gait training has the potential to improve
      cardiopulmonary fitness after stroke, even for patients who are in the early
      stages of recovery and not independent ambulators. The authors compared the
      effects of robot-assisted gait training and conventional physical therapy on
      cardiopulmonary fitness. METHODS: . A prospective single-blinded, randomized
      controlled study of 37 patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation was performed
      within 1 month after stroke onset. The robot-assisted gait training group (n =
      20) received 40 minutes of gait training with Lokomat and 60 minutes of
      conventional physical therapy each day, whereas the control group (n = 17)
      received 100 minutes of conventional physical therapy daily. Using a
      semirecumbent cycle ergometer, changes in cardiopulmonary fitness were
      investigated using incremental exercise testing. Motor and gait functional
      recovery was measured according to changes in the lower-extremity score of the
      Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA-L), leg score of the Motricity Index (MI-L), and
      the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). RESULTS: . Compared with the control
      group, the robot group showed 12.8% improvement in peak VO(2) after training (P <
      .05). Compared with the control group, the robot group also improved in FMA-L
      score (P < .05). CONCLUSION: . Patients can be trained to increase their VO(2)
      and lower-extremity strength using a robotic device for stepping during inpatient
      rehabilitation. This training has the potential to improve cardiopulmonary
      fitness in patients who are not yet independent ambulators, but that may require
      more than 2 weeks of continued, progressive training.

PMID- 22086904
TI  - Widespread interspecific divergence in cis-regulation of transposable elements in
      the Arabidopsis genus.
AB  - Transposable elements (TEs) are so abundant and variable that they count among
      the most important mutational sources in genomes. Nonetheless, little is known
      about the genetics of their variation in activity or silencing across closely
      related species. Here, we demonstrate that regulation of TE genes can differ
      dramatically between the two closely related Arabidopsis species A. thaliana and
      A. lyrata. In leaf and floral tissues of F1 interspecific hybrids, about 47% of
      TEs show allele-specific expression, with the A. lyrata copy being generally
      expressed at higher level. We confirm that TEs are generally expressed in A.
      lyrata but not in A. thaliana. Allele-specific differences in TE expression are
      associated with divergence in epigenetic modifications like DNA and histone
      methylation between species as well as with sequence divergence. Our data
      demonstrate that A. thaliana silences TEs much better than A. lyrata. For long
      terminal repeat retrotransposons, these differences are more pronounced for
      younger insertions. Interspecific differences in TE silencing may have a great
      impact on genome size changes.

PMID- 22086905
TI  - Role for ion transport in porcine vocal fold epithelial defense to acid
      challenge.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The vocal fold epithelium is routinely exposed to gastric contents,
      including acid and pepsin, during laryngopharyngeal reflux events. The epithelium
      may possess intrinsic defenses to reflux. The first objective of the current
      study was to examine whether vocal fold epithelial ion transport is one potential
      mechanism of defense to gastric contents. The second objective was to determine
      whether ion transport in response to gastric contents is associated with the
      secretion of bicarbonate. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective design in excised porcine
      larynges. SETTING: Laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Porcine vocal folds (N = 56)
      were exposed on the luminal surface to acid, pepsin, or sham challenges. Ion
      transport at baseline and following challenge exposure was measured using
      electrophysiological techniques. To examine specific ion transport mechanisms,
      vocal folds were pretreated with either a sodium channel blocker or bicarbonate
      channel blocker. RESULTS: Within 60 seconds of acid but not pepsin exposure,
      there was a significant increase in ion transport. This rapid increase in ion
      transport was transient and related to bicarbonate secretion. CONCLUSION: The
      current data suggest that porcine vocal folds immediately increase bicarbonate
      secretion following exposure to acid. Bicarbonate secretion may act to neutralize
      acid. These findings contribute to the identification of the mechanisms
      underlying vocal fold defense to reflux and offer implications for the
      development of treatments for reflux-induced vocal fold injury.

PMID- 22086906
TI  - Suppression of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 3 expression is a feature of
      classical GBM that is required for maximal growth.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK) regulate the function of G-protein
      coupled receptors (GPCR). Previously, we found that GPCR (CXCR4)-mediated
      astrocytoma growth was dependent upon abnormally sustained CXCR4 signaling and
      was correlated with decreased GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation. As CXCR4 has
      also been implicated in the stimulation of high-grade glioma growth, we sought to
      determine whether dysregulation of GRK expression and/or function might also be
      present in high-grade gliomas. In an analysis of data from The Cancer Genome
      Atlas, we found that GRK3 expression is frequently decreased in glioblastoma
      (GBM) of the classical subtype, which possesses signature amplification or
      mutational activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. We tested
      the correlation between GRK3 expression and GBM subtypes, as well as the
      relationship between the activation of the EGF and other growth factor receptor
      pathways and GRK expression. In analyses of primary GBM tissue and RNA specimens,
      we found that GRK3 expression is correlated with established criteria for GBM
      subtyping including expression of EGF receptor, platelet-derived growth factor
      receptor (PDGFR)alpha, NF1, PTEN, CDKN2A, and neurofilament. We also found that
      established drivers of gliomagenesis, the EGF, PDGF, and TGF-beta pathways, all
      regulate GRK expression. Coculture experiments, designed to mimic critical
      interactions between tumor and brain microvascular endothelial cells, showed that
      specifically increasing GRK3 expression reduced the trophic effect of endothelial
      cells on tumor cells. Together, these experiments show that GRK3 is a negative
      regulator of cell growth whose expression is preferentially reduced in GBM of the
      classical subtype as a consequence of activity in primary gliomagenic pathways.

PMID- 22086909
TI  - DNA replication occurs in all lamina positive micronuclei, but never in lamina
      negative micronuclei.
AB  - A micronucleus is a small nucleus-like structure found in the cytoplasm of
      dividing cells that suffered from genotoxic stress. It is generally hypothesised
      that micronuclei content is eventually lost from cells, though the mechanism of
      how this occurs is unknown. If DNA located within the micronucleus is not
      replicated, it may explain the loss of micronuclei content. Because there had
      been no compelling evidence for this issue, we have addressed whether DNA located
      within the micronucleus is replicated this issue. Pulse labelling of
      bromodeoxyuridine revealed that DNA synthesis takes place in a portion of
      micronuclei that contain nuclear lamin B protein. By using iodine 3'
      deoxyuridine/chlorodeoxyuridine double labelling, we found that all micronuclei
      containing lamin B are replicated during one cell cycle, whereas micronuclei
      lacking lamin B are never replicated. This result suggests that the content of
      lamin B-negative micronuclei is lost during cell division. Furthermore, we
      simultaneously visualised sites of DNA synthesis, lamin B and the
      extrachromosomal double minutes chromatin, which contain amplified oncogenes. We
      found that although the replication timing of double minutes was generally
      preserved in micronuclei, at times it differed greatly from the timing in the
      nucleus, which may perturb the expression of the amplified oncogenes. Taken
      together, these findings uncovered the DNA replication occurring inside
      micronuclei.

PMID- 22086907
TI  - Association of the von Hippel-Lindau protein with AUF1 and posttranscriptional
      regulation of VEGFA mRNA.
AB  - The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene product is the recognition
      component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase and is inactivated in patients with VHL
      disease and in most sporadic clear-cell renal cell carcinomas (RCC). pVHL
      controls oxygen-responsive gene expression at the transcriptional and
      posttranscriptional levels. The VEGFA mRNA contains AU-rich elements (ARE) in the
      3'-untranslated region, and mRNA stability or decay is determined through ARE
      associated RNA-binding factors. We show here that levels of the ARE-binding
      factor, AUF1, are regulated by pVHL and by hypoxia. pVHL and AUF1 stably
      associate with each other in cells and AUF1 is a ubiquitylation target of pVHL.
      AUF1 and another RNA-binding protein, HuR, bind to VEGFA ARE RNA.
      Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) immunoprecipitations showed that pVHL associates
      indirectly with VEGFA mRNA through AUF1 and/or HuR, and this complex is
      associated with VEGFA mRNA decay under normoxic conditions. Under hypoxic
      conditions pVHL is downregulated, whereas AUF1 and HuR binding to VEGF mRNA is
      maintained, and this complex is associated with stabilized mRNA. These studies
      suggest that AUF1 and HuR bind to VEGFA ARE RNA under both normoxic and hypoxic
      conditions, and that a pVHL-RNP complex determines VEGFA mRNA decay. These
      studies further implicate the ubiquitin-proteasome system in ARE-mediated RNA
      degradation.

PMID- 22086908
TI  - Significance of PELP1 in ER-negative breast cancer metastasis.
AB  - Breast cancer metastasis is a major clinical problem. The molecular basis of
      breast cancer progression to metastasis remains poorly understood. PELP1 is an
      estrogen receptor (ER) coregulator that has been implicated as a proto-oncogene
      whose expression is deregulated in metastatic breast tumors and whose expression
      is retained in ER-negative tumors. We examined the mechanism and significance of
      PELP1-mediated signaling in ER-negative breast cancer progression using two ER
      negative model cells (MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells) that stably express PELP1-shRNA.
      These model cells had reduced PELP1 expression (75% of endogenous levels) and
      exhibited less propensity to proliferate in growth assays in vitro. PELP1
      downregulation substantially affected migration of ER-negative cells in Boyden
      chamber and invasion assays. Using mechanistic studies, we found that PELP1
      modulated expression of several genes involved in the epithelial mesenchymal
      transition (EMT), including MMPs, SNAIL, TWIST, and ZEB. In addition, PELP1
      knockdown reduced the in vivo metastatic potential of ER-negative breast cancer
      cells and significantly reduced lung metastatic nodules in a xenograft assay.
      These results implicate PELP1 as having a role in ER-negative breast cancer
      metastasis, reveal novel mechanism of coregulator regulation of metastasis via
      promoting cell motility/EMT by modulating expression of genes, and suggest PELP1
      may be a potential therapeutic target for metastatic ER-negative breast cancer.

PMID- 22086910
TI  - New species of Gondwanamyces from dying Euphorbia trees in South Africa.
AB  - Gondwanamyces and its Custingophora anamorphs were first described from Protea
      infructescences in South Africa. Subsequently these unusual fungi were also found
      on Cecropia in Central America. During an investigation into the decline and
      death of native Euphorbia trees in South Africa, several fungal isolates
      resembling the anamorph state of Gondwanamyces were obtained from diseased
      tissues. In this study these isolates are identified based on morphology and
      comparisons of DNA sequences. Two previously unknown Gondwanamyces species were
      identified, both were associated with damage caused by beetles (Cossonus sp.).
      Inoculation studies showed that the new species of Gondwanamyces are pathogenic
      on Euphorbia ingens and may contribute to the decline of these trees.

PMID- 22086912
TI  - Revision of taxonomic concept and systematic position of some Clavariaceae
      species.
AB  - A taxonomic and nomenclatural revision of some representatives of Clavariaceae is
      presented based on extensive collecting in central and western Europe. Five
      species originally described from Europe are identified, redescribed and
      delimited: Clavaria fragilis, Ramariopsis crocea, R. corniculata, R. helvola and
      R. pulchella. Lectotypes, epitypes or neotypes are designated for all these
      species. Descriptions are based on macro- and micromorphological characters and
      supplemented with DNA analyses of the nrLSU regions from 20 specimens. The
      molecular phylogenetic analyses reconstructed a phylogram showing relationships
      among the discussed species as well as some closely related taxa. The taxonomic
      value of the ratio of length and width of spores (Q-value) is discussed.

PMID- 22086911
TI  - Phylogenetic diversity of insecticolous fusaria inferred from multilocus DNA
      sequence data and their molecular identification via FUSARIUM-ID and Fusarium
      MLST.
AB  - We constructed several multilocus DNA sequence datasets to assess the
      phylogenetic diversity of insecticolous fusaria, especially focusing on those
      housed at the Agricultural Research Service Collection of Entomopathogenic Fungi
      (ARSEF), and to aid molecular identifications of unknowns via the FUSARIUM-ID and
      Fusarium MLST online databases and analysis packages. Analyses of a 190-taxon,
      two-locus dataset, which included 159 isolates from insects, indicated that: (i)
      insect-associated fusaria were nested within 10 species complexes spanning the
      phylogenetic breadth of Fusarium, (ii) novel, putatively unnamed insecticolous
      species were nested within 8/10 species complexes and (iii) Latin binomials could
      be applied with confidence to only 18/58 phylogenetically distinct fusaria
      associated with pest insects. Phylogenetic analyses of an 82-taxon, three-locus
      dataset nearly fully resolved evolutionary relationships among the 10 clades
      containing insecticolous fusaria. Multilocus typing of isolates within four
      species complexes identified surprisingly high genetic diversity in that 63/65 of
      the fusaria typed represented newly discovered haplotypes. The DNA sequence data,
      together with corrected ABI sequence chromatograms and alignments, have been
      uploaded to the following websites dedicated to identifying fusaria: FUSARIUM-ID
      (http://isolate.fusariumdb.org) at Pennsylvania State University's Department of
      Plant Pathology and Fusarium MLST (http://www.cbs.knaw.nl/fusarium) at the
      Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS-KNAW) Fungal Biodiversity Center.

PMID- 22086913
TI  - Application of the Apn2/MAT locus to improve the systematics of the
      Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex: an example from coffee (Coffea spp.)
      hosts.
AB  - To improve phylogenetic resolution of the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species
      complex we developed and tested the performance of a new set of primers for the
      Apn2/MAT locus with a case study of 22 isolates. These were isolated mainly from
      coffee plants and represent six divergent and well characterized species within
      the C. gloeosporioides complex. Following previous studies on this locus, we have
      generated sequence data from an expanded region (> 4600 bp), revealing increased
      phylogenetic informativeness when compared to other commonly used markers such as
      ITS, beta-tub2 and GS. Within the Apn2/MAT locus the ApMAT marker alone was
      almost as informative in terms of phylogenetic resolution as a seven-gene
      concatenated dataset. Our results further revealed that gene-tree discordance may
      come to be a common issue in resolving evolutionary relationships in the C.
      gloeosporioides complex, highlighting the importance of multilocus approaches.
      The use of state-of-the-art data analysis techniques and a highly informative
      dataset as employed here may abate this issue and hopefully assist in
      disentangling the C. gloeosporioides complex.

PMID- 22086914
TI  - Generation and functional characterization of knock-in mice harboring the cardiac
      troponin I-R21C mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - The R21C substitution in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is the only identified
      mutation within its unique N-terminal extension that is associated with
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in man. Particularly, this mutation is located
      in the consensus sequence for beta-adrenergic-activated protein kinase A (PKA)
      mediated phosphorylation. The mechanisms by which this mutation leads to heart
      disease are still unclear. Therefore, we generated cTnI knock-in mouse models
      carrying an R21C mutation to evaluate the resultant functional consequences.
      Measuring the in vivo levels of incorporated mutant and WT cTnI, and their basal
      phosphorylation levels by top-down mass spectrometry demonstrated: 1) a dominant
      negative effect such that, the R21C+/- hearts incorporated 24.9% of the mutant
      cTnI within the myofilament; and 2) the R21C mutation abolished the in vivo
      phosphorylation of Ser(23)/Ser(24) in the mutant cTnI. Adult heterozygous (R21C+/
      ) and homozygous (R21C+/+) mutant mice activated the fetal gene program and
      developed a remarkable degree of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Investigation
      of cardiac skinned fibers isolated from WT and heterozygous mice revealed that
      the WT cTnI was completely phosphorylated at Ser(23)/Ser(24) unless the mice were
      pre-treated with propranolol. After propranolol treatment (-PKA), the pCa-tension
      relationships of all three mice (i.e. WT, R21C+/-, and R21C+/+) were essentially
      the same. However, after treatment with propranolol and PKA, the R21C cTnI
      mutation reduced (R21C+/-) or abolished (R21C+/+) the well known decrease in the
      Ca(2+) sensitivity of tension that accompanies Ser(23)/Ser(24) cTnI
      phosphorylation. Altogether, the combined effects of the R21C mutation appear to
      contribute toward the development of HCM and suggest that another physiological
      role for the phosphorylation of Ser(23)/Ser(24) in cTnI is to prevent cardiac
      hypertrophy.

PMID- 22086915
TI  - CTRP1 protein enhances fatty acid oxidation via AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) activation and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibition.
AB  - We previously described the adipokine CTRP1, which has up-regulated expression
      following exposure to the anti-diabetic drug rosiglitazone and increased
      circulating levels in adiponectin-null mice (Wong, G. W., Krawczyk, S. A.,
      Kitidis-Mitrokostas, C., Revett, T., Gimeno, R., and Lodish, H. F. (2008)
      Biochem. J. 416, 161-177). Although recombinant CTRP1 lowers blood glucose in
      mice, its physiological function, mechanisms of action, and roles in metabolic
      stress remain unknown. Here, we show that circulating levels of CTRP1 are
      strikingly reduced in diet-induced obese mice. Overexpressing CTRP1 in transgenic
      mice improved insulin sensitivity and decreased high-fat diet-induced weight
      gain. Reduced adiposity resulted from enhanced fatty acid oxidation and energy
      expenditure, effects mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In skeletal
      muscle of transgenic mice, AMPKalpha and its downstream target, acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase (ACC), were hyperphosphorylated, indicative of AMPK activation and
      ACC inhibition. Inactivation of ACC promotes mitochondrial fat oxidation.
      Consistent with the direct effect of CTRP1 on AMPK signaling, recombinant CTRP1
      administration acutely stimulated muscle AMPKalpha and ACC phosphorylation in
      vivo. In isolated soleus muscle, recombinant CTRP1 activated AMPK signaling to
      increase fatty acid oxidation ex vivo, an effect abrogated by an AMPK inhibitor.
      These results provide the first in vivo evidence that CTRP1 is a novel regulator
      of fatty acid metabolism.

PMID- 22086916
TI  - Testis-specific miRNA-469 up-regulated in gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA
      helicase (GRTH/DDX25)-null mice silences transition protein 2 and protamine 2
      messages at sites within coding region: implications of its role in germ cell
      development.
AB  - Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), a testis-specific
      member of the DEAD-box family, is an essential post-transcriptional regulator of
      spermatogenesis. Failure of expression of Transition protein 2 (TP2) and
      Protamine 2 (Prm2) proteins (chromatin remodelers, essential for spermatid
      elongation and completion of spermatogenesis) with preservation of their mRNA
      expression was observed in GRTH-null mice (azoospermic due to failure of
      spermatids to elongate). These were identified as target genes for the testis
      specific miR-469, which is increased in the GRTH-null mice. Further analysis
      demonstrated that miR-469 repressed TP2 and Prm2 protein expression at the
      translation level with minor effect on mRNA degradation, through binding to the
      coding regions of TP2 and Prm2 mRNAs. The corresponding primary-microRNAs and the
      expression levels of Drosha and DGCR8 (both mRNA and protein) were increased
      significantly in the GRTH-null mice. miR-469 silencing of TP2 and Prm2 mRNA in
      pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids is essential for their timely
      translation at later times of spermiogenesis, which is critical to attain mature
      sperm. Collectively, these studies indicate that GRTH, a multifunctional RNA
      helicase, acts as a negative regulator of miRNA-469 biogenesis and consequently
      their function during spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22086917
TI  - Dynamic ligand-induced conformational rearrangements in P-glycoprotein as probed
      by fluorescence resonance energy transfer spectroscopy.
AB  - P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family,
      functions as an ATP hydrolysis-driven efflux pump to rid the cell of toxic
      organic compounds, including a variety of drugs used in anticancer chemotherapy.
      Here, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy to
      delineate the structural rearrangements the two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs)
      are undergoing during the catalytic cycle. Pairs of cysteines were introduced
      into equivalent regions in the N- and C-terminal NBDs for labeling with
      fluorescent dyes for ensemble and single-molecule FRET spectroscopy. In the
      ensemble FRET, a decrease of the donor to acceptor (D/A) ratio was observed upon
      addition of drug and ATP. Vanadate trapping further decreased the D/A ratio,
      indicating close association of the two NBDs. One of the cysteine mutants was
      further analyzed using confocal single-molecule FRET spectroscopy. Single Pgp
      molecules showed fast fluctuations of the FRET efficiencies, indicating movements
      of the NBDs on a time scale of 10-100 ms. Populations of low, medium, and high
      FRET efficiencies were observed during drug-stimulated MgATP hydrolysis,
      suggesting the presence of at least three major conformations of the NBDs during
      catalysis. Under conditions of vanadate trapping, most molecules displayed high
      FRET efficiency states, whereas with cyclosporin, more molecules showed low FRET
      efficiency. Different dwell times of the FRET states were found for the distinct
      biochemical conditions, with the fastest movements during active turnover. The
      FRET spectroscopy observations are discussed in context of a model of the
      catalytic mechanism of Pgp.

PMID- 22086918
TI  - A Monod-Wyman-Changeux mechanism can explain G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)
      allosteric modulation.
AB  - The Monod-Wyman-Changeux (MWC) model was initially proposed to describe the
      allosteric properties of regulatory enzymes and subsequently extended to
      receptors. Yet despite GPCRs representing the largest family of receptors and
      drug targets, no study has systematically evaluated the MWC mechanism as it
      applies to GPCR allosteric ligands. We reveal how the recently described
      allosteric modulator, benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid (BQCA), behaves according
      to a strict, two-state MWC mechanism at the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
      (mAChR). Despite having a low affinity for the M1 mAChR, BQCA demonstrated state
      dependence, exhibiting high positive cooperativity with orthosteric agonists in a
      manner that correlated with efficacy but negative cooperativity with inverse
      agonists. The activity of BQCA was significantly increased at a constitutively
      active M1 mAChR but abolished at an inactive mutant. Interestingly, BQCA
      possessed intrinsic signaling efficacy, ranging from near-quiescence to full
      agonism depending on the coupling efficiency of the chosen intracellular pathway.
      This latter cellular property also determined the difference in magnitude of
      positive cooperativity between BQCA and the orthosteric agonist, carbachol,
      across pathways. The lack of additional, pathway-biased, allosteric modulation by
      BQCA was confirmed in genetically engineered yeast strains expressing different
      chimeras between the endogenous yeast G(pa1) protein and human Galpha subunits.
      These findings define a chemical biological framework that can be applied to the
      study and classification of allosteric modulators across different GPCR families.

PMID- 22086919
TI  - Reduced immunoglobulin A transcytosis associated with immunoglobulin A
      nephropathy and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Polymeric IgA (pIgA) is transcytosed by the pIgA receptor (pIgR) across mucosal
      epithelial cells. After transcytosis to the apical surface, the extracellular,
      ligand-binding portion of the pIgR is proteolytically cleaved. A missense
      mutation in human pIgR, A580V, is associated with IgA nephropathy and
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We report that this mutation reduces the rate of
      transcytosis of pIgR and pIgA, and seemingly the rate of pIgR cleavage. We
      propose that the defects in pIgR trafficking caused by the A580V mutation may
      underlie the pathogenesis of both diseases.

PMID- 22086920
TI  - Yeast sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) cleavage requires Cdc48
      and Dsc5, a ubiquitin regulatory X domain-containing subunit of the Golgi Dsc E3
      ligase.
AB  - Schizosaccharomyces pombe Sre1 is a membrane-bound transcription factor that
      controls adaptation to hypoxia. Like its mammalian homolog, sterol regulatory
      element-binding protein (SREBP), Sre1 activation requires release from the
      membrane. However, in fission yeast, this release occurs through a strikingly
      different mechanism that requires the Golgi Dsc E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and
      the proteasome. The mechanistic details of Sre1 cleavage, including the link
      between the Dsc E3 ligase complex and proteasome, are not well understood. Here,
      we present results of a genetic selection designed to identify additional
      components required for Sre1 cleavage. From the selection, we identified two new
      components of the fission yeast SREBP pathway: Dsc5 and Cdc48. The AAA (ATPase
      associated with diverse cellular activities) ATPase Cdc48 and Dsc5, a ubiquitin
      regulatory X domain-containing protein, interact with known Dsc complex
      components and are required for SREBP cleavage. These findings provide a
      mechanistic link between the Dsc E3 ligase complex and the proteasome in SREBP
      cleavage and add to a growing list of similarities between the Dsc E3 ligase and
      membrane E3 ligases involved in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation.

PMID- 22086921
TI  - Neutrons, magnets, and photons: a career in structural biology.
AB  - The purpose of Reflections articles, it seems, is to give elderly scientists a
      chance to write about the "good old days," when everyone walked to school in the
      snow. They enjoy this activity so much that your editor, Martha Fedor, must have
      known that I would accept her invitation to write such an article, no matter how
      much I demurred at first. As everyone knows, flattery will get you everywhere. It
      may comfort the apprehensive reader to learn that there is not going to be much
      walking to school in the snow in this story. On the contrary, rather than
      thinking how hard I had it during my scientific career, I find it inconceivable
      that anyone could have had a smoother ride. At the time I began my career,
      science was an expanding enterprise in the United States that welcomed the young.
      Only in such an opportunity-rich environment would someone like me have stood a
      chance. The contrast between that world and the dog-eat-dog world young
      scientists confront today is stark.

PMID- 22086922
TI  - Fructose protects murine hepatocytes from tumor necrosis factor-induced apoptosis
      by modulating JNK signaling.
AB  - Fructose-induced hepatic ATP depletion prevents TNF-induced apoptosis, whereas it
      contrarily enhances CD95-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. By
      contrast, transformed liver cells are not protected against TNF due to metabolic
      alterations, allowing selective tumor targeting. We analyzed the molecular
      mechanisms by which fructose modulates cytokine-induced apoptosis. A release of
      adenosine after fructose-induced ATP depletion, followed by a cAMP response, was
      demonstrated. Likewise, cAMP and adenosine mimicked per se the modulation by
      fructose of CD95- and TNF-induced apoptosis. The effects of fructose on cytokine
      induced apoptosis were sensitive to inhibition of protein kinase A. Fructose
      prevented the pro-apoptotic, sustained phase of TNF-induced JNK signaling and
      thereby blocked bid-mediated activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis
      pathway in a PKA-dependent manner. We explain the dichotomal effects of fructose
      on CD95- and TNF-induced cell death by the selective requirement of JNK signaling
      for the latter. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for the protection
      of hepatocytes from TNF-induced cell death by pharmacological doses of fructose.

PMID- 22086923
TI  - Angiotensin II increases activity of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in distal
      nephron additively to aldosterone.
AB  - Dietary salt intake controls epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC)-mediated Na+
      reabsorption in the distal nephron by affecting status of the renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system (RAAS). Whereas regulation of ENaC by aldosterone is generally
      accepted, little is known about whether other components of RAAS, such as
      angiotensin II (Ang II), have nonredundant to aldosterone-stimulatory actions on
      ENaC. We combined patch clamp electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry in
      freshly isolated split-opened distal nephrons of mice to determine the mechanism
      and molecular signaling pathway of Ang II regulation of ENaC. We found that Ang
      II acutely increases ENaC Po, whereas prolonged exposure to Ang II also induces
      translocation of alpha-ENaC toward the apical membrane in situ. Ang II actions on
      ENaC Po persist in the presence of saturated mineralocorticoid status. Moreover,
      aldosterone fails to stimulate ENaC acutely, suggesting that Ang II and
      aldosterone have different time frames of ENaC activation. AT1 but not AT2
      receptors mediate Ang II actions on ENaC. Unlike its effect in vasculature, Ang
      II did not increase [Ca2+]i in split-opened distal nephrons as demonstrated using
      ratiometric Fura-2-based microscopy. However, application of Ang II to mpkCCDc14
      cells resulted in generation of reactive oxygen species, as probed with
      fluorescent methods. Consistently, inhibiting NADPH oxidase with apocynin
      abolished Ang II-mediated increases in ENaC Po in murine distal nephron.
      Therefore, we concluded that Ang II directly regulates ENaC activity in the
      distal nephron, and this effect complements regulation of ENaC by aldosterone. We
      propose that stimulation of AT1 receptors with subsequent activation of NADPH
      oxidase signaling pathway mediates Ang II actions on ENaC.

PMID- 22086924
TI  - Sulfiredoxin protein is critical for redox balance and survival of cells exposed
      to low steady-state levels of H2O2.
AB  - Sulfiredoxin (Srx) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of cysteine sulfinic
      acid of hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins (Prxs). Having high affinity toward H2O2, 2
      Cys Prxs can efficiently reduce H2O2 at low concentration. We previously showed
      that Prx I is hyperoxidized at a rate of 0.072% per turnover even in the presence
      of low steady-state levels of H2O2. Here we examine the novel role of Srx in
      cells exposed to low steady-state levels of H2O2, which can be achieved by using
      glucose oxidase. Exposure of low steady-state levels of H2O2 (10-20 MUm) to A549
      or wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells does not lead to any
      significant change in oxidative injury because of the maintenance of balance
      between H2O2 production and elimination. In contrast, loss-of-function studies
      using Srx-depleted A549 and Srx-/- MEF cells demonstrate a dramatic increase in
      extra- and intracellular H2O2, sulfinic 2-Cys Prxs, and apoptosis. Concomitant
      with hyperoxidation of mitochondrial Prx III, Srx-depleted cells show an
      activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways including mitochondria
      membrane potential collapse, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation.
      Furthermore, adenoviral re-expression of Srx in Srx-depleted A549 or Srx-/- MEF
      cells promotes the reactivation of sulfinic 2-Cys Prxs and results in cellular
      resistance to apoptosis, with enhanced removal of H2O2. These results indicate
      that Srx functions as a novel component to maintain the balance between H2O2
      production and elimination and then protects cells from apoptosis even in the
      presence of low steady-state levels of H2O2.

PMID- 22086925
TI  - Wogonin and related natural flavones overcome tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) protein resistance of tumors by down-regulation
      of c-FLIP protein and up-regulation of TRAIL receptor 2 expression.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising
      anticancer agent that kills various tumor cells without damaging normal tissues.
      However, many cancers remain resistant to TRAIL. To overcome TRAIL resistance,
      combination therapies using sensitizers of the TRAIL pathway would be an
      efficacious approach. To investigate potential sensitizers of TRAIL-induced
      apoptosis, we used TRAIL-resistant human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)
      associated adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) cells as a model system. So far,
      HTLV-1-associated ATL is incurable by presently known therapies. Here, we show
      that wogonin and the structurally related natural flavones apigenin and chrysin
      break TRAIL resistance in HTLV-1-associated ATL by transcriptional down
      regulation of c-FLIP, a key inhibitor of death receptor signaling, and by up
      regulation of TRAIL receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2). This effect is mediated through
      transcriptional inhibition of the p53 antagonist murine double minute 2 (Mdm2),
      leading to an increase in p53 levels and, consequently, to up-regulation of the
      p53 target gene TRAIL-R2. We also show that these flavones can sensitize to
      TNFalpha- and CD95-mediated cell death. Furthermore, we show that wogonin,
      apigenin, and chrysin also enhance TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in other human cancer
      cell lines including breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, colon cancer cell line
      HT-29, hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, melanoma cell line SK-MEL-37,
      and pancreatic carcinoma cell line Capan-1 by the same mechanism. Thus, our study
      suggests the potential use of these flavones as an adjuvant for TRAIL-mediated
      anticancer therapy.

PMID- 22086926
TI  - Down-regulation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter 2 (Abca2) reduces amyloid
      beta production by altering Nicastrin maturation and intracellular localization.
AB  - Clinical, pharmacological, biochemical, and genetic evidence support the notion
      that alteration of cholesterol homeostasis strongly predisposes to Alzheimer
      disease (AD). The ATP-binding cassette transporter-2 (Abca2), which plays a role
      in intracellular sterol trafficking, has been genetically linked to AD. It is
      unclear how these two processes are related. Here we demonstrate that down
      regulation of Abca2 in mammalian cells leads to decreased amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      generation. In vitro studies revealed altered gamma-secretase complex formation
      in Abca2 knock-out cells due to the altered levels, post-translational
      modification, and subcellular localization of Nicastrin. Reduced Abca2 levels in
      mammalian cells in vitro, in Drosophila melanogaster and in mice resulted in
      altered gamma-secretase processing of APP, and thus Abeta generation, without
      affecting Notch cleavage.

PMID- 22086927
TI  - Thromboxane receptor signaling is required for fibronectin-induced matrix
      metalloproteinase 9 production by human and murine macrophages and is attenuated
      by the Arhgef1 molecule.
AB  - During an inflammatory response, resident and newly recruited tissue macrophages
      adhere to extracellular matrix and cell-bound integrin ligands. This interaction
      induces the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators that include matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs). Arhgef1 is an intracellular signaling molecule
      expressed by myeloid cells that normally attenuates murine macrophage MMP
      production in vivo and in vitro after cell culture on the extracellular matrix
      protein, fibronectin. In this study, we have extended the characterization of
      this fibronectin-induced Arhgef1-regulated signaling pathway in both human and
      murine myeloid cells. Our results show that MMP9 production by fibronectin
      stimulated monocytes and macrophages depends on autocrine thromboxane receptor
      signaling and that under normal conditions, this signaling pathway is attenuated
      by Arhgef1. Finally, we show that the expression of ARHGEF1 by human peripheral
      blood monocytes varies between individuals and inversely correlates with
      fibronectin-mediated MMP9 production.

PMID- 22086928
TI  - Diversity in the C3b [corrected] contact residues and tertiary structures of the
      staphylococcal complement inhibitor (SCIN) protein family.
AB  - To survive in immune-competent hosts, the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus
      expresses and secretes a sophisticated array of proteins that inhibit the
      complement system. Among these are the staphylococcal complement inhibitors
      (SCIN), which are composed of three active proteins (SCIN-A, -B, and -C) and one
      purportedly inactive member (SCIN-D or ORF-D). Because previous work has focused
      almost exclusively on SCIN-A, we sought to provide initial structure/function
      information on additional SCIN proteins. To this end we determined crystal
      structures of an active, N-terminal truncation mutant of SCIN-B (denoted SCIN-B18
      85) both free and bound to the C3c fragment of complement component C3 at 1.5 and
      3.4 A resolution, respectively. Comparison of the C3c/SCIN-B18-85 structure with
      that of C3c/SCIN-A revealed that both proteins target the same functional hotspot
      on the C3b/C3c surface yet harbor diversity in both the type of residues and
      interactions formed at their C3b/C3c interfaces. Most importantly, these
      structures allowed identification of Arg44 and Tyr51 as residues key for SCIN-B
      binding to C3b and subsequent inhibition of the AP C3 convertase. In addition, we
      also solved several crystal structures of SCIN-D to 1.3 A limiting resolution.
      This revealed an unexpected structural deviation in the N-terminal alpha helix
      relative to SCIN-A and SCIN-B. Comparative analysis of both electrostatic
      potentials and surface complementarity suggest a physical explanation for the
      inability of SCIN-D to bind C3b/C3c. Together, these studies provide a more
      thorough understanding of immune evasion by S. aureus and enhance potential use
      of SCIN proteins as templates for design of complement targeted therapeutics.

PMID- 22086929
TI  - Xenopus laevis Ctc1-Stn1-Ten1 (xCST) protein complex is involved in priming DNA
      synthesis on single-stranded DNA template in Xenopus egg extract.
AB  - The Ctc1-Stn1-Ten1 (CST) complex is an RPA (replication protein A)-like protein
      complex that binds to single-stranded (ss) DNA. It localizes at telomeres and is
      involved in telomere end protection in mammals and plants. It is also known to
      stimulate DNA polymerase alpha-primase in vitro. However, it is not known how CST
      accomplishes these functions in vivo. Here, we report the identification and
      characterization of Xenopus laevis CST complex (xCST). xCST showed ssDNA binding
      activity with moderate preference for G (guanine)-rich sequences. xStn1
      immunodepleted Xenopus egg extracts supported chromosomal DNA replication in in
      vitro reconstituted sperm nuclei, suggesting that xCST is not a general
      replication factor. However, the immunodepletion or neutralization of xStn1
      compromised DNA synthesis on ssDNA template. Because primed ssDNA template was
      replicated in xStn1-immunodepleted extracts as efficiently as in control ones, we
      conclude that xCST is involved in the priming step on ssDNA template. These
      results are consistent with the current model that CST is involved in telomeric C
      strand synthesis through the regulation of DNA polymerase alpha-primase.

PMID- 22086930
TI  - The power of being present: the value of mindfulness interventions in improving
      health and well-being.

PMID- 22086941
TI  - Microvascular obstruction is caused by atherothrombosis in patients with acute
      coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 22086943
TI  - Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of myocardial fibrosis: honing new clinical
      tools.

PMID- 22086942
TI  - Perfusion imaging with vasodilator stress echocardiography: a physiologically
      sound approach to coronary disease?

PMID- 22086944
TI  - Absolute quantification of myocardial perfusion: a method proves its mettle.

PMID- 22086945
TI  - Ischemic burden, treatment allocation, and outcomes in stable coronary artery
      disease.

PMID- 22086948
TI  - MetaCrop 2.0: managing and exploring information about crop plant metabolism.
AB  - MetaCrop is a manually curated repository of high-quality data about plant
      metabolism, providing different levels of detail from overview maps of primary
      metabolism to kinetic data of enzymes. It contains information about seven major
      crop plants with high agronomical importance and two model plants. MetaCrop is
      intended to support research aimed at the improvement of crops for both nutrition
      and industrial use. It can be accessed via web, web services and an add-on to the
      Vanted software. Here, we present several novel developments of the MetaCrop
      system and the extended database content. MetaCrop is now available in version
      2.0 at http://metacrop.ipk-gatersleben.de.

PMID- 22086949
TI  - doRiNA: a database of RNA interactions in post-transcriptional regulation.
AB  - In animals, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) post
      transcriptionally regulate the expression of virtually all genes by binding to
      RNA. Recent advances in experimental and computational methods facilitate
      transcriptome-wide mapping of these interactions. It is thought that the
      combinatorial action of RBPs and miRNAs on target mRNAs form a post
      transcriptional regulatory code. We provide a database that supports the quest
      for deciphering this regulatory code. Within doRiNA, we are systematically
      curating, storing and integrating binding site data for RBPs and miRNAs. Users
      are free to take a target (mRNA) or regulator (RBP and/or miRNA) centric view on
      the data. We have implemented a database framework with short query response
      times for complex searches (e.g. asking for all targets of a particular
      combination of regulators). All search results can be browsed, inspected and
      analyzed in conjunction with a huge selection of other genome-wide data, because
      our database is directly linked to a local copy of the UCSC genome browser. At
      the time of writing, doRiNA encompasses RBP data for the human, mouse and worm
      genomes. For computational miRNA target site predictions, we provide an update of
      PicTar predictions.

PMID- 22086950
TI  - MEROPS: the database of proteolytic enzymes, their substrates and inhibitors.
AB  - Peptidases, their substrates and inhibitors are of great relevance to biology,
      medicine and biotechnology. The MEROPS database (http://merops.sanger.ac.uk) aims
      to fulfil the need for an integrated source of information about these. The
      database has hierarchical classifications in which homologous sets of peptidases
      and protein inhibitors are grouped into protein species, which are grouped into
      families, which are in turn grouped into clans. The database has been expanded to
      include proteolytic enzymes other than peptidases. Special identifiers for
      peptidases from a variety of model organisms have been established so that
      orthologues can be detected in other species. A table of predicted active-site
      residue and metal ligand positions and the residue ranges of the peptidase
      domains in orthologues has been added to each peptidase summary. New displays of
      tertiary structures, which can be rotated or have the surfaces displayed, have
      been added to the structure pages. New indexes for gene names and peptidase
      substrates have been made available. Among the enhancements to existing features
      are the inclusion of small-molecule inhibitors in the tables of peptidase
      inhibitor interactions, a table of known cleavage sites for each protein
      substrate, and tables showing the substrate-binding preferences of peptidases
      derived from combinatorial peptide substrate libraries.

PMID- 22086951
TI  - The UCSC Genome Browser database: extensions and updates 2011.
AB  - The University of California Santa Cruz Genome Browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu)
      offers online public access to a growing database of genomic sequence and
      annotations for a wide variety of organisms. The Browser is an integrated tool
      set for visualizing, comparing, analyzing and sharing both publicly available and
      user-generated genomic data sets. In the past year, the local database has been
      updated with four new species assemblies, and we anticipate another four will be
      released by the end of 2011. Further, a large number of annotation tracks have
      been either added, updated by contributors, or remapped to the latest human
      reference genome. Among these are new phenotype and disease annotations, UCSC
      genes, and a major dbSNP update, which required new visualization methods.
      Growing beyond the local database, this year we have introduced 'track data
      hubs', which allow the Genome Browser to provide access to remotely located sets
      of annotations. This feature is designed to significantly extend the number and
      variety of annotation tracks that are publicly available for visualization and
      analysis from within our site. We have also introduced several usability features
      including track search and a context-sensitive menu of options available with a
      right-click anywhere on the Browser's image.

PMID- 22086952
TI  - Increased in vivo inhibition of gene expression by combining RNA interference and
      U1 inhibition.
AB  - Inhibition of gene expression can be achieved with RNA interference (RNAi) or U1
      small nuclear RNA-snRNA-interference (U1i). U1i is based on U1 inhibitors (U1in),
      U1 snRNA molecules modified to inhibit polyadenylation of a target pre-mRNA. In
      culture, we have shown that the combination of RNAi and U1i results in stronger
      inhibition of reporter or endogenous genes than that obtained using either of the
      techniques alone. We have now used these techniques to inhibit gene expression in
      mice. We show that U1ins can induce strong inhibition of the expression of target
      genes in vivo. Furthermore, combining U1i and RNAi results in synergistic
      inhibitions also in mice. This is shown for the inhibition of hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) sequences or endogenous Notch1. Surprisingly, inhibition obtained by
      combining a U1in and a RNAi mediator is higher than that obtained by combining
      two U1ins or two RNAi mediators. Our results suggest that RNAi and U1i cooperate
      by unknown mechanisms to result in synergistic inhibitions. Analysis of toxicity
      and specificity indicates that expression of U1i inhibitors is safe. Therefore,
      we believe that the combination of RNAi and U1i will be a good option to block
      damaging endogenous genes, HBV and other infectious agents in vivo.

PMID- 22086953
TI  - IMG/M: the integrated metagenome data management and comparative analysis system.
AB  - The integrated microbial genomes and metagenomes (IMG/M) system provides support
      for comparative analysis of microbial community aggregate genomes (metagenomes)
      in a comprehensive integrated context. IMG/M integrates metagenome data sets with
      isolate microbial genomes from the IMG system. IMG/M's data content and
      analytical capabilities have been extended through regular updates since its
      first release in 2007. IMG/M is available at http://img.jgi.doe.gov/m. A
      companion IMG/M systems provide support for annotation and expert review of
      unpublished metagenomic data sets (IMG/M ER: http://img.jgi.doe.gov/mer).

PMID- 22086954
TI  - The 19S proteasome subcomplex promotes the targeting of NuA4 HAT to the promoters
      of ribosomal protein genes to facilitate the recruitment of TFIID for
      transcriptional initiation in vivo.
AB  - Previous studies have implicated SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase) and TFIID
      (Transcription factor-IID)-dependent mechanisms of transcriptional activation in
      yeast. SAGA-dependent transcriptional activation is further regulated by the 19S
      proteasome subcomplex. However, the role of the 19S proteasome subcomplex in
      transcriptional activation of the TFIID-dependent genes has not been elucidated.
      Therefore, we have performed a series of chromatin immunoprecipitation,
      mutational and transcriptional analyses at the TFIID-dependent ribosomal protein
      genes such as RPS5, RPL2B and RPS11B. We find that the 19S proteasome subcomplex
      is recruited to the promoters of these ribosomal protein genes, and promotes the
      association of NuA4 (Nucleosome acetyltransferase of histone H4) co-activator,
      but not activator Rap1p (repressor-activator protein 1). These observations
      support that the 19S proteasome subcomplex enhances the targeting of co-activator
      at the TFIID-dependent promoter. Such an enhanced targeting of NuA4 HAT (histone
      acetyltransferase) promotes the recruitment of the TFIID complex for
      transcriptional initiation. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the 19S
      proteasome subcomplex enhances the targeting of NuA4 HAT to activator Rap1p at
      the promoters of ribosomal protein genes to facilitate the recruitment of TFIID
      for transcriptional stimulation, hence providing a new role of the 19S proteasome
      subcomplex in establishing a specific regulatory network at the TFIID-dependent
      promoter for productive transcriptional initiation in vivo.

PMID- 22086955
TI  - Pre-B cell to macrophage transdifferentiation without significant promoter DNA
      methylation changes.
AB  - Transcription factor-induced lineage reprogramming or transdifferentiation
      experiments are essential for understanding the plasticity of differentiated
      cells. These experiments helped to define the specific role of transcription
      factors in conferring cell identity and played a key role in the development of
      the regenerative medicine field. We here investigated the acquisition of DNA
      methylation changes during C/EBPalpha-induced pre-B cell to macrophage
      transdifferentiation. Unexpectedly, cell lineage conversion occurred without
      significant changes in DNA methylation not only in key B cell- and macrophage
      specific genes but also throughout the entire set of genes differentially
      methylated between the two parental cell types. In contrast, active and
      repressive histone modification marks changed according to the expression levels
      of these genes. We also demonstrated that C/EBPalpha and RNA Pol II are
      associated with the methylated promoters of macrophage-specific genes in
      reprogrammed macrophages without inducing methylation changes. Our findings not
      only provide insights about the extent and hierarchy of epigenetic events in pre
      B cell to macrophage transdifferentiation but also show an important difference
      to reprogramming towards pluripotency where promoter DNA demethylation plays a
      pivotal role.

PMID- 22086956
TI  - The SEQanswers wiki: a wiki database of tools for high-throughput sequencing
      analysis.
AB  - Recent advances in sequencing technology have created unprecedented opportunities
      for biological research. However, the increasing throughput of these technologies
      has created many challenges for data management and analysis. As the demand for
      sophisticated analyses increases, the development time of software and algorithms
      is outpacing the speed of traditional publication. As technologies continue to be
      developed, methods change rapidly, making publications less relevant for users.
      The SEQanswers wiki (SEQwiki) is a wiki database that is actively edited and
      updated by the members of the SEQanswers community (http://SEQanswers.com/). The
      wiki provides an extensive catalogue of tools, technologies and tutorials for
      high-throughput sequencing (HTS), including information about HTS service
      providers. It has been implemented in MediaWiki with the Semantic MediaWiki and
      Semantic Forms extensions to collect structured data, providing powerful
      navigation and reporting features. Within 2 years, the community has created
      pages for over 500 tools, with approximately 400 literature references and 600
      web links. This collaborative effort has made SEQwiki the most comprehensive
      database of HTS tools anywhere on the web. The wiki includes task-focused mini
      reviews of commonly used tools, and a growing collection of more than 100 HTS
      service providers. SEQwiki is available at: http://wiki.SEQanswers.com/.

PMID- 22086957
TI  - Do replication forks control late origin firing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae?
AB  - Recent studies of eukaryotic DNA replication timing profiles suggest that the
      time-dependent rate of origin firing, I(t), has a universal shape, which ensures
      a reproducible replication completion time. However, measurements of I(t) are
      based on population averages, which may bias the shape of the I(t) because of
      imperfect cell synchrony and cell-to-cell variability. Here, we measure the
      population-averaged I(t) profile from synchronized Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells
      using DNA combing and we extract the single-cell I(t) profile using numerical
      deconvolution. The single cell I(t) and the population-averaged I(t) extracted
      from DNA combing and replication timing profiles are similar, indicating a genome
      scale invariance of the replication process, and excluding cell-to-cell
      variability in replication time as an explanation for the shape of I(t). The
      single cell I(t) correlates with fork density in wild-type cells, which is
      specifically loosened in late S phase in the clb5Delta mutant. A previously
      proposed numerical model that reproduces the wild-type I(t) profile, could also
      describe the clb5Delta mutant I(t) once modified to incorporate the decline in
      CDK activity and the looser dependency of initiation on fork density in the
      absence of Clb5p. Overall, these results suggest that the replication forks
      emanating from early fired origins facilitate origin firing in later-replicating
      regions.

PMID- 22086958
TI  - DBTSS: DataBase of Transcriptional Start Sites progress report in 2012.
AB  - To support transcriptional regulation studies, we have constructed DBTSS
      (DataBase of Transcriptional Start Sites), which contains exact positions of
      transcriptional start sites (TSSs), determined with our own technique named TSS
      seq, in the genomes of various species. In its latest version, DBTSS covers the
      data of the majority of human adult and embryonic tissues: it now contains 418
      million TSS tag sequences from 28 tissues/cell cultures. Moreover, we integrated
      a series of our own transcriptomic data, such as the RNA-seq data of subcellular
      fractionated RNAs as well as the ChIP-seq data of histone modifications and the
      binding of RNA polymerase II/several transcription factors in cultured cell lines
      into our original TSS information. We also included several external epigenomic
      data, such as the chromatin map of the ENCODE project. We further associated our
      TSS information with public or original single-nucleotide variation (SNV) data,
      in order to identify SNVs in the regulatory regions. These data can be browsed in
      our new viewer, which supports versatile search conditions of users. We believe
      that our new DBTSS will be an invaluable resource for interpreting the
      differential uses of TSSs and for identifying human genetic variations that are
      associated with disordered transcriptional regulation. DBTSS can be accessed at
      http://dbtss.hgc.jp.

PMID- 22086959
TI  - Development of a 'clickable' non-natural nucleotide to visualize the replication
      of non-instructional DNA lesions.
AB  - The misreplication of damaged DNA is an important biological process that
      produces numerous adverse effects on human health. This report describes the
      synthesis and characterization of a non-natural nucleotide, designated 3-ethynyl
      5-nitroindolyl-2'-deoxyriboside triphosphate (3-Eth-5-NITP), as a novel chemical
      reagent that can probe and quantify the misreplication of damaged DNA. We
      demonstrate that this non-natural nucleotide is efficiently inserted opposite an
      abasic site, a commonly formed and potentially mutagenic non-instructional DNA
      lesion. The strategic placement of the ethynyl moiety allows the incorporated
      nucleoside triphosphate to be selectively tagged with an azide-containing
      fluorophore using 'click' chemistry. This reaction provides a facile way to
      quantify the extent of nucleotide incorporation opposite non-instructional DNA
      lesions. In addition, the incorporation of 3-Eth-5-NITP is highly selective for
      an abasic site, and occurs even in the presence of a 50-fold molar excess of
      natural nucleotides. The biological applications of using 3-Eth-5-NITP as a
      chemical probe to monitor and quantify the misreplication of non-instructional
      DNA lesions are discussed.

PMID- 22086960
TI  - PrimerBank: a PCR primer database for quantitative gene expression analysis, 2012
      update.
AB  - Optimization of primer sequences for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
      quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reaction conditions remains an experimental
      challenge. We have developed a resource, PrimerBank, which contains primers that
      can be used for PCR and qPCR under stringent and allele-invariant amplification
      conditions. A distinguishing feature of PrimerBank is the experimental validation
      of primer pairs covering most known mouse genes. Here, we describe a major update
      of PrimerBank that includes the design of new primers covering 17,076 and 18,086
      genes for the human and mouse species, respectively. As a result of this update,
      PrimerBank contains 497,156 primers (an increase of 62% from the previous
      version) that cover 36,928 human and mouse genes, corresponding to around 94% of
      all known protein-coding gene sequences. An updated algorithm based on our
      previous approach was used to design new primers using current genomic
      information available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information
      (NCBI). PrimerBank primers work under uniform PCR conditions, and can be used for
      high-throughput or genome-wide qPCR. Because of their broader linear dynamic
      range and greater sensitivity, qPCR approaches are used to reanalyze changes in
      expression suggested by exploratory technologies such as microarrays and RNA-Seq.
      The primers and all experimental validation data can be freely accessed from the
      PrimerBank website, http://pga.mgh.harvard.edu/primerbank/.

PMID- 22086961
TI  - Direct, genome-wide assessment of DNA mutations in single cells.
AB  - DNA mutations are the inevitable consequences of errors that arise during
      replication and repair of DNA damage. Because of their random and infrequent
      occurrence, quantification and characterization of DNA mutations in the genome of
      somatic cells has been difficult. Random, low-abundance mutations are currently
      inaccessible by standard high-throughput sequencing approaches because they
      cannot be distinguished from sequencing errors. One way to circumvent this
      problem and simultaneously account for the mutational heterogeneity within
      tissues is whole genome sequencing of a representative number of single cells.
      Here, we show elevated mutation levels in single cells from Drosophila
      melanogaster S2 and mouse embryonic fibroblast populations after treatment with
      the powerful mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea. This method can be applied as a
      direct measure of exposure to mutagenic agents and for assessing genotypic
      heterogeneity within tissues or cell populations.

PMID- 22086962
TI  - Helix-length compensation studies reveal the adaptability of the VS ribozyme
      architecture.
AB  - Compensatory mutations in RNA are generally regarded as those that maintain base
      pairing, and their identification forms the basis of phylogenetic predictions of
      RNA secondary structure. However, other types of compensatory mutations can
      provide higher-order structural and evolutionary information. Here, we present a
      helix-length compensation study for investigating structure-function
      relationships in RNA. The approach is demonstrated for stem-loop I and stem-loop
      V of the Neurospora VS ribozyme, which form a kissing-loop interaction important
      for substrate recognition. To rapidly characterize the substrate specificity
      (k(cat)/K(M)) of several substrate/ribozyme pairs, a procedure was established
      for simultaneous kinetic characterization of multiple substrates. Several active
      substrate/ribozyme pairs were identified, indicating the presence of limited
      substrate promiscuity for stem Ib variants and helix-length compensation between
      stems Ib and V. 3D models of the I/V interaction were generated that are
      compatible with the kinetic data. These models further illustrate the
      adaptability of the VS ribozyme architecture for substrate cleavage and provide
      global structural information on the I/V kissing-loop interaction. By exploring
      higher-order compensatory mutations in RNA our approach brings a deeper
      understanding of the adaptability of RNA structure, while opening new avenues for
      RNA research.

PMID- 22086964
TI  - Solid recovered fuels in the steel industry.
AB  - By using waste materials as alternative fuels in metallurgical plants it is
      possible to minimize the traditionally used reducing agents, such as coke, coal,
      oil or natural gas. Moreover, by using waste materials in the metallurgical
      industry it is feasible to recover these materials as far as possible. This also
      represents another step towards environmental protection because carbon dioxide
      emissions can be reduced, if the H(2) content of the waste material is greater in
      comparison with that of the substituted fuel and the effects of global warming
      can therefore be reduced. In the present article various solid recovered fuels
      and their applications in the metallurgical industry are detailed.

PMID- 22086965
TI  - Perceived barriers in the outdoor environment and development of walking
      difficulties in older people.

PMID- 22086963
TI  - Ensembl 2012.
AB  - The Ensembl project (http://www.ensembl.org) provides genome resources for
      chordate genomes with a particular focus on human genome data as well as data for
      key model organisms such as mouse, rat and zebrafish. Five additional species
      were added in the last year including gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) and Tasmanian
      devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) bringing the total number of supported species to 61
      as of Ensembl release 64 (September 2011). Of these, 55 species appear on the
      main Ensembl website and six species are provided on the Ensembl preview site
      (Pre!Ensembl; http://pre.ensembl.org) with preliminary support. The past year has
      also seen improvements across the project.

PMID- 22086966
TI  - Markers of inflammatory status are associated with hearing threshold in older
      people: findings from the Hertfordshire Ageing Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age-related hearing loss is a common disabling condition but its
      causes are not well understood and the role of inflammation as an influencing
      factor has received little consideration in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the association between inflammatory markers and hearing in community
      dwelling older men and women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis within a cohort
      study. SETTING: The Hertfordshire Ageing Study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 343 men
      and 268 women aged 63-74 years on whom data on audiometric testing, inflammatory
      markers and covariates were available at follow-up in 1995. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Average hearing threshold level (across 500-4,000 Hz) of the worst
      hearing ear and audiometric slope in dB/octave from 500 to 4,000 Hz. RESULTS:
      Older age, smoking, history of noise exposure and male gender (all P < 0.001)
      were associated with higher mean hearing threshold in the worse ear in univariate
      analysis. After adjustment for these factors in multiple regression models, four
      measures of immune or inflammatory status were significantly associated with
      hearing threshold, namely white blood cell count (r = 0.13, P = 0.001),
      neutrophil count (r = 0.13, P = 0.002), IL-6 (r = 0.10, P = 0.05) and C-reactive
      protein (r = 0.11, P = 0.01). None of the inflammatory markers was associated
      with maximum audiometric slope in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Markers of
      inflammatory status were significantly associated with degree of hearing loss in
      older people. The findings are consistent with the possibility that inflammatory
      changes occurring with ageing may be involved in age-related hearing loss.
      Longitudinal data would enable this hypothesis to be explored further.

PMID- 22086967
TI  - Intelligence across childhood in relation to illegal drug use in adulthood: 1970
      British Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent reports have linked high childhood IQ scores with excess
      alcohol intake and alcohol dependency in adult life, but the relationship with
      illegal drug use in later life is relatively unknown. METHODS: The authors used
      data from a large population-based birth cohort (1970 British Cohort Study) with
      measures of lifetime cannabis and cocaine use, parental social class and
      psychological distress at 16 years; cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and
      polydrug use (more than three drugs) in the past 12 months; and social class,
      educational attainment and gross monthly income at 30 years. All members of the
      cohort with IQ scores at 5 or 10 years were eligible to be included in the
      analyses. RESULTS: Of the 11603 (at 5 years) and 11397 (at 10 years) cohort
      members eligible, 7904 (68.1%) and 7946 (69.7%) were included in the analyses. IQ
      scores at 5 years were positively associated with cannabis (OR ((bottom vs top
      tertile)) =2.25, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.97) and cocaine use (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.41 to
      3.92) in women and with amphetamines (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.06), ecstasy (OR
      1.65, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.36) and polydrug use (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.26) in men
      at 30 years. IQ scores at 10 years were positively associated with cannabis,
      cocaine (only at 30 years), ecstasy, amphetamine and polydrug use. Associations
      were stronger in women than in men and were independent from psychological
      distress in adolescence and life-course socioeconomic position. CONCLUSION: High
      childhood IQ may increase the risk of illegal drug use in adolescence and
      adulthood.

PMID- 22086968
TI  - Emerging biomarkers in heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Until recently, biomarker testing in heart failure (HF) syndromes has
      been viewed as an elective supplement to diagnostic evaluation of patients
      suspected to suffer from this condition. This approach to the use of biomarker
      testing contrasts with other cardiovascular diagnoses such as acute myocardial
      infarction, for which biomarkers are integral to disease process definition, risk
      stratification, and in some cases treatment decision making. CONTENT: In this
      review we consider various perspectives on the evaluation of biomarkers in HF. In
      addition, we examine recent advances in the understanding of established
      biomarkers in HF (such as the natriuretic peptides), the elucidation of novel
      biomarkers potentially useful for the evaluation and management of patients with
      HF, and the growing understanding of important and relevant comorbidities in HF.
      We also review candidate biomarkers from a number of classes: (a) myocyte
      stretch, (b) myocyte necrosis, (c) systemic inflammation, (d) oxidative stress,
      (e) extracellular matrix turnover, (f) neurohormones, and (g) biomarkers of
      extracardiac processes, such as renal function. SUMMARY: Novel applications of
      established biomarkers of HF as well as elucidation and validation of emerging
      assays for HF syndromes have collectively led to a growing interest in the more
      widespread use of such testing in patients affected by the diagnosis.

PMID- 22086969
TI  - A novel technology for measuring cumulative cardiac biomarker exposure over time:
      what happened when we weren't looking?

PMID- 22086970
TI  - Use of natriuretic peptides to guide and monitor heart failure therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasma B-type cardiac natriuretic peptides reflect cardiac structure
      and function and have proven roles in assisting in the diagnosis of acute heart
      failure. They are independent prognostic indicators across the full spectrum of
      cardiovascular disease. Serial changes in plasma B-type cardiac natriuretic
      peptides parallel prognosis in chronic heart failure. Beneficial responses to
      medications and devices used in the treatment of heart failure are associated
      with decreases in plasma B-type peptide concentrations. This effect has led to
      the hypothesis that intensified treatment directed at reducing B-peptide
      concentrations may improve outcomes in heart failure. CONTENT: The efficacy of
      serial measurements of plasma B-type peptides in guiding titration of therapy for
      chronic heart failure has been the subject of several randomized controlled
      trials reported in the peer-reviewed literature since 2000. These reports are
      summarized in this review. Trial design, characteristics of the heart-failure
      population studied, duration of follow-up, exact end points recorded, and target
      peptide concentrations pursued all differ somewhat between trials. In addition,
      in studies in which benefits were seen, the exact mechanisms mediating the
      improvements in outcome were unclear. However, an overall consistency is emerging
      that is supported by 2 metaanalyses. SUMMARY: In aggregate the existing trial
      data suggest that adjustment of treatment in chronic heart failure according to
      serial B-type peptide measurements, used in conjunction with established clinical
      methods, is likely to reduce cardiac mortality and hospital admissions with heart
      failure, at least in patients with systolic heart failure who are younger than 75
      years and relatively free of comorbidities.

PMID- 22086971
TI  - Relaxin ameliorates salt-sensitive hypertension and renal fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although relaxin (RLX) has potent vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic
      properties, there is no information on its effects on salt-sensitive
      hypertension. METHODS: We investigated the effects of short-term treatment with
      RLX on blood pressure (BP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein in the kidneys
      of male Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats after 1 week
      consumption of an 8% NaCl diet. We also evaluated the inhibitory effects of each
      specific NOS inhibitor on BP during 1-week RLX treatment under high-salt diet.
      Next, we examined the long-term effects of RLX treatment for 6 weeks on renal
      histology and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression in male DS
      and DR rats placed on the 8-week high-salt diet. RESULTS: The short-term RLX
      treatment significantly attenuated the high-salt diet-induced rise in BP in DS
      rats with increasing neuronal NOS and endothelial NOS protein in kidneys.
      Selective inhibition of each of the three NOS isoforms significantly blocked the
      anti-hypertensive effects of RLX in DS rats after 1-week high-salt diet. The long
      term treatment of DS rats with RLX for 6 weeks significantly reduced systolic BP,
      lessened glomerular and tubulointerstitial changes and reduced TGF-beta signaling
      compared to saline-treated controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that RLX
      converted salt sensitivity to salt resistance, at least in part, by up-regulating
      NOS. RLX is a potentially useful therapeutic agent for salt-sensitive
      hypertension.

PMID- 22086972
TI  - Anti-A/B antibody depletion by semiselective versus ABO blood group-specific
      immunoadsorption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recipient desensitization using blood group (BG)-specific
      immunoadsorption (ABO-IA) has proven to enable successful kidney transplantation
      across major ABO barriers. In this context, the efficiency of non-antigen
      specific (semiselective) IA adsorbers has not yet been established. The objective
      of our study was to quantify anti-A/B antibody depletion by protein A-, peptide
      ligand- and anti-human immunoglobulin-based semiselective IA in comparison to ABO
      IA. METHODS: Eight ABO-IA-treated transplant candidates and 39 patients subjected
      to semiselective IA for a variety of different indications outside the context of
      ABO-incompatible transplantation were included. Antibody patterns (IgG, IgG1-4
      subclasses, IgM, C4d-fixing reactivities) were analysed applying conventional
      agglutination testing and flow cytometry. RESULTS: As assessed by sensitive flow
      cytometric antibody detection, ABO-IA-based desensitization led to a profound
      even though often incomplete reduction of anti-A/B reactivities. Persistent
      complement- or non-complement-fixing reactivities, however, were not associated
      with transplant rejection or capillary C4d deposition. Single sessions of
      semiselective IA turned out to be more effective than ABO-IA in decreasing levels
      of anti-A/B IgG [median reduction to 28 versus 59% (ABO-IA) of baseline values, P
      < 0.001). In contrast, BG-specific IgM (74 versus 30%, P < 0.001) and IgG3 (72
      versus 42%, P < 0.05) were reduced to a lesser extent, without differences
      between tested adsorber types. Analysis of four consecutive IA sessions revealed
      that inferior efficiency could not be overcome by serial treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Our observation of limited adsorption capacities regarding distinct BG-specific
      Ig (sub)classes suggests caution in applying semiselective IA techniques in ABO
      incompatible kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22086973
TI  - Albumin-binding capacity (ABiC) is reduced in patients with chronic kidney
      disease along with an accumulation of protein-bound uraemic toxins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Albumin is an important transport protein for non-water-soluble
      protein-bound drugs and uraemic toxins. Its transport capacity is reduced in
      patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and unbound fractions of
      uraemic toxins are related to complications of CKD. We investigated whether this
      reduction could be quantified and how it correlated with the stages of CKD.
      Albumin-binding capacity (ABiC) is a dye-based method that quantifies the
      remaining binding capacity of one major binding site (site II) of the albumin
      molecule. METHODS: Blood samples from 104 CKD patients were incubated with a
      binding site-specific fluorescent marker and the amount of unbound marker was
      determined by means of fluorescence detection after filtration. Measurements in a
      pooled human plasma were used for reference. Glomerular filtration rate and serum
      indoxyl sulphate (IS) levels were also determined. RESULTS: Impairment of renal
      function was associated with a reduction in ABiC (mean +/- SD: 118 +/- 12; 111 +/
      11; 99 +/- 8 and 79 +/- 9% for Stages 1/2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively; P < 0.001)
      and an increase in IS (3.9 +/- 1.1; 6.2 +/- 3.2; 16.3 +/- 14.9 and 56.1 +/- 28.6
      MUmol/L for Stages 1/2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively; P < 0.001). In dialysis
      patients, ABiC was lower in those with urine outputs <500 mL/day than in those
      with preserved urine output (73.7 +/- 6.0 versus 83.8 +/- 8.5%; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Impaired albumin function in CKD patients can be quantified, is
      related to severity of kidney disease and is associated with an accumulation of
      uraemic albumin-bound retention solutes.

PMID- 22086974
TI  - Pathogenicity of A600V variant in exon 12 of the MSH2 gene detected in a Japanese
      kindred with Lynch syndrome.
AB  - Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations of the DNA mismatch repair genes.
      Missense mutations are often difficult to evaluate as pathogenic. Previously, we
      reported a missense mutation in exon 12 at codon 600 of the MSH2 gene, causing a
      substitution of GTT (Val) for GCT (Ala) in a 35-year-old-man with rectal cancer,
      while the pathogenicity of this mutation is still unclear. In this report, we
      confirm the same mutation in his 66-year-old mother who had cecal cancer.
      PCR/direct sequencing analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed the same
      missense mutation in exon 12 at codon 600 of the MSH2 gene. The wave height of
      the capillary sequencer from the wild-type allele was decreased in tumor tissue,
      indicating loss of heterozygosity in the wild-type allele. Analysis of the tumor
      showed microsatellite instability high and loss of MSH2 protein expression. This
      sequence variant has not been reported in another family. This mutation is
      considered to play a significant and causative role in Lynch syndrome.

PMID- 22086975
TI  - Bioactivation versus detoxication of the urothelial carcinogen aristolochic acid
      I by human cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1A2.
AB  - Exposure to aristolochic acid (AA) is associated with human nephropathy and
      urothelial cancer. Individual susceptibility to AA-induced disease likely
      reflects individual differences in enzymes that metabolize AA. Herein, we
      evaluated AAI metabolism by human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1A2 in two CYP1A
      humanized mouse lines that carry functional human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes in the
      absence of the mouse Cyp1a1/1a2 orthologs. Human and mouse hepatic microsomes and
      human CYPs were also studied. Human CYP1A1 and 1A2 were found to be principally
      responsible for reductive activation of AAI to form AAI-DNA adducts and for
      oxidative detoxication to 8-hydroxyaristolochic acid (AAIa), both in the intact
      mouse and in microsomes. Overall, AAI-DNA adduct levels were higher in CYP1A
      humanized mice relative to wild-type mice, indicating that expression of human
      CYP1A1 and 1A2 in mice leads to higher AAI bioactivation than in mice containing
      the mouse CYP1A1 and 1A2 orthologs. Furthermore, an exclusive role of human
      CYP1A1 and 1A2 in AAI oxidation to AAIa was observed in human liver microsomes
      under the aerobic (i.e., oxidative) conditions. Because CYP1A2 levels in human
      liver are at least 100-fold greater than those of CYP1A1 and there exists a > 60
      fold genetic variation in CYP1A2 levels in human populations, the role of CYP1A2
      in AAI metabolism is clinically relevant. The results suggest that, in addition
      to CYP1A1 and 1A2 expression levels, in vivo oxygen concentration in specific
      tissues might affect the balance between AAI nitroreduction and demethylation,
      which in turn would influence tissue-specific toxicity or carcinogenicity.

PMID- 22086976
TI  - Parallel biotransformation of tetrabromobisphenol A in Xenopus laevis and
      mammals: Xenopus as a model for endocrine perturbation studies.
AB  - The flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a high production flame
      retardant that interferes with thyroid hormone (TH) signaling. Despite its rapid
      metabolism in mammals, TBBPA is found in significant amounts in different
      tissues. Such findings highlight first a need to better understand the effects of
      TBBPA and its metabolites and second the need to develop models to address these
      questions experimentally. We used Xenopus laevis tadpoles to follow radiolabeled
      (14)C-TBBPA uptake and metabolism. Extensive and rapid uptake of radioactivity
      was observed, tadpoles metabolizing > 94% of (14)C-TBBPA within 8 h. Four
      metabolites were identified in water and tadpole extracts: TBBPA-glucuronide,
      TBBPA-glucuronide-sulfate, TBBPA-sulfate, and TBBPA-disulfate. These metabolites
      are identical to the TBBPA conjugates characterized in mammals, including humans.
      Most radioactivity (> 75%) was associated with sulfated conjugates. The
      antithyroid effects of TBBPA and the metabolites were compared using two in vivo
      measures: tadpole morphology and an in vivo tadpole TH reporter gene assay. Only
      TBBPA, and not the sulfated metabolites, disrupted thyroid signaling. Moreover,
      TBBPA treatment did not affect expression of phase II enzymes involved in TH
      metabolism, suggesting that the antithyroid effects of TBBPA are not due to
      indirect effects on TH metabolism. Finally, we show that only the parent TBBPA
      inhibits T3-induced transactivation in cells expressing human, zebrafish, or X.
      laevis TH receptor, TRalpha. We conclude, first, that perturbation of thyroid
      signaling by TBBPA is likely due to rapid direct action of the parent compound,
      and second, that Xenopus is an excellent vertebrate model for biotransformation
      studies, displaying homologous pathways to mammals.

PMID- 22086977
TI  - Homeostatic synaptic plasticity: local and global mechanisms for stabilizing
      neuronal function.
AB  - Neural circuits must maintain stable function in the face of many plastic
      challenges, including changes in synapse number and strength, during learning and
      development. Recent work has shown that these destabilizing influences are
      counterbalanced by homeostatic plasticity mechanisms that act to stabilize
      neuronal and circuit activity. One such mechanism is synaptic scaling, which
      allows neurons to detect changes in their own firing rates through a set of
      calcium-dependent sensors that then regulate receptor trafficking to increase or
      decrease the accumulation of glutamate receptors at synaptic sites. Additional
      homeostatic mechanisms may allow local changes in synaptic activation to generate
      local synaptic adaptations, and network-wide changes in activity to generate
      network-wide adjustments in the balance between excitation and inhibition. The
      signaling pathways underlying these various forms of homeostatic plasticity are
      currently under intense scrutiny, and although dozens of molecular pathways have
      now been implicated in homeostatic plasticity, a clear picture of how homeostatic
      feedback is structured at the molecular level has not yet emerged. On a
      functional level, neuronal networks likely use this complex set of regulatory
      mechanisms to achieve homeostasis over a wide range of temporal and spatial
      scales.

PMID- 22086978
TI  - Propentofylline decreases tumor growth in a rodent model of glioblastoma
      multiforme by a direct mechanism on microglia.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain
      cancer, with a median survival of less than 2 years after diagnosis. The tumor
      microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor invasion and progression.
      Microglia and infiltrating macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in the
      tumor. In the present study, we demonstrate that systemic propentofylline (PPF),
      an atypical methylxanthine with central nervous system (CNS) glial modulating and
      anti-inflammatory actions, significantly decreased tumor growth in a CNS-1 rat
      model of GBM by targeting microglia and not tumor cells. Rats received tumor
      injections of 1 * 10(5) CNS-1 cells in the right striatum with daily
      intraperitonial injections of PPF (50 mg/kg) or saline beginning the day of tumor
      injection. PPF did not cause apoptosis or decrease proliferation of CNS-1 tumor
      cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate, using in vitro methods, that PPF decreased
      microglial migration toward CNS-1 tumor cells and decreased MMP-9 expression. The
      effects of PPF were shown to be specific to microglia and not peripheral
      macrophages. These results support a differential functional role of resident
      microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the brain tumor environment. Our data
      highlight microglia as a crucial target for future therapeutic development and
      present PPF as a possible drug for treatment of human GBM.

PMID- 22086979
TI  - Paraoxonase 1 as a major bioactivating hydrolase for olmesartan medoxomil in
      human blood circulation: molecular identification and contribution to plasma
      metabolism.
AB  - Olmesartan medoxomil (OM) is a prodrug-type angiotensin II type 1 receptor
      antagonist. The OM-hydrolyzing enzyme responsible for prodrug bioactivation was
      purified from human plasma through successive column chromatography and was
      molecularly identified through N-terminal amino acid sequencing, which resulted
      in a sequence of 20 amino acids identical to that of human paraoxonase 1 (PON1).
      Two recombinant allozymes of human PON1 (PON1(192QQ) and PON1(192RR)) were
      constructed and were clearly demonstrated to hydrolyze OM; hydrolysis by the
      latter allozyme was slightly faster than that by the former. In addition, we
      evaluated the contribution of PON1 to OM bioactivation in human plasma. Enzyme
      kinetic studies demonstrated that OM was hydrolyzed more effectively by the
      recombinant PON1 proteins than by purified albumin. The OM-hydrolyzing activities
      of the recombinant PON1 proteins and diluted plasma were greatly reduced in the
      absence of calcium ions. Immunoprecipitation with anti-PON1 IgG completely
      abolished the OM-hydrolyzing activity in human plasma, whereas the activity was
      partially inhibited with anti-albumin IgG. The distribution pattern of the OM
      hydrolyzing activity in human serum lipoprotein fractions and lipoprotein
      deficient serum was examined and showed that most of the OM-hydrolyzing activity
      was located in the high-density lipoprotein fraction, with which PON1 is closely
      associated. In conclusion, we identified PON1 as the OM-bioactivating hydrolase
      in human plasma on a molecular basis and demonstrated that PON1, but not albumin,
      plays a major role in OM bioactivation in human plasma.

PMID- 22086980
TI  - Increased systemic exposure to rhizoma coptidis alkaloids in lipopolysaccharide
      pretreated rats attributable to enhanced intestinal absorption.
AB  - Rhizoma coptidis is a rhizome commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.
      After oral administration of rhizoma coptidis extract, the plasma concentrations
      of its effective alkaloid constituents are so low that their systemic therapeutic
      actions cannot be explained. This study aimed to investigate the influence of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the pharmacokinetics of the rhizoma coptidis
      alkaloids. Pharmacokinetic experiments were performed with rats; both in vitro
      absorption and efflux experiments were carried out with everted rat gut sacs,
      whereas in vitro metabolism experiments were conducted with rat liver microsomes
      and intestinal S9 fractions. Mucosal changes were evaluated with light microscopy
      and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that, in rat plasma, LPS
      pretreatment increased systemic alkaloid exposure. LPS pretreatment increased the
      in vitro absorption of the alkaloids and decreased their efflux. The efflux of
      vinblastine and rhodamine 123, P-glycoprotein substrates, also was decreased. The
      absorption of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (average molecular mass,
      4 kDa), a gut paracellular permeability probe, was not influenced. Obvious damage
      was observed in the mucosa, but the tight junctions between epithelial cells
      remained intact. Intestinal, rather than hepatic, alkaloid metabolism was
      decreased. These findings indicated that LPS pretreatment increased systemic
      exposure to the alkaloids through enhancement of their absorption, which was
      related to decreased intestinal efflux and metabolism. The results add to the
      understanding of why rhizoma coptidis is active despite the low plasma
      concentrations of the rhizoma coptidis alkaloids measured in normal subjects and
      experimental animals.

PMID- 22086981
TI  - The influence of health care reform on intensive care: a UK perspective.

PMID- 22086982
TI  - Reslizumab and eosinophilic asthma: one step closer to phenotype-directed
      therapy?

PMID- 22086983
TI  - Pneumonia in the ICU: a lethal or VAPid complication?

PMID- 22086984
TI  - Understanding ICU staff burnout: the show must go on.

PMID- 22086985
TI  - Chronic kidney disease: a new morbidity of cystic fibrosis or an old morbidity of
      diabetes mellitus?

PMID- 22086986
TI  - Where next for gene expression profiling? So much promise.

PMID- 22086987
TI  - VEGF receptor inhibition as a model of pulmonary hypertension in mice.

PMID- 22086988
TI  - Physiologic phenotypes of sleep apnea pathogenesis.

PMID- 22086989
TI  - An official American Thoracic Society/Society of Thoracic Radiology clinical
      practice guideline: evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality in
      the developed world. Along with appropriate prophylaxis and therapy, prevention
      of death from PE in pregnancy requires a high index of clinical suspicion
      followed by a timely and accurate diagnostic approach. METHODS: To provide
      guidance on this important health issue, a multidisciplinary panel of major
      medical stakeholders was convened to develop evidence-based guidelines for
      evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy using the Grades of
      Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. In
      formulation of the recommended diagnostic algorithm, the important outcomes were
      defined to be diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic yield; the panel placed a high
      value on minimizing cumulative radiation dose when determining the recommended
      sequence of tests. RESULTS: Overall, the quality of the underlying evidence for
      all recommendations was rated as very low or low, with some of the evidence
      considered for recommendations extrapolated from studies of the general
      population. Despite the low-quality evidence, strong recommendations were made
      for three specific scenarios: performance of chest radiography (CXR) as the first
      radiation-associated procedure; use of lung scintigraphy as the preferred test in
      the setting of a normal CXR; and performance of computed-tomographic pulmonary
      angiography (CTPA) rather than digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in a
      pregnant woman with a nondiagnostic ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) result.
      DISCUSSION: The recommendations presented in this guideline are based upon the
      currently available evidence; availability of new clinical research data and
      development and dissemination of new technologies will necessitate a revision and
      update.

PMID- 22086990
TI  - An uncommon complication of an inferior vena cava filter.

PMID- 22086991
TI  - Discriminatory value of procalcitonin.

PMID- 22086992
TI  - Trends in cause-specific mortality in oxygen-dependent COPD: what about pulmonary
      embolism?

PMID- 22086993
TI  - Is autoimmunity really related to the pathogenesis of COPD?

PMID- 22086994
TI  - Recording of possible diaphragm fatigue under neurally adjusted ventilatory
      assist.

PMID- 22086995
TI  - Efficacy of adalimumab in chronically active and symptomatic patients with
      sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22086996
TI  - Mobilizing the genome of Lepidoptera through novel sequence gains and end
      creation by non-autonomous Lep1 Helitrons.
AB  - Transposable elements (TEs) can affect the structure of genomes through their
      acquisition and transposition of novel DNA sequences. The 134-bp repetitive
      elements, Lep1, are conserved non-autonomous Helitrons in lepidopteran genomes
      that have characteristic 5'-CT and 3'-CTAY nucleotide termini, a 3'-terminal
      hairpin structure, a 5'- and 3'-subterminal inverted repeat (SIR), and
      integrations that occur between AT or TT nucleotides. Lep1 Helitrons have
      acquired and propagated sequences downstream of their 3'-CTAY termini that are 57
      344-bp in length and have termini composed of a 3'-CTRR preceded by a 3'-hairpin
      structure and a region complementary to the 5'-SIR (3'-SIRb). Features of both
      the Lep1 Helitron and multiple acquired sequences indicate that secondary
      structures at the 3'-terminus may have a role in rolling circle replication or
      genome integration mechanisms, and are a prerequisite for novel end creation by
      Helitron-like TEs. The preferential integration of Lep1 Helitrons in proximity to
      gene-coding regions results in the creation of genetic novelty that is shown to
      impact gene structure and function through the introduction of novel exon
      sequence (exon shuffling). These findings are important in understanding the
      structural requirements of genomic DNA sequences that are acquired and transposed
      by Helitron-like TEs.

PMID- 22086998
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing of Hevea brasiliensis for development of microsatellite
      markers and construction of a genetic linkage map.
AB  - To obtain more information on the Hevea brasiliensis genome, we sequenced the
      transcriptome from the vegetative shoot apex yielding 2 311 497 reads. Clustering
      and assembly of the reads produced a total of 113 313 unique sequences,
      comprising 28 387 isotigs and 84 926 singletons. Also, 17 819 expressed sequence
      tag (EST)-simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified from the data set. To
      demonstrate the use of this EST resource for marker development, primers were
      designed for 430 of the EST-SSRs. Three hundred and twenty-three primer pairs
      were amplifiable in H. brasiliensis clones. Polymorphic information content
      values of selected 47 SSRs among 20 H. brasiliensis clones ranged from 0.13 to
      0.71, with an average of 0.51. A dendrogram of genetic similarities between the
      20 H. brasiliensis clones using these 47 EST-SSRs suggested two distinct groups
      that correlated well with clone pedigree. These novel EST-SSRs together with the
      published SSRs were used for the construction of an integrated parental linkage
      map of H. brasiliensis based on 81 lines of an F1 mapping population. The map
      consisted of 97 loci, consisting of 37 novel EST-SSRs and 60 published SSRs,
      distributed on 23 linkage groups and covered 842.9 cM with a mean interval of
      11.9 cM and ~4 loci per linkage group. Although the numbers of linkage groups
      exceed the haploid number (18), but with several common markers between
      homologous linkage groups with the previous map indicated that the F1 map in this
      study is appropriate for further study in marker-assisted selection.

PMID- 22086999
TI  - Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae transcription unit organization: genome survey and
      prediction.
AB  - Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is associated with swine respiratory diseases. Although
      gene organization and regulation are well known in many prokaryotic organisms,
      knowledge on mycoplasma is limited. This study performed a comparative analysis
      of three strains of M. hyopneumoniae (7448, J and 232), with a focus on genome
      organization and gene comparison for open read frame (ORF) cluster (OC)
      identification. An in silico analysis of gene organization demonstrated 117 OCs
      and 34 single ORFs in M. hyopneumoniae 7448 and J, while 116 OCs and 36 single
      ORFs were identified in M. hyopneumoniae 232. Genomic comparison revealed high
      synteny and conservation of gene order between the OCs defined for 7448 and J
      strains as well as for 7448 and 232 strains. Twenty-one OCs were chosen and
      experimentally confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR from M. hyopneumoniae 7448
      genome, validating our prediction. A subset of the ORFs within an OC could be
      independently transcribed due to the presence of internal promoters. Our results
      suggest that transcription occurs in 'run-on' from an upstream promoter in M.
      hyopneumoniae, thus forming large ORF clusters (from 2 to 29 ORFs in the same
      orientation) and indicating a complex transcriptional organization.

PMID- 22087000
TI  - Discovery of deoxyceramides and diacylglycerols as CD1b scaffold lipids among
      diverse groove-blocking lipids of the human CD1 system.
AB  - Unlike the dominant role of one class II invariant chain peptide (CLIP) in
      blocking MHC class II, comparative lipidomics analysis shows that human cluster
      of differentiation (CD) proteins CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, and CD1d bind lipids
      corresponding to hundreds of diverse accurate mass retention time values.
      Although most ions were observed in association with several CD1 proteins,
      ligands binding selectively to one CD1 isoform allowed the study of how differing
      antigen-binding grooves influence lipid capture. Although the CD1b groove is
      distinguished by its unusually large volume (2,200 A(3)) and the T' tunnel, the
      average mass of compounds eluted from CD1b was similar to that of lipids from CD1
      proteins with smaller grooves. Elution of small ligands from the large CD1b
      groove might be explained if two small lipids bind simultaneously in the groove.
      Crystal structures indicate that all CD1 proteins can capture one antigen with
      its hydrophilic head group exposed for T-cell recognition, but CD1b structures
      show scaffold lipids seated below the antigen. We found that ligands selectively
      associated with CD1b lacked the hydrophilic head group that is generally needed
      for antigen recognition but interferes with scaffold function. Furthermore, we
      identified the scaffolds as deoxyceramides and diacylglycerols and directly
      demonstrate a function in augmenting presentation of a small glycolipid antigen
      to T cells. Thus, unlike MHC class II, CD1 proteins capture highly diverse
      ligands in the secretory pathway. CD1b has a mechanism for presenting either two
      small or one large lipid, allowing presentation of antigens with an unusually
      broad range of chain lengths.

PMID- 22087001
TI  - Brassinosteroids modulate the efficiency of plant immune responses to microbe
      associated molecular patterns.
AB  - Metazoans and plants use pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to sense conserved
      microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) in the extracellular environment.
      In plants, the bacterial MAMPs flagellin and elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu)
      activate distinct, phylogenetically related cell surface pattern recognition
      receptors of the leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (LRR-RK) family called FLS2
      and EF-Tu receptor, respectively. BAK1 is an LRR-RK coreceptor for both FLS2 and
      EF-Tu receptor. BAK1 is also a coreceptor for the plant brassinosteroid (BR)
      receptor, the LRR-RK BRI1. Binding of BR to BRI1 primarily promotes cell
      elongation. Here, we tune the BR pathway response to establish how plant cells
      can generate functionally different cellular outputs in response to MAMPs and
      pathogens. We demonstrate that BR can act antagonistically or synergistically
      with responses to MAMPs. We further show that the synergistic activities of BRs
      on MAMP responses require BAK1. Our results highlight the importance of plant
      steroid homeostasis as a critical step in the establishment of plant immunity. We
      propose that tradeoffs associated with plasticity in the face of infection are
      layered atop plant steroid developmental programs.

PMID- 22086997
TI  - Analysis of the Asian seabass transcriptome based on expressed sequence tags.
AB  - Analysis of transcriptomes is of great importance in genomic studies. Asian
      seabass is an important fish species. A number of genomic tools in it were
      developed, while large expressed sequence tag (EST) data are lacking. We
      sequenced ESTs from nine normalized cDNA libraries and obtained 11 431 high
      quality ESTs. We retrieved 8524 ESTs from dbEST database and analyzed all 19 975
      ESTs using bioinformatics tools. After clustering, we obtained 8837 unique
      sequences (2838 contigs and 5999 singletons). The average contig length was 574
      bp. Annotation of these unique sequences revealed that 48.9% of them showed
      significant homology to RNA sequences in GenBank. Functional classification of
      the unique ESTs identified a broad range of genes involved in different
      functions. We identified 6114 putative single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 634
      microsatellites in ESTs. We discovered different temporal and spatial expression
      patterns of some immune-related genes in the Asian seabass after challenging with
      a pathogen Vibrio harveyi. The unique EST sequences are being used in developing
      a cDNA microarray to examine global gene expression and will also facilitate
      future whole-genome sequence assembly and annotation of Asian seabass and
      comparative genomics.

PMID- 22087002
TI  - Shared gene expression in distinct neurons expressing common selector genes.
AB  - Expression of the mec-3/unc-86 selector gene complex induces the differentiation
      of the touch receptor neurons (TRNs) of Caenorhabditis elegans. These genes are
      also expressed in another set of embryonically derived mechanosensory neurons,
      the FLP neurons, but these cells do not share obvious TRN traits or proteins. We
      have identified ~300 genes in each cell type that are up-regulated at least
      threefold using DNA microarrays. Twenty-three percent of these genes are up
      regulated in both cells. Surprisingly, some of the common genes had previously
      been identified as TRN-specific. Although the FLP neurons contain low amounts of
      the mRNAs for these TRN genes, they do not have detectable proteins. These
      results suggest that transcription control is relatively inexact but that these
      apparent errors of transcription are tolerated and do not alter cell fate.
      Previous studies showed that loss of the EGL-44 and EGL-46 transcription factors
      cause the FLP neurons to acquire TRN-like traits. Here, we show that similar
      changes occur (e.g., the expression of both the TRN mRNAs and proteins) when the
      FLP neurons ectopically express the auxiliary transcription factor ALR-1
      (Aristaless related), which ensures, but does not direct, TRN differentiation.
      Thus, the FLP neurons can acquire a TRN-like fate but use multiple levels of
      regulation to ensure they do not. Our data indicate that expression of common
      master regulators in different cell types can result in inappropriate expression
      of effector genes. This misexpression makes these cells vulnerable to influences
      that could cause them to acquire alternative fates.

PMID- 22087003
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein tyrosine phosphatase (PtpA) excludes host
      vacuolar-H+-ATPase to inhibit phagosome acidification.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) pathogenicity depends on its ability to inhibit
      phagosome acidification and maturation processes after engulfment by macrophages.
      Here, we show that the secreted Mtb protein tyrosine phosphatase (PtpA) binds to
      subunit H of the macrophage vacuolar-H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) machinery, a
      multisubunit protein complex in the phagosome membrane that drives luminal
      acidification. Furthermore, we show that the macrophage class C vacuolar protein
      sorting complex, a key regulator of endosomal membrane fusion, associates with V
      ATPase in phagosome maturation, suggesting a unique role for V-ATPase in
      coordinating phagosome-lysosome fusion. PtpA interaction with host V-ATPase is
      required for the previously reported dephosphorylation of VPS33B and subsequent
      exclusion of V-ATPase from the phagosome during Mtb infection. These findings
      show that inhibition of phagosome acidification in the mycobacterial phagosome is
      directly attributed to PtpA, a key protein needed for Mtb survival and
      pathogenicity within host macrophages.

PMID- 22087004
TI  - In vivo prevention of arterial restenosis with paclitaxel-encapsulated targeted
      lipid-polymeric nanoparticles.
AB  - Following recent successes with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for
      treating coronary artery disease (CAD), many challenges remain. In particular,
      mechanical injury from the procedure results in extensive endothelial denudation,
      exposing the underlying collagen IV-rich basal lamina, which promotes both
      intravascular thrombosis and smooth muscle proliferation. Previously, we reported
      the engineering of collagen IV-targeting nanoparticles (NPs) and demonstrated
      their preferential localization to sites of arterial injury. Here, we develop a
      systemically administered, targeted NP system to deliver an antiproliferative
      agent to injured vasculature. Approximately 60-nm lipid-polymeric NPs were
      surface functionalized with collagen IV-targeting peptides and loaded with
      paclitaxel. In safety studies, the targeted NPs showed no signs of toxicity and a
      >=3.5-fold improved maximum tolerated dose versus paclitaxel. In efficacy studies
      using a rat carotid injury model, paclitaxel (0.3 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg) was i.v.
      administered postprocedure on days 0 and 5. The targeted NP group resulted in
      lower neointima-to-media (N/M) scores at 2 wk versus control groups of saline,
      paclitaxel, or nontargeted NPs. Compared with sham-injury groups, an ~50%
      reduction in arterial stenosis was observed with targeted NP treatment. The
      combination of improved tolerability, sustained release, and vascular targeting
      could potentially provide a safe and efficacious option in the management of CAD.

PMID- 22087005
TI  - Reduced impact logging minimally alters tropical rainforest carbon and energy
      exchange.
AB  - We used eddy covariance and ecological measurements to investigate the effects of
      reduced impact logging (RIL) on an old-growth Amazonian forest. Logging caused
      small decreases in gross primary production, leaf production, and latent heat
      flux, which were roughly proportional to canopy loss, and increases in
      heterotrophic respiration, tree mortality, and wood production. The net effect of
      RIL was transient, and treatment effects were barely discernable after only 1 y.
      RIL appears to provide a strategy for managing tropical forest that minimizes the
      potential risks to climate associated with large changes in carbon and water
      exchange.

PMID- 22087006
TI  - Brassinosteroids inhibit pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immune
      signaling independent of the receptor kinase BAK1.
AB  - Plants and animals use innate immunity as a first defense against pathogens, a
      costly yet necessary tradeoff between growth and immunity. In Arabidopsis, the
      regulatory leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) BAK1 combines with
      the LRR-RLKs FLS2 and EFR in pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)
      triggered immunity (PTI) and the LRR-RLK BRI1 in brassinosteroid (BR)-mediated
      growth. Therefore, a potential tradeoff between these pathways mediated by BAK1
      is often postulated. Here, we show a unidirectional inhibition of FLS2-mediated
      immune signaling by BR perception. Unexpectedly, this effect occurred downstream
      or independently of complex formation with BAK1 and associated downstream
      phosphorylation. Thus, BAK1 is not rate-limiting in these pathways. BRs also
      inhibited signaling triggered by the BAK1-independent recognition of the fungal
      PAMP chitin. Our results suggest a general mechanism operative in plants in which
      BR-mediated growth directly antagonizes innate immune signaling.

PMID- 22087007
TI  - Hypermorphic mutation of the voltage-gated sodium channel encoding gene Scn10a
      causes a dramatic stimulus-dependent neurobehavioral phenotype.
AB  - The voltage-gated sodium channel Na(v)1.8 is known to function in the
      transmission of pain signals induced by cold, heat, and mechanical stimuli.
      Sequence variants of human Na(v)1.8 have been linked to altered cardiac
      conduction. We identified an allele of Scn10a encoding the alpha-subunit of
      Na(v)1.8 among mice homozygous for N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mutations. The
      allele creates a dominant neurobehavioral phenotype termed Possum, characterized
      by transient whole-body tonic immobility induced by pinching the skin at the back
      of the neck ("scruffing"). The Possum mutation enhanced Na(v)1.8 sodium currents
      and neuronal excitability and heightened sensitivity of mutants to cold stimuli.
      Striking electroencephalographic changes were observed concomitant with the
      scruffing-induced behavioral change. In addition, electrocardiography
      demonstrated that Possum mice exhibited marked sinus bradycardia and R-R
      variability upon scruffing, abrogated by infusion of atropine. However, atropine
      failed to prevent or mitigate the tonic immobility response. Hyperactive sodium
      conduction via Na(v)1.8 thus leads to a complex neurobehavioral phenotype, which
      resembles catatonia in schizophrenic humans and tonic immobility in other mammals
      upon application of a discrete stimulus; no other form of mechanosensory stimulus
      could induce the immobility phenotype. Our data confirm the involvement of
      Na(v)1.8 in transducing pain initiated by cold and additionally implicate
      Na(v)1.8 in previously unknown functions in the central nervous system and heart.

PMID- 22087008
TI  - Observational studies find association between chocolate consumption and reduced
      risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

PMID- 22087009
TI  - 2.64% of South Korean children aged 7 to 12 have autism spectrum disorders.

PMID- 22087010
TI  - Type III glycogen storage disease mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22087011
TI  - Shape of the right ventricular outflow Doppler envelope and severity of pulmonary
      hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is now well known that timing of right ventricular outflow tract
      (RVOT) spectral Doppler signals change with increasing pulmonary hypertension
      severity. We devised a study to determine whether visual assessment of these RVOT
      Doppler signals can be useful identifying the severity of pulmonary hypertension.
      METHODS: Visual inspection of pulsed RVOT Doppler signals from 120 consecutive
      patients (mean age of 55 +/- 12, range 29-89 years; 45 males); with a mean
      pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) of 59 +/- 29, (ranging from 18 to 150
      mmHg), of whom 78 patients had PASP >40 mmHg, was performed and correlated with
      standard echo Doppler variables of right ventricular performance. RESULTS: Visual
      inspection of RVOT spectral Doppler signals from the 120 patients showed four
      dynamic patterns and on a stepwise multiple regression analysis, PASP was the
      only echocardiographic variable that correlated with these different types of
      RVOT spectral Doppler signals. Furthermore, receiver operator curve analysis of
      these RVOT spectral Doppler signals correlated well with different ranges of
      PASP. CONCLUSIONS: Visual assessment of RVOT spectral signals demonstrates the
      presence of four dynamic patterns, independent of the aetiology of the pulmonary
      hypertension, that not only correlate with the severity of pulmonary
      hypertension, but also are useful in identifying a range of PASP with great
      accuracy that minimizes subjective interpretation. These simple visual
      assessments of RVOT Doppler signals can be done routinely when evaluating
      patients with pulmonary hypertension without the need of additional sophisticated
      equipment.

PMID- 22087012
TI  - Scleroderma renal crisis: a retrospective multicentre study on 91 patients and
      427 controls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a severe manifestation of SSc, whose
      prognosis remains severe, despite treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme
      inhibitor and dialysis. This study was undertaken to describe SRC
      characteristics, prognosis and outcome, and evaluate the responsibility of CSs in
      its occurrence. METHODS: Analysis concerned 91 SSc patients with SRC who were
      compared with 427 non-SRC-SSc patients taken as controls. RESULTS: Among the 91
      SRC patients, 71 (78.0%) had high blood pressure, 53 (58.2%) hypertensive
      encephalopathy and 51 (56.0%) thrombotic microangiopathy; 64 (70.3%) had received
      CSs before or concomitantly with SRC vs 156 (36.5%) non-SRC-SSc patients (P <
      0.001). Treated SRC patients also received more prednisone 29.3 (28.4) vs 3.6
      (9.9) mg than controls (P < 0.001). SRC clinical outcomes were poor: 49 (53.8%)
      patients required dialysis, which was definitive for 38. Thirty-seven (40.7%) SRC
      patients died vs 10.8% of the controls (P < 0.001). Death was most frequent among
      dialysed patients who never recovered renal function (22 vs 2) and 13 never
      dialysed SRC patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Although SRC prognosis has improved
      markedly, SRC remains a severe manifestation of SSc, despite treatment with
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and dialysis. CSs contributed
      significantly to SRC occurrence.

PMID- 22087013
TI  - Assessment of work instability in spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study
      using the ankylosing spondylitis work instability scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Work status is an important outcome in SpA. The objective was to
      assess work instability and its determinants in a cohort of patients with SpA,
      using the AS-work instability scale (AS-WIS). METHODS: We performed a cross
      sectional monocentre study. Patients were definite SpA patients with paid work.
      Work instability was measured by the AS-WIS. Its determinants were assessed by
      correlations with SpA scores (BASDAI, BASFI and patient's global assessment) and
      patients with low work instability (AS-WIS score < 11) were compared with those
      with moderate to high instability, through backward logistic regression. RESULTS:
      In all, 156 patients were assessed: mean (s.d.) age 41 (11) years, mean disease
      duration 15 (11) years; 71 (45.5%) were on TNF blockers. The mean AS-WIS score
      was 9.5 (5.5); 55 (35%) patients had moderate and 8 (5%) patients had high work
      instability. Correlations of the AS-WIS score with SpA scores were significant
      but moderate (BASDAI R = 0.42, BASFI R = 0.41, patient's global assessment R =
      0.53; P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, high patient's global assessment was
      the only element associated with moderate to high work instability; demographic
      characteristics and treatments were not significant elements. CONCLUSION: Work
      instability was found to be high and its main determinant was patient's global
      assessment. The predictive validity of the AS-WIS in terms of job retention
      should be further assessed.

PMID- 22087015
TI  - Economic studies in rheumatology: data, perspectives, challenges.

PMID- 22087014
TI  - Analysis of Class II human leucocyte antigens in Italian and Spanish systemic
      sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Class II HLAs in SSc patients from Italy and
      Spain and in SSc patients of Caucasian ancestry. METHODS: Nine hundred and forty
      four SSc patients (Italy 392 patients; Spain 452 patients) and 1320 ethnically
      matched healthy controls (Italy 398 patients; Spain 922 patients) were genotyped
      up to the fourth digit by PCR with sequence-specific oligonucleotides for HLA
      DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 loci. Patients included 390 ACA-positive and 254 anti-topo I
      positive subjects. Associations between SSc or SSc-specific antibodies and HLA
      alleles or HLA haplotypes were sought via the chi-square test after 10 000-fold
      permutation testing. A meta-analysis including this study cohort and other
      Caucasoids samples was also conducted. RESULTS: In both the cohorts, the
      strongest association was observed between the HLA-DRB1*1104 allele and SSc or
      anti-topo I antibodies. The HLA-DRB1*1104 -DQA1*0501 -DQB1*0301 haplotype was
      overrepresented in Italian [odds ratio (OR) = 2.069, 95% asymptotic CIs (CI(95))
      1.486, 2.881; P < 0.001] and in Spanish patients (OR = 6.707, CI(95) 3.974,
      11.319; P < 0.001) as well as in anti-topo-positive patients: Italy (OR = 2.642,
      CI(95) 1.78, 3.924; P < 0.001) and Spain (OR = 20.625, CI(95) 11.536, 36.876; P <
      0.001). In both the populations we also identified an additional risk allele (HLA
      DQB1*03) and a protective allele (HLA-DQB1*0501) in anti-topo-positive patients.
      The meta-analysis showed different statistically significant associations, the
      most interesting being the differential association between HLA-DRB1*01 alleles
      and ACAs (OR = 1.724, CI(95) 1.482, 2.005; P < 0.001) or topo I antibodies (OR =
      0.5, CI(95) 0.384, 0.651; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We describe multiple robust
      associations between SSc and HLA Class II antigens in Caucasoids that may help to
      understand the genetic architecture of SSc.

PMID- 22087016
TI  - CD40 gene polymorphisms confer risk of Behcet's disease but not of Vogt-Koyanagi
      Harada syndrome in a Han Chinese population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent genetic surveys including a genome-wide association study have
      identified CD40 as a susceptibility gene for several autoimmune diseases. This
      study was designed to investigate the association of CD40 gene polymorphisms with
      Behcet's disease (BD) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome in a Han Chinese
      population. METHODS: Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs4810485 and
      rs1883832, were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism in 373 BD patients, 519 VKH patients and 402 controls. A
      binary logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the influence of gender
      on the association of CD40 polymorphisms with BD. RESULTS: Our results showed
      significantly increased frequencies of the homozygous rs4810485 TT and rs1883832
      TT in BD patients as compared with the controls [Bonferroni-corrected P-value for
      gender adjustment (Pac) = 0.006, odds ratio (OR) = 1.98, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.38, 2.83;  = 0.012, OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.22, 2.46, respectively]. A
      markedly decreased frequency of the heterozygous rs4810485 GT was observed in BD
      patients as compared with the controls (  = 0.042, OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.51, 0.90).
      The genotype and allele frequencies of rs4810485 and rs1883832 were not different
      between VKH patients and controls. Stratification analysis did not find any
      association between the tested SNPs and extra-ocular manifestations of both
      diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that TT genotypes of rs4810485 and
      rs1883832 may be predisposing genotypes for BD, and that the rs4810485 GT
      genotype may be a protective genotype for BD. The two tested CD40 gene
      polymorphisms are not associated with VKH syndrome in the investigated Han
      Chinese population.

PMID- 22087017
TI  - Pharmacodynamic responses of plasma and tissue C-type natriuretic peptide to GH:
      correlation with linear growth in GH-deficient rats.
AB  - Studies from genetic modification and spontaneous mutations show that C-type
      natriuretic peptide (CNP) signalling plays an essential part in postnatal
      endochondral growth, but measurement of CNP proteins and changes in their
      abundance in tissues and plasma during normal growth has not been reported. Using
      rodent pups with GH deficiency, we now describe the pharmacodynamic response of
      CNP and rat amino-terminal proCNP (NTproCNP) in plasma and tissues, and relate
      these to changes in linear growth (nose-tail length, tibial length and tibial
      growth plate width) during the course of 1 week of GH or saline (control)
      administration. Compared with saline, significant increases in plasma and tissue
      CNP forms were observed after 24 h in GH-treated pups and before any detectable
      change in linear growth. Whereas CNP abundance was increased in most tissues
      (muscle, heart and liver) by GH, enrichment was the greatest in extracts from
      growth plates and kidney. Plasma and tissue concentrations in GH-treated pups
      were sustained or further increased at 1 week when strong positive associations
      were found between plasma NTproCNP and linear growth or tissue concentrations.
      High content of NTproCNP in kidney tissue strongly correlated with plasma
      concentrations, which is consistent with previous data showing renal extraction
      of the peptide. In showing a prompt and significant increase in CNP in tissues
      driving normal endochondral growth, these findings provide further rationale for
      CNP agonists in the treatment of growth disorders resistant to current therapies
      and support the use of CNP concentrations as biomarkers of linear growth.

PMID- 22087019
TI  - A comparison of algorithms for body-worn sensor-based spatiotemporal gait
      parameters to the GAITRite electronic walkway.
AB  - This study compares the performance of algorithms for body-worn sensors used with
      a spatiotemporal gait analysis platform to the GAITRite electronic walkway. The
      mean error in detection time (true error) for heel strike and toe-off was 33.9 +/
      10.4 ms and 3.8 +/- 28.7 ms, respectively. The ICC for temporal parameters step,
      stride, swing and stance time was found to be greater than 0.84, indicating good
      agreement. Similarly, for spatial gait parameters--stride length and velocity-
      the ICC was found to be greater than 0.88. Results show good to excellent
      concurrent validity in spatiotemporal gait parameters, at three different walking
      speeds (best agreement observed at normal walking speed). The reported algorithms
      for body-worn sensors are comparable to the GAITRite electronic walkway for
      measurement of spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy subjects.

PMID- 22087020
TI  - Alcohol induced epigenetic perturbations during the inflammatory stage of
      fracture healing.
AB  - It is well recognized by orthopedic surgeons that fractures of alcoholics are
      more difficult to heal successfully and have a higher incidence of non-union, but
      the mechanism of alcohol's effect on fracture healing is unknown. In order to
      give direction for the study of the effects of alcohol on fracture healing, we
      propose to identify gene expression and microRNA changes during the early stages
      of fracture healing that might be attributable to alcohol consumption. As the
      inflammatory stage appears to be the most critical for successful fracture
      healing, this paper focuses on the events at day three following fracture or the
      stage of inflammation. Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on an ethanol-containing
      or pair-fed Lieber and DeCarli diet for four weeks prior to surgical fracture.
      Following insertion of a medullary pin, a closed mid-diaphyseal fracture was
      induced using a Bonnarens and Einhorn fracture device. At three days' post
      fracture, the region of the fracture calluses was harvested from the right hind
      limb. RNA was extracted and microarray analysis was conducted against the entire
      rat genome. There were 35 genes that demonstrated significant increased
      expression due to alcohol consumption and 20 that decreased due to alcohol. In
      addition, the expression of 20 microRNAs was increased and six decreased. In
      summary, while it is recognized that mRNA levels may or may not represent protein
      levels successfully produced by the cell, these studies reveal changes in gene
      expression that support the hypothesis that alcohol consumption affects events
      involved with inflammation. MicroRNAs are known to modulate mRNA and these
      findings were consistent with much of what was seen with mRNA microarray
      analysis, especially the involvement of smad4 which was demonstrated by mRNA
      microarray, microRNA and polymerase chain reaction.

PMID- 22087021
TI  - A new recombinant human apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide with high-density
      lipoprotein binding and function enhancing activity.
AB  - We generated a novel human apolipoprotein E (apoE)-mimetic peptide, designated
      EpK. EpK contains an N-terminal cysteine residue, a low-density lipoprotein
      receptor-binding fragment, a 6 * lysine linker and a lipid-binding fragment. The
      recombinant peptide was expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified with a chitin
      bead column followed by a Heparin Sepharose CL-6B column to yield pure peptide.
      EpK displayed high solubility in aqueous solution at neutral pH and adopted a low
      content of alpha-helical structure which was significantly increased in 2,2,2
      trifluoroethanol or upon lipid binding. EpK retained similar 1,2-dimyristoyl(d54)
      sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine binding activity as human apoE3 albeit with slower
      kinetics. Cell culture studies showed that EpK mediated cholesterol efflux from
      cholesterol-loaded primary murine macrophages with higher mass-based efficiency
      than human apoAI and human apoE3, and that EpK inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced proinflammatory cytokine expression in murine macrophages. When injected
      into apoE(-/-)mice, EpK predominantly associated with high-density lipoprotein
      (HDL), which was also shown in in vitro incubation experiments. Moreover,
      association of EpK with HDL enhanced the ability of HDL in mediating cholesterol
      efflux and suppressing LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression in
      cholesterol-loaded human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) macrophages.
      These data suggest that this novel recombinant apoE mimetic peptide enhances HDL
      function and harbors antiatherogenic potential.

PMID- 22087022
TI  - Chronic angiotensin receptor blockade suppresses intracardiac angiotensin II in
      angiotensin II-infused rats.
AB  - Accumulation of angiotensin II (Ang II) in tissues is an Ang II-receptor-mediated
      process. In pigs, acute angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB) reduced the heart-to
      plasma ratio of Ang II following acute infusion. However in rats, chronic ARB
      treatment increased heart Ang II levels, suggesting that a differential response
      to ARB treatment may exist in the mammalian heart. Furthermore, the changes in
      heart aldosterone following chronic ARB treatment are not well described. To
      address the discrepancy in heart Ang II concentrations following ARB treatment,
      three groups (n = 6) of rats were chronically studied: (1) control; (2)
      angiotensin II (Ang II; 80 ng/min for 28 d); and (3) angiotensin II + olmesartan
      (ARB; 10 mg/kg/d for 21 d). Ang II-infusion increased intracardiac Ang II by 40%
      (53 +/- 2 versus 74 +/- 6 fmol/g) and intrarenal Ang II over 2-fold (96 +/- 6
      versus 207 +/- 14 fmol/g), and chronic ARB treatment decreased Ang II by 48% in
      the heart (50 +/- 7 fmol/g) and over two-fold in the kidney (92 +/- 7 fmol/g),
      suggesting that accumulation of Ang II in the heart is receptor-mediated as in
      the kidney. Ang II increased plasma aldosterone 2.5-fold (1.4 +/- 0.1 versus 3.5
      +/- 1.2 nmol/L) and was exacerbated by ARB treatment (5.6 +/- 1.0 nmol/L).
      Intracardiac aldosterone was exacerbated by ARB treatment (control: 2.2 +/- 0.3;
      Ang II: 2.7 +/- 1.1; ARB: 7.8 +/- 1.7 pmol/g). Suppression of intracardiac Ang II
      with ARB is consistent with the existing view of Ang II-receptor-mediated uptake
      by tissues.

PMID- 22087023
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 induction protects the heart and modulates cellular and
      extracellular remodelling after myocardial infarction in rats.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme, which regulates cell
      proliferation and has potential antifibrogenic properties. In the present study,
      we investigated the effects of pre-emptive HO-1 induction by cobalt
      protoporphyrin IX on the healing of myocardial infarction in rats. The
      proliferation and repair of cardiac cells was assessed by immunostaining of Ki67
      and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling. Compared with
      control hearts, HO-1 induction reduced apoptosis and increased proliferation and
      repair of cardiomyocytes in the infarct border area during the first few days
      after infarction. Concomitantly, HO-1 decreased accumulation and proliferation of
      fibroblasts, and down-regulated procollagen type I expression in the infarct
      area. Furthermore, HO-1 increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine,
      transforming growth factor-beta1, suggesting that the cardioprotective effect of
      HO-1 in the early phase of infarct healing may result partly from the suppression
      of the inflammatory response. In the remote myocardium, HO-1 inhibited both
      proliferation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, attenuated heart failure-induced
      increase in the repair of cardiomyocytes and decreased perivascular fibrosis,
      thereby potentially alleviating adverse ventricular remodelling. The
      cardioprotective effects of HO-1 in the late phase of infarct healing may be
      mediated partly by down-regulation of the profibrotic connective tissue growth
      factor (CTGF), as HO-1 decreased CTGF expression at week 4. In conclusion, our
      findings suggest an important role for HO-1 in maintaining cellular homeostasis
      in the postinfarction heart. Modulation of the HO-1 pathway may provide a new
      therapeutic approach to enhance the recovery of myocardial infarction and protect
      against pathological myocardial changes.

PMID- 22087024
TI  - Acute glucocorticoid administration rapidly suppresses basal and stress-induced
      hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity.
AB  - Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity is subject to negative feedback
      control by glucocorticoids. Although the rapid component of this feedback is
      widely considered to contribute to regulation of dynamic HPA activity, few in
      vivo data exist on the temporal and pharmacological characteristics of this
      phenomenon. Thus, frequent automated blood sampling was undertaken in rats to
      determine the effects of acute glucocorticoid administration on basal and stress
      induced corticosterone secretion. The glucocorticoid agonist methylprednisolone
      (5-2000 MUg) or dexamethasone (5-500 MUg) injected iv at the peak of the diurnal
      rhythm caused dose-dependent suppression of basal corticosterone secretion, which
      was attenuated by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486. With 50 MUg
      methylprednisolone, the onset of this suppression occurred at 40 min and remained
      significant for 120 min. However, although higher doses led to a greater and more
      sustained suppression of endogenous corticosterone, the response was delayed by
      the emergence of an initial stimulatory response that imposed a finite minimum
      delay. A corticosterone response to injection of CRH (1 MUg, iv) during the
      period of maximal suppression indicated a suprapituitary site for the inhibitory
      effect glucocorticoid activation. This mechanism was supported by glucocorticoid
      injection immediately before a psychological stress (30 min, white noise);
      methylprednisolone caused dose-dependent attenuation of stress-induced
      corticosterone release and expression of the activity marker c-fos mRNA in the
      paraventricular nucleus but did not block the pituitary response to CRH. Thus, in
      rats, glucocorticoid receptor activation rapidly suppresses basal and stress
      induced HPA activity that operates, at least in part, through a central mechanism
      of action.

PMID- 22087025
TI  - Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) activation inhibits small GTPase RhoA activity
      and regulates motility of prostate carcinoma cells.
AB  - The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is
      activated in an autocrine fashion by the endocannabinoids (EC), N
      arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The CB1 and its
      endogenous and synthetic agonists are emerging as therapeutic targets in several
      cancers due to their ability to suppress carcinoma cell invasion and migration.
      However, the mechanisms that the CB1 regulates cell motility are not well
      understood. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms that diminish
      cell migration upon the CB1 activation in prostate carcinoma cells. The CB1
      activation with the agonist WIN55212 significantly diminishes the small GTPase
      RhoA activity but modestly increases the Rac1 and Cdc42 activity. The diminished
      RhoA activity is accompanied by the loss of actin/myosin microfilaments, cell
      spreading, and cell migration. Interestingly, the CB1 inactivation with the
      selective CB1 antagonist AM251 significantly increases RhoA activity, enhances
      microfilament formation and cell spreading, and promotes cell migration. This
      finding suggests that endogenously produced EC activate the CB1, resulting in
      chronic repression of RhoA activity and cell migration. Consistent with this
      possibility, RhoA activity is significantly diminished by the exogenous
      application of AEA but not by 2-AG in PC-3 cells (cells with very low AEA
      hydrolysis). Pretreatment of cells with a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor,
      JZL184, which blocks 2-AG hydrolysis, decreases the RhoA activity. These results
      indicate the unique CB1 signaling and support the model that EC, through their
      autocrine activation of CB1 and subsequent repression of RhoA activity, suppress
      migration in prostate carcinoma cells.

PMID- 22087026
TI  - Enhanced thecal androgen production is prenatally programmed in an ovine model of
      polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - One of the hallmarks of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increased ovarian
      androgen secretion that contributes to the ovarian, hormonal, and metabolic
      features of this condition. Thecal cells from women with PCOS have an enhanced
      capacity for androgen synthesis. To investigate whether this propensity is a
      potential cause, rather than a consequence, of PCOS, we used an ovine prenatal
      androgenization model of PCOS and assessed ewes at 11 months of age. Pregnant
      Scottish Greyface ewes were administered 100 mg testosterone propionate (TP) or
      vehicle control twice weekly from d 62 to 102 of gestation, and female offspring
      (TP = 9, control = 5) were studied. Prenatal TP exposure did not alter ovarian
      morphology or cyclicity, or plasma androgen, estrogen, and gonadotropin
      concentrations, at this stage. However, follicle function was reprogrammed in
      vivo with increased proportions of estrogenic follicles (P < 0.05) in the TP
      exposed cohort. Furthermore, in vitro the thecal cells of follicles (>4 mm)
      secreted more LH-stimulated androstenedione after prenatal androgenization (P <
      0.05), associated with increased basal expression of thecal StAR (P < 0.01),
      CYP11A (P < 0.05), HSD3B1 (P < 0.01), CYP17 (P < 0.05), and LHR (P < 0.05). This
      provides the first evidence of increased thecal androgenic capacity in the
      absence of a PCOS phenotype, suggesting a thecal defect induced during fetal
      life.

PMID- 22087027
TI  - The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) pathway is mandatory for
      the follistatin-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
AB  - Myostatin inhibition by follistatin (FS) offers a new approach for muscle mass
      enhancement. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mediators
      responsible for the FS hypertrophic action on skeletal muscle in male mice.
      Because IGF-I and IGF-II, two crucial skeletal muscle growth factors, are induced
      by myostatin inhibition, we assessed their role in FS action. First, we tested
      whether type 1 IGF receptor (IGF-IR) is required for FS-induced hypertrophy. By
      using mice expressing a dominant-negative IGF-IR in skeletal muscle, we showed
      that IGF-IR inhibition blunted by 63% fiber hypertrophy caused by FS. Second, we
      showed that FS caused the same degree of fiber hypertrophy in wild-type and IGF
      II knockout mice. We then tested the role of the signaling molecules stimulated
      by IGF-IR, in particular the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/70-kDa
      ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) pathway. We investigated whether Akt
      phosphorylation is required for the FS action. By cotransfecting a dominant
      negative form of Akt together with FS, we showed that Akt inhibition reduced by
      65% fiber hypertrophy caused by FS. Second, we evaluated the role of mTOR in FS
      action. Fiber hypertrophy induced by FS was reduced by 36% in rapamycin-treated
      mice. Finally, because the activity of S6K is increased by FS, we tested its role
      in FS action. FS caused the same degree of fiber hypertrophy in wild-type and
      S6K1/2 knockout mice. In conclusion, the IGF-IR/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a critical
      role in FS-induced muscle hypertrophy. In contrast, induction of IGF-II
      expression and S6K activity by FS are not required for the hypertrophic action of
      FS.

PMID- 22087028
TI  - Deterioration of QT prolongation after successful catheter ablation for Wolff
      Parkinson-White syndrome.

PMID- 22087029
TI  - Appropriateness of the Zucker Diabetic Fatty rat as a model for diabetic
      microvascular late complications.
AB  - Male obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats develop type 2 diabetes around eight
      weeks of age, and are widely used as a model for human diabetes and its
      complications. The objective of the study was to test whether the complications
      manifested in the kidney and nerves of ZDF rats really correspond to human
      diabetic complications in their being related to the hyperglycaemic state. Four
      groups of ZDF rats were used. One lean (Fa/?) and one obese (fa/fa) untreated
      group served as non-diabetic and diabetic controls. In two further groups of
      obese (fa/fa) rats, diabetes was prevented by pioglitazone or delayed by food
      restriction. All rats were monitored up to 35 weeks of age with respect to their
      blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin levels, their kidney function (urinary glucose
      excretion, renal glucose filtration, glomerular filtration rate,
      albumin/creatinine ratio), and their nerve function (tactile and thermal sensory
      threshold and nerve conduction velocity). Pioglitazone prevented the development
      of diabetes, while food restriction delayed its onset for 8-10 weeks.
      Accordingly, kidney function parameters were similar to lean non-diabetic rats in
      pioglitazone-treated rats and significantly improved in food-restricted rats
      compared with obese controls. Kidney histology paralleled the functional results.
      By contrast, nerve functional evaluations did not mirror the differing blood
      glucose levels. We conclude that the ZDF rat is a good model for diabetic
      nephropathy, while alterations in nerve functions were not diabetes-related.

PMID- 22087030
TI  - Evaluation of two devices for point-of-care testing of haemoglobin in neonatal
      pigs.
AB  - In veterinary medicine, point-of-care testing (POCT) techniques have become
      popular, since they provide immediate results and only small amounts of blood are
      needed. However, their accuracy is controversial. Pigs are often used for
      research purposes and accurate measurement of haemoglobin (Hb) is important
      during invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different
      Hb POCT devices in neonatal pigs. A prospective study with 57 pigs of 3-6 weeks
      of age, weighing 4.1-6.2 kg (median 5.1 kg) was performed. Fifty-seven blood
      samples were analysed for Hb using a conductivity-based and a photometrical POCT
      device and compared with a photometrical reference method. Statistical analysis
      was performed with Bland-Altman analysis, Spearman correlation and Passing-Bablok
      regression analysis. Hb values ranged from 32 to 108 g/L (median 80 g/L) using
      the reference method. The bias of the photometrical method (HemoCue((r))) to the
      reference method was -1 g/L, with limits of agreement (LOA) of -7 to 6 g/L. The
      conductivity-based method (i-STAT((r))) had a bias of -15 g/L with LOA from -24
      to -6 g/L. There was a significant association between protein values and the
      bias of i-STAT versus CellDyn (r(2) = 0.27, P < 0.05) but not with the bias of
      HemoCue versus CellDyn (r(2) = 0.001, P = 0.79). The lower the protein values
      were, the lower the Hb values were measured by the i-STAT. The conductivity-based
      measurement of Hb constantly underestimated Hb values, whereas the photometrical
      method demonstrated a better accuracy and is therefore more reliable for on-site
      measurement of Hb in pigs.

PMID- 22087032
TI  - Local application of neurotrophins specifies axons through inositol 1,4,5
      trisphosphate, calcium, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases.
AB  - Neurons are highly polarized cells that have structurally distinct processes-the
      axons and dendrites-that differentiate from common immature neurites. In cultured
      hippocampal neurons, one of these immature neurites stochastically initiates
      rapid extension and becomes an axon, whereas the others become dendrites. Various
      extracellular and intracellular signals contribute to axon specification;
      however, the specific intracellular pathways whereby particular extracellular
      stimuli lead to axon specification remain to be delineated. Here, we found that
      the neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT
      3) were required for axon specification in an autocrine or a paracrine fashion.
      Using local application with a micropipette to selectively stimulate individual
      neurites, we found that stimulation of a selected neurite by BDNF or NT-3 induced
      neurite outgrowth and subsequent axon formation. NT-3 induced a rapid increase in
      calcium ions (Ca(2+)) in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-dependent
      fashion as well as local activation of the Ca(2+) effector Ca(2+)/calmodulin
      dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) in the growth cone. Inhibition of
      neurotrophin receptors or CaMKK attenuated NT-3-induced axon specification in
      cultured neurons and axon formation in cortical neurons in vivo. These results
      identify a role for IP(3)-Ca(2+)-CaMKK signaling in axon specification.

PMID- 22087031
TI  - Signaling by the matrix proteoglycan decorin controls inflammation and cancer
      through PDCD4 and MicroRNA-21.
AB  - The mechanisms linking immune responses and inflammation with tumor development
      are not well understood. Here, we show that the soluble form of the extracellular
      matrix proteoglycan decorin controls inflammation and tumor growth through PDCD4
      (programmed cell death 4) and miR-21 (microRNA-21) by two mechanisms. First,
      decorin acted as an endogenous ligand of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and
      stimulated production of proinflammatory molecules, including PDCD4, in
      macrophages. Second, decorin prevented translational repression of PDCD4 by
      decreasing the activity of transforming growth factor-beta1 and the abundance of
      oncogenic miR-21, a translational inhibitor of PDCD4. Moreover, increased PDCD4
      abundance led to decreased release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin
      10, thereby making the cytokine profile more proinflammatory. This pathway
      operates in both pathogen-mediated and sterile inflammation, as shown here for
      sepsis and growth retardation of established tumor xenografts, respectively.
      Decorin was an early response gene evoked by septic inflammation, and protein
      concentrations of decorin were increased in the plasma of septic patients and
      mice. In cancer, decorin reduced the abundance of anti-inflammatory molecules and
      increased that of proinflammatory molecules, thereby shifting the immune response
      to a proinflammatory state associated with reduced tumor growth. Thus, by
      stimulating proinflammatory PDCD4 and decreasing the abundance of miR-21, decorin
      signaling boosts inflammatory activity in sepsis and suppresses tumor growth.

PMID- 22087033
TI  - The long-term survival potential of mature T lymphocytes is programmed during
      development in the thymus.
AB  - The homeostatic maintenance of normal numbers of mature T lymphocytes in the
      immune system depends on signaling from the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and the
      interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R); however, it is unclear whether there is crosstalk
      between these two receptors. Here, we have identified a central role for TCR
      signaling during the development of T lymphocytes in the thymus in the
      determination of IL-7 function in mature T lymphocytes. We showed that Il7r
      expression in mature T cells was modulated by developmental TCR-dependent signals
      elicited during the process of positive selection in the thymus and that this
      mechanism was common to both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Control of Il7r
      expression by the TCR was limited to thymocytes because neither the abundance nor
      the function of IL-7Ralpha was affected by TCR signaling in peripheral T cells.
      Finally, we showed that thymocytes without optimal IL-7Ralpha abundance failed to
      form part of the pool of mature T lymphocytes that patrol the periphery of normal
      hosts, highlighting the importance of this mechanism in shaping the repertoire of
      lymphocytes that make up this population.

PMID- 22087034
TI  - Early detection of colorectal cancer: barriers to screening in the primary care
      setting.

PMID- 22087035
TI  - Awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis in Vietnamese women.
AB  - PURPOSE: Vietnamese women are at particular risk of osteoporosis and its
      complications. This study examined osteoporosis knowledge and awareness among
      Vietnamese women who have accessed health care. METHODS: A sample of 217 women,
      13 to 76 years of age, who were attending 1 of 2 health care facilities in Da
      Nang, Vietnam, between November and December 2009 completed a questionnaire
      assessing their awareness of osteoporosis and measuring their knowledge using a
      30-item instrument reflecting 9 knowledge domains (eg, risk factors, diagnosis,
      prognosis). RESULTS: A majority (81.6%) of the women had heard of osteoporosis.
      Awareness was associated with education, working in health care, and having a
      family member with osteoporosis. On average, Vietnamese women answered 49% of the
      knowledge questions correctly; scores ranged from 0 to 26 questions correct out
      of 30 (mean = 14.71 +/- 5.2, median = 15). Mean knowledge scores were higher
      among those reporting a family member with osteoporosis, nurses (vs other
      vocations), and women with a high school education or greater (relative to those
      who had not completed high school). More than 90% of the women expressed interest
      in a prevention and treatment program. CONCLUSIONS: Vietnamese women may have
      heard of osteoporosis, yet they would benefit from education targeting prevention
      and treatment of the disease.

PMID- 22087036
TI  - Abnormal weight status and associated characteristics of low-income Korean
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study reports the prevalence of abnormal weight and associated
      characteristics of low-income Korean children. Methods Health examination and
      survey were conducted nationally with 2033 low-income elementary students (mean
      age +/- SD = 9.42 +/- 1.65 years). Prevalence of abnormal weight and odds ratios
      (ORs) of health behaviors for abnormal weight groups were calculated. RESULTS:
      Prevalence was 8% for underweight and 16% for overweight/obese. Compared with
      normal weight children, overweight/obese children were more likely to eat a
      variety of foods (OR = 1.82, P = .04) and have 3 meals a day (OR = 2.07, P =
      .047), but they were more likely to be stressed by their appearance (OR = 3.88, P
      < .001). Underweight children were less likely to have night snacks (OR = 0.28, P
      = .038) and more stressed by academic performance (OR = 3.76, P = .005) but were
      less educated about physical education (OR = 3.19, P = .044) and substance abuse
      (OR = 2.78, P = .018). Conclusion Higher prevalence of abnormal weight among low
      income Korean children calls for attention to address both childhood obesity and
      underweight in public health research and practice.

PMID- 22087037
TI  - Adherence to antihypertensive treatment and its determinants among urban slum
      dwellers in Kolkata, India.
AB  - A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and predictors
      of adherence to modern antihypertensive pharmacotherapy among slum dwellers in
      Kolkata, India. Prevalence of adherence based on patient self-reports of
      consuming >=80% of the prescribed medications over a recall period of 1 week was
      found to be 73% (95% confidence interval = 68%-78%). Compared with their
      counterparts, the following patients were more likely to be adherent to
      treatment: patients hypertensive for >=5 years (2.98 times), those whose
      hypertension was detected during checkups for conditions related to hypertension
      (2.35 times), those living with <=4 family members (2.01 times), those with
      family income of >=3000 rupees (2.56 times), those who were getting free drugs
      (4.16 times), patients perceiving current blood pressure to be under control
      (2.23 times), and those satisfied with current treatment (3.77). Those adherent
      to their prescribed medications were 1.71 times more likely to achieve adequate
      control of hypertension compared with those who were not adherent. 

PMID- 22087038
TI  - Changing landscape of malaria in China: progress and feasibility of malaria
      elimination.
AB  - Large-scale malaria control activities in China have been conducted with
      significant success, since the launch of the nationwide malaria control program.
      This study investigated the malaria distribution in China, particularly in
      provinces with high risks. Spatial and temporal data were assembled for all
      endemic or historically endemic areas and combined to identify common patterns
      and to investigate the actual changes in the burden of malaria in the country.
      Data were analyzed and the progress in malaria elimination feasibility was
      discussed. The results indicated that the current distribution of malaria and
      vectors associated could provide evidence on the assessment of the feasibility of
      the malaria elimination in China. 

PMID- 22087039
TI  - Influence of spousal education on partner's self-rated health: cross-sectional
      study among 1382 married couples in Shanghai, China.
AB  - The effect of individual educational attainment on health has been extensively
      documented in western countries, whereas empirical evidence of education
      spillover effects in marital dyads is scarce and inconsistent. A total of 2764
      individuals (or 1382 marital dyads) were surveyed in the Shanghai Healthy City
      Project 2008. Logistic regression models were used for analysis, and all analyses
      were stratified by gender. Significant protective associations were observed in
      univariate models linking general health status to the individual's own
      educational attainment and to their partner's educational level. After
      controlling for presence of chronic conditions, lifestyle factors, and social
      support, these associations were attenuated. The authors found a gender
      difference in the association of spouse's educational attainment with self-rated
      health. The influence of education on health may be partly mediated by lifestyle
      and other factors. 

PMID- 22087040
TI  - Pandemic influenza and health system resource gaps in Bali: an analysis through a
      resource transmission dynamics model.
AB  - The failure to contain pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 in Mexico has shifted
      global attention from containment to mitigation. Limited surveillance and
      reporting have, however, prevented detailed assessment of mitigation during the
      pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To assess pandemic
      influenza case management capabilities in a resource-limited setting, the authors
      used a health system questionnaire and density-dependent, deterministic
      transmission model for Bali, Indonesia, determining resource gaps. The majority
      of health resources were focused in and around the provincial capital, Denpasar;
      however, gaps are found in every district for nursing staff, surgical masks, and
      N95 masks. A relatively low pathogenicity pandemic influenza virus would see an
      overall surplus for physicians, antivirals, and antimicrobials; however, a more
      pathogenic virus would lead to gaps in every resource except antimicrobials.
      Resources could be allocated more evenly across Bali. These, however, are in
      short supply universally and therefore redistribution would not fill resource
      gaps. 

PMID- 22087041
TI  - Learning of idiomatic language expressions in a group intervention for children
      with autism.
AB  - In typical development, children learn an extensive range of idioms and other
      figurative (non-literal) language expressions during childhood and adolescence.
      However, many children with autism fall far behind in their idiom comprehension
      and production and never fully reach adult levels. The current study measured the
      effectiveness of a group idiom intervention for ten children, aged 7 to 12 years,
      with autism spectrum disorders. This intervention was conducted by a community
      based social skills program. The children were initially very low in idiom
      understanding, but were able to learn and remember the meaning of idiomatic
      phrases that they were taught during the 2-week-long intervention. The children
      showed greater increases at a delayed post-test for idioms trained in the
      intervention than idioms that were untrained controls. Implications for future
      educational possibilities are discussed. 

PMID- 22087042
TI  - Verbal ability, social stress, and anxiety in children with autistic disorder.
AB  - The aims of this study were to evaluate the physiological stress and anxiety
      responses in children with autism following completion of a standardized, social
      evaluative stressor (Trier Social Stress Test-Child version), document the
      relationship between verbal ability, stress, and anxiety, and determine the
      association between stress and anxiety in children with autism and typical
      development. Results demonstrated the Trier Social Stress Test-Child version to
      be a benign stressor for children with autism. Lower verbal ability in children
      with autism did not predict salivary cortisol or anxiety responses. There was a
      lack of association between stress and anxiety for both groups, highlighting the
      importance of considering these terms as separate constructs. Clinical
      implications and the limited utility of the Trier Social Stress Test-Child
      version in evaluating psychosocial stress in autism are discussed.

PMID- 22087043
TI  - Friendship characteristics and activity patterns of adolescents with an autism
      spectrum disorder.
AB  - This study compared perceptions of adolescents' friendships between adolescents
      with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents, examined factors
      associated with friendship qualities, and investigated the adolescents' reports
      on the activities they did with friends and how activity patterns differed by
      gender. Ninety-one adolescents with an ASD and their parents completed mail-based
      surveys during the summer months. Adolescents with an ASD identified more friends
      than did their parents, but they agreed on the friends' characteristics. About
      half of the adolescents spent an average of 4 hours per day with friends during
      the summer months. Male adolescents with an ASD most frequently played video
      games with friends, whereas females most frequently had conversations with
      friends. The findings suggest that adolescents with an ASD and their parents
      identify different peers as the adolescent's friends. The findings also reveal
      similarities and differences in friendships between adolescents with an ASD and
      typically developing adolescents. 

PMID- 22087044
TI  - Pilot study of a school-based parent training program for preschoolers with ASD.
AB  - This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a
      parenting training program designed for early intervention and early childhood
      special education (EI/ESCE) programs serving students with autistic spectrum
      disorders. Thirteen teachers representing three intermediate school districts
      implemented the intervention with 27 students and their parents. Eighty-nine
      percent of families completed the program. From pre- to post-intervention parents
      improved their use of the treatment strategies and children increased their rate
      of language during a parent-child interaction in their home. Parents and teachers
      reported significant gains in child mastery of social-communication skills and
      teachers, but not parents, reported a significant decrease in social impairment.
      Parents reported a significant decrease in parenting stress. Both groups rated
      the intervention highly in regard to treatment acceptability, perceived
      effectiveness, and usability. Findings suggest that this intervention can be
      feasibly implemented in public EI/ECSE settings, filling an important gap in
      services for intervention programs serving children with autistic spectrum
      disorders. 

PMID- 22087045
TI  - A social competence intervention for young children with high functioning autism
      and Asperger syndrome: a pilot study.
AB  - The key features of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA)
      include marked and sustained impairment in social interactions. A multi-session,
      small group program was developed to increase social perception based on the
      assumption perceptual or interpretive problems underlying these social
      difficulties. Additionally, the group format espoused a play therapy orientation
      and the use of sociodramatic play was the primary therapeutic modality used.
      Qualitative analyses of the data resulted in an explanation of the key changes in
      social interactions that took place through the course of the intervention.
      Although each participant's experience in this group was unique, all children in
      this program demonstrated improvements in their social interactions, as they
      experienced development both emotionally and behaviorally. Findings suggest that,
      despite their rigid interests and behavior patterns, the social limitations of
      these children improved when provided with the necessary environmental resources.

PMID- 22087046
TI  - Lipid lowering in patients with chronic kidney disease: a SHARP turn in the wrong
      direction?
AB  - The question whether lipid-lowering treatment is associated with a decrease in
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease
      has been disputed for a while, with recent trials in patients on haemodialysis
      failing to show benefit. Recently, the long-awaited results of the SHARP (Study
      of Heart And Renal Protection) trial were published. This randomized trial
      compared the effects of either simvastatin 20 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg daily or
      placebo on the occurrence of a first major vascular event in 9720 patients with
      chronic kidney disease. There was a 17% relative risk reduction but no benefit on
      survival. We address our concerns regarding the conclusions drawn from this
      trial. The trial has a major design flaw by comparing the effects of two
      different lipid-lowering drugs with placebo. Although the SHARP trial showed that
      lipid lowering may be beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease, the
      clinically as well as economically important question remains unanswered as to
      whether it was statin therapy and/or ezetimibe that mediated this effect. A great
      opportunity to investigate superiority, equipoise, or potential inferiority of
      ezetimibe compared to statins was missed.

PMID- 22087047
TI  - Taking charge after stroke: promoting self-directed rehabilitation to improve
      quality of life--a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few community interventions following stroke enhance activity,
      participation or quality of life. We tested two novel community interventions
      designed to promote self-directed rehabilitation following stroke. DESIGN: This
      was a randomized, controlled parallel group 2*2 trial. SETTING: Community.
      PARTICIPANTS: Maori and Pacific New Zealanders, >15 years old, randomized within
      three months of a new stroke. INTERVENTIONS: A DVD of four inspirational stories
      by Maori and Pacific people with stroke and a 'Take Charge Session'--a single
      structured risk factor and activities of daily living assessment, designed to
      facilitate self-directed rehabilitation. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcomes were
      Health-related Quality of Life (Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental
      Component Summary (MCS) scores of the Short Form 36 (SF-36)) 12 months from
      randomization. Secondary outcomes were Barthel Index, Frenchay Activities Index,
      Carer Strain Index and modified Rankin score. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy
      two people were randomized with 139 (80.8%) followed up at 12 months post
      randomization. The effect of the Take Charge Session on SF-36 PCS at 12 months
      was 6.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0 to 10.0) and of the DVD was 0.9 (95% CI
      -3.1 to 4.9). Participants allocated to the Take Charge Session were less likely
      to have a modified Rankin score of >2 (odds ratio (OR) 0.42, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.89)
      and their carers had lower (better) Carer Strain Index scores (-1.5, 95% CI -2.8
      to -0.1). CONCLUSION: A simple, low-cost intervention in the community phase of
      stroke recovery aiming to promote self-directed rehabilitation improved outcomes.

PMID- 22087048
TI  - Raman spectroscopy and microscopy based on mechanical force detection.
AB  - The Raman effect is typically observed by irradiating a sample with an intense
      light source and detecting the minute amount of frequency shifted scattered
      light. We demonstrate that Raman molecular vibrational resonances can be detected
      directly through an entirely different mechanism-namely, a force measurement. We
      create a force interaction through optical parametric down conversion between
      stimulated, Raman excited, molecules on a surface and a cantilevered nanometer
      scale probe tip brought very close to it. Spectroscopy and microscopy on clusters
      of molecules have been performed. Single molecules within such clusters are
      clearly resolved in the Raman micrographs. The technique can be readily extended
      to perform pump probe experiments for measuring inter- and intramolecular
      couplings and conformational changes at the single molecule level.

PMID- 22087049
TI  - Electromechanical properties and anisotropy of single- and multi-domain
      0.72Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-0.28PbTiO(3) single crystals.
AB  - Complete sets of elastic, piezoelectric, and dielectric constants of
      0.72Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-0.28PbTiO(3) single crystal poled along [111](c)
      (single domain) as well as non-polar axes [001](c) and [011](c) (multidomain)
      have been measured under natural conditions. These data allowed us to evaluate
      accurately the extrinsic contributions to the superior piezoelectric properties.
      Very large extrinsic contributions to the unusual anisotropies in multidomain
      crystals are confirmed. We found that the instability of domain structures is the
      origin of the low mechanical quality factor Q for the multidomain relaxor-based
      ferroelectric single crystals. Our results can provide useful guidance in future
      design of domain engineered materials.

PMID- 22087050
TI  - Tuning open-circuit voltage in organic solar cells by magnesium modified Alq(3).
AB  - The low molecular weight tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq(3)) has been
      incorporated with magnesium (Mg) that altered the nature of its opto-electronic
      characteristics. The lowering of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)
      and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) in Mg:Alq(3), compared to pure
      Alq(3), creates a stronger field (exceeding the exciton binding energy) at the
      donor-acceptor junction to dissociate the photo-generated exciton and also
      provides a low barrier for electron transport across the device. In an electron
      only device (described in the text), a current enhancement in excess of 10(3),
      with respect to pure Alq(3), could be observed at 10 V applied bias. Optimized
      Mg:Alq(3) layer, when introduced in the photovoltaic device, improves the power
      conversion efficiencies significantly to 0.15% compared to the pure Alq(3)
      device. The improvement in the photovoltaic performance has been attributed to
      the superior exciton dissociation and carrier transport.

PMID- 22087051
TI  - Domain size engineering in tetragonal Pb(In(1/2)Nb(1/2))O(3)
      Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) crystals.
AB  - The effect of domain size on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of [111]
      oriented tetragonal Pb(In(1/2)Nb(1/2))O(3)-Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-PbTiO(3)
      crystals was investigated. The dielectric permittivity (E(33 ) (T)/E(0)) and
      piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)) were found to be on the order of 13 800 and
      1630 pC/N, respectively, for samples with domain size of ~500 nm, a 3-fold
      increase to crystals with domain size of ~50 MUm. Rayleigh analysis revealed that
      the extrinsic contribution to the piezoelectric response increased from ~8% to
      30% with decreasing domain size, due to the increased domain wall density and
      associated irreversible domain wall motion. The enhanced properties were thought
      to relate to the fine domain structures, however, showing a poor electric field
      and temperature stabilities with domain size of 500 nm. Of particular
      significance is that samples with domain size being on the order of 5 MUm exhibit
      field and temperature stabilities, with yet high piezoelectric properties, make
      it potential for transducer applications.

PMID- 22087052
TI  - Hypomagnesemia and cardiovascular system.
AB  - Magnesium depletion in clinical practice is mainly related to loop diuretics and
      thiazides. Among patients treated with diuretics more than 1/3 exhibit
      hypomagnesa. Arrhythmias and sudden death attributed to magnesium depletion could
      be prevented by Mg administration. Magnesium deficiency in experimental animals
      promotes atherosclerotic lesions whereas this ion is involved in various stages
      of myocardial damage after experimental coronary artery occlusion. In humans
      magnesium administration in the first 24 hours of myocardial infarction was
      related to beneficial effects in first year mortality rate. Nevertheless more
      evidence from clinical investigation is needed for permanent conclutions.

PMID- 22087054
TI  - Quality of life survey and palliative care in lung cancer patients.
AB  - Aim. In patients with advanced and/or inoperable bronchial tumors, methods of
      palliative care such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy and
      cryotherapy, singly and/or in combination, aiming at extending the survival time
      and improving the quality of life, were examined. Methods. One hundred and sixty
      three (163) patients, with mean age 67.9 yrs (range 22-25) and a male/female
      ratio at 1.34/1, treated between 2000-2004 were studied. Eighty one (81) patients
      receiving only cryotherapy presented a two-year survival rate at 19.3%, whilst
      eighty three (83) patients treated with radiotherapy or brachytherapy and/or
      chemotherapy showed a two-year survival rate at 25%. Sixty-five percent (65%) of
      patients only cryotreated had improvement in at least one or more Karnofsky and
      WHO indices. Results. Eighty percent (80%) of patients who received cryotherapy
      accompanied with supplementary palliative treatment showed amelioration of their
      clinical status. Conclusion. It seems that for patients with advanced or
      inoperable lung tumors, cryotherapy associated with additional palliative care
      may influence the survival time and improve their quality of life.

PMID- 22087053
TI  - Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue following mastectomy.
AB  - Breast cancer remains to be one of the most malignant diseases in the female
      population. It affects an essential part of female self-consciousness, and
      therefore causes a wide range of psychological traumas. The incidence in Europe
      and North America varies between 70 up to 100 new cases in 100.000 inhabitants
      per year. According to contemporary literature, mastectomy remains one of the
      most effective methods in the laborious effort to treat and overcome cancer. In
      this report the history of breast reconstruction is presented. The established
      methods which are taken into consideration after mastectomy and their clinical
      outcome are portrayed. The authors propose the free TRAM and DIEP flap as the
      methods of first choice after mastectomy, which offer most reliable transfer and
      low morbidity. In the recent past, increasing interest is observed for the SIEA
      flap. The free S-GAP flap is proposed for patients who are not candidates for a
      TRAM, DIEP or SIEA flap. Moreover, the pedicled Latissimus Dorsi flap remains
      still as a reliable, versatile alternative, particularly in case of
      contraindications for the above mentioned free flaps or when complications
      occurred.

PMID- 22087055
TI  - Endonasal bilateral simultaneous orbital decompression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the morbidity of the operation, to investigate it's safety
      and effectiveness in order to establish if it is reasonable to offer it as
      treatment to patients in one sitting instead of a staged procedure. Finally, to
      indentify the patient's long term satisfaction and to establish best practice.
      DESIGN: Retrospective case series study and prospective telephone interview.
      SETTING: Teaching General Hospital, Scotland, UK. SUBJECTS: 14 patients with
      dysthyroid orbitopathy who underwent the operation over a 4 year period. RESULTS:
      Proptosis improved in all but one of the cases. There was a relatively small
      morbidity and short inpatient stay. A significant amount of patients reported
      satisfaction with the results. All patients expressed strong preference for the
      simultaneous procedure instead of a staged one. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that
      for the management of orbitopathy , bilateral simultaneous orbital decompression
      with endoscopic approach is a safe and effective operation, with small morbidity
      and significant patient satisfaction. Therefore, it is reasonable to offer it to
      patients instead of a staged procedure.

PMID- 22087056
TI  - Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion with a dentate titanium cage:
      An experimental radiological and histopathological study in pigs.
AB  - Background - Aim: The distraction and stabilization provided by anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion contribute to neural decompression and optimize
      osteogenesis. A new titanium cervical implant with specific properties was
      applied through an anterior approach in ten pigs. Implant behavior regarding in
      situ position and related osteogenesis were evaluated. METHODS: In this
      controlled animal study, the progress of fusion and osteogenesis was evaluated
      after one level cervical interbody fusion with a new titanium cage. Ten pigs
      underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. No substitutes stimulating
      osteoblastic activity were used. Plain radiographs were carried out. The animals
      were euthanised 12 and 14 weeks after the operation respectively. Tissue samples
      were processed routinely and studied histologically. RESULTS: All pigs survived
      the surgery. Plain radiographs confirmed implant position. Histological analysis
      demonstrated fibrous connective tissue formation inside and around the implant
      which was largely transformed into cartilaginous and osseous tissue. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intervertebral space stabilization remains a parameter of crucial importance for
      early bone healing after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The new
      titanium alloy cage tested in this experimental study can offer the necessary
      stabilization for osteogenesis and adequate cervical interbody fusion without the
      need of growth factors.

PMID- 22087057
TI  - Cardiac rehabilitation effects on quality of life in patients after acute
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - Aim of this study was to investigate the significance of cardiac rehabilitation
      (CR) on Health Related Quality of Life ( HRQoL) in post acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) patients. Methods. A total number off 110 individuals divided in
      3 groups was included in the study. Group A consisted of 60 post-AMI pts
      participating in a CR program. It was a multidisciplinary rehabilitative approach
      including supervised bike exercise, with parallel education, counselling,
      psychological and social support, performed 3 times per week for 2 months after
      AMI . Group B consisted of 40 post-AMI pts not participating in any CR program
      while the control group C consisted of 10 apparently healthy people. HRQoL was
      evaluated by the Velasco-Del Barrio questionnaire. Questions on this
      questionnaire are reffered to 9 categories (health, sleep and rest, emotional
      behavior, concerns for the future, mobility, social interaction, alertness
      behavior, communication, work and leisure time). A 5-point scale (1=all of the
      time, 5=none of the time) and a special (1 to 8) coefficient for each parameter
      were used for the evaluation of each parameter. The highest score of 220
      indicates the poorest QL. Results. Group A pts had better score of HRQoL as
      compared to Group B (94+/-3 vs 114+/-3, p<0.001) and slightly worse than Group C
      pts (94+/-4 vs 69+/-3, p<0.01).Significant difference was found among Group A and
      B pts regarding the most important evaluated parameters such as symptoms (17+/
      6.8 vs 22+/-6.5, p<0.001) and social behavior (21+/-4.2 vs 23+/-5.5,
      p<0.0001).Conclusion. It is concluded that participation in a multidisciplinary
      CR program significantly improves HRQoL in post AMI pts. All these pts must urged
      to take part in such programs.

PMID- 22087058
TI  - Experience from the use of absorbable type I collagen as haemostatic agent in
      obstetric and gynecological operations.
AB  - During the third stage of labour there are a lot of causes of significant
      hemorrhage. The commonest causes of acute hemorrhage are the uterine atony, the
      retained placenta, the lower tract lacerations, uterine rupture, placenta
      accreta, hereditary coagulopathy. Also, there could be significant bleeding,
      during caesarian section, usually at the time of removal of the placenta in cases
      of low lying placenta or placenta previa. A lot of times we have to confront
      serious hemorrhages in gynecological procedures like hysterectomies in cases of
      cervical, uterine or ovarian cancers. In order to deal with these problems
      successfully, general and specific measures are being taken. In cases of atonic
      uterus when all the other methods are unsuccessful we have to proceed to ligation
      of the internal iliac artery or even hysterectomy. MATERIAL-METHODS: We have
      tried to use the hemostatic type I collagen in obstetrical and gynecological
      cases in order to control the bleeding. We have used the collagen type I totally
      in 8 cases. Five of them were cases of atonic uterus after normal delivery or
      caesarian section and three of them were gynecological cases of uterine fibroids
      and ovarian cancer. RESULTS: By placing the collagen type I over the bleeding
      surfaces we have realized that in a very short period of time, there has been
      satisfactory control of the bleeding and immediate clinical improvement of the
      patient. In four out of five obstetrical cases that we have used the type I
      collagen, we have managed to avoid the hysterectomy.

PMID- 22087059
TI  - Pulmonary renal syndrome in an adult patient with Henoch-Shonlein purpura.
AB  - Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by
      purpuric skin rash, haematuria, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding and
      arthritis. Nephritis is more frequent and severe in adults than in children, with
      relatively more adults developing renal insufficiency. Another, fortunately rare,
      manifestation of HSP that increases mortality significantly, is diffuse alveolar
      haemorrhage. We report a rare case of an adult male patient with full-blown HSP
      that followed a respiratory tract infection. He successively, but not
      concurrently, developed all the clinical manifestations of HSP, i.e. arthritis,
      abdominal pain and bloody stools, a non-thrombocytopenic purpuric rash, and renal
      involvement; nephrotic range proteinuria first and haemodialysis-requiring
      nephritic syndrome later. Most interesting he developed life-threatening
      pulmonary haemorrhage fulfilling the criteria of the pulmonary-renal syndrome. An
      immunosuppressive regimen consisting of intravenous cyclophosphamide and
      corticosteroids was administered with success. In conclusion, HSP should be
      considered in the diagnosis of pulmonary-renal syndrome. In our opinion, the
      severity of the condition justifies the use of aggressive immunosuppressive
      treatment, like the one applied successfully to our patient.

PMID- 22087060
TI  - Repercussion of Mitochondria Deformity Induced by Anti-Hsp90 Drug 17AAG in Human
      Tumor Cells.
AB  - Inhibiting Hsp90 chaperone roles using 17AAG induces cytostasis or apoptosis in
      tumor cells through destabilization of several mutated cancer promoting proteins.
      Although mitochondria are central in deciding the fate of cells, 17AAG induced
      effects on tumor cell mitochondria were largely unknown. Here, we show that Hsp90
      inhibition with 17AAG first affects mitochondrial integrity in different human
      tumor cells, neuroblastoma, cervical cancer and glial cells. Using human
      neuroblastoma tumor cells, we found the early effects associated with a change in
      mitochondrial membrane potential, elongation and engorgement of mitochondria
      because of an increased matrix vacuolization. These effects are specific to Hsp90
      inhibition as other chemotherapeutic drugs did not induce similar mitochondrial
      deformity. Further, the effects are independent of oxidative damage and
      cytoarchitecture destabilization since cytoskeletal disruptors and mitochondrial
      metabolic inhibitors also do not induce similar deformity induced by 17AAG. The
      1D PAGE LC MS/MS mitochondrial proteome analysis of 17AAG treated human
      neuroblastoma cells showed a loss of 61% proteins from membrane, metabolic,
      chaperone and ribonucleoprotein families. About 31 unmapped protein IDs were
      identified from proteolytic processing map using Swiss-Prot accession number, and
      converted to the matching gene name searching the ExPASy proteomics server. Our
      studies display that Hsp90 inhibition effects at first embark on mitochondria of
      tumor cells and compromise mitochondrial integrity.

PMID- 22087061
TI  - Investigation of the antibacterial activity of pioglitazone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the antibacterial potential of pioglitazone, a member of the
      thiazolidinediones class of drugs, against Gram-positive (Streptococcus
      pneumoniae) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae)
      bacteria. METHODS: Susceptibility testing was done using the antibiotic disk
      diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of pioglitazone
      was measured according to the broth micro incubation standard method. RESULTS:
      Pioglitazone induced a dose-dependent antibacterial activity in which the optimal
      concentration was 80 MUM. Furthermore, results indicated that while E. coli was
      sensitive (MIC = 31.25 +/- 3.87 mg/L) to pioglitazone-induced cytotoxicity, S.
      pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae were resistant (MIC = 62.5 +/- 3.77 mg/L and MIC =
      62.5 +/- 4.14 mg/L, respectively). Moreover, pretreatment of bacteria with a
      suboptimal concentration of pioglitazone (40 MUM) before adding amoxicillin,
      cephalexin, co-trimoxazole, or ciprofloxacin enhanced the antibacterial activity
      of all agents except co-trimoxazole. This enhancing effect was particularly seen
      against K. pneumoniae. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the possibility of a
      new and potentially important pioglitazone effect and the authors' ongoing
      studies aim to illustrate the mechanism(s) by which this antibacterial effect is
      induced.

PMID- 22087062
TI  - Bioequivalence assessment of two formulations of ibuprofen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the relative bioavailability of two formulations
      of ibuprofen. The first formulation was Doloraz((r)), produced by Al-Razi
      Pharmaceutical Company, Amman, Jordan. The second forumulation was Brufen((r)),
      manufactured by Boots Company, Nottingham, UK. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prestudy
      validation of ibuprofen demonstrated long-term stability, freeze-thaw stability,
      precision, and accuracy. Twenty-four healthy volunteers were enrolled in this
      study. After overnight fasting, the two formulations (test and reference) of
      ibuprofen (100 mg ibuprofen/5 mL suspension) were administered as a single dose
      on two treatment days separated by a one-week washout period. After dosing,
      serial blood samples were drawn for a period of 14 hours. Serum harvested from
      the blood samples was analyzed for the presence of ibuprofen by high-pressure
      liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were
      determined from serum concentrations for both formulations. The 90% confidence
      intervals of the ln-transformed test/reference treatment ratios for peak plasma
      concentration and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) parameters were
      found to be within the predetermined acceptable interval of 80%-125% set by the
      US Food and Drug Administration. CONCLUSION: Analysis of variance for peak plasma
      concentrations and AUC parameters showed no significant difference between the
      two formulations and, therefore, Doloraz was considered bioequivalent to Brufen.

PMID- 22087063
TI  - Future prospects in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: focus on avanafil.
AB  - The treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been revolutionized in the last 15
      years with the introduction of type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. Their
      efficacy, safety, and ease of administration have made them first-line treatment
      for ED. This article reviews the current therapies available for ED, and the new
      PDE5 inhibitors that are being investigated. Furthermore, it examines all the
      current ED treatment options that are in different phases of development
      (including oral and topical pharmacotherapy, gene therapy, and tissue
      engineering). A special emphasis is on avanafil, a new PDE5 inhibitor that has
      been studied extensively in Phase I and II clinical trials and has undergone
      several Phase III trials. Avanafil is a promising medication for ED due to its
      favorable pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy.

PMID- 22087064
TI  - Clinical utility of clodronate in the prevention and management of osteoporosis
      in patients intolerant of oral bisphosphonates.
AB  - Bisphosphonates have a long history in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone
      related disease. This review focuses on the use of a specific
      nonaminobisphosphonate, clodronate, which appears to be much better tolerated
      than other bisphosphonates and free of high-risk contraindications. Specifically,
      this paper reviews its use in the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal
      women, taking into account its tolerability profile and recent safety issues
      arising regarding the use of bisphosphonates.

PMID- 22087065
TI  - Effectiveness of coordination exercise in improving cognitive function in older
      adults: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on the effect of a low intensity coordination exercise on the
      elderly with limited mobility are sparse. This prospective study attempted to
      compare the effectiveness of a customized coordination exercise and a strength
      exercise in improving the cognitive functioning and physical mobility on the
      elderly. METHODS: Participants from two centers for the elderly were allocated to
      practice either an 8-week coordination training (CT) program or an 8-week towel
      exercise (TE) program. The Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination and Chinese
      Dementia Rating Scale (CDRS) were used to measure cognitive functioning of
      participants, and Timed Up-and-Go test for physical mobility. These assessments
      were administered before and after the program. RESULTS: Paired t-tests showed
      that the CDRS scores of the CT group improved significantly from 114.8 at pre
      test to 119.3 after training (P = 0.045). The CDRS scores of the TE group also
      improved from 114.9 at pre-test to 116.9 after training. CONCLUSION: Findings
      from this prospective study demonstrated that low-intensity level mind-body
      exercise could be beneficial to the cognitive functioning of older adults.

PMID- 22087066
TI  - Cognitive effects of calligraphy therapy for older people: a randomized
      controlled trial in Hong Kong.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This pilot study investigated the effects of calligraphy therapy on
      cognitive function in older Hong Kong Chinese people with mild cognitive
      impairment. METHODS: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was carried out
      in a sample of 31 adults aged 65 years or older with mild cognitive impairment.
      They were randomly assigned to receive either intensive calligraphy training led
      by a trained research assistant for eight weeks (calligraphy group, n = 14) or no
      calligraphy treatment (control group, n = 17). Participants' cognitive function
      was assessed by the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE)
      before and after calligraphy treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance
      and paired samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A significant
      interaction effect of time and intervention was detected [F (1, 29) = 9.11, P =
      0.005, eta(2) = 0.24]. The calligraphy group was found to have a prominent
      increase in CMMSE global score, and scores in the cognitive areas of orientation,
      attention, and calculation after two months (DeltaM = 2.36, P < 0.01), whereas
      their counterparts in the control group experienced a decline in CMMSE score
      (DeltaM = -0.41, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Calligraphy therapy was effective for
      enhancing cognitive function in older people with mild cognitive impairment and
      should be incorporated as part of routine programs in both community and
      residential care settings.

PMID- 22087067
TI  - Social facilitation in virtual reality-enhanced exercise: competitiveness
      moderates exercise effort of older adults.
AB  - This study examined the effect of virtual social facilitation and competitiveness
      on exercise effort in exergaming older adults. Fourteen exergaming older adults
      participated. Competitiveness was assessed prior to the start of exercise.
      Participants were trained to ride a "cybercycle;" a virtual reality-enhanced
      stationary bike with interactive competition. After establishing a cybercycling
      baseline, competitive avatars were introduced. Pedaling effort (watts) was
      assessed. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant group (high vs low
      competitiveness) * time (pre- to post-avatar) interaction (F[1,12] = 13.1, P =
      0.003). Virtual social facilitation increased exercise effort among more
      competitive exercisers. Exercise programs that match competitiveness may maximize
      exercise effort.

PMID- 22087068
TI  - Serum glucose level of healthy adolescents within Bukuru metropolis, Jos South
      Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the blood glucose level of healthy
      adolescents living in the southern region of Plateau State in northern Nigeria.
      DESIGN: The study screened apparently healthy adolescents to identify individuals
      at high risk of developing diabetes mellitus. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Individuals
      who were confirmed healthy and not on any form of medication were enrolled in the
      study after the administration of a questionnaire which ruled out any form of
      aliment such as fever, gastroenteritis, and malaria. The serum glucose level was
      quantified using the glucose oxidase reagent. Data generated were analyzed using
      Excel 2007 (Microsoft((r)), Redmond, WA) and Student's t-test for an established
      normal range. RESULTS: The age distribution showed that those aged 14-16 years
      had a mean serum glucose level of 4.8 +/- 1.11 mmol/L, while in those aged 17-19
      years it was 4.9 +/- 1.115 mmol/L, with a standard error of the mean of 0.17 and
      0.15, respectively. The mean glucose level, weight, and height of the enrollees
      were 4.8 +/- 1.12 mmol/L, 56.6 +/- 6.20 kg, and 1.6 +/- 0.009 m, respectively.
      The mean serum glucose of those from the Berom tribe and other tribes was 4.9 +/-
      1.21 mmol/L and 4.8 +/- 1.15 mmol/L, respectively. Analysis of the mean glucose
      level with respect to sex, age, tribe, weight, and height of the established
      normal mean resulted in a P value of <0.05, which was not significant.
      CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the serum glucose level of
      enrolled subjects. It was also observed that there was no significant difference
      between the glucose level based on the different tribes, sex, weight, and height
      of all enrolled subjects. Since glucose is involved with various body metabolic
      processes and is also an analyte of interest in diabetes mellitus, screening of
      adolescents would reduce the incidence of the disease.

PMID- 22087069
TI  - Patient's self-evaluation of two education programs for age-related skin changes
      in the face: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An interactive software program (HOYS) has been developed utilizing a
      database of digital images depicting various aspects and degrees of aging of
      exposed skin across seven geographic regions, representing a total of 35 facial
      and extrafacial subregions. A five-point photonumeric rating scale, which
      portrays age-related skin changes across five decades for each of these
      subregions, underpins this patient-based interactive self-assessment program.
      Based on the resulting outputs from this program, an individualized treatment
      prioritization list is generated for each region where significant differences
      between the patient's chronological and esthetic ages exist. This provides
      guidance for the patient and the treating physician on treatment options.
      METHODS: To evaluate the utility of HOYS in the clinic, relative to education
      programs currently used in Australian private esthetic clinics, a total of 95
      esthetically-orientated patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized,
      controlled, multicenter study. RESULTS: Compared with a prospective cohort of
      patients completing a standard education program commonly utilized in Australian
      esthetic clinics, patients receiving the HOYS education program reported greater
      empowerment through improved knowledge of specific age-related skin changes. This
      was associated with a clearer understanding of treatment options available to
      them, and a perceived ability to participate in the selection of the treatments
      potentially administered to improve their appearance. These differences between
      the two education groups were highly significant. CONCLUSION: Patients completing
      the HOYS patient education program have an improved understanding of age-related
      changes to exposed skin of their face, neck, decolletage, and hands. Due to the
      patient-specific nature of the program, these patients perceive a greater role in
      the deciding which esthetic treatments should be subsequently administered to
      enhance their appearance, through an improved understanding of the rationale for
      these treatments and indeed how they should be prioritized to achieve the best
      outcome for them.

PMID- 22087070
TI  - Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne
      vulgaris to zinc ascorbate and antibiotics.
AB  - PURPOSE: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ascorbic acid derivatives against
      Propionibacterium acnes was tested either alone or in combination with a variety
      of antimicrobial agents, and their fractional inhibitory concentration index was
      determined using checkerboard tests. The antimicrobial effectiveness of zinc
      ascorbate in the treatment of acne vulgaris, either alone or in combination with
      antibiotics such as clindamycin that are commonly used in Japan for the treatment
      of acne vulgaris, was therefore examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      antimicrobial susceptibility of 41 strains of clindamycin-sensitive and/or
      clindamycin-resistant P. acnes isolated from acne vulgaris patients was tested,
      in comparison with a type strain of P. acnes. RESULTS: Zinc ascorbate showed
      antimicrobial activity against a type strain of P. acnes and its concentration
      (0.064%) was sufficiently lower than the normal dose (5%) of other ascorbic acid
      derivatives. Combinations of zinc ascorbate with clindamycin, erythromycin, and
      chloramphenicol showed an additive effect, and zinc ascorbate alone effectively
      inhibited the growth of all P. acnes including clindamycin-resistant strains.
      CONCLUSION: The results provide novel evidence that the combination of zinc
      ascorbate and clindamycin is effective for acne vulgaris treatment.

PMID- 22087071
TI  - Amino ester hydrolase from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, ATCC 33913 for
      enzymatic synthesis of ampicillin.
AB  - alpha-Amino ester hydrolases (AEH) are a small class of proteins, which are
      highly specific for hydrolysis or synthesis of alpha-amino containing amides and
      esters including beta-lactam antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and
      cephalexin. A BLAST search revealed the sequence of a putative glutaryl 7
      aminocephalosporanic acid (GL-7-ACA) acylase 93% identical to a known AEH from
      Xanthomonas citri. The gene, termed gaa, was cloned from the genomic DNA of
      Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris sp. strain ATCC 33913 and the corresponding
      protein was expressed into Escherichia coli. The purified protein was able to
      perform both hydrolysis and synthesis of a variety of alpha-amino beta-lactam
      antibiotics including (R)-ampicillin and cephalexin, with optimal ampicillin
      hydrolytic activity at 25  degrees C and pH 6.8, with kinetic parameters of
      k(cat) of 72.5 s(-1) and K(M) of 1.1 mM. The synthesis parameters alpha, beta(o),
      and gamma for ampicillin, determined here first for this class of proteins, are
      alpha = 0.25, beta(o) = 42.8 M(-1), and gamma = 0.23, and demonstrate the
      excellent synthetic potential of these enzymes. An extensive study of site
      directed mutations around the binding pocket of X. campestris pv. campestris AEH
      strongly suggests that mutation of almost any first-shell amino acid residues
      around the active site leads to inactive enzyme, including Y82, Y175, D207, D208,
      W209, Y222, and E309, in addition to those residues forming the catalytic triad,
      S174, H340, and D307.

PMID- 22087072
TI  - Precious essences: female secretions promote sperm storage in Drosophila.
AB  - Sperm that females receive during mating are stored in special places in the
      females' reproductive tracts. These storage sites serve to support and retain the
      sperm, maintaining the sperms' motility and, in mammals, permitting final sperm
      maturation. The molecules that attract sperm to these sites and mediate what
      happens to them there have remained elusive. New research, using elegant genetic
      tools in Drosophila, shows that secretory cells associated with a sperm storage
      organ are important in sperm-supportive functions. When females lack function of
      these cells, they do not store sperm, or the sperm that they do store lose
      motility. Intriguingly, these effects influence gametes beyond the secretory
      cells' immediate vicinity. Loss of these cells eliminates the motility of sperm
      stored elsewhere in the reproductive tract and prevents the movement of eggs
      through the tract to exit the female. As a result of the latter problem,
      fertilized eggs hatch inside female flies that lack these secretory cells:
      instead of laying eggs, these females can "give birth" to live offspring. Because
      the cellular source of these gamete-regulating substances is now known, future
      studies can identify the specific molecules and mechanisms by which a female
      attracts sperm into storage and regulates the movement of sperm and eggs within
      her reproductive tract. It will be fascinating to determine how these molecules
      and mechanisms maintain gametes in active and viable forms and how evolution can
      modulate this to result in diverse reproductive strategies. Identification of
      these molecules also has potential practical implications for strategies to
      regulate the reproduction of insects of medical or agricultural importance.

PMID- 22087073
TI  - Sperm-storage defects and live birth in Drosophila females lacking spermathecal
      secretory cells.
AB  - Male Drosophila flies secrete seminal-fluid proteins that mediate proper sperm
      storage and fertilization, and that induce changes in female behavior. Females
      also produce reproductive-tract secretions, yet their contributions to postmating
      physiology are poorly understood. Large secretory cells line the female's
      spermathecae, a pair of sperm-storage organs. We identified the regulatory
      regions controlling transcription of two genes exclusively expressed in these
      spermathecal secretory cells (SSC): Spermathecal endopeptidase 1 (Send1), which
      is expressed in both unmated and mated females, and Spermathecal endopeptidase 2
      (Send2), which is induced by mating. We used these regulatory sequences to
      perform precise genetic ablations of the SSC at distinct time points relative to
      mating. We show that the SSC are required for recruiting sperm to the
      spermathecae, but not for retaining sperm there. The SSC also act at a distance
      in the reproductive tract, in that their ablation: (1) reduces sperm motility in
      the female's other sperm-storage organ, the seminal receptacle; and (2) causes
      ovoviviparity--the retention and internal development of fertilized eggs. These
      results establish the reproductive functions of the SSC, shed light on the
      evolution of live birth, and open new avenues for studying and manipulating
      female fertility in insects.

PMID- 22087074
TI  - Evolutionarily conserved linkage between enzyme fold, flexibility, and catalysis.
AB  - Proteins are intrinsically flexible molecules. The role of internal motions in a
      protein's designated function is widely debated. The role of protein structure in
      enzyme catalysis is well established, and conservation of structural features
      provides vital clues to their role in function. Recently, it has been proposed
      that the protein function may involve multiple conformations: the observed
      deviations are not random thermodynamic fluctuations; rather, flexibility may be
      closely linked to protein function, including enzyme catalysis. We hypothesize
      that the argument of conservation of important structural features can also be
      extended to identification of protein flexibility in interconnection with enzyme
      function. Three classes of enzymes (prolyl-peptidyl isomerase, oxidoreductase,
      and nuclease) that catalyze diverse chemical reactions have been examined using
      detailed computational modeling. For each class, the identification and
      characterization of the internal protein motions coupled to the chemical step in
      enzyme mechanisms in multiple species show identical enzyme conformational
      fluctuations. In addition to the active-site residues, motions of protein surface
      loop regions (>10 A away) are observed to be identical across species, and
      networks of conserved interactions/residues connect these highly flexible surface
      regions to the active-site residues that make direct contact with substrates.
      More interestingly, examination of reaction-coupled motions in non-homologous
      enzyme systems (with no structural or sequence similarity) that catalyze the same
      biochemical reaction shows motions that induce remarkably similar changes in the
      enzyme-substrate interactions during catalysis. The results indicate that the
      reaction-coupled flexibility is a conserved aspect of the enzyme molecular
      architecture. Protein motions in distal areas of homologous and non-homologous
      enzyme systems mediate similar changes in the active-site enzyme-substrate
      interactions, thereby impacting the mechanism of catalyzed chemistry. These
      results have implications for understanding the mechanism of allostery, and for
      protein engineering and drug design.

PMID- 22087075
TI  - Elimination of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the striatum reveals
      regulation of behaviour by cholinergic-glutamatergic co-transmission.
AB  - Cholinergic neurons in the striatum are thought to play major regulatory
      functions in motor behaviour and reward. These neurons express two vesicular
      transporters that can load either acetylcholine or glutamate into synaptic
      vesicles. Consequently cholinergic neurons can release both neurotransmitters,
      making it difficult to discern their individual contributions for the regulation
      of striatal functions. Here we have dissected the specific roles of acetylcholine
      release for striatal-dependent behaviour in mice by selective elimination of the
      vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) from striatal cholinergic neurons.
      Analysis of several behavioural parameters indicates that elimination of VAChT
      had only marginal consequences in striatum-related tasks and did not affect
      spontaneous locomotion, cocaine-induced hyperactivity, or its reward properties.
      However, dopaminergic sensitivity of medium spiny neurons (MSN) and the
      behavioural outputs in response to direct dopaminergic agonists were enhanced,
      likely due to increased expression/function of dopamine receptors in the
      striatum. These observations indicate that previous functions attributed to
      striatal cholinergic neurons in spontaneous locomotor activity and in the
      rewarding responses to cocaine are mediated by glutamate and not by acetylcholine
      release. Our experiments demonstrate how one population of neurons can use two
      distinct neurotransmitters to differentially regulate a given circuitry. The data
      also raise the possibility of using VAChT as a target to boost dopaminergic
      function and decrease high striatal cholinergic activity, common neurochemical
      alterations in individuals affected with Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22087076
TI  - Managing the demand for global health education.

PMID- 22087078
TI  - Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay in high burden
      countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) is a promising new rapid diagnostic technology
      for tuberculosis (TB) that has characteristics that suggest large-scale roll-out.
      However, because the test is expensive, there are concerns among TB program
      managers and policy makers regarding its affordability for low- and middle-income
      settings. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We estimate the impact of the introduction of
      Xpert on the costs and cost-effectiveness of TB care using decision analytic
      modelling, comparing the introduction of Xpert to a base case of smear microscopy
      and clinical diagnosis in India, South Africa, and Uganda. The introduction of
      Xpert increases TB case finding in all three settings; from 72%-85% to 95%-99% of
      the cohort of individuals with suspected TB, compared to the base case.
      Diagnostic costs (including the costs of testing all individuals with suspected
      TB) also increase: from US$28-US$49 to US$133-US$146 and US$137-US$151 per TB
      case detected when Xpert is used "in addition to" and "as a replacement of" smear
      microscopy, respectively. The incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for
      using Xpert "in addition to" smear microscopy, compared to the base case, range
      from US$41-$110 per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted. Likewise the
      ICERS for using Xpert "as a replacement of" smear microscopy range from US$52
      $138 per DALY averted. These ICERs are below the World Health Organization (WHO)
      willingness to pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Xpert is a
      cost-effective method of TB diagnosis, compared to a base case of smear
      microscopy and clinical diagnosis of smear-negative TB in low- and middle-income
      settings where, with its ability to substantially increase case finding, it has
      important potential for improving TB diagnosis and control. The extent of cost
      effectiveness gain to TB programmes from deploying Xpert is primarily dependent
      on current TB diagnostic practices. Further work is required during scale-up to
      validate these findings.

PMID- 22087079
TI  - Post-neonatal mortality, morbidity, and developmental outcome after ultrasound
      dated preterm birth in rural Malawi: a community-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is considered to be associated with an estimated 27% of
      neonatal deaths, the majority in resource-poor countries where rates of
      prematurity are high. There is no information on medium term outcomes after
      accurately determined preterm birth in such settings. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This
      community-based stratified cohort study conducted between May-December 2006 in
      Southern Malawi followed up 840 post-neonatal infants born to mothers who had
      received antenatal antibiotic prophylaxis/placebo in an attempt to reduce rates
      of preterm birth (APPLe trial ISRCTN84023116). Gestational age at delivery was
      based on ultrasound measurement of fetal bi-parietal diameter in early-mid
      pregnancy. 247 infants born before 37 wk gestation and 593 term infants were
      assessed at 12, 18, or 24 months. We assessed survival (death), morbidity
      (reported by carer, admissions, out-patient attendance), growth (weight and
      height), and development (Ten Question Questionnaire [TQQ] and Malawi
      Developmental Assessment Tool [MDAT]). Preterm infants were at significantly
      greater risk of death (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% CI 1.09-2.95). Surviving preterm
      infants were more likely to be underweight (weight-for-age z score; p<0.001) or
      wasted (weight-for-length z score; p<0.01) with no effect of gestational age at
      delivery. Preterm infants more often screened positively for disability on the
      Ten Question Questionnaire (p = 0.002). They also had higher rates of
      developmental delay on the MDAT at 18 months (p = 0.009), with gestational age at
      delivery (p = 0.01) increasing this likelihood. Morbidity-visits to a health
      centre (93%) and admissions to hospital (22%)-was similar for both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: During the first 2 years of life, infants who are born preterm in
      resource poor countries, continue to be at a disadvantage in terms of mortality,
      growth, and development. In addition to interventions in the immediate neonatal
      period, a refocus on early childhood is needed to improve outcomes for infants
      born preterm in low-income settings.

PMID- 22087077
TI  - A head-to-head comparison of four artemisinin-based combinations for treating
      uncomplicated malaria in African children: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the mainstay for
      the management of uncomplicated malaria cases. However, up-to-date data able to
      assist sub-Saharan African countries formulating appropriate antimalarial drug
      policies are scarce. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Between 9 July 2007 and 19 June 2009,
      a randomized, non-inferiority (10% difference threshold in efficacy at day 28)
      clinical trial was carried out at 12 sites in seven sub-Saharan African
      countries. Each site compared three of four ACTs, namely amodiaquine-artesunate
      (ASAQ), dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAPQ), artemether-lumefantrine (AL), or
      chlorproguanil-dapsone-artesunate (CD+A). Overall, 4,116 children 6-59 mo old
      with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were treated (1,226 with AL,
      1,002 with ASAQ, 413 with CD+A, and 1,475 with DHAPQ), actively followed up until
      day 28, and then passively followed up for the next 6 mo. At day 28, for the PCR
      adjusted efficacy, non-inferiority was established for three pair-wise
      comparisons: DHAPQ (97.3%) versus AL (95.5%) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37
      0.94); DHAPQ (97.6%) versus ASAQ (96.8%) (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.41-1.34), and ASAQ
      (97.1%) versus AL (94.4%) (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.92). For the PCR-unadjusted
      efficacy, AL was significantly less efficacious than DHAPQ (72.7% versus 89.5%)
      (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.21-0.34) and ASAQ (66.2% versus 80.4%) (OR: 0.40, 95% CI:
      0.30-0.53), while DHAPQ (92.2%) had higher efficacy than ASAQ (80.8%) but non
      inferiority could not be excluded (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.26-0.48). CD+A was
      significantly less efficacious than the other three treatments. Day 63 results
      were similar to those observed at day 28. CONCLUSIONS: This large head-to-head
      comparison of most currently available ACTs in sub-Saharan Africa showed that AL,
      ASAQ, and DHAPQ had excellent efficacy, up to day 63 post-treatment. The risk of
      recurrent infections was significantly lower for DHAPQ, followed by ASAQ and then
      AL, supporting the recent recommendation of considering DHAPQ as a valid option
      for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00393679; Pan African Clinical Trials Registry
      PACTR2009010000911750

PMID- 22087081
TI  - Gastric juvenile polyposis with high-grade dysplasia in pachydermoperiostosis.
AB  - Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is the primary form of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.
      It is a very rare disease consisting of pachydermia, digital clubbing and
      radiologic periostosis. Various digestive symptoms in PDP are seen in 11-49% of
      patients and juvenile polyps may be found at gastric endoscopy. We report here
      the history of a patient with PDP who was referred for assessment of severe
      anemia. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract showed multiple polyps of the
      stomach with two huge lesions exhibiting foci of high-grade dysplasia. This
      observation suggests that PDP can be considered as a precancerous condition of
      the stomach and systematic screening using endoscopy should be considered in
      these patients.

PMID- 22087082
TI  - Appendiceal mucocele in an elderly patient: how much surgery?
AB  - Appendiceal mucoceles are rare cystic lesions with an incidence of 0.3-0.7% of
      all appendectomies. They are divided into four subgroups according to their
      histology. Even though the symptoms may vary - depending on the level of
      complication - from right lower quadrant pain, signs of intussusception,
      gastrointestinal bleeding to an acute abdomen with sepsis, most mucoceles are
      asymptomatic and found incidentally. We present the case of a 70-year-old patient
      with an incidentally found appendiceal mucocele. He was seen at the hospital for
      backache. The CT scan showed a vertebral fracture and a 7-cm appendiceal mass. A
      preoperative colonoscopy displayed several synchronous adenomas in the transverse
      and left colon with high-grade dysplasia. In order to lower the cancer risk of
      this patient, we performed a subtotal colectomy. The appendiceal mass showed no
      histopathological evidence of malignancy and no sign of perforation. The follow
      up was therefore limited to 2 months. In this case, appendectomy would have been
      sufficient to treat the mucocele alone. The synchronous high-grade dysplastic
      adenomas were detected in the preoperative colonoscopy and determined the
      therapeutic approach. Generally, in the presence of positive lymph nodes, a right
      colectomy is the treatment of choice. In the histological presence of mucinous
      peritoneal carcinomatosis, cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy is indicated. In conclusion, mucoceles of the
      appendix are detected with high sensitivity by CT scan. If there is no evidence
      of synchronous tumor preoperatively and no peritoneal spillage, invasion or
      positive sentinel lymph nodes during surgery, a mucocele is adequately treated by
      appendectomy.

PMID- 22087083
TI  - Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome associated to
      hyperprolactinemia.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered to be a physical disorder that
      mainly affects the bowel and is clinically characterized by lower abdominal pain
      or discomfort, diarrhea, constipation (or alternating diarrhea/constipation),
      gas, bloating, and nausea. According to recent studies, it appears that there is
      an association with increased prolactin levels in patients suffering from IBS. We
      report a rare case of regression of IBS symptoms (constipation type) in a 16-year
      old female adolescent after receiving cabergoline for treating hyperprolactinemia
      due to pituitary macroadenoma. Our hypothesis is that increased prolactin levels,
      for instance due to a pituitary adenoma, may suppress prolactin-releasing peptide
      release and lead to a reverse feedback interaction, consequently resulting in
      oversecretion of cholecystokinin, inducing the development of IBS.

PMID- 22087084
TI  - Autoimmune pancreatitis exhibiting multiple mass lesions.
AB  - Our case is a first report of autoimmune pancreatitis with multiple masses within
      the pancreas which was pathologically diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided
      fine needle aspiration and treated by steroid. The masses disappeared by steroid
      therapy. Our case is informative to know that autoimmune pancreatitis sometimes
      exhibits multiple masses within the pancreas and to diagnose it without
      unnecessary surgery.

PMID- 22087085
TI  - Usefulness of microcatheters inserted overnight for additional injection of
      sclerosant after initial balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of
      gastric varices.
AB  - In patients with large gastric varices, dose limitation of the sclerosant can
      cause difficulties in achieving complete thrombosis of varices during a single
      balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) procedure. For
      patients with incomplete variceal thrombosis after the first BRTO, additional
      sclerosant must be injected in a second BRTO. We report a successful case of BRTO
      for large gastric varices in whom additional sclerosant was injected through a
      microcatheter that remained inserted overnight. To achieve complete variceal
      thrombosis in a patient with incomplete thrombosis of large gastric varices after
      a first BRTO, a retained microcatheter can be used to inject additional
      sclerosant in a second BRTO the next day.

PMID- 22087086
TI  - Intestinal Tuberculosis with Hoarseness as a Chief Complaint due to Mediastinal
      Lymphadenitis.
AB  - A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of hoarseness. A
      chest X-ray detected an abnormal shadow on the upper right lung. Bronchoscopic
      examination revealed that the left vocal cord was fixed in the paramedian
      position, and therefore left recurrent nerve paralysis was suspected.
      Lymphadenopathy was found in the left supraclavicular area. Chest computed
      tomography showed that the pretracheal and subaortic lymph nodes were swollen.
      Gastroendoscopy showed a 2-cm protruding lesion with ulceration on the upper
      esophagus. Histological examination of the supraclavicular lymph nodes and biopsy
      specimens from the esophagus revealed non-specific inflammation. PET-CT showed
      abnormal accumulations not only on the upper right lung but also on the lower
      right of the abdomen. Colonoscopy was performed and multiple erosions on the
      terminal ileum were found. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of a specimen
      biopsied from the erosion of the terminal ileum was positive for Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis and intestinal tuberculosis was diagnosed. The patient was then
      treated with anti-tuberculous therapy. After treatment, the erosions on the
      terminal ileum, the swelling of the mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and the
      esophageal ulcer were all improved. The hoarseness was subsequently relieved.
      This is the first report of intestinal tuberculosis with hoarseness as a chief
      complaint due to mediastinal lymphadenitis.

PMID- 22087087
TI  - Fistula between the Jejunum and the Inferior Vena Cava after Esophagojejunal
      Anastomosis.
AB  - Fistulas between the luminal gastrointestinal tract and vascular structures can
      result from a variety of etiologies. While there have been reports of fistulas
      between the inferior vena cava and the duodenum, we report the first case to our
      knowledge of a fistula between the jejunum and the inferior vena cava after
      esophagojejunal anastomosis for recurrent esophageal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22087088
TI  - Social Comparison Affects Brain Responses to Fairness in Asset Division: An ERP
      Study with the Ultimatum Game.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that social comparison influences individual's
      fairness consideration and other-regarding behavior. However, it is not clear how
      social comparison affects the brain activity in evaluating fairness during asset
      distribution. In this study, participants, acting as recipients in the ultimatum
      game, were informed not only of offers to themselves but also of the average
      amount of offers in other allocator-recipient dyads. Behavioral results showed
      that the participants were more likely to reject division schemes when they were
      offered less than the other recipients, especially when the offers were highly
      unequal. Event-related brain potentials recorded from the participants showed
      that highly unequal offers elicited more negative-going medial frontal negativity
      than moderately unequal offers in an early time window (270-360 ms) and this
      effect was not significantly modulated by social comparison. In a later time
      window (450-650 ms), however, the late positive potential (LPP) was more positive
      for moderately unequal offers than for highly unequal offers when the other
      recipients were offered less than the participants, whereas this distinction
      disappeared when the other recipients were offered the same as or more than the
      participants. These findings suggest that the brain activity in evaluating
      fairness in asset division entails both an earlier (semi-) automatic process in
      which the brain responds to fairness at an abstract level and a later appraisal
      process in which factors related to social comparison and fairness norms come
      into play.

PMID- 22087090
TI  - The neural basis of implicit perceptual sequence learning.
AB  - The present fMRI study investigated the neural areas involved in implicit
      perceptual sequence learning. To obtain more insight in the functional
      contributions of the brain areas, we tracked both the behavioral and neural time
      course of the learning process, using a perceptual serial color matching task.
      Next, to investigate whether the neural time course was specific for perceptual
      information, imaging results were compared to the results of implicit motor
      sequence learning, previously investigated using an identical serial color
      matching task (Gheysen et al., 2010). Results indicated that implicit sequences
      can be acquired by at least two neural systems: the caudate nucleus and the
      hippocampus, having different operating principles. The caudate nucleus
      contributed to the implicit sequence learning process for perceptual as well as
      motor information in a similar and gradual way. The hippocampus, on the other
      hand, was engaged in a much faster learning process which was more pronounced for
      the motor compared to the perceptual task. Interestingly, the perceptual and
      motor learning process occurred on a comparable implicit level, suggesting that
      consciousness is not the main determinant factor dissociating the hippocampal
      from the caudate learning system. This study is not only the first to
      successfully and unambiguously compare brain activation between perceptual and
      motor levels of implicit sequence learning, it also provides new insights into
      the specific hippocampal and caudate learning function.

PMID- 22087091
TI  - Spiking signatures of spontaneous activity bursts in hippocampal cultures.
AB  - Dense dissociated hippocampal cultures are known to generate spontaneous bursting
      electrical activity which can be recorded by multielectrode arrays. We have
      analyzed spatio-temporal profiles of the distribution of spikes in the bursts
      recorded after 2 weeks in vitro. We have found a statistically significant
      similarity between the spiking patterns in sequential bursting events, we refer
      to these spiking patterns as spiking signatures. Such spiking signatures may
      appear in different parts of the bursts, including the activation patterns - the
      first spike times in the bursts, and deactivation patterns - the last spike times
      in the bursts. Moreover, these patterns may display apparent time scaling, e.g.,
      they may be replayed in the subsequent bursts at different speeds, while
      preserving the spiking order. We discuss how such properties of the bursts may be
      associated with the formation of repeatable signaling pathways in cultured
      networks in vitro.

PMID- 22087089
TI  - Functional development of fronto-striato-parietal networks associated with time
      perception.
AB  - Compared to our understanding of the functional maturation of executive
      functions, little is known about the neurofunctional development of perceptive
      functions. Time perception develops during late adolescence, underpinning many
      functions including motor and verbal processing, as well as late maturing higher
      order cognitive skills such as forward planning and future-related decision
      making. Nothing, however, is known about the neurofunctional changes associated
      with time perception from childhood to adulthood. Using functional magnetic
      resonance imaging we explored the effects of age on the brain activation and
      functional connectivity of 32 male participants from 10 to 53 years of age during
      a time discrimination task that required the discrimination of temporal intervals
      of seconds differing by several hundred milliseconds. Increasing development was
      associated with progressive activation increases within left lateralized
      dorsolateral and inferior fronto-parieto-striato-thalamic brain regions.
      Furthermore, despite comparable task performance, adults showed increased
      functional connectivity between inferior/dorsolateral interhemispheric fronto
      frontal activation as well as between inferior fronto-parietal regions compared
      with adolescents. Activation in caudate, specifically, was associated with both
      increasing age and better temporal discrimination. Progressive decreases in
      activation with age were observed in ventromedial prefrontal cortex, limbic
      regions, and cerebellum. The findings demonstrate age-dependent developmentally
      dissociated neural networks for time discrimination. With increasing age there is
      progressive recruitment of later maturing left hemispheric and lateralized fronto
      parieto-striato-thalamic networks, known to mediate time discrimination in
      adults, while earlier developing brain regions such as ventromedial prefrontal
      cortex, limbic and paralimbic areas, and cerebellum subserve fine-temporal
      processing functions in children and adolescents.

PMID- 22087092
TI  - Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis: another clinical variant.
AB  - A 70-year-old female patient presented with an eruption consisting of
      symmetrically distributed erythematous papules around the umbilicus 1 month after
      the cessation of adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Biopsy of
      a papule showed an interstitial granulomatous infiltrate in the dermis, without
      deposition of mucin. The lesions cleared only after re-initiation of treatment 2
      months later. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is thought to be a distinct
      histopathological pattern, either drug induced or associated with rheumatoid
      arthritis or autoimmune collagen diseases. In our case, there was a distinct
      clinical presentation of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis, composed of
      symmetrically distributed indurated papules around the umbilicus as well as a
      mild granulomatous reaction pattern.

PMID- 22087093
TI  - Kyrle disease and acquired perforating collagenosis secondary to chronic renal
      failure and diabetes mellitus.
AB  - A 59-year-old man with chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus presented with
      pruritic crusted lesions which histologically were perforating disorders, showing
      features of both Kyrle disease and acquired perforating collagenosis. The
      mechanisms of transepidermal elimination and the classification of perforating
      disorders are briefly discussed. Additionally, we question the concept of
      perforation, as epidermal damage and exposure of subepidermal substances may
      artificially present as perforation.

PMID- 22087094
TI  - Recurrent Syncope due to Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Syncope is caused by a wide variety of disorders. Recurrent syncope as a
      complication of malignancy is uncommon and may be difficult to diagnose and to
      treat. Primary neck carcinoma or metastases spreading in parapharyngeal and
      carotid spaces can involve the internal carotid artery and cause neurally
      mediated syncope with a clinical presentation like carotid sinus syndrome. We
      report the case of a 76-year-old man who suffered from recurrent syncope due to
      invasion of the right carotid sinus by metastases of a carcinoma of the
      esophagus, successfully treated by radiotherapy. In such cases, surgery,
      chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be performed. Because syncope may be an early
      sign of neck or cervical cancer, the diagnostic approach of syncope in patients
      with a past history of cancer should include the possibility of neck tumor
      recurrence or metastasis and an oncologic workout should be considered.

PMID- 22087095
TI  - Synchronous Detection of Hairy Cell Leukemia and HIV-Negative Kaposi's Sarcoma of
      the Lymph Node: A Diagnostic Challenge and a Rare Coincidence.
AB  - Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon chronic lymphoproliferative disorder and
      accounts for around 2% of all forms of leukemias. The association of HCL with
      other neoplasms, mainly non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, is well known. However, the
      simultaneous diagnosis of HCL and Kaposi's sarcoma is rare, with only few cases
      of such an association having been reported. We describe a 42-year-old male
      patient with a well characterized HCL and in whom HIV-negative Kaposi's sarcoma
      of the lymph node was detected.

PMID- 22087096
TI  - Near Total Regression of Diffuse Brain Metastases in Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
      with an EGFR Exon 19 Mutation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - We report the case of a woman with diffuse brain metastases from lung cancer who
      experienced total regression of the metastases under gefitinib treatment. The 58
      year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a complaint of severe headache.
      A brain MRI revealed diffuse metastatic lesions in the cerebra and cerebellum.
      Adenocarcinoma of the lung with multiple brain metastases was diagnosed. The
      tumor was positive for an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19
      deletion mutation. She was treated with gefitinib 250 mg per day. One year later,
      the diffuse brain metastases had totally resolved. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      therapy could be a first-line treatment for patients with advanced adenocarcinoma
      of the lung with EGFR mutation, especially in those with brain metastases.

PMID- 22087097
TI  - An unusual case of locally advanced glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the
      breast.
AB  - Glycogen-rich clear cell (GRCC) is a rare subtype of breast carcinoma
      characterized by carcinoma cells containing an optically clear cytoplasm and
      intracytoplasmic glycogen. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with a
      palpable mass in the right breast and clinical signs of locally advanced breast
      cancer (LABC). The diagnosis of GRCC carcinoma was based on certain
      histopathological characteristics of the tumor and immunohistochemical analysis.
      To our knowledge, this is the first case of GRCC LABC with intratumoral
      calcifications. There is no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease after 14
      months' follow-up.

PMID- 22087098
TI  - Small bowel adenocarcinoma presenting with refractory iron deficiency anemia -
      case report and review of literature.
AB  - Cancers of the small bowel are relatively rare and account for approximately 1-2%
      of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. The most common histologic subtype -
      adenocarcinoma - constitutes 40% of all cases. These cancers generally present
      with vague abdominal discomfort and are often diagnosed at a late stage and carry
      a poor prognosis. The treatment of choice of early-stage small bowel
      adenocarcinoma is surgical resection. No standard treatment protocol has been
      defined for unresectable or metastatic disease. Here, we report a case of a 56
      year-old woman who presented with unexplained iron deficiency anemia. Extensive
      initial studies with serial CT scans of the abdomen, esophagogastroduodenoscopy,
      small bowel capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy were noncontributory. She was later
      found to have a metastatic small bowel adenocarcinoma and treated with palliative
      chemotherapy. She achieved a modest response to the treatment. Interestingly, in
      our case, the sole presentation was unexplained iron deficiency anemia.
      Physician's awareness regarding the possibility of small bowel cancer especially
      in the setting of iron deficiency and its workup has been emphasized. This
      enhances the chance of early detection and hence better survival.

PMID- 22087099
TI  - Subacute Neurological Deterioration with Selective Axonal Injury in Patients with
      Acute Ischemic Stroke following Reperfusion of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.
AB  - To date, the long-term effects of reperfusion on the salvaged brain tissues have
      not been addressed in the literature. We report 4 cases presenting subacute
      neurological deteriorations with selective axonal injury following reperfusion
      therapies for acute ischemic stroke. Our case series based on 4 patients showed
      common features distinct from those of early reperfusion injury in that (1) the
      neurological symptoms developed after 1-2 months of reperfusion therapies, (2)
      these symptoms were accompanied by the subcortical white matter changes on brain
      MRI, and (3) these findings were mostly reversible with time. This suggests that
      axons in the reperfused brain may be vulnerable to further neurological injury.

PMID- 22087100
TI  - Thrombolytic stroke treatment of a 12-year-old girl with intracranial
      fibromuscular dysplasia.
AB  - Fibromuscular dysplasia, predominantly found in adult women, is a rare disease of
      small and middle-sized arteries of the kidney and brain. We present a case of a
      12-year-old girl with acute ischemic stroke, due to fibromuscular dysplasia of
      the distal internal carotid artery and the proximal middle cerebral artery, which
      was successfully treated with t-PA.

PMID- 22087101
TI  - Serous macular detachment associated with dome-shaped macula and tilted disc.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An entirely new type of staphyloma has been recently described as
      dome-shaped macula (DSM). It is characterized by an abnormal convex macular
      contour within the concavity of a posterior staphyloma. We found DSM associated
      with serous macular detachment (SMD) and tilted disc in two consecutive cases.
      CASE REPORTS: Case 1: A 37-year-old female presented to our department because of
      sudden onset blurred vision in her right eye (OD). The best-corrected visual
      acuity (BCVA) was 0.5 in both eyes. Funduscopy evidenced bilateral tilted disc
      associated with posterior staphyloma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      demonstrated a DSM with SMD in her OD. After 15 months of follow-up, BCVA of her
      OD remained stable with chronic SMD. Case 2: A 32-year-old female presented to
      our department because of blurred vision in her OD. The BCVA was 0.4 in the OD
      and 1.0 in the left eye (OS). Bilateral tilted disc and posterior staphyloma were
      evidenced in the funduscopy. OCT demonstrated a bilateral DSM with SMD in her OD.
      After 45 months of follow-up, two further episodes of transient SMD were observed
      in her OD and seven in her OS. The final BCVA was 0.63 in the OD and 0.8 in the
      OS. DISCUSSION: SMD associated with tilted disc constitutes a potential cause of
      subretinal fluid accumulation in myopic patients. OCT is essential for the
      detection of both SMD and DSM.

PMID- 22087102
TI  - White centered retinal hemorrhages in vitamin b(12) deficiency anemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report a case of severe vitamin B(12) deficiency anemia presenting
      with white centered retinal hemorrhages. METHODS: Interventional case report.
      RESULTS: A 40-year-old man, general practitioner himself, presented with a 1-day
      history of diminished left visual acuity and a drop-shaped central scotoma. The
      corrected visual acuities were 20/20, OD and 20/100, OS. Ophthalmic examination
      revealed bilaterally pale tarsal conjunctiva, discretely icteric bulbar
      conjunctiva and disseminated white centered intraretinal hemorrhages with foveal
      involvement. OCT imaging through these lesions revealed a retinal thickening
      caused by a sub-ILM accumulation of hyperreflective and inhomogeneous deposits
      within the nerve fiber layer. Immediate laboratory work-up showed severe
      megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B(12) deficiency requiring erythrocyte
      transfusions. DISCUSSION: Most reports of white centered retinal hemorrhages have
      been described in patients with leukemic retinopathy and bacterial endocarditis.
      It is interesting that this case of vitamin B(12) deficiency anemia retinopathy
      has a clinically indistinguishable fundus appearance. This is probably due to the
      common pathology of capillary disruption and subsequent hemostatic fibrin plug
      formation. In megaloblastic anemia, direct anoxia results in endothelial
      dysfunction. The loss of impermeability allows extrusion of whole blood and
      subsequent diffusion from the disrupted site throughout and above the nerve fiber
      layer. Therefore the biomicroscopic pattern of white centered hemorrhages
      observed in anemic retinopathy is most likely due to the clot formation as the
      reparative sequence after capillary rupture.

PMID- 22087103
TI  - A Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation in the CYP4V2 Gene in a Japanese Patient
      with Bietti's Crystalline Corneoretinal Dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Japanese
      family in which one member exhibited Bietti's crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy
      (BCD). METHODS: Using direct sequencing, mutation screening was performed in the
      CYP4V2 gene of both the patient with BCD and her daughter. Ophthalmic
      examinations were performed to determine the clinical features of both subjects.
      RESULTS: The 64-year-old female patient had a bilateral visual acuity of 0.4.
      Slit lamp examination revealed bilateral crystalline-like deposits at the
      superior limbus of the cornea. Fundus examination revealed there was
      chorioretinal atrophy along with numerous glistening yellowish-white crystalline
      deposits that were scattered throughout the posterior pole and the mid-peripheral
      retina. Standard flash electroretinography showed an extinguished
      electroretinogram and Goldmann kinetic perimetry detected a relative scotoma.
      Genetic analysis revealed that the patient had a heterozygous mutation in the
      CYP4V2 gene (IVS6-8delTCATACAGGTCATCGCG/GC), which is the most commonly found
      mutation in Japanese patients with BCD. Furthermore, the patient was also shown
      to have a novel heterozygous point mutation in exon 9 of the CYP4V2 gene
      (c.1168C>T). In contrast, her daughter exhibited no clinical findings for BCD
      even though she carried the same heterozygous mutation in the CYP4V2 gene
      (c.1168C>T). CONCLUSION: A novel compound heterozygous mutation was found in the
      CYP4V2 gene of a patient with BCD. This previously unreported c.1168C>T mutation
      causes a missense mutation (p.R390C) in the CYP4V2 protein.

PMID- 22087104
TI  - Bilateral corneal ulceration caused by vitamin a deficiency in eosinophilic
      gastroenteropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Vitamin A deficiency is a very rare condition in the developed world and
      can lead to a variety of ocular changes from xerosis and xerophthalmia to corneal
      ulcer and perforation. The treatment of this devastating disease is simple and
      inexpensive. It is therefore important to recognize and treat accordingly,
      especially in the event of ulcers unresponsive to treatment or in the presence of
      severe malnutrition/malabsorption syndromes. The purpose of this case report is
      to remind physicians of the potentially devastating effects of vitamin A
      deficiency on the eyes and to demonstrate outcomes after vitamin A treatment.
      METHODS: Single observational case report. RESULTS: A 29-year-old male with known
      eosinophilic gastroenteropathy was treated with oral steroids for peripheral
      ulcerative keratitis. Two weeks after resolution, the patient suffered from
      peripheral ulcerative keratitis in his other eye, with a self-sealing
      perforation. Vitamin A deficiency was confirmed and successfully treated, leading
      to subsequent resolution of signs and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin A deficiency
      can be present in patients with malabsorption and malnutrition syndromes and
      should be considered as cause of corneal ulceration.

PMID- 22087105
TI  - Acetaminophen: beyond pain and Fever-relieving.
AB  - Acetaminophen, also known as APAP or paracetamol, is one of the most widely used
      analgesics (pain reliever) and antipyretics (fever reducer). According to the
      U.S. Food and Drug Administration, currently there are 235 approved prescription
      and over-the-counter drug products containing acetaminophen as an active
      ingredient. When used as directed, acetaminophen is very safe and effective;
      however when taken in excess or ingested with alcohol hepatotoxicity and
      irreversible liver damage can arise. In addition to well known use pain relief
      and fever reduction, recent laboratory and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated
      that acetaminophen may also have beneficial effects on blood glucose levels,
      skeletal muscle function, and potential use as cardioprotective and
      neuroprotective agents. Extensive laboratory and pre-clinical studies have
      revealed that these off-label applications may be derived from the ability of
      acetaminophen to function as an antioxidant. Herein, we will highlight these
      novel applications of acetaminophen, and attempt, where possible, to highlight
      how these findings may lead to new directions of inquiry and clinical relevance
      of other disorders.

PMID- 22087106
TI  - Hepatic granulomas associated with brucellosis: Hepatic granulomas and
      brucellosis.

PMID- 22087107
TI  - Halothane-induced hepatitis: A forgotten issue in developing countries: Halothane
      induced hepatitis.
AB  - Halothane was introduced as an anesthetic in the 1950s and was considered a
      revolutionary agent in the field of anesthesia. Soon after, halothane-induced
      hepatitis became a concern, leading to the development of less toxic gases that
      induced a lower incidence of side effects. Two types of halothane-related
      hepatotoxicity have been described: type 1, or mild hepatitis, is associated with
      elevated transaminase levels and self-limiting symptoms, and type 2, or severe
      hepatotoxicity, is associated with acute fatal liver failure and is fatal in most
      cases. Hepatotoxicity is most likely to be immune-related, based on much
      evidence. Free radicals that are produced by the metabolism of halothane in the
      liver can modify cellular proteins and introduce neo-antigens to the immune
      system. Sensitization to these neo-antigens induces a more severe response after
      multiple exposures; most cases of type 2 hepatitis occur after repeated contact.
      New halogenated anesthetics such as enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane, are
      not metabolized in the liver, causing few cases of sensitization. Compared with
      halothane, these anesthetics are expensive. As a result, replacement of halothane
      with new halogenated anesthetics requires a precise cost-benefit analysis,
      especially in developing countries that have low health care budgets.

PMID- 22087108
TI  - Occult hepatitis B virus infection: A major concern in HIV-infected patients:
      Occult HBV in HIV.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- infected patients are at risk of acquiring
      viral hepatitis, due to common routes of transmission. As the introduction of
      highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduced the frequency of
      opportunistic infections and improved survival, viral hepatitis emerged as an
      important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected cases. Occult
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by presence of HBV infection
      without detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). There are conflicting
      reports on the impact of occult HBV infection on the natural history of HIV
      disease. In this review, we described the findings of studies on HIV and
      hepatitis B co-infection with focus on the prevalence of occult HBV infection.
      The results of this review demonstrated the importance of prevention, diagnosis
      and treatment of occult HBV infection in HIV-positive patients.

PMID- 22087109
TI  - Comparison of the prevalence of major transfusion-transmitted infections among
      Iranian blood donors using confidential unit exclusion in an Iranian population:
      Transfusion-transmitted infections among Iranian blood donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid amplification testing is recommended for screening blood
      donations; however, they are not widely available in developing countries such as
      Iranian. Confidential unit exclusion (CUE) gives blood donors the opportunity to
      confidentially indicate whether their blood is or is not suitable for transfusion
      to others. Hoewever, its effectiveness in improving blood safety has recently
      been questioned by the blood banking community. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this
      study was to determine the efficacy of CUE in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on
      transfusion-transmitted disease markers (HBs Ag, HCV Ab, HIV Ab, RPR) were
      extracted from a database of voluntary blood donations in 2006 at the Tehran
      Blood Transfusion Center. The prevalence of markers were compared between CUE
      positive ("should not use") and CUE-negative ("can be used") donations. RESULTS:
      CUE-positive donations had significantly higher risk of HBV and HCV markers (odds
      ratio (95% confidence interval)7.5 (5.4-10.5) and 5.3 (2.5-11.3), respectively).
      No HIV or syphilis markers were detected in either group. CONCLUSIONS: CUE is an
      effective option for identifying donors with increased risk of HBV and HCV
      markers.

PMID- 22087110
TI  - A study of genotypes, mutants and nucleotide sequence of hepatitis B virus in
      Pakistan: HBV genotypes in pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and mutations are gaining
      importance in determining the clinical course of chronic liver disease.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the distribution of HBV genotypes and
      genomic variations in Pakistan to other parts of the world. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      We conducted a prospective study at Aga Khan University Hospital from December
      2006 to December 2008. HBV genotype was determined in 257 HBV DNA-positive
      patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to HBeAg positivity.
      Mutations in the pre-core and core promoter regions of HBV were determined in
      HBeAg-negative patients by line probe INNOLIPA assay. RESULTS: The mean+/-SD age
      of patients was 28+/-5 years; there were 201 (78%) men. HBeAg was positive in 219
      (85%) patients and negative in 38 (15%). HBeAg-positive patients were younger
      than HBeAg-negative patients (95% vs 21% in <=30 years, p<0.001). HBV genotype D
      found in 247 (96.2 %) patients followed by a combined infection with HBV genotype
      B+D in 9 (3.3%) and 1 (0.5%) with genotype A. The mutations identified in 38
      HBeAg-negative patients were T1762/A1764 in 21 (55.2%), PC mutant in 7 (18.4%),
      T1762/A1764/PC mutant in 2 (5%) and T1762/A1764/PC wild mutation in 1 (2%); no
      mutation identified in 7 (18.4%). Phylogenetic analysis did not show any
      significant differences between HBV genotype D isolated from Pakistan and those
      isolated from other parts of the world. CONCLUSIONS: HBV genotype D is
      predominant in Pakistan, irrespective of HBeAg status. PC and BCP mutations were
      found in significant numbers of patients infected with genotype D. The HBV
      genotype D isolates from Pakistan are identical to the sequences isolated from
      other parts of the world.

PMID- 22087111
TI  - Incarceration is a major risk factor for blood-borne infection among intravenous
      drug users: Incarceration and blood borne infection among intravenous drug users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a strong association between hepatitis B virus (HBV),
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which
      are mainly transmitted by contamination with blood via intravenous drug abuse
      (IVDU) or sexual contact. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of these
      infections and the risk factors associated with them among prisoner and non
      prisoner IVDUs in Tehran, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study
      was performed in two jails and three drug rehabilitation centers between 2001 and
      2002 in Tehran. HBsAg and HBcAb were checked using highly specific third
      generation enzyme immunoassays (DIA.PRO, Italy, specificity >99%, and Radim,
      Italy, specificity 99.7%, respectively). HCVAb was detected using ELISA (DIA.PRO,
      Italy) with both sensitivity and specificity >98%. HIVAb test (DRG Diagnostics
      kit, Germany) was performed for 459 of the 468 IDU subjects. RESULTS: 392
      prisoners and 135 individual attending drug rehabilitation centers were
      approached. Of the 518 subjects studied, 464 (89.5%) were male, 386 (74.5%) were
      prisoners and 132 (25.5%) were non-prisoners. In this study, HBsAg, HCVAb and
      HIVAb were positive in 19 (3.7%), 359 (69.5%) and 70 (15.5%) of subjects,
      respectively. These tests were positive in 17 (4.5%), 311 (80.5%) and 63 (17%)
      among prisoners and 2 (1.5%), 48 (36.5%) and 7 (7.8%) in non-prisoners,
      respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that independent
      factors related to co-infection of HCV and HIV infection were imprisonment
      (p<0.001. OR: 7.5) and using common syringe (p=0.03, OR: 4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings strongly suggest that drug injection inside prison carries is a risk for
      HIV infection and that HIV infection among IDUs is likely to be bridged to the
      broader population through sexual contact without using effective prevention
      programs.

PMID- 22087112
TI  - Polymorphisms within Fas gene are not associated with occult hepatitis B virus
      infection: Polymorphisms within Fas gene in occult HBV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a form of hepatitis in which
      there is an absence of detectable HBsAg, despite the presence of HBV-DNA in the
      peripheral blood of patients. It seems that non-effective or attenuated immune
      system responses against HBV lead to the development of OBI. Previous studies
      showed that the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system is an important death signaling
      pathway that is used by cytotoxic T lymphocytes to eradicate HBV from the liver.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate polymorphisms in the -670 region of the Fas gene in
      those with OBI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The plasma samples from 3700 blood donors
      were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs by ELISA. The HBsAg-/anti-HBc(+) samples were
      selected and screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. Those with HBV-DNA were diagnosed as
      OBI and PCR-RFLP technique was performed to examine polymorphisms within their
      Fas gene. RESULTS: 352 (9.5%) of 3700 blood samples were HBsAg-/anti-HBc(+). HBV
      DNA was detected in 57 (16.1%) of 352 HBsAg-/anti-HBc(+) samples. Therefore, 57
      HBsAg-/anti-HBc+/HBV-DNA(+) patients were diagnosed as OBI. Patient and control
      groups had no significant differences in terms of the studied polymorphisms.
      CONCLUSIONS: The functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of Fas gene are
      not associated with OBI. Therefore, it may be concluded that polymorphisms at the
      -670 position of the Fas gene do not have any critical effects on the immune
      response against HBV in OBI.

PMID- 22087113
TI  - A comparison of treatment with adefovir and entecavir for chronic hepatitis B in
      China: The 2-year results of a prospective study: Adefovir versus Entercavir for
      Chronic Hepatitis B.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reduction of hepatitis B virus replication to minimal levels is
      emerging as key therapeutic goal in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). OBJECTIVES: This
      study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacies of adefovir (ADV) and
      entecavir (ETV) in CHB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 100
      naive patients were assigned to treatment with ADV (33 HBeAg-positive and 19
      HBeAg-negative patients) or ETV (32 HBeAg-positive and 16 HBeAg-negative
      patients). The primary efficacy outcome was ALT normalization, reduction in HBV
      DNA, and seroconversion of HBeAg. Second efficacy outcomes included resistance
      and safety. Comparisons of quantitative and qualitative variables between groups
      were analyzed by student t-test and chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test),
      respectively. RESULTS: Among HBeAg-positive patients, ETV was superior to ADV
      with respect to mean reduction in HBV DNA (-7.5 versus -6.3, respectively, at
      Month 24, p = 0.003) and the percentage of those with HBV DNA < 103 copies/mL at
      Month 24 [96.9% (31/32) vs. 69.7% (23/33), respectively, p = 0.002] and < 300
      copies/mL at Month 24 [84.4% (27/32) vs. 54.5% (18/33), respectively, p = 0.004].
      But, the rates of ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion between the groups
      were similar [87.9% (29/33) vs. 96.9% (31/32), respectively, p=0.355; and 24.2%
      (8/33) vs. 25.0% (8/32), respectively, p = 0.943]. In HBeAg-negative patients who
      received ETV or ADV, the reduction in HBV DNA (-6.8 versus -5.9, respectively, p
      = 0.192), percentage of ALT normalization [100% (16/16) vs. 78.9% (15/19),
      respectively, p=0.109], HBV DNA < 103 copies/mL [100% (16/16) vs. 89.5% (17/19),
      respectively, p = 0.489], and HBV DNA < 300 copies/mL [100% (16/16) vs. 84.2%
      (16/19), respectively, p = 0.234] were similar. No ETV- or ADV-associated
      mutations were observed, and both agents were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: ETV
      and ADV are effective therapies for CHB. In HBeAg-positive patients, the efficacy
      of ETV is significantly superior to that of ADV, and in HBeAg-negative patients,
      the agents effect similar biochemical and virological responses.

PMID- 22087114
TI  - The effect of zinc sulfate on immunologic response to recombinant hepatitis B
      vaccine in elderly: Zinc sulfate and immunologic response to recombinant
      hepatitis B vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is the major cause of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in
      Iran. Sanitation and immunization is one of the most effective measures for
      prevention of the disease which is now widely used in developing countries.
      However, the immune response to the vaccine varies by age. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the effect of zinc sulfate on immune response to hepatitis-B vaccine in
      elderly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a clinical trial on 140 subjects aged ?40 years
      with a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2, and without any co-morbid disease were
      recruited. Those who had negative hepatitis B core antibody (102 persons) were
      randomly allocated to two groups. The trial group received hepatitis B vaccine
      plus 200 mg zinc sulfate daily for 30 days and the control group received vaccine
      plus placebo. RESULTS: 52 of 102 people were female (51%). The two studied groups
      were comparable in terms of age, gender, and smoking habits. The mean antibody
      production in the intervention and control groups was 116.93 and 157.37 mIU/mL,
      respectively (p=0.22). No statistical differences were observed between the two
      groups in terms of proportion of people who were protected after vaccination
      (26.0% and 36.5% in people with and without zinc, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study revealed that zinc sulfate has no effect in level of immunity among
      elderly.

PMID- 22087115
TI  - Commentary on the article: Are hepatitis B virus and celiac disease linked?: HBV
      and celiac disease.

PMID- 22087116
TI  - Are nonintestinal inflammatory diseases and celiac disease linked?: Nonintestinal
      inflammatory and celiac disease.

PMID- 22087117
TI  - Commentary on: Are hepatitis B virus and celiac disease linked?: HBV and Celiac
      Disease.

PMID- 22087118
TI  - Hepatitis B virus and celiac disease: HBV and Celiac Disease.

PMID- 22087119
TI  - Celiac disease and hepatitis B virus: Celiac disease and HBV.

PMID- 22087120
TI  - Dilemma of HBsAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B infection: Dilemma of
      HBsAg in chronic HBV.
AB  - Patients with chronic hepatitis B infection should be followed up to identify
      possible changes in disease status, such as HBsAg seronversion. There are little
      data on the outcome of such cases, and the response rate to HBV vaccine has not
      been discussed extensively.

PMID- 22087121
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma: HCC.

PMID- 22087122
TI  - Hepatitis C and pulmonary fibrosis: Hepatitis C and pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic and lymphotropic virus that
      causes hepatic and extrahepatic disease. Emerging clinical data suggest that
      chronic HCV infection can lead to many direct and indirect effects on the lung.
      OBJECTIVES: This article discusses evidence on the relationship between HCV
      infection and pulmonary fibrosis to increase knowledge on this topic among
      clinicians and scientists and highlights the need for further study. METHODS: We
      searched the MEDLINE, ISI WEB OF KNOWLEDGE, OVID, ELSEVIER, and MDCONSULT
      databases and top respiratory journals, such as the American Journal of
      Respiratory and Critical Care, Chest, and Thorax for articles in English using
      the following keywords: hepatitis C, HCV infection, IPF, pulmonary fibrosis, and
      interstitial pneumonitis. We reviewed the reference lists of all identified
      studies. RESULTS: The evidence for a pathogenetic link between pulmonary fibrosis
      and HCV is: the higher frequency of HCV markers in IPF patients, an increase in
      lymphocyte and neutrophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage of chronic HCV
      infection patients, and the development of IPF in HCV-related chronic hepatitis
      that is treated with interferon. There is a discrepancy between studies on the
      frequency of HCV in IPF patients, which might be attributed to geographical
      differences of in the prevalence of HCV infection, selection bias in choosing the
      control group, and the HCV genome. CONCLUSIONS: BAL studies in HCV infection are
      associated with increased counts of lymphocytes and neutrophils in BAL fluid.
      These studies show that HCV infection is associated with nonspecific pulmonary
      inflammatory reactions that are not compatible with IPF but that it can lead to
      pulmonary fibrosis. The other factor is interferon therapy. Interstitial
      pneumonia and sarcoidosis are well-documented complications of IFN therapy. More
      extensive cohort studies should be conducted to confirm an actual causal
      relationship between HCV infection and pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 22087123
TI  - Genotypes, mutations, and viral load of hepatitis B virus and the risk of
      hepatocellular carcinoma: HBV properties and hepatocarcinogenesis.
AB  - Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major risk factor for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Ten HBV genotypes (A-J) have been
      discovered so far. Genotypes B and C are endemic in East and Southeast Asia.
      Genotype C HBV is associated with increased risks of cirrhosis and HCC. Genotype
      B (B2) is associated with the development of HCC in non-cirrhotic patients
      younger than 50 years and with relapse of HCC after surgical treatment. It is
      also associated with earlier hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion than genotype
      C. High HBV load is independently associated with the occurrence and post
      treatment recurrence of HCC. Different genotypes have distinct patterns of
      mutations. Viral mutations in the core promoter region and in the preS region are
      frequently found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC.
      These mutations often occur before the onset of HCC and accumulate during the
      progression of chronic HBV infection. Multiple such mutations are more frequent
      in patients with HCC and are specific for HCC. HBV subgenotypes, viral mutations,
      and viral load can be used for the prediction of HCC. Early identification of HBV
      infected individuals who will eventually develop HCC will help to develop active
      prophylactic protocols to reduce or delay the occurrence of HCC.

PMID- 22087124
TI  - Rosuvastatin reduces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C treated with alpha-interferon and ribavirin: Rosuvastatin reduces
      NAFLD in HCV patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease develops in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C. Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy is the standard
      treatment for chronic hepatitis C, but if present, NAFLD can reduce the
      virological response to anti-HCV therapies. OBJECTIVES: We determined whether the
      addition of rosuvastatin to interferon and ribavirin improves the sustained
      virological response (SVR) and reduces steatosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This
      study was a prospective, randomized, open-label trial. Between January 2004 and
      December 2007, 65 patients with chronic hepatitis (27 women and 38 men, mean age
      48 years) aged 32-63 years (median 46 years) were consecutively enrolled.
      Patients were randomly assigned to receive leukocyte interferon alpha (3 MIU 3
      times per week) plus ribavirin (1200 mg per day) for 12 months or interferon
      alpha and ribavirin at the same dosages plus rosuvastatin (5 mg per day). The
      primary endpoints were measurements in SVR, liver enzyme, cholesterol,
      triglyceride, CRP, glucose, and insulin levels; and Homa-IR, fibrosis, and
      steatosis scores. RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, we observed a
      significant improvement in SVR in 51% of patients who received interferon plus
      ribavirin plus rosuvastatin compared with 18% of relapsers (OR 1.52; 95% CI =
      0.41-5.64; RR 1.13). There were 23 responders (69%) and 10 nonresponders (30%)
      (OR 1.38; 95% CI = 0.49-16.5; RR 1.11). When comparing interferon plus ribavirin
      group vs interferon plus ribavirin and rosuvastatin group after 12 months, we
      observed a significant difference in AST (85.70 vs.106.5.00 IU/ml) (OR 1.2; 95%
      CI= 0.29-4.94; RR 1.04; p<0.001), ALT (81.80 vs. 126.2 IU/ml) (OR 1.2; 95% CI =
      0.29-4.94; RR 1.04; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (0.01 vs. 0.60 mmol/l) (OR 14;
      95% CI = 3.98-49.16; p RR 2.96; < 0.001), triglycerides (0.17 vs. 0.2 mmol/l) (OR
      20; 95% CI = 4.94-80.89; RR 5.38; p < 0.05), and Viremia (1.8 vs. 2.48 UI/ml, p <
      0.05). Mean fibrosis score decreased 0.10 vs. 0.50 (OR 4.5; 95% CI = 0.89-22.66;
      RR 1.5; p < 0.05), and mean steatosis score declined 0.30 vs. 0.50 (OR 11.2; CI =
      2.88-43.53; RR 2.75; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In HCV patients with NAFLD, the
      addition of rosuvastatin to interferon and ribavirin significantly reduces
      viremia, steatosis, and fibrosis without causing side effects.

PMID- 22087125
TI  - Anti-HBs antibody status and some of its associated factors in dental health care
      workers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: Anti-HBs Ab and associated
      factors in dental society.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental health care providers are at risk of infection with hepatitis
      B virus (HBV). Dentists can occupationally become infected with HBV through
      needle sticks or exposure to blood and other body fluids. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate
      anti-HBs antibody titer in students, professors, clinical assistants and non
      clinical staff of Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
      (TUMS), and to investigate the probable correlation between the level of immunity
      and a number of associated factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 230 participants who
      had a history of previous HBV vaccination (receiving at least two doses of HBV
      vaccine) and a negative history of being infected with HBV were studied.
      Participants' data were recorded using a checklist, and the level of antibody was
      measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: While there
      existed statistically significant correlations between age, occupation, smoking,
      complete and scheduled vaccination and time of the last vaccination with the
      level of anti-HBs antibody, the correlation between gender and level of the
      antibody was not significant. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant
      association between immune response and age and time of the last vaccination.
      CONCLUSIONS: Due to the significant correlation between younger age and anti-HBs
      antibody titer in our study, it makes sense to establish a mandatory complete and
      scheduled vaccination program for all members of dental society younger than 40
      years.

PMID- 22087126
TI  - Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis with the aspartate transaminase to
      platelet ratio index (APRI): Usefulness in patients with chronic liver disease:
      APRI in chronic liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aspartate aminotransferases (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI)
      may serve as a noninvasive marker to assess liver fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess
      the diagnostic ability of the APRI for prediction of fibrosis in patients with
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included
      207 patients with CHB, 108 with CHC, and 140 patients with NAFLD. The APRI was
      calculated as (AST level/upper normal limit for AST)/platelet counts (109/L) *
      100. The stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis was
      graded using the METAVIR scale. The Kleiner system for grading fibrosis was used
      in patients with NAFLD. RESULTS: Bivariate correlation analyses showed that the
      APRI was significantly associated with fibrosis scores in patients with CHC (p =
      0.2634, p = 0.0059) and NAFLD (p = 0.2273, p = 0.0069), but not in those with CHB
      (p = 0.1005, p = 0.1495). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were
      used for assessing the ability of the APRI as a predictor of the absence or
      presence of liver fibrosis (fibrosis score of 0 vs fibrosis scores of 1-4). In
      patients with CHC, the APRI showed a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of
      62.4% for detection of fibrosis (p<0.01). In the NAFLD group, the APRI showed a
      sensitivity of 60.0% and specificity of 73.3% for detection of fibrosis (p<0.01).
      In patients with CHB, the APRI showed a sensitivity of 55.0% and a specificity of
      75.4% for fibrosis (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: The APRI shows an acceptable accuracy for
      the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with CHC and NAFLD, but not in those
      with CHB.

PMID- 22087128
TI  - Efficacy of Hepatitis B vaccine in those who lost Hepatitis B surface antigen
      during follow-up: Efficacy of HBV vaccine in those who lost HBsAg.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The level of HBsAg in some chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected
      individuals may decline over time so that it is not detectable in serum.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of HBV vaccine in those who lost their HBsAg
      without seroconverssion to anti-HBs antibody. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April
      1993 to December 2008, of 1603 chronic HBV-infected individuals, 34 (22 men and
      12 women) became HBsAg-negative in follow-up visits, with no detectable anti-HBs
      antibody and HBV DNA in their sera. They received HBV vaccination at 0, 1 and 6
      months (case group). Fifty-two subjects (30 men and 22 women) who were negative
      for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibody, received HBV vaccination according to
      the said schedule (control group). Anti-HBs antibody was assessed one month after
      the last dose of vaccination in the both groups. RESULTS: The mean+/-SD age of
      the case and control groups was 38+/-12.7 and 33.4 +/- 8.6 years, respectively (p
      = 0.07). The sex distribution between these two groups were similar (p = 0.652).
      The mean +/- SD years of follow-up for the case group was 7.6 +/- 4.5 years. Anti
      HBs antibody level >= 10 IU/L was found in 8 (24%) subjects in the case group and
      in 45 (87%) in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean+/-SD anti-HBs antibody
      level in the case group was 68 +/- 32.66 and in the control group 344.6 +/- 38.9
      IU/L (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that nearly 24% of chronic HBsAg-positive
      subjects who lost their HBsAg responded to HBV and the remaining cases need to be
      followed for occult HBV infection.

PMID- 22087129
TI  - Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome presenting with liver mass: Report of two
      cases: Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome and liver mass.
AB  - Herein, we report on two cases of hypereosinophilic syndrome presenting as liver
      mass. One patient was a 22-year-old woman presented with fever, upper abdominal
      pain, nausea/vomiting and a mass in the right liver lobe. The second patient was
      a 54-year-old man who presented with nausea and abdominal pain with significant
      weight loss. He had multiple lesions in both liver lobes. Both patients had
      eosinophilia that was not attributed to other causes such as allergy or
      parasites. The patients were treated with glucocorticosteroid and improved
      clinically. Imaging and laboratory abnormalities resolved.

PMID- 22087127
TI  - Reversible autonomic dysfunction during antiviral treatment in patients with
      chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Anti-HCV therapy and autonomic function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first clinical sign of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
      can be one of the various extrahepatic manifestations. During antiviral
      treatment, symptoms of HCV-associated neuropathies usually improve, but can also
      worsen and lead to discontinuation of anti-HCV therapy. Recently, we have
      reported autonomic dysfunction in patients with HCV infection. OBJECTIVES: In the
      present prospective study, we analyzed the changes of autonomic function during
      anti-HCV treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cardiovagal autonomic function was
      assessed in 22 HCV RNA-positive, treatment-naive patients by determining heart
      rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), at the beginning of
      treatment and 12, 24 and 48 weeks of antiviral therapy. interferon alfa-2 and
      ribavirin were given according to the guidelines. RESULTS: Both HRV and BRS time
      and frequency domain indices decreased after 12 weeks of therapy compared to the
      pre-treatment values; then the mean+/-SD values increased significantly by week
      24 and continued to improve by week 48 of therapy-253.0+/-156.1 ms before therapy
      vs 111.6+/-81.9 at week 12, and 183.4+/-169.6 at week 24 vs 211.6+/-149.1 ms at
      week 48 for low-frequency HRV index; p<0.05 for all comparisons). These changes
      were independent from the presence of cryoglobulins and from virologic response.
      CONCLUSIONS: The first rise followed by reversible autonomic dysfunction during
      antiviral therapy may be caused by the immunomodulatory actions of interferon
      alfa-2.

PMID- 22087130
TI  - The relationship between celiac disease and hepatitis B virus: celiac disease and
      HBV.

PMID- 22087131
TI  - Occult hepatitis B infection in chronic hemodialysis patients: Comparison of
      results and concepts: Occult HBV in chronic hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22087132
TI  - Seroprevalence of anti-HDV Ab and socioepidemiological characteristics among
      HBsAg-positive blood donors in Charmahal-o-Bakhtiyari province, Iran: Anti-HDV
      among HBsAg-positive blood donors.

PMID- 22087133
TI  - Association between hepatitis C virus and oral lichen planus: HCV and oral Lichen
      Planus.

PMID- 22087134
TI  - HCV and lichen planus: HCV and lichen planus.

PMID- 22087135
TI  - Hepatocellular recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation: Is combination
      of alpha-fetoprotein and glypican-3 a reliable marker?: Hepatocellular recurrence
      after orthotopic liver trasplantation.

PMID- 22087136
TI  - Fibroscan for assessing liver fibrosis: An acceptable alternative for liver
      biopsy: Fibroscan: an acceptable alternative for liver biopsy.

PMID- 22087137
TI  - HCC, diet and metabolic factors: Diet and HCC.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver malignancy and is an
      international public health concern, constituting one of the most deadly cancers
      worldwide. Infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus is a major risk
      factor for HCC in developed countries. Emerging evidence indicates that there are
      other important lifestyle factors that contribute to the international burden of
      HCC, such as alcohol consumption, diabetes, obesity, and the intake of aflotoxin
      contaminated food. Obesity and diabetes are also likely to be risk factors for
      HCC, the most frequent subtype of liver cancer. The chief pathway by which
      obesity increases risk involves the association between obesity and nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Coffee consumption has been studied extensively and
      appears to have a favorable effect on the prevention of liver diseases, including
      HCC. One hypothesis suggests that coffee intake lowers serum levels of gamma
      glutamyltransferase (GGT), which is associated with a lower incidence of HCC. It
      is estimated that more than 80% of HCC cases are attributable to four principal
      causes that are avoidable. It is difficult to make dietary recommendations,
      because it is unknown whether consuming higher amounts of specific antioxidants
      will decrease the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. A diet rich that
      is in polyunsaturated fatty acids and, possibly, B-carotene could reduce the risk
      of HCC, and high dietary GL is associated with an increased risk independently of
      cirrhosis or diabetes.

PMID- 22087138
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the IL28B and sustained virologic response of
      patients with chronic hepatitis C to PEG-interferon/ribavirin therapy: A meta
      analysis: Meta-analysis of IL28B.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is a global health problem and represents a major cause
      of liver disease and socioeconomic burden. Effective antiviral therapy may
      prevent these complications, but the current treatment for patients with chronic
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection does not produce sustained virologic response.
      Therefore, identification of the determinants of response to treatment is a high
      priority. A number of host and viral factors have been associated with treatment
      outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To assess the associations of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) of the IL28B and sustained virologic response (SVR) of
      patients with chronic hepatitis C to PEG-interferon/ribavirin therapy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library, and found 7
      eligible papers involved in this study. Then we performed a meta-analysis
      comparing the SVR rate at SNP of the IL28B in individuals with PEG
      interferon/ribavirin therapy. Meanwhile, the SVR rate between different races and
      HCV genotypes was studied. RESULTS: The sustained virologic response rate was
      higher in patients with the rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT alleles in the IL28B
      SNP, comparing with the rs12979860 CT, or TT and rs8099917 TG or GG. Furthermore,
      a higher SVR was observed in the Caucasians than in Afro-Americans (OR = 3.85,
      95% CI: 3.06-4.83); the percentage of rs12979860 TT genotype was lower in
      Caucasians (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.20-0.31) and the percentage of rs12979860 CC
      genotype was higher in Caucasians than that of Afro-Americans (OR = 3.45, 95% CI
      = 2.68-4.44). Between different HCV genotypes, the SVR was much lower in those
      with HCV genotype 1 than those with genotype 2/3 (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.11-0.24).
      CONCLUSIONS: IL28B is significantly associated with response to PEG
      interferon/ribavirin therapy of patients with chronic HCV infection. Both the
      rs12979860 and rs8099917 alleles could be used as independent predictors of the
      treatment response. The rs12979860 allele in particular, is more important from
      our study. The polymorphism even explains part the difference in response rate
      between different ethnic groups and HCV genotypes.

PMID- 22087139
TI  - Hepatitis C and hepatitis B seroprevalence and associated risk factors in
      hemodialysis patients in Guilan province, north of Iran: HCV and HBV
      seroprevalence in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are
      especially problematic in patients with end-stage renal disease who are
      undergoing hemodialysis (HD). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of HCV and
      HBV infection in HD population in Guilan, north of Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      a cross-sectional study, from May to September 2009, in 11 different hemodialysis
      units in Guilan province, North of Iran, clinical data such as age, gender,
      duration of dialysis, HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody of 514 HD patients were
      recorded. Patients with positive antibodies against HCV were tested for HCV RNA.
      RESULTS: From 514 patients, 286 (55.64%) were male. 61 (11.9%) patients were anti
      HCV-positive and 31 (50.8%) were HCV PCR-positive. There was significant
      relationship between HCV Ab-positivity with gender and HD duration (p < 0.05).
      There was significant difference between the mean HD duration in anti-HCV
      positive and anti-HCV-negative patients (p < 0.05). Also, significant
      relationship was found between HCV RNA-positivity with gender and HD duration (p
      < 0.05). Seven (1.4%) patients were positive for HBsAg. Two (0.38 %) were found
      positive for both HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody. CONCLUSIONS: There is low a
      prevalence of HCV and HBV in HD patients in our region. The rate can be decreased
      by HBV vaccination of end-stage renal disease patients before setting chronic HD,
      antiviral treatment and isolation of infected individuals.

PMID- 22087140
TI  - Assessment of noninvasive liver stiffness in inactive HBsAg carriers by transient
      elastography: Fibroscan in inactive HBsAg carriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic viral hepatitis can be evaluated using invasive or
      noninvasive methods. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate liver
      stiffness in inactive HBsAg carriers compared with normal subjects and determine
      if it is influenced by viral load in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      prospectively evaluated 140 inactive HBsAg carriers and 152 normal subjects
      (without any signs or history of liver disease). In all subjects, liver stiffness
      was measured by 3 experienced physicians using a FibroScan(r) device (EchoSens,
      France) per standard procedures. We excluded patients for whom the SR of liver
      stiffness measurements was < 60% and those who had measurements with an IQR >30%.
      RESULTS: The mean liver stiffness in inactive HBsAg carriers was 5.6+/-2.1kPa,
      significantly higher than in normal subjects (4.8 +/- 1.2 kPa, p = 0.0002). In
      16.4% (23) of inactive carriers, liver stiffness exceeded 7 kPa (the cutoff for
      significant fibrosis F >= 2). In patients with undetectable viral loads, the mean
      liver stiffness was 4.9 +/- 1.2 kPa, significantly lower than in those with
      detectable DNA (< 2000 IU/ml) (6.7 +/- 2.7 kPa, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inactive
      HBsAg carriers have higher liver stiffness values compared with healthy
      individuals. Liver stiffness in inactive HBsAg carriers with detectable viral
      loads is higher than in those who are aviremic, suggesting that low viral loads
      promote fibrosis.

PMID- 22087141
TI  - Percutaneous exposure incidents in nurses: Knowledge, practice and exposure to
      hepatitis B infection: Percutaneous exposure incidents in nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses are at risk of percutaneous exposure incidents (PEIs), which
      may lead to serious or even fatal blood-borne infections. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the prevalence of PEIs in the last year, among nurses and to assess
      their knowledge about and frequency of safe method of practice in exposure to
      blood-borne pathogens (especially, to HBV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study in 2008 was conducted on 138 nurses working in general surgery
      and obstetrics/gynecology services of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences,
      Qazvin, Central Iran. A questionnaire for assessment of risk factors for
      contracting HBV infection was completed by nurses. RESULTS: Overall, the
      prevalence of needle stick injury (NSI) and direct exposure to body fluids were
      52.9% (95% CI: 44.5%-61.3%) and 65.4% (95% CI: 57.4% - 73.8%), respectively.
      There was no statistically significant difference between the two studied centers
      in terms of sharp injuries; however, the rate of repeated NSI (number per each
      year >=3) and mucocutaneous exposures were significantly higher in the general
      surgery ward. The overall coverage of vaccination in the two studied centers was
      96.3%, but the rate of accurate answers to many questions pertaining to knowledge
      and practice were less than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are still at significant
      risk for developing NSI and mucocutaneous exposure. Continuous educational
      programs (especially by highlighting the seriousness of the problem) are
      necessary for improving this situation because inadequate education might
      increase unsafely practice.

PMID- 22087142
TI  - Epidemiological features of patients infected with HCV genotype 4 in Poland:
      Epidemiology of HCV genotype 4 in Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C genotype 4 (HCV-4) is considered to be rare outside
      northern Africa and southern Europe. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological
      characteristics of patients infected with HCV-4 in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      The study group included 290 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and
      intravenous drug users with HCV infection recruited in years 2002-2006 in
      Podlaskie region, north-eastern Poland. In all cases, HCV infection was confirmed
      by HCV-RNA detection by qualitative nested RT-PCR. HCV genotype was determined by
      5'UTR sequencing and comparison with known genotype-specific sequences. RESULTS:
      HCV 4 was found in 45 (15.5%) of 290 HCV-infected and HCV RNA-positive
      individuals. 60% of HCV 4 infections occurred in intravenous drug users; 51% of
      HCV 4-infected patients were also HIV-positive. Among 119 patients whose source
      of infection was other than drug use, there were 16 (10.5%) HCV 4 cases. Seven
      (46%) of 13 HCV 4-positive and HIV-negative patients who received combined
      antiviral treatment had sustained viral response. CONCLUSIONS: HCV 4 exists in
      eastern Poland, and the infection is frequently related to intravenous drug use
      and accompanied by HIV infection. HCV 4 also causes a proportion of non-drug
      related HCV infections.

PMID- 22087143
TI  - Clinical values of AFP, GPC3 mRNA in peripheral blood for prediction of
      hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following OLT: AFP, GPC3 mRNA for prediction
      of HCC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies
      worldwide. Annually, about 200,000 patients died of HCC in China. Liver
      transplantation (LT) holds great theoretical appeal in treating HCC. However, the
      high recurrence rate after transplantation is the most important limiting factor
      for long-term survival. OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of alpha-fetoprotein
      (AFP) messenger RNA (mRNA), Glypican-3 (GPC3) mRNA-expressing cells in the
      peripheral blood (PB) for prediction of HCC recurrence following orthotopic liver
      transplantation (OLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 29 patients with HCC who underwent
      OLT with a minimum clinical follow-up of 12 months were included in this
      retrospective study. We detected AFP mRNA, GPC3 mRNA-expressing cells in the PB
      by TaqMan real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), pre
      , intra- and post-operatively. The early recurrence of patients was evaluated.
      RESULTS: 8 (28%), 15 (52%), and 9 (31%) patients had AFP mRNA detected pre-,
      intra-, and post-operatively, respectively. With 12 months of follow-up, HCC
      recurred in 7 (24%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed that positive pre- and
      post-operative AFP mRNA, TNM stage as well as vascular invasion were significant
      predictors for the HCC recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that being
      positive for AFP mRNA pre-operatively remained a significant risk factor for HCC
      recurrence after OLT. GPC3 mRNA was expressed in all PB samples. There was no
      significant difference in the expression levels of GPC3 mRNA between the HCC and
      control groups. There were no significant differences in GPC3 mRNA expression
      values between those patients with and without tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The
      pre-operative detection of circulating AFP mRNA-expressing cells could be a
      useful predictor for HCC recurrence following OLT. GPC3 mRNA-expressing cells in
      PB seem to have no diagnostic value.

PMID- 22087144
TI  - Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr
      province, southern Iran: HBV seroprevalence in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still reported from adult
      hemodialysis units. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anti-HBs antibody
      in hemodialysis patients and the correlation between levels of anti-HBs antibody
      with other factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies
      level in 119 hemodialysis patients were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. RESULTS: Seroconversion (anti-HBs antibody >10 IU/L) was found in 22
      patients. Minimum protective antibody level was found in patients aged >=60
      years. Statistically significant correlation was not found between anti-HBs
      antibody and gender. Ten (8.4%) patients had abnormal ALT and/or AST. Prevalence
      of HBsAg, anti-HBc antibody, HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody were found in 8 (6.72%),
      24 (25.16%), 2 (1.68%) and 3 (2.52%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Periodic assessment of anti-HBs antibody level is strongly recommended in
      patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PMID- 22087145
TI  - Primary hepatic diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A case report: Primary hepatic
      diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
AB  - In this report we describe a rare case of primary hepatic diffuse large B cell
      lymphoma in a 67-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain, deteriorated
      liver function, elevated lactate dehydrogenase. He was found to have diffuse
      nodular intrahepatic space-occupying lesion with normal alpha-fetoprotein and
      carcino-embryogenic antigen. The final diagnosis was made by percutaneous biopsy
      of the liver as the clinical manifestation not consistent with common liver
      diseases. The patient was treated with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide,
      doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) without surgical resection with a
      favorable response. However, serious complication was occurred after 4 cycles of
      chemotherapy, and the patient finally died of concurrent acute respiratory
      distress syndrome.

PMID- 22087146
TI  - Pernicious anemia in case of chronic viral hepatitis infection: Pernicious anemia
      and chronic viral hepatitis.

PMID- 22087147
TI  - When calculation of minimum sample size is not justified: When sample size
      calculation is not justified.

PMID- 22087148
TI  - Hydroxyurea: A useful adjunct to the standard antiviral therapy in chronic
      hepatitis B.

PMID- 22087149
TI  - Hepatitis A virus infection: Is it an important hazard to public health?: hazards
      of HAV for public health.

PMID- 22087150
TI  - The optimal dose of ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C: From literature evidence
      to clinical practice: The optimal dose of ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - Approximately 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected by hepatitis
      C virus (HCV), which can result in progressive hepatic injury and fibrosis,
      culminating in cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The benchmark therapy for
      untreated HCV patients is a combination of pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN)
      and ribavirin (RBV). Several studies have suggested several potential new
      approaches to improve HCV therapy-optimization of the dose and duration of RBV
      therapy, accompanied by careful clinical management, is crucial in ensuring the
      greatest likelihood of a long response to therapy. RBV causes serious side
      effects, but in clinical practice, there are no alternatives for the treatment of
      HCV infection. Based on our results, weight-based doses of RBV are advantageous
      for genotype 1-infected patients, but its success in genotype 2- and 3-infected
      patients is unknown, particularly for shorter treatment durations.

PMID- 22087151
TI  - The impact of Hepatitis C virus infection on kidney transplantation outcomes: A
      systematic review of 18 observational studies: The impact of HCV on renal
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection occursin 0% to 51% of dialysis
      patients, and manyHCV-positive patients are urged to undergo kidney
      transplantation. However, the outcome of renal transplantation in HCV-positive
      recipients is unknown. OBJECTIVES: Our review aimed to address the outcomesof
      renal transplantation recipients (RTRs)following kidney transplantation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected studies that used the adjusted relative risk
      (aRR) and 95% CI of all-cause mortality and graft loss in HCV-positive compared
      with HCV-negative RTRs as study endpoints. Cox proportional hazard analysis was
      usedin all studies to calculate the independent effects of HCV infection on RTR
      outcomes. Sixteen retrospective cohort studies and 2 clinical trials were
      selected for our review. Sixteen studies were related to patient survival, and 12
      examined graft survival. RESULTS: The combined hazard ratio in HCV-infected
      recipients was 1.69-fold (1.33-1.97, p < 0.0001) and 1.56 times (1.22-2.004, p <
      0.0001) greaterthan that of HCV-negative recipients for mortality and graft loss,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although HCV-infected RTRs have worseoutcomes than HCV
      negative RTRs,kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with
      HCV infection and end-stage renal disease.

PMID- 22087152
TI  - Risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in Turkey: A population-based, case
      control study: Risk Factors for HBV Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Turkey as a
      country with a moderate-high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection,
      there is little data on HBV transmission in this country. OBJECTIVES: To identify
      risk factors for HBV infection, we performed a retrospective case-control study
      between January 2007 and December 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Acute HBV patients
      and population controls were selected, and data from these groups were analyzed
      by logistic regression method. RESULTS: The study included 129 patients with
      acute HBV infection and 219 controls. Hemodialysis (OR:8.2, 95% CI: 4.17-16.61, p
      < 0.05), having an HBsAg (+) spouse (OR: 4.3, 95% CI:2.17-8.53, p < 0.05), living
      with an HBsAg (+) parent(s) (OR: 3.25, 95% CI:1.73-6.12, p < 0.05), and being
      male (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.82-2.21, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors that
      were potentially associated with HBV infection. More than one-third of female
      patients had a significantly higher risk (34.5% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.05) of acquiring
      HBV from their sexual partners. Hemodialysis was the most frequent risk factor
      (46.9% vs. 20%, x (2) = 10.45, p < 0.05) for patients aged over 31 years, and
      living with HBsAg (+) parents was a significantly higher risk factor (28.8% vs.
      10.2%, x (2) = 6.15, p < 0.05) that is more likely to lead to HBVin patients aged
      under 30 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that persons in Turkey who
      undergo hemodialysis are at high risk for acquiring HBV. Having an HBsAg (+)
      spouse (sexual transmission) or living with HBsAg (+) parents (household
      transmission) are significant risk factors for HBV transmission. Vaccination
      appears to be better preventive method against the spread of HBV.

PMID- 22087153
TI  - Hepatitis B seromarkers, hepatitis C antibody, and risk behaviors in married
      couples, a bordered province of western Thailand: Hepatitis B seromarkers,
      hepatitis C antibody, and risk behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Married couples constitute a target group for reducing the risk of
      infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). OBJECTIVES:
      This study attempted to assess HBV seromarkers, anti-HCV-positive rates, and risk
      behaviors among married couples in a bordered province of western Thailand.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 114 married couples aged 15-44
      years was performed. Approximately 25-30 married couples were randomly selected
      from 4 districts in a province of western Thailand. All study participants who
      participated voluntarily were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Their
      blood specimens were collected to screen for HBV seromarkers (HBsAg, anti-HBs,
      and anti-HBc) and anti-HCV. RESULTS: Approximately 21.1% of husbands and 2.6% of
      wives had a history of extramarital sex without using a condom; 18.4% of husbands
      and 4.4% of wives had tattoos; and 18.4% and 3.5%, respectively, consumed alcohol
      regularly. Additionally, 4.4% of husbands and 2.6% of wives had a history of
      sexual contact before marriage. In the serological study, 10.5% of husbands and
      5.3% of wives were HBsAg-positive, and 1.8% of husbands and 0.9% of wives were
      anti-HCV-positive. Among HBsAg-positive subjects, 15/18 had spouses who were
      positive for any HBV marker, and 1 had a spouse who was HBsAg- and anti-HBc
      positive. Three participants were positive for anti-HCV (2 males and 1 female).
      One anti-HCV-positive male had a history of regular alcohol consumption and
      extramarital sex without a condom, and another had a history of intravenous drug
      use. The anti-HCV-positive female had a history of sexual contact before
      marriage. CONCLUSIONS: This study found high percentages of risk behaviors and
      HBsAg positivity among married couples in a bordered province of western
      Thailand, especially in husbands. These findings support the evidence of HCV
      transmission via sexual contact and intravenous drug use.

PMID- 22087154
TI  - Platelet count/bipolar spleen diameter ratio for the prediction of esophageal
      varices: The special Egyptian situation: Noninvasive prediction of esophageal
      varices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal variceal hemorrhage is a devastating complication of
      portal hypertension that occurs in approximately one-third of cirrhotic patients.
      OBJECTIVES: We assessed the value of the platelet count/ bipolar spleen diameter
      ratio as a noninvasive parameter for the prediction of esophageal varices (EVs)
      in Egyptian cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Laboratory and
      ultrasonographic and imaging variables were prospectively evaluated in 175
      patients with liver cirrhosis. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal
      endoscopy. Patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding at the time of
      admission were excluded. RESULTS: The platelet count/ bipolar spleen diameter
      ratio in patients with EVs was significantly lower than in patients without EVs.
      In an analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs), we
      calculated an optimal cutoff value of 939.7 for this ratio, which gave 100%
      sensitivity and negative predictive values, 86.3% specificity, a 95.6% positive
      predictive value, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.94 +/- 0.02, reflecting
      its overall diagnostic accuracy. These findings were extended to a subset
      analysis of compensated cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The platelet count/
      bipolar spleen diameter ratio has excellent accuracy in the noninvasive
      assessment of EVs in patients with compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis.
      It is easy to calculate and can lower the financial and sanitary burdens of
      endoscopy units, especially in developing countries.

PMID- 22087155
TI  - Commentary on: A study of genotype, mutants and nucleotide sequence of HBV in
      Pakistan: Genotype, mutants, and nucleotide sequence of HBV.

PMID- 22087156
TI  - New potential instrument to fight hepatocellular cancer by restoring p53.

PMID- 22087158
TI  - Correlation between HBsAg quantitative assay results and HBV DNA levels in
      chronic HBV.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viral load has been used to diagnose and monitor patients who are
      being treated for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The Diagnosis methods are molecular
      based and expensive. Quantitation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by
      automated chemiluminescent micro-particle immunoassay has been proposed to be a
      surrogate marker. Quantitating HBV DNA levels molecularly is expensive; thus, a
      cheaper laboratory test as a surrogate diagnostic marker might simplify our
      management. OBJECTIVES: We determined whether quantitative HBsAg levels correlate
      with HBV DNA levels in CHB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study,
      all CHB patients who were referred by a gastroenterologist to undergo
      quantitative HBV DNA assay in a qualified laboratory in Mashhad, Iran in 2009
      were enrolled, and blood samples was obtained. Patients who were positive for
      antibodies to HCV and HDV were excluded. HBV DNA was measured by real-time
      polymerase chain reaction, and serum HBsAg was quantified
      byelectrochemiluminescence assay (Roche Diagnostic). RESULTS: Of 97 patients, 70
      were male (72%) and 27 were female (28%); the mean age was 39 +/- 11 years.
      Eighty-seven percent wasHBeAg-negative. By Mann-Whitney test,HBSAg titer differed
      significantly between HBeAg-positive and -negative patients (P = 0.001), as did
      HBV DNA levels (P = 0.009). By Spearman test, there was no significant
      correlation between HBsAg and HBV DNA levels (P= 0.606 and r = 0.53).
      CONCLUSIONS: HBeAg-negative patients have higher levels of HBsAg and lower levels
      of HBV DNA. By electrochemiluminescence assay,HBsAg has no significant
      correlation with HBV DNA levels in CHB with predominant genotype D and HBeAg
      negativity in Iran.

PMID- 22087157
TI  - Liver complications in celiac disease.
AB  - Celiac disease (CD) is characterized by sensitivity to gluten, which is found in
      dietary wheat, barley, and rye. Many extra-intestinal manifestations have been
      described in association with CD. Liver disease and CD share widespread risk
      factors. Liver disorders such as autoimmune hepatitis, elevation of liver enzyme
      levels, primary biliary cirrhosis, nonspecific hepatitis, primary sclerosing
      cholangitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have been reported in patients
      with CD. In this review, we provide information regarding liver disorders that
      may be found in association with celiac disease and the effect of the treatment
      of CD on these disorders.

PMID- 22087159
TI  - The prevalence of hepatitis B antigen-positivity in the general population of
      Mashhad, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant health problem
      throughout the world. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of
      hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity in the general population of Mashhad,
      northeast of Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand six hundred fifty-two
      healthy individuals aged 1 to 90 (Mean; 29.1 +/- 18.5) from all 12 municipalities
      of Mashad were selected randomly by multistage cluster sampling. Informed consent
      was obtained, and demographics and medical histories were collected. Twice
      reactive samples were considered HBsAg-positive by ELISA. Chi-square test and
      logistic regression were applied to analyze the factors related to HBsAg
      positivity using SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HBsAg positivity
      was 1.39% (95% CI, 0.91% to 2.12%); 2.0% and 0.89% among men and women,
      respectively (p = 0.054). Infection was more prevalent in older (p = 0.019) and
      married persons (p = 0.001), Afghanis (p = 0.046), and those with a history of
      traditional cupping (p = 0.005). There was no association between HBV infection
      and gender; literacy; income; employment; family size; or history of blood
      transfusion, dental procedure, surgery, hospitalization, or tattooing. By
      logistic regression analysis, age was the only variable that had a significant
      association with infection (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: It seems that the prevalence
      of HBV infection in Mashhad is slightly lower than that of the nation.

PMID- 22087160
TI  - The HBV DNA cutoff value for discriminating patients with HBeAgnegative chronic
      hepatitis B from inactive carriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has a
      significantly different prognosis than inactive carriers; there is however, no
      reliable strategy for accurately differentiating these two disease conditions.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine a strategy for discriminating patients with HBeAg
      negative CHB from inactive carriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive inactive
      carriers (i.e. HBeAg-negativity, anti-HBe-positivity, normal ALT levels, and HBV
      DNA < 2000 IU/mL) were enrolled. HBV reactivation was defined as the elevation of
      the HBV DNA level to >= 2000 IU/mL. Patients were classified into true inactive
      carriers when their HBV DNA levels remained at < 2000 IU/mL or false inactive
      carriers when their HBV DNA levels increased to >= 2000 IU/mL during the first
      year. RESULTS: The Mean +/- SD age of 208 inactive carriers (140 males) was 47.7
      +/- 12.6 years. The Mean +/- SD serum ALT and HBV DNA levels were 22.8 +/- 8.6
      IU/L and 360 +/- 482 IU/mL, respectively. HBV reactivation developed in 41
      (19.7%) patients during the first year. Baseline HBV DNA and ALT levels differed
      significantly between true inactive and false inactive carriers. The AUROCs of
      the baseline ALT and HBV DNA levels for predicting a false inactive carrier were
      0.609 and 0.831, respectively. HBV reactivation developed more often in patients
      with a baseline HBV DNA level of >= 200 IU/mL than in those with a baseline HBV
      DNA level of < 200 IU/mL during a Mean +/- SD follow-up of 622 +/- 199 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: The HBV DNA level was useful for discriminating patients with HBeAg
      negative CHB from true inactive carriers. The follow-up strategies applied to
      inactive carriers need to vary with their HBV DNA levels.

PMID- 22087161
TI  - The optimal threshold: Baseline serum hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine
      transaminase levels can predict the 2-Year on-treatment virological response to
      lamivudine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HBV is still a worldwide health problem. Annually about 0.5-1.2
      million patients die of HBV-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma. Lamivudine (LAM) is the first nucleoside analog used in
      the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. As LAM has been clinically used for a long
      time, increasing clinical experience has been achieved showing that the
      resistance mutation rate is relatively high. Numerous studies have also focused
      on the predictive factors of long-term efficacy of LAM treatment. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the optimal cutoff values of baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and
      alanine transaminase (ALT) levels as predictors for the long-term efficacy of LAM
      treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of
      163 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients receiving LAM treatment were
      recruited into the present study. Logistic regression analysis was performed to
      find out the independent predictors of 2-year on-treatment virological response
      among the baseline parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      was used to evaluate the optimal cutoff values of these independent predictors.
      The accuracy of the prediction was assessed using the area under curve (AUC) and
      optimal cutoff values were determined through maximizing the Youden's index.
      RESULTS: After 2 years of LAM treatment, undetectable HBV DNA was maintained in
      114 (69.9%) patients. LAM-related resistance mutation (YMDD mutation) was
      detected in 45 (27.6%) patients. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the
      baseline ALT and HBV DNA levels were the independent predictors of the efficacy.
      ROC curve analysis suggested the integration parameter derived from the baseline
      ALT and HBV DNA levels had the maximal predictive value for a 2-year on-treatment
      virological response. The optimal cutoff values of ALT and HBV DNA were 220 IU/L
      and 8.2 log10 copies/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of LAM
      resistant mutations in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients may be
      significantly reduced and long-term efficacy improved when the baseline ALT was
      greater than 220 IU/L and HBV DNA was less than 8.2 log10 copies/mL.

PMID- 22087162
TI  - The effect of desacetyluvaricin on the expression of TLR4 and P53 protein in Hepg
      2.2.15.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that annonaceous may cause permeability
      glycoprotein (P-gp) function to abate, leading to cell apoptosis. It has also
      been reported that annonaceous acetogenins affect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      cells in the G1 phase, leading to apoptosis. Desacetyluvaricin (Des), a new type
      of annonaceous acetogenin monomer, has a significant effect on HCC, with few side
      effects. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of Des on the expression of Toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4) and P53 protein in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HCC
      HepG2.2.15 cell was cultured by routine method. HepG2.2.15 cells were divided
      into three groups: control group, treated with Des and DDP (cisplatin) which were
      examined by immunofluorescence flow cytometry for expression of TLR4 and P53.
      RESULTS: TLR4 was expressed by more cells in the Des group than in the cisplatin
      or serum-only groups (71.94%, 42.64%, and 37.16%, respectively; Des vs.cisplatin:
      p < 0.05; Des vs. serum only: p < 0.05), with no difference between the cisplatin
      and serum-only groups (p > 0.05). P53 was expressed by more cells in the Des and
      cisplatin groups than in the serum-only group (32.6%, 31.5% and 3.3%,
      respectively; Des vs. serum only, p < 0.05; cisplatin vs. serum only, p < 0.05),
      with no difference between the Des and cisplatin groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Des increases TLR4 and P53 expression in HCC cells. Improved immune recognition
      by the former effect and induction of apoptosis by the latter could be the
      mechanisms of Des's clinical effects on HCC.

PMID- 22087163
TI  - Hepatitis B and C among women with illegal social behavior in Isfahan, Iran:
      Seroprevalence and associated factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Iran, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of hepatitis B
      and C viruses (HBV and HCV) among females who engage in illegal sexual behavior.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections and their
      associated factors in this population in Isfahan-Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      this cross-sectional study, 100 females who engaged in illegal sexual behavior
      during 2009-2010 in Isfahan were recruited from welfare to the DIC for women, and
      referrals were made among those who knew others who engaged in prostitution.
      Markers for HBV and HCV-Ab were measured by ELISA, and recombinant immunoblot
      assay was used for confirmation of HCV infection. Also, a questionnaire on
      demographics and prostitution-associated risk data in a face-to-face interview
      was completed for each participant. Chi-square and multivariate logistic
      regression models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 100 samples
      collected, 91 were sufficient for testing. The mean age and time spent in sex
      work were 30.84 +/- 9.34 years and 36 +/- 28.5 months, respectively. HBsAg was
      detected in 1 (1.1%), anti-HBc in 4 (4.4%), anti-HBs in 60 (65.9%), and HCV Ab in
      9 (9.9%) subjects. The evidence of vaccination was seen in 54 subjects (59.3%).
      There were no significant differences in the prevalence of HBV or HCV infection
      by estimated risk factors, and there was no independent risk factor for these
      infections. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HCV infection in this study
      indicates the need to implement preventive interventions for female sex workers
      and, perhaps more importantly, to involve their male clients.

PMID- 22087165
TI  - Commentary on: Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI): A simple
      noninvasive index assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver
      diseases.

PMID- 22087164
TI  - Increased liver stiffness in extrahepatic cholestasis caused by
      choledocholithiasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic cholestasis that is caused by benign and malignant
      diseases has been reported to increase liver stiffness (LS), as measured by
      transient elastography (TE). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate LS
      in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis due to choledocholithiasis before and
      after endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LS was
      measured by TE (Fibroscan) in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis that was
      caused by choledocholithiasis before and 1 month after endoscopic sphincterotomy
      and successful stone removal. RESULTS: We studied 12 patients (7 females, 5
      males), aged 36 to 76 years (mean age 57.1 +/- 11.6 years), with extrahepatic
      cholestasis that was caused by choledocholithiasis. LS was increased in all
      patients (range: 6.2-18.4 kPa; mean: 8.9 +/- 3.5 kPa) before endoscopic therapy.
      Successful biliary drainage was effected by sphincterotomy and stone removal in
      all patients, which led to a significant decline in LS to 3.9-8.1 kPa (Mean: 5.6
      +/- 1.2 kPa; p < 0.001) within a mean observation time of 29 days. The decrease
      in LS values correlated significantly with a decline in serum total bilirubin
      levels (r = 0.691; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Extrahepatic cholestasis due to
      choledocholithiasis increases LS and should be excluded before assesing liver
      fibrosis by transient elastography.

PMID- 22087166
TI  - Commentary on: Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis using aspartate
      transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in adult patients with chronic liver
      disease.

PMID- 22087167
TI  - Is the aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index adequate for the assessment
      of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease?

PMID- 22087168
TI  - Liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases: are laboratory tests
      useful to diagnosis?

PMID- 22087169
TI  - Rosuvastatin and chronic hepatitis C.

PMID- 22087170
TI  - IL28B SNP genotyping among Iranian HCV-infected patients: A preliminary report.

PMID- 22087171
TI  - The necessity of booster vaccination after neonatal hepatitis B vaccination.

PMID- 22087172
TI  - Blood safety concerns in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
AB  - Blood transfusion is a life-saving component of health care systems.
      Nevertheless, it can also be a quick and easy method of exposing patients to
      risks, particularly the transmission of infectious agents to recipients. Despite
      substantial improvements in the safety of transfusion services worldwide, the
      presence of paid and replacement blood donors are still of cause concern for
      ensuring sustainable safe blood donations. Although the Eastern Mediterranean
      region consists of a heterogeneous group of countries that vary in their levels
      of development, they all share common concerns regarding blood safety. In the
      region, concerns regarding the spread of Hepatitis B and C through blood
      transfusion continue to exist. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further
      improvements in both organization and safety measures of blood transfusion
      activities in the region. Although establishing a centralized blood transfusion
      system might not be achievable in the short term in some of the countries in the
      region, the implementation of centralized test kit procurement, data collection,
      and donation testing could be considered feasible approaches.

PMID- 22087173
TI  - Role of living donor liver transplantation in the treatment of hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common indications for liver
      transplantation worldwide. Because of the existing organ shortage, adult-to-adult
      living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become an important method of
      expanding the donor pool to meet the ever-increasing need. However, despite
      advantages such as the quality of the hepatic graft and the timing of the
      transplant, the exact role of LDLT in the treatment of HCV is still unclear. In
      this review, we aim to address some of these issues in an effort to highlight
      both the advantages and disadvantages, as well as to identify the main
      challenges, of using LDLT for treating patients with HCV infection.

PMID- 22087174
TI  - Cytogenetic methods for detection of oxidative stress and evaluation of
      antioxidant therapy in hepatitis C infection.
AB  - The plasma of patients with hepatitis C contains chromosome-damaging substances,
      the so-called "clastogenic factors" (CFs), as this is the case for other chronic
      inflammatory diseases and after radiation exposure. These endogenous clastogens,
      formed as a consequence of increased superoxide production by inflammatory cells,
      can be detected with cytogenetic methods, as they are used for exogenous
      clastogens. The long-lived, autosustained DNA-damaging effects of CFs are risk
      factors for the development of cancer and leukemia. In hepatitis C, the highest
      clastogenic scores has been observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
      In agreement with the link to inflammation, clastogenic score are correlated with
      necro-inflammatory scores in liver biopsies. Antioxidant therapy with a powerful
      superoxide scavenger resulted in normalization of clastogenic scores and
      significant decreases in aminotransferase levels, but did not influence the virus
      load. Preliminary results of our study on a limited number of patients suggest
      that pre-treatment with antioxidants may improve the outcome of
      interferon/ribavirin treatment. A comparison of a three-month treatment with
      either interferon alone or the antioxidant alone, yielded similar results for
      reduction of ALT levels, but only complete normalization of clastogenic scores
      for the antioxidant. Further studies have to be conducted to see whether a
      combination of an antiviral agent with an appropriate antioxidant would allow to
      reduce interferon and its side effects.Combination of antioxidants with IFN/RIBA
      was also reported by other authors with discordant results. The CF-test can be
      useful in clinical trials for the choice of the appropriate antioxidant.

PMID- 22087175
TI  - Should a booster dose be administered in children after mass immunization for
      hepatitis B?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem and vaccine
      preventable disease, but the duration of the effects of HBV vaccination in
      infants is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this trial, which comprised children
      who had received 3 doses as part of the universal HBV immunization program and no
      additional doses, was to investigate anti-HBs titers and HBsAg status after 9
      years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional field
      research study. The study sample, based on sociodemographics and minimum
      seroprevalence, was analyzed based on 10.00% +/- 1.50 (95% confidence interval)
      (1150 individuals); trial was realized in a total of 1279 children (623 females
      and 656 males). Anti-HBs titers were measured by micro-EIA (Dia Sorin-Italy);
      titers < 10 IU/mL were negative, 10-49 IU/mL were low-positive, and > 50 IU/mL
      were high-positive. For anti-HBs titers below protective levels, HBsAg was
      measured by micro-EIA. RESULTS: In approximately half of the children (48.5% in
      those living in semiurban areas and 42.3% in urban areas), antibody titers were
      below protective levels. CONCLUSIONS: Mass HBV vaccination, which was implemented
      in Turkey in 1998, significantly decreases HBsAg positivity in childhood.
      Nevertheless, it might be necessary to administer a booster dose after 8-9 years
      in children, especially those in low socioeconomic areas or in whom
      irregular/insufficient immunization is suspected.

PMID- 22087176
TI  - Protective effect of intermittent clamping of the portal triad in the rat liver
      on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intermittent clamping (IC) of the portal triad is an effective method
      of protecting the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR). In clinical
      practice, this method is employed during a resection, but its mechanism is still
      not clear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of IC on rat liver and determine
      its mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were submitted to 60-min IC
      (cycles of 12-min clamping followed by 4-min reperfusion), and the samples were
      collected after 1, 6, and 72 hrs of reperfusion. We determined the serum activity
      of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and measured the concentration of TNF-alpha,
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in liver homogenates. The
      apoptosis of hepatocytes was evaluated immunohistochemically. RESULTS: When
      compared to the IR rats, the activity of ALT decreased in the IC group in all
      periods of observation (the highest decrease of ~48% after 1 hr of reperfusion).
      When compared to the IR group, a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in
      the TNF-alpha concentration (~33%) in the IC rats occurred only after 1 hr of
      reperfusion, and it was accompanied by a decrease in the MPO concentration after
      1 and 6 hrs of reperfusion. IC reduces the effects of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) activity, which has been confirmed by a statistically significant decrease
      in MDA concentration by 25%-35% in all studied periods. The limitation of
      hepatocytes apoptosis due to IC occurs in the early (~26%; p < 0.05) and late
      (~45%; p < 0.01) phases of reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IC in early phase
      of reperfusion brings about a decrease in TNF-alpha release, which can be related
      to liver injury due to neutrophil infiltration and apoptotic cell reduction. It
      seems that the reduction of lipid peroxidation may also limit the liver injury.

PMID- 22087177
TI  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and correlation of serum alanin
      aminotransferase level with histopathologic findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been recognized as the
      most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It occurs in patients who
      do not consume alcohol in large amounts. Alanine aminotranferase (ALT) and
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are indicators of hepatocellular injury.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine correlation between histopathologic specifications of
      NAFLD in patients with little or no history of alcohol consumption and the serum
      level of ALT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study carried out in two
      gastroenterology and hepatology clinics in Tehran, Iran, the medical records of
      those who had undergone liver biopsies between years 2005 and 2009 were reviewed.
      Clinical and laboratory information of biopsy-proven cases of NAFLD were obtained
      from 147 eligible medical records. The histopathologic, demographic, and
      laboratory data of the participants were also collected. Two groups of patients
      according to their serum ALT level (cut-point of 35 U/L) were defined. The
      quantitative pathologic grade of the biopsy specimens was determined based on
      Brunt scoring system. RESULTS: We studied 147 NAFLD patients including 127 men
      (86.4%) and 20 women (13.6%) with a mean +/- SD age of 41.4 +/- 11.2 years.
      Considering serum ALT, the mean +/- SD quantitative grade of hepatosteatosis was
      1.50 +/- 0.67 and 1.74 +/- 0.73 (p=0.136); advanced fibrosis (consisted of grade
      III and cirrhosis) was found in 4.5% (1/22) and 5.6% (7/125) of patients
      (p=0.327). CONCLUSIONS: We found that using the cut-off value of 35 U/L for serum
      ALT level, it has little contribution to predict NAFLD severity.

PMID- 22087178
TI  - Prevalence of hepatitis E virus and porcine caliciviruses in pig farms of Guizhou
      province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and caliciviruses are enteric pathogens of
      humans and animals, and pigs have been considered an important reservoir of these
      viruses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the infection rates of
      HEV and caliciviruses (sapovirus [SaV] and norovirus [NoV]) in different age
      groups of pigs in Guizhou province, China, and characterize the strains that are
      prevalent in this mountainous area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 209 stool
      samples from healthy pigs of different ages were collected from 6 pig farms in
      Guizhou province from May to June 2009 and tested for HEV, SaV, and NoV by
      reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The overall
      prevalence of porcine HEV and porcine SaV was 6.7% (15/209) and 1.0% (2/209),
      respectively. No NoV was detected. The prevalence rates of porcine HEV infection
      were 15.4% in piglets aged < 1 mon (4/26), 6.8% in piglets aged between 1 and 4
      mon (3/44), 12.5% in piglets aged ~ 4 mon (6/48), and 1.1% in sows aged between 6
      and 14 mon (2/91). Porcine SaV was detected only in piglets (7.7%, 2/26). All 10
      HEV isolates belonged to genotype 4, clustering with a human HEV strain
      (AF103940) from an adjacent province. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on
      the existence of porcine SaV in swine in Guizhou province, China. The clustering
      of the porcine HEV isolates with a human strain suggests cross-species
      transmission between swine and humans in this area.

PMID- 22087179
TI  - The effects of milk thistle on hepatic fibrosis due to methotrexate in rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracts of milk thistle (MT), Silybum marianum, have been used as
      medical remedies since the time of ancient Greece. Methotrexate is a potentially
      hepatotxic drug. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the hepatoprotective effects of MT on
      methotrexate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to April 2010, 30 male
      rats were recruited into three 10-rat subgroups in Tabriz University of Medical
      Sciences. Normal saline was injected intraperitoneally in the first group (A; the
      controls); intraperitoneal methotrexate plus oral MT extract were administered to
      the second group (B) and intraperitoneal methotrexate alone was given to the
      third group (C). Pre- and post-interventional measuring of serum parameters were
      carried out every 15 days. After six weeks, the rats were decapitated and
      histopathological evaluation of liver was done. RESULTS: Serum liver enzymes
      (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, creatinine and BUN
      were measured on days 0, 15, 30, 45. They were significantly higher in the group
      C, comparing with other two groups. Serum albumin was the least in group C
      animals as well. There were no significant differences between groups A and B.
      The mean+/-SD fibrosis score using semi-quantitative scoring system (SSS) was
      1.25+/-0.46, 1.40+/-0.52 and 6.70+/-0.82, in groups A, B and C, respectively
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MT extract can effectively prevent methotrexate-induced
      liver dysfunction and fibrosis in rats.

PMID- 22087180
TI  - Association of interleukin 18 gene promoter polymorphisms with HBV recurrence
      after liver transplantation in Han Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence suggesting that interleukin-18 (IL-18)
      plays a crucial role in viral clearance and disease pathogenesis, and that single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the gene may influence its production.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential association of two polymorphisms (
      137G/C and 607C/A) in the promoter region of the IL-18 gene with the risk of HBV
      recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) in Han Chinese patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: IL-18 promoter genotyping was performed by the snapshot technique in 125
      patients with HBV-related end-stage liver disease (ESLD) receiving LT in our
      center from 2004 to 2008. RESULTS: Among the study samples, no significant
      association between the IL-18 promoter polymorphisms ( 137G/C and 607C/A) or
      haplotypes and HBV recurrence after LT was found. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphisms
      ( 137G/C and 607C/A) in the promoter region of the IL-18 gene may not play a key
      role in HBV recurrence after LT in Han Chinese population, and may not be
      suitable predictors for HBV recurrence in clinical practice.

PMID- 22087181
TI  - Occult hepatitis B: Evolving challenges and new perspectives.

PMID- 22087182
TI  - Broader use of hepatitis B virus vaccine: Efficacy in those who lost hepatitis B
      surface antigen during follow-up.

PMID- 22087183
TI  - Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) to assess liver fibrosis in
      patients with chronic liver disease.

PMID- 22087184
TI  - Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in patients who lost hepatitis B surface
      antigen during follow up.

PMID- 22087185
TI  - Do we need a common liver fibrosis index or etiology-related indices?

PMID- 22087186
TI  - Advances of interventional radiology in treatment of hepatobiliary diseases in
      Iran.
AB  - Interventional radiologists are physicians who specialize in minimally invasive
      targeted therapies, offering the most in-depth knowledge of the less invasive
      therapies that are available and diagnostic and clinical experience across all
      specialties. Interventional radiologists offer treatments for hepatobiliary
      diseases without significant side effects or damage to the adjacent normal
      tissue. We briefly introduce some of the interventional procedures in
      gastroenterology.

PMID- 22087187
TI  - Halothane: Is there still any place for using the gas as an anesthetic?
AB  - The fluorinated hydrocarbons that are used for anesthesia are derived from ether.
      Although they have many benefits, there are several side effects of these drugs,
      including untoward hepatic effects. Whether the use of halothane gas can be
      revitalized is unknown. Introducing nanocarriers inside the halothane molecule
      can increase its benefits as an anesthetic in the lungs and cardiovascular system
      and prevent exposure to the liver. The findings of new fields, such as cancer
      therapy, and anesthetic agents, such as propofol, can improve the quality of the
      drug using nanomedicine.

PMID- 22087189
TI  - Use of duplex mutation primers for real-time PCR quantification of hepatitis C
      virus RNA in serum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The duplex mutation primers offer many advantages over other multi
      labeled probes for real-time detection of amplification products. OBJECTIVES: To
      develop and validate a novel real-time PCR for quantification of HCV RNA based on
      the duplex mutation primers technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The duplex
      mutation primers were selected in the highly conservative 5' non-coding region
      (5'NCR) of the HCV RNA. The assay was validated with the Viral Quality Control
      panel, which also includes Chinese HCV RNA standards. RESULTS: The detection
      limit was 57 IU/mL, and a good linear correlation in the range of 102-108 IU/mL
      was revealed (r(2) = 0.999) with the novel method. This assay has a dynamic range
      of at least 8 log10 without the need for specimen dilution, good clinical intra-
      and inter-run precision, and excellent correlation with a commercially available
      assay(r(2) = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The high sensitivity, wide linear range, and
      good reproducibility, combined with low cost, make this novel quantitative HCV
      real-time PCR assay particularly well suited for application to clinical and
      epidemiological studies.

PMID- 22087188
TI  - Barriers to receiving hepatitis C treatment for people who inject drugs: Myths
      and evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption, current injecting drug use, and pre-existing
      mental illness have been identified as 3 of the main reasons for excluding
      patients from treatment for hepatitis C. OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the literature
      to obtain an evidence base for these common exclusion criteria. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We reviewed original research and meta-analyses investigating the
      effects of alcohol consumption, current injecting drug use, and pre-existing
      mental illness. RESULTS: We identified 66 study reports relevant to the review,
      but found only limited evidence to support withholding of treatment on the basis
      of the 3 previously mentioned exclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there
      is a lack of evidence for many of the barriers faced by patients in availing
      treatment for hepatitis C. Adherence to treat routine was found to be a better
      predictor of sustained virological response than injecting drug or alcohol
      consumption during treatment period or the presence of a pre-existing mental
      disorder. Although several challenges remain, we need to ensure that treatment
      decisions are based on the best available evidence and the treatment is performed
      appropriately on a case-by-case basis.

PMID- 22087191
TI  - Viral hepatitis as an occupational disease in Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In medical terms, occupational diseases are defined as health
      disorders specifically associated with the working environment of people and
      their occupational activity. From the medical and legal perspectives, the vast
      majority of European countries consider particular diseases to be of occupational
      origin if they are mentioned in the current list of occupational diseases and
      caused by exposure to factors in the working environment that are harmful to
      health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of cases
      of viral hepatitis certified as an occupational disease in Poland during 1979
      2009. This article presents the medical, economic, and legal aspects of the
      epidemiology of hepatitis as an occupational disease in Poland. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Publically available statistical data on certified occupational diseases
      in Poland and data contained in individual "occupational disease diagnosis cards"
      (based on data used in Poland statistical form), regarding certified cases of
      hepatitis among health care professionals, which were collected by the Department
      of Occupational Hygiene of the Polish Public Health Service, were analyzed in
      this study. RESULTS: In Poland, the highest number of cases of hepatitis
      certified as an occupational disease was observed in 1987. A gradual reduction in
      the number of cases of hepatitis as an occupational disease has been noted since
      then. Currently, hepatitis C as an occupational disease is certified more
      frequently than hepatitis B. In Poland, the number of women with hepatitis
      certified as an occupational disease is higher than that of men. However, among
      health care professionals, particularly nurses, this difference is insignificant
      because women outnumber the men. The existence of such a situation is due to the
      significant quantitative predominance of women over men among medical personnel,
      especially among nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Immunization of health care professionals
      against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), introduced in Poland in 1988, was an
      important factor involved in reducing the number of cases of occupational viral
      hepatitis. Socioeconomic and financial factors affected the epidemiological data
      on cases of hepatitis certified as an occupational disease in Poland. An
      additional problem associated with the diagnosis of occupational diseases is the
      lack of obligatory testing for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and anti-hepatitis B
      surface antigen (HBsAg) antibodies and examinations to ensure the efficacy of HBV
      vaccination among medical staff before and during employment.

PMID- 22087190
TI  - How efficient is acoustic radiation force impulse elastography for the evaluation
      of liver stiffness?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In chronic liver diseases, a correct estimation of the severity of
      liver fibrosis is important for recommendations regarding the treatment.
      Nowadays, evaluation of fibrosis is done by noninvasive methods such as
      biochemical scores and transient elastography instead of liver biopsy. The lack
      of sensitivity to detect fibrosis, because of its heterogeneity is a drawback of
      liver biopsy (LB). OBJECTIVES: To compare transient elastography (TE) and
      acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) for the evaluation of liver stiffness
      (LS), against percutaneous LB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study comprised of 223
      subjects; 52 without fibrosis (38 volunteers and 14 patients with F0 on LB), 36
      with F1, 40 with F2, 26 with F3 and 69 with liver cirrhosis (46 with LB and 23
      with signs of cirrhosis). For each patient we performed in the same session 10 TE
      and 5 ARFI measurements. The median values were calculated. RESULTS: A strong
      linear correlation (Spearman rho = 0.870) was found between TE and fibrosis (P <
      0.0001); there was also a weaker correlation between ARFI and fibrosis (Spearman
      rho = 0.646; P < 0.0001). TE measurements were also correlated with ARFI
      measurements (Spearman rho = 0.733, P < 0.0001). The best test for predicting
      significant fibrosis (F >= 2) was TE with a cut-off value of 7.1 kPa (AUROC
      0.953). For ARFI, the cut-off value was 1.27 m/s-area under ROC curve (AUROC):
      0.890, sensitivity (Se) of 88.7%, specificity (Sp) of 67.5%, positive predictive
      value (PPV) of 64.5%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90% (P = 0.0044).
      For predicting cirrhosis (F = 4), the optimum cut-off values were 14.4 kPa for TE
      (AUROC: 0.985, Se: 95.6%, Sp: 94.7%, PPV: 89.2%, NPV: 98%) and 1.7 m/s for ARFI
      (AUROC: 0.931, Se: 93%, Sp: 86.7%, PPV: 73.6%, NPV: 96.9%) (P = 0.0102).
      CONCLUSIONS: LS evaluation by means of ARFI is not superior to TE for the
      assessment of liver fibrosis. ARFI is an accurate test for the diagnosis of
      cirrhosis.

PMID- 22087192
TI  - Use of artificial neural network to predict esophageal varices in patients with
      HBV related cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients by noninvasive
      methods is still unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of an
      artificial neural network (ANN) in predicting varices in patients with HBV
      related cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An ANN was constructed with data taken
      from 197 patients with HBV related cirrhosis. The candidates for input nodes of
      the ANN were assessed by univariate analysis and sensitivity analysis. Five-fold
      cross validation was performed to avoid over-fitting. RESULTS: 14 variables were
      reduced by univariate and sensitivity analysis, and an ANN was developed with
      three variables (platelet count, spleen width and portal vein diameter). With a
      cutoff value of 0.5. The ANN model has a sensitivity of 96.5%, specificity of
      60.4%, positive predictive value of 86.9%, negative predictive value of 86.5% and
      a diagnostic accuracy of 86.8% for the prediction of varices. CONCLUSIONS: An ANN
      may be useful for predicting presence of esophageal varices in patients with HBV
      related cirrhosis.

PMID- 22087194
TI  - Indirect markers of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases: Is aspartate transaminase
      to-platelet ratio (APRI) a useful test?

PMID- 22087193
TI  - A new scoring system for prediction of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy (LB) is still considered to be the gold standard for
      assessment of liver fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of
      various non-invasive methods for predicting liver fibrosis, including transient
      elastography (TE), APRI score, Lok score, Forns score, FIB-4 score, Fibrosis
      Index, King score, and Bonacini score, in comparison with the effectiveness of LB
      and to create a new scoring system for fibrosis prediction. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      This study included 212 patients with chronic HCV hepatitis. LB, TE, and various
      biological tests were performed during a single hospital visit. Using established
      formulae, data from these tests were used to create scores for assessment of
      liver fibrosis. RESULTS: The results of all the tests showed significant
      correlation with histological fibrosis. TE results (r = 0.62), King score (r =
      0.57), and APRI score (r = 0.56) showed the closest correlation with severity of
      fibrosis. The following formula was derived from our data by multiple regression:
      Predicted liver fibrosis score (PLF score) = 0.956 + 0.084 * TE - 0.004 * King
      score + 0.124 * Forns score + 0.202 * APRI score. A direct correlation (r = 0.68)
      was found between the PLF score and liver fibrosis. The cut-off values of the PLF
      score for various stages of fibrosis were: F >= 1, 1.77 (Area under ROC curve
      (AUROC) = 0.76); F >= 2, 2.18 (AUROC = 0.78); F >= 3, 2.47 (AUROC = 0.86); and F
      = 4, 2.98 (AUROC = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: We found that our newly developed PLF
      score, which is derived from the scores of multiple tests, is more strongly
      correlated with fibrosis than each component score used individually. The PLF
      score is more effective than TE for predicting severe fibrosis, but they have
      similar effectiveness in predicting liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 22087195
TI  - Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index for the assessment of liver
      fibrosis severity in patients with chronic hepatitis.

PMID- 22087196
TI  - Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis with aspartate transaminase to platelet
      ratio index (APRI).

PMID- 22087197
TI  - Treatment of steroid-resistant pediatric nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - Children who suffer from steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) require
      aggressive treatment to achieve remission. When intravenous high-dose
      methylprednisolone fails, calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine and
      tacrolimus, are used as the first line of treatment. A significant number of
      patients with SRNS progress to end-stage renal disease if remission is not
      achieved. For these children, renal replacement therapy can also be problematic;
      peritoneal dialysis may be accompanied by significant protein loss through the
      peritoneal membrane, and kidney allograft transplantation may be complicated by
      recurrence of SRNS. Plasmapheresis and rituximab were initially used for
      treatment of recurrent SRNS after transplantation; these are now under
      consideration as rescue therapies for refractory SRNS. Although the prognosis of
      SRNS is complicated and unfavorable, intensive treatment in the early stages of
      the disease may achieve remission in more than half of the patients. Therefore,
      timely referral of pediatric SRNS patients to pediatric nephrology specialists
      for histological and genetic diagnosis and treatment is highly recommended.

PMID- 22087198
TI  - Complications of nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common glomerular diseases that affect
      children. Renal histology reveals the presence of minimal change nephrotic
      syndrome (MCNS) in more than 80% of these patients. Most patients with MCNS have
      favorable outcomes without complications. However, a few of these children have
      lesions of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, suffer from severe and prolonged
      proteinuria, and are at high risk for complications. Complications of NS are
      divided into two categories: disease-associated and drug-related complications.
      Disease-associated complications include infections (e.g., peritonitis, sepsis,
      cellulitis, and chicken pox), thromboembolism (e.g., venous thromboembolism and
      pulmonary embolism), hypovolemic crisis (e.g., abdominal pain, tachycardia, and
      hypotension), cardiovascular problems (e.g., hyperlipidemia), acute renal
      failure, anemia, and others (e.g., hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia, bone disease,
      and intussusception). The main pathomechanism of disease-associated complications
      originates from the large loss of plasma proteins in the urine of nephrotic
      children. The majority of children with MCNS who respond to treatment with
      corticosteroids or cytotoxic agents have smaller and milder complications than
      those with steroid-resistant NS. Corticosteroids, alkylating agents, cyclosporin
      A, and mycophenolate mofetil have often been used to treat NS, and these drugs
      have treatment-related complications. Early detection and appropriate treatment
      of these complications will improve outcomes for patients with NS.

PMID- 22087199
TI  - Clinical characteristics and outcomes among pediatric patients hospitalized with
      pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and
      epidemiologic features and outcomes among children hospitalized with pandemic
      influenza A/H1N1 2009 infection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts
      of hospitalized pediatric patients (<18 years) diagnosed with pandemic influenza
      A/H1N1 2009 infection by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at a
      tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, between September 2009 and February 2010.
      RESULTS: A total of 72 children were hospitalized with pandemic influenza A/H1N1
      2009 infection (median age, 6.0 years; range, 2 months to 18 years). A total of
      40% had at least 1 underlying medical condition, including asthma (17%),
      malignancies (19%), and heart diseases (17%). Of the 72 patients, 54 (76%)
      children admitted with H1N1 infection showed radiographic alterations compatible
      with pneumonia. There was no significant difference in pre-existing conditions
      between pandemic influenza A/H1N1 infected patients with or without pneumonia.
      Children with pandemic influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia were more likely to have a
      lower lymphocyte ratio (P=0.02), higher platelet count (P=0.02), and higher level
      of serum glucose (P=0.003), and more commonly presented with dyspnea than did
      those without pneumonia (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in age,
      sex, or presence of preexisting conditions were found between children
      hospitalized with pandemic influenza A/H1N1 H1N1 influenza infection with
      pneumonia and those without pneumonia. Higher leukocyte count, higher glucose
      level, and a lower lymphocyte ratio were associated with the development of
      pandemic A/H1N1 2009 influenza pneumonia.

PMID- 22087200
TI  - Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase are not a risk factor for
      Kawasaki disease in the Korean population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hyperhomocysteinemia is known as a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
      Preclinical arteriosclerosis is noted and premature atherosclerosis is known to
      be accelerated in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Genetic polymorphisms in the
      5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene result in elevated plasma
      homocysteine concentrations and are known to be associated with the development
      of coronary artery disease. Our hypothesis is that single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MTHFR gene are related to the development of KD and
      coronary artery lesions (CALs). METHODS: For this study, we selected 3 candidate
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2274976, rs1801131, and rs1801133) of
      MTHFR. These SNPs are located on chromosome 1p36.3. We included 101 KD patients
      and 306 healthy adults as controls in this study. CALs were seen in 38 patients.
      Genotypes of the selected SNPs were determined by direct sequencing and analyzed
      with SNPAlyze. RESULTS: The genetic distribution and allelic frequency of the 3
      MTHFR SNPs (rs2274976, rs1801131, and rs1801133) were not significantly different
      in patients with KD compared to the control group (P=0.71, 0.17, and 0.96,
      respectively). There was no difference in the genetic distribution of the MTHFR
      SNPs between the normal control group and the CAL group (P=0.43, 0.39, 0.52
      respectively). CONCLUSION: The genetic distribution of the MTHFR SNPs (rs2274976,
      rs1801131, and rs1801133) was not different in the KD group compared to the
      control group. In addition, the genetic distribution of these SNPs was not
      different in the CAL group compared to the control group in the Korean
      population.

PMID- 22087201
TI  - Log-transformed plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide during the acute phase
      of Kawasaki disease is quantitatively associated with myocardial dysfunction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been considered a biochemical marker
      for myocarditis in Kawasaki disease. We performed this study to determine its
      quantitative significance. METHODS: We attempted to correlate log-transformed BNP
      concentrations (log-BNP) and clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic
      variables in 81 children with Kawasaki disease. Stepwise multiple linear
      regression analysis was used to determine the variables independently associated
      with log-BNP concentration. RESULTS: Serum C-reactive protein level (P<0.0001),
      serum alanine aminotransferase concentration (P=0.0032), white blood cell count
      (P=0.0030), and left ventricular mass index (P=0.0024) were positively related
      with log-BNP, and hemoglobin level (P<0.0001), serum albumin level (P<0.0001),
      Na(+) concentrations (P<0.0001), left ventricular fractional shortening
      (P=0.0080), and peak early diastolic tissue velocity of the left ventricular
      basal lateral segment (P=0.0045) were negatively related to the log-BNP
      concentration. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum albumin
      concentration (R(2)=0.31, P=0.0098) and left ventricular mass index (R(2)=0.09,
      P=0.0004) were significantly associated with the log-BNP concentration.
      CONCLUSION: Elevated BNP levels during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease may be
      attributable to cardiac dysfunction associated with the increase in left
      ventricular mass, and log-BNP concentration may be a quantitative biochemical
      marker of myocarditis in Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 22087202
TI  - 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection and necrotizing pneumonia treated with
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - A 3-year-old girl with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to a H1N1 2009
      influenza virus infection was complicated by necrotizing pneumonia was
      successfully treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This is the
      first reported case in which a pediatric patient was rescued with ECMO during the
      H1N1 influenza epidemic in Korea in 2009.

PMID- 22087203
TI  - Masticator space abscess in a 47-day-old infant.
AB  - A 47-day-old male infant presented with fever, poor oral intake, irritability,
      and right-sided bluish buccal swelling. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of
      the neck showed a round mass lesion of about 2.0*1.5 cm that suggested abscess
      formation in the right masticator space. Ultrasound-guided extraoral aspiration
      of the abscess at the right masseter muscle was successful. Staphylococcus aureus
      was identified in the culture from the aspirated pus and blood. Appropriate
      antibiotics were given and the patient recovered. The patient underwent follow-up
      ultrasonography that showed an improved state of the previously observed right
      masseter muscle swelling at about 1 month after hospital discharge. A masticator
      space abscess usually originates from an odontogenic infection in adults. We
      report a case of masticator space abscess in a 47-day-old infant in whom
      septicemia without odontogenic infection was suspected.

PMID- 22087204
TI  - Disability-adjusted life years analysis: implications for stroke research.
AB  - Stroke is a prototype disorder that disables as well as kills people. The
      disability-adjusted life years (DALY) metric developed by the World Health
      Organization to measure the global burden of disease integrates healthy life
      years lost due to both premature mortality and living with disability.
      Accordingly, it is well suited to stroke research. The DALY has previously been
      applied only to large but relatively crude population-level data analyses, but
      now it is possible to calculate the DALY lost in individual stroke patients.
      Measuring each patient's stroke outcome with DALY lost has expanded its
      application to the analysis of treatment effect in acute stroke trials,
      delineating the poststroke complication impact, the differential weighting of
      discrete vascular events, and estimating a more refined stroke burden in a
      specific population. The DALY metric has several advantages over conventional
      stroke outcome measures: 1) Since the DALY measures the burden of diverse health
      conditions with a common metric of life years lost, stroke burden and benefits of
      stroke interventions can be directly compared to other health conditions and
      their treatments. 2) Quantifying stroke burden or interventional benefits as the
      life years lost or gained makes the DALY metric more intuitively accessible for
      public and health system planners. 3) As a continuous, equal-interval scale, the
      DALY analysis might be statistically more powerful than either binary or ordinal
      rank outcome analyses in detecting the treatment effects of clinical trials. 4)
      While currently employed stroke outcome measures take one-time snapshots of
      disability or mortality and implicitly indicate long-term health impact, the DALY
      explicitly indicates the burdens of living with disability for an individual's
      remaining life.

PMID- 22087206
TI  - Psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in patients with drug-refractory
      epilepsy receiving adjunctive levetiracetam therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Levetiracetam (LEV) is a new antiepileptic drug that has
      been found to be effective as an adjunctive therapy for uncontrolled partial
      seizures. However, the results of several studies suggested that LEV has negative
      psychotropic effects, including irritability, aggressiveness, suicidality, and
      mood disorders. We investigated the impact of adjunctive LEV on psychiatric
      symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with drug-refractory epilepsy
      (DRE) and determined the risk factors provoking psychiatric adverse events.
      METHODS: A 24-week, prospective, open-label study was conducted. At enrollment,
      we interviewed patients and reviewed their medical charts to collect demographic
      and clinical information. They were asked to complete self-report health
      questionnaires designed to measure various psychiatric symptoms and QOL at
      enrollment and 24 weeks later. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included in the
      study, 12 patients (16.9%) of whom discontinued LEV therapy due to serious
      adverse events including suicidality. The risk factor for premature withdrawal
      was a previous history of psychiatric diseases (odds ratio 4.59; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.22-17.32). LEV intake resulted in significant improvements in Beck
      Anxiety Inventory score (p<0.01) and some domains of the Symptom Checklist-90
      Revised, such as somatization (p<0.05), obsessive-compulsiveness (p<0.05),
      depression (p<0.05), and anxiety (p<0.05). These improvements were not related to
      the occurrence of seizure freedom. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31
      overall score and subscale scores, such as seizure worry (p<0.01), overall QOL
      (p<0.05), emotional well-being (p<0.05), energy-fatigue (p<0.05), and social
      function (p<0.05), also improved. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive LEV in patients with
      DRE is likely to improve psychiatric symptoms and QOL. Clinicians should be well
      aware of the psychiatric histories of patients to prevent them from developing
      serious adverse events related to LEV.

PMID- 22087205
TI  - New insights into neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the central
      nervous system (CNS) that preferentially affects the optic nerves and spinal
      cord. In Asia, NMO has long been considered a subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS).
      However, recent clinical, pathological, immunological, and imaging studies have
      suggested that NMO is distinct from MS. This reconsideration of NMO was initially
      prompted by the discovery of a specific antibody for NMO (NMO-IgG) in 2004. NMO
      IgG is an autoantibody that targets aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the most abundant water
      channel in the CNS; hence, it was named anti-AQP4 antibody. Since it demonstrated
      reasonable sensitivity and high specificity, anti-AQP4 antibody was incorporated
      into new diagnostic criteria for NMO.The spectrum of NMO is now known to be wider
      than was previously recognized and includes a proportion of patients with
      recurrent, isolated, longitudinally extensive myelitis or optic neuritis, and
      longitudinally extensive myelitis or optic neuritis associated with systemic
      autoimmune disease or with brain lesions typical of NMO. In this context, a new
      concept of "NMO spectrum disorders" was recently introduced. Furthermore,
      seropositivity for NMO-IgG predicts future relapses and is recognized as a
      prognostic marker for NMO spectrum disorders. Humoral immune mechanisms,
      including the activation of B-cells and the complement pathway, are considered to
      play important roles in NMO pathogenesis. This notion is supported by recent
      studies showing the potential pathogenic role of NMO-IgG as an initiator of NMO
      lesions. However, a demonstration of the involvement of NMO-IgG by the
      development of active immunization and passive transfer in animal models is still
      needed. This review focuses on the new concepts of NMO based on its
      pathophysiology and clinical characteristics. Potential management strategies for
      NMO in light of its pathomechanism are also discussed.

PMID- 22087207
TI  - Efficacy and safety of switching from oral cholinesterase inhibitors to the
      rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to estimate the efficacy and
      safety of the rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with probable
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) who cannot tolerate or do not respond to oral
      cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). METHODS: A 24-week, prospective, open-label,
      single-arm, multicenter study was conducted from June 2009 to June 2010 in
      patients with probable AD. The enrolled patients had either a poor response or a
      decline in global function after treatment with oral ChEIs, or they were not able
      to tolerate treatment with oral ChEIs due to adverse events such as nausea or
      vomiting. A poor response was defined as a decrease of at least 2 points on the
      Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) within the previous
      6 months (the decline in global function was determined by the investigator or
      caregiver). The efficacy of treatment was assessed using a follow-up Clinical
      Global Impression of Change (CGIC) assessment and K-MMSE conducted after 24
      weeks, and safety was measured by the occurrence of adverse events and patient
      disposition. RESULTS: In total, 164 patients aged 74.7+/-7.52 years (mean+/-SD)
      and with 5.12+/-3.64 years of education were included. The study was completed by
      70% of the patients (n=116), with 12.2% discontinuing due to adverse events. The
      most frequently reported adverse events (11%) were skin lesions, such as erythema
      or itching, followed by gastrointestinal problems (1.2%). Either an improvement
      or no decline in CGIC scores was reported for 82% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      The immediate switching of patients from an oral ChEI to the rivastigmine
      transdermal patch without a washout period was safe and well tolerated by the
      probable-AD patients in this study.

PMID- 22087208
TI  - Polymorphism of the Glutamate Transporter Protein EAAT2 and Migraine
      Transformation into Chronic Daily Headache.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The progression of migraine into chronic daily headache
      involves multiple risk factors, but the main contributor is not known. Glutamate
      is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in central sensitization, which is an
      important process in the pathogenesis of migraine transformation. The glutamate
      transporter protein excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) is the primary
      modulator of glutamatergic neurotransmission, and genetic polymorphisms of its
      gene, EEAT2, have been identified. The aim of this study was to determine the
      effect of EAAT2 polymorphisms on migraine transformation into chronic daily
      headache. METHODS: We included 74 migraine patients with episodic attack (M-E)
      and 59 migraine patients with chronic daily headache (M-CDH). After amplifying
      EAAT2 by polymerase chain reaction, we assessed its genotype frequencies based on
      restriction fragment length polymorphisms. We reclassified all migraine patients
      into two groups according to their EAAT2 genotype, either with the A allele
      (n=62) or without it (n=71), and compared the clinical variables between the two
      groups. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of EAAT2 polymorphisms did not differ
      between the M-E and M-CDH groups. Comparison between EEAT2 genotypes revealed
      that the frequency of analgesic usage was significantly higher among migraine
      patients with the A allele (12.9+/-1.6 days/month) than in those without the A
      allele (8.1+/-1.2 days/month; p=0.019). The other clinical variables of migraine
      did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that
      EEAT2 polymorphism contributes to the tendency toward frequent analgesic usage in
      migraine patients. This implies a potential genetic influence on the progression
      of migraine into chronic daily headache through the development of medication
      overuse headache.

PMID- 22087209
TI  - Changes in Length of Stay for Neurological Geriatric Diseases in Korea between
      2003 and 2007.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The elderly population and the prevalence of stroke,
      dementia, and Parkinson's disease are increasing rapidly in Korea. The aim of
      this study was to establish the length of stay (LOS) for neurological geriatric
      diseases, and analyze this parameteraccording to healthcare institutions.
      METHODS: We used data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service
      from 2003 to 2007. Nineteen neurological geriatric diseases were classified into
      four groups: dementia, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and Parkinson's
      disease. LOS was analyzed according to gender, age, insurance type, disease
      group, and type of healthcare institution. RESULTS: The LOS for neurological
      geriatric diseases lengthened from 5,550,193 days (10.8% of the total National
      Health Insurance admission days) in 2003 to 14,749,671 days (19.7%) in 2007. The
      mean LOS was 40.8 days in 2003, and lengthened to 71.2 days in 2007. After
      stratification by disease group, the mean LOS for long-term-care hospitals
      lengthened by 1.43 times (from 81.7 to 116.6 days) in the cerebral infarction
      group, 1.35 times (from 85.6 to 115.2 days) in the cerebral hemorrhage group, and
      1.28 times (from 82.7 to 105.7 days) in the Parkinson's disease group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The LOS for neurological geriatric diseases has lengthened markedly,
      which isdue to an increasesin the number of hospitalized patients and the mean
      LOS, which have increased most rapidly in long-term-care hospitals. These results
      may be useful in developing geriatric health policies.

PMID- 22087210
TI  - Ipsilateral tilt and contralateral sensory change of neck in cortical infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous neck muscles are involved in neck movements, and so isolated
      neck weakness is extremely uncommon in cerebral infarction. CASE REPORT: We
      report herein the case of a 65-year-old woman with hypertension and acute
      cortical infarction, presenting with ipsilateral head tilt and contralateral
      sensory changes in the neck and shoulder area, which has never been described
      before. CONCLUSIONS: Transient neck weakness and sensory deficits can occur in
      acute cortical infarction. The motor representation of the neck muscles can be at
      the same level of the cortical sensory representation, near to the level of the
      trunk representation, which is in contrast to Penfield's findings. Several
      possible mechanisms for the ipsilateral tilt are described.

PMID- 22087211
TI  - Emergency microsurgical embolectomy for the treatment of acute intracranial
      artery occlusion: report of two cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main treatment for acute arterial ischemic stroke is intravenous
      or intra-arterial thrombolysis within a particular time window. Endovascular
      mechanical embolectomy is another treatment option in the case of major artery
      occlusion. Endovascular mechanical embolectomy is a useful technique for
      restoring blood flow in patients with large-vessel occlusion, and especially in
      those who are contraindicated for thrombolytics or in whom thrombolytic therapy
      has failed. CASE REPORT: We report herein two cases of emergency microsurgical
      embolectomy for the treatment of acute middle cerebral artery and internal
      carotid artery occlusion as an alternative treatment for major artery occlusion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Emergency microsurgical mechanical embolectomy may be an alternative
      treatment option for restoring blood flow in selected patients with large-vessel
      acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22087212
TI  - Spontaneous Carotid Cavernous Fistula in a Case with Protein S Deficiency that
      Newly Developed Ophthalmoplegia after Embolization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between
      the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The pathogenesis of spontaneous CCF
      remains unclear, although sinus thrombosis is known to be a predisposing factor
      for dural arteriovenous fistula. Because spontaneous CCFs are mainly of the dural
      type, we considered that thrombogenic conditions, such as, protein S deficiency
      might be associated with CCF. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old woman complained of
      conjunctival injection and retro-orbital pain that first appeared 1-month before
      visiting our hospital. She had no history of head trauma or intracranial surgery.
      Exophthalmos and chemosis were observed in her left eye, which also had lower
      visual acuity and higher intraocular pressure than the right eye. Magnetic
      resonance images and cerebral angiography revealed a left dural CCF. Her protein
      S was low, at 41% (normal range: 70-140%), but other hematologic values related
      to coagulation were normal. Her symptoms were relieved after initial transvenous
      coil embolization. However, a newly developed sixth-nerve palsy was detected 4
      days after initial embolization. Follow-up angiography revealed a minimal shunt,
      and thus transvenous coil embolization was repeated. Two days later, the
      ophthalmoplegia started reducing, and 1-month later it had almost disappeared.
      CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of
      spontaneous dural CCF in a Korean patient with concurrent protein S deficiency.
      Interestingly, transient sixth-nerve palsy developed after transvenous coil
      embolization in this patient. This additional symptom caused by the residual
      fistula was relieved after additional transarterial embolization.

PMID- 22087213
TI  - Concurrence of Multifocal Motor Neuropathy and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an immune-mediated disorder that
      is characterized by slowly progressive and asymmetrical weakness, but its
      pathophysiological mechanism is uncertain. The hypothesis that MMN is an
      immunological disease has been supported by the proven therapeutic effects of
      intravenous immunoglobulin and the detection of antiganglioside antibodies in MMN
      patients. The coexistence of MMN with other immune diseases has been rarely
      reported. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of
      weakness in both hands. The clinical manifestations coincided well with MMN:
      predominantly distal upper-limb weakness, asymmetric involvement, a progressive
      course, absence of sensory symptoms, absence of pyramidal signs, and sparing of
      the cranial muscles. The electrophysiological findings also supported a diagnosis
      of MMN, with motor nerve conduction block in the median, ulnar, and radial
      nerves, without sensory nerve involvement. The patient was simultaneously
      diagnosed as having Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is a well-known immune
      mediated disease. CONCLUSIONS: The concurrence of MMN and Hashimoto's thyroiditis
      in our patient is significant for understanding the immunological characteristics
      of the two diseases.

PMID- 22087215
TI  - Bile acid sequestration reduces plasma glucose levels in db/db mice by increasing
      its metabolic clearance rate.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Bile acid sequestrants (BAS) reduce plasma glucose levels in
      type II diabetics and in murine models of diabetes but the mechanism herein is
      unknown. We hypothesized that sequestrant-induced changes in hepatic glucose
      metabolism would underlie reduced plasma glucose levels. Therefore, in vivo
      glucose metabolism was assessed in db/db mice on and off BAS using tracer
      methodology. METHODS: Lean and diabetic db/db mice were treated with 2% (wt/wt in
      diet) Colesevelam HCl (BAS) for 2 weeks. Parameters of in vivo glucose metabolism
      were assessed by infusing [U-(13)C]-glucose, [2-(13)C]-glycerol, [1-(2)H]
      galactose and paracetamol for 6 hours, followed by mass isotopologue distribution
      analysis, and related to metabolic parameters as well as gene expression
      patterns. RESULTS: Compared to lean mice, db/db mice displayed an almost 3-fold
      lower metabolic clearance rate of glucose (p = 0.0001), a ~300% increased
      glucokinase flux (p = 0.001) and a ~200% increased total hepatic glucose
      production rate (p = 0.0002). BAS treatment increased glucose metabolic clearance
      rate by ~37% but had no effects on glucokinase flux nor total hepatic or
      endogenous glucose production. Strikingly, BAS-treated db/db mice displayed
      reduced long-chain acylcarnitine content in skeletal muscle (p = 0.0317) but not
      in liver (p = 0.189). Unexpectedly, BAS treatment increased hepatic FGF21 mRNA
      expression 2-fold in lean mice (p = 0.030) and 3-fold in db/db mice (p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: BAS induced plasma glucose lowering in db/db mice by
      increasing metabolic clearance rate of glucose in peripheral tissues, which
      coincided with decreased skeletal muscle long-chain acylcarnitine content.

PMID- 22087216
TI  - EGFR-targeted hybrid plasmonic magnetic nanoparticles synergistically induce
      autophagy and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in 80%
      of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is associated with poor survival. In
      recent years, EGFR-targeted inhibitors have been tested in the clinic for NSCLC.
      Despite the emergence of novel therapeutics and their application in cancer
      therapy, the overall survival rate of lung cancer patients remains 15%. To
      develop more effective therapies for lung cancer we have combined the anti-EGFR
      antibody (Clone 225) as a molecular therapeutic with hybrid plasmonic magnetic
      nanoparticles (NP) and tested on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Cell viability was determined by trypan-blue
      assay. Cellular protein expression was determined by Western blotting. C225-NPs
      were detected by electron microscopy and confocal microscopy, and EGFR expression
      using immunocytochemistry. C225-NP exhibited a strong and selective antitumor
      effect on EGFR-expressing NSCLC cells by inhibiting EGFR-mediated signal
      transduction and induced autophagy and apoptosis in tumor cells. Optical images
      showed specificity of interactions between C225-NP and EGFR-expressing NSCLC
      cells. No binding of C225-NP was observed for EGFR-null NSCLC cells. C225-NP
      exhibited higher efficiency in induction of cell killing in comparison with the
      same amount of free C225 antibody in tumor cells with different levels of EGFR
      expression. Furthermore, in contrast to C225-NP, free C225 antibody did not
      induce autophagy in cells. However, the therapeutic efficacy of C225-NP gradually
      approached the level of free antibodies as the amount of C225 antibody conjugated
      per nanoparticle was decreased. Finally, attaching C225 to NP was important for
      producing the enhanced tumor cell killing as addition of mixture of free C225 and
      NP did not demonstrate the same degree of cell killing activity.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrated for the first time the molecular
      mechanism of C225-NP induced cytotoxic effects in lung cancer cells that are not
      characteristic for free molecular therapeutics thus increasing efficacy of
      therapy against NSCLC.

PMID- 22087217
TI  - Incentive or habit learning in amphibians?
AB  - Toads (Rhinella arenarum) received training with a novel incentive procedure
      involving access to solutions of different NaCl concentrations. In Experiment 1,
      instrumental behavior and weight variation data confirmed that such solutions
      yield incentive values ranging from appetitive (deionized water, DW, leading to
      weight gain), to neutral (300 mM slightly hypertonic solution, leading to no net
      weight gain or loss), and aversive (800 mM highly hypertonic solution leading to
      weight loss). In Experiment 2, a downshift from DW to a 300 mM solution or an
      upshift from a 300 mM solution to DW led to a gradual adjustment in instrumental
      behavior. In Experiment 3, extinction was similar after acquisition with access
      to only DW or with a random mixture of DW and 300 mM. In Experiment 4, a
      downshift from DW to 225, 212, or 200 mM solutions led again to gradual
      adjustments. These findings add to a growing body of comparative evidence
      suggesting that amphibians adjust to incentive shifts on the basis of habit
      formation and reorganization.

PMID- 22087218
TI  - Population status of a cryptic top predator: an island-wide assessment of tigers
      in Sumatran rainforests.
AB  - Large carnivores living in tropical rainforests are under immense pressure from
      the rapid conversion of their habitat. In response, millions of dollars are spent
      on conserving these species. However, the cost-effectiveness of such investments
      is poorly understood and this is largely because the requisite population
      estimates are difficult to achieve at appropriate spatial scales for these
      secretive species. Here, we apply a robust detection/non-detection sampling
      technique to produce the first reliable population metric (occupancy) for a
      critically endangered large carnivore; the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris
      sumatrae). From 2007-2009, seven landscapes were surveyed through 13,511 km of
      transects in 394 grid cells (17*17 km). Tiger sign was detected in 206 cells,
      producing a naive estimate of 0.52. However, after controlling for an unequal
      detection probability (where p = 0.13+/-0.017; +/-S.E.), the estimated tiger
      occupancy was 0.72+/-0.048. Whilst the Sumatra-wide survey results gives cause
      for optimism, a significant negative correlation between occupancy and recent
      deforestation was found. For example, the Northern Riau landscape had an average
      deforestation rate of 9.8%/yr and by far the lowest occupancy (0.33+/-0.055). Our
      results highlight the key tiger areas in need of protection and have led to one
      area (Leuser-Ulu Masen) being upgraded as a 'global priority' for wild tiger
      conservation. However, Sumatra has one of the highest global deforestation rates
      and the two largest tiger landscapes identified in this study will become highly
      fragmented if their respective proposed roads networks are approved. Thus, it is
      vital that the Indonesian government tackles these threats, e.g. through improved
      land-use planning, if it is to succeed in meeting its ambitious National Tiger
      Recovery Plan targets of doubling the number of Sumatran tigers by 2022.

PMID- 22087219
TI  - Next-generation sequencing of apoptotic DNA breakpoints reveals association with
      actively transcribed genes and gene translocations.
AB  - DNA fragmentation is a well-recognized hallmark of apoptosis. However, the
      precise DNA sequences cleaved during apoptosis triggered by distinct mechanisms
      remain unclear. We used next-generation sequencing of DNA fragments generated in
      Actinomycin D-treated human HL-60 leukemic cells to generate a high-throughput,
      global map of apoptotic DNA breakpoints. These data highlighted that DNA breaks
      are non-random and show a significant association with active genes and open
      chromatin regions. We noted that transcription factor binding sites were also
      enriched within a fraction of the apoptotic breakpoints. Interestingly, extensive
      apoptotic cleavage was noted within genes that are frequently translocated in
      human cancers. We speculate that the non-random fragmentation of DNA during
      apoptosis may contribute to gene translocations and the development of human
      cancers.

PMID- 22087220
TI  - G12 signaling through c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase promotes breast cancer cell
      invasion.
AB  - Signaling through the heterotrimeric G protein, G12, via Rho induces a striking
      increase in breast cancer cell invasion. In this study, evidence is provided that
      the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) is a key downstream effector of G12 on this
      pathway. Expression of constitutively-active Galpha12 or activation of G12
      signaling by thrombin leads to increased JNK and c-Jun phosphorylation.
      Pharmacologic inhibition of JNK or knockdown of JNK expression by siRNA
      significantly decreases G12-induced JNK activation as well as the ability of
      breast cancer cells to invade a reconstituted basement membrane. Furthermore,
      expression of dominant-negative Rho or treatment of cells with an inhibitor of
      the Rho kinase, ROCK, reduces G12-induced JNK and c-Jun activation, and ROCK
      inhibitor treatment also inhibits G12-induced cellular invasion. JNK knockdown or
      ROCK inhibitor treatment has no effect on activation of Rho by G12. Taken
      together, our data indicate that JNK activation is required for G12-induced
      invasion of breast cancer cells and that JNK is downstream of Rho and ROCK on
      this pathway. This study implicates a G12-stimulated mitogen-activated protein
      kinase cascade in cancer cell invasion, and supports a role for JNK in cancer
      progression.

PMID- 22087221
TI  - Contribution of NFP LysM domains to the recognition of Nod factors during the
      Medicago truncatula/Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis.
AB  - The root nodule nitrogen fixing symbiosis between legume plants and soil bacteria
      called rhizobia is of great agronomical and ecological interest since it provides
      the plant with fixed atmospheric nitrogen. The establishment of this symbiosis is
      mediated by the recognition by the host plant of lipo-chitooligosaccharides
      called Nod Factors (NFs), produced by the rhizobia. This recognition is highly
      specific, as precise NF structures are required depending on the host plant.
      Here, we study the importance of different LysM domains of a LysM-Receptor Like
      Kinase (LysM-RLK) from Medicago truncatula called Nod factor perception (NFP) in
      the recognition of different substitutions of NFs produced by its symbiont
      Sinorhizobium meliloti. These substitutions are a sulphate group at the reducing
      end, which is essential for host specificity, and a specific acyl chain at the
      non-reducing end, that is critical for the infection process. The NFP
      extracellular domain (ECD) contains 3 LysM domains that are predicted to bind
      NFs. By swapping the whole ECD or individual LysM domains of NFP for those of its
      orthologous gene from pea, SYM10 (a legume plant that interacts with another
      strain of rhizobium producing NFs with different substitutions), we showed that
      NFP is not directly responsible for specific recognition of the sulphate
      substitution of S. meliloti NFs, but probably interacts with the acyl
      substitution. Moreover, we have demonstrated the importance of the NFP LysM2
      domain for rhizobial infection and we have pinpointed the importance of a single
      leucine residue of LysM2 in that step of the symbiosis. Together, our data put
      into new perspective the recognition of NFs in the different steps of symbiosis
      in M. truncatula, emphasising the probable existence of a missing component for
      early NF recognition and reinforcing the important role of NFP for NF recognition
      during rhizobial infection.

PMID- 22087222
TI  - Efficacy of injections with Disci/Rhus toxicodendron compositum for chronic low
      back pain--a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of injection therapy for low-back pain is still
      debatable. We compared the efficacy of local injections of the homeopathic
      preparation Disci/Rhus toxicodendron compositum (verum) with placebo injections
      and with no treatment in patients with chronic low back pain.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In a randomized controlled partly double blind
      multicenter trial patients with chronic low back pain from 9 German outpatient
      clinics were enrolled and randomly allocated in a 1?1?1 ratio to receive
      subcutaneous injections (verum or placebo) into painful sites on the lower back
      over 12 treatment sessions within eight weeks, or no treatment (rescue pain
      medication with paracetamol or NSAIDs). All trial personnel and participants were
      masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was the average pain
      intensity over the last seven days on a visual analogue scale (0-100 mm, 0 = no
      pain, 100 = worst imaginable pain) after eight weeks. Follow-up was 26 weeks.
      Primary analysis was by intention to treat. Between August 2007 and June 2008,
      150 patients were randomly allocated to three groups (51 verum, 48 placebo and 51
      no treatment). The mean baseline-adjusted low back pain intensity at week eight
      was: verum group 37.0 mm (97.5% CI 25.3;48.8), no treatment group 53.0
      (41.8;64.2), and placebo group 41.8 (30.1;53.6). The verum was significantly
      superior to no treatment (P = 0.001), but not to placebo (P = 0.350). No
      significant side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The homeopathic
      preparation was not superior to placebo. Compared to no treatment injections
      resulted in significant and clinical relevant chronic back pain relief. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00567736.

PMID- 22087223
TI  - Anatomical and physiological plasticity in Leymus chinensis (Poaceae) along large
      scale longitudinal gradient in northeast China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although it has been widely accepted that global changes will pose
      the most important constrains to plant survival and distribution, our knowledge
      of the adaptive mechanism for plant with large-scale environmental changes (e.g.
      drought and high temperature) remains limited. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An
      experiment was conducted to examine anatomical and physiological plasticity in
      Leymus chinensis along a large-scale geographical gradient from 115 degrees  to
      124 degrees E in northeast China. Ten sites selected for plant sampling at the
      gradient have approximately theoretical radiation, but differ in precipitation
      and elevation. The significantly increasing in leaf thickness, leaf mass per
      area, vessel and vascular diameters, and decreasing in stoma density and stoma
      index exhibited more obvious xerophil-liked traits for the species from the moist
      meadow grassland sites in contrast to that from the dry steppe and desert sites.
      Significant increase in proline and soluble sugar accumulation, K(+)/Na(+) for
      the species with the increasing of stresses along the gradient showed that
      osmotic adjustment was enhanced. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Obvious xerophytic
      anatomical traits and stronger osmotic adjustment in stress conditions suggested
      that the plants have much more anatomical and physiological flexibilities than
      those in non-stress habitats along the large-scale gradient.

PMID- 22087224
TI  - Cryosurgery with pulsed electric fields.
AB  - This study explores the hypothesis that combining the minimally invasive surgical
      techniques of cryosurgery and pulsed electric fields will eliminate some of the
      major disadvantages of these techniques while retaining their advantages.
      Cryosurgery, tissue ablation by freezing, is a well-established minimally
      invasive surgical technique. One disadvantage of cryosurgery concerns the
      mechanism of cell death; cells at high subzero temperature on the outer rim of
      the frozen lesion can survive. Pulsed electric fields (PEF) are another minimally
      invasive surgical technique in which high strength and very rapid electric pulses
      are delivered across cells to permeabilize the cell membrane for applications
      such as gene delivery, electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation. The
      very short time scale of the electric pulses is disadvantageous because it does
      not facilitate real time control over the procedure. We hypothesize that applying
      the electric pulses during the cryosurgical procedure in such a way that the
      electric field vector is parallel to the heat flux vector will have the effect of
      confining the electric fields to the frozen/cold region of tissue, thereby
      ablating the cells that survive freezing while facilitating controlled use of the
      PEF in the cold confined region. A finite element analysis of the electric field
      and heat conduction equations during simultaneous tissue treatment with
      cryosurgery and PEF (cryosurgery/PEF) was used to study the effect of tissue
      freezing on electric fields. The study yielded motivating results. Because of
      decreased electrical conductivity in the frozen/cooled tissue, it experienced
      temperature induced magnified electric fields in comparison to PEF delivered to
      the unfrozen tissue control. This suggests that freezing/cooling confines and
      magnifies the electric fields to those regions; a targeting capability
      unattainable in traditional PEF. This analysis shows how temperature induced
      magnified and focused PEFs could be used to ablate cells in the high subzero
      freezing region of a cryosurgical lesion.

PMID- 22087225
TI  - Biochemical and computational analysis of LNX1 interacting proteins.
AB  - PDZ (Post-synaptic density, 95 kDa, Discs large, Zona Occludens-1) domains are
      protein interaction domains that bind to the carboxy-terminal amino acids of
      binding partners, heterodimerize with other PDZ domains, and also bind
      phosphoinositides. PDZ domain containing proteins are frequently involved in the
      assembly of multi-protein complexes and clustering of transmembrane proteins.
      LNX1 (Ligand of Numb, protein X 1) is a RING (Really Interesting New Gene) domain
      containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that also includes four PDZ domains suggesting it
      functions as a scaffold for a multi-protein complex. Here we use a human protein
      array to identify direct LNX1 PDZ domain binding partners. Screening of 8,000
      human proteins with isolated PDZ domains identified 53 potential LNX1 binding
      partners. We combined this set with LNX1 interacting proteins identified by other
      methods to assemble a list of 220 LNX1 interacting proteins. Bioinformatic
      analysis of this protein list was used to select interactions of interest for
      future studies. Using this approach we identify and confirm six novel LNX1
      binding partners: KCNA4, PAK6, PLEKHG5, PKC-alpha1, TYK2 and PBK, and suggest
      that LNX1 functions as a signalling scaffold.

PMID- 22087226
TI  - Influenza-related mortality trends in Japanese and American seniors: evidence for
      the indirect mortality benefits of vaccinating schoolchildren.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The historical Japanese influenza vaccination program targeted at
      schoolchildren provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the indirect benefits of
      vaccinating high-transmitter groups to mitigate disease burden among seniors.
      Here we characterize the indirect mortality benefits of vaccinating
      schoolchildren based on data from Japan and the US. METHODS: We compared age
      specific influenza-related excess mortality rates in Japanese seniors aged >=65
      years during the schoolchildren vaccination program (1978-1994) and after the
      program was discontinued (1995-2006). Indirect vaccine benefits were adjusted for
      demographic changes, socioeconomics and dominant influenza subtype; US mortality
      data were used as a control. RESULTS: We estimate that the schoolchildren
      vaccination program conferred a 36% adjusted mortality reduction among Japanese
      seniors (95%CI: 17-51%), corresponding to ~1,000 senior deaths averted by
      vaccination annually (95%CI: 400-1,800). In contrast, influenza-related mortality
      did not change among US seniors, despite increasing vaccine coverage in this
      population. CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese schoolchildren vaccination program was
      associated with substantial indirect mortality benefits in seniors.

PMID- 22087227
TI  - Revisiting the NMR structure of the ultrafast downhill folding protein gpW from
      bacteriophage lambda.
AB  - GpW is a 68-residue protein from bacteriophage lambda that participates in virus
      head morphogenesis. Previous NMR studies revealed a novel alpha+beta fold for
      this protein. Recent experiments have shown that gpW folds in microseconds by
      crossing a marginal free energy barrier (i.e., downhill folding). These features
      make gpW a highly desirable target for further experimental and computational
      folding studies. As a step in that direction, we have re-determined the high
      resolution structure of gpW by multidimensional NMR on a construct that
      eliminates the purification tags and unstructured C-terminal tail present in the
      prior study. In contrast to the previous work, we have obtained a full manual
      assignment and calculated the structure using only unambiguous distance
      restraints. This new structure confirms the alpha+beta topology, but reveals
      important differences in tertiary packing. Namely, the two alpha-helices are
      rotated along their main axis to form a leucine zipper. The beta-hairpin is
      orthogonal to the helical interface rather than parallel, displaying most
      tertiary contacts through strand 1. There also are differences in secondary
      structure: longer and less curved helices and a hairpin that now shows the
      typical right-hand twist. Molecular dynamics simulations starting from both gpW
      structures, and calculations with CS-Rosetta, all converge to our gpW structure.
      This confirms that the original structure has strange tertiary packing and
      strained secondary structure. A comparison of NMR datasets suggests that the
      problems were mainly caused by incomplete chemical shift assignments, mistakes in
      NOE assignment and the inclusion of ambiguous distance restraints during the
      automated procedure used in the original study. The new gpW corrects these
      problems, providing the appropriate structural reference for future work.
      Furthermore, our results are a cautionary tale against the inclusion of ambiguous
      experimental information in the determination of protein structures.

PMID- 22087228
TI  - Reduction theories elucidate the origins of complex biological rhythms generated
      by interacting delay-induced oscillations.
AB  - Time delay is known to induce sustained oscillations in many biological systems
      such as electroencephalogram (EEG) activities and gene regulations. Furthermore,
      interactions among delay-induced oscillations can generate complex collective
      rhythms, which play important functional roles. However, due to their intrinsic
      infinite dimensionality, theoretical analysis of interacting delay-induced
      oscillations has been limited. Here, we show that the two primary methods for
      finite-dimensional limit cycles, namely, the center manifold reduction in the
      vicinity of the Hopf bifurcation and the phase reduction for weak interactions,
      can successfully be applied to interacting infinite-dimensional delay-induced
      oscillations. We systematically derive the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation and
      the phase equation without delay for general interaction networks. Based on the
      reduced low-dimensional equations, we demonstrate that diffusive (linearly
      attractive) coupling between a pair of delay-induced oscillations can exhibit
      nontrivial amplitude death and multimodal phase locking. Our analysis provides
      unique insights into experimentally observed EEG activities such as sudden
      transitions among different phase-locked states and occurrence of epileptic
      seizures.

PMID- 22087229
TI  - Characterizing the Escherichia coli O157:H7 proteome including protein
      associations with higher order assemblies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent outbreak of severe infections with Shiga toxin (Stx)
      producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotype O104:H4 highlights the need to
      understand horizontal gene transfer among E. coli strains, identify novel
      virulence factors and elucidate their pathogenesis. Quantitative shotgun
      proteomics can contribute to such objectives, allowing insights into the part of
      the genome translated into proteins and the connectivity of biochemical pathways
      and higher order assemblies of proteins at the subcellular level.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We examined protein profiles in cell lysate
      fractions of STEC strain 86-24 (serotype O157:H7), following growth in cell
      culture or bacterial isolation from intestines of infected piglets, in the
      context of functionally and structurally characterized biochemical pathways of E.
      coli. Protein solubilization in the presence of Triton X-100, EDTA and high salt
      was followed by size exclusion chromatography into the approximate M(r) ranges
      greater than 280 kDa, 280-80 kDa and 80-10 kDa. Peptide mixtures resulting from
      these and the insoluble fraction were analyzed by quantitative 2D-LC-nESI-MS/MS.
      Of the 2521 proteins identified at a 1% false discovery rate, representing 47% of
      all predicted E. coli O157:H7 gene products, the majority of integral membrane
      proteins were enriched in the high M(r) fraction. Hundreds of proteins were
      enriched in a M(r) range higher than that predicted for a monomer supporting
      their participation in protein complexes. The insoluble STEC fraction revealed
      enrichment of aggregation-prone proteins, including many that are part of large
      structure/function entities such as the ribosome, cytoskeleton and O-antigen
      biosynthesis cluster. SIGNIFICANCE: Nearly all E. coli O157:H7 proteins encoded
      by prophage regions were expressed at low abundance levels or not detected.
      Comparative quantitative analyses of proteins from distinct cell lysate fractions
      allowed us to associate uncharacterized proteins with membrane attachment,
      potential participation in stable protein complexes, and susceptibility to
      aggregation as part of larger structural assemblies.

PMID- 22087230
TI  - Evaluation of transmitral pressure gradients in the intraoperative
      echocardiographic diagnosis of mitral stenosis after mitral valve repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute mitral stenosis (MS) following mitral valve (MV) repair is a
      rare but severe complication. We hypothesize that intraoperative echocardiography
      can be utilized to diagnose iatrogenic MS immediately after MV repair. METHODS:
      The medical records of 552 consecutive patients undergoing MV repair at a single
      institution were reviewed. Post-cardiopulmonary bypass peak and mean transmitral
      pressure gradients (TMPG), and pressure half time (PHT) were obtained from
      intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) examinations in each
      patient. RESULTS: Nine patients (9/552 = 1.6%) received a reoperation for primary
      MS, prior to hospital discharge. Interestingly, all of these patients already
      showed intraoperative post-CPB mean and peak TMPGs that were significantly higher
      compared to values for those who did not: 10.7+/-4.8 mmHg vs 2.9+/-1.6 mmHg;
      p<0.0001 and 22.9+/-7.9 mmHg vs 7.6+/-3.7 mmHg; p<0.0001, respectively. However,
      PHT varied considerably (87+/-37 ms; range: 20-439 ms) within the entire
      population, and only weakly predicted the requirement for reoperation (113+/-56
      vs. 87+/-37 ms, p = 0.034). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed
      strong discriminating ability for mean gradients (AUC = 0.993) and peak gradients
      (area under the curve, AUC = 0.996), but poor performance for PHT (AUC = 0.640).
      A value of >=7 mmHg for mean, and >=17 mmHg for peak TMPG, best separated
      patients who required reoperation for MS from those who did not. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intraoperative TEE diagnosis of a peak TMPG >=17 mmHg or mean TMPG >=7 mmHg
      immediately following CPB are suggestive of clinically relevant MS after MV
      repair.

PMID- 22087231
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire (NWFQ).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire (NWFQ) is a 50-item self
      report questionnaire specifically developed for nurses and allied health
      professionals. Its seven subscales measure impairments in the work functioning
      due to common mental disorders. Aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric
      properties of the NWFQ, by assessing reproducibility and construct validity.
      METHODS: The questionnaire was administered to 314 nurses and allied health
      professionals with a re-test in 112 subjects. Reproducibility was assessed by the
      intraclass correlations coefficients (ICC) and the standard error of measurement
      (SEM). For construct validity, correlations were calculated with a general work
      functioning scale, the Endicott Work Productivity Scale (EWPS) (convergent
      validity) and with a physical functioning scale (divergent validity). For
      discriminative validity, a Mann Whitney U test was performed testing for
      significant differences between subjects with mental health complaints and
      without. RESULTS: All subscales showed good reliability (ICC: 0.72-0.86), except
      for one (ICC = 0.16). Convergent validity was good in six subscales, correlations
      ranged from 0.38-0.62. However, in one subscale the correlation with the EWPS was
      too low (0.22). Divergent validity was good in all subscales based on
      correlations ranged from (-0.06)-(-0.23). Discriminative validity was good in all
      subscales, based on significant differences between subjects with and without
      mental health complaints (p<0.001-p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The NWFQ demonstrates
      good psychometric properties, for six of the seven subscales. Subscale "impaired
      decision making" needs improvement before further use.

PMID- 22087232
TI  - Candida albicans yeast and hyphae are discriminated by MAPK signaling in vaginal
      epithelial cells.
AB  - We previously reported that a bi-phasic innate immune MAPK response, constituting
      activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase MKP1 and c
      Fos transcription factor, discriminates between the yeast and hyphal forms of
      Candida albicans in oral epithelial cells (ECs). Since the vast majority of
      mucosal Candida infections are vaginal, we sought to determine whether a similar
      bi-phasic MAPK-based immune response was activated by C. albicans in vaginal ECs.
      Here, we demonstrate that vaginal ECs orchestrate an innate response to C.
      albicans via NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways. However, unlike in oral ECs,
      the first MAPK response, defined by c-Jun transcription factor activation, is
      delayed until 2 h in vaginal ECs but is still independent of hypha formation. The
      'second' or 'late' MAPK response, constituting MKP1 and c-Fos transcription
      factor activation, is identical to oral ECs and is dependent upon both hypha
      formation and fungal burdens. NF-kappaB activation is immediate but independent
      of morphology. Furthermore, the proinflammatory response in vaginal ECs is
      different to oral ECs, with an absence of G-CSF and CCL20 and low level IL-6
      production. Therefore, differences exist in how C. albicans activates signaling
      mechanisms in oral and vaginal ECs; however, the activation of MAPK-based
      pathways that discriminate between yeast and hyphal forms is retained between
      these mucosal sites. We conclude that this MAPK-based signaling pathway is a
      common mechanism enabling different human epithelial tissues to orchestrate
      innate immune responses specifically against C. albicans hyphae.

PMID- 22087233
TI  - Massively parallel amplicon sequencing reveals isotype-specific variability of
      antimicrobial peptide transcripts in Mytilus galloprovincialis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective innate responses against potential pathogens are essential
      in the living world and possibly contributed to the evolutionary success of
      invertebrates. Taken together, antimicrobial peptide (AMP) precursors of
      defensin, mytilin, myticin and mytimycin can represent about 40% of the hemocyte
      transcriptome in mussels injected with viral-like and bacterial preparations, and
      unique profiles of myticin C variants are expressed in single mussels. Based on
      amplicon pyrosequencing, we have ascertained and compared the natural and Vibrio
      induced diversity of AMP transcripts in mussel hemocytes from three European
      regions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Hemolymph was collected from mussels
      farmed in the coastal regions of Palavas (France), Vigo (Spain) and Venice
      (Italy). To represent the AMP families known in M. galloprovincialis, nine
      transcript sequences have been selected, amplified from hemocyte RNA and
      subjected to pyrosequencing. Hemolymph from farmed (offshore) and wild (lagoon)
      Venice mussels, both injected with 10(7) Vibrio cells, were similarly processed.
      Amplicon pyrosequencing emphasized the AMP transcript diversity, with Single
      Nucleotide Changes (SNC) minimal for mytilin B/C and maximal for arthropod-like
      defensin and myticin C. Ratio of non-synonymous vs. synonymous changes also
      greatly differed between AMP isotypes. Overall, each amplicon revealed similar
      levels of nucleotidic variation across geographical regions, with two main
      sequence patterns confirmed for mytimycin and no substantial changes after
      immunostimulation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Barcoding and bidirectional
      pyrosequencing allowed us to map and compare the transcript diversity of known
      mussel AMPs. Though most of the genuine cds variation was common to the analyzed
      samples we could estimate from 9 to 106 peptide variants in hemolymph pools
      representing 100 mussels, depending on the AMP isoform and sampling site. In this
      study, no prevailing SNC patterns related to geographical origin or Vibrio
      injection emerged. Whether or not the contact with potential pathogens can
      increase the amount of AMP transcript variants in mussels requires additional
      study.

PMID- 22087234
TI  - Wnt signaling cross-talks with JH signaling by suppressing Met and gce
      expression.
AB  - Juvenile hormone (JH) plays key roles in controlling insect growth and
      metamorphosis. However, relatively little is known about the JH signaling
      pathways. Until recent years, increasing evidence has suggested that JH modulates
      the action of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) by regulating expression of broad (br), a
      20E early response gene, through Met/Gce and Kr-h1. To identify other genes
      involved in JH signaling, we designed a novel Drosophila genetic screen to
      isolate mutations that derepress JH-mediated br suppression at early larval
      stages. We found that mutations in three Wnt signaling negative regulators in
      Drosophila, Axin (Axn), supernumerary limbs (slmb), and naked cuticle (nkd),
      caused precocious br expression, which could not be blocked by exogenous JHA. A
      similar phenotype was observed when armadillo (arm), the mediator of Wnt
      signaling, was overexpressed. qRT-PCR revealed that Met, gce and Kr-h1expression
      was suppressed in the Axn, slmb and nkd mutants as well as in arm gain-of
      function larvae. Furthermore, ectopic expression of gce restored Kr-h1 expression
      but not Met expression in the arm gain-of-function larvae. Taken together, we
      conclude that Wnt signaling cross-talks with JH signaling by suppressing
      transcription of Met and gce, genes that encode for putative JH receptors. The
      reduced JH activity further induces down-regulation of Kr-h1expression and
      eventually derepresses br expression in the Drosophila early larval stages.

PMID- 22087235
TI  - A focused in situ hybridization screen identifies candidate transcriptional
      regulators of thymic epithelial cell development and function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are necessary for normal T cell
      development. Currently, one transcription factor, Foxn1 is known to be necessary
      for the progression of fetal TEC differentiation. However, some aspects of fetal
      TEC differentiation occur in Foxn1 mutants, suggesting the existence of
      additional transcriptional regulators of TEC differentiation. The goal of this
      study was to identify some of the additional candidate transcription factors that
      may be involved in the specification and/or differentiation of TECs during fetal
      development. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We identified candidate fetal TEC
      transcriptional regulators via data and text mining. From our data mining we
      selected the transcription factors Foxg1, Isl1, Gata3, Nkx2-5, Nkx2-6 and Sox2
      for further studies. Whole mount in situ hybridizations confirmed the expression
      of these transcription factors within subdomains of the third pharyngeal pouch
      from E9.5-E10.5. By E11.5 days Foxg1 and Isl1 transcripts were the only mRNAs
      from this group of genes detected exclusively within the thymus domain of the
      third pouch. Based on this initial in situ hybridization analysis, we focused on
      defining the expression of Foxg1 and Isl1 during multiple stages of thymus
      development and TEC differentiation. We found that Foxg1 and Isl1 are
      specifically expressed in differentiating TECs during fetal and postnatal stages
      of thymus development. In addition, we found differential expression of Islet1
      and Foxn1 within the fetal and postnatal TEC population.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our studies have identified two developmental
      transcription factors that are excellent candidate regulators of thymic
      epithelial cell specification and differentiation during fetal development. Our
      results suggest that Foxg1 and Isl1 may play a role in the regulation of TEC
      differentiation during fetal and postnatal stages. Our results also demonstrate
      heterogeneity of TECs marked by the differential expression of transcription
      factors, potentially providing new insights into the regulation of TEC
      differentiation.

PMID- 22087236
TI  - Induction of PGC-1alpha expression can be detected in blood samples of patients
      with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - Following acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardiomyocyte survival depends on its
      mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Cell death is normally followed by activation
      of the immune system. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma
      coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a transcriptional coactivator and a master
      regulator of cardiac oxidative metabolism. PGC-1alpha is induced by hypoxia and
      facilitates the recovery of the contractile capacity of the cardiac muscle
      following an artery ligation procedure. We hypothesized that PGC-1alpha activity
      could serve as a good molecular marker of cardiac recovery after a coronary
      event. The objective of the present study was to monitor the levels of PGC-1alpha
      following an ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) episode in
      blood samples of the affected patients. Analysis of blood mononuclear cells from
      human patients following an STEMI showed that PGC-1alpha expression was increased
      and the level of induction correlated with the infarct size. Infarct size was
      determined by LGE-CMR (late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic
      resonance), used to estimate the percentage of necrotic area. Cardiac markers,
      maximum creatine kinase (CK-MB) and Troponin I (TnI) levels, left ventricular
      ejection function (LVEF) and regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) as
      determined by echocardiography were also used to monitor cardiac injury. We also
      found that PGC-1alpha is present and active in mouse lymphocytes where its
      expression is induced upon activation and can be detected in the nuclear fraction
      of blood samples. These results support the notion that induction of PGC-1alpha
      expression can be part of the recovery response to an STEMI and could serve as a
      prognosis factor of cardiac recovery.

PMID- 22087237
TI  - Improving the estimation of celiac disease sibling risk by non-HLA genes.
AB  - Celiac Disease (CD) is a polygenic trait, and HLA genes explain less than half of
      the genetic variation. Through large GWAs more than 40 associated non-HLA genes
      were identified, but they give a small contribution to the heritability of the
      disease. The aim of this study is to improve the estimate of the CD risk in
      siblings, by adding to HLA a small set of non-HLA genes. One-hundred fifty-seven
      Italian families with a confirmed CD case and at least one other sib and both
      parents were recruited. Among 249 sibs, 29 developed CD in a 6 year follow-up
      period. All individuals were typed for HLA and 10 SNPs in non-HLA genes:
      CCR1/CCR3 (rs6441961), IL12A/SCHIP1 and IL12A (rs17810546 and rs9811792), TAGAP
      (rs1738074), RGS1 (rs2816316), LPP (rs1464510), OLIG3 (rs2327832), REL
      (rs842647), IL2/IL21 (rs6822844), SH2B3 (rs3184504). Three associated SNPs (in
      LPP, REL, and RGS1 genes) were identified through the Transmission Disequilibrium
      Test and a Bayesian approach was used to assign a score (BS) to each detected
      HLA+SNPs genotype combination. We then classified CD sibs as at low or at high
      risk if their BS was respectively < or >= median BS value within each HLA risk
      group. A larger number (72%) of CD sibs showed a BS >= the median value and had a
      more than two fold higher OR than CD sibs with a BS value < the median (O.R =
      2.53, p = 0.047). Our HLA+SNPs genotype classification, showed both a higher
      predictive negative value (95% vs 91%) and diagnostic sensitivity (79% vs 45%)
      than the HLA only. In conclusion, the estimate of the CD risk by HLA+SNPs
      approach, even if not applicable to prevention, could be a precious tool to
      improve the prediction of the disease in a cohort of first degree relatives,
      particularly in the low HLA risk groups.

PMID- 22087238
TI  - A bayesian mixed regression based prediction of quantitative traits from
      molecular marker and gene expression data.
AB  - Both molecular marker and gene expression data were considered alone as well as
      jointly to serve as additive predictors for two pathogen-activity-phenotypes in
      real recombinant inbred lines of soybean. For unobserved phenotype prediction, we
      used a bayesian hierarchical regression modeling, where the number of possible
      predictors in the model was controlled by different selection strategies tested.
      Our initial findings were submitted for DREAM5 (the 5th Dialogue on Reverse
      Engineering Assessment and Methods challenge) and were judged to be the best in
      sub-challenge B3 wherein both functional genomic and genetic data were used to
      predict the phenotypes. In this work we further improve upon this previous work
      by considering various predictor selection strategies and cross-validation was
      used to measure accuracy of in-data and out-data predictions. The results from
      various model choices indicate that for this data use of both data types (namely
      functional genomic and genetic) simultaneously improves out-data prediction
      accuracy. Adequate goodness-of-fit can be easily achieved with more complex
      models for both phenotypes, since the number of potential predictors is large and
      the sample size is not small. We also further studied gene-set enrichment (for
      continuous phenotype) in the biological process in question and chromosomal
      enrichment of the gene set. The methodological contribution of this paper is in
      exploration of variable selection techniques to alleviate the problem of over
      fitting. Different strategies based on the nature of covariates were explored and
      all methods were implemented under the bayesian hierarchical modeling framework
      with indicator-based covariate selection. All the models based in careful
      variable selection procedure were found to produce significant results based on
      permutation test.

PMID- 22087239
TI  - Genome-wide functional analysis of the cotton transcriptome by creating an
      integrated EST database.
AB  - A total of 28,432 unique contigs (25,371 in consensus contigs and 3,061 as
      singletons) were assembled from all 268,786 cotton ESTs currently available.
      Several in silico approaches [comparative genomics, Blast, Gene Ontology (GO)
      analysis, and pathway enrichment by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
      (KEGG)] were employed to investigate global functions of the cotton
      transcriptome. Cotton EST contigs were clustered into 5,461 groups with a maximum
      cluster size of 196 members. A total of 27,956 indel mutants and 149,616 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from consensus contigs.
      Interestingly, many contigs with significantly high frequencies of indels or SNPs
      encode transcription factors and protein kinases. In a comparison with six model
      plant species, cotton ESTs show the highest overall similarity to grape. A total
      of 87 cotton miRNAs were identified; 59 of these have not been reported
      previously from experimental or bioinformatics investigations. We also predicted
      3,260 genes as miRNAs targets, which are associated with multiple biological
      functions, including stress response, metabolism, hormone signal transduction and
      fiber development. We identified 151 and 4,214 EST-simple sequence repeats (SSRs)
      from contigs and raw ESTs respectively. To make these data widely available, and
      to facilitate access to EST-related genetic information, we integrated our
      results into a comprehensive, fully downloadable web-based cotton EST database
      (www.leonxie.com).

PMID- 22087240
TI  - Post eclosion age predicts the prevalence of midgut trypanosome infections in
      Glossina.
AB  - The teneral phenomenon, as observed in Glossina sp., refers to the increased
      susceptibility of the fly to trypanosome infection when the first bloodmeal taken
      is trypanosome-infected. In recent years, the term teneral has gradually become
      synonymous with unfed, and thus fails to consider the age of the newly emerged
      fly at the time the first bloodmeal is taken. Furthermore, conflicting evidence
      exists of the effect of the age of the teneral fly post eclosion when it is given
      the infected first bloodmeal in determining the infection prevalence. This study
      demonstrates that it is not the feeding history of the fly but rather the age
      (hours after eclosion of the fly from the puparium) of the fly when it takes the
      first (infective) bloodmeal that determines the level of fly susceptibility to
      trypanosome infection. We examine this phenomenon in male and female flies from
      two distinct tsetse clades (Glossina morsitans morsitans and Glossina palpalis
      palpalis) infected with two salivarian trypanosome species, Trypanosoma
      (Trypanozoon) brucei brucei and Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) congolense using
      Fisher's exact test to examine differences in infection rates. Teneral tsetse
      aged less than 24 hours post-eclosion (h.p.e.) are twice as susceptible to
      trypanosome infection as flies aged 48 h.p.e. This trend is conserved across sex,
      vector clade and parasite species. The life cycle stage of the parasite fed to
      the fly (mammalian versus insect form trypanosomes) does not alter this age
      related bias in infection. Reducing the numbers of parasites fed to 48 h.p.e.,
      but not to 24 h.p.e. flies, increases teneral refractoriness. The importance of
      this phenomenon in disease biology in the field as well as the necessity of
      employing flies of consistent age in laboratory-based infection studies is
      discussed.

PMID- 22087241
TI  - Rosiglitazone-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipose tissue is
      independent of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator
      1alpha.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thiazolidinediones, a family of insulin-sensitizing drugs commonly
      used to treat type 2 diabetes, are thought to exert their effects in part by
      promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipose tissue through the
      transcriptional coactivator PGC-1alpha (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated
      Receptor gamma Coactivator-1alpha). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To assess the
      role of PGC-1alpha in the control of rosiglitazone-induced mitochondrial
      biogenesis, we have generated a mouse model that lacks expression of PGC-1alpha
      specifically in adipose tissues (PGC-1alpha-FAT-KO mice). We found that
      expression of genes encoding for mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative
      phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle or fatty acid oxidation, was similar in
      white adipose tissue of wild type and PGC-1alpha-FAT-KO mice. Furthermore, the
      absence of PGC-1alpha did not prevent the positive effect of rosiglitazone on
      mitochondrial gene expression or biogenesis, but it precluded the induction by
      rosiglitazone of UCP1 and other brown fat-specific genes in white adipose tissue.
      Consistent with the in vivo findings, basal and rosiglitazone-induced
      mitochondrial gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was unaffected by the
      knockdown of PGC-1alpha but it was impaired when PGC-1beta expression was
      knockdown by the use of specific siRNA. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results
      indicate that in white adipose tissue PGC-1alpha is dispensable for basal and
      rosiglitazone-induced mitochondrial biogenesis but required for the rosiglitazone
      induced expression of UCP1 and other brown adipocyte-specific markers. Our study
      suggests that PGC-1alpha is important for the appearance of brown adipocytes in
      white adipose tissue. Our findings also provide evidence that PGC-1beta and not
      PGC-1alpha regulates basal and rosiglitazone-induced mitochondrial gene
      expression in white adipocytes.

PMID- 22087242
TI  - Classification of sharks in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters using morphological
      and DNA barcoding approaches.
AB  - The identification of species constitutes the first basic step in phylogenetic
      studies, biodiversity monitoring and conservation. DNA barcoding, i.e. the
      sequencing of a short standardized region of DNA, has been proposed as a new tool
      for animal species identification. The present study provides an update on the
      composition of shark in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters off Alexandria, since
      the latest study to date was performed 30 years ago, DNA barcoding was used in
      addition to classical taxonomical methodologies. Thus, 51 specimen were DNA
      barcoded for a 667 bp region of the mitochondrial COI gene. Although DNA
      barcoding aims at developing species identification systems, some phylogenetic
      signals were apparent in the data. In the neighbor-joining tree, 8 major clusters
      were apparent, each of them containing individuals belonging to the same species,
      and most with 100% bootstrap value. This study is the first to our knowledge to
      use DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene in order to confirm the presence
      of species Squalus acanthias, Oxynotus centrina, Squatina squatina, Scyliorhinus
      canicula, Scyliorhinus stellaris, Mustelus mustelus, Mustelus punctulatus and
      Carcharhinus altimus in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters. Finally, our study is
      the starting point of a new barcoding database concerning shark composition in
      the Egyptian Mediterranean waters (Barcoding of Egyptian Mediterranean Sharks
      [BEMS],
      http://www.boldsystems.org/views/projectlist.php?&#Barcoding%20Fish%20%28FishBOL%
      9).

PMID- 22087243
TI  - Features, causes and consequences of splanchnic sequestration of amino acid in
      old rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: In elderly subjects, splanchnic extraction of amino acids (AA)
      increases during meals in a process known as splanchnic sequestration of amino
      acids (SSAA). This process potentially contributes to the age-related progressive
      decline in muscle mass via reduced peripheral availability of dietary AA. SSAA
      mechanisms are unknown but may involve an increased net utilization of ingested
      AA in the splanchnic area. OBJECTIVES: Using stable isotope methodology in fed
      adult and old rats to provide insight into age-related SSAA using three
      hypotheses: 1) an increase in protein synthesis in the gut and/or the liver, 2)
      an increase in AA oxidation related to an increased ureagenesis, and 3) Kupffer
      cell (KC) activation consequently to age-related low-grade inflammation.
      FINDINGS: Splanchnic extraction of Leu (SPELeu) was doubled in old rats compared
      to adult rats and was not changed after KC inactivation. No age-related effects
      on gut and liver protein synthesis were observed, but urea synthesis was lower in
      old rats and negatively correlated to liver Arg utilization. Net whole-body
      protein synthesis and arterial AA levels were lower in old rats and correlated
      negatively with SPELeu. CONCLUSION: SSAA is not the consequence of age-related
      alterations in ureagenesis, gut or liver protein synthesis or of KC activity.
      However, SSAA may be related to reduced net whole-body protein synthesis and
      consequently to the reduced lean body mass that occurs during aging.

PMID- 22087244
TI  - A molecular phylogeny of the Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera).
AB  - Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera) are extremely diverse with more than 23,000 species
      described and over 500,000 species estimated to exist. This is the first
      comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily based on a molecular
      analysis of 18S and 28S ribosomal gene regions for 19 families, 72 subfamilies,
      343 genera and 649 species. The 56 outgroups are comprised of Ceraphronoidea and
      most proctotrupomorph families, including Mymarommatidae. Data alignment and the
      impact of ambiguous regions are explored using a secondary structure analysis and
      automated (MAFFT) alignments of the core and pairing regions and regions of
      ambiguous alignment. Both likelihood and parsimony approaches are used to analyze
      the data. Overall there is no impact of alignment method, and few but substantial
      differences between likelihood and parsimony approaches. Monophyly of
      Chalcidoidea and a sister group relationship between Mymaridae and the remaining
      Chalcidoidea is strongly supported in all analyses. Either Mymarommatoidea or
      Diaprioidea are the sister group of Chalcidoidea depending on the analysis.
      Likelihood analyses place Rotoitidae as the sister group of the remaining
      Chalcidoidea after Mymaridae, whereas parsimony nests them within Chalcidoidea.
      Some traditional family groups are supported as monophyletic (Agaonidae,
      Eucharitidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Leucospidae, Mymaridae, Ormyridae,
      Signiphoridae, Tanaostigmatidae and Trichogrammatidae). Several other families
      are paraphyletic (Perilampidae) or polyphyletic (Aphelinidae, Chalcididae,
      Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, Pteromalidae, Tetracampidae and Torymidae). Evolutionary
      scenarios discussed for Chalcidoidea include the evolution of phytophagy, egg
      parasitism, sternorrhynchan parasitism, hypermetamorphic development and
      heteronomy.

PMID- 22087245
TI  - Serum microRNA expression profile distinguishes enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus
      16 infections in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
AB  - Altered circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiles have been noted in patients with
      microbial infections. We compared host serum miRNA levels in patients with hand
      foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus
      16 (CVA16) as well as in other microbial infections and in healthy individuals.
      Among 664 different miRNAs analyzed using a miRNA array, 102 were up-regulated
      and 26 were down-regulated in sera of patients with enteroviral infections.
      Expression levels of ten candidate miRNAs were further evaluated by quantitative
      real-time PCR assays. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis
      revealed that six miRNAs (miR-148a, miR-143, miR-324-3p, miR-628-3p, miR-140-5p,
      and miR-362-3p) were able to discriminate patients with enterovirus infections
      from healthy controls with area under curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.828 to
      0.934. The combined six miRNA using multiple logistic regression analysis
      provided not only a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 92.7% but also a
      unique profile that differentiated enterovirial infections from other microbial
      infections. Expression levels of five miRNAs (miR-148a, miR-143, miR-324-3p, miR
      545, and miR-140-5p) were significantly increased in patients with CVA16 versus
      those with EV71 (p<0.05). Combination of miR-545, miR-324-3p, and miR-143
      possessed a moderate ability to discrimination between CVA16 and EV71 with an AUC
      value of 0.761. These data indicate that sera from patients with different
      subtypes of enteroviral infection express unique miRNA profiles. Serum miRNA
      expression profiles may provide supplemental biomarkers for diagnosing and
      subtyping enteroviral HFMD infections.

PMID- 22087246
TI  - High glucose promotes pancreatic cancer cell proliferation via the induction of
      EGF expression and transactivation of EGFR.
AB  - Multiple lines of evidence suggest that a large portion of pancreatic cancer
      patients suffer from either hyperglycemia or diabetes, both of which are
      characterized by high blood glucose level. However, the underlying biological
      mechanism of this phenomenon is largely unknown. In the present study, we
      demonstrated that the proliferative ability of two human pancreatic cancer cell
      lines, BxPC-3 and Panc-1, was upregulated by high glucose in a concentration
      dependent manner. Furthermore, the promoting effect of high glucose levels on EGF
      transcription and secretion but not its receptors in these PC cell lines was
      detected by using an EGF-neutralizing antibody and RT-PCR. In addition, the EGFR
      transactivation is induced by high glucose levels in concentration- and time
      dependent manners in PC cells in the presence of the EGF-neutralizing antibody.
      These results suggest that high glucose promotes pancreatic cancer cell
      proliferation via the induction of EGF expression and transactivation of EGFR.
      Our findings may provide new insight on the links between high glucose level and
      PC in terms of the molecular mechanism and reveal a novel therapeutic strategy
      for PC patients who simultaneously suffer from either diabetes or hyperglycemia.

PMID- 22087247
TI  - Extracellular matrix from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as immune
      adjuvants.
AB  - Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) of Cook Biotech is licensed and widely
      used for tissue remodeling in humans. SIS was shown to be highly effective as an
      adjuvant in model studies with prostate and ovarian cancer vaccines. However, SIS
      adjuvanticity relative to alum, another important human-licensed adjuvant, has
      not yet been delineated in terms of activation of innate immunity via
      inflammasomes and boosting of antibody responses to soluble proteins and hapten
      protein conjugates. We used ovalbumin, and a hapten-protein conjugate, phthalate
      keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The evaluation of SIS was conducted in BALB/c and
      C57BL/6 mice using both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. Inflammatory
      responses were studied by microarray profiling of chemokines and cytokines and by
      qPCR of inflammasomes-related genes. Results showed that SIS affected cytokine
      and chemokines microenvironments such as up-regulation of IL-4 and CD30-ligand
      and activation of chemotactic factors LIX and KC (neutrophil chemotactic
      factors), MCP-1 (monocytes chemotactic factors), MIP 1-alpha (macrophage
      chemotactic factor) and lymphotactin, as well as, growth factors like M-CSF. SIS
      also promoted gene expression of Nod-like receptors (NLR) and associated
      downstream effectors. However, in contrast to alum, SIS had no effects on pro
      inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) or NLRP3, but it appeared to
      promote both Th1 and Th2 responses under different conditions. Lastly, it was as
      effective as alum in engendering a lasting and specific antibody response,
      primarily of IgG1 type.

PMID- 22087248
TI  - The PNPLA3 rs738409 148M/M genotype is a risk factor for liver cancer in
      alcoholic cirrhosis but shows no or weak association in hepatitis C cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An isoleucine>methionine mutation at position 148 in the PNPLA3 gene
      (p.I148M, rs738409) has recently been identified as a susceptibility factor for
      liver damage in steatohepatitis. Here, we studied whether the PNPLA3 rs738409
      polymorphism also affects predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      METHODS: We compared distributions of PNPLA3 genotypes in 80 and 81 Caucasian
      patients with alcoholic and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated HCC to 80 and 81
      age- and sex-matched patients with alcohol-related and HCV-related cirrhosis
      without HCC, respectively. PNPLA3 genotypes in 190 healthy individuals from the
      same population served as reference. Potential confounders obesity, diabetes, HCV
      genotype and HBV co-infection were controlled by univariate and multivariate
      logistic regression with forward variable selection. RESULTS: PNPLA3 genotypes
      were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for all study groups. The frequency of the
      148M allele was significantly (p<0.001) increased in alcoholic cirrhosis with
      (53.7%) and without HCC (36.2%) but was not different between healthy controls
      (22.9%) and patients with cirrhosis (25.3%; p = 0.545) and HCC (30.2%; p = 0.071)
      due to hepatitis C. HCC risk was highest in 148M/M homozygous patients with
      alcoholic liver disease (odds ratio (OR) 16.8 versus healthy controls; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 6.68-42.43, p<0.001). Finally, multivariate regression
      confirmed 148M/M homozygosity (OR 2.8; 95%-CI: 1.24-6.42; p = 0.013) as HCC risk
      factor in alcoholic cirrhosis. In HCV-related cirrhosis only HCV genotype 1 was
      confirmed as a HCC risk factor (OR 4.2; 95%-CI: 1.50-11.52; p = 0.006).
      CONCLUSION: The PNPLA3 148M variant is a prominent risk factor for HCC in
      patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, while its effects are negligible in patients
      with cirrhosis due to HCV. This polymorphism provides an useful tool to identify
      individuals with particularly high HCC risk in patients with alcoholic liver
      disease that should be taken into account in future HCC prevention studies.

PMID- 22087249
TI  - Nutrient sensing kinases PKA and Sch9 phosphorylate the catalytic domain of the
      ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Cdc34.
AB  - Cell division is controlled in part by the timely activation of the CDK, Cdc28,
      through its association with G1 and G2 cyclins. Cdc28 complexes are regulated in
      turn by the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme Cdc34 and SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes
      of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to control the initiation of DNA
      replication. Here we demonstrate that the nutrient sensing kinases PKA and Sch9
      phosphorylate S97 of Cdc34. S97 is conserved across species and restricted to the
      catalytic domain of Cdc34/Ubc7-like E2s. Cdc34-S97 phosphorylation is cell cycle
      regulated, elevated during active cell growth and division and decreased during
      cell cycle arrest. Cell growth and cell division are orchestrated to maintain
      cell size homeostasis over a wide range of nutrient conditions. Cells monitor
      changes in their environment through nutrient sensing protein kinases. Thus Cdc34
      phosphorylation by PKA and Sch9 provides a direct tether between G1 cell division
      events and cell growth.

PMID- 22087250
TI  - Elevated levels of the vesicular monoamine transporter and a novel repetitive
      behavior in the Drosophila model of fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is characterized by mental impairment and autism in
      humans, and it often features hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors. The
      mechanisms for the disease, however, remain poorly understood. Here we report
      that the dfmr1 mutant in the Drosophila model of FXS grooms excessively, which
      may be regulated differentially by two signaling pathways. Blocking metabotropic
      glutamate receptor signaling enhances grooming in dfmr1 mutant flies, whereas
      blocking the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) suppresses excessive
      grooming. dfmr1 mutant flies also exhibit elevated levels of VMAT mRNA and
      protein. These results suggest that enhanced monoamine signaling correlates with
      repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity associated with FXS.

PMID- 22087251
TI  - Prolyl hydroxylase PHD3 enhances the hypoxic survival and G1 to S transition of
      carcinoma cells.
AB  - Hypoxia restricts cell proliferation and cell cycle progression at the G1/S
      interface but at least a subpopulation of carcinoma cells can escape the
      restriction. In carcinoma hypoxia may in fact select for cells with enhanced
      hypoxic survival and increased aggressiveness. The cellular oxygen sensors HIF
      proline hydroxylases (PHDs) adapt the cellular functions to lowered environmental
      oxygen tension. PHD3 isoform has shown the strongest hypoxic upregulation among
      the family members. We detected a strong PHD3 mRNA expression in tumors of head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The PHD3 expression associated with
      expression of hypoxic marker gene. Using siRNA in cell lines derived from HNSCC
      we show that specific inhibition of PHD3 expression in carcinoma cells caused
      reduced cell survival in hypoxia. The loss of PHD3, but not that of PHD2, led to
      marked cell number reduction. Although caspase-3 was activated at early hypoxia
      no induction of apoptosis was detected. However, hypoxic PHD3 inhibition caused a
      block in cell cycle progression. Cell population in G1 phase was increased and
      the population in S phase reduced demonstrating a block in G1 to S transition
      under PHD3 inhibition. In line with this, the level of hyperphosphorylated
      retinoblastoma protein Rb was reduced by PHD3 knock-down in hypoxia. PHD3 loss
      led to increase in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 expression but not that
      of p21 or p16. The data demonstrated that increased PHD3 expression under hypoxia
      enhances cell cycle progression and survival of carcinoma cells.

PMID- 22087252
TI  - Increasing genetic variance of body mass index during the Swedish obesity
      epidemic.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is no doubt that the dramatic worldwide increase
      in obesity prevalence is due to changes in environmental factors. However, twin
      and family studies suggest that genetic differences are responsible for the major
      part of the variation in adiposity within populations. Recent studies show that
      the genetic effects on body mass index (BMI) may be stronger when combined with
      presumed risk factors for obesity. We tested the hypothesis that the genetic
      variance of BMI has increased during the obesity epidemic. METHODS: The data
      comprised height and weight measurements of 1,474,065 Swedish conscripts at age
      18-19 y born between 1951 and 1983. The data were linked to the Swedish Multi
      Generation Register and the Swedish Twin Register from which 264,796 full-brother
      pairs, 1,736 monozygotic (MZ) and 1,961 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs were
      identified. The twin pairs were analysed to identify the most parsimonious model
      for the genetic and environmental contribution to BMI variance. The full-brother
      pairs were subsequently divided into subgroups by year of birth to investigate
      trends in the genetic variance of BMI. RESULTS: The twin analysis showed that BMI
      variation could be explained by additive genetic and environmental factors not
      shared by co-twins. On the basis of the analyses of the full-siblings, the
      additive genetic variance of BMI increased from 4.3 [95% CI 4.04-4.53] to 7.9
      [95% CI 7.28-8.54] within the study period, as did the unique environmental
      variance, which increased from 1.4 [95% CI 1.32-1.48] to 2.0 [95% CI 1.89-2.22].
      The BMI heritability increased from 75% to 78.8%. CONCLUSION: The results confirm
      the hypothesis that the additive genetic variance of BMI has increased strongly
      during the obesity epidemic. This suggests that the obesogenic environment has
      enhanced the influence of adiposity related genes.

PMID- 22087253
TI  - Functional characterization and cellular dynamics of the CDC-42 - RAC - CDC-24
      module in Neurospora crassa.
AB  - Rho-type GTPases are key regulators that control eukaryotic cell polarity, but
      their role in fungal morphogenesis is only beginning to emerge. In this study, we
      investigate the role of the CDC-42 - RAC - CDC-24 module in Neurospora crassa.
      rac and cdc-42 deletion mutants are viable, but generate highly compact colonies
      with severe morphological defects. Double mutants carrying conditional and loss
      of function alleles of rac and cdc-42 are lethal, indicating that both GTPases
      share at least one common essential function. The defects of the GTPase mutants
      are phenocopied by deletion and conditional alleles of the guanine exchange
      factor (GEF) cdc-24, and in vitro GDP-GTP exchange assays identify CDC-24 as
      specific GEF for both CDC-42 and RAC. In vivo confocal microscopy shows that this
      module is organized as membrane-associated cap that covers the hyphal apex.
      However, the specific localization patterns of the three proteins are distinct,
      indicating different functions of RAC and CDC-42 within the hyphal tip. CDC-42
      localized as confined apical membrane-associated crescent, while RAC labeled a
      membrane-associated ring excluding the region labeled by CDC42. The GEF CDC-24
      occupied a strategic position, localizing as broad apical membrane-associated
      crescent and in the apical cytosol excluding the Spitzenkorper. RAC and CDC-42
      also display distinct localization patterns during branch initiation and germ
      tube formation, with CDC-42 accumulating at the plasma membrane before RAC.
      Together with the distinct cellular defects of rac and cdc-42 mutants, these
      localizations suggest that CDC-42 is more important for polarity establishment,
      while the primary function of RAC may be maintaining polarity. In summary, this
      study identifies CDC-24 as essential regulator for RAC and CDC-42 that have
      common and distinct functions during polarity establishment and maintenance of
      cell polarity in N. crassa.

PMID- 22087254
TI  - Direct transcriptional control of a p38 MAPK pathway by the circadian clock in
      Neurospora crassa.
AB  - MAPK signal transduction pathways are important regulators of stress responses,
      cellular growth, and differentiation. In Neurospora, the circadian clock controls
      rhythms in phosphorylation of the p38-like MAPK (OS-2); however, the mechanism
      for this regulation is not known. We show that the WCC, a transcription factor
      and clock component, binds to the os-4 MAPKKK promoter in response to light and
      rhythmically in constant darkness, peaking in the subjective morning. Deletion of
      the WCC binding sites in the os-4 promoter disrupts both os-4 mRNA and OS-2
      phosphorylation rhythms. The clock also indirectly regulates rhythmic expression
      of the histidyl-phosphotransferase gene, hpt-1, which peaks in the evening. Anti
      phase expression of positive (OS-4) and negative (HPT-1) MAPK pathway regulators
      likely coordinate to enhance rhythmic MAPK activation to prepare cells to respond
      to osmotic stress during the day in the natural environment. Consistent with this
      idea, we show that wild type cells have a clock-dependent morning kinetic
      advantage in glycerol accumulation after salt stress as compared to evening
      treatment. Thus, circadian transcriptional control of MAPK pathway components
      leads to striking time-of-day-specific effects on the signaling status and
      physiological response of the pathway.

PMID- 22087255
TI  - Characterization of non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor protein 1: a new member
      of the lectin-type subfamily of F-box proteins.
AB  - Our previous microarray study showed that the non-specific cytotoxic cell
      receptor protein 1 (Nccrp1) transcript is significantly upregulated in the
      gastric mucosa of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX)-deficient (Car9(-/-)) mice. In
      this paper, we aimed to characterize human NCCRP1 and to elucidate its
      relationship to CA IX. Recombinant NCCRP1 protein was expressed in Escherichia
      coli, and a novel polyclonal antiserum was raised against the purified full
      length protein. Immunocytochemistry showed that NCCRP1 is expressed
      intracellularly, even though it has previously been described as a transmembrane
      protein. Using bioinformatic analyses, we identified orthologs of NCCRP1 in 35
      vertebrate genomes, and up to five paralogs per genome. These paralogs are FBXO
      genes whose protein products are components of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes.
      NCCRP1 proteins have no signal peptides or transmembrane domains. NCCRP1 has
      mainly been studied in fish and was thought to be responsible for the cytolytic
      function of nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCCs). Our analyses showed that in
      humans, NCCRP1 mRNA is expressed in tissues containing squamous epithelium,
      whereas it shows a more ubiquitous tissue expression pattern in mice. Neither
      human nor mouse NCCRP1 expression is specific to immune tissues. Silencing CA9
      using siRNAs did not affect NCCRP1 levels, indicating that its expression is not
      directly regulated by CA9. Interestingly, silencing NCCRP1 caused a statistically
      significant decrease in the growth of HeLa cells. These studies provide ample
      evidence that the current name, "non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor protein 1,"
      is not appropriate. We therefore propose that the gene name be changed to FBXO50.

PMID- 22087256
TI  - Versatile roles of V-ATPases accessory subunit Ac45 in osteoclast formation and
      function.
AB  - Vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPases (V-ATPases) are macromolecular proton pumps that
      acidify intracellular cargos and deliver protons across the plasma membrane of a
      variety of specialized cells, including bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Extracellular
      acidification is crucial for osteoclastic bone resorption, a process that
      initiates the dissolution of mineralized bone matrix. While the importance of V
      ATPases in osteoclastic resorptive function is well-defined, whether V-ATPases
      facilitate additional aspects of osteoclast function and/or formation remains
      largely obscure. Here we report that the V-ATPase accessory subunit Ac45
      participates in both osteoclast formation and function. Using a siRNA-based
      approach, we show that targeted suppression of Ac45 impairs intracellular
      acidification and endocytosis, both are prerequisite for osteoclastic bone
      resorptive function in vitro. Interestingly, we find that knockdown of Ac45 also
      attenuates osteoclastogenesis owing to a reduced fusion capacity of osteoclastic
      precursor cells. Finally, in an effort to gain more detailed insights into the
      functional role of Ac45 in osteoclasts, we attempted to generate osteoclast
      specific Ac45 conditional knockout mice using a Cathepsin K-Cre-LoxP system.
      Surprisingly, however, insertion of the neomycin cassette in the Ac45-Flox(Neo)
      mice resulted in marked disturbances in CNS development and ensuing embryonic
      lethality thus precluding functional assessment of Ac45 in osteoclasts and
      peripheral bone tissues. Based on these unexpected findings we propose that, in
      addition to its canonical function in V-ATPase-mediated acidification, Ac45 plays
      versatile roles during osteoclast formation and function.

PMID- 22087257
TI  - Association of the sirtuin and mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes with
      carotid plaque.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sirtuins (SIRTs) and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) have
      been implicated in cardiovascular diseases through the control of reactive oxygen
      species production. This study sought to investigate the association between
      genetic variants in the SIRT and UCP genes and carotid plaque. METHODS: In a
      group of 1018 stroke-free subjects from the Northern Manhattan Study with high
      definition carotid ultrasonography and genotyping, we investigated the
      associations of 85 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 11 SIRT and UCP
      genes with the presence and number of carotid plaques, and evaluated interactions
      of SNPs with sex, smoking, diabetes and hypertension as well as interactions
      between SNPs significantly associated with carotid plaque. RESULTS: Overall, 60%
      of subjects had carotid plaques. After adjustment for demographic and vascular
      risk factors, T-carriers of the SIRT6 SNP rs107251 had an increased risk for
      carotid plaque (odds ratio, OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.23-2.37, Bonferroni-corrected p
      = 0.03) and for a number of plaques (rate ratio, RR = 1.31, 1.18-1.45, Bonferroni
      corrected p = 1.4*10(-5)), whereas T-carriers of the UCP5 SNP rs5977238 had an
      decreased risk for carotid plaque (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.74, Bonferroni
      corrected p = 0.02) and plaque number (RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.52-0.78, Bonferroni
      corrected p = 4.9*10(-4)). Some interactions with a nominal p<=0.01 were found
      between sex and SNPs in the UCP1 and UCP3 gene; between smoking, diabetes,
      hypertension and SNPs in UCP5 and SIRT5; and between SNPs in the UCP5 gene and
      the UCP1, SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT5, and SIRT6 genes in association with plaque
      phenotypes. CONCLUSION: We observed significant associations between genetic
      variants in the SIRT6 and UCP5 genes and atherosclerotic plaque. We also found
      potential effect modifications by sex, smoking and vascular risk factors of the
      SIRT/UCP genes in the associations with atherosclerotic plaque. Further studies
      are needed to validate our observations.

PMID- 22087258
TI  - Time-resolved transcriptomics and bioinformatic analyses reveal intrinsic stress
      responses during batch culture of Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - We have determined the time-resolved transcriptome of the model gram-positive
      organism B. subtilis during growth in a batch fermentor on rich medium. DNA
      microarrays were used to monitor gene transcription using 10-minute intervals at
      40 consecutive time points. From the growth curve and analysis of all gene
      expression levels, we identified 4 distinct growth phases and one clear
      transition point: a lag phase, an exponential growth phase, the transition point
      and the very clearly separated early and late stationary growth phases. The gene
      expression profiles suggest the occurrence of stress responses at specific times
      although no external stresses were applied. The first one is a small induction of
      the SigB regulon that occurs at the transition point. Remarkably, a very strong
      response is observed for the SigW regulon, which is highly upregulated at the
      onset of the late stationary phase. Bioinformatic analyses that were performed on
      our data set suggest several novel putative motifs for regulator binding. In
      addition, the expression profiles of several genes appeared to correlate with the
      oxygen concentration. This data set of the expression profiles of all B. subtilis
      genes during the entire growth curve on rich medium constitutes a rich repository
      that can be further mined by the scientific community.

PMID- 22087259
TI  - Visualization of the left extraperitoneal space and spatial relationships to its
      related spaces by the visible human project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The major hindrance to multidetector CT imaging of the left
      extraperitoneal space (LES), and the detailed spatial relationships to its
      related spaces, is that there is no obvious density difference between them.
      Traditional gross anatomy and thick-slice sectional anatomy imagery are also
      insufficient to show the anatomic features of this narrow space in three
      dimensions (3D). To overcome these obstacles, we used a new method to visualize
      the anatomic features of the LES and its spatial associations with related
      spaces, in random sections and in 3D. METHODS: In conjunction with Mimics(r) and
      Amira(r) software, we used thin-slice cross-sectional images of the upper
      abdomen, retrieved from the Chinese and American Visible Human dataset and the
      Chinese Virtual Human dataset, to display anatomic features of the LES and
      spatial relationships of the LES to its related spaces, especially the gastric
      bare area. The anatomic location of the LES was presented on 3D sections
      reconstructed from CVH2 images and CT images. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: What calls for
      special attention of our results is the LES consists of the left sub
      diaphragmatic fat space and gastric bare area. The appearance of the fat pad at
      the cardiac notch contributes to converting the shape of the anteroexternal
      surface of the LES from triangular to trapezoidal. Moreover, the LES is adjacent
      to the lesser omentum and the hepatic bare area in the anterointernal and right
      rear direction, respectively. CONCLUSION: The LES and its related spaces were
      imaged in 3D using visualization technique for the first time. This technique is
      a promising new method for exploring detailed communication relationships among
      other abdominal spaces, and will promote research on the dynamic extension of
      abdominal diseases, such as acute pancreatitis and intra-abdominal
      carcinomatosis.

PMID- 22087260
TI  - Extracellular matrix ligand and stiffness modulate immature nucleus pulposus cell
      cell interactions.
AB  - The nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc functions to provide
      compressive load support in the spine, and contains cells that play a critical
      role in the generation and maintenance of this tissue. The NP cell population
      undergoes significant morphological and phenotypic changes during maturation and
      aging, transitioning from large, vacuolated immature cells arranged in cell
      clusters to a sparse population of smaller, isolated chondrocyte-like cells.
      These morphological and organizational changes appear to correlate with the first
      signs of degenerative changes within the intervertebral disc. The extracellular
      matrix of the immature NP is a soft, gelatinous material containing multiple
      laminin isoforms, features that are unique to the NP relative to other regions of
      the disc and that change with aging and degeneration. Based on this knowledge, we
      hypothesized that a soft, laminin-rich extracellular matrix environment would
      promote NP cell-cell interactions and phenotypes similar to those found in
      immature NP tissues. NP cells were isolated from porcine intervertebral discs and
      cultured in matrix environments of varying mechanical stiffness that were
      functionalized with various matrix ligands; cellular responses to periods of
      culture were assessed using quantitative measures of cell organization and
      phenotype. Results show that soft (<720 Pa), laminin-containing extracellular
      matrix substrates promote NP cell morphologies, cell-cell interactions, and
      proteoglycan production in vitro, and that this behavior is dependent upon both
      extracellular matrix ligand and substrate mechanical properties. These findings
      indicate that NP cell organization and phenotype may be highly sensitive to their
      surrounding extracellular matrix environment.

PMID- 22087261
TI  - Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate directly alters the expression of Leydig cell genes
      and CYP17 lyase activity in cultured rat fetal testis.
AB  - Exposure to phthalates in utero alters fetal rat testis gene expression and
      testosterone production, but much remains to be done to understand the mechanisms
      underlying the direct action of phthalate within the fetal testis. We aimed to
      investigate the direct mechanisms of action of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
      (MEHP) on the rat fetal testis, focusing on Leydig cell steroidogenesis in
      particular. We used an in vitro system based on the culture for three days, with
      or without MEHP, of rat fetal testes obtained at 14.5 days post-coitum.Exposure
      to MEHP led to a dose-dependent decrease in testosterone production. Moreover,
      the production of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5alpha-DHT) (-68%) and
      androstenedione (-54%) was also inhibited by 10 uM MEHP, whereas 17 alpha
      hydroxyprogesterone (17alpha-OHP) production was found to increase (+41%).
      Testosterone synthesis was rescued by the addition of androstenedione but not by
      any of the other precursors used. Thus, the hormone data suggested that
      steroidogenesis was blocked at the level of the 17,20 lyase activity of the
      P450c17 enzyme (CYP17), converting 17alpha-OHP to androstenedione. The subsequent
      gene expression and protein levels supported this hypothesis. In addition to
      Cyp17a1, microarray analysis showed that several other genes important for testes
      development were affected by MEHP. These genes included those encoding insulin
      like factor 3 (INSL3), which is involved in controlling testicular descent, and
      Inha, which encodes the alpha subunit of inhibin B.These findings indicate that
      under in vitro conditions known to support normal differentiation of the fetal
      rat testis, the exposure to MEHP directly inhibits several important Leydig cell
      factors involved in testis function and that the Cyp17a1 gene is a specific
      target to MEHP explaining the MEHP-induced suppression of steroidogenesis
      observed.

PMID- 22087262
TI  - Concurrent HDAC and mTORC1 inhibition attenuate androgen receptor and hypoxia
      signaling associated with alterations in microRNA expression.
AB  - Specific inhibitors towards Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) and Mammalian Target of
      Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) have been developed and demonstrate potential as
      treatments for patients with advanced and/or metastatic and castrate resistant
      prostate cancer (PCa). Further, deregulation of HDAC expression and mTORC1
      activity are documented in PCa and provide rational targets to create new
      therapeutic strategies to treat PCa. Here we report the use of the c-Myc
      adenocarcinoma cell line from the c-Myc transgenic mouse with prostate cancer to
      evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of the combination of the
      HDAC inhibitor panobinostat with the mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus.
      Panobinostat/everolimus combination treatment resulted in significantly greater
      antitumor activity in mice bearing androgen sensitive Myc-CaP and castrate
      resistant Myc-CaP tumors compared to single treatments. We identified that
      panobinostat/everolimus combination resulted in enhanced anti-tumor activity
      mediated by decreased tumor growth concurrent with augmentation of p21 and p27
      expression and the attenuation of angiogenesis and tumor proliferation via
      androgen receptor, c-Myc and HIF-1alpha signaling. Also, we observed altered
      expression of microRNAs associated with these three transcription factors.
      Overall, our results demonstrate that low dose concurrent panobinostat/everolimus
      combination therapy is well tolerated and results in greater anti-tumor activity
      compared to single treatments in tumor bearing immuno-competent mice. Finally,
      our results suggest that response of selected miRs could be utilized to monitor
      panobinostat/everolimus in vivo activity.

PMID- 22087263
TI  - Human cumulus cells molecular signature in relation to oocyte nuclear maturity
      stage.
AB  - The bi-directional communication between the oocyte and the surrounding cumulus
      cells (CCs) is crucial for the acquisition of oocyte competence. We investigated
      the transcriptomic profile of human CCs isolated from mature and immature oocytes
      under stimulated cycle. We used human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays to perform
      an extensive analysis of the genes expressed in human CCs obtained from patients
      undergoing intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. CC samples were isolated from
      oocyte at germinal vesicle, stage metaphase I and stage metaphase II. For
      microarray analysis, we used eight chips for each CC category. Significance
      analysis of microarray multiclass was used to analyze the microarray data.
      Validation was performed by RT-qPCR using an independent cohort of CC samples. We
      identified differentially over-expressed genes between the three CC categories.
      This study revealed a specific signature of gene expression in CCs issued from
      MII oocyte compared with germinal vesicle and metaphase I. The CC gene expression
      profile, which is specific of MII mature oocyte, can be useful as predictors of
      oocyte quality.

PMID- 22087264
TI  - Gene expression-based chemical genomics identifies potential therapeutic drugs in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis.
      Currently, only sorafenib is approved by the FDA for advanced HCC treatment;
      therefore, there is an urgent need to discover candidate therapeutic drugs for
      HCC. We hypothesized that if a drug signature could reverse, at least in part,
      the gene expression signature of HCC, it might have the potential to inhibit HCC
      related pathways and thereby treat HCC. To test this hypothesis, we first built
      an integrative platform, the "Encyclopedia of Hepatocellular Carcinoma genes
      Online 2", dubbed EHCO2, to systematically collect, organize and compare the
      publicly available data from HCC studies. The resulting collection includes a
      total of 4,020 genes. To systematically query the Connectivity Map (CMap), which
      includes 6,100 drug-mediated expression profiles, we further designed various
      gene signature selection and enrichment methods, including a randomization
      technique, majority vote, and clique analysis. Subsequently, 28 out of 50
      prioritized drugs, including tanespimycin, trichostatin A, thioguanosine, and
      several anti-psychotic drugs with anti-tumor activities, were validated via MTT
      cell viability assays and clonogenic assays in HCC cell lines. To accelerate
      their future clinical use, possibly through drug-repurposing, we selected two
      well-established drugs to test in mice, chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine. Both
      drugs inhibited orthotopic liver tumor growth. In conclusion, we successfully
      discovered and validated existing drugs for potential HCC therapeutic use with
      the pipeline of Connectivity Map analysis and lab verification, thereby
      suggesting the usefulness of this procedure to accelerate drug repurposing for
      HCC treatment.

PMID- 22087265
TI  - Maternal bereavement and childhood asthma-analyses in two large samples of
      Swedish children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal factors such as prenatal psychological stress might
      influence the development of childhood asthma. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: We assessed the association between maternal bereavement shortly before
      and during pregnancy, as a proxy for prenatal stress, and the risk of childhood
      asthma in the offspring, based on two samples of children 1-4 (n = 426,334) and 7
      12 (n = 493,813) years assembled from the Swedish Medical Birth Register.
      Exposure was maternal bereavement of a close relative from one year before
      pregnancy to child birth. Asthma event was defined by a hospital contact for
      asthma or at least two dispenses of inhaled corticosteroids or montelukast. In
      the younger sample we calculated hazards ratios (HRs) of a first-ever asthma
      event using Cox models and in the older sample odds ratio (ORs) of an asthma
      attack during 12 months using logistic regression. Compared to unexposed boys,
      exposed boys seemed to have a weakly higher risk of first-ever asthma event at 1
      4 years (HR: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98, 1.22) as well as an asthma
      attack during 12 months at 7-12 years (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.24). No
      association was suggested for girls. Boys exposed during the second trimester had
      a significantly higher risk of asthma event at 1-4 years (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.19,
      2.02) and asthma attack at 7-12 years if the bereavement was an older child (OR:
      1.58; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.25). The associations tended to be stronger if the
      bereavement was due to a traumatic death compared to natural death, but the
      difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      results showed some evidence for a positive association between prenatal stress
      and childhood asthma among boys but not girls.

PMID- 22087266
TI  - Characterization of visual percepts evoked by noninvasive stimulation of the
      human posterior parietal cortex.
AB  - Phosphenes are commonly evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to
      study the functional organization, connectivity, and excitability of the human
      visual brain. For years, phosphenes have been documented only from stimulating
      early visual areas (V1-V3) and a handful of specialized visual regions (V4,
      V5/MT+) in occipital cortex. Recently, phosphenes were reported after applying
      TMS to a region of posterior parietal cortex involved in the top-down modulation
      of visuo-spatial processing. In the present study, we systematically
      characterized parietal phosphenes to determine if they are generated directly by
      local mechanisms or emerge through indirect activation of other visual areas.
      Using technology developed in-house to record the subjective features of
      phosphenes, we found no systematic differences in the size, shape, location, or
      frame-of-reference of parietal phosphenes when compared to their occipital
      counterparts. In a second experiment, discrete deactivation by 1 Hz repetitive
      TMS yielded a double dissociation: phosphene thresholds increased at the
      deactivated site without producing a corresponding change at the non-deactivated
      location. Overall, the commonalities of parietal and occipital phosphenes, and
      our ability to independently modulate their excitability thresholds, lead us to
      conclude that they share a common neural basis that is separate from either of
      the stimulated regions.

PMID- 22087267
TI  - Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) inactivated
      monovalent non-adjuvanted vaccine in elderly and immunocompromised patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressed individuals present serious morbidity and mortality
      from influenza, therefore it is important to understand the safety and
      immunogenicity of influenza vaccination among them. METHODS: This multicenter
      cohort study evaluated the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of an inactivated,
      monovalent, non-adjuvanted pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine among the elderly, HIV
      infected, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cancer, kidney transplant, and juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients. Participants were included during routine
      clinical visits, and vaccinated according to conventional influenza vaccination
      schedules. Antibody response was measured by the hemagglutination-inhibition
      assay, before and 21 days after vaccination. RESULTS: 319 patients with cancer,
      260 with RA, 256 HIV-infected, 149 elderly individuals, 85 kidney transplant
      recipients, and 83 with JIA were included. The proportions of seroprotection,
      seroconversion, and the geometric mean titer ratios postvaccination were,
      respectively: 37.6%, 31.8%, and 3.2 among kidney transplant recipients, 61.5%,
      53.1%, and 7.5 among RA patients, 63.1%, 55.7%, and 5.7 among the elderly, 59.0%,
      54.7%, and 5.9 among HIV-infected patients, 52.4%, 49.2%, and 5.3 among cancer
      patients, 85.5%, 78.3%, and 16.5 among JIA patients. The vaccine was well
      tolerated, with no reported severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccine was
      safe among all groups, with an acceptable immunogenicity among the elderly and
      JIA patients, however new vaccination strategies should be explored to improve
      the immune response of immunocompromised adult patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov,
      NCT01218685).

PMID- 22087268
TI  - Conformational toggling of yeast iso-1-cytochrome C in the oxidized and reduced
      states.
AB  - To convert cyt c into a peroxidase-like metalloenzyme, the P71H mutant was
      designed to introduce a distal histidine. Unexpectedly, its peroxidase activity
      was found even lower than that of the native, and that the axial ligation of heme
      iron was changed to His71/His18 in the oxidized state, while to Met80/His18 in
      the reduced state, characterized by UV-visible, circular dichroism, and resonance
      Raman spectroscopy. To further probe the functional importance of Pro71 in
      oxidation state dependent conformational changes occurred in cyt c, the solution
      structures of P71H mutant in both oxidation states were determined. The
      structures indicate that the half molecule of cyt c (aa 50-102) presents a kind
      of "zigzag riveting ruler" structure, residues at certain positions of this
      region such as Pro71, Lys73 can move a big distance by altering the tertiary
      structure while maintaining the secondary structures. This finding provides a
      molecular insight into conformational toggling in different oxidation states of
      cyt c that is principle significance to its biological functions in electron
      transfer and apoptosis. Structural analysis also reveals that Pro71 functions as
      a key hydrophobic patch in the folding of the polypeptide of the region (aa 50
      102), to prevent heme pocket from the solvent.

PMID- 22087269
TI  - Beta-catenin accelerates human papilloma virus type-16 mediated cervical
      carcinogenesis in transgenic mice.
AB  - Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the principal etiological agent of cervical cancer
      in women, and its DNA is present in virtually all of these tumors. However,
      exposure to the high-risk HPV types alone is insufficient for tumor development.
      Identifying specific collaborating factors that will lead to cervical cancer
      remains an unanswered question, especially because millions of women are exposed
      to HPV. Our earlier work using an in vitro model indicated that activation of the
      canonical Wnt pathway in HPV-positive epithelial cells was sufficient to induce
      anchorage independent growth. We therefore hypothesized that constitutive
      activation of this pathway might function as the "second hit." To address this
      possibility, we developed two double-transgenic (DT) mouse models, K14
      E7/DeltaN87betacat and K14-HPV16/DeltaN87betacat that express either the proteins
      encoded by the E7 oncogene or the HPV16 early region along with constitutively
      active beta-catenin, which was expressed by linking it to the keratin-14 (K14)
      promoter. We initiated tumor formation by treating all groups with estrogen for
      six months. Invasive cervical cancer was observed in 11% of the K14
      DeltaN87betacat mice, expressing activated beta-catenin and in 50% of the animals
      expressing the HPV16 E7 oncogene. In double-transgenic mice, coexpression of beta
      catenin and HPV16 E7 induced invasive cervical cancer at about 7 months in 94% of
      the cases. We did not observe cervical cancer in any group unless the mice were
      treated with estrogen. In the second model, K14-HPV16 mice suffered cervical
      dysplasias, but this phenotype was not augmented in HPV16/DeltaN87betacat mice.
      In summary, the phenotypes of the K14-E7/DeltaN87betacat mice support the
      hypothesis that activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in HPV-associated
      premalignant lesions plays a functional role in accelerating cervical
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22087270
TI  - Typologies of prescription opioid use in a large sample of adults assessed for
      substance abuse treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a population, non-medical prescription opioid users are not well
      defined. We aimed to derive and describe typologies of prescription opioid use
      and nonmedical use using latent class analysis in an adult population being
      assessed for substance abuse treatment. METHODS: Latent class analysis was
      applied to data from 26,314 unique respondents, aged 18-70, self-reporting past
      month use of a prescription opioid out of a total of 138,928 cases (18.9%)
      collected by the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV(r)), a
      national database for near real-time prescription opioid abuse surveillance. Data
      were obtained from November 2005 through December 2009. Substance abuse
      treatment, criminal justice, and public assistance programs in the United States
      submitted data to the ASI-MV database (n = 538). Six indicators of the latent
      classes derived from responses to the ASI-MV, a version of the ASI modified to
      collect prescription opioid abuse and chronic pain experience. The latent class
      analysis included respondent home ZIP code random effects to account for nesting
      of respondents within ZIP code. RESULTS: A four-class adjusted latent class model
      fit best and defined clinically interpretable and relevant subgroups: Use as
      prescribed, Prescribed misusers, Medically healthy abusers, and Illicit users.
      Classes varied on key variables, including race/ethnicity, gender, concurrent
      substance abuse, duration of prescription opioid abuse, mental health problems,
      and ASI composite scores. Three of the four classes (81% of respondents)
      exhibited high potential risk for fatal opioid overdose; 18.4% exhibited risk
      factors for blood-borne infections. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple and distinct profiles
      of prescription opioid use were detected, suggesting a range of use typologies at
      differing risk for adverse events. Results may help clinicians and policy makers
      better focus overdose and blood-borne infection prevention efforts and
      intervention strategies for prescription opioid abuse reduction.

PMID- 22087271
TI  - Parental age and lifespan influence offspring recruitment: a long-term study in a
      seabird.
AB  - Recent studies of wild populations provide compelling evidence that survival and
      reproduction decrease with age because of senescence, a decline in functional
      capacities at old ages. However, in the wild, little is known about effects of
      parental senescence on offspring quality. We used data from a 21-year study to
      examine the role of parental age on offspring probability of recruitment in a
      long-lived bird, the blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii). Offspring probability of
      recruiting into the breeding population varied over the life of parents and
      effects age were similar in mothers and fathers. Offspring recruitment was high
      when parents were roughly 6-12 years old and low before and after then. Effects
      of parental age on offspring recruitment varied with lifespan (parental age at
      last reproduction) and previous breeding experience. Offspring recruitment from
      young and old parents with long reproductive lifespans was greater than that of
      offspring from parents with short lifespans at young and old ages. For parents
      with little previous breeding experience recruitment of offspring decreased with
      their hatch date, but experienced parents were no similarly affected. We found
      evidence of terminal effects on offspring recruitment in young parents but not in
      older parents, suggesting that senescence is more likely a gradual process of
      deterioration than a process of terminal illness. Failure to recruit probably
      reflects mortality during the first years after independence but also during the
      fledgling transition to full independence. Our results show effects of parental
      age and quality on offspring viability in a long-lived wild vertebrate and
      support the idea that wild populations are composed of individuals of different
      quality, and that this individual heterogeneity can influence the dynamics of age
      structured populations.

PMID- 22087272
TI  - Detection of human rhinovirus C viral genome in blood among children with severe
      respiratory infections in the Philippines.
AB  - Human rhinovirus (HRV) C was recently identified as the third species of HRV
      using a molecular technique. Infections caused by previously identified HRVs (A
      and B) are thought to be limited to the respiratory tract; however, pathogenesis
      of HRVC is still largely unknown. A total of 816 nasopharyngeal swabs from
      hospitalized children with severe respiratory infections in the Philippines (May
      2008-May 2009) were tested for HRV by reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR), and 243 samples (29.8%) were positive for HRV. Among these
      patients, serum samples were also tested to determine whether specific HRV
      species were associated with viremia. Only 30 serum samples (12.3%) were positive
      for HRV. However, the HRV positive rates were different among HRV species, 3%
      (4/135) for HRVA, 0% (0/25) for HRVB, and 31% (26/83) for HRVC, and were the
      highest on 2 days after the onset of symptoms. These results suggest that HRVC
      may have a different pathogenicity and can more commonly cause viremia than HRVA
      and HRVB. Serum positive rates for HRV are affected by age, i.e., higher positive
      rates for those aged 1 year or more. HRVC that were detected from serum exhibited
      the same level of sequence diversity as those positive only for nasopharyngeal
      samples in phylogenetic analysis. However, all HRVA which were detected from
      serum were clustered in a monophyletic clade based on their 5' non-coding region
      (NCR) sequences, which is closely related with a certain HRVC genotype (A2) in 5'
      NCR. This finding suggests that the 5'NCR region may be associated with viremia.

PMID- 22087273
TI  - Characterization of family IV UDG from Aeropyrum pernix and its application in
      hot-start PCR by family B DNA polymerase.
AB  - Recombinant uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) from Aeropyrum pernix (A. pernix) was
      expressed in E. coli. The biochemical characteristics of A. pernix UDG (ApeUDG)
      were studied using oligonucleotides carrying a deoxyuracil (dU) base. The optimal
      temperature range and pH value for dU removal by ApeUDG were 55-65 degrees C and
      pH 9.0, respectively. The removal of dU was inhibited by the divalent ions of Zn,
      Cu, Co, Ni, and Mn, as well as a high concentration of NaCl. The opposite base in
      the complementary strand affected the dU removal by ApeUDG as follows:
      U/C~U/G>U/T~U/AP~U/->U/U~U/I>U/A. The phosphorothioate around dU strongly
      inhibited dU removal by ApeUDG. Based on the above biochemical characteristics
      and the conservation of amino acid residues, ApeUDG was determined to belong to
      the IV UDG family. ApeUDG increased the yield of PCR by Pfu DNA polymerase via
      the removal of dU in amplified DNA. Using the dU-carrying oligonucleotide as an
      inhibitor and ApeUDG as an activator of Pfu DNA polymerase, the yield of
      undesired DNA fragments, such as primer-dimer, was significantly decreased, and
      the yield of the PCR target fragment was increased. This strategy, which aims to
      amplify the target gene with high specificity and yield, can be applied to all
      family B DNA polymerases.

PMID- 22087274
TI  - Reduced polymorphism associated with X chromosome meiotic drive in the stalk-eyed
      fly Teleopsis dalmanni.
AB  - Sex chromosome meiotic drive has been suggested as a cause of several
      evolutionary genetic phenomena, including genomic conflicts that give rise to
      reproductive isolation between new species. In this paper we present a population
      genetic analysis of X chromosome drive in the stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni,
      to determine how this natural polymorphism influences genetic diversity. We
      analyzed patterns of DNA sequence variation at two X-linked regions (comprising
      1325 bp) approximately 50 cM apart and one autosomal region (comprising 921 bp)
      for 50 males, half of which were collected in the field from one of two
      allopatric locations and the other half were derived from lab-reared individuals
      with known brood sex ratios. These two populations are recently diverged but
      exhibit partial postzygotic reproductive isolation, i.e. crosses produce sterile
      hybrid males and fertile females. We find no nucleotide or microsatellite
      variation on the drive X chromosome, whereas the same individuals show levels of
      variation at autosomal regions that are similar to field-collected flies.
      Furthermore, one field-caught individual collected 10 years previously had a
      nearly identical X haplotype to the drive X, and is over 2% divergent from other
      haplotypes sampled from the field. These results are consistent with a selective
      sweep that has removed genetic variation from much of the drive X chromosome. We
      discuss how this finding may relate to the rapid evolution of postzygotic
      reproductive isolation that has been documented for these flies.

PMID- 22087275
TI  - On the time course of vocal emotion recognition.
AB  - How quickly do listeners recognize emotions from a speaker's voice, and does the
      time course for recognition vary by emotion type? To address these questions, we
      adapted the auditory gating paradigm to estimate how much vocal information is
      needed for listeners to categorize five basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear,
      sadness, happiness) and neutral utterances produced by male and female speakers
      of English. Semantically-anomalous pseudo-utterances (e.g., The rivix jolled the
      silling) conveying each emotion were divided into seven gate intervals according
      to the number of syllables that listeners heard from sentence onset. Participants
      (n = 48) judged the emotional meaning of stimuli presented at each gate duration
      interval, in a successive, blocked presentation format. Analyses looked at how
      recognition of each emotion evolves as an utterance unfolds and estimated the
      "identification point" for each emotion. Results showed that anger, sadness,
      fear, and neutral expressions are recognized more accurately at short gate
      intervals than happiness, and particularly disgust; however, as speech unfolds,
      recognition of happiness improves significantly towards the end of the utterance
      (and fear is recognized more accurately than other emotions). When the gate
      associated with the emotion identification point of each stimulus was calculated,
      data indicated that fear (M = 517 ms), sadness (M = 576 ms), and neutral (M = 510
      ms) expressions were identified from shorter acoustic events than the other
      emotions. These data reveal differences in the underlying time course for
      conscious recognition of basic emotions from vocal expressions, which should be
      accounted for in studies of emotional speech processing.

PMID- 22087276
TI  - Functional diversification of thylakoidal processing peptidases in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - Thylakoidal processing peptidase (TPP) is responsible for removing amino-terminal
      thylakoid-transfer signals from several proteins in the thylakoid lumen. Three
      TPP isoforms are encoded by the nuclear genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. Previous
      studies showed that one of them termed plastidic type I signal peptidase 1
      (Plsp1) was necessary for processing three thylakoidal proteins and one protein
      in the chloroplast envelope in vivo. The lack of Plsp1 resulted in seedling
      lethality, apparently due to disruption of proper thylakoid development. The
      physiological roles of the other two TPP homologs remain unknown. Here we show
      that the three A. thaliana TPP isoforms evolved to acquire diverse functions.
      Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TPP may have originated before the
      endosymbiotic event, and that there are two groups of TPP in seed plants: one
      includes Plsp1 and another comprises the other two A. thaliana TPP homologs,
      which are named as Plsp2A and Plsp2B in this study. The duplication leading to
      the two groups predates the gymnosperm-angiosperm divergence, and the separation
      of Plsp2A and Plsp2B occurred after the Malvaceae-Brassicaceae diversification.
      Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assay revealed that the two PLSP2 genes
      were co-expressed in both photosynthetic tissues and roots, whereas the PLSP1
      transcript accumulated predominantly in photosynthetic tissues. Both PLSP2 genes
      were expressed in the aerial parts of the plsp1-null mutant at levels comparable
      to those in wild-type plants. The seedling-lethal phenotype of the plsp1-null
      mutant could be rescued by a constitutive expression of Plsp1 cDNA but not by
      that of Plsp2A or Plsp2B. These results indicate that Plsp1 and Plsp2 evolved to
      function differently, and that neither of the Plsp2 isoforms is necessary for
      proper thylakoid development in photosynthetic tissues.

PMID- 22087277
TI  - Protein characterization of a candidate mechanism SNP for Crohn's disease: the
      macrophage stimulating protein R689C substitution.
AB  - High throughput genome wide associations studies (GWAS) are now identifying a
      large number of genome loci related to risk of common human disease. Each such
      locus presents a challenge in identifying the relevant underlying mechanism. Here
      we report the experimental characterization of a proposed causal single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a locus related to risk of Crohn's disease and
      ulcerative colitis. The SNP lies in the MST1 gene encoding Macrophage Stimulating
      Protein (MSP), and results in an R689C amino acid substitution within the beta
      chain of MSP (MSPbeta). MSP binding to the RON receptor tyrosine kinase activates
      signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response. We have purified wild
      type and mutant MSPbeta proteins and compared biochemical and biophysical
      properties that might impact the MSP/RON signaling pathway. Surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) binding studies showed that MSPbeta R689C affinity to RON is
      approximately 10-fold lower than that of the wild-type MSPbeta and differential
      scanning fluorimetry (DSF) showed that the thermal stability of the mutant
      MSPbeta was slightly lower than that of wild-type MSPbeta, by 1.6 K. The
      substitution was found not to impair the specific Arg483-Val484 peptide bond
      cleavage by matriptase-1, required for MSP activation, and mass spectrometry of
      tryptic fragments of the mutated protein showed that the free thiol introduced by
      the R689C mutation did not form an aberrant disulfide bond. Together, the studies
      indicate that the missense SNP impairs MSP function by reducing its affinity to
      RON and perhaps through a secondary effect on in vivo concentration arising from
      reduced thermodynamic stability, resulting in down-regulation of the MSP/RON
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 22087278
TI  - AMG 837: a novel GPR40/FFA1 agonist that enhances insulin secretion and lowers
      glucose levels in rodents.
AB  - Agonists of GPR40 (FFA1) have been proposed as a means to treat type 2 diabetes.
      Through lead optimization of a high throughput screening hit, we have identified
      a novel GPR40 agonist called AMG 837. The objective of these studies was to
      understand the preclinical pharmacological properties of AMG 837. The activity of
      AMG 837 on GPR40 was characterized through GTPgammaS binding, inositol phosphate
      accumulation and Ca(2+) flux assays. Activity of AMG 837 on insulin release was
      assessed on isolated primary mouse islets. To determine the anti-diabetic
      activity of AMG 837 in vivo, we tested AMG 837 using a glucose tolerance test in
      normal Sprague-Dawley rats and obese Zucker fatty rats. AMG 837 was a potent
      partial agonist in the calcium flux assay on the GPR40 receptor and potentiated
      glucose stimulated insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo. Acute administration
      of AMG 837 lowered glucose excursions and increased glucose stimulated insulin
      secretion during glucose tolerance tests in both normal and Zucker fatty rats.
      The improvement in glucose excursions persisted following daily dosing of AMG 837
      for 21-days in Zucker fatty rats. Preclinical studies demonstrated that AMG 837
      was a potent GPR40 partial agonist which lowered post-prandial glucose levels.
      These studies support the potential utility of AMG 837 for the treatment of type
      2 diabetes.

PMID- 22087279
TI  - Parathyroid hormone-related protein is not required for normal ductal or alveolar
      development in the post-natal mammary gland.
AB  - PTHrP is necessary for the formation of the embryonic mammary gland and, in its
      absence, the embryonic mammary bud fails to form the neonatal duct system. In
      addition, PTHrP is produced by the breast during lactation and contributes to the
      regulation of maternal calcium homeostasis during milk production. In this study,
      we examined the role of PTHrP during post-natal mammary development. Using a
      PTHrP-lacZ transgenic mouse, we surveyed the expression of PTHrP in the
      developing post-natal mouse mammary gland. We found that PTHrP expression is
      restricted to the basal cells of the gland during pubertal development and
      becomes expressed in milk secreting alveolar cells during pregnancy and
      lactation. Based on the previous findings that overexpression of PTHrP in cap and
      myoepithelial cells inhibited ductal elongation during puberty, we predicted that
      ablation of native PTHrP expression in the post-natal gland would result in
      accelerated ductal development. To address this hypothesis, we generated two
      conditional models of PTHrP-deficiency specifically targeted to the postnatal
      mammary gland. We used the MMTV-Cre transgene to ablate the floxed PTHrP gene in
      both luminal and myoepithelial cells and a tetracycline-regulated K14-tTA;tetO
      Cre transgene to target PTHrP expression in just myoepithelial and cap cells. In
      both models of PTHrP ablation, we found that mammary development proceeds
      normally despite the absence of PTHrP. We conclude that PTHrP signaling is not
      required for normal ductal or alveolar development.

PMID- 22087280
TI  - Monitoring CD27 expression to evaluate Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity in HIV
      1 infected individuals in vivo.
AB  - The level of bacterial activity is only poorly defined during asymptomatic
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. The objective was to study the
      capacity of a new biomarker, the expression of the T cell maturation marker CD27
      on MTB-specific CD4 T cells, to identify active tuberculosis (TB) disease in
      subjects from a MTB and HIV endemic region. The frequency and CD27 expression of
      circulating MTB-specific CD4 T cells was determined in 96 study participants
      after stimulation with purified protein derivative (PPD) using intracellular
      cytokine staining for IFNgamma (IFNgamma). Subjects were then stratified by their
      TB and HIV status. Within PPD responders, a CD27(-) phenotype was associated with
      active TB in HIV(-) (p = 0.0003) and HIV(+) (p = 0.057) subjects, respectively.
      In addition, loss of CD27 expression preceded development of active TB in one HIV
      seroconverter. Interestingly, in contrast to HIV(-) subjects, MTB-specific CD4 T
      cell populations from HIV(+) TB-asymptomatic subjects were often dominated by
      CD27(-) cells. These data indicate that down-regulation of CD27 on MTB-specific
      CD4 T cell could be used as a biomarker of active TB, potentially preceding
      clinical TB disease. Furthermore, these data are consistent with the hypothesis
      that late, chronic HIV infection is frequently associated with increased
      mycobacterial activity in vivo. The analysis of T cell maturation and activation
      markers might thus be a useful tool to monitor TB disease progression.

PMID- 22087281
TI  - Up-regulation of Th17 cells may underlie inhibition of Treg development caused by
      immunization with activated syngeneic T cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous work showed that mice immunized with attenuated
      activated syngeneic T cells (aTCV) led to damping Treg function which resulted in
      enhancing anti-tumor immunity. It is well known that DC plays a very important
      role in controlling Th cell differentiation; whether DC involves Treg attenuation
      in immunized mice remained unknown. In this study, we provided evidence that
      increased mature DC (mDC) after immunization with aTCV skewed Th17
      differentiation, which resulted in inhibition of Treg differentiation through IL
      6 signaling pathway. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present study, we found that the
      frequency of mDCs increased dramatically in the immunized mice accompanied by
      lower Treg cells compared to the controls. Moreover, both DCs and serum derived
      from the immunized mice suppressed Treg differentiation in vitro, respectively.
      mDCs generated from bone marrow precursor cells in vitro strongly inhibited Treg
      development and simultaneously drove Th17 differentiation with elevated IL-6
      production. However, PD-L1, a potent Treg inducer did not show effect on Treg
      down-regulation. Assay with transwell systems showed that cell-cell contact was
      necessary for IL-6 production to a threshold to activate Th17 transcriptional
      factor RORgammat and to inhibit Treg counterpart Foxp3. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      implicate up-regulated Th17 development might be one of mechanisms of enhancing
      anti-tumor immunity induced by immunization with aTCV, which provide a novel
      insight in numerous mechanisms responsible for anti-tumor immunity.

PMID- 22087283
TI  - The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib enhances ATRA-induced differentiation of
      neuroblastoma cells via the JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood.
      Differentiated human NBs are associated with better outcome and lower stage;
      induction of differentiation is considered to be therapeutically advantageous.
      All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been shown to induce the differentiation of
      neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib inhibits cell
      growth and angiogenesis in NBs. Here, we investigated the synergistic effect
      between bortezomib and ATRA in inducing NB cell differentiation in different NB
      cell lines. Bortezomib combined with ATRA had a significantly enhanced
      antiproliferative effect. This inhibition was characterized by a synergistic
      increase in neuronal differentiation. At the same time, the combination therapy
      showed little neuronal toxicity which was assessed in primary cultures of rat
      cerebellar granule cells by the MTT assay, PI staining. The combination of
      bortezomib and ATRA triggered increased differentiation through the activation of
      proteins, including RARalpha, RARbeta, RARgamma, p-JNK and p21, compared with
      ATRA treatment alone. Using JNK inhibitor SP600125 to block JNK-dependent
      activity, the combination therapy-induced neuronal differentiation was partially
      attenuated. In addition, p21 shRNA had no effect on the combination therapy
      induced neuronal differentiation. The in vivo antitumor activities were examined
      in human NB cell xenografts and GFP-labeled human NB cell xenografts. Treatment
      of human NB cell CHP126-bearing nude mice with ATRA plus bortezomib resulted in
      more significant tumor growth inhibition than mice treated with either drug
      alone. These findings provide the rationale for the development of a new
      therapeutic strategy for NB based on the pharmacological combination of ATRA and
      bortezomib.

PMID- 22087282
TI  - Alzheimer's disease and non-demented high pathology control nonagenarians:
      comparing and contrasting the biochemistry of cognitively successful aging.
AB  - The amyloid cascade hypothesis provides an economical mechanistic explanation for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia and correlated neuropathology. However, some
      nonagenarian individuals (high pathology controls, HPC) remain cognitively intact
      while enduring high amyloid plaque loads for decades. If amyloid accumulation is
      the prime instigator of neurotoxicity and dementia, specific protective
      mechanisms must enable these HPC to evade cognitive decline. We evaluated the
      neuropathological and biochemical differences existing between non-demented (ND)
      HPC and an age-matched cohort with AD dementia. The ND-HPC selected for our study
      were clinically assessed as ND and possessed high amyloid plaque burdens. ELISA
      and Western blot analyses were used to quantify a group of proteins related to
      APP/Abeta/tau metabolism and other neurotrophic and inflammation-related
      molecules that have been found to be altered in neurodegenerative disorders and
      are pivotal to brain homeostasis and mental health. The molecules assumed to be
      critical in AD dementia, such as soluble or insoluble Abeta40, Abeta42 and tau
      were quantified by ELISA. Interestingly, only Abeta42 demonstrated a significant
      increase in ND-HPC when compared to the AD group. The vascular amyloid load which
      was not used in the selection of cases, was on the average almost 2-fold greater
      in AD than the ND-HPC, suggesting that a higher degree of microvascular
      dysfunction and perfusion compromise was present in the demented cohort.
      Neurofibrillary tangles were less frequent in the frontal cortices of ND-HPC.
      Biochemical findings included elevated vascular endothelial growth factor,
      apolipoprotein E and the neuroprotective factor S100B in ND-HPC, while anti
      angiogenic pigment epithelium derived factor levels were lower. The lack of clear
      Abeta-related pathological/biochemical demarcation between AD and ND-HPC suggests
      that in addition to amyloid plaques other factors, such as neurofibrillary tangle
      density and vascular integrity, must play important roles in cognitive failure.

PMID- 22087284
TI  - Interactions between genetic variants in the adiponectin, adiponectin receptor 1
      and environmental factors on the risk of colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome traits play an important role in the development
      of colorectal cancer. Adipokines, key metabolic syndrome cellular mediators, when
      abnormal, may induce carcinogenesis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To
      investigate whether polymorphisms of important adipokines, adiponectin (ADIPOQ)
      and its receptors, either alone or in combination with environmental factors, are
      implicated in colorectal cancer, a two-stage case-control study was conducted. In
      the first stage, we evaluated 24 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag SNPs)
      across ADIPOQ ligand and two ADIPOQ receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) among 470
      cases and 458 controls. One SNP with promising association was then analyzed in
      stage 2 among 314 cases and 355 controls. In our study, ADIPOQ rs1063538 was
      consistently associated with increased colorectal cancer risk, with an odds ratio
      (OR) of 1.94 (95%CI: 1.48-2.54) for CC genotype compared with TT genotype. In two
      factor gene-environment interaction analyses, rs1063538 presented significant
      interactions with smoking status, family history of cancer and alcohol use, with
      ORs of 4.52 (95%CI: 2.78-7.34), 3.18 (95%CI: 1.73-5.82) and 1.97 (95%CI: 1.27
      3.04) for smokers, individuals with family history of cancer or drinkers with CC
      genotype compared with non-smokers, individuals without family history of cancer
      or non-drinkers with TT genotype, respectively. Multifactor gene-environment
      interactions analysis revealed significant interactions between ADIPOQ rs1063538,
      ADIPOR1 rs1539355, smoking status and BMI. Individuals carrying one, two and at
      least three risk factors presented 1.18-fold (95%CI:0.89-fold to 1.58-fold), 1.87
      fold (95%CI: 1.38-fold to 2.54-fold) and 4.39-fold (95%CI: 2.75-fold to 7.01
      fold) increased colorectal cancer risk compared with those who without risk
      factor, respectively (P(trend) <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results
      suggest that variants in ADIPOQ may contribute to increased colorectal cancer
      risk in Chinese and this contribution may be modified by environmental factors,
      such as smoking status, family history of cancer and BMI.

PMID- 22087285
TI  - Hedgehog signaling antagonist GDC-0449 (Vismodegib) inhibits pancreatic cancer
      stem cell characteristics: molecular mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated
      that aberrant reactivation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway
      regulates genes that promote cellular proliferation in various human cancer stem
      cells (CSCs). Therefore, the chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit activation of
      Gli transcription factors have emerged as promising novel therapeutic drugs for
      pancreatic cancer. GDC-0449 (Vismodegib), orally administrable molecule belonging
      to the 2-arylpyridine class, inhibits SHH signaling pathway by blocking the
      activities of Smoothened. The objectives of this study were to examine the
      molecular mechanisms by which GDC-0449 regulates human pancreatic CSC
      characteristics in vitro. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: GDC-0499 inhibited cell
      viability and induced apoptosis in three pancreatic cancer cell lines and
      pancreatic CSCs. This inhibitor also suppressed cell viability, Gli-DNA binding
      and transcriptional activities, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3
      activation and PARP cleavage in pancreatic CSCs. GDC-0449-induced apoptosis in
      CSCs showed increased Fas expression and decreased expression of PDGFRalpha.
      Furthermore, Bcl-2 was down-regulated whereas TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5
      expression was increased following the treatment of CSCs with GDC-0449.
      Suppression of both Gli1 plus Gli2 by shRNA mimicked the changes in cell
      viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis and gene expression observed in GDC-0449
      treated pancreatic CSCs. Thus, activated Gli genes repress DRs and Fas
      expressions, up-regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and PDGFRalpha and facilitate
      cell survival. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that GDC-0499 can be
      used for the management of pancreatic cancer by targeting pancreatic CSCs.

PMID- 22087286
TI  - Comparative proteomic approach identifies PKM2 and cofilin-1 as potential
      diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Non-small
      cell lung carcinomas (Non-SCLC) account for almost 80% of lung cancers, of which
      40% were adenocarcinomas. For a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms
      behind the development and progression of lung cancer, particularly lung
      adenocarcinoma, we have used proteomics technology to search for candidate
      prognostic and therapeutic targets in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The protein
      profile changes between human pulmonary adenocarcinoma tissue and paired
      surrounding normal tissue were analyzed using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (2-DE) based approach. Differentially expressed protein-spots
      were identified with ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS instruments. As a result, thirty two
      differentially expressed proteins (over 2-fold, p<0.05) were identified in
      pulmonary adenocarcinoma compared to normal tissues. Among them, two proteins
      (PKM2 and cofilin-1), significantly up-regulated in adenocarcinoma, were selected
      for detailed analysis. Immunohistochemical examination indicated that enhanced
      expression of PKM2 and cofilin-1 were correlated with the severity of epithelial
      dysplasia, as well as a relatively poor prognosis. Knockdown of PKM2 expression
      by RNA interference led to a significant suppression of cell growth and induction
      of apoptosis in pulmonary adenocarcinoma SPC-A1 cells in vitro, and tumor growth
      inhibition in vivo xenograft model (P<0.05). In addition, the shRNA expressing
      plasmid targeting cofilin-1 significantly inhibited tumor metastases and
      prolonged survival in LL/2 metastatic model. While additional works are needed to
      elucidate the biological significance and molecular mechanisms of these altered
      proteins identified in this study, PKM2 and cofilin-1 may serve as potential
      diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for
      pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22087287
TI  - Involvement of FOXO transcription factors, TRAIL-FasL/Fas, and sirtuin proteins
      family in canine coronavirus type II-induced apoptosis.
AB  - n our previous study, we have shown that canine coronavirus type II (CCoV-II)
      activates both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway in a canine fibrosarcoma
      cell line (A-72 cells). Herein we investigated the role of Sirtuin and Forkhead
      box O (FOXO) families in this experimental model using Nortern Blot and Western
      Blot analysis. Our results demonstrated that mitochondrial SIRT3 and SIRT4
      protein expression increased from 12 and 24 h post infection (p.i.) onwards,
      respectively, whereas the nuclear SIRT1 expression increased during the first 12
      h p.i. followed by a decrease after 36 h p.i., reaching the same level of control
      at 48 h p.i. Sirtuins interact with/and regulate the activity of FOXO family
      proteins, and we herein observed that FOXO3A and FOXO1 expression increased
      significantly and stably from 12 h p.i. onwards. In addition, CCoV-II induces a
      remarkable increase in the expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
      (TRAIL), while we observed a slight up-regulation of FasL/Fas at 36 p.i. with a
      decrease of both proteins at the end of infection. Furthermore, we found that
      virus infection increased both bax translocation into mitochondria and decreased
      bcl-2 expression in cytosol in a time-dependent manner.These data suggest that
      FOXO transcription factors mediate pro-apoptotic effects of CCoV-II, in part due
      to activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathway, while some Sirtuin family members
      (such as SIRT3 and SIRT4) may be involved in intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
      Moreover, these results propose that TRAIL is an important mediator of cell death
      induced by CCoV-II during in vitro infection.

PMID- 22087288
TI  - A novel validation algorithm allows for automated cell tracking and the
      extraction of biologically meaningful parameters.
AB  - Automated microscopy is currently the only method to non-invasively and label
      free observe complex multi-cellular processes, such as cell migration, cell
      cycle, and cell differentiation. Extracting biological information from a time
      series of micrographs requires each cell to be recognized and followed through
      sequential microscopic snapshots. Although recent attempts to automatize this
      process resulted in ever improving cell detection rates, manual identification of
      identical cells is still the most reliable technique. However, its tedious and
      subjective nature prevented tracking from becoming a standardized tool for the
      investigation of cell cultures. Here, we present a novel method to accomplish
      automated cell tracking with a reliability comparable to manual tracking.
      Previously, automated cell tracking could not rival the reliability of manual
      tracking because, in contrast to the human way of solving this task, none of the
      algorithms had an independent quality control mechanism; they missed validation.
      Thus, instead of trying to improve the cell detection or tracking rates, we
      proceeded from the idea to automatically inspect the tracking results and accept
      only those of high trustworthiness, while rejecting all other results. This
      validation algorithm works independently of the quality of cell detection and
      tracking through a systematic search for tracking errors. It is based only on
      very general assumptions about the spatiotemporal contiguity of cell paths. While
      traditional tracking often aims to yield genealogic information about single
      cells, the natural outcome of a validated cell tracking algorithm turns out to be
      a set of complete, but often unconnected cell paths, i.e. records of cells from
      mitosis to mitosis. This is a consequence of the fact that the validation
      algorithm takes complete paths as the unit of rejection/acceptance. The resulting
      set of complete paths can be used to automatically extract important biological
      parameters with high reliability and statistical significance. These include the
      distribution of life/cycle times and cell areas, as well as of the symmetry of
      cell divisions and motion analyses. The new algorithm thus allows for the
      quantification and parameterization of cell culture with unprecedented accuracy.
      To evaluate our validation algorithm, two large reference data sets were manually
      created. These data sets comprise more than 320,000 unstained adult pancreatic
      stem cells from rat, including 2592 mitotic events. The reference data sets
      specify every cell position and shape, and assign each cell to the correct branch
      of its genealogic tree. We provide these reference data sets for free use by
      others as a benchmark for the future improvement of automated tracking methods.

PMID- 22087289
TI  - The antiangiogenic 16K prolactin impairs functional tumor neovascularization by
      inhibiting vessel maturation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing
      vasculature, plays an essential role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
      16K hPRL, the antiangiogenic 16-kDa N-terminal fragment of human prolactin was
      shown to prevent tumor growth and metastasis by modifying tumor vessel
      morphology. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we investigated the effect of
      16K hPRL on tumor vessel maturation and on the related signaling pathways. We
      show that 16K hPRL treatment leads, in a murine B16-F10 tumor model, to a
      dysfunctional tumor vasculature with reduced pericyte coverage, and disruption of
      the PDGF-B/PDGFR-B, Ang/Tie2, and Delta/Notch pathways. In an aortic ring assay,
      16K hPRL impairs endothelial cell and pericyte outgrowth from the vascular ring.
      In addition, 16K hPRL prevents pericyte migration to endothelial cells. This
      event was independent of a direct inhibitory effect of 16K hPRL on pericyte
      viability, proliferation, or migration. In endothelial cell-pericyte cocultures,
      we found 16K hPRL to disturb Notch signaling. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Taken
      together, our data show that 16K hPRL impairs functional tumor neovascularization
      by inhibiting vessel maturation and for the first time that an endogenous
      antiangiogenic agent disturbs Notch signaling. These findings provide new
      insights into the mechanisms of 16K hPRL action and highlight its potential for
      use in anticancer therapy.

PMID- 22087290
TI  - Displacement of the predominant dengue virus from type 2 to type 1 with a
      subsequent genotype shift from IV to I in Surabaya, Indonesia 2008-2010.
AB  - Indonesia has annually experienced approximately 100,000 reported cases of dengue
      fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in recent years. However,
      epidemiological surveys of dengue viruses (DENVs) have been limited in this
      country. In Surabaya, the second largest city, a single report indicated that
      dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) was the predominant circulating virus in 2003-2005.
      We conducted three surveys in Surabaya during: (i) April 2007, (ii) June 2008 to
      April 2009, and (iii) September 2009 to December 2010. A total of 231 isolates
      were obtained from dengue patients and examined by PCR typing. We found that the
      predominant DENV shifted from type 2 to type 1 between October and November 2008.
      Another survey using wild-caught mosquitoes in April 2009 confirmed that dengue
      type 1 virus (DENV1) was the predominant type in Surabaya. Phylogenetic analyses
      of the nucleotide sequences of the complete envelope gene of DENV1 indicated that
      all 22 selected isolates in the second survey belonged to genotype IV and all 17
      selected isolates in the third survey belonged to genotype I, indicating a
      genotype shift between April and September 2009. Furthermore, in December 2010,
      isolates were grouped into a new clade of DENV1 genotype I, suggesting clade
      shift between September and December 2010. According to statistics reported by
      the Surabaya Health Office, the proportion of DHF cases among the total number of
      dengue cases increased about three times after the type shift in 2008. In
      addition, the subsequent genotype shift in 2009 was associated with the increased
      number of total dengue cases. This indicates the need for continuous surveillance
      of circulating viruses to predict the risk of DHF and DF.

PMID- 22087291
TI  - Twist controls skeletal development and dorsoventral patterning by regulating
      runx2 in zebrafish.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Twist1a and twist1b are the principal components of twists that
      negatively regulate a number of cellular signaling events. Expression of runx2
      and downstream targets is essential for skeletal development and ventral
      organizer formation and specification in early vertebrate embryos, but what
      controls ventral activity of maternal runx2 and how twists function in zebrafish
      embryogenesis still remain unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: By studying
      the loss of twist induced by injection of morpholino-oligonucleotide in
      zebrafish, we found that twist1a and twist1b, but not twist2 or twist3, were
      required for proper skeletal development and dorsoventral patterning in early
      embryos. Overexpression of twist1a or twist1b following mRNA injection resulted
      in deteriorated skeletal development and formation of typical dorsalized embryos,
      whereas knockdown of twist1a and twist1b led to the formation of abnormal embryos
      with enhanced skeletal formation and typical ventralized patterning.
      Overexpression of twist1a or twist1b decreased the expression of runx2b, whereas
      twist1a and twist1b knockdown increased runx2b expression. We have further
      demonstrated that phenotypes induced by twist1a and twist1b knockdown were
      rescued by runx2b knockdown. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Together, these results
      suggest that twist1a and twist1b control skeletal development and dorsoventral
      patterning by regulating runx2b in zebrafish and provide potential targets for
      the treatment of diseases or syndromes associated with decreased skeletal
      development.

PMID- 22087293
TI  - Fish consumption measured during pregnancy and risk of cardiovascular diseases
      later in life: an observational prospective study.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated a protective effect of long chain n-3 PUFAs
      against cardiovascular disease; however, the overall evidence remains uncertain,
      and there is a general lack of knowledge in the field of cardiovascular
      epidemiology in women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the
      association between fish intake and cardiovascular disease among 7429 women from
      a prospective pregnancy cohort in Aarhus, Denmark, who were followed for 12-17
      years. Exposure information derived from a questionnaire sent to the women in
      gestation week 16, and daily fish consumption was quantified based on assumptions
      of standard portion sizes and food tables. Information on admissions to hospital
      was obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry and diagnoses of
      hypertensive, cerebrovascular and ischaemic heart disease were used to define the
      outcome: cardiovascular disease. During the follow-up period 263 events of
      cardiovascular disease were identified. Overall, there was no association between
      cardiovascular disease and fish intake, confidence intervals for effect estimates
      in the different fish intake groups were wide, overlapped and for all but one
      they encompassed unity. Restricting the analysis to women who had reported the
      same fish intake in a questionnaire in gestation week 30 did not alter these
      findings. In conclusion, our data from a prospective cohort of relatively young
      and initially healthy women from Aarhus linked with information from registries
      could not substantiate a protective effect of fish intake against cardiovascular
      disease.

PMID- 22087292
TI  - Bivariate genome-wide association analyses of femoral neck bone geometry and
      appendicular lean mass.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Femoral neck geometric parameters (FNGPs), such as periosteal diameter
      (W), cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical thickness (CT), buckling ratio (BR),
      and section modulus (Z), are highly genetically correlated with body lean mass.
      However, the specific SNPs/genes shared by these phenotypes are largely unknown.
      METHODS: To identify the specific SNPs/genes shared between FNGPs and
      appendicular lean mass (ALM), we performed an initial bivariate genome-wide
      association study (GWAS) by scanning ~690,000 SNPs in 1,627 unrelated Han Chinese
      adults (802 males and 825 females) and a follow-up replicate study in 2,286
      unrelated US Caucasians. RESULTS: We identified 13 interesting SNPs that may be
      important for both FNGPs and ALM. Two SNPs, rs681900 located in the HK2
      (hexokinase 2) gene and rs11859916 in the UMOD (uromodulin) gene, were
      bivariately associated with FNGPs and ALM (p = 7.58*10(-6) for ALM-BR and p =
      2.93*10(-6) for ALM-W, respectively). The associations were then replicated in
      Caucasians, with corresponding p values of 0.024 for rs681900 and 0.047 for
      rs11859916. Meta-analyses yielded combined p values of 3.05*10(-6) and 2.31*10(
      6) for rs681900 and rs11859916, respectively. Our findings are consistent with
      previous biological studies that implicated HK2 and UMOD in both FNGPs and ALM.
      Our study also identified a group of 11 contiguous SNPs, which spanned a region
      of ~130 kb, were bivariately associated with FNGPs and ALM, with p values ranging
      from 3.06*10(-7) to 4.60*10(-6) for ALM-BR. The region contained two neighboring
      miRNA coding genes, MIR873 (MicroRNA873) and MIR876 (MicroRNA876). CONCLUSION:
      Our study implicated HK2, UMOD, MIR873 and MIR876, as pleiotropic genes
      underlying variation of both FNGPs and ALM, thus suggesting their important
      functional roles in co-regulating both FNGPs and ALM.

PMID- 22087294
TI  - Relative changes in krill abundance inferred from Antarctic fur seal.
AB  - Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is a predominant species in the Southern Ocean,
      it is very sensitive to climate change, and it supports large stocks of fishes,
      seabirds, seals and whales in Antarctic marine ecosystems. Modern krill stocks
      have been estimated directly by net hauls and acoustic surveys; the historical
      krill density especially the long-term one in the Southern Ocean, however, is
      unknown. Here we inferred the relative krill population changes along the West
      Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) over the 20th century from the trophic level change of
      Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella using stable carbon (delta(13)C) and
      nitrogen (delta(15)N) isotopes of archival seal hairs. Since Antarctic fur seals
      feed preferentially on krill, the variation of delta(15)N in seal hair indicates
      a change in the proportion of krill in the seal's diets and thus the krill
      availability in local seawater. For the past century, enriching fur seal
      delta(15)N values indicated decreasing krill availability. This is agreement with
      direct observation for the past ~30 years and suggests that the recently
      documented decline in krill populations began in the early parts of the 20th
      century. This novel method makes it possible to infer past krill population
      changes from ancient tissues of krill predators.

PMID- 22087295
TI  - Expression of the neuregulin receptor ErbB4 in the brain of the rhesus monkey
      (Macaca mulatta).
AB  - We demonstrated recently that frontal cortical expression of the Neuregulin (NRG)
      receptor ErbB4 is restricted to interneurons in rodents, macaques, and humans.
      However, little is known about protein expression patterns in other areas of the
      brain. In situ hybridization studies have shown high ErbB4 mRNA levels in various
      subcortical areas, suggesting that ErbB4 is also expressed in cell types other
      than cortical interneurons. Here, using highly-specific monoclonal antibodies, we
      provide the first extensive report of ErbB4 protein expression throughout the
      cerebrum of primates. We show that ErbB4 immunoreactivity is high in association
      cortices, intermediate in sensory cortices, and relatively low in motor cortices.
      The overall immunoreactivity in the hippocampal formation is intermediate, but is
      high in a subset of interneurons. We detected the highest overall
      immunoreactivity in distinct locations of the ventral hypothalamus, medial
      habenula, intercalated nuclei of the amygdala and structures of the ventral
      forebrain, such as the islands of Calleja, olfactory tubercle and ventral
      pallidum, and medium expression in the reticular thalamic nucleus. While this
      pattern is generally consistent with ErbB4 mRNA expression data, further
      investigations are needed to identify the exact cellular and subcellular sources
      of mRNA and protein expression in these areas. In contrast to in situ
      hybridization in rodents, we detected only low levels of ErbB4-immunoreactivity
      in mesencephalic dopaminergic nuclei but a diffuse pattern of immunofluorescence
      that was medium in the dorsal striatum and high in the ventral forebrain,
      suggesting that most ErbB4 protein in dopaminergic neurons could be transported
      to axons. We conclude that the NRG-ErbB4 signaling pathway can potentially
      influence many functional systems throughout the brain of primates, and suggest
      that major sites of action are areas of the "corticolimbic" network. This
      interpretation is functionally consistent with the genetic association of NRG1
      and ERBB4 with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22087296
TI  - A map of copy number variations in Chinese populations.
AB  - It has been shown that the human genome contains extensive copy number variations
      (CNVs). Investigating the medical and evolutionary impacts of CNVs requires the
      knowledge of locations, sizes and frequency distribution of them within and
      between populations. However, CNV study of Chinese minorities, which harbor the
      majority of genetic diversity of Chinese populations, has been underrepresented
      considering the same efforts in other populations. Here we constructed, to our
      knowledge, a first CNV map in seven Chinese populations representing the major
      linguistic groups in China with 1,440 CNV regions identified using Affymetrix SNP
      6.0 Array. Considerable differences in distributions of CNV regions between
      populations and substantial population structures were observed. We showed that
      ~35% of CNV regions identified in minority ethnic groups are not shared by Han
      Chinese population, indicating that the contribution of the minorities to genetic
      architecture of Chinese population could not be ignored. We further identified
      highly differentiated CNV regions between populations. For example, a common
      deletion in Dong and Zhuang (44.4% and 50%), which overlaps two keratin
      associated protein genes contributing to the structure of hair fibers, was not
      observed in Han Chinese. Interestingly, the most differentiated CNV deletion
      between HapMap CEU and YRI containing CCL3L1 gene reported in previous studies
      was also the highest differentiated regions between Tibetan and other
      populations. Besides, by jointly analyzing CNVs and SNPs, we found a CNV region
      containing gene CTDSPL were in almost perfect linkage disequilibrium between
      flanking SNPs in Tibetan while not in other populations except HapMap CHD.
      Furthermore, we found the SNP taggability of CNVs in Chinese populations was much
      lower than that in European populations. Our results suggest the necessity of a
      full characterization of CNVs in Chinese populations, and the CNV map we
      constructed serves as a useful resource in further evolutionary and medical
      studies.

PMID- 22087297
TI  - The epigenetic modifier PRDM5 functions as a tumor suppressor through modulating
      WNT/beta-catenin signaling and is frequently silenced in multiple tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PRDM (PRDI-BF1 and RIZ domain containing) proteins are zinc finger
      proteins involved in multiple cellular regulations by acting as epigenetic
      modifiers. We studied a recently identified PRDM member PRDM5 for its epigenetic
      abnormality and tumor suppressive functions in multiple tumorigeneses.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that PRDM5 was
      broadly expressed in human normal tissues, but frequently silenced or
      downregulated in multiple carcinoma cell lines due to promoter CpG methylation,
      including 80% (4/5) nasopharyngeal, 44% (8/18) esophageal, 76% (13/17) gastric,
      50% (2/4) cervical, and 25% (3/12) hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, but not
      in any immortalized normal epithelial cell lines. PRDM5 expression could be
      restored by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine demethylation treatment in silenced cell
      lines. PRDM5 methylation was frequently detected by methylation-specific PCR
      (MSP) in multiple primary tumors, including 93% (43/46) nasopharyngeal, 58%
      (25/43) esophageal, 88% (37/42) gastric and 63% (29/46) hepatocellular tumors.
      PRDM5 was further found a stress-responsive gene, but its response was impaired
      when the promoter was methylated. Ectopic PRDM5 expression significantly
      inhibited tumor cell clonogenicity, accompanied by the inhibition of TCF/beta
      catenin-dependent transcription and downregulation of CDK4, TWIST1 and MDM2
      oncogenes, while knocking down of PRDM5 expression lead to increased cell
      proliferation. ChIP assay showed that PRDM5 bound to its target gene promoters
      and suppressed their transcription. An inverse correlation between the expression
      of PRDM5 and activated beta-catenin was also observed in cell lines.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: PRDM5 functions as a tumor suppressor at least
      partially through antagonizing aberrant WNT/beta-catenin signaling and oncogene
      expression. Frequent epigenetic silencing of PRDM5 is involved in multiple
      tumorigeneses, which could serve as a tumor biomarker.

PMID- 22087298
TI  - Association study on IL4, IL13 and IL4RA polymorphisms in mite-sensitized
      persistent allergic rhinitis in a Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The IL4, IL13, and IL4 receptor alpha chain (IL4RA) genes are
      candidate genes for atopic diseases. We hypothesized that the polymorphisms in
      these genes are associated with persistent allergic rhinitis (PER). OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the association of the potential functional polymorphisms in IL4,
      IL13, and IL4RA with PER induced by house dust mites in a Chinese population.
      METHODS: Using the TaqMan method, we genotyped six single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) including C-590T in IL4, C-1055T and Arg130Gln in IL13, and
      Ile50Val, Ser478Pro and Gln551Arg in IL4RA, in a case-control study of 265
      patients with PER and 275 healthy controls. RESULTS: We found that the CT/CC
      genotypes in IL4 C-590T were associated with a significantly decreased risk of
      mite-sensitized PER [adjusted odds ratio (OR)  = 0.64, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.45-0.92], compared to the TT genotype. Furthermore, PER patients with
      CT/CC genotypes had significantly lower serum levels of total IgE than those with
      TT genotype (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant association of the
      IL13 and IL4RA polymorphisms with mite-sensitized PER (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that the C-590T polymorphism in IL4 may contribute to the
      susceptibility to mite-sensitized PER in a Chinese population.

PMID- 22087299
TI  - Outcomes of patients with benign liver diseases undergoing living donor versus
      deceased donor liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The number of people undergoing living donor liver
      transplantation (LDLT) has increased rapidly in many transplant centres. Patients
      considering LDLT need to know whether LDLT is riskier than deceased donor liver
      transplantation (DDLT). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of
      patients undergoing LDLT versus DDLT. METHODS: A total of 349 patients with
      benign liver diseases were recruited from 2005 to 2011 for this study. LDLT was
      performed in 128 patients, and DDLT was performed in 221 patients. Pre- and intra
      operative variables for the two groups were compared. Statistically analysed post
      operative outcomes include the postoperative incidence of complication, biliary
      and vascular complication, hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence, long-term survival
      rate and outcomes of emergency transplantation. RESULTS: The waiting times were
      22.10+/-15.31 days for the patients undergoing LDLT versus 35.81+/-29.18 days for
      the patients undergoing DDLT. The cold ischemia time (CIT) was 119.34+/-19.75
      minutes for the LDLT group and 346+/-154.18 for DDLT group. LDLT group had higher
      intraoperative blood loss, but red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was not
      different. Similar >= Clavien III complications, vascular complications,
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence and long-term survival rates were noted. LDLT
      patients suffered a higher incidence of biliary complications in the early
      postoperative days. However, during the long-term follow-up period, biliary
      complication rates were similar between the two groups. The long-term survival
      rate of patients undergoing emergency transplantation was lower than of patients
      undergoing elective transplantation. However, no significant difference was
      observed between emergency LDLT and emergency DDLT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      undergoing LDLT achieved similar outcomes to patients undergoing DDLT. Although
      LDLT patients may suffer a higher incidence of early biliary complications, the
      total biliary complication rate was similar during the long-term follow-up
      period.

PMID- 22087300
TI  - Marine reptiles.

PMID- 22087301
TI  - Energy beyond food: foraging theory informs time spent in thermals by a large
      soaring bird.
AB  - Current understanding of how animals search for and exploit food resources is
      based on microeconomic models. Although widely used to examine feeding, such
      constructs should inform other energy-harvesting situations where theoretical
      assumptions are met. In fact, some animals extract non-food forms of energy from
      the environment, such as birds that soar in updraughts. This study examined
      whether the gains in potential energy (altitude) followed efficiency-maximising
      predictions in the world's heaviest soaring bird, the Andean condor (Vultur
      gryphus). Animal-attached technology was used to record condor flight paths in
      three-dimensions. Tracks showed that time spent in patchy thermals was broadly
      consistent with a strategy to maximise the rate of potential energy gain.
      However, the rate of climb just prior to leaving a thermal increased with thermal
      strength and exit altitude. This suggests higher rates of energetic gain may not
      be advantageous where the resulting gain in altitude would lead to a reduction in
      the ability to search the ground for food. Consequently, soaring behaviour
      appeared to be modulated by the need to reconcile differing potential energy and
      food energy distributions. We suggest that foraging constructs may provide
      insight into the exploitation of non-food energy forms, and that non-food energy
      distributions may be more important in informing patterns of movement and
      residency over a range of scales than previously considered.

PMID- 22087302
TI  - Shared and unique patterns of embryo development in extremophile poeciliids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Closely related lineages of livebearing fishes have independently
      adapted to two extreme environmental factors: toxic hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) and
      perpetual darkness. Previous work has demonstrated in adult specimens that fish
      from these extreme habitats convergently evolved drastically increased head and
      offspring size, while cave fish are further characterized by reduced pigmentation
      and eye size. Here, we traced the development of these (and other) divergent
      traits in embryos of Poecilia mexicana from benign surface habitats ("surface
      mollies") and a sulphidic cave ("cave mollies"), as well as in embryos of the
      sister taxon, Poecilia sulphuraria from a sulphidic surface spring ("sulphur
      mollies"). We asked at which points during development changes in the timing of
      the involved processes (i.e., heterochrony) would be detectible. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Data were extracted from digital photographs taken of representative
      embryos for each stage of development and each type of molly. Embryo mass
      decreased in convergent fashion, but we found patterns of embryonic fat content
      and ovum/embryo diameter to be divergent among all three types of mollies. The
      intensity of yellow colouration of the yolk (a proxy for carotenoid content) was
      significantly lower in cave mollies throughout development. Moreover, while
      relative head size decreased through development in surface mollies, it increased
      in both types of extremophile mollies, and eye growth was arrested in mid-stage
      embryos of cave mollies but not in surface or sulphur mollies. CONCLUSION: Our
      results clearly demonstrate that even among sister taxa convergence in phenotypic
      traits is not always achieved by the same processes during embryo development.
      Furthermore, teleost development is crucially dependent on sufficient carotenoid
      stores in the yolk, and so we discuss how the apparent ability of cave mollies to
      overcome this carotenoid-dependency may represent another potential mechanism
      explaining the lack of gene flow between surface and cave mollies.

PMID- 22087303
TI  - Identifying temporal codes in spontaneously active sensory neurons.
AB  - The manner in which information is encoded in neural signals is a major issue in
      Neuroscience. A common distinction is between rate codes, where information in
      neural responses is encoded as the number of spikes within a specified time frame
      (encoding window), and temporal codes, where the position of spikes within the
      encoding window carries some or all of the information about the stimulus. One
      test for the existence of a temporal code in neural responses is to add
      artificial time jitter to each spike in the response, and then assess whether or
      not information in the response has been degraded. If so, temporal encoding might
      be inferred, on the assumption that the jitter is small enough to alter the
      position, but not the number, of spikes within the encoding window. Here, the
      effects of artificial jitter on various spike train and information metrics were
      derived analytically, and this theory was validated using data from afferent
      neurons of the turtle vestibular and paddlefish electrosensory systems, and from
      model neurons. We demonstrate that the jitter procedure will degrade information
      content even when coding is known to be entirely by rate. For this and additional
      reasons, we conclude that the jitter procedure by itself is not sufficient to
      establish the presence of a temporal code.

PMID- 22087304
TI  - Astrocyte-secreted factors modulate a gradient of primary dendritic arbors in
      nucleus laminaris of the avian auditory brainstem.
AB  - Neurons in nucleus laminaris (NL) receive binaural, tonotopically matched input
      from nucleus magnocelluaris (NM) onto bitufted dendrites that display a gradient
      of dendritic arbor size. These features improve computation of interaural time
      differences, which are used to determine the locations of sound sources. The
      dendritic gradient emerges following a period of significant reorganization at
      embryonic day 15 (E15), which coincides with the emergence of astrocytes that
      express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the auditory brainstem. The
      major changes include a loss of total dendritic length, a systematic loss of
      primary dendrites along the tonotopic axis, and lengthening of primary dendrites
      on caudolateral NL neurons. Here we have tested whether astrocyte-derived
      molecules contribute to these changes in dendritic morphology. We used an
      organotypic brainstem slice preparation to perform repeated imaging of individual
      dye-filled NL neurons to determine the effects of astrocyte-conditioned medium
      (ACM) on dendritic morphology. We found that treatment with ACM induced a
      decrease in the number of primary dendrites in a tonotopically graded manner
      similar to that observed during normal development. Our data introduce a new
      interaction between astrocytes and neurons in the auditory brainstem and suggest
      that these astrocytes influence multiple aspects of auditory brainstem
      maturation.

PMID- 22087305
TI  - BDNF polymorphism predicts general intelligence after penetrating traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - Neuronal plasticity is a fundamental factor in cognitive outcome following
      traumatic brain injury. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the
      neurotrophin family, plays an important role in this process. While there are
      many ways to measure cognitive outcome, general cognitive intelligence is a
      strong predictor of everyday decision-making, occupational attainment, social
      mobility and job performance. Thus it is an excellent measure of cognitive
      outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although the importance of the
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms polymorphism on cognitive function has been
      previously addressed, its role in recovery of general intelligence following TBI
      is unknown. We genotyped male Caucasian Vietnam combat veterans with focal
      penetrating TBI (pTBI) (n = 109) and non-head injured controls (n = 38) for 7
      BDNF single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Subjects were administrated the Armed
      Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) at three different time periods: pre-injury on
      induction into the military, Phase II (10-15 years post-injury, and Phase III (30
      35 years post-injury). Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs7124442 and
      rs1519480, were significantly associated with post-injury recovery of general
      cognitive intelligence with the most pronounced effect at the Phase II time
      point, indicating lesion-induced plasticity. The genotypes accounted for 5% of
      the variance of the AFQT scores, independently of other significant predictors
      such as pre-injury intelligence and percentage of brain volume loss. These data
      indicate that genetic variations in BDNF play a significant role in lesion
      induced recovery following pTBI. Identifying the underlying mechanism of this
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor effect could provide insight into an important
      aspect of post-traumatic cognitive recovery.

PMID- 22087306
TI  - Are Helicobacter pylori and other Helicobacter species infection associated with
      human biliary lithiasis? A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the isolation of Helicobacter species in biliary system, a
      hypothetical question was raised about the role of these agents in the
      development of cholelithiasis. This meta-analysis is to explore the association
      between the Helicobacter infection and biliary lithiasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify all eligible
      articles. Meta-analysis which was carried out using odds ratio and random effect
      model, 95% confidence intervals for odds ratio was calculated. Quantitative
      assessment of heterogeneity was explored by chi-square test with significance set
      at P value 0.10 and was measured using I(2) statistic. Eighteen studies published
      between 1998 and 2011 were finally eligible for meta-analysis. H. pylori, H.
      bilis, H. hepaticus, H. pullorum and H. ganmani were studied. With heterogeneity
      (I(2) = 69.5%, P<0.0001), significantly higher pooled infection rates of H.
      pylori (OR: 2.59, 35.82% versus 26.75%, P = 0.01) and H. hepaticus (OR: 3.13,
      31.30% versus 12.12%, P = 0.02) were observed in lithiasis group. Higher
      prevalence of H. pylori in cholelithiasis patients were reported by studies from
      East Asia, South Asia and South America. Evidences supporting the higher presence
      of H. pylori in cholelithiasis patients could be found by PCR for detecting 16s
      rRNA in bile, 26 kDa protein gene in biliary tissue and immunohistochemistry.
      Using multiple detection tests could increase the detection rate of H. pylori.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCES: Our meta-analysis suggests a trend of higher presence
      of H. pylori in cholelithiasis patients than control group and this trend was
      significant in the regions with higher prevalence of this agent. Evidences
      supporting the association between Helicobacter and cholelithiasis could be found
      by using different tests but the gold standard for the identification of these
      bacteria in biliary system has yet to be established. Considering obvious
      heterogeneity, a large multi-center study will facilitate us to further clarify
      the association between the Helicobacter infection and cholelithiasis.

PMID- 22087307
TI  - CARD8 and NLRP1 undergo autoproteolytic processing through a ZU5-like domain.
AB  - The "Function to Find Domain" (FIIND)-containing proteins CARD8 (Cardinal; Tucan)
      and NLRP1 (NALP1; NAC) are well known components of inflammasomes, multiprotein
      complexes responsible for activation of caspase-1, a regulator of inflammation
      and innate immunity. Although identified many years ago, the role of the FIIND is
      unknown. Here, we report that CARD8 and NLRP1 undergo autoproteolytic cleavage at
      a conserved SF/S motif within the FIIND. Using bioinformatics and computational
      modeling approaches, we detected striking structural similarity between the FIIND
      and the ZU5-UPA domain present in the autoproteolytic protein PIDD. This allowed
      us to generate a three-dimensional model and to gain insights in the molecular
      mechanism of the cleavage. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that
      the second serine of the SF/S motif is required for CARD8 and NLRP1
      autoproteolysis. Furthermore, we discovered an important function for conserved
      glutamic acid and histidine residues, located in proximity of the cleavage site
      in regulating the autoprocessing efficiency. Altogether, these results identify a
      function for the FIIND and show that CARD8 and NLRP1 are ZU5-UPA domain
      containing autoproteolytic proteins, thus suggesting a novel mechanism for
      regulating innate immune responses.

PMID- 22087308
TI  - DNA damage stress and inhibition of Jak2-V617F cause its degradation and
      synergistically induce apoptosis through activation of GSK3beta.
AB  - The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Jak2 plays a crucial role in cytokine receptor
      signaling in hematopoietic cells. The activated Jak2-V617F mutant is present in
      most cases of BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms and constitutively
      activates downstream signals from homodimeric cytokine receptors, such as the
      erythropoietin receptor (EpoR). Here we examine the effects of DNA damage stress
      on Jak2 or Jak2-V617F and on induction of apoptosis in hematopoietic cells.
      Etoposide or doxorubicin dose-dependently decreased the expression level of Jak2
      in UT7 or 32D cells expressing EpoR in the absence of Epo and that of exogenously
      expressed Jak2-V617F in UT7 cells when cotreated with the Jak2 inhibitor JakI-1
      or AG490. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors and genetic manipulations
      further showed that downregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway leading to the
      activation of GSK3beta may be involved in downregulation of Jak2 or Jak2-V617F as
      well as in synergistic induction of Bax activation and apoptosis. The
      downregulation of Jak2 was inhibited by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 or by
      expression of both of loss-of-function mutants of c-Cbl and Cbl-b, E3 ubiquitin
      ligases which facilitated ubiquitination of Jak2-V617F when co-expressed in 293T
      cells. The pan-caspase inhibitor Boc-d-fmk also inhibited the Jak2 downregulation
      as well as appearance of a 100-kDa fragment that contained the N-terminal portion
      of Jak2 in response to DNA damage. Together, these data suggest that DNA damage
      stress with simultaneous inhibition of the kinase activity causes degradation of
      Jak2 or Jak2-V617F by caspase cleavage and proteasomal degradation through
      GSK3beta activation, which is closely involved in synergistic induction of
      apoptosis in hematopoietic cells.

PMID- 22087309
TI  - Lymphangiogenesis in regional lymph nodes is an independent prognostic marker in
      rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment.
AB  - One of the major prognostic factors in rectal cancer is lymph node metastasis.
      The formation of lymph node metastases is dependent on the existence of a
      premetastatic niche. An important factor preceding metastasis are lymph vessels
      which are located in the lymph node. Accordingly, the occurrence of intranodal
      lymphangiogenesis is thought to indicate distant metastasis and worse prognosis.
      To evaluate the significance of lymph node lymphangiogenesis, we studied formalin
      fixed, paraffin embedded adenocarcinomas and regional lymph nodes of 203 rectal
      cancer patients who were treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and
      consecutive curative surgery with cancer free surgical margins (R0). Regional
      lymph node lymph vessels were detected by immunohistochemistry for podoplanin (D2
      40). Our results show that the presence of lymphatic vessels in regional lymph
      nodes significantly affects the disease-free survival in univariate and
      multivariate analyses. In contrast, there was no correlation between peritumoral
      or intratumoral lymph vessel density and prognosis. Indeed, our study
      demonstrates the importance of lymphangiogenesis in regional lymph nodes after
      neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and consecutive surgery as an independent
      prognostic marker. Staining for intranodal lymphangiogenesis and methods of
      intravital imaging of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic flow may be a useful
      strategy to predict long-term outcome in rectal cancer patients. Furthermore,
      addition of VEGF-blocking agents to standardized neoadjuvant treatment schemes
      might be indicated in advanced rectal cancer.

PMID- 22087310
TI  - A plant virus movement protein regulates the Gcn2p kinase in budding yeast.
AB  - Virus life cycle heavily depends on their ability to command the host machinery
      in order to translate their genomes. Animal viruses have been shown to interfere
      with host translation machinery by expressing viral proteins that either maintain
      or inhibit eIF2alpha function by phosphorylation. However, this interference
      mechanism has not been described for any plant virus yet. Prunnus necrotic
      ringspot virus (PNRSV) is a serious pathogen of cultivated stone fruit trees. The
      movement protein (MP) of PNRSV is necessary for the cell-to-cell movement of the
      virus. By using a yeast-based approach we have found that over-expression of the
      PNRSV MP caused a severe growth defect in yeast cells. cDNA microarrays analysis
      carried out to characterise at the molecular level the growth interference
      phenotype reported the induction of genes related to amino acid deprivation
      suggesting that expression of MP activates the GCN pathway in yeast cells.
      Accordingly, PNRSV MP triggered activation of the Gcn2p kinase, as judged by
      increased eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Activation of Gcn2p by MP expression
      required a functional Tor1p kinase, since rapamycin treatment alleviated the
      yeast cell growth defect and blocked eIF2alpha phosphorylation triggered by MP
      expression. Overall, these findings uncover a previously uncharacterised function
      for PNRSV MP viral protein, and point out at Tor1p and Gcn2p kinases as candidate
      susceptibility factors for plant viral infections.

PMID- 22087311
TI  - Elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with mortality in
      tobacco smokers independent of airflow obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is associated with an increased prevalence of
      cardiovascular disease. N-terminal pro-brain natiuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a
      widely available biomarker that is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in
      other conditions, has not been investigated as a predictor of mortality in
      tobacco smokers. We hypothesized that NT-proBNP would be an independent
      prognostic marker in a cohort of well-characterized tobacco smokers without known
      cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Clinical data from 796 subjects enrolled in two
      prospective tobacco exposed cohorts was assessed to determine factors associated
      with elevated NT-proBNP and the relationship of these factors and NT-proBNP with
      mortality. RESULTS: Subjects were followed for a median of 562 (IQR 252-826)
      days. Characteristics associated with a NT-proBNP above the median (>=49 pg/mL)
      were increased age, female gender, and decreased body mass index. By time-to
      event analysis, an NT-proBNP above the median (>=49 pg/mL) was a significant
      predictor of mortality (log rank p = 0.02). By proportional hazard analysis
      controlling for age, gender, cohort, and severity of airflow obstruction, an
      elevated NT-proBNP level (>=49 pg/mL) remained an independent predictor of
      mortality (HR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.07-4.46, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated NT
      proBNP is an independent predictor of mortality in tobacco smokers without known
      cardiovascular disease, conferring a 2.2 fold increased risk of death. Future
      studies should assess the ability of this biomarker to guide further diagnostic
      testing and to direct specific cardiovascular risk reduction inventions that may
      positively impact quality of life and survival.

PMID- 22087312
TI  - Unbiased and automated identification of a circulating tumour cell definition
      that associates with overall survival.
AB  - Circulating tumour cells (CTC) in patients with metastatic carcinomas are
      associated with poor survival and can be used to guide therapy. Classification of
      CTC however remains subjective, as they are morphologically heterogeneous. We
      acquired digital images, using the CellSearchTM system, from blood of 185
      castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients and 68 healthy subjects to
      define CTC by computer algorithms. Patient survival data was used as the training
      parameter for the computer to define CTC. The computer-generated CTC definition
      was validated on a separate CRPC dataset comprising 100 patients. The optimal
      definition of the computer defined CTC (aCTC) was stricter as compared to the
      manual CellSearch CTC (mCTC) definition and as a consequence aCTC were less
      frequent. The computer-generated CTC definition resulted in hazard ratios (HRs)
      of 2.8 for baseline and 3.9 for follow-up samples, which is comparable to the
      mCTC definition (baseline HR 2.9, follow-up HR 4.5). Validation resulted in HRs
      at baseline/follow-up of 3.9/5.4 for computer and 4.8/5.8 for manual definitions.
      In conclusion, we have defined and validated CTC by clinical outcome using a
      perfectly reproducing automated algorithm.

PMID- 22087313
TI  - Free fatty acid-induced PP2A hyperactivity selectively impairs hepatic insulin
      action on glucose metabolism.
AB  - In type 2 Diabetes (T2D) free fatty acids (FFAs) in plasma are increased and
      hepatic insulin resistance is "selective", in the sense that the insulin-mediated
      decrease of glucose production is blunted while insulin's effect on stimulating
      lipogenesis is maintained. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying
      this pathogenic paradox. Primary rat hepatocytes were exposed to palmitate for
      twenty hours. To establish the physiological relevance of the in vitro findings,
      we also studied insulin-resistant Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. While insulin
      receptor phosphorylation was unaffected, activation of Akt and inactivation of
      the downstream targets Glycogen synthase kinase 3alpha (Gsk3alpha and Forkhead
      box O1 (FoxO1) was inhibited in palmitate-exposed cells. Accordingly, dose
      response curves for insulin-mediated suppression of the FoxO1-induced
      gluconeogenic genes and for de novo glucose production were right shifted, and
      insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis were impaired. In
      contrast, similar to findings in human T2D, the ability of insulin to induce
      triglyceride (TG) accumulation and transcription of the enzymes that catalyze de
      novo lipogenesis and TG assembly was unaffected. Insulin-induction of these genes
      could, however, be blocked by inhibition of the atypical PKCs (aPKCs). The
      activity of the Akt-inactivating Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) was increased in
      the insulin-resistant cells. Furthermore, inhibition of PP2A by specific
      inhibitors increased insulin-stimulated activation of Akt and phosphorylation of
      FoxO1 and Gsk3alpha. Finally, PP2A mRNA levels were increased in liver, muscle
      and adipose tissue, while PP2A activity was increased in liver and muscle tissue
      in insulin-resistant ZDF rats. In conclusion, our findings indicate that FFAs may
      cause a selective impairment of insulin action upon hepatic glucose metabolism by
      increasing PP2A activity.

PMID- 22087314
TI  - Novel common integration sites targeted by mouse mammary tumor virus insertion in
      mammary tumors have oncogenic activity.
AB  - Non-acute transforming retroviruses like mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) cause
      cancer, at least in part, through integration near cellular genes involved in
      growth control, thereby de-regulating their expression. It is well-established
      that MMTV commonly integrates near and activates expression of members of the Wnt
      and Fgf pathways in mammary tumors. However, there are a significant number of
      tumors for which the proviral integration sites have not been identified. Here,
      we used high through-put screening to identify common integration sites (CISs) in
      MMTV-induced tumors from C3H/HeN and BALB/c mice. As expected, members of both
      the Wnt and Fgf families were identified in this screen. In addition, a number of
      novel CISs were found, including Tcf7l2, Antxr1/Tem8, and Arhgap18. We show here
      that expression of these three putative oncogenes in normal murine mammary gland
      cells altered their growth kinetics and caused their morphological transformation
      when grown in three dimensional cultures. Additionally, expression of Tcf7l2 and
      Antxr1/Tem8 sensitized cells to exogenous WNT ligand. As Tcf7l2, Antxr1/Tem8, and
      Arhgap18 have been associated with human breast and other cancers, these data
      demonstrate that MMTV-induced insertional mutation remains an important means for
      identifying genes involved in breast cancer.

PMID- 22087315
TI  - AF17 facilitates Dot1a nuclear export and upregulates ENaC-mediated Na+ transport
      in renal collecting duct cells.
AB  - Our previous work in 293T cells and AF17(-/-) mice suggests that AF17 upregulates
      expression and activity of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), possibly by
      relieving Dot1a-AF9-mediated repression. However, whether and how AF17 directly
      regulates Dot1a cellular distribution and ENaC function in renal collecting duct
      cells remain unaddressed. Here, we report our findings in mouse cortical
      collecting duct M-1 cells that overexpression of AF17 led to preferential
      distribution of Dot1a in the cytoplasm. This effect could be blocked by nuclear
      export inhibitor leptomycin B. siRNA-mediated depletion of AF17 caused nuclear
      accumulation of Dot1a. AF17 overexpression elicited multiple effects that are
      reminiscent of aldosterone action. These effects include 1) increased mRNA and
      protein expression of the three ENaC subunits (alpha, beta and gamma) and serum-
      and glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1, as revealed by real-time RT-qPCR and
      immunoblotting analyses; 2) impaired Dot1a-AF9 interaction and H3 K79 methylation
      at the alphaENaC promoter without affecting AF9 binding to the promoter, as
      evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation; and 3) elevated ENaC-mediated Na(+)
      transport, as analyzed by measurement of benzamil-sensitive intracellular [Na(+)]
      and equivalent short circuit current using single-cell fluorescence imaging and
      an epithelial Volt-ohmmeter, respectively. Knockdown of AF17 elicited opposite
      effects. However, combination of AF17 overexpression or depletion with
      aldosterone treatment did not cause an additive effect on mRNA expression of the
      ENaC subunits. Taken together, we conclude that AF17 promotes Dot1a nuclear
      export and upregulates basal, but not aldosterone-stimulated ENaC expression,
      leading to an increase in ENaC-mediated Na(+) transport in renal collecting duct
      cells.

PMID- 22087317
TI  - Predicting the timing of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC and Mid-Atlantic
      States in response to climate change.
AB  - Cherry blossoms, an icon of spring, are celebrated in many cultures of the
      temperate region. For its sensitivity to winter and early spring temperatures,
      the timing of cherry blossoms is an ideal indicator of the impacts of climate
      change on tree phenology. Here, we applied a process-based phenology model for
      temperate deciduous trees to predict peak bloom dates (PBD) of flowering cherry
      trees (Prunus*yedoensis 'Yoshino' and Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan') in the Tidal
      Basin, Washington, DC and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic States in response to
      climate change. We parameterized the model with observed PBD data from 1991 to
      2010. The calibrated model was tested against independent datasets of the past
      PBD data from 1951 to 1970 in the Tidal Basin and more recent PBD data from other
      locations (e.g., Seattle, WA). The model performance against these independent
      data was satisfactory (Yoshino: r(2) = 0.57, RMSE = 6.6 days, bias = 0.9 days and
      Kwanzan: r(2) = 0.76, RMSE = 5.5 days, bias = -2.0 days). We then applied the
      model to forecast future PBD for the region using downscaled climate projections
      based on IPCC's A1B and A2 emissions scenarios. Our results indicate that PBD at
      the Tidal Basin are likely to be accelerated by an average of five days by 2050 s
      and 10 days by 2080 s for these cultivars under a mid-range (A1B) emissions
      scenario projected by ECHAM5 general circulation model. The acceleration is
      likely to be much greater (13 days for 2050 s and 29 days for 2080s) under a
      higher (A2) emissions scenario projected by CGCM2 general circulation model. Our
      results demonstrate the potential impacts of climate change on the timing of
      cherry blossoms and illustrate the utility of a simple process-based phenology
      model for developing adaptation strategies to climate change in horticulture,
      conservation planning, restoration and other related disciplines.

PMID- 22087316
TI  - Ethanol and reactive species increase basal sequence heterogeneity of hepatitis C
      virus and produce variants with reduced susceptibility to antivirals.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits a high level of genetic variability, and
      variants with reduced susceptibility to antivirals can occur even before
      treatment begins. In addition, alcohol decreases efficacy of antiviral therapy
      and increases sequence heterogeneity of HCV RNA but how ethanol affects HCV
      sequence is unknown. Ethanol metabolism and HCV infection increase the level of
      reactive species that can alter cell metabolism, modify signaling, and
      potentially act as mutagen to the viral RNA. Therefore, we investigated whether
      ethanol and reactive species affected the basal sequence variability of HCV RNA
      in hepatocytes. Human hepatoma cells supporting a continuous replication of
      genotype 1b HCV RNA (Con1, AJ242652) were exposed to ethanol, acetaldehyde,
      hydrogen peroxide, or L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) that decreases
      intracellular glutathione as seen in patients. Then, NS5A region was sequenced
      and compared with genotype 1b HCV sequences in the database. Ethanol and BSO
      elevated nucleotide and amino acid substitution rates of HCV RNA by 4-18 folds
      within 48 hrs which were accompanied by oxidative RNA damage. Iron chelator and
      glutathione ester decreased both RNA damage and mutation rates. Furthermore,
      infectious HCV and HCV core gene were sufficient to induce oxidative RNA damage
      even in the absence of ethanol or BSO. Interestingly, the dn/ds ratio and
      percentage of sites undergoing positive selection increased with ethanol and BSO,
      resulting in an increased detection of NS5A variants with reduced susceptibility
      to interferon alpha, cyclosporine, and ribavirin and others implicated in immune
      tolerance and modulation of viral replication. Therefore, alcohol is likely to
      synergize with virus-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress to modulate the basal
      mutation rate of HCV. Positive selection induced by alcohol and reactive species
      may contribute to antiviral resistance.

PMID- 22087318
TI  - Grape proanthocyanidins induce apoptosis by loss of mitochondrial membrane
      potential of human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents approximately 80% of total lung cancer
      cases. The use of non-toxic dietary phytochemicals can be considered as a
      chemotherapeutic strategy for the management of the NSCLC. Here, we report that
      grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) induce apoptosis of NSCLC cells, A549 and
      H1299, in vitro which is mediated through increased expression of pro-apoptotic
      protein Bax, decreased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Bcl-xl,
      disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of caspases 9, 3
      and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Pre-treatment of A549 and H1299 cells
      with the caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) significantly blocked the GSPs-induced
      apoptosis of these cells confirmed that GSPs-induced apoptosis is mediated
      through activation of caspases-3. Treatments of A549 and H1299 cells with GSPs
      resulted in an increase in G1 arrest. G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle is known to
      be controlled by cyclin dependent kinases (Cdk), cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitors (Cdki) and cyclins. Our western blot analyses showed that GSPs-induced
      G1 cell cycle arrest was mediated through the increased expression of Cdki
      proteins (Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27), and a simultaneous decrease in the levels of
      Cdk2, Cdk4, Cdk6 and cyclins. Further, administration of 50, 100 or 200 mg
      GSPs/kg body weight of mice by oral gavage (5 d/week) markedly inhibited the
      growth of s.c. A549 and H1299 lung tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice, which
      was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death, increased expression
      of Bax, reduced expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and activation of caspase-3
      in tumor xenograft cells. Based on the data obtained in animal study, human
      equivalent dose of GSPs was calculated, which seems affordable and attainable.
      Together, these results suggest that GSPs may represent a potential therapeutic
      agent for the non-small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 22087319
TI  - External validation of Adjuvant! Online breast cancer prognosis tool.
      Prioritising recommendations for improvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adjuvant! Online is a web-based application designed to provide 10
      years survival probability of patients with breast cancer. Several predictors
      have not been assessed in the original Adjuvant! Online study. We provide the
      validation of Adjuvant! Online algorithm on two breast cancer datasets, and we
      determined whether the accuracy of Adjuvant! Online is improved with other well
      known prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The French data set is composed
      of 456 women with early breast cancer. The Dutch data set is composed of 295
      women less than 52 years of age. Agreement between observation and Adjuvant!
      Online prediction was checked, and logistic models were performed to estimate the
      prognostic information added by risk factors to Adjuvant! Online prediction.
      RESULTS: Adjuvant! Online prediction was overall well-calibrated in the French
      data set but failed in some subgroups of such high grade and HER2 positive
      patients. HER2 status, Mitotic Index and Ki67 added significant information to
      Adjuvant! Online prediction. In the Dutch data set, the overall 10-year survival
      was overestimated by Adjuvant! Online, particularly in patients less than 40
      years old. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant! Online needs to be updated to adjust
      overoptimistic results in young and high grade patients, and should consider new
      predictors such as Ki67, HER2 and Mitotic Index.

PMID- 22087320
TI  - 8-Modified-2'-deoxyadenosine analogues induce delayed polymerization arrest
      during HIV-1 reverse transcription.
AB  - The occurrence of resistant viruses to any of the anti-HIV-1 compounds used in
      the current therapies against AIDS underlies the urge for the development of new
      drug targets and/or new drugs acting through novel mechanisms. While all anti-HIV
      1 nucleoside analogues in clinical use and in clinical trials rely on ribose
      modifications for activity, we designed nucleosides with a natural deoxyribose
      moiety and modifications of position 8 of the adenine base. Such modifications
      might induce a steric clash with helix alphaH in the thumb domain of the p66
      subunit of HIV-1 RT at a distance from the catalytic site, causing delayed chain
      termination. Eleven new 2'-deoxyadenosine analogues modified on position 8 of the
      purine base were synthesized and tested in vitro and in cell-based assays. In
      this paper we demonstrate for the first time that chemical modifications on
      position 8 of 2'-deoxyadenosine induce delayed chain termination in vitro, and
      also inhibit DNA synthesis when incorporated in a DNA template strand.
      Furthermore, one of them had moderate anti-HIV-1 activity in cell-culture. Our
      results constitute a proof of concept indicating that modification on the base
      moiety of nucleosides can induce delayed polymerization arrest and inhibit HIV-1
      replication.

PMID- 22087321
TI  - Enhanced understanding of infectious diseases by fusing multiple datasets: a case
      study on malaria in the Western Brazilian Amazon region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A common challenge to the study of several infectious diseases
      consists in combining limited cross-sectional survey data, collected with a more
      sensitive detection method, with a more extensive (but biased) syndromic sentinel
      surveillance data, collected with a less sensitive method. Our article describes
      a novel modeling framework that overcomes this challenge, resulting in enhanced
      understanding of malaria in the Western Brazilian Amazon. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: A cohort of 486 individuals was monitored using four cross-sectional
      surveys, where all participants were sampled regardless of symptoms (aggressive
      active case detection), resulting in 1,383 microscopy and 1,400 polymerase chain
      reaction tests. Data on the same individuals were also obtained from the local
      surveillance facility (i.e., passive and active case detection), totaling 1,694
      microscopy tests. Our model accommodates these multiple pathogen and case
      detection methods. This model is shown to outperform logistic regression in terms
      of interpretability of its parameters, ability to recover the true parameter
      values, and predictive performance. We reveal that the main infection determinant
      was the extent of forest, particularly during the rainy season and in close
      proximity to water bodies, and participation on forest activities. We find that
      time residing in Acrelandia (as a proxy for past malaria exposure) decreases
      infection risk but surprisingly increases the likelihood of reporting symptoms
      once infected, possibly because non-naive settlers are only susceptible to more
      virulent Plasmodium strains. We suggest that the search for asymptomatic carriers
      should focus on those at greater risk of being infected but lower risk of
      reporting symptoms once infected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The modeling
      framework presented here combines cross-sectional survey data and syndromic
      sentinel surveillance data to shed light on several aspects of malaria that are
      critical for public health policy. This framework can be adapted to enhance
      inference on infectious diseases whenever asymptomatic carriers are important and
      multiple datasets are available.

PMID- 22087322
TI  - Regulation of interleukin-10 receptor ubiquitination and stability by beta-TrCP
      containing ubiquitin E3 ligase.
AB  - Interleukin-10 (IL-10) initiates potent anti-inflammatory effects via activating
      its cell surface receptor, composed of IL-10R1 and IL-10R2 subunits. The level of
      IL-10R1 is a major determinant of the cells' responsiveness to IL-10. Here, via a
      series of biochemical analyses using 293T cells reconstituted with IL-10R1, we
      identify the latter as a novel substrate of betaTrCP-containing ubiquitin E3
      ligase. Within the intracellular tail of IL-10R1, a canonical ((318)DpSGFGpS) and
      a slightly deviated ((369)DpSGICLQEP) betaTrCP recognition motif can additively
      recruit betaTrCP in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. betaTrCP recruitment
      leads to ubiquitination, endocytosis and degradation of IL-10R1, subsequently
      reducing the cellular responsiveness to IL-10. Our study uncovers a novel
      negative regulatory mechanism that may potentially affect IL-10 function in
      target cells under physiological or pathological conditions.

PMID- 22087323
TI  - Comparison of two devices and two breathing patterns for exhaled breath
      condensate sampling.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a noninvasive method
      to access the epithelial lining fluid of the lungs. Due to standardization
      problems the method has not entered clinical practice. The aim of the study was
      to assess the comparability for two commercially available devices in healthy
      controls. In addition, we assessed different breathing patterns in healthy
      controls with protein markers to analyze the source of the EBC. METHODS: EBC was
      collected from ten subjects using the RTube and ECoScreen Turbo in a randomized
      crossover design, twice with every device--once in tidal breathing and once in
      hyperventilation. EBC conductivity, pH, surfactant protein A, Clara cell
      secretory protein and total protein were assessed. Bland-Altman plots were
      constructed to display the influence of different devices or breathing patterns
      and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. The volatile
      organic compound profile was measured using the electronic nose Cyranose 320. For
      the analysis of these data, the linear discriminant analysis, the Mahalanobis
      distances and the cross-validation values (CVV) were calculated. RESULTS: Neither
      the device nor the breathing pattern significantly altered EBC pH or
      conductivity. ICCs ranged from 0.61 to 0.92 demonstrating moderate to very good
      agreement. Protein measurements were greatly influenced by breathing pattern, the
      device used, and the way in which the results were reported. The electronic nose
      could distinguish between different breathing patterns and devices, resulting in
      Mahalanobis distances greater than 2 and CVVs ranging from 64% to 87%.
      CONCLUSION: EBC pH and (to a lesser extent) EBC conductivity are stable
      parameters that are not influenced by either the device or the breathing
      patterns. Protein measurements remain uncertain due to problems of
      standardization. We conclude that the influence of the breathing maneuver
      translates into the necessity to keep the volume of ventilated air constant in
      further studies.

PMID- 22087324
TI  - The role of purinergic signaling on deformation induced injury and repair
      responses of alveolar epithelial cells.
AB  - Cell wounding is an important driver of the innate immune response of ventilator
      injured lungs. We had previously shown that the majority of wounded alveolus
      resident cells repair and survive deformation induced insults. This is important
      insofar as wounded and repaired cells may contribute to injurious deformation
      responses commonly referred to as biotrauma. The central hypothesis of this
      communication states that extracellular adenosine-5' triphosphate (ATP) promotes
      the repair of wounded alveolus resident cells by a P2Y2-Receptor dependent
      mechanism. Using primary type 1 alveolar epithelial rat cell models subjected to
      micropuncture injury and/or deforming stress we show that 1) stretch causes a
      dose dependent increase in cell injury and ATP media concentrations; 2) enzymatic
      depletion of extracellular ATP reduces the probability of stretch induced wound
      repair; 3) enriching extracellular ATP concentrations facilitates wound repair;
      4) purinergic effects on cell repair are mediated by ATP and not by one of its
      metabolites; and 5) ATP mediated cell salvage depends at least in part on P2Y2-R
      activation. While rescuing cells from wounding induced death may seem appealing,
      it is possible that survivors of membrane wounding become governors of a
      sustained pro-inflammatory state and thereby perpetuate and worsen organ function
      in the early stages of lung injury syndromes. Means to uncouple P2Y2-R mediated
      cytoprotection from P2Y2-R mediated inflammation and to test the preclinical
      efficacy of such an undertaking deserve to be explored.

PMID- 22087325
TI  - Combined phytochemistry and chemotaxis assays for identification and mechanistic
      analysis of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in Fallopia japonica.
AB  - Plants provide a rich source of lead compounds for a variety of diseases. A novel
      approach combining phytochemistry and chemotaxis assays was developed and used to
      identify and study the mechanisms of action of the active compounds in F.
      japonica, a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat inflammation. Based on a
      bioactivity-guided purification strategy, two anthranoids, emodin and physcion,
      were identified from F. japonica. Spectroscopic techniques were used to
      characterize its crude extract, fractions and phytochemicals. The crude extract,
      chloroform fraction, and anthranoids of F. japonica significantly inhibited CXCR4
      mediated chemotaxis. Mechanistic studies showed that emodin and physcion
      inhibited chemotaxis via inactivating the MEK/ERK pathway. Moreover, the crude
      extract and emodin could prevent or treat type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic
      (NOD) mice. This study illustrates the applicability of a combinational approach
      for the study of anti-inflammatory medicine and shows the potential of F.
      japonica and its anthranoids for anti-inflammatory therapy.

PMID- 22087327
TI  - Memory in the neonate brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The capacity to memorize speech sounds is crucial for language
      acquisition. Newborn human infants can discriminate phonetic contrasts and
      extract rhythm, prosodic information, and simple regularities from speech. Yet,
      there is scarce evidence that infants can recognize common words from the
      surrounding language before four months of age. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      We studied one hundred and twelve 1-5 day-old infants, using functional near
      infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We found that newborns tested with a novel
      bisyllabic word show greater hemodynamic brain response than newborns tested with
      a familiar bisyllabic word. We showed that newborns recognize the familiar word
      after two minutes of silence or after hearing music, but not after hearing a
      different word. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The data show that retroactive
      interference is an important cause of forgetting in the early stages of language
      acquisition. Moreover, because neonates forget words in the presence of some--but
      not all--sounds, the results indicate that the interference phenomenon that
      causes forgetting is selective.

PMID- 22087326
TI  - Dissociation of bone resorption and bone formation in adult mice with a non
      functional V-ATPase in osteoclasts leads to increased bone strength.
AB  - Osteopetrosis caused by defective acid secretion by the osteoclast, is
      characterized by defective bone resorption, increased osteoclast numbers, while
      bone formation is normal or increased. In contrast the bones are of poor quality,
      despite this uncoupling of formation from resorption.To shed light on the effect
      of uncoupling in adult mice with respect to bone strength, we transplanted
      irradiated three-month old normal mice with hematopoietic stem cells from control
      or oc/oc mice, which have defective acid secretion, and followed them for 12 to
      28 weeks.Engraftment levels were assessed by flow cytometry of peripheral blood.
      Serum samples were collected every six weeks for measurement of bone turnover
      markers. At termination bones were collected for uCT and mechanical testing. An
      engraftment level of 98% was obtained. From week 6 until termination bone
      resorption was significantly reduced, while the osteoclast number was increased
      when comparing oc/oc to controls. Bone formation was elevated at week 6,
      normalized at week 12, and reduced onwards. uCT and mechanical analyses of femurs
      and vertebrae showed increased bone volume and bone strength of cortical and
      trabecular bone.In conclusion, these data show that attenuation of acid secretion
      in adult mice leads to uncoupling and improves bone strength.

PMID- 22087328
TI  - Functional transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II expression by CD4+ T
      cells in Peyer's patches is essential for oral tolerance induction.
AB  - Our previous studies have shown that Peyer's patches (PPs) play a key role in the
      induction of oral tolerance. Therefore, we hypothesized that PPs are an important
      site for Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-beta signaling and sought to prove that
      this tissue is of importance in oral tolerance induction. We found that
      expression of TGF-beta type II receptor (TGFbetaRII) by CD4(+) T cells increases
      and persists in the PPs of normal C57BL/6 mice after either high- or low-dose
      feeding of OVA when compared to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and spleen.
      Approximately one-third of these TGFbetaRII(+) CD4(+) T cells express the
      transcription factor Foxp3. Interestingly, the number of TGFbetaRII(+) CD4(+) T
      cells in PPs decreased when OVA-fed mice were orally challenged with OVA plus
      native cholera toxin (CT). In contrast, numbers of TGFbetaRII(+) CD4(+) T cells
      were increased in the intestinal lamina propria (iLP) of these challenged mice.
      Further, these PP CD4(+) TGFbetaRII(+) T cells upregulated Foxp3 within 2 hours
      after OVA plus CT challenge. Mice fed PBS and challenged with OVA plus CT did not
      reveal any changes in TGFbetaRII expression by CD4(+) T cells. In order to test
      the functional property of TGFbetaRII in the induction of oral tolerance,
      CD4dnTGFbetaRII transgenic mice, in which TGFbetaRII signaling is abrogated from
      all CD4(+) T cells, were employed. Importantly, these mice could not develop oral
      tolerance to OVA. Our studies show a critical, dose-independent, role for
      TGFbetaRII expression and function by CD4(+) T cells in the gut-associated
      lymphoid tissues, further underlining the vital role of PPs in oral tolerance.

PMID- 22087329
TI  - Borrelia burgdorferi enolase is a surface-exposed plasminogen binding protein.
AB  - Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the most commonly
      reported arthropod-borne disease in the United States. B. burgdorferi is a highly
      invasive bacterium, yet lacks extracellular protease activity. In order to aid in
      its dissemination, B. burgdorferi binds plasminogen, a component of the hosts'
      fibrinolytic system. Plasminogen bound to the surface of B. burgdorferi can then
      be activated to the protease plasmin, facilitating the bacterium's penetration of
      endothelial cell layers and degradation of extracellular matrix components.
      Enolases are highly conserved proteins with no sorting sequences or lipoprotein
      anchor sites, yet many bacteria have enolases bound to their outer surfaces. B.
      burgdorferi enolase is both a cytoplasmic and membrane associated protein.
      Enolases from other pathogenic bacteria are known to bind plasminogen. We
      confirmed the surface localization of B. burgdorferi enolase by in situ protease
      degradation assay and immunoelectron microscopy. We then demonstrated that B.
      burgdorferi enolase binds plasminogen in a dose-dependent manner. Lysine residues
      were critical for binding of plasminogen to enolase, as the lysine analog
      epsilonaminocaproic acid significantly inhibited binding. Ionic interactions did
      not play a significant role in plasminogen binding by enolase, as excess NaCl had
      no effects on the interaction. Plasminogen bound to recombinant enolase could be
      converted to active plasmin. We conclude that B. burgdorferi enolase is a
      moonlighting cytoplasmic protein which also associates with the bacterial outer
      surface and facilitates binding to host plasminogen.

PMID- 22087330
TI  - A three-hybrid system to probe in vivo protein-protein interactions: application
      to the essential proteins of the RD1 complex of M. tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein-protein interactions play a crucial role in enabling a
      pathogen to survive within a host. In many cases the interactions involve a
      complex of proteins rather than just two given proteins. This is especially true
      for pathogens like M. tuberculosis that are able to successfully survive the
      inhospitable environment of the macrophage. Studying such interactions in detail
      may help in developing small molecules that either disrupt or augment the
      interactions. Here, we describe the development of an E. coli based bacterial
      three-hybrid system that can be used effectively to study ternary protein
      complexes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The protein-protein interactions
      involved in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis have been used as a model for the
      validation of the three-hybrid system. Using the M. tuberculosis RD1 encoded
      proteins CFP10, ESAT6 and Rv3871 for our proof-of-concept studies, we show that
      the interaction between the proteins CFP10 and Rv3871 is strengthened and
      stabilized in the presence of ESAT6, the known heterodimeric partner of CFP10.
      Isolating peptide candidates that can disrupt crucial protein-protein
      interactions is another application that the system offers. We demonstrate this
      by using CFP10 protein as a disruptor of a previously established interaction
      between ESAT6 and a small peptide HCL1; at the same time we also show that CFP10
      is not able to disrupt the strong interaction between ESAT6 and another peptide
      SL3. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The validation of the three-hybrid system paves
      the way for finding new peptides that are stronger binders of ESAT6 compared even
      to its natural partner CFP10. Additionally, we believe that the system offers an
      opportunity to study tri-protein complexes and also perform a screening of
      protein/peptide binders to known interacting proteins so as to elucidate novel
      tri-protein complexes.

PMID- 22087331
TI  - Prediction of transposable element derived enhancers using chromatin modification
      profiles.
AB  - Experimentally characterized enhancer regions have previously been shown to
      display specific patterns of enrichment for several different histone
      modifications. We modelled these enhancer chromatin profiles in the human genome
      and used them to guide the search for novel enhancers derived from transposable
      element (TE) sequences. To do this, a computational approach was taken to analyze
      the genome-wide histone modification landscape characterized by the ENCODE
      project in two human hematopoietic cell types, GM12878 and K562. We predicted the
      locations of 2,107 and 1,448 TE-derived enhancers in the GM12878 and K562 cell
      lines respectively. A vast majority of these putative enhancers are unique to
      each cell line; only 3.5% of the TE-derived enhancers are shared between the two.
      We evaluated the functional effect of TE-derived enhancers by associating them
      with the cell-type specific expression of nearby genes, and found that the number
      of TE-derived enhancers is strongly positively correlated with the expression of
      nearby genes in each cell line. Furthermore, genes that are differentially
      expressed between the two cell lines also possess a divergent number of TE
      derived enhancers in their vicinity. As such, genes that are up-regulated in the
      GM12878 cell line and down-regulated in K562 have significantly more TE-derived
      enhancers in their vicinity in the GM12878 cell line and vice versa. These data
      indicate that human TE-derived sequences are likely to be involved in regulating
      cell-type specific gene expression on a broad scale and suggest that the enhancer
      activity of TE-derived sequences is mediated by epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22087332
TI  - A two-compartment model of VEGF distribution in the mouse.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis--the
      growth of new microvessels from existing microvasculature. Angiogenesis is a
      complex process involving numerous molecular species, and to better understand
      it, a systems biology approach is necessary. In vivo preclinical experiments in
      the area of angiogenesis are typically performed in mouse models; this includes
      drug development targeting VEGF. Thus, to quantitatively interpret such
      experimental results, a computational model of VEGF distribution in the mouse can
      be beneficial. In this paper, we present an in silico model of VEGF distribution
      in mice, determine model parameters from existing experimental data, conduct
      sensitivity analysis, and test the validity of the model. The multiscale model is
      comprised of two compartments: blood and tissue. The model accounts for
      interactions between two major VEGF isoforms (VEGF(120) and VEGF(164)) and their
      endothelial cell receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and co-receptor neuropilin-1.
      Neuropilin-1 is also expressed on the surface of parenchymal cells. The model
      includes transcapillary macromolecular permeability, lymphatic transport, and
      macromolecular plasma clearance. Simulations predict that the concentration of
      unbound VEGF in the tissue is approximately 50-fold greater than in the blood.
      These concentrations are highly dependent on the VEGF secretion rate. Parameter
      estimation was performed to fit the simulation results to available experimental
      data, and permitted the estimation of VEGF secretion rate in healthy tissue,
      which is difficult to measure experimentally. The model can provide quantitative
      interpretation of preclinical animal data and may be used in conjunction with
      experimental studies in the development of pro- and anti-angiogenic agents. The
      model approximates the normal tissue as skeletal muscle and includes endothelial
      cells to represent the vasculature. As the VEGF system becomes better
      characterized in other tissues and cell types, the model can be expanded to
      include additional compartments and vascular elements.

PMID- 22087333
TI  - Intentional modulation of the late positive potential in response to smoking cues
      by cognitive strategies in smokers.
AB  - Attentional bias is considered an important concept in addiction since it has
      been found to correlate with subjective craving and is strongly associated with
      relapse after periods of abstinence. Hence, investigating in ways to regulate
      attention for drug cues would be of major clinical relevance. The present study
      examined deliberate, cognitive modulation of motivated attention for smoking cues
      in smokers. The effects of three different reappraisal strategies on an
      electrophysiological measure of attentive processing were investigated. Early and
      late LPP components in response to passively viewed neutral and smoking pictures
      were compared with LPPs in response to smoking pictures that were reappraised
      with three different reappraisal strategies. Results show that when smokers
      actively imagine how pleasant it would be to smoke (pleasant condition), their
      early LPP in response to smoking cues increases, but when smokers actively focus
      on an alternative stimulus (distraction condition) or think of a rational,
      uninvolved interpretation of the situation (rational condition), smoking-related
      late LPP amplitude decreases to the processing level of neutral stimuli. Present
      results are the first to indicate that smoking cue-elicited LPP amplitudes can be
      modulated by cognitive strategies, suggesting that attentive processing of
      smoking cues can be intentionally regulated by smokers with various levels of
      dependence. Although cognitive strategies can lead to enhanced processing of
      smoking cues, it is not completely clear whether cognitive strategies are also
      successful in reducing smoking-related motivated attention. Although findings do
      point in this direction, present study is best considered preliminary and a
      starting point for other research on this topic. A focus on the distraction
      strategy is proposed, as there are indications that this strategy is more
      successful than the rational strategy in decreasing LPP amplitude.

PMID- 22087334
TI  - Multigenic families in Ichnovirus: a tissue and host specificity study through
      expression analysis of vankyrins from Hyposoter didymator Ichnovirus.
AB  - The viral ankyrin (vankyrin) gene family is represented in all polydnavirus
      (PDVs) genomes and encodes proteins homologous to I-kappaBs, inhibitors of NF
      kappaB transcription factors. The structural similarities led to the hypothesis
      that vankyrins mimic eukaryotic factors to subvert important physiological
      pathways in the infected host. Here, we identified nine vankyrin genes in the
      genome of the Hyposoter didymator Ichnovirus (HdIV). Time-course gene expression
      experiments indicate that all members are expressed throughout parasitism of
      Spodoptera frugiperda, as assessed using RNA extracted from whole larvae. To
      study tissue and/or species specificity transcriptions, the expression of HdIV
      vankyrin genes were compared between HdIV-injected larvae of S. frugiperda and S.
      littoralis. The transcriptional profiles were similar in the two species,
      including the largely predominant expression of Hd27-vank1 in all tissues
      examined. However, in various insect cell lines, the expression patterns of HdIV
      vankyrins differed according to species. No clear relationship between vankyrin
      expression patterns and abundance of vankyrin-bearing genomic segments were found
      in the lepidopteran cell lines. Moreover, in these cells, the amount of vankyrin
      bearing genomic segments differed substantially between cytosol and nuclei of
      infected cells, implying the existence of an unexpected step regulating the copy
      number of HdIV segments in cell nuclei. Our in vitro results reveal a host
      specific transcriptional profile of vankyrins that may be related to the success
      of parasitism in different hosts. In Spodoptera hosts, the predominant expression
      of Hd27-vank1 suggests that this protein might have pleiotropic functions during
      parasitism of these insect species.

PMID- 22087335
TI  - Isolation and characterization of neural crest-derived stem cells from dental
      pulp of neonatal mice.
AB  - Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are shown to reside within the tooth and play an
      important role in dentin regeneration. DPSCs were first isolated and
      characterized from human teeth and most studies have focused on using this adult
      stem cell for clinical applications. However, mouse DPSCs have not been well
      characterized and their origin(s) have not yet been elucidated. Herein we
      examined if murine DPSCs are neural crest derived and determined their in vitro
      and in vivo capacity. DPSCs from neonatal murine tooth pulp expressed embryonic
      stem cell and neural crest related genes, but lacked expression of mesodermal
      genes. Cells isolated from the Wnt1-Cre/R26R-LacZ model, a reporter of neural
      crest-derived tissues, indicated that DPSCs were Wnt1-marked and therefore of
      neural crest origin. Clonal DPSCs showed multi-differentiation in neural crest
      lineage for odontoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, neurons, and smooth muscles.
      Following in vivo subcutaneous transplantation with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium
      phosphate, based on tissue/cell morphology and specific antibody staining, the
      clones differentiated into odontoblast-like cells and produced dentin-like
      structure. Conversely, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) gave rise to osteoblast
      like cells and generated bone-like structure. Interestingly, the capillary
      distribution in the DPSC transplants showed close proximity to odontoblasts
      whereas in the BMSC transplants bone condensations were distant to capillaries
      resembling dentinogenesis in the former vs. osteogenesis in the latter. Thus we
      demonstrate the existence of neural crest-derived DPSCs with differentiation
      capacity into cranial mesenchymal tissues and other neural crest-derived tissues.
      In turn, DPSCs hold promise as a source for regenerating cranial mesenchyme and
      other neural crest derived tissues.

PMID- 22087336
TI  - SdPI, the first functionally characterized Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor from
      scorpion venom.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kunitz-type venom peptides have been isolated from a wide variety of
      venomous animals. They usually have protease inhibitory activity or potassium
      channel blocking activity, which by virtue of the effects on predator animals are
      essential for the survival of venomous animals. However, no Kunitz-type peptides
      from scorpion venom have been functionally characterized. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A
      new Kunitz-type venom peptide gene precursor, SdPI, was cloned and characterized
      from a venom gland cDNA library of the scorpion Lychas mucronatus. It codes for a
      signal peptide of 21 residues and a mature peptide of 59 residues. The mature
      SdPI peptide possesses a unique cysteine framework reticulated by three disulfide
      bridges, different from all reported Kunitz-type proteins. The recombinant SdPI
      peptide was functionally expressed. It showed trypsin inhibitory activity with
      high potency (K(i) = 1.6*10(-7) M) and thermostability. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      illustrated that SdPI is a potent and stable serine protease inhibitor. Further
      mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulation revealed that SdPI possesses a
      serine protease inhibitory active site similar to other Kunitz-type venom
      peptides. To our knowledge, SdPI is the first functionally characterized Kunitz
      type trypsin inhibitor derived from scorpion venom, and it represents a new class
      of Kunitz-type venom peptides.

PMID- 22087337
TI  - Innate host response in primary human hepatocytes with hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The interaction between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and innate
      antiviral defense systems in primary human hepatocytes is not well understood.
      The objective of this study is to examine how primary human hepatocytes response
      to HCV infection. METHODS: An infectious HCV isolate JFH1 was used to infect
      isolated primary human hepatocytes. HCV RNA or NS5A protein in the cells was
      detected by real-time PCR or immunofluorescence staining respectively. Apoptosis
      was examined with flow cytometry. Mechanisms of HCV-induced IFN-beta expression
      and apoptosis were determined. RESULTS: Primary human hepatocytes were
      susceptible to JFH1 virus and released infectious virus. IFN-alpha inhibited
      viral RNA replication in the cells. IFN-beta and interferon-stimulated genes were
      induced in the cells during acute infection. HCV infection induced apoptosis of
      primary human hepatocytes through the TRAIL-mediated pathway. Silencing RIG-I
      expression in primary human hepatocytes inhibited IFN-beta and TRAIL expression
      and blocked apoptosis of the cells, which facilitated viral RNA replication in
      the cells. Moreover, HCV NS34A protein inhibited viral induced IFN-beta
      expression in primary human hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: Innate host response is
      intact in HCV-infected primary human hepatocytes. RIG-I plays a key role in the
      induction of IFN and TRAIL by viruses and apoptosis of primary human hepatocytes
      via activation of the TRAIL-mediated pathway. HCV NS34A protein appears to be
      capable of disrupting the innate antiviral host responses in primary human
      hepatocytes. Our study provides a novel mechanism by which primary human
      hepatocytes respond to natural HCV infection.

PMID- 22087338
TI  - Stable small animal ventilation for dynamic lung imaging to support computational
      fluid dynamics models.
AB  - Pulmonary computational fluid dynamics models require that three-dimensional
      images be acquired over multiple points in the dynamic breathing cycle without
      breath holds or changes in ventilatory mechanics. With small animals, these
      requirements can result in long imaging times (~90 minutes), over which lung
      mechanics, such as compliance, may gradually change if not carefully monitored
      and controlled. These changes, caused by derecruitment of parenchymal tissue, are
      manifested as an upward drift in peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) or by changes in
      the pressure waveform and/or lung volume over the course of the experiment. We
      demonstrate highly repeatable mechanical ventilation in anesthetized rats over a
      long duration for dynamic lung x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging. We
      describe significant updates to a basic commercial ventilator that was acquired
      for these experiments. Key to achieving consistent results was the implementation
      of periodic deep breaths, or sighs, of extended duration to maintain lung
      recruitment. In addition, continuous monitoring of breath-to-breath pressure and
      volume waveforms and long-term trends in PIP and flow provide diagnostics of
      changes in breathing mechanics.

PMID- 22087339
TI  - Distribution of metals in the termite Tumulitermes tumuli (Froggatt): two types
      of Malpighian tubule concretion host Zn and Ca mutually exclusively.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine specific distribution of metals in the
      termite Tumulitermes tumuli (Froggatt) and identify specific organs within the
      termite that host elevated metals and therefore play an important role in the
      regulation and transfer of these back into the environment. Like other insects,
      termites bio-accumulate essential metals to reinforce cuticular structures and
      utilize storage detoxification for other metals including Ca, P, Mg and K.
      Previously, Mn and Zn have been found concentrated in mandible tips and are
      associated with increased hardness whereas Ca, P, Mg and K are accumulated in
      Malpighian tubules. Using high resolution Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE)
      mapping of whole termites and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Energy
      Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spot analysis, localised accumulations of metals in the
      termite T. tumuli were identified. Tumulitermes tumuli was found to have
      proportionally high Mn concentrations in mandible tips. Malpighian tubules had
      significant enrichment of Zn (1.6%), Mg (4.9%), P (6.8%), Ca (2.7%) and K (2.4%).
      Synchrotron scanning X-ray Fluorescence Microprobe (XFM) mapping demonstrated two
      different concretion types defined by the mutually exclusive presence of Ca and
      Zn. In-situ SEM EDX realisation of these concretions is problematic due to the
      excitation volume caused by operating conditions required to detect minor amounts
      of Zn in the presence of significant amounts of Na. For this reason, previous
      researchers have not demonstrated this surprising finding.

PMID- 22087340
TI  - Molecular typing of Treponema pallidum: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Syphilis is resurgent in many regions of the world. Molecular typing
      is a robust tool for investigating strain diversity and epidemiology. This study
      aimed to review original research on molecular typing of Treponema pallidum (T.
      pallidum) with three objectives: (1) to determine specimen types most suitable
      for molecular typing; (2) to determine T. pallidum subtype distribution across
      geographic areas; and (3) to summarize available information on subtypes
      associated with neurosyphilis and macrolide resistance. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Two researchers independently searched five databases from 1998 through
      2010, assessed for eligibility and study quality, and extracted data. Search
      terms included "Treponema pallidum," or "syphilis," combined with the subject
      headings "molecular," "subtyping," "typing," "genotype," and "epidemiology."
      Sixteen eligible studies were included. Publication bias was not statistically
      significant by the Begg rank correlation test. Medians, inter-quartile ranges,
      and 95% confidence intervals were determined for DNA extraction and full typing
      efficiency. A random-effects model was used to perform subgroup analyses to
      reduce obvious between-study heterogeneity. Primary and secondary lesions and ear
      lobe blood specimens had an average higher yield of T. pallidum DNA (83.0% vs.
      28.2%, chi(2) = 247.6, p<0.001) and an average higher efficiency of full
      molecular typing (80.9% vs. 43.1%, chi(2) = 102.3, p<0.001) compared to plasma,
      whole blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. A pooled analysis of subtype distribution
      based on country location showed that 14d was the most common subtype, and
      subtype distribution varied across geographic areas. Subtype data associated with
      macrolide resistance and neurosyphilis were limited. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      Primary lesion was a better specimen for obtaining T. pallidum DNA than blood.
      There was wide geographic variation in T. pallidum subtypes. More research is
      needed on the relationship between clinical presentation and subtype, and further
      validation of ear lobe blood for obtaining T. pallidum DNA would be useful for
      future molecular studies of syphilis.

PMID- 22087341
TI  - Life quality impairment caused by hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans in
      resource-poor communities in Manaus, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a common but
      neglected tropical skin disease caused by the migration of animal hookworm larvae
      in the epidermis. The disease causes intense pruritus and is associated with
      important morbidity. The extent to which CLM impairs skin disease-associated life
      quality has never been studied. METHODS: A modified version of the Dermatology
      Life Quality Index (mDLQI) was used to determine skin disease-associated life
      quality in 91 adult and child patients with CLM, living in resource-poor
      communities in Manaus, Brazil. Symptoms and signs were documented and skin
      disease-associated life quality was semi-quantitatively assessed using mDLQI
      scores. The assessment was repeated two and four weeks after treatment with
      ivermectin. RESULTS: Ninety-one point five percent of the study participants
      showed a considerable reduction of skin disease-associated life quality at the
      time of diagnosis. The degree of impairment correlated with the intensity of
      infection (rho = 0.76, p<0.001), the number of body areas affected (rho = 0.30; p
      = 0.004), and the presence of lesions on visible areas of the skin (p = 0.002).
      Intense pruritus, sleep disturbance (due to itching) and the feeling of shame
      were the most frequent skin disease-associated life quality restrictions
      (reported by 93.4%, 73.6%, and 64.8% of the patients, respectively). No
      differences were observed in skin disease-associated life quality restriction
      between boys and girls or men and women. Two weeks after treatment with
      ivermectin, skin disease-associated life quality improved significantly. After
      four weeks, 73.3% of the patients considered their disease-associated life
      quality to have returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS: CLM significantly impaired the
      skin disease-associated life quality in child and adult patients living in urban
      slums in North Brazil. After treatment with ivermectin, life quality normalised
      rapidly.

PMID- 22087342
TI  - Comparison of two multilocus sequence based genotyping schemes for Leptospira
      species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several sequence based genotyping schemes have been developed for
      Leptospira spp. The objective of this study was to genotype a collection of
      clinical and reference isolates using the two most commonly used schemes and
      compare and contrast the results. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A total of 48 isolates
      consisting of L. interrogans (n = 40) and L. kirschneri (n = 8) were typed by the
      7 locus MLST scheme described by Thaipadungpanit et al., and the 6 locus
      genotyping scheme described by Ahmed et al., (termed 7L and 6L, respectively).
      Two L. interrogans isolates were not typed using 6L because of a deletion of
      three nucleotides in lipL32. The remaining 46 isolates were resolved into 21
      sequence types (STs) by 7L, and 30 genotypes by 6L. Overall nucleotide diversity
      (based on concatenated sequence) was 3.6% and 2.3% for 7L and 6L, respectively.
      The D value (discriminatory ability) of 7L and 6L were comparable, i.e. 92.0 (95%
      CI 87.5-96.5) vs. 93.5 (95% CI 88.6-98.4). The dN/dS ratios calculated for each
      locus indicated that none were under positive selection. Neighbor joining trees
      were reconstructed based on the concatenated sequences for each scheme. Both
      trees showed two distinct groups corresponding to L. interrogans and L.
      kirschneri, and both identified two clones containing 10 and 7 clinical isolates,
      respectively. There were six instances in which 6L split single STs as defined by
      7L into closely related clusters. We noted two discrepancies between the trees in
      which the genetic relatedness between two pairs of strains were more closely
      related by 7L than by 6L. CONCLUSIONS: This genetic analysis indicates that the
      two schemes are comparable. We discuss their practical advantages and
      disadvantages.

PMID- 22087343
TI  - Development and evaluation of a new lateral flow immunoassay for serodiagnosis of
      human fasciolosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human fasciolosis is a re-emerging disease worldwide and is caused by
      species of the genus Fasciola (F. hepatica and F. gigantica). Human fasciolosis
      can be diagnosed by classical coprological techniques, such as the Kato-Katz
      test, to reveal parasite eggs in faeces. However, although 100% specific, these
      methods are generally not adequate for detection of acute infections, ectopic
      infections, or infections with low number of parasites. In such cases
      immunological methods may be a good alternative and are recommended for use in
      major hospitals where trained personnel are available, although they are not
      usually implemented for individual testing. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We
      have developed a new lateral flow test (SeroFluke) for the serodiagnosis of human
      fasciolosis. The new test was constructed with a recombinant cathepsin L1 from F.
      hepatica, and uses protein A and mAb MM3 as detector reagents in the test and
      control lines, respectively. In comparison with an ELISA test (MM3-SERO) the
      SeroFluke test showed maximal specificity and sensitivity and can be used with
      serum or whole blood samples. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The new test can be used
      in major hospitals in hypoendemic countries as well as in endemic/hyperendemic
      regions where point-of-care testing is required.

PMID- 22087345
TI  - Fatal attraction phenomenon in humans: cat odour attractiveness increased for
      toxoplasma-infected men while decreased for infected women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Latent toxoplasmosis, a lifelong infection with the protozoan
      Toxoplasma gondii, has cumulative effects on the behaviour of hosts, including
      humans. The most impressive effect of toxoplasmosis is the "fatal attraction
      phenomenon," the conversion of innate fear of cat odour into attraction to cat
      odour in infected rodents. While most behavioural effects of toxoplasmosis were
      confirmed also in humans, neither the fatal attraction phenomenon nor any
      toxoplasmosis-associated changes in olfactory functions have been searched for in
      them. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Thirty-four Toxoplasma-infected and 134 noninfected
      students rated the odour of urine samples from cat, horse, tiger, brown hyena and
      dog for intensity and pleasantness. The raters were blind to their infection
      status and identity of the samples. No signs of changed sensitivity of olfaction
      were observed. However, we found a strong, gender dependent effect of
      toxoplasmosis on the pleasantness attributed to cat urine odour (p = 0.0025).
      Infected men rated this odour as more pleasant than did the noninfected men,
      while infected women rated the same odour as less pleasant than did noninfected
      women. Toxoplasmosis did not affect how subjects rated the pleasantness of any
      other animal species' urine odour; however, a non-significant trend in the same
      directions was observed for hyena urine. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of the effects
      of toxoplasmosis on the odour pleasantness score attributed to large cats would
      suggest that the amino acid felinine could be responsible for the fatal
      attraction phenomenon. Our results also raise the possibility that the odour
      specific threshold deficits observed in schizophrenia patients could be caused by
      increased prevalence of Toxoplasma-infected subjects in this population rather
      than by schizophrenia itself. The trend observed with the hyena urine sample
      suggests that this carnivore, and other representatives of the Feliformia
      suborder, should be studied for their possible role as definitive hosts in the
      life cycle of Toxoplasma.

PMID- 22087346
TI  - Adequate wound care and use of bed nets as protective factors against Buruli
      Ulcer: results from a case control study in Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Buruli ulcer is an infectious disease involving the skin, caused by
      Mycobacterium ulcerans. Its exact transmission mechanism remains unknown. Several
      arguments indicate a possible role for insects in its transmission. A previous
      case-control study in the Nyong valley region in central Cameroon showed an
      unexpected association between bed net use and protection against Buruli ulcer.
      We investigated whether this association persisted in a newly discovered endemic
      Buruli ulcer focus in Bankim, northwestern Cameroon. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: We conducted a case-control study on 77 Buruli ulcer cases and 153 age
      , gender- and village-matched controls. Participants were interviewed about their
      activities and habits. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis
      identified systematic use of a bed net (Odds-Ratio (OR) = 0.4, 95% Confidence
      Interval [95%CI] = [0.2-0.9], p-value (p) = 0.04), cleansing wounds with soap (OR
      [95%CI] = 0.1 [0.03-0.3], p<0.0001) and growing cassava (OR [95%CI] = 0.3 [0.2
      0.7], p = 0.005) as independent protective factors. Independent risk factors were
      bathing in the Mbam River (OR [95%CI] = 6.9 [1.4-35], p = 0.02) and reporting
      scratch lesions after insect bites (OR [95%CI] = 2.7 [1.4-5.4], p = 0.004). The
      proportion of cases that could be prevented by systematic bed net use was 32%,
      and by adequate wound care was 34%. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study confirms
      that two previously identified factors, adequate wound care and bed net use,
      significantly decreased the risk of Buruli ulcer. These associations withstand
      generalization to different geographic, climatic and epidemiologic settings.
      Involvement of insects in the household environment, and the relationship between
      wound hygiene and M. ulcerans infection should now be investigated.

PMID- 22087344
TI  - Induction of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells during human hookworm
      infection modulates antigen-mediated lymphocyte proliferation.
AB  - Hookworm infection is considered one of the most important poverty-promoting
      neglected tropical diseases, infecting 576 to 740 million people worldwide,
      especially in the tropics and subtropics. These blood-feeding nematodes have a
      remarkable ability to downmodulate the host immune response, protecting
      themselves from elimination and minimizing severe host pathology. While several
      mechanisms may be involved in the immunomodulation by parasitic infection,
      experimental evidences have pointed toward the possible involvement of regulatory
      T cells (Tregs) in downregulating effector T-cell responses upon chronic
      infection. However, the role of Tregs cells in human hookworm infection is still
      poorly understood and has not been addressed yet. In the current study we
      observed an augmentation of circulating CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells
      in hookworm-infected individuals compared with healthy non-infected donors. We
      have also demonstrated that infected individuals present higher levels of
      circulating Treg cells expressing CTLA-4, GITR, IL-10, TGF-beta and IL-17.
      Moreover, we showed that hookworm crude antigen stimulation reduces the number of
      CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T regulatory cells co-expressing IL-17 in infected
      individuals. Finally, PBMCs from infected individuals pulsed with
      excreted/secreted products or hookworm crude antigens presented an impaired
      cellular proliferation, which was partially augmented by the depletion of Treg
      cells. Our results suggest that Treg cells may play an important role in hookworm
      induced immunosuppression, contributing to the longevity of hookworm survival in
      infected people.

PMID- 22087347
TI  - Unusual dengue virus 3 epidemic in Nicaragua, 2009.
AB  - The four dengue virus serotypes (DENV1-4) cause the most prevalent mosquito-borne
      viral disease affecting humans worldwide. In 2009, Nicaragua experienced the
      largest dengue epidemic in over a decade, marked by unusual clinical
      presentation, as observed in two prospective studies of pediatric dengue in
      Managua. From August 2009-January 2010, 212 dengue cases were confirmed among 396
      study participants at the National Pediatric Reference Hospital. In our parallel
      community-based cohort study, 170 dengue cases were recorded in 2009-10, compared
      to 13-65 cases in 2004-9. In both studies, significantly more patients
      experienced "compensated shock" (poor capillary refill plus cold extremities,
      tachycardia, tachypnea, and/or weak pulse) in 2009-10 than in previous years
      (42.5% [90/212] vs. 24.7% [82/332] in the hospital study (p<0.001) and 17%
      [29/170] vs. 2.2% [4/181] in the cohort study (p<0.001). Signs of poor peripheral
      perfusion presented significantly earlier (1-2 days) in 2009-10 than in previous
      years according to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In the hospital study, 19.8%
      of subjects were transferred to intensive care, compared to 7.1% in previous
      years - similar to the cohort study. DENV-3 predominated in 2008-9, 2009-10, and
      2010-11, and full-length sequencing revealed no major genetic changes from 2008-9
      to 2010-11. In 2008-9 and 2010-11, typical dengue was observed; only in 2009-10
      was unusual presentation noted. Multivariate analysis revealed only "2009-10" as
      a significant risk factor for Dengue Fever with Compensated Shock. Interestingly,
      circulation of pandemic influenza A-H1N1 2009 in Managua was shifted such that it
      overlapped with the dengue epidemic. We hypothesize that prior influenza A H1N1
      2009 infection may have modulated subsequent DENV infection, and initial results
      of an ongoing study suggest increased risk of shock among children with anti-H1N1
      2009 antibodies. This study demonstrates that parameters other than serotype,
      viral genomic sequence, immune status, and sequence of serotypes can play a role
      in modulating dengue disease outcome.

PMID- 22087348
TI  - Evaluation of the traditional and revised WHO classifications of Dengue disease
      severity.
AB  - Dengue is a major public health problem worldwide and continues to increase in
      incidence. Dengue virus (DENV) infection leads to a range of outcomes, including
      subclinical infection, undifferentiated febrile illness, Dengue Fever (DF), life
      threatening syndromes with fluid loss and hypotensive shock, or other severe
      manifestations such as bleeding and organ failure. The long-standing World Health
      Organization (WHO) dengue classification and management scheme was recently
      revised, replacing DF, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), and Dengue Shock Syndrome
      (DSS) with Dengue without Warning Signs, Dengue with Warning Signs (abdominal
      pain, persistent vomiting, fluid accumulation, mucosal bleeding, lethargy, liver
      enlargement, increasing hematocrit with decreasing platelets) and Severe Dengue
      (SD; dengue with severe plasma leakage, severe bleeding, or organ failure). We
      evaluated the traditional and revised classification schemes against clinical
      intervention levels to determine how each captures disease severity using data
      from five years (2005-2010) of a hospital-based study of pediatric dengue in
      Managua, Nicaragua. Laboratory-confirmed dengue cases (n = 544) were categorized
      using both classification schemes and by level of care (I-III). Category I was
      out-patient care, Category II was in-patient care that did not meet criteria for
      Category III, which included ICU admission, ventilation, administration of
      inotropic drugs, or organ failure. Sensitivity and specificity to capture
      Category III care for DHF/DSS were 39.0% and 75.5%, respectively; sensitivity and
      specificity for SD were 92.1% and 78.5%, respectively. In this data set, DENV-2
      was found to be significantly associated with DHF/DSS; however, this association
      was not observed with the revised classification. Among dengue-confirmed cases,
      the revised WHO classification for severe dengue appears to have higher
      sensitivity and specificity to identify cases in need of heightened care,
      although it is no longer as specific for a particular pathogenic entity as was
      the traditional schema.

PMID- 22087349
TI  - [Atrial fibrillation, frequency, etiologic factors, evolution and treatment in a
      cardiology department in Dakar, Senegal].

PMID- 22087350
TI  - [Surgical complications of renal transplantation from living donors: experience
      of the CHU Ibn Sina, Rabat].

PMID- 22087351
TI  - Application of potential outcomes to an intentional weight loss latent variable
      problem.
AB  - Studies that explore the link between weight loss among obese individuals and
      mortality have met with mixed results. One possible explanation is that total
      weight loss may have contributions from weight loss that is intentional and
      weight loss that is unintentional. The latter may be due to some underlying
      condition that has a deleterious effect on subsequent mortality. Some studies
      have then focused on subjects who intend to lose weight. However, in a population
      there is no guarantee that weight loss among these individuals is due only to
      their intention. This paper extends the work of Coffey et al., (2005) who treated
      intentional weight loss as a latent variable. In particular, the problem is
      reformulated using potential outcomes. This formulation more clearly identifies a
      nonestimable correlation that arises because of the latent variable, and it
      allows for the incorporation of covariate information that can tighten estimable
      bounds for this correlation. We show in a data set from an experiment on mice
      that substantial tightening of bounds is possible with a covariate that is
      predictive of weight loss. These bounds can then, in turn, be used to estimate
      bounds on a causal parameter in a linear model.

PMID- 22087352
TI  - In Vitro Assessment of Apoptosis and Necrosis Following Cold Storage in a Human
      Airway Cell Model.
AB  - As advances in medical technology improve the efficacy of cell and tissue
      transplantation, a void remains in our knowledge base as to the specific
      molecular responses of cells to low-temperature storage. While much focus has
      been given to solution formulation for tissue perfusion during storage,
      investigations into cold exposure-induced complex molecular changes remain
      limited. The intent of this study was to quantify the levels of cell death
      following hypothermic storage in a lung cell model, establishing a foundation for
      future in-depth molecular analysis. Normal human lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) were
      stored for 1 day or 2 days and small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) were stored
      for 5 days or 7 days at 4 degrees C in complete media, ViaSpan, or ViaSpan + pan
      caspase (VI) inhibitor. (Poststorage viability was assessed for 3 days using
      alamarBlue(TM).) Sample analysis revealed that IMR-90 cells stored in ViaSpan
      remained 80% (+/-9) viable after 1 day of storage and 21% (+/-7) viable after 2
      days of storage. SAEC cells stored in ViaSpan remained 81% (+/-5) viable after 5
      days and 28% (+/-7) after 7 days. Microfluidic flow cytometry analysis of the
      apoptotic and necrotic populations in the ViaSpan-stored samples revealed that in
      the IMR-90 cells stored for 2 days, 7% of the population was apoptotic at 4-h
      poststorage, while ~70% was identified as necrotic. Analysis of the SAEC cell
      system following 7 days of ViaSpan storage revealed an apoptotic peak of 19% at 4
      h poststorage and a corresponding necrotic peak of 19%. Caspase inhibition during
      hypothermic storage increased viability 33% for IMR-90 and 25% for SAEC. Data
      revealed a similar pattern of cell death, through both apoptosis and necrosis,
      once the onset of cold storage failure began, implying a potential conserved
      mechanism of cold-induced cell death. These data highlight the critical need for
      a more in-depth understanding of the molecular changes that occur as a result of
      cold exposure in cells and tissues.

PMID- 22087353
TI  - Biobank Recruitment: Motivations for Nonparticipation.
AB  - Molecular data, essential for genomics research, can be captured more efficiently
      in large-scale, population-based biobanks of genetic material rather than by
      individual studies. Biobanks also offer improved quality and reliability of
      genetic samples and access through automated sample retrieval. However, it is
      challenging to adequately inform participants of the broad nature of the research
      and participation risks and benefits. In addition, recent studies suggest
      concerns about data sharing and return of research results, or future research
      topics (eg, stereotypical or potentially stigmatizing traits). We evaluated the
      interest in participating in a biobank and reasons for nonparticipation.

PMID- 22087354
TI  - A defect in the activities of Delta and Delta desaturases and pro-resolution
      bioactive lipids in the pathobiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a low-grade systemic inflammatory
      condition, since liver and adipose tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      and TNF receptor 1 transcripts and serum TNF-alpha levels are increased and IL-6(
      /-) mice are less prone to NAFLD. Fatty liver damage caused by high-fat diets is
      associated with the generation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). A
      decrease in the levels of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the usefulness of EPA and DHA both in the
      prevention and management of NAFLD has been reported. AA, EPA and DHA and their
      anti-inflammatory products lipoxins (LXs), resolvins and protectins suppress IL-6
      and TNF-alpha and PGE(2) production. These results suggest that the activities of
      Delta(6) and Delta(5) desaturases are reduced in NAFLD and hence, the dietary
      essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are not
      metabolized to their long-chain products AA, EPA and DHA, the precursors of anti
      inflammatory molecules, LXs, resolvins and protectins that could pre vent NAFLD.
      This suggests that an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory bioactive
      lipids contribute to NAFLD. Hence, it is proposed that plasma and tissue levels
      of AA, EPA, DHA and LXs, resolvins and protectins could be used as predictors and
      prognostic biomarkers of NAFLD. It is suggested that the synthesis and use of
      more stable analogues of LXs, resolvins and protectins need to be explored in the
      prevention and management of NAFLD.

PMID- 22087355
TI  - Disordered eating behaviors in type 1 diabetic patients.
AB  - Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus are at high risk for disordered eating
      behaviors (DEB). Due to the fact that type 1 diabetes mellitus is one of the most
      common chronic illnesses of childhood and adolescence, the coexistence of eating
      disorders (ED) and diabetes often affects adolescents and young adults. Since
      weight management during this state of development can be especially difficult
      for those with type 1 diabetes, some diabetics may restrict or omit insulin, a
      condition known as diabulimia, as a form of weight control. It has been clearly
      shown that ED in type 1 diabetics are associated with impaired metabolic control,
      more frequent episodes of ketoacidosis and an earlier than expected onset of
      diabetes-related microvascular complications, particularly retinopathy. The
      management of these conditions requires a multidisciplinary team formed by an
      endocrinologist/diabetologist, a nurse educator, a nutritionist, a psychologist
      and, frequently, a psychiatrist. The treatment of type 1 diabetes patients with
      DEB and ED should have the following components: diabetes treatment, nutritional
      management and psychological therapy. A high index of suspicion of the presence
      of an eating disturbance, particularly among those patients with persistent poor
      metabolic control, repeated episodes of ketoacidosis and/or weight and shape
      concerns are recommended in the initial stage of diabetes treatment, especially
      in young women. Given the extent of the problem and the severe medical risk
      associated with it, more clinical and technological research aimed to improve its
      treatment is critical to the future health of this at-risk population.

PMID- 22087356
TI  - Consequences of gestational and pregestational diabetes on placental function and
      birth weight.
AB  - Maternal diabetes constitutes an unfavorable environment for embryonic and
      fetoplacental development. Despite current treatments, pregnant women with
      pregestational diabetes are at increased risk for congenital malformations,
      materno-fetal complications, placental abnormalities and intrauterine
      malprogramming. The complications during pregnancy concern the mother (gravidic
      hypertension and/or preeclampsia, cesarean section) and the fetus (macrosomia or
      intrauterine growth restriction, shoulder dystocia, hypoglycemia and respiratory
      distress). The fetoplacental impairment and intrauterine programming of diseases
      in the offspring's later life induced by gestational diabetes are similar to
      those induced by type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the existence of
      several developmental and morphological differences in the placenta from rodents
      and women, there are similarities in the alterations induced by maternal diabetes
      in the placenta from diabetic patients and diabetic experimental models. From
      both human and rodent diabetic experimental models, it has been suggested that
      the placenta is a compromised target that largely suffers the impact of maternal
      diabetes. Depending on the maternal metabolic and proinflammatory derangements,
      macrosomia is explained by an excessive availability of nutrients and an increase
      in fetal insulin release, a phenotype related to the programming of glucose
      intolerance. The degree of fetal damage and placental dysfunction and the
      availability and utilisation of fetal substrates can lead to the induction of
      macrosomia or intrauterine growth restriction. In maternal diabetes, both the
      maternal environment and the genetic background are important in the complex and
      multifactorial processes that induce damage to the embryo, the placenta, the
      fetus and the offspring. Nevertheless, further research is needed to better
      understand the mechanisms that govern the early embryo development, the induction
      of congenital anomalies and fetal overgrowth in maternal diabetes.

PMID- 22087357
TI  - Biochemical and cellular evidence of the benefit of a combination of cerium oxide
      nanoparticles and selenium to diabetic rats.
AB  - AIM: To study the combinative effects of nanocerium and selenium in a murine
      model of diabetes. METHODS: Cerium oxide (CeO(2)) nanoparticles (60 mg/kg per
      day) and sodium selenite (5 MUmol/kg per day) alone or in combination, or the
      metal form of CeO(2) (60 mg/kg) were administered for 2 wk by intraperitoneal
      injection to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At the end of treatment blood
      was collected, liver tissue dissected and then oxidative stress markers, extent
      of energy depletion and lipid profile were evaluated. RESULTS: Antioxidant
      enzymes and high density lipoprotein decreased whereas oxidative stress,
      adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphospahte levels, cholesterol, triglyceride
      and low density lipoprotein increased on induction of diabetes. All were improved
      by a combination of nanocerium and sodium selenite. There was a relative
      amelioration by CeO(2) nanoparticles or sodium selenite alone, but the metal form
      of CeO(2) showed no significant improvement. CONCLUSION: The combination of
      nanocerium and sodium selenite is more effective than either alone in improving
      diabetes-induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 22087359
TI  - Interval from Prostate Biopsy to Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical
      Prostatectomy (RALP): Effects on Surgical Difficulties.
AB  - PURPOSE: Traditionally, an interval of 4 to 6 weeks has been recommended after
      prostate biopsy before open radical prostatectomy. However, such an interval is
      not explicitly specified in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
      (RALP). This study was designed to determine whether the interval from prostate
      biopsy to RALP affects surgical difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between
      January 2008 and May 2009, a total of 237 men underwent RALP in our institution.
      The interval from biopsy to RALP was categorized as follows: <= 2 weeks, >2 to <=
      4 weeks, >4 to <= 6 weeks, >6 to <= 8 weeks, and >8 weeks. Multivariate analysis
      was used to identify whether the interval from prostate biopsy to RALP was an
      independent predictor of operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), margin
      positivity, continence, and potency. RESULTS: Among the 5 groups, there were no
      significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative serum
      prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, or preoperative International
      Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5 score (all p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis,
      operative time was significantly associated with prostate volume. EBL was
      associated with prostate volume and BMI. Margin positivity was associated with
      preoperative serum PSA, prostate volume, and biopsy Gleason score. Postoperative
      continence and potency were significantly associated with age. However, in
      univariate and multivariate analyses, the interval from biopsy to RALP was not
      significantly associated with operative time, EBL, margin positivity,
      postoperative continence, or potency (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest
      that the interval from prostate biopsy to RALP is not related to surgical
      difficulties.

PMID- 22087358
TI  - Late-onset hypogonadism syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms.
AB  - Androgen replacement therapy (ART) is a widely accepted form of treatment
      worldwide for aging men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. Concurrent
      with the progressive decline in testosterone from middle age, there is a gradual
      increase in prostate volume, reflecting the development of benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate growth is dependent on the presence of androgens, and
      conversely, antiandrogen agents or orchidectomy can decrease prostate volume in
      patients with BPH. Thus, it is important to investigate whether ART could have
      any negative effects on prostatic disease or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
      Although only limited amounts of information on the correlations between androgen
      levels in aging men and clinical manifestations of LUTS are available, a few
      recent studies have suggested that testosterone levels may have some beneficial
      effects on various urinary functions in men. Androgen receptors are found in the
      urothelium, urinary bladder, prostate, and urethra, and testosterone could have
      an impact on the autonomic nervous system, bladder smooth muscle differentiation,
      nitric oxide synthase, phosphodiesterase-5 and Rho/Rho-kinase activities, and
      pelvic blood flow. In addition, some previous studies demonstrated that ART had
      little effect on LUTS or urinary function in aging men with LOH syndrome.
      Furthermore, some recent randomized controlled trials indicated that short-term
      ART may be effective in the improvement of LUTS in hypogonadal men with mild BPH.
      However, only limited information is available regarding the effects of longer
      term ART or the safety of ART in men with severe BPH and LUTS, and further
      studies are required to reach more definitive conclusions.

PMID- 22087360
TI  - Prognostic factors and clinical outcomes of urological soft tissue sarcomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate prognostic factors for
      survival and clinical outcomes of rological soft tissue sarcomas (STSs).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the medical records of
      48 patients with urological STS treated from January 1982 to July 2009.
      Demographic and pathological characteristics were compared. Patients'
      demographics, clinico-pathological parameters, overall survival, and the factors
      expected to predict survival, such as sex, age at diagnosis, primary organ,
      surgical resection, metastasis, and mass size, were analyzed. We evaluated
      differences in survival on the basis of histological subtype by Kaplan-Meier
      analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: The study
      included 34 males (70.8%) and 14 females (29.1%). The mean age at diagnosis was
      47.1 years (range, 3 to 80). The most common site was the retroperitoneum (n=16),
      followed by the kidney (n=12), prostate (n=10), bladder (n=7), ureter (n=1), and
      paratesticular region (n=1). Nineteen patients (39.5%) had other organ metastases
      at diagnosis. The most common subtypes of sarcoma were leiomyosarcoma (50%),
      rhabdomyosarcoma (18.7%), and liposarcoma (8%). The remaining 11 cases had other
      histological subtypes (22.9%). Mean tumor size was 9.5 cm (range, 2.2 to 24).
      Thirty-three patients (68.7%) underwent surgical resection. The overall survival
      rate at 5 years was 51.4%. In the univariate and multivariate analysis, surgical
      resection, primary tumor site, and metastasis at diagnosis remained significant
      predictors of prognosis. Patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma had a higher
      overall survival rate by 5 years compared with patients with other organ sarcoma.
      CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rate at 5 years was 51.4%. Surgical resection,
      primary tumor site, and metastasis at diagnosis remained significant predictors
      of prognosis.

PMID- 22087361
TI  - Effect of Prostate Biopsy Hemorrhage on MRDW and MRS Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the effect of post-prostate-biopsy
      hemorrhage on the interpretation of magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted (MRDW)
      and magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) imaging in the detection of prostate
      cancer. We also investigated the optimal timing for magnetic resonance
      examination after prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records
      of 135 men. All patients underwent prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The
      prostate was divided into eight regions according to the biopsy site.
      Subsequently, we measured hemorrhage on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      values and (choline+creatinine)/citrate ([Cho+Cr]/Cit) ratios in the same regions
      on the MRI. We investigated the effect of hemorrhage at ADC values and
      (Cho+Cr)/Cit ratios on MRI and the relationship between prostate biopsy results
      and MRI findings. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 68.7 years and the mean time
      between biopsy and MRI was 23.5 days. The total hemorrhagic score demonstrated no
      significant associations with intervals from biopsy to MRI. Higher hemorrhagic
      scores were associated with higher ADC values, prostate cancer, and noncancer
      groups, respectively (p<0.001). ADC values were lower in tumors than in normal
      tissue (p<0.001), and ADC values were inversely correlated with tumor Gleason
      score in biopsy cores (p<0.001). However, (Cho+Cr)/Cit ratios did not exhibit any
      association with prostate biopsy results and hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhage
      had no significant associations with the interval from biopsy to MRI. ADC values
      may help to detect prostate cancer and predict the aggressiveness of cancer;
      however, it is important to consider the bias effect of hemorrhage on the
      interpretation of MRDW imaging given that hemorrhage affects ADC values.

PMID- 22087362
TI  - Effect of Shifting from Combination Therapy to Monotherapy of alpha-Blockers or
      5alpha-Reductase Inhibitors on Prostate Volume and Symptoms in Patients with
      Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Combination therapy of alpha-blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5
      ARIs) is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We
      aimed to study the effect on prostate volume and symptoms of shifting to
      monotherapy in patients who previously received a combination therapy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of 60 patients who were diagnosed
      with BPH. Patients were aged 45 years or older and had a prostate volume of 30 cc
      or more, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 12 or above, maximal flow
      rate (Qmax) of 15 ml/s or less, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of less
      than 10 ng/ml. The patients initially received a combination therapy of doxazosin
      4 mg/day and finasteride 5 mg/day for 3 months and were then randomly assigned to
      receive monotherapy for 3 months. The factors were then compared. RESULTS: A
      total of 30 patients were assigned to doxazosin (group 1) and 30 to finasteride
      (group 2) after the combination therapy. The percentage changes in prostate
      volume, IPSS, and Qmax during the period from post-combination therapy to post
      monotherapy were not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.052,
      0.908, 0.081), whereas PSA significantly decreased in group 2 (p<0.001). IPSS was
      not significantly different at post-combination therapy and at post-monotherapy
      in both groups (p=0.858, 0.071). The prostate volume significantly increased from
      40.97 cc at post-combination therapy to 44.29 cc at post-monotherapy in group 1
      (p=0.001) and insignificantly increased from 38.32 cc to 38.61 cc in group 2
      (p=0.696). CONCLUSIONS: Although the duration of drug administration was short in
      this study, 5-ARI monotherapy could maintain the alleviated symptoms and reduce
      the risk of acute urinary retention and surgery due to prostate regrowth in BPH
      patients whose symptoms improved with combination therapy.

PMID- 22087363
TI  - Relationship between Proximal Urethrovaginal Space Thickness and Detrusor
      Overactivity in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence.
AB  - PURPOSE: Detrusor overactivity (DO) cannot be predicted by clinical symptoms.
      Although it is possible that DO could be related to anatomical structures, scanty
      data exist about the relations between DO and anatomical structures. The aim of
      this study was to investigate anatomical differences in DO by measuring the
      thickness of the urethrovaginal space (UVS) and the urethral length (UL) in women
      with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data
      were collected from 72 women with SUI who underwent the midurethral sling
      operation. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of
      DO by preoperative urodynamic study (UDS). UVS thickness was measured by trans
      vaginal ultrasound. UL was measured by using a urethral catheter and a ruler. UVS
      thickness, UL, Q-tip, and urodynamic parameters, such as maximal urethral closure
      pressure (MUCP) and Valsalva leak point pressure, were compared between the two
      groups. RESULTS: Of 72 women, 23 patients had DO (31.9%). The proximal UVS was
      significantly thinner (p<0.001) and the MUCP was significantly lower (p=0.008) in
      women with DO. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      based DO prediction, the best cutoff value for UVS thickness was 0.84 cm (area
      under the ROC curve 0.763). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the proximal UVS was
      significantly thinner and the MUCP was significantly lower in patients with DO. A
      proximal UVS thickness of less than 0.84 cm was shown to be a predictive
      parameter for the development of DO on preoperative UDS. A large-scale
      prospective study is needed to validate these results.

PMID- 22087364
TI  - Percutaneous decortication of cystic renal disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous unroofing in the treatment of
      simple renal cysts instead of laparoscopic decortication and open surgeries.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2009 to October 2010 at our department, 11
      patients with 12 simple cyst units were managed by percutaneous unroofing. All
      cysts were evaluated with ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. If
      there were no contraindications, cyst wall resection was performed. A standard
      transurethral resectoscope was used to resect the cyst wall, and the parenchymal
      portion of the cyst was subsequently cauterized. The drain was left in place for
      2 days. RESULTS: At the 5-month follow-up, patients were asked about their
      symptoms and ultrasonography was performed. From 12 cyst units, 8 were completely
      resolved, 3 were reduced to less than 50%, and 1 was persistent to near its
      original size. Success was defined as a more than 50% reduction in cyst volume.
      CONCLUSIONS: Simple renal cysts can be safely managed by percutaneous unroofing
      with a success rate of more than 90%. This technique can offer several advantages
      over open surgery, such as decreased length of hospital stay, improved
      convalescence, and reduced risk of complications. Percutaneous resection also
      avoids the multiple trocar sites, extensive dissection, and technical difficulty
      associated with laparoscopy.

PMID- 22087365
TI  - Comparison of an Indwelling Period Following Ureteroscopic Removal of Stones
      between Double-J Stents and Open-Ended Catheters: A Prospective, Pilot,
      Randomized, Multicenter Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether long-term, postoperative
      ureteral stenting is necessary after ureteroscopic removal of stones (URS) during
      an uncomplicated surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively
      examined 54 patients who underwent URS for lower ureteral stones from February
      2010 to October 2010. Inclusion criteria were a stone less than 10 mm in
      diameter, absence of ureteral stricture, and absence of ureteral injury during
      surgery. We randomly placed 5 Fr. open-tip ureteral catheters in 26 patients and
      removed the Foley catheter at postoperative day 1. The remaining 28 patients
      received double-J stents that were removed at postoperative day 14 by cystoscopy
      under local anesthesia. All patients provided visual analogue scale (VAS) pain
      scores at postoperative days 1, 7, and 14 and completed the storage categories of
      the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at postoperative day 7. RESULTS:
      The VAS scores were not significantly different on postoperative day 1 but were
      significantly smaller in the 1-day ureteral catheter group at postoperative days
      7 and 14 (p<0.01). All of the storage categories of the IPSS were significantly
      lower in the 1-day ureteral stent group (p<0.01). The ratio of patients who
      needed intravenous analgesics because of severe postoperative flank pain was not
      significantly different between the two groups (p=0.81). No patients experienced
      severe flank pain after postoperative day 2, and no patients in either group had
      any other complications. CONCLUSIONS: One-day ureteral catheter placement after
      URS can reduce postoperative pain and did not cause specific complications
      compared with conventional double-J stent placement.

PMID- 22087366
TI  - The prevalence and clinical significance of urethritis and cervicitis in
      asymptomatic people by use of multiplex polymerase chain reaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our purpose was to conduct a screening test for urethritis or cervicitis
      as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by using multiplex polymerase chain
      reaction(PCR) and to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria
      gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis,
      and Trichomonas vaginalis in asymptomatic people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From
      July 2010 to December 2010, 709 persons who came to the hospital for a general
      checkup were tested. Multiplex PCR assays were done with first voided urine
      samples or endocervical swabs by use of the Seeplex(r) STD6 ACE Detection kit.
      RESULTS: The mean age in this study was 45.4+/-8.1 years. Among the 709 persons,
      229 (32.3%) had a positive result for at least one microorganism, 48 (6.8%) had
      two different species, 6 (0.8%) had three different species, and 1 person had
      four different species. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic STDs such as
      urethritis or cervicitis was 7.1% (50/709). The prevalence rates of chlamydia
      trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma
      urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infection in
      asymptomatic persons were 5.6% (40/709), 0.4% (3/709), 0.3% (2/709), 22.1%
      (157/709), 11.6% (82/709), and 1.1% (8/709), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With only
      a single sample, we could identify the prevalence rates of six microorganisms and
      the overall proportion of urethritis or cervicitis in asymptomatic people. This
      proportion cannot be neglected; therefore, screening tests for sexually
      transmitted diseases such as urethritis or ervicitis should be recommended to
      asymptomatic people.

PMID- 22087367
TI  - Impact of a retrotrigonal layer backup stitch on post-prostatectomy incontinence.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a retrotrigonal layer backup stitch (RTBS)
      during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) on post
      prostatectomy incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the difference in
      continence recovery between 94 patients (group 1, as historical controls) and 57
      patients (group 2). The only technical difference between our two groups was the
      incorporation of the retrotrigonal layer into the posterior aspect of the
      vesicourethral anastomosis (group 1: without RTBS; group 2: with RTBS).
      Postoperative continence recovery was defined as the use of no absorbent pads.
      RESULTS: In group 1, the continence rate at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively
      was 40.4%, 70.2%, and 90.4%, respectively;in group 2, the continence rate was
      42.1%, 70.1%, and 89.7%, respectively. The median (95% confidence interval) time
      to continence recovery was four months (range, 1 to 12 months) in group 1 and
      four months (range, 1 to 9 months) in group 2. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no
      significant difference in the recovery of continence between the two groups (log
      rank test, p=0.629). CONCLUSIONS: A RTBS does not appear to improve urinary
      incontinence after RALP. Further anatomical study and prospective randomized
      studies will be needed to confirm this.

PMID- 22087368
TI  - Unusual presentation of bilateral adrenocortical carcinoma mimicking adrenal
      metastasis.
AB  - A 75-year-old female visited our hospital with bilateral adrenal masses that were
      detected incidentally during lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for
      the evaluation of radiating flank pain. Consecutive computed tomography and MRI
      revealed bilateral adrenal masses with no evidence of lymph node enlargement or
      local invasion; 2[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography
      showed an intense FDG accumulation in both adrenal glands without abnormal FDG
      uptake in extra-adrenal regions. The laboratory test results were within normal
      ranges. We performed a bilateral adrenalectomy. The pathologic diagnosis of both
      adrenal masses was consistent with adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient
      recovered well with no complications.

PMID- 22087369
TI  - Solitary testicular metastasis of prostate cancer mimicking primary testicular
      cancer.
AB  - We report a rare case of testicular metastasis from prostate cancer. A 68-year
      old patient presented with a right testicular mass with discomfort. He had a
      history of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and had received
      adjuvant radiation therapy and had been treated with androgen deprivation therapy
      continuously at another institution. We performed a right inguinal orchiectomy.
      The testicular mass was diagnosed as a metastasis from prostate carcinoma.

PMID- 22087370
TI  - Erratum: pT3 Predictive Factors in Patients with a Gleason Score of 6 in Prostate
      Biopsies.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 598 in vol. 52, PMID: 22025953.].

PMID- 22087371
TI  - Acute Coronary Syndrome, Diabetes and Hypertension: Oman must pay more attention
      to chronic non-communicable diseases.

PMID- 22087372
TI  - Shaken baby syndrome as a form of abusive head trauma.
AB  - Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of abuse that is characterised by brain
      injury. Because of the subtle and yet debilitating neurobehavioural impairment
      which ensues, SBS represents a diagnostic dilemma for attending clinicians. The
      situation is made worse by the young age of the affected child who may not be
      capable of explaining what happened. SBS has been reported in many parts of the
      world. To our knowledge, there is a dearth of literature on the topic from
      Arab/Islamic countries. This article attempts to shed light on the syndrome by
      reviewing information on the aetiology of SBS, as well as on its diagnosis and
      the reasons for delayed diagnosis. The central aim of this review is to increase
      awareness of SBS so that enlightened policies for prevention and intervention
      could be developed in the region and particularly in Oman.

PMID- 22087373
TI  - Health care market deviations from the ideal market.
AB  - A common argument in the health policy debate is that market forces allocate
      resources efficiently in health care, and that government intervention distorts
      such allocation. Rarely do those making such claims state explicitly that the
      market they refer to is an ideal in economic theory which can only exist under
      very strict conditions. This paper explores the strict conditions necessary for
      that ideal market in the context of health care as a means of examining the claim
      that market forces do allocate resources efficiently in health care.

PMID- 22087374
TI  - Acute coronary syndrome in oman: results from the gulf registry of acute coronary
      events.
AB  - Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most common cause of cardiovascular
      mortality and morbidity in Western countries. International guidelines for
      diagnosis and treatment have been developed based on randomised clinical trials.
      However, data from international registries report a lack of association between
      guideline recommendations and actual clinical practice. Similarly, the Gulf Heart
      Association initiated a registry called Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events
      (Gulf RACE). This registry was developed to determine the characteristics and
      management of ACS in the Gulf countries including Oman. Here, we report on the
      results of the various Gulf RACE registry studies from Oman and compare our
      results with the main Gulf RACE data as well as other international registries.

PMID- 22087375
TI  - Diabetes Care in Oman: Obstacles and solutions.
AB  - Diabetes has become one of the most challenging chronic diseases with its
      prevalence increasing in most countries worldwide. The Arabian Gulf countries
      face a similar increasing prevalence of diabetes. Diabetes care requires not only
      the support of the health authorities, but the contribution of all the sectors of
      the community and requires good financial support. In Oman, there are many
      factors which affect the care of diabetes. In this article, these factors are
      addressed and recommended solutions discussed.

PMID- 22087377
TI  - A Novel Splice-site Allelic Variant is Responsible for Wilson Disease in an Omani
      Family.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterise Wilson's Disease (WD)
      [OMIM 277900] genetically and test for allelic variants in the copper transport
      gene (ATPase, Cu(++) transporting, beta polypeptide, ATP7B) responsible for the
      disease in an Omani family. METHODS: Three index patients from an Omani family
      had been previously diagnosed with WD. All three patients suffered neurological
      symptoms and signs. Forty-six relatives in the family were screened for WD.
      Eleven more individuals were positive, but asymptomatic. RESULTS: Thirteen non
      disease-causing allelic gene variants, described previously, were identified in
      the ATP7B gene from 46 family members. A putative novel disease-causing splice
      site variant (c.2866-2A>G), which has not been reported previously, was detected
      in this family. It is located upstream of exon 13 which encodes part of
      transmembrane copper channel (Ch/Tm6). Reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction was used to amplify a complementary DNA (cDNA) fragment containing exons
      12, 13 and 14. Exon 13 was entirely skipped from the transcript which probably
      would result in a defective ATP7B protein. CONCLUSION: A new ATP7B splice-site
      allelic variant, found among the 14 WD patients segregated with the disease in a
      recessive manner, suggests it is a disease-causing variant.

PMID- 22087376
TI  - Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in primary care settings in Al seeb
      wilayat, oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of uncontrolled
      hypertension (HTN) among Omani hypertensive patients, on treatment and under
      primary health care (PHC) follow-up in Al Seeb Wilayat, Oman. Socio-demographic
      and clinical factors were explored for possible influence on blood pressure (BP)
      control. METHODS: Based on an assumption of 50% prevalence of uncontrolled HTN, a
      retrospective data collection was conducted on the last three follow-up visits of
      411 randomly selected Omani adults (>=18 years) from 3,459 hypertensive patients.
      Adequate BP control was defined using criteria from 7(th) Report of the Joint
      National Committee on Prevention Detection Evaluation & Treatment of High Blood
      Pressure (JNC-7). A P value of <0.05 and odds ratios with 95% confidence interval
      were used to assess for association. RESULTS: The targets for adequate BP control
      were achieved in 39% of the studied patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34
      44%). Lower BP control was found among hypertensives with diabetes (6.4%, P =
      <0.001) and renal disease (18.5%, P = 0.02); those with cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) showed relatively better control (58%). Age and gender had no impact on BP
      control. Most patients were only on one (24%) or two (47%) antihypertensive
      medications, the most frequently used being beta-blockers (58.2%) and diuretics
      (56.3%). CONCLUSION: HTN is not adequately controlled in over 60% of treated
      patients; the presence of co-morbidity and less than aggressive treatment are
      significant contributors. Improving the quality of HTN care is a priority;
      effective efforts should be undertaken to improve BP control.

PMID- 22087378
TI  - Gender difference in relationship of apnoea/hypopnoea index with body mass index
      and age in the omani population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a disorder
      characterised by repetitive upper airway collapse during sleep in association
      with daytime sleepiness. It has an estimated prevalence of 2% and 4% among middle
      aged women and men respectively. The aim of the study was to look at the
      association of body mass index (BMI), age and gender and prevalence of OSAHS in
      the Omani population. METHODS: Polysomnography reports and hospital medical
      records of all patients who took part in the Sleep Study at the Sleep Laboratory
      of the Clinical Physiology Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, between
      January 1995 and December 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. Data from both
      sources was gathered and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1,042 sleep studies were
      conducted with 608 valid studies for analysis. The study showed that the
      apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) >15 was more prevalent in men compared to women
      (47.9% versus 33.5%, P = 0.001). There was significant correlation of AHI with
      BMI (P <0.0001) among men compared to women (P = 0.1); however, age was
      significantly correlated with AHI among women (P <0.0001), but not with men (P =
      0.1). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that there is a gender difference in the
      prevalence of OSAHS and obesity is a major risk factor for OSAHS among Omani men
      whereas age is found to be a risk factor for OSAHS among women.

PMID- 22087379
TI  - Intra-Operative Neural Response Telemetry and Acoustic Reflex Assessment using an
      Advance-In-Stylet Technique and Modiolus-Hugging: A prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The development of cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays has focused
      on the use of a minimally invasive technique involving a modiolus-hugging
      placement of the electrode. The aim of this study was to evaluate the "advance-in
      stylet" (AIS) technique compared to the advance-off-stylet (AOS) technique
      recommended for the current cochlear Nucleus((r)) device. In the AIS technique,
      the stylet is not removed. We evaluated the electrical auditory thresholds
      measured when the stylet was removed (modiolus-hugging) compared to measurements
      taken with the stylet in place (lateral wall cochlea electrode placement).
      METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 30 consecutive patients received
      unilateral Nucleus Freedom((r)) CIs using AIS insertion. Measurement of the
      acoustic reflex (AR) and neural response telemetry (NRT) were performed with the
      stylet in place (lateral wall placement of the electrodes) and then removed
      (perimodiolar placement), and the results compared. The responses were measured
      in the basal, middle and apical turns in both groups-with and without stylet.
      RESULTS: The AIS surgery was completed without complication in 30 patients (16
      males and 14 females, age range 3-54 years [mean 11]). Based on neural response
      telemetry, only apical electrodes showed statistically significant differences in
      thresholds, but the AR was not significantly different before or after stylet
      removal in any of the electrode groups tested. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of
      modiolus-hugging do not seem to result in a large difference in electrical
      stimulation thresholds so, in difficult cases, the stylet may be left in place
      without significantly changing the thresholds, except perhaps at the apical turn.

PMID- 22087380
TI  - Comparison of the Clinical Profile and Complications of Mixed Malarial Infections
      of Plasmodium Falciparum and Plasmodium Vivax versus Plasmodium Falciparum Mono
      infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the clinical presentations and
      complications in patients having mixed malaria infection of Plasmodium falciparum
      and Plasmodium vivax with those of patients with malaria due to a P. falciparum
      mono-infection. METHODS: The medical records of malaria patients admitted to
      Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India, during the years 2008-10 were analysed.
      Inclusion criteria were patients in whom P. falciparum and P. vivax coinfection
      or P. falciparum mono-infection alone was confirmed on peripheral smear
      examination. Exclusion criteria were patients in whom P. vivax infection alone
      was diagnosed on peripheral smear examination. The sample size was twenty
      patients diagnosed with mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. vivax and 60
      patients diagnosed with P. falciparum mono-infection. RESULTS: 35% of mixed
      infections had thrombocytopenia as compared to 51.7% of P. falciparum mono
      infections. A total of 5% of the mixed infections had renal failure as compared
      to 16.7% of the falciparum mono-infections. Total bilirubin was raised in 15.8%
      of mixed infections and in 46.6% of falciparum mono-infections. Abnormal liver
      enzymes were seen in 36.8% of mixed infections and in 66.6% of falciparum mono
      infections. None of the mixed infections had a parasite index over 2% while it
      was present in 28% of the falciparum mono-infections. CONCLUSION: Patients with
      mixed infections were found to have a lower incidence of severe complications
      such as anaemia, thrombocytopenia, liver and renal dysfunction and a lower
      parasite index. Thus mixed malaria tends to have a more benign course as compared
      to malaria due to P. falciparum mono-infection.

PMID- 22087381
TI  - Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing
      Practical Anatomy Knowledge.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, summative practical examination in anatomy takes the
      form of 'spotters' consisting of a stream of prosections, radiological images and
      dissections with pins indicating specific structures. Recently, we have started
      to administer similar examinations online using the quiz facility in MoodleTM (a
      free, open-source web application for producing modular internet-based courses)
      in addition to the traditional format. This paper reports on an investigation
      into students' perceptions of each assessment environment. METHODS: Over a 3-year
      period, practical assessment in anatomy was conducted either in traditional
      format or online via learning management software called MoodleTM. All students
      exposed to the two examination formats at the College of Medicine & Health
      Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, were divided into two categories:
      junior (Year 3) and senior (Year 4). An evaluation of their perception of both
      examination formats was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire
      consisting of restricted and free response items. RESULTS: More than half of all
      students expressed a clear preference for the online environment and believed it
      was more exam-friendly. This preference was higher amongst senior students.
      Compared to females, male students preferred the online environment. Senior
      students were less likely to study on cadavers when the examination was conducted
      online. Specimen quality, ability to manage time, and seating arrangements were
      major advantages identified by students who preferred the online format.
      CONCLUSION: Computer-based practical examinations in anatomy appeared to be
      generally popular with our students. The students adopted a different approach to
      study when the exam was conducted online as compared to the traditional
      'steeplechase' format.

PMID- 22087382
TI  - Successful Use of Alternative Anticoagulants in the Management of Heparin-induced
      Thrombocytopenia with Thrombotic Complications: Report of 5 cases and review of
      literature.
AB  - Heparin is one of the most frequently used anticoagulants. It is easy to use, but
      can be associated with life-threatening side effects. One of these is heparin
      induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (HITS), which develops in about 3-5% of
      patients exposed to heparin and is associated with thrombosis in 1% of cases. We
      report here the successful treatment of five patients with HITS who were treated
      with alternative anticoagulants namely danaparoid or hirudin. The median time
      between their exposure to heparin and onset of symptoms and or signs was 10.2
      days (range 7-14 days). Platelet counts decreased to a mean of 38.4 x 10(9) /l
      (12-82 x 10(9)/l). All five patients had evidence of thrombosis; four patients
      had clinical and radiological evidence of pulmonary emboli, one patient had
      confirmed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and one patient had extensive skin necrosis
      of the thighs and abdomen. Platelet aggregation test were positive in two
      patients, inconclusive in one patient and negative in two patients. Two patients
      were anticoagulated with danaparoid and three with hirudin until their platelet
      counts returned to normal between 4 and 14 days (average 6 days) following the
      recognition of the syndrome. Our patients had significant morbidity, but no
      mortality. Immediate withdrawal of heparin is of paramount importance and
      introduction of alternative anticoagulant is necessary in the presence of
      thrombosis.

PMID- 22087383
TI  - Submyomatous Cornual Pregnancy: Managed surgically after failed medical
      management.
AB  - Cornual pregnancy constitutes an emergency while its diagnosis and management
      remain a challenge. Anatomical abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids in
      the cornual region, make the management even more difficult. A nulliparous
      patient presented with an ectopic pregnancy at the right cornua under a huge
      fibroid. Despite multiple doses of methotrexate for a cornual ectopic gestation,
      the serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hcG) levels doubled on the
      fifth day and a viable fetus was demonstrated on imaging. Thus surgical
      intervention in the form of laparoscopy followed by laparotomy, myomectomy of a
      large cornual fibroid and cornuostomy was performed. The serum beta human
      chorionic gonadotropin result was negative three weeks later. Surgical
      intervention in the form of myomectomy and cornuostomy was necessary to preserve
      fertility in this unusual presentation of cornual ectopic pregnancy.

PMID- 22087384
TI  - Schwannoma of the Cervical Symphathetic Chain: First case report from Oman.
AB  - Schwannomas are benign, encapsulated and slow-growing nerve sheath tumours
      arising from Schwann cells. The schwannoma arising from the cervical sympathetic
      chain (SCSC) is a very rare tumour. It usually presents as a slow growing,
      painless and asymptomatic neck mass, hence preoperative clinical diagnosis is
      difficult. Radiological investigation and fine needle aspiration cytology make
      only a small contribution to its preoperative diagnosis, histopathological
      examination being much more useful. We report here the first case report of SCSC
      from Oman. It occurred in a 45 year-old female and was successfully excised.

PMID- 22087385
TI  - Late-onset Visual Loss in Osteopetrosis.
AB  - Late-onset visual loss is a complication of nerve entrapment and increased
      intracranial pressure. We hereby describe the first case in Eastern Africa. A 23
      year-old lady presented with sudden blindness, headaches and body weakness. She
      had previously had treatment for multiple unexplained fractures. Findings of
      optic nerve entrapment explained this blindness. This case highlights the need to
      have a high index of suspicion in cases of unexplained fractures with late-onset
      blindness.

PMID- 22087386
TI  - Keystone design sliding skin flap for the management of small full thickness
      burns.
AB  - Deep dermal burns and full thickness burns are generally managed by excision and
      split thickness skin grafting. The skin graft may lead to unacceptable colour
      changes and be aesthetically unacceptable. Also, there may be a contour defect
      and, furthermore, it is followed by varying degrees of contracture. The keystone
      design sliding flap, first described in 2003, avoids the need for grafting and is
      not associated with any skin graft problems. We report two cases of the use of
      this flap as the primary surgery in reconstruction of small full thickness burn
      defects.

PMID- 22087387
TI  - Bilateral elastofibroma dorsi.

PMID- 22087388
TI  - Maternal Triglycerides: Underestimated predictors of neonatal birth weight.

PMID- 22087389
TI  - Re: vitamin d deficiency in omani women.

PMID- 22087390
TI  - Re: Improving Road Safety through Deterrence-Based Initiatives.

PMID- 22087391
TI  - Medical Tourism: Beneficence or maleficence?

PMID- 22087392
TI  - Blunt Cerebrovascular Injuries: A review of the literature.
AB  - Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) have been a topic of interest to many
      researchers worldwide as evidenced by the vast amount of available literature.
      The interest in these rare injuries is probably due to the significant
      possibility of mortality and morbidity amongst patients who sustain them, when
      the employment of radiological screening methods could prevent such an outcome.
      Recognition of these injuries is the most important step towards prevention of
      adverse outcomes. We present a comprehensive review of the literature regarding
      the mechanism of injury, imaging, management, and complications of BCVI. Articles
      were identified through a search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials using the keywords Blunt; Vascular; Carotid; Vertebral; Trauma;
      Stroke; Management, and Endovascular. The search was limited to humans and
      articles in English.

PMID- 22087393
TI  - Umbilical Cord Blood Banking and Transplantation: A short review.
AB  - It is more than 20 years since the first cord blood transplant (CBT) was
      performed, following the realisation that cord blood (CB), which is normally
      wasted, is rich in progenitor cells and capable of rescuing haematopoiesis. Since
      then it has been appreciated that CB is rich in stem cells, and has many other
      features not the least of which is its ability to rescue the transplanted patient
      without a rigid need for full human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility. Also
      it is easily accessible, relatively free from infections and poses no medical
      risk to the donor. However, the quantity of the stem cells is rather small, thus
      predominantly restricting its use to children or adults requiring double units.
      In Oman, we have taken a keen interest in stem cell research and also CBT. We see
      such activities as an avenue for our patients, for whom a compatible bone marrow
      (BM) or a peripheral blood donor cannot be found, to have an alternative in the
      form of CBT. This has encouraged us to establish a national voluntary cord blood
      bank (CBB) which is a valuable option open to a selected group of patients, as
      compared to the controversial private CBB. This national CBB will have a better
      representation of HLA-types common in the region, an improvement on relying on
      banks in other countries. Considering the need for stem cell transplant/therapy
      in this country, it is only appropriate that this sort of bank is established to
      cater for some of these requirements.

PMID- 22087394
TI  - Neonatal Screening: Mean haemoglobin and red cell indices in cord blood from
      Omani neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to validate the interpretation of red blood
      cell indices in complete blood count (CBC) and high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) results on cord blood samples in consecutive Omani
      neonates. METHODS: Cord blood samples from 7,837 neonates, were analysed with CBC
      and HPLC using the beta-thalassaemia short programme. Direct sequencing of
      abnormal samples with HbS, HbD, HbE and HbC was performed to validate the HPLC
      results. Additionally, in cases with HbA beta10%, the beta-globin gene was
      directly sequenced for beta-thalassaemia mutation analysis. RESULTS: Overall,
      4,042 subjects (51.58%) had normal HPLC (HbA 22.88+/-8.03; HbF 77.02+/-8.04),
      whereas the presence of Hb Barts in the remaining 3,795 cases (48.42%) indicated
      the presence of alpha-thalassaemia. No case of HbH was detected. In the former
      subgroup respectively, the mean Hb (15.38+/-2.04 g/dl) red blood cell (RBC) count
      (4.69+/-0.68 * 10(12)/l), Hct (50.5+/-7.18%), mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
      (107.66+/-7.75 fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) (33.31+/-4.07 pg), mean
      corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (30.98+/-3.44 g/dl), red cell
      distribution width (RDW) (17.01+/-2.17%) whereas, in the latter group with alpha
      thalassaemia, it was (14.79+/-2.90 g/dl); (5.09+/-0.77 * 10(12)/l); (49.7+/
      7.40%); (97.29+/-13.8 fl); (29.74+/-11.80 pg); (30.39+/-3.6 g/dl), and (18.09+/
      2.56%) respectively. DNA sequencing of samples with abnormal haemoglobin could
      validate the CBC and HLPC interpretations in all cases. CONCLUSION: This is the
      first study comparing the hemoglobin and red cell indices in the cord blood from
      newborn Omani subjects with those from other countries in the region, showing
      comparable results to those seen in Saudi neonates. The study also validates the
      CBC and HPLC interpretations of the cord blood red cell indices in the Omani
      neonate. The incidence of alpha-thalassaemia diagnosed by the presence of Hb
      Barts in cord blood of neonates was 48.42%.

PMID- 22087395
TI  - Simultaneous Detection of Dengue NS1 Antigen, IgM plus IgG and Platelet
      Enumeration during an Outbreak.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: During 2010, there was an increase in dengue virus infections in New
      Delhi, India compared to 2009. This study was conducted at Sant Parmanand
      Hospital during this outbreak to determine the utility of a 'Dengue Package',
      comprising simultaneous detection of dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS1), anti
      dengue IgM, anti-dengue IgG and platelet enumeration for early diagnosis, better
      case management and faster public health response. METHODS: Blood samples were
      tested for Dengue NS1, IgM and IgG using the single-step immunochromatigrahic One
      step dengue NS1 Ag and IgG/IgM test, while platelets were enumerated with
      automatic analysers yielding results within 1-2 hours. RESULTS: Of the 1,886
      patients screened with the 'Dengue Package', 678 and 1208 were NS1-positive and 
      negative respectively, in different combinations. In 394 cases, NS1 was
      exclusively positive while 29 were also IgG positive. In 942 cases NS1, IgM and
      IgG were negative (triple negative). The platelet counts in the NS1 positives
      were lower than the NS1 negatives, mean and standard deviation (SD) 116.8+/-70.2
      * 10(9)/L: 95% confidence interval (CI) 66.6-74.1 and 167.2+/-94.0 * 10(9)/L,
      P<0.0001. Platelet counts were <20 * 10(9)/L in 20 NS1 antigen-positives and 42
      NS1 antigen-negatives. CONCLUSION: During the 2010 outbreak, swift availability
      of the 'Dengue Package' assisted patient management, platelet transfusions,
      implementation of anti-vector measures and public health notifications. Testing
      for NS1 assisted the diagnosis of an additional 22.4% cases; of these 394 had
      evidence of primary infection and 29 of secondary infection. The 'Dengue Package'
      was useful in tackling the rise in suspected cases.

PMID- 22087396
TI  - Medical Tourism Abroad: A new challenge to Oman's health system - Al Dakhilya
      region experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand why people seek medical advice abroad
      given the trouble and expense this entails. The types of medical problems for
      which treatment abroad was sought, preferred destinations and satisfaction with
      the treatment were explored. A secondary aim was to give feedback to stakeholders
      in the health care system on how to handle this issue and meet the needs of the
      community. METHODS: 45 patients who had recently travelled abroad for treatment
      were asked to complete a questionnaire or were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS:
      40 questionnaires were received. 68% of the respondents were male. Orthopaedic
      diseases were the most common conditions leading patients to seek treatment
      abroad. Thailand was the most popular destination followed by India (50% and 30%
      respectively). 85% of respondents went abroad for treatment only, 10% for
      treatment and tourism and 2.5% were healthy, but travelled abroad for a checkup.
      Interestingly, 15% of the participants went abroad without first seeking medical
      care locally. Out of those initially treated in Oman, 38.2% had no specific
      diagnosis and 38.2% had received treatment, but it was not effective. 73% of
      respondents obtained information on treatment abroad from a friend. The Internet
      and medical tourism offices were the least used sources of information. 15% of
      the patients experienced complications after their treatment abroad. CONCLUSION:
      Various facts about medical treatment abroad need to be disseminated to the
      public. This will necessitate greater effort in public health promotion and
      education.

PMID- 22087397
TI  - Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhoea among Omani High School Students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of
      dysmenorrhoea in Omani high schoolgirls, its impact and the treatment used.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in May 2010 on 404 girls from
      two public high schools in the Muscat region. Data were collected by self
      administered questionnaire including information on demographics, prevalence of
      dysmenorrhoea, severity, its impact, and the treatment used. RESULTS: Overall,
      94% (n = 380) of the participants had dysmenorrhoea. It was mild in 27% (n =
      104), moderate in 41% (n = 155), and severe in 32% (n = 121). Dysmenorrhoea was
      the cause of limited sports activities in 81%, decreased class concentration in
      75%, restricted homework in 59%, school absenteeism in 45%, limited social
      activities in 25%, and decreased academic performance in 8% of the affected
      students. Only 3% (n = 10) had consulted a physician; 21% (n = 80) self
      medicated, and 55% (n = 210) took no action. The commonest drugs used were
      paracetamol (n = 60, 16%), ibuprofen (n = 29, 8%) and mefenemic acid (n = 12,
      3%). There was no statistically significant correlation between dysmenorrhoea,
      demographics and menstrual characteristics. CONCLUSION: Dysmenorrhoea is a
      prevalent and yet undertreated menstrual disorder among Omani adolescent
      schoolgirls. The pain suffered can be severe and disabling. Doctors should
      therefore be prepared to discuss this more freely with schoolgirls. In addition,
      there is a need for education regarding dysmenorrhoea and treatment options to
      minimise the impact on school, sports, social and daily activities.

PMID- 22087398
TI  - Information mastery, effective health care, evidence-based practice and the
      otolaryngologist.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to study the information-seeking
      behaviour of otolaryngologists in Oman, and their willingness to learn and
      acquire evidence-based practice (EBP) skills. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey
      was carried out by distribution of a questionnaire to 63 otolaryngologists
      (ranging from residents to consultants) employed in Oman who attended a national
      otolaryngology meeting in January 2010. RESULTS: Forty-nine completed
      questionnaires were received; 57% of the respondents had more than 10 years'
      experience, and 60% were from tertiary care; 38.8% "totally agreed", and 36.7%
      "partially agreed" that EBP would improve the quality of care and thus provide
      effective health care to patients. More than 46.9% had 1-5 questions per week,
      18.4% had 11 or more questions per week at the point-of-care; 69.4% were willing
      to acquire information mastery skills. There was a statistical correlation
      between the number of years of experience, the number of questions, and
      willingness to acquire information mastery skills. CONCLUSION: In day-to-day
      clinical practice, web-based resources are of increasing significance. Most
      otolaryngologists in Oman not only believed that it is essential to acquire
      information mastery skills, but also that effective health care depends on such
      skills and on EBP. Most were willing to acquire these skills. In the future,
      these skills will be vital in helping otolaryngologists deliver effective health
      care solutions.

PMID- 22087399
TI  - Laparoscopic surgery recording as an adjunct to conventional modalities of
      teaching gross anatomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In order to increase their effectiveness, methods of teaching
      morphological sciences need to be revised to incorporate the recent technological
      advances made in the field of medicine. Teaching human structure with
      conventional methods of prosections using dissected cadaveric specimen alone
      quite often fails to prepare students adequately for their clinical training. A
      learner-oriented method, incorporating three dimensional spatial anatomy and more
      closely mirroring the clinical setting, is required. METHODS: With these
      challenges in mind, a 30-minute slow-paced video recording of a cholecystectomy
      performed laproscopically on a 45 year-old lady was adapted to supplement the
      conventional teaching of anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis. This study was
      carried out in October 2010. RESULTS: The subjects of this study were 84 students
      in a first year preclinical MD course in human structure at the private Oman
      Medical College. Their feedback was obtained via questionnaire and revealed that
      the video presentation helped the students to realise the significance of the
      anatomical details learnt during the human structure course. CONCLUSION:
      Recordings of laparoscopic surgeries are an effective preclinical anatomy
      teaching resource in student-centred learning. They also help the students to
      appreciate the clinical relevance of gross anatomy and enhance their motivation
      to learn.

PMID- 22087400
TI  - Nephropathic Cystinosis: First reported case in Oman.
AB  - Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disease characterised by
      the accumulation of the amino acid cystine in different organs and tissues. It is
      a multisystemic disease that can present with renal and extra renal
      manifestations. There are three types of cystinosis, infantile nephropathic
      cystinosis being the most severe form. In this report we present the classic
      clinical features of nephropathic cystinosis in an Omani child. This condition
      remains quite rare in the Middle East and is the first reported case of
      nephropathic cystinosis in the Omani population.

PMID- 22087401
TI  - Atypical case of acute Fatty liver of pregnancy.
AB  - Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a life threatening obstetric emergency.
      The most common presentation is malaise, nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain
      followed by jaundice. Due to high maternal and perinatal mortality, early
      diagnosis, prompt delivery and supportive care are required. We report an
      atypical case of AFLP and discuss the management and complications of this rare
      obstetric disorder.

PMID- 22087402
TI  - Cannabis Exposure in an Omani Child: First case report from Oman.
AB  - We report a confirmed case of cannabis exposure in an Omani female child with
      developmental delay. Cannabis exposure in children can lead to many consequences;
      for example, chronic use can result in developmental delay, abnormal behaviour,
      and hyperactivity while there is a risk of coma with acute exposure. It is
      important for clinicians to consider substance abuse as a differential diagnosis
      for similar presentations in paediatric patients, noting that children are at
      risk of cannabis exposure if their parents/caregivers are cannabis users.

PMID- 22087403
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of traumatic intraperitoneal bladder rupture.
AB  - Intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder is an uncommon condition that is usually
      caused by pelvic fractures. This is a true surgical emergency managed
      conventionally by open laparotomy with single or double layer repair. We present
      a case of successful laparoscopic repair of an intraperitoneal bladder rupture
      secondary to blunt abdominal trauma and pelvic fracture in a 37 year-old man. The
      repair was done using single layer repair, with successful results.

PMID- 22087404
TI  - Complications of Central Venous Catheterisation: Breakage of guidewire-a disaster
      averted.
AB  - Central venous catheterisation (CVC) is a common bedside invasive procedure done
      in medical practice. Even though it is a safe procedure when done with ultrasound
      guidance, difficulties and complications do occur even in experienced hands.
      Here, we describe the difficulties encountered in the form of the breakage of the
      guidewire while inserting a CVC in a patient with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 22087405
TI  - Newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia with neck swelling.

PMID- 22087406
TI  - Is it not the time to stop the use of Scoline (suxamethonium chloride) for rapid
      sequence intubation?

PMID- 22087407
TI  - GlideScope for Assessment of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Integrity after Thyroid
      Surgery.

PMID- 22087408
TI  - Re: Hepatitis B Vaccine Coverage and the Immune Response in Children under ten
      years old in Sana'a, Yemen-We need to work much harder to control hepatitis B
      virus infection in developing countries.

PMID- 22087409
TI  - Re: dengue haemorrhagic Fever presenting as acute abdomen.

PMID- 22087410
TI  - In memory of Ralph Steinman.

PMID- 22087411
TI  - A short-term clinical study of marginal bone level change around microthreaded
      and platform-switched implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: The marginal bone levels around implants following restoration are used
      as a reference for evaluating implant success and survival. Two design concepts
      that can reduce crestal bone resorption are the microthread and platform
      switching concepts. The aims of this study were to analyze the placement of
      microthreaded and platform-switched implants and their short-term survival rate,
      as well as the level of bone around the implants. METHODS: The subjects of this
      study were 27 patients (79 implants) undergoing treatment with microthreaded and
      platform-switched implants between October 2008 and July 2009 in the Dental
      Hospital of Yonsei University Department of Periodontology. The patients received
      follow-up care more than 6 months after the final setting of the prosthesis, at
      which time periapical radiographs were taken. The marginal bone level was
      measured from the reference point to the lowest observed point of contact between
      the marginal bone and the fixture. Comparisons were made between radiographs
      taken at the time of fixture installation and those taken at the follow-up visit.
      RESULTS: During the study period (average of 11.8 months after fixture
      installation and 7.4 months after the prosthesis delivery), the short-term
      survival rate of microthreaded and platform-switched implants was 100% and the
      marginal bone loss around implants was 0.16+/-0.08 mm, the latter of which is
      lower than the previously reported values. CONCLUSIONS: This short-term clinical
      study has demonstrated the successful survival rates of a microthread and
      platform-switched implant system, and that this system is associated with reduced
      marginal bone loss.

PMID- 22087412
TI  - The evaluation of the correlation between histomorphometric analysis and micro
      computed tomography analysis in AdBMP-2 induced bone regeneration in rat
      calvarial defects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been widely used in the
      evaluation of regenerated bone tissue but the reliability of micro-CT has not yet
      been established. This study evaluated the correlation between histomorphometric
      analysis and micro-CT analysis in performing new bone formation measurement.
      METHODS: Critical-size calvarial defects were created using a 8 mm trephine bur
      in a total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, and collagen gel mixed with autogenous rat
      bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) or autogenous rat BMSCs transduced by
      adenovirus containing bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) genes was loaded into
      the defect site. In the control group, collagen gel alone was loaded into the
      defect. After 2 and 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized and calvaria containing
      defects were harvested. Micro-CT analysis and histomorphometric analysis of each
      sample were accomplished and the statistical evaluation about the correlation
      between both analyses was performed. RESULTS: New bone formation of the BMP-2
      group was greater than that of the other groups at 2 and 4 weeks in both
      histomorphometric analysis and micro-CT analysis (P=0.026, P=0.034).
      Histomorphometric analysis of representative sections showed similar results to
      histomorphometric analysis with a mean value of 3 sections. Measurement of new
      bone formation was highly correlated between histomorphometric analysis and micro
      CT analysis, especially at the low lower threshold level at 2 weeks (adjusted
      r(2)=0.907, P<0.001). New bone formation of the BMP-2 group analyzed by micro-CT
      tended to decline sharply with an increasing lower threshold level, and it was
      statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both histomorphometric analysis
      and micro-CT analysis were valid methods for measurement of the new bone in rat
      calvarial defects and the ability to detect the new bone in micro-CT analysis was
      highly influenced by the threshold level in the BMP-2 group at early stage.

PMID- 22087413
TI  - Response of osteoblast-like cells cultured on zirconia to bone morphogenetic
      protein-2.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare osteoblast behavior on zirconia and
      titanium under conditions cultured with bone morphogenetic protein-2. METHODS:
      MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on sandblasted zirconia and sandblasted/etched
      titanium discs. At 24 hours after seeding MC3T3-E1, the demineralized bone matrix
      (DBM) gel alone and the DBM gel with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were
      added to the culture medium. The surface topography was examined by confocal
      laser scanning microscopy. Cellular proliferation was measured at 1, 4, and 7
      days after gel loading. Alkaline phosphatase activity was measured at 7 days
      after gel loading. The mRNA expression of ALPase, bone sialoprotein, type I
      collagen, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), osteocalcin, and osterix
      were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 4 days and 7 days.
      RESULTS: At 1, 4, and 7 days after loading the DBM gel alone and the DBM gel with
      BMP-2, cellular proliferation on the zirconia and titanium discs was similar and
      that of the groups cultured with the DBM gel alone and the DBM gel with BMP-2 was
      not significantly different, except for titanium with BMP-2 gel. ALPase activity
      was higher in the cells cultured with BMP-2 than in the other groups, but there
      was no difference between the zirconia and titanium. In ALPase, bone
      sialoprotein, osteocalcin, Runx-2 and osterix gene expression, that of cells on
      zirconia or titanium with BMP-2 gel was much more highly increased than titanium
      without gel at day 7. The gene expression level of cells cultured on zirconia
      with BMP-2 was higher than that on titanium with BMP-2 at day 7. CONCLUSIONS: The
      data in this study demonstrate that the osteoblastic cell attachment and
      proliferation of zirconia were comparable to those of titanium. With the
      stimulation of BMP-2, zirconia has a more pronounced effect on the proliferation
      and differentiation of the osteoblastic cells compared with titanium.

PMID- 22087414
TI  - The effect of erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet laser irradiation on
      the surface microstructure and roughness of double acid-etched implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: One of the most frequent complications related to dental implants is
      peri-implantitis, and the characteristics of implant surfaces are closely related
      to the progression and resolution of inflammation. Therefore, a technical
      modality that can effectively detoxify the implant surface without modification
      to the surface is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on the
      microstructural changes in double acid-etched implant surfaces according to the
      laser energy and the application duration. METHODS: The implant surface was
      irradiated using an Er:YAG laser with different application energy levels (100
      mJ/pulse, 140 mJ/pulse, and 180 mJ/pulse) and time periods (1 minute, 1.5
      minutes, and 2 minutes). We then examined the change in surface roughness value
      and microstructure. RESULTS: In a scanning electron microscopy evaluation, the
      double acid-etched implant surface was not altered by Er:YAG laser irradiation
      under the condition of 100 mJ/pulse at 10 Hz for any of the irradiation times.
      However, we investigated the reduced sharpness of the specific ridge
      microstructure that resulted under the 140 mJ/pulse and 180 mJ/pulse conditions.
      The reduction in sharpness became more severe as laser energy and application
      duration increased. In the roughness measurement, the double acid-etched implants
      showed a low roughness value on the valley area before the laser irradiation.
      Under all experimental conditions, Er:YAG laser irradiation led to a minor
      decrease in surface roughness, which was not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: The recommended application settings for Er:YAG laser irradiation on
      double acid-etched implant surface is less than a 100 mJ/pulse at 10 Hz, and for
      less than two minutes in order to detoxify the implant surface without causing
      surface modification.

PMID- 22087415
TI  - The effect of fibronectin-coated implant on canine osseointegration.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the osseointegration of
      the fibronectin-coated implant surface. METHODS: Sand-blasted, large-grit, acid
      etched (SLA) surface implants, with or without a thin calcium phosphate and
      fibronectin coating, were placed in edentulous mandibles of dogs 8 weeks after
      extraction. All dogs were sacrificed forhistological and histomorphometric
      evaluation after 4- and 8-week healing periods. RESULTS: All types of implants
      were clinically stable without any mobility. Although the bone-to-implant contact
      and bone density of the SLA implants coated with calcium phosphate
      (CaP)/fibronectin were lower than the uncoated SLA implants, there were no
      significant differences between the uncoated SLA surface group and the SLA
      surface coated with CaP/fibronectin group. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this
      study, SLA surfaces coated with CaP/fibronectin were shown to have comparable
      bone-to-implant contact and bone density to uncoated SLA surfaces.

PMID- 22087416
TI  - The use of definitive implant abutments for the fabrication of provisional
      crowns: a case series.
AB  - PURPOSE: The anterior region is a challenge for most clinicians to achieve
      optimal esthetics with dental implants. The provisional crown is a key factor in
      the success of obtaining pink esthetics around restorations with single implants,
      by soft tissue and inter-proximal papilla shaping. Provisional abutments bring
      additional costs and make the treatment more expensive. Since one of the aims of
      the clinician is to reduce costs and find more economic ways to raise patient
      satisfaction, this paper describes a practical method for chair-side fabrication
      of non-occlusal loaded provisional crowns used by the authors for several years
      successfully. METHODS: Twenty two patients (9 males, 13 females; mean age, 36,72
      years) with one missing anterior tooth were treated by using the presented
      method. Metal definitive abutments instead of provisional abutments were used and
      provisional crowns were fabricated on the definitive abutments for all of the
      patients. The marginal fit was finished on a laboratory analogue and temporarily
      cemented to the abutments. The marginal adaptation of the crowns was evaluated
      radiographically. RESULTS: The patients were all satisfied with the final
      appearance and no complications occurred until the implants were loaded with
      permanent restorations. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the definitive abutments for
      provisional crowns instead of provisional abutments reduces the costs and the
      same results can be obtained.

PMID- 22087417
TI  - Secondary closure of an extraction socket using the double-membrane guided bone
      regeneration technique with immediate implant placement.
AB  - PURPOSE: Immediate implantation presents challenges regarding site healing,
      osseointegration, and obtaining complete soft-tissue coverage of the extraction
      socket, especially in the posterior area. This last issue is addressed herein
      using the double-membrane (collagen membrane+high-density polytetrafluoroethylene
      [dPTFE] membrane) technique in two clinical cases of posterior immediate implant
      placement. METHODS: An implant was placed immediately after atraumatically
      extracting the maxillary posterior tooth. The gap between the coronal portion of
      the fixture and the adjacent bony walls was filled with allograft material. In
      addition, a collagen membrane (lower) and dPTFE membrane (upper) were placed in a
      layer-by-layer manner to enable the closure of the extraction socket without a
      primary flap closure, thus facilitating the preservation of keratinized mucosa.
      The upper dPTFE membrane was left exposed for 4 weeks, after which the membrane
      was gently removed using forceps without flap elevation. RESULTS: There was
      considerable plaque deposition on the outer surface of the dPTFE membrane but not
      on the inner surface. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy of the removed
      membrane revealed only a small amount of bacteria on the inner surface of the
      membrane. The peri-implant tissue was favorable both clinically and
      radiographically after a conventional dental-implant healing period. CONCLUSIONS:
      Secondary closure of the extraction socket and immediate guided bone regeneration
      using the double-membrane technique may produce a good clinical outcome after
      immediate placement of a dental implant in the posterior area.

PMID- 22087418
TI  - The evolution of urogenital tissue engineering.

PMID- 22087420
TI  - Dissimilar effects of tolterodine on detrusor overactivity in awake rats with
      chemical cystitis and partial bladder outlet obstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated bladder function, with a special focus on nonvoiding
      contractions (NVCs), in awake rats with chronic chemical cystitis and bladder
      outlet obstruction (BOO) by use of simultaneous registrations of intravesical and
      intraabdominal pressures. In addition, we tested the effects of tolterodine on
      the NVCs in these models. METHODS: A total of 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats were
      used in this study. In eight rats, chemical cystitis was induced by intravesical
      instillation of HCl. Twelve rats were subjected to sham instillations or partial
      BOO. Four weeks after intravesical instillation or 2 weeks after partial BOO,
      cystometrograms were obtained by use of simultaneous recording of intravesical
      and intraabdominal pressure in all unanesthetized, unrestrained rats in metabolic
      cages. RESULTS: A total of 17 rats survived. In the rats with acute injury by
      HCl, 50% showed detrusor overactivity (DO), which was not seen in the sham group.
      The cystitis group had lower DO pressure without a difference in DO frequency
      compared with the BOO group. After the administration of tolterodine, the
      cystitis group showed no difference in DO frequency or pressure, whereas the BOO
      group showed decreased values for both parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed
      that toleterodine produced no effect on DO during the filling phase in rats with
      chronic chemical cystitisbut decreased the frequency and pressure of DO in rats
      with BOO. Clinically, studies are needed to improve the treatment effect of
      anticholinergic drugs ininterstitial cystitis patients with overactive bladder.

PMID- 22087421
TI  - Exploring the potential of flunarizine for Cisplatin-induced painful uremic
      neuropathy in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study was designed to explore the potential of flunarizine
      for cisplatin induced painful uremic neuropathy in rats. METHODS: Cisplatin (2
      mg/kg; i.p., for 5 consecutive days) was administered and renal uremic markers
      i.e., serum creatinine were estimated on days 4 and 25. Behavioral changes were
      assessed in terms of thermal hyperalgesia (hot plate, plantar, tail immersion,
      and tail flick tests at different time intervals). Biochemical analysis of total
      calcium, superoxide anion, DNA, and transketolase, and myeloperoxidase activity
      in tissue samples was also performed. Furthermore, flunarizine (100, 200, and 300
      uM/kg; p.o., for 21 consecutive days) was administered to evaluate its potency on
      uremic neuropathy, and the results were compared with those for the carbamazepine
      treated (30 mg/kg; p.o., for 21 consecutive days) groups. RESULTS: Flunarizine
      attenuated the cisplatin-induced uremic neuropathy, and the degree of behavioral
      and biochemical changes in serum and tissue samples in a dose dependent manner.
      The medium and high doses of flunarizine were shown to produce a significant
      effect on cisplatin induced painful uremic neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate the potential of flunarizine for anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and
      neuroprotective actions. Therefore, it may have use as a novel therapeutic agent
      for the management of painful uremic neuropathy.

PMID- 22087419
TI  - Regenerative medicine strategies for treating neurogenic bladder.
AB  - Neurogenic bladder is a general term encompassing various neurologic dysfunctions
      of the bladder and the external urethral sphincter. These can be caused by damage
      or disease. Therapeutic management options can be conservative, minimally
      invasive, or surgical. The current standard for surgical management is bladder
      augmentation using intestinal segments. However, because intestinal tissue
      possesses different functional characteristics than bladder tissue, numerous
      complications can ensue, including excess mucus production, urinary stone
      formation, and malignancy. As a result, investigators have sought after
      alternative solutions. Tissue engineering is a scientific field that uses
      combinations of cells and biomaterials to encourage regeneration of new, healthy
      tissue and offers an alternative approach for the replacement of lost or
      deficient organs, including the bladder. Promising results using tissue
      engineered bladder have already been obtained in children with neurogenic bladder
      caused by myelomeningocele. Human clinical trials, governed by the Food and Drug
      Administration, are ongoing in the United States in both children and adults to
      further evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technology. This review will
      introduce the principles of tissue engineering and discuss how it can be used to
      treat refractory cases of neurogenic bladder.

PMID- 22087422
TI  - Korean version of the overactive bladder symptom score questionnaire: translation
      and linguistic validation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) consists of 4 questions
      regarding OAB symptoms. The aim of this study was to develop Korean version of
      the OABSS from the original Japanese version, with subsequent linguistic
      validation. METHODS: Between February and May 2008, the translation and
      linguistic validation process was performed as follows: a forward translation,
      reconciliation, backward translation, cognitive debriefing, and final
      proofreading. RESULTS: A forward translation from the original version of the
      OABSS to the Korean language was carried out by 2 native Korean speakers, who
      were also fluent in Japanese. Reconciliation was made after review of both
      translations by a panel consisting of both translators and one of the authors.
      Another bilingual translator who had never seen the original version of the OABSS
      carried out a translation of the reconciled version back into Japanese, and the
      original and backward-translated versions were subsequently compared. After
      discussion of all discrepancies between both versions by the panel, a second
      Korean version was produced. During cognitive debriefing, 5 outpatients with OAB
      reported that each question of the Korean version was significant and appropriate
      for their symptoms. However, 2 patients said that some parts of the questions or
      instructions were not clear or were not easy to understand. According to the
      cognitive debriefing, some words and phrases were revised into more
      understandable expressions. CONCLUSIONS: A Korean version of the OABSS was
      developed and linguistic validation was performed. Further studies are needed to
      assess the reproducibility and validity of the questionnaire in Korean
      populations.

PMID- 22087423
TI  - The impact of overactive bladder on health-related quality of life, sexual life
      and psychological health in Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in
      Korea, to assess the variation in prevalence by sex and age, and to measure the
      impact of OAB on quality of life. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional
      telephone survey was conducted between April and June 2010 with a questionnaire
      regarding the prevalence of OAB, demographics, and the impact of OAB on quality
      of life. A geographically stratified random sample of men and women aged >=30
      years was selected. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of OAB was 22.9% (male, 19%;
      female, 26.8%). Of a total of 458 participants with OAB, 37.6% and 19.9% reported
      moderate or severe impact on their daily life and sexual life (5.6% and 3.5%,
      respectively, in participants without OAB). Anxiety and depression were reported
      by 22.7% and 39.3% of participants with OAB, respectively (9.7% and 22.8%,
      respectively, in participants without OAB). Only 19.7% of participants with OAB
      had consulted a doctor for their voiding symptoms, but 50.7% of respondents with
      OAB were willing to visit a hospital for the management of their OAB symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that OAB symptoms are highly prevalent in
      Korea, and many sufferers appear to have actively sought medical help. OAB has
      severe effects on daily and sexual life as well as psychological health.

PMID- 22087424
TI  - Effect of 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor on Storage Symptoms in Patients with Benign
      Prostatic Hyperplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have storage
      symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of treatment with a 5
      alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) on storage symptoms in patients with BPH.
      METHODS: This study was conducted in 738 patients with lower urinary tract
      symptoms secondary to BPH. Patients with a prostate volume of higher than 30 mL
      on the transrectal ultrasound were classified into two groups: group A, in which
      an alpha blocker was solely administered for at least 12 months, and group B, in
      which a combination treatment regimen of an alpha blocker plus 5ARI was used.
      This was followed by an analysis of the changes in parameters such as the total
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), voiding symptom subscore, and
      storage symptom subscore between the two groups. In addition, we examined whether
      there was a significant difference between the two groups in the degree of change
      in storage symptoms between before and after the pharmacological treatment.
      RESULTS: Of the 738 men, 331 had a prostate volume >=30 mL, including 150
      patients in group A and 181 patients in group B. Total IPSS, the voiding symptom
      subscore, and the storage symptom subscore were significantly lower after
      treatment than before treatment in both groups (P<0.05). A comparison of the
      degree of change between before and after treatment, however, showed no
      significant differences in the storage symptom subscore between the two groups
      (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Alpha blocker and 5ARI combination treatment is effective
      for patients with BPH including storage symptoms. However, 5ARI does not exert a
      significant effect on storage symptoms in BPH patients.

PMID- 22087425
TI  - Predictors of Successful Trial without Catheter for Postoperative Urinary
      Retention Following Non-Urological Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the success rate of trial without catheter (TWOC) for
      postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after non-urological surgery and to
      determine predictors of successful TWOC. METHODS: A total of 104 patients who
      underwent non-urological surgery and were referred to the department of urology
      for POUR were included in this retrospective study. All eligible patients
      underwent indwelling catheterization as an initial treatment and then TWOC was
      performed 3 to 7 days later. POUR was defined as micturition difficulty with
      greater than 400 mL of postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume measured by
      catheterization after non-urological surgery. Successful TWOC was defined as
      voiding with less than 100 mL of PVR urine volume. Predictive factors were
      identified by multivariate regression analysis. All definitions corresponded to
      recommendations of the International Continence Society. RESULTS: The mean age of
      the patients was 65.2 (range, 23 to 92) years. There were 45 male and 59 female
      patients. Intraoperative indwelling catheterization was performed in 69 (66.3%)
      patients. Mean duration of indwelling catheterization for POUR was 5.0 (range,
      3.0 to 7.0) days and 83 (79.8%) patients received medication with an alpha
      blocker. A successful TWOC was observed in 70 (67.4%) patients. The mean age of
      the patients with failure of TWOC was significantly higher than that of the
      patients with successful TWOC. The percentages of female patients, spinal
      surgery, and prone position during surgery in patients with unsuccessful TWOC
      were higher than in those with successful TWOC. In the multivariate logistic
      regression analysis, age and location of surgery (spine vs. non-spine) were the
      independent predictors of successful TWOC for POUR. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest
      that older age and spinal surgery may be important risk factors for failure of
      TWOC for POUR after non-urological surgery. Thus, adequate prevention measures
      may be necessary for POUR after non-urological surgery, especially in patients
      with these risk factors.

PMID- 22087426
TI  - Voiding dysfunction after total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the voiding dysfunction after rectal
      cancer surgery with total mesorectal excision (TME). METHODS: This was part of a
      prospective study done in the rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery with
      TME between November 2006 and June 2008. Consecutive uroflowmetry, post-voided
      residual volume, and a voiding questionnaire were performed at preoperatively and
      postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were recruited in this study,
      including 28 male and 22 female. In the comparison of the preoperative data with
      the postoperative 3-month data, a significant decrease in mean maximal flow rate,
      voided volume, and post-voided residual volume were found. In the comparison with
      the postoperative 6-month data, however only the maximal flow rate was decreased
      with statistical significance (P=0.02). In the comparison between surgical
      methods, abdominoperineal resection patients showed delayed recovery of maximal
      flow rate, voided volume, and post-voided residual volume. There was no
      significant difference in uroflowmetry parameters with advances in rectal cancer
      stage. CONCLUSIONS: Voiding dysfunction is common after rectal cancer surgery but
      can be recovered in 6 months after surgery or earlier. Abdominoperineal resection
      was shown to be an unfavorable factor for postoperative voiding. Larger
      prospective study is needed to determine the long-term effect of rectal cancer
      surgery in relation to male and female baseline voiding condition.

PMID- 22087427
TI  - Efficacy of anticholinergics for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
      in young and middle-aged patients: a single-blinded, prospective, multi-center
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) exhibits
      variable lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the incidence of LUTS and the efficacy of an anticholinergic agent in
      young and middle-aged CP/CPPS patients. METHODS: Ninety-six men with CP/CPPS were
      randomly assigned in a single-blind fashion and received either ciprofloxacin
      (group 1, 49 patients) or ciprofloxacin and solifenacin (5 mg/day; group 2, 47
      patients) for 8 weeks. The National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis
      symptom index (NIH-CPSI), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and
      the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) were used to grade the
      patients' symptoms and the quality of life impact at the start of the study, and
      at 4 and 8 weeks from the initiation of the study. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference between groups 1 and 2 with respect to age, duration of
      disease, or sub-domains of the IPSS, NIH-CPSI, or IIEF-5 at baseline. Of these
      patients, 67.4% had LUTS. Statistically significant differences were determined
      via the NIH-CPSI for total score and the pain and urinary domain scores.
      Statistically significant differences were determined via the IPSS for total
      score and the storage domain score. The total score of the IIEF-5 increased, but
      the change was not significant. There was no statistically significant difference
      in residual urine. CONCLUSIONS: Many CP/CPPS patients had LUTS. Solifenacin in
      CP/CPPS demonstrated improvements in the NIH-CPSI and the IPSS total score and
      storage score. Storage factors significantly improved via the NIH-CPSI and IPSS
      assessments in the solifenacin treatment group.

PMID- 22087428
TI  - Atrophy of the tongue as the presenting feature of metastatic prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed solid organ cancer in men and is
      the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United Kingdom.
      Commonly, it metastasizes to bones and lymph nodes, however, in advanced
      hormonerefractory disease it may involve the skull base leading to associated
      cranial nerve palsies. Cranial nerve palsy as the presenting feature of advanced
      hormone-sensitive prostate cancer is extremely rare. To the best of our
      knowledge, we report the first case of solitary hypoglossal nerve palsy as the
      presenting feature of advanced prostate cancer. Neurologists, neurosurgeons and
      otolaryngologists may be the first clinicians to see such a patient; therefore,
      prostate cancer should be amongst the differential diagnoses considered in middle
      aged and elderly men presenting with a cranial neuropathy and evidence of skull
      metastasis.

PMID- 22087429
TI  - Erratum: urodynamic findings in an awake chemical cystitis rat model observed by
      simultaneous registrations of intravesical and intraabdominal pressures.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 54 in vol. 14, PMID: 21120177.].

PMID- 22087430
TI  - Erratum: Tape Shortening for Recurrent Stress Urinary Incontinence After
      Transobturator Tape Sling: 3-Year Follow-up Results.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 164 in vol. 14, PMID: 21179334.].

PMID- 22087431
TI  - Pathogenesis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Children and Adults.
AB  - Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) occur across the lifespan, from birth to
      advanced age. However, the causes, clinical manifestations, histopathology, and
      management of ILD differ greatly among infants, older children, and adults. The
      historical approach of classifying childhood ILD (chILD) using adult
      classification schemes may therefore have done more harm than good. Nevertheless,
      identification of novel forms of chILD in the past decade, such as surfactant
      metabolism dysfunction disorders and neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy
      (NEHI), as well as genomic analysis of adult ILDs, has taught us that identical
      genotypes may result in distinct phenotypes at different ages and developmental
      stages, and that lung developmental pathways and cellular phenotypes are often
      recapitulated in adult ILDs. Thus comparison of the pathophysiology of ILD in
      children and adults in the context of lung development is useful in understanding
      the pathogenesis of these disorders, and may lead to novel therapeutic
      interventions for ILDs at all ages.

PMID- 22087433
TI  - Bioactive substances with anti-neoplastic efficacy from marine invertebrates:
      Porifera and Coelenterata.
AB  - An ever increasing demand for new lead compounds in the pharmaceutical industry
      has led scientists to search for natural bioactive products. Based on this
      extensive research, marine invertebrates now represent a rich source of novel
      substances with significant anti-neoplastic activities. As the current approach
      of synthesizing new and chemically modifying old drugs seems to have slowed down,
      and the identification of new anticancer drugs is not too promising, a new
      approach is clearly needed. The objective of this review is to present up-to-date
      data on these newer compounds. Based on the data summarized in this short review,
      it is clear that marine invertebrates represent an extremely important source of
      compounds with potential anti-cancer effects. Considering that we tested only a
      tiny number of Porifera and Coelenterata, the best is yet to come.

PMID- 22087432
TI  - Genetic Basis of Children's Interstitial Lung Disease.
AB  - Specific genetic causes for children's interstitial lung disease (chILD) have
      been identified within the past decade. These include deletions of or mutations
      in genes encoding proteins important in surfactant production and function (SP-B,
      SP-C, and ABCA3), surfactant catabolism (GM-CSF receptor), as well as
      transcription factors important for surfactant production (TTF1) or lung
      development (Fox F1), with heterozygous deletions or loss-of-function mutations
      of the latter resulting in alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) with misalignment
      of the pulmonary veins. Familial pulmonary fibrosis in adults may result from
      mutations in genes encoding components of telomerase and SP-A2. While not yet
      reported in children, the expression of these genes in alveolar type II
      epithelial cells supports a key role for the disruption of normal homeostasis in
      this cell type in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease. The
      identification of specific genetic causes for chILD now allows for the
      possibility of non-invasive diagnosis, and provides insight into basic cellular
      mechanisms that may allow the development of novel therapies.

PMID- 22087434
TI  - Bioactive substances with anti-neoplastic efficacy from marine invertebrates:
      Bryozoa, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Urochordata.
AB  - The marine environment provides a rich source of natural products with potential
      therapeutic application. This has resulted in an increased rate of pharmaceutical
      agents being discovered in marine animals, particularly invertebrates. Our
      objective is to summarize the most promising compounds which have the best
      potential and may lead to use in clinical practice, show their biological
      activities and highlight the compounds currently being tested in clinical trials.
      In this paper, we focused on Bryozoa, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Urochordata.

PMID- 22087436
TI  - First Medical Olympiad.

PMID- 22087435
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor and K-Ras in non-small cell lung cancer
      molecular pathways involved and targeted therapies.
AB  - Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death in Western nations.
      Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents 80% of all lung cancers, and
      adenocarcinoma is the predominant histological type. Despite the intensive
      research carried out on this field and therapeutic advances, the overall
      prognosis of these patients remains unsatisfactory, with a 5-year overall
      survival rate of less than 15%. Nowadays, pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics
      represent the key to successful treatment. Recent studies suggest the existence
      of two distinct molecular pathways in the carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma:
      one associated with smoking and activation of the K-Ras oncogene and the other
      not associated with smoking and activation of the epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR). The K-ras mutation is mainly responsible for primary resistance
      to new molecules which inhibit tyrosine kinase EGFR (erlotinib and gefitinib) and
      most of the EGFR mutations are responsible for increased tumor sensitivity to
      these drugs. This article aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature
      regarding the molecular pathways involving the EGFR, K-Ras and EGFR targeted
      therapies in NSCLC tumor behavior.

PMID- 22087437
TI  - Currently applied cross-sectional diagnostic modalities and imaging guided
      interventional modalities for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - Technological advances in conventional cross-sectional diagnostic imaging have
      allowed important modalities like ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasonography,
      multi-detector computed tomography, nuclear medicine single photon emission
      tomography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to
      exhibit an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and management of
      patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET). The arterial supply of metastatic
      lesions provides promising treatment options through the arterial route, hence
      transcatheter arterial embolization has a key role in the therapeutic management
      of metastatic NET. The various transcatheter methods of NET treatment are
      discussed, including radio-embolization. Imaging-guided percutaneous
      interventional radiologic methods of ablation are also discussed as applicable
      for the effective management of primary and metastatic NET. An approach to
      represent the physical and technical principles on which ablative methods rely
      and their clinical significance has been attempted.

PMID- 22087438
TI  - Reduced grey matter metabolism due to white matter edema allows optimal
      assessment of brain tumors on 18F-FDG-PET.
AB  - The main aim of this research was to demonstrate that the cortical and
      subcortical grey matter hypometabolism as revealed by fluorine-18
      fluorodesoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) imaging in brain
      tumors is related to associated edema as demonstrated by magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). This in turn enhances the ability to assess disease activity in
      the tumor and the degree of loss of cerebral function in the adjacent and distant
      structures. We evaluated brain T1 and T2 weighted MRI and (18)F-FDG-PET scans of
      29 patients (19 adult, 10 pediatric) with history of brain tumor. Tumor histology
      types included 21 gliomas, 1 melanoma, 1 primitive neuroectodermal tumor, 3
      medulloblastomas and 3 ependymomas. The majority of scans were performed within
      the same week (94% <1 month. The extent of hypo and hypermetabolism was assessed
      on the (18)F-FDG-PET scans. A template of 12 regions of interest (ROI) was
      applied and the laterality indices of the regional counts (signal intensity) were
      computed. Extent of edema, enhancement, and anatomical change were assessed on
      the MRI scans. Extent of edema in the same ROI was evaluated by a 6-point
      semiquantitative scale and laterality indices were generated. Metabolic activity
      of the grey matter was correlated with the extent of edema using these indices.
      In all cases where edema was present, significant hypometabolism was observed in
      the adjacent structures. Overall, there was a strong correlation between the
      extent of edema and severity of hypometabolism (r=0.92, P=0.01). This was true
      regardless of the location of edema, whether there was history of radiation
      treatment (r=0.91, P=0.03), or not (r=0.97, P=0.17). In conclusion, edema
      independent of underlying variables appeared to contribute significantly to
      cortical and sub-cortical grey matter hypometabolism observed in patients with
      brain tumors. This would indicate that brain tumors can be successfully assessed
      by (18)F-FDG-PET and therefore the efforts for utilizing other tracers may not be
      justified.

PMID- 22087439
TI  - Differentiation of histological subtypes in lung cancer with 18F-FDG-PET 3-point
      imaging and kinetic analysis.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in histological subtypes of
      lung cancer using (18)F-FDG-PET 3-point imaging and kinetic analysis. Subjects
      comprised 44 patients with histologically proven lung cancer (squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC), n=18; well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (WDA), n=9;
      poorly/moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (non-WDA), n=17) who underwent
      (18)F-FDG-PET/CT examinations at 1, 2 h and 3 h after injection of 185 MBq of
      (18)F-FDG, approximately. Mean standardized uptake value (SUV) in each lesion was
      measured at each time point and the increase rate of SUV (IR_SUV) was calculated.
      SUV and IR_SUV were compared among the 3 groups. In addition, to estimate
      differences in kinetic parameters for each group, kinetic analysis based on a 3
      compartment model was performed. Our results showed SUV differed significantly at
      every time point among the 3 groups. IR_SUV between 2 and 3 h post-injection
      (IR_SUV (2-3)) differed significantly among the 3 groups, while both IR_SUV(1-3)
      and IR_SUV(1-2) were significantly higher in SCC than in WDA. In kinetic
      analyses, both K1 and k3 showed significant differences among the 3 groups, with
      highest values in SCC and lowest in WDA. In conclusion, (18)F-FDG-PET 3-point
      imaging and kinetic analysis enabled the differentiation of histological subtypes
      in lung cancer, arising from differences in glucose transporter density and
      enzymatic activity of hexokinase.

PMID- 22087440
TI  - Serum differential proteomics analysis between papillary thyroid cancer patients
      with 131I-avid and those with non-131I-avid lung metastases.
AB  - Our aim was to compare the differences in serum protein fingerprints between
      papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with (131)I-avid lung metastases and
      those with non-(131)I-avid lung metastases, and to establish a screening model
      for screening (131)I uptake in lung metastases. We collected serum samples from
      46 PTC patients with (131)I-avid lung metastases (Group A) and 23 PTC patients
      with non-(131)I-avid lung metastases (Group B) respectively, and both groups were
      matched for age and sex, without history of other tumors. Among them, 28 cases
      (19 cases in Group A, and 9 cases in Group B) were enrolled in the training set
      to establish the decision tree model, and another 41 cases (27 cases in Group A,
      and 14 cases in Group B)were incorporated for blind test set. The serum protein
      fingerprints were profiled using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS, USA) and the difference between
      the two groups was compared using the Ciphergen Proteinchip 3.1 software.
      Bioinformatics analysis was performed to construct the decision tree model based
      on the data of the training set, and the blind test was also conducted for blind
      test set. Our results showed that a total of 151 valid protein peaks were
      detected at the molecular range of 1300 Da to 15,000 Da, among which 7 were
      significantly different between Group A and Group B (P< 0.05). The blind test was
      conducted via the decision tree model, with a sensitivity of 92.6% (25/27) and a
      specificity of 85.7% (12/14). In conclusion, the difference in the serum protein
      fingerprints between Group A and Group B is quite accurate for screenning (131)I
      uptake in the lung metastases from PTC, conferring important clinical value for
      the prediction of (131)I uptake and guiding of personalized (131)I treatment
      decisions.

PMID- 22087441
TI  - Ventricular ejection fraction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy calculated
      by gated blood pool SPET processing software: correlation with multigated
      acquisition and first pass radionuclide ventriculography.
AB  - This study was performed to find out the left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with dilated
      cardiomyopathy (DCM)  by using commercially available automated gated blood pool
      scintigraphy (GBPS) processing software and to correlate it with first pass
      radionuclide ventriculography (FPRNV)  and planar multigated acquisition (MUGA).
      However, till date, no literature exists studying the application of GBPS and
      planar radionuclide ventriculography techniques in the setting of patients  with
      DCM as a single cohort. Forty-one patients having DCM were prospectively included
      in the study. First pass RNV and MUGA were performed at rest after in-vivo
      labeling of red blood cells in all patients.  Immediately after obtaining the
      planar views, GBPS was performed and LVEF and RVEF were calculated. Our results
      showed that the %LVEF values (mean+/-SD) calculated by MUGA, GBPS and echo 
      cardiography were 31+/-11, 34+/-12 and 32+/-11, respectively. The % RVEF values
      (mean+/-SD) calculated by FPRNV and GBPS were 46+/-14 and 43+/-17, respectively.
      The LVEF values calculated by  MUGA, GBPS and echcardiography showed very good
      correlation r=0.924 and r=0.844, respectively and for both P <0.0001. Bland
      Altman plot showed overestimation for LVEF  (and a tendency for overestimation of
      RVEF) values calculated by GBPS compared to MUGA. Values of RVEF calculated by
      GBPS and FPRNV also showed good correlation (r=0.88; P< 0.0001).  In conclusion,
      the automated GBPS for LVEF and RVEF calculation using GBPS SPET can be routinely
      applied in DCM patients. Given the practical difficulties with FPRNV like good
      bolus administration,  quantitative blood pool SPET (QBPS) can be used to
      calculate RVEF. Similarly MUGA and GBPS can be used to calculate LVEF.

PMID- 22087442
TI  - Does the association of 18F-FDG uptake intensity and lesion topography reveal
      histological phenotype and tumor differentiation in esophageal cancer?
AB  - In daily clinical practice, the esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is
      considered to be more (18)F-FDG avid than adenocarcinoma (EAD). To date, the few
      studies concerning the existence of a real metabolic difference based on
      esophageal cancer (EC) histology, show divergent and not definitive results. A
      retrospective analysis of (18)F-FDG PET/CT of 87 patients with ESCC and EAD was
      performed to investigate the role played by both histopathological subtype and
      tumor differentiation in the characterization of glucose metabolic profile of EC.
      Esophageal squamous cell cancer was well differentiated (WD) in 42 cases and
      poorly differentiated (PD) in 12 patients. Twenty-one of the 33 patients had WD
      EAD, while 12 had a PD EAD. The (18)F-FDG maximal standardized uptake value
      (SUV(max)) was determined for all lesions and used for inter and intra-group
      comparison. In ESCC, the SUV(max) ranged from 4 to 31 with a mean value of 16+/
      6. In EAD, the SUV(max) ranged from 2 to 25 with a mean value of 10+/-6. A
      statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) was found between ESCC and EAD.
      According to histological classification and tumor differentiation, we obtained
      the following results: a) the SUV(max) values of WD ESCC and WD EAD were 17+/-5
      (range: 7-31) and 7+/-3 (range: 2-12) respectively (P<0.00001), b) the SUV(max)
      values of PD ESCC and PD EAD were 11+/-4 (range: 4-19) and 17+/-6 (range: 7-25)
      respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant difference of
      SUV(max) values was found between WD and PD ESCC (P<0.005) as well as between WD
      and PD differentiated EAD (P<0.0001). In order to predict tumor histology (ESCC,
      EAD) from both SUV(max) and lesion location, a multivariate discriminant analysis
      was performed on the whole population with a resulting diagnostic accuracy equal
      to 82% (P<0.00001). In conclusion, we provide additional arguments about (18)F
      FDG uptake difference between ESCC and EAD as well as between poorly and well
      differentiated forms of both EC histological subtypes.

PMID- 22087443
TI  - Prospective evaluation of technetium-99m ECD SPET in mild traumatic brain injury
      for the prediction of sustained neuropsychological sequels.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate whether single photon emission tomography (SPET) versus
      computed tomography (CT) in acute phase of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) was
      better for the prediction of sustained neuropsychological symptoms beyond a
      typical recovery period.  Forty five patients with MTBI were prospectively
      evaluated with clinical and neuropsychological exams, structural imaging using CT
      and perfusion  study by(99m)Tc-ethylene cysteinate dimer ((99m)Tc-ECD) SPET
      within a week of the head trauma.  After an interval ranging from 6 to 12
      (median: 9) months, all patients were re-evaluated by standard neuropsychological
      tests for the  assessment of sustained personality changes, imbalance and memory
      deficits.  Our results showed that, 25 patients had abnormal brain perfusion on
      (99m)Tc-ECD SPET. In 19 cases of total 20 normal (99m)Tc-ECD SPET studies, no
      sign of memory  deficit and imbalance was observed.  Negative predictive value
      (NPV) for both complications was 95%. NPV of CT for the prediction of memory
      deficit and imbalance were 77.4% and 90.3%, respectively.  The risk of developing
      sustained memory  deficits and imbalance in patients with positive (99m)Tc-ECD
      SPET were 40% and 20%, respectively. A perfusion abnormality on (99m)Tc-ECD SPET
      was associated with a greater  chance of long-standing memory deficits (odds
      ratio=13.49, P=0.020)while neither CT nor (99m)Tc-ECD SPET could independently
      predict the personality changes in these patients.  The patients with
      abnormalities on both CT and SPET images faced a significant relative risk of
      complications, 1.63 times, higher than the others.  In conclusion, our study
      indicated that (99m)Tc-ECD SPET imaging or CT imaging alone, could not predict
      the occurrence of sustained complications after MTBI.  Concurrent use of both
      imaging modalities performed shortly after MTBI may yield the best results, as
      the combination of abnormalities in both cerebral structure and perfusion could
      indicate the patients with 1.63 times higher risk of sustained memory deficits,
      personality changes and imbalance.

PMID- 22087444
TI  - Effectiveness of radiosynoviorthesis in the treatment of chronic synovitis of
      small and middle-sized joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Our aim was to describe and evaluate our experience in the treatment of
      radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) of small and middle-sized joints in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Eighty six patients with RA enrolled in the study.
      The criterion for enrolment was destructive process of the joint detected by X
      rays and classified as a stage II-III according to Larsen.  Seventy-six middle
      sized joints were treated each with 74MBq or rhenium-186 sulphate and other 80
      small joints with 10-40MBq of erbium-169 citrate each.  The effect of treatment
      was evaluated at 6 and 12 months following the RSO treatment. The obtained values
      were compared with those of the initial state.  The inflammatory and structural
      changes in activity were assessed according to the results of ultrasound
      examination, regression of pain, swelling of the joint and the improvement in
      mobility.  The data obtained were statistically processed with the Chi-square
      test. Our results showed that RSO significantly decreased pain of the affected
      joints, however the influence upon joint motion was minimal.  The best treatment
      results were observed in shoulders and elbows, while the ankles were the worst to
      respond to the RSO treatment. The significant (P<0.05) beneficial effect of the
      RSO treatment on  pain and swelling reduction were only transient started on 1
      week to 1 month and declined over 12 months. In conclusion, our study showed that
      RSO is a suitable alternative  in the treatment of chronic synovitis, with a low
      potential of adverse effects. However the beneficial effect on pain and swelling
      reduction was only transient and declined over 12 months.

PMID- 22087445
TI  - Evaluation of diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG-PET compared to CT in detecting
      potential causes of fever of unknown origin in an academic centre.
AB  - Determining the cause of fever of unknown origin (FUO) often proves challenging
      to attending physicians and the role of conventional imaging in this setting has
      been uncertain. In this retrospective study, we examined the role of fluorine-18
      fluorodesoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) compared to
      computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing the potential etiology of FUO. To
      accomplish this task, we identified patients with FUO who underwent (18)F-FDG-PET
      for detecting the source of fever. Twenty-four patients (16 males and 8 females,
      age range = 17-80, mean age = 49.5) were examined with (18)F-FDG-PET of which 18
      were also assessed with a diagnostic CT (within 3 weeks, mean interval = 7.5
      days). The PET and CT findings were reviewed and the presence of focal (18)F-FDG
      uptake or gross CT lesions was considered a potential site causing FUO. Of
      patients who underwent PET alone, 5/6 were reported as positive. Of the 18 who
      had both PET and diagnostic CT, PET was positive in 18 and CT was positive in
      only 7 cases. Of positive findings on PET, etiologies included infection (11),
      non-infectious inflammation (8), lymphoma (3), and other cancers (1). Of positive
      findings on CT, etiologies included infection (3), lymphoma (1), non-infectious
      inflammation (2) and other cancers (1). Importantly, we found no cases with
      positive CT and negative PET findings. In conclusion, accordingly to our
      findings, (18)F-FDG-PET appears to be of great value in assessing patients with
      FUO, especially when caused by infection or inflammation. Fluorine-18 FDG-PET is
      more sensitive than diagnostic CT in detecting and localizing diseased sites, and
      is the optimal imaging modality to evaluate patients with FUO.

PMID- 22087446
TI  - Imaging myocardial inflammation of various etiologies with 99mTc-depreotide
      SPET/CT.
AB  - Previous reports suggested the accumulation of technetium-99m-depreotide
      trifluoroacetate ((99m)Tc-D) at the sites of active infection or inflammation. 
      Binding of depreotide to over-expressed somatostatin receptors in activated
      lymphocytes and macrophages probably accounts for the depiction of inflammation. 
      We speculated that myocardial inflammation could also be illustrated by (99m)Tc-D
      scintigraphy. We report on 3 patients with the clinical diagnosis of myocarditis 
      of various etiologies, in which (99m)Tc-D SPET/CT demonstrated obvious tracer
      uptake in the myocardium of the left ventricle.  In conclusion, we suggest that
      depreotide imaging can depict myocardial inflammation, thus supporting clinical
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22087447
TI  - Sensitivity of PET/MR images in liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the sensitivity of positron emission tomography/magnetic
      resonance image (PET/MRI) in the detection of liver metastases in patients from
      colorectal cancer  as compared with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), PET and PET/CT images. From April 2008 to April 2010, twenty-four
      patients (mean age 56.5+/-10.5 years)  with liver metastases from colorectal
      cancer diagnosed by pathology were retrospectively studied as above. All image
      data were respectively collected and fused. PET/CT and PET/MRI fusion images were
      successfully performed with a PET-MR-CT robot transmission-fusion imaging system.
      Pathologic findings and clinical follows-up were performed as referenced
      standards.  Images were reviewed independently by at least three experts. We
      found a total number of 121 metastatic lesions and 35 of them, with a maximum
      diameter less than 1cm. According to a per-lesion analysis, the sensitivity on
      liver metastases was 64.5%, 80.2% and 54.5% on CT, MRI and PET, respectively.
      Based on reconstruction imaging analysis, PET/CT and PET/MRI showed sensitivities
      of 84.2% and 98.3%. Sensitivity comparison of PET/MRI had superior sensitivity of
      98.08%.  Paired data analysis (McNemar) resulted a type I error which equated to
      0.05. There was a statistically significant difference between CT and MRI or PET
      for the detection of patients with liver metastatic lesions (P<0.05). However,
      PET/MRI can efficiently detect more metastatic lesions than PET/CT (P<0.05) among
      those with diameter <1cm.  In conclusion, PET/MRI was a quite efficient
      diagnostic modality compared to conventional imaging modalities and should be
      considered the procedure of choice in the detection of liver metastatic lesions
      from colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22087448
TI  - Myocardial scintigraphy, echocardiography and proBNP for early detection of
      myocardial cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients after chemo-radiotherapy.
AB  - The most severe side effect in breast cancer patients, treated with chemotherapy
      and/or radiotherapy is cardiotoxicity, leading to chronic heart failure and
      worsening the quality of life. The aim of our study was to detect early in these
      patients signs of cardiotoxicity. Twenty four breast cancer patients were
      included in our study after combined treatment (chemo and radiotherapy). We
      studied myocardial function by gated single photon emission tomography (GSPET
      MS), echocardiography (EC) and 32 amino acid polypeptide B-type natriuretic
      peptide (ProBNP) measurements. We found early signs of cardiotoxicity in 10/24
      investigated patients.  All patients had no clinical symptoms, and normal
      electrocardiogram and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).  According to
      results from the performed tests, patients were divided in 4 groups: a) Normal
      systolic and diastolic LV function, normal ProBNP value, normal myocardial
      scintigraphy in 14/24 patients. b) Diastolic dysfunction, increased ProBNP value,
      hypoperfused defects in myocardial scintigraphy in 5/24 patients.  c) Diastolic
      dysfunction, normal ProBNP value, hypoperfused defects in myocardial scintigraphy
      in 3/24 patients.  d) Normal systolic and diastolic LV function, normal ProBNP
      value, hypoperfused defects in myocardial scintigraphy in 2/24 patients. In
      conclusion, in patients with breast cancer and asymptomatic cardiotoxicity,  by
      applying GSPET-MS, ProBNP measurements and EC diastolic function tests, we
      detected early signs of myocardial damage in 10/24 patients 6-12 months after
      chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

PMID- 22087449
TI  - (111)In-pentetreotide SPET/CT in carcinoid tumours: is the role of hybrid systems
      advantageous in abdominal or thoracic lesions?
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the different clinical value of (111)In-pentetreotide
      hybrid SPET/CT versus SPET alone in detecting carcinoid tumours located in the
      thoracic and abdominal region.  Twenty-four patients with carcinoid tumours
      histologically proven (13 of abdominal origin, 11 of thoracic origin) underwent
      (111)In-pentetreotide SPET/CT with hybrid system  (Millennium VG with Hawkeye,
      G.E.M.S., USA) composed of a dual head gamma camera equipped with a low dose X
      ray tube. Single photon emission tomography images were  performed 4h and 24h
      after (111)In-pentetreotide intravenous administration, while SPET/CT co
      registered images were performed at 4h. Scintigraphic images were first evaluated
      alone and  then re-interpreted by adding transmission fused data. Nine of the 13
      patients with tumours of abdominal origin showed pathological SPET images, while
      4/13 were negative. Seven out of the 11 patients with tumour of thoracic origin
      had pathological SPET findings, while 4/11 were negative.  In all, 11/24 subjects
      disclosed abdominal pathological uptake and 10/24 thoracic. In 6/11 abdominal
      cases SPET/CT allowed anatomical localization of lesions, while in 2/10 in
      thoracic cases.  Additional data were provided by SPET/CT in 8/24 cases (6
      abdominal, 2 thoracic), by transmission images characterized as lesions not
      expressing somatostatin receptors.  Sensitivity of SPET alone in all carcinoids
      was 72%, negative predictive value (NPV) was 50% and accuracy was 78%.
      Considering abdominal lesions (independently of the origin) sensitivity of SPET 
      alone was 64.7%, NPV was 40%, accuracy was 71.4%. For thoracic lesions
      sensitivity of SPET alone was 83.3%, NPV was 66.7% and accuracy was 87.5%.  For
      SPET/CT considering together all carcinoids and also separately lesions of
      abdominal and of thoracic origin, sensitivity, NPV and accuracy were always 100%.
      In conclusion, SPET/CT imaging was more useful to anatomically detect carcinoids
      either in abdomen or in thorax and specifically lesions not expressing
      somatostatin receptors, as compared to SPET alone.

PMID- 22087450
TI  - Quantification and reduction of attenuation related artifacts in SPET by applying
      attenuation model during iterative image reconstruction: a Monte Carlo study.
AB  - Photon attenuation is one of the main causes of the quantitative errors and
      artifacts in SPET. A transmission or CT based attenuation map is necessary to
      correct for the effects of attenuation  accurately. In this research, some
      important attenuation related artifacts are described. A fast and memory
      efficient iterative algorithm is proposed for attenuation correction.  Ordered
      subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm with attenuation model was
      applied for image reconstruction. Monte Carlo simulation was used to create the
      projections in this study. Different voxel based phantoms with uniform and non
      uniform activity distributions and attenuation maps were employed to evaluate the
      accuracy of this algorithm.  The NCAT digital phantom was also used to
      investigate the attenuation effects on myocardial perfusion SPET in men and
      women. Projections free from the effect of attenuation were also simulated.  The
      reconstructed image from these attenuation-free projections was considered as
      reference image. Our attenuation correction algorithm was evaluated by its
      ability to recover activity and to remove  attenuation related artifacts. The
      mean-square-error (MSE) between reference and corrected image and image contrast
      were calculated for quantitative evaluation of this algorithm.  A variety of
      attenuation related artifacts were observed. Moreover anterior wall of myocardial
      perfusion images of female phantom and inferior wall in male phantom were
      affected by attenuation.  All of the attenuation related artifacts were removed
      after attenuation correction. Quantitatively, the MSE values between reference
      images and corrected images were reduced by about 900% for all phantoms.  In
      conclusion, by applying our new method for incorporating attenuation model during
      OSEM, we were able to eliminate a variety of artifacts and errors, which is a
      necessary step for quantitative SPET.

PMID- 22087451
TI  - The diagnostic role of gated myocardial perfusion imaging and radionuclide
      ventriculography in severe congenital heart disease.
AB  - Several techniques have been applied for the assessment of severe congenital
      heart diseases (SCHD) including echocardiography,  cardiac catheterization with
      angiocardiography, and more recently, cardiovascular multi detector tomography
      and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  The value of gated single photon emission
      tomography (GSPET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and radionuclide
      ventriculography (RNV)  for evaluating myocardial ischemia, tissue viability, and
      left ventricular function in SCHD is less apparent. The risk of radiation
      exposure is greatest in the youngest patients. Both, GSPET MPI and RNV seem to be
      underutilized in pediatric clinical practice  due to increased radiation
      exposure. We have reviewed basic and specific technical and diagnostic aspects,
      as well as specific clinical indications of GSPET MPI and RNV in children with
      SCHD in comparison with other cardiology methods. Some of our own tests are also
      presented where they apply. In conclusion, GSPET MPI and RNV can provide clinical
      relevant information of functional  significance of SCHD in pediatric patients
      especially when the other cardiology methods are indeterminate. With regard to
      radiation exposure appropriate patient selection and  recommendations for
      reduction of radiation exposure are of great importance.

PMID- 22087452
TI  - Kummell's disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and the role of nuclear
      medicine. Rationale according to our experience.
AB  - Kummell's disease (KD) is a rare clinical entity and includes patients, who after
      a trivial trauma and an asymptomatic period, develop a progressive vertebral body
      collapse and a painful  kyphosis. The main pathologic eliciting event still
      remains unclear. Vertebral body collapse can be the result of infection,
      malignant neoplasia or trauma. It may be difficult to distinguish among them,
      particularly in osteoporosis. To explain the time lag between initial trauma and
      vertebral collapse, the hypothesis of ischemic necrosis was suggested. Many
      authors considering KD as a case of mere  vertebral osteonecrosis have wrongly
      reported cases of osteonecrosis without a spinal trauma, as KD. The fact that
      intravertebral vacuum cleft often coexists with vertebral osteonecrosis further 
      added to confusion. Various imaging modalities including bone scan support the
      diagnosis of KD. It is described that bone single photon emission tomography
      (SPET) or SPET/computed tomography scintigraphy using dynamic and static,
      acquisition can identify the chronicity of the lesions.

PMID- 22087453
TI  - (99m)Tc-DMSA scintigraphy diagnosing crossed renal ectopia with fusion in a three
      years old boy.
AB  - A 3 years old boy with a history of surgery for orchidopexy was admitted to our
      hospital with fever and abdominal pain. Clinical examination and laboratory
      investigations revealed  urinary tract infection with renal involvement.
      Ultrasonography demonstrated a solitary left kidney and raised the suspicion of a
      fusion anomaly.  Voiding cystography disclosed grade III vesicoureteral reflux
      and technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy revealed right to left
      crossed renal ectopia with fusion (L-shaped kidney). The patient is undergoing
      standard follow-up for the early detection of possible renal complications. In
      conclusion, L-shaped kidney is a rare entity  and the (99m)Tc-DMSA scintigraphy
      played an important role on timely diagnosis.

PMID- 22087454
TI  - Hashimoto thyroiditis: A "true" adenoma visualized as a hot nodule in the
      presence of overt hypothyroidism.
AB  - A 63 years old woman with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, on thyroxin treatment
      presented imaging studies concordant with a multinodular goiter, a "hot" nodule
      in the left lobe and partial  suppression of the right lobe. After thyroxin
      withdrawal overt hypothyroidism developed, yet the patient's imaging studies were
      not altered. This is a case of hypothyroidism in a patient with Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis, multinodular goiter and a concomitant "hot nodule", showed on
      scintigraphy, as a functioning adenoma in a non functioning thyroid. This finding
      is quite rare as no specific percentages are mentioned in the literature. To our
      knowledge this is the first such case described in Greece.

PMID- 22087455
TI  - Detection by (18)F-FDG PET of unsuspected extensive bone marrow metastases in a
      case of basosquamous carcinoma of the cheek.
AB  - Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare type of malignancy with features of both
      basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with a potential for
      aggressive  behaviour infiltration and destruction. First reported by MacCormac
      in 1910 in a series of rodent ulcers, this entity does have an increased risk of
      recurrence and metastases as well, which  distinguish it from other forms of
      basal cell carcinoma. The overall incidence of basosquamous carcinoma ranges from
      1.2% to 2.7%. An unusual case of basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is presented where
      18- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) scan
      diagnosed unsuspected extensive metastatic disease in the bone marrow, which was
      further proven histopathologically. The patient was a 32 years old man with
      history of recently diagnosed basosquamous carcinoma of left cheek involving left
      lower eyelid and left eyeball. Contrast enhanced computed tomography(ceCT) of the
      head and neck demonstrated involvement of the left cheek skin by the malignancy
      along with erosion of zygomatic bone and phthisis bulbi of the left eye. The
      serum alkaline phosphatase was elevated (255units, normal range 50-150units). 
      The patient was referred for (18)F-FDG PET, for disease status evaluation. The
      scan showed intense tracer uptake in the left zygomatic region, the site of known
      primary disease. Intense tracer uptake  was noted in the multiple lesions of bone
      marrow of axial as well as appendicular skeleton. The scan appearance was highly
      suggestive of metastatic bone marrow involvement. A bone marrow biopsy was
      performed to confirm the scan findings. Guided by the (18)F-FDG PET scan
      findings, bone marrow biopsy was performed and metastatic  basosquamous carcinoma
      was diagnosed. We believe this is the first reported case of basosquamous
      carcinoma where extensive metastatic bone marrow disease was diagnosed with the 
      aid of (18)F-FDG PET. At first diagnosis, an advanced stage of BSC is often
      present. Due to its metastatic potential, extensive primary surgical resection of
      BSC, possibly completed by radiation or photodynamic adjuvant treatment is
      recommended. Given the aggressive nature of basosquamous  carcinoma, whole body
      (18)F-FDG PET is very useful in diagnosing metastatic BSC. In conclusion, this is
      the first reported case of the use of (18)F-FDG PET study for diagnosing 
      metastatic bone marrow disease in a patient with basosquamous carcinoma.

PMID- 22087456
TI  - Positive lymphoscintigraphy (ILS) and negative computed tomography for metastatic
      penile cancer.
AB  - Penile carcinoma usually occurs in older than 40 years men with an incidence in
      western communities of 0.5 to 1.6 per 100,000 men per year while in developing
      countries the  rate is much higher in men. Extensive lymph node dissection of
      lymphatic inguinal metastases evident by inguinal lymphoscintigraphy (ILS)
      induces improved overall survival. A 75 years old male with penile squamous cell
      carcinoma stage pT2N0M0 of less than 2cm diameter, with tumor invasion of the
      penis corpora underwent partial penectomy with a 2-cm disease-free margin. Three
      months postoperation, computed tomography (CT) was negative for local recurrence
      or distant metastases.  A dynamic ILS was performed after local anaesthesia and
      intradermal injection of 80MBq of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid at the lower edge of the
      left and right inguinal ducts.  The lymphatic chain and a hot spot suggestive of
      a first draining lymph node appeared after 15min on the right inguinal region in
      the second zone according to Daseler mapping.  The left inguinal area was
      negative for sentinel node (SN). In view of this finding an exploratory
      laparotomy was performed and pathology showed that this lymph node that was
      probably a SN was  infiltrated by the squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was
      upstaged to T2N1M0 and scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy with two
      courses of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. While T1 and T2 tumours of diameters
      <2cm are best treated with penile-preserving methods such as circumciand/or local
      excision. Tumours of T2 >2cm, T3 tumours, and T4 tumours are treated with glans
      amputation and/or partial or total penile amputation. Imaging with magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan do not always give
      accurate staging  information, because positive findings are usually found only
      in patients with clinically palpable, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. Computed
      tomography and MRI have low sensitivity to identify  occult metastases, because
      they present criteria for malignant involvement mainly based on the size of the
      lesions. The main pitfall of these diagnostic modalities is due to occult
      metastatic disease occurring within normal sized nodes. Approximatively 20% of
      the patients with non palpable lymph nodes harbour occult inguinal metastases,
      and there is evidence that this group of patients may benefit from early surgical
      dissection of the inguinal nodes, compared to a wait-and-see policy. It is
      understood that current imaging techniques  cannot accurately detect occult
      metastases, while ILS is more reliable. In 80% of patients with penile cancer,
      after ILS, drainage to both groins is observed. Bilateral nodes are often
      visualized  early, sometimes asynchronously with one of the lymph nodes filling
      late. This is why delayed images are recommended. Pitfalls of ILS are: a)
      Contamination of the skin with the tracer  and b) radiopharmaceutical entering
      the blood. There are also several reasons that may account for absent or faint SN
      uptake: low dose of the tracer or low tracer  quality, patient's age (better in
      young patients), tumor involvement of the sentinel node, and finally too short or
      too long interval between tracer injection and ILS. The ILS can be mapped
      according to Daseler's inguinal zones. Penile cancer drains directly to the nodes
      in the superior and central Daseler zones. According to others, the majority
      (73%) of SN was located in the medial superior, 8.7% in the lateral superior, and
      18.3% in the central zone. No drainage was seen on the two inferior quadrants.
      The majority (62.1%) of higher-tier nodes was found in the external iliac zone. 
      Inguinal LS can save us from watchful waiting in cases of otherwise occult
      metastases. In conclusion, ILS has shown lymph node metastases while clinical and
      CT examinations were negative.  The false positive and false negative results of
      ILS are mentioned.

PMID- 22087457
TI  - (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography and (99m)Tc-MDP
      skeletal scintigraphy in a case of Erdheim-Chester disease.
AB  - Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), first described by Jakob Erdheim and William
      Chester in 1930, is a rare form of non-Langerhan's cell histiocytosis with
      unknown aetiology, is charaterized by systemic xanthogranulomatous infiltrative
      disease. To date, about 350 cases of ECD have been described in the medical
      literature. The typical ECD diagnostic  triad is bone pain, diabetes insipidus
      and bilateral exophthalmos. A 24 years old man came at our attention for
      polydipsia with nocturnal and diurnal polyuria, anorexia, febrile episodes
      (38(o)C), and arthromyalgia especially in the knees. Physical examination showed
      bilateral periorbital xanthelasma. Blood exams showed increase of plasma
      osmolarity, haematocrit, sodium and urea and decrease of potassium. Urine exams
      showed just decreased  urine specific gravity, (1.001;normal range: 1.010-1.030)
      suggestive for central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Brain magnetic resonance with
      gadolinium enhancement showed the presence of multiple  hyperintense lesions
      expecially in neurohypophysis (swollen and with markedly contrast enhancement).
      All these data raised the suspision of neurosarcoidosis, so a chest and abdomen
      contrast  enhancement computed tomography was performed, which didn't show
      abnormalities, making less possible the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Two weeks
      later, whole-body (from head to pelvis) plus lower limbs 18-fluorine-labelled 2
      deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F
      FDG PET/CT)  was performed. Uptake of (18)F-FDG was observed in the upper portion
      of the midbrain area (SUV(max) 7.1) and the pituitary gland (SUV(max) 7.3), and
      diffuse bone marrow uptake of (18)F-FDG in the  proximal epiphysis and metaphysis
      of both humeri and thigh bones (SUV(max) 6.5), shoulder blades, pelvis bones and
      the L2 vertebral body (SUV(max) 3.9). This (18)F-FDG PET/CT confirmed  the
      presence of brain lesion seen in MRI , the absence of visceral lesions, but also
      showed the presence of an atypical bone uptake of (18)F-FDG, leading to the
      suspision of ECD. A technetium-99m-methyl-diphosphonate skeletal scintigraphy
      ((99m)Tc-MDP) scan showed diffuse uptake of the radiopharmaceutical, in the
      diaphysis of long bones and in the left portion of the body and the spinous
      process of L2. Considering the difficulties of an osteomedullary or brain biopsy,
      biopsy was performed on a right anterior thoracic cutaneous xanthelasma.
      Histology showed lipid-laden histiocytes (CD1a-, CD68+, S-100 protein -) with
      small nuclei, Touton giant, lymphocytic infiltrates, eosinophils and fibrosis,
      ECD gold standard patterns as reported in literature. The patient was discharged
      with the diagnosis of ECD with central nervous  system (CNS) manifestations, and
      treatment started. The diagnosis can be lead by the most charateristic bone
      findings of symmetrical osteosclerosis of the long bones, especially the lower 
      limbs (tibia and fibula), involving metaphyses and diaphyses but sparing
      epiphyses. The typical pattern of osteoscerosis of the long bones reflects
      increased osteoblastic activity. About half of all ECD patients may experience
      extraskeletal manifestations, including CNS.  Visceral involvement in ECD is not
      specific, and this enforces the diagnostic value of skeletal imaging findings.
      Furthermore xanthomas can be found at any location on the skin, especially the
      eyelids as in our patient. For visceral involvement, CT is most useful, while MRI
      is more sensitive for CNS lesions. Involvement of CNS may be frequently revealed
      clinically by diabetes insipidus. Few case reports have shown that (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT scanning could be useful in assessing the extension of ECD lesions. Both
      radiography and (99m)Tc-MDP skeletal scintigraphy may reveal osteosclerosis of
      the long bones, which is a typical finding in ECD. The typical bone pattern of
      (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan is specific for ECD and (99m)Tc-MDP skeletal scintigraphy
      may be performed in patients in whom initial (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans present the
      possibility of ECD diagnosis. Others reported  that (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans had
      good sensitivity (66.7%) and specificity (92.3%) as compared with MRI of the CNS
      involvement or lesions. In conclusion, the (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan and the (99m)Tc
      MDP scan depicted many of the most relevant lesions of ECD for the initial
      assessment of ECD in our patient.

PMID- 22087458
TI  - Comparison between one day and two days protocols for sentinel node mapping of
      breast cancer patients.
AB  - Sentinel node biopsy can decrease the morbidity of breast cancer treatment
      significantly by sparing many patients of axillary lymph node dissection and
      resulting arm lymphedema.  Despite widespread use of sentinel node mapping for
      breast cancer patients almost all aspects of this procedure are controversial;
      such as: type of the radiotracer, eligibility, time of injection, etc. One of
      these controversial issues is the efficacy of 2 days protocol (injection of the
      tracer on one day and sentinel node mapping and surgery on the following day).
      The main reason to perform 2 days  protocol is the ease of operation room
      scheduling the patient does not need to complete injection and imaging in the
      nuclear medicine department. Despite widespread use of 2 days protocol for
      sentinel node mapping, very few studies have specifically evaluated this protocol
      in comparison to 1 day protocol and also the false negative rate which is the
      better index of sentinel node  mapping success. Most of the above studies used
      tracers with large particle size such as (99m)Tc-sulfur colloid. Tracers with
      small particle size can theoretically be washed out from the real  sentinel nodes
      and move to the second echelon nodes, so some recommended using large particle
      size radiotracers for the 2 days protocol. In this study, we compared the false
      negative rate of sentinel  node mapping between 1 and 2 days protocols using
      intradermal injection of (99m)Tc-antimony sulfide colloid ((99m)Tc-SbSC) which
      has very small particle size. Eighty patients with early stage breast cancer
      (clinical stages of I and II) were evaluated. The diagnosis of the breast cancer
      was established by either excisional or core needle biopsy.  The patients didn't
      take any chemotherapeutic drug before surgery and were divided into two groups: 1
      day (Group I) and 2 days (Group II) protocols (45 in Group I and 35 in Group II).
      For Group I, periareolar intradermal injections of 0.5Bq/0.2mL (99m)Tc-SbSC were
      applied for patients without previous excisional biopsy. For patients with
      excisional biopsy two intradermal injections of 0.5Bq/0.2mL (99m)Tc-SbSC were
      used on both sides of the incision line. All injections were followed by gentle 
      massage for 1min. For Group II, the same injection techniques were used but the
      dose of the tracer was doubled. Anterior, and lateral spot views were acquired
      30min after the injection (5min/image, 128Chi128 matrix) using a dual head gamma
      camera (E.CAM Siemens) and parallel hole low energy high resolution collimator.
      The operation was performed 4h (for Group I) or 20h (for Group II) post
      radiotracer injection. All patients received 2mL patent blue V dye in a subdermal
      and periareolar fashion, 2min after general  anesthesia. A surgical gamma probe
      (EUROPROBE, France) was used for harvesting the sentinel lymph nodes during
      surgery. As sentinel node was defined any blue node or any node with an ex vivo
      radioisotope count of twofold or greater than the axillary background. After
      completion of sentinel node biopsy, all patients underwent standard axillary 
      lymph node dissection. The study was approved by our local ethical committee and
      all patients gave their informed consent before inclusion into the study.
      Quantitative data were expressed as mean+/-SD. For comparison  between groups,
      independent sample student's t-test for quantitative variables, and chi-square or
      Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables were used. P-values less than 0.05
      were considered  statistically significant. SPSS version 11.5 was used for
      statistical analyses. The patients characteristics are shown in Table I. These
      general characteristics were not significantly different between  the study
      groups (P>0.05).  Detection rate was 100% for both Groups. The median number of
      sentinel nodes in both Groups was one sentinel node. The mean number of detected
      sentinel nodes during surgery was not statistically different between groups
      (1.28+/-0.7 and 1.32+/-0.6 for Group I and II respectively). One false negative
      sentinel node case with positive axillary nodes after dissection was found in
      both groups. This amounts to 6.25% and 6.66% false negative rate for Group I and
      II patients respectively. During surgery mean count rate at the injection site
      was 243123+/-22134 and 29430+/-2125 for Groups I and II, respectively. Mean count
      rate at the sentinel nodes was 4345+/-457 and 2375+/-356 for Groups I and II,
      respectively. Although the mean count rate at the injection site and the sentinel
      nodes were both  higher in Group I of the study compared to Group II (P<0.0001
      for both), the mean ratio of sentinel to injection site was statistically higher
      in Group II (P<0.0001). The 2 days protocol allows that the required
      lymphoscintigraphy imaging (including delayed views) can be performed before and
      during operation without any time limits. Most studies have reported similar to
      ours detection or false negative rates for  both protocols. Our study showed
      comparable mean number of harvested sentinel nodes by the two protocols which is
      against the hypothesis of moving the tracer to other sentinel nodes by time.
      Others had similar results. The count rate of the sentinel nodes during surgery
      was statistically acceptable. Similar results have been reported by others too.
      Although we didn't evaluate radiation exposure in our study, this was acceptable 
      in other studies and Buscombe et al showed a maximum effective dose of
      2.6MUSv/MBq for these patients and even assuming this highest value the patient
      exposure was very low compared to many  other procedures. In conclusion, two days
      protocol gives the sentinel node biopsy team considerable flexibility and
      lymphoscintigrpahy imaging can be completed before surgery.  Finding of the
      axillary sentinel node during surgery is also being easier. False negative rates
      as well as the detection rate for one day and two days protocols are comparable.

PMID- 22087459
TI  - A first described chest wall metastasis from colon cancer demonstrated with (18)F
      FDG PET/CT.
AB  - It is well known that, haematogenous colon cancer metastases are most commonly
      found in the liver, less likely in the lungs through the paravertebral venous
      system and rarely in other organs. Sporadic clinical cases of colon cancer
      metastases to the abdominal wall, the thyroid or the adrenal glands have been
      reported. Here, we present an uncommon case of chest wall metastasis from colon
      cancer demonstrated with 2-fluoro [fluorine-18]-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG)
      positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). A 52 years old female
      patient was examined after she felt a swelling mass above her left breast. Tumor
      makers, such as serum cancer embryonic antigen (CEA) 146.22kU/L (normal
      range:0.00~37.0kU/L) and CA19-9 (258.16MUg/L (normal range:0.00~10.0MUg/L) and
      neuron-specific enolase (NSE) 78.2 (normal range: 0.00~17.00) were abnormally
      high. Chest CT  revealed the soft tissue density mass on the left anterior chest
      wall with invasion of left 4th rib, and CT-guided biopsy showed a poorly
      differentiated adenocarcinoma of unkown origin.  The patient was then referred
      for the (18)F-FDG-PET scan which was performed one hour after the intravenous
      injection of 370MBq of (18)F-FDG (Discovery Camera, VCT, GE, USA) and showed  in
      addition to the chest mass, abnormal (18)F-FDG accumulation in both lungs, left
      supraclavicular and peritoneal lymph nodes. Furthermore, high (18)F-FDG uptake
      was detected in the sigmoid. Pathology findings from colonoscopy confirmed that
      this was a sigmoid colon  adenocarcinoma. So far, chest wall metastasis from
      colon cancer as an initial finding has not been reported. Usually, an initial
      chest wall mass is hardly suspected to be a colon  cancer metastasis. Abnormal
      serum tumor markers such as CEA and CA19-9 supported the diagnosis of a
      gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. In our case, we found high serum NSE and normal
      findings of bowel wall on the CT scan, thus without the positive (18)F-FDG
      findings, one would probably consider as first diagnosis: chest wall metastasis
      from lung cancer, or a neuroendocrine tumor. The unusual finding in this case was
      that on the CT images there was no obvious local density of the intestine, no
      bowel wall thickening, or suspicious nodular lesions. Segmental (18)F-FDG 
      accumulation seen in the sigmoid colon had early maximum standardized uptake
      value (SUV(max)) 7.3 and in 1h delayed estimation, 8.1. Colonoscopy showed that
      the (18)F-FDG-avid area  at the colon was circular and thickened. "Hot" lesions
      found in both lungs, the supraclavicular and retroperitoneal lymph nodes by (18)F
      FDG PET/CT scan were considered to be most probably  metastases from colon
      adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, PET as a rather simple procedure and less
      dependent on bowel preparation diagnosed the primary colon cancer, its metastases
      and specifically a first described chest wall metastasis, while CT alone did not
      show the primary tumor.

PMID- 22087460
TI  - Can pain influence the severity of findings of an (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan in
      loosening hip arthroplasty?
AB  - Pain is a common symptom after loosening and/or after infection of arthroplasty.
      The aim of the present case report is to indicate that fluorine-18-fluorodeoxy
      glucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography((18)F-FDG PET/CT)
      scan can be used for the evaluation of pain at the site of arthroplasty with a
      semi quantitative measurement. An 84 years old male patient, with a history of
      papillary thyroid cancer was referred to our Nuclear Medicine Department for an
      (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for evaluation of his metastatic disease. He reported right
      hip prosthesis thirty years ago and now suffered from significant pain in the
      right hip joint which on a scale  from 1 to 10 could be rated as grade 8. White
      blood cell count, sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were within normal
      limits. Four years ago he also had severe pain on the right leg that  could be
      rated as grade 8, and underwent an (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan that showed a maximum
      standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) of 9.8. A year later, at a follow up (18)F
      FDG PET/CT scan  and under a similar severe pain, SUV(max) was 10. The patient
      had a hip prosthesis in the left leg 3 years ago, for which he reported pain that
      could be rated as grade 3 and  the SUV(max) was then 3.7. The degree of (18)F-FDG
      uptake is related to cellular metabolic rate and to the number of glucose
      transporters. In inflammation, the activated inflammatory cells demonstrate
      increased expression of glucose transporters and the affinity of glucose
      transporters for deoxyglucose is increased by various cytokines and growth
      factors.  Furthermore, when the mononuclear cells and the granulocytes are
      activated by certain infectious humoral stimuli, they use large amounts of
      glucose by the hexose monophosphate shunt and the rate of oxygen uptake is
      intensely increased, during the so called "respiratory burst". In the present
      case, it was interesting to note that the degree of (18)F-FDG uptake at the sites
      of loosening hip arthroplasty was related to the severity of pain. Signs of
      infection or inflammation although  not obvious in our case, could not be
      excluded because sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET for detecting
      infection associated with hip prostheses has been  reported to be, 90%, 89.3% and
      89.5%, respectively and sensitivity and specificity for detecting periprosthetic
      inflammation 100% and 45.5%,respectively. In another study using as a criterion
      for periprosthetic infection the increased (18)F-FDG activity at the bone
      prosthesis interface of the femoral component, sensitivity, specificity, positive
      and negative predictive values for the (18)F-FDG PET study  where 85%, 93%, 80%
      and 95%, respectively. Inflammation, often intense, may be present in aseptic
      loosening and characterized by increased periprosthetic (18)F-FDG uptake. In
      conclusion, in our case the degree of (18)F-FDG uptake in a loosening hip
      arthroplasty was related to the severity of pain although inflammation or
      infection could also play some role.  Further studies are required to prove this
      suggestion.

PMID- 22087461
TI  - A pregnant woman with metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma and paraplegia:
      Multiple considerations involved in the management.
AB  - A 35 years old primigravida hailing from a humble, rural background with no
      previous history related to thyroid carcinoma, presented with acute paraparesis
      at the last trimester  of pregnancy and was diagnosed to harbor metastatic
      papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of
      the spine with guided biopsy, which demonstrated  near complete collapse of D5
      and D10 vertebral bodies with altered signal on the D4 to D6 and D9 to D11
      vertebral bodies, in addition to a gravid uterus and a large goiter.  There was
      also evidence of bilateral nodular lesions in the lung parenchyma and a fairly
      large hepatic lesion in segment 8 of the liver .  Histopathology revealed
      metastatic follicular variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma. This case with
      challenging presentation had multiple issues to be resolved during its
      management: a) acute paraparesis and the requirement of radioiodine ((131)I)
      treatment soon after total thyroidectomy, b) her first valuable pregnancy that
      required to be managed successfully, c) the poor general condition, d) the
      abstinence from iodine containing medications, in relation to the Cesarean
      section planned, e) the timing of total thyroidectomy, f) postnatal care of the
      newborn and g) radioprotective measures.  All were important considerations in
      the management of this patient. Iodine restricted diet and medications were
      recommended and were communicated to the obstetricians involved in the patient.
      The patient underwent Cesarean section and total  thyroidectomy at the same
      sitting. The newborn baby was healthy and was started on artificial feeding.
      Recombinant TSH primed protocol was not considered immediately in view of a major
      surgery  being undertaken and the poor general condition, so that the patient
      would not require frequent support during the isolation period. In the first 3
      weeks of the postoperative period, she was put on T3 substitution and after a 2
      weeks gap was given (131)I and whole body diagnostic scan was undertaken 48h
      after the administration of (131)I scan dose. Both the diagnostic and post (131)I
      treatment scan demonstrated multiple foci of (131)I uptake in the skeleton, lungs
      and liver. Following discharge from the isolation ward, adequate separation from
      the infant was ensured and the childcare was undertaken by relatives.  The
      patient had a remarkable improvement clinically. During the next 3-1/2 years she
      was treated 2 more times with (131)I with cumulative doses of about 25.9GBq.  The
      last post-treatment scan is depicted in. She has been presently ambulatory with
      complete resolution of paraplegia and a significantly better quality of life
      without any  requirement of support, despite the presence of extensive skeletal
      disease. A recent review entitled "Approach to the pregnant patient with thyroid
      cancer", addresses this topic as a separate category. Similar emphasis has also
      been given by other authors while dealing with these patients. In our experience,
      patients with PTC metastatic lesions in the vertebrae show better response
      compared to those with large flat bone metastases likely related to the small
      size of the former. In conclusion, a teamwork of surgeons, obstetricians, nuclear
      medicine physicians as well as the strong support by the relatives, was necessary
      to favorably treat this patient with  metastatic PTC, paraplegia and pregnancy.

PMID- 22087462
TI  - The half maximum time of (99m)Tc-DTPA renography measured in healthy kidney
      donors, compared to (131)I-OIH.
AB  - Technetium-99m-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid ((99m)Tc-DTPA) has been
      widely used after (131)I-ortho-hippurate ((131)I-OIH) for renography and to test
      renal function.  Only a few reports refer to normal values range of (99m)Tc-DTPA
      renography half maximum time (HMT). We have measured the normal value range of
      (99m)Tc-DTPA renography HMT in our department,  of 433 healthy kidney donors from
      2007 to 2010, and compared these results with those of (131)I-OIH renography.
      There were 326 men and 107 women, 18y-69y (median age 29y), subjects were
      measured before the donation of their kidneys operation and their biochemical,
      ultrasound and renal function tests  were normal. All subjects drunk at least 1
      litre of tap water before renography. The (99m)Tc-DTPA dynamic scintigraphy was
      performed in the posterior view by injecting intravenously as a bolus 185-296MBq.
      Dynamic imaging was performed immediately after the injection, using a high
      resolution low-energy general purpose collimator and a large field of view dual
      detector gamma-camera (Hawkeye; General Electric Medical Systems, USA). Matrix
      was 64Chi64, the phase acquisition time of blood perfusion was 1s/frame and 30
      frames  were collected. Dynamic acquisition was 30s/frame and 39 frames were
      collected.  Total acquisition time was 20min. We defined as background two
      regions of interest around the kidneys and the aorta, for radioactive decay
      correction. We also compared (99m)Tc-DTPA renography HMT  values with the HMT
      values of (131)I-OIH, between the two kidneys, and between men and women. The
      findings were evaluated by using frequency distribution analysis,  paired Sample
      Student's t-test and one sample t test, with a level of significance P<0.05. We
      used the SPSS 10.0 statistical software. Since values beyond a high boundary were
      regarded as unusual, we used the P(95), i.e. " 95% of HMT reference ranges value"
      to determine the medical reference range of values, as the HMT normal limit. 
      This reference value is used especially when the data shows a skewed
      distribution. For the HMT (P(95) value), the normal reference values found
      between mean values of the left and the right kidney were: 10.76+/-4.14min and
      10.89+/-4.55min, respectively and P=0.416, two tailed. For the left kidney HMT,
      there was no significant difference  between men: 10.90+/-4.31min and women:
      10.33+/-3.57min, (t=1.235, v=432, P=0.2186, two tailed), and similar findings 
      were found between men's right kidney HMT: 11.02+/-4.89min and women's right
      kidney HMT: 10.49+/-3.32min, (t=1.253, v=266.59, P=0.211, two tailed). By
      comparing the mean value of (99m)Tc-DTPA renography HMT measured (10.76min,
      10.89min) with the mean value of (131)I renography HMT that we found in the
      literature as referring to both left and right kidneys (4min).  We found a
      significant difference (P=0.000, two tailed). Renography may be used to diagnose
      urinary tract obstruction, estimate the split renal function and is useful.

PMID- 22087463
TI  - Information about Macedonian medicine in ancient Greece.
AB  - Ancient Greek Macedonians were highly interested in the improvement of their
      physical and psychological health. At first, they worshiped the mythical god
      Asclepius and his  daughter Hygieia. In at least 24 places in northern Greece, in
      Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Kozani, Kavala, Thassos, Serres and other places,
      archaelogical findings were related to Asclepius. Macedonian kings were also
      interested in the development of medicine, for the sake of their fellow citizens
      and their soldiers. Characteristic examples are the close  relations of
      Hippocrates with king Perdikas (5(th) century B.C.) and of Nicomachus
      (Aristotle's father being a physician) with king Amintas. Alexander the Great had
      as his personal physician, the famous physician Philippos of Acarnania. An
      incident between Alexander and Philippos of Acarnania shows the respect of
      Macedonian  kings to their doctors: Alexander became ill after a bath in the
      frozen river Cydnus (near ancient Tarsus). At this time he received a letter from
      his general Parmenion for not to trust his physician.  Alexander gave this letter
      to Philippos to read it and while Philippos was reading it and was rather
      frightened, he saw Alexander drinking the medicine he had given him.  We may note
      that Alexander the Great as a student of Aristotle had a general education about
      medicine. Archaeological findings revealed two funerary monuments of physicians:
      a doctor from Thasos, who practiced in Pella as a public physician during the 3rd
      quarter of the 4(th) century B.C. and a physician named Alexander,  who lived in
      the 1rst half of the 5(th) century A.D. The tomb of a third physician, probably a
      surgeon, excavated in Pydna, near mount Olympus (3(rd) century BC)also indicates
      the importance of physicians in Macedonia. Archaeological findings, like surgical
      knives, from the Hellinistic and Roman periods, found in the city of Veria, also
      showed the respect of Ancient Greeks  to medicine and to their physicians. An
      example is the skeleton of a young woman with an anterior cranial hole found in
      Veria.  This trauma was attributed to a delicate surgical operation, perhaps
      performed to alleviate endocranial pressure.

PMID- 22087464
TI  - [Medical behavior (deontology) towards our students, our colleagues, our patients
      and the society].
AB  - In this paper we try to describe the importance of a dignified behavior of the
      physician to his students, colleagues, patients and the society.  We come to the
      conclusion that even if the other party is not showing the best of behavior, the
      physician has not only the responsibility and the duty but it is very much for
      his own  interest to show a dignified and useful behavior to others. This is the
      main route for having a good reputation which will help him better exercise his
      medical duties and offer him personal  happiness. Jeremy Bentham, an English
      judge and philosopher formed the Greek word deontology to mean correct behavior
      stating that this behavior is morally useful and a source of pleasure.  The codes
      of Hammurabi, of the Indian Ayr Veda, of the Egyptians, the teaching of
      Aristotle, Hippocrates and others also describe medical deontology.

PMID- 22087465
TI  - [Is major depression in middle-aged men correlated with bone density decrease? A
      study on Greek population].
AB  - During the last 10 years there has been an increasing interest in studying the
      coexistence of osteoporosis and depression in the male population, due to the
      increased morbidity and mortality in the patients' life. The present
      retrospective study evaluates the effect of major depression on the bone density
      of Greek middle-aged men. By using the method of dual-energy X-rays
      absorptiometry (DEXA) we reviewed the bone mineral density (BMD) studies
      performed in the lumbar spine (LS) and/or femoral neck, in 97 men of the white
      race, aged 55 years with mean age+/-standard deviation (SD)= 65+/-10.6 years, and
      body mass index (BMI) 30.2+/-4. The patients were divided in two groups, based on
      the coexistence (Group A) or absence of major depression (Group B). In group A
      men, the incidence of osteoporosis was 34.8% and osteopenia 39.5%, while in group
      B the corresponding percentages were 9.3% and 42.6%. Statistically significant
      difference was observed in mean BMD between Group A (0.876+/-0.170) and Group B
      (0.961+/-0.136) at the level of P=0.008, and also in mean T score (-1.72+/-1.57
      versus -1.06+/-1.17) at the level of P value: 0.02 in both groups, while the
      diagnosis of osteoporosis between the two groups was statistically significantly
      different too (P=0.001. Pearson R: 0.3, P=0.004). Furthermore, the model of
      multiple linear regression and ANOVA table revealed statistically significantly
      depression of 0.252 and 0.575 units in mean BMD value and mean T score
      respectively in man with major depression in comparison to a mentally healthy man
      of the same age and BMI (regression coefficient b, P< 0.02). In conclusion, we
      observed statistically significant difference in mean BMD and mean T score values
      between major depression and mentally healthy men. Moreover, almost triple
      relative risk for the development of osteoporosis was shown in men with
      depression as compared to mentally healthy men (RR: 3.8, P=0.02). Cortisone
      intake, hypertension and smoking were statistically independent factors for male
      depression and BMD. The clarification of the underlying interactive mechanism
      between major depression, sympathetic system activation, age and bone resorption
      is important.

PMID- 22087466
TI  - A portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with a diamond-like
      carbon coated X-ray reflector.
AB  - A diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated quartz glass sample holder is used in a
      portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer. A spot area of
      a water sample on the DLC sample holder becomes smaller than that on a quartz
      glass sample holder usually used in TXRF analysis because DLC is more
      hydrophobic. Therefore, the use of the DLC sample holder enhances fluorescent X
      rays reaching a detector compared with the use of a quartz glass sample holder,
      leading to improvement in detection sensitivity. A detection limit of 28 pg is
      achieved for Cr in a river water sample when using the DLC sample holder.

PMID- 22087467
TI  - Gold patterned biochips for on-chip immuno-MALDI-TOF MS: SPR imaging coupled
      multi-protein MS analysis.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of immuno-captured target protein efficiently complements
      conventional immunoassays by offering rich molecular information such as protein
      isoforms or modifications. Direct immobilization of antibodies on MALDI solid
      support enables both target enrichment and MS analysis on the same plate,
      allowing simplified and potentially multiplexing protein MS analysis. Reliable on
      chip immuno-MALDI-TOF MS for multiple biomarkers requires successful adaptation
      of antibody array biochips, which also must accommodate consistent reaction
      conditions on antibody arrays during immuno-capture and MS analysis. Here we
      developed a facile fabrication process of versatile antibody array biochips for
      reliable on-chip MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of multiple immuno-captured proteins.
      Hydrophilic gold arrays surrounded by super-hydrophobic surfaces were formed on a
      gold patterned biochip via spontaneous chemical or protein layer deposition. From
      antibody immobilization to MALDI matrix treatment, this hydrophilic/phobic
      pattern allowed highly consistent surface reactions on each gold spot. Various
      antibodies were immobilized on these gold spots both by covalent coupling or
      protein G binding. Four different protein markers were successfully analyzed on
      the present immuno-MALDI biochip from complex protein mixtures including serum
      samples. Tryptic digests of captured PSA protein were also effectively detected
      by on-chip MALDI-TOF-MS. Moreover, the present MALDI biochip can be directly
      applied to the SPR imaging system, by which antibody and subsequent antigen
      immobilization were successfully monitored.

PMID- 22087468
TI  - Fabrication and performance of a microfluidic traveling-wave electrophoresis
      system.
AB  - A microfluidic traveling-wave electrophoresis (TWE) system is reported that uses
      a locally defined traveling electric field wave within a microfluidic channel to
      achieve band transport and separation. Low voltages, over a range of -0.5 to +0.5
      V, are used to avoid electrolysis and other detrimental redox reactions while the
      short distance between electrodes, ~25 MUm, provides high electric fields of ~200
      V cm(-1). It is expected that the low voltage requirements will simplify the
      future development of smaller portable devices. The TWE device uses four
      interdigitated electrode arrays: one interdigitated electrode array pair is on
      the top of the microchannel and the other interdigitated electrode array pair is
      on the microchannel bottom. The top and bottom substrates are joined by a PDMS
      spacer that has a nominal height of 15 MUm. A pinched injection scheme is used to
      define a narrow sample band within an injection cross either electrokinetically
      or hydrodynamically. Separation of two dyes, fluorescein and FLCA, with baseline
      resolution is achieved in less than 3 min and separation of two proteins, insulin
      and casein is demonstrated. Investigation of band broadening with fluorescein
      reveals that sample band widths equivalent to the diffusion limit can be achieved
      within the microfluidic channel, yielding highly efficient separations. This low
      level of band broadening can be achieved with capillary electrophoresis, but is
      not routinely observed in microchannel electrophoresis. Sample enrichment can be
      achieved very easily with TWE using a device with converging electric field waves
      controlled by two sets of independently controlled interdigitated electrodes
      arrays positioned serially along the microchannel. Sample enrichment of 40-fold
      is achieved without heterogeneous buffer/solvent systems, sorptive, or
      permselective materials. While there is much room for improvement in device
      fabrication, and many capabilities are yet to be demonstrated, it is anticipated
      that the capabilities and performance demonstrated herein will enable new lab-on
      a-chip processes and systems.

PMID- 22087469
TI  - Porphyrin based porous organic polymers: novel synthetic strategy and
      exceptionally high CO2 adsorption capacity.
AB  - Iron containing porous organic polymers (Fe-POPs) have been synthesized by a
      facile one-pot bottom-up approach to porphyrin chemistry by an extended aromatic
      substitution reaction between pyrrole and aromatic dialdehydes in the presence of
      small amount of Fe(III). The Fe-POPs possess very high BET surface area, large
      micropores and showed excellent CO(2) capture (~19 wt%) at 273 K/1 bar.

PMID- 22087470
TI  - Current and future directions in frailty research.
AB  - The concept of frailty has been evolving dramatically for the past 30 years.
      Through its evolution, a variety of single and multidimensional models have been
      used to describe frailty. This article reviews the current literature related to
      the defining dimensions of frailty and identifies the gaps in the literature
      requiring additional research. A detailed literature review was performed to
      identify key dimensions and models currently being used to define frailty,
      classify interventions that have been developed to reverse frailty, and identify
      potential areas for future research within this field. Despite the large body of
      research defining the dimensions of frailty, no consensus exists on a
      comprehensive, operational definition. A standardized definition will be critical
      to design effective interventions at earlier stages along the continuum of
      frailty and interpret findings from evaluation studies. Identified gaps in the
      literature include studies supporting the utility of expanding the definition of
      frailty to incorporate social determinants, studies evaluating the role of
      obesity in the development of frailty, and the need for longitudinal studies for
      defining the pathways to developing frailty. This review highlights the need for
      an accurate definition of frailty and for longitudinal research to explore the
      development of frailty and evaluate the effectiveness of the frailty reversal
      interventions that may avert or delay adverse outcomes within this susceptible
      population. These future research needs are discussed within the context of the
      growing pressures to bring down health care costs, and the role of comparative
      effectiveness research and cost-effectiveness research in identifying
      interventions with the potential to help slow the growth of health care spending
      among the elderly.

PMID- 22087471
TI  - Plasmon coupling in silver nanocube dimers: resonance splitting induced by edge
      rounding.
AB  - Absolute extinction cross sections of individual silver nanocube dimers are
      measured using spatial modulation spectroscopy in correlation with their
      transmission electron microscopy images. For very small interparticle distances
      and an incident light polarized along the dimer axis, we give evidence for a
      clear splitting of the main dipolar surface plasmon resonance which is found to
      be essentially induced by cube edge rounding effects. Supported by discrete
      dipole approximation and finite element method calculations, this phenomenon
      highlights the high sensitivity of the plasmonic coupling to the exact shape of
      the effective capacitor formed by the facing surfaces of both particles,
      especially in the regime of very close proximity.

PMID- 22087472
TI  - Surface charge-specific cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of tri-block copolymer
      nanoparticles.
AB  - A series of monodisperse (45 +/- 5 nm) fluorescent nanoparticles from tri-block
      copolymers (polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs)) bearing different surface charges
      were synthesised and investigated for cytotoxicity in NR8383 and Caco-2 cells.
      The positive PNPs were more cytotoxic and induced a higher intracellular reactive
      oxygen species production than the neutral and negative ones. The cytotoxicity of
      positive PNPs with quaternary ammonium groups decreased with increasing steric
      bulk. The intracellular uptake and cellular interactions of these different PNPs
      were also tested in NR8383 cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy, which
      revealed higher uptake for positive than for negative PNPs. Also positive PNPs
      were found to interact much more with cell membranes, whereas the negative PNPs
      were internalised mainly by lysosomal endocytosis. Uptake of positive PNPs
      decreased with increasing steric bulk around the positive charge. A surface
      charge-specific interaction of clathrin for positive PNPs and caveolin receptors
      for negative PNPs was observed. These findings confirm that surface charge is
      important for the cytotoxicity of these PNPs, while they additionally point to
      considerable additional effects of the steric shielding around positive charges
      on PNP cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22087473
TI  - Establishment and application of event-specific polymerase chain reaction methods
      for two genetically modified soybean events, A2704-12 and A5547-127.
AB  - For implementation of the issued regulations and labeling policies for
      genetically modified organism (GMO) supervision, the polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) method has been widely used due to its high specificity and sensitivity. In
      particular, use of the event-specific PCR method based on the flanking sequence
      of transgenes has become the primary trend. In this study, both qualitative and
      quantitative PCR methods were established on the basis of the 5' flanking
      sequence of transgenic soybean A2704-12 and the 3' flanking sequence of
      transgenic soybean A5547-127, respectively. In qualitative PCR assays, the limits
      of detection (LODs) were 10 copies of haploid soybean genomic DNA for both A2704
      12 and A5547-127. In quantitative real-time PCR assays, the LODs were 5 copies of
      haploid soybean genomic DNA for both A2704-12 and A5547-127, and the limits of
      quantification (LOQs) were 10 copies for both. Low bias and acceptable SD and RSD
      values were also achieved in quantification of four blind samples using the
      developed real-time PCR assays. In addition, the developed PCR assays for the two
      transgenic soybean events were used for routine analysis of soybean samples
      imported to Shanghai in a 6 month period from October 2010 to March 2011. A total
      of 27 lots of soybean from the United States and Argentina were analyzed: 8 lots
      from the Unites States were found to have the GM soybean A2704-12 event, and the
      GM contents were <1.5% in all eight analyzed lots. On the contrary, no GM soybean
      A5547-127 content was found in any of the eight lots. These results demonstrated
      that the established event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR methods
      could be used effectively in routine identification and quantification of GM
      soybeans A2704-12 and A5547-127 and their derived products.

PMID- 22087475
TI  - Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of rigid and membranous cuticles and
      epidermis from the elytra and hindwings of the red flour beetle, Tribolium
      castaneum.
AB  - The insect cuticle is a composite biomaterial made up primarily of chitin and
      proteins. The physical properties of the cuticle can vary greatly from hard and
      rigid to soft and flexible. Understanding how different cuticle types are
      assembled can aid in the development of novel biomimetic materials for use in
      medicine and technology. Toward this goal, we have taken a combined proteomics
      and transcriptomics approach with the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, to
      examine the protein and gene expression profiles of the elytra and hindwings,
      appendages that contain rigid and soft cuticles, respectively. Two-dimensional
      gel electrophoresis analysis revealed distinct differences in the protein
      profiles between elytra and hindwings, with four highly abundant proteins
      dominating the elytral cuticle extract. MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry identified 19
      proteins homologous to known or hypothesized cuticular proteins (CPs), including
      a novel low complexity protein enriched in charged residues. Microarray analysis
      identified 372 genes with a 10-fold or greater difference in transcript levels
      between elytra and hindwings. CP genes with higher expression in the elytra
      belonged to the Rebers and Riddiford family (CPR) type 2, or cuticular proteins
      of low complexity (CPLC) enriched in glycine or proline. In contrast, a majority
      of the CP genes with higher expression in hindwings were classified as CPR type
      1, cuticular proteins analogous to peritrophins (CPAP), or members of the Tweedle
      family. This research shows that the elyra and hindwings, representatives of
      rigid and soft cuticles, have different protein and gene expression profiles for
      structural proteins that may influence the mechanical properties of these
      cuticles.

PMID- 22087476
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22087474
TI  - C-terminal tetrapeptides inhibit Abeta42-induced neurotoxicity primarily through
      specific interaction at the N-terminus of Abeta42.
AB  - Inhibition of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta)-induced toxicity is a promising
      therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously, we reported that
      the C-terminal tetrapeptide Abeta(39-42) is a potent inhibitor of neurotoxicity
      caused by Abeta42, the form of Abeta most closely associated with AD. Here,
      initial structure-activity relationship studies identified key structural
      requirements, including chirality, side-chain structure, and a free N-terminus,
      which control Abeta(39-42) inhibitory activity. To elucidate the binding site(s)
      of Abeta(39-42) on Abeta42, we used intrinsic tyrosine (Y) fluorescence and
      solution-state NMR. The data suggest that Abeta(39-42) binds at several sites, of
      which the predominant one is located in the N-terminus of Abeta42, in agreement
      with recent modeling predictions. Thus, despite the small size of Abeta(39-42)
      and the hydrophobic, aliphatic nature of all four side-chains, the interaction of
      Abeta(39-42) with Abeta42 is controlled by specific intermolecular contacts
      requiring a combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and a
      particular stereochemistry.

PMID- 22087477
TI  - Mechanism from isotope effects.
AB  - Abstract   Isotope effects represent perhaps one of the most versatile tools
      available to investigators interested in the determination of reaction mechanism,
      particularly in the case of the mechanistic enzymologist. Interpretation of
      isotope effect data is somewhat more difficult for enzyme reactions, since the
      chemical or isotope-dependent step(s) is(are) normally not solely rate-limiting
      as they are for non-enzyme-catalyzed reactions. One can, however, take advantage
      of rate-limitation by multiple steps in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction to obtain
      information on a number of aspects of mechanism. In this paper, simple theory for
      the application of isotope effects to reaction mechanism is developed, and
      applied to organic reactions and those catalyzed by enzymes. Techniques used to
      measure isotope effects depend somewhat on the isotope used, that is radioisotope
      vs. stable isotope, or hydrogen isotope vs. heavier atoms. Techniques to be
      discussed include competitive and noncompetitive (or internal discrimination)
      measurements. In enzymecatalyzed reactions, information can be obtained on the
      order of addition of reactants and release of products, and this will be
      illustrated using the 6-phosphogluconate and alcohol dehydrogenase reactions. The
      use of multiple isotope effects can be used to distinguish between stepwise and
      concerted reactions, and this will be illustrated with the formate and glucose 6
      phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme reactions.

PMID- 22087478
TI  - Metabolite Pools and Metabolic Branching as Factors of in-vivo Isotope
      Discriminations by Kinetic Isotope Effects.
AB  - Abstract   Inter- and intra-molecular non-statistical isotope distributions do
      not only require the existence of a kinetic isotope effect on a defined enzyme
      catalyzed reaction, but also the prerequisite that this reaction is located at a
      metabolic branching point. Furthermore a metabolic and isotopic balance demand
      that the extent of the isotopic shift is reciprocal to the products' yields. On
      this base the (13)C-enrichment of L-ascorbic acid in position C-1 and the
      depletion of glycerol in C-1 are interpreted. The (13)C-pattern of natural malic
      acid is discussed as a consequence of isotope effects on the carboxylation of
      pyruvate and PEP and on the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction. The patterns of
      natural products synthezised by transfer of "active acetaldehyde" is proposed to
      be due to an isotope effect on the thiamine pyrophosphate containing lyase
      reaction. An isotope effect on the reduction of "active formaldehyde" to "active
      methyl" and the existence of corresponding pools is responsible for (13)C
      enrichments and depletions of natural products in positions bearing these
      intermediates. Finally a model for the main nitrogen pools and for isotope
      discriminations between alpha-amino, omega-amino-N and amide pools in plants is
      proposed.

PMID- 22087479
TI  - Isotope abundance ratios of sr in wine provenance determinations, in a tree-root
      activity study, and of pb in a pollution study on tree-rings.
AB  - Abstract   In this contribution, the various and fundamentally different uses and
      applications of isotope signatures (of both heavy and light elements) are
      discussed. Examples are given for the successful use of (87)Sr/(86)Sr in
      uncovering fraud in wine trade. Also, in an experiment related to "Waldsterben",
      (87)Sr/(86)Sr analyses reveal rather unexpected responses of spruces and maple
      trees to mechanical damage of their roots. In another study, from (206)Pb/(207)Pb
      (and (208)Pb/(207)Pb) analyses of tree growth-rings it is demonstrated that they
      do not accurately record lead burdens in the environment. This is contrary to
      current views on the subject of tree-rings as reliable banks of past heavy metal
      pollutions of the biosphere. Furthermore, new perspectives of applications of
      isotopes in biological tissues, including those of cosmogenic and nucleogenic
      origin will be shortly outlined.

PMID- 22087480
TI  - The Effect of Diet Quality on delta(13)C and delta(15)N in the Tissues of
      Locusts, Locusta migratoria L.
AB  - Abstract   Locust nymphs were raised from hatching to adult locusts on either
      seedling wheat (C(3)) or maize (C(4)), to determine whether relative
      enrichments/depletions of (15)N and (13)C within body tissues are influenced by
      diet. The maize contained less hexose sugars and protein per gram than wheat.  
      The isotopic spacing between the food and the whole insect was found to differ
      between the two diets. The lower quality maize diet showed an overall +5.10/00
      enrichment in delta(15)N compared to + 2.80/00 for wheat, possibly due to
      increased fractionation due to protein recycling.   The maize diet resulted in
      increased depletion in lipid and trehalose and depletion in chitin relative to
      diet. The results for both delta(15)N and delta(13)C suggest that substrate
      recycling was occurring on the low quality maize diet. Therefore diet quality
      determines the enrichment/depletion in delta(15)N and delta(13)C within
      organisms.

PMID- 22087482
TI  - Sulfur isotopic composition of mangroves.
AB  - Abstract   Sulfur isotope ratios of mangrove leaves of 19 species were compared
      to discuss the species-specific characteristics of sulfur uptake and
      assimilation. The members of Rhizophora and Bruguiera always show remarkable
      enrichments of the light isotope, giving negative delta(34)S values in most
      cases. The elaborated root systems of such species seem to be closely related to
      their sulfur absorbing systems as an adaptation to their anaerobic soil
      conditions.

PMID- 22087483
TI  - Dinitrogen fixation of microbe-plant associations as affected by nitrate and
      ammonium supply.
AB  - Abstract   The dinitrogen fixation activity of Azospirillum sp., and Pantoea
      agglomerans strains was determined by (15)N(2) incorporation after incubation
      with (15)N(2) labeled air or/and by acetylene reduction. These bacterial strains
      were able to fix N(2) both in pure culture and in association with wheat plants
      in hydroponics. Nitrogenase activity of Azospirillum sp., in pure culture was
      more rapidly inhibited by the addition of NH(4) (+) than NO(3) (-). The N(2)
      fixation of P. agglomerans decreased only by NH(4) (+) -addition, but was
      stimulated by NO(3) (-). Nitrogen fixation in association with wheat plants
      remained unaffected by both N compounds. However, nitrogen derived from the
      atmosphere (N(dfa)) contributed only very little to the overall nitrogen
      nutrition of the plants.

PMID- 22087484
TI  - Determination of (13)C/(12)C-Ratios in Rumen Produced Methane and CO(2) of Cows,
      Sheep and Camels.
AB  - Abstract   Naturally produced methane shows different delta(13)C-values with
      respect to its origin, e.g., geological or biological. Methane-production of
      ruminants is considered to be the dominant source from the animal kingdom.
      Isotopic values of rumen methane-given in literature-range between -800/00 and 
      500/00 and are related to feed composition and also sampling techniques. Keeping
      cows, camels and sheep under identical feed conditions and sampling rumen gases
      via implanted fistulae we compared delta(PDB) (13)C-values of methane and CO(2)
      between the species. Referring to mean values obtained from 4 or 5 samples at
      different times of 11 animals (n = 47) we calculated delta(PDB) (13)C-medians
      resulting in small but not significant differences within and significant
      differences between the species for CO(2) and methane. The delta(PDB) (13)C
      differences between methane and CO(2) were statistically equal within and also
      between the species. Therefore a linear regression of methane values on CO(2) is
      appropriate and leads to: delta(PDB) (13)C(methane)0/00 = 1,57 * delta(PDB)
      (13)C(CO(2))0/00-470/00 with a correlation coefficient of r = 0,87.

PMID- 22087485
TI  - Wild Rabbit Host and Some Parasites Show Trophic-Level Relationships for
      delta(13)C and delta(15)N: A First Report.
AB  - Abstract   We report the first isotopic study of an animal host-parasite system.
      Parasitic, intestinal nematodes, Graphidium strigosum and Passalurus ambiguus,
      were (15)N-enriched relative to their host, the European rabbit Oryctolagus
      cuniculus, while parasitic cestodes, Cittataenia denticulata and Mosgovoyia
      pectinata, were (15)N-depleted, suggesting different trophic relationships. Host
      embryos were more similar in their delta(13)C and delta(15)N values to maternal
      muscle than were any of the parasites. Coprophagy, the direct recycling of food
      by the rabbit eating its own faeces, did not lead to isotopic differences between
      stomach contents and faeces, suggesting that the major point for isotopic
      discrimination in lagomorph nitrogen metabolism is in the animal rather than in
      the gut. We conclude that bulk delta(13)C and delta(15)N can reveal valuable new
      information about host-parasite relationships, and these could be explored
      further at the biochemical level using compound-specific isotopic analyses.

PMID- 22087486
TI  - Amino Acid (15)n/(14)n analysis at natural abundances: a new tool for soil
      organic matter studies in agricultural systems.
AB  - Abstract   The effects of landuse, fertilizer history and soil type on the
      quantity and isotopic quality of hydrolysable soil amino acids were examined in 3
      grassland and 2 arable soils. Results showed, (i) that overall concentrations of
      individual amino acids were highest in the grassland soils, (ii) that
      0/00delta(15)N values of the individual amino acids differed considerably between
      the five soils, and (iii) that the combination of amino acid 0/00delta(15)N
      values and concentrations could be used to distinguish between landuse, crop type
      and fertilizer history. This preliminary study indicates that the pathways of
      transformation of soil amino acid N are influenced by long term N inputs and that
      associated biological processes are reflected in differences in concentrations
      and 0/00delta(15)N values of individual soil amino acids.

PMID- 22087488
TI  - Estimation of urea production rate with [(15)n(2)]urea and [(13)c]urea to measure
      catabolic rates in diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Abstract   For verifying catabolic states in insulin-dependent patients and dogs
      the method estimating urea production rates with (13)C and with doubly (15)N
      labeled urea, respectively, has been established. For a fast steady state of urea
      tracer dilution, a prime of 600 times the continuous infusion rate had to be
      injected. Urea was isolated from plasma samples by protein precipitation and
      cation exchange chromatography with a consecutive derivatization of the dried
      urea fraction (trimethylsilyl derivatives). The masses of the fragment ions m/z
      189 ((14)N(14)N), 190 ((14)N(15)N) and 191 ((15)N(15)N) urea are monitored to
      estimate the [(15)N(2)]urea frequency in the overall body urea pool in mol
      percent excess (MPE). 1 to 15 ng of derivatized urea were measured efficiently.
      An excellent correlation between expected standard and measured MPE (r = 0.9977)
      was achieved from solutions containing 1 to 7% [(15)N(2)]urea. The interassay
      coefficient of variation amounted to < 10% for a [(15)N(2)]urea portion of >= 3%.
      Normoglycemic diabetic patients who were treated with insulin overnight showed
      significantly higher urea production compared to healthy controls (9.22 +/- 2.07
      vs. 5.4 +/- 0.32 MUmol.kg(-1) . min(-1); p < 0.05). Measurements in chronic
      diabetic dogs proved an increased rate of amino acid catabolism (+ 20% urea
      production) in systemic versus portal application of insulin in paired studies.
      This increased nitrogen load in diabetics may accelerate progression of diabetic
      nephropathy. - Thus, the established stable isotope technique may serve as a
      sensitive and useful indicator of amino acid catabolism in clinical and
      experimental research.

PMID- 22087489
TI  - Labelling studies for structure elucidation of a new hydroxymetabolite of
      tramadol.
AB  - Abstract   Tramadol, racemic 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2
      (dimethylaminomethyl)cyclohexane-1-ol, is an effective analgesic drug.
      Metabolites of tramadol described so far originate from O- and N-demethylation
      and are excreted in urine directly or after conjugation. A further metabolite was
      found in human liver microsome incubations and in the urine of volunteers after
      ingestion of tramadol. To elucidate the structure of the new metabolite, seven
      deuterated isotopomers of tramadol have been synthesized and ingested by
      volunteers. The mass spectra of the metabolites derived showed (i) that it was a
      hydroxy metabolite, (ii) that the hydroxy group was not located on the aromatic
      ring, the side chain, or the positions 2 and 6 of the cyclohexane ring, (iii)
      that the hydroxy-group was introduced to one of the the positions 3, 4 or 5 of
      the cyclohexane ring. The hydroxy metabolite was formed preferentially from the (
      )-enantiomer, (1S,2S)-tramadol.

PMID- 22087490
TI  - Whole body protein metabolism estimated by (15)n tracer experiments and body
      composition of mice selected for different growth parameters.
AB  - Abstract   Whole body protein synthesis was investigated in growing male mice
      which were long-time selected for high carcass protein amount (DU-6P, protein
      line) or for high body weight (DU-6, growth line) and in the unselected randomly
      bred control (DU-Ks). Six mice/line were housed singly in metabolic cages for the
      estimation of N balance, whole body protein synthesis (end-product method, single
      dose of (15)N-labelled amino-acid mixture), and N distribution in the body.
      Another six mice/line were used for the determination of the body composition.
      All mice had free access to a commercial stock diet (crude protein 268 g, gross
      energy 19 MJ/kg dry matter) and to water. Body weight of both selection lines was
      about twice that of control mice at the same age. Selection for high body weight
      resulted in higher body fat content. Scaled to the corresponding body protein
      pools, the protein synthesis rates of selected mice were significantly higher
      than in controls, but were not significantly different between both selection
      lines in contrast to the protein deposition rates. The higher protein accretion
      in the protein line in comparison to the growth line seems to be due to a
      combination of a lower protein breakdown and an increased protein synthesis rate.

PMID- 22087491
TI  - Significance of diagnostic parameters in [(13)c]octanoic Acid gastric emptying
      breath tests*.
AB  - Abstract   Two novel characteristic parameters, the latency time (t (lat)) and
      the ascension time (t (asc)), are proposed for evaluation of non-invasive
      [(13)C]octanoic acid breath tests for assessment of the gastric emptying of
      solids. In breath tests performed in control subjects (n = 30) and diabetic
      patients (n = 100), the usefulness of these parameters was compared to
      conventional parameters, i.e., gastric half emptying-time t (1/2,b )) and lag
      phase (t (lag,b )). The proposed parameters were only loosely correlated
      (controls, r = 0.199; diabetics, 0.616). A strong correlation was found between
      the conventional parameters (controls, r = 0.891; diabetics, r = 0.962). Based on
      the conventional method, 36 patients were suspicious of delayed gastric emptying
      including 24 patients which exhibited a simultaneous delay in both parameters.
      Using the new parameters, a total of 46 patients were suspicious of delayed
      gastric emptying with 15 and 20 having isolated delay in t (lat) and t (asc),
      respectively. We conclude that the novel parameters may be more appropriate for
      examination of the different phases of gastric emptying and for evaluation of
      gastric emptying disturbances in diabetic patients than the parameters
      conventionally used for this purpose.

PMID- 22087493
TI  - Saisonale Variation von Deuterium und Sauerstoff-18 in Luftfeuchte und
      Niederschlag uber Antarktika.
AB  - Abstract   D and (18)O distributions were investigated in Antarctic precipitation
      (falling snow) and in water vapour to study their dependance on season and
      sampling site. Long-term sampling at the former German Georg Forster Station
      during 1978-93 and at the Japanese Syowa Station during 1994-97 allow conclusions
      about the present seasonal isotopic variations in the water inflow to Antarctica.
      The deltaD and delta(18)O values of precipitation at these East Antarctic coastal
      stations were compared with corresponding data from the West Antarctic Georg von
      Neumayer and Halley stations. The monthly means of these long-term data sets show
      typical hysteresis-like seasonal patterns of isotopic composition. Significant
      time lags exist regarding station temperatures, while water vapour deltaD values
      do not show such hysteresis patterns. Here, half-yearly and even quarter-yearly
      time components were found by Fourier analysis. Attempts were made to describe
      the variation in deltaD and delta(18)O values of water vapour and precipitation
      as well as in the resulting deuterium excess by the mixed cloud isotopic model
      (MCIM) of Ciais and Jouzel.

PMID- 22087494
TI  - Isotope-geochemical and mineralogical-petrographic characteristics of the
      pergamon altar marble.
AB  - Abstract   We report preliminary results of our provenance study of marble from
      the Telephos Frieze of the Pergamon altar. The emphasis here is on the stable
      isotope geochemistry of marble. The obtained delta(13)C values (2.4 to 3.50/00)
      vary insignificantly. However, the delta(18)O values give two clusters. The
      isotopically light marbles (close to -9.50/00) derive from panels 1-8 and the
      heavy marbles (-3.5 to -1.00/00) derive from panels 11-50. Mineralogical,
      petrographic and geochemical investigations (accessory minerals, grain size
      distribution, rare earth elements) further refined the marble characteristics. In
      spite of certain differences observed (grain size distributions, isotopy and
      contents of certain elements) for the two marble groups, the present data support
      a common provenance. So far, east Aegean islands and the Marmara region are
      favored.

PMID- 22087495
TI  - Methane-derived carbonates in a native sulfur deposit: stable isotope and trace
      element discriminations related to the transformation of aragonite to calcite.
AB  - Abstract   Stable isotope ((13)C, (18)O, (34)S) and trace element (Sr(2+),
      Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Ba(2+), Na(+)) investigations of elemental sulfur, primary
      calcites and mixtures of aragonite with secondary, post-aragonitic calcite from
      sulfur-bearing limestones have provided new insights into the geochemistry of the
      mineral forming environment of the native sulfur deposit at Machow (SE-Poland).
      The carbon isotopic composition of carbonates (delta(13)C = -41 to -470/00 vs.
      PDB) associated with native sulfur (delta(34)S = + 10 to + 150/00 vs. V-CDT)
      relates their formation to the microbiological anaerobic oxidation of methane and
      the reduction of sulfate derived from Miocene gypsum. From a comparison with
      experimentally derived fractionation factors the element ratios of the aqueous
      fluids responsible for carbonate formation are estimated. In agreement with field
      and laboratory observations, ratios near seawater composition are obtained for
      primary aragonite, whereas the fluids were relatively enriched in dissolved
      calcium during the formation of primary and secondary calcites. Based on the
      oxygen isotope composition of the carbonates (delta(18)O = -3.9 to -5.90/00 vs.
      PDB) and a secondary SrSO(4) (delta(18)O = + 200/00 vs. SMOW; delta(34)S = +
      590/00 vs. V-CDT), maximum formation temperatures of 35 degrees C (carbonates)
      and 47 degrees C (celestite) are obtained, in agreement with estimates for West
      Ukraine sulfur ores. The sulfur isotopic composition of elemental sulfur
      associated with carbonates points to intense microbial reduction of sulfate
      derived from Miocene gypsum (delta(34)S ~ + 230/00) prior to the re-oxidation of
      dissolved reduced sulfur species.

PMID- 22087496
TI  - Variations of delta(15)N-Values and Hydrolyzable Amino Acids in Settling
      Particles in the Ocean.
AB  - Abstract   The modification of nitrogen isotopic signals during particle
      sedimentation in the sea is of great interest for the use of sedimentary
      delta(15)N-values as a paleoceanographic tool. The effect of organic matter
      degradation on such modification was studied by analyzing nitrogen, hydrolyzable
      amino acids (THAA) and delta(15)N-values in a suit of marine settling particles
      collected from the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, by using time-series sediment
      traps, and in underlying sediments. The flux of settling particles showed
      temporal variations which are related to the monsoons, the major climatic feature
      of this marine region. During high flux periods settling particles are enriched
      in nitrogenous material that is less degraded and exhibit higher delta(15)N
      values than particles showing characteristics of degradation. At the sediment
      surface more than 95% of the settling particulate nitrogen is lost and the
      delta(15)N-values of the residual sedimentary nitrogen are higher than those of
      settling particles. The observed increase is interpreted to be due to
      fractionation during degradation of organic matter.

PMID- 22087501
TI  - Editorial board page for "Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies", Volume
      33, Number 1-2.
AB  - Abstract   This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for
      this issue.

PMID- 22087498
TI  - Determination of (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) Ratio by IRMS and NDIRS.
AB  - Abstract   Breath tests using (13)C-labelled substrates require the measurement
      of (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) ratio in breath gas samples. Next to isotope ratio mass
      spectrometry (IRMS), which is very sensitive but also complex and expensive,
      alternatively isotope selective nondispersive infrared spectrometry (NDIRS) can
      be used to determine the (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) ratio in expired breath. In this
      study we compared NDIRS- with IRMS-results to investigate whether the less
      expensive and very simply to operate NDIRS works as reliable as IRMS. For this
      purpose we applicated 1-(13)C-Phenylalanine to patients with advanced liver
      cirrhosis and healthy volunteers and took duplicated breath samples for IRMS and
      NDIRS at selected time points. Our data show a good correlation between these two
      methods for a small number of samples as required for simple breath tests. Longer
      series, where repeated measurements are required on the NDIRS instrument lead to
      a decreasing correlation. This indicates the superiority of IRMS concerning
      (13)CO(2)-kinetics over longer time periods.

PMID- 22087502
TI  - Relating rates of catalyst sintering to the disappearance of individual
      nanoparticles during Ostwald ripening.
AB  - Sintering of nanoparticles (NPs) of Ni supported on MgAl(2)O(4) was monitored in
      situ using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) during exposure to an equimolar
      mixture of H(2) and H(2)O at a pressure of 3.6 mbar at 750  degrees C, conditions
      relevant to methane steam reforming. The TEM images revealed an increase in the
      mean particle size due to disappearance of smaller, immobile NPs and the
      resultant growth of the larger NPs. A new approach for predicting the long-term
      sintering of NPs is presented wherein microscopic observations of the ripening of
      individual NPs (over a span of a few seconds) are used to extract energetic
      parameters that allow a description of the collective behavior of the entire
      population of NPs (over several tens of minutes).

PMID- 22087503
TI  - Use of non-parametric item response theory to develop a shortened version of the
      Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonparametric item response theory (IRT) was used to examine (a) the
      performance of the 30 Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) items and
      their options ((levels of severity), (b) the effectiveness of various subscales
      to discriminate among differences in symptom severity, and (c) the development of
      an abbreviated PANSS (Mini-PANSS) based on IRT and a method to link scores to the
      original PANSS. METHODS: Baseline PANSS scores from 7,187 patients with
      Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder who were enrolled between 1995 and 2005
      in psychopharmacology trials were obtained. Option characteristic curves (OCCs)
      and Item Characteristic Curves (ICCs) were constructed to examine the probability
      of rating each of seven options within each of 30 PANSS items as a function of
      subscale severity, and summed-score linking was applied to items selected for the
      Mini-PANSS. RESULTS: The majority of items forming the Positive and Negative
      subscales (i.e. 19 items) performed very well and discriminate better along
      symptom severity compared to the General Psychopathology subscale. Six of the
      seven Positive Symptom items, six of the seven Negative Symptom items, and seven
      out of the 16 General Psychopathology items were retained for inclusion in the
      Mini-PANSS. Summed score linking and linear interpolation was able to produce a
      translation table for comparing total subscale scores of the Mini-PANSS to total
      subscale scores on the original PANSS. Results show scores on the subscales of
      the Mini-PANSS can be linked to scores on the original PANSS subscales, with very
      little bias. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the utility of non-parametric
      IRT in examining the item properties of the PANSS and to allow selection of items
      for an abbreviated PANSS scale. The comparisons between the 30-item PANSS and the
      Mini-PANSS revealed that the shorter version is comparable to the 30-item PANSS,
      but when applying IRT, the Mini-PANSS is also a good indicator of illness
      severity.

PMID- 22087504
TI  - Vascular measures to detect earlier macrovascular disease.

PMID- 22087505
TI  - Nonsingular adsorption/desorption of chlorpyrifos in soils and sediments:
      experimental results and modeling.
AB  - At environmentally relevant concentrations in soils and sediments, chlorpyrifos,
      a hydrophobic organic insecticide, showed strong adsorption that correlated
      significantly with organic matter content. Chlorpyrifos desorption followed a
      nonsingular falling desorption isotherm that was estimated using a memory
      dependent mathematical model. Desorption of chlorpyrifos was biphasic in nature,
      with a labile and nonlabile component. The labile component comprised 18-28% of
      the original solid-phase concentration, and the residue was predicted to slowly
      partition to the aqueous phase, implying long-term desorption from contaminated
      soils or sediments. The newly proposed mechanism to explain sorption/desorption
      hysteresis and biphasic desorption is the unfavorable thermodynamic energy
      landscape arising from limitation of diffusivity of water molecules through the
      strongly hydrophobic domain of soils and sediments. Modeling results suggest that
      contaminated soils and sediments could be secondary long-term sources of
      pollution. Long-term desorption may explain the detection of chlorpyrifos and
      other hydrophobic organic compounds in aquatic systems far from application
      sites, an observation that contradicts conventional transport predictions.

PMID- 22087506
TI  - Combining indoor residual spraying with chlorfenapyr and long-lasting
      insecticidal bed nets for improved control of pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles
      gambiae: an experimental hut trial in Benin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neither indoor residual spraying (IRS) nor long-lasting insecticidal
      nets (LLINs) are able to fully interrupt transmission in holoendemic Africa as
      single interventions. The combining of IRS and LLINs presents an opportunity for
      improved control and management of pyrethroid resistance through the simultaneous
      presentation of unrelated insecticides. METHOD: Chlorfenapyr IRS and a pyrethroid
      impregnated polyester LLIN (WHO approved) were tested separately and together in
      experimental huts in southern Benin against pyrethroid resistant Anopheles
      gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. The bed nets were deliberately holed with
      either six or 80 holes to examine the effect of increasing wear and tear on
      protectiveness. Anopheles gambiae were genotyped for the kdr gene to assess the
      combination's potential to prevent the selection of pyrethroid resistance.
      RESULTS: The frequency of kdr was 84%. The overall mortality rates of An. gambiae
      were 37% and 49% with the six-hole and 80-hole LLINs, respectively, and reached
      57% with chlorfenapyr IRS. Overall mortality rates were significantly higher with
      the combination treatments (82-83%) than with the LLIN or IRS individual
      treatments. Blood feeding (mosquito biting) rates were lowest with the 6-hole
      LLIN (12%), intermediate with the 80-hole LLIN (32%) and highest with untreated
      nets (56% with the 6-hole and 54% with the 80-hole nets). Blood feeding (biting)
      rates and repellency of mosquitoes with the combination of LLIN and chlorfenapyr
      IRS showed significant improvement compared to the IRS treatment but did not
      differ from the LLIN treatments indicating that the LLINs were the primary agents
      of personal protection. The combination killed significantly higher proportions
      of Cx. quinquefasciatus (51%, 41%) than the LLIN (15%, 13%) or IRS (32%)
      treatments. CONCLUSION: The chlorfenapyr IRS component was largely responsible
      for controlling pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes and the LLIN component was
      largely responsible for blood feeding inhibition and personal protection.
      Together, the combination shows potential to provide additional levels of
      transmission control and personal protection against pyrethroid-resistant
      mosquitoes, thereby justifying the additional resources required. Chlorfenapyr
      has potential to manage pyrethroid resistance in the context of an expanding
      LLIN/IRS strategy.

PMID- 22087507
TI  - Miscibility behavior and nanostructure of monolayers of the main phospholipids of
      Escherichia coli inner membrane.
AB  - We report a thermodynamic study of the effect of calcium on the mixing properties
      at the air-water interface of two phospholipids that mimic the inner membrane of
      Escherichia coli: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and 1
      palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol. In this study, pure POPE and
      POPG monolayers and three mixed monolayers, chi(POPE) = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75, were
      analyzed. We show that for chi(POPE) = 0.75, the values of the Gibbs energy of
      mixing were negative, which implies attractive interactions. We used atomic force
      microscopy to study the structural properties of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers
      that were transferred onto mica substrate at lateral surface pressures of 25 and
      30 mN m(-1). The topographic images of pure POPE and POPG monolayers exhibited
      two domains of differing size and morphology, showing a step height difference
      within the range expected for liquid-condensed and liquid-expanded phases. The
      images captured for chi(POPE) = 0.25 were featureless, and for chi(POPE) = 0.5
      small microdomains were observed. The composition that mimics quantitatively the
      proportions found in the inner membrane of E. coli , chi(POPE) = 0.75, showed
      large liquid condensed domains in the liquid expanded phase. The extension of
      each domain was quantitatively analyzed. Because calcium is used in the formation
      of supported bilayers of negatively charged phospholipids, the possible influence
      of the nanostructure of the apical on the distal monolayer is discussed.

PMID- 22087508
TI  - The National Agricultural Laboratories of Brazil and the control of residues and
      contaminants in food.
AB  - The laboratory activity of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply
      in Brazil has a history that is richer than most people are aware of. The
      institutions that today are known as National Agricultural Laboratory - Lanagros 
      were once a smaller initiative that suffered ups and downs throughout the
      decades. The recognition that the Lanagros have today - as reference centres with
      open communication channels with some of the world's greater laboratories in
      residue and contaminants in food analyses - is the fruit of several years of hard
      work, good ideas and a strong will never to let down society. Today the Lanagros
      act not only by performing analyses for the monitoring and investigation
      programmes, but also in the research and development of analytical methods,
      providing technical advice on the elaboration of guidelines and normatives,
      international negotiation and the evaluation of other laboratories. The Lanagros
      work in an ISO 17025 environment, and they are now being directed and prepared to
      be able to respond to outbreaks and crises related to the presence of residues
      and contaminants in food, with the readiness, quickness and reliability that an
      emergency requires. Investments are allocated strategically and have been giving
      concrete results, all to the benefit of consumers.

PMID- 22087509
TI  - Mollenyne A, a long-chain chlorodibromohydrin amide from the sponge Spirastrella
      mollis.
AB  - The structure of mollenyne A, a cytotoxic nitrogenous halogenated long-chain
      carboxamide from the sponge Spirastrella mollis, was elucidated by integrated
      spectroscopic analysis, including CD, and chemical conversion.

PMID- 22087510
TI  - Francophones living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario: the unknown reality of an invisible
      cultural minority.
AB  - A strong body of evidence demonstrates that education, prevention and
      intervention, in the context of HIV/AIDS, should take ethno-racial diversity into
      account. The current research focuses on the cultural sensitivity manifested by
      AIDS service organisation ASO professionals towards Francophone minority persons
      living with HIV/AIDS Francophone PHAs in the two main urban centres of Ontario:
      Ottawa and Toronto. More specifically, this qualitative research will describe
      two different points of view: Francophone PHA service users n=17 and ASO
      professionals n=12. Data were collected from multiple focus groups and analysed
      using a phenomenological methodology. The analysis revealed that an important
      difference exists in the perceptions of language as an integral part of ethno
      racial diversity. For ASO professionals, language is perceived as a simple tool
      of communication. For Francophones living with HIV/AIDS, however, language is
      perceived as a way to convey sensitivity to their cultural reality and a full
      recognition of their Canadian citizenship. This research showed that cultural
      sensitivity should include a linguistic aspect when it comes to health-related
      services, especially in the context of an officially bilingual country.

PMID- 22087511
TI  - Coincidence of remission of postpartum Graves' disease and use of omega-3 fatty
      acid supplements.
AB  - I developed Graves' Disease four months postpartum. After one year on
      propylthiouracil, I learned that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation
      associated with certain autoimmune disorders, although no investigations for
      thyroiditis have been reported. Within eight weeks of beginning flaxseed oil
      supplements, TSH levels normalized, but fell somewhat when flaxseed was decreased
      and PTU discontinued. During another pregnancy, plasma TSH normalized, but was
      again suppressed by four weeks postpartum, then undetectable by four months. This
      time, flaxseed supplementation alone coincided with TSH normalization. Omega-3
      fatty acids should be investigated as a potential treatment for autoimmune
      thyroid disease.

PMID- 22087512
TI  - Exploring the role of social capital in supporting a regional medical education
      campus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To help address physician shortages in the underserved community of
      Prince George, Canada, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and various
      partners created the Northern Medical Program (NMP), a regional distributed site
      of UBC's medical doctor undergraduate program. Early research on the impacts of
      the NMP revealed a high degree of social connectedness. The objective of the
      present study was to explore the role of social capital in supporting the
      regional training site and the benefits accrued to a broad range of stakeholders
      and network partners. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 23 semi-structured
      interviews were conducted with community leaders in 2007. A descriptive content
      analysis based on analytic induction technique was employed. Carpiano's Bourdieu
      based framework of 'neighbourhood' social capital was adapted to empirically
      describe how social capital was produced and mobilized within and among networks
      during the planning and implementation of the NMP. RESULTS: Results from this
      study reveal that the operation of social capital and the related concept of
      social cohesion are multifaceted, and that benefits extend in many directions,
      resulting in somewhat unanticipated benefits for other key stakeholders and
      network partners of this medical education program. Participants described four
      aspects of social capital: (i) social cohesion; (ii) social capital resources;
      (iii) access to social capital; and (iv) outcomes of social capital. CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings of this study suggest that the partnerships and networks formed in
      the NMP planning and implementation phases were the foundation for social capital
      mobilization. The use of Carpiano's spatially-bounded model of social capital was
      useful in this context because it permitted the characterization of relations and
      networks of a tight-knit community body. The students, faculty and administrators
      of the NMP have benefitted greatly from access to the social capital mobilized to
      make the NMP operational. Taking account of the dynamic and multifaceted
      operation of social capital helps one move beyond a view of geographic
      communities as simply containers or sinks of capital investment, and to
      appreciate the degree to which they may act as a platform for productive network
      formation and expansion.

PMID- 22087513
TI  - The impact of sodium aescinate on acute lung injury induced by oleic acid in
      rats.
AB  - Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are
      associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Currently, several
      surfactant or anti-inflammatory drugs are under test as treatments for ALI.
      Sodium aescinate (SA) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antiedematous
      effects. In the present work, the authors explored the effects of SA and the
      possible mechanisms of SA action in rats with ALI induced by oleic acid (OA)
      administration. Eight groups of rats received infusions of normal saline (NS) or
      OA. Rats exposed to OA were pretreated with 1 mg/kg of SA, or posttreated with SA
      at low (1 mg/kg), medium (2 mg/kg), or high (6 mg/kg) dose; a positive-control
      group received methylprednisolone. The pressure of oxygen in arterial blood
      (P(O(2))) levels, the pulmonary wet/dry weight (W/D) ratios, and indices of
      quantitative assessment (IQA) of histological lung injury were obtained 2 or 6
      hours after OA injection (0.1 mL/kg, intravenously). The levels of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase B
      (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) in both plasma and
      lung tissue were also determined. Both pre- and posttreatment with SA improved OA
      induced pulmonary injury, increased P(O(2)) and SOD values, lowered IQA scores,
      and decreased the lung W/D ratio and MDA and MMP-9 levels in plasma and lung
      tissue. SA appeared to abrogate OA-induced ALI by modulating the levels of SOD,
      MDA, and MMP-9 in plasma and lung tissue.

PMID- 22087514
TI  - The antifibrosis effect of adrenomedullin in human lung fibroblasts.
AB  - Adrenomedullin (AM) is a regulatory peptide involved in cellular proliferation
      and protein synthesis. The authors investigated AM and the AM receptor system in
      the human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFLFs), and assessed whether AM can inhibit
      proliferation and collagen synthesis in HFLFs under hypoxia. Fibroblasts were
      exposed to hypoxia (2% O(2)) after the addition of AM. The effects of AM and
      transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) on the proliferation of fibroblasts
      were determined by the methanethiosulfonate (MTS) assay. Total collagen synthesis
      was determined by [(3)H]proline incorporation. TGF-beta1 levels in the culture
      supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The
      concentration of intracellular calciumion ([Ca(2+)](i)) in fibroblasts was
      detected with a laser scanning confocal microscope. AM, adrenomedullin receptor
      (ADMR), calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), AM receptor chaperone receptor
      activity-modifying protein-1 (RAMP1),RAMP2, and RAMP3 were detected in the HFLFs.
      The hypoxia-induced increases in cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and TGF
      beta1 production were inhibited by AM. AM also inhibited proliferation and
      collagen synthesis in fibroblasts induced by TGF-beta1. AM caused a decrease of
      the hypoxia-induced [Ca(2+)](i) in fibroblasts. This study suggests that AM is
      produced by HFLFs and AM may function as an antifibrosis factor that protects
      cells from hypoxic pulmonary damage through its receptors.

PMID- 22087515
TI  - Preoperative versus postoperative initiation of thromboprophylaxis following
      major orthopedic surgery: safety and efficacy of postoperative administration
      supported by recent trials of new oral anticoagulants.
AB  - In European countries, low-molecular-weight heparin is generally initiated
      preoperatively for thromboprophylaxis in hip or knee replacement surgery. The
      objective of this review is to compare pre- and postoperative thromboprophylaxis
      strategies using available evidence, and discuss the challenges and issues that
      arise. Surgery is the first step in the process of thrombus formation, but
      thrombosis is not an instant process and the formation and growth of the thrombus
      can take several days or weeks. Hence, it may be possible to stop this process if
      thromboprophylaxis is initiated after surgery. Meta-analyses or systematic
      reviews comparing pre- and postoperative initiation of therapy have found no
      consistent differences in efficacy and similar safety (bleeding rates) between
      the two strategies. The recently available oral anticoagulant dabigatran
      etexilate provides thromboprophylaxis when administered postoperatively and is as
      safe as preoperative enoxaparin. Further support for the use of postoperative
      oral thromboprophylaxis in hip or knee replacement surgery has been provided by
      the phase III clinical trials of rivaroxaban and apixaban versus preoperative
      enoxaparin. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis offers the opportunity to change
      management practices in Europe. As postoperative initiation may have a clinical
      benefit in some settings (e.g. for neuraxial anesthesia) and practical advantages
      (e.g. allowing same-day admission), it is a worthwhile thromboprophylactic
      strategy for hip or knee replacement surgery.

PMID- 22087516
TI  - Comparative evaluation of IS6110 PCR via conventional methods in rapid diagnosis
      of new and previously treated cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
AB  - In developing countries the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a
      major burning challenge. EPTB encounters many problems like pauci-bacillary
      nature, inadequate specimen volume. All the limitations reflect in the poor
      contribution of conventional bacteriological technique in the establishment of
      diagnosis of EPTB. Nucleic acid amplification methods are rapid and sensitive has
      modified strategies for the detection of mycobacterial DNA. A fragment of DNA of
      123 bp belonging to insertion sequence IS6110 based on specific gene of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was amplified by polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) for the rapid diagnosis of EPTB. The present study was to comparative
      evaluation of IS6110 PCR via conventional methods in the rapid diagnosis of new
      and Previously treated cases of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Four hundred fifty
      specimens were collected from suspected cases of EPTB were processed for
      Mycobacteria by Zeihl Neelson (ZN) staining and BACTEC culture for M.
      tuberculosis. All the specimens were also processed for IS6110 based PCR
      amplification with primers targeting 123 bp fragment of insertion element IS6110
      of M. tuberculosis complex. We found significant difference was seen in
      sensitivities of different tests. Of these 450 specimens, 60 (13.4%) were
      positive for AFB by ZN staining, 202 (45%) for BACTEC culture and IS6110 PCR were
      positive for M. tuberculosis complex in 283 (63%) specimens (p< 0.05). However,
      there was no significant difference (p< 0.05) as far as specificity of different
      tests. We found that IS6110 PCR has higher sensitivity than smear microscopy and
      BACTEC culture in both cases of new cases as well as in previously treated cases.
      IS6110 PCR can be highly useful in diagnosis of new and treated cases of EPTB. It
      may facilitate therapeutic decisions for those with suspected of EPTB.

PMID- 22087517
TI  - [The effect of acute internal problems for mortality in respiratory intensive
      care unit patients].
AB  - Acute internal problems in the respiratory intensive care unit (ICU) and risk
      factors affecting mortality in the acute treatment applications were
      investigated. All patients in 20-bed intensive care unit for chest diseases
      enrolled to this prospective observational cohort study during 2008. Patients
      were classified as living in group 1 and deaths in group 2. Demographics and
      acute internal problems (arrhythmias, acute kidney-liver failure, dopamine,
      doputamin, perlinganit infusion) were recorded. Multiple regression analysis was
      performed for factors affecting mortality. There were 603 patients during the
      study period, group 1, n= 503 (83.4%), group 2, n= 100 (16.6%). Both groups were
      similar in terms of age and gender. Odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval
      (CI), p value for internal problems of acute risk factors for mortality were
      found as; septic shock OR: 22.52, CI 8.11-62.57, p< 0.000; need of perlinganit
      infusion OR: 9.28, CI: 1.61-53.37, p< 0.012; the presence of arrhythmia, OR:
      7.81, CI: 3.46-17.65, p< 0.000; acute renal failure, OR: 2.88, CI: 1.24-6.65, p<
      0.013 and the need for dopamine OR: 2.83, CI: 1.06-7.65, p< 0.037, respectively.
      Internal problems such as cardiac and renal dysfunction can devolop in
      respiratory ICU patients with pulmonary diseases and these problems constitude
      additional risk factors for mortalitiy. While the number of ICU is increasing
      with new health policies, each internal requirement and personnel equipped to
      treat the problem quickly must be considered.

PMID- 22087518
TI  - The prevalence of occupational asthma among denim bleachery workers in Kayseri.
AB  - The bleachery procedure is the most frequent method used to decolorize denims
      since sandblasting has been shown to cause silicosis. The aim of this study was
      to determined the prevalence of occupational asthma among denim bleachery workers
      in Kayseri. The study was conducted in 4 factories, in which jean bleachery was
      performed, in Kayseri between December 2008 and February 2009. Overall, forty
      four subjects, 22 from the bleachery section and 22 from the other sections, were
      included. A questionnaire about respiratory symptoms was administered. Pulmonary
      function tests (PFTs) and serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements were
      performed. All subjects were evaluated by posteroanterior chest x-rays. The
      prevalence of occupational asthma (OA) in the bleachery and other section workers
      was 23.8% and 9.1%, respectively (p> 0.05). Within workers, exercise dyspnea
      (23.3%) and wheezing (20.9%) were the most frequent symptoms. The relationship
      between the duration of employment and PFTs in bleachery workers (n= 21) was
      negatively correlated and statistically significant with FEV1, FEF25-75
      (moderate; r= -0.477, -0.449, respectively; p< 0.05) and FEV1/FVC, FEV1% (well;
      r= -0.588, -0.509, respectively; p< 0.05). The results of the present study
      suggest that exposure to denim-bleaching agents plays an important role in the
      occurrence of respiratory symptoms, reduction in pulmonary functions, and
      induction of occupational asthma.

PMID- 22087519
TI  - Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the pediatric sleep
      questionnaire: a tool for prediction of sleep related breathing disorder.
AB  - Use of a questionnaire that predicts the diagnosis and influence of sleep related
      breathing disorder (SRBD) may be a cost-effective method to aid in both
      diagnostic algorithm and therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to adapt
      Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) into Turkish and to test the validity and
      reliability of the Turkish questionnaire. Total of 111 children (59 male, 52
      female) aged 2 to 17 years who had symptoms suggestive of SRBD were enrolled
      consecutively. Demographic characteristics such as age and gender of all children
      enrolled in the study were recorded. All parents were questioned about symptom
      severity, frequency and duration. Lastly, PSQ was administered to all parents.
      Mean age of the children enrolled in the study was 8.1 +/- 3.4 years. Total PSQ
      score ranged between 0 and 0.95 and mean score was 0.35 +/- 0.22. Comparison of
      total PSQ scores between children reporting different symptom frequencies
      demonstrated that PSQ score increased as the symptom frequency increased (p<
      0.001). There was a significant difference of all PSQ scores among the groups (p<
      0.05 for all). Total PSQ score for children that did not report snoring was 0.2
      +/- 0.5 wile that for the ones who snore throughout sleep was 3.8 +/- 0.5 (p<
      0.001). Cronbach's alpha values for all domains of PSQ were satisfactory. All
      items were significantly correlated with their corresponding scale. Turkish
      version of PSQ is a valid and reliable tool that may be used in the initial
      evaluation of Turkish children with symptoms suggestive of SRBD.

PMID- 22087520
TI  - Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography to assess the
      angioarchitecture of pulmonary sequestration.
AB  - Bronchopulmonary sequestration is an unusual congenital malformation consisting
      of abnormal lung tissue that lacks normal communication with the tracheobronchial
      tree. The diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration is based on identifying this
      systemic arterial supply. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of multidetector
      computed tomography in demonstrating the feeding artery and draining veins.
      Between 2003 and 2008, 8 patients (6 males, 2 females) ranging in age from 5 to
      49 years with a diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration were identified. All
      patients underwent evaluation with chest tomography (spiral or multi detector
      tomography) and digital subtraction angiography. Aberrant systemic arterial
      supply was demonstrated in all cases: from the descending thoracic aorta (n= 6);
      arcus aorta (n= 1), internal mammarial artery (n= 1), intercostal arteries (n= 2)
      and celiac axis (n= 1). Four patients underwent surgery which confirmed the
      angioarchitecture depicted on angiography. One patient underwent angiography with
      embolization using. Computed tomography especially multidetector computed
      tomography is a powerful noninvasive technique for the detection of pulmonary
      sequestration.

PMID- 22087521
TI  - Clinical presentations and diagnostic work-up in sarcoidosis: a series of Turkish
      cases (clinics and diagnosis of sarcoidosis).
AB  - Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic granulomatous disease. It usually affects the lung.
      The diagnosis may be problematic since the known causes of granulomatous
      inflammation must be excluded. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the
      clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches of sarcoidosis. The study
      protocol was sent via internet, and the participants were asked to send the
      information (clinical, radiological and diagnostic) on newly diagnosed
      sarcoidosis cases. 293 patients were enrolled within two years. Pulmonary
      symptoms were found in 73.3% of the patients, and cough was the most common one
      (53.2%), followed by dyspnea (40.3%). Constitutional symptoms were occured in
      half of the patients. The most common one was fatigue (38.6%). The most common
      physical sign was eritema nodosum (17.1%). The most common chest radiograhical
      sign was bilateral hilar lymphadenomegaly (78.8%). Staging according to chest X
      ray has revealed that most of the patients were in Stage I and Stage II (51.9%
      and 31.7%, respectively). Sarcoidosis was confirmed histopathologically in 265
      (90.4%) patients. Although one-third of the bronchoscopy was revealed normal,
      mucosal hyperemi (19.8%) and external compression of the bronchial wall (16.8%)
      were common abnormal findings. The 100% success rate was obtained in
      mediastinoscopy among the frequently used sampling methods. Transbronchial biopsy
      was the most frequently used method with 48.8% success rate. Considering
      sarcoidosis with its most common and also rare findings in the differential
      diagnosis, organizing the related procedures according to the possibly effected
      areas, and the expertise of the team would favour multimodality diagnosis.

PMID- 22087522
TI  - [Varicella pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation].
AB  - We aimed to report a case of varicella pneumonia that resulted in respiratory
      failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient was a 40-year-old man whose
      rashes started after his childeren developed varicella and who had a high fever,
      sputum and sputum with blood, cough, cold and shiver four days before admission.
      A treatment was commenced by an antiviral acyclovir and ampiric ampicillin
      sulbactam therapy. Although a supporting oxygen treatment, the patient whose
      oxygen saturation did not increase and respiratory rate was high was commenced by
      an invasive mechanical ventilation because of a respiratory failure. The patient
      that had a recovery in clinical symptoms after 36 hours was extubated and was
      discharged from hospital by the following week.

PMID- 22087523
TI  - Giant mediastinal parathyroid adenoma.
AB  - Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly caused by either a parathyroid
      adenoma or parathyroid hyperplasia. Parathyroid adenomas also rarely attain huge
      proportions. We present a case of a 63-year-old female patient causing
      hypercalcemia and the mass which is located in the mediastinum. High intact
      parathormone level secondary to an ectopic hypersecretory parathyroid adenoma
      were detected (642 pg/mL). It was removed via a right thoracic approach. In this
      case parathyroid adenoma measuring 7 x 5 x 4 cm and weighing 145 g; to our
      knowledge the greatest mass reported in the literature. Despite its huge size it
      did not cause many of the hypercalcemic symptoms.

PMID- 22087524
TI  - Bilateral multiple tumor-like endobronchial tuberculosis, diagnosed with
      bronchoscopic examination.
AB  - Endobronchial tuberculosis is defined as tuberculosis infection of
      tracheobronchial tree and it is not seen often in adult population. In the
      absence of parenchymal disease endobronchial tuberculosis is less well-recognized
      and can lead to difficulties in diagnosis. Our aim is to introduce a rare form of
      tuberculosis that is important because of high probability of developing severe
      bronchostenosis during its course. We report a 20-year-old woman who presented
      with two-month history of severe non-productive cough, shortness of breath, and
      hemoptysis. After clinical and radiological evaluation, flexible bronchoscopy
      showed bilateral multiple tumorous lesions that were seen from main carina down
      to the both main bronchus. The biopsy samples revealed EBTB diagnosis and
      antituberculosis therapy was given. At the second month of the therapy,
      rebronchoscopy revealed almost disappearance of the polypoid lesions. The patient
      healed without any stenosis. This case report is a reminder that endobronchial
      tuberculosis must take into consideration in differential diagnosis of
      endobronchial lesions. In patients with endobronchial tuberculosis healing
      without any complication could be achieved with timely diagnosis and commencement
      of early treatment.

PMID- 22087525
TI  - Recurrent pulmonary tumoral embolism and sudden death as the presenting symptom
      of Wilms' tumor.
AB  - Only 4-6% of children with renal tumor show inferior vena caval or right atrial
      infiltration at presentation. Tumor emboli are even rarer, and so far, sudden
      death as the presenting symptom has only been described at presentation in Wilms'
      tumor in eight cases. We report a unique case of Wilms' tumor that presented with
      small pulmonary emboli and immediately after as that was diagnosed before death
      by detection of small emboli and immediately after sudden death as massive
      pulmonary embolism. It seems that in cases of invasive vascular infiltration with
      a stable hemodynamic condition at diagnosis immediate surgery may be necessary.

PMID- 22087526
TI  - [Bronchoscopy suite].
AB  - Flexible bronchoscopy is usually performed at a tertiary care facility in a
      general endoscopy unit or a specially designed bronchoscopy suite. The procedure
      can also be performed outside the designated facility if the qualified personnel
      and required equipment can be mobilized. In this review, we discuss the
      essentials of a modern bronchoscopy suite based on the available information from
      the literature.

PMID- 22087527
TI  - [A new alternative treatment in COPD: phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors].
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease which is characterized
      with progressive airflow obstruction and abnormal inflammatory response caused by
      noxious gases and particles. Recently oral phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors
      which block activation of inflammatory cells, are experimented as a new approach.
      Last studies showed that these drugs improve symptoms, pulmonary functions and
      quality of life, reduce the numbers of acute attacks, suppress bronchial
      inflammation in COPD. However these drugs lead to adverse reactions such as
      vomiting, diarrhea and headache. In this review we discussed roflumilast (Daxas)
      which was accepted by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), included in treatment
      of sever COPD in "The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
      (GOLD)" guideline.

PMID- 22087528
TI  - Turkish Thoracic Society asthma management and prevention guideline: key points.
AB  - Asthma still has high morbidity and cost despite all advances in pathogenesis,
      diagnosis and treatment. Although asthma can be controlled with proper diagnosis
      and treatment, the low rates of control in our country and in the world can not
      be attributed to the variable course of the disease and patients' psycho-social
      behaviours for chronic disease. In this context, Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS)
      has decided to update Asthma Diagnosis and Management Guide latest published in
      2000. National data were collected, compiled and prepared by authors, and final
      form given by the TTS Asthma and Allergy Study Group, after presenting to
      consultant individuals and institutions. In June 2009, the National Asthma
      Management and Prevention Guideline were published in Turkish. In this paper, we
      aimed to present the national guide in English with its basics and individual
      differences.

PMID- 22087529
TI  - Thorax as an extraintestinal target for inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 22087530
TI  - [Bird Breeder's Disease (report of two cases)].

PMID- 22087531
TI  - A case of pulmonary embolism confirmed by endobronchial ultrasound.

PMID- 22087532
TI  - Perceptions of environmental changes and lethargic crab disease among crab
      harvesters in a Brazilian coastal community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lethargic Crab Disease (LCD) has caused significant mortalities in
      the population of Ucides cordatus crabs in the Mucuri estuary in Bahia State,
      Brazil, and has brought social and economic problems to many crab-harvesting
      communities that depend on this natural resource. The present work examined the
      perceptions of members of a Brazilian crab harvesting community concerning
      environmental changes and the Lethargic Crab Disease. METHODS: Field work was
      undertaken during the period between January and April/2009, with weekly or
      biweekly field excursions during which open and semi-structured interviews were
      held with local residents in the municipality of Mucuri, Bahia State, Brazil. A
      total of 23 individuals were interviewed, all of whom had at least 20 years of
      crab-collecting experience in the study region. Key-informants (more experienced
      crab harvesters) were selected among the interviewees using the "native
      specialist" criterion. RESULTS: According to the collectors, LCD reached the
      Mucuri mangroves between 2004 and 2005, decimating almost all crab population in
      the area, and in 2007, 2008 and 2009 high mortalities of U. cordatus were again
      observed as a result of recurrences of this disease in the region. In addition to
      LCD, crabs were also suffering great stock reductions due to habitat degradation
      caused by deforestation, landfills, sewage effluents, domestic and industrial
      wastes and the introduction of exotic fish in the Mucuri River estuary. The
      harvesting community was found to have significant ecological knowledge about the
      functioning of mangrove swamp ecology, the biology of crabs, and the mass
      mortality that directly affected the economy of this community, and this
      information was largely in accordance with scientific knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study of traditional knowledge makes it possible to better understand human
      interactions with the environment and aids in the elaboration of appropriate
      strategies for natural resource conservation.

PMID- 22087533
TI  - The interaction of bovine serum albumin with doxorubicin-loaded superparamagnetic
      iron oxide nanoparticles: spectroscope and molecular modelling identification.
AB  - To take a comprehensive evaluation of the bio-safety of doxorubicin-loaded
      superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), the interaction of bovine
      serum albumin (BSA) with the drug delivery was investigated by multi
      spectroscopic techniques and molecular modelling calculation. Ultraviolet
      absorption and synchronous fluorescence results elucidate that DOX-SPION unfold
      the framework conformation of BSA, leading to changes in the microenvironment of
      amide moieties. Circular dichroism (CD) data show that the content of alpha-helix
      decreases from 68.62% to 62.76%, which shows the changes of protein's secondary
      structure quantificationally. Through Stern-Volmer analysis, the quenching mode
      is determined to be static interaction, forming a stable bioconjugate. The
      molecular model illustrates that DOX prefers a highly polar binding site at the
      external region of domains ? of BSA, and the hydrogen bonds are marked. This work
      elucidates that the drug delivery has deleterious effects on the frame
      conformation of protein, affecting its physiological function.

PMID- 22087534
TI  - Preparation of a tea polyphenol nanoliposome system and its physicochemical
      properties.
AB  - Tea polyphenol is rich in green tea with diverse biological activities. However,
      its application in the food industry is limited due to its instability toward
      oxygen and light. In this study, the preparation of tea polyphenol liposome by
      the thin film ultrasonic dispersion method was performed in order to enhance the
      bioavailability of tea polyphenol. The process conditions were optimized using
      response surface analysis, and the optimal parameters were as follows: ratio of
      tea polyphenol to lecithin, 0.125:1; ratio of lecithin to cholesterol, 4:1;
      phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH, 6.62; ultrasonic time, 3.5 min. The
      theoretical and practical entrapment efficiency were 60.36% and 60.09 +/- 0.69%,
      respectively. Furthermore, physicochemical properties including size
      distribution, zeta potential, permeability, infrared spectrum and in vitro
      release of liposomal formulations were determined. The mean size of tea
      polyphenol liposome was 160.4 nm, and the zeta-potential value was -67.2. The tea
      polyphenol liposome was formed by physical interaction, and the in vitro release
      process followed a first-order equation. The results indicated that the prepared
      tea polyphenol liposome was stable and suitable for more widespread application.

PMID- 22087535
TI  - Comparative study of the affinity and metabolism of type I and type II binding
      quinoline carboxamide analogues by cytochrome P450 3A4.
AB  - Compounds that coordinate to the heme-iron of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are
      assumed to increase metabolic stability. However, recently we observed that the
      type II binding quinoline carboxamide (QCA) compounds were metabolically less
      stable. To test if the higher intrinsic clearance of type II binding compounds
      relative to type I binding compounds is general for other metabolic
      transformations, we synthesized a library of QCA compounds that could undergo N
      dealkylation, O-dealkylation, benzylic hydroxylation, and aromatic hydroxylation.
      The results demonstrated that type II binding QCA analogues were metabolically
      less stable (2- to 12-fold) at subsaturating concentration compared to type I
      binding counterparts for all the transformations. When the rates of different
      metabolic transformations between type I and type II binding compounds were
      compared, they were found to be in the order of N-demethylation > benzylic
      hydroxylation> O-demethylation > aromatic hydroxylation. Finally, for the QCA
      analogues with aza-heteroaromatic rings, we did not detect metabolism in aza
      aromatic rings (pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine), indicating that
      electronegativity of the nitrogen can change regioselectivity in CYP metabolism.

PMID- 22087536
TI  - Deactivating chemical agents using enzyme-coated nanofibers formed by
      electrospinning.
AB  - The coaxial electrospinning technique was investigated as a novel method to
      create stabilized, enzyme-containing fibers that have the potential to provide
      enhanced protection from chemical agents. Electrospinning is a versatile
      technique for the fabrication of polymer fibers with large length (cm to km):
      diameter (nm to MUm) aspect ratios. The large surface to volume ratios, along
      with the biofriendly nature of this technique, enables the fabrication of fiber
      mats with high enzyme concentrations, which amplify the catalytic activity per
      unit volume of membrane. Blended composite (single-source) fibers incorporate
      enzyme throughout the fiber, which may limit substrate accessibility to the
      enzyme. In contrast, core/sheath fibers can be produced by coaxial
      electrospinning with very high enzyme loading (>80%) in the sheath without
      noticeable loss of enzymatic activity. Several core-sheath combinations have been
      explored with the toxin-mitigating enzyme DFPase in order to achieve fibers with
      optimum properties. The concentration of fluoride released, normalized for the
      amount of protein incorporated into the sheath, was used as a measure of the
      enzyme activity versus time. The coaxial core/sheath combination of PEO and
      DFPase produced the highest activity (~7.3 mM/mg).

PMID- 22087537
TI  - Differential glycomics of epithelial membrane glycoproteins from urinary
      exovesicles reveals shifts toward complex-type N-glycosylation in classical
      galactosemia.
AB  - A variety of genetic variations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase
      (GALT) gene cause profound activity loss of the enzyme and acute toxic effects
      mediated by accumulating metabolic intermediates of galactose in newborns induced
      by dietary galactose. However, even on a severely galactose-restricted diet,
      patients develop serious long-term complications of the CNS and ovaries, which
      may result from damaging perturbations in cell biology caused by endogenously
      synthezised galactose. Under galactose stress, the cosubstrate of GALT, galactose
      1-phosphate, accumulates and disturbs catabolic and anabolic pathways of the
      carbohydrate metabolism with potential effects on protein glycosylation and
      membrane localization of glycoprotein receptors, like the epidermal growth factor
      receptor. To address this issue in view of a cellular pathomechanism, we
      performed a differential semiquantitative N-glycomics study of membrane proteins.
      A suitable noninvasive cellular material derived from epithelial plasma membranes
      was found in urinary exovesicles and in the shed Tamm-Horsfall protein. By
      applying matrix-assisted laser ionization mass spectrometry on permethylated,
      PNGaseF released N-glycans, we demonstrate that GALT deficiency is associated
      with dramatic shifts from prevalent high-mannose-type glycans found in healthy
      subjects toward complex-type N-linked glycosylation in patients. These N
      glycosylation shifts were observed on exosomal N-glycoproteins but not on the
      Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, which showed predominant high-mannose-type
      glycosylation with M6.

PMID- 22087538
TI  - Expression of ghrelin and its receptors in ovarian endometrioma.
AB  - Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disorder manifesting by implantation and
      growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The evidence accumulates
      that endometriosis may be associated with abrogated regulation of energy balance.
      Ghrelin is one of the most important orexigenic factor which may also play a role
      in regulation of inflammatory and angiogenic reactions. The present study was
      aimed at investigating expression profile of ghrelin and its receptors
      (GHSR1alpha and GHSR1beta) in endometriotic lesions. The study included ovarian
      cysts and peritoneal fluid specimens obtained laparoscopically from 20 women with
      revised American Fertility Society stage III or IV endometriosis. Expression of
      specific mRNAs was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
      Expression of ghrelin and GHSR1alpha protein was studied by immunohistochemical
      staining with specific antibodies. Ghrelin and its receptors mRNA expression was
      found in all tested specimens. Specific mRNAs for these factors were also
      expressed in the peritoneal leukocytes. Immunohistochemical staining revealed
      expression of ghrelin and GHSR1alpha both in glandular endometrioid epithelium
      and in some stromal cells, particularly in some fibroblasts, blood vessels and
      infiltrating leukocytes. Co-localization of ghrelin and its receptors strongly
      suggests that this neuropeptide may affect development and growth of
      endometriotic lesions and may influence local inflammatory and angiogenic
      response.

PMID- 22087539
TI  - Methanolysis of thioamide promoted by a simple palladacycle is accelerated by
      10(8) over the methoxide-catalyzed reaction.
AB  - Palladacycle 1 catalyzes the methanolytic cleavage of N-methyl-N-(4
      nitrophenyl)thiobenzamide (4) via a mechanism involving formation of a Pd-bound
      tetrahedral intermediate (TI). The rate constant for decomposition of the complex
      formed between 1, methoxide, and 4 is 9.3 s(-1) at 25  degrees C; this reaction
      produces methyl thiobenzoate and N-methyl-4-nitroaniline. The ratio of the second
      order rate constant for the catalyzed reaction, given as k(cat)/K(d), relative to
      that of the methoxide-promoted reaction is 3 * 10(8), representing a very large
      catalysis of thioamide bond cleavage by a synthetic metal complex.

PMID- 22087540
TI  - Synthesis, absolute configuration, and bacterial mutagenicity of the 8
      stereoisomeric vicinal diol epoxides at the terminal benzo ring of carcinogenic
      dibenz[a,h]anthracene.
AB  - The synthesis of the 8 possible stereoisomeric diol epoxides (DEs) at the
      terminal benzo ring of carcinogenic dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DBA) is reported.
      trans-3,4-Dihydroxy-3,4-dihydro-DBA (1) afforded the 4 bay region DEs: the
      enantiomeric pairs of the anti diastereomers (+)-3/(-)-3 and of the syn
      diastereomers (-)-4/(+)-4, respectively. trans-1,2-Dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-DBA (2)
      served as precursor of the 4 reverse DEs: the enantiomeric pairs of the anti
      diastereomers (+)-5/(-)-5 and of the syn diastereomers (-)-6/(+)-6, respectively.
      The transformation of the olefinic double bond in the enantiomeric trans
      dihydrodiols to epoxides was achieved by either (i) oxidation with m
      chloroperoxybenzoic acid or (ii) formation of a bromohydrin with N
      bromoacetamide/H(2)O followed by dehydrobromination with an anion exchange resin.
      Because of the pseudodiequatorial conformation of the hydroxyl groups in 1, both
      reactions proceeded highly stereoselectively, while the stereoselectivity was
      impaired by the pseudodiaxial conformation of the hydroxyl groups in 2.
      Diastereomers and racemic compounds were efficiently separated without
      derivatization by HPLC on achiral or chiral stationary phases, respectively. The
      absolute configurations of the DEs were deduced from the absolute configuration
      of 1 and 2 considering the regio- and stereoselectivity of the subsequent
      reactions and resulted in (+)-(1R,2S,3S,4R)-3/(-)-(1S,2R,3R,4S)-3, (-)
      (1S,2R,3S,4R)-4/(+)-(1R,2S,3R,4S)-4, (+)-(1R,2S,3S,4R)-5/(-)-(1S,2R,3R,4S)-5, and
      (-)-(1R,2S,3R,4S)-6/(+)-(1S,2R,3S,4R)-6. The bacterial mutagenicity of the 8
      stereoisomeric DEs was determined in histidine-dependent strains TA98 and TA100
      of Salmonella typhimurium in the absence of a metabolizing system. In general,
      the bay region DEs of DBA were stronger mutagens than the reverse DEs. In strain
      TA98, the syn diastereomers of bay region DEs were stronger mutagens than their
      anti isomers, while in the case of reverse DEs the anti diastereomers were more
      potent than their syn isomers. In strain TA100, all syn diastereomers surpassed
      the bacterial mutagenicity of their anti isomers. Concerning the bay region DEs
      of DBA, this corresponds to the situation described for benzo[a]pyrene: of the 4
      enantiomeric bay region DEs of DBA and benzo[a]pyrene, the syn diastereomer with
      [(R,S)-diol (R,S)-epoxide] absolute configuration is the most potent mutagen in
      both bacterial strains, while the anti isomer with [(S,R)-diol (R,S)-epoxide]
      configuration is the weakest mutagen.

PMID- 22087541
TI  - Three genetic polymorphisms of homocysteine-metabolizing enzymes and risk of
      coronary heart disease: appraisal of a recent meta-analysis.

PMID- 22087542
TI  - Mechanisms of crystalline silica-induced pulmonary toxicity revealed by global
      gene expression profiling.
AB  - A proper understanding of the mechanisms underlying crystalline silica-induced
      pulmonary toxicity has implications in the management and potential prevention of
      the adverse health effects associated with silica exposure including silicosis,
      cancer and several auto-immune diseases. Human lung type II epithelial cells and
      rat lungs exposed to crystalline silica were employed as experimental models to
      determine global gene expression changes in order to understand the molecular
      mechanisms underlying silica-induced pulmonary toxicity. The differential gene
      expression profile induced by silica correlated with its toxicity in the A549
      cells. The biological processes perturbed by silica exposure in the A549 cells
      and rat lungs, as identified by the bioinformatics analysis of the differentially
      expressed genes, demonstrated significant similarity. Functional categorization
      of the differentially expressed genes identified cancer, cellular movement,
      cellular growth and proliferation, cell death, inflammatory response, cell cycle,
      cellular development, and genetic disorder as top ranking biological functions
      perturbed by silica exposure in A549 cells and rat lungs. Results of our study,
      in addition to confirming several previously identified molecular targets and
      mechanisms involved in silica toxicity, identified novel molecular targets and
      mechanisms potentially involved in silica-induced pulmonary toxicity. Further
      investigations, including those focused on the novel molecular targets and
      mechanisms identified in the current study may result in better management and,
      possibly, reduction and/or prevention of the potential adverse health effects
      associated with crystalline silica exposure.

PMID- 22087544
TI  - Supported ionic liquid membranes for removal of dioxins from high-temperature
      vapor streams.
AB  - Dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals are predominantly produced by thermal processes
      such as incineration and combustion at concentrations in the range of 10-100 ng
      of I-TEQ/kg (I-TEQ = international toxic equivalents). In this work, a new
      approach for the removal of dioxins from high-temperature vapor streams using
      facilitated supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) is proposed. The use of
      ceramic membranes containing specific ionic liquids, with extremely low
      volatility, for dioxin removal from incineration sources is proposed owing to
      their stability at very high temperatures. Supported liquid membranes were
      prepared by successfully immobilizing the ionic liquids tri-C(8)-C(10)
      alkylmethylammonium dicyanamide ([Aliquat][DCA]) and 1-n-octyl-3
      methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([Omim][DCA]) inside the porous structure of
      ceramic membranes. The porous inorganic membranes tested were made of titanium
      oxide (TiO(2)), with a nominal pore size of 30 nm, and aluminum oxide
      (Al(2)O(3)), with a nominal pore size of 100 nm. The ionic liquids were
      characterized, and the membrane performance was assessed for the removal of
      dioxins. Different materials (membrane pore size, type of ionic liquid, and
      dioxin) and different operating conditions (temperature and flow rate) were
      tested to evaluate the efficiency of SILMs for dioxin removal. All membranes
      prepared were stable at temperatures up to 200  degrees C. Experiments with model
      incineration gas were also carried out, and the results obtained validate the
      potential of using ceramic membranes with immobilized ionic liquids for the
      removal of dioxins from high-temperature vapor sources.

PMID- 22087543
TI  - Undernutrition among HIV-positive children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania:
      antiretroviral therapy alone is not enough.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS has exacerbated the impact of childhood
      undernutrition in many developing countries, including Tanzania. Even with the
      provision of antiretroviral therapy, undernutrition among HIV-positive children
      remains a serious problem. Most studies to examine risk factors for
      undernutrition have been limited to the general population and ART-naive HIV
      positive children, making it difficult to generalize findings to ART-treated HIV
      positive children. The objectives of this study were thus to compare the
      proportions of undernutrition among ART-treated HIV-positive and HIV-negative
      children and to examine factors associated with undernutrition among ART-treated
      HIV-positive children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: From September to
      October 2010, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 213 ART-treated HIV
      positive and 202 HIV-negative children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We measured
      the children's anthropometrics, socio-demographic factors, food security, dietary
      habits, diarrhea episodes, economic status, and HIV clinical stage. Data were
      analyzed using both univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: ART-treated HIV
      positive children had higher rates of undernutrition than their HIV-negative
      counterparts. Among the ART-treated HIV-positive children, 78 (36.6%) were
      stunted, 47 (22.1%) were underweight, and 29 (13.6%) were wasted. Households of
      ART-treated HIV-positive children exhibited lower economic status, lower levels
      of education, and higher percentages of unmarried caregivers with higher
      unemployment rates. Food insecurity was prevalent in over half of ART-treated HIV
      positive children's households. Furthermore, ART-treated HIV-positive children
      were more likely to be orphaned, to be fed less frequently, and to have lower
      body weight at birth compared to HIV-negative children.In the multivariate
      analysis, child's HIV-positive status was associated with being underweight (AOR
      = 4.61, 95% CI 1.38-15.36 P = 0.013) and wasting (AOR = 9.62, 95% CI 1.72-54.02,
      P = 0.010) but not with stunting (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.26-1.77, P = 0.428).
      Important factors associated with underweight status among ART-treated HIV
      positive children included hunger (AOR = 9.90, P = 0.022), feeding frequency (AOR
      = 0.02, p < 0.001), and low birth weight (AOR = 5.13, P = 0.039). Factors
      associated with wasting among ART-treated HIV-positive children were diarrhea
      (AOR = 22.49, P = 0.001) and feeding frequency (AOR = 0.03, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS is associated with an increased burden of child underweight
      status and wasting, even among ART-treated children, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
      In addition to increasing coverage of ART among HIV-positive children,
      interventions to ameliorate poor nutrition status may be necessary in this and
      similar settings. Such interventions should aim at promoting adequate feeding
      patterns, as well as preventing and treating diarrhea.

PMID- 22087546
TI  - Effect of precursor-layer surface charge on the layer-by-layer assembly of
      polyelectrolyte/nanoparticle multilayers.
AB  - In this Article, we investigate the effect of a precursor layer, which is
      composed of four bilayers of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(sodium styrene
      sulfonate) (PSS), on the subsequent LBL assembly of hybrid films composed of
      indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles and PSS. A precursor polyelectrolyte layer
      is usually deposited to minimize interference by the substrate. It is shown here
      that the "effective" surface charge of the precursor layer can significantly
      affect the subsequent assembly behavior of [ITO/PSS](9.5) hybrid thin films.
      Depending on the surface charge of the precursor layer, the subsequent LbL
      assembly of [ITO/PSS](9.5) hybrid films can exhibit either one or two regimes.
      When two growth regimes are present, the first one consists of a "recovery
      regime", and the second is the expected "linear growth regime." The length of the
      "recovery regime" is dependent on how much positive charge the precursor layer
      possesses and how fast this surface charge can be compensated. This work reveals
      for the first time that changes in the surface charge of the precursor layer can
      have a significant effect on the subsequent LBL assembly process. The surface
      charge of the precursor layer was investigated using zeta-potential measurements
      on model silica microspheres. These experiments showed that the surface charge of
      the precursor layer, [PEI/PSS](4), is dependent on the pH of the solution in
      which it is immersed, and that it can reverse from a negatively charged surface
      to a positively charged one, at sufficiently low pH due to the protonation of
      PEI, despite having the negatively charged PSS layer as the outermost layer.

PMID- 22087545
TI  - Mediterranean Diet Effect: an Italian picture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall diet quality
      effects, mainly on antioxidant nutritional status and some cytokines related to
      the cellular immune response as well as oxidative stress in a healthy Italian
      population group. METHODS: An observational study was conducted on 131 healthy
      free-living subjects. Dietary intake was assessed by dietary diary. Standardised
      procedures were used to make anthropometric measurements. On blood samples
      (serum, plasma and whole blood) were evaluated: antioxidant status by vitamin A,
      vitamin E, carotenoids, vitamin C, uric acid, SH groups, SOD and GPx activities;
      lipid blood profile by total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
      triglycerides; total antioxidant capacity by FRAP and TRAP; the immune status by
      TNF-alpha, and IL-10 cytokines; the levels of malondialdehyde in the erythrocytes
      as marker of lipid peroxidation. RESULTS: The daily macronutrients intake (g/day)
      have shown a high lipids consumption and significant differences between the
      sexes with regard to daily micronutrients intake. On total sample mean
      Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was 4.5 +/- 1.6 and no significant differences
      between the sexes were present. A greater adherence to a Mediterranean dietary
      pattern increases the circulating plasma levels of carotenoids (lutein plus
      zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, alpha and beta-carotene), vitamin A and vitamin E. The
      levels of endogenous antioxidants were also improved. We observed higher levels
      in anti-inflammatory effect cytokines (IL-10) in subjects with MDS >= 6, by
      contrast, subjects with MDS <= 3 show higher levels in sense of proinflammatory
      (TNF alpha P < 0.05). Lower levels of MDA were associated with MDS > 4. Our data
      suggest a protective role of vitamin A against chronic inflammatory conditions
      especially in subjects with the highest adherence to the Mediterranean-type
      dietary pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with
      significant amelioration of multiple risk factors, including a better
      cardiovascular risk profile, reduced oxidative stress and modulation of
      inflammation.

PMID- 22087547
TI  - A mathematical model of psychotherapy: an investigation using dynamic non-linear
      equations to model the therapeutic relationship.
AB  - Mathematical models, such as the one developed by Gottman et al. (1998, 2000,
      2002) to understand the interaction between husbands and wives, can provide novel
      insights into the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. A set of nonlinear
      equations were used to model the changing emotional state of a therapist and
      client. The results suggest: (1) The person that is most responsive to the other
      achieves the most positive state, (2) the emotional state of the client
      oscillates before reaching its final state, (3) therapy is least successful when
      the therapist starts from a negative state, and (4) there is an inverse
      relationship between models that change only the influence parameter and models
      that change only the inertia parameter, creating a series of four basic models to
      work with. These theoretical models require further, empirical investigation to
      test the derived parameters. If validated, or revised based on observations of
      therapist-client relationships in development, they could provide specific
      direction in creating successful therapeutic relationships for training
      clinicians and those already in practice.

PMID- 22087548
TI  - Synthesis and fluorescence properties of novel pyrazine-boron complexes bearing a
      beta-iminoketone ligand.
AB  - A novel fluorescence dye based on pyrazine-boron complexes bearing a beta
      iminoketone ligand has been synthesized by using a simple two-step reaction.
      Synthesized complexes exhibited fluorescence in solution (F(max): 472-604 nm) and
      in the solid state (F(max): 496-624 nm). These complexes showed a larger Stokes
      shift (3690-4900 cm(-1)) than well-known boron dipyrromethene dyes (400-600 cm(
      1), in most cases).

PMID- 22087549
TI  - "The group" in integrated HIV and livelihoods programming: opportunity or
      challenge?
AB  - HIV care and treatment providers across sub-Saharan Africa are integrating
      livelihood interventions to improve food security of their clientele. Many
      integrated HIV and livelihood programmes (IHLPs) require the formation and use of
      groups of HIV-infected/affected individuals as the operational target for
      programme interventions, indeed, virtually without exception the group is the
      focal point for material and intellectual inputs of IHLPs. We sought to
      critically examine the group approach to programming among IHLPs in Uganda, and
      to explore and problematise the assumptions underpinning this model. A case study
      approach to studying 16 IHLPs was adopted. Each IHLP was treated as a case
      comprising multiple in-depth interviews conducted with staff along the livelihood
      programme chain. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with staff from
      The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), and with members of 71 HIV-infected TASO
      registered client households. Our analysis reveals three important considerations
      in IHLP programming regarding the group-centred approach: (1) Group membership is
      widely held to confer benefits in the form of psycho-social and motivational
      support, particularly in empowering individuals to access HIV services and handle
      stigma. This is contrasted with the problem of stigma inherent in joining groups
      defined by HIV-status; (2) Membership in groups can bring economic benefits
      through the pooling of labour and resources. These benefits however need to be
      set against the costs of membership, when members are required to make
      contributions in the form of money, goods or labour; (3) Sharing of goods and
      labour in the context of group membership allow members to access benefits which
      would otherwise be inaccessible. In exchange, individual choice and control are
      diminished and problems of resources held in common can arise. While the group
      model can bring benefits to IHLP efficiency and by extension to food security,
      and other outcomes, its application needs to be carefully scrutinised at the
      individual programme level, in terms of whether it is an appropriate approach,
      and in terms of mitigating potentially adverse effects.

PMID- 22087551
TI  - The impact and management of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder diagnosed by the
      presence of bradykinesia and at least 1 of the symptoms of rigidity, resting
      tremor, or postural instability. It is increasingly recognized that nonmotor
      symptoms are common and can adversely affect quality of life, yet they often are
      not diagnosed and consequently are often untreated. Nonmotor symptoms include
      neuropsychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, impulse
      control disorders, and cognitive impairment, as well as autonomic dysfunction,
      which may present as gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual disturbances. Nonmotor
      symptoms also include excessive sweating, orthostatic hypotension, and sleep
      disturbances. Management of PD requires recognition of both motor and nonmotor
      symptoms as well as an understanding of the relationship between these symptoms
      and how they can be affected by treatments for PD. Therapy should be
      individualized for each patient, as treatments for the motor symptoms of PD can
      improve some nonmotor symptoms while they can worsen others. In many cases,
      symptom-specific treatments are necessary to control nonmotor symptoms of PD.

PMID- 22087550
TI  - Role of blood cell-associated angiotensin II type 1 receptors in the cerebral
      microvascular response to ischemic stroke during angiotensin-induced
      hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers lower the incidence of
      ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients and attenuate brain inflammation and
      injury in animal models. Although AT1R on both blood cells (BC) and vascular
      endothelial cells (EC) can be activated by angiotensin II (Ang II) to elicit
      inflammation, little is known about the relative contributions of AT1R expressed
      on BC and EC to the brain injury responses to ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in
      the setting of angiotensin-induced hypertension. METHODS: The contributions of BC
      and EC-associated AT1R to I/R-induced brain inflammation and injury were
      evaluated using wild type (WT), AT1aR-/-, and bone marrow chimera mice with
      either a BC+/EC+ (WT->WT) or BC-/EC+ (AT1aR-/-->WT) distribution of AT1aR. The
      adhesion of leukocytes and platelets in venules, blood brain barrier (BBB)
      permeability and infarct volume were monitored in postischemic brain of
      normotensive and Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. RESULTS: The inflammatory
      (blood cell adhesion) and injury (BBB permeability, infarct volume) responses
      were greatly exaggerated in the presence of Ang II-induced hypertension. The Ang
      II-enhanced responses were significantly blunted in AT1aR-/- mice. A similar
      level of protection was noted in AT1aR-/- ->WT mice for BBB permeability and
      infarct volume, while less or no protection was evident for leukocyte and
      platelet adhesion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BC- and EC-associated AT1aR are
      both involved in the brain injury responses to ischemic stroke during Ang II
      hypertension, with EC AT1aR contributing more to the blood cell recruitment
      response and BC AT1aR exerting a significant influence on the BBB disruption and
      tissue necrosis elicited by I/R.

PMID- 22087552
TI  - Advanced strategies for treatment of Parkinson's disease: the role of early
      treatment.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with significant patient disability and
      costs to the healthcare system. It is questioned whether early treatment may
      improve outcomes and delay disability. Early treatment relies on early diagnosis,
      which can be difficult to achieve because the diagnosis of PD is based on motor
      symptoms, is clinical in nature, and is complicated by potential presentation of
      nonmotor symptoms prior to motor symptoms. Economic analyses demonstrate that
      treatments other than levodopa may be cost-effective. The lack of correlation
      between Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) outcomes and imaging studies of dopamine
      uptake may reflect the inappropriate selection of study end points, since
      activities of daily living scores may be more applicable than motor function
      scores. Levodopa, the standard therapy for motor control of PD and one of the
      most effective options, is associated with complications (a wearing-off effect)
      when used long term. Other therapies, including dopamine agonists and monoamine
      oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitors, may limit the rate of dyskinesia relative to
      levodopa-based regimens. It appears that early treatment with the MAO-B inhibitor
      rasagiline (1 mg), as compared with late treatment, delays the onset of worsened
      UPDRS score, especially the nonmotor activities of daily living subscore.

PMID- 22087553
TI  - Implications for managed care for improving outcomes in Parkinson's disease:
      balancing aggressive treatment with appropriate care.
AB  - Disability in Parkinson's disease (PD) is due not only to progressive impairment
      in balance, gait, and motor-related tasks, but also to several nonmotor symptoms
      affecting autonomic, neuropsychiatric, and sensory functions. The prevalence of
      PD in the United States is rising due to the expanding elderly population. Direct
      medical costs associated with PD are significant and influenced by level of
      disability and associated complexity of management. As new treatments are made
      available, reevaluation of treatment benefits and paradigms is warranted, for
      both motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD, to better manage outcomes. In addition to
      evaluation of symptomatic therapies for PD, attention to advances in disease
      modifying therapies and to management of nonmotor symptoms should be an integral
      component of PD surveillance in the managed care environment.

PMID- 22087554
TI  - EscI: a crucial component of the type III secretion system forms the inner rod
      structure in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.
AB  - The T3SS (type III secretion system) is a multi-protein complex that plays a
      central role in the virulence of many gram-negative bacterial pathogens. This
      apparatus spans both bacterial membranes and transports virulence factors from
      the bacterial cytoplasm into eukaryotic host cells. The T3SS exports substrates
      in a hierarchical and temporal manner. The first secreted substrates are the
      rod/needle proteins which are incorporated into the T3SS apparatus and are
      required for the secretion of later substrates, the translocators and effectors.
      In the present study, we provide evidence that rOrf8/EscI, a poorly characterized
      locus of enterocyte effacement-encoded protein, functions as the inner rod
      protein of the T3SS of EPEC (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli). We demonstrate
      that EscI is essential for type III secretion and is also secreted as an early
      substrate of the T3SS. We found that EscI interacts with EscU, the integral
      membrane protein that is linked to substrate specificity switching, implicating
      EscI in the substrate-switching event. Furthermore, we showed that EscI self
      associates and interacts with the outer membrane secretin EscC, further
      supporting its function as an inner rod protein. Overall, the results of the
      present study suggest that EscI is the YscI/PrgJ/MxiI homologue in the T3SS of
      attaching and effacing pathogens.

PMID- 22087555
TI  - Change in self-reported emotional distress and parenting among parents referred
      to inpatient child psychiatric family treatment.
AB  - AIMS: Our aim was to examine changes in distress symptoms and parenting
      dimensions among parents in child psychiatry services (clinic parents) (n = 102).
      Parents were followed from referral and admission to 3-month and 12-month follow
      ups of "treatment-as-usual" at inpatient family clinics. These measurements were
      compared with a sample of community parent (n = 439) standards. METHODS:
      Standardized questionnaires measuring the child's problems, parental anxiety and
      depression symptoms (distress), and warmth protectiveness and authoritarianism
      (parenting dimensions), were distributed to parents four times (T0-T1-T2-T3). The
      family clinics received families whose children had long-term problems and
      unsatisfactory previous treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Clinic mothers, but not
      fathers, showed an improvement in distress symptoms at the 3-month (T2) and 12
      month (T3) follow-ups relative to at admission (T1). Nevertheless, clinic mothers
      displayed distress symptoms at all measurement points compared with community
      parents. Parents of children with learning/developmental problems and attention
      disorders showed significantly higher warmth scores at the 3-month and 12-month
      follow-up compared with at admission, although the levels remained lower than
      those of community parents. In contrast, parents of children with emotional
      problems showed the same level of warmth as community parents and lower levels of
      protectiveness, but no change in these parenting dimensions T1-T2. IMPLICATIONS:
      Parental emotional distress symptoms and parenting characteristics should be
      addressed systematically in child psychiatry to inform evaluations of the context
      of the child's problems and the family's treatment needs. Systematic and
      effective treatment components related to parenting should be implemented.

PMID- 22087556
TI  - The influence of environmental factors on the generalisability of public health
      research evidence: physical activity as a worked example.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is rare that decisions about investing in public health
      interventions in a city, town or other location can be informed by research
      generated in that specific place. It is therefore necessary to base decisions on
      evidence generated elsewhere and to make inferences about the extent to which
      this evidence is generalisable to the place of interest. In this paper we discuss
      the issues involved in making such inferences, using physical activity as an
      example. We discuss the ways in which elements of the structural, physical,
      social and/or cultural environment (environmental factors [EFs]) can shape
      physical activity (PA) and also how EFs may influence the effectiveness of
      interventions that aim to promote PA. We then highlight the ways in which EFs may
      impact on the generalisability of different types of evidence. DISCUSSION: We
      present a framework for thinking about the influence of EFs when assessing the
      generalisability of evidence from the location in which the evidence was
      generated (place A) to the location to which the evidence is to be applied (place
      B). The framework relates to similarities and differences between place A and
      place B with respect to: a) the distributions of EFs; b) the causal pathways
      through which EFs or interventions are thought to exert their effect on PA and c)
      the ways in which EFs interact with each other. We suggest, using examples, how
      this scheme can be used by public health professionals who are designing,
      executing, reporting and synthesising research on PA; or designing/implementing
      interventions. SUMMARY: Our analysis and scheme, although developed for physical
      activity, may potentially be adapted and applied to other evidence and
      interventions which are likely to be sensitive to influence by elements of the
      structural, physical, social and/or cultural environment such as the epidemiology
      of obesity and healthy weight promotion.

PMID- 22087557
TI  - Antiproliferative activity of pomiferin in normal (MCF-10A) and transformed (MCF
      7) breast epithelial cells.
AB  - Pomiferin and osajin are prenylated isoflavones from Osage orange fruit that both
      have potent antioxidant activity in a variety of assays. Pomiferin, in
      particular, has strong activity against the superoxide anion in a
      photochemiluminescence (PCL) assay system. In vitro, pomiferin, but not osajin,
      demonstrated selective antiproliferative activity against the tumorigenic breast
      epithelial cell line MCF-7 (IC(50) = 5.2 MUM) with limited toxicity toward
      nontumorigenic breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). The differential sensitivity of
      normal and tumorigenic cells to the antiproliferative action of pomiferin was
      examined further by using cDNA microarrays. With a stringent cutoff of p < 0.01,
      a total of 94 genes were significantly differentially expressed between MCF-7 and
      MCF-10A cells; 80 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated when cells were exposed to 5
      MUM pomiferin for 24 h. Fold changes by microarray analysis were confirmed using
      RT-qPCR, and the most significant changes were found with genes related to
      antioxidant enzymes. Genes involved in mitotic inhibition and apoptotic
      regulations were also found to be up-regulated. Pomiferin is therefore a good
      anticancer candidate agent that may be useful either alone or in combination with
      other therapeutic agents and, because of its selectivity toward tumor cells,
      likely to have fewer side effects that classic chemotherapy drugs.

PMID- 22087558
TI  - Virtual 3D tumor marking-exact intraoperative coordinate mapping improve post
      operative radiotherapy.
AB  - The quality of the interdisciplinary interface in oncological treatment between
      surgery, pathology and radiotherapy is mainly dependent on reliable anatomical
      three-dimensional (3D) allocation of specimen and their context sensitive
      interpretation which defines further treatment protocols. Computer-assisted
      preoperative planning (CAPP) allows for outlining macroscopical tumor size and
      margins. A new technique facilitates the 3D virtual marking and mapping of frozen
      sections and resection margins or important surgical intraoperative information.
      These data could be stored in DICOM format (Digital Imaging and Communication in
      Medicine) in terms of augmented reality and transferred to communicate patient's
      specific tumor information (invasion to vessels and nerves, non-resectable tumor)
      to oncologists, radiotherapists and pathologists.

PMID- 22087559
TI  - Independent cytotoxic and inflammatory responses to zinc oxide nanoparticles in
      human monocytes and macrophages.
AB  - Significant public and scientific concerns remain for the use of nanoparticles
      (NPs) in commercial products, particularly those applied topically for skin care.
      There are currently a range of metal oxides formulated into many sunscreens that
      are present at the nanoscale. In this study, we sought to determine the effect of
      the size and dispersion of one type of these NPs (zinc oxide) on immune cell
      function and cytotoxicity for human macrophages and monocytes, which are key
      cells for particle and debris clearance in the skin. We have found that particle
      size and coating, but surprisingly, not agglomeration, are key determinates of
      nanoparticle cytotoxicity in an in vitro culture system of human immune cells.
      Most importantly, we found that this nanoparticle-induced cellular immune
      signalling, can be decoupled from cytotoxicity and surface coating, so that at an
      equivalent cytotoxic load, smaller particles induce a greater cellular response.

PMID- 22087560
TI  - Evolutionary insights into postembryonic development of adult intestinal stem
      cells.
AB  - In the adult vertebrate intestine, multi-potent stem cells continuously generate
      all of the epithelial cells throughout the adulthood. While it has long been
      known that the frog intestine is formed via the development of adult intestinal
      stem cells during thyroid hormone (TH)-dependent metamorphosis, the basic
      structure of the adult intestine is formed by birth in mammals and it is unclear
      if the subsequent maturation of the intestine involves any changes in the
      intestinal stem cells. Two recent papers showing that B lymphocyte-induced
      maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) regulates postnatal epithelial stem cell
      reprogramming during mouse intestinal maturation support the model that adult
      intestinal stem cells are developed during postembryonic development in mammals,
      in a TH-dependent process similar to intestinal remodeling during amphibian
      metamorphosis. Since the formation of the adult intestine in both mammals and
      amphibians is closely associated with the adaptation from aquatic to terrestrial
      life during the peak of endogenous TH levels, the molecular mechanisms by which
      the adult stem cells are developed are likely evolutionally conserved.

PMID- 22087561
TI  - A 3D-QSAR-driven approach to binding mode and affinity prediction.
AB  - A method for predicting the binding mode of a series of ligands is proposed. The
      procedure relies on three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity
      relationships (3D-QSAR) and does not require structural knowledge of the binding
      site. Candidate alignments are automatically built and ranked according to a
      consensus scoring function. 3D-QSAR analysis based on the selected binding mode
      enables affinity prediction of new drug candidates having less than 10 rotatable
      bonds.

PMID- 22087562
TI  - Electronic stabilization of trigonal bipyramidal clusters: the role of the Sn(II)
      ions in [Pt5(CO)5{Cl2Sn(MU-OR)SnCl2}3]3- (R = H, Me, Et, iPr).
AB  - The new [Pt(5)(CO)(5){Cl(2)Sn(MU-OR)SnCl(2)}(3)](3-) (R = H, Me, Et, (i)Pr; 1-4)
      clusters contain trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) Pt(5)(CO)(5) cores, as certified by
      the X-ray structures of [Na(CH(3)CN)(5)][NBu(4)](2)[1].2CH(3)CN and
      [PPh(4)](3)[4].3CH(3)COCH(3). The TBP geometry, which is rare for group 10
      metals, is supported by an unprecedented interpenetration with a nonbonded
      trigonal prism of tin atoms. By capping all the Pt(3) faces, the Sn(II) lone
      pairs account for both Sn-Pt and Pt-Pt bonding, as indicated by DFT and
      topological wave function studies. In the TBP interactions, the metals use their
      vacant s and p orbitals using the electrons provided by Sn atoms, hence mimicking
      the electronic picture of main group analogues, which obey the Wade's rule. Other
      metal TBP clusters with the same total electron count (TEC) of 72 are different
      because the skeletal bonding is largely contributed by d-d interactions (e.g.,
      [Os(5)(CO)(14)(PR(3))(MU-H)(n)](n-2), n = 0, 1, 2). In 1-4, fully occupied d
      shells at the Pt(ax) atoms exert a residual nucleophilicity toward the adjacent
      main group Sn(II) ions permitting their hypervalency through unsual metal
      donation.

PMID- 22087563
TI  - Monounsaturated fatty acid, carbohydrate intake, and diabetes status are
      associated with arterial pulse pressure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a global epidemic. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of
      the most prevalent consequences of diabetes. Nutrition is considered a modifiable
      risk factor for CVD, particularly for individuals with diabetes; albeit, there is
      little consensus on the role of carbohydrates, proteins and fats for arterial
      health for persons with or without diabetes. In this study, we examined the
      association of macronutrients with arterial pulse pressure (APP), a surrogate
      measure of arterial health by diabetes status and race. METHODS: Participants
      were 892 Mexican Americans (MA), 1059 Black, non-Hispanics (BNH) and 2473 White,
      non-Hispanics (WNH) with and without diabetes of a weighted sample from the
      National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008. The cross
      sectional analysis was performed with IBM-SPSS version 18 with the complex sample
      analysis module. The two-year sample weight for the sub-sample with laboratory
      values was applied to reduce bias and approximate a nationally, representative
      sample. Arterial stiffness was assessed by arterial pulse pressure (APP).
      RESULTS: APP was higher for MA [B = 0.063 (95% CI 0.015 to 0.111), p = 0.013] and
      BNH [B = 0.044 (95% CI 0.006 to 0.082), p = 0.018] than WNH, controlling for
      diabetes, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), fiber intake, energy intake (Kcal)
      and smoking. A two-way interaction of diabetes by carbohydrate intake (grams) was
      inversely associated with APP [B = -1.18 (95% CI -0.178 to -0.058), p = 0.001],
      controlling for race, age, gender, BMI, Kcal and smoking. BNH with diabetes who
      consumed more mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than WNH with diabetes had
      lower APP [B = -0.112 (95%CI-0.179 to -0.045), p = 0.003] adjusting for saturated
      fatty acids, Kcal, age, gender, BMI and smoking. CONCLUSION: Higher MUFA and
      carbohydrate intake for persons with diabetes reflecting lower APP may be due to
      replacement of saturated fats with CHO and MUFA. The associations of APP with
      diabetes, race and dietary intake need to be confirmed with intervention and
      prospective studies. Confirmation of these results would suggest that dietary
      interventions for minorities with diabetes may improve arterial health.

PMID- 22087564
TI  - Effects of maternal education on diet, anemia, and iron deficiency in Korean
      school-aged children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the relationship among socioeconomic status factors,
      the risk of anemia, and iron deficiency among school-aged children in Korea.
      METHODS: The sample consisted of fourth-grade students aged 10 y recruited from
      nine elementary schools in Korean urban areas in 2008 (n = 717). Anthropometric
      and blood biochemistry data were obtained for this cross-sectional observational
      study. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels lower than 11.5 g/dl. Iron
      deficiency was defined as serum iron levels lower than 40 ug/dl. We also obtained
      data on parental education from questionnaires and on children's diets from 3-day
      food diaries. Parental education was categorized as low or high, with the latter
      representing an educational level beyond high school. RESULTS: Children with more
      educated mothers were less likely to develop anemia (P = 0.0324) and iron
      deficiency (P = 0.0577) than were those with less educated mothers. This group
      consumed more protein (P = 0.0004) and iron (P = 0.0012) from animal sources than
      did the children of less educated mothers, as reflected by their greater
      consumption of meat, poultry, and derivatives (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression
      analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between maternal education
      and the prevalence of anemia (odds ratio: 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.32,
      0.85). CONCLUSIONS: As a contributor to socioeconomic status, maternal education
      is important in reducing the risk of anemia and iron deficiency and in increasing
      children's consumption of animal food sources.

PMID- 22087565
TI  - The EFSA health claims 'learning experience'.
AB  - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently highlighted the need to
      provide scientific requirements for health claims and to find new regulatory
      issues for healthy food products. For this reason, EFSA asked its Dietetic
      Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) panel to draft additional guidelines on
      scientific assessment of these claims. A new approach for a strict substantiation
      of health issues in selected fields: the Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006
      established in fact that health claims applications should only be authorized
      after a high level of scientific validation conducted by EFSA using appropriate
      measures in this evaluation. The legislation should not only protect consumers
      but also define specific research areas with appropriate outcome measures to
      assess the quality, relevance and adequacy of studies conducted for scientific
      validation of health claims. The new system was not only a necessary support for
      consumers to make the correct choice of products, but rather a way for EFSA to
      demonstrate transparency of this new approach. This was the field of the
      pharmaceutical industry, this new regulation is, therefore, also for EFSA, an
      expensive learning process.

PMID- 22087566
TI  - Self-repairing systems based on ionomers and epoxidized natural rubber blends.
AB  - The development of materials with the ability of intrinsic self-repairing after
      damage in a fashion resembling that of living tissues has important scientific
      and technological implications, particularly in relation to cost-effective
      approaches toward damage management of materials. Natural rubbers with epoxy
      functional groups in the macromolecular chain (ENR) and ethylene-methacrylic acid
      ionomers having acid groups partially neutralized with metal ions possess self
      repairing behavior following high energy impacts. This research investigates the
      self-repairing behavior of both ENR and ionomers during ballistic puncture test
      on the basis of their thermal and mechanical properties. Heterogeneous blending
      of ionomers and ENR have also been used here as a strategy to tune the thermal
      and mechanical properties of the materials. Interestingly, blends of sodium ion
      containing ionomer exhibit complete self-repairing behavior, whereas blends of
      zinc ion containing ionomer show limited mending. The chemical structure studied
      by FTIR and thermal analysis shows that both ion content of ionomer and
      functionality of ENR have significant influence on the self-repairing behavior of
      blends. The mobility of rubbery phases along with its interaction to ionomer
      phase in the blends significantly changes the mending capability of materials.
      The healing behavior of the materials has been discussed on the basis of their
      thermal, mechanical, and rheological tests for each materials.

PMID- 22087567
TI  - Phenotypic variation in a Chinese family with 46,XY and 46,XX 17alpha-hydroxylase
      deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder
      characterized by sexual infantilism, amenorrhea, hypertension and hypokalemia,
      which is caused by mutations in the CYP17A1 gene. To date, more than 50 mutations
      in this gene have been described. METHODS: The clinical features and biochemical
      data of a pair of 46,XY and 46,XX Chinese siblings with 17alpha-hydroxylase
      deficiency from Singapore were studied. Direct DNA sequence analysis of the
      CYP17A1 gene was performed. RESULTS: There was significant phenotypic variation
      between the siblings. The proband (46,XY) presented classically with sexual
      infantilism, amenorrhea and hypertension. The younger sibling (46,XX) also
      presented with amenorrhea, but she had breast development and absence of
      hypokalemic hypertension. The same compound heterozygous mutations in CYP17A1
      gene were identified in both patients. A missense mutation (P409R) was detected
      in exon 7, and a 9-bp deletion (D487-S488-F489del) was detected in exon 8.
      CONCLUSION: We confirmed the diagnosis of 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency in these
      two patients. Both P409R and D487-S488-F489del have been described previously and
      are widely propagated in the Chinese population in East and Southeast Asia. We
      propose that the phenotypic expression of affected individuals with 17alpha
      hydroxylase deficiency is karyotype-dependent, with individuals having the 46,XX
      karyotype having less pronounced clinical symptoms.

PMID- 22087568
TI  - Silicon-based Lewis acid assisted cinchona alkaloid catalysis: highly
      enantioselective aza-Michael reaction under solvent-free conditions.
AB  - The study showed that a combination of an achiral silicon-based Lewis acid and
      chiral Lewis base, such as iodotrimethylsilane (TMSI) and cinchonine, generated a
      highly enantioselective catalyst system under solvent-free conditions which gave
      aromatic beta-amino ketones with up to >99% ee. Mechanistic studies demonstrate
      the enhanced asymmetric induction may be due to the combined and competitive
      activation of a carbonyl moiety of chalcone with cinchonine and the silicon-based
      Lewis acid in the aza-Michael reaction.

PMID- 22087569
TI  - The need for support services for family carers of people with motor neurone
      disease (MND): views of current and former family caregivers a qualitative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Family carers provide the majority of home-based care for people with
      motor neurone disease (MND). Carers' need for, and use of, support services are
      not fully understood; this study aimed to explore, from a qualitative
      perspective, the views of current and former family carers of people with MND.
      METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken in Northwest England, using narrative
      interviews with current (18) and former (10) carers of a family member with MND.
      An optional longitudinal element involving diary completion was offered to the
      current carers. Data were analyzed using a thematic framework approach. RESULTS:
      Carer's needs vary, but encompass the provision of information and training,
      availability of respite care, counselling, and access to trained paid-for carers.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is need for a range of support services to be made available
      from which carers can select those most appropriate for them. Some support
      services are not always available for carers of this client group. There is a
      need for carers to access greater manual handling and training for physical care.
      Without sufficient support, carer burden can be overwhelming which may impact on
      the place of care of the patient and ultimately has implications for health and
      social care services.

PMID- 22087570
TI  - In silico and in vitro genotoxicity evaluation of levofloxacin n-oxide, an
      impurity in levofloxacin.
AB  - Impurities in drug substances and drug products generally do not have beneficial
      effects and may impose a risk without associated benefit. Levofloxacin n-oxide is
      an impurity isolated from levofloxacin. However there is insufficient toxic
      information about levofloxacin n-oxide. This study investigates the genotoxicity
      of this impurity by in silico and in vitro methods. We used Derek, a commercial
      structure-activity relationship software package as an in silico tool. The
      results showed that there was a structural alert (quinolone-3-carboxylic acid or
      naphthyridine analogue) in this impurity. Then the mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) and
      chromosome aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells were conducted in
      vitro. Both assays were conducted in the presence or absence of S-9 mix. The test
      impurity was not mutagenic in the test of MLA. While there was a statistically
      significant increase in the number of metaphase CHL cells with structural
      aberrations at the concentration of 1 mg/mL with S-9 mix, and the aberrations
      rate is 6.5%. It did not significantly increase the number of structural
      aberration in CHL cells in the presence (at other two doses) or absence of S-9
      mix. Based on these assays, levofloxacin n-oxide could be controlled as a non
      genotoxic impurity despite the DEREK alert for quinolone-3-carboxylic acid or
      naphthyridine analogue.

PMID- 22087571
TI  - Carbon nanotube-based robust steamphobic surfaces.
AB  - The wetting behavior of a surface under steam condensation depends on its
      intrinsic wettability and micrometer or nanoscale surface roughness. A typical
      superhydrophobic surface may not be suitable as a steamphobic surface because of
      the nucleation and growth of water inside the valleys and thus the failure to
      form an air-liquid-solid composite interface. Here, we present the results of
      steam condensation on chemically modified nanostructured carbon nanotube (CNT)
      mats. We used a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process to
      modify the intrinsic wettability of nanostructured CNT mats. The combination of
      low surface energy achieved by PECVD and the nanoroughness of the surface
      provides a mechanism to retain the superhydrophobicity of the CNT mats under
      steam condensation. The ability to withstand steam temperature and pressure for
      as long as 10 h implies the remarkably improved stability of the superhydrophobic
      state of the surface. The thermodynamic calculations carried out using a unit
      cell model clearly explain the steamphobic wetting behavior of the surface.

PMID- 22087572
TI  - Neuropsychological assessment: principles, rationale, and challenges.
AB  - Neuropsychological assessments are increasingly in demand for a wide range of
      patients. This paper offers a survey of the basic aspects of neuropsychological
      assessment that are of greatest importance for professionals (e.g.,
      psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and lawyers) who are not trained in
      neuropsychological testing, but who refer clients for neuropsychological
      assessment. This survey could also serve neuropsychologists in their early stages
      of training, by addressing some of the major issues related to the assessment
      process. The range of goals that neuropsychological assessment may attain is
      first outlined. Next, a model is presented that explains the rationale enabling
      generalization from assessment to real-world functions that are the focus of
      interest and the target of prediction. Issues that need to be considered before
      deciding to conduct a neuropsychological evaluation are then introduced, and
      sources of information available to the assessor are described. A description is
      provided of what a neuropsychological assessment includes, with an emphasis on
      its cognitive aspects. Finally, mention is made of some of the difficulties and
      challenges that must be confronted in the course of a neuropsychological
      assessment.

PMID- 22087573
TI  - Role of clinical judgment and tissue harmonic imaging ultrasonography in
      diagnosis of paediatric acute appendicitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children; yet,
      diagnosis of equivocal presentations continues to challenge clinicians. AIM: The
      objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that the use of a
      modified clinical practice and harmonic ultrasonographic grading scores (MCPGS)
      may improve the accuracy in diagnosing acute appendicitis in the pediatric
      population. PATIENTS & METHODS:  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity,
      and accuracy of the modified scoring system. Five hundred and thirty patients
      presented with suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis during the period from
      December 2000 to December 2009 were enrolled in this study. Children's data that
      have already been published of those who presented with suspected diagnosis of
      acute appendicitis- to whom a special clinical practice grading scores (CPGS)
      incorporating clinical judgment and results of gray scale ultrasonography (US)
      was applied- were reviewed and compared to the data of 265 pediatric patients
      with equivocal diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA), to whom a modified clinical
      practice grading scores (MCPGS) was applied. Statistical analyses were carried
      out using Z test for comparing 2 sample proportions and student's t-test to
      compare the quantitative data in both groups. Sensitivity and specificity for the
      2 scoring systems were calculated using Epi-Info software. RESULTS: The Number of
      appendectomies declined from 200 (75.5%) in our previous CPGS to 187 (70.6%) in
      the MCPGS (P > 0.05).Specificity was significantly higher when applying MCPGS
      (90.7%) in this study compared to 70.47% in our previous work when CPGS was
      applied (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the positive predictive value (PPV) was
      significantly higher (95.72%) than in our previous study (82.88%), (P < 0.01).
      Overall agreement (accuracy) of MCPGS was 96.98%. Kappa = 0.929 (P < 0.001).
      Negative predictive power was 100%. And the Overall agreement (accuracy) was
      96.98%. CONCLUSIONS: MCPGS tends to help in reduce the numbers of avoidable and
      unnecessary appendectomies in suspected cases of pediatric acute appendicitis
      that may help in saving hospital resources.

PMID- 22087574
TI  - Belief in a just world, generalised self-efficacy and stigma may contribute to
      unsafe sexual intentions via a reduced perception of vulnerability to HIV/AIDS
      amongst young people in Ghana.
AB  - Complacency about one's HIV risk status may reduce the intention to practise safe
      sex. It was hypothesised that belief in a just world and stigmatising attitudes
      may contribute to complacency and thereby have a negative impact on safe sex
      intention. A sample of 238 young people in Ghana, ranging in age from 14 to 22,
      completed the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale and the Belief in a Just World
      Scales for Self and Other, together with self-report measures of stigmatising
      attitudes, perceived vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and intentions to practise safe
      sex. Mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that stigma and just world
      beliefs may have a negative impact on safe sex intention that is mediated by a
      reduced perception of vulnerability. It was also found that generalised self
      efficacy beliefs had a similar mediated impact. Each of the three factors had a
      mediated impact that was relatively independent of the other two factors. In
      addition, stigma had a negative direct (unmediated) effect on safe sex intention
      (i.e., more stigma was associated with reduced safe sex intention); but
      generalised self-efficacy beliefs had a positive direct effect (i.e., greater
      belief was associated with increased safe sex intention). The study replicates
      some previous research about stigma, and provides new evidence about the role of
      just world and generalised self-efficacy beliefs. Implications for public health
      programmes are discussed.

PMID- 22087575
TI  - Alcohol use and psychiatric comorbid disorders predict deliberate self-harm
      behaviour and other suicidality among depressed adolescent outpatients in 1-year
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicidality, including deliberate self-harm behaviour (DSH),
      represents one of the most adverse and clinically serious consequences of
      depression. More detailed longitudinal research is needed in order to find
      clinical risk factors of DSH and other suicidal behaviour among depressed
      adolescent outpatients in order to identify those at greatest risk of life
      threatening behaviour. AIM: This follow-up study investigated alcohol use, Axis I
      comorbid disorders, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and psychosocial functioning
      as risk factors of suicidal behaviour, including DSH, among depressed adolescent
      outpatients during a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive depressed adolescent
      outpatients (n = 189) aged 13-19 years were interviewed at baseline and at follow
      up by using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School
      Aged Children-Present and Lifetime (K-SADS-PL) for DSM-IV Axis I diagnoses and
      self-report questionnaires. Suicidal behaviour was assessed by K-SADS suicidality
      items. RESULTS: During 1-year follow-up, one-quarter of all participants, and
      almost three-quarters of suicidal adolescents had DSH. Alcohol use and mood
      disorder with Axis I comorbidity at baseline predicted both DSH and other
      suicidal behaviour during follow-up. Mood disorder during follow-up predicted all
      forms of suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Detection and effective treatment of
      continuing mood disorder, comorbid disorders and alcohol use may significantly
      improve clinician's ability to identify adolescent outpatients at high risk of
      subsequent DSH and other suicidal behaviour. Treatment interventions should aim
      at full recovery of depression.

PMID- 22087576
TI  - The effect of adding whole-body vibration to squat training on the functional
      performance and self-report of disease status in elderly patients with knee
      osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to evaluate the effects of adding whole
      body vibration to squat training on functional performance and self-report of
      disease in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: This was a
      prospective, randomized trial in which selected variables were evaluated at three
      periods: 3 weeks prior to the training, immediately prior, and after the end of
      the training. SUBJECTS: Twenty-three (23) elderly subjects were evaluated using
      four functional performance tests: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Get Up and Go
      Test (TGUG), Chair Stand Test (CST), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and a self
      report of the status of disease (WOMAC). INTERVENTIONS: The intervention lasted
      for 12 weeks, 3 times per week. The participants were randomized into two groups:
      (1) squat training with whole-body vibration, and (2) squat training without
      vibration. RESULTS: Although there was no statistical difference in functional
      performance and self-report of disease status between the groups, performance in
      all the functional tests and in all the domains of WOMAC improved in the
      vibration group compared to their initial status. In the exercise group,
      performance improved only two tests (BBS and 6MWT), and there was a reduction in
      self-reported pain (WOMAC) compared to their initial status. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the addition of whole-body vibration to squat training failed to result
      in a significant improvement in functional performance and self-reported status
      of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly, the intragroup results suggest that whole
      body vibration may represent a feasible and effective way of improving the
      functionality and self-perception of disease status in older adults with knee OA.

PMID- 22087577
TI  - The use of insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Older patients with diabetes sometimes present comorbidities that
      increase the risk of other common geriatric syndromes. In such patients,
      treatment with insulin is usually started when full doses of oral hypoglycemic
      agents are no longer adequate to achieve acceptable glycemic control. AREAS
      COVERED: This article reviews the available literature on the use of insulin in
      elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The aims are to gain information on: the
      benefits and risks of initiating insulin treatment, the efficacy and safety of
      different types of insulin and the most appropriate initial dosing and titration
      regimens. Thirteen published trials have evaluated the effects of different
      insulin regimens in the management of elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes but,
      given that older people are generally excluded in clinical studies with insulin,
      only three published reports on subgroup analyses are limited to elderly
      patients. EXPERT OPINION: The available literature shows that the addition of
      insulin to current oral treatments is generally safe and effective in improving
      metabolic control, with a low risk for hypoglycemia. Further research is needed
      to better understand the most appropriate insulin regimens necessary to achieve
      glycemic goals while appropriately addressing the risk of hypoglycemia.

PMID- 22087578
TI  - IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor stimulate the production of MMPs and their
      inhibitors via JAK-STAT and ERK-MAPK signalling in human chondrocytes.
AB  - Elevated concentrations of IL-6 (interleukin-6) and sIL-6r (soluble IL-6
      receptor) in the synovial fluid and serum of patients with arthritis have been
      implicated in joint cartilage destruction. This study examined the effects of IL
      6 and sIL-6r on the expression of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), TIMPs (tissue
      inhibitor of metalloproteinases), the plasminogen activation system including tPA
      (tissue-type PA), uPA (urokinase-type PA) and PAI-1 (PA inhibitor type 1) using
      chondrocytes derived from normal human femur cartilage. The cells were cultured
      with or without 50 ng/ml IL-6 and/or 30 ng/ml sIL-6r in the presence or absence
      of the JAK3 (Janus kinase 3) inhibitor WHI-P131 or the MEK [MAPK (mitogen
      activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal protein kinase) kinase]
      inhibitor PD98059 for up to 28 days. The expression of MMPs, TIMPs, uPA, tPA and
      PAI-1 was investigated at the mRNA and protein levels. MMP protein expression and
      pSTAT3 (phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3)
      and pERK (phosphorylation of ERK) were also measured. Treatment with both IL-6
      and sIL-6r markedly increased the expression of MMP-1, MMP-13, TIMP-1 and PAI-1,
      while significantly decreasing the expression of tPA and uPA and stimulating
      pSTAT3 and pERK. Adding WHI-P131 or PD98059 decreased IL-6 and sIL-6r enhancement
      of MMP-1, -3 and -13. The results suggest that IL-6 and sIL-6r stimulate the
      production of MMPs and their inhibitor via JAK-STAT and ERK-MAPK signalling in
      chondrocytes.

PMID- 22087580
TI  - Spindles and active vortices in a model of confined filament-motor mixtures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robust self-organization of subcellular structures is a key principle
      governing the dynamics and evolution of cellular life. In fission yeast cells
      undergoing division, the mitotic spindle spontaneously emerges from the
      interaction of microtubules, motor proteins and the confining cell walls, and
      asters and vortices have been observed to self-assemble in quasi-two dimensional
      microtubule-kinesin assays. There is no clear microscopic picture of the role of
      the active motors driving this pattern formation, and the relevance of continuum
      modeling to filament-scale structures remains uncertain. RESULTS: Here we present
      results of numerical simulations of a discrete filament-motor protein model
      confined to a pressurised cylindrical box. Stable spindles, nematic
      configurations, asters and high-density semi-asters spontaneously emerge, the
      latter pair having also been observed in cytosol confined within emulsion
      droplets. State diagrams are presented delineating each stationary state as the
      pressure, motor speed and motor density are varied. We further highlight a
      parameter regime where vortices form exhibiting collective rotation of all
      filaments, but have a finite life-time before contracting to a semi-aster.
      Quantifying the distribution of life-times suggests this contraction is a Poisson
      process. Equivalent systems with fixed volume exhibit persistent vortices with
      stochastic switching in the direction of rotation, with switching times obeying
      similar statistics to contraction times in pressurised systems. Furthermore, we
      show that increasing the detachment rate of motors from filament plus-ends can
      both destroy vortices and turn some asters into vortices. CONCLUSIONS: We have
      shown that discrete filament-motor protein models provide new insights into the
      stationary and dynamical behavior of active gels and subcellular structures,
      because many phenomena occur on the length-scale of single filaments. Based on
      our findings, we argue the need for a deeper understanding of the microscopic
      activities underpinning macroscopic self-organization in active gels and urge
      further experiments to help bridge these lengths.

PMID- 22087579
TI  - Impact of an abdominal belt on breathing patterns and scan efficiency in whole
      heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography: comparison between the UK and
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long acquisition times and complex breathing motion patterns lead to
      suboptimal image quality in whole heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography
      (WHCMRA). To overcome this problem, an abdominal belt (BELT) has been suggested
      by a Japanese group. However, its applicability in a Western population has not
      been previously demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) how
      the application of a BELT alters breathing patterns during MR scanning and 2)
      whether the BELT has a similar impact on breathing patterns in UK and Japanese
      patient populations. METHODS: 30 patients (15 in the UK and 15 in Japan) were
      studied at 1.5 Tesla (Achieva, Philips Healthcare). Real time navigator
      positioned through the right diaphragm in cranio-caudal direction was evaluated.
      Measurements were performed in the supine position with free breathing for one
      minute before and after a tight-fitting BELT was positioned around the patient's
      abdomen. End expiratory position (EEP), end inspiratory position (EIP), end
      expiratory duration (EED) for the right diaphragm and respiratory rate (RR) were
      obtained. Scan efficiency (SE) was calculated as follows; SE = [the duration
      within 5 mm gating window per minutes]/[RR interval]/[heart rate]. RESULTS:
      Height and weight of UK patients were significantly larger than in the Japanese
      population (171.2 +/- 10.8 cm vs 160.8 +/- 8.5 cm, p = 0.007; 80.5 +/- 22.5 kg vs
      59.9 +/- 7.7 kg, p = 0.004). After fitting the BELT, EEP-EIP decreased (all
      patients, 14.9 +/- 6.2 mm to 9.4 +/- 3.8 mm, p < 0.001; UK patients, 15.9 +/- 6.0
      mm to 9.7 +/- 3.1 mm, p = 0.001; Japanese patients, 14.0 +/- 6.4 mm to 9.1 +/-
      4.6 mm, p = 0.001), RR increased (all patients, 10.0 +/- 3.1 min(-1) to 11.2 +/-
      3.0 min(-1), p = 0.003; UK patients, 9.5 +/- 2.8 min(-1) to 10.7 +/- 2.8 min(-1),
      p = 0.038; Japanese patients, 10.4 +/- 3.5 min(-1) to 11.8 +/- 3.1 min(-1), p =
      0.036), and calculated scan efficiency increased (all patients, 45.3 +/- 11.4% to
      58.6 +/- 17.0%, p < 0.001; UK patients, 44.2 +/- 10.8% to 55.7 +/- 16.7%, p =
      0.004; Japanese patients, 46.3 +/- 32.2% to 61.0 +/- 17.6%, p = 0.001). No
      significant differences were found between UK and Japanese patients before and
      after administration of the BELT. CONCLUSION: Using a BELT significantly
      increases whole-heart coronary MR angiography scan efficiency in both UK and
      Japanese patients.

PMID- 22087581
TI  - Mental health and behaviour of students of public health and their correlation
      with social support: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Future public health professionals are especially important among
      students partly because their credibility in light of their professional messages
      and activities will be tested daily by their clients; and partly because health
      professionals' own lifestyle habits influence their attitudes and professional
      activities. A better understanding of public health students' health and its
      determinants is necessary for improving counselling services and tailoring them
      to demand. Our aim was to survey public health students' health status and
      behaviour with a focus on mental health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      carried out among public health students at 1-5-years (N = 194) with a self
      administered questionnaire that included standardized items on demographic data,
      mental wellbeing characterized by sense of coherence (SoC) and psychological
      morbidity, as well as health behaviour and social support. Correlations between
      social support and the variables for mental health, health status and health
      behaviour were characterized by pairwise correlation. RESULTS: The response rate
      was 75% and represented students by study year, sex and age in the Faculty.
      Nearly half of the students were non-smokers, more than one quarter smoked daily.
      Almost one-fifth of the students suffered from notable psychological distress.
      The proportion of these students decreased from year 1 to 5. The mean score for
      SoC was 60.1 and showed an increasing trend during the academic years. 29% of the
      students lacked social support from their student peers. Significant positive
      correlation was revealed between social support and variables for mental health.
      Psychological distress was greater among female public health students than in
      the same age female group of the general population; whereas the lack of social
      support was a more prevalent problem among male students. CONCLUSIONS: Health
      status and behaviour of public health students is similar to their non-students
      peers except for their worse mental health. Future public health professionals
      should be better prepared for coping with the challenges they face during their
      studies. Universities must facilitate this process by providing helping services
      targeted at those with highest risk, and developing training to improve coping
      skills. Social support is also a potentially amenable determinant of mental
      health during higher education.

PMID- 22087582
TI  - Enhanced photoluminescence in Au-embedded ITO nanowires.
AB  - Gold (Au)-embedded indium tin oxide (ITO) nanowires were synthesized by thermal
      evaporation of a mixture of In(2)O(3,) SnO(2) and graphite powders on Si (100)
      substrates coated with Au thin films followed by annealing. At the initial stages
      of annealing, Au formed a continuous linear core located along the long axis of
      each ITO nanowire. The morphology of the Au core changed from a continuous line
      to a discrete line, and then to a droplet-like chain, finally evolving into a
      peapod in which crystalline Au nanoparticles were encapsulated in crystalline ITO
      with increasing annealing temperature. The ITO nanowires with the Au core showed
      an emission band at ~380 nm in the ultraviolet region. The ultraviolet emission
      intensity increased rapidly with increasing annealing temperature. The intensity
      of emission from the Au-peapod ITO nanowires (annealed at 750  degrees C) was
      approximately 20 times higher than that of the emission from the Au-core/ITO
      shell ITO nanowires with a continuous linear shaped-Au core (annealed at 550 
      degrees C). This ultraintense ultraviolet emission might have originated mainly
      from the enhanced crystalline quality of the annealed ITO nanowires.

PMID- 22087583
TI  - Remarkable stereospecific conjugate additions to the Hsp90 inhibitor celastrol.
AB  - Celastrol, an important natural product and Hsp90 inhibitor with a wide range of
      biological and medical activities and broad use as a biological probe, acts by an
      as yet undetermined mode of action. It is known to undergo Michael additions with
      biological sulfur nucleophiles. Here it is demonstrated that nucleophiles add to
      the pharmacophore of celastrol in a remarkable stereospecific manner. Extensive
      characterization of the addition products has been obtained using NMR
      spectrometry, nuclear Overhauser effects, and density functional theory to
      determine facial selectivity and gain insight into the orbital interactions of
      the reactive centers. This stereospecificity of celastrol may be important to its
      protein target selectivity.

PMID- 22087584
TI  - Structure change induced by terminal sulfur in noncentrosymmetric La2Ga2GeS8 and
      Eu2Ga2GeS7 and nonlinear-optical responses in middle infrared.
AB  - Two new noncentrosymmetric quaternary sulfides, La(2)Ga(2)GeS(8) (1) and
      Eu(2)Ga(2)GeS(7) (2), have been synthesized by high-temperature solid-state
      reactions. The structure change on going from 1 to 2 to the known
      Li(2)Ga(2)GeS(6) (3) nicely shows that the reduced cation charge-compensation
      requirement causes a decrease in the number of terminal S atoms per formula,
      which is a key to determining the connectivity of the GaS(4) and GeS(4) building
      units. Powder sample 2 exhibits a strong second-harmonic-generation (SHG)
      response of about 1.6 times the benchmark AgGaS(2) at 2.05 MUm laser radiation, a
      non type I phase-matchable behavior, and a comparable transparency region. The
      SHG intensities of these compounds originate from the electronic transitions from
      S 3p states to La/Eu/Li-S, Ga-S, and Ge-S antibonding states according to Vienna
      ab initio simulation package studies.

PMID- 22087585
TI  - Lipid-altering effects of a dietary supplement tablet containing free plant
      sterols and stanols in men and women with primary hypercholesterolaemia: a
      randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial.
AB  - This randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial assessed the lipid-altering
      efficacy of a dietary supplement (tablet form) providing 1.8 g/day free (non
      esterified) plant sterols and stanols versus placebo for 6 weeks as part of a
      therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) diet in 32 men and women with primary
      hypercholesterolaemia. Mean +/- SE baseline (end of a 5-week TLC diet lead-in)
      lipid concentrations (mmol/l) were total cholesterol (TC), 5.88 +/- 0.08; non
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), 4.71 +/- 0.09; low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 4.02 +/- 0.08; HDL-C, 1.17 +/- 0.06 and
      triglycerides (TGs), 1.51 +/- 0.12. Differences from control in responses (plant
      sterol/stanol - control) were significant (p < 0.05) for LDL-C ( - 4.9%), non-HDL
      C ( - 3.6%) and TC ( - 2.8%). HDL-C and TG responses were not significantly
      different between treatment conditions. These results indicate that 1.8 g/day
      free plant sterols/stanols administered in a tablet produced favourable
      lipoprotein lipid changes in men and women with hypercholesterolaemia.

PMID- 22087586
TI  - Measurement of gender inequality in neighbourhoods of Quebec, Canada.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Few studies have measured gender inequality at levels lower than
      the country. We sought to develop neighbourhood indicators of gender inequality,
      and assess their ability to capture variability in gender inequality across
      Quebec, Canada. METHODS: Aggregate 2001 census data for 11,564 neighbourhoods
      were obtained for men and women. Twelve indicators of gender inequality
      representing demographic/household characteristics, education, income,
      work/leisure, and political participation were selected. Neighbourhood-level
      gender inequality scores were computed for each indicator, and examined across
      parts of Quebec (metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, rural areas). Monte Carlo
      simulations were used to assess the ability of indicators to capture
      heterogeneity in gender inequality across neighbourhoods. RESULTS: Male-dominant
      neighbourhood-level gender inequality tended to be present for average employment
      income, labour force participation, employment rate, and employment in managerial
      positions. Female-dominant gender inequality tended to be present for divorce,
      single-headed households, and participation in unpaid housework, child and
      elderly care. Neighbourhood-level gender inequality tended to vary across
      metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, and rural areas. Gender inequality scores
      also varied within these geographic areas. For example, there was greater income
      related gender inequality in high than low income neighbourhoods. Monte Carlo
      simulations suggested that the variation in gender inequality across
      neighbourhoods was greater than expected with chance alone. CONCLUSION:
      Neighbourhood-level gender inequality tended to be present in Quebec, and varied
      across parts of the province. Greater awareness of and research on neighbourhood
      level gender inequality may be warranted to inform gender policies in Quebec and
      other nations.

PMID- 22087587
TI  - Use of venlafaxine in psychiatric disorders and climacteric syndrome: is a
      therapeutic bridge?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the efficacy of the double-action mechanism of venlafaxine
      for depression and climacteric symptoms. METHODS: A group of 20 postmenopausal
      women (age range 40-60 years) with diagnosis of major depressive disorder,
      generalized anxiety disorder and climacteric symptoms was enrolled. All
      participants received venlafaxine (75 mg/day) for 2 months. Clinical checkup and
      evaluation test were repeated every 2 weeks for 2 months of treatment. RESULTS:
      Before treatment, the mean scores for the clinical evaluation scales (Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) were 13.9 and 18.7,
      respectively (mild-moderate severity). The general level of psychopathology was
      not particularly high (Symptomatology Checklist-90, mean total 103), the most
      common psychopathological dimensions were depression and somatization. The sample
      suffered from mild climacteric syndrome (Kupperman Index Score, mean = 19.1).
      Clinical improvement was visible after 2 weeks of treatment and continued until
      the last checkup, 2 months after the start of treatment (final Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores: 5.1 and 6.3,
      respectively). Kupperman Index Scores at the end of the treatment period
      demonstrated complete resolution of the climacteric syndrome (mean score = 6.57).
      CONCLUSION: Venlafaxine is efficacy in treating both psychiatric disorders and
      climacteric symptomatology.

PMID- 22087588
TI  - Rationalizing tight ligand binding through cooperative interaction networks.
AB  - Small modifications of the molecular structure of a ligand sometimes cause strong
      gains in binding affinity to a protein target, rendering a weakly active chemical
      series suddenly attractive for further optimization. Our goal in this study is to
      better rationalize and predict the occurrence of such interaction hot-spots in
      receptor binding sites. To this end, we introduce two new concepts into the
      computational description of molecular recognition. First, we take a broader view
      of noncovalent interactions and describe protein-ligand binding with a
      comprehensive set of favorable and unfavorable contact types, including for
      example halogen bonding and orthogonal multipolar interactions. Second, we go
      beyond the commonly used pairwise additive treatment of atomic interactions and
      use a small world network approach to describe how interactions are modulated by
      their environment. This approach allows us to capture local cooperativity effects
      and considerably improves the performance of a newly derived empirical scoring
      function, ScorpionScore. More importantly, however, we demonstrate how an
      intuitive visualization of key intermolecular interactions, interaction networks,
      and binding hot-spots supports the identification and rationalization of tight
      ligand binding.

PMID- 22087589
TI  - Attraction of night-migrating birds to light-blue structures causes mass bird
      deaths.

PMID- 22087590
TI  - Using J-coupling constants for force field validation: application to hepta
      alanine.
AB  - A computational solution to the protein folding problem is the holy grail of
      biomolecular simulation and of the corresponding force fields. The complexity of
      the systems used for folding simulations precludes a direct feedback between the
      simulations and the force fields, thus necessitating the study of simpler systems
      with sufficient experimental data to allow force field optimization and
      validation. Recent studies on short polyalanine peptides of increasing length (up
      to penta-alanine) indicated the presence of a systematic deviation between the
      experimental (NMR-derived) J-couplings and the great majority of biomolecular
      force fields, with the chi(2) values for even the best-performing force fields
      being in the 1.4-1.8 range. Here we show that by increasing the number of
      residues to seven and by achieving convergence through an increase of the
      simulation time to 2 MUs, we can identify one force field (the AMBER99SB force
      field, out of the three force fields studied) which when compared with the
      experimental J-coupling data (and for a specific set of Karplus equation
      parameters and estimated J-coupling errors previously used in the literature)
      gave a value of chi(2) = 0.99, indicating that full statistical consistency
      between experiment and simulation is feasible. However, and as a detailed
      analysis of the effects of estimated errors shows, the chi(2) values may be
      unsuitable as indicators of the goodness of fit of the various biomolecular force
      fields.

PMID- 22087591
TI  - Bifunctional 3,3'-Ph2-BINOL-Mg catalyzed direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael
      addition of alpha,beta-unsaturated gamma-butyrolactam.
AB  - Bifunctional 3,3'-Ph(2)-BINOL-Mg catalyzed direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael
      addition of alpha,beta-unsaturated gamma-butyrolactam has been developed. The
      catalytic activity of this protocol was slightly affected by different types of
      Michael acceptors, such as a variety of enones as well as alpha,beta-unsaturated
      N-acylpyrroles. The Michael products were obtained with high
      diastereoselectivities (up to 20:1) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to
      98%).

PMID- 22087592
TI  - Mind, self, country, and global society.

PMID- 22087593
TI  - The feminization of aging: how will this impact on health outcomes and services?
AB  - We conducted an integrative review to identify issues and challenges that face
      aging women and to distinguish areas for future research. We found that many
      older women continue to face inequities related to health and often are invisible
      within the discourse of aging policy. In this article we argue for a greater
      focus on the unique needs of women, a gendered approach to policy and
      intervention development, and promotion of the health of women across the life
      span. Policymakers, health care workers, and researchers need to consider the
      perspective of gender as well as age when implementing and evaluating effective
      interventions.

PMID- 22087594
TI  - "They're made in factories and not by witches on the allotment": a qualitative
      study of midlife women in the united kingdom, exploring their approaches to
      complementary and alternative medicines.
AB  - This article explores midlife women's experiences and approaches related to
      complementary and alternative therapies (CAMS). Ninety-six midlife women were
      asked about their use of CAMs as part of their overall approach to midlife
      health. Qualitative thematic analysis was combined with a case-based approach.
      Women set their experience of CAMs in the context of conventional medicine taking
      and discussed their safety and different uses. For treatments requiring direct
      contact with a practitioner, accessibility and quality of the relationship were
      crucial. Four overall approaches could be discerned (political-critical,
      pragmatic, careful and wellbeing-oriented) that dynamically interacted with
      women's experiences.

PMID- 22087595
TI  - Comparison of body composition measurement with whole body multifrequency
      bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography in healthy middle
      aged women.
AB  - Our purpose was to evaluate accuracy of multifrequency bioelectrical impedance
      analysis (MFBIA) using air displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the criterion
      measure. Body composition of 27 women was assessed by ADP followed immediately by
      MFBIA. There was a strong relationship (p = .01) between ADP and MFBIA in
      absolute lean mass (r = 0.80), absolute fat mass (r = 0.99), percent lean mass (r
      = 0.91), and percent fat mass (r = 0.91). Although MFBIA consistently
      overestimated lean mass and underestimated fat mass compared with ADP, agreement
      between measurements was within 2%-3% body fat. An accurate assessment tool,
      MFBIA can be useful in clinical settings.

PMID- 22087596
TI  - Body mass index in multiethnic midlife women: influence of demographic
      characteristics and physical activity.
AB  - We examined the influence of demographic characteristics and physical activity on
      body mass index (BMI) in multiethnic midlife women. A sample of 236 African,
      European, and Mexican/Central Americans aged 40-50 completed the initial, 1-year,
      and 2-year assessments. The effects of demographic characteristics and physical
      activity on BMI at the 2-year assessment were evaluated using hierarchical
      multiple regression analysis. After controlling for other demographic factors,
      ethnicity, annual household income, and physical activity at the initial
      assessments were significant predictors of BMI. Body mass index (BMI) may be
      influenced by socioeconomic status as well as ethnicity. Regular physical
      activity should be encouraged to maintain a healthy BMI in midlife women.

PMID- 22087597
TI  - Improving access to government health care in rural bangladesh: the voice of
      older adult women.
AB  - Our purpose in this study was to provide an in-depth understanding of the health
      system-related barriers to utilization of health services by older women living
      in rural Bangladesh. Interviews were conducted with 17 women in Bibirchar Union,
      Sherpur district, Bangladesh, in June 2006. Three main barriers were identified:
      perceived discrimination based on age, class, and gender; structural aspects of
      the health care delivery system; and quality of care. Recommendations for change
      in the delivery of health care in the rural regions of Bangladesh are made based
      on the insights provided by this marginalized group of health care service users.

PMID- 22087598
TI  - Representations and perceived consequences of menopause by peri- and post
      menopausal portuguese women: a qualitative research.
AB  - Our aim in conducting this study is to describe the representations and perceived
      consequences of menopause, elicited through a semistructured interview with 36
      Portuguese women, in peri- and post-menopause. The most prevalent response of the
      interviewed women was to see menopause as a normal/neutral phase of their life
      cycle (28.3%). Menses' cessation (58.7%) was identified as the most prevalent
      positive consequence of menopause, and a range of psychological changes (18.3%)
      was the most mentioned negative consequence. Health care provider's awareness of
      women's attitudes will allow them to communicate more effectively and to
      reinforce women's positive attitudes.

PMID- 22087601
TI  - Can hip-fractured elderly patients maintain their rehabilitation achievements
      after 1 year?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to characterize hip-fractured patients who
      maintained or improved their functional ability, 1 year postdischarge from
      rehabilitation and to identify factors associated with functional achievement
      maintenance. METHODS: A retrospective study performed in a postacute geriatric
      rehabilitation center. Two hundred thirty-three hip-fractured patients admitted
      consecutively from January 2006 to September 2007 were enrolled in the study. The
      patients were evaluated at discharge from rehabilitation and after 1 year, they
      were classified into two groups: those who maintained or improved their motor
      Functional Independence Measure (mFIM) scores and those who deteriorated. The
      differences between the two patient groups relating to functional, clinical,
      demographic and fracture-related variables were assessed. RESULTS: One year
      postrehabilitation, 130 (55.8%) patients exhibited a decline in their mFIM score.
      Patients whose 1-year mFIM score had improved were discharged from rehabilitation
      with a less favorable mean mFIM score (50.7 +/- 18.5 vs. 55.6 +/- 15.2; p =
      0.032), achieved a lower mean mFIM score gain during rehabilitation (12.0 +/- 9.7
      vs. 14.6 +/- 8.1; p = 0.03), had a higher education level (p = 0.003) and had a
      lower rate of chronic lung disease (p = 0.020) compared with patients whose 1
      year mFIM score had deteriorated. After 1 year, only 21 patients (9%) were
      functionally independent in activities of daily living and only 19 (8.2%) were
      able to walk unassisted. Only 13 patients (5.6%) perceived that they had regained
      their former functional level. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial decline in functional
      ability of hip-fractured patients occurred 1 year postdischarge from
      rehabilitation. Healthcare providers should be aware of the necessity for a long
      term postrehabilitation physical training program to prevent functional decline.
      Further efforts should be invested in motivating their patients to exercise.

PMID- 22087603
TI  - The characteristics of the mechanoreceptors of the hip with arthrosis.
AB  - Mechanoreceptors have been extensively studied in different joints and distinct
      signals that convey proprioceptive information to the cortex. Several clinical
      reports have established a link between the number of mechanoreceptors and a
      deficient proprioceptive system; however, little or no literature suggest
      concentration of mechanoreceptors might be affected by hip arthrosis. The purpose
      of this study is first to determine the existence of mechanoreceptors and free
      nerve endings in the hip joint and to distinguish between their conditions: those
      with arthrosis and without arthrosis. Samples of 45 male hips were analyzed: 30
      taken from patients with arthrosis that were submitted to total arthroplasty and
      15 taken from male cadavers without arthrosis. The patients' ages ranged from 38
      to75 years (average 56.5) and the cadavers' ages ranged from 21 to 50 years
      (average 35.5). The capsule, labrum, and femoral head ligament tissues were
      obtained during the arthroplasty procedure from 30 patients with arthrosis and
      from 15 male cadavers. The tissue was cut into fragments of around 3 mm. Each
      fragment was then immediately stained with gold chloride 1% solution and divided
      into sections of 6 MUm thickness. The Mann-Whitney test was used for two groups
      and the ANOVA, Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests for more than two groups.
      Results show the mechanoreceptors (Pacini, Ruffini and Golgi corpuscles) and free
      nerve endings are present in the capsule, femoral head ligament, and labrum of
      the hip joint. When all the densities of the nerve endings were examined with
      regard to those with arthrosis and those without arthrosis, the mechanoreceptors
      of cadavers without arthrosis were found to be more pronounced and an increase in
      free nerve endings could be observed (p = 0.0082). Further studies, especially
      electrophysiological studies, need to be carried out to clarify the functions of
      the mechanoreceptors in the joints.

PMID- 22087604
TI  - Level of dietary protein intake affects glucose turnover in endurance-trained
      men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the effects of higher-protein diets on endogenous glucose
      metabolism in healthy, physically active adults, glucose turnover was assessed in
      five endurance-trained men (age 21.3 +/- 0.3 y, VO2peak 70.6 +/- 0.1 mL kg-1 min
      1) who consumed dietary protein intakes spanning the current dietary reference
      intakes. FINDINGS: Using a randomized, crossover design, volunteers consumed 4
      week eucaloric diets providing either a low (0.8 g kg-1 d-1; LP), moderate (1.8 g
      kg-1 d-1; MP), or high (3.6 g kg-1 d-1; HP) level of dietary protein. Glucose
      turnover (Ra, glucose rate of appearance; and Rd glucose rate of disappearance)
      was assessed under fasted, resting conditions using primed, constant infusions of
      [6,6-2H2] glucose. Glucose Ra and Rd (mg kg-1 min-1) were higher for MP (2.8 +/-
      0.1 and 2.7 +/- 0.1) compared to HP (2.4 +/- 0.1 and 2.3 +/- 0.2, P < 0.05) and
      LP (2.3 +/- 0.1 and 2.2 +/- 0.1, P < 0.01) diets. Glucose levels (mmol/L) were
      not different (P > 0.05) between LP (4.6 +/- 0.1), MP (4.8 +/- 0.1), and HP (4.7
      +/- 0.1) diets. CONCLUSIONS: Level of protein consumption influenced resting
      glucose turnover in endurance athletes in a state of energy balance with a higher
      rate of turnover noted for a protein intake of 1.8 g kg-1 d-1. Findings suggest
      that consumption of protein in excess of the recommended dietary allowance but
      within the current acceptable macronutrient distribution range may contribute to
      the regulation of blood glucose when carbohydrate intake is reduced by serving as
      a gluconeogenic substrate in endurance-trained men.

PMID- 22087605
TI  - Nocturnal heart rate variability parameters as potential fibromyalgia biomarker:
      correlation with symptoms severity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: At present, there is neither a laboratory test nor an imaging
      technique able to differentiate people with fibromyalgia (FM) from healthy
      controls. This lack of an objective biomarker has hampered FM recognition and
      research. Heart rate variability (HRV) analyses provide a quantitative marker of
      autonomic nervous system activity. Nighttime is a stable period in which most
      people are resting. Sleep is modulated by autonomic activity. Sleeping problems
      are prominent in FM. The objectives of this study are: 1) to explore different
      nocturnal HRV parameters as potential FM biomarkers and 2) to seek correlation
      between such HRV parameters and diverse FM symptoms. METHODS: We studied 22 women
      suffering from FM and 22 age-matched controls. All participants filled out
      several questionnaires related to FM symptoms. All participants used a Holter
      monitor over 24 hours while undertaking their routine activities during the day
      and while sleeping at their homes at night. Time-domain HRV parameters analyzed
      from 0000 to 0600 hours included, among others: mean normal-normal interbeat
      intervals (mean NN), standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN), and standard
      deviation of the successive NN differences (SDSD). RESULTS: Nocturnal SDNN of
      less than 114 ms had the greatest predictive value to set apart patients from
      controls with an odds ratio of 13.6 (95% confidence interval: 3.9 to 47.8). In
      patients, decreased nighttime HRV markers indicative of sympathetic predominance
      had significant correlations with several FM symptoms: SDSD was associated with
      pain intensity (r = -0.65, P = 0.001). SDNN correlated with constipation (r = 
      0.53, P = 0.001), and mean NN with depression (r = -0.53, P = 0.001). Controls
      displayed an opposite behavior. For them, increased nighttime SDNN correlated
      with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores (r = 0.69, P = 0.001) and with
      other FM symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal HRV indices indicative of sympathetic
      predominance are significantly different in FM women when compared to healthy
      individuals. In FM patients, these HRV parameters correlated with several
      symptoms including pain severity. Opposite associations were seen in controls. FM
      may not be just one end of a continuous spectrum of common symptoms. Nocturnal
      HRV analyses are potential FM biomarkers.

PMID- 22087606
TI  - In vivo distribution of avidin-conjugated MX35 and (211)At-labeled, biotinylated
      poly-L-lysine for pretargeted intraperitoneal alpha-radioimmunotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Avidin-coupled monoclonal antibody MX35 (avidin-MX35) and astatine-211
      labeled, biotinylated, succinylated poly-l-lysine ((211)At-B-PL(suc)) were
      administered in mice to assess potential efficacy as an intraperitoneal (i.p.)
      therapy for microscopic tumors. We aimed to establish a timeline for pretargeted
      radioimmunotherapy using these substances, and estimate the maximum tolerable
      activity. METHODS: (125)I-avidin-MX35 and (211)At-B-PL(suc) were administered
      i.p. in nude mice. Tissue distributions were studied at various time points and
      mean absorbed doses were estimated from organ uptake of (211)At-B-PL(suc).
      Studies of myelotoxicity were performed after administration of different
      activities of (211)At-B-PL(suc). RESULTS: We observed low blood content of both
      (125)I-avidin-MX35 and (211)At-B-PL(suc), indicating fast clearance. After sodium
      perchlorate blocking, the highest (211)At uptake was found in kidneys. Red bone
      marrow (RBM) accumulated some (211)At activity. Mean absorbed doses of special
      interest were 2.3 Gy/MBq for kidneys, 0.4 Gy/MBq for blood, and 0.9 Gy/MBq for
      RBM. An absorbed dose of 0.9 Gy to the RBM was found to be safe. These values
      suggested that RBM would be the key dose-limiting organ in the proposed
      pretargeting scheme, and that blood data alone was not sufficient for predicting
      its absorbed dose. CONCLUSIONS: To attain a favorable distribution of activity
      and avoid major toxicities, at least 1.0 MBq of (211)At-B-PL(suc) can be
      administered 24 hours after an i.p. injection of avidin-MX35. These results
      provide a basis for future i.p. therapy studies in mice of microscopic ovarian
      cancer.

PMID- 22087607
TI  - Radioprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum and amifostine on the salivary gland of
      rats after therapeutic radioiodine exposure.
AB  - The current study investigated the radioprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum on
      the salivary gland of rats administered radioiodine ((131)I) and compared its
      efficacy with a known radioprotectant, amifostine. The experimental rats were
      divided in four groups and sacrificed in three different batches at 1, 3, and 6
      months of time interval after 18.5 MBq/100g (i.p.) (131)I exposure. Six months
      duration batch received (131)I exposure twice with the gap of 3 months. Two
      groups of experimental rats were presupplemented with O. sanctum (40 mg/kg for 5
      days, orally) and amifostine (200 mg/kg, s.c) before (131)I exposure separately.
      Increased Technetium-99m-pertechnetate ((99m)TcO(4)(-)) uptake at 30 minutes post
      injection in salivary glands of only (131)I exposed rats may imply delay in
      clearance at 6 months of exposure in comparison to their counterparts sacrificed
      at 1 month. Parotid gland histology showed atrophy with lipomatosis in only
      (131)I exposed rats at 3 and 6 months of duration. O. sanctum and amifostine
      presupplemented and subsequently exposed to (131)I rats at 3 and 6 months
      duration exhibited comparable histopathology with controls. Our study indicates
      possible radioprotective effect of O. sanctum and amifostine against high-dose
      (131)I exposure.

PMID- 22087609
TI  - Varicella-zoster virus prophylaxis with the traditional Chinese medicine Radix
      isatidis (Banlangen) in patients with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib.

PMID- 22087608
TI  - Haemodynamic, endocrine and renal actions of adrenomedullin 5 in an ovine model
      of heart failure.
AB  - AM5 (adrenomedullin 5), a newly described member of the CGRP (calcitonin gene
      related peptide) family, is reported to play a role in normal cardiovascular
      physiology. The effects of AM5 in HF (heart failure), however, have not been
      investigated. In the present study, we intravenously infused two incremental
      doses of AM5 (10 and 100 ng/min per kg of body weight each for 90 min) into eight
      sheep with pacing-induced HF. Compared with time-matched vehicle control
      infusions, AM5 produced progressive and dose-dependent increases in left
      ventricular dP/dt(max) [LD (low dose), +56 mmHg/s and HD (high dose), +152
      mmHg/s] and cardiac output (+0.83 l/min and +1.81 l/min), together with
      decrements in calculated total peripheral resistance (-9.4 mmHg/min per litre and
      -14.7 mmHg/min per litre), mean arterial pressure (-2.8 mmHg and -8.4 mmHg) and
      LAP (left atrial pressure; -2.6 mmHg and -5.6 mmHg) (all P<0.001). HD AM5
      significantly raised PRA (plasma renin activity) (3.5-fold increment, P<0.001),
      whereas plasma aldosterone levels were unchanged over the intra-infusion period
      and actually fell in the post-infusion period (70% decrement, P<0.01), resulting
      in a marked decrease in the aldosterone/PRA ratio (P<0.01). Despite falls in LAP,
      plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations
      were maintained relative to controls. AM5 infusion also induced significant
      increases in urine volume (HD 2-fold increment, P<0.05) and urine sodium (2.7
      fold increment, P<0.01), potassium (1.7-fold increment, P<0.05) and creatinine
      (1.4-fold increment, P<0.05) excretion and creatinine clearance (60% increment,
      P<0.05). In conclusion, AM5 has significant haemodynamic, endocrine and renal
      actions in experimental HF likely to be protective and compensatory in this
      setting. These results suggest that AM5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent
      in human HF.

PMID- 22087610
TI  - Amulets and other uncommon treatments prescribed by traditional medicinal
      practitioners of the Bede community residing in Porabari village of Dhaka
      district, Bangladesh.

PMID- 22087611
TI  - What is Bowenwork(r)? A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to systematically review the
      literature available on the complementary approach to healing known as
      Bowenwork((r)) and to examine reported research methods. METHODS: To the authors'
      knowledge, an exhaustive search of the computerized databases from the known
      scientific community on all available published literature on Bowenwork((r)) was
      conducted. Databases included Medline Ovid, PubMed, PsychINFO, and CINAHL((r)).
      The literature search included English language studies (1985-September 5, 2009)
      using the following search terms: Bowen Technique, Bowen Therapy, Bowtech, and
      Bowenwork((r)). In addition, a hand search of individual journals noted to
      publish complementary and alternative medicine articles was done (1997-2009).
      Abstracts of all studies were reviewed. Studies were included if (1) they
      referenced the original Bowenwork, (2) provided health-related outcomes, and (3)
      provided quantitative or qualitative data. Excluded articles included
      testimonials, duplicates, unrelated topics, literature reviews, articles lacking
      verifiable sources, and studies from proprietary resources. RESULTS: Of the 309
      citations obtained, only 15 articles met the inclusion criteria (randomized
      clinical trial, n=1; quasi-experimental, n=2; mixed methods, n=3; cross
      sectional, n=2; case study, n=7). Over half of these studies (53%) reported that
      Bowenwork was effective for pain reduction and 33% reported improved mobility. In
      addition, several studies (n=5) reported the effectiveness of Bowenwork((r)) on
      the relief of symptoms experienced by persons living with a chronic illness, such
      as multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Bowenwork((r)) may provide a noninvasive and
      affordable complementary approach to improvements in health. This intervention
      may offer improvements in pain reduction for various conditions such as frozen
      shoulder and migraines. While Bowenwork is recognized internationally, scientific
      evidence is not well documented. Further research is needed to systematically
      test this modality, before widespread recommendations can be given.

PMID- 22087612
TI  - Investigation of the delayed neuronal effects of acupuncture manipulations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the delayed neuronal effects
      of acupuncture manipulations by observing blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)
      signal intensities. SUBJECTS: Fifteen (15) healthy, acupuncture-naive, right
      handed subjects (all males; mean age, 23 years; range, 21-24 years) participated
      in this study. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: Each subject was scanned in eight
      sessions that consisted of two repeated baseline scans (Period 1), two repeated
      scans with acupuncture stimulation at right LR2 (Period 2), two repeated scans
      with retention (Period 3), and two repeated scans after removal of the needle
      (Period 4). OUTCOME MEASURES: Sixteen (16) regions of interest (ROI) were
      defined. The BOLD signals for each session were obtained for each ROI. A mixed
      effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed in order to investigate
      the BOLD signal differences of the Periods in the 16 ROIs. RESULTS: The BOLD
      signal intensities increased in Periods 2 and 3, and then started to decrease in
      Period 4 in the right amygdala, supramarginal gyrus, temporal pole, and superior
      temporal gyrus. However, the BOLD signal intensity in Period 4 was significantly
      higher than that of Period 1. Especially, BOLD signal intensity was elevated
      promptly in the insula and the parahippocampal gyrus, whereas it was persistently
      elevated (delayed effect) in the amygdala. CONCLUSIONS: BOLD signals were
      persistently elevated for at least 8 minutes after removal of the acupuncture
      needle or for at least 19 minutes after rotation of an acupuncture needle in some
      specific brain areas previously linked with LR2. In those specific brain ROIs,
      neuronal activation accompanying and following acupuncture showed both prompt and
      delayed effects.

PMID- 22087613
TI  - Management of distress during climacteric years by homeopathic therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the usefulness of
      homeopathic therapy in the management of distressing symptoms encountered during
      climacteric years in women (primary objective) and also the changes brought about
      in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lipid profile in these
      women after homeopathic treatment (secondary objective). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      An open, multicenter, prospective, observational study was carried out to
      ascertain the usefulness of homeopathic treatment in distress during climacteric
      years (DDCY). Patients were enrolled from the general outpatient department of
      the six Institutes/Units of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)
      and were required to complete a follow-up period of 1 year as per the protocol
      designed by the CCRH. A uniform questionnaire assessing 15 predefined symptoms of
      menopause was adopted, with assessment of each symptom at every visit. Levels of
      serum FSH and lipid profile were monitored at entry and at completion. Effect
      size of the study was also calculated. CARA Software was used for repertorization
      of the presenting symptoms of menopause along with the characteristic attributes
      of each patient to arrive at a simillimum. The selected medicine was prescribed
      in a single dose as per the homeopathic principles. The assessment of the results
      was made through statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed rank test on
      Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) comparing symptom score at entry
      and completion of 1 year of treatment and t test for analyzing improvement in
      laboratory findings. RESULTS: Homeopathic therapy was found to be useful in
      relieving menopausal distressing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats,
      anxiety, palpitation, depression, insomnia, and so on. Influence on serum levels
      of FSH, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein was not significant
      but serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein
      decreased significantly. Effect size of the study was found to be large. The
      medicines found to be most frequently indicated and useful were Sepia, Lachesis,
      Calcarea carb., Lycopodium, and Sulphur. CONCLUSIONS: This study proves the
      usefulness of homeopathic medicines in relieving DDCY.

PMID- 22087614
TI  - A pilot study of website information regarding aromatase inhibitors: dietary
      supplement interactions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients who have hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and who are
      taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs) should understand the benefits and risks of
      concomitant dietary supplement (DS) use. The International Society for
      Integrative Oncology (SIO) encourages patients to discuss DS use with their
      health care practitioners. The objective was to conduct a pilot study rating
      Internet websites from the perspective of health care practitioners for
      information about AI-DS interactions. DESIGN: Five (5) Internet websites
      suggested by SIO were evaluated using the DISCERN instrument rating tool. The
      available AI-DS information on these websites was rated by 4 evaluators: 2
      naturopathic doctors, 1 oncology pharmacy resident, and a pharmacy student.
      RESULTS: The overall rankings ranged from 1.6 to 3.9, with considerable
      variability in the type of information available from the websites. The
      interevaluator rankings of the websites ranged from 0.44 to 0.89. The evaluators
      consistently found the most reliable, unbiased, and comprehensive information on
      AI-DS interactions at the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database and Memorial
      Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center websites. However, more than one database was
      needed for provision of optimal patient information on AI-DS interactions.
      CONCLUSIONS: In order to effectively advise patients regarding AI-DS
      interactions, more than one website should be evaluated to assess the potential
      efficacy and safety of DS in women whose breast cancer is being treated with an
      AI.

PMID- 22087616
TI  - Pulmonary functions of children with asthma improve following massage therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of massage therapy on the
      pulmonary functions of stable Egyptian children with asthma. DESIGN: This study
      was an open, randomized, controlled trial. SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study was
      conducted in pediatric allergy and chest unit of the New Children's Hospital of
      Cairo University, Egypt. SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Sixty (60) children with
      asthma were divided randomly into two equal groups: massage therapy group and
      control group. Subjects in the massage therapy group received a 20-minute massage
      therapy by their parents at home before bedtime every night for 5 weeks in
      addition to the standard asthma treatment. The control group received the
      standard asthma treatment alone for 5 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Spirometry was
      performed for all children on the first and last days of the study. Forced
      expiratory flow in first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and
      peak expiratory flow (PEF) were recorded. RESULTS: At the end of the study, mean
      FEV1 of the massage therapy group was significantly higher than controls (2.3-0.8
      L versus 1.9-0.9 L, p=0.04). There was no significant difference in FVC (2.5-0.8
      L versus 2.7-0.7 L, p=0.43). However, FEV1/FVC ratio showed a significant
      improvement in the massage therapy group (92.3-21.5 versus 69.5-17, p<0.01). PEF
      difference was not significant (263.5-39.6 L/minute versus 245.9-32 L/minute,
      p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial role for massage therapy in pediatric asthma
      is suggested. It improved the key pulmonary functions of the children, namely,
      FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio. However, further research on a larger scale is
      warranted.

PMID- 22087615
TI  - A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a
      combination of lemon verbena extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid on joint
      management.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of an antioxidant/anti
      inflammatory supplement containing standardized lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla,
      Lippia citriodora) extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid in a human pilot trial
      as an alternative treatment for joint management. METHODS AND DESIGN: First,
      antioxidant activity of the supplement was determined through an oxygen radical
      absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. In a randomized, double-blinded placebo
      controlled trial, 45 subjects with pain discomfort received the nutritional
      supplement or placebo for 9 weeks. Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) and
      Lequesne's questionnaires, which are disease-specific measurements validated to
      measure joint dysfunction and pain, were administered and evaluated once per week
      in the placebo and intervention groups. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and stiffness
      symptoms, and joint function were determined once per week through recording
      their respective WOMAC and Lequesne's scores in the placebo and intervention
      groups. Statistically significant differences were determined at every
      measurement point between the two groups. RESULTS: Lemon verbena extract showed
      strong antioxidant properties as measured by the ORAC assay. The nutritional
      supplement containing standardized lemon verbena extract (14% verbascoside, w/w)
      and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid reduced symptoms of pain and stiffness
      significantly, and improved physical function as shown by WOMAC and Lequesne's
      scores after 9 weeks of treatment. WOMAC and Lequesne's total scores decreased
      53% and 78%, respectively, at the end of the study compared to initial
      conditions. Onset of the effect was observed at the third and fourth weeks, when
      statistically significant differences were detected, compared to placebo.
      CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study reveals that supplementation with lemon verbena
      combined with omega-3 fatty acids may be considered for further investigation as
      a complementary and alternative treatment for improving joint status in subjects
      with joint discomfort.

PMID- 22087617
TI  - Five keys to real transformation in health care.
AB  - Transformation in health care requires a deeply holistic approach. Natural
      leaders of such a transformation are the complementary and alternative medicine
      practitioners who already share a vision of wellness, prevention, and optimal
      human function. Central to this shared vision is lifestyle change for patients
      and practitioners. Yet, to change a lifestyle is to change a self. Assisting
      individuals to transform their very sense of self in order to live healthier,
      more fulfilling lives centered on flourishing requires several important keys.
      Visionary and unified leaders are the first key. Structural support through
      coordination of health clinics locally and nationally is the second key. This can
      be optimized by utilizing initiatives of the new Affordable Health Care Act,
      because it provides a potential impetus for deep structural changes. An expanded
      evidence base for multifactorial approaches to wellness lifestyles is the third
      key. A reorganizational orientation with an emphasis on the right timing of
      transformation is the fourth key. The fifth key is an Integral map, which brings
      together the personal, behavioral, cultural, and social domains. By utilizing
      such a map, one ensures that no aspect of the transformative revolution at hand
      slips away due to any misplaced focus, such as emphasizing only on the things we
      can see with our eyes. By embracing the essence of transformation in terms of a
      wholeness to all reality, an evolutionary unifying field with interior depth and
      exterior expression, health care is redefined more authentically.

PMID- 22087618
TI  - Eribulin mesylate for the treatment of late-stage breast cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy agents, particularly anthracycline and taxane, have
      demonstrated their significance in metastatic breast cancer. However, improving
      overall survival in late-stage breast cancer remains a challenge. Eribulin
      mesylate, a new chemotherapy agent, has a proven significance in this setting.
      Eribulin mesylate is a synthetic analog of a macrolide isolated from a marine
      sponge. It inhibits microtubule polymerization, inducing mitosis arrest and
      apoptosis, and aggregates soluble tubulin in nonproductive form. In Phase II
      studies, this drug has shown a partial and stable response. The Phase III EMBRACE
      study showed that eribulin mesylate improved overall survival, compared with the
      physician's choice of treatment, in women who had received two to five prior
      chemotherapy regimens, including anthracycline and taxane for advanced breast
      cancer (median overall survival: 13.1 versus 10.6 months HR 0.81, p = 0.041).
      This compound is well tolerated. The most common adverse event is neutropenia.
      AREAS COVERED: This paper provides an introduction to the drug, eribulin
      mesylate, along with an overview of the current drug market for late-stage breast
      cancer; it also reviews its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and clinical
      efficacy. EXPERT OPINION: Currently, eribulin mesylate is only the third single
      agent chemotherapy that has improved overall survival (after anthracycline and
      taxane) in advanced breast cancer. These results, particularly in heavily
      pretreated breast cancer, suggest that this drug could become a new standard in
      the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, and should, therefore, be further
      developed in its earlier stages.

PMID- 22087619
TI  - Frank wallace notestein (1902-1983).
AB  - Abstract   Frank W. Notestein, one of the architects of modern demography, died
      on 18 February 1983, after a long struggle with emphysema. President Emeritus of
      the Population Council, and former Professor of Demography at Princeton
      University, he had been living in retirement in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with his
      wife of fifty-six years, nee Daphne Limbach.

PMID- 22087620
TI  - Fertility exposure analysis: A new method for assessing the contribution of
      proximate determinants to fertility differentials.
AB  - Summary   Several recent papers have dealt with the problem of assessing the
      impact of the proximate determinants on fertility. All these approaches rely on
      combining a series of separately estimated aggregate level indicators. This paper
      proposes an approach which uses individual-level data and thus permits regression
      analyses as well as analyses for sub-groups. In the course of development it
      became clear that there are several deficiencies and inconsistencies in the
      measurement and formation of indices proposed elsewhere, which are overcome. We
      illustrate our approach with data from the Dominican Republic. The approach used
      involves attributing exposure to one or more of several states, including
      pregnancy, lactational and non-lactational components of post-partum amenorrhoea,
      absence of sexual relations and contraception. Key elements are efficacies of
      contraception and components of post-partum infecundity and the treatment of
      overlaps through an explicit hierarchy. We treat both unconditional (or additive)
      and conditional analyses. Intriguing findings on the age-specific pattern of
      fertility control emerge. Major advantages of regression analysis, such as
      simultaneous treatment of several variables and estimation of sampling variation
      are stressed.

PMID- 22087621
TI  - The influence of child spacing on child survival.
AB  - Summary   This study evaluates the strength of the influence of spacing on child
      survival. Data related to a traditional culture (Punjab) in which almost all
      children are breast-fed up to the age of 17 months. An initial pregnancy history
      survey, subsequent four years updating through continuous monitoring of vital
      events and a second cross-sectional pregnancy history survey at the mid-point
      provided a file containing information on pregnancies and survival of children of
      5,018 women. The analysis first looks at the correlation between the lengths of
      the preceding and subsequent intervals of index children, then examines whether
      this correlation was related to the repeated pattern of child death or survival.
      Next, the influence of the duration of the preceding interval on the survival of
      the index child in general and after accounting for the fate of the preceding
      child were considered. Then the influence of the length of the subsequent
      interval on the survival of the index child after conception and after the birth
      of the next child were studied. Lastly, regression analyses with preceding and
      subsequent intervals as independent variables and age-specific survival or death
      as the dependent variable were performed.

PMID- 22087622
TI  - Old age and the demographic transition.
AB  - Summary   This paper examines the impact of the demographic transition upon the
      potential supply of, and demand for, family support for the aged in Australia.
      Using census and survey information on population cohorts entering old age,
      comparisons are drawn concerning their surviving issue, household composition and
      family membership. Long-term changes in fertility are shown to have had only a
      small impact upon the supply of potential carers among relatives and, although
      the demographic transition has led to a more universal inclusion of old people in
      family networks, there have not been major changes through time in the
      proportions living in extended family households. Short-term changes, however,
      such as low fertility during the 1930s, have caused disordered cohort flow, with
      the result that current generations of the elderly are members of deprived
      cohorts in terms of their access to family support.

PMID- 22087623
TI  - Estimating the incidence of widow and widower re-marriages in India from census
      data.
AB  - Summary   In this paper we develop a method for estimating the incidence of widow
      and widower re-marriages from the current marital status data given in a census
      or survey. The method basically consists of reversing the procedure of estimating
      adult mortality from information on widowhood status. The method is applied to
      the all-India data from the Census of 1971. The principal result is that about
      one-third of the ever widowed women and slightly fewer than two-thirds of the
      ever widowed men were currently remarried in 1971. Similar application of the
      method to earlier censuses, and to state-level data, may provide answers to some
      of the riddles in Indian sociology.

PMID- 22087624
TI  - The variance of population characteristics in stable populations, with
      applications to the distribution of income.
AB  - Summary   Stable population theory has recently been used to analyse the effects
      of changes in fertility and mortality on economic variables such as income per
      head. In this paper more general results are derived to describe the effects of
      changing vital rates on the variance and higher moments of the distribution of
      some age-dependent variable. Simple analytical expressions are derived which
      decompose the effects of changes in age structure into the effects on inter
      cohort and intra-cohort variance. The results are easily applied to standard
      measures of the distribution of income. By combining the analytical results with
      actual age profiles of income and income variance from the United States and
      Brazil it is observed that both the magnitude and direction of the effects of
      population growth on measured inequality are sensitive to the specific age
      profiles used. The most surprising result is that the Brazilian age profiles
      suggest that higher growth rates may actually reduce measured inequality,
      although the effect is relatively small.

PMID- 22087625
TI  - Household structure and the tempo of family formation in comparative perspective.
AB  - Summary   Previous research on the relationship between extended family residence
      and fertility has produced conflicting findings. In the present paper, we avoid a
      major shortcoming of past work by focusing on residence and fertility at a given
      stage of the life-cycle, i.e. the stage following first marriage. Results show
      that residence with husband's parents reduces age at marriage. Residence with
      wife's parents shows no such consistent effect. No evidence was found to support
      the claim that extended family residence consistently affects the length of the
      interval between marriage and the first birth. These findings are consistent
      across four cultural/ethnic groups.

PMID- 22087626
TI  - Fertility adaptation by rural-urban migrants in developing countries: The case of
      Korea.
AB  - Summary   The purpose of this study is to develop and test a model to assess the
      influence of rural-urban migration on fertility in less developed countries. Two
      major reasons may account for lower fertility levels observed among such migrants
      than among women who remained in rural areas: a selection effect, and adaptation
      to constraints in the area of destination. Results of previous studies have only
      rarely suggested that the effect of adaptation was significant. We use the
      detailed personal migration and pregnancy histories recorded in the Korean World
      Fertility Survey of 1974 and an autoregressive model to control for unobservable
      variations in personal preferences for different family sizes between migrants
      and non-migrants. Our study provides evidence that adaptation following rural
      urban migration is a significant factor which explains the lower fertility of
      rural-urban migrants compared with that of rural stayers.

PMID- 22087629
TI  - Facing a "slow-motion disaster"--the UN meeting on noncommunicable diseases.

PMID- 22087630
TI  - Preparation of highly exfoliated polyester-clay nanocomposites: process-property
      correlations.
AB  - A large number of polyester nanocomposite batches featuring different kinds of
      nanoclay surface modifiers and up to 6 wt % nanoclay were manufactured using a
      solvent-based technique. Montmorillonite platelets modified with ammonium ions of
      different chemical architectures were examined to study the effect of ammonium
      ions on the extent of surface reactions with long-chain fatty acids. The ammonium
      montmorillonite was first dispersed and suspended in acetone. This suspension was
      further esterificated with dotriacontanoic (lacceroic) acid to form high density
      brushes on the clay surface. This led to achieving higher basal plane spacing of
      the montmorillonite platelets due to the reduction of electrostatic interactions
      holding them. The outcome of the surface esterification was analyzed by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The
      esterificated ammonium-modified clays were then mixed by five different mixing
      strategies based on the use of a three-roll mill mixer (TRM) and/or
      ultrasonication (US) to obtain the desired polyester-nanoclay dispersion,
      intercalation, and exfoliation. The dispersion states of the modified nanoclay in
      polymer were characterized from XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and low
      and high magnification transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical,
      thermal, and barrier properties of the resulting composites were experimentally
      characterized. The Mori-Tanaka method along with an orientation distribution
      function was used to verify the experimental effective stiffness of the polyester
      nanocomposite systems. The aspect ratio of nanoclays and their level of
      intercalation and/or exfoliation after mixing were also confirmed by the
      comparison of the experimental diffusivity results with those of Fick's diffusion
      model. Systems having 4 and 6 wt % esterificated ammonium nanoclay and prepared
      according to a combined TRM/US mixing procedure showed optimal performance with
      balanced properties and processing ease, thereby showing potential for use in the
      automotive, transportation, and packaging industries.

PMID- 22087631
TI  - Coercion within Danish psychiatry compared with 10 other European countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2008, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and
      Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) criticized the use of
      mechanical restraint in Denmark and referred to it as ill-treatment. What do
      other European countries do better? To answer this question, we compared the use
      of coercive measures regarding psychiatric inpatients in Denmark and comparable
      European countries. AIMS: Comparing coercive measures from Denmark, Sweden,
      Norway, Finland, Iceland, Belgium, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ireland,
      France and Italy. METHODS: Review of international literature and a cross
      sectional study performed as a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: Denmark used more
      mechanical restraint and holding than Finland and Norway; however Sweden used
      twice as much as Denmark. Finland used more seclusion than did the other
      countries. Norway was the country that used the smallest amount of physical
      coercion. Only Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark had comparable representative
      data on coercion. CONCLUSIONS: Norway used less physical restraint than Denmark.
      We could not find any obvious reasons for the differences in the use of physical
      restraint. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Comparing the factors surrounding coercion
      between countries may serve as a basis for minimizing coercion and carrying it
      out in the most acceptable manner for the patients, thereby providing better
      psychiatric treatment in Europe.

PMID- 22087633
TI  - Direct functionalization of M-C (M = Pt(II), Pd(II)) bonds using environmentally
      benign oxidants, O2 and H2O2.
AB  - Atom economy and the use of "green" reagents in organic oxidation, including
      oxidation of hydrocarbons, remain challenges for organic synthesis. Solutions to
      this problem would lead to a more sustainable economy because of improved access
      to energy resources such as natural gas. Although natural gas is still abundant,
      about a third of methane extracted in distant oil fields currently cannot be used
      as a chemical feedstock because of a dearth of economically and ecologically
      viable methodologies for partial methane oxidation. Two readily available "atom
      economical" "green" oxidants are dioxygen and hydrogen peroxide, but few
      methodologies have utilized these oxidants effectively in selective organic
      transformations. Hydrocarbon oxidation and C-H functionalization reactions rely
      on Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes. These reagents have practical advantages because
      they can tolerate moisture and atmospheric oxygen. But this tolerance for
      atmospheric oxygen also makes it challenging to develop novel organometallic
      palladium and platinum-catalyzed C-H oxidation reactions utilizing O(2) or
      H(2)O(2).  This Account focuses on these challenges: the development of M-C bond
      (M = Pt(II), Pd(II)) functionalization and related selective hydrocarbon C-H
      oxidations with O(2) or H(2)O(2). Reactions discussed in this Account do not
      involve mediators, since the latter can impart low reaction selectivity and
      catalyst instability. As an efficient solution to the problem of direct M-C
      oxidation and functionalization with O(2) and H(2)O(2), this Account introduces
      the use of facially chelating semilabile ligands such as di(2
      pyridyl)methanesulfonate and the hydrated form of di(2-pyridyl)ketone that enable
      selective and facile M(II)-C(sp(n)) bond functionalization with O(2) (M = Pt, n =
      3; M = Pd, n = 3 (benzylic)) or H(2)O(2) (M = Pd, n = 2). The reactions proceed
      efficiently in protic solvents such as water, methanol, or acetic acid. With the
      exception of benzylic Pd(II) complexes, the organometallic substrates studied
      form isolable high-valent Pt(IV) or Pd(IV) intermediates as a result of an
      oxidant attack at the M(II) atom. The resulting high-valent M(IV) intermediates
      undergo C-O reductive elimination, leading to products in high yields. Guidelines
      for the synthesis of products containing other C-X bonds (X = OAc, Cl, Br) while
      using O(2) or H(2)O(2) as oxidants are also discussed. Although the M(II)-C bond
      functionalization reactions including high-valent intermediates are well
      understood, the mechanism for the aerobic functionalization of benzylic Pd(II)
      complexes will require a more detailed exploration.  Importantly, further
      optimization of the systems suitable for stoichiometric M(II)-C bond
      functionalization led to the development of catalytic reactions, including
      selective acetoxylation of benzylic C-H bonds with O(2) as the oxidant and
      hydroxylation of aromatic C-H bonds with H(2)O(2) in acetic acid solutions. Both
      reactions proceed efficiently with substrates that contain a directing
      heteroatom. This Account also describes catalytic methods for ethylene
      dioxygenation with H(2)O(2) using M(II) complexes supported by facially chelating
      ligands.  Mechanistic studies of these new oxidation reactions point to important
      ways to improve their substrate scope and to develop "green" CH functionalization
      chemistry.

PMID- 22087632
TI  - Increasing safer sexual behavior among Lao kathoy through an integrated social
      marketing approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although HIV prevalence has remained low in Laos thus far, there is
      reason to be concerned that Lao male-to-female (MtF) transgender persons (kathoy)
      and their partners may facilitate the spread of HIV. Little is known about how to
      most effectively reach kathoy with HIV prevention programming. This paper
      evaluates an intervention with Lao kathoy with the objective of increasing safe
      sex with regular and casual partners. METHODS: Quantitative surveys were
      administered in November 2004 (n = 288) and June 2006 (n = 415) using time
      location sampling at venues where kathoy were known to congregate. Respondents
      were aged 15-35 and from three urban centers in Laos. UNIANOVA tests were used to
      compare baseline and follow-up survey data and to evaluate the impact of PSI's
      kathoy-specific interventions on items that changed significantly over time.
      RESULTS: Exposure to the intervention was associated with higher levels of condom
      use at last anal sex with casual partners and greater use of water-based
      lubricant. Exposure was also linked to improved perceptions of product
      availability for condoms and water-based lubricant. Knowledge about the
      importance of consistent condom use improved over time as well as the need to use
      condoms with regular partners. Some HIV knowledge decreased over time and the
      intention to use condoms with casual partners when water-based lubricant is
      available also declined. CONCLUSIONS: Study results demonstrate the feasibility
      of reaching kathoy with an integrated social marketing approach; combining
      product promotion, peer education, and other types of interpersonal
      communication. The approach was successful at increasing condom use with casual
      partners and water-based lubricant use, but the importance of using condoms along
      with water-based lubricant must be emphasized and modified strategies are
      required for improving condom use with boyfriends. Future messages should
      emphasize consistent condom use with all types of partners as well as improve
      knowledge and correct misconceptions about HIV and AIDS, STIs, condom use, and
      lubricant use. It is also important that authorities create an enabling
      environment to support such interventions and help foster behavior change.

PMID- 22087634
TI  - Molecular hydrogen tweezers: structure and mechanisms by neutron diffraction,
      NMR, and deuterium labeling studies in solid and solution.
AB  - The mechanism of reversible hydrogen activation by ansa-aminoboranes, 1-N-TMPH
      CH(2)-2-[HB(C(6)F(5))(2)]C(6)H(4) (NHHB), was studied by neutron diffraction and
      thermogravimetric mass-spectroscopic experiments in the solid state as well as
      with NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy in solution. The structure of the ansa-ammonium
      borate NHHB was determined by neutron scattering, revealing a short N-H...H-B
      dihydrogen bond of 1.67 A. Moreover, this intramolecular H-H distance was
      determined in solution to be also 1.6-1.8 A by (1)H NMR spectroscopic T(1)
      relaxation and 1D NOE measurements. The X-ray B-H and N-H distances deviated from
      the neutron and the calculated values. The dynamic nature of the molecular
      tweezers in solution was additionally studied by multinuclear and variable
      temperature NMR spectroscopy. We synthesized stable, individual isotopic isomers
      NDDB, NHDB, and NDHB. NMR measurements revealed a primary isotope effect in the
      chemical shift difference (p)Delta(1)H(D) = delta(NH) - delta(ND) (0.56 ppm), and
      hence supported dihydrogen bonding. The NMR studies gave strong evidence that the
      structure of NHHB in solution is similar to that in the solid state. This is
      corroborated by IR studies providing clear evidence for the dynamic nature of the
      intramolecular dihydrogen bonding at room temperature. Interestingly, no kinetic
      isotope effect was detected for the activation of deuterium hydride by the ansa
      aminoborane NB. Theoretical calculations attribute this to an "early transition
      state". Moreover, 2D NOESY NMR measurements support fast intermolecular proton
      exchange in aprotic CD(2)Cl(2) and C(6)D(6).

PMID- 22087635
TI  - Facile O-H bond activation in alcohols by [Cp*RuCl((I)Pr2PSX)] (X = pyridyl,
      quinolyl): a route to ruthenium(IV) hydrido(alkoxo) derivatives.
AB  - The complexes [Cp*RuCl((i)Pr(2)PSX)] (X = pyridyl, quinolyl) react directly with
      alcohols ROH (R = Me, Et, (i)Pr, (n)Pr) and NaBPh(4), affording the novel
      cationic hydrido(alkoxo) derivatives [Cp*RuH(OR)((i)Pr(2)PSX)][BPh(4)]. These
      ruthenium(IV) compounds result from the formal oxidative addition of the alcohol
      to the 16-electron fragment {[Cp*Ru((i)Pr(2)PSX)](+)}, generated in situ upon
      chloride dissociation. The hydrido(alkoxo) complexes are reversibly deprotonated
      by a strong base such as KOBu(t), yielding the neutral alkoxides
      [Cp*Ru(OR)((i)Pr(2)PSX)], which are remarkably stable toward beta elimination and
      do not generate the corresponding hydrides. The hydrido(alkoxo) complexes undergo
      a slow electron-transfer process, releasing H(2) and generating the dinuclear
      ruthenium(III) complex [{Cp*Ru(kappa(2)-N,S-MU S-SC(5)H(4)N)}(2)][BPh(4)](2). In
      this species, the Ru-Ru separation is very short and consistent with what is
      expected for a Ru=Ru triple bond.

PMID- 22087636
TI  - Six alkaloids inhibit secretion of IL-1alpha, TXB(2), ET-1 and E-selectin in LPS
      induced endothelial cells.
AB  - The aim of the research was to investigate the antiendotoxin effects of
      Sinomenine, Fangchinoline, Stachydrine, Chuanxionggzine, Oxymartrine and
      Evodiamine. Endothelial cells were challenged with 1 MUg/mL LPS for 3 h then
      treated respectively with six alkaloids at three concentrations (1, 5 and 10
      MUg/mL). The cells were incubated at 37 degrees C in a cell incubator for 21 h.
      The supernatants were collected and analyzed the levels of interleukin-1alpha (IL
      1alpha), thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and E-selectin by ELISA
      kits. The results revealed that Sinomenine, Oxymartrine and Evodiamine inhibited
      the production of IL-1alpha; Stachydrine, Chuanxionggzine and Evodiamine
      inhibited the secretion of TXB(2); Sinomenine and Oxymartrine down-regulated ET-1
      expression; Fangchinoline and Evodiamine decreased the level of E-selectin. All
      these changes were significant. Taken together, the data suggested that six
      alkaloids may effectively reduce inflammatory response via these cytokines.

PMID- 22087637
TI  - Low incidence of paradoxical reductions in HDL-C levels in dyslipidemic patients
      treated with fenofibrate alone or in combination with ezetimibe or
      ezetimibe/simvastatin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrates have been reported to cause paradoxical decreases in HDL-C
      in certain patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: This post-hoc analysis explored the
      frequency/magnitude of HDL-C reductions in a pooled database of mixed
      dyslipidemic patients (LDL-C:3.4-5.7 mmol/L;TG:1.7-5.7 mmol/L) receiving placebo
      (PBO), fenofibrate (FENO), ezetimibe plus FENO (EZE+FENO), or EZE/simvastatin
      plus FENO (EZE/SIMVA+FENO) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: PBO-treated patients had the
      highest incidence of HDL-C reductions from baseline (45%) compared with patients
      taking FENO (14%), EZE+FENO (9%), or EZE/SIMVA+FENO (9%). Reductions <30%
      reflected natural variability since the largest reduction in HDL-C approached 30%
      in the PBO group. Only 3 patients exhibited HDL-C reductions >=30% (i.e., 2
      patients in the FENO group and 1 in the EZE+FENO group). There were no
      differences in demographic/biochemical characteristics between patients with and
      without HDL-C reductions. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of paradoxical HDL-C
      reductions was low in mixed dyslipidemic patients receiving FENO alone or
      combined with EZE or EZE/SIMVA.

PMID- 22087638
TI  - Detection of IL-1beta in culture media supernatants of pre-implantation human
      embryos; its relation with embryo grades and development.
AB  - In this study, we aimed to determine whether human embryos secrete interleukin
      1beta (IL-1beta) into culture media and its correlation with embryo grade and
      development. Culture media supernatants of 100 embryos obtained from 39 cycles of
      38 patients and cultivated individually were collected 2 and 3 days after
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). IL-1beta concentrations of samples were
      determined with ELISA and compared with embryo grades and blastomere numbers.
      Embryo grades and the amount of IL-1beta they secreted were found not to be
      correlated (p:0.559). Numbers of blastomeres each embryo had at 2nd and 3rd days
      were found to be correlated with IL-1beta secreted (p:0.00 and p:0.00,
      respectively). Mean amount of IL-1beta secreted by the embryos from ejaculated
      sperm cycles were found to be significantly higher than that of embryos from TESE
      cycles (p:0.016). Patient age and etiology of infertility were not correlated
      with the amount of IL-1beta secreted and embryo grade. In conclusion,
      preimplantation human embryos secrete IL-1beta in their media in amounts
      correlated with their blastomere numbers.

PMID- 22087639
TI  - Hot spots and transient pockets: predicting the determinants of small-molecule
      binding to a protein-protein interface.
AB  - Protein-protein interfaces are considered difficult targets for small-molecule
      protein-protein interaction modulators (PPIMs ). Here, we present for the first
      time a computational strategy that simultaneously considers aspects of energetics
      and plasticity in the context of PPIM binding to a protein interface. The
      strategy aims at identifying the determinants of small-molecule binding, hot
      spots, and transient pockets, in a protein-protein interface in order to make use
      of this knowledge for predicting binding modes of and ranking PPIMs with respect
      to their affinity. When applied to interleukin-2 (IL-2), the computationally
      inexpensive constrained geometric simulation method FRODA outperforms molecular
      dynamics simulations in sampling hydrophobic transient pockets. We introduce the
      PPIAnalyzer approach for identifying transient pockets on the basis of
      geometrical criteria only. A sequence of docking to identified transient pockets,
      starting structure selection based on hot spot information, RMSD clustering and
      intermolecular docking energies, and MM-PBSA calculations allows one to enrich IL
      2 PPIMs from a set of decoys and to discriminate between subgroups of IL-2 PPIMs
      with low and high affinity. Our strategy will be applicable in a prospective
      manner where nothing else than a protein-protein complex structure is known;
      hence, it can well be the first step in a structure-based endeavor to identify
      PPIMs.

PMID- 22087640
TI  - China needs forest management rather than reforestation for carbon sequestration.

PMID- 22087641
TI  - Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical structure, enantioselectivity, and
      spectroscopy of hydroxyretinals and insights into the evolution of color vision
      in small white butterflies.
AB  - Since Vogt's discovery of A(3)-retinal or 3-hydroxyretinal in insects in 1983 and
      Matsui's discovery of A(4)-retinal or 4-hydroxyretinal in firefly squid in 1988,
      hydroxyretinal-protein interactions mediating vision have remained largely
      unexplored. In the present study, A(3)- and A(4)-retinals are theoretically
      incorporated into squid and bovine visual pigments by use of the hybrid quantum
      mechanics/molecular mechanics [SORCI+Q//B3LYP/6-31G(d):Amber96] method, and
      insights into structure, enantioselectivity, and spectroscopy are gathered and
      presented for the first time. Contrary to general perception, our findings rule
      out the formation of a hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl-bearing beta-ionone
      ring portion of retinal and opsin. Compared to A(1)-pigments, A(3)- and A(4)
      pigments exhibit slightly blue-shifted absorption maxima due to increase in bond
      length alternation of the hydroxyretinal. We suggest that (i) the binding site of
      firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans) opsin is very similar to that of the
      Japanese common squid (Todarodes pacificus) opsin; (ii) the molecular mechanism
      of spectral tuning in small white butterflies involve sites S116 and T185 and
      breaking of a hydrogen bond between sites E180 and T185; and finally (iii) A(3)
      retinal may have occurred during the conversion of A(1)- to A(2)-retinal and
      insects may have acquired them, in order to absorb light in the blue-green
      wavelength region and to speed up the G-protein signaling cascade.

PMID- 22087642
TI  - Amino triazolo diazepines (Ata) as constrained histidine mimics.
AB  - Two synthetic routes for the synthesis of amino-triazolodiazepine (Ata) scaffolds
      are presented. The scope of both of these proceeding through key intra- and
      intermolecular Huisgen cycloaddition reactions is discussed. The replacement of
      the His-Pro dipeptide segment in angiotensin IV by the dipeptide mimetic Ata-Gly
      and subsequent biological evaluation in two inhibitory enzyme assays validated
      the use of the Ata moiety as a His mimic given the equipotency of both peptidic
      analogs.

PMID- 22087643
TI  - Comment on benzene exposure ratio method.

PMID- 22087644
TI  - Exploring variables associated with change in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
      for anxiety following traumatic brain injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: In a pilot randomized controlled trial, we investigated the
      effectiveness of a 12-weekly anxiety treatment programme adapted for individuals
      with moderate-severe TBI, based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and
      Motivational Interviewing (MI). The current study explored the variables
      associated with treatment response and group differences in change expectancy and
      working alliance. METHODS: Twenty-seven participants recruited from a brain
      injury rehabilitation hospital were randomly assigned to MI + CBT, non-directive
      counselling (NDC) + CBT and treatment-as-usual and assessors were blinded to
      treatment conditions. Correlation and multiple regression were used to examine
      the association between reduction in anxiety ratings and a number of clinical,
      injury and cognitive variables. Random effects regression was used to examine
      group difference in changes in working alliance and expectancy. RESULTS: There
      was a trend suggesting that greater injury severity may be predictive of poorer
      response to CBT and injury severity was significantly related to memory
      functioning. Participants receiving MI pre-treatment showed a greater increase in
      change expectancy at the end of CBT and at follow-up, but not at the end of MI.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to further investigate the effectiveness of
      treatment for individuals with different injury severity and to explore the
      relationship between change expectancy and treatment outcome.

PMID- 22087645
TI  - High-risk HPV infection after five years in a population-based cohort of Chilean
      women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need to review cervical cancer prevention strategies has been
      triggered by the availability of new prevention tools linked to human
      papillomavirus (HPV): vaccines and screening tests. To consider these
      innovations, information on HPV type distribution and natural history is
      necessary. This is a five-year follow-up study of gynecological high-risk (HR)
      HPV infection among a Chilean population-based cohort of women. FINDINGS: A
      population-based random sample of 969 women from Santiago, Chile aged 17 years or
      older was enrolled in 2001 and revisited in 2006. At both visits they answered a
      survey on demographics and sexual history and provided a cervical sample for HPV
      DNA detection (GP5+/6+ primer-mediated PCR and Reverse line blot genotyping).
      Follow-up was completed by 576 (59.4%) women; 45 (4.6%) refused participation;
      most losses to follow-up were women who were unreachable, no longer eligible or
      had missing samples. HR-HPV prevalence increased by 43%. Incidence was highest in
      women < 20 years of age (19.4%) and lowest in women > 70 (0%); it was three times
      higher among women HR-HPV positive versus HPV negative at baseline (25.5% and
      8.3%; OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.8-8.0). Type-specific persistence was 35.3%; it increased
      with age, from 0% in women < 30 years of age to 100% in women > 70. An enrollment
      Pap result ASCUS or worse was the only risk factor for being HR-HPV positive at
      both visits. CONCLUSIONS: HR-HPV prevalence increased in the study population.
      All HR-HPV infections in women < 30 years old cleared, supporting the current
      recommendation of HR-HPV screening for women > 30 years.

PMID- 22087646
TI  - Anodization of nanoporous alumina on impurity-induced hemisphere curved surface
      of aluminum at room temperature.
AB  - Nanoporous alumina which was produced by a conventional direct current
      anodization [DCA] process at low temperatures has received much attention in
      various applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, sensors, and photonics. In
      this article, we employed a newly developed hybrid pulse anodization [HPA] method
      to fabricate the nanoporous alumina on a flat and curved surface of an aluminum
      [Al] foil at room temperature [RT]. We fabricate the nanopores to grow on a
      hemisphere curved surface and characterize their behavior along the normal
      vectors of the hemisphere curve. In a conventional DCA approach, the structures
      of branched nanopores were grown on a photolithography-and-etched low-curvature
      curved surface with large interpore distances. However, a high-curvature
      hemisphere curved surface can be obtained by the HPA technique. Such a curved
      surface by HPA is intrinsically induced by the high-resistivity impurities in the
      aluminum foil and leads to branching and bending of nanopore growth via the
      electric field mechanism rather than the interpore distance in conventional
      approaches. It is noted that by the HPA technique, the Joule heat during the RT
      process has been significantly suppressed globally on the material, and nanopores
      have been grown along the normal vectors of a hemisphere curve. The curvature is
      much larger than that in other literatures due to different fabrication methods.
      In theory, the number of nanopores on the hemisphere surface is two times of the
      conventional flat plane, which is potentially useful for photocatalyst or other
      applications.PACS: 81.05.Rm; 81.07.-b; 82.45.Cc.

PMID- 22087647
TI  - Replicated associations of TNFAIP3, TNIP1 and ETS1 with systemic lupus
      erythematosus in a southwestern Chinese population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent genome-wide and candidate gene association studies in large
      numbers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have suggested
      approximately 30 susceptibility genes. These genes are involved in three types of
      biological processes, including immune complex processing, toll-like receptor
      function and type I interferon production, and immune signal transduction in
      lymphocytes, and they may contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE. To better
      understand the genetic risk factors of SLE, we investigated the associations of
      seven SLE susceptibility genes in a Chinese population, including FCGR3A, FCGR2A,
      TNFAIP3, TLR9, TREX1, ETS1 and TNIP1. METHODS: A total of 20 SNPs spanning the
      seven SLE susceptibility genes were genotyped in a sample of 564 unrelated SLE
      patients and 504 unrelated healthy controls recruited from Yunnan, southwestern
      China. The associations of SNPs with SLE were assessed by statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: Five SNPs in two genes (TNFAIP3 and ETS1) were significantly associated
      with SLE (corrected P values ranging from 0.03 to 5.5 * 10(-7)). Through
      stratified analysis, TNFAIP3 and ETS1 showed significant associations with
      multiple SLE subphenotypes (such as malar rash, arthritis, hematologic disorder
      and antinuclear antibody) while TNIP1 just showed relatively weak association
      with onset age. The associations of the SNPs in the other four genes were not
      replicated. CONCLUSIONS: The replication analysis indicates that TNFAIP3, ETS1
      and TNIP1 are probably common susceptibility genes for SLE in Chinese
      populations, and they may contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple SLE
      subphenotypes.

PMID- 22087648
TI  - C2'-pyrene-functionalized triazole-linked DNA: universal DNA/RNA hybridization
      probes.
AB  - Development of universal hybridization probes, that is, oligonucleotides
      displaying identical affinity toward matched and mismatched DNA/RNA targets, has
      been a longstanding goal due to potential applications as degenerate PCR primers
      and microarray probes. The classic approach toward this end has been the use of
      "universal bases" that either are based on hydrogen-bonding purine derivatives or
      aromatic base analogues without hydrogen-bonding capabilities. However,
      development of probes that result in truly universal hybridization without
      compromising duplex thermostability has proven challenging. Here we have used the
      "click reaction" to synthesize four C2'-pyrene-functionalized triazole-linked 2'
      deoxyuridine phosphoramidites. We demonstrate that oligodeoxyribonucleotides
      modified with the corresponding monomers display (a) minimally decreased thermal
      affinity toward DNA/RNA complements relative to reference strands, (b) highly
      robust universal hybridization characteristics (average differences in thermal
      denaturation temperatures of matched vs mismatched duplexes involving monomer W
      are <1.7  degrees C), and (c) exceptional affinity toward DNA targets containing
      abasic sites opposite of the modification site (DeltaT(m) up to +25  degrees C).
      The latter observation, along with results from absorption and fluorescence
      spectroscopy, suggests that the pyrene moiety is intercalating into the duplex
      whereby the opposing nucleotide is pushed into an extrahelical position. These
      properties render C2'-pyrene-functionalized triazole-linked DNA as promising
      universal hybridization probes for applications in nucleic acid chemistry and
      biotechnology.

PMID- 22087649
TI  - The standardization of urine particle counting in medical laboratories--a Polish
      experience with the EQA programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the common problems with the standardization of urine particle
      counting methods and the great variability in the results obtained by Polish
      laboratories under international Labquality External Quality Assessment (EQA), we
      initiated educational recovery activities. METHODS: Detailed instructions on how
      to perform the standardized examination were sent to EQA participants, as was a
      questionnaire forms which enabled information to be gathered in respect to the
      procedures being applied. Laboratory results were grouped according to the method
      declared on the EQA 'Result' form or according to a manual examination procedure
      established on the basis of the questionnaire. The between-laboratory CVs for
      leukocyte and erythrocyte counts were calculated for each group and compared
      using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Significantly lower between-laboratory CVs
      (p = 0.03) were achieved for leukocyte counting among the laboratories that
      analysed control specimens in accordance with standardized procedures as compared
      with those which used non-standardized procedures. We also observed a visible
      lower variability for erythrocyte counting. Unfortunately despite our activities,
      only a few of the Polish laboratories applied the standardized examination
      procedures, and only 29% of the results could have been considered to be
      standardized (16% - manual methods, 13% - automated systems). CONCLUSIONS: The
      standardization of urine particle counting methods continues to be a significant
      problem in medical laboratories and requires further recovery activities which
      can be conducted using the EQA scheme.

PMID- 22087650
TI  - Delineation of the Pasteurellaceae-specific GbpA-family of glutathione-binding
      proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Gram-negative bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is a glutathione
      auxotroph and acquires the redox-active tripeptide by import. The dedicated
      glutathione transporter belongs to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-transporter
      superfamily and displays more than 60% overall sequence identity with the well
      studied dipeptide (Dpp) permease of Escherichia coli. The solute binding protein
      (SBP) that mediates glutathione transport in H. influenzae is a lipoprotein
      termed GbpA and is 54% identical to E. coli DppA, a well-studied member of family
      5 SBP's. The discovery linking GbpA to glutathione import came rather
      unexpectedly as this import-priming SBP was previously annotated as a heme
      binding protein (HbpA), and was thought to mediate heme acquisition. Nonetheless,
      although many SBP's have been implicated in more than one function, a prominent
      physiological role for GbpA and its partner permease in heme acquisition appears
      to be very unlikely. Here, we sought to characterize five representative GbpA
      homologs in an effort to delineate the novel GbpA-family of glutathione-specific
      family 5 SBPs and to further clarify their functional role in terms of ligand
      preferences. RESULTS: Lipoprotein and non-lipoprotein GbpA homologs were
      expressed in soluble form and substrate specificity was evaluated via a number of
      ligand binding assays. A physiologically insignificant affinity for hemin was
      observed for all five GbpA homologous test proteins. Three out of five test
      proteins were found to bind glutathione and some of its physiologically relevant
      derivatives with low- or submicromolar affinity. None of the tested SBP family 5
      allocrites interacted with the remaining two GbpA test proteins. Structure-based
      sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis show that the two binding-inert
      GbpA homologs clearly form a separate phylogenetic cluster. To elucidate a
      structure-function rationale for this phylogenetic differentiation, we determined
      the crystal structure of one of the GbpA family outliers from H. parasuis.
      Comparisons thereof with the previously determined structure of GbpA in complex
      with oxidized glutathione reveals the structural basis for the lack of allocrite
      binding capacity, thereby explaining the outlier behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Taken
      together, our studies provide for the first time a collective functional look on
      a novel, Pasteurellaceae-specific, SBP subfamily of glutathione binding proteins,
      which we now term GbpA proteins. Our studies strongly implicate GbpA family SBPs
      in the priming step of ABC-transporter-mediated translocation of useful forms of
      glutathione across the inner membrane, and rule out a general role for GbpA
      proteins in heme acquisition.

PMID- 22087651
TI  - Transgenic analysis of the role of FKBP12.6 in cardiac function and intracellular
      calcium release.
AB  - FK506 binding protein12.6 (FKBP12.6) binds to the Ca(2+) release channel
      ryanodine receptor (RyR2) in cardiomyocytes and stabilizes RyR2 to prevent
      premature sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release. Previously, two different mouse
      strains deficient in FKBP12.6 were reported to have different abnormal cardiac
      phenotypes. The first mutant strain displayed sex-dependent cardiac hypertrophy,
      while the second displayed exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death.
      In this study, we tested whether FKBP12.6-deficient mice that display
      hypertrophic hearts can develop exercise-induced cardiac sudden death and whether
      the hypertrophic heart is a direct consequence of abnormal calcium handling in
      mutant cardiomyocytes. Our data show that FKBP12.6-deficient mice with cardiac
      hypertrophy do not display exercise-induced arrhythmia and/or sudden cardiac
      death. To investigate the role of FKBP12.6 overexpression for cardiac function
      and cardiomyocyte calcium release, we generated a transgenic mouse line with
      cardiac specific overexpression of FKBP12.6 using alpha-myosin heavy chain
      (alphaMHC) promoter. MHC-FKBP12.6 mice displayed normal cardiac development and
      function. We demonstrated that MHC-FKBP12.6 mice are able to rescue abnormal
      cardiac hypertrophy and abnormal calcium release in FKBP12.6-deficient mice.

PMID- 22087652
TI  - Where are all the biomarkers?

PMID- 22087653
TI  - Combined proteomic technology in landmark study encourages advancement in
      personalized multiple myeloma treatment.

PMID- 22087654
TI  - Proteome profiling for the identification of lung cancer signatures.
AB  - Comprehensive and in-depth discovery of the disease proteome is an important
      issue in recent proteomics developments. Previous studies have shown a number of
      biomarkers discovered in various diseases, including lung cancer. Some of them
      are potentially useful in lung cancer diagnostics and prognostics. However, few
      of them can act as organ-specific biomarkers to extensively compare multiple
      cancer models. This article evaluates a recently published study employing
      comparative proteomics on multiple genetically engineered mouse models and sheds
      light on the usefulness and application of the discovered marker panel for human
      lung cancer diagnostics.

PMID- 22087655
TI  - Brain asymmetry: both sides of the story.
AB  - Biological systems demonstrate asymmetry, while lateralization has been observed
      from humans to lower animals structurally, functionally and behaviorally. This
      may be derived from evolutionary, genetic, developmental, epigenetic and
      pathologic factors. However, brain structure and function is complex, and
      macroscopic or microscopic asymmetries are hard to discern from random
      fluctuations. In this article, we discuss brain laterality and lateralization,
      beginning with a brief review of the literature on brain structural and
      functional asymmetries. We conclude with methods to detect and quantify
      asymmetry, focusing on neuroproteomics, for retrieval of protein-expression
      patterns, as a method of diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We suggest inter
      hemispheric differential proteomics as a valid method to assess the experimental
      and biological variations in the healthy brain, and neurologic and
      neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22087657
TI  - Proteomics of blood and derived products: what's next?
AB  - Proteomics has changed the way proteins are analyzed in living systems. This
      approach has been applied to blood products and protein profiling has evolved in
      parallel with the development of techniques. The identification of proteins
      belonging to red blood cell, platelets or plasma was achieved at the end of the
      last century. Then, the questions on the applications emerged. Hence, several
      studies have focused on problems related to blood banking and products, such as
      the aging of blood products, identification of biomarkers, related diseases and
      the protein-protein interactions. More recently, a mass spectrometry-based
      proteomics approach to quality control has been applied in order to offer
      solutions and improve the quality of blood products. The current challenge we
      face is developing a closer relationship between transfusion medicine and
      proteomics. In this article, these issues will be approached by focusing first on
      the proteome identification of blood products and then on the applications and
      future developments within the field of proteomics and blood products.

PMID- 22087656
TI  - Recent advances in biomarker discovery in solid organ transplant by proteomics.
AB  - The identification and clinical use of more sensitive and specific biomarkers in
      the field of solid organ transplantation is an urgent need in medicine. Solid
      organ transplantation has seen improvements in the short-term survival of
      transplanted organs due to recent advancements in immunosuppressive therapy.
      However, the currently available methods of allograft monitoring are not optimal.
      Recent advancements in assaying methods for biomolecules such as genes, mRNA and
      proteins have helped to identify surrogate biomarkers that can be used to monitor
      the transplanted organ. These high-throughput 'omic' methods can help researchers
      to significantly speed up the identification and the validation steps, which are
      crucial factors for biomarker discovery efforts. Still, the progress towards
      identifying more sensitive and specific biomarkers remains a great deal slower
      than expected. In this article, we have evaluated the current status of biomarker
      discovery using proteomics tools in different solid organ transplants in recent
      years. This article summarizes recent reports and current status, along with the
      hurdles in efficient biomarker discovery of protein biomarkers using proteomics
      approaches. Finally, we will touch upon personalized medicine as a future
      direction for better management of transplanted organs, and provide what we think
      could be a recipe for success in this field.

PMID- 22087658
TI  - Proteomic tools against the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming.
AB  - This article covers the application of proteomic tools ('venomics',
      'antivenomics' and 'venom phenotyping') to study the composition and natural
      history of snake venoms, and the cross-reactivity of antivenoms with homologous
      and heterologous venoms, to help address the neglected pathology of snake bite
      envenoming. The identification of evolutionary and immunological trends may help
      to replace the traditional geographic- and phylogenetic-driven hypotheses for
      antivenom production strategies with a more rational approach based on proteome
      phenotype and immunological profile similarities. Antivenomics and venom
      phenotyping may also contribute to expand the clinical range of currently
      existing antidotes.

PMID- 22087659
TI  - Mass spectrometry-based functional proteomics of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1.
AB  - PARP-1 is an abundant nuclear protein that plays an essential role in the
      regulation of many genome integrity and chromatin-based processes, such as DNA
      repair, replication or transcriptional regulation. PARP-1 modulates the function
      of chromatin and nuclear proteins through several poly(ADP-ribose) (pADPr)
      dependent pathways. Aside from the clearly established role of PARP-1 in the
      maintenance of genome stability, PARP-1 also emerged as an important regulator
      that links chromatin functions with extranuclear compartments. pADPr signaling
      has notably been found to be responsible for PARP-1-mediated mitochondrial
      dysfunction and cell death. Defining the mechanisms that govern the intrinsic
      functions of PARP-1 is fundamental to the understanding of signaling networks
      regulated by pADPr. The emergence of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and its
      broad applications in the study of biological systems represents an outstanding
      opportunity to widen our knowledge of the functional spectrum of PARP-1. In this
      article, we summarize various PARP-1 targeted proteomics studies and proteome
      wide analyses that shed light on its protein interaction partners, expression
      levels and post-translational modifications.

PMID- 22087660
TI  - Dissecting phosphorylation networks: lessons learned from yeast.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation continues to be regarded as one of the most important
      post-translational modifications found in eukaryotes and has been implicated in
      key roles in the development of a number of human diseases. In order to elucidate
      roles for the 518 human kinases, phosphorylation has routinely been studied using
      the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. In recent years, a
      number of technologies have emerged to globally map phosphorylation in yeast. In
      this article, we review these technologies and discuss how these phosphorylation
      mapping efforts have shed light on our understanding of kinase signaling pathways
      and eukaryotic proteomic networks in general.

PMID- 22087661
TI  - Intact proteome fractionation strategies compatible with mass spectrometry.
AB  - Proteome fractionation refers to separation at the level of intact proteins.
      Proteome fractionation may precede sample digestion and subsequent peptide-level
      separation and detection (i.e., bottom-up mass spectrometry [MS]). For top-down
      MS, proteome fractionation acts as a stand-alone separation platform, since
      intact proteins are directly analyzed by the mass spectrometer. Regardless of the
      MS identification strategy, separation of intact proteins has clear benefits as a
      result of decreasing sample complexity. However, this stage of the workflow also
      creates considerable challenges, which are generally absent from the counterpart
      peptide separation experiment. For example, maintaining protein solubility is a
      key concern before, during and after separation. To this end, surfactants such as
      sodium dodecyl sulfate may be employed during fractionation, so long as they are
      eliminated prior to MS. In this article, current strategies for proteome
      fractionation in a MS-compatible format are reviewed, illustrating the challenges
      and outlooks on this important aspect of proteomics.

PMID- 22087663
TI  - Post-genomics of Neisseria meningitidis: an update.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis infection still remains a major life-threatening bacterial
      disease worldwide. The availability of bacterial genomic sequences generated a
      paradigm shift in microbiological and vaccines sciences, and post-genomics
      (comparative genomics, functional genomics, proteomics and a
      combination/evolution of these techniques) played important roles in elucidating
      bacterial biological complexity and pathogenic traits, at the same time
      accelerating the development of therapeutic drugs and vaccines. This article
      summarizes the most recent technological and scientific advances in meningococcal
      biology and pathogenesis aimed at the development and characterization of
      vaccines against the pathogenic meningococci.

PMID- 22087667
TI  - Twentieth-century cohort marriage and divorce in England and Wales.
AB  - Summary   Marital status life tables, which follow a real or synthetic birth
      cohort through life and the marital statuses of 'never married', 'presently
      married', 'widowed', and 'divorced', reflect observed marriage, divorce and
      mortality behaviour and provide a detailed record of a cohort's experience. The
      present paper analyses such tables for cohorts of men and women born in England
      and Wales between 1900 and 1945. The results show that the later cohorts deviate
      substantially from the 'European pattern' of late marriage and high proportions
      never marrying, and that a dramatic rise in divorce has taken place, so that
      among the later cohorts one marriage out of four ends in divorce.

PMID- 22087669
TI  - Analysing open birth interval distributions.
AB  - Summary   This paper began with the recognition that open birth interval
      distributions are analogous to age distributions. It then became clear that
      closed birth interval distributions are, somewhat more loosely, analogous to
      mortality schedules, and that the relationship between open and closed birth
      interval distributions could be explored by imitating the formal demography of
      mortality and age distribution. Pursuing this programme, we develop the formal
      demography of open and closed birth interval distributions and show that under
      certain assumptions open interval distributions may be used to estimate closed
      interval distributions, just as age distributions may be used to estimate
      mortality. An illustrative application to Indonesian data is given.

PMID- 22087670
TI  - Estimation of adult mortality using forward and backward projections.
AB  - Summary   In this paper it is shown that, contrary to our intuitive understanding
      of the nature of population projection, the estimation of adult intercensal
      mortality leads to different results depending on whether forward or backward
      projection of the population is used. From this result a simple procedure is
      developed that yields estimates of the completeness of adult mortality
      registration. Finally, the nature and performance of a variety of methods that
      have recently been developed to estimate adult mortality in the absence of
      accurate data are compared.

PMID- 22087666
TI  - Social class and socio-economic differentials in divorce in England and Wales.
AB  - Summary   The characteristics of a national sample of over 2,000 couples who
      divorced in 1979 are analysed according to the social class and socio-economic
      position of the husband. The demographic variables investigated for social class
      and socio-economic differentials include ages at marriage and divorce, duration
      of marriage, previous marital status, family size and the presence of a pre
      maritally conceived child. In addition, an age-standardized measure, the
      'standardized divorce ratio' is used to summarise the relative rates of divorce
      for the different social classes and socio-economic groups. Using this measure,
      the rate of divorce for couples in Social Class I is only half that for the
      average couple, whereas for couples in Social Class V and couples in which the
      husband is unemployed it is more than double.

PMID- 22087664
TI  - Bluestockings, spinsters and pedagogues: Women college graduates, 1865-1910.
AB  - Summary   This article is a study of the demographic behaviour of women college
      graduates in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century America. The nuptiality
      and fertility patterns of this group of highly educated women are described, and
      several explanations of their 'unusual' behaviour are evaluated. Marriage rates
      of women college graduates declined during the second half of the nineteenth
      century, even as more women attended college. Only about half the women
      graduating during the 1890s ever married. Still, the number of children ever born
      per alumna only varied between 1.0 and 1.5 for the graduation classes of 1865 to
      1910. An explanation based on changing labour market opportunities for educated
      men and women best explains this population's demographic patterns over time as
      well as their deviations from those of other women in their birth cohort.

PMID- 22087668
TI  - The effects of children on divorce and re-marriage: a multivariate analysis of
      life table probabilities.
AB  - Summary   Using proportional hazards models and multiple decrement life tables to
      analyse data from the 1973 National Survey of Family Growth, this study tests the
      hypotheses that, net of the effects of such factors as age at separation or
      divorce, the probabilities of divorce after separation and of re-marriage after
      divorce would be lower for women with larger numbers of children or younger
      children, and that these transitions would take longer than for women with fewer
      or older children or women who were childless; and that there would be an
      interaction between number of children and age of youngest child. Results
      included: (1) the probability that mothers of two or more children would divorce
      after separation was significantly lower than for childless women, or those with
      only one child; (2) among whites, mothers of three or more children were at a
      significant disadvantage regarding their chances of re-marriage, whereas the
      probability that a black mother of three or more children would re-marry was no
      smaller than that of a woman with fewer or no children; (3) among whites, the
      presence of a youngest child aged between two and five years at separation
      decreased the probability of divorce after separation; (4) there was no
      interaction effect between number and age of children; and (5) in each category
      of family size and age of youngest child, the probability that a black woman
      would divorce after separation or re-marry after divorce was lower than for white
      women. The results have important implications for the study of divorce and re
      marriage, and for understanding of problems of single-parent families.

PMID- 22087673
TI  - A rejoinder to S. K. Datta and J. B. Nugent.
AB  - Abstract   Extract   The question of old-age security as a motivation for
      fertility in less-developed rural areas can be put in clearer perspective by
      pausing to consider the changing roles of land and offspring under the influence
      of fundamental demographic upheaval. Under the pre-transition regime, one
      generation approximately replaced the preceding one, particularly once unused but
      usable land became scarce and the possibility of expanding farm operations became
      remote. Judging from the settlement patterns and the history of the Maharashtrian
      study area, such a circumstance probably obtained long before the secular drop in
      mortality began. During this period, a single son, typically, would survive to
      adulthood, gradually assuming control of the father's land (or the father's
      trade, among non-agriculturalists) and, if the father lived long enough, would
      eventually be a source of security in the father's old age. It is not
      inappropriate to mention that this generational cycle no doubt fostered a strong
      urge to leave the family land to a son, so that a sonless farmer would keenly
      feel a lack of fulfilment. In fact, responses to certain survey questions suggest
      that ancestral land and male progeny are still somehow connected, according to
      the way village men think, to their sense of immortality. It would be hard,
      consequently, to separate old-age security, the idea of 'continuing a lineage',
      and the sense of immortality conferred by owning land into distinct motives for
      conceiving children.

PMID- 22087677
TI  - The public, political parties, and stem-cell research.

PMID- 22087671
TI  - Transforming gompertz's function for fertility analysis: The development of a
      standard for the relational gompertz function.
AB  - Summary   The relational Gompertz function improves upon the Gompertz for
      fertility analysis by achieving a better fit in the tails of the distribution.
      This is obtained by a transformation of the age scale corresponding to an
      empirical standard. This standard is developed from Coale and Trussell's model
      and is appropriate for use with populations of high fertility. The model is
      tested on two sets of data and is shown to produce good estimates of completed
      fertility even for data truncated at quite early ages. Good results are also
      obtained for declining fertility.

PMID- 22087672
TI  - Are old-age security and the utility of children in rural India really
      unimportant?
AB  - Abstract   Extract   In their recent paper in this journal M. and Carol Vlassoff
      are to be commended for helping to remedy the dearth of empirical studies on the
      old-age security motive for children (and particularly sons) in rural areas of
      developing countries.(1) However, while the questionnaire which they applied to
      357 ever-married men in a rural village in Maharashtra state in India is
      potentially useful, several of the conclusions they derive from it are
      unwarranted and, if left unquestioned, would undoubtedly have the effect of
      setting back the serious investigation of the effects of this motive rather than
      furthering it. The invalid or at least questionable inferences are taken up one
      at a time in the order of their appearance:

PMID- 22087678
TI  - War, drought, malnutrition, measles--a report from Somalia.

PMID- 22087683
TI  - Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 35-2011: A 33-year-old
      woman with postpartum leukocytosis and Gram-positive bacteremia.

PMID- 22087682
TI  - Images in clinical medicine: A tension bulla mimicking tension pneumothorax.

PMID- 22087681
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for ARDS in adults.
AB  - A 41-year-old woman presents with severe community-acquired pneumococcal
      pneumonia. Chest radiography reveals diffuse bilateral infiltrates, and hypoxemic
      respiratory failure develops despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. She is
      intubated and mechanical ventilation is initiated with a volume- and pressure
      limited approach for the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Over the
      ensuing 24 hours, her partial pressure of arterial oxygen (Pao2) decreases to 40
      mm Hg, despite ventilatory support with a fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) of
      1.0 and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 20 cm of water. She is
      placed in the prone position and a neuromuscular blocking agent is administered,
      without improvement in her Pao2. An intensive care specialist recommends the
      initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

PMID- 22087684
TI  - Childhood obesity and coronary heart disease.

PMID- 22087685
TI  - Toward better treatment for lupus nephritis.

PMID- 22087691
TI  - Tissue plasminogen activator and DNase in empyema.

PMID- 22087689
TI  - Prevention of HIV-1 infection with antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 22087695
TI  - Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells in CLL.

PMID- 22087698
TI  - Malpractice risk according to physician specialty.

PMID- 22087688
TI  - Prevention of HIV-1 infection with antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 22087694
TI  - Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells in CLL.

PMID- 22087679
TI  - Childhood adiposity, adult adiposity, and cardiovascular risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity in childhood is associated with increased cardiovascular
      risk. It is uncertain whether this risk is attenuated in persons who are
      overweight or obese as children but not obese as adults. METHODS: We analyzed
      data from four prospective cohort studies that measured childhood and adult body
      mass index (BMI, the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in
      meters). The mean length of follow-up was 23 years. To define high adiposity
      status, international age-specific and sex-specific BMI cutoff points for
      overweight and obesity were used for children, and a BMI cutoff point of 30 was
      used for adults. RESULTS: Data were available for 6328 subjects. Subjects with
      consistently high adiposity status from childhood to adulthood, as compared with
      persons who had a normal BMI as children and were nonobese as adults, had an
      increased risk of type 2 diabetes (relative risk, 5.4; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 3.4 to 8.5), hypertension (relative risk, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.3),
      elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (relative risk, 1.8; 95% CI,
      1.4 to 2.3), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (relative risk,
      2.1; 95% CI, 1.8 to 2.5), elevated triglyceride levels (relative risk, 3.0; 95%
      CI, 2.4 to 3.8), and carotid-artery atherosclerosis (increased intima-media
      thickness of the carotid artery) (relative risk, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.2) (P <=
      0.002 for all comparisons). Persons who were overweight or obese during childhood
      but were nonobese as adults had risks of the outcomes that were similar to those
      of persons who had a normal BMI consistently from childhood to adulthood (P>0.20
      for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight or obese children who were obese as
      adults had increased risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and
      carotid-artery atherosclerosis. The risks of these outcomes among overweight or
      obese children who became nonobese by adulthood were similar to those among
      persons who were never obese. (Funded by the Academy of Finland and others.).

PMID- 22087697
TI  - Malpractice risk according to physician specialty.

PMID- 22087692
TI  - Tissue plasminogen activator and DNase in empyema.

PMID- 22087665
TI  - The Effect of birth spacing on childhood mortality in Pakistan.
AB  - Summary   In this study retrospective data from the 1975 Pakistan Fertility
      Survey are used to examine the effects of birth spacing on infant and child
      mortality. The length of the preceding interval between live births emerges as a
      major determinant of mortality. The effect persists for rural and urban families,
      for children of uneducated and educated mothers, for both boys and girls, and for
      large and small families. The possibility that this relationship is the spurious
      consequence of data defects or of a common cause, such as early weaning, is
      examined but rejected. Once the length of the preceding interval is controlled,
      the average spacing of earlier births is found to be unrelated to survivorship.
      However, the length of the succeeding interval is significantly related to
      survivorship during the second year of life.

PMID- 22087699
TI  - HRAS mutation mosaicism causing urothelial cancer and epidermal nevus.

PMID- 22087686
TI  - Beta-cell failure, stress, and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22087704
TI  - Images in clinical medicine: Zoster of the tympanic membrane.

PMID- 22087707
TI  - Local structure and charge distribution in mixed uranium-americium oxides:
      effects of oxygen potential and Am content.
AB  - Partitioning and transmutation (P&T) of minor actinides (MA) is currently studied
      to reduce the nuclear waste inventory. In this context, the fabrication of MA
      bearing materials is of great interest to achieve an effective recycling of these
      highly radioactive elements. To ensure the in-pile behavior, nuclear oxide fuels
      have to respect several criteria including preservation of the fluorite structure
      and defined oxygen to metal ratio (O/M). In the case of Am bearing materials,
      such as U(1-y)Am(y)O(2+/-x) (y = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20), the O/M determination is
      quite challenging using conventional methods (TGA, XRD) because of the particular
      thermodynamic properties of Am. Despite the lack of experimental data in the U-Am
      O system, thermodynamical models are currently developed to effectively assess
      the O/M ratio. In this work, the O/M ratios were calculated for various oxygen
      potentials using the cation molar fraction determined by XAS measurements. These
      results are an important addition to the experimental data available for the U-Am
      O system. Moreover, XRD and XAS indicated that the fabrication of fluorite U(1
      y)Am(y)O(2+/-x) solid solution was achieved for all Am content and oxygen
      potentials investigated. On the basis of the molar fraction, a description of the
      solid solution was proposed depending on the considered sintering conditions.
      Finally, the occurrence of an unexpected charge compensation mechanism was
      pointed out.

PMID- 22087705
TI  - Work ability: concept and assessment from a physiotherapeutic perspective. An
      interview study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to ascertain experiences and perceptions among
      physiotherapists (PTs) in Sweden regarding the concept of work ability as well as
      their perspectives of their professional role in work ability assessments. We
      conducted an in-depth interview study with four male and twelve female
      physiotherapists working in the field of occupational health care, orthopaedics,
      primary health care or rehabilitation. Qualitative content analysis was applied
      to the data. Work ability was perceived as the ability to perform work tasks as
      requested. Having the potential to adjust at work and to allocate resources,
      having an attachment to the workplace and time factors were vital. The
      physiotherapists were striving for a well-defined role within a multiprofessional
      team, where work ability assessments were performed in a real work environment.
      The PTs experienced contradictory roles in relation to the patient but believed
      they could contribute with valuable material for assessments; this professional
      help was not always requested. It was noted that there was a need for experience
      and further education to enable PTs to further engage in work ability
      assessments. It is important to improve collaboration and to further discuss the
      work ability concept from the viewpoints of different professionals.

PMID- 22087708
TI  - Influence of electric field on SERS: frequency effects, intensity changes, and
      susceptible bonds.
AB  - The fundamental mechanism proposed to explain surface-enhanced Raman scattering
      (SERS) relies on electromagnetic field enhancement at optical frequencies. In
      this work, we demonstrate the use of microfabricated, silver nanotextured
      electrode pairs to study, in situ, the influence of low frequency (5 mHz to 1
      kHz) oscillating electric fields on the SERS spectra of thiophenol. This applied
      electric field is shown to affect SERS peak intensities and influence specific
      vibrational modes of the analyte. The applied electric field perturbs the polar
      analyte, thereby altering the scattering cross section. Peaks related to the
      sulfurous bond which binds the molecule to the silver nanotexture exhibit strong
      and distinguishable responses to the applied field, due to varying bending and
      stretching mechanics. Density functional theory simulations are used to
      qualitatively verify the experimental observations. Our experimental and
      simulation results demonstrate that the SERS spectral changes relate to electric
      field induced molecular reorientation, with dependence on applied field strength
      and frequency. This demonstration creates new opportunities for external dynamic
      tuning and multivariate control of SERS measurements.

PMID- 22087710
TI  - Changing the world with an embryo.

PMID- 22087680
TI  - Mycophenolate versus azathioprine as maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maintenance therapy, often with azathioprine or mycophenolate
      mofetil, is required to consolidate remission and prevent relapse after the
      initial control of lupus nephritis. METHODS: We carried out a 36-month,
      randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 3 study comparing oral
      mycophenolate mofetil (2 g per day) and oral azathioprine (2 mg per kilogram of
      body weight per day), plus placebo in each group, in patients who met response
      criteria during a 6-month induction trial. The study group underwent repeat
      randomization in a 1:1 ratio. Up to 10 mg of prednisone per day or its equivalent
      was permitted. The primary efficacy end point was the time to treatment failure,
      which was defined as death, end-stage renal disease, doubling of the serum
      creatinine level, renal flare, or rescue therapy for lupus nephritis. Secondary
      assessments included the time to the individual components of treatment failure
      and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients were randomly assigned to
      maintenance treatment (116 to mycophenolate mofetil and 111 to azathioprine).
      Mycophenolate mofetil was superior to azathioprine with respect to the primary
      end point, time to treatment failure (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.25 to 0.77; P = 0.003), and with respect to time to renal flare and
      time to rescue therapy (hazard ratio, <1.00; P < 0.05). Observed rates of
      treatment failure were 16.4% (19 of 116 patients) in the mycophenolate mofetil
      group and 32.4% (36 of 111) in the azathioprine group. Adverse events, most
      commonly minor infections and gastrointestinal disorders, occurred in more than
      95% of the patients in both groups (P = 0.68). Serious adverse events occurred in
      33.3% of patients in the azathioprine group and in 23.5% of those in the
      mycophenolate mofetil group (P = 0.11), and the rate of withdrawal due to adverse
      events was higher with azathioprine than with mycophenolate mofetil (39.6% vs.
      25.2%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Mycophenolate mofetil was superior to azathioprine
      in maintaining a renal response to treatment and in preventing relapse in
      patients with lupus nephritis who had a response to induction therapy. (Funded by
      Vifor Pharma [formerly Aspreva]; ALMS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00377637.).

PMID- 22087700
TI  - Nitric oxide during altitude acclimatization.

PMID- 22087706
TI  - A qualitative exploration of smokers' views regarding aspects of a community
      based mobile stop smoking service in the United Kingdom.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developing more accessible stop smoking services (SSS) is important,
      particularly for reaching smokers from socio-economically deprived groups who are
      more likely to smoke and less likely to quit in comparison to their more affluent
      counterparts. A drop-in mobile SSS (MSSS) was piloted across 13 locations in
      socio-economically deprived areas of Nottingham. METHODS: Semi-structured
      telephone interviews were conducted to explore the views of 40 smokers who
      registered with the MSSS. RESULTS: The MSSS appeared to trigger quit attempts.
      For some of the participants the attempt was totally unplanned; for others, it
      built on pre-existing thoughts about quitting which had not yet been acted upon.
      Smokers interested in quitting were comfortable about approaching the MSSS,
      whilst acknowledging that they did not feel pressured to register with the
      service. The drop-in format of the MSSS was found to be more appealing than
      making an appointment. In addition, several participants articulated that they
      may not have utilised other SSS had they not come across the MSSS. CONCLUSIONS: A
      MSSS may be an effective way to prompt quit attempts for smokers not planning to
      quit and also reach smokers who would not engage with SSS.

PMID- 22087711
TI  - More on change and veterinary medical education.

PMID- 22087712
TI  - Ovariohysterectomy versus ovariectomy for elective sterilization of female dogs
      and cats: is removal of the uterus necessary?

PMID- 22087713
TI  - Supravalvular PA stenosis (PAS) of probable congenital origin.

PMID- 22087719
TI  - Pathology in practice. Mannheimia haemolytica.

PMID- 22087720
TI  - Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals.

PMID- 22087716
TI  - Anesthesia case of the month. Administration of aged packed RBCs.

PMID- 22087722
TI  - Phenylpropanolamine toxicosis in dogs: 170 cases (2004?2009).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate signalment, clinical signs, dose ingested, treatment
      requirements, duration of hospitalization, and outcome of dogs exposed to
      phenylpropanolamine. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 170 dogs with
      potential PPA toxicosis evaluated between 2004 and 2009. PROCEDURES: Dogs with
      potential PPA toxicosis were identified by reviewing the electronic database of
      an animal poison control center. RESULTS: 66 of the 170 (39%) dogs reportedly did
      not develop any clinical signs. Clinical signs reported in the remaining 104
      (61%) dogs included agitation (n = 40), vomiting (27), mydriasis (19), lethargy
      (17), tremor or twitching (16), panting (15), bradycardia (13), tachycardia (12),
      hypertension (11), and erythema (8). Median dose ingested for all dogs was 29
      mg/kg (13.2 mg/lb). Dogs developing clinical signs had a significantly higher
      median dose ingested (373 mg/kg [170 mg/lb]) than did dogs that did not develop
      clinical signs (18 mg/kg [8.2 mg/lb]). Likewise, median dose ingested for the 123
      dogs treated as inpatients (36.9 mg/kg [16.8 mg/lb]) was significantly higher
      than the median dose for the 14 dogs treated as outpatients (20.5 mg/kg [9.3
      mg/lb]). Median duration of hospitalization was 18 hours (range, 4 to 72 hours),
      and hospitalization time increased as the dose ingested increased. Survival rate
      was 99.4% (169/170); the dog that died had ingested a dose of 145 mg/kg (65.9
      mg/lb). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that with
      supportive care, the prognosis for dogs that had ingested an overdose of
      phenylpropanolamine was excellent.

PMID- 22087718
TI  - Animal behavior case of the month. Feline urine marking.

PMID- 22087723
TI  - Clinical signs and histologic findings in dogs with odontogenic cysts: 41 cases
      (1995-2010).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical signs and histologic findings in dogs with
      odontogenic cysts and determine whether histologic findings were associated with
      clinical features. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 41 dogs.
      PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical data, including
      breed, age, sex, and lesion location. Microscopic sections and results of
      diagnostic imaging were reviewed. RESULTS: Odontogenic cysts were identified in
      41 dogs between 1995 and 2010. There were 29 dogs with dentigerous cysts, 1 with
      a radicular cyst, 1 with a lateral periodontal cyst, and 1 with a gingival
      inclusion cyst. In addition, 9 dogs with odontogenic cysts that had clinical and
      histologic features suggestive of, but not diagnostic for, odontogenic
      keratocysts seen in people were identified. In all 9 dogs, these cysts were
      located in the maxilla and surrounded the roots of normally erupted teeth. Of the
      29 dogs with dentigerous cysts, 23 had a single cyst, 5 had 2 cysts, and 1 had 3
      cysts. Six cysts were associated with an unerupted canine tooth, and 30 were
      associated with an unerupted first premolar tooth (1 cyst was associated both
      with an unerupted canine tooth and with an unerupted first premolar tooth).
      Dentigerous cysts were identified in a variety of breeds, but several
      brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population
      during the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested
      that a variety of odontogenic cysts can occur in dogs. In addition, cysts that
      resembled odontogenic keratocysts reported in people were identified. We propose
      the term canine odontogenic parakeratinized cyst for this condition.

PMID- 22087725
TI  - Abdominal computed radiography for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in horses:
      142 cases (2003?2007).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal computed
      radiography (CR) for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in horses and to examine
      how these parameters are affected by the number and anatomic location of
      enteroliths and by gas distension of the gastrointestinal tract. DESIGN:
      Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Horses ? 1 year old that underwent abdominal
      CR and subsequent exploratory laparotomy or postmortem examination. PROCEDURES: 3
      reviewers blinded to signalment, history, clinical signs, and diagnoses
      separately evaluated abdominal computed radiographs of horses included in the
      study. Each set of radiographs was evaluated for the presence or absence of
      enteroliths, the amount of gas distention, and the image quality. Signalment,
      definitive diagnosis on the basis of findings on exploratory laparotomy or
      postmortem examination, and the number and location of enteroliths were obtained
      from medical records. RESULTS: Of the 142 cases reviewed, 58.4% (83/142) had
      confirmed enterolithiasis. For the 3 reviewers, overall sensitivity was 85% and
      specificity was 93%. Sensitivity was lower for small colon enteroliths than for
      large colon enteroliths (50% and 94.5%, respectively) and was significantly
      affected by gas distention. Sensitivity was not significantly affected by the
      number of enteroliths. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Computed radiography
      provided high sensitivity and high specificity for the diagnosis of
      enterolithiasis in horses. Caution should be exercised when the radiographic
      results are negative, as the sensitivity for small colon enterolithiasis was
      relatively low and gas distension negatively affected detection of enteroliths.
      Abdominal CR is indicated as a diagnostic test in horses examined for colic in
      geographic regions in which enterolithiasis is endemic.

PMID- 22087724
TI  - Monoclonal immunoglobulin protein production in two dogs with secretory B-cell
      lymphoma with mott cell differentiation.
AB  - CASE DESCRIPTION: A 9-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog and a 7-year-old
      spayed female Boston Terrier, with clinical histories of a liver mass (dog 1) and
      bloody vomitus, diarrhea, and weight loss (dog 2), respectively, were referred
      for further evaluation. CLINICAL FINDINGS: At the time of referral, each dog had
      differing laboratory abnormalities; however, the serum total protein and globulin
      concentrations were within reference range in both dogs. Cytologic examination of
      fine-needle aspirates obtained from affected organs (a liver mass [dog 1] and
      enlarged submandibular lymph node [dog 2]) revealed 2 main nucleated cell types:
      atypical lymphoid cells and lesser numbers of Mott cells. With the use of serum
      immunofixation electrophoresis and serum immunoglobulin quantification, a
      monoclonal immunoglobulin protein was identified in both dogs and a final
      diagnosis of secretory B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation (MCL) was
      made. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Both dogs received chemotherapy for their disease.
      The first dog was euthanized 8.5 months after diagnosis because of acute
      respiratory distress of unknown etiology, and the second was euthanized 7 days
      after diagnosis for worsening clinical disease and quality of life. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this report is the first of a secretory form of MCL
      in dogs. Findings indicate that in dogs with suspect MCL, even in patients that
      lack characteristic hyperproteinemia or hyperglobulinemia, serum protein content
      should be fully evaluated for the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin
      protein. Such an evaluation that uses immunofixation electrophoresis and
      immunoglobulin quantification will aid in the diagnosis of MCL in dogs.

PMID- 22087729
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed benzylation of unprotected anthranilic acids with benzyl
      alcohols in water.
AB  - Palladium-catalyzed benzylation of unprotected anthranilic acids with benzyl
      alcohols in the presence of Pd(OAc)(2) (5 mol %) and sodium
      diphenylphosphinobenzene-3-sulfonate (TPPMS, 10 mol %) in water at 120  degrees C
      for 16 h gave only dibenzylated anthranilic acids in good yields. Water may play
      important roles for the smooth generation of the (eta(3)-benzyl)palladium species
      by activation of the hydroxyl group of the benzyl alcohol.

PMID- 22087727
TI  - The headache of high altitude and microgravity--similarities with clinical
      syndromes of cerebral venous hypertension.
AB  - Syndromes thought to have cerebral venous hypertension as their core, such as
      idiopathic intracranial hypertension and jugular foramen outlet obstruction,
      classically result in headaches. Do they provide an insight into the cause of the
      headache that commonly occurs at altitude? The classic theory of the pathogenesis
      of high altitude headache has been that it results from increased intracranial
      pressure (ICP) secondary to hypoxemia in people who have less compliant
      intracranial volumes (Roach and Hackett, 2001). However, there does not appear to
      be a correlation between the headache of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and the
      presence of cerebral edema (Bailey et al, 2006; Wilson et al, 2009). Research has
      concentrated on arterial perfusion to the brain in hypoxia, but there has been
      little study of venous drainage. Hypoxia results in markedly increased cerebral
      blood flow; however, if it has been considered at all, venous outflow has to date
      been assumed to be of little consequence. Retinal venous distension and the
      increased venous blood demonstrated by near infra-red spectroscopy and more
      recently by MRI imply that, in hypoxia, a relative venous insufficiency may
      exist. Similarly, there is increasing evidence that manifestations of the fluid
      shift during microgravity is of similar nature to idiopathic intracranial
      hypertension, which is thought to be primarily a venous insufficiency condition.
      The unique anthropomorphic adaptations of large brained biped humans with
      cerebral venous systems that have to cope with large changes in hydrostatic
      pressure may predispose us to conditions of inflow/outflow mismatch. In addition,
      slight increases in central venous pressures (e.g., from hypoxia-induced
      pulmonary vasoconstriction) may further compromise venous outflow at altitude. A
      better understanding of cerebral venous physiology may enlighten us with regards
      the pathogenesis of headaches currently considered idiopathic. It may also enable
      us to trigger headaches for study and hence enable us to develop new treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 22087728
TI  - Structures and IR spectra of the Gramicidin S peptide: pushing the quest for low
      energy conformations.
AB  - An extensive molecular modeling study was carried out on the doubly protonated
      cyclic decapeptide Gramicidin S following several recent gas-phase experiments.
      Our computational strategy includes replica-exchange molecular dynamics
      simulations with the new generation force field AMOEBA for exploration and
      density functional calculations using several functionals for refinement of
      structures and computation of IR spectra. This procedure yields low-energy
      structures of which three are proposed to correspond to the three conformers
      detected in low-temperature IR experiments. The most stable structure has C(2)
      symmetry and four strong beta-sheet interactions between Orn and Val residues.
      Furthermore, all the other peptidic N-H bonds are involved in seven-membered C(7)
      motifs. The computed IR spectra of the three conformers are in good agreement
      with the experimental ones in the 1400-2000 cm(-1) range. In the 3000-3600 cm(-1)
      region, the computed spectrum is also in good agreement with experiment for the
      main conformer, and predictions are made of structure-specific signatures for the
      other two conformers. The accuracy of several density functionals is discussed in
      detail. These results point out that efficient potential energy surface
      explorations coupled to appropriate density functional theory (DFT) calculations
      are able to reveal the structures of molecules as large and flexible as
      decapeptides.

PMID- 22087721
TI  - Evaluation of dexmedetomidine and ketamine in combination with various opioids as
      injectable anesthetic combinations for castration in cats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and cardiorespiratory effects of
      dexmedetomidine-ketamine in combination with butorphanol, hydromorphone, or
      buprenorphine with or without reversal by atipamezole in cats undergoing
      castration. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, split-plot, blinded study. ANIMALS:
      30 healthy male cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were assigned to receive dexmedetomidine
      (25 ?g/kg [11.4 ?g/lb]) and ketamine (3 mg/kg [1.4 mg/lb]) with butorphanol (0.2
      mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb]; DKBut; n = 10), hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb]; DKH;
      10), or buprenorphine (30 ?g/kg [13.6 ?g/lb]; DKBup; 10). Drugs were administered
      as a single IM injection. Supplemental isoflurane was administered to cats if the
      level of anesthesia was inadequate for surgery. At the conclusion of surgery,
      half the cats (5 cats in each treatment group) received atipamezole (250 ?g/kg
      [113.6 ?g/lb], IM) and the remainder received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IM. All
      cats received meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, SC) immediately prior to the conclusion of
      surgery. RESULTS: All drug combinations induced lateral recumbency, and
      intubation was achievable in 13 of 30 (43%) cats at 10 minutes after injection.
      Supplemental isoflurane was needed for the surgery in 1 of 10 of the DKBut-, 2 of
      10 of the DKH-, and 7 of 10 of the DKBup-treated cats. Cats that received
      atipamezole had a significantly shorter recovery time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: DKBut and DKH combinations were suitable injectable anesthetic
      protocols for castration in cats commencing at 10 minutes after injection, but
      cats receiving DKBup may require additional time or anesthetics for adequate
      anesthesia.

PMID- 22087715
TI  - ECG of the Month. ECG Interpretation.

PMID- 22087714
TI  - Diagnostic imaging in veterinary dental practice. Chronic endodontic disease of
      the right mandibular first molar tooth.

PMID- 22087731
TI  - The utility of a bladder scan protocol using a portable ultrasonographic device
      in subacute stroke patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a bladder scan protocol for
      measuring urinary retention with a Portable Ultrasonographic Device (PUD) in
      stroke patients. METHOD: This is case-control study. The study enrolled a total
      of 52 stroke patients with post-void residual urine (PVR) volume > 100 mL. The
      case group (n = 26) was managed using our bladder scan protocol until the PVR
      volume fell below 100 mL. A PVR volume > 400 mL resulted in intermittent urinary
      catheterization (IC). The control group (n = 26) was not managed using the
      bladder scan protocol. We compared outcomes for the two groups. RESULTS: The case
      and control groups were similar in terms of the total scanning period (days). The
      number of scanning days after the PVR volume fell below < 100 mL was less for the
      case than the control group (2.3 versus 8.5 days; p < 0.001). Scanning was
      discontinued before the PVR volume fell below 100 mL in one case group and seven
      control group patients (p < 0.05). The mean IC volume was nearly 400 mL in the
      case group, without any bladder overdistensions and without any urinary tract
      infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our bladder scan protocol for urinary retention after
      stroke may be useful as this allows catheterization of an adequate urine volume
      and reduces unnecessary bladder scanning.

PMID- 22087730
TI  - Role of hexaminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy in bladder cancer:
      critical analysis of the latest data and European guidance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hexaminolevulinate (HAL) is an optical imaging agent used with
      fluorescence cystoscopy (FC) for the detection of non-muscle-invasive bladder
      cancer (NMIBC). Guidelines from the European Association of Urology (EAU) and a
      recent, more detailed European expert consensus statement agree that HAL-FC has a
      role in improving detection of NMIBC and provide recommendations on situations
      for its use. Since the publication of the EAU guidelines and the European
      consensus statement, new evidence on the efficacy of HAL-FC in reducing
      recurrence of NMIBC, compared with white light cystoscopy (WLC), have been
      published. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To consider whether these new trials have an
      impact on the expert guidelines and on clinical practice (e.g. supporting
      existing recommendations or providing evidence for a change or expansion of
      practice), a group of bladder cancer experts from Denmark, Finland, Norway and
      Sweden met to address the following questions: What is the relevance of the new
      data on HAL-FC for clinical practice in managing NMIBC? What impact do the new
      data have on European guidelines? How could HAL-FC be used in clinical practice?
      and What further information on HAL-FC is required to optimize the management of
      NMIBC? RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This article reports the outcomes of the
      discussion at the Nordic expert panel meeting, concluding that, in line with
      European guidance, HAL-FC has an important role in the initial detection of NMIBC
      and for follow-up of patients to assess tumour recurrence after WLC. It provides
      practical advice, with an algorithm on the use of this diagnostic procedure for
      urologists managing NMIBC.

PMID- 22087726
TI  - Fish polar lipids retard atherosclerosis in rabbits by down-regulating PAF
      biosynthesis and up-regulating PAF catabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet activating factor (PAF) has been proposed as a key factor
      and initial trigger in atherosclerosis. Recently, a modulation of PAF metabolism
      by bioactive food constituents has been suggested. In this study we investigated
      the effect of fish polar lipid consumption on PAF metabolism. RESULTS: The
      specific activities of four PAF metabolic enzymes; in leukocytes, platelets and
      plasma, and PAF concentration; either in blood cells or plasma were determined.
      Samples were acquired at the beginning and at the end of a previously conducted
      study in male New Zealand white rabbits that were fed for 45 days with
      atherogenic diet supplemented (group-B, n = 6) or not (group-A, n = 6) with
      gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipids.The specific activity of PAF
      Acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH); a catabolic enzyme of PAF, was decreased in rabbits'
      platelets of both A and B groups and in rabbits' leukocytes of group A (p <
      0.05). On the other hand the specific activity of Lipoprotein-associated
      Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2); the catabolic enzyme of PAF in plasma was increased
      in both A and B groups in both leukocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). PAF
      cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT); a biosynthetic enzyme of PAF showed
      increased specific activity only in rabbits' leukocytes of group A (p < 0.05).
      Neither of the two groups showed any change in Lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase (Lyso
      PAF-AT) specific activity (p > 0.05). Free and bound PAF levels increased in
      group A while decreased in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gilthead sea bream
      (Sparus aurata) polar lipids modulate PAF metabolism upon atherosclerotic
      conditions in rabbits leading to lower PAF levels and activity in blood of
      rabbits with reduced early atherosclerotic lesions compared to control group.

PMID- 22087732
TI  - Vibrational spectroscopic determination of local solvent electric field, solute
      solvent electrostatic interaction energy, and their fluctuation amplitudes.
AB  - IR probes have been extensively used to monitor local electrostatic and solvation
      dynamics. Particularly, their vibrational frequencies are highly sensitive to
      local solvent electric field around an IR probe. Here, we show that the
      experimentally measured vibrational frequency shifts can be inversely used to
      determine local electric potential distribution and solute-solvent electrostatic
      interaction energy. In addition, the upper limits of their fluctuation amplitudes
      are estimated by using the vibrational bandwidths. Applying this method to fully
      deuterated N-methylacetamide (NMA) in D(2)O and examining the solvatochromic
      effects on the amide I' and II' mode frequencies, we found that the solvent
      electric potential difference between O(?C) and D(-N) atoms of the peptide bond
      is about 5.4 V, and thus, the approximate solvent electric field produced by
      surrounding water molecules on the NMA is 172 MV/cm on average if the molecular
      geometry is taken into account. The solute-solvent electrostatic interaction
      energy is estimated to be -137 kJ/mol, by considering electric dipole-electric
      field interaction. Furthermore, their root-mean-square fluctuation amplitudes are
      as large as 1.6 V, 52 MV/cm, and 41 kJ/mol, respectively. We found that the water
      electric potential on a peptide bond is spatially nonhomogeneous and that the
      fluctuation in the electrostatic peptide-water interaction energy is about 10
      times larger than the thermal energy at room temperature. This indicates that the
      peptide-solvent interactions are indeed important for the activation of chemical
      reactions in aqueous solution.

PMID- 22087733
TI  - Exposure to a dog elicits different cardiovascular and behavioral effects in
      pregnant and lactating goats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart rate and plasma cortisol concentration are often used in
      evaluation of physiological reactions to stress and fear, but arterial blood
      pressure is rarely measured in farm animals. Goats are prey animals and can be
      expected to react strongly to a predator, especially when they have kids. We
      hypothesized that exposure to a dog elicits a flight response during pregnancy
      and a fight response when goats have kids to defend. Arterial blood pressure and
      heart rate should increase in both these cases, due to a synchronized discharge
      of the sympathetic nervous system. METHODS: Seven goats were exposed to a dog for
      15 minutes at 12 +/- 3 days before, and again at 10 +/- 1 days after,
      parturition. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and activity were registered by
      telemetry. Behavioral data were collected during 5 minute sessions, followed by
      blood samples obtained via intrajugular catheters. Plasma cortisol concentration
      was analyzed by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: At the appearance of the dog, the mean
      arterial blood pressure of the goats increased from 90 +/- 8 to 111 +/- 8 mmHg (p
      < 0.001) during pregnancy and from 96 +/- 8 to 108 +/- 8 mmHg during lactation (p
      < 0.001). Heart rate did not change at dog exposure during lactation, but
      increased from 117 +/- 6 to 126 +/- 10 beats/min (p < 0.01) during pregnancy. Dog
      exposure resulted in plasma cortisol concentration increasing from 17 +/- 1 to 43
      +/- 7 nmol/l (p < 0.01) during pregnancy and from 21 +/- 1 to 49 +/- 6 nmol/l (p
      < 0.01) during lactation. In response to the dog, goats vocalized at a higher
      frequency and started to ruminate later during lactation compared to pregnancy.
      CONCLUSIONS: When goats were exposed to a dog during pregnancy, their heart rate,
      blood pressure, and plasma cortisol increased, in contrast to lactation when only
      their blood pressure and plasma cortisol increased. However, when they were
      lactating, goats vocalized more and started to ruminate later compared to when
      they were pregnant.

PMID- 22087735
TI  - Si nanowires by a single-step metal-assisted chemical etching process on
      lithographically defined areas: formation kinetics.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the formation kinetics of Si nanowires [SiNWs] on
      lithographically defined areas using a single-step metal-assisted chemical
      etching process in an aqueous HF/AgNO3 solution. We show that the etch rate of
      Si, and consequently, the SiNW length, is much higher on the lithographically
      defined areas compared with that on the non-patterned areas. A comparative study
      of the etch rate in the two cases under the same experimental conditions showed
      that this effect is much more pronounced at the beginning of the etching process.
      Moreover, it was found that in both cases, the nanowire formation rate is linear
      with temperature in the range from 20 degrees C to 50 degrees C, with almost the
      same activation energy, as obtained from an Arrhenius plot (0.37 eV in the case
      of non-patterned areas, while 0.38 eV in the case of lithographically patterned
      areas). The higher etch rate on lithographically defined areas is mainly
      attributed to Si surface modification during the photolithographic process.PACS:
      68; 68.65-k.

PMID- 22087736
TI  - Self-assessment and objective determination of dexterity in patients with type 1
      or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Insulin-treated patients perform complex treatment activities during
      daily routine, such as blood glucose measurements and insulin injections. We
      aimed to identify suitable dexterity and cognitive function tests for diabetes
      patients, and to compare the patient self-assessment of their dexterity skills
      with the test results (Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, (JHFT), motoric
      performance test (MLS), number connection test). METHOD: We enrolled 90 diabetes
      patients (36 females, 54 males): 15 type 1 with clinically suspected dexterity
      impairment (A: age: 60 +/- 9 years), 30 type 2 with clinically suspected
      dexterity impairment (B: 61 +/- 10 years), 30 type 1 or type 2 patients with
      visual impairment (C: 64 +/- 6 years), and 15 type 1 or type 2 patients without
      obvious impairment (control group: D: 64 +/- 5 years). RESULTS: There were no
      differences regarding neuropathy and slight impairments in the number connection
      test in all groups. Patient self-assessment revealed that 33.4% in group A, 33.3%
      in group B, 36.7% in group C and 13.7% in group D, considered themselves to have
      dexterity impairment. However in the JHFT test, all patients from A (100%) and B
      (100%), 33% from C, and 0% from D presented with dexterity impairment by only
      passing less than four subtests. CONCLUSIONS: Impairment of dexterity was much
      more frequent than believed by the patients themselves. It may be worthwhile to
      consider these findings when classifying patients regarding their capabilities to
      perform certain treatments or when assessing diabetes technology with human
      subjects.

PMID- 22087742
TI  - The quantitative analysis of thiamin and riboflavin and their respective vitamers
      in fermented alcoholic beverages.
AB  - This research aimed to develop a simple and effective method for analyzing
      thiamin (B(1)), riboflavin (B(2)) and their respective vitamers by high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in fermented alcoholic beverages. The
      method developed here employs a phosphate buffer/methanol gradient elution on a
      single reverse phase column, coupled with independent fluorescent detection
      regimes. It also employs a precolumn derivatization to convert thiamin to
      thiochrome via an alkaline potassium ferricyanide solution. The method described
      here allowed a spike recovery of better than 97%, with a typical linear detection
      range (R(2) >= 0.9997) between <= 5 and >= 500 MUg/L for all vitamers studied.
      Lager style beers were found to contain significantly (p < 0.001) less thiamin
      than other tested styles of beers (lager, 35.7 MUg/L; ale, 88.3 MUg/L;
      stout/porters, 104.4 MUg/L; wheat beers, 130.7 MUg/L), which may be due to the
      raw material and extensive processing that occurs for this style. There was no
      statistical difference (p = 0.608) between the riboflavin content of each beer
      style. Furthermore, wines and ciders contain less thiamin and riboflavin than
      beer, which is also likely to be due to the base materials used and the
      differences in processing steps to produce these beverages.

PMID- 22087737
TI  - ReCount: a multi-experiment resource of analysis-ready RNA-seq gene count
      datasets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RNA sequencing is a flexible and powerful new approach for measuring
      gene, exon, or isoform expression. To maximize the utility of RNA sequencing
      data, new statistical methods are needed for clustering, differential expression,
      and other analyses. A major barrier to the development of new statistical methods
      is the lack of RNA sequencing datasets that can be easily obtained and analyzed
      in common statistical software packages such as R. To speed up the development
      process, we have created a resource of analysis-ready RNA-sequencing datasets. 2
      DESCRIPTION: ReCount is an online resource of RNA-seq gene count tables and
      auxilliary data. Tables were built from raw RNA sequencing data from 18 different
      published studies comprising 475 samples and over 8 billion reads. Using the
      Myrna package, reads were aligned, overlapped with gene models and tabulated into
      gene-by-sample count tables that are ready for statistical analysis. Count tables
      and phenotype data were combined into Bioconductor ExpressionSet objects for ease
      of analysis. ReCount also contains the Myrna manifest files and R source code
      used to process the samples, allowing statistical and computational scientists to
      consider alternative parameter values. 3 CONCLUSIONS: By combining datasets from
      many studies and providing data that has already been processed from. fastq
      format into ready-to-use. RData and. txt files, ReCount facilitates analysis and
      methods development for RNA-seq count data. We anticipate that ReCount will also
      be useful for investigators who wish to consider cross-study comparisons and
      alternative normalization strategies for RNA-seq.

PMID- 22087738
TI  - Are we moving in the right direction with osteoarthritis drug discovery?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The success of targeted biologic therapy against rheumatoid
      arthritis has meant that much research has been devoted to investigating the
      pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, in the hope of defining novel therapeutic
      targets. Osteoarthritis has long been thought of mainly as a degenerative disease
      of cartilage, with secondary bony damage and osteophytes. However, in recent
      years, the importance of the synovium, and in particular the synovial
      macrophages, has been highlighted in both in vitro and in vivo studies. AREAS
      COVERED: The recent progress in osteoarthritis drug discovery, particularly with
      regard to the search for therapeutic targets for this disease and the development
      of disease-modifying anti-osteoarthritic drugs is critically assessed. Some
      important recent research with regard to possible therapeutic targets in
      osteoarthritis drug discovery is highlighted. EXPERT OPINION: The concept that
      synovial macrophages and macrophage-produced cytokines, may play a role in
      driving inflammatory and destructive signalling pathways in osteoarthritis, is of
      importance for drug discovery in this disease, in spite of disappointing results
      from early studies of anti-cytokine strategies in osteoarthritis clinical trials.
      There is also an abundance of potential downstream therapeutic targets in
      osteoarthritis, including the matrix metalloproteinases, the aggrecanases, iNOS
      and elements of the Wnt pathway.

PMID- 22087740
TI  - Stretching and breaking of ultrathin MoS2.
AB  - We report on measurements of the stiffness and breaking strength of monolayer
      MoS(2), a new semiconducting analogue of graphene. Single and bilayer MoS(2) is
      exfoliated from bulk and transferred to a substrate containing an array of
      microfabricated circular holes. The resulting suspended, free-standing membranes
      are deformed and eventually broken using an atomic force microscope. We find that
      the in-plane stiffness of monolayer MoS(2) is 180 +/- 60 Nm(-1), corresponding to
      an effective Young's modulus of 270 +/- 100 GPa, which is comparable to that of
      steel. Breaking occurs at an effective strain between 6 and 11% with the average
      breaking strength of 15 +/- 3 Nm(-1) (23 GPa). The strength of strongest
      monolayer membranes is 11% of its Young's modulus, corresponding to the upper
      theoretical limit which indicates that the material can be highly crystalline and
      almost defect-free. Our results show that monolayer MoS(2) could be suitable for
      a variety of applications such as reinforcing elements in composites and for
      fabrication of flexible electronic devices.

PMID- 22087743
TI  - New family of silver(I) complexes based on hydroxyl and carboxyl groups decorated
      arenesulfonic acid: syntheses, structures, and luminescent properties.
AB  - Self-assembly of silver(I) salts and three ortho-hydroxyl and carboxyl groups
      decorated arenesulfonic acids affords the formation of nine silver(I)-sulfonates,
      (NH(4)).[Ag(HL1)(NH(3))(H(2)O)] (1), {(NH(4)).[Ag(3)(HL1)(2)(NH(3))(H(2)O)]}(n)
      (2), [Ag(2)(HL1)(H(2)O)(2)](n) (3), [Ag(2)(HL2)(NH(3))(2)].H(2)O (4),
      [Ag(H(2)L2)(H(2)O)](n) (5), [Ag(2)(HL2)](n) (6), [Ag(3)(L3)(NH(3))(3)](n) (7),
      [Ag(2)(HL3)](n) (8), and [Ag(6)(L3)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](n) (9) (H(3)L1 = 2-hydroxyl-3
      carboxyl-5-bromobenzenesulfonic acid, H(3)L2 = 2-hydroxyl-4
      carboxylbenzenesulfonic acid, H(3)L3 = 2-hydroxyl-5-carboxylbenzenesulfonic
      acid), which are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TGA, PL, and single
      crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is 3-D supramolecular network extended by
      [Ag(HL1)(NH(3))(H(2)O)](-) anions and NH(4)(+) cations. Complex 2 exhibits 3-D
      host-guest framework which encapsulates ammonium cations as guests. Complex 3
      presents 2-D layer structure constructed from 1-D tape of sulfonate-bridged Ag1
      dimers linked by [(Ag2)(2)(COO)(2)] binuclear units. Complex 4 exhibits 3-D
      hydrogen-bonding host-guest network which encapsulates water molecules as guests.
      Complex 5 shows 3-D hybrid framework constructed from organic linker bridged 1-D
      Ag-O-S chains while complex 6 is 3-D pillared layered framework with the
      inorganic substructure constructing from the Ag2 polyhedral chains interlinked by
      Ag1 dimers and sulfonate tetrahedra. The hybrid 3-D framework of complex 7 is
      formed by L3(-) trianions bridging short trisilver(I) sticks and silver(I)
      chains. Complex 8 also presents 3-D pillared layered framework, and the inorganic
      layer substructure is formed by the sulfonate tetrahedrons bridging
      [(Ag1O(4))(2)(Ag2O(5))(2)](infinity) motifs. Complex 9 represents the first
      silver-based metal-polyhedral framework containing four kinds of coordination
      spheres with low coordination numbers. The structural diversities and evolutions
      can be attributed to the synthetic methods, different ligands and coordination
      modes of the three functional groups, that is, sulfonate, hydroxyl and carboxyl
      groups. The luminescent properties of the nine complexes have also been
      investigated at room temperature, especially, complex 1 presents excellent blue
      luminescence and can sensitize Tb(III) ion to exhibit characteristic green
      emission.

PMID- 22087739
TI  - A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent one of the most common and
      most expensive occupational health problems in both developed and developing
      countries. School teachers represent an occupational group among which there
      appears to be a high prevalence of MSD. Given that causes of MSD have been
      described as multi-factorial and prevalence rates vary between body sites and
      location of study, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the
      prevalence and risk factors for MSD among teaching staff. METHODS: The study
      involved an extensive search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases in 2011. All studies
      which reported on the prevalence and/or risk factors for MSD in the teaching
      profession were initially selected for inclusion. Reference lists of articles
      identified in the original search were then examined for additional publications.
      Of the 80 articles initially located, a final group of 33 met the inclusion
      criteria and were examined in detail. RESULTS: This review suggests that the
      prevalence of self-reported MSD among school teachers ranges between 39% and 95%.
      The most prevalent body sites appear to be the back, neck and upper limbs.
      Nursery school teachers appear to be more likely to report suffering from low
      back pain. Factors such as gender, age, length of employment and awkward posture
      have been associated with higher MSD prevalence rates. CONCLUSION: Overall, this
      study suggests that school teachers are at a high risk of MSD. Further research,
      preferably longitudinal, is required to more thoroughly investigate the issue of
      MSD among teachers, with a greater emphasis on the possible wider use of
      ergonomic principles. This would represent a major step forward in the prevention
      of MSD among teachers, especially if easy to implement control measures could be
      recommended.

PMID- 22087744
TI  - Toward a mechanistic understanding of exciton-mediated hydrosilylation on
      nanocrystalline silicon.
AB  - White-light initiated hydrosilylation of nanocrystalline porous silicon was found
      to be far more efficient (in terms of both kinetics and yield) in the presence of
      electron-accepting molecules with suitably high reduction potentials,
      particularly halocarbons. It is known that absorption of visible light by
      nanocrystalline silicon results in the formation of excitons (electron/hole
      pairs) and that this exciton can be harnessed to drive a hydrosilylation reaction
      with an alkene; the Si-C bond forms as a result of attack of the pi-electrons of
      the alkene on the positively charged holes. In order to better understand the
      white-light initiated mechanism through which this reaction takes place, and to
      compare with UV-mediated photoemission on Si(111)-H, a series of electron
      acceptors were screened for their effect on surface alkene hydrosilylation. A
      very strong correlation between reduction potentials (E(red)) of the oxidant and
      reaction efficiency was observed, with a minimum "turn-on" E(red) required for an
      increase to take place. The oxidant appears to accept, or remove, the electron
      from the nanocrystallite-bound exciton, favoring attack by the alkene on the
      positively charged Si nanocrystallite, leading to Si-C bond formation. Radical
      reactions were discounted for a number of reasons, including lack of effect of
      radical traps, no apparent Si-Cl bond formation, lack of oxidation of the
      surfaces, and others. Unlike with other oxidants such as nitro-aromatics,
      halocarbons do not cause additional surface reactions and promote very clean,
      fast, and selective hydrosilylation chemistry.

PMID- 22087741
TI  - Ionizing radiation increases adhesiveness of human aortic endothelial cells via a
      chemokine-dependent mechanism.
AB  - Exposure to radiation from a variety of sources is associated with increased risk
      of heart disease and stroke. Since radiation also induces inflammation, a
      possible mechanism is a change in the adhesiveness of vascular endothelial cells,
      triggering pro-atherogenic accumulation of leukocytes. To investigate this
      mechanism at the cellular level, the effect of X rays on adhesiveness of cultured
      human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) was determined. HAECs were grown as
      monolayers and exposed to 0 to 30 Gy X rays, followed by measurement of
      adhesiveness under physiological shear stress using a flow chamber adhesion
      assay. Twenty-four hours after irradiation, HAEC adhesiveness was increased, with
      a peak effect at 15 Gy. Radiation had no significant effect on surface expression
      of the endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Antibody blockade of the
      leukocyte integrin receptors for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, however, abolished the
      radiation-induced adhesiveness. Since these leukocyte integrins can be activated
      by chemokines presented on the endothelial cell surface, the effect of pertussis
      toxin (PTX), an inhibitor of chemokine-mediated integrin activation, was tested.
      PTX specifically inhibited radiation-induced adhesiveness, with no significant
      effect on nonirradiated cells. Therefore, radiation induces increased
      adhesiveness of aortic endothelial cells through chemokine-dependent signaling
      from endothelial cells to leukocytes, even in the absence of increased expression
      of the adhesion molecules involved.

PMID- 22087734
TI  - Interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta 1
      and integrative meniscal repair: influences on meniscal cell proliferation and
      migration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      are up-regulated in injured and osteoarthritic knee joints. IL-1 and TNF-alpha
      inhibit integrative meniscal repair; however, the mechanisms by which this
      inhibition occurs are not fully understood. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF
      beta1) increases meniscal cell proliferation and accumulation, and enhances
      integrative meniscal repair. An improved understanding of the mechanisms
      modulating meniscal cell proliferation and migration will help to improve
      approaches for enhancing intrinsic or tissue-engineered repair of the meniscus.
      The goal of this study was to examine the hypothesis that IL-1 and TNF-alpha
      suppress, while TGF-beta1 enhances, cellular proliferation and migration in cell
      and tissue models of meniscal repair. METHODS: A micro-wound assay was used to
      assess meniscal cell migration and proliferation in response to the following
      treatments for 0, 24, or 48 hours: 0 to 10 ng/mL IL-1, TNF-alpha, or TGF-beta1,
      in the presence or absence of 10% serum. Proliferated and total cells were
      fluorescently labeled and imaged using confocal laser scanning microscopy and the
      number of proliferated, migrated, and total cells was determined in the micro
      wound and edges of each image. Meniscal cell proliferation was also assessed
      throughout meniscal repair model explants treated with 0 or 10 ng/mL IL-1, TNF
      alpha, or TGF-beta1 for 14 days. At the end of the culture period, biomechanical
      testing and histological analyses were also performed. Statistical differences
      were assessed using an ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post hoc test. RESULTS: IL-1 and
      TNF-alpha decreased cell proliferation in both cell and tissue models of meniscal
      repair. In the presence of serum, TGF-beta1 increased outer zone cell
      proliferation in the micro-wound and in the cross section of meniscal repair
      model explants. Both IL-1 and TNF-alpha decreased the integrative shear strength
      of repair and extracellular matrix deposition in the meniscal repair model
      system, while TGF-beta1 had no effect on either measure. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal
      cell proliferation in vivo may be diminished following joint injury due to the up
      regulation of inflammatory cytokines, thereby limiting native cellular repair of
      meniscal lesions. Therefore, therapies that can promote meniscal cell
      proliferation have promise to enhance meniscal repair and improve tissue
      engineering strategies.

PMID- 22087751
TI  - Check dam in the Loess Plateau of China: engineering for environmental services
      and food security.

PMID- 22087752
TI  - Fluorescence dynamics and dipole moment evolution of singlet exciton decay in
      conjugated polymers.
AB  - Both fluorescence dynamics and time-dependent electron transitions are introduced
      within a previously developed molecule dynamics approach for treating conjugated
      polymers. This is able to provide a panoramic view of luminescence dynamics
      during singlet exciton decay, in which the fluorescence dynamics is largely
      determined by the electron population and the evolution of the dipole moment. The
      fluorescence intensity is weakened due to a reduced dipole moment and diminished
      decay rate of the electron, which validates a previous assumption based on
      experimental studies. The lifetime of the singlet exciton in a conjugated polymer
      is found to be 1.2 ns, and the calculated time profile of the fluorescence
      intensity is in agreement with recent experimental results.

PMID- 22087750
TI  - Discovery of potent and highly selective thienopyridine Janus kinase 2
      inhibitors.
AB  - Developing Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) inhibitors has become a significant focus for
      small molecule drug discovery programs in recent years due to the identification
      of a Jak2 gain-of-function mutation in the majority of patients with
      myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). Here, we describe the discovery of a
      thienopyridine series of Jak2 inhibitors that culminates with compounds showing
      100- to >500-fold selectivity over the related Jak family kinases in enzyme
      assays. Selectivity for Jak2 was also observed in TEL-Jak cellular assays, as
      well as in cytokine-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and whole
      blood assays. X-ray cocrystal structures of 8 and 19 bound to the Jak2 kinase
      domain aided structure-activity relationship efforts and, along with a previously
      reported small molecule X-ray cocrystal structure of the Jak1 kinase domain,
      provided structural rationale for the observed high levels of Jak2 selectivity.

PMID- 22087745
TI  - Cellular diamine levels in cancer chemoprevention: modulation by ibuprofen and
      membrane plasmalogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To develop effective strategies in cancer chemoprevention, an
      increased understanding of endogenous biochemical mediators that block metastatic
      processes is critically needed. Dietary lipids and non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a published track record of providing protection
      against gastrointestinal malignancies. In this regard, we examined the effects of
      membrane plasmalogens and ibuprofen on regulation of cellular levels of diamines,
      polyamine mediators that are augmented in cancer cells. For these studies we
      utilized Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and NRel-4 cells, a CHO cell line with
      defective plasmalogen synthesis. RESULTS: NRel-4 cells, which possess cellular
      plasmalogen levels that are 10% of control CHO cells, demonstrated 2- to 3-fold
      increases in cellular diamine levels. These diamine levels were normalized by
      plasmalogen replacement and significantly reduced by ibuprofen. In both cases the
      mechanism of action appears to mainly involve increased diamine efflux via the
      diamine exporter. The actions of ibuprofen were not stereospecific, supporting
      previous studies that cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition is unlikely to be involved
      in the ability of NSAIDs to reduce intracellular diamine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data demonstrate that ibuprofen, a drug known to reduce the risk of colorectal
      cancer, reduces cellular diamine levels via augmentation of diamine efflux.
      Similarly, augmentation of membrane plasmalogens can increase diamine export from
      control and plasmalogen-deficient cells. These data support the concept that
      membrane transporter function may be a therapeutic point of intervention for
      dietary and pharmacological approaches to cancer chemoprevention.

PMID- 22087753
TI  - The decarboxylative Strecker reaction.
AB  - alpha-Amino acids react with aldehydes in the presence of a cyanide source to
      form alpha-amino nitriles in what can be considered a decarboxylative variant of
      the classical Strecker reaction. This unprecedented transformation does not
      require the use of a metal catalyst and provides facile access to valuable alpha
      amino nitriles that are inaccessible by traditional Strecker chemistry.

PMID- 22087756
TI  - Characterization of C5 hydrocarbons relevant to catalysis.
AB  - A recent in situ infrared study on the selective hydrogenation of C5 dienes and
      monoenes over a Pd/Al(2)O(3) catalyst only reported incomplete vibrational
      assignments for some of the reagents, intermediates, and products encountered in
      that study. This work uses a combination of infrared absorption spectroscopy,
      Raman, and inelastic neutron scattering to characterize the vibrational spectra
      of pentane, 1-pentene, cis- and trans-2-pentene, cis- and trans-1,3-pentadiene,
      1,4-pentadiene, cyclopentane, and cyclopentene. Ab initio calculations of the
      potential energy surface, geometry, and vibrational transition energies were
      performed and simulations of the vibrational spectra compared to the experimental
      data. Complete vibrational assignments for the majority of the molecules are
      presented. The potential for using gas-phase infrared measurements for studying
      heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase reactions is also briefly considered.

PMID- 22087755
TI  - Application of the Andersen's health care utilization framework to secondary
      complications of spinal cord injury: a scoping review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify research priority
      areas related to secondary complications and associated health care use for
      individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHOD:  DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed
      journals were identified using CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Social Sciences
      Abstracts, Social Works Abstract and PsycInfo search engines. Key references were
      hand searched. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 289 abstracts were identified from the
      initial search strategy. We removed studies that did not measure health care and
      those that did not involve analytical investigation. DATA EXTRACTION: The
      selected 31 studies were reviewed in detail using a coding template based on the
      domains and sub-components of the Andersen model (i.e. environmental, population
      characteristics, health behavior and outcome). RESULTS: Most studies measured
      predisposing characteristics (e.g., age, gender) and need characteristics (e.g.,
      level of injury). There was a notable absence of environmental characteristics
      (e.g., health system, neighborhood variables), enabling characteristics and
      health behaviors (beyond diet and nutrition). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a gap in
      the SCI literature. Future research should focus on longitudinal study designs
      with more representation of non-traumatic spinal cord injury, as well as
      utilizing more advanced statistical analyses (i.e., multivariate level) to adjust
      for confounding variables.

PMID- 22087754
TI  - Exposure to repetitive tasks induces motor changes related to skill acquisition
      and inflammation in rats.
AB  - The authors elucidate exposure-response relationships between repetitive tasks,
      inflammation, and motor changes with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
      Using a rat model of reaching and handle pulling, they examined effects of
      performing a high-repetition, low-force (HRLF); low-repetition, high-force
      (LRHF); or high-repetition, high-force (HRHF) task (2 hr/day, 3 days/week, 12
      weeks) on reach rate and force, percentage of successful reaches, duration of
      participation, and grip strength. Reach rate and reach force improved with HRLF,
      and percentage success increased in all groups in Week 9, and in HRLF and HRHF in
      Week 12, indicative of skill acquisition. Duration and grip strength showed force
      dependent declines with task performance. A subset of HRHF rats received
      ibuprofen in Weeks 5-12. Ibuprofen significantly improved reach rate, reach
      force, and duration in treated rats, indicative of an inflammatory influence on
      reach performance. Ibuprofen improved percentage of successful reaches in Week 9,
      although this increase was not sustained. However, declines in grip strength, a
      nocifensive behavior, were not prevented by ibuprofen. Examination of cervical
      spinal cords of untreated and ibuprofen treated HRHF rats showed increased IL
      1beta, an inflammatory cytokine, in neurons. These findings suggest that only a
      preventive intervention could have addressed all motor declines.

PMID- 22087757
TI  - Evaluation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by oligonucleotide-based microarray
      analysis uncovers novel aberrations not detected by FISH or cytogenetic analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic evaluation is a key component of the diagnosis and
      prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We performed oligonucleotide
      based comparative genomic hybridization microarray analysis on 34 samples with
      CLL and known abnormal karyotypes previously determined by cytogenetics and/or
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS: Using a custom designed
      microarray that targets >1800 genes involved in hematologic disease and other
      malignancies, we identified additional cryptic aberrations and novel findings in
      59% of cases. These included gains and losses of genes associated with cell cycle
      regulation, apoptosis and susceptibility loci on 3p21.31, 5q35.2q35.3,
      10q23.31q23.33, 11q22.3, and 22q11.23. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that
      microarray analysis will detect known aberrations, including microscopic and
      cryptic alterations. In addition, novel genomic changes will be uncovered that
      may become important prognostic predictors or treatment targets for CLL in the
      future.

PMID- 22087758
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with risk for contralateral breast
      cancer in the Women's Environment, Cancer, and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE)
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Genome-wide association studies, focusing primarily on unilateral
      breast cancer, have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a number
      of genomic regions that have alleles associated with a significantly increased
      risk of breast cancer. In the current study we evaluate the contributions of
      these previously identified regions to the risk of developing contralateral
      breast cancer. The most strongly disease-associated SNPs from prior studies were
      tested for association with contralateral breast cancer. A subset of these SNPs,
      selected upon their main effects on contralateral breast cancer risk was further
      evaluated for interaction with treatment modalities and estrogen receptor (ER)
      status. METHODS: We genotyped 21 SNPs in 708 women with contralateral breast
      cancer and 1394 women with unilateral breast cancer who serve as the cases and
      controls in the Women's Environment, Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE)
      Study. Records of treatment and ER status were available for most of WECARE Study
      participants. Associations of SNP genotypes and risk for contralateral breast
      cancer were calculated with multivariable adjusted conditional logistic
      regression methods. RESULTS: Multiple SNPs in the FGFR2 locus were significantly
      associated with contralateral breast cancer, including rs1219648 (per allele rate
      ratio (RR) = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.08-1.45). Statistically significant associations
      with contralateral breast cancer were also observed at rs7313833, near the PTHLH
      gene (per allele RR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.08-1.47), rs13387042 (2q35) (per allele RR
      = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.02-1.37), rs13281615 (8q24) (per allele RR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.04
      1.40), and rs11235127 near TMEM135 (per allele RR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.04-1.53). The
      A allele of rs13387042 (2q35) was significantly associated with contralateral
      breast cancer in ER negative first tumors while the A allele of rs11235127 (near
      TMEM135) was significantly associated with contralateral breast cancer in ER
      positive first tumors. Although some SNP genotypes appeared to modify
      contralateral breast cancer risk with respect to tamoxifen treatment or
      particular radiation doses, trend tests for such effects were not significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that some common risk variants associated with
      primary breast cancer also increase risk for contralateral breast cancer, and
      that these risks vary with the ER status of the first tumor.

PMID- 22087759
TI  - Peripheral leukocyte counts and outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease that carries
      a 30 day mortality of approximately 45%. Only 20% of survivors return to
      independent function at 6 months. The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology
      of ICH is increasingly recognized. Several clinical studies have demonstrated an
      association between inflammatory markers and outcomes after ICH; however the
      relationship between serum biomarkers and functional outcomes amongst survivors
      has not been previously evaluated. Activation of the inflammatory response as
      measured by change in peripheral leukocyte count was examined and assessment of
      mortality and functional outcomes after ICH was determined. FINDINGS: Patients
      with spontaneous ICH admitted to a tertiary care center between January 2005 and
      April 2010 were included. The change in leukocyte count was measured as the
      difference between the maximum leukocyte count in the first 72 hours and the
      leukocyte count on admission. Mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary
      outcomes were mortality at 1 year, discharge disposition and the modified Barthel
      index (MBI) at 3 months compared to pre-admission MBI. 423 cases were included.
      The in-hospital mortality was 30.4%. The change in leukocyte count predicted
      worse discharge disposition (OR = 1.258, p = 0.009). The change in leukocyte
      count was also significantly correlated with a decline in the MBI at 3 months.
      These relationships remained even after removal of all patients with evidence of
      infection. CONCLUSIONS: Greater changes in leukocyte count over the first 72
      hours after admission predicted both worse short term and long term functional
      outcomes after ICH.

PMID- 22087760
TI  - Self-microemulsifying smaller molecular volume oil (Capmul MCM) using non-ionic
      surfactants: a delivery system for poorly water-soluble drug.
AB  - The main purpose of this work is to formulate self-microemulsifying drug delivery
      system (SMEDDS) using smaller molecular oil with Atorvastatin calcium as a model
      drug. Solubility of the selected drug was accessed in oils and surfactants.
      Percent transmittance (%T) test study was performed to identify the efficient
      self-microemulsifying formulations. Those formulations which showed higher value
      for %T were evaluated for droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential,
      refractive index and cloud point measurement. Effect of drug loading on droplet
      size, increasing dilution in different media, thermodynamic stability and in
      vitro dissolution was performed to observe the performance of the selected
      formulation. Further cytotoxicity and permeation enhancement studies were carried
      out on Caco2 cell lines. Of all the oils accessed for drug solubility, Capmul MCM
      showed higher solubility capacity for Atorvastatin calcium. Capmul MCM was better
      microemulsified using combination of Tween 20 and Labrasol surfactant. Droplet
      size was as low as 86.93 nm with polydispersity index and zeta potential at 0.195
      +/- 0.011 and -7.27 +/- 3.11 mV respectively. The selected undiluted formulation
      showed refractive index values ranging from 1.40 to 1.47 indicating the
      isotropicity of the formulation. The selected formulation was robust to dilution
      in different media and thermodynamically stable. Dissolution profile was enhanced
      for the selected drug as compared to marketed formulation with t85% and DE values
      at 10 min and 80.15 respectively. Also cytotoxicity measurement showed minimum
      effect with good permeation enhancing capacity. Thus our study demonstrates the
      use of smaller molecular oil (Capmul MCM) for developing self-microemulsifying
      drug delivery system for better in vitro and in vivo performance.

PMID- 22087761
TI  - Improving gene expression data interpretation by finding latent factors that co
      regulate gene modules with clinical factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the analysis of high-throughput data with a clinical outcome,
      researchers mostly focus on genes/proteins that show first-order relations with
      the clinical outcome. While this approach yields biomarkers and biological
      mechanisms that are easily interpretable, it may miss information that is
      important to the understanding of disease mechanism and/or treatment response.
      Here we test the hypothesis that unobserved factors can be mobilized by the
      living system to coordinate the response to the clinical factors. RESULTS: We
      developed a computational method named Guided Latent Factor Discovery (GLFD) to
      identify hidden factors that act in combination with the observed clinical
      factors to control gene modules. In simulation studies, the method recovered
      masked factors effectively. Using real microarray data, we demonstrate that the
      method identifies latent factors that are biologically relevant, and extracts
      more information than analyzing only the first-order response to the clinical
      outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Finding latent factors using GLFD brings extra insight into
      the mechanisms of the disease/drug response. The R code of the method is
      available at http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~tyu8/GLFD.

PMID- 22087762
TI  - Beetroot betalain inhibits peroxynitrite-mediated tyrosine nitration and DNA
      strand cleavage.
AB  - Two major betalains, red-purple betacyanins and yellow betaxanthins, were
      isolated from red beetroots (Beta vulgaris L.), and their peroxynitrite (ONOO(-))
      scavenging capacity was investigated. Apparent colours of the betalains were
      bleached by the addition of ONOO(-), and the absorbance decreases were suppressed
      in the presence of glutathione, a ONOO(-) scavenger. After bleaching, a new
      absorption maximum was observed at 350 nm in the spectrum of the resulting
      reaction mixture. New peaks were detected from HPLC analysis of the reaction
      products of betanin, a representative constituent of red beetroot betacyanins,
      treated with ONOO(-) monitoring at 350 nm, and the intensity of the major peak
      was positively correlated with ONOO(-) concentration. Betanin inhibited the ONOO(
      ) (0.5 mM)-dependent nitration of tyrosine (0.1 mM). Additionally, the IC(50)
      value of betanin (19.2 MUM) was lower than that of ascorbate (79.6 MUM). The
      presence of betanin (0.05-1.0 mM) also inhibited ONOO(-) (0.5 mM)-dependent DNA
      strand cleavage in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that
      betalains can protect cells from nitrosative stress in addition to protecting
      them from oxidative stresses.

PMID- 22087763
TI  - Differential signalling through ALK-1 and ALK-5 regulates leptin expression in
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Leptin plays a central role in maintaining energy balance, with multiple other
      systemic effects. Despite leptin importance in peripheral regulation of
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) differentiation, little is known about its
      expression mechanism. Leptin is often described as adipokine, while it is
      expressed by other cell types. We have recently shown an in vitro leptin
      expression, enhanced by glucocorticoids in synovial fibroblasts (SVF). Here, we
      investigated leptin expression in MSC from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and umbilical
      cord matrix (UMSC). Results showed that BM-MSC, but not UMSC, expressed leptin
      that was strongly enhanced by glucocorticoids. Transforming growth factor beta1
      (TGF-beta1) markedly inhibited the endogenous- and glucocorticoid-induced leptin
      expression in BM-MSC. Since TGF-beta1 was shown to signal via ALK-5-Smad2/3
      and/or ALK-1-Smad1/5 pathways, we analyzed the expression of proteins from both
      pathways. In BM-MSC, TGF-beta1 increased phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2)
      expression, while ALK-5 inhibitor (SB431542) induced leptin expression and
      significantly restored TGF-beta1-induced leptin inhibition. In addition, both
      prednisolone and SB431542 increased p-Smad1/5 expression. These results suggested
      the ALK-5-Smad2 pathway as an inhibitor of leptin expression, while ALK-1-Smad1/5
      as an activator. Indeed, Smad1 expression silencing induced leptin expression
      inhibition. Furthermore, prednisolone enhanced the expression of TGF-betaRII
      while decreasing p-Smad2 in BM-MSC and SVF but not in UMSC. In vitro
      differentiation revealed differential osteogenic potential in SVF, BM-MSC, and
      UMSC that was correlated to their leptin expression potential. Our results
      suggest that ALK-1/ALK-5 balance regulates leptin expression in MSC. It also
      underlines UMSC as leptin nonproducer MSC for cell therapy protocols where leptin
      expression is not suitable.

PMID- 22087764
TI  - Overlapping distribution of osteopontin and calcium in the ischemic core of rat
      brain after transient focal ischemia.
AB  - Osteopontin (OPN), an adhesive glycoprotein, has recently been proposed to act as
      an opsonin that facilitates phagocytosis of neuronal debris by macrophages in the
      ischemic brain. The present study was designed to elucidate the process whereby
      OPN binds to neuronal cell debris in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Significant
      co-localization of the OPN protein and calcium deposits in the ischemic core were
      observed by combining alizarin red staining and OPN immunohistochemistry. In
      addition, electron microscopy (EM) using the osmium/potassium dichromate method
      revealed that electron-dense precipitates, typical of calcium deposits, were
      localized mainly along the periphery of putative degenerating neurites. This
      topical pattern of calcium precipitates resembled the distribution of OPN as
      detected by immunogold-silver EM. Combining immunogold-silver EM and electron
      probe microanalysis further demonstrated that the OPN protein was localized at
      the periphery of cell debris or degenerating neurites, corresponding with locally
      higher concentrations of calcium and phosphorus, and that the relative magnitude
      of OPN accumulation was comparable to that of calcium and phosphorus. These data
      suggest that calcium precipitation provides a matrix for the binding of the OPN
      protein within the debris or degenerating neurites induced by ischemic injury.
      Therefore, OPN binding to calcium deposits may be involved in phagocytosis of
      such debris, and may participate in the regulation of ectopic calcification in
      the ischemic brain.

PMID- 22087767
TI  - Overoxidation of phenol by hexachloroiridate(IV).
AB  - It has been previously established that the aqueous oxidation of phenol by a
      deficiency of [IrCl(6)](2-) proceeds through the production of [IrCl(6)](3-) and
      phenoxyl radicals. Coupling of the phenoxyl radicals leads primarily to 4,4'
      biphenol, 2,2'-biphenol, 2,4'-biphenol, and 4-phenoxyphenol. Overoxidation occurs
      through the further oxidation of these coupling products, leading to a rather
      complex mixture of final products. The rate laws for oxidation of the four
      coupling products by [IrCl(6)](2-) have the same form as those for the oxidation
      of phenol itself: -d[Ir(IV)]/dt = {(k(ArOH) + k(ArO(-))K(a)/[H(+)])/(1 +
      K(a)/[H(+)])}[ArOH](tot)[Ir(IV)]. Values for k(ArOH) and k(ArO(-)) have been
      determined for the four substrates at 25  degrees C and are assigned to H(2)O
      PCET and electron-transfer mechanisms, respectively. Kinetic simulations of a
      combined mechanism that includes the rate of oxidation of phenol as well as the
      rates of these overoxidation steps show that the degree of overoxidation is
      rather limited at high pH but quite extensive at low pH. This pH-dependent
      overoxidation leads to a pH-dependent stoichiometric factor in the rate law for
      oxidation of phenol and causes some minor deviations in the rate law for
      oxidation of phenol. Empirically, these minor deviations can be accommodated by
      the introduction of a third term in the rate law that includes a "pH-dependent
      rate constant", but this approach masks the mechanistic origins of the effect.

PMID- 22087766
TI  - 'It brought joy in my home as in the area of my wife.' How recently circumcised
      adult men ascribe value to and make sense of male circumcision.
AB  - The present study used a phenomenological approach to explore the everyday-life
      experiences of male circumcision (MC) and to learn how recently circumcised men
      ascribe value to and make sense of MC. Thirteen recently circumcised Zambian men
      were identified through the snowball technique and interviewed using a semi
      structured interviewer's guide. Findings indicate that the post-operational
      experience of adult MC smoothly fits into the everyday-life experience of the men
      interviewed and is perceived and experienced as a broader social health issue,
      which largely transcends both the personal HIV risk of the individual male and
      the private sphere. The study provides three important lessons for MC programmes:
      (1) the broad social aspects of MC put forward by the interviewees suggest the
      potential for a popular intervention and, consequently, a large uptake of MC; (2)
      findings suggest that in addition to emphasising the HIV protective effect of MC,
      MC promotion should also highlight the social, sexual and romantic values
      perceived and experienced by the interviewees of this study; (3) the analysis
      reveals potentially harmful misconceptions about the health benefits of MC,
      demonstrating the importance of proper pre- and post-circumcision counselling as
      well as public health messages related to MC.

PMID- 22087765
TI  - Construction of permanently inducible miRNA-based expression vectors using site
      specific recombinases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved gene silencing mechanism
      mediated by small inhibitory microRNAs (miRNAs).Promoter-driven miRNA expression
      vectors have emerged as important tools for delivering natural or artificially
      designed miRNAs to eukaryotic cells and organisms. Such systems can be used to
      query the normal or pathogenic functions of natural miRNAs or messenger RNAs, or
      to therapeutically silence disease genes. RESULTS: As with any molecular cloning
      procedure, building miRNA-based expression constructs requires a time investment
      and some molecular biology skills. To improve efficiency and accelerate the
      construction process, we developed a method to rapidly generate miRNA expression
      vectors using recombinases instead of more traditional cut-and-paste molecular
      cloning techniques. In addition to streamlining the construction process, our
      cloning strategy provides vectors with added versatility. In our system, miRNAs
      can be constitutively expressed from the U6 promoter, or inducibly expressed by
      Cre recombinase. We also engineered a built-in mechanism to destroy the vector
      with Flp recombinase, if desired. Finally, to further simplify the construction
      process, we developed a software package that automates the prediction and design
      of optimal miRNA sequences using our system. CONCLUSIONS: We designed and tested
      a modular system to rapidly clone miRNA expression cassettes. Our strategy
      reduces the hands-on time required to successfully generate effective constructs,
      and can be implemented in labs with minimal molecular cloning expertise. This
      versatile system provides options that permit constitutive or inducible miRNA
      expression, depending upon the needs of the end user. As such, it has utility for
      basic or translational applications.

PMID- 22087768
TI  - Synthesis and molecular recognition studies of the HNK-1 trisaccharide and
      related oligosaccharides. The specificity of monoclonal anti-HNK-1 antibodies as
      assessed by surface plasmon resonance and STD NMR.
AB  - The human natural killer cell carbohydrate, HNK-1, plays function-conducive roles
      in peripheral nerve regeneration and synaptic plasticity. It is also the target
      of autoantibodies in polyneuropathies. It is thus important to synthesize
      structurally related HNK-1 carbohydrates for optimizing its function-conducive
      roles, and for diagnosis and neutralization of autoantibodies in the fatal
      Guillain-Barre syndrome. As a first step toward these goals, we have synthesized
      several HNK-1 carbohydrate derivatives to assess the specificity of monoclonal
      HNK-1 antibodies from rodents: 2-aminoethyl glycosides of selectively O-sulfated
      trisaccharide corresponding to the HNK-1 antigen, its nonsulfated analogue, and
      modified structures containing 3-O-fucosyl or 6-O-sulfo substituents in the N
      acetylglucosamine residues. These were converted, together with several related
      oligosaccharides, into biotin-tagged probes to analyze the precise carbohydrate
      specificity of two anti-HNK-1 antibodies by surface plasmon resonance that
      revealed a crucial role of the glucuronic acid in antibody binding. The
      contribution of the different oligosaccharide moieties in the interaction was
      shown by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR of the complex consisting of
      the HNK-1 pentasaccharide and the HNK-1 412 antibody.

PMID- 22087775
TI  - Forced unbinding of individual urea-aminotriazine supramolecular polymers by
      atomic force microscopy: a closer look at the potential energy landscape and
      binding lengths at fixed loading rates.
AB  - Atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy (AFM-SMFS) was
      used to study the forced unbinding of quadruple self-complementary hydrogen
      bonded urea-aminotriazine (UAT) complexes in hexadecane (HD). To elucidate the
      bond strength of individual linkages the unbinding forces of UAT supramolecular
      polymers were investigated for the first time. The bond rupture was probed at
      three different, fixed piezo retraction rates in far from equilibrium conditions.
      The number of supramolecular bonds (N) between AFM tip and the surface was
      determined by independent knowledge of the linker length. The observed rupture
      force of urea-aminotriazine (UAT)-based supramolecular polymer chains was found
      to decrease with increasing rupture length. The dependence of the most probable
      rupture force on N was in quantitative agreement with the theory of uncooperative
      bond rupture for supramolecular linkages switched in series. Experiments with
      three different, fixed loading rates provided identical values (within the
      experimental error) for the characteristic bond length x(beta) and the off-rate
      constant in the absence of force k(off)(f = 0). The value of x(beta) was found to
      agree with literature data on the hydrogen-bond distance obtained via
      crystallographic data of the hydrogen-bonded dimer. This work broadens the scope
      of our previous report showing that relevant parameters of the bond energy
      landscape can be derived from a single data set of rupture events at a fixed
      loading rate for supramolecular linkages switched in series.

PMID- 22087774
TI  - Impact of chronic kidney disease on the presence and severity of aortic stenosis
      in patients at high risk for coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the
      presence and severity of aortic stenosis (AS) in patients at high risk for
      coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: One hundred and twenty consecutive
      patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography were enrolled. Aortic valve
      area (AVA) was calculated by the continuity equation using transthoracic
      echocardiography, and was normalized by body surface area (AVA index). RESULTS:
      Among all 120 patients, 78% had CAD, 55% had CKD (stage 3: 81%; stage 4: 19%),
      and 34% had AS (AVA < 2.0 cm2). Patients with AS were older, more often female,
      and had a higher frequency of CKD than those without AS, but the prevalence of
      CAD and most other coexisting conventional risk factors was similar between
      patients with and without AS. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated
      that only CKD and CAD were independent determinants of AVA index with
      standardized coefficients of -0.37 and -0.28, respectively. When patients were
      divided into 3 groups (group 1: absence of CKD and CAD, n = 16; group 2: presence
      of either CKD or CAD, n = 51; and group 3: presence of both CKD and CAD, n = 53),
      group 3 had the smallest AVA index (1.19 +/- 0.30*# cm2/m2, *p < 0.05 vs. group
      1: 1.65 +/- 0.32 cm2/m2, and #p < 0.05 vs. group 2: 1.43 +/- 0.29* cm2/m2) and
      the highest peak velocity across the aortic valve (1.53 +/- 0.41*# m/sec; *p <
      0.05 vs. group 1: 1.28 +/- 0.29 m/sec, and #p < 0.05 vs. group 2: 1.35 +/- 0.27
      m/sec). CONCLUSION: CKD, even pre-stage 5 CKD, has a more powerful impact on the
      presence and severity of AS than other conventional risk factors for
      atherosclerosis in patients at high risk for CAD.

PMID- 22087776
TI  - Education in gerontology and geriatrics comes of age.

PMID- 22087777
TI  - Integrating and evaluating geriatrics in medical school: a novel approach for the
      challenge.
AB  - Brown Medical School developed a comprehensive curriculum in which enriched aging
      content increased from 22 to 80 hours in preclerkship courses and was also added
      for clerkships, residencies, and nongeriatrician physicians. Innovative
      evaluation strategies are also described. Highlights include "treasure hunts" in
      the anatomy laboratory, a Scholarly Concentration in Aging, Schwartz
      Communication Sessions, a Website of aging-related materials, and a monthly
      column in the state medical journal. Evaluation includes "tracking" to compute
      the "dose" of aging content, and "journaling" and focus groups to evaluate
      students' responses. Integrating geriatrics across a broad range of courses and
      clinical experiences is feasible.

PMID- 22087778
TI  - Building psychosocial programming in geriatrics fellowships: a consortium model.
AB  - Geriatric psychosocial problems are prevalent and significantly affect the
      physical health and overall well-being of older adults. Geriatrics fellows
      require psychosocial education, and yet to date, geriatrics fellowship programs
      have not developed a comprehensive geriatric psychosocial curriculum. Fellowship
      programs in the New York tristate area collaboratively created the New York
      Metropolitan Area Consortium to Strengthen Psychosocial Programming in Geriatrics
      Fellowships in 2007 to address this shortfall. The goal of the Consortium is to
      develop model educational programs for geriatrics fellows that highlight
      psychosocial issues affecting elder care, share interinstitutional resources, and
      energize fellowship program directors and faculty. In 2008, 2009, and 2010,
      Consortium faculty collaboratively designed and implemented a psychosocial
      educational conference for geriatrics fellows. Cumulative participation at the
      conferences included 146 geriatrics fellows from 20 academic institutions taught
      by interdisciplinary Consortium faculty. Formal evaluations from the participants
      indicated that the conference: a) positively affected fellows' knowledge of,
      interest in, and comfort with psychosocial issues; b) would have a positive
      impact on the quality of care provided to older patients; and c) encouraged
      valuable interactions with fellows and faculty from other institutions. The
      Consortium, as an educational model for psychosocial learning, has a positive
      impact on geriatrics fellowship training and may be replicable in other
      localities.

PMID- 22087779
TI  - Prevalence, formation, maintenance, and evaluation of interdisciplinary student
      aging interest groups.
AB  - The authors describe the prevalence, formation, maintenance, and evaluation of
      student aging interest groups. They conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey
      of the 46 academic medical centers funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
      To evaluate their group of approximately 50 students, the authors conducted an
      electronic pretest and posttest of attitudes toward interdisciplinary education
      and knowledge about aging. Twenty-nine of 32 responding institutions funded by
      the Reynolds Foundation conducted a group; only medical students participated in
      one half of these groups. Panel presentations were the most prevalent group
      activity. Evaluation of their group revealed that an interprofessional service
      learning experience had the greatest impact on student perceptions of the
      educational preparation and competency of other disciplines. At posttest, medical
      students in their group had significantly less positive perceptions of actual
      cooperation between disciplines than did physical therapy or pharmacy students.
      Aging interest groups conducted by institutions funded by the Reynolds Foundation
      did not have a high level of interdisciplinary participation. Intermittent
      exposure to other disciplines during a small number of group activities may be
      insufficient to overcome "disciplinary split" and achieve interprofessional team
      orientation without changes in the structure of medical education.

PMID- 22087780
TI  - Effective teaching methods for geriatric competencies.
AB  - This study assesses how effective classroom sessions are at teaching geriatric
      competencies to medical students. At Stony Brook Medical School, most geriatric
      competencies are taught in the Ambulatory Care Clerkship during small-group
      educational sessions. Clinical exposure to reinforce these specialized skills
      varies with preceptor assignment. A student's ability to perform geriatric
      assessments was evaluated by scores on an Objective Structured Clinical Exam
      (OSCE) with a geriatric patient. Scores from students who received additional
      clinical practice of these skills were compared with scores from students who did
      not. No significant difference in OSCE scores were seen between the two groups.

PMID- 22087781
TI  - Medical readers' theater: relevance to geriatrics medical education.
AB  - Medical Readers' Theater (MRT) is an innovative and simple way of helping medical
      students to reflect on difficult-to-discuss topics in geriatrics medical
      education, such as aging stereotypes, disability and loss of independence,
      sexuality, assisted living, relationships with adult children, and end-of-life
      issues. The authors describe a required MRT experience involving third-year
      medical students on their Family Medicine clerkship and volunteer residents from
      a nearby continuing care retirement community. Evaluation of the program shows
      positive benefits to student and senior participants in terms of greater
      awareness of each other's perspectives and improved communication.

PMID- 22087782
TI  - Interest in long-term care among health services administration students.
AB  - The aging of the population has created increased opportunities for health
      administrators in long-term care. This study consisted of a cross-sectional
      survey of 68 undergraduate health services administration students to explore
      factors related to interest in a career in long-term care administration. One
      third expressed interest working in the field. Experience in long-term care
      settings, quality of contact with unrelated older adults, satisfaction working
      with the elderly, and confidence in the ability to work in the field were
      positively associated with interest in long-term care administration. The
      findings have important implications for experiential learning in health
      administration programs.

PMID- 22087783
TI  - Evaluation of the person-centered care essentials program: importance of trainers
      in achieving targeted outcomes.
AB  - A person-centered care (PCC) training program was developed and disseminated to
      84 institutes for retired religious persons across the United States. The program
      was delivered via a train-the-trainer model wherein institute trainers attended a
      2-day training conference, then taught the material to direct care workers (DCWs)
      at their respective sites. Evaluation of the training showed that DCWs' attitudes
      toward and knowledge of PCC improved after training. The relationship between
      trainers' perception of the ability of their site to implement PCC training and
      DCW knowledge improvement varied by training module. Training regarding the
      physical environment resulted in the smallest gains in DCW knowledge.

PMID- 22087784
TI  - Information needs of family caregivers of persons with cognitive versus physical
      deficits.
AB  - This study compared information needs of caregivers of persons with dementia with
      caregivers of those who received rehabilitation treatment. Caregivers were
      provided a 48-item survey and asked to choose their top ten information needs.
      Dementia caregivers' (n = 33) top needs were dealing with forgetfulness/confusion
      (91%) and repeating questions/actions (61%) in care recipients. Rehabilitation
      caregivers' (n = 40) top needs were handling care recipients' mobility problems
      (75%) and dealing with their own stress (65%). Dementia caregivers focused on
      care recipients' needs related to behavioral symptoms, whereas rehabilitation
      caregivers focused on needs related to physical care of care recipients and their
      own needs.

PMID- 22087786
TI  - Scope and mechanistic studies of electrophilic alkoxyetherification.
AB  - A one-pot electrophilic alkoxyetherification using an olefin, a cyclic ether, a
      carboxylic acid, and N-bromosuccinimide has been developed. The oxygen
      nucleophiles, the olefinic substrates, and the cyclic ether partners can be
      varied to produce a wide range of alkoxyether derivatives.

PMID- 22087787
TI  - Challenges to providing HIV prevention education to youth with disabilities in
      South Africa.
AB  - PURPOSE: In South Africa, little is known how HIV prevention education is
      implemented in schools for learners with disabilities. This article reports on
      findings from a study exploring the extent to which HIV education is reached to
      people with disabilities in South Africa, and the challenges faced by educators
      providing HIV prevention education to learners with disabilities. METHOD: A
      survey questionnaire completed by 34 schools for learners with special education
      needs in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Additional complimentary data
      were collected through interviews with a total of 21 members of staff at schools
      for learners with disabilities. RESULTS: Respondents recognise the importance of
      providing HIV prevention education for people with disabilities. Staff reports
      some challenges in providing HIV prevention education: barriers to communication;
      discomfort about issues of sexuality and disability; disagreements among staff
      about what is appropriate content for sexual health education; and fears of
      promoting sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for HIV prevention
      education to be specifically customized to the needs of the specific population.
      A general programme, which is included as part of a general curriculum and
      generally tailored to "mainstream" schools, would need to be adapted according to
      specific needs and disabling barriers faced.

PMID- 22087788
TI  - Controlled dynamics at an avoided crossing interpreted in terms of dynamically
      fluctuating potential energy curves.
AB  - The nonadiabatic nuclear wavepacket dynamics on the coupled two lowest
      (1)Sigma(+) states of the LiF molecule under the action of a control pulse is
      investigated. The control is achieved by a modulation of the characteristics of
      the potential energy curves using an infrared field with a cycle duration
      comparable to the time scale of nuclear dynamics. The transition of population
      between the states is interpreted on the basis of the coupled nuclear wavepacket
      dynamics on the effective potential curves, which are transformed from the
      adiabatic potential curves with use of a diabatic representation that
      diagonalizes the dipole-moment matrix of the relevant electronic states. The
      basic feature of the transition dynamics is characterized in terms of the notion
      of the collision between the dynamical crossing point and nuclear wavepackets
      running on such modulated potential curves, and the transition amplitude is
      mainly dominated by the off-diagonal matrix element of the time-independent
      electronic Hamiltonian in the present diabatic representation. The importance of
      the geometry dependence of the intrinsic dipole moments as well as of the
      diabatic coupling potential is illustrated both theoretically and numerically.

PMID- 22087789
TI  - Centrosomal and mitotic abnormalities in cell lines derived from papillary
      thyroid cancer harboring specific gene alterations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma offers a good model to investigate
      the possible correlation between specific gene mutations and chromosome
      instability. Papillary thyroid neoplasms are characterized by different mutually
      exclusive genetic alterations, some of which are associated with aneuploidy and
      aggressive phenotype. RESULTS: We investigated the centrosome status and mitotic
      abnormalities in three thyroid carcinoma-derived cell lines, each maintaining the
      specific, biologically relevant gene alteration harbored by the parental tumors:
      RET/PTC1 rearrangement in TPC1; heterozygous and homozygous BRAFV600E mutation in
      K1 and in B-CPAP, respectively. B-CPAP cells showed a statistically significant
      (P < 0.01) higher frequency of abnormal mitotic figures compared to TPC1 and K1
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that RET/PTC1 oncogenic activity is not
      related to mitotic chromosome impairment and missegregation whereas, based on the
      consistent difference in types/frequencies of centrosome and spindle
      abnormalities observed between K1 and B-CPAP cells, the hetero/homozygous allelic
      status of BRAFV600E mutation seems to be not irrelevant in respect to chromosomal
      instability development.

PMID- 22087790
TI  - Characteristics, practice patterns, and outcomes in patients with acute
      hypertension: European registry for Studying the Treatment of Acute hyperTension
      (Euro-STAT).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although effective strategies are available for the management of
      chronic hypertension, less is known about treating patients with acute, severe
      elevations in blood pressure. Using data from the European registry for Studying
      the Treatment of Acute hyperTension (Euro-STAT), we sought to evaluate 'real
      life' management practices and outcomes in patients who received intravenous
      antihypertensive therapy to treat an episode of acute hypertension. METHODS: Euro
      STAT is a European, hospital-based, observational study of consecutive adult
      patients treated with intravenous antihypertensive therapy while in the emergency
      department, perioperative unit or ICU. Enrolment took place between 1 July and 15
      October 2009 in 11 hospitals in 7 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany,
      Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom). RESULTS: The study population was
      composed of 791 consecutive patients (median age 69 years, 37% women). Median
      arterial blood pressure before treatment was 166 mmHg systolic blood pressure
      (IQR 141 to 190 mmHg) and 80 mmHg diastolic blood pressure (IQR 68 to 95).
      Nitroglycerine was the most commonly used antihypertensive treatment overall (40%
      of patients), followed by urapidil (21%), clonidine (16%) and furosemide (8%).
      Treatment was associated with hypotension in almost 10% of patients. Overall 30
      day mortality was 4%, and new or worsening end-organ damage occurred in 19% of
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: High blood pressure requiring intravenous therapy is
      currently managed with a variety of agents in Europe, with those most commonly
      used being nitroglycerine, urapidil and clonidine. Patients with acute
      hypertension have substantial concomitant morbidity and mortality, and
      intravenous antihypertensive treatment is associated with hypotension in almost
      10% of cases.

PMID- 22087791
TI  - Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness practices among women
      in rural Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving knowledge of obstetric danger signs and promoting birth
      preparedness practices are strategies aimed at enhancing utilization of skilled
      care in low-income countries. The aim of the study was to explore the association
      between knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness among recently
      delivered women in south-western Uganda. METHODS: The study included 764 recently
      delivered women from 112 villages in Mbarara district. Community survey methods
      were used and 764 recently delivered women from 112 villages in Mbarara district
      were included in study. Interviewer administered questionnaire were used to
      collect data. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the
      relationship between knowledge of key danger signs and birth preparedness.
      RESULTS: Fifty two percent of women knew at least one key danger sign during
      pregnancy, 72% during delivery and 72% during postpartum. Only 19% had knowledge
      of 3 or more key danger signs during the three periods. Of the four birth
      preparedness practices; 91% had saved money, 71% had bought birth materials, 61%
      identified a health professional and 61% identified means of transport. Overall
      35% of the respondents were birth prepared. The relationship between knowledge of
      at least one key danger sign during pregnancy or during postpartum and birth
      preparedness showed statistical significance which persisted after adjusting for
      probable confounders (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6) and (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0)
      respectively. Young age and high levels of education had synergistic effect on
      the relationship between knowledge and birth preparedness. The associations
      between knowledge of at least one key danger sign during childbirth or knowledge
      that prolonged labour was a key danger sign and birth preparedness were not
      statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of recently delivered
      women who had knowledge of key danger signs or those who were birth prepared was
      very low. Since the majority of women attend antenatal care sessions, the quality
      and methods of delivery of antenatal care education require review so as to
      improve its effectiveness. Universal primary and secondary education programmes
      ought to be promoted so as to enhance the impact of knowledge of key danger signs
      on birth preparedness practices.

PMID- 22087792
TI  - AluScan: a method for genome-wide scanning of sequence and structure variations
      in the human genome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To complement next-generation sequencing technologies, there is a
      pressing need for efficient pre-sequencing capture methods with reduced costs and
      DNA requirement. The Alu family of short interspersed nucleotide elements is the
      most abundant type of transposable elements in the human genome and a recognized
      source of genome instability. With over one million Alu elements distributed
      throughout the genome, they are well positioned to facilitate genome-wide
      sequence amplification and capture of regions likely to harbor genetic variation
      hotspots of biological relevance. RESULTS: Here we report on the use of inter-Alu
      PCR with an enhanced range of amplicons in conjunction with next-generation
      sequencing to generate an Alu-anchored scan, or 'AluScan', of DNA sequences
      between Alu transposons, where Alu consensus sequence-based 'H-type' PCR primers
      that elongate outward from the head of an Alu element are combined with 'T-type'
      primers elongating from the poly-A containing tail to achieve huge amplicon
      range. To illustrate the method, glioma DNA was compared with white blood cell
      control DNA of the same patient by means of AluScan. The over 10 Mb sequences
      obtained, derived from more than 8,000 genes spread over all the chromosomes,
      revealed a highly reproducible capture of genomic sequences enriched in genic
      sequences and cancer candidate gene regions. Requiring only sub-micrograms of
      sample DNA, the power of AluScan as a discovery tool for genetic variations was
      demonstrated by the identification of 357 instances of loss of heterozygosity,
      341 somatic indels, 274 somatic SNVs, and seven potential somatic SNV hotspots
      between control and glioma DNA. CONCLUSIONS: AluScan, implemented with just a
      small number of H-type and T-type inter-Alu PCR primers, provides an effective
      capture of a diversity of genome-wide sequences for analysis. The method, by
      enabling an examination of gene-enriched regions containing exons, introns, and
      intergenic sequences with modest capture and sequencing costs, computation
      workload and DNA sample requirement is particularly well suited for accelerating
      the discovery of somatic mutations, as well as analysis of disease-predisposing
      germline polymorphisms, by making possible the comparative genome-wide scanning
      of DNA sequences from large human cohorts.

PMID- 22087794
TI  - Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma after long-term use of proton pump inhibitor.
AB  - We present a case of a gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma in a patient with a
      history of long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. A 49-year-old man using PPI
      for the last 15 years due to gastroesophageal reflux disease developed
      progressive dysphagia, dyspepsia and weight loss. Upper gastrointestinal
      endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography and abdominal CT diagnosed a malignant
      tumor localized to a hiatal hernia. Fasting serum chromogranin A and gastrin
      concentrations were elevated (32 nmol/l and 159 pmol/l, respectively).
      Helicobacter pylori PCR analysis of antral biopsies was negative. Biopsies from
      endoscopically normal oxyntic mucosa showed enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell
      hyperplasia. Tumor biopsies revealed a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine
      carcinoma. Sevier-Munger staining, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy
      indicated ECL cell as origin of the tumor cells. Concerns have previously been
      raised about the safety of long-term PPI use due to a possible increased risk of
      cancer. This case illustrates a patient with a poorly differentiated
      neuroendocrine carcinoma with ECL cell characteristics probably induced by
      hypergastrinemia secondary to long-term PPI use.

PMID- 22087795
TI  - A randomised crossover placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of brown
      seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus) on postchallenge plasma
      glucose and insulin levels in men and women.
AB  - This study examined the impact of brown seaweed on post-load plasma glucose and
      insulin concentrations in men and women. Twenty-three participants (11 men, 12
      women) aged 19-59 years were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, placebo
      controlled crossover study. The test product consisted of a commercially
      available blend of brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus) with
      known inhibitory action on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities
      (InSea2). Two 250 mg seaweed capsules and 2 placebo capsules were consumed on
      each occasion 30 min prior to the consumption of 50 g of carbohydrates from
      bread. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured over a period of 3
      h postcarbohydrate ingestion at predetermined time points. Both treatments were
      separated by a 1-week washout period. Data were analysed using mixed models for
      repeated measures. Compared with placebo, consumption of seaweed was associated
      with a 12.1% reduction in the insulin incremental area under the curve (p = 0.04,
      adjusted for baseline) and a 7.9% increase in the Cederholm index of insulin
      sensitivity (p < 0.05). The single ingestion of 500 mg of brown seaweed had no
      significant effect on the glucose response (p = 0.24, adjusted for baseline).
      Glucose and insulin responses were similar between men and women. Consumption of
      the seaweed capsules was not associated with any adverse event. These data
      suggest that brown seaweed may alter the insulin homeostasis in response to
      carbohydrate ingestion.

PMID- 22087796
TI  - Malleability of human skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum to short-term
      training.
AB  - This study investigated the hypothesis that adaptations would occur in the
      sarcoplasmic reticulum in vastus lateralis soon after the onset of aerobic-based
      training consistent with reduced Ca2+-cycling potential. Tissue samples were
      extracted prior to (0 days) and following 3 and 6 days of cycling performed for 2
      h at 60%-65% of peak aerobic power (VO2(peak)) in untrained males (VO2(peak) = 47
      +/- 2.3 mL.kg-1.min-1; mean +/- SE, n = 6) and assessed for changes (nmol.mg
      protein-1.min-1) in maximal Ca2+-ATPase activity (V(max)), Ca2+-uptake, and Ca2+
      release (phase 1 and phase 2) as well as the sarcoplasmic (endoplasmic) reticulum
      Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) isoforms. Training resulted in reductions (p < 0.05) in
      SERCA1a at 6 days (-14%) but not at 3 days. For SERCA2a, reductions (p < 0.05)
      were also noted only at 6 days (-7%). For V(max), depressions (p < 0.05) were
      found at 6 days (172 +/- 11) but not at 3 days (176 +/- 13; p < 0.10) compared
      with 0 days (192 +/- 11). These changes were accompanied by a lower (p < 0.05)
      Ca2+-uptake at both 3 days (-39%) and 6 days (-48%). A similar pattern was found
      for phase 1 Ca2+-release with reductions (p < 0.05) of 37% observed at 6 days and
      23% (p = 0.21) at 3 days of training, respectively. In a related study using the
      same training protocol and participant characteristics, microphotometric
      determinations of V(max) indicated reductions (p < 0.05) in type I at 3 days (
      27%) and at 6 days (-34%) and in type IIA fibres at 6 days (-17%). It is
      concluded that in response to aerobic-based training, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+
      cycling potential is reduced by adaptations that occur soon after training onset.

PMID- 22087797
TI  - Short-term muscle power and speed in preschoolers exhibit stronger tracking than
      physical activity.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the tracking of short-term muscle power,
      speed, and physical activity over a 15-month period in a sample of healthy
      Canadian preschool-aged children. Seventeen preschoolers (age, 4.4 +/- 0.8 years)
      completed exercise testing and physical activity monitoring at baseline and
      follow-up separated by 14.6 +/- 4.1 months. Short-term muscle power was measured
      using a modified 10-s Wingate test with peak power and mean power normalized to
      body mass. Speed was assessed with a 25-m dash. Physical activity was measured by
      accelerometry (Actigraph GT1M) using a 3-s epoch over 7 consecutive days. Total
      physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, expressed as a
      percentage of accelerometer wear time, were examined. Tracking of the variables
      between year 1 and year 2 was analyzed using Spearman rank order correlations and
      Kappa statistics. Paired t-tests were used to assess differences in performance
      and physical activity between year 1 and year 2. Total physical activity was not
      significantly different at year 2 (p > 0.05) and showed fair tracking (r = 0.51,
      p = 0.05; K = 0.30). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was increased at year
      2 (p = 0.03) and exhibited poor tracking (r = 0.29, p = 0.28; K = 0.00). Short
      term muscle power and speed was increased at year 2 (p < 0.0001) and exhibited
      significant tracking: peak power (r = 0.72, p = 0.001; K = 0.46), mean power (r =
      0.83, p = 0.00004; K = 0.82), and 25-m dash (r = 0.82, p = 0.0001; K = 0.47).
      Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased in this sample of boys and girls
      during the preschool years, and short-term muscle power and speed exhibited
      stronger tracking than physical activity.

PMID- 22087798
TI  - Distinct differentiation potential of "MSC" derived from cord blood and umbilical
      cord: are cord-derived cells true mesenchymal stromal cells?
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) with distinct differentiation properties have
      been reported in many adult [eg, bone marrow (BM)] or fetal tissues [eg, cord
      blood (CB); umbilical cord (UC)] and are defined by their specific surface
      antigen expression and multipotent differentiation potential. The MSC identity of
      these cells should be validated by applying well-defined readout systems if a
      clinical application is considered. In order to determine whether cells isolated
      from human UC fulfill the criteria defined for MSC, the immunophenotype and
      differentiation potential including gene expression analysis of the most relevant
      lineage-specific markers were analyzed in the presented report in combination
      with the HOX-gene expression. Cells from the UC do not differentiate into
      osteoblasts demonstrated by Alizarin Red and Von Kossa staining in addition to
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-analysis of runt-related transcription
      factor 2, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osterix, bone morphogenetic proteins 2
      and 4. Oil Red O staining as well as PCR analysis of peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-gamma, fatty acid-binding protein 4, and perilipin revealed an
      absent adipogenic differentiation. The lack of potential to differentiate into
      chondrocytes was documented by Alcian-Blue periodic acid-Schiff, Safranin O
      staining, and real-time PCR analysis of SOX9. Furthermore, neither endothelial
      nor myogenic differentiation was documented after induction of UC-MSC. In
      comparison to CB- and BM-derived cells, UC cells revealed an absent trilineage
      differentiation capacity in vitro. Therefore, these cells should not be termed
      "mesenchymal stromal cells". The UC cells can be distinguished from CB- and BM
      derived cells as well as from pericytes and foreskin fibroblasts by the
      expression of HOX-genes and the cell surface antigens CD56 and CD146.

PMID- 22087799
TI  - Functionalized STAT1 siRNA nanoparticles regress rheumatoid arthritis in a mouse
      model.
AB  - AIM: To develop and characterize an RGD peptide functionalized poly(lactide-co
      glycolytic) acid (PLGA) nanosystem to deliver a STAT1 siRNA to joint tissues in a
      mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: RGD-PLGA polymer was synthesized
      and used in preparing functionalized nanoparticles loaded with either tracking
      material or siRNA. The properties of the nanoparticles and stability of siRNA
      after encapsulation was assessed. Nanoparticle distribution was determined both
      noninvasively and based on analysis of dissected organs from arthritic and
      healthy mice. Arthritic mice were treated with weekly doses of STAT1 siRNA-loaded
      nanoparticles or controls. Clinical disease was assessed. Paws of arthritic mice
      were sectioned for histology or processed for RNA. STAT1, Mrc-1, and IL-10 mRNA
      abundance was determined by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Nanoparticles protected
      the siRNA from serum degradation. The presence of RGD peptide on the
      nanoparticles increased paw tissue uptake in arthritic mice. Furthermore, RGD
      functionalization increased lung delivery of nanoparticles in arthritic mice but
      not in control mice. Disease regressed in the STAT1 siRNA-treated animals and
      progressed in all control groups. STAT1 mRNA levels were decreased in paws of
      treated animals, while Mrc-1 and IL-10 mRNA levels were increased. CONCLUSION:
      RGD functionalized PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating STAT1-targeted siRNAs are
      efficacious in the treatment of established arthritis, possibly through a
      selective inhibition of macrophage and dendritic cell activation.

PMID- 22087800
TI  - Synthesis, pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation and antitumor efficacy of
      methotrexate-loaded, folate-conjugated, stealth albumin nanoparticles.
AB  - The present study aims to develop a multifunctional nanoformulation based on
      technetium-99m labeled, folate conjugated, methotrexate-loaded human serum
      albumin nanoparticles (HSA NPs) and explore their potential in cancer
      theragnostics. MATERIALS & METHODS: Methotrexate-loaded HSA NPs were synthesized
      by a reverse microemulsion technique, followed by chemical crosslinking with
      glutaraldehyde. These NPs were conjugated with folic acid (FA) through a
      hydrophilic polyethylene glycol spacer to render them long-circulatory and
      augment their tumor-specific localization. The therapeutic conjugate was further
      radiolabeled with a gamma-emitter technetium-99m for real-time monitoring of its
      blood clearance kinetics and biodistribution through the measurement of
      blood/organ-associated radioactivity and scintigraphic imaging. RESULTS &
      CONCLUSION: In vitro cell-uptake and cytotoxicity studies corroborated that FA
      conjugation enabled these NPs to specifically target and kill folate-receptor
      overexpressing cancer cells via S phase arrest. Blood clearance kinetics and
      biodistribution studies clearly indicated that circulation time, as well as tumor
      specific localization of methotrexate-loaded HSA nanocarriers, could be
      significantly augmented upon polyethylene glycolylation and conjugation of FA.
      Finally, we demonstrated that these targeted HSA NPs inhibited tumor growth more
      effectively, as compared with the nontargeted controls.

PMID- 22087801
TI  - Expert Delphi survey on research and development into drugs for neglected
      diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tropical infectious diseases are called neglected, because they are,
      inter alia, characterized by an R&D deficit. A similar deficit exists for rare
      (orphan) diseases which neither promise a sufficient return on R&D investment. To
      encourage the development of treatments for rare diseases, orphan drug acts were
      created which contain financial and non-financial incentives for the
      pharmaceutical industry. Similar instruments aimed exclusively at neglected
      diseases do not yet exist. Proposals for a regulatory approach to promote R&D for
      neglected diseases include the application of selected orphan drug incentives, or
      the implementation of a Medical Research and Development Treaty (MRDT) with
      national funding obligations for medical R&D. We compiled and analyzed experts'
      opinions on causes for the treatment deficit for neglected diseases and on
      desirable and feasible measures to promote neglected disease R&D. Hereby, the
      focus was on mechanisms contained in orphan drug regulations and in the Medical
      Research and Development Treaty draft (Discussion draft 4, 2005). Lastly, we
      solicited experts' opinions on the desirability and feasibility of a regulatory
      instrument to foster R&D for neglected diseases. METHODS: An international online
      Delphi survey was conducted with 117 (first round) and 56 (second round) experts
      of different professional backgrounds and professional affiliations who
      formulated and ranked causes and solutions related to the treatment deficit for
      neglected diseases. RESULTS: In both rounds of survey, the majority of the
      participating experts (88.4% first round, 86.8% second round) advocated the
      development of a regulatory instrument to promote R&D for neglected diseases.
      Most experts (77.9% first round, 79.3% second round) also considered this to be a
      feasible option. With the exception of market exclusivity, which was viewed
      critically, key provisions contained in orphan drug regulations were judged
      favorably also for neglected diseases. A majority (87.1% first round, 77.2%
      second round) supported national funding obligations for neglected diseases which
      are proposed by the Medical Research and Development Treaty draft. CONCLUSIONS:
      While not all features of orphan drug regulations and of the MRDT draft received
      equal support, the view was expressed that a regulatory instrument would be a
      desirable and feasible measure to promote R&D for neglected diseases.

PMID- 22087802
TI  - Identification and characterization of genes differentially expressed in
      cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill) after exposure to chilling injury conditions.
AB  - Cherimoyas (Annona cherimola), like other subtropical/tropical fruits, are
      susceptible to damage from exposure to temperatures between 0 and 5  degrees C
      (chilling injury, CI), which may affect fruit quality. To increase our
      understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the CI response, a forward
      suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library was constructed. In this
      work, we obtained 75 genes that could potentially be involved in the CI response.
      The CI induced activation of genes that are involved in a range of metabolic
      pathways, such as primary metabolism, transport, and endomembrane traffic, among
      others. We also characterized the expression of 12 selected genes in different A.
      cherimola tissues by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and we confirmed the
      differential expression of a subset in CI fruits by real-time quantitative PCR
      (qPCR). The expression of six A. cherimola genes: annexin (AcAnex), UDP-glucose
      pyrophosphorylase (AcUGP), syntaxin of plants 71 (AcSyp71), 1-aminocyclopropane-1
      carboxylic-acid synthase (AcACS), ubiquitin carrier-like protein (AcUCP), and
      enolase (AcEnol), was up-regulated after cold storage for 12 days at 0  degrees
      C. These results imply that selected genes could be related to the development of
      internal browning observed in cherimoyas after exposure to CI conditions. The
      information generated in this study provides new clues that may aid in
      understanding the cherimoya ripening process.

PMID- 22087804
TI  - Periodontal disease decreases insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether local
      inflammatory events, such as periodontal disease, are able to increase tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plasmatic concentration and decrease insulin
      sensitivity and insulin signaling in non-diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male
      Wistar rats (2 months old) were divided into two groups, with either ligature
      induced periodontal disease (LPD) or control conditions (CN). Experiments were
      performed in both groups 28 days after ligature placement. Plasmatic
      concentration of glycemia and TNF-alpha (n = 10) were analyzed by the glucose
      oxidase and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, respectively. Insulin
      sensitivity (n = 7) was measured using the insulin tolerance test. Insulin signal
      transduction (n = 7) was measured by pp185 tyrosine phosphorylation status in
      insulin-sensitive tissues using the Western blotting method. RESULTS: The LPD
      group showed decreased insulin sensitivity (P <0.05), although no glycemic
      alterations were noted (P >0.05). TNF-alpha plasmatic concentration was higher in
      LPD rats compared to CN rats. In addition, a decrease in the pp185 tyrosine
      phosphorylation status was observed after insulin stimulus in both white adipose
      and skeletal muscle tissues of the LPD group compared with the CN group.
      CONCLUSIONS: LPD is able to cause alterations to both insulin signaling and
      insulin sensitivity, probably because of the elevation of TNF-alpha plasmatic
      concentration. Thus, the present results emphasize the importance of the
      prevention of local inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis, to prevent
      diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22087803
TI  - Double-masked randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of a
      triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on periodontal healing after one-stage full-mouth
      debridement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effect of triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on
      the 6-month clinical response of patients with generalized severe chronic
      periodontitis (GSCP) treated with one-stage, full-mouth ultrasonic debridement
      (FMUD). METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with GSCP (>=8 teeth presenting
      probing depth [PD] >=5 mm and bleeding on probing [BOP]) were selected and
      randomly allocated to a control group (n = 15) subjected to FMUD and daily use of
      a placebo dentifrice or to a test group (n = 15) subjected to FMUD and daily use
      of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice. Patients were analyzed for the following
      parameters: full-mouth plaque index (FMPI), full-mouth BOP score (FMBS), gingival
      recession, PD, and clinical attachment level (CAL). Patients were evaluated at 3
      and 6 months by a calibrated and masked examiner. RESULTS: Initially, the groups
      presented similar periodontal conditions, with no significant differences in any
      of the parameters evaluated (P >0.05). In both groups, improvements in all
      periodontal parameters (P <0.05) were seen at the completion of the experimental
      period. Additionally, the test group showed lower FMPI (3 months) and FMBS (3 and
      6 months) than the control group (P <0.05). Moreover, the CAL gain was
      significantly greater in the test group, especially at initially deep pockets (PD
      <=7 mm). Whereas in the control group the CAL gain in deep pockets was 2.7 +/-
      0.6 mm, in the test group the CAL gain was 3.6 +/- 1.4 mm (P <0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Within the limits of the present study, the use of triclosan/copolymer dentifrice
      promoted additional clinical benefits in the treatment of GSCP treated by one
      stage FMUD.

PMID- 22087805
TI  - Clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available dentifrice
      containing aloe vera: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Certain plants used in folk medicine serve as a source of therapeutic
      agents that have antimicrobial and other multipotential effects. This
      prospective, randomized, placebo, and positively controlled clinical trial was
      designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of a commercially
      available dentifrice containing aloe vera on the reduction of plaque and gingival
      inflammation in patients with gingivitis. METHODS: Ninety patients diagnosed with
      chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into three
      groups: group 1, placebo toothpaste; group 2, toothpaste containing aloe vera;
      and group 3, toothpaste with polymer and fluoride containing triclosan. Clinical
      evaluation was undertaken using a gingival index, plaque was assessed using a
      modification of the Quigley-Hein index, and microbiologic counts were assessed at
      baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. A subjective evaluation was also
      undertaken by questionnaire. RESULTS: Toothpaste containing aloe vera showed
      significant improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as well as
      microbiologic counts compared with placebo dentifrice. These improvements were
      comparable to those achieved with toothpaste containing triclosan. CONCLUSION:
      Toothpaste containing aloe vera may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical
      plaque control agents and improvement in plaque and gingival status.

PMID- 22087806
TI  - A novel intraoral diabetes screening approach in periodontal patients: results of
      a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This pilot study examines whether a novel diabetes screening approach
      using gingival crevicular blood (GCB) could be used to test for hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c) during periodontal visits. METHODS: Finger-stick blood (FSB) samples from
      120 patients and GCB samples from those patients with adequate bleeding on
      probing (BOP) were collected on special blood collection cards and analyzed for
      HbA1c levels in a laboratory. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to
      measure correlation between FSB and GCB HbA1c values for 75 paired FSB and GCB
      samples. A receiver-operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to
      determine an optimal GCB HbA1c criterion value for a positive diabetes screen.
      RESULTS: For the 75 paired samples, the Pearson correlation coefficient was
      0.842. The ROC analysis identified a criterion value of 6.3% for the GCB HbA1c
      test with high sensitivity (0.933) and high specificity (0.900), corresponding to
      FSB HbA1c values >=6.5% (in the diabetes range). Using this GCB HbA1c criterion
      value for 27 additional paired samples, in which there was an unidentified
      component observed to coelute within the elution window of GCB HbA1c in the
      laboratory, there was agreement between FSB and GCB values for 24 of the pairs
      according to whether both were within or outside of the diabetes range.
      CONCLUSION: Using a criterion value of 6.3%, GCB samples are acceptable for HbA1c
      testing to screen for diabetes in most persons with BOP at the GCB collection
      site.

PMID- 22087807
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide and hypoxia-induced HIF-1 activation in human gingival
      fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported that chronic periodontal inflammation causes
      the accumulation of the transcriptional activator hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha
      (HIF-1alpha) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in vivo. Here, evidence is
      provided that bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cellular hypoxia, both
      associated with periodontitis, can individually, or in combination, lead to the
      accumulation and activation of HIF-1 in HGF in vitro. METHODS: Primary gingival
      fibroblasts were cultured from human gingival biopsies. HIF-1alpha peptide from
      HGFs treated with Escherichia coli LPS under normoxia or hypoxia was detected by
      nuclear protein extraction, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and
      immunocytofluorescence. HIF-1alpha transcripts were detected using reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The transcript expression levels
      of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), a downstream gene of HIF
      1alpha, were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Two HIF-1alpha
      splicing transcription variants were found to be constitutively expressed in
      HGFs. E. coli LPS induced a dose- and time-dependent nuclear accumulation of HIF
      1alpha peptide in HGFs. This accumulation could be attenuated by treatment with a
      Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-neutralizing antibody. Under hypoxia, LPS further
      increased HIF-1alpha accumulation in HGFs. VEGF-A transcript expression was
      upregulated by LPS under both normoxia and hypoxia but was downregulated by
      pretreatment with TLR4-neutralizing antibody or the specific HIF-1alpha inhibitor
      3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole. CONCLUSION: LPS induces the
      nuclear accumulation of HIF-1alpha in HGFs and induces HIF-1 biologic activity
      under normoxia or hypoxia possibly through TLR4.

PMID- 22087808
TI  - Catalytic proficiency: the extreme case of S-O cleaving sulfatases.
AB  - As benchmarks for judging the catalytic power of sulfate monoesterases, we sought
      to determine the rates of spontaneous hydrolysis of unactivated alkyl sulfate
      monoesters by S-O bond cleavage. Neopentyl sulfate proved to be unsuitable for
      this purpose, since it was found to undergo hydrolysis by a C-O bond cleaving
      mechanism with rearrangement of its carbon skeleton. Instead, we examined the
      temperature dependence of the spontaneous hydrolyses of aryl sulfate monoesters,
      which proceed by S-O cleavage. Extrapolation of a Bronsted plot [log(k(25)(N)) =
      (-1.81 +/- 0.09) pK(a)(LG) + (3.6 +/- 0.7)] based on the rate constants at 25 
      degrees C for hydrolysis of a series of sulfate monoesters to a pK(a)(LG) value
      of 16.1, typical of an aliphatic alcohol, yields k(25)(N) = 3 * 10(-26) s(-1).
      Comparison of that value with established k(cat) values of bacterial sulfatases
      indicates that these enzymes produce rate enhancements (k(cat)/k(uncat)) of up to
      2 * 10(26)-fold for the hydrolysis of sulfate monoesters. These rate enhancements
      surpass by several orders of magnitude the ~10(21)-fold rate enhancements that
      are generated by phosphohydrolases, the most powerful biological catalysts
      previously known. The hydrolytic rates of phosphate and sulfate monoesters are
      compared directly, and the misleading impression that the two classes of ester
      are of similar reactivity is dispelled.

PMID- 22087814
TI  - Correlation between coronary artery disease severity, left ventricular mass index
      and carotid intima media thickness, assessed by radio-frequency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) is a
      validated marker of systemic atherosclerosis process. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the association between coronary artery disease (CAD), left
      ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and CCA-IMT, assessed by Radio Frequency-Quality
      Intima Media Thickness (RFQIMT) method, the next generation of IMT real-time
      measurement, based on the direct analysis of the radiofrequency signal and
      endowed with high accuracy and reproducibility in early detection of arterial
      wall thickness. METHODS: 115 patients (76 men, mean age: 65.1 +/- 12 years)
      referred to our department and shown significant (>= 70% luminal obstruction)
      stenosis at least in one major epicardial coronary artery were studied. Coronary
      angiograms were divided for severity and extent of the disease: 79 patients (69%)
      had one, 24 patients (21%) two, 12 patients (10%) three major epicardial coronary
      arteries with >= 70% stenosis. All patients underwent echocardiography and
      carotid ultrasound examination, assessed by RF. RESULTS: Dividing RFQIMT data in
      tertiles, dyslipidaemia (31 patients with IMT >= 1.20 mm vs 16 with IMT = 0.91
      1.19 vs 25 with IMT <= 0.9, p = 0.004), LVMI (153.5 +/- 20.6 g/m2 in IMT >= 1.20
      mm vs 131.2 +/- 8.4 g/m2 in IMT = 0.91-1.19 mm vs 114.3 +/- 11.1 g/m2 in IMT <=
      0.9 mm, P < 0.001) and number of high stenosed coronary arteries (IMT >= 1.20 mm
      population more often showed three vessel diseases than IMT <= 0.90 mm one, P <
      0.001) seemed to be significantly related to CCA-IMT increases. Furthermore, LVMI
      is positively related to IMT (r = 0.91; P < 0.001). In a multivariate regression
      model (R2 = 0.88), RFQIMT remained significantly associated with the dyslipidemia
      (regression coefficient +/- standard error [SE]: 0.057 +/- 0.023; p = 0.017),
      LVMI (regression coefficient +/- SE: 0.01 +/- 0.001; P < 0.0001) and number of
      damaged coronaries (regression coefficient +/- SE: 0.0174 +/- 0.028; P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: RFQIMT is a sophisticated method for carotid ultrasound evaluation.
      Its evaluation in patients with at least one important major epicardial coronary
      vessel stenosis would help the accuracy in the general assessment of the number
      of coronary lesions in these patients.

PMID- 22087815
TI  - beta-1,3-D-glucan schizophyllan/poly(dA) triple-helical complex in dilute
      solution.
AB  - A certain length of poly(deoxyadenylic acid) (dA(X)) can form a novel complex
      with beta-1,3-D-glucan schizophyllan (SPG) with a stoichiometric composition of
      one dA binding two main chain glucoses. We measured dilute solution properties
      for the complex with light and small-angle X-ray scattering as well as intrinsic
      viscosity and found that the complex behaves as a semiflexible rod without
      branching or cross-linking. We analyzed the data with the wormlike cylinder
      model, and the chain dimensions and the persistence length for the complexes were
      consistently determined. The chain flexibility was reduced to almost 25% upon
      complexation for dA/SPG and to 15% for S-dA/SPG, where S-dA denotes the
      phosphorothioated DNA analogue. The changes in the molar mass per unit length and
      the diameter indicated that the helix was elongated or stretched along the axis
      direction upon the complexation.

PMID- 22087816
TI  - The N-aryl aminocarbonyl ortho-substituent effect in Cu-catalyzed aryl amination
      and its application in the synthesis of 5-substituted 11-oxo-dibenzodiazepines.
AB  - Double amination of ortho-substituted aryl bromides proceeded under mild
      conditions to afford 5-substituted 11-oxo-dibenzodiazepines, which revealed that
      there is a strong ortho-substituent effect caused by N-aryl aminocarbonyl groups
      during copper-catalyzed aryl amination.

PMID- 22087817
TI  - Factors that influence low back pain in people with a stoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: People with a stoma believe that there is a link between their surgery
      and low back pain (LBP). AIM: To explore factors relating to (i) core stability
      in people with a stoma and LBP and (ii) biopsychosocial factors related to LBP.
      METHODS: Adults with an ileostomy and LBP (n = 17) completed (i) a range of
      standardised instruments, (ii) clinical tests and (iii) an ultrasound scan of
      right and left transversus abdominis (TrA). RESULTS: The findings showed moderate
      pain and disability: RMDQ: median = 12 (IQR: 9.5-13), EQ-5D health state: mean =
      6.9 (+/-1.75), BPI pain severity: median = 4.5 (IQR: 2.87-5.4). The TrA
      contraction was less on the operated than the unoperated side and this was linked
      to less control for BKFO to the operated side, and the presence of a parastomal
      hernia. Co-morbidities were associated with greater balance problems during the
      stork test (p < 0.05). Men had more fear avoidance (p < 0.05) on the FABQ
      regarding physical activity. DISCUSSION: Abdominal function may be altered after
      stoma surgery leading to reduced ability to perform functional tasks and a
      possible increased risk of back pain. These results should be viewed with caution
      due to the small sample size.

PMID- 22087818
TI  - Effects of BCR-ABL inhibitors on anti-tumor immunity.
AB  - In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), BCR-ABL-mediated oncogenic signaling can be
      successfully targeted with the BCRABL- inhibitors imatinib, nilotinib, and
      dasatinib leading to complete cytogenetic (Philadelphia chromosome not detectable
      upon cytogenetic testing of bone marrow) and even complete molecular (BCR-ABL not
      detectable by PCR in peripheral blood) responses. However, CML apparently can not
      be cured by BCR-ABL inhibitors alone, likely due to treatment-resistance of CML
      stem/progenitor cells, which provokes a relapse of disease after cessation of
      therapy. Evidence from patients treated with allogenic stem cell transplantation
      or IFN-alpha points to an important role of anti-tumor immunity for durable
      control of CML disease. Data from multiple in vitro and ex vivo studies indicate
      that BCR-ABL inhibitors may also influence anti-tumor immunity. Varying effects
      on different immune effector cell subsets and of the different compounds have
      been reported, the latter being due to their particular and diverse potency and
      spectrum of target kinases. As multiple approaches presently aim to combine BCR
      ABL inhibition with immunotherapeutic strategies to improve disease control in
      CML, immunomodulatory effects of the available BCR-ABL inhibitors may be of
      direct clinical relevance. Here we review the available data regarding the
      effects of imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib on dendritic cells, T cells and
      natural killer cells as important cellular components of anti-tumor immunity.

PMID- 22087819
TI  - Proteasome inhibitors and modulators of angiogenesis in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Survival of patients affected by Multiple Myeloma (MM), a B-cell tumor of
      malignant plasma cells, has dramatically improved, owing to the recent
      introduction of the proteasome inhibitor (PI) Bortezomib and of the
      immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). This major advance originates from accumulating
      knowledge on MM biology, leading to the development of drugs targeting not only
      MM cells, but also their microenvironment. Indeed, the disease develops as a
      result of genetic abnormalities and of reciprocal interactions between MM cells
      and the permissive BM microenvironment, which delivers growth- and pro-survival
      signals and confers resistance to drugs. As for solid tumors, bone marrow (BM)
      angiogenesis is emerging as a critical component of MM development and
      progression, and hence as an attractive therapeutic target for the disease. The
      patho-physiology of MM associated angiogenesis is complex and involves a plethora
      of soluble factors, cellular players and mechanisms. Moreover, the hypoxic
      microenvironment inside the BM might significantly contribute to the induction
      and maintenance of a pro-angiogenic profile, given the well-known role of hypoxia
      in promoting angiogenesis in all its forms. Here we present an overview of the
      literature focusing on the mechanisms implicated in the "angiogenic switch",
      which corresponds to the transition from the avascular to the vascular phase of
      the disease. We also review evidence on the anti-angiogenic effects of PI and
      IMiDs, which substantially contribute to their anti-MM activity. Finally, we
      summarize possible caveats and perspectives about antiangiogenic strategies that
      could be addressed to improve the efficacy of treatments for MM patients.

PMID- 22087820
TI  - Modulating mesenchymal stromal cell function with cholesterol synthesis
      inhibitors.
AB  - There is increasing evidence that statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxyl-3
      methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, can effectively be used not only in the
      treatment of hypercholesterolemia, but also in other human disorders; indeed,
      statins have strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, so that they
      can influence the onset and outcome of inflammation and autoimmunity. On the
      other hand, it has been shown that statins can affect growth and survival of
      solid tumour and leukemic cells, thus they have been proposed in the treatment of
      neoplasias as multiple myeloma, in association with drugs, as thalidomide, known
      to act on the cancer microenvironment. In the current view, tumor
      microenvironment include many cell types that interact with tumor cells: among
      them, stromal and endothelial cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, the various
      types of lymphocytes such as NK cells, B and T cells. The interplay between all
      these cell populations, and the balance between these, determines whether there
      is a tumour cell growth promotion or inhibition. In haematological malignancies,
      such as multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic and myeloid leukemias and
      follicular lymphomas, the survival, drug-resistance and proliferation of leukemic
      cells have been shown to be largely dependent on a supportive microenvironment,
      so that some cellular components of it, mainly mesenchymal stromal cells, cancer
      associated fibroblasts and macrophages, are now proposed as targets of new
      therapies. Herein, we analyze the effects that statins can exert on cancer cells,
      stromal cells and human natural killer cells, to discuss whether they can be
      proposed as anti-cancer drugs.

PMID- 22087821
TI  - Aminobisphosphonates and Toll-like receptor ligands: recruiting Vgamma9Vdelta2 T
      cells for the treatment of hematologic malignancy.
AB  - Gamma delta (gammadelta) T cells are intrinsically important for preventing the
      development and progression of hematologic cancers. These innate T cells are
      particularly suited for the application of cancer therapy due to the fact they:
      1) recognize transformed cells independent of antigen processing or presentation
      by classical MHC molecules, and 2) embody the anti-tumour effector functions of
      both NK cells and cytotoxic T cells. It was serendipitously discovered that
      aminobisphosphonates (ABP), a class of drugs used as adjuvant cancer therapy for
      the treatment of malignant osteolytic bone disease, have the unexpected side
      effect of potently activating the antitumour effector functions of human
      peripheral gammadelta T cells. Such beneficial therapeutic synergisms are rare,
      and no time has been wasted to determine how to best harness the anti-cancer
      potential of gammadelta T cells and ABP. Despite promising experimental results,
      the full clinical potential of this immunotherapeutic strategy has been hampered
      by the subversive strategies employed by cancer cells to obstruct activation of
      anti-tumour immune responses. These include the promotion of regulatory T cells
      (Tregs) that maintain tumour tolerance and the corruption of dendritic cell (DC)
      function and maturation. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have a long history of
      breaking free of tumour-induced immune-suppression by resetting DC function and
      abrogating Treg induced tolerance. This review presents data to support the
      notion that TLR signalling may perfectly complement the anti-tumour synergy of
      ABP and activated gammadelta T cells, and this combined innate artillery could
      provide the necessary ammunition to topple malignancy's stronghold on the immune
      system.

PMID- 22087823
TI  - Biomolecules produced by mangrove-associated microbes.
AB  - This review summarizes the sources and characteristics of various natural
      products that can be extracted from mangrove-associated microbes with a focus on
      bioactivity, highlighting the unique chemical diversity of these metabolic
      products.

PMID- 22087822
TI  - The role of the adenosinergic pathway in immunosuppression mediated by human
      regulatory T cells (Treg).
AB  - Tumor-induced dysfunction of immune cells is a common problem in cancer. Tumors
      induce immune suppression by many different mechanisms, including accumulation of
      regulatory T cells (Treg). Adaptive Treg (Tr1) generated in the tumor
      microenvironment express CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases, produce adenosine and
      are COX2+PGE2+. Adenosine and PGE2 produced by Tr1 or tumor cells bind to their
      respective receptors on the surface of T effector cells (Teff) and cooperate in
      up-regulating cytosolic 3'5'-cAMP levels utilizing adenylyl cyclase isoform 7 (AC
      7). In Teff, increased cAMP mediates suppression of anti-tumor functions. Treg,
      in contrast to Teff, seem to require high cAMP levels for mediating suppression.
      This differential requirement of Treg and Teff for cAMP offers an opportunity for
      pharmacologic interventions using selected inhibitors of the adenosine/PGE2
      pathways. Blocking of adenosine/PGE2 production by Tr1 or blocking binding of
      these factors to their receptors on T cells or inhibition of cAMP synthesis in
      Teff all represent novel therapeutic strategies that used in combination with
      conventional therapies could restore anti-tumor functions of Teff . At the same
      time, these inhibitors could disarm Tr1 cells by depriving them of the factors
      promoting their generation and activity or by down-regulating 3'5'-cAMP levels.
      Thus, the pharmacologic control of Treg-Teff interactions offers a novel strategy
      for restoration of anti-tumor Teff functions and silencing of Treg. Used in
      conjunction with anti-cancer drugs or with immune therapies, this strategy has a
      potential to improve therapeutic effects by preventing or reversing tumor-induced
      immune suppression.

PMID- 22087824
TI  - Determinants of increased cardiovascular disease in obesity and metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - Obesity is associated with an increased mortality and morbidity for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) and adipose tissue is recognised as an important
      player in obesity-mediated CVD. The diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MS)
      appears to identify substantial additional cardiovascular risk above and beyond
      the individual risk factors, even though the pathophysiology underlying this
      evidence is still unravelled. The inflammatory response related to fat
      accumulation may influence cardiovascular risk through its involvement not only
      in body weight homeostasis, but also in coagulation, fibrinolysis, endothelial
      dysfunction, insulin resistance (IR) and atherosclerosis. Moreover, there is
      evidence that oxidative stress may be a mechanistic link between several
      components of MS and CVD, through its role in inflammation and its ability to
      disrupt insulin-signaling. The cross-talk between impaired insulin-signaling and
      inflammatory pathways enhances both metabolic IR and endothelial dysfunction,
      which synergize to predispose to CVD. Persistent platelet
      hyperreactivity/activation emerges as the final pathway driven by intertwined
      interactions among IR, adipokine release, inflammation, dyslipidemia and
      oxidative stress and provides a pathophysiological explanation for the excess
      risk of atherothrombosis in this setting. Despite the availability of multiple
      interventions to counteract these metabolic changes, including appropriate diet,
      regular exercise, antiobesity drugs and bariatric surgery, relative failure to
      control the incidence of MS and its complications reflects both the
      multifactorial nature of these diseases as well as the scarce compliance of
      patients to established strategies. Evaluation of the impact of these therapeutic
      strategies on the pathobiology of atherothrombosis, as discussed in this review,
      will translate into an optimized approach for cardiovascular prevention.

PMID- 22087825
TI  - Serotonin and its receptors in the human CNS with new findings - a mini review.
AB  - Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is well known to be closely associated with
      emotional disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. The seven main members
      of 5-HT receptor family including the different subtypes are involved in the
      functional pathways in the brain and their balance in activity helps to maintain
      the normal mental stability. As any detrimental changes in the 5-HT system is
      believed to alter emotion in human, different drugs including serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors (SSRIs) are nowadays commonly used as anti- depressives. In this
      review, 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors and serotonergic positive cells in the
      human were highlighted in particular. It is hoped that this review will give a
      map of these major 5-HT receptors and serotonergic neurons in the human CNS to
      facilitate further deciphering of their functions.

PMID- 22087826
TI  - Flavonoids as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
AB  - Flavonoids are new promising potential natural compounds for treating Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Actually most promising drugs for symptomatic treatment of AD are
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI). Flavonoids with AChE inhibitory activity
      and due to their well known antioxidant activity could be new multipotent drugs
      for AD treatment. This work focuses on natural and synthetic flavonoids
      inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Over, all this review
      refers to 128 flavonoids, which are classified in chemical structure, and
      summarizes 64 references.

PMID- 22087827
TI  - Nanostructures for drug delivery to the brain.
AB  - This review aims to summarize present approaches employed in delivering drugs to
      the central nervous system. Changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) function have
      been reported in several neurological disorders. A brief description of the blood
      brain barrier and the main pathologies related to this barrier disfunction are
      described. Treatments for these disorders are based on several available
      strategies for delivering drugs into the brain, through circumvention of the BBB,
      as disruption of the BBB, prodrugs, molecular Trojan horses, among others.
      Particular attention will be placed on nanocarriers and more specifically on
      polymeric nanoparticles, which are presented as the most promising strategy for
      CNS delivery, helping drugs to be targeted more efficiently to the brain. This
      also allows attacking previously untreatable disorders such as brain tumors and
      other neurodegenerative diseases. New strategies and technologies commercialized
      by different pharmaceutical companies are also included.

PMID- 22087828
TI  - Immunossupressant and organ transplantation: immunophilins targeting agent and
      alternative therapies.
AB  - Since the first attempt to replace a dysfunctional organ, clinics and scientific
      had to overcome many setbacks in order to warrant the success and viability of
      both the organ and the receptor. Despite the improvement of surgical procedures,
      some grafts fail within the following days or week due to immunologic rejection.
      Many ongoing researches are still seeking the perfect immunossupresors.
      Calcineurin targeting agents have been consolidated as a worldwide
      immnunossupressant therapy, but due to its widely functional role in many cell
      types, this strategy often represents a highly risk therapy due to side effects
      observed with these agents. Here we summarized the latest and past knowledge
      regarding immunossupression therapies, including the promising and widely used
      Immunophilin-targeting antagonist therapies.

PMID- 22087829
TI  - Insights into immunophilin structure and function.
AB  - The immunophilins are proteins which are capable of influencing the immune
      response in combination with an immunosuppressive drug. Their natural function,
      however, is mainly the cis/trans isomerization of peptidyl-prolyl bonds in other
      proteins. This review lists all immunophilin structure coordinates currently
      available in the RCSB protein data bank and highlights the key active-site
      factors that define their catalytic and immunological action. In addition, an
      overview of biologically-relevant functions is provided for various immunophilin
      members.

PMID- 22087830
TI  - The chemical biology of immunophilin ligands.
AB  - The immunophilin ligands cyclosporin A, FK506 and rapamycin are best known for
      their immunosuppressive properties and their clinical use in transplantation
      medicine. These compounds or their analogs are also clinically used or
      investigated in various types of cancer, coronary angioplasty, dermatology,
      hepatitis C infections, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, the role of
      immunophilins in various pathologies is increasingly being recognized, supporting
      the preclinical drug development for novel immunophilin targets. Finally,
      immunophilin ligands are widely used as sophisticated tools in chemical biology.
      This review shows the progress on three major areas made in the last five years.
      An update of the immunosuppressive ligands and their clinical applications is
      discussed in the first part of the review, followed by a discussion about the
      emerging immunophilin targets and their respective ligands. The final section
      gives a detailed assessment of immunophilin ligand-based tools.

PMID- 22087831
TI  - Role of FK506 binding proteins in neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - Protein misfolding has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several
      neurodegenerative 'amyloidoses' that includes Alzheimer's, Parkinson's,
      Huntington's disease, frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
      Accumulation of misfolded proteins into ordered fibrillar intra- or extracellular
      amyloids results in brain lesions that in turn lead to injury and neuronal loss.
      The appearance of protein aggregates in the diseased brain hints at an inability
      of cellular chaperones to properly assist folding of client proteins. Not
      surprisingly, studies involving cell-based and animal models of the
      neurodegenerative diseases have shown that overexpression of molecular chaperones
      can provide neuroprotection. Together with identification of new targets for
      symptomatic relief of motor and non-motor defects in neurodegenerative disorders,
      there is a critical unmet clinical need for the development of novel
      neuroprotective molecules. One such promising class of compounds are
      neuroimmunophilin ligands (NILs). Derived from FK506 (tacrolimus), NILs have been
      shown to be efficacious in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. The ability
      of these nonimmunosuppressive NILs to protect neurons is modulated, in part, by a
      large family of co-chaperone proteins called the FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs).
      This review focuses on the roles of FKBPs in neurodegenerative disorders with an
      emphasis on the cellular mechanisms responsible for their neuroprotective and
      neurotrophic activities. We discuss the structural features of FKBPs and the mode
      of action of NILs. For brevity, we limit our discussion to those FKBPs that are
      particularly enriched in the nervous system. We hope that such information will
      aid in the rational design of new and improved NILs for ameliorating
      neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 22087832
TI  - Immunophilin dysfunction and neuropathology.
AB  - In case of nervous damages, like nervous system trauma or various
      neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Parkinson, several treatments are
      available to restore neurological function. In spite of these treatments, results
      are often insufficient or not satisfactory in many neurologic diseases,
      especially for central nervous system (CNS) lesions. To minimize neurological
      dysfunction, it is critical to reduce neuronal death, avoiding loss of the
      synaptic connections, and securing viable neurons to extend axons. Unfortunately,
      there are no effective strategies to fulfill these basic needs except for some
      cases of peripheral neural damage up to now. Rescue of damaged neurons,
      stimulation of neurogenesis and transplantation of nervous tissue are strategies
      proposed to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. A number of studies have
      recently reported successful axon regeneration and neurological recovery by using
      immunosuppressants, such as FK506. Immunosuppressants act as excellent agents for
      enhancing the rate and extent of axon regeneration and neurological recovery.
      FK506 and other neuroimmunophilin ligands (NILs) might reverse neuronal
      degeneration. In several animal models mimicking Parkinson's disease, dementia
      and surgical damage, NILs induces resprouting, by acting as neurotrophic agents
      and preventing nerve damage, although more studies are necessary to identify new
      NILs with neuroprotective action, but lacking the side immunological effects
      observed in the ligands analyzed to date. This review explores the new clinical
      role of immunosuppressants in the treatment of nerve surgery of autologous,
      allografts or xenografts. Results of studies regarding immunosuppressant
      treatment of nervous system trauma and neurodegenerative diseases, like
      neurogenic erectile dysfunction, will be here considered.

PMID- 22087833
TI  - Immunophilins and cardiovascular complications.
AB  - Immunophilins belong to a highly conserved family of proteins with cis-trans
      peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity, generally classified by their ability to
      selectively bind specific immunosuppressive drugs, thereby regulating their
      activity. Immunophilins include Cyclophilins (CyPs), which are specific targets
      of the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A (CsA); FKBPs (FK506-binding
      proteins), that are sensitive to both FK506 (tacrolimus) and rapamycin
      (sirolimus); and FCBPs which are sensitive to CsA and FK506. Immunophilins are
      expressed in multiple human tissues, including brain, heart, kidney, liver and
      lung and regulate functions as diverse as intracellular calcium signaling,
      protein transport, protein folding and gene transcription. In particular,
      immunophilins play key functional roles in the cardiovascular system, where they
      can associate with proteins such as ryanodine and IP3 receptors (RyR and IP3R),
      calcineurin, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and Heat-shock
      proteins-caveolin-cholesterol complex and regulate their function. The biological
      importance of immunophilins is further revealed by the pathophysiology, as they
      have been implicated in several cardiovascular diseases, including vascular
      stenosis, atherosclerosis, heart failure and arrhythmias. This review summarizes
      some of the most recent studies on immunophilins and focuses on their roles in
      the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22087834
TI  - Immunophilins and thrombotic disorders.
AB  - The immunophilin family includes a large group of proteins with peptidyl prolyl
      isomerase activity (PPI-ase). Immunophilins chaperone activity has been
      documented to be crucial for the correct folding and activation of many proteins.
      Thus, they have been subjected of intense investigation since they were firstly
      described in the last decades of the past century. Many of these studies have
      been focused on leukocyte constitutively expressed immunophilins, due to their
      relevance in the correct folding, and subsequently, sensitization and activation
      of the glycoprotein receptor (RGBs) of lymphocyte T CD4+ and Treg, hence
      regulating immunological responses against pathogen insults. Several clinical
      trials have been completed in the last decade reporting that administration of
      immunophilin-binding drugs, derived from macrolide lactones, like cyclosporine A
      (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506), induced successful results in preventing organ
      rejection. By contrast, the expression of immunophilins and their physiological
      function remain poorly investigated in others cell types, such as platelets,
      where a reduced number of studies presenting evidences of immunophilins
      expression and their physiological contribution have been published, despite a
      number of clinical trials have noticed side effects of these drugs in thrombosis
      and platelet count, thus suggesting a possible regulatory function of
      immunophilins in human platelets, which is reviewed here.

PMID- 22087836
TI  - Interacting with gamma-secretase for treating Alzheimer's disease: from
      inhibition to modulation.
AB  - Drugs currently used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) produce
      limited clinical benefits, and there is no disease-modifying therapy yet
      available. Compounds that inhibit or modulate gamma-secretase, the pivotal enzyme
      that generates beta-amyloid (Abeta), are potential therapeutics for AD. This
      article briefly reviews the profile of gamma-secretase inhibitors and modulators
      that have reached the clinic. Studies in both transgenic and non-transgenic
      animal models of AD have indicated that gamma-secretase inhibitors, administered
      by the oral route, are able to lower brain Abeta concentrations. However, scanty
      data are available on the effects of these compounds on brain Abeta deposition
      after prolonged administration. gamma-Secretase inhibitors may cause
      abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, thymus, spleen, skin, and decrease
      in lymphocytes and alterations in hair color in experimental animals and in man,
      effects believed to be associated with the inhibition of the cleavage of Notch, a
      transmembrane receptor involved in regulating cell-fate decisions. Unfortunately,
      two large Phase III clinical trials of semagacestat in mild-to-moderate AD
      patients were prematurely interrupted because of the observation of a detrimental
      cognitive and functional effect of the drug. These detrimental effects were
      mainly ascribed to the inhibition of the processing of an unknown substrate of
      gamma-secretase. It has been also hypothesized that the detrimental cognitive
      effects observed after semagacestat administration are due to the accumulation of
      the neurotoxic precursor of Abeta (the carboxy-terminal fragment of amyloid
      precursor protein, APP, or CTFbeta) resulting from the block of the gamma
      secretase cleavage activity on APP. Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      and other small organic molecules have been found to modulate gamma-secretase
      shifting its cleavage activity from longer to shorter Abeta species without
      affecting Notch cleavage. However, two large Phase III studies in mild AD
      patients with tarenflurbil, a putative gamma-secretase modulator, were also
      completely negative. The failure of tarenflurbil was ascribed to low potency and
      brain penetration. New more selective gamma-secretase inhibitors and more potent,
      more brain penetrant gamma-secretase modulators are being developed with the hope
      of overcoming the previous setbacks. Further understanding of the reasons of the
      failures of these gamma-secretase-based drugs in AD may be important for the
      future research on effective treatments for this devastating disease.

PMID- 22087837
TI  - Re-wiring the circuit: mitochondria as a pharmacological target in liver disease.
AB  - Mitochondria play a key role in intracellular energy-generating processes, cell
      life and death, and are heavily involved in several metabolic pathways by
      integrating signaling networks; thus, a very large number of conditions are
      characterized by mitochondrial bioenergetic in humans. Often, mitochondrial
      changes are directly or indirectly dependent on the activation of intracellular
      stress cascades or death receptor-mediated pathways. Reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) formation, glutathione (GSH) depletion, protein alkylation and respiratory
      complex alterations are major events associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
      and represent critical initiating events in most forms of chronic liver disease.
      Through creating an analogy with a disrupted electric circuit gone bad, the
      present review focuses initially on how hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics is
      affected in the context of drug and disease-induced liver failure and how
      targeting mitochondria with several antioxidant agents can be helpful for
      preventing the disruption of the mitochondrial electric circuit.

PMID- 22087835
TI  - The emerging role of large immunophilin FK506 binding protein 51 in cancer.
AB  - FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is an immunophilin physiologically expressed in
      lymphocytes. Very recently, aberrant expression of this protein was found in
      melanoma; FKBP51 expression correlates with melanoma aggressiveness and is
      maximal in metastatic lesions. FKBP51 promotes NF-kappaB activation and is
      involved in the resistance to genotoxic agents, including anthracyclines and
      ionizing radiation. FKBP51 is a cochaperone with peptidyl-prolyl isomerase
      activity that regulates several biological processes through protein-protein
      interaction. There is increasing evidence that FKBP51 hyperexpression is
      associated with cancer and this protein has a relevant role in sustaining cell
      growth, malignancy, and resistance to therapy. There is also evidence that FKBP
      ligands are potent anticancer agents, in addition to their immunosuppressant
      activity. In particular, rapamycin and its analogs have shown antitumor activity
      across a variety of human cancers in clinical trials. Although, classically,
      rapamycin actions are ascribed to inhibition of mTOR, recent studies indicate
      FKBP51 is also an important molecular determinant of the drug's anticancer
      activity. The aim of this article is to review the functions of FKBP51,
      especially in view of the recent findings that this protein is a potential
      oncogene when deregulated and a candidate target for signaling therapies against
      cancer.

PMID- 22087838
TI  - The 2009 influenza pandemic: promising lessons for antiviral therapy for future
      outbreaks.
AB  - The influenza A virus is the main circulating influenza virus in the human
      population. It can cause disease also in birds and other mammals and is
      responsible for annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. The most known and
      deadly pandemic was the "Spanish flu" (influenza type A/H1N1), which struck the
      human population between 1918 and 1919, with probably the heaviest toll ever
      recorded in terms of human lives. The most recent flu pandemic, caused in 2009 by
      the swine-origin reassortant virus (pH1N1), has raised several critical issues in
      terms of our preparedness in responding fast to new pandemic influenza strains.
      Probably, the most instructive lesson that has been learned from the 2009
      pandemic, was that the speed of manufacturing and distributing an effective
      vaccine will not be able to keep up with the pace of a rapidly spreading pandemic
      virus, failing to grant accessibility to the vaccine for a significant percentage
      of the susceptible population, before the onset of the pandemic peak. Thus, our
      first and most effective line of defense against a pandemic influenza virus,
      particularly in the early phases, are the antiviral drugs. Here we analyze our
      current understanding of the influenza pandemic viruses, in general, and of the
      pH1N1 in particular, along with the most recent approaches being pursued to
      design new anti-influenza drugs.

PMID- 22087840
TI  - Waterpipe smoking among health sciences university students in Iran: perceptions,
      practices and patterns of use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years waterpipe smoking has become a popular practice
      amongst young adults in eastern Mediterranean countries, including Iran. The aim
      of this study was to assess waterpipe smoking perceptions and practices among
      first-year health sciences university students in Iran and to identify factors
      associated with the initiation and maintenance of waterpipe use in this
      population. RESULTS: Out of 371 first-year health sciences students surveyed, 358
      eight students completed a self-administered questionnaire in the classrooms
      describing their use and perceptions towards waterpipe smoking. Two hundred and
      ninety six responders met study inclusion criteria. Waterpipe smoking was common
      among first-year health sciences university students, with 51% of students
      indicating they were current waterpipe smokers. Women were smoking waterpipes
      almost as frequently as men (48% versus 52%, respectively). The majority of
      waterpipe smokers (75.5%) indicated that the fun and social aspect of waterpipe
      use was the main motivating factor for them to continue smoking. Of waterpipe
      smokers, 55.3% were occasional smokers, using waterpipes once a month or less,
      while 44.7% were frequent smokers, using waterpipes more than once a month. A
      large number of frequent waterpipe smokers perceived that waterpipe smoking was a
      healthier way to use tobacco (40.6%) while only 20.6% thought it was addictive.
      Compared to occasional smokers, significantly more frequent smokers reported
      waterpipe smoking was relaxing (62.5% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.002), energizing (48.5%
      vs. 11.4%, p = 0.001), a part of their culture (58.8% vs. 34.1%, p = 0.04), and
      the healthiest way to use tobacco (40.6% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:
      Social and recreational use of waterpipes is widespread among first-year health
      sciences university students in Iran. Women and men were almost equally likely to
      be current waterpipe users. Public health initiatives to combat the increasing
      use of waterpipes among university students in Iran must consider the equal
      gender distribution and its perception by many waterpipe smokers as being a
      healthier and non-addictive way to use tobacco.

PMID- 22087839
TI  - Extracellular signal-regulated kinases modulate DNA damage response - a
      contributing factor to using MEK inhibitors in cancer therapy.
AB  - The Raf-MEK-ERK pathway is commonly activated in human cancers, largely
      attributable to the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) being a common
      downstream target of growth factor receptors, Ras, and Raf. Elevation of these up
      stream signals occurs frequently in a variety of malignancies and ERK kinases
      play critical roles in promoting cell proliferation. Therefore, inhibition of MEK
      mediated ERK activation is very appealing in cancer therapy. Consequently,
      numerous MEK inhibitors have been developed over the years. However, clinical
      trials have yet to produce overwhelming support for using MEK inhibitors in
      cancer therapy. Although complex reasons may have contributed to this outcome, an
      alternative possibility is that the MEK-ERK pathway may not solely provide
      proliferation signals to malignancies, the central scientific rationale in
      developing MEK inhibitors for cancer therapy. Recent developments may support
      this alternative possibility. Accumulating evidence now demonstrated that the MEK
      ERK pathway contributes to the proper execution of cellular DNA damage response
      (DDR), a major pathway of tumor suppression. During DDR, the MEK-ERK pathway is
      commonly activated, which facilitates the proper activation of DDR checkpoints to
      prevent cell division. Inhibition of MEK-mediated ERK activation, therefore,
      compromises checkpoint activation. As a result, cells may continue to proliferate
      in the presence of DNA lesions, leading to the accumulation of mutations and
      thereby promoting tumorigenesis. Alternatively, reduction in checkpoint
      activation may prevent efficient repair of DNA damages, which may cause apoptosis
      or cell catastrophe, thereby enhancing chemotherapy's efficacy. This review
      summarizes our current understanding of the participation of the ERK kinases in
      DDR.

PMID- 22087841
TI  - Disseminated intravascular coagulation or acute coagulopathy of trauma shock
      early after trauma? An observational study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is debated whether early trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) in
      severely injured patients reflects disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
      with a fibrinolytic phenotype, acute coagulopathy of trauma shock (ACoTS) or yet
      other entities. This study investigated the prevalence of overt DIC and ACoTS in
      trauma patients and characterized these conditions based on their biomarker
      profiles. METHODS: An observational study was carried out at a single Level I
      Trauma Center. Eighty adult trauma patients (>=18 years) who met criteria for
      full trauma team activation and had an arterial cannula inserted were included.
      Blood was sampled a median of 68 minutes (IQR 48 to 88) post-injury. Data on
      demography, biochemistry, injury severity score (ISS) and mortality were
      recorded. Plasma/serum was analyzed for biomarkers reflecting tissue/endothelial
      cell/glycocalyx damage (histone-complexed DNA fragments, Annexin V,
      thrombomodulin, syndecan-1), coagulation activation/inhibition
      (prothrombinfragment 1+2, thrombin/antithrombin-complexes, antithrombin, protein
      C, activated protein C, endothelial protein C receptor, protein S, tissue factor
      pathway inhibitor, vWF), factor consumption (fibrinogen, FXIII), fibrinolysis (D
      dimer, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) and
      inflammation (interleukin (IL)-6, terminal complement complex (sC5b-9)).
      Comparison of patients stratified according to the presence or absence of overt
      DIC (International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) criteria) or ACoTS
      (activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and/or international normalized
      ratio (INR) above normal reference). RESULTS: No patients had overt DIC whereas
      15% had ACoTS. ACoTS patients had higher ISS, transfusion requirements and
      mortality (all P < 0.01) and a biomarker profile suggestive of enhanced tissue,
      endothelial cell and glycocalyx damage and consumption coagulopathy with low
      protein C, antithrombin, fibrinogen and FXIII levels, hyperfibrinolysis and
      inflammation (all P < 0.05). Importantly, in non-ACoTS patients, apart from
      APTT/INR, higher ISS correlated with biomarkers of enhanced tissue, endothelial
      cell and glycocalyx damage, protein C activation, coagulation factor consumption,
      hyperfibrinolysis and inflammation, that is, resembling that observed in patients
      with ACoTS. CONCLUSIONS: ACoTS and non-ACoTS may represent a continuum of
      coagulopathy reflecting a progressive early evolutionarily adapted hemostatic
      response to the trauma hit and both are parts of TIC whereas DIC does not appear
      to be part of this early response.

PMID- 22087842
TI  - Effects of a robot-assisted training of grasp and pronation/supination in chronic
      stroke: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation of hand function is challenging, and only few studies
      have investigated robot-assisted rehabilitation focusing on distal joints of the
      upper limb. This paper investigates the feasibility of using the HapticKnob, a
      table-top end-effector device, for robot-assisted rehabilitation of grasping and
      forearm pronation/supination, two important functions for activities of daily
      living involving the hand, and which are often impaired in chronic stroke
      patients. It evaluates the effectiveness of this device for improving hand
      function and the transfer of improvement to arm function. METHODS: A single group
      of fifteen chronic stroke patients with impaired arm and hand functions (Fugl
      Meyer motor assessment scale (FM) 10-45/66) participated in a 6-week 3-hours/week
      rehabilitation program with the HapticKnob. Outcome measures consisted primarily
      of the FM and Motricity Index (MI) and their respective subsections related to
      distal and proximal arm function, and were assessed at the beginning, end of
      treatment and in a 6-weeks follow-up. RESULTS: Thirteen subjects successfully
      completed robot-assisted therapy, with significantly improved hand and arm motor
      functions, demonstrated by an average 3.00 points increase on the FM and 4.55 on
      the MI at the completion of the therapy (4.85 FM and 6.84 MI six weeks post
      therapy). Improvements were observed both in distal and proximal components of
      the clinical scales at the completion of the study (2.00 FM wrist/hand, 2.55 FM
      shoulder/elbow, 2.23 MI hand and 4.23 MI shoulder/elbow). In addition,
      improvements in hand function were observed, as measured by the Motor Assessment
      Scale, grip force, and a decrease in arm muscle spasticity. These results were
      confirmed by motion data collected by the robot. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study show the feasibility of this robot-assisted therapy with patients
      presenting a large range of impairment levels. A significant homogeneous
      improvement in both hand and arm function was observed, which was maintained 6
      weeks after end of the therapy.

PMID- 22087844
TI  - Deposition of aerosol particles in a model vitreous chamber.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the aerosol deposition in
      a model eye chamber to identify the mechanism(s) of deposition and delivery
      efficiency for application in retinal disease treated with vitrectomy. Dry
      aerosol particles were produced with mixtures of fluorescein and a variable
      concentration of cesium chloride, which ranged in aerodynamic size from 0.6 to
      1.3 um. The aerosol was injected through a small inlet tube into Teflon chambers
      that had a vented, spherical cavity (diameter 3/4"). Two filling times of 60 s
      and 90 s were used. Although significant loss occurred in the syringe, the mass
      deposited within the chambers increased with aerosol concentration and ranged
      from 0.5 to nearly 15 ug. Between 60 and 90% of the mass was deposited on the
      lower surface of the chamber. The mechanism of deposition was consistent with
      diffusion through a boundary layer during filling followed by sedimentation of
      the remaining suspended aerosol particles. Based on these results, an aerosol
      with a median particle size of 1.3 um was shown to provide a therapeutically
      effective dose of 5-fluorouracil. The approach is general and can be applied to
      the aerosol delivery of other drugs to the vitreous chamber.

PMID- 22087843
TI  - Cell type-dependent gene regulation by Staufen2 in conjunction with Upf1.
AB  - dendritic mRNA transport machines. Although Stau2 is thought to be involved in
      the dendritic targeting of several mRNAs in neurons, the mechanism whereby Stau2
      regulates these mRNAs is unknown. To elucidate the functions of Stau2, we
      screened for novel binding partners by affinity purification of GST-tagged Stau2
      from 293F cells. RESULTS: Three RNA helicases, RNA helicase A, Upf1 and Mov10,
      were identified in Stau2-containing complexes. We focused our studies on Upf1, a
      key player in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Stau2 was found to bind directly to
      Upf1 in an RNA-independent manner in vitro. Tethering Stau2 to the 3'
      untranslated region (UTR) of a reporter gene had little effect on its expression
      in HeLa cells. In contrast, when the same tethering assay was performed in 293F
      cells, we observed an increase in reporter protein levels. This upregulation of
      protein expression by Stau2 turned out to be dependent on Upf1. Moreover, we
      found that in 293F cells, Stau2 upregulates the reporter mRNA level in an Upf1
      independent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the recruitment of
      Stau2 alone or in combination with Upf1 differentially affects the fate of mRNAs.
      Moreover, the results suggest that Stau2-mediated fate determination could be
      executed in a cell type-specific manner.

PMID- 22087845
TI  - Investigation of ABCB1 1236 and 2677 SNPs in patients with peptic ulcer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: P-gp, encoded by ABCB1 gene, is an ATP-binding membrane pump, which
      exports substrates from the cell including drugs and xenobiotics. Changes in the
      function of P-gp as a result of polymorphism could have an impact in some
      diseases' risks and treatment outcomes. The aim of the study was to determine the
      significance of the ABCB1 gene SNPs: 1236 and 2677 for peptic ulcer risk and
      development of Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer patients. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-five biopsy specimens obtained from peptic
      ulcer patients (investigated group) were genotyped using sequencing for common
      SNPs of ABCB1: 1236 and 2677. Genotyping data were compared with the results from
      healthy subjects (control) and with the presence of H. pylori infection, which
      was estimated by urease test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in
      frequency of genotypes and alleles for the SNPs were found between the
      investigated group and the control. However, in the peptic ulcer patients, mutant
      TT homozygotes and those who carried at least one allele T for the polymorphisms
      1236 and 2677 were observed more frequently than the control group. In the peptic
      ulcer group, there were no significant dependences between the presence of H.
      pylori infection and the investigated polymorphisms other than more frequent
      occurrence of TT 1236 homozygous in the group of infected women (p = 0.0298).
      CONCLUSIONS: The TT genotype and the mutated allele T for the polymorphisms 1236
      and 2677 could increase peptic ulcer risk. ABCB1 1236 polymorphism may also be
      associated with an increased likelihood of H. pylori infection development,
      especially in women.

PMID- 22087846
TI  - Exercise metabolism during moderate-intensity exercise in children with cystic
      fibrosis following heavy-intensity exercise.
AB  - Muscle metabolism is increased following exercise in healthy individuals,
      affecting exercise metabolism during subsequent physical work. We hypothesized
      that following heavy-intensity exercise (HIE), disease factors in children with
      cystic fibrosis (CF) would further exacerbate exercise metabolism and perceived
      exertion during subsequent exercise. Nineteen children with CF (age, 13.4 +/- 3.1
      years; 10 female) and 19 healthy controls (age, 13.8 +/- 3.5 years; 10 female)
      performed 10 bouts of HIE interspersed with 1 min of recovery between each bout.
      Three minutes later participants completed a 10-min moderate-intensity exercise
      (MIE) test (test 1). The MIE test was subsequently repeated 1 h (test 2) and 24 h
      (test 3) later. Each MIE test was identical and participants exercised at
      individualized work rates, calibrated by an initial graded maximal
      cardiopulmonary exercise test, while metabolic and perceived exertion
      measurements were taken. Following HIE, mixed-model ANOVAs showed a significant
      difference in oxygen uptake (VO2) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) between
      the 2 groups across the MIE tests (p < 0.01). In controls, VO2 (L.min-1) and RPE
      decreased significantly from test 1 to test 2 (p < 0.01) and test 2 to test 3 (p
      < 0.05). However, in children with CF, VO2 (L.min-1) increased significantly from
      test 1 to test 2 (p < 0.01), while RPE did not differ, both VO2 and RPE decreased
      significantly from test 2 to test 3 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, following HIE the
      metabolic and perceptual responses to MIE in both groups decreased 24 h later
      during test 3. These data show that children with mild-to-moderate CF have the
      capability to perform HIE and 24 h allows sufficient time for recovery.

PMID- 22087848
TI  - Psychomotor deficits associated with hyponatremia: a retrospective analysis.
AB  - Hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration [Na+] < 136 mEq/L) is a potentially life
      threatening condition. Recent evidence (Renneboog, Musch, Vandemergel, Manto, &
      Decaux, 2006) shows that even mild hyponatremia is associated with disorders of
      balance/gait. This retrospective analysis explored the influence of serum [Na+]
      on neuropsychological (NP) measurements at baseline from 44 patients with chronic
      hyponatremia who participated in an efficacy and safety study of an experimental
      compound over a decade ago. Group mean serum [Na+] was 124.8 +/- 4.9 mEq/L. Age
      adjusted partial correlations were computed between serum [Na+] and NP
      measurements, 39% of which were statistically significant--all involving
      psychomotor functioning. These findings replicate and extend previous
      observations that psychomotor deficits are, at least in part, associated with
      hyponatremia in these patients. While chronic hyponatremia is known to have
      deleterious effects on quality of life, motor and gait disturbances represent
      manifestations of mild hyponatremia that have until now gone unrecognized. A new
      class of medication, vasopressin antagonists, has been shown to correct
      hyponatremia. It will be important to explore the effects of correcting
      hyponatremia on psychomotor functioning in individuals with hyponatremia.

PMID- 22087847
TI  - beta-PIX is critical for transplanted mesenchymal stromal cell migration.
AB  - Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used successfully
      as a source of stem cells for treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, for
      reasons that are not clear, autologous MSC transplants have not yielded
      successful results in human trials. To test one possible reason, we compared the
      migratory ability of MSCs from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with
      those of healthy controls. We found that MSCs derived from ALS patients (ALS
      MSCs) had a reduced ability to migrate, which may explain why autologous
      transplantation is not successful. We also found that expression of one of the
      intracellular factors implicated in migration, beta-PIX, was significantly
      reduced in ALS-MSCs compared with healthy stem cells. Restoration of beta-PIX
      expression by genetic manipulation restored the migratory ability of ALS-MSCs,
      and inhibition of beta-PIX expression with shRNA reduced the migration of healthy
      MSCs. We suggest that transplantation of allogeneic or genetically modified
      autologous stem cells might be a more promising strategy for ALS patients than
      transplantation of autologous stem cells.

PMID- 22087849
TI  - Integrated microdevice for long-term automated perfusion culture without shear
      stress and real-time electrochemical monitoring of cells.
AB  - Electrochemical techniques based on ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) play a
      significant role in real-time monitoring of chemical messengers' release from
      single cells. Conversely, precise monitoring of cells in vitro strongly depends
      on the adequate construction of cellular physiological microenvironment. In this
      paper, we developed a multilayer microdevice which integrated high aspect ratio
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device for long-term automated
      perfusion culture of cells without shear stress and an independently addressable
      microelectrodes array (IAMEA) for electrochemical monitoring of the cultured
      cells in real time. Novel design using high aspect ratio between circular "moat"
      and ring-shaped micropillar array surrounding cell culture chamber combined with
      automated "circular-centre" and "bottom-up" perfusion model successfully provided
      continuous fresh medium and a stable and uniform microenvironment for cells. Two
      weeks automated culture of human umbilical endothelial cell line (ECV304) and
      neuronal differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells have been realized
      using this device. Furthermore, the quantal release of dopamine from individual
      PC12 cells during their culture or propagation process was amperometrically
      monitored in real time. The multifunctional microdevice developed in this paper
      integrated cellular microenvironment construction and real-time monitoring of
      cells during their physiological process, and would possibly provide a versatile
      platform for cell-based biomedical analysis.

PMID- 22087850
TI  - Implementation of patient education at first and second dispensing of statins in
      Dutch community pharmacies: the sequel of a cluster randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a result of the previous part of this trial, many patients with
      cardiovascular disease were expected to receive a statin for the first time. In
      order to provide these patients with comprehensive information on statins, as
      recommended by professional guidance, education at first and second dispensing of
      statins had to be implemented. This study was designed to assess the
      effectiveness of an intensive implementation program targeted at pharmacy project
      assistants on the frequency of providing education at first dispensing (EAFD) and
      education at second dispensing (EASD) of statins in community pharmacies.
      METHODS: The participating community pharmacies were clustered on the basis of
      local collaboration, were numbered by a research assistant and subsequently an
      independent statistician performed a block randomization, in which the cluster
      size (number of pharmacies in each cluster) was balanced. The pharmacies in the
      control group received a written manual on the implementation of EAFD and EASD;
      the pharmacies in the intervention group received intensive support for the
      implementation. The impact of the intensive implementation program on the
      implementation process and on the primary outcomes was examined in a random
      coefficient logistic regression model, which took into account that patients were
      grouped within pharmacy clusters. RESULTS: Of the 37 pharmacies in the
      intervention group, 17 pharmacies (50%) provided EAFD and 12 pharmacies (35.3%)
      provided EASD compared to 14 pharmacies (45.2%, P = 0.715) and 12 pharmacies
      (38.7%, P = 0.899), respectively, of the 34 pharmacies in the control group. In
      the intervention group a total of 72 of 469 new statin users (15.4%) received
      education and 49 of 393 patients with a second statin prescription (12.5%)
      compared to 78 of 402 new users (19.4%, P = 0.944) and 35 of 342 patients with a
      second prescription (10.2%, P = 0.579) in the control group. CONCLUSION: The
      intensive implementation program did not increase the frequency of providing EAFD
      and EASD of statins in community pharmacies. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov NCT00509717.

PMID- 22087851
TI  - Effects of auxins on sorgoleone accumulation and genes for sorgoleone
      biosynthesis in sorghum roots.
AB  - Sorgoleone is a major component of the hydrophobic root exudate of  Sorghum
      bicolor  and is of particular interest to plant chemical ecology as well as
      agriculture. Sorgoleone was evaluated in this study to observe the expression
      levels of genes involved in its biosynthesis in response to auxins. Sorgoleone
      content varied widely according to the duration of application and the
      concentrations of the auxins. When the application time was increased, the
      sorgoleone content increased accordingly for all concentrations of IBA (1, 3, and
      5 mg/L) and at 1 mg/L for both IAA and NAA. In this study, five different
      sorgoleone biosynthetic genes were observed, namely DES2, DES3, ARS1, ARS2, and
      OMT3, which are upregulated in response to IAA, IBA, and NAA. Transcript
      accumulation was apparent for all genes, but particularly for DES2, which
      increased up to 475-fold and 180-fold following 72 h exposure to NAA and IBA,
      respectively, compared to no treatment.

PMID- 22087856
TI  - Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide over Ag cocatalyst-loaded ALa4Ti4O15
      (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba) using water as a reducing reagent.
AB  - Ag cocatalyst-loaded ALa(4)Ti(4)O(15) (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba) photocatalysts with
      3.79-3.85 eV of band gaps and layered perovskite structures showed activities for
      CO(2) reduction to form CO and HCOOH by bubbling CO(2) gas into the aqueous
      suspension of the photocatalyst powder without any sacrificial reagents. Ag
      cocatalyst-loaded BaLa(4)Ti(4)O(15) was the most active photocatalyst. A liquid
      phase chemical reduction method was better than impregnation and in situ
      photodeposition methods for the loading of the Ag cocatalyst. The Ag cocatalyst
      prepared by the liquid-phase chemical reduction method was loaded as fine
      particles with the size smaller than 10 nm on the edge of the BaLa(4)Ti(4)O(15)
      photocatalyst powder with a plate shape during the CO(2) reduction. CO was the
      main reduction product rather than H(2) even in an aqueous medium on the
      optimized Ag/BaLa(4)Ti(4)O(15) photocatalyst. Evolution of O(2) in a
      stoichiometric ratio (H(2)+CO:O(2) = 2:1 in a molar ratio) indicated that water
      was consumed as a reducing reagent (an electron donor) for the CO(2) reduction.
      Thus, an uphill reaction of CO(2) reduction accompanied with water oxidation was
      achieved using the Ag/BaLa(4)Ti(4)O(15) photocatalyst.

PMID- 22087857
TI  - The influence of topical prostaglandin analogues in inflammation after selective
      laser trabeculoplasty treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) seems to be the only treatment that
      slows progression in glaucoma. The IOP can be decreased by pharmaceutical
      treatment, laser [selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)] treatment, or surgery.
      Prostaglandin analogues have been postulated to share action mechanisms with SLT
      and to possibly diminish the effects of SLT treatment. The aim of the current
      study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin analogues in inflammation
      and IOP reduction after SLT treatment. METHODS: Prospective nonrandomized study.
      One hundred and eighteen patients were included in the study. INCLUSION CRITERIA:
      Glaucoma (open-angle or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma) patients who will be treated
      with SLT. Inflammation was measured with a laser flare meter (Kowa FM-500).
      Measurements were made before SLT and then 2 h, 1 week, and 1 month after SLT
      treatment. IOP was also checked at the same time intervals. The SLT treatment was
      performed over 90 degrees . All patients were divided into two groups: those
      receiving prostaglandins analogues and those treated with nonprostaglandin
      analogues. RESULTS: Inflammation before and after SLT showed no significant
      difference between the groups at all the time intervals studied (t-test, before:
      P=0.16; 2 h: P=0.14; 1 week: P=0.12; and 1 month: P=0.36). IOP reduction showed
      no significant difference between the groups (t-test, P=0.31). CONCLUSIONS: SLT
      treatment effects do not seem to be influenced by the use of prostaglandin
      analogues.

PMID- 22087858
TI  - Upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor after exposure to transforming
      growth factor-beta2 in tenon's capsule fibroblasts from patients with glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic alteration of a low
      density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and its binding and uptake of LDL after
      exposure to transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGF-beta(2)) in Tenon's capsule
      fibroblasts from glaucoma patients. METHODS: Tenon's capsule fibroblasts obtained
      from patients who had undergone selective glaucoma surgery were cultured and
      stimulated with different concentrations (0.1-10 ng/mL) of TGF-beta(2) for 1, 3,
      5, and 7 days. Expression of LDLr mRNA was detected with relative quantification
      real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and expression of the
      corresponding protein was demonstrated with western blot. The extent of binding
      and uptake of 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate
      (DiI)-labeled LDL by GTFs was also checked. RESULTS: After exposure to TGF
      beta(2), LDLr was upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in a concentration
      dependent and/or time-dependent manner with a peak at a concentration of 5 ng/mL
      TGF-beta(2). Binding and uptake of LDL were time dependent, reaching saturation
      at the first 6 h. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that LDLr has a dose- and/or time
      effect relationship with TGF-beta(2) in Tenon's capsule fibroblasts from glaucoma
      patients. The results suggest that LDLr may play an important role in wound
      healing and scar formation in the activated Tenon's capsule fibroblasts from
      patients with glaucoma.

PMID- 22087859
TI  - Effect of the Cannabinoid Receptor-1 antagonist SR141716A on human adipocyte
      inflammatory profile and differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is characterized by inflammation, caused by increase in
      proinflammatory cytokines, a key factor for the development of insulin
      resistance. SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, shows
      significant improvement in clinical status of obese/diabetic patients. Therefore,
      we studied the effect of SR141716A on human adipocyte inflammatory profile and
      differentiation. METHODS: Adipocytes were obtained from liposuction. Stromal
      vascular cells were extracted and differentiated into adipocytes. Media and cells
      were collected for secretory (ELISA) and expression analysis (qPCR). Triglyceride
      accumulation was observed using oil red-O staining. Cholesterol was assayed by a
      fluorometric method. 2-AG and anandamide were quantified using isotope dilution
      LC-MS. TLR-binding experiments have been conducted in HEK-Blue cells. RESULTS: In
      LPS-treated mature adipocytes, SR141716A was able to decrease the expression and
      secretion of TNF-a. This molecule has the same effect in LPS-induced IL-6
      secretion, while IL-6 expression is not changed. Concerning MCP-1, the basal
      level is down-regulated by SR141716A, but not the LPS-induced level. This effect
      is not caused by a binding of the molecule to TLR4 (LPS receptor). Moreover,
      SR141716A restored adiponectin secretion to normal levels after LPS treatment.
      Lastly, no effect of SR141716A was detected on human pre-adipocyte
      differentiation, although the compound enhanced adiponectin gene expression, but
      not secretion, in differentiated pre-adipocytes. CONCLUSION: We show for the
      first time that some clinical effects of SR141716A are probably directly related
      to its anti-inflammatory effect on mature adipocytes. This fact reinforces that
      adipose tissue is an important target in the development of tools to treat the
      metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22087860
TI  - Comparison of lichen, conifer needles, passive air sampling devices, and snowpack
      as passive sampling media to measure semi-volatile organic compounds in remote
      atmospheres.
AB  - A wide range of semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs), including pesticides and
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were measured in lichen, conifer
      needles, snowpack and XAD-based passive air sampling devices (PASDs) collected
      from 19 different U.S. national parks in order to compare the magnitude and
      mechanism of SOC accumulation in the different passive sampling media. Lichen
      accumulated the highest SOC concentrations, in part because of its long (and
      unknown) exposure period, whereas PASDs accumulated the lowest concentrations.
      However, only the PASD SOC concentrations can be used to calculate an average
      atmospheric gas-phase SOC concentration because the sampling rates are known and
      the media is uniform. Only the lichen and snowpack SOC accumulation profiles were
      statistically significantly correlated (r = 0.552, p-value <0.0001) because they
      both accumulate SOCs present in the atmospheric particle-phase. This suggests
      that needles and PASDs represent a different composition of the atmosphere than
      lichen and snowpack and that the interpretation of atmospheric SOC composition is
      dependent on the type of passive sampling media used. All four passive sampling
      media preferentially accumulated SOCs with relatively low air-water partition
      coefficients, while snowpack accumulated SOCs with higher log K(OA) values
      compared to the other media. Lichen accumulated more SOCs with log K(OA) > 10
      relative to needles and showed a greater accumulation of particle-phase PAHs.

PMID- 22087861
TI  - Ultrasound-responsive thrombus treatment with zinc-stabilized gelatin nano
      complexes of tissue-type plasminogen activator.
AB  - This study is undertaken to design zinc-stabilized gelatin nano-complexes of
      tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) for thrombolytic therapy where the t-PA
      activity can be recovered in the blood circulation upon ultrasound irradiation.
      Various molecular weights of gelatin were complexed with t-PA by their simply
      mixing in aqueous solution. Then, zinc acetate, calcium acetate or magnesium
      acetate was added to form nano-sized gelatin-t-PA complexes. The complexes had
      the apparent molecular size of about 100 nm. When zinc ions were added to the
      gelatin-t-PA complexes, the t-PA activity was suppressed most strongly to 57% of
      the original, free t-PA activity. Upon ultrasound exposure in vitro, the t-PA
      activity was fully recovered. A cell culture experiment with L929 fibroblasts
      demonstrated no cytotoxicity of complexes at the concentration used for the in
      vivo experiment. The half-life of t-PA in the blood circulation prolonged by the
      complexation with gelatin and zinc ions. The zinc-stabilized t-PA-gelatin complex
      is a promising t-PA delivery system which can manipulate the thrombolytic
      activity by the local ultrasound irradiation.

PMID- 22087863
TI  - Maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimation of mycophenolic Acid area under the
      concentration-time curve: is this clinically useful for dosage prediction yet?
AB  - This review seeks to summarize the available data about Bayesian estimation of
      area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and dosage prediction for
      mycophenolic acid (MPA) and evaluate whether sufficient evidence is available for
      routine use of Bayesian dosage prediction in clinical practice. A literature
      search identified 14 studies that assessed the predictive performance of maximum
      a posteriori Bayesian estimation of MPA AUC and one report that retrospectively
      evaluated how closely dosage recommendations based on Bayesian forecasting
      achieved targeted MPA exposure. Studies to date have mostly been undertaken in
      renal transplant recipients, with limited investigation in patients treated with
      MPA for autoimmune disease or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. All of
      these studies have involved use of the mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) formulation of
      MPA, rather than the enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) formulation.
      Bias associated with estimation of MPA AUC using Bayesian forecasting was
      generally less than 10%. However some difficulties with imprecision was evident,
      with values ranging from 4% to 34% (based on estimation involving two or more
      concentration measurements). Evaluation of whether MPA dosing decisions based on
      Bayesian forecasting (by the free website service https://pharmaco.chu
      limoges.fr) achieved target drug exposure has only been undertaken once. When MMF
      dosage recommendations were applied by clinicians, a higher proportion (72-80%)
      of subsequent estimated MPA AUC values were within the 30-60 mg . h/L target
      range, compared with when dosage recommendations were not followed (only 39-57%
      within target range). Such findings provide evidence that Bayesian dosage
      prediction is clinically useful for achieving target MPA AUC. This study,
      however, was retrospective and focussed only on adult renal transplant
      recipients. Furthermore, in this study, Bayesian-generated AUC estimations and
      dosage predictions were not compared with a later full measured AUC but rather
      with a further AUC estimate based on a second Bayesian analysis. This study also
      provided some evidence that a useful monitoring schedule for MPA AUC following
      adult renal transplant would be every 2 weeks during the first month post
      transplant, every 1-3 months between months 1 and 12, and each year thereafter.
      It will be interesting to see further validations in different patient groups
      using the free website service. In summary, the predictive performance of
      Bayesian estimation of MPA, comparing estimated with measured AUC values, has
      been reported in several studies. However, the next step of predicting dosages
      based on these Bayesian-estimated AUCs, and prospectively determining how closely
      these predicted dosages give drug exposure matching targeted AUCs, remains
      largely unaddressed. Further prospective studies are required, particularly in
      non-renal transplant patients and with the EC-MPS formulation. Other important
      questions remain to be answered, such as: do Bayesian forecasting methods devised
      to date use the best population pharmacokinetic models or most accurate
      algorithms; are the methods simple to use for routine clinical practice; do the
      algorithms actually improve dosage estimations beyond empirical recommendations
      in all groups that receive MPA therapy; and, importantly, do the dosage
      predictions, when followed, improve patient health outcomes?

PMID- 22087864
TI  - Kinetic nomograms assist individualization of drug regimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic drug monitoring is applied to a range of
      drugs. To predict an appropriate dosing regimen, models based on Bayesian
      techniques have been used. However, this approach requires a well trained
      professional and sophisticated software. The objectives of this study were first
      to develop kinetic nomograms as a useful tool to achieve individual drug blood
      concentrations within the therapeutic window, using few samples and in a short
      period of time; and second to evaluate the performance of these nomograms in
      dosage adjustment and compare them with the Bayesian procedure by use of
      simulation. METHODS: Kinetic nomograms involve collection of concentration-time
      profiles following repeated administrations of a fixed identification protocol
      and targeting of a steady-state concentration. The profiles divide the
      concentration-time space into several areas, each of them corresponding to a
      given adjusted drug dose. Kinetic nomograms are grounded on the statistical
      description of the interindividual variability provided by population
      pharmacokinetic approaches. To use them, the assayed drug concentration in a
      blood sample is first located in the kinetic nomogram and then the dose
      corresponding to the area containing this location is read. Evaluation of
      performance and comparison with the traditional Bayesian procedure were done by a
      simulation study using the immunosuppressant drug sirolimus (rapamycin). All
      calculations were performed by use of Matlab software. RESULTS: The simulation
      study confirmed the need for individual dosage adjustment; 71.6% of individuals
      underwent modification of the identification protocol of 1 mg twice daily in
      order to reach steady-state trough concentrations of 8 ng/mL. When the regimens
      were adjusted by kinetic nomograms and the Bayesian procedure, the steady-state
      trough concentrations of sirolimus showed low variability (coefficients of
      variation [CVs] of 23.4% and 24.0%, respectively) as compared with those obtained
      by standard recommended protocols of 4 mg once daily (CV 68.6%). The doses
      adjusted by kinetic nomograms and the Bayesian procedure were linearly linked and
      highly correlated (r = 0.96), and both provided simultaneous control of minimum
      and maximum drug concentrations (63.9% and 68.7% of cases between 6 and 20 ng/mL,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Kinetic nomograms allow rapid and reliable dosage
      adjustment after the start of drug therapy. They are interesting alternatives to
      the cumbersome Bayesian procedure, and they provide dosage adjustment even for
      drugs that exhibit large intraindividual variability. In the clinical context,
      kinetic nomograms render individual dosage adjustment a simplified bedside
      application, and they could assist population studies aiming at dose
      individualization.

PMID- 22087865
TI  - Effect of cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers on the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic
      and safety profiles of bortezomib in patients with multiple myeloma or non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bortezomib, an antineoplastic agent with proteasome
      inhibitory activity, is extensively metabolized by the hepatic microsomal
      cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. Drugs that affect these enzymes
      may therefore have an impact on the pharmacological profile of bortezomib. This
      study evaluated the effects of co-administration of a potent CYP3A4 inducer
      (rifampicin [rifampin]) and a weak CYP3A4 inducer (dexamethasone) on the
      pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profiles of bortezomib. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients aged >=18 years with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma or
      non-Hodgkin's lymphoma received intravenous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2, administered on
      days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 21-day cycle, for 3 cycles. In stage 1, patients were
      randomized (1 : 1) to receive bortezomib alone or in combination with oral
      rifampicin 600 mg once daily on days 4-10 during cycle 3 only. If the mean area
      under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of bortezomib was reduced by
      >=30% during rifampicin co-administration, then stage 2 was initiated, in which
      patients received bortezomib with dexamethasone 40 mg once daily on days 1-4 and
      days 9-12 during cycle 3 only. Blood samples were collected on days 11 through 14
      of cycles 2 and 3 before and after bortezomib administration, at prespecified
      time points, for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (proteasome inhibition)
      assessments. RESULTS: Twelve patients in the bortezomib-alone arm, six patients
      in the bortezomib plus rifampicin arm and seven patients in the bortezomib plus
      dexamethasone arm were included in the pharmacokinetics-evaluable set. Rifampicin
      reduced the mean AUC from 0 to 72 hours (AUC(72h)) of bortezomib by approximately
      45% (223 ng . h/mL in cycle 2 vs 123 ng . h/mL in cycle 3), while dexamethasone
      had no effect (mean AUC(72h): 179 ng . h/mL in cycle 2 vs 170 ng . h/mL in cycle
      3). Proteasome inhibition parameters in peripheral blood were unaffected by
      rifampicin or dexamethasone. Safety profiles were similar across the treatment
      arms and consistent with previous experience of bortezomib. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, co-administration of
      rifampicin decreased the exposure to bortezomib but did not affect the proteasome
      inhibition or safety profiles; co-administration of dexamethasone did not affect
      the exposure to bortezomib, proteasome inhibition or safety profiles. Concomitant
      administration of bortezomib with strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin is
      not recommended, as it may result in a reduction of the clinical effect, whereas
      concomitant administration of weak CYP3A4 inducers such as dexamethasone does not
      affect the pharmacological profile of bortezomib.

PMID- 22087866
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic meta-analysis of denosumab in healthy subjects and
      postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inhibition of the receptor activator of nuclear factor
      kappa-B ligand (RANKL) is a therapeutic target for treatment of bone disorders
      associated with increased bone resorption, such as osteoporosis. The objective of
      this analysis was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of denosumab
      (AMG 162; Prolia(r)), a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody that binds to RANKL,
      in healthy subjects and postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
      METHODS: A total of 22944 serum free denosumab concentrations from 495 healthy
      subjects and 1069 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis were
      pooled. Denosumab was administered as either a single intravenous dose (n = 36),
      a single subcutaneous dose (n = 469) or multiple subcutaneous doses (n = 1059),
      ranging from 0.01 to 3 mg/kg (or 6-210 mg as fixed mass dosages), every 3 or 6
      months for up to 48 months. An open, two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with a
      quasi-steady-state approximation of the target-mediated drug disposition model
      was used to describe denosumab pharmacokinetics, using NONMEM Version 7.1.0
      software. Subcutaneous absorption was characterized by the first-order absorption
      rate constant (k(a)), with constant absolute bioavailability over the range of
      doses that were evaluated. Clearance and volume of distribution parameters were
      scaled by body weight, using a power model. Model evaluation was performed
      through visual predictive checks. RESULTS: The subcutaneous bioavailability of
      denosumab was 64%, and the k(a) was 0.00883 h-1. The central volume of
      distribution and linear clearance were 2.49 L/66 kg and 3.06 mL/h/66 kg,
      respectively. The baseline RANKL level, quasi-steady-state constant and RANKL
      degradation rate were 614 ng/mL, 138 ng/mL and 0.00148 h-1, respectively. Between
      subject variability in model parameters was moderate. A fixed dose of 60 mg
      provided RANKL inhibition similar to that achieved by equivalent body weight
      based dosing. The effects of age and race on the area under the serum
      concentration-time curve of denosumab were less than 15% over the range of
      covariate values that were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The non-linearity in denosumab
      pharmacokinetics is probably due to RANKL binding, and denosumab dose adjustment
      based on the patient demographics is not warranted.

PMID- 22087868
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses as the basis for dosing of
      therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

PMID- 22087867
TI  - Application of a systems approach to the bottom-up assessment of pharmacokinetics
      in obese patients: expected variations in clearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The maintenance dose of a drug is dependent on drug
      clearance, and thus any biochemical and physiological changes in obesity that
      affect parameters such as cardiac output, renal function, expression of drug
      metabolizing enzymes and protein binding may result in altered clearance compared
      with that observed in normal-weight subjects (corrected or uncorrected for body
      weight). Because of the increasing worldwide incidence of obesity, there is a
      need for more information regarding the optimal dosing of drug therapy to be made
      available to prescribers. This is usually provided via clinical studies in obese
      people; however, such studies are not available for all drugs that might be used
      in obese subjects. Incorporation of the relevant physiological and biochemical
      changes into predictive bottom-up pharmacokinetic models in order to optimize
      dosage regimens may offer a logical way forward for the cases where no clinical
      data exist. The aims of the current report are to apply such a 'systems approach'
      to identify the likelihood of observing variations in the clearance of drugs in
      obesity and morbid obesity for a set of compounds for which clinical data, as
      well as the necessary in vitro information, are available, and to provide a
      framework for assessing other drugs in the future. METHODS: The population
      specific changes in demographic, physiological and biochemical parameters that
      are known to be relevant to obese and morbidly obese subjects were collated and
      incorporated into two separate population libraries. These libraries, together
      with mechanistic in vitro-in vivo extrapolations (IVIVE) within the Simcyp
      Population-based SimulatorTM, were used to predict the clearance of oral
      alprazolam, oral caffeine, oral chlorzoxazone, oral ciclosporin, intravenous and
      oral midazolam, intravenous phenytoin, oral theophylline and oral triazolam. The
      design of the simulated studies was matched as closely as possible with that of
      the clinical studies. Outcome was measured by the predicted ratio of the
      clearance of the drug in obese and lean subjects +/- its 90% confidence interval,
      compared with observed values. The overall statistical measures of the
      performance of the model to detect differences in compound clearance between
      obese and lean populations were investigated by measuring sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).
      A power calculation was carried out to investigate the impact of the sample size
      on the overall outcome of clinical studies. RESULTS: The model was successful in
      predicting clearance in obese subjects, with the degree to which simulations
      could mimic the outcome of in vivo studies being greater than 60% for six of the
      eight drugs. A clear difference in the clearance of chlorzoxazone was correctly
      picked up via simulation. The overall statistical measures of the performance of
      the Simcyp Simulator were 100% sensitivity, 66% specificity, 60% PPV and 100%
      NPV. Studies designed on the basis of the ratio of the absolute values required
      substantial numbers of participants in order to detect a significant difference,
      except for phenytoin and chlorzoxazone, where the ratios of the weight-normalized
      clearances generally showed statistically significant differences with a smaller
      number of subjects. CONCLUSION: Extension of a mechanistic predictive
      pharmacokinetic model to accommodate physiological and biochemical changes
      associated with obesity and morbid obesity allowed prediction of changes in drug
      clearance on the basis of in vitro data, with reasonable accuracy across a range
      of compounds that are metabolized by different enzymes. Prediction of the effects
      of obesity on drug clearance, normalized by various body size scalars, is of
      potential value in the design of clinical studies during drug development and in
      the introduction of dosage adjustments that are likely to be needed in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22087869
TI  - Obesity and its impact on drug therapy: are we ready for this change?

PMID- 22087871
TI  - Histological analysis of surgical lumbar intervertebral disc tissue provides
      evidence for an association between disc degeneration and increased body mass
      index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although histopathological grading systems for disc degeneration are
      frequently used in research, they are not yet integrated into daily care routine
      pathology of surgical samples. Therefore, data on histopathological changes in
      surgically excised disc material and their correlation to clinical parameters
      such as age, gender or body mass index (BMI) is limited to date. The current
      study was designed to correlate major physico-clinical parameters from a
      population of orthopaedic spine center patients (gender, age and BMI) with a
      quantitative histologic degeneration score (HDS). METHODS: Excised lumbar disc
      material from 854 patients (529 men/325 women/mean age 56 (15-96) yrs.) was
      graded based on a previously validated histologic degeneration score (HDS) in a
      cohort of surgical disc samples that had been obtained for the treatment of
      either disc herniation or discogenic back pain. Cases with obvious inflammation,
      tumor formation or congenital disc pathology were excluded. The degree of
      histological changes was correlated with sex, age and BMI. RESULTS: The HDS (0-15
      points) showed significantly higher values in the nucleus pulposus (NP) than in
      the annulus fibrosus (AF) (Mean: NP 11.45/AF 7.87), with a significantly higher
      frequency of histomorphological alterations in men in comparison to women.
      Furthermore, the HDS revealed a positive significant correlation between the BMI
      and the extent of histological changes. No statistical age relation of the
      degenerative lesions was seen. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that
      histological disc alterations in surgical specimens can be graded in a reliable
      manner based on a quantitative histologic degeneration score (HDS). Increased BMI
      was identified as a positive risk factor for the development of symptomatic,
      clinically significant disc degeneration.

PMID- 22087872
TI  - Pathogenesis and phylogenetic analyses of canine distemper virus strain ZJ7
      isolate from domestic dogs in China.
AB  - A new isolate of canine distemper virus (CDV), named ZJ7, was isolated from lung
      tissues of a dog suspected with CDV infection using MDCK cells. The ZJ7 isolate
      induced cytopathogenic effects of syncytia in MDCK cell after six passages. In
      order to evaluate pathogenesis of ZJ7 strain, three CDV sero-negative dogs were
      intranasally inoculated with its virus suspension. All infected dogs developed
      clinical signs of severe bloody diarrhea, conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, nasal
      discharge and coughing, fever and weight loss at 21 dpi, whereas the mock group
      infected with DMEM were normal. The results demonstrated that CDV-ZJ7 strain
      isolated by MDCK cell was virulent, and the nucleotide and amino acid sequences
      of strain ZJ7 had no change after isolation by MDCK cell when compared with the
      original virus from the fresh tissues. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses for
      the nucleocapsid (N), phosphoprotein (P) and receptor binding haemagglutinin (H)
      gene of the ZJ7 isolate clearly showed it is joins to the Asia 1 group cluster of
      CDV strains, the predominant genotype in China.

PMID- 22087874
TI  - Biopharmaceutical evaluation of diclofenac sodium controlled release tablets
      prepared from gum karaya--chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes.
AB  - The phenomena of polymer interactions and formation of polyelectrolyte complexes
      (PECs) of oppositely charged polymers have been the focus of interest in
      fundamental and applied research. Such PECs may possess unique properties that
      are different from those of individual polymers. In the present study, attempts
      were made to prepare PECs of negative colloid gum karaya (GK) and positively
      charged polysaccharide chitosan (CH). The association and factors affecting the
      interactions between GK and CH were studied by pH and conductivity studies. The
      dried complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed
      Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy. The PECs were
      utilized for encapsulation of diclofenac sodium. Selected polyelectrolyte
      microparticles were compressed into tablets and were compared with commercial
      sustained release product Voveran SR(r). Positive results of the study indicated
      the applicability of PECs in the design of oral controlled release drug delivery
      systems.

PMID- 22087873
TI  - Functional coupling analysis suggests link between the obesity gene FTO and the
      BDNF-NTRK2 signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Fat mass and obesity gene (FTO) has been identified through
      genome wide association studies as an important genetic factor contributing to a
      higher body mass index (BMI). However, the molecular context in which this effect
      is mediated has yet to be determined. We investigated the potential molecular
      network for FTO by analyzing co-expression and protein-protein interaction
      databases, Coxpresdb and IntAct, as well as the functional coupling predicting
      multi-source database, FunCoup. Hypothalamic expression of FTO-linked genes
      defined with this bioinformatics approach was subsequently studied using
      quantitative real time-PCR in mouse feeding models known to affect FTO
      expression. RESULTS: We identified several candidate genes for functional
      coupling to FTO through database studies and selected nine for further study in
      animal models. We observed hypothalamic expression of Profilin 2 (Pfn2), cAMP
      dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (Prkacb), Brain derived
      neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2
      (Ntrk2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), and Btbd12
      to be co-regulated in concert with Fto. Pfn2 and Prkacb have previously not been
      linked to feeding regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression studies validate
      several candidates generated through database studies of possible FTO
      interactors. We speculate about a wider functional role for FTO in the context of
      current and recent findings, such as in extracellular ligand-induced neuronal
      plasticity via NTRK2/BDNF, possibly via interaction with the transcription factor
      CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta).

PMID- 22087875
TI  - A mechanistic study on the amidation of esters mediated by sodium formamide.
AB  - Kinetic and computational studies on the amidation of esters with mixtures of
      formamide and sodium methoxide are described. Rate studies are consistent with a
      fast deprotonation of formamide followed by two reversible acyl transfers
      affected by solvent participation. MP2 calculations suggest that the first acyl
      transfer between the ester and sodium formamide is rate-determining. The
      transition structures leading to the formation and collapse of the first
      tetrahedral intermediate are calculated to be isoenergetic.

PMID- 22087876
TI  - Investigation of the role of hydrophilic chain length in amphiphilic
      perfluoropolyether/poly(ethylene glycol) networks: towards high-performance
      antifouling coatings.
AB  - The facile preparation of amphiphilic network coatings having a hydrophobic
      dimethacryloxy-functionalized perfluoropolyether (PFPE-DMA; M(w) = 1500 g mol(
      1)) crosslinked with hydrophilic monomethacryloxy functionalized poly(ethylene
      glycol) macromonomers (PEG-MA; M(w) = 300, 475, 1100 g mol(-1)), intended as non
      toxic high-performance marine coatings exhibiting antifouling characteristics is
      demonstrated. The PFPE-DMA was found to be miscible with the PEG-MA. Photo-cured
      blends of these materials containing 10 wt% of PEG-MA oligomers did not swell
      significantly in water. PFPE-DMA crosslinked with the highest molecular weight
      PEG oligomer (ie PEG1100) deterred settlement (attachment) of algal cells and
      cypris larvae of barnacles compared to a PFPE control coating. Dynamic mechanical
      analysis of these networks revealed a flexible material. Preferential segregation
      of the PEG segments at the polymer/air interface resulted in enhanced antifouling
      performance. The cured amphiphilic PFPE/PEG films showed decreased advancing and
      receding contact angles with increasing PEG chain length. In particular, the
      PFPE/PEG1100 network had a much lower advancing contact angle than static contact
      angle, suggesting that the PEG1100 segments diffuse to the polymer/water
      interface quickly. The preferential interfacial aggregation of the larger PEG
      segments enables the coating surface to have a substantially enhanced resistance
      to settlement of spores of the green seaweed Ulva, cells of the diatom Navicula
      and cypris larvae of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite as well as low adhesion of
      sporelings (young plants) of Ulva, adhesion being lower than to a polydimethyl
      elastomer, Silastic T2.

PMID- 22087878
TI  - Subwavelength imaging using phase-conjugating nonlinear nanoantenna arrays.
AB  - We investigate the use of nonlinear metasurfaces formed by plasmonic nanoantennas
      loaded with chi(3) nonlinear elements, in order to realize subwavelength imaging
      based on phase conjugation and time reversal. The nanoantennas' plasmonic
      resonance is used to boost the nonlinear response over an ultrathin surface,
      meeting the conditions for efficient phase conjugation necessary for imaging
      applications. Pairing two such surfaces, we put forward a realistic design for a
      time-reversal 'perfect lens', which can overcome the limitations in resolution
      and sensitivity to losses typical of negative-index lenses.

PMID- 22087877
TI  - Hypoxia acts through multiple signaling pathways to induce metallothionein
      transactivation by the metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1).
AB  - Metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is essential for the induction of
      genes encoding metallothionein by metals and hypoxia. Here, we studied the
      mechanism controlling the activation of MTF-1 by hypoxia. Hypoxia activation of
      Mt gene transcription is dependent on the presence of metal regulatory elements
      (MREs) in the promoter of Mt genes. We showed that MREa and MREd are the main
      elements controlling mouse Mt-1 gene induction by hypoxia. Transfection
      experiments in Mtf-1-null cells showed that MTF-1 is essential for induction by
      hypoxia. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that MTF-1 DNA-binding
      activity was strongly enhanced in the presence of zinc but not by hypoxia.
      Notably, hypoxia inducible factor- (HIF) 1alpha was recruited to the Mt-1
      promoter in response to hypoxia but not to zinc. MTF-1 activation was inhibited
      by PKC, JNK, and PI3K inhibitors and by the electron transport chain inhibitors
      rotenone and myxothiazol, but not by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. We showed
      that prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors can activate MTF-1, but this activation
      requires the presence of HIF-1alpha. Finally, HIF-dependent transcription is
      enhanced in the presence of MTF-1 and induction of an MRE promoter is stimulated
      by HIF-1alpha, thus indicating cooperation between these 2 factors. However,
      coimmunoprecipitation experiments did not suggest direct interaction between MTF
      1 and HIF-1alpha.

PMID- 22087879
TI  - Motion of light adatoms and molecules on the surface of few-layer graphene.
AB  - Low-voltage aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is
      applied to investigate the feasibility of continuous electron beam cleaning of
      graphene and monitor the removal of residual species as present on few-layer
      graphene (FLG) surfaces. This combined approach allows us to detect light adatoms
      and evaluate their discontinuous sporadic motional behavior. Furthermore, the
      formation and dynamic behavior of isolated molecules on the FLG surface can be
      captured. The preferential source of adatoms and adsorbed molecules appeared to
      be carbonaceous clusters accumulated from residual solvents on the graphene
      surface. TEM image simulations provide potential detail on the observed molecular
      structures. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm the experimentally observed
      dynamics occurring on the energy scale imposed by the presence of the 80 kV
      electron beam and help elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 22087880
TI  - Customary adolescent sexual practices among the Akha of northern Lao PDR:
      considerations for public health.
AB  - Based on interviews and focus group discussions conducted in northern Laos, this
      study explores Akha understandings of customary first pre-pubertal sex acts, a
      thonh thong ('break through vagina' [BV]) for girls and yaha heu ('open foreskin'
      [OF]) for boys, which are thought to enable the maturing of bodies into
      adulthood. The study also examines the practice of a thor ta yang ('Welcome
      Guest') in which sexually initiated girls have sex with male visitors to Akha
      villages. The study found that many young women experience BV as painful and
      traumatic. However, since all Akha in the study 'knew' that young bodies will not
      mature into attractive, healthy adults if they do not perform BV and OF,
      attitudes were largely positive. Both men and women are at increasing risk of
      STIs, including HIV, since resettlement and an influx of non-Akha into the area.
      We conclude that Akha villagers should be included in the planning of future
      public health strategies that do not violate their cultural commitments and
      dignity but that help them resist potential exploitation and threats to their
      health. Such strategies might include sexual education programs and encouraging
      the delay of BV and OF.

PMID- 22087881
TI  - Gated photochromism in triarylborane-containing dithienylethenes: a new approach
      to a "lock-unlock" system.
AB  - Photochromic inactive dithienylethene derivatives appended with 3- or 5
      dimesitylboryl-2,2'-bithiophene have been synthesized. Upon fluoride ion-binding,
      the photochromic reactivity is "unlocked", displaying a novel gated photochromic
      property.

PMID- 22087882
TI  - Character of devitrification, viewed from enthalpic paths, of the vapor-deposited
      ethylbenzene glasses.
AB  - Enthalpic path and enthalpy-relaxation rates of ethylbenzene glasses prepared by
      vapor deposition at various temperatures, T(D), were examined on heating
      intermittently with a high-precision adiabatic calorimeter. It was confirmed that
      when T(D) is in the range 0.79-0.96T(g), the enthalpies elucidated at their
      preparation temperatures, i.e., T(D), are lower than those of the liquid-cooled
      glass. The fictive temperature T(f) at which the enthalpy path of each glass
      crosses the enthalpy curve expected for the equilibrium supercooled liquid was
      observed to be lowest when T(D) = 0.92T(g) = 105 K. The glasses revealed two
      remarkable characteristics: first, the temperature of the peak in the endothermic
      effect, which corresponds to the temperature T(g,dev) of the steepest
      devitrification, was observed to increase in correlation with the low-enthalpic
      nature of the glasses. Second, the devitrification manner was quite different
      between the glasses with T(D) < 0.92T(g) and T(D) >= 0.92T(g), even if the two
      glasses have the same T(f); the former devitrified gradually and the latter
      relatively sharply.

PMID- 22087883
TI  - Effect of haemolysis and repeated freeze-thawing cycles on wild boar serum
      antibody testing by ELISA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Monitoring wildlife diseases is needed to identify changes in disease
      occurrence. Wildlife blood samples are valuable for this purpose but are often
      gathered haemolysed. To maximise information, sera often go through repeated
      analysis and freeze-thaw cycles. Herein, we used samples of clean and haemolysed
      Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) serum stored at -20 degrees C and thawed up to
      five times to study the effects of both treatments on the outcome of a commercial
      ELISA test for the detection of antibodies against Suid Herpesvirus 1 (ADV).
      RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of antibodies against ADV was 50-53% for clean
      and haemolysed sera. Hence, haemolysis did not reduce the mean observed serum
      antibody prevalence. However, 10 samples changed their classification after
      repeated freeze-thawing. This included 3 (15%) of the clean sera and 7 (41%) of
      the haemolysed sera. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend (1) establishing more restrictive
      cut-off values when testing wildlife sera, (2) recording serum quality prior to
      sample banking, (3) recording the number of freezing-thawing cycles and (4) store
      sera in various aliquots to reduce repeated usage. For instance, sera with more
      than 3 freeze-thaw cycles and a haemolysis of over 3 on a scale of 4 should
      better be discarded for serum antibody monitoring. Even clean (almost not
      haemolysed) sera should not go through more than 5 freeze-thaw cycles.

PMID- 22087885
TI  - A laboratory training model using fresh sheep spines for pedicular screw
      fixation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory training models are essential for developing and refining
      surgical skills prior to clinical application of spinal surgery. A simple
      simulation model is needed for young residents to learn how to handle instruments
      and to perform safe posterior lumbar approaches. Our aim is to present a
      practical laboratory model using a fresh sheep lumbar spine that simulates the
      pedicular screw fixation in spine surgery. METHODS: The material consists of a
      fresh cadaveric spine from a 2-year-old sheep. A two-step approach was designed
      for posterior lumbar approaches including placement of lumbar pedicular screws.
      RESULTS: The model simulates standard posterior lumbar pedicular screw fixation
      of the human spine. CONCLUSIONS: The cadaveric sheep spine represents a useful
      method to accustom trainees of neurosurgery and spine surgery residents and
      simulates posterior lumbar pedicular screw fixation performed in the human spine.

PMID- 22087884
TI  - A framework and a measurement instrument for sustainability of work practices in
      long-term care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In health care, many organizations are working on quality improvement
      and/or innovation of their care practices. Although the effectiveness of
      improvement processes has been studied extensively, little attention has been
      given to sustainability of the changed work practices after implementation. The
      objective of this study is to develop a theoretical framework and measurement
      instrument for sustainability. To this end sustainability is conceptualized with
      two dimensions: routinization and institutionalization. METHODS: The exploratory
      methodological design consisted of three phases: a) framework development; b)
      instrument development; and c) field testing in former improvement teams in a
      quality improvement program for health care (N teams = 63, N individual = 112).
      Data were collected not until at least one year had passed after
      implementation.Underlying constructs and their interrelations were explored using
      Structural Equation Modeling and Principal Component Analyses. Internal
      consistency was computed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A long and a short
      version of the instrument are proposed. RESULTS: The chi2- difference test of the
      -2 Log Likelihood estimates demonstrated that the hierarchical two factor model
      with routinization and institutionalization as separate constructs showed a
      better fit than the one factor model (p < .01). Secondly, construct validity of
      the instrument was strong as indicated by the high factor loadings of the items.
      Finally, the internal consistency of the subscales was good. CONCLUSIONS: The
      theoretical framework offers a valuable starting point for the analysis of
      sustainability on the level of actual changed work practices. Even though the two
      dimensions routinization and institutionalization are related, they are clearly
      distinguishable and each has distinct value in the discussion of sustainability.
      Finally, the subscales conformed to psychometric properties defined in
      literature. The instrument can be used in the evaluation of improvement projects.

PMID- 22087886
TI  - Implementing an exact finite boundary integral equation method for finite rough
      surfaces (L).
AB  - An exact integral equation approach to solving scattering from a finite section
      of roughness in an otherwise infinitely flat surface was described in DeSanto and
      Martin [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 102, 67-77]. In this letter, the details of a
      numerical implementation of this approach are presented for a rough pressure
      release surface. An example comparing the results from this method to those from
      a standard, truncated integral approach is given.

PMID- 22087887
TI  - Measuring static thermal permeability and inertial factor of rigid porous
      materials (L).
AB  - An acoustic method based on sound transmission is proposed for deducing the
      static thermal permeability and the inertial factor of porous materials having a
      rigid frame at low frequencies. The static thermal permeability of porous
      material is a geometrical parameter equal to the inverse trapping constant of the
      solid frame [Lafarge et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 102, 1995 (1997)] and is an
      important characteristic of the porous material. The inertial factor [Norris., J.
      Wave Mat. Interact. 1, 365 (1986)] describes the fluid structure interactions in
      the low frequency range (1-3 kHz). The proposed method is based on a temporal
      model of the direct and inverse scattering problems for the propagation of
      transient audible frequency waves in a homogeneous isotropic slab of porous
      material having a rigid frame. The static thermal permeability and the inertial
      factor are determined from the solution of the inverse problem. The minimization
      between experiment and theory is made in the time domain. Tests are performed
      using industrial plastic foams. Experimental and theoretical data are in good
      agreement. Furthermore, the prospects are discussed. This method has the
      advantage of being simple, rapid, and efficient.

PMID- 22087888
TI  - The influence of actual and imputed talker gender on fricative perception,
      revisited (L).
AB  - To examine the role of perceived gender on fricative identification, a study was
      conducted in which listeners identified /s/-/?/ and /s/-/theta/ continua combined
      with vowels produced by a man and a woman. These were acoustically modified to be
      consistent with different-sized vocal tracts (VT), and were presented with
      pictures of men or women. Listeners identified more tokens of /s/ in the /s/-/?/
      and more tokens of /theta/ in the /s/-/theta/ continuum when these sounds were
      combined with men's vowels, with vowels consistent with a 17 cm VT, and with
      pictures of men. Results support the hypothesis that listeners incorporate
      information about talker gender during fricative perception.

PMID- 22087889
TI  - The effect of temporal asymmetry on amplitude modulation detection using pure
      tone carriers (L).
AB  - The effect of temporal asymmetry on amplitude modulation detection was studied
      using sawtooth modulators with rising (ramped) or falling (damped) temporal
      envelopes within each period of modulation. For pure-tone carriers, damped
      modulation was more detectable than ramped modulation for a 5-kHz carrier (by a
      threshold difference of 3.2 dB on average) but not for a 1-kHz carrier. The
      threshold difference obtained at 5 kHz between the ramped and damped modulators
      was consistent across modulation rates (8-128 Hz). This carrier frequency
      dependence suggests that the effect of temporally asymmetry on modulation
      detection originates from envelope-based, within-channel mechanisms.

PMID- 22087890
TI  - Experimental source characterization techniques for studying the acoustic
      properties of perforates under high level acoustic excitation.
AB  - This paper discusses experimental techniques for obtaining the acoustic
      properties of in-duct samples with non-linear acoustic characteristic. The
      methods developed are intended both for studies of non-linear energy transfer to
      higher harmonics for samples only accessible from one side such as wall treatment
      in aircraft engine ducts or automotive exhaust systems and for samples accessible
      from both sides such as perforates or other top sheets. When harmonic sound waves
      are incident on the sample nonlinear energy transfer results in sound generation
      at higher harmonics at the sample (perforate) surface. The idea is that these
      sources can be characterized using linear system identification techniques
      similar to one-port or two-port techniques which are traditionally used for
      obtaining source data for in-duct sources such as IC-engines or fans. The
      starting point will be so called polyharmonic distortion modeling which is used
      for characterization of nonlinear properties of microwave systems. It will be
      shown how acoustic source data models can be expressed using this theory. Source
      models of different complexity are developed and experimentally tested. The
      results of the experimental tests show that these techniques can give results
      which are useful for understanding non-linear energy transfer to higher
      harmonics.

PMID- 22087891
TI  - Nonlinear progressive wave equation for stratified atmospheres.
AB  - The nonlinear progressive wave equation (NPE) [McDonald and Kuperman, J. Acoust.
      Soc. Am. 81, 1406-1417 (1987)] is expressed in a form to accommodate changes in
      the ambient atmospheric density, pressure, and sound speed as the time-stepping
      computational window moves along a path possibly traversing significant altitude
      differences (in pressure scale heights). The modification is accomplished by the
      addition of a stratification term related to that derived in the 1970s for linear
      range-stepping calculations and later adopted into Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya
      Kuznetsov-type nonlinear models. The modified NPE is shown to preserve acoustic
      energy in a ray tube and yields analytic similarity solutions for vertically
      propagating N waves in isothermal and thermally stratified atmospheres.

PMID- 22087892
TI  - High-accuracy acoustic detection of nonclassical component of material
      nonlinearity.
AB  - The aim is to assess the nonclassical component of material nonlinearity in
      several classes of materials with weak, intermediate, and high nonlinear
      properties. In this contribution, an optimized nonlinear resonant ultrasound
      spectroscopy (NRUS) measuring and data processing protocol applied to small
      samples is described. The protocol is used to overcome the effects of
      environmental condition changes that take place during an experiment, and that
      may mask the intrinsic nonlinearity. External temperature fluctuation is
      identified as a primary source of measurement contamination. For instance, a
      variation of 0.1  degrees C produced a frequency variation of 0.01%, which is
      similar to the expected nonlinear frequency shift for weakly nonlinear materials.
      In order to overcome environmental effects, the reference frequency measurements
      are repeated before each excitation level and then used to compute nonlinear
      parameters. Using this approach, relative resonant frequency shifts of 10(-5) can
      be measured, which is below the limit of 10(-4) often considered as the limit of
      NRUS sensitivity under common experimental conditions. Due to enhanced
      sensitivity resulting from the correction procedure applied in this work,
      nonclassical nonlinearity in materials that before have been assumed to only be
      classically nonlinear in past work (steel, brass, and aluminum) is reported.

PMID- 22087893
TI  - Whistling of an orifice in a reverberating duct at low Mach number.
AB  - An experimental investigation of the parameters controlling the whistling
      frequency and amplitude of an orifice in a confined turbulent flow is undertaken.
      A circular single hole orifice with sharp edges, a hole diameter equal to 0.015 m
      and a thickness equal to 0.005 m, is arranged in an air test rig with an inner
      diameter equal to 0.03 m. The Mach number ranges around 0.02 and the Reynolds
      number around 10(4). Variable reflecting boundary conditions are arranged
      upstream and downstream, and several flow velocities are tested. It is found that
      the Bode-Nyquist criterion accurately predicts the conditions of self-sustained
      oscillation and the value of the whistling frequency. Furthermore, it is found
      that the acoustic velocity in whistling regime varies from 1% to 15% of the
      steady flow velocity, and that it depends on the overall acoustic reflection of
      the surrounding pipe and on the Strouhal number.

PMID- 22087894
TI  - A nonlocal effective operator for coupling forward and backward propagating modes
      in inhomogeneous media.
AB  - In an acoustic waveguide spatial inhomogeneities couple the forward and backward
      propagating modal amplitudes. To address the nature of such coupling the integral
      equation for the range-dependent modal amplitudes is decomposed into components
      that satisfy the asymptotic boundary conditions of the free Green's function
      operator. An equivalent set of equations is obtained by eliminating the
      components that become the asymptotically backward propagating channels to leave
      a set of integral equations that describe only the components that become
      asymptotically the forward propagating channels. The elimination of the
      components that become asymptotically the backward propagating channels is done
      at the expense of introducing a nonlocal effective coupling operator. The
      nonlocal operator contains all the effects of the asymptotically backward
      propagating field on the asymptotically forward propagating field. An expansion
      of the effective coupling operator allows an investigation of the importance of
      the coupling and provides a systematic approach to add correction terms to the
      forward only equation. Idealistic underwater waveguides with various degrees of
      inhomogeneities are used to illustrate the main features of the convergence
      characteristics for the expansion.

PMID- 22087895
TI  - Experimental testing of the variable rotated elastic parabolic equation.
AB  - A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to obtain high-quality data for
      acoustic propagation in shallow water waveguides with sloping elastic bottoms.
      Accurate modeling of transmission loss in these waveguides can be performed with
      the variable rotated parabolic equation method. Results from an earlier
      experiment with a flat or sloped slab of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) demonstrated
      the necessity of accounting for elasticity in the bottom and the ability of the
      model to produce benchmark-quality agreement with experimental data [J. M. Collis
      et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122, 1987-1993 (2007)]. This paper presents results
      of a second experiment, using two PVC slabs joined at an angle to create a
      waveguide with variable bottom slope. Acoustic transmissions over the 100-300 kHz
      band were received on synthetic horizontal arrays for two source positions. The
      PVC slabs were oriented to produce three different simulated waveguides: flat
      bottom followed by downslope, upslope followed by flat bottom, and upslope
      followed by downslope. Parabolic equation solutions for treating variable slopes
      are benchmarked against the data.

PMID- 22087896
TI  - Extension of the angular spectrum method to calculate pressure from a spherically
      curved acoustic source.
AB  - The angular spectrum method is an accurate and computationally efficient method
      for modeling acoustic wave propagation. The use of the typical 2D fast Fourier
      transform algorithm makes this a fast technique but it requires that the source
      pressure (or velocity) be specified on a plane. Here the angular spectrum method
      is extended to calculate pressure from a spherical transducer-as used extensively
      in applications such as magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery-to a
      plane. The approach, called the Ring-Bessel technique, decomposes the curved
      source into circular rings of increasing radii, each ring a different distance
      from the intermediate plane, and calculates the angular spectrum of each ring
      using a Fourier series. Each angular spectrum is then propagated to the
      intermediate plane where all the propagated angular spectra are summed to obtain
      the pressure on the plane; subsequent plane-to-plane propagation can be achieved
      using the traditional angular spectrum method. Since the Ring-Bessel calculations
      are carried out in the frequency domain, it reduces calculation times by a factor
      of approximately 24 compared to the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld method and about 82
      compared to the Field II technique, while maintaining accuracies of better than
      96% as judged by those methods for cases of both solid and phased-array
      transducers.

PMID- 22087897
TI  - Evidence of the harmonic Faraday instability in ultrasonic atomization
      experiments with a deep, inviscid fluid.
AB  - A popular method for generating micron-sized aerosols is to submerge ultrasonic
      (omega~MHz) piezoelectric oscillators in a water bath. The submerged oscillator
      atomizes the fluid, creating droplets with radii proportional to the wavelength
      of the standing wave at the fluid surface. Classical theory for the Faraday
      instability predicts a parametric instability driving a capillary wave at the
      subharmonic (omega/2) frequency. For many applications it is desirable to reduce
      the size of the droplets; however, using higher frequency oscillators becomes
      impractical beyond a few MHz. Observations are presented that demonstrate that
      smaller droplets may also be created by increasing the driving amplitude of the
      oscillator, and that this effect becomes more pronounced for large driving
      frequencies. It is shown that these observations are consistent with a transition
      from droplets associated with subharmonic (omega/2) capillary waves to harmonic
      (omega) capillary waves induced by larger driving frequencies and amplitudes, as
      predicted by a stability analysis of the capillary waves.

PMID- 22087898
TI  - Forced vibrations of a bubble in a liquid-filled elastic vessel.
AB  - There is increasing demand for accurate characterization of the in vivo behavior
      of microbubble agents used for ultrasound imaging and therapy. This study
      examines bubble-vessel interaction, in particular the propagation of disturbances
      along the vessel wall. Finite element simulations of a 3 MUm radius microbubble
      suspended in a viscous liquid and enclosed in a 4 MUm radius elastic vessel were
      performed, and the results compared with existing analytical results for wave
      propagation in elastic liquid-filled tubes. The vessel wall was shown to have a
      significant effect upon the amplitude of bubble oscillation and hence acoustic
      radiation from it, as well as distension of the vessel wall. It was found that
      the most important factor was the ratio of the excitation frequency to the
      natural "ring" frequency of the vessel which in turn depends upon its dimensions
      and mechanical properties. As this ratio increases, the motion of the vessel wall
      becomes increasingly localized to the site of the bubble. It was also shown that
      the validity of the results obtained using the applied model of vessel elasticity
      is limited to frequencies below the ring frequency, and this should be taken into
      account in the development of protocols for ultrasound safety and/or therapeutic
      procedures.

PMID- 22087899
TI  - Study of acoustic field modulation in the regenerator by double loudspeakers
      method.
AB  - A model to modulate acoustic field in a regenerator of a thermoacoustic system by
      the double loudspeakers method is presented in this paper. The equations are
      derived for acoustic field modulation. They represent the relations among
      acoustic field (complex pressure p(0), complex velocity u(0), and acoustic
      impedance Z(0)), driving parameters of loudspeakers (voltage amplitude and its
      phase difference), and operating parameters involved in a matrix H (frequency,
      temperature of regenerator). The range of acoustic field is adjustable and
      limited by the maximal driving voltages of loudspeakers according to driving
      parameters. The range is simulated and analyzed in the amplitude-phase and
      complex coordinate planes for a given or variable H. The simulated results
      indicate that the range has its intrinsic characteristics. The expected acoustic
      field in a regenerator can be obtained feasibly by the modulation.

PMID- 22087900
TI  - Two-dimensional virtual array for ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation using a
      time-reversal chaotic cavity.
AB  - Despite its introduction more than a decade ago, a two-dimensional ultrasonic
      array remains a luxury in nondestructive evaluation because of the complexity and
      cost associated with its fabrication and operation. This paper describes the
      construction and performance of a two-dimensional virtual array that solves these
      problems. The virtual array consists of only two transducers (one each for
      transmit and receive) and an aluminum chaotic cavity, augmented by a 10  *  10
      matrix array of rectangular rods. Each rod, serving as an elastic waveguide, is
      calibrated to emit a collimated pulsed sound beam centered at 2.5 MHz using the
      reciprocal time reversal. The resulting virtual array is capable of pulse-echo
      interrogation of a solid sample in direct contact along 10  *  10 scan lines.
      Three-dimensional imaging of an aluminum test piece, the nominal thickness of
      which is in the order of 1 cm, is successfully carried out using the virtual
      array.

PMID- 22087901
TI  - Theoretical and experimental study of the nonlinear resonance vibration of
      cementitious materials with an application to damage characterization.
AB  - This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study of the nonlinear
      flexural vibration of a cement-based material with distributed microcracks caused
      by an important deterioration mechanism, alkali-silica reaction (ASR). The
      general equation of motion is derived for the flexural vibration of a slender
      beam with the nonlinear hysteretic constitutive relationship for consolidated
      materials, and then an approximate formula for excitation-dependent resonance
      frequency is obtained. A downward shift of the resonance frequency is related to
      the nonlinearity parameters defined in the constitutive relationship. Vibration
      experiments are conducted on standard mortar bar samples undergoing progressive
      ASR damage. The absolute nonlinearity parameters are determined from these
      experimental results using the theoretical solution in order to investigate their
      dependence on the damage state of the material. With the progress of the ASR
      damage, the absolute value of the hysteresis nonlinearity parameter increases by
      as much as six times from the intact (undamaged) state in the sample with highly
      reactive aggregate; this is in contrast to a change of about 16% in the linear
      resonance frequency. It is demonstrated that the combined theoretical and
      experimental approach developed in this research can be used to quantitatively
      characterize ASR damage in mortar samples and other cement-based materials.

PMID- 22087902
TI  - Band structures of phononic-crystal plates in the form of a sandwich-layered
      structure.
AB  - This study investigates the propagation of Lamb waves in phononic-crystal plates
      in the form of a sandwich-layered structure. The composite plates are composed of
      periodic layers bilaterally deposited on both sides of the homogeneous core
      layer. Using the analyses of the band structures and the transmission spectra, it
      is revealed that the core layer may induce significant modulations to the lower
      order Lamb modes. The modulations are ascribed to the reshaped particle
      displacement fields of the eigenmodes. Prominently, the core layer made of soft
      material (rubber) combines the identical eigenmodes of the periodic layers into a
      pair of asymmetric and symmetric modes in which case the periodic layers vibrate
      independently. However, the core layer made of hard material (tungsten) or medium
      hardness material (silicon) couples the periodic layers tightly, in which case
      the composites vibrate as a whole. In addition, it is found that the phononic
      band gaps are very sensitive to the thickness of the core layer; this could be
      indispensable to practical applications such as bandgap tuning.

PMID- 22087903
TI  - Matryoshka locally resonant sonic crystal.
AB  - The results of numerical modeling of sonic crystals with resonant array elements
      are reported. The investigated resonant elements include plain slotted cylinders
      as well as their various combinations, in particular, Russian doll or Matryoshka
      configurations. The acoustic band structure and transmission characteristics of
      such systems have been computed with the use of finite element methods. The
      general concept of a locally resonant sonic crystal is proposed that utilizes
      acoustic resonances to form additional band gaps that are decoupled from Bragg
      gaps. An existence of a separate attenuation mechanism associated with the
      resonant elements that increases performance in the lower frequency regime has
      been identified. The results show a formation of broad band gaps positioned
      significantly below the first Bragg frequency. For low frequency broadband
      attenuation, a most optimal configuration is the Matryoshka sonic crystal, where
      each scattering unit is composed of multiple concentric slotted cylinders. This
      system forms numerous gaps in the lower frequency regime, below Bragg bands,
      while maintaining a reduced crystal size viable for noise barrier technology. The
      finding opens alternative perspectives for the construction of sound barriers in
      the low frequency range usually inaccessible by traditional means including
      conventional sonic crystals.

PMID- 22087904
TI  - MP3 player listening sound pressure levels among 10 to 17 year old students.
AB  - Using a manikin, equivalent free-field sound pressure level measurements were
      made from the portable digital audio players of 219 subjects, aged 10 to 17 years
      (93 males) at their typical and "worst-case" volume levels. Measurements were
      made in different classrooms with background sound pressure levels between 40 and
      52 dBA. After correction for the transfer function of the ear, the median
      equivalent free field sound pressure levels and interquartile ranges (IQR) at
      typical and worst-case volume settings were 68 dBA (IQR = 15) and 76 dBA (IQR =
      19), respectively. Self-reported mean daily use ranged from 0.014 to 12 h. When
      typical sound pressure levels were considered in combination with the average
      daily duration of use, the median noise exposure level, Lex, was 56 dBA (IQR =
      18) and 3.2% of subjects were estimated to exceed the most protective
      occupational noise exposure level limit in Canada, i.e., 85 dBA Lex. Under worst
      case listening conditions, 77.6% of the sample was estimated to listen to their
      device at combinations of sound pressure levels and average daily durations for
      which there is no known risk of permanent noise-induced hearing loss, i.e., <= 
      75 dBA Lex. Sources and magnitudes of measurement uncertainties are also
      discussed.

PMID- 22087905
TI  - Acoustical properties of double porosity granular materials.
AB  - Granular materials have been conventionally used for acoustic treatment due to
      their sound absorptive and sound insulating properties. An emerging field is the
      study of the acoustical properties of multiscale porous materials. An example of
      these is a granular material in which the particles are porous. In this paper,
      analytical and hybrid analytical-numerical models describing the acoustical
      properties of these materials are introduced. Image processing techniques have
      been employed to estimate characteristic dimensions of the materials. The model
      predictions are compared with measurements on expanded perlite and activated
      carbon showing satisfactory agreement. It is concluded that a double porosity
      granular material exhibits greater low-frequency sound absorption at reduced
      weight compared to a solid-grain granular material with similar mesoscopic
      characteristics.

PMID- 22087906
TI  - Temporal-envelope constancy of speech in rooms and the perceptual weighting of
      frequency bands.
AB  - Three experiments measured constancy in speech perception, using natural-speech
      messages or noise-band vocoder versions of them. The eight vocoder-bands had
      equally log-spaced center-frequencies and the shapes of corresponding "auditory"
      filters. Consequently, the bands had the temporal envelopes that arise in these
      auditory filters when the speech is played. The "sir" or "stir" test-words were
      distinguished by degrees of amplitude modulation, and played in the context;
      "next you'll get _ to click on." Listeners identified test-words appropriately,
      even in the vocoder conditions where the speech had a "noise-like" quality.
      Constancy was assessed by comparing the identification of test-words with low or
      high levels of room reflections across conditions where the context had either a
      low or a high level of reflections. Constancy was obtained with both the natural
      and the vocoded speech, indicating that the effect arises through temporal
      envelope processing. Two further experiments assessed perceptual weighting of the
      different bands, both in the test word and in the context. The resulting
      weighting functions both increase monotonically with frequency, following the
      spectral characteristics of the test-word's [s]. It is suggested that these two
      weighting functions are similar because they both come about through the
      perceptual grouping of the test-word's bands.

PMID- 22087907
TI  - Focusing of longitudinal ultrasonic waves in air with an aperiodic flat lens.
AB  - Modeling and experimental results of an ultrasonic aperiodic flat lens for use in
      air are presented. Predictive modeling of the lens is performed using a hybrid
      genetic-greedy algorithm constrained to a linear structure. The optimized design
      parameters are used to fabricate a lens. A method combining a fiber-disk
      arrangement and scanning laser vibrometer measurements is developed to
      characterize the acoustic field distribution generated by the lens. The focal
      spot size is determined to be 0.88 of the incident wavelength of 80-90 kHz at a
      distance of 2.5 mm from the lens. Theoretically computed field distributions,
      optimized frequency of operation, and spatial resolution focal length are
      compared with experimental measurements. The differences between experimental
      measurements and the theoretical computations are analyzed. The theoretical
      calculation of the focal spot diameter is 1.7 mm which is 48% of the experimental
      measurement at a frequency of 80-90 kHz. This work illustrates the capabilities
      of a hybrid algorithm approach to design of flat acoustic lenses to operate in
      air with a resolution of greater than the incident wavelength and the challenges
      of characterizing acoustic field distribution in air.

PMID- 22087908
TI  - Optimum array design to maximize Fisher information for bearing estimation.
AB  - Source bearing estimation is a common application of linear sensor arrays. The
      Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) sets a lower bound on the achievable mean square error
      (MSE) of any unbiased bearing estimate. In the spatially white noise case, the
      CRB is minimized by placing half of the sensors at each end of the array.
      However, many realistic ocean environments have a mixture of both white noise and
      spatially correlated noise. In shallow water environments, the correlated ambient
      noise can be modeled as cylindrically isotropic. This research designs a fixed
      aperture linear array to maximize the bearing Fisher information (FI) under these
      noise conditions. The FI is the inverse of the CRB, so maximizing the FI
      minimizes the CRB. The elements of the optimum array are located closer to the
      array ends than uniform spacing, but are not as extreme as in the white noise
      case. The optimum array results from a trade off between maximizing the array
      bearing sensitivity and minimizing output noise power variation over the bearing.
      Depending on the source bearing, the resulting improvement in MSE performance of
      the optimized array over a uniform array is equivalent to a gain of 2-5 dB in
      input signal-to-noise ratio.

PMID- 22087909
TI  - Wave field synthesis of moving virtual sound sources with complex radiation
      properties.
AB  - An approach to the synthesis of moving virtual sound sources with complex
      radiation properties in wave field synthesis is presented. The approach exploits
      the fact that any stationary sound source of finite spatial extent radiates
      spherical waves at sufficient distance. The angular dependency of the radiation
      properties of the source under consideration is reflected by the amplitude and
      phase distribution on the spherical wave fronts. The sound field emitted by a
      uniformly moving monopole source is derived and the far-field radiation
      properties of the complex virtual source under consideration are incorporated in
      order to derive a closed-form expression for the loudspeaker driving signal. The
      results are illustrated via numerical simulations of the synthesis of the sound
      field of a sample moving complex virtual source.

PMID- 22087910
TI  - Enhancement of interaural level differences improves sound localization in
      bimodal hearing.
AB  - Users of a cochlear implant together with a contralateral hearing aid-so-called
      bimodal listeners-have difficulties with localizing sound sources. This is mainly
      due to the distortion of interaural time and level difference cues (ITD and ILD),
      and limited ITD sensitivity. An algorithm is presented that enhances ILD cues.
      Horizontal plane sound-source localization performance of six bimodal listeners
      was evaluated in (1) a real sound field with their clinical devices, (2) in a
      virtual sound field, under direct computer control, and (3) in a virtual sound
      field with ILD enhancement. The results in the real sound field did not differ
      significantly from the results in the virtual field, and ILD enhancement improved
      localization performance by 4 degrees -10 degrees  absolute error, relative to a
      mean absolute error of 28 degrees  in the condition without ILD enhancement.

PMID- 22087911
TI  - Characterization of the perceived sound of trauma-induced tinnitus in gerbils.
AB  - Tinnitus often develops following inner ear pathologies, like acoustic trauma.
      Therefore, an acoustic trauma model of tinnitus in gerbils was established using
      a modulated acoustic startle response. Cochlear trauma evoked by exposure to
      narrow-band noise at 10 kHz was assessed by auditory brainstem responses (ABR)
      and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Threshold shift amounted to
      about 25 dB at frequencies > 10 kHz. Induction of a phantom-noise perception was
      documented by an acoustic startle response paradigm. A reduction of the gap
      prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle (GPIAS) was taken as evidence for
      tinnitus at the behavioral level. Three to five weeks after trauma the ABR and
      DPOAE thresholds were back to normal. At that time, a reduction of GPIAS in the
      frequency range 16-20 kHz indicated a phantom noise perception. Seven weeks post
      trauma the tinnitus-affected frequency range became narrow and shifted to the
      center-trauma frequency at 10 kHz. Taken together, by investigating frequency
      dependent effects in detail, this study in gerbils found trauma-evoked tinnitus
      developing in the frequency range bordering the low frequency slope of the
      induced noise trauma. This supports the theory of lateral inhibition as the
      physiological basis of tinnitus.

PMID- 22087912
TI  - Behavioral estimates of basilar-membrane compression: additivity of forward
      masking in noise-masked normal-hearing listeners.
AB  - Cochlear hearing loss is often associated with a loss of basilar-membrane (BM)
      compression, which in turn may contribute to degraded processing of
      suprathreshold stimuli. Behavioral estimates of compression may therefore be
      useful as long as they are valid over a wide range of levels and frequencies.
      Additivity of forward masking (AFM) may provide such a measure, but research to
      date lacks normative data from normal-hearing (NH) listeners at high sound
      levels, which is necessary to evaluate data from hearing-impaired (HI) listeners.
      The present study measured AFM in six NH listeners for signal frequencies of 500,
      1500, and 4000 Hz in the presence of background noise, designed to elevate signal
      thresholds to levels similar to those experienced by HI listeners. Results
      consistent with compressive BM responses were found for all six listeners at 500
      Hz, five listeners at 1500 Hz, but only two listeners at 4000 Hz. Further
      measurements in the absence of background noise also indicated a lack of
      consistent compression at 4000 Hz at higher signal levels, in contrast to earlier
      results collected at lower levels. A better understanding of this issue will be
      required before AFM can be used as a general behavioral estimate of BM
      compression.

PMID- 22087913
TI  - A neurocognitive model of recognition and pitch segregation.
AB  - This paper describes a neurocognitive model of pitch segregation in which it is
      proposed that recognition mechanisms initiate early in auditory processing
      pathways so that long-term memory templates may be employed to segregate and
      integrate auditory features. In this model neural representations of pitch height
      are primed by the location and pattern of excitation across auditory filter
      channels in relation to long-term memory templates for common stimuli. Since
      waveform driven pitch mechanisms may produce information at multiple frequencies
      for tonal stimuli, pitch priming was assumed to include competitive inhibition
      that would allow only one pitch estimation at any time. Consequently concurrent
      pitch information must be relayed to short-term memory via a parallel mechanism
      that employs pitch information contained in the long-term memory template of the
      chord. Pure tones, harmonic complexes and two pitch chords of harmonic complexes
      were correctly classified by the correlation of templates comprising auditory
      nerve excitation and off-frequency inhibition with the excitation patterns of
      stimuli. The model then replicated behavioral data for pitch matching of
      concurrent vowels. Comparison of model outputs to the behavioral data suggests
      that inability to recognize a stimulus was associated with poor pitch segregation
      due to the use of inappropriate pitch priming strategies.

PMID- 22087914
TI  - Voice segregation by difference in fundamental frequency: evidence for harmonic
      cancellation.
AB  - Two experiments investigated listeners' ability to use a difference of two
      semitones in fundamental frequency (F0) to segregate a target voice from harmonic
      complex tones, with speech-like spectral profiles. Masker partials were in random
      phase (experiment 1) or in sine phase (experiment 2) and stimuli were presented
      over headphones. Target's and masker's harmonicity were each distorted by F0
      modulation and reverberation. The F0 of each source was manipulated (monotonized
      or modulated by 2 semitones at 5 Hz) factorially. In addition, all sources were
      presented from the same location in a virtual room with controlled reverberation,
      assigned factorially to each source. In both experiments, speech reception
      thresholds increased by about 2 dB when the F0 of the masker was modulated and
      increased by about 6 dB when, in addition to F0 modulation, the masker was
      reverberant. Masker partial phases did not influence the results. The results
      suggest that F0-segregation relies upon the masker's harmonicity, which is
      disrupted by rapid modulation. This effect is compounded by reverberation. In
      addition, F0-segregation was found to be independent of the depth of masker
      envelope modulations.

PMID- 22087915
TI  - Effects of the selective disruption of within- and across-channel cues to
      comodulation masking release.
AB  - In many experiments on comodulation masking release (CMR), both across- and
      within-channel cues may be available. This makes it difficult to determine the
      mechanisms underlying CMR. The present study compared CMR in a flanking-band (FB)
      paradigm for a situation in which only across-channel cues were likely to be
      available [FBs placed distally from the on-frequency band (OFB)] and a situation
      where both across- and within-channel cues might have been available (proximally
      spaced FBs, for which larger CMRs have previously been observed). The use of
      across-channel cues was selectively disrupted using a manipulation of auditory
      grouping factors, following Dau et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2182-2188(2009)]
      and the use of within-channel cues was selectively disrupted using a manipulation
      called "OFB reversal," following Goldman et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 3181
      3193 (2011)]. The auditory grouping manipulation eliminated CMR for the distal-FB
      configuration and reduced CMR for the proximal-FB configuration. This may
      indicate that across-channel cues are available for proximal FB placement. CMR
      for the proximal-FB configuration persisted when both manipulations were used
      together, which suggests that OFB reversal does not entirely eliminate within
      channel cues.

PMID- 22087916
TI  - The importance for speech intelligibility of random fluctuations in "steady"
      background noise.
AB  - Spectrally shaped steady noise is commonly used as a masker of speech. The
      effects of inherent random fluctuations in amplitude of such a noise are
      typically ignored. Here, the importance of these random fluctuations was assessed
      by comparing two cases. For one, speech was mixed with steady speech-shaped noise
      and N-channel tone vocoded, a process referred to as signal-domain mixing (SDM);
      this preserved the random fluctuations of the noise. For the second, the envelope
      of speech alone was extracted for each vocoder channel and a constant was added
      corresponding to the root-mean-square value of the noise envelope for that
      channel. This is referred to as envelope-domain mixing (EDM); it removed the
      random fluctuations of the noise. Sinusoidally modulated noise and a single
      talker were also used as backgrounds, with both SDM and EDM. Speech
      intelligibility was measured for N = 12, 19, and 30, with the target-to
      background ratio fixed at -7 dB. For SDM, performance was best for the speech
      background and worst for the steady noise. For EDM, this pattern was reversed.
      Intelligibility with steady noise was consistently very poor for SDM, but near
      ceiling for EDM, demonstrating that the random fluctuations in steady noise have
      a large effect.

PMID- 22087917
TI  - Discrimination of the spectral density of multitone complexes.
AB  - Spectral density (D), defined as the number of partials comprising a sound
      divided by its bandwidth, has been suggested as cue for the identification of the
      size and shape of sound sources. Few data are available, however, on the ability
      of listeners to discriminate differences in spectral density. In a cue
      comparison, forced-choice procedure with feedback, three highly practiced
      listeners discriminated differences in the spectral density of multitone
      complexes varying in bandwidth (W = 500-1500 Hz), center frequency (f(c) = 500
      2000 Hz), and number of tones (N = 6-31). To reduce extraneous cues for
      discrimination, the overall level of the complexes was roved, and the frequencies
      were drawn at random uniformly over a fixed bandwidth and center frequency for
      each presentation. Psychometric functions were obtained relating percent correct
      discrimination to DeltaD in each condition. For D < 0.02 Hz(-1), the steepness of
      the functions remained constant across conditions, but for D > 0.02 Hz(-1), they
      increased with D. The increase, moreover, was accompanied by a reduction in the
      upper asymptote of the functions. The data were well fit by a model in which
      spectral density discrimination is determined by the frequency separation of
      components on an equivalent rectangular bandwidth scale, yielding a roughly
      constant Weber fraction of DeltaD/D = 0.3.

PMID- 22087918
TI  - The effect of hearing loss on the resolution of partials and fundamental
      frequency discrimination.
AB  - The relationship between the ability to hear out partials in complex tones,
      discrimination of the fundamental frequency (F0) of complex tones, and frequency
      selectivity was examined for subjects with mild-to-moderate cochlear hearing
      loss. The ability to hear out partials was measured using a two-interval task.
      Each interval included a sinusoid followed by a complex tone; one complex
      contained a partial with the same frequency as the sinusoid, whereas in the other
      complex that partial was missing. Subjects had to indicate the interval in which
      the partial was present in the complex. The components in the complex were
      uniformly spaced on the ERB(N)-number scale. Performance was generally good for
      the two "edge" partials, but poorer for the inner partials. Performance for the
      latter improved with increasing spacing. F0 discrimination was measured for a
      bandpass-filtered complex tone containing low harmonics. The equivalent
      rectangular bandwidth (ERB) of the auditory filter was estimated using the
      notched-noise method for center frequencies of 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz. Significant
      correlations were found between the ability to hear out inner partials, F0
      discrimination, and the ERB. The results support the idea that F0 discrimination
      of tones with low harmonics depends on the ability to resolve the harmonics.

PMID- 22087919
TI  - The Timbre Toolbox: extracting audio descriptors from musical signals.
AB  - The analysis of musical signals to extract audio descriptors that can potentially
      characterize their timbre has been disparate and often too focused on a
      particular small set of sounds. The Timbre Toolbox provides a comprehensive set
      of descriptors that can be useful in perceptual research, as well as in music
      information retrieval and machine-learning approaches to content-based retrieval
      in large sound databases. Sound events are first analyzed in terms of various
      input representations (short-term Fourier transform, harmonic sinusoidal
      components, an auditory model based on the equivalent rectangular bandwidth
      concept, the energy envelope). A large number of audio descriptors are then
      derived from each of these representations to capture temporal, spectral,
      spectrotemporal, and energetic properties of the sound events. Some descriptors
      are global, providing a single value for the whole sound event, whereas others
      are time-varying. Robust descriptive statistics are used to characterize the time
      varying descriptors. To examine the information redundancy across audio
      descriptors, correlational analysis followed by hierarchical clustering is
      performed. This analysis suggests ten classes of relatively independent audio
      descriptors, showing that the Timbre Toolbox is a multidimensional instrument for
      the measurement of the acoustical structure of complex sound signals.

PMID- 22087920
TI  - Effects of inducer continuity on auditory stream segregation: comparison of
      physical and perceived continuity in different contexts.
AB  - The factors influencing the stream segregation of discrete tones and the
      perceived continuity of discrete tones as continuing through an interrupting
      masker are well understood as separate phenomena. Two experiments tested whether
      perceived continuity can influence the build-up of stream segregation by
      manipulating the perception of continuity during an induction sequence and
      measuring streaming in a subsequent test sequence comprising three triplets of
      low and high frequency tones (LHL-[ellipsis (horizontal)]). For experiment 1, a
      1.2-s standard induction sequence comprising six 100-ms L-tones strongly promoted
      segregation, whereas a single extended L-inducer (1.1 s plus 100-ms silence) did
      not. Segregation was similar to that following the single extended inducer when
      perceived continuity was evoked by inserting noise bursts between the individual
      tones. Reported segregation increased when the noise level was reduced such that
      perceived continuity no longer occurred. Experiment 2 presented a 1.3-s
      continuous inducer created by bridging the 100-ms silence between an extended L
      inducer and the first test-sequence tone. This configuration strongly promoted
      segregation. Segregation was also increased by filling the silence after the
      extended inducer with noise, such that it was perceived like a bridging inducer.
      Like physical continuity, perceived continuity can promote or reduce test
      sequence streaming, depending on stimulus context.

PMID- 22087922
TI  - Binaural interference in bilateral cochlear-implant listeners.
AB  - This work was aimed at determining whether binaural interference occurs in
      electric hearing, and if so, whether it occurs as a consequence of perceptual
      grouping (central explanation) or if it is related to the spread of excitation in
      the cochlea (peripheral explanation). Six bilateral cochlear-implant listeners
      completed a series of experiments in which they judged the lateral position of a
      target pulse train, lateralized via interaural time or level differences, in the
      presence of an interfering diotic pulse train. The target and interferer were
      presented at widely separated electrode pairs (one basal and one apical). The
      results are broadly similar to those reported for acoustic hearing. All listeners
      but one showed significant binaural interference in at least one of the stimulus
      conditions. In all cases of interference, a robust recovery was observed when the
      interferer was presented as part of an ongoing stream of identical pulse trains,
      suggesting that the interference was at least partly centrally mediated. Overall,
      the results suggest that both simultaneous and sequential grouping mechanisms
      operate in electric hearing, at least for stimuli with a wide tonotopic
      separation.

PMID- 22087921
TI  - Level-dependent changes in detection of temporal gaps in noise markers by adults
      with normal and impaired hearing.
AB  - Compression in the basilar-membrane input-output response flattens the temporal
      envelope of a fluctuating signal when more gain is applied to lower level than
      higher level temporal components. As a result, level-dependent changes in gap
      detection for signals with different depths of envelope fluctuation and for
      subjects with normal and impaired hearing may reveal effects of compression. To
      test these assumptions, gap detection with and without a broadband noise was
      measured with 1, 000-Hz-wide (flatter) and 50-Hz-wide (fluctuating) noise markers
      as a function of marker level. As marker level increased, background level also
      increased, maintaining a fixed acoustic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to minimize
      sensation-level effects on gap detection. Significant level-dependent changes in
      gap detection were observed, consistent with effects of cochlear compression. For
      the flatter marker, gap detection that declines with increases in level up to mid
      levels and improves with further increases in level may be explained by an
      effective flattening of the temporal envelope at mid levels, where compression
      effects are expected to be strongest. A flatter effective temporal envelope
      corresponds to a reduced effective SNR. The effects of a reduction in compression
      (resulting in larger effective SNRs) may contribute to better-than-normal gap
      detection observed for some hearing-impaired listeners.

PMID- 22087923
TI  - Combined spectral and temporal enhancement to improve cochlear-implant speech
      perception.
AB  - The present study examined the effect of combined spectral and temporal
      enhancement on speech recognition by cochlear-implant (CI) users in quiet and in
      noise. The spectral enhancement was achieved by expanding the short-term Fourier
      amplitudes in the input signal. Additionally, a variation of the Transient
      Emphasis Spectral Maxima (TESM) strategy was applied to enhance the short
      duration consonant cues that are otherwise suppressed when processed with
      spectral expansion. Nine CI users were tested on phoneme recognition tasks and
      ten CI users were tested on sentence recognition tasks both in quiet and in
      steady, speech-spectrum-shaped noise. Vowel and consonant recognition in noise
      were significantly improved with spectral expansion combined with TESM. Sentence
      recognition improved with both spectral expansion and spectral expansion combined
      with TESM. The amount of improvement varied with individual CI users. Overall the
      present results suggest that customized processing is needed to optimize
      performance according to not only individual users but also listening conditions.

PMID- 22087924
TI  - Phonation threshold pressure and onset frequency in a two-layer physical model of
      the vocal folds.
AB  - The influence of vocal fold geometry and stiffness on phonation onset was
      experimentally investigated using a body-cover physical model of the vocal folds.
      Results showed that a lower phonation threshold pressure and phonation onset
      frequency can be achieved by reducing body-layer or cover-layer stiffness,
      reducing medial surface thickness, or increasing cover-layer depth. Increasing
      body-layer stiffness also restricted vocal fold motion to the cover layer and
      reduced prephonatory glottal opening. Excitation of anterior-posterior modes was
      also observed, particularly for large values of the body-cover stiffness ratio.
      The results of this study were also discussed in relation to previous theoretical
      and experimental studies.

PMID- 22087925
TI  - Segmentation of expiratory and inspiratory sounds in baby cry audio recordings
      using hidden Markov models.
AB  - The paper describes an application of machine learning techniques to identify
      expiratory and inspiration phases from the audio recording of human baby cries.
      Crying episodes were recorded from 14 infants, spanning four vocalization
      contexts in their first 12 months of age; recordings from three individuals were
      annotated manually to identify expiratory and inspiratory sounds and used as
      training examples to segment automatically the recordings of the other 11
      individuals. The proposed algorithm uses a hidden Markov model architecture, in
      which state likelihoods are estimated either with Gaussian mixture models or by
      converting the classification decisions of a support vector machine. The
      algorithm yields up to 95% classification precision (86% average), and its
      ability generalizes over different babies, different ages, and vocalization
      contexts. The technique offers an opportunity to quantify expiration duration,
      count the crying rate, and other time-related characteristics of baby crying for
      screening, diagnosis, and research purposes over large populations of infants.

PMID- 22087926
TI  - A cross-language study of compensation in response to real-time formant
      perturbation.
AB  - Past studies have shown that when formants are perturbed in real time, speakers
      spontaneously compensate for the perturbation by changing their formant
      frequencies in the opposite direction to the perturbation. Further, the pattern
      of these results suggests that the processing of auditory feedback error operates
      at a purely acoustic level. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the response
      of three language groups to real-time formant perturbations, (1) native English
      speakers producing an English vowel /epsilon/, (2) native Japanese speakers
      producing a Japanese vowel (/e([inverted perpendicular])/), and (3) native
      Japanese speakers learning English, producing /epsilon/. All three groups showed
      similar production patterns when F1 was decreased; however, when F1 was
      increased, the Japanese groups did not compensate as much as the native English
      speakers. Due to this asymmetry, the hypothesis that the compensatory production
      for formant perturbation operates at a purely acoustic level was rejected.
      Rather, some level of phonological processing influences the feedback processing
      behavior.

PMID- 22087927
TI  - The interpretation of speech reception threshold data in normal-hearing and
      hearing-impaired listeners: steady-state noise.
AB  - Speech-in-noise-measurements are important in clinical practice and have been the
      subject of research for a long time. The results of these measurements are often
      described in terms of the speech reception threshold (SRT) and SNR loss. Using
      the basic concepts that underlie several models of speech recognition in steady
      state noise, the present study shows that these measures are ill-defined, most
      importantly because the slope of the speech recognition functions for hearing
      impaired listeners always decreases with hearing loss. This slope can be
      determined from the slope of the normal-hearing speech recognition function when
      the SRT for the hearing-impaired listener is known. The SII-function (i.e., the
      speech intelligibility index (SII) against SNR) is important and provides
      insights into many potential pitfalls when interpreting SRT data. Standardized
      SNR loss, sSNR loss, is introduced as a universal measure of hearing loss for
      speech in steady-state noise. Experimental data demonstrates that, unlike the SRT
      or SNR loss, sSNR loss is invariant to the target point chosen, the scoring
      method or the type of speech material.

PMID- 22087928
TI  - Prediction of the influence of reverberation on binaural speech intelligibility
      in noise and in quiet.
AB  - Reverberation usually degrades speech intelligibility for spatially separated
      speech and noise sources since spatial unmasking is reduced and late reflections
      decrease the fidelity of the received speech signal. The latter effect could not
      satisfactorily be predicted by a recently presented binaural speech
      intelligibility model [Beutelmann et al. (2010). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127, 2479
      2497]. This study therefore evaluated three extensions of the model to improve
      its predictions: (1) an extension of the speech intelligibility index based on
      modulation transfer functions, (2) a correction factor based on the room
      acoustical quantity "definition," and (3) a separation of the speech signal into
      useful and detrimental parts. The predictions were compared to results of two
      experiments in which speech reception thresholds were measured in a reverberant
      room in quiet and in the presence of a noise source for listeners with normal
      hearing. All extensions yielded better predictions than the original model when
      the influence of reverberation was strong, while predictions were similar for
      conditions with less reverberation. Although model (3) differed substantially in
      the assumed interaction of binaural processing and early reflections, its
      predictions were very similar to model (2) that achieved the best fit to the
      data.

PMID- 22087929
TI  - An evaluation of objective measures for intelligibility prediction of time
      frequency weighted noisy speech.
AB  - Existing objective speech-intelligibility measures are suitable for several types
      of degradation, however, it turns out that they are less appropriate in cases
      where noisy speech is processed by a time-frequency weighting. To this end, an
      extensive evaluation is presented of objective measure for intelligibility
      prediction of noisy speech processed with a technique called ideal time frequency
      (TF) segregation. In total 17 measures are evaluated, including four advanced
      speech-intelligibility measures (CSII, CSTI, NSEC, DAU), the advanced speech
      quality measure (PESQ), and several frame-based measures (e.g., SSNR).
      Furthermore, several additional measures are proposed. The study comprised a
      total number of 168 different TF-weightings, including unprocessed noisy speech.
      Out of all measures, the proposed frame-based measure MCC gave the best results
      (rho = 0.93). An additional experiment shows that the good performing measures in
      this study also show high correlation with the intelligibility of single-channel
      noise reduced speech.

PMID- 22087931
TI  - Linking multiple relaxation, power-law attenuation, and fractional wave
      equations.
AB  - The acoustic wave attenuation is described by an experimentally established
      frequency power law in a variety of complex media, e.g., biological tissue,
      polymers, rocks, and rubber. Recent papers present a variety of acoustical
      fractional derivative wave equations that have the ability to model power-law
      attenuation. On the other hand, a multiple relaxation model is widely recognized
      as a physically based description of the acoustic loss mechanisms as developed by
      Nachman et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 88, 1584-1595 (1990)]. Through assumption of
      a continuum of relaxation mechanisms, each with an effective compressibility
      described by a distribution related to the Mittag-Leffler function, this paper
      shows that the wave equation corresponding to the multiple relaxation approach is
      identical to a given fractional derivative wave equation. This work therefore
      provides a physically based motivation for use of fractional wave equations in
      acoustic modeling.

PMID- 22087930
TI  - The effects of selective consonant amplification on sentence recognition in noise
      by hearing-impaired listeners.
AB  - Weak consonants (e.g., stops) are more susceptible to noise than vowels, owing
      partially to their lower intensity. This raises the question whether hearing
      impaired (HI) listeners are able to perceive (and utilize effectively) the high
      frequency cues present in consonants. To answer this question, HI listeners were
      presented with clean (noise absent) weak consonants in otherwise noise-corrupted
      sentences. Results indicated that HI listeners received significant benefit in
      intelligibility (4 dB decrease in speech reception threshold) when they had
      access to clean consonant information. At extremely low signal-to-noise ratio
      (SNR) levels, however, HI listeners received only 64% of the benefit obtained by
      normal-hearing listeners. This lack of equitable benefit was investigated in
      Experiment 2 by testing the hypothesis that the high-frequency cues present in
      consonants were not audible to HI listeners. This was tested by selectively
      amplifying the noisy consonants while leaving the noisy sonorant sounds (e.g.,
      vowels) unaltered. Listening tests indicated small (~10%), but statistically
      significant, improvements in intelligibility at low SNR conditions when the
      consonants were amplified in the high-frequency region. Selective consonant
      amplification provided reliable low-frequency acoustic landmarks that in turn
      facilitated a better lexical segmentation of the speech stream and contributed to
      the small improvement in intelligibility.

PMID- 22087932
TI  - Quantifying seismic survey reverberation off the Alaskan North Slope.
AB  - Shallow-water airgun survey activities off the North Slope of Alaska generate
      impulsive sounds that are the focus of much regulatory attention. Reverberation
      from repetitive airgun shots, however, can also increase background noise levels,
      which can decrease the detection range of nearby passive acoustic monitoring
      (PAM) systems. Typical acoustic metrics for impulsive signals provide no
      quantitative information about reverberation or its relative effect on the
      ambient acoustic environment. Here, two conservative metrics are defined for
      quantifying reverberation: a minimum level metric measures reverberation levels
      that exist between airgun pulse arrivals, while a reverberation metric estimates
      the relative magnitude of reverberation vs expected ambient levels in the
      hypothetical absence of airgun activity, using satellite-measured wind data. The
      metrics are applied to acoustic data measured by autonomous recorders in the
      Alaskan Beaufort Sea in 2008 and demonstrate how seismic surveys can increase the
      background noise over natural ambient levels by 30-45 dB within 1 km of the
      activity, by 10-25 dB within 15 km of the activity, and by a few dB at 128 km
      range. These results suggest that shallow-water reverberation would reduce the
      performance of nearby PAM systems when monitoring for marine mammals within a few
      kilometers of shallow-water seismic surveys.

PMID- 22087933
TI  - The mechanism of interaction between focused ultrasound and microbubbles in blood
      brain barrier opening in mice.
AB  - The activation of bubbles by an acoustic field has been shown to temporarily open
      the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but the trigger cause responsible for the
      physiological effects involved in the process of BBB opening remains unknown.
      Here, the trigger cause (i.e., physical mechanism) of the focused ultrasound
      induced BBB opening with monodispersed microbubbles is identified. Sixty-seven
      mice were injected intravenously with bubbles of 1-2, 4-5, or 6-8 MUm in diameter
      and the concentration of 10(7) numbers/ml. The right hippocampus of each mouse
      was then sonicated using focused ultrasound (1.5 MHz frequency, 100 cycles pulse
      length, 10 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 1 min duration). Peak-rarefactional
      pressures of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, or 0.60 MPa were applied to identify the threshold
      of BBB opening and inertial cavitation (IC). Our results suggest that the BBB
      opens with nonlinear bubble oscillation when the bubble diameter is similar to
      the capillary diameter and with inertial cavitation when it is not. The bubble
      may thus have to be in contact with the capillary wall to induce BBB opening
      without IC. BBB opening was shown capable of being induced safely with nonlinear
      bubble oscillation at the pressure threshold and its volume was highly dependent
      on both the acoustic pressure and bubble diameter.

PMID- 22087934
TI  - Low frequency narrow-band calls in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus):
      signal properties, function, and conservation implications.
AB  - Dolphins routinely use sound for social purposes, foraging and navigating. These
      sounds are most commonly classified as whistles (tonal, frequency modulated,
      typical frequencies 5-10 kHz) or clicks (impulsed and mostly ultrasonic).
      However, some low frequency sounds have been documented in several species of
      dolphins. Low frequency sounds produced by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
      truncatus) were recorded in three locations along the Gulf of Mexico. Sounds were
      characterized as being tonal with low peak frequencies (mean = 990 Hz), short
      duration (mean = 0.069 s), highly harmonic, and being produced in trains. Sound
      duration, peak frequency and number of sounds in trains were not significantly
      different between Mississippi and the two West Florida sites, however, the time
      interval between sounds within trains in West Florida was significantly shorter
      than in Mississippi (t = -3.001, p = 0.011). The sounds were significantly
      correlated with groups engaging in social activity (F=8.323, p=0.005). The peak
      frequencies of these sounds were below what is normally thought of as the range
      of good hearing in bottlenose dolphins, and are likely subject to masking by boat
      noise.

PMID- 22087935
TI  - Characteristics of biosonar signals from the northern bottlenose whale,
      Hyperoodon ampullatus.
AB  - The biosonar pulses from free-ranging northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon
      ampullatus) were recorded with a linear hydrophone array. Signals fulfilling
      criteria for being recorded close to the acoustic axis of the animal (a total of
      10 clicks) had a frequency upsweep from 20 to 55 kHz and durations of 207 to 377
      MUs (measured as the time interval containing 95% of the signal energy). The
      source level of these signals, denoted pulses, was 175-202 dB re 1 MUPa rms at 1
      m. The pulses had a directionality index of at least 18 dB. Interpulse intervals
      ranged from 73 to 949 ms (N = 856). Signals of higher repetition rates had
      interclick intervals of 5.8-13.1 ms (two sequences, made up of 59 and 410 clicks,
      respectively). These signals, denoted clicks, had a shorter duration (43-200 MUs)
      and did not have the frequency upsweep characterizing the pulses of low
      repetition rates. The data show that the northern bottlenose whale emits signals
      similar to three other species of beaked whale. These signals are distinct from
      the three other types of biosonar signals of toothed whales. It remains unclear
      why the signals show this grouping, and what consequences it has on echolocation
      performance.

PMID- 22087936
TI  - Similarities in echolocation strategy and click characteristics between a
      Pseudorca crassidens and a Tursiops truncatus.
AB  - A previous comparative analysis of normalized click amplitude spectra from a
      Tursiops truncatus has shown that those frequencies with the lowest click-to
      click variability in spectral content were the frequencies the animal paid
      attention to during target discrimination tasks. In that case, the dolphin only
      paid attention to the frequency range between 29-42 kHz which had a significantly
      higher degree of consistency in spectral content than frequencies above 42 kHz.
      Here it is shown that despite their morphological and behavioral differences,
      this same pattern of consistency was used by a Pseudorca crassidens performing a
      similar discrimination task. This comparison between species provides a
      foundation for using spectral level variability to determine the frequencies most
      important for echolocation in rare species and non-captive animals. Such results
      provide key information for successful management.

PMID- 22087937
TI  - Source level reduction and sonar beam aiming in landing big brown bats (Eptesicus
      fuscus).
AB  - Reduction of echolocation call source levels in bats has previously been studied
      using set-ups with one microphone. By using a 16 microphone array, sound pressure
      level (SPL) variations, possibly caused by the scanning movements of the bat, can
      be excluded and the sonar beam aiming can be studied. During the last two meters
      of approach flights to a landing platform in a large flight room, five big brown
      bats aimed sonar beams at the landing site and reduced the source level on
      average by 7 dB per halving of distance. Considerable variation was found among
      the five individuals in the amount of source level reduction ranging from 4 to 9
      dB per halving of distance. These results are discussed with respect to automatic
      gain control and intensity compensation and the combination of the two effects.
      It is argued that the two effects together do not lead to a stable echo level at
      the cochlea. This excludes a tightly coupled closed loop feed back control system
      as an explanation for the observed reduction of signal SPL in landing big brown
      bats.

PMID- 22087938
TI  - Effects of noise levels and call types on the source levels of killer whale
      calls.
AB  - Accurate parameter estimates relevant to the vocal behavior of marine mammals are
      needed to assess potential effects of anthropogenic sound exposure including how
      masking noise reduces the active space of sounds used for communication.
      Information about how these animals modify their vocal behavior in response to
      noise exposure is also needed for such assessment. Prior studies have reported
      variations in the source levels of killer whale sounds, and a more recent study
      reported that killer whales compensate for vessel masking noise by increasing
      their call amplitude. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the
      source levels of a variety of call types in southern resident killer whales while
      also considering background noise level as a likely factor related to call source
      level variability. The source levels of 763 discrete calls along with
      corresponding background noise were measured over three summer field seasons in
      the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands, WA. Both noise level and call type
      were significant factors on call source levels (1-40 kHz band, range of 135.0
      175.7 dB(rms) re 1 [micro sign]Pa at 1 m). These factors should be considered in
      models that predict how anthropogenic masking noise reduces vocal communication
      space in marine mammals.

PMID- 22087939
TI  - A re-evaluation of auditory filter shape in delphinid odontocetes: evidence of
      constant-bandwidth filters.
AB  - The auditory filter shape of delphinid odontocetes was previously considered to
      be typically mammalian constant-quality in which filter bandwidths increase
      proportionally with frequency. Recent studies with porpoises demonstrate constant
      bandwidth portions of the auditory filter. The critical ratios for a bottlenose
      dolphin were measured between 40 and 120  kHz by behaviorally determining the
      subject's ability to detect pure tones in the presence of white noise. Critical
      ratios as a function of frequency were constant, indicating the auditory filter
      acts as a constant-bandwidth system in this frequency range. Re-analysis of past
      studies supports these findings, and suggests the delphinid auditory system is
      best characterized as a constant-Q system below 40  kHz and a constant-bandwidth
      like system between 40  kHz and 120  kHz before returning to a constant Q pattern
      at the highest frequencies.

PMID- 22087940
TI  - Effects of auditory recognition learning on the perception of vocal features in
      European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).
AB  - Learning to recognize complex sensory signals can change the way they are
      perceived. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) recognize other starlings by
      their song, which consists of a series of complex, stereotyped motifs. Song
      recognition learning is accompanied by plasticity in secondary auditory areas,
      suggesting that perceptual learning is involved. Here, to investigate whether
      perceptual learning can be observed behaviorally, a same-different operant task
      was used to measure how starlings perceived small differences in motif structure.
      Birds trained to recognize conspecific songs were better at detecting variations
      in motifs from the songs they learned, even though this variation was not
      directly necessary to learn the associative task. Discrimination also improved as
      the reference stimulus was repeated multiple times. Perception of the much larger
      differences between different motifs was unaffected by training. These results
      indicate that sensory representations of motifs are enhanced when starlings learn
      to recognize songs.

PMID- 22087941
TI  - Subjective loudness level measurements and equal loudness contours in a
      bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).
AB  - Loudness level measurements in human listeners are straightforward; however, it
      is difficult to convey the concepts of loudness matching or loudness comparison
      to (non-human) animals. For this reason, prior studies have relied upon objective
      measurements, such as response latency, to estimate equal loudness contours in
      animals. In this study, a bottlenose dolphin was trained to perform a loudness
      comparison test, where the listener indicates which of two sequential tones is
      louder. To enable reward of the dolphin, most trials featured tones with
      identical or similar frequencies, but relatively large sound pressure level
      differences, so that the loudness relationship was known. A relatively small
      percentage of trials were "probe" trials, with tone pairs whose loudness
      relationship was not known. Responses to the probe trials were used to construct
      psychometric functions describing the loudness relationship between a tone at a
      particular frequency and sound pressure level and that of a reference tone at 10
      kHz with a sound pressure level of 90, 105, or 115 dB re 1 MUPa. The loudness
      relationships were then used to construct equal loudness contours and auditory
      weighting functions that can be used to predict the frequency-dependent effects
      of noise on odontocetes.

PMID- 22087942
TI  - Excitation threshold for subharmonic generation from contrast microbubbles.
AB  - Six models of contrast microbubbles are investigated to determine the excitation
      threshold for subharmonic generation. The models are applied to a commercial
      contrast agent; its characteristic parameters according to each model are
      determined using experimentally measured ultrasound attenuation. In contrast to
      the classical perturbative result, the minimum threshold for subharmonic
      generation is not always predicted at excitation with twice the resonance
      frequency; instead it occurs over a range of frequencies from resonance to twice
      the resonance frequency. The quantitative variation of the threshold with
      frequency depends on the model and the bubble radius. All models are transformed
      into a common interfacial rheological form, where the encapsulation is
      represented by two radius dependent surface properties-effective surface tension
      and surface dilatational viscosity. Variation of the effective surface tension
      with radius, specifically having an upper limit (resulting from strain softening
      or rupture of the encapsulation during expansion), plays a critical role. Without
      the upper limit, the predicted threshold is extremely large, especially near the
      resonance frequency. Having a lower limit on surface tension (e.g., zero surface
      tension in the buckled state) increases the threshold value at twice the
      resonance frequency, in some cases shifting the minimum threshold toward
      resonance.

PMID- 22087943
TI  - Comparison of fundamental, second harmonic, and superharmonic imaging: a
      simulation study.
AB  - In medical ultrasound, fundamental imaging (FI) uses the reflected echoes from
      the same spectral band as that of the emitted pulse. The transmission frequency
      determines the trade-off between penetration depth and spatial resolution. Tissue
      harmonic imaging (THI) employs the second harmonic of the emitted frequency band
      to construct images. Recently, superharmonic imaging (SHI) has been introduced,
      which uses the third to the fifth (super) harmonics. The harmonic level is
      determined by two competing phenomena: nonlinear propagation and frequency
      dependent attenuation. Thus, the transmission frequency yielding the optimal
      trade-off between the spatial resolution and the penetration depth differs for
      THI and SHI. This paper quantitatively compares the concepts of fundamental,
      second harmonic, and superharmonic echocardiography at their optimal transmission
      frequencies. Forward propagation is modeled using a 3D-KZK implementation and the
      iterative nonlinear contrast source (INCS) method. Backpropagation is assumed to
      be linear. Results show that the fundamental lateral beamwidth is the narrowest
      at focus, while the superharmonic one is narrower outside the focus. The lateral
      superharmonic roll-off exceeds the fundamental and second harmonic roll-off.
      Also, the axial resolution of SHI exceeds that of FI and THI. The far-field pulse
      echo superharmonic pressure is lower than that of the fundamental and second
      harmonic. SHI appears suited for echocardiography and is expected to improve its
      image quality at the cost of a slight reduction in depth-of-field.

PMID- 22087991
TI  - Bubbles. Foreword.

PMID- 22087992
TI  - Review of scattering and extinction cross-sections, damping factors, and
      resonance frequencies of a spherical gas bubble.
AB  - Perhaps the most familiar concepts when discussing acoustic scattering by bubbles
      are the resonance frequency for bubble pulsation, the bubbles' damping, and their
      scattering and extinction cross-sections, all of which are used routinely in
      oceanography, sonochemistry, and biomedicine. The apparent simplicity of these
      concepts is illusory: there exist multiple, sometimes contradictory definitions
      for their components. This paper reviews expressions and definitions in the
      literature for acoustical cross-sections, resonance frequencies, and damping
      factors of a spherically pulsating gas bubble in an infinite liquid medium,
      deriving two expressions for "resonance frequency" that are compared and
      reconciled with two others from the reviewed literature. In order to prevent
      errors, care is needed by researchers when combining results from different
      publications that might have used internally correct but mutually inconsistent
      definitions. Expressions are presented for acoustical cross-sections associated
      with forced pulsations damped by liquid shear and (oft-neglected) bulk or
      dilatational viscosities, gas thermal diffusivity, and acoustic re-radiation. The
      concept of a dimensionless "damping coefficient" is unsuitable for radiation
      damping because different cross-sections would require different functional forms
      for this parameter. Instead, terms based on the ratio of bubble radius to
      acoustic wavelength are included explicitly in the cross-sections where needed.

PMID- 22087993
TI  - The acoustic emissions of cavitation bubbles in stretched vortices.
AB  - Pairs of unequal strength, counter-rotating vortices were produced in order to
      examine the inception, dynamics, and acoustic emission of cavitation bubbles in
      rapidly stretching vortices. The acoustic signatures of these cavitation bubbles
      were characterized during their inception, growth, and collapse. Growing and
      collapsing bubbles often produced a sharp, broadband, pop sound. The spectrum of
      these bubbles, and the peak resonant frequency can generally be related to
      quiescent flow bubble dynamics and corresponding resonant frequencies. However,
      some elongated cavitation bubbles produced a short tonal burst, or chirp, with
      frequencies on the order of a few kilohertz. Theses frequencies are too low to be
      related to resonant frequencies of a bubble in a quiescent flow. Instead, the
      frequency content of the acoustic signal during bubble inception and growth is
      related to the volumetric oscillations of the bubble while it interacted with
      vortical flow that surrounds the bubble (i.e., the resonant frequency of the
      vortex-bubble system). A relationship was determined between the observed peak
      frequency of the oscillations, the highly stretched vortex properties, and the
      water nuclei content. It was found that different cavitation spectra could relate
      to different flow and fluid properties and therefore would not scale in the same
      manner.

PMID- 22087994
TI  - Regimes of bubble volume oscillations in a pipe.
AB  - The effect of an acoustically driven bubble on the acoustics of a liquid-filled
      pipe is theoretically analyzed and the dimensionless groups of the problem are
      identified. The different regimes of bubble volume oscillations are predicted
      theoretically with these dimensionless groups. Three main regimes can be
      identified: (1) For small bubbles and weak driving, the effect of the bubble
      oscillations on the acoustic field can be neglected. (2) For larger bubbles and
      still small driving, the bubble affects the acoustic field, but due to the small
      driving, a linear theory is sufficient. (3) For large bubbles and large driving,
      the two-way coupling between the bubble and the flow dynamics requires the
      solution of the full nonlinear problem. The developed theory is then applied to
      an air bubble in a channel of an inkjet printhead. A numerical model is developed
      to test the predictions of the theoretical analysis. The Rayleigh-Plesset
      equation is extended to include the influence of the bubble volume oscillations
      on the acoustic field and vice versa. This modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation is
      coupled to a channel acoustics calculation and a Navier-Stokes solver for the
      flow in the nozzle. The numerical simulations indeed confirm the predictions of
      the theoretical analysis.

PMID- 22087995
TI  - Effect of static pressure on acoustic energy radiated by cavitation bubbles in
      viscous liquids under ultrasound.
AB  - The effect of static pressure on acoustic emissions including shock-wave
      emissions from cavitation bubbles in viscous liquids under ultrasound has been
      studied by numerical simulations in order to investigate the effect of static
      pressure on dispersion of nano-particles in liquids by ultrasound. The results of
      the numerical simulations for bubbles of 5 MUm in equilibrium radius at 20 kHz
      have indicated that the optimal static pressure which maximizes the energy of
      acoustic waves radiated by a bubble per acoustic cycle increases as the acoustic
      pressure amplitude increases or the viscosity of the solution decreases. It
      qualitatively agrees with the experimental results by Sauter et al. [Ultrason.
      Sonochem. 15, 517 (2008)]. In liquids with relatively high viscosity (~200 mPa
      s), a bubble collapses more violently than in pure water when the acoustic
      pressure amplitude is relatively large (~20 bar). In a mixture of bubbles of
      different equilibrium radius (3 and 5 MUm), the acoustic energy radiated by a 5
      MUm bubble is much larger than that by a 3 MUm bubble due to the interaction with
      bubbles of different equilibrium radius. The acoustic energy radiated by a 5 MUm
      bubble is substantially increased by the interaction with 3 MUm bubbles.

PMID- 22087996
TI  - Validation of an approximate model for the thermal behavior in acoustically
      driven bubbles.
AB  - The chemical production of radicals inside acoustically driven bubbles is
      determined by the local temperature inside the bubbles. Therefore, modeling of
      chemical reaction rates in bubbles requires an accurate evaluation of the
      temperature field and the heat exchange with the liquid. The aim of the present
      work is to compare a detailed partial differential equation model in which the
      temperature field is spatially resolved with an ordinary differential equation
      model in which the bubble contents are assumed to have a uniform average
      temperature and the heat exchanges are modeled by means of a boundary layer
      approximation. The two models show good agreement in the range of pressure
      amplitudes in which the bubble is spherically stable.

PMID- 22087997
TI  - Modeling cavitation nucleation from laser-illuminated nanoparticles subjected to
      acoustic stress.
AB  - In an earlier work by Farny et al. [ARLO 6, 138-143 (2005).] it was demonstrated
      that the acoustic cavitation threshold in a tissue mimicking gel phantom can be
      lowered from 4.5 to ~1 MPa by "seeding" the optically transparent phantom with
      light absorptive gold nanoparticles and irradiating these absorbers with
      nanosecond pulses of laser light at intensities less than 10 mJ/cm(2). As a
      follow-up study, a three-stage numerical model was developed to account for
      prenucleation heating, the nucleation and formation of the vapor cavity, and the
      resulting vapor bubble dynamics. Through examination of the radius-time evolution
      of the cavity, the combined thresholds for laser radiant exposure and acoustic
      peak pressure required to induce inertial cavitation are deduced. It is found
      that the threshold pressure decreases when laser exposure increases; but the rate
      depends on exposure levels and the size of the particle. Investigations of the
      roles of particle size and laser pulse length are performed and optimum choices
      for these parameters determined in order to obtain inertial cavitation at the
      lowest possible acoustic pressure and laser intensity.

PMID- 22087998
TI  - A fractional Fourier transform analysis of a bubble excited by an ultrasonic
      chirp.
AB  - The fractional Fourier transform is proposed here as a model based, signal
      processing technique for determining the size of a bubble in a fluid. The bubble
      is insonified with an ultrasonic chirp and the radiated pressure field is
      recorded. This experimental bubble response is then compared with a series of
      theoretical model responses to identify the most accurate match between
      experiment and theory which allows the correct bubble size to be identified. The
      fractional Fourier transform is used to produce a more detailed description of
      each response, and two-dimensional cross correlation is then employed to identify
      the similarities between the experimental response and each theoretical response.
      In this paper the experimental bubble response is simulated by adding various
      levels of noise to the theoretical model output. The method is compared to the
      standard technique of using time-domain cross correlation. The proposed method is
      shown to be far more robust at correctly sizing the bubble and can cope with much
      lower signal to noise ratios.

PMID- 22087999
TI  - Combined optical and acoustical detection of single microbubble dynamics.
AB  - A detailed understanding of the response of single microbubbles subjected to
      ultrasound is fundamental to a full understanding of the contrast-enhancing
      abilities of microbubbles in medical ultrasound imaging, in targeted molecular
      imaging with ultrasound, and in ultrasound-mediated drug delivery with
      microbubbles. Here, single microbubbles are isolated and their ultrasound-induced
      radial dynamics recorded with an ultra-high-speed camera at up to 25 million
      frames per second. The sound emission is recorded simultaneously with a
      calibrated single element transducer. It is shown that the sound emission can be
      predicted directly from the optically recorded radial dynamics, and vice versa,
      that the nanometer-scale radial dynamics can be predicted from the acoustic
      response recorded in the far field.

PMID- 22088000
TI  - Ambient acceleration dependence of single-bubble sonoluminescence.
AB  - Much of the research performed to study SBSL deals with the influence of external
      parameters (e.g., the host water temperature, the ambient pressure, the type and
      amount of dissolved gas in the liquid, to name a few) on the bubble dynamics and
      light emission. In the current paper, work carried out to study the influence of
      another external parameter-ambient acceleration-is described. The experiments
      described here were performed on the NASA KC-135 which provided both periods of
      reduced gravity (10(-3) g) and increased gravity (1.8 g) by flying repeated
      parabolic maneuvers. The resulting measurements are compared with the predictions
      of a numerical model and can be understood in the context of the changing
      hydrostatic head pressure and buoyant force acting on the bubble.

PMID- 22088001
TI  - Quantitative observations of cavitation activity in a viscoelastic medium.
AB  - Quantitative experimental observations of single-bubble cavitation in
      viscoelastic media that would enable validation of existing models are presently
      lacking. In the present work, single bubble cavitation is induced in an agar gel
      using a 1.15 MHz high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, and observed using
      a focused single-element passive cavitation detection (PCD) transducer. To enable
      quantitative observations, a full receive calibration is carried out of a
      spherically focused PCD system by a bistatic scattering substitution technique
      that uses an embedded spherical scatterer and a hydrophone. Adjusting the
      simulated pressure received by the PCD by the transfer function on receive and
      the frequency-dependent attenuation of agar gel enables direct comparison of the
      measured acoustic emissions with those predicted by numerical modeling of single
      bubble cavitation using a modified Keller-Miksis approach that accounts for
      viscoelasticity of the surrounding medium. At an incident peak rarefactional
      pressure near the cavitation threshold, period multiplying is observed in both
      experiment and numerical model. By comparing the two sets of results, an estimate
      of the equilibrium bubble radius in the experimental observations can be made,
      with potential for extension to material parameter estimation. Use of these
      estimates yields good agreement between model and experiment.

PMID- 22088002
TI  - Investigation of noninertial cavitation produced by an ultrasonic horn.
AB  - This paper reports on noninertial cavitation that occurs beyond the zone close to
      the horn tip to which the inertial cavitation is confined. The noninertial
      cavitation is characterized by collating the data from a range of measurements of
      bubbles trapped on a solid surface in this noninertial zone. Specifically, the
      electrochemical measurement of mass transfer to an electrode is compared with
      high-speed video of the bubble oscillation. This gas bubble is shown to be a
      "noninertial" event by electrochemical surface erosion measurements and "ring
      down" experiments showing the activity and motion of the bubble as the sound
      excitation was terminated. These measurements enable characterization of the
      complex environment produced below an operating ultrasonic horn outside of the
      region where inertial collapse can be detected. The extent to which solid
      boundaries in the liquid cause the frequencies and shapes of oscillatory modes on
      the bubble wall to differ from their free field values is discussed.

PMID- 22088003
TI  - Measuring and modeling the bubble population produced by an underwater explosion.
AB  - Underwater explosions have been studied intensively in the United States since
      1941 [e.g., R. H. Cole, Underwater Explosions (Princeton University Press,
      Princeton, NJ, 1945), pp. 3-13]. Research to date has primarily focused on the
      initial shock and subsequent pressure waves caused by the oscillations of the
      "gas-globe" resulting from charge detonation. These phenomena have relatively
      short timescales (typically less than 2 s). However, after the gas-globe rises
      through the water column and breaks the surface, there remains behind a cloud of
      bubbles and perhaps debris from the explosion container which has been markedly
      less studied. A recent experiment measured the spatial and temporal acoustic
      response of the bubble cloud resulting from a 13.6 kg PBXN-111 charge detonated
      at 15.2 m (50 ft) depth. A directional projector was used to propagate linear
      frequency-modulated (5-65 kHz) and 40 kHz tonal pulses through the bubble cloud.
      Two hydrophone arrays were positioned so as to measure the energy lost in
      propagating through the bubble cloud. Three methods have been utilized to invert
      measurements and estimate the bubble population. The bubble population estimates
      have been used to develop a model for the bubble population resulting from an
      underwater explosion.

PMID- 22088004
TI  - Suppressing shape instabilities to discover the Bjerknes force instability (L).
AB  - For sufficiently strong acoustic forcing in a standing wave field, subresonant
      size bubbles are predicted to be repelled from the pressure antinode. Single
      bubble sonoluminescence (SBSL) conditions in water do not allow the observation
      of this instability. This study investigates the possibility that increasing the
      viscosity of the host liquid can preferentially suppress shape instabilities of a
      bubble and allow SBSL experiments to be limited by the Bjerknes force
      instability.

PMID- 22088005
TI  - Sound propagation in water containing large tethered spherical encapsulated gas
      bubbles with resonance frequencies in the 50 Hz to 100 Hz range.
AB  - The efficacy of large tethered encapsulated gas bubbles for the mitigation of low
      frequency underwater noise was investigated with an acoustic resonator technique.
      Tethered latex balloons were used as the bubbles, which had radii of
      approximately 5 cm. Phase speeds were inferred from the resonances of a water and
      balloon-filled waveguide approximately 1.8 m in length. The Commander and
      Prosperetti effective-medium model [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 85, 732-746 (1989)]
      quantitatively described the observed dispersion from well below to just below
      the individual bubble resonance frequency, and it qualitatively predicted the
      frequency range of high attenuation for void fractions between 2% and 5% for
      collections of stationary balloons within the waveguide. A finite-element model
      was used to investigate the sensitivity of the waveguide resonance frequencies,
      and hence the inferred phase speeds, to changes in individual bubble size and
      position. The results indicate that large tethered encapsulated bubbles could be
      used mitigate low frequency underwater noise and that the Commander and
      Prosperetti model would be useful in the design of such a system.

PMID- 22088006
TI  - The inertial terms in equations of motion for bubbles in tubular vessels or
      between plates.
AB  - Equations resembling the Rayleigh-Plesset and Keller-Miksis equations are
      frequently used to model bubble dynamics in confined spaces, using the standard
      inertial term RR+3R([middle dot]) (2)/2, where R is the bubble radius. This
      practice has been widely assumed to be defensible if the bubble is much smaller
      than the radius of the confining vessel. This paper questions this assumption,
      and provides a simple rigid wall model for worst-case quantification of the
      effect on the inertial term of the specific confinement geometry. The relevance
      to a range of scenarios (including bubbles confined in microfluidic devices; or
      contained in test chambers for insonification or imaging; or in blood vessels) is
      discussed.

PMID- 22088007
TI  - Dynamics of tandem bubble interaction in a microfluidic channel.
AB  - The dynamics of tandem bubble interaction in a microfluidic channel (800  *  21
      MUm, W * H) have been investigated using high-speed photography, with resultant
      fluid motion characterized by particle imaging velocimetry. A single or tandem
      bubble is produced reliably via laser absorption by micron-sized gold dots (6 MUm
      in diameter with 40 MUm in separation distance) coated on a glass surface of the
      microfluidic channel. Using two pulsed Nd:YAG lasers at lambda = 1064 nm and ~10
      MUJ/pulse, the dynamics of tandem bubble interaction (individual maximum bubble
      diameter of 50 MUm with a corresponding collapse time of 5.7 MUs) are examined at
      different phase delays. In close proximity (i.e., interbubble distance = 40 MUm
      or gamma = 0.8), the tandem bubbles interact strongly with each other, leading to
      asymmetric deformation of the bubble walls and jet formation, as well as the
      production of two pairs of vortices in the surrounding fluid rotating in opposite
      directions. The direction and speed of the jet (up to 95 m/s), as well as the
      orientation and strength of the vortices can be varied by adjusting the phase
      delay.

PMID- 22088009
TI  - Model for the dynamics of two interacting axisymmetric spherical bubbles
      undergoing small shape oscillations.
AB  - Interaction between acoustically driven or laser-generated bubbles causes the
      bubble surfaces to deform. Dynamical equations describing the motion of two
      translating, nominally spherical bubbles undergoing small shape oscillations in a
      viscous liquid are derived using Lagrangian mechanics. Deformation of the bubble
      surfaces is taken into account by including quadrupole and octupole perturbations
      in the spherical-harmonic expansion of the boundary conditions on the bubbles.
      Quadratic terms in the quadrupole and octupole amplitudes are retained, and
      surface tension and shear viscosity are included in a consistent manner. A set of
      eight coupled second-order ordinary differential equations is obtained.
      Simulation results, obtained by numerical integration of the model equations,
      exhibit qualitative agreement with experimental observations by predicting the
      formation of liquid jets. Simulations also suggest that bubble-bubble
      interactions act to enhance surface mode instability.

PMID- 22088008
TI  - Natural frequencies of two bubbles in a compliant tube: analytical, simulation,
      and experimental results.
AB  - Motivated by various clinical applications of ultrasound contrast agents within
      blood vessels, the natural frequencies of two bubbles in a compliant tube are
      studied analytically, numerically, and experimentally. A lumped parameter model
      for a five degree of freedom system was developed, accounting for the compliance
      of the tube and coupled response of the two bubbles. The results were compared to
      those produced by two different simulation methods: (1) an axisymmetric coupled
      boundary element and finite element code previously used to investigate the
      response of a single bubble in a compliant tube and (2) finite element models
      developed in comsol Multiphysics. For the simplified case of two bubbles in a
      rigid tube, the lumped parameter model predicts two frequencies for in- and out
      of-phase oscillations, in good agreement with both numerical simulation and
      experimental results. For two bubbles in a compliant tube, the lumped parameter
      model predicts four nonzero frequencies, each asymptotically converging to
      expected values in the rigid and compliant limits of the tube material.

PMID- 22088010
TI  - Bubble dynamics in a standing sound field: the bubble habitat.
AB  - Bubble dynamics is investigated numerically with special emphasis on the static
      pressure and the positional stability of the bubble in a standing sound field.
      The bubble habitat, made up of not dissolving, positionally and spherically
      stable bubbles, is calculated in the parameter space of the bubble radius at rest
      and sound pressure amplitude for different sound field frequencies, static
      pressures, and gas concentrations of the liquid. The bubble habitat grows with
      static pressure and shrinks with sound field frequency. The range of
      diffusionally stable bubble oscillations, found at positive slopes of the habitat
      diffusion border, can be increased substantially with static pressure.

PMID- 22088011
TI  - Multiple observations of cavitation cluster dynamics close to an ultrasonic horn
      tip.
AB  - Bubble dynamics in water close to the tip of an ultrasonic horn (~23 kHz, 3 mm
      diameter) have been studied using electrochemistry, luminescence, acoustics,
      light scattering, and high-speed imaging. It is found that, under the conditions
      employed, a large bubble cluster (~1.5 mm radius) exists at the tip of the horn.
      This cluster collapses periodically every three to four cycles of the fundamental
      frequency of the horn. Following the collapse of the cluster, a short-lived cloud
      of small bubbles (each tens of microns in diameter) was observed in the solution.
      Large amplitude pressure emissions are also recorded, which correlate temporally
      with the cluster collapse. Bursts of surface erosion (measured in real time using
      an electrochemical technique) and multibubble sonoluminescence emission both also
      occur at a subharmonic of the fundamental frequency of the horn and are
      temporally correlated with the bubble cluster collapse and the associated
      pressure wave emission.

PMID- 22088012
TI  - Optical nucleation of bubble clouds in a high pressure spherical resonator.
AB  - An experimental setup for nucleating clouds of bubbles in a high-pressure
      spherical resonator is described. Using nanosecond laser pulses and multiple
      phase gratings, bubble clouds are optically nucleated in an acoustic field.
      Dynamics of the clouds are captured using a high-speed CCD camera. The images
      reveal cloud nucleation, growth, and collapse and the resulting emission of
      radially expanding shockwaves. These shockwaves are reflected at the interior
      surface of the resonator and then reconverge to the center of the resonator. As
      the shocks reconverge upon the center of the resonator, they renucleate and grow
      the bubble cloud. This process is repeated over many acoustic cycles and with
      each successive shock reconvergence, the bubble cloud becomes more organized and
      centralized so that subsequent collapses give rise to stronger, better defined
      shockwaves. After many acoustic cycles individual bubbles cannot be distinguished
      and the cloud is then referred to as a cluster. Sustainability of the process is
      ultimately limited by the detuning of the acoustic field inside the resonator.
      The nucleation parameter space is studied in terms of laser firing phase, laser
      energy, and acoustic power used.

PMID- 22088013
TI  - Consistency in statistical moments as a test for bubble cloud clustering.
AB  - Frequency dependent measurements of attenuation and/or sound speed through clouds
      of gas bubbles in liquids are often inverted to find the bubble size distribution
      and the void fraction of gas. The inversions are often done using an effective
      medium theory as a forward model under the assumption that the bubble positions
      are Poisson distributed (i.e., statistically independent). Under circumstances in
      which single scattering does not adequately describe the pressure field, the
      assumption of independence in position can yield large errors when clustering is
      present, leading to errors in the inverted bubble size distribution. It is
      difficult, however, to determine the existence of clustering in bubble clouds
      without the use of specialized acoustic or optical imaging equipment. A method is
      described here in which the existence of bubble clustering can be identified by
      examining the consistency between the first two statistical moments of multiple
      frequency acoustic measurements.

PMID- 22088015
TI  - The effect of wind-generated bubbles on sea-surface backscattering at 940 Hz.
AB  - Reliable predictions of sea-surface backscattering strength are required for
      sonar performance modeling. These are, however, difficult to obtain as
      measurements of sea-surface backscattering are not available at small grazing
      angles relevant to low-frequency active sonar (1-3 kHz). Accurate theoretical
      predictions of scattering strength require a good understanding of physical
      mechanisms giving rise to the scattering and the relative importance of these. In
      this paper, scattering from individual resonant bubbles is introduced as a
      potential mechanism and a scattering model is derived that incorporates the
      contribution from these together with that of rough surface scattering. The model
      results are fitted to Critical Sea Test (CST) measurements at a frequency of 940
      Hz, treating the number of large bubbles, parameterized through the spectral
      slope of the size spectrum for bubbles whose radii exceed 1 mm, as a free
      parameter. This procedure illustrates that the CST data can be explained by
      scattering from a small number of large resonant bubbles, indicating that these
      provide an alternative mechanism to that of scattering from bubble clouds.

PMID- 22088014
TI  - The use of an air bubble curtain to reduce the received sound levels for harbor
      porpoises (Phocoena phocoena).
AB  - In December 2005 construction work was started to replace a harbor wall in
      Kerteminde harbor, Denmark. A total of 175 wooden piles were piled into the
      ground at the waters edge over a period of 3 months. During the same period three
      harbor porpoises were housed in a marine mammal facility on the opposite side of
      the harbor. All animals showed strong avoidance reactions after the start of the
      piling activities. As a measure to reduce the sound exposure for the animals an
      air bubble curtain was constructed and operated in a direct path between the
      piling site and the opening of the animals' semi-natural pool. The sound
      attenuation effect achieved with this system was determined by quantitative
      comparison of pile driving impulses simultaneously measured in front of and
      behind the active air bubble curtain. Mean levels of sound attenuation over a
      sequence of 95 consecutive pile strikes were 14 dB (standard deviation (s.d.) 3.4
      dB) for peak to peak values and 13 dB (s.d. 2.5 dB) for SEL values. As soon as
      the air bubble curtain was installed and operated, no further avoidance reactions
      of the animals to the piling activities were apparent.

PMID- 22088016
TI  - Improvements to the methods used to measure bubble attenuation using an
      underwater acoustical resonator.
AB  - Active acoustic techniques are commonly used to measure oceanic bubble size
      distributions, by inverting the bulk acoustical properties of the water (usually
      the attenuation) to infer the bubble population. Acoustical resonators have
      previously been used to determine attenuation over a wide range of frequencies
      (10-200 kHz) in a single measurement, corresponding to the simultaneous
      measurement of a wide range of bubble sizes (20-300 MUm radii). However, there is
      now also considerable interest in acquiring measurements of bubbles with radii
      smaller than 16 MUm, since these are thought to be important for ocean optics and
      as tracers for near-surface flow. To extend the bubble population measurement to
      smaller radii, it is necessary to extend the attenuation measurements to higher
      frequencies. Although the principles of resonator operation do not change as the
      frequency increases, the assumptions previously made during the spectral analysis
      may no longer be valid. In order to improve the methods used to calculate
      attenuation from acoustical resonator outputs, a more complete analysis of the
      resonator operation is presented here than has been published previously. This
      approach allows for robust attenuation measurements over a much wider frequency
      range and enables accurate measurements from lower-quality spectral peaks.

PMID- 22088017
TI  - Clutter suppression and classification using twin inverted pulse sonar in ship
      wakes.
AB  - Twin inverted pulse sonar (TWIPS) is here deployed in the wake of a moored rigid
      inflatable boat (RIB) with propeller turning, and then in the wake of a moving
      tanker of 4580 dry weight tonnage (the Whitchallenger). This is done first to
      test its ability to distinguish between scatter from the wake and scatter from
      the seabed, and second to test its ability to improve detectability of the seabed
      through the wake, compared to conventional sonar processing techniques. TWIPS
      does this by distinguishing between linear and nonlinear scatterers and has the
      further property of distinguishing those nonlinear targets which scatter energy
      at the even-powered harmonics from those which scatter in the odd-powered
      harmonics. TWIPS can also, in some manifestations, require no range correction
      (and therefore does not require the a priori environment knowledge necessary for
      most remote detection technologies).

PMID- 22088018
TI  - Measurements of bubbles in sea water by nonstationary sound scattering.
AB  - Methods for the characterization of bubbles in sea water by acoustic scattering
      are analyzed. Nonstationary linear and nonlinear sound scattering methods are
      proposed. The transient linear and nonlinear sound scattering allows the
      scattering by resonant gas bubbles to be distinguished from the scattering by
      other microinhomogeneities. The application of parametric arrays in oceanic
      experiments, together with the broadband frequency analysis of the backscattering
      coefficient, allows information about bubbles in sea water to be obtained.
      Experimental results on sound scattering and gas bubble distribution functions
      are presented for different conditions in the ocean.

PMID- 22088019
TI  - Effect of temperature on rectified diffusion during ultrasound-induced heating.
AB  - Experimental observations of delayed-onset cavitation during ultrasound
      insonation have been suggested as being caused by a change in the size
      distribution of the bubble population due to rectified diffusion. To investigate
      this hypothesis, a single bubble model is used here to explore the effect of
      heating and the subsequent elevated temperatures on the rectified diffusion
      process. Numerical solution of the model, which includes the temperature
      dependences of seven relevant physical parameters, allows quantification of the
      change in the pressure threshold for rectified diffusion, as well as the
      importance of the bulk liquid saturation concentration in determining bubble
      evolution. Although elevated temperatures and liquid supersaturation reduce the
      rectified diffusion threshold, it remains coincident with the inertial cavitation
      thresholds at submicron bubble sizes at all temperatures. This observation
      suggests that changes in the nucleation environment, rather than bubble growth
      due to rectified diffusion, is a more likely cause of delayed-onset cavitation
      events.

PMID- 22088020
TI  - The effect of temperature and viscoelasticity on cavitation dynamics during
      ultrasonic ablation.
AB  - Inertial cavitation has been shown to enhance heating rates during high intensity
      focused ultrasound treatments. Cavitation dynamics will be affected by heating
      and by the changes in mechanical properties of tissue resultant from thermal
      denaturation; however, the nature of the change is not known and forms the focus
      of the current study. A Keller-Miksis equation is used to find the variation in
      inertial cavitation threshold with temperature in water and, when coupled with a
      Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model, in biological tissue. Simulated thermal ablation
      treatments in liver and muscle are used to explore the changes in cavitation
      dynamics, and the resultant frequency spectra of secondary acoustic emissions,
      due to tissue denaturation. Results indicate that viscosity is the key parameter
      controlling cavitation dynamics in biological tissues. The increase in viscosity
      during denaturation is predicted to increase inertial cavitation thresholds,
      leading to a substantial decrease in the higher harmonic content of the emitted
      pressure signal across a wide range of bubble radii. Experimental validation of
      these observations could offer improved methods to monitor therapeutic ultrasound
      treatments.

PMID- 22088021
TI  - Shear strain from irrotational tissue displacements near bubbles.
AB  - Particle displacements can be much greater near bubbles than they would be in a
      homogeneous liquid or tissue when exposed to an acoustic wave. In a plane wave,
      shear and bulk strains are of the same order of magnitude. In contrast, for a
      bubble oscillating close to its resonance frequency, the shear strain in the
      medium near the bubble is roughly four orders of magnitude greater than the bulk
      strain. This can lead to shear strains of a few percent even with acoustic
      excitation pressures far below the pressure thresholds required to cause inertial
      cavitation. High shear strains near oscillating bubbles could potentially be the
      cause of bioeffects. After acoustic exposures at audio frequencies, hemorrhages
      in tissues as diverse as lung, liver, and kidney have been observed at shear
      strains on the order of 1%.

PMID- 22088022
TI  - Acoustic characterization of echogenic liposomes: frequency-dependent attenuation
      and backscatter.
AB  - Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are used clinically to aid detection and
      diagnosis of abnormal blood flow or perfusion. Characterization of UCAs can aid
      in the optimization of ultrasound parameters for enhanced image contrast. In this
      study echogenic liposomes (ELIPs) were characterized acoustically by measuring
      the frequency-dependent attenuation and backscatter coefficients at frequencies
      between 3 and 30 MHz using a broadband pulse-echo technique. The experimental
      methods were initially validated by comparing the attenuation and backscatter
      coefficients measured from 50-MUm and 100-MUm polystyrene microspheres with
      theoretical values. The size distribution of the ELIPs was measured and found to
      be polydisperse, ranging in size from 40 nm to 6 MUm in diameter, with the
      highest number observed at 65 nm. The ELIP attenuation coefficients ranged from
      3.7  +/-  1.0 to 8.0  +/-  3.3 dB/cm between 3 and 25 MHz. The backscatter
      coefficients were 0.011  +/-  0.006 (cm str)(-1) between 6 and 9 MHz and 0.023 +/
      0.006 (cm str)(-1) between 13 and 30 MHz. The measured scattering-to-attenuation
      ratio ranged from 8% to 22% between 6 and 25 MHz. Thus ELIPs can provide enhanced
      contrast over a broad range of frequencies and the scattering properties are
      suitable for various ultrasound imaging applications including diagnostic and
      intravascular ultrasound.

PMID- 22088024
TI  - Passive cavitation mapping with temporal sparsity constraint.
AB  - The spatial resolution of cavitation maps generated from passive recordings of
      cavitation emissions is compromised by the bandlimited nature of the recordings.
      Deconvolution based on the assumption that cavitation consists of a sparse series
      of discrete events allows the recovery of frequency components that are not only
      outside the frequency band of the receivers, but may also have been attenuated by
      the medium before being detectable. In the current work, two sparse deconvolution
      techniques, matching pursuit and basis pursuit, were applied to simulated and
      experimental cavitation recordings before they were beamformed to provide passive
      maps of cavitation activity. Matching pursuit was shown to reduce the maximal
      diameter of the point spread function by almost a third, at the cost of greater
      susceptibility to inter-source interference. In contrast, although basis pursuit
      causes an almost 20% increase in the maximal diameter of the point spread
      function, its application to experimental data appears to enhance the ability of
      passive mapping to resolve multiple sources.

PMID- 22088023
TI  - The influence of octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside on cell lysis induced by ultrasonic
      cavitation.
AB  - Octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (OGP) has been reported to completely inhibit
      cavitation-induced cell lysis in vitro, possibly by quenching critical free
      radical effects. In this study, the influence of OGP on cell lysis in a 60 rpm
      rotating-tube exposure apparatus was assessed. HL-60 cell lysis was estimated
      with a Coulter Multisizer counter. Cavitation activity from the 2.3 MHz, 30 s
      duration exposures were monitored at the 1.15 MHz subharmonic. Cavitation
      nucleation was accomplished by addition of an ultrasound contrast agent, or by
      using freshly dissolved culture media. For both nucleation methods, exposures
      were conducted for 0-0.7 MPa peak rarefactional pressure-amplitudes with and
      without 5 mM OGP, and for 0.5 MPa with 0-5 mM OGP. The addition of OGP to the
      cell suspension medium generally had little influence on cavitation-induced cell
      lysis. Exposures with no rotation had reduced subharmonic and lysis for added
      contrast agent, but essentially no cavitation for the fresh medium. Since the
      decreases or increases in cell lysis found for added OGP generally were accounted
      for by concomitant decreases or increases in cavitation activity, the changes in
      cell lysis could be explained by variation of the mechanical effects of
      cavitation without invoking a critical role for free-radical effects.

PMID- 22088025
TI  - Controlled tissue emulsification produced by high intensity focused ultrasound
      shock waves and millisecond boiling.
AB  - In high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) applications, tissue may be thermally
      necrosed by heating, emulsified by cavitation, or, as was recently discovered,
      emulsified using repetitive millisecond boiling caused by shock wave heating.
      Here, this last approach was further investigated. Experiments were performed in
      transparent gels and ex vivo bovine heart tissue using 1, 2, and 3 MHz focused
      transducers and different pulsing schemes in which the pressure, duty factor, and
      pulse duration were varied. A previously developed derating procedure to
      determine in situ shock amplitudes and the time-to-boil was refined. Treatments
      were monitored using B-mode ultrasound. Both inertial cavitation and boiling were
      observed during exposures, but emulsification occurred only when shocks and
      boiling were present. Emulsified lesions without thermal denaturation were
      produced with shock amplitudes sufficient to induce boiling in less than 20 ms,
      duty factors of less than 0.02, and pulse lengths shorter than 30 ms. Higher duty
      factors or longer pulses produced varying degrees of thermal denaturation
      combined with mechanical emulsification. Larger lesions were obtained using lower
      ultrasound frequencies. The results show that shock wave heating and millisecond
      boiling is an effective and reliable way to emulsify tissue while monitoring the
      treatment with ultrasound.

PMID- 22088026
TI  - A reduced-order, single-bubble cavitation model with applications to therapeutic
      ultrasound.
AB  - Cavitation often occurs in therapeutic applications of medical ultrasound such as
      shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
      Because cavitation bubbles can affect an intended treatment, it is important to
      understand the dynamics of bubbles in this context. The relevant context includes
      very high acoustic pressures and frequencies as well as elevated temperatures.
      Relative to much of the prior research on cavitation and bubble dynamics, such
      conditions are unique. To address the relevant physics, a reduced-order model of
      a single, spherical bubble is proposed that incorporates phase change at the
      liquid-gas interface as well as heat and mass transport in both phases. Based on
      the energy lost during the inertial collapse and rebound of a millimeter-sized
      bubble, experimental observations were used to tune and test model predictions.
      In addition, benchmarks from the published literature were used to assess various
      aspects of model performance. Benchmark comparisons demonstrate that the model
      captures the basic physics of phase change and diffusive transport, while it is
      quantitatively sensitive to specific model assumptions and implementation
      details. Given its performance and numerical stability, the model can be used to
      explore bubble behaviors across a broad parameter space relevant to therapeutic
      ultrasound.

PMID- 22088027
TI  - Observations of the collapses and rebounds of millimeter-sized lithotripsy
      bubbles.
AB  - Bubbles excited by lithotripter shock waves undergo a prolonged growth followed
      by an inertial collapse and rebounds. In addition to the relevance for clinical
      lithotripsy treatments, such bubbles can be used to study the mechanics of
      inertial collapses. In particular, both phase change and diffusion among vapor
      and noncondensable gas molecules inside the bubble are known to alter the
      collapse dynamics of individual bubbles. Accordingly, the role of heat and mass
      transport during inertial collapses is explored by experimentally observing the
      collapses and rebounds of lithotripsy bubbles for water temperatures ranging from
      20 to 60  degrees C and dissolved gas concentrations from 10 to 85% of
      saturation. Bubble responses were characterized through high-speed photography
      and acoustic measurements that identified the timing of individual bubble
      collapses. Maximum bubble diameters before and after collapse were estimated and
      the corresponding ratio of volumes was used to estimate the fraction of energy
      retained by the bubble through collapse. The rebounds demonstrated statistically
      significant dependencies on both dissolved gas concentration and temperature. In
      many observations, liquid jets indicating asymmetric bubble collapses were
      visible. Bubble rebounds were sensitive to these asymmetries primarily for water
      conditions corresponding to the most dissipative collapses.

PMID- 22088028
TI  - Cross-language acoustic similarity predicts perceptual assimilation of Canadian
      English and Canadian French vowels.
AB  - Monolingual Peruvian Spanish listeners identified natural tokens of the Canadian
      French (CF) and Canadian English (CE) /E/ and /ae/, produced in five consonantal
      contexts. The results demonstrate that while the CF vowels were mapped to two
      different native vowels, /e/ and /a/, in all consonantal contexts, the CE
      contrast was mapped to the single native vowel /a/ in four out of five contexts.
      Linear discriminant analysis revealed that acoustic similarity between native and
      target language vowels was a very good predictor of context-specific perceptual
      mappings. Predictions are made for Spanish learners of the /E/-/ae/ contrast in
      CF and CE.

PMID- 22088029
TI  - Detection of multicomponent signals: effect of difference in level between
      components.
AB  - The detection of multicomponent signals for which the components are not
      equidetectable is precisely investigated as a function of the level difference
      DeltaL(i/j) between components. The detection thresholds are determined for a
      seven-tone complex signal with random starting phases masked by white noise.
      Level differences between the components are examined. A model for non
      equidetectable conditions based on the statistical summation model is described.
      The improvement in detection is calculated from the level difference between
      components that is related to the thresholds for single components. The model
      predictions are in accordance with the experimental results.

PMID- 22088030
TI  - Coherence masking protection for mid-frequency formants by adults and children.
AB  - Coherence masking protection (CMP) refers to the phenomenon in which a target
      formant is labeled at lower signal-to-noise levels when presented with a stable
      cosignal consisting of two other formants than when presented alone. This effect
      has been reported primarily for adults with first-formant (F1) targets and F2/F3
      cosignals, but has also been found for children, in fact in greater magnitude. In
      this experiment, F2 was the target and F1/F3 was the cosignal. Results showed
      similar effects for each age group as had been found for F1 targets. Implications
      for auditory prostheses for listeners with hearing loss are discussed.

PMID- 22088031
TI  - Cross-language specialization in phonetic processing: English and Hindi
      perception of /w/-/v/ speech and nonspeech.
AB  - This study examined the perceptual specialization for native-language speech
      sounds, by comparing native Hindi and English speakers in their perception of a
      graded set of English /w/-/v/ stimuli that varied in similarity to natural
      speech. The results demonstrated that language experience does not affect general
      auditory processes for these types of sounds; there were strong cross-language
      differences for speech stimuli, and none for stimuli that were nonspeech.
      However, the cross-language differences extended into a gray area of speech-like
      stimuli that were difficult to classify, suggesting that the specialization
      occurred in phonetic processing prior to categorization.

PMID- 22088032
TI  - A subspace approach based on embedded prewhitening for voice activity detection.
AB  - This paper presents a subspace approach for voice activity detection (VAD). The
      proposed approach is based on an embedded prewhitening scheme for the
      simultaneous diagonalization of the clean speech and noise covariance matrices to
      provide a decision rule based on likelihood ratio test in signal subspace domain.
      Experimental results show that the proposed subspace-based VAD algorithm
      outperforms the method using a Gaussian model in a conventional discrete Fourier
      transform domain at the low signal-to-noise conditions.

PMID- 22088033
TI  - Horns as particle velocity amplifiers.
AB  - Preliminary measurements and numerical predictions reveal that simple, and
      relatively small, horns generate remarkable amplification of acoustic particle
      velocity. For example, below 2 kHz, a 2.5 cm conical horn has a uniform velocity
      amplification ratio (throat-to-mouth) factor of approximately 3, or, in terms of
      a decibel level, 9.5 dB. It is shown that the velocity amplification factor
      depends on the horn's mouth-to-throat ratio as well as, though to a lesser
      degree, the horn's flare rate. A double horn configuration provides limited
      additional gain, approximately an increase of up to 25%.

PMID- 22088034
TI  - Waveguide invariant analysis for modeling time-frequency striations in a range
      dependent environment.
AB  - The waveguide invariant is a useful parameter for understanding the behavior of
      interference patterns (e.g., striations in time-frequency plots) resulting from
      broadband acoustic sources in shallow water waveguides. It is possible to model
      these striations for range-dependent environments using conventional parabolic
      equation methods; although this approach can be computationally intensive as a
      full field must be created for each frequency and azimuthally dependent geometry.
      This letter discusses the formulation and use of a range-dependent waveguide
      invariant distribution that can be used to describe spectral striation patterns
      using a fraction of the computing power required by parabolic equation methods.

PMID- 22088035
TI  - The redundancy of phonemes in sentential context.
AB  - Printed English is highly redundant as demonstrated by readers' facility at
      guessing which letter comes next in text. However, such findings have been
      generalized to perception of connected speech without any direct assessment of
      phonemic redundancy. Here, participants guessed which phoneme or printed
      character came next throughout each of four unrelated sentences. Phonemes
      displayed significantly lower redundancy than letters, and possible contributing
      factors (task difficulty, experience, context) are discussed. Of three models
      tested, phonemic guessing was best approximated by word-initial and transitional
      probabilities between phonemes. Implications for information-theoretic accounts
      of speech perception are considered.

PMID- 22088036
TI  - Effect of decision weights and internal noise on the growth of d' with N.
AB  - A general finding of psychoacoustic studies is that detectability d' of a noisy
      signal grows less than optimally with the number N of independent observations of
      the signal. Competing accounts implicate internal noise common to all
      observations or nonoptimal decision weights given to observations. A discriminant
      analysis of listeners' trial-by-trial responses in a multitone level
      discrimination task favored the latter account.

PMID- 22088037
TI  - Three-dimensional impedance map analysis of rabbit liver.
AB  - Three-dimensional impedance maps (3DZMs) are computational models of acoustic
      impedance of tissue constructed from histology images. 3DZMs can be analyzed to
      estimate model-based quantitative ultrasound parameters such as effective
      scatterer diameter (ESD). In this study, 3DZMs were constructed from normal and
      fatty rabbit livers. Estimates of ESD were made using the fluid-filled sphere
      scattering model. Weighting toward smaller scatterer sizes produced ESD estimates
      of 7.5  +/-  1.3 and 7.0  +/-  0.3 MUm for normal and fatty liver, respectively,
      approximately the size of a liver cell nucleus. This suggests the nucleus could
      be a primary source of scattering in liver.

PMID- 22088038
TI  - Description of sounds recorded from Longman's beaked whale, Indopacetus
      pacificus.
AB  - Sounds from Longman's beaked whale, Indopacetus pacificus, were recorded during
      shipboard surveys of cetaceans surrounding the Hawaiian Islands archipelago; this
      represents the first known recording of this species. Sounds included
      echolocation clicks and burst pulses. Echolocation clicks were grouped into three
      categories, a 15 kHz click (n = 106), a 25 kHz click (n = 136), and a 25 kHz
      pulse with a frequency-modulated upsweep (n = 70). The 15 and 25 kHz clicks were
      relatively short (181 and 144 ms, respectively); the longer 25 kHz upswept pulse
      was 288 ms. Burst pulses were long (0.5 s) click trains with approximately 240
      clicks/s.

PMID- 22088039
TI  - Lateral reflections are favorable in concert halls due to binaural loudness.
AB  - A recent study on perceptual difference in simulated concert halls showed that a
      concert hall renders stronger sound with more bass when the temporal envelope of
      a signal is preserved in the reflections [Lokki et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129,
      EL223-EL228 (2011)]. In the same study the lateral reflections were shown to
      contribute to the perceived envelopment and openness. Moreover, the listening
      test results suggest that lateral reflections contribute to perception of sound
      source distance. Here, it is shown that lateral reflections are beneficial due to
      their increasing effect on binaural loudness-the phenomenon known well in
      psychoacoustics, but not in architectural acoustics. The reflections from the
      side are amplified more than median plane reflections, in particular at high
      frequencies, due to the shape of the human head.

PMID- 22088040
TI  - Non-isomorphism in efficient coding of complex sound properties.
AB  - To the extent that sensorineural systems are efficient, stimulus redundancy
      should be captured in ways that optimize information transmission. Consistent
      with this principle, neural representations of sounds have been proposed to
      become "non-isomorphic," increasingly abstract and decreasingly resembling the
      original (redundant) input. Here, non-isomorphism is tested in perceptual
      learning using AXB discrimination of novel sounds with two highly correlated
      complex acoustic properties and a randomly varying third dimension.
      Discrimination of sounds obeying the correlation became superior to that of
      sounds violating it despite widely varying physical acoustic properties,
      suggesting non-isomorphic representation of stimulus redundancy.

PMID- 22088041
TI  - Interaural spectral asymmetry and sensitivity to interaural time differences.
AB  - Listeners' ability to discriminate interaural time difference (ITD) changes in
      low-frequency noise was determined as a function of differences in the noise
      spectra delivered to each ear. An ITD was applied to Gaussian noise, which was
      bandpass filtered using identical high-pass, but different low-pass cutoff
      frequencies across ears. Thus, one frequency region was dichotic, and a higher
      frequency region monotic. ITD thresholds increased as bandwidth to one ear (i.e.,
      monotic bandwidth) increased, despite the fact that the region of interaural
      spectral overlap remained constant. Results suggest that listeners can process
      ITD differences when the spectra at two ears are moderately different.

PMID- 22088043
TI  - Communication: regularizing binding energy distributions and thermodynamics of
      hydration: theory and application to water modeled with classical and ab initio
      simulations.
AB  - The high-energy tail of the distribution of solute-solvent interaction energies
      is poorly characterized for condensed systems, but this tail region is of
      principal interest in determining the excess free energy of the solute. We
      introduce external fields centered on the solute to modulate the short-range
      repulsive interaction between the solute and solvent. This regularizes the
      binding energy distribution and makes it easy to calculate the free energy of the
      solute with the field. Together with the work done to apply the field in the
      presence and absence of the solute, we calculate the excess chemical potential of
      the solute. We present the formal development of this idea and apply it to study
      liquid water.

PMID- 22088042
TI  - Covariation among vowel height effects on acoustic measures.
AB  - Covariation among vowel height effects on vowel intrinsic fundamental frequency
      (IF(0)), voice onset time (VOT), and voiceless interval duration (VID) is
      analyzed to assess the plausibility of a common physiological mechanism
      underlying variation in these measures. Phrases spoken by 20 young adults,
      containing words composed of initial voiceless stops or /s/ and high or low
      vowels, were produced in habitual and voluntarily increased F(0) conditions. High
      vowels were associated with increased IF(0) and longer VIDs. VOT and VID
      exhibited significant covariation with IF(0) only for males at habitual F(0). The
      lack of covariation for females and at increased F(0) is discussed.

PMID- 22088044
TI  - Communication: inferring the equation of state of a metastable hard-sphere fluid
      from the equation of state of a hard-sphere mixture at high densities.
AB  - A possible approximate route to obtain the equation of state of the monodisperse
      hard-sphere system in the metastable fluid region from the knowledge of the
      equation of state of a hard-sphere mixture at high densities is discussed. The
      proposal is illustrated by using recent Monte Carlo simulation data for the
      pressure of a binary mixture. It is further shown to exhibit high internal
      consistency.

PMID- 22088045
TI  - Communication: limitations of the stochastic quasi-steady-state approximation in
      open biochemical reaction networks.
AB  - It is commonly believed that, whenever timescale separation holds, the
      predictions of reduced chemical master equations obtained using the stochastic
      quasi-steady-state approximation are in very good agreement with the predictions
      of the full master equations. We use the linear noise approximation to obtain a
      simple formula for the relative error between the predictions of the two master
      equations for the Michaelis-Menten reaction with substrate input. The reduced
      approach is predicted to overestimate the variance of the substrate concentration
      fluctuations by as much as 30%. The theoretical results are validated by
      stochastic simulations using experimental parameter values for enzymes involved
      in proteolysis, gluconeogenesis, and fermentation.

PMID- 22088046
TI  - Semi-bottom-up coarse graining of water based on microscopic simulations.
AB  - The generalized dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) equation derived from the
      generalized Langevin equation under Markovian approximations is used to simulate
      coarse-grained (CG) water cells. The mean force and the friction coefficients in
      the radial and transverse directions needed for DPD equation are obtained
      directly from the all atomistic molecular dynamics (AAMD) simulations. But the
      dissipative friction forces are overestimated in the Markovian approximation,
      which results in wrong dynamic properties for the CG water in the DPD
      simulations. To account for the non-Markovian dynamics, a rescaling factor is
      introduced to the friction coefficients. The value of the factor is estimated by
      matching the diffusivity of water. With this semi-bottom-up mapping method, the
      radial distribution function, the diffusion constant, and the viscosity of the
      coarse-grained water system computed with DPD simulations are all in good
      agreement with AAMD results. It bridges the microscopic level and mesoscopic
      level with consistent length and time scales.

PMID- 22088047
TI  - Photodissociation of methyl iodide embedded in a host-guest complex: a full
      dimensional (189D) quantum dynamics study of CH3I@resorc[4]arene.
AB  - Accurate full dimensional quantum dynamics calculations studying the
      photodissociation of CH(3)I@resorc[4]arene on an ab initio based potential energy
      surface (PES) model are reported. The converged 189D quantum dynamics
      calculations are facilitated by the multilayer multi-configurational time
      dependent Hartree (ML-MCTDH) approach combined with the correlation discrete
      variable representation (CDVR) for the evaluation of potential energy matrix
      elements. The potential employed combines an established ab initio PES describing
      the photodissociation of methyl iodide in the A band with a harmonic description
      of the resorc[4]arene host and a bilinear modeling of the host-guest interaction.
      All potential parameters required in the description of the vibrations of the
      host molecule and the host-guest interaction are derived from ab initio
      calculations on the host-guest complex. Absorption spectra at 0 K and 300 K are
      calculated and the electronic population dynamics during the bond breaking
      process occurring in the first 20-30 fs after the photoexcitation is
      investigated. Weak but significant effects resulting from the host-guest
      interaction on this time scale are found and interpreted. The present study
      demonstrates that accurate fully quantum mechanical dynamics calculations can be
      preformed for systems consisting of more than 50 atoms using the ML-MCTDH/CDVR
      approach. Utilizing an efficient statistical approach for the construction of the
      ensemble of initial wavepackets, these calculations are not restricted to zero
      temperature but can also study the dynamics at 300 K.

PMID- 22088048
TI  - A semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation model for ion binding to ionizable
      surfaces: proton binding of carboxylated latex particles as a case study.
AB  - In this paper, we present a computer simulation study of the ion binding process
      at an ionizable surface using a semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo method that
      models the surface as a discrete distribution of charged and neutral functional
      groups in equilibrium with explicit ions modelled in the context of the primitive
      model. The parameters of the simulation model were tuned and checked by
      comparison with experimental titrations of carboxylated latex particles in the
      presence of different ionic strengths of monovalent ions. The titration of these
      particles was analysed by calculating the degree of dissociation of the latex
      functional groups vs. pH curves at different background salt concentrations. As
      the charge of the titrated surface changes during the simulation, a procedure to
      keep the electroneutrality of the system is required. Here, two approaches are
      used with the choice depending on the ion selected to maintain electroneutrality:
      counterion or coion procedures. We compare and discuss the difference between the
      procedures. The simulations also provided a microscopic description of the
      electrostatic double layer (EDL) structure as a function of pH and ionic
      strength. The results allow us to quantify the effect of the size of the
      background salt ions and of the surface functional groups on the degree of
      dissociation. The non-homogeneous structure of the EDL was revealed by plotting
      the counterion density profiles around charged and neutral surface functional
      groups.

PMID- 22088049
TI  - The nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation data analysis in solids: general
      R1/R1(rho) equations and the model-free approach.
AB  - The advantage of the solid state NMR for studying molecular dynamics is the
      capability to study slow motions without limitations: in the liquid state, if
      orienting media are not used, all anisotropic magnetic interactions are averaged
      out by fast overall Brownian tumbling of a molecule and thus investigation of
      slow internal conformational motions (e.g., of proteins) in solution can be
      conducted using only isotropic interactions. One of the main tools for obtaining
      amplitudes and correlation times of molecular motions in the MUs time scale is
      measuring relaxation rate R(1)(rho). Yet, there have been a couple of unresolved
      problems in the quantitative analysis of the relaxation rates. First, when the
      resonance offset of the spin-lock pulse is used, the spin-lock field can be
      oriented under an arbitrary angle in respect to B(0). Second, the spin-lock
      frequency can be comparable or even less than the magic angle spinning rate. Up
      to now, there have been no equations for R(1)(rho) that would be applicable for
      any values of the spin-lock frequency, magic angle spinning rate and resonance
      offset of the spin-lock pulse. In this work such equations were derived for two
      most important relaxation mechanisms: heteronuclear dipolar coupling and chemical
      shift anisotropy. The validity of the equations was checked by numerical
      simulation of the R(1)(rho) experiment using SPINEVOLUTION program. In addition
      to that, the applicability of the well-known model-free approach to the solid
      state NMR relaxation data analysis was considered. For the wobbling in a cone at
      30 degrees  and 90 degrees  cone angles and two-site jump models, it has been
      demonstrated that the auto-correlation functions G(0)(t), G(1)(t), G(2)(t),
      corresponding to different spherical harmonics, for isotropic samples (powders,
      polycrystals, etc.) are practically the same regardless of the correlation time
      of motion. This means that the model-free approach which is widely used in
      liquids can be equally applied, at least assuming these two motional models, to
      the analysis of the solid state NMR relaxation data.

PMID- 22088050
TI  - Calculation of the exchange coupling constants of copper binuclear systems based
      on spin-flip constricted variational density functional theory.
AB  - We have recently developed a methodology for the calculation of exchange coupling
      constants J in weakly interacting polynuclear metal clusters. The method is based
      on unrestricted and restricted second order spin-flip constricted variational
      density functional theory (SF-CV(2)-DFT) and is here applied to eight binuclear
      copper systems. Comparison of the SF-CV(2)-DFT results with experiment and with
      results obtained from other DFT and wave function based methods has been made.
      Restricted SF-CV(2)-DFT with the BH&HLYP functional yields consistently J values
      in excellent agreement with experiment. The results acquired from this scheme are
      comparable in quality to those obtained by accurate multi-reference wave function
      methodologies such as difference dedicated configuration interaction and the
      complete active space with second-order perturbation theory.

PMID- 22088051
TI  - Multipolar polarizabilities and two-body dispersion coefficients for Na by a
      variationally stable procedure.
AB  - Based on the weakest bound electron potential model theory, the ground-state wave
      function of Na is investigated. The variationally stable procedure of Gao and
      Starace is then employed to evaluate the static multipolar polarizabilities of
      Na, and the two-body dispersion coefficients for the Na-Na system. Calculated
      values show that our results are in general agreement with those previously
      reported in the literature.

PMID- 22088052
TI  - A tiered approach to Monte Carlo sampling with self-consistent field potentials.
AB  - A "tiered" approach to Monte Carlo sampling of nuclear configurations is
      presented for ab initio, self-consistent field (SCF)-based potentials, including
      Hartree-Fock and density functional theory. Rather than Metropolis testing only
      the final SCF energy, individual cycle energies are tested in a tiered fashion,
      without approximation. Accordingly, rejected configurations are terminated early
      in the SCF procedure. The method is shown to properly obey detailed balance, and
      effective modifications are presented for cases in which the initial SCF guess is
      particularly poor. Demonstrations on simple systems are provided, including an
      assessment of the thermal properties of the neutral water dimer with B3LYP/6
      31++G**. Cost analysis indicates a factor-of-two reduction in SCF cycles, which
      makes the method competitive with accelerated molecular dynamics sampling
      techniques, without the need for forces.

PMID- 22088053
TI  - Magnetic exchange couplings from constrained density functional theory: an
      efficient approach utilizing analytic derivatives.
AB  - We introduce a method for evaluating magnetic exchange couplings based on the
      constrained density functional theory (C-DFT) approach of Rudra, Wu, and Van
      Voorhis [J. Chem. Phys. 124, 024103 (2006)]. Our method shares the same physical
      principles as C-DFT but makes use of the fact that the electronic energy changes
      quadratically and bilinearly with respect to the constraints in the range of
      interest. This allows us to use coupled perturbed Kohn-Sham spin density
      functional theory to determine approximately the corrections to the energy of the
      different spin configurations and construct a priori the relevant energy
      landscapes obtained by constrained spin density functional theory. We assess this
      methodology in a set of binuclear transition-metal complexes and show that it
      reproduces very closely the results of C-DFT. This demonstrates a proof-of
      concept for this method as a potential tool for studying a number of other
      molecular phenomena. Additionally, routes to improving upon the limitations of
      this method are discussed.

PMID- 22088054
TI  - Prospects for release-node quantum Monte Carlo.
AB  - We perform release-node quantum Monte Carlo simulations on the first row diatomic
      molecules in order to assess how accurately their ground-state energies can be
      obtained. An analysis of the fermion-boson energy difference is shown to be
      strongly dependent on the nuclear charge, Z, which in turn determines the growth
      of variance of the release-node energy. It is possible to use maximum entropy
      analysis to extrapolate to ground-state energies only for the low Z elements. For
      the higher Z dimers beyond boron, the error growth is too large to allow accurate
      data for long enough imaginary times. Within the limit of our statistics we were
      able to estimate, in atomic units, the ground-state energy of Li(2) (
      14.9947(1)), Be(2) (-29.3367(7)), and B(2)(-49.410(2)).

PMID- 22088055
TI  - Particle-particle particle-mesh method for dipolar interactions: on error
      estimates and efficiency of schemes with analytical differentiation and mesh
      interlacing.
AB  - The interlaced and non-interlaced versions of the dipolar particle-particle
      particle-mesh (P(3)M) method implemented using the analytic differentiation
      scheme (AD-P(3)M) are presented together with their respective error estimates
      for the calculation of the forces, torques, and energies. Expressions for the
      optimized lattice Green functions, and for the Madelung self-forces, self-torques
      and self-energies are given. The applicability of the theoretical error estimates
      are thoroughly tested and confirmed in several numerical examples. Our results
      show that the accuracy of the calculations can be improved substantially when the
      approximate (mesh computed) Madelung self-interactions are subtracted.
      Furthermore, we show that the interlaced dipolar AD-P(3)M method delivers a
      significantly higher accuracy (which corresponds approximately to using a twice
      finer mesh) than the conventional method, allowing thereby to reduce the mesh
      size with respect to the non-interlaced version for a given accuracy. In
      addition, we present similar expressions for the dipolar ik-differentiation
      interlaced scheme, and we perform a comparison with the AD interlaced scheme.
      Rough tests for the relative speed of the dipolar P(3)M method using ik
      differentiation and the interlaced/non-interlaced AD schemes show that when FFT
      computing time is the bottleneck, usually when working at high precisions, the
      interlaced AD-scheme can be several times faster than the other two schemes. For
      calculations with a low accuracy requirement, the interlaced version can perform
      worse than the ik and the non-interlaced AD schemes.

PMID- 22088056
TI  - Analytical approach for the excited-state Hessian in time-dependent density
      functional theory: formalism, implementation, and performance.
AB  - The paper presents the formalism, implementation, and performance of the
      analytical approach for the excited-state Hessian in the time-dependent density
      functional theory (TDDFT) that extends our previous work [J. Liu and W. Z. Liang,
      J. Chem. Phys. 135, 014113 (2011)] on the analytical Hessian in TDDFT within Tamm
      Dancoff approximation (TDA) to full TDDFT. In contrast to TDA-TDDFT, an
      appreciable advantage of full TDDFT is that it maintains the oscillator strength
      sum rule, and therefore yields more precise results for the oscillator strength
      and other related physical quantities. For the excited-state harmonic vibrational
      frequency calculation, however, full TDDFT does not seem to be advantageous since
      the numerical tests demonstrate that the accuracy of TDDFT with and without TDA
      are comparable to each other. As a common practice, the computed harmonic
      vibrational frequencies are scaled by a suitable scale factor to yield good
      agreement with the experimental fundamental frequencies. Here we apply both the
      optimized ground-state and excited-state scale factors to scale the calculated
      excited-state harmonic frequencies and find that the scaling decreases the root
      mean-square errors. The optimized scale factors derived from the excited-state
      calculations are slightly smaller than those from the ground-state calculations.

PMID- 22088057
TI  - Micro-imaging of transient guest profiles in nanochannels.
AB  - Zeolites of type ferrierite are exploited as a host system for monitoring the
      evolution of guest concentration (methanol) in nanoporous host materials upon
      adsorption. Additional transport resistances at the crystal surface have been
      removed so that uptake is exclusively controlled by the diffusion resistance of
      the pore space. Since the crystal shape deviates from a simple parallelepiped,
      the primary imaging data do not immediately reflect true local concentrations. A
      simple algorithm is developed which overcomes this complication. The determined
      transient concentration profiles ideally comply with the requirements for the
      application of the Boltzmann-Matano integration method for determining
      diffusivities. The resulting diffusivities (along the direction of the "10-ring
      channels") are found to exceed those along the 8-ring channels by three orders of
      magnitude.

PMID- 22088058
TI  - Can stimulated Raman pumping cause large population transfers in isolated
      molecules?
AB  - When stimulated Raman pumping (SRP) is applied to a stream of isolated molecules,
      such as found in a supersonic molecular beam expansion, we show that SRP can
      neither saturate nor power broaden a molecular transition connecting two
      metastable levels that is resonant with the energy difference between the pump
      and Stokes laser pulses. Using the optical Bloch-Feynman equations, we discuss
      the pumping of the hydrogen molecule from H(2) (v = 0, J = 0, M = 0) to H(2) (v =
      1, J =  2, M = 0) as an illustration of how coherent population return severely
      reduces the SRP pumping efficiency unless the pump and Stokes laser pulses are
      applied with an appropriate relative delay and ratio of intensities.

PMID- 22088059
TI  - Resonance electron attachment and long-lived negative ions of phthalimide and
      pyromellitic diimide.
AB  - Resonance attachment of low energy (0-15 eV) electrons to imide-containing
      molecules, phthalimide (PTI) and pyromellitic diimide (PMDI), was investigated in
      the gas-phase by means of Electron Transmission Spectroscopy (ETS) and
      Dissociative Electron Attachment Spectroscopy (DEAS). Among a variety of low
      intensity negatively charged fragments formed by DEA, in both compounds the
      dominant species was found to be a long-lived (MUs) parent molecular anion formed
      at zero energy. In addition, in PMDI long-lived molecular anions were also
      observed at 0.85 and 2.0 eV. The experimentally evaluated detachment times from
      the molecular anions as a function of incident electron energy are modeled with a
      simple computational approach based on the RRKM theory. The occurrence of
      radiationless transitions to the ground anion state, followed by internal
      vibrational relaxation, is believed to be a plausible mechanism to explain the
      exceptionally long lifetime of the PMDI molecular anions formed above zero
      energy.

PMID- 22088060
TI  - Spin-orbit and rotational couplings in radiative association of C(3P) and N(4S)
      atoms.
AB  - The role of spin-orbit and rotational couplings in radiative association of
      C((3)P) and N((4)S) atoms is investigated. Couplings among doublet electronic
      states of the CN radical are considered, giving rise to a 6-state model of the
      process. The solution of the dynamical problem is based on the L(2) method, where
      a complex absorbing potential is added to the Hamiltonian operator in order to
      treat continuum and bound levels in the same manner. Comparison of the energy
      dependent rate coefficients calculated with and without spin-orbit and rotational
      couplings shows that the couplings have a strong effect on the resonance
      structure and low-energy baseline of the rate coefficient.

PMID- 22088061
TI  - Millimeter-wave rotational spectroscopy of FeCN (X 4Deltai) and FeNC (X 6Deltai):
      determining the lowest energy isomer.
AB  - The pure rotational spectrum of FeCN has been recorded in the frequency range 140
      500 GHz using millimeter/sub-millimeter direct absorption techniques. The species
      was created in an ac discharge of Fe(CO)(5) and cyanogen. Spectra of the (13)C,
      (54)Fe, and (57)Fe isotopologues were also measured, confirming the linear
      cyanide structure of this free radical. Lines originating from several Renner
      Teller components in the nu(2) bending mode were also observed. Based on the
      observed spin-orbit pattern, the ground state of FeCN is (4)Delta(i), with small
      lambda-doubling splittings apparent in the Omega = 5/2, 3/2, and 1/2 components.
      In addition, a much weaker spectrum of the lowest spin-orbit component of FeNC,
      Omega = 9/2, was recorded; these data are consistent with the rotational
      parameters of previous optical studies. The data for FeCN were fit with a Hund's
      case (a) Hamiltonian and rotational, spin-orbit, spin-spin, and lambda-doubling
      parameters were determined. Rotational constants were also established from a
      case (c) analysis for the other isotopologues, excited vibronic states, and for
      FeNC. The r(0) bond lengths of FeCN were determined to be r(Fe-C) = 1.924 A and
      r(C-N) = 1.157 A, in agreement with theoretical predictions for the (4)Delta(i)
      state. These measurements indicate that FeCN is the lower energy isomer and is
      more stable than FeNC by ~1.9 kcal/mol.

PMID- 22088062
TI  - Spectroscopic studies of the A-X electronic spectrum of the beta
      hydroxyethylperoxy radical: structure and dynamics.
AB  - The jet-cooled A-X near IR origin band spectra of the G(1)G(2)G(3) conformer of
      four beta-hydroxyethylperoxy isotopologues, beta-HEP (HOCH(2)CH(2)OO), beta-DHEP
      (DOCH(2)CH(2)OO), beta-HEP-d(4) (HOCD(2)CD(2)OO), and beta-DHEP-d(4)
      (DOCD(2)CD(2)OO), have been recorded by a cavity ringdown spectrometer with a
      laser source linewidth of ~70 MHz. The spectra of all four isotopologues have
      been analyzed and successfully simulated with an evolutionary algorithm,
      confirming the cyclic structure of the molecule responsible for the observed
      origin band. The analysis also provides experimental A and X state rotational
      constants and the orientation of the transition dipole moment in the inertial
      axis system; these quantities are compared to results from electronic structure
      calculations. The observed, broad linewidth (Deltanu > 2 GHz) is attributed to a
      shortened lifetime of the A state associated with dynamics along the reaction
      path for hydrogen transfer from the OH to OO group.

PMID- 22088063
TI  - Lowest-energy structures and electronic properties of Na-Si binary clusters from
      ab initio global search.
AB  - The ground state structures of neutral and anionic clusters of Na(n)Si(m) (1 <= n
      <= 3, 1 <= m <= 11) have been determined using genetic algorithm incorporated in
      first principles total energy code. The size dependence of the structural and
      electronic properties is discussed in detail. It is found that the lowest-energy
      structures of Na(n)Si(m) clusters resemble those of the pure Si clusters.
      Interestingly, Na atoms in neutral Na(n)Si(m) clusters are usually well separated
      by the Si(m) skeleton, whereas Na atoms can form Na-Na bonds in some anionic
      clusters. The ionization potentials, adiabatic electron affinities, and
      photoelectron spectra are also calculated and the results compare well with the
      experimental data.

PMID- 22088064
TI  - Comparison of P...D (D = P,N) with other noncovalent bonds in molecular
      aggregates.
AB  - All the minima on the potential energy surfaces of homotrimers and tetramers of
      PH(3) are identified and analyzed as to the source of their stability. The same
      is done with mixed trimers in which one PH(3) molecule is replaced by either
      NH(3) or PFH(2). The primary noncovalent attraction in all global minima is the
      BP...D (D = N,P) bond which is characterized by the transfer of charge from a
      lone pair of the donor D to a sigma* B-P antibond of the partner molecule which
      is turned away from D, the same force earlier identified in the pertinent dimers.
      Examination of secondary minima reveals the presence of other weaker forces, some
      of which do not occur within the dimers. Examples of the latter include PH...P,
      NH...P, and PH...F H-bonds, and "reverse" H-bonds in which the source of the
      electron density is the smaller tail lobe of the donor lone pair. The global
      minima are cyclic structures in all cases, and exhibit some cooperativity, albeit
      to a small degree. The energy spacing of the oligomers is much smaller than that
      in the corresponding strongly H-bonded complexes such as the water trimer.

PMID- 22088065
TI  - Characterizing molecular motion in H2O and H3O+ with dynamical instability
      statistics.
AB  - Sets of finite-time Lyapunov exponents characterize the stability and instability
      of classically chaotic dynamical trajectories. Here we show that their sample
      distributions can contain subpopulations identifying different types of dynamics.
      In small isolated molecules these dynamics correspond to distinct elementary
      motions, such as isomerizations. Exponents are calculated from constant total
      energy molecular dynamics simulations of H(2)O and H(3)O(+), modelled with a
      classical, reactive, all-atom potential. Over a range of total energy, exponent
      distributions for these systems reveal that phase space exploration is more
      chaotic near saddles corresponding to isomerization and less chaotic near
      potential energy minima. This finding contrasts with previous results for Lennard
      Jones clusters, and is explained in terms of the potential energy landscape.

PMID- 22088066
TI  - The electronic spectrum of the previously unknown HAsO transient molecule.
AB  - The A(1)A('')-X(1)A(') electronic spectrum of the jet-cooled transient molecule
      HAsO and its deuterated isotopologue has been observed for the first time by
      pulsed discharge jet laser spectroscopy. The techniques of laser-induced
      fluorescence and single vibronic level emission were employed to probe the
      electronic properties of the species. The bending and AsO stretching frequencies
      have been determined in both states. A rotational analysis of the 0(0)(0) bands
      of both HAsO and DAsO has been completed and the following effective (r(0))
      structures were derived: r(")(HAs) = 1.576(3) A, r(")(AsO) = 1.8342(5) A, and
      theta(") = 101.5(4) degrees ; and r(')(HAs) = 1.569(4) A, r(')(AsO) = 1.7509(9)
      A, and theta(') = 93.1(10) degrees . In the rotational analysis, lines induced by
      axis-tilting were observed, and calculated spectra with an axis tilting angle of
      3.0(5) degrees  reproduced the intensity of these lines. The change in geometry
      on electronic excitation is similar to that observed for the molecule HPO, with
      an increase in the X-O bond length and a decrease in the HXO angle, but contrary
      to the predictions of the Walsh diagram for generic HAB triatomic molecules. Our
      ab initio calculations show that the correlation between orbital energy and bond
      angle changes upon electronic excitation, resulting in the atypical angle change.

PMID- 22088067
TI  - Photoelectron spectroscopy of higher bromine and iodine oxide anions: electron
      affinities and electronic structures of BrO(2,3) and IO(2-4) radicals.
AB  - This report details a photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and theoretical
      investigation of electron affinities (EAs) and electronic structures of several
      atmospherically relevant higher bromine and iodine oxide molecules in the gas
      phase. PES spectra of BrO(2)(-) and IO(2)(-) were recorded at 12 K and four
      photon energies--355 nm/3.496 eV, 266 nm/4.661 eV, 193 nm/6.424 eV, and 157
      nm/7.867 eV--while BrO(3)(-), IO(3)(-), and IO(4)(-) were only studied at 193 and
      157 nm due to their expected high electron binding energies. Spectral features
      corresponding to transitions from the anionic ground state to the ground and
      excited states of the neutral are unraveled and resolved for each species. The
      EAs of these bromine and iodine oxides are experimentally determined for the
      first time (except for IO(2)) to be 2.515 +/- 0.010 (BrO(2)), 2.575 +/- 0.010
      (IO(2)), 4.60 +/- 0.05 (BrO(3)), 4.70 +/- 0.05 (IO(3)), and 6.05 +/- 0.05 eV
      (IO(4)). Three low-lying excited states along with their respective excitation
      energies are obtained for BrO(2) [1.69 (A (2)B(2)), 1.79 (B (2)A(1)), 1.99 eV (C
      (2)A(2))], BrO(3) [0.7 (A (2)A(2)), 1.6 (B (2)E), 3.1 eV (C (2)E)], and IO(3)
      [0.60 (A (2)A(2)), 1.20 (B (2)E), ~3.0 eV (C (2)E)], whereas six excited states
      of IO(2) are determined along with their respective excitation energies of 1.63
      (A (2)B(2)), 1.73 (B (2)A(1)), 1.83 (C (2)A(2)), 4.23 (D (2)A(1)), 4.63 (E
      (2)B(2)), and 5.23 eV (F (2)B(1)). Periodate (IO(4)(-)) possesses a very high
      electron binding energy. Only one excited state feature with 0.95 eV excitation
      energy is shown in the 157 nm spectrum. Accompanying theoretical calculations
      reveal structural changes from the anions to the neutrals, and the calculated EAs
      are in good agreement with experimentally determined values. Franck-Condon
      factors simulations nicely reproduce the observed vibrational progressions for
      BrO(2) and IO(2). The low-lying excited state information is compared with
      theoretical calculations and discussed with their atmospheric implications.

PMID- 22088068
TI  - Kinetics of the reaction of the heaviest hydrogen atom with H2, the 4HeMU + H2 ->
      4HeMUH + H reaction: experiments, accurate quantal calculations, and variational
      transition state theory, including kinetic isotope effects for a factor of 36.1
      in isotopic mass.
AB  - The neutral muonic helium atom (4)HeMU, in which one of the electrons of He is
      replaced by a negative muon, may be effectively regarded as the heaviest isotope
      of the hydrogen atom, with a mass of 4.115 amu. We report details of the first
      muon spin rotation (MUSR) measurements of the chemical reaction rate constant of
      (4)HeMU with molecular hydrogen, (4)HeMU + H(2) -> (4)HeMUH + H, at temperatures
      of 295.5, 405, and 500 K, as well as a MUSR measurement of the hyperfine coupling
      constant of muonic He at high pressures. The experimental rate constants,
      k(HeMU), are compared with the predictions of accurate quantum mechanical (QM)
      dynamics calculations carried out on a well converged Born-Huang (BH) potential
      energy surface, based on complete configuration interaction calculations and
      including a Born-Oppenheimer diagonal correction. At the two highest measured
      temperatures the agreement between the quantum theory and experiment is good to
      excellent, well within experimental uncertainties that include an estimate of
      possible systematic error, but at 295.5 K the quantum calculations for k(HeMU)
      are below the experimental value by 2.1 times the experimental uncertainty
      estimates. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Variational
      transition state theory calculations with multidimensional tunneling have also
      been carried out for k(HeMU) on the BH surface, and they agree with the accurate
      QM rate constants to within 30% over a wider temperature range of 200-1000 K.
      Comparisons between theory and experiment are also presented for the rate
      constants for both the D + H(2) and Mu + H(2) reactions in a novel study of
      kinetic isotope effects for the H + H(2) reactions over a factor of 36.1 in
      isotopic mass of the atomic reactant.

PMID- 22088069
TI  - Thermodynamics of viscous flow and elasticity of glass forming liquids in the
      glass transition range.
AB  - The elastic moduli of glasses from different chemical systems, including oxide,
      chalcogenide, oxynitride, and metallic, were investigated through the glass
      transition (T(g)), typically from 0.4 to 1.3 T(g). These data were used to
      interpret the temperature sensitivity of the shear viscosity coefficient obtained
      on the same materials. The relevant Gibbs free activation energy was estimated
      from the apparent heat of flow by means of the temperature dependence of the
      shear elastic modulus. The activation entropy associated with the viscous flow
      was also derived and was found to correlate with the fragile versus strong
      character of the glass forming liquids. Finally, the physicochemistry of the flow
      process was described on the basis of the glass network de-structuration which
      shows up through the temperature dependence of Poisson's ratio, and an expression
      for the shear viscosity coefficient is proposed which is chiefly based on the
      high temperature elastic behavior.

PMID- 22088070
TI  - Solution on the Bethe lattice of a hard core athermal gas with two kinds of
      particles.
AB  - Athermal lattice gases of particles with first neighbor exclusion have been
      studied for a long time as simple models exhibiting a fluid-solid transition. At
      low concentration the particles occupy randomly both sublattices, but as the
      concentration is increased one of the sublattices is occupied preferentially.
      Here, we study a mixed lattice gas with excluded volume interactions only in the
      grand-canonical formalism with two kinds of particles: small ones, which occupy a
      single lattice site and large ones, which, when placed on a site, do not allow
      other particles to occupy its first neighbors also. We solve the model on a Bethe
      lattice of arbitrary coordination number q. In the parameter space defined by the
      activities of both particles, at low values of the activity of small particles
      (z(1)) we find a continuous transition from the fluid to the solid phase as the
      activity of large particles (z(2)) is increased. At higher values of z(1) the
      transition becomes discontinuous, both regimes are separated by a tricritical
      point. The critical line has a negative slope at z(1) = 0 and displays a minimum
      before reaching the tricritical point, so that a re-entrant behavior is observed
      for constant values of z(2) in the region of low density of small particles. The
      isobaric curves of the total density of particles as a function of the density or
      the activity of small particles show a minimum in the fluid phase.

PMID- 22088071
TI  - Characteristics of Raman spectra for graphene oxide from ab initio simulations.
AB  - The Raman spectra of several locally stable structures of the graphene oxide (GO)
      have been simulated by ab initio calculations. Compared to graphite, the G band
      of GO is broadened and blueshifted due to the emergence of a series of new Raman
      peaks. The Raman intensities and positions of the D and G bands depend
      sensitively on the local atomic configurations. In addition to the normal epoxy
      and hydroxyl groups, other oxidation groups such as epoxy pairs are also studied.
      Epoxy pairs induce large blueshift of G band with respect to that of the
      graphite.

PMID- 22088072
TI  - How nanoscale seed particles affect vapor-liquid nucleation.
AB  - In this work, we used constrained lattice density functional theory to
      investigate how nanoscale seed particles affect heterogeneous vapor-liquid
      nucleation. The effects of the physical properties of nanoscale seed particles,
      including the seed size, the strength of seed-fluid attraction, and the shape of
      the seeds, on the structure of critical nuclei and nucleation barrier were
      systemically investigated.

PMID- 22088073
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation strategies for computing the wetting properties of fluids
      at geometrically rough surfaces.
AB  - We introduce Monte Carlo simulation methods for determining the wetting
      properties of model systems at geometrically rough interfaces. The techniques
      described here enable one to calculate the macroscopic contact angle of a droplet
      that organizes in one of the three wetting states commonly observed for fluids at
      geometrically rough surfaces: the Cassie, Wenzel, and impregnation states. We
      adopt an interface potential approach in which the wetting properties of a system
      are related to the surface density dependence of the surface excess free energy
      of a thin liquid film in contact with the substrate. We first describe challenges
      and inefficiencies encountered when implementing a direct version of this
      approach to compute the properties of fluids at rough surfaces. Next, we detail a
      series of convenient thermodynamic paths that enable one to obtain free energy
      information at relevant surface densities over a wide range of temperatures and
      substrate strengths in an efficient manner. We then show how this information is
      assembled to construct complete wetting diagrams at a temperature of interest.
      The strategy pursued within this work is general and is expected to be applicable
      to a wide range of molecular systems. To demonstrate the utility of the approach,
      we present results for a Lennard-Jones fluid in contact with a substrate
      containing rectangular-shaped grooves characterized by feature sizes of order ten
      fluid diameters. For this particular fluid-substrate combination, we find that
      the macroscopic theories of Cassie and Wenzel provide a reasonable description of
      simulation data.

PMID- 22088074
TI  - Switching and rectification of a single light-sensitive diarylethene molecule
      sandwiched between graphene nanoribbons.
AB  - The "open" and "closed" isomers of the diarylethene molecule that can be
      converted between each other upon photo-excitation are found to have drastically
      different current-voltage characteristics when sandwiched between two graphene
      nanoribbons (GNRs). More importantly, when one GNR is metallic and another one is
      semiconducting, strong rectification behavior of the "closed" diarylethene isomer
      with the rectification ratio >10(3) is observed. The surprisingly high
      rectification ratio originates from the band gap of GNR and the bias-dependent
      variation of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the diarylethene
      molecule, the combination of which completely shuts off the current at positive
      biases. Results presented in this paper may form the basis for a new class of
      molecular electronic devices.

PMID- 22088075
TI  - Conformation and diffusion behavior of ring polymers in solution: a comparison
      between molecular dynamics, multiparticle collision dynamics, and lattice
      Boltzmann simulations.
AB  - We have studied the effect of chain topology on the structural properties and
      diffusion of polymers in a dilute solution in a good solvent. Specifically, we
      have used three different simulation techniques to compare the chain size and
      diffusion coefficient of linear and ring polymers in solution. The polymer chain
      is modeled using a bead-spring representation. The solvent is modeled using three
      different techniques: molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a particulate
      solvent in which hydrodynamic interactions are accounted through the
      intermolecular interactions, multiparticle collision dynamics (MPCD) with a point
      particle solvent which has stochastic interactions with the polymer, and the
      lattice Boltzmann method in which the polymer chains are coupled to the lattice
      fluid through friction. Our results show that the three methods give
      quantitatively similar results for the effect of chain topology on the
      conformation and diffusion behavior of the polymer chain in a good solvent. The
      ratio of diffusivities of ring and linear polymers is observed to be close to
      that predicted by perturbation calculations based on the Kirkwood hydrodynamic
      theory.

PMID- 22088076
TI  - Structure and transport properties of polymer grafted nanoparticles.
AB  - We perform molecular dynamics simulations on a bead-spring model of pure polymer
      grafted nanoparticles (PGNs) and of a blend of PGNs with a polymer melt to
      investigate the correlation between PGN design parameters (such as particle core
      concentration, polymer grafting density, and polymer length) and properties, such
      as microstructure, particle mobility, and viscous response. Constant strain-rate
      simulations were carried out to calculate viscosities and a constant-stress
      ensemble was used to calculate yield stresses. The PGN systems are found to have
      less structural order, lower viscosity, and faster diffusivity with increasing
      length of the grafted chains for a given core concentration or grafting density.
      Decreasing grafting density causes depletion effects associated with the chains
      leading to close contacts between some particle cores. All systems were found to
      shear thin, with the pure PGN systems shear thinning more than the blend; also,
      the pure systems exhibited a clear yielding behavior that was absent in the
      blend. Regarding the mechanism of shear thinning at the high shear rates
      examined, it was found that the shear-induced decrease of Brownian stresses and
      increase in chain alignment, both correlate with the reduction of viscosity in
      the system with the latter being more dominant. A coupling between Brownian
      stresses and chain alignment was also observed wherein the non-equilibrium
      particle distribution itself promotes chain alignment in the direction of shear.

PMID- 22088077
TI  - Dissipative particle dynamics simulations of polymer-protected nanoparticle self
      assembly.
AB  - Dissipative particle dynamics simulations were used to study the effects of
      mixing time, solute solubility, solute and diblock copolymer concentrations, and
      copolymer block length on the rapid coprecipitation of polymer-protected
      nanoparticles. The simulations were aimed at modeling Flash NanoPrecipitation, a
      process in which hydrophobic solutes and amphiphilic block copolymers are
      dissolved in a water-miscible organic solvent and then rapidly mixed with water
      to produce composite nanoparticles. A previously developed model by Spaeth et al.
      [J. Chem. Phys. 134, 164902 (2011)] was used. The model was parameterized to
      reproduce equilibrium and transport properties of the solvent, hydrophobic
      solute, and diblock copolymer. Anti-solvent mixing was modeled using time
      dependent solvent-solute and solvent-copolymer interactions. We find that
      particle size increases with mixing time, due to the difference in solute and
      polymer solubilities. Increasing the solubility of the solute leads to larger
      nanoparticles for unfavorable solute-polymer interactions and to smaller
      nanoparticles for favorable solute-polymer interactions. A decrease in overall
      solute and polymer concentration produces smaller nanoparticles, because the
      difference in the diffusion coefficients of a single polymer and of larger
      clusters becomes more important to their relative rates of collisions under more
      dilute conditions. An increase in the solute-polymer ratio produces larger
      nanoparticles, since a collection of large particles has less surface area than a
      collection of small particles with the same total volume. An increase in the
      hydrophilic block length of the polymer leads to smaller nanoparticles, due to an
      enhanced ability of each polymer to shield the nanoparticle core. For unfavorable
      solute-polymer interactions, the nanoparticle size increases with hydrophobic
      block length. However, for favorable solute-polymer interactions, nanoparticle
      size exhibits a local minimum with respect to the hydrophobic block length. Our
      results provide insights on ways in which experimentally controllable parameters
      of the Flash NanoPrecipitation process can be used to influence aggregate size
      and composition during self-assembly.

PMID- 22088078
TI  - Detailed balance condition and effective free energy in the primitive chain
      network model.
AB  - We consider statistical mechanical properties of the primitive chain network
      (PCN) model for entangled polymers from its dynamic equations. We show that the
      dynamic equation for the segment number of the PCN model does not reduce to the
      standard Langevin equation which satisfies the detailed balance condition. We
      propose heuristic modifications for the PCN dynamic equation for the segment
      number, to make it reduce to the standard Langevin equation. We analyse some
      equilibrium statistical properties of the modified PCN model, by using the
      effective free energy obtained from the modified PCN dynamic equations. The PCN
      effective free energy can be interpreted as the sum of the ideal Gaussian chain
      free energy and the repulsive interaction energy between slip-links. By using the
      single chain approximation, we calculate several distribution functions of the
      PCN model. The obtained distribution functions are qualitatively different from
      ones for the simple slip-link model without any direct interactions between slip
      links.

PMID- 22088079
TI  - Thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube-polyamide-6,6 nanocomposites: reverse non
      equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - The thermal conductivity of composites of carbon nanotubes and polyamide-6,6 has
      been investigated using reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations in
      a full atomistic resolution. It is found, in line with experiments, that the
      composites have thermal conductivities, which are only moderately larger than
      that of pure polyamide. The composite conductivities are orders of magnitude less
      than what would be expected from naive additivity arguments. This means that the
      intrinsic thermal conductivities of isolated nanotubes, which exceed the best
      conducting metals, cannot be harnessed for heat transport, when the nanotubes are
      embedded in a polymer matrix. The main reason is the high interfacial thermal
      resistance between the nanotubes and the polymer, which was calculated in
      addition to the total composite thermal conductivity as well as that of the
      subsystem. It hinders heat to be transferred from the slow-conducting polymer
      into the fast-conducting nanotubes and back into the polymer. This interpretation
      is in line with the majority of recent simulation works. An alternative
      explanation, namely, the damping of the long-wavelength phonons in nanotubes by
      the polymer matrix is not supported by the present calculations. These modes
      provide most of the polymers heat conduction. An additional minor effect is
      caused by the anisotropic structure of the polymer phase induced by the nearby
      nanotube surfaces. The thermal conductivity of the polymer matrix increases
      slightly in the direction parallel to the nanotubes, whereas it decreases
      perpendicular to it.

PMID- 22088080
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation studies of ring polymers at athermal and theta conditions.
AB  - By use of an intramolecular criterion, i.e., the direct proportionality between
      mean square dimension and chain length, theta conditions for linear chains and
      ring shaped polymers are evaluated for several types of cubic lattice chains
      (simple cubic, body centered cubic, and face centered cubic). The properties of
      the rings are evaluated for the same thermodynamic conditions under which they
      are prepared thus allowing for a natural amount of knots which have been
      identified by use of Alexander polynomials. For the limit of infinite chain
      lengths the same theta parameter is found for linear chains and rings. On the
      contrary, a significant theta point depression occurs due to an additional
      excluded volume effect if unknots are exclusively regarded. Parameters
      characteristic of the shape of rings and chains under theta conditions
      extrapolated to infinite chain length fairly well coincide with respective data
      for random walks. Mean square dimensions (characteristic of the size) of theta
      systems are slightly in excess as compared to nonreversal random walks due to the
      necessity of avoiding overlaps on a local scale. Furthermore athermal systems are
      studied as well for comparison; mean square dimensions are described by use of
      scaling relations with proper short chain corrections, shape parameters are given
      in the limit of infinite chain length.

PMID- 22088081
TI  - Potential of mean force between a large solute and a biomolecular complex: a
      model analysis on protein flux through chaperonin system.
AB  - Insertion of a large solute into an even larger vessel comprising biopolymers
      followed by release of the same solute from it is one of the important functions
      sustaining life. As a typical example, an unfolded protein is inserted into a
      chaperonin from bulk aqueous solution, a cochaperonin acting as a lid is attached
      to the chaperonin rim and the protein folds into its native structure within the
      closed cavity, the cochaperonin is detached after the folding is finished, and
      the folded protein is released back to the bulk solution. On the basis of the
      experimental observations manifesting that the basic aspects of the protein flux
      through the chaperonin system is independent of the chaperonin, cochaperonin, and
      protein species, we adopt a simple model system with which we can cover the whole
      cycle of the protein flux. We calculate the spatial distribution of the solvent
      mediated potential of mean force (PMF) between a spherical solute and a
      cylindrical vessel or vessel/lid complex. The calculation is performed using the
      three-dimensional integral equation theory, and the PMF is decomposed into
      energetic and entropic components. We argue that an unfolded protein with a
      larger excluded volume (EV) and weak hydrophobicity is entropically inserted into
      the chaperonin cavity and constrained within a small space almost in its center.
      The switch from insertion to release is achieved by decreasing the EV and turning
      the protein surface hydrophilic in the folding process. For this release, in
      which the energetic component is a requisite, the feature that the chaperonin
      inner surface in the absence of the cochaperonin is not hydrophilic plays
      essential roles. On the other hand, the inner surface of the
      chaperonin/cochaperonin complex is hydrophilic, and the protein is energetically
      repelled from it: The protein remains constrained within the small space
      mentioned above without contacting the inner surface for correct folding. The
      structural and inner-surface properties of the chaperonin or complex are
      controlled by the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding to the chaperonin,
      hydrolysis of ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and Pi, and dissociation of
      ADP and Pi. The function of the chaperonin system is exhibited by synchronizing
      the chemical cycle of ATP hydrolysis with hydration properties of a protein in
      the water confined on the scale of a nanometer which are substantially different
      from those in the bulk water.

PMID- 22088083
TI  - Retraction: "Multidimensional spatial-spectral holographic interpretation of NMR
      photography" [J. Chem. Phys. 124, 194108 (2006)].

PMID- 22088082
TI  - Note: scale-free center-of-mass displacement correlations in polymer films
      without topological constraints and momentum conservation.

PMID- 22088085
TI  - Development and characterization of microsatellite markers from tropical forage
      Stylosanthes species and analysis of genetic variability and cross-species
      transferability.
AB  - A limited number of functional molecular markers has slowed the desired genetic
      improvement of Stylosanthes species. Hence, in an attempt to develop simple
      sequence repeat (SSR) markers, genomic libraries from Stylosanthes seabrana B.L.
      Maass & 't Mannetje (2n=2x=20) using 5' anchored degenerate microsatellite
      primers were constructed. Of the 76 new microsatellites, 21 functional primer
      pairs were designed. Because of the small number of primer pairs designed, 428
      expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences from seven Stylosanthes species were also
      examined for SSR detection. Approximately 10% of sequences delivered functional
      primer pairs, and after redundancy elimination, 57 microsatellite repeats were
      selected. Tetranucleotides followed by trinucleotides were the major repeated
      sequences in Stylosanthes ESTs. In total, a robust set of 21 genomic-SSR (gSSR)
      and 20 EST-SSR (eSSR) markers were developed. These markers were analyzed for
      intraspecific diversity within 20 S. seabrana accessions and for their cross
      species transferability. Mean expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosity
      values with gSSR markers were 0.64 and 0.372, respectively, whereas with eSSR
      markers these were 0.297 and 0.214, respectively. Dendrograms having moderate
      bootstrap value (23%-94%) were able to distinguish all accessions of S. seabrana
      with gSSR markers, whereas eSSR markers showed 100% similarities between few
      accessions. The set of 21 gSSRs, from S. seabrana, and 20 eSSRs, from selected
      Stylosanthes species, with their high cross-species transferability (45% with
      gSSRs, 86% with eSSRs) will facilitate genetic improvement of Stylosanthes
      species globally.

PMID- 22088086
TI  - Xanthohumol uptake and intracellular kinetics in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate
      cells, and intestinal cells.
AB  - Xanthohumol (XN) is the major prenylated chalcone of hops and hence an ingredient
      of beer. Despite many advances in understanding of the pharmacology of XN, one
      largely unresolved issue is its low bioavailability in the human organism. Also,
      not much is known about its actual concentrations and pharmacokinetics in liver
      and intestinal cells. Therefore, the uptake, intracellular distribution, and
      kinetics of XN were studied in various cell types, namely, hepatocellular
      carcinoma cells (HuH-7), hepatic stellate cells (HSC), primary cultured
      hepatocytes, and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). Fluorescent microscopy
      allowed for the first time visualization and tracing of the uptake and
      intracellular distribution of XN. A rapid accumulation of XN concentrations that
      were up to >60-fold higher than the concentration present in the ambient culture
      medium was observed. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments
      revealed that most XN molecules are bound to cellular proteins, which may alter
      properties of cellular factors.

PMID- 22088091
TI  - Short term supplementation of dietary antioxidants selectively regulates the
      inflammatory responses during early cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are serious complications for diabetic patients,
      yet the precise mechanism that underlines the treatment of these diabetic
      complications remains unclear. We hypothesized that dietary antioxidant
      supplementation with vitamin C, combined either with vitamin E or with vitamin E
      and NAC, improves delayed wound healing through modulation of blood glucose
      levels, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. METHODS: Diabetes was
      induced by administration of alloxan monohydrate. Mice were divided into 4
      groups; CON (non-diabetic control mice fed AIN 93 G purified rodent diet), DM
      (diabetic mice fed AIN 93 G purified rodent diet), VCE (diabetic mice fed 0.5%
      vitamin C and 0.5% vitamin E supplemented diet), and Comb (diabetic mice fed 0.5%
      vitamin C, 0.5% vitamin E, and 2.5% NAC supplemented diet). After 10 days of
      dietary antioxidant supplementation, cutaneous full-thickness excisional wounds
      were performed, and the rate of wound closure was examined. TBARS as lipid
      peroxidation products and vitamin E levels were measured in the liver. Expression
      levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response related proteins were
      measured in the cutaneous wound site. RESULTS: Dietary antioxidant
      supplementation improved blood glucose levels and wound closure rate and
      increased liver vitamin E, but not liver TBARS levels in the diabetic mice as
      compared to those of the CON. In addition, dietary antioxidant supplementation
      modulated the expression levels of pIkappaBalpha, HO-1, CuZnSOD, iNOS and COX-2
      proteins in the diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that
      delayed wound healing is associated with an inflammatory response induced by
      hyperglycaemia, and suggests that dietary antioxidant supplementation may have
      beneficial effects on wound healing through selective modulation of blood glucose
      levels, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response.

PMID- 22088092
TI  - A new genus and a new species of Cladorchiidae (Digenea: Dadayiinae) from
      Podocnemis expansa (Chelonia) of the neotropical region, State of Para, Brazil.
AB  - A new species of amphistome digenean from the stomach and intestine of Podocnemis
      expansa (Pelomedusidae), of the tropical rain forest, from the State of Para,
      Brazil, is described and allocated to a new genus ( Oriximinatrema noronhae ).
      The new species is characterized by the presence of an esophageal bulb, an
      esophageal extension uncovered by an extension of the pharyngeal sacs, a well
      developed cirrus sac, post-bifurcal genital sucker, a ventro-terminal acetabulum
      with an anterior lip, and medium-sized eggs. This is the first report of a
      Dadayiinae trematode infecting a reptilian host.

PMID- 22088093
TI  - Bionano donor-acceptor hybrids of porphyrin, ssDNA, and semiconductive single
      wall carbon nanotubes for electron transfer via porphyrin excitation.
AB  - Photoinduced electron transfer in self-assemblies of porphyrins ion-paired with
      ssDNA wrapped around single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been reported. To
      accomplish the three-component hybrids, two kinds of diameter-sorted
      semiconducting SWCNT(n,m)s of different diameter ((n,m) = (6,5) and (7,6)) and
      free-base or zinc porphyrin bearing peripheral positive charges ((TMPyP(+))M
      (tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin); M = Zn and H(2)) serving as light
      absorbing photoactive materials are utilized. The donor-acceptor hybrids are held
      by ion-pairing between the negatively charged phosphate groups of ssDNA on the
      surface of the SWCNT and the positively charged at the ring periphery porphyrin
      macrocycle. The newly assembled bionano donor-acceptor hybrids have been
      characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic
      methods. Photoinduced electron transfer from the excited singlet porphyrin to the
      SWCNTs directly and/or via ssDNA as an electron mediator has been established by
      performing systematic studies involving the steady-state and time-resolved
      emission as well as the transient absorption studies. Higher charge-separation
      efficiency has been successfully demonstrated by the selection of the appropriate
      semiconductive SWCNTs with the right band gap, in addition to the aid of ssDNA as
      the electron mediator.

PMID- 22088094
TI  - Integrity of chromatin and replicating DNA in nuclei released from fission yeast
      by semi-automated grinding in liquid nitrogen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of nuclear function in many organisms, especially those with
      tough cell walls, are limited by lack of availability of simple, economical
      methods for large-scale preparation of clean, undamaged nuclei. FINDINGS: Here we
      present a useful method for nuclear isolation from the important model organism,
      the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. To preserve in vivo molecular
      configurations, we flash-froze the yeast cells in liquid nitrogen. Then we broke
      their tough cell walls, without damaging their nuclei, by grinding in a precision
      controlled motorized mortar-and-pestle apparatus. The cryo-ground cells were
      resuspended and thawed in a buffer designed to preserve nuclear morphology, and
      the nuclei were enriched by differential centrifugation. The washed nuclei were
      free from contaminating nucleases and have proven well-suited as starting
      material for genome-wide chromatin analysis and for preparation of fragile DNA
      replication intermediates. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a simple, reproducible,
      economical procedure for large-scale preparation of endogenous-nuclease-free,
      morphologically intact nuclei from fission yeast. With appropriate modifications,
      this procedure may well prove useful for isolation of nuclei from other organisms
      with, or without, tough cell walls.

PMID- 22088095
TI  - Microbial production of hyaluronic acid: current state, challenges, and
      perspectives.
AB  - Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural and linear polymer composed of repeating
      disaccharide units of beta-1, 3-N-acetyl glucosamine and beta-1, 4-glucuronic
      acid with a molecular weight up to 6 million Daltons. With excellent
      viscoelasticity, high moisture retention capacity, and high biocompatibility, HA
      finds a wide-range of applications in medicine, cosmetics, and
      nutraceuticals.Traditionally HA was extracted from rooster combs, and now it is
      mainly produced via streptococcal fermentation. Recently the production of HA via
      recombinant systems has received increasing interest due to the avoidance of
      potential toxins. This work summarizes the research history and current
      commercial market of HA, and then deeply analyzes the current state of microbial
      production of HA by Streptococcus zooepidemicus and recombinant systems, and
      finally discusses the challenges facing microbial HA production and proposes
      several research outlines to meet the challenges.

PMID- 22088096
TI  - Development of the enantioselective addition of ethyl diazoacetate to aldehydes:
      asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-diols.
AB  - A novel synthetic strategy toward the asymmetric synthesis of vicinal diols
      bearing a tertiary center is presented. The method encompasses the dinuclear Mg
      catalyzed asymmetric addition of ethyl diazoacetate into several aldehydes,
      oxidation of the diazo functionality, and diastereoselective alkyl transfer of
      various organometallics into the resulting chiral beta-hydroxy-alpha-ketoesters
      to afford a diverse range of 1,2-diols in high yield, diastereoselectivity, and
      chirality transfer.

PMID- 22088097
TI  - Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio in a first-morning void urine and
      prehypertension among Chinese Han women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was operated to investigate the association between
      urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and prehypertension among Chinese Han
      women. METHODS: Information on blood pressure measurement and other variables
      were obtained, and blood and urine samples collected in 1796 women aged >=30
      years. The association between urinary ACR and prehypertension were analyzed by
      using multivariate non-conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: Average
      urinary ACR was higher in hypertensives than in prehypertensives (median: 15.54
      vs 9.01 mg/g), and in prehypertensives than in normotensives (median: 9.01 vs
      7.13 mg/g). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased with urinary
      ACR. Compared with the lowest quartile of urinary ACR, multivariate adjusted odds
      ratios of prehypertension were 1.25 (95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.78), 1.95
      (1.30-2.92) and 1.59 (1.02-2.48) for the second, third and fourth quartiles,
      respectively. After exclusion of subjects with diabetes or use of
      antihypertensive medication, the odds ratio of prehypertension still increased
      with urinary ACR levels. CONCLUSION: Increased urinary ACR was significantly and
      positively associated with prehypertension among Chinese Han women.

PMID- 22088098
TI  - Absolute monocyte count identifies high-risk patients with lymphomas:
      "absolutely" simple and "counts" mean a lot!

PMID- 22088099
TI  - Variant genotypes of MDR1 C3435T increase the risk of leukemia: evidence from 10
      case-control studies.
AB  - The C3435T (Ile1142Ile) polymorphism of the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) has
      been implicated in leukemia risk, but the reported results are inconsistent. Here
      we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between C3435T
      polymorphism and the risk of leukemia using all case-control studies published
      before June 2011 according to PubMed. A total of 10 case-control studies were
      included in this analysis. We found that variant genotypes of C3435T (CT/TT) were
      significantly associated with an increased risk of leukemia (CT/TT vs. CC: odds
      ratio [OR] = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-1.50, p = 0.284 for
      heterogeneity test). Additionally, the association was more significant in
      chronic leukemia (specifically B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia [B-CLL]) (OR =
      1.94; 95% CI = 1.32-2.85, p = 0.648 for heterogeneity test) than in acute
      leukemia (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.01-1.40, p = 0.616 for heterogeneity test), p =
      0.021 for heterogeneity test between groups. These findings provide further
      evidence that the MDR1 C3435T variant may modify the susceptibility to leukemia.

PMID- 22088100
TI  - Rapid and specific influenza virus detection by functionalized magnetic
      nanoparticles and mass spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The timely and accurate diagnosis of specific influenza virus strains
      is crucial to effective prophylaxis, vaccine preparation and early antiviral
      therapy. The detection of influenza A viruses is mainly accomplished using
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques or antibody-based assays. In
      conjugation with the immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibody, mass spectrometry
      is an alternative to identify proteins derived from a target influenza virus.
      Taking advantage of the large surface area-to-volume ratio, antibody-conjugated
      magnetic nanoparticles can act as an effective probe to extract influenza virus
      for sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and on
      bead mass spectrometric analysis. RESULTS: Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles
      (MNP) were functionalized with H5N2 viral antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin
      protein and capped with methoxy-terminated ethylene glycol to suppress
      nonspecific binding. The antibody-conjugated MNPs possessed a high specificity to
      H5N2 virus without cross-reactivity with recombinant H5N1 viruses. The
      unambiguous identification of the captured hemagglutinin on magnetic
      nanoparticles was realized by SDS-PAGE visualization and peptide sequence
      identification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
      CONCLUSIONS: The assay combining efficient magnetic separation and MALDI-MS
      readout offers a rapid and sensitive method for virus screening. Direct on-MNP
      detection by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) provided high sensitivity (~10(3) EID(50) per mL) and
      a timely diagnosis within one hour. The magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated with
      monoclonal antibodies could be used as a specific probe to distinguish different
      subtypes of influenza.

PMID- 22088102
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22088101
TI  - Updates on the treatment of essential hypertension: a summary of AHRQ's
      comparative effectiveness review of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors,
      angiotensin II receptor blockers, and direct renin inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2007, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
      published a comparative effectiveness review (CER) on the benefits and risks of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor
      blockers (ARBs) for treating essential hypertension in adults. The main findings
      indicated that the 2 classes of antihypertensive medications caused similar
      reductions in blood pressure, although higher rates of adverse events, especially
      cough, were reported by patients treated with ACEIs. In addition, the 2007 review
      indicated no treatment related differences in lipid levels, glycemic control, or
      progression of kidney disease among the agents. Since 2007, 39 relevant studies
      have been published that compare outcomes for adults treated with ACEIs versus
      ARBs or a drug in one of these 2 classes versus a direct renin inhibitor (DRI).
      To systematically analyze findings from the new research, AHRQ commissioned and,
      in June 2011, published an updated comparative effectiveness review on the
      benefits and risks of agents that target the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone
      system (RAAS), specifically ACEIs, ARBs, and DRIs. OBJECTIVES: To (a) familiarize
      health care professionals with the methods and findings from AHRQ's 2011
      comparative effectiveness review on ACEIs, ARBs, and DRIs for adults with
      essential hypertension; (b) provide commentary and encourage consideration of the
      clinical and managed care applications of the review findings; and (c) identify
      limitations to the existing research on the benefits and risks of ACEIs, ARBs,
      and DRIs. SUMMARY: Consistent with the findings from AHRQ's 2007 report, the 2011
      update indicated no overall differences in blood pressure control, mortality
      rates, and major cardiovascular events in patients treated with ACEIs versus
      ARBs. With a low strength of evidence, 2 studies reported a small significantly
      greater blood pressure reduction for patients treated with the DRI aliskiren
      versus the ACEI ramipril. Studies evaluating the DRI aliskiren versus ACEIs and
      ARBs on mortality and morbidity outcomes were relatively short, and few deaths or
      cardiovascular events occurred, resulting in insufficient evidence to discern
      differences. A random-effects meta-analysis of 23 RCTs comparing ACEIs and ARBs
      found no significant difference in the proportion of patients who achieved
      successful blood pressure control on a single antihypertensive agent. Compared
      with ARBs and the DRI aliskiren, ACEIs were consistently associated with higher
      rates of cough. Withdrawals due to adverse events were modestly more frequent for
      patients receiving ACEI rather than ARBs or DRIs; this is consistent with the
      differential rates of cough. There was no evidence of differential effects of
      ACEIs, ARBs, or DRIs on the outcomes of lipids, renal outcomes, carbohydrate
      metabolism or diabetes, or left ventricular mass; however, there was not a high
      strength of evidence for any of these outcomes. Regarding the question of whether
      ACEIs, ARBs, or DRIs are associated with better outcomes in specific patient
      subgroups, the evidence was insufficient to reach firm conclusions.

PMID- 22088103
TI  - Stabile Isotope in den Interaktionen von Parasiten und Wirten bei Hoheren
      Pflanzen.
AB  - Abstract   An overview is given about the delta(13)C- and delta5D-values in the
      organic material of hemi- and full- parasitic higher plants and of their hosts.  
      Hemiparasites have to direct the content of the host xylem into their tissues by
      lowering their water potential. They achieve this by active water secretion or by
      lowering the stomatal resistance. In the latter case, the intercellular CO(2)
      concentration in the chlorenchyme of the parasite is increased. This causes a
      reduction of the (13)C-content (delta(13)C-value of the parasite more negative
      than of the host). The dry matter of the mistletoes is always richer in deuterium
      than that of the host. The reason for this fact is unknown.   In the case
      hemiparasites and their hosts show differences in the (13)CO(2)-discrimination
      during the photosynthetic CO(2)-fixation, an eventual transfer of organic
      material from host to parasite can be checked. By this way a holoparasitic
      mistletoe, Tristerix aphyllus, could be demonstrated.   In contrast to mistletoes
      on C3-hosts, such on CAM-hosts have a lower deuterium content in the dry mass
      than the hosts.   Holoparasites get all their organic material from the hosts and
      mirror, therefore, in their delta(13)C-values those of the hosts. Their deuterium
      content in the organic material is always higher than the one in the host. The
      reason is unknown.

PMID- 22088104
TI  - Uptake of [(15)N] Ammonium and [(15)N]Nitrate in a 140-Year-Old Spruce Stand
      (Picea abies) in the Fichtelgebirge (NE Bavaria).
AB  - Abstract   In April 1994 a (15)N tracer pulse study was started in a 140-year-old
      spruce stand (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) located at the Fichtelgebirge (NE
      Bavaria). Highly enriched (98%) [(15)N]ammonium and [(15)N]nitrate were applied
      simulating wet deposition. For two growing seasons the pathways and dynamics of
      the tracer were followed in all compartments of spruce (needles and twigs of all
      age classes, stem wood and bark, roots) and understorey vegetation and in soils
      of the organic (L/Of and Oh) and mineral horizons (A(0-5) and A(5-10)). By
      variations of the application time on different plots within the growing season
      (spring, summer and autumn) a seasonal effect of labelling on uptake and
      distribution patterns was tested.   First results of this tracer study indicate
      that young and old spruce stands do not differ basically in pattern of uptake and
      distribution of mineral nitrogen. There are indications that spruce uses
      preferentially ammonium versus nitrate and that the ratio of ammonium/nitrate
      which is being consumed depends on the ammonium/nitrate ratio in the soil
      solution. The uptake rates decrease within the growing season.

PMID- 22088105
TI  - The Fate of [(15)N]Ammonium and [(15)N]Nitrate in the Soil of a 140-Year-Old
      Spruce Stand (Picea Abies) in the Fichtelgebirge (NE-Bavaria).
AB  - Abstract   A (15)N tracer-experiment was carried out in a 140-year-old spruce
      stand (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in the Fichtelgebirge (NE-Bavaria, Germany).
      Highly enriched (98 at%) [(15)N]ammonium and [(15)N]nitrate were applied as
      tracers by simulation of a deposition of 41.3 mol N ha(-1) with 11 water m(-2).
      To examine seasonal variations of uptake by spruce and understorey vegetation,
      different plots were labelled in spring, summer and autumn 1994.   One aim of the
      present study was to perfect a method of preparation of soil extracts for isotope
      ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) measurements. Ammonium and nitrate from soil
      extracts were prepared for IRMS measurements by steam distillation and subsequent
      freeze drying. Additionally, tracer distribution and transformations in the soil
      nitrogen pools were examined. Ammonium, nitrate and total nitrogen were examined
      in the organic layer and the upper 10 cm of the mineral soil during 3 months
      after the first tracer application in spring 1994.   In July 1994, three months
      after tracer application, 40% of the [(15)N]ammonium label and 29% of the
      [(15)N]nitrate label, respectively, were recovered in the total N pool of the
      investigated soil horizons. In the organic layer the L/Of horizon retained most
      of the recovered tracers. Nitrification, immobilisation and mineralisation
      occurred even under the conditions of high soil acidity at the study site.

PMID- 22088106
TI  - Untersuchungen mit (15)n im dauerdungungsfeldversuch.
AB  - Abstract   Long-term static fertilizer experiments are important for the soil
      fertility research, particular for using nitrogen problems. There are several
      possibilities for (15)N-traces in such experiments. One example is the
      International Organic Nitrogen Long-Term Experiment at Berlin-Dahlem in which
      (15)N-tracers are used, involving organic and inorganic fertilizers. By analyzing
      the soil and the plant biomass, it was possible to distinguish between nitrogen
      originating from the soil and that from the fertilizer. Some results are
      published.

PMID- 22088107
TI  - Course of uptake of weed-borne nitrogen by maize, tested with (15)n.
AB  - Abstract   The course of uptake of weed-borne nitrogen by maize was tested with
      (15)N in a pot experiment with silty loam after common growth of maize and
      Chenopodium album L., and mulching the weed in the 5-leaf stage of maize.
      Harvests 4,8 and 12 weeks after mulching show that the maize took up 35, 63 and
      70% of the weed-borne nitrogen, resp., in consequence of a rapid and almost
      complete mineralization. The portion of weed-borne nitrogen in total N of the
      maize was 16% at all harvest dates. The differences in yield between weeded and
      unweeded maize were not significant neither at 5-leaf stage nor at corn maturity.

PMID- 22088108
TI  - Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen fertilization of soybeans.
AB  - Abstract   In pot experiments with (15)N labelled soil and mineral (15)N, the
      influence of Bradyrhizobium (Rhizobium japonicum) inoculation and N fertilization
      on the symbiotic N(2) fixation and yield of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merill.,
      cv. 'Fiskeby V'] was investigated. Symbiotic N(2) fixation only occured after
      inoculation with Bradyrhizobium. Considerable differences in efficiency of the
      bacterial preparations were observed. Shortly after flowering, the symbiotic
      nitrogen fixation was finished and, subsequently, soybeans took up considerable N
      amounts from the soil. N fertilization at seeding suppressed N(2) fixation of
      soybeans. In this case, the dry matter and nitrogen yield increased, because the
      loss of fixed nitrogen was overcompensated by the mineral N uptake. During
      flowering of soybeans, the N(2) fixation was not affected by N supply, because
      this process was already terminated. The mineral N was additionally available to
      the plants and led to increased N amounts in plants. It was absorbed to a
      considerable degree by soybeans. The mineral N was translocated (partly, after
      intermediate storage in the vegetative organs) into the seeds thus increasing
      their yields.

PMID- 22088109
TI  - The impact of ozone on the (15)n incorporation and nitrogen assimilation of wheat
      and maize.
AB  - Abstract   Young wheat (C3) and maize (C4) plants were exposed to near-ambient
      concentrations of ozone in open-top chambers in order to investigate the possible
      effects of ozone on nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen was supplied to the plants by
      adding (15)N-labelled tracer substances via the soil substrate. Enzyme activities
      (NADH nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase and NADH
      glutamate dehydrogenase) and the incorporation of (15)N were determined.   The
      findings show that nitrogen metabolism was affected by O(3), however, there were
      distinct differences between the two species. In plants treated with O(3), NADH
      nitrate reductase activity in maize leaves was reduced, while NR activity in
      wheat leaves only slightly declined. Only minor changes were observed with
      respect to the activities of nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase and NADH
      glutamate dehydrogenase.   Feeding experiments using (15)NO(3) (-) showed that
      the incorporation of nitrate nitrogen in wheat plants exposed to ozone remains
      virtually unchanged, whereas in maize plants reduced incorporation rates were
      observed for nitrate nitrogen. The incorporation of ammonium nitrogen was
      distinctly increased in wheat and maize by the impact of ozone.   When
      investigating pigment contents, reduced levels of chlorophyll a and b and
      carotenoids were observed, whereas the pigment content of wheat leaves remained
      unchanged. These results indicate that young maize plants are more susceptible
      than wheat plants to short-term ozone exposure.

PMID- 22088110
TI  - Prospects and limitations of an isotope tracer technique for understanding sulfur
      cycling in forested and agro-ecosystems.
AB  - Abstract   Applications of isotopically distinct sulfur compounds have recently
      been used for tracing the fate of added sulfur in whole catchments or sub
      compartments therein. Basic principles, the analytical methodology, and data
      evaluation for this isotope tracer technique are briefly described. We recommend
      that delta(34)S-values of applied and natural sulfur compounds in the
      investigated ecosystem should differ by more than 200/00 in order to successfully
      ascertain sulfur fluxes. Where possible, a high ratio of applied sulfur loads
      versus sulfur pool sizes in the ecosystem should also be realized in order to
      allow the assessment of sulfur transformations in the study area. Prospects and
      limitations of this isotope tracer technique are critically discussed by
      reviewing results from recently or currently conducted lysimeter and field
      experiments.

PMID- 22088111
TI  - Sulfate Reduction in a Forested Catchment as Indicated by delta(34)S Values of
      Sulfate in Soil Solutions and Runoff.
AB  - Abstract   In a forested catchment in the Fichtelgebirge mountains (NE-Bavaria,
      Germany) the long term SO(4) (2-) budget (average 1988-1994) indicated that about
      40% of the input with throughfall (16.8 kg SO(4) (2-) S.ha(-1).yr(-1)) was
      retained in the catchment. In order to identify processes acting as potential
      SO(4) (2-) sinks, delta(34)S values of SO(4) (2-) in soil solutions and runoff
      were measured between May and November 1994. delta(34)S values of the runoff and
      the fen were higher (5.80/00) than the delta(34)S values of the soil solution of
      the oxic soils in the terrestrial area (3.90/00). Because there is no lithogenic
      S source within the catchment, it can be assumed that SO(4) (2-) deposition is
      the only S source in the catchment. Thus the results were interpreted as a result
      of SO(4) (2-) reduction within the catchment, because the uptake of (32)S is
      favoured during the dissimilatory SO(4) (2-) reduction and (34)S is consequently
      enriched in the soil solution. To estimate the amount of SO(4) (2-) reduced
      isotopic fractionation factors between - 90/00 and -460/00 were considered,
      resulting in SO(4) (2-) reduction rates of 1.8-9.3 kg SO(4) (2)-S.ha(-1)yr(-1).
      It was concluded that besides dissimilatory SO(4) (2-) reduction another sink
      exists in the catchment (e.g. SO(4) (2-) sorption in deep soil layers).

PMID- 22088112
TI  - Influence of earthworms on the sulfur turnover in the soil.
AB  - Abstract   The effects of earthworm activity on the concentration and isotopic
      composition of total sulfur in soils was investigated using batch experiments.
      Two ecologically different lumbricid species, the anecic Lumbricus terrestris and
      the endogeic Aporrectodea caliginosa, were used. The earthworms were fed birch
      leaves, beech leaves, cattle manure or mixed plant litter. All food sources
      differed isotopically (delta(34)S) from the soil (Parabraunerde). As a reference,
      one experiment was carried out without additional food.   The experimental
      results show, that both earthworm species influence the total S-content and the
      delta(34)S-values in the soil by digestion of the different food sources. The
      differences in the total S-content of the earthworm tissues and in the S-isotopic
      composition of the casts can be attributed to the ecological differences between
      the earthworm species.

PMID- 22088115
TI  - Compartmental approach for evaluation of plasma kinetics and (13)co(2)-exhalation
      after oral loading with L-[1-(13)c]leucine.
AB  - Abstract   A seven compartment model was applied for evaluation of oral L-[1
      (13)C]leucine loading tests (38 MUmol/kg body wt.) in healthy volunteers. The
      model comprises transport and absorption in stomach and gut into a central L
      leucine-compartment which is connected to a protein compartment and to the
      compartment of the corresponding 2-oxo acid. CO(2) release from the latter occurs
      in a fast and a slow compartment into the central CO(2) compartment for
      exhalation. Using the fmins routine of MATLAB for parameter estimation, a good
      agreement was obtained between calculated and actually measured kinetics of (13)C
      labelled metabolites and a mean in vivo L-leucine oxidation of 0.365 +/- 0.071
      MUmol/kg per min (n = 5) was computed. Plausibility of the model was checked by
      predicting in vivo leucine oxidation rates from primed continuous infusion tests
      (priming: L-[1-(13)C]leucine, 5 MUmol/kg; NaH(13)CO(2), 1.2 MUmol/kg; infusion: L
      [1-(13)C]leucine, 5 MUmol/kg per h). In 5 tested volunteers, the experimental L
      leucine oxidation rate amounted to 0.358 +/- 0.105 MUmol/kg per min versus
      predicted 0.324+/-0.099 MUmol/kg per min. Possible causes for some observed
      intraindividual variations are discussed.

PMID- 22088117
TI  - Microcombustion of ng Amounts of Carbon in Non-Volatile Materials for isotope
      Ratio Evaluation.
AB  - Abstract   A novel microcombustion technique for carbon isotopic analysis of
      nanogram amounts of carbon in non-volatile materials based on isotope ratio
      monitoring (irm) mass spectrometry is described. Liquid or solid samples placed
      in a quartz sleeve are combusted at 1000 degrees C in a continuous stream of
      helium and oxygen. CO(2) removed from the carrier gas stream by cryogenic
      trapping is transferred onto a GC column. Following GC separation, the CO(2) is
      transferred via an open split to the ion source of a gas isotope ratio mass
      spectrometer. Reproducibility for samples >25 nmol carbon is <10/00. Problems
      associated with blanks from various sources and with reproducible deposition of
      small sample amounts led to variable accuracy, which was dependent on the
      compound class being analysed. Minimum sample size was in the range from 5 to 10
      nmol carbon. Measurements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of groundwater from
      Germany yielded consistent values of delta(13)C = -28.80/00.

PMID- 22088118
TI  - New methods for fully automated isotope ratio determination from hydrogen at the
      natural abundance level.
AB  - Abstract   A variety of methods for measurement of (2)H/(1)H from H(2) are
      evaluated for their ability to be fully automated and for applicability to
      automated isotopic analysis of water and organic compounds. Equilibration of
      water with H(2) gas with the aid of a platinum catalyst has been commercialized
      into a fully automated sample preparation device. A second and newer technique,
      involving injecting water, methane, or other volatile organic compounds onto hot
      chromium in a reactor attached to the dual inlet system of a gas isotope ratio
      mass spectrometer, can be integrated with a conventional GC-autosampler to allow
      automated analysis of a variety of substrates. Both techniques result in
      precisions around 10/00 (delta notation) on the VSMOW scale, and are fast and
      accurate, and with appropriate mass spectrometers require only negligible scaling
      for the SLAP/VSMOW difference. Several experimental methods which show
      considerable promise employ "isotope ratio monitoring" (irm) inlet systems, in
      which a carrier gas is used for transport of H(2) to the mass spectrometer. Any
      such method has to address the problem of He ions corrupting the measurement of
      the H(2) ions. One such approach uses a heated palladium membrane for selective
      introduction of H(2) into the mass spectrometer, and a second involves
      modifications to the ion optics to control the stray helium ions. Both approaches
      have significant limitations that must be overcome before irm techniques can be
      used in routine applications, in particular for measuring hydrogen isotopes from
      GC effluents (irm-GCMS).

PMID- 22088119
TI  - Isotope-Ratio-Monitoring Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (IRM-LCMS):
      First Results from a Moving Wire Interface System.
AB  - Abstract   A Liquid Chromatography-Combustion (LC-C) Interface, based on a moving
      wire technique, has been built and tested. The LC effluent is deposited onto a
      transport wire, which carries the sample through solvent evaporation and
      combustion ovens. CO(2) from the combustion step is analysed in an isotope ratio
      mass spectrometer. Performance of the interface was tested by loop injections of
      sucrose and glucose into a liquid flow of methanol/water (80/20). Accuracy and
      precision of delta(13)C(PDB) < 10/00 was achieved for sample concentrations > 500
      ng/ul (5MUl loop), sufficient for studies at natural isotope ratios. In case of
      (13)C tracer applications the detection limit was determined to be about 20 pg
      carbon tracer (on wire).

PMID- 22088120
TI  - Forensic Studies by EA-IRMS.
AB  - Abstract   The authenticity of natural and synthetic matter can be checked by
      measurement of the isotope ratios of C, N and S. Controlled substances like drugs
      of abuse (cocaine, heroin) and explosives (TNT) or, simply, traces of paint can
      hold information in their isotope pattern. Total combustion of samples in an
      elemental analyzer followed by on-line determination of the isotopes of the
      combustion products (CO(2), N(2), SO(2)) in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer
      (EA-IRMS) provides high sample throughout with a minimum of sample preparation.

PMID- 22088121
TI  - Accuracy and precision for measurements of the mass ratio 30/28 in dinitrogen
      from air samples and its application to the investigation of N losses from soil
      by denitrification.
AB  - Abstract   In the 1950s Hauck introduced a special version of the (15)N dilution
      technique ((15)N flux method) for the determination of N losses from the soil by
      denitrification. Although this method is very useful and reliable its application
      has been rather infrequent up to now. This is mainly due to the need to measure
      the m/z 30 in addition to the usually measured m/z 28 and 29 for dinitrogen,
      because the (15)N in the enriched air sample taken from an enclosure (cover box)
      at the soil surface is nonrandom. The signal from the m/z 30 is very low and
      difficult to measure with sufficient precision because other species (e.g. NO)
      also having the m/z 30 often interfere with its measurement. In this study the
      accuracy and precision of an easy to use CF-IRMS with sample batch operation to
      measure the ratio 30/28 was investigated. The relative standard deviation (RSD =
      precision) from natural abundance up to 2 at.% was always <1%. After correction
      of the mass ratio 30/28 (R30), by means of a formula obtained by linear
      regression of theoretical R30 against measured R30, the accuracy of the abundance
      calculated from this corrected R30 was very high. From the achieved precision and
      assuming a cover box height of 10 cm (headspace volume of 7 1), and a collection
      time of 2 h, a limit of detection for N(2) losses by denitrification equivalent
      to 16 g N/ha*d or 6 kg N/ha*a can be estimated. The performance of the (15)N
      dilution method using the equipment and procedure described is demonstrated by
      means of results from an incubation experiment with [(15)N]nitrate-amended soils.

PMID- 22088122
TI  - (18)O/(16)O and (13)c/(12)c fractionation during the reaction of carbonates with
      phosphoric Acid: effects of cationic substitution and reaction temperature.
AB  - Abstract   The factors for (18)O/(16)O fractionation between carbonates and CO(2)
      gas produced by the dissolution of the carbonates in phosphoric acid (sealed
      vessel method) have been investigated as a function of reaction temperature (20
      90 degrees C) and cationic substitution in the solid. Synthetic CaCO(3), Ca(0.75)
      Mn(0.25) CO(3), MnCO(3), BaCO(3) and SrCO(3) powders, and a natural kutnahorite
      sample were used as solids. The delta(18)O values of the gaseous CO(2) liberated
      by the reaction with phosphoric acid decrease with increasing temperature and
      seem to be a linear function of T( degrees K)(-2). The slopes are specific for
      different carbonates. No temperature-depended (13)C/(12)C fractionation seems to
      exist.

PMID- 22088124
TI  - Editorial board page for "Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies", Volume
      32, Number 2-3.
AB  - Abstract   This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for
      this issue.

PMID- 22088125
TI  - Genetic diversity of thiamin and folate in primitive cultivated and wild potato
      (Solanum) species.
AB  - Biofortification of staple crops like potato via breeding is an attractive
      strategy to reduce human micronutrient deficiencies. A prerequisite is metabolic
      phenotyping of genetically diverse material which can potentially be used as
      parents in breeding programs. Thus, the natural genetic diversity of thiamin and
      folate contents was investigated in indigenous cultivated potatoes (Solanum
      tuberosum group Andigenum) and wild potato species (Solanum section Petota).
      Significant differences were found among clones and species. For about 50% of the
      clones there were variations in thiamin and folate contents between years.
      Genotypes which contained over 2-fold the thiamin and 4-fold the folate content
      compared to the modern variety Russet Burbank were identified and should be
      useful material to integrate in breeding programs which aim to enhance the
      nutritional value of potato. Primitive cultivars and wild species with widely
      different amounts of thiamin and folate will also be valuable tools to explore
      their respective metabolic regulation.

PMID- 22088127
TI  - Banking sperm is only the first of many decisions for men: what healthcare
      professionals and men need to know.
AB  - Sperm banking is recommended for all males prior to cancer treatment where there
      are risks of infertility. Subsequent decisions about monitoring fertility, use of
      banked sperm or disposal are less well understood, with adverse consequences for
      men and cost implications. We review the literature around key decision points:
      Diagnosis of cancer, monitoring fertility, use of banked sperm and sperm
      disposal. The results suggest that decisions about banking are compromised by
      concerns to initiate treatment quickly; subsequent decisions about monitoring
      fertility, use of banked sperm or disposal are coloured by the views of family
      members, men's failure to understand the longer-term implications and their
      reluctance to avail themselves of health care generally. Methodological
      limitations of current research include low response rates, increased focus on
      germ cell cancers and a lack of research outside North America. There is evidence
      that men and oncologists could use sperm banks more "wisely". Lack of
      longitudinal work means it is not possible to determine the long-term
      consequences of banking for men's general health and well-being, or identify
      barriers to fertility monitoring or disposal. We argue that sperm banking should
      be considered as a series of decisions, all involving implications for fertility,
      contraception and social and psychological adjustment to cancer.

PMID- 22088128
TI  - Psychosocial trends in couples prior to commencement of in vitro fertilisation
      (IVF) treatment.
AB  - Facing infertility and undergoing fertility treatment can create emotional
      turmoil in couples' lives. It is essential for fertility therapy providers to
      assess the coping and communication strategies of couples before treatment in
      order to provide appropriate support. We performed a two time point (year 2003 &
      year 2009) cross-sectional study of patients attending our services to undergo in
      vitro fertilisation. All couples attending the Human Assisted Reproduction
      Ireland Unit, a tertiary referral academic centre at the Rotunda Hospital, were
      requested to complete a psychosocial questionnaire before commencing the
      treatment. The questions assessed couples' understanding of their own
      infertility, family background and support, relationship traits and stress levels
      prior to commencing fertility treatment. A total of 180 patients participated in
      the study. Our findings showed that within a 6-year time span, couples' attitudes
      have changed significantly. Compared to 6 years ago, couples now have a better
      understanding of infertility and are seeking treatment quicker. Interestingly, we
      showed higher stress levels nowadays with fewer couples following routine stress
      management. We also identified specific gender differences in that women have a
      more open attitude in discussing infertility and seeking more support from
      friends and family compared to men.

PMID- 22088129
TI  - Viral screening before each cycle of assisted conception treatment is expensive
      and unnecessary: a survey of results from a UK inner city clinic.
AB  - The European Union Tissues and Cells Directive requires screening of tissue and
      cell donors for infective organisms to prevent inter-patient transmission. The
      Directive includes the unique term partner donation, which refers to "donation of
      reproductive cells between a man and a woman who declare that they have an
      intimate physical relationship". In line with the Directive, partners undergoing
      Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) now require screening before each
      treatment, regardless of the time interval between consecutive cycles. Evidence
      to support this recommendation is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a
      retrospective study of all virology screening tests undertaken over a three year
      period for individuals attending an assisted conception unit serving a high risk
      inner city population. We ascertained prevalence and seroconversion rates for
      HIV, hepatitis B and C and estimated the additional cost of implementing the
      Directive fully in our unit. With more than 3910 ART individuals screened between
      January 2007 and December 2009, the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C was 0.6,
      1.7 and 0.4%, respectively. A total of 422 individuals had a second screening
      test during the three year period and none seroconverted. This study suggests
      that increasing the frequency of screening individuals undergoing ART to less
      than 12 months would not confer added benefit and has significant cost
      implications.

PMID- 22088131
TI  - Full investigation of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presenting
      to four different clinical specialties reveals significant differences and
      undiagnosed morbidity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the spectrum of polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS) symptoms in patients from four different specialist clinics. DESIGN: A
      prospective cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted
      at the infertility, gynaecology, endocrine and dermatology clinics at Leeds
      General Infirmary, U.K. PATIENTS: Seventy women presenting with features of PCOS:
      20 from infertility, 17 from gynaecology, 17 from dermatology and 16 from
      endocrine clinics. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were assessed for symptoms and
      signs of PCOS and underwent a full endocrine and metabolic profile and a pelvic
      ultrasound scan. RESULTS: All subjects had experienced menstrual problems, 81%
      were overweight, 86% had polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, 56% had hirsutism, 53%
      had acne, 23% had acanthosis nigricans, 16% had alopecia and 38% had previously
      undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes. A significant
      difference between the four clinic groups existed with regard to menstrual
      patterns (p = 0.0234), frequency distribution of presenting symptoms and the
      percentages of patients with PCOS who had already been diagnosed as having PCOS
      (p = 0.0088). CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding
      the full spectrum of PCOS as presented to different specialty clinics. Not only
      is the syndrome under diagnosed but also are the significant associated
      morbidities such as IGT and type 2 diabetes. Different specialists need to
      appreciate the spectrum of health problems for women with PCOS that may extend
      beyond the specific symptoms that precipitated the initial referral.

PMID- 22088130
TI  - Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels in serum and follicular fluid as predictors
      of ovarian response in stimulated (IVF and ICSI) cycles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) was recently introduced as a marker of
      ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction. The cutoff values of AMH for prediction
      of poor response have not yet been determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety women
      undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle were prospectively included in this
      clinical, non-interventional study. Baseline AMH, follicle stimulating hormone
      (FSH) and antral follicle count (AFC) were measured before starting ovarian
      stimulation. AMH was also measured on day 5 of stimulation and in the follicular
      fluid of the first aspirated follicle. The predictive value of baseline AMH, day
      5 AMH and follicular fluid AMH were assessed comparatively to FSH and AFC for
      ovarian response. Ovarian response was defined as poor (<4 oocytes), high (>12
      oocytes) or normal (>=4 oocytes and <=12 oocytes). However, only 3 patients met
      the criterion for high ovarian response and thus analysis was focused on the
      prediction of poor response. RESULTS: Significant differences were present
      between poor responders and non-poor responders regarding FSH (p = 0.019),
      baseline AMH (p = 0.002), AFC (p < 0.001), day 5 AMH (p = 0.005) but not for
      follicular AMH (p = 0.183). The largest AUC (area under the curve) for poor
      ovarian response was obtained by AFC (AUC = 0.81) followed by baseline AMH (AUC =
      0.70). At a level below 2.74 ng/mL, the sensitivity of the test is 69% and
      specificity is 70.5%. CONCLUSION: Baseline AMH is almost as good a predictor for
      poor ovarian response as AFC.

PMID- 22088132
TI  - Inverse opals of molecularly imprinted hydrogels for the detection of bisphenol A
      and pH sensing.
AB  - Inverse opal films of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) were elaborated using
      the colloidal crystal template method. The colloidal crystals of silica particles
      were built by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, allowing a perfect control of the
      film thickness. Polymerization in the interspaces of the colloidal crystal in the
      presence of bisphenol A (BPA) and removal of the used template provides 3D
      ordered macroporous methacrylic acid-based hydrogel films in which nanocavities
      derived from bisphenol A are distributed within the thin walls of the inverse
      opal hydrogel. The equilibrium swelling properties of the nonimprinted (NIPs) and
      molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were studied as a function of pH and
      bisphenol A concentration, while the molecular structures of the bulk hydrogels
      were analyzed using a cross-linked network structure theory. This study showed an
      increase in nanopore (mesh) size in the MIPs after BPA extraction as compared to
      NIPs, in agreement with the presence of nanocavities left by the molecular
      imprints of the template molecule. The resulting inverse opals were found to
      display large responses to external stimuli (pH or BPA) with Bragg diffraction
      peak shifts depending upon the hydrogel film thickness. The film thickness was
      therefore shown to be a critical parameter for improving the sensing capacities
      of inverse opal hydrogel films deposited on a substrate.

PMID- 22088133
TI  - Assessing the efficacy of the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Programme (HELP)
      compared with enhanced standard care of the obese adolescent in the community:
      study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The childhood obesity epidemic is one of the foremost UK health
      priorities. Childhood obesity tracks into adult life and places individuals at
      considerable risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and other
      morbidities. There is widespread need for paediatric lifestyle programmes as
      change may be easier to accomplish in childhood than later in life. STUDY
      DESIGN/METHOD: The study will evaluate the management of adolescent obesity by
      conducting a Medical Research Council complex intervention phase III efficacy
      randomised clinical trial of the Healthy Eating Lifestyle Programme within
      primary care. The study tests a community delivered multi-component intervention
      designed for adolescents developed from best practice as identified by National
      Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. The hospital based pilot reduced
      body mass index and improved health-related quality of life.Subjects will be
      individually randomised to receiving either the Healthy Eating Lifestyle
      Programme (12 fortnightly family sessions) or enhanced standard care. Baseline
      and follow up assessments will be undertaken blind to allocation status. A health
      economic evaluation is also being conducted.200 obese young people (13-17 years,
      body mass index > 98th centile for age and sex) will be recruited from primary
      care within the greater London area.The primary hypothesis is that a motivational
      and solution-focused family-based weight management programme delivered over 6
      months is more efficacious in reducing body mass index in obese adolescents
      identified in the community than enhanced standard care.The primary outcome will
      be body mass index at the end of the intervention, adjusted for baseline body
      mass index, age and sex.The secondary hypothesis is that the Healthy Eating
      Lifestyle Programme is more efficacious in improving quality of life and
      psychological function and reducing waist circumference and cardiovascular risk
      factors in obese adolescents than enhanced standard care assessed at 6 and 12
      months post baseline assessment.Improvement in quality of life predicts on-going
      lifestyle change and maximises the chances of long-term weight reduction. We will
      explore whether improvement in QOL may be intermediate on the pathway between the
      intervention and body mass index change. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN:
      ISRCTN99840111.

PMID- 22088134
TI  - The effect of local environmental variables on the helminth parasite communities
      of the pointedbelly frog Leptodactylus podicipinus from ponds in the Pantanal
      wetlands.
AB  - Understanding the patterns of species distribution and abundance has been at the
      core of ecology. In general, these patterns are determined by species dispersion
      as well as by abiotic and biotic environmental conditions. Similarly, host
      parasite relations and the structure of parasite assemblages are also shaped by
      environmental conditions and landscape composition. Herein, we assessed the
      influence of environmental variables and parasite species dispersion on the
      structure of helminth parasites communities in the frog Leptodactylus
      podicipinus. We sampled 10 ponds and recorded area, depth, altitude, pH,
      dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and extent of soil, water, and
      vegetation cover as well as the distances between the ponds. We collected 121
      frogs and found 9 helminth taxa; 2 of them were core species (prevalence higher
      than 50%), which contributed to the relatively high similarity observed among the
      ponds. Most of the helminths showed some variation in the frequencies of
      occurrence among communities from different ponds. The change in species
      composition among ponds was explained by the environmental variables but not by
      the distance between the ponds. Moreover, the results indicated that local
      processes (variation in environmental conditions) were more important than the
      regional processes (species distribution) in determining the structure of
      parasite communities. The variation in helminth communities among ponds in
      response to moderate differences in pond environmental characteristics points to
      the potential of helminth species as indicators of environmental conditions.

PMID- 22088135
TI  - Retraction. Polyethyleneimine-based gene therapy by inhalation.

PMID- 22088136
TI  - Orientation-dependent electron transport in a single redox protein.
AB  - The redox-active protein cytochrome b(562) has been engineered to introduce pairs
      of thiol groups in the form of cysteine residues at specified sites. Successful
      STM imaging of the molecules adsorbed on a gold surface indicated that one thiol
      group controls the orientation of the molecule and that the protein maintains its
      native form under the experimental conditions. Stable protein-gold STM tip
      electrical contact was directly observed to form via the second free thiol group
      in current-voltage and current-distance measurements. Proteins with thiol
      contacts positioned across the protein's short axis displayed a conductance of
      (3.48 +/- 0.05) * 10(-5)G(0). However proteins with thiol groups placed along the
      long axis reproducibly yielded two distinct values of (1.95 +/- 0.03) * 10(
      5)G(0) and (3.57 +/- 0.11) * 10(-5)G(0), suggesting that the placement of the
      asymmetrically located haem within the protein influences electron transfer. In
      contrast, the unengineered wild-type cytochrome b(562) had conductance values at
      least 1 order of magnitude less. Here we show that an electron transfer protein
      engineered to bind gold surfaces can be controllably oriented and electrically
      contacted to metallic electrodes, a prerequisite for potential integration into
      electronic circuits.

PMID- 22088137
TI  - Dietary intake of artificial sweeteners by the Belgian population.
AB  - This study investigated whether the Belgian population older than 15 years is at
      risk of exceeding ADI levels for acesulfame-K, saccharin, cyclamate, aspartame
      and sucralose through an assessment of usual dietary intake of artificial
      sweeteners and specific consumption of table-top sweeteners. A conservative Tier
      2 approach, for which an extensive label survey was performed, showed that mean
      usual intake was significantly lower than the respective ADIs for all sweeteners.
      Even consumers with high intakes were not exposed to excessive levels, as
      relative intakes at the 95th percentile (p95) were 31% for acesulfame-K, 13% for
      aspartame, 30% for cyclamate, 17% for saccharin, and 16% for sucralose of the
      respective ADIs. Assessment of intake using a Tier 3 approach was preceded by
      optimisation and validation of an analytical method based on liquid
      chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Concentrations of sweeteners in
      various food matrices and table-top sweeteners were determined and mean positive
      concentration values were included in the Tier 3 approach, leading to relative
      intakes at p95 of 17% for acesulfame-K, 5% for aspartame, 25% for cyclamate, 11%
      for saccharin, and 7% for sucralose of the corresponding ADIs. The contribution
      of table-top sweeteners to the total usual intake (<1% of ADI) was negligible. A
      comparison of observed intake for the total population with intake for diabetics
      (acesulfame-K: 3.55 versus 3.75; aspartame: 6.77 versus 6.53; cyclamate: 1.97
      versus 2.06; saccharine: 1.14 versus 0.97; sucralose: 3.08 versus 3.03, expressed
      as mg kg(-1) bodyweight day(-1) at p95) showed that the latter group was not
      exposed to higher levels. It was concluded that the Belgian population is not at
      risk of exceeding the established ADIs for sweeteners.

PMID- 22088138
TI  - DOF-binding sites additively contribute to guard cell-specificity of AtMYB60
      promoter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that the Arabidopsis thaliana AtMYB60
      protein is an R2R3MYB transcription factor required for stomatal opening. AtMYB60
      is specifically expressed in guard cells and down-regulated at the
      transcriptional levels by the phytohormone ABA. RESULTS: To investigate the
      molecular mechanisms governing AtMYB60 expression, its promoter was dissected
      through deletion and mutagenesis analyses. By studying different versions of
      AtMYB60 promoter::GUS reporter fusions in transgenic plants we were able to
      demonstrate a modular organization for the AtMYB60 promoter. Particularly we
      defined: a minimal promoter sufficient to confer guard cell-specific activity to
      the reporter gene; the distinct roles of different DOF-binding sites organised in
      a cluster in the minimal promoter in determining guard cell-specific expression;
      the promoter regions responsible for the enhancement of activity in guard cells;
      a promoter region responsible for the negative transcriptional regulation by ABA.
      Moreover from the analysis of single and multiple mutants we could rule out the
      involvement of a group of DOF proteins, known as CDFs, already characterised for
      their involvement in flowering time, in the regulation of AtMYB60 expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings shed light on the regulation of gene expression in
      guard cells and provide new promoter modules as useful tools for manipulating
      gene expression in guard cells, both for physiological studies and future
      biotechnological applications.

PMID- 22088139
TI  - Chemical interactions between an active pharmaceutical ingredient and its
      counterion in a tromethamine salt under forced degradation conditions.
AB  - In this study, the tromethamine salt of an active pharmaceutical ingredient
      containing both a carboxylic acid and ethyl ester functionality was subjected to
      forced degradation conditions. Based on HPLC-MS analysis, it was found that
      tromethamine formed both amide and ester type condensation products with the API,
      with amide formation predominating over ester formation. Addition of tromethamine
      at the carboxylic acid group of the API was favored over addition at the ethyl
      ester group. Tromethamine condensation products were observed only under the
      harshest stress conditions (80 degrees and 75% relative humidity), in which the
      salt physically changed from a crystalline form to a deliquesced state. Under
      stress conditions in which the crystalline structure of the salt remained intact,
      good stability was observed. Thus, the interaction between tromethamine and API
      occurred only in cases where the crystallinity of the salt was compromised.

PMID- 22088140
TI  - Clinicopathological, therapeutic and prognostic features of the triple-negative
      tumors in moroccan breast cancer patients (experience of Hassan II university
      hospital in Fez).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as a group of
      breast carcinomas that are negative for expression of hormone receptors (ER, PR)
      and Her2, we can distinguish between two groups: basal-like (ER-, PR-, Her2-,
      cytokeratin (CK) 5/6+ and/or Her1+) and unclassified subtype (ER-, PR-, Her2-,
      Her1- and CK5/6-).The aim of this study is to determine the clinicopathological,
      histological, therapeutic and prognostic features associated with this type of
      breast cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 366 female breast cancer
      patients, diagnosed between January 2007 and June 2010 at the Department of
      Pathology. Epidemiological, clinical, histological, therapeutic and evolutive
      data were analyzed. OS and DFS rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and
      a log-rank test to estimate outcome. RESULTS: A total of 64 women were identified
      as having TNBC (17.5% of all female breast cancer patients), 12.6% were basal
      like, 4.9% were unclassified subtype, with a median age of 45 years. The median
      histological tumor diameter was 4.3 cm. TNBC were most often associated with a
      high grade, 49.2% grade III (53% for unclassified subtype, 47.6% for basal-like).
      Vascular invasion was found in 26.6% of cases (22% for unclassified subtype and
      28.3% for basal-like). For the lymph node involvement: 51% had positive lymph
      nodes, and 22.4% had distant metastases. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was
      administered to 18% patients with 26% of complete pathologic response; therefore
      adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 82%. 98% received anthracycline based regimen
      and only 30% received taxanes.The Kaplan-Meier curves based showed the lowest
      survival probability at 3-years (49% of OS, and 39% of DFS). CONCLUSION: TNBC is
      associated with young age, high grade tumors, advanced stage at diagnosis,
      difference chemo response compared to other subtypes, and shortest survival.
      Critical to optimal future management is accurate identification of truly triple
      negative disease, and adequately powered prospective TNBC trials to establish
      treatment efficacy and define predictive biomarkers.

PMID- 22088141
TI  - An approach to the stereoselective synthesis of enantiopure dihydropyrroles and
      aziridines from a common sulfinyl-sulfinamide intermediate.
AB  - The diastereoselective addition of lithiated vinyl sulfoxides to enantiopure
      sulfinimines provides direct access to a wide assortment of allylic sulfinamides
      in good yields and excellent selectivities. These adducts are key precursors to
      differently functionalized cis- and trans-dihydropyrroles. Modulation of the
      protecting group on nitrogen prior to cyclization has a significant impact on the
      stereochemical outcome, allowing for the selective preparation of 2,5-cis- or 2,5
      trans-3-sulfinyl disubstituted dihydropyrroles from a common sulfinamide
      intermediate. Further research on halocyclization conditions has also yielded a
      stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted vinyl aziridines from these chiral
      sulfinamides, simply by changing the halogenating agent.

PMID- 22088142
TI  - Involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the modulation of
      multidrug resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a molecular complex tumor with high
      intrinsic drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests an involvement of the
      tyrosine kinase pathway in the regulation of ATP-binding cassette protein (ABC
      transport protein) mediated multidrug resistance in cancer cells. The aim of this
      study was to examine whether EGFR inhibition sensitizes HCCs to chemotherapy and
      to elucidate its mechanism. RESULTS: Chemotherapeutic treatment induces multidrug
      resistance and significantly increases ABC-transport protein expression and
      function in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HCC cells. Furthermore,
      cytostatic treatment increases the mRNA expression of tyrosine kinases and
      induces the phosphorylation of ERK. EGF activation of the tyrosine kinase pathway
      up-regulated the ABC-transport protein mRNA expression and enhanced the survival
      of resistant HCC cells. Consistent with these effects, inhibition of the EGFR
      using siRNA decreased the ABC-transport protein mRNA expression and inhibited the
      proliferation of resistant cells. Additional treatment with Gefitinib, a
      clinically approved EGFR inhibitor, caused a dose-dependent reversal of
      resistance to conventional chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The present study
      demonstrates that the multidrug resistance of HCC is modulated through the EGF
      activated tyrosine kinase cascade. Consequentially, the restoration of
      chemosensitivity by EGFR inhibition may lead towards new tailored therapies in
      patients with highly resistant tumors.

PMID- 22088144
TI  - Interface effects on the magnetism of CoPt-supported nanostructures.
AB  - The magnetism of CoPt nanostructures supported on the MgO(100) surface is
      investigated via first-principles simulations using 1D models. Nanostructures
      with L1(0) chemical ordering and cube-on-cube epitaxy are predicted to possess
      large magnetic moments and easy magnetization axis perpendicular to the surface.
      However, their magnetic anisotropy energy is roughly halved with respect to the
      bulk alloy due to a peculiar mixing of particle and support electronic states.
      The general factors at play in determining this behavior and the implications of
      these findings are discussed in view of designing room-temperature magnetic bits.

PMID- 22088143
TI  - Dependence of avidity on linker length for a bivalent ligand-bivalent receptor
      model system.
AB  - This paper describes a synthetic dimer of carbonic anhydrase, and a series of
      bivalent sulfonamide ligands with different lengths (25 to 69 A between the ends
      of the fully extended ligands), as a model system to use in examining the binding
      of bivalent antibodies to antigens. Assays based on analytical
      ultracentrifugation and fluorescence binding indicate that this system forms
      cyclic, noncovalent complexes with a stoichiometry of one bivalent ligand to one
      dimer. This dimer binds the series of bivalent ligands with low picomolar
      avidities (K(d)(avidity) = 3-40 pM). A structurally analogous monovalent ligand
      binds to one active site of the dimer with K(d)(mono) = 16 nM. The bivalent
      association is thus significantly stronger (K(d)(mono)/K(d)(avidity) ranging from
      ~500 to 5000 unitless) than the monovalent association. We infer from these
      results, and by comparison of these results to previous studies, that bivalency
      in antibodies can lead to associations much tighter than monovalent associations
      (although the observed bivalent association is much weaker than predicted from
      the simplest level of theory: predicted K(d)(avidity) of ~0.002 pM and
      K(d)(mono)/K(d)(avidity) ~ 8 * 10(6) unitless).

PMID- 22088145
TI  - Changes in condom use during a microbicide clinical trial in Pune, India.
AB  - Researchers have raised concerns that microbicide use during clinical trials
      would displace condom use. We sought to understand whether condom use changed for
      participants in a microbicide clinical trial in Pune, India, to understand
      whether condom shifts were a legitimate concern. We hypothesize that women
      participating in a microbicide clinical trial in Pune, India, were more likely,
      on average, to report condom use at follow-up. We further hypothesize that men,
      whose female partners participated in a microbicide clinical trial were more
      likely, on average, to report condom use at follow-up. The outcome measure for
      reported condom use was a dichotomous variable to indicate whether or not the
      participant had used a male or female condom with a sexual partner since 2 months
      before enrollment or since the last survey, depending on the visit. Data are from
      semi-structured interviews at baseline, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months with
      HPTN 059 clinical trial participants (100 women and 57 male partners). We used
      generalized estimating equations with a logit link function, exchangeable
      correlation, and a binomial family to model condom use. The odds of condom use
      for clinical trial women increased from baseline to 6 months by a factor of 3.7
      (95% CI: 1.84-7.63) and the change in odds of condom use for clinical trial men
      from baseline to 6 months increased by a factor of 2.58 (95% CI: 1.37-4.85). We
      found concerns about microbicide use displacing condom use were not merited in
      this study population. The percent of participants reporting condom use declined
      from 4 to 6 months, suggesting that increases in condom use may only be during
      active study participation. Information about clinical trial factors that enabled
      these men and women to enact this important HIV prevention behavior is needed to
      develop interventions.

PMID- 22088146
TI  - Detection of enzymatically generated hydrogen peroxide by metal-based fluorescent
      probe.
AB  - We developed a metal-based fluorescent probe for H(2)O(2) called MBFh1, which has
      an iron complex as a reaction site for H(2)O(2) and a 3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine
      derivative as the fluorescent reporter unit. The iron complex reacts quickly with
      H(2)O(2) to form oxidants, and then the oxidants convert the closely appended
      nonfluorescent 3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine moiety to resorufin in an intramolecular
      fashion. The quick response to H(2)O(2) allows us to plot the enzymatic evolution
      of H(2)O(2). A combination of N-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine and horseradish
      peroxidase has been frequently used to detect enzymatically generated H(2)O(2),
      but this method has interference with phenol derivatives. The use of MBFh1
      overcomes this drawback.

PMID- 22088147
TI  - Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus among pigs in Belgium.
AB  - The prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Belgian pig farms has been
      investigated. To that end, nasal samples were collected from 1,500 pigs on 50
      farms randomly selected over Belgium. Both closed (breeding or farrow-to-finish)
      and open (fattening) farms were included. Within closed farms different age
      groups were investigated. A total number of 663 (44%) pigs belonging to 34 (68%)
      farms carried MRSA. According to their management practice, MRSA was detected on
      94% of the open farms and 56% of the closed farms. Focusing on the in-herd
      prevalence among fattening pigs for both management systems, a significantly
      higher rate was found in open farms (72%) compared to closed farms (26%). Within
      the closed farms, piglets (41%) showed a higher MRSA prevalence than sows (26%)
      and fattening pigs (26%). All strains tested were ST398 and showed mainly spa
      type t011, as commonly found on pig herds in Europe. Less dominating spa-types
      were t034, t567, and t2970. The MRSA strains carried two SCCmec-types, type IVa
      or V. All 643 MRSA strains were resistant to tetracycline and additional
      resistances to trimethoprim (97%), lincosamides (73%), macrolides (56%),
      aminoglycosides (48%), and fluoroquinolones (32%) were found. Multiresistance
      (defined as resistance to four or more non-beta-lactam antimicrobial classes) was
      found in 63% of the tested strains. In conclusion, a high prevalence of MRSA was
      found in Belgian pig farms, with the highest prevalence in open farms. In
      accordance with other European countries, age-related and management-related
      differences in MRSA prevalence were observed that should be considered when
      control strategies are outlined.

PMID- 22088148
TI  - Chemical trapping of vancomycin: a potential strategy for preventing selection of
      vancomycin-resistant Enterococci.
AB  - Emergence of antimicrobial resistance is among the most worrisome issues in
      public health worldwide. Vancomycin resistance is rapidly spreading, resulting in
      increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare-associated costs. Multiple
      strategies are required to preserve the effectiveness of this essential
      antibiotic. It has been recently shown that biliary excretion of vancomycin
      following parenteral administration results in significant fecal concentrations
      of vancomycin that may lead to selection of vancomycin-resistant strains within
      the colon. In this study we present a novel strategy for preventing this
      undesired effect and its consequences, using chemical trapping of vancomycin by a
      tripeptide analog that mimics the natural bacterial vancomycin binding-site.
      Initially, we demonstrated that a tripeptide analog can neutralize vancomycin
      activity against Enterococci at a molar excess of 28. In the second phase, two
      chemical modifications, designed to attach the tripeptide to vancomycin
      covalently, were explored. Attachment of a 4-flurosulfonyl-benzoic acid (FSBA)
      moiety to the parent tripeptide resulted in vancomycin neutralization at a molar
      ratio of less than 4:1. Finally it was shown that the FSBA-bound tripeptide
      analog can prevent in-vitro selection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)
      from a mixed vancomycin susceptible/resistant population following exposure to
      vancomycin. These findings demonstrate the ability of the proposed strategy to
      prevent selection of VRE. The present proof-of-concept study provides the basis
      for further development of the proposed strategy. Further, this strategy may be
      implemented for combating resistance to other antimicrobials.

PMID- 22088150
TI  - An exploration of person-centredness in practice.
AB  - Person-centredness' is a term that is becoming increasingly familiar within
      health and social care at a global level; it is being used to describe a standard
      of care that ensures the patient/client is at the centre of care delivery. In
      this article we explore the relevance of person-centredness in the context of
      nursing, taking account of the ongoing critical debate and dialogue regarding
      developments in this field. Person-centredness is recognised as a
      multidimensional concept. The complexity of the concept contributes to the
      challenge of articulating its shared meaning and describing how it can be applied
      in practice. The aim of this paper is to explore some of the issues pertaining to
      language and conceptual clarity, with a view to making connections and increasing
      our shared understanding of person-centred care in a way that can impact nursing
      practice. We begin by describing the development of the concept of person
      centredness, after which we discuss the synergies with patient-centredness and
      other related terms, and consider how nurses can operationalise person
      centredness in their practice.

PMID- 22088149
TI  - Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) under Neisseria meningitidis
      transformation process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed at verifying the action of multi-walled carbon
      nanotubes (MWCNT) under the naturally transformable Neisseria meningitidis
      against two different DNA obtained from isogenic mutants of this microorganism,
      an important pathogen implicated in the genetic horizontal transfer of DNA,
      causing the escape of the principal vaccination measured worldwide by the
      capsular switching process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bacterium receptor strain
      C2135 was cultivated and had its mutant DNA donor M2 and M6, which received a
      receptor strain and MWCNT at three different concentrations. The inhibition
      effect of DNAse on the DNA in contact with nanoparticles was evaluated. RESULTS:
      The results indicated an in increase in the transformation capacity of N.
      meninigtidis in different concentrations of MWCNT when compared with negative
      control without nanotubes. A final analysis of the interaction between DNA and
      MWCNT was carried out using Raman Spectroscopy. CONCLUSION: These increases in
      the transformation capacity mediated by MWCNT, in meningococci, indicate the
      interaction of these particles with the virulence acquisition of these bacteria,
      as well as with the increase in the vaccination escape process.

PMID- 22088151
TI  - Patients first! Engaging the hearts and minds of nurses with a patient-centered
      practice model.
AB  - Like every healthcare system today, the Cleveland Clinic health system is a
      combination of medical hospitals, institutes, and services in which the
      implementation of uniform care methodologies faces significant barriers. The
      guiding principle of the Cleveland Clinic, 'Patients First,' focuses on the
      principle of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) but deliberately lacks
      details due to the wide scope of care delivered by the organization. The Stanley
      Shalom Zielony Institute of Nursing Excellence (the Nursing Institute) at the
      Cleveland Clinic was charged with standardizing nursing practice across a system
      with 11,000 registered nurses and 800 advanced practice nurses. The challenge
      involved providing firm direction on delivering PFCC that was appropriate for all
      clinical disciplines and could be implemented quickly across existing practices
      and technologies. Successful implementation required full engagement in the
      concept of PFCC by what the Institute for Healthcare Improvement has termed the
      'hearts and minds' of nurses. To achieve these ends, development of a systemwide
      nursing practice model was initiated. In this article the authors identify the
      essence of PFCC, consider barriers to PFCC, review their process of developing
      PFCC, and describe how the Cleveland Clinic health system has implemented a PFCC
      nursing practice model. In doing so the authors explore how the concept of
      'Passion for Nursing' was used to stimulate nurse engagement in PFCC.

PMID- 22088152
TI  - Developing person-centred care: addressing contextual challenges through practice
      development.
AB  - Developing person-centred care is not a one-time event; rather it requires a
      sustained commitment from organisations to the ongoing facilitation of
      developments, a commitment both in clinical teams and across organizations.
      Contextual factors pose the greatest challenge to person-centredness and the
      development of cultures that can sustain person-centred care. We will begin with
      a general comment on 'context' and its meaning before exploring three particular
      factors that influence the practice context, namely, workplace culture, learning
      culture, and the physical environment. Next we explore a particular approach to
      developing person-centred care through emancipatory practice development. We
      highlight the importance of facilitation through emancipatory practice
      development programmes and describe how person-centred care can be developed
      through the presentation of a case study that illustrates the principles and
      processes of emancipatory practice development as well as the outcomes achieved.
      We conclude with an application to clinical practice. A key consideration for all
      organisations in the development of person-centred care is to move from what we
      suggest are 'person-centred moments' (individual, ad hoc experiences of person
      centredness) to 'person-centred care' as an underpinning culture of teams and
      organisations.

PMID- 22088153
TI  - Patient-centered care in a medical home.
AB  - There is general consensus that our current healthcare delivery system will not
      be able to supply an adequate workforce, contain costs, and meet the ever
      increasing chronic-care needs of the growing and aging population in the United
      States (US). Some of the major challenges to the U.S. healthcare system are faced
      by those on the front lines, namely the healthcare workers in primary care. Part
      of the emerging solution for primary care is the adoption of the Patient-Centered
      Medical Home Model. The intent of this model is to provide coordinated and
      comprehensive care rooted in a strong collaborative relationship. Carilion Clinic
      in Southwestern Virginia is implementing this patient-centered model in which a
      proactive, multidisciplinary care team collectively takes responsibility for each
      patient. In this article we will elaborate on the concepts of patient-centered
      care and patient-centered medical homes, after which we will offer an exemplar
      describing the process that Carilion Clinic is using to establish patient
      centered medical homes throughout their primary care departments. Limitations of
      the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model will also be discussed.

PMID- 22088154
TI  - Delivering patient-centered care in the midst of a cultural conflict: the role of
      cultural competence.
AB  - At the core of both patient centeredness and cultural competence is the
      importance of seeing the patient as a unique person. For the purpose of this
      article, cultural competence is viewed as an expansion of patient-centered care.
      More specifically, cultural competence can be seen as a necessary set of skills
      for nurses to attain in order to render effective patient-centered care. However,
      a vexing question remains, "How does the nurse deliver patient-centered care when
      the patient's health beliefs, practices, and values are in direct conflict with
      medical and nursing guidelines?" The purpose of this article is to provide nurses
      with a set of culturally competent skills that will enhance the delivery of
      patient-centered care in the midst of a cultural conflict. I will begin by
      offering a conceptual framework for cultural competence and a description of the
      cultural skill needed to formulate a mutually acceptable and culturally relevant
      treatment plan for each patient. Next I will describe effective approaches for
      cultural encounters. Finally I will present a vignette that illustrates how the
      nurse can deliver patient-centered care when the patient's health beliefs,
      practices, and values are in direct conflict with medical and nursing guidelines.

PMID- 22088155
TI  - Teaching patient-centered care during the Silver Hour.
AB  - Teaching students and clinicians about end-of-life care is an important part of
      healthcare. Utilizing the framework of the Silver Hour is one method of
      illustrating the urgent, intense comfort needs required by patients and families
      throughout the imminently dying process, wherever the patient may be receiving
      services. When death is imminent, it is extremely important to provide patient-
      and family-centered care as the waning moments of life transition to the first
      moments of death. A variety of instructional methods can be used can be used to
      teach students to provide multidimensional, patient-centered care at the end of
      life. The author begins by describing the basic concept of patient-centered care
      and by discussing the importance of teaching students about this level of care.
      Next she describes the concept of the Silver Hour, along with a discussion of how
      the Silver Hour relates to nursing education. She also notes the importance of
      both role modeling in providing patient-centered care and of drawing upon the
      five ways of knowing to strengthen the teaching of students about care during the
      Silver Hour.

PMID- 22088156
TI  - The essence of nursing in the shifting reality of Israel today.
AB  - Israel's healthcare system is undergoing constant transformation; nurses' roles
      and education are changing accordingly. Israel's severe shortage of physicians
      has led to an increase in nurses' authority and responsibilities. The nursing
      profession is addressing many questions particularly in light of its expanded
      responsibilities and the current lack of legislation related to the practice of
      nursing. Additionally Israel is coping with an increasing shortage of nurses and
      the rapid development of innovative technologies. This article describes Israel's
      shifting reality and the nation's responses to these changing conditions.
      Responses include increasing financial support, enhancing educational
      opportunities, expanding the nursing role, and using new technologies.

PMID- 22088157
TI  - Moral distress and moral courage in everyday nursing practice.
AB  - In this article the author examines the concepts of moral distress and moral
      courage within the context of nursing practice. Examples of challenging
      healthcare situations from the United Kingdom and Ireland are discussed in the
      light of the examination of these two concepts. The examples illuminate features
      of healthcare situations that need to be considered in relation to different
      organisational and cultural contexts. This requires an understanding of the
      complexity of clinical contexts and an appreciation of the fallibility and
      vulnerability of nurses and other practitioners. The goal of this article is to
      encourage healthcare organisations to create supportive structures and sensitive
      leadership that will enhance moral courage in the work setting.

PMID- 22088158
TI  - Validation of the English and Spanish Mammography Beliefs and Attitudes
      Questionnaire.
AB  - Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women in the
      United States. Unfortunately Hispanic women exhibit poor mammography screening
      participation, are diagnosed at later stages of the disease, and have lower
      survival rates than non-Hispanic white women. Several cultural and psycho-social
      factors have been found to influence mammography screening participation among
      Hispanic women. We will begin by presenting the theoretical framework that
      grounded this research program to develop an instrument to assess factors
      contributing to poor mammography participation among Hispanic women. We will also
      summarize the early stages in the development of the English and Spanish
      Mammography Beliefs and Attitudes Questionnaire (MBAQ and SMBAQ) for use with low
      health-literacy Mexican-American women. Next we will describe the initial
      psychometric testing of the MBAQ/SMBAQ, after which we will present the
      psychometric testing of the SMBAQ with low-health-literacy women. This will be
      followed by a discussion of the modification of the MBAQ and SMBAQ subscales.
      We'll conclude with a discussion of the instruments and share our assessment
      regarding the limitations of this research program, where the program stands to
      date, and the implications for practice and future research.

PMID- 22088159
TI  - Nursing at its best: competent and caring.
AB  - An award-winning journalist spoke to a group of students during their first month
      in a baccalaureate nursing program, challenging the nursing profession to abandon
      its image of nurses as angels and promote an image of nurses as competent
      professionals who are both knowledgeable and caring. This presentation elicited
      an unanticipated level of emotion, primarily anger, on the part of the students.
      This unexpected reaction prompted faculty to explore the students' motivations
      for entering the nursing profession and their perceptions of the relative
      importance of competence and caring in nursing. The authors begin this article by
      reviewing the literature related to motivations for selecting a profession and
      the contributions of competence and caring to nursing care. Next they describe
      their survey method and analysis and report their findings regarding student
      motivations and perceptions of competence and caring in nursing. Emerging themes
      for motivation reflected nursing values, especially altruism, and coincided with
      students' beliefs of self-efficacy and goal attainment. Student responses
      indicated their understanding of the need for competence and revealed idealistic
      perceptions of caring. The authors conclude with a discussion of these themes and
      recommendations for student recruitment, curricular emphasis, and future research
      in this area.

PMID- 22088160
TI  - Ethics: beyond patient care: practicing empathy in the workplace.

PMID- 22088161
TI  - Informatics: the standardized nursing terminologies: a national survey of nurses'
      experiences and attitudes.

PMID- 22088162
TI  - Genetic modification of low phytic acid 1-1 maize to enhance iron content and
      bioavailability.
AB  - High phytate content in staple food crops is a major barrier to successful iron
      biofortification. We have exploited the low phytic acid 1-1 (lpa1-1) mutant of
      maize to generate transgenic plants with up-to 70 MUg/g seed iron through the
      endosperm-specific overexpression of soybean ferritin, resulting in more than 2
      fold improvement in iron bioavailability. The levels of bioavailable seed iron
      achieved in this study greatly exceed any achieved thus far and closely approach
      values estimated to have a nutritional impact on target populations. Gene
      expression studies reveal a large induction of the YS1 transporter in leaves and
      severe repression of an iron acquisition gene DMAS1 in roots, suggesting
      significant alterations in the iron homeostatic mechanisms in transgenic lpa1-1.
      Furthermore, preliminary tests show that the high-iron lpa1-1 seeds have higher
      germination rates and seedling vigor when compared to those of the nontransgenic
      seeds, which may help improve their value to plant breeders.

PMID- 22088163
TI  - Work-related stress and bullying: gender differences and forensic medicine issues
      in the diagnostic procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The attention of international agencies and scientific community on
      bullying and work-related stress is increasing. This study describes the gender
      differences found in victims of bullying and work-related stress in an Italian
      case series and analyzes the critical issues in the diagnostic workup. METHODS:
      Between 2001 and 2009 we examined 345 outpatients (148 males, 197 females; mean
      age: 41 +/- 10.49) for suspected psychopathological work-related problems.
      Diagnosis of bullying was established using international criteria (ICD-10 and
      DSM-IV). RESULTS: After interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluation (Occupational
      Medicine Unit, Psychology and Psychiatry Service), the diagnosis of bullying was
      formulated in 35 subjects, 12 males and 23 females (2 cases of Post-Traumatic
      Stress Disorder and 33 of Adjustment Disorder). Fifty-four (20 males, 34 females)
      suffered from work-related anxiety, while work-unrelated Adjustment Disorder and
      other psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 7 and 112 subjects, respectively.
      Women between 34 and 45 years showed a high prevalence (65%) of "mobbing
      syndrome" or other work-related stress disorders. CONCLUSIONS: At work, women are
      more subject to harassment (for personal aspects related to emotional and
      relational factors) than men. The knowledge of the phenomenon is an essential
      requisite to contrast bullying; prevention can be carried out only through
      effective information and training of workers and employers, who have the legal
      obligation to preserve the integrity of the mental and physical status of their
      employees during work.

PMID- 22088164
TI  - Obesity predicts primary health care visits: a cohort study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between body mass
      index (BMI), its association with chronic disease, and its impact on health
      services utilization in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from
      1998 to 2002. A data linkage study was conducted involving a provincial health
      survey linked to 2 health care use administrative databases. The study population
      comprised 2345 adults between the ages of 20 and 64 years. Self-reported height
      and weight measures and other covariates, including chronic diseases, were
      obtained from a provincial survey. BMI categories include: normal weight (BMI
      18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), obese class I (BMI 30-34.9), obese class II
      (BMI >= 35), and obese class III (BMI >= 40). Survey responses were linked with
      objective physician and hospital health services utilization over a 5-year
      period. Weight classifications in the study sample were as follows: 37% normal,
      39% overweight, 17% obese, and 6% morbidly obese. The obese and morbidly obese
      were more likely to report having serious chronic conditions after adjusting for
      age and sex. Only the morbidly obese group (BMI >= 35 kg/m(2)) had a
      significantly higher number of visits to a general practitioner (GP) over a 5
      year period compared to the normal weight group (median 22.0 vs. 17.0, P<0.05).
      Using multivariate models and controlling for the number of chronic conditions
      and other relevant covariates, being morbidly obese remained a significant
      predictor of GP visits (P<0.001), but was not a predictor for visits to a
      specialist or any type of hospital use. The increase in the prevalence of obesity
      is placing a burden at the primary health care level. More resources are needed
      in order to support GPs in their efforts to manage and treat obese adults who
      have associated comorbidities.

PMID- 22088165
TI  - The Promoting Effective Advance Care for Elders (PEACE) randomized pilot study:
      theoretical framework and study design.
AB  - Practice guidelines are available for hospice and palliative medicine specialists
      and geriatricians. However, these guidelines do not adequately address the needs
      of patients who straddle the 2 specialties: homebound chronically ill patients.
      The purpose of this article is to describe the theoretical basis for the
      Promoting Effective Advance Care for Elders (PEACE) randomized pilot study. PEACE
      is an ongoing 2-group randomized pilot study (n=80) to test an in-home
      interdisciplinary care management intervention that combines palliative care
      approaches to symptom management, psychosocial and emotional support, and advance
      care planning with geriatric medicine approaches to optimizing function and
      addressing polypharmacy. The population comprises new enrollees into PASSPORT,
      Ohio's community-based, long-term care Medicaid waiver program. All PASSPORT
      enrollees have geriatric/palliative care crossover needs because they are nursing
      home eligible. The intervention is based on Wagner's Chronic Care Model and
      includes comprehensive interdisciplinary care management for these low-income
      frail elders with chronic illnesses, uses evidence-based protocols, emphasizes
      patient activation, and integrates with community-based long-term care and other
      community agencies. Our model, with its standardized, evidence-based medical and
      psychosocial intervention protocols, will transport easily to other sites that
      are interested in optimizing outcomes for community-based, chronically ill older
      adults.

PMID- 22088166
TI  - Is there clinical benefit to routine enzyme testing of patients on statins?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Statin-treated patients undergo frequent laboratory tests. This study
      evaluated the clinical impact of abnormal liver or muscle enzyme results.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This clinical process evaluation study took place in
      six primary care clinics in Israel. Four hundred and eight patients (average age
      63.8 +/- 10.9 years) undergoing statin treatment, with at least one enzyme level
      > 10% normal, were categorized by symptomatology possibly related to statins.
      Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and
      creatine phosphokinase were measured. Management and etiology of the elevation
      were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in statin regimen. RESULTS: Thirty
      six (8.8%) patients were symptomatic at the index encounter. One enzyme was
      elevated in 74.8%. Patients experiencing side effects had more repeat tests (36.1
      vs 17.7%, p < 0.001). Musculoskeletal symptoms resulted in a change in treatment
      more than digestive symptoms did (73.3 vs 16.7%, p < 0.001). Of 40 (9.8%)
      patients who had additional evaluation, two symptomatic patients had treatment
      changes. CONCLUSIONS: There is little practical value in routine follow-up enzyme
      tests for patients on statins. Our findings strengthen reports that recommend
      muscle and liver enzyme tests for symptomatic patients only.

PMID- 22088167
TI  - Validation of a rapid and sensitive routine method for determination of
      chloramphenicol in honey by LC-MS/MS.
AB  - Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of
      human and animal diseases. However, CAP can exhibit toxic effects in certain
      susceptible individuals, causing bone marrow depression, including fatal aplastic
      anemia. As this condition is dose-independent, CAP has been banned for use in
      food-producing animals, including honeybees. In this study, a quick, simple and
      low-cost routine analytical method was developed for the screening and
      confirmation of chloramphenicol in honey by LC-MS/MS. Sample clean-up takes only
      two steps without SPE procedure and with recoveries >97%. Honey samples were
      selected from several producers in Brazil and diluted in a small amount of water.
      After fortification and addition of d (s)-chloramphenicol as internal standard,
      the samples were extracted with ethyl acetate. Complete validation of the method
      was performed on the basis of EU decision 2002/657. Within-laboratory CV
      reproducibility at the lowest concentration was <10%. An evaluation of two
      different methods to calculate the decision limit and detection capability gave
      0.08 ug kg(-1) for CCalpha and 0.12 ug kg(-1) for CCbeta.

PMID- 22088168
TI  - Using audit to enhance quality of maternity care in resource limited countries:
      lessons learnt from rural Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although clinical audit is an important instrument for quality care
      improvement, the concept has not yet been adequately taken on board in rural
      settings in most resource limited countries where the problem of maternal
      mortality is immense. Maternal mortality and morbidity audit was established at
      Saint Francis Designated District Hospital (SFDDH) in rural Tanzania in order to
      generate information upon which to base interventions. METHODS: Methods are
      informed by the principles of operations research. An audit system was
      established, all patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria for maternal
      mortality and severe morbidity were reviewed and selected cases were audited from
      October 2008 to July 2010. The causes and underlying factors were identified and
      strategic action plans for improvement were developed and implemented. RESULTS:
      There were 6572 deliveries and 363 severe maternal morbidities of which 36 women
      died making institutional case fatality rate of 10%. Of all morbidities 341 (94%)
      had at least one area of substandard care. Patients, health workers and
      administration related substandard care factors were identified in 50% - 61% of
      women with severe morbidities. Improving responsiveness to obstetric emergencies,
      capacity building of the workforce for health care, referral system improvement
      and upgrading of health centres located in hard to reach areas to provide
      comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC) were proposed and implemented as a
      result of audit. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that audit can be implemented
      in rural resource limited settings and suggest that the vast majority of maternal
      mortalities and severe morbidities can be averted even where resources are
      limited if strategic interventions are implemented.

PMID- 22088169
TI  - Development of industrially feasible concentrated 30% and 40% nanoemulsions for
      intravenous drug delivery.
AB  - Emulsions for parenteral nutrition loaded with drugs are used for optimized drug
      delivery, but in case of poorly oil soluble drugs, the injection volume can be
      too large when using commercial 10-20% oil emulsions. To reduce the injection
      volume, the feasibility of producing injectable, physically stable concentrated
      emulsions up to 40% oil content was investigated. Emulsions were made from fish
      oil, stabilized with egg lecithin, using high-pressure homogenization. Emulsions
      with oil contents of 10%-40% were investigated to assess basic correlations
      between increasing oil content, applied production pressures, homogenization
      cycles and resulting bulk droplet size, content of larger particles, zeta
      potential, viscosity and short-term stability. The observed correlations showed
      that in high-pressure homogenization, the contribution of the dispersive effect
      dominated the coalescence effect at low and Optimum production conditions for 30%
      and 40% nanoemulsions, i.e. 800 bar and 2 -3 homogenization cycles, were
      established on lab scale. These production conditions are industrially feasible.
      The obtained droplet sizes (about 200 nm) and the content of larger droplets were
      comparable to 10% commercial emulsions of parenteral nutrition, being important
      for in vivo tolerability and organ distribution. Despite the high oil
      concentration, the viscosity of the nanoemulsions was sufficiently low for
      injection. The short-term storage study showed physical stability for 1 month. A
      concentrated nanoemulsion base formulation from regulatory accepted excipients is
      now available, ready for loading with drugs.

PMID- 22088170
TI  - Rational design of a dual chemosensor for cyanide anion sensing based on
      dicyanovinyl-substituted benzofurazan.
AB  - A dicyanovinyl-substituted benzofurazan derivative (C1) was prepared as an
      efficient ratiometric chemosensor for cyanide anion detection in aqueous
      acetonitrile solution. Mechanism studies suggested that the nucleophilic addition
      of cyanide to the alpha-position of the dicyanovinyl group blocked the ICT
      progress of C1 and induced remarkable emission and absorption shift.

PMID- 22088172
TI  - Heterogeneous diffusion in thin polymer films as observed by high-temperature
      single-molecule fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate the dynamics of
      perylene diimide (PDI) molecules in thin supported polystyrene (PS) films at
      temperatures up to 135  degrees C. Such high temperatures, so far unreached in
      single-molecule spectroscopy studies, were achieved using a custom-built setup
      which allows for restricting the heated mass to a minimum. This enables
      temperature-dependent single-molecule fluorescence studies of structural dynamics
      in the temperature range most relevant to the processing and to applications of
      thermoplastic materials. In order to ensure that polymer chains were relaxed, a
      molecular weight of 3000 g/mol, clearly below the entanglement length of PS, was
      chosen. We found significant heterogeneities in the motion of single PDI probe
      molecules near T(g). An analysis of the track radius of the recorded single-probe
      molecule tracks allowed for a distinction between mobile and immobile molecules.
      Up to the glass transition temperature in bulk, T(g,bulk), probe molecules were
      immobile; at temperatures higher than T(g,bulk) + 40 K, all probe molecules were
      mobile. In the range between 0 and 40 K above T(g,bulk) the fraction of mobile
      probe molecules strongly depends on film thickness. In 30-nm thin films mobility
      is observed at lower temperatures than in thick films. The fractions of mobile
      probe molecules were compared and rationalized using Monte Carlo random walk
      simulations. Results of these simulations indicate that the observed
      heterogeneities can be explained by a model which assumes a T(g) profile and an
      increased probability of probe molecules remaining at the surface, both effects
      caused by a density profile with decreasing polymer density at the polymer-air
      interface.

PMID- 22088171
TI  - Induced pluripotent stem cells from GMP-grade hematopoietic progenitor cells and
      mononuclear myeloid cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology allows
      generation of patient-specific pluripotent stem cells, thereby providing a novel
      cell-therapy platform for severe degenerative diseases. One of the key issues for
      clinical-grade iPSC derivation is the accessibility of donor cells used for
      reprogramming. METHODS: We examined the feasibility of reprogramming mobilized
      GMP-grade hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) and tested the pluripotency of derived iPS clones. RESULTS: Ectopic
      expression of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC in HPCs and PBMCs resulted in rapid
      iPSC derivation. Long-term time-lapse imaging revealed efficient iPSC growth
      under serum- and feeder-free conditions with frequent mitotic events. HPC- and
      PBMC-derived iPS cells expressed pluripotency-associated markers, including SSEA
      4, TRA-1-60, and NANOG. The global gene-expression profiles demonstrated the
      induction of endogenous pluripotent genes, such as LIN28, TERT, DPPA4, and PODXL,
      in derived iPSCs. iPSC clones from blood and other cell sources showed similar
      ultrastructural morphologies and genome-wide gene-expression profiles. On
      spontaneous and guided differentiation, HPC- and PBMC-derived iPSCs were
      differentiated into cells of three germ layers, including insulin-producing cells
      through endodermal lineage, verifying the pluripotency of the blood-derived iPSC
      clones. CONCLUSIONS: Because the use of blood cells allows minimally invasive
      tissue procurement under GMP conditions and rapid cellular reprogramming,
      mobilized HPCs and unmobilized PBMCs would be ideal somatic cell sources for
      clinical-grade iPSC derivation, especially from diabetes patients complicated by
      slow-healing wounds.

PMID- 22088174
TI  - [Pay attention to the progress in pediatric rheumatic diseases in China].

PMID- 22088173
TI  - Tracking iridium atoms with electron microscopy: first steps of metal nanocluster
      formation in one-dimensional zeolite channels.
AB  - Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), we
      imaged iridium atoms in isolated iridium complexes in the one-dimensional
      nonintersecting 14-ring channels of zeolite SSZ-53. STEM allows tracking of the
      movement of atoms in the channels, demonstrating the interaction of iridium with
      the zeolite framework (channel confinement) and providing a direct visualization
      of the initial steps of metal nanocluster formation. The results demonstrate how
      STEM can be used to help design improved catalysts by identifying the catalytic
      sites and observing how they change in reactive atmospheres.

PMID- 22088175
TI  - [Ethic review of clinical researches in children].

PMID- 22088176
TI  - [Respiratory syncytial virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      recipients with primary immunodeficiencies].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the clinical characteristics and outcome associated with
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) recipients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). METHOD:
      Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were collected consecutively before and after
      HSCT from 9 recipients from Apr. 2009 to Sep. 2010 and analyzed for the presence
      of RSV using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. To further verify the
      presence of the virus, positive samples for PCR were isolated for RSV. RSV G gene
      was amplified, sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. RESULT: The presence
      of RSV was detected in 3 out of 9 children. The viral replication in all the
      patients was prolonged for months. All the 3 patients with RSV infection were
      treated with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and one was treated with
      antiviral medication. All patients survived and achieved successful immune
      reconstitution. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the HSCT recipients with
      PID are at increased risk for RSV infection. RSV can shed for months after the
      initial infection and the patients recover with the course of immune
      reconstitution.

PMID- 22088177
TI  - [Significance of detecting the EBV-DNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells and the EBV-infected cell type in patients with chronic active EBV
      infection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the difference in the EBV-DNA level in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the type of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells
      in pediatric patients with chronic active EBV (CAEBV) infection, acute EBV
      infection (AEBV) and healthy children, and to analyze the relationship between
      the above difference and the clinical manifestation of CAEBV. METHOD: Real-time
      fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the
      EBV-DNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in 12 normal
      children, 10 pediatric patients with CAEBV infection and 13 pediatric patients
      with AEBV infection in our hospital between March 2004 and April 2008.
      Immunomagnetic bead cell fractionation and fluorescent in situ hybridization
      (FISH) by EBV encoding RNA-1 ( EBER-1) probe were used in the healthy children,
      EBV-DNA positive CAEBV patients and AEBV patients to detect the type of EBV
      infected cells. RESULT: The average EBV-DNA level in CAEBV patients' PBMC was
      (6.8 x 10(7) +/- 1.1 x 10(8)) copies/ml, while the average EBV-DNA level of AEBV
      patients' PBMC was (1.3 x 10(6) +/- 1.6 x 10(6)) copies/ml. The average EBV-DNA
      level of CAEBV infected patients' PBMC was significantly higher than that of AEBV
      infected patients' PBMC (P<0.01). The cell fractionation and FISH in seven CAEBV
      patients showed that EBV in CAEBV patients infected not only B cells, but NK
      cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to different degree, and these patients presented
      recurrent and persistent infectious mononucleosis (IM)-like symptoms. In 6 CAEBV
      patients infection mainly occurred to T cells, in one case, infection occurred
      mainly in CD8+ T cells, and the patient died from fulminant and deadly T
      lymphocytes proliferative syndrome except presenting firstly high fever,
      enlargment of the liver, spleen, lymphnode and the severe decrease of one or
      three kinds of blood cells. In 1 CAEBV patient the infection was mainly found in
      NK cells, who presented with hypersensitivity to mosquito biting and high IgE
      level (2500 U/ml). But EBV in seven AEBV patients infection was found only in B
      cells who presented with only IM for one time and no EBV-infected PBMC were found
      in the remaining 6 healthy children. CONCLUSION: There are much more EBV
      replications and different EBV-infected cell types in CAEBV patients. Detection
      of EBV-DNA level by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and the detection of
      the type of EBV-infected cells may help in diagnosis, treatment and development
      evaluation of children with CAEBV infection.

PMID- 22088178
TI  - [Evaluation of therapeutic effects of three hypoallergenic formulae in infants
      with cow's milk protein allergy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the growth and symptom remission of infants with cow's milk
      protein allergy, who were fed with an amino acid formula, an extensively
      hydrolyzed formula or soy formula. METHOD: Infants who were diagnosed as cow's
      milk protein allergy and can not be breastfed were enrolled in the intervention
      group, and were assigned to three special formulae (amino acid formula,
      extensively hydrolyzed formula or soy formula ) according to the will of parents
      from March 2009 to March 2010 (n = 74). A non-randomized control group was made
      up of age-matched healthy children (n = 21). Anthropometric measurements and
      symptoms were evaluated after 30, 60, 90, and 180 days. The differences of
      physical growth and the therapeutic effects among each group were calculated by
      SPSS 13.0 package. RESULT: After 180 days follow-up, the weight for age Z score
      and length for weight Z score were -0.43 +/- 0.88 and -0.31 +/- 0.78 in patients
      fed with soy formula substitute, which were significantly lower than those of
      patients fed with amino acid formula (0.11 +/- 0.77, 0.20 +/- 0.69) , extensively
      hydrolyzed formula (0.10 +/- 0.62, 0.18 +/- 0.70) and control group (0.22 +/-
      0.54, 0.22 +/- 0.64) (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in
      physical growth among patients fed with amino acid formula, extensively
      hydrolyzed formula and control group (P>0.05). Moreover, no significant
      difference was found in length for age and head circumference for age among four
      groups (P>0.05). All hypoallergenic formulae were much helpful in remission of
      the symptoms of eczema (P<0.05). However, amino acid formula and extensively
      hydrolyzed formula were more effective and rapid in relieving symptoms than soy
      formula (1 mo vs 2 mo) (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Both amino acid formula and
      extensively hydrolyzed formula can maintain the normal growth of infants with
      cow's milk protein allergy. While, the growth of patients fed with soy formula
      was significantly slower than that of the other three groups. All hypoallergenic
      formulae can be effective in relieving allergy symptoms, and amino acid formula
      or extensively hydrolyzed formula seems to be superior to soy formula.

PMID- 22088179
TI  - [SGI-PS-CMA evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of
      juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus].

PMID- 22088180
TI  - [The explanation of SGI-PS-CMA evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis
      and management of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus].

PMID- 22088181
TI  - [Progress in treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with biologic agents].

PMID- 22088182
TI  - [Progress of research on late preterm infants].

PMID- 22088183
TI  - [Application of proteomic techniques in pediatric research].

PMID- 22088184
TI  - [Summary of national meeting on pediatric immunology in 2010].

PMID- 22088185
TI  - [Incidence, diagnosis and treatment of children's congenital abnormalities of the
      kidney and urinary tract detected in ultrasound screening].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proportion of children with congenital
      abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) among those who received
      screening, analyze the rate, diagnosis and treatment of each abnormality, and
      evaluate the value of ultrasonography in the CAKUT diagnosis. METHOD: Totally 489
      of 26 989 children who received screening for urinary tract abnormalities were
      found to have CAKUT and were followed up by telephone interviews and were asked
      whether they had defined diagnosis of CAKUT, had clinical symptoms and received
      treatment. Children who had been operated on were also asked about the operation
      time, surgical procedure, postoperative diagnosis, and outcome. Children who had
      never been reviewed or still had no diagnosis were arranged to Beijing Children's
      Hospital for ultrasound follow-up. The final data were summed up for a
      retrospective analysis. RESULT: 1) The proportion of children with CAKUT was
      1.67%. Most children with CAKUT had no clinical manifestations. 2) Of the 489
      cases, 320 were followed up, and 169 were lost. Of the cases who were followed
      up, 16 out of 295 cases who had clear diagnosis showed inconsistent results in
      ultrasound screening. 3) Hydronephrosis was identified in 137 cases (0.78%),
      among whom 111 were males and 26 were females, in 98 cases the hydronephrosis was
      on the left, in 28 on the right and in 11 were bilateral. Ureterovesical junction
      obstruction occurred in 33 cases (0.19%), 25 males and 8 females, in 22 cases on
      the left, in 10 on right and bilateral in 1 case. Renal dysplasia was shown in 30
      cases (0.17%), 22 males and 8 females; renal cysts in 26 cases (0.15%); duplex
      kidney in 24 cases (0.14%); solitary kidney in 22 cases (0.12%); ureterocele in
      16 cases (0.09%); fused kidney in 10 cases (0.06%); renal hypoplasia in 9 cases
      (0.05%); ectopic kidney in 5 cases (0.03%); polycystic kidney in 3 cases (0.02%).
      Primary vesicoureteral reflux, posterior urethral valves, renal malrotation,
      branch renal pelvis, extrarenal pelvis in 1 case each. 4) Totally 114 of the 295
      cases (38.6%) who were followed up for CAKUT in screening test required surgical
      treatment. Only one case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) failed in
      surgery. CONCLUSION: The proportion of children with CAKUT was high. CAKUT is
      difficult to detect since there is no significant clinical manifestations in
      early ages. More than one third of patients with CAKUT needed surgical treatment.
      Ultrasonography showed obvious advantages in detecting children's CAKUT, proven
      to be the most preferred method of screening, thus could be recommended as a
      routine of children's physical examination.

PMID- 22088186
TI  - [Analysis of clinical manifestations of hospitalized children infected with
      seasonal influenza A virus and 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in Beijing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The novel influenza A (H1N1) virus firstly detected in April 2009 in
      Mexico rapidly spread to many countries including the United States and Canada
      where humans were infected with the H1N1 virus and deaths were reported. The
      pandemic virus strain had never been detected in specimen of human beings and
      swine. It was so highly contagious and widely spread that threatened life of
      humans globally. This study aimed to analyze clinical data of hospitalized
      children patients with 2009 novel H1N1 influenza A virus infection confirmed by
      etiologic tests, and compared with that of seasonal influenza A. METHOD: Clinical
      manifestations, laboratory and therapy data from the hospitalized children were
      collected by designed case report form and analyzed. All patients were enrolled
      from Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2003 to 2010. There were 152
      cases in seasonal influenza A group, which was composed of 100 boys and 52 girls.
      Other 93 boys and 86 girls formed 2009 novel influenza A group. RESULT: Influenza
      A was dominate from 2003 to 2008 and the peak season was December and January,
      while the peak hospitalized time of 2009 novel H1N1 influenza was from November
      2009 to January 2010. The median age of seasonal influenza group was 35 months,
      which was lower than that of novel influenza group (Z = -6.702, P<0.01). Besides,
      80.9% of the patients in seasonal influenza group were infants, while the novel
      influenza A group was mainly composed of infants and pre-school children (chi2 =
      40.725, P<0.01). The cases of both groups had influenza-like symptoms at onset
      and the most common presentations were fever and cough. The duration of fever was
      much longer in 2009 novel influenza group (Z = -7.173, P<0.01). Patients in two
      groups nearly had the same symptoms except cough was more frequently presented by
      novel influenza A group cases (chi2 = 4.109, P<0.05). In laboratory examination,
      the novel influenza group had more cases with abnormality in blood platelet, CRP,
      ALT, and CK-MB than that of seasonal influenza group (chi2 = 7.562, 17.245,
      4.398, 6.217, P<0.01). Patients in novel influenza A group had more changes in
      electrocardiogram (chi2 = 24.461, P<0.01). More patients had common underlying
      medical condition in novel influenza groups than those in seasonal influenza
      group (chi2 = 12.553, P<0.01). Furthermore, the groups had different age
      distribution in underlying medical diseases (chi2 = 7.231, P<0.05). Children with
      2009 novel H1N1 virus infection tended to catch pneumonia (chi2 = 8.661, P<0.01)
      and became the severe cases (chi2 = 10.595, P<0.01). They had much higher ICU
      admission rate (chi2 = 12.873, P<0.01) and longer hospital stay (Z = -2.764,
      P<0.01). CONCLUSION: As a new variant of influenza virus A, 2009 novel H1N1
      influenza A had stronger pathogenicity. Children with underlying medical
      conditions had the high risk to be infected and developed severe manifestations.

PMID- 22088187
TI  - [Analysis of clinical characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of carbapenem
      resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and
      antimicrobial resistance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB)
      infections in children, identify its risk factors and to raise the level of
      diagnosis and treatment of this disease. METHOD: The data of clinical and
      antimicrobial susceptibility of 32 cases of CRAB and 64 cases of carbapenem
      susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB) infections as control seen between
      January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010 in Yuying Children's Hospital Affiliated to
      Wenzhou Medical College were analyzed retrospectively. RESULT: Thirty-two cases
      of CRAB infections were identified, 21 were male and 11 female. The ages ranged
      from 1 day to 16 years (median age 43 days) ,among whom 14 (44%) were aged < or =
      28 days; 28 cases (88%) were diagnosed as hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and 4
      cases (12%) had wound infection. The common primary diseases of the cases were
      neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (n = 12, 38%), followed by congenital
      heart disease (n = 5,16%) and open fractures (n = 5,16%). Before the isolation of
      CRAB, 10 cases (31%) had received major surgery;29 patients (91%) had stayed in
      ICUs, 26 cases (81%) had received tracheal intubation and mechanical
      ventilation,the ventilation time was 2 -249 days (median: 12 days). Carbapenem
      was used in 17 cases (53%) previously, 13 (41%) had received beta-lactam/beta
      lactamase inhibitor combinations, 8 (25%) had used 3rd-generation cephalosporins
      within 2 weeks before the isolation of CRAB. Sixteen cases (50%) were cured, 12
      cases (38%) were improved, parents of 1 case(3%) automatically gave up
      hospitalization without being cured and 3 cases (9%) died. Forty-nine CRAB
      strains were isolated from the 32 cases, accounting for 10. 4% of AB isolation
      strains in the same period, in which 40 strains (82%) were isolated from sputum
      specimens and 9 strains (18%) from open wounds secretions. All 49 strains showed
      multidrug-resistance (MDR), of which 13 strains (27%) were pandrug-resistant
      (PDR) to the common antimicrobials. The rates of resistance to ampicillin
      sulbactam and cephalosporins were 90% and more than 85%, respectively; while the
      rates of resistance to cefoperazone-sulbactam were 19%, the lowest among the
      tested agents. In multivariate analysis, receiving surgery (OR = 8.450), tracheal
      intubation and mechanical ventilation for more than 10 days (OR = 6.366) and
      previous use of carbapenems (OR = 7.084) were independent risk factors for CRAB
      infections. CONCLUSION: Nosocomial infections in children due to CRAB infections
      mainly cause HAP and open wound infection. Previous surgery, prolonged tracheal
      intubation and mechanical ventilation for more than 10 days and previous
      carbapenems therapy within 2 weeks before the isolation of CRAB were independent
      risk factors for CRAB infections. CRAB showed MDR or even PDR to the common
      antimicrobials, which made great difficulties in antibiotic choices.

PMID- 22088188
TI  - [Visceral leishmaniasis associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: report of
      four childhood cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The clinical features of four cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL)
      associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (VL-HLH) were retrospectively
      analyzed for the purpose of helping the diagnosis of secondary HLH. METHOD:
      Clinical data of three childhood cases of VL-HLH documented in our hospital and
      one case diagnosed in the Capital Institute of Pediatrics was reviewed
      retrospectively, with particular emphasis on peculiar clinical manifestations and
      on clues to the diagnosis of this relatively rare disease entity. RESULT: Three
      children were from endemic areas of VL, and the other one had lived in endemic
      area for one year, which was revealed by detailed history-taking. Clinically, VL
      HLH is characterized by persistent fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia,
      which is similar to those of HLH, and is one of the important reasons of delayed
      diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Based on the HLH-2004 protocol, all the four cases met
      the diagnostic criteria of HLH. In addition, bone marrow aspirate and immunologic
      detection of VL-specific antibody via rk39 dipstick test during the early disease
      course of VL-HLH yielded negative results. Two cases who received HLH-targeted
      therapy responded reasonably well, with rapid temperature normalization and
      spleen retraction. Nevertheless, Hb remained lower than normal, which we believed
      to be related to persistent red cell destruction by the invading parasite
      Leishmania donovani. CONCLUSION: VL, a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania
      donovani, which is currently endemic just in 6 provinces in China, shares similar
      clinical picture of HLH and is an easily ignored underlying cause of secondary
      HLH. We suggest that VL should be in the list of differential diagnosis for any
      patients with HLH who lives in or has a definite travel history to endemic areas.
      Repeated bone marrow studies are highly warranted to make a definite diagnosis of
      VL, because bone marrow aspirate or rk39 dipstick test during early disease
      course might yield negative results. Although VL-HLH responds quite well to HLH
      tailored chemotherapy, specific therapy against VL must be given to prevent
      disease recurrence, and HLH-targeted chemotherapy might be discontinued to
      prevent chemotherapy-related toxicities.

PMID- 22088189
TI  - [Clinical and pathological analysis of minimal change nephrotic syndrome in a
      child with type 1 diabetes].

PMID- 22088190
TI  - [One case report of Patau syndrome].

PMID- 22088191
TI  - [Mitochondrial ATP synthase deficiency due to 8993T > G mutation on ATP6 gene].

PMID- 22088192
TI  - Characterization of lignin by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry using a
      simplified CuO oxidation method.
AB  - An efficient and high-throughput method to characterize lignin in environmental
      samples using alkaline CuO oxidation and capillary gas chromatography with mass
      detection is presented. Monomeric lignin phenols released during oxidation were
      selectively extracted using a polymer-based solid phase sorbent rather than
      liquid phase extraction. Sample size and matrix were found to influence lignin
      phenol yields. Increasing the sample size to an organic carbon content >=1.5 mg
      of C minimizes phenol oxidation losses, and the addition of glucose as a
      sacrificial carbon source helped minimize oxidation losses in samples with <5 mg
      of organic carbon.

PMID- 22088193
TI  - Evidence that thaxtomin C is a pathogenicity determinant of Streptomyces
      ipomoeae, the causative agent of Streptomyces soil rot disease of sweet potato.
AB  - Streptomyces ipomoeae is the causal agent of Streptomyces soil rot of sweet
      potato, a disease marked by highly necrotic destruction of adventitious roots,
      including the development of necrotic lesions on the fleshy storage roots.
      Streptomyces potato scab pathogens produce a phytotoxin (thaxtomin A) that
      appears to facilitate their entrance into host plants. S. ipomoeae produces a
      less-modified thaxtomin derivative (thaxtomin C) whose role in pathogenicity has
      not been examined. Here, we cloned and sequenced the thaxtomin gene cluster (txt)
      of S. ipomoeae, and we then constructed targeted txt mutants that no longer
      produced thaxtomin C. The mutants were unable to penetrate intact adventitious
      roots but still caused necrosis on storage-root tissue. These results, taken in
      context with previous histopathological study of S. ipomoeae infection, suggest
      that thaxtomin C plays an essential role in inter- and intracellular penetration
      of adventitious sweet potato roots by S. ipomoeae. Once inside the plant host,
      the pathogen uses one or more yet-to-be-determined factors to necrotize root
      tissue, including that of any storage roots it encounters.

PMID- 22088194
TI  - Identification and characterization of tomato mutants affected in the Rx-mediated
      resistance to PVX isolates.
AB  - Five tomato mutants affected in the Rx-mediated resistance against Potato virus X
      (PVX) were identified by screening a mutagenized population derived from a
      transgenic, Rx1-expressing 'Micro-Tom' line. Contrary to their parental line,
      they failed to develop lethal systemic necrosis upon infection with the virulent
      PVX-KH2 isolate. Sequence analysis and quantitative reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction experiments indicated that the mutants are not affected
      in the Rx1 transgene or in the Hsp90, RanGap1 and RanGap2, Rar1 and Sgt1 genes.
      Inoculation with the PVX-CP4 avirulent isolate demonstrated that the Rx1
      resistance was still effective in the mutants. In contrast, the virulent PVX-KH2
      isolate accumulation was readily detectable in all mutants, which could further
      be separated in two groups depending on their ability to restrict the
      accumulation of PVX-RR, a mutant affected at two key positions for Rx1 elicitor
      activity. Finally, transient expression of the viral capsid protein elicitor
      indicated that the various mutants have retained the ability to mount an Rx1
      mediated hypersensitive response. Taken together, the results obtained are
      consistent with a modification of the specificity or intensity of the Rx1
      mediated response. The five Micro-Tom mutants should provide very valuable
      resources for the identification of novel tomato genes affecting the functioning
      of the Rx gene.

PMID- 22088195
TI  - The aquaporin TcAQP1 of the desert truffle Terfezia claveryi is a membrane pore
      for water and CO(2) transport.
AB  - Terfezia claveryi is a hypogeous mycorrhizal fungus belonging to the so-called
      "desert truffles," with a good record as an edible fungus and of considerable
      economic importance. T. claveryi improves the tolerance to water stress of the
      host plant Helianthemum almeriense, for which, in field conditions, symbiosis
      with T. claveryi is valuable for its survival. We have characterized cDNAs from
      T. claveryi and identified a sequence related to the aquaporin gene family. The
      full-length sequence was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and was
      named TcAQP1. This aquaporin gene encoded a functional water-channel protein, as
      demonstrated by heterologous expression assays in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The
      mycorrhizal fungal aquaporin increased both water and CO(2) conductivity in the
      heterologous expression system. The expression patterns of the TcAQP1 gene in
      mycelium, under different water potentials, and in mycorrhizal plants are
      discussed. The high levels of water conductivity of TcAQP1 could be related to
      the adaptation of this mycorrhizal fungus to semiarid areas. The CO(2)
      permeability of TcAQP1 could be involved in the regulation of T. claveryi growth
      during presymbiotic phases, making it a good candidate to be considered a novel
      molecular signaling channel in mycorrhizal fungi.

PMID- 22088196
TI  - Role of the sucrose synthase encoding PrSus1 gene in the development of the
      parasitic plant Phelipanche ramosa L. (Pomel).
AB  - Phelipanche ramosa L. (Pomel) is a major root-parasitic weed attacking many
      important crops. Success in controlling this parasite is rare and a better
      understanding of its unique biology is needed to develop new specific control
      strategies. In the present study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      experiments showed that sucrose synthase encoding PrSus1 transcripts accumulate
      at their highest level once the parasite is connected to the host (tomato)
      vascular system, mainly in the parasite tubercles, which bear numerous
      adventitious roots. In situ hybridization experiments revealed strong PrSus1
      expression in both shoot and root apices, especially in shoot apical meristems
      and in the vascular tissues of scale leaves and stems, and in the apical
      meristems and developing xylem in roots. In addition, immunolocalization
      experiments showed that a sucrose synthase protein co-localized with cell-wall
      thickening in xylem elements. These findings highlight the role of PrSus1 in the
      utilization of host-derived sucrose in meristematic areas and in cellulose
      biosynthesis in differentiating vascular elements. We also demonstrate that
      PrSus1 is downregulated in response to 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid-induced
      inhibition of polar auxin transport in the host stem, suggesting that PrSus1
      activity in xylem maturation is controlled by host-derived auxin.

PMID- 22088198
TI  - [Giant perineal tumour].

PMID- 22088199
TI  - [New method of hepatic regeneration].
AB  - Postoperative liver failure (PLF) is the most feared and serious complication
      after extensive liver resections. We present an innovative surgical technique for
      the treatment of a patient with colorectal cancer and initially unresectable
      liver metastases. After completing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, it was decided to
      perform simultaneous surgery. A left hemicolectomy and cleaning of the metastases
      in the left liver was performed. As the future liver remnant (FLR) was
      insufficient, it was decided to perform an in situ liver split and a right portal
      vein ligation. On the 6(th) day after the surgery a volumetric CT showed an
      increase greater than 40% of the FLR. The right hepatectomy was completed and the
      patient was discharged on the 11(th) day after surgery. The technique induced a
      rapid growth of the FLR, exceeding that reported using portal occlusion. If these
      findings are corroborated in future studies, this revolutionary technique could
      enable surgery to be performed in two stages on patients with initially
      unresectable liver disease during the same hospital admission and without PLF.

PMID- 22088197
TI  - The biology and dynamics of mammalian cortical granules.
AB  - Cortical granules are membrane bound organelles located in the cortex of
      unfertilized oocytes. Following fertilization, cortical granules undergo
      exocytosis to release their contents into the perivitelline space. This secretory
      process, which is calcium dependent and SNARE protein-mediated pathway, is known
      as the cortical reaction. After exocytosis, the released cortical granule
      proteins are responsible for blocking polyspermy by modifying the oocytes'
      extracellular matrices, such as the zona pellucida in mammals. Mammalian cortical
      granules range in size from 0.2 um to 0.6 um in diameter and different from most
      other regulatory secretory organelles in that they are not renewed once released.
      These granules are only synthesized in female germ cells and transform an egg
      upon sperm entry; therefore, this unique cellular structure has inherent interest
      for our understanding of the biology of fertilization. Cortical granules are long
      thought to be static and awaiting in the cortex of unfertilized oocytes to be
      stimulated undergoing exocytosis upon gamete fusion. Not till recently, the
      dynamic nature of cortical granules is appreciated and understood. The latest
      studies of mammalian cortical granules document that this organelle is not only
      biochemically heterogeneous, but also displays complex distribution during oocyte
      development. Interestingly, some cortical granules undergo exocytosis prior to
      fertilization; and a number of granule components function beyond the time of
      fertilization in regulating embryonic cleavage and preimplantation development,
      demonstrating their functional significance in fertilization as well as early
      embryonic development. The following review will present studies that investigate
      the biology of cortical granules and will also discuss new findings that uncover
      the dynamic aspect of this organelle in mammals.

PMID- 22088200
TI  - Usefulness of two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters of the left side of
      the heart to predict right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist
      device implantation.
AB  - Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
      placement is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography
      is a primary imaging method in the assessment of cardiac function; however,
      visualization of the right-sided heart is often technically difficult in patients
      with heart failure. We aimed to create a simple and generally applicable scoring
      system based on "left-sided echocardiographic parameters" to provide
      complementary information for predicting RVF after LVAD surgery. We reviewed 111
      consecutive patients undergoing LVAD surgery from 2007 through 2010.
      Echocardiograms within 5 days before surgery were analyzed. RVF was defined as an
      unexpected RV assist devices requirement, nitric oxide inhalation >48 hours,
      and/or inotropic support >14 days. Thirty-five patients (32%) developed RVF. LV
      end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was smaller, LV ejection fraction was greater,
      and the left atrial diameter/LVEDD ratio was greater (p < 0.05 for all
      comparisons) in patients with RVF than in those without RVF. An RVF score (LV
      echocardiographic RVF score) was determined as a sum of points based on receiver
      operator characteristics analysis: LVEDD >78, 79 to 70, and <70 mm; LV ejection
      fraction <=19%, 19% to 33%, and >33%; and left atrial diameter/LVEDD <0.63, 0.63
      to 0.68, and >0.68; each variable was associated with 0 and 1 point and 2 points,
      respectively. LV echocardiographic RVF score >=3 was associated with RVF with a
      sensitivity of 88.6% and score >=5 with a specificity of 80.3%. In conclusion,
      patients with relatively small LV size, preserved LV contraction, and dilated
      left atrium were at higher risk for RVF after LVAD surgery. In conclusion, LV
      echocardiographic RVF score provides a novel tool to predict RVF after LVAD
      surgery, which does not involve invasive or technically complicated procedures.

PMID- 22088201
TI  - Comparison of outcomes of patients with painless versus painful ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - There are few data available on the prognosis of painless ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to determine the
      incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of painless STEMI. We analyzed
      the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) study, which enrolled
      7,288 patients with STEMI (61.8 +/- 12.8 years old, 74% men; painless STEMI
      group, n = 763; painful STEMI group, n = 6,525). End points were in-hospital
      mortality and 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Patients with painless
      STEMI were older and more likely to be women, nonsmokers, diabetic, and
      normolipidemic and to have a higher Killip class. The painless group had more in
      hospital deaths (5.9% vs 3.6%, p = 0.026) and 1-year MACEs (26% vs 19%, p =
      0.002). In Cox proportional hazards analysis, hypotension (hazard ratio [HR]
      4.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41 to 13.78, p = 0.011), low left
      ventricular ejection fraction (HR 3.12, 95% CI 1.21 to 8.07, p = 0.019), and a
      high Killip class (HR 3.48, 95% CI 1.19 to 10.22, p = 0.023) were independent
      predictors of 1-year MACEs in patients with painless STEMI. In conclusion,
      painless STEMI was associated with more adverse outcomes than painful STEMI and
      late detection may have contributed significantly to total ischemic burden. These
      results warrant more investigations for methodologic development in the diagnosis
      of silent ischemia and painless STEMI.

PMID- 22088202
TI  - Nobiletin suppresses adipogenesis by regulating the expression of adipogenic
      transcription factors and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
AB  - The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of nobiletin
      (5,6,7,8,3',4'-hexamethoxyflavone) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. To determine
      the effect of nobiletin on adipogenesis, preadipocyte differentiation was induced
      in the presence or absence of nobiletin (10-100 MUM) for 4 days. The results
      revealed that nobiletin markedly inhibited lipid accumulation and glycerol-3
      phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity and blocked the expression of adipogenic
      transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors
      (PPARgamma) and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPalpha). Moreover, nobiletin
      significantly increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a major regulator of
      cellular energy balance, phosphorylation, and intracellular reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generation. This study also investigated the involvement of AMPK in
      the expression of a major transcription factor, PPARgamma. It was found that
      pretreatment with compound C, a cell permeable inhibitor of AMPK, abolished the
      inhibitory effects of nobiletin on PPARgamma expression. The results suggest that
      nobiletin exerts antiadipogenic effects through modulation of the PPARgamma and
      AMPK signaling pathway and, therefore, may be a promising antiobesity agent.

PMID- 22088203
TI  - Exposures to transit and other sources of noise among New York City residents.
AB  - To evaluate the contributions of common noise sources to total annual noise
      exposures among urban residents and workers, we estimated exposures associated
      with five common sources (use of mass transit, occupational and nonoccupational
      activities, MP3 player and stereo use, and time at home and doing other
      miscellaneous activities) among a sample of over 4500 individuals in New York
      City (NYC). We then evaluated the contributions of each source to total noise
      exposure and also compared our estimated exposures to the recommended 70 dBA
      annual exposure limit. We found that one in ten transit users had noise exposures
      in excess of the recommended exposure limit from their transit use alone. When we
      estimated total annual exposures, 90% of NYC transit users and 87% of nonusers
      exceeded the recommended limit. MP3 player and stereo use, which represented a
      small fraction of the total annual hours for each subject on average, was the
      primary source of exposure among the majority of urban dwellers we evaluated. Our
      results suggest that the vast majority of urban mass transit riders may be at
      risk of permanent, irreversible noise-induced hearing loss and that, for many
      individuals, this risk is driven primarily by exposures other than occupational
      noise.

PMID- 22088204
TI  - Low-molecular-weight heparins induce decidual heparin-binding epidermal growth
      factor-like growth factor expression and promote survival of decidual cells
      undergoing apoptosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) on
      decidual heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF)
      expression/secretion and on TNF-alpha-induced decidual apoptosis. DESIGN:
      Experimental study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universita
      Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. PATIENT(S): Cultures of primary decidual
      cells isolated from human term placenta. INTERVENTION(S): The effects of LMWHs
      (tinzaparin and enoxaparin) on decidual HB-EGF expression and secretion were
      investigated by Western blot analysis and ELISA, respectively. TNF-alpha-induced
      decidual apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V staining, terminal deoxynucleotide
      transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and caspase
      activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Decidual HB-EGF expression/secretion and
      apoptotic rate induced by TNF-alpha were investigated. RESULT(S): Tinzaparin
      enhanced decidual HB-EGF expression and secretion. TNF-alpha reduced the number
      of viable cells by inducing apoptosis. Simultaneous addition of LMWHs (primarily
      tinzaparin) blocked the increase in annexin V- and TUNEL-positive cells and
      reduced the amount of caspase activities. CONCLUSION(S): Both LMWHs induced a
      significant increase in decidual HB-EGF expression/secretion and reduced TNF
      alpha-induced decidual apoptosis. Tinzaparin demonstrated higher efficacy.

PMID- 22088205
TI  - Bilateral oophorectomy is not associated with increased mortality: the California
      Teachers Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of surgical menopause due to bilateral
      oophorectomy on mortality, in light of evidence that bilateral oophorectomy among
      premenopausal women rapidly reduces endogenous hormone levels, thereby modifying
      risks of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. DESIGN: The California
      Teachers Study (CTS) is a prospective cohort study of 133,479 women initiated in
      1995-1996 through a mailed, self-administered questionnaire. Relative risks and
      95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards
      regression. SETTING: None. PATIENT(S): California Teachers Study participants
      who, at baseline, reported having surgical menopause due to bilateral
      oophorectomy (n = 9,785), were compared with participants with natural menopause
      (n = 32,219). INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We investigated
      whether bilateral oophorectomy was associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, or
      cancer mortality, overall and by menopausal hormone therapy use status.
      RESULT(S): Among participants aged <45 years at menopause, multivariable relative
      risks were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74-1.00), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.66-1.11), and 0.91 (95% CI,
      0.67-1.23) for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer
      mortality, respectively. Among participants with an age at menopause of >=45
      years, multivariable relative risks were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80-0.94), 0.83 (95% CI,
      0.71-0.96), and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.72-0.98) for all-cause, cardiovascular, and
      cancer mortality, respectively. The association between bilateral oophorectomy
      and mortality did not differ by baseline status of hormone therapy use.
      CONCLUSION(S): Surgical menopause due to bilateral oophorectomy vs. natural
      menopause does not increase all-cause, cardiovascular, or cancer mortality.

PMID- 22088206
TI  - Improvement of hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia during pregnancy in women
      with polycystic ovary syndrome: possible effect in the ovarian follicular mass of
      their daughters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ovarian function during early infancy in daughters of
      women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with metformin throughout
      pregnancy (PCOSd+M), as a means to reduce androgen and insulin levels, compared
      with daughters of nontreated PCOS women (PCOSd-M) and daughters of women who
      belong to a healthy comparison group (HCd). DESIGN: Descriptive and analytic
      study. SETTING: Unit of endocrinology and reproductive medicine. PATIENT(S):
      Fifteen PCOSd+M, 23 PCOSd-M, and 35 HCd were studied at 2-3 months of age.
      INTERVENTION(S): A GnRH analogue test was performed with determinations of
      gonadotropins, sex steroids, SHBG, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Differences in AMH levels between PCOSd+M, PCOSd-M and HCd.
      RESULT(S): AMH and peak E(2) concentrations were significantly higher in PCOSd-M
      compared with HCd, whereas PCOSd+M exhibited AMH concentrations and peak E(2)
      levels similar to those observed in HCd. CONCLUSION(S): The improvement of the
      altered endocrine-metabolic environment of PCOS mothers reduces AMH levels in
      their daughters, which might reflect a decrease in their follicular mass.

PMID- 22088207
TI  - Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in partial globozoospermia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in
      patient couples where the male partner has partial globozoospermia with the
      outcome in a general ICSI population. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Center
      for Reproductive Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, the
      Netherlands, a tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): Between 1997 and 2005, 42
      couples were identified in which the male presented with partial globozoospermia;
      27 couples treated with ICSI were matched with 263 control couples from a general
      ICSI population regarding female age and year of first ICSI cycle.
      INTERVENTION(S): One ICSI treatment (1-10 ICSI cycles). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
      Live birth rate after one ICSI treatment (1-10 ICSI cycles). RESULT(S): In the
      partial globozoospermia group, the live birth rate was 66.7% compared with 50.0%
      in the control group. In partial globozoospermia, three out of 21 pregnancies
      ended in a miscarriage, one major birth defect occurred, and one pregnancy ended
      in a neonatal death due to sepsis in a premature child, compared with four
      stillborn in the control group. CONCLUSION(S): ICSI is an effective treatment in
      couples that failed to conceive spontaneously within 1 year combined with male
      infertility due to partial globozoospermia. The fertilization rates and the live
      birth rates in this specific group did not differ from those of the general ICSI
      population.

PMID- 22088208
TI  - Proteomic approach in the identification of fertility pattern in seminal plasma
      of fertile men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify a panel of common seminal proteins in human seminal plasma
      by fertile men that might be involved in successful reproduction. DESIGN:
      Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Five fertile men
      who conceived within 3 months before the start of the study. INTERVENTION(S):
      None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Proteomic analysis performed by an Ultimate 3000
      Nano/Micro-HPLC apparatus equipped with an FLM-3000-Flow manager module and
      coupled with an LTQ Orbitrap XL hybrid mass spectrometer; gene ontology analysis.
      RESULT(S): From 919 to 1,487 unique proteins were identified per individual
      subject sample. Among these proteins, 83 proteins were present in all samples,
      including some proteins that might be involved in male fertility, such as
      semenogelin I, semenogelin II, olfactory receptor 5R1, lactoferrin, hCAP18,
      spindling, and clusterin. The gene ontology annotation analysis provided further
      information in describing common pattern in male fertility. CONCLUSION(S): The
      identification of common seminal plasma proteome in fertile men could provide
      better insight into the physiology of male fertility and might identify novel
      markers of male infertility.

PMID- 22088209
TI  - The ART of social networking: how SART member clinics are connecting with
      patients online.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study and describe the use of social networking websites among
      Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) member clinics. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study. SETTING: University-based practice. PATIENT(S): Not applicable.
      INTERVENTION(S): Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prevalence of social
      networking websites among SART member clinics and evaluation of content, volume,
      and location (i.e., mandated state, region) using multivariate regression
      analysis. RESULT(S): A total of 384 SART-registered clinics and 1,382 social
      networking posts were evaluated. Of the clinics, 96% had a website and 30% linked
      to a social networking website. The majority of clinics (89%) with social
      networking websites were affiliated with nonacademic centers. Social networking
      posts mostly provided information (31%) and/or advertising (28%), and the
      remaining offered support (19%) or were irrelevant (17%) to the target audience.
      Only 5% of posts involved patients requesting information. Clinic volume
      correlated with the presence of a clinic website and a social networking website.
      CONCLUSION(S): Almost all SART member clinics have a website. Nearly one-third of
      these clinics host a social networking website such as Facebook, Twitter, and/or
      a blog. Large-volume clinics commonly host social networking websites. These
      sites provide new ways to communicate with patients, but clinics should maintain
      policies on the incorporation of social networks into practice.

PMID- 22088210
TI  - Phosphoproteomic analysis of human mesenchymal stromal cells during osteogenic
      differentiation.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are promising candidates for cell therapy
      and tissue regeneration. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms governing hMSC
      commitment into osteoblasts is critical to the development of therapeutic
      applications for human bone diseases. Because protein phosphorylation plays a
      critical role in signaling transduction network, the purpose of this study is to
      elucidate the phosphoproteomic changes in hMSCs during early osteogenic lineage
      commitment. hMSCs cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 0, 1, 3, and 7 days
      were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
      Surprisingly, we observed a dramatic loss of protein phosphorylation level after
      1 day of osteogenic induction. Pathways analysis of these reduced phosphoproteins
      exhibited a high correlation with cell proliferation and protein synthesis
      pathways. During osteogenic differentiation, differentially expressed
      phosphoproteins demonstrated the dynamic alterations in cytoskeleton at the early
      stages of differentiation. The fidelity of our quantitative phosphoproteomic
      analyses were further confirmed by Western blot analyses, and the changes from
      protein expression or its phosphorylation level were distinguished. In addition,
      several ion channels and transcription factors with differentially expressed
      phosphorylation sites during osteogenic differentiation were identified and may
      serve as potentially unexplored transcriptional regulators of the osteogenic
      phenotype of hMSCs. Taken together, our results have demonstrated the dynamic
      changes in phosphoproteomic profiles of hMSCs during osteogenic differentiation
      and unraveled potential candidates mediating the osteogenic commitment of hMSCs.
      The findings in this study may also shed light on the development of new
      therapeutic targets for metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and
      osteomalacia.

PMID- 22088211
TI  - Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma presenting as slowly progressive paraparesis
      with normal MRI features.
AB  - Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare, high grade extranodal B
      cell lymphoma, characterized by the proliferation of tumoral cells in the lumen
      of small vessels of several organs without the tendency for tumor formation in
      other areas usually affected by lymphomas, such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, or
      peripheral blood. Diagnosis is generally delayed by variable presentation with
      non-specific constitutional and neurological symptoms, lack of reliable ancillary
      tests and it is often obtained only at autopsy. We report a case of IVLBCL
      presenting with a slowly progressing isolated paraparesis without any evidence of
      spinal damage at MRI though neurophysiological examinations showed signs of
      spinal cord injury. Laboratory findings showed markedly elevated levels of
      lactate dehydrogenase, low albumin values, raised ESR, mild thrombocytopenia and
      progressive impairment of hepatic function. Bone marrow examinations and total
      body CT scans were negative. Although clinical history appeared too long, we
      considered the hypothesis of IVLBCL on the basis of the laboratory constellation
      and proposed a liver biopsy, but the patient refused the procedure. The diagnosis
      was confirmed only at autopsy. Our case should make us aware that the disease has
      to be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained paraparesis
      associated with elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase and only relatively non
      specific laboratory findings even without any spinal cord abnormalities at MRI.

PMID- 22088212
TI  - Misfolded SOD1 forms high-density molecular complexes with synaptic molecules in
      mutant SOD1-linked familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases.
AB  - Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1) gene cause familial amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (FALS), likely due to the toxic properties of misfolded mutant
      SOD1 protein. Here we report identification of various synaptic molecules forming
      molecular complexes with misfolded SOD1 in mutant SOD1-associated FALS patient
      tissues as well as in cellular FALS models. In the FALS cellular model system, we
      found that membrane depolarization that mimics synaptic
      hyperactivation/excitotoxicity could cause misfolding of mutant SOD, as well as
      acceleration of misfolded SOD1-synaptic protein complex formation. These results
      suggest that inhibition of synaptic release mechanism by association of misfolded
      SOD1 with synaptic molecules plays a role in the dysfunction of FALS.

PMID- 22088213
TI  - Low levels of diversity among genomes of Porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) points
      to differential adaptive selection between Porcine circoviruses.
AB  - Several features related with the evolutionary patterns among all the PCV1
      genomes available at GenBank have been analyzed in the present work (diversity,
      number of genotypes, recombination, saturation, selection, evolutionary rate).
      The reported results point to low levels of nucleotide and amino acid diversity,
      low number of positively selected codons and a slow evolution rate. Compared with
      the other species of the Circoviridae family, the diversity is the lowest
      reported. This can be related with the fact that PCV1 is the single non
      pathogenic member of the family. Overall, differential levels of adaptive
      evolution between PCV1 and PCV2 may explain the different diversity levels, and
      the different evolutionary and selection rates observed.

PMID- 22088214
TI  - Identification and classification of endogenous retroviruses in the canine genome
      using degenerative PCR and in-silico data analysis.
AB  - Pooled genomic DNA from 10 dogs was subjected to polymerase chain reaction with
      primers targeting the retroviral pro/pol region. Sequence analysis of 120 clones
      obtained by PCR revealed 81 of retroviral origin. Subsequent analysis of the dog
      genome (CanFam 2.0) by BLAST investigation using degenerate PCR products and
      previously identified retroviral sequences permitted the identification of
      additional retroviral gamma and beta sequences. A phylogenetic analysis using the
      retroviral protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences in the dog
      genome resulted in identification of 17 gamma and 7 beta families. In addition,
      we also identified 167 spuma-like ERV elements from CanFam 2.0 based on sequence
      homology to murine (Mu)ERV-L and human (H)ERV-L. Our results could contribute to
      the understanding of the influence of retroviruses in shaping the genome
      structure and altering gene expression by providing quantitative and locational
      information of ERV loci and their diversity in the dog genome.

PMID- 22088215
TI  - Sequence analysis of 12 genome segments of mud crab reovirus (MCRV).
AB  - Mud crab reovirus (MCRV) is the causative agent of a serious disease with high
      mortality in cultured mud crab (Scylla serrata). This study sequenced and
      analyzed 12 genome segments of MCRV. The 12 genome segments had a total length of
      24.464 kb, showing a total G+C content of 41.29% and predicted 15 ORFs. Sequence
      analysis showed that the majority of MCRV genes shared low homology with the
      counterpart genes of other reoviruses, e.g., the amino acid identity of RNA
      dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) was lower than 13.0% compared to the RdRp
      sequences of other reoviruses. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of RdRp and
      capping enzyme suggested MCRV as a single group. Further genome-based
      phylogenetical analysis of conserved termini and reovirus polymerase motif
      indicates that this MCRV belongs to a new genus of the Reoviridae family,
      tentatively named as Crabreovirus.

PMID- 22088216
TI  - The N-terminal helix alpha(0) of hepatitis C virus NS3 protein dictates the
      subcellular localization and stability of NS3/NS4A complex.
AB  - The N-terminal amphipathic helix alpha(0) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protein
      is an essential structural determinant for the protein membrane association.
      Here, we performed functional analysis to probe the role of this helix alpha(0)
      in the HCV life cycle. A point mutation M21P in this region that destroyed the
      helix formation disrupted the membrane association of NS3 protein and completely
      abolished HCV replication. Mechanistically the mutation did not affect either
      protease or helicase/NTPase activities of NS3, but significantly reduced the
      stability of NS3 protein. Furthermore, the membrane association and stability of
      NS3 protein can be restored by replacing the helix alpha(0) with an amphipathic
      helix of the HCV NS5A protein. In summary, our data demonstrated that the
      amphipathic helix alpha(0) of NS3 protein determines the proper membrane
      association of NS3, and this subcellular localization dictates the functional
      role of NS3 in the HCV life cycle.

PMID- 22088218
TI  - Investigational VEGF antagonists for psoriasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediates angiogenesis
      consequent to binding to VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) and is upregulated in patients
      with psoriasis. VEGF is also upregulated in other diseases characterised by
      angiogenesis including proliferative retinopathy and cancer. Several VEGF
      antagonists have been approved for the treatment of these conditions and may also
      have the potential to treat psoriasis. AREAS COVERED: A PubMed literature search
      was performed to identify preclinical and clinical research regarding
      investigational VEGF antagonists for the treatment of psoriasis. Various agents
      have been reviewed including monoclonal antibodies against VEGF and VEGFRs, decoy
      anti-VEGF receptors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block the effects of
      VEGF/VEGFR binding. EXPERT OPINION: Several investigational drugs have
      demonstrated potential to treat psoriasis. Clinical observations of psoriasis
      remission following administration of bevacizumab, sunitinib and sorafenib in
      cancer patients are encouraging. Of particular interest is a novel anti-VEGF/anti
      TNF-alpha decoy receptor (Valpha), whose dual action could be beneficial given
      the numerous pathogenetic pathways in psoriasis. A topical tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor also has potential given the cost and safety advantages conferred by
      this mode of administration. More research is warranted both in the prototypical
      drugs and in those already marketed for other indications.

PMID- 22088217
TI  - Cholesterol-rich lipid rafts are required for release of infectious human
      respiratory syncytial virus particles.
AB  - Cholesterol and sphingolipid enriched lipid raft micro-domains in the plasma
      membrane play an important role in the life-cycle of numerous enveloped viruses.
      Although human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) proteins associate with the raft
      domains of infected cells and rafts are incorporated in RSV virion particles, the
      functional role of raft during RSV infection was unknown. In the current study we
      have identified rafts as an essential component of host cell that is required for
      RSV infection. Treatment of human lung epithelial cells with raft disrupting
      agent methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD) led to drastic loss of RSV infectivity due
      to diminished release of infectious progeny RSV virion particles from raft
      disrupted cells. RSV infection of raft deficient Niemann-Pick syndrome type C
      human fibroblasts and normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts revealed that
      during productive RSV infection, raft is required for release of infectious RSV
      particles.

PMID- 22088219
TI  - Muscarinic receptor activation determines the effects of store-operated Ca(2+)
      entry on excitability and energy metabolism in pyramidal neurons.
AB  - In various cell types, depletion of intracellular Ca(2+)-stores results in store
      operated Ca(2+)-entry (SOCE) across the cellular membrane. However, the effects
      of SOCE on neuronal membrane excitability and mitochondrial functions in central
      neurons are not well defined. We investigated such cellular downstream effects in
      pyramidal neurons of rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures by applying
      electrophysiological and fluorescence imaging techniques. We report that SOCE is
      associated with (i) elevations of Ca(2+)-concentration in individual neuronal
      mitochondria ([Ca(2+)](m)). In addition, SOCE can result in (ii) hyperpolarizing
      neuronal membrane currents, (iii) increase in extracellular K(+)-concentration
      ([K(+)](o)), (iv) mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and (v) changes in
      intracellular redox state (NAD(P)H and FAD fluorescence), the latter reflecting
      responses of energy metabolism. These additional downstream effects of SOCE
      required concomitant muscarinic receptor activation by carbachol or
      acetylcholine, and were suppressed by agonist washout or application of
      antagonist, atropine. We conclude that muscarinic receptor activation determines
      the downstream effects of SOCE on neuronal membrane excitability and energy
      metabolism. This mechanism might have significant impact on information
      processing and neurometabolic coupling in central neurons.

PMID- 22088221
TI  - Winning the war, far, in developing countries. Novel anticoagulants as a new
      weapon against stroke.

PMID- 22088220
TI  - Regional imbalanced activation of the calcineurin/BAD apoptotic pathway and the
      PI3K/Akt survival pathway after myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The underlying molecular mechanisms of the remodeling after
      myocardial infarction (MI) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the role of a survival pathway (PI3K/Akt) and an apoptosis pathway
      (calcineurin/BAD) in the remodeling after MI in a large animal model. METHODS:
      Ten Dorset hybrid sheep underwent 25% MI in the left ventricle (LV, n=10). Five
      sheep were used as sham control. The regional strain was calculated from
      sonomicrometry. Apoptosis and the activation of the PI3K/Akt and calcineurin/BAD
      pathways were evaluated in the non-ischemic adjacent zone and the remote zone
      relative to infarct by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and
      immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Dilation and dysfunction of LV were present
      at 12 weeks after MI. The regional strain in the adjacent zone was significantly
      higher than in the remote zone at 12 weeks (36.6 +/- 4.0% vs 9.5 +/- 3.6%,
      p<0.05). Apoptosis was more severe in the adjacent zone than in the remote zone.
      The PI3K/Akt and calcineurin/BAD pathways were activated in the adjacent zone.
      Dephosphorylation and translocation of BAD were evident in the adjacent zone.
      Regional correlation between the strain and the expression of calcineurin/BAD
      indicated that the activation was strain-related (R(2)=0.46, 0.48, 0.39 for
      calcineurin, BAD, mitochondrial BAD, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      PI3K/Akt survival and calcineurin/BAD apoptotic pathways were concomitantly
      activated in the non-ischemic adjacent zone after MI. The calcineurin/BAD pathway
      is strain related and its imbalanced activation may be one of the causes of
      progressive remodeling after MI.

PMID- 22088222
TI  - Mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and
      cardiogenic shock treated by PCI is correlated to the infarct-related artery-
      results from the PL-ACS Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) with cardiogenic shock (CS) on admission remains high despite invasive
      treatment. The aim of this analysis was to assess the relationship between the
      infarct-related artery (IRA) and the early and 12-month outcomes of patients with
      STEMI and CS treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Two
      thousand ninety patients with STEMI and CS registered in the prospective Polish
      Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes from October 2003 to November 2009 were
      included. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality in the left main (LM), left anterior
      descending artery (LAD), circumflex artery (Cx), and right coronary artery (RCA)
      groups was 64.7%, 41.0%, 36.0%, and 30.8%, respectively, with p<0.0001. The 12
      month mortality in the LM, LAD, Cx, and RCA groups was 77.7%, 58.2%, 55.1%, and
      45.0%, respectively, with p<0.0001. After multivariate adjustment, LM as the IRA
      was significantly associated with higher 12-month mortality (hazard ratio=1.71,
      95% confidence interval=1.28-2.27, p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital and long
      term mortality of patients with STEMI and CS treated by PCI are significantly
      correlated to the IRA, being highest for LM and lowest for RCA.

PMID- 22088223
TI  - Right lung agenesis and dextrocardia in a paucisymptomatic 11-year-old child.

PMID- 22088225
TI  - How to manage coronary slow flow following PCI?

PMID- 22088224
TI  - Adiposity rather than BMI determines metabolic risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is increasing evidence suggesting that WHO body mass
      index (BMI) cut-off values are outdated and should not be applied to different
      population. To overcome misclassifications, direct measurements of percentage
      body fat (PBF) would be a better tool for preobesity and obesity diagnosis. The
      aim of this study was to analyze the body composition in a adult population in
      Centre-South of Italy, by age and gender, and to verify the accordance between
      BMI and PBF cut-off points for health status classification. METHODS: The total
      subject pool cover a total of 4408 participants adults. A completed screening of
      anthropometry and body composition by Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, (DXA) was
      assessed on 3.258 subjects. RESULTS: Distributions and quantitative reliable
      estimates of PBF, total body fat and lean, according to gender and age are
      provided. The prevalence of "at risk" subjects (preobese and obese) was 69% and
      85%, for men and women respectively, according to PBF cut-off points. The
      agreement of BMI and PBF categories resulted low for the total and male
      population, even scarce for female population (all P <= 0.001). The false
      negative classification of BMI was stronger for women than men and for younger
      than older subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for adiposity in subjects with a
      normal BMI could better identify those at higher risk for cardiometabolic
      disturbances and cardiovascular mortality. The herein used cut-offs points of
      PBF, by age and gender, may provide a useful reference in clinical settings and
      public health services, in particular for the Italian Caucasian population.

PMID- 22088226
TI  - Carotid stenting improves cognitive function in asymptomatic cerebral ischemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Asymptomatic critical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis may lead
      to cognitive impairment. Carotid stenting (CS) may improve cerebral perfusion,
      but its impact on neuro-cognitive function has been controversial. METHODS: We
      prospectively enrolled 34 asymptomatic patients with unilateral ICA stenosis or
      occlusion, in whom CS was attempted. Computed tomography cerebral perfusion
      (CTP), and functional assessments including National Institutes of Health Stoke
      Scale (NIHSS), Bathel Index (BI), and a battery of neuropsychological tests
      including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer Disease Assessment
      Scale-Cognitive Subtest (ADAS-Cog), verbal fluency, and Color Trail Making A and
      B, were done prior to and 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Successful CS
      was achieved in 28 of 34 patients (82%). Based on the baseline CTP finding and
      intervention result, patients were divided into three groups: group I (n=6) as
      ipsilateral cerebral ischemia with failed CS procedure, group II (n=17) as
      ipsilateral cerebral ischemia with successful CS procedure, and group III (n=11)
      as normal baseline CTP with successful CS procedure. The demographics and
      baseline cognitive performances were similar among the three groups. In group II,
      there were significant improvement in Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale (pre 6.8
      +/- 4.3 vs post 4.9 +/- 2.8, p=0.033), Mini-Mental State Examination Score (pre
      25.8 +/- 3.8 vs post 27.4 +/- 3.5, p=0.007), and Color Trail test A (pre 120.4 +/
      73.9s vs post 95.8 +/- 57.6s, p=0.004) after CS. In groups I and III, however,
      no significant difference was observed in any of the cognitive tests.
      CONCLUSIONS: Successful CS improves neurocognitive function in asymptomatic ICA
      stenosis or occlusion with objective ipsilateral ischemia.

PMID- 22088227
TI  - More data, better data or improved evidence translation: what will improve
      cardiovascular outcomes?
AB  - More data, better data or improved evidence translation: what will improve
      cardiovascular outcomes? As countries must focus more on the value of and access
      to health services over effectiveness alone, we argue that data on key aspects of
      interventions are predominantly missing from the current evidence-base. We
      examine this need in relation to secondary prevention of the most burdensome
      disease in the world: coronary heart disease and consider the wider forms of
      evidence about interventions needed by professionals, systems and governments to
      promote effective, accessible and efficient chronic disease management.

PMID- 22088228
TI  - Disturbed left atrial mechanical function in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a
      speckle tracking study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess left atrial (LA) intrinsic myocardial function and
      its relationship to left ventricular (LV) filling pattern in a group of
      paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients. METHODS: Twenty-three PAF patients
      (age 68 +/- 7 year, 10 males) were studied using speckle tracking
      echocardiography and compared with 18 age and sex matched controls. LA segmental
      longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR) and myocardial velocities during atrial
      systole were measured as were LA diameters. E/A and E/Em were also measured.
      RESULTS: LA longitudinal diameter was larger in patients (5.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.8 +/-
      0.6 cm, p<0.01) and global LA S (-9.2 +/- 4.3 vs. -12.9 +/- 4.6%, p=0.01) and SR
      (-1.1 +/- 0.5 vs. -1.6 +/- 0.7 1/s, p<0.01) were reduced and correlated with E/A
      (r=0.52, p=0.01 and r=0.43, p<0.05, respectively). LA lateral S and SR were
      uniformly reduced compared with controls (p<0.05 for all). Both septal and
      lateral wall SR correlated with E/A (p<0.05 for all), only septal S correlated
      with E/A (p<0.05). LA myocardial velocities were highest at the annular level and
      lowest at the rear in both patients and controls (p<0.01 for all). CONCLUSION: In
      PAF patients, LA systolic function is suppressed and is directly related to the
      pattern of LV filling which itself may suggest raised pressures. While intrinsic
      global and segmental function can reproducibly be studied by S and SR, myocardial
      velocities reflect only regional motion, thus less sensitive in demonstrating
      localize dysfunction.

PMID- 22088229
TI  - Human complement Factor H modulates C1q-mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.
AB  - Complement is implicated in the clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes.
      Deficiencies in early complement components, particularly C1q, are associated
      with an increased risk of the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. C1q is
      considered to be important in this process through interaction with apoptotic
      cells and phagocytes. In the present study, we confirm that apoptotic cells are
      recognized not only by C1q but also by the complement regulatory protein Factor
      H. Both C1q and Factor H bind to apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent and
      saturable manner. We further examined the role of C1q and Factor H in the
      clearance of apoptotic cells by monocytes. C1q enhanced uptake/adhesion of
      apoptotic cells by monocytes whereas Factor H alone had no effect on this
      process. However, when both C1q and Factor H were present on the apoptotic cell
      surface, C1q-mediated enhancement of uptake/adhesion of the apoptotic cells by
      monocytes was reduced. This effect of Factor H also occurred if monocytes were
      pre-treated with Factor H, and then exposed to C1q-coated apoptotic cells. The
      results were consistent with Factor H interacting with monocytes through the
      integrin CD11b/CD18. We conclude that under physiological conditions, Factor H
      may be important in controlling the inflammation which might arise from C1q
      deposition on apoptotic cells.

PMID- 22088230
TI  - Glial heterotopia of the orbit: a rare presentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glial heterotopias are rare, benign, congenital, midline, non
      teratomatous extracranial glial tissue. They may masquerade as encephalocoele or
      dermoid cyst and mostly present in nose. Herein, we present an unusual case of
      glial heterotopia of the orbit with unilateral blindness. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6
      year-old-boy presented with a progressive painless mass over the nose and medial
      aspect of the left eye noticed since birth. On examination, the globe was
      displaced laterally by a firm, regular, mobile, non-pulsatile and non-tender
      medial mass. The affected eye had profound loss of vision. Computed tomography
      scan showed a large hypodense mass in the extraconal space with no intracranial
      connectivity and bony erosion. The child underwent total surgical excision of the
      mass and histopathological examination confirmed glial heterotopia of the orbit.
      CONCLUSION: Though the incidence of this condition is rare, the need of
      appropriate diagnosis and management of such mass to prevent the visual and
      cosmetic deterioration is warranted. To our knowledge this is the first reported
      case of Glial heterotopia of orbit causing unilateral blindness.

PMID- 22088231
TI  - Coprocessing of cellulose II with amorphous silicon dioxide: effect of
      silicification on the powder and tableting properties.
AB  - AIM: In recent years, coprocessing has been the most successful approach to
      improve and correct the functionality of excipients. The aim of this study is to
      coprocessed cellulose II with SiO(2) and to evaluate the resulting powder and
      tableting properties. METHODS: Novel cellulose II:SiO(2) (98:2, 95:5, 90:10 and
      80:20 w/w ratios) composites were produced by spray drying, wet granulation and
      spheronization techniques and the resulting powder and tableting properties were
      assessed. RESULTS: Cellulose II:SiO(2) composites produced by spray- drying
      exhibited spherical/oblongate shape, narrow distribution and mean diameter from
      51 to 75 um. The composites produced by wet granulation had larger distribution,
      granular shape and a mean diameter from 105 to 129 um. The spheronized composites
      showed the highest size (from 148 to 450 um) and round shape. Bulk and tap
      densities and flow were reduced as the silicification level increased in the
      spray dried and wet granulated materials. Likewise, silicification increased the
      true density, porosity and surface roughness of these materials. Water sorption
      decreased only at silicification level of 20% being comparable to the ones shown
      by Prosolv((r)) samples. Contact angles of all cellulose II materials were lower
      than those of cellulose I except for Celphere203 indicating better wettability. A
      5% and 10% silicification levels rendered the strongest compacts for the spray
      dried and wet granulated materials, respectively. Silicification did not affect
      the fast disintegration properties of MCCII. CONCLUSIONS: Coprocessing proved to
      be useful tool to modify the powder and tableting properties of cellulose II.

PMID- 22088232
TI  - [Critical review of the new recommendations on screening for hydroxychloroquine
      retinopathy].
AB  - New recommendations for screening of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, updating
      those of 2002, have been recently published by the American Academy of
      Ophthalmology. These recommendations have been necessary because of new knowledge
      about the prevalence of toxicity and because of improved screening tools. Amsler
      grid testing, color vision testing, fluorescein angiography, full-field
      electroretinogram, and electro-oculogram are no longer recommended. It is now
      recommended to perform fundus examinations with 10-2 automated fields, and
      whenever possible, at least one objective test including multifocal
      electroretinogram, fundus autofluorescence or spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography (SD-OCT). A baseline examination is advised as a reference and then,
      annual screening should be initiated no later than 5 years after starting
      hydroxychloroquine therapy.

PMID- 22088233
TI  - Maternal valvular heart disease in pregnancy.
AB  - Valvular heart disease is common in pregnancy. Maternal physiology changes
      significantly during gestation with substantial increases in cardiac output and
      blood volume; this can cause unmasking or worsening of cardiac disease. Acquired
      valvular lesions most frequently arise from rheumatic fever, especially in
      patients who have emigrated from developing nations. Congenital lesions are also
      encountered. The most common conditions seen, mitral stenosis and regurgitation
      and aortic stenosis and regurgitation, each require a specific evaluation and
      management and are associated with their own set of possible complications.
      Patients with prosthetic valves require anticoagulation, and maternal and fetal
      risks and benefits must be carefully weighed. Patients with heart disease should
      be meticulously managed preconceptionally up to the postpartum period by maternal
      fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists
      using a multi-disciplinary approach to their cardiac conditions. TARGET AUDIENCE:
      Obstetricians & Gynecologists and Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After
      the completing the CME activity, physicians should be better able to examine the
      epidemiology of valvular heart disease in pregnancy, categorize key physiologic
      parameters that change in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, classify
      the pathophysiology of valvular lesions, and evaluate the general principles of
      maternal and fetal management for cardiac disease.

PMID- 22088234
TI  - Ethical concerns and career satisfaction in obstetrics and gynecology: a review
      of recent findings from the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network.
AB  - Obstetricians-gynecologists (ob-gyns) are frequently confronted with situations
      that have ethical implications (e.g., whether to accept gifts or samples from
      drug companies or disclosing medical errors to patients). Additionally, various
      factors, including specific job-related tasks, costs, and benefits, may impact ob
      gyns' career satisfaction. Ethical concerns and career satisfaction can play a
      role in the quality of women's health care. This article summarizes the studies
      published between 2005 and 2009 by the Research Department of the American
      College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which encompass ethical concerns
      regarding interactions with pharmaceutical representatives and patient
      safety/medical error reporting, as well as ob-gyn career satisfaction.
      Additionally, a brief discussion regarding ethical concerns in the ob-gyn field,
      in general, highlights key topics for the last 30 years. Ethical dilemmas
      continue to be of concern for ob-gyns. Familiarity with guidelines on appropriate
      interactions with industry is associated with lower percentages of potentially
      problematic relationships with pharmaceutical industries. Physicians report that
      the expense of patient safety initiatives is one of the top barriers for
      improving patient safety, followed by fear of liability. Overall, respondents
      reported being satisfied with their careers. However, half of the respondents
      reported that they were extremely concerned about the impact of professional
      liability costs on the duration of their careers. Increased familiarity with
      guidelines may lead to a decreased ob-gyn reliance on pharmaceutical
      representatives and free samples, whereas specific and practical tools may help
      them implement patient safety techniques. The easing of malpractice insurance and
      threat of litigation may enhance career satisfaction among ob-gyns. This article
      will discuss related findings in recent years. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians &
      Gynecologists and Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After the completing
      the CME activity, physicians should be better able to analyze how interactions
      with pharmaceutical industry may pose ethical dilemmas, examine current barriers
      to implementing patient safety initiatives, and evaluate the factors that
      influence career satisfaction among obstetrician-gynecologists.

PMID- 22088235
TI  - The oldest gravidas: a review of pregnancy risks in women over 45.
AB  - As a result of delayed childbearing and increasingly sophisticated assisted
      reproductive technologies, pregnancy in women aged >=45 years is becoming more
      common. Women in this age-group should receive thorough preconception evaluation
      and counseling about their specific risks in pregnancy. Although many pregnancies
      in women >45 years old are achieved via assisted reproductive technologies with
      associated preconception counseling, as many as 45% may be spontaneously
      conceived. It is therefore important for obstetrician-gynecologists to
      incorporate education for older women about the risks of pregnancy into routine
      office visits, and to ask women in this age-group about pregnancy planning.
      Additionally, many pregnancies in women aged >45 years may be safely managed in a
      nontertiary care center, avoiding the need for referral and transfer of care to
      an unfamiliar setting. This review addresses preconception evaluation and
      counseling, real and perceived risks in older mothers, common pregnancy
      complications and management of pregnancy in women >45 years old. TARGET
      AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
      After completion of this article, the reader should be better able to counsel
      women about the risks of pregnancy for women aged >=45, evaluate older women for
      common risk factors that may further increase risk in pregnancy, assess pregnancy
      complications that are more common in women aged >45, and manage otherwise
      uncomplicated pregnancies in women in this age-group.

PMID- 22088236
TI  - Characterisation of the oral, vaginal and rectal Lactobacillus flora in healthy
      pregnant and postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that the rectum may be an important
      reservoir for vaginal colonisation by Lactobacillus species. STUDY DESIGN: We
      included 60 pregnant women aged 18-35 years and 80 postmenopausal women aged 55
      65 years in this cross-sectional observational study. Participants had to be
      without clinical signs of vaginal infection and without hormone replacement
      therapy. Only women with normal vaginal microflora (Nugent scores 0-3) were
      included in the evaluation. The first oral, vaginal, and rectal smears were taken
      for the enumeration of lactobacilli by cultural methods and identification of
      dominating lactobacilli based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The
      second oral, vaginal, and rectal smears were taken for molecular lactobacilli
      profiling using PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). RESULTS: 30
      pregnant and 30 postmenopausal women were evaluated. On multiplex PCR, 99
      colonies isolated from 30 pregnant women and 37 colonies isolated from 30
      postmenopausal women were identified as being members of the genus Lactobacillus:
      50% of pregnant and 33% of postmenopausal women had one or more Lactobacillus
      spp. recovered from their oral specimens. Around 80% of pregnant and 40% of
      postmenopausal women harboured one or more Lactobacillus spp. in the vagina and
      rectum. On PCR-DGGE, 80% of pregnant and 40% of postmenopausal women harboured
      the same lactobacilli isolates in both the vagina and rectum. CONCLUSION: This
      study supports the hypothesis that the rectum may play an important role as a
      reservoir for some strains of lactobacilli that colonise the vagina.

PMID- 22088237
TI  - Interface engineering by piezoelectric potential in ZnO-based
      photoelectrochemical anode.
AB  - Through a process of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, we demonstrated
      an effective strategy for engineering the barrier height of a heterogeneous
      semiconductor interface by piezoelectric polarization, known as the piezotronic
      effect. A consistent enhancement or reduction of photocurrent was observed when
      tensile or compressive strains were applied to the ZnO anode, respectively. The
      photocurrent variation is attributed to a changed barrier height at the ZnO/ITO
      interface, which is a result of the remnant piezoelectric potential across the
      interface due to a nonideal free charge distribution in the ITO electrode. In our
      system, ~1.5 mV barrier height change per 0.1% applied strain was identified, and
      0.21% tensile strain yielded a ~10% improvement of the maximum PEC efficiency.
      The remnant piezopotential is dictated by the screening length of the materials
      in contact with piezoelectric component. The difference between this time
      independent remnant piezopotential effect and time-dependent piezoelectric effect
      is also studied in details.

PMID- 22088238
TI  - [Take action to lead the prevention and control of non-communicable disease].

PMID- 22088239
TI  - [2010 Chinese guidelines for the management of hypertension].
AB  - The 2010 Chinese guidelines for the management of hypertension is an update of
      the previous versions in 2005 and 1999. A guideline committee of nearly 100
      members appointed by the Chinese Hypertension League (CHL) and the National
      Centre for Cardiovascular Disease (NCCD), in collaboration with the Chinese
      societies of cardiology, nephrology, neurology, gynecology and endocrinology,
      convened on several occasions and discussed the guidelines, drafted by a core
      writing group. The prevalence of hypertension has been increasing in China for
      decades, and reached 18.8% in the year 2002. The rates of awareness, treatment
      and control for hypertension patients remain low compared to high income
      countries, in spite of substantial improvements since 1991. In some communities,
      the control rate of hypertension increased up to 60%. The mortality rate of
      stroke, which is the major complication of hypertension in the Chinese
      population, gradually decreased during the period, more so in urban areas than in
      rural areas for the middle-aged and elderly populations; in the younger age
      groups, however, it increased. As hypertension is a "cardiovascular syndrome",
      the management strategy should be based on the overall risk of cardiovascular
      disease estimated with all related risk factors, target organ damage and co
      morbidity of patients. The target blood pressure is set at SBP/DBP < 140/90 mm Hg
      (1 mm Hg = 0. 133 kPa) in uncomplicated hypertension; < 150/90 mm Hg for the
      elderly (> or = 65 years) or, if tolerable, < 140/90 mm Hg; and < 130/80 mm Hg
      for those with diabetes, coronary heart disease or renal disease. For these high
      risk patients, the management should be individualised. In general, lifestyle
      modification, such as sodium restriction, smoking cessation, moderation of body
      weight and alcohol consumption, and increasing dietary potassium intake and
      physical activity, should be implemented for prevention and control of
      hypertension. Five classes of antihypertensive drugs, including calcium channel
      blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin type II receptor
      blockers, diuretics and beta-blockers, as well as single pill combinations of
      these agents, can be used for initial and maintenance of antihypertensive
      treatment. Several populations require special attention in the prevention and
      control of hypertension, such as children and adolescents, the elderly, pregnant
      women, and patients with various cardiovascular complications. Since health-care
      policies and resources vary substantially from one place to another, two levels
      of recommendations of management are proposed: a sophisticated and a basic,
      allowing doctors-in-charge to manage their patients in a more feasible way.

PMID- 22088240
TI  - [Impact of cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphisms on outcome of cardiovascular events
      in clopidogrel-treated Chinese patients after percutaneous coronary
      intervention].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 681G > A
      polymorphism on long-term prognosis of clopidogrel-treated Chinese patients after
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Between January 1, 2009 and
      August 31,2009, 267 patients with coronary heart disease who received PCI and
      treated with clopidogrel for 12 months were enrolled. CYP2C19 * 2 was detected by
      MALDI-TOF MS and patients were grouped into CYP2C19 * 1/ * 1 (n = 130) and
      CYP2C19 * 2 carriers group (n = 137). Follow-up was 12 months. The primary
      endpoint was angina recurrence, urgent coronary revascularization, acute
      myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, death and the combined end points.
      RESULTS: Baseline data were similar between two groups (P > 0.05). Urgent
      coronary revascularization and the combined end points occurred more frequently
      in CYP2C19 * 2 carriers than in CYP2C19 * 1/* 1 patients (7.3% vs. 1.5% and 8.0%
      vs. 2.3% respectively, all P < 0.05). But incidence of angina recurrence, acute
      myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and death was similar between two groups
      (all P > 0.05). Hazard risk of 1 year cumulative survival of CYP2C19 * 2 carriers
      group was significantly higher than CYP2C19 * 1/ * 1 group after PCI ( HR = 3.59,
      95% CI: 1.02 - 12.87, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CYP2C19 681G > A polymorphism is a
      determinant of prognosis in coronary heart disease patients receiving chronic
      clopidogrel treatment after PCI.

PMID- 22088241
TI  - [Efficacy of arterial duct stenting in neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact
      ventricular septum].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of arterial duct stenting in
      neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum. METHODS: Eleven
      neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum patients received
      arterial duct stenting in our hospital from December 2007 to September 2010 were
      involved in this study. The average age was (8.20 +/- 2.90) days (ranged from 3
      to 13 days). The average weight was (3.41 +/- 0.29) kg (ranged from 3.00 to 3.88
      kg). The stents were selected according to digital subtracted angiography
      measurements. After checking for correct position by angiography, the balloon was
      inflated to expand the stent to desired diameter. Oxygen saturation was
      monitored, echocardiography was measured and stent diameter and location were
      observed by chest Xray. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post
      procedure. RESULTS: Stents were successfully implanted in all 11 patients. The
      preoperative peripheral oxygen saturation was (63.27 +/- 8.47)%, while increased
      to (82.73 +/- 5.59)% after alprostadil application and to (86.18 +/- 3.19)% after
      operation (all P < 0.01). After the operation, the peripheral oxygen saturation
      was higher than alprostadil application (P < 0.05). The intraoperative narrowest
      diameter of patent ductus arteriosus was (1.69 +/- 0.37) mm, the length was
      (16.72 +/- 2.37) mm. The internal diameter of implant stents was 4 mm, the length
      was (20.18 +/- 3.40) mm. After the operation, surgical B-T shunt operation was
      performed in one patient due to stent shift and pulse oxygen saturation decrease.
      One patient died post operation with unknown reason, another patient received
      stent balloon dilatation due to pulse oxygen saturation decrease at 4 months
      after the surgery. Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum surgeries
      were performed in 2 patients at 5 and 7 months after stent implantation.
      CONCLUSION: The neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
      arterial stent implantation was a feasible and effective procedure and this
      method could be used as preferred treatment in pulmonary atresia and intact
      ventricular septum for neonates.

PMID- 22088242
TI  - [Comparison of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for treating
      atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety between cryoablation (Cryo) and
      radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treating patients with atrioventricular nodal
      reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). METHODS: Patients with AVNRT (n = 304) were
      divided into Cryo group (n = 67) and RF group (n = 237). The procedure success
      rate, complete slow pathway block rate, atrioventricular block rate and relapse
      rate were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically
      difference between 2 groups in the success rate (Cryo group 98.5% vs RF group
      97.0%, P = 0.820), complete slow pathway block rate (Cryo group 98.5% vs RF group
      91.6%, P = 0.088), atrioventricular block rate (Cryo group 0 vs RF group 2.5%, P
      = 0.413), relapse rate (Cryo group 0 vs RF group 1.7%, P = 0.643). But Cryo group
      had more advantage than RF group. CONCLUSION: Efficacy and safety were comparable
      between cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for treating patients with
      AVNRT.

PMID- 22088243
TI  - [Outcome and factors affecting left atrial remodeling after percutaneous balloon
      mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral valve stenosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the outcome and assess related factors affecting left
      atrial remodeling after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) in
      patients with mitral valve stenosis. METHODS: From March 1998 to June 2002, there
      were 96 mitral valve stenosis patients who underwent PBMV in our hospital.
      Echocardiographic, 12 leads united electrocardiogram and other clinical datas
      were collected at preoperation, 1 week after operation, and 4 - 6 years after
      operation to retrospective analysis. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was
      used to assess controllable factors of left atrial remodeling. RESULTS: Left
      atrial diameter reduced from (44.6 +/- 6.6) cm before PBMV to (42.8 +/- 6.5) cm
      (P > 0.05) 1 week after PBMV and enlarged to (47.2 +/- 5.7)cm (all P < 0.05) at
      the end of 4 - 6 years follow up post operation. The mitral valve area (MVA)
      increased from (1.06 +/- 0.32) cm2 before PBMV to (2.02 +/- 0.43) cm2 1 week
      after PBMV and (1.98 +/- 0.36) cm2 4 - 6 years post operation (all P < 0.05).
      Heart function assessed by NYHA classification improved significantly at 1 week
      and 4 - 6 years after surgery compared with pre-operation (P < 0.01). Multiple
      stepwise regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure at 4 - 6 years
      after operation, MVA at 1 week after operation, preoperative atrial fibrillation,
      Wilkins score < or = 8, preoperative left atrial diameter were the independent
      predictive factors of left atrial remodeling at 4 - 6 years after PBMV.
      CONCLUSIONS: PBMV was an effective therapy option for patients with mitral valve
      stenosis. Systolic blood pressure at 4 - 6 years after operation, MVA at 1 week
      after operation, preoperative atrial fibrillation, Wilkins < or = 8, preoperative
      left atrial diameter are the predictive factors of left atrial remodeling after
      PBMV.

PMID- 22088244
TI  - [Relationship between 22q11 microdeletion syndrome and congenital heart disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between 22q11 microdeletion syndrome
      and congenital heart disease. METHODS: Clinical screening assessment and genetic
      testing using standard fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) were applied in
      207 subjects suspected for 22q11 microdeletion syndrome. Patients with 22q11
      microdeletion syndrome were examined by echocardiography, patients with
      complicated congenital heart disease were examined further by cardiac
      catheterization. RESULTS: 22q11 microdeletion syndrome was detected in 39
      subjects. The incidence of 22q11 microdeletion syndrome was 1.6% in suspects with
      simple congenital heart disease without extracardiac manifestations, 53.0% in
      suspects with congenital heart disease combined with at least two extracardiac
      manifestations, 3.8% in suspects without congenital heart disease. The incidence
      of congenital heart disease in 22q11 microdeletion syndrome patient and non 22q11
      microdeletion syndrome patient was 94.9% and 54.2% (P < 0.01). The incidence of
      congenital heart disease combined with at least two extracardiac manifestations
      in 22q11 microdeletion syndrome patient and non 22q11 microdeletion syndrome
      patient was 89.7% and 18.5% (P < 0.01). In 22q11 microdeletion syndrome patients,
      Tetralogy of Fallot was the most common type of congenital heart disease.
      Dysmorphic faces, learning difficulties and retarded physical development were
      the most common extracardiac manifestations of the congenital heart disease
      patients. CONCLUSION: 22q11 microdeletion syndrome is related to congenital heart
      disease.

PMID- 22088245
TI  - [Effect of different combined antihypertensive regimen on the erectile function
      in male hypertensive patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of felodipine combined irbesartan regimen with
      that of felodipine combined metoprolol regimen on the sexual function in male
      hypertensive patients. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-three male hypertensive
      patients (age 25 to 60) were randomly assigned to felodipine (5 mg/d) plus
      irbesartan (150 mg/d, n = 64) group and felodipine (5 mg/d) plus metoprolol (47.5
      mg/d, n = 59) group. Dosage of felodipine were doubled after 4 weeks if the blood
      pressure were > or = 140/ 90 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa). At the baseline and
      post 24th week treatment, sexual function of patients was assessed by the
      International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionaire. Serum testosterone
      (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), 8-hydroxy-2'
      deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured by Radioimmunoassay
      (RIA), ELISA and TBA respectively. RESULTS: Total prevalence of erectile
      dysfunction (ED), T, SHBG and HNE were similar between pre- and post-treatment in
      two groups (P > 0.05). On the other hand, the scores of the mild ED and sexual
      desire (SD) were improved and both serum 8-OHdG and MDA in patients with ED
      decreased [(146.02 +/- 60.54) ng/L vs. (139.89 +/- 62.03) ng/L, P = 0.048 and
      (6.59 +/- 1.75) micromol/L vs. (5.51 +/- 1.65) micromol/L, P = 0.039] in
      Felodipine plus Irbesartan group. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that
      Felodipine + Irbesartan regimen may be superior to Felodipine + metoprolol
      regimen for male hypertensive patients with mild ED.

PMID- 22088246
TI  - [Clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients with slow coronary flow].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients
      with slow coronary flow (SCF). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 140 patients
      with SCF and 140 control subjects without SCF were included. SCF were diagnosed
      by the combination of TIMI flow grade method and TIMI frame count method. All
      subjects had angiographically normal coronary arteries. The clinical and
      laboratory data were obtained from medical records at admission. RESULTS:
      Compared to control group, patients with SCF were younger [(57.8 +/- 10.7) years
      vs. (59.8 +/- 8.2) years], rate of smokers (59.3% vs. 46.4%) and diabetes
      mellitus (49.3% vs. 30.7%), fasting blood glucose (FBG) level [(7.8 +/- 2.8)
      mmol/L vs. (6.2 +/- 2.0) mmol/L, P < 0.05] and triglyceride (TG) level [(2.11 +/-
      1.93) mmol/L vs. (1.67 +/- 1.01) mmol/L, P < 0.05] were higher, while high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level [(1.05 +/- 0.35) mmol/L vs. (1.42
      +/- 0.74) mmol/L, P < 0.01] and apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) level [(1.10 +/- 0.19)
      mmol/L vs. (1.31 +/- 0.31) mmol/L, P < 0.01] were lower. Among the 140 SCF
      patients, left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCX) and
      right coronary artery (RCA) were involved at the same time in 92 patients. Among
      the three vessels, RCA is the most frequent involved vessel (n = 119). After
      adjusting for other risk factors, current smoking (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.04 -
      3.57, P < 0.05), DM history (OR = 2.44, 95% CI:1.32-4.76, P < 0.01), FBG (OR =
      2.13, 95% CI:1.16-3.98, P < 0.05), TG (OR = 1.47, 95% CI:1.03-2.13, P < 0.05),
      HDL-C (OR = 0.47, 95% CI:0.24-0.85, P < 0.05) and apoA1 (OR = 0.55, 95% CI:0.40 -
      0.75, P < 0.01) were independent factors for SCF (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results demonstrated that patients with SCF were prone to have a significant
      metabolic disorder compared to the control group. Patients with high levels of
      FBG, TG and low levels of HDL-C were more likely to suffer from SCF, which maybe
      explained by the development of coronary endothelium and microvascular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22088247
TI  - [Impact of stromal interaction molecule 1 silencing on cell cycle of endothelial
      progenitor cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)
      silencing on EPCs cell cycle. METHODS: Rat bone marrow derived endothelial
      progenitor cells (EPCs) were isolated and cultured in L-DMEM with 20% FBS. Ad
      si/rSTIM1 and Ad-hSTIM1 were then transfected into EPCs and the expression of
      STIM1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The cell cycle was determined using flow
      cytometry analysis and intracellular free Ca2+ was measured using LSCM. Co
      immunoprecipitation was performed to examine the interaction between STIM1 and
      TRPC1. Protein levels of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate were analyzed with ELISA
      assay. RESULTS: Forty-eight hours after transfection, the expression of STIM1
      mRNA was significantly downregulated (0.37 +/- 0.02 vs. 1.00 +/- 0.02, P < 0.05)
      and intracellular free Ca2+ level was significantly reduced (34.07 +/- 4.10 vs.
      86.51 +/- 14.12, P < 0.05) in Ad-si/rSTIM1 group compared with control group. The
      cell cycle was arrested at G1 phase [(90.91 +/- 1.10)% vs. (77.10 +/- 0.56)%, P <
      0.05] and the store-operated channel entry was strikingly inhibited in EPCs after
      treatment with Ad-si/rSTIM1. However, cotransfection of Ad-hSTIM1 with Ad
      si/rSTIM1 significantly reversed these responses. Interestingly, co
      immunoprecipitation study showed that STIM1 co-precipitated with TRPC1, and IP3
      levels measured by ELISA were similar among three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      siRNA-mediated knockdown of STIM1 inhibited EPCs proliferation by reducing
      intracellular free Ca2+ through TRPC1-SOC signaling pathway.

PMID- 22088248
TI  - [Impact of magnetic field exposure on cardiac autonomic tone and inducibility of
      atrial fibrillation in dogs].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the maximal heart rate changes, atrioventricular (A-V)
      conduction block and atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility in dogs with
      vagosympathetic trunk exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). METHODS: The
      vagosympathetic trunk of adult dogs was separated and exposed to EMFs 0.043 kHz
      (2.87 microG, n = 5) and to EMFs 2 kHz (0.34 microG, n = 6) for two to three
      hours. Simultaneously, the vagosympathetic trunk was stimulated with 20 Hz
      frequency and 1 - 8 V intensity for 0.1 ms. Heart rate, presence of A-V
      conduction block and AF inducibility were determined. RESULTS: After 5-minutes
      exposure to EMFs 0.043 kHz (2.87 microG), the maximal heart rate decreased 29%,
      the voltage applied to vagosympathetic trunk required to induce A-V conduction
      block decreased by 60% in experimental group versus 5% increase in control group.
      This effect lasted 2 to 3 hours. While vagosympathetic trunk exposure to EMFs 2
      kHz (0.34 microG) was associated with significant increase in the incidence of
      atrial premature beats, atrial tachycardia and AF, these effects could be blocked
      by propranolol and atropine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that 0.043 kHz (2.87
      microG) EMFs exposure might reduce while 2 kHz (0.34 microG) EMFs exposure might
      increase AF inducibility. Our study thus suggested autonomic nervous system of
      dogs could be affected by EMFs exposure and 0.043 kHz (2.87 microG) EMFs exposure
      might be a novel option for AF prevention.

PMID- 22088249
TI  - [Effects of telmisartan and pyridoxamine on abdominal aorta vascular remodeling
      in spontaneously hypertensive rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of telmisartan and pyridoxamine on vascular
      smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and apoptosis as well as abdominal
      aorta vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS:
      SHRs randomly received placebo, telmisartan (6 mg kg(-1) x d(-1)), pyridoxamine
      (200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or telmisartan (6 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) plus
      pyridoxamine (200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), n = 12 each) for 16 weeks. Wistar-Kyoto
      (WKY, n = 12) rats serve as normotensive control. The systolic blood pressure
      (SBP) of rat was measured before and weekly thereafter. The serum advanced
      glycation end-products (AGEs) were detected by competitive ELISA. The serum super
      oxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. The abdominal aorta
      were assessed by image analysis in HE stained sections. The VSMCs apoptosis and
      proliferation in abdominal aorta were detected with in situ end labeling
      technique and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry
      staining respectively. RESULTS: SBP were significantly lower in telmisartan and
      telmisartan plus pyridoxamine therapy group than in placebo treated hypertensive
      rats while not affected by pyridoxamine (P > 0.05). Activity of SOD and NO were
      significantly higher and AGEs significantly lower in telmisartan, pyridoxamine
      and combination therapy treated SHRs than in placebo treated hypertensive rats (P
      < 0.01). The telmisartan, pyridoxamine and combination therapy can significantly
      inhibit the PCNA expression and significantly enhance the apoptosis value in
      abdominal aorta (P < 0.01). The efficacy of combined treatment was significantly
      higher than telmisartan and pyridoxamine alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Telmisartan and pyridoxamine could attenuate abdominal aorta vascular remodeling
      via reducing oxidative stress and AGEs production as well as restoring the
      balance of VSMCs proliferation and apoptosis in SHRs abdominal aorta.

PMID- 22088250
TI  - [The effects of atorvastatin on C-reactive protein induced Toll-like receptor 4
      expression on CD14+ monocyte].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on C-reactive protein (CRP)
      induced Toll-Like receptor 4 (TLR4)expression on CD14+ monocyte, and the
      production of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and to study the anti
      inflammatory mechanisms of statins. METHODS: The monocytes were isolated from
      blood of healthy volunteers by the Ficoll density gradient and stimulated by CRP
      with different doses (5, 25, 50, 100 microg/ml) and different exposure time (6,
      12, 24, 48 h). Cells were also incubated with atorvastatin of different doses
      (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 micromol/L) in the presence of CRP 50 microg/ml. The
      protein expression of TLR4 was measured by flow cytometry, mRNA expression of
      TLR4 and of myeloid differentiation protein (MD2)was detected by quantitative
      PCR. TNFalpha, IL-6, MMP-9 concentrations in supernatants of cultured medium were
      measured by ELISA. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the un-stimulated control group,
      enhanced TLR4 protein expression was already detected at a concentration of 5
      microg/ml of CRP and increased in a dose-dependent manner (32.22 +/- 2.80)%,
      (49.94 +/- 5.58)%, (74.82 +/- 3.24)% and (90.82 +/-2.88)% at 5, 25, 50 and 100
      microg/ml CRP. (2) TLR4 protein expression on 50 microg/ml CRP stimulated cells
      also increased in a time-dependent manner (29.80 +/- 2.70)%, (47.44 +/- 4.41)%,
      (81.71 +/- 2.92)% and (50.57 +/- 3.34)% after 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h. (3) When
      monocytes were incubated with CRP 50 microg/ml and atorvastatin (1.0, 2.5, 5.0,
      7.5, 10.0 micromol/L), protein expression [(68.17 +/- 1.71)%, (52.43 +/- 1.38)%,
      (27.72 +/- 4.55)%, (17.46 +/- 3.20)%, (9.99 +/- 2.81)%] and mRNA expression
      (82.72%, 67.34%, 48.16%, 30.88%, 13.85%) of TLR4 as well as mRNA expression of
      MD2 (81.78%, 71.04%, 47.85%, 27.06%, 18.30%) were reduced in a dose-dependent
      manner. (4) Level of TNFalpha, IL-6 and MMP-9 in supernatants was significantly
      reduced by atorvastatin (2.5 micromol/L) compared with control group (P < 0.01).
      When monocyte incubated with CRP 50 microg/ml and atorvastatin 10.0 micromol/L,
      the level of TNFalpha, IL-6, MMP-9 decreased to (25.8 +/- 2.5) microg/ml, (128.2
      +/- 14.7) pg/ml, (65.2 +/- 12.3) ng/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: CRP increased
      the protein expression of TLR4 on CD14+ monocyte in a dose-dependent and time
      dependent manner. Atorvastatin can inhibit the signal transduction of TLR4 and
      reduce proinflammatory cytokines release induced by CRP on CD14 monocyte, and
      this might be one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of atorvastatin.

PMID- 22088251
TI  - [Prevalence and distributing feather of controllable cardiovascular risk factors
      in Chinese pilots].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of controllable risk factors of
      cardiovascular disease in Chinese pilots. METHODS: Pilots in seven regions of
      China were selected with cluster sampling. The rates of hypertension, diabetes
      mellitus,smoking and abnormal body mass index (BMI) as well as levels of total
      cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were obtained.
      RESULTS: (1) A total of 5012 pilots were selected and 4684 pilots whose data were
      effective were studied. (2) The prevalence rates of hypertension, high total
      cholesterol, triglyceride, low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and diabetes
      mellitus were 8.07%, 7.47%, 14. 45%, 27.63% and 0.43%, respectively. The rate of
      smoking was 66.45%. The rat of increased BMI was 49.64%. (3) Significant
      difference existed on the rates of hypertension, total cholesterol, triglyceride,
      low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, smoking and abnormal BMI among pilots
      from different regions (all P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference
      between the rates of hypertension, total cholesterol, triglyceride, smoking and
      abnormal BMI in different age groups (all P < 0.01). The rate of low high density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol was similar in different age groups (P > 0.05). (4)
      88.96% of the participants had at least one controllable risk factor. 54.46% of
      the participants had at least two controllable risk factors. None of the
      participants had more than seven risk factors. There was a significant difference
      between the rates of pilots who have more than two controllable risk factors in
      different regions (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference between the
      rates of pilots who have more than two risk factors in different age groups (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was high prevalence of controllable cardiovascular risk
      factors in Chinese pilots. Active intervention targeting these cardiovascular
      disease risk factors needs to be considered to reduce the risk of developing
      cardiovascular disease in Chinese pilots.

PMID- 22088252
TI  - [Impact of genetic polymorphisms on efficacy of antiplatelet therapy].

PMID- 22088253
TI  - [Stromal interaction molecule 1 and cardiovascular diseases].

PMID- 22088254
TI  - Tumoral and angiogenesis factors in hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional
      therapy.
AB  - Locoregional therapy (LRT) is used as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplant
      (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Liver explants in OLT patients
      with HCC were studied regarding both tumor stage, histology, and
      immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin (CK)7, CK19, P53, Ki-67, and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Patients receiving no LRT (control)
      (n=30) were compared with LRT treatment groups with conventional transarterial
      chemoembolization (cTACE) (n=25) or drug-eluting bead transarterial
      chemoembolization (DEB TACE) (n=17). Tumor stage and histology were similar
      between treatment and control groups. The mean percent necrosis was significantly
      higher for treatment groups versus the control group (p<0.0001 for both groups
      versus control) and was significantly higher in the cTACE group versus the DEB
      TACE group. Only the DEB TACE group showed peritumoral CK19 positivity, and
      tumors were all CK19-negative. Using a threshold of 50% of tumoral cells, tumoral
      VEGF was significantly different between groups, with the control group having
      the highest degree of positivity; however, peritumoral VEGF was not significantly
      different between the groups. The Ki-67 proliferation fraction was higher in the
      treated groups with a statistically significant difference between the DEB
      treated group and those without treatment (p=0.02). There were no statistically
      significant differences in tumoral or peritumoral CK7 or p53. Percent necrosis
      and percent Ki-67 positivity were higher with LRT, with a significant difference
      between groups for percent necrosis, confirming that LRT causes necrosis and
      suggesting that treatment leads to increased proliferation and decreased tumoral
      VEGF.

PMID- 22088255
TI  - Cochlear implantation in a patient with superficial siderosis.
AB  - Superficial siderosis is a rare disease characterized by accumulation of
      hemosiderin in the leptomeninges, subpial tissue, spinal cord, and cranial
      nerves. The first clinicopathological description was reported in 1908. Most
      patients (95%) experience progressive bilateral hearing loss that begins early in
      the course of disease. The initial management of a patient with hearing loss
      secondary to superficial siderosis involves sound amplification using hearing
      aids. However, cochlear implants can be considered in cases where the patient can
      no longer gain significant benefit from hearing aids. Only 10 studies have
      described the use of cochlear implants in superficial siderosis and results have
      been variable. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with bilateral
      progressive sensorineural hearing loss caused by superficial siderosis who
      benefited significantly from cochlear implantation.

PMID- 22088256
TI  - A scanning electron microscopic study of crimping of stapedial prostheses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through the Scanning Electron
      Microscopy, the loop closure of four types of stapedial prostheses and to compare
      the different systems of crimping to the long process of the incus. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Four types of stapedial prostheses (one platinum-teflon, two different
      titanium and one nitinol-teflon pistons) were inserted in 40 specially prepared
      temporal bones simulating the in vivo stapedotomy procedure. Two pistons were
      crimped by single manual manoeuvre with a McGee microforceps; the remainders were
      self-retained and thermal-crimped, respectively. All the specimens were evaluated
      through the Operative Microscopy and the Scanning Electron Microscopy. RESULTS:
      Through the Operative Microscopy, all prostheses apparently achieved a correct
      adhesion to the long process of the incus; on the contrary the Scanning Electron
      Microscopy study demonstrated some limits of the manual crimping and the
      different coupling with the ossicular chain of each type of stapedial prosthesis.
      CONCLUSION: A complete adhesion of the prosthetic loop cannot be obtained because
      of the irregular profile of the incus at the site of attachment of the stapedial
      prosthesis. Consequently, on the basis of the morphological analysis with
      Scanning Electron Microscopy, in the surgical practice, the preference could be
      given to the stapedial prostheses that achieve greater contact such as the self
      retaining and thermal crimping pistons compared to the standard sized prostheses
      considered.

PMID- 22088257
TI  - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo showing sequential translations of four
      types of nystagmus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
      showing sequential translation of four types of nystagmus and discuss its
      pathophysiology. METHODS: The case was 65-year-old female. We analyzed her
      nystagmus three-dimensionally. RESULTS: At the first visit, she showed vertical
      torsio nystagmus of the posterior canal type of BPPV (P-BPPV) and subsequently
      showed recently reported geotropic nystagmus with a long time constant. Two weeks
      later, she showed apogeotropic nystagmus of the horizontal canal type of BPPV (AH
      BPPV) and subsequently a geotropic nystagmus with a short time constant of the
      horizontal canal type of BPPV (GH-BPPV). CONCLUSIONS: Three kind of nystagmus,
      namely P-BPPV, AH-BPPV and GH-BPPV can be explained by the otoconial debris
      hypothesis of the same ear. Finally, the recently reported geotropic nystagmus
      with a long time constant may be explained by a reversible lesion such as the
      denatured cupula or utricular imbalance of the same ear.

PMID- 22088258
TI  - Impact of residual ethmoid cells on postoperative course after endoscopic sinus
      surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a worldwide standard surgical
      procedure for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Residual ethmoid cells (RECs), which
      result from failure to completely remove them, have been thought to be a cause of
      recurrence of CRS. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the
      REC score and post ESS recurrence of CRS. METHODS: From January 2002 through
      December 2003, a total of 138 consecutive CRS patients (86 men and 52 women; mean
      age: 44 years) underwent ESS at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ota
      General Hospital. CT was performed at 6 or more months post ESS for all patients.
      The left and right ethmoid sinuses were each divided into superior-anterior,
      inferior-anterior and posterior parts. The extent of RECs in each part was
      assessed using a 3-grade scoring system. The outcome of CRS was classified into a
      satisfactory outcome group and a poor outcome group based on the improvement rate
      determined from the pre ESS and post ESS CT image findings. The two groups were
      then compared for the age, gender, presence/absence of nasal polyps,
      presence/absence of allergic rhinitis, presence/absence of asthma, the peripheral
      eosinophil count (%) and the total REC score. In addition, the individual
      correlations between the above variables and the poor outcome group were analyzed
      by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The total REC score was 0 in only 35
      (25.4%) of the total patients. The most common total REC scores were 1-6 in 85
      (61.6%) patients. The superior-anterior part had the largest number of patients
      with an REC score of 1 or more. The satisfactory outcome group comprised 97
      patients (70.3%), while the poor outcome group comprised 41 patients (29.7%).
      Comparison of these two groups found that the peripheral eosinophil count, the
      prevalence rate of asthma and the total REC score were each significantly higher
      in the poor outcome group than in the satisfactory outcome group. Logistic
      regression analysis identified a peripheral eosinophil count of >=9.5%, the
      presence of asthma and a total REC score of >=4 as factors that correlated
      significantly with a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study
      indicate that RECs are involved in the recurrence of CRS following ESS. It can be
      thought that how to achieve full opening of the superior-anterior part of the
      ethmoid sinus, which includes the frontal recess, will be an issue in the future.

PMID- 22088259
TI  - Ultrasensitive luminol electrochemiluminescence for protein detection based on in
      situ generated hydrogen peroxide as coreactant with glucose oxidase anchored
      AuNPs@MWCNTs labeling.
AB  - In this study, an ultrasensitive luminol electrochemiluminescence (ECL)
      immunosensor was constructed using carboxyl group functionalized multi-walled
      carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as platform and glucose oxidase (GOD) supported on Au
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated MWCNTs (AuNPs@MWCNTs-GOD) as labels. Firstly,
      using poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) as linkage reagents, AuNPs@MWCNTs were prepared
      and introduced for binding of the secondary antibody (Ab(2)) and glucose oxidase
      (GOD) with high loading amount and good biological activity due to the improved
      surface area of AuNPs@MWCNTs and excellent biocompatibility of AuNPs. Then the
      GOD and Ab(2) labeled AuNPs@MWCNTs were linked to the electrode surface via
      sandwich immunoreactions. These localized GOD and AuNPs amplified luminol ECL
      signals dramatically, which was achieved by efficient catalysis of the GOD and
      AuNPs towards the oxidation of glucose to in situ generate improved amount of
      hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) as coreactant and the enhancement of AuNPs to the
      ECL reaction of luminol-H(2)O(2). The experimental results demonstrated that the
      proposed immunosensor exhibited sensitive and stable response for the detection
      of alpha-1-fetoprotein (AFP), ranging from 0.0001 to 80 ng mL(-1) with a limit of
      detection down to 0.03 pg mL(-1) (S/N=3). With excellent stability, sensitivity,
      selectivity and simplicity, the proposed luminol ECL immunosensor showed great
      potential in clinical applications.

PMID- 22088261
TI  - Ratiometric fluorescence imaging of dual bio-molecular events in single living
      cells using a new FRET pair mVenus/mKOkappa-based biosensor and a single
      fluorescent protein biosensor.
AB  - Genetically coded fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors are powerful tools
      for the non-invasive tracking of molecular events in living cells. Although a
      variety of FP biosensors are available, the simultaneous imaging of multiple
      biosensors (multi-parameter imaging) in single living cells remains a challenge
      and is far from routinely used to elucidate the intricate networks of molecular
      events. In this study, we established a novel combination of FP biosensors for
      dual-parameter ratiometric imaging, consisting of a new fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) pair mVenus (yellow FP)/mKOkappa (orange FP)-based
      (abbreviated as YO) biosensor and a single FP-based biosensor Grx1-roGFP2. Under
      our imaging condition, 1.4+/-0.05% of Grx1-roGFP2 signal contributes to the
      mVenus channel and 5.2+/-0.12% of the mVenus signal contributes to the Grx1
      roGFP2 channel. We demonstrate that such low degree of cross-talk causes
      negligible distortion of the ratiometric signal of the YO-based FRET biosensor
      and Grx1-roGFP2. By using this dual-parameter ratiometric imaging approach, we
      achieved simultaneous imaging of Src/Ca(2+) signaling and glutathione (GSH) redox
      potential in a single cell, which was previously unattainable. Furthermore, we
      provided direct evidence that epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced Src signaling
      was negatively regulated by H(2)O(2) via its effect on GSH-based redox system,
      demonstrating the power of this dual-parameter imaging approach for elucidating
      new connections between different molecular events that occur in a single cell.
      More importantly, the dual-parameter imaging approach described in this study is
      highly extendable.

PMID- 22088260
TI  - 1,1'-Oxalyldiimidazole chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay capable of
      simultaneously sensing multiple markers.
AB  - In order to rapidly and simultaneously quantify and screen trace levels of
      multiple biomarkers in a single sample, rapid 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole
      chemiluminescence (ODI CL) was applied as a biosensor of immunoassays using
      various enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and horseradish peroxidise
      (HRP). (1) Fluorescein was formed from the reaction of fluorescein diphosphate
      (FDP) and immuno-complex conjugated with ALP. (2) Resorufin was formed from the
      reaction between Amplex Red and H(2)O(2) in the presence of immuno-complex
      conjugated with HRP. When ODI CL reagents (H(2)O(2) in isopropyl alcohol, ODI in
      ethyl acetate) were injected in a test tube or strip-well containing fluorescein
      and resorufin formed from above two reactions a bright CL emission spectrum
      having two peaks (518 nm for fluorescein and 602 nm for resorufin) was observed.
      The two peaks can be independently quantified with an appropriate statistical
      tool capable of deconvoluting multiple emission peaks. In conclusion, we expect
      that ODI chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays (CLEIAs) using a couple of enzymes
      conjugated with antigen or antibody and substrates can rapidly and simultaneously
      quantify and screen multiple biomarkers in a single sample.

PMID- 22088262
TI  - Is there a twist in the Escherichia coli signal recognition particle pathway?
AB  - Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) are usually synthesized by membrane-bound
      ribosomes, and this process requires proper localization of ribosomes and IMP
      encoding transcripts. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the pathway
      has not yet been fully established in vivo. The prevailing hypothesis is that
      ribosomes and transcripts are delivered to the membrane together during IMP
      translation by the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor. Here, I
      discuss an alternative hypothesis that posits that ribosomes and transcripts are
      targeted separately. Ribosome targeting to the membrane might be mediated by the
      SRP receptor, rather than by SRP, and IMP-encoding transcripts might be targeted
      to the membrane in a translation-independent manner. According to this scenario,
      the SRP executes its essential function on the membrane at a later stage of the
      targeting pathway.

PMID- 22088263
TI  - High levels of brain-type creatine kinase activity in human platelets and
      leukocytes: a genetic anomaly with autosomal dominant inheritance.
AB  - The ectopic expression in peripheral blood cells of the brain-type creatine
      kinase (CKB) is an autosomal dominant inherited anomaly named CKBE (MIM ID
      123270). Here, we characterized the CK activity in serum, platelets (PLT) and
      leukocytes (WBC) of 22 probands (from 8 unrelated families) and 10 controls. CK
      activity was measured by standard UV-photometry. Expression of the CKB gene was
      analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. DNA sequencing including
      bisulfite treatment was used for molecular analysis of the CKB gene. Serum CK
      levels were comparable between probands and controls. CKBE probands revealed
      significantly higher CK activity in PLT (3.7 +/- 2.7 versus 179.2 +/- 83.0
      U/10(12) PLT; p<0.001) and WBC (0.4 +/- 0.3 versus 2.6 +/- 2.1 U/10(9) WBC;
      p=0.004). Inhibitory anti-CKM antibodies did not affect CK activity indicating
      that the CK activity is generated exclusively by the CK-BB isoenzyme. CKB mRNA
      and protein levels were significantly higher in PLT and WBC from probands
      compared to controls. Re-sequencing of the entire CKB gene and methylation
      analysis of a CpG island revealed no alteration in CKBE probands. The genetic
      basis of CKBE remains unclear, however, we propose that a de-methylated CKB gene
      is inherited that leads to high CKB expression levels in myeloic precursor cells
      in the bone marrow.

PMID- 22088264
TI  - Comparing spatial accessibility to conventional medicine and complementary and
      alternative medicine in Ontario, Canada.
AB  - Health care investigations rarely consider conventional medicine (CM) and
      complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) simultaneously and spatial
      accessibility empirical research that incorporates both CM and CAM locations is
      novel. In this study, residents within municipalities of the Ontario province of
      Canada are compared in terms of spatial accessibility to a range of health care
      supplier 'destinations'. While areas with larger urban agglomerations generally
      exhibit superior levels of spatial accessibility to health care and diversity in
      medical service choice in comparison to more peripheral areas, considerable
      heterogeneity in accessibility occurs in both urban and rural settings. This
      study's identification of subtle spatial imbalances appends the literature by
      more precisely qualifying the typically reported 'urban-rich, rural-poor'
      assessment of health care service condition and also reinforces the need for
      policy-makers to appraise health care spatial accessibility differentials as a
      function of both CM and CAM endowment.

PMID- 22088265
TI  - From school to work: promoting the application of pre-qualification
      interprofessional education in the clinical workplace.
AB  - The rationale for Interprofessional Education (IPE) is based on the assumption it
      will improve practice. Despite evidence that it may modify attitudes and provide
      knowledge and skills for collaboration, there is little evidence about whether
      these skills can be transferred to practice. The aim of this research was to
      explore how midwifery students apply pre-qualification IPE learning to practice
      and to understand the factors in the clinical workplace that facilitate or hinder
      this application. A purposive sample of students, educators, Heads of Midwifery
      and new midwives from four universities throughout the United Kingdom
      participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Emerging themes were
      developed using the principles of Grounded Theory. Participants articulated ways
      in which the clinical environment either promoted or prevented IPE in practice.
      The extent to which the clinical institution promoted IPE was made visible
      through the support for students during placements; the support for new midwives;
      and the evolution of professional roles. Buy-in for the IPE agenda in the
      workplace influences the ability of new midwives to apply IPE competencies to
      professional practice. The benefits of a theoretical foundation in
      interprofessional skills may be lost if students and new midwives find themselves
      working in contexts that do not make collaboration a priority.

PMID- 22088266
TI  - War stories: a qualitative analysis of narrative teaching strategies in the
      operating room.
AB  - BACKGROUND: "War stories" are commonplace in surgical education, yet little is
      known about their purpose, construct, or use in the education of trainees.
      METHODS: Ten complex operations were videotaped and audiotaped. Narrative stories
      were analyzed using grounded theory to identify emergent themes in both the types
      of stories being told and the teaching objectives they illustrated. RESULTS:
      Twenty-four stories were identified in 9 of the 10 cases (mean, 2.4/case). They
      were brief (mean, 58 seconds), illustrative of multiple teaching points (mean,
      1.5/story), and appeared throughout the operations. Anchored in personal
      experience, these stories taught both clinical (eg, operative technique, decision
      making, error identification) and programmatic (eg, resource management,
      professionalism) topics. CONCLUSIONS: Narrative stories are used frequently and
      intuitively by physicians to emphasize a variety of intraoperative teaching
      points. They socialize trainees in the culture of surgery and may represent an
      underrecognized approach to teaching the core competencies. More understanding is
      needed to maximize their potential.

PMID- 22088267
TI  - SBAR M&M: a feasible, reliable, and valid tool to assess the quality of, surgical
      morbidity and mortality conference presentations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Surgical Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conference is considered
      the golden hour of surgical education. However, evaluation methods for ensuring
      that quality M&M presentations efficiently contribute to resident education have
      not been clearly defined. To provide surgical trainees with the skills required
      to present a quality M&M presentation it is essential to have a robust tool to
      measure presentation skill and guide formative feedback. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was conducted to develop an assessment tool for M&M
      conference. Literature review and expert consensus provided content for tool
      development. The tool, created using the situation, background, assessment, and
      recommendation format, was refined successively based on assessor feedback and
      assessed for reliability (internal consistency, interassessor reliability) and
      construct validity. RESULTS: Three successive iterations of the tool were
      developed. Internal consistency and interassessor reliability improved from the
      first to third versions. A trend also was shown for increasing construct validity
      with the third iteration of the tool. CONCLUSIONS: A psychometrically robust
      assessment tool based on the situation, background, assessment, and
      recommendation format was developed and validated to identify and improve the
      overall quality and educational value of the surgical M&M conference.

PMID- 22088268
TI  - Comparing three pedagogical approaches to psychomotor skills acquisition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We compared traditional pedagogical approaches such as time- and
      repetition-based methods with proficiency-based training. METHODS: Laparoscopic
      novices were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 training conditions. In experiment 1,
      participants in the time condition practiced for 60 minutes, participants in the
      repetition condition performed 5 practice trials, and participants in the
      proficiency condition trained until reaching a predetermined proficiency goal. In
      experiment 2, practice time and number of trials were equated across conditions.
      RESULTS: In experiment 1, participants in the proficiency-based training
      conditions outperformed participants in the other 2 conditions (P < .014);
      however, these participants trained longer (P < .001) and performed more
      repetitions (P < .001). In experiment 2, despite training for similar amounts of
      time and number of repetitions, participants in the proficiency condition
      outperformed their counterparts (P < .038). In both experiments, the standard
      deviations for the proficiency condition were smaller than the other conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Proficiency-based training results in trainees who perform uniformly
      and at a higher level than traditional training methodologies.

PMID- 22088269
TI  - Seroprevalence and sero-conversion after vaccination against Peste des Petits
      Ruminants in sheep and goats from Awash Fentale District, Afar, Ethiopia.
AB  - A cross-sectional epidemiological study followed by vaccination and postvaccinal
      serum antibody assessment against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in small
      ruminant population of Awash Fentale District, Afar, Ethiopia, was conducted from
      September 2006 to June 2007 with the aim of investigating seroprevalence and post
      vaccination sero-conversion rate. A total of 1239 sera collected from sheep and
      goats which were not vaccinated, were screened by using nucleoprotein-based
      competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Only 21 (1.70%) animals
      were found to be positive. Following the base-line seroprevalence study, small
      ruminants in the area were vaccinated using the attenuated homologous PPR virus
      (Nigeria 75/1) strain vaccine, produced at National Veterinary Institute (NVI) in
      Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia. A total of 1096 small ruminants were resampled from the
      vaccinated population fourteen days after vaccination. The postvaccination sero
      conversion rate in the population was found to be 61.13%, indicating a relatively
      weak herd immunity. The main reason for the low sero-conversion could be the
      thermolabile nature of the vaccine, since no statistically significant difference
      was observed between small ruminants vaccinated by Veterinary Professionals and
      Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), using Chi-squared test at 95% CI
      (P>0.05). This signifies the need for thermostable vaccine that could potentially
      increase the herd immunity in addition to that being administered by CAHWs
      independently. The current finding indicated that CAHWs could participate in
      vaccination campaigns in such areas as Afar, where there are few veterinarians
      despite of the huge livestock populations, as means of pastoralists' livelihood.

PMID- 22088270
TI  - Quantitative detection of Cryptosporidium oocyst in water source based on 18S
      rRNA by alternately binding probe competitive reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction (ABC-RT-PCR).
AB  - We describe an assay for simple and cost-effective quantification of
      Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples using a recently developed
      quantification method named alternately binding probe competitive PCR (ABC-PCR).
      The assay is based on the detection of 18S rRNA specific for Cryptosporidium
      oocysts. The standard curve of the ABC-PCR assay had a good fitting to a
      rectangular hyperbola with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9997.
      Concentrations of Cryptosporidium oocysts in real river water samples were
      successfully quantified by the ABC-reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay. The
      quantified values by the ABC-RT-PCR assay very closely resemble those by the real
      time RT-PCR assay. In addition, the quantified concentration in most water
      samples by the ABC-RT-PCR assay was comparable to that by conventional
      microscopic observation. Thus, Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples can be
      accurately and specifically determined by the ABC-RT-PCR assay. As the only
      equipment that is needed for this end-point fluorescence assay is a simple
      fluorometer and a relatively inexpensive thermal cycler, this method can markedly
      reduce time and cost to quantify Cryptosporidium oocysts and other health-related
      water microorganisms.

PMID- 22088271
TI  - Survival dynamics of fecal bacteria in ponds in agricultural watersheds of the
      Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Georgia.
AB  - Animal agriculture in watersheds produces manure bacteria that may contaminate
      surface waters and put public health at risk. We measured fecal indicator
      bacteria (commensal Escherichia coli and fecal enterococci) and manure pathogens
      (Salmonella and E. coli 0157:H7), and physical-chemical parameters in pond
      inflow, within pond, pond outflow, and pond sediments in three ponds in
      agricultural watersheds. Bishop Pond with perennial inflow and outflow is located
      in the Piedmont, and Ponds A and C with ephemeral inflow and outflow in the
      Coastal Plain of Georgia. Bromide and chloride tracer experiments at Bishop Pond
      reflected a residence time much greater than that estimated by two models, and
      indicated that complete mixing within Bishop Pond was never obtained. The long
      residence time meant that fecal bacteria were exposed to solar UV-radiation and
      microbial predation. At Bishop Pond outflow concentrations of fecal indicator
      bacteria were significantly less than inflow concentrations; such was not
      observed at Ponds A and C. Both Salmonella and E. coli 0157:H7 were measured when
      concomitant concentrations of commensal E. coli were below the criterion for
      surface water impairment indicating problems with the effectiveness of indicator
      organisms. Bishop Pond improved down stream water quality; whereas, Ponds A and C
      with ephemeral inflow and outflow and possibly greater nutrient concentrations
      within the two ponds appeared to be less effective in improving down stream water
      quality.

PMID- 22088272
TI  - What are the costs and benefits of biodiversity recovery in a highly polluted
      estuary?
AB  - Biodiversity recovery measures have often been ignored when dealing with the
      restoration of degraded aquatic systems. Furthermore, biological valuation
      methods have been applied only spatially in previous studies, and not jointly on
      a temporal and spatial scale. The intense monitoring efforts carried out in a
      highly polluted estuary, in northern Spain (Nervion estuary), allowed for the
      economic valuation of the costs and the biological valuation of the benefits
      associated with a 21 years sewage scheme application. The analysis show that the
      total amount of money invested into the sewage scheme has contributed to the
      estuary's improvement of both environmental and biological features, as well as
      to an increase in the uses and services provided by the estuary. However, the
      inner and outer parts of the estuary showed different responses. An understanding
      of the costs and trajectories of the environmental recovery of degraded aquatic
      systems is increasingly necessary to allow policy makers and regulators to
      formulate robust, cost-efficient and feasible management decisions.

PMID- 22088273
TI  - Single-stage subchordal resection and reconstruction of idiopathic
      laryngotracheal stenosis in a male patient.

PMID- 22088274
TI  - Visualization of flow structures in Fontan patients using 3-dimensional phase
      contrast magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to analyze 3-dimensional (3D) blood flow patterns
      within the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) using in vivo phase contrast
      magnetic resonance imaging (PC MRI). METHODS: Sixteen single-ventricle patients
      were prospectively recruited at 2 leading pediatric institutions for PC MRI
      evaluation of their Fontan pathway. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1
      comprised 8 patients with an extracardiac (EC) TCPC, and group 2 comprised 8
      patients with a lateral tunnel (LT) TCPC. A coronal stack of 5 to 10 contiguous
      PC MRI slices with 3D velocity encoding (5-9 ms resolution) was acquired and a
      volumetric flow field was reconstructed. RESULTS: Analysis revealed large
      vortices in LT TCPCs and helical flow structures in EC TCPCs. On average, there
      was no difference between LT and EC TCPCs in the proportion of inferior vena cava
      flow going to the left pulmonary artery (43% +/- 7% vs 46% +/- 5%; P = .34).
      However, for EC TCPCs, the presence of a caval offset was a primary determinant
      of inferior vena caval flow distribution to the pulmonary arteries with a
      significant bias to the offset side. CONCLUSIONS: 3D flow structures within LT
      and EC TCPCs were reconstructed and analyzed for the first time using PC MRI.
      TCPC flow patterns were shown to be different, not only on the basis of LT or EC
      considerations, but with significant influence from the superior vena cava
      connection as well. This work adds to the ongoing body of research demonstrating
      the impact of TCPC geometry on the overall hemodynamic profile.

PMID- 22088275
TI  - Responses of antioxidant gene, protein and enzymes to salinity stress in two
      genotypes of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) differing in salt tolerance.
AB  - Salinity could damage cellular membranes through overproduction of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), while antioxidant capacities play a vital role in
      protecting plants from salinity caused oxidative damages. The objective of this
      study was to investigate the toxic effect of salt on the antioxidant enzyme
      activities, isoforms and gene expressions in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne
      L.). Salt-tolerant 'Quickstart II' and salt-sensitive 'DP1' were subjected to 0
      and 250 mM NaCl for 12 d. Salt stress increased the content of lipid peroxidation
      (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to a greater extent
      in salt-sensitive genotype. Salt-stressed plant leaves exhibited a greater
      activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD, EC
      1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) at 4d after treatment (DAT),
      but a lower level of enzyme activity at 8 and 12d, when compared to the control.
      Catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) activity was greater at 4 DAT and thereafter
      decreased in salt tolerant genotype relative to the control, whereas lower than
      the control during whole experiment period for salt-sensitive genotype. There
      were different patterns of five isoforms of SOD, POD and two isoforms of APX
      between two genotypes. Antioxidant gene expression was positively related to
      isoenzymatic and total enzymatic activities during 12-d salt-treated leaves of
      two genotypes, with a relatively higher level in salt-tolerant genotype. Thus,
      salt tolerance could be related to the constitutive/induced antioxidant gene,
      leading to more efficient enzyme stimulation and protection in perennial
      ryegrass.

PMID- 22088276
TI  - Amelioration of atherosclerosis by tanshinone IIA in hyperlipidemic rabbits
      through attenuation of oxidative stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in atherogenesis, which raises the
      possibility of using antioxidants to ameliorate atherosclerosis. In the present
      study, we aim to determine the effects of tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) on
      atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic rabbits. After feeding the rabbits on a high
      lipid diet for 90 days, they developed severe atherosclerotic lesions both
      morphologically and biochemically and exhibited significantly elevated serum
      lipid, malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) levels.
      Oral administration of TSIIA (3-30 mg/kg) greatly inhibited the formation of
      atherosclerotic lesions. In TSIIA-treated rabbits, there was a marked reduction
      in serum and aortic lipid peroxide product content, represented by MDA and oxLDL,
      whereas enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) were observed. However, TSIIA had no effect on serum lipid
      profiles. These results suggest that TSIIA attenuates oxidative stress by
      decreasing oxLDL production and enhancing activities of SOD and GPx, which might
      be contributed to the amelioration of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22088277
TI  - Anti-proliferative activity and chemoprotective effects towards DNA oxidative
      damage of fresh and cooked Brassicaceae.
AB  - Epidemiological evidence shows that regular consumption of Brassicaceae is
      associated with a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. Cruciferous species
      are usually processed before eating and the real impact of cooking practices on
      their bioactive properties is not fully understood. We have evaluated the effect
      of common cooking practices (boiling, microwaving, and steaming) on the
      biological activities of broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Anti
      proliferative and chemoprotective effects towards DNA oxidative damage of fresh
      and cooked vegetable extracts were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3
      carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium and Comet assays on HT-29
      human colon carcinoma cells. The fresh vegetable extracts showed the highest anti
      proliferative and antioxidant activities on HT-29 cells (broccoli>cauliflower =
      Brussels sprouts). No genotoxic activity was detected in any of the samples
      tested. The cooking methods that were applied influenced the anti-proliferative
      activity of Brassica extracts but did not alter considerably the antioxidant
      activity presented by the raw vegetables. Raw, microwaved, boiled (except
      broccoli) and steamed vegetable extracts, at different concentrations, presented
      a protective antioxidative action comparable with vitamin C (1 mm). These data
      provide new insight into the influence of domestic treatment on the quality of
      food, which could support the recent epidemiological studies suggesting that
      consumption of cruciferous vegetables, mainly cooked, may be related to a reduced
      risk of developing cancer.

PMID- 22088278
TI  - [Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder in children].

PMID- 22088279
TI  - [CT and MRI diagnosis of congenital stenosis of the internal auditory canal].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate multiple slice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) features of congenital stenosis of the internal auditory
      canal (CSIAC) and improve the ability for diagnosis. METHOD: Thirteen cases with
      fifteen ears were studied. In all cases a MSCT and MRI was performed. RESULTS:
      Eleven cases were unilateral, and 2 cases were bilateral. MSCT could show the
      narrowness of IAC. Three cases were isolated, but the others were combined with
      inner ear malformations. One ear had inner, middle and outer ear malformations.
      One ear had inner, middle, and outer ear malformations with a frontal bone
      malformation. MRI demonstrated that all of the vestibulocochlear nerves were
      hypoplastic. The cochlear nerve in seven ears was not present, in seven ears the
      nerve was thinner, and in the last case it was poorly visualized. The facial
      nerve in two ears was hypoplastic. Volume rendering (VR) could present the degree
      of the narrowed internal auditory canals, combined with other inner ear
      anomalies. CONCLUSION: MSCT will show the degree of the narrow internal auditory
      canals and combined anomalies, while the MRI can further demonstrate the nerves'
      development.

PMID- 22088280
TI  - [Analysis of the effectiveness in patients who were treated with a course of
      drugs for sudden deafness which was present for at least three weeks].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze the significance of a course of
      glucocorticosteroids and other drugs for the treatment of patients with sudden
      deafness present for at least three weeks. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      done on 48 patients (58 ears) with sudden deafness present for at least three
      weeks or more, who were admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Peking
      University People's Hospital from November 2002 to July 2010. The patients were
      divided into three groups by the type of hearing threshold. The different
      treatments were used in the three groups. The SPSS 17.0 software was used to
      analyze the data. RESULTS: In patients with a low tone hearing loss (6 ears),
      83.3% improved. For patients with a high tone loss (22 ears) 31.8% improved. For
      a flat tone hearing loss (30 ears) 36.7% improved. For patients with a hearing
      loss more than one year (12 ears) there was improvement in 58.3% (7 ears) of the
      patients. In 9 ears which had a flat tone hearing loss of 90 dB or greater before
      treatment, 77.8% (7 ears) improved with 33.3% (3 ears) having a significant
      improvement. In 21 ears which had a hearing threshold was under 90 dB, 14.3% (3
      ears) improved. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of patients with sudden deafness
      which was longer than 21 days the treatment was significant, especially for those
      who had a 90 dB or greater flat-tone type hearing threshold before treatment.
      Even though the hearing loss was more than a year in some patients there was
      still a benefit from treatment.

PMID- 22088281
TI  - [Tonal audiometry of GJB2 235delC single heterozygous mutation carriers].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze GJB2 235delC monoallelic mutation carrier individuals and
      test the possible presence and incidence of audiometric abnormalities among 30-60
      years old carriers of the 235delC mutations. METHODS: A total of 32 unrelated
      subjects with nonsyndromic hearing loss were screened for the 235delC mutation.
      Tonal audiometric analysis was performed on the 235delC mutation carrier group
      and on a non-carrier control group. RESULTS: Audiometric evaluations in the
      control group showed the presence of thresholds within normal limits at all
      frequencies, while carriers of the 235delC mutation presented with decreased
      hearing at 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz (age 40-49 years and 50-59 years), and 4000 and
      8000 Hz (age 30-59 years), P < 0.05. The hearing loss of carriers gradually
      increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: GJB2 235delC heterozygous carriers may be a risk
      group for high-frequency hearing loss. Hearing thresholds may deteriorate in the
      intermediate frequencies over the age of 40.

PMID- 22088282
TI  - [Observation of bacterial biofilms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the presence of bacterial biofilms (BF) in patients with
      CRS and the effect of BF on clinical symptoms and postoperative outcomes.
      METHODS: Seventy-two patients with chronic sinusitis were enrolled in this study.
      The control group included 15 patients with deviation of the nasal septum and 10
      patients had a fracture of the nasal bone. Mucosa of the uncinate process or
      ethmoid near the ostium of the maxillary sinus was obtained during endoscopic
      sinus surgery. The specimens were subjected to scanning electron microscopy.
      Patients were followed for 1 year and observed by the Lund-Kennedy endoscopy, and
      the Haikou standard classification (ESS-1997). Statistical analysis was performed
      by t-test or chi-square test. RESULTS: Three patients were lost to follow-up. The
      scanning electron microscopy analysis showed bacterial biofilms in 49 of the 69
      patients with chronic sinusitis. A marked destruction of the epithelium and cilia
      was observed in samples positive for bacterial biofilms. No bacterial biofilms
      were detected in the control group, and scanning electron microscopy showed
      normal epithelium and cilia in those specimens. There was no significant
      difference in gender, classification or duration of disease between the BF(-) and
      BF(+) groups. At six months and one year postoperative, the Lund-Kennedy
      endoscopy scores for CRS patients with BF (4.78 +/- 1.67; 4.55 +/- 1.61) were
      significantly higher than those without BF (3.65 +/- 1.39; 3.65 +/- 1.18) (t = 
      2.654, P < 0.01; t = -2.264, P < 0.05). Based on the Haikou standard
      classification, there was a significantly difference between patients with BF and
      those without BF (chi2 = 18.014, 22.063, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Different life stages of bacterial biofilms were demonstrated to be present in
      CRS. Gender, classification or duration of disease did not affect the presence of
      bacterial biofilms in patients with CRS. There is a correlation between bacterial
      biofilms and an unfavorable outcome in patients with CRS after ESS.

PMID- 22088283
TI  - [A preliminary study of radionuclide imaging of the nasal lymphatic system in
      nasal polyps].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of nasal mucosal lymphatic drainage in the
      pathogenesis of nasal polyps. METHODS: There were 25 cases in the experimental
      group who had nasal polyps (which was further divided into Malm-1, Malm-2, Malm-3
      level 3 subgroups) and 6 cases in the control group, including thyroid cancer and
      laryngeal cancer patients who had normal nasal structure. The nasal polyps in the
      experimental group and the middle turbinate in the control group were injected
      with a radionuclide and a radionuclide imaging technique was used to image the
      nasal mucosal lymphatics. The lymphatic drainage status of the nasal mucosa
      through the imaging results was analysed. RESULTS: The T/NT ratio (radioactivity
      counting) of the region of interest (ROI) was 20. 66 +/- 1.89 in the control
      group and 29. 33 +/- 6.34 in the experimental group. The difference was
      significant (t = 3.275, P < 0.05). The T/NT ratio of the ROI was 24.40 +/- 3.19
      in the Malm-1 level group, 29.31 +/- 3.39 in the Malm-2 level group, 39.21 +/-
      3.15 in the Malm-3 level group. The differences of qualitative analysis were
      significant (F = 38. 980, P < 0.05). The quantitative analysis showed that at the
      injection site, signs of lymphatic development and drainage were not found in the
      control group or experimental group, but the phenomenon of contrast media
      retention existed at the injection site in the experimental group. CONCLUSION:
      Lymphatic drainage dysfunction exists in patients with nasal polyps, and it may
      play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

PMID- 22088284
TI  - [Effect of hyoid suspension with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the treatment of
      obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss the methodology and therapeutic effect of hyoid suspension
      in association with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the treatment of severe
      obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients
      with severe OSAHS (apnea hyponea index, AHI > 30) were treated with hyoid
      suspension and UPPP. Sixty-one patients were followed for 6 months (48 of them
      for 12 months). Polysomnogram (PSG) tests were performed and an Epworth
      sleepiness scale (ESS) was recorded preoperatively and postoperatively in these
      patients. RESULTS: After the surgery,the snoring of the patients disappeared or
      was alleviated to varing degrees. Eighteen patients underwent fiberoptic
      nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examination. Twelve of them showed palatopharyngeal and
      glossopharyngeal stenosis was improved 6 months after surgery. Six patients
      showed no change, but had no glossoptosis. Fourteen patients underwent fiberoptic
      nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examination 1 year after surgery, with no recurrence of
      the stenosis being found. A decrease of 50% in the AHI was considered effective,
      and in patients the effective rate was 78.7% (48/61) 6 months after the operation
      and 75.0% (36/48) 1 year after the operation. The average AHI decreased from 44.8
      to 15.1 and 17.2, and the minimum arterial oxygen saturation average increased
      from 0.512 to 0.880 and 0.730. Matching t tests were utilized and the results of
      follow-up indicated that there was a significant improvement in the indexes in
      those cases which could be followed up (P < 0.01). The average of the ESS was 6.7
      six months after operation and 7.2 one year after operation, with a significant
      decrease compared to the preoperative (16.6) data (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Modified hyoid suspension in association with UPPP has the advantage of a simple
      operation, short hospitalization and less expense, and the effect of the
      operation was significant. Patients with palatopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal
      stenosis should be chosen for this operation.

PMID- 22088285
TI  - [A comparison between endoscopic-assisted submandibular gland resection via
      retroauricular hairline incision and conventional submandibular gland resection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, the risks and the advantages of endoscope
      assisted submandibular gland resection using a retroauricular hairline incision
      (RAHI) by comparing it with the conventional submandibular gland resection.
      METHODS: Twenty eight patients with benign lesions of the submandibular gland
      were included in the prospective clinically controlled study. Thirteen patients
      had endoscope-assisted resection using the RAHI approach and 15 cases had
      conventional transcervical approach resection. The size, location and adjacency
      of all lesions were evaluated by CT or MRI before surgery. The pathologic
      diagnoses of all cases were identified as benign diseases using fine needle
      aspiration biopsy. The two groups were compared for incision length, operation
      time, bleeding, incision cosmetic result, and complications. RESULTS: All 28
      operations were successfully performed. Incision length in the endoscopic group
      was significantly longer than that in the transcervical group (Z = -4.516, P <
      0.01), and the surgical time was longer in the endoscopic group (Z = -3.263, P <
      0.01). After three months the mean subjective satisfaction score for the incision
      scar in the endoscopic group was significantly higher than that in the
      transcervical group (Z = -4.472, P < 0.01). In the endoscopic group, 2 cases
      (15.4%) with temporary numbness of the earlobe and 1 case (7.7%) with a temporary
      marginal mandibular nerve paralysis were found postoperatively. However, they
      recovered within 1 month. All 28 patients were disease free with a follow-up of
      10 to 24 months (median of 18 months). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscope-assisted
      submandibular gland resection via RAHI is feasible and safe for the treatment of
      benign submandibular gland lesions. In comparison with the transcervical
      approach, this method can provide better cosmetic results without significant
      complications.

PMID- 22088286
TI  - [Inhibitory effects of small interfering RNA targeting c-myc in combination with
      5-fluorouracil on the growth in vitro and in vivo].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of small interfere RNA (siRNA) targeting the c
      myc in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) on the growth of Hep-2 cells in
      vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Hep-2 cells transfected with or without c-myc siRNA
      were treated with 5-Fu for 48 h. C-myc protein levels in Hep-2 cells were
      detected using the Western blot. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry.
      Hep-2 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into the back of BALB/c nude mice to
      establish the implanted laryngeal squamous carcinoma model. PBS, c-myc siRNA, and
      5-Fu, alone or in combinations were administered i.p. The mice were sacrificed
      after the treatments and the tumor masses were removed to determine the tumor
      volume and weight. The inhibitory rate was calculated. Expression of c-myc in
      tumor tissue was detected by immunocytochemistry and cell apoptosis was analyzed
      by terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: The protein
      levels of c-myc decreased after transfected with c-myc siRNA. C-myc siRNA
      transfected cells showed an increase in the percentage of cells in the GO-G1
      phase and a decrease in the percentage of cells in the S phase. When combined
      with 5-Fu, the results were improved. The tumor growth was faster in the control
      group and was significantly slower in the c-myc siRNA plus 5-Fu group than that
      in the c-myc siRNA group or 5-Fu group (P < 0.05). The tumor weight in the c-myc
      siRNA plus 5-Fu group was significantly smaller than that in the c-myc siRNA or 5
      Fu group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that c-myc siRNA inhibited the
      expression of c-myc in tumor tissues in the c-myc siRNA group and c-myc siRNA
      plus 5-Fu group (P < 0.05). The number of apoptotic cells in the c-myc siRNA plus
      5-Fu group was higher than those in the c-myc siRNA groups (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: C-myc siRNA inhibits the expression of c-myc in Hep-2 cells and in
      the tumor tissues of nude mice. C-myc siRNA combined with 5-Fu inhibits the
      growth of implanted laryngeal squamous carcinoma and promotes cell apoptosis. C
      myc could become a novel target for the treatment of laryngeal squamous
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22088287
TI  - [Effects of celecoxib combined with radiotherapy on apoptosis of CNE-2Z cell
      lines].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of celecoxib combined with radiotherapy on
      apoptosis of CNE-2Z cell lines and the potential mechanisms. METHODS: Four groups
      were used, a control, celecoxib (25 micromol/L celecoxib), irradiation (8 Gy X
      ray) and celecoxib plus irradiation. The radiosensitising effect was detected by
      clone formation experiment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate
      of cells. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed by immunocytochemistry.
      Western blot was used to examine the expression of Caspase-3. RESULTS: Celecoxib
      enhanced the radiosensitivity of CNE-2Z cells. In experimental group, the mean
      surviving fraction and the mean lethal dose of CNE-2Z cells were 0.50 and 2.36
      respectively. Compared with the irradiated group, there was significant
      differences between the two groups (P < 0.01). Celecoxib combined with
      radiotherapy up-regulation the expression of Bax. The score of the expression of
      Bax in the control group and the experimental group were 1.221 +/- 0.116 and
      2.758 +/- 0.256 respectively. Celecoxib combined with radiotherapy could inhibit
      the expression of the protein of Bcl-2. The score of the expression of Bcl-2 in
      the control group and the experimental group were 2.559 +/- 0.144 and 1.253 +/-
      0.114 respectively, with significant differences (P < 0.01). Celecoxib combined
      with radiotherapy could increase the apoptosis rate of tumor cells with
      significant differences (F = 7.63, P < 0.01). Western blot showed that the
      expression of Caspase-3 was strengthened. CONCLUSION: Celecoxib combined with
      radiotherapy could induce apoptosis and enhance the radiosensitivity of human
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cell lines.

PMID- 22088288
TI  - [Vibrant soundbridge implantation (two cases report)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) implantation.
      METHODS: In accordance with the indications for VSB implantation, surgeries were
      done for two patients who suffered from either a sensorineural or conductive
      hearing loss (microtia). Their preoperative auditory thresholds (0.5, 1, 2 and 4
      kHz) were 56 dB HL and 61 dB HL. The VSB was turned on and adjusted seven weeks
      after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative auditory thresholds of the two patients
      were improved. Their pure tone thresholds were 32 dB HL and 40 dB HL, and the
      respective improvement was 24 dB HL and 21 dB HL. There was no facial paralysis,
      vertigo and tinnitus. CONCLUSION: Patients with a sensorineural or conductive
      hearing loss may benefit from VSB implantation.

PMID- 22088290
TI  - [Analysis on effect of endoscopic nasal cavity surgery expansion in 108 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic nasal cavity enlarging
      surgery for the alleviation of nasal obstruction. METHODS: One hundred and eight
      patients with deviation of the nasal septum (DNS) and chronic hypertrophic
      rhinitis (CHR) were included in this study. Individualized operations were
      performed. DNS patients were treated by three line tension relaxing correction or
      nasal septum plasty. CHR patients were treated by inferior turbinate out fracture
      in combination with plasma radiofrequency ablation for reducing the volume of
      nasal soft tissue, sub-mucoperiosteal partial resection of the inferior turbinate
      or partial inferior turbinectomy. RESULTS: All patients were followed for 3-12
      months after surgery with an effective improvement in 97.2%. Symptoms of headache
      or complications of rhinitis sicca were not found. CONCLUSIONS: Being careful to
      keep the physiological function of nasal mucosa, the integrity of the nasal
      septum, appropriate expansion of the nasal cavity volume, and restore ventilation
      with bilateral symmetry of the nasal cavity, satisfactory relief of nasal
      obstruction can be achieved.

PMID- 22088289
TI  - [Meta-analysis of surgical techniques for preventing Frey syndrome and a concave
      facial deformity after parotidectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the curative effects on surgical methods for the prevention
      of Frey syndrome and a concave facial deformity after parotidectomy. METHODS: A
      literature search was performed using the Wianfang Database, Chinese Biomedical
      Literature Disk Database, Chinese Digital Hospital Library and Chinese Scientific
      Journals Database of VIP from January 1989 to December 2008. Twenty-six Chinese
      language controlled studies involving surgical techniques for prevention of Frey
      syndrome and the concave facial deformity after parotidectomy were identified.
      Review manager 4.2 software was applied for Meta analysis. RESULTS: Meta-analysis
      for surgical techniques to prevent symptomatic Frey syndrome, a positive starch
      iodine test, and contour deformity, favored intervention with a cumulative odds
      ratio (OR) of 0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07-0.25]; OR, 0.21 (95% CI,
      0.17-0.26); and OR, 0.09 (95% CI, 0.04-0.19), respectively. There was a
      significant difference in the incidence of these complications between surgical
      treatment groups and control groups (Z = 6.42, Z = 13.70, Z = 6.43, all P <
      0.05). The application of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap decreased the
      incidence of symptomatic Frey syndrome (Z = 2.33, P < 0.05), positive starch
      iodine test (Z = 7.48, P < 0.05) and contour deformity (Z = 7.78, P < 0.05). The
      application of acellular dermal matrix decreased the incidence of symptomatic
      Frey syndrome (Z = 6.02, P < 0.05) and positive starch-iodine test (Z = 5.72, P <
      0.05) but did not decrease the incidence of contour deformity (Z = 1.27, P >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis of operative techniques to prevent symptomatic
      Frey syndrome, a positive starch-iodine test, and facial asymmetry suggests that
      such methods are likely to reduce the incidence of these complications and
      improve the quality of life after parotidectomy.

PMID- 22088291
TI  - [Nasal polyps in ethmoid and sphenoid sinus with oculomotor nerve paralysis: a
      case report].

PMID- 22088292
TI  - [Report of a case with hemophilia B complicated with traumatic nosebleed as the
      first symptom].

PMID- 22088293
TI  - [Analysis and treatment of 13 histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis cases].

PMID- 22088294
TI  - [Remote monitoring of home-based noninvasive ventilation in children with
      obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and concomitant risk factors].

PMID- 22088295
TI  - [Benign juvenile melanoma of auricle: a case report].

PMID- 22088296
TI  - [One case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the temporal bone].

PMID- 22088297
TI  - [Laryngeal manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a case].

PMID- 22088298
TI  - [Syphilis of larynx--chancre epiglottis].

PMID- 22088299
TI  - [Advances in diagnosis and surgical treatment of congenital malformation of the
      external and middle ear].

PMID- 22088300
TI  - [Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of olfactory disorders with glucocorticoid].

PMID- 22088301
TI  - [Palliation of head and neck cancer].

PMID- 22088302
TI  - [An introduction to the international pocket guide for allergen-specific
      immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis and asthma].

PMID- 22088303
TI  - Hyperthermia modifies muscle metaboreceptor and baroreceptor modulation of heat
      loss in humans.
AB  - The relative influence of muscle metabo- and baroreflex activity on heat loss
      responses during post-isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise ischemia remains unknown,
      particularly under heat stress. Therefore, we examined the separate and
      integrated influences of metabo- and baroreceptor-mediated reflex activity on
      sweat rate and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) under increasing levels of
      hyperthermia. Twelve men performed 1 min of IHG exercise at 60% of maximal
      voluntary contraction followed by 2 min of ischemia with simultaneous application
      of lower body positive pressure (LBPP, +40 mmHg), lower body negative pressure
      (LBNP, -20 mmHg), or no pressure (control) under no heat stress. On separate
      days, trials were repeated under heat stress conditions of 0.6 degrees C
      (moderate heat stress) and 1.4 degrees C (high heat stress) increase in
      esophageal temperature. For all conditions, mean arterial pressure was greater
      with LBPP and lower with LBNP than control during ischemia (all P <= 0.05). No
      differences in sweat rate were observed between pressure conditions, regardless
      of the level of hyperthermia (P > 0.05). Under moderate heat stress, no
      differences in CVC were observed between pressure conditions. However, under high
      heat stress, LBNP significantly reduced CVC by 21 +/- 4% (P <= 0.05) and LBPP
      significantly elevated CVC by 14 +/- 5% (P <= 0.05) relative to control. These
      results show that sweating during post-IHG exercise ischemia is activated by
      metaboreflex stimulation, and not by baroreflexes. In contrast, our results
      suggest that baroreflexes can influence the metaboreflex modulation of CVC, but
      only at greater levels of hyperthermia.

PMID- 22088305
TI  - Study of the influence of psychological factors in the etiology of vocal nodules
      in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The role placed by certain psychological factors such as stress and
      personality on the development of vocal nodules has not yet been established. The
      aim of this case-control type study is to analyze the relationship between these
      psychological factors and the presence of vocal nodules while also considering
      the professional and social aspects of the subjects suffering from this
      pathology. METHODS: The case group is made up of 50 patients diagnosed with vocal
      nodules and with at least 6 months of evolution. The control group is made up of
      50 patients diagnosed with nasal respiratory insufficiency. All the patients were
      examined by laryngeal stroboscopy. For the personality study, the perceived
      stress, and the voice use, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2,
      Levenstein Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Goldman Voice Use Survey were
      used, respectively. RESULTS: The subjects with vocal nodules presented a mean
      perceived stress score of 0.41+/-0.09, which was higher than that of the control
      group (0.35+/-0.06), the differences observed being statistically significant
      (P<0.001). In the personality study (MMPI-2), the only scale that was associated
      with the presence of the vocal nodules was that of psychomotor acceleration. The
      mean score obtained for the scale was 51.64+/-8.25 in the vocal nodule group and
      45.02+/-0.06 in the control group (P<0.001). In the analysis of voice use, the
      subjects with vocal nodules scored 9.31+/-1.36, which was significantly higher
      than the score of the control group (8.07+/-1.24; P<0.001). In addition, other
      variables were associated with the presence of vocal nodules, such as being young
      and working in professions considered to be of vocal risk. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived
      stress and personality features of hyperactivity and impulsivity are independent
      factors related to vocal nodules.

PMID- 22088304
TI  - Neuromodulation targets intrinsic cardiac neurons to attenuate neuronally
      mediated atrial arrhythmias.
AB  - Our objective was to determine whether atrial fibrillation (AF) results from
      excessive activation of intrinsic cardiac neurons (ICNs) and, if so, whether
      select subpopulations of neurons therein represent therapeutic targets for
      suppression of this arrhythmogenic potential. Trains of five electrical stimuli
      (0.3-1.2 mA, 1 ms) were delivered during the atrial refractory period to
      mediastinal nerves (MSN) on the superior vena cava to evoke AF. Neuroanatomical
      studies were performed by injecting the neuronal tracer DiI into MSN sites that
      induced AF. Functional studies involved recording of neuronal activity in situ
      from the right atrial ganglionated plexus (RAGP) in response to MSN stimulation
      (MSNS) prior to and following neuromodulation involving either preemptive spinal
      cord stimulation (SCS; T(1)-T(3), 50 Hz, 200-ms duration) or ganglionic blockade
      (hexamethonium, 5 mg/kg). The tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI)
      neuronal tracer labeled a subset (13.2%) of RAGP neurons, which also colocalized
      with cholinergic or adrenergic markers. A subset of DiI-labeled RAGP neurons were
      noncholinergic/nonadrenergic. MSNS evoked an ~4-fold increase in RAGP neuronal
      activity from baseline, which SCS reduced by 43%. Hexamethonium blocked MSNS
      evoked increases in neuronal activity. MSNS evoked AF in 78% of right-sided MSN
      sites, which SCS reduced to 33% and hexamethonium reduced to 7%. MSNS-induced
      bradycardia was maintained with SCS but was mitigated by hexamethonium. We
      conclude that MSNS activates subpopulations of intrinsic cardiac neurons, thereby
      resulting in the formation of atrial arrhythmias leading to atrial fibrillation.
      Stabilization of ICN local circuit neurons by SCS or the local circuit and
      autonomic efferent neurons with hexamethonium reduces the arrhythmogenic
      potential.

PMID- 22088306
TI  - Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel chroman-4-one, chroman, and 2H
      chromene derivatives as human rhinovirus capsid-binding inhibitors.
AB  - As part of an effort to generate broad-spectrum inhibitors of rhinovirus
      replication, novel series of (E)-3-[(E)-3-phenylallylidene]chroman-4-ones 1a-e,
      (E)-3-(3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-ylidene)chroman-4-ones 2a and 2b, (Z)-3-[(E)-3
      phenylallylidene]chromans 3a-e, and (E)-3-(3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl)-2H-chromenes
      4a-d were designed and synthesized. All the compounds were tested in vitro for
      their efficacy against infection by human rhinovirus (HRV) 1B and 14, two
      representative serotypes for rhinovirus group B and A, respectively. Most of the
      analogues were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of both HRVs, although
      HRV 1B was generally more susceptible than HRV 14. Mechanism of action studies of
      (E)-6-chloro-3-(3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl)-2H-chromene 4b, the most potent compound
      on HRV 1B infection, suggested that 4b behaves as a capsid-binder probably acting
      at the uncoating level.

PMID- 22088307
TI  - Synthesis and bio-evaluation of human macrophage migration inhibitory factor
      inhibitor to develop anti-inflammatory agent.
AB  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is
      involved in the development of an array of inflammatory disorders including
      rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis
      and sepsis. The synthesis of MIF-inhibitor is a rationale approach to develop
      novel anti-inflammatory agent to treat multitude of inflammatory diseases. In
      this work, we have synthesized and evaluated MIF-inhibitory activity of a series
      of small molecules containing isoxazoline skeleton. Mode of binding of this
      inhibitor to human MIF (huMIF) was determined by docking studies. The synthesized
      molecules inhibit tautomerase activity of huMIF. The anti-inflammatory activity
      of the most active inhibitor, 4-((3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4, 5
      dihydroisoxazol-5-yl) methoxy) benzaldehyde (4b) was evaluated against huMIF
      induced inflammation in a cellular model (RAW 264.7 cell). Compound 4b
      significantly inhibits huMIF-mediated NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus, up
      regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production in RAW
      264.7 cell which are the markers for inflammation. The compound 4b is not
      cytotoxic as evident from cell viability assay. Hence, the compound 4b has
      potential to be a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

PMID- 22088308
TI  - Modification of olivomycin A at the side chain of the aglycon yields the
      derivative with perspective antitumor characteristics.
AB  - A novel way of chemical modification of the antibiotic olivomycin A (1) at the
      side chain of the aglycon moiety was developed. Interaction of olivomycin A with
      the sodium periodate produced the key acid derivative olivomycin SA (2) in 86%
      yield. This acid was used in the reactions with different amines in the presence
      of benzotriazol-1-yl-oxy-trispyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyBOP)
      or diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) to give corresponding amides. Whereas
      olivomycin SA was two orders of magnitude less cytotoxic than the parent
      antibiotic, the amides of 2 demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity. In particular,
      N,N-dimethylaminoethylamide of olivomycin SA showed a pronounced antitumor effect
      against transplanted experimental lymphoma and melanoma and a remarkably high
      binding constant to double stranded DNA. The therapeutic effects of this
      derivative were achievable at tolerable concentrations, suggesting that
      modifications of the aglycon's side chain, namely, its shortening to
      methoxyacetic residue and blocking of free carboxyl group, are straightforward
      for the design of therapeutically applicable derivatives of olivomycin A.

PMID- 22088309
TI  - Synthesis and study of new paramagnetic resveratrol analogues.
AB  - New resveratrol analogues containing five- and six-membered nitroxides and
      isoindoline nitroxides were synthesized. These new compounds were compared to
      resveratrol based on their ABTS radical scavenging ability as well on their
      capacity to suppress inflammatory process in macrophages induced by
      lipopolysaccharides. The ABTS and ROS scavenging activities of new molecules were
      the same or weaker than that of resveratrol, but some of paramagnetic resveratrol
      derivatives suppressed nitrite and TNFalpha production more efficiently than
      resveratrol. Based on these results the new nitroxide and phenol containing
      hybrid molecules can be considered as new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      agents.

PMID- 22088310
TI  - Cranberry components for the therapy of infectious disease.
AB  - Summary of the in vitro data support a beneficial effect of cranberry or its
      proanthocyanin constituents by blocking adhesion to and biofilm formation on
      target tissues of pathogens. In vivo data partially support these beneficial
      effects. Consumption of various cranberry products benefited young and elderly
      females in preventing urinary tract infections, and in conjunction with
      antibiotic treatment in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infections in women.
      Mouthwash supplemented with an isolated cranberry derivative reduced
      significantly the caryogenic mutans streptococci. None of the mice infected
      intranasal with lethal dose of influenza virus and treated with cranberry
      fraction died after two weeks. Further studies should focus on the active
      cranberry component as supplement for food and other products especially where
      whole juice or powder cannot be used.

PMID- 22088312
TI  - Adolescent depressive symptoms and subsequent pregnancy, pregnancy completion and
      pregnancy termination in young adulthood: findings from the victorian adolescent
      health cohort study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine relationships between depressive symptoms in
      adolescence (14-18 years of age) and becoming pregnant, completing a pregnancy
      (live birth) and terminating a pregnancy in young adulthood (21-24 years of age).
      PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN: Data from 1000 females were drawn from a larger sample
      of 1943 young Australians participating in a longitudinal study of adolescent
      health and development, followed across 8 waves from adolescence (waves 1-6) to
      young adulthood (waves 7 and 8). SETTING: Victoria, Australia. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Pregnancy, pregnancy completion and pregnancy termination between 21-24
      years of age. RESULTS: We observed a twofold increase in the odds of becoming
      pregnant in those reporting persisting patterns of depressive symptoms during
      adolescence (2+ waves); however, after staged adjustment for adolescent
      antisocial behaviour, drug use and socioeconomic disadvantage, there was no
      evidence of association. Of particular note, and consistent with previous
      research, adolescent antisocial and drug use behavior were strongly associated
      with becoming pregnant and pregnancy termination in young adulthood. CONCLUSIONS:
      Adolescent antisocial and drug use behavior, not depressive symptoms,
      independently predict pregnancy outcomes in young adulthood.

PMID- 22088313
TI  - Adolescent caesarean delivery in the US military health care system.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Determine cesarean delivery (CD) rates and associated demographics
      among military dependent teenagers. METHODS: United States military health care
      claims records of live births from 2003-2006 to 13- through 19-year-old dependent
      children were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: The CD rate rose from
      17% in 2003 to 20% in 2006. Rates were significantly higher for ages 18 and 19,
      for African American sponsors' children, and those who gave birth in a civilian
      facility. Rates did not differ significantly by sponsor's military rank.
      CONCLUSIONS: Teenagers in the military health care system have increasing rates
      of CD. Independent demographic risk factors for teenage CD include age > 17
      years, sponsor's race African American, and delivery at a civilian facility.

PMID- 22088311
TI  - Cervical pap screening cytological abnormalities among HIV-infected adolescents
      in the LEGACY cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of cervical Pap screening (CPAP-S),
      identify factors associated with CPAP-S, and explore risk factors for abnormal
      cervical cytology in female adolescents with perinatally and behaviorally
      acquired HIV infection. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: LEGACY is a national
      observational cohort chart review study of 1478 HIV-infected persons (<age 24
      years) managed in 22 HIV specialty clinics in the United States. PARTICIPANTS:
      Sexually active females aged 13-24 years in the LEGACY cohort. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: CPAP-S and abnormal cervical cytology. RESULTS: Of 231 sexually active
      female LEGACY participants 13-24 years of age 49% had documentation of CPAP-S
      between 2001 and 2006. Fifty-eight percent of 113 cervical tests were abnormal
      (2% high-grade). In multivariable analysis, perinatal HIV infection and black
      race were associated with decreased likelihood of CPAP-S (adjusted prevalence
      ratio [APR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.96 and APR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.96, respectively).
      Presence of any sexually transmitted infection (STI) was independently associated
      with increased likelihood of CPAP-S (APR 1.56, 95% CI 1.21, 2.02). CD4+ T
      lymphocyte count <200 cells/mL and previous STI diagnosis were independently
      associated with increased likelihood of abnormal cervical cytology (APR 2.19, 95%
      CI 1.26-3.78 and APR 1.94, 95% CI 1.29-2.92, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among
      sexually active HIV-infected adolescent females, prevalence of CPAP-S was low and
      cytology was abnormal in more than half of Pap smears. Perinatally HIV-infected,
      sexually active females were less likely to undergo CPAP-S than their
      behaviorally HIV-infected counterparts. Interventions targeted at HIV-infected
      adolescents and care providers are needed to improve CPAP-S in HIV-infected young
      women, especially those with perinatally acquired HIV infection.

PMID- 22088314
TI  - The incidence, attitudes and practices of the removal of pubic hair as a body
      modification.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, attitudes, and practices of the removal of
      pubic hair as a body modification. DESIGN: A voluntary, anonymous survey was
      conducted among adolescents and young women 12-20 years of age seen in gynecology
      clinics in Houston, Texas. RESULTS: There were a total of 171 adolescent
      participants surveyed, of whom 70.4% of reported routinely shaving or waxing
      their pubic hair. More traditional body modification methods were evaluated, and
      3.5% reported tattoos and 57.1% reported piercings. Sexually active participants
      were more likely to remove pubic hair routinely. The areas of the body where the
      participants felt there was "too much" hair included the genital area, upper lip,
      and abdomen. Of total respondents, 14.7% reported feeling "pressure" from friends
      or family to participate in body modification such as tattooing, piercing, or
      removal of pubic hair. The decision to participate in body modification was
      mostly influenced by friends and family. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, removal
      of pubic hair as a body modification is common. The results of this study
      demonstrated that removal of pubic hair was more common in sexually active
      participants compared to non-sexually active participants. Therefore, providers
      should additionally be aware that removal of pubic hair may be a warning sign of
      sexual behaviors or impending sexual activity.

PMID- 22088315
TI  - Adolescent intimate heterosexual relationships: measurement issues.
AB  - During adolescence, individuals develop increased ability to have emotionally and
      physically intimate relationships. The type of intimate relationship will make a
      difference as to whether the adolescent engages in protective behaviors or avoids
      risky behaviors. However, in reviewing the literature on the association of
      relationship type and sexual risk and protective behaviors, four methodological
      challenges were noted. These challenges limit our understanding of the impact of
      relationship type. These four challenges are: (a) inconsistent definitional
      frameworks; (b) lack of adolescent voices; (c) lack of consideration of gender;
      and (d) poor differentiation between individual and relationship risk. These
      issues direct the course of future work in this area and are necessary to advance
      the field of adolescent sexual health, particularly with regard to the
      development and testing of appropriate interventions designed to reduce untoward
      outcomes of adolescent sexuality.

PMID- 22088316
TI  - Pregnancies in young adolescent mothers: a population-based study on 37 million
      births.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy in young adolescents is often understudied. The objective
      of our study was to evaluate the effect of young maternal age on adverse
      obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a population-based
      cohort study using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Linked Birth
      Infant Death and Fetal Death data on all births in the US between 1995 and 2004.
      We excluded all births of gestational age under 24 weeks and those with reported
      congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities. Maternal age was obtained
      from the birth certificate and relative risks estimating its effect on
      obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were computed using unconditional logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: 37,504,230 births met study criteria of which
      300,627 were in women aged <15 years with decreasing rates from 11/1,000 to
      6/1,000 over a 10-year period. As compared to women 15 years and older, women <15
      were more likely to be black and Hispanic, less likely to have adequate prenatal
      care, and more likely to not have had any prenatal care. In adjusted analysis,
      births to women <15 were more likely to be IUGR, born under 28, 32, and 37 weeks'
      gestation and to result in stillbirths and infant deaths. Prenatal care was
      protective against infant deaths in women < 15 years of age. CONCLUSION: Although
      public health initiatives have been successful in decreasing rates of young
      adolescent pregnancies, these remain high risk pregnancies that may benefit from
      centers capable of ensuring adequate prenatal care.

PMID- 22088317
TI  - Differences in stimulated androgen levels in black and white obese adolescent
      females.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Little is known about racial differences in androgen levels
      among obese children. The objective of this pilot study was to compare basal and
      stimulated androgen levels in a cross-sectional sample of obese black and white
      pubertal females. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was cross
      sectional study of obese (body mass index >= 95th percentile) but otherwise
      healthy female adolescents (10 black and 12 white; age range 8.8-13.9 y) who
      underwent adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing at an academic medical
      center as part of a protocol for the study of obesity-related conditions. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Basal and stimulated androgen levels. RESULTS: White and black
      participants were similar with regard to pubertal stage, body mass index,
      percentage body fat, and fasting glucose and insulin levels. Black girls had
      lower stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the differences between
      basal and stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were
      lower in black girls. Body mass index was negatively correlated with stimulated
      cortisol in blacks only (r = -0.69, P = .03). CONCLUSION: There appear to be race
      related differences in stimulated androgen levels in obese adolescent females.
      These differences deserve further study, as measurements of androgen levels are
      commonly used in clinical practice and research.

PMID- 22088318
TI  - Congenital paraurethral cysts in two newborn girls: differential diagnosis,
      management strategies, and spontaneous resolution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At least five types of interlabial masses of different etiologies may
      present in a female neonate. The more serious type of interlabial mass must be
      differentiated from the benign and self-resolving paraurethral or hymenal cyst.
      Clues include appearance and color of the mass and the location of the mass in
      relation to the urethral meatus and the vaginal opening. Clinicians should be
      able to distinguish lesions that require aggressive intervention, i.e. surgery,
      from those that self-resolve and merely require observation. CASE: Two unrelated
      newborn girls each had a protruding faint-yellow-colored spherical interlabial
      cyst. The cyst was located anterior to the vaginal orifice and partially obscured
      the urethral meatus. Neither girl had any voiding problems. No other congenital
      anomalies were detected. Both cysts resolved rapidly and completely without
      surgical intervention. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Paraurethral cysts of the newborn
      and hymenal cysts rarely cause urinary obstruction or spotting, and are self
      resolving. When positively identified, no evaluation of upper urinary tract is
      required and neither aspiration of cyst contents or marsupialization procedure is
      necessary.

PMID- 22088319
TI  - OsmC proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis protect
      against organic hydroperoxide stress.
AB  - Bacterial antioxidants play a critical role in the detoxification of endogenously
      and host derived oxidative radicals during host-pathogen interactions. Recently,
      the osmotically induced bacterial protein C (OsmC) is included in the antioxidant
      category of enzymes as it shows structural and functional relationships with
      organic hydroperoxide reductase (Ohr) enzyme. A copy of the gene encoding OsmC is
      conserved across mycobacterial species, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      (Rv2923c) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSMEG2421), but its role in protecting
      these species against oxidative stress is unknown. To determine the role of OsmC
      in mycobacterial oxidative stress, we overexpressed and purified OsmCs of M.
      tuberculosis and M. smegmatis and assessed their ability to reduce peroxide
      substrates like hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and t
      butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in Ferrous Ion Oxidation in Xylenol (FOX) assay. This
      revealed that OsmCs from both species were capable of reducing both inorganic
      (H(2)O(2)) and organic (CHP and t-BHP) peroxides. Further, an M. smegmatis mutant
      (MS?osmC) deficient in OsmC exhibited reduced reduction of CHP and t-BHP than the
      parental wild type strain, indicating that OsmC protein contributes significantly
      for the total peroxide reductase activity of mycobacteria. The MS?osmC strain was
      also sensitive to organic hydroperoxides, which could be reversed by
      complementing with a plasmid borne osmC. Plasmid borne osmC also increased the
      resistance of M. smegmatis wild type strain to isoniazid (INH) but at a
      relatively lower level than ahpC, an organic hydroperoxide reductase. These
      results suggest that OsmC plays an important role in peroxide metabolism and
      protecting mycobacteria against oxidative stress.

PMID- 22088320
TI  - Comparing efficacy of BCG/lactoferrin primary vaccination versus booster regimen.
AB  - Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein possessing multiple immune modulatory
      activities, including ability to affect macrophage cytokine production, promote
      maturation of T- and B-lymphocyte and immature dendritic cells, and enhance the
      ability of macrophages and dendritic cells to stimulate antigen-specific T-cells.
      These characteristics of lactoferrin suggested that it could function as an
      effective adjuvant enhance efficacy of the BCG, the current vaccine for
      tuberculosis disease. Admix of lactoferrin to the BCG vaccine promoted host
      protective responses that surpasses activity of the BCG vaccine alone as
      determined by decreasing pulmonary pathology upon challenge with virulent
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). This study builds on previous reports by
      examining the effectiveness of the lactoferrin adjuvant comparing primary
      vaccination versus an immunization schedule with a booster administered at 8
      weeks. BCG/lactoferrin vaccinating, given once or twice, demonstrated an
      improvement in pulmonary disease compared to both the BCG vaccinated and non
      immunized groups. The splenic recall profiles showed a difference in cytokine
      production induced by mycobacterial antigen from splenocytes isolated from mice
      immunized with BCG/lactoferrin once or twice. Production of IL-17 is increased in
      the BCG/lactoferrin 2* group compared to the primary vaccinated group. Both
      BCG/lactoferrin vaccinated group exhibited increase production of IFN-gamma
      compared to the non-immunized group and decreased production of IL-10 compared to
      the group vaccinated with only BCG. This study illustrates that the adjuvant
      activity of lactoferrin to enhance BCG efficacy occurs whether the vaccination
      regimen is a single delivery or combined with a booster, leading to enhanced host
      protection and decreased disease manifestation.

PMID- 22088321
TI  - Rapid DNA extraction for specific detection and quantitation of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis DNA in sputum specimens using Taqman assays.
AB  - Rapid tuberculosis (TB) detection is critical for disease control, and further
      quantitation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in sputum is valuable for
      epidemiological and clinical studies. We evaluated a simple, robust and cost
      efficient in-house DNA extraction and downstream Taqman approach for detection
      and quantitation of Mtb genomes from sputum of newly-diagnosed TB patients and
      non-TB controls. DNA was extracted using guanidine isothiocyanate and silica
      based spin columns in less than 2 h, stored frozen, and Taqman assays were used
      to detect Mtb with IS6110 and quantify it targeting RD1 and IS1081. The Taqmans
      had a sensitivity >95% in 108 culture-confirmed TB patients and specificity of
      100% in 43 non-TB controls. Genome counts were correlated with the Mycobacterial
      Growth Indicator Tubes' (MGIT) time-to-detection values (1/TTD * 1000; rho =
      0.66; p < 0.001) in 91 TB patients (33 excluded with MGIT contamination). This
      linear relationship was nearly identical between mycobacteria isolated from
      sputum and H37Rv Mtb grown in-vitro to its log phase. TB treatment between 3 and
      7 days was associated with lower 1/TTD * 1000 values but not with genome counts.
      Together, our protocol provides rapid, specific, inexpensive and quantitative
      detection of Mtb DNA in fresh or stored sputa making it a robust tool for prompt
      TB diagnosis, and with potential use for clinical and epidemiologic studies.

PMID- 22088322
TI  - Prolonged survival of scavenger receptor class A-deficient mice from pulmonary
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
AB  - The present study tested the hypothesis that the scavenger receptor SR-A
      modulates granuloma formation in response to pulmonary infection with
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). To test this hypothesis, we monitored survival
      and histopathology in WT and SR-A-deficient mice following aerosol infection with
      MTB Rv. SR-A-deficient (SR-A-/-) mice infected with MTB survived significantly
      longer than WT mice; the mean survival of SR-A-/- mice exceeded 430 days compared
      to 230 days for WT mice. Early granuloma formation was not impaired in SR-A-/-
      mice. The extended survival of SR-A-/- mice was associated with 13- and 3-fold
      higher number of CD4+ lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells in SR-A-/- lungs
      compared to WT mice 280 after infection. The histopathology of chronically
      infected SR-A-/- lungs, however, was marked by abundant cholesterol clefts in
      parenchymal lesions containing infection in multinucleated giant cells. The
      present study indicates SR-A as a candidate gene of the innate immune system
      influencing the chronic phase of M. tuberculosis infection.

PMID- 22088323
TI  - Giving TB wheels: Public transportation as a risk factor for tuberculosis
      transmission.
AB  - Previous geospatial analysis of the well-defined Houston Tuberculosis Initiative
      (HTI) database identified an association between the use of city-bus
      transportation (inclusive of time onboard) and Tuberculosis (TB) incidence in
      Houston/Harris County census tracts (paper submitted). This paper is an extension
      of those findings. Contact investigations on school buses have reported a high
      rate of positive tuberculin skin tests in the persons traveling with the index
      case and have shown an association with bus ride duration. In Houston, city bus
      routes are veins connecting even the most diverse of populations within the
      metropolitan area. Among HTI participants, TB patients who reported weekly bus
      use were more likely to have demographic and social risk factors associated with
      poverty, immune suppression and health disparities. An equal proportion of bus
      riders and non-bus riders were cultured for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), yet
      75% of bus riders were clustered with a mean cluster size of 50.14, indicating
      recent transmission, compared to 56% of non-bus riders (OR = 2.4, p < 0.001) with
      a mean cluster size of 28.9 (p < 0.01). Individual bus routes, including one
      route servicing the local hospitals, were found to be risk factors for endemic
      MTB clustered strains and the routes themselves geographically connect the census
      tracts previously identified as having endemic TB.

PMID- 22088324
TI  - A quality assessment tool for tuberculosis control activities in resource limited
      settings.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant problem, infecting nearly 9 million new
      patients per year and killing about 2 million a year. The primary means with
      which to affect TB globally are to decrease transmission locally, mainly by
      effective identification, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious TB patients.
      Therefore, quality assurance of TB control efforts at the local level is
      essential. This study describes the creation of a data extraction tool for
      retrospective chart review based on the International Standards for TB Care, 2009
      for the assessment of TB control programs located in resource limited settings.
      The tool was field tested at a rural mission hospital in central Kenya. Results
      were used by host site staff to develop a quality improvement plan. The process
      prompted revision of the tool to clarify questions and answers. This is a tool
      that can be used in resource limited settings for data collection to assess the
      quality of TB care and to inform the design, implementation, and further
      assessment of future quality improvement initiatives.

PMID- 22088325
TI  - Primary care direct access MRI for the investigation of chronic headache.
AB  - AIM: To assess the efficacy of a primary-care imaging pathway for neurology
      outpatients, from inception to deployment, compared with traditional outpatient
      referral. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After local agreement, guidelines were generated
      providing pathways for diagnosis and treatment of common causes of headache,
      highlighting "red-flag" features requiring urgent neurology referral, and
      selecting patients for direct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) referral. In
      addition, reports were clarified and standardized. To evaluate the efficacy of
      the access pathway, a retrospective sequential review of 100 MRI investigations
      was performed comparing general practitioner (GP) referral, with traditional
      neurology referral plus imaging, acquired before the pathway started. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant difference in rates of major abnormalities, incidental
      findings or ischaemic lesions were identified between the two cohorts. Reported
      patient satisfaction was high, with a cost reduction for groups using the
      pathway. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that a defined
      access pathway for imaging to investigate chronic headache can be deployed
      appropriately in a primary-care setting.

PMID- 22088326
TI  - Where do locking screws purchase in the humeral head?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the limiting factors in finding the best osteosynthesis
      approach in proximal humerus fractures is the current lack of information on the
      properties of the cancellous bone regions engaged by the implants fixing the
      epiphysis. The aim of this study is to assess the densitometric and mechanical
      characteristics of these regions when using a proximal humerus locking plate
      (PHLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen PHLPs were mounted on cadaveric humeri
      using only their three most distal screws. Subsequently, the plates were removed
      and the bones were scanned using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed
      tomography. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined in the intact proximal
      epiphysis and in the exact locations where the six proximal screws would have
      been positioned concluding the instrumentation. Each plate was then repositioned
      on its bone and a minimally destructive local torque measurement was performed in
      the same six locations. A statistical analysis was performed to detect
      significant differences in the investigated parameters between screw positions,
      and to test the ability of local torque values to discriminate the bone mineral
      density of the entire humeral head (BMD(TOT)). RESULTS: Novel data about the
      cancellous bone engaged by the screws of a PHLP are provided. Different
      epiphyseal locations showed statistically significant different properties. A
      local torque measurement was a good predictor of the BMD(TOT). CONCLUSION:
      Position and direction of the epiphyseal screws on a locking implant are
      determinant to engage bone regions with significantly better bone quality. A
      breakaway torque measurement in a given screw position can distinguish between
      humeral heads with different densitometric properties.

PMID- 22088327
TI  - Vitamin D levels in post-menopausal Korean women with a distal radius fracture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate serum levels of
      vitamin D in post-menopausal Korean women with a distal radius fracture (DRF) and
      to determine if there is any association between vitamin D levels and bone
      related variables such as bone mineral densities (BMDs), serum parathyroid
      hormone (PTH) levels and several bone turnover markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The data of 104 postmenopausal women surgically treated for a distal radius
      fracture (DRF group) and 107 age-matched control patients without a fracture
      (control group) were compared. Serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxycholecalciferol,
      25(OH)D(3)) were compared between the groups with consideration of age and
      seasonal variations. BMDs, serum PTH and several bone turnover markers, including
      serum osteocalcin, C-telopeptide and urine N-telopeptide, were measured and
      analysed to find any association with vitamin D levels. RESULTS: The mean
      25(OH)D(3) level was significantly lower in the DRF group compared to the control
      group (p < 0.001). In particular, patients in their sixth and seventh deciles in
      the DRF group had significantly lower 25(OH)D(3) levels than patients in the
      control group (p = 0.001 and 0.013, respectively). When seasonal variation was
      considered, significant differences of 25(OH)D(3) levels were found between the
      groups in autumn and winter. Hip BMDs were significantly lower in the DRF group
      than in the control group, and there was a positive correlation between serum
      25(OH)D(3) levels and hip BMDs. Bone turnover markers were not significantly
      different between the two groups, although serum PTH levels were marginally
      higher in the DRF group (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Post-menopausal Korean women
      with a DRF were found to have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels than the
      control group, and vitamin D levels were particularly lower in women in their
      sixth and seventh deciles who may be a good target group for prevention of future
      fractures. Future investigation should focus on determining whether vitamin D
      supplementation can be helpful in preventing future fractures in patients with a
      DRF.

PMID- 22088328
TI  - Effects of microcystin-LR exposure on matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 expression
      and cancer cell migration.
AB  - This study assessed the effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) exposure on matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression and cancer cell migration. After male mice
      were orally administered with different concentrations of MC-LR for 270 d,
      histopathologic observation revealed an obvious hepatic lymphocyte infiltration
      or fatty degeneration. Immunohistochemical staining and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay demonstrated that MC-LR treatment (even at 1 nM) caused up
      regulated expressions of hepatic MMP-2/-9. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR
      showed that the exposure to 80 nM MC-LR induced an increase of MMP-2/-9 mRNA
      levels by 1.0 and 1.9 fold. Breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-435s) were also cultured
      with MC-LR solutions and a wound healing assay demonstrated that MC-LR posed a
      time/dose-dependent stimulation effect on migration of the cancer cells. Gelatin
      electrophoresis and quantitative PCR showed significant increases in cellular MMP
      2/-9 expressions after MC-LR exposure. This study indicated that chronic exposure
      to MC-LR could alter MMP-2/-9 expressions and stimulate cancer cell migration.

PMID- 22088329
TI  - An in situ test to explore the responses of Scenedesmus acutus and Lepocinclis
      acus as indicators of the changes in water quality in lowland streams.
AB  - This bioassay was designed with the aim of exploring the responses of two wild
      planktonic microalgae exposed in situ (72 h) as indicators of the changes in
      water quality. Monocultures of both strains within dialysis membrane bags were
      placed at two sites in a small lowland stream. Site 1 is located at a suburban
      area with low horticultural activity and Site 2 is impacted by toxic industrial
      discharges and urban land use. There was a decrease in population growth of both
      species at Site 2 compared with Site 1. The comparison of the algae exposed in
      situ with the normal specimens cultured at the laboratory indicated a significant
      increase in the cellular volume for both species at both sites. Abnormal shape
      was recorded at both sites, the percentage being significantly greater for
      Scenedesmus acutus at Site 2. Significant changes in pyrenoids size were observed
      in S. acutus and in the percentage of fragmented nuclei in Lepocinclis acus. Also
      in the latter abnormal paramylon grains were observed. These responses were
      accentuated at Site 2. This bioassay was sensitive, short term, low cost, and
      therefore is a suitable tool to contribute with the monitoring and ecological
      risk assessment of lowland streams.

PMID- 22088330
TI  - Biphasic effects of lanthanum on Vicia faba L. seedlings under cadmium stress,
      implicating finite antioxidation and potential ecological risk.
AB  - In the present study, lanthanum (La) as a representative REE was used to explore
      the mechanisms for alleviation of Cd-induced oxidative damage by extraneous La at
      appropriate concentrations, and to assess ecological risk of combination of Cd
      and La at higher concentrations in roots of Vicia faba L. seedlings. The
      seedlings were hydroponically cultured for 15 d under nutrient solution, 6 MUmol
      L(-1) CdCl(2), and combination of 6 MUmol L(-1) CdCl(2) and increasing
      concentrations of La, respectively. The results showed that the supplementation
      with low concentrations of exogenous La (<120 MUmol L(-1)) led to reduced
      contents of Cd, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn or Fe element and increased activities of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and
      ascorbate peroxidase (APX) isozymes as well as heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70)
      production in the roots. However, the supplementation with higher La (>120 MUmol
      L(-1)) showed the adverse effects. The contents of Cd elevated above the single
      Cd treatment in the roots, accompanying with the decline of antioxidant isozyme's
      activities and HSP 70, and increment of carbonylated proteins and endoprotease
      isozyme's activities. The results also showed that the root growth was not only
      related to carbonylated proteins, but also to indole acetic acid oxidase
      activities. Therefore, the supplemented extraneous La contributed to biphasic
      effects: stimulated antioxidation at lower concentrations and pro-oxidation at
      higher concentrations against Cd-induced oxidative stress in the roots.

PMID- 22088331
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of immediate treatment, percutaneous biopsy and active
      surveillance for the diagnosis of the small solid renal mass: evidence from a
      Markov model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The most effective diagnostic strategy for the very small, incidentally
      detected solid renal mass is uncertain. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of
      adding percutaneous biopsy or active surveillance to the diagnosis of a 2 cm or
      less solid renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Markov state transition model was
      developed to observe a hypothetical cohort of healthy 60-year-old men with an
      incidentally detected, 2 or less cm solid renal mass, comparing percutaneous
      biopsy, immediate treatment and active surveillance. The primary outcomes
      assessed were the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio measured by cost per life
      year gained at a willingness to pay threshold of $50,000. Model results were
      assessed by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Immediate treatment was the highest
      cost, most effective diagnostic strategy, providing the longest overall survival
      of 18.53 life-years. Active surveillance was the lowest cost, least effective
      diagnostic strategy. On cost-effectiveness analysis using a societal willingness
      to pay threshold of $50,000 active surveillance was the preferred choice at a
      $75,000 willingness to pay threshold while biopsy and treatment were acceptable
      ($56,644 and $70,149 per life-year, respectively). When analysis was adjusted for
      quality of life, biopsy dominated immediate treatment as the most cost-effective
      diagnostic strategy at $33,840 per quality adjusted life-year gained.
      CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous biopsy may have a greater role in optimizing the
      diagnosis of an incidentally detected, 2 cm or less solid renal mass.

PMID- 22088332
TI  - Comparative outcomes of pure squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma
      with squamous differentiation in patients treated with radical cystectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We compared clinical outcomes, and identified predictors of cancer
      specific and overall survival after radical cystectomy in patients with
      urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation and those with pure squamous
      cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data on 2,031 patients treated
      with radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at a single high volume
      referral center. Of these patients 78 had squamous cell carcinoma and 67 had
      squamous differentiation. Survival estimates by histological subtype were
      described using Kaplan-Meier methods. Within histological subtypes pathological
      stage, nodal invasion, soft tissue margins, age and gender were evaluated as
      predictors of cancer specific survival and overall survival using univariate Cox
      regression. RESULTS: Median followup was 44 months. Of 104 patient deaths 60 died
      of their disease. We did not find a statistically significant difference between
      survival curves of patients with squamous cell carcinoma and squamous
      differentiation (log rank overall survival p = 0.6, cancer specific survival p =
      0.17). Positive soft tissue margins were associated with worse cancer specific
      survival (HR 6.92, 95% CI 2.98-16.10, p <=0.0005) and overall survival (HR 3.68,
      95% CI 1.84-7.35, p <=0.0005) in patients with pure squamous cell carcinoma.
      Among patients with squamous differentiation, pelvic lymphadenopathy was
      associated with decreased overall survival (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.33-4.77, p = 0.004)
      and cancer specific survival (HR 3.23, 95% CI 1.57-6.67, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      There appears to be no evidence of a difference in cancer specific survival or
      overall survival between patients with squamous cell carcinoma and those with
      squamous differentiation treated with radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node
      dissection. Patients with squamous differentiation and tumor metastases to pelvic
      lymph nodes should be followed more closely, and adjuvant treatment should be
      considered to improve survival. Wide surgical resection is critical to achieve
      local tumor control and improve survival in patients with squamous cell
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22088333
TI  - Influence of renal excretory function on the performance of urine based markers
      to detect bladder cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: In hematuria cases urine based tests are used to detect bladder cancer,
      although the diagnostic yield remains insufficient due to influencing variables,
      including urinary tract infection. Many patients are elderly with renal
      insufficiency and have proteinuria as an additional influencing factor. To our
      knowledge no data are available on the accuracy of urine based bladder cancer
      tests in conjunction with renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples of
      449 patients with hematuria and histology were included in analysis. Cytology,
      fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunocytology and nuclear matrix protein 22
      assay were done. Renal function was classified as normal, impaired or severely
      impaired based on serum creatinine, the glomerular filtration rate and
      proteinuria. False-positive rates were statistically compared in regard to renal
      function. RESULTS: A total of 382 patients did not have bladder cancer. There was
      an increased false-positive rate for creatinine and the glomerular filtration
      rate. The nuclear matrix protein 22 test showed a 22.0% and 46.7% false-positive
      rate in the normal and limited function cohorts, respectively (p = 0.05). Similar
      trends were noted for proteinuria. Indeterminate significance was detected,
      separating those with severely impaired function for immunocytology and those in
      the normal group for fluorescence in situ hybridization (p = 0.08 and 0.06,
      respectively). Proteinuria was a significant factor for urine cytology with
      increased false-positive results in the absence of urinary tract infection (p =
      0.0017 and 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first
      study of renal function and the accuracy of urine based bladder cancer markers.
      Renal function influences the diagnostic yield. A decreased glomerular filtration
      rate was associated with increased false-positive nuclear matrix protein 22
      results while proteinuria decreased urine cytology specificity. Renal function
      should be considered when urine based bladder cancer tests are interpreted.

PMID- 22088334
TI  - Utilization trends at a multidisciplinary prostate cancer clinic: initial 5-year
      experience from the Duke Prostate Center.
AB  - PURPOSE: The multidisciplinary approach is becoming increasingly encouraged but
      little is known about the multidisciplinary experience compared to routine care.
      For patients with prostate cancer the goal is to provide evaluations by
      urologists, medical and radiation oncologists at a single visit. Although
      additional resources are required, this strategy may enhance the overall health
      care experience. We compared utilization determinants between a multidisciplinary
      and a urology prostate cancer clinic at Duke University Medical Center and
      identified factors associated with pursuing treatment at the university medical
      center for multidisciplinary clinic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed data on patients referred for primary prostate cancer
      treatment evaluation at Duke University Medical Center from 2005 to 2009.
      Comparisons between 701 multidisciplinary clinic and 1,318 urology prostate
      cancer clinic patients were examined with the rank sum and chi-square tests.
      Predictive factors for pursuing treatment at the university medical center were
      assessed using multivariate adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared to
      patients at the urology prostate cancer clinic those at the multidisciplinary
      clinic were more likely to be younger and white, have a higher income and travel
      a longer distance for evaluation. Of multidisciplinary clinic patients 58%
      pursued primary treatment at the university medical center. They were more likely
      to be younger, black and physician referred, have a lower income and reside
      closer to the medical center. Factors predictive of pursuing treatment at the
      medical center included high risk disease and physician referral. Factors
      predictive of not receiving care at the university medical center were income
      greater than $40,000 and a distance traveled of greater than 100 miles.
      CONCLUSIONS: A different patient demographic is using the multidisciplinary
      approach. However, when treatment is pursued at the institution providing
      multidisciplinary services, the patient demographic resembles that of the
      treating institution.

PMID- 22088335
TI  - Clinical and pathological features associated with prognosis in patients with
      papillary renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We determined the clinical and pathological features associated with
      death from papillary renal cell carcinoma in 395 surgically treated patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Papillary renal cell carcinoma tissue slides from each
      patient were reviewed for type (1 or 2), grade, TNM stage, coagulative tumor
      necrosis and sarcomatoid differentiation. Associations of clinical and
      pathological features with death from renal cell carcinoma were evaluated using
      Cox proportional hazards regression models and summarized by the HR and 95% CI.
      Cancer specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS:
      Univariate analysis revealed that symptoms, tumor thrombus, tumor size,
      perinephric/renal sinus fat invasion, 2010 primary tumor classification, regional
      lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, 2010 TNM stage group, grade, tumor
      necrosis, sarcomatoid differentiation and papillary renal cell carcinoma type
      were associated with death from renal cell carcinoma. Grade was more strongly
      associated with death from renal cell carcinoma than papillary renal cell
      carcinoma type. Multivariate analysis indicated that symptoms, 2010 TNM stage
      group and grade jointly were significantly associated with death from renal cell
      carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This large series of patients with papillary renal cell
      carcinoma reveals features associated with death from renal cell carcinoma and
      confirms that grade is more predictive of outcome than papillary renal cell
      carcinoma type.

PMID- 22088336
TI  - Incidental detection of renal cell carcinoma is an independent prognostic marker:
      results of a long-term, whole population study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The true effect of incidental detection on the survival of patients with
      renal cell carcinoma has been debated. We used centralized databases in Iceland
      to study prognostic factors of survival, focusing on the effect of incidental
      detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all living
      patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in Iceland from 1971 to 2005.
      Hospital charts and histology were reviewed. Incidentally diagnosed renal cell
      carcinomas were compared to symptomatic tumors and prognostic factors were
      evaluated using Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 910 patients 254
      (27.9%) were diagnosed incidentally, most often by abdominal ultrasound (29.5%)
      or computerized tomography (28.3%). The incidental detection rate increased from
      11.1% in 1971 through 1975 to 39.2% in 2001 through 2005 (p <0.001). During the
      same period the incidence increased significantly in males but in females only
      during the last 5 study years. Mortality remained unchanged for each gender.
      Incidentally detected tumors were an average of 2.6 cm smaller and diagnosed at
      lower stage and lower grade than symptomatic tumors. Age and histology were
      similar in each group. TNM stage was by far the strongest independent prognostic
      factor of survival but age, calendar year of diagnosis and ESR were also
      significant. After correcting for confounders patients with symptomatic renal
      cell carcinoma had worse survival than those diagnosed incidentally. CONCLUSIONS:
      With increased incidence and unchanged mortality the survival of patients with
      renal cell carcinoma has improved. This is mainly related to a steep increase in
      incidental detection. Incidental detection affects survival favorably and to a
      greater extent than can be explained by lower stage compared to the survival of
      patients diagnosed with symptoms.

PMID- 22088337
TI  - The population level prevalence and correlates of appropriate and inappropriate
      imaging to stage incident prostate cancer in the medicare population.
AB  - PURPOSE: According to guidelines most men with incident prostate cancer do not
      require staging imaging. We determined the population level prevalence and
      correlates of appropriate and inappropriate imaging in this cohort. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of men 66 to 85 years old who were
      diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and 2005 from the SEER (Surveillance,
      Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare database. Low risk (no prostate specific
      antigen greater than 10 ng/ml, Gleason score greater than 7 or clinical stage
      greater than T2) and high risk (1 or more of those features) groups were formed.
      Inappropriate imaging was defined as any imaging for men at low risk and
      appropriate imaging was defined as bone scan for men at high risk as well as
      pelvic imaging as appropriate. Logistic regression modeled imaging in each group.
      RESULTS: Of 18,491 men at low risk 45% received inappropriate imaging while only
      66% of 10,562 at high risk received appropriate imaging. For patients at low risk
      inappropriate imaging was associated with increasing clinical stage (T2 vs T1 OR
      1.35, 95% CI 1.27-1.44), higher Gleason score (7 vs less than 7 OR 1.80, 95% CI
      1.69-1.92), increasing age and comorbidity as well as decreasing education.
      Appropriate imaging for men at high risk was associated with lower stage (T4, T3
      and T2 vs T1 OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.48-0.82, OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.60-0.80 and OR 0.87,
      95% CI 0.80-0.86) and with higher Gleason score (greater than 8 and 7 vs less
      than 7 OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.92-2.48 and 1.51, 95% CI 1.35-1.70, respectively) as
      well as with younger age, white race, higher income, lower stage and more
      comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: We found poor adherence to imaging guidelines for men
      with incident prostate cancer. Understanding the patterns by which clinicians use
      imaging for prostate cancer should guide educational efforts as well as research
      to suggest evidence-based guideline improvements.

PMID- 22088338
TI  - Population based analysis of the increasing incidence of kidney cancer in the
      United States: evaluation of age specific trends from 1975 to 2006.
AB  - PURPOSE: An increase in kidney cancer was reported in the United States but
      overall rates may obscure trends in age specific groups. We explored whether the
      increase in kidney cancer incidence differs across age groups. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We ascertained the 63,843 incident renal cancer cases in SEER
      (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) cancer registries for 1975 to 2006.
      Yearly incidence rates of renal cancer were calculated and stratified by age
      group. Age specific trends in cancer diagnosis were evaluated by Poisson
      regression. RESULTS: From 1975 to 2006 the overall age adjusted renal cancer
      incidence increased 238% from 7.4/100,000 to 17.6/100,000 adults. From 1991 to
      2006 the mean age at diagnosis decreased from 64.7 to 62.7 years and the
      proportion of patients diagnosed before age 65 years increased from 45.9% to
      55.3%. Age specific incidence rates of renal cancer increased in all age groups
      from 1975 to 2006 (p <0.0001). However, the rates changed at different rates.
      Overall renal cancer diagnosis in the youngest age group (20 to 39 years)
      increased more quickly than all other age groups (p <0.0001). The renal cancer
      incidence in patients 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 years old increased more rapidly than
      in those 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 years old (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In the last 15
      years mean age at diagnosis of renal cancer has decreased. During our study
      period the most rapidly increasing kidney cancer incidence was seen in those
      younger than 40 and 60 to 79 years old. The renal cancer increase in younger
      patients should direct attention toward further evaluation of renal cancer risk
      factors.

PMID- 22088339
TI  - A nomogram to predict the duration of drainage in patients with penile cancer
      treated with inguinal lymph node dissection.
AB  - PURPOSE: We developed a nomogram to predict the duration of drainage in patients
      with penile cancer treated with inguinal lymph node dissection. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 111 groin basins in 56 patients who underwent radical
      inguinal lymph node dissection for penile cancer were retrospectively assessed.
      We retrieved the clinicopathological factors from the medical records including
      age, body mass index, albumin, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes,
      preoperative radiotherapy/chemotherapy, palpable lymph nodes, previous lymph node
      biopsy, total number of resected lymph nodes and ratio of positive lymph nodes.
      The criterion of drain removal was total drain output of 50 ml or less per day
      for 2 days starting from postoperative day 3. A multivariate Cox proportional
      hazards model was used to explore the risk factors of drainage duration and
      variable selection was performed according to Akaike's information criteria. A
      nomogram was built based on regression coefficients and internally validated with
      200 bootstrap resamples. RESULTS: Median postoperative drainage duration was 7
      days. The prediction model using pretreatment factors showed a concordance index
      of 0.55. With the addition of lymph node related variables a second model was
      constructed which produced a better concordance index (0.65) and good
      calibration. On multivariate analysis young age, high body mass index, total
      number of resected lymph nodes and ratio of positive lymph nodes were independent
      predictors of prolonged lymphatic drainage. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of readily
      obtained clinicopathological variables we developed a nomogram to predict the
      duration of lymphatic drainage which, if externally validated, could be helpful
      for patient consultation, treatment decision making and clinical trial design.

PMID- 22088341
TI  - Urological manifestations of sarcoidosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe the urological manifestations of sarcoidosis and how the
      disease may affect the management of multiple urological conditions. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We performed a PubMed(r) search using the query sarcoidosis and
      multiple urological terms. RESULTS: Sarcoidosis is a disease that has variable
      manifestations. There is often genitourinary involvement that is clinically
      silent. However, sarcoidosis may cause symptoms, such as nephrolithiasis, which
      are sometimes the first manifestation of the disease. Renal function may be
      affected, and appropriate recognition and treatment may avert progressive
      functional decline. The presence of sarcoidosis may also confound the diagnosis
      and staging of various urological malignancies, particularly renal and testicular
      carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists should be aware of the urological
      manifestations of sarcoidosis to avoid misdiagnoses and the over staging of
      urological cancers, and to identify when it is an underlying cause of
      nephrolithiasis or obstructive uropathy.

PMID- 22088340
TI  - High dose brachytherapy as monotherapy for intermediate risk prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated our retrospective, single institution experience with high
      dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for intermediate risk prostate cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our cohort included 284 patients with intermediate risk
      prostate cancer, defined as clinical stage T2b/T2c, Gleason score 7 and/or
      prostate specific antigen 10 to 20 ng/ml, and 1-year minimum followup. Treatment
      was 2 high dose rate brachytherapy sessions at 3 fractions of 6.5 Gy each for a
      mean of 19 days. Prostate specific antigen failure was defined as nadir +2 ng/ml.
      RESULTS: Mean followup was 35.1 months (median 31.9). Actuarial 5-year cause
      specific survival and clinical local control were 100%, distant-metastasis-free
      survival 98.8% and biochemical disease-free survival 94.4%. Clinical stage
      predicted biochemical disease-free survival. For stage T2a or less 5-year
      biochemical disease-free survival was 95.1% vs 100% for stage T2b and 77.4% for
      T2c (p = 0.012). Percent positive biopsy cores and prostate specific antigen
      nadir were also predictive. International Prostate Symptom Score results remained
      stable and potency was maintained in 82.6% of patients at 2 years. Pads were used
      for the first time after brachytherapy in 22 patients (7.7%), mostly for grade 1
      incontinence (occasionally or less per week). Excluding patients with prior
      transurethral prostatectomy, stroke or tremor 2.5% used pads for the first time
      after treatment. No patient had urethral stricture. Radiation Therapy Oncology
      Group grade 1 rectal toxicity developed in 12 patients (4.2%) but not beyond
      grade 1. CONCLUSIONS: High dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy is safe and
      effective for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. We recommend
      caution for percent positive biopsy cores exceeding 75% or clinical stage T2c.
      Excluding such patients the 5-year biochemical disease-free survival rate was
      97.5%.

PMID- 22088342
TI  - A systematic review of the quality of evidence of ablative therapy for small
      renal masses.
AB  - PURPOSE: We critically assessed the methodological and reporting quality of
      published studies of ablative techniques for small renal masses. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We performed a systematic PubMed(r) and EMBASE(r) literature search from
      January 1966 to March 2010 to identify all full text, original research
      publications on ablative therapy for renal masses. Six reviewers working
      independently in 3 teams performed duplicate data abstraction using Strengthening
      the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria, which were pilot
      tested in a separate sample. RESULTS: A total of 117 original research
      publications published in a 15-year period (1995 to 2009) met eligibility
      criteria. No randomized, controlled trials were identified. All studies were
      observational and 88.9% had 1 arm with no comparison group. Median sample size
      was 18 patients (IQR 5.5, 40.0) and 53.8% of studies included 20 or fewer
      patients. Median followup was 14.0 months (IQR 8.0, 23.8) and only 19.7% of
      studies had an average followup of greater than 24 months. Of the studies 20.5%
      mentioned the number of operators involved and only 6.0% provided information on
      their experience level. Of the studies 66.7% addressed the recurrence rate.
      Disease specific and overall survival was reported in only 15.4% and 16.2% of
      studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The published literature on the therapeutic
      efficacy of ablative therapy for renal masses is largely limited to uncontrolled,
      1-arm observational studies. In the absence of higher quality evidence ablative
      therapy outside research studies should be limited to select patients who are not
      candidates for surgical intervention.

PMID- 22088343
TI  - Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis in twin sisters.
AB  - PURPOSE: We determined the genetic contribution of and associated factors for
      bladder pain syndrome using an identical twin model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Multiple questionnaires were administered to adult identical twin sister pairs.
      The O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index was administered
      to identify individuals at risk for bladder pain syndrome. Potential associated
      factors were modeled against the bladder pain syndrome score with the twin pair
      as a random effect of the factor on the bladder pain syndrome score. Variables
      that showed a significant relationship with the bladder pain syndrome score were
      entered into a multivariable model. RESULTS: In this study 246 identical twin
      sister pairs (total 492) participated with a mean age (+/- SD) of 40.3 +/- 17
      years. Of these women 45 (9%) were identified as having a moderate or high risk
      of bladder pain syndrome (index score greater than 13). There were 5 twin sets
      (2%) in which both twins met the criteria. Correlation of bladder pain syndrome
      scores within twin pairs was estimated at 0.35, suggesting a genetic contribution
      to bladder pain syndrome. Multivariable analysis revealed that increasing age
      (estimate 0.46 [95% CI 0.2, 0.7]), irritable bowel syndrome (1.8 [0.6, 3.7]),
      physical abuse (2.5 [0.5, 4.1]), frequent headaches (1.6 [0.6, 2.8]), multiple
      drug allergies (1.5 [0.5, 2.7]) and number of self-reported urinary tract
      infections in the last year (8.2 [4.7, 10.9]) were significantly associated with
      bladder pain syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder pain syndrome scores within twin
      pairs were moderately correlated, implying some genetic component. Increasing
      age, irritable bowel syndrome, frequent headaches, drug allergies, self-reported
      urinary tract infections and physical abuse were factors associated with higher
      bladder pain syndrome scores.

PMID- 22088344
TI  - The impact of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor C
      immunoexpression on the prognosis of penile carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We assessed the influence of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelium
      growth factor-C immunoexpression on groin metastasis and cancer survival, and
      their association with histological variables in patients with penile carcinoma.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the histological and cyclooxygenase
      2/vascular endothelium growth factor-C immunohistochemical profiles of patients
      with penile carcinoma treated at a single institution between 2001 and 2008.
      Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the impact of
      histological and immunohistochemical markers on the risk of inguinal metastasis
      and on cancer survival. Survival analysis of relevant variables was also done.
      RESULTS: Of the 127 patients enrolled 76 and 30 had positive cyclooxygenase-2 and
      vascular endothelium growth factor-C immunoexpression, respectively. Univariate
      analysis identified an association between vascular endothelium growth factor-C
      immunoexpression and groin metastasis, and certain histological variables.
      Logistic regression showed that high tumor grade, Jackson stage and vascular
      endothelium growth factor-C immunoexpression were independent predictors of
      inguinal metastasis. Cancer survival was only influenced by advanced Jackson
      stage and groin metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that vascular
      endothelium growth factor-C expression may help identify patients with an
      unfavorable clinical course of penile carcinoma. Cyclooxygenase-2 did not alter
      the risk of groin metastasis or cancer death. Inguinal disease and advanced
      Jackson stage were independent prognostic factors for worse cancer survival.

PMID- 22088345
TI  - Penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: pro.

PMID- 22088346
TI  - Varicoceles and treatment of infertility--have we made any progress?

PMID- 22088347
TI  - Pediatric urology: a "grown-up" subspecialty.

PMID- 22088348
TI  - The usefulness of prostate cancer genome-wide association studies.

PMID- 22088349
TI  - To V(CUG) or not to V(CUG)--can we answer the question?

PMID- 22088350
TI  - Accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy for inguinal lymph node staging of penile
      squamous cell carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is emerging as a promising method for
      inguinal lymph node staging of penile squamous cell carcinoma. In the current
      systematic review we evaluated the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy for
      inguinal lymph node staging of penile squamous cell carcinoma and studied
      possible influential factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE(r), Scopus(r),
      ISI(r), Ovid SP(r), Springer, ScienceDirect(r) and GoogleTM Scholar were searched
      by the key words "(penile OR penis) AND sentinel". No date or language limitation
      was imposed on the search and meeting abstracts were not excluded from analysis.
      A random effects model was used for statistical pooling. RESULTS: A total of 17
      studies suitable for meta-analysis were detected. Three articles had 2 different
      subgroups of patients and each subgroup was considered as a separate study.
      Overall 18 studies (including the subgroups) were used for detection rate meta
      analysis and 19 for sensitivity meta-analysis. The pooled detection rate was
      88.3% (95% CI 81.9-92.6). Pooled detection rate of 90.1% (95% CI 83.6-94.1) was
      calculated for the studies using blue dye and radiotracer. The pooled sensitivity
      was 88% (95% CI 83-92). The highest pooled sensitivity (92% [95% CI 86-96]) was
      in the studies using radiotracer and blue dye, and recruiting only cN0 cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel lymph node mapping in penile squamous cell carcinoma is a
      method with a high detection rate and sensitivity. Using radiotracer and blue dye
      for sentinel lymph node mapping and including only cN0 disease ensures the
      highest detection rate and sensitivity.

PMID- 22088351
TI  - Determination of free desmosine and isodesmosine as urinary biomarkers of lung
      disorder using ultra performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The elastin degradation products, desmosine (DES) and isodesmosine (IDES) are
      highly stable, cross-linking amino-acids that are unique to mature elastin. The
      excretion of DES/IDES in urine, in the free form and with associated peptide
      fragments, provides an indicator of lung damage in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD). A quantitative ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) method has
      been developed for the analysis of free DES/IDES in urine with deuterated IDES as
      an internal standard. Resolution of DES/IDES isomers was achieved in less than
      five minutes using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) combined with
      ion pairing. The optimized UPLC-IM-MS method provided a linear dynamic range of
      10-300 ng/mL and a limit of quantitation of 0.028 ng/mL for IDES and 0.03 ng/mL
      for DES (0.55 ng and 0.61 ng on column respectively). The method reproducibility
      (%RSD) was <4% for DES and IDES. The UPLC-IM-MS method was applied to the
      analysis of urine samples obtained from healthy volunteers and COPD patients. The
      DES/IDES concentrations in healthy and COPD urine showed an increase in DES (79%)
      and IDES (74%) in the COPD samples, relative to healthy controls. The
      incorporation of an IM separation prior to m/z measurement by MS was shown to
      reduce non-target ion responses from the bio-fluid matrix.

PMID- 22088352
TI  - Surrogate based accurate quantification of endogenous acetylcholine in murine
      brain by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Cholinergic dysfunction is known as a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). Measurement of endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) in specific brain regions is
      important in understanding the pathology of AD and in designing and evaluating
      novel cholinomimetic agents for the treatment of AD. Since ACh is an endogenous
      neurotransmitter, there is no real blank matrix available to construct standard
      curves. It has been a challenging task to determine ACh in complex brain
      matrices. To overcome these difficulties, we employed a surrogate analyte
      strategy using ACh-d(4) instead of ACh to generate calibration curves and Ch-d(9)
      as internal standard (IS). The brain samples were deproteinized by acetonitrile
      with IS. Analytes and IS were separated by a HILIC column with the mobile phase
      composed of 20 mM ammonium formate in water-acetonitrile (30:70, v/v, adjusted to
      pH 3.0 with formic acid) and monitored in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode
      using a positive electrospray source. The concentrations of endogenous ACh were
      calculated based on the peak area ratio of the analyte to the IS using a
      regression equation for the corresponding surrogate standard (ACh-d(4)). The
      lower limit of detection was 0.2 ng/mL and linearity was maintained over the
      range of 10-1000 ng/mL. Compared to other currently available methods, this
      approach offers improved accuracy and precision for efficient analysis of ACh.
      The proposed method was proved successfully by evaluating the action of typical
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in senescence accelerated mouse prone
      8 (SAMP8).

PMID- 22088353
TI  - Extractive ethoxycarbonylation in high-temperature gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry based analysis of serum estrogens.
AB  - A comprehensive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based profiling was
      developed as a practical assay for quantification of 18 endogenous estrogens in
      serum samples. The present GC-MS method was conducted with the two-phase
      extractive ethoxycarbonlyation (EOC) of the phenolic hydroxy groups of estrogen
      with ethyl chlorformate combined with the non-polar n-hexane extraction. The
      subsequent perfluoroacylation of aliphatic hydroxy groups with
      pentafluoropropionyl anhydride (PFPA) was conducted. The serum samples were
      separated through a high temperature GC column (MXT-1) within an 8-min run and
      analyzed in selected-ion monitoring mode with good chromatographic properties for
      18 estrogens as their EOC-PFP derivatives. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was
      0.025-0.10 ng/mL for most estrogens analyzed except for E3 and 2-OH-E3 (0.5 ng/mL
      each). The devised method was found to be linear over a 10(3)-fold concentration
      range with a correlation coefficient (r(2)>0.992), whereas the precision (% CV)
      and accuracy (% bias) ranged from 3.1 to 16.3% and from 93.5 to 111.1%,
      respectively. Decreased 2-methoxy-17beta-estradiol levels were confirmed in
      patients with preeclampsia than healthy pregnant women. This technique can be
      used for a clinical diagnosis as well as understanding the pathogenesis in
      estrogen-related disorders.

PMID- 22088354
TI  - Lewisite metabolites detection in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A sensitive and simple method for the quantification and for the detection of 2
      chlorovinylarsonous (CVAA) and 2-chlorovinylarsonic (CVAOA) acids was developed.
      CVAA and CVOA are important biological markers in human and rat urine specific to
      lewisite (chlorovinylarsonous chloride compounds) exposure. The developed assay
      was based on the use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid
      chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization (negative ion-mode) low-energy
      collision dissociation-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-CID-MS/MS). The method
      demonstrated linearity over at least three orders of magnitude and had a
      detection limit (LOD) of 0.5 ng/ml for CVAA and 3 ng/ml for CVAOA. The relative
      standard deviations for the quality control samples ranged from 6 to 11%.
      Application of this procedure was demonstrated in the lewisite animals exposure
      model. Rats were exposed intravenously by no lethal doses of lewisite and markers
      levels in urine samples were analyzed for 21 days post-exposure.

PMID- 22088355
TI  - Selection of the derivatization reagent--the case of human blood cholesterol, its
      precursors and phytosterols GC-MS analyses.
AB  - Phytosterols (PS; beta-sitosterol and campesterol) and cholesterol precursors
      (CP; desmosterol and lathosterol) have been suggested as important biochemical
      markers of cholesterol intestinal absorption and liver biosynthesis,
      respectively. Given that these compounds appear in human blood in low amounts,
      sensitive and accurate methodology is required, such as gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS) the most frequently used. One of the most critical factors
      of the GC analytical determination is the step of derivatization. Thus, the main
      objective of the present study was compare and select the better (one out of
      three) silylation mixtures as follows: N-methyl-N-(tert
      butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide/ammonium iodide (MTBSTFA:NH(4)I), N-O-bis
      (trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide/trimethylchlorosilane (BSTFA:TMCS), and N
      methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide/1,4
      dithioerythritol/trimethyliodosilane (MSTFA:DTE:TMIS). The results of this study
      are discussed and accompanied by a brief review on the importance and principles
      of derivatization process, specifically in silylation reactions in GC-MS sterols
      analyses. Furthermore, a scrutiny of some published results is presented, along
      with additional information about mass spectral data of these potentially useful
      compounds. Interestingly, the results of the study showed that from the three
      validated methodologies, the selected one, based on the best relation
      specificity/sensibility, is MSTFA:DTE:TMIS. With this silylation procedure for
      simultaneous determination of PS and CP in human serum by GC-MS in selected ion
      monitoring (SIM) mode, good linearity (r(2)>=0.931), precision (repeatability
      ranging from 0.92 to 3.91 CV and intermediate precision ranging from 5.12 to
      6.33) and recoveries (>=93.6%) were obtained. Thus, it proved to be a helpful
      methodology in the quantification of predominant serum cholesterol origin in each
      patient.

PMID- 22088356
TI  - [Efficacy of intravitreal injections of ranibizumab compared to visudyne
      phototherapy in myopic choroidal neovascularization associated with high myopia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the first cause of CNV
      in young patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of
      intravitreal injections (IVT) of ranibizumab with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in
      this indication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective comparative study analyzing
      the visual acuity (VA) outcomes of CNV myopic patients treated with either IVT or
      PDT. RESULTS: Twenty-seven eyes of 25 patients were treated with PDT (group 1)
      and 18 eyes of 17 patients were treated with IVT of ranibizumab (group 2).
      Demographic data were similar in the two groups. The median initial VA was 20/80
      for group 1 and 20/160 for group 2 (P=0.37). At 1 year, the median VA was 20/80
      for group 1 (P=0.32) and 20/63 for group 2 (P=0.04). A significant improvement in
      VA was observed in 23.1% and in 27.3% of cases in groups 1 and 2, respectively
      (P=0.53). A significant VA worsening was observed in 34.6% of cases in group 1
      and in 9.1% of cases in group 2 (P=0.21). CONCLUSION: IVT of ranibizumab compared
      to PDT treatment showed greater efficacy in this study.

PMID- 22088357
TI  - Rapid and high resolution genotyping of all Escherichia coli serotypes using 10
      genomic repeat-containing loci.
AB  - Our laboratory has previously published two multiple-locus variable-number tandem
      repeats analysis (MLVA) methods for rapid genotyping of Escherichia coli (E.
      coli), which are now in routine use for surveillance and outbreak detection. The
      first assay developed was specific for E. coli O157:H7; however this assay was
      not suitable for genotyping other E. coli serotypes. A new generic MLVA-assay was
      then developed with the capability of genotyping all E. coli serotypes. This
      generic E. coli MLVA (GECM7) was based on polymorphism in seven variable number
      of tandem repeats (VNTR) loci. GECM7 worked well with the majority of E. coli
      serotypes; however we wanted to increase the resolution for this method based in
      part of comparison with PFGE typing of E. coli O26:H11, where PFGE appeared to
      display higher resolution. The GECM7 method was improved by adding three new
      repeat-loci to a total of ten (GECM10), and a considerable increase in resolution
      was observed (from 296 to 507 genotypes on the same set of strains).

PMID- 22088358
TI  - Inactivation of Alternaria brassicicola spores by supercritical carbon dioxide
      with ethanol entrainer.
AB  - Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) was used to inactivate fungal spores of
      Alternaria brassicicola. The inactivation conditions were optimized using
      response surface methodology (RSM). When the SC-CO(2)-entrainer (ethanol) system
      was applied to fungal spores, the treatment time required for the complete
      inactivation of fungal spores was substantially reduced.

PMID- 22088359
TI  - Comparative evaluation of surgical outcome after removal of impacted mandibular
      third molars using a Piezotome or a conventional handpiece: a prospective study.
AB  - Our aim was to compare the use of a conventional rotary handpiece and a
      Piezosurgical unit for extraction of lower third molars. We studied 40 patients,
      who were allocated alternately to have the third molar removed with either the
      handpiece or the Piezosurgical unit. Pain, trismus, and oedema were evaluated at
      baseline and then postoperatively, together with paraesthesiae, on postoperative
      days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 15. Damage to surrounding tissue was checked on the same day
      whereas dry socket was evaluated from postoperative day 3 onwards. More patients
      complained of pain in the conventional group, they also required more analgesics,
      and they developed trismus more often than in the Piezosurgery group. There was
      also significantly more postoperative swelling in the conventional group.
      Patients were also evaluated using the subjective Postoperative Symptom Severity
      (PoSSe) scale. Our results suggest that apart from some inherent limitations with
      the Piezotome, it is a valuable alternative for extraction of third molars.

PMID- 22088360
TI  - Clinical and radiological observation in a surgical series of 36 cases of fibrous
      dysplasia of the skull.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical and radiological findings in a consecutive
      series of patients diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia of the skull. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis of collected data for 36 patients with
      histopathologically confirmed fibrous dysplasia involving the skull is presented.
      The demographic data, clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics, and
      the management of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: All 36 patients in this
      review were diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia involving at least part of the
      skull. In this study, the most commonly involved area of the skull was the
      frontal bone (52.78% of patients). The next most common area of skull was the
      temporal bone (30.56% of patients), followed by the sphenoid bone (25% of
      patients), the parietal bone (19.44% of patients), and orbital bone (13.89% of
      patients). The principal clinical presentation included headache, local lump,
      exophthalmos, visual disorder, cranial nerve paralysis, and facial malformation.
      These patients were treated by surgical treatment, and several of our patients
      underwent various degrees of reconstruction to optimize function. CONCLUSIONS:
      Effective surgical treatment may improve the short-term outcome in these
      patients, and a "tailored" surgical approach is necessary.

PMID- 22088361
TI  - Patients with migraine correctly estimate the visual verticality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We wanted to study otolith function by measuring the static subjective
      visual vertical (SVV) in migraine patients and in controls with and without
      kinetosis (motion sickness). METHODS AND MATERIAL: Forty-seven patients with
      moderately severe migraine and 96 healthy controls were enrolled. Using a
      questionnaire, persons with kinetosis were identified. The SVV test was performed
      in a totally dark room. Subjects wore a stiffneck to stabilize the head in an
      erect position. They were required to adjust an infrared line to the
      gravitational vertical with a hand-held infrared remote controlled potentiometer.
      RESULTS: The deviation of SVV in the group of migraine patients was not
      significantly different from that of controls, regardless of whether an aura was
      associated. SVV was not significantly influenced by the presence of dizziness/non
      specific vertigo or kinetosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderately severe
      migraine under prophylactic medication correctly estimate the visual verticality
      in the headache-free period. It is suggested that a deviation of SVV in a
      headache-free migraine patient may not be attributed to his migraine disorder as
      such regardless whether kinetosis is associated.

PMID- 22088362
TI  - Preliminary findings of the effects of autonomic dysfunction on functional
      outcome after acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impaired autonomic function is common in the acute
      poststroke phase but little is known about its effects on functional outcome
      after acute ischemic stroke. This study sought to investigate the impact of
      autonomic dysfunction by Ewing's classification on functional outcome 2 months
      after acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: 34 consecutive acute ischemic stroke
      patients within 7 days after onset were enrolled. On admission, autonomic
      function was assessed by Ewing's battery tests. Stroke severity was assessed by
      the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), autonomy in activities of
      daily living by the Barthel Index (BI), and global disability by the modified
      Rankin Scale (mRS). BI and mRS were also evaluated 2 months after ischemic stroke
      onset. RESULTS: On admission, eight patients were diagnosed as minor autonomic
      dysfunction and 26 patients as relatively severe autonomic dysfunction. The
      prevalence of relatively severe autonomic dysfunction in ischemic stroke patients
      was 76.5%. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics
      between the minor and severe autonomic dysfunction groups. 2 months after stroke
      onset, the mean BI score of patients with minor autonomic dysfunction and severe
      autonomic dysfunction increased from 76.3+/-15.3 on admission to 95.0+/-7.1,
      66.5+/-15.2 on admission to 74.8+/-15.9 respectively. The mean BI score after 2
      month stroke onset and the change in BI from admission to 2-month outcome (delta
      BI) in patients with severe autonomic dysfunction were lower than those in
      patients with minor autonomic dysfunction (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic
      dysfunction occurs in acute stroke patients. Relatively severe autonomic
      dysfunction is related to an unfavorable functional outcome in patients with
      acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22088363
TI  - A grid-like hemi-field defect following a lacunar infarct in the lateral
      geniculate nucleus.

PMID- 22088364
TI  - Open vertebroplasty in the treatment of spinal metastatic disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastatic spine tumors can cause vertebral body (VB) osteolysis,
      microfractures, and/or compression fractures, and requires restabilization of the
      VB. Curative or curettage surgery, such as vertebrectomy and reconstruction, is
      currently the main method of treatment. In certain situations however, such as a
      patient's poor condition, multi-level involvement, or a limited life expiration,
      major surgery is not recommended. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new method of open
      vertebroplasty (OVP) in the treatment of VB metastasis and to investigate the
      indications for, limitations of, and the result of this new procedure. METHODS:
      Between May 2007 and May 2010, the authors treated 18 patients with VB metastasis
      disease by OVP. Patients consisted of 12 men and 6 women with a mean age of 53
      years. All patients suffered severe back pain preoperatively (mean VAS score of
      6.82). Spinal cord compression resulted in eight and isolated radicular
      compression occurred in three of the 18 patients. In these 18 patients, 28
      vertebral levels were treated: three levels in 3 patients; two levels in 4
      patients; and one level in the remaining 11 patients. OVP was used accompanied by
      vertebral fixation or medullary compression. RESULTS: The mean duration of the
      OVP procedure was 37 min. Blood loss ranged from 50 to 150 ml. In all patients,
      pain improved within seven days after the intervention, and the mean VAS score
      decreased to 2.31. Patients who suffered from neurological dysfunction
      preoperatively improved in Frankel degree (the result of spinal cord
      decompression). Most patients reached an excellent score, according to the
      Modified MacNab Criteria. Postoperative radiography revealed cement leaks into
      pulmonary veins in one case. After OVP or PVP, all patients underwent
      radiotherapy or chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: OVP has a comprehensive application in
      metastasis spinal column disease, being easily performed and accompanied by few
      complications. Importantly, this procedure allows decompression of the spinal
      cord and consolidation of the VB, thus stabilizing the vertebral column. Results
      from the clinic demonstrate that patients experience pain relief and neural
      function recovery following the OVP procedure.

PMID- 22088365
TI  - Association of total body and visceral fat mass with iron deficiency in
      preadolescents: the Healthy Growth Study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of obesity,
      percentage body fat and visceral fat mass with body Fe status in a representative
      sample of 1493 schoolchildren aged 9-13 years. Anthropometric, body composition,
      biochemical, clinical (Tanner stage, age of menarche) and dietary intake data
      were collected. Fe deficiency (ID) was defined as transferrin saturation (TS) <
      16 %; and Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) as ID with Hb < 120 g/l. Obese boys and
      girls and those in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat mass had
      significantly higher levels of serum ferritin (P <= 0.05) compared to their
      normal-weight peers and those in the corresponding lowest quartiles. Similarly,
      obese boys and girls and those in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat
      and visceral fat mass had significantly lower levels of TS (P <= 0.05) compared
      to normal-weight children and those in the corresponding lowest quartiles. The
      prevalence of ID and IDA was significantly higher in boys and girls in the
      highest quartiles of percentage body fat than in peers in the lowest quartile.
      Higher quartiles of percentage body fat and visceral fat mass were the main
      significant predictors of ID in boys, after controlling for other important
      confounders, with OR of 2.48 (95 % CI, 1.26, 4.88) and 2.12 (95 % CI, 1.07,
      4.19), respectively. Similar significant associations were observed for girls. In
      conclusion, percentage body fat and visceral fat mass were positively associated
      with ID in both sexes of preadolescents. These associations might be attributed
      to the chronic inflammation induced by excess adiposity.

PMID- 22088367
TI  - [Molecular pathology of multifocal prostate cancer and its clinical application].

PMID- 22088366
TI  - Creativity and bipolar disorder: touched by fire or burning with questions?
AB  - Substantial literature has linked bipolar disorder with creative accomplishment.
      Much of the thinking in this area has been inspired by biographical accounts of
      poets, musicians, and other highly accomplished groups, which frequently document
      signs of bipolar disorder in these samples. A smaller literature has examined
      quantitative measures of creativity among people with bipolar disorder or at risk
      for the disorder. In this paper, we provide a critical review of such evidence.
      We then consider putative mechanisms related to the link of bipolar disorder with
      creativity, by drawing on literature outside of bipolar disorder on personality,
      motivational, and affective predictors of creativity. Because so little research
      has directly evaluated whether these factors could help explain the elevations of
      creativity in bipolar disorder, we conclude with an agenda for future research on
      the theoretically and clinically compelling topic of creativity in bipolar
      disorder.

PMID- 22088368
TI  - [Clinical and pathologic features of renal mucinous tubular and spindle cell
      carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and pathological features of the mucinous
      tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney. METHODS: Seven cases of
      MTSCC were analyzed by gross examination and light microscopy. Immunostaining was
      performed to detect the expression of CD10, CK7, CK18, CK19, Villin, EMA, P504S
      and vimentin. The literature on this tumor was reviewed to discuss the
      histological features of MTSCC and its clinical behavior. RESULTS: Three of 7
      cases were male and the other 4 were female. The mean age of the patients was
      48.2 years old, with a range from 39 to 61 years. All the patients presented no
      symptom and their tumors were found by health examination. Tumors averaged 5.5 cm
      in greatest dimension (range from 4.0 cm to 9.0 cm). The tumors were well
      circumscribed without capsules, and the cut surfaces were solid and soft with
      white-tan color. By light microscopy, tumors were composed of tightly packed,
      small, elongated tubules with transitions to spindle cell components. Five cases
      had mucinous stroma. Clear cell clusters, focal sarcomatoid differentiation,
      papillations and foamy macrophages were seen in several cases.
      Immunohistochemically, all 7 cases showed positive for CK7, five of 5 cases
      positive for EMA, CK18 and P504S, four of 5 cases positive for CK19, but
      heterogeneous for CD10, villin and vimentin expression. No evidence of local
      recurrence or distant metastases was identified in the 5 patients with follow-up
      information. CONCLUSIONS: The mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma is a
      low-grade and polymorphic neoplasm. The morphology of these tumors may not be
      uniform with a wide histological spectrum. The tumors can be tubular predominant
      or spindle cells predominant with scant to abundant mucinous stroma, which
      coupled with the presence of other unusual features such as clear cells,
      papillations, foamy macrophages, necrosis and sarcomatoid differentiation.
      Immunohistochemically, MTSCC can express the markers from the proximal convoluted
      tubules to collecting tubules.

PMID- 22088369
TI  - [Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of kidney: a clinicopathological
      study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological features, histogenesis and
      prognosis of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC). METHODS: Five
      MTSCCs were studied with histochemical, immunohistochemical staining, electron
      microscopy, and review of the related literatures. RESULTS: Four cases of MTSCC
      were females and one was male. Three patients presented with flank discomfort and
      two were incidentally found with health examination. In gross examination, the
      tumors were circumscribed. The cut surface was solid, gray-white, yellow or red.
      Necrosis was present in one case of high-grade MTSCC. Microscopically, low-grade
      MTSCC was mainly consisted of tubular, spindle cell and mucinous stroma with
      relatively bland morphology, and mitoses were rare. While in the high-grade area
      of one case, the cells were spindle or polymorphic with severe atypia and high
      mitotic activity, without mucinous stroma and tubular structure. Mucin was
      positive for Alcian blue. The neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin (5/5),
      CKpan (5/5), CK7 (5/5), CK19 (5/5), 34betaE12 (1/5), EMA (5/5), E-cadherin (3/5),
      CD10 (1/5), P504S (5/5), and CAM5.2 (5/5). The Ki-67 index was low (< or = 5%) in
      the low-grade component, while it was high (15%) in the high-grade component.
      Ultrastructural study showed short microvilli along glandular lumens. The nuclear
      membrane was focally invaginated. Four cases were followed up for 3 to 52 months,
      and recurrence and metastasis were not found. CONCLUSIONS: MTSCC occurs
      predominantly in females and it is a rare kidney neoplasm. Most of MTSCCs are low
      grade and the prognosis is relatively good. However, the patients of high-grade
      MTSCC should be closely followed up.

PMID- 22088370
TI  - [Correlation of 53BP1 gene mutation with prostatic adenocarcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of 53BP1 gene mutations in prostatic
      adenocarcinoma and benign prostatic hypertrophy, and to analyze the relationship
      between 53BP1 mutations and prostatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Genomic DNA
      extraction, PCR amplification and gene sequencing were used to detect the
      occurrence of 53BP1 gene mutations in 50 cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Ten
      cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy were included as controls. RESULTS: Amongst
      the 50 cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma studied, 15 showed genetic alterations
      of 53BP1, including 4 cases with single nucleotide polymorphism. The mutation
      rate was 24.0% (12/50). Seven of the 53BP1 mutations detected represented
      missense mutations and none of them were situated in functionally important
      domains. The other 4 were synonymous mutations, in which c. 4760G > T was
      situated in Tudor domain. There was no obvious correlation between 53BP1 gene
      mutations and the various clinicopathologic parameters of prostate adenocarcinoma
      (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Certain percentage of prostatic adenocarcinoma harbors
      53BP1 mutations which may be involved in the carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22088371
TI  - [Relationship between miR-218 and CDK6 expression and their biological impact on
      glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the expression of miR-218 and
      CDK6 in glioma cells, and their biological impacts on the tumor cell
      proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: Expression levels of miR-218 as well as
      CDK6 and Ki-67 proteins were analyzed in 60 cases of gliomas with various grades
      and 10 control brain tissue samples by tissue microarray, locked oligonucleotide
      probe in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Glioblastoma multiform cell
      line (U87MG) was transfected with miR-218 mimics (mimics group) and a control
      sequence (control group), followed by qRT-PCR detection of miR-218 and
      immunocytochemical stain of CDK6 and Ki-67, respectively. Single cell gel
      electrophoresis was used to detect the presence of apoptotic cell. RESULTS: The
      miR-218 labeling indexes (LI) were statistically different (P<0.05) among all
      groups including control (22.45 +/- 0.59) and various glioma groups (grades I -
      II 4.00 +/- 1.07, grade III 1.87 +/- 1.06 and grade IV 0.94 +/- 0.78,
      respectively). The CDK6 LI of the four groups was 7.25 +/- 1.20, 16.71 +/- 0.80,
      24.43 +/- 0.62 and 32.05 +/- 0.43, respectively. Significant differences existed
      between the control group and the glioma groups, and between grade IV and grades
      I - II glioma groups (P<0.01). Ki-67 positive cell densities of the above four
      groups (0.00 +/- 0.00, 9.30 +/- 3.48, 31.15 +/- 9.44 and 60.15 +/- 13.60) were
      significantly different from one and another (P<0.01). The expression of miR-218
      negatively correlated with CDK-6 LI (r = -0.480, P<0. 01) and Ki-67 positive cell
      density (r = - 0.534, P<0.01), while the latter two positively correlated with
      each other (r = 0.530, P<0.01). U87MG transfection experiment showed that the miR
      218 level of the mimics group was significantly higher than that of the control
      group (P<0.01). CDK6 and Ki-67 LI of the mimics group (14.74 +/- 1.19 and 30.88
      +/- 3.31) were significantly lower than those of the control group (79.06 +/-
      2.07 and 64.94 +/- 3.96, P<0.01), whilst its apoptotic index (AI) (68.44 +/-
      7.05) was significantly higher than that of the control group (13.04 +/- 0.97,
      P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The expression level of miR-218 is an important reference
      indicator for the assessment of the grade of gliomas. An aberrant decrease of its
      expression may lead to an increase of the CDK6 expression and proliferative
      activity of giloma cells. Introducing exogenous miR-218 may effectively down
      regulate the CDK6 expression, inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of
      malignant giloma cells. These findings imply that miR-218 may serve as a
      therapeutic agent against malignant glioma.

PMID- 22088372
TI  - [Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis: an immunohistochemical and gene
      rearrangement study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the immunophenotype and gene rearrangement pattern of
      pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis. METHODS: Nine cases of pulmonary
      lymphomatoid granulomatosis, included 5 cases of open lung biopsy, 3 cases of
      lobectomy specimen and 1 case of autopsy, were retrospectively analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA,
      immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies. RESULTS: The age
      of patients ranged from 3 to 59 years. The male-to-female ratio was 3: 6.
      Histologically, all cases showed lymphocytic infiltration surrounding the blood
      vessels and in the perivascular areas. Most of these lymphoid cells expressed T
      cell marker CD3. There were also variable numbers of CD20-positive B cells. The
      staining for CD56 was negative. According to the WHO classification, there were 4
      cases of grade I , 1 case of grade II and 4 cases of grade III lesions. Six cases
      had gene rearrangement studies performed and 3 of them demonstrated clonal
      immunoglobulin gene rearrangement (including 1 of the grade II and 2 of the grade
      III lesions). No T-cell receptor gene rearrangement was detected. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis may represent a heterogeneous group of
      lymphoproliferative disorders. Some of the cases show B-cell immunophenotype and
      clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, especially the grade II and grade
      lesions. They are likely of lymphomatous nature.

PMID- 22088373
TI  - [Comparison of histopathologic changes and expression of biomarkers in breast
      carcinoma before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the pathologic responses and
      histologic type, grade, the expression of ER, PR and HER2 and their changes in
      breast carcinoma before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). METHODS: Two
      hundred and nine cases of breast cancer with NAC were analyzed and clinical,
      pathologic data were evaluated based on the Miller and Payne ( MP) grading
      system. The expression of ER, PR and HER2 in the cancers before and after NAC
      were detected by immunohistochemistry (MaxVision method). SPSS 15.0 software was
      used to conduct statistical analysis. RESULTS: (1) Pathologic responses to the
      NAC were graded as MP1 (14 cases), MP2 (35 cases), MP3 (106 cases), MP4 (36
      cases) and MP5 (18 cases); (2) The expression of ER in core needle biopsy had
      related negatively to the pathologic response (chi2 = 33.083, P = 0.001).
      However, the histologic type, grade, ER and PR status, and HER2 expression in
      surgically-removed specimens had not related to the pathologic response (P>0.05);
      (3) After NAC, the pathologic type and grade changed in 6. 8% (9/132) and 34.9%
      (30/86) of the cases, and the rates of changes in the expression of ER, PR and
      HER2 were 42.4% (75/177), 55.4% (98/177) and 26.6% (46/173) , respectively. Only
      the expression of HER2 had significant difference between before and after
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.049). The changes in other data had no
      relationship with the pathologic response (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of core
      needle biopsy can provide important information to predict the pathologic
      responses to the NAC. The pathologic appearance, grade, ER, PR and HER2 in breast
      carcinoma may change after NAC. It is necessary to examine the histologic type,
      grade and the expression of ER, PR and HER2 after NAC once more.

PMID- 22088374
TI  - [Invasive carcinoma arising in breast microglandular adenosis: a
      clinicopathologic study of three cases and review of the literature].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotypes and
      differential diagnoses of invasive carcinoma arising in breast microglandular
      adenosis (MGACA). METHODS: Clinical and pathologic findings of 3 cases of MGACA
      were analyzed by histomorphology and immunohistochemical staining of CK7, S-100
      protein, ER, PR, HER2, SMA, MSA, p63 and PAS. Literatures were reviewed. RESULTS:
      (1) Histologically, 3 tumors all showed a spectrum of glandular proliferations
      ranging from microglandular adenosis (MGA) to atypical microglandular adenosis
      (AMGA) to in situ carcinoma (DCIS) to invasive carcinoma. The invasive carcinoma
      component was ductal in case 1, and matrix-producing in case 2 and case 3. (2)
      All epithelial cells in MGA, AMGA, DCIS and MGACA were positive for CK7 and S-100
      protein, but were negative for ER and HER2. PR was negative in case 1 and case 2
      but was low positive in case 3. Myoepithelial cell differentiation was not
      demonstrated in MGA, AMGA, DCIS and MGACA by immunohistochemical staining for
      SMA, MSA or p63. PAS staining showed the presence of basement membrane in MGA,
      AMGA and DCIS, except MGACA. CONCLUSIONS: MGACA is an extremely rare tumor of the
      breast and has distinct morphological and immunohistochemical features. Further
      studies are needed to evaluate the clinical behavior of this rare neoplasm.

PMID- 22088375
TI  - [Establishment of experimental angiogenic models with applications of
      quantitative digital image analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish experimental models for tumor neovascularization and to
      apply quantitative digital imaging analysis in the study. METHODS: An endothelial
      tube formation model was established by human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs). A vasculogenic mimicry model was established by SGC-7901 gastric cancer
      cell line. Fertilized eggs were used to establish a chorioallantoic membrane
      angiogenesis model. Using gene transfection experiment, IRX1 tumor suppressor
      gene was chosen as a therapeutic target. Image Pro Plus (IPP) analysis software
      was used for digital vascular images analysis with parameters including points,
      lines, angles and integral absorbance (IA) for the tubular formation or
      vasculogenic mimicry. RESULTS: Digital image analysis by IPP showed that HUVEC
      tubular formation was significantly inhibited in IRX1 transfectant, compared with
      controls. The tubular numbers in three groups were 12.80 +/- 3.83, 29.00 +/- 5.34
      and 28.20 +/- 4.32 (P<0.01). The connection points of tubules in three groups
      were 13.20 +/- 2.59, 25.00 +/- 2.24 and 24.60 +/- 3.21 (P<0.01). The tubular
      lengths of three groups were (821.5 +/- 12.5), (930.9 +/- 13.5) and (948.4 +/-
      18.1) microm (P=0.022). The IA values of PAS stain in three groups were 3606 +/-
      363, 14 200 +/- 1251 and 15 043 +/- 1220 (P<0.01). In chick chorioallantoic
      membrane model, the angular numbers of tubules in three groups were 6.41 +/-
      2.60, 10.27 +/- 2.65 and 9.18 +/- 1.99 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The endothelial
      tube formation model, vasculogenic mimicry model and chorioallantoic membrane
      angiogenesis model are useful for gene therapy and drug screening with targeting
      neoplastic vascularization. Professional image analysis software may greatly
      facilitate the quantitative analysis of tumor neovascularization.

PMID- 22088376
TI  - [Intracranial clear cell meningioma: a clinicopathologic analysis].

PMID- 22088377
TI  - [Compare three methods to detect the Pneumocystis carinii in the bronchoalveolar
      wash sample of AIDS patients].

PMID- 22088378
TI  - [Detection of the expression of HER2 using CdTe/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots as
      fluorescence probe in breast cancer cells].

PMID- 22088379
TI  - [Thyroid metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma: report of a case].

PMID- 22088380
TI  - [Glomerulocystic kidney disease: report of a case].

PMID- 22088381
TI  - [Fibrous hamartoma of infancy: report of a case].

PMID- 22088382
TI  - [Thyroid paraganglioma: report of a case].

PMID- 22088383
TI  - [Hepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma: report of a case].

PMID- 22088384
TI  - [Intracranial primary malignant melanoma: report of a case].

PMID- 22088385
TI  - [Research advance in tumors associated with microphthalmia-associated
      transcription factor gene family].

PMID- 22088386
TI  - [Update of secretagogin].

PMID- 22088387
TI  - Assessment of acute cholangitis by MR imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the common MRI findings of acute
      cholangitis compared with those of non-acute cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      During a 31-month period, we performed MRCP and contrast-enhanced MRI on 173
      patients with biliary abnormalities including duct dilatation or stricture. The
      causes of the biliary abnormalities included biliary stone disease (n=85),
      cholangiocarcinoma (n=47), periampullary cancer (n=20), GB cancer (n=4), and
      others (n=17). Among 173 patients, 66 consecutive patients were confirmed with
      acute cholangitis diagnosed according to the Tokyo guideline, and 107 patients
      were confirmed as having non-acute cholangitis. Two radiologists retrospectively
      and independently accessed the MR findings, including the cause of biliary
      abnormality, increased periductal signal intensity on T2-weighted images, the
      transient periductal signal difference, and the presence of abscess, thrombosis,
      and ragged duct. They also measured the dilated duct and the thickened wall. The
      Student t-test and the Pearson chi-square were used. The kappa statistics were
      used to determine interobserver agreement. Logistic regression was used to
      identify the MR findings that predicted acute cholangitis. RESULTS: MRI correctly
      accessed the cause of biliary abnormality in 163 patients (94%). The
      statistically common findings for acute cholangitis were as follows: increased
      periductal signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging (n=26, 39%, p<0.05); transient
      periductal signal difference (n=31, 47%, p<0.05); abscess (n=18, 27%, p<0.05);
      thrombosis (n=12, 18%, p<0.05); and ragged duct (n=11, 17%, p<0.05).
      Interobserver agreement was good to excellent for each finding (kappa=0.74-0.97).
      The wall thickness showed a statistically significant difference between the
      acute cholangitis and the non-acute cholangitis group (2.65 mm:2.32 mm, p<0.05),
      however, there was no significant difference in duct dilatation in the two
      groups. The periductal transient attenuation difference was an independent
      predictor of acute cholangitis (Exp (B)=6.389, p=0.018). CONCLUSION: MRI
      accurately assesses the cause of biliary abnormality in patients with
      cholangitis. Using statistically common MR findings for acute cholangitis, MR
      imaging is very successful in predicting acute cholangitis.

PMID- 22088388
TI  - An accurate multislice method for low-energy transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - The conventional multislice method (CMS), originally proposed by Cowley and
      Moodie (1957), is an important algorithm for image and electron diffraction
      calculations in transmission electron microscopy. Nevertheless, this method is
      based on the so-called high-energy approximation, which neglects the second
      differential term ?(2)phi(r)/?z(2) to greatly simplify the calculation without
      severe loss of accuracy. In the current study, we show that for low-energy
      transmission electron microscopy (LE-TEM) (<100 kV), the high-energy
      approximation error becomes large and the accurate multislice method, proposed by
      Chen and Van Dyck (1997), can be used as an alternative method to obtain more
      accurate calculations. The accurate multislice method, called the revised real
      space method (RRS) in this paper, can be realized by treating the propagation and
      scattering as an entirety in real space. A detailed comparison of the numerical
      results of the RRS and CMS at different accelerating voltages, Debye-Waller
      factors, and beam tilts is performed. Results show that for image and diffraction
      simulations in LE-TEM, CMS is no longer sufficiently accurate and the RRS
      procedure can be used as an alternative method with reasonable computing time.

PMID- 22088389
TI  - Tergal glands in termite soldiers of the subfamily Syntermitinae (Isoptera:
      Termitidae).
AB  - The subfamily Syntermitinae comprises 14 genera of termites that are exclusively
      neotropical. The present study reports morphological data about mandibulate
      nasute soldiers from termite species belonging to three different genera within
      this subfamily. We describe tergal glands that were present under all tergites of
      soldiers of the following species: Cornitermes cumulans, Procornitermes araujoi,
      Syntermes nanus, and Syntermes wheeleri. The tergal glands were composed of class
      2 and class 3 cells. Class 2 cells never reached the cuticle and were located
      below a flat layer of epidermal cells. Class 3 cells, composed of secretory cells
      and canal cells, were sporadic, whereas class 2 secretory cells were abundant.
      Secretory cells of class 3 were narrow and their cytoplasms were filled with
      several clear, oval-shaped vesicles with limiting membranes. The ultrastructure
      of class 2 cells showed well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi
      apparatus, elongated mitochondria, several electron-lucent vesicles, and electron
      dense granules that contain paracrystalline structures in S. nanus. Scanning
      electron micrographs displayed pores, campaniform sensilla and hairs in the outer
      cuticle of the soldier tergites. We hypothesize that soldier tergal glands may be
      involved in the production of defensive compounds, which occur in similar glands
      of certain cockroaches, or of primer pheromones, that might act in the regulation
      of soldier differentiation in the termite colony. To date, tergal glands have
      only been described in termite imagoes, and their occurrence in these soldiers of
      basal Syntermitinae implies a specific role in this caste that is still
      speculative and needs to be clarified.

PMID- 22088390
TI  - Autogenous grafts for condylar reconstruction in treatment of TMJ ankylosis:
      current concepts and considerations for the future.
AB  - Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is characterized by difficulty or
      inability to open the mouth due to fusion of the temporal and the mandible,
      resulting in facial symmetry/deformity, malocclusion and dental problems. The
      only treatment option for TMJ ankylosis is surgical with or without condylar
      reconstruction. Various autogenous grafts are available for condylar
      reconstruction after freeing the ankylotic mass such as costochondral,
      sternoclavicular, fibular, coronoid, and metatarsophalangeal. Costochondral graft
      is preferred by surgeons, but distraction osteogenesis is slowly gaining
      popularity and may ultimately become the standard procedure, providing a cost
      effective approach with low morbidity and excellent functional outcomes. Tissue
      engineering is another budding field which has shown promising results in animal
      studies but has not been applied to humans. To date, there is no ideal autogenous
      graft for condylar reconstruction that satisfies the complex anatomy and the
      myriad of functions of a missing condyle.

PMID- 22088391
TI  - Nanoscale analysis of structural synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Structural plasticity of dendritic spines and synapses is an essential mechanism
      to sustain long lasting changes in the brain with learning and experience. The
      use of electron microscopy over the last several decades has advanced our
      understanding of the magnitude and extent of structural plasticity at a nanoscale
      resolution. In particular, serial section electron microscopy (ssEM) provides
      accurate measurements of plasticity-related changes in synaptic size and density
      and distribution of key cellular resources such as polyribosomes, smooth
      endoplasmic reticulum, and synaptic vesicles. Careful attention to experimental
      and analytical approaches ensures correct interpretation of ultrastructural data
      and has begun to reveal the degree to which synapses undergo structural
      remodeling in response to physiological plasticity.

PMID- 22088394
TI  - Good things come in small packages: subcellular organization and development in
      bacteria.

PMID- 22088392
TI  - Prospect for feedback guided surgery with ultra-short pulsed laser light.
AB  - The controlled cutting of tissue with laser light is a natural technology to
      combine with automated stereotaxic surgery. A central challenge is to cut hard
      tissue, such as bone, without inducing damage to juxtaposed soft tissue, such as
      nerve and dura. We review past work that demonstrates the feasibility of such
      control through the use of ultrafast laser light to both cut and generate optical
      feedback signals via second harmonic generation and laser induced plasma spectra.

PMID- 22088395
TI  - Amyloidosis.

PMID- 22088393
TI  - Recurrent infections and immune evasion strategies of Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus causes purulent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs)
      that frequently reoccur. Staphylococal SSTIs can lead to invasive disease and
      sepsis, which are among the most significant causes of infectious disease
      mortality in both developed and developing countries. Human or animal infections
      with S. aureus do not elicit protective immunity against staphylococcal diseases.
      Here we review what is known about the immune evasive strategies of S. aureus
      that enable the pathogen's escape from protective immune responses. Three
      secreted products are discussed in detail, staphylococcal protein A (SpA),
      staphylococcal binder of immunoglobulin (Sbi) and adenosine synthase A (AdsA). By
      forming a complex with V(H)3-type IgM on the surface of B cells, SpA functions as
      a superantigen to modulate antibody responses to staphylococcal infection. SpA
      also captures pathogen-specific antibodies by binding their Fcgamma portion. The
      latter activity of SpA is shared by Sbi, which also associates with complement
      factors 3d and factor H to promote the depletion of complement. AdsA synthesizes
      the immune signaling molecule adenosine, thereby dampening innate and adaptive
      immune responses during infection. We discuss strategies how the three secreted
      products of staphylococci may be exploited for the development of vaccines and
      therapeutics.

PMID- 22088396
TI  - Improving childhood nutrition in India.

PMID- 22088397
TI  - Moves to measure wellbeing must support a social model of health.

PMID- 22088398
TI  - The sentinel.

PMID- 22088399
TI  - A pair of ragged clauses: the health bill in the House of Lords.

PMID- 22088400
TI  - The painful truth: deaths and misuse of prescribed drugs.

PMID- 22088401
TI  - US Supreme Court to decide whether health reform law is constitutional.

PMID- 22088402
TI  - UK government disbands advisory group on obesity.

PMID- 22088403
TI  - Patients challenge trusts' decision on location of radiotherapy service.

PMID- 22088404
TI  - Healthcare regulator is investigated over role to protect patients.

PMID- 22088405
TI  - European countries cut funding for a range of activities against illicit drug
      use.

PMID- 22088406
TI  - Gynaecologist botched cosmetic vaginal operations and a termination, GMC hears.

PMID- 22088407
TI  - Short-term outcomes of the prone perineal approach for extra-levator abdomino
      perineal excision (elAPE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies report that low rectal cancer treated with abdomino
      perineal excision (APE) have higher rates of CRM involvement with associated
      local recurrence and worse survival when compared to low anterior resection. We
      present a single surgeon's short-term outcomes using the prone perineal extra
      levator (elAPE) approach. METHODS: Thirty-one patients between 2006 and 2010
      underwent elAPE with curative intent. Data was collected prospectively recording
      patient tumour characteristics and histological outcome. Outcome measures
      included circumferential resection margins, recurrence rates, 30-day morbidity
      and mortality. RESULTS: Mean distance of tumour from anal verge was 3.63 +/- SD
      1.52 cm. 14 patients had pre-operative chemo-radiotherapy. The involved
      circumferential resection margin rate was 3.2%. Median follow-up was 20 (0-45)
      months, with overall mortality of 13.3% and 30 day mortality of 6.6%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prone position elAPE has a low circumferential resection margin
      involved rate and, through improved vision, reduces the risk of inadvertent
      tumour or specimen perforation.

PMID- 22088408
TI  - All words are not created equal: expectations about word length guide infant
      statistical learning.
AB  - Infants have been described as 'statistical learners' capable of extracting
      structure (such as words) from patterned input (such as language). Here, we
      investigated whether prior knowledge influences how infants track transitional
      probabilities in word segmentation tasks. Are infants biased by prior experience
      when engaging in sequential statistical learning? In a laboratory simulation of
      learning across time, we exposed 9- and 10-month-old infants to a list of either
      disyllabic or trisyllabic nonsense words, followed by a pause-free speech stream
      composed of a different set of disyllabic or trisyllabic nonsense words.
      Listening times revealed successful segmentation of words from fluent speech only
      when words were uniformly disyllabic or trisyllabic throughout both phases of the
      experiment. Hearing trisyllabic words during the pre-exposure phase derailed
      infants' abilities to segment speech into disyllabic words, and vice versa. We
      conclude that prior knowledge about word length equips infants with perceptual
      expectations that facilitate efficient processing of subsequent language input.

PMID- 22088409
TI  - The use of fetal foot length to determine stillborn gestational age in Vietnam.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of fetal foot length for predicting gestational age
      in stillborn fetuses in Vietnam and the ability of this measurement to
      differentiate early from late fetal deaths. METHODS: In a prospective case
      series, gestational age was determined from either certain first day of last
      menstrual period or early ultrasound scan. Foot length was measured, with a non
      elastic tape measure, from the heel to the tip of the longest toe. Agreement of
      observed and predicted foot length for gestational age was tested, as well as the
      influence of fetal characteristics. RESULTS: Accurate gestational age and foot
      length were available for 52 of 107 participants. Strong agreement was
      demonstrated between observed and predicted values of foot length across
      gestations (95% confidence interval, -4.7 to 4.3 weeks). Accuracy of fetal foot
      length in predicting gestational age was affected by growth restriction but not
      fetal gender, maceration, or congenital anomalies. Fetal foot length of 55 mm or
      greater demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 88% in identifying late
      fetal deaths. CONCLUSION: Foot length is a good differentiator of early and late
      fetal death, which is important for the global recording of the number of
      stillbirths.

PMID- 22088410
TI  - The legal status of emergency contraception in Latin America.
AB  - Timely access to emergency contraception (EC) can contribute to reducing the
      number of unwanted pregnancies, and ultimately, the number of unsafe abortions
      and maternal fatalities. In Latin America, where all countries are parties to
      international human rights treaties that recognize the rights to autonomy,
      privacy, and health, and recognize sexual and reproductive rights including the
      right to family planning, the legal status of EC has been discussed in the
      courts. This article focuses on the analysis of the principal arguments voiced in
      the courts: the difference between contraceptives and abortifacients, the
      scientific status of available research on EC, and the age at which people
      develop a legal right to make decisions about their personal health. The
      conclusion is that Latin American countries whose laws or regulations ban access
      to EC in the public and/or the private sector fail to fulfill their obligations
      under international human rights law.

PMID- 22088412
TI  - Management of recurrent cutaneous abscesses during therapy with infliximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody, belonging to the class
      of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) agents, approved for the
      treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Drugs of this class are known to
      be associated with an infective risk, probably because they interfere with
      inflammatory and immune response at different levels. Although cutaneous
      Staphylococcus aureus infections seem to be more frequent than any other
      infection in the course of anti-TNF-alpha treatment, only a few case reports in
      the literature deal with this side effect, and, in particular, with its
      management. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to report a case of recurrent methicillin
      sensitive S aureus (MSSA) cutaneous abscesses during therapy with infliximab and
      successful management. CASE SUMMARY: In July 2009, a 53-year-old white woman
      (weighing 85 kg) affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis was administered
      infliximab (5 mg/kg IV), based upon clinical appearance and previous unsuccessful
      treatment with cyclosporine, methotrexate, etanercept, and adalimumab. Three days
      after the first 3 infusions (at weeks 0, 2, and 6) she complained about the
      recurrent onset of painful, erythematous, indurated, and pus-draining cutaneous
      nodules located on her abdomen. The swab always revealed the presence of MSSA,
      and antibiotic oral therapy with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (875 + 125 mg BID
      for 7 days) was established, with complete resolution of the abscesses. Routine
      laboratory findings were in normal ranges, with the exception of an elevated
      erythrosedimentation rate and an increased white blood cell count (range, 13,000
      15,000/mm(3)) with neutrophilia (range, 75%-80%). HIV infection was ruled out. In
      agreement with the infectious disease consultant, 1 day before the fourth
      infusion, a prophylactic antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid
      (875 + 125 mg BID for 5 days) was added to the therapeutic regimen. This
      treatment schedule was successfully repeated at each following infusion (every 8
      weeks), and no recurrence of skin abscesses was observed. The patient provided
      signed authorization for publication of this case. CONCLUSIONS: This case report
      describes a woman with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who developed MSSA skin
      abscesses after each of the first 3 infliximab infusions, which did not recur for
      the next 6 infusions after amoxicillin + clavulanic acid was added to her
      regimen, pre- and 4 days postinfusion. Adequately designed, placebo-controlled,
      double-blind trials are needed to determine whether such prophylactic antibiotic
      treatment is well tolerated or effective for this common complication of therapy
      with anti-TNF-alpha agents, when withdrawal of the drug is not advisable, as in
      this case.

PMID- 22088413
TI  - Room-temperature-stable recombinant activated coagulation factor VII recombinant:
      chemical and microbiologic stability over 24 hours during continuous in vitro
      infusion.
AB  - rFVIIa-25C is a recombinant coagulation factor VIIa (rFVIIa) formulated to remain
      stable at room temperature (up to 25 degrees C) for up to 2 hours. The bolus
      injection of rFVIIa-25C has been reported to be bioequivalent to that of rFVIIa.
      With alternative administration by continuous infusion (50 MUg/kg/h) for surgical
      hemostatic coverage in hemophilia patients with inhibitors, rFVIIa has been
      reported to be stable. This research letter presents data from an in vitro study
      of the activity and chemical stability (rFVIIa content, clot activity, and
      degradation products), physical stability, and microbiologic stability of rFVIIa
      25C administered as a continuous infusion. The findings suggest that rFVIIa-25C
      remained biochemically stable and aseptic during 24-hour continuous infusion in
      vitro at 19.3 degrees C to 20.7 degrees C, with no clinically significant changes
      in clot activity, solution constituents, or concentrations.

PMID- 22088414
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetics and tolerability of branded etanercept (25 mg) and
      its biosimilar (25 mg): a randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-sequence,
      crossover study in healthy Korean male volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The biosimilar is a recombinant dimeric tumor necrosis factor
      receptor (TNFR) under development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and/or
      tolerability of branded etanercept and its biosimilar in healthy Korean men
      before investigating the clinical efficacy of the biosimilar in subjects.
      METHODS: Etanercept (reference, 25 mg) or its biosimilar (test, 25 mg) was
      subcutaneously injected to the periumbilical area of healthy volunteers in a
      randomized, open-label, single-dose, active-controlled, two-sequence, crossover
      study. Plasma concentrations of TNFR in serial blood samples for 480 hours after
      dosing were measured by ELISA. The primary outcome, pharmacokinetic
      characteristics, was assessed via geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the log
      transformed pharmacokinetic parameters. The second outcome, tolerability, was
      evaluated using physical examinations, electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory
      tests, vital sign measurements, and adverse events (AEs) by unmasked
      investigators. RESULTS: Twenty-three men of mean age (%CV) 25.8 years (17.1%) and
      weight 70.5 kg (12.8%) were administered study medication. Four subjects dropped
      out after the first period; their data were included in the analysis. Both test
      and reference drugs were absorbed with a median T(max) of 72 (range, 36-144)
      hours and eliminated with mean (%CV) t(1/2) of 92.7 (20.9%) and 87.4 (16.6%)
      hours, respectively. The GMRs (90% CIs) of the test to reference drug for C(max),
      AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-infinity) were 0.99 (0.83-1.17), 0.95 (0.79-1.13), and 0.95
      (0.80-1.13), respectively. Eleven of 21 (52.4%) and 8 of 21 (38.1%) subjects
      administered the test and reference drugs reported 22 and 21 AEs, respectively.
      Common AEs were headache (14.3%), throat irritation (8.5%), and epistaxis (9.5%).
      Three serious AEs related to a traffic accident (back, neck, and musculoskeletal
      pain) were reported in a test drug-treated subject. CONCLUSIONS: In this select
      group of Korean healthy male volunteers, the reference drug and the test
      biosimilar met the standard criteria for assuming bioequivalence as defined by
      Korean regulatory authorities. Because the reference drug is a biological
      product, further trials for assessment of its efficacy are still required by
      Korean authorities. World Health Organization International Clinical Trials
      Registry Platform identifier: KCT0000118.

PMID- 22088415
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22088416
TI  - Patterns of therapy switching, augmentation, and discontinuation after initiation
      of treatment with select medications in patients with osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition characterized by
      chronic pain. Several pain medications are recommended, and patients frequently
      alternate among these medications. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to
      examine the use of pain medications in clinical practice with respect to
      recommended guidelines. This objective was accomplished by evaluating patterns of
      switching, augmentation, and discontinuation after treatment initiation with
      select medications in patients with OA. METHODS: The LifeLink Health Plan Claims
      Database was used to select patients with OA (International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 715.XX) who were
      newly prescribed (index event) nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
      cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, acetaminophen, tramadol, weak opioids, and
      strong opioids. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and the COX
      proportional hazards model were used to assess therapy switching, augmentation,
      and discontinuation during the 12-month postindex period. Patterns of
      intraarticular injections and joint replacement surgeries among the cohorts were
      also evaluated. RESULTS: Substantial proportions of OA patients switched,
      augmented, or discontinued therapy during the postindex period. Rates of therapy
      switching, augmentation, and discontinuation, respectively, were significantly
      different (all P < 0.0001 for overall effects using log-rank tests) across the
      evaluated medication cohorts: NSAIDs, 22.3%, 6.7%, 93.2%; COX-2 inhibitors,
      27.5%, 10%, 87.4%; acetaminophen, 46.0%, 6.5%, 98.7%; tramadol, 44.5%, 8.4%,
      95.6%; weak opioids, 27.2%, 4.1%, 98.3%; and strong opioids, 41.1%, 3.3%, 97%.
      Therapy switching, augmentation, and discontinuation occurred within 2 months
      after treatment initiation in two thirds of patients and within 6 months in >90%
      of patients. The patterns of intraarticular injections were significantly
      different across treatment cohorts, as were the patterns of joint replacement
      surgeries (both P < 0.0001 for overall effects using log-rank tests), with
      average times to surgery that appeared longer with acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and COX
      2 inhibitor initiators (416-447 days) than with tramadol and opioids (354-385
      days). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that therapy switching and discontinuation
      were frequent among OA patients initiating treatment with the currently
      recommended medication classes and might suggest suboptimal pain relief or
      potentially intolerable therapy-related side effects.

PMID- 22088417
TI  - Outcomes of repair of common arterial trunk with truncal valve surgery: a review
      of the society of thoracic surgeons congenital heart surgery database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested truncal valve insufficiency may
      adversely affect outcome after common arterial trunk (CAT) repair. It is unknown
      if truncal insufficiency requiring truncal valve surgery (TVS) at the time of
      primary CAT repair impacts outcome. METHODS: Patients in The Society of Thoracic
      Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database undergoing CAT repair from 2000 to
      2009 were included. Outcomes were compared for patients with and without TVS at
      the time of CAT repair and were further stratified by interrupted aortic arch
      (IAA) repair. RESULTS: Of 572 patients (63 centers), median age at surgery was 12
      days (interquartile range, 6 to 34). Twenty-three patients underwent concomitant
      TVS (n=22 repair, n=1 replacement) during CAT repair, and 4 patients underwent
      TVS later during the same hospitalization (n=1 repair, n=3 replacement). Thirty
      nine patients underwent IAA repair at the time of CAT repair, 5 of whom had
      concomitant TVS. Mortality for CAT repair with TVS versus isolated CAT repair was
      30% versus 10% (p=0.0002). All 4 patients who required TVS later during the
      admission died. Truncal valve surgery was associated with increased mortality
      among CAT patients both with and without IAA repair, with the highest mortality
      (60%) among CAT patients undergoing IAA repair and TVS (n=5). Common arterial
      trunk plus TVS had an increased risk of mechanical support and a longer hospital
      stay. CONCLUSIONS: Truncal valve surgery in patients undergoing CAT repair is
      associated with significant mortality. Repair of IAA and TVS at the time of CAT
      repair carries particularly high risk. Failure to address significant truncal
      insufficiency, necessitating early reoperation with TVS, had uniformly poor
      outcomes.

PMID- 22088418
TI  - Modified and "reverse" frozen elephant trunk repairs for extensive disease and
      complications after stent grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The frozen elephant trunk (FET) repair technique combines
      conventional arch repair with the patient under circulatory arrest with stent
      grafting and is increasingly being used to treat extensive thoracic aortic
      disease. This surgical approach is evolving, including its use for complications
      after thoracic aortic stent grafting - the so-called reversed frozen elephant
      trunk (RFET). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of FET and RFET operations in
      high-risk patients. METHODS: Between July 2001 and December 2010, 31 patients
      underwent FET and 19 patients underwent RFET for extensive thoracic aortic
      disease. Causes included aneurysm (n=32), acute dissection (n=17), and rupture
      (n=1). Twenty-three cases (46%) were for urgent or emergency indications. Patient
      data and outcomes were collected through a prospectively maintained clinical
      database and 3-dimensional analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans. Outcomes
      were assessed using Kaplan-Meier methodology. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was
      8% (n=4, including 1 emergency RFET procedure for aortic rupture and 2 urgent FET
      procedures for symptomatic degenerative aneurysm). Stroke occurred in 5 patients
      (10%) and spinal cord injury in 4 patients (8%). Mean hospital stay was 14.3 days
      (range 4 to 67 days). Five endoleaks were observed (4 type II, 1 type I)
      requiring 2 endovascular reinterventions. Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 1
      to 76 months) and actuarial survival was 87% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen
      elephant trunk repair is an effective surgical strategy for managing high-risk
      patients with extensive pathologic conditions of the thoracic aorta. The RFET
      approach is a feasible option for proximal aortic complications after previous
      descending stent grafting. Intermediate outcomes are reasonable for both
      approaches and further evaluation of these techniques is warranted.

PMID- 22088419
TI  - Sequential design for clinical trials evaluating a prosthetic heart valve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical trials involving prosthetic heart valves are typically based
      on a set of objective performance criteria for certain late adverse event rates.
      Typically, these trials require 800 patient-years of data to be collected to
      provide 80% power while maintaining the type I error at the 0.05 level. METHODS:
      This work presents a sequential design alternative to the standard objective
      performance criteria trial that allows for the possibility of stopping the trial
      early. Logistical issues regarding these designs are considered, and power
      calculations are provided that investigate the probability of early stopping if
      the prosthetic valve exceeds expectations with respect to the objective
      performance criteria end points. RESULTS: Designs exist that provide at least 50%
      power at the interim look and 80% overall power under the alternative hypothesis.
      If the prosthetic valve performs better than expected, the interim power may
      exceed 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed sequential designs can reduce the time
      required to bring a prosthetic heart valve to market, helping to ensure that
      patients and clinicians have access to the latest devices in shorter time.

PMID- 22088420
TI  - Effects of watershed densities of animal feeding operations on nutrient
      concentrations and estrogenic activity in agricultural streams.
AB  - Application of manures from animal feeding operations (AFOs) as fertilizer on
      agricultural land can introduce nutrients and hormones (e.g. estrogens) to
      streams. A landscape-scale study was conducted in the Shenandoah River watershed
      (Virginia, USA) in order to assess the relationship between densities of AFOs in
      watersheds of agricultural streams and in-stream nutrient concentrations and
      estrogenic activity. The effect of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on
      nutrients and estrogenic activity was also evaluated. During periods of high and
      low flow, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and orthophosphate (PO(4)-P)
      concentrations were analyzed and estrogens/estrogenic compounds were extracted
      and quantified as17beta-estradiol equivalents (E2Eq) using a bioluminescent yeast
      estrogen screen. Estrogenic activity was measurable in the majority of collected
      samples, and 20% had E2Eq concentrations >1 ng/L. Relatively high concentrations
      of DIN (>1000 MUg/L) were also frequently detected. During all sampling periods,
      there were strong relationships between watershed densities of AFOs and in-stream
      concentrations of DIN (R(2) = 0.56-0.81) and E2Eq (R(2) = 0.39-0.75).
      Relationships between watershed densities of AFOs and PO(4)-P were weaker, but
      were also significant (R(2) = 0.27-0.57). When combined with the effect of
      watershed AFO density, streams receiving WWTP effluent had higher concentrations
      of PO(4)-P than streams without WWTP discharges, and PO(4)-P was the only analyte
      with a consistent relationship to WWTPs. The results of this study suggest that
      as the watershed density of AFOs increases, there is a proportional increase in
      the potential for nonpoint source pollution of agricultural streams and their
      receiving waters by nutrients, particularly DIN, and compounds that can cause
      endocrine disruption in aquatic organisms.

PMID- 22088421
TI  - Perception of pesticide use by farmers and neighbors in two periurban areas.
AB  - Public concern about pesticide use is high although varying with social factors.
      Individual differences in 'perception' and attitude to pesticide use might be
      particularly evident in periurban regions where farmers and other people live
      together. This was investigated using a questionnaire sent to 600 farmers and 600
      non-farmers in two periurban areas of Sweden. 'Neighbors'(1) were found to have a
      more negative attitude to pesticides than farmers, who were slightly positive to
      the use. Neighbors perceived pesticide use in agriculture to be more harmful to
      the environment than did farmers and also to reduce the quality of products. Both
      farmers and neighbors thought that farmers are the predominant users of
      pesticides. However, reported pesticide users within the home setting were just
      as common among the neighbors as among the farmers. Perceptions of pesticide use
      were also found to differ between periurban regions within the country. Attitudes
      and perceptions of pesticide use, as well as of who is the user, differ based on
      the group of people in a periurban environment and between different regions.
      Such differences might play a role for tensions and conflicts in the periurban
      area of a society and also for regulations of pesticide use.

PMID- 22088422
TI  - Pesticides in water supply wells in Zealand, Denmark: a statistical analysis.
AB  - Data from the Danish National Borehole Database are used to predict drinking
      water well vulnerability to contamination by pesticides, and to identify the
      dominant mechanisms leading to well pollution in Zealand, Denmark. The frequency
      of detection and concentrations of 4 herbicides and 3 herbicide metabolites are
      related to factors accounting for geology (thicknesses of sand, clay and chalk
      layers), geographical location (distance to surface water and distance to
      contaminated sites), redox conditions and well depth using logistic regression,
      the binomial test and Spearman correlation techniques. Results show that drinking
      water wells located in urban areas are more vulnerable to BAM and phenoxy acids
      contamination, while non-urban area wells are more subject to bentazone
      contamination. Parameters accounting for the hydraulic connection between the
      well and the surface (well depth and thickness of the clay confining layer) are
      often strongly related to well vulnerability. Results also show that wells close
      to surface water are more vulnerable to contamination, and that sandy layers
      provide better protection against the leaching of oxidizable pesticides than clay
      aquitards, because they are more likely to be aerobic. 4-CPP is observed more
      often at greater well depth, perhaps because of anaerobic dechlorination of
      dichlorprop. The field data are used to create a set of probabilistic models to
      predict well vulnerability to contamination by pesticides.

PMID- 22088423
TI  - Impact of forest fires on particulate matter and ozone levels during the 2003,
      2004 and 2005 fire seasons in Portugal.
AB  - The main purpose of this work is to estimate the impact of forest fires on air
      pollution applying the LOTOS-EUROS air quality modeling system in Portugal for
      three consecutive years, 2003-2005. Forest fire emissions have been included in
      the modeling system through the development of a numerical module, which takes
      into account the most suitable parameters for Portuguese forest fire
      characteristics and the burnt area by large forest fires. To better evaluate the
      influence of forest fires on air quality the LOTOS-EUROS system has been applied
      with and without forest fire emissions. Hourly concentration results have been
      compared to measure data at several monitoring locations with better modeling
      quality parameters when forest fire emissions were considered. Moreover, hourly
      estimates, with and without fire emissions, can reach differences in the order of
      20%, showing the importance and the influence of this type of emissions on air
      quality.

PMID- 22088424
TI  - Blood and urine levels of long half-life toxicants by nativity among immigrants
      to the United States.
AB  - One's place of birth is a major determinant of his or her exposure to
      environmental toxicants. By understanding biological burdens of long half-life
      toxicants by race and nativity we can better understand geographic variation in
      toxicant distribution. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey (1999-2006) biomonitoring data to examine differences in blood and urine
      levels of long half-life environmental toxicants of foreign-born relative to US
      born people by race/ethnicity. We log transformed blood and urine measures of 51
      environmental toxicants. We then used "seemingly unrelated regression," a robust
      technique for making multiple comparisons across a group of variables with
      correlated error terms, to examine differences in blood and urine toxicants by
      nativity and race. We found that, compared to native-born Americans, the foreign
      born are generally more likely to be exposed to metals (p<0.001) and
      organochlorine pesticides (p<0.001), but less likely to be exposed to dioxin-like
      compounds (p<0.001) or polyflourinated compounds (p<0.001). While levels of
      toxicants varied greatly by region of birth, US-born participants had
      consistently higher levels of dioxin-like compounds and polyflourinated
      compounds.

PMID- 22088425
TI  - Association of SLCO1B1 1b with peptic ulcer amongst Japanese patients taking low
      dose aspirin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the recent case-control study, we showed an inverse association
      between peptic ulcer and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs) or
      HMG-Co A reductase inhibitors (statins). The aim was to evaluate whether the
      genotypes of uptake and efflux transporters of ARBs and statins relate to the
      presence of peptic ulcer and/or ulcer bleeding associated with aspirin use.
      METHODS: Patients taking 100mg of enteric-coated aspirin for cardiovascular
      diseases who also participated in endoscopic surveillance were studied. SLCO1B,
      ABCC2, ABCG2, and MDR1 genotypes were determined by PCR or PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: 492
      patients enrolled including 78 with peptic ulcer. The frequencies of the SLCO1B1
      521TT genotype were significantly higher in the ulcer group (p=0.006) compared to
      the controls. After adjustment for significant factors, the SLCO1B1 1b haplotype
      was significantly associated with peptic ulcer (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.81-7.29).
      CONCLUSIONS: SLCO1B1 1b haplotype may identify patients at increased risk for
      aspirin-induced peptic ulcer.

PMID- 22088426
TI  - A follow-up survey of the integrity of the dermatology National Resident Matching
      Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our group's 2009 study of the integrity of the dermatology match
      revealed that some dermatology program directors violated National Resident
      Matching Program (NRMP) policy during their communications with applicants. Our
      group's article concluded with recommendations to change this behavior.
      OBJECTIVE: We repeated a survey of dermatology applicants to understand if
      dermatology program personnel behavior has changed since our group's 2009 study
      of the dermatology match. METHODS: We surveyed 2011 applicants to Department of
      Dermatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. The survey was anonymous and
      available online. RESULTS: Of applicants, 14% were asked to reveal how they
      intended to rank a program before match day. Of applicants, 32% felt pressured to
      reveal how they intended to rank programs. Of applicants, 90% were asked about
      interviews at other programs. Of applicants, 44% were asked about their marital
      status and 19% were asked if they had children or intended to have children.
      LIMITATIONS: The response rate for applicants was 53%. CONCLUSION: Although our
      previous study increased knowledge about the problems within the dermatology
      match, dermatology program personnel continue to violate NRMP policy. The most
      widespread violations are asking applicants where they will interview, asking
      applicants if they are married, and pressuring applicants to reveal how they
      intend to rank programs. We continue to recommend that programs avoid
      postinterview contact, and recommend that the NRMP create training videos for
      applicants and interviewers.

PMID- 22088427
TI  - Predictive value of margins in diagnostic biopsies of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With geographic regional variation, nonmelanoma skin cancer biopsy
      reports include assessment of margins. When margins are reported as negative,
      clinical dilemmas may emerge concerning the necessity of additional treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of biopsy margins with regard to
      residual tumor present in subsequent excisions of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
      METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 235 diagnostic nonmelanoma skin cancer
      biopsies and their corresponding excisions for margin status at biopsy, and the
      presence of residual tumor in subsequent excisions. RESULTS: Twelve of 148
      squamous cell carcinomas (8.1%) had negative biopsy margins and all of the
      subsequent excisions were free of residual tumor. The squamous cell carcinomas
      with negative biopsy margins consisted predominantly of nonfacial, superficial
      tumors of the well-differentiated and keratoacanthoma subtype. Nine of 87 basal
      cell carcinomas (10.3%) had negative biopsy margins. Seven of those 9 (77.8%) had
      residual tumor present in subsequent excisions. LIMITATIONS: Statistical analysis
      performed reached significance, but with small sample size as only 21 of the
      biopsy specimens had negative margins. Also, residual tumor was determined via
      standard bread-loafing technique on excisions, which is known to examine only a
      proportion of the tissue and can lead to false-negative results. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this small pilot study suggest that negative-margin diagnostic
      biopsies may be therapeutic for well-differentiated or keratoacanthoma subtypes
      of squamous cell carcinoma because all subsequent excisions were devoid of tumor.
      Negative biopsy margins from basal cell carcinomas were not predictive of tumor
      removal.

PMID- 22088428
TI  - Prognostic value of histologic features of toxic epidermal necrolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson
      syndrome (SJS), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome has been assessed using a disease
      specific severity score (SCORTEN) based on clinical and laboratory data.
      Histologic data may improve outcome prediction. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate
      whether dermal mononuclear infiltration and epidermal necrosis predict survival
      of patients with TEN, SJS, or SJS/TEN. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective
      review of clinical records and skin biopsy specimens read without knowledge of
      clinical data. RESULTS: We identified 108 patients (SJS, n = 42; SJS/TEN, n = 36;
      TEN, n = 30). Overall mortality was 21.3%. Dermal infiltration and epidermal
      necrosis were not associated with time from disease onset to biopsy. Extensive
      dermal infiltrates were seen in 19 (18.5%) patients and full-thickness epidermal
      necrosis in 56 (52%) patients. Dermal infiltrate severity was not associated with
      day-1 (D1) SCORTEN or hospital death. Epidermal necrosis severity showed trends
      toward associations with D1 SCORTEN (P = .11) and hospital death (P = .06). In
      univariate analyses, full-thickness epidermal necrosis was significantly
      associated with hospital death (32.1% vs 11.4%, P = .017) and worse D1 SCORTEN
      values (1.98 +/- 1.29 vs 1.55 +/- 1.21; P = .04). In the bivariate analysis,
      however, D1 SCORTEN remained significantly associated with hospital death (odds
      ratio = 3.07, 95% confidence interval 1.83-5.16) but the association with full
      thickness epidermal necrosis was no longer significant (odds ratio = 2.02, 95%
      confidence interval 0.65-7.12). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design and
      indirect assessment of progression are limitations. CONCLUSION: Full-thickness
      epidermal necrosis was associated with mortality but did not independently
      predict hospital death after adjustment based on the SCORTEN value. Dermal
      infiltrate severity was not associated with hospital death.

PMID- 22088429
TI  - The risk of nail changes with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: a
      systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The overall incidence and risk of nail changes associated with the
      use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) varies widely across
      the literature. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review of the literature and
      performed a meta-analysis to determine the risk of developing nail toxicity among
      patients receiving EGFRIs. METHODS: Databases from Pubmed and Web of Science from
      January 1998 until July 2011 and abstracts presented at the American Society of
      Clinical Oncology annual meetings from 2004 through July 2011 were searched to
      identify relevant studies. The incidence and relative risk (RR) of nail toxicity
      were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects model depending on the
      heterogeneity of the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 2107 patients from 22
      clinical trials were included in this analysis. The overall incidence of all
      grade nail toxicity was 17.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.8%-21.3%), with
      an RR of 76.94 (95% CI: 40.76-145.22, P < .001). The overall incidence of high
      grade nail toxicity was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.9%-2.1%), with an RR of 13.11 (95% CI:
      3.73-46.03, P < .001). LIMITATIONS: The ability to detect and grade nail changes
      may vary among institutions. CONCLUSION: There is a significant risk of
      developing nail toxicity in cancer patients receiving EGFRIs. The risk is
      independent of the underlying agent. Adequate monitoring and early intervention
      are recommended to prevent debilitating toxicity and suboptimal dosing of EGFRI.

PMID- 22088430
TI  - Antidepressant-like effect of sildenafil through oxytocin-dependent cyclic AMP
      response element-binding protein phosphorylation.
AB  - Oxytocin (OT) levels in plasma increase during sexual response and are
      significantly lower in patients with depression. A drug for the treatment of
      sexual dysfunction, sildenafil, enhances the electrically evoked release of OT
      from the posterior pituitary. In this study, we showed that sildenafil had an
      antidepressant-like effect through activation of an OT signaling pathway.
      Application of sildenafil reduced depression-related behavior in male mice. The
      antidepressant-like effect was blocked by an OT receptor (OTR) antagonist and was
      absent in OTR knockout (KO) mice. Sildenafil increased the phosphorylation of
      cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus. The OTR
      antagonist inhibited sildenafil-induced CREB phosphorylation and sildenafil had
      no effect on CREB phosphorylation in OTR KO mice. These results suggest
      sildenafil to have an antidepressant-like effect through the activation of OT
      signaling and to be a promising drug for the treatment of depression.

PMID- 22088431
TI  - Discriminating between maximal and feigned isokinetic knee musculature
      performance using waveform similarity measures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muscle strength test outcomes may aid in determination of impairment
      or disability rating following injury. In such settings, verification of
      participant effort during testing is imperative. This investigation explored the
      utilization of within-set moment waveform similarity measures, namely cross
      correlation and percent root mean square difference scores, to develop decision
      rules for discriminating between maximal and feigned efforts during isokinetic
      testing of the knee joint musculature. METHODS: A mixed-gender sample of 46
      participants performed non-reciprocal sets of maximal or feigned knee extension
      and flexion concentric and eccentric efforts at testing velocities of 30 degrees
      s(-1) and 120 degrees s(-1). Logistic regression and Monte Carlo simulations were
      used to derive decision rules for differentiating between the two effort types.
      FINDINGS: Employing cutoff scores corresponding to 100% specificity;
      sensitivities of the knee extensor's velocity-specific decision rules were 92.4%
      and 84.8%, respectively. The velocity-specific knee flexor's test sensitivities
      were 56.5% and 46.7%. INTERPRETATION: Utilizing the proposed decision rules,
      substantiating maximal effort performance of the knee extensors may be possible
      using this specific testing protocol. However, the proposed methods are limited
      in their ability to verify performance of maximal knee flexor efforts.

PMID- 22088432
TI  - Acid increases NHE8 surface expression and activity in NRK cells.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that there is a paucity of brush-border membrane NHE3
      in neonates, the predominant Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in the adult proximal tubule,
      while NHE8 is relatively highly expressed in neonates compared with adults. We
      recently showed that metabolic acidosis in neonatal rodents can increase brush
      border membrane NHE8 protein expression and Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity. To
      further examine the regulation of NHE8 by acid, we incubated NRK cells, which
      express NHE8 but not NHE3, with either acid or control media (6.6 vs. 7.4). There
      was an increase in Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity within 6 h of incubation with
      acid media assessed as the rate of sodium-dependent recovery of pH from an acid
      load (dpH(i)/dt). The acid stimulation persisted for at least 24 h. The increase
      in Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity was paralleled by an increase in surface
      expression of NHE8, assessed by surface biotinylation and streptavidin
      precipitation. The increase in both apical membrane NHE8 protein expression and
      Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity with pH 6.6 media compared with 7.4 media was not
      affected by actinomycin D or cycloheximide consistent with an increase in surface
      expression independent of mRNA or protein synthesis. Furthermore, there was no
      increase in total cellular NHE8 protein abundance or mRNA abundance with acid
      media. Finally, we demonstrate that the increase in surface expression of NHE8
      with acid media was blocked by colchicine and cytochalasin D and mediated by acid
      increasing the rate of exocytosis. In conclusion, NHE8 surface expression and
      activity are regulated by acid media by increasing the rate of trafficking to the
      apical membrane.

PMID- 22088433
TI  - Urine concentrating mechanism: impact of vascular and tubular architecture and a
      proposed descending limb urea-Na+ cotransporter.
AB  - We extended a region-based mathematical model of the renal medulla of the rat
      kidney, previously developed by us, to represent new anatomic findings on the
      vascular architecture in the rat inner medulla (IM). In the outer medulla (OM),
      tubules and vessels are organized around tightly packed vascular bundles; in the
      IM, the organization is centered around collecting duct clusters. In particular,
      the model represents the separation of descending vasa recta from the descending
      limbs of loops of Henle, and the model represents a papillary segment of the
      descending thin limb that is water impermeable and highly urea permeable. Model
      results suggest that, despite the compartmentalization of IM blood flow, IM
      interstitial fluid composition is substantially more homogeneous compared with
      OM. We used the model to study medullary blood flow in antidiuresis and the
      effects of vascular countercurrent exchange. We also hypothesize that the
      terminal aquaporin-1 null segment of the long descending thin limbs may express a
      urea-Na(+) or urea-Cl(-) cotransporter. As urea diffuses from the urea-rich
      papillary interstitium into the descending thin limb luminal fluid, NaCl is
      secreted via the cotransporter against its concentration gradient. That NaCl is
      then reabsorbed near the loop bend, raising the interstitial fluid osmolality and
      promoting water reabsorption from the IM collecting ducts. Indeed, the model
      predicts that the presence of the urea-Na(+) or urea- Cl(-) cotransporter
      facilitates the cycling of NaCl within the IM and yields a loop-bend fluid
      composition consistent with experimental data.

PMID- 22088435
TI  - More actors in ammonia absorption by the thick ascending limb.
AB  - This review will briefly summarize current knowledge on the basolateral ammonia
      transport mechanisms in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the loop of Henle. This
      segment transports ammonia against a concentration gradient and is responsible
      for the accumulation of ammonia in the medullary interstitium, which, in turn,
      favors ammonia secretion across the collecting duct. Experimental data indicate
      that the sodium/hydrogen ion exchanger isoform 4 (NHE4; Scl9a4) is a
      sodium/ammonia exchanger and plays a major role in this process. Disruption of
      murine NHE4 leads to metabolic acidosis with inappropriate urinary ammonia
      excretion and decreases the ability of the TAL to absorb ammonia and to build the
      corticopapillary ammonia gradient. However, NHE4 does not account for the
      entirety of ammonia absorption by the TAL, indicating that, at least, one more
      transporter is involved.

PMID- 22088434
TI  - Involvement of cytochrome P-450 1B1 in renal dysfunction, injury, and
      inflammation associated with angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats.
AB  - We investigated the contribution of cytochrome P-450 1B1 (CYP1B1) to renal
      dysfunction and organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension in rats.
      ANG II (300 ng.kg(-1).min(-1)) or vehicle were infused for 2 wk, with daily
      injections of a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, 2,4,3',5'-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS;
      300 MUg/kg ip), or its vehicle. ANG II increased blood pressure and renal CYP1B1
      activity that were prevented by TMS. ANG II also increased water intake and urine
      output, decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased urinary Na(+) and K(+)
      excretion, and caused proteinuria, all of which were prevented by TMS. ANG II
      infusion caused hypertrophy, endothelial dysfunction, and increased reactivity of
      renal and interlobar arteries to vasoconstrictor agents and renal vascular
      resistance and interstitial fibrosis as indicated by accumulation of alpha-smooth
      muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen, and inflammation as indicated by
      increased infiltration of CD-3(+) cells; these effects were inhibited by TMS. ANG
      II infusion also increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      activities of NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Src that were prevented by
      TMS. TMS alone had no effect on any of the above parameters. These data suggest
      that CYP1B1 contributes to the renal pathophysiological changes associated with
      ANG II-induced hypertension, most likely via increased ROS production and
      activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Src and that CYP1B1 could serve as a novel
      target for treating renal disease associated with hypertension.

PMID- 22088436
TI  - Tissue injury after lithium treatment in human and rat postnatal kidney involves
      glycogen synthase kinase-3beta-positive epithelium.
AB  - It was hypothesized that lithium causes accelerated and permanent injury to the
      postnatally developing kidney through entry into epithelial cells of the distal
      nephron and inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta). GSK-3beta
      immunoreactivity was associated with glomeruli, the thick ascending limb of
      Henle's loop, and collecting ducts in the developing and adult human and rat
      kidney. In rats, the abundance of inactive, phosphorylated GSK-3beta (pGSK-3beta)
      protein decreased during postnatal development. After feeding of dams with
      litters lithium [50 mmol Li/kg chow, postnatal (P) days 7-28], the offspring
      showed plasma lithium concentration of 1.0 mmol/l. Kidneys from lithium-treated
      rat pups exhibited dilated distal nephron segments with microcysts. Stereological
      analysis showed reduced cortex and outer medullary volumes. Lithium increased
      pGSK-3beta and the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)
      protein abundances in the cortex and medulla. After lithium treatment, pGSK-3beta
      immunopositive cells exhibited restricted distribution and were associated
      primarily with subsets of cells in dilated and microcystic segments of cortical
      collecting ducts. After 6 wk of lithium discontinuation, adult rats exhibited
      attenuated urine concentration capacity and diminished outer medullary volume.
      Histological sections of two nephrectomy samples and a biopsy from three long
      term lithium-treated patients showed multiple cortical microcysts that originated
      from normally appearing tubules. Microcysts were lined by a cuboidal PCNA-, GSK
      3beta-, and pGSK-3beta-immunopositive epithelium. The postnatal rat kidney may
      serve as an experimental model for the study of lithium-induced human kidney
      injury. The data are compatible with a causal relationship between epithelial
      entry of lithium into cells of the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron,
      inactivation of GSK-3beta, proliferation, and microcysts.

PMID- 22088437
TI  - Increased urinary protein excretion in the "normal" range is associated with
      increased renin-angiotensin system activity.
AB  - Increased levels of albuminuria and proteinuria, both linked to augmented renin
      angiotensin system (RAS) activity, are associated with adverse kidney and
      cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between variations in urinary
      albumin excretion (UAE) and total protein excretion (UTPE) in the normal range
      and RAS activity is unclear. We examined the association between UAE and UTPE and
      the hemodynamic response to angiotensin II (ANG II) challenge, a well-accepted
      indirect measure of RAS activity, in healthy individuals with normal UAE and
      UTPE. Forty subjects (15 men, 25 women; age 38 +/- 2 yr; UAE, 3.32 +/- 0.55
      mg/day; UTPE, 56.8 +/- 3.6 mg/day) were studied in high-salt balance. Blood
      pressure (BP), arterial stiffness determined by applanation tonometry, and
      circulating RAS components were measured at baseline and in response to graded
      ANG II infusion. The primary outcome was the BP response to ANG II challenge at
      30 and 60 min. UAE was associated with a blunted diastolic BP response to ANG II
      infusion (30 min, P = 0.005; 60 min, P = 0.17), a relationship which remained
      even after adjustment (30 min, P < 0.001; 60 min, P = 0.035). Similar results
      were observed with UTPE (30 min, P = 0.031; 60 min, P = 0.001), even after
      multivariate analysis (30 min, P = 0.008; 60 min, P = 0.001). Neither UAE nor
      UTPE was associated with systolic BP, circulating RAS components, or arterial
      stiffness responses to ANG II challenge. Among healthy individuals with UAE and
      UTPE in the normal range, increased levels of these measures were independently
      associated with a blunted diastolic BP response to ANG II, indicating increased
      vascular RAS activity, which is known to be deleterious to both renal and cardiac
      function.

PMID- 22088438
TI  - L1 cell adhesion molecule and epidermal growth factor receptor activation confer
      cisplatin resistance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells.
AB  - Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is refractory to conventional chemotherapy.
      We previously generated chemoresistant ICC (SCK(R)) cells and showed that AKT and
      ERK signaling conferred cisplatin resistance. Here, we report that epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM)
      conferred cisplatin resistance in SCK(R) cells in an additive fashion. Activation
      of EGFR connected to AKT and ERK signaling pathways may induce anti-apoptosis and
      promote cell proliferation, while L1CAM promoted cell proliferation by mainly
      activating ERK signaling. Inhibition of EGFR activation or L1ACM greatly
      sensitized the cells to cisplatin. EGFR and L1CAM may be important targets for
      ICC therapy.

PMID- 22088439
TI  - Characterization of a cell culture model for clinically aggressive hepatocellular
      carcinoma induced by chronic hypoxia.
AB  - We demonstrated in an in vitro model (human HepG2 liver cells) that chronic
      hypoxia induced gene expression is associated with an aggressive phenotype in
      patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to
      characterize this model further using gene expression microarray, real-time PCR
      and immunocytochemistry. Subsequently, pathway analysis software was used to
      identify relevant processes. After examination, we selected 2% O2 during 72 h as
      conditions to study chronic hypoxia. The most affected signaling is centered on
      TGF-beta1 and PPARalpha/RXRalpha. Cells at 2% O2 showed a shift in expression of
      Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) related genes. Furthermore, a
      downregulation of liver specific detoxification pathways including cytochrome
      P450's and glutathione-S-transferases was observed. Both up- and downregulation
      events within different signaling cascades indicated a cellular adaptation and
      the onset of a new equilibrium. The prominent role of TGF-beta1- and
      PPARalpha/RXRalpha signaling and cell motility pathways warrants their further
      investigation for therapeutic targets in HCC.

PMID- 22088440
TI  - The challenges of offering public second trimester abortion services in South
      Africa: health care providers' perspectives.
AB  - Around 25% of abortions in South Africa are performed in the second trimester.
      This study aimed to better understand what doctors, nurses and hospital managers
      involved in second trimester abortion care thought about these services and how
      they could be improved. Nineteen in-depth interviews with abortion-related
      service providers and managers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, were
      undertaken. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Participants
      expressed resistance to the dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure, as this
      required more active provider involvement. Medical abortion was preferred as it
      required less provider involvement in the abortion process. A shortage of
      providers willing to perform D&E resulted in most public sector services being
      outsourced to private sector doctors. Respondents noted an increased demand for
      services and a concomitant lack of infrastructure, physical space and personnel
      to respond to these demands, sometimes resulting in fragmented or poor quality
      care. At medical induction sites, most thought introducing the combined
      mifepristone-misoprostol regimen would improve service capacity, although they
      were concerned about cost. Improving contraceptive services was also seen as a
      much-needed intervention to improve care and prevent abortion. Ongoing training,
      including values clarification, as well as emotional support and team-building
      for providers are needed to ensure sustainable, high-quality second trimester
      abortion services.

PMID- 22088441
TI  - The Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscope with open sample space observes
      dynamic phenomena in liquid or gas.
AB  - Although conventional electron microscopy (EM) requires samples to be in vacuum,
      most chemical and physical reactions occur in liquid or gas. The Atmospheric
      Scanning Electron Microscope (ASEM) can observe dynamic phenomena in liquid or
      gas under atmospheric pressure in real time. An electron-permeable window made of
      pressure-resistant 100 nm-thick silicon nitride (SiN) film, set into the bottom
      of the open ASEM sample dish, allows an electron beam to be projected from
      underneath the sample. A detector positioned below captures backscattered
      electrons. Using the ASEM, we observed the radiation-induced self-organization
      process of particles, as well as phenomena accompanying volume change, including
      evaporation-induced crystallization. Using the electrochemical ASEM dish, we
      observed tree-like electrochemical depositions on the cathode. In silver nitrate
      solution, we observed silver depositions near the cathode forming incidental
      internal voids. The heated ASEM dish allowed observation of patterns of contrast
      in melting and solidifying solder. Finally, to demonstrate its applicability for
      monitoring and control of industrial processes, silver paste and solder paste
      were examined at high throughput. High resolution, imaging speed, flexibility,
      adaptability, and ease of use facilitate the observation of previously difficult
      to-image phenomena, and make the ASEM applicable to various fields.

PMID- 22088442
TI  - Thermal diffuse scattering in transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - In conventional transmission electron microscopy, thermal scattering
      significantly affects the image contrast. It has been suggested that not
      accounting for this correctly is the main cause of the Stobbs factor, the
      ubiquitous, large contrast mismatch found between theory and experiment. In the
      case where a hard aperture is applied, we show that previous conclusions drawn
      from work using bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy and
      invoking the principle of reciprocity are reliable in the presence of thermal
      scattering. In the aperture-free case it has been suggested that even the most
      sophisticated mathematical models for thermal diffuse scattering lack in their
      numerical implementation, specifically that there may be issues in sampling,
      including that of the contrast transfer function of the objective lens. We show
      that these concerns can be satisfactorily overcome with modest computing
      resources; thermal scattering can be modelled accurately enough for the purpose
      of making quantitative comparison between simulation and experiment. Spatial
      incoherence of the source is also investigated. Neglect or inadequate handling of
      thermal scattering in simulation can have an appreciable effect on the predicted
      contrast and can be a significant contribution to the Stobbs factor problem.

PMID- 22088443
TI  - Design of a hybrid double-sideband/single-sideband (schlieren) objective aperture
      suitable for electron microscopy.
AB  - A novel design is described for an aperture that blocks a half-plane of the
      electron diffraction pattern out to a desired scattering angle, and then--except
      for a narrow support beam--transmits all of the scattered electrons beyond that
      angle. Our proposed tulip-shaped design is thus a hybrid between the single
      sideband (ssb) aperture, which blocks a full half-plane of the diffraction
      pattern, and the conventional (i.e. fully open) double-sideband (dsb) aperture.
      The benefits of this hybrid design include the fact that such an aperture allows
      one to obtain high-contrast images of weak-phase objects with the objective lens
      set to Scherzer defocus. We further demonstrate that such apertures can be
      fabricated from thin-foil materials by milling with a focused ion beam (FIB), and
      that such apertures are fully compatible with the requirements of imaging out to
      a resolution of at least 0.34nm. As is known from earlier work with single
      sideband apertures, however, the edge of such an aperture can introduce unwanted,
      electrostatic phase shifts due to charging. The principal requirement for using
      such an aperture in a routine data-collection mode is thus to discover
      appropriate materials, protocols for fabrication and processing and conditions of
      use such that the hybrid aperture remains free of charging over long periods of
      time.

PMID- 22088444
TI  - In-focus electron microscopy of frozen-hydrated biological samples with a Boersch
      phase plate.
AB  - We report the implementation of an electrostatic Einzel lens (Boersch) phase
      plate in a prototype transmission electron microscope dedicated to aberration
      corrected cryo-EM. The combination of phase plate, C(s) corrector and Diffraction
      Magnification Unit (DMU) as a new electron-optical element ensures minimal
      information loss due to obstruction by the phase plate and enables in-focus phase
      contrast imaging of large macromolecular assemblies. As no defocussing is
      necessary and the spherical aberration is corrected, maximal, non-oscillating
      phase contrast transfer can be achieved up to the information limit of the
      instrument. A microchip produced by a scalable micro-fabrication process has 10
      phase plates, which are positioned in a conjugate, magnified diffraction plane
      generated by the DMU. Phase plates remained fully functional for weeks or months.
      The large distance between phase plate and the cryo sample permits the use of an
      effective anti-contaminator, resulting in ice contamination rates of <0.6 nm/h at
      the specimen. Maximal in-focus phase contrast was obtained by applying voltages
      between 80 and 700 mV to the phase plate electrode. The phase plate allows for in
      focus imaging of biological objects with a signal-to-noise of 5-10 at a
      resolution of 2-3 nm, as demonstrated for frozen-hydrated virus particles and
      purple membrane at liquid-nitrogen temperature.

PMID- 22088445
TI  - Multilayer Fresnel zone plate for soft X-ray microscopy resolves sub-39nm
      structures.
AB  - Best resolutions in X-ray focusing are obtained to date by using diffractive
      lenses called Fresnel zone plates (FZPs). Their further improvement is
      nevertheless hindered by fundamental limitations in the employed manufacturing
      techniques. Here, we show a novel method to fabricate FZPs based on multilayer
      deposition with atomic layer deposition (ALD) and subsequent sectioning with
      focused ion beam (FIB). For the first time a multilayer FZP working in the soft X
      ray range was prepared and could achieve the best resolution obtained so far for
      multilayer FZPs by resolving features below 39nm in size in a scanning soft X-ray
      microscope. The new technique presents high potential for high resolution
      microscopy in both the soft and hard X-ray range.

PMID- 22088446
TI  - The degradation of EBSD-patterns as a tool to investigate surface crystallized
      glasses and to identify glassy surface layers.
AB  - Surface crystallized samples of glass-ceramics containing cordierite,
      rhombohedral BaAl2B2O7 and fresnoite were analyzed using electron backscatter
      diffraction (EBSD). The first two materials were chosen because surface
      crystallized samples of these materials have previously been shown to contain
      crystals covered by a very thin layer of glass. In all materials, EBSD pattern
      degradation occurs if the step size of a scan is chosen to be small. It is shown
      that the minimum step size enabling an evaluable EBSD-scan increases notably, if
      the crystals are covered by a thin layer of glass. It is also shown that pattern
      degradation may be utilized to prove the existence of such a thin glass or
      otherwise thermally sensitive layer. This provides significant information
      concerning the nucleation process of glasses also with respect to nucleation
      theory of glass-ceramics. It is also possible to describe the quantity of
      crystalline surface covered by the thermally sensitive layer.

PMID- 22088447
TI  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in relation to gene polymorphisms of transforming
      growth factor-beta1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal
      fibrotic lung disease of unknown etiology. Host susceptibility or genetic factors
      may be important for the predisposition to it. Transforming growth factor-beta1
      (TGF-beta1, a potent profibrotic cytokine) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
      (PAI-1) play important roles in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. The
      objective of the study was to investigate the association between the gene
      polymorphisms of TGF-beta1 869 T > C and PAI-1 4G/5G and the susceptibility to
      IPF in Han ethnicity. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction
      fragment length polymorphism were performed to analyse the gene polymorphisms of
      TGF-beta1 in 869T > C and PAI-1 4G/5G in 85 IPF patients and 85 healthy controls
      matched in age, gender, race and smoker status. RESULTS: There was a significant
      difference in 869T > C genotype distribution of TGF-beta1 between IPF cases and
      controls, a significant negative association between TC genotype and the
      development of IPF (OR = 0.508, 95%CI: 0.275 - 0.941) and a positive association
      between CC genotype and the development of IPF (OR = 1.967, 95%CI: 1.063 -
      3.641). There was a significant positive association between PAI-1 5G/5G genotype
      and the development of IPF (OR = 0.418, 95%CI: 0.193 - 0.904). CONCLUSIONS: Gene
      polymorphisms of TGF-beta1 in 869T > C and PAI-1 4G/5G may affect the
      susceptibility to IPF in Han ethnicity. Further investigations are needed to
      confirm these findings and assess their biological significance in the
      development of the disease in this ethnic population.

PMID- 22088448
TI  - Rituximab induction therapy in highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of highly sensitized patients is rising, and sensitization
      can lead to renal transplant failure. The present study aimed to investigate the
      safety and efficacy of renal transplantation following induction therapy with
      rituximab in highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: Seven
      highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients who underwent rituximab therapy
      from December 2008 to December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3
      men and 4 women, with a mean age of 38.5 years (range, 21-47 years). The duration
      of hemodialysis was 3-12 months, with a mean duration of 11 months. For 4
      patients, this was the second transplant; the previous graft survival time was 2
      11 years, with a mean survival time of 5.8 years. All the female recipients had
      history of multiple pregnancies, and all patients had previously received blood
      transfusions. All donors were men, with a mean age of 32.5 years (range, 25-37
      years). In 2 of the 7 patients, both class I and class II of panel reactive
      antibody were high; the remaining 5 patients showed either high in class I or in
      class II of panel reactive antibody. The mean panel reactive antibody value was
      31% for class I and 51% for class II respectively. The donors and the recipients
      had the same blood type, with low lymphocyte cytotoxicity ranging from 2% to 5%.
      The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch numbers were from 2 to 4. All patients
      received tacrolimus (0.1 mg * kg(-1) * d(-1)) and mycophenolate mofetil (750 mg
      twice per day) orally 3 days prior to surgery. All patients received a single
      dose of 600 mg rituximab (375 mg/m(2)) infusion on the day before surgery and
      polyclonal antibody (antithymocyte globulin) on the day of surgery. Postoperative
      creatinine, creatinine clearance rate, and occurrence of rejection by
      pathological biopsy confirmation were monitored. RESULTS: No patient had delayed
      graft function after surgery. Two patients had acute rejection, one on day 7 and
      the other on day 13 post-surgery. Diagnosis of acute rejections was based on the
      clinical assessments and pathological biopsy results. According to the Banff 07
      classification of renal allograft pathology, one of the patients was Ia and the
      other was IIa; the C4d staining was negative in both patients. One patient
      received methylprednisolone plus cyclophosphamide and the other received
      antithymocyte globulin (ATG) therapy, both leading to successful reversion of the
      acute rejection. All patients were discharged postoperatively and all had normal
      renal function during the 7th to 12th month follow-up. Pulmonary infection
      occurred in 1 patient 4 months after surgery and was successfully cured.
      CONCLUSION: Rituximab induction therapy can reduce the occurrence of
      postoperative humoral rejection in highly sensitized renal transplant recipients,
      suggesting that kidney transplantation may be safe and effective for these
      patients.

PMID- 22088449
TI  - Phase I trial of icotinib, a novel epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor, in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The preclinical experiments and studies of congener drugs show
      icotinib, a new epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor, can specifically bind to the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR, block
      the EGFR related signal, thereby inhibit the growth of tumor cell. The objective
      of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerability and dose-related
      biologic effects of icotinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      in a Chinese patient population. METHODS: This was an open-label, phase I, dose
      escalation, safety/tolerability trial of oral icotinib (100 to 400 mg),
      administered twice per day for 28-continuous-day cycles until disease progression
      or undue toxicity. RESULTS: Forty patients with stage IIIB (15%) or IV (85%)
      NSCLC were included in the study. They had mainly adenocarcinoma (85%), with a
      performance status (PS) of 0 (45%) or 1 (55%) and less than half the patients
      (45%) had histories of smoking and all were pretreated by at least one regimen of
      chemotherapy. Patients were assigned to three dose levels of 150 mg b.i.d, 200 mg
      b.i.d, or 125 mg t.i.d. The follow-up periods ranged from 5 to 80 weeks. Adverse
      events were found in 35% patients, most of which were mild and reversible. The
      adverse events mainly occurred in the first 4 weeks and included rash (25%),
      diarrhea, nausea and abdominal distention. One definite interstitial lung disease
      (ILD) was found in a patient in the dose of 200 mg b.i.d. According to an 8-week
      assessment, one (2.5%) patient receiving 150 mg gained complete response (CR)
      that persisted for 44 weeks, seven (17.50%) patients had partial remission (PR),
      and 18 (45%) patients had stable disease (SD). The objective response including
      CR + PR was 20%. The median time of progression-free survival for the 40 patients
      was 20 weeks (range: 12 to 32 weeks). The response was not affected by
      pathological type, history of smoking, or numbers of previous therapeutic
      regimens. No relationship between dose, response, adverse effect, or duration of
      the study was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Icotinib, given as oral twice daily, showed
      favorable safety and tolerability. Mild and reversible rash, diarrhea, and nausea
      were the main adverse events. Antitumor activity was obvious at each dose in
      heavily pretreated patients. Pharmacodynamic evaluations and further phase II/III
      trials are in progress.

PMID- 22088450
TI  - Early and long-term results of combined cardiac surgery and neoplastic resection
      in patients with concomitant severe heart disease and neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is a surgical dilemma when patients present with both severe heart
      disease and neoplasms. The best surgical treatment remains controversial. This
      study aimed to analyze the early and long-term results of simultaneous surgical
      treatment of severe heart disease and neoplasms. METHODS: We reviewed the
      clinical records of 15 patients who underwent simultaneous neoplastic resection
      and cardiac surgery between September 2006 and January 2011. There were 5 male
      and 10 female patients. The mean age was (59.2 +/- 12.5) years and the mean left
      ventricular ejection fraction was (57.4 +/- 11.0)%. All patients were followed up
      completely for a period of 12 to 51 months (mean, (33.1 +/- 11.2) months).
      RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent simultaneous cardiac surgery and neoplastic
      resection. Cardiac procedures consisted of off pump coronary artery bypass
      grafting (n = 7), aortic valve replacement (n = 3), mitral valve replacement (n =
      3), mitral valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 1) and
      left atrial myxoma resection (n = 1). Neoplastic resection consisted of lung
      cancer resection (n = 5), colonic cancer resection (n = 3), gallbladder resection
      (n = 1), colonic cancer resection with gallbladder resection (n = 1),
      hysterectomy (n = 2), hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (n = 2)
      and left ovariectomy (n = 1). Pathological examination confirmed malignant
      disease in 10 patients and benign disease in 5 patients. There were no
      perioperative myocardial infarctions, stroke, pericardial tamponade, renal
      failure or hospital deaths. The most frequent complications were atrial
      fibrillation (33.3%), pneumonia (26.7%), low cardiac output syndrome (6.7%) and
      delayed healing of surgical wounds (6.7%). There was 1 late death 42 months after
      surgery for recurrent malignant disease. At 1 and 3 years, survival rates were
      100% (Kaplan-Meier method). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous cardiac surgery and
      neoplastic resection was not associated with increased early or late morbidity or
      mortality. Cardiopulmonary bypass does not appear to adversely affect survival in
      patients with malignant disease. The long-term survival was determined by tumor
      stage.

PMID- 22088451
TI  - Modified culotte stenting for treatment of complex coronary bifurcation lesions:
      immediate and 9-month outcomes in a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal stenting strategy for the treatment of coronary
      bifurcation lesions (CBLs) remains uncertain. The present study observed
      technical feasibility and reliability, 9-month clinical and angiographic outcomes
      of the modified culotte stenting (MCS) in the treatment of CBLs with drug-eluting
      stents. METHODS: A total of 34 consecutive patients with CBLs that required
      stenting the parent vessel (PV), the main branch (MB) and the side branch (SB)
      were included. All patients were first assigned to receive MCS for CBL
      interventions (per MCS), and might be switched to receive the double-kissing
      crush stenting (DKS) in case of temporally acute branch occlusion (per protocol).
      RESULTS: The immediate angiographic or procedural success was achieved in 33/34
      (97%) lesions (patients) per MCS, 34/34 (100%) lesions (patients) per protocol
      with 100% successful final balloon kissing. The long-term clinical success at 9
      months was 94% per MCS and 94% per protocol, only 2 patients had reoccurrence of
      angina but none of them needed target lesion revascularization. There were no
      procedure-related biomarker elevation, no in-stent thrombosis peri-procedurally
      and at 9-month follow-up. Quantitative coronary angiography data at 9 months
      showed that in-stent (6%) or in-segment (6%) binary stenosis was infrequent, and
      minimal lumen diameter was significantly reduced but late lumen loss was
      acceptable with only (0.10 +/- 0.14) mm for PV, (0.21 +/- 0.23) mm for MB and
      (0.27 +/- 0.32) mm for SB. CONCLUSIONS: MCS for treatment of CBLs that required
      dual-stent implantation was technically easier and safer, readily to complete
      final balloon kissing, and was associated with high immediate success and optimal
      9-month outcomes.

PMID- 22088453
TI  - Intrahepatic biliary injuries associated with radiofrequency ablation of hepatic
      malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary injury after radiofrequency ablation can cause serious
      consequences including death. However, there are limited data regarding bile duct
      changes with or without complications associated with radiofrequency ablation of
      hepatic malignancies. This study aimed to assess the incidence, prognosis and
      risk factors of intrahepatic biliary injury associated with radiofrequency
      ablation. METHODS: Between June 2001 and January 2009, 638 patients with hepatic
      malignancies (405 with hepatocellular carcinoma, and 233 with liver metastasis)
      who had 955 treatment sessions were enrolled in this study. Imaging and
      laboratory data, the course of treatment, and patient outcomes were reviewed
      retrospectively. The risk factors of biliary injury and the impact on overall
      survival of patients were analyzed. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test,
      Kaplan-Meier curves and stepwise Logistic regression model were used for
      statistical analysis where appropriate. RESULTS: Biliary injury was observed in
      17 patients after 17 ablation sessions based on imaging findings. The overall
      incidence of biliary injury was 1.8% (17/955) with an average onset time of 12
      weeks (2-36 weeks). Mild, moderate and severe complications of biliary injury
      were identified in 9, 6 and 2 cases, respectively. The median survival time after
      detection of biliary injury was 40 months. There seemed no notable difference in
      overall survival between patients with and those without biliary injuries. By
      multivariate analysis, vessel infiltration (P = 0.034) and treatment session >= 4
      times (P = 0.025) were independent risk factors for biliary injury of
      hepatocellular carcinoma; while tumor located centrally was the only independent
      risk factor in the metastasis group (P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of
      biliary injury was not frequent (1.8%). Through appropriate treatment,
      intrahepatic bile duct injuries seemed not affect the patients' long-term
      survival. Additionally, risk factors may be helpful for selecting radiofrequency
      ablation candidates and predicting biliary complications.

PMID- 22088452
TI  - Coexistence of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg imbalances in patients with allergic asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent recognition is that Th2 response is insufficient to fully
      explain the aetiology of asthma. Other CD4(+) T cells subsets might play a role
      in asthma. We investigated the relative abundance and activities of Th1, Th2,
      Th17 and CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in patients with allergic asthma. METHODS:
      Twenty-two patients with mild asthma, 17 patients with moderate to severe asthma
      and 20 healthy donors were enrolled. All patients were allergic to house dust
      mites. Plasma total IgE, pulmonary function and Asthma Control Questionnaire were
      assessed. The proportions of peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Th17 and CD4(+)CD25(+)
      Treg cells were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines in
      plasma and in the culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was
      determined by enzyme linked, immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The frequency of blood
      Th2 cells and IL-4 levels in plasma and culture supernatant of peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells were increased in all patients with allergic asthma. The
      frequency of Th17 cells and the plasma and culture supernatant levels of IL-17
      were increased, whereas the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells and plasma IL
      10 levels were decreased in patients with moderate to severe asthma.
      Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgE levels were positively correlated
      with the percentage of blood Th2 cells and plasma IL-4 levels. Forced expiratory
      volume in the first second was negatively correlated with the frequency of Th17
      cells and plasma IL-17 levels, and positively correlated with the frequency of
      Treg cells. However, mean Asthma Control Questionnaire scores were positively
      correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells and plasma IL-17 levels, and
      negatively correlated with the frequency of Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS: Imbalances
      in Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg were found in patients with allergic asthma.
      Furthermore, elevated Th17 cell responses, the absence of Tregs and an imbalance
      in Th17/Treg levels were associated with moderate to severe asthma.

PMID- 22088454
TI  - New prognostic parameters for very-low-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the National Institutes of Health consensus criteria,
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) smaller than 2 cm in diameter with less
      than 5 mitotic figures per 50 high-power fields are considered very-low-risk
      GISTs, but these two indices alone cannot reliably predict a benign outcome
      during long-term follow-ups. Therefore, identification of additional parameters
      for predicting the clinical behavior of GISTs is necessary. METHODS: Eighty-eight
      patients with tumors that meet the very-low-risk GIST criteria were
      retrospectively investigated and morphological parameters of tumors associated
      with the biological behavior of very-low-risk GISTs were evaluated in the present
      study. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate disease-free survival rates.
      RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were followed up for one to 16.3 years. Five cases
      of relapses were identified in the patients. Distinctive infiltrative growth
      patterns such as muscularis propria, muscularis mucosa, or nerve infiltration
      were identified by microscopy in 4 patients with the relapse, including three
      patients who experienced multiple recurrences. The infiltrative growth features
      became more obvious in multiple recurrent tumors compared to the single recurrent
      tumor, while only one developed relapse in 76 patients without infiltration (P <
      0.0001). CONCLUSION: Microscopic infiltrative growth patterns of the tumor may
      have clinical significance in predicting the prognosis of very-low-risk GISTs.

PMID- 22088455
TI  - Environment surveillance of filamentous fungi in two tertiary care hospitals in
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections have constituted an increasingly important
      cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In this study, a
      surveillance project was conducted in three different intensive care units of two
      large tertiary hospitals in China. METHODS: A one-year surveillance project was
      conducted in two tertiary hospitals which located in northern China and southwest
      China respectively. Air, surfaces and tap water were sampled twice a month in a
      central intensive care unit, a bone marrow transplant unit, a neurosurgery
      intensive care unit and a live transplant department. Environmental conditions
      such as humidity, temperature and events taking place, for example the present of
      the visitors, healthcare staff and cleaning crew were also recorded at the time
      of sampling. RESULTS: The air fungal load was 91.94 cfu/m(3) and 71.02 cfu/m(3)
      in the southwest China hospital and the northern China hospital respectively. The
      five most prevalent fungi collected from air and surfaces were Penicillium spp.,
      Cladospcrium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp. and Saccharomyces spp. in
      the southwest China hospital, meanwhile Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp.,
      Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp. and Cladospcrium spp. in the northern China
      hospital. The least contaminated department was intensive care units, and the
      heaviest contaminated department was neurosurgery intensive care unit. Seventy
      three percent of all surfaces examined in the northern China hospital and eighty
      six percent in the southwest China hospital yielded fungi. Fifty-four percent of
      water samples from the northern China hospital and forty-nine percent from the
      southwest China hospital yielded fungi. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested
      that the fungus exist in the environment of the hospital including air, surface
      and water. Air and surface fungal load fluctuated over the year. Air fungal load
      was lower in winter and higher in summer and autumn, but seldom exceeded
      acceptable level. The higher values were created during May to August in the
      northern China hospital and May to June and September to October in the southwest
      China hospital. A correlation between air fungal load and humidity, as well as
      personnel was observed.

PMID- 22088456
TI  - Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic
      proinflammatory cytokine and contributes to many kinds of cardiovascular diseases
      via its receptors (TNFR1/TNFR2). We hypothesize that TNF-alpha plays a role in
      the pathogenesis of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Sixty-seven
      consecutive patients who were scheduled to have cardiac surgery were enrolled
      into the study. Thirty-one patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and AF
      were enrolled as study group (AF group). The sinus rhythm (SR) control groups
      consisted of 20 patients with RHD and 16 patients with coronary artery disease
      (CAD). Peripheral blood sample was collected before the operation. About 5 mm(3)
      left atrial tissue was disserted during the operation and was separated into
      three parts for Western blotting, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the controls (RHD
      SR and CAD SR), the levels of TNF-alpha ((14.40 +/- 5.45) pg/ml vs. (4.20 +/-
      3.19) pg/ml vs. (2.68 +/- 2.20) pg/ml, P = 0.000) and its soluble receptor 1
      (sTNFR1) ((1623.9 +/- 558.6) pg/ml vs. (1222.3 +/- 175.6) pg/ml vs. (1387.5 +/-
      362.2) pg/ml, P = 0.001) in plasma were higher in patients with AF. TNF-alpha
      level had positive correlation with the left atrial diameter (LAD) (r = 0.642, P
      = 0.000). Western blotting analysis showed that the protein levels of TNF-alpha
      (0.618 +/- 0.236 vs. 0.234 +/- 0.178 vs. 0.180 +/- 0.103, P = 0.000) were higher
      in patients with AF. The RT-PCR analysis results demonstrated that the mRNA
      expression of TNF-alpha (0.103 +/- 0.047 vs. 0.031 +/- 0.027 vs. 0.023 +/- 0.018,
      P = 0.000) increased in patients with AF. IHC analysis displayed that, comparing
      to the SR, the expression of TNF-alpha (0.125 +/- 0.025 vs. 0.080 +/- 0.027 vs.
      0.070 +/- 0.023, P = 0.000) increased in the AF group. The protein level and mRNA
      expression of TNF-alpha also had positive correlation with left atrium diameter
      (LAD) (r = 0.415, P = 0.000 and r = 0.499, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The results
      revealed that TNF-alpha elevated in the plasma and left atrial tissue and had
      positive correlation with LAD in patients of chronic AF. TNF-alpha might involve
      in the pathogenesis of chronic AF.

PMID- 22088457
TI  - Clinical evaluation of the quantitative locator for conjunctiva resection used as
      an instrument for the treatment of conjunctivochalasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The crescent excision of the inferior bulbar conjunctiva has been
      advised as a surgical procedure in the management of conjunctivochalasis
      refractory to medical treatments. However, it is difficult for this procedure to
      design how much conjunctival tissue should be excised. This study aimed to
      present a quantitative locator for conjunctiva resection and evaluate its effect
      on the treatment of conjunctivochalasis (CCh). METHODS: Poly beta-hydroxyethyl
      methacrylate resin/beta-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, water gel) was used as
      the material to make the quantitative locator which was designed to suit the
      specific patient. Forty-six patients with bilateral symptomatic CCh were included
      in this prospective study. Of the patients, while the right eye underwent the
      popularly used crescent-shaped conjunctiva resection (group I), the left eye was
      treated with conjunctiva resection assisted by the quantitative locator (group
      II). International Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), scores of remnant
      conjunctiva fold, complications and conjunctival cut healing, height of tear
      meniscus, tear break-up time (BUT), and time of surgery were evaluated. Tasting
      chloromycetin test (TCT) was used to evaluate how the lacrimal duct worked.
      RESULTS: OSDI in group II (8.82 +/- 2.36) was significantly lower than that in
      group I (14.67 +/- 2.21) (t = 12.22, P < 0.01). The amount of conjunctiva fold
      remaining in group II was less than that in group I. Scores of remnant
      conjunctiva fold in group I were significantly higher than those in group II (t =
      31.85, P < 0.01). While evaluation scores of conjunctival cut healing in group I
      were lower than those in group II, scores of complication in group I were
      significantly higher than those in group II at 8 weeks after surgery (t = 89.60,
      P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in eyes with normal BUT (chi(2) =
      0.031, P = 0.985) between the two groups, as the case was in eyes with positive
      TCT (chi(2) = 0.14, P = 0.930) and in eyes with normal height of tear meniscus
      (chi(2) = 0.48, P = 0.780). Mean surgery time in group II ((17.11 +/- 2.08)
      minutes) was significantly shorter than that in group I ((25.22 +/- 4.78)
      minutes) (t = 13.84, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A quantitative locator can be used as
      an effective, safe, and less time-consuming instrument to facilitate conjunctival
      excision for symptomatic CCh treatment.

PMID- 22088458
TI  - Expression of Smad7 inhibits fibrogenic responses of keratocytes to transforming
      growth factor beta2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is one of the most
      important growth factors in the development of fibrosis and scarring on cornea.
      Smad7, an inhibitory Smad, can inhibit TGFbeta signal transduction. In recent
      years, effects of lentiviral-mediated Smad7 on inhibition of fibrosis on some
      organs have been studied, while little is known about the effects on cornea. This
      study aimed to determine the effects of lentiviral-mediated Smad7 gene expression
      on keratocyte proliferation and fibrosis induced by TGF beta2 in vitro. METHODS:
      Keratocytes were cultured from corneal tissue isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD)
      rats and transfected with Smad7 expressing lentiviral vector (Lv-Smad7) or non
      functioning control vector (Lv-blank). Following the exposure to TGFbeta2,
      keratocytes were processed for immunoblotting to assess the phosphorylation of
      Smad2 as down-stream event of TGFbeta/Smad signaling. Expression of fibrotic
      markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), type III collagen (collagen III)
      were measured by Western blotting and quantitative real time polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR). Overall cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl
      thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the expression of
      cell cycle-related marker Ki67 at both mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: The
      Smad7 gene transfer suppressed TGFbeta/Smad signaling in keratocytes by down
      regulating phosphorylation of Smad2. Markers of cell proliferation and fibrosis
      including Ki67, alpha-SMA, collagen III were inhibited by introduction of Smad 7
      into TGFbeta exposed keratocytes. Consequently, the rate of cell proliferation
      was attenuated. CONCLUSION: Smad7 gene transfer inhibited fibrogenic responses of
      keratocytes to TGFbeta2.

PMID- 22088459
TI  - Growth of G422 glioma implanted in the mouse brain was affected by the immune
      ability of the host.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that gliomas are the most common primary
      brain tumors with poor prognosis. We aimed to explore the relationship of the
      immunity of the central nervous system and the genesis and development of glioma.
      METHODS: G422 glioma was implanted in the brain of BALB/c mice (immuno-competent
      mice), nude mice (T cell related immuno-deficient) and complement C3 knock-out
      mice (complement C3 related immunodeficient). The survival time of the host,
      growth and histopathology of the tumor, and concentrations of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) in tumor tissues were
      assessed. RESULTS: Tumor spheres were formed in all mice after injection, and
      glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive staining of the cells declared
      their glioma origin. The longest median survival time of (44.3 +/- 6.0) days was
      found in BALB/c mice, followed by (24.8 +/- 5.2) days in nude mice and the
      shortest (18.6 +/- 5.8) days in complement C3 knock-out mice. Accordingly, the
      growth of the tumor was fastest in complement C3 knock-out mice, followed by the
      nude mice and slowest in the BALB/c mice. Although the proportions of
      infiltrating CD68(+) lymphocytes in tumor tissues showed no significant
      difference (P > 0.05), TNF-alpha level in the nude and C3 knock-out mice, (28.11
      +/- 4.86) umol/L and (22.87 +/- 6.36) umol/L respectively, were significantly
      lower (P < 0.01) than that in the BALB/c mice, which was (230.21 +/- 39.17)
      umol/L. The INF-gamma level was highest in the BALB/c mice ((180.76 +/- 29.19)
      umol/L), followed by the nude mice ((113.46 +/- 23.76) umol/L) and then the C3
      knock-out mice ((16.84 +/- 4.45) umol/L). CONCLUSIONS: The G422 glioma implanted
      in the brains of mice with different immune ability would be a useful model for
      studying the relationship of the immune system and tumor in the central nervous
      system. Furthermore, the T cells and complement C3 compartments of the immune
      response may affect the growth of implanted tumors and inflammatory factors such
      as TNF-alpha and INF-gamma.

PMID- 22088460
TI  - Sutureless choledochoduodenostomy with an intraluminal degradable stent in dog
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is difficult and time-consuming for carrying out conventional hand
      sewn bilioenteric anastomosis, especially for small bile duct anastomosis and
      laparoscopic procedure. In order to simplify it, we have developed a novel
      procedure of sutureless bilioenteric anastomosis with an intraluminal degradable
      stent. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this technique
      with cholangioduodenostomy in dog model. METHODS: A patent intraluminal
      degradable stent tube for sutureless choledochoduodenostomy in dog model was made
      with polylactic acid in diameter of 3 mm or 4 mm. Thirty-eight dogs were randomly
      divided into to a stent group (SG, n = 20) and a control group (CG, n = 18). Dogs
      in the SG underwent sutureless choledochoduodenostomy with intraluminal stent,
      while the CG underwent conventional choledochoduodenostomy (single layer
      discontinuous anastomosis with absorbable suture). Dogs of each group were
      divided into 4 subgroups according to time of death (1, 3, 6, and 12 months
      postoperatively) to evaluate the healing of anastomosis. Operation time,
      intraoperative tolerance pressure of anastomosis, rate of postoperative bile
      leakage, bursting pressure of anastomosis were compared between the two groups.
      Anastomosis tissue was observed afterwards by pathology evaluation,
      hydroxyproline content, serum bilirubin, liver enzyme level and magnetic
      resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) to assess the stricture. RESULTS: All
      procedures were completed successfully. The surgical time of the SG was
      significantly less than the CG (SG: (19.2 +/- 4.3) minutes, vs. CG: (29.2 +/-
      7.1) minutes, P = 0.000). One bile leakage was occurred in either group. No
      significant difference of intraoperative tolerance pressure of anastomosis, rate
      of bile leakage and postoperative bursting pressure of anastomosis, anastomotic
      stricture, hydroxyproline content, serum bilirubin and liver enzyme level was
      found between the two groups. MRCP showed no anastomosis stricture and
      obstruction during months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The technique of sutureless
      choledochoduodenostomy with a degradable intraluminal stent is feasible and a
      safe procedure in this dog model.

PMID- 22088461
TI  - Preconditioning of intravenous parecoxib attenuates focal cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) contributes to
      the delayed progression of ischemic brain damage. This study was designed to
      investigate whether COX-2 inhibition with parecoxib reduces focal cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats
      were randomly assigned to three groups: the sham group, ischemia/reperfusion
      (I/R) group and parecoxib group. The parecoxib group received 4 mg/kg of
      parecoxib intravenously via the vena dorsalis penis 15 minutes before ischemia
      and again at 12 hours after ischemia. The neurological deficit scores (NDSs) were
      evaluated at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion. The rats then were euthanized.
      Brains were removed and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl
      staining, and measurements of high mobility group Box 1 protein (HMGB1) and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. Infarct volume was assessed with 2,3,5
      triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. RESULTS: The rats in the I/R group
      had lower NDSs (P < 0.05), larger infarct volume (P < 0.05), lower HMGB1 levels
      (P < 0.05), and higher TNF-alpha levels (P < 0.05) compared with those in the
      sham group. Parecoxib administration significantly improved NDSs, reduced infarct
      volume, and decreased HMGB1 and TNF-alpha levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Pretreatment with intravenous parecoxib was neuroprotective. Its effects may be
      associated with the attenuation of inflammatory reaction and the inhibition of
      inflammatory mediators.

PMID- 22088462
TI  - Autologous nucleus pulposus transplantation to lumbar 5 dorsal root ganglion
      after epineurium dissection in rats: a modified model of non-compressive lumbar
      herniated intervertebral disc.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs has proinflammatory
      characteristics that play a key role in neuropathic pain in lumbar herniated
      intervertebral disc. One of the most commonly used animal models (the traditional
      model) of non-compressive lumbar herniated intervertebral disc is created by L4
      L5 hemilaminectomy and the application of autologous nucleus pulposus to cover
      the left L4 and L5 nerve roots in rats. However, such procedures have the
      disadvantages of excessive trauma and low success rate. We proposed a modified
      model of non-compressive lumbar herniated intervertebral disc in which only the
      left L5 dorsal root ganglion is exposed and transplanted with autologous nucleus
      pulposus following incision of epineurium. We aimed to compare the modified model
      with the traditional one with regard to trauma and success rate. METHODS: Thirty
      Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into three groups: sham operation group
      (n = 6), traditional group (n = 12), and modified group (n = 12). The amount of
      blood loss and operative time for each group were analyzed. The paw withdrawal
      threshold of the left hind limb to mechanical stimuli and paw withdrawal latency
      to heat stimuli were examined from the day before surgery to day 35 after
      surgery. RESULTS: Compared with the traditional group, the modified group had
      shorter operative time, smaller amount of blood loss, and higher success rate
      (91.7% versus 58.3%, P < 0.05). There was no decrease in paw withdrawal latency
      in any group. The sham operation group had no decrease in postoperative paw
      withdrawal threshold, whereas the modified and traditional groups had significant
      reduction in paw withdrawal threshold after surgery (mechanical hyperalgesia).
      CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of nucleus pulposus onto the L5 dorsal root ganglion
      following incision of epineurium in rats established an improved animal model of
      non-compressive lumbar herniated intervertebral disc with less trauma and more
      stable pain ethology.

PMID- 22088463
TI  - Effects of HepII domain peptides V of fibronectin on corneal permeability,
      endothelial cells, intraocular pressure and morphology of trabecular meshwork in
      rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trabecular meshwork (TM) cell volume may be an important determinant
      of aqueous humor outflow in the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the role of
      HepII domain peptides V on corneal permeability, corneal endothelial cells,
      intraocular pressure (IOP) and morphology of trabecular meshwork in rats.
      METHODS: The IOP of rat eyes was measured before and 3, 5, 7 and 8 hours after
      topical delivery of HepII domain peptides V through intracameral injections. The
      peptide's concentration in aqueous humor was assessed by high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). The shape and density of endothelial cells were observed
      by laser confocal microscopy 8 hours, 3 and 14 days after intracameral injections
      of HepII domain peptides V. The morphological changes in TM of rat eyes were
      assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Intracameral
      injection of HepII domain peptides V significantly (P < 0.001) decreased IOP by
      (5.71 +/- 2.10) mmHg in rats at 5 hours after injection. There were no obvious
      changes of the shape and the density of corneal endothelial cells. In addition,
      morphological changes in the TM of rats were observed including the expansion of
      intercellular spaces in the juxtacanalicular meshwork, removal of extracellular
      material, cellular relaxation, and cytoskeleton reorganization. CONCLUSIONS:
      HepII domain peptides V could not penetrate cornea and was safe to corneal
      endothelial cells. HepII domain peptides V could significantly decrease IOP in
      rat probably by disorganizing actin cytoskeleton and cell-junction in the TM.

PMID- 22088464
TI  - Downregulation of Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 in the
      process of delayed myocardialization of cardiac proximal outflow tract septum in
      connexin 43 knockout mice embryo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The connexin43 knockout (Cx43 KO) mouse dies at birth with an
      enlarged conotruncal region, which leads to the obstruction of the right outflow
      tract (OFT). Since myocardialization of the proximal OFT septum is one of the key
      events during heart development, we investigated the process in the Cx43 KO
      embryo hearts. Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), is a
      recently found key molecule to regulate the myocardialization of OFT, but its
      spatiotemporal expression pattern during myocardialization remains unknown. The
      objective of this study was to investigate the differentially expressed pattern
      of ROCK1 between Cx43 KO and wild type embryo hearts, and its relationship with
      the delayed myocardialization in Cx43 KO embryo hearts. METHODS: Using
      immunohistochemistry, the processes of myocardiolization were investigated both
      in Cx43 KO and wild type embryo hearts. The differentially expressed pattern of
      ROCK1 between Cx43 KO and wildtype embryo hearts was evaluated both at the mRNA
      and protein level by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The
      expression of alpha-sarcomeric actin (alpha-SCA) in the proximal OFT septum of
      Cx43 KO embryos was delayed. Meanwhile, it was shown that the downregulation of
      ROCK1 coincided with delayed myocardialization. The expression of ROCK1 protein
      was mainly limited to the proximal outflow tract septum from embryo day (E) E11.5
      to E15.5. Its expression pattern was similar with that of alpha-SCA. Real-time RT
      PCR found that the expression level of Rock-1 mRNA began at a low level on E11.5
      and reached peak at E13.5 and E14.5. CONCLUSIONS: ROCK1 may have an important
      role in the process of myocardialization of the proximal OFT septum.
      Downregulation of ROCK1 is likely to contribute to the aberrant myocardialization
      in Cx43 KO embryo hearts.

PMID- 22088465
TI  - Establishment and gene expression profiling of LKB1 stable knockdown lung cancer
      cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in China.
      Mutation analysis reveals that LKB1 inactivation is present in 30% of non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC), indicating its role as a tumor suppressor. However, the
      molecular mechanism is still not clear. Our study attempted to establish LKB1
      stable knockdown NSCLC cell line, detect alterations in gene expression and
      identify the genes regulated by LKB1. METHODS: LKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cell
      line was established using a lentiviral short hairpin RNA. To identify the
      knockdown effect, LKB1 mRNA and protein expression level were evaluated with
      quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. We treated the cell lines with 2
      deoxyglucose to determine if LKB1 protein function was impacted. Gene microarray
      analysis was performed to detect the gene expression alterations in LKB1 stable
      knockdown H1299 cells. RESULTS: LKB1 mRNA and protein expression were
      significantly suppressed in LKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cell line. 2-DG treatment
      had little impact on the phosphorylation of AMPK, which is the downstream target
      of LKB1, indicating the loss of function of LKB1. The microarray data showed that
      LKB1 knockdown resulted in expression alterations of 1243 kinds of genes,
      including those involved in cell migration, cell proliferation and cell
      apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of LKB1 stable knockdown H1299 cell
      line provides us with a great tool to investigate various genes regulated by LKB1
      through microarray. The discovery of cell proliferation and migration-related
      genes regulated by LKB1 is critical for unraveling molecular mechanisms of LKB1's
      role in the development and metastasis of lung cancer.

PMID- 22088466
TI  - Osteoprotegerin and osteoprotegerin ligand expression during human marrow stromal
      cell differentiation and their effect on osteoclast formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) play an
      important role in human bone metabolism. The aim of this research was to detect
      the expression of OPG and OPGL during human marrow stromal cells (hMSC)
      differentiation into osteoblasts (OB), and to observe their effect on osteoclasts
      (OC) formation in vitro to investigate bone metabolism mechanisms. METHODS: hMSCs
      were obtained from human bone marrow specimens using gradient centrifugation
      method, before being purified and incubated with differentiation medium to
      develop along the human osteoblasts (hOB) pathway. Morphology observation,
      biochemical detection and cell staining were performed during hMSC
      differentiation. OPG and OPGL mRNA levels were detected by reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. OPG and OPGL protein expression were determined by
      Western blotting. We further obtained OC progenitor cells from mice bone marrow
      and co-cultured with differentiating MSCs. We assessed the effect of OPG and OPGL
      on OC formation by identifying tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)
      positive multinuclear cells. RESULTS: Optimal hMSC survival and purification were
      observed, along with stable biochemical indexes. Alkaline phosphatase secretion
      increased significantly and mineralization nodules appeared in the process of
      cell differentiation. OPG mRNA and protein level increased significantly, while
      OPGL mRNA and protein level decreased. Average levels of OPG mRNA and protein
      were about 2.5-fold higher than the control, while OPGL mRNA and protein levels
      were reduced by about one-half. In the group co-culturing with undifferentiated
      MSC or added OPGL, we found TRAP positive and multi- nuclear OC formation.
      However, OC formation was absent in the group co-culturing with differentiated
      MSC or added OPG. CONCLUSIONS: During hMSC differentiation into hOB, OPG
      secretion increased rapidly and OPGL production decreased significantly. The
      OPG/OPGL ratio was also increased, while OC formation was inhibited and bone
      absorption decreased. Thus, regulation of the OPG/OPGL ratio may be important in
      controlling MSC differentiation, OB and OC formation in succession involved in
      bone metabolism.

PMID- 22088467
TI  - Induction of actin disruption and downregulation of P-glycoprotein expression by
      solamargine in multidrug-resistant K562/A02 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Solamargine (SM), a steroidal glycoalkaloid isolated from the Chinese
      herb Solanum incanum, has been shown to inhibit the growth of some cancer cell
      lines and induce significant apoptosis. However, the effects of SM on multidrug
      resistant (MDR) cells and the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly
      understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-MDR effects of SM
      and the associated mechanisms in MDR K562/A02 cells. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of
      SM was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)
      assay. The 14',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) nuclear staining and flow
      cytometry were used to detect SM-induced apoptosis. The mRNA expression of P
      glycoprotein (P-gp) was investigated by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Western blotting
      was used to determine the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and actin. The changes in the
      morphology of actin were examined with immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: MTT
      results showed that SM effectively killed the MDR sublines K562/A02, KB/VCR, and
      H460/paclitaxel (Taxol), and their parental cell lines K562, KB, and H460 to an
      equivalent or more sensitive degree. Based on the results by flow cytometry and
      immunostaining, the pro-apoptotic effects of SM were observed in MDR K562/A02
      cells. Furthermore, the RT-PCR results showed that SM induced the downregulation
      of MDR1 mRNA. In addition, the expression of P-gp and actin was decreased in the
      SM-treated cells, as measured by western blotting and immunostaining.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that SM effectively triggers apoptosis in
      MDR tumor cells, which is associated with actin disruption and downregulation of
      MDR1 expression. This compound may merit further investigation as a potential
      therapeutic agent that bypasses the MDR mechanism for the treatment of MDR
      tumors.

PMID- 22088468
TI  - Clinicopathologic and prognostic implications of progranulin in breast carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progranulin is a newly discovered 88-kDa glycoprotein originally
      purified from the highly tumorigenic mouse teratoma-derived cell line PC. Its
      expression is closely correlated with the development and metastasis of several
      cancers. However, no immunohistochemical evidence currently exists to correlate
      progranulin expression with clinicopathologic features in breast carcinoma
      biopsies, and the role of progranulin as a new marker of metastatic risk and
      prognosis in breast cancer has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the clinicopathologic and prognostic implications of progranulin
      expression in breast carcinoma and its correlation with tumor angiogenesis.
      METHODS: Progranulin expression was determined immunohistochemically in 183
      surgical specimens from patients with breast cancer and 20 tissue samples from
      breast fibroadenomas. The tumor angiogenesis-related biomarker, vascular
      endothelial growth factor was assayed and microvessel density was assessed by
      counting vascular endothelial cells in tumor tissues labeled with endoglin
      antibody. The relationship between progranulin expression and the
      clinicopathologic data were analyzed. RESULTS: Progranulin proteins were
      overexpressed in breast cancer. The level of progranulin expression was
      significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.004), lymph node metastasis (P <
      0.001) and TNM staging (P < 0.001). High progranulin expression was associated
      with higher tumor angiogenesis, reflected by increased vascular endothelial
      growth factor expression (P < 0.001) and higher microvessel density (P = 0.002).
      CONCLUSION: Progranulin may be a valuable marker for assessing the metastasis and
      prognosis of breast cancer, and could provide the basis for new combination
      regimens with antiangiogenic activity.

PMID- 22088469
TI  - Taxonomic analysis of cryptococcus species complex strain S8012 revealed
      Cryptococcus gattii with high heterogeneity on the genetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initially, Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans was previously divided into
      two varieties comprising C. neoformans var. neoformans and C. neoformans var.
      gattii. Currently, taxonomic studies defined C. neoformans as C. species complex,
      which contains C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D), the hybrid isolates
      (serotype AD), C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) and C. gattii (serotypes B
      and C). However, Liao and his team once isolated a unique C. gattii isolate,
      namely strain S8012 with unique phenotype from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a 43
      year-old male patient in the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and described as C.
      neoformans var. shanghaiensis in 1980s. The aim of this study was to explore the
      genetic background and polymorphism of Chinese clinical C. gattii isolates.
      METHODS: S8012 was analyzed as representative strain using the M13-polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting pattern and multilocus sequence analysis
      including internal transcribed spacers of rDNA (ITS region), the intergenic
      spacer 1 regions (IGS1), RPB1, RPB2, CNLAC1, and TEF1 genes. RESULTS: The PCR
      fingerprinting pattern results showed strain S8012 belonged to molecular types
      VGI, and phylogenetic analysis suggested strain S8012 was grouped into the
      cluster of C. gattii environmental isolates originated from Eucalyptus
      camaldulensis trees in Australia. CONCLUSION: C. gattii isolates from Chinese
      patients expresses high polymorphism on the phenotype, and molecular type VGI
      isolates from China have a close genetic relationship with the C. gattii isolates
      from Australia.

PMID- 22088470
TI  - Genomics of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent
      noncancerous tissues with cDNA microarray.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary cancer frequently
      associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, whether these
      identified genes are particularly associated with HBV-related HCC remains
      unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential gene
      expression between HBV-related HCC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues.
      METHODS: cDNA microarray was used to detect the differential gene expression
      profile in the HBV-related HCC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues, and
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to verify
      the differential expression of candidate genes obtained from cDNA microarray
      experiment. RESULTS: In this study, 1369 genes or expressed sequence tags (ESTs)
      including 121 genes or ESTs with at least two-fold expression alterations between
      cancerous and noncancerous tissues were identified. Special AT-rich sequence
      binding protein 1 (SATB-1) expression was positive in 73% (16/22) of cancerous
      tissues and negative (0/22) in all noncancerous tissues of HBV-related HCC
      patients. Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 1 (TM4SF-1) expression was positive
      in 86% (19/22) of cancerous tissues and negative (0/22) in all noncancerous
      tissues. Suppression of tumorigenicity 14 (ST-14) expression was positive in 73%
      (16/22) of noncancerous tissues in patients with HBV-related HCC and negative in
      all HCC tissues (0/22). CONCLUSION: This study provided the gene expression
      profile of HBV-related HCC and presented differential expression patterns of SATB
      1, TM4SF-1 and ST-14 between cancerous and noncancerous tissues in patients with
      HBV-related HCC.

PMID- 22088471
TI  - Novel mutations of PRSS1 gene in patients with pancreatic cancer among Han
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer becomes a bottleneck for
      further treatment with long-term efficacy. It is urgent to find a new mean to
      predict the early onset of pancreatic cancer accurately. The authors hypothesized
      that genetic variants of cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene could affect trypsin
      expression/function and result in abnormal activation of protease activated
      receptor-2 (PAR-2), then lead to pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to
      elaborate some novel mutations of PRSS1 gene in the patients with pancreatic
      cancer. METHODS: Totally 156 patients with pancreatic cancer and 220 unrelated
      individuals as controls were enrolled in this study. The mutations of PRSS1 gene
      were analyzed by direct sequencing. K-ras Mutation Detection Kit was used to find
      the general k-ras gene disorder in the pancreatic cancer tissue. Then the
      clinical data were collected and analyzed simultaneously. RESULTS: There were two
      patients who carried novel mutations which was IVS 3 + 157 G > C of PRSS1 gene in
      peripheral blood specimens and pancreatic cancer tissue. What's more, it was
      surprising to find a novel complicated mutation of exon 3 in PRSS1 gene (c.409 A
      > G and c.416 C > T) in another young patient. The complicated mutation made No.
      135 and No. 137 amino acid transfer from Thr to Ala and Thr to Met respectively.
      No any mutation was found in the normal controls while no mutations of k-ras gene
      were detected in the three patients. CONCLUSION: Mutations of PRSS1 gene may be
      an important factor of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22088472
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography in severe crush
      syndrome with consideration of fasciotomy or amputation: a novel diagnostic tool.

PMID- 22088473
TI  - Intensive chromic acid burns and acute chromium poisoning with acute renal
      failure.

PMID- 22088474
TI  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the renal pelvis in duplex kidney.

PMID- 22088476
TI  - Analytical methods for brain targeted delivery system in vivo: perspectives on
      imaging modalities and microdialysis.
AB  - Since the introduction of microdialysis in 1974, the semi-invasive analytical
      method has grown exponentially. Microdialysis is one of the most potential
      analysis technologies of pharmacological drug delivery to the brain. In recent
      decades, analysis of chemicals targeting the brain has led to many improvements.
      It seems likely that fluorescence imaging was limited to ex vivo and in vitro
      applications with the exception of several intravital microscopy and photographic
      imaging approaches. X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) have been commonly utilized for
      visualization of distribution and therapeutic effects of drugs. The efficient
      analytical methods for studies of brain-targeting delivery system is a major
      challenge in detecting the disposition as well as the variances of the factors
      that regulate the substances delivery into the brain. In this review, we
      highlight some of the ongoing trends in imaging modalities and the most recent
      developments in the field of microdialysis of live animals and present insights
      into exploiting brain disease for therapeutic and diagnostics purpose.

PMID- 22088477
TI  - Comprehensive investigation of the influence of acidic, basic, and organic mobile
      phase compositions on bioanalytical assay sensitivity in positive ESI mode
      LC/MS/MS.
AB  - The sensitivity and accuracy of a bioanalytical method is critical in defining
      the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of a potential new chemical entity (NCE).
      Inhaled therapeutics and low dose NCEs present one of the most significant
      analytical challenges to the bioanalyst, due to their low systemic concentration.
      The sensitivity of a bioanalytical LC/MS/MS based assay can be influenced by
      multiple parameters, including: mobile phase composition, extraction efficiency
      and chromatographic performance. In this work, we discuss the influence of acidic
      (pH 3), and basic (pH 10) aqueous mobile phases in conjunction with the two most
      common organic modifiers used in HPLC, acetonitrile and methanol, on the assay
      sensitivity of twenty-four probe pharmaceuticals in solvent and biological fluid
      extract. The study showed that when the test probe pharmaceuticals were analyzed
      with basic aqueous mobile phases compared to standard acidic conditions the
      following results were observed: increases in chromatographic peak area ranging
      from 1.2 to 9.6 fold for twenty-one of the test compounds as well as increased
      signal-to-noise for greater than seventy percent of the compounds. This observed
      increase in the MS response was not necessarily related to the later elution of
      the analyte in a higher organic composition under basic conditions. This was
      demonstrated as seven out of the twenty-four (approximately thirty percent) of
      the probe pharmaceuticals tested, eluted earlier, or with the same retention
      time, under basic conditions, and still produced a greater signal-to-noise when
      analyzed under these basic conditions. Also observed were decreases in
      chromatographic peak width, and increases in the retention time of very
      hydrophilic pharmaceutical compounds. The effect of the mobile phase combinations
      on the retention and MS response of the choline-containing phospholipids present
      in precipitated plasma was also investigated, as these analytes are a major
      source of interference when developing a bioanalytical assay.

PMID- 22088479
TI  - Forced degradation studies of rapamycin: identification of autoxidation products.
AB  - The immunosuppressant drug rapamycin, also known as Sirolimus, underwent
      autoxidation under mild conditions to give numerous monomeric and oligomeric
      compounds, which were generally characterized by size-exclusion chromatography
      and NP-HPLC with UV and MS detection. Some of the more predominant products,
      epoxides and ketones, were isolated and identified. Two epoxides and 10S-epimer
      of rapamycin were described for the first time. Observed rapamycin isomers were
      also addressed. Computational chemistry was used to provide mechanistic insights.
      Formation of the majority of the rapamycin products could be rationalized with
      free radical-mediated autoxidation reactions involving alkene and alcohol sites.
      Methodological aspects of oxidative stress testing are discussed.

PMID- 22088480
TI  - Effects of valproate on glutamate metabolism in rat brain slices: a (13)C NMR
      study.
AB  - Sodium valproate is a drug widely used for the treatment of epilepsy and mood
      disorders. We studied the effect of valproate on cerebral energy metabolism by
      incubating rat brain slices with 5 mM [3-(13)C]glutamate in the absence and the
      presence of 1 mM valproate. Substrate removal and product formation were measured
      by enzymatic and carbon 13 NMR methods. Fluxes through the enzymatic steps
      involved were calculated with an original mathematical model. We demonstrate
      that, in the presence of valproate, glutamate consumption and aspartate
      accumulation and labeling were inhibited, whereas GABA accumulation and labeling
      were increased. Consistent with these observations, this drug inhibited the
      unidirectional flux from glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate and fluxes through
      several enzymes (gamma aminobutyric acid aminotransferase, alpha-ketoglutarate
      dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, aspartate
      aminotransferase, malic enzyme, pyruvate dehydrogenase, pyruvate carboxylase and
      citrate synthase). By contrast, glutamic acid decarboxylase flux was increased.
      With 2 mM glutamate+1 mM valproate and with 5 mM glutamate+2 mM valproate, GABA
      and aspartate labelings were similarly altered. On the basis of the effects of
      valproate, it is concluded that our cellular model and our cellular metabolomic
      approach appear suitable to study the beneficial and adverse interactions of
      neurotropic compounds with the cerebral metabolic pathways.

PMID- 22088481
TI  - Premonitory features and seizure self-prediction: artifact or real?
AB  - Seizure prediction is currently largely investigated by means of EEG analyses. We
      here report on evidence available on the ability of epilepsy patients themselves
      to predict seizures either by means of subjective experiences ("prodromes"),
      apparent awareness of precipitants, or a feeling of impending seizure (self
      prediction). These data have been collected prospectively by paper or electronic
      diaries. Whereas evidence for a predictive value of prodromes is missing, some
      patients nevertheless can forsee impending seizures above chance level. Relevant
      cues and practical implications are discussed.

PMID- 22088482
TI  - ZSTK474, a specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, induces G1 arrest of
      the cell cycle in vivo.
AB  - Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is regarded as a promising therapeutic
      target because it is often activated in cancer. We previously reported that
      ZSTK474, a specific PI3K inhibitor, inhibits tumour cell proliferation via G1
      arrest of the cell cycle without inducing apoptosis in vitro. However, it
      remained unclear whether ZSTK474 induces G1 arrest to exert antitumour efficacy
      in vivo. We recently developed a live imaging system, named Fluorescent
      Ubiquitination-based Cell Cycle Indicator (Fucci), to visualise cell cycle
      distribution. Here, by using this system, we tested whether ZSTK474 induces G1
      arrest in tumour cells in vivo, as well as in vitro. Fucci-introduced human
      breast cancer MCF-7 cells and cervical cancer HeLa cells were subcutaneously
      xenografted in nude mice. ZSTK474 was administered to the tumour-bearing mice for
      5 days, and the cell cycle distribution in the xenografted tumours were analysed
      by monitoring fluorescence in live mice. We demonstrate that ZSTK474 induces
      G1arrest along with tumour suppression in vivo. Moreover, we show that ZSTK474
      suppresses the tumour growth without inducing apoptosis. Interestingly, such
      increase in G1 cells and tumour suppression was maintained during long-term (3
      month) administration of ZSTK474. These results suggest that ZSTK474 exerts its
      in vivo antitumour efficacy via G1 arrest but not via apoptosis as long as it is
      administered, and could be used for months as maintenance therapy for patients
      with advanced cancers.

PMID- 22088483
TI  - Concurrent infections with multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) types in the New
      Technologies for Cervical Cancer (NTCC) screening study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We investigated clustering patterns of human papillomavirus (HPV)
      in a large study, the New Technologies in Cervical Cancer (NTCC) screening study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women aged 25-60 years who attended cervical screening in
      eight different areas in Northern and Central Italy were tested for HPV infection
      with Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2). Genotyping of the HC2-positive samples was performed
      for 13 HPV types targeted by GP5+/GP6+ PCR, followed by Reverse Line Blot.
      Logistic regression was used to model type-specific HPV positivity, adjusted for
      age, study area, and specific HPV type prevalence. Subject-level random effects
      were added to represent unobservable risk factors common to all HPV types.
      RESULTS: A total of 36,877 women were included. Of 2833 HC2-positive women, 2108
      were confirmed to be positive for any of the 13 specific HPV infections using the
      PCR assay, and amongst them 430 (20.4% of all PCR-positive women) were infected
      with multiple types. The observed-to-expected ratio for infection with >=2 HPV
      types was 1.21 (95% Credible Interval: 1.13-1.30). Amongst the 78 combinations of
      specific HPV types, none of the pairs reached the chosen level of significance, p
      value <0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple HPV infections occurred more frequently than
      predicted by chance. The excess of multiple infections was small, though not
      completely absent, after controlling for all sources of common correlation
      between HPV types. The present analysis of the NTCC screening study showed no
      evidence that specific HPV types have the tendency to be found more or less often
      than others in coinfections.

PMID- 22088484
TI  - A phase 2 trial of trabectedin in children with recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing
      sarcoma and non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas: a report from the
      Children's Oncology Group.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the toxicity, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of trabectedin
      given over 24h every 3 weeks to children with recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing
      sarcoma, or non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Trabectedin was administered as a 24-h intravenous infusion every 21 days. Two
      dose levels were evaluated (1.3 and 1.5mg/m(2)) for safety; efficacy was then
      evaluated using a traditional 2-stage design (10+10) at the 1.5mg/m(2) dose
      level. Pharmacokinetics (day 1 and steady state) were performed during cycle 1.
      RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled, eight patients at 1.3mg/m(2) and 42 at
      1.5mg/m(2). Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) in the dose finding component
      included fatigue and reversible GGT elevation in 1/6 evaluable patients at
      1.3mg/m(2) and 0/5 at 1.5mg/m(2). Efficacy was evaluated in 42 patients enrolled
      at the 1.5mg/m(2) dose of whom 22% experienced reversible grade 3 or 4 toxicities
      that included AST, ALT, or GGT elevations, myelosuppression and deep venous
      thrombosis. One patient with rhabdomyosarcoma had a partial response and one
      patient each with rhabdomyosarcoma, spindle cell sarcoma and Ewing sarcoma had
      stable disease for 2, 3 and 15 cycles, respectively. CONCLUSION: Trabectedin is
      safe when administered over 24h at 1.5mg/m(2). Trabectedin did not demonstrate
      sufficient activity as a single agent for children with relapsed paediatric
      sarcomas.

PMID- 22088485
TI  - Targeted BIRC5 silencing using YM155 causes cell death in neuroblastoma cells
      with low ABCB1 expression.
AB  - The BIRC5 (Survivin) gene is located at chromosome 17q in the region that is
      frequently gained in high risk neuroblastoma. BIRC5 is strongly over expressed in
      neuroblastoma tumour samples, which correlates to a poor prognosis. We recently
      validated BIRC5 as a potential therapeutic target by showing that targeted knock
      down with shRNA's triggers an apoptotic response through mitotic catastrophe. We
      now tested YM155, a novel small molecule selective BIRC5 suppressant that is
      currently in phase I/II clinical trials. Drug response curves showed IC50 values
      in the low nM range (median: 35 nM, range: 0.5-> 10,000 nM) in a panel of 23
      neuroblastoma cell lines and four TIC-lines, which resulted from an apoptotic
      response. Nine out of 23 cell lines were relatively resistant to YM155 with IC50
      values > 200 nM, although in the same cells shRNA mediated knock down of BIRC5
      caused massive apoptosis. Analysis of differentially expressed genes between five
      most sensitive and five most resistant cell lines using Affymetrix mRNA
      expression data revealed ABCB1 (MDR1) as the most predictive gene for resistance
      to YM155. Inhibition of the multi-drug resistance pump ABCB1 with cyclosporine or
      knockdown with shRNA prior to treatment with YM155 demonstrated that cell lines
      with ABCB1 expression became 27-695 times more sensitive to YM155 treatment. We
      conclude that most neuroblastoma cell lines are sensitive to YM155 in the low nM
      range and that resistant cells can be sensitised by ABCB1 inhibitors. Therefore
      YM155 is a promising novel compound for treatment of neuroblastoma with low ABCB1
      expression.

PMID- 22088486
TI  - Coarctation of the aorta in the newborn.

PMID- 22088487
TI  - Forensic antiepileptic drug levels in autopsy cases of epilepsy.
AB  - A 1-year retrospective coroner-based forensic examination of causes of death
      among persons with a history of epilepsy was conducted at the Allegheny County
      Coroner's Office to evaluate the phenomenon of sudden unexplained/unexpected
      death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a diagnosis of exclusion. All cases at the Coroner's
      Office from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001, were examined. Review of a
      total of 1200 autopsied deaths revealed 12 cases with a past medical history of
      seizure disorder on the death certificate, which listed seizure disorder as the
      immediate cause of death or contributory cause of the death. Of the 7 men with
      seizure disorders, 5 were categorized as definite SUDEP and 2 as possible SUDEP.
      Of the 5 women with seizure disorders, 2 were listed as definite SUDEP, 2 as
      possible, and 1 as non-SUDEP because the convulsive seizures developed from a
      grade II glial tumor. Postmortem findings were evaluated for 11 cases; 1 body was
      decomposed. Toxicological screens were carried out on blood, bile, urine, and eye
      fluid for all 12. Antiepileptic drug (AED) levels detected in postmortem
      toxicological analysis were examined. AED levels were determined in 7 cases. Four
      of 7 had subtherapeutic AED levels, 2 had therapeutic levels, and only 1 victim
      of SUDEP had levels above the therapeutic range. Five cases had no detectable AED
      levels. AED levels at autopsy were either absent or subtherapeutic in 9 of 10
      SUDEP cases, findings consistent with the likelihood of poor AED compliance.
      Subtherapeutic levels of AEDs may be a risk factor for SUDEP that could
      contribute to increased interictal and/or ictal epileptiform activity with
      associated autonomic dysfunction leading to disturbance of heart rate, heart
      rhythm, and/or blood pressure.

PMID- 22088488
TI  - Monkey to human comparative anatomy of the frontal lobe association tracts.
AB  - The greater expansion of the frontal lobes along the phylogeny scale has been
      interpreted as the signature of evolutionary changes underlying higher cognitive
      abilities in humans functions in humans. However, it is unknown how an increase
      in number of gyri, sulci and cortical areas in the frontal lobe have coincided
      with a parallel increase in connectivity. Here, using advanced tractography based
      on spherical deconvolution, we produced an atlas of human frontal association
      connections that we compared with axonal tracing studies of the monkey brain. We
      report several similarities between human and monkey in the cingulum, uncinate,
      superior longitudinal fasciculus, frontal aslant tract and orbito-polar tract.
      These similarities suggest to preserved functions across anthropoids. In
      addition, we found major differences in the arcuate fasciculus and the inferior
      fronto-occipital fasciculus. These differences indicate possible evolutionary
      changes in the connectional anatomy of the frontal lobes underlying unique human
      abilities.

PMID- 22088489
TI  - Global considerations in measuring effectiveness of advanced practice nurses.
AB  - Documentation of advanced practice nurses' (APNs) effectiveness globally is
      essential in developing educational programs and standards, regulations, titling,
      prescribing privileges, and scope and standards of practice. Based on the body of
      research on APN effectiveness to date, two major factors have emerged in
      developing future studies, (1) careful, deliberate choice of outcomes and (2)
      dose effects. The purpose of this paper is to review these measurement issues.
      Careful selection in choice of patient outcomes important to regional and
      national health care challenges is essential in developing studies to document
      APN effects on outcomes important to the country and region. It is equally
      important to consider the concept of dose effects of the APNs. Dose effects
      consist of 3 components: dose (number of APNs at the clinical practice site,
      region or country and amount of APN care in minutes or contacts); APN (education,
      expertise, and experience); and host and host response (organizational,
      governmental or patient and/or family receptiveness to APNs and to APN practice).
      Considering each component of the concept is essential in developing studies to
      examine APN effectiveness internationally.

PMID- 22088490
TI  - Influence of stimulus amplitude on unintended visuomotor entrainment.
AB  - Rhythmic limb movements have been shown to spontaneously coordinate with rhythmic
      environmental stimuli. Previous research has demonstrated how such entrainment
      depends on the difference between the movement periods of the limb and the
      stimulus, and on the degree to which the actor visually tracks the stimulus. Here
      we present an experiment that investigated how stimulus amplitude influences
      unintended visuomotor entrainment. Participants performed rhythmic forearm
      movements while visually tracking an oscillating stimulus. The amplitude and
      period of stimulus motion were manipulated. Larger stimulus amplitudes resulted
      in stronger entrainment irrespective of how participants visually tracked the
      movements of the stimulus. Visual tracking, however, did result in increased
      entrainment for large, but not small, stimulus amplitudes. Collectively, the
      results indicate that the movement amplitude of environmental stimuli plays a
      significant role in the emergence of unintended visuomotor entrainment.

PMID- 22088491
TI  - Clinical evaluation of acute systemic reaction and detection of IgG antibodies
      against PF4/heparin complexes in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a pathophysiological syndrome caused by
      platelet-activating antibodies that recognize PF4/heparin complexes. The abrupt
      onset of HIT following intravenous bolus heparin is known as an acute systemic
      reaction. Clinical features of this type of HIT may be similar to those of common
      complications during hemodialysis. The aim of the study was to identify whether
      the clinical features of the acute systemic reaction are caused by HIT or
      dialytic complications. Twenty-seven dialytic patients who had thrombocytopenia
      and clinical features of an acute systemic reaction were enrolled out of 202 HIT
      suspected patients. Thirteen patients had HIT confirmed due to the presence of
      positive functional and immunoassays. Eight of the thirteen patients presented
      with acute systemic reactions due to HIT. The most common symptom of acute
      systemic reaction was dyspnea. The other nineteen patients, involving both HIT
      and non-HIT patients, had dialysis-complicated ASR. The major feature of the
      acute systemic reaction in hemodialysis was hypotension and its relevant
      symptoms. An immunoassay for the detection of IgG antibodies against PF4/heparin
      complexes (HIT-IgG) showed the wide-range linearity of the calibration curve by
      employing three concentrations of recombinant mouse monoclonal antibodies for
      PF4/heparin complexes. The results are expressed as micrograms of IgG in one
      milliliter. Significantly high levels in thirteen HIT patients were compared with
      levels in fourteen non-HIT patients. The highest median of 1,530 MUg/ml (IQR:
      3,267-813) was obtained in the presence of HIT associated with an acute systemic
      reaction. In HIT patients who did not show characteristics of an HIT-derived
      acute systemic reaction, the median was 339 MUg/ml (1,178-834). Despite showing a
      positive ELISA, nine non-HIT patients without any platelet-activating antibodies
      showed a value of 97 MUg/ml (166-56). The lowest median of 8.3 MUg/ml (11-6) was
      in non-HIT patients with a negative ELISA. In conclusion, measurements of HIT-IgG
      -specific antibodies can facilitate an appropriate estimation in hemodialysis
      patients of whether the clinical features of an acute systemic reaction are
      caused by HIT or dialytic complications.

PMID- 22088492
TI  - GhostNet marine debris survey in the Gulf of Alaska--satellite guidance and
      aircraft observations.
AB  - Marine debris, particularly debris that is composed of lost or abandoned fishing
      gear, is recognized as a serious threat to marine life, vessels, and coral reefs.
      The goal of the GhostNet project is the detection of derelict nets at sea through
      the use of weather and ocean models, drifting buoys and satellite imagery to
      locate convergent areas where nets are likely to collect, followed by airborne
      surveys with trained observers and remote sensing instruments to spot individual
      derelict nets. These components of GhostNet were first tested together in the
      field during a 14-day marine debris survey of the Gulf of Alaska in July and
      August 2003. Model, buoy, and satellite data were used in flight planning. A
      manned aircraft survey with visible and IR cameras and a LIDAR instrument located
      debris in the targeted locations, including 102 individual pieces of debris of
      anthropogenic or terrestrial origin.

PMID- 22088493
TI  - Analysis of the factor structure of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards
      Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-3) in Spanish secondary-school students through
      exploratory structural equation modeling.
AB  - The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess the factor structure of the
      SATAQ-3 in Spanish secondary-school students by means of exploratory factor
      analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural
      equation modeling (ESEM) models; and (2) to study its invariance by sex and
      school grade. ESEM is a technique that has been proposed for the analysis of
      internal structure that overcomes some of the limitations of EFA and CFA.
      Participants were 1559 boys and girls in grades seventh to tenth. The results
      support the four-factor solution of the original version, and reveal that the
      best fit was obtained with ESEM, excluding Item 20 and with correlated uniqueness
      between reverse-keyed items. Our version shows invariance by sex and grade. The
      differences between scores of different groups are in the expected direction, and
      support the validity of the questionnaire. We recommend a version excluding Item
      20 and without reverse-keyed items.

PMID- 22088494
TI  - Is adjunctive dexamethasone beneficial in patients with bacterial meningitis?

PMID- 22088495
TI  - Time patients spend in the emergency department: England's 4-hour rule-a case of
      hitting the target but missing the point?
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To address concerns about prolonged emergency department (ED)
      stays from crowding, England mandated that the maximum length of ED stay for 98%
      of patients be no greater than 4 hours. We evaluate the effect of the mandated ED
      care intervals in England. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of ED
      patient throughput before, during, and after implementation of the target.
      Fifteen acute hospital trusts' ED data were purposively sampled, including all
      patient visits during May and June of 2003 to 2006. We compared total time in ED
      and time to clinician across years, segregating for admitted versus discharged
      patients and young versus old patients, using a random-effects regression model
      and adjusting for hospital clustering. RESULTS: We analyzed 735,588 ED visits.
      The proportion of patients seen and treated within 4 hours improved from 83.9% to
      96.3%. Adjusted total length of ED stay from 2003 to 2006 increased by 8.6
      minutes for all patients and 30 minutes for admissions; time to physician
      improved by 1 minute for all patients. The proportion of patients leaving the ED
      during the last 20 minutes before 4 hours increased from 4.7% of all patients in
      2003 to 8.4% in 2006. Admitted patients were more likely than discharged ones to
      leave the ED in the last 20 minutes, and the relative likelihood increased each
      year after 2003, with incidence rate ratio 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]
      0.78 to 1.39), 1.39 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.82), and 1.55 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.20) for
      2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. An increasing proportion of elderly patients
      were in the last 20-minute departure interval each year compared with younger
      patients (in 2003 7.4% versus 4.1%; in 2006 17.3% versus 6.3%). CONCLUSION: The
      introduction of a time target reduced the proportion of patients staying greater
      than 4 hours. More patients departed within 20 minutes of the target 4-hour
      interval after the mandate, notably, the elderly.

PMID- 22088496
TI  - A new antifungal coumarin from Clausena excavata.
AB  - A new gamma-lactone coumarin, named as excavarin-A, showing antifungal activity
      was isolated from the leaves of Clausena excavata by bioassay guided
      fractionation method. The structure was elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis
      and identified as 7((2E)-4(4,5-dihydro-3-methylene-2-oxo-5-furanyl)-3-methylbut-2
      enyloxy) coumarin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined against
      fifteen fungal strains pathogenic against plants and human. The least MIC was
      recorded against the human pathogen, Candida tropicalis and the plant pathogens
      Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Antifungal activities against
      the human pathogens, Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor circinelloides and plant
      pathogens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium
      oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer were stronger than that of the standard
      antimicrobials.

PMID- 22088497
TI  - New antioxidant and antiglycation active triterpenoid saponins from the root bark
      of Aralia taibaiensis.
AB  - Four new oleanane type triterpenoid saponins (1-4) and a known saponin (5) were
      isolated from the root bark of Aralia taibaiensis Z.Z. Wang et H.C. Zheng. The
      structures of the four new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-{beta-D
      glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)]-beta-D-glucurono-pyranosyl}
      olean-11,13(18)-diene-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-{beta
      D-gluco-pyranosyl-(1->3)-[alpha-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1->4)]-beta-D
      glucuronopyranosyl}-olean-11,13(18)-diene-28-oic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl
      ester (2), 3-O-{beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-[alpha-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1->4)]
      beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl}-oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3)
      and 3-O-{beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)]-beta-D
      glucuronopyranosyl}-oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), on the
      basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical evidence. Compounds 1-5
      exhibited moderate effects on antioxidant and antiglycation activities, which
      correlated with treatment of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22088498
TI  - Anthropogenic and natural sources of acidity and metals and their influence on
      the structure of stream food webs.
AB  - We compared food web structure in 20 streams with either anthropogenic or natural
      sources of acidity and metals or circumneutral water chemistry in New Zealand.
      Community and diet analysis indicated that mining streams receiving anthropogenic
      inputs of acidic and metal-rich drainage had much simpler food webs (fewer
      species, shorter food chains, less links) than those in naturally acidic,
      naturally high metal, and circumneutral streams. Food webs of naturally high
      metal streams were structurally similar to those in mining streams, lacking fish
      predators and having few species. Whereas, webs in naturally acidic streams
      differed very little from those in circumneutral streams due to strong
      similarities in community composition and diets of secondary and top consumers.
      The combined negative effects of acidity and metals on stream food webs are
      clear. However, elevated metal concentrations, regardless of source, appear to
      play a more important role than acidity in driving food web structure.

PMID- 22088499
TI  - Re: "Application of a repeat-measure biomarker measurement error model to 2
      validation studies: examination of the effect of within-person variation in
      biomarker measurements".

PMID- 22088500
TI  - Effect of cerium dioxide, titanium dioxide, silver, and gold nanoparticles on the
      activity of microbial communities intended in wastewater treatment.
AB  - Growth in production and use of nanoparticles (NPs) will result increased
      concentrations of these in industrial and urban wastewaters and, consequently, in
      wastewater-treatment facilities. The effect of this increase on the performance
      of the wastewater-treatment process has not been studied systematically and
      including all the microbial communities involved in wastewater treatment. The
      present work investigates, by using respiration tests and biogas-production
      analysis, the inhibitory effect of four different commonly used metal oxide
      (CeO(2) and TiO(2)) and zero-valent metal (Ag and Au) nanoparticles on the
      activity of the most important microbial communities present in a modern
      wastewater-treatment plant. Specifically, the actions of ordinary heterotrophic
      organisms, ammonia oxidizing bacteria, and thermophilic and mesophilic anaerobic
      bacteria were tested in the presence and absence of the nanoparticles. In
      general, CeO(2) nanoparticles caused the greatest inhibition in biogas production
      (nearly 100%) and a strong inhibitory action of other biomasses; Ag nanoparticles
      caused an intermediate inhibition in biogas production (within 33-50%) and a
      slight inhibition in the action of other biomasses, and Au and TiO(2)
      nanoparticles caused only slight or no inhibition for all tested biomasses.

PMID- 22088501
TI  - Phosphate removal from wastewaters by a naturally occurring, calcium-rich
      sepiolite.
AB  - Developing an easily handled and cost-effective phosphate absorbent is crucial
      for the control of water eutrophication. In this study, a naturally occurring,
      calcium-rich sepiolite (NOCS) was evaluated for its feasibility as a phosphate
      absorbent candidate. Batch studies showed that phosphate sorption on NOCS
      followed a stepwise isotherm for concentrations between 5 and 1000 mg P/l, and
      the phosphate sorption was fitted well by the Freundlich equation. The estimated
      maximum phosphorus sorption capacity was 32.0 mg P/g, which was quite high
      compared with other natural materials and was comparable to some efficient
      manmade P absorbents. The NOCS sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order
      model with an R(2) value of 0.999. The adsorption of phosphate was highly pH
      dependent. Phosphate adsorption decreased moderately with increasing pH values
      from 3.0 to 6.0, and it decreased sharply in alkaline conditions. Ionic strength,
      sulfate, nitrate and chloride anions had no effects on the phosphate removal
      capacity of NOCS, but fluoride and bicarbonate anions exerted large effects.
      Phosphorus fractionation indicated that phosphate removed from the solution was
      primarily formed as a calcium-bound phosphorus precipitation, which was further
      confirmed by SEM-EDS analysis. Moreover, phosphate was barely (<1.5%) desorbed
      from the phosphorus-adsorbed sepiolite regardless of pH value.

PMID- 22088502
TI  - Leaching characteristics of steel slag components and their application in
      cementitious property prediction.
AB  - High-efficiency recovery and utilization of steel slag are important concerns for
      environmental protection and sustainable development. To establish a rapid method
      to evaluate the cementitious properties of steel slag, leaching tests were
      carried out on steel slag components via an evaporation-condensation method; the
      leaching characteristics and mechanism of the slag were also investigated. The
      relationship between leaching characteristics and cementitious properties, which
      were represented by mortar compressive strength, was analyzed. Results show that
      there exist significant differences among the amounts of chemically active
      leached components. The leaching process can be described by the shrinking
      unreacted core model controlled by intra-particle diffusion, and is in accordance
      with Kondo R hydration kinetics equation. The leaching process showed a good
      linear relationship between the amounts of components leached from steel slag and
      the mortar compressive strength of cementitious materials prepared from reference
      cement and steel slag with mass ratios of 50:50 and 70:30. The compressive
      strengths of mortars subjected to 7, 28, and 90 days of curing can be accurately
      predicted by the sum of leached (CaO+Al(2)O(3)) obtained after a certain length
      of leaching time.

PMID- 22088503
TI  - Ionothermal synthesis of hierarchical BiOBr microspheres for water treatment.
AB  - Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) micropsheres with hierarchical morphologies have been
      fabricated via an ionothermal synthesis route. Ionic liquid acts as a unique soft
      material capable of promoting nucleation and in situ growth of 3D hierarchical
      BiOBr mesocrystals without the help of surfactants. The as-prepared BiOBr
      nanomaterials can effectively remove heavy metal ions and organic dyes from
      wastewater. They can also kill Micrococcus lylae, a Gram positive bacterium, in
      water under fluorescent light irradiation. Their high adaptability in water
      treatment may be ascribed to their hierarchical structure, allowing them high
      surface to volume ratio, facile species transportation and excellent light
      harvesting ability.

PMID- 22088504
TI  - Cytotoxicity of serum protein-adsorbed visible-light photocatalytic Ag/AgBr/TiO2
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Photocytotoxicity of visible-light catalytic Ag/AgBr/TiO(2) nanoparticles (NPs)
      was examined both in vitro and in vivo. The Ag/AgBr/TiO(2) NPs were prepared by
      the deposition-precipitation method. Their crystalline structures, atomic
      compositions, and light absorption property were examined by X-ray diffraction
      (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron (XPS) intensities, and ultraviolet-visible
      (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopic tools. The Ag/AgBr/TiO(2) NPs appeared
      to be well internalized in human carcinoma cells as evidenced by transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM). The cytotoxicity of cetylmethylammonium bromide (CTAB)
      appeared to be significantly reduced by adsorption of serum proteins in the
      cellular medium on the NP surfaces. Two types of human cervical HeLa and skin
      A431 cancer cells were tested to check their viability after the cellular uptake
      of the Ag/AgBr/TiO(2) NPs and subsequent exposure to an illumination of visible
      light from a 60 W/cm(2) halogen lamp. Fluorescence images taken to label
      mitochondria activity suggest that the reactive oxygen species should trigger the
      photo-destruction of cancer cells. After applying the halogen light illumination
      for 50-250 min and ~8 ppm (MUg/mL) of photocatalytic Ag/AgBr/TiO(2) NPs, we
      observed a 40-60% selective decrease of cell viability. Ag/AgBr/TiO(2) NPs were
      found to eliminate xenograft tumors significantly by irradiating visible light in
      vivo for 10 min.

PMID- 22088505
TI  - Combining scanning tunneling microscopy and synchrotron radiation for high
      resolution imaging and spectroscopy with chemical, electronic, and magnetic
      contrast.
AB  - The combination of high-brilliance synchrotron radiation with scanning tunneling
      microscopy opens the path to high-resolution imaging with chemical, electronic,
      and magnetic contrast. Here, the design and experimental results of an in-situ
      synchrotron enhanced x-ray scanning tunneling microscope (SXSTM) system are
      presented. The system is designed to allow monochromatic synchrotron radiation to
      enter the chamber, illuminating the sample with x-ray radiation, while an
      insulator-coated tip (metallic tip apex open for tunneling, electron collection)
      is scanned over the surface. A unique feature of the SXSTM is the STM mount
      assembly, designed with a two free-flex pivot, providing an angular degree of
      freedom for the alignment of the tip and sample with respect to the incoming x
      ray beam. The system designed successfully demonstrates the ability to resolve
      atomic-scale corrugations. In addition, experiments with synchrotron x-ray
      radiation validate the SXSTM system as an accurate analysis technique for the
      study of local magnetic and chemical properties on sample surfaces. The SXSTM
      system's capabilities have the potential to broaden and deepen the general
      understanding of surface phenomena by adding elemental contrast to the high
      resolution of STM.

PMID- 22088506
TI  - Optimum HRTEM image contrast at 20 kV and 80 kV--exemplified by graphene.
AB  - The dependence of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image
      contrast of graphene on the adjustable parameters of an aberration-corrected
      microscope operated at 80 and 20 kV has been calculated and, for 80 kV, compared
      with measurements. We used density functional theory to determine the projected
      atom potential and obtained the image intensity by averaging over the energy
      distribution of the imaging electrons, as derived from the electron energy loss
      spectroscopy measurements. Optimum image contrast has been determined as a
      function of energy spread of the imaging electrons and chromatic aberration
      coefficient, showing that significant improvement of contrast can be achieved at
      80 kV with the help of a monochromator, however at 20 kV only with chromatic
      aberration correction and bright atom contrast conditions.

PMID- 22088507
TI  - In-situ TEM on (de)hydrogenation of Pd at 0.5-4.5 bar hydrogen pressure and 20
      400 degrees C.
AB  - We have developed a nanoreactor, sample holder and gas system for in-situ
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of hydrogen storage materials up to at
      least 4.5 bar. The MEMS-based nanoreactor has a microheater, two electron
      transparent windows and a gas inlet and outlet. The holder contains various O
      rings to have leak-tight connections with the nanoreactor. The system was tested
      with the (de)hydrogenation of Pd at pressures up to 4.5 bar. The Pd film
      consisted of islands being 15 nm thick and 50-500 nm wide. In electron
      diffraction mode we observed reproducibly a crystal lattice expansion and
      shrinkage owing to hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, respectively. In selected
      area electron diffraction and bright/dark-field modes the (de)hydrogenation of
      individual Pd particles was followed. Some Pd islands are consistently
      hydrogenated faster than others. When thermally cycled, thermal hysteresis of
      about 10-16 degrees C between hydrogen absorption and desorption was observed for
      hydrogen pressures of 0.5-4.5 bar. Experiments at 0.8 bar and 3.2 bar showed that
      the (de)hydrogenation temperature is not affected by the electron beam. This
      result shows that this is a fast method to investigate hydrogen storage materials
      with information at the nanometer scale.

PMID- 22088508
TI  - Imaging properties of bright-field and annular-dark-field scanning confocal
      electron microscopy: II. point spread function analysis.
AB  - The imaging properties of bright field and annular dark field scanning confocal
      electron microscopy (BF-SCEM and ADF-SCEM) are discussed based on their point
      spread functions (PSFs) in comparison with multislice simulations. Although the
      PSFs of BF-SCEM and ADF-SCEM show similar hourglass shapes, their numerical
      distributions are quite different: BF-SCEM PSF is always positive and shows a
      center of symmetry whereas the ADF-SCEM PSF is complex and has Hermitian
      symmetry. These PSF properties explain the large elongation effect in BF-SCEM for
      laterally extended object and almost no-elongation in ADF-SCEM, illustrating the
      importance of the numerical analysis of PSFs. The Hermitian symmetry of the ADF
      SCEM PSF results in an interesting "edge enhancement effect" at the interface.
      Simulation using the PSF and the multislice method verified this effect at GaAs
      surfaces and InAs interfaces embedded in GaAs. This unique feature of ADF-SCEM
      can potentially be useful for depth sectioning. It is also pointed out that a PSF
      imaging model cannot be applicable for BF-SCEM of a phase object, when the system
      is symmetric and aberration free.

PMID- 22088509
TI  - Towards improving the diagnosis and management of chronic cough in China.

PMID- 22088510
TI  - The Chinese national guidelines on diagnosis and management of cough (December
      2010).

PMID- 22088511
TI  - Multiple dimensions of cardiopulmonary dyspnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current theory of dyspnea perception presumes a multidimensional
      conception of dyspnea. However, its validity in patients with cardiopulmonary
      dyspnea has not been investigated. METHODS: A respiratory symptom checklist
      incorporating spontaneously reported descriptors of sensory experiences of
      breathing discomfort, affective aspects, and behavioral items was administered to
      396 patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diffuse
      parenchymal lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease, chronic heart failure, and
      medically unexplained dyspnea. Symptom factors measuring different qualitative
      components of dyspnea were derived by a principal component analysis. The
      separation of patient groups was achieved by a variance analysis on symptom
      factors. RESULTS: Seven factors appeared to measure three dimensions of dyspnea:
      sensory (difficulty breathing and phase of respiration, depth and frequency of
      breathing, urge to breathe, wheeze), affective (chest tightness, anxiety), and
      behavioral (refraining from physical activity) dimensions. Difficulty breathing
      and phase of respiration occurred more often in COPD, followed by asthma (R(2) =
      0.12). Urge to breathe was unique for patients with medically unexplained dyspnea
      (R(2) = 0.12). Wheeze occurred most frequently in asthma, followed by COPD and
      heart failure (R(2) = 0.17). Chest tightness was specifically linked to medically
      unexplained dyspnea and asthma (R(2) = 0.04). Anxiety characterized medically
      unexplained dyspnea (R(2) = 0.08). Refraining from physical activity appeared
      more often in heart failure, pulmonary vascular disease, and COPD (R(2) = 0.15).
      CONCLUSIONS: Three dimensions with seven qualitative components of dyspnea
      appeared in cardiopulmonary disease and the components under each dimension
      allowed separation of different patient groups. These findings may serve as a
      validation on the multiple dimensions of cardiopulmonary dyspnea.

PMID- 22088512
TI  - Diagnostic efficiency and complication rate of CT-guided lung biopsy: a single
      center experience of the procedures conducted over a 10-year period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is a well
      established technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency and complication rate of CT
      guided lung biopsy in a Chinese population. METHODS: CT-guided cutting needle
      lung biopsies were performed in our institution on 1014 patients between January
      2000 and October 2010. A chest radiograph was taken after the biopsy. Data about
      basic patient information, final diagnosis, and complications secondary to biopsy
      procedure (pneumothorax and bleeding) were extracted. RESULTS: The diagnostic
      efficiency of CT-guided lung biopsy was 94.8%; only 53 patients did not get a
      final diagnosis from lung biopsy. Final diagnoses found 639 malignant lesions
      (63.0%) and 322 benign lesions (31.8%). Pneumothorax occurred in 131 patients and
      15 required insertion of an intercostal drain. Small hemoptysis occurred in 41
      patients and mild parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 16 patients. The overall
      complication rate was 18.5%. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of
      pulmonary lesions is a relatively safe technique with a high diagnostic accuracy.
      It can be safely performed in clinical trials.

PMID- 22088513
TI  - Hemodynamic effects and safety of pulmonary angiography in Chinese patients with
      pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary angiography is widely performed in pulmonary hypertension
      patients, but its immediate effects on right heart hemodynamics and safety are
      not well known. The objective of this study was to investigate the right heart
      hemodynamic effects and safety of pulmonary angiography in Chinese patients with
      pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Between January 2008 and June 2009, pulmonary
      hypertension patients undergoing pulmonary angiography were consecutively
      enrolled. Pulmonary angiography was performed during breath-holding after deep
      breathing. The baseline clinical data, hemodynamic measurements before and after
      pulmonary angiography and complications occurring within 48 hours after
      angiography were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included. All
      received non-ionic contrast medium with a volume of (75.7 +/- 29.8) ml.
      Angiography reduced heart rate in patients with baseline mean pulmonary arterial
      pressure >= 60 mmHg (change of heart rate: (-3.1 +/- 7.0) beats/min, P = 0.005),
      increased mean right atrial pressure, diastolic and end-diastolic right
      ventricular pressure in patients with baseline mean pulmonary arterial pressure <
      60 mmHg (all P < 0.05). Patients with decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure
      (change of mean pulmonary arterial pressure <= -10 mmHg) had the highest total
      pulmonary resistance (P = 0.009 vs. no change in mean pulmonary arterial pressure
      (change of mean pulmonary arterial pressure, -10 mmHg to 10 mmHg); P = 0.03 vs.
      increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure (change of mean pulmonary arterial
      pressure >= 10 mmHg)) and the lowest cardiac output (P = 0.018 vs. no change in
      mean pulmonary arterial pressure; P = 0.013 vs. increased mean pulmonary arterial
      pressure). There were 7 complications (7%), with 6 related to catheter and only 1
      directly related to angiography. All complications were mild and no death
      occurred. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary angiography has minimal effect on right heart
      hemodynamics and is safe in pulmonary hypertension patients.

PMID- 22088514
TI  - XAF1 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in squamous cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (XAF1) is
      a new tumor suppressor. Low expression of XAF1 is associated with poor prognosis
      of human cancers. However, the effect of XAF1 on lung cancer remains unknown. In
      this study, we investigated the expression of XAF1 and its role in squamous cell
      lung cancer. METHODS: Cancer tissues, cancer adjacent tissues and normal lung
      tissues were collected from 51 cases of squamous cell lung cancer. The expression
      of XAF1 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-PCR). The expression of XAF1 protein was determined by Western blotting and
      immunohistochemical staining. Ad5/F35-XAF1 virus was generated. Cell
      proliferation and apoptosis were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method and flow cytometry (FACS), respectively.
      RESULTS: The levels of XAF1 protein and mRNA in cancer tissues were significantly
      lower than those in cancer adjacent and normal lung tissues (P < 0.05). The low
      expression of XAF1 was associated with tumor grade, disease stage,
      differentiation status and lymph node metastasis in squamous cell lung cancer
      patients. The restoration of XAF1 expression mediated by Ad5/F35-XAF1 virus
      significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: XAF1 is a valuable prognostic marker in
      squamous cell lung cancer and may be a potential candidate gene for lung cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22088515
TI  - Utility of squamous cell carcinoma antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, Cyfra 21-1
      and neuron specific enolase in lung cancer diagnosis: a prospective study from
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection and diagnosis is urgent for the sake of effective
      treatment strategy for lung cancer. However, a convenient, economical and
      relatively precise method is not available. We here report a prospective study to
      find the possible value of the combined use of four popular tumor markers in the
      early diagnosis of lung cancer among patients with suspicious nodules in the
      lung. METHODS: Six hundred and sixty inpatients with suspicious nodules in the
      lung were divided into a lung cancer group and a benign pulmonary tumor group
      according to post-operative histological examinations. Serum levels of four tumor
      markers including squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), carcinoembryonic antigen
      (CEA), Cyfra 21-1 and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were assayed for each
      patient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for each
      tumor marker. The power of lung cancer diagnosis of each tumor marker, as well as
      a combination of them were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The serum levels
      (median, range) of SCC, CEA, Cyfra 21-1 and NSE were 0.44 (0.01 - 35.70) ng/ml,
      2.49 (0.30 - 26.78) ng/ml, 2.30 (0.82 - 73.33) ng/ml and 10.54 (0.10 - 56.41)
      ng/ml respectively in lung cancer group, and were 0.32 (0.01 - 0.90) ng/ml, 1.60
      (0.20 - 8.93) ng/ml, 1.41 (0.72 - 4.82) ng/ml and 9.36 (6.56 - 24.24) ng/ml
      respectively in the benign pulmonary tumor group. The difference in each tumor
      marker between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). The ROCs of SCC, CEA,
      Cyfra 21-1 and NSE were 0.702 (95%CI, 0.654 - 0.751), 0.611 (95%CI, 0.563 -
      0.659), 0.650 (95%CI, 0.601 - 0.700) and 0.598 (95%CI, 0.542 - 0.654)
      respectively, indicating very low power of these four tumor markers. When a
      combination of SCC, CEA, Cyfra 21-1 and NSE were employed, the diagnosis power
      was strengthened. CONCLUSION: SCC, CEA, Cyfra 21-1 and NSE are valuable in the
      early diagnosis of lung cancer among suspicious nodules in the lung, especially
      when they were assayed together for one patient.

PMID- 22088516
TI  - Pulmonary fungal infections after bone marrow transplantation: the value of high
      resolution computed tomography in predicting their etiology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The correct diagnosis of etiology of fungal infection after bone
      marrow transplantation is very important to the choice of antifungal drugs and a
      premise for improvement of therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to compare high
      resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of the pulmonary fungal infections
      to determine whether the etiology of various fungal infections could be diagnosed
      with HRCT. METHODS: Eighty-five cases were enrolled. According to the pathogens
      responsible for fungal infections, the patients were classified into three groups
      including invasive aspergillosis (n = 52), candidiasis (n = 19) and
      cryptococcosis (n = 14) groups. All the patients underwent HRCT scans. Two
      independent radiologists retrospectively analyzed the HRCT scans regarding CT
      patterns and distribution of lung abnormality. RESULTS: Most fungal infections in
      the three groups occurred in the neutropenic phase. There was no significant
      difference in the constituent ratio of fungal infections at different phases
      after bone marrow transplantation among the three groups. Agreement between the
      two observers for all the CT characteristics of fungal infections was excellent
      (k > 0.75). There was a significant difference in occurrence ratio of mass among
      the three groups (P = 0.02). Occurrence ratio of mass (43.3%, 13/30) in the group
      with invasive aspergillosis was higher than in each of other two groups (20.0%,
      2/10; 14.3%, 1/7). There was no significant difference in other CT
      characteristics of nodules or masses; including number, margin, halo sign,
      cavitation and air-crescent sign. There was no significant difference in number,
      margin, air bronchogram and distribution of air-space consolidation. CONCLUSIONS:
      The HRCT appearance of various pulmonary fungal infections has a great deal of
      overlap and is nonspecific. Mass is more common in invasive aspergillosis, which
      is helpful to the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis after bone marrow
      transplantation.

PMID- 22088517
TI  - Real world clinical performance of the zotarolimus eluting coronary stent system
      in Chinese patients: a prospective, multicenter registry study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early clinical trials with the Endeavor zotarolimus eluting stent
      (ZES) in western populations demonstrated low rates of target lesion
      revascularization with a favorable safety profile including low late stent
      thrombosis with up to 5 years of follow-up. The aim of this clinical registry
      study was to evaluate real world clinical performance of the ZES coronary system
      in Chinese patients. METHODS: The China Endeavor Registry is a prospective,
      multicenter registry assessing the safety of the ZES system in a real world
      patient population. It was conducted at 46 centers in China in routine treatment
      of patients with coronary artery stenosis, including patients with clinical
      characteristics or lesion types that are often excluded from randomized
      controlled trials. The registry included 2210 adult patients who underwent single
      vessel or multi-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point
      was the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 12 months. RESULTS: The 12
      month rate of MACE for all patients in the registry was 3.03%. Cardiac death or
      myocardial infarction rate was 1.28% and target lesion revascularization rate was
      1.66%, non-target lesion target vessel revascularization (TVR) was 0.52%, TVR was
      2.18%, and target vessel failure was 3.22%. There was only one case of emergent
      cardiac bypass surgery. The 12-month overall incidence of all Academic Research
      Consortium (ARC)-defined stent thrombosis was 0.43%. CONCLUSION: Mid-term results
      from the real-world China Endeavor Registry suggest that Endeavor ZES was safe
      and effective in Chinese patients.

PMID- 22088518
TI  - Duloxetine versus placebo in the treatment of patients with generalized anxiety
      disorder in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duloxetine is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety
      disorder (GAD) in the United States and elsewhere. This study aimed to assess the
      efficacy, tolerability, and safety of duloxetine in Chinese patients with GAD.
      METHODS: This 9-site study consisted of double-blind treatment for 15 weeks
      either with duloxetine 60 - 120 mg or with placebo. Patients with at least
      moderately severe GAD and a Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) global functioning
      impairment total score >= 12 were included in this study. Patients who were
      randomly assigned to duloxetine received 60 mg for 7 weeks; at that point, for
      nonresponders the dose was increased to 120 mg for the remaining 8 weeks. The
      primary efficacy measure was mean change from baseline to endpoint on the
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale score (HADS-A). Secondary
      efficacy measures included the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), the SDS, and
      pain measures. Safety and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS: Baseline
      characteristics did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Mean age
      of the subjects (n = 210) was 37.6 years, 50.5% were female, and 74.3% completed
      the 15 weeks treatment. Patients treated with duloxetine had significantly
      greater improvement compared to placebo on the HADS-A (mean change -6.6 vs. -4.9,
      respectively, P = 0.022). Improvement in anxiety was greater with duloxetine
      treatment at 7 weeks and continued through 15 weeks for both the HADS-A and the
      HAMA total score (0.01 <= P < 0.05). Compared with placebo, duloxetine was also
      associated with greater improvement on most secondary measures, but not on the
      SDS global functioning score. Nausea, dizziness, and somnolence occurred
      significantly more frequently as treatment-emergent adverse events with
      duloxetine treatment compared with placebo treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Duloxetine 60 
      120 mg once daily is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of patients
      with GAD in China.

PMID- 22088519
TI  - Prospective, naturalistic study of open-label OROS methylphenidate treatment in
      Chinese school-aged children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most
      common mental disorders during childhood, characterized by the core symptoms of
      hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention and puts great burden on children
      themselves, their families and the society. Osmotic release oral system
      methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) is a once-daily controlled-release formulation
      developed to overcome some of the limitations associated with immediate-release
      methylphenidate (IR-MPH). It has been marketed in China since 2005 but still
      lacks data from large-sample clinical trials on efficacy and safety profiles. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of OROS-MPH in
      children aged 6 to 16 years with ADHD under naturalistic clinical setting.
      METHODS: This 6-week, multi-center, prospective, open-label study enrolled 1447
      ADHD children to once-daily OROS-MPH (18 mg, 36 mg or 54 mg) treatment. The
      effectiveness measures were parent-rated Inattention and Overactivity With
      Aggression (IOWA) Conners I/O and O/D subscales, physician-rated CGI-I and parent
      rated global efficacy assessment scale. Blood pressure, pulse rate measurement,
      adverse events (AEs) and concomitant medications and treatment review were
      conducted by the investigator and were served as safety measures. RESULTS: A
      total of 1447 children with ADHD (mean age (9.52 +/- 2.36) years) were enrolled
      in this trial. Totally 96.8% children received an OROS-MPH modal dose of 18 mg,
      3.1% with 36 mg and 0.1% with 54 mg at the endpoint of study. The parent IOWA
      Conners I/O score at the end of week 2 showed statistically significant (P <
      0.001) improvement with OROS-MPH (mean: 6.95 +/- 2.71) versus the score at
      baseline (10.45 +/- 2.72). The change in the parent IOWA Conners O/D subscale,
      CGI-I and parent-rated global efficacy assessment scale also supported the
      superior efficacy for OROS-MPH treatment. Fewer than half of 1447 patients
      (511(35.3%)) reported AEs, and the majority of the events reported were mild
      (68.2%). No serious adverse events were reported during the study. CONCLUSION:
      This open-label, naturalistic study provides further evidence of effectiveness
      and safety of OROS-MPH in school-aged children under routine practice.

PMID- 22088520
TI  - Comparison of tirofiban combined with dalteparin or unfractionated heparin in
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention of acute ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the best
      treatment of choice for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
      This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of tirofiban combined with
      the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), dalteparin, in primary PCI patients with
      acute STEMI. METHODS: From February 2006 to July 2006, a total of 120 patients
      with STEMI treated with primary PCI were randomised to 2 groups: unfractionated
      heparin (UFH) with tirofiban (group I: 60 patients, (61.2 +/- 9.5) years), and
      dalteparin with tirofiban (group II: 60 patients, (60.5 +/- 10.1) years). Major
      adverse cardiac events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 4 years after PCI
      were examined. Bleeding complications during hospitalization were also examined.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, mean age, risk factors,
      past history, inflammatory marker, or echocardiography between the 2 groups. In
      terms of the target vessel and vascular complexity, there were no significant
      differences between the 2 groups. During the first 7 days, emergent
      revascularization occurred only in 1 patient (1.7%) in group I. Acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) occurred in 1 (1.7%) patient in group I and in 1 (1.7%) in group
      II. Three (5.0%) patients in group I and 1 (1.7%) in group II died. Total in
      hospital MACE during the first 7 days was 4 (6.7%) in group I and 2 (3.3%) in
      group II. Bleeding complications were observed in 10 patients (16.7%) in group I
      and in 4 patients (6.7%) in group II, however, the difference was not
      statistically significant. No significant intracranial bleeding was observed in
      either group. Four years after PCI, death occurred in 5 (8.3%) patients in group
      I and in 4 (6.7%) in group II. MACE occurred in 12 (20.0%) patients in group I
      and in 10 (16.7%) patients in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Dalteparin was effective and
      safe in primary PCI of STEMI patients and combined dalteparin with tirofiban was
      effective and safe without significant bleeding complications compared with UFH.
      Although there was no statistically significant difference, LMWH decreased the
      bleeding complications compared with UFH.

PMID- 22088521
TI  - Endovascular treatment of iliac vein compression syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), the symptomatic compression
      of the left common iliac vein between the right common iliac artery and the
      vertebrae, is not an uncommon condition. The aim of this research was to
      retrospectively evaluate long-term outcome and the significance of endovascular
      treatment in patients with left IVCS. METHODS: Between January 1997 and September
      2008, 296 patients received interventional therapy in the left common iliac vein.
      In the second stage, 170 cases underwent saphenous vein high ligation and
      stripping. Two hundred and thirty-one cases were followed up over a period of 6
      to 120 months (average 46 months) and evaluated for symptom improvement with
      color ultrasound and ascending venography. RESULTS: The stenotic or occlusive
      segments of the left iliac vein were successfully dilated in 285 cases, of whom
      272 received stent implantation therapy. Most of the patients achieved
      satisfactory results on discharge. During the follow-up period, varicose veins
      were alleviated in 98.7% of the patients, and leg swelling disappeared or was
      obviously relieved in 84% of cases. About 85% of leg ulcers completely healed.
      The total patency rate was 91.7% as evaluated with color ultrasound and 91.5%
      with ascending venography. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of IVCS provides
      effective symptomatic improvement and good long-term patency in most patients.

PMID- 22088522
TI  - A diagnosis-based health economic analysis of postural orthostatic tachycardia
      syndrome in Chinese children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common clinical
      problem in children and adolescents. The previous diagnostic approach to POTS of
      children and adolescents is based on a series of tests to exclude all other
      causes, which is time and medical resource consuming. Recently, a new diagnostic
      approach has been developed. The present study was designed to statistically
      analyze the results of clinical investigation items and the cost for the
      diagnosis of POTS in children patients, and evaluate cost changes in the
      diagnosis of POTS. METHODS: A total of 315 children patients were divided into
      two groups according to diagnosis period, including group I diagnosed in 2002 -
      2006 (100 cases) and group II in 2007 - 2010 (215 cases) and the diagnostic item
      based distribution of the cost was analyzed. The diagnostic costs were compared
      between two groups using SPSS17.0. RESULTS: The per-capita cost of diagnosis in
      group I was (621.95 +/- 21.10) Yuan, costs of diagnostic tests (head-up tilt
      test, standing test, etc) accounted for 8.68% and the exclusive tests for 91.32%.
      The per-capita cost of diagnosis in group II was (542.69 +/- 23.14) Yuan,
      diagnostic tests accounted for 10.50% and exclusive tests for 89.50%. Comparison
      of the total cost of diagnostic tests between the two groups showed significant
      differences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The cost of POTS diagnosis has been declined
      in recent years, but the cost of exclusive diagnosis is still its major part.

PMID- 22088523
TI  - Endovascular treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a posthepatic portal hypertension
      caused by the obstruction of the lumen of the hepatic veins or the proximal
      inferior vena cava (IVC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical experience of
      interventional therapy for Budd-Chiari syndrome. METHODS: IVC venography was
      carried out first, the obliteration or stenosis in the IVC was opened or dilated
      with the hard guided wire or Rups100 puncture needle and balloon, then a stent
      was routinely implanted for the type of obliteration or stenosis. RESULTS: The
      procedure was successful in 821 out of 903 cases including IVC intervention in
      760 cases, and hepatic vein intervention in 61 cases. An IVC stent was used in
      517 cases and hepatic vein stent in 19 cases. There were no pulmonary embolisms,
      but acute renal failure occurred in eight cases, hepatic coma in two cases and
      acute heart failure in 43 cases. Two patients died in this group and five cases
      were complicated with acute IVC thrombosis. Follow up of 7 to 124 months was made
      in 679 cases with recurrence found in 59 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional
      therapy is safe and effective with a fast recovery for most types of BCS. It is
      gradually becoming the first therapeutic choice.

PMID- 22088524
TI  - Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for accidental papillary thyroid
      microcarcinoma: comparison with conventional open thyroidectomy with 5 years
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has received
      increasing attention for malignant thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to
      compare the outcomes of MIVAT with conventional open thyroidectomy (CT) for
      papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: Thirty-one patients were
      treated with MIVAT and 37 with CT. Their pathological characteristics, surgical
      complications, 5-year postoperative thyroglobulin (TG) and ultrasonic results
      were followed up. RESULTS: All the patients took levothyroxine for suppressing
      thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) after surgery, and were followed up with
      measurement of serum TG and neck ultrasonography at intervals of 6 or 12 months.
      There was no statistically significant difference between the CT and MIVAT groups
      for sex ratio, operation time, positive lymph nodes, complications and prognosis,
      but the MIVAT group had better cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: MIVAT did not
      differ significantly from CT for PTMC after 5 years follow-up, but it did have
      better cosmetic results. MIVAT is a safe and valid surgical technique for
      selected cases.

PMID- 22088525
TI  - Short-term effects of supplementary feeding with enteral nutrition via
      jejunostomy catheter on post-gastrectomy gastric cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most gastric cancer patients who undergo gastrectomy develop
      malnutrition. It is, therefore, crucial to establish an effective means to
      provide nutrition for these patients. To perform home enteral nutrition (EN) to
      ensure adequate nutritional intake in gastric cancer patients, we placed a
      jejunostomy catheter during gastric surgery. Most patients showed improved
      nutritional status. METHODS: Twenty-nine inpatients at our hospital underwent
      radical gastrectomy and jejunostomy from December 2002 to December 2007 and were
      designated as the jejunostomy group, and 32 matched patients without a
      jejunostomy tube were designated as the tube-free group. The jejunostomy group
      was treated with EN from 72 hours to 3 months postoperatively. The tube-free
      group did not receive EN. Data including preoperative and postoperative body
      weight, body mass index (BMI), nutrition risk screening (NRS) score, Karnofsky
      performance score (KPS), and laboratory biochemical indicators were documented
      respectively and compared. RESULTS: Compared with preoperative week 1, both
      groups showed decreased body weight and BMI at 3 months postoperatively. The
      weight loss in the jejunostomy group ((7.1 +/- 3.3) kg) was significantly less
      than that in the tube-free group ((9.9 +/- 3.1) kg). Similarly, BMI decreased by
      (2.4 +/- 1.0) kg/m(2) in the jejunostomy group, which was significantly less than
      in the tube-free group ((3.2 +/- 0.9) kg/m(2)). The number of patients with
      postoperative NRS >= 3 was decreased in the jejunostomy group, but was increased
      in the tube-free group, and this difference was significant. There were no
      significant differences between the two groups in total lymphocyte count,
      hemoglobin, albumin and prealbumin, and adverse drug effects. CONCLUSIONS: Short
      term (3 months) EN supplementation via jejunostomy tube can reduce the risk of
      malnutrition and weight loss, and improve tolerance of chemotherapy. Tube feeding
      is reliable for achieving these goals because it is not important whether or not
      the patients have appetites.

PMID- 22088526
TI  - Intraoperative ultrasound assistance in the resection of small, deep-seated, or
      ill-defined intracerebral lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has been increasingly used as a
      guiding tool during neurosurgical procedures. In this study, we aimed to evaluate
      the potential application of intraoperative ultrasound assisted surgery in the
      resection of small, deep-seated, or ill-defined lesions. METHODS: Eighty-six
      consecutive patients with small, deep-seated, or ill-defined intracerebral
      lesions were studied prospectively. An improved intraoperative imaging technique
      and surgical setup were practiced during the surgery. IOUS was performed in three
      orthogonal imaging planes (horizontal, coronal and sagittal). RESULTS:
      Histopathological diagnoses of these 86 cases included cavernomas, metastases,
      hemangioblastomas, gliomas, and radiation necrosis. Forty-seven of the 86 lesions
      (54.7%) were small and deep-seated, 34/86 (39.5%) were ill-defined, and 5/86
      (5.8%) were small, deep-seated, and ill-defined. Sonograms in the horizontal
      plane were obtained in all 86 cases. Sonograms in the sagittal plane and in the
      coronal plane were obtained only in 52 cases and in 46 cases, respectively, due
      to technical limitation. In 13 cases, sonograms in all three orthogonal planes
      were available. All lesions were successfully identified and localized by IOUS.
      Total resection was performed in 67 lesions (77.9%) and partial resection was
      performed in 19 lesions (22.1%). CONCLUSIONS: We propose IOUS to be performed in
      three orthogonal planes when surgery is planned for small, deep-seated, or ill
      defined brain lesions. By applying this simple, improved technique, surgeons can
      perform resection of these lesions precisely.

PMID- 22088527
TI  - Unplanned decannulation of tracheotomy tube in massive burn patients: a
      retrospective case series study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unplanned extubation is associated with adverse outcomes in intensive
      care unit. The massive burn patient differs from other critically ill patients in
      many ways. However, little is known about the unplanned decannulation (UD) in
      Burn Intensive Care Unit. This paper describes the special features of the
      circumstances and outcome of UD of tracheotomy tube in massive burn patients.
      METHODS: A case series study was performed between January 1999 and December 2008
      and UD of tracheotomy tube was analyzed retrospectively. A total of 21 patients
      with 29 UD events were identified. Demographic data, diagnosis, intervention, UD
      events and outcome of UD patients were collected. Differences in proportions were
      compared using the chi-square (chi(2)) or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Patients
      with UD were often burned with head and neck (67%) and combined with inhalation
      injury (62%). The majority of them (76%) were transferred patients, occurred
      early (55%) and were accidental UD (79%). UD events tended to happen in day shift
      (90%) and to be associated with the medical procedure that was performing by
      caregivers at besides (79%). Loose of the stabilizing rope, medical procedure and
      tracheotomy malposition were the main causes of UD. Early UD and reintubation
      failure were associated with patients' death. CONCLUSIONS: UD happened to massive
      burn patients can lead to patient death. Careful management of respiratory tract
      was essential for massive burn patients.

PMID- 22088528
TI  - Ten-year survey on oncology publications from China and other top-ranking
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is a global disease that knows no borders. Over the past
      decade, oncology research had developed rapidly worldwide. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the publication characteristics in oncology journals from China
      and other top-ranking countries. METHODS: The present study was designed to study
      publication characteristics in oncology journals from China and other top-ranking
      countries, the United States (USA), Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom (UK) and
      France, from 2001 to 2010. We also examined the research output from the three
      different regions of China: the mainland of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. RESULTS:
      Articles published in 163 journals related to oncology were retrieved from the
      PubMed database. The number of articles showed significantly positive trends for
      the six countries. The percentage of articles in the world output showed a
      significantly positive increase in contributions from China, especially the
      mainland of China. China contributed 4.5% of the total 163 journals, and 2.5% of
      the journals with the top 10% impact factor (IF) scores. USA contributed 31.4% of
      the total world output, 40.5% of the top 10% IF score journals and ranked the
      first. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis described the research output from each country
      and region of China, and revealed the positive trend in China during 2001 and
      2010. Also, by contrast with other top-ranking countries, these results imply
      that China falls behind the others in conducting high-quality oncology research.

PMID- 22088529
TI  - Health insurance and household income associated with mammography utilization
      among American women, 2000 - 2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
      has provided free or low-cost mammograms to low-income or no health insurance
      women in all of the states of the United States (US) since 1997. The objective of
      this study was to understand whether health insurance and annual household income
      impacted the mammography utilization since the implementation of NBCCEDP, in
      order to evaluate how the implementation of NBCCEDP impacted mammography
      utilization among American women. METHODS: Data were from the database of
      Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) of the CDC in US. Mammography
      utilization was measured by whether the American woman aged 40 to 64 years had
      the mammography within the last two years. The chi square test and multivariate
      Logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations between mammography
      utilization and health insurance, annual household income, and other factors for
      any given year. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2008, the rate of mammography utilization
      among participants had a steady decrease on the whole from 86.7% to 83.8%. The
      results showed that the mammography utilization correlated significantly with
      health insurance and annual household income for any given year. The results also
      showed that compared with participants who were uninsured, those who were insured
      had a greater times higher rate of mammography in 2008 than any other year from
      2000 to 2008, and compared with participants whose annual household income was
      below $15 000, those whose annual household income was above $50 000 had a
      greater times higher rate of mammography in 2008 than in 2004 and 2006.
      CONCLUSIONS: Health insurance and annual household income impacted the
      mammography utilization for any given year from 2000 to 2008, and the
      implementation of NBCCEDP has not achieved its original goal on breast cancer
      screening.

PMID- 22088530
TI  - Role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in cigarette smoke-induced
      mucus hypersecretion in a rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Airway mucus hypersecretion is an important pathophysiological
      feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is closely associated
      with cigarette smoking. However, the signal transduction pathway from the cell
      surface to the nucleus through which cigarette smoke causes upregulation of mucin
      gene expression is not well known. This study was designed to investigate the
      role of extracellular signal-regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) in airway mucus
      hypersecretion induced by cigarette smoke in rats. METHODS: A rat model of airway
      mucus hypersecretion was induced by exposure to cigarette smoke for 4 weeks.Rats
      exposed to inhalation of cigarette smoke or normal saline were given an
      intraperitoneal injection of U0126, a specific MEK1 kinase inhibitor, at doses of
      0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg for 14 days. Expression of MUC5AC mRNA and
      protein, ERK 1/2 and phosphorylated-ERK 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2) were detected by RT-PCR,
      immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: Cigarette smoke significantly
      increased airway goblet cells metaplasia, induced the overexpression of MUC5AC
      mRNA and protein in bronchial epithelia, and increased the ratio of p-ERK 1/2 and
      ERK 1/2. U0126 significantly attentuated the expression of MUC5AC mRNA and
      protein induced by cigarette smoke (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant
      positive correlation between the ratio of p-ERK1/2 to ERK1/2 and the expression
      of MUC5AC mRNA and protein (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of ERK 1/2 by
      U0126 decreased the ratio of p-ERK 1/2 to ERK 1/2 and expression of MUC5AC mRNA
      and protein. ERK 1/2 may play an essential role in cigarette smoke-induced mucus
      hypersecretion in vivo.

PMID- 22088531
TI  - Calcineurin is involved in cardioprotection induced by ischemic postconditioning
      through attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic postconditioning (I-postC) is a newly discovered and more
      amenable cardioprotective strategy capable of protecting the myocardium from
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a principal site
      for secretary protein synthesis and calcium storage. Myocardial I/R causes ER
      stress and emerging studies suggest that the cardioprotection has been linked to
      the modulation of ER stress. The aim of the present study was to determine
      whether cardioprotection of I-postC involves reduction in ER stress through
      calcineurin pathway. METHODS: In the in vivo model of rat myocardial I/R,
      myocardial infarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)
      staining and apoptosis was detected using terminal eoxynucleotidyl transferase
      mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Expression of
      calreticulin, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12, and activation of
      caspase-12 in myocardium were detected by Western blotting. The activity and
      expression of calcineurin in myocardium were also detected. RESULTS: I-postC
      protected the I/R heart against apoptosis, myocardial infarction, and leakage of
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). I-postC suppressed
      I/R-induced ER stress, as shown by a decrease in the expression of calreticulin
      and CHOP, and caspase-12 activation. I-postC downregulated calcineurin activation
      in myocardium subjected to I/R. CONCLUSION: I-postC protects myocardium from I/R
      injury by suppressing ER stress and calcineurin pathways are not associated with
      the I-postC-induced suppression of ER stress-related apoptosis.

PMID- 22088532
TI  - GRP78 upregulation-induced increase in cisplatin sensitivity of SPCA1 lung cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      chaperone, plays a critical role in chemotherapy resistance in a variety of
      cancers. In this study, we investigated the up-regulation of GRP78 induced by
      A23187 and its association with the chemotherapeutical sensibility to cisplatin
      in human lung cancer cell line SPCA1. METHODS: SPCA1 cells were pretreated with
      A23187 at different concentrations. The expression of GRP78 at the mRNA level was
      analyzed by RT-PCR; the expression of GRP78 at the protein level was determined
      by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. Cell survival was determined by
      MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression
      of GRP78 at both the mRNA and protein levels was obviously induced by A23187 in
      SPCA1 cells, with an elevation of GRP78 by 2.1-fold at the mRNA level and by 3.8
      fold at the protein level compared to the control. There was a dose-dependent
      response. Survival curve analysis demonstrated that A23187 induction caused a
      significant reduction of survival for the cells subjected to cisplatin treatment
      (P < 0.05). After treatment by cisplatin, the percentage of apoptotic cells in
      the A23187 pretreated group increased about three fold compared with the control
      group ((27.53 +/- 4.32)% vs. (9.25 +/- 3.64)%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A23187
      treatment was fairly effective for the induction of GRP78 in SPCA1 cells at both
      the mRNA and protein levels. To a certain extent, GRP78 up-regulation by A23187
      was associated with the enhancement of drug sensitivity to cisplatin in human
      lung cancer cell line SPCA1.

PMID- 22088533
TI  - Analysis of the ratio of mitchondrial DNA with A1555G mutant to wild type in deaf
      patients of Fujian province in China by a new method and its relationship with
      the severity of hearing loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the ratio of mutant and wild type
      mitochondrial DNA may be related to its clinical phenotype. In this study, we
      developed a high sensitive real-time amplification refractory mutation system
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-ARMS-qPCR) assay for quantitation of
      the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with a mutated 1555 site, and explored the
      relationship between the ratio of mutated mtDNA and the severity of hearing loss
      of mitochondrial deafness (MD) patients of Fujian province in China. METHODS: An
      amplified mtDNA fragment containing the 1555 site was ligated into a vector to
      construct a plasmid DNA standard. An RT-ARMS-qPCR system was used to measure the
      mtDNA copy number containing wild-type and mutant sequences in a cohort of 126 MD
      patients of Fujian province in China. Combined with the clinical data, we
      explored the relationship between the ratio of mutated mtDNA and the severity of
      hearing loss of MD. RESULTS: The variation coefficient in the cohort was 1.21%,
      the interassay variation coefficient was 1.78%, and the linear range was 10(2) -
      10(8) copies/ul for detecting a recombinant, wild-type plasmid. The primers
      amplified only the intended sequences. Mutation copy number correlated with the
      degree of deafness in sporadic cases with heteroplasmic mutations of mtDNA A1555G
      (R = 0.811, P = 0.003), but not in sporadic cases with homoplasmic mutations (R =
      0.007, P = 0.989). The copy number of homoplasmic or heteroplasmic mutations of
      mtDNA A1555G in familial cases correlated with degree of deafness (R = 0.352, P =
      0.023 and R = 0.90, P = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The RT-ARMS-qPCR
      system is suitable for determining the copy number of mtDNA fragments containing
      the A1555G mutation. The ratio of mutated mtDNA correlates with the severity of
      hearing loss of MD.

PMID- 22088534
TI  - Clinical utility of automated platelet clump count in the screening for ethylene
      diamine tetraacetic acid-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) clumping occurring in pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP)
      can result in inaccurate PLT. Automated platelet clump count (APCC) is a
      quantitative parameter of platelet aggregation. In this study, we evaluated the
      clinical utility of APCC in the screening for platelet aggregation related
      ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-dependent PTCP (EDTA-PTCP). METHODS: A
      total of 105 patients and 200 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study.
      Blood samples were collected with dipotassium EDTA and sodium citrate
      respectively. ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer was used to perform complete blood
      count (CBC) and APCC. Blood smears of both EDTA- and citrate-anticoagulated
      samples were made for microscope observation and manual PLT counting. RESULTS: In
      25 patients with EDTA-PTCP patients, for EDTA-2K anticoagulated-blood, PLT was
      (55 +/- 6) * 10(9)/L, significantly lower than citrate anticoagulated blood ((186
      +/- 13) * 10(9)/L)). APCC was (905 +/- 694) * 10(9)/L, significantly higher than
      citrate anticoagulated blood (98 +/- 37) * 10(9)/L. In true thrombocytopenia and
      healthy control groups, APCC was (63 +/- 60) * 10(9)/L and (69 +/- 59) * 10(9)/L
      respectively and there was no significant difference between EDTA and citrate
      anticoagulants. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed both
      sensitivity and specificity of APCC were 96% when the cutoff value of APCC was
      set as 182 * 10(9)/L. Other platelet parameters had poor performance. CONCLUSION:
      The APCC has a good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating EDTA-PTCP from
      true thrombocytopenia compared with other platelet parameters.

PMID- 22088535
TI  - A novel missense mutation of the TYR gene in a pedigree with oculocutaneous
      albinism type 1 from China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mutation of the tyrosinase (TYR) gene results in oculocutaneous
      albinism type 1 (OCA1), an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. OCA1 is the most
      common type of OCA in the Chinese population. Hence, the TYR gene was tested in
      this study. We also delineated the genetic analysis of OCA1 in a Chinese family.
      METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood leukocytes of a proband and his
      family. Mutational analysis at the TYR locus by DNA sequencing was used to screen
      five exons, including the intron/exon junctions. A pedigree chart was drawn and
      the fundus of the eyes of the proband was also examined. RESULTS: A novel
      missense mutation p.I151S on exon 1, and homozygous TYR mutant alleles were
      identified in the proband. None of the mutants was identified among the 100
      normal control subjects. Genetic analysis of the proband's wife showed normal
      alleles in the TYR gene. Thus, the fetus was predicated a carrier of OCA1 with a
      normal appearance. CONCLUSION: This study provided new information about a novel
      mutation, p.I151S, in the TYR gene in a Chinese family with OCA1. Further
      investigation of the proband would be helpful to determine the effects of this
      mutation on TYR activity.

PMID- 22088536
TI  - Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on anxiety level and spatial
      memory of adult rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the widespread use of electric devices in modern life, human are
      exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) much more frequently
      than ever. Over the past decades, a substantial number of epidemiological and
      experimental studies have demonstrated that ELF MF (50 Hz) exposure is associated
      with increased risk of various health effects. The present study examined the
      effects of chronic exposure to ELF MF on anxiety level and spatial memory of
      adult rats. METHODS: The 50-Hz ELF MF was used during the whole experimental
      procedures and the value of magnetic field (MF) was set to 2 mT. Adult rats were
      divided randomly to control, MF 1 hour and MF 4 hours group. Anxiety-related
      behaviors were examined in the open field test and the elevated plus maze;
      changes in spatial learning and memory were determined in Morris water maze after
      4 weeks of daily exposure. RESULTS: Rats in MF 4 hours group had increased
      anxiety-like behaviors with unaltered locomotor activity. In the Morris water
      maze test, rats had reduced latency to find the hidden platform and improved long
      term memory of former location of platform without changes in short-term memory
      and locomotor activity. CONCLUSION: Chronic ELF MF exposure has anxiogenic effect
      on rats, and the promoting effects on spatial learning and long-term retention of
      spatial memory.

PMID- 22088537
TI  - Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 regulated by nitric oxide is associated
      with neuronal survival in hippocampal neurons in a rat model of ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway plays a critical role
      in cerebral ischemia. Although the mechanistic basis for this activation of
      JNK1/2 is uncertain, oxidative stress may play a role. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate whether the activation of JNK1/2 is associated with the
      production of endogenous nitric oxide (NO). METHODS: Ischemia and reperfusion
      (I/R) was induced by cerebral four-vessel occlusion. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats
      were divided into 6 groups: sham group, I/R group, neuronal nitric oxide synthase
      (nNOS) inhibitor (7-nitroindazole, 7-NI) given group, inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) inhibitor (2-amino-5,6-dihydro-methylthiazine, AMT) given group,
      sodium chloride control group, and 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control group.
      The levels of protein expression and phospho-JNK1/2 were detected by Western
      blotting and the survival hippocampus neurons in CA1 zone were observed by cresyl
      violet staining. RESULTS: The study illustrated two peaks of JNK1/2 activation
      occurred at 30 minutes and 3 days during reperfusion. 7-NI inhibited JNK1/2
      activation during the early reperfusion, whereas AMT preferably attenuated JNK1/2
      activation during the later reperfusion. Administration of 7-NI and AMT can
      decrease I/R-induced neuronal loss in hippocampal CA1 region. CONCLUSION: JNK1/2
      activation is associated with endogenous NO in response to ischemic insult.

PMID- 22088538
TI  - Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 gene NMNAT1 regulates neuronal
      dendrite and axon morphogenesis in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wallerian degeneration is a self-destructive process of axonal
      degeneration that occurs after an axonal injury or during neurodegenerative
      disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have found
      that the activity of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthase enzyme,
      nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1) can affect the rate of
      Wallerian degeneration in mice and drosophila. NMNAT1 protects neurons and axons
      from degeneration. However, the role of NMNAT1 in neurons of central nervous
      system is still not well understood. METHODS: We set up the culture of primary
      mouse neurons in vitro and manipulated the expression level of NMNAT1 by RNA
      interference and gene overexpression methods. Using electroporation transfection
      we can up-regulate or down-regulate NMNAT1 in cultured mouse dendrites and axons
      and study the neuronal morphogenesis by immunocytochemistry. In all functional
      assays, FK-866 (CAS 658084-64-1), a highly specific non-competitive inhibitor of
      nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase was used as a pharmacological and positive
      control. RESULTS: Our results showed that knocking down NMNAT1 by RNA
      interference led to a marked decrease in dendrite outgrowth and branching and a
      significant decrease in axon growth and branching in developing cortical neurons
      in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal a novel role for NMNAT1 in the
      morphogenesis of developing cortical neurons, which indicate that the loss of
      function of NMNAT1 may contribute to different neurodegenerative disorders in
      central nervous system.

PMID- 22088539
TI  - Hemo oxygenase-1 induction in vitro and in vivo can yield pancreas islet
      xenograft survival and improve islet function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The induced expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in donor islets
      improves allograft survival. Cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) could significantly
      enhance the expression of HO-1 mRNA and protein in rat islet safely. Our work was
      to study how to protect pancreatic islet xenograft by CoPP-induction. METHODS:
      Islet xenografts treated with CoPP-induction and CoPP + Zinc protoporphyrin
      (ZnPP) in vitro and in vivo were randomly transplanted into murine subrenal
      capsule; then the graft survival time was compared by blood glucose level and
      pathological examination and meanwhile the interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-1beta level in
      serum and their mRNA and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression were examined. RESULTS:
      Islets with CoPP-induction under low- and high-glucose stimulation exhibited much
      higher insulin secretion compared with other three groups. CoPP-induction could
      increase higher expression of HO-1 (mRNA: 3.33- and 76.09-fold in vitro and in
      vivo; protein: 2.85- and 58.72-fold). The normoglycemia time in induction groups
      ((14.63 +/- 1.19) and (16.88 +/- 1.64) days) was significantly longer. The
      pathological examination showed less lymphocyte infiltration in induction groups.
      The IL-10 level and its mRNA in induction groups were significantly higher.
      CONCLUSIONS: The HO-1 induced by CoPP would significantly improve function,
      prolong normoglycemia time and reduce lymphocyte infiltration. Meanwhile CoPP
      induction in vivo had more beneficial effects than in vitro. Its mechanism could
      be related to immune-modulation of IL-10.

PMID- 22088540
TI  - Microwave ablation: results in ex vivo and in vivo porcine livers with 2450-MHz
      cooled-shaft antenna.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imaging-guided thermal ablation using different energy sources
      continues to gain favor as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of
      primary and metastatic hepatic malignant tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the
      performance of microwave ablation with 2450-MHz internally cooled-shaft antenna
      in ex vivo and in vivo porcine livers. METHODS: All studies were animal care and
      ethics committee approved. Microwave ablation was performed using a noncooled or
      cooled-shaft antenna in 23 ex vivo (92 ablations) and eight in vivo (36
      ablations) porcine livers. Diameters of the coagulation zone were observed on
      gross specimens. The coagulation diameters achieved in different microwave
      ablation parameter groups were compared. Curve estimation analysis was performed
      to characterize the relationship between applied power and treatment duration and
      coagulation diameter (including short-axis and long-axis diameter). RESULTS:
      Coagulation zones were elliptical and an arrowed-shaped carbonization zone around
      the shaft was observed in all groups. But the antenna track was also coagulated
      in the noncooled-shaft antenna groups. In ex vivo livers, the short-axis diameter
      correlated with the power output in a quadratic curve fashion (R(2) = 0.95) by
      fixing ablation duration to 10 minutes, and correlated with the ablation duration
      in a logarithmic curve fashion (R(2) = 0.98) by fixing power output to 80 W. The
      short-axis reached a relative plateau within 25 minutes. In in vivo livers, short
      axis diameter correlated with the coagulation duration in a sigmoidal curve
      fashion (60 W group R(2) = 0.76, 80 W group R(2) = 0.87), with a relative plateau
      achieved within 10 minutes for power settings of 60 W and 80 W. CONCLUSIONS: The
      internally cooled microwave antenna may be advantageous to minimize collateral
      damage. The short-axis diameter enlargement has a plateau by fixing power output.

PMID- 22088541
TI  - Co-culture with microglia promotes neural stem cells differentiation into
      astrocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neural stem cells (NSCs) are a self-renewing and multipotent
      population of the central nervous system (CNS), which are active during
      development and maintain homeostasis and tissue integrity throughout life.
      Microglias are an immune cell population resident in the CNS, which have crucial
      physiological functions in the developing and adult CNS. This study aimed to
      investigate that whether microglia co-cultured with NSCs could promote
      astrogliogenesis from NSCs. METHODS: Microglia and NSCs were co-cultured in 24
      well insert plates. NSCs were plated in the bottom of the well and microglia in
      the insert. Fluorescent staining, Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to
      determine the effect of microglia on NSCs differentiation. RESULTS: Co-culture of
      microglia and NSCs promoted astrogliogenesis from NSCs. Several key genes, such
      as Notch 1, Notch 2, Notch 3, Hes 5, and NRSF were downregulated, while the
      critical genes Id1 and Id2 were upregulated. BMP2 and FGF2 were upregulated.
      CONCLUSION: Microglias act as a regulator of NSCs astrogliogenesis.

PMID- 22088542
TI  - Influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection.
AB  - The clinical spectrum of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection ranged
      from self-limited mild illness to progressive pneumonia, or even a fatal outcome.
      We summarize the clinical manifestations, risk factors for severe and fatal
      cases, pathologic findings and treatment of this disease in this paper based on
      current reports from different regions of the world.

PMID- 22088543
TI  - Fluctuations in the rate of autopsy in China.
AB  - Autopsy has played a unique role in the progression of clinical medicine, medical
      education, epidemiology, and public health. However, the autopsy rate has been
      decreasing during the past several decades worldwide, and its necessity is
      frequently argued. Autopsy-based research in China, a country with the world's
      largest population, is very important for studying the spectrum and epidemiology
      of diseases as well as for discovering new diseases. This article summarizes the
      brief history of autopsy in China and analyzes the cause of its decline in recent
      decades by reviewing previously published papers, review articles, self-collected
      materials, and private correspondence. Since the first officially permitted
      autopsy in 1913, China witnessed the highest autopsy rate between 1950 and 1970,
      and since then the autopsy rate began to decline as it in other parts of the
      world. The main reasons for the reduction in autopsy rates in China include
      negligence by hospital administrators and relevant government authorities,
      unmotivated clinicians, helpless pathologists, unenforceable regulations and
      laws, and local cultures and customs.

PMID- 22088544
TI  - Genotype and allele frequencies of heme oxygenase-1 promoter region in a Greek
      cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme, which catabolizes heme into
      carbon monoxide, biliverdin and free iron. The induction of this enzyme is an
      important cytoprotective mechanism, which occurs as an adaptive and beneficial
      response to a wide variety of oxidant stimuli. HO-1 inducibility is mainly
      modulated by a (GT)(n) polymorphism in the promoter region, and has been shown
      that short (S) repeats are associated with greater up-regulation of HO-1,
      compared with long (L) repeats. METHODS: In the present study, 250 healthy Greek
      individuals have been screened in order to estimate the frequencies of (GT)(n)
      alleles in the HO-1 gene. RESULTS: Nineteen different alleles, ranging from 17 to
      39 repeats, with (GT)(23) and (GT)(30) being the most common ones, were
      identified. CONCLUSION: The possible role of this polymorphism in disease states
      is discussed.

PMID- 22088545
TI  - Clinical and imaging features of pulmonary artery sling in infants without
      significant hemodynamic changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital heart anomaly and
      may cause unexplained respiratory symptoms in infants. Since the non-specific
      respiratory symptoms of PAS may lead to misdiagnosis, the aim of this study was
      to clarify the clinical and imaging features of this disease for timely diagnosis
      and treatment. METHODS: Clinical histories, physical examinations and imaging
      studies were retrospectively evaluated in nine infants with PAS. Chest X-ray,
      echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with 3
      dimensional reconstructions were performed in all patients and three of them
      received surgical treatment. RESULTS: Nine cases included six males and three
      females with a mean age of (4.3 +/- 2.8) months ranging from 2 to 11 months old.
      All patients had respiratory symptoms including recurrent cough, stridor and
      wheezing. The onset of symptoms was within 3 months in all cases and three
      children had symptoms only a few days after birth. The chest X-ray showed
      pneumonia in all cases. Contrast-enhanced CT showed the tracheal compression at
      different lengths in every case. The echocardiograph findings of PAS were
      anomalous origins of the left pulmonary artery from the posterior aspect of the
      right pulmonary artery. Of the 9 cases, 8 cases were diagnosed correctly by
      echocardiography. Of the complicated abnormalities, there were one with secundum
      atrial septal defect, one with patent foramen ovale and three with persistent
      left superior vena cava. None of them were complicated with significant blood
      dynamic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with recurrent respiratory symptoms such as
      chronic cough, stridor and wheezing, should be examined for the possible presence
      of congenital pulmonary artery sling. As a noninvasive technique,
      echocardiography is very helpful and should be the first-choice modality for the
      diagnosis of pulmonary artery sling. Contrast-enhanced CT, clearly demonstrating
      the anatomy of pulmonary artery sling and the position and extent of trachea
      compression, is necessary for the final diagnosis and pre-operation evaluation.

PMID- 22088546
TI  - Efficacy and safety of intravenous itraconazole followed by oral itraconazole
      solution in the treatment of invasive pulmonary mycosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive pulmonary mycosis is the most common type of invasive fungal
      infection. It is often severe and difficult to treat, and is accompanied by high
      mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      intravenous itraconazole followed by oral itraconazole solution in the treatment
      of invasive pulmonary mycosis and to determine the distribution of different
      fungi species. METHODS: This was a multi-center, open-label study which enrolled
      71 patients who were diagnosed as invasive pulmonary mycosis between July 2007
      and January 2009. All patients received intravenous itraconazole therapy followed
      by oral itraconazole solution with a total treatment duration of 6 weeks.
      Intravenous itraconazole was given at a dose of 200 mg bid (intravenous infusion
      every 12 hours) for the first two days, 200 mg qd for the subsequent 12 days.
      Sequential oral itraconazole solution was given at a dose of 100 mg bid for 4
      weeks. Efficacy and safety were assessed according to clinical as well as
      microbiological criteria. RESULTS: Seventy one patients participated in this
      study. Of the 60 patients in the full analysis dataset, the clinical response
      rate was 61.7% and the mycological eradication rate was 66.7%. The overall
      response rate was 66.7%. Drug-related adverse events occurred in 18.0% of
      patients: hypokalemia, liver function impairment and mild gastrointestinal side
      effects were the most common. One patient suffered from severe adverse event,
      with limb and facial swelling. CONCLUSION: This study showed that in patients
      with invasive pulmonary mycosis, intravenous itraconazole followed by oral
      itraconazole solution therapy was safe and effective.

PMID- 22088547
TI  - Hashimoto encephalopathy: a case report with proton MR spectroscopic findings.
AB  - A 52-year-old female patient with Hashimoto encephalopathy was admitted to
      hospital for clinical treatment, and the findings on MR spectroscopy (MRS) and MR
      imaging (MRI) in the brain were reported. MRS revealed the decreases in N
      acetylaspartate (NAA/Cr=1.19) and myo-inositol peaks, and the elevations in
      lipid, lactate, glutamate/glutamine multiplet and choline (Cho/Cr=1.21) peaks
      which supported a cerebral inflammatory change, in addition to multifocal
      hyperintensities on T2WI and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images,
      slight hyperintensities on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), hypointensities on
      T1WI. The atrophy of the brain was revealed on follow-up MRI two years later.

PMID- 22088548
TI  - Littoral cell angioma of the spleen: report of three cases and a review of the
      literature.
AB  - Littoral cell angioma is a recently described rare vascular tumor of the spleen.
      The clinical course of this benign tumor is asymptomatic in most patients.
      Herein, we described three patients with littoral cell angioma detected during
      physical examination. A brief discussion and review of a handful of cases of
      splenic littoral cell angioma, which have been previously reported in the English
      language literature, are performed in this paper.

PMID- 22088549
TI  - Very late coronary aneurysm formation with subsequent stent thrombosis secondary
      to drug-eluting stent.
AB  - Drug-eluting stents have changed the practice in interventional cardiology. With
      the widespread use of these stents important safety concerns regarding stent
      thrombosis and formation of coronary artery aneurysm have been expressed. While
      the majority of attention was focused on stent thrombosis, the formation of
      coronary aneurysm was only described in anecdotal reports. We report on a patient
      who suffered from very late stent thrombosis in association with coronary artery
      aneurysm formation secondary to drug-eluting stent but not to bare-metal stent.

PMID- 22088550
TI  - Coexisting ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis: a case report with
      literature review.
AB  - A 30-year-old female patient with coexisting ankylosing spondylitis and
      rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed and treated. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      B27 is a predisposing factor of ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-DR4 is a
      predisposing factor of rheumatoid arthritis. This patient was HLA-B27 and HLA-DR4
      positive, and ankylosing spondylitis manifested before rheumatoid arthritis.
      After disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs successfully arrested ankylosing
      spondylitis activity the patient conceived and delivered a healthy baby. One year
      later, she developed peripheral polyarthritis and was diagnosed with rheumatoid
      arthritis. We hypothesized that pregnancy may be one of the environmental factors
      that can activate rheumatoid arthritis, and that disease modifying anti-rheumatic
      drugs play an important role in keeping the disease under control.

PMID- 22088551
TI  - A rare case of circumferential intramural dissection of thoracic esophagus with
      contained esophageal perforation.
AB  - In this report, a full account of an extremely rare case on esophageal intramural
      dissection (EID) is presented. A 56-year-old female patient, misdiagnosed as
      esophageal mediastinal fistula under endoscopic view, was diagnosed correctly as
      EID with contained esophageal perforation in the operation and cured by thoracic
      esophagectomy.

PMID- 22088552
TI  - Laparoscopic treatment of a massive fibroepithelial polyp accompanied by ureteral
      intussusception.
AB  - Ureteral fibroepithelial polyp accompanied by intussusception is a rare
      occurrence. Currently, most ureteral polyps could be removed readily by
      ureteroscopy. Nevertheless, endoscopic resection can be difficult in patient with
      a large polyp, especially accompanied by an intussusception. We described our
      experience and laparoscopic technique for treatment of a symptomatic 63-year-old
      woman who presented with a pedunculated, 9-cm-long, left lower ureteral,
      fibroepithelial polyp accompanied by a 2-cm-long intussusception.

PMID- 22088553
TI  - Meningitis caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus with refractory cerebrospinal
      fluid leakage following endoscopic endonasal removal of skull base
      chondrosarcoma.

PMID- 22088554
TI  - [Myoma and pregnancy: when medical treatment is not sufficient].
AB  - The leiomyoma is the most common benign uterine tumor in population of
      childbearing age women. We report a patient case with uterine myomas threatening
      the pregnancy continuation and causing a real problem of maternal tolerance. In
      presence of a 22 cm subserosal fibroma which is responsible of a severe abdominal
      pain syndrome resistant to level 3 analgesics, the use of surgical treatment was
      considered, even if current recommendations are for an optimal medical
      management. Myomectomy by laparotomy has been performed after 13 weeks of
      gestation.

PMID- 22088555
TI  - A survey of ward nurses attitudes to the Intensive Care Nurse Consultant service
      in a teaching hospital.
AB  - The aim of an Intensive Care Nurse Consultant (ICNC) service is to optimise care
      of complex ward patients and reduce adverse events. Despite their widespread
      implementation, specific assessment of ward nurses' attitudes towards such is
      lacking. Accordingly, we surveyed ward nurses' attitudes towards our ICNC service
      in five domains: (a) accessibility and approachability; (b) perceived ICNC skill
      and knowledge; (c) perceived influence on patient management; (d) usefulness as a
      resource of clinical information; (e) impact upon adverse outcomes. To achieve
      this, an anonymous Liker-type questionnaire was distributed to 208 ward nurses in
      our hospital. We also included space for free text. Completed questionnaires were
      entered manually into a SURVEYMONKEYTM pro-forma to permit automatic report
      generation and results summary. The major findings were that ICNC staff were
      perceived as being approachable and good communicators, were skilled at early
      detection of deteriorating patients, and that they reduce serious adverse events.
      In addition, nurses believe the ICNC service provides continuity of care post
      discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU), as well as assisting staff to
      prioritise clinical issues following medical emergency team (MET) review or ICU
      discharge. The ward nurses did not believe that the ICNC service reduced their
      skills in managing ward patients. In contrast, respondents stated that the ICNC
      service needed to improve the processes of referral to allied health and
      education of ward staff regarding deteriorating patients. Finally, ward nurses
      suggest they would call the MET service rather than the ICNC service for patients
      who had already deteriorated. This survey suggests that the ICNC service is
      valued, and is perceived to prevent the development of adverse events, rather
      than playing a major role in the management of the deteriorating patient. There
      is a need to improve referrals to allied health and further educate ward nurses.

PMID- 22088556
TI  - Assessment of the effects of AZD3480 on cognitive function in patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - AZD3480 is a selective agonist of alpha4beta2 central neuronal nicotinic
      receptors (NNRs). This study investigated its effects on cognition, relative to
      placebo, in 440 patients with stable schizophrenia who were taking a single
      atypical antipsychotic medication and who were active cigarette smokers. Mean age
      was 41 (range 19 to 55) years and the majority of patients (88%) had a diagnosis
      of paranoid schizophrenia. Patients were randomized to one of 3 doses of AZD3480:
      5 mg, 20 mg, and 35/100 mg (depending on CYP2D6 metabolic status), or to placebo.
      Treatment was given once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was
      change in cognitive function from baseline to Week 12, as measured by IntegNeuro
      computerized test battery of cognitive function scores. Secondary outcome
      measures included assessment of functional capacity (University of California at
      San Diego Performance Based Skills Assessment [UPSA2]) and adaptive function
      (Social Functioning Scale [SFS]). AZD3480 failed to improve cognition relative to
      placebo in this population of patients or in subpopulations defined by
      disposition, metabolic status, antipsychotic treatment, age, age of illness
      onset, and sex. Likewise, no improvement relative to placebo was observed in
      either the SFS measure of adaptive functioning or the UPSA2 measure of functional
      capacity. AZD3480 was generally well tolerated in the population studied.

PMID- 22088557
TI  - Orthorexia nervosa presenting as prodrome of schizophrenia.

PMID- 22088558
TI  - Structural studies of lead lithium borate glasses doped with silver oxide.
AB  - Silver oxide doped lead lithium borate (LLB) glasses have been prepared and
      characterized. Structural and composition characterization were accessed by XRD,
      FTIR, Raman, SEM and EDS. Results from FTIR and Raman spectra indicate that
      Ag(2)O acts as a network modifier even at small quantities by converting three
      coordinated to four coordinated boron atoms. Other physical properties, such as
      density, molar volume and optical basicity are also evaluated. Furthermore, they
      are also affected by the silver oxide composition.

PMID- 22088559
TI  - Estimation of the rotamerization constants of different conformations of N
      acetylalanine: a theoretical and matrix-isolation FT-IR study.
AB  - The conformational landscape of N-acetylalanine has been investigated by a
      theoretical and matrix-isolation FT-IR study. Optimizations of N-acetylalanine
      structures has been conducted at successive higher levels of theory HF/3-21G,
      DFT(B3LYP)/6-31++G** and MP2/6-31++G**. This resulted in three stable
      conformations. Among these, one conformation contains an intramolecular H-bond.
      The vibrational properties of these conformations were calculated and used to
      identify the conformations in a cryogenic argon matrix. The intensities of some
      bands assigned to a particular conformation were used to estimate the
      rotamerization constants K(r12) and K(r13) for the equilibria NAA1 NAA2 and NAA1
      NAA3, respectively. The obtained experimental values were in agreement with the
      theoretical predictions.

PMID- 22088560
TI  - Unidirectional growth of benzil crystal from solution by Sankaranarayanan
      Ramasamy method and its characterization.
AB  - Good quality <100> benzil single crystal with a diameter 18 mm and length 75 mm
      was successfully grown from solution by the unidirectional growth method of
      Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) for the first time in the literature. The seed
      crystals have been harvested from conventional solution growth technique and
      subsequently used for unidirectional growth. The grown crystal was subjected to
      various characterization studies. The results of UV-vis spectral analysis,
      photoluminescence, etching and microhardness studies were compared with
      conventional solution grown crystal to that of SR method grown crystal. The
      quality of SR method grown benzil crystal is better than conventional solution
      grown crystal.

PMID- 22088561
TI  - Kidney-derived proteins in urine as biomarkers of induced acute kidney injury in
      sheep.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening condition for which an early
      diagnosis is problematic. The aim of the present study was to identify kidney
      derived urinary proteins specific to AKI in sheep. AKI was induced in six sheep
      by an overdose of ketoprofen. Six untreated sheep served as controls. Urine
      samples were collected for up to 24 h after drug administration and pooled
      according to time and treatment. Tissue samples from kidney were taken
      immediately after euthanasia. Urinary proteins were separated by two-dimensional
      gel electrophoresis (2DE) and the proteins of interest were identified by mass
      spectrometry. Calbindin-D28k, retinol-binding protein 4 and CD1d were identified
      in ketoprofen-treated sheep, but not in controls. In addition, calbindin-D28k and
      CD1d were localized in kidney tissues by immunohistochemical staining. These
      preliminary results suggest that urinary calbindin-D28k and CD1d represent
      potential useful biomarkers of AKI, at least in sheep.

PMID- 22088563
TI  - Post hoc ergo propter hoc: complications and death after gastrostomy placement.

PMID- 22088562
TI  - Micro-RNA dysregulation in multiple sclerosis favours pro-inflammatory T-cell
      mediated autoimmunity.
AB  - Pro-inflammatory T cells mediate autoimmune demyelination in multiple sclerosis.
      However, the factors driving their development and multiple sclerosis
      susceptibility are incompletely understood. We investigated how micro-RNAs, newly
      described as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, contribute to
      pathogenic T-cell differentiation in multiple sclerosis. miR-128 and miR-27b were
      increased in naive and miR-340 in memory CD4(+) T cells from patients with
      multiple sclerosis, inhibiting Th2 cell development and favouring pro
      inflammatory Th1 responses. These effects were mediated by direct suppression of
      B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1) and interleukin-4 (IL4)
      expression, resulting in decreased GATA3 levels, and a Th2 to Th1 cytokine shift.
      Gain-of-function experiments with these micro-RNAs enhanced the encephalitogenic
      potential of myelin-specific T cells in experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis. In addition, treatment of multiple sclerosis patient T cells
      with oligonucleotide micro-RNA inhibitors led to the restoration of Th2
      responses. These data illustrate the biological significance and therapeutic
      potential of these micro-RNAs in regulating T-cell phenotypes in multiple
      sclerosis.

PMID- 22088564
TI  - Expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein in mouse nasal cartilage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was initially thought to be unique
      for dentine formation during tooth development, whilst recent reports have shown
      a much broader expression pattern such as in bone, periodontium and inner ear.
      Our goal was to explore its expression and potential impact during early nasal
      cartilage formation in comparison with tooth development. STUDY DESIGN: We
      investigated DSPP expression in the nasal cartilage by immunohistochemistry and
      in situ hybridisation. We also cloned a 719bp partial DSPP cDNA from nasal
      cartilage and analysed its homology to the published mouse DSPP cDNA sequence. In
      addition, quantitative RT-PCR was undertaken to compare the expression pattern of
      DSPP in nasal cartilage and tooth germs during embryonic development. RESULTS:
      The expression of DSPP in mouse nasal chondrocytes was detected using in situ
      hybridisation and immunohistochemical staining. The quantitative RT-PCR data
      showed that expression levels of DSPP in nasal cartilage are similar to that of
      tooth: low at E18, and increased during development with the peak level at P3.
      Furthermore, DSPP levels in nasal cartilage are lower than tooth but higher than
      bone. CONCLUSION: DSPP is expressed in nasal cartilage, and a similar temporal
      expression pattern in cartilage and tooth indicates the potential importance of
      DSPP during development.

PMID- 22088565
TI  - Wilms' tumor metastatic to bilateral testes at presentation: case and review of
      the literature.
AB  - A 7-year-old male with bilateral palpable testicular masses was found to have
      metastatic stage IV Wilms' tumors associated with both left renal and lung
      lesions. The patient was treated successfully with testicular-sparing bilateral
      partial orchiectomies, radical nephrectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, with 8
      years free of recurrence. This is the only reported case of bilateral testicular
      tumors from metastatic Wilms' tumor that were present at the initial
      presentation. A review of the literature of all previous reported cases of
      metachronous or related testicular metastatic Wilms' tumors is reported.

PMID- 22088566
TI  - Is routine postoperative chest radiography needed after percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether routine postoperative chest radiography (CXR) is
      required after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the detection and possible
      management of hydropneumothorax. It is the standard for many urologists to obtain
      routine postoperative CXRs after PCNL to assess for hydropneumothorax. However,
      it has been our experience that in the few patients who develop
      hydropneumothorax, the CXR findings almost never affect the clinical management.
      METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 214 PCNL procedures acquired
      from 2007 to 2010. The data analyzed included patient demographics, operative
      data, postoperative CXR findings, and complications. RESULTS: We reviewed 214
      PCNL procedures, 49% of the 164 patients were men, with a mean age of 48 years
      and a mean stone burden of 2.4 * 2.5 cm. Renal access was obtained by the
      urologists in 47% of cases. Renal access was obtained in the upper pole (51%),
      midpole (26%), and lower pole (23%) through the 11th-12th intercostal space (21%)
      and below the 12th rib (78%). Renal access was unsuccessful in 2.8%. All patients
      underwent postoperative CXR. Only 2 patients (1%) had a hydropneumothorax, and
      both had clinical symptoms. One patient's postoperative CXR findings were minimal
      pleural effusion only. Both patients were treated with tube thoracostomy. The
      mean hospital length of stay was 1.6 days, and the mortality rate was 0.5%.
      CONCLUSION: Routine postoperative CXR is not needed after PCNL. Obtaining
      selective CXR when a recognized intraoperative hydropneumothorax has occurred,
      the physical examination reveals an abnormality, or the patient experiences
      respiratory difficulties in the postoperative period is safe, cost-effective, and
      reduces unnecessary radiation exposure to the patients.

PMID- 22088567
TI  - Long-term biochemical recurrence rates after robot-assisted radical
      prostatectomy: analysis of a single-center series of patients with a minimum
      follow-up of 5 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To address the long-term biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival
      rates of patients treated with robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)
      with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively
      collected data of 184 patients treated with RALP at a single institution were
      analyzed. Kaplan-Meier and life tables analyses targeted the rates of BCR
      according to pathologic parameters. Cox regression analyses addressed predictors
      of BCR. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 67.5 months. One and 10 patients died of
      prostate cancer (PCa) and other causes, respectively. Mean time to BCR was 83.8
      months. The 3-, 5-, and 7-year BCR-free survival rates were 94%, 86%, and 81%,
      respectively. These rates were 97%, 93%, and 85% for pT2 disease; 94%, 84%, and
      84% for pT3a; and 69%, 43%, and 43% for pT3b (P<.001). The same figures were 97%,
      90%, and 88% for Gleason sum 6 or lower; 90%, 86%, and 75% for Gleason sum 7; and
      85%, 65%, and 65% for Gleason sum 8-10 (P=.01). At univariable analyses, prostate
      specific antigen, pathologic Gleason score, and presence of extracapsular
      extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and adjuvant radiotherapy were significantly
      associated with BCR. At multivariable analysis, the presence of seminal vesicle
      invasion and the presence of Gleason sum 8-10 represented independent predictors
      of BCR (HR=5.14; P=.004 and HR=3.04; P=.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: We report
      the longest available follow-up in RALP patients. RALP represents an
      oncologically effective procedure. Our oncological results support the increasing
      diffusion of RALP for the treatment of organ-confined PCa.

PMID- 22088568
TI  - Oligohydramnios associated with sonographically normal kidneys.
AB  - We report a male newborn presenting with sonographically normal kidneys,
      oligohydramnios during late pregnancy, and persisting anuric renal failure.
      Despite intensive treatment, the patient suffered from severe hypotension and
      died at the age of 4 weeks. At autopsy, kidneys were found to be normal; on
      histology, deranged renal structures, in particular proximal tubuli and vessels,
      were noted, leading to the diagnosis of renal tubular dysgenesis (RTD). The
      diagnosis was confirmed by 2 heterozygous nonsense mutations of the ACE gene.
      Because the recurrence rate of RTD is 25% for the autosomal recessive trait,
      knowledge and genetic diagnosis of the disease is important for the parents.

PMID- 22088569
TI  - Shock wave lithotripsy and diabetes mellitus: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is associated with
      diabetes mellitus (DM) in a community setting. The pancreas is vulnerable to
      injury at SWL as evidenced by case studies; thus, concern exists for the
      development of DM after SWL. METHODS: The Rochester Epidemiologic Project was
      used to identify all Olmsted County, Minnesota residents diagnosed with
      urolithiasis from 1985 to 2008. New-onset DM was identified by diagnostic codes
      and treatment with SWL by surgical codes. Cox proportional hazards models were
      used to determine the risk of DM after SWL therapy. RESULTS: A total of 5287
      incident cases of stone formation without pre-existing DM and with >=3 months of
      follow-up. After an average follow-up of 8.7 years, 423 patients (8%) were
      treated with SWL and new-onset DM had developed in 743 (12%). The diagnosis of DM
      followed SWL in 77 patients. However, no association was evident between SWL and
      the development of DM before (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.76
      1.26) or after (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.18) SWL,
      controlling for age, sex, and obesity. CONCLUSION: In the present large,
      population-based cohort, the long-term risk of developing DM was not increased in
      persons who underwent SWL to treat their kidney stones.

PMID- 22088570
TI  - Isolated large hydatid cyst in the kidney of an elderly man.
AB  - Cystic disease (CD) is a parasitic infestation by Echinococcus granulosus and
      occurs endemically in many countries, associated with sheep farming. Renal
      involvement is rare (2-4%) and is often indicative of disseminated disease.
      Echinococcal larvae can reach the kidneys through the bloodstream or lymph glands
      or through a direct route. The larvae grow slowly, and patients bearing larvae
      are typically asymptomatic. We report the case of a 79-year-old male with an
      isolated hydatid cyst in the kidney and describe its management by
      transperitoneal nephrectomy. Diagnosis was based on epidemiology and imaging
      findings, and was confirmed by histopathological and serum examinations.

PMID- 22088571
TI  - On-demand tramadol hydrochloride use in premature ejaculation treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of tramadol in premature ejaculation (PE)
      treatment compared with placebo. METHODS: A single-blind, placebo-controlled,
      crossover study was conducted with 60 lifelong (primary) patients with PE. The
      patients were randomized into 2 groups, each consisting of 30 patients, who took
      tramadol or placebo on demand. PE was defined as an intravaginal ejaculation
      latency time of <=60 seconds in 90% of intercourse episodes. The efficacy of the
      drugs was assessed using the intravaginal ejaculation latency time, ability of
      ejaculation control, and sexual satisfaction scores after an 8-week treatment
      period. RESULTS: All participants completed the study voluntarily. Two groups
      were similar in terms of the patient demographics. Increases in the intravaginal
      ejaculation latency time, ability of ejaculation control, and sexual satisfaction
      score between the placebo and tramadol groups were compared with the baseline
      values in both groups. At the end of study period, the tramadol group had
      significantly (P<.001) greater values for all 3 parameters compared with those in
      the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: On-demand use of low-dose tramadol is effective
      for lifelong PE. Currently, selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors such as
      dapoxetine, are a more popular treatment option for PE. However, tramadol might
      be considered an alternative agent for primary PE treatment.

PMID- 22088572
TI  - Metastatic prostate carcinoma mimicking primary anal cancer.
AB  - A 71-year-old man with a history of castration-refractory prostate cancer was
      initially treated with hormonal therapy. He responded with a decreasing prostate
      specific antigen level and improved symptoms. Chemotherapy was initiated later,
      after an increasing prostate-specific antigen level and findings of distant
      metastases. Nine months after his initial diagnosis, he presented with a large
      multinodular perianal mass that was suspicious for primary anal cancer. Biopsy
      revealed poorly differentiated metastatic prostate carcinoma. The patient died 2
      months after the initial presentation with perianal skin metastasis.

PMID- 22088573
TI  - Juvenile granulosa cell tumor arising from intra-abdominal testis in newborn:
      case report and review of the literature.
AB  - In the present case, the neonate presented with a left-sided abdominal mass and
      an empty left scrotum. Abdominal ultrasonography showed well-defined cystic
      formation, and laparotomy revealed a tumor arising from an intra-abdominal left
      testis. The carcinoembryonic antigen and neuron-specific enolase levels were
      within normal limits, and the serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha
      fetoprotein levels were within age-related normal values. The findings from the
      immunochemistry tests confirmed the diagnosis.

PMID- 22088574
TI  - [Solitary intrasellar plasmocytoma revealed by a diplopia: a case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Plasmocytomas rarely invade the skull base. It can be solitary or
      multiple. The clinical presentation mainly consists in a progressive neuropathy
      involving many cranial nerves, or may simply present as an optochiasmatic
      syndrome. OBSERVATION: The authors report a case of a female patient aged 68
      years presenting with an optochiasmatic syndrome with an anosmia and paralysis of
      the right sixth (VI) cranial nerve progressing over two years prior to her
      hospitalisation. Cerebral MRI showed a voluminous intrasellar lesion, isointense
      on T1 and hyperintense on T2, enhancing intensely after gadolinium injection with
      evidence of invasion of the sphenoid and cavernous sinuses. The endocrinologic
      assay was normal. A sphenoidal biopsy by the rhinoseptal route permitted the
      diagnosis of a plasmocytoma. A complete radiologic and laboratory assessment of
      the patient was accomplished, the patient benefited from local radiotherapy.
      DISCUSSION: Plasmocytomas are malignant tumors that are essentially osseous. The
      cervicocephalic region is rarely afflicted (1%). Extension to the cranial base
      seldom occurs. Less than 30 cases have been described in the literature
      simulating the other numerous neoplastic intrasellar lesions. CONCLUSION:
      Plasmocytomas of the cranial base revealing a myeloma represent a very rare
      entity. Nevertheless, whether solitary or multiple, a plasmocytoma must be
      considered amongst the differential diagnoses in the face of any invasive lesion
      of the sphenoid sinus.

PMID- 22088576
TI  - A randomized trial comparing gentamicin/citrate and heparin locks for central
      venous catheters in maintenance hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for vascular access in
      hemodialysis patients who have no alternative access or are awaiting placement or
      maturation of a permanent access. The major complications of CVCs are catheter
      related bloodstream infection and clotting in the catheter lumen. STUDY DESIGN:
      Parallel-group, randomized, multicenter clinical trial, with patients blinded to
      study intervention. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 16 free-standing dialysis facilities
      in Northern California belonging to a single provider. 303 adult maintenance
      hemodialysis patients who were using a tunneled cuffed CVC for vascular access.
      INTERVENTION: The treatment group received an antibiotic lock containing
      gentamicin 320 MUg/mL in 4% sodium citrate, whereas the control group received
      the standard catheter lock containing heparin 1,000 U/mL. Both groups received
      triple-antibiotic ointment on the catheter exit site during dressing changes at
      each dialysis treatment. OUTCOMES: Catheter-related bloodstream infection and
      catheter clotting. MEASUREMENTS: Catheter-related bloodstream infection was
      defined as the occurrence of symptoms consistent with bacteremia together with
      positive blood culture results in the absence of another obvious source of
      infection. Catheter clotting was measured as the rate of thrombolytic agent use
      required to maintain adequate blood flow. A single patient could contribute more
      than one infection or clotting episode. RESULTS: The rate of catheter-related
      bloodstream infection was 0.91 episodes/1,000 catheter-days in the control group
      and 0.28 episodes/1,000 catheter-days in the treatment group (P = 0.003). The
      time to the first episode of bacteremia was significantly delayed (P = 0.005).
      The rates of tissue plasminogen activator use were similar in the treatment and
      control groups: 2.36 versus 3.42 events/1,000 catheter-days, respectively (P =
      0.2). LIMITATIONS: The requirement for dialysis facility staff to prepare the
      treatment intervention prevented a completely blinded study. CONCLUSION:
      Gentamicin 320 MUg/mL in 4% sodium citrate used as a routine catheter lock in
      CVCs in patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy markedly decreases the
      incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection and is as effective as
      heparin 1,000 U/mL in preventing catheter clotting.

PMID- 22088575
TI  - A complex multilevel attack on Pseudomonas aeruginosa algT/U expression and
      algT/U activity results in the loss of alginate production.
AB  - Infection by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause
      of morbidity and mortality seen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This is mainly
      due to the genotypic and phenotypic changes of the bacteria that cause conversion
      from a typical nonmucoid to a mucoid form in the CF lung. Mucoid conversion is
      indicative of overproduction of a capsule-like polysaccharide called alginate.
      The alginate-overproducing (Alg(+)) mucoid phenotype seen in the CF isolates is
      extremely unstable. Low oxygen tension growth of mucoid variants readily selects
      for nonmucoid variants. The switching off mechanism has been mapped to the algT/U
      locus, and the molecular basis for this conversion was partially attributed to
      mutations in the algT/U gene itself. To further characterize molecular changes
      resulting in the unstable phenotype, an isogenic PAO1 derivative that is
      constitutively Alg(+) due to the replacement of the mucA with mucA22 (PDO300) was
      used. The mucA22 allele is common in mucoid CF isolates. Thirty-four spontaneous
      nonmucoid variants, or sap (suppressor of alginate production) mutants, of PDO300
      were isolated under low oxygen tension. About 40% of the sap mutants were rescued
      by a plasmid carrying algT/U (Group A). The remaining sap mutants were not (Group
      B). The members of Group B fall into two subsets: one similar to PAO1, and
      another comparable to PDO300. Sequence analysis of the algT/U and mucA genes in
      Group A shows that mucA22 is intact, whereas algT/U contains mutations. Genetic
      complementation and sequencing of one Group B sap mutant, sap22, revealed that
      the nonmucoid phenotype was due to the presence of a mutation in PA3257. PA3257
      encodes a putative periplasmic protease. Mutation of PA3257 resulted in decreased
      algT/U expression. Thus, inhibition of algT/U is a primary mechanism for alginate
      synthesis suppression.

PMID- 22088578
TI  - Initial fixation strength of transosseous-equivalent suture bridge rotator cuff
      repair is comparable with transosseous repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcome of rotator cuff repair correlates with tendon healing.
      Early studies of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair demonstrate lower healing rates
      than traditional open techniques. Transosseous-equivalent repair techniques
      (suture bridge) were developed to improve the initial fixation strength. PURPOSE:
      To compare the initial in vitro tensile fixation strength of a transosseous
      equivalent suture bridge (TOE-SB) rotator cuff repair construct to a traditional
      transosseous (TO) suture construct. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.
      METHODS: Identical simulated rotator cuff tears were created on 8 matched pairs
      of humeri. Each matched pair underwent repair with 4 sutures using either the TOE
      SB or TO technique. Initial fixation strength was tested in a custom testing jig.
      Each shoulder underwent 1000 cycles each of low and then high load testing. Gap
      displacement was measured at anterior and posterior sites of the repair with
      digital video tracking of paired reflective markers and recorded at predetermined
      cycle intervals. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in
      gap formation at the repair sites under low or high load conditions between TOE
      SB and TO techniques. The mean maximal gap formation of the repairs during low
      load testing in the TOE-SB and TO constructs was 0.93 +/- 0.88 mm and 0.55 +/-
      0.22 mm, respectively (P = .505). The mean maximal gap formation during high load
      testing in the TOE-SB and TO constructs was 2.04 +/- 1.10 mm and 2.28 +/- 1.62
      mm, respectively (P = .517). The most significant increase in gap distance
      occurred at the transition from low load to high load in both constructs. Most of
      the incremental displacement occurred within the first 100 cycles for both high
      and low load testing (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic TOE-SB technique is
      comparable in initial fixation strength to the traditional TO simple suture
      repair technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthroscopic techniques can achieve initial
      fixation strength comparable with traditional TO techniques performed without
      suture anchors.

PMID- 22088579
TI  - Biomechanical and histological evaluations of the doubled semitendinosus tendon
      autograft after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in sheep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A sheep or goat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model
      with the semitendinosus tendon autograft has not as of yet been established.
      HYPOTHESIS: The semitendinosus tendon graft may be necrotized after ACL
      reconstruction until 12 weeks. Structural properties of the femur-graft-tibia
      complex may not be restored to the normal ACL level even at 12 months after
      surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Thirty-eight mature
      sheep were used. In each animal, the right knee underwent ACL reconstruction
      using the semitendinosus tendon autograft. Two of them were not tested because of
      pneumonia. Twenty of 36 sheep were used for biomechanical evaluations. Five
      randomly selected animals were sacrificed at 0, 12, 24, or 52 weeks after
      surgery. In each animal, both the knees were harvested, and the left knee was
      used to obtain the control data. The remaining 16 sheep were used for
      histological evaluation. Two or 3 randomly selected animals were sacrificed at 0,
      2, 6, 12, 24, or 52 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The tendon graft was
      predominantly acellular at 2 weeks. Although cell infiltration increased at 6
      weeks, the core portion remained necrotic even at 12 weeks. At 24 and 52 weeks,
      the necrotic lesion disappeared in the core portion. In each period, the
      anteroposterior translation of the reconstructed knee remained significantly
      greater than that of the control (P < .0001). At 52 weeks, the maximum load of
      the femur-graft-tibia complex was significantly lower than that of the femur-ACL
      tibia complex (P < .0001), although there was no significant difference in the
      cell density, the tissue dimensions, the stiffness, and the elongation at failure
      between the 2 complexes. CONCLUSION: The sheep ACL reconstruction model showed
      predominant intrinsic fibroblast necrosis in the tendon autograft until 12 weeks.
      Although the structural properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex gradually
      improved, they were not completely restored to the femur-ACL-tibia complex level
      even at 52 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Remodeling of the semitendinosus tendon
      autograft after ACL reconstruction is not different from that of the bone-tendon
      bone graft. This study has suggested that vigorous activity should not be
      permitted for patients in the early periods after ACL reconstruction using
      semitendinosus tendon autografts, which are necrotized and weakened after
      surgery.

PMID- 22088577
TI  - Depressed mood enhances anxiety to unpredictable threat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety disorders (ADs) are highly co-morbid, but the
      reason for this co-morbidity is unclear. One possibility is that they predispose
      one another. An informative way to examine interactions between disorders without
      the confounds present in patient populations is to manipulate the psychological
      processes thought to underlie the pathological states in healthy individuals. In
      this study we therefore asked whether a model of the sad mood in depression can
      enhance psychophysiological responses (startle) to a model of the anxiety in ADs.
      We predicted that sad mood would increase anxious anxiety-potentiated startle
      responses. METHOD: In a between-subjects design, participants (n=36) completed
      either a sad mood induction procedure (MIP; n=18) or a neutral MIP (n=18).
      Startle responses were assessed during short-duration predictable electric shock
      conditions (fear-potentiated startle) or long-duration unpredictable threat of
      shock conditions (anxiety-potentiated startle). RESULTS: Induced sadness enhanced
      anxiety- but not fear-potentiated startle. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      support for the hypothesis that sadness can increase anxious responding measured
      by the affective startle response. This, taken together with prior evidence that
      ADs can contribute to depression, provides initial experimental support for the
      proposition that ADs and depression are frequently co-morbid because they may be
      mutually reinforcing.

PMID- 22088580
TI  - Should complementary and alternative medicine familiarisation modules be taught
      in African medical schools?
AB  - Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are household sources of therapy
      in African communities. A large percentage of the African population uses CAMs as
      an alternative to mainstream medicine. This is partly due to tradition, and
      partly because of inability to afford conventional treatments. In the developed
      countries, the use of CAMs is gradually on the increase. As a result, certain
      medical schools in these countries are incorporating CAM familiarisation modules
      into their undergraduate medical curricula. In Africa, most medical schools have
      not taught CAM yet. However, in view of the rising use of CAMs by the African
      populace, and the potential CAM-conventional therapy interactions, there is the
      need for physicians to get familiar with those CAMs in common use. To achieve
      this, it is recommended that African medical schools introduce CAM
      familiarization modules into the undergraduate medical curricula. This would
      fully prepare the 21st century doctors to deliver holistic medical treatment, and
      thus be at par with the global trend.

PMID- 22088581
TI  - An updated review on medicinal herb genus Spilanthes.
AB  - Herbal medicine has been used in medical practice for thousands of years and
      recognized especially as a valuable and readily available resource for healthcare
      in Asian nations. India is a vast repository of medicinal plants that can be
      developed as a safe and economical system of medicine for the treatment of
      various ailments. Unfortunately, most of the traditionally used medicinal plants
      are yet unexplored or have not been fully examined by modern medical science.
      Therefore, exploring traditionally reported medicinal plants to leverage their
      potential for the betterment of human health is of great importance. The present
      review examines a promising medicinal plant genus Spilanthes. In recent years,
      many new compounds and activities of this plant genus have been established. The
      present review therefore, aims to compile up-to-date and comprehensive
      information of genus Spilanthes with special emphasis on phytochemical and
      ethnomedical uses, scientifically documented pharmacological activities and
      tissue culture methods for conservation.

PMID- 22088582
TI  - [Icariin and its pharmaceutical efficacy: research progress of molecular
      mechanism].
AB  - Icariin is one of the key active components of Epimedium species, which is most
      widely applied to supplement the kidney in traditional Chinese medicine.
      Scientific research has found that icariin possesses extensive therapeutic
      effects such as protecting neurons from injury, promoting growth of neuronal
      synapse, improving sexual dysfunction and bone morphogenesis, as well as anti
      inflammation, anti-tumor and anti-depression functions. Considering that
      molecular mechanism is the fundamental basis for pharmaceutical efficacy of
      icariin, in this article, the authors retrospectively retrieved 122 scientific
      papers recorded in the PubMed database with "icariin" in the title from January
      1, 1995 to January 5, 2011. It was found that icariin has been closely
      highlighted in the intervention of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signal pathways, inhibition of
      phosphodiesterase 5, and regulation of nuclear receptors. Besides, the authors
      also discussed the main orientation for molecular mechanism of icariin in future
      research.

PMID- 22088583
TI  - Estimation of sample size and testing power (part 2).
AB  - This article introduces definitions of three special tests, namely, non
      inferiority test (to verify that the efficacy of the experimental drug is
      clinically not inferior to that of the positive control drug), equivalence test
      (to verify that the efficacy of the experimental drug is equivalent to that of
      the control drug) and superiority test (to verify that the efficacy of the
      experimental drug is superior to that of the control drug), and methods of sample
      size estimation under the three different conditions. By specific examples, the
      article introduces formulas of sample size estimation for the three special
      tests, and their SAS realization in detail.

PMID- 22088584
TI  - Investigations of botanicals on food intake, satiety, weight loss and oxidative
      stress: study protocol of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botanicals represent an important and underexplored source of
      potential new therapies that may facilitate caloric restriction and thereby may
      produce long-term weight loss. In particular, one promising botanical that may
      reduce food intake and body weight by affecting neuroendocrine pathways related
      to satiety is hydroxycitric acid (HCA) derived from Garcinia cambogia Desr.
      METHODS AND DESIGN: The objective of this article is to describe the protocol of
      a clinical trial designed to directly test the effects of Garcinia cambogia
      derived HCA on food intake, satiety, weight loss and oxidative stress levels, and
      to serve as a model for similar trials. A total of 48 healthy, overweight or
      obese individuals (with a body mass index range of 25.0 to 39.9 kg/m(2)) between
      the ages of 50 to 70 will participate in this double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      crossover study designed to examine the effects of two doses of Garcinia cambogia
      derived HCA on food intake, satiety, weight loss, and oxidative stress levels.
      Food intake represents the primary outcome measure and is calculated based on the
      total calories consumed at breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals during each test
      meal day. This study can be completed with far fewer subjects than a parallel
      design. DISCUSSION: Of the numerous botanical compounds, the compound Garcinia
      cambogia-derived HCA is selected for testing in the present study because of its
      potential to safely reduce food intake, body weight, and oxidative stress levels.
      We will review potential mechanisms of action and safety parameters throughout
      this clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier:
      NCT01238887).

PMID- 22088585
TI  - [Study protocol for a self-controlled case study to evaluate the safety and
      standardization for external application of Chinese medicine Jiuyi Powder].
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the main medicinal powder for drawing out pus and removing
      necrotic tissue in external therapies of traditional Chinese surgery, Sheng
      Powder has made great contributions to the treatment of inflammatory wounds and
      has the unique bactericidal and decay-discharging function that can not be
      replaced by antibiotics. However, Sheng Powder has toxicity because it contains
      mercury. So far, there is no clinical research on the standards of dose and usage
      of Sheng Powder and there is a lack of objective and quantitative criteria for
      operating standards and monitoring of toxicity and side effects. Therefore, the
      authors choose Jiuyi Powder, one of the most commonly used Sheng Powder, to
      evaluate the safety of its external use, and form a standardization program for
      clinical implementation. METHODS AND DESIGN: This study is a nonrandomized,
      nonblinded, self-controlled case study. There will be two key stages in the
      study. In stage one, 10 patients with plasma cell mastitis will be enrolled. The
      patients will receive continuous external application of Jiuyi Powder with a
      fixed dose (160 mg/d). Blood mercury and urine mercury levels will be dynamically
      tested at different time intervals, and the observation of pharmacokinetic
      parameters will be conducted after Jiuyi Powder has been absorbed by the surface
      of the wound. In stage two, 30 patients with each of the four conditions
      including postoperative wounds of head or facial surgeries, plasma cell mastitis,
      anal fistula and chronic absorption ulcer of the shank will be enrolled,
      respectively. According to the dose of 1.5 mg/cm(2), Jiuyi Powder will be
      externally applied to the wound surface for 14 d. On the basis of the first-phase
      study, the test time will be chosen and the toxicity outcome will be detected to
      evaluate the safety of external application of Jiuyi Powder and to establish
      recommendations for standardized clinical use. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this
      study is to evaluate the safety of the external application of Jiuyi Powder
      through a two-stage study. The pharmacokinetic parameters of external application
      of Jiuyi Powder at the clinical dose range, the changes in blood and urinary
      mercury levels and related safety indexes will be observed on different wounds
      located in different positions externally. The evaluation of whether Jiuyi Powder
      could be a routine medication for drawing out pus and removing necrotic tissue in
      inflammatory and refractory wounds will be stated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ChiCTR-TNC-11001366.

PMID- 22088586
TI  - [Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine Plantain and Senna Granule in
      treatment of functional constipation: a randomized, controlled trial].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal
      diseases. Currently, there is no effective Western medical therapy for functional
      constipation and it significantly impacts the quality of life of the patients.
      Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapies were reported to
      have better therapeutic effects than routine Western medicine therapies.
      OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal
      medicine Plantain and Senna Granule in the treatment of functional constipation.
      DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 390 patients with
      confirmed functional constipation enrolled from the Department of
      Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College in
      China from February 2008 to January 2010 were randomly divided into three groups,
      with 130 cases in each group. Acupuncture group was treated with puncture of
      point Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), Zusanli (ST36), Dachangyu (BL25) and
      Zhigou (SJ6) twice daily for four weeks, while Plantain and Senna Granule group
      was treated with 5 g of Plantain and Senna Granule once daily, and the
      combination group was given above-mentioned acupuncture and Plantain and Senna
      Granule. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The defecation cycle, stool property,
      constipation symptom, accompanying symptoms, gastrointestinal transit time,
      including total gastrointestinal transit time, mouth-intestine transit time,
      colonic transit time, right colonic transit time, left colonic transit time and
      rectosigmoid colonic transit time, and adverse reactions of the three groups were
      evaluated before treatment, at the end of treatment and 64 weeks after treatment,
      respectively. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the scores of defecation
      cycle, stool property, constipation symptoms and accompanying symptoms, and
      gastrointestinal transit time all decreased significantly at the end of treatment
      in each group (P<0.01), and the combination group showed better results than the
      other groups (P<0.05). Compared with the end of treatment, the above-mentioned
      indexes recurred insignificantly in the combination group and acupuncture group
      after 64 weeks of follow-up (P>0.05), but all recurred significantly in the
      Plantain and Senna Granule group (P>0.05). Both short- and long-term total
      response rates of the combination group showed significant differences compared
      with those of the other two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No serious adverse
      reactions occurred in all the three groups. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture plus Plantain
      and Senna Granule can significantly decrease gastrointestinal transit time and
      defecation cycle in patients with functional constipation; it can also change
      stool property and alleviate constipation symptom and accompanying symptoms, with
      good security and tolerance.

PMID- 22088587
TI  - [Flavonoids of puerarin versus tanshinone II A for ischemic stroke: a randomized
      controlled trial].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flavonoids are widely used today in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
      The therapeutic effects and functions of flavonoids are, therefore, generating
      more and more interest. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects and
      functions of flavonoids of puerarin in treating patients with ischemic stroke.
      DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 67 inpatients
      suffering from ischemic stroke from the Department of Neurology, Changhai
      Hospital in China were divided into two groups randomly, the treatment group,
      which was treated with flavonoids of puerarin, and the control group,
      administered with tanshinone II A sulfate instead. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Defects
      in neurological function were evaluated according to the National Institutes of
      Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on the first day of onset. Lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH), serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      levels were determined by radioimmunoassay on the second trial day. After a 14
      day treatment, LDH, serum IL-6 and BDNF levels and NIHSS score were also
      detected, and CT perfusion imaging was used to measure and analyze the regional
      cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and mean
      transit time (MTT). RESULTS: On the first day, NIHSS scores of the two groups
      were similar. On the second day there was no significant difference in LDH and IL
      6 levels between the treatment group and the control group. After a 14-day
      treatment, LDH and IL-6 levels and the NIHSS score in the treatment group were
      lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant
      difference in BDNF levels in the two groups. After 14 d, the CT perfusion imaging
      demonstrated that the treatment group showed more effective blood perfusion than
      the control group. CONCLUSION: Flavonoids of puerarin can restrain the increase
      of IL-6 after acute ischemic stroke, and depress the LDH raised by reperfusion
      after cerebral ischemia. It can also enhance blood perfusion of the ischemic
      region.

PMID- 22088588
TI  - [Analysis of facial far-infrared thermogram of patients with acute facial
      neuritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to provide an objective observational index for facial
      neuritis, the authors monitored the changes of facial far-infrared thermogram in
      patients with acute facial neuritis. METHODS: A total of 23 patients with acute
      facial neuritis were enrolled from Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,
      Chinese PLA General Hospital. Another 21 healthy participants were selected as
      the control group. Focal plane thermal imaging system (thermal sensitivity 0.05
      degrees centigrade) was applied to collect facial far-infrared thermogram.
      Temperature differences in the thermogram of both sides of the cheeks, inner
      canthus, supraorbitals and forehead of the same patient were compared separately
      and statistically and analyzed by software provided by the imaging system.
      RESULTS: Results of far-infrared thermography of the patients displayed obvious
      temperature differences ranging from 0.01 to 0.26 degrees centigrade between two
      sides of the cheeks, inner canthus, supraorbitals and forehead areas. In the
      control group, far-infrared thermogram showed that there were no obvious
      temperature differences between two sides of the cheeks, inner canthus,
      supraorbitals and forehead. There were significant differences in temperature
      difference in the four monitoring areas between the two groups (P<0.01). Among
      the 23 patients, there were 14 patients with congestive change, 7 with ischemic
      change and 2 with both congestive and ischemic changes. CONCLUSION: The facial
      far-infrared thermogram of patients with acute facial neuritis is characterized
      mainly by congestive changes. Far-infrared thermography can objectively reflect
      the changes of blood-supply status in patients with facial neuritis.

PMID- 22088589
TI  - [Study of traditional Chinese medicine pulse signals in patients with coronary
      heart disease based on recurrence quantification analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By using recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) to analyze
      traditional Chinese medicine pulse signals of patients with coronary heart
      disease (CHD), this study aims to find nonlinear dynamic parameters of pulses to
      distinguish patients with CHD from normal subjects. METHODS: First, pulse signals
      were collected using ZBOX-I pulse digitization gathering analyzer from October
      2007 to June 2008. RQA was used to analyze RQA parameters of pulses of 63
      patients with CHD and 61 normal subjects. RQA parameters included recurrence rate
      (RR), determinism (DET), averaged diagonal length (L), entropy of diagonal length
      (ENTR), length of longest diagonal line (L(max)), laminarity (LAM), trapping time
      (TT) and length of longest vertical line (V(max)). Then, rank-sum test and
      BoxPlot were employed to find significant difference and distribution of RQA
      parameters. Lastly, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to
      assess the diagnostic value of the measurements with significant difference.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences in RQA parameters of pulse signals
      between the two groups, including RR, DET, L, ENTR, LAM, TT and V(max), and their
      areas under the ROC curves were 1.000, 0.898, 0.653, 0.673, 0.885, 0.898, 0.986
      and 0.994, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with the normal subjects, the pulse
      signals of the patients with CHD are presented with more certainty, regularity
      and stability. RQA measurements of RR, TT, Vmax, DET and LAM show good diagnostic
      value according to their ROC curves.

PMID- 22088590
TI  - [Analysis of major herbs in Chinese herbal formula Jianpi Huoxue Decoction for
      improving intestinal permeability based on uniform design].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the herbal medicines which play a main role in Chinese
      herbal formula Jianpi Huoxue Decoction for improving intestinal permeability and
      protect alcohol-induced liver injury and intestine damage, and to explore the
      analysis method for the material base of pharmacological effects of the Chinese
      herbal compound. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were given Lieber-DeCarli ethanol
      liquid diet once daily for 6 weeks to induce alcoholic liver injury. In step one,
      U(17)(17(16)) table of uniform design was adopted to design the experiment and
      the eight herbs of Jianpi Huoxue Decoction were screened to seek the herbs which
      play the main role. Three and a half hours before the rats were killed, each rat
      was administered lipopolysaccharide once, then blood sample was collected from
      portal vein and endotoxin content in plasma was detected as the index of
      intestinal permeability. The data were analyzed by stepwise regression to find
      the herbal drugs which had the best effects and the compatibility ratio of these
      drugs. In step two, the rats with Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet-induced liver injury
      were divided into four groups to test and verify the results. RESULTS: According
      to the obtained regression equation, Rasux Paeonia Alba (Baishao), Rhizoma
      Alismatis (Zexie) and Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis (Wuweizi) were the main
      herbal drugs in Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in improving intestinal permeability, and
      the doses for rats were 1.33, 0.50 and 0.17 g/kg respectively. In the
      verification experiment, combination of Baishao, Zexie and Wuweizi significantly
      decreased the endotoxin level in plasma of rats with Lieber-DeCarli-induced liver
      injury and showed reliability. CONCLUSION: Baishao, Zexie and Wuweizi are the
      major herbs of Jianpi Huoxue Decoction for improving intestinal permeability.
      Uniform design is efficient in screening the major herbs or their optimal
      combination in a certain Chinese compound.

PMID- 22088591
TI  - [Crohn disease in rats induced by different concentrations of
      trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and ethanol].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To induce Crohn disease in rats by intraluminal instillations of
      different concentrations of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and
      ethanol. METHODS: Crohn disease in rats was induced with enema containing TNBS
      and 50% ethanol with volume ratio of 2:1 (experimental group 1) or 1:1
      (experimental group 2), or solution containing TNBS and anhydrous ethanol with
      volume ratio of 2:1 (experimental group 3) or 1:1 (experimental group 4).
      Equivalent volume of normal saline was used to set as the normal saline control,
      and rats without any treatment were set as the normal control group. The rats
      were killed at various time points (3, 7, 14 and 21 d) respectively. Colonic
      inflammation and damage were assessed microscopically and histologically.
      RESULTS: In the colon of rats in the experimental group 3, discontinuous erosion,
      ulceration and infiltration of neutrophils occurred after one week; pebble sign
      and even segmental inflammation appeared on day 14. On day 21, it appeared
      improvement in the colon tissue and obviously thickened bowel wall, but the
      inflammation was easily observed under the light microscope. Experimental group 1
      was similar to experimental group 3 in appearance of the colon on days 3 and 7;
      on day 14, colonic inflammation and damage were improved as compared with the
      experimental group 3, but there were obvious individual differences in
      histological findings among rats in group 1. In the experimental group 2, the
      intestinal wall turned to be normal on day 14. In the experimental group 4, there
      were high mortality and extensive damage of colon tissues, and the pathological
      characteristics were quite different from Crohn disease in humans. CONCLUSION:
      The characteristics of the rat model of Crohn disease induced with a enema
      containing TNBS and anhydrous ethanol with volume ratio of 2:1 are similar to the
      clinical features of human Crohn disease, including typical pathological
      characteristics and long duration of inflammation. It may be an ideal
      experimental model for studying pathogenesis of Crohn disease and for evaluating
      treatment effects.

PMID- 22088592
TI  - [Effects of daidzein on steroid receptor coactivator-1 expression in MC3T3-E1
      cells and the mechanism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of daidzein in the expressions of steroid
      receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and nuclear receptor corepressor (NcoR) in MC3T3
      E1 osteoblastic cells. METHODS: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in alpha-minimal
      essential medium (alpha-MEM) containing 2% fetal bovine serum and treated with
      various concentrations of daidzein (10(-9), 10(-7) and 10(-5) mol/L) or 17beta
      estradiol at 10(-8) mol/L for 3 d. The protein levels of SRC-1 and NcoR in MC3T3
      E1 cells were determined by Western blotting. Estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist
      ICI182780 at 10(-7) mol/L or specific ERalpha antagonist methyl-piperidino
      pyrazole (MPP) at 10(-6) mol/L were used to block the corresponding receptors,
      and then MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with daidzein at 10(-7) mol/L or 10(-5)
      mol/L for 3 d. SRC-1 and NcoR protein levels were detected by Western blotting.
      RESULTS: The protein levels of SRC-1 increased by 2.5 fold (P<0.05) and 2 fold
      (P<0.05) by 10(-7) and 10(-5) mol/L of daidzein respectively, while the NcoR
      levels were not significantly altered. 17beta-Estradiol at dose of 10(-8) mol/L
      did not affect the expression of SRC-1 but decreased NcoR protein expression by
      35% (P<0.05). Compared with the control, daidzein at 10(-7) and 10(-5) mol/L did
      not increase SRC-1 expression when ERs were blocked by antagonist ICI182780.
      Daidzein at 10(-7) and 10(-5) mol/L up-regulated SRC-1 by 1.8 fold (P<0.05) and
      2.4 fold (P<0.05) respectively while ERalpha was blocked by MPP. CONCLUSION:
      Daidzein increases protein level of SRC-1 and the ratio of SRC-1/NcoR. ERbeta,
      instead of ERalpha, participates in the action of daidzein in regulating SRC-1
      expression. Up-regulation of SRC-1 and increase of SRC-1/NcoR are part of the
      mechanism of the estrogenic effect of daidzein in improving osteogenesis.

PMID- 22088593
TI  - Amelioration of immobilization stress-induced biochemical and behavioral
      alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction by naringin in mice: possible mechanism
      of nitric oxide modulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of naringin
      on immobilization stress-induced biochemical-behavioral changes and mitochondrial
      dysfunction in mice. METHODS: Mice were randomized and grouped based on body
      weights. Respective drug treatments were given for 14 d, and on the 15th day all
      the animals were subjected to a 6-hour immobilization stress; then all the
      animals were subjected to various behavioral paradigms and were sacrificed.
      Various biochemical parameters and mitochondrial functions were analyzed using
      brain homogenate. RESULTS: The 6-hour acute immobilization stress significantly
      altered the behavioral (anxiety and memory) and biochemical parameters coupled
      with mitochondrial dysfunction in mice. Fourteen days pretreatment with naringin
      (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) significantly inhibited the behavioral and
      biochemical alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by acute
      immobilization stress (P<0.05). Further, pretreatment with L-arginine (50 mg/kg,
      intraperitoneally), a nitric oxide precursor, reversed the protective effect of
      naringin (P<0.05). In addition, pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl
      ester (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) caused potentiation in the protective effect
      of naringin. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the possible involvement of
      nitrergic pathway in the protective effect of naringin against immobilization
      stress-induced behavioral, biochemical and mitochondrial dysfunctions in mice.

PMID- 22088594
TI  - 6-gingerol, an active ingredient of ginger, protects acetaminophen-induced
      hepatotoxicity in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of 6-gingerol against
      acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. METHODS: Mice were injected with a
      single dose of acetaminophen (900 mg/kg) to induce hepatotoxicity, while 6
      gingerol (30 mg/kg) or the standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg) was given 30 min
      after the acetaminophen administration. The mice were sacrificed 4 h after
      acetaminophen injection to determine the activities of liver marker enzymes such
      as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin in serum, and lipid peroxidation and
      antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase,
      glutathione reductase, glutathione transferase and glutathione) in liver
      homogenate. RESULTS: The treatment of 6-gingerol and silymarin to acetaminophen
      induced hepatotoxicity showed significant hepatoprotective effect by lowering the
      hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and total bilirubin in serum (P<0.05).
      In addition, 6-gingerol and silymarin treatment prevented the elevation of
      hepatic malondialdehyde formation and the depletion of antioxidant status in the
      liver of acetaminophen-intoxicated mice (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results
      evidently demonstrate that 6-gingerol has promising hepatoprotective effect which
      is comparable to the standard drug silymarin.

PMID- 22088595
TI  - Comparative study on WHO Western Pacific Region and World Federation of Chinese
      Medicine Societies International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine:
      six-meridian pattern identification/syndrome differentiation.

PMID- 22088596
TI  - Introduction of the World Health Organization project of the International
      Classification of Traditional Medicine.
AB  - The World Health Organization plans to incorporate "traditional medicine" into
      the next revision of its International Classification of Diseases-Version 11 (ICD
      11). If traditional medicine is included in ICD-11, it is definitely an epoch
      making issue. The expected result is the International Classification of
      Traditional Medicine, China, Japan and Korea Version (ICTM-CJK). The intention of
      the ICTM project is not only beneficial for traditional medical components, but
      also might be beneficial for Western biomedicine. For this shared purpose, China,
      Japan and Korea must understand the meaning of this project and collaborate to
      develop it.

PMID- 22088597
TI  - Surgical trainee participation during infrainguinal bypass grafting procedures is
      associated with increased early postoperative graft failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the potential effect of surgical
      trainee participation during infrainguinal bypass procedures on postoperative
      graft patency rates. METHODS: Data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program (NSQIP) Participant User Files from 2005 through 2009 were
      retrospectively reviewed, using propensity score matching, to identify all
      patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass grafting procedures, excluding those who
      had prior operation <=30 days of the index procedure. A separate analysis was
      performed on a subset of procedures from the entire NSQIP sample that was matched
      on propensity for intraoperative surgical trainee participation. The primary
      predictor variable was intraoperative surgical trainee participation. The main
      outcome measure was the 30-day postoperative graft failure rate. RESULTS: For the
      entire sample of 14,723 NSQIP patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass grafting,
      30-day graft failure rates were significantly higher when a surgical trainee
      participated (5.8%) vs without participation (3.9%; P < .0001). For the cohort of
      9234 patients matched on their propensity for intraoperative trainee
      participation, this difference in graft failure rate remained significant (5.0%
      with participation vs 4.0% without participation; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical
      trainee participation is an independent risk factor for technical failure after
      infrainguinal bypass grafting. Prospective evaluation is needed to determine the
      cause of this increase in graft failure rates for procedures that involve
      surgical trainees.

PMID- 22088598
TI  - Selective organ preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: review of the
      literature.
AB  - The standard of care for transitional-cell carcinoma of the bladder with invasion
      to the muscularis propria is radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node
      dissection. However, currently there is a tendency for organ preservation in
      selected cases of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Trimodality treatment,
      including transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), radiation therapy
      and chemotherapy, has been shown to produce 5-year and 10-year overall survival
      rates comparable to those of radical cystectomy. The current 5-year overall
      survival rates range from 50 to 67% with trimodality treatment, and approximately
      75% of the surviving patients maintains their bladder. After trimodality
      treatment complete response is obtained in more than 70% of patients with muscle
      invasive bladder cancer. Clinical criteria helpful in determining patients for
      bladder preservation include such variables as small tumor size (<2 cm), early
      tumor stage (T2-T3 disease), a visibly and microscopically complete TURBT,
      absence of ureteral obstruction, no evidence of pelvic lymph node metastases, and
      absence of carcinoma in situ (Tis). The close collaboration of urologists,
      radiation oncologists and medical oncologists is of paramount importance in
      succeeding in bladder preservation.

PMID- 22088599
TI  - Clinical significance of plasma CD146 and P-selectin in patients with type 2
      diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of plasma CD146 and P-selectin in patients
      with type 2 diabetic nephropathy at different stages. METHODS: A total of 80
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the present study.
      According to 24h urinary albumin excretion ratio and renal function, they were
      further divided into group of diabetes without microalbuminuria (DN0, n=20),
      microalbuminuria group (DN1, n=20), macroalbuminuria group (DN2, n=20) and renal
      insufficiency group (DN3, n=20). Another 20 healthy subjects were enrolled as
      control group (non-DM). Plasma CD146 and P-selectin were measured by ELISA.
      RESULTS: Plasma CD146 and P-selectin were significantly increased in patients
      with type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria (DN1) compared with health control
      (CD146: 415.3+/-29.0 vs. 243.5+/-14.7 ng/ml, P<0.05; P-selectin: 66.8+/-3.4 vs.
      45.3+/-2.7 ng/ml, P<0.001). With the development of diabetic nephropathy, both
      plasma CD146 and P-selectin level progressively rise, with the highest levels in
      patients with significant renal insufficiency (DN3: 515.9+/-36.9 and 81.5+/-5.1
      ng/ml respectively, P<0.001). Moreover, the increase in CD146 is positively co
      related to the rise of P-selectin in patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION:
      Expression of CD146 and P-selectin in patients with type 2 diabetes is elevated,
      and they are positively correlated with severity of diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22088600
TI  - The design and recombinant protein expression of a consensus porcine interferon:
      CoPoIFN-alpha.
AB  - CoPoIFN-alpha is a recombinant non-naturally occurring porcine interferon-alpha
      (IFN-alpha). It was designed by scanning 17 porcine IFN-alpha nonallelic subtypes
      and assigning the most frequently occurring amino acid in each position. We used
      a porcine IFN-alpha (PoIFN-alpha) derived from domestic pig as a control. Both
      porcine IFN-alpha genes were introduced into yeast expression vector PpICZalpha-A
      and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The antiviral unit of these two IFN-alphas were
      assayed in MDBK, PK-15 and MARC-145 cells against vesicular stomatitis virus
      (VSV), and their inhibitory abilities on pseudorabies virus (PRV) and porcine
      reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replication were also
      examined, respectively. We found the antiviral activity (units/mg) of CoPoIFN
      alpha was 46.4, 63.6 and 53.5-fold higher than that of PoIFN-alpha for VSV
      inhibition in MDBK, PK-15 and MARC-145 cells, 4.8-fold higher for PRV inhibition
      in PK-15 cells, and 5-fold higher for PRRSV inhibition in MARC-145 cells. Our
      results also showed that the PRV and PRRSV-specific cytopathic effect (CPE) could
      be inhibited in the cells pretreated with CoPoIFN-alpha and PoIFN-alpha, and the
      virus titers in the cells pretreated with CoPoIFN-alpha were lower than those
      cells pretreated with PoIFN-alpha by 10-20-fold. The antiproliferative activity
      of CoPoIFN-alpha was significantly higher than that of PoIFN-alpha on a molar
      basis. The mRNA level of Mx1 and OAS1 genes in PK-15 cells induced by CoPoIFN
      alpha were enhanced about 4.6-fold and 3.2-fold compared to that induced by PoIFN
      alpha. Based on a homology model of CoPoIFN-alpha and IFNAR2, all of the
      different residues between native PoIFN-alpha and CoPoIFN-alpha were not involved
      in IFNAR1 binding site, and there is no direct interaction between these residues
      and IFNAR2, either. We speculate that the higher activity of CoPoIFN-alpha was
      likely due to the electrostatic potential introduced by residue Arg156 around the
      binding site or a structural perturbation caused by these different residues.
      This may enhance the overall binding affinity of CoPoIIFN-alpha and the
      receptors. Thus, CoPoIFN-alpha may have the potential to be used in therapy of
      porcine diseases.

PMID- 22088601
TI  - Preparing the ground for the 'paperless hospital': a case study of medical
      records management in a UK outpatient services department.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to understand the preparations for the
      introduction of electronic patient record systems (EPRs) within the outpatient
      services department of a large acute hospital based in the UK. In particular, one
      of the main aims of the study was to examine in detail the likely impact of EPRs
      on the working practices of healthcare workers, their expectations regarding the
      impact of EPRs within the department and other sociotechnical aspects of the
      management of patient information. METHODS: Twenty-seven semi-structured
      interviews were undertaken with staff in a variety of roles that deal with the
      management of medical records. The interviews focused on the organisation of the
      medical records department and current problems (e.g., missing records). In
      addition, the interviews contained questions about the specific role of medical
      records supervisors in the administration of records, as well as pathways and
      expectations about EPRs more generally. The data from the interviews was analysed
      using a mixture of thematic and template analysis and coded using constructs from
      a sociotechnical model of information system implementation and adoption.
      RESULTS: The findings show that despite severe delays to the nationally led
      (NPfIT) roll-out of EPRs and associated IT infrastructure within the UK, staff
      attitudes within the department were broadly positive about the potential of
      future EPRs to deliver efficiencies (e.g., improved workflow within the
      department, reduced reliance on paper-based systems). One of the main influences
      on attitudes towards the type of EPRs that should exist within outpatients was
      prompted by negative reactions to the way in which NPfIT systems had been managed
      and attempted to be introduced in the past. A strong commitment to end-user
      involvement in EPRs design, together with a rejection of NPfIT, appears to have
      shaped attitudes towards future expectations of the adoption of new EPRs within
      the department. In addition, staff do not believe that a rapid change to
      'paperless' working is likely to be possible. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide
      further evidence that there is a need to treat the implementation of EPRs not
      simply as an exercise in technical system delivery, but as a larger process of
      sociotechnical systems change. We conclude the paper with some guidelines, the
      aim of which is to provide guidance regarding EPRs implementation and adoption
      informed by sociotechnical principles and ideas.

PMID- 22088602
TI  - Unidentified bright objects in neurofibromatosis type 1: conventional MRI in the
      follow-up and correlation of microstructural lesions on diffusion tensor images.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the evolution of unidentified bright objects (UBOs) in
      individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) by serial magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), and to relate this to regional fractional anisotropy (FA).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The signal pattern of the T2-weighted sequences in the
      basal ganglia, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum for 27 NF1 individuals and a
      control group were analyzed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The presence or
      absence of UBOs in 2 consecutive MRI examinations was related to FA. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated significant differences in FA for the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and
      thalamus between NF1 patients and controls (P <= 0.05), even with a reduction or
      disappearance of UBOs. CONCLUSIONS: MRI allows for adequate monitoring of the
      temporal and spatial distribution of UBOs in patients with NF1. DTI confirmed
      changes in FA despite the disappearance or reduction of UBOs, thereby confirming
      the hypothesis that microstructural damage occurs in specific brain regions of
      NF1 patients.

PMID- 22088603
TI  - Psychological distress in a Department of Veterans Affairs spine patient
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The veteran population presents a unique confluence of
      biopsychosocial factors in the treatment of spinal conditions. In addition to
      poorer health status and higher numbers of chronic medical conditions compared
      with the general population, previous reports have highlighted the high
      prevalence of psychological disorders within the Department of Veterans Affairs
      (VA) health system. To our knowledge, no study has specifically evaluated
      psychological distress in patients with a spinal disorder within the VA health
      system. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress among
      spine patients in a VA hospital and if higher levels of distress correlated with
      patient demographics and self-reported patient outcome scores. STUDY
      DESIGN/SETTING: Cross-sectional evaluation of adult patients at a regional VA
      outpatient orthopedic spine surgery clinic. PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred forty
      nine adult patients presenting for treatment of spine-related disorders. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Patients were evaluated using the Distress and Risk Assessment Method
      (DRAM), a validated survey consisting of the Zung Depression Scale and the
      Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire. In addition, self-reported pain,
      disability, and quality of life were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS)
      for neck or back pain and the Neck Disability Index or Oswestry Disability Index
      (ODI) depending on the patient's location of pain. METHODS: The DRAM survey was
      used to determine the prevalence of psychological distress by classifying
      patients into normal, at-risk, and severe distress groups. Visual analog scale
      scores for neck and back pain, and self-reported disability scores, and
      demographic data including age, gender, combat experience, and use of
      antidepressant, anxiolytic, or narcotic medications were obtained at the time of
      enrollment. RESULTS: The DRAM survey identified 79.9% of patients as having some
      degree of psychological distress, whereas the remaining 20.1% were classified as
      normal. Among those with psychological distress, 43.6% of patients were
      categorized as severe distress. Compared with the normal group, a history of
      combat was more frequent in all distressed patient groups including the at-risk
      (p=.04) and severe distress (p=.009) groups. Those in the severe distress
      category more commonly reported the use of narcotics (p=.043) and
      antidepressant/anxiolytics medications (p=.0001). Those in the severe distress
      group had significantly higher ODI scores (p<.0001) and back pain VAS scores
      (p=.0360) compared with the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a large
      number of patients (80%) with some level of psychological distress and 43% with
      severe distress. The percent of patients with severe psychological distress in
      the VA was double that previously reported in a non-VA patient setting. Patients
      with severe distress had higher ODI scores, back pain VAS scores, use of
      narcotics and antidepressants, and a reported history of combat when compared
      with those without distress.

PMID- 22088604
TI  - RETRACTED: A study of shower aerosols and deposition of lead dust from
      distribution system and premise plumbing in Baltimore homes.
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- 22088605
TI  - Effects of coenzyme Q10 on vascular endothelial function in humans: a meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of coenzyme Q10
      on arterial endothelial function in patients with and without established
      cardiovascular disease. BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated
      in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The search included
      MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE to identify studies up to 1 July
      2011. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials on the effects of
      coenzyme Q10 compared with placebo on endothelial function. Two reviewers
      extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Five eligible
      trials enrolled a total of 194 patients. Meta-analysis using random-effects model
      showed treatment with coenzyme Q10 significantly improvement in endothelial
      function assessed peripherally by flow-mediated dilatation (SMD 1.70, 95% CI:
      1.00-2.4, p<0.0001). However, the endothelial function assessed peripherally by
      nitrate-mediated arterial dilatation was not significantly improved by using fix
      effects model (SMD -0.19, 95% CI: -1.75 to 1.38, p = 0.81). CONCLUSION: Coenzyme
      Q10 supplementation is associated with significant improvement in endothelial
      function. The current study supports a role for CoQ10 supplementation in patients
      with endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 22088606
TI  - Candida theae sp. nov., a new anamorphic beverage-associated member of the
      Lodderomyces clade.
AB  - Four strains representing a novel yeast species belonging to the genus Candida
      were independently isolated in Taiwan and Ecuador. Two strains (G17(T) and G31)
      were isolated in Taiwan, by pellet precipitation from plastic-bottled tea drinks
      produced in Indonesia, while two additional strains (CLQCA 10-049 and CLQCA 10
      062) were recovered from ancient chicha fermentation vessels found in tombs in
      Quito, Ecuador. These four strains were morphologically, and phylogenetically
      identical to each other. No sexual reproduction was observed on common
      sporulation media. Large-subunit (LSU) rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed the
      four strains to belong to the Lodderomyces clade, closely related to members of
      the Candida parapsilosis species complex. The four strains, which have identical
      LSU D1/D2 sequences, differ from their closest phylogenetic neighbors, Candida
      orthopsilosis and Candida parapsilosis, by 6-9 nt substitutions, respectively.
      Physiologically, the four strains are similar to Candida parapsilosis, although
      they can be distinguished from their closest relative by the assimilation of
      arbutin, nitrite, and creatine. The Indonesian and Ecuadorian strain sets can
      also be distinguished from one another based on ITS sequencing, differing by 4
      substitutions in ITS1 and 1 single nucleotide indel in ITS2. Collectively, the
      results indicate that the four strains represent a previously unrecognized
      species of Candida. The name Candida theae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate
      these strains, with G-17(T) (BCRC 23242(T)=CBS 12239(T)=ATCC MYA-4746(T))
      designated as the type strain.

PMID- 22088607
TI  - Response styles to depressed mood affect the long-term course of psychosocial
      functioning in depressed patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Components of psychosocial functioning represent both relevant mental
      health outcomes and predictors for the further course of illness in patients with
      depression and other mental illnesses. Determinants of these outcomes beyond
      residual symptom levels have rarely been investigated. The present study aimed at
      investigating prospective effects of demographic variables, depression levels,
      and response styles to depressed mood on future psychosocial functioning outcomes
      in depressed patients. METHODS: We followed up a sample of unipolar depressed
      inpatients (n=71) one, six, 42, and 66 months after hospital discharge. At each
      measuring point, patients were assessed with regard to diagnostic status, symptom
      levels, response styles, subjective quality of life (QoL), and interviewer-rated
      social and occupational functioning. Longitudinal data were analyzed using time
      lagged linear models. RESULTS: Controlled for age, sex, and concurrent depression
      levels, higher symptom-focused rumination predicted lower future QoL in the
      psychological domain and lower social and occupational functioning. In parallel,
      higher levels of habitual distraction predicted higher future QoL in the
      psychological domain. Effects were comparable for men and women. CONCLUSION:
      Given that response styles to depressed mood appear not only to affect the course
      of depressive symptoms but also future psychosocial outcomes, it is of particular
      relevance to address these coping styles in psychological therapies for
      depression and high-risk groups. Future controlled intervention studies should
      investigate possible specific mechanisms of how response styles may affect
      psychosocial outcomes.

PMID- 22088608
TI  - A meta-analysis of cognitive deficits in first-episode Major Depressive Disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent-episode Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with
      a number of neuropsychological deficits. To date, less is known about whether
      these are present in the first-episode. The current aim was to systematically
      evaluate the literature on first-episode MDD to determine whether cognition may
      be a feasible target for early identification and intervention. METHODS:
      Electronic database searches were conducted to examine neuropsychological studies
      in adults (mean age greater than 18 years old) with a first-episode of MDD.
      Effect sizes were pooled by cognitive domain. Using meta-regression techniques,
      demographic and clinical factors potentially influencing heterogeneity of
      neuropsychological outcome were also investigated. RESULTS: The 15 independent
      samples reviewed yielded data for 644 patients with a mean age of 39.36 years
      (SD=10.21). Significant cognitive deficits were identified (small to medium
      effect sizes) for psychomotor speed, attention, visual learning and memory, and
      all aspects of executive functioning. Symptom remission, inpatient status,
      antidepressant use, age and educational attainment, each significantly
      contributed to heterogeneity in effect sizes in at least one cognitive domain.
      LIMITATIONS: Reviewed studies were limited by small sample sizes and often did
      not report important demographic and clinical characteristics of patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis was the first to systematically
      demonstrate reduced neuropsychological functioning in first-episode MDD.
      Psychomotor speed and memory functioning were associated with clinical state,
      whereas attention and executive functioning were more likely trait-markers.
      Demographic factors were also associated with heterogeneity across studies.
      Overall, cognitive deficits appear to be feasible early markers and targets for
      early intervention in MDD.

PMID- 22088609
TI  - Pain anxiety, acceptance, and outcomes among individuals with HIV and chronic
      pain: a preliminary investigation.
AB  - The current study investigated the role of during treatment changes in pain
      anxiety in the relation between during treatment changes in pain acceptance and
      chronic pain outcomes. Participants included 45 (15 women) adults (M(age) =
      50.42, SD = 7.69) who were HIV positive and experienced chronic pain. They were
      offered 12 weekly, 90-min group CBT sessions to increase understanding about
      chronic pain and to improve coping skills. Four hierarchical regression analyses
      were conducted to examine the mediating role of treatment changes in pain anxiety
      in the relation between treatment changes in pain acceptance and chronic pain
      outcomes. Results suggest that increases in pain acceptance during treatment were
      associated with decreased levels of pain anxiety during treatment, as well as
      decreases in pain-related impairment at treatment completion. Furthermore,
      decreases in pain anxiety during treatment were associated with decreases in pain
      related impairment at treatment completion. Finally, treatment changes in pain
      anxiety were found to partially mediate the association between treatment changes
      in pain acceptance and pain-related impairment at treatment completion. Results
      are discussed within the context of better understanding the processes of change
      within a CBT model for chronic pain patients.

PMID- 22088610
TI  - Effect of self-focused attention on post-event processing in social anxiety.
AB  - The study investigated the relationship between self-focused attention (SFA) and
      post-event processing (PEP) in social anxiety. SFA is the process of directing
      attention to internal stimuli during a social interaction. PEP is a detailed
      review of performance following an interaction. Highly socially anxious students
      (N = 82) were randomly assigned to a high SFA (n = 40) or low SFA condition (n =
      42) and completed baseline measures of social anxiety, depression, trait SFA, and
      trait rumination. After SFA was manipulated via instructions, participants
      engaged in a 5-min unstructured conversation with a confederate, followed by a
      manipulation check. PEP was assessed the next day online. The high SFA group
      reported a similar amount of positive PEP but more frequent negative PEP over the
      24-h period compared to the low SFA group. These results provide support for a
      causal relationship between SFA and PEP and have important applications for the
      development of effective cognitive-behavioural interventions.

PMID- 22088611
TI  - Anxiety and depression and their links with delusions and hallucinations in
      people with a dual diagnosis of psychosis and substance misuse: a study using
      data from a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - Rates of depression and anxiety have been linked to severity and distress
      associated with positive symptoms in psychosis. There is also tentative evidence
      to suggest that these concurrent symptoms might be related to delusional and
      hallucinatory content. Our aim was to assess the cross-sectional associations
      between anxiety and depression, and hallucination and delusion severity and
      distress in a sample of 327 people dually diagnosed with psychosis and substance
      misuse problems. In addition, the relationships between specific symptom content
      and levels of anxiety and depression were examined. Anxiety was associated with
      delusion distress and depression with hallucination distress, although neither
      was related to symptom severity. Auditory commands to harm or kill the self were
      associated with higher levels of depression. Delusions with themes pertaining to
      the paranormal, and those with references to celebrities were associated with
      lower levels of depression. No specific delusion or hallucination content was
      associated with level of anxiety, when other variables were controlled for. The
      results demonstrate that anxiety and depression are linked to distinct aspects of
      psychotic experience, highlighting the need to acknowledge the role of these
      concurrent symptoms in the context of psychosis. In addition, findings relating
      to specific types of delusions and hallucinations highlight avenues for further
      research.

PMID- 22088612
TI  - Interaction between filaggrin null mutations and tobacco smoking in relation to
      asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying the association between filaggrin (FLG)
      deficiency and asthma are not known. It has been hypothesized that FLG deficiency
      leads to enhanced percutaneous exposure to environmental substances that might
      trigger immune responses. We hypothesized that interactions between FLG
      deficiency and environmental exposures play a role in asthma development.
      OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate possible interactions between FLG null
      mutations and tobacco smoking in relation to asthma. METHODS: A total of 3471
      adults from a general population sample participated in a health examination.
      Lung function and serum specific IgE levels to inhalant allergens were measured,
      and information on asthma and smoking was obtained by means of questionnaire.
      Participants were genotyped for the 2 most common FLG null mutations in white
      subjects: R501X and 2282del4. Another Danish population was used for replication.
      RESULTS: The FLG null mutation genotype was significantly associated with a
      higher prevalence of asthma and decreased FEV(1)/forced vital capacity ratio. In
      logistic regression analyses with asthma as the outcome, a significant
      interaction was found between FLG null mutations and smoking status (P = .02).
      This interaction was confirmed, although it was not statistically significant, in
      another Danish population study. Interactions between FLG genotype and cumulated
      smoking exposure were found in relation to asthma (P = .03) and decreased
      FEV(1)/forced vital capacity ratio (P = .03). A 3-way interaction was found among
      FLG genotype, smoking, and asthma, suggesting that the FLG-smoking interaction
      mainly played a role in nonatopic subjects. CONCLUSION: FLG null mutations
      modified the effects of smoking on the risk of asthma. This finding might have
      implications for risk stratification of the population.

PMID- 22088615
TI  - The conceptualization and measurement of individualized care.
AB  - Individualized nursing care, a form of person-centered care delivery, is accepted
      as best practice, yet its implementation into actual care is far from complete.
      Appropriate measures of this elusive concept are needed to better understand
      barriers to implementation. This study explored and tested the convergent
      validity and the reliability of 2 individualized nursing care measures. A cross
      sectional survey design was used to collect data using the Individualized Care
      Scale and the Individualized Care Instrument (ICI) from a sample of nurses (n =
      263, response rate 71%) working in older peoples' care settings in Finland, and
      the data were analyzed statistically. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the ICI
      scales (.63-.80) and ICS-A and B subscales (both alpha = .91) demonstrated only
      moderate correlation between the 2 instruments (r = -.39 to .50) and possibly the
      complexity of measuring "individualized care." The study acknowledges the latent
      influence of culture and care approach to the conceptualization of individuality.
      It concludes that the concept may best be measured at this point with the use of
      other factors in addition to instruments to capture its multiple domains.

PMID- 22088613
TI  - Toll-like receptor 4-, 7-, and 8-activated myeloid cells from patients with X
      linked agammaglobulinemia produce enhanced inflammatory cytokines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a component of signaling pathways
      downstream from Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Previous work in
      BTK-deficient mice, cell lines, and cultured cells from patients with X-linked
      agammaglobulinemia (XLA) suggested defective TLR-driven cytokine production.
      OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare TLR-4-, TLR-7-, and TLR-8-induced cytokine
      production of primary cells from patients with XLA with that seen in control
      cells. METHODS: PBMCs from patients with XLA, freshly isolated plasmacytoid
      dendritic cells, monocytes, and monocytoid dendritic cells were activated with
      TLR-4, TLR-7, and TLR-8 agonists. Signaling intermediates and intracellular and
      secreted cytokine levels were compared with those seen in control cells. RESULTS:
      Although TLR-4, TLR-7, and TLR-8 activation of nuclear factor kappaB and mitogen
      activated protein kinase pathways in cells from patients with XLA and control
      cells were comparable, TLR-activated freshly isolated monocytes and monocytoid
      dendritic cells from patients with XLA produced significantly more TNF-alpha, IL
      6, and IL-10 than control cells. TLR-7/8-activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells
      produced normal amounts of IFN-alpha. In murine models BTK regulates the
      degradation of Toll-IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor protein, terminating
      TLR-4-induced cytokine production. Although this might explain the heightened TLR
      4-driven cytokine production we observed, Toll-IL-1 receptor domain-containing
      adaptor protein degradation is intact in cells from patients with XLA, excluding
      this explanation. CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous studies with BTK-deficient
      mice, cell lines, and cultured cells from patients with XLA suggesting impaired
      TLR-driven cytokine production, these data suggest that BTK inhibits TLR-induced
      cytokine production in primary human cells.

PMID- 22088614
TI  - Bifidobacterium as an oral delivery carrier of interleukin-12 for the treatment
      of Coxsackie virus B3-induced myocarditis in the Balb/c mice.
AB  - IL-12 plays an important role in the treatment of many infectious diseases by
      being administered intravenously or intramuscularly. However, intravenous or
      intramuscular administration is difficult and inconvenient and may cause side
      effects. The aim of this study is to develop a novel oral delivery system for IL
      12 using genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum as the carrier and further
      investigate the efficacy of IL-12-expressed B. longum on the coxsackie virus B3
      (CVB3)-induced myocarditis in mice. A mIL-12 gene expression vector pBBADs-IL-12
      for B. longum was constructed and transformed into Bifidobacterium. Subsequently,
      the expression of mIL-12 in the engineered B. longum was identified in vitro by
      western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after l-arabinose
      induction. Moreover, our data indicated that oral administration of IL-12
      expressed B. longum for two weeks after CVB3 infection in the Balb/c mice could
      downregulate the severity of virus-induced myocarditis, markedly reduce the virus
      titers in the heart and induce a Th1 pattern in the spleen and heart compared
      with the controls. In conclusion, a novel oral delivery system of Bifidobacterium
      for murine IL-12 has been successfully established. Oral administration of mIL-12
      transformed B. longum may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of CVB3
      induced myocarditis in the mice.

PMID- 22088616
TI  - Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antigens reactive with antibodies from serum,
      amniotic, and allantoic fluids from experimentally infected pregnant ewes.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan parasite, is one of the major
      causes of infectious abortion in sheep. To further understand the pathogenesis of
      toxoplasmosis, serum, amniotic and allantoic fluids and foetal stomach contents
      were collected from experimentally infected pregnant ewes to determine pathogen
      numbers and other markers of infection. Fifteen pregnant ewes (90 days of
      gestation) were each orally inoculated with 3000 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii.
      Serum samples were collected weekly following challenge. Amniotic and allantoic
      fluids and foetal stomach contents were collected at 21, 25, 28, 33 and 35 days
      post-infection. Characteristic placental lesions were detected in 1 of 4
      challenged ewes at day 25, 3 of 4 challenged ewes at day 28 and in all challenged
      ewes at days 33 and 35 post-infection. T. gondii was detected only sporadically
      in amniotic and allantoic fluids before 35 days of infection, by real-time PCR,
      and only in ewes with placental lesions. At 35 days post-infection, high numbers
      of parasite were detected in both amniotic and allantoic fluids. An increase in
      the number of fluids from challenged animals with IgM and IgG was detected over
      time, except for IgG in allantoic fluid, which was detected in all samples from
      day 21 post-infection. IgG in amniotic and allantoic fluids was shown to be
      specific for T. gondii, and reacted with antigens with an apparent molecular mass
      of approximately 22 kDa and 30 kDa. Results suggest a maternal source of
      immunoglobulin in the allantoic fluid and a foetal source of immunoglobulin in
      the amniotic fluid early in infection but that both sources may contribute
      immunoglobulin to both fluids at a later stage.

PMID- 22088617
TI  - Estimation of the risk of conversion of mild cognitive impairment of Alzheimer
      type to Alzheimer's disease in a south Brazilian population-based elderly cohort:
      the PALA study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prognostic variability has
      been related to sample characteristics (community-based or specialized clinic)
      and to diverse operationalization criteria. The aim of the study was to evaluate
      the trajectory of MCI of Alzheimer type in a population-based elderly cohort in
      Southern Brazil. We also estimated the risk for the development of probable
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) in comparison with healthy subjects. METHODS: Data were
      derived from a population-based cohort (the PALA study). MCI outcomes were sub
      classified into three categories: conversion, stabilization, and reconversion.
      The risk of progression to dementia was compared between MCI and normal
      participants. The analysis was based on 21 MCI subjects and 220 cognitively
      intact participants (N = 241). RESULTS: Of the 21 MCI subjects, 38% developed
      dementia, 24% remained stable and 38% improved. The MCI annual conversion rate to
      AD was 8.5%. MCI was associated with significantly higher risk of conversion to
      AD (HR = 49.83, p = 0.004), after adjustment for age, education, sex and Mini
      Mental State Examination score. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of the heterogeneity of
      the outcomes, MCI of the Alzheimer type participants showed significantly higher
      risk of developing probable AD, demonstrating the impact of the use of these MCI
      criteria that emphasize long-term episodic memory impairment.

PMID- 22088618
TI  - Pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Glucocorticoid receptor
      mediated regulation of inflammation and response to prolonged glucocorticoid
      treatment.
AB  - Based on molecular mechanisms and physiologic data, a strong association has been
      established between dysregulated systemic inflammation and progression of ARDS.
      In ARDS patients, glucocorticoid receptor-mediated down-regulation of systemic
      inflammation is essential to restore homeostasis, decrease morbidity and improve
      survival and can be significantly enhanced with prolonged low-to-moderate dose
      glucocorticoid treatment. A large body of evidence supports a strong association
      between prolonged glucocorticoid treatment-induced down-regulation of the
      inflammatory response and improvement in pulmonary and extrapulmonary physiology.
      The balance of the available data from controlled trials provides consistent
      strong level of evidence (grade 1B) for improving patient-centered outcomes. The
      sizable increase in mechanical ventilation-free days (weighted mean difference,
      6.58 days; 95% CI, 2.93 -10.23; P<0.001) and ICU-free days (weighted mean
      difference, 7.02 days; 95% CI, 3.20-10.85; P<0.001) by day 28 is superior to any
      investigated intervention in ARDS. The largest meta-analysis on the subject
      concluded that treatment was associated with a significant risk reduction
      (RR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.91; P=0.01) in mortality and that the in-hospital number
      needed to treat to save one life was 4 (95% CI 2.4-10). The balance of the
      available data, however, originates from small controlled trials with a moderate
      degree of heterogeneity and provides weak evidence (grade 2B) for a survival
      benefit. Treatment decisions involve a tradeoff between benefits and risks, as
      well as costs. This low cost highly effective therapy is familiar to every
      physician and has a low risk profile when secondary prevention measures are
      implemented.

PMID- 22088619
TI  - [Management of goiters].
AB  - Simple goiter is defined as an enlarged thyroid without dysfunction, thyroiditis
      or cancer. Complications of the goiter appear only at stage of plurinodulaire
      goiter. Homogeneous simple goiters of young subjects resolve with thyroid hormone
      administration. Many simple multinodular goiters of adults can benefit from
      simple monitoring. Total thyroidectomy is recommended for goiters that become
      symptomatic, unsightly, accompanied by lowering of TSH concentration, or
      containing suspicious nodules. Radioactive iodine constitutes an alternative to
      surgery for voluminous, compressive, hyperfunctionnal goiters, especially in
      older people.

PMID- 22088622
TI  - Re: the effect of tumor location on prognosis in patients treated with radical
      nephroureterectomy at memorial sloan-kettering cancer center.

PMID- 22088623
TI  - Re: chronic kidney disease after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial
      carcinoma and implications for the administration of perioperative chemotherapy.

PMID- 22088620
TI  - IRF5 haplotypes demonstrate diverse serological associations which predict serum
      interferon alpha activity and explain the majority of the genetic association
      with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High serum interferon alpha (IFNalpha) activity is a heritable risk
      factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Auto-antibodies found in SLE form
      immune complexes which can stimulate IFNalpha production by activating endosomal
      Toll-like receptors and interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), including IRF5.
      Genetic variation in IRF5 is associated with SLE susceptibility; however, it is
      unclear how IRF5 functional genetic elements contribute to human disease.
      METHODS: 1034 patients with SLE and 989 controls of European ancestry, 555
      patients with SLE and 679 controls of African-American ancestry, and 73 patients
      with SLE of South African ancestry were genotyped at IRF5 polymorphisms, which
      define major haplotypes. Serum IFNalpha activity was measured using a functional
      assay. RESULTS: In European ancestry subjects, anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)
      and anti-Ro antibodies were each associated with different haplotypes
      characterised by a different combination of functional genetic elements (OR>2.56,
      p<1.9*10(-14) for both). These IRF5 haplotype-auto-antibody associations strongly
      predicted higher serum IFNalpha in patients with SLE and explained >70% of the
      genetic risk of SLE due to IRF5. In African-American patients with SLE a similar
      relationship between serology and IFNalpha was observed, although the previously
      described European ancestry-risk haplotype was present at admixture proportions
      in African-American subjects and absent in African patients with SLE.
      CONCLUSIONS: The authors define a novel risk haplotype of IRF5 that is associated
      with anti-dsDNA antibodies and show that risk of SLE due to IRF5 genotype is
      largely dependent upon particular auto-antibodies. This suggests that auto
      antibodies are directly pathogenic in human SLE, resulting in increased IFNalpha
      in cooperation with particular combinations of IRF5 functional genetic elements.
      SLE is a systemic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organ systems including
      the skin, musculoskeletal, renal and haematopoietic systems. Humoral autoimmunity
      is a hallmark of SLE, and patients frequently have circulating auto-antibodies
      directed against dsDNA, as well as RNA binding proteins (RBP). Anti-RBP
      autoantibodies include antibodies which recognize Ro, La, Smith (anti-Sm), and
      ribonucleoprotein (anti-nRNP), collectively referred to as anti-retinol-binding
      protein). Anti-retinol-binding protein and anti-dsDNA auto-antibodies are rare in
      the healthy population. These auto-antibodies can be present in sera for years
      preceding the onset of clinical SLE illness and are likely pathogenic in SLE.

PMID- 22088624
TI  - Re: impact of patient age on outcome following bladder-preserving treatment for
      non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

PMID- 22088626
TI  - Re: Pathological Stage Review is Indicated in Primary pT1 Bladder Cancer.

PMID- 22088627
TI  - Re: Expression Signature of E2F1 and its Associated Genes Predict Superficial to
      Invasive Progression of Bladder Tumors.

PMID- 22088629
TI  - Re: does perineural invasion on prostate biopsy predict adverse prostatectomy
      outcomes?

PMID- 22088631
TI  - Re: The Gleason Score of Tumor at the Margin in Radical Prostatectomy is
      Predictive of Biochemical Recurrence.

PMID- 22088632
TI  - Re: continence, potency and oncological outcomes after robotic-assisted radical
      prostatectomy: early trifecta results of a high-volume surgeon.

PMID- 22088634
TI  - Re: chlorhexidine rinse for prevention of urethritis in men linked to oral sex.

PMID- 22088633
TI  - Re: management of prostate cancer in older men: recommendations of a working
      group of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology.

PMID- 22088635
TI  - Re: metabolism of fructose to oxalate and glycolate.

PMID- 22088636
TI  - Re: diet, but not oral probiotics, effectively reduces urinary oxalate excretion
      and calcium oxalate supersaturation.

PMID- 22088637
TI  - Re: Determination of Renal Stone Composition With Dual-Energy CT: In Vivo
      Analysis and Comparison With X-Ray Diffraction.

PMID- 22088638
TI  - Re: results of buccal mucosa grafts for repairing long bulbar urethral
      strictures.

PMID- 22088639
TI  - Re: the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary incontinence on female
      sexual dysfunction using a validated instrument.

PMID- 22088640
TI  - Re: antibacterial therapy improves the effectiveness of prostate cancer detection
      using prostate-specific antigen in patients with asymptomatic prostatitis.

PMID- 22088641
TI  - Re: effect of transurethral resection of the prostate on erectile function: a
      prospective comparative study.

PMID- 22088642
TI  - Re: revascularization versus medical therapy for renal-artery stenosis.

PMID- 22088646
TI  - Re: treatment of 161 men with symptomatic late onset hypogonadism with long
      acting parenteral testosterone undecanoate: effects on body composition, lipids,
      and psychosexual complaints.

PMID- 22088647
TI  - Re: distribution of male infertility specialists in relation to the male
      population and assisted reproductive technology centers in the United States.

PMID- 22088648
TI  - Re: clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on
      reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis.

PMID- 22088649
TI  - Re: adverse effect of paroxetine on sperm.

PMID- 22088650
TI  - Re: relationship between semen parameters and spontaneous pregnancy.

PMID- 22088651
TI  - Re: ovarian tissue autologous transplantation to the upper extremity for girls
      receiving abdominal/pelvic radiation: 20-year follow-up of reproductive endocrine
      function.

PMID- 22088653
TI  - Re: congenital juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the testis in newborns.

PMID- 22088654
TI  - Re: therapeutic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells producing IL-12 in a
      mouse xenograft model of renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22088655
TI  - Atypical frontal lobe activity during verbal working memory in youth with a
      family history of alcoholism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal brain functioning during verbal working memory (VWM) tasks
      has been shown in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Since
      adolescents with a familial history of alcoholism (FHP) are at high risk for
      developing an AUD, it is important to consider whether atypical brain activity
      during VWM may help to explain FHP vulnerability toward developing alcoholism.
      METHODS: To that end, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined
      brain response during a VWM 2-back task in 19 FHP adolescents and 16 age and
      gender-matched family history negative (FHN) controls. RESULTS: Despite no group
      differences in task accuracy, FHP youth had significantly slower average reaction
      time when making correct responses during the 2-back condition than FHN youth. In
      contrast to a vigilance control condition, while covarying for reaction time, FHP
      adolescents showed less activation during VWM than FHN youth in multiple areas of
      the prefrontal cortex (PFC)--a brain region crucial to intact working memory
      skills. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that even prior to heavy alcohol use,
      FHP adolescents show atypical executive brain functioning during VWM, and that
      these differences are independent of slower working memory reaction time in FHP
      youth. Given the importance of working memory in numerous areas of day-to-day
      functioning, such as adaptive decision-making, these abnormalities may contribute
      to FHP youth vulnerability toward developing AUDs.

PMID- 22088657
TI  - Excess CO2 supply inhibits mixotrophic growth of Chlorella protothecoides and
      Nannochloropsis salina.
AB  - Mixotrophy can be exploited to support algal growth over night or in dark-zones
      of a photobioreactor. In order to achieve the maximal productivity, however, it
      is fundamental also to provide CO(2) in excess to maximize photosynthetic
      activity and phototropic biomass production. The aim of this paper is to verify
      the possibility of exploiting mixotrophy in combination with excess CO(2). Two
      species with high biomass productivity were selected, Nannochloropsis salina and
      Chlorella protothecoides. Different organic substrates available at industrial
      scale were tested, and glycerol chosen for its ability to support growth of both
      species. In mixotrophic conditions, excess CO(2) stimulated photosynthesis but
      blocked the metabolization of the organic substrate, thus canceling the
      advantages of mixotrophy. By cultivating microalgae under day-night cycle,
      organic substrate supported growth during the night, but only if CO(2) supply was
      not provided. This represents thus a possible method to reconcile CO(2)
      stimulation of photosynthesis with mixotrophy.

PMID- 22088656
TI  - Psychological processes and stimulant use among men who have sex with men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior research established that psychological factors are associated
      with the frequency of stimulant (i.e., cocaine, crack, and methamphetamine) use
      among substance-using men who have sex with men (MSM). The present investigation
      examined whether and how psychological factors are associated with engagement in
      any stimulant use in the broader population of MSM. METHODS: A probability sample
      of 879 MSM residing in San Francisco was obtained using random digit dialing from
      May of 2002 through January of 2003. Of these, 711 participants (81%) completed a
      mail-in questionnaire that assessed psychological factors and substance use.
      After accounting for demographic factors, a multiple logistic regression analysis
      examined correlates of any self-reported stimulant use during the past 6 months.
      Path analyses examined if the use of alcohol or other substances to avoid
      negative mood states (i.e., substance use coping) mediated the associations of
      sexual compulsivity and depressed mood with stimulant use. RESULTS: Younger age
      (adjusted OR [AOR]=0.58; 95% CI=0.47-0.70), HIV-positive serostatus (AOR=2.55;
      95% CI=1.61-4.04), greater depressed mood (AOR=1.26; 95% CI=1.05-1.52) and higher
      sexual compulsivity (AOR=1.46; 95% CI=1.18-1.80) were independently associated
      with increased odds of stimulant use. Substance use coping partially mediated the
      associations of sexual compulsivity (beta(indirect)=0.11, p<.001) and depressed
      mood (beta(indirect)=0.13, p<.001) with stimulant use. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical
      research is needed to examine if interventions targeting sexual compulsivity and
      emotion regulation reduce stimulant use among MSM.

PMID- 22088658
TI  - Effect of essential inorganic metals on primary thermal degradation of
      lignocellulosic biomass.
AB  - This study employed thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and analytical Py-GC/MS in
      order to examine the catalytic effect of main inorganic metals (K, Mg and Ca) on
      the thermal degradation and the formation of pyrolytic products in
      lignocellulosic biomass. In addition, potential mechanisms of the primary
      pyrolysis in presence of the inorganic metals were derived. TG analysis showed
      that when potassium content increased in the biomass, char formation increased
      from 10.5 wt.% to 19.6 wt.% at 550  degrees C, and temperatures at which the
      maximum degradation rate was achieved shifted from 367  degrees C to 333  degrees
      C. With increasing magnesium content, the maximum degradation rate increased from
      1.21 wt.%/ degrees C to 1.43 wt.%/ degrees C. Analytical Py-GC/MS revealed that
      potassium had a distinguished catalytic effect promoting the formation of low
      molecular weight compounds and suppressing the formation of levoglucosan. An
      increase in the yield of C6 and C2C6 lignin derivatives with increasing potassium
      content was also observed.

PMID- 22088659
TI  - Safety of endovascular treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: a
      report of 240 patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of outpatient endovascular treatment in patients
      with multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency
      (CCSVI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed to assess
      complications occurring within 30 days of endovascular treatment of CCSVI. The
      study population comprised 240 patients; 257 procedures were performed over 8
      months. The indication for treatment in all patients was symptomatic MS. Of the
      procedures, 49.0% (126 of 257) were performed in a hospital, and 51.0% (131 of
      257) were performed in the office. Primary procedures accounted for 93.0% (239 of
      257) of procedures, and repeat interventions accounted for 7% (18 of 257). For
      patients treated primarily, 87% (208 of 239) had angioplasty, and 11% (26 of 239)
      had stent placement; 5 patients were not treated. Of patients with restenosis,
      50% (9 of 18) had angioplasty, and 50% (9 of 18) had stent placement. RESULTS:
      After the procedure, all but three patients were discharged within 3 hours.
      Headache after the procedure was reported in 8.2% (21 of 257) of patients;
      headache persisted > 30 days in 1 patient. Neck pain was reported in 15.6% (40 of
      257); 52.5% (21 of 40) of these patients underwent stent placement. Three
      patients experienced venous thrombosis requiring retreatment within 30 days.
      Sustained intraprocedural arrhythmias were observed in three patients, and two
      required hospital admission. One of these patients, who was being retreated for
      stent thrombosis, was hospitalized because of a stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of CCSVI is a safe procedure; there is a 1.6%
      risk of major complications. Cardiac monitoring is essential to detect
      intraprocedural arrhythmias. Ultrasonography after the procedure is recommended
      to confirm venous patency and to identify patients experiencing acute venous
      thrombosis.

PMID- 22088660
TI  - In vitro pharmacodynamic evaluation of garenoxacin against quinolone-resistant
      Streptococcus pneumoniae.
AB  - The bactericidal activity and resistance selectivity of garenoxacin against
      Streptococcus pneumoniae with mutations in ParC (S79F) or both GyrA (S81F) and
      ParC (D83Y and K137N) were investigated using in vitro pharmacokinetic models
      simulating plasma concentrations for a standard clinical regimen [400mg once
      daily (q.d.)]. The efficacy of garenoxacin was compared with that of levofloxacin
      (500 mg q.d.) and moxifloxacin (400mg q.d.). Garenoxacin showed excellent
      bactericidal activity against S. pneumoniae, including quinolone-resistant S.
      pneumoniae (QRSP), achieving ratios of area under the plasma concentration-time
      curve over 24h to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC(0-24)/MIC) >= 26.3,
      without emerging resistant subpopulations. The area above the killing curves was
      greater and the time to achieve 99.9% killing was shorter for garenoxacin than
      the corresponding values for levofloxacin and moxifloxacin. No resistant
      subpopulations and no additional substitution of amino acids in GyrA or ParC
      emerged following treatment with garenoxacin. On the other hand, in the parC
      mutant strain, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin treatment caused an increase in the
      frequency of the resistant population and an additional substitution of amino
      acids in GyrA (levofloxacin, S81Y/F/C; moxifloxacin, S81Y or E85K). In QRSP with
      mutations in GyrA and ParC, levofloxacin had no bactericidal activity, whilst the
      bactericidal activity of moxifloxacin was less than that of garenoxacin;
      moreover, an additional substitution of amino acids in ParC (S79Y) was noted. In
      conclusion, garenoxacin corresponding to an oral dose of 400mg showed excellent
      bactericidal activity against S. pneumoniae, including QRSP, without the
      emergence of resistant mutants.

PMID- 22088661
TI  - Clinically-oriented monitoring of acute effects of methylphenidate on cerebral
      hemodynamics in ADHD children using fNIRS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common
      developmental syndrome with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, is
      typically treated with the psychostimulant drug, methylphenidate (MPH). We
      explored the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
      to search for a clinically implementable biological marker for the acute MPH
      effect on ADHD children. METHODS: Following an MPH washout period, twelve ADHD
      children performed a go/no-go task before and 1.5 h after MPH intake. fNIRS was
      used to monitor the lateral prefrontal cortical hemodynamics of ADHD children
      performing a go/no-go task. RESULTS: There was no significant activation in the
      lateral prefrontal cortices examined before MPH intake. However, after MPH
      intake, significant MPH-elicited activation (oxygenated hemoglobin signal
      increase) was detected in the right lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) implicated
      with response inhibition functions. There was a large significant correlation
      between increases in task performance and activation in the right LPFC.
      CONCLUSIONS: The improved cognitive performance was associated with activation in
      the right LPFC, which might serve as a biological marker to monitor the effect of
      MPH in ADHD children. SIGNIFICANCE: MPH-effect assessment in ADHD children using
      fNIRS can be performed within a 3 h stay at a hospital during a single visit, and
      thus may be integrated into clinical practice.

PMID- 22088662
TI  - A supplementary coil for 2H decoupling with commercial HCN MAS probes.
AB  - Partial deuteration is a powerful tool to increase coherence life times and
      spectral resolution in proton solid-state NMR. The J coupling to deuterium needs,
      however, to be decoupled to maintain the good resolution in the (usually
      indirect) (13)C dimension(s). We present a simple and reversible way to expand a
      commercial 1.3mm HCN MAS probe with a (2)H channel with sufficient field strength
      for J-decoupling of deuterium, namely 2-3kHz. The coil is placed at the outside
      of the stator and requires no significant modifications to the probe. The
      performance and the realizable gains in sensitivity and resolution are
      demonstrated using perdeuterated ubiquitin, with selectively CHD(2)-labeled
      methyl groups.

PMID- 22088663
TI  - Direct EPR irradiation of a sample using a quartz oscillator operating at 250 MHz
      for EPR measurements.
AB  - Direct irradiation of a sample using a quartz oscillator operating at 250 MHz was
      performed for EPR measurements. Because a quartz oscillator is a frequency fixed
      oscillator, the operating frequency of an EPR resonator (loop-gap type) was tuned
      to that of the quartz oscillator by using a single-turn coil with a varactor
      diode attached (frequency shift coil). Because the frequency shift coil was
      mobile, the distance between the EPR resonator and the coil could be changed.
      Coarse control of the resonant frequency was achieved by changing this distance
      mechanically, while fine frequency control was implemented by changing the
      capacitance of the varactor electrically. In this condition, EPR measurements of
      a phantom (comprised of agar with a nitroxide radical and physiological saline
      solution) were made. To compare the presented method with a conventional method,
      the EPR measurements were also done by using a synthesizer at the same EPR
      frequency. In the conventional method, the noise level increased at high
      irradiation power. Because such an increase in the noise was not observed in the
      presented method, high sensitivity was obtained at high irradiation power.

PMID- 22088664
TI  - [Far from the clinical trial... close to our reality].

PMID- 22088665
TI  - [Diabetic male age 35 with spontaneous swelling of the left thigh].

PMID- 22088666
TI  - [Reciprocal acknowledgement and decision-making shared with the patient].
AB  - "Reciprocal recognition" is a philosophical concept that is essential to
      understand the attitudes that are basic for peaceful personal relationships. When
      it is not present, relationships in which people struggle for recognition are
      established. When the patients are excluded from the decision making regarding
      their health, their autonomy is not respected. This may make the patients feel
      like they are being treated as objects, with the consequent loss of trust in the
      doctor. An informed patient, that it, with their own criteria and desires to
      participate in what concerns them, is generating a group of growing tendencies.
      Reciprocal recognition applied to the physician-patient relationship need for one
      hand, the patient's trust in professional consulting and, secondly, the
      professional's initiative of sharing decisions with patients. The authors reflect
      on the concept of reciprocal recognition, with scenarios illustrating the
      consultation.

PMID- 22088667
TI  - [Morbi-mortality and use of recourses after acute coronary syndrome in a Spanish
      population].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the management of patients suffering acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) and to determine its clinical and economic consequences in a
      Spanish population. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective claim database study
      including patient medical records from 6 primary care centers, two hospitals and
      two years of follow-up was carried out. Patients >=30 years, suffering a first
      acute coronary syndrome (ACS), between 2003 and 2007, were included. Groups:
      acute coronary syndrome with and without ST segment elevation. VARIABLES: socio
      demographic, co-morbidities, metabolic syndrome (MS), biochemical parameters,
      drugs, cumulative incidence (total mortality and cardiovascular events (CVE:
      including myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral artery disease) and total
      costs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier curves and ANCOVA;
      (P<.05). RESULTS: A total of 1020 patients were included. Mean age: 69 years;
      males: 65%. Groups: ST segment elevation ACS (N=632; 62%). Co-morbidities:
      hypertension (56%), dyslipidemia (46%) and diabetes (38%). Prevalence of MS: 59%
      (CI 95%: 56-62%). All biochemical parameters had improved after two years of
      follow-up. The average total cost per patient was ?14,069 (87% direct costs; 13%
      productivity loss costs). Direct costs: primary care (20%), specialty care (67%);
      hospitalization costs represented 63% of total costs. The average total cost for
      patients presenting more than one CVE was 22,750? vs 12,380? for those patients
      who suffered only one (P<.001). Cumulative incidence: total mortality 14%; CVE:
      16%. CONCLUSIONS: In the current clinical practice, and despite the clinical
      efforts carried out, patients with an ACS are still at a high risk of suffering
      further CVE, representing a high cost burden to the health care system.

PMID- 22088668
TI  - [Acute coronary syndrome complicated by heart failure as predictor of long-term
      infarction].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure (Killip>I) in patients with acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) is a recognized risk factor for death. However, its relationship with the
      risk of new acute ischemic events has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study has been to evaluate the association between Killip>I on
      admission and the risk of a new acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during follow
      up due to ACS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 972 and 426 survivors of an ACS
      with non-ST segment evaluation (Non-STE-ACS) and AMI with ST segment elevation
      (STEMI) were studied prospectively and consecutively. The presence of Killip>I
      was determined on admission together with the classical prognostic variables. The
      relationship between Killip>I and subsequent post-discharge AMI was established
      with the Cox regression adapted for competitive events. RESULTS: During a median
      follow-up of 3 years, 135 (13.9%) and 53 (12.4%) patients with Non-STE-ACS and
      STEMI presented a new AMI. Patients with Non-STE-ACS and STEMI with Killip>I
      (15.6% and 21.3% respectively) showed a higher incidence of AMI (28.3 vs 6.3 and
      10.6 vs 3.3 per 100 patients-years of follow-up, p<0.001, respectively). In the
      multivariate analysis, adjusted for traditional risk factors and controlled for
      competitive events (death and revascularization), confirmed that Killip>I
      subjects with Non-STE-ACS and STEMI showed a significantly higher risk of AMI
      (HR: 1.76; CI 95%: 1.15-2.68; p=0.009 and HR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.07-3.36; p=0.029
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Non-STE-ACS and STEMI, the presence
      of Killip>I on admission is independently associated to an increased risk of long
      term AMI.

PMID- 22088669
TI  - Multidimensional enantio gas chromtography/mass spectrometry and gas
      chromatography-combustion-isotopic ratio mass spectrometry for the authenticity
      assessment of lime essential oils (C. aurantifolia Swingle and C. latifolia
      Tanaka).
AB  - This article focuses on the genuineness assessment of Lime oils (Citrus
      aurantifolia Swingle and C. latifolia Tanaka), by Multi Dimensional Gas
      Chromatography (MDGC) to determine the enantiomeric distribution of alpha
      thujene, camphene, beta-pinene, sabinene, alpha-phellandrene, beta-phellandrene,
      limonene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and by gas chromatography
      combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) to determine the isotopic
      ratios of alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, alpha-terpineol, neral, geranial,
      beta-caryophyllene, trans-alpha-bergamotene, germacrene B. To the author's
      knowledge this is the first attempt to assess the authenticity and differentiate
      Persian Lime from Key lime oils by GC-C-IRMS. The results of the two analytical
      approaches were compared. The simultaneous use of the two techniques provides
      more reliable capability to detect adulteration in Citrus essential oils. In
      fact, in some circumstance only one of the two techniques allows to discriminate
      adulterated or contaminated oils. In cases where only small anomalies are
      detected by the two techniques due to subtle adulterations, their synergic use
      allows to express judgments. The advantage of both techniques is the low number
      of components the analyst must evaluate, reducing the complexity of the data
      necessary to deal with. Moreover, the conventional analytical approach based on
      the evaluation of the whole volatile fraction can fail to reveal the quality of
      the oils, if the adulteration is extremely subtle.

PMID- 22088670
TI  - The statistical overlap theory of chromatography using power law (fractal)
      statistics.
AB  - The chromatographic dimensionality was recently proposed as a measure of
      retention time spacing based on a power law (fractal) distribution. Using this
      model, a statistical overlap theory (SOT) for chromatographic peaks is developed
      that estimates the number of peak maxima as a function of the chromatographic
      dimension, saturation and scale. Power law models exhibit a threshold region
      whereby below a critical saturation value no loss of peak maxima due to peak
      fusion occurs as saturation increases. At moderate saturation, behavior is
      similar to the random (Poisson) peak model. At still higher saturation, the power
      law model shows loss of peaks nearly independent of the scale and dimension of
      the model. The physicochemical meaning of the power law scale parameter is
      discussed and shown to be equal to the Boltzmann-weighted free energy of transfer
      over the scale limits. The scale is discussed. Small scale range (small beta) is
      shown to generate more uniform chromatograms. Large scale range chromatograms
      (large beta) are shown to give occasional large excursions of retention times;
      this is a property of power laws where "wild" behavior is noted to occasionally
      occur. Both cases are shown to be useful depending on the chromatographic
      saturation. A scale-invariant model of the SOT shows very simple relationships
      between the fraction of peak maxima and the saturation, peak width and number of
      theoretical plates. These equations provide much insight into separations which
      follow power law statistics.

PMID- 22088671
TI  - Separation of imidacloprid and its degradation products using reversed phase
      liquid chromatography with water rich mobile phases.
AB  - Water rich mobile phases in RPLC are not generally used because of the longer
      retention times involved when organic modifiers such as methanol or acetonitrile
      are used. The problem of longer retention times can be addressed using
      hydrophobic alcohols such as pentanol in low quantities (less than 1%) as organic
      modifiers. The advantages of using these mobile phases in RPLC for the separation
      of water soluble and weakly retained congeners is demonstrated through the
      separation of imidacloprid and its degradation products using a 0.4% pentanol in
      water mobile phase with 0.2% acetic acid.

PMID- 22088672
TI  - Effects of the insulin sensitizing drug, pioglitazone, and lipopolysaccharide
      administration on markers of systemic inflammation and clinical parameters in
      horses.
AB  - Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a condition of obese horses characterized by
      insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and an increased risk of laminitis.
      The pathogenesis of EMS is thought, in part, to be due to inflammatory proteins
      produced by adipose tissue. Reducing inflammation may decrease the incidence of
      laminitis in horses with EMS. Pioglitazone hydrochloride, a thiazolidinedione,
      has efficacy to reduce obesity associated inflammation in humans. Eight normal,
      adult, horses were administered 1mg/kg pioglitazone for 14 days, and eight horses
      served as controls. Physical examination and hematologic variables, transcript
      abundance of pro-inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue,
      and circulating concentrations of the acute phase protein, serum amyloid A and
      pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha were assessed prior to, and following, an
      LPS infusion (35 ng/kg). The objective was to determine if pre-treatment with
      pioglitazone would mitigate the development of inflammation and associated
      clinical markers of inflammation following LPS administration. Lipopolysaccharide
      administration induced systemic inflammation, as assessed by clinical and
      hematological aberrations, increased TNF-alpha, SAA and adipose tissue IL-6 mRNA
      abundance, however no mitigating effects of pioglitazone were detected. A longer
      treatment period or higher dose might be indicated for future experiments.

PMID- 22088673
TI  - Immunogenicity of eight Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis specific
      antigens in DNA vaccinated and Map infected mice.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the etiological agent of
      chronic enteritis of the small intestine in domestic and wild ruminants, causes
      substantial losses to livestock industry. Control of this disease is seriously
      hampered by the lack of adequate diagnostic tools and vaccines. Here we report on
      the immunogenicity of eight Map specific antigens, i.e. MAP1693c, Ag3, MAP2677c
      (identified by post-genomic and immunoproteomic analysis of Map secretome) and
      Ag5, Ag6, MAP1637c, MAP0388 and MAP3743 (identified by bioinformatic in silico
      screening of the Map genome). Strong, antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses were
      induced in mice vaccinated with plasmid DNA encoding MAP1693c, MAP1637c, MAP0388
      and MAP3743. In contrast, T cell responses in Map infected mice were directed
      preferentially against Ag5 and to a lesser extent against MAP3743. None of the
      tested DNA vaccines conferred protection against subsequent challenge with Map.

PMID- 22088674
TI  - Development of a live, attenuated, potential vaccine strain of R. equi expressing
      vapA and the virR operon, and virulence assessment in the mouse.
AB  - Pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi remains a significant problem in foals. The
      objective of this study was to develop a safe and efficacious attenuated strain
      of R. equi for eventual use in oral immunization of foals. The approach involved
      expression of vapA in a live, virulence plasmid-negative, strain of R. equi
      (strain 103-). PCR-amplified fragments of the vapA gene, with and without the
      upstream genes virR, orf5, vapH, orf7 and orf8 (orf4-8), were cloned into a
      shuttle vector pNBV1. These plasmids, named pAW48A and pAWVapA respectively, were
      electroporated into strain 103-. The presence of the recombinant vectors in the
      attenuated strain (103-) and the integrity of the inserted genes were confirmed,
      and both constructs expressed VapA. The virulence of the two strains was compared
      to that of wild type R. equi 103+ and negative controls by their intravenous
      inoculation into mice, followed by examination of liver clearance 4 days later.
      Mice inoculated with R. equi 103-, 103-/pAWVapA and 103-/pNBV1 completely cleared
      infection, whereas strain 103-/pAW48A persisted in 47% of mice.

PMID- 22088675
TI  - Transcriptional analysis of equine lambda-light chains in the horse breeds
      Rhenish-German Coldblood and Hanoverian Warmblood.
AB  - The present study analyzed equine lambda-light chain genes (IGLV and IGLC)
      transcribed in the horse breeds Rhenish-German Coldblood (RGC) and Hanoverian
      Warmblood (HW). Primers were generated for the major expressed IGLV subgroup 8.
      The significant majority of the sequences represented IGLC6/7. In RGC, IGLC1 and
      IGLC5 were observed in significant higher frequencies than IGLC4. In HW,
      significant differences were obtained for the transcription of IGLC1 and IGLC5.
      IGLC4 was not determined in this breed. Five allotypic IGLC1 variants, four
      allotypic IGLC5 variants, and three allelic as well as two allotypic IGLC6/7
      variants were identified. IGLC1(b, d), IGLC5(c, d), and IGLC6/7(a3, b) were
      detected in RGC while IGLC1(c) and IGLC5(b) were solely found in HW. Furthermore,
      11 out of 144 known IGLV-segments were transcribed of which IGLV15 and IGLV17
      were preferred significantly. IGLV25 displayed significant differences in the
      rearrangement between both breeds. The classified pseudogenes IGLV101psi and
      IGLV74psi were also identified. Rearrangements with IGLC-genes showed significant
      differences for IGLV15 in both breeds, whereas IGLV25 also revealed significant
      differences between the breeds. The transcriptional orientation of the functional
      segments has no influence on the occurrence of the IGLV.

PMID- 22088676
TI  - A rapid high-precision flow cytometry based technique for total white blood cell
      counting in chickens.
AB  - The automated analysis of total white blood cell count and white blood cell
      differentials is routine in research and clinical diagnosis in mammalian species.
      In contrast, in avian haematology these parameters are still estimated by
      conventional microscopic procedures due to technical difficulties associated with
      the morphological peculiarities of avian erythrocytes and thrombocytes. Both cell
      types are nucleated and fairly resistant to cell lysis, a prerequisite for
      automated leukocyte quantification and differentiation by commercial instruments.
      By using an anti-CD45 monoclonal antibody in combination with selected subset
      specific markers we have established a simple (no-lyse no-wash single-step one
      tube) flow cytometry based technique for high precision chicken blood cell
      quantification. EDTA-blood samples are diluted, spiked with fluorescence beads
      and incubated with a mixture of fluorochrome conjugated chicken leukocyte
      specific antibodies. We demonstrate that total leukocyte numbers as well as
      thrombocyte, monocyte, T-cell, B-cell and heterophilic granulocyte numbers can be
      determined by flow cytometry in a single step without prior cell lysis, cell
      separation or cell washing steps. Importantly, we also show that blood samples
      can be fixed prior to cell staining which enables shipping of samples making the
      technology widely available. Comparison of this technique with conventional
      microscopy revealed superior precision. By comparing leukocyte differentials of
      two chicken populations and during immune system development after hatch we
      demonstrate that large sample numbers can be analysed within hours. This
      technique will help to overcome previous restrictions in immune status analysis
      in chickens in experimental systems, during vaccine testing and health status
      monitoring in chicken flocks. Advances in avian genomics should facilitate the
      development of appropriate tools for other avian species in the future which will
      make this technique broadly applicable.

PMID- 22088677
TI  - Choosing homebirth--the women's perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the decision-making process and birth experience of ten
      women in Finland who had planned to have a home birth. METHOD: The data were
      collected by means of in-depth interviews in 2008 and were analyzed using
      qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Several reasons led to a decision to give
      birth at home. The main reasons were: previous birth experience, considering
      birth to be a natural process, increased autonomy, the home environment,
      intuition, the desire to choose the birth attendant, mistrust of the medical
      establishment and the opportunity to have the baby's siblings present at the
      birth. There were inhibiting and facilitating factors which influenced the
      women's decisions, and before making their decisions women sought out information
      about home birth. Home birth was an extremely positive experience and women
      highlighted their desire for the development of parent education to empower women
      in their preparations for birth. Full autonomy, the participation of family
      members, trust in one's ability to give birth and the absence of pharmacological
      pain relief were major contributors to the positive birth experience. The need
      for empowerment through parent education was highlighted in the interviews.
      CONCLUSION: To the women of this study home birth was very positive experience in
      which the autonomy was the important factor. According to this study maternity
      care services do not respond to women's individual wishes and services should be
      offer more alternatives and should be more empowering.

PMID- 22088678
TI  - Prediction of bone strength at the distal tibia by HR-pQCT and DXA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the distal tibia, measured at
      the epiphysis (T-EPI) and diaphysis (T-DIA), is predictive for fracture risk.
      Structural bone parameters evaluated at the distal tibia by high resolution
      peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) displayed differences
      between healthy and fracture patients. With its simple geometry, T-DIA may allow
      investigating the correlation between bone structural parameter and bone
      strength. METHODS: Anatomical tibiae were examined ex vivo by DXA (aBMD) and HR
      pQCT (volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone microstructural parameters). Cortical
      thickness (CTh) and polar moment of inertia (pMOI) were derived from DXA
      measurements. Finally, an index combining material (BMD) and mechanical property
      (polar moment of inertia, pMOI) was defined and analyzed for correlation with
      torque at failure and stiffness values obtained by biomechanical testing.
      RESULTS: Areal BMD predicted the vBMD at T-EPI and T-DIA. A high correlation was
      found between aBMD and microstructural parameters at T-EPIas well as between aBMD
      and CTh at T-DIA. Finally, at T-DIA both indexes combining BMD and pMOI were
      strongly and comparably correlated with torque at failure and bone stiffness.
      CONCLUSION: Ex vivo, at the distal tibial diaphysis, a novel index combining BMD
      and pMOI, which can be calculated directly from a single DXA measurement,
      predicted bone strength and stiffness better than either parameter alone and with
      an order of magnitude comparable to that of HR-pQCT. Whether this index is
      suitable for better prediction of fracture risk in vivo deserves further
      investigation.

PMID- 22088679
TI  - The nature of memory failure in mild cognitive impairment: examining association
      with neurobiological markers and effect of progression.
AB  - The main goal of this study was to assess vulnerability to proactive interference
      and memory binding capacity, the ability to combine different information into a
      single coherent memory event, in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We
      also examined whether hippocampal atrophy and vascular burden were differentially
      related to these memory capacities in MCI. We further assessed whether memory
      performance and brain changes differ as a function of later development (or not)
      of dementia and whether they can predict progression to dementia. The study
      included 77 participants, 49 meeting the criteria for MCI and 28 healthy older
      adults. Results showed binding deficits and greater vulnerability to proactive
      interference in persons with MCI compared with healthy older adults. Hippocampal
      volume was associated with binding capacity, whereas vascular burden was
      associated with resistance to interference in persons with MCI. Follow-up
      analyses indicated that binding deficits predict progression from MCI to
      dementia. In conclusion, binding deficits and vulnerability to proactive
      interference are present in persons with MCI and are associated with different
      brain markers. However, only binding deficits predict progression to dementia.

PMID- 22088682
TI  - Almanac 2011: heart failure. The national society journals present selected
      research that has driven recent advances in clinical cardiology.

PMID- 22088680
TI  - Combined age- and trauma-related proteomic changes in rat neocortex: a basis for
      brain vulnerability.
AB  - This proteomic study investigates the widely observed clinical phenomenon, that
      after comparable brain injuries, geriatric patients fare worse and recover less
      cognitive and neurologic function than younger victims. Utilizing a rat traumatic
      brain injury model, sham surgery or a neocortical contusion was induced in 3 age
      groups. Geriatric (21 months) rats performed worse on behavioral measures than
      young adults (12-16 weeks) and juveniles (5-6 weeks). Motor coordination and
      certain cognitive deficits showed age-dependence both before and after injury.
      Brain proteins were analyzed using silver-stained two-dimensional electrophoresis
      gels. Spot volume changes (>2-fold change, p<0.01) were identified between age
      and injury groups using computer-assisted densitometry. Sequences were determined
      by mass spectrometry of tryptic peptides. The 19 spots identified represented 13
      different genes that fell into 4 general age- and injury-dependent expression
      patterns. Fifteen isoforms changed differentially with respect to both age and
      injury (p<0.05). Further investigations into the nature and function of these
      isoforms may yield insights into the vulnerability of older patients and
      resilience of younger patients in recovery after brain injuries.

PMID- 22088683
TI  - Prediction of nitrobenzene toxicity to the algae (Scenedesmus obliguus) by
      quantitative structure-toxicity relationship (QSTR) models with quantum chemical
      descriptors.
AB  - In this study, Quantitative structure-toxicity relationship (QSTR) models were
      developed to predict the toxicity of nitrobenzene to the algae (Scenedesmus
      obliguus). Quantum chemical descriptors computed by PM3 Hamiltonian were used as
      predictor variables. The cross-validated Q2(cum) value for the optimal QSTR
      models is 0.867, indicating good predictive capability. The toxicity of
      nitrobenzenes (pC) was found to be affected by the molecular structure, the heat
      of formation (DeltaH(f)) and dipole moment (MU(z)). Contrary to the MU(z) values
      of nitrobenzenes, the DeltaH(f) values increase with increase in pC values and
      the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital. Increasing the largest
      positive atomic charge on a nitrogen atom and the most positive net atomic charge
      on a hydrogen atom of the nitrobenzene leads to decrease in pC values.
      Nitrobenzenes with larger absolute hardness tend to be more stable and less toxic
      to the algae.

PMID- 22088681
TI  - Deriving prevalence estimates of depressive symptoms throughout middle and old
      age in those living in the community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is considerable debate about the prevalence of depression in
      old age. Epidemiological surveys and clinical studies indicate mixed evidence for
      the association between depression and increasing age. We examined the prevalence
      of probable depression in the middle aged to the oldest old in a project designed
      specifically to investigate the aging process. METHODS: Community-living
      participants were drawn from several Australian longitudinal studies of aging
      that contributed to the Dynamic Analyses to Optimise Ageing (DYNOPTA) project.
      Different depression scales from the contributing studies were harmonized to
      create a binary variable that reflected "probable depression" based on existing
      cut-points for each harmonized scale. Weighted prevalence was benchmarked to the
      Australian population which could be compared with findings from the 1997 and
      2007 National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being (NSMHWB). RESULTS: In the
      DYNOPTA project, females were more likely to report probable depression. This was
      consistent across age levels. Both NSMHWB surveys and DYNOPTA did not report a
      decline in the likelihood of reporting probable depression for the oldest old in
      comparison with mid-life. CONCLUSIONS: Inconsistency in the reports of late-life
      depression prevalence in previous epidemiological studies may be explained by
      either the exclusion and/or limited sampling of the oldest old. DYNOPTA addresses
      these limitations and the results indicated no change in the likelihood of
      reporting depression with increasing age. Further research should extend these
      findings to examine within-person change in a longitudinal context and control
      for health covariates.

PMID- 22088684
TI  - Prescribing for children - taste and palatability affect adherence to
      antibiotics: a review.
AB  - The taste of an antibiotic is often not taken into account by practitioners,
      although there is significant evidence to show palatability correlates strongly
      with adherence. Many parents will be familiar with the difficulties of convincing
      young children to take bitter, unfamiliar medicine. Certain drugs, for example
      flucloxacillin, are so unpalatable that they should not be prescribed as syrups
      without prior 'taste testing' in an individual child, while others, such as oral
      cephalosporins, are accepted very well although they are more expensive with a
      broader antimicrobial spectrum than may be strictly necessary. Palatability is
      important in the broader context of global child health as regards the successful
      treatment of malaria, HIV and dehydration. The hidden cost of poor adherence
      resulting treatment failure, complications and the development of drug resistance
      cannot be over emphasised. Prescribing should involve parents, children and
      practitioners in an open discussion around the most suitable, palatable
      formulations for successful treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22088685
TI  - Re.: A prospective, randomised EORTC intergroup phase 3 study comparing the
      oncologic outcome of elective nephron-sparing surgery and radical nephrectomy for
      low-stage renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22088686
TI  - Re.: Multi-institutional analysis of robotic partial nephrectomy for hilar versus
      nonhilar lesions in 446 consecutive cases.

PMID- 22088687
TI  - Re.: Natural history of renal cortical neoplasms during active surveillance with
      follow-up longer than 5 years.

PMID- 22088688
TI  - Re.: Recovery of renal function after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PMID- 22088689
TI  - Re.: Raman spectroscopy: a novel experimental approach to evaluating renal
      tumours.

PMID- 22088690
TI  - Re.: Mechanisms of recurrence of Ta/T1 bladder cancer.

PMID- 22088692
TI  - Re.: Practice patterns and recurrence after partial cystectomy for bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 22088694
TI  - Re.: Impact of common medications on serum total prostate-specific antigen
      levels: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PMID- 22088695
TI  - Re.: Prostate specific antigen concentration at age 60 and death or metastasis
      from prostate cancer: case-control study.

PMID- 22088696
TI  - Re.: Association between glomerular filtration rate, free, total, and percent
      free prostate-specific antigen.

PMID- 22088697
TI  - Re.: Suicide risk in men with prostate-specific antigen-detected early prostate
      cancer: a nationwide population-based cohort study from PCBaSe Sweden.

PMID- 22088698
TI  - Re.: Interval cancers in the Antwerp European Randomised Study of Screening for
      Prostate Cancer study, using a 6 year screening interval.

PMID- 22088699
TI  - Prostate cancer vs. post-biopsy hemorrhage: diagnosis with T2- and diffusion
      weighted imaging.

PMID- 22088700
TI  - Core 2 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 expression induces aggressive potential
      of testicular germ cell tumor.

PMID- 22088701
TI  - Re.: The effectiveness of the ultrasound bladder scanner in reducing urinary
      tract infections: a meta-analysis.

PMID- 22088702
TI  - Re.: Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral microbicide,
      for the prevention of HIV infection in women.

PMID- 22088703
TI  - Re.: Preexposure chemoprophylaxis for HIV prevention in men who have sex with
      men.

PMID- 22088704
TI  - Re.: Urological management of acute epididymo-orchitis in sexually active young
      men: too great a public health risk?

PMID- 22088705
TI  - Re.: Evidence for net renal tubule oxalate secretion in patients with calcium
      kidney stones.

PMID- 22088706
TI  - Re.: Clinical significance of uric acid dihydrate in urinary stones.

PMID- 22088708
TI  - Re.: Postmenopausal hormone use and the risk of nephrolithiasis: results from the
      Women's Health Initiative Hormone Therapy Trials.

PMID- 22088709
TI  - Re.: Nephrolithiasis-associated bone disease: pathogenesis and treatment options.

PMID- 22088710
TI  - Re.: Examination of the impact of airbags on renal injury using a national
      database.

PMID- 22088711
TI  - Re.: Pelvic fracture: the last 50 years.

PMID- 22088712
TI  - Re.: Assessment and management of an open bladder neck at posterior
      urethroplasty.

PMID- 22088713
TI  - Factors influencing the choice of urinary diversion in patients undergoing
      radical cystectomy.

PMID- 22088714
TI  - Re.: Transabdominal ultrasonography of detrusor wall thickness in women with
      overactive bladder.

PMID- 22088715
TI  - Re.: An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International
      Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22088716
TI  - Re.: The use of mesh in vaginal prolapse repair: do the benefits justify the
      risks?

PMID- 22088718
TI  - Re.: Pad per day usage, urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections in
      nursing home residents.

PMID- 22088719
TI  - Re.: Midurethral sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence in women over
      80 years.

PMID- 22088720
TI  - Re.: The safety and efficacy of the "inside-out" trans-obturator Tvt in elderly
      versus younger stress-incontinent women: a prospective study of 353 consecutive
      patients.

PMID- 22088722
TI  - Re.: Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and vascular risk factors
      in aging men: the Hallym Aging Study.

PMID- 22088721
TI  - Re.: The effect of asymptomatic urethral caruncle on micturition in women with
      urinary incontinence.

PMID- 22088723
TI  - Korean urologist's view of practice patterns in diagnosis and management of
      benign prostatic hyperplasia: a nationwide survey.

PMID- 22088724
TI  - Incidence of histological prostatitis and its correlation with PSA density.

PMID- 22088725
TI  - A risk prediction model for delayed graft function in the current era of deceased
      donor renal transplantation.

PMID- 22088726
TI  - A study of renal outcomes in obese living kidney donors.

PMID- 22088727
TI  - Re: Low testosterone concentrations and the symptoms of testosterone deficiency
      according to the Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Males (ADAM) and Ageing Males'
      Symptoms Rating Scale (AMS) questionnaires.

PMID- 22088728
TI  - Re: The NERI hypogonadism screener: psychometric validation in male patients and
      controls.

PMID- 22088729
TI  - Re.: Pituitary surgery for small prolactinomas as an alternative to treatment
      with dopamine agonists.

PMID- 22088730
TI  - Re.: A prospective diary study of stuttering priapism in adolescents and young
      men with sickle cell anemia: report of an international randomized control trial;
      the Priapism in Sickle Cell Study (PISCES study).

PMID- 22088731
TI  - Re.: Overweight and seminal quality: a study of 794 patients.

PMID- 22088734
TI  - Re.: An aromatase polymorphism modulates the relationship between weight and
      estradiol levels in obese men.

PMID- 22088735
TI  - Re.: Soy protein isolates of varying isoflavone content do not adversely affect
      semen quality in healthy young men.

PMID- 22088736
TI  - Re.: Healthy overweight male partners of subfertile couples should not worry
      about their semen quality.

PMID- 22088737
TI  - Re.: Protamine contents and P1/P2 ratio in human spermatozoa from smokers and non
      smokers.

PMID- 22088738
TI  - Re.: Teaching children clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) in a group
      setting.

PMID- 22088739
TI  - Re.: Contemporary epidemiology and characterization of newborn males with prune
      belly syndrome.

PMID- 22088740
TI  - Re.: Evaluation of need for salvage continence procedures after failed modern
      staged repair.

PMID- 22088741
TI  - Re.: Failed exstrophy closure: management and outcome.

PMID- 22088742
TI  - Re.: Early life inorganic lead exposure induces testicular teratoma and renal and
      urinary bladder preneoplasia in adult metallothionein-knockout mice but not in
      wild type mice.

PMID- 22088743
TI  - Re.: A novel imaging approach for early detection of prostate cancer based on
      endogenous zinc sensing.

PMID- 22088744
TI  - Re.: Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulators enhance female sexual
      motivation.

PMID- 22088745
TI  - Human-restricted bacterial pathogens block shedding of epithelial cells by
      stimulating integrin activation.

PMID- 22088746
TI  - Effects of Cl316,243, a Beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist, and intravesical
      prostaglandin E2 on the primary bladder afferent activity of the rat.

PMID- 22088747
TI  - Re.: Comparison of the thermal and histopathological effects of bipolar and
      monopolar electrosurgical resection of the prostate in a canine model.

PMID- 22088748
TI  - Re.: Relaxation effect of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor on the animal bladder and
      prostatic urethra: in vitro and in vivo study.

PMID- 22088749
TI  - Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast in an obstructed coronary sinus because of
      a perforated membrane.

PMID- 22088750
TI  - Complications of percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy: usefulness of real-time 3
      dimensional technology.

PMID- 22088751
TI  - "Surprise visitor".

PMID- 22088752
TI  - Thoracic epidural or paravertebral catheter for analgesia after lung resection:
      is the outcome different?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether thoracic epidural
      analgesia (TEA) or a paravertebral catheter block (PVB) with morphine patient
      controlled analgesia influenced outcome in patients undergoing thoracotomy for
      lung resection. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: A tertiary referral
      center. PARTICIPANTS: The study population consisted of 1,592 patients who had
      undergone thoracotomy for lung resection between May 2000 and April 2008.
      INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients who
      received PVBs were younger, had a higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second,
      had a higher body mass index, a higher incidence of cardiac comorbidity, fewer
      pneumonectomies, and more wedge resections. A multivariable logistic regression
      model was used to develop a propensity-matched score for the probability of
      patients receiving an epidural or a paravertebral catheter. Four patients with an
      epidural to one with a paravertebral catheter were matched, with 488 patients and
      122 patients, respectively. Postmatching analysis now showed no difference
      between the groups for preoperative characteristics or operative extent.
      Postmatching analysis showed no significant difference in outcome between the two
      groups for the incidence of postoperative respiratory complication (p = 0.67),
      intensive therapy unit (ITU) stay (p = 0.51), ITU readmission (p = 0.66), or in
      hospital mortality (p = 0.67). There was a significant reduction in the hospital
      length of stay in favor of the paravertebral group (6 v 7 days, p = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Paravertebral catheter analgesia with morphine patient-controlled
      analgesia seems as effective as thoracic epidural for reducing the risk of
      postoperative complications. The authors additionally found that paravertebral
      catheter use is associated with a shorter hospital stay and may be a better form
      of analgesia for fast-track thoracic surgery.

PMID- 22088753
TI  - Chromenones as potent bradykinin B1 antagonists.
AB  - A series of fused 6,6-bicyclic chromenones was investigated for activity against
      the bradykinin B1 receptor. SAR studies based on a pharmacophore model revealed
      compounds with high affinity for both human and rabbit B1. These compounds
      demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and 5-chlorochromenone 15 was
      efficacious in a carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia model for chronic
      pain.

PMID- 22088754
TI  - Fluorescence behavior of non-functionalized carbon nanoparticles and their in
      vitro applications in imaging and cytotoxic analysis of cancer cells.
AB  - We report fluorescence behavior in non-functionalized carbon nanoparticles (NCNP)
      prepared from lamp soot and their application in imaging of normal and cancer
      cells. Structural characterization of these particles by Raman spectroscopy
      showed characteristic peaks located at 1350 and 1590 cm(-1) corresponding to the
      diamond-like (D) and graphite-like (G) bands of the carbon allotropes
      respectively with the characteristic ratio I(D)/I(G)=2.24. X-ray diffraction
      study confirmed the presence of amorphous as well as graphitized carbon in these
      nanostructures with minimum grain size ~2 nm. A typical luminescence lifetime
      measured by time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy was obtained 3.54 ns. The
      photoluminescence behavior of these particles was excitation dependent and gave
      off blue, green and red fluorescence under UV, blue and green excitation,
      respectively. Cellular uptake of these NCNP yielded excellent results for cell
      imaging of human embryonic kidney, lung carcinoma and breast adenocarcinoma
      cells. Cell imaging was further correlated with cytotoxicity in the above
      mentioned cell lines and also in leukemia cell lines. Dose dependant cytotoxicity
      was observed after 24 h up to 48 h of incubation of nanoparticles. Fluorescence
      microscopy of nanoparticle-cell interaction clearly indicated aggregation of the
      particles.

PMID- 22088755
TI  - Facile fabrication of biocompatible PLGA drug-carrying microspheres by O/W
      pickering emulsions.
AB  - This study is focused on the preparation of Ibuprofen (IBU) loaded micrometer
      sized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and process variables on
      the size, drug loading and release during preparation of formulation. Silicon
      dioxide (SiO(2)) nanoparticle-coated PLGA microspheres were fabricated via a
      combined system of "Pickering-type" emulsion route and solvent volatilization
      method in the absence of any molecular surfactants. Stable oil-in-water emulsions
      were prepared using SiO(2) nanoparticles as a particulate emulsifier and a
      dichloromethane (CH(2)Cl(2)) solution of PLGA as an oil phase. The SiO(2)
      nanoparticle-coated PLGA microspheres were fabricated by the evaporation of
      CH(2)Cl(2) in situ, and then bare-PLGA microspheres were prepared by removal of
      the SiO(2) nanoparticles using HF aqueous solution. The two types of microspheres
      were characterized in terms of size, component and morphology using scanning
      electronic microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared, optical microscope, and
      so on. Moreover, IBU was encapsulated into the hybrid beads by dispersing them in
      the CH(2)Cl(2) solution of PLGA in the fabrication process. The sustained release
      could be obtained due to the barrier of the polymeric matrix (PLGA). More over,
      the release curves were nicely fitted by the Weibull equation and the release
      followed Fickian diffusion. The combined system of Pickering emulsion and solvent
      volatilization opens up a new route to fabricate a variety of microspheres. The
      resulting microspheres may find applications as delivery vehicles for
      biomolecules, drugs, cosmetics and living cells.

PMID- 22088756
TI  - Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-PLA and PLA blend nanoparticles for temperature
      controllable drug release and intracellular uptake.
AB  - We designed a temperature-responsive and biodegradable novel drug-delivery
      carrier. A block copolymer, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-dl-lactide) (PNIPAAm
      PLA), was synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization of dl-lactide, and used
      as a carrier for a drug-delivery system. In this study, temperature-responsive
      nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating betamethasone disodium 21-phosphate (BP) were
      prepared from a blend of PLA homopolymer and block copolymers by an oil-in-water
      solvent-diffusion method in the presence of zinc ion (PLA/PNIPAAm-PLA (NPs)). The
      resulting NP size was around 140 nm. The drug release from temperature-responsive
      NP could be controllable by changing the temperature. Moreover, a murine
      macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7 cells, was used to measure and image the
      cell uptake of fluorescent PLA/PNIPAAm-PLA NPs at 30  degrees C and 37  degrees C
      on the boundary of LCST (34  degrees C). Below the LCST, cellular uptake was not
      observed, but contrary to cellular uptake it was clearly observed above the LCST.
      Moreover, we found this effect to be useful for controlling the stealthiness by
      changing the temperature. Present temperature-responsive NPs have successfully
      exhibited thermo-responsive drug release and intracellular uptake while
      possessing a biodegradable character.

PMID- 22088757
TI  - Thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) grafted onto microtextured
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) for aligned cell sheet engineering.
AB  - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-grafted poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)
      offers an inexpensive, biocompatible, oxygen permeable, and easily microtextured
      thermo-responsive substrate for producing cell sheets. This study introduces a
      method of grafting PNIPAAm onto microtextured PDMS that is suitable for
      generating aligned vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) sheets. We examined a wide
      range of processing parameters in order to identify the conditions that led to
      acceptable sheet growth and detachment behavior. Substrates grafted under these
      conditions produced confluent cell sheets that fully detached in less than 10 min
      after lowering the culture temperature from 37  degrees C to 20  degrees C. The
      grafted layer thickness was determined to be 496+/-8 nm by atomic force
      microscopy. Surface characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
      showed a relative grafting yield of 0.488+/-0.10, defined as the ratio of the
      PNIPAAm 1647 cm(-1) to the PDMS 2962 cm(-1) absorbance peaks. The water contact
      angle of the substrates was shown to change from 89.6 degrees  to 101.0 degrees 
      at 20  degrees C and 37  degrees C, respectively. We also found that cell
      behavior on PNIPAAm-grafted PDMS was not directly related to surface wettability
      or relative grafting densities.

PMID- 22088758
TI  - Enhanced tissue penetration-induced high bonding strength of a novel tissue
      adhesive composed of cholesteryl group-modified gelatin and disuccinimidyl
      tartarate.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cholesteryl group content on
      the bonding strength of a novel tissue adhesive composed of cholesteryl group
      modified geletin (CholGltn) and disuccinimidyl tartarate (DST). The bonding
      strength of this tissue adhesive with fresh arterial media reached a maximum at a
      CholGltn content of 70% in the CholGltn/gelatin (Gltn) mixture, which then
      decreased with increasing CholGltn content with a fixed succinimidyl group:amino
      group ratio of 1:1. The maximum bonding strength obtained was 6-fold higher
      compared with that of the original Gltn. Furthermore, maximum peeling strength
      was also obtained at a CholGltn content of 70% in the CholGltn/Gltn mixture and
      at a similar succinimidyl group:amino group ratio. The highest peeling strength
      was 8-fold higher compared with Gltn and 6-fold higher compared with commercial
      aldehyde-based adhesive. After exposure of FITC-labeled Gltn or CholGltn to
      aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which are abundant in arterial media, CholGltn
      integrated effectively with the surface of SMCs. This indicated that FITC-labeled
      CholGltn anchors into the cell membrane of SMCs. From these results, it was
      demonstrated that tissue adhesive composed of a CholGltn/Gltn mixture and DST
      showed improved penetration into arterial media compared with adhesive composed
      of Gltn and DST. This behavior supports the suggestion that the hydrophobic
      cholesteryl group in Gltn contributes to the enhanced bonding/peeling strength.
      This novel tissue adhesive may become a useful material in the clinical field for
      the treatment of aortic dissection.

PMID- 22088759
TI  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes-polymer modified graphite electrodes for DNA
      hybridization.
AB  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)-poly(vinylferrocenium) (PVF(+)) modified
      pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) were developed in our study for the
      electrochemical monitoring of a sequence-selective DNA hybridization event.
      Firstly, SWCNT-PVF(+) modified PGE, PVF(+) modified PGE and unmodified PGE were
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical
      behavior of these electrodes was then investigated using electrochemical
      impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The SWCNT
      PVF(+) modified PGEs were optimized for improved DNA sensing ability by measuring
      the guanine oxidation signal. In order to obtain the full coverage immobilization
      of the DNA probe following the optimum working conditions, the effect of amino
      linked, thiol-linked and, bare oligonucleotides (ODNs), and the concentration of
      the DNA probe on the response of the modified electrode were examined. After
      optimization studies, the sequence-selective DNA hybridization was evaluated in
      the case of hybridization between an amino-linked probe and its complementary
      (target), a noncomplementary (NC) sequence, calf thymus double stranded DNA
      (dsDNA), and target/mismatch (MM) mixtures in the ratio of 1:1. SWCNT-PVF(+)
      modified PGEs presented very effective discrimination of DNA hybridization owing
      to their superior selectivity and sensitivity.

PMID- 22088760
TI  - A double-targeted magnetic nanocarrier with potential application in hydrophobic
      drug delivery.
AB  - A double-targeted magnetic nanocarrier based with potential applications in the
      delivery of hydrophobic drugs has been developed. It consists of magnetite
      (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles encapsulated in self-assembled micelles of the
      amphiphilic copolymer MPEG-PLGA [methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (d,l-lactide
      co-glycolide)], and was fabricated using the solvent-evaporation technique. The
      magnetic nanocarrier has a very stable core-shell structure and is
      superparamagnetic. Its cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay with three
      cell lines-HeLa, MCF-7, and HT1080; it exhibited no cytotoxicity against any
      tested line at concentrations of up to 400 MUg/mL after incubation for 24 h. Its
      cellular uptake was studied by Prussian blue staining and by fluorescence
      microscopy after encapsulating a fluorescent probe (hydrophobic quantum dots)
      into the nanocarrier. Finally, the magnetic targeting property of the magnetic
      nanocarrier was confirmed by an in vitro test. Overall, the results obtained
      demonstrate the potential of the double-targeted nanocarrier for the
      intracellular delivery of hydrophobic drugs.

PMID- 22088761
TI  - Development and validation of an HPLC-based screening method to acquire
      polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase mutants with altered substrate specificity.
AB  - A rapid and convenient method for the compositional analysis of
      polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was developed using high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) and alkaline sample pretreatment in a 96-well plate format.
      The reliability of this system was confirmed by the fact that a mutant with a
      D171G mutation of Aeromonas caviae PHA synthase (PhaC(Ac)), which gained higher
      reactivity toward 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx), was selected from the D171X mutant
      library. Together with D171G mutant, several single mutants showing high
      reactivity toward 3HHx were isolated by the HPLC assay. These new mutants and
      double mutants combined with an N149S mutation were used to synthesize P(3
      hydroxybutyrate-co-3HHx) in Ralstonia eutropha PHB(-)4 from soybean oil as carbon
      source, achieving higher levels of 3HHx fraction than the wild-type enzyme. Based
      on these results, the high-throughput screening system will serve as a powerful
      tool for exploring new and beneficial mutations responsible for regulating
      copolymer composition of PHA.

PMID- 22088762
TI  - A dynamical approach to contact distance based protein structure determination.
AB  - Protein native structure topology based folding dynamics captures many aspects of
      protein folding. The fact that folding is driven by a potential derived only from
      residue pairs in native contact, a sparse distance matrix, lead us to postulate
      this as a solution method to the molecular distance geometry problem. In the
      standard Go model non-bonded residues move under the influence of a Lennard-Jones
      potential and consequently folding is slow. In this study we apply a faster
      quadratic potential Go model to solving the full-atom distance geometry problem,
      where distance data is based only on residue atoms within 5 A in the native
      structure. We show that the method works well when only atomic contact data is
      known and when a substantial proportion of this contact data is missing. Also, we
      show that the method can be applied in conjunction with secondary structure
      prediction schemes to enhance accuracy in cases of missing contact data.

PMID- 22088763
TI  - Enrichment of virtual hits by progressive shape-matching and docking.
AB  - The main applications of virtual chemical screening include the selection of a
      minimal receptor-relevant subset of a chemical library with a maximal chemical
      diversity. We have previously reported that the combination of ligand-centric and
      receptor-centric virtual screening methods may provide a compromise between
      computational time and accuracy during the hit enrichment process. In the present
      work, we propose a "progressive distributed docking" method that improves the
      virtual screening process using an iterative combination of shape-matching and
      docking steps. Known ligands with low docking scores were used as initial 3D
      templates for the shape comparisons with the chemical library. Next, new
      compounds with good template shape matches and low receptor docking scores were
      selected for the next round of shape searching and docking. The present iterative
      virtual screening process was tested for enriching peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor and phosphoinositide 3-kinase relevant compounds from a
      selected subset of the chemical libraries. It was demonstrated that the iterative
      combination improved the lead-hopping practice by improving the chemical
      diversity in the selected list of virtual hits.

PMID- 22088764
TI  - Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution on magnetic porous
      ferrospinel MnFe2O4.
AB  - The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution on magnetic porous
      ferrospinel MnFe(2)O(4) prepared by a sol-gel process was investigated. Single
      batch experiment was employed to test pH effect, sorption kinetics, and isotherm.
      The interaction mechanism and the regeneration were also explored. The results
      showed that Pb(II) and Cu(II) removal was strongly pH-dependent with an optimum
      pH value of 6.0, and the equilibrium time was 3.0 h. The adsorption process could
      be described by a pseudo-second-order model, and the initial sorption rates were
      526.3 and 2631.5 MUmol g(-1)min(-1) for Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions, respectively. The
      equilibrium data were corresponded well with Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum
      adsorption capacities were 333.3 and 952.4 MUmol g(-1) for Pb(II) and Cu(II)
      ions, respectively. The adsorbed Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were in the form of the
      complex with oxygen in carboxyl and hydroxyl groups binding on the surface of
      magnetic porous MnFe(2)O(4). The sorbent could be reused for five times with high
      removal efficiency.

PMID- 22088765
TI  - Viscosity contribution of an arbitrary shape rigid aggregate to a dilute
      suspension.
AB  - The study of rheological response of solid suspensions is essential in
      understanding the relationships governing their kinematics and dynamics. However
      the study is complicated mainly by the complex interplay between suspension
      rheology and hydrodynamic behavior of the suspended solids, which for most of the
      practically occurring situations have complex and arbitrary shapes, and exact
      equations accounting for their hydrodynamic contribution are not available. For
      this reason, using a recently developed methodology capable of computing the
      average rigid body resistance matrix of arbitrary shaped clusters made of uniform
      sized spheres, Brownian dynamic simulations under shear conditions are performed
      for clusters with different geometries with the objective of estimating their
      intrinsic viscosity. The population of clusters chosen encompassed a broad range
      of morphologies, such as fractals with a wide range of masses and fractal
      dimension values, dense clusters with spherical and spheroidal aspect ratios,
      similar to those produced during coagulation experiments of colloidal
      suspensions. It was found that fractal clusters with low fractal dimensions and
      spheroidal clusters have sufficient structural anisotropies to show deviations
      from Einstein's relationship, and display a moderate shear thinning behavior, as
      well as a non-negligible linear viscoelasticity. On the other hand, clusters with
      high fractal dimensions tend to behave progressively more like spheres as their
      fractal dimension increases. We also found that the intrinsic viscosity of all
      clusters, independent of their morphology, can be quantitatively predicted by
      means of an equivalent ellipsoid model, in which clusters are modeled as
      ellipsoids with the same principal moments of inertia.

PMID- 22088766
TI  - Shape-directing role of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in the preparation of
      silver nanoparticles.
AB  - We report a simple chemical reduction method for the synthesis of different
      colored silver nanoparticles, AgNP, using tyrosine as a reducing agent. Effects
      of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB, and tyrosine concentrations are analyzed
      by UV-visible measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the
      mode of AgNP aggregation. The position and shape of the surface resonance plasmon
      absorption bands strongly depend on the reaction conditions, i.e., [CTAB],
      [tyrosine], and reaction time. Sub-, post-, and dilution-micellar effects are
      accountable for the fast and slow nucleation and growth processes.
      Spectrophotometric measurement also shows that the average size and the
      polydispersity of AgNP increase with [CTAB] in the solution. CTAB acted as a
      shape-directing agent.

PMID- 22088767
TI  - Cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition to reduce cardiovascular risk:
      Where are we now?
AB  - Elevated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and reduced high-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are major risk factors for the development of
      cardiovascular disease. One approach to raising HDL-C is to inhibit the
      cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), a plasma protein that promotes
      transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL and other lipoprotein fractions. Drugs
      that inhibit CETP increase HDL-C and some lower LDL-C. However, the development
      of torcetrapib, the first CETP inhibitor to be tested in a human clinical
      outcomes trial, was terminated because it caused an excess of deaths and
      cardiovascular events. There is evidence, however, that torcetrapib had adverse
      off-target effects unrelated to CETP inhibition. This has opened the way for
      retesting of the hypothesis that CETP inhibitors will be anti-atherogenic in
      studies conducted with agents such as dalcetrapib and anacetrapib that do not
      share the off-target effects of torcetrapib. Clinical outcome trials with
      dalcetrapib and anacetrapib are currently under way.

PMID- 22088768
TI  - Using a legal and regulatory framework to identify and evaluate priorities for
      cancer prevention.
AB  - This paper presents a framework for identifying legal and regulatory
      interventions for the prevention of risk factors for cancer at the population
      level. The framework has wider application for behavioural risk factors for other
      non-communicable diseases. It is based on four different types of assessment:
      identifying the determinants of cancer and key settings for interventions;
      reviewing the key strategies that law can deploy; considering the most
      appropriate level for interventions within federal systems; and considering the
      role of law within a broader set of public health responses that includes
      voluntary standards, co-regulation, outcome-based regulation and more technical,
      prescriptive controls. The paper argues that law is an important tool for
      preventing the burden of disease from cancer. It then uses the framework to
      evaluate the current status of regulatory strategies for cancer prevention and to
      identify law reform priorities, taking Australia as a case study. The paper
      illustrates the application of the model at the country level by making extensive
      use of Australian evidence and published research. However, the methodology
      presented, the regulatory issues discussed, the evidence cited and the law reform
      priorities identified will be relevant to other countries with a substantial
      burden from cancer and non-communicable diseases.

PMID- 22088769
TI  - Can law improve prevention and treatment of cancer?

PMID- 22088770
TI  - Abuse experiences, substance use, and reproductive health in women seeking care
      at an emergency department.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Abuse experiences can have negative health consequences for women.
      Many women present to the emergency department for episodic, nonemergent care and
      may have unique needs as survivors of abuse. The purpose of this study was to
      describe child sexual abuse experiences, intimate partner violence, substance
      use, and reproductive health outcomes in a sample of adult women who were seeking
      care from a rural emergency department to better understand the health care needs
      of this unique population. METHODS: One hundred forty-five adult women (18-45
      years old) were recruited at an emergency department in the southeastern United
      States. Questionnaires were used to assess for demographic characteristics,
      history of child sexual abuse (CSA), intimate partner violence, reproductive
      health, and substance use. RESULTS: In the sample, 42.8% of women (n = 62)
      reported a positive history of CSA and 34.7% of women (n = 49) experienced
      intimate partner physical violence during the past year. More than 46% of the
      women (n = 65) had harmful drinking patterns in the past year and more than 50%
      reported some type of substance use in the past 3 months. Women who experienced
      CSA had a significantly greater number of lifetime sexual partners, were more
      likely to report pain with sexual intercourse, and were more likely to report a
      medical history of an abnormal Papanicolaou smear. DISCUSSION: The women in this
      sample had high rates of abuse, harmful drinking patterns, and substance use and
      were at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Through screening for lifetime
      violence, including sexual violence, emergency nurses can be an important liaison
      between women who have experienced CSA and appropriate referrals within the
      health care system.

PMID- 22088771
TI  - Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment: a nursing perspective.

PMID- 22088772
TI  - Being prepared for the unprepared: a phenomenology field study of Swedish
      prehospital care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper presents a study of prehospital care with particular
      focus on how ambulance personnel prepare themselves for their everyday
      assignments. METHODS: The caring science field study took a phenomenological
      approach, where data were analyzed for meaning. Two specialist ambulance nurses,
      three registered nurses, and six paramedics participated. RESULTS: The previously
      known discrepancy between in-hospital care and prehospital care was further
      interpreted in this study. The pre-information from an emergency medical dispatch
      (EMD) center provides ambulance personnel with basic expectations as to what they
      will have to take care of. At the same time that they maintain their certainty
      and control, our major findings indicate that prehospital care in emergency
      medical service requires the personnel to be prepared for an open and flexible
      encounter with the patient; to be prepared for the unprepared, i.e., to be open
      and to avoid being governed by predetermined statements. DISCUSSION: Our findings
      suggest that the outcomes of good prehospital care affect patient security. The
      seemingly time-consuming dialogue with the patient facilitates understanding and
      decision-making regarding the patient's medical needs, and it is comforting to
      the patient. The ambulance personnel need to be well prepared for this task and
      fully understand that the situation might differ considerably from the
      information provided by the EMD centers. All objective information is of great
      value in this care context, but ultimately it is the patient who provides
      reliable information about her/his own situation.

PMID- 22088773
TI  - Match probabilities for multiple siblings.
AB  - A defendant whose DNA profile matches that of a crime stain may argue that he has
      several, say n, brothers and that one of them may have been the origin of the
      crime stain. If the probability for any of the brothers considered separately to
      match the crime stain profile is p, we show that the probability that at least
      one of the n brothers match is strictly smaller than np. This latter quantity
      therefore is an easy to compute and conservative value to report.

PMID- 22088774
TI  - [Spirometry as method of screening and intervention in high- risk smokers in
      primary care].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To show the effectiveness of screening in the detection of new cases
      of COPD in smokers of high-risk, and to describe the characteristics associated
      with COPD, as well as determine the predisposition to quit. DESIGN: A cross
      sectional and multicentre study. LOCATION: Basic Primary Care Centres
      representing different rural and urban areas of Lleida. PARTICIPANTS: A total of
      497 active smokers without COPD from 40 to 70 years selected from the database
      Primary Care Database (e-CAP). INTERVENTION: Spirometry was performed on all
      patients. The spirometry results were reported and brief counselling was given on
      quitting smoking and the readiness to stop smoking was determined. VARIABLES:
      Age, gender, height, weight, smoking, respiratory symptoms and physical activity.
      RESULTS: The majority of patients (65.4%) were men, age 51+/- 7.6 years. They
      smoked an average of 32 packs/year; 40.4% performed moderate activity and 27.4%
      referred to some respiratory symptoms. Of the 25% who had an obstructive or mixed
      pattern, 75.8% of the cases had a moderate level of severity. A decision to quit
      was made by 38.8%. In the multivariate analysis, gender, age 50 to 59 years and a
      smoking index>40 were associated with COPD. Moderate or intense physical activity
      decreased the risk of COPD. CONCLUSIONS: To perform spirometry in high-risk
      smokers, to show the spirometry results and give brief anti-smoking counselling,
      enables not previously diagnosed cases of COPD to be detected. It also helps to
      determine the readiness to stop smoking and to establish individualised treatment
      and follow-up plans.

PMID- 22088775
TI  - Mighty metaphors: behavioral and ERP evidence that power shifts attention on a
      vertical dimension.
AB  - Thinking about the abstract concept power may automatically activate the spatial
      up-down image schema (powerful up; powerless down) and consequently direct
      spatial attention to the image schema-congruent location. Participants indicated
      whether a word represented a powerful or powerless person (e.g. 'king' or
      'servant'). Following each decision, they identified a target at the top or
      bottom of the visual field. In Experiment 1 participants identified the target
      faster when their spatial position was congruent with the perceived power of the
      preceding word than when it was incongruent. In Experiment 2 ERPs showed a higher
      N1 amplitude for congruent spatial positions. These results support the view that
      attention is driven to the image schema congruent location of a power word. Thus,
      power is partially understood in terms of vertical space, which demonstrates that
      abstract concepts are grounded in sensory-motor processing.

PMID- 22088776
TI  - A key role for experimental task performance: effects of math talent, gender and
      performance on the neural correlates of mental rotation.
AB  - The neurophysiological mechanisms underlying superior cognitive performance are a
      research area of high interest. The majority of studies on the brain-performance
      relationship assessed the effects of capability-related group factors (e.g.
      talent, gender) on task-related brain activations while only few studies examined
      the effect of the inherent experimental task performance factor. In this
      functional MRI study, we combined both approaches and simultaneously assessed the
      effects of three relatively independent factors on the neurofunctional correlates
      of mental rotation in same-aged adolescents: math talent (gifted/controls:
      17/17), gender (male/female: 16/18) and experimental task performance (median
      split on accuracy; high/low: 17/17). Better experimental task performance of
      mathematically gifted vs. control subjects and male vs. female subjects validated
      the selected paradigm. Activation of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) was
      identified as a common effect of mathematical giftedness, gender and experimental
      task performance. However, multiple linear regression analyses (stepwise)
      indicated experimental task performance as the only predictor of parietal
      activations. In conclusion, increased activation of the IPL represents a positive
      neural correlate of mental rotation performance, irrespective of but consistent
      with the obtained neurocognitive and behavioral effects of math talent and
      gender. As experimental performance may strongly affect task-related activations
      this factor needs to be considered in capability-related group comparison studies
      on the brain-performance relationship.

PMID- 22088777
TI  - Are imaging and lesioning convergent methods for assessing functional
      specialisation?: investigations using an artificial neural network.
AB  - This article presents an investigation of the relationship between lesioning and
      neuroimaging methods of assessing functional specialisation, using synthetic
      brain imaging (SBI) and lesioning of a connectionist network of past-tense
      formation. The model comprised two processing 'routes': one was a direct route
      between layers of input and output units, while the other, indirect, route
      featured an intermediate layer of processing units. Emergent specialisation
      within the network was assessed (1) by lesioning either the direct or indirect
      route and measuring past-tense performance for regular and irregular verbs, and
      (2) by measuring functional activation in each route when processing each verb
      type (SBI). SBI and lesioning approaches failed to converge when network
      activation was summed over each route in our SBI approach. Examination of
      individual network solutions suggested that the verb types might be using the
      indirect route differently in terms of the pattern of activation across the
      route, rather than in terms of gross activation. A subsequent SBI analysis
      compared patterns of activation in the indirect route and confirmed that these
      patterns were more similar between regular-type verbs than between regular and
      irregular verbs. As the spatial and temporal resolution of neuroimaging
      techniques improves, the results of this investigation suggest that the key to
      finding functional specialisation will be to distinguish local coding differences
      across behaviours that are the results of developmental processes. Other analyses
      suggest that lesioning data may be limited because, with increasing damage, they
      reveal the resting activations of a computational system rather than a
      computational specialisation per se.

PMID- 22088778
TI  - An integrated account of generalization across objects and features.
AB  - Humans routinely make inductive generalizations about unobserved features of
      objects. Previous accounts of inductive reasoning often focus on inferences about
      a single object or feature: accounts of causal reasoning often focus on a single
      object with one or more unobserved features, and accounts of property induction
      often focus on a single feature that is unobserved for one or more objects. We
      explore problems where people must make inferences about multiple objects and
      features, and propose that people solve these problems by integrating knowledge
      about features with knowledge about objects. We evaluate three computational
      methods for integrating multiple systems of knowledge: the output combination
      approach combines the outputs produced by these systems, the distribution
      combination approach combines the probability distributions captured by these
      systems, and the structure combination approach combines a graph structure over
      features with a graph structure over objects. Three experiments explore problems
      where participants make inferences that draw on causal relationships between
      features and taxonomic relationships between animals, and we find that the
      structure combination approach provides the best account of our data.

PMID- 22088779
TI  - Does the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile predict white-matter changes in late-life
      depression?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases are important etiological
      factors in depression, particularly late-life depression. Brain changes
      associated with vascular disease and depression can be detected using magnetic
      resonance imaging. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we investigated whether
      the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP), a well-validated risk prediction
      algorithm, is associated with changes in white-matter connectivity. We
      hypothesized that depressed participants would show reduced white-matter
      integrity with higher FSRP, and non-depressed controls (matched for mean vascular
      risk) would show minimal co-variance with white-matter changes. METHODS: Thirty
      six participants with major depression (age 71.8 +/- 7.7 years, mean FSRP 10.3 +/
      7.6) and 25 controls (age 71.8 +/- 7.3 years, mean FSRP 10.1 +/- 7.7) were
      clinically interviewed and examined, followed by 60-direction DTI on a 3.0 Tesla
      scanner. Image analysis was performed using FSL tools (www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl) to
      assess the correlation between FSRP and fractional anisotropy (FA). Voxelwise
      statistical analysis of the FA data was carried out using Tract Based Spatial
      Statistics. The significance threshold for correlations was set at p < 0.05 using
      threshold-free cluster-enhancement. Partial correlation analysis investigated
      significant correlations in each group. RESULTS: Participants in the depressed
      group showed highly significant correlations between FSRP and FA within the body
      of corpus callosum (r = -0.520, p = 0.002), genu of corpus callosum (r = -0.468,
      p = 0.005), splenium of corpus callosum (r = -0.536, p = 0.001), and cortico
      spinal tract (r = -0.473, p = 0.005). In controls, there was only one significant
      correlation in the body of corpus callosum (r = -0.473, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS:
      FSRP is associated with impairment in white-matter integrity in participants with
      depression; these results suggest support for the vascular depression hypothesis.

PMID- 22088780
TI  - Prosthetic knee infection in the young immigrant patient--do not forget
      tuberculosis!
AB  - Skeletal tuberculosis (TB) frequently masquerades as more common etiologies and
      can be difficult to diagnose. We describe a case of TB knee arthritis in a young
      Haitian-born woman in whom the diagnosis was not initially suspected, resulting
      in treatment with total knee arthroplasty that subsequently failed. A long course
      of medical and surgical therapies was then necessary to treat this patient.
      Issues in the diagnosis and management of TB in the native and prosthetic knee
      joint are presented.

PMID- 22088781
TI  - Predictors of intensive care unit admission after total joint arthroplasty.
AB  - Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a relatively safe orthopedic procedure.
      However, complications do occur, and some may necessitate admission to the
      intensive care unit (ICU). Our purpose was to determine risk factors associated
      with admittance to ICU after TJA. We evaluated 22,343 primary and revision total
      hip and knee arthroplasties from 1999 to 2008. One hundred thirty patients were
      admitted to the ICU. Cases were matched 1:2 for date of surgery, surgeon, and
      type of surgery. The causes for admission to ICU were recorded. Independent risk
      factors for ICU admission were smoking, cemented arthroplasty, general
      anesthesia, allogenic transfusion, higher C-reactive protein, lower hemoglobin
      level, higher body mass index, and older age. Proper identification and
      management of these "at-risk" patients may decrease the incidence of ICU
      admittance after TJA.

PMID- 22088782
TI  - Accuracy of dynamic tactile-guided unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
AB  - Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can achieve excellent clinical and
      functional results for patients having single-compartment osteoarthritis.
      However, UKA is considered to be technically challenging to perform, and
      malalignment of implant components significantly contributes to UKA failures. It
      has been shown that surgical navigation and tactile robotics could be used to
      provide very accurate component placement when the bones were rigidly fixed in a
      stereotactic frame during preparation. The purpose of this investigation was to
      determine the clinically realized accuracy of UKA component placement using
      surgical navigation and tactile robotics when the bones are free to move. A group
      of 20 knees receiving medial UKA with dynamically referenced tactile-robotic
      assistance was studied. Implant placement errors were comparable with those
      achieved using tactile robotics with rigid stereotactic fixation.

PMID- 22088783
TI  - Incidence of clinically significant venous thromboembolic events in Asian
      patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty without anticoagulation.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of clinically significant venous
      thromboembolic events (VTE) in Asian patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) without anticoagulation. All patients who underwent TKA by a single surgeon
      from 2006 to 2010 in Singapore General Hospital were reviewed. Only symptomatic
      patients were referred for ultrasonography. Of the 531 patients reviewed, 3
      patients developed symptoms of deep vein thrombosis with subsequent
      ultrasonographic confirmation, whereas 1 patient developed fatal pulmonary
      embolism without any clinical or radiologic evidence of deep vein thrombosis.
      Hence, the incidence of clinically significant VTE was 0.75%. Given the low
      incidence of clinically significant VTE, there is a need to review the current
      practice of routine chemoprophylaxis in Asian patients undergoing TKA.

PMID- 22088784
TI  - Cerebral and mesenteric tissue oxygenation by positional changes in very low
      birth weight premature infants.
AB  - AIM: There has been no clear consensus of the appropriate positioning in preterm
      infants. We aimed to evaluate the changes of cerebral and mesenteric tissue
      oxygenation in three different positions, by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS),
      in stable very low birth weight (VLBW) infants of postnatal >30 days. METHODS:
      NIRS monitoring of cerebral and mesenteric tissue oxygenation in three different
      positions was performed in 29 stable preterm newborns in neonatal intensive care
      unit (NICU). The patients were observed in three different positions
      consecutively, each lasting for 4h. The demographic features, cerebral and
      mesenteric tissue oxygenation with positional changes and feeding periods were
      recorded. RESULTS: Mean gestational age, mean birth weight and mean postnatal age
      of the patients were 27.6+/-1.7 weeks, 1046+/-308 g and 42.4+/-15.7 days,
      respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in cerebral and
      mesenteric tissue regional SO(2) values in each position (p=0.954 and p=0.151,
      respectively). The values of cerebral and mesenteric tissue regional SO(2) before
      and after feeding did not show any statistically significant difference in each
      position. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically stable very low birth weight infants are able
      to maintain a stable cerebral and mesenteric tissue oxygenation in different
      positions, both before and after feeding. Positional changes seem to be safe in
      VLBW stable infants and this influence should be considered in care of these
      patients in the NICU. Clinical Trials Identification Number: NCT01255189.

PMID- 22088785
TI  - Neonatal factors associated with alteration of palatal morphology in very preterm
      children: the EPIPAGE cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered palatal morphology has been observed among some preterm
      children, with possible consequences on chewing, speaking and esthetics, but
      determinants remain unknown. AIM: To explore the role of neonatal characteristics
      and neuromotor dysfunction in alteration of palatal morphology at 5 years of age
      in very preterm children. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort
      study. SUBJECTS: 1711 children born between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation in 1997
      or born between 22 and 26 weeks of gestation in 1998 were included in the study.
      They all had a medical examination at 5 years of age. OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Alteration of palatal morphology. RESULTS: The prevalence of altered palatal
      morphology was 3.7% in the overall sample, 5.1% among boys and 2.2% among girls
      (adj OR: 2.52; 95%CI: 1.44-4.42). The risk for altered palatal morphology was
      higher for lower gestational age (adj OR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.74-0.97 per week), small
      for-gestational age children (adj OR: 2.11; 95%CI: 1.20-3.72) or children
      intubated for more than 28 days (adj OR: 3.16; 95%CI: 1.11-8.98). Altered palatal
      morphology was more common in case of cerebral palsy or moderate neuromotor
      dysfunction assessed at 5 years. Results were basically the same when neuromotor
      dysfunction was taken into account, except for intubation. CONCLUSION: Male sex,
      low gestational age, small-for-gestational age and long intubation have been
      identified as probable neonatal risk factors for alteration of palatal morphology
      at 5 years of age in very preterm children. Further studies are needed to confirm
      these results.

PMID- 22088786
TI  - Early outcomes of bilateral sequential single lung transplantation after ex-vivo
      lung evaluation and reconditioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel approach for extended
      evaluation and/or reconditioning of donor lungs not meeting standard
      International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria for
      transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 13 consecutive EVLP runs
      between January 2009 and December 2010. Lungs rejected for routine
      transplantation were implanted to the EVLP circuit and reperfused using acellular
      supplemented Steen Solution (Vitrolife, Goteborg, Sweden) up to a target flow
      rate of 40% of the donor's calculated flow at a cardiac index of 3.0
      liters/min/m(2); target left atrial pressure < 5 mm Hg; and pulmonary artery
      pressure < 15 mm Hg. Mechanical ventilation was introduced after rewarming to 32
      degrees C: tidal volume, 6 to 8 ml/kg; respiratory rate, 7 to 8 breaths/min;
      duration of inspiration/expiration (I/E) ratio, 1:2; and positive end-expiratory
      pressure, 5 to 10 cm H(2)O. Hemodynamic and respiratory data monitoring with
      hourly clinical assessment were performed. Donor data, conversion rate to
      transplantation, and recipient outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Donor data (n =
      13) were: age, 44.23 +/- 8.33 years; female/male, 8:5; cause of death:
      intracranial hemorrhage, 11 (85%), stroke, 1 (7.5%), hypoxic brain injury, 1
      (7.5%); smoking history, 9 (69%), 17.44 +/- 8.92 pack-years; mechanical
      ventilation, 102.6 +/- 91.92 hours; chest x-ray imaging: abnormal, 12 (92.5%);
      normal, 1 (7.5%). EVLP: mean 141 +/- 28.83 minutes. Arterial partial pressure of
      oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen 100% before termination of the circuit vs pre
      retrieval value: 57.32 +/- 9.1 vs 42.36 +/- 14.13 kPa (p < 0.05). Six (46%) pairs
      of donor lungs were transplanted. Median follow-up was 297.5 days (range, 100-390
      days), with 100% survival at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: EVLP may facilitate
      assessment and/or reconditioning of borderline lungs, with a conversion rate of
      46 % and good short-term survival.

PMID- 22088787
TI  - SETX gene mutation in a family diagnosed autosomal dominant proximal spinal
      muscular atrophy.
AB  - Autosomal dominant proximal spinal muscular atrophy (ADSMA) is a rare disorder
      with unknown gene defects in the majority of families. Here we describe a family
      where the diagnosis of juvenile and adult onset ADSMA was made in three
      individuals. Because of retained tendon reflexes an atypical course of juvenile
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS4) was considered. SETX gene sequencing
      revealed the previously reported heterozygous missense mutation c.1166T<C, L389S
      in the patients. Moreover the index patient and his sister had an earlier age at
      onset (10 and 15 years) and a more pronounced weakness as compared to their
      father with an age at onset of 35 years. Both sibs additionally carried a second
      SETX missense mutation of unknown function V891A in trans. Altogether these
      results expand the phenotype associated with SETX mutations supporting the notion
      that patients with ADSMA should be investigated for SETX mutations.

PMID- 22088788
TI  - Long-term follow-up of patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome caused by
      COLQ mutations.
AB  - Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are clinically and genetically
      heterogeneous inherited disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular
      transmission. Mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) collagen-like tail
      subunit gene (COlQ) cause recessive forms of synaptic CMS with end plate AChE
      deficiency. We present data on 15 COLQ -mutant CMS carrying 16 different
      mutations (9 novel ones identified) followed-up for an average period of 10 ears.
      The mean age at the first examination was 19 ears old (range from 3 to 48). We
      report relapses during short or long-term periods characterized by worsening of
      muscle weakness sometimes associated with respiratory crises. All the relapses
      ended spontaneously or with 3-4 DAP or ephedrine with no residual impairment. The
      triggering factors identified were esterase inhibitors, effort, puberty or
      pregnancy highlighting the importance of hormonal factors. There was no genotype
      phenotype correlation. At the end of the follow-up, 80% of patients were ambulant
      and 87% of patients had no respiratory trouble in spite of severe relapses.

PMID- 22088789
TI  - High free fatty acids level related with cardiac dysfunction in obese rats.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether reducing free fatty acids (FFAs) concentration has a
      protective effect on cardiac structure and function in high-fat-diet-induced
      obese rat. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal
      control, obesity and fenofibrate group. After 8 or 16 weeks, the maximum velocity
      of myocardial contraction (+dP/dt) and diastole (-dP/dt) were measured. The
      concentrations of triglyceride, FFAs and angiotensin II were measured.
      Mitochondrial cytochrome C release and protein levels of NF-kappa B (NF-kappaB)
      and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in myocardium were analyzed. RESULTS:
      The triglyceride, FFAs and angiotensin II levels were significantly higher in
      circulating and myocardium in obese rats, associated with lipid deposition,
      increased mitochondrial cytochrome C release and protein levels of NF-kappaB and
      iNOS in myocardium. These alterations were reversed by fenofibrate, in parallel
      with improvement in +dP/dt, -dP/dt and ultrastructures of myocardial
      mitochondrion. The cardiac dysfunctions had negative correlation with
      intramyocardial lipid deposition, FFAs, angiotensin II, and protein levels of NF
      kappaB and iNOS. CONCLUSION: Cardiac dysfunction of obese rats could be improved
      by reducing FFAs level. Intramyocardial lipid accumulation may increase the risk
      of heart failure in obese rats by increasing renin-angiotensin systems activity
      and protein levels of NF-kappaB and iNOS in myocardium.

PMID- 22088790
TI  - Cervical necrotizing fasciitis and a descending mediastinal abscess caused by
      acute epiglottitis with diabetes mellitus: a life-threatening complication.
AB  - Cervical necrotizing fasciitis and a descending mediastinal abscess of the neck
      following acute epiglottitis, life-threatening complications, is reported in a 43
      year-old man with DM. The bacterial culture showed Peptostreptococcus anaerobius.
      The patient recovered after surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics
      therapy.

PMID- 22088791
TI  - Durability of glycemic control using U-500 insulin.
AB  - Previous short-term studies evaluating U-500 insulin have reported improvements
      in glycemic control but with significant weight gain. This study was performed to
      examine the glycemic durability of U-500 insulin in highly insulin resistant
      subjects, and to determine if weight gain was continuous with use. Patients using
      U-500 insulin provided consent for chart reviews for up to 3 years prior to and 3
      years after use of U-500 insulin. Charts were reviewed for physical and metabolic
      data from 53 subjects using U-500 insulin of which 20 used U-500 insulin for 3
      years. Use of U-500 insulin led to an approximate 1% decrease in HbA1c within 3-6
      months of use which was sustained for up to 3 years. Patients required increased
      insulin doses (by ~80%) over the first 6-12 months with a corresponding weight
      gain (~10 lbs) and a spike in hypoglycemia symptoms, but then insulin doses and
      body weight, as well as glycemic control and hypoglycemic symptoms, stabilized
      over subsequent follow up. Use of U-500 insulin in a clinical diabetes practice
      leads to sustained improvements in glycemic control following a period of insulin
      titration and weight gain. Despite the weight gain, glycemic control was
      sustained for up to 3 years.

PMID- 22088792
TI  - Retinal microvascular calibre and risk of incident diabetes: the multi-ethnic
      study of atherosclerosis.
AB  - AIM: To prospectively examine the association of retinal microvascular signs with
      incident diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in a multi-ethnic population
      based cohort. METHODS: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis comprised
      Caucasians, African-Americans, Hispanics and Chinese aged 45-84 years. Retinal
      vascular calibre and retinopathy were quantified from baseline retinal
      photographs. Incident diabetes and IFG were ascertained prospectively. RESULTS:
      After a median follow-up of 3 years, 243 (4.9%) people developed diabetes and 565
      (15.0%) developed IFG. After adjusting for known risk factors, participants with
      wider retinal arteriolar calibre had a higher risk of developing diabetes [HR:
      1.60; 95% CI: 1.12-2.29, p=0.011 comparing highest with lowest arteriolar calibre
      tertile]. In ethnic subgroup analysis, the association between wider retinal
      arteriolar calibre and incident diabetes was stronger and statistically
      significant only in Caucasians [HR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.37-5.62, p=0.005]. Retinal
      venular calibre and retinopathy signs were not related to risk of diabetes or
      IFG. CONCLUSION: Wider retinal arteriolar calibre is independently associated
      with an increased risk of diabetes, supporting a possible role for early
      arteriolar changes in diabetes development. This effect was largely seen in
      Caucasians, and not in other ethnic groups, and may reflect ethnic differences in
      susceptibility to diabetes from microvascular pathways.

PMID- 22088793
TI  - [Dr. Celedonio Calatayud, 100 years later: what will 2012 bring us in
      RADIOLOGIA?].

PMID- 22088796
TI  - How important are drug-drug interactions to the health of older adults?

PMID- 22088797
TI  - Risk factors for selective cognitive decline in dialyzed patients with end-stage
      renal disease: evidence from verbal fluency analysis.
AB  - Although dialyzed patients often have cognitive problems, little is known about
      the nature of these deficits. We hypothesized that, in contrast to semantic
      fluency relying mainly on temporal lobes, phonemic fluency, preferentially
      depending on functions of frontal-subcortical systems, would be particularly
      sensitive to the constellation of physiological pathological processes associated
      with end-stage renal disease and dialysis. Therefore, we longitudinally compared
      phonemic and semantic fluency performance between 49 dialyzed patients and 30
      controls. Overall, patients performed below controls only on the phonemic fluency
      task. Furthermore, their performance on this task declined over time, whereas
      there was no change in semantic fluency. Moreover, this decline was related to
      the presence of hypertension and higher blood urea nitrogen. We suggest that
      these findings may be due to a combination of vascular and topic effects that
      impact more on fronto-subcortical than temporal lobe networks, but this
      speculation requires direct confirmation.

PMID- 22088795
TI  - Cognitive-behavioral stress management reverses anxiety-related leukocyte
      transcriptional dynamics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic threat and anxiety are associated with pro-inflammatory
      transcriptional profiles in circulating leukocytes, but the causal direction of
      that relationship has not been established. This study tested whether a cognitive
      behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention targeting negative affect and
      cognition might counteract anxiety-related transcriptional alterations in people
      confronting a major medical threat. METHODS: One hundred ninety-nine women
      undergoing primary treatment of stage 0-III breast cancer were randomized to a 10
      week CBSM protocol or an active control condition. Seventy-nine provided
      peripheral blood leukocyte samples for genome-wide transcriptional profiling and
      bioinformatic analyses at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS:
      Baseline negative affect was associated with >50% differential expression of 201
      leukocyte transcripts, including upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory and
      metastasis-related genes. CBSM altered leukocyte expression of 91 genes by >50%
      at follow-up (group * time interaction), including downregulation of pro
      inflammatory and metastasis-related genes and upregulation of type I interferon
      response genes. Promoter-based bioinformatic analyses implicated decreased
      activity of NF-kappaB/Rel and GATA family transcription factors and increased
      activity of interferon response factors and the glucocorticoid receptor as
      potential mediators of CBSM-induced transcriptional alterations. CONCLUSIONS: In
      early-stage breast cancer patients, a 10-week CBSM intervention can reverse
      anxiety-related upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression in circulating
      leukocytes. These findings clarify the molecular signaling pathways by which
      behavioral interventions can influence physical health and alter peripheral
      inflammatory processes that may reciprocally affect brain affective and cognitive
      processes.

PMID- 22088798
TI  - Cord blood levels of thyroid hormones and IGF-1 weakly correlate with breast milk
      levels of PBDEs in Taiwan.
AB  - In vivo studies indicate that prenatal or neonatal exposure of rodents to
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) disrupts thyroid hormone balance, but few
      studies have reported an association of PBDEs and insulin-like growth factor 1
      (IGF-1). The goal was to examine whether PBDEs exposure affects the levels of
      thyroid hormones and IGF-1 in cord blood. Study participants were healthy
      pregnant women recruited from the general population in central Taiwan between
      2000 and 2001 and in southern Taiwan from 2007 to 2009. One-hundred-forty-nine
      breast milk samples (n=149), which were collected within one month after
      delivery, were analyzed using a high resolution gas chromatograph equipped with a
      high resolution mass spectrometer. The average and median levels of breast milk
      Sigma(14)PBDEs were 5.34 and 3.38 ng/g lipid in 2000-2001 and 5.22 and 3.13 ng/g
      lipid in 2007-2009, respectively. In general, levels of PBDE congeners were very
      low in this study population and not significantly different between the years
      2000-2001 and 2007-2009. Breast milk Sigma(14)PBDEs were not significantly
      correlated with thyroid hormones and IGF-1 in cord blood. After examining
      multiple stepwise linear regression models with adjustment for maternal age, pre
      pregnancy body mass index (BMI), parity, gestational age, and region (namely,
      central and southern Taiwan), we found that log of T4 in cord blood was
      significantly but slightly correlated with higher BDE-154 (B=0.113, p=0.017) in
      breast milk. The log of FT4 concentration was significantly related to a decrease
      in the log of BDE-99 level (B=-0.137, p=0.043) and an increase in the log of BDE
      154 level (B=0.158, p=0.008). Meanwhile, the log of IGF-1 level was also
      significantly linked to an increase in the log of BDE-196 level (B=0.532,
      p=0.028) and decrease in the log of BDE-85 level (B=-0.235, p=0.018). Few
      epidemiological studies report an association between PBDEs exposure and IGF-1.
      Based on our findings, further in vivo and epidemiological studies are encouraged
      and needed to explore associations between PBDEs exposure and levels of thyroid
      hormones and IGF-1.

PMID- 22088799
TI  - SCIPIO brings new momentum to cardiac cell therapy.

PMID- 22088800
TI  - Cardiac stem cells in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (SCIPIO): initial
      results of a randomised phase 1 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: c-kit-positive, lineage-negative cardiac stem cells (CSCs) improve
      post-infarction left ventricular (LV) dysfunction when administered to animals.
      We undertook a phase 1 trial (Stem Cell Infusion in Patients with Ischemic
      cardiOmyopathy [SCIPIO]) of autologous CSCs for the treatment of heart failure
      resulting from ischaemic heart disease. METHODS: In stage A of the SCIPIO trial,
      patients with post-infarction LV dysfunction (ejection fraction [EF] <=40%)
      before coronary artery bypass grafting were consecutively enrolled in the
      treatment and control groups. In stage B, patients were randomly assigned to the
      treatment or control group in a 2:3 ratio by use of a computer-generated block
      randomisation scheme. 1 million autologous CSCs were administered by
      intracoronary infusion at a mean of 113 days (SE 4) after surgery; controls were
      not given any treatment. Although the study was open label, the echocardiographic
      analyses were masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint was short-term
      safety of CSCs and the secondary endpoint was efficacy. A per-protocol analysis
      was used. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00474461.
      FINDINGS: This study is still in progress. 16 patients were assigned to the
      treatment group and seven to the control group; no CSC-related adverse effects
      were reported. In 14 CSC-treated patients who were analysed, LVEF increased from
      30.3% (SE 1.9) before CSC infusion to 38.5% (2.8) at 4 months after infusion
      (p=0.001). By contrast, in seven control patients, during the corresponding time
      interval, LVEF did not change (30.1% [2.4] at 4 months after CABG vs 30.2% [2.5]
      at 8 months after CABG). Importantly, the salubrious effects of CSCs were even
      more pronounced at 1 year in eight patients (eg, LVEF increased by 12.3 ejection
      fraction units [2.1] vs baseline, p=0.0007). In the seven treated patients in
      whom cardiac MRI could be done, infarct size decreased from 32.6 g (6.3) by 7.8 g
      (1.7; 24%) at 4 months (p=0.004) and 9.8 g (3.5; 30%) at 1 year (p=0.04).
      INTERPRETATION: These initial results in patients are very encouraging. They
      suggest that intracoronary infusion of autologous CSCs is effective in improving
      LV systolic function and reducing infarct size in patients with heart failure
      after myocardial infarction, and warrant further, larger, phase 2 studies.
      FUNDING: University of Louisville Research Foundation and National Institutes of
      Health.

PMID- 22088801
TI  - Relationship of obesity-related disturbances with LH/FSH ratio among post
      menopausal women in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although luteinizing hormone to follicular stimulating hormone
      (LH/FSH) ratio is a controversial criterion for identifying a sub-group of
      infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and abnormalities at the
      level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, an elevated LH/FSH ratio is
      frequently observed in PCOS cases. Obesity and insulin resistance are highly
      prevalent among PCOS women. To date, no studies have examined the associations of
      LH/FSH ratio with these co-morbid conditions outside the context of pre- and peri
      menopausal PCOS women. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the
      LH/FSH ratio is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic
      disturbances and chronic inflammation among post-menopausal U.S. women, 35-60
      years of age. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 693 women who participated
      in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting
      glucose, metabolic syndrome, Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance
      and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Age- and hysterectomy-adjusted regression
      models suggest that CRP level is positively associated with LH/FSH ratio and
      LH/FSH>1, high glucose level and LH/FSH>2 are inversely related and HDL<50mg/dL
      is positively associated with both LH/FSH>1 and LH/FSH>2. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      nationally representative sample of post-menopausal women, markers of chronic
      inflammation and dyslipidemia which are characteristics of PCOS-associated
      morbidities were also significantly associated with LH/FSH ratio, meriting
      further investigation.

PMID- 22088802
TI  - [The exposure method of treatment of burns in children].
AB  - Acute burn is a more or less profound destruction of the skin envelope. The depth
      of the injury determines the severity of functional and aesthetic sequelae. Local
      care prevents the infection, factor of deepening of the burn. Currently the
      dressing used in most Burns centers is a bandage covering a bacterial product
      applied to the burn. The advantage of this dressing is to prevent the occurrence
      of local infection. In contrast, open-air method of treatment is based on the
      notions that the wound is infected. His purpose is to reduce the effects of
      infection by creating an unfavourable environment to the growth and
      multiplication of bacteria. The principle of this method is the formation over
      the burned area of an eschar. The eschar acts as a natural dressing to protect
      the injured area against infection. The residual skin islets are preserved. The
      surgical cleavage of the eschar is easy; the deep surface of the crust defines
      the surgical plan. Deep tangential excisions are not necessary. The
      implementation of this technique is easy and it is particularly well suited to
      pediatrics. Treatment is not painful and the child's activities are not hampered
      by bandages. Respect of the children's quality of life and medical-economic
      efficiency of this method give it a prominent place in the treatment of burns in
      children.

PMID- 22088803
TI  - Accuracy of needle biopsy of breast lesions visible on ultrasound: audit of fine
      needle versus core needle biopsy in 3233 consecutive samplings with ascertained
      outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Core needle biopsy (CNB) has progressively replaced fine needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of breast lesions. Less information
      is available on how these tests perform for biopsy of ultrasound (US) visible
      breast lesions. This study examines the outcomes of CNB and FNAC in a large
      series ascertained with surgical histology or clinical-imaging follow-up.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective five-year audit of 3233 consecutive US
      guided needle samplings of solid breast lesions, from self-referred symptomatic
      or asymptomatic subjects, performed by six radiologists in the same time-frame
      (2003-2006): 1950 FNAC and 1283 CNB. The probability of undergoing CNB as a first
      test instead of FNAC was evaluated using logistic regression. Accuracy and
      inadequacy were calculated for each of CNB and FNAC performed as first test.
      Accuracy measures included equivocal or borderline/atypical lesions as positive
      results. RESULTS: The probability of CNB as a first test instead of FNAC
      increased significantly over time, when there was a pre-test higher level of
      suspicion, in younger (relative to older) women, with increasing lesion size on
      imaging, and for palpable (relative to impalpable) lesions. Inadequacy rate was
      lower for CNB (B1 = 6.9%) than for FNAC (C1 = 17.7%), p < 0.001, and specifically
      in malignant lesions (B1 = 0.9% vs. C1 = 4.5%; p < 0.001). False negative rate
      was equally low for both CNB and FNAC (1.7% each test). CNB performed
      significantly better than FNAC for absolute sensitivity (93.1% vs. 74.4%; p <
      0.001) and complete sensitivity (97.4% vs. 93.8%; p = 0.001), however specificity
      was lower for CNB than FNAC (88.3% vs. 96.4%; p < 0.001). Absolute diagnostic
      accuracy was higher for CNB than FNAC (84.5% vs. 71.9; p < 0.001) while FNAC
      performed better than CNB for complete diagnostic accuracy (95.4% vs. 93.2; p <
      0.008). In the small subgroup assessed with CNB after an inconclusive initial
      FNAC (231 cases) there was improved complete sensitivity (from 93.8% to 97.0%)
      however this also increased costs. CONCLUSION: FNAC and CNB were generally
      performed in different patients, thus our study reported indirect comparisons of
      these tests. Although FNAC performed well (except for relatively high
      inadequacy), CNB had significantly better performance based on measures of
      sensitivity, but this was associated with lower specificity for CNB relative to
      FNAC. Overall, CNB is the more reliable biopsy method for sonographically-visible
      lesions; where FNAC is used as the first-line test, inadequate or inconclusive
      FNAC can be largely resolved by using repeat sampling with CNB.

PMID- 22088804
TI  - Quality of life and experience of care in women with metastatic breast cancer: a
      cross-sectional survey.
AB  - CONTEXT: Despite developments in the medical management of metastatic breast
      cancer, little is known about the quality of life (QoL) and experience of care in
      women with it. OBJECTIVES: To explore QoL, experience of care, and support needs
      of women living with metastatic breast cancer in the U.K. METHODS: Questionnaire
      based, cross-sectional study, undertaken in two U.K. cancer centers and online
      via the Breast Cancer Care website, assessing QoL and experience of care in 235
      women with metastatic breast cancer. RESULTS: QoL was assessed using the
      Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--Breast QoL measure. Overall, QoL was low
      (mean 89.0, standard deviation 21.8) for total score. Low scores were seen
      uniformly in physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being domains.
      Symptom burden was a significant problem, with over one-third of women (34%)
      reporting high levels of pain and other uncontrolled symptoms. In multiple
      regression analysis, social well-being was significantly better for older women
      (P<0.001) but was lower in those with bone metastases only (P=0.002). Functional
      well-being was significantly higher in women without children (P=0.004).
      Satisfaction with experience of care was low and appeared to be predominantly in
      the hospital setting, with little evidence of involvement of general
      practitioners and palliative care services. CONCLUSION: Despite improvements in
      treatment and survival of women with metastatic breast cancer, this group reports
      high symptom burden and dissatisfaction with elements of their care, indicating
      that alternative models of service delivery should be explored.

PMID- 22088805
TI  - Does hyperglycemia affect the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Net cellular uptake of (18)F-FDG is adversely affected by elevated
      plasma glucose levels. The purpose of our study was to investigate the influence
      of hyperglycemic state at the time of (18)F-FDG injection on the diagnostic
      accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET/CT. METHOD: Pre-scan plasma glucose levels of all
      patients who were referred for PET/CT with an oncologic indication during the
      year 2005 were reviewed. All seventy-six patients (50 men, 26 women, mean age +/-
      SD: 65.5 +/- 9.7 years) with pre-scan glucose level higher than 140 mg/dL (mean
      plasma glucose level +/- SD: 168.7 +/- 30.8, ranging from 140 to 260 mg/dL) were
      enrolled into our study. The accuracy of PET/CT scans was assessed using
      concurrent or follow-up CT, MRI and histologic evidences as well as clinical
      follow-up as the reference standard. RESULTS: PET/CT was true positive in 37
      patients, true-negative in 30 patients, false negative in 6 patients and false
      positive in 3 patients. Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET/CT on a
      patient basis were 86%, 90.9%, 92.5%, 83.3% and 88.1%, respectively. Diabetes
      mellitus was recorded in 50 patients. No significant diagnostic accuracy
      difference between diabetics and non-diabetics was noticed. CONCLUSION: Our study
      suggests that (18)F-FDG accumulation of malignant lesions remains sufficiently
      high for reliable qualitative clinical diagnosis in chronic and acute
      hyperglycemic states. However, regarding the discordant and inconclusive results
      of the available reports and the remarkable concerns with reference to the
      adverse effects of elevated plasma glucose levels on the diagnostic accuracy of
      (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans, further direct clues seems to be required and should be
      provided by future studies.

PMID- 22088806
TI  - Associations between CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to
      esophageal cancer in Chaoshan and Taihang areas of China.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the causes of esophageal cancer in Chaoshan and Taihang areas.
      METHODS: By using gel-based DNA microarray genotyping method, four cancer-related
      polymorphisms including CYP1A1 m2, CYP1A1 m4, CYP2E1 Pst I and CYP2E1 Rsa I were
      studied with 565 (CYP1A1) or 482 (CYP2E1) cases and 468 (CYP1A1) or 466 (CYP2E1)
      controls. RESULTS: For CYP1A1 m2, the mutant allele frequencies were 21.3%
      (Chaoshan) and 19.6% (Taihang), and OR for AG versus AA genotype (Chaoshan) was
      1.855 (95% CI [1.227-2.805]). For CYP1A1 m4, no mutant allele was detectable. For
      CYP2E1 Pst I, the mutant allele frequencies were 27.3% (Chaoshan) and 29.4%
      (Taihang), and OR for GG versus CC genotype (Taihang) was 3.263 (95% CI [1.059
      10.052]). For CYP2E1 Rsa I, the mutant allele frequencies were 27.3% (Chaoshan)
      and 29.6% (Taihang), and OR for CC versus TT genotype (Taihang) was 3.167 (95% CI
      [1.026-9.776]). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that AG genotype of CYP1A1 in
      Chaoshan area and GG (CC) genotype of CYP2E1 in Taihang area are significantly
      associated with esophageal cancer susceptibility.

PMID- 22088807
TI  - [Radiation-induced nephropathy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The kidneys are dose-limiting organs when total body irradiation or
      irradiation of the digestive tract is planned. The incidence of radiation-induced
      toxicity is probably underestimated due to its latency and confounding factors
      like chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the literature for radiation
      induced renal toxicity was performed. RESULTS: Most toxicities occur around 18
      months. Renal mobility is significant in terms of dosimetric consequences, in
      particular in the young child. In case of total body irradiation, the dose
      responsible for a 5% risk of toxicities is around 16 Gy in 2 Gy fractions over 2
      weeks. For partial renal irradiation, the volume receiving 20 Gy should be below
      32% of the total renal volume. Compensatory mechanisms remain possible in areas
      receiving 12 Gy or less in 1 Gy fractions. When nephrotoxic chemotherapy, these
      tolerance doses must be lowered. Treatment of radiation-induced nephropathy may
      include ACE inhibitors. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Prospective assessment of dose
      volume histograms and consideration of renal mobility in treatment plans along
      with improving radiation techniques should help to improve treatment plans
      including the kidneys.

PMID- 22088808
TI  - Mindful maths: reducing the impact of stereotype threat through a mindfulness
      exercise.
AB  - Individuals who experience stereotype threat - the pressure resulting from social
      comparisons that are perceived as unfavourable - show performance decrements
      across a wide range of tasks. One account of this effect is that the cognitive
      pressure triggered by such threat drains the same cognitive (or working-memory)
      resources that are implicated in the respective task. The present study
      investigates whether mindfulness can be used to moderate stereotype threat, as
      mindfulness has previously been shown to alleviate working-memory load. Our
      results show that performance decrements that typically occur under stereotype
      threat can indeed be reversed when the individual engages in a brief (5 min)
      mindfulness task. The theoretical implications of our findings are discussed.

PMID- 22088809
TI  - Genistein reduces heparan sulfate accumulation in human mucolipidosis II skin
      fibroblasts.
AB  - Genistein, a soy isoflavone, reduces glycosaminoglycan synthesis and its effect
      on mucopolysaccharidoses has been tested. In this report, we examined the effect
      of genistein in human mucolipidosis II skin fibroblasts in vitro. Heparan sulfate
      was accumulated within both cells and in extracellular spaces in mucolipidosis
      II. Genistein reduced the amount of heparan sulfate in cultured cells dose
      dependently and also inhibited cell growth dose dependently.

PMID- 22088810
TI  - Is celiac axis resection justified for T4 pancreatic body cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of the distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac
      axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer remains unclear.
      METHODS: We reviewed the records of 13 patients who underwent distal
      pancreatectomy-celiac axis resection between 1991 and 2009, 58 patients who
      underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic body cancer involving major
      vessels, the extrapancreatic neural plexus or other organs (T4 according to the
      Japanese stage classification) between 1991 and 2009, and 24 patients with
      unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer without distant metastases
      (unresectable group) between 2001 and 2009. The clinicopathologic factors and
      overall survival among the 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: The distal
      pancreatectomy-celiac axis resection group was associated with a significantly
      higher incidence of morbidity (92% vs 60%, P = .03) and positive surgical margins
      (69% vs 26%, P = .003) than the distal pancreatectomy group; however, no survival
      difference was found between the 2 groups. No survivor has lived more than 3
      years after operation in the distal pancreatectomy-celiac axis resection group.
      The distal pancreatectomy-celiac axis resection group had a significantly better
      prognosis than the unresectable group (median survival time, 20.8 vs 9.8 months;
      P = .01). CONCLUSION: Aggressive resection for T4 pancreatic body cancer by
      distal pancreatectomy-celiac axis resection can be justified for otherwise
      unresectable tumors. The surgical indication should be evaluated carefully
      because of the higher incidence of morbidity and lower incidence of curability
      compared with distal pancreatectomy, as well as because there have been no long
      term survivors so far.

PMID- 22088811
TI  - Error training: missing link in surgical education.

PMID- 22088812
TI  - Forging successful interdisciplinary research collaborations: a nationwide survey
      of departments of surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of academic surgeons engaged
      in interdisciplinary collaborations and identify success factors and challenges
      to establishing these collaborations. METHODS: Chairs of surgery at US medical
      schools and selected hospitals and research institutes were surveyed in 2009 to
      determine the frequency, types, outcomes, and value of interdisciplinary
      collaborations; National Institutes of Health funding for these collaborations;
      major barriers and success factors; and departmental and institutional activities
      to promote collaborations. RESULTS: Eighty-two department chairs (58%) completed
      the survey. Ninety-three percent answered that their faculty engaged in
      interdisciplinary collaborations, and 71% stated that it was critical for their
      research success. On average, 27% of full-time MDs/MD-PhDs were involved in
      collaborations compared to 81% of PhDs within their departments. The most
      frequent collaborators included other clinical (43%) and basic science (24%)
      departments. Only 5% indicated that their most frequent collaborators were with
      other university programs, primarily with bioengineering or biomedical
      engineering. Collaborations resulted most often in publications, research
      opportunities for surgical residents, and National Institutes of Health funding.
      Pilot funding and active networking were key success factors. Longer chair tenure
      was statistically significantly associated with more success factors and fewer
      barriers to collaborations. Surgeons were much less likely to participate in
      institution-wide efforts than in departmental activities, although these
      activities were ongoing in more than two-thirds of institutions. CONCLUSION:
      Surgeons value collaborations as critical for their research success. Our survey
      indicates the potential for additional collaborations through more involvement
      with institutional efforts and with other university faculty. Stable, supportive
      department chairs are critical to establishing these activities.

PMID- 22088813
TI  - Incisional hernia after abdominal closure with slowly absorbable versus fast
      absorbable, antibacterial-coated sutures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia remains among the most common complications after
      midline incision of the abdominal wall. The role of the suture material used for
      abdominal wall closure remains controversial. To decrease bacterial adherence to
      surgical sutures, braided suture materials with antibacterial activity (Vicryl
      plus, Ethicon, Inc) were developed. This is the first study to analyze long-term
      results using an antibacterial-braided suture material for abdominal wall closure
      in a large clinical trial. METHODS: To analyze the effects of Triclosan-coated
      suture material (Vicryl plus) on the development of incisional hernia, we
      performed a 36-month follow-up of 1,018 patients who had a primary midline
      incision for elective abdominal surgery. In the first time period, a PDS II loop
      suture was used. In the second observation period, we used Vicryl plus. All
      variables were recorded prospectively in a database. The primary outcome was the
      number of incisional hernias. Risk factors for the development of incisional
      hernias were collected prospectively to compare the 2 groups. RESULTS: The
      overall incisional hernia rate in the 36-month follow-up period was 14.6%.
      Analyzing the influence of the suture material used on the development of
      incisional hernia, we did not find differences between the 2 groups (PDS II, 14%;
      Vicryl plus, 15.2%). In the multivariate analysis of possible factors in the
      study population, only body mass index (BMI) showed a significant influence on
      the development of incisional hernias. Despite the incidence of wound infections
      being less in the Vicryl plus group (6.1% vs 11.9%; P < .05), there were no
      difference in incidence of incisional hernia between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION:
      Fast absorbable sutures with antibacterial coating (Tricosan) do not increase the
      hernia rate after midline abdominal incision compared with slowly absorbable
      sutures, when wound infection rates are decreased by coating the fast absorbable
      suture with Triclosan. The development of incisional hernia is significantly
      increasing in patients with a BMI >30 kg/m(2).

PMID- 22088814
TI  - Decrease in donor heart injury by recombinant clusterin protein in cold
      preservation with University of Wisconsin solution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Donor organ injury during cold preservation before transplantation
      negatively impacts graft survival. Clusterin (CLU) is a chaperonic protein, and
      its expression confers donor hearts resistance to cold ischemic injury. This
      study was conducted to evaluate if the supplement of recombinant CLU protein
      (rCLU) protects donor organs from injury during cold storage with University of
      Wisconsin (UW) solution. METHODS: Human endothelial cell cultures were used as an
      in vitro model. Heart transplantation in mice was used as an in vivo model. Cell
      membrane disruption or death was indicated by the release of lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH). Donor injury was determined by its functional recovery, and
      histologic and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Supplement of rCLU to UW solution
      protected cultured human endothelial cells from cold-induced cell necrosis, as
      evidenced by a decrease in both release of LDH and the number of ethidium bromide
      stained necrotic cells. The protective activity of rCLU was associated with
      enhanced membrane fluidity at cold temperature. During cold storage of heart
      organs in UW solution, supplemental rCLU significantly decreased LDH release from
      heart tissue. In a preclinical model of transplantation, heart grafts after cold
      preservation with rCLU-containing UW solution had better functional recovery and
      decreased perivascular inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and cardiac cell
      death, including apoptosis and necrosis, that correlated with lower levels of
      serum creatine kinase and LDH in recipients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that
      supplement of CLU protein in a cold preservation solution may have potential in
      improving cold preservation of donor organs in transplantation.

PMID- 22088816
TI  - Accidental discovery: the polytetrafluoroethylene graft.

PMID- 22088815
TI  - Pretreating mesenchymal stem cells with interleukin-1beta and transforming growth
      factor-beta synergistically increases vascular endothelial growth factor
      production and improves mesenchymal stem cell-mediated myocardial protection
      after acute ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) improve postischemic myocardial
      function in part through their secretion of growth factors such as vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Pretreating MSCs with various cytokines or
      small molecules can improve VEGF secretion and MSC-mediated cardioprotection.
      However, whether 1 cytokine can potentiate the effect of another cytokine in MSC
      pretreatment to achieve a synergistic effect on VEGF production and
      cardioprotection is poorly studied. METHODS: MSCs were treated with interleukin
      (IL)-1beta and/or transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 for 24 hours before
      experiments. VEGF production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Isolated hearts from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 15 minutes
      of equilibration, 25 minutes of ischemia, and 40 minutes reperfusion. Hearts (n =
      5-7 per group) were randomly infused with vehicle, untreated MSCs, or MSCs
      pretreated with IL-1beta and/or TGF-beta1. Specific inhibitors were used to
      delineate the roles of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and SMAD3 in
      IL-1beta- and TGF-beta1-mediated stimulation of MSCs. RESULTS: MSCs cotreated
      with IL-1beta and TGF-beta1 exhibited synergistically increased VEGF secretion,
      and they greatly improved postischemic myocardial functional recovery. Ablation
      of p38 MAPK and SMAD3 activation with specific inhibitors negated both IL-1beta-
      and TGF-beta1-mediated VEGF production in MSCs and the ability of these
      pretreated MSCs to improve myocardial recovery after ischemia. CONCLUSION:
      Pretreating MSCs with 2 cytokines may be useful to fully realize the potential of
      cell-based therapies for ischemic tissues.

PMID- 22088818
TI  - The experience of burnout across different surgical specialties in the United
      Kingdom: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We used a cross-sectional e-mail survey to assess the prevalence of
      psychological morbidity across different surgical specialties and identify
      predictor variables of burnout in surgeons. METHOD: The survey was sent to 1971
      surgeons from 127 National Health Service (NHS) hospital trusts across the United
      Kingdom. Burnout prevalence and mood were assessed using the Maslach Burnout
      Inventory-General Survey and Profile of Mood States (POMS), respectively.
      Demographic and POMS factors were investigated as predictors of burnout using
      linear and stepwise regression analyses. RESULTS: Responses to the survey were
      received from 342 surgeons (17% response rate). One-third of 313 respondents
      showed high mean levels of burnout on exhaustion (2.32; standard deviation [SD],
      1.62) and cynicism (2.34; SD, 1.44) subscales. Some specialties worked
      significantly more hours per week (F[8, 252] = 2.89; P = .004), but burnout
      prevalence did not differ significantly between specialty, grade, age, gender,
      hours worked per week, or years spent in post. The number of years in specialty
      (beta = -0.17; P = .003) independently predicted surgeons' scores on exhaustion.
      POMS factors significantly predicted burnout, where fatigue (beta = 0.58; P <
      .001) was the best predictor of exhaustion scores, depression (beta = 0.28; P <
      .001) the best predictor of cynicism, and vigor (beta = 0.29; P < .001) the best
      predictor of professional efficacy. Management issues were cited as contributing
      to psychological morbidity. CONCLUSION: UK surgeons show high levels of cynicism
      and exhaustion burnout irrespective of their specialty, grade, or hours worked
      per week. Surgeons' mood profiles significantly predicted burnout, indicating the
      POMS could be used as part of an assessment for preventive interventions. NHS
      management and infrastructure are highlighted as influences on surgeons'
      psychological health.

PMID- 22088817
TI  - The outcome of resected cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasms: a case-matched
      analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (CPENs) are uncommon tumors
      with uncertain disease biology and ill-defined diagnostic features. METHODS: A
      prospectively maintained pancreatic cyst registry was queried, and 31 cases of
      CPEN that were resected between 1995 and 2010 were identified. Patient and lesion
      characteristics were detailed and compared with resected non-PEN cystic lesions.
      Recurrence and survival outcome were compared with 31 noncystic PENs matched for
      functional status, differentiation, size, World Health Organization
      classification, grade, and presence of metastases. RESULTS: During the study
      period, CPENs accounted for 7% of resected pancreatic cysts (31/469) and 12% of
      resected PENs (31/255). CPENs were primarily sporadic (94%), solitary (87%),
      nonfunctioning (100%), and incidentally discovered (68%). The median diameter was
      2.1 cm (range, 0.9-6.2 cm), and preoperative imaging identified septations in
      29%, a solid component in 26%, and cyst wall enhancement or a characteristic
      hypervascular rim in 45% of cases. Preoperative imaging and/or cytology suggested
      the diagnosis of CPEN in 61%. Compared with resected nonendocrine cystic lesions,
      CPEN were less frequently symptomatic, less likely to contain septations, and
      smaller. Compared with matched noncystic PENs, CPENs had comparable demographic,
      radiologic, and pathologic features and statistically similar long-term outcome
      (5-year disease-free survival: CPEN: 100% vs PEN: 86%, P = .947). CONCLUSION: In
      this study, CPENs were primarily asymptomatic small lesions that could be
      characterized in the majority of cases by cyst wall enhancement on preoperative
      imaging and/or cytologic assessment. No significant difference in recurrence or
      survival outcome was identified between cystic and noncystic PENs.

PMID- 22088819
TI  - Evaluation of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition of
      post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage in a high-volume center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is observed infrequently
      after pancreatic surgery, it remains a serious complication with a high rate of
      mortality. Recently, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)
      issued a new definition for PPH. To evaluate and validate this new definition, we
      analyzed data retrospectively from our center. METHODS: Data from 945 patients
      who underwent pancreatic surgery in our department between October 1993 and
      December 2009 were identified retrospectively from our prospective database with
      regard to the occurrences of PPH. We graded the hemorrhages recorded in our
      database according to the ISGPS consensus definition. We assessed the clinical
      course, morbidity, mortality, and duration of hospital stay for patients with
      grade B and C PPHs in comparison with patients who underwent pancreatic
      resections without hemorrhage. RESULTS: Grade B PPH after pancreatic surgery
      occurred in 16 patients (1.7%), and grade C PPH occurred in 38 patients (4.0%).
      Mortality was significantly increased in PPH grades B and C compared with control
      patients (25.9% vs 2.0%; P < .001) and contributed to nearly one-half of the
      mortality in the present series. Morbidity was also increased in patients with
      grade B (76.5%) and C (94.6%) PPH compared with control patients (59.6%; P <
      .001). Grade B and C PPH correlated significantly with the incidence of grade C
      postoperative pancreatic fistula (14.8% vs 1.9%), grade C delayed gastric
      emptying (18.5% vs 4.0%), and wound infection (38.9% vs 13.5%) compared with
      control patients. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical evaluation of the ISGPS
      PPH definition. Our data indicate that the new definition correlates well with
      morbidity, mortality, and duration of hospital stay. The definition, therefore,
      seems suitable for clinical and scientific applications.

PMID- 22088820
TI  - NBCA medical adhesive (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) versus suture for patch fixation
      in Lichtenstein inguinal herniorrhaphy: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We compared the effectiveness of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and
      traditional suture for patch fixation in Lichtenstein tension-free herniorrhaphy
      for inguinal hernias. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with primary unilateral
      inguinal hernia were assigned randomly to either experimental or control groups.
      In the experimental group, NBCA adhesive was used during Lichtenstein
      herniorrhaphy; traditional suture was used in the control group. We evaluated
      operation time, postoperative duration of stay, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain
      score, incidence of chronic pain and hematoma formation, and hernia recurrence.
      RESULTS: There was no hernia recurrence or wound infection in either group. In
      the experimental group, 2 local hematomas occurred while no patients experienced
      chronic postoperative pain; in the control group, 10 hematomas occurred, and 6
      patients experienced chronic pain. There was no difference in postoperative
      duration of stay between the groups (P > .05), but the experimental group had a
      lesser operation time and postoperative VAS score (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The use
      of NBCA medical adhesive in tension-free inguinal herniorrhaphy is effective and
      safe.

PMID- 22088821
TI  - Reduction in endotoxemia, oxidative and inflammatory stress, and insulin
      resistance after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in patients with morbid obesity
      and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) results in profound weight loss and
      resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The mechanism of this remarkable
      transition remains poorly defined. It has been proposed that endotoxin
      (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) sets inflammatory tone, triggers weight gain, and
      initiates T2DM. Because RYGB may diminish LPS from endogenous and exogenous
      sources, we hypothesized that LPS and the associated cascade of oxidative and
      inflammatory stress would diminish after RYGB. METHODS: Fifteen adults with
      morbid obesity and T2DM undergoing RYGB were studied. After an overnight fast, a
      baseline blood sample was collected the morning of surgery and at 180 days to
      assess changes in glycemia, insulin resistance, LPS, mononuclear cell nuclear
      factor (NF)-kappaB binding and mRNA expression of CD14, TLR-2, TLR-4, and markers
      of inflammatory stress. RESULTS: At 180 days after RYGB, subjects had a
      significant decrease in body mass index (52.1 +/- 13.0 to 40.4 +/- 11.1), plasma
      glucose (148 +/- 8 to 101 +/- 4 mg/dL), insulin (18.5 +/- 2.2 mMUU/mL to 8.6 +/-
      1.0 mMUU/mL) and HOMA-IR (7.1 +/- 1.1 to 2.1 +/- 0.3). Plasma LPS significantly
      reduced by 20 +/- 5% (0.567 +/- 0.033 U/mL to 0.443 +/- 0.022 E U/mL). NF-kappaB
      DNA binding decreased significantly by 21 +/- 8%, whereas TLR-4, TLR-2, and CD-14
      expression decreased significantly by 25 +/- 9%, 42 +/- 8%, and 27 +/- 10%,
      respectively. Inflammatory mediators CRP, MMP-9, and MCP-1 decreased
      significantly by 47 +/- 7% (10.7 +/- 1.6 mg/L to 5.8 +/- 1.0 mg/L), 15 +/- 6%
      (492 +/- 42 ng/mL to 356 +/- 26 ng/mL) and 11 +/- 4% (522 +/- 35 ng/mL to 466 +/-
      35 ng/mL), respectively. CONCLUSION: LPS, NF-kappaB DNA binding, TLR-4, TLR-2,
      and CD14 expression, CRP, MMP-9, and MCP-1 decreased significantly after RYGB.
      The mechanism underlying resolution of insulin resistance and T2DM after RYGB may
      be attributable, at least in part, to the reduction of endotoxemia and associated
      proinflammatory mediators.

PMID- 22088822
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 regulates the JNK signaling pathway through the MLK3-MKK7-JNK3
      signaling module in brain ischemia injury.
AB  - Although previous researches indicated that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays a
      conspicuous role in neuronal injury induced by reperfusion following the brain
      ischemia, reasonable mechanisms for the role of HO-1 are not clear. In this work,
      we investigated whether HO-1 was involved in the regulation of the c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway and neuronal cell injury induced by the
      brain ischemia followed by reperfusion. Cobaltic protoporphyrin (CoPP), an
      activator of HO-1, was administrated to induce the overexpression of HO-1 by
      intracerebroventricular infusion 20 min before ischemia. The results showed that
      the combination of HO-1-mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), MLK3-mitogen-activated
      kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) and MKK7-JNK3 increased to a peak at 6h of reperfusion
      following 15 min of ischemia induced by four-vessel occlusion in rats, and these
      effects were downregulated by CoPP. In addition, CoPP could inhibit the
      activation of JNK3, c-Jun and caspase-3. Furthermore, pretreatment with CoPP
      significantly increased the survival of neurons after 5 days of reperfusion. In
      contrast, all of the above effects of CoPP were reversed by zinc protoporphyrin
      (ZnPP), a selective inhibitor of HO-1. Our results suggested that HO-1 could
      protect neurons against brain ischemic injury by downregulating the JNK signaling
      pathway through the MLK3-MKK7-JNK3 signaling module.

PMID- 22088824
TI  - Baicalin promotes neuronal differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells
      through modulating p-stat3 and bHLH family protein expression.
AB  - Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (stat3) and basic helix-loop
      helix (bHLH) gene family are important cellular signal molecules for the
      regulation of cell fate decision and neuronal differentiation of neural
      stem/progenitor cells (NPCs). In the present study, we investigated the effects
      of baicalin, a flavonoid compound isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis G, on
      regulating phosphorylation of stat3 and expression of bHLH family proteins and
      promoting neuronal differentiation of NPCs. Embryonic NPCs from the cortex of E15
      16 rats were treated with baicalin (2, 20 MUM) for 2h and 7 days. Neuronal and
      glial differentiations were identified with mature neuronal marker microtubule
      associated protein (MAP-2) and glial marker Glial fibrillary acidic protein
      (GFAP) immunostaining fluorescent microscopy respectively. Phosphorylation of
      stat3 (p-stat3) and expressions of bHLH family genes including Mash1, Hes1 and
      NeuroD1 were detected with immunofluorescent microscopy and Western blot
      analysis. The results revealed that baicalin treatment increased the percentages
      of MAP-2 positive staining cells and decreased GFAP staining cells. Meanwhile,
      baicalin treatment down-regulated the expression of p-stat3 and Hes1, but up
      regulated the expressions of NeuroD1 and Mash1. Those results indicate that
      baicalin can promote the neural differentiation but inhibit glial formation and
      its neurogenesis-promoting effects are associated with the modulations of stat3
      and bHLH genes in neural stem/progenitor cells.

PMID- 22088823
TI  - Dihydrotestosterone differentially modulates the cortisol response of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in male and female rhesus macaques, and
      restores circadian secretion of cortisol in females.
AB  - Here we used a within-subject design to evaluate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      (HPA) activity following replacement of low and high physiological levels of
      testosterone (T) to adult, gonadally-suppressed, male rhesus macaques, and
      replacement with sex-specific low and high physiological doses of
      dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the same adult males as well as in adult, gonadally
      suppressed, female rhesus macaques. As indexes of HPA axis activation following T
      and DHT replacement, serum levels of cortisol (CORT) were measured before and
      following dexamethasone (DEX) inhibition, and corticotrophin-releasing factor
      (CRF) induced activation. Female monkeys were assessed for differences in
      response associated with dominant (DOM) and subordinate (SUB) social status. Data
      show that the high physiological dose of DHT significantly decreased basal CORT
      in both male and female monkeys irrespective of social status, but reduced CRF
      stimulated CORT only in males. SUB female monkeys showed a trend towards
      increased CRF-stimulated CORT release under high-dose DHT replacement compared to
      DOM females or males given the same treatment, indicating that androgens likely
      have no influence on reducing HPA activation under chronic psychosocial stress in
      females. The normal circadian rhythm of CORT release was absent in placebo
      replaced SUB and DOM females and was restored with low-dose DHT replacement.
      These results indicate that DHT significantly reduces CRF-stimulated CORT release
      only in male monkeys, and plays a role in maintaining circadian changes in CORT
      release in female monkeys.

PMID- 22088825
TI  - Brain potentials show rapid activation of implicit attitudes towards young and
      old people.
AB  - While previous behavioural research suggests that attitudes, for example towards
      elderly people, may be activated automatically, this type of research does not
      provide information about the detailed time-course of such processing in the
      brain. We investigated the impact of age related attitude information in a
      Go/NoGo association task that paired photographs of elderly or young faces with
      positive or negative words. Event related brain potentials showed an N200 (NoGo)
      component, which appeared earlier in runs which required similar responses for
      congruent stimulus pairings (e.g. respond to pictures of elderly faces or
      negative words) than for incongruent pairings (e.g. respond to elderly faces or
      positive words). As information processing leading to a certain attitude must
      precede differential brain activity according to the congruence of the paired
      words and faces, we show that this type of information is activated almost
      immediately following the structural encoding of the face, between 170 and 230 ms
      after onset of the face.

PMID- 22088826
TI  - Perceived social support as a predictor of disease-specific quality of life in
      head-and-neck cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment for head-and-neck cancer (HNC) can lead to severe
      decrements in disease-specific quality of life (DSQOL) due to disfigurement and
      disability in speech, eating, and/or breathing. Psychosocial factors such as
      social support may explain individual variance in DSQOL outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The
      researchers sought to evaluate changes in perceived availability of social
      support from pretreatment to posttreatment and to determine whether decreases in
      perceived social support predicted poorer posttreatment DSQOL among HNC patients,
      controlling for disease- and treatment-related factors. METHODS: Participants (n
      = 32) were newly diagnosed with HNC and were awaiting surgery and/or radiation
      treatment. Measures included the ENRICHD Social Support instrument (ESSI) to
      assess perceived social support and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy
      Head & Neck (FACT-H&N) to assess DSQOL. Paired-samples t-tests and hierarchical
      regression analyses were conducted to determine relationships between
      pretreatment and posttreatment perceived social support and DSQOL. RESULTS:
      Perceived social support decreased significantly from pre- to posttreatment
      (F[31] = -2.71, P < .01). After adjusting for relevant covariates and
      pretreatment DSQOL, change in perceived social support remained a significant
      predictor of posttreatment DSQOL (beta = .47, P < .01). LIMITATIONS: This study
      included a relatively small sample of HNC patients, which limited power to
      evaluate mechanisms of observed relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Increased social
      isolation may be a risk factor for poorer physical recovery from, or adjustment
      to, treatment-related side effects. Social support may be an important target for
      psychosocial interventions for patients who face challenging treatment side
      effects.

PMID- 22088827
TI  - The attitudes of nurses toward opioid analgesics at a hospital in Colombia.

PMID- 22088828
TI  - The role of spirituality and religious coping in the quality of life of patients
      with advanced cancer receiving palliative radiation therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: National palliative care guidelines outline spiritual care as a
      domain of palliative care, yet patients' religiousness and/or spirituality (R/S)
      are underappreciated in the palliative oncology setting. Among patients with
      advanced cancer receiving palliative radiation therapy (RT), this study aims to
      characterize patient spirituality, religiousness, and religious coping; examine
      the relationships of these variables to quality of life (QOL); and assess
      patients' perceptions of spiritual care in the cancer care setting. METHODS: This
      is a multisite, cross-sectional survey of 69 patients with advanced cancer
      (response rate = 73%) receiving palliative RT. Scripted interviews assessed
      patient spirituality, religiousness, religious coping, QOL (McGill QOL
      Questionnaire), and perceptions of the importance of attention to spiritual needs
      by health providers. Multivariable models assessed the relationships of patient
      spirituality and R/S coping to patient QOL, controlling for other significant
      predictors of QOL. RESULTS: Most participants (84%) indicated reliance on R/S
      beliefs to cope with cancer. Patient spirituality and religious coping were
      associated with improved QOL in multivariable analyses (beta = 10.57, P < .001
      and beta = 1.28, P = .01, respectively). Most patients considered attention to
      spiritual concerns an important part of cancer care by physicians (87%) and
      nurses (85%). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include a small sample size, a cross
      sectional study design, and a limited proportion of nonwhite participants (15%)
      from one US region. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving palliative RT rely on R/S
      beliefs to cope with advanced cancer. Furthermore, spirituality and religious
      coping are contributors to better QOL. These findings highlight the importance of
      spiritual care in advanced cancer care.

PMID- 22088829
TI  - Validity of affect measurements in evaluating symptom reporting in athletes.
AB  - Identifying factors that improve the assessment of athletes' psychological
      functioning is imperative to make proper return-to-play decisions following
      concussion. Prior research indicates that an individual's affect is related to
      symptom reporting. The present study examines two novel methods of affect
      assessment in college athletes at baseline participating in a sports-concussion
      management program. A total of 256 athletes completed a neuropsychological
      baseline battery with measurements of psychological symptoms (BDI-Fast Screen,
      Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, and ImPact Total Symptom Score) and a measure of
      affective memory bias (the Affective Verbal Learning Test; AVLT). Examiners
      completed an observation-based rating of affect. Multivariate analysis of
      variance and chi2 analyses were conducted to examine the effect of affect on
      symptom reports. Examiners' Affect Ratings were predictive of broad symptom
      reporting, while the performance based index of affect (Affective Verbal Learning
      Test, AVLT) was more predictive of depressive symptoms. These findings suggest
      that performance on the AVLT may be a useful indicator of self-reported
      depression in a collegiate athlete sample. Additionally, these results
      demonstrate that examiners' behavioral assessments of affect are important in the
      assessment of psychological functioning in athletes. Continued work should focus
      on developing objective measures that are sensitive and valid for the evaluation
      of outcomes from concussion.

PMID- 22088830
TI  - Strong evidence in support of CT colonography screening.

PMID- 22088832
TI  - Thallium concentrations and sources in the surface sediments of Bohai Bay.
AB  - The Tl concentrations and chemical speciation were determined in the surface
      sediments of Bohai Bay to evaluate its biogeochemical characteristics. The total
      Tl concentrations were in the range of 0.506-0.770 MUg/g and correlated
      significantly with clay and total organic carbon (TOC) contents, suggesting that
      the grain size and TOC were major factors controlling Tl distribution. The
      sequential extraction performed to indicate Tl speciation and availability in
      Bohai Bay sediments suggested that Tl occurred mainly in the residual fraction
      and Tl came mainly from natural input. In the non-residual fractions, Fe-Mn oxide
      and organic matter fractions accounted for the main portions, suggesting that the
      labile Tl adsorption was dominated by Fe-Mn oxides and organic matter. In
      addition, according to our estimate, about 2.7 t/yr and 0.16 t/yr of Tl reached
      Bohai Bay via rivers and atmosphere, respectively.

PMID- 22088831
TI  - Participation and yield of colonoscopy versus non-cathartic CT colonography in
      population-based screening for colorectal cancer: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Screening for colorectal cancer is widely recommended, but the
      preferred strategy remains unidentified. We aimed to compare participation and
      diagnostic yield between screening with colonoscopy and with non-cathartic CT
      colonography. METHODS: Members of the general population, aged 50-75 years, and
      living in the regions of Amsterdam or Rotterdam, identified via the registries of
      the regional municipal administration, were randomly allocated (2:1) to be
      invited for primary screening for colorectal cancer by colonoscopy or by CT
      colonography. Randomisation was done per household with a minimisation algorithm
      based on age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Invitations were sent between June
      8, 2009, and Aug 16, 2010. Participants assigned to CT colonography who were
      found to have one or more large lesions (>=10 mm) were offered colonoscopy; those
      with 6-9 mm lesions were offered surveillance CT colonography. The primary
      outcome was the participation rate, defined as number of invitees undergoing the
      examination relative to the total number of invitees. Diagnostic yield was
      calculated as number of participants with advanced neoplasia relative to the
      total number of invitees. Invitees and screening centre employees were not masked
      to allocation. This trial is registered in the Dutch trial register, number
      NTR1829. FINDINGS: 1276 (22%) of 5924 colonoscopy invitees participated, compared
      with 982 (34%) of 2920 CT colonography invitees (relative risk [RR] 1.56, 95% CI
      1.46-1.68; p<0.0001). Of the participants in the colonoscopy group, 111 (9%) had
      advanced neoplasia of whom seven (<1%) had a carcinoma. Of CT colonography
      participants, 84 (9%) were offered colonoscopy, of whom 60 (6%) had advanced
      neoplasia of whom five (<1%) had a carcinoma; 82 (8%) were offered surveillance.
      The diagnostic yield for all advanced neoplasia was 8.7 per 100 participants for
      colonoscopy versus 6.1 per 100 for CT colonography (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06-2.03;
      p=0.02) and 1.9 per 100 invitees for colonoscopy and 2.1 per 100 invitees for CT
      colonography (RR 0.91, 0.66-2.03; p=0.56). The diagnostic yield for advanced
      neoplasia of 10 mm or more was 1.5 per 100 invitees for colonoscopy and 2.0 per
      100 invitees for CT colonography, respectively (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53-1.03;
      p=0.07). Serious adverse events related to the screening procedure were post
      polypectomy bleedings: two in the colonoscopy group and three in the CT
      colonography group. INTERPRETATION: Participation in colorectal cancer screening
      with CT colonography was significantly better than with colonoscopy, but
      colonoscopy identified significantly more advanced neoplasia per 100 participants
      than did CT colonography. The diagnostic yield for advanced neoplasia per 100
      invitees was similar for both strategies, indicating that both techniques can be
      used for population-based screening for colorectal cancer. Other factors such as
      cost-effectiveness and perceived burden should be taken into account when
      deciding which technique is preferable. FUNDING: Netherlands Organisation for
      Health Research and Development, Centre for Translational Molecular Medicine, and
      the Nuts Ohra Foundation.

PMID- 22088833
TI  - Women with prior preterm birth and short cervical length: to cerclage or not?

PMID- 22088834
TI  - Women with prior preterm birth and short cervix: do NOT cerclage.

PMID- 22088835
TI  - Cerclage decreases preterm birth: finally the level I evidence is here.

PMID- 22088837
TI  - The rate of cervical change and the phenotype of spontaneous preterm birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preterm birth is classified by the presence of uterine contractions
      and/or amniorrhexis at clinical presentation. This classification does not
      include prior cervical change. We hypothesized that the rate of cervical
      shortening before preterm birth would not differ according to clinical
      presentation. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from a completed study of paired
      cervical ultrasound measurements to test our hypothesis. Cervical ultrasound
      measurements obtained 4 weeks apart in the second trimester were related to
      gestational age and clinical presentation at birth. RESULTS: Of 2521 eligible
      women, 128 were delivered after preterm labor and 106 after preterm membrane
      rupture; 89 delivered preterm for a medical or obstetrical indication; 2198
      delivered at term. The rate of change was similar in women who presented with
      preterm labor (-0.96 mm/week) and preterm ruptured membranes (-0.82 mm/week).
      CONCLUSION: Cervical shortening occurs at the same rate before spontaneous
      preterm birth, regardless of presentation.

PMID- 22088838
TI  - Silent existence: a retroperitoneal tumor had an unexpected origin.

PMID- 22088839
TI  - Outpatient balloon vaginoplasty for treatment of vaginal aplasia: retropubic
      balloon vaginoplasty was performed as an office procedure under local anesthesia.
AB  - We evaluated the feasibility and operative and postoperative outcomes of office
      balloon vaginoplasty. Office balloon vaginoplasty was performed successfully for
      a case with vaginal aplasia. She was currently married and presenting with
      minimal penetration and dyspareunia. We successfully performed the procedure
      through retro-pubic space under local anesthesia within 25 min total operative
      time and it was well tolerated by the patient. No operative complications were
      reported. The resulting neovagina was cosmetically attractive and 10 cm in depth.
      Sexual intercourse was started on the day of catheter removal. Penetration and
      satisfaction scores increased up to 90 points for both partners.

PMID- 22088840
TI  - Discussion: 'Bacterial vaginosis and STI risk' by Allsworth et al.

PMID- 22088841
TI  - NoRSE: noise reduction and state evaluator for high-frequency single event
      traces.
AB  - NoRSE was developed to analyze high-frequency datasets collected from multistate,
      dynamic experiments, such as molecular adsorption and desorption onto carbon
      nanotubes. As technology improves sampling frequency, these stochastic datasets
      become increasingly large with faster dynamic events. More efficient algorithms
      are needed to accurately locate the unique states in each time trace. NoRSE
      adapts and optimizes a previously published noise reduction algorithm and uses a
      custom peak flagging routine to rapidly identify unique event states. The
      algorithm is explained using experimental data from our lab and its fitting
      accuracy and efficiency are then shown with a generalized model of stochastic
      datasets. The algorithm is compared to another recently published state finding
      algorithm and is found to be 27 times faster and more accurate over 55% of the
      generalized experimental space. NoRSE is written as an M-file for Matlab.
      AVAILABILITY: http://web.mit.edu/stranogroup/NoRSE.txt.

PMID- 22088842
TI  - Dragon PolyA Spotter: predictor of poly(A) motifs within human genomic DNA
      sequences.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Recognition of poly(A) signals in mRNA is relatively straightforward
      due to the presence of easily recognizable polyadenylic acid tail. However, the
      task of identifying poly(A) motifs in the primary genomic DNA sequence that
      correspond to poly(A) signals in mRNA is a far more challenging problem.
      Recognition of poly(A) signals is important for better gene annotation and
      understanding of the gene regulation mechanisms. In this work, we present one
      such poly(A) motif prediction method based on properties of human genomic DNA
      sequence surrounding a poly(A) motif. These properties include thermodynamic,
      physico-chemical and statistical characteristics. For predictions, we developed
      Artificial Neural Network and Random Forest models. These models are trained to
      recognize 12 most common poly(A) motifs in human DNA. Our predictors are
      available as a free web-based tool accessible at http://cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/dps.
      Compared with other reported predictors, our models achieve higher sensitivity
      and specificity and furthermore provide a consistent level of accuracy for 12
      poly(A) motif variants. CONTACT: vladimir.bajic@kaust.edu.sa SUPPLEMENTARY
      INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22088843
TI  - Inferring gene regulatory networks from gene expression data by path consistency
      algorithm based on conditional mutual information.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Reconstruction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs), which explicitly
      represent the causality of developmental or regulatory process, is of utmost
      interest and has become a challenging computational problem for understanding the
      complex regulatory mechanisms in cellular systems. However, all existing methods
      of inferring GRNs from gene expression profiles have their strengths and
      weaknesses. In particular, many properties of GRNs, such as topology sparseness
      and non-linear dependence, are generally in regulation mechanism but seldom are
      taken into account simultaneously in one computational method. RESULTS: In this
      work, we present a novel method for inferring GRNs from gene expression data
      considering the non-linear dependence and topological structure of GRNs by
      employing path consistency algorithm (PCA) based on conditional mutual
      information (CMI). In this algorithm, the conditional dependence between a pair
      of genes is represented by the CMI between them. With the general hypothesis of
      Gaussian distribution underlying gene expression data, CMI between a pair of
      genes is computed by a concise formula involving the covariance matrices of the
      related gene expression profiles. The method is validated on the benchmark GRNs
      from the DREAM challenge and the widely used SOS DNA repair network in
      Escherichia coli. The cross-validation results confirmed the effectiveness of our
      method (PCA-CMI), which outperforms significantly other previous methods. Besides
      its high accuracy, our method is able to distinguish direct (or causal)
      interactions from indirect associations. AVAILABILITY: All the source data and
      code are available at: http://csb.shu.edu.cn/subweb/grn.htm. CONTACT:
      lnchen@sibs.ac.cn; zpliu@sibs.ac.cn SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data
      are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22088844
TI  - Time-course network analysis reveals TNF-alpha can promote G1/S transition of
      cell cycle in vascular endothelial cells.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a major inflammatory
      cytokine, is closely related to several cardiovascular pathological processes.
      However, its effects on the cell cycle of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) have
      been the subject of some controversy. To investigate the molecular mechanism
      underlying this process, we constructed time-course protein-protein interaction
      (PPI) networks of TNF-alpha induced regulation of cell cycle in VECs using
      microarray datasets and genome-wide PPI datasets. Then, we analyzed the
      topological properties of the responsive PPI networks and calculated the node
      degree and node betweenness centralization of each gene in the networks. We found
      that p21, p27 and cyclinD1, key genes of the G1/S checkpoint, are in the center
      of responsive PPI networks and their roles in PPI networks are significantly
      altered with induction of TNF-alpha. According to the following biological
      experiments, we proved that TNF-alpha can promote G(1)/S transition of cell cycle
      in VECs and facilitate the cell cycle activation induced by vascular endothelial
      growth factor. CONTACT: shaoli@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22088845
TI  - TREAT: a bioinformatics tool for variant annotations and visualizations in
      targeted and exome sequencing data.
AB  - TREAT (Targeted RE-sequencing Annotation Tool) is a tool for facile navigation
      and mining of the variants from both targeted resequencing and whole exome
      sequencing. It provides a rich integration of publicly available as well as in
      house developed annotations and visualizations for variants, variant-hosting
      genes and host-gene pathways. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: TREAT is freely
      available to non-commercial users as either a stand-alone annotation and
      visualization tool, or as a comprehensive workflow integrating sequencing
      alignment and variant calling. The executables, instructions and the Amazon Cloud
      Images of TREAT can be downloaded at the website:
      http://ndc.mayo.edu/mayo/research/biostat/stand-alone-packages.cfm.

PMID- 22088846
TI  - QuRe: software for viral quasispecies reconstruction from next-generation
      sequencing data.
AB  - SUMMARY: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an ideal framework for the
      characterization of highly variable pathogens, with a deep resolution able to
      capture minority variants. However, the reconstruction of all variants of a viral
      population infecting a host is a challenging task for genome regions larger than
      the average NGS read length. QuRe is a program for viral quasispecies
      reconstruction, specifically developed to analyze long read (>100 bp) NGS data.
      The software performs alignments of sequence fragments against a reference
      genome, finds an optimal division of the genome into sliding windows based on
      coverage and diversity and attempts to reconstruct all the individual sequences
      of the viral quasispecies--along with their prevalence--using a heuristic
      algorithm, which matches multinomial distributions of distinct viral variants
      overlapping across the genome division. QuRe comes with a built-in Poisson error
      correction method and a post-reconstruction probabilistic clustering, both
      parameterized on given error rates in homopolymeric and non-homopolymeric
      regions. AVAILABILITY: QuRe is platform-independent, multi-threaded software
      implemented in Java. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License,
      available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/qure/. CONTACT: ahnven@yahoo.it;
      ahnven@gmail.com SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at
      Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22088847
TI  - Protein subcellular localization of fluorescence imagery using spatial and
      transform domain features.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Subcellular localization of proteins is one of the most significant
      characteristics of living cells. Prediction of protein subcellular locations is
      crucial to the understanding of various protein functions. Therefore, an
      accurate, computationally efficient and reliable prediction system is required.
      RESULTS: In this article, the predictions of various Support Vector Machine (SVM)
      models have been combined through majority voting. The proposed ensemble SVM
      SubLoc has achieved the highest success rates of 99.7% using hybrid features of
      Haralick textures and local binary patterns (HarLBP), 99.4% using hybrid features
      of Haralick textures and Local Ternary Patterns (HarLTP). In addition, SVM-SubLoc
      has yielded 99.0% accuracy using only local ternary patterns (LTPs) based
      features. The dimensionality of HarLBP feature vector is 581 compared with 78 and
      52 for HarLTP and LTPs, respectively. Hence, SVM-SubLoc in conjunction with LTPs
      is fast, sufficiently accurate and simple predictive system. The proposed SVM
      SubLoc approach thus provides superior prediction performance using the reduced
      feature space compared with existing approaches. AVAILABILITY: A web server
      accompanying the proposed prediction scheme is available at http://111.68.99.218/
      SVM-SubLoc CONTACT: asif@pieas.edu.pk; khan.asifullah@gmail.com SUPPLEMENTARY
      INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22088848
TI  - COPD phenotypes: Sueiros's sign.

PMID- 22088849
TI  - Does load carriage differentially alter postural sway in overweight vs. normal
      weight schoolchildren?
AB  - Among a wide range of negative consequences stemming from excess mass in
      children, recent studies suggest an impairment of postural control, including
      basic capabilities such as static and dynamic balance. Such impairment may be
      compounded when additional tasks are performed, such as carrying localized loads
      as occurs among children using a backpack. To investigate this, postural control
      was measured among 77 overweight and obese children (6-11 years old), and an
      equal number of normal-weight children matched for gender, age, and height.
      Testing was conducted at school, in which center of pressure (COP) time series
      during quiet standing were obtained in the presence and absence of each student's
      backpack. A traditional postural control measure derived from COP (mean velocity)
      did not indicate significant differences between overweight and normal-weight
      children, regardless of backpack presence. In contrast, a complexity index
      (derived from multiscale entropy) suggested the existence of different postural
      strategies and reduced balance capabilities among overweight children, whose
      consequences need to be further clarified.

PMID- 22088850
TI  - Between-day reliability of time-to-contact measures used to assess postural
      stability.
AB  - Traditional measures of postural stability consider movement of the center of
      pressure (COP) or the center of mass (COM) without regard to the boundary of
      support (BOS). A potentially more appropriate measure is postural time-to-contact
      (TtC) which defines the spatio-temporal proximity of the COM or COP to the BOS.
      Given the increasing popularity of TtC measures, it is important to determine
      their reliability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the
      effects of the number of trials and trial duration on the reliability of postural
      TtC measures. COP data were collected (100 Hz) in 16 young healthy participants
      during 10 trials (60-s duration) of quiet standing with eyes open on two
      occasions - seven days apart. Postural TtC of each trial was calculated using two
      different methods. The intersession reliability of the TtC measures was assessed
      by calculating between session intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(2,1))
      using different combinations of the number of trials (1-10) and trial duration
      (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60s). Both TtC methods were very reliable. Additionally,
      both measures of TtC were more reliable than the standard deviation of the
      anterior-posterior COP and slightly more reliable than path length. This
      difference was most pronounced when fewer and shorter trials were used.

PMID- 22088851
TI  - Black-on-clear piggyback technique for a black occlusive intraocular device in
      intractable diplopia.
AB  - Black occlusive intraocular devices have been used successfully for intractable
      binocular diplopia. We describe a novel technique of implanting both a black
      occlusive device and a clear poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens (IOL) in
      the capsular bag during phacoemulsification surgery. If the need should arise at
      a later date, this approach will allow safer and easier explantation of the black
      occlusive device, avoiding the need for IOL exchange.

PMID- 22088852
TI  - Walking assessment with instrumented insoles in patients with lower limb
      spasticity after botulinum toxin infiltration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin A (BTA) improves the kinematic parameters of gait
      in patients with spasticity of lower limbs, but there are no studies in which
      kinetic parameters are measured with instrumented insoles. We therefore used
      instrumented insoles to perform a functional assessment of therapeutic results in
      patients with lower limb spasticity after brain injury or spinal cord
      infiltration indicating BTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients (11 lower limbs)
      seen in a Neurorehabilitation Unit. The tests carried out included clinical
      examination, gait assessment (Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC); Hospital de
      Sagunto Gait Scale), and biomechanical assessment (Biofoot / IBV version 5.0),
      before and three weeks after infiltration with BTA. STATISTICS: t-test for
      related samples of clinical variables, functional variables and biomechanical
      variables before and after infiltration. Level of significance P< .05.
      Qualitative method to assess whether changes in the biomechanical variables
      tended toward normal values. RESULTS: BTA improves muscle tone, joint arch and
      frequency of spasms (P<.01). The patient sample showed a high level of
      satisfaction with the improvement in symptoms. There were no changes in walking
      ability after injection. There were no statistically significant changes in
      biomechanical parameters, but there was improved gait cadence. The relatively
      small statistical significance close to P=.1 of the peak pressure in the heel
      after injection indicates the need for further studies with instrumented insoles
      in people with spasticity due to central nervous system injury. CONCLUSIONS: With
      the decrease in muscle tone after infiltration with BTA the clinical symptoms
      associated with muscle tone improved without any functional changes in gait
      scales. The changes in the biomechanical parameters show that larger studies
      using instrumented insoles should be performed in the population with spasticity
      after a central nervous system injury treated with BTA infiltration.

PMID- 22088853
TI  - Clinical and spatiotemporal gait effects of canes in hip osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cane use on spatiotemporal gait
      parameters, pain, and function in adults with hip osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN:
      Prospective observational study. SETTING: An academic tertiary Veterans Affairs
      Healthcare Center. PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen adults with symptomatic hip OA and 13
      healthy adults. METHODS: We undertook gait analysis in all subjects with an
      optoelectronic camera system. Pain, stiffness, and physical function in subjects
      with hip OA were assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Baseline spatiotemporal
      measures of unaided gait were obtained for healthy subjects. Baseline and 4-week
      spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed for hip OA subjects while they
      walked with and without a cane. Participants with hip OA completed the WOMAC at
      baseline and after 4 weeks of cane use. RESULTS: At baseline when walking
      unaided, the subjects with hip OA (age range 60-75 years) had a significantly
      slower gait velocity, shorter affected limb stride length, and longer double
      stance time compared with healthy control subjects. When walking with a cane,
      they had a reduction in gait velocity (P < .05) caused by a decrease in cadence
      (P < .05) compared with walking unaided. After 4 weeks of cane use, the
      participants with hip OA demonstrated significant improvements in gait velocity
      (P < .05) and double-stance time (P < .05) when walking with a cane in comparison
      with baseline data. There was no improvement in pain and function after 4 weeks
      of cane use, a period in which only approximately 60% of the hip OA subjects used
      the cane 6 or more times per week. CONCLUSIONS: Initial use of a cane led to
      decreased gait velocity and cadence in people with hip OA compared with walking
      unaided. This difference in gait velocity diminished after they practiced walking
      with the cane. Inconsistent use of the cane may have contributed to the lack of
      improvement in the subjects' hip OA pain and function.

PMID- 22088854
TI  - An assessment of the compliance and utility of a home exercise DVD for caregivers
      of children and adolescents with brachial plexus palsy: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a video-based educational resource on
      home exercise compliance among caregivers of children with neonatal brachial
      plexus palsy (NBPP). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of self-reported caregiver
      home exercise habits and resultant shoulder range of motion (ROM) and biceps
      power in patients with NBPP. SETTING: Home-based exercise program. PARTICIPANTS:
      Adult caregivers of children with NBPP followed up through the Brachial Plexus
      Program at the University of Michigan (N = 83 surveyed initially, with N = 37
      completing the final survey). METHODS: Caregivers completed surveys before and
      approximately 3, 6, and 12 months (times A, B, and C, respectively) after
      receiving the "Home Exercise Therapy Program for Brachial Plexus Palsy" digital
      video disk (DVD). A retrospective analysis of shoulder ROM and biceps power of
      patients was completed as representative of arm function during the study. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Surveys assessed home exercise compliance, resources used
      to guide exercises, and caregiver confidence in the correctness of exercises
      being performed. Functional outcomes analyzed include biceps strength and
      shoulder active and passive ROM. RESULTS: Home exercise compliance increased from
      74% initially to 96% at time A (P < .001), remained at 94% at time B (P < .001),
      and fell to 84% at time C (P = .016). Use of the DVD to guide home exercise
      decreased from 69% at time A to 57% at time B and C (P = .026). After receiving
      the DVD, exercise frequency and caregiver confidence increased. Although some
      measures of shoulder active ROM and biceps power improved during the course of
      the study, there was no consistent statistically significant relationship between
      increased caregiver confidence and functional outcomes. No causal relationship
      exists between DVD content and functional status at this time. CONCLUSIONS: As
      the first formal evaluation of a video-based resource guiding exercise therapy
      for children with NBPP, we suggest that this population may be receptive to
      alternative media and may benefit from dynamic modeling of home exercises.

PMID- 22088855
TI  - The dimensionality and measurement properties of alcohol outcome expectancies
      across Hispanic national groups.
AB  - This study examines the psychometric properties of alcohol expectancies among
      Hispanic subgroups. Face-to-face interviews were conducted as part of the 2006
      Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS), which employed a multistage
      cluster sample design. A total of 5224 individuals (18+ years of age)
      representing four Hispanic national groups (Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans,
      Mexican Americans, and South/Central Americans) were selected at random from the
      household population in five metropolitan areas (Miami, New York, Philadelphia,
      Houston, and Los Angeles). Alcohol expectancies included 18 items covering
      positive (e.g., laugh more, become more talkative) and negative dimensions (e.g.,
      become aggressive, lose control) when alcohol is consumed. Confirmatory factor
      models replicated a previously proposed three-factor dimensional structure with a
      substantial majority of items exhibiting measurement invariance across Hispanic
      national group and gender. Items covering social extroversion were an exception,
      showing a lack of invariance for female Cuban and South/Central Americans. Latent
      mean differences across groups were detected for expectancies concerning
      emotional fluidity, and the pattern of differences largely mirrored known
      differences in alcohol consumption patterns. Results suggest that caution should
      be exercised in interpreting differences in expectancies concerning social
      extroversion across Hispanic groups, and additional work is needed to identify
      indices of this construct with invariant measurement properties. However,
      measures of emotional/behavioral impairment and emotional fluidity expectancies
      can be validly compared across gender and Hispanic national groups.

PMID- 22088856
TI  - Parental relationship satisfaction in French young adults associated with alcohol
      abuse and dependence.
AB  - Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for disease in developed countries. In
      addition to genetic susceptibility, alcohol consumption is shaped by one's social
      and family environment. With data from 2009, we examined associations between
      satisfaction with familial relationships and alcohol abuse and dependence using a
      national sample of 1101 French young adults aged 22-35. Alcohol-related problems
      were measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Main
      exposure variables included young adults' self-report of satisfaction with
      parental relationships. In adjusted logistic regression models, having a poor
      relationship with one's mother (OR=1.8, 95%CI 1.0-3.6) or father (OR=1.8, 95% CI
      1.0-3.2) was associated with alcohol abuse and dependence. Gender stratified
      analyses indicated unsatisfactory maternal relationships were associated with
      alcohol problems in women (OR=2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.6); unsatisfactory paternal
      relationships were suggestive of alcohol abuse in men (OR=2.0, 95%CI 0.9-4.7),
      but not in women. Non-cohabitation with a romantic partner was associated with an
      almost three-fold increase of alcohol abuse and dependence in men (OR=2.8, 95% CI
      1.6-4.8). The quality of parental relationships may be important for alcohol
      abuse, particularly when the parent is the same gender. Family-centered
      approaches may be considered in prevention efforts to reduce problem drinking in
      French young adults.

PMID- 22088857
TI  - Increased neopterin levels and its association with angiographic variables in
      patients with slow coronary flow: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although various inflammatory markers have been studied in patients
      with slow coronary flow (SCF), serum neopterin levels have not been studied
      previously. We investigated the serum neopterin and high sensitivity C-reactive
      protein (hs-CRP) levels and the relationship between neopterin and hs-CRP levels
      and TIMI flow in patients with SCF. METHODS: The study group consisted of 51
      patients with SCF. An age and gender matched control group was composed of 40
      subjects. Coronary flow rates of all patients and control subjects were
      documented by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count. We
      measured serum neopterin and hs-CRP levels at the same time in patients with SCF
      and control subjects in this cross-sectional observational study. Chi-square,
      Mann-Whitney U and unpaired t tests, Pearson correlation and linear regression
      analyses were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The TIMI frame counts for
      all coronary arteries and the mean TIMI frame count were significantly higher in
      the SCF group than controls. Serum neopterin levels were significantly higher
      among patients with SCF when compared with control group (2.13+/-1.03 vs. 1.60+/
      0.50 ng/ml; p=0.004). Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher among
      patients with SCF when compared with control group (2.06+/-1.32 vs. 0.74+/-0.40
      mg/L respectively; p<0.001). There was a significant association of serum
      neopterin levels (beta=0.60, 95% CI: 4.93-9.06, p<0.001) and serum hs-CRP levels
      (beta=0.29, 95%CI: 0.84-4.33, p=0.004) with mean TIMI frame count independent of
      potential confounders such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking, glucose and
      cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: We have shown that serum neopterin and hs-CRP
      levels were significantly elevated in patients with SCF when compared with
      control subjects. Serum neopterin and hs-CRP levels were correlated with mean
      TIMI frame count in patients with SCF.

PMID- 22088858
TI  - [Effects of different statins, ezetimibe/simvastatin combination on hsCRP levels
      in unstable angina pectoris and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients:
      a randomized trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of two different
      statins and a statin/ezetimibe combination on high sensitive C-reactive protein
      (hsCRP) values, which were given at high doses in the early period of acute
      coronary syndromes. METHODS: A total of 150 patients with non-ST elevation
      myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris were enrolled to our
      prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Patients were divided into three
      groups by block randomization method. One group received 20 mg/day atorvastatin,
      one group received 10 mg/day rosuvastatin and the other group received 10 mg/day
      ezetimibe/simvastatin combination therapy, which was initiated within the first
      24 hours of admission. Follow-up duration was 2 months . Biochemical
      investigations and hsCRP levels (by nephelometric method) were performed with 138
      patients evaluated at baseline, 10th and 60th days of therapy. Decreases of hsCRP
      levels were analyzed with one-way MANOVA and repeated measures of ANOVA methods.
      Post-hoc Tukey HSD test was performed for finding the different group, when the
      difference was detected between the groups. RESULTS: Tenth day hsCRP levels in
      ezetimibe/simvastatin group was significantly lower than the other groups
      (p<0.001). Further, after 60 days of follow-up a significant reduction was seen
      in hsCRP levels in ezetimib/simvastatin group (in ezetimibe/simvastatin group the
      mean hsCRP was reduced from 38.4+/-15.0 mg/L to 2.4+/-1.3 mg/L, in atorvastatin
      group the mean hsCRP was reduced from 27.3+/-11.7 mg/L to 4.1+/-2.4 mg/L and in
      rosuvastatin group the mean hsCRP was reduced from 22.0+/-6.9 mg/L to 3.6+/-1.7
      mg/L (F (1.1, 148.2) = 746.9, p<0.01 and the difference between drugs; F (2.2,
      148.2) = 32.1, p<0.01). No side effects related to drugs were seen during follow
      up in all three treatment groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that
      ezetimibe/simvastatin 10 mg/day combination treatment was superior to
      atorvastatin 20 mg/day and rosuvastatin 10 mg/day treatment in reducing the
      inflammatory markers when high dose statins was started in the early period of
      unstable angina and non ST elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22088859
TI  - Novel method to evaluate the conduction velocity and conducting area during
      isthmus-dependent atrial flutter.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The difference of the conduction velocity (CV) around the tricuspid
      valve annulus between the counter-clockwise (CCW) atrial flutter and the
      clockwise (CW) atrial flutter has not been well clarified. This study was
      undertaken to evaluate the CV and the conducting area (CA) per millisecond around
      the tricuspid valve annulus using the electroanatomical mapping. METHODS: The
      electroanatomical mapping was performed during the tachycardia for 30 consecutive
      patients (mean age: 61+/-16 years) with isthmus-dependent atrial flutter (CCW,
      25; CW, 5). We measured the CV and the CA of five divided areas of the right
      atrium, that is, upper septum (US), lower septum (LS), isthmus (I), upper lateral
      wall (UL) and lower lateral wall (LL) using the novel measurement method in the
      isochronal map. Statistical differences of these data between the two groups were
      assessed by the Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance methods.
      RESULTS: In total, the CV of the LS was significantly slower than other areas
      (m/sec: US, 0.57+/-0.18; LS, 0.43+/-0.18; UL, 0.60+/-0.26; LL, 0.53+/-0.20; I,
      0.50+/-0.17; p<0.05) and the CA of the US and UL were significantly larger than
      other areas (mm2/sec: US, 34.5+/-16.2; LS, 16.2+/-9.5; UL, 40.0+/-14.1; LL,
      27.0+/-17.0; I, 16.8+/-8.5; p<0.0001). There was no significant difference
      between the CCW and the CW atrial flutters in terms of the CV and the CA of
      equally divided five areas. CONCLUSION: In both of the CCW and the CW atrial
      flutters, the CV of the LS was significantly slower than other areas and the CA
      of the lower atrium was significantly smaller than the upper atrium.

PMID- 22088860
TI  - [Comparison of left and right ventricular  pulsed and tissue Doppler myocardial
      performance index values using Z-score in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is determination of myocardial performance index
      (MPI/Tei index) using pulsed (PD) and tissue Doppler (TD) techniques to show
      cardiac response in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and
      healthy newborns and eventually evaluation of the differences between these two
      techniques. METHODS: The study is a prospective observational study. Twenty term
      newborns diagnosed as perinatal asphyxia during postnatal 24 hours due to the
      defined criteria and fifty healthy term neonates as control group were included
      the study. Hypoxic group was divided into two groups with Sarnat stages, Sarnat
      Stage 1 and 2-3. MPIs (Tei indexes) were calculated with PD and TD
      echocardiographic techniques in all groups after the 24 hours of birth and one
      year later. The statistical differences between same techniques were calculated
      with Kruskal-Wallis test and Z score was used to compare the superiority of two
      techniques. RESULTS: The MPI values calculated by PD (0.41+/-0.04, 0.51+/-0.02)
      and TD (0.59+/-0.04, 0.51+/-0.02) during the first day of life in Sarnat Stage 2
      3 in both ventricles were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.01,
      p<0.02, p<0.03). While the Z score, calculated for MPI measured by PD and TD
      methods, were found similar in both ventricles in Sarnat Stage 1 and control
      groups, it was significantly different in other groups of Sarnat stages.
      CONCLUSION: The degree of cardiac response in neonates with HIE is associated
      with the severity of hypoxia. MPI values are not different from the controls in
      newborns received mild hypoxia while they are higher in the patients who were
      received moderate or severe hypoxia. Any advantage could not be found between two
      techniques according to the measurement values, but higher variability in the
      value of MPI, measured by TD method, calculated from moderate and severe hypoxia
      group was detected.

PMID- 22088861
TI  - [Follow-up of our patients with transposition of the great arteries and arterial
      switch operation; comparison of simple and complex transposition cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: 1. Follow-up data of patients with simple transposition of great
      arteries (TGA) and TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD), who had arterial
      switch operation (ASO) are compared. 2. Factors affecting mortality and morbidity
      after ASO are described. METHODS: Seventy-six patients, who had an ASO between
      April 2007 and August 2010 were studied retrospectively. The patients with intact
      ventricular septum (IVS) (n=36) were in Group 1, and those with VSD (n=40) in
      Group 2. The pre and postoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables and
      intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes were compared among groups using Mann-Whitney
      U, Pearson correlation and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The mean age at
      operation was 44.1 days, weight was 3.6+/-0.98 kg. Patients were followed for
      15.5+/-11.21 months. The aortic cross-clamp (AoCC) and cardiopulmonary bypass
      (CPB) times were higher in patients with VSD (p=0.001, p=0.004). Patients in
      Group 1 had longer inotropic agent infusion (p=0.001). Length of stay in ICU was
      similar in two groups (p>0.05). There was no correlation between the length of
      stay in ICU and age, weight, CPB time, AoCC time. Aortic regurgitation was more
      frequent in Group 2 (p=0.02). During follow-up, 12 patients died (15.7%), and 8
      patients had a revision operation (10.5%) (diaphragmatic plication in 4,
      pulmonary artery reconstruction in 1, recoarctation operation in 3 patients).
      Mortality was similar in groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Arterial switch operation
      provides anatomical correction in TGA. Appropriate timing and good perioperative
      planning facilitates low morbidity and mortality in patients with VSD as in
      patients with simple TGA.

PMID- 22088862
TI  - Seroprevalence of dengue infection: a cross-sectional survey in mainland Tanzania
      and on Pemba Island, Zanzibar.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evidence available to date indicates that dengue viruses 1, 2, and 3
      could be among the causes of acute fever in eastern Africa. Recently, four
      reports on dengue infection in travelers and residents have raised concerns over
      the occurrence of dengue fever in mainland Tanzania and in Zanzibar. The
      objective of this study was to provide seroprevalence data on dengue infection in
      Tanzania. METHODS: This study was conducted in 2007 at two peripheral hospitals,
      one on Pemba Island, Zanzibar and one in Tosamaganga, Iringa Region, mainland
      Tanzania. Two hundred and two consecutive febrile outpatients were studied for
      antibodies and viral RNA to assess the circulation of dengue virus in Tanzania.
      RESULTS: A seroprevalence of 7.7% was found on Pemba Island and of 1.8% was found
      in Tosamaganga. No acute cases and no previous infections among patients under 11
      years of age were detected. CONCLUSION: These findings provide the first baseline
      data on dengue seroprevalence in the country. No recent dengue virus circulation
      in Tanzania and in the Zanzibar archipelago up until the early 1990s is reported.

PMID- 22088863
TI  - Comparative evaluation of intratracheal colistimethate sodium, imipenem, and
      meropenem in BALB/c mice with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
      pneumonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The identification of the optimal agent for administration via the
      respiratory tract when treating pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). METHODS: A murine model of acute CRAB pneumonia
      was established by intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation with 2.5 * 107 colony-forming
      units (CFU) of A. baumannii strain Ab396 plus 10% porcine mucin. After 4h the
      infected BALB/c mice were treated intratracheally with 25MUl of either 0.85%
      saline (control group), colistimethate sodium (CMS) (166 666 U/kg, CMS group),
      imipenem/cilastatin (30/30 mg/kg, imipenem group), or meropenem (20mg/kg,
      meropenem group), every 8h. The therapeutic efficacy of these agents was
      examined. RESULTS: A. baumannii strain Ab396 was susceptible to CMS only.
      However, meropenem treatment did give a significantly superior survival rate
      (100%) compared to treatment with imipenem (50%), CMS (33%), or saline (0%)
      (p<0.001 vs. the control and CMS groups, p=0.006 vs. the imipenem group, by log
      rank test). Furthermore, compared to the other groups, the meropenem group
      demonstrated significantly more favorable results in terms of tissue penetration
      of the antibiotic, bacterial clearance, normalization of the wet lung-to-body
      weight ratio, and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the
      lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of meropenem via the respiratory tract proved
      to have the best therapeutic efficacy among the antibiotics tested when treating
      advanced murine CRAB pneumonia.

PMID- 22088864
TI  - Biological effects of the anti-parasitic chemotherapeutant emamectin benzoate on
      a non-target crustacean, the spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros Brandt, 1851) under
      laboratory conditions.
AB  - The potential impact of commercial salmon aquaculture along the coast of British
      Columbia on the health of non-target marine wildlife is of growing concern. In
      the current initiative, the biological effects on gene expression within spot
      prawn (Pandalus platyceros) exposed to the sea lice controlling agent, emamectin
      benzoate (EB; 0.1-4.8 mg/kg sediment), were investigated. A mean sediment/water
      partitioning coefficient (K(p)) was determined to be 21.81 and significant levels
      of EB were detected in the tail muscle tissue in all exposed animals. Animals
      selected for the experiment did not have eggs and were of similar weight.
      Significant mortality was observed within 8 days of EB treatment at
      concentrations between 0.1 and 0.8 mg/kg and there was no effect of EB on
      molting. Twelve spot prawn cDNA sequences were isolated from the tail muscle
      either by directed cloning or subtractive hybridization of control versus EB
      exposed tissues. Three of the transcripts most affected by EB exposure matched
      sequences encoding the 60S ribosomal protein L22, spliceosome RNA helicase
      WM6/UAP56, and the intracellular signal mediator histidine triad nucleotide
      binding protein 1 suggesting that translation, transcription regulation, and
      apoptosis pathways were impacted. The mRNA encoding the molting enzyme, beta-N
      acetylglucosaminidase, was not affected by EB treatment. However, the expression
      of this transcript was extremely variable making it unsuitable for effects
      assessment. The results suggest that short-term exposure to EB can impact
      biological processes within this non-target crustacean.

PMID- 22088865
TI  - Generalized rough fuzzy c-means algorithm for brain MR image segmentation.
AB  - Fuzzy sets and rough sets have been widely used in many clustering algorithms for
      medical image segmentation, and have recently been combined together to better
      deal with the uncertainty implied in observed image data. Despite of their wide
      spread applications, traditional hybrid approaches are sensitive to the empirical
      weighting parameters and random initialization, and hence may produce less
      accurate results. In this paper, a novel hybrid clustering approach, namely the
      generalized rough fuzzy c-means (GRFCM) algorithm is proposed for brain MR image
      segmentation. In this algorithm, each cluster is characterized by three
      automatically determined rough-fuzzy regions, and accordingly the membership of
      each pixel is estimated with respect to the region it locates. The importance of
      each region is balanced by a weighting parameter, and the bias field in MR images
      is modeled by a linear combination of orthogonal polynomials. The weighting
      parameter estimation and bias field correction have been incorporated into the
      iterative clustering process. Our algorithm has been compared to the existing
      rough c-means and hybrid clustering algorithms in both synthetic and clinical
      brain MR images. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is
      more robust to the initialization, noise, and bias field, and can produce more
      accurate and reliable segmentations.

PMID- 22088866
TI  - A prescription fraud detection model.
AB  - Prescription fraud is a main problem that causes substantial monetary loss in
      health care systems. We aimed to develop a model for detecting cases of
      prescription fraud and test it on real world data from a large multi-center
      medical prescription database. Conventionally, prescription fraud detection is
      conducted on random samples by human experts. However, the samples might be
      misleading and manual detection is costly. We propose a novel distance based on
      data-mining approach for assessing the fraudulent risk of prescriptions regarding
      cross-features. Final tests have been conducted on adult cardiac surgery
      database. The results obtained from experiments reveal that the proposed model
      works considerably well with a true positive rate of 77.4% and a false positive
      rate of 6% for the fraudulent medical prescriptions. The proposed model has the
      potential advantages including on-line risk prediction for prescription fraud,
      off-line analysis of high-risk prescriptions by human experts, and self-learning
      ability by regular updates of the integrative data sets. We conclude that
      incorporating such a system in health authorities, social security agencies and
      insurance companies would improve efficiency of internal review to ensure
      compliance with the law, and radically decrease human-expert auditing costs.

PMID- 22088867
TI  - Improving the medical scale predictability by the pairwise comparisons method:
      evidence from a clinical data study.
AB  - In the clinical practice of psychiatry, presence or absence of particular
      symptoms is based on the subjective interpretation, by the clinician, of mental
      and behavioural descriptions offered by the patient. However, this subjectivity
      that characterizes the diagnostic decision making process may limit the
      reliability of diagnosis. In this current study, the pairwise comparisons (PC)
      method is used to investigate whether the psychometric properties of a medical
      screening questionnaire can be improved. The pilot data described herein did
      indeed demonstrate that modest improvements in diagnostic accuracy could be
      achieved using PC, and provides early evidence that the inconsistency produced by
      subjective clinical ratings can be reduced using this method, thus providing
      impetus for further investigation.

PMID- 22088868
TI  - Sperm ultrastructure of the digenean Aphallus tubarium (Rudolphi, 1819) Poche,
      1926 (Platyhelminthes, Cryptogonimidae) intestinal parasite of Dentex dentex
      (Pisces, Teleostei).
AB  - The ultrastructural organization of the spermatozoon of a cryptogonimid digenean,
      Aphallus tubarium, a parasite of Dentex dentex, is described. The spermatozoon
      possesses the elements found in other digeneans: two axonemes with 9+"1" pattern,
      a mitochondrion, a nucleus, cortical microtubules, external ornamentation and
      spine-like bodies. However, the mitochondrion appears as a cord with a bulge;
      this characteristic has never been described in other studied cryptogonimid and
      in other digeneans except in one lepocreadiid, Holorchis micracanthum. Likewise,
      the presence of a thin cytoplasm termination in the anterior part of the
      spermatozoon has never been pointed out in the cryptogonimids.

PMID- 22088869
TI  - Genetics and patient outcome after cardiac surgery: unravelling translational
      findings.

PMID- 22088870
TI  - Is it time to implement preoperative platelet function testing before invasive
      procedures?

PMID- 22088871
TI  - Genetic interactions in the beta-adrenoceptor/G-protein signal transduction
      pathway and survival after coronary artery bypass grafting: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In heart failure, beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) stimulation
      desensitizes the receptor, uncouples the downstream Galphas protein, and
      diminishes signal transduction. We tested the hypotheses that haplotype-tagging
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) within the Galphas gene (GNAS) (i) are
      functionally active and alter Galphas expression, (ii) influence survival after
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and (iii) interact with betaAR SNPs.
      METHODS: Amplification of GNAS intron 1 was followed by cloning, reporter assays,
      electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and western blots. In a pilot study, 185
      patients on betaAR blockade undergoing CABG were studied prospectively. The
      primary endpoint was cardiac-related mortality at 1 yr. RESULTS: Two htSNPs
      defined three common haplotypes with altered reporter activity, allele-specific
      transcription factor binding, and Galphas protein expression (highest in *3
      carriers followed by *2 and *1 haplotypes, P=0.013). After CABG, mortality was
      GNAS diplotype-dependent: *3/*3: 0%; *3/*2: 2.4%; *3/*1: 2.9%; *2/*2: 4.5%;
      *2/*1: 9.1%; and *1/*1: 20.0% (P=0.004). While beta(1)AR SNPs were not associated
      with mortality, beta(2)AR Arg16 allele carriers were at higher risk than Gly16
      allele carriers (P=0.008). Gene-gene interaction using gene-related risk alleles
      demonstrated the number of risk alleles to be independently associated with death
      (hazard ratio 2.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-3.5; P=0.0003). Carriers of the
      no-risk allele had higher maximum isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase
      activities than risk allele carriers (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Interactions in the
      betaAR/Galphas pathway may be associated with altered mortality after CABG. This
      could reconcile previously inconclusive data regarding the effects of betaAR SNPs
      on cardiovascular prognosis.

PMID- 22088872
TI  - Prophylactic magnesium sulphate and postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias in
      patients undergoing thoracotomy. Letter 2.

PMID- 22088873
TI  - Prophylactic magnesium sulphate and postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias in
      patients undergoing thoracotomy. Letter 1.

PMID- 22088875
TI  - Does hyperbaric oxygen have positive effect on neurological recovery in spinal
      epidural haematoma? A case report.

PMID- 22088876
TI  - Combined ultrasound imaging and hydrolocalization technique for accurate
      placement of perineural catheters.

PMID- 22088877
TI  - Prone ventilation for refractory hypoxaemia in a patient with severe chest wall
      disruption and traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 22088878
TI  - Acute severe hypoxaemia after mechanical ventilation in a patient with an Ebstein
      anomaly requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PMID- 22088879
TI  - Fluid optimization guided by oesophageal Doppler significantly improves bowel
      perfusion.

PMID- 22088880
TI  - A survey of patients discharged to the community on modified-release strong
      opioids by a tertiary level acute pain service.

PMID- 22088881
TI  - Use of two oxygenators during extracorporeal membrane oxygenator for a patient
      with acute respiratory distress syndrome, high-pressure ventilation, hypercapnia,
      and traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 22088883
TI  - Chiral pool synthesis of calystegine A3 from 2-deoxyglucose via a Brown
      allylation.
AB  - Calystegine A(3) is a naturally occurring nortropane iminosugar of which there
      previously have been three total syntheses. Inspired by our previous work we here
      report on a fourth approach using 17 steps from 2-deoxy-d-glucose applying a
      diastereoselective allylation protocol.

PMID- 22088884
TI  - A new approach for the N- and S-galactosylation of 5-arylidene-2-thioxo-4
      thiazolidinones.
AB  - N- and S-galactosylation was carried out via the reaction of 5-((Z)-arylidene)-2
      thioxo-4-thiazolidinones with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-d-galactopyranosyl
      bromide under alkaline conditions or under silylation conditions. Deacetylation
      of the N-galactosylation products was performed with concentrated hydrochloric
      acid in methanol (3.5%) or sodium methoxide in methanol without cleavage of the 2
      thioxo-4-thaizolidinone ring by means of acid hydrolysis. The anomers were
      separated by flash column chromatography, and their configurations were assigned
      by NMR spectroscopy. The deprotected nucleosides were screened against leukemia L
      1210 and were found inactive.

PMID- 22088885
TI  - A reevaluation of the epimeric and anomeric relationship of glucosides and
      galactosides in thermotropic liquid crystal self-assemblies.
AB  - Anomers and epimers alpha- and beta-gluco and -galactosides are expected to
      behave differently. However, recent results on a series of Guerbet glycosides
      have indicated similar liquid crystal clearing temperatures for pure beta
      glucosides and the corresponding alpha-galactosides. This observation has led to
      speculation on similarities in the self-assembly interactions between the two
      systems, attributed to the trans-configuration of the 4-OH group and the
      hydrophobic aglycon. Previous simulations on related bilayers systems support
      this hypothesis, by relating this clearing transition temperature to intralayer
      (sugar-sugar) hydrogen bonding. In order to confirm the hypothesis, the
      comparison was expanded to include the cis-configurated pair, that is, alpha
      gluco/beta-galactoside. A set of alpha-configurated Guerbet glucosides as well as
      octyl alpha-galactoside were prepared and their thermotropic phase behavior
      studied. The data obtained enabled a complete comparison of the isomers of
      interest. While the results in general are in line with a pairing of the stereo
      isomers according to the indicated cis/trans-configuration, differences within
      the pairs can be explained based on the direction of hydrogen bonds from a simple
      modeling study.

PMID- 22088886
TI  - Are male neonates more vulnerable to neonatal abstinence syndrome than female
      neonates?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown an increased vulnerability among males to
      adverse outcomes during the postnatal period. Most children exposed to opioids
      and other medications in utero develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), yet
      individual predisposition for NAS is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This
      investigation examined the role of neonatal sex in the postnatal period for
      neonates exposed to standardized opioid maintenance treatment in utero with a
      focus on NAS regarding severity, medication requirements, and duration. METHODS:
      This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a prospective randomized,
      double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter trial (MOTHER study) that examined the
      comparative safety and efficacy of methadone and buprenorphine during pregnancy.
      A total of 131 neonates born to opioid-dependent women randomized at 6 US sites
      (n = 74) and 1 European site (n = 37) were analyzed. Sex-based differences in
      birth weight, length, head circumference, NAS duration, NAS severity, and
      treatment parameters of full-term neonates were assessed. RESULTS: Males had a
      significantly higher birth weight (P = 0.027) and head circumference (P = 0.017)
      compared with females, with no significant sex difference in rates of preterm
      delivery. No significant sex-related differences were found for NAS development,
      severity, or duration, or medication administered, and there were no significant
      differences in concomitant drug consumption during pregnancy (P = 0.959).
      CONCLUSIONS: This unique prospective study shows similar postnatal vulnerability
      for both sexes, suggesting that factors other than sex are the major determinants
      of clinically significant NAS. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT 00271219.

PMID- 22088889
TI  - Dental follicle cells and treated dentin matrix scaffold for tissue engineering
      the tooth root.
AB  - Tissue engineering strategies to reconstruct tooth roots are an effective therapy
      for the treatment of tooth loss. However, strategies to successfully regenerate
      tooth roots have not been developed and optimized. In the present study, rat
      dental follicle stem cells (DFCs) were characterized, followed by a thorough
      investigation of tooth roots regeneration for a combination of DFCs seeding
      cells, treated dentin matrix (TDM) scaffolds, and an inductive alveolar fossa
      microenvironment. Eighteen clones derived from single DFCs were harvested;
      however, only three clones were amplified successfully more than five passages
      and 90-95 days in culture. Following 270 days or 30 passages, the heterogeneous
      DFCs showed suitable characteristics for seeding cells to regenerate tooth roots.
      However, various features, such as variable proliferation rates, differentiation
      characteristics, apoptosis rates, and total lifespan were observed in DFCs and
      the three clones. Importantly, upon transplantation of DFCs combined with TDM for
      four weeks, root-like tissues stained positive for markers of dental pulp and
      periodontal tissues were regenerated in the alveolar fossa, but not in the skull
      and omental pockets. These results indicate that tooth roots were successfully
      regenerated and suggest that the combination of DFCs with TDM in the alveolar
      fossa is a feasible strategy for tooth roots regeneration. This strategy could be
      a promising approach for the treatment of clinical tooth loss and provides a
      perspective with potential applications to regeneration of other tissues and
      organs.

PMID- 22088888
TI  - Protein adsorption in three dimensions.
AB  - Recent experimental and theoretical work clarifying the physical chemistry of
      blood-protein adsorption from aqueous-buffer solution to various kinds of
      surfaces is reviewed and interpreted within the context of biomaterial
      applications, especially toward development of cardiovascular biomaterials. The
      importance of this subject in biomaterials surface science is emphasized by
      reducing the "protein-adsorption problem" to three core questions that require
      quantitative answer. An overview of the protein-adsorption literature identifies
      some of the sources of inconsistency among many investigators participating in
      more than five decades of focused research. A tutorial on the fundamental
      biophysical chemistry of protein adsorption sets the stage for a detailed
      discussion of the kinetics and thermodynamics of protein adsorption, including
      adsorption competition between two proteins for the same adsorbent immersed in a
      binary-protein mixture. Both kinetics and steady-state adsorption can be
      rationalized using a single interpretive paradigm asserting that protein
      molecules partition from solution into a three-dimensional (3D) interphase
      separating bulk solution from the physical-adsorbent surface. Adsorbed protein
      collects in one-or-more adsorbed layers, depending on protein size, solution
      concentration, and adsorbent surface energy (water wettability). The adsorption
      process begins with the hydration of an adsorbent surface brought into contact
      with an aqueous-protein solution. Surface hydration reactions instantaneously
      form a thin, pseudo-2D interface between the adsorbent and protein solution.
      Protein molecules rapidly diffuse into this newly formed interface, creating a
      truly 3D interphase that inflates with arriving proteins and fills to capacity
      within milliseconds at mg/mL bulk-solution concentrations C(B). This inflated
      interphase subsequently undergoes time-dependent (minutes-to-hours) decrease in
      volume V(I) by expulsion of either-or-both interphase water and initially
      adsorbed protein. Interphase protein concentration C(I) increases as V(I)
      decreases, resulting in slow reduction in interfacial energetics. Steady state is
      governed by a net partition coefficient P=(C(I)/C(B)). In the process of
      occupying space within the interphase, adsorbing protein molecules must displace
      an equivalent volume of interphase water. Interphase water is itself associated
      with surface-bound water through a network of transient hydrogen bonds.
      Displacement of interphase water thus requires an amount of energy that depends
      on the adsorbent surface chemistry/energy. This "adsorption-dehydration" step is
      the significant free energy cost of adsorption that controls the maximum amount
      of protein that can be adsorbed at steady state to a unit adsorbent surface area
      (the adsorbent capacity). As adsorbent hydrophilicity increases, adsorbent
      capacity monotonically decreases because the energetic cost of surface
      dehydration increases, ultimately leading to no protein adsorption near an
      adsorbent water wettability (surface energy) characterized by a water contact
      angle theta->65( degrees ). Consequently, protein does not adsorb (accumulate at
      interphase concentrations greater than bulk solution) to more hydrophilic
      adsorbents exhibiting theta<65( degrees ). For adsorbents bearing strong Lewis
      acid/base chemistry such as ion-exchange resins, protein/surface interactions can
      be highly favorable, causing protein to adsorb in multilayers in a relatively
      thick interphase. A straightforward, three-component free energy relationship
      captures salient features of protein adsorption to all surfaces predicting that
      the overall free energy of protein adsorption DeltaG(ads)(o) is a relatively
      small multiple of thermal energy for any surface chemistry (except perhaps for
      bioengineered surfaces bearing specific ligands for adsorbing protein) because a
      surface chemistry that interacts chemically with proteins must also interact with
      water through hydrogen bonding. In this way, water moderates protein adsorption
      to any surface by competing with adsorbing protein molecules. This Leading
      Opinion ends by proposing several changes to the protein-adsorption paradigm that
      might advance answers to the three core questions that frame the "protein
      adsorption problem" that is so fundamental to biomaterials surface science.

PMID- 22088890
TI  - Death in pain: peripheral nerve injury and spinal neurodegenerative mechanisms.
AB  - A complex network operates in the spinal dorsal horn to integrate peripheral
      nociceptive inputs with local and descending control mechanisms, and to cross
      talk with higher brain areas. Injury to peripheral sensory nerves can trigger a
      cascade of events within this relay which, in some cases, may turn into abnormal
      responses outlasting the initial detrimental stimulus and leading to chronic
      pain. In the spinal dorsal horn, evidence has been provided both in support and
      against the occurrence of neuronal loss following peripheral nerve injury,
      leaving this issue still unresolved. Only new conceptual and technical approaches
      will determine the relevance of spinal neurodegenerative mechanisms to chronic
      pain states and allow translation into novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22088887
TI  - Pharmacological targets in the ubiquitin system offer new ways of treating
      cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and infectious diseases.
AB  - Recent advances in the development and discovery of pharmacological interventions
      within the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) have uncovered an enormous potential
      for possible novel treatments of neurodegenerative disease, cancer, immunological
      disorder and microbial infection. Interference with proteasome activity, although
      initially considered unlikely to be exploitable clinically, has already proved to
      be very effective against haematological malignancies, and more specific
      derivatives that target subsets of proteasomes are emerging. Recent small
      molecule screens have revealed inhibitors against ubiquitin-conjugating and 
      deconjugating enzymes, many of which have been evaluated for their potential use
      as therapeutics, either as single agents or in synergy with other drugs. Here, we
      discuss recent advances in the characterisation of novel UPS modulators (in
      particular, inhibitors of ubiquitin-conjugating and -deconjugating enzymes) and
      how they pave the way towards new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of
      proteotoxic disease, cancer and microbial infection.

PMID- 22088891
TI  - A celebration of Steven Gabbe's contributions and accomplishments: Associate
      Editor, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1990 through 2010.

PMID- 22088893
TI  - Bloody mess.

PMID- 22088894
TI  - Bloody tests.

PMID- 22088897
TI  - Attitudes of women in their forties toward the 2009 USPSTF mammogram guidelines:
      a randomized trial on the effects of media exposure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess women's attitudes toward 2009
      US Preventive Services Task Force mammography screening guideline changes and
      evaluate the role of media in shaping opinions. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred forty
      nine women, aged 39-49 years, presenting for annual examinations randomized to
      read 1 of 2 articles, and survey completion comprised the design of the study.
      RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent overestimated the lifetime breast cancer (BrCa)
      risk. Eighty-nine percent want yearly mammograms in their 40s. Eighty-six percent
      felt the changes were unsafe, and even if the changes were doctor recommended,
      84% would not delay screening until age 50 years. Those with a friend/relative
      with BrCa were more likely to want annual mammography in their forties (92% vs
      77%, P = .001), and feel changes unsafe (91% vs 69%, P <= .0001). Participants
      with previous false-positive mammograms were less likely to accept doctor
      recommended screening delay until age 50 years (8% vs 21%, P = .01). CONCLUSION:
      Women overestimate BrCa risk. Skepticism of new mammogram guidelines exists, and
      is increased by exposure to negative media. Those with prior false-positive
      mammograms are less likely to accept changes.

PMID- 22088898
TI  - Perioperative complications of history-indicated and ultrasound-indicated
      cervical cerclage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative complications of history- and ultrasound
      indicated cerclage. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of
      a cohort of patients who underwent history- (n = 198) or ultrasound-indicated (n
      = 89) cerclage procedures. We evaluated the rates of perioperative complications
      based on indication for cerclage. The chi(2) was used for categorical variables
      and Student t test for continuous data. RESULTS: One patient (0.35%) had an
      intraoperative complication (unsuccessful regional anesthesia) and 1 patient
      (0.35%) had a postoperative complication (contractions and bleeding 2 weeks after
      cerclage placement, delivered a nonviable infant). Peripartum complications
      included chorioamnionitis (6.2%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (11%),
      preterm delivery (20%), and delivery before 32 weeks' gestational age (8%), and
      they were similar in the history-indicated and ultrasound-indicated groups.
      CONCLUSION: History- and ultrasound-indicated cerclages are associated with a
      0.6%; 95% confidence interval, -0.26 to 1.66 risk of perioperative complications.
      There was no difference in perioperative complications or outcome between the 2
      groups.

PMID- 22088899
TI  - Cervical collagen concentration within 15 months after delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cervical collagen concentration decreases during pregnancy. The
      increased risk of preterm birth after a short interpregnancy interval may be
      explained by an incomplete remodeling of the cervix. The objective of this study
      was to describe the changes in cervical collagen concentration over 15 months
      after delivery. STUDY DESIGN: The collagen concentrations were determined in
      cervical biopsy specimens that were obtained from 15 women at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15
      months after delivery. RESULTS: The mean cervical collagen concentrations were
      50%, 59%, 63%, 65%, and 65% of dry weight (SD, 4.2-6.5). This increase was
      statistically significant until month 9, but not between months 9 and 12.
      CONCLUSION: Low collagen concentrations in the uterine cervix may contribute to
      the association between a short interpregnancy interval and preterm birth.

PMID- 22088900
TI  - Discussion: 'Predictors of massive blood loss from placenta accreta' by Wright et
      al.

PMID- 22088901
TI  - Microbial adhesins to gastrointestinal mucus.
AB  - The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is lined by a layer of mucus formed by mucin
      glycoproteins. This layer constitutes a physical and chemical barrier between the
      intestinal contents and the underlying epithelia. In addition to this protective
      role, mucins harbor glycan-rich domains that provide preferential binding sites
      for pathogens and commensal bacteria. Although mucus-microbial interactions in
      the GIT play a crucial role in determining the outcome of relationships of both
      commensal and pathogens with the host, the adhesins and ligands involved in the
      interaction are poorly delineated. This review focuses on the current knowledge
      of microbial adhesins to gastrointestinal mucus and mucus components.

PMID- 22088903
TI  - Integrated models of care delivery for the frail elderly: international
      perspectives.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Interest is growing in integrated systems of care for the frail
      elderly. Few such systems have been both documented and evaluated in a rigorous
      manner. The present article provides an international review of such systems.
      METHODS: The literature on integrated care covered the period from 1997 to 2010,
      inclusive. Some 2,496 citations were identified from Age Line, PsycINFO, CINAHAL
      and MedLine and were reviewed. To be included in this paper, articles had to
      provide a good description of the care delivery system and good quality
      evaluations. Only nine articles were retained. Most of the articles reviewed
      described some form of coordinated care without evaluation. RESULTS: There were
      essentially two types of models of integrated care delivery for the frail
      elderly. One was a smaller, community-based model that relied on cooperation
      across care providers, focused on home and community care, and played an active
      role in health and social care coordination. The second type of model was a large
      scale model that could be applied at a national/provincial/state, or large
      regional health authority, level, had a single administrative authority and a
      single budget, and included both home/community and residential services.
      DISCUSSION: Integrated care delivery can be achieved in various ways.
      Irrespective of which model is adopted, some of the key factors to be considered
      are how care can be coordinated effectively across different types of services,
      and how all the care provider organizations can be coordinated to ensure
      continuity of care for frail elderly persons.

PMID- 22088902
TI  - Medical, environmental and personal factors of disability in the elderly in
      Spain: a screening survey based on the International Classification of
      Functioning.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
      Health (ICF) advocates a multifactorial and multifaceted conceptualization of
      disability. The objective of this study was to ascertain major medical,
      environmental and personal determinants of severe/extreme disability among the
      elderly population in Spain. The assessment scheme was consistent with the ICF
      model of disability. METHODS: Nine populations contributed probabilistic or
      geographically-defined samples following a two-phase screening design. The Mini
      Mental State Examination and the 12-item version of the World Health Organization
      Disability Assessment Schedule, 2(nd) ed. (WHO-DAS II), were used as cognitive
      and disability screening tools, respectively. Positively screened individuals
      underwent clinical work-up for dementia and were administered the 36-item version
      of the WHO-DAS II to estimate ICF disability levels. We used logistic regression
      for the purposes of data combination, adjusted for age and sex in all analyses.
      RESULTS: The sample was composed of 503 participants aged >= 75 years. Alzheimers
      disease and depression were highly predictive of severe/extreme disability (OR:
      17.40, 3.71). Good access to social services was strongly associated with a low
      level or absence of disability (OR: 0.05 to 0.18). Very difficult access to
      services and having dementia or another psychiatric disorder were associated with
      an increase in disability (OR: 66.06). There was also a significant interaction
      effect between access to services and neurological disorders (OR: 12.74).
      CONCLUSIONS: Disability is highly prevalent among the Spanish elderly and is
      influenced by medical, social and personal factors. Disability could potentially
      be reduced by ensuring access to social services, preventing dementia and stroke,
      and treating depression.

PMID- 22088904
TI  - [Prevalence and annual risk of tuberculosis infection in the school population
      aged 7 years old in Ceuta (Spain)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and annual risk
      of infection in the school population of Ceuta. METHOD: A cross-sectional study
      was conducted. A tuberculin test (2UT RT-23 Tween 80) was given to 7-year-old
      schoolchildren in Ceuta in 2008. A positive result was considered as an
      induration of >=5 mm at 72 hours in unvaccinated children. RESULTS: A total of
      612 children were studied. The prevalence of tuberculosis infection was 0.98%
      (95% confidence interval with a 2.5% margin of error). The distribution showed
      differences among three health areas, and was greatest in the most deprived area
      (2.07%). The annual risk of infection was 0.15%. CONCLUSIONS: According to the
      most recent studies, the prevalence of tuberculosis infection in Ceuta is one of
      the highest of Spain. Our results do not agree with the epidemiological data for
      tuberculosis in Ceuta, which also includes imported cases.

PMID- 22088905
TI  - [Gender inequalities in health deterioration as a result of informal care in
      Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze differences in the characteristics of care provided by
      women and men to dependent persons, and their association with the perception of
      health deterioration in both sexes. METHODS: We performed a nationwide cross
      sectional study with data obtained from the 2008 Spanish Survey on Disability,
      Personal Autonomy and Dependence, based on a sample size of 7,512 principal
      caregivers. A descriptive analysis was performed of the characteristics of the
      care provided (tasks performed, intensity, frequency and duration) by sex. A
      multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore the
      association between the caregivers' perceptions of deteriorated health and the
      variables related to care, adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS:
      Most (74%) of the caregivers in the sample were women. Women more frequently
      perceived a deterioration in their health as a result of providing care than did
      men (37% and 21%, respectively). Women provided care with greater intensity and
      more frequently performed the tasks most associated with deteriorated health
      (personal hygiene, assistance in feeding, etc.). Men more frequently carried out
      tasks related to care outside the home (going to the doctor, shopping, etc.), all
      of which acted as a protective factor against health deterioration. The intensity
      of care was a risk factor for the perception of health deterioration in both
      sexes, while frequency and duration were also risk factors in women. CONCLUSIONS:
      The greater health deterioration perceived by women is related to gender
      inequalities in the characteristics of the care provided. Interventions in
      informal caregivers should be sensitive to these gender inequalities.

PMID- 22088906
TI  - [Characteristics of intravenous drug users who share injection equipment in
      Catalonia (Spain)].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of direct and indirect syringe sharing
      among intravenous drug users (IDUs) attending a harm reduction center in
      Catalonia (Spain) and to identify factors associated with risk behaviors.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2008 and 2009 in harm
      reduction centers. Behavioral data were collected using anonymous questionnaires
      administered by trained interviewers. RESULTS: Of the 748 respondents, 31.5% had
      shared syringes at least once in the previous 6 months and 55.2% reported sharing
      injection paraphernalia (spoons, water, filters). A higher risk of syringe
      sharing was found among IDUs who injected daily (OR=1.5), injected cocaine
      (OR=1.6), had less than half their supply of syringes from a free source
      (OR=2.5), had an IDU sexual partner (OR=1.8) or who reported indirect sharing
      (OR=4.1). A higher risk of indirect sharing was found in respondents who had an
      illegal source of income (OR=1.5), injected daily (OR=1, 5), injected cocaine
      (OR=1.4), reported sharing syringes (OR=3.9), or who reported a previous overdose
      (OR=1.5). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the widespread use of harm reduction programs in
      Catalonia, a significant proportion of IDUs continue to practise injection
      related risk behaviors. Further reductions in risk behaviors could be achieved by
      improving access to all sterile injecting equipment, especially among cocaine
      injectors and IDUs who inject frequently, and by including IDU sexual partners
      within the current network of harm reduction centers.

PMID- 22088907
TI  - [Promoting routine human immunodeficiency virus testing in primary care].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To promote human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in the primary
      care setting and to describe patients' attitudes toward this practice. METHODS: A
      non-randomized intervention was conducted on five physicians of an urban primary
      care center attending patients aged 18-65 years old, who were scheduled to
      undergo blood tests for other reasons. The patients were systematically offered
      HIV blood testing if they reported having had sex without a condom with a person
      of unknown HIV status. Not being tested required active refusal. The intervention
      period was from October to December 2008 and the control period was from October
      to December 2007. The main variable was the difference in the number of HIV tests
      requested. The proportion of patients accepting the test was also analyzed.
      RESULTS: Demographic factors were similar in patients in the two periods. The
      number of HIV tests increased from 3.7% (22/599) to 27.2% (212/780), p <0.001. A
      total of 209 patients were offered the HIV test. Their mean age was 45.6 years
      (SD 11.7), 141 were women (68%) and 11 were born outside Spain (5%). One hundred
      and ninety-five patients (93%) admitted the possibility of having been or being
      at risk. Of these patients, only three (1.5%), refused the HIV test. CONCLUSIONS:
      Routine HIV testing in the primary care setting is feasible and few patients
      refuse to be tested.

PMID- 22088908
TI  - [Analysis of drug advertising in Spanish gynecology journals].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine advertising pressure in three Spanish gynecology
      journals, to describe the characteristics of the drugs advertised and to analyze
      compliance with current regulatory standards in drug advertisements. METHODS: We
      identified the number of advertisements, the characteristics of the drugs
      advertised, the minimum information required by legislation and the advertising
      message in the selected journals. RESULTS: A total of 139 advertisements were
      identified, corresponding to 33 distinct products (28 prescription medicines and
      five over-the-counter drugs). Advertising pressures were 18.13% in Progresos de
      Obstetricia y Ginecologia, 16.18% in Acta Ginecologica and 5.21% in Clinica e
      Investigacion en Ginecologia y Obstetricia. Legislative failure occurred in
      82.14% of the advertisements and in 22.22% of slogans, while 41.46% of
      advertising messages were misleading. CONCLUSION: A critical attitude to
      advertising among health professionals is advisable. Information contained in
      advertisements should be contrasted with official and other independent sources.

PMID- 22088909
TI  - [Scientific-professional production on the ICF disability model in Spain. A
      literature review (2001-2010)].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify the use of the International Classification of
      Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Spain on the basis of published
      reports, and to compare this use with that in other European countries. METHODS:
      We reviewed the scientific literature published by, or with the participation of,
      authors having Spanish institutional affiliations in Spanish or international
      journals between May 2001 and June 2010. RESULTS: A total of 47 papers were
      identified, with a recent annual increase in those published in English. There
      was a predominance of theoretical journals (53.1%) and those specializing in
      mental health, rehabilitation and disability, with a medium or low impact factor.
      The World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-II) was used
      in 27.6% of publications. Most studies addressed adult populations with mental
      illness. Spain ranked midway in the table of European countries (fifth by Medline
      references). CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that the effective application of
      the ICF in Spain is limited but is increasing and is internationally co
      ordinated. The main fields of application are theoretical and diagnostic, in
      various clinical, rehabilitation and population-based contexts and, to a much
      lesser extent, in health services.

PMID- 22088910
TI  - Harm reduction, students and pleasure: an examination of student responses to a
      binge drinking campaign.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent debates about 'binge drinking' in New Zealand have positioned
      alcohol consumption amongst young drinkers as of concern. Research notes that
      students drink more heavily than their peers and that they have a higher
      incidence of alcohol related harms. In response, a harm reduction campaign aimed
      at first year university students was developed at a New Zealand university.
      METHODS: This mixed methods study used questionnaires (225) and a small number of
      semi-structured interviews (4) to elicit student responses to the harm reduction
      campaign. RESULTS: The majority of students in this study can be characterised as
      binge drinkers, although their drinking does not appear to cause them concern.
      The term 'binge drinking' is explored in three developed categories; 'light',
      'moderate' and 'heavy' bingeing. Results are considered within a discussion of
      pleasure as a hindrance to harm reduction campaigns. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of
      'determined drunkenness' and the notion of pleasure are important in students'
      motivations for drinking and may contribute to the resistance they have in
      viewing their alcohol consumption as concerning. It is argued that students
      already felt that they exercised control over their drinking for pleasure and
      this produced contradictions in responses towards the campaign compared to actual
      behaviour.

PMID- 22088911
TI  - Maybe not perfect-but surely good enough?

PMID- 22088912
TI  - Motor vehicle deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
AB  - In the United States, the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population
      has the highest motor vehicle death rate, which is significantly greater than
      that of any other race or ethnic group. To better understand why this significant
      disparity exists and how to eliminate it, the authors conducted a systematic
      review of the published scientific literature. Included studies were published
      between January 1, 1990, and January 31, 2011, and identified risk factors, or
      implemented and tested interventions, targeting motor vehicle deaths among the
      AI/AN population. Only 14 papers met the study's inclusion criteria. Most of the
      epidemiologic studies explored alcohol use as a risk factor for deaths of both
      motor vehicle occupants and pedestrians; few studies addressed risk factors
      specifically for pedestrians. All of the intervention studies focused on
      mitigating risks for motor vehicle occupants. On the basis of the authors'
      review, injury prevention interventions that are multifaceted and involve
      partnerships to change policy, the environment, and individual behavior can
      effectively mitigate motor-vehicle-related deaths among AI/ANs. Priority should
      be given to implementing interventions that address pedestrian safety and to
      sound investment in the states with the highest AI/AN motor vehicle death rates
      because reducing their burden can dramatically reduce the overall disparity.

PMID- 22088913
TI  - Protein restriction to pregnant rats increases the plasma levels of angiotensin
      II and expression of angiotensin II receptors in uterine arteries.
AB  - Whether gestational protein restriction affects the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS) in uterine artery remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that
      gestational protein restriction alters the expression of RAS components in
      uterine artery. In study one, time-scheduled pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were
      fed a normal or low-protein (LP) diet from Day 3 of pregnancy until they were
      killed at Days 19 and 22. The uterine arteries were collected and used for gene
      expression of Ace, Ace2, Agtr1a, Agtr1b, Agtr2, Esr1, and Esr2 by quantitative
      real-time PCR and/or Western blotting. LP increased plasma levels of angiotensin
      II in pregnant rats. In the uterine artery, the expressions of Agtr1a, Agtr1b,
      and Esr1 were increased by LP at Days 19 and 22 of pregnancy, whereas the
      abundance of AGTR1 and AGTR2 was increased by LP at Day 19 of pregnancy. The
      expression of Ace2 was not detectable in rat uterine artery. In study two, virgin
      female rats were ovariectomized and implanted with either 17beta-estradiol (E2),
      progesterone (P4), both E2 and P4, or placebo pellets until they were killed 7
      days later. In rat uterine artery, E2 and P4 reduced the expression of Agtr1a,
      and E2 increased the expression of Agtr1b and Agtr2, but neither E2 nor P4
      regulated the expression of Ace. These results indicate that gestational protein
      restriction induces an increase in Agtr1 expression in uterine artery, and thus
      may exacerbate the vasoconstriction to elevated angiotensin II present in
      maternal circulation, and that female sex hormones also play a role in this
      process.

PMID- 22088914
TI  - Bovine DNA methylation imprints are established in an oocyte size-specific
      manner, which are coordinated with the expression of the DNMT3 family proteins.
AB  - A subset of genes, known as imprinted genes, is present in the mammalian genome.
      Genomic imprinting governs the monoallelic expression of these genes, depending
      on whether the gene was inherited from the sperm or the egg. This parent-of
      origin specific gene expression is generally dependent on the epigenetic
      modification, DNA methylation, and the DNA methylation status of CpG
      dinucleotides residing in loci known as differentially methylated regions (DMRs).
      The enzymatic machinery responsible for the addition of methyl (-CH(3)) groups to
      the cytosine residue in the CpG dinucleotides are known as DNA methyltransferases
      (DNMTs). Correct establishment and maintenance of methylation patterns at
      imprinted genes has been associated with placental function and regulation of
      embryonic/fetal development. Much work has been carried out on imprinted genes in
      mouse and human; however, little is known about the methylation dynamics in the
      bovine oocyte. The primary objective of the present study was to characterize the
      establishment of methylation at maternally imprinted genes in bovine growing
      oocytes and to determine if the expression of the bovine DNMTs-DNMT3A, DNMT3B,
      and DNMT3L-was coordinated with DNA methylation during oocyte development. To
      this end, a panel of maternally imprinted genes was selected (SNRPN, MEST, IGF2R,
      PEG10, and PLAGL1) and putative DMRs for MEST, IGF2R, PEG10, and PLAGL1 were
      identified within the 5' regions for each gene; the SNRPN DMR has been reported
      previously. Conventional bisulfite sequencing revealed that methylation marks
      were acquired at all five DMRs investigated in an oocyte size-dependent fashion.
      This was confirmed for a selection of genes using pyrosequencing analysis.
      Furthermore, mRNA expression and protein analysis revealed that DNMT3A, DNMT3B,
      and DNMT3L are also present in the bovine oocyte during its growth phase. This
      study demonstrates for the first time that an increase in bovine imprinted gene
      DMR methylation occurs during oocyte growth, as is observed in mouse.

PMID- 22088915
TI  - Improving sperm cryopreservation with antifreeze proteins: effect on gilthead
      seabream (Sparus aurata) plasma membrane lipids.
AB  - Changes in the plasma membrane lipid composition have been related to a decrease
      in sperm quality during cryopreservation. Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have been
      tested in different species because of their ability to depress the freezing
      point and their potential interaction with membranes, but controversial effects
      were reported. In the present study we analyzed separately the lipid composition
      of two sperm membrane domains, head plasma membrane (HM) and flagellar membrane
      (FM), after cryopreservation with an extender containing 5% dimethyl sulfoxide
      (DMSO) either alone or with AFPI or AFPIII (1 MUg/ml). We used sperm from a
      teleost, Sparus aurata, because the lack of acrosome avoids changes of lipid
      profiles due to capacitation process or acrosomal losses during freezing/thawing.
      Comparing with the control (cryopreservation with 5% DMSO alone), the addition of
      AFPIII increased the velocity, linearity of movement, and percentage of viable
      cells. In addition, freezing with DMSO alone increased the phosphatidyl-serine
      content as well as the saturated fatty acids and decreased the unsaturated ones
      (mainly polyunsaturated) both in HM and FM. These changes in the lipid components
      were highly avoided with the addition of AFPIII. HM had a higher amount of
      saturated fatty acids than FM and was more affected by cryopreservation without
      AFPs. The percentage of viable cells was positively correlated with the amount of
      unsaturated fatty acids in the HM, whereas the motility parameters were
      positively correlated with both FM and HM amount of unsaturated fatty acids.
      AFPs, especially AFPIII, seem to have interacted with unsaturated fatty acids,
      stabilizing the plasma membrane organization during cryopreservation and
      contributing to improve sperm quality after thawing.

PMID- 22088917
TI  - Meiotic genetics moves forward with SPATA22 (repro42).
AB  - This commentary provides a summary of existing meiotic mutants affecting the
      synaptonemal complex and meiotic recombination in order to contextualize the
      recent discovery of SPATA22/repro42 through ENU mutagenesis.

PMID- 22088916
TI  - Developmental exposure to xenoestrogens at low doses alters femur length and
      tensile strength in adult mice.
AB  - Developmental exposure to high doses of the synthetic xenoestrogen
      diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been reported to alter femur length and strength in
      adult mice. However, it is not known if developmental exposure to low,
      environmentally relevant doses of xenoestrogens alters adult bone geometry and
      strength. In this study we investigated the effects of developmental exposure to
      low doses of DES, bisphenol A (BPA), or ethinyl estradiol (EE(2)) on bone
      geometry and torsional strength. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to DES, 0.1
      MUg/kg/day, BPA, 10 MUg/kg/day, EE(2), 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 MUg/kg/day, or vehicle
      from Gestation Day 11 to Postnatal Day 12 via a mini-osmotic pump in the dam.
      Developmental Xenoestrogen exposure altered femoral geometry and strength,
      assessed in adulthood by micro-computed tomography and torsional strength
      analysis, respectively. Low-dose EE(2), DES, or BPA increased adult femur length.
      Exposure to the highest dose of EE(2) did not alter femur length, resulting in a
      nonmonotonic dose response. Exposure to EE(2) and DES but not BPA decreased
      tensile strength. The combined effect of increased femur length and decreased
      tensile strength resulted in a trend toward decreased torsional ultimate strength
      and energy to failure. Taken together, these results suggest that exposure to
      developmental exposure to environmentally relevant levels of xenoestrogens may
      negatively impact bone length and strength in adulthood.

PMID- 22088918
TI  - The role of autophagy in human endometrium.
AB  - Autophagy appears to play an important role in the normal development and
      maintenance of homeostasis in a variety of tissues, including the female
      reproductive tract. However, the role of autophagy and the association between
      autophagy and apoptosis in cyclic remodeling of the human endometrium have not
      been described. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of autophagy during
      the human endometrial cycle and its association with apoptosis. Endometrial
      samples were obtained from 15 premenopausal, nonpregnant women who underwent
      hysterectomies for benign gynecological reasons. The autophagy-associated
      protein, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (MAP1LC3A), was
      immunolocalized, and its expression level was measured by Western blot analysis.
      Apoptosis was evaluated by measuring the expression level of cleaved caspase 3
      protein. MAP1LC3A protein was primarily expressed within the endometrial
      glandular cells and increased during the secretory phase. The expression level of
      the membrane-bound form of MAP1LC3A (MAP1LC3A-II) also increased as the menstrual
      cycle progressed, reaching a maximum level during the late secretory phase. This
      pattern coincided with the expression of cleaved caspase 3. Furthermore,
      expression of MAP1LC3A-II and cleaved caspase 3 increased in the in vitro
      cultured endometrial cancer cells when estrogen and/or progesterone were
      withdrawn from the culture media to mimic physiological hormonal changes. These
      findings suggest that endometrial cell autophagy is directly involved in the
      cyclic remodeling of the human endometrium and is correlated with apoptosis. In
      addition, we inhibited autophagic processes using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or
      bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1) to evaluate the role of autophagy in apoptosis induction
      in endometrial cancer cells. While the inhibition of autophagosome formation
      using 3-MA did not decrease apoptosis or cell death, the inhibition of
      autophagosome degradation by fusion with lysosomes using Baf A1 increased
      apoptosis and cell death, suggesting that the accumulation of autophagosomes
      induces apoptosis. Furthermore, Baf A1-induced apoptotic cell death was decreased
      by the apoptosis inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z
      VAD-FMK). In conclusion, these results indicate that autophagy is involved in the
      endometrial cell cycle affecting apoptosis and is most prominent during the late
      secretory phase.

PMID- 22088919
TI  - Probiotics can induce follicle maturational competence: the Danio rerio case.
AB  - In the present study, the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC
      501 on the acquisition of oocyte maturational competence was examined in
      zebrafish (Danio rerio). L. rhamnosus administration induced the responsiveness
      of incompetent follicles (stage IIIa) to 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and
      their in vitro maturation. Acquisition of competence by the stage IIIa follicles
      was further validated by changes of lhr, mprb, inhbaa (activin betaA1), tgfb1,
      and gdf9 gene expression, which have recently emerged as key regulators of oocyte
      acquisition of maturational competence, and pou5f1 gene expression, which in
      other models has been shown to govern the establishment of developmental
      competence of oocytes. In addition, a DNA microarray experiment was conducted
      using the same follicles, and with relative gene ontology (GO) data analysis, the
      molecular effects of probiotic administration emerged. Molecular analysis using
      PCR-DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) approach, providing
      information about only the most abundant bacterial members of the microbial
      community, revealed that the probiotic was able to populate the gastrointestinal
      tract and modulate the microbial communities, causing a clear shift in them and
      specifically enhancing the presence of the lactic acid bacteria Streptococcus
      thermophilus. At the same time, PCR-DGGE analysis revealed that the probiotic was
      not directly associated with the ovaries. Finally, the effects of probiotic
      treatment on zebrafish follicle development were also analyzed by FPA (focal
      plane array) Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) imaging, a technique that
      provides the overall biochemical composition of samples. Changes were found above
      all in stage IIIa follicles from probiotic-exposed females; the modifications,
      observed in protein secondary structures as well as in hydration and in bands
      related to phosphate moieties, allowed us to hypothesize that probiotics act at
      this follicle stage, affecting the maturation phase.

PMID- 22088920
TI  - Incidence rates and risk factors for vascular events in patients with essential
      thrombocythemia: a multicenter study from Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is classified as a Philadelphia
      chromosome-negative classic myeloproliferative neoplasm. ET is a clonal stem cell
      disorder that is often associated with JAK2 mutations and shares phenotypic and
      pathogenetic similarities with other myeloproliferative neoplasms. Hemorrhagic
      complications and arterial and venous thrombosis are common in patients with ET.
      The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the cumulative incidence
      rate and risk factors for thrombohemorrhagic events in patients with ET based on
      a multicenter study in Korea. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 239 patients with
      ET, from February 1995 to April 2011, were retrospectively analyzed from 4 Korean
      academic institutions. Data were collected through the review of medical records,
      and vascular events were confirmed by diagnostic procedures for establishing
      thrombosis and hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: Of the patients (median age,
      61 years; median follow-up, 51.8 months), 32 (13.4%) experienced
      thrombohemorrhagic complications. The 10-year cumulative incidence rate showed a
      20.6% incidence of thrombohemorrhagic events. In univariate analysis, the
      presence of JAK2 mutations, high-risk group, previous thrombohemorrhagic events,
      and >60 years old were shown to have higher incidences of vascular events than
      any other factors. In multivariate analysis, previous thrombotic events and JAK2
      mutations were independent risk factors for vascular events (hazard ratio, 2.907
      [95% CI, 1.142-7.406], P =.025; and 4.146 [95% CI 1.227-14.018], P = 0.022).
      CONCLUSION: Previous thrombotic history and the JAK2 V617F mutation were
      associated with a higher 10-year cumulative incidence rate of thrombohemorrhagic
      events.

PMID- 22088921
TI  - Internal gating and somatization disorders: proposing a yet un-described neural
      system.
AB  - Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are a major medical burden and our current
      understanding of the pathophysiological process leading to their development
      remains minimal. While research has strongly linked chronic stress to the
      development of MUS the exact mechanisms and the reason for the many variations in
      the resultant symptomatology remain unclear. In this paper we advance the
      hypothesis that an internal (visceral) sensory gating system must exist akin to
      the much better studied external sensory gating system. The hypothesis is based
      on the observations that under normal conditions sensations of internal organs do
      not reach consciousness (i.e., filtered or gated out on a subconscious or
      preattentive level). As visceral sensations are usually perceived only when there
      is a pathological process affecting the organ, then failure of this internal
      gating system leading to the sensations arriving to consciousness must be
      interpreted by the brain to indicate pathology in this organ. If the hypothesis
      proves to be true and such a system does exist, the implications are many and
      significant including developing methods for assessing the system and possibly
      correcting it.

PMID- 22088922
TI  - Why the spleen is a very rare site for metastases from epithelial cancers.
AB  - It is not known why metastases from epithelial cancers are rare in the spleen,
      yet common in the other major organs of the reticuloendothelial system in which,
      like the spleen, leucocytes display a prolonged physiological intravascular
      transit time. Another unresolved issue that at first seems unrelated to splenic
      metastases is the inconsistency between the concept of physiological granulocyte
      disposal through granulocyte ageing and the observation that granulocytes leave
      the blood in an exponential fashion (half-time 7 h), which implies random
      disposal. Intravascular granulocytes pass through the spleen with an exponential
      distribution of transit times (mean 10 min). The spleen is highly active in
      physiological granulocyte destruction so it is suggested that the variation in
      times of exposure to the splenic microenvironment converts the age-dependent
      granulocyte destruction observed ex vivo into the random process observed in
      vivo, probably through exposure to apoptosis-inducing signals. This leads to the
      second hypothesis, which is that cancer cells fail to survive in the spleen as a
      result of these pro-apoptotic signals.

PMID- 22088923
TI  - Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) deficiency might contribute to the onset of type I
      diabetes.
AB  - The incidence of type I diabetes is rising worldwide, particularly in young
      children. Type I diabetes is considered a multifactorial disease with genetic
      predisposition and environmental factors participating. Currently, despite years
      of research, there is no consensus regarding the factors that initiate the
      autoimmune response. Type I diabetes is preceded by autoimmunity to islet
      antigens, among them the protein glutamic acid decarboxylase, GAD-65. Pyridoxal
      5'-phosphate (PLP) is formed from vitamin B6 by the action of pyridoxal kinase.
      Interaction of GAD65 with PLP is necessary for GAD65-mediated synthesis of the
      neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). PLP is also a required cofactor
      for dopamine synthesis by L-aromatic decarboxylase (L-AADC). Both GAD65 and L
      AADC are expressed in pancreatic islets. Here it is proposed that lack of the
      vitamin B6 derivative pyridoxal 5'-phosphate might contribute to the appearance
      of pancreatic islet autoimmunity and type I diabetes onset.

PMID- 22088924
TI  - Analysis of 4999 online physician ratings indicates that most patients give
      physicians a favorable rating.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many online physician-rating sites provide patients with information
      about physicians and allow patients to rate physicians. Understanding what
      information is available is important given that patients may use this
      information to choose a physician. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to
      (1) determine the most frequently visited physician-rating websites with user
      generated content, (2) evaluate the available information on these websites, and
      (3) analyze 4999 individual online ratings of physicians. METHODS: On October 1,
      2010, using Google Trends we identified the 10 most frequently visited online
      physician-rating sites with user-generated content. We then studied each site to
      evaluate the available information (eg, board certification, years in practice),
      the types of rating scales (eg, 1-5, 1-4, 1-100), and dimensions of care (eg,
      recommend to a friend, waiting room time) used to rate physicians. We analyzed
      data from 4999 selected physician ratings without identifiers to assess how
      physicians are rated online. RESULTS: The 10 most commonly visited websites with
      user-generated content were HealthGrades.com, Vitals.com, Yelp.com, YP.com,
      RevolutionHealth.com, RateMD.com, Angieslist.com, Checkbook.org, Kudzu.com, and
      ZocDoc.com. A total of 35 different dimensions of care were rated by patients in
      the websites, with a median of 4.5 (mean 4.9, SD 2.8, range 1-9) questions per
      site. Depending on the scale used for each physician-rating website, the average
      rating was 77 out of 100 for sites using a 100-point scale (SD 11, median 76,
      range 33-100), 3.84 out of 5 (77%) for sites using a 5-point scale (SD 0.98,
      median 4, range 1-5), and 3.1 out of 4 (78%) for sites using a 4-point scale (SD
      0.72, median 3, range 1-4). The percentage of reviews rated >=75 on a 100-point
      scale was 61.5% (246/400), >=4 on a 5-point scale was 57.74% (2078/3599), and >=3
      on a 4-point scale was 74.0% (740/1000). The patient's single overall rating of
      the physician correlated with the other dimensions of care that were rated by
      patients for the same physician (Pearson correlation, r = .73, P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Most patients give physicians a favorable rating on online physician
      rating sites. A single overall rating to evaluate physicians may be sufficient to
      assess a patient's opinion of the physician. The optimal content and rating
      method that is useful to patients when visiting online physician-rating sites
      deserves further study. Conducting a qualitative analysis to compare the
      quantitative ratings would help validate the rating instruments used to evaluate
      physicians.

PMID- 22088925
TI  - The capacity of acute stress disorder to predict posttraumatic psychiatric
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One rationale for establishing the acute stress disorder diagnosis
      was to identify recently trauma-exposed people who may develop later
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study conducted a multi-site
      assessment of the extent to which ASD predicts subsequent PTSD, and also major
      depressive disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia,
      generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder, 12 months after trauma.
      METHOD: Consecutive admissions to 5 major trauma hospitals across Australia (N =
      1084) were assessed during hospital admission and within one month of trauma
      exposure and subsequently re-assessed for psychiatric disorder 12 months after
      the initial assessment (N = 859). RESULTS: Whereas 120 (10%) patients met
      criteria for ASD in the initial month after trauma, 83 (10%) met criteria for
      PTSD, and 268 (31%) had any psychiatric disorder at 12 months. In terms of those
      diagnosed with ASD, 28 (36%) subsequently met criteria for PTSD and 50 (65%)
      subsequently developed any psychiatric disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the
      majority of people with ASD subsequently develop a psychiatric disorder, most
      people with a disorder at 12 months do not initially display ASD.

PMID- 22088926
TI  - Interaction of the BcII glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism and childhood abuse
      in Bulimia Nervosa (BN): relationship to BN and to associated trait
      manifestations.
AB  - We recently documented a gene-environment interaction suggesting that individuals
      with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) differed from normal eaters as to the combined presence
      of the low-function allele of the glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism, BcII, and
      childhood abuse. The present study examined the extent to which any such
      interaction effect may have been attributable to behavioral impulsivity,
      sensation seeking, affective instability or depression. We had 174 bulimic and
      130 nonbulimic women provide blood for genetic assays, and measured
      psychopathological traits and childhood abuse using structured interviews and
      self-report questionnaires. As expected, we observed a significant BcII * abuse
      interaction indicating genetic and environmental susceptibilities to co-occur
      significantly more often in bulimic than in nonbulimic individuals. The BcII *
      abuse interaction was attenuated when levels of depression were accounted for,
      but was surprisingly unaffected by controls for motoric impulsivity, sensation
      seeking or affective instability. Our findings suggest that stress-induced
      alterations in glucocorticoid sensitivity contribute to BN and depressive
      disturbances--without being associated with the behavioral/affective
      dysregulation seen in many BN sufferers. We discuss theoretical and clinical
      implications of these observations.

PMID- 22088927
TI  - Incidence of severe work-related injuries among young adult workers in Brazil:
      analysis of compensation data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To obtain national estimates of the annual cumulative incidence and
      incidence density of severe non-fatal injuries using compensation benefits data
      from the Brazilian National Social Security Institute (INSS), and to describe
      their sociodemographic distribution among workers aged under 25 years. METHODS:
      Data are records of health-related compensation benefits from the Ministry of
      Social Insurance's information system of compensation benefits of the INSS
      recorded in 2006. Injuries were cases classified under chapter XIX, ICD-10. The
      assessment of their relation with work was made by INSS's occupational physician
      experts. The study population comprised young workers aged 16-24 years. RESULTS:
      59,381 workers received compensation benefits for injuries in the study year.
      Among them 14,491 (24.4%) were work related, 12,501 (86.3%) were male and 1990
      were female workers (13.7%). The annual cumulative incidence rate of work-related
      injuries (ACI-WI) was 2.9*1000 workers, higher among men (4.2*1000) than women
      (1.0*1000). The incidence density rate (IDR-WI) was 0.7/1000 full-time equivalent
      (FTE), higher for men (0.97/1000 FTE) than women (0.24/1000 FTE). Both morbidity
      measures were higher in the younger group (16-19 years), and inversely related to
      wage, especially for women in the younger group. Logging, extraction,
      food/beverage and construction industries had higher ACI-WI and IDR-WI for
      adolescents and young adult workers of both sex groups. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that the Brazilian labour laws limiting young adult workers in
      hazardous settings need to be expanded, adding occupations in other extractive
      industries and certain types of work in the food/beverage manufacturing
      industries. Social inequalities associated with sex need to be examined further
      with more detailed data.

PMID- 22088928
TI  - Injury prevention and risk communication: a mental models approach.
AB  - Individuals' decisions and behaviour can play a critical role in determining both
      the probability and severity of injury. Behavioural decision research studies
      peoples' decision-making processes in terms comparable to scientific models of
      optimal choices, providing a basis for focusing interventions on the most
      critical opportunities to reduce risks. That research often seeks to identify the
      'mental models' that underlie individuals' interpretations of their circumstances
      and the outcomes of possible actions. In the context of injury prevention, a
      mental models approach would ask why people fail to see risks, do not make use of
      available protective interventions or misjudge the effectiveness of protective
      measures. If these misunderstandings can be reduced through context-appropriate
      risk communications, then their improved mental models may help people to engage
      more effectively in behaviours that they judge to be in their own best interest.
      If that proves impossible, then people may need specific instructions, not
      trusting to intuition or even paternalistic protection against situations that
      they cannot sufficiently control. The method entails working with domain
      specialists to elicit and create an expert model of the risk situation,
      interviewing lay people to elicit their comparable mental models, and developing
      and evaluating communication interventions designed to close the gaps between lay
      people and experts. This paper reviews the theory and method behind this research
      stream and uses examples to discuss how the approach can be used to develop
      scientifically validated context-sensitive injury risk communications.

PMID- 22088929
TI  - Increased risk of cancer among gout patients: a nationwide population study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few studies have investigated the association between gout and cancer.
      The present study examined the relative risk of cancer in a nationwide cohort.
      METHODS: The primary data source was the National Health Insurance database of
      Taiwan. Data recorded between 2000 and 2008 for subjects >=20 years and with no
      history of malignancy were included for the analysis. A gout case definition was
      defined by records of gout diagnosis and anti-gout treatment (urate-lowering
      drugs, including allopurinol, benzbromazone, probenacid and sulfinpyrazone, and
      colchicine). Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association
      between gout and cancer. RESULTS: A total of 694,361 patients (355,278 men,
      339,083 women) were included; among them, 25,943 had a history of gout. Mean age
      (+/-standard deviation) was 42.3+/-16.3 years. During 5,471,272 patient-years of
      follow-up, cancer was detected in 24,088 patients (1745 with gout and 22,343
      controls). The most cancers were liver, lung, and colonic cancers. The overall
      incidence of cancer was significantly higher among gout patients than controls
      (8.7 vs. 4.2 cases per 1000 patient-years, P<0.001). After adjustment for age and
      sex, gout was found to be associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.15 (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.21; P<0.001) for cancer. Gout was most closely
      associated with prostate cancer, with an age- and sex-adjusted HR of 1.71 (1.45
      2.02). On the other hand, gout tended to have an inverse, albeit insignificant,
      association with breast cancer (adjusted HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.63-1.04).
      CONCLUSION: Gout was associated with increased risk of cancer, particularly that
      of prostate cancer in males.

PMID- 22088930
TI  - Frequency of hospitalization and severe events in 497 spondylarthritis patients
      treated with anti-TNF drugs: comparisons with 423 RA patients.

PMID- 22088931
TI  - Proximal symphalangism and premature ovarian failure.
AB  - Proximal symphalangism is a rare autosomal dominant affection responsible for
      multiple joint ankylosis, it results from NOG gene mutation whose locus is on
      17q21-22. This gene may be involved in secretory functions of glands such as
      ovarian function. Premature ovarian failure is idiopathic in 80% of cases but may
      be secondary to multiple etiologies including genetic. We report the case of a
      patient with proximal symphalangism and premature ovarian failure, and we discuss
      the possibility of genetic relationship between the two anomalies.

PMID- 22088932
TI  - Supraclavicular nerve entrapment syndrome.
AB  - Supraclavicular nerve entrapment syndrome, although rare, should be considered
      among the causes of anterior shoulder girdle pain. This syndrome is usually
      related to anatomic variants (involving the bone structures, fibrous bands, or
      muscles and tendons). Computed tomography is the most useful investigation.
      Medications used to treat neuropathic pain may provide relief. Otherwise, a local
      glucocorticoid injection or even surgical decompression should be considered.

PMID- 22088933
TI  - Assessment of hand trabecular bone texture with high resolution direct digital
      radiograph in rheumatoid arthritis: a case control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by an early inflammatory
      related periarticular osteopenia. A new high resolution direct digital X-ray
      device has been recently developed to provide bone texture analysis which is
      designed to assess changes in trabecular bone architecture. For the first time,
      we have evaluated trabecular bone texture impairment in rheumatoid arthritis
      patients compared to healthy controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study,
      the reproducibility was assessed by three separate digital X-rays of the right
      hand, with repositioning in 14 late rheumatoid arthritis patients and 14 healthy
      subjects. Then, trabecular bone texture of the MCP2 and MCP3 from patients
      enrolled in a prospective cohort of 78 rheumatoid arthritis patients was compared
      with that of 50 healthy subjects, using three texture parameters: Hmean, co
      occurrence and run-length. RESULTS: The coefficients of variation of the high
      resolution direct digital X-ray measurements ranged from 0.5 to 1.8%. Only the
      Hmean parameter was significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients
      compared to healthy subjects at MCP2 (0.637+/-0.040 vs. 0.654+/-0.032, P<0.05)
      and at MCP3 (0.646+/-0.044 vs. 0.665+/-0.037, P<0.05). This reduction was
      significantly correlated to disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrated both the good reproducibility of the high resolution digital X-ray
      measurements and the trabecular bone texture impairment at MCP joints in
      rheumatoid arthritis patients. In addition to provide a high resolution hand
      radiograph, this technique may represent an interesting tool to easily quantify
      periarticular osteopenia with a low radiation dose.

PMID- 22088934
TI  - Development of inflammatory bowel disease during anti-TNF-alpha therapy for
      inflammatory rheumatic disease: a nationwide series.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe cases of new onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in
      patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) receiving anti-TNF-alpha
      therapy. METHODS: A call for observations of such cases was sent to members of
      the French "Club rhumatismes et inflammation". Only patients without intestinal
      symptoms before introduction of anti TNF-alpha agents were included. RESULTS:
      During a 2-year period, 16 patients were declared: nine men and seven women, mean
      age 41.5 +/- 17.4 years, 12 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, one with
      rheumatoid arthritis, one with psoriatic arthritis and two juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis with enthesitis related arthritis. Overall, 14 patients received
      etanercept and two had infliximab. The meantime frame between onsets of anti-TNF-
      alpha drugs and development of IBD was 29.3 +/- 20.1 months. According to
      endoscopic and histological findings, IBD was classified as typical Crohn's
      disease in eight cases, Crohn's-like disease in six cases, indeterminate in one
      case and definite ulcerative colitis in one case. For all cases, each TNF-alpha
      blocking agent was discontinued and replaced by another monoclonal anti TNF-alpha
      antibody. After a mean follow up period of 23.4 +/- 19.5 months, outcome was
      favorable without recurrent or flaring IBD. CONCLUSIONS: Paradoxical IBD may
      occur during anti TNF-alpha therapy for inflammatory rheumatic disease, mostly in
      patients with spondylarthropathies while receiving etanercept, at a frequency
      estimated to 0.15% in the French patients with spondylarthropathies exposed to
      TNF-alpha antagonists. The IBD mainly corresponded to Crohn's or Crohn's-like
      disease. On the contrary, new onset IBD is less frequently observed in other
      cases of IRD and with other TNF--alpha blockers.

PMID- 22088935
TI  - A self-administered questionnaire to screen the risk of dementia: a pilot study
      and the results of a comparison with the mini-mental state examination (MMSE).
AB  - Cognitive impairment is an age-related condition as the rate of cognitive decline
      rapidly increases with aging. The aim of this study was to screen the risk of
      cognitive decline in people over 60 years from 16 different Italian cities, by
      comparing the results of a self-administered questionnaire with the MMSE. We
      analyzed data from 203 persons aged 60 years and over, who voluntarily accepted
      to participate during the "Second Prevention Day for AD". A self-administered
      questionnaire, developed by clinicians of our Department of Aging, was
      distributed to all participants, in order to easily screen the risk of cognitive
      impairment. Then, all subjects underwent cognitive assessment by MMSE. We
      esteemed the risk of cognitive impairment of all participants basing on MMSE
      scores (no risk, mild and moderate risk) and we compared this assessment with the
      results obtained by the self-administered questionnaire. The comparison between
      the risk of cognitive impairment revealed by our questionnaire and the risk
      esteemed by MMSE resulted in a discrepancy in 43.96% of cases in no risk class.
      In mild risk group there was a discrepancy of results in 70.53% of subjects. In
      moderate risk class there was a discrepancy of results in 38.46% of individuals.
      Our questionnaire resulted to be accurate for the evaluation of patients with
      moderate risk of cognitive impairment. It showed a lower accuracy for the mild
      risk class, often overestimating the risk of cognitive decline.

PMID- 22088936
TI  - Topography of cortical thinning areas associated with hippocampal atrophy (HA) in
      patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
AB  - Prior studies have shown that patients with AD have decreased functional or
      structural connectivity between the hippocampus and other brain areas. To the
      best of our knowledge, however, there have been no studies investigating the
      topography of cortical thinning areas and correlations with HA using surface
      based morphometry of three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR)
      images. Cortical thickness was measured using SBM, and hippocampal volume was
      measured using an automated method, in 219 patients with AD and 54 subjects with
      no cognitive impairment (NCI). A partial correlation model was used in analysis
      of cortical thinning related to HA. Cortical thinning areas related to HA were
      found mostly within areas associated with polysynaptic or direct pathways of the
      hippocampus, a finding consistent with the disconnection hypothesis. Therefore,
      the cortical atrophy related to HA in patients with AD may represent disrupted
      cortical brain networks in connection with HA. However, since the topography of
      HA-related cortical thinning in groups with Clinical Dementia Ratings (CDR) of
      0.5 and 1 corresponded to the stages I-II and III-IV of Braak and Braak staging,
      respectively, we could not exclude the possibility of the "concomitant
      hypothesis," i.e. that these areas are affected concomitantly with the
      hippocampus.

PMID- 22088937
TI  - The effect of aging and dental status on the frequency of eating out.
AB  - Although many studies have investigated the effect of impaired dentition on
      eating habits and social expression, very few studies have evaluated the effect
      of age and dental status on the frequency of eating out, which was the purpose of
      the present study. A sample of 161 community-dwelling adults aged between 20 and
      94 years of age was interviewed and then clinically examined to record dental and
      denture status. The bivariate analyses revealed that those who were eating out
      less often were more likely older, widowed, pensioners, with elementary or less
      than elementary education, suffering from hypertension, overweight or obese, with
      bad self-rated health, complaining for xerostomia, with difficulties chewing hard
      food and with fewer natural teeth. Multiple logistic regression analysis
      identified as significant predictors for less frequently eating out older age and
      low educational level. These results suggest that in the particular cultural
      environment the dental status is not an independent predictor of the frequency of
      eating out, but other biological and social factors play a more significant role.

PMID- 22088938
TI  - A pilot test of a combined tobacco dependence treatment and lung cancer screening
      program.
AB  - Lung cancer screening with computed tomography has demonstrated a significant
      reduction in mortality. While these findings are important for the lung cancer
      research field, the most important risk factor for lung cancer, i.e. smoking,
      should not be ignored. We performed a pilot study to examine the feasibility of
      delivering a program that included both tobacco dependence treatment and lung
      cancer screening. The objectives of this study were to: (1) estimate the
      proportion of smokers who complied with a 12-week treatment protocol that
      included both tobacco dependence treatment and lung cancer screening, (2) obtain
      preliminary estimates of abstinence and quit attempts at 4 and 6 months, and (3)
      obtain preliminary estimates of the cognitive social health information
      processing (C-SHIP) constructs and how they change following the intervention. In
      this randomized pilot study, 18 volunteers completed a 12-week protocol: half
      received the tobacco dependence treatment program before a CT scan (BCT) and the
      other received the CT scan first, followed by the treatment program (ACT). The
      treatment protocol included both nurse-delivered telephone counseling and either
      nicotine replacement therapy or varenicline. Only one person did not complete all
      follow-up evaluations. At 4 months post enrollment, the carbon monoxide confirmed
      quit rates were 33.3% in the BCT arm and 22.2% in the ACT arm (27.8% overall),
      and all but one had made a 24-h attempt to quit. At 6 months the confirmed
      abstinence decreased to 22.1% in the BCT arm and 11.1% in the ACT arm (16.7%
      overall), and 72.2% of participants had made a 24-h quit attempt. These
      preliminary results suggest that it might be better to deliver treatment before
      the screening test. Future randomized trials with a larger sample size are needed
      to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22088939
TI  - Immunosuppression and lung cancer of donor origin after bilateral lung
      transplantation.
AB  - Analysis of databases from transplant recipients revealed a 3-5 fold higher risk
      to develop de novo malignancies under continued immunosuppression. The underlying
      mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we describe a patient who received a
      bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage 'usual interstitial pneumonia' (UIP)
      resulting in idiopathic lung fibrosis. The recipient presented with a non-small
      cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in the donor lung 7 months later. Molecular and
      immunological typing of the tumor revealed a cancer of donor origin with a
      prominent intratumoral immune cell infiltrate without detectable effector
      function. This is a unique case of de novo outgrowth of a NSCLC of donor origin
      under continued immunosuppression, supporting the concept of tumor
      immunosurveillance in vivo.

PMID- 22088940
TI  - Placenta: predicting future health.

PMID- 22088941
TI  - Growth, metastasis, and expression of CCL2 and CCL5 by murine mammary carcinomas
      are dependent upon Myd88.
AB  - Previously we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of murine mammary
      carcinomas resulted in decreased growth of the tumors. Here we show the decreased
      growth following LPS treatment was mediated through effects downstream of TLR4
      and Myd88. Perhaps more notably, simply reducing TLR4 or Myd88 levels was
      sufficient to slow tumor growth rates. Moreover, reduced levels of Myd88
      correlated with a significant reduction in lung metastasis as well as decreased
      CCL2 and CCL5 expression. To determine whether inhibiting Myd88 function could
      also alter tumor growth and chemokine expression we used a Myd88 homodimerization
      inhibitory peptide. Indeed, inhibiting Myd88 function in four different murine
      mammary carcinomas as well as the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 led to
      decreased growth as well as CCL2 and CCL5 expression. These data imply that Myd88
      is important for growth and metastasis of breast cancer, and expression of at
      least two proinflammatory chemokines.

PMID- 22088942
TI  - Subsensory galvanic vestibular stimulation augments arterial pressure control
      upon head-up tilt in human subjects.
AB  - The vestibular system plays an important role in control of arterial pressure
      (AP) upon head-up tilt (HUT). To examine this role in human subjects, we
      previously compared changes in AP with and without high-amplitude galvanic
      vestibular stimulation (GVS), which is considered to obscure vestibular input. In
      contrast, regarding sensory function in skin and muscle, it has been documented
      that low-amplitude electrical stimulation improves both sensitivity and response.
      In the present study, we examined whether GVS of smaller amplitude improves AP
      control upon HUT. GVS was applied at the amplitude of the somatosensory threshold
      (0.3-0.8 mA), 0.1 mA over the threshold, and 0.1 and 0.2 mA below the threshold
      during HUT. AP decreased at the onset of HUT compared with that in the supine
      position in 15 of 25 subjects without GVS (-12+/-2 mmHg), but applying GVS at 0.1
      mA below the somatosensory threshold diminished the decrease (0.3+/-0.7 mmHg).
      The APs of another 10 subjects were maintained or decreased by less than 5 mmHg
      without GVS at the onset of HUT (4+/-2 mmHg), but applying GVS at the amplitude
      of 0.1 mA below the somatosensory threshold further increased the AP (12+/-2
      mmHg). GVS at the other amplitudes did not result in AP changes in either group.
      Thus, subsensory weak GVS enhances AP control at the onset of HUT.

PMID- 22088943
TI  - alpha2-Adrenergic receptor distribution and density within the nucleus tractus
      solitarii of normotensive and hypertensive rats during development.
AB  - The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), located in the brainstem, is one of the main
      nuclei responsible for integrating different signals in order to originate a
      specific and orchestrated autonomic response. Antihypertensive drugs are well
      known to stimulate alpha(2)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2R)) in brainstem cardiovascular
      regions to induce reduction in blood pressure. Because alpha(2R) impairment is
      present in several models of hypertension, the aim of the present study was to
      investigate the distribution and density of alpha(2R) binding within the NTS of
      Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats during development
      (1,15,30 and 90 day-old) by an in vitro autoradiographical study. The NTS shows
      heterogeneous distribution of alpha(2R) in dorsomedial/dorsolateral, subpostremal
      and medial/intermediate subnuclei. Alpha(2R) increased from rostral to caudal
      dorsomedial/dorsolateral subnuclei in 30 and 90 day-old SHR but not in WKY.
      Alpha(2R) decreased from rostral to caudal subpostremal subnucleus in 15, 30 and
      90 day-old SHR but not in WKY. Medial/intermediate subnuclei did not show any
      changes in alpha(2R) according to NTS levels. Furthermore, alpha(2R) are
      decreased in SHR as compared with WKY in all NTS subnuclei and in different ages.
      Surprisingly, alpha(2R) impairment was also found in pre-hypertensive stages,
      specifically in subpostremal subnucleus of 15 day-old rats. Finally, alpha(2R)
      decrease from 1 to 90 day-old rats in all subnuclei analyzed. This decrease is
      different between strains in rostral dorsomedial/dorsolateral and caudal
      subpostremal subnuclei within the NTS. In summary, our results highlight the
      importance of alpha(2R) distribution within the NTS regarding the neural control
      of blood pressure and the development of hypertension.

PMID- 22088945
TI  - The characterisation of two halogenated cathinone analogues: 3,5
      difluoromethcathinone and 3,5-dichloromethcathinone.
AB  - Australia has seen an increase in the importation and use of drugs that are
      marketed and sold as "Legal Highs". These compounds have largely tended to be
      various cathinone analogues, with 4-methylmethcathinone the most prominent to
      date. In January 2009, unknown samples were submitted for analysis along with a
      large seizure of 3-fluoromethcathinone as part of a police operation. The samples
      were analysed and determined to be 3,5-difluoromethcathinone and 3,5
      dichloromethcathinone. These compounds were synthesised and characterised. The GC
      MS data of the samples and their N-acetyl derivatives, NMR, vapour-phase and
      condensed-phase IR for these previously unreported compounds are presented. This
      analytical data will enable laboratories to confirm the presence of these
      compounds in the absence of commercially available reference standards.

PMID- 22088944
TI  - Trypanosomes and the solution to a 50-year mitochondrial calcium mystery.
AB  - The ability of mitochondria to take up Ca(2+) was discovered 50 years ago. This
      calcium uptake, through a mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), is important not
      only for the regulation of cellular ATP concentration but also for more complex
      pathways such as shaping Ca(2+) signals and the activation of programmed cell
      death. The molecular nature of the uniporter remained unknown for decades. By a
      comparative study of mitochondrial protein profiles of organisms lacking or
      possessing MCU, such as yeast in the former case and vertebrates and trypanosomes
      in the latter, two groups recently found the protein that possesses all the
      characteristics of the MCU. These results add another success story to the
      already substantial contributions of trypanosomes to mammalian biochemistry.

PMID- 22088946
TI  - Society of Hair Testing guidelines for drug testing in hair.
AB  - The Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) Guidelines for Drug Testing in Hair provide
      laboratories with recommended best practice guidelines whether they are currently
      offering drug testing in hair, or plan to offer a hair testing service in the
      future. The guidelines include reference to recommended sample collection and
      storage procedures, through sample preparation, pre-treatment and analysis and
      the use of cut-offs.

PMID- 22088947
TI  - Parameters of arterial stiffness: hypertensive and diabetic patients vs controls.

PMID- 22088948
TI  - Expanded endonasal approach for the clipping of a ruptured basilar aneurysm and
      feeding artery to a cerebellar arteriovenous malformation.
AB  - While endovascular techniques play a significant and expanding role in the
      management of basilar trunk aneurysms, open surgical clipping remains necessary
      in select cases. Expanded endonasal transclival approaches offer the advantage of
      direct access and visualization of the midline vertebrobasilar system, benefits
      ideally suited to a basilar trunk aneurysm. A 59-year old woman with subarachnoid
      hemorrhage was found to have a ruptured basilar trunk aneurysm associated with a
      feeding vessel to a small cerebellar arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An
      expanded endoscopic endonasal transclival approach was used to successfully clip
      the basilar trunk aneurysm and feeding AVM vessel. The patient was subsequently
      discharged home without any neurological deficits. Transclival clipping of
      basilar trunk aneurysms is technically feasible and plays an important role in
      management when other strategies fail. The technical benefits of this approach
      include proximal and distal control of the basilar artery and improved
      visualization of the brainstem and perforators. Endoscopic transclival approaches
      should be considered in the management of complex basilar trunk aneurysms.

PMID- 22088949
TI  - Focal brain atrophy in gastric bypass patients with cognitive complaints.
AB  - Recently, we have identified a series of patients presenting with cognitive
      complaints after gastric bypass, without any identifiable etiology. We aimed to
      determine if focal brain atrophy could account for the complaints. A
      retrospective case series was performed to identify patients with cognitive
      complaints following gastric bypass who had a volumetric MRI. Voxel-based
      morphometry was used to assess patterns of grey matter loss in all 10 patients
      identified, compared to 10 age and gender-matched controls. All patients had
      undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at a median age of 54 (range: 46-64).
      Cognitive complaints developed at a median age of 57 (52-69). Formal
      neuropsychometric testing revealed only minor deficits. No nutritional
      abnormalities were identified. Voxel-based morphometry demonstrated focal
      thalamic atrophy in the gastric bypass patients when compared to controls.
      Patients with cognitive complaints after gastric bypass surgery may have focal
      thalamic brain atrophy that could result in cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22088950
TI  - Diffuse central neurocytoma with craniospinal dissemination.
AB  - Central neurocytomas (CN) are benign central nervous system (CNS) tumors of
      neuroglial origin that represent 0.25 to 0.5% of all intracranial tumors in
      adults and an even smaller proportion of pediatric CNS tumors. These tumors
      characteristically occur in the subependymal layer of the lateral ventricle near
      the foramen of Monro and appear as sharply demarcated, solitary lesions. Surgical
      resection is considered curative, as the reported recurrence rate is less than 5%
      for patients with localized disease. In this report, we describe the case of a
      three-year-old boy with a diffuse CN with craniospinal dissemination identified
      at the time of diagnosis. Given the extensive nature of the disease, surgical
      resection was not indicated and he underwent a chemotherapeutic regimen of
      vincristine and carboplatin. At 18 months followup, the patient has completed 6
      of 8 total cycles of vincristine and carboplatin and serial imaging shows stable
      disease within the craniospinal axis.

PMID- 22088951
TI  - Entrapment of the extensor pollicis longus tendon after a radial fracture in a
      child.

PMID- 22088952
TI  - Re: Ozcelik B, Egemen O, Sacak B. How to prevent the avulsed soft tissues from
      wrapping around the K-wire. J Hand Surg Eur. 2011, 36: 518-9.

PMID- 22088953
TI  - The metabotropic glutamate receptor 4-positive allosteric modulator VU0364770
      produces efficacy alone and in combination with L-DOPA or an adenosine 2A
      antagonist in preclinical rodent models of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder associated
      with severe motor impairments caused by the loss of dopaminergic innervation of
      the striatum. Previous studies have demonstrated that positive allosteric
      modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4), including N
      phenyl-7-(hydroxyimino) cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide, can produce
      antiparkinsonian-like effects in preclinical models of PD. However, these early
      mGlu4 PAMsexhibited unsuitable physiochemical properties for systemic dosing,
      requiring intracerebroventricular administration and limiting their broader
      utility as in vivo tools to further understand the role of mGlu4 in the
      modulation of basal ganglia function relevant to PD. In the present study, we
      describe the pharmacologic characterization of a systemically active mGlu4 PAM, N
      (3-chlorophenyl)picolinamide (VU0364770), in several rodent PD models. VU0364770
      showed efficacy alone or when administered in combination with L-DOPA or an
      adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor antagonist currently in clinical development
      (preladenant). When administered alone, VU0364770 exhibited efficacy in reversing
      haloperidol-induced catalepsy, forelimb asymmetry-induced by unilateral 6
      hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the median forebrain bundle, and attentional
      deficits induced by bilateral 6-OHDA nigrostriatal lesions in rats. In addition,
      VU0364770 enhanced the efficacy of preladenant to reverse haloperidol-induced
      catalepsy when given in combination. The effects of VU0364770 to reverse forelimb
      asymmetry were also potentiated when the compound was coadministered with an
      inactive dose of L-DOPA, suggesting that mGlu4 PAMs may provide L-DOPA-sparing
      activity. The present findings provide exciting support for the potential role of
      selective mGlu4 PAMs as a novel approach for the symptomatic treatment of PD and
      a possible augmentation strategy with either L-DOPA or A2A antagonists.

PMID- 22088954
TI  - Roscovitine inhibits CaV3.1 (T-type) channels by preferentially affecting closed
      state inactivation.
AB  - T-type calcium channels (Ca(V)3) play an important role in many physiological and
      pathological processes, including cancerogenesis. Ca(V)3 channel blockers have
      been proposed as potential cancer treatments. Roscovitine, a trisubstituted
      purine, is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor that is currently undergoing
      phase II clinical trials as an anticancer drug and has been shown to affect
      calcium and potassium channel activity. Here, we investigate the effect of
      roscovitine on Ca(V)3.1 channels. Ca(V)3.1 channels were transiently expressed in
      human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and currents were recorded by using the whole
      cell patch-clamp technique. Roscovitine blocks Ca(V)3.1 channels with higher
      affinity for depolarized cells (EC50 of 10 MUM), which is associated with a
      negative shift in the voltage dependence of closed-state inactivation. Enhanced
      inactivation is mediated by roscovitine-induced acceleration of closed-state
      inactivation and slowed recovery from inactivation. Small effects of roscovitine
      were also observed on T-channel deactivation and open-state inactivation, but
      neither could explain the inhibitory effect. Roscovitine inhibits Ca(V)3.1
      channels within the therapeutic range (10-50 MUM) in part by stabilizing the
      closed-inactivated state. The ability of roscovitine to block multiple mediators
      of proliferation, including CDKs and Ca(V)3.1 channels, may facilitate its
      anticancer properties.

PMID- 22088955
TI  - Identification of novel molecular scaffolds for the design of MMP-13 inhibitors:
      a first round of lead optimization.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of joint pain and disability in middle
      aged and elderly patients, and is characterized by progressive loss of articular
      cartilage. Among the various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-13 is
      specifically expressed in the cartilage of human OA patients and is not present
      in normal adult cartilage. Thus, MMP-13-selective inhibitors are promising
      candidates in osteoarthritis therapy. Recently, we designed an N-isopropoxy
      arylsulfonamide-based hydroxamate inhibitor, which showed low nanomolar activity
      and high selectivity for MMP-13. In parallel to further studies aiming to assess
      the in vivo activity of our compound, we screened the Life Chemicals database
      through computational docking to seek for novel scaffolds as zinc-chelating non
      hydroxamate inhibitors. Experimental evaluation of 20 selected candidate
      compounds verified five novel leads with IC(50) in the low MUM range. These newly
      discovered inhibitors are structurally unrelated to the ones known so far and
      provide useful scaffolds to develop compounds with more desirable properties.
      Finally, a first round of structure-based optimization on lead 1 was accomplished
      and led to an increase in potency of more than 5 fold.

PMID- 22088956
TI  - Identification and development of 2,5-disubstituted oxadiazole as potential
      candidate for treatment of XDR and MDR tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis, the infection on the verge of eradication once, is now a great
      threat to mankind. Emergence of MDR and XDR-TB synergised with HIV and other
      immune-compressive diseases have increased the life threatening capacities of the
      disease. A small molecule has been identified here, which showed potent anti
      tubercular activity. The identified hit compound has also been proved active
      against nearly 25 clinical isolates comparable with isoniazid.

PMID- 22088957
TI  - Effect of leachate recirculation on mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste.
AB  - The effects of using untreated leachate for supplemental water addition and
      liquid recirculation on anaerobic digestion of food waste was evaluated by
      combining cyclic water recycle operations with batch mesophilic biochemical
      methane potential (BMP) assays. Cyclic BMP assays indicated that using an
      appropriate fraction of recycled leachate and fresh make up water can stimulate
      methanogenic activity and enhance biogas production. Conversely increasing the
      percentage of recycled leachate in the make up water eventually causes
      methanogenic inhibition and decrease in the rate of food waste stabilization. The
      decrease in activity is exacerbated as the number cycles increases. Inhibition is
      possibly attributed to accumulation and elevated concentrations of ammonia as
      well as other waste by products in the recycled leachate that inhibit
      methanogenesis.

PMID- 22088958
TI  - Assessment of biotechnological strategies for the valorization of metal bearing
      wastes.
AB  - The present work deals with the application of biotechnology for the mobilization
      of metals from different solid wastes: end of life industrial catalysts, heavy
      metal contaminated marine sediments and fluorescent powders coming from a cathode
      ray tube glass recycling process. Performed experiments were aimed at assessing
      the performance of acidophilic chemoautotrophic Fe/S-oxidizing bacteria for such
      different solid matrices, also focusing on the effect of solid concentration and
      of different substrata. The achieved results have evidenced that metal
      solubilization seems to be strongly influenced by the metal speciation and
      partitioning in the solid matrix. No biological effect was observed for Ni, Zn,
      As, Cr mobilization from marine sediments (34%, 44%, 15%, 10% yields,
      respectively) due to metal partitioning. On the other hand, for spent refinery
      catalysts (Ni, V, Mo extractions of 83%, 90% and 40%, respectively) and
      fluorescent powders (Zn and Y extraction of 55% and 70%, respectively), the
      improvement in metal extraction observed in the presence of a microbial activity
      confirms the key role of Fe/S oxidizing bacteria and ferrous iron. A negative
      effect of solid concentration was in general observed on bioleaching
      performances, due to the toxicity of dissolved metals and/or to the solid organic
      component.

PMID- 22088959
TI  - Techno-economic evaluation of ultrasound and thermal pretreatments for enhanced
      anaerobic digestion of municipal waste activated sludge.
AB  - To enhance the anaerobic digestion of municipal waste-activated sludge (WAS),
      ultrasound, thermal, and ultrasound+thermal (combined) pretreatments were
      conducted using three ultrasound specific energy inputs (1000, 5000, and 10,000
      kJ/kg TSS) and three thermal pretreatment temperatures (50, 70 and 90 degrees C).
      Prior to anaerobic digestion, combined pretreatments significantly improved
      volatile suspended solid (VSS) reduction by 29-38%. The largest increase in
      methane production (30%) was observed after 30 min of 90 degrees C pretreatment
      followed by 10,000 kJ/kg TSS ultrasound pretreatment. Combined pretreatments
      improved the dimethyl sulfide (DMS) removal efficiency by 42-72% but did not show
      any further improvement in hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) removal when compared with
      ultrasound and thermal pretreatments alone. Economic analysis showed that
      combined pretreatments with 1000 kJ/kg TSS specific energy and differing thermal
      pretreatments (50-90 degrees C) can reduce operating costs by $44-66/ton dry
      solid when compared to conventional anaerobic digestion without pretreatments.

PMID- 22088960
TI  - Different treatment strategies for highly polluted landfill leachate in
      developing countries.
AB  - The aim of this research was to determine appropriate treatment technique for
      effective treatment of heavily polluted landfill leachate. We accomplished
      several treatment experiments: (i) aerobic biological treatment, (ii) chemical
      coagulation, (iii) advanced oxidation process (AOP) and (iv) several combined
      treatment strategies. Efficiency of these treatment procedures were monitored by
      analysing COD and colour removal. Leachate used for this study was taken from
      Matuail landfill site at Dhaka city. With extended aeration process which is
      currently used in Matuail landfill site for leachate treatment, maximum COD and
      colour removal of 36% and 20%, respectively could be achieved with optimum
      retention period of 7 days. With optimum aluminium sulphate dose of 15,000 mg/L
      and pH value of 7.0, maximum COD and colour removals of 34% and 66%, respectively
      were observed by using chemical coagulation. With optimum pH of 5.0 and optimum
      dosages of reagents having H(2)O(2)/Fe(2+) molar ratio of 1.3 the highest removal
      of COD and colour were found 68% and 87%, respectively with sludge production of
      55%. Fenton treatment which is an advanced oxidation process was the most
      successful between these three separate treatment procedures. Among the combined
      treatment options performed, extended aeration followed by Fenton method was the
      most suitable one.

PMID- 22088961
TI  - Anaerobic digestion of chicken feather with swine manure or slaughterhouse sludge
      for biogas production.
AB  - Biogas production from anaerobic digestion of chicken feathers with swine manure
      or slaughterhouse sludge was assessed in two separate experiments. Ground
      feathers without any pre-treatment were added to 42-L digesters inoculated with
      swine manure or slaughterhouse sludge, representing 37% and 23% of total solids,
      respectively and incubated at 25 degrees C in batch mode. Compared to the control
      without feather addition, total CH(4) production increased by 130% (P<0.001) and
      110% (P=0.09) in the swine manure and the slaughterhouse sludge digesters,
      respectively. Mixed liquor NH(4)N concentration increased (P<0.001) from 4.8 and
      3.1g/L at the beginning of the digestion to 6.9 and 3.5 g/L at the end of
      digestion in the swine manure and the slaughterhouse sludge digesters,
      respectively. The fraction of proteolytic microorganisms increased (P<0.001)
      during the digestion from 12.5% to 14.5% and 11.3% to 13.0% in the swine manure
      and the slaughterhouse sludge digesters with feather addition, respectively, but
      decreased in the controls. These results are reflective of feather digestion.
      Feather addition did not affect CH(4) yields of the swine manure digesters
      (P=0.082) and the slaughterhouse sludge digesters (P=0.21), indicating that
      feathers can be digested together with swine manure or slaughterhouse sludge
      without negatively affecting the digestion of swine manure and slaughterhouse
      sludge.

PMID- 22088962
TI  - Bias correction in the hierarchical likelihood approach to the analysis of
      multivariate survival data.
AB  - Frailty models are useful for measuring unobserved heterogeneity in risk of
      failures across clusters, providing cluster-specific risk prediction. In a
      frailty model, the latent frailties shared by members within a cluster are
      assumed to act multiplicatively on the hazard function. In order to obtain
      parameter and frailty variate estimates, we consider the hierarchical likelihood
      (H-likelihood) approach (Ha, Lee and Song, 2001. Hierarchical-likelihood approach
      for frailty models. Biometrika 88, 233-243) in which the latent frailties are
      treated as "parameters" and estimated jointly with other parameters of interest.
      We find that the H-likelihood estimators perform well when the censoring rate is
      low, however, they are substantially biased when the censoring rate is moderate
      to high. In this paper, we propose a simple and easy-to-implement bias correction
      method for the H-likelihood estimators under a shared frailty model. We also
      extend the method to a multivariate frailty model, which incorporates complex
      dependence structure within clusters. We conduct an extensive simulation study
      and show that the proposed approach performs very well for censoring rates as
      high as 80%. We also illustrate the method with a breast cancer data set. Since
      the H-likelihood is the same as the penalized likelihood function, the proposed
      bias correction method is also applicable to the penalized likelihood estimators.

PMID- 22088963
TI  - Arousal modulates temporal preparation under increased time uncertainty: Evidence
      from higher-order sequential foreperiod effects.
AB  - When the foreperiod (FP) is unpredictably varied in reaction-time tasks,
      responses are slow at short but fast at long FPs (variable-FP effect), and
      further vary asymmetrically as a function of FP sequence (sequential FP effect).
      A trace-conditioning model attributes these phenomena to time-related associative
      learning, while a dual-process model views them as resulting from combined
      effects of strategic preparation and trial-to-trial changes in arousal.
      Sometimes, responses are slower in long-long than in short-long FP sequences.
      This pattern is not predicted from the trace-conditioning account, since FP
      repetitions should speed up, rather than slow down, responses (due to
      reinforcement). The effect, however, might indicate the contribution of arousal,
      which according to the dual-process model, is heightened after a short FP(n-1)
      but decreased after a long FP(n-1). In five experiments, we examined higher-order
      sequential FP effects on performance, with a particular emphasis on analyzing
      performance in long-FP(n) trials as a function of FP length in the two preceding
      trials, varying temporal FP context (i.e. average FP length) and reaction mode
      (simple vs. choice reaction). Slower responses in long-long-long (compared with
      short-short-long) FP sequences were not found within a short-FP context (Exps. 1
      & 2) but clearly emerged within a long-FP context (Exps. 3-5). This pattern
      supports the notion that transient arousal changes contribute to sequential
      performance effects in variable-FP tasks, in line with the dual-process account
      of temporal preparation.

PMID- 22088964
TI  - Diversity of human leukemia xenograft mouse models: implications for disease
      biology.
AB  - Over the past decade, xenografting human leukemia cells into mice with different
      levels of immunodeficiency, with or without preconditioning, has provided an
      important tool to study various aspects of leukemia biology and to identify
      distinct clinical risk groups for evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies, as
      well as the possibility of amplifying human leukemia cells in vivo.
      Interestingly, these models using human acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute
      myeloid leukemia cells as xenografts recapitulate many clinical features of the
      disease. Similar to the human environment (for example, in the bone marrow),
      transplanted leukemia cells in the murine setting are exposed to both favorable
      and unfavorable conditions for engraftment that may exert a distinct pressure for
      selection of subclones. Thus, results obtained in these models may vary depending
      on the experimental setup. The impact of in vivo growth of human leukemia cells
      on the background of a more or less hostile murine environment for leukemia
      biology and the course of the disease in patients are discussed in the context of
      the diversity of xenograft models.

PMID- 22088965
TI  - Identification of tumorigenic cells in Kras(G12D)-induced lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - We established an inducible Kras(G12D)-driven lung adenocarcinoma in CCSP
      rtTA/TetO-Cre/LSL-Kras(G12D) mice that enable pursuits of the cellular and
      molecular processes involved in Kras-induced tumorigenesis. To investigate the
      cellular origin of this cancer, we first report a strategy using fluorescence
      activated cell sorting fractionation that could highly enrich bronchiolar Clara
      and alveolar type II cells, respectively. The EpCAM(+)MHCII(-) cells (bronchiolar
      origin) were more enriched with tumorigenic cells in generating secondary tumors
      than EpCAM(+)MHCII(+) cells (alveolar origin) in primary tumors that had been
      already initiated with oncogenic Kras activation. In addition, secondary tumors
      derived from EpCAM(+)MHCII(-) cells showed diversity of tumor locations compared
      with those derived from EpCAM(+)MHCII(+) cells. In the alveolar region, secondary
      tumors from EpCAM(+)MHCII(-) cells expressed not only bronchiolar epithelial
      marker, panCK, but also differentiation marker, proSPC, consistent with the
      notion that cancer-initiating cells display not only the abilities for self
      renewal but also the features of differentiation to generate heterogeneous tumors
      with phenotypic diversity. Furthermore, high level of ERK1/2 activation and
      colony-forming ability as well as lack of Sprouty-2 expression were also observed
      in EpCAM(+)MHCII(-) cells. Therefore, these results suggest that bronchiolar
      Clara cells are the origin of cells and tumorigenesis for Kras(G12D)-induced
      neoplasia in the lungs.

PMID- 22088966
TI  - Effect of fruit and vegetable intake on oxidative stress and inflammation in
      COPD: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - Epidemiological evidence supports a positive relationship between fruit and
      vegetable (FV) intake, lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD). Increasing FV intake may attenuate the oxidative stress and inflammation
      associated with COPD. An exploratory randomised controlled trial to examine the
      effect of increased consumption of FV on oxidative stress and inflammation in
      moderate-to-severe COPD was conducted. 81 symptomatically stable patients with a
      habitually low FV intake (two or fewer portions of FV per day) were randomised to
      the intervention group (five or more portions of FV per day) or the control group
      (two or fewer portions of FV per day). Each participant received self-selected
      weekly home deliveries of FV for 12 weeks. 75 participants completed the
      intervention. There was a significant between-group change in self-reported FV
      intake and biomarkers of FV intake (zeaxanthin (p = 0.034) and beta-cryptoxanthin
      (p = 0.015)), indicating good compliance; post-intervention intakes in
      intervention and control groups were 6.1 and 1.9 portions of FV per day,
      respectively. There were no significant changes in biomarkers of airway
      inflammation (interleukin-8 and myeloperoxidase) and systemic inflammation (C
      reactive protein) or airway and systemic oxidative stress (8-isoprostane). This
      exploratory study demonstrated that patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were
      able to comply with an intervention to increase FV intake; however, this had no
      significant effect on airway or systemic oxidative stress and inflammation.

PMID- 22088967
TI  - Community-acquired pneumonia in younger patients is an entity on its own.
AB  - Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is now most frequent in elderly patients. CAP
      in the younger patient has attracted much less attention. Therefore, we compared
      patients with CAP aged 18 to <65 yrs with those aged >= 65 yrs. Data from the
      prospective multicentre Competence Network for Community Acquired Pneumonia Study
      Group (CAPNETZ) database were analysed for potential differences in baseline
      characteristics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, microbial investigations,
      aetiologies, antimicrobial treatment and outcomes. Overall, 7,803 patients were
      studied. The proportion of younger patients (aged <65 yrs) was 52.3% (18 to <30
      yrs 6.4%; <40 yrs 17.1%; <50 yrs 29.4%). Comorbidity was present in only half of
      the younger patients (46.6% versus 88.2%). Fever and chest pain were more common.
      Most younger patients presented with mild CAP (74.0% had a CRB-65 [corrected]
      score of 0 (confusion of new onset, [corrected] respiratory rate of >= 30 breaths
      . min(-1), blood pressure <90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure <= 60 mmHg, age >=
      65 yrs)). Overall, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae were the
      most frequent pathogens in the younger patients. Short-term mortality was very
      low (1.7% versus 8.2%) and even lower in patients without comorbidity (0.3%
      versus 2.4%). Long-term mortality was 3.2% versus 15.9%, also lower in patients
      without comorbidity (0.8% versus 6.1%). Most of the differences found clearly
      arise after the fifth or within the middle of the sixth decade. CAP in the
      younger patient is a clinically distinct entity.

PMID- 22088968
TI  - CXCR1 and CXCR2 haplotypes synergistically modulate cystic fibrosis lung disease.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease severity is largely independent on the CF
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) genotype, indicating the contribution
      of genetic modifiers. The chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 have been found to
      play essential roles in the pathogenesis of CF lung disease. Here, we determine
      whether genetic variation of CXCR1 and CXCR2 influences CF lung disease severity.
      Genomic DNA of CF patients in Germany (n = 442) was analysed for common
      variations in CXCR1 and CXCR2 using a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      tagging approach. Associations of CXCR1 and CXCR2 SNPs and haplotypes with CF
      lung disease severity, CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression, and neutrophil effector
      functions were assessed. Four SNPs in CXCR1 and three in CXCR2 strongly
      correlated with age-adjusted lung function in CF patients. SNPs comprising
      haplotypes CXCR1_Ha and CXCR2_Ha were in high linkage disequilibrium and patients
      heterozygous for the CXCR1-2 haplotype cluster (CXCR1-2_Ha) had lower lung
      function compared with patients with homozygous wild-type alleles (forced
      expiratory volume in 1 s <= 70% predicted, OR 7.24; p = 2.30 * 10(-5)). CF
      patients carrying CXCR1-2_Ha showed decreased CXCR1 combined with increased CXCR2
      mRNA and protein expression, and displayed disturbed antibacterial effector
      functions. CXCR1 and CXCR2 genotypes modulate lung function and antibacterial
      host defence in CF lung disease.

PMID- 22088969
TI  - Ventilation/perfusion lung scan in pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.
AB  - Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), a rare form of pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH), requires histological proof for definitive diagnosis;
      however, lung biopsy is not recommended in PAH. Recent conjoint European
      Respiratory Society/European Society of Cardiology guidelines suggest that
      nonmatched perfusion defects on ventilation/perfusion (V'/Q') lung scanning in
      PAH patients may suggest PVOD. The aim of our study was to evaluate V'/Q' lung
      scans in a large cohort of PVOD and idiopathic or heritable PAH patients. V'/Q'
      lung scans from 70 patients with idiopathic or heritable PAH and 56 patients with
      confirmed or highly probable PVOD were reviewed in a double-blind manner. The
      vast majority of V'/Q' lung scans were normal or without significant
      abnormalities in both groups. No differences in ventilation or perfusion lung
      scans were observed between PAH and PVOD patients (all p>0.05). Furthermore, no
      differences were observed between confirmed (n=31) or highly probable PVOD
      (n=25). Nonmatched perfusion defects were found in seven (10%) idiopathic PAH
      patients and four (7.1%) PVOD patients (p>0.05). Nonmatched perfusion defects
      were rarely seen in a large cohort of idiopathic or heritable PAH and PVOD
      patients. Future recommendations should be amended according to these results
      suggesting that V'/Q' lung scanning is not useful in discriminating PVOD from
      idiopathic PAH.

PMID- 22088970
TI  - Early detection of COPD is important for lung cancer surveillance.
AB  - It is well known that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a
      significant risk factor for lung cancer. Approximately 1% of COPD patients
      develop lung cancer every year, which may be associated with genetic
      susceptibility to cigarette smoke. Chronic inflammation caused by toxic gases can
      induce COPD and lung cancer. Inflammatory mediators may promote the growth of
      bronchioalveolar stem cells, and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 3 play crucial roles in the development
      of lung cancer from COPD. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is an effective
      procedure for the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients. However,
      determining which patients should be screened for lung cancer in a primary care
      setting is difficult. In this article, we review the epidemiology and aetiology
      of lung cancer associated with COPD, verify the efficacy of lung cancer screening
      by LDCT, and discuss the importance of early detection of COPD for lung cancer
      surveillance. We propose that, for the prevention of both diseases, COPD
      screening in smokers should be initiated as early as possible, so they can stop
      smoking and so that candidates for an efficient lung cancer screening programme
      can be identified.

PMID- 22088971
TI  - Lack of involvement of type 7 phosphodiesterase in an experimental model of
      asthma.
AB  - Type 7 phosphodiesterases (PDE7) are responsible for the decrease of
      intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in many cells involved in allergic asthma by
      suppressing their potential to respond to many activating stimuli. The elevation
      of intracellular cAMP has been associated with immunosuppressive and anti
      inflammatory activities and represents a potential treatment of asthma. Our aim
      was to evaluate the impact of the deletion of the murine phosphodiesterase
      (PDE)7B gene and then to evaluate the efficacy of a newly described selective
      PDE7A and -B inhibitor on an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation and
      airway hyperreactivity (AHR) model in mice. Inflammation was determined 72 h
      after single OVA challenge or 24 h after multiple challenges by the relative cell
      influx and cytokine content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. AHR and
      immunoglobulin E levels in serum were determined after multiple challenges. For
      the first time, we have demonstrated that the deletion of the PDE7B gene or the
      pharmacological inhibition of PDE7A and -B had no effect on all the parameters
      looked at in this model. These results highlight the absence of any implication
      of the PDE7 enzyme in our model.

PMID- 22088972
TI  - A role for the CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7, in the pathogenesis of human pulmonary
      vascular disease.
AB  - Given the critical role that endothelial cell dysfunction plays in the
      pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertensive diseases, we set out to establish if
      CXCR7, a receptor for the pro-angiogenic ligand CXCL12, is expressed in the
      vasculature of human lung diseases and examine its role in mediating CXCL12
      induced responses in primary pulmonary human microvascular endothelial cells.
      Receptor and ligand expression was examined in control and explanted human
      hypertensive lungs, in human plasma and in hypoxic rodent lungs, by ELISA and
      immunohistochemical studies. Functional in vitro experiments examined the role of
      CXCR7 in CXCL12-induced lung microvascular endothelial cell proliferation,
      migration, and wound regeneration and repair. CXCR7 is elevated in the
      endothelium of explanted human hypertensive lungs and circulating CXCL12
      concentrations are significantly elevated in disease. We demonstrate that
      alveolar hypoxia similar to that found in lung disease increases CXCR7 expression
      in the pulmonary endothelium. Furthermore, CXCR7 is the receptor through which
      endothelial cell regeneration and repair, and proliferation, is mediated, whereas
      signalling via CXCR4 is essential for chemotactic cell migration. Our findings
      demonstrate that CXCR7 has a critical but previously unrecognised role to play in
      endothelial cell proliferation, suggesting that CXCR7-mediated signalling may be
      functionally important in pulmonary vascular diseases.

PMID- 22088973
TI  - Arsenic exposure from drinking water and dyspnoea risk in Araihazar, Bangladesh:
      a population-based study.
AB  - Bangladesh has high well water arsenic exposure. Chronic arsenic ingestion may
      result in diseases that manifest as dyspnoea, although information is sparse.
      Baseline values were obtained from an arsenic study. Trained physicians
      ascertained data on dyspnoea among 11,746 subjects. Data were collected on
      demographic factors, including smoking, blood pressure and arsenic exposure.
      Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and confidence intervals for the
      association between arsenic exposure and dyspnoea. The adjusted odds of having
      dyspnoea was 1.32-fold (95% CI 1.15-1.52) greater in those exposed to high well
      water arsenic concentrations (>= 50 MUg . L(-1)) compared with low-arsenic
      exposed nonsmokers (p<0.01). A significant dose-response relationship was found
      for arsenic (as well as smoking) in relation to dyspnoea. In nonsmokers, the
      adjusted odds of having dyspnoea were 1.36, 1.96, 2.34 and 1.80-fold greater for
      arsenic concentrations of 7-38, 39-90, 91-178 and 179-864 MUg . L(-1),
      respectively, compared with the reference arsenic concentration of <7 MUg . L(-1)
      (p<0.01; Chi-squared test for trend). Arsenic exposure through well water is
      associated with dyspnoea, independently of smoking status. This study suggests
      that mandated well water testing for arsenic with reduction in exposure may
      significantly reduce diseases that manifest as dyspnoea, usually cardiac or
      pulmonary.

PMID- 22088974
TI  - Mean platelet volume as an indicator of disease severity in patients with acute
      pancreatitis.
AB  - AIM: Acute pancreatitis (AP) constitutes a systemic inflammatory process which is
      often accompanied by thrombosis and bleeding disorders. The role of platelets in
      the pathophysiology of the disease has not been elucidated yet. Mean platelet
      volume (MPV) is an index of platelet activation and reported to be influenced by
      inflammation. The objective of the present study is to assess whether platelet
      volume would be useful in predicting disease severity in AP. Additionally
      possible relationship of MPV with clinical and radiologic parameters in
      conjunction with other inflammatory markers during AP was also investigated.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 144 AP patients (male/female: 87/57), and 40
      healthy subjects (male/female: 23/17) were enrolled in this study. Mean platelet
      volume and inflammatory parameters were measured for all study participants.
      Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and the computerized tomography severity
      index (CTSI) were used as to predict the disease severity in AP patients.
      RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in MPV levels was observed in AP
      patients (8.06 +/- 0.71 fL) compared with healthy controls (8.63 +/- 0.62 fL)
      (P<0.001). According to the mGPS, overall accuracy of MPV in determining severe
      AP was 72.7% with a sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of 70.6%, 73.9%, 81.9%,
      and 60 respectively (AUC: 0.762). Overall accuracy of MPV in predicting disease
      severity according to CTSI was not superior compared with other inflammation
      markers. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that MPV is decreased in AP.
      Assessment of MPV with other inflammatory markers may provide additional
      information about disease severity in AP.

PMID- 22088975
TI  - Development and application of a method for the analysis of two trichothecenes:
      deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin in meat in China by HPLC-MS/MS.
AB  - A reliable and sensitive method was developed and successfully applied for the
      determination of deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin simultaneously in pig dorsal
      muscle, pig back fat and chicken muscle by high performance liquid chromatography
      coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis. Limit of detection
      of deoxynivalenol and T-2 was 0.02MUg/kg and 0.007MUg/kg, and limit of
      quantification of deoxynivalenol and T-2 was 0.07MUg/kg and 0.02MUg/kg,
      respectively. Sixty-six meat samples were analyzed and deoxynivalenol was
      detected in the samples of pig back fat, with concentrations lower than
      0.5MUg/kg, and T-2 toxin was detected in the samples of pig dorsal muscle, pig
      back fat and chicken muscle, with concentrations lower than 0.5MUg/kg. The
      results of sample analysis show that only trace residues of deoxynivalenol and T
      2 toxin were detected in the samples analyzed.

PMID- 22088976
TI  - Investigation of the insulin-like properties of zinc(II) complexes of 3-hydroxy-4
      pyridinones: identification of a compound with glucose lowering effect in STZ
      induced type I diabetic animals.
AB  - Results from an investigation in an in vivo model of STZ-induced diabetic rats
      demonstrate that compound bis(1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridinonate)zinc(II),
      Zn(dmpp)(2), significantly lowers the blood glucose levels of individuals, thus
      showing evidence of glucose lowering activity. The compound was selected from a
      set of eight zinc(II) complexes of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones with diverse
      lipophilicity that were prepared and characterized in our laboratory. Assessment
      of insulin-like activity of the complexes was firstly performed in vitro by
      measuring the inhibition of FFA release in isolated rat adipocytes. The results
      indicate that compounds bis(2-methyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonate)zinc(II),
      Zn(mpp)(2) and Zn(dmpp)(2) display significantly higher activity than that of the
      respective positive control thus suggesting its selection for in vivo tests.
      Safety evaluation of the active zinc(II) compounds was performed in freshly
      isolated rat hepatocytes. The results support that cell viability is not
      significantly different from the control set after 1 and 2h of incubation with
      both zinc(II) complexes.

PMID- 22088977
TI  - Individual doses for women undergoing screening mammography examinations in
      Poland in 2007.
AB  - Exposure doses to women undergoing screening mammography examinations should be
      kept as low as reasonably achievable, but they should ensure high enough image
      quality for adequate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the
      radiation risk according to the 'European guidelines for quality assurance in
      breast cancer screening and diagnosis', fourth edition (European Commission
      2006). Materials for this study were obtained from data from 250 screening
      mammography facilities in Poland. For every mammography facility, a standard
      average glandular dose for routine exposure was calculated. Furthermore, average
      glandular doses for individual mammography examinations obtained according to the
      methods proposed by Dance et al (2000 Phys. Med. Biol. 45 3225-40) were
      calculated. The average glandular doses determined for 250 mammography facilities
      ranged from 0.12 to 14.56 mGy (the mean values ranged from 0.62 to 4.53 mGy).
      Only for 39 mammography facilities were all exposures found to be below the
      acceptable level for an average glandular dose, and for only 18 mammography
      facilities did no exposures exceed the achievable levels for an average glandular
      dose. Average glandular doses to women undergoing mammography screening attained
      unnecessary high values, and they were found to depend on the technical
      parameters of the mammography equipment and maintenance of mammography units by
      personnel in various mammography facilities.

PMID- 22088978
TI  - A novel approach for the synthesis of superparamagnetic Mn3O4 nanocrystals by
      ultrasonic bath.
AB  - In this study, the synthesis of Mn(3)O(4) (husmannite) nanoparticles was carried
      out in two different alkali media under sonication by ultrasonic bath and
      conventional method. Manganese acetate was used as precursor, sodium hydroxide
      and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as basic reagents in this synthesis. An
      ultrasonic bath with low intensity was used for the preparation of nanomaterials.
      The as prepared samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier
      transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM,
      TEM), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), and superconducting quantum interference
      device (SQUID) analysis. The XRD patterns exhibit the nanocrystals are in pure
      tetragonal phase. The chemical composition was obtained by EDS analysis and
      confirmed the presence of Mn and O in the sample. According to the TEM and HRTEM
      results, both nanorods and nanoparticles of Mn(3)O(4) were obtained in the
      presence of ultrasonic irradiation. The average size of nanoparticles was 10nm,
      and the size of nanorods was 12 nm in diameter and 100-900 nm in length for the
      samples prepared in basic medium with sodium hydroxide. In the conventional
      method with the same basic medium, the nanorod was not observed and the nearly
      cubic nanoparticles was appeared with an average size of 2.5 nm. The selected
      area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns revealed that the nanocrystals are
      polycrystalline in nature. When HMT was used as a basic reagent in the presence
      of ultrasonic irradiation, it was led to a higher size of nanoparticles and
      nanorods than when sodium hydroxide was used as a basic reagent. The average size
      of nanoparticles was about 15 nm and its shape was nearly cubic. The diameter for
      nanorods was 50 nm and the length was about a few micrometers. The magnetic
      measurements were carried out on the sample prepared in sodium hydroxide under
      ultrasonic irradiation. These measurements as a function of temperature and field
      strength showed a reduction in ferrimagnetic temperature (T(c) = 40K) as compared
      to those reported for the bulk (T(c) = 43K). The superparamagnetic behavior was
      observed at room temperature with no saturation magnetization and hysteresis in
      the region of measured field strength.

PMID- 22088980
TI  - Dosing clopidogrel based on CYP2C19 genotype and the effect on platelet
      reactivity in patients with stable cardiovascular disease.
AB  - CONTEXT: Variants in the CYP2C19 gene influence the pharmacologic and clinical
      response to the standard 75-mg daily maintenance dose of the antiplatelet drug
      clopidogrel. OBJECTIVE: To test whether higher doses (up to 300 mg daily) improve
      the response to clopidogrel in the setting of loss-of-function CYP2C19 genotypes.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: ELEVATE-TIMI 56 was a multicenter, randomized,
      double-blind trial that enrolled and genotyped 333 patients with cardiovascular
      disease across 32 sites from October 2010 until September 2011. INTERVENTIONS:
      Maintenance doses of clopidogrel for 4 treatment periods, each lasting
      approximately 14 days, based on genotype. In total, 247 noncarriers of a
      CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function allele were to receive 75 and 150 mg daily of
      clopidogrel (2 periods each), whereas 86 carriers (80 heterozygotes, 6
      homozygotes) were to receive 75, 150, 225, and 300 mg daily. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Platelet function test results (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein
      [VASP] phosphorylation and VerifyNow P2Y(12) assays) and adverse events. RESULTS:
      With 75 mg daily, CYP2C19*2 heterozygotes had significantly higher on-treatment
      platelet reactivity than did noncarriers (VASP platelet reactivity index [PRI]:
      mean, 70.0%; 95% CI, 66.0%-74.0%, vs 57.5%; 95% CI, 55.1%-59.9%, and VerifyNow
      P2Y(12) reaction units [PRU]: mean, 225.6; 95% CI, 207.7-243.4, vs 163.6; 95% CI,
      154.4-173.9; P < .001 for both comparisons). Among CYP2C19*2 heterozygotes, doses
      up to 300 mg daily significantly reduced platelet reactivity, with VASP PRI
      decreasing to 48.9% (95% CI, 44.6%-53.2%) and PRU to 127.5 (95% CI, 109.9-145.2)
      (P < .001 for trend across doses for both). Whereas 52% of CYP2C19*2
      heterozygotes were nonresponders (>=230 PRU) with 75 mg of clopidogrel, only 10%
      were nonresponders with 225 or 300 mg (P < .001 for both). Clopidogrel, 225 mg
      daily, reduced platelet reactivity in CYP2C19*2 heterozygotes to levels achieved
      with standard clopidogrel, 75 mg, in noncarriers (mean ratios of platelet
      reactivity, VASP PRI, 0.92; 90% CI, 0.85-0.99, and PRU, 0.94; 90% CI, 0.84-1.04).
      In CYP2C19*2 homozygotes, even with 300 mg daily of clopidogrel, mean VASP PRI
      was 68.3% (95% CI, 44.9%-91.6%) and mean PRU, 287.0 (95% CI, 170.2-403.8).
      CONCLUSION: Among patients with stable cardiovascular disease, tripling the
      maintenance dose of clopidogrel to 225 mg daily in CYP2C19*2 heterozygotes
      achieved levels of platelet reactivity similar to that seen with the standard 75
      mg dose in noncarriers; in contrast, for CYP2C19*2 homozygotes, doses as high as
      300 mg daily did not result in comparable degrees of platelet inhibition. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01235351.

PMID- 22088981
TI  - The role of progesterone in traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 22088979
TI  - Racial variation in the cancer caregiving experience: a multisite study of
      colorectal and lung cancer caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As cancer care shifts from hospital to outpatient settings, the
      number of cancer caregivers continues to grow. However, little is known about the
      cancer caregiving experience. This gap in knowledge is especially evident for
      racially diverse caregivers. OBJECTIVE: This study, part of a multisite study of
      care recipients with either lung or colorectal cancer and their caregivers,
      examined the caregiving experiences of African American (AA) and white
      caregivers. METHODS: Caregivers were identified by cancer patients in the Cancer
      Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance consortium. Caregivers completed a self
      administered, mailed questionnaire that assessed their characteristics and
      experiences. Analysis of covariance was used to compare racial groups by
      objective burden and caregiving resources while controlling for covariates.
      RESULTS: Despite greater preparedness for the caregiving role (P = .006), AA
      caregivers reported more weekly hours caregiving than whites did (26.5 +/- 3.1 vs
      18.0 +/- 1.7; P = .01). In later phases of caregiving, AAs reported having more
      social support (P = .02), spending more hours caregiving (31.9 +/- 3.5 vs 16.9 +/
      1.9; P < .001), and performing more instrumental activities of daily living on
      behalf of their care recipient (P = .021). CONCLUSION: Racial differences in the
      caregiving experience exist. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses play a key role in
      educating cancer patients and their caregivers on how to effectively cope with
      and manage cancer. Because AA caregivers seem to spend more time in the
      caregiving role and perform more caregiving tasks, AA caregivers may benefit from
      interventions tailored to their specific caregiving experience.

PMID- 22088982
TI  - Electron microscopy visualization of DNA-protein complexes formed by Ku and DNA
      ligase IV.
AB  - The repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) is essential for cell viability
      and genome stability. Aberrant repair of DSBs has been linked with cancer
      predisposition and aging. During the repair of DSBs by non-homologous end joining
      (NHEJ), DNA ends are brought together, processed and then joined. In eukaryotes,
      this repair pathway is initiated by the binding of the ring-shaped Ku heterodimer
      and completed by DNA ligase IV. The DNA ligase IV complex, DNA ligase IV/XRRC4 in
      humans and Dnl4/Lif1 in yeast, is recruited to DNA ends in vitro and in vivo by
      an interaction with Ku and, in yeast, Dnl4/Lif1 stabilizes the binding of yKu to
      in vivo DSBs. Here we have analyzed the interactions of these functionally
      conserved eukaryotic NHEJ factors with DNA by electron microscopy. As expected,
      the ring-shaped Ku complex bound stably and specifically to DNA ends at
      physiological salt concentrations. At a ratio of 1 Ku molecule per DNA end, the
      majority of DNA ends were occupied by a single Ku complex with no significant
      formation of linear DNA multimers or circular loops. Both Dnl4/Lif1 and DNA
      ligase IV/XRCC4 formed complexes with Ku-bound DNA ends, resulting in intra- and
      intermolecular DNA end bridging, even with non-ligatable DNA ends. Together,
      these studies, which provide the first visualization of the conserved complex
      formed by Ku and DNA ligase IV at juxtaposed DNA ends by electron microscopy,
      suggest that the DNA ligase IV complex mediates end-bridging by engaging two Ku
      bound DNA ends.

PMID- 22088983
TI  - The effect of nicotine on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in a
      mouse model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effect of nicotine on
      anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in the treatment of neovascular
      age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: One group of mice received nicotine in
      drinking water and the other group received water only. Choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV) was induced with a laser. Nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor-alpha7 (nAChRalpha7) expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.
      Bevacizumab or adiponectin peptide II (APNpII) was injected intravitreally on Day
      7 postlaser, and the effects were evaluated on Days 14 and 21. alpha-Bungarotoxin
      was injected intraperitoneally on Days 2 to 5, and its effect was evaluated on
      Day 14. RESULTS: Expression of nAChRalpha7 was 2 to 7 times higher between Days 3
      and 7 postlaser compared with naive mice. In water-fed mice, APNpII, bevacizumab,
      and alpha-bungarotoxin significantly reduced CNV size. In nicotine-fed mice,
      treatment with APNpII or bevacizumab did not significantly reduce CNV size,
      whereas alpha-bungarotoxin did have an effect. Comparing water- and nicotine-fed
      mice, CNV size was 61% to 86% smaller in water-fed mice except for the alpha
      bungarotoxin group, where there was no difference. Platelet-derived growth factor
      and vascular endothelial growth factor expression was 1.5- to 2.5-fold higher at
      Day 14 in nicotine-treated mice. CONCLUSION: Nicotine significantly blocks the
      effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in the treatment of
      laser-induced neovascular age-related macular degeneration. nAChRalpha7 is
      significantly upregulated during the formation of CNV, and treatment with an
      nAChRalpha7 antagonist decreases CNV size irrespective of nicotine
      administration.

PMID- 22088987
TI  - Random Survival Forests.

PMID- 22088986
TI  - Assessing patient accrual to cooperative group lung cancer trials: why are rates
      disappointing?

PMID- 22088988
TI  - The long noncoding MALAT-1 RNA indicates a poor prognosis in non-small cell lung
      cancer and induces migration and tumor growth.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The functions of large noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have remained
      elusive in many cases. Metastasis-Associated-in-Lung-Adenocarcinoma-Transcript-1
      (MALAT-1) is an ncRNA that is highly expressed in several tumor types. METHODS:
      Overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) approaches were used for the analysis
      of the biological functions of MALAT-1 RNA. Tumor growth was studied in nude
      mice. For prognostic analysis, MALAT-1 RNA was detected on paraffin-embedded non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue probes (n = 352) using in situ
      hybridization. RESULTS: MALAT-1 was highly expressed in several human NSCLC cell
      lines. MALAT-1 expression was regulated by an endogenous negative feedback loop.
      In A549 NSCLCs, RNAi-mediated suppression of MALAT-1 RNA suppressed migration and
      clonogenic growth. Forced expression of MALAT-1 in NIH 3T3 cells significantly
      increased migration. Upon injection into nude mice, NSCLC xenografts with
      decreased MALAT-1 expression were impaired in tumor formation and growth. In situ
      hybridization on paraffin-embedded lung cancer tissue probes revealed that high
      MALAT-1 RNA expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was associated with
      a poor prognosis. On genetic level, MALAT-1 displays the strongest association
      with genes involved in cancer like cellular growth, movement, proliferation,
      signaling, and immune regulation. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that MALAT-1
      expression levels are associated with patient survival and identify tumor
      promoting functions of MALAT-1.

PMID- 22088990
TI  - Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy for recurrent malignant pericardial effusion.

PMID- 22088989
TI  - Asymptomatic profound sinus bradycardia (heart rate <=45) in non-small cell lung
      cancer patients treated with crizotinib.
AB  - Crizotinib, a dual MET/ALK inhibitor, is now in advanced clinical development for
      the treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC). We have observed several patients who developed profound but
      asymptomatic sinus bradycardia (HR <=45) during the course of crizotinib
      treatment. Herein, we describe the clinical characteristics of three separate
      patients enrolled in the A8081001 trial (NCT00585195) who developed asymptomatic
      profound sinus bradycardia with their accompanying electrocardiogram tracings.

PMID- 22088991
TI  - Erlotinib in metastatic bronchopulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

PMID- 22088992
TI  - The role of postoperative radiotherapy after resection of stage III thymoma.

PMID- 22088994
TI  - A practical guide to measure "all" malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors by
      modified RECIST criteria?

PMID- 22088996
TI  - How should we use bevacizumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer?

PMID- 22088997
TI  - Techniques of surgery and radiotherapy for multimodal treatment of pleural
      mesothelioma.

PMID- 22088998
TI  - Effectiveness of the single-shot dual-energy subtraction technique for portal
      images.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the single
      shot dual-energy subtraction technique for obtaining portal images. We prepared
      two storage phosphor plates for this study. A 1 mm thick tungsten sheet was
      placed between the two storage phosphor plates. A single use of the double
      exposure technique provides two portal images simultaneously (i.e., a standard
      image and a low-contrast image), using the same patient position and with no
      additional radiation delivered to the patient. A bone-enhanced image is created
      by image subtraction between these two images. For evaluation of clinical
      efficacy, three treatment sites--the brain, lung, and pelvis--were imaged. Ten
      sets of images were obtained for each site, and five landmarks were selected for
      each treatment site. The visibility of each landmark and the ease of overall
      verification for the selected treatment sites were assessed separately for the
      standard and bone-enhanced images. Four observers consisting of one radiation
      oncologist and three radiation therapists participated in the present study. For
      most of the landmarks studied, the bone-enhanced images were significantly
      superior to the standard images. Regarding the ease of overall verification, the
      bone-enhanced images were significantly superior to the standard images at all
      sites. The p-values of mean rating for the brain, lung, and pelvis were 0.002,
      0.012, and 0.003, respectively. The bone-enhanced images obtained using our
      technique increased the image quality in terms of bone visibility, and are
      considered useful for routine clinical practice.

PMID- 22089000
TI  - Commissioning of Varian ring & tandem HDR applicators: reproducibility and
      interobserver variability of dwell position offsets.
AB  - Studies have shown that source dwells within Varian's HDR CT/MR compatible ring
      applicators can deviate from intended positions by several millimeters.
      Quantifying this offset is an important part of commissioning. The aims of this
      study were to: 1) determine the reproducibility of the offset, 2) study the
      interobserver variation in the offset's measurement, and 3) quantify the
      dosimetric impact of the offset. Offsets were measured for four ring applicators:
      two 30 degrees , one 45 degrees , and one 60 degrees . Dwell positions were
      measured five times for each ring to determine the reproducibility of source
      positioning. Experiments were done to compare two separate source wires, as well
      as different time points within a single source wire's lifecycle. Data were
      analyzed by three independent observers. To quantify the dosimetric impact of the
      offset, a treatment plan was generated using BrachyVision. The dose to point A,
      and the D(2cc) metric for rectum and bladder were calculated with and without the
      offset. For the 45 degrees  and 60 degrees  rings, measured offsets were 3.0 mm
      and 3.6 mm, respectively. The 30 degrees  ring showed substantial variation in
      distal dwell positions (maximum difference between the five experiments of 2.9
      mm). Subsequent testing of a replacement ring showed an offset of 2.4 mm that was
      more reproducible. Offsets varied less than 1 mm between different source wires,
      and changed less than 1 mm over the course of a source wire's lifecycle. When
      comparing observers, the average range in a measurement of a dwell position was
      0. 5 mm (sigma = 0.2 mm, max 1.3 mm). The offset resulted in dose variations to
      point A, bladder, and rectum of less than 1%, 2%, and 5%, respectively. Results
      indicate that Varian rings can show systematic and random offsets of more than 3
      mm. Some can be considered defective and should be replaced. Each applicator
      should be individually commissioned and reproducibility should be confirmed with
      multiple tests.

PMID- 22088999
TI  - Validation of an electron Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm in the presence
      of heterogeneities using EGSnrc and radiochromic film measurements.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to validate Eclipse's electron Monte Carlo algorithm
      (eMC) in heterogeneous phantoms using radiochromic films and EGSnrc as a
      reference Monte Carlo algorithm. Four heterogeneous phantoms are used in this
      study. Radiochromic films are inserted in these phantoms, including in
      heterogeneous media, and the measured relative dose distributions are compared to
      eMC calculations. Phantoms A, B, and C contain 1D heterogeneities, built with
      layers of lung- (phantom A) and bone- (phantoms B and C) equivalent materials
      sandwiched in Plastic Water. Phantom D is a thorax anthropomorphic phantom with
      2D lung heterogeneities. Electron beams of 6, 9, 12 and 18 MeV from a Varian
      Clinac 2100 are delivered to these phantoms with a 10 * 10 cm2 applicator. Monte
      Carlo simulations with an independent algorithm (EGSnrc) are also used as a
      reference tool for two purposes: (1) as a second validation of the eMC dose
      calculations, and (2) to calculate the stopping power ratio between radiochromic
      films and bone medium, when dose is measured inside the heterogeneity. Percent
      depth dose (PDD) film measurements and eMC calculations agree within 2% or 3 mm
      for phantom A, and within 3% or 3 mm for phantoms B and C for almost all beam
      energies. One exception is observed with phantom B and the 6 MeV, where measured
      PDDs and those calculated with eMC differ by up to 4 mm. Gamma analysis of the
      measured and calculated 2D dose distributions in phantom D agree with criteria of
      3%, 3mm for 9, 12, and 18 MeV beams, and criteria of 5%, 3 mm for the 6 MeV beam.
      Dose calculations in heterogeneous media with eMC agree within 3% or 3 mm with
      radiochromic film measurements. Six (6) MeV beams are not modeled as accurately
      as other beam energies. The eMC algorithm is suitable for clinical dose
      calculations involving lung and bone.

PMID- 22089001
TI  - A method to enhance spatial resolution of a 2D ion chamber array for quality
      control of MLC.
AB  - This work introduces a new method for verifying MLC leaf positions with enough
      spatial resolution to replace film-based methods in performing QA tests. It is
      implemented on a 2D ion chamber array, and it is based on the principle of
      varying signal response of a volumetric detector to partial irradiation. A PTW 2D
      ARRAY seven29 (PTW-729 2D) array was used to assess a Siemens OPTIFOCUS MLC.
      Partial volume response curves for chambers in the array were obtained by
      irradiating them with the leaves of the MLC, progressively covering varying
      portions of the chambers correlated with the leaf positions. The readings from
      the array's chambers are processed with an in-house program; it generates a
      reference response that translates readings into leaf positions. This principle
      allows discriminating errors in pairs of opposing leaves that could combine to
      cancel their detection with other tools. Patterns of leaf positions, similar to
      the Bayouth test but with different, purposefully introduced errors, were
      generated and used to test the effectiveness of the method. The same patterns
      were exposed on radiographic film and analyzed with the RIT software for
      validation. For four test patterns with a total of 100 errors of +/- 1 mm, +/- 2
      mm and +/- 3 mm, all were correctly determined with the proposed method. The
      analysis of the same pattern with film using the Bayouth routine in the RIT
      software resulted in either somewhat low true positives combined with a large
      fraction of false positives, or a low true positive rate with a low false
      positive ratio, the results being significantly affected by the threshold
      selected for the analysis. This method provides an effective, easy to use tool
      for quantitative MLC QA assessment, with excellent spatial resolution. It can be
      easily applied to other 2D arrays, as long as they exhibit a partial volume
      detector response.

PMID- 22089002
TI  - Effects of voxel size and iterative reconstruction parameters on the spatial
      resolution of 99mTc SPECT/CT.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of voxel size and iterative
      reconstruction parameters on the radial and tangential resolution for 99mTc SPECT
      as a function of radial distance from isocenter. SPECT/CT scans of eight coplanar
      point sources of size smaller than 1 mm3 containing high concentration 99mTc
      solution were acquired on a SPECT/CT system with 5/8 inch NaI(Tl) detector and
      low-energy, high-resolution collimator. The tomographic projection images were
      acquired in step-and-shoot mode for 360 views over 360 degrees  with 250,000
      counts per view, a zoom of 2.67, and an image matrix of 256 * 256 pixels that
      resulted in a 0.9 * 0.9 * 0.9 mm3 SPECT voxel size over 230 mm field-of-view. The
      projection images were also rebinned to image matrices of 128 * 128 and 64 * 64
      to yield SPECT voxel sizes of 1.8 * 1.8 * 1.8 and 3.6 * 3.6 * 3.6 mm3,
      respectively. The SPECT/CT datasets were reconstructed using the vendor-supplied
      iterative reconstruction software that incorporated collimator-specific
      resolution recovery, CT-based attenuation correction, and dual-energy window
      based scatter correction using different combinations of iterations and subsets.
      SPECT spatial resolution was estimated as the full width at half maximum of the
      radial and tangential profiles through the center of each point source in
      reconstructed SPECT images. Both radial and tangential resolution improved with
      higher iterations and subsets, and with smaller voxel sizes. Both radial and
      tangential resolution also improved with radial distance further away from
      isocenter. The magnitude of variation decreased for smaller voxel sizes and for
      higher number of iterations and subsets. Tangential resolution was found not to
      be equal to the radial resolution, and the nature of the anisotropy depended on
      the distribution of the radionuclide and on the reconstruction parameters used.
      The tangential resolution converged faster than the radial resolution, with
      higher iterations and subsets. SPECT resolution was isotropic and independent of
      radial distance when reconstructed using filtered back-projection. SPECT spatial
      resolution and therefore quantification of SPECT uptake via partial-volume
      correction in clinical images were found to depend on the nature of activity
      distribution within the SPECT field-of-view and on the specific choice of
      iterative reconstruction parameters.

PMID- 22089003
TI  - The impact of uncertainties associated with MammoSite brachytherapy on the dose
      distribution in the breast.
AB  - The MammoSite radiation therapy system is a novel technique for treatment of
      patients with early-stage breast cancer. It was developed to overcome the longer
      schedules associated with external-beam radiation therapy. It consists of a small
      balloon (4 cm in diameter) connected to an inflation channel and a catheter for
      the passage of a high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy source. The device is placed
      into the tumor resection cavity and inflated with a mixture of saline and
      radiographic contrast agent to a size that fills the cavity. A high dose rate
      192Ir source is driven into the balloon center using a remote afterloader to
      deliver the prescribed dose at a point 1 cm away from the balloon surface. There
      are several uncertainties that affect the dose distribution in the MammoSite
      brachytherapy. They include source position deviation, balloon deformation, and
      the concentration of the contrast medium inside the balloon. The purpose of this
      study is to investigate the extent of the dose perturbation for various
      concentrations of the contrast medium in a MammoSite balloon using Monte Carlo
      simulations and thermoluminescent dosimetry. This study also combines the impact
      of these uncertainties on the MammoSite treatment efficacy. The current study
      demonstrates that the combined uncertainties associated with the MammoSite
      brachytherapy technique--up to the value of 2 mm balloon deformation, 1 mm source
      deviation, and 15% contrast concentration--have no impact on the tumor control
      probability.

PMID- 22089004
TI  - Development and applicability of a quality control phantom for dental cone-beam
      CT.
AB  - Cone-beam CT (CBCT) has shown to be a useful imaging modality for various
      dentomaxillofacial applications. However, optimization and quality control of
      dental CBCT devices is hampered due to the lack of an appropriate tool for image
      quality assessment. To investigate the application of different image quality
      parameters for CBCT, a prototype polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylindrical
      phantom with inserts for image quality analysis was developed. Applicability and
      reproducibility of the phantom were assessed using seven CBCT devices with
      different scanning protocols. Image quality parameters evaluated were: CT number
      correlation, contrast resolution, image homogeneity and uniformity, point spread
      function, and metal artifacts. Deviations of repeated measurements were between
      0.0% and 3.3%. Correlation coefficients of CBCT voxel values with CT numbers
      ranged between 0.68 and 1.00. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values were much
      lower for hydroxyapatite (0 < CNR < 7.7) than for air and aluminum (5.0 < CNR <
      32.8). Noise values ranged between 35 and 419. The uniformity index was between
      3.3% and 11.9%. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) measurements varied between
      0.43 mm and 1.07 mm. The increase of mean voxel values surrounding metal objects
      ranged between 6.7% and 43.0%. Results from preliminary analyses of the prototype
      quality control phantom showed its potential for routine quality assurance on
      CBCT. Large differences in image quality performance were seen between CBCT
      devices. Based on the initial evaluations, the phantom can be optimized and
      validated.

PMID- 22089005
TI  - Motion artifacts occurring at the lung/diaphragm interface using 4D CT
      attenuation correction of 4D PET scans.
AB  - For PET/CT, fast CT acquisition time can lead to errors in attenuation
      correction, particularly at the lung/diaphragm interface. Gated 4D PET can reduce
      motion artifacts, though residual artifacts may persist depending on the CT
      dataset used for attenuation correction. We performed phantom studies to evaluate
      4D PET images of targets near a density interface using three different methods
      for attenuation correction: a single 3D CT (3D CTAC), an averaged 4D CT (CINE
      CTAC), and a fully phase matched 4D CT (4D CTAC). A phantom was designed with two
      density regions corresponding to diaphragm and lung. An 8 mL sphere phantom
      loaded with 18F-FDG was used to represent a lung tumor and background FDG
      included at an 8:1 ratio. Motion patterns of sin(x) and sin4(x) were used for
      dynamic studies. Image data was acquired using a GE Discovery DVCT-PET/CT
      scanner. Attenuation correction methods were compared based on normalized
      recovery coefficient (NRC), as well as a novel quantity "fixed activity volume"
      (FAV) introduced in our report. Image metrics were compared to those determined
      from a 3D PET scan with no motion present (3D STATIC). Values of FAV and NRC
      showed significant variation over the motion cycle when corrected by 3D CTAC
      images. 4D CTAC- and CINE CTAC-corrected PET images reduced these motion
      artifacts. The amount of artifact reduction is greater when the target is
      surrounded by lower density material and when motion was based on sin4(x). 4D
      CTAC reduced artifacts more than CINE CTAC for most scenarios. For a target
      surrounded by water equivalent material, there was no advantage to 4D CTAC over
      CINE CTAC when using the sin(x) motion pattern. Attenuation correction using both
      4D CTAC or CINE CTAC can reduce motion artifacts in regions that include a tissue
      interface such as the lung/diaphragm border. 4D CTAC is more effective than CINE
      CTAC at reducing artifacts in some, but not all, scenarios.

PMID- 22089006
TI  - Comparison of bulk electron density and voxel-based electron density treatment
      planning.
AB  - The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone for radiation planning is
      limited by the lack of electron density for dose calculations. The purpose of
      this work is to evaluate the dosimetric accuracy of using bulk electron density
      as a substitute for computed tomography (CT)-derived electron density in
      intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning of head and neck
      (HN) cancers. Ten clinically-approved, CT-based IMRT treatment plans of HN cancer
      were used for this study. Three dose distributions were calculated and compared
      for each treatment plan. The first calculation used CT-derived density and was
      assumed to be the most accurate. The second calculation used a homogeneous
      patient density of 1 g/cm3. For the third dose calculation, bone and air cavities
      were contoured and assigned a uniform density of 1.5 g/cm3 and 0 g/cm3,
      respectively. The remaining tissues were assigned a density of 1 g/cm3. The use
      of homogeneous anatomy resulted in up to 4%-5% deviations in dose distribution as
      compared to CT-derived electron density calculations. Assigning bulk density to
      bone and air cavities significantly improved the accuracy of the dose
      calculations. All parameters used to describe planning target volume coverage
      were within 2% of calculations based on CT-derived density. For organs at risk,
      most of the parameters were within 2%, with the few exceptions located in low
      dose regions. The data presented here show that if bone and air cavities are
      overridden with the proper density, it is feasible to use a bulk electron density
      approach for accurate dose calculation in IMRT treatment planning of HN cancers.
      This may overcome the problem of the lack of electron density information should
      MRI-only simulation be performed.

PMID- 22089007
TI  - Deformable registration using edge-preserving scale space for adaptive image
      guided radiation therapy.
AB  - Incorporating of daily cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) image into online
      radiation therapy process can achieve adaptive image-guided radiation therapy
      (AIGRT). Registration of planning CT (PCT) and daily CBCT are the key issues in
      this process. In our work, a new multiscale deformable registration method is
      proposed by combining edge-preserving scale space with the multilevel free-form
      deformation (FFD) grids for CBCT-based AIGRT system. The edge-preserving scale
      space, which is able to select edges and contours of images according to their
      geometric size, is derived from the total variation model with the L1 norm (TV
      L1). At each scale, despite the noise and contrast resolution differences between
      the PCT and CBCT, the selected edges and contours are sufficiently strong to
      drive the deformation using the FFD grid, and the edge-preserving property
      ensures more meaningful spatial information for mutual information (MI)-based
      registration. At last, the deformation fields are gained by a coarse to fine
      manner. Furthermore, in consideration of clinical application we designed an
      optimal estimation of the TV-L1 parameters by minimizing the defined offset
      function for automated registration. Six types of patients are studied in our
      work, including rectum, prostate, lung, H&N (head and neck), breast, and chest
      cancer patients. The experiment results demonstrate the significance of the
      proposed method both quantitatively with ground truth known and qualitatively
      with ground truth unknown. The applications for AIGRT, including adaptive
      deformable recontouring and redosing, and DVH (dose volume histogram) analysis in
      the course of radiation therapy are also studied.

PMID- 22089008
TI  - Real-time dose reconstruction for wedged photon beams: a generalized procedure.
AB  - A practical and accurate generalized procedure to reconstruct the isocenter dose
      D(iso) for 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) has been developed for X-ray open
      beams supplied by linacs of different manufacturers and equipped with aSi
      electronic portal imaging devices (aSi EPIDs). This paper reports an extension of
      the method, to be applied at the wedged X-ray beams characterized by the wedge
      attenuation factor W(AF). Using water-equivalent solid phantoms (SPs) of
      different thicknesses, w, and photon square fields of sizes, L, the generalized
      midplane doses D(0)(W(AF), w/2,L) and generalized transit signals
      s(t)(0)(W(AF),w,L) by 38 beams of six different linacs were determined. The
      generalized data were fitted by surface equations and used together with the
      information of the 'record & verify' network of the centers. In this manner, for
      every beam, the D(iso) reconstruction was obtained in about 25 seconds after the
      treatment. To test the in vivo dosimetric procedure, six pelvic treatments that
      used conformed wedged beams were carried out with three linacs of different
      manufacturers. For every beam, the comparison between the reconstructed D(iso)
      and the D(iso,TPS) computed by the TPS, resulted in an acceptable tolerance level
      of +/-5%, estimated for this kind of treatment. Generally the in vivo dosimetry
      methods that use EPIDs require: (i) a special effort for the dosimetric
      commissioning with SPs of different thicknesses, and (ii) extra time for the
      analysis of the EPID signals. The proposed procedure simplifies the commissioning
      step and supplies for Varian, Elekta, and Siemens linacs equipped with the aSi
      EPIDs a quasi-real time in vivo dosimetry for open and wedged 3DCRT fields.

PMID- 22089009
TI  - Establishment of air kerma reference standard for low dose rate Cs-137
      brachytherapy sources.
AB  - A guarded cylindrical graphite ionization chamber of nominal volume 1000 cm3 was
      designed and fabricated for use as a reference standard for low-dose rate 137Cs
      brachytherapy sources. The air kerma calibration coefficient (N(K)) of this
      ionization chamber was estimated analytically using Burlin's general cavity
      theory, as well as by the Monte Carlo simulation and validated experimentally
      using Amersham CDCS-J-type 137Cs reference source. In the analytical method, the
      N(K) was calculated for 662 keV gamma rays of 137Cs brachytherapy source. In the
      Monte Carlo method, the geometry of the measurement setup and physics-related
      input data of the 137Cs source and the surrounding material were simulated using
      the Monte Carlo N-Particle code. The photon energy fluence was used to arrive at
      the reference air kerma rate (RAKR) using mass energy absorption coefficient. The
      energy deposition rates were used to simulate the value of charge rate in the
      ionization chamber, and the N(K) was determined. The analytical and Monte Carlo
      values of N(K) of the cylindrical graphite ionization chamber for 137Cs
      brachytherapy source are in agreement within 1.07%. The deviation of analytical
      and Monte Carlo values from experimental values of N(K) is 0.36% and 0.72%,
      respectively. This agreement validates the analytical value, and establishes this
      chamber as a reference standard for RAKR or AKS measurement of 137Cs
      brachytherapy sources.

PMID- 22089010
TI  - Increased beam attenuation and surface dose by different couch inserts of
      treatment tables used in megavoltage radiotherapy.
AB  - The use of solid carbon fiber table materials in radiotherapy has become more
      common with the implementation of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), since the
      solid materials give less imaging artifacts than the so-called tennis racket
      couchtops. The downside of the solid carbon fiber couch inserts is that they
      increase the beam attenuation, resulting in increased surface doses and
      inaccuracies in determine the dose in the patient. The purpose of this study was
      to evaluate the interaction of 6 and 15 MV photons with eight different couch
      inserts. The presented results enable direct comparison of the attenuation
      properties of the studied couchtops. With a direct posterior beam the maximum
      attenuations reach 3.6% and 2.4% with 6 and 15 MV, respectively. The measured
      maximum attenuation by a couchtop with an oblique gantry angle was 10.8% and 7.4%
      at 6 and 15 MV energies, respectively. The skin-sparing effect was decreased
      substantially with every couchtop. The highest increases in surface doses were
      recorded to be four- and threefold, as compared to the direct posterior open
      field surface doses of 6 and 15 MV, respectively. In conclusion, the carbon fiber
      tabletops decrease the skin-sparing effect of megavoltage photon energies. The
      increased beam attenuation and skin doses should be taken into account in the
      process of treatment planning.

PMID- 22089011
TI  - Energy absorption buildup factors of human organs and tissues at energies and
      penetration depths relevant for radiotherapy and diagnostics.
AB  - Energy absorption geometric progression (GP) fitting parameters and the
      corresponding buildup factors have been computed for human organs and tissues,
      such as adipose tissue, blood (whole), cortical bone, brain (grey/white matter),
      breast tissue, eye lens, lung tissue, skeletal muscle, ovary, testis, soft
      tissue, and soft tissue (4-component), for the photon energy range 0.015-15 MeV
      and for penetration depths up to 40 mfp (mean free path). The chemical
      composition of human organs and tissues is seen to influence the energy
      absorption buildup factors. It is also found that the buildup factor of human
      organs and tissues changes significantly with the change of incident photon
      energy and effective atomic number, Z(eff). These changes are due to the
      dominance of different photon interaction processes in different energy regions
      and different chemical compositions of human organs and tissues. With the proper
      knowledge of buildup factors of human organs and tissues, energy absorption in
      the human body can be carefully controlled. The present results will help in
      estimating safe dose levels for radiotherapy patients and also useful in
      diagnostics and dosimetry. The tissue-equivalent materials for skeletal muscle,
      adipose tissue, cortical bone, and lung tissue are also discussed. It is observed
      that water and MS20 are good tissue equivalent materials for skeletal muscle in
      the extended energy range.

PMID- 22089012
TI  - Evaluating and modeling of photon beam attenuation by a standard treatment couch.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate beam attenuation by treatment couch and
      build a treatment couch model in TPS to check for beam-couch intersection at the
      planning stage and deal with beam attenuation by treatment couch in dose
      calculation. In this study, a standard treatment couch, Siemens ZXT couch, has
      been incorporated into Pinnacle3 8.0 TPS, based on an existing TPS tool, model
      based segmentation (MBS). This was done by generating the couch's model from
      contours of the couch, together with the density information. Both the geometric
      and dosimetric accuracy of the couch model were evaluated. The test of beam-couch
      intersection prediction showed good agreement between predicted and measured
      results, and the differences were within 1 degrees  gantry rotation. For
      individual posterior oblique beams, the attenuation by metallic frames and PMMA
      couch top could reach nearly as high as 60% and 10%, respectively. For several
      posterior oblique beams (180 degrees , 220 degrees , 235 degrees ) that
      attenuated by the PMMA couch top, the calculated and measured dose distributions
      were compared. The dose differences at central axis were within 1%, and almost
      all points agreed with the calculations when the DD and DTA criteria of 3%/3 mm
      were adopted. The difference between calculated and measured attenuation factors
      were within 0.5%. This study demonstrates that the couch model created by MBS,
      which contains geometric and density information of the couch, can be used to
      detect the beam-couch intersection, and also is able to provide an accurate
      representation of the couch top attenuation properties in patient dose
      calculation.

PMID- 22089013
TI  - The dosimetric effect of mixed-energy IMRT plans for prostate cancer.
AB  - We investigated the effect of mixing high- and low-energy photon beams on the
      quality of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans for patients with
      prostate cancer. Three different plans for each of twenty patients were generated
      using either 6 MV or 15 MV alone, and both 6 and 15 MV beams. All the planning
      parameters, goals, and constraints were set to be identical except beam energy.
      The dose distributions were similar in terms of target coverage, conformity, and
      homogeneity regardless of beam energy. The V(70Gy) of rectal wall in 6 MV, 15 MV
      and mixed-energy plans was 16.7%, 17.9%, and 16.3%, respectively, while V(40Gy)
      was 55.6%, 53.2%, and 50%. The mean dose to femoral heads in 6 MV, 15 MV, and
      mixed-energy plans were 31.7 Gy, 26.3 Gy, and 26.2 Gy, respectively. The integral
      dose of 6 MV plans was 7% larger than those of 15 MV or mixed-energy plans. These
      results indicated that mixed-energy IMRT plans could take advantage of the
      dosimetric characteristics of low- and high-energy beams. Even though the
      reduction of dose to the organs at risk may not be clinically relevant, mixing
      energy in an IMRT plan for deep-seated tumors can improve the overall plan
      quality.

PMID- 22089014
TI  - Thermoluminescent and Monte Carlo dosimetry of IR06-103Pd brachytherapy source.
AB  - This work presents experimental dosimetry results for a new 103Pd brachytherapy
      seed, in accordance with the AAPM TG-43U1 recommendation that all new low-energy
      interstitial brachytherapy seeds should undergo one Monte Carlo (MC) and at least
      one experimental dosimetry characterization. Measurements were performed using
      TLD-GR200A circular chip dosimeters using standard methods employing
      thermoluminescent dosimeters in a Perspex phantom. The Monte Carlo N-particle
      (MCNP) code, version 5 was used to evaluate the dose-rate distributions around
      this model 103Pd source in water and Perspex phantoms. The consensus value for
      dose-rate constant of the IR06-103Pd source was found equal to 0.690 cGy.h(-1).U(
      1). The anisotropy function, F(r, theta), and the radial dose function, g(L)(r),
      of the seed were measured in Perspex phantom and calculated in both Perspex and
      liquid water phantom. The measured values were also found in good agreement with
      corresponding MC calculations.

PMID- 22089015
TI  - Comparative analysis of SmartArc-based dual arc volumetric-modulated arc
      radiotherapy (VMAT) versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate and quantify the planning performance
      of SmartArc-based volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) versus fixed-beam
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using
      a sequential mode treatment plan. The plan quality and performance of dual arc
      VMAT (DA-VMAT) using the Pinnacle3 Smart-Arc system (clinical version 9.0;
      Philips, Fitchburg, WI, USA) were evaluated and compared with those of seven
      field (7F)-IMRT in 18 consecutive NPC patients. Analysis parameters included the
      conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) for the planning target volume
      (PTV), maximum and mean dose, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for
      the specified organs at risk (OARs), and comprehensive quality index (CQI) for an
      overall evaluation in the 11 OARs. Treatment delivery time, monitor units per
      fraction (MU/fr), and Gamma(3 mm, 3%) evaluations were also analyzed. DA-VMAT
      achieved similar target coverage and slightly better homogeneity than
      conventional 7F-IMRT with a similar CI and HI. NTCP values were only
      significantly lower in the left parotid gland (for xerostomia) for DA-VMAT plans.
      The mean value of CQI at 0.98 +/- 0.02 indicated a 2% benefit in sparing OARs by
      DA-VMAT. The MU/fr used and average delivery times appeared to show improved
      efficiencies in DA-VMAT. Each technique demonstrated high accuracy in dose
      delivery in terms of a high-quality assurance (QA) passing rate (> 98%) of the
      Gamma(3 mm, 3%) criterion. The major difference between DA-VMAT and 7F-IMRT using
      a sequential mode for treating NPC cases appears to be improved efficiency,
      resulting in a faster delivery time and the use of fewer MU/fr.

PMID- 22089016
TI  - Patient-specific CT dosimetry calculation: a feasibility study.
AB  - Current estimation of radiation dose from computed tomography (CT) scans on
      patients has relied on the measurement of Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI)
      in standard cylindrical phantoms, and calculations based on mathematical
      representations of "standard man". Radiation dose to both adult and pediatric
      patients from a CT scan has been a concern, as noted in recent reports. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of adapting a radiation
      treatment planning system (RTPS) to provide patient-specific CT dosimetry. A
      radiation treatment planning system was modified to calculate patient-specific CT
      dose distributions, which can be represented by dose at specific points within an
      organ of interest, as well as organ dose-volumes (after image segmentation) for a
      GE Light Speed Ultra Plus CT scanner. The RTPS calculation algorithm is based on
      a semi-empirical, measured correction-based algorithm, which has been well
      established in the radiotherapy community. Digital representations of the
      physical phantoms (virtual phantom) were acquired with the GE CT scanner in axial
      mode. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLDs) measurements in pediatric
      anthropomorphic phantoms were utilized to validate the dose at specific points
      within organs of interest relative to RTPS calculations and Monte Carlo
      simulations of the same virtual phantoms (digital representation). Congruence of
      the calculated and measured point doses for the same physical anthropomorphic
      phantom geometry was used to verify the feasibility of the method. The RTPS
      algorithm can be extended to calculate the organ dose by calculating a dose
      distribution point-by-point for a designated volume. Electron Gamma Shower
      (EGSnrc) codes for radiation transport calculations developed by National
      Research Council of Canada (NRCC) were utilized to perform the Monte Carlo (MC)
      simulation. In general, the RTPS and MC dose calculations are within 10% of the
      TLD measurements for the infant and child chest scans. With respect to the dose
      comparisons for the head, the RTPS dose calculations are slightly higher (10%
      20%) than the TLD measurements, while the MC results were within 10% of the TLD
      measurements. The advantage of the algebraic dose calculation engine of the RTPS
      is a substantially reduced computation time (minutes vs. days) relative to Monte
      Carlo calculations, as well as providing patient-specific dose estimation. It
      also provides the basis for a more elaborate reporting of dosimetric results,
      such as patient specific organ dose volumes after image segmentation.

PMID- 22089018
TI  - Measurements to predict the time of target replacement of a helical tomotherapy.
AB  - Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) requires more beam-on time than
      normal open field treatment. Consequently, the machines wear out and need more
      spare parts. A helical tomotherapy treatment unit needs a periodical tungsten
      target replacement, which is a time consuming event. To be able to predict the
      next replacement would be quite valuable. We observed unexpected variations
      towards the end of the target lifetime in the performed pretreatment measurements
      for patient plan verification. Thus, we retrospectively analyze the measurements
      of our quality assurance program. The time dependence of the quotient of two
      simultaneous dose measurements at different depths within a phantom for a fixed
      open field irradiation is evaluated. We also assess the time-dependent changes of
      an IMRT plan measurement and of a relative depth dose curve measurement.
      Additionally, we performed a Monte Carlo simulation with Geant4 to understand the
      physical reasons for the measured values. Our measurements show that the dose at
      a specified depth compared to the dose in shallower regions of the phantom
      declines towards the end of the target lifetime. This reproducible effect can be
      due to the lowering of the mean energy of the X-ray spectrum. These results are
      supported by the measurements of the IMRT plan, as well as the study of the
      relative depth dose curve. Furthermore, the simulation is consistent with these
      findings since it provides a possible explanation for the reduction of the mean
      energy for thinner targets. It could be due to the lowering of low energy photon
      self-absorption in a worn out and therefore thinner target. We state a threshold
      value for our measurement at which a target replacement should be initiated.
      Measurements to observe a change in the energy are good predictors of the need
      for a target replacement. However, since all results support the softening of the
      spectrum hypothesis, all depth-dependent setups are viable for analyzing the
      deterioration of the tungsten target. The suggested measurements and criteria to
      replace the target can be very helpful for every user of a TomoTherapy machine.

PMID- 22089017
TI  - Expanding the use of real-time electromagnetic tracking in radiation oncology.
AB  - In the past 10 years, techniques to improve radiotherapy delivery, such as
      intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy
      (IGRT) for both inter- and intrafraction tumor localization, and hypofractionated
      delivery techniques such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), have
      evolved tremendously. This review article focuses on only one part of that
      evolution, electromagnetic tracking in radiation therapy. Electromagnetic
      tracking is still a growing technology in radiation oncology and, as such, the
      clinical applications are limited, the expense is high, and the reimbursement is
      insufficient to cover these costs. At the same time, current experience with
      electromagnetic tracking applied to various clinical tumor sites indicates that
      the potential benefits of electromagnetic tracking could be significant for
      patients receiving radiation therapy. Daily use of these tracking systems is
      minimally invasive and delivers no additional ionizing radiation to the patient,
      and these systems can provide explicit tumor motion data. Although there are a
      number of technical and fiscal issues that need to be addressed, electromagnetic
      tracking systems are expected to play a continued role in improving the precision
      of radiation delivery.

PMID- 22089019
TI  - The effect of gantry spacing resolution on plan quality in a single modulated arc
      optimization.
AB  - Volumetric-modulated arc technique (VMAT) is an efficient form of IMRT delivery.
      It is advantageous over conventional IMRT in terms of treatment delivery time.
      This study investigates the relation between the number of segments and plan
      quality in VMAT optimization for a single modulated arc. Five prostate, five
      lung, and five head-and-neck (HN) patient plans were studied retrospectively. For
      each case, four VMAT plans were generated. The plans differed only in the number
      of control points used in the optimization process. The control points were
      spaced 2 degrees , 3 degrees , 4 degrees , and 6 degrees  apart, respectively.
      All of the optimization parameters were the same among the four schemes. The 2
      degrees  spacing plan was used as a reference to which the other three plans were
      compared. The plan quality was assessed by comparison of dose indices (DIs) and
      generalized equivalent uniform doses (gEUDs) for targets and critical structures.
      All optimization schemes generated clinically acceptable plans. The differences
      between the majority of reference and compared DIs and gEUDs were within 3%. DIs
      and gEUDs which differed in excess of 3% corresponded to dose levels well below
      the organ tolerances. The DI and the gEUD differences increased with an increase
      in plan complexity from prostates to HNs. Optimization with gantry spacing
      resolution of 4 degrees  seems to be a very balanced alternative between plan
      quality and plan complexity.

PMID- 22089020
TI  - Dependence of intrafraction motion on fraction duration for pediatric patients
      with brain tumors.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to quantify the intrafraction motion of pediatric
      patients with brain tumors during radiation therapy and investigate any
      correlation between motion, use of general anesthesia, and daily treatment
      duration. 100 pediatric patients with a mean age of 8.5 years (range: 1.0 to
      17.8) were included in this prospective study. Forty-one patients required
      general anesthesia during treatment, mean age 4.8 years; 59 patients did not,
      mean age 11.2 years. Each patient had an intracranial tumor and was treated in
      the supine position with a thermoplastic facemask and headrest for
      immobilization. A pretreatment localization CBCT was acquired for each treatment
      fraction and a post-treatment CBCT was acquired every other fraction. If the
      magnitude of the patient's position pre-CBCT offset was >= 2 mm, the position was
      corrected. The difference between the patient's position based on the post-CBCT
      and the assumed position at the start of treatment (either the pre-CBCT offset if
      the magnitude was < 2 mm, or 0 offset due to correction) was determined and
      labeled intrafraction motion. Correlations between daily treatment duration and
      intrafraction motion were examined. There was an average of 14.2 post-CBCTs
      acquired per patient. The magnitude of the mean intrafraction motion was 1.2 +/-
      0.8 mm for patients requiring general anesthesia, and 1.5 +/- 1.2 mm for those
      without (p < 0.001). The mean offset in each direction was less than 0.5 mm for
      both cohorts. There was no correlation between daily treatment duration and the
      magnitude of intrafraction motion. The intrafraction motion of pediatric patients
      undergoing external beam therapy for intracranial tumors is small, < 2 mm, and is
      independent of the daily treatment duration.

PMID- 22089021
TI  - Antiscatter grid use in pediatric digital tomosynthesis imaging.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the effect of antiscatter grid use on
      tomosynthesis image quality. We performed an observer study that rated the image
      quality of digital tomosynthesis scout radiographs and slice images of a Leeds
      TO.20 contrast-detail test object embedded in acrylic with and without a grid. We
      considered 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm of acrylic to represent the wide range of patient
      thicknesses encountered in pediatric imaging. We also acquired and rated images
      without a grid at an increased patient dose. The readers counted the total number
      of visible details in each image as a measure of relative image quality. We
      observed that the antiscatter grid improves tomosynthesis image quality compared
      to the grid-out case, which received image quality scores similar to grid-in
      radiography. Our results suggest that, in order to achieve the best image quality
      in exchange for the increase in patient dose, it may often be appropriate to
      include an antiscatter grid for pediatric tomosynthesis imaging, particularly if
      the patient thickness is greater than 10 cm.

PMID- 22089022
TI  - Isocenter verification for linac-based stereotactic radiation therapy: review of
      principles and techniques.
AB  - There have been several manual, semi-automatic and fully-automatic methods
      proposed for verification of the position of mechanical isocenter as part of
      comprehensive quality assurance programs required for linear accelerator-based
      stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) treatments. In this paper, a
      systematic review has been carried out to discuss the present methods for
      isocenter verification and compare their characteristics, to help physicists in
      making a decision on selection of their quality assurance routine.

PMID- 22089023
TI  - Calculating the peak skin dose resulting from fluoroscopically guided
      interventions. Part I: Methods.
AB  - While direct measurement of the peak skin dose resulting from a fluoroscopically
      guided procedure is possible, the decision must be made a priori at additional
      cost and time. It is most often the case that the need for accurate knowledge of
      the peak skin dose is realized only after a procedure has been completed, or
      after a suspected reaction has been discovered. Part I of this review article
      discusses methods for calculating the peak skin dose across a range of clinical
      scenarios. In some cases, a wealth of data are available, while in other cases
      few data are available and additional data must be measured in order to estimate
      the peak skin dose. Data may be gathered from a dose report, the DICOM headers of
      images, or from staff and physician interviews. After data are gathered, specific
      steps must be followed to convert dose metrics, such as the reference point air
      kerma (K(a,r)) or the kerma area product (KAP), into peak skin dose. These steps
      require knowledge of other related factors, such as the f-factor and the
      backscatter factor, tables of which are provided in this manuscript. Sources of
      error and the impact of these errors on the accuracy of the final estimate of the
      peak skin dose are discussed.

PMID- 22089025
TI  - Pore-expanded SBA-15 sulfonic acid silicas for biodiesel synthesis.
AB  - Here we present the first application of pore-expanded SBA-15 in heterogeneous
      catalysis. Pore expansion over the range 6-14 nm confers a striking activity
      enhancement towards fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) synthesis from triglycerides
      (TAG), and free fatty acid (FFA), attributed to improved mass transport and acid
      site accessibility.

PMID- 22089026
TI  - Flexible microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices using a low-cost wax
      patterning technique.
AB  - This paper describes the fabrication of microfluidic cloth-based analytical
      devices (MUCADs) using a simple wax patterning method on cotton cloth for
      performing colorimetric bioassays. Commercial cotton cloth fabric is proposed as
      a new inexpensive, lightweight, and flexible platform for fabricating two- (2D)
      and three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic systems. We demonstrated that the wicking
      property of the cotton microfluidic channel can be improved by scouring in soda
      ash (Na(2)CO(3)) solution which will remove the natural surface wax and expose
      the underlying texture of the cellulose fiber. After this treatment, we
      fabricated narrow hydrophilic channels with hydrophobic barriers made from
      patterned wax to define the 2D microfluidic devices. The designed pattern is
      carved on wax-impregnated paper, and subsequently transferred to attached cotton
      cloth by heat treatment. To further obtain 3D microfluidic devices having
      multiple layers of pattern, a single layer of wax patterned cloth can be folded
      along a predefined folding line and subsequently pressed using mechanical force.
      All the fabrication steps are simple and low cost since no special equipment is
      required. Diagnostic application of cloth-based devices is shown by the
      development of simple devices that wick and distribute microvolumes of simulated
      body fluids along the hydrophilic channels into reaction zones to react with
      analytical reagents. Colorimetric detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in
      artificial urine is carried out by direct visual observation of bromophenol blue
      (BPB) colour change in the reaction zones. Finally, we show the flexibility of
      the novel microfluidic platform by conducting a similar reaction in a bent pinned
      MUCAD.

PMID- 22089027
TI  - Neonatal Fc receptor for IgG (FcRn) expressed in the gastric epithelium regulates
      bacterial infection in mice.
AB  - Neonatal Fc receptors for immunoglobulin (Ig)G (FcRn) assume a central role in
      regulating host IgG levels and IgG transport across polarized epithelial
      barriers. We have attempted to elucidate the contribution of FcRn in controlling
      Helicobacter infection in the stomach. C57BL/6J wild-type or FcRn(-/-) mice were
      infected with Helicobacter heilmannii, and gastric lesions, bacterial load and
      the levels of antigen-specific IgG in serum and gastric juice were analyzed. The
      elevated levels of anti-H. heimannii IgG in gastric juice were observed
      exclusively in wild-type mice but not in FcRn(-/-) mice. In contrast, an increase
      in lymphoid follicles and bacterial loads along with deeper gastric epithelium
      invasion were noted in FcRn(-/-) mice. C57BL/6J wild-type or FcRn(-/-) mice were
      also infected with Helicobacter pylori SS1, and the results of the bacterial load
      in stomachs of these mice and the anti-H. pylori IgG levels in serum and gastric
      juice were similar to those from H. heilmannii infection. Our data suggest that
      FcRn can be functionally expressed in the stomach, which is involved in
      transcytosis of IgG, and prevent colonization by H. heilmannii and the associated
      pathological consequences of infection.

PMID- 22089031
TI  - Synthesis, structures, and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of N-(1,10
      phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidenes.
AB  - Mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2a),
      [RuCl(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2b), [Ru(L1)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4a),
      [Ru(L2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4b), [Ru(L2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5),
      [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (6), [RuCl(L1)(CO)(2)](PF(6)) (7), and
      [RuCl(L1)(CO)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (8), and a tetranuclear complex
      [Ru(2)Ag(2)Cl(2)(L1)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](PF(6))(4) (3) containing 3-(1,10
      phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L1) and 3-butyl-1
      (1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidene (L2) have been prepared and fully
      characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography.
      Both L1 and L2 act as pincer NNC donors coordinated to ruthenium (II) ion. In 3,
      the Ru(II) and Ag(I) ions are linked by two bridging Cl(-) through a rhomboid
      Ag(2)Cl(2) ring with two Ru(II) extending to above and down the plane. Complexes
      2-8 show absorption maximum over the 354-428 nm blueshifted compared to
      Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) due to strong sigma-donating and weak pi-acceptor properties of
      NHC ligands. Electrochemical studies show Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples over 0.578-1.274
      V.

PMID- 22089029
TI  - Foreskin T-cell subsets differ substantially from blood with respect to HIV co
      receptor expression, inflammatory profile, and memory status.
AB  - The foreskin is the main site of heterosexual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      acquisition in uncircumcised men, but functional data regarding T-cell subsets
      present at this site are lacking. Foreskin tissue and blood were obtained from
      Ugandan men undergoing elective adult circumcision. Tissue was treated by
      mechanical and enzymatic digestion followed by T-cell subset identification and
      assessment of cytokine production using flow cytometry. Foreskin CD4(+) T cells
      were predominantly an effector memory phenotype, and compared with blood they
      displayed a higher frequency of CCR5 expression (42.0% vs. 9.9%) and interleukin
      17 production. There was no difference in T-regulatory cell frequency, but
      interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production were increased in
      foreskin CD8(+) T cells. These novel techniques demonstrate that the foreskin
      represents a proinflammatory milieu that is enriched for HIV-susceptible T-cell
      subsets. Further characterization of foreskin T-cell subsets may help to define
      the correlates of HIV susceptibility in the foreskin.

PMID- 22089028
TI  - Pulmonary-intestinal cross-talk in mucosal inflammatory disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inflammatory bowel diseases
      (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory diseases of mucosal tissues that affect the
      respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, respectively. They share many
      similarities in epidemiological and clinical characteristics, as well as in
      inflammatory pathologies. Importantly, both conditions are accompanied by
      systemic comorbidities that are largely overlooked in both basic and clinical
      research. Therefore, consideration of these complications may maximize the
      efficacy of prevention and treatment approaches. Here, we examine both the
      intestinal involvement in COPD and the pulmonary manifestations of IBD. We also
      review the evidence for inflammatory organ cross-talk that may drive these
      associations, and discuss the current frontiers of research into these issues.

PMID- 22089030
TI  - Opposing consequences of IL-23 signaling mediated by innate and adaptive cells in
      chemically induced colitis in mice.
AB  - The interleukin-23 (IL-23) pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic target
      for inflammatory bowel disease. Although the pathogenic role of IL-23 receptor
      (IL-23R) on T lymphocytes is well established, its function on innate immune
      cells has not been thoroughly examined. Here we investigate the consequence of IL
      23R deletion in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In IL23R(-/-) and
      IL23p19(-/-) mice, we observed decreased weight loss and reduced leukocyte
      infiltrate following DSS exposure. Surprisingly, when the IL-23R(-/-) allele was
      crossed into Rag2(-/-) mice, we observed exacerbated disease, increased
      epithelial damage, reduced pSTAT3 in the epithelium, and delayed recovery of
      IL23R(-/-)Rag2(-/-) mice. This phenotype was rescued with exogenous IL22-Fc, and
      epithelial pSTAT3 was restored. Depletion of Thy1(+) innate lymphoid cells
      eliminated the majority of IL-22 production in the colon lamina propria of DSS
      treated Rag2(-/-) mice, suggesting that these are the major IL-23 responsive
      innate cells in this context. In summary, we provide evidence for opposing
      consequences of IL-23R on innate and adaptive lymphoid cells in murine colitis.

PMID- 22089032
TI  - Dynamics of screw and plate interaction.

PMID- 22089033
TI  - Comment on "HCl adsorption on ice at low temperature: a combined X-ray
      absorption, photoemission and infrared study" by P. Parent, J. Lasne, G. Marcotte
      and C. Laffon, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 7142.
AB  - On the basis of NEXAFS, photoemission and FTIR spectra of ice films with low
      doses of adsorbed HCl, the authors of the PCCP paper "HCl adsorption on ice at
      low temperature: a combined X-ray absorption, photoemission and infrared study",
      Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 7142, have come to conclusions regarding the
      behavior of submonolayer amounts of HCl at 50 K that contradict published results
      of the authors of this Comment. Our purpose is to argue that the conclusion,
      attributed going forward to PLML (authors' initials), that nearly 100% of HCl
      ionizes for dosage levels near to 0.16 monolayer (ML) or 0.3 Langmuir (L) at 50 K
      is questionable. Rather, we reaffirm our conclusions of much lower levels of
      ionization for similar temperatures and HCl dosages based on reactive ion
      scattering (RIS) and low energy sputtering (LES) data for ice films and FTIR
      spectra of ice nanocrystals. A second current paper by Ayotte et al., J. Phys.
      Chem. A, 2011, 115, 6002, that largely parallels in method and results the RAIR
      spectroscopy of PLML, is also given special notice.

PMID- 22089034
TI  - Changes in reproductive life-history strategies in response to nest density in a
      shell-brooding cichlid, Telmatochromis vittatus.
AB  - To determine whether the appearance of a reproductively parasitic tactic varies,
      and how this variation affects territorial males of the Lake Tanganyika cichlid
      fish Telmatochromis vittatus, we examined the reproductive ecology of territorial
      males in Mtondwe and compared it with that of a neighboring Wonzye population,
      where nest density differs from that at Mtondwe. In Wonzye, with high nest
      density, male tactics change with their body size from a territorial to a non
      territorial parasitic tactic called piracy in which they conquer several nests
      defended by territorial males and take over the nests while females are spawning.
      These "pirate" males could decrease the costs incurred by travelling among nests
      by exclusively targeting aggregations of nests in close proximity while avoiding
      separate nests. Territorial males in Wonzye sacrifice the potential higher
      attractiveness offered by large nests and instead compete for nests farther from
      neighbors on which pirates less frequently intrude. In contrast, the Mtondwe
      population had lower nest density and piracy was absent. Given that the success
      of piracy depends on the close proximity of nests, nest density is likely
      responsible for the observed variation in the occurrence of piracy between the
      two populations. Furthermore, in Mtondwe, territorial males competed for larger
      nests and were smaller than the territorial males in Wonzye. Thus, this lower
      nest density may free territorial males from the selection pressures for
      increased size caused by both defense against nest piracy and the need to develop
      into pirates as they grow.

PMID- 22089035
TI  - Inactivation of estrogen receptor by Schistosoma haematobium total antigen in
      bladder urothelial cells.
AB  - We recently reported the expression of an estradiol-like molecule by a trematode
      parasite Schistosoma haematobium. We further established that this estradiol-like
      molecule is an antagonist of estradiol, repressing the transcriptional activity
      of the estrogen receptor (ER) in estrogen-responsive MCF7 cells and also that S.
      haematobium total antigen (Sh) contains estrogenic molecules detected by mass
      spectrometry. In the present study, we used HCV29 cells, a cell line derived from
      normal urothelial cells, as well as an in vivo model to evaluate the expression
      of ER in the bladders of Sh-instilled animals. We show that, similarly to MCF7
      cells, Sh down-regulates the transcriptional activity of ER in HCV29 cells and
      also in the bladders of Sh-treated mice. The antiestrogenic activity of the S.
      haematobium extract and its repressive role in ER could have implications in the
      carcinogenic process in bladders with S. haematobium infection.

PMID- 22089037
TI  - Sledging is still a seasonal source of serious injury in Scottish children.
AB  - In 2002 it was highlighted that sledging results in serious injuries in the
      paediatric population and safety recommendations were made. The aim of this study
      was to re-examine the number, severity and aetiology of sledging-related trauma.
      This was a retrospective study performed in the Paediatric Emergency Department
      (PED) of the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital (RACH) during two periods
      totalling 12 days, when there was continuous snow ground cover. Records of all
      attendances were scrutinized to identify patients with sledging injuries. The
      nature, mechanism and severity of injury, and subsequent management were then
      analysed. Of 403 PED attendances, 45 (11%) were sledging related with 16 (36%)
      fractures and 13 (29%) head injuries. Eight patients (18%) were admitted to
      hospital and three (7%) required an operation. Collision with a stationary object
      was the most common reason for injury (51%), followed by the adoption of a
      dangerous sledging position or use of a stationary jump. No patients were wearing
      a helmet. In conclusion, there has been little change in the epidemiology and
      aetiology of paediatric sledging injuries since 2002. Work is needed to inform
      parents of the previously recommended safety measures that could reduce the
      morbidity of this activity without detracting from the enjoyment.

PMID- 22089036
TI  - All I want for coagulation.
AB  - Evidence-based medicine underpins modern practice of medicine. This paper
      describes a fictional consultation between Santa Claus and a doctor regarding
      deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, giving a review of the evidence for DVT
      prophylaxis in travellers while exposing the difficulty in applying evidence to
      atypical clinical encounters. Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched, and
      guidelines reviewed. Keywords used were DVT, thromboembolism, deep vein
      thrombosis and air travel-related venous thromboembolism. All relevant studies
      found, have been included in this review, with additional studies identified from
      the references in these articles. In conclusion, compression stockings, with or
      without a one-off dose of either aspirin or heparin, are the most evidence-based
      approaches for prophylaxis in someone with established risk factors for DVT prior
      to a long-haul flight. Simple exercises should also be encouraged.

PMID- 22089038
TI  - A study of thromboprophylactic practices of Scottish orthopaedic surgeons in
      patients undergoing total hip replacements. Should practice change with new
      guidelines?
AB  - Despite increasing scientific investigation, the best method for preventing
      postoperative thromboembolism in patients undergoing a total hip replacement
      (THR) remains unclear. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
      (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines on the
      prevention of thromboembolism have caused much controversy. We surveyed Scottish
      surgeons regarding their thromboprophylaxis prescribing after THR. Questionnaires
      were sent to all Scottish orthopaedic consultants. They were asked about routine
      pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis in patients undergoing a THR.
      Comparison was made with a previous survey done in 2003. The response rate was
      75%. The survey showed an increased use of pharmacological prophylaxis from 93%
      to 100%. This was due to the increased use of aspirin from 51% to 64%. The use of
      low molecular weight heparin has remained constant at 51%. No surgeons routinely
      use warfarin, un-fractionated heparin or fondaparinux. Use of graded compression
      stockings has increased from 59% to 70%. In conclusion, there is increasing
      evidence that patients undergoing THR should receive extended prophylaxis for up
      to 35 days. Oral agents such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban have offered a new
      option for oral extended prescribing. The results in change of practice must be
      closely audited.

PMID- 22089039
TI  - A new approach to scoring systems to improve identification of acute medical
      admissions that will require critical care.
AB  - Removal of the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Vale of Leven Hospital mandated
      the identification and transfer out of those acute medical admissions with a high
      risk of requiring ICU. The aim of the study was to develop triaging tools that
      identified such patients and compare them with other scoring systems. The
      methodology included a retrospective analysis of physiological and arterial gas
      measurements from 1976 acute medical admissions produced PREEMPT-1 (PRE-critical
      Emergency Medical Patient Triage). A simpler one for ambulance use (PREAMBLE-1
      [PRE-Admission Medical Blue-Light Emergency]) was produced by the addition of
      peripheral oxygen saturation to a modification of MEWS (Modified Early Warning
      Score). Prospective application of these tools produced a larger database of 4447
      acute admissions from which logistic regression models produced PREEMPT-2 and
      PREAMBLE-2, which were then compared with the original systems and seven other
      early warning scoring systems. Results showed that in patients with arterial
      gases, the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was
      significantly higher in PREEMPT-2 (89.1%) and PREAMBLE-2 (84.4%) than all other
      scoring systems. Similarly, in all patients, it was higher in PREAMBLE-2 (92.4%)
      than PREAMBLE-1 (88.1%) and the other scoring systems. In conclusion, risk of
      requiring ICU can be more accurately predicted using PREEMPT-2 and PREAMBLE-2, as
      described here, than by other early warning scoring systems developed over recent
      years.

PMID- 22089040
TI  - Impact of national guidelines on family history breast cancer surveillance.
AB  - The breast cancer risk of women already under family history surveillance was
      accurately assessed according to national guidelines in an attempt to rationalize
      the service. Women attending two breast units in Glasgow between November 2003
      and February 2005 were included. One thousand and five women under annual
      surveillance were assessed and had their relatives diagnoses verified. Four
      hundred and ninety-seven women were at significantly increased risk and eligible
      for follow-up. Five hundred and eight (50%) women attending were not eligible for
      family history surveillance, and 498 (98%) of these women accepted discharge. In
      conclusion, national guidelines have helped to more clearly define women who
      should undergo surveillance. This avoids unnecessary and potentially harmful
      routine investigations, and the service has been improved.

PMID- 22089041
TI  - Outcomes following a dedicated period of research during surgical training.
AB  - With recent 'working-time'-related changes to surgical training structure, the
      value of dedicated research during surgical training has been questioned. Online
      survey examining career and academic outcomes following a period of surgically
      related dedicated research at a Scottish University between 1972 and 2007. Of 58
      individuals identified, contact details were available for 49 and 43 (88%)
      responded. Ninety-five percent (n = 41) of respondents continue to pursue a
      career in surgery and 41% (n = 17) are currently in academic positions. Ninety
      one percent (n = 39) had published one or more first-author peer-reviewed
      articles directly related to their research, with 53% (n = 23) publishing three
      or more. Respondents with a clinical component to their research published
      significantly more papers than those with purely laboratory-based research (P =
      0.04). Eighty-one percent (n = 35) thought that research was necessary for career
      progression, but only 42% (n = 18) felt research should be integral to training.
      In conclusion, the majority of surgical trainees completing a dedicated research
      period, published papers and continued to pursue a surgical career with a
      research interest. A period of dedicated research was thought necessary for
      career progression, but few thought dedicated research should be integral to
      surgical training.

PMID- 22089042
TI  - Effect of intradermal anaesthesia on success rate and pain of intravenous
      cannulation: a randomized non-blind crossover study.
AB  - Intravenous cannulation is a commonly performed procedure. This study aimed to
      determine whether the success rate and pain of intravenous cannulation is
      affected by prior injection of intradermal lidocaine. Intravenous cannulation was
      performed twice in 45 healthy volunteers. Intradermal lidocaine was administered
      prior to one of these cannulations. The outcome measures were success or failure
      of cannulation, and pain of cannulation, measured with a 100 mm visual analogue
      pain scale. The success rate of intravenous cannulation with and without prior
      intradermal lidocaine was 54% and 76%, respectively. The difference was 22.0%
      (95% CI 1.5-27.8%; P = 0.03). Log-linear analysis for three-way interaction
      between the variables (outcome, vascular condition and use of lidocaine) showed a
      significant influence of vascular condition on outcome (G(2) 24.6, P < 0.001).
      The mean (SD) pain scores in the control and intervention group were 34.8 (21.0)
      and 13.6 (13.2) mm, respectively. The difference between the mean pain scores was
      21.2 mm (95% CI 15.1-27.3 mm). In conclusion, the success rate of intravenous
      cannulation may be reduced with the use of intradermal lidocaine, but success
      rate is primarily dependent on vascular condition. Intradermal lidocaine achieves
      a clinically significant reduction in the pain of intravenous cannulation.

PMID- 22089043
TI  - A preliminary clinical study on high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy for
      tubal pregnancy.
AB  - Our aim was to explore the clinical application value of high-intensity focused
      ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for tubal pregnancy. Forty hospitalized patients with
      tubal pregnancies (28 cases of non-ruptured tubal pregnancy and 12 cases of
      ruptured tubal pregnancy) were selected to receive HIFU therapy. Serum human
      chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) concentrations were compared before and after
      treatment. Serum beta-HCG was measured weekly and patients received observation
      only if the concentration decreased by 15% or more, compared with the previous
      value. Patients were given supplement HIFU therapy if the decrease in the serum
      beta-HCG was <15% within two weeks. Ultrasound was used to detect the volume
      changes in the ectopic lesions before and after treatment, and changes in vital
      signs and complications were recorded. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used
      to assess fallopian tube patency after treatment. HIFU treatment was successful
      in 33 of the 40 patients (82%). Seven patients failed HIFU treatment and received
      surgical therapy (18%). Before and after treatment, serum beta-HCG concentrations
      and lesion volume were significantly different (P < 0.05, P < 0.01,
      respectively). Post-treatment tubal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed
      tubal patency on the affected side in 21 cases (64%) at six months and in 27
      cases (82%) at 12 months. In conclusion, HIFU is safe and effective, and can be a
      treatment option for tubal pregnancy.

PMID- 22089044
TI  - Effect of socioeconomic deprivation and the appointment of Welfare Attorneys.
AB  - Most patients in intensive care unit (ICU) lack decision-making ability. The
      Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 allows someone to appoint a Welfare
      Attorney (WA) to act on their behalf should they lose capacity. Scotland has
      areas of major socioeconomic deprivation associated with lower life-expectancy
      and with a lack of knowledge about and consequently difficulty accessing
      services. The effect of socioeconomic deprivation on WA registration was
      investigated. A complete list of registered WAs was categorized by deprivation.
      The Public Guardian, Scotland indicated whether patients admitted to ICU at
      Glasgow Royal (April 2006-May 2009) had a WA registered. All Scottish ICU
      admissions (2004-2008) were categorized by deprivation. Twelve of 1152 ICU
      patients at Glasgow Royal had a WA. Of 165,997 WAs registered, 5984 were in the
      most deprived and 27,970 in the most affluent areas. Overall, 3.9% of the
      Scottish population had a WA (1.4% in the most, 6.5% in the least deprived
      population decile). In conclusion, the uptake of WAs was low, especially in
      deprived areas. The reasons could include a lack of knowledge, not anticipating
      the need for a WA or not being confident in the process. Any educational package
      needs to target the most socioeconomically disadvantaged.

PMID- 22089045
TI  - The Scottish Liver Transplant Unit: current and future perspectives.
AB  - The Scottish Liver Transplant Unit (SLTU) opened in 1992 and has now performed
      over 900 liver transplants. During this time there have been major changes in
      both organ donation and transplantation. Currently liver transplantation is
      restricted by limited organ supply. Scotland has one of the lowest rates of organ
      donation in Europe and one of the most rapidly increasing rates of cirrhosis. The
      consequent waiting list mortality has driven innovations including increasing use
      of marginal grafts, organs donated after cardiac death, split-liver transplants
      and the development of living-donor liver transplantation. To maintain liver
      transplantation, there is an urgent need to increase organ donation rates and to
      find novel treatments which optimize outcomes from marginal grafts. This review
      addresses the surgical aspects of liver transplantation and how these have
      evolved over the two past decades. Major changes are currently underway in organ
      donation organization, and there is continuing refinement of organ treatment and
      storage. A number of measures to maintain and improve organ preservation and
      function are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, and cell therapy holds
      significant potential for the future. Scotland has a rising need for liver
      transplantation and the SLTU continues to provide high-quality care and to be at
      the forefront of the latest advances in organ transplantation.

PMID- 22089046
TI  - The case of King Richard III.
AB  - In this short essay we will discuss the possible diseases of King Richard III
      according to the descriptions in Shakespeare's plays King Richard III and Henry
      VI. Furthermore, it is shown that the description of the defeated enemy as
      physically and mentally deformed is part of a long tradition which has its roots
      in Ancient Greece.

PMID- 22089048
TI  - Popliteal cystic adventitial disease: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is rare. The popliteal artery is the most
      commonly affected artery. Patients with CAD are usually young and present with
      ischaemic lower limb symptoms. We report a case of a 39-year-old male patient
      with popliteal CAD. The affected segment was resected and repaired with an
      interposition vein graft. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of correct
      diagnosis and outline the different management strategies.

PMID- 22089049
TI  - A case of arm swelling and muscle Wii-kness.
AB  - The Nintendo Wii is now the world's most popular home games console owing to its
      simple interface and replication of sports activities. Although safety advice is
      provided by the manufacturer, a number of injuries have previously been
      described. We describe a case of arm swelling with associated rise in serum
      creatine kinase to over 8000 U/L in a man, following unaccustomed and sustained
      strenuous muscle exertion through the use of the Nintendo Wii. His condition
      spontaneously resolved with rest and conservative measures. His presentation
      represents significant muscle injury through the use of this games console and
      the replication of sporting activities; physicians should be aware of the variety
      of musculoskeletal presentations such use of these devices can produce.

PMID- 22089050
TI  - Gastric Schwannoma or GIST: accuracy of preoperative diagnosis?
AB  - Mesenchymal cell tumours of the gastrointestinal tract are rare in western
      society. Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is the most common of this group
      of tumours. Gastric schwannoma is rarer, accounting for only 0.2% of all gastric
      tumours and 4% of all benign gastric neoplasms. Indeed, schwannoma has only been
      recognized as a primary gastrointestinal tumour in the last 20 years through
      advances in pathological techniques. We report a rare case of gastric schwannoma,
      the endoscopic and radiological features of which were indistinguishable from a
      GIST. Due to the diagnostic uncertainty, surgical resection is the treatment of
      choice. Development of more reliable diagnostic methods, such as endoscopic core
      biopsy, may help the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis.

PMID- 22089051
TI  - Tuberculous pericarditis: a diagnostic quandary.
AB  - Tuberculous pericarditis is uncommon in the Western world, and can prove a
      diagnostic quandary in that confirmation of the diagnosis and culture of
      mycobacteria can be difficult. We present a case of tuberculous pericarditis
      where endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle biopsy of a
      pathological lymph node provided the diagnosis after other methods of
      investigation had proved futile.

PMID- 22089052
TI  - Nocardiosis complicated with Addison's disease.
AB  - A 77-year-old woman presented with subacute respiratory symptoms which were
      demonstrated to be due to nocardiosis. After initial improvement with
      antimicrobial therapy, new symptoms appeared, consisting of persistent vomits,
      abdominal pain and hypotension, which led to the diagnosis of Addison's disease.

PMID- 22089053
TI  - Synchronous presentation of Gaucher disease and solitary plasmacytoma with
      progression to multiple myeloma.
AB  - A 37-year-old Polish immigrant presented with unilateral hip pain and difficulty
      weight-bearing. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a
      lytic lesion in the acetabulum, with abnormal serum electrophoresis and bone
      marrow biopsy. The patient was diagnosed with two rare conditions presenting
      synchronously - Gaucher disease and plasmacytoma. He was treated with enzyme
      therapy and radiotherapy, but subsequently developed a recurrence of plasmacytoma
      in the right femur, confirmed with bone marrow biopsy. This was also treated with
      radiotherapy, followed by a retrograde femoral nail to reduce the risk of
      pathological fracture. The patient went on to develop multiple lytic lesions in
      the ribs and vertebra, seen on MRI. Further bone marrow biopsy confirmed
      dissemination of the plasmacytoma into multiple myeloma, for which he was treated
      with systemic chemotherapy. In patients presenting with refractory bone or joint
      pain, haematological and histological investigations should be considered to
      exclude less common diagnoses.

PMID- 22089054
TI  - Toxic levels of glycosides in herbal medication: a potential cause of
      hyperkalaemia.
AB  - We report a previously healthy man presenting with life-threatening hyperkalaemia
      and heart failure. The only possible cause was thought to be the long list of
      herbal medications he was taking, several of which contained significant amounts
      of cardiac glycosides. Hyperkalaemia is known to be associated with digoxin
      toxicity and we present this as the likely cause in this case, and emphasize the
      importance of a thorough drug history in forming a differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22089055
TI  - Imaging in chronic cough in paediatrics.
AB  - Chronic cough is a common presentation in paediatrics. We describe a case which
      highlights the need for careful history taking and summarize the key clinical
      features which should prompt a clinician to perform a chest X-ray.

PMID- 22089056
TI  - Chemolysis of calcium oxalate stones: study in vitro and possible clinical
      application.
AB  - The flow cell modeling clinical conditions have been used to study the
      interaction between dilute chemolytic solutions and large calcium oxalate renal
      stones. The stone treatment with 5% disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate aqueous
      solutions or citrate buffer are found not to provide notable disruption of the
      samples studied. The significant improvement is reached with the mixed
      compositions containing both natural and synthetic chelating reagents:citrate and
      ethylenediaminetetraacetate ions as well as an antibiotic. Description of the
      chemolytic irrigation, numerical results and their possible clinical application
      are the main topic of the present research.

PMID- 22089057
TI  - Mycophenolate mofetil inducing remission of lupus enteritis.
AB  - We report the case of a young woman with a background history of discoid lupus
      who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and intermittent diarrhoea. Physical
      examination revealed tenderness in the right upper quadrant with a palpable right
      inguinal lymph node without any other clinical signs of active lupus. Laboratory
      investigations showed normal inflammatory markers, positive ANA and Anti-Ro
      antibodies, persistent hypocomplementemia and lymphopenia, CT showed marked bowel
      oedema involving the small and large bowel (halo sign) with massive ascites and
      moderate right-sided pleural effusion. Mantoux test, AFB and TB cultures were
      negative. A diagnosis of lupus enteritis was made and treatment with high-dose
      steroids was commenced with little improvement. Treatment with cyclophosphamide
      was discussed but declined by the patient. Mycophenolate mofetil was commenced
      and resulted in significant clinical and radiological resolution. To the best of
      the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the successful use of
      mycophenolate mofetil in inducing and maintaining remission in lupus enteritis.

PMID- 22089058
TI  - Association of galectin-3 and fibrosis markers with long-term cardiovascular
      outcomes in patients with heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and
      dyssynchrony: insights from the CARE-HF (Cardiac Resynchronization in Heart
      Failure) trial.
AB  - AIMS: Circulating biomarkers of collagen turnover reflect extracellular cardiac
      matrix (ECCM) remodelling. The extent to which the success of cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT) is influenced by the degree of cardiac fibrosis
      and whether CRT can influence matrix remodelling has yet to be studied. Our aim
      was to determine, in patients with heart failure (HF) and cardiac dyssynchrony,
      whether ECCM biomarkers are influenced by CRT and can predict cardiovascular
      outcomes and response to CRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum levels of ECCM
      biomarkers [galectin-3 (Gal-3), N-terminal propeptides of type I and III
      procollagens (PINP and PIIINP), type I collagen telopeptide (ICTP), and matrix
      metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1)] were measured in 260 patients, in a substudy of CARE
      HF, a randomized controlled trial which evaluated the effects of CRT in patients
      with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac dyssynchrony. ECCM
      biomarkers did not change throughout the 18-month follow-up period. In age- and
      gender-adjusted analyses, Gal-3 and PIIINP were associated with death or HF
      hospitalization. In a further multivariate model, Gal-3 >30 ng/mL was associated
      [OR (95% CI):2.98 (1.43-6.22), P = 0.004] with death or HF hospitalization, along
      with left ventricular end-systolic volume >200 mL [3.42 (OR: 1.65-7.10), P =
      0.001]. The outcome death or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <=35% was
      associated with MMP-1 [<=3 ng/mL: 3.04 (1.37-6.71), P = 0.006]. No significant
      interaction was observed between the tested biomarkers and the treatment group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Increased Gal-3 and PIIINP, and low MMP-1 are associated with
      adverse long-term cardiovascular outcomes but did not predict response to CRT.
      CRT did not favourably affect serum concentrations of ECCM markers.

PMID- 22089059
TI  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in complex diseases: advantages and
      limitations.

PMID- 22089060
TI  - [Transitional care programs for patients with rheumatic diseases: review of the
      literature].
AB  - Transitional care programs are developed to facilitate the passage of a young
      patient with a chronic disease to an adult clinic where he needs to learn how to
      get involved in his own care. Various models have been proposed to address this
      transition in a multidisciplinary process. This review will address, in an
      updated format, various aspects of the transition units. With this objective in
      mind, we developed a narrative overview of the available information in the
      literature on transition units (TU) in rheumatic diseases. The most relevant
      information is presented in different stages: description and recommendations for
      the management of the adolescent patient, guidelines and information on programs
      at TU, and a description of aspects that should be part of a TU. Although several
      transition programs have been described, we do not have enough information to
      know what the ideal one would be like. More research is needed in this field,
      focusing on variables such as quality of life, satisfaction, activity and chronic
      damage.

PMID- 22089061
TI  - Cryoglobulinemia with acronecrosis not associated with hepatitis C infection: a
      case report.
AB  - Cryoglobulinemia is a rare disease characterized by the production of monoclonal
      or polyclonal immunoglobulins that precipitate in cold temperature. While this
      phenomenon can be observed in a large number of disorders, it has been associated
      with hepatitis C virus infection in more than 90% of cases. The remaining 10%,
      called essential cryoglobulinemia, has been characterized by a more severe course
      and a failure to respond to conventional treatment. This article describes the
      case of a patient with essential cryoglobulinemia presenting with acronecrosis
      with a poor outcome, despite treatment, leading to amputation.

PMID- 22089062
TI  - Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: evidence-based recommendations for
      enhanced disease management.

PMID- 22089063
TI  - Compressive myelopathy as the presentation form of a transdiscal fracture of the
      vertebrae in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

PMID- 22089064
TI  - Premenopausal osteoporosis: how to treat?
AB  - There is no agreement in defining osteoporosis in premenopausal women and
      diagnosis must be done carefully and not based on densitometric parameters. One
      must take into account the presence of other risk factors and history of
      fragility fractures, diseases or drugs that cause bone loss. Over 50% of
      premenopausal women with osteoporosis will have a secondary cause, with the
      remainder diagnosed with idiopathic osteoporosis. Therapeutic considerations are
      limited by a few studies in this group of patients, especially in regard to the
      risk of fractures. On the other hand, the FRAX index cannot be applied to
      premenopausal women. This article will review the measures to apply depending on
      the type of premenopausal osteoporosis, based on current scientific evidence.

PMID- 22089065
TI  - Biochemical markers in osteoporosis: usefulness in clinical practice.
AB  - Currently, the measurement of bone remodeling biomarkers is an innovate proposal
      in clinical evaluation of patients with osteoporosis. Its use may identify
      patients at increased risk of fracture as well as monitoring therapeutic
      efficacy. Because they constitute a relatively inexpensive non-invasive
      measurement, its use should be widespread for serial and frequent measurements of
      bone turnover. However, their analytical and biological variability limits their
      clinical applicability.

PMID- 22089066
TI  - Hyperparathyroidism: primary or secondary disease?
AB  - Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by the autonomous production
      of parathyroid hormone (PTH), in which there is hypercalcemia or normal-high
      serum calcium levels in the presence of elevated or inappropriately normal serum
      PTH concentrations. Exceptionally in symptomatic patients, a diagnostic can be
      established on the basis of clinical data. PHPT must always be evaluated in
      patients with clinical histories of nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, osseous
      pain, subperiosteal resorption, and pathologic fractures, as well as in those
      with osteoporosis-osteopenia, a personal history of neck irradiation, or a family
      history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (types 1 or 2). Diagnosis of
      PHPT is biochemical. Asymptomatic hypercalcemia without guiding signs or symptoms
      is the most frequent manifestation of the disease. For differential diagnosis,
      PTH must be measured, as well as phosphate, chloride, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25
      dyhidroxyvitamin D and calcium-to-creatinine clearance. The diagnosis and
      differential diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism will be discussed here.

PMID- 22089067
TI  - Remmiting symmetric seronegative synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE).

PMID- 22089069
TI  - ?

PMID- 22089068
TI  - Septic arthritis due to Fusobacterium nucleatum in an immunocompetent patient.

PMID- 22089070
TI  - [Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener). Description of 15 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GP) is a necrotizing vasculitis of
      unknown etiology that involves small and medium caliber vessels. It is associated
      with anti neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA). It most often affects the
      respiratory tract and the kidneys and its most important pathologic feature is
      the presence of necrotizing granulomas. OBJECTIVES: To detail the features of 15
      patients with GP diagnosed in a university referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Retrospective study: between 1984 and 2009, 15 patients with GP were diagnosed in
      our center. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory test as well as pathologic
      studies and treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Biopsy diagnosis of GP was
      considered as an inclusion criterion. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were diagnosed:
      12 men and 3 women. Mean age at diagnosis: 52.2 years (14-78). 12 patients had a
      history of smoking. A biopsy was diagnostic in all patients. ANCA were positive
      in 11 cases, 6 had a cytoplasmic c-ANCA pattern. All patients had pulmonary
      involvement and seven (40%) had renal involvement. All patients received
      intravenous glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide as induction therapy. During the
      disease progression 5 patients died. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of this
      series do not differ from those described by other authors. However, a history of
      smoking is more common than expected. Frequently used drugs were glucocorticoids
      and cyclophosphamide (oral and pulse therapy). The course was usually
      unfavorable, with outbreaks or complications due to immunosuppression, except for
      those with limited forms. Immunosuppressive therapy should be maintained
      indefinitely in most cases.

PMID- 22089071
TI  - [Vascular changes in severe carpal tunnel syndrome: a differential diagnosis of
      vasculitis].
AB  - Carpal tunnel syndrome may present with skin lesions. This may lead to a
      differential diagnosis with vasculitis. Sympathetic nervous system perivascular
      involvement and recurrent injuries secondary to sensory loss are probably part of
      the mechanism of injury. In this case, we also comment on the pathogenic role of
      persistent median artery associated with a bifid median nerve.

PMID- 22089072
TI  - [Crowned Dens syndrome: calcification of the transverse ligament of the atlas].

PMID- 22089073
TI  - [How to effectively use methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis?].
AB  - Methotrexate (MTX) is the first choice disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for
      rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of its generalized use by rheumatologists
      worldwide, there is a general lack of agreement regarding the route of
      administration, the start-up dose and the way to increase the same. In this
      article we propose a simplified outline for the use of the drug that should be
      individualized, based on it's pharmacological aspects, guidelines and
      recommendations published in high impact factor journals during the past few
      years. Adverse reactions and side effects, as well as their follow up are also
      reviewed.

PMID- 22089074
TI  - [Acute miopericarditis as the presenting feature of adult-onset Still's disease].
AB  - Adult Still's disease (ASD) was described by George Still in 1896. ASD is a rare
      inflammatory disorder, of unknown etiology, whose clinical manifestations are
      manifold. Diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion and exclusion of different
      etiologies. We report the case of a 20 year old male with fever, arthritis,
      dyspnea and chest pain. Laboratory findings showed increased levels of cardiac
      enzymes, and a pleuropericardic effusion was detected in imaging tests, both of
      them showing myopericarditis. Corticosteroid treatment was started with initial
      improvement, although the addition of methotrexate was necessary in the following
      months.

PMID- 22089075
TI  - [Gouty arthritis is not everything].

PMID- 22089076
TI  - [Trochanteric bursitis due to tuberculosis in an immunocompetent young woman].
AB  - Soft tissue infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis can affect muscle,
      tendons, fascia, bursa and synovial tissue. Tuberculous trochanteric bursitis is
      a rare entity that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Manifestations
      usually occur insidiously, which delays diagnosis and treatment. We present the
      case of an immunocompetent young woman who came to our department for chronic
      left hip pain. The study confirms the diagnosis of tuberculous trochanteric
      bursitis. This case demonstrates the importance of considering a possible
      infectious origin of bursitis in immunocompetent patients.

PMID- 22089077
TI  - Exercise prescription: a case for standardised reporting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Structured, regular exercise is recommended to improve health
      outcomes. Exercise takes many forms and varies in type, intensity, duration and
      frequency. The authors used the example of exercise for chronic health conditions
      to examine how exercise programmes are described and summarised in systematic
      reviews. METHODS: Two independent reviewers conducted a review of exercise
      reporting practices using the evidence of exercise effects for chronic conditions
      as the source material. INCLUSION CRITERIA: systematic reviews that summarised
      the effects of exercise programmes for adults with chronic health conditions.
      EXCLUSION CRITERIA: reviews of studies of children and adolescent populations,
      and non-English publications. RESULTS: Seventy-three reviews were included. Data
      on sample size, number of included trials, interventions, comparisons, programme
      characteristics, exercise components, author conclusions and recommendations were
      extracted. Seventy-one per cent of reviews reported being unable to adequately
      describe the exercise programmes, because the required information was not
      reported in included trials. Using key exercise descriptors from the included
      reviews, the authors developed criteria for reporting to a level that enables
      replication. CONCLUSIONS: All included reviews recommended better and
      standardised reporting. Incomplete exercise programme descriptions limit
      confidence in the accurate replication of effective interventions and limits
      critical appraisal of interventions when conflicting outcomes are reported. The
      evaluation and implementation of physical activity and exercise research would be
      facilitated if exercise programmes are comprehensively described. The authors
      propose that systematic reviews/meta-analysis and clinical application of the
      outcomes of exercise therapy research would be enhanced if authors used an
      exercise reporting grid that includes a detailed description of the programme
      components.

PMID- 22089078
TI  - A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures used to assess Achilles
      tendon rupture management: what's being used and should we be using it?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management for
      patients following an Achilles tendon rupture. To allow comparisons between
      different treatments, a universally accepted outcome measure is required.
      However, there are currently a range of these reported within the literature.
      OBJECTIVE: To recommend the most suitable patient-reported outcome measure for
      the assessment of patients following an Achilles tendon rupture, based on a
      systematic review of first what is currently used and second evidence of
      validity. METHODS: The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED were
      searched up to September 2010. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were
      applied to identify what outcome measures are reported in the literature. Aspects
      of validity were defined and a checklist used to determine which aspects have
      been evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-one outcome measures in 50 research papers were
      identified. The most commonly used was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle
      Society hind-foot score. Of the 21 outcome measures, only 4 cited independent
      validation data. Of these four, only the 'Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score'
      reported evidence to support multiple facets of validity, as defined by a
      predetermined criteria checklist. CONCLUSIONS: The Achilles tendon Total Rupture
      Score was identified as the only outcome measure which has demonstrated multiple
      facets of validity for use in this patient group. However, even this tool has
      limitations. Researchers should be aware of the limitations of the available
      outcome measurement tools and check on their validity before use in clinical
      research.

PMID- 22089079
TI  - The impact of dementia on influenza vaccination uptake in community and care home
      residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination is recommended for older people irrespective of
      cognitive decline or residential setting. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of
      dementia diagnosis on flu vaccination uptake in community and care home residents
      in England and Wales. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a primary care database
      with 378,462 community and 9,106 care (nursing and residential) home residents
      aged 65-104 in 2008-09. Predictors of vaccine uptake were examined adjusted for
      age, sex, area deprivation and major chronic diseases. RESULTS: Age and sex
      standardised uptake of influenza vaccine was 74.7% (95% CI: 73.7-75.8%) in
      community patients without dementia, 71.4% (69.3-73.5%) in community patients
      with dementia, 80.5% (78.9-82.2%) in care home patients without dementia and
      83.3% (81.4-85.3%) in care home patients with dementia. In a fully adjusted
      model, compared with community patients without dementia, patients with dementia
      in the community were less likely to receive vaccination (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94
      0.97) while care home patients with (RR: 1.06, 1.03-1.09) and without (RR: 1.03,
      1.01-1.05) dementia were more likely to receive vaccination. Area deprivation and
      chronic diseases were, respectively, negative and positive predictors of uptake.
      CONCLUSION: Lower influenza vaccine uptake among community patients with
      dementia, compared with care home residents, suggests organisational barriers to
      community uptake but high uptake among patients with dementia in care homes does
      not suggest concern over informed consent acts as a barrier. Primary care for
      community patients with dementia needs to ensure that they receive all
      appropriate preventive interventions.

PMID- 22089080
TI  - Platypnoea-orthodeoxia in an elderly man with patent foramen ovale and dilated
      ascending aorta.
AB  - We report the case of an 85-year-old male with platypnoea-orthodeoxia associated
      with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and ectatic ascending aorta, in the absence of
      any significant pulmonary pathology.

PMID- 22089081
TI  - Comparison of ABCD2 scoring between first healthcare-contact and stroke
      specialist physicians for transient ischaemic attack in a rapid-access clinic.

PMID- 22089082
TI  - The impact of dementia on care transitions during the last two years of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dementia is one of the main challenges to our health and social care.
      This study compares the number and timing of transitions between care settings in
      the last 2 years of life among older people with and without dementia. METHODS:
      Data were derived from Finnish national registers, and include all those who died
      in 2002 and 2003 at the age of 70 or older (n = 70,366). Negative binomial
      regression analyses were used to analyse the impact of dementia on number of
      transitions among people with and without dementia and to adjust the number for
      age, gender and other diagnoses. RESULTS: In the group that lived at home 2 years
      before death people with a dementia diagnosis had 32% more care transitions than
      people without dementia, while the group that was in residential care facility 2
      years before death people with dementia had 12% fewer moves than those without
      dementia The average number of transition was highest in last 3 months of life.
      People with dementia had their last move more often between care facilities and
      hospitals offering basic health care than people without dementia. CONCLUSION:
      Dementia has a significant impact on the number and type of transitions. As the
      number of people with dementia increases, the quality and equity of care of these
      patients in their last years constitute a special challenge.

PMID- 22089083
TI  - Photic induction of locomotor activity is correlated with photic habitat in
      Anolis lizards.
AB  - A variety of ecologically important behaviors, including circadian rhythms and
      seasonal reproduction, are influenced by non-visual responses to light, yet very
      little is known about the relationship between photic habitat and non-visual
      photoreception. Puerto Rican Anolis lizards have diverged into multiple photic
      niches, making them a good model for non-visual photosensory ecology. We
      investigated the photic induction of locomotor activity, a non-visual response to
      light, in four species of Anolis comprising two pairs of closely related,
      ecomorphologically similar species whose microhabitats differ in solar
      irradiance. We developed a device for continuous, automated detection and
      recording of anole locomotor activity, and used it to characterize activity under
      12:12 h light-dark cycles. Next, we administered a series of 2-h light pulses
      during the dark period of the light-dark cycle and measured the increase in
      locomotor activity relative to baseline dark activity. Five different irradiances
      (ranging from very dim to daytime levels) were given to each individual lizard on
      separate nights. As expected, light caused an irradiance-dependent increase in
      locomotor activity in all four species. The responses at the highest irradiances
      were significantly greater in species occupying relatively more shaded habitats,
      suggesting that non-visual photoreception may be adapted to habitat light in
      Anolis lizards.

PMID- 22089084
TI  - Estimation of the secondary cancer risk induced by diagnostic imaging radiation
      during proton therapy.
AB  - We have estimated the secondary cancer risk (SCR) introduced by image-guided
      procedures during proton therapy. The physical dose from imaging radiation and
      the corresponding organ equivalent dose were calculated for the case of a lumbar
      spine patient. The maximum physical dose delivered to the patient during the
      imaging procedure was estimated to be ~0.35% of the prescribed dose of 46 Gy.
      However, this small imaging dose substantially raised the radiation-induced SCR
      by ~8%. In addition, the clinical benefit (improved accuracy during the
      procedure) and costs (extra SCR) associated with image-guided procedures were
      quantitatively modelled by systematically investigating the changes in SCR as a
      function of the prescribed dose, treatment target volume and imaging field size.
      The results showed that the SCR varied sensitively with the volume receiving the
      imaging and the therapeutic radiation, whereas the SCR depended to a lesser
      extent on the magnitude of the applied therapeutic radiation. These results
      showed that the additional SCR introduced by imaging radiation could be
      efficiently reduced by minimizing the imaging field size during image-guided
      procedures.

PMID- 22089085
TI  - Proctophantastes nettastomatis (Digenea: Zoogonidae) from Vanuatu deep-sea fish:
      new morphological features, allometric growth, and phenotypic plasticity aspects.
AB  - The present paper deals with Proctophantastes nettastomatis (Digenea: Zoogonidae;
      Lepidophyllinae) found in the intestine of three species of deep-sea fish,
      Dicrolene longimana (Ophidiidae, Ophidiiformes), Bathyuroconger sp. (Congridae,
      Anguilliformes), and Venefica tentaculata (Nettastomatidae, Anguilliformes). The
      fish were collected near the islands of Espiritu Santo, Erromango, and Epi,
      respectively, in the archipelago of Vanuatu (Southern Pacific Ocean) at depths
      ranging from 561 to 990 m. Morphological and histological analyses showed that
      the Vanuatu specimens differ from Proctophantastes abyssorum, Proctophantastes
      gillissi, Proctophantastes glandulosum, Proctophantastes infundibulum, and
      Proctophantastes brayi but are close to P. nettastomatis discovered in Suruga
      Bay, Japan. P. nettastomatis is redescribed based both on the observations of our
      specimens and of the Japanese holotype and paratype. The morphological
      variability of the species is described. Morphometric data allowed the
      identification of positive allometric growth for the hindbody, negative
      allometric growth for the ventral sucker, and a growth phenotypic plasticity
      between Ophidiiformes and Anguilliformes definitive hosts.

PMID- 22089086
TI  - Larvicidal activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Plumeria rubra
      plant latex against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi.
AB  - In the present study activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using
      Plumeria rubra plant latex against second and fourth larval instar of Aedes
      aegypti and Anopheles stephensi was determined. Range of concentrations of
      synthesized AgNps (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125 ppm) and aqueous crude latex
      (1,000, 500, 250, 125, 62.50, 31.25 ppm) were tested against larvae of A. aegypti
      and A. Stephensi. The synthesized AgNps from P. rubra latex were highly toxic
      than crude latex extract in both mosquito species. The LC(50) values for second
      and fourth larval instars after 24 h of crude latex exposure were 1.49, 1.82 ppm
      against A. aegypti and 1.10, 1.74 ppm against A. stephensi respectively. These
      figures were 181.67, 287.49 ppm against A. aegypti and 143.69, 170.58 ppm against
      A. stephensi respectively for crude latex extract. The mortality rates were
      positively correlated with the concentration of AgNPs. The characterization
      studies of synthesized AgNPs by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), Particle size analysis (PSA) and zeta potential confirmed the
      spherical shape and size (32-200 nm) of silver nanoparticles along with
      stability. Toxicity studies carried out against non-target fish species Poecilia
      reticulata, the most common organism in the habitats of A. aegypti and A.
      stephensi showed no toxicity at LC(50) and LC(90) doses of the AgNPs. This is the
      first report on mosquito larvicidal activity of latex synthesized nanoparticles.

PMID- 22089087
TI  - In vitro induction of anterior gradient-2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes by
      dendritic cells transduced with recombinant adenoviruses as a potential therapy
      for colorectal cancer.
AB  - Anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) promotes tumor growth, cell migration, and cellular
      transformation, and is one of the specific mRNA markers for circulating tumor
      cells in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. We investigated the feasibility
      of AGR2 as a potent antigen for tumor immunotherapy against colorectal cancer
      (CRC) cells using dendritic cells (DCs) transduced with a recombinant adenovirus
      harboring the AGR2 gene (AdAGR2). DCs transduced with a recombinant adenovirus
      encoding the AGR2 gene (AdAGR2/DCs) were characterized. These genetically
      modified DCs expressed AGR2 mRNA as well as AGR2 protein at a multiplicity of
      infection of 1,000 without any significant alterations in DC viability and
      cytokine secretion (IL-10 and IL-12p70) compared with unmodified DCs as a
      control. In addition, AdAGR2 transduction did not impair DC maturation, but
      enhanced expression of HLA-DR, CD80, and CD86. AdAGR2/DCs augmented the number of
      IFN-gamma-secreting T-cells and elicited potent AGR2-specific cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes capable of lysing AGR2-expressing CRC cell lines. These results
      suggest that AGR2 act as a potentially important antigen for immunotherapy
      against CRC in clinical applications.

PMID- 22089089
TI  - Identification of novel peptides that stimulate human neutrophils.
AB  - Neutrophils play a key role in innate immunity, and the identification of new
      stimuli that stimulate neutrophil activity is a very important issue. In this
      study, we identified three novel peptides by screening a synthetic hexapeptide
      combinatorial library. The identified peptides GMMWAI, MMHWAM, and MMHWFM caused
      an increase in intracellular Ca2+ in a concentration-dependent manner via
      phospholipase C activity in human neutrophils. The three peptides acted
      specifically on neutrophils and monocytes and not on other non-leukocytic cells.
      As a physiological characteristic of the peptides, we observed that the three
      peptides induced chemotactic migration of neutrophils as well as stimulated
      superoxide anion production. Studying receptor specificity, we observed that two
      of the peptides (GMMWAI and MMHWFM) acted on formyl peptide receptor (FPR)1 while
      the other peptide (MMHWAM) acted on FPR2. Since the three novel peptides were
      specific agonists for FPR1 or FPR2, they might be useful tools to study FPR1- or
      FPR2-mediated immune response and signaling.

PMID- 22089088
TI  - Genetic association of the EGR2 gene with bipolar disorder in Korea.
AB  - The early growth response gene 2 (EGR2) is located at chromosome 10q21, one of
      the susceptibility loci in bipolar disorder (BD). EGR2 is involved in cognitive
      function, myelination, and signal transduction related to neuregulin-ErbB
      receptor, Bcl-2 family proteins, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This
      study investigated the genetic association of the EGR2 gene with BD and
      schizophrenia (SPR) in Korea. In 946 subjects (350 healthy controls, 352 patients
      with BD, and 244 with SPR), nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the
      EGR2 gene region were genotyped. Five SNPs showed nominally significant allelic
      associations with BD (rs2295814, rs61865882, rs10995315, rs2297488, and
      rs2297489), and the positive associations of all except rs2297488 remained
      significant after multiple testing correction. Linkage disequilibrium structure
      analysis revealed two haplotype blocks. Among the common identified haplotypes
      (frequency > 5%), 'T-G-A-C-T (block 1)' and 'A-A-G-C (block 2)' haplotypes were
      over-represented, while 'C-G-G-T-T (block 1)' haplotype was under-represented in
      BD. In contrast, no significant associations were found with SPR. Although an
      extended analysis with a larger sample size or independent replication is
      required, these findings suggest a genetic association of EGR2 with BD. Combined
      with a plausible biological function of EGR2, the EGR2 gene is a possible
      susceptibility gene in BD.

PMID- 22089090
TI  - Fluorinated liquid crystals: design of soft nanostructures and increased
      complexity of self-assembly by perfluorinated segments.
AB  - The effects of perfluorinated and semiperfluorinated hydrocarbon units on the
      self-assembly of rod-like, disc-like, polycatenar, taper- and star-shaped,
      dendritic, and bent-core liquid crystalline (LC) materials is reviewed. The
      influence of fluorinated segments is analyzed on the basis of their contributions
      to the cohesive energy density, molecular shape, conformational flexibility,
      micro-segregation, space filling, and interface curvature. Though the focus is on
      recent progress in the last decade, previous main contributions, general aspects
      of perfluorinated organic molecules, and the basics of LC self-assembly are also
      briefly discussed to provide a complete overall picture. The main focus is on
      structure-property-relations and the use of micro-segregation to tailor mesophase
      morphologies. Especially polyphilic molecules with perfluorinated segments
      provide new modes of LC self-assembly, leading to ordered fluids with periodic
      multi-compartment structures and enhanced complexity compared to previously known
      systems.

PMID- 22089091
TI  - Living in a cage is a restricted privilege.
AB  - There exist molecules, whose shape is reminiscent of a cage, that are able to
      include either metal ions or anions or both. In contrast to what happens in the
      macroscopic world, where a kinetic barrier prevents the escaping of the guest
      from the cage, the inclusion-extrusion of an ion from a molecular cage is in most
      cases thermodynamically controlled and the ion can get in or out of the cage at
      will. This gives the basis for highly selective ion recognition processes by cage
      shaped ligands or receptors for metal ions and anions. Nobody in everyday life
      would say that a cage (for birds or wild animals), even if nicely designed and
      splendidly decorated, was beautiful and appealing, due to the consciousness of
      its reprehensible function. This does not happen in chemistry and we admire the
      ingenuity and skilfulness of synthetic chemists for the design of cage-shaped
      polycyclic hosts, made for the inclusion of a variety of guests, but also capable
      of generating in the viewer emotion and gratification of aesthetical origin. We
      have tried to outline, in this chapter, the development of cages in metal
      coordination chemistry and in anion coordination chemistry, over the last 50
      years.

PMID- 22089092
TI  - Neighborhood disorder and children's antisocial behavior: the protective effect
      of family support among Mexican American and African American Families.
AB  - Using data from a sample of 673 Mexican Origin families, the current
      investigation examined the degree to which family supportiveness acted as a
      protective buffer between neighborhood disorder and antisocial behavior during
      late childhood (i.e. intent to use controlled substances, externalizing, and
      association with deviant peers). Children's perceptions of neighborhood disorder
      fully mediated associations between census and observer measures of neighborhood
      disorder and their antisocial behavior. Family support buffered children from the
      higher rates of antisocial behavior generally associated with living in
      disorderly neighborhoods. An additional goal of the current study was to
      replicate these findings in a second sample of 897 African American families, and
      that replication was successful. These findings suggest that family support may
      play a protective role for children living in dangerous or disadvantaged
      neighborhoods. They also suggest that neighborhood interventions should consider
      several points of entry including structural changes, resident perceptions of
      their neighborhood and family support.

PMID- 22089093
TI  - Pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis:  recent insights from animal models.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on animal models of antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-mediated vasculitis and highlight recent insights
      gained from studies in these models pertaining to immunopathogenesis. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Animal models support the pathogenic potential of myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      ANCA. Alternative pathway complement activation has been identified as a novel
      inflammatory pathway in disease induction and a potential target for
      intervention. Interventions targeting B cells, antibodies, and signal
      transduction pathways may hold promise as well. The role of T cells is beginning
      to be explored, and studies indicate a prominent role for Th17 responses. The
      link between infection and ANCA vasculitis is well established. In animal models,
      Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 ligation is involved in disease induction. Ligation of
      TLRs contributes to the initiation of anti-MPO autoimmune responses in which TLR2
      activation induces a Th17 response and TLR9 activation directs a Th1 response. An
      animal model for PR3-ANCA vasculitis is not available yet but models with a
      humanized immune system are being developed and show promising first results.
      SUMMARY: Animal models of MPO-ANCA vasculitis have contributed substantially to
      our understanding of disease immunopathogenesis and have illuminated novel
      targets for intervention. The development of PR3-ANCA animal models remains a
      challenge but recent observations in humanized model systems offer hope.

PMID- 22089094
TI  - Animal models of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on the experimental models that have been
      developed recapitulating clinical antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)
      associated vasculitis. The application of the models in the study of
      pathogenesis, and the therapeutic implications of this, are covered in the
      article by van Timmeren and Heeringa in this issue. RECENT FINDINGS: Rodent
      models of both myeloperoxidase (MPO) ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3) ANCA associated
      vasculitis have been developed, which have provided important insights into the
      pathogenesis of ANCA-associated pulmonary and renal disease. The vast majority of
      in-vivo work in this field has concerned MPO-ANCA associated disease, although
      the last year has seen some advances in the modelling of anti-PR3 disease. As
      with all experimental animal models, they are flawed in one way or another by
      virtue of the means by which they are induced, but they have already provided
      novel directions for future intervention in these complex diseases. To date,
      there are no good models that replicate the granulomatous lesions found in
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's) or the development of
      vasculitis lesions in organs other than the lungs or kidneys. SUMMARY: ANCA
      associated vasculitis can be induced in various forms in susceptible rodents.
      Further refinements are required for the full spectrum of disease phenotype to be
      replicated in animals, but critical new targets have been proposed based on the
      use of molecular blocking agents and transgenic animals to elucidate disease
      pathways.

PMID- 22089095
TI  - Treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with
      rituximab.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the present knowledge about the use of rituximab
      (RTX) in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's; GPA),
      microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
      (Churg-Strauss; EGPA), also collectively referred to as antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. RECENT FINDINGS: More than 20 case
      series and cohort studies involving more than 200 patients focusing on RTX use
      for patients with refractory GPA and MPA have been reported. Two randomized
      controlled trials have shown that RTX is not inferior to cyclophosphamide (CYC)
      for induction of remission in severe GPA and MPA. The RAVE trial has further
      shown that RTX is superior to CYC for patients with severe disease relapses. In
      addition, reports are emerging on the use of RTX for remission maintenance in
      chronically relapsing patients. There are also preliminary reports on the
      beneficial use of RTX in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg
      Strauss). SUMMARY: RTX is the first proven alternative to CYC for remission
      induction in severe GPA and MPA. RTX is the preferred agent for patients
      presenting with severe disease flares, and its use had become the de facto
      standard of care for patients with chronically relapsing refractory GPA. Its use
      in EGPA requires further investigation.

PMID- 22089096
TI  - Updating single-organ vasculitis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To clearly define single-organ vasculitis (SOV) and
      distinguish diffuse from focal SOV. To delineate clinical, laboratory, and
      histopathological features useful in differentiating focal SOV from systemic
      vasculitis affecting the same territory. RECENT FINDINGS: SOV may affect organs
      in a diffuse or multifocal fashion (e.g. central nervous system and skin) or may
      be confined to focal sites (e.g. breast, gynecologic, testicular, and abdominal
      structures, and the aorta). Because the territories affected in SOV may also be
      targeted in systemic vasculitis, the diagnosis of SOV should be applied when it
      is clear that vascular inflammation is not present in other sites at the time of
      diagnosis as well as during follow-up surveillance, which has arbitrarily been
      recommended to be of at least 6 months. Once the diagnosis of SOV is confirmed,
      terms used for systemic vasculitides should be avoided (e.g. polyarteritis of the
      testes). Focal SOV is often incidentally found in the course of biopsies or
      surgery for suspected malignancy, infection, or structural abnormalities. In
      focal SOV, resection of the inflammatory lesion alone may be curative, whereas
      systemic therapy is almost always required for diffuse forms of SOV. SUMMARY: SOV
      definition implies vascular inflammation confined to an isolated organ. This
      diagnosis always requires exclusion of systemic illness. In focal forms of SOV,
      certain clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features assist the clinician in
      distinguishing isolated from systemic vasculitis, and consequently in devising
      therapeutic and surveillance strategies.

PMID- 22089097
TI  - Churg-Strauss syndrome:  update on pathophysiology and treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) has a clear clinical phenotype
      but its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated. Recent studies have focused on its
      immunogenetic aspects and cytokine and chemokine-mediated pathogenetic
      mechanisms, providing the rationale for the use of newer targeted therapies. This
      study will review recent findings on the pathogenesis of CSS and its therapeutic
      approaches. RECENT FINDINGS: CSS is usually considered a Th2-mediated disease,
      but Th1 and Th17 responses might also play a role; the reported association
      between CSS and HLA-DRB4 further underlines the pathogenetic relevance of CD4 T
      cells which, thanks to their ability to secrete cytokines such as IL4, IL5, and
      IL13, promote allergic and eosinophilic reactions. Resident cells such as
      endothelial and epithelial cells might also amplify the immune response by
      producing eosinophil-attracting chemokines such as eotaxin-3 and CCL17.
      Conventional immunosuppressive therapies offer high chances of achieving
      sustained remission, but steroid exposure remains high. Targeting IL5 with
      mepolizumab seems promising in sparing steroids, but relapses often follow its
      withdrawal. B-cell depletion using rituximab has proved effective in refractory
      CSS cases. SUMMARY: Current knowledge on CSS pathogenesis is evolving; the
      identification of key molecular mechanisms will pave the way for newer, more
      specific treatments.

PMID- 22089098
TI  - Erdheim-Chester disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, non-Langerhans form
      of histiocytosis first described in 1930 with a wide range of manifestations. The
      number of new cases has dramatically increased over the past 10 years because of
      the better recognition of this condition. The natural evolution is variable, but
      the spontaneous prognosis is severe. In this review, we describe the relevant
      clinical, radiological, prognostic, and therapeutic features of this orphan
      disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Compelling evidence demonstrates the efficacy of
      treatment by interferon alpha (IFNalpha) which has been reported to be a major
      independent predictor of survival among ECD patients. Alternative treatments
      remain to be defined. Recent studies have highlighted the central nervous system
      involvement as an independent predictor of death. Pathophysiology is better
      understood with a complex network of cytokines and chemokines and a systemic
      immune Th-1-oriented perturbation. SUMMARY: ECD, although a rare and orphan
      disease, has been overlooked and numerous new cases are currently diagnosed
      because of general better knowledge of this histiocytosis. First-line treatment
      is IFNalpha. We have recently described a unique cytokine signature that may
      provide further clues to understand the pathogenesis of ECD, as well as provide
      new tools for diagnosis and targeted therapy.

PMID- 22089099
TI  - Biologic treatment of large-vessel vasculitides.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Glucocorticoids are the mainstay of therapy for giant cell
      arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis. However, a significant proportion of
      patients have a glucocorticoid-dependent or resistant disease course and serious
      adverse events are frequent. This article summarizes the current evidence on the
      use of biologic treatments in large-vessel vasculitis (LVV). RECENT FINDINGS:
      Antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment strategies have failed to show
      efficacy in GCA, whereas their role in Takayasu's arteritis is yet unclear.
      Preliminary reports on the use of the anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody
      tocilizumab (TOC) in both GCA and Takayasu's arteritis emerge. TOC was both able
      to spare glucocorticoid doses but could also induce remission in untreated GCA
      patients when used as monotherapy. There is little evidence for the use of
      biologic drugs in LVV associated with systemic rheumatic diseases. Case series
      suggest efficacy for anti-TNF antibodies in aortitis associated with relapsing
      polychondritis and pulmonary artery aneurysm associated with Behcet's disease.
      SUMMARY: TNF inhibition does not seem to save glucocorticoids or prevent relapses
      in GCA. Blocking TNF may provide benefit to difficult-to-treat patients with
      Takayasu's arteritis, relapsing polychondritis and Behcet's disease-associated
      LVV. Emerging reports on the use of TOC suggest an important role of IL-6 in the
      pathogenesis of large-vessel vasculitides and deserve further investigation. The
      use of TOC monotherapy to induce remission in untreated GCA patients proves
      fascinating.

PMID- 22089100
TI  - Familial Mediterranean fever and related periodic fever
      syndromes/autoinflammatory diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The spectrum of periodic fever syndromes
      (PFS)/autoinflammation diseases is continuously expanding. This review provides
      an overview of the primary research and an update on the main clinical
      developments in these disorders published in the past 12-18 months. RECENT
      FINDINGS: IL-1beta is pivotal to the pathogenesis of most of the PFS. In familial
      Mediterranean fever (FMF) MEFV mutations lead to gain of pyrin function,
      resulting in inappropriate IL-1beta release that is dependent on ASC but not the
      NLRP3 inflammasome. Anti-IL-1 therapy is effective in tumour necrosis factor
      receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), whilst both spontaneous and
      pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) induced IL-1beta release have been
      demonstrated in NLRP12-associated periodic syndrome (NAPS12). Somatic NLRP3/CIAS1
      mosaicism is a significant cause of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes
      (CAPS). Close connections have also been established between metabolic and
      inflammatory pathways. In TRAPS increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) of
      mitochondrial origin leads to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, whilst
      NLRP3 inflammasome activation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is induced by oligomers of
      islet amyloid polypeptides (IAPP). SUMMARY: Caspase 1 activation and IL-1beta
      release is central to the pathogenesis of many autoinflammatory syndromes. This
      is supported by the effectiveness of anti-IL-1 biologics in treatment of these
      disorders.

PMID- 22089101
TI  - Not all hemophagocytes are created equally:  appreciating the heterogeneity of
      the hemophagocytic syndromes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The deadly macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) constitutes
      one of the few rheumatologic emergencies. MAS is part of a larger group of
      diseases referred to as hemophagocytic syndromes that are seen in infections,
      malignancies, or genetic immunodeficiencies. Because of the clinical similarity
      of these diseases, many clinicians are tempted to approach them all similarly,
      both in diagnostic criteria and treatment paradigms. New work in the field
      suggests that not all hemophagocytic syndromes are equal. We will review the
      latest literature from both human and murine models related to the diagnosis,
      etiology, and treatment of hemophagocytic syndromes including MAS. RECENT
      FINDINGS: More specific diagnostic criteria for the different hemophagocytic
      syndromes are being developed. Animal models suggest at least two different
      mechanisms by which hemophagocytic syndromes arise: enhanced antigen presentation
      and excessive Toll-like receptor signaling. Work in humans suggests different
      cytokine profiles, and different treatment strategies for the variety of
      hemophagocytic syndromes. SUMMARY: The recent studies reviewed in this article
      suggest that despite clinical similarities the different hemophagocytic syndromes
      are indeed likely heterogeneous. Diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies
      tailored to the underlying disease or genetic context are needed and will
      hopefully be addressed by future work in this field.

PMID- 22089102
TI  - Autoimmune hepatitis:  current challenges in diagnosis and management in a
      chronic progressive liver disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The understanding of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has evolved in
      the past two decades since diagnostic criteria were developed. Now with long-term
      experience with well characterized cohorts, strides have been gained in
      understanding the true epidemiology and natural history of the disease.
      Therapeutic trials have also added new tools to the armamentarium in managing
      this challenging disease. RECENT FINDINGS: AIH has been demonstrated to be a
      disease of middle-aged women, with a disease course that frequently progresses to
      cirrhosis, transplant or death. Despite its rare prevalence, AIH is one of the
      most common indications for transplantation. Diagnosis remains challenging, and
      the most recently adopted criteria prove very specific but lack sensitivity in
      the diagnosis of AIH, particularly when presenting atypically. Recently, drug
      induced AIH and IgG4-associated AIH have been proposed as distinct
      clinicopathological entities. Clinical trials for alternate therapeutics have
      long been needed, and recently two agents, budesonide and mycophenolate mofeteil,
      show promise in treating AIH. SUMMARY: Increasing evidence has mounted to suggest
      that AIH is a disease that often requires long-term treatment, and frequently
      progresses to end-stage liver disease. Further research identifying predictors of
      poor outcome, optimal therapeutic regimens and duration of treatment is much
      needed.

PMID- 22089103
TI  - Blood pressure control in a Japanese population with chronic kidney disease: a
      baseline survey of a nationwide cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a key risk factor for adverse renal outcomes in
      chronic kidney disease (CKD), and strict blood pressure control is recommended to
      halt its progression. This study assessed blood pressure control in the Japanese
      CKD population. METHODS: We used a nationwide database of 250,130 subjects (aged
      20-88), including 45,845 CKD subjects (18.3%), participated in an annual health
      check, "The Specific Health Check and Guidance in Japan," and examined the
      relationship between CKD status and blood pressure. Blood pressures were measured
      in sitting position by trained staff, and target blood pressure for CKD subjects
      was defined as systolic (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <130/80 mm Hg.
      RESULTS: In total population, CKD subjects had a higher prevalence of
      hypertension (58.0% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001) and a higher proportion with
      antihypertensive medication (42.4% vs. 26.7%, P < 0.001), compared with non-CKD
      subjects. The proportion of subjects achieving target blood pressure was
      significantly lower among total CKD subjects than among total non-CKD subjects
      (34.6% vs. 43.8%, P <= 0.001). Among CKD subjects, these proportions were
      especially low in those with stage 4-5 (24.3-27.5%), those on antihypertensive
      medication (21.6%) and those with proteinuria >=2+/- (21.3%). Logistic regression
      analysis showed that independent factors for high-blood pressure in CKD subjects
      were age, male gender, alcohol consumption, nonsmoking, diabetes, dyslipidemia,
      obesity, proteinuria, and antihypertensive medication. CONCLUSIONS: Blood
      pressure control was inadequate in the majority of Japanese CKD subjects, despite
      antihypertensive treatment. More aggressive efforts to achieve target blood
      pressures among CKD subjects are recommended.

PMID- 22089104
TI  - Activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor increases striatin levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aldosterone (ALDO), a critical regulator of sodium homeostasis,
      mediates its effects via activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)
      through mechanisms that are not entirely clear. Striatin, a membrane associated
      protein, interacts with estrogen receptors in endothelial cells. METHODS: We
      studied the effects of MR activation in vitro and in vivo on striatin levels in
      vascular tissue. RESULTS: We observed that dietary sodium restriction was
      associated with increased striatin levels in mouse heart and aorta and that
      striatin and MR are present in the human endothelial cell line, (EA.hy926), and
      in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC). Further, we show that MR co
      precipitates with striatin in vascular tissue. Incubation of EA.hy926 cells with
      ALDO (10(-8) mol/l for 5-24 h) increases striatin protein and mRNA expression, an
      effect that was inhibited by canrenoic acid, an MR antagonist. Consistent with
      these observations, incubation of MAEC with ALDO increased striatin levels that
      were likewise blocked by canrenoic acid. To test the in vivo relevance of these
      findings, we studied two previously described mouse models of increased ALDO
      levels. Intraperitoneal ALDO administration augmented the abundance of striatin
      protein in mouse heart. We also observed that in a murine model of chronic ALDO
      mediated cardiovascular damage following treatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine
      methyl ester plus angiotensin II an increased abundance of striatin protein in
      heart and kidney tissue. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that increased
      striatin levels is a component of MR activation in the vasculature and suggest
      that regulation of striatin by ALDO may modulate estrogen's nongenomic effects.

PMID- 22089105
TI  - Blood pressure responses and metabolic effects of hydrochlorothiazide and
      atenolol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thiazides and beta-blockers cause adverse metabolic effects (AMEs),
      but whether these effects share predictors with blood pressure (BP) response is
      unknown. We aimed to determine whether AMEs are correlated with BP response in
      uncomplicated hypertensives. METHODS: In a multicenter, open-label, parallel
      group trial, we enrolled 569 persons, aged 17-65, with random assignment to 9
      weeks of daily hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or atenolol monotherapy, followed by 9
      weeks of add-on therapy with the alternate agent. Measurements included home BP,
      averaged over 1 week, weight and fasting levels of serum glucose, low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and uric acid
      (UA) before and after monotherapy and after add-on therapy. RESULTS: Increases in
      UA correlated with reductions in systolic BP (SBP) (r = -0.18; P = 0.003) and
      diastolic BP (DBP) (r = -0.20; P = 0.001) following HCTZ monotherapy and add-on
      therapy (r = -0.27 and r = -0.21, respectively; both P < 0.001). After adjustment
      for age, race, gender, and baseline body mass index (BMI), only the correlation
      between UA and DBP response became nonsignificant. Reductions in HDL correlated
      with systolic response following atenolol monotherapy (r = 0.18; P = 0.002) and
      with systolic and diastolic response following add-on therapy (r = 0.30 and r =
      0.24, respectively; both P < 0.0001). These correlations remained significant
      after covariate adjustment. BP responses were not correlated with changes in
      glucose, LDL, triglycerides, or weight following either therapy. CONCLUSIONS: BP
      response correlated with changes in UA following HCTZ therapy and HDL following
      atenolol therapy. No other significant correlations were observed between BP
      response and AMEs, suggesting that these effects generally do not share
      predictors. Patients should be monitored for AMEs, regardless of BP response.

PMID- 22089106
TI  - Sleep-time blood pressure and the prognostic value of isolated-office and masked
      hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated sleep-time blood pressure (BP) is a better predictor of
      cardiovascular risk than the awake or 24 h BP means. However, discrepancies in
      the diagnosis of hypertension between clinic and ambulatory measurements
      (isolated-office and masked hypertension) are frequently defined by comparing
      clinic with only awake BP. We evaluated the impact of sleep-time BP in the
      prognostic value of isolated-office and masked hypertension. METHODS: We studied
      3,344 subjects (1,718 men/1,626 women), 52.6 +/- 14.5 years of age, during a
      median 5.6-years follow-up. Ambulatory BP was measured for 48 h at baseline, and
      again annually or more frequently (quarterly) after treatment adjustments in
      hypertensive subjects. RESULTS: Out-of-office (masked and sustained) hypertension
      was associated with higher cardiovascular risk than normotension and isolated
      office hypertension (P < 0.001) only when those conditions were defined on the
      basis of asleep, but not on awake or 24 h BP mean. Using only awake pressure for
      classification, 58.2% of subjects with masked hypertension were mistakenly
      classified as normotensive, and 26.3% of subjects with sustained hypertension
      were erroneously identified as isolated-office hypertensive. Cox proportional
      hazard analysis using the awake and asleep pressure means as potential predictors
      of cardiovascular risk and adjusted for significant confounders revealed that
      only asleep mean was an independent significant predictor of outcome.
      CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with elevated sleep-time BP are at high cardiovascular
      risk, independently of either clinic or ambulatory awake measurements. Sleep-time
      BP determined by ambulatory monitoring should thus be used for proper
      identification of out-of-office hypertension, a condition associated with
      markedly increased cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22089107
TI  - Agreement between community pharmacy, physician's office, and home blood pressure
      measurement methods: the PALMERA Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The usefulness of the community pharmacy blood pressure (BP) (CPBP)
      method in assessing the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment has not been
      adequately studied. The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between
      community pharmacy, home, and physician office BP (POBP) measurement methods in
      treated hypertensive patients. METHODS: BP was measured at the pharmacy (three
      visits), at home (4 days) and at the physician office (three visits). The Lin
      correlation-concordance coefficient (CCC) was used to evaluate the quantitative
      agreement. The qualitative agreement between methods to establish the patient's
      hypertensive state was evaluated using the kappa-coefficient. Using home BP (HBP)
      monitoring as the reference method, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and
      negative likelihood ratios of the CPBP and POBP measurement methods were
      calculated. RESULTS: The study included 70 patients. Agreements were acceptable
      moderate between CPBP and HBP (CCC (systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP)) =
      0.79/0.66; kappa = 0.56), moderate between CPBP and POBP (CCC = 0.57/0.61; kappa
      = 0.35), and moderate-poor (CCC = 0.56/0.49; kappa = 0.28) between POBP and HBP.
      The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio for the CPBP
      and the POBP measurement methods were: 60.7%, 92.9%, 8.5, 0.4 and 75.0%, 54.8%,
      1.7, 0.5, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of treated hypertensive
      patients, the agreement between the community pharmacy and HBP measurement
      methods was acceptable-moderate and greater than other agreements. The CPBP
      measurement method was more reliable than the POBP measurement method for
      detecting the presence of both uncontrolled and controlled BP and could be a good
      alternative to HBP monitoring when the latter lacks suitability.

PMID- 22089108
TI  - First-fill medication discontinuations and nonadherence to antihypertensive
      therapy: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is a barrier to successfully managing
      hypertension, but little is known about the contribution that immediate
      discontinuations have on antihypertensive (AHT) nonadherence. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the proportion of new AHT users who discontinue after a
      single dispensation, and to examine potential predictors of these
      discontinuations. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilizing linked
      administrative data from Saskatchewan, Canada. Subjects were >=40 years of age
      and received a new AHT between 1994-2002. The primary end point was the
      proportion of subjects who discontinued their AHT after the first dispensation
      (first-fill discontinuation). The proportion of nonadherence attributed to first
      fill discontinuations was then calculated. Multivariate regression identified
      factors associated with first-fill discontinuations. RESULTS: 52,039 subjects
      were included in the analyses. Mean age was 59.4 (s.d. 12.5) years, and 42% were
      male. Overall, 25,812/52,039 (50%) subjects were nonadherent at 1 year; first
      fill discontinuations accounted for 39.1% (10,081/25,812) of this nonadherence.
      Approximately 20% (10,081/52,039) of all subjects discontinued all AHT therapy
      after the first fill. A higher chronic disease score (adjusted odds ratio (OR)
      1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.11) and antidepressant medication usage
      during the observation year (adjusted OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26) was associated
      with increased risk for first-fill discontinuations. Older age, starting AHT
      therapy after 1994, frequent physician visits, or use of a statin,
      acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin or antihyperglycemic during the observation year
      was associated with a lower risk for first-fill discontinuations. CONCLUSION: A
      substantial proportion of nonadherence to AHT medications is due to
      discontinuations after only a single dispensation.

PMID- 22089109
TI  - Qiliqiangxin improves cardiac function in spontaneously hypertensive rats through
      the inhibition of cardiac chymase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the effects and mechanism of
      action of the traditional Chinese drug formula, qiliqiangxin (QLQX), on cardiac
      function in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: We evaluated the
      effects of oral high-dose (4 g/kg/day, n = 7) and low-dose (1 g/kg/day, n = 7)
      QLQX on cardiac function in SHRs aged between 8 compared to control, the 8-week
      old Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac
      function and hemodynamic parameters. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's
      trichrome staining were performed, and the expression of myocardial angiotensin
      (Ang)-converting enzyme, chymase, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and
      collagen-type I and III were evaluated with real-time reverse transcription-PCR.
      Myocardial chymase, Ang-converting enzyme (ACE), and Ang II activities were
      measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques. Cardiac mast cells were detected
      with toluidine blue staining. RESULTS: In SHRs, the number of chymase enzyme
      positive mast cells increased in the left ventricle (LV) compared with WKY rats.
      QLQX significantly decreased mast cell density and cardiac chymase levels, and it
      improved ejection fraction values and cardiac systolic function compared with
      vehicle. Moreover, QLQX decreased left atrial diameters and improved the E/A
      ratio. QLQX suppressed collagen-type I and III and TGF-beta mRNA levels, and Ang
      II activity, in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas no difference in ACE activity
      was found between SHRs, chymase expression and activity were significantly
      decreased with QLQX. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that QLQX improves both
      systolic and diastolic cardiac function in SHRs through downregulating the
      cardiac chymase signaling pathway and chymase-mediated Ang II production.

PMID- 22089110
TI  - Control of hypertension in treated children and its association with target organ
      damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the control of hypertension
      (HT) in treated children using ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM).
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all ABPM studies in our center. Controlled
      HT was defined as systolic and diastolic BP index (patients' BP divided by the
      95th percentile) at daytime and nighttime <1.0 or alternatively as BP load
      (percentage of BP readings above the 95th percentile) <25% in children on
      antihypertensive therapy. RESULTS: A total of 195 ABPM studies were included. The
      mean age was 13.6 +/- 4.0 years. One hundred and thirty two children had
      renoparenchymal HT, 10 renovascular (RVH), 10 endocrine, 4 cardiovascular, 29
      primary (PH) and 5 children other forms of HT. 53% of all children had controlled
      HT. There was no difference in the prevalence of controlled HT between primary
      and secondary HT (52% and 53%) using the BP index criterion. Children with
      renoparenchymal HT had significantly better control of HT than children with RVH
      (58% vs. 20% P = 0.02). The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
      (ACEI) monotherapy was significantly more effective in controlling HT than the
      use of calcium-channel blockers (CCB, P = 0.02). The prevalence of left
      ventricular hypertrophy in children with uncontrolled HT (assessed in 58
      patients) was significantly higher than in children with controlled HT (46% vs.
      13%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first pediatric study, to our knowledge,
      on BP control in hypertensive children using ABPM. It indicates that control of
      HT is inadequate in ~50% of treated children. Inadequate control of HT is
      associated with target organ damage in this population.

PMID- 22089111
TI  - Masked hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness in type 2
      diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between masked
      hypertension (MHT) and vascular damage in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS:
      The study subjects were patients with type 2 diabetes who were normotensive based
      on blood pressure (BP) measurement in the clinic (n = 80) without
      antihypertensive drugs and free of retinopathy, macroalbuminuria, overt
      cardiovascular disease. Subjects underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring (ABPM), measurement of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and brachial
      ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Based on the results of ABPM, subjects with
      mean daytime systolic BP >=135 and/or 85 mm Hg were defined as MHT and their
      clinical data were compared with those of normotensive patients (NT). The data
      were also compared with those of type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension (HT)
      as measured in the clinic (n = 32). RESULTS: MHT was detected in 47.5% of the
      study subjects with normotension at clinic (n = 38). Impaired FMD (5.65 +/- 2.00%
      for NT, 4.26 +/- 1.88% for MHT, 3.90 +/- 1.71% for HT, P < 0.001) and higher
      baPWV (1,514.2 +/- 212.7 cm/s for NT, 1,749.9 +/- 339.7 cm/s for MHT, and 1,768.6
      +/- 302.8 cm/s for HT, P < 0.001) were similarly noted in patients with MHT and
      HT compared with NT. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that daytime
      systolic BP measured by ABPM, the estimated duration of diabetes and serum
      triglycerides were significantly associated with FMD and daytime systolic BP
      measured by ABPM, not systolic BP at clinic, age, and HbA(1c) were significantly
      associated with baPWV. CONCLUSIONS: Given that patients with impaired FMD and
      higher baPWV are known to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, our data
      suggest that type 2 diabetic patients with MHT could be also at increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22089112
TI  - Role of complement 3a in the synthetic phenotype and angiotensin II-production in
      vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)-derived vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs) show exaggerated growth with a synthetic phenotype and angiotensin
      II (Ang II)-production. To evaluate the contribution of complement 3 (C3) or C3a
      toward these abnormalities in SHR, we examined effects of a C3a receptor
      inhibitor on proliferation, phenotype, and Ang II-production in VSMCs from SHR
      and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. METHODS: Expression of pre-pro-C3 messenger RNA
      (mRNA) and C3 protein was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR and western blot
      analyses, and C3a receptor mRNA was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR
      analysis in quiescent VSMCs from SHR and WKY rats. We examined the effects of the
      C3a inhibitor, SB290157, on proliferation and the expression of phenotype-marker
      and Krueppel-like factor 5 (KLF-5) mRNAs in VSMCs from SHR and WKY rats. We
      examined effects of C3a receptor inhibitor, SB290157, on Ang II-production in
      conditioned medium of VSMCs from SHR and WKY rats by a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS:
      Expression of pre-pro-C3 mRNA and C3 protein was significantly higher in SHR
      VSMCs than WKY VSMCs. SB290157 significantly inhibited proliferation of VSMCs
      from SHR, but not in cells from WKY rats. Relative to WKY VSMCs, SB290157
      significantly increased the low expression of SM22alpha mRNA and decreased the
      high expression of osteopontin mRNA in SHR VSMCs. SB290157 significantly
      decreased the high expression of KLF-5 and Ang II-production in VSMCs from SHR,
      but not in cells from WKY rats. CONCLUSIONS: C3a induces exaggerated growth, a
      synthetic phenotype and Ang II-production in SHR-derived VSMCs. C3a may be
      primarily involved in cardiovascular remodeling in hypertension.

PMID- 22089113
TI  - GRK2 levels in umbilical arteries of pregnancies complicated by gestational
      hypertension and preeclampsia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: G-Protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) represents a regulator of
      cell function in different cardiovascular conditions, including high blood
      pressure. The relationship between elevated GRK2 levels and impaired vasorelaxant
      responses is causative of hypertension through the increase in vascular
      resistances. The aim of this study is to ascertain if this feature is present in
      the fetal placental vasculature of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive
      disorders. METHODS: We have assessed GRK2 levels in the umbilical arteries (UA)
      of 21 preeclamptic or gestational hypertensive and 23 normotensive women at time
      of delivery. RESULTS: GRK2 levels were increased in the hypertensive group (0.83
      +/- 0.14 vs. 0.48 +/- 0.06 densitometry units; P < 0.05). GRK2 levels were in
      correlation and in linear regression with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial
      pressure (P < 0.05, r(2) = 0.12, r(2) = 0.11, r(2) = 0.12). Correlations did not
      reach a significant value for other clinical parameters such as gestational age
      at birth, umbilical artery pulsatility index, maternal proteinuria, and neonatal
      birth weight. Out of the 21 hypertensive women, 7 who developed a preeclampsia
      associated with early preterm delivery (before 34 weeks) had a significantly
      lower GRK2 levels compared to the remaining 14 (0.51 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.08 +/- 0.20
      densitometry units, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that elevated GRK2 levels
      in the umbilical vasculature is correlated to elevated blood pressure levels,
      with a likely compensatory rather than causative role since the lack of
      protective effect of elevated GRK2 levels may negatively affect the outcome of
      the hypertensive state.

PMID- 22089114
TI  - Aberrant regulation of the MRP3 gene in non-small cell lung carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multidrug-resistant protein-3 (MRP3), a membrane-bound transporter,
      facilitates efflux of toxic compounds, including certain chemotherapies, out of
      cells. Aberrant MRP3 expression has been linked to drug resistance in non-small
      cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We sought to determine if tumor MRP3 expression
      patterns correlate with the mutational status of upstream regulators, including
      nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its functional repressor
      Keap1 in NSCLC cell lines and patient samples. METHODS: To identify putative Nrf2
      binding sites in the MRP3 promoter and to evaluate Keap1, Nrf2, and p53 mutation
      status in four cell lines and 33 NSCLC surgically resected tumor specimens with
      regard to their impact on MRP3 levels. RESULTS: Chromatin immunoprecipitation
      analysis of the MRP3 promoter revealed an almost threefold increase in Nrf2
      binding to the third putative Nrf2-binding sequence distal to the start site,
      demonstrating direct regulation of MRP3 by Nrf2. In NSCLC cell lines, elevated
      Nrf2 protein was observed in cell lines with increased MRP3 RNA expression. In
      patient tumor specimens, the presence of mutations in Keap1/Nrf2 correlated with
      MRP3 RNA levels (p < 0.05). p53 mutations were observed in 33% of cases, and all
      Keap1 mutant-positive tumors possessed a p53 mutation (n = 5; p = 0.0019).
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate direct involvement between the transcription factor
      Nrf2 and the MRP3 promoter, which leads to the up-regulation of the MRP3 gene. In
      addition, we found a statistically significant correlation between the presence
      of Keap1/Nrf2 mutations and increased MRP3 messenger RNA levels in our NSCLC
      patient samples.

PMID- 22089115
TI  - Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase: a potent therapeutic target in non-small
      cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor-gene mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often has an epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation. Growth of EGFR-gene-mutated NSCLC depends
      predominantly on EGFR signaling and requires a large amount of intracellular ATP
      to activate EGFR signal transduction. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase
      (NAMPT) is a rate-limiting enzyme in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      biosynthesis, and it regulates intracellular ATP levels in mammalian cells. The
      effect of NAMPT inhibition on NSCLC has not been completely understood. METHODS:
      We aimed to clarify the hypothesis that NAMPT inhibition suppresses growth of
      EGFR-gene-mutated NSCLC through reduction of intracellular ATP levels, using
      NAMPT-siRNA transfection and NAMPT inhibitor FK866. We used four lung
      adenocarcinoma cell lines, including H358 (Wild type EGFR), LC2 (EGFR), PC9
      (EGFR), and H1975 (EGFR), and evaluated the effect of FK866 on these cells and
      its mechanisms, using cell proliferation, Western blot, ATP, and apoptosis assay.
      RESULTS: We found that (1) H358, LC2, and H1975 cell lines highly expressed NAMPT
      mRNA; (2) NAMPT-specific siRNA and FK866 suppressed proliferation of these
      NSCLCs; (3) FK866 reduced intracellular ATP levels in H1975 cells; (4) FK866
      dephosphorylated EGFR signal proteins, including EGFR, Akt, Map kinase kinase
      1/2, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2); (5) FK866 induced
      apoptosis of H1975 cells; and (6) FK866 suppressed growth of H1975 xenograft
      tumors and attenuated expression of phospho-ERK 1/2 in the tumors in a tumor
      bearing mouse model. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that NAMPT is a potent
      therapeutic target in the treatment of EGFR-gene-mutated NSCLC.

PMID- 22089116
TI  - Leptomeningeal metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer: survival and the
      impact of whole brain radiotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis,
      is a devastating complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the
      optimal therapeutic approach remains challenging. A retrospective review was
      carried out to assess the impact of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), intrathecal
      therapy (IT), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs) on outcomes. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed LM from
      NSCLC from January 2002 to December 2009 were identified through institutional
      databases and medical records reviewed. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and
      landmark analyses by administered treatment to minimize selection bias. RESULTS:
      We identified 125 patients (45 men, 80 women) with LM from NSCLC, median age 59
      years (range, 28-87 years). Almost all (123 [98%]) patients have died and median
      overall survival was 3.0 months (95% confidence interval, 2.0-4.0). No
      differences in survival were seen between patients who were treated with WBRT (n
      =46) and those who were not (n =59, p =0.84) in a landmark analysis. In the seven
      patients selected to receive IT chemotherapy, median survival was 18 months
      (range, 5-33 months) and appeared superior to those not selected for this
      treatment (p =0.001) in a landmark analysis. The median survival of the nine
      patients with known EGFR mutations (all of whom received TKIs at some point) was
      14 months (range, 1-28 months). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study, the
      largest published series, demonstrates the poor survival of LM from NSCLC. In
      this study, survival was not improved by WBRT. The survival of patients selected
      for IT chemotherapy and those with EGFR mutations treated with TKIs highlights
      the importance of developing novel agents.

PMID- 22089117
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor induces resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor
      receptor antibody in lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive drug
      target in lung cancer, with several anti-EGFR antibodies and small-molecule
      inhibitors showing efficacy in lung cancer patients. Patients, however, may
      develop resistance to EGFR inhibitors. We demonstrated previously that hepatocyte
      growth factor (HGF) induced resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung
      cancers harboring EGFR mutations. We therefore determined whether HGF could
      induce resistance to the anti-EGFR antibody (EGFR Ab) cetuximab in lung cancer
      cells, regardless of EGFR gene status. METHODS: Cetuximab sensitivity and signal
      transduction in lung cancer cells were examined in the presence or absence of
      HGF, HGF-producing fibroblasts, and cells tranfected with the HGF gene in vitro
      and in vivo. RESULTS: HGF induced resistance to cetuximab in H292 (EGFR wild) and
      Ma-1(EGFR mutant) cells. Western blotting showed that HGF-induced resistance was
      mediated by the Met/Gab1/Akt signaling pathway. Resistance of H292 and Ma-1 cells
      to cetuximab was also induced by coculture with lung fibroblasts producing high
      levels of HGF and by cells stably transfected with the HGF gene. This resistance
      was abrogated by treatment with anti-HGF neutralizing antibody. CONCLUSIONS: HGF
      mediated resistance is a novel mechanism of resistance to EGFR Ab in lung
      cancers, with fibroblast-derived HGF inducing cetuximab resistance in H292 tumors
      in vivo. The involvement of HGF-Met-mediated signaling should be assessed in
      acquired resistance to EGFR Ab in lung cancer, regardless of EGFR gene status.

PMID- 22089118
TI  - Predictors of postoperative quality of life after surgery for lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim was to analyze the association between selected patient
      variables and health-related quality of life 6 months after surgery for lung
      cancer. METHODS: In a prospective population-based cohort study, Short Form 36
      (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life before and 6 months after surgery for
      lung cancer. The change in SF-36 summary and subscale scores were used to
      categorize quality of life in two groups (worse or stable/improved) at 6 months
      compared with baseline. Logistic regression models adjusting for potential
      confounding factors were used to analyze the association between patient
      variables and quality of life 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A baseline SF-36
      questionnaire was completed by 249 patients. Nonresponders at 6 months (n = 36)
      were excluded, and 14 patients who died before 6 months follow-up remained in the
      study, leaving 213 patients available for analysis. Gender, comorbidity,
      occurrence of postoperative complications, and tumor stage were not associated
      with the physical aspect of quality of life 6 months after surgery. The extent of
      resection, age, and adjuvant therapy was significantly associated with a
      clinically relevant decline in the SF-36 physical component summary score 6
      months postoperatively. No patient variables were predictive of a decline in the
      mental component summary score. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of resection, age, and
      adjuvant therapy was associated with a clinically relevant decline in the
      physical aspect of health-related quality of life 6 months after surgery. Further
      studies are needed to explore possible mechanisms.

PMID- 22089124
TI  - What's new in Shock, December 2011?

PMID- 22089125
TI  - Direct delivery of low-dose 7-nitroindazole into the bronchial artery attenuates
      pulmonary pathophysiology after smoke inhalation and burn injury in an ovine
      model.
AB  - Bronchial circulation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of burn and
      smoke inhalation-induced acute lung injury. A 10-fold increase in bronchial blood
      flow is associated with excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) following smoke
      inhalation and cutaneous burn. Because an increased release of neuropeptides from
      the airway has been implicated in smoke inhalation injury, we hypothesized that
      direct delivery into the bronchial artery of low-dose 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a
      specific neuronal NO synthase inhibitor, would attenuate smoke/burn-induced acute
      lung injury. Eighteen adult female sheep were instrumented for chronic
      hemodynamic monitoring 5 to 7 days before the injury. The bronchial artery was
      cannulated via intercostal thoracotomy, while blood flow was preserved. Acute
      lung injury was induced by 40% total body surface area third-degree cutaneous
      burn and smoke inhalation (48 breaths of cotton smoke, <40 degrees C) under deep
      anesthesia. Following injury, animals (35.4 +/- 1.1 kg) were divided into three
      groups: (a) 7-NI group: 1 h after injury, 7-NI (0.01 mg . kg . h, 2 mL . h) was
      continuously infused into the bronchial artery, n = 6; (b) control group: 1 h
      after injury, same amount of saline was injected into the bronchial artery, n =
      6; (c) sham group: no injury, no treatment, same operation and anesthesia, n = 6.
      After injury, all animals were ventilated and fluid resuscitated according to an
      established protocol. The experiment was conducted for 24 h. Injury induced
      severe pulmonary dysfunction, which was associated with increases in lung edema
      formation, airway obstruction, malondialdehyde, and nitrate/nitrite. 7
      Nitroindazole injection into the bronchial artery reduced the degree of lung
      edema formation and improved pulmonary gas exchange. The increase in
      malondialdehyde and nitrate/nitrite in lung tissue was attenuated by treatment.
      Our data strongly suggest that local airway production of NO contributes to
      pulmonary dysfunction following smoke inhalation and burn injury. Most mechanisms
      that drive this pathophysiology reside in the airway.

PMID- 22089126
TI  - Unexpected 100% survival following 60% blood loss using small-volume 7.5% NaCl
      with adenocaine and Mg(2+) in the rat model of extreme hemorrhagic shock.
AB  - Hemorrhage is responsible for up to 40% of trauma mortality, and of these deaths,
      33% to 56% occur during the prehospital period. In an effort to translate the
      cardioprotective effects of Adenocaine (adenosine, lidocaine) and Mg (ALM) from
      cardiac surgery to resuscitation science, we examined the early resuscitative
      effects of 7.5% NaCl with ALM in the rat model of 60% blood loss. Male Sprague
      Dawley rats (250-350 g, n = 40) were anesthetized and randomly assigned to one of
      five groups: (a) untreated, (b) 7.5% NaCl, (c) 7.5% NaCl/6% dextran 70, (d) 7.5%
      NaCl/Mg, and (e) 7.5% NaCl/ALM. Blood withdrawal occurred over ~50 min (MAP 30-35
      mmHg), and rats were left in shock for 30 min. Total shock time was ~80 min; 0.3
      mL bolus was injected intravenously over 10 s, and hemodynamics monitored for 60
      min (phase 1). Shed blood was reinfused and function monitored for a further 60
      min (phase 2). Lead II electrocardiogram, arterial pressures, mean arterial
      pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate (HR), and rate-pressure product
      were monitored. Mortality was as follows: untreated (100%), 7.5% NaCl (75%), 7.5%
      NaCl/6% dextran 70 (87.5%), 7.5% NaCl/Mg (62.5%), and 7.5% NaCl/ALM (0%). Deaths
      occurred at different times depending on treatment group and paralleled
      differences in the total number of ventricular arrhythmias with the highest
      number in untreated animals (49 +/- 17) and lowest in 7.5% NaCl/ALM rats (2 +/-
      1.8) (P < 0.05). At the end of phase 1, MAP of 7.5% NaCl/ALM-treated animals
      increased from 29 to 40 mmHg (P < 0.05). At the end of phase 2, MAP, PP, HR, and
      rate-pressure product in the ALM group were 75%, 193%, 96%, and 83% of their
      preshock values. Small-volume (~1 mL/kg) i.v. bolus of 7.5% NaCl/ALM led to 100%
      survival following 60% blood loss with higher MAP than any group, an 89% to 96%
      reduction in the total number of arrhythmias, and a stable HR.

PMID- 22089127
TI  - In vivo Toll-like receptor 4 antagonism restores cardiac function during
      endotoxemia.
AB  - Severe sepsis and septic shock are often accompanied by acute cardiovascular
      depression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)
      can induce septic organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to elucidate the
      in vivo impact of pharmacological TLR4 antagonism on LPS-induced cardiovascular
      depression using eritoran tetrasodium (E5564). To simulate sepsis, C3H/HeN mice
      were challenged i.p. with 2 mg/kg body weight LPS. With the intent to antagonize
      the LPS effects, eritoran was administered i.v. (4 mg/kg body weight). Physical
      activity, peripheral blood pressure, and heart frequency were recorded before and
      after LPS and eritoran injection. In addition, intracardiac hemodynamic
      parameters were analyzed with a pressure conductance catheter. After 2 and 6 h of
      LPS stimulation +/- eritoran treatment, the hearts and aortae were harvested, and
      TLR as well as inflammatory mediator expression was measured using reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Lipopolysaccharide significantly decreased arterial blood
      pressure over time. Administration of eritoran partially prevented the LPS
      dependent reduction in blood pressure and preserved cardiac function. In
      addition, LPS increased the expression of CD14 and TLR2 in cardiac and aortic
      tissue. In aortic tissue, eritoran attenuated this increase, whereas no
      significant reduction was observed in the heart. Furthermore, cardiac and aortic
      inducible nitric oxide synthetase mRNA levels were significantly increased 6 h
      after LPS application. This effect was reduced in the presence of eritoran. In
      summary, the beneficial influence of eritoran on cardiovascular function in vivo
      seems to rely mainly on reduction of LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide
      synthetase expression as well as on attenuated cytokine expression in the
      vascular wall.

PMID- 22089128
TI  - Treatment of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis: the Toll-like receptor antagonist
      approach.

PMID- 22089130
TI  - Control over the oxidative reactivity of metalloporphyrins. Efficient
      electrosynthesis of meso,meso-linked zinc porphyrin dimer.
AB  - The electrochemical oxidation of zinc(II) 5,15-p-ditolyl-10-phenylporphyrin at
      its first oxidation potential leads to the formation of the corresponding meso
      meso porphyrin dimer as the main product. The number of electrons abstracted, the
      addition of the hindered base 2,6-lutidine as well as operating in DMF, instead
      of a CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)CN mixture are the key parameters to obtain high yields of
      the desired coupling product. Indeed, when the electrolyses are carried out in
      the CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)CN mixture, the unexpected zinc(II) 5-chloro-10,20-p-ditolyl
      15-phenyl porphyrin is produced as a by-product, the chlorine atom originating
      from the CH(2)Cl(2) solvent. The monomer and the dimer are characterised by
      electrochemical analysis. The signature of the dimer is clearly distinguished on
      the cyclic voltammogram of the monomer on condition of the prior addition of 2,6
      lutidine as a hindered base, indicating that the dimerisation process is thus
      strongly accelerated. Besides, unprecedented X-ray crystallographic structures of
      the monomer and the meso-meso dimer are presented and their respective structural
      parameters are compared.

PMID- 22089129
TI  - Mutation in the CPC motif-containing 6th transmembrane domain affects
      intracellular localization, trafficking and copper transport efficiency of ATP7A
      protein in mosaic mutant mice--an animal model of Menkes disease.
AB  - Copper is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. ATP7A protein is a
      copper-transporting ATPase which plays a vital role in the maintenance of
      cellular copper homeostasis in mammals. This protein is retained within the trans
      Golgi network, but after binding copper it can be translocated to the cell
      membrane to participate in the efflux of excess Cu. Mutation of the ATP7A gene in
      humans results in the severe neurodegenerative disorder, Menkes disease. The
      mouse ATP7A homolog encodes a protein that plays the same role in copper
      transport. Mosaic mutant mice display a lethal phenotype which resembles Menkes
      disease, although the underlying molecular defect has not been characterized
      until now. In the present study we identified a G to C nucleotide exchange in
      exon 15 of the Atp7a gene in mosaic mutants, which resulted in an arginine to
      proline substitution in the highly conserved 6th transmembrane domain of the
      ATP7A protein. This mutated protein was mislocalized in kidney cells isolated
      from mosaic mutant mice, and following exposure of these cells to increased
      copper concentrations it was not translocated to the plasma membrane. Disturbance
      of ATP7A function in mosaic mice results in increased copper accumulation in the
      small intestine and kidneys, and in Cu deficiency in the brain, liver and heart.
      Mouse models of Menkes disease belong to the mottled mutant group. The mosaic
      mutant represents another interesting animal model for Menkes disease that will
      be of value in research on copper metabolism and transport in mammals.

PMID- 22089131
TI  - Natural polymorphisms in C. elegans HECW-1 E3 ligase affect pathogen avoidance
      behaviour.
AB  - Heritable variation in behavioural traits generally has a complex genetic basis,
      and thus naturally occurring polymorphisms that influence behaviour have been
      defined only in rare instances. The isolation of wild strains of Caenorhabditis
      elegans has facilitated the study of natural genetic variation in this species
      and provided insights into its diverse microbial ecology. C. elegans responds to
      bacterial infection with conserved innate immune responses and, although lacking
      the immunological memory of vertebrate adaptive immunity, shows an aversive
      learning response to pathogenic bacteria. Here, we report the molecular
      characterization of naturally occurring coding polymorphisms in a C. elegans gene
      encoding a conserved HECT domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase, HECW-1. We show
      that two distinct polymorphisms in neighbouring residues of HECW-1 each affect C.
      elegans behavioural avoidance of a lawn of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Neuron
      specific rescue and ablation experiments and genetic interaction analysis
      indicate that HECW-1 functions in a pair of sensory neurons to inhibit P.
      aeruginosa lawn avoidance behaviour through inhibition of the neuropeptide
      receptor NPR-1 (ref. 10), which we have previously shown promotes P. aeruginosa
      lawn avoidance behaviour. Our data establish a molecular basis for natural
      variation in a C. elegans behaviour that may undergo adaptive changes in response
      to microbial pathogens.

PMID- 22089133
TI  - The alignment of molecular cloud magnetic fields with the spiral arms in M33.
AB  - The formation of molecular clouds, which serve as stellar nurseries in galaxies,
      is poorly understood. A class of cloud formation models suggests that a large
      scale galactic magnetic field is irrelevant at the scale of individual clouds,
      because the turbulence and rotation of a cloud may randomize the orientation of
      its magnetic field. Alternatively, galactic fields could be strong enough to
      impose their direction upon individual clouds, thereby regulating cloud
      accumulation and fragmentation, and affecting the rate and efficiency of star
      formation. Our location in the disk of the Galaxy makes an assessment of the
      situation difficult. Here we report observations of the magnetic field
      orientation of six giant molecular cloud complexes in the nearby, almost face-on,
      galaxy M33. The fields are aligned with the spiral arms, suggesting that the
      large-scale field in M33 anchors the clouds.

PMID- 22089132
TI  - The Medicago genome provides insight into the evolution of rhizobial symbioses.
AB  - Legumes (Fabaceae or Leguminosae) are unique among cultivated plants for their
      ability to carry out endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation with rhizobial bacteria, a
      process that takes place in a specialized structure known as the nodule. Legumes
      belong to one of the two main groups of eurosids, the Fabidae, which includes
      most species capable of endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation. Legumes comprise several
      evolutionary lineages derived from a common ancestor 60 million years ago (Myr
      ago). Papilionoids are the largest clade, dating nearly to the origin of legumes
      and containing most cultivated species. Medicago truncatula is a long-established
      model for the study of legume biology. Here we describe the draft sequence of the
      M. truncatula euchromatin based on a recently completed BAC assembly supplemented
      with Illumina shotgun sequence, together capturing ~94% of all M. truncatula
      genes. A whole-genome duplication (WGD) approximately 58 Myr ago had a major role
      in shaping the M. truncatula genome and thereby contributed to the evolution of
      endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation. Subsequent to the WGD, the M. truncatula genome
      experienced higher levels of rearrangement than two other sequenced legumes,
      Glycine max and Lotus japonicus. M. truncatula is a close relative of alfalfa
      (Medicago sativa), a widely cultivated crop with limited genomics tools and
      complex autotetraploid genetics. As such, the M. truncatula genome sequence
      provides significant opportunities to expand alfalfa's genomic toolbox.

PMID- 22089134
TI  - Additive threats from pathogens, climate and land-use change for global amphibian
      diversity.
AB  - Amphibian population declines far exceed those of other vertebrate groups, with
      30% of all species listed as threatened by the International Union for
      Conservation of Nature. The causes of these declines are a matter of continued
      research, but probably include climate change, land-use change and spread of the
      pathogenic fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Here we assess the spatial
      distribution and interactions of these primary threats in relation to the global
      distribution of amphibian species. We show that the greatest proportions of
      species negatively affected by climate change are projected to be found in
      Africa, parts of northern South America and the Andes. Regions with the highest
      projected impact of land-use and climate change coincide, but there is little
      spatial overlap with regions highly threatened by the fungal disease. Overall,
      the areas harbouring the richest amphibian faunas are disproportionately more
      affected by one or multiple threat factors than areas with low richness.
      Amphibian declines are likely to accelerate in the twenty-first century, because
      multiple drivers of extinction could jeopardize their populations more than
      previous, mono-causal, assessments have suggested.

PMID- 22089135
TI  - Active formation of 'chaos terrain' over shallow subsurface water on Europa.
AB  - Europa, the innermost icy satellite of Jupiter, has a tortured young surface and
      sustains a liquid water ocean below an ice shell of highly debated thickness.
      Quasi-circular areas of ice disruption called chaos terrains are unique to
      Europa, and both their formation and the ice-shell thickness depend on Europa's
      thermal state. No model so far has been able to explain why features such as
      Conamara Chaos stand above surrounding terrain and contain matrix domes. Melt
      through of a thin (few-kilometre) shell is thermodynamically improbable and
      cannot raise the ice. The buoyancy of material rising as either plumes of warm,
      pure ice called diapirs or convective cells in a thick (>10 kilometres) shell is
      insufficient to produce the observed chaos heights, and no single plume can
      create matrix domes. Here we report an analysis of archival data from Europa,
      guided by processes observed within Earth's subglacial volcanoes and ice shelves.
      The data suggest that chaos terrains form above liquid water lenses perched
      within the ice shell as shallow as 3 kilometres. Our results suggest that ice
      water interactions and freeze-out give rise to the diverse morphologies and
      topography of chaos terrains. The sunken topography of Thera Macula indicates
      that Europa is actively resurfacing over a lens comparable in volume to the Great
      Lakes in North America.

PMID- 22089136
TI  - Intermediates in the transformation of phosphonates to phosphate by bacteria.
AB  - Phosphorus is an essential element for all known forms of life. In living
      systems, phosphorus is an integral component of nucleic acids, carbohydrates and
      phospholipids, where it is incorporated as a derivative of phosphate. However,
      most Gram-negative bacteria have the capability to use phosphonates as a
      nutritional source of phosphorus under conditions of phosphate starvation. In
      these organisms, methylphosphonate is converted to phosphate and methane. In a
      formal sense, this transformation is a hydrolytic cleavage of a carbon-phosphorus
      (C-P) bond, but a general enzymatic mechanism for the activation and conversion
      of alkylphosphonates to phosphate and an alkane has not been elucidated despite
      much effort for more than two decades. The actual mechanism for C-P bond cleavage
      is likely to be a radical-based transformation. In Escherichia coli, the
      catalytic machinery for the C-P lyase reaction has been localized to the phn gene
      cluster. This operon consists of the 14 genes phnC, phnD, ..., phnP. Genetic and
      biochemical experiments have demonstrated that the genes phnG, phnH, ..., phnM
      encode proteins that are essential for the conversion of phosphonates to
      phosphate and that the proteins encoded by the other genes in the operon have
      auxiliary functions. There are no functional annotations for any of the seven
      proteins considered essential for C-P bond cleavage. Here we show that
      methylphosphonate reacts with MgATP to form alpha-D-ribose-1-methylphosphonate-5
      triphosphate (RPnTP) and adenine. The triphosphate moiety of RPnTP is hydrolysed
      to pyrophosphate and alpha-D-ribose-1-methylphosphonate-5-phosphate (PRPn). The C
      P bond of PRPn is subsequently cleaved in a radical-based reaction producing
      alpha-D-ribose-1,2-cyclic-phosphate-5-phosphate and methane in the presence of S
      adenosyl-L-methionine. Substantial quantities of phosphonates are produced
      worldwide for industrial processes, detergents, herbicides and pharmaceuticals.
      Our elucidation of the chemical steps for the biodegradation of alkylphosphonates
      shows how these compounds can be metabolized and recycled to phosphate.

PMID- 22089137
TI  - Planetary science: Europa awakening.

PMID- 22089138
TI  - Direct use of dioxygen as an oxygen source: catalytic oxidative synthesis of
      amides.
AB  - The first transition-metal-catalyzed direct oxidative synthesis of amides by
      using dioxygen as an oxygen source has been developed under mild conditions, in
      which DBU was used as the key additive. The present methodology, which utilizes
      dioxygen as an oxidant and oxygen source and cheap copper salts as catalysts,
      opens up an interesting and attractive avenue for the synthesis of amide
      functionality.

PMID- 22089139
TI  - Diarrhea associated with Shigella in children and susceptibility to
      antimicrobials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution and susceptibility to antimicrobials of
      Shigella isolated from children with acute diarrhea and without diarrhea in
      Teresina, state of Piaui, Brazil. METHODS: Four hundred children aged up to 60
      months were studied. Stools were collected from all the patients between January
      2004 and August 2007. Shigella was identified by conventional methods and
      antibiogram and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were performed by agar
      diffusion. RESULTS: Shigellosis was only detected in children with acute diarrhea
      (26/250; 10.4%), especially in those aged from 6 to 24 months and in the rainy
      months. Shigella was susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic
      acid. More than half of the strains were resistant to sulphametoxazole
      trimethoprim and ampicillin. ESBL was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: S. flexneri is
      common in Teresina. The resistance to ampicillin and sulphametoxazole
      trimethoprim gives cause for concern, as these drugs are widely used in practice
      and sulphametoxazole-trimethoprim is also recommended for treating children
      suspected of having shigellosis.

PMID- 22089140
TI  - Probing the structure of long DNA molecules in solution using synchrotron
      radiation linear dichroism.
AB  - Linear dichroism (LD), a spectroscopic method for aligned samples, has been used
      with a synchrotron radiation source to reveal insights into the structure and
      stability of DNA with increasing salt concentrations (thus stabilizing the base
      pairing) and increasing temperature while remaining below the melting point (thus
      destabilizing the base pairing). Measurements have been made from 350 nm to 182
      nm, and the spectral changes observed quantified using a Bayesian Markov chain
      Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm, which uses statistical methods to fit to
      experimental data. Based on literature H-D exchange experiments, we surmise that
      the cause of the spectral variations is the induction of transient single
      stranding of tracts in the DNA polymer, particularly those with significant
      content of the weaker AT base pairs. More detailed analysis of the LD data will
      require better nucleotide transition polarization assignments.

PMID- 22089141
TI  - HDAC6 and SIRT2 promote bladder cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting
      cortactin.
AB  - Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) promotes cell motility and contributes to the
      metastasis of cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of
      HDAC6 in human bladder cancer for the first time. The results showed that HDAC6
      promotes the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by targeting the
      cytoskeletal protein cortactin. Furthermore, a colony formation assay as well as
      in vitro migration and invasion assays demonstrated that this migration and
      invasion was suppressed by the HDAC6-specific inhibitor tubacin. In addition,
      cortactin is the substrate of SIRT2, which also belongs to the family of histone
      deacetylases. We demonstrated that by using SIRT2-specific siRNA combined with
      tubacin treatment, the cell migratory and invasive abilities were dramatically
      suppressed. Taken together, we conclude that HDAC6 and SIRT2 work synergistically
      to promote cell migration and invasion in bladder cancer, and the HDAC6-specific
      inhibitor tubacin may be regarded as a novel therapeutic agent for bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 22089142
TI  - Socially excluded individuals fail to recruit medial prefrontal cortex for
      negative social scenes.
AB  - Converging behavioral evidence suggests that people respond to experiences of
      social exclusion with both defensive and affiliative strategies, allowing them to
      avoid further distress while also encouraging re-establishment of positive social
      connections. However, there are unresolved questions regarding the cognitive
      mechanisms underlying people's responses to social exclusion. Here, we sought to
      gain insight into these behavioral tendencies by using functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the impact of social exclusion on neural
      responses to visual scenes that varied on dimensions of sociality and emotional
      valence. Compared to socially included participants, socially excluded
      participants failed to recruit dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), a brain
      region involved in mentalizing, for negative social scenes. Moreover, following
      social exclusion, dmPFC demonstrated a linear effect of valence, with greater
      activity to positive social scenes compared to negative social scenes. These
      results suggest that, following social exclusion, people display a preference for
      mentalizing about positive social information and tend to avoid negative aspects
      of their social world.

PMID- 22089143
TI  - Use of troponin as a screen for chest pain in the pediatric emergency department.
AB  - Troponin levels are commonly employed in the assessment of adults presenting with
      chest pain or concern for coronary ischemia. However, the utility of troponin
      measurements in children is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to
      review the use and clinical yield of serum troponin assay in a large pediatric
      emergency department (ED). We identified all patients <22 years of age, not
      previously known to have cardiac disease, who presented with chest pain and whose
      troponin levels were evaluated in our pediatric ED during a 7-year period. Test
      results were correlated to patient factors, such as chief complaint, cardiac
      history, diagnostic workup, and discharge diagnoses. Of the 212 study patients
      who presented with chest pain, troponin levels were increased (>= 0.1 ng/ml) in
      37 (17%) subjects. The disposition for these 37 subjects included transfer to
      adult facility (n = 6), admission to our pediatric inpatient service (n = 27),
      and discharge to home from the ED (n = 10). Only one subject had an acute
      myocardial infarction. For those with increased troponin level, 18 of 37 (48%)
      cases were attributed to a primary cardiac diagnosis with the most common
      discharge diagnosis of myocarditis or pericarditis. In the pediatric ED setting,
      selective use of troponin assay may be a useful test in the management of
      patients with chest pain. Most cases of increased troponin level related to chest
      pain represent myocarditis, often mild and self-resolving. Given the low
      likelihood that acute coronary syndrome is the etiology of chest pain, immediate
      transfer to an adult facility for the majority of patients with increase of
      troponin does not appear warranted.

PMID- 22089144
TI  - [Cerebral amyloid angiopathy with associated vasculitis].

PMID- 22089145
TI  - Implementation of assertive community treatment in Australia: model fidelity,
      patient characteristics and staff experiences.
AB  - The impact of variable implementation of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
      model on patient outcomes is increasingly recognised. We conducted the first
      study of four established Australian ACT teams, examining team composition,
      processes and model fidelity, using previously validated questionnaires.
      Demographic and clinical details of patients and their own experiences of ACT
      were gathered from staff. Associations between burnout and work experiences were
      examined. All teams were ACT-like (mean DACTS score = 3.7, SD = 0.3) with few
      significant patient differences between teams, except diagnosis (schizophrenia 61
      93%, co-morbid substance abuse 16-33%) and proportion living alone (23-72%).
      Clinicians were fairly satisfied, but inter-team differences in staffing profile
      and experience emerged and one team scored highly on emotional exhaustion.
      Increased burnout was associated with greater stress due to taking a team
      approach. Inter-team differences suggested that attention to effective team
      working and leadership, as well as model fidelity, may be warranted.

PMID- 22089146
TI  - The pathway of internalizing and externalizing problems from childhood to
      adolescence: a prospective study from age 7 to 14-16 in Korea.
AB  - This study prospectively investigated developmental psychopathology pathway from
      the age of 7 to ages 14-16. The subjects (N = 1,857) were evaluated using the
      Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist and reassessed using the Korean
      Youth Self Report. In path analyses, total problems, externalizing problems, and
      internalizing problems in childhood associated significantly with problems in
      adolescence. In particular, childhood externalizing problems associated with
      adolescent externalizing problems, for both genders. However, our results differ
      from those of previous studies in that internalizing problems showed a
      restrictive stability by gender and in that early externalizing problems
      correlated negatively with later internalizing problems for girls. In the
      syndrome scales analyses, we confirmed that some syndromes showed heterotypic
      pathways, despite the general continuity of the developmental psychopathology.
      The importance of Anxiety/Depression and Attention problems in childhood
      suggested that adolescent difficulties are a consequence of an accumulation of
      such risk factors.

PMID- 22089147
TI  - Spontaneous retinal venous pulsatility in patients with cyanotic congenital heart
      disease.
AB  - Spontaneous retinal venous pulsations (SRVP) are assessed as a clinical marker
      for patients with ophthalmic or neurological disorders. The pulsations are
      influenced by intraocular pressure (IOP), cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFp),
      and retinal venous pressure (RVP). However, little is known about the effect of
      cyanosis with polycythemia, a common finding in adults with complex congenital
      heart disease (CHD), on SRVP. This study investigated 11 subjects with long
      standing cyanosis secondary to CHD and 11 control subjects to determine if there
      were measurable differences in resting pulsatility for a given IOP level.
      Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldman tonometry, and dynamic SRVP was
      recorded noninvasively using a retinal vessel imaging system. Peak amplitude of
      SRVP at each cardiac cycle was measured and compared with IOP. Heart rate was
      also monitored during the tests. Results show that for a similar baseline IOP,
      SRVP amplitudes are significantly lower in cyanotic patients compared with normal
      subjects (P < 0.0001). This may be explained by an increased RVP or high CSFp in
      these patients. Mean venous diameter is also significantly higher in cyanotic
      patients (P < 0.01), but no significant relationship was found between SRVP or
      diameter with blood parameters.

PMID- 22089148
TI  - How the concentration of insulin affects the development of preantral follicles
      in goats.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of adding different insulin concentrations to
      the culture medium for goat preantral follicle development in vitro. The ovarian
      fragments were immediately fixed or cultured for 7 days in MEM with insulin (0,
      5, 10 ng/ml and 5 or 10 MUg/ml). The results showed that, after 7 days of
      culture, insulin at 10 ng/ml was the best concentration to preserve follicular
      viability and ultrastructure, resulting in the highest rates of normal follicles.
      After 7 days, only treatments with 10 ng/ml and 5 MUg/ml of insulin increased
      follicular activation when compared to other concentrations. Regarding follicular
      and oocyte growth, the presence of 10 ng/ml of insulin promoted a larger diameter
      than other treatments. In conclusion, this study shows that addition of 10 ng/ml
      of insulin to the culture medium improved the survival and stimulated growth of
      goat preantral follicles.

PMID- 22089149
TI  - [Incidence and risk factors of early postoperative paralytic ileus after radical
      cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy with a unilateral and parallel stoma].
AB  - To identify the incidence and risk factors for developing early postoperative
      paralytic ileus (POPI) after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy with a
      unilateral and parallel stoma, we retrospectively reviewed 21 patients (mean age
      73.0, 19 males and 2 females) with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. POPI
      occurred in 4 patients (19.0%), who did not need surgical treatment and the
      insertion of a nasogastric tube. Age and past history of abdominal surgery
      influenced the occurrence of POPI. The patients with and without POPI had a mean
      age of 82.3+/-7.4 and 70.8+/-6.3 years old, respectively (p=0.0025), and 75.0%
      (3/4) and 11.8% (2/17) of the patients, respectively, had a past history of
      abdominal surgery (p= 0.0276). There were no significant differences between
      patients with and without POPI in any of the following factors examined : sex,
      body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, pT-category,
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative serum levels of hemoglobin, creatinine,
      total protein, and albumin, operative time, blood loss, transfusion volume,
      stomal side, postoperative day of ambulation, and removal of epidural anesthesia
      tube. In conclusion, our results showed that increasing age and a past history of
      abdominal surgery were significantly associated with the occurrence of POPI after
      radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy.

PMID- 22089150
TI  - [The state of antimicrobial prophylaxis for holmium laser enucleation of the
      prostate : HoLEP and the results of a questionnaire survey].
AB  - Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has been established as a
      procedure for the treatment of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, instead
      of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). To determine the appropriate
      antimicrobial prophylaxis for the prevention of perioperative urinary tract
      infection following HoLEP we sent a questionnaire to 79 institutes belonging to
      the Japanese Urological Association. We surveyed 1) the performance of HoLEP, 2)
      number of HoLEP performed in 2009, 3) antimicrobial agents and the term of the
      administration for prophylaxis, 4) rate of perioperative infections, and 5) usage
      of other antimicrobial prophylaxis in HoLEP, as compared with in TUR-P. We
      received answers from 59 institutes (74. 9%). We examined 43 responses, which
      were obtained from executive members who performed more than eleven cases of
      HoLEP in 2009. Thirty-one of these institutes (72.1%) indicated parenteral
      antibiotics ; three of them adopted oral antibiotics, and nine of them added oral
      antibiotics following parenteral antibiotics. In 40 of them (93.0%), the rate of
      perioperative infections was reported to be fewer than 5%. Twenty-seven of them
      (62. 7%) adopted the same schedule for the prophylaxis in both HoLEP and TUR-P.
      Eleven of them indicated shorter antimicrobial usage in HoLEP than in TUR-P. Ten
      of the eleven institutes reported that the rate of perioperative infections in
      HoLEP had been lower than in TUR-P. Our questionnaire survey demonstrated that
      shorter antimicrobial prophylaxis might be possible in HoLEP than in TUR-P.

PMID- 22089151
TI  - [Usefulness of MRI prior to prostate needle biopsy in PSA gray zone].
AB  - To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      we compared MRI findings with the results of biopsy as well as findings from
      specimens following total prostatectomy. The subjects consisted of 260 males who
      showed a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the gray zone (4 ng/ml <=PSA
      <10 ng/ml) and also underwent digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal
      ultrasound (TRUS), and MRI prior to prostate biopsy between April 2005 and
      December 2009. In Evaluation 1, the results of DRE/TRUS/MRI were compared with
      those of prostate biopsy. The biopsy-positive rate was higher in males positive
      in each examination. However, 24.8% of males negative in all examinations were
      biopsypositive. Thus, these examinations were considered to be inappropriate for
      secondary screening. In evaluation 2, the prostate was divided into 4 regions,
      and the findings from specimens following total prostatectomy were compared with
      MRI findings in each region. For the region containing prostate cancer, MRI
      showed a sensitivity of 26.0%, specificity of 98.3%, positive predictive value of
      96.2%, and negative predictive value of 44. 4%. In patients with a Gleason score
      >=7, cancer foci were more frequently detectable using MRI. MRI prior to prostate
      biopsy in patients in the PSA gray zone is inappropriate for secondary screening
      due to its low sensitivity. However, by virtue of its high positive predictive
      value, MRI is useful for determining patients indicated for biopsy, as well as
      DRE and TRUS. Accurate evaluation of the localization of all cancer lesions is
      difficult using MRI. However, when MRI findings are present, they frequently
      indicate the cancer lesion, which may be useful information for treatment.

PMID- 22089152
TI  - [A case of bilateral renal calculi in a 1-year-old female with adenine
      phosphoribosyl transferase partial deficiency].
AB  - We report a case of bilateral renal calculi in a 1-year-old female with adenine
      phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) partial deficiency. She initially visited
      another institution with high fever as the major complaint. Computed tomography
      revealed a bilateral renal stone and left hydro nephrosis. In the urine, there
      were 2, 8-dihydroxyadenine (DHA) crystals. An analysis of the APRT gene revealed
      the APRT deficiency and the genotype to be APRT*J/APRT*Q0. We performed
      extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) under general anesthesia, and as
      dissolution therapy we administered Meylon through the nephrostomy and citric
      acid orally. The stone disappeared from her kidney. The analysis of the stone
      fragments revealed 2,8- dihydroxyadenine (DHA) urolithiasis.

PMID- 22089153
TI  - [Myocardial metastasis from renal cell carcinoma treated with sorafenib].
AB  - We present a case of myocardial metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) during
      the treatment with sorafenib. A 63-year-old male, who had undergone right radical
      nephrectomy, received interferon-alpha (IFN), interleukin (IL-2) and 5
      flurouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of lung and pleural metastases. However,
      since this metastasis showed progressive disease, we administered sorafenib. Nine
      months after the introduction of sorafenib, he complained of dyspnea. Chest
      computed tomography and cardiac ultrasonography revealed a low density mass at
      the cardiac muscle of the left cardiac ventricle, suggesting myocardial
      metastasis of RCC. Molecular targeted therapy achieved a longer survival in
      advanced RCC patients in comparison with the immunotherapy using cytokines.
      Therefore, in metastasis evaluation, some organs which have been regarded as rare
      sites should be carefully evaluated.

PMID- 22089154
TI  - [Metachronous urothelial cancer in bilateral upper urinary tracts and bladder
      associated with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer].
AB  - A 40-year-old man had undergone right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy under the
      diagnosis of ascending and sigmoid colon cancer and right nephroureterectomy
      under the diagnosis of right ureteral cancer, in 1997 and in 2002, respectively.
      In 2007, He visited our hospital with a complaint of bloody stool and hematuria.
      Colon fiberscopy, ureteropelvicscopy and cystoscopy demonstrated colon cancer,
      left renal pelvis cancer and bladder cancer, respectively, as diagnosed by
      biopsies, followed by restative colectomy, left nephroureterectomy and
      cystectomy. The final histopathological examination showed well differentiated
      adenocarcinoma (pSM) in the colon, and urothelial carcinoma in the left renal
      pelvis (pT2) and the bladder (pT1). Since his uncle and elder brother had
      suffered from stomach cancer and colon cancer, respectively, he was diagnosed
      with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC : Lynch syndrome). He has
      been well doing without recurrence for 3 years after the surgery.

PMID- 22089155
TI  - [A case report of retrocaval ureter associated with right ureteral tumors].
AB  - A case of retrocaval ureter associated with right ureteral tumor in a 70-year-old
      male is reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT and RP. Retroperitoneoscopic
      nephroureterectomy was performed. The histology of the tumor was urethelial
      carcinoma. After 20 months, there was neither evidence of recurrence nor
      metastasis. To our knowledge, this is the 11th case of retrocaval ureter
      associated with upper urinary tract tumors.

PMID- 22089156
TI  - [Laparoscopic nephrectomy for patients with infected nonfunctioning kidney due to
      ureteropelvic junction stenosis : report of two cases].
AB  - We report two cases of infected nonfunctioning kidney due to ureteropelvic
      junction (UPJ) stenosis treated by laparoscopic surgery. Patient 1 : A 78-year
      old woman was referred to our clinic complaining of left flank pain and high
      fever up. Asymptomatic UPJ stenosis with mild hydronephrosis was diagnosed 9
      years ago at our clinic. Therefore we followed her up with no treatment. Computed
      tomography (CT) scan revealed left severe hydronephrosis. Antibiotic chemotherapy
      was performed without percutaneous nephrostomy. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was
      performed with the resected renal size of 10 cm in greatest diameter and the
      operative time of 262 min. The pathological diagnosis was atrophic kidney with
      pyelonephritis. Patient 2 : A 28-year-old man was referred to our clinic
      complaining of left flank pain and high fever up. CT scan revealed a left severe
      hydronephrosis due to UPJ stenosis. Following percutaneous nephrostomy,antibiotic
      chemotherapy was performed. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed with the
      resected renal size of 6 cm in greatest diameter and the operative time of 140
      min. The pathological diagnosis was atrophic kidney with pyelonephritis.
      Laparoscopic nephrectomy for infected nonfunctioning kidney due to UPJ stenosis
      is feasible and safe. With dense perinephric adhesions and failure to progress,we
      should consider early open conversion to reduce morbidity.

PMID- 22089157
TI  - [A case of proliferative cystitis forming ureterovesical junction obstruction].
AB  - We report a case of proliferative cystitis forming ureterovesical junction
      obstruction. A 28-year-old man presented with a complaint of gross hematuria.
      Abdominal ultrasonography revealed left hydronephrosis and bladder tumor. Drip
      infusion pyelography (DIP) demonstrated left ureterovesical junction obstruction
      and cystoscopic findings appeared papillary sessile tumor around the bladder
      neck, trigone, and bilateral ureteral orifice. Transurethral resection of the
      bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was
      proliferative cystitis and confirmed that left ureterovesical junction
      obstruction was derived from proliferative cystitis. The tumor was not responsive
      to medical treatment. After the 4th TURBT, the tumor was completely resected, and
      left hydronephrosis and ureterovesical junction obstruction were improved. One
      year after the last operation, there is no evidence of recurrence of the tumor.
      Tumor formation arising from proliferative cystitis is relatively rare.
      Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.

PMID- 22089158
TI  - [Local recurrence of micropapillary bladder tumor after radical cystectomy :
      successful treatment with radiation therapy : a case report].
AB  - A 75-year-old man consulted a physician because of gross hematuria and right
      flank pain. Since a bladder tumor and right hydronephrosis were found, the
      patient was referred to our hospital. The clinical diagnosis was cT3bN0M0 and
      radical cystectomy was done. The pathological diagnosis was micropapillary
      variant of urothelial carcinoma, pT3bN0M0. The local recurrence appeared in the
      interior of the pelvis by computed tomography after the operation. A complete
      response was obtained by radiotherapy.

PMID- 22089159
TI  - [Invasive bladder cancer with concomitant carcinoma in situ treated with
      chemoradiotherapy followed by BCG intravesical infusion therapy to preserve the
      bladder : report of three cases].
AB  - Three patients with invasive bladder cancer and concomitant carcinoma in situ
      were treated sequentially with chemoradiotherapy followed by BCG intravesical
      infusion therapy to preserve the bladder. Local complete response was achieved in
      all patients, although lymph node metastasis was noted in one patient. The
      multimodality therapy could be safely administered without acute or late
      complications, including decreased bladder capacity.

PMID- 22089160
TI  - [Prostate cancer in a young adult : a case report].
AB  - We report a case of prostate cancer in a 41-year-old male. The patient initially
      visited another institution with a chief complaint of left breech pain. He was
      referred to our hospital for further investigation. Serum level of PSA was
      267ng/ml and multiple bone metastases were found on bone scintigram. Digital
      rectal examination revealed a stony-hard prostate. Computed tomography showed
      multiple lung and lymph node metastases. Transperineal needle biopsy of the
      prostate revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 4+5)
      frombilateral lobes (the 3th Edition). The patient was diagnosed with cT4N1M1c
      prostate cancer and maximal androgen blockade therapy was commenced.

PMID- 22089161
TI  - Antinucleosome in systemic lupus erythematosus. A study in a Brazilian
      population.
AB  - Antinucleosome antibodies have been found with variable prevalence in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE) and were associated with more severe disease. This
      research aims to study the prevalence of antinucleosome antibodies in a sample of
      Brazilian adult SLE patients and their association with clinical findings and
      disease activity. Ninety-two adult patients (81 females and 11 males, with mean
      age of 37.29 +/- 10.98 years) with SLE were studied for clinical and antibody
      profile, disease activity by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and presence of
      antinucleosome antibodies by ELISA. The prevalence of antinucleosome antibodies
      was 61.9% (mean titer, 87.8 +/- 62.6 U). No relationship was found of
      antinucleosome presence and any of the studied clinical features. A positive
      association was detected with anti-DNA (p = 0.001) and SLEDAI (p < 0.0001), but
      not with anti-Sm, anti-Ro, anti-La, and anti-RNP. No specific disease feature
      could be associated with the presence of antinucleosome; however, a positive
      relationship was detected with disease activity measured by SLEDAI and with anti
      DNA presence.

PMID- 22089163
TI  - Conclusions and recommendations of the International Expert Symposium in
      Fukushima: Radiation and Health Risks.

PMID- 22089162
TI  - Psychosocial problems among newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients.
AB  - We identified patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the ages
      18-65 years who needed psychosocial interventions. A total of 123 patients (90
      women) were asked to participate, but 19 declined and 4 dropped out early in the
      study, leaving a total of 100 patients (75 women) in the sample. Questionnaires
      used were the Epidemiological Investigation on Rheumatoid Arthritis study
      questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Sense of Coherence
      (SOC) scale, and the General Coping Questionnaire. Interviews showed that 46% of
      the included 100 patients had psychosocial problems (PSP). One third of them had
      problems directly related to RA. The rest had problems with their life situation
      in general, without or reinforced by RA. Compared to patients without
      psychosocial problems, PSP patients lived in more strained social situations,
      especially regarding personal finances and social support. More of the PSP
      patients were anxious, showed lower SOC scores, and also used more emotion-based
      coping strategies (resignation, protest, isolation and intrusion) and less
      problem-oriented (minimization). They also had higher scores on depression and
      more frequently expected that RA would negatively affect their future. PSP
      patients also experienced a more negative impact of the disease, a finding not
      confirmed by the sickness activity score judged by the rheumatologist. Thus,
      early in the course of RA, screening instruments should be used to identify PSP
      patients. Psychosocial treatment and support by medical social workers skilled in
      RA care should be offered.

PMID- 22089164
TI  - Is occupational therapy practice for older adults with lower limb amputations
      evidence-based? A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although occupational therapists are integral to the rehabilitation
      process of people with amputations, the effectiveness of the occupational therapy
      intervention for older adults with lower limb amputations has not been
      investigated. OBJECTIVES: To identify the effectiveness of the occupational
      therapy interventions with older adults aged 65 years and older with lower limb
      amputations. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic search was
      conducted in CINAHL, PUBMED, OTSEEKER and OTDBASE from January 1985 to January
      2011. The eligible papers were critiqued using a typology, which involved
      designation of levels of evidence and quality markers. RESULTS: The databases
      yielded 2,664 potential publications. Of these, only two were included in the
      final review. These studies suggested that the frequency of the occupational
      therapy sessions was found to be statistically significantly related to
      prosthesis use and that service users perceived positive benefits about the
      provision of stump boards. Both studies had limitations resulting in a need for
      further investigation in these areas. CONCLUSION: Research evidence on the
      occupational therapy interventions with this population is limited and scarce.
      Occupational therapists need to take urgent action to address the identified
      evidence-based gaps in order to devise informed targeted rehabilitation
      programmes for this client group.

PMID- 22089165
TI  - Inhibition of caspase mediated apoptosis restores muscle function after crush
      injury in rat skeletal muscle.
AB  - Although muscle regeneration after injury is accompanied by apoptotic cell death,
      prolonged apoptosis inhibits muscle restoration. The goal of our study was to
      provide evidence that inhibition of apoptosis improves muscle function following
      blunt skeletal muscle injury. Therefore, 24 rats were used for induction of
      injury to the left soleus muscle using an instrumented clamp. All animals
      received either 3.3 mg/kg i.p. of the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-valinyl-alanyl-DL: 
      aspartyl-fluoromethylketone (z-VAD.fmk) (n = 12 animals) or equivalent volumes of
      the vehicle solution DMSO (n = 12 animals) at 0 and 48 h after trauma. After
      assessment of the fast twitch and tetanic contraction capacity of the muscle at
      days 4 and 14 post injury, sampling of muscle tissue served for analysis of cell
      apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3 immunohistochemistry), cell proliferation (BrdU
      immunohistochemistry) as well as of muscle tissue area and myofiber diameter (HE
      planimetric analysis). Muscle strength analysis after 14 days in the z-VAD.fmk
      treated group revealed a significant increase in relative muscle strength when
      compared to the DMSO treated group. In contrast to the DMSO treated injured
      muscle, showing a transient switch towards a fast-twitching muscle phenotype
      (significant increase of the twitch-to-tetanic force ratio), z-VAD.fmk treated
      animals showed an enhanced healing process with a faster restoration of the
      twitch-to-tetanic force ratio towards the physiological slow-twitching muscle
      phenotype. This enhancement of muscle function was accompanied by a significant
      decrease of cell apoptosis and cell proliferation at day 4 as well as by a
      significant increase of muscle tissue area at day 4. At day 14 after injury z
      VAD.fmk treated animals presented with a significant increase of myofiber
      diameter compared to the DMSO treated animals. Thus, z-VAD.fmk could provide a
      promising option in the anti-apoptotic therapy of muscle injury.

PMID- 22089166
TI  - Service and wider societal costs of very young children with autism in the UK.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with a substantial economic
      burden, but there is little evidence of the costs in the early years; the period
      in which children are increasingly likely to be diagnosed. We describe the
      services used by 152 children aged 24-60 months with autism, report family out-of
      pocket expenses and productivity losses, and explore the relationship between
      family characteristics and costs. Children received a wide range of hospital and
      community services including relatively high levels of contact with speech and
      language therapists and paediatricians. Total service costs varied greatly (mean
      L430 per month; range L53 to L1,116), with some families receiving little
      statutory support. Higher costs were associated with increasing age and symptom
      severity.

PMID- 22089167
TI  - Diagnostic yield of chromosomal microarray analysis in an autism primary care
      practice: which guidelines to implement?
AB  - Genetic testing is recommended for patients with ASD; however specific
      recommendations vary by specialty. American Academy of Pediatrics and American
      Academy of Neurology guidelines recommend G-banded karyotype and Fragile X DNA.
      The American College of Medical Genetics recommends Chromosomal Microarray
      Analysis (CMA). We determined the yield of CMA (N = 85), karyotype (N = 119), and
      fragile X (N = 174) testing in a primary pediatrics autism practice. We found
      twenty (24%) patients with abnormal CMA results (eight were clinically
      significant), three abnormal karyotypes and one Fragile X syndrome. There was no
      relationship between CMA result and cognitive level, seizures, dysmorphology,
      congenital malformations or behavior. We conclude that CMA should be the clinical
      standard in all specialties for first tier genetic testing in ASD.

PMID- 22089168
TI  - TNF-induced necroptosis in L929 cells is tightly regulated by multiple TNFR1
      complex I and II members.
AB  - TNF receptor 1 signaling induces NF-kappaB activation and necroptosis in L929
      cells. We previously reported that cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein
      mediated receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) ubiquitination acts as a
      cytoprotective mechanism, whereas knockdown of cylindromatosis, a RIP1
      deubiquitinating enzyme, protects against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced
      necroptosis. We report here that RIP1 is a crucial mediator of canonical NF
      kappaB activation in L929 cells, therefore questioning the relative
      cytoprotective contribution of RIP1 ubiquitination versus canonical NF-kappaB
      activation. We found that attenuated NF-kappaB activation has no impact on TNF
      induced necroptosis. However, we identified A20 and linear ubiquitin chain
      assembly complex as negative regulators of necroptosis. Unexpectedly, and in
      contrast to RIP3, we also found that knockdown of RIP1 did not block TNF
      cytotoxicity. Cell death typing revealed that RIP1-depleted cells switch from
      necroptotic to apoptotic death, indicating that RIP1 can also suppress apoptosis
      in L929 cells. Inversely, we observed that Fas-associated protein via a death
      domain, cellular FLICE inhibitory protein and caspase-8, which are all involved
      in the initiation of apoptosis, counteract necroptosis induction. Finally, we
      also report RIP1-independent but RIP3-mediated necroptosis in the context of TNF
      signaling in particular conditions.

PMID- 22089169
TI  - Macrocylic bisbibenzyl natural products and their chemical synthesis.
AB  - Covering: 1995 to June 2011. The macrocyclic bisbibenzyl family of natural
      products are commonly found in liverworts and other bryophytes, though the recent
      isolation of riccardin C from a primrose extract has demonstrated their existence
      in higher flowering plants. Each has a core comprising four aromatic rings and
      two ethano bridges, being derived in Nature from two molecules of lunularin. Sub
      classes are distinguished by the connectivity between these lunularin units,
      while individual natural products are distinguished by the hydroxy- and/or alkoxy
      substituents decorating the core structures. Further diversification results from
      halogenation and oxidation, which may lead to dimerization or the creation of
      additional rings. The review provides a timely update to a previous Natural
      Product Reports article by Keseru and Nogradi (Nat. Prod. Rep. 1995, 12, 69-75)
      and largely focuses on new additions to the family and the strategies used to
      effect their chemical synthesis.

PMID- 22089170
TI  - 'Zero' fluoroscopic exposure for ventricular tachycardia ablation in a patient
      with situs viscerum inversus totalis.
AB  - Situs viscerum inversus totalis (SVIT) is a congenital disorder characterized by
      mirror reversal of the thoracic and abdominal organs. Different studies have
      shown that the ablation procedure can be performed without fluoroscopy with
      safety and effectiveness, in the setting of supraventricular tachycardia. We
      successfully performed an anatomical map and a radiofrequency catheter ablation
      of ventricular arrhythmia in a patient with SVIT without fluoroscopy.

PMID- 22089171
TI  - Comparison of mucin levels at the ocular surface of postmenopausal women with and
      without a history of dry eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if levels of the glycocalyx membrane mucins, MUC1 and
      MUC16, and the secreted goblet cell mucin MUC5AC are altered in conjunctival
      cells and tears of postmenopausal women presenting with a history of non-Sjogren
      dry eye and if mucin levels correlate with dry eye clinical diagnostic data.
      METHODS: Eighty-four postmenopausal women with a history of non-Sjogren dry eye
      and 30 normal subjects were recruited for this study. Impression cytology samples
      were collected for mucin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein analysis. Tears were
      collected for mucin protein assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction,
      Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantitate MUC1,
      MUC16, and MUC5AC levels. RESULTS: Postmenopausal women with a history of dry eye
      displayed significantly increased MUC1 mRNA expression and cellular protein
      compared with normal subjects (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Similarly,
      cellular MUC16 protein levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001). Mucin levels
      were found to be correlated with the clinical characterization of the subjects,
      including staining and symptoms. Although cellular MUC5AC protein levels were
      increased in symptomatic subjects, the increase did not reach statistical
      significance. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation in MUC1 and MUC16 mRNA and/or protein levels
      in postmenopausal women with non-Sjogren dry eye with a history of dry eye may be
      a compensatory response to irritation and inflammation associated with the
      disease. Understanding the pattern of mucin expression associated with the dry
      eye pathology may clarify factors involved in the progression of the disease and
      enhance the development of targeted therapies.

PMID- 22089172
TI  - Persistent lamellar interface fluid with clear cornea after Descemet stripping
      automated endothelial keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe clinical properties of a patient with persistent interface
      fluid syndrome and clear graft, 3.5 years after Descemet stripping automated
      endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 69-year-old
      woman who had DSAEK in 2006 presented with a clear cornea (no corneal edema) and
      deep diffuse reticular haze in the right eye. Visual acuity was 20/40. Ultrahigh
      resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) imaging of the right eye
      demonstrated persistent interface fluid at the donor-recipient junction. The
      detachment between donor and recipient corneas was 70 MUm at the center. There
      was no connection between the anterior chamber and the donor/recipient interface.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the persistent detachment of the donor cornea, the recipient
      cornea can remain clear in persistent interface fluid syndrome after DSAEK.

PMID- 22089173
TI  - Studying the interactions of a platinum(II) 9-aminoacridine complex with proteins
      and oligonucleotides by ESI-TOF MS.
AB  - The interaction of a novel Pt complex, [Pt(dmba)(N9-9AA)(PPh(3))](+)1 (dmba = N,N
      dimethylbenzylamine-kappaN,kappaC; 9AA = 9-aminoacridine), which exhibits anti
      tumor activity, with certain key proteins has been monitored by ESI-MS. Also, the
      interaction of 1 with a designed double-stranded oligonucleotide containing the
      GG motif has been followed by mass spectrometry as well as by fluorimetry. The
      results obtained show the low interaction of 1 with the considered proteins and
      the absence of covalent interaction with the oligonucleotides, but the
      fluorimetric data confirm the pi-pi interaction of 1 with the double-stranded
      DNA, which is probably the reason of the previously reported activity of 1 in
      several tumor cell lines.

PMID- 22089174
TI  - Reversible phase transformation in proton conducting Strandberg-type POM based
      metal organic material.
AB  - A Cu(II)-phenanthroline connected Strandberg-type polyoxometalate based proton
      conducting MOF, Cu(3)Mo(5)P(2), that contains one dimensional parallel water
      channels has been reported. Cu(3)Mo(5)P(2) shows proton conduction at room
      temperature as well as elevated temperature.

PMID- 22089175
TI  - A single test of antimullerian hormone in late reproductive-aged women is a good
      predictor of menopause.

PMID- 22089177
TI  - A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a Chinese herbal medicine
      preparation (Jiawei Qing'e Fang) for hot flashes and quality of life in
      perimenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a Chinese
      herbal medicine preparation, Jiawei Qing'e Fang (JQF), on menopausal symptoms in
      perimenopausal women. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
      was performed over 12 weeks in 72 perimenopausal women who reported 14 or more
      hot flashes per week. The participants were randomly allocated to receive JQF or
      placebo for 8 weeks. Posttreatment follow-up was performed 4 weeks after
      intervention. The primary outcome was the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life.
      Secondary outcomes included hot flash and plasma lipids. RESULTS: There was
      greater improvement in hot flash score in the JQF group compared with the placebo
      group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P
      = 0.048). There were between-group differences in vasomotor (P = 0.011) and
      physical (P = 0.034) domains. The triglyceride (TG) level in the JQF group showed
      a significant reduction (P = 0.036) in women with a baseline TG greater than 150
      mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese herbal medicine preparation JQF was
      found to be superior to placebo in reducing hot flashes and improving menopausal
      symptoms in the vasomotor and physical aspects and might have a potential benefit
      in reducing TG levels. The herbal medicine preparation was well tolerated, with
      no serious adverse events noted during the study period.

PMID- 22089178
TI  - Interaction between oral estrogen plus progestogen therapy and ABO blood groups
      on coagulation activation in postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postmenopausal
      hormone therapy on coagulation and whether this effect differs according to ABO
      blood groups. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study to evaluate
      factor VIII (FVIII) activity, factor von Willebrand (vWF), and D-dimer (D-Di)
      levels and ABO blood groups in 61 postmenopausal women using oral estrogen plus
      progestogen therapy (EPT; 2 mg estradiol + 1 mg norethisterone acetate) for 3
      months and in 101 women not using EPT. After 3 months, all eligible women who had
      completed the treatment scheme proposed for the EPT group or those who opted to
      participate but had not undergone EPT had a blood sample collected for analysis.
      RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in FVIII activity and vWF levels
      in the control group between those carrying group O and non-group O blood. For
      EPT users, significant differences were observed for FVIII activity, vWF, and D
      Di levels. After a multivariate regression analysis, FVIII activity and ABO blood
      groups were independently associated with vWF levels, whereas interaction between
      ABO blood groups and EPT were independently associated with FVIII activity.
      Besides diabetes, the ABO * EPT interaction was also noted to be independently
      associated with D-Di levels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an interactive
      effect between oral EPT and non-O blood groups, contributing to the mechanism by
      which estrogen triggers the hypercoagulability state and increased risk for
      venous thrombosis in women undergoing oral EPT.

PMID- 22089179
TI  - Effects of yoga exercise on serum adiponectin and metabolic syndrome factors in
      obese postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Regular and continuous yoga exercise is one of the most important
      nonpharmacological methods of improving serum lipid concentrations, adipose
      tissue, and metabolic syndrome factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze
      the effects of yoga exercise on serum adiponectin and metabolic syndrome factors
      in obese postmenopausal Korean women. METHODS: Sixteen healthy postmenopausal
      women aged 54.50 +/- 2.75 years with more than 36% body fat were randomly
      assigned to either a yoga exercise group (n = 8) or to a "no exercise" control
      group (n = 8). The variables of body composition, visceral fat, serum
      adiponectin, and metabolic syndrome factors were measured in all the participants
      before and after the 16-week study. RESULTS: Body weight, percentage of body fat,
      lean body mass, body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat area had
      significantly decreased. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin had
      significantly increased, but total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, and homoeostasis model
      assessment-insulin resistance had significantly decreased. Serum adiponectin
      concentrations were significantly correlated with waist circumference, high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, and homoeostasis model
      assessment-insulin resistance in the postyoga exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that yoga exercise improves adiponectin level, serum lipids,
      and metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese postmenopausal women. Consequently,
      yoga exercise will be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease caused by
      obesity in obese postmenopausal Korean women.

PMID- 22089180
TI  - Antioxidant enzymes GSR, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT gene variants and bone mineral
      density values in postmenopausal women:  a genetic association analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress participates in decreasing bone formation and
      stimulating bone resorption. Furthermore, antioxidant enzymes have been observed
      to have low protective activity in women with osteoporosis.The aim of the present
      study was to examine any association of selected gene polymorphisms of the
      glutathione S-reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2), and catalase
      (CAT) genes, alone or in combination, with the bone mineral density (BMD) values
      of femoral neck (fn), lumbar spine (ls), and total hip (th) in Slovenian
      postmenopausal women. METHODS: The gene polymorphisms of CAT, GSR, SOD1, and SOD2
      genes in 468 postmenopausal women were analyzed using restriction fragment length
      polymorphism and a fluorescent 5'-exonuclease genotyping method. BMD_fn, BMD_ls,
      and BMD_th were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Moreover,
      univariate statistic analysis and two-way analysis of variance for interaction
      testing were performed. RESULTS: A significant association of BMD_th values (P =
      0.027) was found in genotype subgroups of 423-287G>A GSR polymorphism located in
      the third intron among postmenopausal women. Furthermore, women with at least one
      G allele showed significantly higher levels of BMD_fn (P = 0.044), BMD_th (P =
      0.009), and BMD_ls (P = 0.043) than those that are AA homozygotes. Interestingly,
      the 423-287G>A_GSR*1154-393T>A_GSR combination was significantly associated with
      BMD_fn (P = 0.013) and BMD_th (P = 0.002) in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results of our study demonstrate for the first time that antioxidant enzyme
      GSR gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with BMD, suggesting that the
      A allele of 423-287G>A GSR polymorphism could contribute to decreased BMD values
      in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22089181
TI  - Behavioral compensatory adjustment to exercise intervention.

PMID- 22089182
TI  - Age and postmenopausal bleeding risk factors for malignant changes in endometrial
      polyps.

PMID- 22089183
TI  - Effects of excess body mass on strength and fatigability of quadriceps in
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a major public health problem leading to, among other
      things, reduced functional capacity. Moreover, obesity-related declines in
      functional capacity may be compounded by the detrimental consequences of
      menopause. The aim of this study was to understand the potential effects of
      excess body mass on measures of functional capacity in postmenopausal women.
      METHODS: Forty-five postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 years were divided into
      two groups according to body mass index (BMI): obese (BMI, >= 30 kg/m(2); n = 19)
      and nonobese (BMI, 18.5-29.9 kg/m(2); n = 26). To determine clinical
      characteristics, body composition, bone mineral density, and maximal exercise
      testing was performed, and a 3-day dietary record was estimated. To assess
      quadriceps function, isokinetic exercise testing at 60 degrees  per second
      (quadriceps strength) and at 300 degrees  per second (quadriceps fatigue) was
      performed. RESULTS: The absolute value of the peak torque was not significantly
      different between the groups; however, when the data were normalized by body mass
      and lean mass, significantly lower values were observed for obese women compared
      with those in the nonobese group (128% +/- 25% vs 155% +/- 24% and 224% +/- 38%
      vs 257% +/- 47%, P < 0.05). The fatigue index did not show any significant
      difference for either group; however, when the data were normalized by the body
      mass and lean mass, significantly lower values were observed for obese women (69%
      +/- 16% vs 93% +/- 18% and 120% +/- 25% vs. 135% +/- 23%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results show that despite reduced muscle force, the combination of obesity
      and postmenopause may be associated with greater resistance to muscle fatigue.

PMID- 22089184
TI  - Postreperfusion cardiac arrest and resuscitation during orthotopic liver
      transplantation:  dynamic visualization and analysis of physiologic recordings.
AB  - We recently reported on the Multi Wave Animator (MWA), a novel open-source tool
      with capability of recreating continuous physiologic signals from archived
      numerical data and presenting them as they appeared on the patient monitor. In
      this report, we demonstrate for the first time the power of this technology in a
      real clinical case, an intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrest following
      reperfusion of a liver transplant graft. Using the MWA, we animated hemodynamic
      and ventilator data acquired before, during, and after cardiac arrest and
      resuscitation. This report is accompanied by an online video that shows the most
      critical phases of the cardiac arrest and resuscitation and provides a basis for
      analysis and discussion. This video is extracted from a 33-min, uninterrupted
      video of cardiac arrest and resuscitation, which is available online. The unique
      strength of MWA, its capability to accurately present discrete and continuous
      data in a format familiar to clinicians, allowed us this rare glimpse into events
      leading to an intraoperative cardiac arrest. Because of the ability to recreate
      and replay clinical events, this tool should be of great interest to medical
      educators, researchers, and clinicians involved in quality assurance and patient
      safety.

PMID- 22089186
TI  - Divergent effects of activated neutrophils on inflammation, Kupffer
      cell/splenocyte activation, and lung injury following blunt chest trauma.
AB  - Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) have been attributed a primarily
      deleterious role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). However,
      evidence exists that PMNs might also act beneficially in certain types of ALI. In
      this regard, we investigated the role of activated neutrophils in the
      pathophysiology of lung contusion-induced ALI. We used the model of blunt chest
      trauma accompanied by PMN-depletion in male C3H/HeN mice. Animals received 25
      MUg/g body weight PMN-depleting antibody Gr-1 intravenously 48 h before trauma.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue interleukin 6 (IL-6) were similarly
      elevated in PMN-depleted and control animals after trauma, whereas macrophage
      inflammatory protein 2 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in BAL and lungs,
      IL-10 in BAL, and lung keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) were even further
      increased in the absence of PMNs. Plasma IL-6 and KC were also increased in
      response to the insult and even further in the absence of PMNs. Chest trauma
      induced an enhanced release of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage
      inflammatory protein 2, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and IL-10 from
      isolated KU, which was blunted in the absence of PMNs. In the presence of PMNs,
      BAL protein was further increased at 30 h when compared with the 3-h time point,
      which was not the case in the absence of PMNs. Taken together, in response to
      lung trauma, activated neutrophils control inflammation including mediator
      release from distant immune cells but simultaneously mediate pulmonary tissue
      damage. Thus, keeping in mind potential inflammatory adverse effects, modulation
      of neutrophil activation or trafficking might be a reasonable therapeutic
      approach in chest trauma-induced lung injury.

PMID- 22089187
TI  - Plasma levels of liver-specific miR-122 is massively increased in a porcine
      cardiogenic shock model and attenuated by hypothermia.
AB  - Tissue-specific circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are released into the blood after
      organ injury. In an ischemic porcine cardiogenic shock model, we investigated the
      release pattern of cardiac-specific miR-208b and liver-specific miR-122 and
      assessed the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on their respective plasma levels.
      Pigs were anesthetized, and cardiogenic shock was induced by inflation of a
      percutaneous coronary intervention balloon in the proximal left anterior
      descending artery for 40 min followed by reperfusion. After fulfillment of the
      predefined shock criteria, the pigs were randomized to hypothermia (33 degrees C,
      n = 6) or normothermia (38 degrees C, n = 6). Circulating miRNAs were extracted
      from plasma and measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR). Tissue specificity was assessed by miRNA extraction from porcine tissues
      followed by quantitative real-time PCR. In vitro, the release of miR-122 from a
      cultured hepatocyte cell line exposed to either hypoxia or acidosis was assessed
      by real-time PCR. miR-122 was found to be highly liver specific, whereas miR-208b
      was expressed exclusively in the heart. In the control group, ischemic
      cardiogenic shock induced a 460,000-fold and a 63,000-fold increase in plasma
      levels of miR-122 (P < 0.05) and miR-208b (P < 0.05), respectively. Therapeutic
      hypothermia significantly diminished the increase in miR-122 compared with the
      normothermic group (P < 0.005). In our model, hypothermia was initiated after
      coronary reperfusion and did not affect either myocardial damage as previously
      assessed by magnetic resonance imaging or the plasma level of miR-208b. Our
      results indicate that liver-specific miR-122 is released into the circulation in
      the setting of cardiogenic shock and that therapeutic hypothermia significantly
      reduces the levels of miR-122.

PMID- 22089188
TI  - Clinical outcome of critically ill patients cannot be defined by cutoff values of
      monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR expression.
AB  - Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units. During
      the last two decades, new strategies have focused on the diagnosis and on the
      immunological changes in critically ill patients. There have been conflicting
      reports whether monocyte human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR expression poses a
      useful parameter to characterize clinical outcome of these patients. To elucidate
      the role of monocyte HLA-DR expression, we hypothesized that low expression of
      HLA-DR on circulating human monocytes in critically ill patients correlates with
      higher mortality and that cutoff values of HLA-DR discriminate surviving from
      nonsurviving patients. In this retrospective study, monocyte HLA-DR expression in
      413 critically ill patients was investigated during their intensive care unit
      stay. Human leukocyte antigen DR was determined in a quantitative and
      standardized procedure by flow cytometry (anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies bound
      per cell [mABs/cell]) at least every third day or when clinical changes in the
      patients conditions were observed. Healthy probands served as control group to
      determine the range of "normal" values. As expected, HLA-DR expression was
      significantly higher in the group of survivors (n = 279) than in the group of
      nonsurvivors (n = 134; mABs/cell: 23,038 [SD, 11,150] vs. 18,070 [SD, 8,906]; P <
      0.001). When minimal HLA-DR values per patient were compared, no cutoff values
      could be identified between the groups of survivors and nonsurvivors (mABs/cell:
      19,611 [SD, 11,129] vs. 14,944 [SD, 8,013]; P < 0.001). In conclusion, in this
      sizable cohort we could again show that HLA-DR expression is decreased in
      critically ill patients but it is not suitable as a prognostic or predictive
      parameter for clinical outcome.

PMID- 22089189
TI  - Neutralization of IL-10 restores the downregulation of IL-18 receptor on natural
      killer cells and interferon-gamma production in septic mice, thus leading to an
      improved survival.
AB  - The objective of the study was to investigate the mechanisms of insufficient
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) response to interleukin 18 (IL-18) and the treatment
      for the insufficient response in septic mice. Interleukin 18 stimulation does not
      restore IFN-gamma production by blood mononuclear cells in septic patients but
      does restore its production in postoperative patients. Although sepsis impairs
      the IFN-gamma response to IL-18, little is known about why the IL-18/IFN-gamma
      mediated immune response is ineffective in patients with sepsis. A cecal ligation
      and puncture was made in C57BL/6 mice following a sublethal lipopolysaccharide
      challenge to examine their IFN-gamma response to IL-18, focusing on natural
      killer (NK) cells and cytokines. We next examined the effect of neutralization of
      IL-10 on the NK cell and survival in septic mice. Interleukin 18 injection did
      not restore IFN-gamma production in septic (cecal ligation and puncture) mice.
      Despite an increase in the numbers of liver NK cells, the IL-18 receptor (IL-18R)
      expression was decreased in the septic mice compared with sham mice. Serum IL-10
      levels were positively correlated with the percentage of liver NK cells, but
      negatively with their IL-18R expression. Neutralization of IL-10 restored the IL
      18R expression on liver NK cells and restored the IFN-gamma response in the
      septic mice, improving their survival. Sepsis might impair IL-18R expression on
      liver and spleen NK cells and impair the IL-18-mediated IFN-gamma response.
      Neutralization of IL-10 may restore this response in septic hosts, thereby
      improving survival.

PMID- 22089190
TI  - 17beta-estradiol attenuates reduced-size hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by
      inhibition apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on
      hepatocyte apoptosis after reduced-size hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury
      and its mechanism. A rat model of reduced-size hepatic I/R injury was
      established. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into sham, I/R, and E2 +
      I/R group. 17beta-Estradiol (4 mg/kg) or the vehicle was administered i.p. 1 h
      before ischemia and immediately after operation. For each group, 10 rats were
      used to investigate the survival during a week after reperfusion. Blood samples
      and liver tissues were obtained in the remaining animals after 3, 6, 12, and 24 h
      of reperfusion to assess serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine
      aminotransferase levels, liver tissue malondialdehyde concentration, superoxide
      dismutase activity, and histopathologic changes. Apoptosis ratio; expression of
      cytochrome c, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins; and enzymatic activities of caspase 9 and
      caspase 3 were performed in the samples at 12 h after reperfusion. The serum
      aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels and tissue
      malondialdehyde concentration were increased in the I/R group, whereas the
      increase was significantly reduced by E2. The superoxide dismutase activity,
      depressed by I/R injury, was elevated back to normal levels by treatment with E2.
      Severe hepatic damage was observed by light microscopy in the I/R group, whereas
      administration of E2 resulted in tissue and cellular preservation. Furthermore,
      E2 inhibited hepatocellular apoptosis by upregulating the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax
      expression, reduced cytosolic cytochrome c level, and decreased caspase 9 and
      caspase 3 activities. The 7-day survival rate was significantly higher in the E2
      + I/R group than in the I/R group. These results indicated that E2 protects liver
      tissues from reduced-size hepatic I/R injury by suppressing mitochondrial
      apoptotic pathways.

PMID- 22089191
TI  - Inhaled hydrogen sulfide induces suspended animation, but does not alter the
      inflammatory response after blunt chest trauma.
AB  - The treatment of acute lung injury and septic complications after blunt chest
      trauma remains a challenge. Inhaled hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may cause a
      hibernation-like metabolic state, which refers to an attenuated systemic
      inflammatory response. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that inhaled H2S
      induced suspended animation may attenuate the inflammation after pulmonary
      contusion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to blunt chest trauma (blast
      wave) or sham procedure and subsequently exposed to a continuous flow of H2S (100
      ppm) or control gas for 6 h. Body temperature and activity were measured by an
      implanted transmitter. At 6, 24, or 48 h after trauma, animals were killed, and
      the cellular contents of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as well as cytokine
      concentrations in BAL, plasma, and culture supernatants of blood mononuclear
      cells, Kupffer cells, splenic macrophages, and splenocytes were determined.
      Hydrogen sulfide inhalation caused a significant reduction in body temperature
      and activity. The trauma-induced increase in alveolar macrophage counts was
      abrogated 48 h after trauma when animals received H2S, whereas the trauma-induced
      increase in neutrophil counts was unaltered. Furthermore, H2S inhalation
      partially attenuated the mediator release in BAL and culture supernatants of
      Kupffer cells as well as splenic cells; it altered plasma cytokine concentrations
      but did not affect the trauma-induced changes in mononuclear cell culture
      supernatants. These findings indicate that inhaled H2S induced a reduced
      metabolic expenditure and partially attenuated inflammation after trauma.
      Nevertheless, in contrast to hypoxic- or pathogen-induced lung injury, H2S
      treatment appears to have no protective effect after blunt chest trauma.

PMID- 22089193
TI  - Increased granzyme levels in cytotoxic T lymphocytes are associated with disease
      severity in emergency department patients with severe sepsis.
AB  - Exocytosis of granules containing the cytolytic effector (CE) molecules granzyme
      A (GzmA), granzyme B (GzmB), and perforin is one major pathway of lymphocyte
      mediated cytotoxicity. Studies in murine models and the finding of elevated
      granzyme levels in the plasma of septic patients have implicated cytotoxic
      lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We sought to evaluate the role of
      cytotoxic cells and CE in sepsis and determine if intracellular levels of CE in
      cytotoxic cells correlate with disease severity. We conducted a prospective
      cohort study of 40 patients enrolled into one of three groups: controls (C),
      acutely ill nonseptic illnesses, or patients with severe sepsis (SS) (lactate, >4
      mmol/L; systolic blood pressure, <90 mmHg after 2 L normal saline). Peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells were isolated and stained for extracellular markers for
      defined subpopulations and for intracellular expression of GzmA and GzmB and
      perforin. Levels of CE were quantified by geometric mean fluorescent intensity
      (GMFI) via flow cytometry. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) expression was higher in
      SS (P = 0.04). The GMFI of GzmB was significantly higher in CTLs of SS patients
      versus acutely ill nonseptic illnesses or C. The GMFI of each GzmA and GzmB in
      CTLs were associated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II
      score (P = 0.01). A significant increase in the number of granulocytes in the
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SS patients consisted primarily of low
      density neutrophils, which expressed increased levels of GzmA (P < 0.01). The
      results suggest that CTLs are activated in SS and express significantly higher
      intracellular levels of GzmB and that GzmA and B levels correlate with disease
      severity.

PMID- 22089192
TI  - Reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha expression is associated
      with decreased survival and increased tissue bacterial load in sepsis.
AB  - The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) is a member of
      the nuclear receptor family with many important physiologic roles related to
      metabolism and inflammation. Previous research in pediatric patients with septic
      shock revealed that genes corresponding to the PPAR-alpha signaling pathway are
      significantly downregulated in a subgroup of children with more severe disease.
      In this study, PPAR-alpha expression analysis using whole-blood derived RNA
      revealed that PPAR-alpha expression was decreased in patients with septic shock
      and that the magnitude of that decrement correlated with the severity of disease.
      In a mouse model of sepsis, induced by cecal ligation and puncture, knockout mice
      lacking PPAR-alpha had decreased survival compared with wild-type animals. Plasma
      cytokine analysis demonstrated decreased levels of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta),
      IL-6, IL-17, keratinocyte-derived cytokine, macrophage chemoattractant protein 1,
      macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha at 24 h in
      PPAR-alpha knockout animals. Cell surface markers of activation on splenic
      dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD8 T cells were reduced in PPAR-alpha null
      animals, and the bacterial load in lung and splenic tissues was increased. These
      data indicate that reduced or absent PPAR-alpha expression confers a survival
      disadvantage in sepsis and that PPAR-alpha plays a role in maintaining
      appropriate immune functions during the sepsis response.

PMID- 22089194
TI  - Paeonol attenuates microglia-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress-induced
      neurotoxicity in rat primary microglia and cortical neurons.
AB  - Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathogenesis of
      neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke, traumatic injury, Parkinson disease,
      and Alzheimer disease. Paeonol, a natural compound extracted from Moutan cortex,
      is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of paeonol on lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS)-induced inflammation in rat primary microglia and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced
      oxidative damage in cortical neurons. In LPS-treated microglia, paeonol
      attenuated the overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and
      cyclooxygenase 2, leading to the decrease in nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2
      production, respectively. Paeonol also suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Jun N-terminal kinase. In addition, LPS
      stimulated NADPH oxidase activation and reactive oxygen species production were
      attenuated by paeonol. Paeonol-induced upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 was also
      observed. Moreover, paeonol attenuated LPS-treated microglia culture medium
      induced neuron cells death. Posttreatment with paeonol also reduced inflammatory
      responses in LPS-activated microglia and increased cell viability in LPS-treated
      microglia culture medium-treated neurons. Furthermore, in 6-hydroxydopamine
      treated cortical neurons, paeonol not only decreased reactive oxygen species
      production but also increased cell viability, superoxide dismutase activity, and
      the antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 expression. Taken together, the
      present results suggest that paeonol might be a potential neuroprotective agent
      via inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress-induced
      neuronal damage.

PMID- 22089195
TI  - Acute effects of balanced versus unbalanced colloid resuscitation on renal
      macrocirculatory and microcirculatory perfusion during endotoxemic shock.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the acute effects of balanced versus
      unbalanced colloid resuscitation on renal macrocirculatory and microcirculatory
      perfusions during lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemic shock in rats. We tested
      the hypothesis that balanced colloid resuscitation would be better for the kidney
      than unbalanced colloid resuscitation. Shock was induced by lipopolysaccharide
      (10 mg/kg i.v. over 30 min). When mean arterial pressure (MAP) was decreased to
      40 mmHg, fluid resuscitation was started with either hydroxyethyl starch
      (HES130/0.42) dissolved in saline (HES-NaCl) as an unbalanced colloid solution or
      HES130/0.42 dissolved in Ringer's acetate (HES-RA) as a balanced colloid
      solution. Microvascular perfusion in the renal cortex was monitored using laser
      speckle imaging, and in addition, systemic hemodynamics, renal artery blood flow
      (RBF), and plasma ion levels were measured. Shock decreased MAP, led to anuria,
      and worsened all other parameters. Hydroxyethyl starch-NaCl improved MAP (P >
      0.05) but did not improve RBF (P > 0.05), metabolic acidosis (P > 0.05), and
      plasma ion levels (P > 0.05). Hydroxyethyl starch-RA improved MAP (P < 0.05), RBF
      (P < 0.05), and renal microvascular perfusion (P < 0.05), but did not improve
      metabolic acidosis (P > 0.05) and plasma ion levels (P > 0.05). Both HES-NaCl and
      HES-RA treatment could normalize creatinine clearance but not fractional sodium
      excretion. In endotoxemic rats, balanced colloid (HES) resuscitation was shown to
      be superior to unbalanced colloid resuscitation in terms of improvement of renal
      macrovascular and microvascular perfusions. However, whether this results in
      improved renal function in the long term warrants further study.

PMID- 22089196
TI  - The decline of autophagy contributes to proximal tubular dysfunction during
      sepsis.
AB  - Severe sepsis associated with overproduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha and
      reactive oxygen species leads to energy depletion and cellular damage. Both
      reactive oxygen species and damaged organelles induce autophagy for recycling
      nutrients to combat pathological stress. To study whether autophagy plays a
      beneficial role in the pathogenesis of renal failure during sepsis, rats were
      subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. Temporal
      relationship of autophagy and renal dysfunction were examined in vivo. The
      results showed that the level of lipidated microtubule-associated protein light
      chain 3 (LC3-II), a marker of autophagy, elevated transiently at 3 h but declined
      at 9 h until 18 h after CLP. Light chain 3 aggregation in renal tissue showed a
      similar trend to the change of LC3-II protein. High levels of blood urea nitrogen
      and creatinine as well as low tubular sodium reabsorption occurred at 18 h after
      CLP. The distribution of autophagy located primarily in angiotensin-converting
      enzyme-positive, which is concentrated in proximal tubule, but calbindin D28k
      (calcium-binding protein D28K, a marker of distal tubule)-negative cells in renal
      cortex. Therefore, NRK-52E (proximal tubule epithelial cell line) cells were used
      to further examine cell viability and DNA fragmentation after silencing or
      inducing autophagy. We found that knockdown of Atg7 (autophagy-related gene 7)
      exaggerates, whereas preincubation of rapamycin (an autophagy inducer) diminishes
      tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced cell death. These results suggest that the
      decline of sepsis-induced autophagy contributes to the proximal tubular
      dysfunction, and maintenance of sufficient autophagy prevents cell death. These
      data open prospects for therapies that activate autophagy during sepsis.

PMID- 22089197
TI  - beta-Catenin dynamics in the regulation of microvascular endothelial cell
      hyperpermeability.
AB  - beta-Catenin, a key regulator of barrier integrity, is an important component of
      the adherens junctional complex. Although the roles of beta-catenin in
      maintaining the adherens junctions and Wnt signaling are known, the dynamics of
      beta-catenin following insult and its potential role in vascular recovery/repair
      remain unclear. Our objective was to define beta-catenin's dynamics following
      disruption of the adherens junctional complex and subsequent recovery. Rat lung
      microvascular endothelial cells were treated with active caspase 3 enzyme, by
      protein transference method, as an inducer of junctional damage and permeability.
      The disruption and subsequent recovery of beta-catenin to the adherens junctions
      were studied via immunofluorescence. Rat lung microvascular endothelial cell
      monolayers were used to measure hyperpermeability. To understand the role of beta
      catenin on nuclear translocation/transcriptional regulation in relationship to
      the recovery of the adherens junctions, Tcf-mediated transcriptional activity was
      determined. Active caspase 3 induced a loss of beta-catenin at the adherens
      junctions at 1 and 2 h followed by its recovery at 3 h. Transference of Bak
      peptide, an inducer of endogenous caspase 3 activation, induced hyperpermeability
      at 1 h followed by a significant decrease at 2 h. Inhibition of GSK-3beta and the
      transfection of beta-catenin vector increased Tcf-mediated transcription
      significantly (P < 0.05). The dissociated adherens junctional protein beta
      catenin translocates into the cytoplasm, resulting in microvascular
      hyperpermeability followed by a time-dependent recovery and relocation to the
      cell membrane. Our data suggest a recycling pathway for beta-catenin to the cell
      junction.

PMID- 22089198
TI  - Disruption of the mucosal barrier during gut ischemia allows entry of digestive
      enzymes into the intestinal wall.
AB  - Intestinal ischemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality, but the
      underlying mechanisms are uncertain. We hypothesize that during ischemia the
      intestinal mucosal barrier becomes disrupted, allowing digestive enzymes access
      into the intestinal wall initiating autodigestion. We used a rat model of
      splanchnic ischemia by occlusion of the superior mesenteric and celiac arteries
      up to 30 min with and without luminal injection of tranexamic acid as a trypsin
      inhibitor. We determined the location and activity of digestive proteases on
      intestinal sections with in situ zymography, and we examined the disruption of
      two components of the mucosal barrier: mucin isoforms and the extracellular and
      intracellular domains of E cadherin with immunohistochemistry and Western blot
      techniques. The results indicate that nonischemic intestine has low levels of
      protease activity in its wall. After 15-min ischemia, protease activity was
      visible at the tip of the villi, and after 30 min, enhanced activity was seen
      across the full thickness of the intestinal wall. This activity was accompanied
      by disruption of the mucin layer and loss of both intracellular and extracellular
      domains of E cadherin. Digestive protease inhibition in the intestinal lumen with
      tranexamic acid reduced morphological damage and entry of digestive enzymes into
      the intestinal wall. This study demonstrates that disruption of the mucosal
      epithelial barrier within minutes of intestinal ischemia allows entry of fully
      activated pancreatic digestive proteases across the intestinal barrier triggering
      autodigestion.

PMID- 22089199
TI  - Protective effects of exogenous interleukin 18-binding protein in a rat model of
      acute renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) renal injury is considered the most common cause of
      acute kidney injury (AKI). The pathophysiology of I/R AKI involves a complex
      interplay among tubular epithelial cell injury, microcirculation dysfunction, and
      inflammation. Interleukin 18-binding protein (IL-18BP) is a natural inhibitor of
      IL-18 a cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AKI.
      Therefore, we hypothesized that exogenous IL-18BP could protect against renal
      injuries after kidney I/R. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three
      groups: a sham operation group, I/R with vehicle injection, and I/R with IL-18BP
      injection. Rats underwent bilateral renal pedicle clamping, and IL-18BP or
      vehicle was administered just before reperfusion. Rats were killed 6, 24, and 72
      h after reperfusion. After IL-18BP treatment, renal tubule epithelium showed
      reduced apoptosis and enhanced proliferation. For peritubular capillary (PTC)
      endothelium, apoptosis was inhibited, and there was an increase in PTC
      endothelium density. Macrophage infiltration was inhibited, and inflammatory
      cytokines were downregulated. Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth
      factor and decreased expression of thrombospondin 1 were also observed. Exogenous
      IL-18BP attenuated renal injury caused by I/R via inhibiting inflammation in the
      renal tissue and protecting tubular epithelium and PTC endothelium.

PMID- 22089200
TI  - Combined recombinant human activated protein C and ceftazidime prevent the onset
      of acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe sepsis.
AB  - This experimental animal study investigates the effects of combined recombinant
      human activated protein C (rhAPC) and ceftazidime on cardiopulmonary function in
      acute lung injury and severe sepsis. Twenty-one sheep (37 +/- 2 kg) were
      operatively prepared and randomly allocated to either the sham, control, or
      treatment group (n = 7 each). Single treatments of rhAPC or ceftazidime were
      published previously; therefore, control groups were dispensed in the present
      study, what may be considered a study limitation. Acute lung injury and sepsis
      were induced according to an established protocol. The sham group received only
      the vehicle. The sheep were studied in awake state for 24 h and mechanically
      ventilated. Recombinant human APC (continuous infusion 24 MUg/kg per hour) and
      ceftazidime (3-g bolus at 1 and 13 h) were intravenously administered. The
      animals were fluid resuscitated with Ringer's lactate to maintain hematocrit at
      baseline. Compared with injured controls, the treatment group had a significantly
      higher PaO2/FIO2 ratio, and the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome was
      prevented. The increase in pulmonary microvascular shunt fraction and airway
      obstruction in bronchi and bronchiole, as well as lung 3-nitrotyrosine, lung
      myeloperoxidase, cardiac 3-nitrotyrosine, and cardiac malondialdehyde levels, was
      significantly reduced as compared with controls (P < 0.05 each). Treated sheep
      had significantly improved hemodynamics as reflected by mean arterial pressure,
      heart rate, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance index (P < 0.05
      each). In addition, plasma oncotic pressure and urine output were significantly
      improved (P < 0.05 each). Combined rhAPC and ceftazidime significantly improved
      cardiopulmonary function, reduced pulmonary and cardiac tissue injury, and
      prevented the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome in ovine severe sepsis
      without obvious adverse effects.

PMID- 22089201
TI  - Proinflammatory chemokines in the intestinal lumen contribute to intestinal
      dysfunction during endotoxemia.
AB  - Intestinal failure is common in patients with septic shock, with dysfunction of
      the gut often manifesting as both a cause and consequence of their critical
      illness. Most studies investigating the pathogenesis of intestinal failure focus
      on the systemic aspect, although few data examine the inflammatory signaling in
      the intestinal lumen. Having previously demonstrated apical/luminal chemokine
      secretion in an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation, we hypothesized that
      endotoxemia would induce secretion of proinflammatory chemokines into the
      intestinal lumen. In addition, we examined the contribution of these mediators to
      intestinal dysmotility. C57/BL6 male mice were injected intraperitoneally with
      LPS. Serum, intestinal tissue, and intestinal luminal contents were harvested for
      cytokine analysis. For intestinal motility studies, a transit assay was performed
      after oral gavage of chemokines. Caco-2 cells grown on Transwell culture inserts
      were used to examine the role of the intestinal epithelium in chemokine
      secretion. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and macrophage-derived
      chemokine (MDC/CCL22) were secreted into the lumen of multiple segments of the
      gut during endotoxemia in mice. In vitro work showed that the intestinal
      epithelium participates in monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and MDC secretion
      and expresses the CCR2 and CCR4 receptors for these chemokines. Intestinal
      transit studies show that oral gavage of MDC results in impaired gut motility.
      This study demonstrates that the intestinal lumen is an active compartment in the
      gut's inflammatory response. Proinflammatory chemokines are secreted into the
      intestinal lumen during endotoxemia. These intraluminal chemokines contribute to
      intestinal dysmotility, complicating intestinal failure.

PMID- 22089202
TI  - The transcutaneous oxygen challenge test:  a noninvasive method for detecting low
      cardiac output in septic patients.
AB  - The transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (PtcO2) index has been used to
      detect low-flow state in circulatory failure, but the value of the transcutaneous
      oxygen challenge test (OCT) to estimate low cardiac output has not been
      thoroughly evaluated. The prospective observational study examined 62 septic
      patients requiring PiCCO-Plus for cardiac output monitoring. Simultaneous basal
      blood gases from the arterial, central venous catheters were obtained. Cardiac
      indices were measured by the transpulmonary thermodilution technique at the same
      time, then the 10-min inspired 1.0 fractional inspired oxygen concentration
      (FIO2) defined as the OCT was performed. Transcutaneous partial pressure of
      oxygen was measured continuously by using a noninvasive transcutaneous monitor
      throughout the test. The values for arterial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were
      examined on inspired of 1.0 FIO2. We calculated the PtcO2 index = (baseline
      PtcO2/baseline PaO2), 10-min OCT (10 OCT) = (PtcO2 after 10 min on inspired 1.0
      O2) - (baseline PtcO2), and the oxygen challenge index = (10 OCT) / (PaO2 on
      inspired 1.0 O2 - baseline PaO2). Patients were divided into two groups: a normal
      cardiac index (CI) group with CI of greater than 3 L/min per m (n = 41) and a low
      CI group with CI of 3 L/min per m or less (n = 21). The 10 OCT and the oxygen
      challenge index predicted a low CI (<= 3 L/min per m) with an accuracy that was
      similar to central venous oxygen saturation, which was significantly better than
      the PtcO2 index. For a 10 OCT value of 53 mmHg, sensitivity was 0.83;
      specificity, 0.86; a positive predictive value, 0.92; and a negative predictive
      value, 0.72 for detecting CI of 3 L/min per m or less. We propose that the OCT
      substituted for the PtcO2 index as an accurate alternative method of PtcO2 for
      revealing low CI in septic patients.

PMID- 22089203
TI  - Differential sensitivity to LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction in the isolated
      brown Norway and Dahl S rat hearts: roles of mitochondrial function, NF-kappaB
      activation, and TNF-alpha production.
AB  - Recently, we reported that Brown Norway (BN) rats were more resistant to
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial dysfunction than Dahl S (SS) rats.
      This differential sensitivity was exemplified by reduced production of
      proinflammatory cytokines and diminished nuclear factor-kappaB pathway
      activation. To further clarify the mechanisms of different susceptibility of
      these two strains to endotoxin, this study was designed to examine the
      alterations of cardiac and mitochondrial bioenergetics, proinflammatory
      cytokines, and signaling pathways after hearts were isolated and exposed to LPS
      ex vivo. Isolated BN and SS hearts were perfused with LPS (4 MUg/mL) for 30 min
      in the Langendorff preparation. Lipopolysaccharide depressed cardiac function as
      evident by reduced left ventricular developed pressure and decreased peak rate of
      contraction and relaxation in SS hearts but not in BN hearts. These findings are
      consistent with our previous in-vivo data. Under complex I substrates, a higher
      oxygen consumption and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were observed in
      mitochondria from SS hearts than those from BN hearts. Lipopolysaccharide
      significantly increased H2O2 levels in both SS and BN heart mitochondria;
      however, the increase in oxygen consumption and H2O2 production in BN heart
      mitochondria was much lower than that in SS heart mitochondria. In addition, LPS
      significantly decreased complex I activity in SS hearts but not in BN hearts.
      Furthermore, LPS induced higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and
      increased phosphorylation of IkappakappaB and p65 more in SS hearts than in BN
      hearts. Our results clearly demonstrate that less mitochondrial dysfunction
      combined with a reduced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and diminished
      activation of nuclear factor-kappaB are involved in the mechanisms by which
      isolated BN hearts were more resistant to LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction.

PMID- 22089204
TI  - Homology in systemic neutrophil response induced by human experimental
      endotoxemia and by trauma.
AB  - The investigation of the trauma-induced innate immune responses is hampered by
      the wide variability in patients, type of trauma, and environmental factors. To
      circumvent this heterogeneity, we examined whether the systemic innate immune
      response toward human experimental endotoxemia is similar to the response during
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome after trauma. We tested the hypothesis
      that the innate immune response to pathogen-associated molecular pattern (e.g.,
      lipopolysaccharides [LPSs]) and danger-associated molecular pattern (as induced
      by injury) leads to a comparable in vivo activation of human neutrophils.
      Escherichia coli LPS (2 ng/kg) was injected intravenously in nine healthy
      volunteers to induce a controlled systemic inflammatory response. Indices of
      systemic inflammation in this human inflammation model were compared with those
      of 12 trauma patients with a mean injury severity score of 19. Blood samples were
      withdrawn at 3 and 24 h after LPS-challenge or injury. Blood samples of nine
      healthy volunteers were used as control. Receptor expression was measured as
      readout for neutrophil activation by flow cytometry. Endotoxemia and injury
      resulted in a comparable activation phenotype of circulating neutrophils. This
      phenotype was characterized by downregulation of chemokine receptors CXCR1 and
      CXCR2 and of Fcgamma receptors II and III. A significant difference between both
      conditions was seen in CD66b expression and for endotoxin resulted in an
      increased CD66b expression, whereas injury did not. Neutrophil activation was
      present 3 h after onset of inflammation, both during experimental endotoxemia as
      well as in trauma patients. Endotoxin and trauma appear to induce a similar
      neutrophil activation phenotype.

PMID- 22089205
TI  - Hypertonic fluid administration in patients with septic shock:  a prospective
      randomized controlled pilot study.
AB  - We assessed the short-term effects of hypertonic fluid versus isotonic fluid
      administration in patients with septic shock. This was a double-blind,
      prospective randomized controlled trial in a 15-bed intensive care unit. Twenty
      four patients with septic shock were randomized to receive 250 mL 7.2% NaCl/6%
      hydroxyethyl starch (HT group) or 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (IT group).
      Hemodynamic measurements included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), central
      venous pressure, stroke volume index, stroke volume variation, intrathoracic
      blood volume index, gastric tonometry, and sublingual microcirculatory flow as
      assessed by sidestream dark field imaging. Systolic tissue Doppler imaging
      velocities of the medial mitral annulus were measured using echocardiography to
      assess left ventricular contractility. Log transformation of the ratio MAP
      divided by the norepinephrine infusion rate (log MAP/NE) quantified the combined
      effect on both parameters. Compared with the IT group, hypertonic solution
      treatment resulted in an improvement in log MAP/NE (P = 0.008), as well as an
      increase in systolic tissue Doppler imaging velocities (P = 0.03) and stroke
      volume index (P = 0.017). No differences between the groups were found for
      preload parameters (central venous pressure, stroke volume variation,
      intrathoracic blood volume index) or for afterload parameters (systemic vascular
      resistance index, MAP). Hypertonic solution treatment decreased the need for
      ongoing fluid resuscitation (P = 0.046). No differences between groups were
      observed regarding tonometry or the sublingual microvascular variables. In
      patients with septic shock, hypertonic fluid administration did not promote
      gastrointestinal mucosal perfusion or sublingual microcirculatory blood flow in
      comparison to isotonic fluid. Independent of changes in preload or afterload,
      hypertonic fluid administration improved the cardiac contractility and vascular
      tone compared with isotonic fluid. The need for ongoing fluid resuscitation was
      also reduced.

PMID- 22089206
TI  - Panax quinquefolium saponins reduce myocardial hypoxia-reoxygenation injury by
      inhibiting excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - Excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) disrupts protein translation,
      protein folding, and calcium homeostasis and may contribute to ischemia
      reperfusion injury. Saponins extracted from the stems and leaves of Panax
      quinquefolium (PQS) protect rat myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion injury,
      but it is not known if suppression of ERS contributes to cardioprotection.
      Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R) in the
      presence of PQS or vehicle. Cell injury and apoptosis were assayed by trypan blue
      exclusion, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and flow cytometry. In addition,
      reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to
      examine mRNA and protein expression of the ERS-related proteins glucose-regulated
      protein 78, calreticulin, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, and
      caspase-12, as well as the apoptosis-associated proteins Bax and Bcl-2. We
      confirmed that PQS protects cardiomyocytes from H-R-induced injury and apoptotic
      cell death. Furthermore, PQS suppressed H-R-induced excessive ERS, as evidenced
      by reduced caspase 12 activation and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78,
      calreticulin, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein
      overexpression. These results indicated that PQS could alleviate H-R injury of
      cardiomyocytes, which would be probably related to inhibiting excessive ERS
      induced by H-R.

PMID- 22089207
TI  - Immunology in the limelight.

PMID- 22089209
TI  - Provocative exhibits at the Seventeen Gallery.

PMID- 22089210
TI  - It takes two to tango: a new couple in the family of ubiquitin-editing complexes.

PMID- 22089211
TI  - Beta-testing NKT cell self-reactivity.

PMID- 22089212
TI  - A rescue gone wrong.

PMID- 22089213
TI  - Turning transcription on or off with STAT5: when more is less.

PMID- 22089220
TI  - Programmed necrosis: backup to and competitor with apoptosis in the immune
      system.
AB  - Programmed cell death is essential for the development and maintenance of the
      immune system and its responses to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Studies have
      demonstrated that in addition to caspase-dependent apoptosis, necrosis dependent
      on the kinases RIP1 and RIP3 (also called necroptosis) is a major programmed cell
      death pathway in development and immunity. These two programmed cell-death
      pathways may suppress each other, and necroptosis also serves as an alternative
      when caspase-dependent apoptosis is inhibited or absent. Here we summarize recent
      advancements that have identified the molecular mechanisms that underlie
      necroptosis and explore the mechanisms that regulate the interplay between
      apoptosis and necroptosis.

PMID- 22089221
TI  - Validation of questionnaires to estimate adherence to the Mediterranean diet and
      life habits in older individuals in Southern Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the nutritional
      behaviour of an elderly urban population in Southern Spain, estimating their
      degree of adherence to the Mediterranean. DIET DESIGN: A population-based cross
      sectional nutritional survey, recruiting a representative sample of elderly
      inhabitants. The study sample comprised 260 people. The mean age was 73.60 yrs
      for the men and 72.25 yrs for the women. Around 70% lived with their family.
      RESULTS: The questionnaires used were first validated by using the Bland-Altman
      plot and the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. The degree of adherence to the
      Mediterranean Diet was around 50%, similar to findings in other Mediterranean
      populations. We highlight the mean consumption of milk and milk products (300-317
      g/day) and of fruit/vegetables (250 g/day), which are slightly below
      recommendations. Our study subjects were all autonomous in their movements and
      were physically independent: 80% reported that they performed some type of
      physical activity. CONCLUSION: In this study, both adherence to the Mediterranean
      Diet and physical activity were considered as components of a healthy life. In
      summary, a majority of this elderly population was slightly overweight,
      considered themselves to be in good health.

PMID- 22089222
TI  - The oldest old: red blood cell and plasma folate in African American and white
      octogenarians and centenarians in Georgia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall folate status of a population-based multi
      ethnic sample of octogenarians and centenarians and the specific dietary,
      demographic and physiological factors associated with observed abnormalities.
      DESIGN: Population-based multiethnic sample of adults aged 80 to 89 and 98 and
      above. SETTING: Northern Georgia, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women aged 80 to 89
      (octogenarians, n = 77) and 98 and older (centenarians, n = 199). ANALYSES:
      Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Chi square and logistic regression analyses were
      used to examine associations of low and high folate status with hematological
      indicators and other variables of interest. RESULTS: The prevalence of low red
      blood cell (RBC) folate was low overall, but tended to be higher in centenarians
      than in octogenarians (6.5% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.058; defined as RBC folate < 317
      nmol/L). The risk of having lower RBC folate (< 25th vs. > 25th percentile for
      RBC folate for 60yr+ in NHANES 1999-2000) was greater in association with vitamin
      B12 deficiency (OR = 5.36; 95%CI: 2.87-10.01), African American race (OR = 4.29;
      95%CI: 2.08-8.83), and residence in a skilled nursing facility (OR = 3.25; 95%CI:
      1.56-6.78) but was not influenced by age, gender, B-vitamin supplement use,
      high/low food score or presence of atrophic gastritis. Combined high plasma
      folate and low vitamin B12 status was present in some individuals (n=11), but was
      not associated with increased prevalence of anemia or cognitive impairment in
      this study. CONCLUSIONS: Low RBC folate status (< 317 nmol/L) was rare in this
      post folic acid fortification sample of octogenarians and centenarians. RBC
      folate status (< 25th percentile) was strongly associated with 1) vitamin B12
      deficiency, which has strong implications for vitamin treatment, and 2) with
      being African American, suggesting racial disparities exist even in the oldest
      old.

PMID- 22089223
TI  - Older people with diabetes have higher risk of depression, cognitive and
      functional impairments: implications for diabetes services.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between diabetes and impairments in
      functional and cognitive status as well as depression in older people. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Elderly Health Centres (EHC) in Hong Kong.
      PARTICIPANTS: 66,813 older people receiving baseline assessment at EHC in 1998 to
      2001. MEASUREMENTS: Diabetes status was defined by self-report and blood glucose
      tests. Functional status was assessed by 5 items of instrumental activities of
      daily living (IADL) and 7 items of activities of daily living (ADL). Cognitive
      status was screened by the Abbreviated Mental Test-Hong Kong version (AMT).
      Depressive symptoms were screened by the Geriatric Depression Scale-Chinese
      version (GDS). RESULTS: Among the subjects, 10.4% reported having regular
      treatment for diabetes, 3.4% had diabetes but were not receiving regular
      treatment, and 86.2% did not have diabetes. After controlling for age, sex and
      education level, those having regular treatment for diabetes were 1.7 times more
      likely (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.51-1.80) to have functional impairment, 1.3 times more
      likely (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.11-1.48) to have cognitive impairment and 1.3 times
      more likely (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.25-1.46) to have depression, than older people
      without diabetes. CONCLUSION: Older people with diabetes may be less capable of
      managing the disease than the younger ones as a result of increased risk of both
      physical and cognitive impairment. This study provided further evidence for the
      need of an international consensus statement regarding care of diabetes in older
      people.

PMID- 22089224
TI  - Oxidative stress, frailty and cognitive decline.
AB  - The causes of frailty are complex and must be accepted as multidimensional based
      on the interplay of genetic, biological, physical, psychological, social and
      environmental factors, although inflammation and oxidative stress are two factors
      that play an important role in the development of symptoms with those fragile
      states. OBJECTIVE: to establish the relationship between oxidative stress,
      frailty and decline cognitive. METHODS: A review of the literature and data
      abstraction from papers are showing the relationship between a) oxidative stress
      and frailty, b) oxidative stress and decline cognitive. RESULTS: The papers
      reviewed showed that we can establish a relationship between the progress of
      neurodegenerative disorders and increased oxidative stress. Also found in
      frailty, that oxidative stress plays an important role as one of the starting
      points for the appearance of permanent inflammatory states. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      the literature indicates the relationship between oxidative stress, frailty and
      decline cognitive, more studies are needed in this regard, especially
      interventions that asses whether increased intake of antioxidants in older
      frailty may improve the progress of disease and slow cognitive decline.

PMID- 22089225
TI  - The effects of diet education plus light resistance training on coronary heart
      disease risk factors in community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of diet education (DE) plus light resistance
      training (RT) on coronary heart disease risk (CHD) factors, specifically dietary
      quality, blood lipid and C-Reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in overweight
      and obese older adults in a community setting. DESIGN: Community outreach
      intervention with a quasi-experimental design. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A total
      of 96 subjects, 16 males and 80 females, aged 69.2 +/- 6.2 years, community
      dwelling, and from one of four senior centers in Rhode Island. INTERVENTION:
      Subjects participated in 30 minutes of DE (once per week) and ~80 minutes of RT
      (two separate sessions per week) for eight weeks. The DE sessions were led by a
      registered dietitian. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometrics (height, weight, waist
      circumference, hip circumference, and body composition), clinical (blood
      pressure), biochemical (lipid profile, glucose, and CRP concentrations), and diet
      quality measured by the Dietary Screening Tool (DST). RESULTS: A significant
      change was seen in DST risk categories from baseline to post-intervention, chi2
      (2)=20.43, p < 0.01. Significant differences were seen in triacylglycerol
      (p=0.028) as well as in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, weight, waist
      circumference, hip circumference, percent body fat, fat mass, and body mass index
      (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This intervention effectively decreased CHD risk in
      overweight and obese older adults. Future research is needed to examine the
      effects of longer DE plus RT interventions with greater weight loss on the lipid
      profile and CRP concentrations in overweight and obese older adults at risk for
      CHD.

PMID- 22089226
TI  - Nutrition risk factors among home delivered and congregate meal participants:
      need for enhancement of nutrition education and counseling among home delivered
      meal participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The short-term impact of nutrition education and counseling
      intervention on nutrition risk factors among home delivered (HDM) and congregate
      (CGM) meal participants using Nutrition Survey Risk Screening was studied.
      DESIGN: A two-year intervention was conducted with 355 participants (n=259 CGM,
      n=96 HDM). Various nutrition behaviors that affect the nutrition risk score were
      compared. SETTING: Congregate and home delivered meal locations in a northern
      county of New Jersey. PARTICIPANTS: CGM and HDM participants in a northern county
      of New Jersey age 60 and older. INTERVENTION: CGM participants received regular
      topical nutrition education and counseling in a classroom format with cooking
      demo, discussion, and handouts. The HDM participants only received the printed
      material (same handouts) and counseling by telephone. MEASUREMENTS: Demographics,
      medical condition, risk factors data were collected. All participants completed
      the 12 items checklist Nutrition Survey Risk Screening. Nutritional behaviors
      assessed include number of meals eaten per day, servings of fruits and vegetables
      and nutrition risk score. A score of 6 or more points was defined as persons at
      high risk nutritionally. The impact of the intervention was evaluated using
      ANOVA/chi-square on Nutrition Survey Risk Screening. RESULTS: Nutrition education
      and counseling intervention improved nutrition risk scores; 5.76 to 5.32 (p=0.14)
      in CGM, 8.1 to 6.1 (p<0.01) in HDM. A slight improvement in nutrition behaviors
      was noted: eating >= 2 meals in HDM (76 to 81.6 %, p= .310), eating >= 5 servings
      of fruits and vegetables in CGM (38 to 41.4 %, p=. 398). CONCLUSION: Appropriate
      nutrition intervention for both HDM and CGM participants can improve health
      condition and delay chronic diseases. HDM participants need to be a primary focus
      for more effective nutrition education and counseling.

PMID- 22089227
TI  - Senile anorexia in different geriatric settings in Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anorexia is the most frequent modification of eating habits in old
      age, which may lead to malnutrition and consequent morbidity and mortality in
      older adults. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated to
      anorexia in a sample of Italian older persons living in different settings. Our
      secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of senile anorexia on nutritional status
      and on eating habits, as well as on functional status. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Observational study in nursing homes, in rehabilitation and acute geriatric
      wards, and in the community in four Italian regions (Lazio, Sicily, Emilia
      Romagna, and Veneto). PARTICIPANTS: 526 over 65 years old participants were
      recruited; 218 free-living subjects, 213 from nursing homes, and 96 patients from
      rehabilitation and acute geriatric wards in the context of a National Research
      Project (PRIN) from the Italian Ministry of Instruction, University and Research
      (2005-067913 "Cause e Prevalenza dell'Anoressia senile"). MEASUREMENTS:
      Anthropometric and nutritional evaluation, olfactory, chewing, and swallowing
      capacity, food preferences, cognitive function, functional status, depression,
      quality of life, social aspects, prescribed drugs, and evaluation of
      gastrointestinal symptoms and pain. Laboratory parameters included prealbumin,
      albumin, transferrin, C-reactive protein, mucoprotein, lymphocyte count, as well
      as neurotransmitters leptin, and ghrelin. Anorexia was considered as >=50%
      reduction in food intake vs. a standard meal (using 3-day "Club Francophone de
      Geriatrie et Nutrition" form), in absence of oral disorders preventing
      mastication. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anorexia was 21.2% with higher
      values among hospitalized patients (34.1% women and 27.2% men in long-term
      facilities; 33.3% women and 26.7% men in rehabilitation and geriatric wards; 3.3%
      women and 11.3% men living in the community) and in the oldest persons. Anorexic
      subjects were significantly less self-sufficient and presented more often a
      compromised nutritional and cognitive status. Diet composition analyses of
      anorexic older adults revealed a lower intake of all food groups and a general
      tendency to a monotonous diet. CONCLUSION: Anorexia is a frequent condition in
      older Italians, particularly those hospitalized, with important consequences in
      the nutritional and functional status. The analysis of dietary components and its
      quality along with the frequency of intake of single food groups may be useful to
      plan intervention strategies aiming to improve the nutritional and health status
      of older adults with anorexia. An early detection of anorexia followed by an
      adequate intervention in older hospitalized patients to avoid further worsening
      of clinical and functional status is warranted.

PMID- 22089228
TI  - Definition of frailty in older men according to questionnaire data (RAND-36/SF
      36): The Helsinki Businessmen Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of frailty according to questionnaire data
      (modified Fried criteria) with important endpoints in older men. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: Prospective cohort study (the Helsinki Businessmen Study) in Finland.
      PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: In 1974, clinically healthy men (born 1919-1934,
      n=1815) of similar socioeconomic status were identified. After a 26-year follow
      up in 2000 (mean age 73 years), disease prevalence, mobility-disability, and
      frailty status (80.9% of survivors, n=1125) were appraised using a postal
      questionnaire including RAND-36. Four criteria were used for definition: 1) >5%
      weight loss from midlife, or body mass index (BMI) <21 kg/m2; 2) reported
      physical inactivity; 3) low vitality (RAND-36); 4) physical weakness (RAND-36).
      Responders with 3-4, 1-2, and zero criteria were classified as frail (n=108),
      prefrail (n=567), and nonfrail (n=450), respectively. Eight-year mortality was
      assessed from registers, and in 2007, survivors were re-assessed with
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Nonfrail as referent and adjusted for age, BMI and
      smoking, both prefrail (HR 2.26; 95% CI, 1.57-3.26), and frail status (4.09; 95%
      CI, 2.60-6.44) were significant predictors of mortality. Nonfrailty predicted
      better survival independently of the frailty components, diseases, and
      disability, and also predicted faster walking speed and less disability 7 years
      later. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty, and also prefrailty, as defined using questionnaire
      data (RAND-36) independently predicted important endpoints in older men.

PMID- 22089229
TI  - Prevalence of at-risk drinking among older adults and associated sociodemographic
      and health-related factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recognition of alcohol-related health problems in the elderly is
      challenging. Alcohol use also tends to be a hidden issue. The aim of this study
      was to examine the prevalence and at-risk drinking patterns in community-dwelling
      older adults and their associations with socio-demographic and health-related
      factors. DESIGN: The data were collected with a postal questionnaire from a
      random sample of 2100 elderly people (>= 65 years) living in the medium-sized
      city of Espoo, Finland. The response rate was 71.6% from the community-dwelling
      sample. We defined the amount of at-risk drinking as 1) consuming >7 drinks per
      week or 2) >5 drinks on a typical drinking day or 3) using >3 drinks several
      times per week. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 8.2% (N=114) were at-risk drinkers.
      At-risk drinking was associated with younger age and male sex, higher level of
      education, good income, living with a spouse, and current smoking. In addition,
      good functioning was associated with at-risk drinking. Although frequency and
      quantity of alcohol consumption declined with age, of our respondents nearly one
      fifth of men aged 71-80 years and one-tenth of men aged 81-90 years could be
      classified as at-risk drinkers. At-risk drinkers had comorbidities and multiple
      medications as often as non-risk group. A significantly larger proportion of the
      at-risk drinking group relative to the non-risk group admitted falling or
      injuring themselves (5.3% vs. 0.7%) or forgotten to take their medications
      because of the use of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: At-risk drinking is prevalent among
      older adults, particularly among males, despite prevalent comorbidities and
      multiple medications. At-risk drinking is associated with adverse events such as
      a tendency for injuries.

PMID- 22089230
TI  - Frequency of dairy consumption and functional disability in older persons.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between dairy products consumption
      frequency and functional disability in older persons. DESIGN: Data were from the
      2005 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), consisting
      of 747 (324 men, 423 women) aged 65 years and older living in the community.
      Frequencies of milk and milk products consumption were obtained using a food
      frequency questionnaire and functional disability was assessed using the
      instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and ADL scales. Logistic
      regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of dairy
      consumption frequency with IADL and ADL disability. RESULTS: In men, dietary
      intake of dairy products was associated with a significantly reduced risk of IADL
      disability after controlling for known functional disability risk factors and
      other dietary factors (p for trend, 0.038). Compared with men who consumed dairy
      products < 1 time/week, those who consumed >= 1 time/day had a reduced risk of
      IADL disability (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.91).
      Meanwhile, milk and milk products consumption was not significantly associated
      with ADL disability. In women, dairy products consumption was not significantly
      associated with physical disability. CONCLUSION: Frequent milk and milk products
      consumption is inversely associated with IADL disability in older men. Further
      research is needed to ascertain the protective effect of dairy products
      consumption on functional disability in older persons.

PMID- 22089231
TI  - Are exploited fish populations stable?

PMID- 22089234
TI  - What is the appropriate description level for synaptic plasticity?

PMID- 22089233
TI  - Microbial methane production in oxygenated water column of an oligotrophic lake.
AB  - The prevailing paradigm in aquatic science is that microbial methanogenesis
      happens primarily in anoxic environments. Here, we used multiple complementary
      approaches to show that microbial methane production could and did occur in the
      well-oxygenated water column of an oligotrophic lake (Lake Stechlin, Germany).
      Oversaturation of methane was repeatedly recorded in the well-oxygenated upper 10
      m of the water column, and the methane maxima coincided with oxygen
      oversaturation at 6 m. Laboratory incubations of unamended epilimnetic lake water
      and inoculations of photoautotrophs with a lake-enrichment culture both led to
      methane production even in the presence of oxygen, and the production was not
      affected by the addition of inorganic phosphate or methylated compounds. Methane
      production was also detected by in-lake incubations of lake water, and the
      highest production rate was 1.8-2.4 nM?h(-1) at 6 m, which could explain 33-44%
      of the observed ambient methane accumulation in the same month. Temporal and
      spatial uncoupling between methanogenesis and methanotrophy was supported by
      field and laboratory measurements, which also helped explain the oversaturation
      of methane in the upper water column. Potentially methanogenic Archaea were
      detected in situ in the oxygenated, methane-rich epilimnion, and their attachment
      to photoautotrophs might allow for anaerobic growth and direct transfer of
      substrates for methane production. Specific PCR on mRNA of the methyl coenzyme M
      reductase A gene revealed active methanogenesis. Microbial methane production in
      oxygenated water represents a hitherto overlooked source of methane and can be
      important for carbon cycling in the aquatic environments and water to air methane
      flux.

PMID- 22089235
TI  - Brassica juncea plant cadmium resistance 1 protein (BjPCR1) facilitates the
      radial transport of calcium in the root.
AB  - Calcium (Ca) is an important structural component of plant cell walls and an
      intracellular messenger in plants and animals. Therefore, plants tightly control
      the balance of Ca by regulating Ca uptake and its transfer from cell to cell and
      organ to organ. Here, we propose that Brassica juncea PCR1 (PCR1), a member of
      the plant cadmium resistance (PCR) protein family in Indian mustard, is a Ca(2+)
      efflux transporter that is required for the efficient radial transfer of Ca(2+)
      in the root and is implicated in the translocation of Ca to the shoot. Knock-down
      lines of BjPCR1 were greatly stunted and translocated less Ca to the shoot than
      did the corresponding WT. The localization of BjPCR1 to the plasma membrane and
      the preferential expression of BjPCR1 in the root epidermal cells of WT plants
      suggest that BjPCR1 antisense plants could not efficiently transfer Ca(2+) from
      the root epidermis to the cells located inside the root. Protoplasts isolated
      from BjPCR1 antisense lines had lower Ca(2+) efflux activity than did those of
      the WT, and membrane vesicles isolated from BjPCR1-expressing yeast exhibited
      increased Ca(2+) transport activity. Inhibitor studies, together with theoretical
      considerations, indicate that BjPCR1 exports one Ca(2+) in exchange for three
      protons. Root hair-specific expression of BjPCR1 in Arabidopsis results in plants
      that exhibit increased Ca(2+) resistance and translocation. In conclusion, our
      data support the hypothesis that BjPCR1 is an exporter required for the
      translocation of Ca(2+) from the root epidermis to the inner cells, and
      ultimately to the shoot.

PMID- 22089232
TI  - A biophysically-based neuromorphic model of spike rate- and timing-dependent
      plasticity.
AB  - Current advances in neuromorphic engineering have made it possible to emulate
      complex neuronal ion channel and intracellular ionic dynamics in real time using
      highly compact and power-efficient complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)
      analog very-large-scale-integrated circuit technology. Recently, there has been
      growing interest in the neuromorphic emulation of the spike-timing-dependent
      plasticity (STDP) Hebbian learning rule by phenomenological modeling using CMOS,
      memristor or other analog devices. Here, we propose a CMOS circuit implementation
      of a biophysically grounded neuromorphic (iono-neuromorphic) model of synaptic
      plasticity that is capable of capturing both the spike rate-dependent plasticity
      (SRDP, of the Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro or BCM type) and STDP rules. The iono
      neuromorphic model reproduces bidirectional synaptic changes with NMDA receptor
      dependent and intracellular calcium-mediated long-term potentiation or long-term
      depression assuming retrograde endocannabinoid signaling as a second coincidence
      detector. Changes in excitatory or inhibitory synaptic weights are registered and
      stored in a nonvolatile and compact digital format analogous to the discrete
      insertion and removal of AMPA or GABA receptor channels. The versatile Hebbian
      synapse device is applicable to a variety of neuroprosthesis, brain-machine
      interface, neurorobotics, neuromimetic computation, machine learning, and neural
      inspired adaptive control problems.

PMID- 22089236
TI  - Cooking clue to human dietary diversity.

PMID- 22089237
TI  - Constitutive coupling of a naturally occurring human alpha1a-adrenergic receptor
      genetic variant to EGFR transactivation pathway.
AB  - We previously identified a naturally occurring human SNP, G247R, in the third
      intracellular loop of the alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1a)-247R) and
      demonstrated that constitutive expression of alpha(1a)-247R results in twofold
      increased cell proliferation compared with WT. In the present study we elucidate
      molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways responsible for increased
      cell proliferation unique to alpha(1a)-247R, but not alpha(1a)-WT, alpha(1b), or
      alpha(1d)AR subtypes. We show that elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7
      (MMP7) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-12 (ADAM12) in alpha(1a)-247R
      expressing cells are responsible for EGF receptor (EGFR) transactivation,
      downstream ERK activation, and increased cell proliferation; this pathway is
      confirmed using MMP, EGFR, and ERK inhibitors. We demonstrate that EGFR
      transactivation and downstream ERK activation depends on increased shedding of
      heparin-binding EGF. Finally, we demonstrate that knockdown of MMP7 or beta
      arrestin1 by shRNAs results in attenuation of proliferation of cells expressing
      alpha(1a)-247R. Importantly, accelerated cell proliferation triggered by the
      alpha(1a)-247R is serum- and agonist-independent, providing unique evidence for
      constitutive active coupling to the beta-arrestin1/MMP/EGFR transactivation
      pathway by any G protein-coupled receptor. These findings raise the possibility
      of a previously unexplored mechanism for sympathetically mediated human
      hypertension triggered by a naturally occurring human genetic variant.

PMID- 22089238
TI  - Profile of V. Craig Jordan.

PMID- 22089239
TI  - Agonist-induced PKC phosphorylation regulates GluK2 SUMOylation and kainate
      receptor endocytosis.
AB  - The surface expression and regulated endocytosis of kainate (KA) receptors (KARs)
      plays a critical role in neuronal function. PKC can modulate KAR trafficking, but
      the sites of action and molecular consequences have not been fully characterized.
      Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification of the KAR subunit GluK2
      mediates agonist-evoked internalization, but how KAR activation leads to GluK2
      SUMOylation is unclear. Here we show that KA stimulation causes rapid
      phosphorylation of GluK2 by PKC, and that PKC activation increases GluK2
      SUMOylation both in vitro and in neurons. The intracellular C-terminal domain of
      GluK2 contains two predicted PKC phosphorylation sites, S846 and S868, both of
      which are phosphorylated in response to KA. Phosphomimetic mutagenesis of S868
      increased GluK2 SUMOylation, and mutation of S868 to a nonphosphorylatable
      alanine prevented KA-induced SUMOylation and endocytosis in neurons. Infusion of
      SUMO-1 dramatically reduced KAR-mediated currents in HEK293 cells expressing WT
      GluK2 or nonphosphorylatable S846A mutant, but had no effect on currents mediated
      by the S868A mutant. These data demonstrate that agonist activation of GluK2
      promotes PKC-dependent phosphorylation of S846 and S868, but that only S868
      phosphorylation is required to enhance GluK2 SUMOylation and promote endocytosis.
      Thus, direct phosphorylation by PKC and GluK2 SUMOylation are intimately linked
      in regulating the surface expression and function of GluK2-containing KARs.

PMID- 22089240
TI  - Delayed cord clamping and improved infant outcomes.

PMID- 22089241
TI  - Is it unethical for doctors to encourage healthy adults to donate a kidney to a
      stranger? No.

PMID- 22089243
TI  - Is it unethical for doctors to encourage healthy adults to donate a kidney to a
      stranger? Yes.

PMID- 22089242
TI  - Effect of delayed versus early umbilical cord clamping on neonatal outcomes and
      iron status at 4 months: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of delayed umbilical cord clamping,
      compared with early clamping, on infant iron status at 4 months of age in a
      European setting. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Swedish county
      hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 400 full term infants born after a low risk pregnancy.
      INTERVENTION: Infants were randomised to delayed umbilical cord clamping (>= 180
      seconds after delivery) or early clamping (<= 10 seconds after delivery). MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Haemoglobin and iron status at 4 months of age with the power
      estimate based on serum ferritin levels. Secondary outcomes included neonatal
      anaemia, early respiratory symptoms, polycythaemia, and need for phototherapy.
      RESULTS: At 4 months of age, infants showed no significant differences in
      haemoglobin concentration between the groups, but infants subjected to delayed
      cord clamping had 45% (95% confidence interval 23% to 71%) higher mean ferritin
      concentration (117 MUg/L v 81 MUg/L, P < 0.001) and a lower prevalence of iron
      deficiency (1 (0.6%) v 10 (5.7%), P = 0.01, relative risk reduction 0.90; number
      needed to treat = 20 (17 to 67)). As for secondary outcomes, the delayed cord
      clamping group had lower prevalence of neonatal anaemia at 2 days of age (2
      (1.2%) v 10 (6.3%), P = 0.02, relative risk reduction 0.80, number needed to
      treat 20 (15 to 111)). There were no significant differences between groups in
      postnatal respiratory symptoms, polycythaemia, or hyperbilirubinaemia requiring
      phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed cord clamping, compared with early clamping,
      resulted in improved iron status and reduced prevalence of iron deficiency at 4
      months of age, and reduced prevalence of neonatal anaemia, without demonstrable
      adverse effects. As iron deficiency in infants even without anaemia has been
      associated with impaired development, delayed cord clamping seems to benefit full
      term infants even in regions with a relatively low prevalence of iron deficiency
      anaemia. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT01245296.

PMID- 22089244
TI  - Acquired Omenn-like syndrome, a novel posttransplant autoaggression syndrome
      reversed by rapamycin.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease is uncommon in autologous hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (HCT) and is typically brief and mild. We report unusual,
      protracted, and severe Omenn syndrome-like autoaggression following autologous
      HCT. We identified a profound FOXP3(+) regulatory T cell defect that coincided
      with hyperinflammatory T cell responses which were reversible with rapamycin in
      vitro.

PMID- 22089245
TI  - Anthrax vaccine antigen-adjuvant formulations completely protect New Zealand
      white rabbits against challenge with Bacillus anthracis Ames strain spores.
AB  - In an effort to develop an improved anthrax vaccine that shows high potency, five
      different anthrax protective antigen (PA)-adjuvant vaccine formulations that were
      previously found to be efficacious in a nonhuman primate model were evaluated for
      their efficacy in a rabbit pulmonary challenge model using Bacillus anthracis
      Ames strain spores. The vaccine formulations include PA adsorbed to Alhydrogel,
      PA encapsulated in liposomes containing monophosphoryl lipid A, stable liposomal
      PA oil-in-water emulsion, PA displayed on bacteriophage T4 by the intramuscular
      route, and PA mixed with Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin administered by
      the needle-free transcutaneous route. Three of the vaccine formulations
      administered by the intramuscular or the transcutaneous route as a three-dose
      regimen induced 100% protection in the rabbit model. One of the formulations,
      liposomal PA, also induced significantly higher lethal toxin neutralizing
      antibodies than PA-Alhydrogel. Even 5 months after the second immunization of a
      two-dose regimen, rabbits vaccinated with liposomal PA were 100% protected from
      lethal challenge with Ames strain spores. In summary, the needle-free skin
      delivery and liposomal formulation that were found to be effective in two
      different animal model systems appear to be promising candidates for next
      generation anthrax vaccine development.

PMID- 22089246
TI  - Optimized adenovirus-antibody complexes stimulate strong cellular and humoral
      immune responses against an encoded antigen in naive mice and those with
      preexisting immunity.
AB  - The immune response to recombinant adenoviruses is the most significant
      impediment to their clinical use for immunization. We test the hypothesis that
      specific virus-antibody combinations dictate the type of immune response
      generated against the adenovirus and its transgene cassette under certain
      physiological conditions while minimizing vector-induced toxicity. In vitro and
      in vivo assays were used to characterize the transduction efficiency, the T and B
      cell responses to the encoded transgene, and the toxicity of 1 * 10(11)
      adenovirus particles mixed with different concentrations of neutralizing
      antibodies. Complexes formed at concentrations of 500 to 0.05 times the 50%
      neutralizing dose (ND(50)) elicited strong virus- and transgene-specific T cell
      responses. The 0.05-ND(50) formulation elicited measurable anti-transgene
      antibodies that were similar to those of virus alone (P = 0.07). This preparation
      also elicited very strong transgene-specific memory T cell responses (28.6 +/-
      5.2% proliferation versus 7.7 +/- 1.4% for virus alone). Preexisting immunity
      significantly reduced all responses elicited by these formulations. Although
      lower concentrations (0.005 and 0.0005 ND(50)) of antibody did not improve
      cellular and humoral responses in naive animals, they did promote strong cellular
      (0.005 ND(50)) and humoral (0.0005 ND(50)) responses in mice with preexisting
      immunity. Some virus-antibody complexes may improve the potency of adenovirus
      based vaccines in naive individuals, while others can sway the immune response in
      those with preexisting immunity. Additional studies with these and other virus
      antibody ratios may be useful to predict and model the type of immune responses
      generated against a transgene in those with different levels of exposure to
      adenovirus.

PMID- 22089247
TI  - Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination using dendritic cells primed with
      peptide 10 derived from the 43-kilodalton glycoprotein of Paracoccidioides
      brasiliensis.
AB  - Vaccination with peptide 10 (P10), derived from the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
      glycoprotein 43 (gp43), induces a Th1 response that protects mice in an
      intratracheal P. brasiliensis infection model. Combining P10 with complete
      Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or other adjuvants further increases the peptide's
      antifungal effect. Since dendritic cells (DCs) are up to 1,000-fold more
      efficient at activating T cells than CFA, we examined the impact of P10-primed
      bone-marrow-derived DC vaccination in mice. Splenocytes from mice immunized with
      P10 were stimulated in vitro with P10 or P10-primed DCs. T cell proliferation was
      significantly increased in the presence of P10-primed DCs compared to the
      peptide. The protective efficacy of P10-primed DCs was studied in an
      intratracheal P. brasiliensis model in BALB/c mice. Administration of P10-primed
      DCs prior to (via subcutaneous vaccination) or weeks after (via either
      subcutaneous or intravenous injection) P. brasiliensis infection decreased
      pulmonary damage and significantly reduced fungal burdens. The protective
      response mediated by the injection of primed DCs was characterized mainly by an
      increased production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 12 (IL-12)
      and a reduction in IL-10 and IL-4 compared to those of infected mice that
      received saline or unprimed DCs. Hence, our data demonstrate the potential of P10
      primed DCs as a vaccine capable of both the rapid protection against the
      development of serious paracoccidioidomycosis or the treatment of established P.
      brasiliensis disease.

PMID- 22089248
TI  - Poly-gamma-glutamic acid nanoparticles and aluminum adjuvant used as an adjuvant
      with a single dose of Japanese encephalitis virus-like particles provide
      effective protection from Japanese encephalitis virus.
AB  - To maintain immunity against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a formalin
      inactivated Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine should be administered several
      times. The repeated vaccination is not helpful in the case of a sudden outbreak
      of JEV or when urgent travel to a high-JEV-risk region is required; however,
      there are few single-injection JE vaccine options. In the present study, we
      investigated the efficacy of a single dose of a new effective JE virus-like
      particle preparation containing the JE envelope protein (JE-VLP). Although single
      administration with JE-VLP protected less than 50% of mice against lethal JEV
      infection, adding poly(gamma-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (gamma-PGA-NPs) or
      aluminum adjuvant (alum) to JE-VLP significantly protected more than 90% of the
      mice. A single injection of JE-VLP with either gamma-PGA-NPs or alum induced a
      significantly greater anti-JEV neutralizing antibody titer than JE-VLP alone. The
      enhanced titers were maintained for more than 6 months, resulting in long-lasting
      protection of 90% of the immunized mice. Although the vaccine design needs
      further modification to reach 100% protection, a single dose of JE-VLP with gamma
      PGA-NPs may be a useful step in developing a next-generation vaccine to stop a JE
      outbreak or to immunize travelers or military personnel.

PMID- 22089249
TI  - Influence of dietary sodium modulation on electrocardiographic voltage criteria
      for left ventricular hypertrophy in normotensive individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dietary sodium intake and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on
      electrocardiogram (ECG) are both independent determinants of cardiovascular risk.
      Prior studies demonstrated that acute dietary sodium modulation significantly
      altered LVH-specific ECG voltage in hypertensive individuals, thus modifying
      cardiovascular risk prediction; but whether this phenomenon exists in
      normotensive individuals is not known. We evaluated the influence of dietary
      sodium intake on ECG voltage and ECG criteria for LVH in normotensive
      individuals. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of ECGs of healthy normotensive
      individuals (n = 39) who were prospectively randomized to a dietary study
      protocol of 1 week of high-sodium diet (>200 mmol of sodium per day) and 1 week
      of low-sodium diet (<10 mmol/d) was conducted. Electrocardiogram voltage
      amplitudes and biochemical assessments were performed at the end of each dietary
      intervention. RESULTS: As expected, blood pressure declined and measures of
      circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity rose significantly with
      low-sodium diet. No significant changes in specific LVH voltage criteria or
      overall precordial or limb lead ECG voltage amplitudes were detected between
      diets. CONCLUSION: Although immediate dietary sodium modulation has been shown to
      significantly alter LVH-specific ECG voltage and the detection of LVH in
      hypertensive individuals, dietary sodium intake did not influence ECG voltage in
      normotensive individuals. Healthy normotensive individuals may exhibit adaptive
      measures that dampen ECG voltage fluctuations in response to dietary sodium
      modulation. More specific cardiac imaging studies may provide additional insight
      into this observation and the influence of dietary sodium in cardiac health.

PMID- 22089250
TI  - Properties and structure of interfacial layers formed by hydrophilic silica
      dispersions and palmitic acid.
AB  - The properties and structure of different types of interfacial layers obtained
      from aqueous dispersions of nanometric silica and palmitic acid (PA) have been
      studied and characterized by different diagnostics and measurements. The
      investigations concern PA monolayers spread on the silica dispersions,
      dispersions in contact with PA solutions in oil and silica dispersions containing
      PA, aiming at elucidating the role of the PA interaction with the particles and
      investigating the surface-activity of the originated silica-PA complexes. Drop
      shape tensiometry was utilized to measure the dynamic surface and interfacial
      tension while a Langmuir trough apparatus was used to obtain compression
      isotherms of the spread PA layers and to measure the dilational viscoelasticity
      according to the oscillating barrier method. Brewster angle microscopy and
      ellipsometry were utilized to investigate the lateral and vertical structure of
      the interfacial layers. From this multifold approach emerges a complex picture of
      the features of these interfacial layers that can be rationalized on the basis of
      the adsorption of PA on the particle surface. The results evidence a threshold in
      PA adsorption above which particles change from hydrophilic to partially
      hydrophobic, promoting their incorporation into the interfacial layer.

PMID- 22089252
TI  - Presence of minimal change esophagitis closely correlates with pathological
      conditions in the stomach.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is suggested that minimal change (grade M) esophagitis is a
      spectrum of gastric acid reflux disease. We evaluated the clinical significance
      of grade M esophagitis, including its subtypes (reddish change: MR and whitish
      change: MW), especially with attempt to pathological conditions in the stomach
      that relates to gastric acid secretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 241 subjects
      undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy for various indications, we investigated
      the association between grade M esophagitis with histological and serological
      severity of gastritis and endoscopic degree of atrophy. We also examined its
      association with ulcer diseases and various symptoms. RESULTS: When grade M cases
      were divided into MR and MW, all MR cases had MW in considerable degrees.
      Dyspeptic symptoms were more likely to be associated with H. pylori negative
      grade M cases, while presence of duodenal ulcer and its scar were associated with
      Helicobacter pylori-positive grade M cases. In all subjects, histological
      parameters, especially in the corpus, were lower in grade M cases compared to
      normal appearance. In grade M cases, degree of acute and chronic inflammation,
      and atrophy in corpus were lowest in cases that have grade MR. Grade M cases were
      also associated with higher pepsinogen I/II ratio and lower endoscopic atrophy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pathological conditions of the stomach relate to higher gastric acid
      secretion correlates with grade M esophagitis. In grade M cases, appearance of MR
      may reflect higher gastric acid secretion or severe acid reflux than cases that
      have grade MW only.

PMID- 22089251
TI  - Understanding biomolecular motion, recognition, and allostery by use of
      conformational ensembles.
AB  - We review the role conformational ensembles can play in the analysis of
      biomolecular dynamics, molecular recognition, and allostery. We introduce
      currently available methods for generating ensembles of biomolecules and
      illustrate their application with relevant examples from the literature. We show
      how, for binding, conformational ensembles provide a way of distinguishing the
      competing models of induced fit and conformational selection. For allostery we
      review the classic models and show how conformational ensembles can play a role
      in unravelling the intricate pathways of communication that enable allostery to
      occur. Finally, we discuss the limitations of conformational ensembles and
      highlight some potential applications for the future.

PMID- 22089253
TI  - Abdominal mass, anemia, diabetes mellitus, and necrolytic migratory erythema.

PMID- 22089254
TI  - Durability of infliximab dose intensification in Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dose intensification is a common approach to treat Crohn's disease
      (CD) patients who lose response to infliximab maintenance therapy. Few studies
      have reported upon its long-term efficacy or predictors of response. AIM: The
      goal of this study is to investigate durability and predictors of response to
      dose intensification-including method of dose intensification, combination
      immunomodulator therapy, and premedication with intravenous hydrocortisone.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of dose-intensified CD patients at
      our institution. Dose intensification was defined as an increase in dose from 5
      to 10 mg/kg, an increase in frequency of infusions from every 8 weeks to every 6
      weeks or less, or both an increase in dose and frequency. RESULTS: Thirty CD
      patients (mean age, 39.9 years) met study criteria and underwent dose
      intensification. Ten (33.3%) patients remained on dose intensification at the end
      of our study or returned to their former infliximab dose or schedule (median
      follow-up, 41 months). Fourteen patients (46.7%) eventually lost response to dose
      intensification, but dose intensification extended infliximab therapy by a median
      duration of 9 months. Six patients (20%) didn't respond to dose intensification.
      Neither method of dose intensification, combination immunomodulator therapy, nor
      premedication with intravenous hydrocortisone predicted initial or durable
      response to dose intensification. However, analysis of predictors was limited by
      the small sample size of our study. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of CD patients
      respond to dose intensification, and a substantial portion will experience
      durable response such that infliximab therapy is successfully extended by one or
      more years.

PMID- 22089255
TI  - Thalidomide treatment in cirrhotic patients with severe anemia secondary to
      vascular malformations.

PMID- 22089256
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits the migration and invasion of A549 human lung
      adenocarcinoma cells through inactivation of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling
      pathways.
AB  - The local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the crucial components in the
      tumor microenvironment. Recent evidence suggests that the local RAS plays an
      important role in tumor metabolism, survival, angiogenesis and invasion
      processes. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an endogenous peptide of the RAS with
      vasodilator and anti-proliferative properties. Previous studies have demonstrated
      that Ang-(1-7) inhibits both the growth of human lung cancer cells in vitro and
      tumor angiogenesis in vivo through activation of the MAS receptor. This study
      investigated the anti-metastatic effect of Ang-(1-7) in A549 human lung
      adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. We found that Ang-(1-7) reduced the cell migratory
      and invasive abilities by reducing the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP
      9. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the anti-migration and anti-invasion effect
      of Ang-(1-7) was mediated through inactivation of the PI3K/Akt, P38 and JNK
      signal pathways. Our results suggest that Ang-(1-7) may have therapeutic
      potential against advanced lung carcinoma as a new agent.

PMID- 22089257
TI  - [The medical management of high risk individuals. Experiences with persons
      exposed to chronic internal irradiation].
AB  - The medical management and counseling of persons at high risk due to exposure to
      chemicals or radiation or due to personal disposition, present an additional
      challenge for physicians and especially radiologists involved. This article is
      based on own experiences with patients who had been exposed to Thorotrast. They
      had been injected with the contrast medium Thorotrast, which was in use world
      wide until around 1950. Thorotrast caused a chronic alpha irradiation mainly of
      the liver (up to 0.4 Gy/a), spleen (1.2 Gy/a) and bone marrow (0.1 Gy/a). For the
      Thorotrast patients and their physicians the most worrying problem was the risk
      of primary malignant liver tumors which occurred in more than 20% of the exposed
      persons, i.e. 100 times more frequently than in a non-exposed control group. The
      medical and especially radiological experiences with the management of these
      patients summarize a general aspect of the problem and can be referred to when
      managing other high risk groups.

PMID- 22089258
TI  - Short- and long-term outcomes following percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute
      cholecystitis in high-risk patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a less invasive method to treat acute
      cholecystitis in patients who are critically ill or have serious medical
      comorbidities precluding the use of general anesthesia. It remains controversial
      whether interval cholecystectomy is warranted. The objectives of the study were
      to determine the success rate and complications of percutaneous cholecystostomy
      and the proportion of patients without recurrent attacks in whom interval
      cholecystectomy was not needed. METHODS: This was a retrospective review to
      determine the outcomes after percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute calculous
      cholecystitis between 1995 and 2007. Administrative data were used to better
      capture recurrent symptoms requiring treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients
      with a mean age of 74 years were identified. Sixty-seven (98.5%) underwent
      successful insertion of the cholecystostomy tubes. Eleven patients suffered tube
      related complications, including tube dislodgment (9), tube blockage (1), and
      bleeding that was controlled with conservative management (1). The initial
      episode of cholecystitis was treated successfully in 58 patients (85%). The
      overall in-hospital and 30-day mortality were both 15% (10 patients). A total of
      7 patients (10%) underwent cholecystectomy while still in hospital. There were 39
      patients at risk for recurrent disease who survived the initial episode and did
      not receive an interval cholecystectomy. Of these 39 patients, 16 (41%) suffered
      recurrent gallbladder-related disease. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cholecystostomy
      is an alternative to cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculous
      cholecystitis who are at high risk for surgical mortality and morbidity. It
      appears to have a low complication rate and good clinical success. Because a
      significant number of patients suffer recurrent attacks, elective cholecystectomy
      should be considered routinely. Unfortunately, firm criteria for selecting
      percutaneous cholecystostomy over cholecystectomy are lacking, and the surgeon's
      clinical judgment is critically important.

PMID- 22089259
TI  - The prognostic impact of positive lymph nodes in stages T1 to T3 incidental
      gallbladder carcinoma: results of the German Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the literature, the 5 year survival rates for incidental
      gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) show large variations in the different T-stages
      because the lymph node status often is not addressed. Most early-stage carcinomas
      are identified by laparoscopy as IGBC, and radical re-resection is needed.
      Staging is impossible without lymph node dissection, so comparison between
      various survival rates is impossible. This study aimed to determine the influence
      of lymph node status on the survival of patients with stages T1 to T3 IGBC.
      METHODS: For data analysis, the German Registry was used. RESULTS: In this study,
      709 patients with IGBC were analyzed. The re-resected nodal-negative patients had
      a significant survival advantage over the re-resected nodal-positive patients.
      The 5 year survival rate for the patients with nodal-negative re-resected T1
      carcinomas was 75%. The re-resected T2 and T3 nodal-negative patients had
      significantly better survival than the corresponding nodal-positive patients. The
      influence that the radicalness of the different liver resection techniques had on
      these results was excluded. 53 patients without radical resection had a known
      nodal-positive status. Nodal-positive patients with radical re-resection always
      show a better survival rate than nodal-positive patients without radical re
      resection, stage for stage. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal-positive status is a significant
      negative prognostic factor in T1 to T3 IGBC. Patients with radical re-resection
      show a better survival rate than those without it. Lymph node dissection is to be
      highly recommended up to stage T1b. In the case of T2 carcinomas, lymph node
      dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament seems to be the minimum volume of lymph
      node dissection required, but more radical procedures could be beneficial for
      tumors infiltrating the serosa or beyond.

PMID- 22089260
TI  - A 20 mSv dose limit for the eye: sense or no sense?

PMID- 22089261
TI  - Male infertility in Northeast China: a cytogenetic study of 135 patients with non
      obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia.
AB  - PURPOSES: To detect the frequency and types of chromosomal anomalies with non
      obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in Northeast China, and to
      compare the frequencies with other regions of China and the world. To investigate
      the general characteristics of this population. METHODS: Eighty-one men with non
      obstructive azoospermia and 54 men with severe oligozoospermia were recruited.
      Karyotype analyses were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes using standard
      G-banding. Measurements of follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin,
      and inhibin B were obtained. RESULTS: The frequency of chromosomal anomalies for
      patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (17.28%) was comparable with studies
      from Europe, Africa, Asia, and other regions of China. However, the frequency for
      patients with severe oligozoospermia (9.26%) was slightly higher than reported
      from other Asian countries. The infertile men were more likely than the fertile
      to smoke and consume alcohol, and to have significantly lower levels of inhibin
      B. CONCLUSIONS: For infertile men in Northeast China, chromosome analysis is a
      necessary part of routine genetic testing, and the contributing effects of high
      smoking and alcohol consumption rates of this population should be discussed
      during genetic counseling.

PMID- 22089262
TI  - Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf induces generation of reactive
      oxygen species and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in rat oocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Present study was aimed to determine whether aqueous neem leaf extract
      (NLE) induces generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis through
      mitochondria-mediated pathway in rat oocytes. DESIGN: A controlled prospective
      study. SETTING: Laboratory research setting at Department of Zoology of Banaras
      Hindu University. ANIMAL(S): Forty eight sexually immature female rats that were
      20-30 days of age. INTERVENTION(S): Sexually immature female rats were fed
      palatable dose of NLE (10 mg/g dry feed palate) for 10 days and then subjected to
      superovulation induction protocol. Thereafter, rats were euthanized, ovulated
      cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from oviduct and oocytes were denuded.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rate of morphological apoptotic changes, measurement of
      hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and cytochrome c concentrations, caspase-9,
      caspases-3 activities and DNA fragmentation in oocytes. RESULTS: In vivo NLE
      treatment induced morphological apoptotic changes were associated with increased
      hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and cytochrome c concentrations, caspase-9,
      caspase-3 activities and DNA fragmentation in oocyte. CONCLUSION: NLE induces
      generation of ROS that leads to oocytes apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated
      pathway.

PMID- 22089263
TI  - Aromatase (CYP19) gene variants influence ovarian response to standard
      gonadotrophin stimulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The association of cytochrome P450 aromatase gene CYP19(TTTA) ( n )
      polymorphism with ovarian response to FSH stimulation was explored. METHODS:
      Three hundred women undergoing medically assisted reproduction and 300 women with
      at least one spontaneous pregnancy participated in the study. CYP19(TTTA) ( n )
      polymorphism was genotyped, while serum hormones were determined. During oocyte
      retrieval, the follicular size, the follicle and oocyte numbers were recorded.
      RESULTS: Six CYP19(TTTA) ( n ) alleles with 7 to 12 repeats were revealed. Women
      homozygous for long CYP19(TTTA) ( n ) alleles presented with lower serum FSH
      levels at the third day of the menstrual cycle (p < 0.001) and higher large
      follicle numbers (p < 0.01), compared to women homozygous for short CYP19(TTTA) (
      n ) alleles. The CYP19(TTTA) ( 7 ) allele was associated with higher serum FSH
      levels (p < 0.003), with lower total follicle (p < 0.02) and large follicle
      numbers (p < 0.03), while CYP19(TTTA) ( 7 ) allele-carriers presented more
      frequently with small follicles than CYP19(TTTA) ( 7 ) allele-non carriers (p <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CYP19 genetic variants were associated with ovarian reserve
      and response to standard gonadotrophin stimulation of women undergoing in vitro
      fertilization.

PMID- 22089264
TI  - Maturation outcomes are improved following Cryoleaf vitrification of immature
      human oocytes when compared to choline-based slow-freezing.
AB  - PURPOSE: The cryopreservation of immature oocytes permits oocyte banking for
      patients at risk of losing their fertility. However, the optimum protocol for
      such fertility preservation remains uncertain. METHODS: The present study
      investigated the survival, maturation, cytoskeletal and chromosome organization
      of sibling immature oocytes leftover from controlled ovarian stimulation cycles,
      that were either slow-frozen (with choline-substitution) or vitrified. A
      comparison group included oocytes that were never cryopreserved. RESULTS: Among
      the three groups, comparable rates were observed for both survival (67-70%) and
      polar body extrusion (59-79%). Significantly more oocytes underwent spontaneous
      activation after IVM following slow-freezing compared with either vitrification
      or no cryopreservation. Likewise, the incidence of spindle abnormalities was
      greatest in the slow-frozen group, with no differences in spindle morphometrics
      or chromosome organization. CONCLUSIONS: While the overall incidence of mature
      oocytes with normal bipolar spindles from warmed immature oocytes was low, the
      yield using Cryoleaf vitrification was slightly superior to choline-based slow
      freezing.

PMID- 22089265
TI  - Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after letrozole-gonadotropin
      stimulation: a case report.

PMID- 22089266
TI  - A novel metric to assess the clinical utility of a drug in the presence of
      efficacy and dropout information.
AB  - The fact that there are high dropout rates in clinical trials of antipsychotic
      medications raises critical questions regarding the most appropriate method of
      designing new trials, analyzing efficacy data, and evaluating the clinical
      utility (CU) of novel treatments. In this article, we consider the use of a model
      based approach to define an integrated CU criterion for better characterizing the
      clinical response to a treatment, for optimizing proof-of-concept trials, and for
      providing differentiating criteria for novel medications when complete
      information is not available.

PMID- 22089267
TI  - High-dose ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants: a
      randomized controlled study.
AB  - Our aim was to assess the hypothesis that a high-dose regimen of ibuprofen is
      more effective than the standard-dose regimen in closing patent ductus arteriosus
      (PDA) without increasing adverse effects. Infants of gestational age <29 weeks,
      with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and echocardiographic evidence of
      significant PDA at 12-24 h of life, were randomized to receive a standard (10-5-5
      mg/kg/day) or high-dose (20-10-10 mg/kg/day) course of ibuprofen. We studied 70
      infants, 35 of whom received the standard dose of ibuprofen and the other 35 the
      high dose. Of the infants treated with the standard-dose regimen, 37% had
      persistent PDA as compared with 14% of those treated with the high-dose regimen
      (P = 0.03). No differences in the occurrence of adverse effects were observed
      between the two groups. The high-dose ibuprofen regimen is more effective than
      the standard-dose regimen in closing PDA in preterm infants <29 weeks of
      gestation without increasing the adverse effect rate.

PMID- 22089268
TI  - Stem cell senescence and regenerative paradigms.
AB  - The term "cellular senescence" denotes a cellular response to several stressors
      that results in irreversible growth arrest, alterations of the gene expression
      profile, epigenetic modifications, and an altered secretome, all of which
      eventually impair the reparative properties of primitive cells, adding a layer of
      complexity to the field of regenerative medicine. The purpose of this review is
      to illustrate how cellular senescence could affect tissue repair and to propose
      interventions that aim at interfering with it.

PMID- 22089269
TI  - Magnetic field driving gradient effects on the microstructure in amorphous
      nanocrystalline cobalt alloy ribbons.
AB  - Field effects on the early crystallization of Co-rich amorphous ribbons
      (Co(68.15)Fe(4.35)Si(12.5)B(15), atomic%) performed at 450  degrees C for 30
      minutes in an applied 10 Oe longitudinal or transverse external magnetic field
      are investigated by comparing with the as-spun and annealed samples in zero
      applied magnetic field. Results indicate that the crystallization on the surface
      skin of the ribbon differs from that of the middle section due to the combined
      effects from the field direction and the defects or stress characteristics across
      the ribbons. In particular, the ribbons annealed under a transverse field exhibit
      an extremely distinct graded microstructure across the ribbon, which features
      amorphous-phased skin layers (top and bottom) of about 4-5 MUm thickness and a
      middle amorphous-nanocrystalline composite layer about 10-12 MUm thick, with the
      nanograins of 434 +/- 99 nm dispersing in the amorphous matrix.

PMID- 22089270
TI  - A critical pathway for the frail elderly cardiac patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The medical community needs to better respond to the predictable
      complexities associated with admission of frail and elderly cardiac patients who
      may need specific attention and care programs. The nurse practitioner can play an
      important role to continue and coordinate nursing and medical care. We propose a
      new critical pathway designed to improve cardiac and nursing care for frail
      elderly cardiac patients admitted with heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
      METHOD: The critical pathway is developed by the nurse practitioner who will act
      as a pathway coordinator and take care of the medical care of these patients in a
      teaching hospital setting. This critical pathway is applied to all patients aged
      >75 years who are admitted for heart failure or atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: The
      pathway implementation identified 5 important socio-medical parameters that may
      account for a delayed length of stay, even in patients without a complicated
      medical situation: delirium and fall prevention, nutritional awareness, fluid
      restriction efforts, and information optimization of patients and spouses.
      CONCLUSIONS: We developed a critical care pathway for the frail elderly patients
      who are admitted for heart failure or atrial fibrillation. In doing so, we have
      been able to change the medical and social management of these patients at a
      general cardiology ward in a teaching hospital.

PMID- 22089271
TI  - Take heart: a one-on-one peer-based strategy to improve acute coronary syndrome
      patient care.
AB  - Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) result in more than 1 million hospitalizations
      each year in the United States and are a leading cause of morbidity and
      mortality. Despite evidence-based treatment guidelines and advances in
      therapeutic strategies, the need for well-educated practitioners to provide
      quality patient care is still evident. As such, continuing medical education
      (CME) and consultation with recognized experts are valuable tools that can
      enhance clinical knowledge and lead to improvements in best practices. In a CME
      platform, collaborative dialogue with nationally recognized opinion leaders
      within the field of ACS enabled 111 clinician participants to develop strategies
      for personal practice improvement. Faculty experts addressed specific challenging
      clinical questions posed by participants regarding 1 of 4 preselected topics
      related to the care of patients with ACS. After a 3-month period, 94% of
      participants reported that their strategies for practice improvement had affected
      patient care. Participants also rated the utility of national guidelines in their
      practices higher following participation in the activity and demonstrated
      improved clinical knowledge. As a result of this activity, participants were able
      to solve self-identified issues in clinical practice as well as improve their
      understanding of current clinical practice guidelines. Adherence to guideline
      recommended care was associated with improvements in patient outcomes, and
      participant feedback suggests that this was an effective type of CME platform
      that resulted in positive changes in patient care. Furthermore, considerable
      interest exists for the application of this model in other therapeutic areas.

PMID- 22089272
TI  - Pathways in heart failure disease management across socioeconomic spectra.
AB  - Caring for heart failure patients with a low socioeconomic status presents a
      unique set of challenges for health care providers. Heart failure disease
      management programs can integrate the use of teaching DVDs to overcome
      deficiencies in health literacy and take advantage of the Wal-Mart/Target $4
      dollar medication program to provide life-saving medical therapy. In addition,
      open discussions with the patient and family regarding the costs of medications
      and the reality of what they can afford to pay monthly on a long term basis can
      guide the physician to prescribing medications by prioritizing use with a focus
      on evidence-based data for the medications with the highest mortality reduction.
      Finally, connecting inpatient visits to outpatient visits through the use of
      electronic medical records systems can facilitate avoidance of unnecessary repeat
      lab and diagnostic testing.

PMID- 22089273
TI  - Carotid intima-media thickness determined vascular age and the Framingham Risk
      Score.
AB  - We examined carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT)-determined vascular age on the
      Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and the Framingham Heart Age in patients of diverse
      ethnic origin without a history of diabetes or established cardiovascular
      disease. In this cross-sectional study, 2291 men and women had CIMT obtained by
      high resolution B-mode ultrasound in a routine examination between August 1, 2000
      and October 1, 2001. We randomly split the population into a training subset (n =
      1114) and an analysis subset (n = 1177) using the training subset to regress the
      average CIMT for each individual on chronologic age. We compared the FRS using
      CIMT-determined vascular age versus chronologic age in the analysis subset. On
      average, CIMT-determined vascular age was less than chronologic age, which was
      less than FRS-heart age in all gender and ethnic groups. For estimated 10-year
      cardiovascular-disease risk among non-Hispanic whites, only 45.5% of male and
      55.6% of female patients were concordant for both measures, and simple Kappa
      values were low (0.28 for males, 0.32 for females). Among non-Hispanic whites,
      40.7% of males and 32.1% of females had greater risk using chronologic age rather
      than when using CIMT-determined vascular age. Conversely, 13.8% of males and
      12.3% of females had a greater risk using CIMT-determined vascular age rather
      than when using chronologic age. A similar pattern was noted in the other ethnic
      groups. Our results suggest that CIMT may be very useful in improving risk
      discrimination in the FRS, and that substituting CIMT-determined vascular age may
      improve individual cardiovascular risk prediction.

PMID- 22089274
TI  - Role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction: experience from a tertiary centre in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Role of biomarkers in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) is paramount, as they aid in diagnosis and gauge prognosis of the
      disease. In this project, we sought to study the short-term outcome and clinical
      associates of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the setting
      of STEMI at a tertiary center in India. METHODS: In all, 173 STEMI patients (mean
      age: 57 +/- 12 years, 38 women) had their NT-proBNP assayed in addition to
      troponins and high-sensitive C-reactive protein. Subjects were divided according
      to NT-proBNP levels into 2 groups: group 1 (NT-proBNP <=100 pg/mL) and group 2
      (NT-proBNP >100 pg/mL). RESULTS: NT-proBNP values (pg/mL) were elevated in group
      2 (group 1: 61.7 +/- 6.2; group 2: 1006.5 +/- 990.6, P < 0.0001). Significantly
      greater number of females had elevated NT-proBNP (P < 0.05) that could be
      predicted by the duration of chest pain related to STEMI (area under the curve:
      0.72), and age at presentation (area under the curve: 0.66). Multiple regression
      analysis showed a strong inverse association between NT-proBNP and left
      ventricular ejection fraction and a strong positive association between the
      peptide and high-sensitive C-reactive protein. A significant positive association
      was also noted between NT-proBNP and troponin I (all P < 0.05, Global R = 0.47).
      Diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension, and infarction localization showed no
      effect on NT-proBNP levels along with death, primary coronary intervention
      related bleeding, and arrhythmias, (chi, P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest
      that women are more likely to have increased NT-proBNP while presenting with
      STEMI. Duration of chest pain and age at presentation are the best predictors of
      elevated NT-proBNP, though without much bearing on short-term morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 22089275
TI  - Influence of bedside blood insulin measurement on acute coronary syndrome
      pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of blood insulin
      measurements on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) pathways. METHODS: All patients
      admitted to the emergency department within 12 months for acute, retrosternal,
      constrictive chest pain lasting for more than 30 minutes; cardiogenic pulmonary
      edema; electrocardiogram ST changes; and echographic alterations were included.
      The study parameters were clinical (age, sex, blood pressure, presence of
      pulmonary rales and gallop), including classic laboratory tests associated with
      troponin T, blood insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1C, and echographic values.
      These were taken on admission and throughout hospital stay. All patients
      underwent a coronary angiography for ACS diagnosis confirmation as well as
      treatment intention. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in the study. Abnormal
      blood insulin levels were present on admission in 47% of the population. Blood
      insulin level was significantly correlated to thrombolysis in myocardial
      infarction coronary perfusion score (Spearman Rank, 0.55, P < 0.0001). Abnormal
      insulinemia was normalized with reperfusion. Insulin was administered essentially
      to the 16 patients with hypoinsulinemia. Patients with hypoinsulinemia seem to
      have the most severe coronary lesions and highest Killip score. CONCLUSIONS: In
      ACS, insulin levels are altered in half of the patients. After the investigators
      noted its tight correlation with the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction
      coronary flow score, its determination could be important in ACS for triggering
      emergency coronary angiography for percutaneous coronary intervention. This could
      modify the critical pathways of ACS patients in the emergency department.

PMID- 22089276
TI  - Use of endothelial progenitor capture cell stent during percutaneous treatment of
      coronary bifurcations: a prospective angiographic registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of bifurcation lesions remains a challenge with poor
      immediate results and higher restenosis rate than in nonbifurcated lesions. Drug
      eluting stents improve the outcome after coronary stenting, but are associated
      with a small but statistically significant increase in late and very late stent
      thrombosis. Thus, aim of the present study was to evaluate the angiographic and
      clinical results of a new type of stent (coated with murine monoclonal antihuman
      CD34 antibodies designed to attract circulating endothelial progenitor cells to
      rapidly establish a functional endothelial layer and promote healing stent
      implantation) in a cohort of consecutive patients with coronary bifurcation
      lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between December 2007 and July 2008, a total of 43
      consecutive patients were enrolled and 47 consecutive bifurcation lesions were
      treated with endothelial progenitor capture cell stents. The angiographic end
      points binary restenosis rate inside the stent (within 5 mm of the stent edges or
      in the segments treated with balloon angioplasty) was 5% (2.1% in the main branch
      and 10.5% in the side branch). No stent thrombosis was observed. Clinical follow
      up was completed in all patients at mean time of 34.5 days after percutaneous
      coronary interventions by clinical evaluation and 12.3 months with a telephone
      contact. Angina at rest was present in 3 patients (7.9%). No in-hospital, 30
      days, or 12-months major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction,
      and repeat revascularization coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous
      coronary angioplasty) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of endothelial
      progenitor capture cell in the setting of coronary bifurcation appears to be
      feasible and safe with no incidence of late stent thrombosis and a very low rate
      of repeated revascularization.

PMID- 22089277
TI  - Society of Chest Pain Centers heart attack care in the United States: a
      commentary by Raymond D. Bahr, MD, FACC.

PMID- 22089278
TI  - Society of Chest Pain Centers offers system discount for hospitals seeking Cycle
      IV Chest Pain Center accreditation.

PMID- 22089279
TI  - Society of Chest Pain Centers meeting the needs of critical access hospitals.

PMID- 22089280
TI  - Pulmonary rehabilitation in the  management of COPD: more than one  way to skin a
      cat.

PMID- 22089281
TI  - Tendinopathy of the tendon of the long head of the biceps.
AB  - Pathologies of tendon of the long head of the biceps (LHB) are an important cause
      of shoulder pain. They include tendinopathy, rupture, superior labrum anterior
      and posterior lesions, pulley tears, and tendon instability. Conservative
      management of symptomatic LHB tendinopathy is commonly accepted as the first-line
      treatment. It consists of rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
      corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. Biceps tenotomy and tenodesis
      are the most common surgical procedures to manage both isolated LHB pathology and
      biceps-glenoid complex tears combined with rotator cuff tears. However,
      controversy persists about the superiority of one of them because there is no
      evidence of significant differences in functional scores or patient satisfaction
      between the 2 techniques. This article provides an overview on biomechanical
      function of the LHB and current strategies for treatment of LHB disorders.

PMID- 22089282
TI  - Arthroscopic management of subscapularis tears.
AB  - Tears of the subscapularis were previously believed to be rare, but are now
      recognized to be very common. As maintenance of the subscapularis footprint is
      integral to normal biomechanical function of the shoulder it is important for the
      shoulder surgeon to be adept at recognizing and treating these tears. A
      combination of physical examination tests can be used to determine both the
      presence and size of a subscapularis tear. Compared with posterosuperior rotator
      cuff tears, magnetic resonance imaging detection of subscapularis is less
      reliable and therefore requires a high index of suspicion. Arthroscopic repair of
      the subscapularis presents unique challenges but can be safely and successfully
      performed with careful attention to detail. The results of arthroscopic
      subscapularis repair are encouraging at intermediate follow-up and comparable
      with or better than that reported with open repair.

PMID- 22089283
TI  - Double row repair: is it worth the hassle?
AB  - In the operative management of rotator cuff disease, comparable functional
      results have been reported after open or mini-open repair and arthroscopic
      fixation. Surgical repair aims to re-establish an anatomical configuration of the
      tendon-bone construct for restoring its mechanical performance. Single row repair
      is the most commonly used technique, but recently some authors have proposed to
      re-establish the rotator cuff footprint with 2 rows of suture anchors ("double
      row" repair). In regard to imaging assessment, at time zero double row repair
      results being more anatomic and allows for structurally sound restoration of the
      rotator cuff footprint. However, this does not seem to translate into superior
      clinical outcomes for the double row repair when evaluating all different sizes
      of rotator cuff tears as a whole. The scientific basis for recommending single or
      double row repair as preferred treatment for patients with rotator cuff tear is
      questionable, as minimal differences have been measured on clinical and
      functional rating scales.

PMID- 22089284
TI  - Conservative management of rotator cuff tear.
AB  - Ranking among the most prevalent of shoulder disorders, lesions involving
      shoulder rotator cuff strike million of patients in the United States at
      different points in their lives. Despite the fact that rotator cuff disease is a
      very common cause of pain and disability of the upper arm, a high proportion of
      patients is asymptomatic and unaware of performing daily living activities
      despite of a shoulder lesion. Given these drawbacks, surgeons are trying
      exploring whether conservative treatment is a viable option for the management of
      these injuries. This study presents a rationale to consider nonoperative
      treatment an effective option when dealing with patients with rotator cuff tears.

PMID- 22089285
TI  - Neoinnervation in rotator cuff tendinopathy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether there are more nerves in
      tendinopathic human tendon, and if so, where are they located. Tendon biopsies
      were collected from normal, tendinopathic, and torn human rotator cuff tendons
      and then analyzed using immunohistochemistry and antibodies against a general
      nerve marker (protein gene product 9.5, PGP9.5), a nerve regeneration marker
      (growth-associated protein 43, GAP43), and an endothelial cell marker (CD34).
      Nerve fibers exhibiting PGP9.5 or GAP43 immunoreactivity were often observed
      intimately in association with tiny blood vessels in the endotendineum of
      tendinopathic tendons. The expression of PGP9.5 and GAP43 were significantly
      higher in tendinopathic tendon compared with control tendon and torn tendon.
      These data support the hypothesis that early tendinopathy is associated with
      increases of newly grown nerve fibers and blood vessels inside and around
      tendinopathic tendon, and these may be the source of pain in tendinopathy.

PMID- 22089286
TI  - Synthetic augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears.
AB  - The management of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears is challenging. They
      are associated with persistent defects, weakness, and poor outcomes, and can
      cause an uncoupling of forces across the glenohumeral joint, with unstable
      shoulder kinematics. There has been much interest in the development of scaffolds
      to bridge massive rotator cuff tears. As allograft materials may produce
      inflammatory responses in the host, there is notable interest in developing
      synthetic grafts for surgical use. Benefits and limitations of the available
      synthetic scaffolds for augmentation of rotator cuff tears are reported in the
      present review.

PMID- 22089287
TI  - A systematic review of the reverse shoulder replacement in rotator cuff
      arthropathy, rotator cuff tears, and rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - The reverse shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis was originally designed for rotator
      cuff arthropathy, and provided good results. Over time, the indications have
      expanded to include, among others, irreparable rotator cuff tears and rheumatoid
      arthritis, and the results have become more variable. There are also fundamental
      differences in the designs of the original Delta III prostheses and the later
      developed reverse shoulder prosthesis, and many studies that provide the results
      in reverse shoulder arthroplasties do not consider these 2 prostheses separately.
      In this systematic review, we analyze the clinical outcomes of the reverse
      shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff arthropathy, rotator cuff tears without
      arthropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis. We also analyze the results of the 2
      prostheses separately to provide a more accurate comparison.

PMID- 22089288
TI  - Biological resurfacing for early osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
AB  - Young patients with degenerative shoulder disease are a therapeutic challenge. To
      try to delay a shoulder arthroplasty, biological interpositional arthroplasty has
      been proposed to provide a biologically active bearing surface that could
      eventually results in the formation of fibrocartilage, fibrous tissue, or hyaline
      cartilage. Anterior capsule, autogenous fascia lata, Achilles tendon allograft,
      lateral meniscus allograft, human dermis, and porcine small intestine submucosa
      have been used as interposition material, either alone or in combination with a
      hemiarthroplasty or humeral resurfacing procedure. Some investigators have
      reported favorable long-term results, although others have found this procedure
      unreliable. Several variables are unknown at present, such as the best biological
      resurfacing device, healing potential, possible antigenic responses, optimal
      fixation technique or position, aftercare restrictions. Further prospective
      studies with long follow-up are necessary to provide data that will help to
      define the role of biological glenoid resurfacing in young patients with
      glenohumeral arthritis.

PMID- 22089289
TI  - Glenohumeral instability and rotator cuff tear.
AB  - The prevalence of rotator cuff tears after traumatic dislocation increases with
      advancing age, a likely consequence of the age-associated deterioration of the
      structure and mechanical properties of the tendons of the rotator cuff. These are
      the effective stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint, compressing the humeral head
      in the 3-dimensional concavity of the glenohumeral joint. It is impossible to
      establish whether a lesion of the capsular-labrum complex or of the rotator cuff
      causes or follows a dislocation, regardless of whether it is anterior or
      posterior. A peripheral nerve or a brachial plexus injury can be associated with
      tendon lesion and instability, developing the "terrible triad" of the shoulder.
      Both conservative and surgical management are possible, and surgeons must choose
      the most appropriate management modality according to the biologic age,
      functional demands, and type of lesion.

PMID- 22089290
TI  - Repair of partial tears of the rotator cuff.
AB  - Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears present partial disruption of tendon fibers
      with no communication between the subacromial bursa and the glenohumeral joint.
      The clinical presentation is surprisingly variable, ranging from mild discomfort
      to decreased throwing speed, chronic pain, and shoulder inability. The first
      approach to partial-thickness rotator cuff tears is usually conservative, but the
      hypovascularity of the critical zone and mechanical factors often result in poor
      spontaneous tendon healing. Surgical options include arthroscopic cuff
      "debridement" or "repair," performed arthroscopically or by open surgery, and
      subacromial decompression or debridement if necessary. No agreement has been
      reached on the best surgical management. However, repair is usually indicated if
      bursal-sided and articular tears involve more than 50% of tendon thickness;
      debridement is generally undertaken if <50% of the rotator cuff is torn. There is
      a need for randomized clinical trails formulating and testing guidelines of
      management and for further studies on imaging or intraoperative measures and
      methods to assess the thickness of the rotator cuff to inform management.

PMID- 22089291
TI  - Full thickness tears:  retaining the cuff.
AB  - Repair of rotator cuff tears is technically challenging. Full thickness rotator
      cuff tears have no potential for spontaneous healing, no reliable tendons
      substitutes are available, and their management is only partially understood.
      Many factors seem to contribute to the final outcome, and considerable variations
      in the decision-making process exist. For these reasons, decisions are often
      taken on the basis of surgeon's clinical experience. Accurate and prompt
      diagnosis is fundamental to guide correct management, and the tear pattern should
      be carefully evaluated to planning the most appropriate repair.

PMID- 22089292
TI  - Management of postoperative shoulder stiffness.
AB  - Arthroscopic surgery has become the most popular treatment to repair rotator cuff
      tears. Although the exact prevalence of postoperative stiffness is unknown, many
      studies report an incidence rate of 4% to 15%. Management of postoperative
      shoulder stiffness depends on the cause of the stiffness. Nonoperative and
      operative management modalities are available, but postoperative shoulder
      stiffness is often resistant to nonsurgical management. When conservative
      treatment fails, surgical release of the scar tissue and adhesions can be
      performed both by arthroscopic or open surgery. Arthroscopic capsular release is
      the preferred technique for capsule contraction and adhesion formation, as it
      allows precise and selective debridement of the scar tissue and division of the
      shortened and thickened capsule by partial or extensive capsulectomy.

PMID- 22089293
TI  - Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Tendon transfers have been proposed as a possible solution to restore pain-free
      functions, strength, and range of motion in patients with massive and irreparable
      cuff tears. The aim of this review is to establish the outcomes of (1) latissimus
      dorsi tendon transfer (LDT-T) surgery performed as a single procedure or in
      combination with other muscle-tendon transfer procedures, replacement, or both;
      (2) LDT-T in primary and revision surgery for massive irreparable rotator cuff
      tears; (3) the LDT-T procedure in relation to subscapularis and teres minor
      integrity; (4) the LDT-T procedure in relation to the reattachment position on
      the humeral head of the transferred tendon; (5) the LDT-T procedure performed as
      a single or a double incision; (6) arthroscopic, open, or combined approach: and
      (7) the LDT-T procedure in patients with preoperative osteoarthritis and a
      nonosteoarthritic condition with the evaluation of osteoarthritis progression. A
      systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Studies of levels of evidence I
      IV were included. The LDT-T surgical procedure, outcomes, and complications were
      evaluated. Twenty-two studies describing 493 shoulders in 487 patients were
      included in our study. There were no prospective randomized, controlled studies.
      LDT-T is a promising strategy for the management of massive and irreparable
      rotator cuff tears, even though no agreement was found on several aspects and
      options of LDT-T. Randomized prospective control studies are still awaited on
      this subject.

PMID- 22089296
TI  - Stepwise syntheses of tri- and tetraphosphaporphyrinogens.
AB  - A double ring-expansion methodology allows the stepwise synthesis of tri- and
      tetra-phosphaporhyrinogens. Structural and calculational methods reveal extended
      delocalisation about their phospholide centres.

PMID- 22089298
TI  - The management of small sealed sources.

PMID- 22089297
TI  - Plasma protein binding of sorafenib, a multi kinase inhibitor: in vitro and in
      cancer patients.
AB  - Sorafenib is an orally administered multikinase inhibitor that exhibits
      antiangiogenic and antitumor activity. Few investigators have been able to
      correlate cumulative sorafenib dose or total exposure to pharmacodynamic effects.
      This discrepancy may be in part due to poorly understood protein binding
      characteristics. Since unbound drug concentrations are believed to be more
      relevant to pharmacological and toxicological responses than total drug, an
      equilibrium dialysis method using 96-well microdialysis plates was optimized and
      validated for determining the fraction unbound (F(u)) sorafenib in human plasma
      and in isolated protein solutions. Unbound sorafenib concentrations were
      determined in cancer patients receiving the drug orally at a dose of 400 mg and
      600 mg twice daily. Sorafenib was extensively bound with mean F(u) value of 0.3%
      in both non-cancer and cancer patient's plasma. The binding in plasma was
      concentration independent, indicating a low-affinity, possibly nonspecific and
      nonsaturable process. In isolated protein solutions, 99.8% and 79.3% of sorafenib
      was bound to human serum albumin (HSA) (4 g/dL) and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein
      (AAG) (0.1 g/dL) with binding constants of 1.24 * 10(6) M(-1) and 1.40 * 10(5) M(
      1), respectively. In cancer patients receiving sorafenib, unbound sorafenib was
      not correlated with patient characteristics or laboratory values. In conclusion,
      sorafenib is highly protein bound in human plasma with a higher affinity towards
      albumin and limited free drug may be partly responsible for its borderline
      clinical activity.

PMID- 22089299
TI  - Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) and the team physician: a consensus
      statement--2011 update.

PMID- 22089302
TI  - Effects of dynamic exercise on plasma arachidonic acid epoxides and diols in
      human volunteers.
AB  - Metabolites of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway may contribute to vasodilation
      of the vasculature. However, it is not known whether exercise affects their
      circulating concentrations. The authors determined effects of exercise intensity
      and duration on plasma concentrations of epoxy and dihydroxy metabolites of
      arachidonic acid. Their goal was to delineate the threshold workload, optimal
      workload, and duration required to produce increases in plasma concentrations of
      these vasoactive substances. Healthy volunteers (N = 14) performed maximal
      exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer during Visit 1. On separate days,
      subjects cycled for 20 min at 30%, 60%, and 80% of their maximal exercise
      intensity. The last day consisted of 40 min of exercise at 60% of maximal
      exercise intensity. Venous blood was obtained before, during, and after exercise
      for analysis. Compared with rest, increases were observed during the 80% workload
      at 20 min postexercise -14,15-DHET (0.77 +/- 0.21 vs. 0.93 +/- 0.27 nM) - and at
      2 min postexercise: 11,12-DHET (0.64 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.24 nM; p < .05).
      Also compared with rest, 40-min values during the 60% workload were 14,15-DHET
      0.79 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.91 +/- 0.31 nM and at 2 min post 14,15 EET 0.12 +/- 0.06 vs.
      0.21 +/- 0.16 nM (p < .05). Results suggest the CYP metabolites (i.e., DHETs) are
      released during short-term high-intensity and long-term moderate-intensity
      exercise.

PMID- 22089303
TI  - Unilateral fluid absorption and effects on peak power after ingestion of
      commercially available hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic sports drinks.
AB  - Isotonic sports drinks are often consumed to offset the effects of dehydration
      and improve endurance performance, but hypotonic drinks may be more advantageous.
      The purpose of the study was to compare absorption and effects on performance of
      a commercially available hypotonic sports drink (Mizone Rapid: 3.9% carbohydrate
      [CHO], 218 mOsmol/kg) with those of an isotonic drink (PowerAde: 7.6% CHO, 281
      mOsmol/ kg), a hypertonic drink (Gatorade: 6% CHO, 327 mOsmol/kg), and a
      noncaloric placebo (8 mOsmol/kg). In a crossover, 11 cyclists consumed each drink
      on separate days at 250 ml/15 min during a 2-hr preload ride at 55% peak power
      followed by an incremental test to exhaustion. Small to moderate increases in
      deuterium oxide enrichment in the preload were observed with Mizone Rapid
      relative to PowerAde, Gatorade, and placebo (differences of 88, 45, and 42 parts
      per million, respectively; 90% confidence limits +/-28). Serum osmolality was
      moderately lower with Mizone Rapid than with PowerAde and Gatorade (-1.9, -2.4;
      mOsmol/L; +/-1.2 mOsmol/L) but not clearly different vs. placebo. Plasma volume
      reduction was small to moderate with Mizone Rapid, PowerAde, and Gatorade
      relative to placebo (-1.9%, -2.5%, -2.9%; +/- 2.5%). Gut comfort was highest with
      Mizone Rapid but clearly different (8.4% +/- 4.8%) only vs PowerAde. Peak power
      was highest with Mizone Rapid (380 W) vs. placebo and other drinks (1.2-3.0%; 99%
      confidence limits +/-4.7%), but differences were inconclusive with reference to
      the smallest important effect (~1.2%). The outcomes are consistent with fastest
      fluid absorption with the hypotonic sports drink. Further research should
      determine whether the effect has a meaningful impact on performance.

PMID- 22089304
TI  - Case study: nutrition challenges of a marathon runner with a gastric bypass.
AB  - A new type of athlete is appearing in the offices of sports dietitians: formerly
      obese people who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and now aspire to be
      marathoners, triathletes, and other types of endurance athletes. The standard
      nutrition advice offered to bypass patients is contrary to the standard sports
      advice given to athletes. Bypass athletes need to limit carbohydrates, fluids,
      and energy intake and consume a protein-based diet. This case study describes the
      sport nutrition concerns of a woman who, after having gastric bypass surgery,
      trained to run a marathon (42 km). Because of her limited ability to consume food
      and fluids, she experienced difficulty preventing fatigue and dehydration during
      her long training runs and the marathon itself. She learned through trial and
      error how to survive the nutritional challenges and complete the marathon. Health
      professionals need to be aware of the potential medical risks associated with
      endurance exercise in gastric bypass patients. Research is needed to determine
      the best sports nutrition practices for bypass patients. Only then can sport
      dietitians better educate this small but growing contingent of endurance athletes
      so the athletes can meet their training and performance goals and reduce their
      risk of experiencing serious health consequences.

PMID- 22089305
TI  - N-Acetylcysteine's attenuation of fatigue after repeated bouts of intermittent
      exercise: practical implications for tournament situations.
AB  - Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during muscle contractions is
      associated with muscle fatigue and damage in the short term and adaptive
      responses in the long term. When adaptation is inconsequential acute antioxidant
      supplementation may be able to attenuate muscle fatigue and damage to enhance
      performance. This study aimed to determine the effects of acute oral N
      acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation on Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1
      (YIRT-L1) performance after repeated bouts of damaging intermittent exercise. In
      a pair-matched design, 12 recreationally trained men engaged in 6 d of either NAC
      (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) supplementation. After a treatment-loading day,
      participants completed 3 testing sessions, on alternating days, consisting of a
      preexercise isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) test, a damaging intermittent-exercise
      protocol, YIRT-L1, and a postexercise IKD test. Another IKD test was completed on
      the 2 intervening d. NAC treatment resulted in a significant preservation of YIRT
      L1 performance (p <= .0005). IKD performance significantly deteriorated over time
      at all contraction speeds, and this deterioration was not influenced by treatment
      group. Plasma creatine kinase values increased significantly over time (p = .002)
      and were significantly greater in the NAC group than in the placebo group (p =
      .029). NAC induced mild gastrointestinal side effects. NAC supplementation may be
      a useful strategy to enhance performance during short-term competitive situations
      when adaption is inconsequential. Titration studies to elucidate a treatment dose
      that enhances performance without inducing side effects are now required.

PMID- 22089306
TI  - Muscle-fiber type and blood oxidative stress after eccentric exercise.
AB  - Acute strength exercise elicits a transient oxidative stress, but the factors
      underlying the magnitude of this response remain unknown. The purpose of this
      investigation was to determine whether muscle-fiber type relates to the magnitude
      of blood oxidative stress after eccentric muscle activity. Eleven college-age men
      performed 3 sets of 50 eccentric knee-extensions. Blood samples taken pre-, post
      , and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr postexercise were assayed for comparison of muscle
      damage and oxidative-stress biomarkers including protein carbonyls (PCs). Vastus
      lateralis muscle biopsies were assayed for relative percentage of slow- and fast
      twitch muscle fibers. There was a mixed fiber composition (Type I = 39.6% +/-
      4.5%, Type IIa = 35.7% +/- 3.5%, Type IIx = 24.8% +/- 3.8%; p = .366). PCs were
      elevated 24, 48, and 72 hr (p = .032) postexercise, with a peak response of 126%
      (p = .012) above baseline, whereas other oxidative-stress biomarkers were
      unchanged. There are correlations between Type II muscle-fiber type and
      postexercise PC. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms responsible
      for the observed fast-twitch muscle-fiber oxidative-stress relationship.

PMID- 22089307
TI  - Fluid balance and sodium losses during indoor tennis match play.
AB  - This study assessed fluid balance, sodium losses, and effort intensity during
      indoor tennis match play (17 +/- 2  degrees C, 42% +/- 9% relative humidity) over
      a mean match duration of 68.1 +/- 12.8 min in 16 male tennis players. Ad libitum
      fluid intake was recorded throughout the match. Sweat loss from change in nude
      body mass; sweat electrolyte content from patches applied to the forearm, calf,
      and thigh, and back of each player; and electrolyte balance derived from sweat,
      urine, and daily food-intake analysis were measured. Effort intensity was
      assessed from on-court heart rate compared with data obtained during a maximal
      treadmill test. Sweat rate (M +/- SD) was 1.1 +/- 0.4 L/hr, and fluid-ingestion
      rate was 1.0 +/- 0.6 L/hr (replacing 93% +/- 47% of fluid lost), resulting in
      only a small mean loss in body mass of 0.15% +/- 0.74%. Large interindividual
      variabilities in sweat rate (range 0.3-2.0 L/hr) and fluid intake (range 0.31
      2.52 L/hr) were noted. Whole-body sweat sodium concentration was 38 +/- 12
      mmol/L, and total sodium losses during match play were 1.1 +/- 0.4 g (range 0.5
      1.8 g). Daily sodium intake was 2.8 +/- 1.1 g. Indoor match play largely
      consisted of low-intensity exercise below ventilatory threshold (mean match heart
      rate was 138 +/- 24 beats/min). This study shows that in moderate indoor
      temperature conditions players ingest sufficient fluid to replace sweat losses.
      However, the wide range in data obtained highlights the need for individualized
      fluid-replacement guidance.

PMID- 22089308
TI  - Impact of iron depletion without anemia on performance in trained endurance
      athletes at the beginning of a training season: a study of female collegiate
      rowers.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the impact of iron depletion without
      anemia on performance in a sample of female collegiate rowers at the beginning of
      a training season (August 2008, January 2009, and September 2009). One hundred
      sixty-five female collegiate rowers from 5 colleges and universities in central
      New York State participated in a screening of iron status. Blood hemoglobin
      (Hgb), serum ferritin (sFer), and soluble transferrin receptor were measured to
      determine prevalence of iron depletion and anemia. Rowers' habitual moderate and
      vigorous physical activity, as well as their best time to complete a 2-km
      simulated race during the previous 3 months, were self-reported. Sixteen rowers
      (10%) were identified as anemic (Hgb <12.0 g/dl). Using a sFer cutoff of <20.0
      MUg/L, 30% (n = 44) of the nonanemic rowers were identified as iron depleted
      without anemia and reported 2-km times ~21 s slower (p < .004) than rowers with
      normal iron status. Given the high prevalence of iron depletion reported in this
      and other studies, screening for low iron stores at the start of a training
      program in female athletes involved in an endurance sport may be clinically
      useful. In this study, iron-depleted rowers (sFer <20-25 MUg/L) reported a
      decrease in performance time compared with those with normal iron stores.

PMID- 22089309
TI  - Nutrition status of junior elite Canadian female soccer athletes.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adolescent female team-sport athletes are faced with the challenge of
      meeting nutrition requirements for growth and development, as well as sport
      performance. There is a paucity of evidence describing the dietary adequacy of
      this population in respect to these physiological demands. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to comprehensively evaluate the nutrition status of junior elite
      female soccer athletes. METHOD: A total of 33 athletes (15.7 +/- 0.7 yr)
      completed anthropometric assessment, 4-day food records analyzed for macro- and
      micronutrient intake, and hematological analysis. Energy expenditure was
      estimated using predictive equations. RESULTS: Mean sum of 7 skinfolds was 103.1
      +/- 35.2 mm, and body-mass index was 22.7 +/- 2.7. Mean energy intake was 2,079
      +/- 460 kcal/day, and estimated energy expenditure was 2,546 +/- 190 kcal/day. Of
      the athletes, 51.5% consumed <5g/kg carbohydrate, 27.3% consumed <1.2g/kg
      protein, and 21.2% consumed <25% of energy intake from fat. A large proportion of
      athletes did not meet Dietary Reference Intakes for pantothenic acid (54.5%),
      vitamin D (100%), folate (69.7%), vitamin E (100%), and calcium (66.7%). Compared
      with recommendations for athletes, 89.3% and 50.0% of participants had depleted
      iron and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, respectively. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of
      players were not in energy balance, failed to meet carbohydrate and micronutrient
      recommendations, and presented with depleted iron and vitamin D status.
      Suboptimal nutrition status may affect soccer performance and physiological
      growth and development. More research is needed to understand the unique
      nutrition needs of this population and inform sport nutrition practice and
      research.

PMID- 22089310
TI  - Case study: simulated and real-life energy expenditure during a 3-week
      expedition.
AB  - During prolonged periods of high energy expenditure (EE), restricted food intake
      can lead to a loss of body mass. This case study describes the preexpedition
      support for an unsupported 3-wk crossing of the Atacama Desert in Chile. The
      goals were to simulate the energy requirements of walking under varying
      conditions and to predict energy intake and EE to evaluate whether the expected
      weight loss was in acceptable limits. The expeditionist (male, 35 yr, 197 cm,
      basal weight 80 +/- 0.5 kg) was a well-trained endurance athlete with experience
      of multiple expeditions. During the simulation, he walked on a treadmill at
      speeds of 2-7 km/hr under varying conditions of inclination (0%, 7.5%), backpack
      weight (0 kg, 30 kg), and altitude (sea level, simulated altitude of 3,500 m).
      Under all conditions, the lowest EE was observed at 5 km/ hr. Based on the
      simulation data, we predicted an average EE of 4,944 kcal/day for the expedition.
      Because energy intake was restricted to 2,249 kcal/day, we expected the
      expeditionist to lose considerable weight and consequently advised him to gain 5
      kg of body-fat reserves. During the actual desert crossing, he covered a distance
      of 26 +/- 7 km/day at an average speed of 3.8 +/- 0.4 km/hr. Daily EE (4,817 +/-
      794 kcal/day) exceeded energy intake (1,771 +/- 685 kcal/day), and the negative
      energy balance was in agreement with the actual weight loss of 10.5 kg, which was
      most notable in the lower trunk.

PMID- 22089311
TI  - Proceedings of the XX Congress of the Italian Society for Pure and Applied
      Biophysics (SIBPA) Arcidosso (Gr), Italy, September 2010.

PMID- 22089313
TI  - Isolation and characterization of main group and late transition metal complexes
      using orthometallated imine ligands.
AB  - Several late transition metal and main group orthometallated imine complexes were
      synthesized by utilizing ortholithiated imine precursors. Magnesium, aluminum,
      zinc, copper(I), and tin(IV) complexes were isolated and characterized.
      Subsequent reactions with electrophiles such as Ph(2)PCl, MeI and I(2) yielded
      several functionalized products, including a new iminophosphine ligand and its
      corresponding copper(I) complex. The coordination modes of the orthometallated
      imine ligands, as well as the structures of the metal complexes, were studied in
      the solid state using small molecule X-ray diffraction when possible.

PMID- 22089314
TI  - Gene-centric analysis of serum cotinine levels in African and European American
      populations.
AB  - To date, most genetic association studies of tobacco use have been conducted in
      European American subjects using the phenotype of smoking quantity (cigarettes
      per day). However, smoking quantity is a very imprecise measure of exposure to
      tobacco smoke constituents. Analyses of alternate phenotypes and populations may
      improve our understanding of tobacco addiction genetics. Cotinine is the major
      metabolite of nicotine, and measuring serum cotinine levels in smokers provides a
      more objective measure of nicotine dose than smoking quantity. Previous genetic
      association studies of serum cotinine have focused on individual genes. We
      conducted a genetic association study of the biomarker in African American
      (N=365) and European American (N=315) subjects from the Coronary Artery Risk
      Development in Young Adults study using a chip containing densely-spaced tag SNPs
      in ~2100 genes. We found that rs11187065, located in the non-coding region
      (intron 1) of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), was the most strongly associated
      SNP (p=8.91 * 10(-6)) in the African American cohort, whereas rs11763963, located
      on chromosome 7 outside of a gene transcript, was the most strongly associated
      SNP in European Americans (p=1.53 * 10(-6)). We then evaluated how the top
      variant association in each population performed in the other group. We found
      that the association of rs11187065 in IDE was also associated with the phenotype
      in European Americans (p=0.044). Our top SNP association in European Americans,
      rs11763963 was non-polymorphic in our African American sample. It has been
      previously shown that psychostimulant self-administration is reduced in animals
      with lower insulin because of interference with dopamine transmission in the
      brain reward centers. Our finding provides a platform for further investigation
      of this, or additional mechanisms, involving the relationship between insulin and
      self-administered nicotine dose.

PMID- 22089315
TI  - R7BP modulates opiate analgesia and tolerance but not withdrawal.
AB  - The adaptor protein R7 family binding protein (R7BP) modulates G protein coupled
      receptor (GPCR) signaling and desensitization by controlling the function of
      regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. R7BP is expressed throughout the
      brain and appears to modulate the membrane localization and stability of three
      proteins that belong to R7 RGS family: RGS6, RGS7, and RGS9-2. RGS9-2 is a potent
      negative modulator of opiate and psychostimulant addiction and promotes the
      development of analgesic tolerance to morphine, whereas the role of RGS6 and RGS7
      in addiction remains unknown. Recent studies revealed that functional deletion of
      R7BP reduces R7 protein activity by preventing their anchoring to the cell
      membrane and enhances GPCR responsiveness in the basal ganglia. Here, we take
      advantage of R7BP knockout mice in order to examine the way interventions in R7
      proteins function throughout the brain affect opiate actions. Our results suggest
      that R7BP is a negative modulator of the analgesic and locomotor activating
      actions of morphine. We also report that R7BP contributes to the development of
      morphine tolerance. Finally, our data suggest that although prevention of R7BP
      actions enhances the analgesic responses to morphine, it does not affect the
      severity of somatic withdrawal signs. Our data suggest that interventions in R7BP
      actions enhance the analgesic effect of morphine and prevent tolerance, without
      affecting withdrawal, pointing to R7BP complexes as potential new targets for
      analgesic drugs.

PMID- 22089316
TI  - Noradrenergic vs serotonergic antidepressant with or without naltrexone for
      veterans with PTSD and comorbid alcohol dependence.
AB  - The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are associated with high rates of post-traumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid alcohol use disorders. The pharmacotherapy of
      these comorbid conditions has received relatively little study. The current study
      compared the serotonin uptake inhibitor, paroxetine, to the norepinephrine uptake
      inhibitor, desipramine. It also evaluated the adjunctive efficacy of the Food and
      Drug Administration (FDA)-approved alcoholism pharmacotherapy, naltrexone,
      relative to placebo. Four groups of predominately male veterans (n=88) meeting
      current diagnostic criteria for both alcohol dependence (AD) and PTSD were
      randomly assigned under double-blind conditions to one of four groups:
      paroxetine+naltrexone; paroxetine+placebo; desipramine+naltrexone;
      desipramine+placebo. Main outcome measures included standardized scales that
      assessed symptoms of PTSD and alcohol consumption. Paroxetine did not show
      statistical superiority to desipramine for the treatment of PTSD symptoms.
      However, desipramine was superior to paroxetine with respect to study retention
      and alcohol use outcomes. Naltrexone reduced alcohol craving relative to placebo,
      but it conferred no advantage on drinking use outcomes. Although the serotonin
      uptake inhibitors are the only FDA-approved medications for the treatment of
      PTSD, the current study suggests that norepinephrine uptake inhibitors may
      present clinical advantages when treating male veterans with PTSD and AD.
      However, naltrexone did not show evidence of efficacy in this population. This
      study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT00338962 and
      URL:
      http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00338962?term=desipramine+AND+alcohol+depen
      ence+AND+depression&recr=Closed&rank=1.

PMID- 22089317
TI  - Is cognitive functioning impaired in methamphetamine users? A critical review.
AB  - The prevailing view is that recreational methamphetamine use causes a broad range
      of severe cognitive deficits, despite the fact that concerns have been raised
      about interpretations drawn from the published literature. This article addresses
      an important gap in our knowledge by providing a critical review of findings from
      recent research investigating the impact of recreational methamphetamine use on
      human cognition. Included in the discussion are findings from studies that have
      assessed the acute and long-term effects of methamphetamine on several domains of
      cognition, including visuospatial perception, attention, inhibition, working
      memory, long-term memory, and learning. In addition, relevant neuroimaging data
      are reviewed in an effort to better understand neural mechanisms underlying
      methamphetamine-related effects on cognitive functioning. In general, the data on
      acute effects show that methamphetamine improves cognitive performance in
      selected domains, that is, visuospatial perception, attention, and inhibition.
      Regarding long-term effects on cognitive performance and brain-imaging measures,
      statistically significant differences between methamphetamine users and control
      participants have been observed on a minority of measures. More importantly,
      however, the clinical significance of these findings may be limited because
      cognitive functioning overwhelmingly falls within the normal range when compared
      against normative data. In spite of these observations, there seems to be a
      propensity to interpret any cognitive and/or brain difference(s) as a clinically
      significant abnormality. The implications of this situation are multiple, with
      consequences for scientific research, substance-abuse treatment, and public
      policy.

PMID- 22089318
TI  - Csnk1e is a genetic regulator of sensitivity to psychostimulants and opioids.
AB  - Csnk1e, the gene encoding casein kinase 1-epsilon, has been implicated in
      sensitivity to amphetamines. Additionally, a polymorphism in CSNK1E was
      associated with heroin addiction, suggesting that this gene may also affect
      opioid sensitivity. In this study, we first conducted genome-wide quantitative
      trait locus (QTL) mapping of methamphetamine (MA)-induced locomotor activity in
      C57BL/6J (B6) * DBA/2J (D2)-F(2) mice and a more highly recombinant F(8) advanced
      intercross line. We identified a QTL on chromosome 15 that contained Csnk1e (63
      86 Mb; Csnk1e=79.25 Mb). We replicated this result and further narrowed the locus
      using B6.D2(Csnk1e) and D2.B6(Csnk1e) reciprocal congenic lines (78-86.8 and 78.7
      81.6 Mb, respectively). This locus also affected sensitivity to the MU-opioid
      receptor agonist fentanyl. Next, we directly tested the hypothesis that Csnk1e is
      a genetic regulator of sensitivity to psychostimulants and opioids. Mice
      harboring a null allele of Csnk1e showed an increase in locomotor activity
      following MA administration. Consistent with this result, coadministration of a
      selective pharmacological inhibitor of Csnk1e (PF-4800567) increased the
      locomotor stimulant response to both MA and fentanyl. These results show that a
      narrow genetic locus that contains Csnk1e is associated with differences in
      sensitivity to MA and fentanyl. Furthermore, gene knockout and selective
      pharmacological inhibition of Csnk1e define its role as a negative regulator of
      sensitivity to psychostimulants and opioids.

PMID- 22089319
TI  - Pharmacological activation of group-II metabotropic glutamate receptors corrects
      a schizophrenia-like phenotype induced by prenatal stress in mice.
AB  - Prenatal exposure to restraint stress causes long-lasting changes in
      neuroplasticity that likely reflect pathological modifications triggered by early
      life stress. We found that the offspring of dams exposed to repeated episodes of
      restraint stress during pregnancy (here named 'prenatal restraint stress mice' or
      'PRS mice') developed a schizophrenia-like phenotype, characterized by a
      decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glutamic acid
      decarboxylase 67, an increased expression of type-1 DNA methyl transferase
      (DNMT1) in the frontal cortex, and a deficit in social interaction, locomotor
      activity, and prepulse inhibition. PRS mice also showed a marked decrease in
      metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) and mGlu3 receptor mRNA and protein levels in
      the frontal cortex, which was manifested at birth and persisted in adult life.
      This decrease was associated with an increased binding of DNMT1 to CpG-rich
      regions of mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptor promoters and an increased binding of MeCP2
      to the mGlu2 receptor promoter. Systemic treatment with the selective mGlu2/3
      receptor agonist LY379268 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., twice daily for 5 days), corrected
      all the biochemical and behavioral abnormalities shown in PRS mice. Our data show
      for the first time that PRS induces a schizophrenia-like phenotype in mice, and
      suggest that epigenetic changes in mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors lie at the core of
      the pathological programming induced by early-life stress.

PMID- 22089320
TI  - Compound stimulus presentation and the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
      atomoxetine enhance long-term extinction of cocaine-seeking behavior.
AB  - Drug abstinence is frequently compromised when addicted individuals are re
      exposed to environmental stimuli previously associated with drug use. Research
      with human addicts and in animal models has demonstrated that extinction learning
      (non-reinforced cue-exposure) can reduce the capacity of such stimuli to induce
      relapse, yet extinction therapies have limited long-term success under real-world
      conditions (Bouton, 2002; O'Brien, 2008). We hypothesized that enhancing
      extinction would reduce the later ability of drug-predictive cues to precipitate
      drug-seeking behavior. We, therefore, tested whether compound stimulus
      presentation and pharmacological treatments that augment noradrenergic activity
      (atomoxetine; norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) during extinction training would
      facilitate the extinction of drug-seeking behaviors, thus reducing relapse. Rats
      were trained that the presentation of a discrete cue signaled that a lever press
      response would result in cocaine reinforcement. Rats were subsequently
      extinguished and spontaneous recovery of drug-seeking behavior following
      presentation of previously drug-predictive cues was tested 4 weeks later. We find
      that compound stimulus presentations or pharmacologically increasing
      noradrenergic activity during extinction training results in less future recovery
      of responding, whereas propranolol treatment reduced the benefit seen with
      compound stimulus presentation. These data may have important implications for
      understanding the biological basis of extinction learning, as well as for
      improving the outcome of extinction-based therapies.

PMID- 22089321
TI  - The effect of dopamine agonists on adaptive and aberrant salience in Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - Clinical evidence suggests that after initiation of dopaminergic medications some
      patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop psychotic symptoms, such as
      hallucinations and delusions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the
      neurocognitive basis of this phenomenon can be defined as the formation of
      arbitrary and illusory associations between conditioned stimuli and reward
      signals, called aberrant salience. Young, never-medicated PD patients and matched
      controls were assessed on a speeded reaction time task in which the probe
      stimulus was preceded by conditioned stimuli that could signal monetary reward by
      color or shape. The patients and controls were re-evaluated after 12 weeks during
      which the patients received a dopamine agonist (pramipexole or ropinirole).
      Results indicated that dopamine agonists increased both adaptive and aberrant
      salience in PD patients, that is, formation of real and illusory associations
      between conditioned stimuli and reward, respectively. This effect was present
      when associations were assessed by means of faster responding after conditioned
      stimuli signaling reward (implicit salience) and overt rating of stimulus-reward
      links (explicit salience). However, unusual feelings and experiences, which are
      subclinical manifestations of psychotic-like symptoms, were specifically related
      to irrelevant and illusory stimulus-reward associations (aberrant salience) in PD
      patients receiving dopamine agonists. The learning of relevant and real stimulus
      reward associations (adaptive salience) was not related to unusual experiences.
      These results suggest that dopamine agonists may increase psychotic-like
      experiences in young patients with PD, possibly by facilitating dopaminergic
      transmission in the ventral striatum, which results in aberrant associations
      between conditioned stimuli and reward.

PMID- 22089323
TI  - Generation of normative pediatric skull models for use in cranial vault
      remodeling procedures.
AB  - PURPOSE: While the goal of craniofacial reconstruction surgery is to restore the
      cranial head shape as much towards normal as possible, for the individual
      patient, there is, in fact, no normal three-dimensional (3D) model to act as a
      guide. In this project, we generated a library of normative pediatric skulls from
      which a guiding template could be fabricated for a more standardized, objective
      and precise correction of craniosynostosis. METHODS: Computed tomography data
      from 103 normal subjects aged 8-12 months were compiled and a 3D computational
      model of the skull was generated for each subject. The models were mathematically
      registered to a baseline model for each month of age within this range and then
      averaged, resulting in a single 3D point cloud. An external cranial surface was
      subsequently passed through the point cloud and its shape and size customized to
      fit the head circumference of individual patients. RESULTS: The resultant
      fabricated skull models provide a novel and applicable tool for a detailed,
      quantitative comparison between the normative and patient skulls for preoperative
      planning and practice for a variety of craniofacial procedures including vault
      remodeling. Additionally, it was possible to extract the suprafrontal orbit
      anatomy from the normative model and fabricate a bandeau template to guide
      intraoperative reshaping. CONCLUSIONS: Normative head shapes for pediatric
      patients have wide application for craniofacial surgery including planning,
      practice, standarized operative repair, and standardized measurement and
      reporting of outcomes.

PMID- 22089322
TI  - Quantitative tract-specific measures of uncinate and cingulum in major depression
      using diffusion tensor imaging.
AB  - Previous findings suggested the role of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and
      cingulate gyrus in major depressive disorders (MDD), but the white matter
      microstructural abnormalities of the fibers connecting these brain structures are
      not known. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that white matter
      abnormalities are present in association fibers of the uncinate fasciculus (UF)
      and cingulum bundle (CB) among MDD subjects. A total of 21 MDD subjects aged
      between 30 and 65 years and 21 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited.
      All subjects were right-handed and without history of diabetes or other cardiac
      diseases. We extracted quantitative tract-specific measures based on diffusion
      tensor imaging tractography to examine both diffusivity and geometric properties
      of the UF and CB. Significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and
      increased radial diffusivity of the right UF were observed in MDD patients
      compared with HC (p<0.05), while their geometric characteristics remained
      relatively unchanged. Among MDD subjects, depression severity had a significant
      negative correlation with normalized number of fibers (NNF) in the right UF (r=
      0.53, p=0.02). We also found significant age effect (old<young) in HC group and
      laterality effect (L>R) in both groups in the FA measure of the CB. Our study
      demonstrates novel findings of white matter microstructural abnormalities of the
      right UF in MDD. In the MDD group, the severity of depression is associated with
      reduced NNF in the right UF. These findings have implications for both clinical
      manifestations of depression as well as its pathophysiology.

PMID- 22089324
TI  - Success of pure neuroendoscopic technique in the treatment of Sylvian arachnoid
      cysts in children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neuroendoscopic approaches to Sylvian arachnoid cysts (SACs)
      constitute an alternative treatment option to craniotomy for fenestration and
      shunting procedures. In this study, the authors discuss their experience on pure
      neuroendoscopic technique in the treatment of SACs in children. RESULTS: The
      results of treatment of 20 children (range of age, between 7 months and 17 years)
      with Galassi type II (n, 5) or III (n, 15) SACs who were subjected to pure
      neuroendoscopic fenestration procedure were presented. It was possible to perform
      the cystocisternostomy endoscopically in all children with several stomies. The
      site of the opening was between the optic nerve and the carotid artery in 19,
      between the carotid artery and the oculomotor nerve in 17, and below the
      oculomotor nerve in 7. The stomies were enlarged in all cases using the double
      balloon. Three of the cases required repetition of the operation and two cases
      required "cystoperitoneal shunt" implantation. There was one minor complication
      in a patient who had an asymptomatic postoperative subdural effusion, which
      resolved spontaneously. Of the 18 cases, in which the neuroendoscopic procedures
      succeeded, 10 showed a reduction in cyst size. The mean follow-up period was 53
      months. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that "pure neuroendoscopic" approach can
      be used safely in the management of SACs in children. We recommend at least two
      fenestration sites for an effective marsupialization of the cyst within the basal
      cisterns. In pediatric cases, the use of a small diameter rigid endoscope allows
      to reach safely the planned target areas.

PMID- 22089325
TI  - Do women pretend orgasm to retain a mate?
AB  - The current study tested the hypothesis that women pretend orgasm as part of a
      broader strategy of mate retention. We obtained self-report data from 453
      heterosexual women (M age, 21.8 years) in a long-term relationship (M length,
      32.8 months) drawn from universities and surrounding communities in the
      southeastern United States. The results indicated that (1) women who perceived
      higher risk of partner infidelity were more likely to report pretending orgasm,
      (2) women who reported greater likelihood of pretending orgasm also reported
      performing more mate retention behaviors, and (3) women's perceptions of partner
      infidelity risk mediated the relationship between pretending orgasm and the
      performance of cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors, such as Intersexual
      Negative Inducements ("Flirted with someone in front of my partner") and
      Intrasexual Negative Inducements ("Yelled at a woman who looked at my partner").
      Thus, pretending orgasm may be part of a broader strategy of mate retention
      performed by women who perceive higher risk of partner infidelity.

PMID- 22089326
TI  - Comparison between intraoperative fentanyl and tramadol to improve quality of
      emergence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cough causes poor quality of emergence from anesthesia and risks of
      several complications. We compared fentanyl and an antitussive action of tramadol
      on the quality of emergence and postoperative outcome. METHODS: A total of 110
      adults (18 to 83 y) of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I
      III undergoing elective lumbar microdiscectomy with intubated total intravenous
      anesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups of 55 each. The patients assigned
      to the fentanyl group received a dose of 1 MUg/kg of fentanyl, whereas those
      assigned to the tramadol group received 1 mg/kg of tramadol, at the beginning of
      skin closure. We recorded the incidence of cough, quality of extubation at fixed
      times, maximal heart rates, maximal blood pressure during emergence,
      postoperative pain scores, and consumption of fentanyl. In addition,
      postoperative sore throat (POST), hoarseness, postoperative nausea and vomiting,
      and other anesthetic and surgical-related complications were recorded. RESULTS:
      Tramadol reduced cough incidence, improved extubation quality, and provided more
      stable hemodynamics during emergence. There was no significant difference in
      postoperative pain, fentanyl consumption, incidence and severity of POST,
      hoarseness, and postoperative nausea and vomiting between groups. Moreover, we
      found that the incidence of POST did not correlate with cough incidence.
      CONCLUSIONS: A dose of 1 mg/kg of tramadol administered intravenously 30 minutes
      before the expected extubation, compared with 1 MUg/kg of fentanyl, decreased
      cough incidence, improved emergence quality, and provided stable hemodynamics.
      However, there was no significant difference between tramadol and fentanyl in
      pain scores and fentanyl consumption postoperatively.

PMID- 22089327
TI  - Transient infrared spectroscopy: a new approach to investigate valence
      tautomerism.
AB  - In this work we present, to our knowledge for the first time, the results of a
      transient infrared spectroscopic study of the photoinduced valence tautomerism
      process in cobalt-dioxolene complexes with sub-picosecond time resolution. The
      molecular systems investigated were [Co(tpa)(diox)]PF(6) (1) and
      [Co(Me(3)tpa)(diox)]PF(6) (2), where diox = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-dioxolene; tpa
      = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and Me(3)tpa its 6-methylated analogue. Complex (1)
      is present in solution as ls-Co(III)(catecholate) (1-CAT), while (2) as hs
      Co(II)(semiquinonate) (2-SQ). DFT calculation of the harmonic frequencies for (1)
      and (2) allowed us to identify the vibrational markers of catecholate and
      semiquinonate redox isomers. Irradiation with 405 and 810 nm pulses (~35 fs) of
      (1-CAT) induces the formation of an intermediate excited species from which the
      ground state population is recovered with a time constant of 1.5 +/- 0.3 ns.
      Comparing the 1 ns transient infrared spectrum with the experimental difference
      spectrum FTIR(2-SQ)-FTIR(1-CAT) and with the calculated difference spectrum
      IR(c)(1-SQ)-IR(c)(1-CAT) we are able to unequivocally identify the long lived
      species as the semiquinonate redox isomer of (1). On the other hand, no evidence
      of photoconversion is observed upon irradiation of (2) with 405 nm. Temporal
      evolution of transient spectra was analyzed with the combined approach consisting
      of singular values decomposition and global fitting (global analysis). After 405
      and 810 nm excitation of (1-CAT), the semiquinonate excited species is formed on
      an ultrafast time scale (<200 fs) and cools down within the first 50 ps.
      Excitation of (2-SQ) with 405 nm wavelength produces a short lived excited state
      in which the semiquinonate nature of dioxolene is preserved and the ground state
      recovery is completed within 30 ps.

PMID- 22089328
TI  - Rasburicase for hyperuricemia in hemolytic uremic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) with elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels
      has been reported in patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). AKI is
      thought to result from tubular obstruction by UA crystals. Inducing a diuresis
      may ameliorate the oligoanuria in such patients. We describe a child with HUS in
      whom reducing UA with fluids and rasburicase appeared to accelerate the recovery
      of renal function. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: A 9-month-old Caucasian male infant
      presented with 6 days of diarrhea, 3 days of vomiting, and 24 h of oliguria. On
      admission, hemoglobin was 8.3 g/dL, platelet count 36,000/L, blood urea nitrogen
      73 mg/dL, and serum creatinine (SCr) 2.7 mg/dL. Diarrhea-associated HUS was
      diagnosed. The day after admission, SCr was 2.9 mg/dL and UA 12.3 mg/dL. On
      hospital day 2, he received a dose of intravenous rasburicase 0.18 mg/kg, and
      less than 12 h later, the UA had fallen to 0.3 mg/dL. The SCr level also started
      to fall, and urine output progressively increased without the use of diuretics.
      Renal function continued to improve, and the UA level remained normal despite
      ongoing hemolysis requiring a second red blood cell transfusion on hospital day
      5. The patient was discharged on hospital day 7 in good physical condition. Two
      months later, he was in good health, with a SCr level of 0.2 mg/dL and UA of 4.2
      mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: We postulate that aggressive management of the high serum UA
      level with rasburicase and fluid hydration accelerated the recovery of our
      patient. Further studies are needed to determine the role of rasburicase in the
      treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with HUS.

PMID- 22089329
TI  - Rapid identification of neuraminidase inhibitor resistance mutations in seasonal
      influenza virus A(H1N1), A(H1N1)2009, and A(H3N2) subtypes by melting point
      analysis.
AB  - The high mutation rate of influenza virus, combined with the increasing worldwide
      use of influenza virus-specific drugs, allows the selection of viruses that are
      resistant to the currently available antiviral medications. Therefore, reliable
      tests for the rapid detection of drug-resistant influenza virus strains are
      required. We evaluated the use of a procedure involving real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) followed by melting point analysis (MPA) of hybrids formed
      between the PCR product and a specific oligonucleotide probe for the
      identification of point mutations in the influenza A virus neuraminidase gene
      (NA) that are associated with oseltamivir resistance [resulting in the amino acid
      change H275Y for seasonal and pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses and E119V for
      A(H3N2) viruses]. Therefore, 54 seasonal A(H1N1) (12 oseltamivir-resistant and 42
      sensitive strains), 222 A(H1N1)2009 (5 resistant, 217 sensitive), and 51 A(H3N2)
      viruses (2 resistant, 49 sensitive) were tested by MPA, and the results were
      compared to those obtained by sequencing the NA gene. The results clearly
      indicate that the identification of drug resistance mutations by MPA is as
      accurate as sequencing, irrespective of whether MPA is performed using clinical
      material or the corresponding isolate. MPA enables a clear identification of
      mutations associated with antiviral resistance.

PMID- 22089330
TI  - QTL mapping for seedling traits in wheat grown under varying concentrations of N,
      P and K nutrients.
AB  - Nutrient use efficiency (NuUE), comprising nutrient uptake and utilization
      efficiency, is regarded as one of the most important factors for wheat yield. In
      the present study, six morphological, nine nutrient content and nine nutrient
      utilization efficiency traits were investigated at the seedling stage using a set
      of recombinant inbred lines (RILs), under hydroponic culture of 12 treatments
      including single nutrient levels and two- and three-nutrient combinations
      treatments of N, P and K. For the 12 designed treatments, a total of 380
      quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on 20 chromosomes for the 24 traits were detected.
      Of these, 87, 149 and 144 QTLs for morphological, nutrient content and nutrient
      utilization efficiency traits were found, respectively. Using the data of the
      average value (AV) across 12 treatments, 70 QTLs were detected for 23 traits.
      Most QTLs were located in new marker regions. Twenty-six important QTL clusters
      were mapped on 13 chromosomes, 1A, 1B, 1D, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5D, 6A, 6B, 7A and
      7B. Of these, ten clusters involved 147 QTLs (38.7%) for investigated traits,
      indicating that these 10 loci were more important for the NuUE of N, P and K. We
      found evidence for cooperative uptake and utilization (CUU) of N, P and K in the
      early growth period at both the phenotype and QTL level. The correlation
      coefficients (r) between nutrient content and nutrient utilization efficiency
      traits for N, P and K were almost all significantly positive correlations. A
      total of 32 cooperative CUU loci (L1-L32) were found, which included 190 out of
      the 293 QTLs (64.8%) for the nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency traits,
      indicating that the CUU-QTLs were common for N, P and K. The CUU-QTLs in L3, L7,
      L16 and L28 were relatively stable. The CUU-QTLs may explain the CUU phenotype at
      the QTL level.

PMID- 22089331
TI  - Human miR-31 targets radixin and inhibits migration and invasion of glioma cells.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel group of short RNAs, about 20-22 nucleotide in
      length, that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner by
      affecting the stability or translation of mRNAs and play important roles in many
      biological processes. Many microRNAs have been implicated in glioblastoma. miR-31
      is dysregulated in several types of cancer including colon, breast, prostate,
      gastric and lung cancers. However, the expression and role of miR-31 in
      glioblastoma are still unclear. In this study, we performed real-time reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays on 10 glioblastoma and 7
      normal brain tissues. We found that miR-31 is down-regulated in glioblastoma
      compared with normal brain tissues. Ectopic expression of miR-31 inhibited
      migration and invasion ability of U251 glioma cells. Expression profiling
      analysis revealed that miR-31 affected the cell migration and motility process by
      regulating migration and invasion related genes. Finally, we demonstrated that
      miR-31 targeted radixin predominantly via inhibition of protein translation
      instead of degradation of mRNA.

PMID- 22089332
TI  - Gazing into the crystal ball; the future of computer-aided drug design.

PMID- 22089333
TI  - Investigation of charge-transfer complexes formation between photoluminescent
      graphene oxide and organic molecules.
AB  - Charge-transfer complexes have formed between photoluminescent graphene oxide and
      organic electron-donating molecules. With the increase of electron-donating power
      of molecules, the colour of solutions containing complexes became darker; UV
      absorption was red-shifted to longer wavelength and a new charge-transfer complex
      emission was also enhanced.

PMID- 22089335
TI  - Comparative-effectiveness research as it affects clinical pharmacology.

PMID- 22089338
TI  - Comparative efficacy and effectiveness: an opportunity for clinical pharmacology.
AB  - Over the past 10 or more years, the drug development paradigm has shifted
      radically as a consequence of the availability of generic formulations for many
      important drugs and the growing influence of major payers in controlling
      reimbursement of new medicines. The demand for health care in an aging and
      increasingly information-seeking population is steadily outstripping society's
      ability to pay for all possible treatments. Regulatory approval of new drugs is
      necessary but no longer sufficient for market access in many countries, including
      the United States.

PMID- 22089339
TI  - When should we believe nonrandomized studies of comparative effectiveness?
AB  - The demand for data from randomized comparative-effectiveness trials will always
      outstrip supply. Given their susceptibility to bias, several factors should be
      considered when examining nonrandomized comparative-effectiveness studies. These
      include comparability of treatments, magnitude of difference observed, sufficient
      attention to the underlying biology, examination of relationships supporting the
      main findings, whether the study includes only new users of the study treatments,
      whether the study end point is validly recorded, and replication of results.

PMID- 22089340
TI  - Model-based meta-analysis for comparative efficacy and safety: application in
      drug development and beyond.
AB  - High development cost, low development success, cost-disciplined health-care
      policies, and intense competition demand an efficient drug development process.
      New compounds need to bring value to patients by being safe, efficacious, and
      cost-effective as compared with existing treatment options. Model-based meta
      analysis (MBMA) facilitates integration and utilization of summary-level efficacy
      and safety data, providing a quantitative framework for comparative efficacy and
      safety assessment. This Commentary discusses the application and limitations of
      MBMA in drug development.

PMID- 22089341
TI  - Clearing the smoke around medical marijuana.
AB  - The hazy world of "medical marijuana" continues to cry out for clear data on
      which to base medical decision making and rational policy design. In this issue
      of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Abrams and colleagues report that
      vaporized cannabis does not meaningfully affect opioid plasma levels and may even
      augment the efficacy of oxycodone and morphine in patients with chronic non
      cancer pain. This Commentary considers the implications of this work for clinical
      practice and further research initiatives.

PMID- 22089342
TI  - PON1 Q192R and clopidogrel: a case of the winner's curse or inadequate
      replication?
AB  - The antiplatelet drug clopidogrel is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in
      the world, but there is wide interpatient variability in its antiplatelet
      effects. The majority of this variation is due to genetic effects, but there is
      controversy over which genetic variants are important and their relative
      contribution. This controversy may stem from the genetic association research
      paradigm, which casts the "winner's curse."

PMID- 22089343
TI  - Unveiling the mysteries of clopidogrel metabolism and efficacy.
AB  - Clopidogrel is an important antiplatelet agent, but a considerable variability in
      the biological effect of the drug has been observed. Additionally, patients with
      insufficient platelet reactivity inhibition following a loading dose (LD) of
      clopidogrel have a poor outcome. The mechanisms of variability are dependent on
      genetic polymorphisms of enzymes involved in clopidogrel metabolism. Paraoxonase
      1 has been identified as the main determinant of the biological and clinical
      efficacy of clopidogrel. This finding could enable the use of pharmacogenomics to
      tailor antiplatelet agents.

PMID- 22089345
TI  - KRAS detection in colonic tumors by DNA extraction from FTA paper: the molecular
      touch-prep.
AB  - DNA isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is usually more
      degraded and contains more polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors than DNA
      isolated from nonfixed tissue. In addition, the tumor size and cellular
      heterogeneity found in tissue sections can often impact testing for molecular
      biomarkers. As a potential remedy to this situation, we evaluated the use of
      Whatman FTA paper cards for collection of colorectal tumor samples before tissue
      fixation and for isolation of DNA for use in a real-time PCR-based KRAS mutation
      assay. Eleven colon tumor samples were collected by making a cut into the fresh
      tumor and applying the Whatman FTA paper to the cut surface. Matched FFPE tissue
      blocks from these tumors were also collected for comparison. KRAS mutation
      analysis was carried out using the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-time PCR
      System using 7 independent custom TaqMan PCR assays. Of the 11 colon tumors
      sampled, 6 were positive for KRAS mutations in both the Whatman FTA paper
      preparations and corresponding FFPE samples. Whatman FTA paper cards for
      collection of colorectal tumor samples before tissue fixation and for isolation
      of DNA have many advantages including ease of use, intrinsic antimicrobial
      properties, long storage potential (stability of DNA over time), and a faster
      turnaround time for results. Extracted DNA should be suitable for most molecular
      diagnostic assays that use PCR techniques. This novel means of DNA preservation
      from surgical specimens would benefit from additional study and validation as a
      dependable and practical technique to preserve specimens for molecular testing.

PMID- 22089346
TI  - Analysis of hematopoietic stem cell transplant engraftment:  use of loss or gain
      of microsatellite alleles to identify residual hematopoietic malignancy.
AB  - Polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR), or microsatellite, loci have been widely
      used to analyze chimerism status after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation. The presence of a patient's DNA, as identified by STR analysis,
      may indicate residual or recurrent malignant disease or may represent normal
      hematopoiesis of patient origin. The ratio of patient-derived to donor-derived
      alleles is used to calculate the relative amount of patient cells (both benign
      and malignant) to donor cells. STRs on chromosomes known to be gained or lost in
      a patient's tumor are generally ignored because it is difficult to perform
      meaningful calculations of mixed chimerism. However, in this study, we present
      evidence that STR loci on gained or lost chromosomes are useful in distinguishing
      the benign or malignant nature of chimeric DNA. In the peripheral blood or bone
      marrow of 4 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients with leukemia or
      lymphoma, we identified tumor DNA on the basis of STR loci showing copy number
      alteration. We propose that a targeted evaluation of STR loci showing altered
      copy number in posttransplant chimerism analysis can provide evidence of residual
      cancer cells.

PMID- 22089347
TI  - Expression analysis on archival material: comparison of 5 commercially available
      RNA isolation kits for FFPE material.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is the most common
      tissue specimen widely available. Moreover, long clinical follow-up is on hand.
      Therefore, FFPE material is a precious source of material for identifying
      predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers in cancer research on the basis of gene
      expression. However, the main drawback of FFPE tissue is the significant
      reduction in quantity and quality of the extracted RNA. The aim of this study is
      the comparison of different commercially available kits for the RNA isolation in
      FFPE tissue material. METHODS: Five commercially available RNA isolation kits
      were tested and the concentration, purity, integrity, and raw cycle threshold
      values were determined. RESULTS: The mean total RNA concentrations were as
      follows: Qiagen 25957+/-19417 ng, Ambion 8249+/-2898 ng, SA Biosciences 8070+/
      3700 ng, and Macherey-Nagel 622+/-394 ng. The mean A260/A280 ratios were as
      follows: Qiagen: 1.81, SA Biosciences: 0.66, Ambion: 1.03, and Macherey-Nagel:
      1.04. The mean A260/A230 ratios were as follows: Qiagen: 1.88, SA Biosciences:
      1.61, Ambion: 1.54, and Macherey-Nagel: 1.88. The RNA extractions from Epicentre
      could not be measured by the Nanodrop and, therefore, were excluded from further
      analysis. The mean RNA integrity number (range, 2.09 to 2.47) and the mean raw
      cycle threshold values (range, 33.43 to 35.37) were more or less the same for all
      the tested RNA isolation kits. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, on the basis of the
      number of adequate isolations, the kit from Qiagen seems to be the most
      appropriate kit to be used in our further studies that require RNA isolation from
      FFPE material.

PMID- 22089348
TI  - Reference genes for gene expression analysis by real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction of renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differentiation between malignant renal cell carcinoma and benign
      oncocytoma is of great importance to choose the optimal treatment. Accurate
      preoperative diagnosis of renal tumor is therefore crucial; however, existing
      imaging techniques and histologic examinations are incapable of providing an
      optimal differentiation profile. Analysis of gene expression of molecular markers
      is a new possibility but relies on appropriate standardization to compare
      different samples. The aim of this study was to identify stably expressed
      reference genes suitable for the normalization of results extracted from gene
      expression analysis of renal tumors. METHODS: Expression levels of 8 potential
      reference genes (ATP5J, HMBS, HPRT1, PPIA, TBP, 18S, GAPDH, and POLR2A) were
      examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in tumor
      and normal tissue from removed kidneys from 13 patients with renal cell carcinoma
      and 5 patients with oncocytoma. RESULTS: The expression levels of genes were
      compared by gene stability value M, average gene stability M, pairwise variation
      V, and coefficient of variation CV. More candidates were not suitable for the
      purpose, but a combination of HMBS, PPIA, ATP5J, and TBP was found to be the best
      combination with an average gene stability value M of 0.9 and a CV of 0.4 in the
      18 tumors and normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of 4 genes, HMBS, PPIA,
      ATP5J, and TBP, is a possible reference in renal tumor gene expression analysis
      by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A combination of four genes,
      HMBS, PPIA, ATP5J and TBP, being stably expressed in tissues from RCC is possible
      reference genes for gene expression analysis.

PMID- 22089349
TI  - DDIT3 gene break-apart as a molecular marker for diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma-
      assay validation and clinical experience.
AB  - Myxoid liposarcoma with or without a round cell component is the most common
      subtype of liposarcoma. The diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma could be challenging
      with histology, as a variety of soft tissue tumors with myxoid change might mimic
      myxoid liposarcoma, especially on small biopsy tissues. Chromosomal
      translocations of t(12,16) (q13;p11) and t(12;22) (q13;q12), rendering gene
      fusions of DDIT3 (previously CHOP) with FUS and EWSR1, have been found to be
      characteristic of myxoid liposarcoma, and were identifiable in more than 95%
      cases. These genetic alterations, therefore, are ideal as molecular markers to
      facilitate the diagnosis of this type of tumor. DDIT3 (12q13) dual-color break
      apart rearrangement probe for fluorescence in situ hybridization has been
      commercially available. However, its consistency with DDIT3-associated gene
      fusion and its clinical use, including sensitivity and specificity, have not been
      adequately evaluated. In this study, we assessed the locus specificity of the
      probe on metaphase, and then tested it on 8 cases of myxoid liposarcoma, 12 cases
      of other sarcomas, and 18 cases of tumors with myxoid differentiation. All 8
      myxoid liposarcomas showed DDIT3 gene break-apart, whereas all 12 other sarcomas
      were negative. All the cases with DDIT3 break-apart also showed FUS-DDIT3 fusion
      by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, with 100% consistency. In
      addition, the FISH assay has been clinically applied on 18 myxoid tumors with
      promising outcome. In conclusion, FISH with DDIT3 break-apart probe is a highly
      sensitive and specific assay for detection of DDIT3-associated gene fusions, and
      therefore is a valuable adjunct in diagnosis or differential diagnosis of myxoid
      liposarcoma.

PMID- 22089350
TI  - Characterization of molecular genetic alterations in GBMs highlights a
      distinctive molecular profile in young adults.
AB  - To evaluate age-related differences in histopathologic and molecular profile of
      glioblastomas (GBMs) at various age groups, with special reference to TP53
      mutation, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, EGFR vIII
      mutant, PTEN deletion, and IDH1 mutation. Agewise GBM incidence was calculated
      over a period of 5 years (2005 to 2009). Seventy-five GBMs were selected for
      molecular analysis. Majority of cases were in the age group of 41 to 60 years,
      and mean age was 43.6 years. Histology of all 75 cases selected for molecular
      profiling was identical. Primary adult GBMs showed EGFR amplification and PTEN
      deletion in majority (37.3% and 54.9%, respectively). TP53 and IDH1 mutations
      were rare (11.8% cases each). In secondary GBMs, TP53 (66.7%) and IDH1 mutations
      (44.4%) were most frequent. PTEN deletion was seen in 33.3% and none had EGFR
      amplification. Pediatric GBMs (<18 y) harbored frequent TP53 mutations (46.7%)
      and PTEN deletion in 40%. IDH1 mutations and EGFR amplification were absent. The
      molecular profile of primary GBMs in young adults (19 to 40 y) was distinctly
      different from that of adults older than 40 years. TP53 mutation was present in
      20% cases. The frequency of EGFR amplification (13.3%) and PTEN deletion (33.3%)
      was significantly low (P=0.028 and 0.046, respectively). IDH1 mutation, which is
      rare in primary adult GBMs, was present in 40% of cases. Molecular heterogeneity
      exists within GBMs of different age cohorts. The molecular profile of GBMs in
      young adults is distinctly different. Thus, there is a strong need for further
      studies in various age groups to provide guidelines for therapeutic targeting.

PMID- 22089351
TI  - Galectin-3 and CD44v6 as markers for preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer by
      RT-PCR.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of galectin-3 and
      CD44v6 as markers for preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in lesions of the
      thyroid. RT-PCR analysis of galectin-3 and CD44v6 expression was performed on RNA
      isolated from fine-needle aspirates of thyroid lesions from 428 patients. The
      results were evaluated against the postoperative histopathological diagnosis or
      definitive cytological diagnosis in cases of nodular goiter and Hashimoto
      thyroiditis. A total of 57 (13%) samples were inadequate for RT-PCR. Galectin-3
      and CD44v6 were positive in 167 (45%) and 158 (43%) out of 371 adequate samples,
      respectively. Galectin-3 and CD44v6 were positive in 56 (86%) and 54 (83%) out of
      65 papillary carcinomas, in 16 (29%) and 18 (32%) out of 56 Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis, in 61 (34%) and 52 (29%) out of 181 nodular goiters, in 23 (43%) and
      23 (43%) out of 53 follicular adenomas, in 3 (100%) and 3 (100%) out of 3
      follicular carcinomas, and in 8 (62%) and 8 (62%) out of 13 Hurthle cell
      adenomas, respectively. Specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative
      predictive values in discriminating between malignant and benign thyroid nodules
      were 64, 87, and 35 and 96% for galectin-3; 67, 84, and 36 and 95% for CD44v6;
      and 79, 82, and 47 and 95% for the analysis of both markers (considered positive
      only if both galectin-3 and CD44v6 were positive), respectively. Owing to
      relatively low specificity, the clinical value of galectin-3 and CD44v6 analysis
      by RT-PCR as a marker for preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid lesions
      is limited.

PMID- 22089352
TI  - Establishment of a novel target-based real-time quantitative PCR method for
      Acinetobacter baumannii detection.
AB  - Biofilm formation is a well-known pathogenic mechanism in infections caused by
      Acinetobacter baumannii. Recently, a biofilm synthesis-associated gene has been
      found in A. baumannii ATCC19606. Bioinformatic analysis showed 2 transmembrane
      structures and an hmsS superfamily domain, which was related to biofilm
      formation. What is more, high homology sequences of the bfs gene were only
      present in A. baumannii spp., and the similarities of nucleotide sequences of the
      bfs gene from A. baumannii strains ATCC17978, ACICU, S1, AB307-0294, and AB0057
      compared with the reported sequence of bfs (GenBank accession No.: NZ_GG704572)
      were all above 95%. The distribution and conservation of the bfs gene from
      clinically derived A. baumannii strains were verified through conventional
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After this, we established a bfs gene-based real
      time quantitative PCR assay to detect A. baumannii. Species specificity and
      sensitivity assays were designed and validated. By using this method, all the A.
      baumannii strains separated from clinical samples were identified and showed good
      accordance with the results from biochemical identification. This study is the
      first report of developing a bfs gene-based quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction for rapid, stable, and specific detection of A. baumannii. This method
      can be applied to clinical laboratory diagnosis, and detection of A. baumannii
      present on medical instruments.

PMID- 22089353
TI  - Timely diagnosis and disclosure of Alzheimer disease gives patients opportunities
      to make choices.

PMID- 22089354
TI  - Dermatologists' awareness of and screening practices for hepatitis B virus
      infection before initiating tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess dermatologists' awareness of
      available guidelines and drug package insert information on the screening for and
      management of hepatitis B (HBV) infection in patients receiving tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha inhibitor (TNF-alphaI) drug therapies for dermatological disorders.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire
      was administered to a random, nationwide sample of physician members of the
      American Academy of Dermatology. Each participating physician answered 8
      questions regarding his or her awareness of the risk of HBV reactivation.
      RESULTS: More than half of the dermatologists surveyed (52%) were aware of
      guidelines regarding TNF-alphaI use in dermatological disorders. Dermatologists
      who were aware of the guidelines performed universal screening 81% of the time
      versus 3% of those who were unaware. Approximately 30% of the dermatologists were
      aware of drug manufacturers' package insert warnings for risk of HBV reactivation
      with TNF-alphaIs. Screening in their high-risk patients was highly variable
      because >90% performed screening in patients with a history of hepatitis or with
      elevated liver-associated enzymes. Most (73%) screened appropriately with HB
      surface antigen. One case of HBV reactivation was observed with infliximab use
      for psoriasis treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this survey, improving education
      among dermatologists regarding the risks of HBV reactivation and its prevention
      for patients receiving TNF-alphaI seems warranted. More specific consensus
      guidelines are recommended to achieve universal screening as the standard of care
      in these patients.

PMID- 22089355
TI  - Risk factors of cellulitis treatment failure with once-daily intravenous
      cefazolin plus oral probenecid.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Once-daily intravenous cefazolin with probenecid is used commonly to
      treat cellulitis. The primary objective of this study was to determine the risk
      factors of treatment failure with this regimen. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cohort study of adult outpatients with cellulitis who were initially treated with
      once-daily intravenous cefazolin plus probenecid. Treatment failure is defined as
      inadequate improvement that necessitates either hospital admission or a change in
      antibiotic therapy to a different intravenous regimen. A stepwise logistic
      regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for regimen
      failure. RESULTS: From January 2003 to December 2008, 159 patients with
      cellulitis were initially treated with once daily intravenous cefazolin plus
      probenecid. Thirty-five (22%) patients had treatment failure. The treatment for
      53% (9/17) of the patients with a history of chronic venous disease (CVD) failed,
      whereas the treatment for 18% (26/142) of patients without CVD failed (P =
      0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of CVD as the only risk
      factor associated with treatment failure (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval
      1.5-13; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cellulitis and CVD who are being
      treated with once-daily intravenous cefazolin plus probenecid should be monitored
      closely for treatment failure.

PMID- 22089356
TI  - Differences in national antiretroviral prescribing patterns between black and
      white patients with HIV/AIDS, 1996-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The benefit of improved health outcomes for blacks receiving highly
      active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) lags behind that of whites. This project
      therefore sought to determine whether the reason for this discrepancy in health
      outcomes could be attributed to disparities in use of antiretroviral therapy
      between black and white patients with HIV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 1996-2006
      National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys were used to identify hospital
      outpatient visits that documented antiretrovirals. Patients younger than 18
      years, of nonblack or nonwhite race, and lacking documentation of antiretrovirals
      were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed with
      race as the independent variable and use of HAART as the dependent variable.
      RESULTS: Approximately 3 million HIV/AIDS patient visits were evaluated. Blacks
      were less likely than whites to use HAART and protease inhibitors (odds ratio,
      95% CI 0.81 [0.81-0.82] and 0.67 [0.67-0.68], respectively). More blacks than
      whites used non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (odds ratio, 95% CI
      1.18 [1.17-1.18]). In 1996, the crude rates of HAART were relatively low for both
      black and white cohorts (5% vs 6%). The rise in HAART for blacks appeared to lag
      behind that of whites for several years, until 2002, when the proportion of
      blacks receiving HAART slightly exceeded the proportion of whites receiving
      HAART. In later years, the rates of HAART were similar for blacks and whites (81%
      vs 82% in 2006). Blacks appeared less likely than whites to use protease
      inhibitors and more likely than whites to use non-nucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors from 2000 to 2004. CONCLUSIONS: Blacks experienced a lag
      in the use of antiretrovirals at the beginning of the study; this discrepancy
      dissipated in more recent years.

PMID- 22089357
TI  - HIV-related disparities: it is not all about HAART accessibility.

PMID- 22089358
TI  - Prevalence of atherosclerotic plaque in young and middle-aged asymptomatic
      individuals: the Bogalusa heart study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of carotid and femoral artery
      atherosclerotic plaque in a community-based population of asymptomatic African
      American and white men and women, with an age range of 29 to 51 years, and the
      potential relations with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Between 2007 and
      2010, 914 subjects, 58% women and 69% white, who were part of the Bogalusa Heart
      Study, an ongoing study of a southern biracial community in Bogalusa, Louisiana,
      were followed up from childhood through adulthood and assessed for plaque
      formation using ultrasound. Of the total number of subjects, those with a history
      of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events were excluded. RESULTS: Plaque
      prevalence ranged from 8% to 14%, with greater frequency in white men. Plaque
      formation was also associated with smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, age,
      and white race, in descending order. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, studied
      sequentially since 1973, the presence of plaque correlated with widely recognized
      cardiovascular risk factors, although we did not detect significant contributions
      from either obesity or elevated lipids, including low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol. It is possible that interventions, such as diet alteration and
      statin therapy, may have a positive impact on these potential contributors to
      plaque formation, and hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking remain of great
      importance.

PMID- 22089359
TI  - Atherosclerosis--challenging the assumptions.

PMID- 22089360
TI  - Prevalence of colorectal cancer screening among a multimorbid rural Appalachian
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relation among
      multiple morbidities and the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening
      among older adult Appalachian residents of Kentucky. This is the first known
      study to address multiple morbidities exclusively with a health-disparities
      population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1153 subjects, aged 50
      to 76 years, from Appalachian Kentucky. RESULTS: White race, post-high school
      education, and perception of having more than enough income on which to survive
      were associated with higher rates of any guideline concordant CRC screening.
      Statistically significant trends in the outcome of adjusted odds ratios for
      colonoscopy with greater number of morbidities (P < 0.05) were noted; the higher
      number of morbidities, the higher rates of screening. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to
      much existing research, within a health-disparities population, we found a dose
      response relation between comorbidities and greater likelihood of CRC screening.
      Future research in this area should focus on explanations for this seldom
      described finding. In addition, this finding has meaningful clinical and
      behavioral implications, including ensuring provider screening recommendation
      during routine office visits and outreach, perhaps through community clinics and
      public health departments, to extremely vulnerable populations lacking access to
      preventive care.

PMID- 22089361
TI  - Factors associated with recently transmitted Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain
      MS0006 in Hinds County, Mississippi.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors associated
      with tuberculosis (TB) transmission that was caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      strain MS0006 from 2004 to 2009 in Hinds County, Mississippi. METHODS: DNA
      fingerprinting using spoligotyping, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit,
      and IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism of culture-confirmed
      cases of TB was performed. Clinical and demographic factors associated with
      strain MS0006 were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of
      the 144 cases of TB diagnosed during the study period, 117 were culture positive
      with fingerprints available. There were 48 different strains, of which 6
      clustered strains were distributed among 74 patients. The MS0006 strain accounted
      for 46.2% of all culture-confirmed cases. Risk factors for having the MS0006
      strain in a univariate analysis included homelessness, HIV co-infection, sputum
      smear negativity, tuberculin skin test negativity, and noninjectable drug use.
      Multivariate analysis identified homelessness (odds ratio 7.88, 95% confidence
      interval 2.90-21.35) and African American race (odds ratio 5.80, 95% confidence
      interval 1.37-24.55) as independent predictors of having TB caused by the MS0006
      strain of M. tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a majority of
      recently transmitted TB in the studied county was caused by the MS0006 strain.
      African American race and homelessness were significant risk factors for
      inclusion in the cluster. Molecular epidemiology techniques continue to provide
      in-depth analysis of disease transmission and play a vital role in effective
      contact tracing and interruption of ongoing transmission.

PMID- 22089362
TI  - Neonates at risk for congenital syphilis:  radiographic and cerebrospinal fluid
      evaluations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the infants at risk for congenital syphilis (CS) and
      determine the optimal use of evaluations such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the
      venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test, and long bone radiography
      studies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all of the infants at risk for
      CS from January 1997 to December 2002 at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis
      was conducted. Subjects were identified from a database of prenatal maternal
      records. Infant charts showing a diagnosis of presumptive CS were reviewed and
      data were collected. RESULTS: Of the 24,245 deliveries, maternal serology (rapid
      plasma reagin and microhemagglutination for treponemal antibody) was reactive in
      250 women during pregnancy. Of 92 infants with a presumptive diagnosis of
      syphilis, only 2 (2.1%) were symptomatic. CSF examination for VDRL was feasible
      in 74 (80%) of the 92 infants. Only 1 (1.35%) of the 74 infants had a positive
      CSF-VDRL. Three infants had radiographic changes that were consistent with CS.
      CONCLUSIONS: The burden of syphilis in pregnancy remains high. Proper evaluation
      of neonates is important in preventing long-term consequences. The frequency of
      positive CSF and long bone radiography studies remains low. These evaluations
      should be made based on the symptoms and plan of treatment for individual
      neonates.

PMID- 22089363
TI  - Physical activity benefits and risks on the gastrointestinal system.
AB  - This review evaluates the current understanding of the benefits and risks of
      physical activity and exercise on the gastrointestinal system. A significant
      portion of endurance athletes are affected by gastrointestinal symptoms, but most
      symptoms are transient and do not have long-term consequences. Conversely,
      physical activity may have a protective effect on the gastrointestinal system.
      There is convincing evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of colon
      cancer. The evidence is less convincing for gastric and pancreatic cancers,
      gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease, cholelithiasis, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and
      constipation. Physical activity may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
      and inflammatory bowel disease, although this has not been proven unequivocally.
      This article provides a critical review of the evidence-based literature
      concerning exercise and physical activity effects on the gastrointestinal system
      and provides physicians with a better understanding of the evidence behind
      exercise prescriptions for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Well
      designed prospective randomized trials evaluating the risks and benefits of
      exercise and physical activity on gastrointestinal disorders are recommended for
      future research.

PMID- 22089364
TI  - Benefits and risks of exercise on the gastrointestinal system.

PMID- 22089365
TI  - Follow-up study of a pregnant woman 16 years after exposure in the Xinzhou
      radiation accident.
AB  - To investigate the late effects of radiation on child-bearing women, a follow-up
      study was performed on a 39-year-old survivor 16 years after a (60)Co radiation
      accident. The woman, Fang, was 19 weeks pregnant at the time of exposure.
      Physical examinations, a full range of clinical laboratory and imaging tests, as
      well as cytogenetic analyses were conducted to evaluate Fang's current health
      conditions. Fang shows the appearance of premature ageing and has a decreased
      menstrual period. Laboratory studies and imaging tests suggest nodular goitre
      disease and osteoporosis. Otherwise, no apparent abnormalities were found in the
      major organs. No malignant tumours were detected by either tumour markers or
      imaging tests. However, the existence of chromosome aberrations warrants long
      term follow-up for tumour incidence in the future. Fang became pregnant 8 years
      after the accident, but suffered a miscarriage due to the death of the foetus at
      6 months into the pregnancy. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the
      intrauterine death of the foetus might be associated with the previous exposure.
      There is no evidence of malignant tumours as of the date of the follow-up study.
      Non-cancerous diseases, i.e. thyroid disease and osteoporosis, which may be
      related to radiation exposure, are the major manifestations of the long-term
      effects of the accident.

PMID- 22089366
TI  - RETRACTED ARTICLE: Acute and chronic toxicity of the pharmaceutical
      levonorgestrel to the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.

PMID- 22089367
TI  - Analysis of the predicting variables for daily and weekly fluctuations of two
      airborne fungal spores: Alternaria and Cladosporium.
AB  - Alternaria and Cladosporium are two fungal taxa whose spores (conidia) are
      included frequently in aerobiological studies of outdoor environments. Both spore
      types are present in the atmosphere of Malaga (Spain) throughout almost the
      entire year, although they reach their highest concentrations during spring and
      autumn. To establish predicting variables for daily and weekly fluctuations,
      Spearman's correlations and stepwise multiple regressions between spore
      concentrations (measured using a volumetric 7-day recorder) and meteorological
      variables were made with results obtained for both spore types in 1996 and 1997.
      Correlations and regressions were also made between the different taxa and their
      concentrations in different years. Significant and positive correlation
      coefficients were always obtained between spore concentrations of both taxa,
      followed by temperature, their concentrations in different years, sunshine hours
      and relative humidity (this last in a negative sense). For the two spore types we
      obtained higher correlation and regression coefficients using weekly data. We
      showed different regression models using weekly values. From the results and a
      practical point of view, it was concluded that weekly values of the atmospheric
      concentration of Alternaria spores can be predicted from the maximum temperature
      expected and its concentrations in the years sampled. As regards the atmospheric
      concentration of Cladoposrium spores, the weekly values can be predicted based on
      the concentration of Alternaria spores, thus saving the time and effort that
      would otherwise be employed in counting them by optical microscopy.

PMID- 22089368
TI  - Surgical intervention strategies for pediatric ovarian tumors: experience with 60
      cases at one institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the surgical intervention strategies
      for pediatric ovarian tumors. METHODS: The clinical features and treatment were
      analyzed for 60 children with ovarian tumors treated at our institution between
      2000 and 2010. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 60 patients were prenatally diagnosed
      neonatal cases with cystic lesions. Of the 21 neonates, surgery included
      ultrasound-guided aspiration in 14 cases, salpingo-oophorectomy by umbilical
      crease incision in 6 cases with torsions, and cystectomy with ovarian
      preservation in one case with torsion. The mean age of the other 39 patients was
      9.3 years. For 31 of these patients with benign lesions, surgery included tumor
      resection with ovarian preservation after aspiration of the cystic lesion through
      a modified Rocky Davis incision in 21 cases containing 3 torsion cases, and
      salpingo-oophorectomy in 10 cases, including 8 torsion cases. A salpingo
      oophorectomy was performed for all eight of the patients with malignant tumors,
      including borderline lesions of mucinous or serous cyst adenoma, and
      postoperative chemotherapy was administered for two yolk sac tumors and one
      dysgerminoma. Only one case demonstrating a yolk sac tumor with lung metastasis
      at initial diagnosis died of disease after recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The majority
      of pediatric ovarian tumors were benign disease, and the patients with malignant
      lesions had a good prognosis. In neonatal cases, an umbilical crease incision
      approach is feasible and provides excellent cosmesis. We recommend tumor
      resection with ovarian preservation through a minimally invasive approach
      (modified Rocky Davis incision) as the first line treatment for older pediatric
      patients with ovarian tumors other than those preoperatively diagnosed as
      malignant.

PMID- 22089369
TI  - Preparation of organic-inorganic hybrid Fe-MoO(x)/polyaniline nanorods as
      efficient catalysts for alkene epoxidation.
AB  - Novel Fe-MoO(x)/polyaniline nanorods were fabricated via in situ polymerization
      of Mo(3)O(10)(C(6)H(5)NH(3))(2).2H(2)O nanowires, in which interface reactions
      remarkably influenced the morphology of products; and the nanorods showed high
      performance in cyclooctene epoxidation due to the organic-inorganic hybrid
      structure and Fe(3+) additive.

PMID- 22089370
TI  - Nanodiamond for hydrogen storage: temperature-dependent hydrogenation and charge
      induced dehydrogenation.
AB  - Carbon-based hydrogen storage materials are one of hottest research topics in
      materials science. Although the majority of studies focus on highly porous
      loosely bound systems, these systems have various limitations including use at
      elevated temperature. Here we propose, based on computer simulations, that
      diamond nanoparticles may provide a new promising high temperature candidate with
      a moderate storage capacity, but good potential for recyclability. The
      hydrogenation of nanodiamonds is found to be easily achieved, in agreement with
      experiments, though we find the stability of hydrogenation is dependent on the
      morphology of nanodiamonds and surrounding environment. Hydrogenation is
      thermodynamically favourable even at high temperature in pure hydrogen, ammonia,
      and methane gas reservoirs, whereas water vapour can help to reduce the energy
      barrier for desorption. The greatest challenge in using this material is the
      breaking of the strong covalent C-H bonds, and we have identified that the
      spontaneous release of atomic hydrogen may be achieved through charging of
      hydrogenated nanodiamonds. If the degree of induced charge is properly
      controlled, the integrity of the host nanodiamond is maintained, which indicates
      that an efficient and recyclable approach for hydrogen release may be possible.

PMID- 22089371
TI  - Accuracy and inter-observer reliability of visual estimation compared to clinical
      goniometry of the elbow.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that visual estimation by a trained observer is
      as accurate and reliable as clinical goniometry for measuring elbow range of
      motion. METHODS: Instrument validity and inter-observer reliability of visual
      estimation was evaluated on a consecutive series of 50 elbow contractures. Four
      observers with different levels of elbow experience first estimated extension and
      flexion of the contracted elbows and then measured them with a blinded
      goniometer. RESULTS: Instrument validity for visually-based goniometry was
      extremely high. ICC scores were 0.97 for both extension and flexion estimations.
      Systematic error was negligible (1 degrees ) with upper limits of agreement being
      9 degrees  (95% CI: 7 degrees -11 degrees ) and 8 degrees  (95% CI: 6 degrees -10
      degrees ), respectively, for extension and flexion. For the expert surgeon, 92%
      of the visual estimates were within 5 degrees  of the value obtained by clinical
      goniometry. Between experienced observers (elbow surgeon and physician
      assistant), the ICC's were very high-0.96 for extension and 0.93 for flexion. The
      systematic errors were low, from -1 degrees  to 1 degrees  with upper limit of
      agreement being 11 degrees  (95% CI: 8 degrees -14 degrees ). However, agreement
      was poor between an inexperienced study coordinator and the others (ICC's: 0.51
      0.38, systematic errors: 8 degrees -18 degrees , upper limit of agreement: 32
      degrees -40 degrees ). The accuracy of the visual estimations made by the
      experienced elbow surgeon was as good as the measurements taken with a goniometer
      by the physician assistant or the clinical fellow and better than those taken by
      an inexperienced study coordinator. CONCLUSIONS: The trained human eye is highly
      capable of accurately estimating the range of motion of the elbow, compared to
      conventional clinical goniometry, depending on the experience of the observer.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level II.

PMID- 22089372
TI  - Increased BMP expression in arthrofibrosis after TKA.
AB  - PURPOSE: Because of the multiple possible aetiologies of painful total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA), the diagnosis and treatment of such patients are challenging.
      In a considerable number of patients, an intraarticular pathology is present,
      although not verifiable with clinical and diagnostic imaging techniques as in
      cases of primary arthrofibrosis. In these patients, the differentiation between
      intra- and extraarticular causes of pain remains difficult. Until now, little
      attention has been paid to changes of the synovial fluid and tissue in these
      knees. The objective of this study was to analyse the changes of the synovial
      environment in patients suffering from arthrofibrosis after TKA in comparison
      with knees with referred pain suffering from hip arthritis. The changes of the
      synovial environment probably provide additional diagnostic information to verify
      an intraarticular pathology. METHODS: The synovial fluid of 10 consecutive knees
      in 10 patients presenting with a primary arthrofibrosis after TKA without signs
      of infection, instability, malalignment, or loosening was analysed and compared
      to the synovial fluid of 10 knees with referred pain serving as controls. The BMP
      2 concentration was measured in the synovial fluid, and the presence of cytokines
      leading to an overexpression of BMP-2 was detected by measuring the change of BMP
      2 expression in a synoviocyte cell line following exposing to the synovial fluid
      of the patients. RESULTS: The concentration of BMP-2 in the synovial fluid was
      significantly higher in arthrofibrotic TKA knees (24.3 +/- 6.9 pg/mL), compared
      with the control group 5.9 +/- 4.8 pg/mL (P < 0.001). Corresponding to this
      finding, BMP-2 expression in synoviocytes was upregulated 11.5-fold (P < 0.05) by
      synovial fluid of patients suffering from arthrofibrosis after TKA, compared with
      the control group with referred pain. CONCLUSION: BMP-2 is overexpressed and its
      concentrations are consequently higher in patients suffering from arthrofibrosis
      after TKA. The synovial BMP-2 concentration may be a potential marker for
      differentiating between intra- and extraarticular causes of pain. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 22089373
TI  - The safety and short-term efficacy of a novel polyurethane meniscal scaffold for
      the treatment of segmental medial meniscus deficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: Meniscal loss is associated with an increased risk of developing
      osteoarthritis. Tissue engineering solutions, which include the development of
      novel material scaffolds, are being utilised to aid the regeneration of meniscal
      tissue. The purpose of this study was to monitor the safety profile and the short
      term efficacy of a novel polyurethane meniscal scaffold in the treatment of
      patients with painful knees following partial medial meniscectomy. METHODS: Ten
      consecutive patients with segmental tissue loss from the medial meniscus were
      treated with the arthroscopic implantation of an Actifit((r)) (Orteq Sports
      Medicine) polyurethane meniscal scaffold. Patients were followed up at 2 and 6
      weeks, then again at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcome measures included reporting
      of complications and patient-reported outcome scores (KOOS, KSS, UCLA Activity
      scale, VAS pain). Secondary outcome was MRI assessment at 6 and 12 months looking
      at scaffold morphology, integration and associated joint injury/inflammation.
      RESULTS: Eight male and 2 female patients were included in the study with a mean
      age of 29 (range 18-45). No complications were reported. All patients were happy
      with their surgery. At 6 months, a statistically significant improvement (P <
      0.05) in all PROMS except the UCLA activity scale and VAS pain scale were noted.
      The improvement remained at 12 months. MRI analysis revealed the presence of
      scaffolds at 6 months, with evidence of some tissue integration in many
      improvements in scaffold morphology and ICRS classification of cartilage in the
      medial compartment were noted at 12 months. No synovitis was noted in the joint
      or adverse reactions in the other compartments. CONCLUSION: The new Actifit((r))
      polyurethane scaffold has been shown to be a safe, effective implant, for the
      treatment of patients with pain as a result of segmental medial meniscus loss at
      1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22089374
TI  - Projected life expectancy of people with HIV according to timing of diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has contributed
      greatly toward survival for people with HIV, yet many remain undiagnosed until
      very late. Our aims were to estimate the life expectancy of an HIV-infected MSM
      living in a developed country with extensive access to ART and healthcare, and to
      assess the effect of late diagnosis on life expectancy. METHODS: A stochastic
      computer simulation model of HIV infection and the effect of ART was used to
      estimate life expectancy and determine the distribution of potential lifetime
      outcomes of an MSM, aged 30 years, who becomes HIV positive in 2010. The effect
      of altering the diagnosis rate was investigated. RESULTS: Assuming a high rate of
      HIV diagnosis (median CD4 cell count at diagnosis, 432  cells/MUl), projected
      median age at death (life expectancy) was 75.0 years. This implies 7.0 years of
      life were lost on average due to HIV. Cumulative risks of death by 5 and 10 years
      after infection were 2.3 and 5.2%, respectively. The 95% uncertainty bound for
      life expectancy was (68.0,77.3) years. When a low diagnosis rate was assumed
      (diagnosis only when symptomatic, median CD4 cell count 140  cells/MUl), life
      expectancy was 71.5 years, implying an average 10.5 years of life lost due to
      HIV. CONCLUSION: If low rates of virologic failure observed in treated patients
      continue, predicted life expectancy is relatively high in people with HIV who can
      access a wide range of antiretrovirals. The greatest risk of excess mortality is
      due to delays in HIV diagnosis.

PMID- 22089375
TI  - Mental health disorders and the risk of AIDS-defining illness and death in HIV
      infected veterans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mental health comorbidities are common in HIV-infected veterans and
      can impact clinical outcomes for HIV. We examined the impact of mental health
      diagnoses on progression to AIDS-defining illness (ADI) and death in a large
      cohort of HIV-infected veterans who accessed care between 2001 and 2006. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study using the national Veterans Health Administration
      (VHA) HIV Clinical Case Registry. METHODS: We identified HIV-infected veterans
      initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) within the VHA between 2000
      and 2006. The prevalences of the following mental health diagnoses were examined:
      schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
      Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to examine the relationship
      between mental health conditions and two outcomes, all-cause mortality and ADI.
      Models were computed before and after adjusting for confounding factors including
      age, race, baseline CD4 cell count, comorbidities and cART adherence. RESULTS:
      Among 9003 veterans receiving cART, 31% had no mental health diagnosis. Age,
      race, baseline comorbidity score, CD4, and cART adherence were associated with
      shorter time to ADI or death. All-cause mortality was more likely among veterans
      with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance use, and ADI was more likely
      to occur among veterans with substance use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      demonstrate the high prevalence of mental health diagnoses among HIV-infected
      veterans. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, presence of
      psychiatric diagnoses impacted survival and development of ADI. More aggressive
      measures addressing substance abuse and severe mental illness in HIV-infected
      veterans are necessary.

PMID- 22089376
TI  - The causal effect of switching to second-line ART in programmes without access to
      routine viral load monitoring.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of switching to second-line antiretroviral
      therapy (ART) on mortality in patients who experienced immunological failure in
      ART programmes without access to routine viral load monitoring in sub-Saharan
      Africa. DESIGN AND SETTING: Collaborative analysis of two ART programmes in
      Lusaka, Zambia and Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: We included all adult patients
      experiencing immunological failure based on WHO criteria. We used Cox
      proportional hazards models weighted by the inverse probability of switching to
      compare mortality between patients who switched and patients who did not; and
      between patients who switched immediately and patients who switched later.
      Results are expressed as hazard ratios with 95% credible intervals (95% CI).
      RESULTS: Among 2411 patients with immunological failure 324 patients (13.4%)
      switched to second-line ART during 3932 person-years of follow-up. The median CD4
      cell count at start of ART and failure was lower in patients who switched
      compared to patients who did not: 80 versus 155 cells/MUl (P < 0.001) and 77
      versus 146 cells/MUl (P < 0.001), respectively. Adjusting for baseline and time
      dependent confounders, mortality was lower among patients who switched compared
      to patients remaining on failing first-line ART: hazard ratio 0.25 (95% CI 0.09
      0.72). Mortality was also lower among patients who remained on failing first-line
      ART for shorter periods: hazard ratio 0.70 (95% CI 0.44-1.09) per 6 months
      shorter exposure. CONCLUSION: In ART programmes switching patients to second-line
      regimens based on WHO immunological failure criteria appears to reduce mortality,
      with the greatest benefit in patients switching immediately after immunological
      failure is diagnosed.

PMID- 22089378
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of combination therapy with etravirine in treatment
      experienced adults with HIV-1 infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of etravirine (INTELENCE), a novel
      nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, used in combination with a
      background regimen that included darunavir/ritonavir, from a Canadian Provincial
      Ministry of Health perspective. DESIGN: A Markov model with a 3-month cycle time
      and six health states based on CD4 cell count ranges was developed to follow a
      hypothetical cohort of treatment-experienced adults with HIV-1 infection through
      initial and subsequent treatment regimens. METHODS: Costs (in 2009 Canadian
      dollars), utilities, and HIV-related mortality data for each health state as well
      as non-HIV-related mortality data were estimated from Canadian sources and
      published literature. Transition probabilities between health states and first
      year hospitalization and mortality rates were derived from clinical trial data.
      Incremental 1-year costs per additional adult with viral load less than 50
      copies/ml at 48 weeks and incremental lifetime costs per quality-adjusted life
      year (QALY) gained were estimated using a 5% discount rate. Sensitivity and
      variability analyses and model validation were performed. RESULTS: Etravirine was
      associated with an increased probability of achieving less than 50 copies/ml at
      48 weeks of 0.205 and an estimated gain of 0.66 discounted (1.48 undiscounted)
      QALYs over a lifetime. The incremental 1-year cost per additional person with
      viral load less than 50 copies/ml was $23,862. The lifetime incremental cost per
      QALY gained was $49,120. For the uncertainty ranges and variability scenarios
      tested for the lifetime horizon, the cost-effectiveness ratio was between $28,859
      and 66,249. CONCLUSION: When compared with optimized standard of care including
      darunavir/ritonavir, adding etravirine represents a cost-effective option for
      treatment-experienced adults in Canada.

PMID- 22089377
TI  - Ten-year diabetes incidence in 1046 HIV-infected patients started on a
      combination antiretroviral treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and determinants of diabetes in a cohort of
      HIV-infected adults initiated with combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) in
      1997-1999 and followed up to 2009. DESIGN: Prospective study of 1046 patients at
      47 French clinical sites. METHODS: Potential determinants of diabetes occurrence,
      defined by confirmed increased glycemia and/or initiation of antidiabetic
      treatment, were assessed by a proportional hazards model, including time-updated
      metabolic parameters and ART exposure. RESULTS: Among the cohort, representing
      7846 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), 54% received indinavir, 75% stavudine and
      52% didanosine. Overall, 111 patients developed diabetes, with an incidence of
      14.1/1000 PYFU (14.6 in men, 12.6 in women). Incidence peaked in 1999-2000
      (23.2/1000 PYFU) and decreased thereafter. The incidence of diabetes was
      associated [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), all P<0.02] with older age (hazard ratio
      = 2.13 when 40-49 years, hazard ratio = 3.63 when >=50 years), overweight (hazard
      ratio = 1.91 for a BMI 25-29 kg/m(2), hazard ratio = 2.85 >30 kg/m(2)), waist-to
      hip ratio (hazard ratio = 3.87 for >=0.97 male/0.92 female), time-updated
      lipoatrophy (hazard ratio = 2.14) and short-term exposure to indinavir (0-1 year:
      hazard ratio = 2.53), stavudine (0-1 year: hazard ratio = 2.56, 1-2 years: hazard
      ratio = 2.65) or didanosine (2-3 years: hazard ratio = 3.16). Occurrence of
      diabetes was not associated with HIV-related markers, hepatitis C, hypertension
      or family history of diabetes. Insulin resistance was predictive for incident
      diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide cohort, followed for 10 years after
      cART initiation, diabetes incidence peaked in 1990-2000, was markedly higher than
      that reported for European uninfected or other HIV-infected populations (4-6/1000
      PYFU) and linked with age and adiposity. Adiposity and glycemic markers should be
      monitored in aging HIV-infected patients.

PMID- 22089379
TI  - Effect of raltegravir intensification on HIV proviral DNA in the blood and gut
      mucosa of men on long-term therapy:  a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) dramatically reduces
      plasma HIV-1 viremia. However, despite completely suppressive HAART, it has been
      suggested that low-levels of viral replication may persist in the gut mucosa and
      elsewhere in individuals on long-term HAART. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a double
      blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating whether intensification of
      HAART in long-term virologically suppressed individuals with raltegravir is
      associated with a reduction in the level of proviral HIV-1 DNA in CD4(+) T cells
      in blood and the sigmoid colon (gut). METHODS: Long-term (>4 years) virologically
      suppressed HIV-infected individuals on standard HAART were randomized 1 : 1 in a
      double-blind fashion to receive raltegravir (400  mg twice/day) or placebo for 48
      weeks. After week 48, all participants were treated with raltegravir to week 96.
      Blood and sigmoid biopsies were sampled and the frequency of CD4(+) T cells
      carrying HIV-1 proviral DNA was determined. RESULTS: Twenty-four study patients
      were recruited. At 48 weeks, no difference was apparent between participants
      receiving raltegravir or placebo in blood HIV-1 proviral levels (P = 0.62),
      CD4(+) T-cell counts (P = 0.25) and gut proviral loads (P = 0.74). Similarly,
      prolonged raltegravir intensification up to week 96 had no further effect on both
      blood and gut HIV-1 proviral loads and blood CD4(+) T-cell counts. CONCLUSION: In
      long-term virologically suppressed patients on standard HAART, intensification
      with raltegravir did not result in further decay of CD4(+) T cells carrying HIV-1
      proviral DNA in either the blood or gut after 48 or 96 weeks of therapy, or in
      any increase in CD4(+) T-cell counts.

PMID- 22089380
TI  - Prevalence of seroconversion symptoms and relationship to set-point viral load: 
      findings from a subtype C epidemic, 1995-2009.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe symptoms, physical examination findings, and set-point
      viral load associated with acute HIV seroconversion in a heterosexual cohort of
      HIV-discordant couples in Zambia. DESIGN: We followed HIV serodiscordant couples
      in Lusaka, Zambia from 1995 to 2009 with HIV testing of negative partners and
      symptom inventories 3 monthly, and physical examinations annually. METHODS: We
      compared prevalence of self-reported or treated symptoms (malaria syndrome,
      chronic diarrhea, asthenia, night sweats, and oral candidiasis) and annual
      physical examination findings (unilateral or bilateral neck, axillary, or
      inguinal adenopathy; and dermatosis) in seroconverting vs. HIV-negative or HIV
      positive intervals, controlling for repeated observations, age, and sex. A
      composite score comprised of significant symptoms and physical examination
      findings predictive of seroconversion vs. HIV-negative intervals was constructed.
      We modeled the relationship between number of symptoms and physical examination
      findings at seroconversion and log set-point viral load using linear regression.
      RESULTS: Two thousand, three hundred and eighty-eight HIV-negative partners were
      followed for a median of 18 months; 429 seroconversions occurred. Neither
      symptoms nor physical examination findings were reported for most seroconverters.
      Seroconversion was significantly associated with malaria syndrome among
      nondiarrheic patients [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.0], night sweats (aOR =
      1.4), and bilateral axillary (aOR = 1.6), inguinal (aOR = 2.2), and neck (aOR =
      2.2) adenopathy relative to HIV-negative intervals. Median number of symptoms and
      findings was positively associated with set-point viral load (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Although most acute and early infections were asymptomatic, malaria
      syndrome was more common and more severe during seroconversion. When present,
      symptoms and physical examination findings were nonspecific and associated with
      higher set-point viremia.

PMID- 22089382
TI  - Suppression of murine melanoma growth by a vaccine of attenuated Salmonella
      carrying heat shock protein 70 and Herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase genes.
AB  - Attenuated Salmonella can invade tumor cells and acts as a eukaryotic expression
      vector for gene propagation. We constructed a bi-gene, eukaryotic co-expression
      DNA vaccine of Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70 (mtHSP70) and
      Herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) and used attenuated Salmonella as
      a vector to treat murine melanoma. In vitro, recombinant Salmonella can carry
      plasmid stably and can invade into the cytoplasm of B16 tumor cells expressing
      the protein of the mtHSP70/HSV-tk gene by Western blot assay. In vivo, after the
      recombinant Salmonella was injected into tumors, the HSV-tk precursor drug
      ganciclovir (GCV) was administered to start the HSV-tk killing of tumor cells. We
      found that the mtHSP70/HSV-tk recombinant bacteria can raise CD8+ T lymphocytes
      in peripheral blood by flow cytometry and in tumor tissues by immunofluorescence
      detection, increase IFN-gamma contents in tumor tissue by ELISA and significantly
      suppress tumor growth.

PMID- 22089381
TI  - Is the virulence of HIV changing? A meta-analysis of trends in prognostic markers
      of HIV disease progression and transmission.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The potential for changing HIV-1 virulence has significant
      implications for the AIDS epidemic, including changing HIV transmission rates,
      rapidity of disease progression, and timing of ART. Published data to date have
      provided conflicting results. DESIGN: We conducted a meta-analysis of changes in
      baseline CD4(+) T-cell counts and set point plasma viral RNA load over time in
      order to establish whether summary trends are consistent with changing HIV-1
      virulence. METHODS: We searched PubMed for studies of trends in HIV-1 prognostic
      markers of disease progression and supplemented findings with publications
      referenced in epidemiological or virulence studies. We identified 12 studies of
      trends in baseline CD4(+) T-cell counts (21, 052 total individuals), and eight
      studies of trends in set point viral loads (10 ,785 total individuals), spanning
      the years 1984-2010. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we estimated summary
      effect sizes for trends in HIV-1 plasma viral loads and CD4(+) T-cell counts.
      RESULTS: Baseline CD4(+) T-cell counts showed a summary trend of decreasing cell
      counts [effect = -4.93  cells/MUl per year, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.53 to
      -3.3]. Set point viral loads showed a summary trend of increasing plasma viral
      RNA loads (effect = 0.013  log(10)  copies/ml per year, 95% CI -0.001 to 0.03).
      The trend rates decelerated in recent years for both prognostic markers.
      CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with increased virulence of HIV-1 over the
      course of the epidemic. Extrapolating over the 30 years since the first
      description of AIDS, this represents a CD4(+) T cells loss of approximately 148 
      cells/MUl and a gain of 0.39  log(10)  copies/ml of viral RNA measured during
      early infection. These effect sizes would predict increasing rates of disease
      progression, and need for ART as well as increasing transmission risk.

PMID- 22089383
TI  - Novel mechanically competent polysaccharide scaffolds for bone tissue
      engineering.
AB  - The success of the scaffold-based bone regeneration approach critically depends
      on the biomaterial's mechanical and biological properties. Cellulose and its
      derivatives are inherently associated with exceptional strength and
      biocompatibility due to their beta-glycosidic linkage and extensive hydrogen
      bonding. This polymer class has a long medical history as a dialysis membrane,
      wound care system and pharmaceutical excipient. Recently cellulose-based
      scaffolds have been developed and evaluated for a variety of tissue engineering
      applications. In general porous polysaccharide scaffolds in spite of many merits
      lack the necessary mechanical competence needed for load-bearing applications.
      The present study reports the fabrication and characterization of three
      dimensional (3D) porous sintered microsphere scaffolds based on cellulose
      derivatives using a solvent/non-solvent sintering approach for load-bearing
      applications. These 3D scaffolds exhibited a compressive modulus and strength in
      the mid-range of human trabecular bone and underwent degradation resulting in a
      weight loss of 10-15% after 24 weeks. A typical stress-strain curve for these
      scaffolds showed an initial elastic region and a less-stiff post-yield region
      similar to that of native bone. Human osteoblasts cultured on these scaffolds
      showed progressive growth with time and maintained expression of osteoblast
      phenotype markers. Further, the elevated expression of alkaline phosphatase and
      mineralization at early time points as compared to heat-sintered poly(lactic acid
      glycolic acid) control scaffolds with identical pore properties affirmed the
      advantages of polysaccharides and their potential for scaffold-based bone
      regeneration.

PMID- 22089384
TI  - Nitric oxide elicitation for secondary metabolite production in cultured plant
      cells.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signal molecule in stress responses.
      Accumulation of secondary metabolites often occurs in plants subjected to
      stresses including various elicitors or signal molecules. NO has been reported to
      play important roles in elicitor-induced secondary metabolite production in
      tissue and cell cultures of medicinal plants. Better understanding of NO role in
      the biosynthesis of such metabolites is very important for optimizing the
      commercial production of those pharmaceutically significant secondary
      metabolites. This paper summarizes progress made on several aspects of NO signal
      leading to the production of plant secondary metabolites, including various
      abiotic and biotic elicitors that induce NO production, elicitor-triggered NO
      generation cascades, the impact of NO on growth development and programmed cell
      death in medicinal plants, and NO-mediated regulation of the biosynthetic
      pathways of such metabolites. Cross-talks among NO signaling and reactive oxygen
      species, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid are discussed. Some perspectives on
      the application of NO donors for induction of the secondary metabolite
      accumulation in plant cultures are also presented.

PMID- 22089385
TI  - Algal fucoidan: structural and size-dependent bioactivities and their
      perspectives.
AB  - Fucoidan is a complex-sulfated polysaccharide distributed in various marine
      organisms, and the brown algae are reported as the major producer. The fucoidan
      is important for their high bioactive properties, like antibacterial,
      anticoagulant, antiviral, anti-tumor, etc., and many more to be explored. There
      is a strong archival support for the bioactivity and promising properties of this
      molecule, which creates a hope for this molecule as future drug against
      thrombosis and some kind of cancers. Reports other than the above bioactive
      properties have also been a matter of interest for the design of signal or enzyme
      arrested new class of drugs. In the past three decades, the research on
      isolation, molecular characterization, and screening of biological applications
      has significantly increased. One major issue associated with this molecule is the
      higher size and seasonal variation in their chemical composition; to resolve the
      issue and maintain its bioactivity, a prioritized and literal hydrolysis process
      is required to be developed. Here, in this mini-review, we have tried to
      summarize the algal fucoidan research and the bioactivities influenced by their
      molecular size.

PMID- 22089386
TI  - Plasmid DNA fermentation strategies: influence on plasmid stability and cell
      physiology.
AB  - In order to provide sufficient pharmaceutical-grade plasmid DNA material, it is
      essential to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the bioprocesses involved; so, the
      development of protocols and techniques that allow a fast monitoring of process
      performance is a valuable tool for bioprocess design. Regarding plasmid DNA
      production, the metabolic stress of the host strain as well as plasmid stability
      have been identified as two of the key parameters that greatly influence plasmid
      DNA yields. The present work describes the impact of batch and fed-batch
      fermentations using different C/N ratios and different feeding profiles on cell
      physiology and plasmid stability, investigating the potential of these two
      monitoring techniques as valuable tools for bioprocess development and design.
      The results obtained in batch fermentations showed that plasmid copy number
      values suffered a pronounced increase at the end of almost all fermentation
      conditions tested. Regarding fed-batch fermentations, the strategies with
      exponential feeding profiles, in contrast with those with constant feeding,
      showed higher biomass and plasmid yields, the maximum values obtained for these
      two parameters being 95.64 OD(600) and 344.3 mg plasmid DNA (pDNA)/L,
      respectively, when using an exponential feed rate of 0.2 h(-1). Despite the
      results obtained, cell physiology and plasmid stability monitoring revealed that,
      although higher pDNA overall yields were obtained, this fermentation exhibited
      lower plasmid stability and percentage of viable cells. In conclusion, this study
      allowed clarifying the bioprocess performance based on cell physiology and
      plasmid stability assessment, allowing improvement of the overall process and not
      only plasmid DNA yield and cell growth.

PMID- 22089387
TI  - L-proline dehydrogenases in hyperthermophilic archaea: distribution, function,
      structure, and application.
AB  - Dye-linked L-proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) catalyzes the oxidation of L-proline
      to ?(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) in the presence of artificial electron
      acceptors. The enzyme is known to be widely distributed in bacteria and eukarya,
      together with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate)-dependent P5C
      dehydrogenase, and to function in the metabolism of L-proline to L-glutamate. In
      addition, over the course of the last decade, three other types of ProDH with
      molecular compositions completely different from previously known ones have been
      identified in hyperthermophilic archaea. The first is a heterotetrameric
      alphabetagammadelta-type ProDH, which exhibits both ProDH and reduced
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase activity and includes two
      electron transfer proteins. The second is a heterooctameric alpha(4)beta(4)-type
      ProDH, which uses flavin adenine dinucleotide, flavin mononucleotide, adenosine
      triphosphate, and Fe as cofactors and creates a new electron transfer pathway.
      The third is a recently identified homodimeric ProDH, which exhibits the greatest
      thermostability among these archaeal ProDHs. This minireview focuses on the
      functional and structural properties of these three types of archaeal ProDH and
      their distribution in archaea. In addition, we will describe the specific
      application of hyperthermostable ProDH for use in a biosensor and for DNA
      sensing.

PMID- 22089388
TI  - Decolorization of textile dyes by Alishewanella sp. KMK6.
AB  - Alishewanella sp. strain KMK6 was isolated from textile dye-contaminated soil.
      The strain was able to decolorize and degrade different azo dyes and displayed
      high dye degradation ability and tolerance. The bacterium could completely
      degrade 2.5 g l(-1) dye, Reactive Blue 59 within 6 h. The induction in the level
      of cytochrome P-450 and activities of azoreductase and NADH
      dichlorophenolindophenol reductase were observed in the cells after dye
      decolorization indicating the role of these enzymes. The intermediates of
      Reactive Blue 59 degradation were identified by high-performance liquid
      chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, and Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy. The ecotoxicity has been evaluated for dye and its
      metabolites by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (a
      yellow tetrazole) and comet assay, and it revealed that the dye degradation
      products were nontoxic.

PMID- 22089389
TI  - Agarose-gel-immobilized recombinant bacterial biosensors for simple and
      disposable on-site detection of phenolic compounds.
AB  - In this study, recombinant bacterial biosensors were immobilized in an agarose
      matrix and used for the simple and disposable field monitoring of phenolic
      compounds. In brief, Escherichia coli cells harboring the pLZCapR plasmid, which
      was previously designed to express the beta-galactosidase reporter gene in the
      presence of phenolic compounds, were immobilized in agarose gel with or without a
      substrate [chlorophenol red beta-galactopyranoside (CPRG)] and dispensed to the
      wells of a 96-well plate. Analytes were added to the wells, and color development
      was monitored either directly from wells containing intact cells co-immobilized
      with CPRG (SYS I), or using cells that were lysed prior to the addition of CPRG
      (SYS L). SYS L showed relatively higher intensities and faster color development
      than SYS I. However, both systems developed a red color (representing hydrolysis
      of CPRG) in the presence of 10 MUM to 10~100 mM phenol, with maximum responses
      seen at 1~5 and 50 mM phenol for SYS I and SYS L, respectively. Other phenolic
      compounds (2-chlorophenol, 2-methylphenol, 3-methylphenol, 4-chlorophenol, 2
      nitrophenol, resorcinol, catechol, and 2,5-dimethylphenol) were also detected by
      the systems, with varied detection ranges and responses. The agarose-immobilized
      biosensors were stable for 28 days, retaining 39~69% of their activities when
      stored at 4 degrees C without nutrients or additives. The immobilized biosensors
      described herein do not require the on-site addition of a substrate (in the case
      of SYS I), the pretreatment of samples, or the use of unwieldy instruments for
      the on-site monitoring of phenolic compounds from environmental samples.

PMID- 22089390
TI  - Alteration in cell surface properties of Burkholderia spp. during surfactant
      aided biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons.
AB  - Chemical surfactants may impact microbial cell surface properties, i.e., cell
      surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and cell surface charge, and may thus affect the
      uptake of components from non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). This work explored
      the impact of Triton X-100, Igepal CA 630, and Tween 80 (at twice the critical
      micelle concentration, CMC) on the cell surface characteristics of Burkholderia
      cultures, Burkholderia cepacia (ES1, aliphatic degrader) and Burkholderia
      multivorans (NG1, aromatic degrader), when grown on a six-component model NAPL.
      In the presence of Triton X-100, NAPL biodegradation was enhanced from 21% to 60%
      in B. cepacia and from 18% to 53% in B. multivorans. CSH based on water contact
      angle (50-52 degrees ) was in the same range for both strains while zeta
      potential at neutral pH was -38 and -31 mV for B. cepacia and B. multivorans,
      respectively. In the presence of Triton X-100, their CSH increased to greater
      than 75 degrees  and the zeta potential decreased. This induced a change in the
      mode of uptake and initiated aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation by B. multivorans
      and increased the rate of aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation in B. cepacia. Igepal
      CA 630 and Tween 80 also altered the cell surface properties. For B. cepacia
      grown in the presence of Triton X-100 at two and five times its CMC, CSH
      increased significantly in the log growth phase. Growth in the presence of the
      chemical surfactants also affected the abundance of chemical functional groups on
      the cell surface. Cell surface changes had maximum impact on NAPL degradation in
      the presence of emulsifying surfactants, Triton X-100 and Igepal CA630.

PMID- 22089391
TI  - Heritability and longitudinal stability of impulsivity in adolescence.
AB  - Impulsivity is a multifaceted personality construct that plays an important role
      throughout the lifespan in psychopathological disorders involving self-regulated
      behaviors. Its genetic and environmental etiology, however, is not clearly
      understood during the important developmental period of adolescence. This study
      investigated the relative influence of genes and environment on self-reported
      impulsive traits in adolescent twins measured on two separate occasions (waves)
      between the ages of 11 and 16. An adolescent version of the Barratt Impulsiveness
      Scale (BIS) developed for this study was factored into subscales reflecting
      inattention, motor impulsivity, and non-planning. Genetic analyses of these BIS
      subscales showed moderate heritability, ranging from 33-56% at the early wave
      (age 11-13 years) and 19-44% at the later wave (age 14-16 years). Moreover,
      genetic influences explained half or more of the variance of a single latent
      factor common to these subscales within each wave. Genetic effects specific to
      each subscale also emerged as significant, with the exception of motor
      impulsivity. Shared twin environment was not significant for either the latent or
      specific impulsivity factors at either wave.  Phenotypic correlations between
      waves ranged from r = 0.25 to 0.42 for subscales. The stability correlation
      between the two latent impulsivity factors was r = 0.43, of which 76% was
      attributable to shared genetic effects, suggesting strong genetic continuity from
      mid to late adolescence. These results contribute to our understanding of the
      nature of impulsivity by demonstrating both multidimensionality and genetic
      specificity to different facets of this complex construct, as well as
      highlighting the importance of stable genetic influences across adolescence.

PMID- 22089392
TI  - High serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 is characteristic of patients with
      paraneoplastic remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema
      syndrome.
AB  - Recently, it was reported that remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with
      pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome could be complicated with solid tumors. In a
      retrospective, multicenter study between October, 2003 and September, 2010, we
      investigated the characteristics of patients with paraneoplastic RS3PE syndrome 
      who fulfilled following criteria: (1) bilateral pitting edema of hands or feet or
      both, (2) sudden onset of polyarthritis, and (3) age >50 years, (4)
      seronegativity for rheumatoid factor (RF). A total of 33 cases fulfilled the
      above criteria. Eight patients (seven men and one woman) developed cancer within
      2 years of RS3PE syndrome onset. There was no significant difference between the
      neoplastic and nonneoplastic groups in the proportions of patients with fever,
      symmetrical polyarthritis, pitting edema, and good response to corticosteroids.
      Serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) level (median 437.3 ng/ml) in the
      paraneoplastic RS3PE patients was significantly higher than that in patients
      without neoplasia (median 114.7 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). We found that high serum MMP-3
      is characteristic of patients with paraneoplastic RS3PE syndrome.

PMID- 22089393
TI  - The biomechanical effect of pedicle screws' insertion angle and position on the
      superior adjacent segment in 1 segment lumbar fusion.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A finite element analysis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      association between the position of an inserted pedicle screw and the
      corresponding facet contact force or intradiscal pressure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND
      DATA: Although superior facet joint violation by pedicle screws is not an
      uncommon occurrence in instrumented lumbar fusion surgery, its actual
      biomechanical significance is not well understood. Furthermore, the association
      between the position of the pedicle screw and the stress on the corresponding
      disc/facet joint has yet to be investigated. METHODS: According to the positions
      of pedicle screws in L4 of the L4-L5 lumbar fusion, 4 L4-L5 fusion models were
      simulated. These models included the violation of both L3-L4 superior facet
      joints by pedicle screws (facet joint violation [FV] model), the nonencroachment
      of both L3-L4 superior facet joints by pedicle screws (facet joint preservation
      [FP] model), and the removal state of pedicle screws in the FV model (removal of
      violated pedicle screws [rFV] model). The facet joint contact [FC] model
      represented the scenario in which the pedicle screws did not encroach upon either
      facet joint but were inserted close to the L3-L4 facet joint surface. Moreover,
      the uninstrumented fusion [UF] model represented the uninstrumented L4-L5 fusion.
      In each scenario, the intradiscal pressures and facet contact forces at the L2-L3
      and L3-L4 segments were analyzed under extension and torsion moments. RESULTS:
      The FV model yielded the greatest increases in facet contact force and
      intradiscal pressure at the L3-L4 segment under extension and torsion moments.
      Following the FV model, the increases in intradiscal pressure and facet contact
      force were the second highest in the FC model followed by the FP model.
      Furthermore, the rFV model represented prominent reductions of previously
      increased facet contact force and intradiscal pressure at the L3-L4 segment.
      CONCLUSION: In models of 1-segment lumbar fusion surgery, the positions of
      pedicle screws were closely linked with corresponding disc stresses and facet
      contact forces. However, even in cases of facet violation by pedicle screws,
      removal of the pedicle screw after fusion completion can reduce facet contract
      forces and disc stresses under both extension and torsional moments.

PMID- 22089394
TI  - WITHDRAWN:Comparison of Tracheal Intubation Using The Different Devices in a
      Cadaver Model with Cervical Instability.

PMID- 22089395
TI  - Atlas injury mechanisms during head-first impact.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro biomechanical study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate atlas
      injury mechanisms due to horizontally aligned head-first impacts of a cadaveric
      neck model and to document atlas fracture patterns and associated injuries.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Experimental atlas injuries have been created by
      applying compression or radial forces to isolated C1 vertebrae, dropping weight
      or applying sagittal moments to the upper cervical spine segments, or vertical
      drop testing of head-neck specimens or whole cadavers. Atlas injuries that
      commonly occur due to horizontally aligned head-first impacts have not been
      previously investigated. METHODS: Horizontally aligned head-first impacts into a
      padded barrier were simulated at 4.1 m/s, using a human cadaver neck model
      mounted horizontally to a torso-equivalent mass on a sled and carrying a
      surrogate head. Atlantal radial force was computed using head and neck load cell
      data. Postimpact dissection documented atlas and associated injuries. Average
      atlantal radial force peaks and their occurrence times were statistically
      compared (P < 0.05) among the first local and global peaks using paired t tests.
      RESULTS: The first average local peak in radial atlantal force was significantly
      smaller (1240 vs. 2747 N) and occurred significantly earlier (24 ms vs. 46 ms)
      than the global force peak. Atlas injuries consisted of either 3- or 4-part burst
      fractures or incomplete lateral mass fracture unilaterally. Associated injuries
      included bony avulsion of the transverse ligament unilaterally and fractures of
      the occipital condyles, superior facets of the axis, or odontoid. CONCLUSION: The
      results indicated that the varied atlas fracture patterns were due primarily to
      radial forces causing outward lateral expansion of its lateral masses. Anterior
      and posterior arch fracture locations are dependent, in part, upon the cross
      sectional arch dimensions. Transverse ligament rupture or bony avulsion is likely
      associated with real-life atlantal burst fractures.

PMID- 22089396
TI  - Delayed formation of a devastating granulomatous process after metal-on-metal
      lumbar disc arthroplasty.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVE: We report the case of a female patient
      with a delayed and devastating complication after lumbar total disc arthroplasty
      (TDA). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The formation of granulomatous tissue
      surrounding arthroplasty devices has been described after hip replacements, but
      has been reported only in a few cases after spinal surgery. METHODS:
      Retrospective case study of a female patient with a delayed complication after
      lumbar TDA with a metal-on-metal device for degenerative disc disease at level L4
      L5 and with follow-up examination 8 months after surgery. RESULTS: About 11
      months after lumbar arthroplasty surgery, the patient developed back pain and
      progressive weakness of both legs. A computed tomographic scan revealed soft
      tissue surrounding the TDA device and infiltrating the spinal canal. The revision
      surgery (posterior fixation and decompression) did not improve the clinical
      situation. The progressive growth of soft tissue led to a high-grade paraparesis
      and occlusion of the left ureter as well as of both common iliac veins and the
      infrarenal part of the vena cava inferior. The TDA device was removed. Another
      posterior surgery with extensive instrumentation was necessary to treat the
      destruction of vertebral bodies L4 and L5 2 months after the last surgery. The
      histopathological analysis revealed a granulomatous necrotizing inflammation.
      After the last revision surgery, the patient's back pain decreased. At her last
      follow-up, no further growth of the soft tissue mass could be found. CONCLUSION:
      Metal-on-Metal TDA devices can induce a tumor-like growth with devastating
      consequences. The reduction of device motion by posterior stabilizing surgery
      does not seem to stop the growth of the granulomatous mass. The device has to be
      removed.

PMID- 22089397
TI  - The association of patient characteristics and spinal curve parameters with Lenke
      classification types.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of
      patient characteristics and spinal curve parameters with Lenke curve types.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The Lenke curve classification may be used for
      surgical planning and clinical research. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      records of 1912 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent
      initial surgery at 21 years of age or younger; collected data on patient's age,
      patient's sex, primary curve magnitude (<50 degrees , 50 degrees -75 degrees ,
      and .75 degrees ), and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcomes questionnaire
      (SRS-22) score; and compared that data by Lenke curve type. Analysis of variance
      and chi tests were used as appropriate (significance level, P <= 0.005).
      RESULTS.: Lenke types vary by sex: male patients had more major thoracic (types 1
      4) than major thoracolumbar/lumbar (types 5 and 6) curves, fewer lumbar C
      modifiers (32% vs. 44%), and less apical lumbar translation (1.1 vs. 1.7 cm).
      Lenke types vary by frequency: the most common type was 1 (50%); the least
      common, 4 (4%). Lenke types vary by magnitude: type 4 had the greatest percentage
      of large curves (52% of curves .75 degrees ), most smaller curves were types 1
      and 5, and type 4 had the largest mean magnitude (78 degrees  +/- 17 degrees ).
      Lenke types vary by patient age: type 5 curves occurred in the oldest patients
      (average age at surgery: 15.4 +/- 2.2 vs. 14.3 +/- 14.6 years for all others)
      despite having the lowest mean magnitude (P = 0.001); curve size was negatively
      correlated with age at surgery (r = -0.16, P = 0.001). Lenke types vary by
      patient self-image: patients with type 4 curves had lower preoperative SRS
      outcome scores for self-image than did patients with type 1 curves (P = 0.005).
      CONCLUSION: Lenke types vary by sex, frequency magnitude, patient age, and
      patient self-image, which should be considered in designing studies.

PMID- 22089398
TI  - Is surgical case order associated with increased infection rate after spine
      surgery?
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database review. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether
      surgical site infections are associated with case order in spinal surgery.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Postoperative wound infection is the most common
      complication after spinal surgery, with incidence varying from 0.5% to 20%. The
      addition of instrumentation, use of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics, length
      of procedure, and intraoperative blood loss have all been found to influence
      infection rate. No previous study has attempted to correlate case order with
      infection risk after surgery. METHODS: A total of 6666 spine surgery cases
      occurring between January 2005 and December 2009 were studied. Subjects were
      classified into 2 categories: fusion and decompression. Case order was
      determined, with each procedure labeled 1 to 5 depending on the number of
      previous cases in the room. Variables such as the American Society of
      Anesthesiologists score, number of operative levels, wound class, age, sex, and
      length of surgery were also tracked. A step-down binary regression was used to
      analyze each variable as a potential risk factor for infection. RESULTS:
      Decompression cases had a 2.4% incidence of infection. Longer surgical time and
      higher case order were found to be significant risk factors for lumbar
      decompressions. Fusion cases had a 3.5% incidence of infection. Posterior
      approach and revision cases were significant risk factors for infection in
      cervical cases. For lumbar fusion cases, longer surgical time, higher American
      Society of Anesthesiologists score, and older age were all significant risk
      factors for infection. CONCLUSION: Decompressive procedures performed later in
      the day carry a higher risk for postoperative infection. No similar trend was
      shown for fusion procedures. Our results identify potential modifiable risk
      factors contributing to infection rates in spinal procedures. Specific risk
      factors, although not defined in this study, might be related to contamination of
      the operating room, cross-contamination between health care providers during the
      course of the day, use of flash sterilization, and mid-day shift changes.

PMID- 22089400
TI  - Primary spinal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma successfully treated with
      concurrent chemoradiotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This case report shows primary natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma
      originating in the spine as the first case of successful treatment with
      autologous stem cell transplantation, along with case presentation and literature
      review. OBJECTIVE: For the proper treatment of this spinal tumor, the pathologic
      confirmation includes immunophenotypic profiling, the understanding of tumor
      characteristics, and the consideration of spinal stability are necessary. SUMMARY
      OF BACKGROUND DATA: NK/T-cell lymphomas are rare, aggressive neoplastic disorders
      with a distinctive clinical pathologic profile and an unfavorable clinical
      prognosis. The extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphomas, which are characterized
      by an extranodal presentation and an aggressive clinical course, are prevalent in
      Asia and Central and South America. METHODS: A 49-year-old woman presented with
      thoracic back pain that developed 3 months before she was admitted to Chung-Ang
      University. The radiological image showed a 6 * 4 * 5-cm mass lesion within the
      T6-T7 vertebral body. The histopathology was consistent with the finding of NK/T
      cell lymphoma. Treatment with chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin,
      vincristine, and prednisone) in combination with radiotherapy (total dose, 30 Gy)
      was done, and salvage therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation was
      performed. RESULTS: Two-year follow-up magnetic resonance image showed shrinking
      remnant mass without spinal deformation and/or instability. Rebiopsy for remnant
      mass, nasal area study, and positron emission tomographic scan were performed to
      determine the tumor recurrence. There was no evidence of recurrence at the 2-year
      follow-up evaluations. CONCLUSION: Some primary NK/T-cell lymphomas that
      originate at sites other than the nasal cavity/nasopharynx do not present with
      typical clinical features and symptoms. A primary NK/T-cell lymphoma of the spine
      should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary bone tumors. We
      report the first case of successful treatment with chemoradiotherapy and
      autologous stem cell transplantation in a patient with a primary spinal NK/T-cell
      lymphoma.

PMID- 22089401
TI  - Development of the Simplified Chinese Version of the Spinal Appearance
      Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties evaluation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of the Spinal
      Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and
      validity of simplified Chinese version of the SAQ (SC-SAQ). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND
      DATA: The SAQ is widely used to assess the perception of spinal appearance in
      patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, there is no
      culturally adapted, reliable, and validated SAQ for mainland China. METHOD: The
      cross-cultural adaptation of the original SAQ was performed following
      international guidelines. The SC-SAQ was administered concurrently with the
      simplified Chinese version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SC-SRS-22)
      questionnaire to 223 patients with AIS. A total of 92 patients were randomly
      selected to complete the questionnaires again 4 to 7 days after the first
      completion. Psychometric testing included reliability by internal consistency and
      test-test reliability, convergent validity by comparing the SC-SAQ with the SC
      SRS-22 appearance domain, and discriminant validity by analyzing the relationship
      between SC-SAQ scores and patients' characteristics. RESULT: Internal consistency
      for the SC-SAQ was satisfactory, with intradomain correlations ranging from r =
      0.526 to r = 0.808 (P, 0.0001). The test-retest reliability for the SC-SAQ was
      excellent with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.933 (95% confidence
      interval = 0.903-0.956) and good Bland-Altman agreement. (No systematic bias was
      found in the Bland-Altman plot.) Convergent validity test demonstrated a moderate
      correlation between the overall SC-SAQ and SC-SRS-22 appearance domain, with rho
      = -0.401 (P, 0.0001). Correlation between the overall SC-SAQ and the major curve
      magnitude was significant, with r = 0.827 (P, 0.0001). Discriminant validity was
      confirmed by significant differences of overall SC-SAQ and individual domain
      scores among the 6 subgroups categorized by the major curve magnitude (P, 0.0001)
      and among patients requiring exercise, bracing, or surgery (P, 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: The SC-SAQ showed satisfactory reliability and validity in the
      evaluation of spinal deformity appearance for patients with AIS in mainland
      China.

PMID- 22089402
TI  - Unknown case: part 2. Spontaneous regression of herniated disc.

PMID- 22089403
TI  - Silanetriols in the gas phase: single molecules vs. hydrogen-bonded dimers.
AB  - The first gas phase structure of a silanetriol, tert-butylsilane-triol
      [(t)BuSi(OH)(3)], determined by gas electron diffraction (GED), is reported.
      Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to elucidate potential
      intermolecular interactions between silanetriol molecules in the gas phase. The
      results are set into contrast to solid state structures of (t)BuSi(OH)(3) and
      related compounds.

PMID- 22089404
TI  - Reimagining nursing quality in the accountable care landscape.

PMID- 22089405
TI  - Effect of early nutritional support on intensive care unit length of stay and
      neurological status at discharge in children with severe traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Pediatric severe traumatic brain injury treatment guidelines for nutrition
      indicate that "there are insufficient data to support a treatment guideline for
      this topic" (P. D. Adelson et al., 2003). Based on adult studies, the guideline
      provided an option for practitioners to start nutritional support within 72 hours
      of admission and full replacement by day 7. This retrospective, descriptive
      correlation study examined the timing of nutritional supplement initiation and
      the timing of achieving full caloric intake in relation to length of stay (LOS)
      in the intensive care unit (ICU) and patient disposition status at discharge from
      hospital in children 8-18 years old. Median time to initiation of nutrition was
      1.5 days (0.02-11.9 days), and full caloric goals were achieved in 3.4 days (0.5
      19.6 days). Median ICU LOS was 2.1 days (0.01-97.9 days). Overall, 48% of
      patients were discharged home; 28% experienced mild, moderate, or severe
      disability; and 24% either died or survived in a vegetative state. Early
      initiation and achieving full caloric intake were both positively correlated with
      shorter LOS in the ICU (p < .01, Spearman's rho correlational matrix) and better
      disposition status at discharge from the hospital (p < .05, Kruskal-Wallis test).

PMID- 22089406
TI  - The effects of exercise-based rehabilitation on balance and gait for stroke
      patients: a systematic review.
AB  - This review evaluated the effects of balance and/or gait exercise interventions
      for stroke survivors and summarized the available evidence on these exercise
      interventions. A search for studies published between January 2001 and January
      2010 was performed using the keywords stroke, walking or balance, and physical
      activity or exercise. Seventeen randomized clinical trials were identified. The
      findings suggest that initiating early rehabilitation during acute to subacute
      stroke recovery can improve balance and walking capacity. The findings also
      demonstrate that at least 1 hour, three to five times per week, of balance
      training and 30 minutes, three to five times per week, of gait-oriented exercise
      are effective to improve balance and walking. This review confirms that balance
      and walking capacity are improved with specific exercise modalities. A
      combination of balance, gait, and aerobic exercises would be ideal.

PMID- 22089407
TI  - "Tap and twist": preventing deep vein thrombosis in neuroscience patients through
      foot and ankle range-of-motion exercises.
AB  - Neurosurgical patients tend to have the highest rate of deep vein thrombosis
      (DVT) rate among other postsurgical patients. The methods and timing of DVT
      prevention and treatment continue to be debated among neurointensivists. The
      greatest opportunity to intervene is early during the stay in the intensive care
      unit. There are many factors, however, that can make this the most neglected time
      for aggressive prevention measures. For large university teaching hospitals, the
      target of the University Health System Consortium is to achieve an average DVT
      rate at or below half that of previous reported rates. The current
      recommendations are effective only if there is compliance with these measures
      during the majority of the patients' hospitalization. Our hypothesis states that
      without changing any of the current measures to prevent DVT, a structured program
      of foot and ankle range-of-motion (ROM) exercises will decrease the incidence of
      DVT in the neuroscience intensive care patient population. This quasi
      experimental study was a quality improvement project examining 315 individuals
      over the age of 18 years, who were admitted to the neurospine intensive care unit
      and who received a new program of foot exercises as a method of DVT prevention.
      Data for the outcome measures were derived from bedside measurement of lower
      extremity doppler, the percentage of time the exercises were performed, patient
      history, and standard DVT prevention measures. Overall, there was no difference
      in DVT rates for those receiving the foot ROM intervention during the study
      period in 2008-2009 compared with the usual nursing practice for the previous
      year. However, during the study period, those who developed DVT had a
      significantly lower compliance rate with the ROM exercises (38.7%) than did those
      who did not develop DVT (58.4%; p < .001). Therefore, foot and ankle ROM
      exercises may have a promising role in reducing the incidence of DVT in
      neuroscience intensive care patients when there is diligent performance of the
      exercises.

PMID- 22089409
TI  - Content validity and acceptability of the daily enhancement of meaningful
      activity program: intervention for mild cognitive impairment patient-spouse
      dyads.
AB  - Persons with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI) are at greater risk for developing
      Alzheimer disease and experience various difficulties that decrease their quality
      of life. Very few interventions focus on helping PwMCI improve or maintain
      functional performance and enhance quality of life through meaningful activity
      engagement. The purpose of the study was to explore PwMCI and their spouses'
      perspectives on the content validity, usefulness, and acceptability of the Daily
      Enhancement of Meaningful Activity (DEMA) program, which included 6 biweekly face
      to-face sessions between session assignments and a self-management tool kit of
      written educational handouts. Nine PwMCI-care partner dyads participated in 3
      focus groups (PwMCI alone, spouses alone, and couples) to capture their
      perspectives on DEMA. The transcribed focus group data were analyzed through
      content analysis. The three groups provided support for content validity and
      acceptability of the program, and they suggested additional content areas
      important to couples experiencing MCI. They also attested to the usefulness of
      the tool kit and gave suggestions for its further improvement. The findings
      provide evidence of the content validity and acceptability of the DEMA program. A
      pilot study to assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the DEMA on health
      related outcomes is the recommended next research step for this program.

PMID- 22089410
TI  - A qualitative assessment of practices associated with shorter door-to-needle time
      for thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - Early treatment with intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen
      activator/alteplase (tPA) is associated with improved outcomes for patients with
      an acute ischemic stroke. Thus, rapid triage and treatment of stroke patients are
      essential, with a goal of door-to-needle time of no more than 60 minutes. We
      sought to identify best practices associated with faster treatment among
      hospitals participating in Get With the Guidelines--Stroke. Qualitative telephone
      interviews were conducted to elicit strategies being used by these centers to
      assess, treat, and monitor stroke patients treated with IV tPA. We sequentially
      carried out these interviews until we no longer identified novel factors.
      Interviews were conducted with 13 personnel at 7 top-performing U.S. hospitals.
      With the use of a hermeneutic-phenomenological framework, 5 distinct domains
      associated with rapid IV tPA delivery were identified. These included (a)
      communication and teamwork, (b) process, (c) organizational culture, (d)
      performance monitoring and feedback, and (e) overcoming barriers.

PMID- 22089411
TI  - Support for traumatic brain injury patients' family members in neurosurgical
      nursing: a systematic review.
AB  - This systematic literature review describes how adult traumatic brain injury
      (TBI) patients' family members received support. The research question was "What
      in healthcare constitutes support for a TBI patient's family members?" The data
      for this review were based on 22 empirical studies published in scientific
      journals in 2004-2010, which were found in the Cinahl, PsychINFO, and ISI Web of
      Knowledge databases. The review includes the study design, sample, method, and
      main results. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Social support for
      brain injury patients' family members was divided into 3 main categories:
      informational, emotional, and practical support. The subcategories of
      informational support were information about the patient's symptoms, information
      about care, quality of information, and information about the prognosis. The
      subcategories of emotional support were taking emotions into account, caring,
      listening, and respecting. The subcategories of practical support were support in
      decision making, promoting the welfare of the family, encouraging family members
      to participate in care, cooperation with the family members, and counseling
      services. The results are available for nurses in practical work. The review
      offers nurses a structure for supporting TBI patients' families, and according to
      this review, supporting TBI patients' families appears to have many dimensions.
      The results suggest that nurses should be informed that it is important for
      family members to know the facts about TBI to understand the condition and to
      receive practical advice on how to help their significant other with TBI with
      daily activities. In addition, the results provide a basis for further research
      and development of interventions that support brain injury patients and their
      family members.

PMID- 22089412
TI  - Use of simulation in stroke unit education.

PMID- 22089413
TI  - Clinical practice guideline series update.

PMID- 22089414
TI  - HPV vaccine update: new indications and controversies.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) has a predilection for infecting epidermal and mucosal
      surfaces such as those of the anogenital region. HPV causes substantial pre
      malignant, malignant, and benign disease in both women and men, ranging from
      cervical, vulvar, penile, and anal cancers to condyloma acuminata (genital
      warts). Although HPV vaccination is becoming more common, infection rates remain
      high in both genders. Perception of HPV vaccine has largely centered on its
      ability to prevent cervical cancer in women, though indication for its use in men
      is expanding. The benefits to men include prevention of genital warts and, more
      recently, regulatory approval was expanded in the US for prevention of anal
      cancer. Herein, we review HPV vaccine with a focus on its new indication in men
      and existing controversies.

PMID- 22089415
TI  - Botulinum toxin type A: new information about an old medicine.
AB  - Now that several formulations of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) are on the
      market in North America and throughout the world, it is of great practical
      importance for those who administer these medications to be familiar with the
      differences between the formulations. These differences pertain to the stability
      of the medications, in particular during the period of time between
      reconstitution and administration, which may affect the degree of diffusion
      through various tissues after injection. A variety of relatively new uses of BoNT
      A for dermatological conditions will be discussed.

PMID- 22089416
TI  - QM/MM simulation of liquid water with an adaptive quantum region.
AB  - The simulation of complex chemical systems often requires a multi-level
      description, in which a region of special interest is treated using a
      computationally expensive quantum mechanical (QM) model while its environment is
      described by a faster, simpler molecular mechanical (MM) model. Furthermore,
      studying dynamic effects in solvated systems or bio-molecules requires a variable
      definition of the two regions, so that atoms or molecules can be dynamically re
      assigned between the QM and MM descriptions during the course of the simulation.
      Such reassignments pose a problem for traditional QM/MM schemes by exacerbating
      the errors that stem from switching the model at the boundary. Here we show that
      stable, long adaptive simulations can be carried out using density functional
      theory with the BLYP exchange-correlation functional for the QM model and a
      flexible TIP3P force field for the MM model without requiring adjustments of
      either. Using a primary benchmark system of pure water, we investigate the
      convergence of the liquid structure with the size of the QM region, and
      demonstrate that by using a sufficiently large QM region (with radius 6 A) it is
      possible to obtain radial and angular distributions that, in the QM region, match
      the results of fully quantum mechanical calculations with periodic boundary
      conditions, and, after a smooth transition, also agree with fully MM calculations
      in the MM region. The key ingredient is the accurate evaluation of forces in the
      QM subsystem which we achieve by including an extended buffer region in the QM
      calculations. We also show that our buffered-force QM/MM scheme is transferable
      by simulating the solvated Cl(-) ion.

PMID- 22089417
TI  - Cancer stem cells. VEGF promotes stemness.

PMID- 22089418
TI  - Lymphoma. Suppressive EPH-ect.

PMID- 22089419
TI  - Genetics. BRCA inequality.

PMID- 22089422
TI  - Clinical observation of a 16-year-old female exposed to radiation in utero:
      follow-up after the Shanxi Xinzhou radiation accident.
AB  - A follow-up study of the late effects of intrauterine exposure to irradiation has
      been made on a 16-year-old girl whose mother was exposed to external (60)Co
      irradiation during the Xinzhou radiation accident 16 years previously. The
      outcomes of the general medical examinations, conventional chromosome aberration
      analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) are presented and the
      China-revised Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C_WISC) was used to
      identify her IQ level, which was well below normal for her age. The biological
      dose of the radiation to which she was exposed when she was in her mother's
      uterus was inferred to be 1.85 Gy. Although there is no evidence of any other
      developmental changes or tumour induction at this stage in her life, the child's
      total intelligence level does appear to have been affected.

PMID- 22089420
TI  - Choline metabolism in malignant transformation.
AB  - Abnormal choline metabolism is emerging as a metabolic hallmark that is
      associated with oncogenesis and tumour progression. Following transformation, the
      modulation of enzymes that control anabolic and catabolic pathways causes
      increased levels of choline-containing precursors and breakdown products of
      membrane phospholipids. These increased levels are associated with proliferation,
      and recent studies emphasize the complex reciprocal interactions between
      oncogenic signalling and choline metabolism. Because choline-containing compounds
      are detected by non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), increased
      levels of these compounds provide a non-invasive biomarker of transformation,
      staging and response to therapy. Furthermore, enzymes of choline metabolism, such
      as choline kinase, present novel targets for image-guided cancer therapy.

PMID- 22089421
TI  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumours: origin and molecular oncology.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are a paradigm for the development of
      personalized treatment for cancer patients. The nearly simultaneous discovery of
      a biomarker that is reflective of their origin and the presence of gain-of
      function kinase mutations in these tumours set the stage for more accurate
      diagnosis and the development of kinase inhibitor therapy. Subsequent studies of
      genotype and phenotype have led to a molecular classification of GIST and to
      treatment optimization on the basis of molecular subtype. The study of drug
      resistant tumours has advanced our understanding of kinase biology, enabling the
      development of novel kinase inhibitors. Further improvements in GIST treatment
      may require targeting GIST stem cell populations and/or additional genomic
      events.

PMID- 22089423
TI  - Validity of a short questionnaire to assess physical activity in 10 European
      countries.
AB  - To accurately examine associations of physical activity (PA) with disease
      outcomes, a valid method of assessing free-living activity is required. We
      examined the validity of a brief PA questionnaire (PAQ) used in the European
      Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). PA energy expenditure
      (PAEE) and time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was
      measured in 1,941 healthy individuals from 10 European countries using
      individually-calibrated combined heart-rate and movement sensing. Participants
      also completed the short EPIC-PAQ, which refers to past year's activity. Pearson
      (r) and Spearman (sigma) correlation coefficients were calculated for each
      country, and random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the combined
      correlation across countries to estimate the validity of two previously- and one
      newly-derived ordered, categorical PA indices ("Cambridge index", "total PA
      index", and "recreational index") that categorized individuals as inactive,
      moderately inactive, moderately active, or active. The strongest associations
      with PAEE and MVPA were observed for the Cambridge index (r = 0.33 and r = 0.25,
      respectively). No significant heterogeneity by country was observed for this
      index (I(2) = 36.3%, P = 0.12; I(2) = 0.0%, P = 0.85), whereas heterogeneity was
      suggested for other indices (I(2) > 48%, P < 0.05, I(2) > 47%, P < 0.05). PAEE
      increased linearly across self-reported PA categories (P for trend <0.001), with
      an average difference of approximately 460 kJ/d for men and 365 kJ/d for women,
      between categories of the Cambridge index. The EPIC-PAQ is suitable for
      categorizing European men and women into four distinct categories of overall
      physical activity. The difference in PAEE between categories may be useful when
      estimating effect sizes from observational research.

PMID- 22089424
TI  - The influence of non-response in a population-based cohort study on type 2
      diabetes evaluated by the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.
AB  - Bias due to non-response in observational studies may lead to false risk
      estimates. We evaluated potential selective non-response in Stockholm Diabetes
      Prevention Program (SDPP) using a population-based drug register. A cohort of
      12,952 men and 19,416 women, aged 35-56 years, was screened for diabetes and
      family history of diabetes (FHD). Response rate: 79% in men and 85% in women. Of
      the 4,209 men and 6,916 women that were invited, 70 and 68% participated in a
      baseline health examination including oral glucose tolerance test. A follow-up
      was performed in 79% of male and 70% of female baseline participants. We used
      data from the prescription register to estimate absolute risks and ORs for drug
      treated diabetes in the non-response/non-participation groups. At both screening
      and baseline steps absolute risks of drug-treated diabetes were equal in non
      participants and participants. Adjusted ORs were 0.9-1.0. At follow-up, absolute
      risks were higher among non-participants than participants, men 6.2/4.4% and
      women 2.6/1.6%, adjusted ORs 1.4 (0.9-2.3) and 1.5 (0.9-2.4), suggesting
      selective non-participation. Further analyses of FHD, smoking, physical activity,
      socioeconomic position and psychological distress demonstrated no previous false
      risk estimates for type 2 diabetes. However, for body mass index, there were
      indications of overestimation in women. We conclude that bias from non-response
      was not present at screening or baseline steps, suggesting that diabetes
      prevalence and risks may be estimated from a population-based cohort study with
      high attendance rate such as the SDPP. However, follow-up data should be treated
      with some caution, since the sample may have become biased.

PMID- 22089426
TI  - Changes in NMDA-receptor function in the first week following laser-induced
      lesions in rat visual cortex.
AB  - Focal brain injuries are accompanied by processes of functional reorganization
      that partially compensate the functional loss. In a previous study, extracellular
      recordings at the border of a laser-induced lesion in the visual cortex of rats
      showed an enhanced synaptic plasticity, which was mediated by the activity of
      NR2B-contaning NMDA-receptors (NMDARs) shedding light on the potential cellular
      mechanisms underlying this reorganization. Given the potentially important
      contribution of NMDARs in processes of functional reorganization, in the present
      study, we used the same lesion model to further investigate lesion-induced
      changes in function and localization of NMDARs in the vicinity of the lesion. The
      most important finding was a lesion-mediated functional reexpression of
      nonpostsynaptic, but according to our data, presynaptic or peri-/extrasynaptic
      NMDARs (preNMDARs), which were undetectable in age-matched (>P21) sham-operated
      controls. Notably, preNMDARs were able to boost both spontaneous and evoked
      synaptic glutamatergic transmission. At the postsynaptic site, we also disclosed
      an increase in the decay time constant of NMDARs mediated currents, which was
      accompanied by a decreased NR2A/NR2B ratio, as revealed by Western blot analysis.
      All together these findings provide new insights into the role of NMDARs activity
      during processes of functional reorganization following a focal lesion in the
      cerebral cortex.

PMID- 22089425
TI  - Cell type-specific three-dimensional structure of thalamocortical circuits in a
      column of rat vibrissal cortex.
AB  - Soma location, dendrite morphology, and synaptic innervation may represent key
      determinants of functional responses of individual neurons, such as sensory
      evoked spiking. Here, we reconstruct the 3D circuits formed by thalamocortical
      afferents from the lemniscal pathway and excitatory neurons of an anatomically
      defined cortical column in rat vibrissal cortex. We objectively classify 9
      cortical cell types and estimate the number and distribution of their somata,
      dendrites, and thalamocortical synapses. Somata and dendrites of most cell types
      intermingle, while thalamocortical connectivity depends strongly upon the cell
      type and the 3D soma location of the postsynaptic neuron. Correlating dendrite
      morphology and thalamocortical connectivity to functional responses revealed that
      the lemniscal afferents can account for some of the cell type- and location
      specific subthreshold and spiking responses after passive whisker touch (e.g., in
      layer 4, but not for other cell types, e.g., in layer 5). Our data provides a
      quantitative 3D prediction of the cell type-specific lemniscal synaptic wiring
      diagram and elucidates structure-function relationships of this physiologically
      relevant pathway at single-cell resolution.

PMID- 22089427
TI  - C-H and C-O oxidative addition in reactions of aryl carboxylates with a PNP
      pincer-ligated Rh(I) fragment.
AB  - Reactions of a series of phenyl esters with a (PNP)Rh fragment have been studied.
      PhO(2)CPh only underwent C-H oxidative addition (OA). PhO(2)CCF(3) chiefly
      underwent acyl-oxygen OA. PhO(2)CBu(t) and PhO(2)CNEt(2) initially underwent OA
      of an ortho-C-H bond of the phenyl group but continued thermolysis led to the
      phenyl-oxygen OA products.

PMID- 22089428
TI  - Feasibility of stopping paclitaxel premedication after two doses in patients not
      experiencing a previous infusion hypersensitivity reaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy continues to be an integral component in
      the treatment of many solid tumors. Prolonged use of paclitaxel may result in
      repeated doses of premedications and potential unwanted side effects. Infusion
      hypersensitivity reactions occurring beyond the second dose are infrequent and
      not well characterized. We hypothesized that patients whose paclitaxel
      premedications were discontinued after two doses were unlikely to experience
      infusion hypersensitivity reactions with subsequent paclitaxel doses. METHODS:
      Patients receiving paclitaxel-based chemotherapy who did not experience an
      infusion hypersensitivity reaction with their first or second dose had their
      paclitaxel premedications discontinued. The primary endpoint was to estimate the
      incidence of rescue medication for the treatment of paclitaxel infusion
      hypersensitivity during doses 3 to 6 for patients whose paclitaxel premedications
      had been discontinued. RESULTS: After receiving the first two doses of paclitaxel
      based chemotherapy without experiencing an infusion hypersensitivity reaction
      (any grade), 55 breast cancer patients had their premedications discontinued for
      all remaining paclitaxel doses. None of these patients required rescue medication
      to treat an infusion hypersensitivity reaction with subsequent doses.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have not experienced an infusion hypersensitivity
      reaction with the first two doses of paclitaxel, discontinuation of paclitaxel
      premedications may be considered an option without an increased risk of infusion
      hypersensitivity requiring rescue medication.

PMID- 22089429
TI  - Aprepitant, dexamethasone, and palonosetron in the prevention of
      doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide-induced nausea and vomiting.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of aprepitant,
      dexamethasone, and palonosetron in the prevention of nausea and vomiting in
      breast cancer patients receiving their initial cycle of doxorubicin and
      cyclophosphamide (AC). METHODS: Patients with breast cancer, >= age 18, with a
      performance status of <= 2, receiving doxorubicin (>= 60 mg/m(2)) and
      cyclophosphamide (>= 500 mg/m(2)) for the first time were eligible. Prior to
      chemotherapy patients received aprepitant 125 mg orally (PO), dexamethasone 8-10
      mg PO/intravenously (IV), and palonosetron 0.25 mg IV. On days 2-3, dexamethasone
      4 mg PO and aprepitant 80 mg PO were given. Outcomes were recorded in patient
      diaries for the 120-h study period following chemotherapy. Primary endpoint was
      the proportion of patients achieving complete response (no emesis or rescue) for
      the 120-h study period. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled and all are
      evaluable. The median age was 53 (33-75) and 36 are females. Eighteen patients
      (50%) achieved a complete response during the 120-h study period. Acute (<= 24 h)
      and delayed (24-120 h) complete response rates were 81% (27/36) and 61% (22/36),
      respectively. No emesis rates for the acute, delayed, and overall study periods
      were 97% (35/36), 94% (34/36), and 92% (33/36), respectively. Treatment was well
      tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of aprepitant, dexamethasone, and
      palonosetron prevented emesis in more than 90% of breast cancer patients
      receiving their initial cycle of AC chemotherapy. Nausea was less well
      controlled. Overall complete response was achieved in one half of the study
      patients. Further improvement in the prevention of AC-induced chemotherapy
      induced nausea and vomiting will require more effective antinausea treatments.

PMID- 22089430
TI  - The unfulfilled promise: a systematic review of interventions to reduce the unmet
      supportive care needs of cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: This review aimed to examine (a) trends in the number of publications on
      unmet needs over time and (b) the effectiveness of interventions designed to
      reduce unmet needs among cancer patients. METHODS: An electronic literature
      search of Medline to explore trends in the number of publications on patients'
      unmet needs and an additional literature search of Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO,
      and Web of Science databases to identify methodologically rigorous research
      trials that evaluated interventions to reduce unmet needs were conducted.
      RESULTS: Publications per year on unmet needs have increased over time, with most
      being on descriptive research. Nine relevant trials were identified. Six trials
      reported no intervention effect. Three trials reported that intervention
      participants had a lower number of unmet needs or lower unmet needs score,
      compared to control participants. Of these, one study found that the intervention
      group had fewer supportive care needs and lower mean depression scores; one study
      found that intervention participants with high problem-solving skills had fewer
      unmet needs at follow-up; and one study found an effect in favor of the
      intervention group on psychological need subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS: Reasons
      for varying results across trials and the limited effectiveness of unmet needs
      interventions are more broadly discussed. These include inadequacies in
      psychometric rigor, problems with scoring methods, the use of ineffective
      interventions, and lack of adherence to intervention protocols.

PMID- 22089431
TI  - [Abstracts of the 35th Autumn Conference of the German Society of Cardiology and
      the 22nd Annual Conference of the Working Group for Cardiac Pacemakers and
      Arrhythmia. October 7-9, 2011 Nuremberg, Germany].

PMID- 22089433
TI  - Chronic noncommunicable diseases and HIV-AIDS on a collision course: relevance
      for health care delivery, particularly in low-resource settings--insights from
      South Africa.
AB  - Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a multiple disease burden. Noncommunicable
      diseases (NCDs) are emerging, and their risk factors are becoming more common as
      lifestyles change and rates of urbanization increase. Simultaneously, epidemics
      of infectious diseases persist, and HIV/AIDS has taken hold in the region,
      although recent data indicate a decrease in new HIV infection rates. With the use
      of diabetes as a marker for NCDs, it was estimated that the number of people with
      diabetes would rise between 2000 and 2010 despite the HIV/AIDS epidemic, largely
      because of the aging of the population and the increase in risk factors for
      diabetes in South Africa. These numbers are likely to increase further, given the
      declining HIV/AIDS mortality rates and longer life expectancy due to the up
      scaling of antiretroviral therapy (ART), with its concomitant metabolic
      complications. Given that treated HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease, and the
      health care needs of people on ART resemble those of people with NCDs, and given
      that vertical programs are difficult to sustain when health systems are
      underresourced and strained, there is a powerful argument to integrate the
      primary level care for people with chronic diseases, whether they be NCDs or
      infectious diseases. Pilot studies are required to test the feasibility of an
      integrated service that extends from health facilities into the community in a
      reciprocal manner based on the WHO Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions model
      of care. These will begin to provide the evidence that policy makers need to
      change the mode of health care delivery.

PMID- 22089435
TI  - Sex-specific differences in essential fatty acid metabolism.
AB  - Sex hormones may influence the enzymatic synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), which may lead to sex-specific differences in LC-PUFA
      status. Isotope studies with U-(13)C alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) have shown a
      considerably higher conversion rate of ALA to n-3 (omega-3) LC-PUFAs in women
      than in men. A review of the literature generally suggested that there was a
      higher contribution of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in
      blood lipids in women than in men; however, sex-specific differences were not
      seen in every study. The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids was
      recently reported separately for a large group of women and men (n > 3000) living
      in 15 regions of Europe. The contributions of saturated and monounsaturated fatty
      acids were higher, whereas those of AA and DHA were lower in men than in women;
      however, sex explained only ~ 2% of the variability of plasma phospholipid DHA
      values. Results reported from a limited number of randomized controlled trials of
      perinatal LC-PUFA supplementation have, on occasion, shown sex-specific
      differences in some outcomes; however, the heterogeneity both in the
      interventions and outcomes measured made it difficult to draw conclusions on the
      direction or the extent of the effects. Data summarized in the current review
      highlight the importance of planning a subgroup analysis by sex in perinatal LC
      PUFA supplementation trials.

PMID- 22089434
TI  - Conceptual framework for understanding the bidirectional links between food
      insecurity and HIV/AIDS.
AB  - Food insecurity, which affects >1 billion people worldwide, is inextricably
      linked to the HIV epidemic. We present a conceptual framework of the multiple
      pathways through which food insecurity and HIV/AIDS may be linked at the
      community, household, and individual levels. Whereas the mechanisms through which
      HIV/AIDS can cause food insecurity have been fairly well elucidated, the ways in
      which food insecurity can lead to HIV are less well understood. We argue that
      there are nutritional, mental health, and behavioral pathways through which food
      insecurity leads to HIV acquisition and disease progression. Specifically, food
      insecurity can lead to macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies, which can
      affect both vertical and horizontal transmission of HIV, and can also contribute
      to immunologic decline and increased morbidity and mortality among those already
      infected. Food insecurity can have mental health consequences, such as depression
      and increased drug abuse, which, in turn, contribute to HIV transmission risk and
      incomplete HIV viral load suppression, increased probability of AIDS-defining
      illness, and AIDS-related mortality among HIV-infected individuals. As a result
      of the inability to procure food in socially or personally acceptable ways, food
      insecurity also contributes to risky sexual practices and enhanced HIV
      transmission, as well as to antiretroviral therapy nonadherence, treatment
      interruptions, and missed clinic visits, which are strong determinants of worse
      HIV health outcomes. More research on the relative importance of each of these
      pathways is warranted because effective interventions to reduce food insecurity
      and HIV depend on a rigorous understanding of these multifaceted relationships.

PMID- 22089437
TI  - Severe malnutrition and metabolic complications of HIV-infected children in the
      antiretroviral era: clinical care and management in resource-limited settings.
AB  - More than 2 million children globally are living with HIV infection and >90% of
      these reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a
      major problem for HIV-infected children who live in resource-limited settings
      (RLS), and SAM is an important risk factor for mortality. SAM in HIV-infected
      children is associated with complications including electrolyte disorders,
      micronutrient deficiencies, and severe infections, which contribute to the high
      mortality. Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved the
      survival of HIV-infected children, although the response to ART of children with
      SAM remains undocumented in the literature. Immune and virologic responses to ART
      in RLS are similar to those of infected children in resource-rich settings, but
      delays in initiation of therapy have led to a high early mortality.
      Antiretroviral drug toxicities have been described in children who receive
      therapy and may affect their quality of life and long-term survival. Metabolic
      complications of ART include lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia, lactic acidosis,
      insulin resistance, and osteopenia. These complications have been well described
      in adults and children from developed countries, but data from RLS are limited,
      and these complications may be compounded by SAM. In this article we review the
      epidemiology, clinical presentation, and complications of SAM in HIV-infected
      children and the metabolic complications of HIV-infected children in the era of
      ART, and discuss future research priorities for RLS.

PMID- 22089436
TI  - Developmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals programs for
      reproductive tract alterations and obesity later in life.
AB  - Many chemicals in the environment, especially those with estrogenic activity, are
      able to disrupt the programming of endocrine signaling pathways established
      during development; these chemicals are referred to as endocrine-disrupting
      chemicals. Altered programming can result in numerous adverse consequences in
      estrogen-target tissues, some of which may not be apparent until later in life.
      For example, a wide variety of structural, functional, and cellular effects have
      been identified in reproductive tract tissues. In addition to well-documented
      reproductive changes, obesity and diabetes have joined the list of adverse
      effects that have been associated with developmental exposure to environmental
      estrogens and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Obesity is a significant
      public health problem reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Experimental
      animal studies document an association of developmental exposure to environmental
      estrogens and obesity. For example, a murine model of perinatal exposure to
      diethylstilbestrol has proven useful in studying mechanisms involved in abnormal
      programming of differentiating estrogen-target tissues, including reproductive
      tract tissues and adipocytes. Other environmental estrogens, including the
      environmental contaminant bisphenol A, have also been linked to reproductive
      problems and obesity later in life. Epidemiology studies support similar findings
      in humans, as do studies of cells in culture. Together, these findings suggest
      new targets for abnormal programming by estrogenic chemicals and provide evidence
      supporting the scientific concept termed the developmental origins of adult
      disease. Furthermore, the association of environmental estrogens with obesity and
      diabetes expands the focus on these diseases from intervention or treatment to
      include prevention or avoidance of chemical modifiers, especially during critical
      windows of development.

PMID- 22089438
TI  - Executive summary--nutritional care of HIV-infected adolescents and adults,
      including pregnant and lactating women: what do we know, what can we do, and
      where do we go from here?
AB  - The HIV pandemic continues to place an unbearable burden on the international
      community, with disease prevalence remaining highest in resource-limited settings
      in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. HIV is most often imposed on conditions of
      food insecurity and consequent malnutrition, poor sanitation, and chronic
      exposure to a myriad of infectious (eg, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal) and
      noncommunicable (eg, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular) diseases.
      Women and children continue to bear the greatest burden. Two essential tenets
      underpin our approach to HIV: 1) antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are essential to
      prolong lives and to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS and 2) food and sound
      nutrition are essential to human health. The challenge is to apply sound
      principles of clinical care and nutrition science to the safe and efficacious
      implementation of ARVs and for long-term care for people living with HIV and
      AIDS. The WHO has played a leading role in developing guidelines to support this
      goal with the generation of general recommendations regarding nutritional needs
      of people living with HIV and AIDS and specific guidelines for the nutritional
      care of HIV-infected infants and children (<14 y of age). These proceedings
      represent a summary of the work accomplished at a workshop sponsored by the NIH
      to review the existing evidence to support changes in the recommendations
      regarding nutrient requirements for people living with HIV and AIDS; to support
      development of new WHO guidelines for adolescents and adults, including for
      pregnant and lactating women; and to identify a research agenda to address
      outstanding knowledge gaps.

PMID- 22089439
TI  - Nutrition and disease progression pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy
      (HAART) and post-HAART: can good nutrition delay time to HAART and affect
      response to HAART?
AB  - Several studies have investigated a variety of nutritional supplementation
      interventions in adults with HIV. In this narrative review, we summarize the
      evidence from 31 clinical trials that explore clinical benefits of macronutrient
      and micronutrient supplementation in this population while attempting to answer
      the question of whether good nutrition can delay the time to highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation and response. We focused on trials
      published in English between 1990 and 2010 that reported on CD4 count, viral
      load, and disease progression or survival. Among 9 macronutrient and 22
      micronutrient trials, we found that evidence for improved CD4 count and HIV viral
      load with nutritional supplementation was limited; only 11.1% and 36.8% of
      macronutrient and micronutrient supplementation trials, respectively, reported
      improved CD4 count; and 33.3% and 12.5% of macronutrient and micronutrient
      trials, respectively, reported decreased viral load. Given their utility as
      surrogate markers of HIV disease progression, this suggests limited evidence for
      nutritional interventions having an impact on delaying HAART initiation or on
      improving HAART response. However, there are challenges in evaluating the effects
      of nutritional supplementation on clinical disease in that comparisons are
      difficult due to heterogeneity in study design, patient population, nutrient
      doses and combinations, baseline levels of deficiency, and study endpoints,
      including lack of clarity in defining and reporting HAART status. Future studies
      need to adopt a more rigorous standard design with adequate power and follow-up
      and require a consensus on composition and dose of nutrient interventions to be
      tested to more specifically answer the question on the impact of nutritional
      interventions on HIV disease progression and HAART response.

PMID- 22089440
TI  - Micronutrients in HIV/AIDS: is there evidence to change the WHO 2003
      recommendations?
AB  - To establish whether there is new evidence to inform changes to WHO 2003
      recommendations for micronutrient intake in persons with HIV/AIDS, we conducted a
      narrative review of the literature published from 2003 to 2010. Although the
      review focused on new randomized controlled trials of multiple micronutrients in
      HIV-infected adults, including pregnant and lactating women, we also considered
      randomized trials of single micronutrients. The review found that there are few
      published randomized controlled trials of micronutrients in HIV-infected persons
      and that most trials used high-dose multiple micronutrient supplementation. The
      trials were heterogeneous with respect to the composition and dose of
      micronutrients used and the target population studied. Despite this
      heterogeneity, 5 of 6 trials that used high-dose multiple micronutrients showed
      benefits in terms of either improved CD4 cell counts or survival. However, many
      of these trials were small and of short duration, and therefore the long-term
      risks and benefits of high-dose multiple micronutrients are not established. The
      current WHO recommendation for an intake of micronutrients at Recommended Dietary
      Allowance amounts continues to be a reasonable target for persons with clinically
      stable HIV infection. In light of new data that show adverse effects of high-dose
      vitamin A, the current recommendation for a single high dose of vitamin A in HIV
      infected women within 6 wk of delivery should be reviewed.

PMID- 22089441
TI  - Determinants of children's eating behavior.
AB  - Parents have a high degree of control over the environments and experiences of
      their children. Food preferences are shaped by a combination of genetic and
      environmental factors. This article is a review of current data on effective
      determinants of children's eating habits. The development of children's food
      preferences involves a complex interplay of genetic, familial, and environmental
      factors. There is evidence of a strong genetic influence on appetite traits in
      children, but environment plays an important role in modeling children's eating
      behaviors. Parents use a variety of strategies to influence children's eating
      habits, some of which are counterproductive. Overcontrol, restriction, pressure
      to eat, and a promise of rewards have negative effects on children's food
      acceptance. Parents' food preferences and eating behaviors provide an opportunity
      to model good eating habits. Satiety is closely related to diet composition, and
      foods with low energy density contribute to prevent overeating. Parents should be
      informed about the consequences of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle and motivated
      to change their nutritional habits. Parents should be the target of prevention
      programs because children model themselves on their parents' eating behaviors,
      lifestyles, eating-related attitudes, and dissatisfaction regarding body image.
      Pediatricians can have an important role in the prevention of diet-related
      diseases. Informed and motivated parents can become a model for children by
      offering a healthy, high-satiety, low-energy-dense diet and promoting self
      regulation from the first years of life.

PMID- 22089442
TI  - Nutritional and metabolic correlates of cardiovascular and bone disease in HIV
      infected patients.
AB  - The treatment of HIV infection has dramatically reduced the incidence of AIDS
      related illnesses. At the same time, non-AIDS-related illnesses such as
      cardiovascular and bone disease are becoming more prevalent in this population.
      The mechanisms of these illnesses are complex and are related in part to the HIV
      virus, antiretroviral medications prescribed for HIV infection, traditional risk
      factors exacerbated by HIV, and lifestyle and nutritional factors. Further
      prospective research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which HIV,
      antiretroviral medications, and nutritional abnormalities contribute to bone and
      cardiovascular disease in the HIV population. Increasingly, it is being
      recognized that optimizing the treatment of HIV infection to improve immune
      function and reduce viral load may also benefit the development of non-AIDS
      related illnesses such as cardiovascular and bone disease.

PMID- 22089443
TI  - Energy expenditure in HIV infection.
AB  - Energy intake recommendations for adults should be based preferably on direct
      measurements of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in corresponding
      populations who are maintaining healthy body weight and satisfactory physical
      activity levels. During adolescence, pregnancy, and lactation, energy
      requirements should be based on TDEE plus the additional energy required to
      advance these physiologic states. With illness, energy expenditure and energy
      intake change, but nutritional intervention is not necessarily beneficial. This
      article reviews data on energy expenditure in HIV infection with a focus on
      adults, adolescents aged >=14 y, and pregnant and lactating women. Resting energy
      expenditure (REE) in adults with untreated asymptomatic HIV is ~ 10% higher than
      in healthy control subjects. In asymptomatic adults receiving antiretroviral
      therapy, REE may be similarly increased. HIV wasting and secondary infections are
      also associated with increased REE. In contrast, TDEE is typically normal in
      asymptomatic HIV and decreased in HIV wasting and secondary infection. No direct
      measurements of REE or TDEE are available in adolescents or in pregnant or
      lactating women with HIV. On the basis of current data, energy intake may need to
      increase by ~ 10% in adults with asymptomatic HIV to maintain body weight. In
      adolescents and in pregnant and lactating women with asymptomatic HIV, energy
      requirements should approximate recommendations for their uninfected counterparts
      until further data are available. In the resource-rich world, the energy
      expenditure changes associated with HIV are unlikely to contribute to significant
      weight loss. More data are needed on energy expenditure in HIV-infected
      populations from developing nations, where concurrent malnutrition and
      coinfections are common.

PMID- 22089444
TI  - Programming research: where are we and where do we go from here?
AB  - Convincing evidence has accumulated to show that both pre- and postnatal
      nutrition preprogram long-term health, well-being, and performance until
      adulthood and old age. There is a very large potential in the application of this
      knowledge to promote public health. One of the prerequisites for translational
      application is to strengthen the scientific evidence. More extensive knowledge is
      needed (eg, on effect sizes of early life programming in contemporary
      populations, on specific nutritional exposures, on sensitive time periods in
      early life, on precise underlying mechanisms, and on potential effect differences
      in subgroups characterized by, eg, genetic predisposition or sex). Future
      programming research should aim at filling the existing gaps in scientific
      knowledge, consider the entire lifespan, address socioeconomic issues, and foster
      innovation. Research should aim at results suitable for translational application
      (eg, by leading to health-promoting policies and evidence-based dietary
      recommendations in the perinatal period). International collaboration and a close
      research partnership of academia, industry, and small and medium enterprises may
      strengthen research and innovative potential enhancing the likelihood of
      translational application. The scientific know-how and methodology available
      today allow us to take major steps forward in the near future; hence, research on
      nutritional programming deserves high priority.

PMID- 22089445
TI  - Nutrition and pharmacology: general principles and implications for HIV.
AB  - Food and nutrition play an intimate and inextricable role in all aspects of drug
      metabolism, safety, and effectiveness. Antiretroviral therapies (ART) have
      assumed a preeminent position in the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV and
      its comorbidities. The interaction between food, nutrition, and ART has become an
      expanding area of interest both in terms of clinical standards of care and as a
      target for research. Since the original review of this topic by the WHO in 2005,
      much has been learned (8). This article contains a review of what is known about
      the general relationships between nutrition and pharmacology, as well as issues
      specific to ART, with particular attention to their use in low- and middle
      resource settings. The importance of food and nutrition on the bioavailability of
      drugs and vice versa has been an area of historical interest. However, much has
      been learned about the importance of nutritional status on drug metabolism,
      distribution, and effectiveness. The impact of traditional therapies
      (herbal/botanical) is highlighted as an area of clinical concern and one in need
      of further research. Additional attention is focused on the impact of individual
      micronutrients on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Finally, attention
      is given to the nutritional implications of the metabolic consequences of ART,
      which include the potential impact of "colliding epidemics" of infection (eg,
      HIV, tuberculosis) and noncommunicable diseases. Much has been learned, but much
      remains to be accomplished to ensure the effective integration of nutritional
      considerations into the effective and safe use of ART.

PMID- 22089446
TI  - Sex differences in the endocrine system in response to protein intake early in
      life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutritional factors during a sensitive period can influence child
      development in a sex-related manner. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate
      whether sex modulates the responses of relevant biochemical parameters and growth
      to different protein intakes early in life. DESIGN: In a randomized controlled
      trial, formula-fed infants were assigned to receive formula with higher protein
      (HP) or lower protein (LP) content. The main outcome measures were insulin-like
      growth factor (IGF)-1 axis parameters, weight, length, BMI, leptin, and C
      peptide/creatinine ratio at 6 mo of age. Dietary intake during the first 6 mo of
      life was also assessed. RESULTS: The IGF-1 axis response to HP feeding was
      modulated by sex. Total and free IGF-1 and IGF binding protein 3 concentrations
      were higher in girls than in boys. Compared with the LP diet, the HP diet was
      associated with higher IGF-1 and lower IGF binding protein 2 secretion. The
      response to this HP content formula tended to be stronger in girls than in boys.
      The HP diet was associated with a higher C-peptide/creatinine ratio. The leptin
      concentration was higher in girls than in boys and was correlated to the IGF-1
      axis parameters. No interaction between sex and nutritional intervention was
      shown on growth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the endocrine response to a
      high protein diet early in life may be modulated by sex. The IGF-1 axis of female
      infants shows a stronger response to the nutritional intervention than does that
      of male infants, but there is no enhanced effect on growth. This trial was
      registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00338689.

PMID- 22089447
TI  - Food insecurity: special considerations for women.
AB  - Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and
      economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary
      needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food insecurity is the
      converse state, is often associated with poverty and low income, and has
      important implications for the health and nutrition of individuals. Given their
      contribution to food production and preparation, their role in society as child
      bearers and caregivers, the increasing number of female-headed households
      worldwide, and their disproportionately poor economic status, women need special
      consideration in discussions of food insecurity and its effect on health,
      nutrition, and behavior. This article reviews the scientific literature on issues
      related to women and food insecurity. Food insecurity is associated with obesity,
      anxiety, and depressive symptoms; risky sexual behavior; poor coping strategies;
      and negative pregnancy outcomes in women, although evidence about the direction
      and causality of associations is unclear. There is a lack of evidence and
      understanding of the effects of food insecurity in resource-poor settings,
      including its effect on weight, nutritional outcomes, and pregnancy outcomes, as
      well as its effect on progression of diseases such as HIV infection. More
      research is needed to guide efficient interventions that address food insecurity
      among women. However, practical experience suggests that both short-term
      assistance and longer-term strategies that improve livelihoods, address
      behavioral and coping strategies, acknowledge the mental health components of
      food insecurity, and attempt to ensure that women have the same economic
      opportunities, access to land, and economic power as men are important.

PMID- 22089448
TI  - Metabolism and nutrition before and during pregnancy and after birth exert
      lasting effects on physiology, function, health, and performance well into
      adulthood and old age. Preface.

PMID- 22089449
TI  - Biomarker-based early cancer detection: is it achievable?
AB  - A new mathematical model evaluates the power of blood-based biomarkers for early
      cancer detection.

PMID- 22089450
TI  - Targeting chaperone-mediated autophagy in cancer.
AB  - A study in this issue of Science Translational Medicine provides fresh insight
      into the role of autophagy in cancer. Kon et al. show that a specific type of
      autophagy, called chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), is consistently elevated in
      tumors and is required for optimal tumor growth and metastasis. Selective
      inhibition of CMA slows tumor growth, boosts tumor cell death, and induces the
      regression of existing tumors. This work provides a rationale for further
      exploring manipulation of the CMA pathway as a strategy for treating cancer.

PMID- 22089451
TI  - Treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection with orally active FimH
      inhibitors.
AB  - Chronic and recurrent urinary tract infections pose a serious medical problem
      because there are few effective treatment options. Patients with chronic urinary
      tract infections are commonly treated with long-term prophylactic antibiotics
      that promote the development of antibiotic-resistant forms of uropathogenic
      Escherichia coli (UPEC), further complicating treatment. We developed small
      molecular weight compounds termed mannosides that specifically inhibit the FimH
      type 1 pilus lectin of UPEC, which mediates bacterial colonization, invasion, and
      formation of recalcitrant intracellular bacterial communities in the bladder
      epithelium. Here, we optimized these compounds for oral bioavailability and
      demonstrated their fast-acting efficacy in treating chronic urinary tract
      infections in a preclinical murine model. These compounds also prevented
      infection in vivo when given prophylactically and strongly potentiated the
      activity of the current standard of care therapy, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
      against clinically resistant PBC-1 UPEC bacteria. These compounds have
      therapeutic efficacy after oral administration for the treatment of established
      urinary tract infections in vivo. Their unique mechanism of action-targeting the
      pilus tip adhesin FimH-circumvents the conventional requirement for drug
      penetration of the outer membrane, minimizing the potential for the development
      of resistance. The small-molecular weight compounds described herein promise to
      provide substantial benefit to women suffering from chronic and recurrent urinary
      tract infections.

PMID- 22089452
TI  - Mathematical model identifies blood biomarker-based early cancer detection
      strategies and limitations.
AB  - Most clinical blood biomarkers lack the necessary sensitivity and specificity to
      reliably detect cancer at an early stage, when it is best treatable. It is not
      yet clear how early a clinical blood assay can be used to detect cancer or how
      biomarker-based strategies can be improved to enable earlier detection of smaller
      tumors. To address these issues, we developed a mathematical model describing
      dynamic plasma biomarker kinetics in relation to the growth of a tumor, beginning
      with a single cancer cell. To exemplify a realistic scenario in which biomarker
      is shed by both cancerous and noncancerous cells, we primed the model on ovarian
      tumor growth and CA125 shedding data, for which tumor growth parameters and
      shedding rates are readily available in published literature. We found that a
      tumor could grow unnoticed for more than 10.1 years and reach a volume of about
      pi/6(25.36 mm)(3), corresponding to a spherical diameter of about 25.36 mm,
      before becoming detectable by current clinical blood assays. Model parameters
      were perturbed over log orders of magnitude to quantify ideal shedding rates and
      identify other blood-based strategies required for early submillimeter tumor
      detectability. The detection times we estimated are consistent with recently
      published tumor progression time lines based on clinical genomic sequencing data
      for several cancers. Here, we rigorously showed that shedding rates of current
      clinical blood biomarkers are likely 10(4)-fold too low to enable detection of a
      developing tumor within the first decade of tumor growth. The model presented
      here can be extended to virtually any solid cancer and associated biomarkers.

PMID- 22089453
TI  - Chaperone-mediated autophagy is required for tumor growth.
AB  - The cellular process of autophagy (literally "self-eating") is important for
      maintaining the homeostasis and bioenergetics of mammalian cells. Two of the best
      studied mechanisms of autophagy are macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated
      autophagy (CMA). Changes in macroautophagy activity have been described in cancer
      cells and in solid tumors, and inhibition of macroautophagy promotes
      tumorigenesis. Because normal cells respond to inhibition of macroautophagy by up
      regulation of the CMA pathway, we aimed to characterize the CMA status in
      different cancer cells and to determine the contribution of changes in CMA to
      tumorigenesis. Here, we show consistent up-regulation of CMA in different types
      of cancer cells regardless of the status of macroautophagy. We also demonstrate
      an increase in CMA components in human cancers of different types and origins.
      CMA is required for cancer cell proliferation in vitro because it contributes to
      the maintenance of the metabolic alterations characteristic of malignant cells.
      Using human lung cancer xenografts in mice, we confirmed the CMA dependence of
      cancer cells in vivo. Inhibition of CMA delays xenograft tumor growth, reduces
      the number of cancer metastases, and induces regression of existing human lung
      cancer xenografts in mice. The fact that similar manipulations of CMA also reduce
      tumor growth of two different melanoma cell lines suggests that targeting this
      autophagic pathway may have broad antitumorigenic potential.

PMID- 22089454
TI  - ANKH and susceptibility to and severity of ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Unconfirmed reports describe association of ankylosing spondylitis
      (AS) with several candidate genes including ANKH. Cellular export of inorganic
      pyrophosphate is regulated by the ANK protein, and mutant mice (ank/ank), which
      have a premature stop codon in the 3' end of the ank gene, develop severe
      ankylosis. We tested the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNP) in these genes and susceptibility to AS in a population of patients with
      AS. We investigated the role of these genes in terms of functional (BASFI) and
      metrological (BASMI) measures, and the association with radiological severity
      (mSASSS). METHODS: Our study was conducted on 355 patients with AS and 95
      ethnically matched healthy controls. AS was defined according to the modified New
      York criteria. Four SNP in ANKH (rs27356, rs26307, rs25957, and rs28006) were
      genotyped. Association analysis was performed using Cochrane-Armitage and linear
      regression tests for dichotomous and quantitative variables. Analyses of Bath
      Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), BASFI, and mSASSS were
      controlled for sex and disease duration. RESULTS: None of the 4 markers showed
      significant single-locus disease associations (p > 0.05), suggesting that ANKH
      was not a major determinant of AS susceptibility in our population. No
      association was observed between these SNP and age at symptom onset, BASDAI,
      BASFI, BASMI, or mSASSS. CONCLUSION: These results confirm data in white
      Europeans that ANKH is probably not a major determinant of susceptibility to AS.
      ANKH polymorphisms do not markedly influence AS disease severity, as measured by
      BASMI and mSASSS.

PMID- 22089455
TI  - Frequency of class III and IV nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus without
      clinical renal involvement: an analysis of predictive measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of International Society of
      Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) class III or IV lupus nephritis in
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without clinical renal
      involvement. METHODS: We investigated the renal pathology of 195 patients with
      SLE, including 86 patients without clinical renal involvement. RESULTS: Lupus
      nephritis other than class I was found in 58% of the patients without clinical
      renal involvement, and class III and IV nephritis was found in 15% of these
      patients. To reveal the predictive measures involved in class III or IV lupus
      nephritis, we explored the clinical measures in patients with SLE who did not
      have clinical renal involvement. Anti-dsDNA antibody titers were significantly
      higher (p = 0.0266) and C3 values were significantly lower (p = 0.0073) in
      patients with class III or IV lupus nephritis than in patients without class III
      or IV lupus nephritis. The sensitivity and specificity values were 77% and 73%,
      respectively, for cutoff levels of both 40 IU/ml for anti-dsDNA antibodies and 55
      mg/dl for C3 (OR 8.8, p = 0.0011). CONCLUSION: The frequency of nephritis,
      including ISN/RPS class III and IV, was unexpectedly high in SLE patients without
      clinical renal involvement. ISN/RPS class III or IV lupus nephritis could be
      hidden in patients with SLE who present both a high titer of anti-dsDNA antibody
      and a low concentration of C3, even when they have clinically normal urinary
      findings and renal function.

PMID- 22089456
TI  - Glucosamine sulfate reduces prostaglandin E(2) production in osteoarthritic
      chondrocytes through inhibition of microsomal PGE synthase-1.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glucosamine sulfate (GS) has been inferred to have a potential
      antiinflammatory effect on osteoarthritis (OA). We investigated its effect on
      prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in human OA chondrocytes, and the level in the PGE(2)
      pathway at which its effect takes place. METHODS: We investigated the effect of
      GS treatment (0.05, 0.2, 1.0, and 2.0 mM) in OA chondrocytes in the absence or
      presence of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta; 100 pg/ml). We determined the expression
      levels and protein production/activity of PGE(2), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), COX
      2, microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1), glutathione, and peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), using specific primers, antibodies, and
      assays. RESULTS: GS treatment at 1 and 2 mM significantly inhibited (p <= 0.03)
      production of endogenous and IL-1beta-induced PGE(2). GS in both the absence and
      presence of IL-1beta did not significantly modulate COX-1 protein production, but
      GS at 1 and 2 mM demonstrated a decrease in COX-2 glycosylation in that it
      reduced the molecular mass of COX-2 synthesis. Under IL-1beta stimulation, GS
      significantly inhibited mPGES-1 messenger RNA expression and synthesis at 1 and 2
      mM (p <= 0.02) as well as the activity of glutathione (p <= 0.05) at 2 mM.
      Finally, in both the absence and presence of IL-1beta, PPARgamma was
      significantly induced by GS at 1 and 2 mM (p <= 0.03). CONCLUSION: Our data
      document the potential mode of action of GS in reducing the catabolism of OA
      cartilage. GS inhibits PGE(2) synthesis through reduction in the activity of COX
      2 and the production and activity of mPGES-1. These findings may, in part,
      explain the mechanisms by which this drug exerts its positive effect on OA
      pathophysiology.

PMID- 22089457
TI  - Persistent fetal sinus bradycardia associated with maternal anti-SSA/Ro and anti
      SSB/La antibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical course and outcome of fetal sinus bradycardia
      (SB) due to maternal antibody-induced sinus node dysfunction. METHODS: We
      reviewed the maternal, prenatal, and postnatal findings of fetuses with SB
      associated with elevated maternal anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies.
      RESULTS: Of the 6 cases diagnosed prenatally, 3 had isolated SB persisting after
      birth and had a good prognosis. Three fetuses with SB and severe myocardial
      involvement (congenital complete heart block and/or endocardial fibroelastosis)
      succumbed in utero in spite of treatment. Postmortem histopathology in 1 fetus
      showed inflammatory destruction of the sinus and atrioventricular nodes. SB was
      detected incidentally in a 7-year-old girl. She had intermittent heart block with
      progressive sinus arrest requiring permanent pacemaker. CONCLUSION: Fetal SB
      associated with maternal autoantibodies may persist in childhood, with a good
      prognosis in the absence of widespread cardiac involvement.

PMID- 22089458
TI  - Sex differences in response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in early and
      established rheumatoid arthritis -- results from the DANBIO registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate sex differences in response to anti-tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) therapy over time in early versus established rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). METHODS: Patients with RA who initiated anti-TNF therapy between
      January 2003 and June 2008 in Denmark were selected from the DANBIO Registry. Sex
      differences in baseline disease features were examined using chi-square, Mann
      Whitney U tests, and t tests. Using a generalized estimating equations (GEE)
      model for repeated measures, we examined European League Against Rheumatism
      (EULAR) responses in men and women over 48 months of followup, adjusting for
      baseline values of age, 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), disease
      duration, and anti-TNF, methotrexate, and prednisolone use. RESULTS: At
      initiation of anti-TNF therapy (baseline), 328 women and 148 men had early RA (<=
      2 yrs), and 1245 women and 408 men had established RA (> 2 yrs). In both early
      and established RA, men and women had active disease with similar DAS28 scores
      (mean +/- SD 5.2 +/- 1.1), physician global scores, swollen joint counts, and
      radiographic changes. In early RA, men were significantly more likely to achieve
      a EULAR good/moderate response over 48 months compared to women (GEE; p = 0.003),
      and a significant interaction between sex and followup time (GEE; p < 0.0005)
      suggested that men achieved this response sooner than women. CONCLUSION: Better
      responses to anti-TNF therapy among men compared to women in early but not
      established RA suggest that disease duration at initiation of therapy may be an
      important factor to consider when investigating sex differences in treatment
      responses.

PMID- 22089459
TI  - CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene in women with rheumatoid
      arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic, autoimmune,
      inflammatory disease, with a genetic and hormonal background. The prevalence of
      women among patients with RA suggests the important role of sex hormones in the
      pathogenesis of RA. We examined the association between CAG repeat polymorphism
      in the androgen receptor (AR) gene and susceptibility to RA and its clinical
      features in white women. METHODS: The study groups consisted of 325 female
      patients with RA and 238 female controls. CAG repeat polymorphism was determined
      using polymerase chain reaction and subsequent fragment analysis by capillary
      electrophoresis. RESULTS: The number of CAG repeats in patients did not differ
      from that of controls (22.1 +/- 2.9 vs 21.9 +/- 2.9, respectively; p = 0.26), but
      the presence of articular erosions was associated with a lower number of repeats
      in the shorter allele of patients with RA (20.4 +/- 2.2 vs 21.2 +/- 2.4; p =
      0.031). When alleles with < 22 CAG were classified as short (S) and those with >=
      22 CAG as long (L), the age at diagnosis of RA was lower in women with S-S
      genotype in comparison to combined S-L + L-L genotypes (43.0 +/- 14.6 yrs vs 47.6
      +/- 12.5 yrs; p = 0.021). In patients with the L-L genotype, the frequency of
      erosive disease (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25-0.80, p = 0.0085) and extraarticular
      manifestations (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.98, p = 0.047) was lower in comparison to
      carriers of the S allele. In multivariate analysis, the L-L genotype was an
      independent factor associated with a lower risk of erosions (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22
      0.90, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The results suggest the association of short AR
      (CAG)(n) alleles with earlier onset and a more aggressive course of RA.

PMID- 22089460
TI  - Usefulness of cellular text messaging for improving adherence among adolescents
      and young adults with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In a cohort of 70 patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus
      erythematosus (cSLE): to determine the baseline adherence to medications and
      visits; to investigate the effects of cellular text messaging reminders (CTMR) on
      adherence to clinic visits; and to study the influence of CTMR on adherence to
      use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). METHODS: CTMR were sent to 70 patients prior to
      clinic visits for 14 months. A subgroup of patients were evaluated for medication
      adherence to HCQ: 19 patients receiving CTMR prior to each scheduled HCQ dose
      were compared to 22 patients randomized to standard of care education about HCQ.
      Visit adherence was measured using administrative databases. Pharmacy refill
      information, self-report of adherence, and HCQ blood levels were utilized to
      monitor medication adherence to HCQ. Sufficient adherence to visits or HCQ was
      defined as estimates > 80%. Disease activity was primarily monitored with the
      Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index. RESULTS: At baseline, 32% of
      patients were sufficiently adherent to HCQ, and 81% to clinic visits. Visit
      adherence improved significantly by > 80% among those who were nonadherent to
      clinic visits at the baseline CTMR (p = 0.01). CTMR did not influence adherence
      to HCQ over time. CONCLUSION: Patients with cSLE were only modestly adherent to
      HCQ and clinic visits. CTMR may be effective for improving visit adherence among
      adolescents and young adults with cSLE, but it does not improve adherence to HCQ.

PMID- 22089461
TI  - Civamide cream 0.075% in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a 12-week
      randomized controlled clinical trial with a longterm extension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of civamide cream 0.075% for the
      treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week,
      multicenter, randomized, double-blind study with a 52-week open-label extension.
      Patients with OA of the knee received either civamide cream 0.075% or a lower
      dose of civamide cream, 0.01%, as the control. The 3 co-primary endpoints in the
      double-blind study were the time-weighted average (TWA) of change from baseline
      to Day 84 in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index
      (WOMAC) pain subscale, the WOMAC physical function subscale, and the Subject
      Global Evaluation (SGE). In the 52-week open-label extension study, the
      Osteoarthritis Pain Score and SGE were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 695 patients
      were randomized to receive civamide cream 0.075% (n = 351) or civamide cream
      0.01% (control; n = 344) in the double-blind study. Significance in favor of
      civamide cream 0.075% was achieved for the TWA for all 3 co-primary efficacy
      variables: WOMAC pain (p = 0.009), WOMAC physical function (p < 0.001), and SGE
      (p = 0.008); and at Day 84 for these 3 variables (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p =
      0.049, respectively). These analyses accounted for significant baseline-by
      treatment interactions. In the 52-week open-label extension, efficacy was
      maintained. Civamide cream 0.075% was well tolerated throughout the studies.
      CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate the efficacy of civamide cream for up to 1
      year of continuous use. Civamide cream, with its lack of systemic absorption,
      does not have the potential for serious systemic toxicity, in contrast to several
      other OA treatments.

PMID- 22089462
TI  - Glucocorticoid: major factor for reduced immunogenicity of 2009 influenza A
      (H1N1) vaccine in patients with juvenile autoimmune rheumatic disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunogenicity and safety of non-adjuvanted influenza A
      H1N1/2009 vaccine in patients with juvenile autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD)
      and healthy controls, because data are limited to the adult rheumatologic
      population. METHODS: A total of 237 patients with juvenile ARD [juvenile systemic
      lupus erythematosus (JSLE), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile
      dermatomyositis (JDM), juvenile scleroderma, and vasculitis] and 91 healthy
      controls were vaccinated. Serology for anti-H1N1 was performed by
      hemagglutination inhibition assay. Seroprotection rate, seroconversion rate, and
      factor-increase in geometric mean titer (GMT) were calculated. Adverse events
      were evaluated. RESULTS: Age was comparable in patients and controls (14.8 +/-
      3.0 vs 14.6 +/- 3.7 years, respectively; p = 0.47). Three weeks after
      immunization, seroprotection rate (81.4% vs 95.6%; p = 0.0007), seroconversion
      rate (74.3 vs 95.6%; p < 0.0001), and the factor-increase in GMT (12.9 vs 20.3; p
      = 0.012) were significantly lower in patients with juvenile ARD versus controls.
      Subgroup analysis revealed reduced seroconversion rates in JSLE (p < 0.0001), JIA
      (p = 0.008), JDM (p = 0.025), and vasculitis (p = 0.017). Seroprotection (p <
      0.0001) and GMT (p < 0.0001) were decreased only in JSLE. Glucocorticoid use and
      lymphopenia were associated with lower seroconversion rates (60.4 vs 82.9%; p =
      0.0001; and 55.6 vs 77.2%; p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression including
      diseases, lymphopenia, glucocorticoid, and immunosuppressants demonstrated that
      only glucocorticoid use (p = 0.012) remained significant. CONCLUSION: This is the
      largest study to demonstrate a reduced but adequate immune response to H1N1
      vaccine in patients with juvenile ARD. It identified current glucocorticoid use
      as the major factor for decreased antibody production. The short-term safety
      results support its routine recommendation for patients with juvenile ARD.
      ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01151644.

PMID- 22089463
TI  - Maintenance of efficacy and safety with subcutaneous golimumab among patients
      with active rheumatoid arthritis who previously received intravenous golimumab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy/safety of subcutaneous (SC) golimumab in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who previously received intravenous (IV)
      golimumab with or without methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: Adult patients with RA (n
      = 643) with persistent disease despite MTX (>= 15 mg/wk for >= 3 months) were
      randomized to IV placebo + MTX (n = 129) or IV golimumab 2-4 mg/kg (+/- MTX)
      every 12 weeks (n = 514). Patients who completed the study through Week 48 could
      participate in the longterm extension (LTE), comprising open-label golimumab 50
      mg SC every 4 weeks (+/- MTX) for 24 weeks (LTE-0 to LTE-24) followed by 16 weeks
      of safety followup (LTE-24 to LTE-40; MTX could be adjusted). RESULTS: At Week
      48, 28% (nominal p < 0.001 vs placebo), 11%, and 8% of patients who received IV
      golimumab + MTX, golimumab alone, and placebo + MTX, respectively, achieved >=
      50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology response criteria
      (ACR50). Among the 505 patients who entered the LTE and were still participating,
      the proportion of patients treated with golimumab 50 mg SC (+/- MTX) achieving an
      ACR50 response increased to 44% at both LTE-14 and LTE-24. ACR20, ACR70, and 28
      joint Disease Activity Score using C-reactive protein exhibited similar response
      patterns as ACR50. Infections were the most commonly reported adverse events
      through the end of IV golimumab dosing (37% placebo + MTX, 45% golimumab, 51%
      golimumab + MTX) and with SC golimumab from LTE-0 through LTE-40 (35% golimumab,
      36% golimumab + MTX). Concomitant MTX use yielded lower incidences of antibodies
      to SC golimumab and injection-related reactions. CONCLUSION: Clinical
      improvements observed in golimumab-treated patients were sustained or improved in
      patients switched from IV (2-4 mg/kg +/- MTX) to open-label SC (50 mg +/- MTX)
      golimumab. Both IV and SC golimumab demonstrated acceptable safety profiles
      (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00361335).

PMID- 22089464
TI  - Pain thresholds in rheumatoid arthritis: the effect of tender point counts and
      disease duration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the influence of demographic and clinical factors on pain
      thresholds in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A cross-sectional
      observational study (105 patients with RA) assessed pain thresholds using an
      algometer. Regression analysis examined the influence of demographic and clinical
      assessments. RESULTS: Pain thresholds (median 289, interquartile range 89-434)
      correlated with assessments of disease activity (tender joint counts), disability
      (Health Assessment Questionnaire), fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Ordinal
      logistic regression showed tender point counts and disease duration were the
      dominant contributors. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that low pain
      thresholds reflect "fibromyalgic" RA (many tender points) and central pain
      sensitization with prolonged disease duration.

PMID- 22089465
TI  - Rituximab maintenance therapy for granulomatosis with polyangiitis and
      microscopic polyangiitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy compared to the relapse risk and tolerance of
      systematic rituximab (RTX) infusions as maintenance therapy for patients with
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), who
      entered remission taking conventional immunosuppressants or RTX. METHODS: A
      retrospective study of the main clinical characteristics, outcomes, and RTX
      tolerance of patients who had received >= 2 RTX maintenance infusions in our
      center, regardless of induction regimen, between 2003 and 2010. RESULTS: We
      identified 28 patients [4 MPA and 24 GPA; median age 55.5 yrs (range 18-78); 17
      (60%) males] who received a median of 4 (range 2-10) RTX maintenance infusions,
      with median followup of 38 months (range 21-97) since diagnosis or last flare.
      None experienced a RTX infusion-related adverse event; 15 patients (among the 21
      with available data) had hypogammaglobulinemia (predominantly IgM) prior to their
      last RTX maintenance infusion; 3 had infectious events (1 cutaneous abscess, 1
      otitis, 1 fatal H1N1 flu). Two patients suffered pulmonary relapses shortly
      before a planned RTX maintenance infusion (both had increased antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibody levels and 1 had CD19+ lymphocyte reconstitution).
      CONCLUSION: Rituximab maintenance therapy was well tolerated but did not
      completely prevent relapses and persistent "grumbling" disease. These preliminary
      results remain to be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial currently in
      progress.

PMID- 22089466
TI  - Mortality risk by functional status and health-related quality of life in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of
      death. Modern RA therapy has been shown to improve health status, but the
      relationship of such improvements to mortality risk is unknown. We assessed the
      relationship between health status and all-cause mortality in patients with RA,
      using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study
      Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) physical and mental component summary scores
      (PCS, MCS). METHODS: Subjects (n = 10,319) were selected from the National Data
      Bank for Rheumatic Diseases, a prospective longitudinal observational US study
      with semiannual assessments of HAQ, PCS, and MCS. Risk of death up to 7 years
      through 2006 was obtained from the US National Death Index. Relationship of HAQ,
      PCS, and MCS to mortality was assessed using Cox regression models; prediction
      accuracy was compared using Harrell's concordance coefficient (C). RESULTS: Over
      64,888 patient-years of followup, there were 1317 deaths. Poorer baseline health
      status was associated with greater mortality risk. Adjusting for age, sex, and
      baseline PCS and MCS, declines in PCS and HAQ were associated with higher risk of
      death. HAQ improvement was associated with reduced mortality risk from 6 months
      through 3 years; a similar relationship was not observed for PCS or MCS
      improvement. Controlling for baseline values, change in PCS or HAQ did not
      improve prediction accuracy. CONCLUSION: The HAQ and the SF-36 PCS are similarly
      and strongly associated with mortality risk in patients with RA. Change in these
      measures over time does not appear to add to predictive accuracy over baseline
      levels.

PMID- 22089467
TI  - Proposed severity and response criteria for Routine Assessment of Patient Index
      Data (RAPID3): results for categories of disease activity and response criteria
      in abatacept clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An index is needed to assess the status of patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA), as none of the existing measures are applicable to all individual
      patients. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) is the most specific and
      widely used index. Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID3) is an index
      containing only the 3 patient self-report core dataset measures, without a
      laboratory test or formal joint count, and with simple scoring. RAPID3 is
      correlated significantly with DAS28, but calculated in 5-10 seconds on a
      Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ), compared to 114 seconds
      for DAS28. METHODS: DAS28 (0-10 scale) categories for high, moderate, and low
      activity, and remission (<= 2.6, 2.6-3.2, 3.21-5.1, and > 5.1, respectively) and
      proposed RAPID3 (0-30 scale) categories for severity (0 <= 3, 3.1-6, 6.1-12, and
      > 12) were compared in patients taking abatacept and control-treated patients at
      the endpoint of the Abatacept in Inadequate Response to Methotrexate (AIM) and
      the Abatacept Trial in Treatment of Anti-TNF INadequate Responders (ATTAIN)
      clinical trials, using cross-tabulations and kappa statistics. RESULTS: Overall,
      92%-99% of patients classified as having high DAS28 activity had high or moderate
      RAPID3 severity, while 64%-83% in DAS28 remission had RAPID3 low severity or
      remission; 50%-82% of patients with good or poor EULAR responses had good or poor
      RAPID3 responses. Kappa values ranged from 0.25 to 0.48, and weighted kappas from
      0.32 to 0.52, indicating fair to moderate agreement for the 2 indices.
      CONCLUSION: Proposed RAPID3 severity and response categories yield comparable
      results to DAS28 and EULAR criteria in AIM and ATTAIN. DAS28 is more specific for
      clinical trials. RAPID3 does not preclude also scoring DAS28, and may be
      informative in the infrastructure of routine care.

PMID- 22089468
TI  - Clinical significance of Cryofibrinogenemia: possible pathophysiological link
      with Raynaud's phenomenon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings and prevalence of patients with
      cryofibrinogenemia (CF) and to determine whether CF is associated with primary
      Raynaud's phenomenon. METHODS: Between June 2006 and December 2009, 227 patients
      were tested for CF in a single university hospital. Forty-five patients with
      primary Raynaud's phenomenon were tested for CF. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients
      with CF without cryoglobulinemia were included. The main clinical manifestations
      included skin manifestations (50%) and arthralgia (35%). There were 67 patients
      with primary CF and 50 patients with secondary CF. There was no significant
      difference in the mean concentration of the cryoprecipitate in primary CF as
      compared to the secondary form (172 +/- 18.6 vs 192 +/- 20.9 mg/dl, respectively;
      p = 0.41). Highest concentrations of cryoprecipitate were observed in those
      containing fibrinogen only as compared to cryoprecipitates containing fibrinogen
      and fibronectin (301 +/- 43.5 vs 125 +/- 10.6 mg/dl; p < 0.001). Patients having
      skin necrosis (n = 3) had significantly higher values of cryofibrinogen compared
      to those without necrosis (638 +/- 105 vs 160 +/- 10.2 mg/dl; p = 0.0046). Among
      the 45 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon, 36 had associated CF. There
      was no significant difference in the mean concentration of the cryoprecipitate in
      these patients compared to those with primary CF. CONCLUSION: There seems to be a
      significant correlation between cryofibrinogen concentration and the severity of
      the clinical signs, particularly when cryoprecipitate is composed of fibrinogen
      alone. CF might have a possible pathophysiological role in primary Raynaud's
      phenomenon.

PMID- 22089469
TI  - The ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria--a retrospective
      feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of the
      ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) to retrospectively
      classify an existing research cohort. METHODS: In total, 480 patient records were
      reviewed from the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Psoriatic
      Arthritis (PsA) cohort and for 100 consecutive controls with inflammatory
      arthritis from a general rheumatology clinic. The CASPAR score was modified for
      retrospective use; both "inflammation" and "current psoriasis" were recorded as
      present if they had ever been confirmed in the rheumatology clinic. Sensitivity
      and specificity of the CASPAR criteria were compared with expert clinical
      diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 480 database records were identified. Nine sets of
      records had been lost or destroyed. The diagnoses had changed in 15 cases, which
      were transferred to the control arm, leaving 456 patients with an expert
      diagnosis of PsA. Of 115 controls, 96 had rheumatoid arthritis, 5 osteoarthritis,
      3 reactive arthritis, 3 seronegative arthritis, 3 undifferentiated arthralgia, 2
      ankylosing spondylitis, 1 spondyloarthritis, and 2 systemic sclerosis.
      Sensitivity (99.7%) and specificity (99.1%) were both high and equivalent to
      previous reports. Sensitivity remained high even after inclusion of 7 PsA
      patients with insufficient data to complete the CASPAR assessment (sensitivity
      98.2%, specificity 99.1%). The criteria were found to be easy and practical to
      apply to case records. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the feasibility,
      specificity, and sensitivity of the CASPAR are maintained when adapted for
      retrospective use to classify an established research cohort.

PMID- 22089470
TI  - Attainment of inactive disease status following initiation of TNF-alpha inhibitor
      therapy for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: enthesitis-related arthritis predicts
      persistent active disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attainment of inactive disease following initiation of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors in a heterogeneous cohort of
      children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: We performed
      retrospective chart review of all children with JIA at 1 academic center who had
      started TNF-alpha inhibitor therapy. We retrospectively determined inactive
      disease status according to the 2004 criteria of Wallace, et al. We evaluated
      inactive disease status at 1 year after initiation of TNF-alpha inhibitor and
      attainment of inactive disease at any point during the study period. Predictors
      of inactive disease were determined using univariate analyses and multivariable
      logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients started TNF-alpha
      inhibitors, and 88 patients had data available for the 1-year followup visit.
      Many patients (49%) started TNF-alpha inhibitors within 6 months of the diagnosis
      of JIA. Diverse JIA phenotypes were represented: at baseline, 29% of all patients
      had active enthesitis and only 23% had active polyarthritis. At the 1-year
      followup, 36 of 88 (41%) patients had inactive disease. Overall, 67 of 125 (54%)
      patients ever attained inactive disease status during the study period. In
      multivariable models, enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and higher Childhood
      Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) scores at baseline were independently
      associated with failure to later attain inactive disease status. CONCLUSION:
      Treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors appears to be less effective for attaining
      inactive disease status in patients with ERA or higher baseline CHAQ scores.
      Further studies are needed regarding the clinical effectiveness of TNF-alpha
      inhibitor therapy and the optimal treatment of ERA.

PMID- 22089471
TI  - Real-time DNA detection using Pt nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide
      field-effect transistors.
AB  - A large-area, continuous, few-layer reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin film has
      been fabricated on a Si/SiO(2) wafer using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method
      followed by thermal reduction. After photochemical reduction of Pt nanoparticles
      (PtNPs) on rGO, the obtained PtNPs/rGO composite is employed as the conductive
      channel in a solution-gated field effect transistor (FET), which is then used for
      real-time detection of hybridization of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with high
      sensitivity (2.4 nM). Such a simple, but effective method for fabrication of rGO
      based transistors shows great potential for mass-production of graphene-based
      electronic biosensors.

PMID- 22089472
TI  - Polymorphisms in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes are associated with peak bone
      mineral density in Chinese nuclear families.
AB  - SUMMARY: Association between ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the
      human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes and variations in peak bone mineral density (BMD)
      in a large sample of Chinese nuclear families with female offspring using the
      quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT). Our results suggest that
      the genetic polymorphisms in both human ALOX12 and ALOX15 may contribute to
      variations in the peak BMD of Chinese women. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study
      was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes are
      associated with variations in peak BMD in Chinese nuclear families with female
      offspring. METHODS: Each five SNPs in the ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes were genotyped
      in a total of 1,260 individuals from 401 Chinese nuclear families. The BMD of the
      lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry. We tested whether a single SNP or a haplotype was associated with
      peak BMD variations using the QTDT. RESULTS: Using QTDT to measure within-family
      associations in ALOX15, we observed a significant association between rs916055
      and BMD in the lumbar spine (p = 0.027 in the permutation 1,000 test). However,
      in ALOX12, rs312470 was significantly associated with BMD in the femoral neck (p
      = 0.029 and p = 0.036 in the permutation 1,000 test). The results of a haplotype
      analysis supported the findings of the single locus test for ALOX15. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms in both human ALOX12 and
      ALOX15 may contribute to variations in the peak BMD of Chinese women.

PMID- 22089473
TI  - Inferring synaptic inputs given a noisy voltage trace via sequential Monte Carlo
      methods.
AB  - We discuss methods for optimally inferring the synaptic inputs to an
      electrotonically compact neuron, given intracellular voltage-clamp or current
      clamp recordings from the postsynaptic cell. These methods are based on
      sequential Monte Carlo techniques ("particle filtering"). We demonstrate, on
      model data, that these methods can recover the time course of excitatory and
      inhibitory synaptic inputs accurately on a single trial. Depending on the
      observation noise level, no averaging over multiple trials may be required.
      However, excitatory inputs are consistently inferred more accurately than
      inhibitory inputs at physiological resting potentials, due to the stronger
      driving force associated with excitatory conductances. Once these synaptic input
      time courses are recovered, it becomes possible to fit (via tractable convex
      optimization techniques) models describing the relationship between the sensory
      stimulus and the observed synaptic input. We develop both parametric and
      nonparametric expectation-maximization (EM) algorithms that consist of
      alternating iterations between these synaptic recovery and model estimation
      steps. We employ a fast, robust convex optimization-based method to effectively
      initialize the filter; these fast methods may be of independent interest. The
      proposed methods could be applied to better understand the balance between
      excitation and inhibition in sensory processing in vivo.

PMID- 22089474
TI  - Attenuation of hypertension-mediated glomerulosclerosis in conjunction with
      increased angiotensin (1-7).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy exists as to whether angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) acts
      as a protective hormone against renal injury. METHODS: We compared the degree of
      improvement of hypertensive nephropathy following 8 weeks' treatment with either
      the angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist olmesartan medoxomil or the
      cardioselective beta blocker atenolol in 8-week-old spontaneously hypertensive
      rats (SHRs). RESULTS: Both treatment regimens reduced mean blood pressure in a
      similar fashion, while bradycardia was present only in atenolol-treated SHRs. The
      heart weight:body weight ratio fell more in SHRs medicated with olmesartan versus
      those receiving atenolol. These changes were associated with increases in plasma
      Ang II in SHRs given the angiotensin II receptor blocker. At the end of
      treatment, plasma Ang (1-7) was higher in the olmesartan than atenolol or vehicle
      groups. The glomerular sclerosis (GS) index was lowered by olmesartan and
      atenolol compared with the vehicle group. While both olmesartan and atenolol
      attenuated renal perivascular collagen deposition (PVCD), the greatest effect was
      observed in SHRs receiving olmesartan. Elevations in plasma Ang (1-7) correlated
      negatively with reductions in GS or PVCD index, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While
      control of blood pressure remains a critical factor in the prevention of
      hypertensive nephropathy, Ang (1-7) may play a substantial role in preventing the
      structural changes in glomerulus through its effect on regulations of blood
      pressure and renal function.

PMID- 22089475
TI  - Decorin in atherosclerosis.
AB  - Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality in the Western world. Despite tremendous strides in understandings its
      pathogenesis, it still remains a challenge because of gaps in our understanding
      of its initiation, progression and complications leading to the clinical
      syndromes of angina, acute coronary syndrome, cerebrovascular disease and
      peripheral vascular disease. Recent studies have provided impetus on the shift
      from models of atherosclerosis based on cellular interactions to models where the
      important role of extracellular matrix is recognized. Proteoglycans, especially
      those belonging to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family of which decorin is
      a representative example, have come under close scrutiny for their role in
      atherogenesis. There is evidence from in vitro and in vivo animal models as well
      as humans to suggest an important role of decorin in attenuating progression of
      atherosclerosis. Decorin distribution in different blood vessels has been shown
      to inversely correlate with the tendency to develop atherosclerosis. Decorin
      seems to interact closely with different cellular components of the plaque
      milieu, thereby suggesting its role in influencing atherogenesis at different
      steps. Here we review the current understanding of the role of decorin in the
      pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22089476
TI  - Inspiratory loading intensity does not influence lactate clearance during
      recovery.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of different pressure threshold
      inspiratory loads on lactate clearance and plasma acid-base balance during
      recovery from maximal exercise. METHODS: Eight moderately trained males
      (VO(2peak) = 4.29 +/- 0.46 L.min-1) performed, on different days, four maximal
      incremental cycling tests (power started at 0 W and increased by 20 W.min-1) of
      identical duration (exercise time during the first trial was 16.32 +/- 1.12 min).
      During 20-min recovery, subjects either rested passively or breathed through a
      constant pressure threshold inspiratory load of 10 (ITL10), 15 (ITL15), or 20
      (ITL20) cm H2O. Plasma lactate concentration ([La-]) was measured, and acid-base
      balance was quantified using the physicochemical approach, which describes the
      dependency of [H+] on the three independent variables: strong ion difference
      ([Na+] + [K+] - [Cl-] + [La-]), the total concentration of weak acids, and the
      partial pressure of carbon dioxide. RESULTS: Peak exercise responses were not
      significantly different between trials. During recovery, the area under the
      plasma [La] curve was not different between trials (pooled mean = 261 +/- 60 mEq)
      and the [La] measured at the end of the 20-min recovery was also similar (passive
      recovery = 9.2 +/- 3.1 mEq.L-1, ITL10 = 9.3 +/- 3.1 mEq.L-1, ITL15 = 8.7 +/- 2.8
      mEq.L-1, ITL20 = 8.7 +/- 3.2 mEq.L-1). Similarly, changes in other strong ions
      contributing to strong ion difference and total concentration of weak acids,
      partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and, therefore, [H+] were not different
      between trials. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that, in individuals of moderate
      endurance training status, inspiratory loading at the intensities used in the
      present study does not accelerate lactate clearance or modify plasma acid-base
      balance during recovery from maximal exercise.

PMID- 22089477
TI  - Is high-impact sports participation associated with bowlegs in adolescent boys?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the participation
      in load bearing sports is associated with significant knee alignment adaptations
      in adolescent boys, which might cause a higher risk for the development of knee
      osteoarthritis in later life. METHODS: Five hundred twenty-one healthy boys (from
      7 to 18 yr), selected from local primary and secondary schools, participated in
      the study. Two hundred sixty-five of them practiced competitive sports (track and
      field, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and squash) for
      at least 3 h.wk(-1). The other remaining 256 boys did not practice any kind of
      sports. Genu varum/valgum was determined by measuring the intercondylar (IC) and
      intermalleolar (IM) distance with the subjects in a relaxed erect standing
      position. The IC and/or IM distance was measured using a caliper. Both
      measurements were combined to one parameter: the IC-IM distance. A one-way ANOVA
      was performed to analyze differences between the different age groups within the
      sporting and nonsporting boys separately. For each age group, the IC-IM distances
      of the sporting and nonsporting boys were compared by ANOVA with post hoc
      Bonferroni corrections. RESULTS: A comparison between the sporting and
      nonsporting boys showed that the sporting boys had a significantly higher degree
      of genu varum from 13 to 15 yr or older (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: From the results
      of this study, it can be concluded that practicing load bearing sports in general
      is associated with the same knee varus alignment in adolescent boys as previously
      has been indicated in intense soccer-playing adolescents.

PMID- 22089478
TI  - Disparities in youth physical activity in the United States:  2003-2006.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine changes in physical activity among children
      and adolescents, by race/ethnicity, in the United States from 2003-2004 to 2005
      2006. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the objectively measured accelerometer data
      among children and adolescents 6-19 yr: 2003-2004 (n = 1665) and 2005-2006 (n =
      1716) from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. We estimated regression coefficients
      for change between the two periods by age group, accounting for sampling design
      and adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and number of hours monitored. We
      tested for differences in mean accelerometer counts per minute and minutes per
      day of moderate and vigorous physical activity trends by race/ethnicity and
      gender. RESULTS: Physical activity decreased with age, boys were more active than
      girls, and non-Hispanic black children were more active than non-Hispanic whites
      (all P < 0.01). Overall mean accelerometer counts increased from 2003-2004 to
      2005-2006 for children ages 6-11 yr (+31.6 counts per minute; 95% confidence
      interval = 0.51-62.6) but not among adolescents ages 12-19 yr. There was an
      increase over time in mean accelerometer counts among 6- to 11-yr-old non
      Hispanic white children (+52.4 counts per minute, P = 0.007; 95% confidence
      interval = 15.7-89) but a decrease among non-Hispanic black and Mexican American
      children. No changes over the period in moderate and vigorous physical activity
      were found in either age group. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of improvement in physical
      activity among all children and adolescents and a potentially emerging race
      ethnic disparity indicate a need for further research on potential mechanisms
      underlying these differences. Effective interventions to improve physical
      activity opportunities and attenuate the decline in activity levels as children
      enter adolescence are needed.

PMID- 22089479
TI  - Effect of fatigue on landing biomechanics after anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fatigue on
      lower limb biomechanics during landing in patients who had undergone anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Fifteen male
      participants who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction 15-19 months previously
      and 11 uninjured male control subjects had three-dimensional lower limb
      kinematics and kinetics quantified during single-limb landings, both before and
      during progression to fatigue. The single-limb landings were a vertical drop from
      a 30-cm platform, and subjects performed repetitive bilateral squats to induce
      fatigue. RESULTS: Fatigue led to reduced flexion in the lower limb, increased hip
      and knee abduction, increased knee rotation, and reduced knee joint moments. The
      response to fatigue was similar between the ACL-reconstructed limb and the
      control group as well as the reconstructed limb and the contralateral limb. The
      only kinematic variable to show a between-group or between-limb difference was
      hip flexion at initial contact, whereby flexion was greater for the reconstructed
      side. Although knee flexion and adduction moments were smaller for the
      reconstructed knee compared with the contralateral knee, they were not different
      from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that having an ACL
      reconstruction does not necessarily mean greater vulnerability to the effect of
      fatigue during single-limb landing. Nonetheless, some of the landing positions
      that were observed with fatigue potentially compromise the knee and integrity of
      the ACL graft.

PMID- 22089480
TI  - Are under- and overweight female elite athletes thin and fat? A controlled study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study's purpose was to relate body mass index (BMI) to body fat
      percentage as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in female elite
      athletes from different sports and nonathletic controls and to investigate what
      characterizes the athletes with unhealthy low and high body fat values. METHODS:
      This study was conducted in three phases: 1) screening with a detailed
      questionnaire, 2) body composition measurement (dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry), and 3) clinical interview. All female elite athletes
      representing national teams at the junior or senior level age 13-39 yr (n = 938)
      and an age group-matched randomly selected population-based control group (n =
      900) were invited to participate. A stratified random sample was invited to
      participate in parts 2 and 3. A total of 186 athletes (62%) and 145 controls
      (48%) participated in all three phases. RESULTS: Of those athletes with normal
      BMI values (18.5-24.9 kg.m-2) (n = 150), 2.0% were classified with low body fat
      levels (<12%), and 6.7% were classified with obese body fat levels (>= 33%). The
      median value for the entire group was 24.3% body fat. For the controls with
      normal BMI values (n = 96), none was classified with low body fat levels, and 50%
      were classified with obese body fat levels (median = 33.1%). The correlation
      between BMI and body fat percentage was 0.671 (P < 0.01) (SEE = 5.3%) for the
      athletes and 0.813 (P < 0.01) (SEE = 4.1%) for the controls. Both under- and
      overfat athletes self-reported menstrual dysfunction, stress fractures, history
      of weight fluctuation, and use of pathogenic weight control methods and were
      diagnosed with clinical eating disorders and/or low bone density. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data show that BMI is not a valid measure for assessing or monitoring body
      composition in female elite athletes, and it should be used carefully in female
      nonathletes.

PMID- 22089481
TI  - Ground contact time as an indicator of metabolic cost in elite distance runners.
AB  - Differences in running economy at common speeds have been demonstrated between
      male and female distance runners, as well as between middle-distance (MD) and
      long-distance (LD) specialists. Whether measures of foot ground contact time
      (tc), known to be proportional to the mass-specific cost of locomotion, follows
      the same running economy relationships in these groups is unknown. PURPOSE: This
      study examined if differences in tc and selected gait kinematic variables exist
      between elite male and female distance runners, as well as between elite MD and
      LD specialists, as running speed increases. METHODS: Twelve male and six female
      elite distance runners completed multiple 30-s trials on a treadmill at common
      competitive racing velocities. Wireless triaxial 10-g accelerometers, sampling at
      1024 Hz, were securely attached to the laces of each shoe. Values of tc, swing
      time, stride length, and stride frequency were determined from accelerometric
      output corresponding to foot strike and toe-off events obtained from a minimum of
      20 consecutive steps of each foot. A proportional estimate of metabolic cost was
      obtained by using 1/tc. RESULTS: Women displayed shorter tc, swing time, and
      stride length with greater stride frequency compared with men at common speeds;
      however, these differences were largely negated by normalizing to standing
      height. At common speeds, women demonstrated smaller measures of tc compared with
      men, suggesting an increased metabolic cost, paralleling published oxygen uptake
      data. MD specialists displayed smaller increases in 1/tc as speed increased,
      compared with LD specialists. CONCLUSIONS: Elite distance runners demonstrate
      ground contact measures that suggest that known differences in running economy
      between sexes and event specialties may be a result of differences in running
      gait.

PMID- 22089482
TI  - Repeated sprints alter signaling related to mitochondrial biogenesis in humans.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of acute and chronic repeated-sprint
      exercise (RSE) on the skeletal muscle messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and protein
      abundance/phosphorylation associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. METHODS: Ten
      healthy young adults (seven males, three females) performed the RSE trial,
      comprising three sets of 5 * 4-s maximal sprints on a nonmotorized treadmill,
      with a 20-s recovery between sprints and 4.5 min between sets. After 4 wk of
      repeated-sprint training, three times per week, participants repeated the RSE. A
      vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was obtained at rest, immediately after, and 1 and
      4 h after RSE, before and after training. Venous blood lactate and glucose were
      measured at rest and during recovery. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase
      chain reaction and Western blot techniques were used to measure mRNA expression
      and protein abundance, respectively. RESULTS: Acute RSE increased the
      phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (86%, effect size (ES) = 1.4 +/- 0.8, P
      < 0.001) and Ca calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (69%, ES = 0.7 +/- 0.6).
      Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha;
      208%, ES = 1.5 +/- 0.7, P < 0.001) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (92%, ES =
      0.7 +/- 0.8) mRNA expression was increased after RSE. Four weeks of training
      increased the abundance of PGC-1alpha protein at rest (33%, ES = 0.9 +/- 0.7).
      CONCLUSIONS: Both acute and chronic RSE, despite only 60 s and 12 min of
      exercise, respectively, altered the molecular signaling associated with
      mitochondrial adaptations and PGC-1alpha mRNA expression in skeletal muscle.
      However, the small-to-moderate changes in resting PGC-1alpha protein abundance
      after training, together with the absence of changes in aerobic fitness, require
      further research to understand the functional significance of PGC-1alpha in
      response to RSE.

PMID- 22089483
TI  - Muscle coordination patterns for efficient cycling.
AB  - INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Cycling is a repetitive activity using coordinated muscle
      recruitment patterns to apply force to the pedals. With more muscles available
      for activation than required, some patterns produce high power, whereas some are
      more efficient. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between
      muscle coordination and factors affecting muscle coordination to explain changes
      in overall mechanical efficiency (etaO). METHODS: Surface EMG, kinematics, and
      pedal forces were measured at 25%, 40%, 55%, 60%, 75%, and 90% VO(2max).
      Principal component analysis was used to establish muscle coordination,
      kinematic, and pedal force patterns associated with high and low etaO. RESULTS:
      At 55%-60% VO(2max), etaO was maximized and was highly related to the muscle
      coordination patterns. At high etaO, there was more medial and lateral
      gastrocnemii and soleus; less gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, and tibialis
      anterior; later medial and lateral vastii and biceps femoris; and earlier
      semitendinosus muscle activity resulting in an even distribution and
      synchronization of peak activity. Also, the ankle was more plantar flexed through
      the top and downstroke of the pedal cycle and more dorsiflexed during the
      upstroke for high etaO. The etaO was independent of the pedal force application.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that increased etaO is achieved through the
      coordination of muscles crossing the same joint, sequential peak activation from
      knee to hip to ankle, and reliance on multiple muscles for large joint torques.
      Also, muscle activity variability across the top and bottom of the cycle
      indicates that left and right leg muscle coordination may play a significant role
      in efficient cycling. These findings imply that cycling at 55%-60% VO(2max) will
      maximize the rider's exposure to high efficient muscle coordination and
      kinematics.

PMID- 22089484
TI  - Muscle coordination during an outdoor cycling time trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Muscle activity in cycling has primarily been studied in
      the laboratory; however, conclusions are limited by the ability to recreate
      realistic environmental conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine
      muscle coordination patterns in an outdoor time trial and investigate their
      relationships to power output (PO), total muscle activity (Itot), overall
      mechanical efficiency (etaO), cadence, and gradient. METHODS: Surface EMG,
      gradient, and cycling parameters were measured while cycling 18.8 km outdoors. A
      principal component analysis was used to establish coordination patterns that
      were compared with Itot, etaO, PO, cadence, and gradient. RESULTS: PO was
      positively correlated with Itot, and high PO was associated with elevated rectus
      femoris and vastus lateralis activity and synchronization of muscles crossing the
      same joint. PO and cadence demonstrated positive and negative relationships,
      respectively, with gradient. Relationships between muscle coordination, PO, etaO,
      Itot, and gradient showed that muscle coordination, PO, and etaO fluctuate during
      an outdoor time trial as a result of pacing and gradient. A trade-off existed
      between etaO and PO, and etaO was dependent on muscle activation around the top
      and bottom of the pedal cycle and activity in more than the knee extensor
      muscles. Fluctuations in muscle activity due to the changing PO, from pacing and
      terrain, seemed to mitigate fatigue indices seen in indoor cycling studies.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that muscle activity is dependent on
      the terrain aspects of the cycle course as muscle coordination changes with the
      altered locomotor demands. The coordination patterns significantly covaried with
      PO, Itot, etaO, cadence, and gradient, which highlights the importance of
      recording these parameters under field conditions and/or careful reproduction of
      outdoor environments in indoor studies.

PMID- 22089485
TI  - Course introduction and selection of immunohistochemical staining panels: 
      principles and importance of incorporating clinical information. The 5th annual
      retreat for applied immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology january 30th
      february 2, 2011, coral gables, Florida.
AB  - Among the core principles in the practice of immunohistochemistry is the use of
      carefully chosen marker panels. Choosing an appropriate panel of antibodies is
      predicated on a sound differential diagnosis that is based on detailed
      examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides. The panel should contain
      antibodies designed to be immunoreactive in the most likely disease(s) in the
      differential as well as selected negative markers. In addition, the importance of
      detailed historical and clinical information in constructing the differential
      diagnosis and panel selection cannot be understated. Two cases from the Case
      Presentation sessions of the 5th Annual Retreat for Applied Immunohistochemistry
      and Molecular Pathology are summarized to illustrate these points. The first case
      is that of metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (carcinoid) tumor
      presenting as a breast mass. The second is that of a squamous cell carcinoma of
      the lung mimicking a tumor with admixed glandular differentiation by entrapment
      and disruption of bronchial glands. Application of a select immunohistochemistry
      panel in light of the differential diagnosis and importance of making a specific
      diagnosis are discussed.

PMID- 22089486
TI  - From microscopy to whole slide digital images:  a century and a half of image
      analysis.
AB  - In the year 1850, microscopes had evolved in quality to the point that the "first
      pathologists emerged from the treacherous swamps of medieval practice onto the
      relatively firm ground that histopathology seemed to offer." These early
      pathologists began to practice the art of image analysis, and diagnostic surgical
      pathology was born. Today the traditional microscope, in the hands of an
      experienced pathologist, is established as the gold standard for diagnosis of
      cancer and other diseases. Nonetheless, it is a tool and a technology that is
      more than 150 years old. Rapid advances in the capabilities of digital imaging
      hardware and software now offer the real possibility of moving to a new level of
      practice, using whole slide digital images for diagnosis, education, and research
      in morphologic pathology. Potential efficiencies in work flow and diagnostic
      integration, coupled with the use of powerful new analytic methods, promise
      radically to change the future shape of surgical pathology.

PMID- 22089487
TI  - Multiplexed measurement of proteins in tissue in a clinical environment.
AB  - There is an emerging need for more effective approaches to accurately quantitate
      protein expression in tissue samples. In many clinical studies and particularly
      in pharmaceutical clinical trials, access to adequate tissue samples is a major
      bottleneck, and thus techniques to measure protein expression in these valuable
      tissue specimens is important. This study will review current approaches in
      multiplexing of protein expression in tissue, and discusses new approaches using
      a novel image registration technique across multiple tissue sections.

PMID- 22089488
TI  - ASCO-CAP guidelines for breast predictive factor testing: an update.
AB  - This brief report compares and contrasts the American Society of Clinical
      Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines for breast cancer predictive
      factor testing including the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of
      American Pathologists human epidermal growth factor receptor, type 2, erbB2
      Guideline published in 2007 and the recently published Guideline for Estrogen
      Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Testing by Immunohistochemistry, published in
      2011.

PMID- 22089489
TI  - Immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic evaluation of breast lesions.
AB  - Most diagnoses in breast pathology can be rendered after careful evaluation of a
      high quality hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue section. However, a significant
      number of both benign and malignant lesions can show variable morphologic
      patterns and significant histologic overlap, leading to diagnostic uncertainty.
      These challenges and complexities have opened the door to an expanding role for
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) as an important diagnostic adjunct for solving
      frequently encountered problems in breast pathology. Although IHC has proven to
      be a powerful tool in helping to resolve difficult cases, the results of such
      studies should always be carefully interpreted within the morphologic context for
      each lesion. This article will briefly review some of the more common
      circumstances in which IHC has been shown to be useful in diagnostic breast
      pathology.

PMID- 22089490
TI  - HER2 testing in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers: a new therapeutic
      target and diagnostic challenge.
AB  - Adenocarcinomas of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction represent a major
      cause of cancer morbidity and mortality world wide. Complete surgical resection
      is the mainstay of treatment for nonmetastatic disease; however, many patients
      are not diagnosed until their disease is either locally advanced or metastatic
      and therefore unresectable. Clearly, there is an unmet clinical need for new
      therapeutic strategies, treatment options, and novel therapeutic targets. In a
      recent trial (Trastuzumab for GAstric cancer), patients assigned to the
      trastuzumab treatment protocol showed an improved overall survival over those not
      receiving treatment. Trastuzumab has recently been approved for treatment of
      advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. Pathologists and
      diagnostic laboratories must be prepared for this new category of specimens
      requiring human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing, and have an awareness
      of the interpretive differences between breast and gastric cancers.

PMID- 22089491
TI  - Electron theory of fast and ultrafast dissipative magnetization dynamics.
AB  - For metallic magnets we review the experimental and electron-theoretical
      investigations of fast magnetization dynamics (on a timescale of ns to 100 ps)
      and of laser-pulse-induced ultrafast dynamics (few hundred fs). It is argued that
      for both situations the dominant contributions to the dissipative part of the
      dynamics arise from the excitation of electron-hole pairs and from the subsequent
      relaxation of these pairs by spin-dependent scattering processes, which transfer
      angular momentum to the lattice. By effective field theories (generalized
      breathing and bubbling Fermi-surface models) it is shown that the Gilbert
      equation of motion, which is often used to describe the fast dissipative
      magnetization dynamics, must be extended in several aspects. The basic
      assumptions of the Elliott-Yafet theory, which is often used to describe the
      ultrafast spin relaxation after laser-pulse irradiation, are discussed very
      critically. However, it is shown that for Ni this theory probably yields a value
      for the spin-relaxation time T(1) in good agreement with the experimental value.
      A relation between the quantity alpha characterizing the damping of the fast
      dynamics in simple situations and the time T(1) is derived.

PMID- 22089492
TI  - Suppression of collagen-induced arthritis by intra-articular lentiviral vector
      mediated delivery of Toll-like receptor 7 short hairpin RNA gene.
AB  - Knockdown of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a novel therapeutic strategy in
      treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the effects of
      lentiviral vector-mediated delivery of TLR7 short hairpin RNA gene (Lt.shTLR7) on
      collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After being immunized on days 0 and 7, Sprague
      Dawley rats received intra-articular (i.a.) injection of Lt.shTLR7 or scramble
      control vector on days 7 and 10. The therapeutic effects were evaluated by
      measuring ankle circumferences, articular index, and radiographic and
      histological scores on killing on day 16. Microvessel densities, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations
      and T-cell numbers within the synovial tissues were measured. Moreover, VEGF and
      pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in culture supernatants from TLR7
      transfected synovial fibroblasts (SFs) stimulated with imiquimod or endogenous
      ligands were examined. There were significant reduction in ankle circumferences,
      articular indexes, and radiographic and histological scores. Microvessel
      densities, VEGF concentrations, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 levels and T-cell
      densities within synovial tissues were significantly lower. Induction of VEGF, IL
      1beta and IL-6 production from stimulated SFs was significantly suppressed. Taken
      together, these data demonstrate the effects of i.a. lentiviral vector-mediated
      delivery of shTLR7 RNA gene on inhibition of CIA, and implicate the manipulation
      of TLR7 as a potential therapeutic strategy in RA patients.

PMID- 22089493
TI  - Gene-based therapies for dominantly inherited retinopathies.
AB  - In light of the elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of some dominantly
      inherited retinal degenerations over the past two decades, it is timely to
      explore possible means of therapeutic intervention for such diseases. However,
      the presence of significant levels of intergenic and intragenic genetic
      heterogeneity in this group of dominant conditions represents a barrier to the
      development of therapies focused on correcting the primary genetic defect. More
      than 60 genes have been implicated in dominant retinopathies and indeed over 150
      different mutations in the rhodopsin gene alone have been identified in patients
      with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Employing next-generation
      sequencing to characterise populations of retinal degeneration patients
      genetically over the coming years will beyond doubt serve to highlight further
      the immense genetic heterogeneity inherent in this group of disorders. Such
      diversity in genetic aetiologies has promoted the search for therapeutic
      solutions for dominantly inherited retinopathies that are independent of disease
      causing mutations. The various approaches being considered to provide mutation
      independent therapies for these dominant conditions will be discussed in the
      review, as will the preclinical data supporting the further development of such
      strategies.

PMID- 22089495
TI  - dsAAV8-mediated gene transfer and beta-cell expression of IL-4 and beta-cell
      growth factors are capable of reversing early-onset diabetes in NOD mice.
AB  - Type-I diabetes is a chronic disease mediated by autoimmune destruction of
      insulin-producing beta-cells. Although progress has been made towards improving
      diabetes-associated pathologies and the quality of life for those living with
      diabetes, no therapy has been effective at eliminating disease manifestations or
      reversing disease progression. Here, we examined whether double-stranded adeno
      associated virus serotype 8 (dsAAV8)-mediated gene delivery to endogenous beta
      cells of interleukin (IL)-4 in combination with beta-cell growth factors can
      reverse early-onset diabetes in NOD mice. Our results demonstrate that a single
      treatment with dsAAV8 vectors expressing IL-4 in combination with glucagon-like
      peptide-1 or hepatocyte growth factor/NK1 under the regulation of the insulin
      promoter enhanced beta-cell proliferation and survival in vivo, significantly
      delaying diabetes progression in NOD mice, and reversing disease in ~10% of
      treated NOD mice. These results demonstrate the ability to reverse hyperglycemia
      in NOD mice with established diabetes by in vivo gene transfer to beta-cells of
      immunomodulatory factors and beta-cell growth factors.

PMID- 22089494
TI  - Prolonged regulatable expression of EPO from an HSV vector using the LAP2
      promoter element.
AB  - We previously reported regulated expression of erythropoietin (EPO) over 4 weeks
      in the peripheral nerve in vivo, using a herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vector
      containing a Tet-on regulatable gene expression cassette. To create a vector that
      would be appropriate for the treatment of chronic neuropathy, we constructed a
      HSV vector with expression of EPO under the control of the Tet-on system in which
      the HSV latency-associated promoter 2 element was used to drive the expression of
      the Tet-on transactivator. EPO expression from the vector was tightly controlled
      by administration of doxycycline (DOX) in vitro. One month after inoculation of
      the vector to transduce dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in vivo, administration of DOX
      containing chow-induced expression of EPO. Mice with streptozotocin-induced
      diabetes, inoculated with the vector, were protected against the development of
      neuropathy by continuous administration of DOX-containing chow over the course of
      3 months. Identical results were achieved when DOX was administered every other
      week over 3 months of diabetes, but administration of DOX, 1 week out of 3,
      provided only partial protection against the development of neuropathy. Taken
      together, these results suggest such a vector is well suited for clinical trial
      for the treatment of chronic or subacutely developing neuropathy.

PMID- 22089496
TI  - Shutdown of immunological priming and presentation after in vivo administration
      of adenovirus.
AB  - Adenoviral (Adv) vectors are widely used in both experimental and clinical trials
      for vaccination and gene therapy. Recombinant Adv can evoke potent innate immune
      responses and adaptive immune responses to encoded antigens. However, how Adv
      infection affects the response to subsequently encountered antigens is poorly
      understood. We show that intravenously administered replication defective (E1 and
      E3 deleted) Adv educes functional changes in dendritic cells (DC) resulting in
      impaired priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) more than 7 days after Adv
      treatment. Generalized DC activation was indicated by transient upregulation of
      CD86 and reduced endocytosis of fluorescent beads. It is known that CD8+ DC are
      predominantly responsible for uptake and presentation (cross-presentation) of
      exogenous antigens to CD8+ CTL. Hence, impaired endocytosis in CD8+, but not CD8
      , DC at 7 days after Adv administration provided an explanation for the impaired
      CTL response to antigen at this time. Shutdown of cross-presentation was
      confirmed using cytochrome c (cytc), an agent that selectively depletes cross
      presenting DC. Adv-infection rendered CD8+ DC resistant to depletion by cytc. As
      the cross-presentation pathway underlies CD8 T-cell responses to many cancers and
      to vaccines or viruses that do not directly infect DC, systemic Adv
      administration may impair these responses.

PMID- 22089497
TI  - Stochastic rolling of a rigid sphere in weak adhesive contact with a soft
      substrate.
AB  - We study the rolling motion of a small solid sphere on a fibrillated rubber
      substrate in an external field in the presence of a Gaussian noise. From the
      nature of the drift and the evolution of the displacement fluctuation of the
      ball, it is evident that the rolling is controlled by a complex non-linear
      friction at a low velocity and a low noise strength (K), but by a linear
      kinematic friction at a high velocity and a high noise strength. This transition
      from a non-linear to a linear friction control of motion can be discerned from
      another experiment in which the ball is subjected to a periodic asymmetric
      vibration in conjunction with a random noise. Here, as opposed to that of a fixed
      external force, the rolling velocity decreases with the strength of the noise
      suggesting a progressive fluidization of the interface. A state (K) and rate (V)
      dependent friction model is able to explain both the evolution of the
      displacement fluctuation as well as the sigmoidal variation of the drift velocity
      with K. This research sets the stage for studying friction in a new way, in which
      it is submitted to a noise and then its dynamic response is studied using the
      tools of statistical mechanics. Although more works would be needed for a fuller
      realization of the above-stated goal, this approach has the potential to
      complement direct measurements of friction over several decades of velocities and
      other state variables. It is striking that the non-Gaussian displacement
      statistics as observed with the stochastic rolling is similar to that of a
      colloidal particle undergoing Brownian motion in contact with a soft microtubule.

PMID- 22089498
TI  - Uncommon presentations of uncommon conditions.

PMID- 22089499
TI  - Role of the macular optical coherence tomography scan in neuro-ophthalmology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent improvements in optical coherence tomographic (OCT) resolution
      and automated segmentation software have provided a means of relating visual
      pathway damage to structural changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and
      corresponding soma of the ganglion cells in the inner layers of the macula and
      also in the outer photoreceptor layer in the macula. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION:
      Studies correlating retinal structure with function are reviewed in the context
      of OCT in optic nerve and retinal disorders. RESULTS: Recently published work
      provides evidence showing a strong relationship not only between the RNFL and
      visual threshold in optic nerve disorders but also between visual sensitivity and
      the inner layers of the retina in the macula, where the cell bodies of ganglion
      cells reside. Acquired and genetic disorders affecting the outer retina show
      correlation between visual sensitivity and the thickness of the outer
      photoreceptors. These relationships help localize unknown causes of visual field
      loss through segmentation of the retinal layers using spectral domain OCT.
      CONCLUSIONS: Advances in relating the structure of the ganglion cell layer in the
      macula to the corresponding axons in the RNFL and to visual function further our
      ability to differentiate and localize ambiguous causes of vision loss and visual
      field defects in neuro-ophthalmology. Ganglion cell layer analysis in volume OCT
      data may provide yet another piece of the puzzle to understanding structure
      function relationships and its application to diagnosis and monitoring of optic
      nerve diseases, while similar structure-function relationships are also being
      elucidated in the outer retina for photoreceptor diseases.

PMID- 22089501
TI  - Stenting of the transverse sinuses in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

PMID- 22089502
TI  - Neuro-ophthalmology and pregnancy:  what does a neuro-ophthalmologist need to
      know?
AB  - Management of the pregnant woman with a neuro-ophthalmic disorder may be
      challenging. Physiologic changes in pregnancy make vascular conditions more
      frequent, including retinal artery occlusion, spontaneous orbital hemorrhage, and
      pituitary apoplexy. Papilledema may signal cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or
      idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Manifestations of severe preeclampsia and
      eclampsia include choroidal infarction, serous retinal detachment, and disorders
      of higher cortical function, such as alexia, simultanagnosia, and cerebral
      blindness. Cranial neuropathies have also been reported. Transient Horner
      syndrome, intracranial hypotension with comitant esotropia may occur in the
      postpartum period. Treatment of the neuro-ophthalmic complications of pregnancy
      requires an understanding of the risks of medications. Taking optimal care of the
      mother will usually result in the best care for her baby.

PMID- 22089500
TI  - Vision in multiple sclerosis:  the story, structure-function correlations, and
      models for neuroprotection.
AB  - Visual dysfunction is one of the most common clinical manifestations of multiple
      sclerosis (MS). Just over a decade ago, MS clinical trials did not include visual
      outcomes, but experts recognized the need for more sensitive measures of visual
      function. Low-contrast letter acuity emerged as the leading candidate to measure
      visual disability in MS, and subsequent studies found low-contrast acuity testing
      to correlate well with brain MRI lesion burden, visual-evoked potentials, quality
      of life (QOL), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss, as measured by optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). OCT in MS has allowed for assessment of structure
      function correlations that make the anterior visual pathway and acute optic
      neuritis (ON) ideal models for testing novel agents for neuroprotection and
      repair. New therapies that reduce axonal loss by neuroprotective or myelin repair
      mechanisms can now be assessed noninvasively by OCT and coupled with visual
      function data. Based on OCT studies in MS, RNFL thickness is reduced
      significantly among patients (92 MUm) vs controls (105 MUm) and is particularly
      reduced in MS eyes with a history of ON (85 MUm). Worsening of visual function by
      a clinically significant >= 7 letters or approximately 1.5 lines for low-contrast
      acuity is associated with approximately 4.5 MUm reductions in RNFL thickness in
      MS eyes. Longitudinal studies of OCT have also shown RNFL axonal loss over time
      that occurs even in the absence of acute ON and that correlates with clinically
      meaningful worsening of vision and QOL, even in patients with benign MS. The
      latest OCT investigations involve high-resolution spectral-domain (SD) OCT with
      segmentation and measurement of specific retinal layers using computerized
      algorithms. These methods allow quantitation of ganglion cell (neuronal) layer
      loss and axonal degeneration in MS in vivo. In this review, we examine the data
      from these studies and ongoing trials that highlight the entity of ON as a model
      to investigate neuroprotection and neurorepair. In doing so, we also present
      representative group data from studies that have examined visual function, OCT
      measures, and QOL scales in patients with MS and ON and disease-free controls.
      These data, and those from recent meta-analyses, may be used to provide reference
      values for the development of clinical trial protocols.

PMID- 22089504
TI  - Psoriasis and the pregnant woman: what are the key considerations?
AB  - Pregnancy is characterized by multiple physiologic changes. During the entire
      gestational period, both mother and infant are vulnerable to a variety of
      external and internal factors. Maternal disease, use of certain medications,
      drugs, alcohol, smoking, and radiation exposure can have devastating effects on
      the fetus. Pregnancy-related complications in women with psoriasis can be caused
      by both the disease and the treatment. The response of the maternal placenta to
      psoriasis-induced inflammation and comorbid conditions, such as obesity,
      hypertension, and depression, may also influence the pregnancy. Herein, we review
      the relationship between psoriasis and undesirable pregnancy outcomes.

PMID- 22089505
TI  - Newer approaches in topical combination therapy for acne.
AB  - Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease involving the
      pilosebaceous unit. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial and complex, including
      obstruction of the pilosebaceous unit due to increased sebum production, abnormal
      keratinization, proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and
      inflammation. Topical agents are the most commonly used therapy for acne. First
      generation topicals mainly consist of single agent retinoids, benzoyl peroxide
      (BPO) and antibacterials that target comedones, P. acnes, and inflammation. Novel
      topical therapies include combination products with advanced vehicle formulations
      that target multiple acne pathophysiologies and offer simplified treatment
      regimes. For example, the combination of clindamycin and tretinoin in a unique
      vehicle formulation allows for progressive follicle penetration and decreased
      irritation, resulting in increased efficacy. Furthermore, adapalene or
      clindamycin with BPO combinations target comedones, inflammation, and P. acnes
      synergistically. These newer combination products have the potential to increase
      both efficacy and patient adherence when compared with single agent treatment.

PMID- 22089506
TI  - Specific recognition between intrinsically disordered LEF and DNA.
AB  - Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF-1) is a sequence-specific and cell type
      specific transcription factor in regulation of the human T cell receptor alpha
      enhancer. It has been shown the minor groove of DNA can bind the intrinsic
      disordered LEF. To get an insight into the mechanism of how the intrinsic
      disordered LEF specifically recognizes DNA, we have performed explicit-solvent
      multiple molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the specific recognition
      between DNA and LEF. Room-temperature MD simulations suggest that the disordered
      C-tails of LEF have nonspecific and specific interactions with the minor groove
      of DNA. Kinetic analysis of high-temperature MD simulations shows that bound and
      apo-states unfold via a two-state process. The specific binding of the disordered
      C-tails of LEF can accelerate the formation of a complex. Gly38Ala and Met11Gly
      mutant simulations show that electrostatic interactions between DNA and LEF
      significantly decrease. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) P test analysis illustrates that
      the specific recognition between DNA and LEF might follow an induced-fit
      mechanism. Furthermore, these methods can be used for the research of specific
      recognition between DNA and other intrinsic disordered proteins.

PMID- 22089507
TI  - A comparison between robust z and 0.3-Logit Difference procedures in assessing
      stability of linking items for the Rasch model.
AB  - There are at least two procedures to assess item difficulty stability in the
      Rasch model: robust z procedure and ".3 Logit Difference" procedure. The robust z
      procedure is a variation of the z statistic that reduces dependency on outliers.
      The ".3 Logit Difference" procedure is based on experiences in Rasch linking for
      tests developed by Harcourt. Both methods were applied to archival data from two
      large-scale South Carolina assessment programs: HSEE 1986/1987 and PACT
      2004/2005.The results of the analysis showed the ".3 Logit Difference" procedure
      identifies slightly more stable items (2.6%) for all items under study. In
      addition, approximately 93% of all items under consideration were identically
      classified as stable or unstable for both procedures. This very high level of
      agreement between the two methods indicates that either procedure can be safely
      used to identify stable items for use in a common-item linking design. The
      advantage of the robust z procedure lies in its foundation of robust statistical
      inference. The procedure takes into account well-accepted models for identifying
      outliers and permits critical values set at a specified Type I error.

PMID- 22089508
TI  - Assessment of English language development: a validity study of a district
      initiative.
AB  - The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) uses the Language and Literacy
      Assessment Rubric (LALAR) as the secondary measurement required by the No Child
      Left Behind (NCLB) Act to measure English proficiency of English language
      learners (ELLs). In this analysis, the Rasch model is used to identify whether
      the LALAR is a valid measurement instrument and scale to measure the "English
      proficiency" of ELLs. This analysis investigates the relationship between student
      ability () and the probability that the student will respond correctly to an item
      on the LALAR. Controlling for this relationship, the item characteristics of each
      item, ability of each student, and measurement error associated with each score
      were mathematically derived. This will allow for validity and reliability tests
      to be conducted, which will help determine if the LALAR is a useful
      accountability measure for ELLs.

PMID- 22089509
TI  - Equating of multi-facet tests across administrations.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to explore criteria for common element test equating
      for performance examinations. Using the multi-facet Rasch model, each element of
      each facet is calibrated or placed in a relative position on a Benchmark or
      reference scale. Common elements from each facet, included on the examinations
      being equated, are used to anchor the facet elements to the Benchmark Scale. This
      places all examinations on the same scale so that the same criterion standard can
      be used. Performance examinations typically have three to four facets including
      examinees, raters, items and tasks. Raters rate examinees on tasks related to the
      items included in the test. The initial anchoring of a current test
      administration to the Benchmark Scale is evaluated for invariance and fit. If
      there is too much variance or lack of fit for particular facet elements, it may
      be necessary to unanchor those elements, which means they are not used in the
      equating. The equating process was applied to an exam with four facets and
      another with five facets. Results found few common facet elements that could not
      be used in the test equating process and that differences in the difficulty of
      the equated exams were identified so that the criterion standard on the Benchmark
      Scale could be used. It was necessary to use careful quality control for
      anchoring the common elements in each facet. The common elements should be
      unaltered from their original use. Strict criteria for displacement and fit must
      be established and used consistently. Unanchoring inconsistent and/or misfitting
      facet elements improves the quality of the test equating.

PMID- 22089510
TI  - Examining student rating of teaching effectiveness using FACETS.
AB  - Students' evaluations of teaching staff can be considered high-stakes, as they
      are often used to determine promotion, reappointment, and merit pay to academics.
      Using Facets, the reliability and validity of one student rating questionnaire is
      analyzed. A total of 13,940 respondents of the Human Science Division of
      International Islamic University Malaysia were involved in the study. The
      analysis shows that the student rating questionnaire used was valid and reliable,
      and it allows identification of staff for the institution's prestigious teaching
      excellence awards, and those needing in-service training. It was found that there
      was no significant difference in terms of rank, age and gender of the staff. The
      study also shows that the majority of staff have problems keeping the class
      interested and getting students to participate in class activities. Faculty also
      hardly discussed common errors in assignments and tests.

PMID- 22089511
TI  - Exploring differential item functioning (DIF) with the Rasch model: a comparison
      of gender differences on eighth grade science items in the United States and
      Spain.
AB  - Traditionally, women and minorities have not been fully represented in science
      and engineering. Numerous studies have attributed these differences to gaps in
      science achievement as measured by various standardized tests. Rather than
      describe mean group differences in science achievement across multiple cultures,
      this study focused on an in-depth item-level analysis across two countries: Spain
      and the United States. This study investigated eighth-grade gender differences on
      science items across the two countries. A secondary purpose of the study was to
      explore the nature of gender differences using the many-faceted Rasch Model as a
      way to estimate gender DIF. A secondary analysis of data from the Third
      International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) was used to address three
      questions: 1) Does gender DIF in science achievement exist? 2) Is there a
      relationship between gender DIF and characteristics of the science items? 3) Do
      the relationships between item characteristics and gender DIF in science items
      replicate across countries. Participants included 7,087 eight grade students from
      the United States and 3,855 students from Spain who participated in TIMSS. The
      Facets program (Linacre and Wright, 1992) was used to estimate gender DIF. The
      results of the analysis indicate that the content of the item seemed to be
      related to gender DIF. The analysis also suggests that there is a relationship
      between gender DIF and item format. No pattern of gender DIF related to cognitive
      demand was found. The general pattern of gender DIF was similar across the two
      countries used in the analysis. The strength of item-level analysis as opposed to
      group mean difference analysis is that gender differences can be detected at the
      item level, even when no mean differences can be detected at the group level.

PMID- 22089512
TI  - A Mapmark method of standard setting as implemented for the National Assessment
      Governing Board.
AB  - This article describes a Mapmark standard setting procedure, developed under
      contract with the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB). The procedure
      enhances the bookmark method with spatially representative item maps, holistic
      feedback, and an emphasis on independent judgment. A rationale for these
      enhancements, and the bookmark method, is presented, followed by a detailed
      description of the materials and procedures used in a meeting to set standards
      for the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in Grade 12
      mathematics. The use of difficulty-ordered content domains to provide holistic
      feedback is a particularly novel feature of the method. Process evaluation
      results comparing Mapmark to Anghoff-based methods previously used for NAEP
      standard setting are also presented.

PMID- 22089513
TI  - Tunable, light-assisted co-generation of CO and H2 from CO2 and H2O by Re(bipy
      tbu)(CO)3Cl and p-Si in non-aqueous medium.
AB  - The light-assisted co-generation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen from carbon
      dioxide and water is reported. The combination of a homogeneous CO-evolving
      electrocatalyst and a heterogeneous H(2)-evolving photoelectrode surface provides
      for tunability of the H(2)/CO ratio. A total Faradaic efficiency of 102 +/- 5%
      and a H(2)/CO ratio of 2:1 were achieved at a low homogeneous catalyst
      concentration (0.5 mM) in acetonitrile/water mixtures.

PMID- 22089514
TI  - Fall incidence and risk factors in patients after total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To prospectively investigate the relationship between physical function
      and falls among elderly patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and
      to determine the incidence of falls as well as their risk factors. METHODS: A
      total of 108 patients (17 male, 91 female) over 60 years of age who underwent TKA
      were enrolled and who were living independently in community. 75 patients
      fulfilled our inclusion criteria and 74 (8 male, 66 female) of them agreed to
      participate. Baseline assessment (physical examination, physical performance
      tests, and self-administered questionnaire) were conducted between 6 and 12
      months after the last arthroplasty and the follow-up assessment was performed 6
      months after the baseline assessment. Monthly pre-stamped postcards were sent to
      assess the incidence of falls. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients enrolled, 70 (94.6%)
      completed a 6-month prospective observation. 23 of 70 patients (32.9%) fell
      during the observational period. Postoperative range of knee flexion, ranges of
      knee flexion and extension and ankle plantar flexion were significantly lower in
      fallers than in non-fallers (P = 0.016, P = 0.037, P = 0.014, respectively). In
      the multivariate analysis, postoperative range of knee flexion (OR 0.277, 95%CI
      0.088-0.869, P = 0.028) and ankle plantar flexion (OR 0.594, 95%CI 0.374-0.945, P
      = 0.028) were determined to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: Elderly
      people who underwent TKA are considered more likely to fall compared with healthy
      elderly people. For patients with limited knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion,
      improvement of ROM by exercise therapy and patient education regarding the
      prevention of falls and fractures are considered necessary.

PMID- 22089515
TI  - Procedural sedation and analgesia and the propofol affair:  a unique opportunity
      for anaesthesiology.

PMID- 22089516
TI  - 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) increases the sensitivity of the
      contractile apparatus to calcium ions in both malignant hyperthermia-susceptible
      and normal skeletal muscle fibres.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to investigate whether 3,4
      methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy') increases the sensitivity of the
      contractile apparatus to calcium in muscle fibres from malignant hyperthermia
      susceptible and malignant hyperthermia-negative pigs, whether it causes calcium
      ion release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and whether it inhibits calcium
      reuptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. DESIGN: Experimental study, using a
      model of porcine saponin-skinned fibres. RESULTS: Administration of MDMA in
      concentrations of 1, 2 and 4 mmol l(-1)l did not result in relevant force
      transients in skinned muscle fibres of malignant hyperthermia-susceptible or
      malignant hyperthermia-negative pigs. Furthermore, MDMA in these concentrations
      did not alter calcium ion loading of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in either group.
      With regard to changes in the calcium ion sensitivity of the contractile
      proteins, however, MDMA dose-dependently increased (pCa50) values (negative
      decadic logarithm of [Ca2+] at which isometric force is half-maximal) in both
      groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we were able to demonstrate that MDMA
      dose-dependently increases the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to
      calcium in both malignant hyperthermia-susceptible and malignant hyperthermia
      negative fibres. Consequently, the malignant hyperthermia status should not
      affect the calcium sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. However, the
      increased calcium sensitivity is an important finding that must be appreciated,
      particularly in relation to the agonistic effect of MDMA at the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor, which increases intracellular calcium ion concentrations.

PMID- 22089517
TI  - Quantifying prognosis with risk predictions.
AB  - Prognosis is a forecast, based on present observations in a patient, of their
      probable outcome from disease, surgery and so on. Research methods for the
      development of risk probabilities may not be familiar to some anaesthesiologists.
      We briefly describe methods for identifying risk factors and risk scores. A
      probability prediction rule assigns a risk probability to a patient for the
      occurrence of a specific event. Probability reflects the continuum between
      absolute certainty (Pi = 1) and certified impossibility (Pi = 0). Biomarkers and
      clinical covariates that modify risk are known as risk factors. The Pi as
      modified by risk factors can be estimated by identifying the risk factors and
      their weighting; these are usually obtained by stepwise logistic regression. The
      accuracy of probabilistic predictors can be separated into the concepts of
      'overall performance', 'discrimination' and 'calibration'. Overall performance is
      the mathematical distance between predictions and outcomes. Discrimination is the
      ability of the predictor to rank order observations with different outcomes.
      Calibration is the correctness of prediction probabilities on an absolute scale.
      Statistical methods include the Brier score, coefficient of determination
      (Nagelkerke R2), C-statistic and regression calibration. External validation is
      the comparison of the actual outcomes to the predicted outcomes in a new and
      independent patient sample. External validation uses the statistical methods of
      overall performance, discrimination and calibration and is uniformly recommended
      before acceptance of the prediction model. Evidence from randomised controlled
      clinical trials should be obtained to show the effectiveness of risk scores for
      altering patient management and patient outcomes.

PMID- 22089519
TI  - Don't shoot the messnger: memory for misspellings in context.
AB  - Misspellings in sentences are usually easy to understand by readers due to top
      down influences. Although top-down processing allows for fluent reading of
      misspelled items, the nature of their representations in memory is not known. If
      representations of misspellings are distinct from representations of correctly
      spelled words, their influence should be seen in later recognition decisions. In
      this set of experiments, participants read words and misspellings embedded in
      sentences and were later given a recognition test. The sentences contained
      semantically biased or neutral contexts. In Experiment 1, misspellings were
      created by removing a single letter (e.g., drveway). In Experiment 2, the
      recognition items probes were presented in uppercase letters (e.g., DRVEWAY) to
      reduce the visual similarity between study and test items. In Experiment 3, the
      misspellings were created by substituting visually similar letters (e.g.,
      driweway). In contrast to the previous experiments, in Experiment 4, participants
      were explicitly told about the memory test to see how response strategies affect
      performance. Overall, the results indicate that people retain surface feature
      information about misspellings which seem to inform their memory judgments, and
      that the processing of this information cannot be strategically controlled.

PMID- 22089520
TI  - Evidence for a non-lexical influence on children's auditory repetition of
      familiar words.
AB  - This paper examines evidence for a nonlexical influence on children's repetition
      of real words. We investigate the extent to which two computational models of
      auditory repetition can simulate the performance of 68 children aged between 5
      and 11 years-old when they are attempting to repeat familiar words. Both
      computational accounts were derived from Foygel and Dell's (J Mem Lang 43:182
      216, 2000) semantic-phonological model of picture-naming. Results showed that a
      dual-route model in which a lexical and a nonlexical route work together to
      repeat familiar words (Hanley et al. in Cogn Neuropsychol 21:147-158, 2004)
      provided an accurate simulation of children's repetition, whereas Foygel and Dell
      (J Mem Lang 43:182-216, 2000) single lexical-route model under-predicted
      performance. The only exception was the repetition performance of 5 year-old
      children, which was over-predicted by the dual-route model. It is argued that at
      5 years of age, some children have available both a lexical and a nonlexical
      repetition route but the output of the two routes does not summate when real
      words are being repeated. Some young children may lack the attentional skills
      that would enable them to co-ordinate the activity of the lexical and nonlexical
      repetition routes.

PMID- 22089521
TI  - Perceptual processing of Mandarin nasals by L1 and L2 Mandarin speakers.
AB  - Nasals are cross-linguistically susceptible to change, especially in the syllable
      final position. Acoustic reports on Mandarin nasal production have recently shown
      that the syllable-final distinction is frequently dropped. Few studies, however,
      have addressed the issue of perceptual processing in Mandarin nasals for L1 and
      L2 speakers of Mandarin Chinese. The current paper addressed to what extent and
      in what directions L1 and L2 speakers of Mandarin differed in perceiving Mandarin
      nasals. Possible variables, including the linguistic backgrounds (i.e. L1 vs. L2
      speakers of Mandarin Chinese), the vocalic contexts (i.e. [i, e, a, y, ua, ue,
      ia]) and the phonetic settings (i.e. syllable-initial vs. syllable-final), were
      discussed. Asymmetrical findings in the current investigation indicated
      limitations of speech learning theories developed from European languages in the
      context of Mandarin nasals. A tri-dimensional model was thus suggested for
      interpreting the cognitive mechanism in Mandarin nasal perception.

PMID- 22089522
TI  - Effects of orthography on speech production in Chinese.
AB  - The potential role of orthographic representations on spoken word production was
      investigated with speakers of Chinese, a non-alphabetic and orthographically non
      transparent language. Using the response generation procedure, we obtained the
      well-known facilitation from word-initial phonological overlap, but this effect
      was unaffected by whether or not responses shared the initial character. In a
      study which manipulated the visual similarity of the word-initial character, a
      significant inhibitory effect of orthography was found. However, this effect
      disappeared when prompt stimuli were presented auditorily, suggesting that the
      orthographic effect might be attributable to the memorization stage of the
      response generation task, rather than reflecting processes genuine to speaking.
      By contrast, a reliable orthographic effect was found in an oral reading task,
      suggesting that orthography plays a role only when it is relevant to the word
      production task. Furthermore, the present findings show that the orthographic
      effect is tied to the correspondence between orthography and phonology of a
      language when orthography is relevant to the task used.

PMID- 22089523
TI  - Intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) for cancer pain management: a review and
      updates.
AB  - Cancer pain remains undertreated and a significant number of patients with cancer
      pain die from severe untreated pain. With increasing survival rate in cancer, the
      prevalence of cancer pain is also increasing in number. Though majority of
      patients with cancer pain can be effectively treated with conventional medical
      management, still a significant portion of patients required some form of
      interventional pain management techniques. Among the interventional techniques,
      intrathecal drug delivery is increasingly used in cancer pain management. Our
      objective of this article is to review literatures and clinical studies on
      intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) in cancer pain management and to provide
      updates on its use, precautions, contraindications, side effects and its
      management, socioeconomic consideration, and management of IDDS in difficult or
      uncommon situations.

PMID- 22089524
TI  - Polyvalent DNA-graphene nanosheets "click" conjugates.
AB  - Graphene is an increasingly important nanomaterial exhibiting great promise in
      the area of nanotechnology. In this study, the azide-functionalized graphene
      derivative was synthesized as the 'click' reagent for preparation of polyvalent
      DNA-graphene conjugates, which provide an effective and stable platform to
      construct new functional nano-architectures. Assembled with Au nanoparticles, the
      prepared Au-DNA-graphene nanocomplex exhibits excellent stability that could
      prevent the nanocomplex from being destroyed by surfactants. Assembled with DNA
      tetrahedron-structured probes (TSPs), the nanocomplex displays outstanding
      sensitive electrochemiluminescence properties, which might be used as a biosensor
      for DNA detection. Therefore, this DNA-graphene conjugates could be explored as
      the assembly unit for advanced DNA nano-architectures in the field of DNA
      nanotechnology.

PMID- 22089525
TI  - Screening of chemicals for human bioaccumulative potential with a physiologically
      based toxicokinetic model.
AB  - Human bioaccumulative potential is an important element in the risk assessment of
      chemicals. Due to the high number of synthetic chemicals, there exists the need
      to develop prioritisation strategies. The purpose of this study was to develop a
      predictive tool for human bioaccumulation risk assessment that incorporates not
      only the chemical properties of the compounds, but also the processes that tend
      to decrease the concentration of the compound such as metabolisation. We used a
      generic physiologically based toxicokinetic model that based on in vitro human
      liver metabolism data, minimal renal excretion and a constant exposure was able
      to assess the bioaccumulative potential of a chemical. The approach has been
      analysed using literature data on well-known bioaccumulative compounds and liver
      metabolism data from the ECVAM database and a subset of the ToxCast phase I
      chemical library-in total 94 compounds covering pharmaceuticals, plant protection
      products and industrial chemicals. Our results provide further evidence that
      partitioning properties do not allow for a reliable screening criteria for human
      chemical hazard. Our model, based on a 100% intestinal absorption assumption,
      suggests that metabolic clearance, plasma protein-binding properties and renal
      excretion are the main factors in determining whether bioaccumulation will occur
      and its amount. It is essential that in vitro metabolic clearance tests with
      metabolic competent cell lines as well as plasma protein-binding assays be
      performed for suspected bioaccumulative compounds.

PMID- 22089527
TI  - Fallopian tube correlates of ovarian serous borderline tumors.
AB  - Ovarian serous borderline tumors (SBTs) are presumed to originate in the ovarian
      cortex or peritoneal surface. The pathogenetic role of the fallopian tube (FT) is
      unclear; however, recently, secretory cell outgrowths (SCOUTs) lacking PAX2
      expression were described in benign FTs. This study addressed (1) the
      differentiation characteristics of SBTs and (2) the frequency of SCOUTs lacking
      PAX2 expression in the FTs of patients with SBTs and compared (3) SCOUT
      morphology and (4) PAX2 expression with SBTs. SBTs and FT epithelium shared both
      ciliated (p73) and secretory (HMFG2) differentiation. PAX2-null SCOUT frequency
      in FT cross-sections from patients with SBTs was 0.28 (110 of 398) versus 0.112
      in benign hysterectomies and nearly 0 in pediatric and postpartum sterilization
      specimens (P = < 0.001). When adjusted for age, the differences narrowed but
      remained significant (P = 0.010). SCOUTs were heterogeneous, some displaying
      ciliated differentiation and papillary architecture. Two cases of discrete
      multifocal papillary SCOUTs in the FTs were associated with SBTs. All SBTs had
      heterogeneous PAX2 staining with areas of PAX2 loss. This study shows for the
      first time that PAX2-null SCOUTs are more common in the oviducts of women with
      SBTs and that loss of PAX2 expression occurs in most SBTs. These discoveries link
      both morphologic and functional gene (PAX2) alterations in the oviduct to SBTs,
      similar to that reported in high-grade serous carcinoma. Further study is
      warranted to clarify the relationship of the oviduct to serous neoplasia.

PMID- 22089526
TI  - Asymmetry of 13C 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
      Escherichia 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- 22089528
TI  - Pravastatin inhibits C-reactive protein generation induced by fibrinogen, fibrin
      and FDP in isolated rat vascular smooth muscle cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The available evidence indicates that C-reactive protein (CRP)
      participates directly in atherosclerosis formation as an inflammatory molecule.
      Our previous investigation suggested that fibrinogen, fibrin and fibrinogen
      degradation products (FDP) produce a pro-inflammatory effect on vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) through inducing CRP generation. In the present study, we
      observed the effect of pravastatin on CRP generation induced by fibrinogen,
      fibrin and FDP in rat VSMCs. METHODS: VSMCs from Sprague-Dawley rats were
      cultured. Fibrinogen, fibrin and FDP were used as stimulants for CRP generation.
      VSMCs were preincubated with pravastatin at 10, 30, 100 MUM for 30 min prior to
      stimulation. CRP mRNA expression was studied by reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR). CRP levels in the supernatant of VSMCs were measured by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRP expression in VSMCs was examined
      with immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: ELISA analysis showed that the
      pravastatin concentration-dependently reduced fibrinogen-, fibrin- and FDP
      stimulated generation of CRP in VSMCs, with maximal inhibition of 56.6, 55.7 and
      62.3%, respectively. Immunocytochemical staining and RT-PCR revealed that
      pravastatin inhibited protein and mRNA expression of CRP in VSMCs significantly.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pravastatin at the concentrations used in the present experiment has
      ability to relieve vascular inflammation and to restrain atherosclerotic
      processes via inhibiting the CRP production induced by fibrinogen, fibrin and FDP
      in VSMCs, which helps explain the beneficial effects of pravastatin on
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22089530
TI  - Dephasing effect on transport of a graphene p-n junction in a quantum Hall
      regime.
AB  - The influence of the dephasing effect on the conductance distribution of
      disordered graphene p-n junctions is studied. Without the dephasing, the
      conductance distribution has a very wide range and the conductance fluctuation is
      large. In this case, the conductance plateaus cannot be obtained in a single
      sample with the fixed disorder configuration. However, by introducing the
      dephasing, we find that the distribution becomes narrow dramatically and the
      fluctuation is suppressed strongly, so that the conductance plateaus are obtained
      clearly for one single sample, which is consistent with experimental
      measurements. Furthermore, we also investigate the scaling feature of the
      conductance distribution and find that it has good scaling behavior in the strong
      dephasing case.

PMID- 22089529
TI  - Associations between interleukin-23R polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis
      susceptibility: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether interleukin-23R (IL
      23R) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS:
      The authors conducted meta-analyses on associations between IL-23R polymorphisms
      and AS susceptibility, using fixed and random effects models. RESULTS: A total of
      10 studies (14 separate comparisons) were included in this meta-analysis, which
      included European and Asian populations. Meta-analysis revealed a significant
      association between AS and the two alleles of rs11209032 polymorphism in all
      study subjects (OR = 1.182, 95% CI 1.120-1.249, P = 0.000). Stratification by
      ethnicity identified a significant association between this polymorphism and AS
      in the European (OR = 1.234, 95% CI 1.159-1.313, P = 0.000), but not in the Asian
      populations (OR = 1.030, 95% CI 0.921-1.152, P = 0.608). Meta-analyses of
      rs1004819, rs10489629, rs1343151, rs1495965, and rs2201841 polymorphisms showed
      the same pattern as that shown by rs11209032 meta-analysis. Meta-analysis also
      revealed a significant association between the two alleles of the rs11209026 and
      the rs11465804 polymorphisms and the risk of developing AS in Europeans.
      Interestingly, the rs7517847 polymorphism was found to be significantly
      associated with AS susceptibility in both Europeans and Asians. CONCLUSIONS: This
      meta-analysis shows that the IL-23R polymorphisms are associated with the
      development of AS in Europeans.

PMID- 22089531
TI  - Influence of the uterine environment on the development of in vitro-produced
      equine embryos.
AB  - The necessity for early interaction between the embryo and the oviductal and/or
      uterine environment in the horse is reflected by several striking differences
      between equine embryos that develop in vivo and those produced in vitro. Better
      understanding of the salient interactions may help to improve the efficiency of
      in vitro equine embryo production. In an initial experiment, cleavage-stage in
      vitro-produced (IVP) equine embryos were transferred into the uterus of recipient
      mares that had ovulated recently to determine whether premature placement in this
      in vivo environment would improve subsequent development. In a second experiment,
      an important element of the uterine environment was mimicked by adding
      uterocalin, a major component of the endometrial secretions during early
      pregnancy, to the culture medium. Intrauterine transfer of cleavage-stage IVP
      equine embryos yielded neither ultrasonographically detectable pregnancies nor
      day 7 blastocysts, indicating that the uterus is not a suitable environment for
      pre-compact morula stage horse embryos. By contrast, exposure to uterocalin
      during IVP improved capsule formation, although it did not measurably affect the
      development or expression of a panel of genes known to differ between in vivo and
      in vitro embryos. Further studies are required to evaluate whether uterocalin
      serves purely as a carrier protein or more directly promotes improved capsule
      development.

PMID- 22089532
TI  - Novel mechanism of angiotensin II-induced cardiac injury in hypertensive rats:
      the critical role of ASK1 and VEGF.
AB  - This study was undertaken to elucidate a novel mechanism underlying angiotensin
      II-induced cardiac injury, focusing on the role of oxidative stress and
      myocardial capillary density. Salt-loaded Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats
      (DS rats), a useful model for hypertensive cardiac remodeling or heart failure,
      were orally given irbesartan (an AT1 receptor blocker), tempol (a superoxide
      dismutase mimetic) or hydralazine (a vasodilator). Irbesartan significantly
      ameliorated left ventricular ischemia and prevented the development of cardiac
      hypertrophy and fibrosis in DS rats. The benefits were associated with the
      attenuation of oxidative stress, normalization of myocardial capillary density
      and inhibition of capillary endothelial apoptosis. Moreover, DS rats with
      significant cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis displayed decreased myocardial
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and increased cardiac
      apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) activation. Treatment with irbesartan
      significantly reversed these phenotypes. Tempol treatment of DS rats mimicked all
      the above-mentioned effects of irbesartan, indicating the critical role of
      oxidative stress in cardiac injury. We also investigated the role of VEGF and
      ASK1 in oxidative stress-induced endothelial apoptosis by using cultured
      endothelial cells from wild-type and ASK1-deficient mice. Oxidative stress
      induced ASK1 activation led to endothelial apoptosis, and VEGF treatment
      prevented oxidative stress-induced endothelial apoptosis by inhibiting ASK1
      activation. We obtained the first evidence that oxidative stress-induced cardiac
      VEGF repression and ASK1 activation caused the enhancement of endothelial
      apoptosis and contributed to a decrease in myocardial capillary density. These
      effects resulted in angiotensin II-induced progression of cardiac injury.

PMID- 22089533
TI  - Individual and neighborhood social factors of hypertension management in a low
      socioeconomic status population: a community-based case-control study in
      Singapore.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine hypertension awareness, treatment and
      control, as well as to carry out regular blood pressure (BP) screening and
      monitoring, in a multi-ethnic urban low-socioeconomic status (SES) Asian
      community; and to compare these estimates with those of a higher-SES community in
      the same geographic location. We studied a neighborhood of three blocks of rented
      public flats (lower-SES community) and three adjacent blocks of owner-occupied
      public flats (higher-SES community) in Taman Jurong, Singapore. BP was measured,
      and demographic details and reasons for irregular BP screening, monitoring and
      treatment were collected from 2009 to 2010. Logistic regression was used to
      determine predictors of hypertension management. Participation was 90.0%
      (359/400) for the rental flat community and 70.2% (351/500) for the owner
      occupied flats. Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in the low-SES
      community (rental flats) were 63.9% (228/357), 61.8% (141/228), 69.5% (98/141)
      and 43.9% (43/98), respectively, whereas in the neighboring community these were
      65.0% (228/351), 83.3% (190/228), 85.3% (162/190) and 66.0% (107/162),
      respectively. Adjusting for other sociodemographic variables, awareness,
      treatment and control were poorer in the low-SES community. In the low-SES
      community, awareness was higher among diabetics, dyslipidemics, those >=60 years
      and those with regular access to doctors. Treatment was more likely among those
      >=60 years, but less likely among those needing financial aid. Control was less
      likely in the employed. High cost of screening and treatment, if diagnosed, was
      the most frequently cited barrier among the low-SES group. Hypertension
      management in those of lower SES is poorer than in those of higher SES. For the
      lower-SES population, financial barriers need to be addressed.

PMID- 22089535
TI  - Aliskiren reduced renal fibrosis in mice with chronic ischemic kidney injury-
      beyond the direct renin inhibition.
AB  - Chronic renal ischemia leads to renal fibrosis and atrophy. Activation of the
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is one of the main mechanisms driving
      chronic renal ischemic injury. The aim of the present study was to define the
      effect of aliskiren in chronic ischemia of the kidney. Two-kidney, one-clip mice
      were used to study chronic renal ischemia. Aliskiren significantly lowered the
      blood pressure in mice with renal artery constriction (92.1+/-1.1 vs. 81.0+/-1.8
      mm Hg, P<0.05). Renin expression was significantly increased in ischemic kidneys
      when treated with aliskiren. In addition, (Pro)renin receptor expression was
      decreased by aliskiren in ischemic kidneys. Aliskiren treatment significantly
      increased klotho expression and reduced the expression of fibrogenic cystokines,
      caspase-3 and Bax in ischemic kidneys. Histological examination revealed that
      aliskiren significantly reduced the nephrosclerosis score (4.5+/-1.9 vs. 7.3+/
      0.4, P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining also showed that aliskiren decreased
      the deposition of interstitial collagen I in ischemic kidneys. In conclusion,
      direct renin inhibition significantly reduced renal fibrosis and apoptosis
      following chronic renal ischemia.

PMID- 22089534
TI  - Optimal Combination of Effective ANtihypertensives (OCEAN) study: a prospective,
      randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint trial--rationale, design and results of
      a pilot study in Japan.
AB  - There are limited clinical trials examining the efficacy of antihypertensive drug
      combinations aimed at preventing cardiovascular events. Therefore, we designed a
      randomized controlled trial using amlodipine as the base drug of a multi-drug
      regimen, the Optimal Combination of Effective ANtihypertensives (OCEAN) Study, to
      determine the drug combination that is most efficacious in the prevention of
      cardiovascular events, such as stroke. The OCEAN Study is a collaborative study
      between Japan and China, enrolling 20 000 patients and following them for 3 to 4
      years. A pilot study was conducted before the full-scale study to confirm the
      feasibility of the protocol and that the study groups and infrastructures could
      function properly. A total of 279 Japanese patients were enrolled from 57
      participating medical institutions between June and December 2004. Two hundred
      and sixty-six patients (mean age: 65.9 years) were treated with amlodipine alone.
      One hundred and fifty-four of these patients (57.9%) did not reach the treatment
      targets (<140/90 mm Hg for the elderly and patients with cerebrovascular disease,
      <130/80 mm Hg for those with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease or prior
      myocardial infarction) and a second agent was added. They were randomly allocated
      into three different treatment groups using a diuretic, a beta-blocker or an
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor antagonist. The
      pilot study showed that the protocol was appropriate, and the inclusion of
      patients with slightly higher blood pressures was necessary to increase the
      randomization rate. It also confirmed that we organized properly functioning
      study groups and infrastructures.

PMID- 22089536
TI  - Sex-related differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti
      hypertensive drugs.
AB  - Sex-specific differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been
      reported to have important clinical consequences. In this review, some
      representative sex-specific differences in absorption and transporters (that is,
      P-glycoprotein (P-gp)), metabolic processes (that is, those that involve
      cytochrome P450 (CYP)), clearance (Cl) processes (for example, renal excretion or
      other pharmacokinetic parameters) and involvement of sex hormones (that is,
      estrogen and testosterone) in the regulation of some metabolic enzymes are
      introduced for each of the following categories of anti-hypertensive drugs:
      calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-receptor blockers and angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretic agents, and beta-adrenergic-receptor
      blockers (beta-blockers). In many cases, female sex is a risk factor for adverse
      effects or attenuated clinical responses because of lower Cl, smaller
      distribution volumes, higher activity of some metabolic enzymes (especially
      hepatic CYP3A4), or presence of sex hormones. Additionally, some of these factors
      often co-contribute to the sex-specific differences. Furthermore, pharmacodynamic
      variability among individuals is often larger than pharmacokinetic variability;
      in other words, it could become a predominant determinant of interindividual
      differences in therapeutic responses. Thus, studies of sex-specific differences
      in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics should be conducted. However, sex
      related disparities in pharmacokinetics may not necessarily correspond to
      clinically significant differences in therapeutic response. There are still large
      gaps in our knowledge of sex-specific differences in clinical pharmacology and
      much more research is needed.

PMID- 22089537
TI  - Use of home sphygmomanometers in Turkey: a nation-wide survey.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to detect the prevalence of ownership of a home
      sphygmomanometer among hypertensive subjects through a nation-wide survey, to
      investigate parameters affecting ownership of a sphygmomanometer, to compare how
      home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) was actually used in daily practice with
      some aspects of the current guidelines, and to discuss what we implemented to
      increase the reliability of HBPM in a developing country. A total of 2747
      hypertensive patients from 34 cities, representative of the Turkish population,
      were enrolled in the study. A multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to
      each participant using the computer-assisted telephone interviewing method. Among
      2747 hypertensive patients, 1281 of them (46.6%) had a home sphygmomanometer.
      Most of the patients were using wrist devices. The factors associated with
      ownership of a sphygmomanometer were female gender, older age, obesity, higher
      educational status, higher income level, living in urban areas, awareness of
      hypertension and anti-hypertensive drug usage. Only 16% of the devices were used
      on the advice of a physician. The patients learned usage of their device mainly
      from the sellers and their relatives. The ownership of a home sphygmomanometer is
      common among hypertensive patients in Turkey, but regular monitoring of blood
      pressure before physician visits is rare despite common ownership of these
      devices. Daily practice of HBPM in Turkey was far from the recommendations of the
      current guidelines. More effort is needed to improve the reliability of HBPM.

PMID- 22089538
TI  - A metabonomic study of biochemical changes characteristic of genetically
      hypertensive rats based on (1)H NMR spectroscopic urinalysis.
AB  - Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) provide a simple model for studying
      essential hypertension. Their genetic and metabolic features are of great
      interest because they may provide insights into the pathophysiological processes
      underlying essential hypertension. We have thus investigated the metabolic
      characteristics of SHR at various ages, covering the prehypertensive stage and
      the developmental phase of hypertension, using a (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR)-based metabonomic approach. Twenty-four-hour urine samples from the SHR and
      their age-matched normotensive control, Wistar-Kyoto rats, were analyzed using
      (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and the spectral data were subjected to principal
      components analysis (PCA) to find metabolic differences between the two strains.
      Consequently, it was possible to separate the urine samples between the two
      strains at any age ranging from 4 to 20 weeks in the principal component scores
      plots. The major spectral regions and signals (metabolites) contributing to the
      separation were picked up based on the loadings. Subsequently, the urinary
      excreted levels of metabolites highlighted by the PCA were compared based on the
      signal intensities corrected by urine volume and body weight. These
      investigations revealed the major metabolic changes characteristic of the SHR,
      which included differences in citrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, succinate, hippurate,
      phenylacetylglycine, p-cresol glucuronide, creatine, taurine, medium-chain
      dicarboxylates (tentative), unknown (delta 3.11), and the regions at 3.60, 3.64,
      3.68 and 3.88 p.p.m. The results supported the occurrence of metabolic acidosis
      in the SHR in the period of prehypertension as well as rapidly rising blood
      pressure. In addition, the intestinal microfloral populations in the SHR were
      suggested to be altered in the developmental phase of hypertension.

PMID- 22089539
TI  - Beta-blocker migraine prophylaxis affects the excitability of the visual cortex
      as revealed by transcranial magnetic stimulation.
AB  - The objective of this study is to assess effects of beta-blocker migraine
      prophylaxis on cortical excitability determined by transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (TMS). Phosphene and motor thresholds (PT, MT) were investigated in
      29 patients with migraine, in 15 of them prior to and following preventive
      medication with metoprolol and in 14 patients without prophylaxis. Following
      prophylaxis headache frequency significantly decreased (p = 0.005) and mean PT
      were significantly increased (51.5 +/- 7.5 vs. 63.6 +/- 8.4%) compared to
      patients without preventive treatment (53.7 +/- 5.3 vs. 52.3 +/- 6.3%; p =
      0.040). Mean MT did not significantly differ either between groups or due to
      treatment. In the group of all patients, a significant inverse correlation
      between headache frequency and the level of PT was found (R = -0.629; p < 0.01).
      There was, however, no significant correlation in the subgroups of patients. We
      conclude that (a) clinical efficacy of beta-blocker treatment in migraine could
      be (at least partly) linked to its ability to modulate the excitability of the
      visual cortex and (b) the PT determined by TMS appears suitable to assess the
      effects of prophylaxis on cortical excitability in the individual patient. This
      may be useful in clinical trials investigating migraine preventive drugs.

PMID- 22089540
TI  - Colloidal mercury (Hg) distribution in soil samples by sedimentation field-flow
      fractionation coupled to mercury cold vapour generation atomic absorption
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Diverse analytical techniques are available to determine the particle size
      distribution of potentially toxic elements in matrices of environmental interest
      such as soil, sediments, freshwater and groundwater. However, a single technique
      is often not exhaustive enough to determine both particle size distribution and
      element concentration. In the present work, the investigation of mercury in soil
      samples collected from a polluted industrial site was performed by using a new
      analytical approach which makes use of sedimentation field-flow fractionation
      (SdFFF) coupled to cold vapour generation electrothermal atomic absorption
      spectroscopy (CV-ETAAS). The Hg concentration in the SdFFF fractions revealed a
      broad distribution from about 0.1 to 1 MUm, roughly following the particle size
      distributions, presenting a maximum at about 400-700 nm in diameter. A
      correlation between the concentration of Hg in the colloidal fraction and organic
      matter (O.M.) content in the soil samples was also found. However, this
      correlation is less likely to be related to Hg sorption to soil O.M. but rather
      to the presence of colloidal mercuric sulfide particles whose size is probably
      controlled by the occurrence of dissolved O.M. The presence of O.M. could have
      prevented the aggregation of smaller particles, leading to an accumulation of
      mercuric sulfides in the colloidal fraction. In this respect, particle size
      distribution of soil samples can help to understand the role played by colloidal
      particles in mobilising mercury (also as insoluble compounds) and provide a
      significant contribution in determining the environmental impact of this toxic
      element.

PMID- 22089541
TI  - Balint syndrome and visual allochiria in a patient with reversible cerebral
      vasoconstriction syndrome.
AB  - Balint syndrome (simultagnosia, optic ataxia, and ocular apraxia) is typically
      caused by pathology affecting the parietal-occipital regions bilaterally. Visual
      allochiria is an uncommonly reported symptom associated with parietal lobe
      pathology in which visual stimuli presented to one hemispace are transposed to
      the opposite side. We describe a patient with Balint syndrome and visual
      allochiria whose initial brain MRI demonstrated acute infarction of the right
      parietal-occipital region. Repeat imaging 9 days later revealed bilateral
      parietal-occipital infarctions consistent with the observed clinical syndrome.
      Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is introduced as a novel
      cerebrovascular etiology of Balint syndrome.

PMID- 22089542
TI  - Effect of CpG island methylation on microRNA expression in the k-562 cell line.
AB  - To test the hypothesis that methylation of a CpG island is associated with
      regulation of microRNA expression, we investigated CpG islands in the upstream
      sequences of microRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs) through bioinformatic analysis and
      determined whether the CpG islands were methylated by methylation-specific PCR in
      the k-562 cell line. We used 5-azacytidine for DNA demethylation, and changes in
      microRNA expression were detected by microarray assay, RT-PCR, and real-time PCR
      after 5-azacytidine induction. We showed that the CpG islands in the upstream
      regions of 18 pre-miRNAs were methylated, including miR-663, miR-369, miR-615,
      and miR-410, and promoter activity was detected in the upstream region of pre-miR
      663. We found that a decrease in methylation of a CpG island could up-regulate
      the expression of miR-663, suggesting that miR-663 could be regulated by DNA
      methylation. Expression levels of miR-369, miR-615, and miR-410 were not
      regulated by DNA methylation in this cell line.

PMID- 22089543
TI  - Genome characterization of a breeding line derived from a cross between Oryza
      sativa and Oryza rufipogon.
AB  - A preliminary screening was conducted on BC3F1 and BC4F1 backcross families
      developed from crossing Oryza sativa (MR219) and O. rufipogon (IRGC105491).
      Despite earlier results showing that O. rufipogon alleles (wild introgression)
      contributed to both number of panicles (qPPL-2) and tillers (qTPL-2) at loci
      RM250, RM208, and RM48 in line A20 of the BC2F2 population, we observed that wild
      introgression was lost at loci RM250 and RM208 but retained at locus RM48 in
      BC3F1 and BC4F1. Progeny tests conducted utilizing genotype and phenotype data on
      both BC4F1 and a reference population, BC2F7 (A20 line), did not show significant
      differences between groups having the MR219 allele and wild introgression at
      locus RM48. This suggests that there is no additive and transgressive effect of
      wild introgression in the BC3F1 and BC4F1 generated. The presence of wild
      introgression was largely due to gene contamination by cross-pollination during
      field breeding practices.

PMID- 22089545
TI  - Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells with H19 siRNA-mediated knockdown as a
      potential resource for cell therapy.
AB  - Embryonic stem (ES) cells are used in cell therapy and tissue engineering due to
      their ability to produce different cells types. However, studies of ES cells that
      are derived from fertilized embryos have raised concerns about the limitations
      imposed by ethical and political considerations. Therefore, many studies of stem
      cells use the stem cells that are derived from unfertilized oocytes and adult
      tissue. Although parthenogenetic embryonic stem (ESP) cells also avoid ethical
      and political dilemmas and can be used in cell-based therapy, the ESP cells
      exhibit growth retardation problems. Therefore, to investigate the potential for
      muscle growth from genetically modified ESP cells, we established four ES cell
      types, including normal embryonic stem (ESN) cells, ESP cells, ESP cells that
      overexpress the insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene (ESI) and ESP cells with
      down-regulated H19 gene expression (ESH). Using these cells, we examined the
      expression profiles of genes that were related to imprinting and muscle using
      microarrays. The gene expression patterns of ESI and ESH cells were similar and
      were more closely related to the ESN pattern than that of the ESP cells.
      Differentiated ESH cells exhibited increased expression of bone morphologic
      protein 4 (BMP4), which is a mesoderm marker, compared with the differentiated
      ESI cells. We showed that Igf2 expression was induced by H19 silencing in the ESP
      cells via hypermethylation of the H19 imprinting control region 1 (ICR1).
      Moreover, the proportion of ESH-derived chimera was slightly higher than those
      produced from the ESP cells. In addition, we detected increased cell
      proliferation in the MEF cells following H19 knock-down. These results indicate
      that the ESH cells may be a source of cell-based therapy for conditions such as
      muscular atrophy.

PMID- 22089546
TI  - Tin oxide-surface modified anatase titanium(IV) dioxide with enhanced UV-light
      photocatalytic activity.
AB  - [Sn(acac)(2)]Cl(2) is chemisorbed on the surfaces of anatase TiO(2)via ion
      exchange between the complex ions and H(+) released from the surface Ti-OH groups
      without liberation of the acetylacetonate ligand (Sn(acac)(2)/TiO(2)). The post
      heating at 873 K in air forms tin oxide species on the TiO(2) surface in a highly
      dispersed state on a molecular scale ((SnO(2))(m)/TiO(2)). A low level of this p
      block metal oxide surface modification (~0.007 Sn ions nm(-2)) accelerates the UV
      light-activities for the liquid- and gas-phase reactions, whereas in contrast to
      the surface modification with d block metal oxides such as FeO(x) and NiO, no
      visible-light response is induced. Electrochemical measurements and first
      principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations for (SnO(2))(m)/TiO(2)
      model clusters (m = 1, 2) indicate that the bulk (TiO(2))-to-surface interfacial
      electron transfer (BS-IET) enhances charge separation and the following electron
      transfer to O(2) to increase the photocatalytic activity.

PMID- 22089547
TI  - Plasmonic black-hole: broadband omnidirectional absorber of gap surface plasmons.
AB  - Using the effective-index approximation we show that touching spherical metal
      surfaces form a broadband omnidirectional absorber of gap surface plasmons (GSP),
      concentrating all GSP waves travelling within a certain radius at the point of
      contact (at which the field intensity tends to infinity even in the presence of
      metal absorption) and representing thereby a two-dimensional analogue of an
      optical black-hole realized without use of metamaterials. The developed wave
      analysis is supplemented with the geometrical optics (adiabatic) description
      providing explicit expressions for the critical radius (radius of the event
      horizon) and buildup of field enhancement along ray trajectories.

PMID- 22089548
TI  - Higher-order cross-correlation-based Doppler optical coherence tomography.
AB  - A method based on higher-order cross-correlation is proposed to fetch the Doppler
      information on flow velocity within areas under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
      by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The proposed method is
      theoretically developed and validated by measurement of a moving mirror with
      known velocities. Standard deviations of flow velocities of the mirror under
      different SNRs are determined by the proposed method and compared with those by
      the modified phase-resolved method. Measurement of flowing particles within a
      glass capillary is also conducted, and Doppler flow velocity maps of the glass
      capillary are reconstructed by both methods. All experimental results demonstrate
      that the proposed method can significantly suppress noise, thus rendering it
      suitable for flow measurement under low SNR cases.

PMID- 22089549
TI  - Fast Fourier domain localization algorithm of a single molecule with nanometer
      precision.
AB  - We present an algorithm to determine the location of a fluorescent molecule with
      nanometer-scale accuracy. A Fourier domain localization scheme based on zero
      padded fast Fourier transform and phase gradient operators is used to obtain a
      powerful mathematical model for localizing the molecule without numerical
      fitting. Compared with conventional algorithms, our position estimator does not
      require prior background information or initial parameter estimation. Numerical
      simulations indicate that the proposed method exhibits high localization
      precision and small bias while executing almost as fast as the fluoroBancroft
      algorithm.

PMID- 22089550
TI  - DFB fiber laser hydrophone with band-pass response.
AB  - A distributed-feedback fiber laser hydrophone with band-pass response is
      presented. The design of the hydrophone aims to equalize static pressure and
      eliminate signal aliasing of high-frequency acoustic components. Theoretical
      analysis is presented based on electro-acoustic theory. The experimental results
      agree well with the theory. The measured underwater responses show that the
      hydrophone has a pressure sensitivity of -170 dB re:pm/MUPa over a bandwidth
      between 100 Hz and 500 Hz. A sensitivity reduction exceeding -35 dB is observed
      at 2500 Hz. The tested static pressure sensitivity of the hydrophone is -226 dB.
      The proposed fiber laser hydrophone of this kind is expected to have important
      application in deep water fiber-optic sonar systems with anti-aliasing, and the
      understanding gained through this work can be extended to a guide of hydrophone
      design for required filtering bandwidth.

PMID- 22089551
TI  - Stability of solitons in parity-time-symmetric couplers.
AB  - Families of analytical solutions are found for symmetric and antisymmetric
      solitons in a dual-core system with Kerr nonlinearity and parity-time (PT)
      balanced gain and loss. The crucial issue is stability of the solitons. A
      stability region is obtained in an analytical form, and verified by simulations,
      for the PT-symmetric solitons. For the antisymmetric ones, the stability border
      is found in a numerical form. Moving solitons of both types collide elastically.
      The two soliton species merge into one in the "supersymmetric" case, with equal
      coefficients of gain, loss, and intercore coupling. These solitons feature a
      subexponential instability, which may be suppressed by periodic switching
      ("management").

PMID- 22089552
TI  - 40 Gb/s, secure optical communication based upon fast reconfigurable time domain
      spectral phase en/decoding with 40 Gchip/s optical code and symbol overlapping.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate a 40 Gb/s secure optical communication
      system with on-off-keying (OOK) modulation format by using a time domain spectral
      phase en/decoding scheme, which employs a highly dispersive element and high
      speed phase modulator for introducing significant symbol overlapping for both the
      encoded and incorrectly decoded noiselike signals to enhance the information
      security against eavesdropping using a power detector. The influence of
      dispersion and chip modulation rate on the symbol overlapping of the incorrectly
      decoded signal has been analytically investigated and experimentally verified.
      Security enhancement for 40 Gb/s OOK data using fast reconfigurable 40 Gchip/s
      optical codes with code lengths of up to 1024 has been demonstrated and compared
      with a 10 Gb/s system.

PMID- 22089553
TI  - Revisiting the normalized Born approximation: effects of scattering.
AB  - The normalized Born approximation has been suggested as a ratiometric method in
      fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) applications, to account for
      heterogeneity variations. The method enabled practical inversions, as it offered
      fluorescence reconstruction accuracy over a wide range of absorption
      heterogeneity, while also accounting for unknown experimental factors, such as
      the various system gains and losses. Yet it was noted that scattering variations
      affect the robustness and accuracy. Herein we decompose the effects of absorption
      and scattering and capitalize on the recent development of hybrid FMT/x-ray
      computed tomography imaging methods to proposed amendments to the method, which
      improve the overall accuracy of the approach.

PMID- 22089554
TI  - Role of the phase in the identification of delay time in semiconductor lasers
      with optical feedback.
AB  - We consider a semiconductor laser with external optical feedback operating at a
      regime for which the delay time signature is extremely difficult to identify from
      the analysis of the intensity time series, using standard techniques. We show
      that such a delay signature can be successfully retrieved by computing the same
      quantifiers from the phase, the real or the imaginary part of the field, even in
      the presence of noise. Therefore, the choice of the observable is the determinant
      for parameter identification.

PMID- 22089555
TI  - Superoscillatory diffraction-free beams.
AB  - It is theoretically shown that by superimposing diffraction-free solutions of the
      Helmholtz equation, one can construct localized diffraction-free beams that pass
      through predetermined points on subwavelength distances. These beams are based on
      the phenomenon of superoscillations and thus do not contain any evanescent waves.
      The effect of an aperture and noise is examined in specific examples where
      truncated beams with lambda/3 subwavelength features can propagate into the far
      field.

PMID- 22089556
TI  - Signal restoration in intensity-modulated optical OFDM access systems.
AB  - It is well known that deliberate signal clipping in an intensity-modulated (IM)
      laser transmitter helps to overcome the optical orthogonal frequency division
      multiplexing (OFDM) system performance limitation that is related to the signal
      high peak-to-average power ratio. The amplitude of a clipped OFDM signal has to
      be optimized in order to minimize the optical power that is required to achieve a
      specified system performance. However, the signal clipping introduces nonlinear
      distortion (so-called clipping noise) and leads to a system performance penalty.
      In this Letter, the performance of the IM optical OFDM system with digital
      baseband clipping distortion in the transmitter and clipping noise compensation
      by means of signal restoration in the digital signal processing unit of the
      system receiver is analytically evaluated. It is demonstrated that the system bit
      error ratio can be reduced by more than an order of magnitude, from 10(-3) to
      3.5*10(-5), by applying only the first iteration of the signal restoration
      algorithm proposed in this Letter. The results of the analytical analysis are
      verified with brute-force numerical simulations based on direct error counting.

PMID- 22089557
TI  - Emergence of Anderson localization in plasmonic waveguides.
AB  - The propagation of surface plasmon polaritons in dielectric loaded waveguides
      with randomly placed scatterers is studied using both numerical simulations and a
      simplified transfer matrix framework. Despite the importance of losses in this
      system, we find fingerprints of the localized behavior of one-dimensional
      disordered systems. Furthermore, losses amplify the impact of the necklace states
      on the transport properties for systems not much larger than the localization
      length. The system presented here also offers the possibility to use localization
      effects for engineering purposes by means of deliberately introduced disorder.

PMID- 22089558
TI  - Simple design of an edge-emitting diode laser for preventing spatial multimoding
      via thermal lensing.
AB  - The parameters of a diode-laser structure composed of a pair of built-in high
      index regions for providing stable, single-spatial-mode operation to high cw
      powers are numerically found. A three-dimensional numerical code has been
      implemented that takes into account carrier diffusion in the quantum well and
      thermal lensing. The laser characteristics are calculated as functions of the
      above-threshold drive level. Within the simulation, higher-order optical modes on
      a "frozen background" are computed via the Arnoldi algorithm. Then, for a 6-MUm
      wide low-index core and 2-3-mm-long devices, stable single-mode operation up to
      multiwatt-level (2-3 W) cw output power is predicted.

PMID- 22089559
TI  - Intense photoluminescence at 2.7 MUm in transparent Er 3+:CaF2-fluorophosphate
      glass microcomposite.
AB  - Er3+ doped CaF2-fluorophosphate (FP) glass microcomposites were produced by heat
      treating the mixture of Er3+:CaF2 precipitate and FP glass powder above the
      melting temperature of the FP glass. The appearance of CaF2 crystallites in the
      resulting composites was confirmed by x ray diffraction. Despite the fact that
      the average diameter of the crystallites was around 10 MUm as revealed by the
      micromorphology study, a transparent composite was obtained by matching the
      refractive index of FP glass to that of CaF2. Intense IR fluorescence at around
      2.7 MUm was observed in the composite, implying the composite would be a
      promising candidate for IR lasers and amplifiers.

PMID- 22089560
TI  - Coherent backscattering by polydisperse discrete random media: exact T-matrix
      results.
AB  - The numerically exact superposition T-matrix method is used to compute, for the
      first time to our knowledge, electromagnetic scattering by finite spherical
      volumes composed of polydisperse mixtures of spherical particles with different
      size parameters or different refractive indices. The backscattering patterns
      calculated in the far-field zone of the polydisperse multiparticle volumes reveal
      unequivocally the classical manifestations of the effect of weak localization of
      electromagnetic waves in discrete random media, thereby corroborating the
      universal interference nature of coherent backscattering. The polarization
      opposition effect is shown to be the least robust manifestation of weak
      localization fading away with increasing particle size parameter.

PMID- 22089561
TI  - Ultraviolet and infrared photon-excited synergistic effect in Er3+-doped YbF3
      phosphors.
AB  - A synergistic effect between UV down-conversion and IR up-conversion is witnessed
      in YbF3:Er3+ phosphors by employing the dual wavelength (369 nm and 980 nm)
      excitation source. The synergistic effect originates from an abnormal energy
      transfer between Er3+ ions, in which the Er3+ ions in metastable states excited
      by 369 nm photons are excited again by the 980 nm IR photons. The dual wavelength
      excited red emission intensity is 1.1 times the total red emission intensities
      from 369 nm and 980 nm single excitation. The synergistic effect refers us to a
      way to convert both high-energy and low-energy photons into one middle-energy
      photon with high quantum yield.

PMID- 22089562
TI  - Phase-to-phase and phase-to-amplitude transfer characteristics of a nondegenerate
      idler phase-sensitive amplifier.
AB  - For the first time to our knowledge, the phase-to-phase and phase-to-amplitude
      transfer functions of a nondegenerate-idler phase-sensitive fiber optic
      parametric amplifier are experimentally measured. Additionally, analytically and
      numerically obtained transfer curves show excellent agreement with the
      experimental curves. The experimental results were obtained by imposing a linear
      phase modulation onto the signal and idler wave simultaneously, and detecting the
      input and output signal using a self-homodyne coherent receiver.

PMID- 22089563
TI  - Unidirectional optical Bloch oscillations in asymmetric waveguide arrays.
AB  - We present an analytical proof of the existence of unidirectional optical Bloch
      oscillations in a waveguide array system. It is shown that the presence of
      nonreciprocity in the system allows for a complete normal-mode dephasing in one
      of the propagation directions, resulting in a unidirectional breakdown in Bloch
      oscillations. A model system consisting of an array of transversely magnetized
      asymmetric Si/SiO2 waveguides with a magneto-optic cover layer is presented.
      Large index contrasts between film and cover are critical for practical
      realizations.

PMID- 22089564
TI  - High-resolution quantitative phase microscopic imaging in deep UV with phase
      retrieval.
AB  - High-resolution three-dimensional (3D) microscopic imaging requires the use of
      short wavelengths. Quantitative 3D imaging techniques, such as digital
      holographic microscopy, require interference between the object beam and a known
      reference background for the extraction of phase information. At shorter
      wavelengths, due to short coherence lengths, it may be difficult to implement a
      two-beam off-axis setup. Thus, a single-beam technique, which provides complete
      phase information, may be better suited for short wavelengths. This Letter
      describes the development of a quantitative microscopy technique at 193 nm using
      multiple intensity samplings and phase retrieval.

PMID- 22089565
TI  - Optimal alignment sensing of a readout mode cleaner cavity.
AB  - Critically coupled resonant optical cavities are often used as mode cleaners in
      optical systems to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a signal that is
      encoded as an amplitude modulation of a laser beam. Achieving the best SNR
      requires maintaining the alignment of the mode cleaner relative to the laser beam
      on which the signal is encoded. An automatic alignment system that is primarily
      sensitive to the carrier field component of the beam will not, in general,
      provide optimal SNR. We present an approach that modifies traditional dither
      alignment sensing by applying a large amplitude modulation on the signal field,
      thereby producing error signals that are sensitive to the signal sideband field
      alignment. When used in conjunction with alignment actuators, this approach can
      improve the detected SNR; we demonstrate a factor of 3 improvement in the SNR of
      a kilometer-scale detector of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave
      Observatory. This approach can be generalized to other types of alignment
      sensors.

PMID- 22089566
TI  - A 2*2 spatial optical switch based on PT-symmetry.
AB  - We show a PT-symmetric coupler having an arm with a tunable gain and a no-loss
      arm when appropriately designed to possess reciprocal behavior, unlike its rivals
      having a fixed gain/loss arm, can perform as a tunable 2*2 spatial optical
      switch. The degree of the tunability equals the ratio of the coupler's length to
      the total coupling length.

PMID- 22089567
TI  - Domain-shape-based modulation of Cerenkov second-harmonic generation in
      multidomain strontium barium niobate.
AB  - We study experimentally and numerically the second-harmonic Cerenkov emission
      with two different characteristic azimuthal intensity distributions in strontium
      barium niobate with a random structure of chi2 nonlinearity. We monitor in situ
      the Cerenkov emission during domain switching and show that a change of domain
      size and shape results in a fourfold azimuthal modulation of the Cerenkov cone.

PMID- 22089568
TI  - Pump-enhanced optical parametric oscillator generating continuous wave tunable
      terahertz radiation.
AB  - We demonstrate a tunable cw terahertz (THz) parametric oscillator based on
      periodically poled MgO-doped lithium niobate, directly converting the 1030 nm
      pump wave into the THz regime. The tunability ranges from 1.2 to 2.9 THz at
      output power levels between 0.3 and 3.9 MUW. To overcome the high pump threshold
      caused by THz absorption in the nonlinear crystal, we employ an enhancement
      cavity with a finesse of 500 at the pump wavelength. The intracavity pump
      threshold at 1.4 THz is measured to be 350 W for a crystal length of 2.5 cm.

PMID- 22089569
TI  - Subpicosecond pulse generation from a 1.56 MUm mode-locked VECSEL.
AB  - Near-transform-limited subpicosecond pulses at 1.56 MUm were generated from an
      optically pumped InP-based vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser
      (VECSEL) passively mode-locked at 2 GHz repetition rate with a fast
      InGaAsNSb/GaAs semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). The SESAM
      microcavity resonance was adjusted via a selective etching of phase layers
      specifically designed to control the magnitude of both the modulation depth and
      the intracavity group delay dispersion of the SESAM. Using the same VECSEL chip,
      we observed that the mode-locked pulse duration could be reduced from several
      picoseconds to less than 1 ps with a detuned resonant SESAM.

PMID- 22089570
TI  - Compact optical fiber curvature sensor based on concatenating two tapers.
AB  - A low-loss, compact, and highly sensitive optical fiber curvature sensor is
      presented. The device consists of two identical low-loss fused fiber tapers in
      tandem separated by a distance L. When the optical fiber is kept straight and
      fixed, no interference pattern appears in the transmitted spectrum. However, when
      the device is bent, the symmetry of the straight taper is lost and the first
      taper couples light into the cladding modes. In the second taper, a fraction of
      the total light guided by the cladding modes will be coupled back to the
      fundamental mode, producing an interference pattern in the transmitted spectrum.
      As the fiber device is bent, visibility of the interference fringes grows,
      reaching values close to 1. The dynamic range of the device can be tailored by
      the proper selection of taper diameter and separation between tapers. The effects
      of temperature and refractive index of the external medium on the response of the
      curvature sensor is also discussed.

PMID- 22089571
TI  - Utility transforms of optical fields employing deformable mirror.
AB  - Diffraction optical devices of modest degrees of freedom (DOF), such as
      deformable mirrors, have not been exploited as general-purpose transformers of
      optical fields. Described in this Letter is a method that guides deformable
      mirrors to optimal surfaces allowed by the DOF for various desirable outcomes.
      The method is based on a modal optimization procedure with the help of Walsh
      functions in controlling the variables of the mirrors, i.e. the actuators. It is
      shown that a deformable mirror of modest DOF can provide field transformations
      for arbitrary beam-splitting, formation of ring-shaped beams, and coherent beam
      combining.

PMID- 22089572
TI  - Shape of Fano resonance line spectra calculated for silver nanorods.
AB  - Using theoretical tools, we numerically demonstrated Fano line shapes in the
      scattering spectra of silver rods resulting from different mechanisms. One of the
      Fano line shapes is due to the coupling of an in-plane quadrupole and a dipole
      mode in a single rod. Two nodes were observed at the resonance wavelength, each
      of which is located at a quarter of the rod length from the two ends. The Fano
      resonance is strengthened when the silver rod is cut at the two nodal positions.
      The second mechanism that gives rise to a new Fano resonance peak occurs when the
      symmetry of the rod is broken and is a result of the asymmetric coupling between
      the two excited dipoles.

PMID- 22089573
TI  - Gradient enhanced third harmonic generation in a femtosecond filament.
AB  - The third harmonic generated during femtosecond filamentation in air is studied.
      By establishing a gradient from atmospheric pressure to vacuum conditions, we
      truncate the filament abruptly at defined positions. The introduction of the
      pressure gradient leads to an enhancement of the generated third harmonic
      radiation by 3 orders of magnitude. This effect is attributed to an improved on
      axis phase-matching condition. We investigate the spectral shape and the
      conversion efficiency of the third harmonic during the propagation in the
      filament.

PMID- 22089574
TI  - Stationary-fiber rotary probe with unobstructed 360 degrees  view for optical
      coherence tomography.
AB  - A side-scanning fiber probe is a critical component for optical coherence
      tomography in medical imaging and diagnosis. We propose and fabricate an on-axis
      rotating probe that performs in situ, circumferential scanning that is shadow
      free (not susceptible to shadow effects caused by the motor's wires). A miniature
      motor that incorporates a bored-out shaft for the optical fiber is located at the
      distal end of the probe, which results in a more stable and uniform
      circumferential scan, free from wire-shadow interference effects. More
      importantly, this design, novel to our knowledge, compared to other probes avoids
      the insertion losses introduced by optical coupling components and the multitude
      of optical interfaces, which is very important for sensing weak signals
      backscattered from structures deep in the tissue.

PMID- 22089575
TI  - Application of dynamic line narrowing in resonant optical sensing.
AB  - We propose a dynamic operational mode and the resulting dynamic line narrowing as
      a method for enhancing the resolution and the detection limit of high-quality
      (high-Q) resonant optical sensors. Using a silica microtoroid as an experimental
      platform, we demonstrate that dynamic line narrowing through the thermo-optic
      effect can significantly improve the detection limit in both resonant shift and
      resonance splitting operating modes.

PMID- 22089576
TI  - Revealing the order of a vortex through its intensity record.
AB  - We show that the intensity distribution of an optical vortex contains information
      of its order. Specifically, the number of dark rings in the Fourier transform of
      the intensity is found to be equal to the order of the vortex. Based on this
      property and the orthogonality of Laguerre polynomials, we demonstrate the
      feasibility of an experimental technique for determining the order of optical
      vortices. It shows the beauty of going to complementary spaces, which has been
      employed earlier also to find the information not available in other domains.

PMID- 22089577
TI  - 50 dB parametric on-chip gain in silicon photonic wires.
AB  - A pulsed mid-infrared pump at lambda=2173 nm is used to demonstrate wideband
      optical parametric gain in a low-loss 2 cm long silicon photonic wire. Using
      dispersion engineering to obtain negative second-order (beta2) and positive
      fourth-order (beta4) dispersion, we generate broadband modulation instability and
      parametric fluorescence extending from 1911 nm-2486 nm. Using a cw probe signal
      to interrogate the modulation instability spectrum, we demonstrate parametric
      amplification >40 dB with an on-chip gain bandwidth wider than 580 nm, as well as
      narrowband Raman-assisted peak gain >50 dB.

PMID- 22089578
TI  - Diffraction grating with suppressed zero order fabricated using dielectric
      forces.
AB  - An electric-field-assisted method to produce diffractive optical devices is
      demonstrated. A uniform film of liquid UV curable resin was produced as a drying
      ring from an organic solvent. Dielectrophoresis forces maintained the stability
      of the thin film and also imprinted a periodic corrugation deformation of pitch
      20 MUm on the film surface. Continuous in situ voltage-controlled adjustment of
      the optical diffraction pattern was carried out simultaneously with UV curing. A
      fully cured solid phase grating was produced with the particular voltage-selected
      tailored optical property that the zero transmitted order was suppressed for
      laser light at 633 nm.

PMID- 22089579
TI  - Anticolliding design for monolithic passively mode-locked semiconductor lasers.
AB  - The performance of two-section, passively mode-locked semiconductor lasers is
      theoretically analyzed for different cavity designs. Placing the saturable
      absorber section close to an antireflection-coated facet leads to a substantial
      increase in output power and a reduction in amplitude and timing jitter.
      Moreover, it broadens the bias current region of stable passive mode-locking
      operation.

PMID- 22089580
TI  - Convection-induced stabilization of optical dissipative solitons.
AB  - In spatially extended convective systems, the reflection symmetry breaking
      induced by drift effects leads to a striking nonlinear effect that drastically
      affects the formation and stability of dissipative solitons in optical parametric
      oscillators. The phenomenon of nonlinear-induced convection dynamics is revealed
      using a model of the complex quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation with nonlinear
      gradient terms in it. Mechanisms leading to stabilization of dissipative solitons
      by convection are singled out. The predictions are in very good agreement with
      numerical solutions found from the governing equations of the optical parametric
      oscillators.

PMID- 22089581
TI  - Optimizing diffraction catastrophe evaluation.
AB  - A theoretical analysis is proposed, aimed at investigating the character of those
      power series expansions recently considered for the evaluation of several types
      of diffraction catastrophes. A hyperlinear convergence is found to be the
      signature for such expansions, so that the results of the numerical experiments
      recently carried out find a meaningful interpretation in terms of the
      accelerating action operated by the Weniger transformation. As an important by
      product of our analysis, simple criteria, aimed at numerically optimizing the
      diffraction catastrophe evaluations, are provided through analytical expressions.

PMID- 22089582
TI  - Integrated optical temporal Fourier transformer based on a chirped Bragg grating
      waveguide.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate the first integrated temporal Fourier transformer
      based on a linearly chirped Bragg grating waveguide written in silica glass with
      a femtosecond laser. The operation is based on mapping the energy spectrum of the
      input optical signal to the output temporal waveform by making use of first-order
      chromatic dispersion. The device operates in reflection, has a bandwidth of 10
      nm, and can be used for incident temporal waveforms as long as 20 ps.
      Experimental results, obtained through both temporal oscilloscope traces and
      Fourier transform spectral interferometry, display a successful Fourier
      transformation of in-phase and out-of-phase pairs of input optical pulses, and
      demonstrate the correct functionality of the device for both amplitude and phase
      of the temporal output.

PMID- 22089583
TI  - High-numerical-aperture microlens shape measurement with digital holographic
      microscopy.
AB  - In this Letter, we introduce an algorithm that overcomes limitations in shape
      measurement by holographic microscopic methods in cases of micro-optical elements
      with high NA, such as microlenses. The presented algorithm provides a simple
      method for shape reconstruction from interferometrically measured phase. The
      algorithm is based on the analysis of local ray transition through the measured
      object. We develop algorithms for holographic configurations working in
      transmission and reflection. The accuracy of the developed algorithms is proved
      by experiments and extensive simulations. We present an experiment in a
      holographic Mach-Zehnder configuration where we have measured and successfully
      reconstructed the height distribution of spherical and cylindrical microlenses
      with NA up to 0.3.

PMID- 22089584
TI  - Optimal pulse compression in long hollow fibers.
AB  - The spectral broadening performance of 1 m and 3 m long hollow fibers are
      compared. The 3 m capillary clearly outperforms the 1 m one in terms of both
      transmission and achievable spectral broadening. Starting from 1.1 mJ 71 fs
      pulses at 780 nm, a spectral broadening ratio of 26 was achieved using a single 3
      m long argon-filled hollow fiber. After compression the measured pulse duration
      was 4.5 fs corresponding to a compression ratio of 16 at an energy of 0.42 mJ.
      Both the pulse duration and the pulse energy were limited by the applied chirped
      mirrors.

PMID- 22089585
TI  - Diode-pumped mode-locked Yb:YCOB laser generating 35 fs pulses.
AB  - Direct sub-50-fs pulse generation is demonstrated with a mode-locked
      Yb:YCa4O(BO3)3 laser. With external compression, pulses as short as 35 fs are
      generated at 1055 nm. The oscillator operating at a repetition rate of 95 MHz is
      pumped by a two-section distributed Bragg reflector tapered diode laser and mode
      locked by a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. The onset of self-Raman
      conversion for pulse spectral bandwidths exceeding 40 nm (FWHM) is observed.

PMID- 22089586
TI  - Detecting shadows from a single image.
AB  - We present a novel (to our best knowledge) optical recognition technique for
      detecting shadows from a single image. Most prior approaches definitely depend on
      explicit physical computational models, but physics-based approaches have the
      critical problem that they may fail severely even with slight perturbations.
      Unlike traditional approaches, our method does not rely on any explicit physical
      models. This breakthrough originates from a discovery of a new modeling
      mechanism, derived from a biological vision principle, the so-called retinex
      theory, which is well suited for single-image shadow detection. Experimental
      results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the previous optical
      recognition techniques and gives robust results even in real-world complex
      scenes.

PMID- 22089587
TI  - Superior optical limiting, stabilization, and spatio-temporal reshaping of
      ultrashort laser pulses in an opto-stable intrinsic polymer film.
AB  - A chemically modified poly(fluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (PFBT) polymer film is
      reported to exhibit high two-photon absorbing capability and chemical/physical
      stability upon the action of high-power laser pulses of ~780 nm wavelength and
      ~160 fs duration. A nonlinear transmission measurement is conducted by varying
      the input intensity from ~20 to ~600 GW/cm2, the corresponding nonlinear
      transmission of a ~70 MUm thick film is reduced from ~0.8 to 0.18, indicating a
      superior optical limiting behavior. In the meantime, intensity fluctuation of
      laser pulses can be significantly reduced after passing through the same film
      sample. Based on the intensity-dependent nonlinear attenuation mechanism, a
      straightforward optical reshaping effect on spatio-temporal profiles of the laser
      pulses has also been demonstrated.

PMID- 22089588
TI  - Electromagnetically induced transparency-like transmission in periodically poled
      lithium niobate with a defect.
AB  - Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like transmission is observed in
      an electro-optic (EO) tunable periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) with a
      central defect. When an electric field is applied, light satisfying the phase
      matching condition keeps its original polarization, although it experiences
      polarization rotation then turns back. Therefore the corresponding light always
      may pass though freely but with an EO tunable phase and dispersion. On the other
      hand, light with a neighboring wavelength is blocked. An EIT-like spectrum is
      thus obtained with tunable group delay. A low-voltage bulk phase shifter with
      over two orders of magnitude larger index change is obtained.

PMID- 22089589
TI  - Optical Doppler shift with structured light.
AB  - When a light beam with a transverse spatially varying phase is considered for
      optical remote sensing, in addition to the usual longitudinal Doppler frequency
      shift of the returned signal induced by the motion of the scatter along the beam
      axis, a new transversal Doppler shift appears associated to the motion of the
      scatterer in the plane perpendicular to the beam axis. We discuss here how this
      new effect can be used to enhance the current capabilities of optical measurement
      systems, adding the capacity to detect more complex movements of scatters.

PMID- 22089590
TI  - Microwave photonic quadrature filter based on an all-optical programmable Hilbert
      transformer.
AB  - A microwave photonic quadrature filter, new to our knowledge, based on an all
      optical Hilbert transformer is presented. It is based on mapping of a Hilbert
      transform transfer function between the optical and electrical domains, using a
      programmable Fourier-domain optical processor and high-speed photodiodes. The
      technique enables the realization of an extremely wide operating bandwidth,
      tunable programmable bandwidth, and a highly precise amplitude and phase
      response. Experimental results demonstrate a microwave quadrature filter from 10
      to 20 GHz, which achieves an amplitude imbalance of less than +/-0.23 dB and a
      phase imbalance of less than +/-0.5 degrees .

PMID- 22089591
TI  - Sub-100-as timing jitter optical pulse trains from mode-locked Er-fiber lasers.
AB  - We demonstrate sub-100-as timing jitter optical pulse trains generated from free
      running, 77.6 MHz repetition-rate, mode-locked Er-fiber lasers. At -0.002(+/
      0.001) ps2 net cavity dispersion, the rms timing jitter is 70 as (224 as)
      integrated from 10 kHz (1 kHz) to 38.8 MHz offset frequency, when measured by a
      24 as resolution balanced optical cross correlator. To our knowledge, this result
      corresponds to the lowest rms timing jitter measured from any mode-locked fiber
      lasers so far. The measured result also agrees fairly well with the Namiki-Haus
      analytic model of quantum-limited timing jitter in stretched-pulse fiber lasers.

PMID- 22089592
TI  - Negative Goos-Hanchen shift in periodic media.
AB  - We show that, under certain conditions, a negative Goos-Hanchen shift-a
      longitudinal displacement of a totally internally reflected wave packet-occurs in
      periodic media such as waveguide arrays.

PMID- 22089593
TI  - Extreme events in the Ti:sapphire laser.
AB  - We report experimental and theoretical evidence of the existence of extreme value
      events in the form of scarce and randomly emerging giant pulses in the
      femtosecond (self-pulsing or Kerr-lens mode-locked) Ti:sapphire laser. This laser
      displays complex dynamical behavior, including deterministic chaos, in two
      different regimes. The extreme value pulses are observed in the chaotic state of
      only one of these two regimes. The observations agree with the predictions of a
      well-tested theoretical model that does not include noise or self-Q-switching
      into its framework. This implies that, in this laser, the extreme effects have a
      nontrivial dynamical origin. The Ti:sapphire laser is hence revealed as a new and
      convenient system for the study of these effects.

PMID- 22089594
TI  - Paraxial and nonparaxial polynomial beams and the analytic approach to
      propagation.
AB  - We construct solutions of the paraxial and Helmholtz equations that are
      polynomials in their spatial variables. These are derived explicitly by using the
      angular spectrum method and generating functions. Paraxial polynomials have the
      form of homogeneous Hermite and Laguerre polynomials in Cartesian and cylindrical
      coordinates, respectively, analogous to heat polynomials for the diffusion
      equation. Nonparaxial polynomials are found by substituting monomials in the
      propagation variable z with reverse Bessel polynomials. These explicit analytic
      forms give insight into the mathematical structure of paraxially and
      nonparaxially propagating beams, especially in regard to the divergence of
      nonparaxial analogs to familiar paraxial beams.

PMID- 22089595
TI  - Experimental demonstration of coherent beam combining over a 7 km propagation
      path.
AB  - We demonstrate coherent combining (phase locking) of seven laser beams emerging
      from an adaptive fiber-collimator array over a 7 km atmospheric propagation path
      using a target-in-the-loop (TIL) setting. Adaptive control of the piston and the
      tip and tilt wavefront phase at each fiber-collimator subaperture resulted in
      automatic focusing of the combined beam onto an unresolved retroreflector target
      (corner cube) with precompensation of quasi-static and atmospheric turbulence
      induced phase aberrations. Both phase locking (piston) and tip-tilt control were
      performed by maximizing the target-return optical power using iterative
      stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) techniques. The performance of TIL
      coherent beam combining and atmospheric mitigation was significantly increased by
      using an SPGD control variation that accounts for the round-trip propagation
      delay (delayed SPGD).

PMID- 22089596
TI  - Ultrashort pulse characterization with a terahertz streak camera.
AB  - A phase-locked terahertz transient is exploited as an ultrafast phase gate for
      femtosecond optical pulses. We directly map out the group delay dispersion of a
      low-power near-infrared pulse by measuring the electro-optically induced
      polarization rotation as a function of wavelength. Our experiment covers the
      spectral window from 1.0 to 1.4 MUm and reaches a temporal precision better than
      1 fs. A quantitative analysis of the detector response confirms that this
      streaking technique requires no reconstruction algorithm and is also well suited
      for the characterization of pulses spanning more than one optical octave.

PMID- 22089597
TI  - Zonal slope prediction for open-loop adaptive optics.
AB  - We present what we believe to be the first results that obtained with the
      recursive least square zonal slope predictor working on an open-loop liquid
      crystal adaptive optics system operating on astronomical implementation at
      visible and near infrared wavelength on a 1.23 m telescope. The system produces
      substantially better results than a direct open-loop correction based on previous
      measurement. A 27% relative gain in full-width at half-maximum and 30% relative
      gain in Strehl ratio are obtained.

PMID- 22089598
TI  - Derivatives of light scattering properties of a nonspherical particle computed
      with the T-matrix method.
AB  - Based on the T-matrix formalism, we analytically calculate derivatives of light
      scattering quantities by a nonspherical particle with respect to its
      microphysical parameters. Illustrative computations are performed for a spheroid,
      and the results agree with those obtained by finite differencing. The proposed
      formalism also predicts correctly derivatives for a sphere obtained by linearized
      Lorenz-Mie theory.

PMID- 22089599
TI  - The great push for mental health: why it matters for India.

PMID- 22089600
TI  - Vitamin B12 deficiency & cognitive impairment in elderly population.

PMID- 22089601
TI  - Endpoints in advanced breast cancer: methodological aspects & clinical
      implications.
AB  - Breast cancer is an increasingly important public health problem in developing
      countries, with disproportionately high mortality. The increasing availability of
      active agents against advanced breast cancer makes the development of novel
      treatments and their choice in clinical practice progressively more complex.
      Furthermore, there is often a tension between the adequacy of endpoints used in
      clinical trials and the clinician's aim of improving survival and quality of
      life, the two most important therapeutic goals in advanced breast cancer.
      However, overall survival (OS) is no longer a suitable indicator of treatment
      efficacy within clinical trials in settings for which effective subsequent-line
      therapy exists. Conversely, progression-free survival (PFS) currently represents
      the most sensitive parameter to assess the efficacy of a new drug or combination
      in such settings. When coupled with a favourable toxicity profile and cost, the
      demonstration of an improved PFS may be enough evidence for the superiority of a
      treatment. Despite arguments favouring the use of PFS as a primary endpoint in
      clinical trials, clinicians who need to make sense of the available literature
      may be reluctant to use PFS as an indicator of clinical benefit when deciding
      among different therapeutic strategies for their patients. This choice is further
      complicated if one fails to distinguish between the use of an efficacy parameter
      as an indicator of therapeutic objective for individual patients and as a
      clinical trial endpoint. This brief review aims at helping clinicians in their
      daily need to interpret the literature and make informed treatment choices for
      patients with advanced breast cancer.

PMID- 22089602
TI  - An insight into the drug resistance profile & mechanism of drug resistance in
      Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
AB  - Among the aetiological agents of treatable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
      Neissseria gonorrhoeae is considered to be most important because of emerging
      antibiotic resistant strains that compromise the effectiveness of treatment of
      the disease - gonorrhoea. In most of the developing countries, treatment of
      gonorrhoea relies mainly on syndromic management rather than the aetiological
      based therapy. Gonococcal infections are usually treated with single-dose therapy
      with an agent found to cure > 95 per cent of cases. Unfortunately during the last
      few decades, N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance not only to less expensive
      antimicrobials such as sulphonamides, penicillin and tetracyclines but also to
      fluoroquinolones. The resistance trend of N. gonorrhoeae towards these
      antimicrobials can be categorised into pre-quinolone, quinolone and post
      quinolone era. Among the antimicrobials available so far, only the third
      generation cephalosporins could be safely recommended as first-line therapy for
      gonorrhoea globally. However, resistance to oral third-generation cephalosporins
      has also started emerging in some countries. Therefore, it has become imperative
      to initiate sustained national and international efforts to reduce infection and
      misuse of antibiotics so as to prevent further emergence and spread of
      antimicrobial resistance. It is necessary not only to monitor drug resistance and
      optimise treatment regimens, but also to gain insight into how gonococcus
      develops drug resistance. Knowledge of mechanism of resistance would help us to
      devise methods to prevent the occurrence of drug resistance against existing and
      new drugs. Such studies could also help in finding out new drug targets in N.
      gonorrhoeae and also a possibility of identification of new drugs for treating
      gonorrhoea.

PMID- 22089603
TI  - Vitamin B12 deficiency & levels of metabolites in an apparently normal urban
      south Indian elderly population.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: There is no published literature on the extent of
      vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly Indians as determined by plasma vitamin B12
      levels and methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency is expected to
      be higher in elderly Indians due to vegetarianism, varied socio-economic strata
      and high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. We therefore, studied the
      dietary habits of south Indian urban elderly population and measured vitamin B12,
      MMA red cell folate and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. METHODS: Healthy elderly urban
      subjects (175, >60 yr) were recruited. Detailed history, physical examination and
      neurological assessment were carried out. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for
      dietary analysis for daily intake of calories, vitamin B12, folate and detailed
      psychological assessment for cognitive functions was carried out. Blood samples
      were analyzed for routine haematology and biochemistry, vitamin B12, red cell
      folate, MMA and Hcy. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 66.3 yr.
      Median values for daily dietary intake of vitamin B12 and folate were 2.4 and
      349.2 MUg/day respectively. Sixty two (35%) participants consumed multivitamin
      supplements. Plasma vitamin B12 level and the dietary intake of vitamin B12 was
      significantly correlated (P=0.157). Plasma vitamin B12 and Hcy were inversely
      correlated (P= -0.509). Red cell folate was inversely correlated with Hcy (P= 
      0.550). Significant negative correlation was observed between plasma vitamin B12
      and MMA in the entire study population (P= -0.220). Subjects consuming vitamin
      supplements (n=62) had significantly higher plasma vitamin B12 levels, lower MMA
      levels and lower Hcy levels. There was no significant correlation between plasma
      vitamin B12, MMA, Hcy and red cell folate and any of the 10 cognitive tests
      including Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study is indicative of higher vitamin B12 (2.4 MUg/day) intakes in urban
      south Indian population. Thirty five per cent of the study population consumed
      multivitamin supplements and therefore, low plasma vitamin B12 levels were seen
      only in 16 per cent of the study subjects. However, MMA was elevated in 55 per
      cent and Hcy in 13 per cent of the subjects.

PMID- 22089604
TI  - Prevalence & correlates of primary infertility among young women in Mysore,
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: There are sparse data on the prevalence of primary
      infertility in India and almost none from Southern India. This study describes
      the correlates and prevalence of primary infertility among young women in Mysore,
      India. METHODS: The baseline data were collected between November 2005 through
      March 2006, among 897 sexually active women, aged 15-30 yr, for a study
      investigating the relationship of bacterial vaginosis and acquisition of herpes
      simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) infection. A secondary data analysis of the baseline
      data was undertaken. Primary infertility was defined as having been married for
      longer than two years, not using contraception and without a child. Logistic
      regression was used to examine factors associated with primary infertility.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 25.9 yr (range: 16-30 yr) and the
      prevalence of primary infertility was 12.6 per cent [95% Confidence Interval
      (CI): 10.5-15.0%]. The main factor associated with primary infertility was HSV-2
      seropositivity (adjusted odds ratio: 3.41; CI: 1.86, 6.26). INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence of primary infertility among women in the
      study was within the range reported by the WHO and similar to other estimates
      from India. Further research is needed to examine the role of HSV-2 in primary
      infertility.

PMID- 22089605
TI  - Identifying potential pitfalls in interpreting mitochondrial DNA mutations of
      male infertility cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Recently, a significantly higher ratio of nucleotide
      changes in the mtDNA genes: COII, ATPase 6, ATPase 8, ND2, ND3, ND4, and ND5 was
      reported in spermatozoa from populations of infertile Indian men, compared
      suggesting that screening for mtDNA mutations could provide insight into the
      aetiology of male infertility. In this study, we examined the published data and
      found serious errors in the original acquisition and analysis of the data.
      METHODS: The mtDNA data associated with male infertility in Indian populations
      were retrieved from the published sources. The mtDNA substitution values of
      infertile and control groups were evaluated using phylogenetic methods and
      previously published mtDNA phylogenies. RESULTS: Most of the mtDNA polymorphisms
      reported as significantly correlated with infertility were more commonly found in
      general populations. Further, our analysis showed that some of the mtDNA
      substitutions were erroneously overestimated in the infertile groups and
      underestimated in the control groups, and vice-versa. INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to earlier claims, our analysis demonstrated no significant
      association between the mtDNA polymorphisms and male infertility in these
      studies. Further, these errors in the published data impune the usefulness of
      mitochondrial molecular analyses in male infertility diagnosis.

PMID- 22089606
TI  - Cytogenetic profile of Indian patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal
      haematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and
      leukaemia progression. Cytogenetic analysis has proven to be a mandatory part of
      the diagnosis of MDS as well as a major indicator for predicting clinical course
      and outcome. Studies on cytogenetics of MDS are reported mostly from the West and
      only a few are available from Asian countries. We report herein cytogenetic
      studies on 40 Indian patients with primary MDS to find out the occurrence and
      type of chromosome abnormalities and recurring defects. METHODS: Cytogenetic
      analysis was done using GTG banding and karyotyped according to the International
      System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN). RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 19
      patients (47.5%) showed clonal karyotypic abnormalities with distribution as
      follows: 3 of 15 (20%) of refractory anaemia (RA), 4 of 7 (57%) of refractory
      anaemia with excess blasts-1 (RAEB-1), 4 of 6 (67%) of refractory anaemia with
      excess blasts 2 (RAEB-2), 2 of 3 (67%) of refractory anaemia with ring
      sideroblasts (RARS), 2 of 4 (50%) of refractory cytopenia with multilineage
      dysplasia (RCMD), none (0%) RCMD-ringed sideroblasts (RCMD-RS) and 4 patients
      with 5q syndrome. The frequent abnormalities observed in our study were -7, 5q
      and trisomy 8. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Two rare chromosomal abnormalities
      (6q-, 3q-) were found with unknown prognostic significance. Hence, cytogenetic
      analysis may be incorporated in the routine diagnosis of MDS since there are
      racial differences in clinical pictures and the molecular events.

PMID- 22089607
TI  - A pilot study on the use of serum glyoxalase as a supplemental biomarker to
      predict malignant cases of the prostate in the PSA range of 4-20 ng/ml.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) though most
      commonly used for diagnosis of prostate cancer lacks specificity. This study was
      aimed at exploring the use of serum glyoxalase as a supplemental biomarker to
      differentiate between malignant vs non-malignant diseases of the prostate in
      patients with PSA in the range of 4-20 ng/ml. METHODS: Serum glyoxalase and PSA
      were measured in 92 men (30 control, 31 cases of benign prostate hyperplasia
      (BPH) and 31 cases of adenocarcinoma of prostate). Of the latter group, 11 cases
      of prostate cancer in the PSA range of 4-20 ng/ml were included for studying the
      diagnostic utility of combination of both serum PSA and glyoxalase. RESULTS: In
      prostate cancer cases with PSA in the range of 4-20 ng/ml, the glyoxalase was
      found to be 233.3 +/- 98.6 MUmol/min while for the non-malignant group it was
      103.1 +/- 19.7 MUmol/min. A cut-off of 19.2 ng/ml PSA showed sensitivity of 9 per
      cent, specificity of 96.7 per cent, positive predictive value (PPV) of 50 per
      cent and negative predictive value (NPV) of 75 per cent. A serum glyoxalase cut
      off of 141 MUmol/min showed sensitivity of 81.8 per cent, specificity of 100 per
      cent, PPV of 100 per cent and NPV of 93.9 per cent. Further, ROC analysis showed
      a significant difference in the area under curve (AUC) for glyoxalase as compared
      to serum PSA (0.92 vs 0.57; P<0.001). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Serum
      glyoxalase appears to be predictive of prostate cancer in the PSA range of 4-20
      ng/ml. Studies with larger number of participants would be required to confirm
      this finding.

PMID- 22089608
TI  - Cardiovascular autonomic functions & cerebral autoregulation in patients with
      orthostatic hypotension.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Patients of orthostatic hypotension may or may not have
      symptoms of the cerebral hypoperfusion despite fall in the blood pressure. The
      present study was done to quantify autonomic functions and cerebral
      autoregulation in patients of orthostatic hypotension with or without symptoms.
      METHODS: The study was conducted in 15 patients of orthostatic hypotension and 15
      age, sex matched control subjects. The sympathetic reactivity was measured by
      diastolic blood pressure response to handgrip test (DeltaDBP in HGT) and cold
      pressor test (DeltaDBP in CPT). The parasympathetic reactivity was measured by
      E:I ratio during deep breathing test (DBT) and Valsalva ratio (VR) during
      Valsalva maneuver. The cerebral autoregulation was computed from the changes in
      the cerebral blood flow, cerebrovascular conductance and blood pressure measured
      during different time points during head-up tilt (HUT). RESULTS: The sympathetic
      reactivity was lower in patients as compared to controls [DeltaDBP in HGT: 10 (4 
      16) vs 18 (12 - 22) mmHg, P<0.01; DeltaDBP in CPT : 10 (4-12) vs 16 (10-20)
      mmHg, P<0.01]. The parasympathetic reactivity was also lower in patients as
      compared to controls. The sympathetic and parasympathetic reactivity was
      comparable in the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The maximum fall in
      blood pressure during HUT was comparable between symptomatic and asymptomatic
      patients (29.14 +/- 10.94 vs 29.50 +/- 6.39 mmHg), however, the percentage fall
      in the cerebral blood flow was significantly higher in the symptomatic (P<0.05)
      compared to asymptomatics. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      orthostatic hypotension had deficits in sympathetic and parasympathetic control
      of cardiovascular system. Cerebral autoregulation was present in asymptomatic
      patients (increase in cerebrovascular conductance) during HUT while it was lost
      in symptomatic patients.

PMID- 22089609
TI  - Prevalence of & knowledge, attitude & practices towards HIV & sexually
      transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Andhra Pradesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: As part of the baseline survey carried out during 2005
      06, biological and behavioural data were generated on about 3200 female sex
      workers (FSWs), from eight districts of Andhra Pradesh (AP), India. This study
      describes the relationship between socio-demographic and behavioural factors with
      consistent condom use (CCU) and HIV among FSWs in AP. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      community-based study was conducted among female sex workers (FSW) in eight
      districts of Andhra Pradesh, India, using conventional cluster sampling and time
      location cluster sampling. Key risk behaviours and STIs related to the spread of
      HIV were assessed. Blood samples were collected to detect syphilis, Herpes
      simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neiserria gonorrhoeae
      (NG) and HIV serology. RESULTS: About 70 per cent of the FSWs were illiterates,
      nearly 50 per cent were currently married and 41 per cent of the FSWs had sex
      work as the sole source of income. More than 95 per cent of the FSWs heard of
      HIV, but about 99 per cent believed that HIV/AIDS cannot be prevented. Logistic
      regression analysis showed significantly lesser CCU with high client volume, not
      carrying condom and could not use condom in past 1 month due to various reasons
      such as non co-operation by the clients. Similarly, CCU was significantly
      (P<0.001) lesser (only 8.9%) with regular non-commercial partners. Overall there
      was 16.3 per cent prevalence of HIV amongst FSWs. C. trachomatis and N.
      gonorrheae were prevalent in 3.4 and 2 per cent of the FSWs, respectively and
      about 70 per cent of the FSWs were positive for HSV2 serology. HIV was
      significantly associated with STIs. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Misconception
      that HIV/AIDS cannot be prevented is very high. Most of the subjects in the
      present study had first sexual debut at a very young age. HIV was associated with
      STIs, emphasizing aggressive STI diagnosis and treatment. CCU must be emphasized
      right from first sexual debut with all clients and non-commercial partners as
      well.

PMID- 22089610
TI  - Enhanced production of mosquitocidal cyclic lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis
      subsp. subtilis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: A cyclic lipopeptide, surfactin produced by a strain of
      Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis (VCRC B471) was found to exhibit activity
      against both the larval and pupal stages of mosquitoes. The present study was
      aimed at increasing the production of the mosquitocidal metabolite by modifying
      the conventional medium. METHODS: Enhancement of mosquitocidal metabolite
      production was attempted by replacing the existing micronutrients of the
      conventional NYSM and supplementing the medium with additional amounts of
      glucose. The LC50 value of culture supernatant (CS) against the larval and pupal
      stages of Anopheles stephensi was determined. Crude mosquitocidal metabolite
      (CMM) was separated from the CS, identified by MALDI-TOF analysis and its LC50
      dosage requirement for the pupal stage of the above mosquito species determined.
      RESULTS: The medium containing a new composition of micronutrients and glucose up
      to 1 per cent resulted in increased metabolite production. The LC50 value of the
      CS obtained in the improved medium against larvae and pupae of An. stephensi was
      5.57 and 0.71 MUl/ml, respectively. The yield of CMM was doubled in the improved
      medium. MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that the CMM was surfactin. INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSIONS: The new improved medium enhanced the production of mosquitocidal
      metabolite as the dosage required for inciting 50 per cent mortality among the
      pupal stages of mosquitoes was only half of that required when the metabolite was
      produced in the conventional medium. The mosquitocidal metabolite was identified
      as surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide and biosurfactant.

PMID- 22089611
TI  - ATR-X syndrome in two siblings with a novel mutation (c.6718C>T mutation in exon
      31).
AB  - ATR-X syndrome is an X-linked mental retardation syndrome characterized by mental
      retardation, alpha thalassaemia and distinct facial features which include
      microcephaly, frontal hair upsweep, epicanthic folds, small triangular nose,
      midface hypoplasia and carp-shaped mouth. Here we report two brothers with
      clinical features of ATR-X syndrome, in whom a novel missense (C>T) mutation was
      identified in exon 31 of the ATRX gene.

PMID- 22089612
TI  - CTX-M15 type ESBL producing Salmonella from a paediatric patient in Chennai,
      India.

PMID- 22089613
TI  - The inherited disorders of haemoglobin: an increasingly neglected global health
      burden.
AB  - An estimated 300,000 babies are born each year with a severe inherited disease of
      haemoglobin and that over 80 per cent of these births occur in low- or middle
      income countries. As these countries go through the epidemiological transition,
      characterized by a reduction in childhood and infant mortality due to improved
      public health measures, infants who had previously died of these conditions
      before they were recognised are now surviving to present for diagnosis and
      treatment. For a variety of reasons, even in the rich countries there are limited
      data about the true frequency, natural history, and survival of patients with
      these disorders, information that is absolutely critical towards providing
      governments and international health agencies with accurate information about the
      true global health burden of these conditions. The situation can only be improved
      by major action on the part of the rich countries together with the formation of
      partnerships between rich and poor countries and input from the major
      international health agencies and funding organisations.

PMID- 22089614
TI  - Haemoglobinopathies in southeast Asia.
AB  - In Southeast Asia alpha-thalassaemia, beta-thalassaemia, haemoglobin (Hb) E and
      Hb Constant Spring (CS) are prevalent. The abnormal genes in different
      combinations lead to over 60 different thalassaemia syndromes, making Southeast
      Asia the locality with the most complex thalassaemia genotypes. The four major
      thalassaemic diseases are Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis (homozygous alpha
      thalassaemia 1), homozygous beta-thalassaemia, beta-thalassaemia/Hb E and Hb H
      diseases. alpha-Thalassaemia, most often, occurs from gene deletions whereas
      point mutations and small deletions or insertions in the beta-globin gene
      sequence are the major molecular defects responsible for most beta-thalassaemias.
      Clinical manifestations of alpha-thalassaemia range from asymptomatic cases with
      normal findings to the totally lethal Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome.
      Homozygosity of beta-thalassaemia results in a severe thalassaemic disease while
      the patients with compound heterozygosity, beta-thalassaemia/Hb E, present
      variable severity of anaemia, and some can be as severe as homozygous beta
      thalassaemia. Concomitant inheritance of alpha-thalassaemia and increased
      production of Hb F are responsible for mild clinical phenotypes in some patients.
      However, there are still some unknown factors that can modulate disease severity
      in both alpha- and beta-thalassaemias. Therefore, it is possible to set a
      strategy for prevention and control of thalassaemia, which includes population
      screening for heterozygotes, genetic counselling and foetal diagnosis with
      selective abortion of affected pregnancies.

PMID- 22089615
TI  - Past, present & future scenario of thalassaemic care & control in India.
AB  - The first case of thalassaemia, described in a non-Mediterranean person, was from
      India. Subsequently, cases of thalassaemia were documented in all parts of India.
      Centres for care of thalassaemics were started in the mid-1970s in Mumbai and
      Delhi, and then in other cities. The parent's associations, with the help of
      International Thalassemia Federation, greatly helped in improving the care of
      thalassaemics. Obtaining blood for transfusion was difficult, but the Indian Red
      Cross Society and the parent's associations played a crucial role in arranging
      voluntary donations of blood. Chelation with deferoxamine was used sparingly due
      to the high cost. The Indian physicians conducted trials with deferiprone, and
      the drug was first approved and marketed in India. Deferasirox is also now being
      administered. Studies of physical and pubertal growth documented significant
      retardation, suggesting that generally patients receive inadequate chelation and
      transfusions. Bone marrow transplantation is available at a number of centres,
      and cord blood stem cell storage facilities have been established. Information
      about mutations in different parts of India is available, and ThalInd, an Indian
      database has been set up. There is a need to set up preimplantation genetic
      diagnosis and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. It is argued that too much
      emphasis should not be placed on premarital screening. The focus should be on
      screening pregnant women to yield immediate results in reducing the burden of
      this disorder. Care of thalassaemia has been included in the 12 th 5-year Plan of
      the Government of India. Many States now provide blood transfusions and chelation
      free of cost. Although inadequacies in care of thalassaemia remain, but the
      outlook is bright, and the stage is set for initiating a control programme in the
      high risk States.

PMID- 22089616
TI  - Hb E/beta-thalassaemia: a common & clinically diverse disorder.
AB  - Haemoglobin E-beta thalassaemia (Hb E/beta-thalassaemia) is the genotype
      responsible for approximately one-half of all severe beta-thalassaemia worldwide.
      The disorder is characterized by marked clinical variability, ranging from a mild
      and asymptomatic anaemia to a life-threatening disorder requiring transfusions
      from infancy. The phenotypic variability of Hb E/beta-thalassaemia and the
      paucity of long-term clinical data, present challenges in providing definitive
      recommendations for the optimal management of patients. Genetic factors
      influencing the severity of this disorder include the type of beta-thalassaemia
      mutation, the co-inheritance of alpha-thalassaemia, and polymorphisms associated
      with increased production of foetal haemoglobin. Other factors, including a
      variable increase in serum erythropoietin in response to anaemia, previous or
      ongoing infection with malaria, previous splenectomy and other environmental
      influences, may be involved. The remarkable variation, and the instability, of
      the clinical phenotype of Hb E beta-thalassaemia suggests that careful tailoring
      of treatment is required for each patient, and that therapeutic approaches should
      be re-assessed over-time.

PMID- 22089617
TI  - Pathophysiological insights in sickle cell disease.
AB  - The first coherent pathophysiological scheme for sickle cell disease (SCD)
      emerged in the sixties-seventies based on an extremely detailed description of
      the molecular mechanism by which HbS in its deoxy-form polymerises and forms long
      fibres within the red blood cell that deform it and make it fragile. This scheme
      explains the haemolytic anaemia, and the mechanistic aspects of the vaso
      occlusive crises (VOCs), but, even though it constitutes the basic mechanism of
      the disease, it does not account for the processes that actually trigger VOCs.
      This paper reviews recent data which imply: red blood cell dehydration, its
      abnormal adhesion properties to the endothelium, the participation of
      inflammatory phenomenon and of a global activation of all the cells present in
      the vessel, and finally, abnormalities of the vascular tone and of nitric oxide
      metabolism. These data altogether have shed a new light on the pathophysiology of
      the first molecular disease i.e. sickle cell disease.

PMID- 22089618
TI  - Abnormal haemoglobins: detection & characterization.
AB  - Haemoglobin (Hb) abnormalities though quite frequent, are generally detected in
      populations during surveys and programmes run for prevention of Hb disorders.
      Several methods are now available for detection of Hb abnormalities. In this
      review, the following are discussed: (i) the methods used for characterization of
      haemoglobin disorders; (ii) the problems linked to diagnosis of thalassaemic
      trait; (iii) the strategy for detection of common Hb variants; and (iv) the
      difficulties in identification of rare variants. The differences between
      developing and industrialized countries for the strategies employed in the
      diagnosis of abnormal haemoglobins are considered. We mention the limits and
      pitfalls for each approach and the necessity to characterize the abnormalities
      using at least two different methods. The recommended strategy is to use a
      combination of cation-exchange high performance chromatography (CE-HPLC),
      capillary electrophoresis (CE) and when possible isoelectric focusing (IEF).
      Difficult cases may demand further investigations requiring specialized protein
      and/or molecular biology techniques.

PMID- 22089619
TI  - Ethical issues in genetic counselling with special reference to
      haemoglobinopathies.
AB  - Genetic counselling is provided in places where genetic tests are carried out.
      The process involves pre-test counselling as well as post-test counselling to
      enable the individuals to face the situation and take appropriate decisions with
      the right frame of mind. Major ethical principles which govern the attitudes and
      actions of counsellors include: respect for patient autonomy, non-maleficence,
      beneficence, or taking action to help benefit others and prevent harm, both
      physical and mental, and justice, which requires that services be distributed
      fairly to those in need. Other moral issues include veracity, the duty to
      disclose information or to be truthful, and respect for patient confidentiality.
      Nondirective counselling, a hallmark of this profession, is in accordance with
      the principle of individual autonomy. High prevalence of haemoglobinopathies with
      availability of good and sensitive carrier detection tests and prenatal
      diagnostic techniques makes these good candidates for population screening of
      carriers along with genetic counselling for primary prevention of the disease.
      Screening of the extended family members of the affected child, high risk
      communities and general population screening including antenatal women are the
      main target groups for planning a Haemoglobinopathy control programme. A critical
      mass of trained genetic counsellors who have understanding of the ethical issues
      and its appropriate handling with the required sensitivity is needed in India.

PMID- 22089620
TI  - Invasive & non-invasive approaches for prenatal diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies:
      experiences from India.
AB  - The thalassaemias and sickle cell disease are the commonest monogenic disorders
      in India. There are an estimated 7500 - 12,000 babies with beta-thalassaemia
      major born every year in the country. While the overall prevalence of carriers in
      different States varies from 1.5 to 4 per cent, recent work has shown
      considerable variations in frequencies even within States. Thus, micromapping
      would help to determine the true burden of the disease. Although screening in
      antenatal clinics is being done at many centres, only 15-20 per cent of pregnant
      women register in antenatal clinics in public hospitals in the first trimester of
      pregnancy. There are only a handful of centres in major cities in this vast
      country where prenatal diagnosis is done. There is considerable molecular
      heterogeneity with 64 mutations identified, of which 6 to 7 common mutations
      account for 80-90 per cent of mutant alleles. First trimester foetal diagnosis is
      done by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and DNA analysis using reverse dot blot
      hybridization, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and DNA
      sequencing. Second trimester diagnosis is done by cordocentesis and foetal blood
      analysis on HPLC at a few centres. Our experience on prenatal diagnosis of
      haemoglobinopathies in 2221 pregnancies has shown that >90 per cent of couples
      were referred for prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassaemia after having one or
      more affected children while about 35 per cent of couples were referred for
      prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell disorders prospectively. There is a clear need
      for more data from India on non-invasive approaches for prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 22089621
TI  - Genetic counselling in tribals in India.
AB  - Genetic counselling in tribals unlike general population residing in cities and
      near villages is a difficult task due of their lower literacy and poor socio
      economic status. However, sustained effort is essential with a close interaction
      in the local language, certain misbeliefs need to be removed gradually taking
      into account their socio-cultural background. The present communication deals
      with our experience in counselling for haemoglobinopathies during Neonatal
      Screening Programme undertaken for sickle cell disease in Kalahandi district of
      Orissa and Community Screening Programmes in primitive tribes of India in four
      States viz. Orissa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Counselling during
      neonatal screening programme was very well accepted demonstrating the benefit to
      the small babies as regards the morbidity. Premarital marriage counselling was
      also accepted by them. The success rate as followed up for 5 years is almost 50
      per cent, the limitation being long follow up. Genetic counselling in these areas
      has to be continuous to achieve success and therefore the need for setting up of
      permanent centres in the tribal areas in India.

PMID- 22089622
TI  - Haemoglobinopathies in Greece: prevention programme over the past 35 years.
AB  - At present, prevention of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease is the only
      realistic approach to control the birth of new patients in countries having high
      numbers of carriers. This is fully justified because avoiding the birth of an
      ever increasing number of patients may allow a more effective use of the
      available resources in improving the management of the patients surviving today
      and alleviate the already overloaded public health system from the inevitable
      tremendous and ever increasing cost. Moreover, prenatal diagnosis may help
      couples at risk to have non-thalassaemic children. Greece is one of the countries
      where the mean frequency of carriers is approximately 7.5 per cent (population 11
      million) and has set up a nationwide programme for carrier identification in the
      early seventies; this is provided through a dozen of specific Units attached to
      the major Blood Transfusion Services of the country, on a voluntary basis and
      free of charge. Spread of information through mass media, the schools, and other
      groups has greatly contributed in creating the necessary sensitization;
      obstetricians and antenatal Clinics are also instrumental to this effect.
      Prenatal diagnosis is offered centrally (Athens) and covers satisfactorily the
      estimated needs (500-600 annually); the total number has already exceeded 35,000.
      According to information obtained from the major paediatric hospitals all over
      the country, the number of thalassaemia major or SCD admitted for treatment over
      the last ten years has been around 15 yearly (instead of an estimate of 120-130).

PMID- 22089623
TI  - Water quality of selected fluvial lakes in the context of the Elbe River
      pollution and anthropogenic activities in the floodplain.
AB  - The paper evaluates the status of selected fluvial lakes situated in the central
      part of the Elbe River and the impact of anthropogenic activities including
      comparison with the Elbe River water quality on them. To achieve the goals of the
      project, eight researched lakes differed from each other in the intensity of
      communication with the river, morphometric parameters and in the possibility of
      anthropogenic contamination (industrial, agricultural and municipal) were chosen.
      Besides observing the hydrological regime, the research was focused on physical
      and chemical parameters of water. To sum up, the lakes communicating above ground
      with the river showed similarities in several parameters, e.g. organic load or
      conductivity was nearly at the same level, which was lower than in the separated
      ones. Although the values of nitrates were higher in the river, their content did
      not reach such concentrations even in the connected lakes because of their more
      stagnant character. In general, although the Elbe River has a significant effect
      on water quality of researched lakes, especially in the case of lakes with a
      restricted communication with the river, their water quality is a result of local
      conditions, e.g. possibility of contamination by sewage waters, land use in the
      vicinity, etc.

PMID- 22089624
TI  - Pollution levels of thiobencarb, propanil, and pretilachlor in rice fields of the
      muda irrigation scheme, Kedah, Malaysia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential risk of pretilachlor,
      thiobencarb, and propanil pollutants in the water system of the rice fields of
      the Muda area. The study included two areas that used different irrigation
      systems namely non-recycled (N-RCL) and recycled (RCL) water. Regular water
      sampling was carried out at the drainage canals during the weeding period from
      September to October 2006 in the main season of 2006/2007 and April-May 2007 in
      off season of 2007. The herbicides were extracted by the solid-phase extraction
      method and identified using a GC-ECD. Results showed that the procedure for
      identification of the three herbicides was acceptable based on the recovery test
      values, which ranged from 84.1% to 96.9%. A wide distribution pattern where more
      than 79% of the water samples contained the herbicide pollutants was observed at
      both the areas where N-RCL and RCL water was supplied for the two seasons. During
      September to October 2006, high weedicide residue concentration was observed at
      the N-RCL area and it ranged from 0.05 to 1.00 MUg/L for pretilachlor and
      propanil and 10-25 MUg/L for thiobencarb. In the case of the area with RCL water,
      the weedicide residue ranged from 1 to 5 MUg/L for pretilachlor and propanil and
      10-25 MUg/L for thiobencarb. The highest residue level reached was 25-50, 50-100,
      and 100-200 MUg/L for pretilachlor, propanil, and thiobencarb, respectively.
      During April to May 2007, high residue concentration frequently occurred at the
      area supplied with N-RCL irrigation water and it ranged from 0.05 to 1.00, 10 to
      25, and 25 to 50 MUg/L for pretilachlor, propanil, and thiobencarb, respectively.
      The highest residue level reached was 25-50 MUg/L for pretilachlor and 100-200
      MUg/L for propanil and thiobencarb. There was an accelerated increase in the
      concentration of the herbicide residues, with the maximum levels reached at the
      early period of weedicide application, followed by a sharp decrease after the
      rice fields were completely covered with the rice crop. During the main season of
      2006/2007, the concentration of propanil residue gradually rose, although that of
      the other herbicides declined.

PMID- 22089625
TI  - Bioindicative comparison of the fern Athyrium distentifolium for trace pollution
      in the Sudety and Tatra mountains of Poland.
AB  - Concentrations of the elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured in
      the fronds of the fern Athyrium distentifolium from the Sudety and Tatra
      mountains (Poland). The A. distentifolium sites in the Sudety mountains which
      were influenced by long-range metal transport from the former Black Triangle were
      distinguished by the principal component and classification analysis (PCCA).
      These sites were situated on the west side slopes of one of the ranges in the
      Sudety mountains (within a 150-km radius of the heart of the former Black
      Triangle) at an altitude of 700 m asl, and exposed to prevailing winds. This most
      affected area had significantly higher foliar concentrations of Cu, Cr and Ni
      which are typical for long-range transported airborne elements occurring in coal
      fly ash emitted by lignite combustion industry.

PMID- 22089626
TI  - Statistical evaluation of data from multi-laboratory testing of a measurement
      method intended to indicate the presence of dust resulting from the collapse of
      the World Trade Center.
AB  - In this paper we describe a statistical analysis of the inter-laboratory data
      summarized in Rosati et al. (2008) to assess the performance of an analytical
      method to detect the presence of dust from the collapse of the World Trade Center
      (WTC) on September 11, 2001. The focus of the inter-lab study was the measurement
      of the concentration of slag wool fibers in dust which was considered to be an
      indicator of WTC dust. Eight labs were provided with two blinded samples each of
      three batches of dust that varied in slag wool concentration. Analysis of the
      data revealed that three of labs, which did not meet measurement quality
      objectives set forth prior to the experimental work, were statistically
      distinguishable from the five labs that did meet the quality objectives. The five
      labs, as a group, demonstrated better measurement capability although their
      ability to distinguish between the batches was somewhat mixed. This work provides
      important insights for the planning and implementation of future studies
      involving examination of dust samples for physical contaminants. This work
      demonstrates (a) the importance of controlling the amount of dust analyzed, (b)
      the need to take additional replicates to improve count estimates, and (c) the
      need to address issues related to the execution of the analytical methodology to
      ensure all labs meet the measurement quality objectives.

PMID- 22089627
TI  - Field application of SPME as a novel tool for occupational exposure assessment
      with inhalational anesthetics.
AB  - Occupational exposure to inhalational anesthetics occurs routinely in operating
      rooms. It could induce serious health hazards and diseases. This exposure
      assessment is a crucial step in determining risks. In this study, a pen-shaped
      holder for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampler was successfully applied as
      a time-weighted average sampling tool for workshift exposure assessment of
      operation room staff to halothane. It proved to be very convenient for use in
      occupational environments such as operation rooms. Samples were analyzed by a gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. The validity of the SPME method was checked in
      real-world conditions with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
      103 standard method for the determination of inhalational anesthetics. A good
      agreement between OSHA 103 and SPME methods was obtained and results demonstrated
      no statistically significant differences in anesthetic concentrations determined
      by the two analytical methods (p >= 0.05). It is concluded that SPME in retracted
      mode could successfully be applied in occupational exposure assessment purposes.

PMID- 22089628
TI  - Nucleobase recognition at alkaline pH and apparent pKa of single DNA bases
      immobilised within a biological nanopore.
AB  - The four DNA bases are recognized in immobilized DNA strands at high alkaline pH
      by nanopore current recordings. Ionic currents through the biological nanopores
      are also employed to measure the apparent pK(a) values of single nucleobases
      within the immobilised DNA strands.

PMID- 22089629
TI  - Effects of oxidative stress on vascular function, and the role of anesthetics.

PMID- 22089630
TI  - Successful treatment of severe asthma-associated plastic bronchitis with
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - We describe a case of near-fatal asthma requiring extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation (ECMO). The patient presented with severe respiratory distress, which
      was not responsive to conventional pharmacological therapy. The patient also
      failed to respond to mechanical ventilation and thus was placed on venovenous
      ECMO for temporary pulmonary support. A fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed that
      large amounts of thick bronchial secretions had occluded the main bronchus, which
      suggested plastic bronchitis secondary to asthma. Aggressive airway hygiene with
      frequent bronchoscopies and application of biphasic cuirass ventilation for
      facilitation of secretion clearance were performed to improve the patient's
      respiratory status. The patient achieved a full recovery and suffered no
      neurological sequelae. This case illustrates that aggressive pulmonary hygiene
      with ECMO is a useful therapy for patients with asthma-associated plastic
      bronchitis.

PMID- 22089631
TI  - Pandemic influenza H1N1: reconciling serosurvey data with estimates of the
      reproduction number.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the 2009 pandemic of influenza A (H1N1), many studies reported
      estimates of the reproduction number from outbreak data. Since then,
      seroprevalence studies have been conducted in a number of countries to assess the
      proportion of the population that was infected in the first wave of the pandemic.
      METHODS: Here, we collate the reproduction number estimates, and use mathematical
      models to reconcile these with serosurvey data. RESULTS: Most estimates of the
      reproduction number from outbreaks are in the range of 1.0-2.0, whereas mean
      estimates calculated from seroprevalence data range from 1.14 to 1.36. Age
      specific analysis of these data suggests that the reproduction number for
      children was approximately 1.6, whereas the reproduction numbers for adults >25
      years of age was less than 1.0. CONCLUSION: The difference between age-groups may
      help to explain high estimates of the reproduction number from outbreaks
      involving a large proportion of child cases.

PMID- 22089632
TI  - Identity statuses as developmental trajectories: a five-wave longitudinal study
      in early-to-middle and middle-to-late adolescents.
AB  - This study tested whether Marcia's original identity statuses of achievement,
      moratorium, early closure (a new label for foreclosure), and diffusion, can be
      considered identity status trajectories. That is, we examined whether these
      statuses are distinct and relatively stable, over-time configurations of
      commitment strength, levels of in-depth exploration of present commitments, and
      consideration of alternative commitments. The study examined identity development
      in a five-wave study of 923 early-to-middle (49.3% female) and 390 middle-to-late
      adolescents (56.7% female), covering the ages of 12-20. Using Latent class growth
      analysis (LCGA), the authors found that Marcia's (1966) statuses are indeed
      identity status trajectories. Two kinds of moratorium were also found: the
      classical moratorium and searching moratorium. Support was found for Waterman's
      developmental hypothesis of the identity status model: the number of achievers
      was significantly higher, and the number of diffusions lower, in middle-to-late
      adolescence than in early-to-middle adolescence. Females were more often in the
      advanced identity status trajectories, and stable differences were found between
      the trajectories in psychosocial adjustment. Study findings highlight that
      identity formation should be conceptualized as an over-time process.

PMID- 22089633
TI  - Perceived ethnic stigma across the transition to college.
AB  - Ethnicity-based negative treatment during the transition to college may affect
      the long-term adjustment of ethnic-minority youth. We examined within-person
      changes in youths' perceptions of overt discrimination and their sense of their
      ethnic group being devalued by the larger society among 563 Latino, European,
      Asian, and other ethnic minority emerging adults across the transition to college
      (M (age) = 17.79, SD = .37, 54.7% female). Analyses tested for group and context
      differences and associations between perceived discrimination and societal
      devaluation of their group and adjustment. Results indicate that although
      perceived discrimination decreases over time, perceived devaluation by society
      increases. Social context did not affect changes in perceived discrimination and
      societal devaluation. Whereas perceived discrimination was associated with
      depressive and somatic symptoms for everyone, perceived societal devaluation was
      only consequential for ethnic minorities. Future research should identify
      possible moderators to help students cope with experiences of discrimination and
      feelings of not being valued by society.

PMID- 22089634
TI  - Metal-mediated DNA assembly using the ethynyl linked terpyridine ligand.
AB  - The terpyridine ligand directly attached to the 5-position of a uridine allows
      metal-mediated DNA assembly towards potentially electronically coupled DNA
      conjugates.

PMID- 22089635
TI  - The influence of depression on the progression of HIV: direct and indirect
      effects.
AB  - The authors suggest a theoretical model of pathways of HIV progression, with a
      focus on the contributions of depression-as well as secondary, behavioral and
      emotional variables. Literature was reviewed regarding (a) comorbid depression
      and the direct physiological effects on HIV progression and (b) intermediary
      factors between HIV and disease progression. Intermediary factors included (a)
      substance use, (b) social support, (c) hopelessness, (d) medication nonadherence,
      and (e) risky sexual behavior and the contraction of secondary infections. The
      authors suggest direct physiological pathways from depression to HIV progression
      and indirect pathways (e.g., behavioral, social, and psychological). In addition
      to depression, substance use, poor social support, hopelessness, medication
      nonadherence, and risky sexual behavior seem to be integral in HIV progression.
      Based on the individual relationships of these variables to depression and HIV
      progression, a comprehensive multipath model, incorporating all factors, serves
      to explain how severe emotional distress may lead to accelerated progression to
      AIDS.

PMID- 22089636
TI  - Role of the amino-terminal transmembrane domain of sulfonylurea receptor SUR2B
      for coupling to K(IR)6.2, ligand binding, and oligomerization.
AB  - ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels consist of two types of subunits, K(IR)6.x
      that form the pore, and sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) that serve as regulatory
      subunits. SURs are ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins and contain, in addition
      to two nucleotide binding folds, the binding sites for channel openers such as
      diazoxide and P1075 and channel inhibitors such as glibenclamide (GBC) and
      repaglinide. Structurally, SURs differ from most eukaryotic ABC proteins by an
      additional amino-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD0); in case of SUR1, the
      subunit of the pancreatic K(ATP) channel, TMD0 serves as a major domain for
      association with K(IR). In this study we sought to elucidate the roles of TMD0 in
      SUR2B, the smooth muscle gating subunit, in the coupling between SUR2B and
      K(IR)6.2, in the self-association of SUR2B and in channel modulator binding to
      SUR2B. SUR2B has a weaker affinity for sulfonylureas thus SUR2B(Y1206S), with a
      higher affinity for GBC, but an equivalent opener binding was used. Association
      of SUR2B(YS)Delta, lacking TMD0, with K(IR)6.2 was shown by immunoprecipitation;
      however, no evidence for formation of functional channels was obtained.
      SUR2B(YS)Delta self-associates like SUR2B(YS) and binds GBC, repaglinide, and
      P1075 with slightly reduced affinities. The binding profile of the
      SUR2B(YS)Delta/K(IR)6.2 complex differs slightly but significantly from that of
      SUR2B(YS)Delta alone showing impaired allosteric coupling of binding sites. We
      conclude that TMD0 is not required for oligomerization of SUR2B, is of only minor
      importance in ligand binding, but is essential for both functional and allosteric
      coupling of SUR2B to K(IR)6.2.

PMID- 22089637
TI  - Mitochondria in motor nerve terminals: function in health and in mutant
      superoxide dismutase 1 mouse models of familial ALS.
AB  - Mitochondria contribute to neuronal function not only via their ability to
      generate ATP, but also via their ability to buffer large Ca(2+) loads. This
      review summarizes evidence that mitochondrial Ca(2+) sequestration is especially
      important for sustaining the function of vertebrate motor nerve terminals during
      repetitive stimulation. Motor terminal mitochondria can sequester large amounts
      of Ca(2+) because they have mechanisms for limiting both the mitochondrial
      depolarization and the increase in matrix free [Ca(2+)] associated with Ca(2+)
      influx. In mice expressing mutations of human superoxide dismutase -1 (SOD1) that
      cause some cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), motor
      terminals degenerate well before the death of motor neuron cell bodies. This
      review presents evidence for early and progressive mitochondrial dysfunction in
      motor terminals of mutant SOD1 mice (G93A, G85R). This dysfunction would impair
      mitochondrial ability to sequester stimulation-associated Ca(2+) loads, and thus
      likely contributes to the early degeneration of motor terminals.

PMID- 22089638
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid cytokine dynamics differ between Alzheimer disease patients
      and elderly controls.
AB  - The time courses of levels of multiple plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      cytokines in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and in age-matched control
      subjects were compared. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL
      12p70, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, and
      tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were measured 7 times over a 24-hour period in
      plasma and CSF using a lumbar catheter. Baseline plasma and CSF cytokine levels
      were found to be similar in AD and control subjects. However, the CSF levels of
      all measured cytokines, except IL-6 and IL-8, diverged over time between AD and
      control subjects, such that CSF cytokine levels in AD subjects were higher than
      in controls. This difference was greatest at 24 hours after the insertion of the
      lumbar catheter. In contrast, no differences in cytokine trajectories were seen
      in plasma. These data suggest that the neuroinflammatory response to lumbar
      catheter placement differs between AD and control subjects.

PMID- 22089640
TI  - neuroRAD--idea and realization of a new concept.

PMID- 22089639
TI  - Historical changes in the severity of dementia and accompanying neuropsychiatric
      symptoms in persons presenting for evaluation in a multiracial urban dementia
      center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examine historical changes from 1992 to 2008 in the severity of
      dementia and accompanying neuropsychiatric symptoms among persons presenting for
      evaluation and treatment at a multiracial urban dementia center. METHODS: We
      reviewed intakes of white (n=197) and black (n=568) patients seen at a dementia
      center in New York City. Intakes were divided into 3 time categories: period 1
      (1992 to 1996), period 2 (1997 to 2002), and period 3 (2003 to 2008). Diagnoses
      included the following: Alzheimer disease (73%), vascular dementia (13%), mixed
      dementia (9%), mild cognitive impairment (2%), and other dementias (4%). RESULTS:
      Over the 3 assessment periods, persons increasingly presented at an earlier stage
      of illness with significantly higher levels of cognition and functioning, and a
      declining prevalence of psychotic symptoms and agitation. Blacks had a more
      advanced stage of illness, lower cognitive scores, and a greater prevalence of
      psychotic symptoms than whites in period 1, but not during the other time
      periods. There were no racial differences in functioning, agitation, or
      depression. CONCLUSION: Over the period 1992 to 2008, patients were increasingly
      more likely to present with early stages of dementia and fewer symptoms of
      psychoses and agitation, and racial differences in illness severity and
      neuropsychiatric symptoms disappeared. If our sample reflects trends in the
      United States, then it suggests that more persons will be in care for longer
      periods of time, previous research findings derived from dementia centers must be
      considered historically specific, and clinicians must be prepared to work with
      persons with milder forms of neurocognitive disorders.

PMID- 22089641
TI  - Unusual spectral renormalization in hexaborides.
AB  - Employing high resolution photoemission spectroscopy, we studied the evolution of
      the spectral features in rare earth hexaboride single crystals as a function of
      temperature and 4f binding energy, where the variation of the 4f binding energy
      is obtained by changing the rare earth element. High energy resolution helped to
      reveal the distinct features corresponding to the various photoemission final
      states. Experimental results of CeB(6), a dense Kondo system, exhibit the growth
      of the features near the Fermi level with the decrease in temperature relative to
      the uncompensated local moment contributions. The valence band spectra of the
      antiferromagnetic compounds, PrB(6) and NdB(6), exhibit multiple features-the 4f
      ionization peaks (poorly screened features) appear at higher binding energies and
      the features in the vicinity of the Fermi level possessing significant 4f
      character are due to the well-screened photoemission final states. These results
      indicate finite hybridization between the 4f and B 2s2p conduction electronic
      states. Interestingly, the well-screened features in PrB(6) and NdB(6) exhibit
      unusual enhancement in intensity at low temperature.

PMID- 22089642
TI  - Functional analysis of APOE locus genetic variation implicates regional enhancers
      in the regulation of both TOMM40 and APOE.
AB  - Genetic variation within the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) locus is associated
      with late-onset Alzheimer's disease risk and quantitative traits as well as apoE
      expression in multiple tissues. The aim of this investigation was to explore the
      influence of APOE locus cis-regulatory element enhancer region genetic variation
      on regional gene promoter activity. Luciferase reporter constructs containing
      haplotypes of APOE locus gene promoters; APOE, APOC1 and TOMM40, and regional
      putative enhancers; TOMM40 intervening sequence (IVS)2-4, TOMM40 IVS6 poly-T, as
      well as previously described enhancers; multienhancer 1 (ME1), or brain control
      region (BCR), were evaluated for their effects on luciferase activity in three
      human cell lines. Results of this investigation demonstrate that in SHSY5Y cells,
      the APOE promoter is significantly influenced by the TOMM40 IVS2-4 and ME1, and
      the TOMM40 promoter is significantly influenced by the TOMM40 IVS6 poly-T, ME1
      and BCR. In HepG2 cells, theTOMM40 promoter is significantly influenced by all
      four enhancers, whereas the APOE promoter is not influenced by any of the
      enhancers. The main novel finding of this investigation was that multiple APOE
      locus cis-elements influence both APOE and TOMM40 promoter activity according to
      haplotype and cell type, suggesting that a complex transcriptional regulatory
      structure modulates regional gene expression.

PMID- 22089643
TI  - Tumor suppressive microRNA-133a regulates novel molecular networks in lung
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Analysis of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of lung squamous cell
      carcinoma (lung-SCC) revealed that the expression levels of miR-133a were
      significantly reduced in cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. In this
      study, we focused on the functional significance of miR-133a in cancer cell lines
      derived from lung-SCC and the identification of miR-133a-regulated novel cancer
      networks in lung-SCC. Restoration of miR-133a expression in PC10 and H157 cell
      lines resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation, suggesting that
      miR-133a functions as a tumor suppressor. We used genome-wide gene expression
      analysis to identify the molecular targets of miR-133a regulation. Gene
      expression data and web-based searching revealed several candidate genes,
      including transgelin 2 (TAGLN2), actin-related protein2/3 complex, subunit 5,
      16kDa (ARPC5), LAG1 homolog, ceramide synthase 2 (LASS2) and glutathione S
      transferase pi 1 (GSTP1). ARPC5 and GSTP1 likely represent bona fide targets as
      their expression is elevated in lung-SCC clinical specimens. Furthermore,
      transient transfection of miR-133a, repressed ARPC5 and GSTP1 mRNA and protein
      levels. As cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in lung-SCC cells
      following RNAi knock down of either gene, ARPC5 and GSTP1 may function as
      oncogenes in the development of lung-SCC. The identification of a tumor
      suppressive miRNA and the novel cancer pathways it regulates could provide new
      insights into potential molecular mechanisms of lung-SCC carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22089644
TI  - Molecular and biochemical characterization of Tunisian patients with glycogen
      storage disease type III.
AB  - Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) is an autosomal recessive inborn
      error of metabolism caused by mutations in the glycogen debranching enzyme amylo
      1,6-glucosidase gene, which is located on chromosome 1p21.2. GSD III is
      characterized by the storage of structurally abnormal glycogen, termed limit
      dextrin, in both skeletal and cardiac muscle and/or liver, with great variability
      in resultant organ dysfunction. The spectrum of AGL gene mutations in GSD III
      patients depends on ethnic group. The most prevalent mutations have been reported
      in the North African Jewish population and in an isolate such as the Faroe
      Islands. Here, we present the molecular and biochemical analyses of 22 Tunisian
      GSD III patients. Molecular analysis revealed three novel mutations: nonsense
      (Tyr1148X) and two deletions (3033_3036del AATT and 3216_3217del GA) and five
      known mutations: three nonsense (R864X, W1327X and W255X), a missense (R524H) and
      an acceptor splice-site mutation (IVS32-12A>G). Each mutation is associated to a
      specific haplotype. This is the first report of screening for mutations of AGL
      gene in the Tunisian population.

PMID- 22089645
TI  - Single-level anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion using PEEK
      anatomical cervical cage and allograft bone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In an effort to avoid the morbidity associated with autogenous bone
      graft harvesting, cervical cages in combination with allograft bone are used to
      achieve fusion. The goal of the current study was to assess the reliability and
      efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion (ACDF) using a PEEK
      anatomical cervical cage in the treatment of patients affected by single-level
      cervical degenerative disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-five patients
      affected by single-level cervical degenerative pathology between C4 and C7 were
      enrolled in this study. The clinical findings were assessed using the Neck
      Disability Index and the Visual Analog Scale. Surgical outcomes were rated
      according to Odom's criteria at last follow-up. Fusion was graded as poor,
      average, good or excellent by assessing the radiographs. Cervical spine alignment
      was evaluated by sagittal segmental alignment and sagittal alignment of the whole
      cervical spine preoperatively, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow
      up. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent ACDF using a PEEK anatomical cervical
      cage. All patients had a minimum 2 years of follow-up. The operative levels were
      C4-C5 in 5 patients, C5-C6 in 12 patients and C6-C7 in 8 patients.
      Preoperatively, average NDI was 34, 13 at 6 months, and 10 at latest follow-up.
      The mean preoperative VAS was 7; the mean postoperative VAS at latest follow-up
      was 3. Good or excellent fusion was achieved in all patients within 10 months
      (mean 5 months). Preoperatively, average sagittal segmental alignment (SSA) was
      0.2 degrees  and average sagittal alignment of the cervical spine (SACS) 15.8
      degrees . Six months after surgery, average SSA was 1.8 degrees  and average SACS
      20.9 degrees , and at last follow-up, average SSA was 1.6 degrees  and average
      SACS 18.5 degrees . CONCLUSION: Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion
      using PEEK anatomical cervical cages can be considered a safe and effective
      technique to cure cervical disc herniation with intractable pain or neural
      deficit in cases where conservative treatment failed.

PMID- 22089646
TI  - POCIS sampling in combination with ELISA: screening of sulfonamide residues in
      surface and waste waters.
AB  - Sulfonamide antibiotics coming from both human and veterinary medicine are among
      the most common emerging pollutants in freshwater. The present paper shows the
      successful application of passive sampling using POCIS in combination with an
      immunochemical ELISA technique and HPLC/MS/MS analysis to study the distribution
      of sulfonamides in streams around small towns in the Czech Republic, as well as
      around a major agglomeration of the city of Brno, including its waste water
      treatment plant (WWTP). Results indicated the presence of sulfonamides at most
      studied sites with concentrations ranging from <20 up to 736 ng of
      sulfamethoxazole equivalents per POCIS. Very high levels were detected in both
      the influent and effluent of the Brno WWTP with maxima > 8000 ng SMX per POCIS.
      All samplers collected down-stream of the studied towns and WWTPs clearly showed
      an increase in sulfonamide drug residues. Higher concentrations were determined
      in rivers at the city of Brno agglomeration. In agreement with other available
      studies, these findings indicate low efficiency of conventional WWTPs to
      eliminate polar pharmaceuticals such as sulfonamides. Good performance and
      correlation with the LC/MS results, as well as ease of use, indicate good
      potential for the immunochemical ELISA technique to become the screening tool for
      sulfonamide determination in surface waters including passive samplers.

PMID- 22089647
TI  - A putative neuronal network controlling the activity of the leg motoneurons of
      the stick insect.
AB  - It is widely accepted that the electrical activity of motoneurons that drive
      locomotion in the stick insect are controlled by two separate mechanisms: (i) the
      frequency of the activity through the central pattern generator, which provides
      the rhythm of movement during locomotion and (ii) the 'magnitude' through
      circuits distinct from the earlier one. In this study, we show a possible way of
      how this control mechanism might be implemented in the nervous system of the
      stick insect by means of a network model. To do this, we had to define the
      'magnitude' of the neuronal activity more precisely as the average number of
      spikes per unit time. The model was constructed on the basis of relevant
      electrophysiological and morphological data. However, only their integration in
      the model led to the novel properties that enable the network quickly to adapt
      the motoneuronal activity to central commands or sensory signals by changing both
      the firing pattern and intensity of the motoneuron discharges. The network would
      thus act as the controlling network for each of the muscle pairs that move the
      individual joints in each of the legs. Our model may contribute to a better
      understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the fast adaptive control of
      locomotion in this, and possibly in other types of locomotor systems.

PMID- 22089648
TI  - Role of Broca's area in motor sequence programming:  a cTBS study.
AB  - Besides language, the contribution of Broca's area to motor cognition is now
      widely accepted. In this study, we investigated the role of its posterior part
      (left Brodmann area 44) in learning of a motor sequence by altering its
      functioning with a continuous theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (cTBS) in 12 healthy participants before they learned the sequence by
      observation. Twelve control individuals underwent the same experiment with cTBS
      applied over the vertex. Although cTBS over Brodmann area 44 did not impair
      sequence learning, it significantly increased the response latency as measured
      during the retention test, performed 24 h later. This finding suggests that
      Broca's area might be critically involved in organizing, and/or storing, the
      individual components of a motor sequence before its execution.

PMID- 22089649
TI  - Taiwanese fathers' experiences of having their child diagnosed with a
      developmental disability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Receiving a diagnosis of a developmental disability in a child can be
      a crisis event for parents. Gender differences in parental roles are worth
      considering when exploring the impact of having a child with a disability.
      However, most studies on this topic have focused on the mother's experience, and
      little is known about what the father goes through as the parent of a child
      diagnosed with a disability. Even less is known regarding this experience in the
      context of the Chinese culture. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to explore
      fathers' experiences of having a child diagnosed with a developmental disability
      in a Chinese cultural context. METHODS: This study used a hermeneutic
      phenomenological approach informed by the philosophical world views of Heidegger.
      The 16 fathers who participated in the study were purposively sampled from a
      teaching hospital in central Taiwan. Data were collected using in-depth and
      semistructured interviews and were analyzed using hermeneutic analysis. RESULTS:
      Data analysis revealed four shared meanings: losing hope, feelings of failure,
      being frustrated with family conflicts, and searching for positive coping
      strategies. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Fathers feel shock and despair
      as well as personally devalued when learning that their child has been diagnosed
      with a developmental disability. Chinese cultural beliefs and values can elicit
      different experiences for fathers while helping them make sense of their
      experiences and accept their child in meaningful ways. Nurses can actively engage
      fathers as well as mothers to understand their feelings and thoughts about their
      child's disability to provide appropriate emotional and informational support.
      Providing support or referral is necessary particularly when fathers encounter
      issues with the child's grandparents. Nurses can assist fathers to find a way to
      make sense of having a child with a disability within their cultural frame of
      reference by adapting cultural beliefs and values to their situation and to make
      meaning of their child's life.

PMID- 22089650
TI  - Exploration of clinical nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Florence Nightingale emphasized the need for nurses to honor the
      psychological and spiritual aspects of patients to promote patients' health.
      Whereas study of a public hospital in Singapore presented similar findings, few
      studies have explored clinical nurses' perceptions of spirituality. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of this study was to investigate the role of specific nurse demographic
      characteristics in predicting perception differences with regard to spirituality
      and spiritual care. METHODS: The Chinese version of the Spirituality and
      Spiritual Care Rating Scale was developed using a translate and back-translate
      process, achieving a content validity index of .98. This study used a cross
      sectional descriptive survey with 350 clinical nurses as the study sample. Three
      hundred forty-nine valid questionnaires were returned (response rate, 99.71%).
      The institutional review board of the hospital approved this study. RESULTS: Most
      participants were women, ranging in age from 23 to 64 years. Participants'
      clinical experience ranged from less than 1 year to 40 years, with a mean
      experience value of 13.42 years. Participants were distributed among all clinical
      specialties. Slightly less than half (41.83%) professed no religious belief, and
      most were not involved in religious activities (55.01%, n = 192). A little over
      half (53.58%, n = 187) had received spiritual care lessons during nurse training,
      and more than half (58.74%, n = 205) had received spiritual care continuous
      education after graduation. This survey found perception of spirituality
      positively related to holding a master's degree, 11 to 19 years of clinical
      experience, specialty in palliative nursing, and having received spiritual care
      lessons during nursing training or continuing education. Clinical nurses who held
      a master's degree or received spiritual care lessons during continuing education
      had higher levels of spiritual care perception. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: This study found education to have a positive impact on participants'
      perception of spirituality and spiritual care. A higher education level and more
      spiritual care lessons or training courses were found to increase perception
      level. Study findings provide preliminary insights into nurses' perceptions of
      spirituality and spiritual care in Taiwan. Findings demonstrate an urgent need
      for additional education programs or training in spiritual care to improve the
      ability of nurses in catering to the spiritual needs of patients and guide
      clinical nurses when conducting spiritual care.

PMID- 22089651
TI  - Effectiveness of a self-care program in improving symptom distress and quality of
      life in congestive heart failure patients: a preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of heart failure is increasing among older adults. Most
      heart failure patients experience distressing symptoms that lead to decreased
      physical functioning, poor quality of life, and a high incidence of
      rehospitalization. Health education about heart failure self-care (HFSC) is very
      important during hospitalization for these patients. However, lack of ongoing
      follow-up after discharge makes evaluation and disease management difficult. This
      is a significant problem in Taiwan. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to
      determine if participants with heart failure who were managed under the HFSC
      program had fewer distressing symptoms, better functional status, improved
      quality of life, and reduced hospital and emergency readmission rates compared
      with control group participants. METHODS: This study used a quasi-experimental
      design with a control group that received usual care and an intervention group
      that received usual care plus the HFSC program. Twenty-seven participants were
      recruited from 2 cardiac general wards at 1 medical center in Taipei City,
      Taiwan, and were randomized into intervention (n = 14) and control (n = 13)
      groups. RESULTS: : After 3 months, there were significant differences in symptom
      distress (p < .01), 6-minute walk test results (p < .01), and quality of life
      (using Short Form 36, Taiwan version, p < .05) between the HFSC and control
      groups but no significant differences in hospital readmission and emergency
      department visits. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The HFSC program for
      patients with heart failure improved their heart failure symptoms and resulted in
      increased functional status and better quality of life. HFSC is a workable
      program in the clinical environment. Advanced nurse practitioners can use HFSC
      methods and principles to provide improved education and follow-up to heart
      failure patients.

PMID- 22089652
TI  - The effects of low-impact dance on knee torque and lower extremity mobility in
      middle-aged and older women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although low-impact dance is one of the most prevalent exercises in
      older persons, little is known about its effects on knee torque and range of
      motion (ROM) in lower extremity joints. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to
      examine the effects of low-impact dance on knee torque and lower extremity joint
      ROM in older women. METHODS: Twenty-six low-impact dancers and 12 physically
      inactive individuals comprised the dance group (DG) and the control group (CG),
      respectively. The knee extension torque, knee and ankle ROMs, and bone mineral
      density in calcanei were measured for all participants. RESULTS: Several ROMs of
      the lower extremity joints in the dominant leg, ankle inversion, plantarflexion,
      and dorsiflexion were significantly higher in the DG than in the CG (p < .05). In
      addition, the ankle inversion of the nondominant leg in the DG was also
      significantly higher than that in the CG. The knee extension torque of the
      nondominant leg in the DG was significantly higher than that in the CG (p < .05).
      CONCLUSION: Although this study did not focus on the efficacy of a particular
      intervention type, the results showed that low-impact dance can help achieve
      higher lower extremity ROM and knee torque values than attained by inactive
      individuals. It is hoped that this exposition of positive benefits will encourage
      further studies related to the effect of low-impact dance intervention on
      reducing fall risk.

PMID- 22089653
TI  - A systematic review of sleep patterns and factors that disturb sleep after heart
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep is a vital and restorative human function. However, it has been
      reported that up to 50% of heart surgery patients experience sleep disturbance
      during hospitalization and after discharge. PURPOSE: This study describes sleep
      patterns in adults over the recovery course after heart surgery and works to
      identify potential interventions. Researchers analyzed and synthesized studies of
      sleep patterns and sleep-related factors in heart surgery patients. METHODS:
      Observational studies describing sleep through the course of recovery from heart
      surgery were searched from databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Current Contents, and Chinese Electronic
      Periodicals Service from 1966 to 2011. Only studies that used polysomnography,
      actigraphy, or self-report sleep questionnaires to measure sleep were recruited
      in this review. Results of sleep patterns and sleep quality were pooled from
      homogeneity studies. RESULTS: Eight studies that investigated sleep patterns in
      heart surgery patient and nine studies that examined factors associated with
      sleep disturbances in this patient group were analyzed and synthesized. Serious
      problems including low sleep efficiency and difficulty in maintaining sleep often
      happened during the first postoperative week. It took 2 months for sleep to
      recover to preoperational levels. Although sleep quality improved over time,
      sleep disturbances still persisted through 6 months of recovery. Physical
      factors, including pain, dyspnea, nocturia, and cardiac function, and
      environmental factors, including noise, light, and procedures on patients, were
      associated with sleep disturbances during hospitalization. Psychological factors,
      including anxiety and depression, affected sleep during the first -6 months after
      discharge. Individual factors of age and gender affected sleep through the entire
      recovery course. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Sleep disturbances persist
      over the course of recovery in heart surgery patients, and sleep disturbance is
      associated with individual, physiological, psychological, and environmental
      factors. Findings suggest that management of major symptoms and control of the
      patient's sleeping environment during hospitalization and at early recovery stage
      as well as mental healthcare after discharge may improve sleep quality and
      recovery in heart surgery patients.

PMID- 22089654
TI  - Brushing teeth with purified water to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral care may decrease the development of ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (VAP) and improve oral hygiene. However, little evidence is available
      to guide the development of oral care protocols. The practical effect of
      toothbrushing on VAP development and oral health and hygiene improvement is
      inconclusive. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects in postneurosurgical,
      intensive care unit patients of brushing teeth twice daily with purified water on
      VAP rates and oral health or hygiene. METHODS: This study conducted a randomized
      controlled pilot trial. Patients consecutively admitted to the surgical intensive
      care unit at a suburban hospital in 2007 were invited to participate if they met
      two inclusion criteria: (a) under ventilator support for at least 48 to 72 hours
      and (b) no current pneumonia. Upon obtaining informed consent, subjects were
      randomized into experimental and control groups. Both groups received usual
      hospital care, that is, daily oral care using cotton swabs. The experimental
      group additionally received a twice-daily oral care protocol of toothbrushing
      with purified water, elevating the head of the bed, and before-and-after
      hypopharyngeal suctioning. The control group also received twice-daily mock oral
      care (elevating the head of the bed, moisturizing the lips, and before-and-after
      hypopharyngeal suctioning). VAP was defined by a clinical pulmonary infection
      score of > 6. Oral hygiene and health was assessed after conclusion of the
      intervention. RESULTS: Patients (N = 53) were predominantly male (64.2%), mean
      age was 60.6 years old, and most had received emergency surgery (75.5%). After 7
      days of toothbrushing with purified water, cumulative VAP rates were
      significantly lower in the experimental (17%) than in the control (71%; p <.05)
      group. The experimental group also had significantly better scores for oral
      health (p <.05) and plaque index (p <.01). CONCLUSION/IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE:
      Findings suggest that, as an inexpensive alternative to existing protocols,
      toothbrushing twice daily with purified water reduces VAP and improves oral
      health and hygiene.

PMID- 22089655
TI  - Relationship between elderly depression and health status in male veterans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly depression affects the overall health and quality of life of
      institutionalized men. PURPOSE: This study explored the relationship between
      depression and health status in institutionalized male veterans in Taiwan.
      METHODS: This survey study used a cross-sectional research design and recruited
      152 elderly male residents of a veterans' home in northern Taiwan. A validated
      questionnaire assessed depression, health status, and demographic
      characteristics. RESULTS: More than one fifth of the subjects (21.7%) exhibited
      depression. Those with poor general health status (odds ratio [OR] = 7.9, p <
      .001), relatively high levels of dependence on others for daily physical
      activities (OR = 4.6, p = .002), or self-perceived negative influences of chronic
      diseases on daily living (OR = 11.7, p < .001) faced the highest prevalence of
      depression. Subjects with hypertension (OR = 2.3, p = .034), cataracts (OR = 3.7,
      p = .007), or liver disease (OR = 8.1, p = .006) had the highest prevalence of
      depression. Identified risk factors of depression among the elderly male veterans
      included self-perceived negative influence of chronic diseases on daily living
      (adjusted OR = 10.2, p < .001) and cataracts (adjusted OR = 4.3, p = .023).
      CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Geriatrician nurses should develop
      strategies to maintain general patient health and reduce the negative impact of
      chronic diseases and cataracts on daily life to reduce depression in
      institutionalized male veterans.

PMID- 22089656
TI  - A computer literacy scale for newly enrolled nursing college students:
      development and validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing application and use of information systems and mobile
      technologies in the healthcare industry require increasing nurse competency in
      computer use. Computer literacy is defined as basic computer skills, whereas
      computer competency is defined as the computer skills necessary to accomplish job
      tasks. Inadequate attention has been paid to computer literacy and computer
      competency scale validity. PURPOSE: This study developed a computer literacy
      scale with good reliability and validity and investigated the current computer
      literacy of newly enrolled students to develop computer courses appropriate to
      students' skill levels and needs. METHODS: This study referenced Hinkin's process
      to develop a computer literacy scale. Participants were newly enrolled first-year
      undergraduate students, with nursing or nursing-related backgrounds, currently
      attending a course entitled Information Literacy and Internet Applications.
      Researchers examined reliability and validity using confirmatory factor analysis.
      RESULTS: The final version of the developed computer literacy scale included six
      constructs (software, hardware, multimedia, networks, information ethics, and
      information security) and 22 measurement items. Confirmatory factor analysis
      showed that the scale possessed good content validity, reliability, convergent
      validity, and discriminant validity. This study also found that participants
      earned the highest scores for the network domain and the lowest score for the
      hardware domain. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: With increasing use of
      information technology applications, courses related to hardware topic should be
      increased to improve nurse problem-solving abilities. This study recommends that
      emphases on word processing and network-related topics may be reduced in favor of
      an increased emphasis on database, statistical software, hospital information
      systems, and information ethics.

PMID- 22089657
TI  - Modeling the final phase of landfill gas generation from long-term observations.
AB  - For waste management, methane emissions from landfills and their effect on
      climate change are of serious concern. Current models for biogas generation that
      focus on the economic use of the landfill gas are usually based on first order
      chemical reactions (exponential decay), underestimating the long-term emissions
      of landfills. The presented study concentrated on the curve fitting and the
      quantification of the gas generation during the final degradation phase under
      optimal anaerobic conditions. For this purpose the long-term gas generation (240
      1,830 days) of different mechanically biologically treated (MBT) waste materials
      was measured. In this study the late gas generation was modeled by a log-normal
      distribution curve to gather the maximum gas generation potential. According to
      the log-normal model the observed gas sum curve leads to higher values than
      commonly used exponential decay models. The prediction of the final phase of
      landfill gas generation by a fitting model provides a basis for CO(2) balances in
      waste management and some information to which extent landfills serve as carbon
      sink.

PMID- 22089658
TI  - Methamphetamine exposure and chronic illness in police officers: significant
      improvement with sauna-based detoxification therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The medical literature reports health hazards for law enforcement
      personnel from repeated exposure to methamphetamine and related chemical
      compounds. Most effects appear transitory, but some Utah police officers with
      employment-related methamphetamine exposures developed chronic symptoms, some
      leading to disability. This report is of an uncontrolled retrospective medical
      chart evaluation of symptomatic officers treated with a sauna detoxification
      protocol designed to reduce the chronic symptoms and improve the quality of life.
      METHODS: Sixty-nine officers consecutively entering the Utah Meth Cops Project
      were assessed before and after a treatment program involving gradual exercise,
      comprehensive nutritional support and physical sauna therapy. Evaluations
      included pre- and post-treatment scores of the Research and Development
      Corporation (RAND) 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in comparison with
      RAND population norms, pre- and post-treatment symptom score intensities,
      neurotoxicity scores, Mini-Mental Status Examination, presenting symptom
      frequencies and a structured evaluation of treatment program safety. RESULTS:
      Statistically significant health improvements were seen in the SF-36 evaluations,
      symptom scores and neurotoxicity scores. The detoxification protocol was well
      tolerated, with a 92.8% completion rate. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation strongly
      suggests that utilizing sauna and nutritional therapy may alleviate chronic
      symptoms appearing after chemical exposures associated with methamphetamine
      related law enforcement activities. This report also has relevance to addressing
      the apparent ill effects of other complex chemical exposures. In view of the
      positive clinical outcomes in this group, broader investigation of this sauna
      based treatment regimen appears warranted.

PMID- 22089659
TI  - Prevention of rat breast cancer by genistin and selenium.
AB  - Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women and the
      third most common cancer. In this study, we investigated the chemoprevention
      efficacy of each of soy genistin, selenium or a combination of them against
      breast cancer. Seventy-five female rats were divided into five groups : control
      group (I); 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) group (II); DMBA treated with
      genistin group (III); DMBA treated with selenium group (IV); and DMBA treated
      with genistin combined with selenium group (V). The treatments were daily
      administered for 3 months. There were a significant decrease in body weight and
      serum total antioxidant, while a significant elevation in serum total sialic
      acid, carcinoembryonic antigen, prolactin, estradiol, nitric oxide, and
      malondialdhyde of DMBA injected rats compared with control group. Administration
      of genistin and selenium was associated with decreasing levels of tumorigenicity,
      endocrine derangement, and oxidative stress. Formation of breast carcinoma in
      DMBA-induced rats and abnormal changes were ameliorated in the rats treated with
      genistin/selenium or genistin alone. Supplementation of genistin alone or with
      selenium provided antioxidant defense with high-potential chemopreventive
      activity against DMBA-induced mammary tumors more than selenium alone.

PMID- 22089660
TI  - Proposal for the standardisation of multi-centre trials in nuclear medicine
      imaging: prerequisites for a European 123I-FP-CIT SPECT database.
AB  - PURPOSE: Multi-centre trials are an important part of proving the efficacy of
      procedures, drugs and interventions. Imaging components in such trials are
      becoming increasingly common; however, without sufficient control measures the
      usefulness of these data can be compromised. This paper describes a framework for
      performing high-quality multi-centre trials with single photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT), using a pan-European initiative to acquire a normal control
      dopamine transporter brain scan database as an example. METHODS: A framework to
      produce high-quality and consistent SPECT imaging data was based on three key
      areas: quality assurance, the imaging protocol and system characterisation.
      Quality assurance was important to ensure that the quality of the equipment and
      local techniques was good and consistently high; system characterisation helped
      understand and where possible match the performance of the systems involved,
      whereas the imaging protocol was designed to allow a degree of flexibility to
      best match the characteristics of each imaging device. RESULTS: A total of 24
      cameras on 15 sites from 8 different manufacturers were evaluated for inclusion
      in our multi-centre initiative. All results matched the required level of
      specification and each had their performance characterised. Differences in
      performance were found between different system types and cameras of the same
      type. Imaging protocols for each site were modified to match their individual
      characteristics to produce comparable high-quality SPECT images. CONCLUSION: A
      framework has been designed to produce high-quality data for multi-centre SPECT
      studies. This framework has been successfully applied to a pan-European
      initiative to acquire a healthy control dopamine transporter image database.

PMID- 22089661
TI  - Brain hypermetabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a FDG PET study in ALS of
      spinal and bulbar onset.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the neurobiological traits of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS) and to elucidate functional differences between ALS of spinal and bulbar
      onset. We hypothesized that glucose metabolism distribution might vary between
      groups. METHODS: The study groups comprised 32 patients with ALS of either bulbar
      (n = 13) or spinal (n = 19) onset and 22 subjects as controls. They were
      investigated by [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (FDG
      PET), comparing the patient groups with each other and with the controls by
      statistical parametric mapping. RESULTS: Highly significant relative increases in
      glucose metabolism distribution were found in the group comprising all 32 ALS
      patients as compared with the controls in the bilateral amygdalae, midbrain, pons
      and cerebellum. Relative hypermetabolism was also found in patients with spinal
      onset as compared with the controls in the right midbrain. In patients with
      bulbar onset compared with the controls and with patients with spinal onset,
      large relatively hypometabolic areas were found in the bilateral frontal cortex,
      right insula, anterior cingulate, precuneus and inferior parietal lobe. Patients
      with spinal onset had significantly higher scores in a neuropsychological test
      assessing verbal fluency compared with patients with bulbar onset. CONCLUSION:
      This large FDG PET investigation provided unprecedented evidence of relatively
      increased metabolism in the amygdalae, midbrain and pons in ALS patients as
      compared with control subjects, possibly due to local activation of astrocytes
      and microglia. Highly significant relative decreases in metabolism were found in
      large frontal and parietal regions in the bulbar onset patients as compared with
      the spinal onset patients and the controls, suggesting a differential metabolic
      and neuropsychological state between the two conditions.

PMID- 22089662
TI  - Standardisation and harmonisation boost the credibility of nuclear medicine
      procedures.

PMID- 22089663
TI  - VSL#3 probiotics regulate the intestinal epithelial barrier in vivo and in vitro
      via the p38 and ERK signaling pathways.
AB  - Probiotics can play a role in enhancing intestinal barrier function. However, the
      underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to
      examine the effects of VSL#3 probiotics on colonic epithelium permeability, tight
      junction protein expression and MAPKs signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. In
      vivo, acute colitis was induced by administration of 3.5% dextran sodium sulfate
      for 7 days. Rats in two groups were treated with either 15 mg VSL#3 or placebo
      via a gastric tube once daily after induction of colitis. Tight junction protein
      expression and the MAPKs signaling pathways were studied by immunohistochemistry
      and immunoblotting. In vitro, HT-29 cells were exposed to TNF-alpha for up to 48
      h with or without pre-treatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor, an ERK inhibitor or a
      JNK inhibitor. Then tight junction proteins and the phosphorylation of MAPKs were
      examined in the presence or absence of VSL#3. In vivo, VSL#3 probiotics
      significantly ameliorated the disease activity index from Day 4 onward. In acute
      colitis rats, decreased expression of the tight junction proteins were observed,
      whereas VSL#3 therapy prevented these changes and increased the expression of
      phosphorylated p38 (P-p38), and of phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK). In vitro, tight
      junction proteins, P-p38 and P-ERK in the VSL#3 group were significantly higher
      than in the control and TNF-alpha groups. The p38 MAPK inhibitor and the ERK
      inhibitor could effectively prevent this effect. VSL#3 probiotics protected the
      epithelial barrier and increased the tight junction protein expression in vivo
      and in vitro by activating the p38 and ERK signaling pathways.

PMID- 22089664
TI  - C-X...pi halogen and C-H...pi hydrogen bonding: interactions of CF3X (X = Cl, Br,
      I or H) with ethene and propene.
AB  - Using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, the formation of halogen bonded complexes of
      the trifluorohalomethanes CF(3)Cl, CF(3)Br and CF(3)I with ethene and propene
      dissolved in liquid argon has been investigated. For CF(3)Br and CF(3)I, evidence
      was found for the formation of C-X...pi halogen bonded 1:1 complexes. At a higher
      ratio of CF(3)I/propene, weak absorptions due to a 2:1 complex were also
      observed. Using spectra recorded at different temperatures, the complexation
      enthalpies for the complexes were determined to be -5.3(2) kJ mol(-1) for
      CF(3)Br.ethene, -7.5(2) kJ mol(-1) for CF(3)I.ethene, -5.6(1) kJ mol(-1) for
      CF(3)Br.propene, -8.8(1) kJ mol(-1) for CF(3)I.propene and -16.5(6) kJ mol(-1)
      for (CF(3)I.)(2)propene. The complexation enthalpies of the hydrogen bonded
      counterparts, with CF(3)H as the Lewis acid, were determined to be -4.6(4) kJ
      mol(-1) for CF(3)H.ethene and -5.1(2) kJ mol(-1) for CF(3)H.propene. For both
      hydrogen bonded complexes, a blue shift, by +4.8 and +4.0 cm(-1), respectively,
      was observed for the C-H stretching mode. The results from the cryospectroscopic
      study are compared with ab initio calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ(-PP) level.

PMID- 22089665
TI  - Role of the Fc region in CD70-specific antibody effects on cardiac transplant
      survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of the CD70-specific antibody and the mechanisms by which it
      extends transplant survival are not known. METHODS: Fully major
      histocompatibility complex-mismatched heterotopic heart transplantation (BALB/c
      to C57BL/6) was performed. Treated mice received intraperitoneal injections of
      wild-type (WT) CD70-specific antibody (FR70) or IgG1 or IgG2a chimeric antibodies
      on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 posttransplantation. RESULTS: WT FR70 antibody
      significantly extended heart transplant survival to 19 days compared with
      untreated mice (median survival time [MST]=10 days). Graft survival using the
      nondepleting IgG1 antibody was significantly shorter (MST=14 days), whereas the
      survival using depleting IgG2a antibody (MST=18) was similar to that using WT
      FR70. The FR70 and IgG2a antibodies demonstrated a greater efficiency of fixing
      mouse complement over the IgG1 variant in vitro. CD4 and CD8 T-cell graft
      infiltration was reduced with treatment; however, this was most pronounced with
      WT FR70 and IgG2a antibody therapy compared with the IgG1 chimeric variant.
      Circulating donor-specific IgG alloantibodies were initially reduced with WT FR70
      treatment (day 8 posttransplantation) but increased at days 15 and 20
      posttransplantation to the level detected in untreated controls. CONCLUSION: We
      conclude that WT (FR70) and the IgG2a depleting variant of CD70-specific antibody
      reduce graft infiltrating CD4 and CD8 T cells, transiently reduce serum
      alloantibody levels, and extend graft survival. In contrast, the nondepleting
      IgG1 variant of this antibody showed lower efficacy. These data suggest that a
      depleting mechanism of action and not merely costimulation blockade plays a
      substantial role in the therapeutic effects of CD70-specific antibody.

PMID- 22089667
TI  - [An unusual outbreak of histoplasmosis in residents of the state of Mexico].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish whether there was a
      histoplasmosis outbreak among a group of residents of Naucalpan (State of Mexico,
      a non-endemic area for histoplasmosis) and to ascertain the source through which
      they were infected. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anyone associated with the Index Case
      in the same period with a flu-like infection was considered as a suspected case.
      Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination positive, cultures and positive
      immunological tests. Date and form of potential exposure were obtained through
      interviews. Material potentially contaminated with bird or bat droppings was
      sought and analyzed by PCR. RESULTS: The outbreak was associated with a trip to
      El Tamarindo (Veracruz, near the Gulf of Mexico). Patients got sick after digging
      a hole in the floor inside a house where a treasure had been supposedly buried by
      a death relative. The pathogen was detected in soil samples at 10 cm below the
      surface. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that patients contracted histoplasmosis in
      El Tamarindo, a community where there had been no prior cases of this disease.

PMID- 22089668
TI  - [Impact of problem-based learning on the cognitive processes of medical
      students].
AB  - The problem based learning (PBL) method was conceived as a teaching strategy to
      be applied in different areas or disciplines, thus several universities adopted
      it, among which was the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, best known as
      UNAM. The Faculty of Medicine of UNAM implemented this innovative teaching method
      of medicine for its learner-centered educational method tendency (patient
      centered practice). This method develops also several abilities in the students,
      such as active and significant learning, seeking and data selection and
      autoanalysis and synthesis, knowledge integration of, mind's logic for the
      detection and solution of problems, among others. The aim was to evaluate the PBL
      impact on pedagogical and cognitive processes through the students' critical
      thinking and the significance of the experience on students and teachers which
      were working with PBL; in addition, study strategies and self-regulation in
      students were considered variables for the study. Our findings indicated that PBL
      was perceived differently among students and teachers, and it influenced in a
      positive and significant way the students' perception to solve problems and their
      motivation to achieve a good academic performance (p < 0.005). These results
      suggest that PBL is a useful strategy in the teaching and learning process and it
      is clear that the pedagogical process and other variables can potentially
      influence the results obtained.

PMID- 22089666
TI  - Insulin degradation by acinar cell proteases creates a dysfunctional environment
      for human islets before/after transplantation: benefits of alpha-1 antitrypsin
      treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic acinar cells are commonly cotransplanted along with islets
      during auto- and allotransplantations. The aims of this study were to identify
      how acinar cell proteases cause human islet cell loss before and after
      transplantation of impure islet preparations and to prevent islet loss and
      improve function with supplementation of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT). METHODS:
      Acinar cell protease activity, insulin levels, and percent islet loss were
      measured after culture of pure and impure clinical islet preparations. The effect
      of proteases on ultrastructure of islets and beta-cell insulin granules were
      examined by transmission electron microscopy. The number of insulin granules and
      insulin-labeled immunogold particles were counted. The in vivo effect of
      proteases on islet function was studied by transplanting acinar cells adjacent to
      islet grafts in diabetic mice. The effects of A1AT culture supplementation on
      protease activity, insulin levels, and islet function were assessed in pure and
      impure islets. RESULTS: Islet loss after culture was significantly higher in
      impure relative to pure preparations (30% vs. 14%, P<0.04). Lower islet purity
      was associated with increased protease activity and decreased insulin levels in
      culture supernatants. Reduced beta-cell insulin granules and insulin degradation
      by proteases were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Transplantations
      in mice showed delayed islet graft function when acinar cells were transplanted
      adjacent to the islets under the kidney capsule. Supplementation of A1AT to
      impure islet cultures maintained islet cell mass, restored insulin levels, and
      preserved islet functional integrity. CONCLUSION: Culture of impure human islet
      fractions in the presence of A1AT prevents insulin degradation and improves islet
      recovery.

PMID- 22089669
TI  - [Familial homozygous hypercholesterolemia due to the c2271delT mutation in the
      LDL receptor gene, detected exclusively in Mexicans].
AB  - We present the case of an 18-years old women with homozygous familial
      hypercholesterolemia in which a LDL receptor mutation (c2271delT) was found. This
      mutation has been informed only in Mexicans. The patient was born in Oaxaca,
      Mexico. She has atypical location of tendinous and tuberous xanthomata, coronary
      atherosclerosis and multiple valve involvement. The response to ezetimibe/high
      dose statin therapy was poor. This case is an example of the occurrence of
      homozygous forms of familial hypercholesterolemia in genetically isolated
      populations of Mexico.

PMID- 22089670
TI  - [Comprehensive model of care for highly specialized hospitals].
AB  - In August 2007 the committee was installed to guide and direct medical management
      to the satisfaction and needs of medical equipment as special ingredient in the
      pursuit of quality health services that should be granted to the population.

PMID- 22089671
TI  - [Conceptual role on team work].
AB  - The main purpose of this presentation is to provide basic information on the
      operational and structural design of future health institutions. The analysis
      should take into account the double purpose of the medical practice: technology
      and humanism.

PMID- 22089672
TI  - [Teaching and research in high specialty hospitals].
AB  - Education and research are strategic activities leading to development and
      progress of a hospital, so planning on this matter is fundamental, both in terms
      of structure and infrastructure. Investment on faculty development and on
      researchers should be considered beyond the short term. Education should respond
      to the necessities and research to health priorities through formal agreements
      with universities and institutes.

PMID- 22089673
TI  - [Hospital and organizational dynamics of the National Institutes of Health.
      Relationship with high-specialty hospitals].
AB  - In order to primarily encourage medical care, teaching and research activities in
      high specialty regional hospitals (HSRH), a number of strategies are explored to
      increase the number of patients cared for, improve the quality and timeliness of
      care and successfully integrate the function of these hospitals within the care
      and patient flow model expected by the Federal Government. These strategies
      include the use of information technology systems as platforms for telemedicine,
      including tele-imaging, tele-education and telepathology, thus fostering the
      quality and timeliness of medical care and narrow the relationship between these
      HSRH with the National Health Institutes. Other strategies such as extra-mural
      surgery, specific theme workshops, resident rotations, the use of simulators and
      "Science Weeks" are also explored so as to promote teaching and research.
      Finally, the reference and counter-reference system and the introduction of
      pension programs are evaluated as possible strategies supporting resource
      management.

PMID- 22089674
TI  - [Monitoring evaluation system for high-specialty hospitals].
AB  - Hospital evaluation is a fundamental process to identify medical units' objective
      compliance, to analyze efficiency of resource use and allocation, institutional
      values and mission alignment, patient safety and quality standards, contributions
      to research and medical education, and the degree of coordination among medical
      units and the health system as a whole. We propose an evaluation system for
      highly specialized regional hospitals through the monitoring of performance
      indicators. The following are established as base thematic elements in the
      construction of indicators: safe facilities and equipment, financial situation,
      human resources management, policy management, organizational climate, clinical
      activity, quality and patient safety, continuity of care, patients' and
      providers' rights and obligations, teaching, research, social responsibility,
      coordination mechanisms. Monitoring refers to the planned and systematic
      evaluation of valid and reliable indicators, aimed at identifying problems and
      opportunity areas. Moreover, evaluation is a powerful tool to strengthen decision
      making and accountability in medical units.

PMID- 22089675
TI  - [Performance and remuneration of medical staff].
AB  - The creation of highly specialized hospitals projected by the Federal Ministry of
      Health, under an innovative financing model, offers the ideal place to implement
      a new project to fulfill medical management needs and characteristics. The goal
      is to improve the quality of health care through physician satisfaction. The
      committee's proposals are geared primarily to direct medical management to the
      satisfaction, desires, and needs of the medical team as an essential ingredient
      in the pursuit of quality and warmth in health services that should be granted to
      the population.

PMID- 22089676
TI  - [First case of HIV-1 subtype C infection in Mexico].
AB  - We herein report the first case of HIV-1 subtype C described in Mexico, which was
      detected in a South African patient who died in Mexico of an AIDS-related non
      Hodgkin lymphoma. Although HIV-1 subtype B is the predominant virus circulating
      in Mexico, the case reported highlights the importance of molecular monitoring of
      the spreading of HIV-1 subtypes.

PMID- 22089677
TI  - [Intrapancreatic lipoma: a rare mesenquimatous tumor with an uncertain
      physiopathogenesis].
AB  - Intrapancreatic lipoma is a mesenquimal tumor that currently is still considered
      a strange entity. There are numerous hypotheses about its pathophysiology;
      however, none has been clarified. Diagnosis is usually incidental, and computed
      tomography has been performed for other indications, with high sensibility and
      specificity, making histopathology confirmation unnecessary, hence suggesting
      image-follow up solely.

PMID- 22089678
TI  - [A rare case of colorectal micropapillary carcinoma].
AB  - Micropapillary carcinoma is regarded as an aggressive variant of adenocarcinoma
      in any location. It is histologically characterized by papillary cell clusters
      surrounded by clear spaces. The reported proportion of micropapillary carcinoma
      component in the entire tumor ranges from 5-80% and no pure cases have been
      reported. To date, there are approximately 130 cases reported in the colorectum.
      We recently examined a patient with a pure micropapillary carcinoma showing co
      expression of CK7, CK20, and absence of CDX2, which had an aggressive tumor with
      extensive perineural, vascular, and lymphatic invasion as well as extensive nodal
      metastasis. The presence of a micropapillary carcinoma in the colorectum seemed
      to be closely related with nodal metastasis, as observed in micropapillary
      carcinomas from other organs. Thus, if a micropapillary component is identified
      in a tumor, particularly in a biopsy specimen, extensive surgical resection
      should be considered due to the high potential for nodal metastasis, even if the
      preoperative diagnosis is a pedunculated early colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22089679
TI  - [Agueda of Catania: the patron saint of patients with breast diseases].
AB  - For those suffering from breast cancer, Agatha is their patron saint. She was a
      beautiful Christian maiden, from Catania, Sicily, who dedicated her life to God.
      As she rejected the love proposals of consul Quintiliano, she suffered cruel
      tortures. One of the tortures she suffered was to have her breast cut off, with
      iron shears, a detail that furnished to the Christian medieval iconography, the
      peculiar characteristic of Agatha. Catania honors Agatha as her patron saint and
      throughout the region around Mt. Etna. Saint Agatha's feast day is February 5.
      All of those dedicated to the treatment and prevention of breast cancer are known
      as "the soldiers of Saint Agatha".

PMID- 22089681
TI  - Tobacco epidemic in South-East Asia region: challenges and progress in its
      control.

PMID- 22089682
TI  - Tobacco use: a major risk factor for non communicable diseases in South-East Asia
      region.
AB  - Tobacco use is a serious public health problem in the South East Asia Region
      where use of both smoking and smokeless form of tobacco is widely prevalent. The
      region has almost one quarter of the global population and about one quarter of
      all smokers in the world. Smoking among men is high in the Region and women
      usually take to chewing tobacco. The prevalence across countries varies
      significantly with smoking among adult men ranges from 24.3% (India) to 63.1%
      (Indonesia) and among adult women from 0.4% (Sri Lanka) to 15% (Myanmar and
      Nepal). The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among men varies from 1.3%
      (Thailand) to 31.8% (Myanmar), while for women it is from 4.6% (Nepal) to 27.9%
      (Bangladesh). About 55% of total deaths are due to Non communicable diseases
      (NCDs) with 53.4% among females with highest in Maldives (79.4%) and low in Timor
      Leste (34.4%). Premature mortality due to NCDs in young age is high in the region
      with 60.7% deaths in Timor Leste and 60.6% deaths in Bangladesh occurring below
      the age of 70 years. Age standardized death rate per 100,000 populations due to
      NCDs ranges from 793 (Bhutan) and 612 (Maldives) among males and 654 (Bhutan) and
      461 (Sri Lanka) among females respectively. Out of 5.1 millions tobacco
      attributable deaths in the world, more than 1 million are in South East Asia
      Region (SEAR) countries. Reducing tobacco use is one of the best buys along with
      harmful use of alcohol, salt reduction and promotion of physical activity for
      preventing NCDs. Integrating tobacco control with broader population services in
      the health system framework is crucial to achieve control of NCDs and sustain
      development in SEAR countries.

PMID- 22089683
TI  - Social, economic and legal dimensions of tobacco and its control in South-East
      Asia region.
AB  - This paper examines the social, cultural, economic and legal dimensions of
      tobacco control in the South-East Asia Region in a holistic view through the
      review of findings from various studies on prevalence, tobacco economics, poverty
      alleviation, women and tobacco and tobacco control laws and regulations. Methods
      were Literature review of peer reviewed publications, country reports, WHO
      publications, and reports of national and international meetings on tobacco and
      findings from national level surveys and studies. Tobacco use has been a social
      and cultural part of the people of South-East Asia Region. Survey findings show
      that 30% to 60% of men and 1.8% to 15.6% of women in the Region use one or the
      other forms of tobacco products. The complex nature of tobacco use with both
      smoking and smokeless forms is a major challenge for implementing tobacco control
      measures. Prevalence of tobacco use is high among the poor and the illiterate. It
      is higher among males than females but studies show a rising trend among girls
      and women due to intensive marketing of tobacco products by the tobacco industry.
      Tobacco users spend a huge percent of their income on tobacco which deprives them
      and their families of proper nutrition, good education and health care. Some
      studies of the Region show that cost of treatment of diseases attributable to
      tobacco use was more than double the revenue that governments received from
      tobacco taxation. Another challenge the Region faces is the application of
      uniform tax to all forms of tobacco, which will reduce not only the availability
      of tobacco products in the market but also control people switching over to
      cheaper tobacco products. Ten out of eleven countries are Parties to the WHO
      Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and nine countries have tobacco control
      legislation. Enforcement of control measures is weak, particularly in areas such
      as smoke-free environments, advertisement at the point of sale and sale of
      tobacco to minors. Socio-cultural acceptance of tobacco use is still a major
      challenge in tobacco control efforts for the governments and stakeholders in the
      South-East Asia Region. The myth that chewing tobacco is less harmful than
      smoking tobacco needs to be addressed with public awareness campaigns. Advocacy
      on the integration of tobacco control with poverty alleviation campaigns and
      development programs is urgently required. Law enforcement is a critical area to
      be strengthened and supported by WHO and the civil society organizations working
      in the area of tobacco control.

PMID- 22089684
TI  - Tobacco use among youth and adults in member countries of South-East Asia region:
      review of findings from surveys under the Global Tobacco Surveillance System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper examines the prevalence of current tobacco use among youth
      and adults in selected member countries of the South-East Asia Region using the
      data from school and household-based surveys included in the Global Tobacco
      Surveillance System. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)
      data (years 2007-2009) were used to examine current tobacco use prevalence among
      youth, whereas Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data (years 2009-2010) were
      used to examine the prevalence among adults. GYTS is a school-based survey of
      students aged 13-15, using a two-stage cluster sample design, and GATS is a
      household survey of adults age 15 and above using a multi-stage stratified
      cluster design. Both surveys used a standard protocol for the questionnaire, data
      collection and analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of current tobacco use among
      students aged 13-15 varied from 5.9% in Bangladesh to 56.5% in Timor-Leste, and
      the prevalence among adults aged 15 and above was highest in Bangladesh (43.3%),
      followed by India (34.6%) and Thailand (27.2%). Reported prevalence was
      significantly higher among males than females for adults and youth in all
      countries except Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste. Current use of tobacco
      other than manufactured cigarettes was notably higher than current cigarette
      smoking among youth aged 13-15 years in most countries of the Region, while the
      same was observed among adults in Bangladesh, India and Thailand, with most women
      in those countries, and 49% of men in India, using smokeless tobacco. CONCLUSION:
      Tobacco use among youth and adults in member countries of the region is high and
      the pattern of tobacco consumption is complex. Tobacco products other than
      cigarettes are commonly used by youth and adults, as those products are
      relatively cheaper than cigarettes and affordable for almost all segments of the
      population. As a result, use of locally produced smoked and smokeless tobacco
      products is high in the region. Generating reliable data on tobacco use and key
      tobacco control measures at regular intervals is essential to better understand
      and respond with effective tobacco control intervention.

PMID- 22089685
TI  - Evidence building for policy: tobacco surveillance/surveys and research in India.
AB  - India is at a crucial juncture relating to tobacco control and implementing the
      recommendations of the WHO FCTC. Tobacco consumption in the country remains
      alarmingly high in urban as well as rural areas. Smokeless tobacco consumption is
      very popular among larger masses, including the youth. Cigarette smoking has
      declined, but bidi use has increased concomitantly. Youth continue to be lured to
      initiate tobacco consumption through efficient marketing strategies of tobacco
      companies. The epidemiology of tobacco consumption is markedly varied across the
      country, with high rates in 15 States. Progress has been made towards tobacco
      control by the enactment of laws and regulations and the National Tobacco Control
      Program. Strengthening their implementation and enforcement is the biggest
      challenge and requires resource inputs. Evidence generation and its translation
      and utilisation for policy interventions would be useful.

PMID- 22089686
TI  - WHO framework convention on tobacco control and its implementation in South-East
      Asia region.
AB  - The birth of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) took
      place in response to the global tobacco epidemic and it became the most important
      global tobacco control instrument. Duly recognizing tobacco use as an important
      public health problem and in the wake of rising prevalence of and mortality
      related to tobacco use, almost all Member States of the South-East Asia Region
      signed and ratified the WHO FCTC. Following the ratification, Member countries
      have enacted comprehensive national tobacco control laws and regulations. Most
      countries have covered some important provisions, such as tax and price measures,
      smoke-free places, health warnings, a ban on tobacco advertising and promotion,
      and a ban on tobacco sales to minors. In spite of innumerable constraints and
      challenges, particularly human, infrastructural and financial resources, Member
      countries have been doing their best to enforce those legislations and
      regulations as effectively as possible. In order to educate the general public on
      the harmful effects of tobacco, mass health campaigns have been organized which
      are being continued and sustained. However, some of the important areas that need
      attention in due course of time are tax raises, illicit trade, tobacco industry
      interference and alternate cropping systems. All Member States in the Region are
      striving harder to achieving the goals and provisions of the Framework Convention
      through actively engaging all relevant sectors and addressing the tobacco issue
      holistically, and thus protecting the present and future generations from the
      devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences of tobacco
      consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

PMID- 22089687
TI  - Second-hand smoke: a neglected public health challenge.
AB  - Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) causes an estimated 5% of the global burden of
      disease, slightly higher than the burden from direct use of tobacco. This review
      highlights the urgent need to address this ignored public health issue by
      presenting the evidence and impact of SHS on those exposed using global studies
      including those from the South-East Asia Region. The burden of morbidity from SHS
      exposure is higher in low-income countries in Southeast Asia region compared to
      the rest of the world. SHS exposure affects those most vulnerable, especially
      women and children. While several countries in the region have enacted
      legislation which offer protection to those exposed to SHS, most measures are
      partial and inadequate. As a result, implementation and compliance at national
      and sub-national level within the countries of the Southeast Asia region is
      variable. Governments must ensure that legislation mandates comprehensive smoke
      free environments in order to provide public health benefit which offers
      universal protection to everyone and everywhere. Where comprehensive legislation
      exists, stringent implementation and enforcement, along with awareness building,
      education and monitoring through regular compliance studies must be done to
      sustain smokefree status of public places within jurisdictions.

PMID- 22089688
TI  - Smokeless tobacco: a major public health problem in the SEA region: a review.
AB  - Smokeless tobacco use is on the upswing in some parts of the world, including
      parts of SEAR. It is therefore important to monitor this problem and understand
      the possible consequences on public health. Material for this review was obtained
      from documents and data of the World Health Organization, co-authors, colleagues,
      and searches on key words in PubMed and on Google. Smokeless tobacco use in SEAR,
      as betel quid with tobacco, declined with increased marketing of cigarettes from
      the early twentieth century. Smokeless tobacco use began to increase in the 1970s
      in South Asia, with the marketing of new products made from areca nut and tobacco
      and convenient packaging. As a consequence, oral precancerous conditions and
      cancer incidence in young adults have increased significantly. Thailand's
      successful policies in reducing betel quid use through school health education
      from the 1920s and in preventing imports of smokeless tobacco products from 1992
      are worth emulating by many SEAR countries. India, the largest manufacturing
      country of smokeless tobacco in the Region, is considering ways to regulate its
      production. Best practices require the simultaneous control of smokeless and
      smoking forms of tobacco. Governments in SEAR would do well to adopt strong
      measures now to control this problem.

PMID- 22089689
TI  - Exposure to tobacco smoke among adults in Bangladesh.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) at home, in workplace,
      and in various public places in Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 2009
      Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in Bangladesh was analyzed. The data
      consists of 9,629 respondents from a nationally representative multi-stage
      probability sample of adults aged 15 years and above. Exposure to second-hand
      smoke was defined as respondents who reported being exposed to tobacco smoke in
      the following locations: Indoor workplaces, homes, government building or office,
      health care facilities, public transportation, schools, universities,
      restaurants, and cafes, coffee shops or tea houses. Exposure to tobacco smoke in
      these places was examined by gender across various socioeconomic and demographic
      sub-groups that include age, residence, education and wealth index using SPSS
      17.0 for complex samples. RESULTS: The study shows high prevalence of SHS
      exposure at home and in workplace and in public places. Exposure to SHS among
      adults was reported high at home (54.9%) (male-58.2% and female-51.7%), in
      workplace (63%) (male-67.8% and female-30.4%), and in any public place (57.8%)
      (male-90.4% and female-25.1%) 30 days preceding the survey. Among the public
      places examined exposure was low in the educational institutions (schools-4.3%)
      and health care facilities (5.8%); however, exposure was high in public
      transportation (26.3%), and restaurants (27.6%). SHS exposure levels at home, in
      workplace and public places were varied widely across various socioeconomic and
      demographic sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure was reported high in settings
      having partial ban as compared to settings having a complete ban. Following the
      WHO FCTC and MPOWER measures, strengthening smoke-free legislation may further
      the efforts in Bangladesh towards creating and enforcing 100% smoke-free areas
      and educating the public about the dangers of SHS. Combining these efforts can
      have a complementary effect on protecting the people from hazardous effect of SHS
      as well as reducing the social acceptance of smoking both at home and in public
      and workplaces. Ongoing surveillance in Bangladesh is necessary to measure
      progress towards monitoring SHS exposure.

PMID- 22089690
TI  - Tobacco control policies in India: implementation and challenges.
AB  - Tobacco use is a major public health challenge in India with 275 million adults
      consuming different tobacco products. Government of India has taken various
      initiatives for tobacco control in the country. Besides enacting comprehensive
      tobacco control legislation (COTPA, 2003), India was among the first few
      countries to ratify WHO the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in
      2004. The National Tobacco Control Programme was piloted during the 11 th Five
      Year Plan which is under implementation in 42 districts of 21 states in the
      country. The advocacy for tobacco control by the civil society and community led
      initiatives has acted in synergy with tobacco control policies of the Government.
      Although different levels of success have been achieved by the states, non
      prioritization of tobacco control at the sub national level still exists and
      effective implementation of tobacco control policies remains largely a challenge.

PMID- 22089691
TI  - Tobacco control: lessons learnt in Thailand.
AB  - This review of legislation, obstacles faced, and challenges to be met, outlines
      present tobacco control lessons learnt in Thailand. A review of over twenty years
      of tobacco control experience in Thailand is provided in seven areas including
      policy formulation and the role of civil society, as well as in essential WHO
      Framework Convention on Tobacco Control areas. A descriptive, historical review
      shows how stakeholders, policies and resources were mobilized in Thailand, and
      what lessons resource-challenged countries might use from the Thai experience.

PMID- 22089692
TI  - Local governments and civil society lead breakthrough for tobacco control:
      lessons from Chandigarh and Chennai.
AB  - Smoke-free legislation is gaining popularity; however, it must accompany
      effective implementation to protect people from secondhand smoke (SHS) which
      causes 600,000 deaths annually. Increasing numbers of smoke-free cities in the
      world indicate that municipalities have an important role in promoting smoke-free
      environments. The objectives were to describe the local initiative to promote
      smoke-free environments and identify the key factors that contributed to the
      process. Observations were based on a case study on the municipal smoke-free
      initiatives in Chandigarh and Chennai, India. India adopted the Cigarette and
      Other Tobacco Products Act in 2003, the first national tobacco control law
      including smoke-free provisions. In an effort to enforce the Act at the local
      level, a civil society organization in Chandigarh initiated activities urging the
      city to support the implementation of the provisions of the Act which led to the
      initiation of city-wide law enforcement. After the smoke-free declaration of
      Chandigarh in 2007, Chennai also initiated a smoke-free intervention led by civil
      society in 2008, following the strategies used in Chandigarh. These experiences
      resonate with other cases in Asian cities, such as Jakarta, Davao, and Kanagawa
      as well as cities in other areas of the world including Mexico City, New York
      City, Mecca and Medina. The cases of Chandigarh and Chennai demonstrate that
      civil society can make a great contribution to the enforcement of smoke-free laws
      in cities, and that cities can learn from their peers to protect people from SHS.

PMID- 22089694
TI  - Two-stage optimization of a supramolecular catalyst for catalytic asymmetric
      hydroboration.
AB  - Systematic changes, first to the structure of the catalyst scaffold and then to
      the ligating groups, are used to fine tune supramolecular catalysts to achieve
      high regioselectivity (95-98%) and high enantioselectivity (94-97% ee) across a
      series of meta-substituted styrenes varying in electronic character.

PMID- 22089693
TI  - In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Astragalus
      polysaccharides against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte damage in common
      carp (Cyprinus carpio).
AB  - The present study is aiming at evaluating the hepatoprotective and antioxidant
      effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))
      induced hepatocyte and liver injury in common carp in vitro and in vivo. In
      vitro, APS (200, 400 and 800 MUg/ml) was added to the carp primary hepatocytes
      before (pre-treatment), after (post-treatment) and both before and after (pre-
      and post-treatment) the incubation of the hepatocytes with CCl(4) at 8 mM in the
      culture medium. APS at concentrations of 200, 400 and 800 MUg/ml significantly
      improved cell viability and inhibited the elevation of glutamate pyruvate
      transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxalate transaminase (GOT), lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly increased the reduced level of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD). In vivo administration of APS at the doses of 1.5 and
      3 g/kg in the diet for 60 days prior to CCl(4) intoxication significantly reduced
      the elevated activities of GPT, GOT and LDH and increased the reduced levels of
      total protein and albumin in the serum; meanwhile, the reduced levels of SOD,
      glutathione and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were markedly increased and
      the MDA formation was significantly inhibited in liver tissue. Overall results
      proved the hepatoprotective action of APS, which is likely related to its
      antioxidant activity. The results support the use of APS as a hepatoprotective
      and antioxidant agent in fish.

PMID- 22089695
TI  - Osteoplastic bone metastasis in esophageal squamous cell cancer: report of a
      case.
AB  - This report presents a case of esophageal squamous cell cancer with osteoplastic
      bone metastasis. A 58-year-old male patient underwent multimodality treatment for
      esophageal cancer. Sclerotic changes resembling bone metastasis from prostate
      cancer were detected in the 4th thoracic and the 5th lumber vertebral body soon
      after the adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Systemic examinations revealed no primary
      cancer as a cause of osteoplastic bone metastasis and no esophageal cancer
      recurrence. A needle biopsy revealed metastases of esophageal squamous cell
      cancer with osteoplastic changes. Multiple sclerotic changes were detected in the
      systemic bones at that time, and new carcinomatous bilateral pleural effusion
      developed. The drastic systemic progression of the cancer caused the rapid
      deterioration of the patient's general condition.

PMID- 22089696
TI  - Parenchyma-preserving hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases is the only curative
      treatment option. As clinical and experimental data indicate that the extent of
      liver resection correlates with growth of residual metastases, the present study
      analyzes the potential benefit of a parenchyma-preserving liver surgery approach.
      METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing
      liver resection for colorectal metastases were reviewed. Evaluation of outcome
      was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Correlations were calculated between
      clinical-pathological variables. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-three patients
      underwent 198 liver resections for colorectal metastases: 26 major hepatectomies,
      65 minor anatomical resections, 78 non-anatomical resections, as well as 29
      combinations of minor anatomical and non-anatomical procedures. Overall 1-, 3-,
      and 5-year survival was 93%, 62%, and 40%, respectively. Patients with repeated
      liver resections had a 5-year survival of 27%. Interestingly, large dissection
      areas were associated with a significant reduction of the 5-year survival rate
      (33%). Five-year survival after major hepatectomy was not significantly reduced.
      CONCLUSION: For colorectal liver metastases, minor resections offer a prolonged
      survival compared to major hepatectomies. As patients with stage IV colorectal
      disease are candidates for repeat resections, preservation of hepatic parenchyma
      is of increasing importance in the setting of multi-modal and repeated therapy
      approaches.

PMID- 22089697
TI  - How neurons make us jump:  the neural control of stretch-shortening cycle
      movements.
AB  - How can the human central nervous system (CNS) control complex jumping movements
      task- and context-specifically? This review highlights the complex interaction of
      multiple hierarchical levels of the CNS, which work together to enable stretch
      shortening cycle contractions composed of activity resulting from feedforward
      (preprogrammed) and feedback (reflex) loops.

PMID- 22089699
TI  - DABCO-catalyzed regioselective cyclization reactions of beta,gamma-unsaturated
      alpha-ketophosphonates or beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-ketoesters with allenic
      esters.
AB  - Highly efficient DABCO-catalyzed [4 + 2] cycloaddition of beta,gamma-unsaturated
      alpha-ketophosphonates or beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-ketoesters with allenic
      esters gives the corresponding highly functionalized tetrahydropyran and
      dihydropyran derivatives in good to excellent yields and moderate to good
      regioselectivities under mild conditions.

PMID- 22089698
TI  - cMyBP-C as a promiscuous substrate: phosphorylation by non-PKA kinases and its
      potential significance.
AB  - It is now generally accepted that phosphorylation of cMyBP-C is critically
      important in maintaining normal cardiac function. Although much of the work to
      date on phospho-regulation of cMyBP-C has focused on the role of protein kinase A
      (PKA, also known as cAMP-dependent protein kinase), recent evidence suggests that
      a number of non-PKA serine/threonine kinases, such as Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase II, protein kinase C, protein kinase D and the 90-kDa ribosomal S6
      kinase are also capable of targeting this key regulatory sarcomeric protein. This
      article reviews such evidence and proposes a hypothetical role for some of the
      pertinent signalling pathways in phospho-regulation of cMyBP-C in the setting of
      heart failure.

PMID- 22089700
TI  - Measuring impulsivity in mice: the five-choice serial reaction time task.
AB  - RATIONALE: Mice are useful tools for dissecting genetic and environmental factors
      in relation to the study of attention and impulsivity. The five-choice serial
      reaction time task (5CSRTT) paradigm has been well established in rats, but its
      transferability to mice is less well documented. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to
      summarise the main results of the 5CSRTT in mice, with special focus on
      impulsivity. METHODS: The 5CSRTT can be used to explore aspects of both
      attentional and inhibitory control mechanisms. RESULTS: Different manipulations
      of the task parameters can lead to different results; adjusting the protocol as a
      function of the main variable of interest or the standardisation of the protocol
      to be applied to a large set of strains will be desirable. CONCLUSIONS: The
      5CSRTT has proven to be a useful tool to investigate impulsivity in mice.

PMID- 22089701
TI  - Utility of screening for chronic granulomatous disease in patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a genetically heterogeneous primary X-linked
      or autosomal recessive immunodeficiency, can manifest with gastrointestinal
      symptoms, including colitis or Crohn's disease. The frequency of CGD carriers
      among those with chronic colitis/inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. We
      underwent a pilot study examining the value of prospectively screening patients
      with chronic colitis/inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for either CGD or the
      carrier state of CGD. No carriers of CGD or patients with CGD were detected among
      120 patients. Three patients had inconclusive results and the assay was normal on
      repeat testing. We conclude that routine screening for CGD was not instructive in
      this cohort of chronic colitis or IBD patients.

PMID- 22089702
TI  - 'I didn't really like it, but it sounded exciting': admission to hospital for
      surgery from the perspectives of children.
AB  - It is a mark of respect for children that their views around their healthcare are
      listened to and considered. To date, too little attention has been paid to
      children's views and experiences of admission to hospital for surgery. This paper
      presents findings from a constructivist grounded theory study of children's
      experiences of admission to hospital for surgery (from their perspectives). Age
      appropriate data collection techniques were used and included interviews with
      children and their drawings and stories. Ten children, aged 6-12 years, who were
      admitted to hospital for surgery participated in the research. The children were
      able to clearly articulate aspects of their experience, including their fears and
      anxieties, the things they enjoyed and the things that assisted them to cope with
      their experience. The substantive theory developed was 'children's reframing of
      their sense of selves to incorporate the experiences of hospitalization and
      surgery'. Children require information and support to alleviate their anxieties
      around the time of their surgery. With pressures on children's services,
      increased day surgery rates and shorter admissions, nurses who care for children
      around this time are challenged to find ways of knowing each child's story and
      the fears that they have.

PMID- 22089703
TI  - [The reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) System].
AB  - PROBLEM: Autologous bone transplantation is a treatment of choice in patients
      with large bone defects. However, the iliac crest bone graft harvest is
      associated with numerous limitations: low volume of graft, long operation times,
      acute and chronic pain. SOLUTION: The reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system is
      used to harvest large volumes of intramedullar bone graft for surgical procedures
      that require bone graft, including non-unions, delayed union, and bone loss.
      SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The RIA device should be assembled prior to the surgical
      procedure. The greater trochanter is used as entry point. Following the opening
      of the trochanteric region, a guide wire should be centrally positioned within
      the bone canal. Frequent fluoroscopic evaluation should be performed to assure
      the central position of the guide wire. Apply the advance/withdraw/pause/advance
      technique to maximize irrigation flow through the RIA. The guide wire could be
      placed in newly desired position within the condyle of the femur if more bone
      graft is required. While reaming, monitor the reaming head passage on both the
      anteroposterior and lateral planes to avoid bone perforation or excessive
      thinning. Remove the intramedullary bone graft from the graft filter.
      POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Cautious ambulation on the 2nd postoperative day. In
      case of excessive bone thinning of the femur, partial weight bearing for 4-6
      weeks is recommended. RESULTS: The RIA system allows large amounts (25-90 cm3) of
      high quality bone graft to be harvested. This alternative technique is associated
      with less donor site morbidity and lower rates of minor and major complications
      when compared with conventional harvest methods (iliac crest).

PMID- 22089704
TI  - A first-order magnetic phase transition near 15 K with novel magnetic-field
      induced effects in Er5Si3.
AB  - We present magnetic characterization of a binary rare-earth intermetallic
      compound Er(5)Si(3), crystallizing in Mn(5)Si(3)-type hexagonal structure,
      through magnetization, heat capacity, electrical resistivity and
      magnetoresistance measurements. Our investigations confirm that the compound
      exhibits two magnetic transitions with decreasing temperature, the first one at
      35 K and the second one at 15 K. The present results reveal that the second
      magnetic transition is a disorder-broadened first-order transition, as shown by
      thermal hysteresis in the measured data. Another important finding is that, below
      15 K, there is a magnetic-field-induced transition with a hysteretic effect with
      the electrical resistance getting unusually enhanced at this transition and the
      magnetoresistance is found to exhibit intriguing magnetic-field dependence,
      indicating novel magnetic phase coexistence phenomenon. It thus appears that this
      compound is characterized by interesting magnetic anomalies in the temperature
      magnetic-field phase diagram.

PMID- 22089705
TI  - The cover. Coronary artery occlusion.

PMID- 22089706
TI  - A piece of my mind. Tall buildings.

PMID- 22089707
TI  - Statin therapy in primary CVD prevention remains a hot-button topic for some.

PMID- 22089708
TI  - Evidence fails to support ECG screening for those without heart disease symptoms.

PMID- 22089709
TI  - Environmental pollutants tied to atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22089714
TI  - Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of stress cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22089715
TI  - Underuse of percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 22089716
TI  - Biologic therapies for chronic plaque psoriasis and cardiovascular events.

PMID- 22089717
TI  - Cross-level bias and variations in care.

PMID- 22089718
TI  - Effects of the CETP inhibitor evacetrapib administered as monotherapy or in
      combination with statins on HDL and LDL cholesterol: a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Interest remains high in cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)
      inhibitors as cardioprotective agents. Few studies have documented the efficacy
      and safety of CETP inhibitors in combination with commonly used statins.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the biochemical effects, safety, and tolerability of
      evacetrapib, as monotherapy and in combination with statins, in patients with
      dyslipidemia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized controlled trial
      conducted among 398 patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-C) or low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels from April
      2010 to January 2011 at community and academic centers in the United States and
      Europe. INTERVENTIONS: Following dietary lead-in, patients were randomly assigned
      to receive placebo (n = 38); evacetrapib monotherapy, 30 mg/d (n = 40), 100 mg/d
      (n = 39), or 500 mg/d (n = 42); or statin therapy (n = 239) (simvastatin, 40
      mg/d; atorvastatin, 20 mg/d; or rosuvastatin, 10 mg/d) with or without
      evacetrapib, 100 mg/d, for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The co-primary end
      points were percentage changes from baseline in HDL-C and LDL-C after 12 weeks of
      treatment. RESULTS: The mean baseline HDL-C level was 55.1 (SD, 15.3) mg/dL and
      the mean baseline LDL-C level was 144.3 (SD, 26.6) mg/dL. As monotherapy,
      evacetrapib produced dose-dependent increases in HDL-C of 30.0 to 66.0 mg/dL
      (53.6% to 128.8%) compared with a decrease with placebo of -0.7 mg/dL (-3.0%; P <
      .001 for all compared with placebo) and decreases in LDL-C of -20.5 to -51.4
      mg/dL (-13.6% to -35.9%) compared with an increase with placebo of 7.2 mg/dL
      (3.9%; P < .001 for all compared with placebo). In combination with statin
      therapy, evacetrapib, 100 mg/d, produced increases in HDL-C of 42.1 to 50.5 mg/dL
      (78.5% to 88.5%; P < .001 for all compared with statin monotherapy) and decreases
      in LDL-C of -67.1 to -75.8 mg/dL (-11.2% to -13.9%; P < .001 for all compared
      with statin monotherapy). Compared with evacetrapib monotherapy, the combination
      of statins and evacetrapib resulted in greater reductions in LDL-C (P <.001) but
      no greater increase in HDL-C (P =.39). Although the study was underpowered, no
      adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with placebo or statin
      monotherapy, evacetrapib as monotherapy or in combination with statins increased
      HDL-C levels and decreased LDL-C levels. The effects on cardiovascular outcomes
      require further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT01105975.

PMID- 22089719
TI  - Number of coronary heart disease risk factors and mortality in patients with
      first myocardial infarction.
AB  - CONTEXT: Few studies have examined the association between the number of coronary
      heart disease risk factors and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in
      community practice. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the number of
      coronary heart disease risk factors in patients with first myocardial infarction
      and hospital mortality. DESIGN: Observational study from the National Registry of
      Myocardial Infarction, 1994-2006. PATIENTS: We examined the presence and absence
      of 5 major traditional coronary heart disease risk factors (hypertension,
      smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and family history of coronary heart disease)
      and hospital mortality among 542,008 patients with first myocardial infarction
      and without prior cardiovascular disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All-cause in
      hospital mortality. RESULTS: A majority (85.6%) of patients who presented with
      initial myocardial infarction had at least 1 of the 5 coronary heart disease risk
      factors, and 14.4% had none of the 5 risk factors. Age varied inversely with the
      number of coronary heart disease risk factors, from a mean age of 71.5 years with
      0 risk factors to 56.7 years with 5 risk factors (P for trend < .001). The total
      number of in-hospital deaths for all causes was 50,788. Unadjusted in-hospital
      mortality rates were 14.9%, 10.9%, 7.9%, 5.3%, 4.2%, and 3.6% for patients with
      0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 risk factors, respectively. After adjusting for age and
      other clinical factors, there was an inverse association between the number of
      coronary heart disease risk factors and hospital mortality adjusted odds ratio
      (1.54; 95% CI, 1.23-1.94) among individuals with 0 vs 5 risk factors. This
      association was consistent among several age strata and important patient
      subgroups. CONCLUSION: Among patients with incident acute myocardial infarction
      without prior cardiovascular disease, in-hospital mortality was inversely related
      to the number of coronary heart disease risk factors.

PMID- 22089720
TI  - Association of coronary CT angiography or stress testing with subsequent
      utilization and spending among Medicare beneficiaries.
AB  - CONTEXT: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a new noninvasive
      diagnostic test for coronary artery disease (CAD), but its association with
      subsequent clinical management has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To compare
      utilization and spending associated with functional (stress testing) and
      anatomical (CCTA) noninvasive cardiac testing in a Medicare population. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Retrospective, observational cohort study using claims
      data from a 20% random sample of 2005-2008 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries
      66 years or older with no claims for CAD in the preceding year, who received
      nonemergent, noninvasive testing for CAD (n = 282,830). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Cardiac catheterization, coronary revascularization, acute myocardial infarction,
      all-cause mortality, and total and CAD-related Medicare spending over 180 days of
      follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS),
      CCTA was associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent cardiac
      catheterization (22.9% vs 12.1%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.19 [95% CI, 2.08 to
      2.32]; P < .001), percutaneous coronary intervention (7.8% vs 3.4%; AOR, 2.49
      [2.28 to 2.72]; P < .001), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (3.7% vs
      1.3%; AOR, 3.00 [2.63 to 3.41]; P < .001). CCTA was also associated with higher
      total health care spending ($4200 [$3193 to $5267]; P < .001), which was almost
      entirely attributable to payments for any claims for CAD ($4007 [$3256 to $4835];
      P < .001). Compared with MPS, there was lower associated spending with stress
      echocardiography (-$4981 [-$4991 to -$4969]; P < .001) and exercise
      electrocardiography (-$7449 [-$7452 to -$7444]; P < .001). At 180 days, CCTA was
      associated with a similar likelihood of all-cause mortality (1.05% vs 1.28%; AOR,
      1.11 [0.88 to 1.38]; P = .32) and a slightly lower likelihood of hospitalization
      for acute myocardial infarction (0.19% vs 0.43%; AOR, 0.60 [0.37 to 0.98]; P =
      .04). CONCLUSION: Medicare beneficiaries who underwent CCTA in a nonacute setting
      were more likely to undergo subsequent invasive cardiac procedures and have
      higher CAD-related spending than patients who underwent stress testing.

PMID- 22089721
TI  - Level of systolic blood pressure within the normal range and risk of recurrent
      stroke.
AB  - CONTEXT: Recurrent stroke prevention guidelines suggest that larger reductions in
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) are positively associated with a greater reduction
      in the risk of recurrent stroke and define an SBP level of less than 120 mm Hg as
      normal. However, the association of SBP maintained at such levels with risk of
      vascular events after a recent ischemic stroke is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess
      the association of maintaining low-normal vs high-normal SBP levels with risk of
      recurrent stroke. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Post hoc observational analysis
      of a multicenter trial involving 20,330 patients (age >=50 years) with recent non
      cardioembolic ischemic stroke; patients were recruited from 695 centers in 35
      countries from September 2003 through July 2006 and followed up for 2.5 years
      (follow-up ended on February 8, 2008). Patients were categorized based on their
      mean SBP level: very low-normal (<120 mm Hg), low-normal (120-<130 mm Hg), high
      normal (130-<140 mm Hg), high (140-<150 mm Hg), and very high (>=150 mm Hg). MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was first recurrence of stroke of any type
      and the secondary outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or
      death from vascular causes. RESULTS: The recurrent stroke rates were 8.0% (95%
      CI, 6.8%-9.2%) for the very low-normal SBP level group, 7.2% (95% CI, 6.4%-8.0%)
      for the low-normal SBP group, 6.8% (95% CI, 6.1%-7.4%) for the high-normal SBP
      group, 8.7% (95% CI, 7.9%-9.5%) for the high SBP group, and 14.1% (95% CI, 13.0%
      15.2%) for the very high SBP group. Compared with patients in the high-normal SBP
      group, the risk of the primary outcome was higher for patients in the very low
      normal SBP group (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.56), in the
      high SBP group (AHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07-1.41), and in the very high SBP group
      (AHR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.83-2.37). Compared with patients in the high-normal SBP
      group, the risk of secondary outcome was higher for patients in the very low
      normal SBP group (AHR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.13-1.52), in the low-normal SBP group
      (AHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.31), in the high SBP group (AHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11
      1.39), and in the very high SBP group (AHR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.74-2.16). CONCLUSION:
      Among patients with recent non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, SBP levels during
      follow-up in the very low-normal (<120 mm Hg), high (140-<150 mm Hg), or very
      high (>=150 mm Hg) range were associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00153062.

PMID- 22089722
TI  - Cardiovascular science in the service of national strength.

PMID- 22089723
TI  - Prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke: meeting the challenge.

PMID- 22089724
TI  - Rational dispersion for the introduction of transcatheter valve therapy.

PMID- 22089725
TI  - The cardiovascular biomarker conundrum: challenges and solutions.

PMID- 22089726
TI  - High-density lipoprotein cholesterol as the Holy Grail.

PMID- 22089727
TI  - Cardiology in 2011--amazing opportunities, huge challenges.

PMID- 22089728
TI  - JAMA patient page. Heart failure.

PMID- 22089729
TI  - Factors associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in the general
      population.
AB  - The present study investigated factors that modify or affect arterial stiffness
      as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in the general
      population. Subjects had previously participated in a physical checkup program
      (n=911), and baPWV and urinary albumin and sodium excretion were also measured.
      Urine albumin was expressed as the ratio of urine albumin to urine creatinine.
      Individual salt intake was assessed by estimating 24-h urinary salt excretion and
      expressed as the ratio of estimated salt intake to body weight. The mean blood
      pressure and baPWV were 127.1+/-15.2/77.0+/-9.5 mm Hg and 15.9+/-3.3 m s(-1),
      respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that baPWV correlated with various
      factors including age, blood pressure, electrocardiogram voltage (SV(1)+RV(5)),
      urine albumin and salt intake. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that
      electrocardiogram voltage (P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (P<0.0001), urine
      albumin (P<0.001) and salt intake (P<0.001), independently correlated with baPWV
      after adjustment for other possible factors. Similar results were obtained for
      participants not taking any medication. These results suggest that the baPWV
      value is independently associated with individual salt intake and cardiac and
      renal damage, and could be a useful procedure for identifying individuals with
      concealed risk of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22089730
TI  - Effects of leaf hair points of a desert moss on water retention and dew
      formation: implications for desiccation tolerance.
AB  - Leaf hair points (LHPs) are important morphological structures in many
      desiccation-tolerant mosses, but study of their functions has been limited. A
      desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, was chosen for examination of the ecological
      effects of LHPs on water retention and dew formation at individual and population
      (patch) levels. Although LHPs were only 4.77% of shoot weight, they were able to
      increase absolute water content (AWC) by 24.87%. The AWC of samples with LHPs was
      always greater than for those without LHPs during dehydration. The accumulative
      evaporation ratio (AER) showed an opposite trend. AWC, evaporation ratio and AER
      of shoots with LHPs took 20 min longer to reach a completely dehydrated state
      than shoots without LHPs. At the population level, dew formation on moss crusts
      with LHPs was faster than on crusts without LHPs, and the former had higher daily
      and total dew amounts. LHPs were able to improve dew amounts on crusts by 10.26%.
      Following three simulated rainfall events (1, 3 and 6 mm), AERs from crusts with
      LHPs were always lower than from crusts without LHPs. LHPs can therefore
      significantly delay and reduce evaporation. We confirm that LHPs are important
      desiccation-tolerant features of S. caninervis at both individual and population
      levels. LHPs greatly aid moss crusts in adapting to arid conditions.

PMID- 22089732
TI  - NHS IT is at the mercy of the civil service and "gifted amateurism".

PMID- 22089731
TI  - Gastroschisis: one year outcomes from national cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe one year outcomes for a national cohort of infants with
      gastroschisis. DESIGN: Population based cohort study of all liveborn infants with
      gastroschisis born in the United Kingdom and Ireland from October 2006 to March
      2008. SETTING: All 28 paediatric surgical centres in the UK and Ireland.
      PARTICIPANTS: 301 infants (77%) from an original cohort of 393. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Duration of parenteral nutrition and stay in hospital; time to
      establish full enteral feeding; rates of intestinal failure, liver disease
      associated with intestinal failure, unplanned reoperation; case fatality.
      RESULTS: Compared with infants with simple gastroschisis (intact, uncompromised,
      continuous bowel), those with complex gastroschisis (bowel perforation, necrosis,
      or atresia) took longer to reach full enteral feeding (median difference 21 days,
      95% confidence interval 9 to 39 days); required a longer duration of parenteral
      nutrition (median difference 25 days, 9 to 46 days) and a longer stay in hospital
      (median difference 57 days, 29 to 95 days); were more likely to develop
      intestinal failure (81% (25 infants) v 41% (102); relative risk 1.96, 1.56 to
      2.46) and liver disease associated with intestinal failure (23% (7) v 4% (11);
      5.13, 2.15 to 12.3); and were more likely to require unplanned reoperation (42%
      (13) v 10% (24); 4.39, 2.50 to 7.70). Compared with infants managed with primary
      fascial closure, those managed with preformed silos took longer to reach full
      enteral feeding (median difference 5 days, 1 to 9) and had an increased risk of
      intestinal failure (52% (50) v 32% (38); 1.61, 1.17 to 2.24). Event rates for the
      other outcomes were low, and there were no other significant differences between
      these management groups. Twelve infants died (4%). CONCLUSIONS: This nationally
      representative study provides a benchmark against which individual centres can
      measure outcome and performance. Stratifying neonates with gastroschisis into
      simple and complex groups reliably predicts outcome at one year. There is
      sufficient clinical equipoise concerning the initial management strategy to
      embark on a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing primary fascial
      closure with preformed silos in infants suitable at presentation for either
      treatment to determine the optimal initial management strategy and define
      algorithms of care.

PMID- 22089733
TI  - Gastroschisis.

PMID- 22089734
TI  - Press releases for government obesity campaign are hidden.

PMID- 22089735
TI  - Try Google Translate to overcome language barriers.

PMID- 22089736
TI  - Sudden death in epilepsy.

PMID- 22089737
TI  - Are you serious about climate change, BMJ?

PMID- 22089738
TI  - Effects of particulate matter from global burning of biomass.

PMID- 22089739
TI  - Ensuring quality in primary care.

PMID- 22089740
TI  - Get the interface right and EHRs can be implemented.

PMID- 22089741
TI  - Circles--a community response for convicted sex offenders.

PMID- 22089742
TI  - Armchair philosophising skirts what to do with child sex offenders.

PMID- 22089743
TI  - Environmental impact of journal distribution is complex.

PMID- 22089744
TI  - System for disclosing hospitality should be transparent.

PMID- 22089745
TI  - Ways to communicate the threat of climate change to health.

PMID- 22089746
TI  - Lessons from strategy game modelling climate change.

PMID- 22089747
TI  - Cognitive gains of later life are important clinically.

PMID- 22089748
TI  - What on earth we can do to tackle climate change.

PMID- 22089749
TI  - Poor hospital hygiene is blamed for deaths of three babies in Bremen.

PMID- 22089750
TI  - A quarter of diabetic patients miss out on annual foot checks, UK survey warns.

PMID- 22089751
TI  - Health secretary is ordered to disclose government's assessment of risk posed by
      NHS changes.

PMID- 22089752
TI  - Occurrence and fate of androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids and progestagens in
      two different types of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
AB  - The occurrence and fate of fourteen androgens, four estrogens, five
      glucocorticoids and five progestagens were investigated in two different types of
      wastewater treatment plants (Plant A: activated sludge with chlorination, and
      Plant B: oxidation ditch with UV) of Guangdong province, China. 14, 14, and 10 of
      28 target compounds were detected in the influent, effluent and dewatered sludge
      samples with the concentrations ranging from below 1.2 +/- 0.0 ng L(-1)
      (stanozolol) to 1368 +/- 283 ng L(-1) (epi-androsterone), below 1.0 +/- 0.0 ng L(
      1) (progesterone) to 23.1 +/- 1.0 ng L(-1) (5alpha-dihydrotestosterone), 1.0 +/-
      0.1 ng g(-1) (estrone) to 460 +/- 4.4 ng g(-1) (5alpha-dihydrotestosterone),
      respectively. The concentrations of total androgens (1554-1778 ng L(-1) in
      influent, 13.3-47.8 ng L(-1) in effluent, 377-923 ng g(-1) in dewatered sludge)
      were much higher than those of total estrogens (41.5-60.2 ng L(-1) in influent,
      5.6-13.5 ng L(-1) in effluent, 13.9-57.8 ng g(-1) in dewatered sludge),
      glucocorticoids (171-192 ng L(-1) in influent, 2.2-6.3 ng L(-1) in effluent, N.D.
      4.4 ng g(-1) in dewatered sludge), and progestagens (39.6-40.5 ng L(-1) in
      influent, 6.9-12.1 ng L(-1) in effluent, N.D. in dewatered sludge) in these two
      WWTPs. According to mass balance analysis, the removal rates of most target
      steroids in Plant A had exceeded 90%, while those in Plant B for nearly half of
      detected target steroids were lower than 80%. It is obvious that the treatment
      capacity of the activated sludge system (Plant A) is superior to the oxidation
      ditch (Plant B) in the degradation of steroids in sewage treatment systems.
      Androgens, estrogens and progestagens were mainly removed by sorption and
      degradation, while the reduction of glucocorticoids was primarily due to
      degradation.

PMID- 22089753
TI  - Effect of mannitol on cerebral blood volume in patients with head injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mannitol has traditionally been the mainstay of medical therapy for
      intracranial hypertension in patients with head injury. We previously
      demonstrated that mannitol reduces brain volume in patients with cerebral edema,
      although whether this occurs because of a reduction in brain water, blood volume,
      or both remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that
      mannitol acts by lowering blood viscosity leading to reflex vasoconstriction and
      a fall in cerebral blood volume (CBV). METHODS: We used O positron emission
      tomography to study 6 patients with traumatic brain injuries requiring treatment
      for intracranial hypertension. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), CBV, and cerebral
      metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) were measured before and 1 hour after
      administration of 1.0 g/kg 20% mannitol. RESULTS: CBV rose from 4.1 +/- 0.4 to
      4.2 +/- 0.2 mL/100 g (P = .3), while intracranial pressure fell from 21.5 +/- 4.9
      to 13.7 +/- 5.1 mm Hg (P < .003) after mannitol. Blood pressure, PaCO2, oxygen
      content, CBF, and CMRO2 did not change. CONCLUSION: A single bolus of 1 g/kg of
      20% mannitol does not acutely lower CBV. Another mechanism, such as a reduction
      in brain water, may better explain mannitol's ability to lower intracranial
      pressure and reduce mass effect.

PMID- 22089754
TI  - Vein of Galen malformations in neonates: new management paradigms for improving
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Untreated patients with symptomatic neonatal presentation of vein of
      Galen aneurismal malformations (VGAMs) carry almost 100% morbidity and mortality.
      Medical management and endovascular techniques for neonatal treatment have
      significantly evolved. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and angiographic
      outcomes of modern management of neonates with refractory heart failure from
      VGAMs. METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, 16 neonatal patients with VGAM presented to
      our institution. Medical care from the prenatal to perinatal stages was
      undertaken according to specified institutional guidelines. Nine patients with
      refractory heart failure required neonatal endovascular intervention. All
      patients were treated by transarterial deposition of n-butyl cyanoacrylate into
      fistula sites. Short- and long-term angiographic studies and clinical outcomes
      were reviewed. RESULTS: Control of heart failure was achieved in 8 patients. One
      premature baby died shortly after treatment. Long-term angiographic follow-up
      shows total or near-total angiographic obliteration in all 8 patients. One
      patient has a mild hemiparesis from treatment. Another has a mild developmental
      delay. One patient developed a severe seizure disorder and developmental delay.
      Overall, 66.7% patients have normal neurological development with near-total or
      total obliteration of the malformation. CONCLUSION: Treatment of refractory heart
      failure in neonatal VGAM with modern prenatal, neurointensive, neuroanesthetic,
      and pediatric neuroendovascular care results in significantly improved outcomes
      with presumed cure and normal neurological development in most.

PMID- 22089755
TI  - Low pulsatility index on transcranial Doppler predicts symptomatic large-vessel
      vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated mean cerebral blood flow velocity (mCBFV) on transcranial
      Doppler predicts vasospasm of the large intracranial arteries after aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The pulsatility index (PI) is a measure of distal
      vascular resistance, which may be low when there is compensatory distal
      vasodilatation following hypoperfusion caused by large-vessel vasospasm.
      OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive value of low PI for symptomatic large-vessel
      vasospasm (SLVVS) after aSAH. METHODS: Medical records of patients admitted with
      aSAH between January 2007 and April 2009 were reviewed. Transcranial color-coded
      duplex (TCCD) sonography was performed daily between days 2 and 14. Patients with
      unexplained acute neurological decline underwent catheter- or computed tomography
      angiography. The lowest recorded PI and the highest mCBFV on TCCD were correlated
      to the occurrence of SLVVS, angiographic vasospasm, and delayed cerebral
      infraction in multivariate analysis by use of logistic regression. Functional
      outcome was assessed at first follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients met
      inclusion criteria. Mean lowest PI was 0.71 + 0.19. Median highest mCBFV was 135
      cm/s (interquartile range 99-194 cm/s). SLVVS was seen in 21 of 81 (26%)
      patients, whereas 27 of 55 (49%) patients with repeat angiography had moderate or
      severe angiographic vasospasm. Following multivariate analysis, only the lowest
      PI was an independent predictor of SLVVS (P = .03, odds ratio 0.04, 95%
      confidence interval 0.001-0.54), whereas only the highest mCBFV was an
      independent predictor of angiographic vasospasm (P = .02, odds ratio 1.01, 95%
      confidence interval 1.002-1.02). SLVVS was independently associated with
      functional outcome at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Low PI on TCCD is an independent
      predictor of SLVVS after aSAH, whereas mCBFV is a better predictor of
      angiographic vasospasm.

PMID- 22089756
TI  - Differential expression of folate receptor alpha in pituitary adenomas and its
      relationship to tumor behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) plays a pivotal role in the
      tumorigenesis of some malignant tumors, but its role and clinical significance in
      pituitary adenomas remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify a possible biomarker
      for the diagnosis of nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFAs) that could also be
      used to assess tumor behavior. METHODS: Sporadic pituitary tumor specimens (n =
      76) and normal pituitary glands (n = 7) were examined. FRalpha protein and mRNA
      expression were quantified by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. We verified the
      differential expression of FRalpha in pituitary adenomas and evaluated the
      associations of FRalpha expression with Ki-67 labeling index (LI) and
      clinicopathologic characteristics of NFAs. Statistical significance was
      determined by using the Student t test or one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS:
      FRalpha mRNA and protein was uniquely overexpressed in NF (immunohistochemically
      positive) and NF (immunohistochemically negative) adenomas but not in functional
      adenomas (adrenocorticotropic hormone, growth hormone, and prolactin) or normal
      adenohypophysial tissues (P < .001). The expression of FRalpha was positively
      correlated with tumor invasiveness, size and Ki-67 LI in NFAs. CONCLUSION:
      FRalpha may play an important role in the development and progression of NFAs.
      Therefore, FRalpha may be useful as a molecular biomarker for the diagnosis of
      NFAs and assessment of tumor invasiveness.

PMID- 22089757
TI  - Identifying the trigeminal nerve branches for transovale radiofrequency
      thermolesion:  "no pain, no stress".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency thermorhizotomy of the trigeminal nerve is a known
      treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Analysis of verbal responses to electric
      stimulation of the trigeminal rootlets has been the only method available to
      localize the affected branch, but patient discomfort may lead to unreliable
      verbal responses, resulting in increased morbidity or even therapeutic failure.
      Orthodromically elicited evoked potentials of the trigeminal nerve have also been
      used, but their application is tedious and results may vary. OBJECTIVE: To
      develop an electrophysiological method for intraoperative localization of the
      trigeminal nerve branches. METHODS: A series of 55 patients under general
      anesthesia during radiofrequency thermorhizotomy were studied. The trigeminal
      nerve root was stimulated through the foramen ovale with the RF electrode.
      Antidromic responses were recorded from the 3 divisions of the trigeminal nerve
      in the face. Effectiveness rate, pain relief, recurrence, complications, and
      patient comfort after the procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: Reproducible and
      easily obtained antidromic responses were clearly recorded in every subdivision
      of the trigeminal nerve in all patients. Ninety-four percent of patients
      experienced immediate pain relief after the procedure. The recurrence rate was
      12.72%, and the surgical morbidity was 20%. CONCLUSION: This method proved to be
      useful to determine the exact localization of individual subdivisions of the
      trigeminal nerve in anesthetized patients, making this procedure safer and more
      comfortable for them.

PMID- 22089758
TI  - Optimal surgical approaches for Rathke cleft cyst with consideration of endocrine
      function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical indications for Rathke cleft cyst are not clear. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate postoperative outcomes in terms of endocrine function. METHODS: The
      study analyzed a total 73 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery. All
      patients underwent a visual field test, combined pituitary function test, and
      magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery. A follow-up combined
      pituitary function test was performed at 1.5-year intervals. RESULTS: The mean
      age at the time of surgery was 35 +/- 14 years, and the male/female ratio was
      1:1.25 (33/40). The mean follow-up duration after surgery was 59 +/- 39 months.
      The most common symptoms were headache (84%), visual disturbance (48%), and
      polyuria (38%). After transsphenoidal surgery, 75% of polyuria and 96% of visual
      field defects were resolved, and pituitary function improved in 42% of patients.
      The mean age of patients who exhibited worsened hypopituitarism was significantly
      higher than that of patients who exhibited unchanged or improved hypopituitarism
      (44 +/- 15.7 vs 33 +/- 13.5 years; P = .02). Twelve patients (16%) experienced
      recollection of cyst, but none required reoperation. Five of the recollected
      cysts presented with characteristics that were different from those of the
      initial lesions, and 2 recollected cysts underwent spontaneous regression.
      CONCLUSION: Minimal incision with radical removal of cyst content is reasonable
      to prevent the development of endocrine disturbances and other complications.
      Individualized risks and benefits must be assessed before a decision is reached
      regarding surgery and surgical method. Patients with recurrent Rathke cleft cyst
      require careful follow-up with special attention rather than a hasty operation.

PMID- 22089759
TI  - The association of reamed intramedullary nailing and long-term cognitive
      impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of reamed intramedullary nailing (IMN) and
      long-term cognitive impairment in trauma intensive care unit survivors. DESIGN:
      Prospective observational cohort. SETTING: Academic Level I trauma center.
      PATIENTS: One hundred seventy-three patients with multiple trauma (Injury
      Severity Score greater than 15) who presented to a Level I trauma intensive care
      unit from July 2006 to July 2007 without evidence of intrancranial hemorrhage.
      INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Twelve-month cognitive impairment
      defined a priori as two neuropsychological test scores 1.5 standard deviation
      below the mean or 1 neuropsychologic test score 2 standard deviations below the
      mean. RESULTS: One hundred eight of 173 patients (62.4%) were evaluated 12 months
      after injury with a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. There were
      18 patients who received a reamed IMN and 14 of 18 (78%) of these patients had
      cognitive deficit at follow-up. Fracture treatment with a reamed IMN was
      associated with long-term impairment (27.4% vs 8.2%, P = 0.03). Multivariable
      logistic regression found that a reamed IMN (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.95-10.9; P = 0.06) was a moderate risk factor for the development of
      cognitive impairment 12 months after injury after controlling for Injury Severity
      Score, level of education, intraoperative hypotension, and duration of mechanical
      ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture fixation with a reamed IMN is moderately
      associated with cognitive impairment in this cohort of multiple trauma patients
      without intrancranial hemorrhage at 1 year postinjury. Orthopaedic trauma
      research should continue to investigate a potential association of acute fracture
      management and long-term cognitive outcome.

PMID- 22089760
TI  - Negative pressure therapy on primarily closed wounds improves wound healing
      parameters at 3 days in a porcine model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of negative pressure therapy (NPT) in
      postoperative primary wound treatment and closure. To date, extensive evidence
      exists demonstrating the benefit of negative pressure dressings in the treatment
      of open wounds; our experiment tested the hypothesis that negative pressure
      dressings improve healing of closed (sutured) wounds. METHODS: A porcine model
      was used to collect data on the characteristics of closed wounds after 3 days of
      treatment with NPTs as compared with control dressings. RESULTS: In six pigs with
      a total of 56 wounds, load to failure (N/mm) in controls was 0.348 (standard
      deviation [SD] 0.109) versus NPT at 0.470 (SD, 0.194) with a P value of 0.001;
      energy to failure (mJ/mm) in controls was 0.85 (SD, 0.378) versus NPT at 1.128
      (SD, 0.638) with a P value of 0.035. Blinded grading of clinical wound appearance
      and cross-sectional hematoma size were also improved at 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS:
      NPT dressings applied to surgically closed wounds enhance the healing
      characteristics of porcine wounds at 3 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We have observed
      that primarily closed surgical wounds may benefit from treatment with NPT. The
      benefit of using NPTs may be most pronounced in situations in which wounds are
      closed under tension, involve considerable soft tissue trauma, or may be at risk
      of subdermal hematoma formation.

PMID- 22089762
TI  - Mangosteen leaf extract increases melanogenesis in B16F1 melanoma cells by
      stimulating tyrosinase activity in vitro and by up-regulating tyrosinase gene
      expression.
AB  - Melanin synthesis is stimulated by various effectors, including alpha-melanocyte
      stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), cyclic AMP (cAMP)-elevating agents (forskolin,
      isobutylmethylxantine, glycyrrhizin) and ultraviolet light. Our investigation
      focused on the identification of the melanogenic efficacy of mangosteen (Garcinia
      mangostana) leaf extract with regard to its effects on melanogenesis in B16F1
      melanoma cells, since it has been known to possess strong anti-oxidant
      activities. The mangosteen leaf extract was found to stimulate melanin synthesis
      and tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner without any significant
      effects on cell proliferation. Cytotoxicity of the extract was measured using a 3
      (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; the
      highest concentration of the extract that did not affect cell viability was 32
      ug/ml. Formation of melanin from cultured B16F1 melanoma induced by extract
      treatment was estimated using spectrophotometry. In order to clarify the
      subsequent mechanism of tyrosinase activation by the extract, the levels of
      tyrosinase expression in B16F1 melanoma were examined using an intracellular
      tyrosinase assay and tyrosinase zymography. Up-regulation of intracellular
      tyrosinase expression seemed to correlate with an increase in microphtalmia
      associated transcription factor (MITF) protein levels since MITF is the key
      factor for genes involved in melanogenesis. Both of the results showed that
      tyrosinase activity was markedly enhanced from extract-treated cells. The overall
      results suggest that mangosteen leaf extract may be a promising candidate for the
      treatment of hypopigmentation disorder and useful for self-tanning cosmetic
      products.

PMID- 22089763
TI  - Coverage-dependent adsorption geometry of octithiophene on Au(111).
AB  - The adsorption behavior of alpha-octithiophene (8T) on the Au(111) surface as a
      function of 8T coverage has been studied with low-temperature scanning tunneling
      microscopy, high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy as well as with
      angle-resolved two-photon photoemission and ultraviolet photoemission
      spectroscopy. In the sub-monolayer regime 8T adopts a flat-lying adsorption
      geometry. Upon reaching the monolayer coverage the orientation of 8T molecules
      changes towards a tilted configuration, with the long molecular axis parallel to
      the surface plane, facilitating attractive intermolecular pi-pi-interactions. The
      photoemission intensity from the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and
      HOMO - 1) possesses a strong dependence on the adsorption geometry due to the
      direction of the involved transition dipole moment for the respective
      photoemission process. The change in molecular orientation as a function of
      coverage in the first molecular layer mirrors the delicate balance between
      intermolecular and molecule/substrate interactions. Fine tuning of these
      interactions opens up the possibility to control the molecular structure and
      accordingly the desirable functionality.

PMID- 22089764
TI  - Life experiences of Brazilian men with urinary incontinence and erectile
      dysfunction following radical prostatectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to explore the psychosocial meaning and
      repercussions on lifestyle associated with erectile dysfunction and urinary
      incontinence (UI) in men following radical prostatectomy. SUBJECTS AND SETTING:
      Ten men from Southeastern Brazil who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate
      cancer were interviewed. All participants underwent treatment at a urology clinic
      during the period of September 2007 to February 2009. METHODS: A clinical
      qualitative study was conducted, using semi-structured interviews with open-ended
      questions. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Each man was
      interviewed once. The average length of the interviews was 37 minutes (range: 16
      to 81 minutes). Data from the interviews were subjected to content thematic
      analysis and development of categories based on psychodynamic references.
      RESULTS: Three themes were identified: (1) sexuality called into question; (2) a
      body without governance; and (3) experiencing loss. These men reported
      difficulties in dealing both with the physical and emotional impotence resulting
      from the treatment. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction affected their
      body by accentuating conflicts related to masculinity, triggering subjective
      feelings of powerlessness, and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: Study
      respondents assigned multiple psychological meanings to issues related to
      feelings of powerlessness in general, leading to a narcissistic wound. The men
      experienced UI as a bodily deficiency, and erectile dysfunction was experienced
      as a feeling of being devitalized. These results suggest that UI from prostate
      cancer treatment affects sexuality and self-esteem.

PMID- 22089765
TI  - Development and validation of an online interactive, multimedia wound care
      algorithms program.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide education based on evidence-based and validated wound care
      algorithms we designed and implemented an interactive, Web-based learning program
      for teaching wound care. DESIGN: A mixed methods quantitative pilot study design
      with qualitative components was used to test and ascertain the ease of use,
      validity, and reliability of the online program. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: A
      convenience sample of 56 RN wound experts (formally educated, certified in wound
      care, or both) participated. METHODS: The interactive, online program consists of
      a user introduction, interactive assessment of 15 acute and chronic wound photos,
      user feedback about the percentage correct, partially correct, or incorrect
      algorithm and dressing choices and a user survey. After giving consent,
      participants accessed the online program, provided answers to the demographic
      survey, and completed the assessment module and photographic test, along with a
      posttest survey. RESULTS: The construct validity of the online interactive
      program was strong. Eighty-five percent (85%) of algorithm and 87% of dressing
      choices were fully correct even though some programming design issues were
      identified. Online study results were consistently better than previously
      conducted comparable paper-pencil study results. Using a 5-point Likert-type
      scale, participants rated the program's value and ease of use as 3.88 (valuable
      to very valuable) and 3.97 (easy to very easy), respectively. Similarly the
      research process was described qualitatively as "enjoyable" and "exciting."
      CONCLUSION: This digital program was well received indicating its "perceived
      benefits" for nonexpert users, which may help reduce barriers to implementing
      safe, evidence-based care. Ongoing research using larger sample sizes may help
      refine the program or algorithms while identifying clinician educational needs.
      Initial design imperfections and programming problems identified also underscored
      the importance of testing all paper and Web-based programs designed to educate
      health care professionals or guide patient care.

PMID- 22089766
TI  - Factors affecting closure of a temporary stoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine time to reversal of a temporary
      ostomy, reasons for delayed closure, and patient satisfaction with the scheduling
      of their closure and related hospital care. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive
      study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The target population comprised patients who
      underwent creation of a temporary ostomy and reversal surgery within one National
      Health System Hospital Trust in the United Kingdom. The population served by this
      Trust are ethnically and socioeconomically diverse, predominantly living in urban
      areas around Greater London. Sixty-one persons who met inclusion criteria were
      identified. METHODS: A two-step analytical process was undertaken. First, a
      literature review examining incidence and causes of delayed stoma closure was
      undertaken. Second, a postal survey of all patients who had had their stoma
      closed in 2009 was conducted. Respondents were allowed 2 weeks to complete and
      return the questionnaire. INSTRUMENT: The survey instrument was developed locally
      and subjected to content validation using ostomy patients, surgical and nursing
      colleagues. It consisted of 9 questions querying time from original surgery to
      closure, reasons for delaying closure surgery beyond 12 weeks, and satisfaction
      with care. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients returned their questionnaires,
      indicating they consented to participate; a response rate of 44%. Half of the
      respondents (n = 14 [52%]) underwent closure surgery within 6 months of stoma
      formation; the remaining 48% waited more than 6 months (median: 6.5 months,
      range: 1.5-26 months). Thirteen patients (48%) reported a delay in receiving
      their stoma closure; the main reason cited was the need for a course of adjuvant
      postoperative chemotherapy. Three quarters of respondents (22 [74%]) were
      satisfied with the overall care they received. CONCLUSION: Findings from this
      study suggest that stoma closure may be associated with fewest complications if
      performed before 12 weeks.

PMID- 22089768
TI  - Technical modifications of ureteroneocystostomy in renal transplantation: an 18
      year experience.
AB  - The treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease is renal
      transplantation. Urinary tract reconstruction is usually done by anti-reflux
      ureteroneocystostomy, of which there are several techniques. In this study, a
      comparison of previous studies related to complications and outcome of various
      extra-vesical uereteroneocystostomy techniques that were used in our center was
      made. From the year 1988, when renal transplantation was first performed in our
      center, we utilized many ureteroneocystostomy techniques including Lich-Grigoir,
      Barry, Tagochi, and finally Barry-Tagochi. With each conversion, we compared the
      results of the earlier technique with the new one. In addition, we collected the
      results of four previous studies conducted by our surgeons and analyzed the
      complications seen with ureteroneocystostomy. A total of 717 renal transplant
      recipients were included in our study; 214 of these patients were reimplanted by
      the Barry-Tagochi technique, 155 cases by the Barry technique, 44 cases by the
      Tagochi technique, and finally, 304 cases by the Lich-Grigor technique. There was
      no significant difference in the overall complications, urinary leakage and
      ureteral stenosis, and obstruction between the four groups. However, complicated
      hematuria was significantly more frequently seen in the Tagochi group (P =
      0.002). Also, the mean time taken for ureteroneocystostomy was longer in the Lich
      Grigor group (P = 0.001). We found that the Barry-Tagochi technique had an
      overall incidence of urological complications similar to that of the other
      extravesical techniques and was less time consuming.

PMID- 22089767
TI  - Association of Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody with various demographic and
      biochemical parameters in kidney transplant recipients.
AB  - Few reports are available regarding the promoting factors that affect
      Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in renal transplant (RTx) patients. We
      report a cross-sectional study that was conducted on a group of stable RTx
      patients to investigate the relationship of various demographic and biochemical
      parameters of these patients with serum H. pylori IgG antibody titer as a sign of
      H. pylori infection. A total of 72 patients who were referred to the clinic for
      continuing their treatment were enrolled in this study. These patients included
      47 males and 25 females. The mean age of the study patients was 44 (+/-12) years.
      The mean length of time after they received a transplanted kidney was 67.5 (+/
      42) months (median: 62 months). The mean value of serum H. pylori-specific IgG
      antibody titer among these patients was 3 (+/-4.6) U/mL (median: 1 U/mL), and
      that of intact parathormone (iPTH) was 18.4 (+/-8.2) pg/mL (median: 16.5 pg/mL).
      The mean serum magnesium (Mg) was 1.9 (+/-0.20) mg/dL (median: 1.9 mg/dL) and the
      mean creatinine clearance was 53 (+/-11) mL/min (median: 56 mL/min). In this
      study population, there was no significant difference in the H. pylori IgG
      antibody titers, serum iPTH, Mg, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels
      as well as body mass index (BMI) between males and females or diabetics and non
      diabetics. There was no significant relationship between serum H. pylori IgG
      antibody titers and the age of the patients, BMI, serum Alb, phosphorus, Ca,
      serum leptin and serum ALP. Significant negative correlation between serum H.
      pylori IgG antibody titers and serum Mg (r = -0.30, P = 0.01) and serum iPTH (r =
      -0.25, P = 0.03) was seen. A significant positive correlation was found between
      serum H. pylori IgG antibody titer and creatinine clearance (r = 0.26, P = 0.02),
      and a near-significant positive correlation was found with the duration of RTx (r
      = 0.20, P = 0.08). Our study shows that the correlation of H. pylori IgG antibody
      titer with some demographic and biochemical indices in RTx recipients may be
      different from what has been reported in hemodialysis patients. Larger clinical
      studies are needed to assess the clinical implications of our findings.

PMID- 22089769
TI  - Safety and efficacy of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin
      receptor blockers in chronic allograft injury.
AB  - Angiotensin II plays a crucial role in the development of chronic allograft
      injury (CAI). Clinical experience with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor
      (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockade (ARBS) in CAI has unfortunately been
      limited. We carried out a prospective one year single center case controlled
      study to analyze the effect of ACEI /ARBS on the progression of CAI and in
      decreasing proteinuria. One hundred patients with CAI were evaluated. Of the 100
      patients, 50 were selected to receive ACEI/ ARBS (group 1) and 50 managed without
      ACEI/ARBS (group 2). Their remaining management was similar in both the groups.
      Patients with hyperkalemia, history of allergic reactions, ACEI/ARBS intake and
      pregnancy were excluded. Average time for development of CAI was 19.6 +/- 12.7
      months in group 1 vs. 20.8 +/- 12.8 in group 2. In group 1, mean
      systolic/diastolic BP was 136/82 mmHg at the time of establishment of CAI and
      124/76 mmHg at the end of one year, and in group 2, it was 138/86 mmHg vs. 126/80
      mmHg, respectively. Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 48.78 +/- 13.4 in
      the former vs. 44.23 +/- 8.14 in the latter. ACEI/ARBS administration was
      associated with stabilization of serum creatinine. GFR was maintained up to one
      year after CAI. Group 1 had a decrease in proteinuria by 1.41 g/day as compared
      with group 2 with proteinuria of 0.83 g/day. ACEI/ARBS administration is
      beneficial in CAI for BP control and significant decrease in proteinuria along
      with the stabilization of graft function.

PMID- 22089770
TI  - Association of adequate dialysis parameters with left ventricular hypertrophy in
      hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22089771
TI  - Changes of serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone concentrations and
      ocular findings among patients undergoing hemodialysis.
AB  - There are various reports of ocular abnormalities in metabolic disorders. This
      study was done with the aim to investigate the relationships between the amounts
      of serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone concentrations and ocular
      findings in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Fifty eight patients with end stage
      renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were randomly selected and enrolled in this
      prospective study. Demographic data, history of diabetes mellitus and
      hypertension, and duration of hemodialysis were recorded. Serum calcium,
      phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      concentrations were measured. Also, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and weight of the
      patient was measured just before and three minutes after the hemodialysis.
      Patients also underwent a complete ocular examination including visual acuity,
      intraocular pressure (IOP), biomicroscopic examination, and fundoscopy. In
      univariate analysis, adverse relationships were found between the ocular
      hypertension and ALP concentration (P = 0.017) and also between the visual acuity
      and phosphorus concentration (P = 0.033). However, in multivariate regression
      analysis and with regard to the patients' characteristics and medical history in
      a multivariate model, no relationships were found between ocular findings and
      serum calcium, phosphorus, ALP, and PTH concentrations. No relationships were
      found between the serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, ALP, and PTH and
      ocular findings in patients with end stage renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.

PMID- 22089772
TI  - The deleterious effect of metabolic acidosis on nutritional status of
      hemodialysis patients.
AB  - One of the main causes of protein-energy malnutrition in patients on maintenance
      hemodialysis (MHD) is metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the effect of metabolic acidosis on nutritional status in a group of MHD patients
      with adequately delivered dialysis treatment. Of 165 eligible anuric MHD
      outpatients with Kt/V >= 1 and no underlying inflammatory diseases, 47 subjects
      were enrolled. In order to evaluate the effect of different parameters on serum
      albumin, we measured the pre-dialysis serum albumin, blood pH, serum bicarbonate
      (HCO 3? ), Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) and body mass index
      (BMI) in these patients. The mean age of the study patients was 55 +/- 13.8
      years; there were 22 females and six diabetics. The average Kt/V was 1.22 +/-
      0.16, pH was 7.40 +/- 0.15, serum HCO 3? was 23.18 +/- 2.38 mEq/L, serum albumin
      was 4.03 +/- 0.56 g/dL, nPCR was 1.00 +/- 0.16 g/kg/day, post-dialysis body
      weight was 58.50 +/- 11.50 kg and BMI was 23.47 +/- 2.70 kg/m 2 . There was a
      statistically significant direct correlation between serum albumin and BMI (r =
      0.415, P = 0.004), and between serum albumin and serum HCO 3 (r = 0.341, P =
      0.019). On multiple regression analysis, the predictors of serum albumin were
      serum HCO3? and BMI (direct effect) and nPCR (inverse effect). In 17 patients on
      MHD with serum HCO3? <22 mEq/L, there was a significant inverse correlation
      between HCO 3 and nPCR (r = 0.492, P = 0.045), and these patients had
      significantly lower serum albumin compared with patients with serum HCO3? >22
      mEq/L (P = 0.046). These data demonstrate that patients on MHD with metabolic
      acidosis had a lower serum albumin concentration despite adequate dialysis
      treatment. The inverse effect of nPCR on serum albumin concentration in acidotic
      MHD patients may be due to hypercatabolism in the setting of metabolic acidosis,
      leading to deleterious effects on the nutritional status of patients on MHD.

PMID- 22089773
TI  - The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid parameters, inflammatory and
      nutritional markers in maintenance hemodialysis patients.
AB  - Protein energy malnutrition and inflammation are common and usually concurrent in
      maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Carnitine, a small molecule involved in
      fatty acid metabolism, is significantly decreased in long-term HD patients. L
      Carnitine supplementation may have potential benefits in improving dialysis
      related disorders. However, there are conflicting reports with regard to the
      beneficial effects of L-Carnitine supplementation. Hence, the present study was
      carried out to evaluate the effect of L-Carnitine supplementation on lipid
      parameters, apoproteins and inflammatory and nutritional markers in HD patients.
      A total of 35 patients with end-stage renal disease, on MHD for a period of 2 to
      5 years were recruited into the study. The study group consisted of 20 patients
      who received Carnitine supplementation intravenously three times a week after
      each HD session, at 1 g/dose, while the control group consisted of 15 patients
      without supplementation with L-Carnitine. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein
      (hsCRP), total protein, albumin, lipid profile and apoprotein AI and B were
      determined at baseline and at the end of the study. A significant decrease in the
      hsCRP levels was observed in the Carnitine-supplemented group (P < 0.05).
      However, no significant change was observed in the lipid parameters and
      nutritional markers in the Carnitine-supplemented group. In conclusion, the
      present study demonstrates the significant benefit of L-Carnitine supplementation
      on inflammatory status in MHD patients as noted by marked decrease in hsCRP
      levels in comparison with the control group.

PMID- 22089774
TI  - Kidney imaging in management of delayed febrile urinary tract infection.
AB  - We report a cross-sectional study performed to evaluate the imaging findings of
      40 children, aged one month to five years (16.65 +/- 14.97 months), who presented
      with protracted fever of more than 48 hours due to urinary tract infection (UTI).
      About 85% of the patients had positive Tc99-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan
      and 58% had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Kidney sonography aided in the diagnosis
      and treatment in 10% of the patients. Age, sex, presence or laterality of VUR did
      not contribute to defective DMSA scan (pyelonephritis) (P > 0.05). Delayed
      diagnosis and treatment of febrile UTI is associated with a high incidence of
      positive findings of DMSA scan irrespective of age, sex or presence/absence of
      VUR. In mild VUR, the DMSA scan may be normal while in patients with moderate and
      severe VUR the DMSA scan is almost always abnormal. Thus, our study shows that a
      normal DMSA scan can help in ruling out moderate to severe forms of VUR and that
      cystography remains an excellent and standard tool for the diagnosis of VUR.

PMID- 22089775
TI  - Renal sonographic parameters in human immunodeficiency virus - infected subjects
      and relationship to CD4 cell count.
AB  - Nephropathy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient is common and
      constitutes a major cause of endstage kidney disease. CD4 cell count is a useful
      parameter in the assessment of the degree of immunosuppression among HIV-infected
      patients. Manifestations of renal disease are thought to be more profound when
      CD4 cell counts are low. Sonography is a safe and inexpensive method of
      evaluating renal disease, including renal sizes and degree of echogenicity.
      Ultrasound examination was carried out prospectively at the University of Benin
      Teaching Hospital on 120 HIV-infected patients comprising 45 males (37.5%) and 75
      females (63.5%). Renal sizes and degree of echogenicity were assessed.
      Correlation with CD4 + cell counts of the patients was done. Mean CD4 cell count
      mean was 18.34 +/- 142.18 cells/mm 3 with female patients having a significantly
      higher cell count compared with males. Seventy-four patients (63.8%) had a cell
      count of <200 cells/mm 3 . Renal sizes were normal in 85%, small in 7%, and large
      in 8% of patients. Fifty patients (41.7%) had increased renal echogenicity and 8
      (6.7%) had severe increased echo-texture. CD4 cell count did not correlate with
      renal sizes and echotexture. Results of this study show that large kidneys and
      marked increase in renal echotexture were not common even in a population of
      patients where the majority had CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm 3 . This study
      shows that increased renal sizes and degree of echogenicity alone are not useful
      predictors of renal involvement in HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 22089776
TI  - The safety and efficacy of endoscopic incision of orthotopic ureterocele in
      adult.
AB  - Endoscopic incision is a good management option for orthotopic ureterocele. But
      most of the literature has shown its efficacy only in children. We have done this
      retrospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic incision of
      orthotopic ureterocele in adults. From March 2004 to January 2008, at our center,
      26 adults underwent transurethral, transverse incision of an ureterocele. The
      perioperative data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. The
      literature was reviewed to identify all the reported options for management of
      this relatively rare condition in adults. Unilateral ureterocele was present in
      24 patients and two patients had bilateral ureterocele. One patient had
      associated upper tract stones. Three patients had associated stones in
      ureterocele. Transurethral, transverse incision of ureterocele was given in all
      patients. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 50.5 h. Twenty-three patients
      were available for follow-up at three, six and 12 months. All patients were
      symptom free. At three months ultrasound and intravenous urography revealed no
      residual ureterocele but four patients showed residual hydronephrosis, but with a
      decrease in the grade indicating decompression. Micturating cystourethrography
      revealed vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) in two patients and the reflux persisted in
      one patient even at 6 months. We conclude that in adults, management with
      endoscopic incision of orthotopic ureterocele is safe and effective. VUR may
      occur in a few cases.

PMID- 22089777
TI  - Kidney trauma with underlying renal pathology: is conservative management
      sufficient?
AB  - To evaluate the pre-existing renal lesions (PERL) found incidentally during
      evaluation for blunt renal trauma, determine their importance, and suggest
      guidelines for effective management, including conservative treatment, we
      reviewed 180 patients who were hospitalized with blunt renal trauma between 1992
      and 2008. Thirty of the 180 (16.6%) patients had PERL, which had been
      undiagnosed. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range 1-9 years). There were 24 men
      and 6 women with a mean age of 30 years (range 14-80 years). The most common
      cause of blunt renal injuries was falls and sports. Renal stones were present in
      14 patients, pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in 12, ectopic kidney in two,
      and megaureter and renal cyst in one case each. Ureteral stenting was used in
      four cases, and early nephrectomy was required in the other four. Fourteen
      patients underwent surgery for the PERL and not trauma, with a pyeloplasty in
      eight cases, partial nephrectomy in three cases, percutaneous nephrololithotomy
      in two cases, and ureteroneocystostomy in one case. In our study, the
      conservative treatment was possible in 73% of cases. We believe the published
      data support increasing conservative attempts in the hemodynamically stable
      patient.

PMID- 22089778
TI  - Simvastatin ameliorates gentamicin-induced renal injury in rats.
AB  - Gentamicin nephrotoxicity is one of the most common causes of acute renal
      failure. Simvastatin is one of the antioxidative drugs, which has anti
      inflammatory and anabolic effects and modulates the immune system. The present
      study was conducted to assess the effect of simvastatin on ameliorating the
      gentamicin-induced renal injury in 87 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were allocated
      randomly to 11 study groups: (A) and (B) groups with only gentamicin in 2
      dosages; (C), (D), and (E) gentamicin 50 mg/kg/day and simvastatin with different
      dosage; (F), (G), and (H) gentamicin 80 mg/kg/day and simvastatin with different
      dosage; (I) only simvastatin; (J) Injected normal saline; (K) control (no
      gentamicin and no simvastatin) group. Our study intervention period for injection
      of drugs was 12 days. Serum creatinine level and clearance were measured in all
      groups. At the end of the study, the rats were killed and both kidneys were
      removed and processed for histopathologic examination using the standard methods.
      The 50 mg/kg/day dose was utilized because it induces a mild form of renal
      toxicity, whereas the 80 mg/kg/day dose cause a more severe degree of renal
      injury. Morphologic examination of specimens from all rats was qualitatively
      assessed with blindness to treatment groups and proximal tubular profiles that
      were presented in each file were counted. The results demonstrated amelioration
      of gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in rats by simvastatin due to its
      antioxidant drug dose-related effect.

PMID- 22089779
TI  - Acute renal failure: nephrosonographic findings in asphyxiated neonates.
AB  - To determine the incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) and nephrosonographic
      findings among asphyxiated neonates, and to correlate this with uric acid levels
      and the severity of hypoxic encephalopathy, we studied 80 full-term appropriate
      for-date singleton neonates with perinatal asphyxia, and 30 healthy full-term
      neonates as controls from March 2006 to February 2007. A detailed history,
      thorough clinical examination along with investigations, including urine
      examination, 24-h urine collection, ultrasonography of abdomen and cranium, serum
      electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and serum uric acid were
      obtained. ARF developed in 45% (36/80) of the asphyxiated neonates. Forty-eight
      (60%) neonates showed significant elevation of blood urea and 41 (51.3%) neonates
      had significant elevation of serum creatinine than the control group (P < 0.001).
      Sixty-two (77.5%) neonates developed significant elevation of serum uric acid
      levels, and nephrosonography revealed hyperechogenicity in all of them, while
      only two among the healthy neonates showed the raised uric acid levels (P <
      0.001). Nonoliguric renal failure was seen 28/36 (77.8%) of the neonates with
      ARF, whereas eight (22.2%) neonates had oliguric renal failure. Eight (27.8%)
      patients among ARF patients maintained abnormal biochemical parameters after 2
      weeks, and of whom four patients died after variable lengths of time with a
      mortality rate of 11.11%. Kidneys are the most common organs involved in
      perinatal asphyxia, and uric acid might be a causative factor for failure in
      addition to hypoxic insult. Routine use of kidney function test, along with
      abdominal ultrasonography form an important screening tool to detect any
      additional morbidity in these patients.

PMID- 22089780
TI  - Obesity and metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients: single center
      experience.
AB  - Recent evidence highlights the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and
      increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The overall prevalence of the MS
      is increased in hemodialysis population. To evaluate the prevalence of the MS and
      obesity in our hemodialysis (HD) patients, we studied 234 HD patients and 34
      patients were excluded from the study due to incomplete data at the time of
      analysis. For the remaining 200 patients, 92% were below the age of 70 years old,
      162 (81%) were hypertensive, 90(45%) were diabetic, 54 (27%) had ischemic heart
      diseases, and 116 (58%) had MS. The incidence of MS in the male and female
      patients was 50% and 67%, respectively, with a mean abdominal girth more than 94
      cm in males and only 14% of the patients revealed abdominal girth measurement
      below 80 cm in females. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of obesity
      and MS in our HD patients. Such patients may be at risk of developing morbidities
      and may benefit from therapy such as lifestyle changes including weight reduction
      and increased physical activity.

PMID- 22089781
TI  - Comparison of the number of patients admitted with renal colic during various
      stages of peri-Ramadan month.
AB  - Ramadan fasting for Muslims means abstinence from eating, drinking, and smoking
      from sunrise to sunset. There are concerns whether the occurrence of renal colic
      increases during the month of Ramadan. In view of the importance of fasting among
      Muslims, the occurrence of renal colic during Ramadan fasting has been compared
      during the following periods: two weeks before commencement of Ramadan (stage-1),
      during the first two weeks (stage-2), the last two weeks (stage-3), and, two
      weeks after Ramadan (stage-4). This was a prospective observational study, which
      was carried out in patients with symptoms of renal colic who were referred to the
      emergency wards in two major hospitals in Iran. During the study period, 610
      subjects were admitted with renal colic during the four periods of study; there
      were 441 males (72.3%) and 169 females (27.7%). The number of patients with renal
      colic was highest during the first two weeks of Ramadan in comparison with the
      other periods (stage-1: 157, stage-2: 195, stage-3: 139, stage-4: 119, P < 0.05].
      Results from this study show that the number of admissions due to renal colic was
      high during the first two weeks of Ramadan. However, the number of admissions
      decreased during the last two weeks of Ramadan and this trend continued after
      Ramadan.

PMID- 22089783
TI  - Liposarcoma of spermatic cord.

PMID- 22089782
TI  - Nocardia infection in a renal transplant recipient.
AB  - Opportunistic infection occurs in up to 20% renal transplant patients and is
      associated with a high mortality. We report a 47-year-old diabetic female with 1
      year-old deceased donor renal allograft on triple drug immunosuppression. She
      developed cytomegalovirus retinitis at ten months post-transplant followed by
      nocardiasis manifested by hemiparesis with comatose state due to lumbar epidural
      and multiple brain abscesses, in spite of immediately curtailing
      immunosuppression. She recovered with linezolid and cotrimoxazole and was
      discharged two weeks later. She is maintaining stable graft function with serum
      creatinine 1.4 mg/dL on cyclosporin 2.5 mg/kg/day and prednisone10 mg/day with
      maintenance therapy for nocardiasis.

PMID- 22089784
TI  - Isolated sarcoid renal granulomatous tubulointerstitial disease.
AB  - A 37-year-old lady presented with hypercalcemia and acute renal impairment. She
      had no previous medical problems apart from the use of non steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs for nonspecific body pains. Her abdominal ultrasound scan as
      well as urine studies were nonspecific. Further workup for hypercalcemia
      (skeletal survey, high resolution computed tomography (CT) of the chest and
      abdomen, purified protein derivative (PPD) test, serum protein electrophoresis,
      tumor markers, immunology screening, and Bence Jones proteinuria) was negative.
      Serum angiotensin converting enzyme was high. Renal biopsy showed extensive
      lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells infiltration forming interstitial non
      necrotizing granulomata. Immune staining as well as staining for acid fast
      bacilli was negative. The possibility of sarcoid renal granulomata was raised and
      the patient was started on oral prednisolone with subsequent normalization of
      renal functions and serum calcium after one month of treatment.

PMID- 22089785
TI  - Renal cell carcinoma associated with granulomatous reaction.
AB  - Granulomatous inflammation is a distinctive pattern of chronic inflammatory
      reaction characterized by accumulation of epithelioid histiocytes and
      multinucleate giant cells. The cause of granulomas can be infectious or non
      infectious. Granulomas have been described within the stroma of malignancies like
      carcinomas of the breast and colon, seminoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma, where they
      represent T-cell-mediated reaction of the tumor stroma to antigens expressed by
      the tumor. Granulomatous reaction in association with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
      is uncommon, with only few published reports in the literature. We describe three
      cases of conventional (clear cell) RCC associated with epithelioid granulomas
      within the tumor parenchyma.

PMID- 22089786
TI  - Renal abscess due to Escherichia coli in a child.
AB  - Among the various intraabdominal abscesses, renal abscess is a rare entity,
      especially in children and accounts for a number of cases of "missed diagnoses."
      Drainage of pus and appropriate antibiotic therapy is the gold standard for
      treatment. Here we report a case of left renal abscess in a 6-year-old female
      child secondary to renal calculus. The patient presented with abdominal pain and
      mild fever for three months and the diagnosis was made by X-ray in the kidney,
      ureter and bladder (KUB) region, intravenous pyelography and ultrasonography of
      the abdomen. Escherichia coli was isolated from pus obtained by percutaneous
      drainage under sonographic guidance. The patient responded to intra-venous
      ceftriaxone, amikacin, and percutaneous drainage.

PMID- 22089787
TI  - Spontaneous remission of post-transplant recurrent focal and segmental
      glomerulosclerosis.
AB  - A 12-year-old girl with a history of steroid and cyclosporine (CsA) resistant
      nephrotic syndrome owing to focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has
      progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for which she underwent hemodialysis
      for 18 months before she successfully received a fully matched kidney transplant
      from her sister at the age of nine years. The post transplantation (Tx) period
      was marked by an early and massive proteinuria indicating recurrent FSGS for
      which she received 12 sessions of plasmapheresis (PP); unfortunately, she did not
      appear to have any response to the PP therapy; thereafter, a conservative
      management comprising essentially enalapril and losartan has been initiated and
      was also not successful during the first four months, however, a very gradual
      response has been noticed to occur after five months of conservative therapy and
      ultimately, the patient attained complete remission after 21 months of treatment.
      Amazingly, 15 months after discontinuation of enalapril and losartan, she
      remained in a complete and sustained remission with a good renal allograft
      function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case ever reported in
      the literature of a "spontaneous" remission of post transplant recurrent FSGS.

PMID- 22089788
TI  - Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury and transverse myelitis due to naive heroin
      exposure.
AB  - Heroin exposure can cause various complications like seizures, stroke, spongiform
      encephalopathy, transverse myelopathy, plexopathy, compartment syndrome,
      rhabdomyolysis and renal failure due to various mechanisms. We report here a
      young male who smoked heroin for the first time and developed transverse
      myelitis, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis. His renal
      recovery was complete by four weeks, while neurological improvement occurred 8 to
      12 weeks later. This case suggests a common pathogenic mechanism of heroin
      intoxication involving multiple systems of the body.

PMID- 22089789
TI  - Acute urine retention induced by ceftriaxone.
AB  - Ceftriaxone is known to cause biliary pseudolithiasis and, rarely,
      nephrolithiasis. When used in neonates receiving intravenous calcium, fatal lung
      and kidney calcifications occur. There is no satisfactory explanation for the
      pseudolithiasis, and the mechanism of stone formation remains unknown. Herein, we
      report a child with acute urinary retention (AUR) secondary to ceftriaxone
      therapy. The AUR developed on the second hospital day. The urinary excretion of
      uric acid was elevated. In retrospect, there was a positive paternal family
      history of gout and stones. A positive family history of gout or stones is a
      pointer to the possibility of AUR or urolithiasis in patients on treatment with
      ceftriaxone. If urinary symptoms develop, it is worth checking for crystalluria.
      This will avoid many unnecessary investigations and procedures.

PMID- 22089790
TI  - What makes an effective clinical trainer?
AB  - This study aims at identifying characteristics and behavioral patterns associated
      with the ideal tutor in different medical fields. This study is expected to
      answer two questions, first is effective supervision and how can this be
      determined? And secondly, what skills and qualities do effective supervisors
      need? An English limited search was performed in many databases including
      MEDLINE, BEI, and International ERIC for the last 20 years using many search
      items to identify characteristics cited in the literature as being important for
      effective clinical teaching. One hundred thirty two articles identified the
      review excluded literature relating to research supervision. Findings revealed
      that some of these investigations relied on the tutor's point of view, others on
      a resident's or a student's opinion or both. Descriptors for effective clinical
      teachers were categorized into three main classes: (a) teaching skills (i.e. well
      prepared, practices evidence-based medicine and believes in its principles and
      applications, effective, accessible, and provides and accepts both positive and
      negative feedback), (b) personality (i.e. enthusiastic, respectable, sincere,
      confident, humanitarian, and compassionate), and (c) attitude (i.e. health
      advocate, good role-model, encouraging, non-judgmental, aware of learners'
      growth, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed). Other factors such as the
      trainer's health (i.e. professional, personal, and spiritual fulfillment) and
      his/her scholarly activities were also identified.

PMID- 22089791
TI  - Motor disability in end-stage renal failure: an epidemiological study on Italian
      dialyzed patients.

PMID- 22089792
TI  - Presentation of seven members of a family with the Alport's syndrome.

PMID- 22089793
TI  - Copper sulphate poisoning and exchange transfusion.

PMID- 22089794
TI  - Arterial embolization for spontaneous rupture of renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22089795
TI  - Uremic bleeding with pericardial and subconjunctival hemorrhage.

PMID- 22089796
TI  - A five-year etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of urinary
      pathogens in children at Princess Rahmah Hospital, Jordan.

PMID- 22089797
TI  - Hematuria following Karate (Kumite) competitions in females.

PMID- 22089798
TI  - Urachal mucinous cystadenoma.

PMID- 22089799
TI  - Groin urinoma: a delayed complication of bladder injury.

PMID- 22089800
TI  - Antibody-mediated rejection: Importance of lactate dehydrogenase and neutrophilia
      in early diagnosis.

PMID- 22089801
TI  - The prevalence of tuberculosis in recipients of renal transplantation.

PMID- 22089802
TI  - Anti-HCMV IgG positivity rate among renal transplant recipients in Baghdad.
AB  - In developing countries, the majority of infection by human cytomegalovirus
      (HCMV) occurs during childhood and continues as a latent infection. By adulthood,
      almost all the population may show anti-HCMV IgG as positive. This study was
      undertaken to determine the correlation between the prevalence of HCMV antibodies
      and HCMV infection during post transplant period among renal transplant patients
      in Baghdad. 43 renal transplant patients attending three renal transplantation
      centers, and 40 healthy individuals who served as controls were enrolled in this
      study. 18 (41.9%) were transplanted recently and they were under post-operative
      follow-up and 25 (58.1%) were transplanted more than one year ago. Detection of
      anti-HCMV IgG was carried out using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA).
      The results revealed that anti-HCMV IgG was significantly higher among renal
      transplant recipients compared to healthy controls (97.7% vs 85%, P = 0.04). The
      anti-HCMV IgG positivity rate was not affected by patients' age, sex, and
      duration after transplantation or immunosuppressive therapy. We conclude that the
      high anti-HCMV IgG positivity rate among Iraqi renal transplant recipients make
      them prone to considerable risk of reactivation of HCMV infection.

PMID- 22089803
TI  - Achievements of kidney disease outcomes quality initiative goals in hemodialysis
      patients at Jordan University Hospital.
AB  - This study was conducted to assess the current practice patterns of care for
      hemodialysis (HD) patients at the Jordan University Hospital Dialysis Center
      using Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative Guidelines as the reference. In a
      cross-sectional study, we assessed 61 patients on HD. The Kt/V was calculated,
      and data on serum levels of hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation,
      calcium, phosphate, and intact parathormone (PTH) were collected. The values were
      compared with the dialysis outcomes quality initiative (K/DOQI) recommended
      target values. Forty-one patients (67.2%) had an arteriovenous fistula as the
      primary access. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.8 +/- 1.4 g/dL, 9.8% of patients
      had mean serum ferritin < 100 ng/dL and 14.7% had transferrin saturation < 20%.
      The mean serum calcium level was 9.1 +/- 0.9 mg/dL and serum calcium level
      between 8.5 and 10.5 mg/dL was found in 82% of HD patients. The mean serum
      phosphorus was 3.9 +/- 1.1 mg/dL and 59% of patients had serum phosphorus between
      3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL. The mean serum PTH was 364 +/- 315 and 14 patients (23%) had
      serum PTH between 150 and 300 pg/mL. The achieved standard of HD among our study
      patients was acceptable and, in many aspects, comparable with the NKF-KDOQI
      guidelines. However, there is still need to improve the management of anemia and
      control of hyperparathyroidism.

PMID- 22089804
TI  - Chronic renal failure in Al-Anbar of Iraq.
AB  - There is no precise study of the epidemiology and prevalence of chronic renal
      failure in Al-Anbar, Iraq. Therefore, we studied 230 hemodialysis (HD) patients
      at the HD unit of Al-Ramadi teaching hospital during the period from April 1,
      2008 to April 1, 2009. There were 124 (53%) male patients with a mean age of 48
      +/- 18.5 years, and 146 (63%) patients were older than 40 years. The estimated
      prevalence of chronic renal failure was 141 patients per million population.
      Diabetes mellitus (33%) and hypertension (22.6%) were the most common causes of
      chronic renal failure, followed in order by obstructive uropathy in 17.3%,
      undetermined causes in 14%, pyelonephritis in 4.7%, glomerulonephritis in 4.3%,
      and polycystic kidney disease in 3.9%. This study suggests that large number of
      patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have diabetes and hypertension.
      However, those patients with undetermined cause still form a significant portion
      of etiology of ESRD, and this reflects late referral combined with diagnostic
      limitations.

PMID- 22089805
TI  - Preliminary audit on early identification and management of chronic kidney
      disease in adults in an acute general medical unit in Sri Lanka.
AB  - This was the first round of an audit to analyze how closely the National
      Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on early identification and
      management of chronic kidney disease in adults is adhered to by a medical ward in
      the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. One hundred consecutive patients who were not
      diagnosed to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) but had risk factors for future
      development of CKD were selected from the male and female wards of the University
      Medical Unit, National Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Data were collected by
      interviewing patients and from the case notes, and entered on a proforma designed
      based on the recommendations outlined in the NICE guidelines on the prevention of
      CKD. Target blood pressure was achieved in 66% (n=66). Urine ward test was
      performed only in 58% of the patients, and this was positive for protein in 15
      patients. Investigations to exclude urinary tract infection were performed in
      12%. Measurement of serum creatinine was carried out in 40%, but estimated
      glomerular filtration rate, albumin:creatinine ratio and protein:creatinine ratio
      were not carried out in any of the patients. Forty percent of the patients were
      educated by ward staff regarding CKD, 22% on risk factor modification, 23%
      regarding renal replacement therapy, 34% regarding dietary modifications and 67%
      regarding importance of exercise. Twenty-six percent of the patients were not
      educated on any of the above components. ACEI, ARB and statins were prescribed
      only in 47%, 9% and 64%, respectively. Although follow-up was indicated in all
      these patients, it was arranged only in 17%. The concurrence with NICE guidelines
      on CKD prevention was found to be poor. Strategies for improvement are discussed.

PMID- 22089806
TI  - Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in a Sri Lankan population: experience of
      a tertiary care center.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing problem in Sri Lanka. Diabetes and
      hypertension are the main contributors to the disease burden. A new form of CKD
      of uncertain etiology (CKD-u) is the predominant form of CKD in certain parts of
      Sri Lanka, threatening to reach epidemic proportions. A cross-sectional
      descriptive study was carried out over a three-month period at the National
      Hospital of Sri Lanka to identify the underlying etiologic factors for the
      disease in a cohort of patients with CKD. A total of 200 patients were studied
      with a mean age of 50.57 years. Of them, 108 (54%) were in CKD stage V. Majority
      of the patients were from the western province (137, 68.5%) with only five (2.5%)
      from provinces with high prevalence of CKD-u. The most common underlying causes
      of CKD were diabetes (88, 44%) and hypertension (34, 17%). However, in patients
      younger than 40 years of age the most common cause was glomerulonephritis (20,
      42.6%). Diabetes was the most common cause of CKD among patients from the western
      province (74, 54%). The prevalence of CKD-u was twice as high in patients from
      areas outside the western province compared with patients from this province (P >
      0.05). The low prevalence of CKD-u in the study population could be the result of
      poor representation of patients from provinces with high prevalence of CKD-u.

PMID- 22089807
TI  - Self-compatibility of 'Zaoguan' (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) is associated with
      style-part mutations.
AB  - The pear cultivar 'Zaoguan' (S(4)S(34)) is the a self-compatible descendant of
      'Yali' (S(21)S(34)) * 'Qingyun'(S(4)S(9)). Two self-incompatible cultivars
      'Xinya' and 'Yaqing', also S-genotyped as S(4)S(34) for the S-RNase gene, were
      used as controls. Field pollination data revealed that 'Zaoguan' displayed SC,
      whereas 'Xinya' and 'Yaqing' showed self-incompatibility (SI) upon self
      pollination. Reciprocal pollinations between the varieties showed that most of
      the 'Zaoguan' flowers pollinated with 'Xinya' or 'Yaqing' pollen set fruits but
      that few of the 'Xinya' or 'Yaqing' flowers set fruit when pollinated with
      'Zaoguan' pollen. The pollen performance was monitored with fluorescence
      microscopy, and we observed that 'Zaoguan' accepted self-pollen as well as
      'Xinya' or 'Yaqing' pollen, whereas 'Xinya' or 'Yaqing' rejected self-pollen and
      'Zaoguan' pollen. The S(34)-RNase but not the S(4)-RNase could be detected in all
      selfed progeny of 'Zaoguan'. Comparisons of the 2D-PAGE profiles of the stylar
      extracts from the three cultivars showed that the S(4)-RNase protein expressed
      normally, but the S(34)-RNase of 'Zaoguan' was not found. Thus, we concluded that
      the stylar S(34) products were defective in 'Zaoguan' and that the S (4)-allele
      functioned normally. The nucleotide sequences of the S(4)- and S(34)-RNase of
      'Zaoguan' showed no differences from those of 'Xinya' or 'Yaqing', and they
      transcribed normally. These results indicate that SC in 'Zaoguan' was due to the
      loss of the S(34)-RNase caused by unknown post-transcriptional factors.

PMID- 22089808
TI  - Fe-catalysed oxidative C-H functionalization/C-S bond formation.
AB  - Iron was used as the catalyst for the direct C-H functionalization/C-S bond
      formation under mild conditions. Various substrates could afford benzothiazoles
      in moderate to excellent yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that
      pyridine played a crucial role for the high yields and selectivities.

PMID- 22089809
TI  - Posterior auricular artery-middle cerebral artery bypass for additional surgery
      of moyamoya disease.

PMID- 22089810
TI  - Direct arteriovenous fistula at the inferolateral trunk mimicking carotid
      cavernous fistula without involving the cavernous sinus: a case report.
AB  - The authors present the case of a 66-year-old female who developed progressive
      pulsating exophthalmos, a bruit, and conjunctival chemosis 7 months after a head
      injury. These symptoms, though highly suspicious of carotid cavernous fistula,
      were caused by an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the inferolateral trunk
      (ILT) and the ophthalmic veins. A direct AVF at the branch of the ILT without
      involvement of the cavernous sinus is extremely rare, but could occur in the case
      of acquired AVF since the ILT has some branches around venous structures outside
      the cavernous sinus. The clinical implications of this case are discussed in
      terms of the anatomical aspects.

PMID- 22089811
TI  - Does NAD(P)H oxidase-derived H2O2 participate in hypotonicity-induced insulin
      release by activating VRAC in beta-cells?
AB  - NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX)-derived H(2)O(2) was recently proposed to act, in several
      cells, as the signal mediating the activation of volume-regulated anion channels
      (VRAC) under a variety of physiological conditions. The present study aims at
      investigating whether a similar situation prevails in insulin-secreting BRIN-BD11
      and rat beta-cells. Exogenous H(2)O(2) (100 to 200 MUM) at basal glucose
      concentration (1.1 to 2.8 mM) stimulated insulin secretion. The inhibitor of
      VRAC, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB) inhibited the secretory
      response to exogenous H(2)O(2). In patch clamp experiments, exogenous H(2)O(2)
      was observed to stimulate NPPB-sensitive anion channel activity, which induced
      cell membrane depolarization. Exposure of the BRIN-BD11 cells to a hypotonic
      medium caused a detectable increase in intracellular level of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) that was abolished by diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), a
      universal NOX inhibitor. NOX inhibitors such as DPI and plumbagin nearly totally
      inhibited insulin release provoked by exposure of the BRIN-BD11 cells to a
      hypotonic medium. Preincubation with two other drugs also abolished hypotonicity
      induced insulin release and reduced basal insulin output: 1) N-acetyl-L-cysteine
      (NAC), a glutathione precursor that serves as general antioxidant and 2)
      betulinic acid a compound that almost totally abolished NOX4 expression. As NPPB,
      each of these inhibitors (DPI, plumbagin, preincubation with NAC or betulinic
      acid) strongly reduced the volume regulatory decrease observed following a
      hypotonic shock, providing an independent proof that VRAC activation is mediated
      by H(2)O(2). Taken together, these data suggest that NOX-derived H(2)O(2) plays a
      key role in the insulin secretory response of BRIN-BD11 and native beta-cells to
      extracellular hypotonicity.

PMID- 22089813
TI  - Early migration of an Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder
      device causing severe tricuspid valve obstruction.
AB  - Percutaneous closure of perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defects is
      becoming well established worldwide. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl
      with postoperative tetrology of Fallot and a residual ventricular septal defect
      that was closed with Amplatzer device complicated by early device migration and
      severe tricuspid valve obstruction.

PMID- 22089814
TI  - Blood cyst of the mitral valve.
AB  - Blood cysts of the mitral valve are mostly benign diverticuli lined by
      endothelium and filled with blood and can be safely monitored with
      echocardiographic follow-up. We report a case of asymptomatic blood cyst of the
      mitral valve in a 63-year-old woman referred for a systolic murmur. At 3-year
      echo follow-up, the patient is free from notable clinical events.

PMID- 22089815
TI  - The Stent for Life project in Italy.
AB  - In Italy, as in other European countries, public service healthcare presents some
      disparities that are related to geographical, economic, organizational and
      structural issues. Although some Italian regions have excellent networks for the
      treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), others still have to
      develop a model that allows each STEMI patient to receive the best reperfusion
      treatment. A recent nationwide registry from the Italian Society of
      Interventional Cardiology (SICI-GISE) showed that efficient STEMI networks cover
      approximately 50% of the Italian territory. For these reasons, Italy joined the
      Stent for Life initiative in August 2010 with the primary goal of implementing
      and defining tailored action programs in order to ensure that the majority of the
      Italian STEMI population have access to life-saving primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention.

PMID- 22089812
TI  - Physiology of potassium channels in the inner membrane of mitochondria.
AB  - The inner membrane of the ATP-producing organelles of endosymbiotic origin,
      mitochondria, has long been considered to be poorly permeable to cations and
      anions, since the strict control of inner mitochondrial membrane permeability is
      crucial for efficient ATP synthesis. Over the past 30 years, however, it has
      become clear that various ion channels--along with antiporters and uniporters-
      are present in the mitochondrial inner membrane, although at rather low
      abundance. These channels are important for energy supply, and some are a
      decisive factor in determining whether a cell lives or dies. Their
      electrophysiological and pharmacological characterisations have contributed
      importantly to the ongoing elucidation of their pathophysiological roles. This
      review gives an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the functions
      of the mitochondrial potassium channels identified so far. Open issues concerning
      the possible molecular entities giving rise to the observed activities and
      channel protein targeting to mitochondria are also discussed.

PMID- 22089816
TI  - Bronchogenic cyst of interatrial septum.
AB  - Bronchogenic cyst, also known as inclusion cyst, is a type of congenital
      endodermal heterotropia derived from an abnormal development of the ventral
      diverticulum of the foregut or the tracheobronchial tree during embryogenesis.
      Its interatrial localization is extremely rare and making a final diagnosis
      without surgery challenges the clinician. Herein, we report a 58-year-old male
      patient who had an interatrial bronchogenic cyst related to transient ischemic
      attack.

PMID- 22089817
TI  - An unusual mediastinal outline.
AB  - Thymoma is the most common primary neoplasm of the anterior mediastinum. We
      describe the case of a 40-year-old man with asymptomatic thymoma involving the
      right atrium, and the diagnostic pathway.

PMID- 22089818
TI  - Gold nanoparticle-based fluorescence immunoassay for malaria antigen detection.
AB  - The development of rapid detection assays for malaria diagnostics is an area of
      intensive research, as the traditional microscopic analysis of blood smears is
      cumbersome and requires skilled personnel. Here, we describe a simple and
      sensitive immunoassay that successfully detects malaria antigens in infected
      blood cultures. This homogeneous assay is based on the fluorescence quenching of
      cyanine 3B (Cy3B)-labeled recombinant Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 70
      (PfHsp70) upon binding to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with an anti
      Hsp70 monoclonal antibody. Upon competition with the free antigen, the Cy3B
      labeled recombinant PfHsp70 is released to solution resulting in an increase of
      fluorescence intensity. Two types of AuNP-antibody conjugates were used as
      probes, one obtained by electrostatic adsorption of the antibody on AuNPs surface
      and the other by covalent bonding using protein cross-linking agents. In
      comparison with cross-linked antibodies, electrostatic adsorption of the
      antibodies to the AuNPs surfaces generated conjugates with increased activity and
      linearity of response, within a range of antigen concentration from 8.2 to 23.8
      MUg.mL(-1). The estimated LOD for the assay is 2.4 MUg.mL(-1) and the LOQ is 7.3
      MUg.mL(-1). The fluorescence immunoassay was successfully applied to the
      detection of antigen in malaria-infected human blood cultures at a 3% parasitemia
      level, and is assumed to detect parasite densities as low as 1,000 parasites.MUL(
      1).

PMID- 22089819
TI  - The herbalome--an attempt to globalize Chinese herbal medicine.
AB  - The herbalome is a project with the objective of globalizing Chinese herbal
      medicine (CHM) by clarification of its composition, structure, and function; by
      establishing a standard resource library; and by interpreting the synergistic and
      complementary mechanisms of multi-components on multi-targets. In phase I, it
      focuses on the development of systematic separation methodology for resolving and
      analyzing the complex components in CHM and establishment of a comprehensive
      resource library. This review summarizes recent advances in the herbalome project
      with regard to innovative separation techniques and demonstration of a resource
      library.

PMID- 22089820
TI  - EUROanalysis 16--hot Belgrade, summer in the city.

PMID- 22089821
TI  - Asymmetric Michael addition reactions of 3-substituted benzofuran-2(3H)-ones to
      nitroolefins catalyzed by a bifunctional tertiary-amine thiourea.
AB  - The current work reports an organocatalytic strategy for the asymmetric catalysis
      of chiral benzofuran-2(3H)-ones bearing 3-position all-carbon quaternary
      stereocenters. Accordingly, highly enantioselective Michael addition reactions of
      3-substituted benzofuran-2(3H)-ones to nitroolefins have been developed by
      utilizing a bifunctional tertiary-amine thiourea catalyst. The reactions
      accommodate a number of nitroolefins and 3-substituted benzofuran-2(3H)-ones to
      give the desired chiral benzofuran-2(3H)-one products with moderate to excellent
      yields (up to 98%) and moderate to very good selectivities (up to 19 : 1 dr and
      up to 91% ee). Theoretical calculations using the DFT method on the origin of the
      stereoselectivity were conducted. The effect of the nitroolefin substituent
      position on the stereoselectivity of the Michael addition reaction was also
      theoretically rationalized.

PMID- 22089822
TI  - Olfactory experience modifies semiochemical responses in a bark beetle predator.
AB  - A typical feature of forest insect pests is their tendency to undergo large
      fluctuations in abundance, which can jeopardize the persistence of their
      predaceous natural enemies. One strategy that these predators may adopt to cope
      with these fluctuations would be to respond to sensory cues for multiple prey
      species. Another possible adaptation to temporal variation in the prey community
      could involve the learning of prey cues and switching behavior. We conducted
      three experiments to investigate the ability of the generalist bark beetle
      predator Thanasimus dubius (F.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) to respond to different
      prey signals and to investigate the effect of olfactory experience. We first
      conducted a field choice test and a wind tunnel experiment to examine the
      kairomonal response of individual predators toward prey pheromone components
      (frontalin, ipsenol, ipsdienol, sulcatol) along with the pine monoterpene alpha
      pinene, which is a volatile compound from the host of the prey. We also presented
      semiochemically naive predators with two prey pheromone components, frontalin and
      ipsenol, alone or associated with a reward. Our results showed that T. dubius
      populations are composed of generalists that can respond to a broad range of
      kairomonal signals. Naive T. dubius also were more attracted to ipsenol following
      its association with a reward. This work constitutes the first evidence that the
      behavior of a predatory insect involved in bark beetle population dynamics is
      influenced by previous olfactory experience, and provides a potential explanation
      for the pattern of prey switching observed in field studies.

PMID- 22089823
TI  - Species-specific chemical signatures in scale insect honeydew.
AB  - The quantity and chemical composition of honeydew produced by scale insects may
      influence wider community structure, but little is known about the detailed
      chemical composition of the honeydew found in forest ecosystems. We used gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry to examine the amino acid and carbohydrate
      composition of honeydew from three New Zealand communities. Low molecular weight
      carbohydrates (mono-, di-, and tri-saccharides) were derivatized using a modified
      trimethylsilyl (TMS) method, and amino and non-amino organic acids were
      derivatized using methylchloroformate (MCF). These recently developed
      derivatization methods allowed us to detect atypical compounds such as sugar
      alcohols, fatty acids, and non-amino organic acids, in addition to the more
      routinely studied compounds such as sugars and amino acids. Some compounds could
      not be identified and may be novel. Multivariate analysis showed that honeydew
      from each scale insect species had a distinctive amino acid and carbohydrate
      signature. We suggest these chemical signatures may influence the types of
      consumers that are attracted to different honeydews and may explain the
      characteristic communities associated with these honeydews.

PMID- 22089824
TI  - Heart rate variability in complex regional pain syndrome during rest and mental
      and orthostatic stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a pain condition with
      regional sensory and autonomic abnormalities in the affected limb. The authors
      studied systemic autonomic and hemodynamic function in CRPS patients during rest,
      and during orthostatic and mental arithmetic stress. METHODS: Twenty patients
      with CRPS and 20 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched control subjects
      participated. Mean values of heart rate variability, baroreceptor sensitivity,
      blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance
      were estimated during supine rest and 60 degrees  tilt-table testing. On a
      separate day, heart rate variability was also measured during mental arithmetic
      stress testing induced by a paced auditory serial addition task. RESULTS: Heart
      rate was increased and heart rate variability reduced in patients with CRPS
      patients compared with control subjects during rest and mental and orthostatic
      stress, whereas baroreceptor sensitivity was unaffected. When tilted from supine
      to upright position, patients with CRPS were not able to preserve cardiac output
      in comparison with control subjects, and they exhibited an exaggerated increase
      in the total peripheral resistance. The hemodynamic changes correlated to pain
      duration but not to pain intensity. CONCLUSION: The increased heart rate and
      decreased heart rate variability in CRPS suggest a general autonomic imbalance,
      which is an independent predictor for increased mortality and sudden death. The
      inability of the patients to protect their cardiac output during orthostatic
      stress was aggravated with the chronicity of the disease.

PMID- 22089825
TI  - Establishing oleaginous microalgae research models for consolidated bioprocessing
      of solar energy.
AB  - Algal feedstock is the foundation of the emerging algal biofuel industry.
      However, few algae found in nature have demonstrated the combination of high
      biomass accumulation rate, robust oil yield and tolerance to environmental
      stresses, all complex traits that a large-scale, economically competitive
      production scheme demands. Therefore, untangling the intricate sub-cellular
      networks underlying these complex traits, in one or a series of carefully
      selected algal research models, has become an urgent research mission, which can
      take advantage of the emerging model oleaginous microalgae that have already
      demonstrated small, simple and tackleable genomes and the potential for large
      scale open-pond cultivation. The revolutions in whole-genome-based technologies,
      coupled with systems biology, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology
      approaches, would enable the rational design and engineering of algal feedstock
      and help to fill the gaps between the technical and economical reality and the
      enormous potential of algal biofuels.

PMID- 22089826
TI  - Biohydrogen production from anaerobic fermentation.
AB  - Significant progress has been achieved in China for biohydrogen production from
      organic wastes, particularly wastewater and agricultural residues, which are
      abundantly available in China. This progress is reviewed with a focus on hydrogen
      producing bacteria, fermentation processes, and bioreactor configurations.
      Although dark fermentation is more efficient for hydrogen production, by-products
      generated during the fermentation not only compromise hydrogen production yield
      but also inhibit the bacteria. Two strategies, combination of dark fermentation
      and photofermentation and coupling of dark fermentation with a microbial
      electrolysis cell, are expected to address this issue and improve hydrogen
      production as well as substrate utilization, which are also discussed. Finally,
      challenges and perspectives for biohydrogen production are highlighted.

PMID- 22089827
TI  - Facilitators and barriers to implementation of an evidence-based parenting
      intervention to prevent child maltreatment: the Triple P-Positive Parenting
      Program.
AB  - The prevention of child maltreatment via parenting interventions requires
      implementation on a broad scale, which is facilitated by drawing on a
      multidisciplinary array of service workers located in multiple settings. This
      underscores the importance of understanding factors that impact worker
      implementation of evidenced-based parenting and family support interventions.
      This study involved structured interviews with 174 service providers from several
      disciplines who had been trained previously in the delivery of the Triple P
      Positive Parenting Program. These follow-up interviews, conducted an average of
      about 2 years after professional in-service training, provided the basis for
      examining predictors of sustained program use. Predictors examined included
      facilitators and barriers to program use, as well as organizational and provider
      level characteristics such as attitudes toward evidence-based interventions.
      Highlighting the importance of a systems-contextual perspective on
      implementation, several provider and organization-level characteristics
      significantly predicted program use including provider self-confidence after
      training, fit of program with ongoing duties, availability of posttraining
      support, and perceived benefit of intervention for children and families.
      Implications for prevention and implementation science are discussed in view of
      the challenges inherent in the field of child maltreatment.

PMID- 22089828
TI  - Mixed Ising ferrimagnets with next-nearest-neighbour couplings on square
      lattices.
AB  - We study Ising ferrimagnets on square lattices with antiferromagnetic exchange
      couplings between spins of values S = 1/2 and 1 on neighbouring sites, couplings
      between S = 1 spins at next-nearest-neighbour sites of the lattice and a single
      site anisotropy term for the S = 1 spins. Using mainly ground state
      considerations and extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate various
      aspects of the phase diagram, including compensation points, critical properties
      and temperature-dependent anomalies. In contrast to previous belief, the next
      nearest-neighbour couplings, when being of antiferromagnetic type, may lead to
      compensation points.

PMID- 22089829
TI  - Revertant mosaicism in Kindler syndrome.

PMID- 22089830
TI  - Soluble peptide treatment reverses CD8 T-cell-induced disease in a mouse model of
      spontaneous tissue-selective autoimmunity.
AB  - Transgenic (Tg) mouse models of autoimmunity have been used to express model
      antigens that can be recognized by T cells or by autoantibodies. To identify
      mechanisms of CD8-mediated tissue-specific autoimmune reactions and to identify
      potential treatments, we generated a double-transgenic (DTg) murine model of
      autoimmunity by crossing keratin-14 (K14)-soluble chicken ovalbumin (sOVA) mice,
      which express sOVA predominantly in external ear skin, with OT-I mice whose CD8 T
      cells express Valpha2/Vbeta5 regions of the TCR and are specific for SIINFEKL
      peptide (chicken ovalbumin (OVA) peptide 257-264) in association with class I
      major histocompatibility complex. The K14-sOVA/OT-I DTg mice develop a
      destructive process selectively targeting the external ear pinnae in the first 6
      days of life. The ear bud area develops an intense inflammatory infiltrate of OT
      I cells. Administration of the SIINFEKL peptide intravenously to pregnant F1
      (filial 1, first filial generation of animal offspring from cross-mating two
      parental types) mice and subsequently intraperitoneally to newborn pups resulted
      in normal external ear development. Treatment with this self-peptide markedly
      reduced OT-I cell numbers, as well as downregulated the CD8 co-receptor. This
      model can be useful in studying localized, tissue-specific, immune-mediated skin
      disease, and provide information about potential therapies for autoimmune
      diseases in which specific molecular targets are known.

PMID- 22089831
TI  - Substance P (SP) induces expression of functional corticotropin-releasing hormone
      receptor-1 (CRHR-1) in human mast cells.
AB  - Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is secreted under stress and regulates the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, CRH is also secreted outside the
      brain where it exerts proinflammatory effects through activation of mast cells,
      which are increasingly implicated in immunity and inflammation. Substance P (SP)
      is also involved in inflammatory diseases. Human LAD2 leukemic mast cells express
      only CRHR-1 mRNA weakly. Treatment of LAD2 cells with SP (0.5-2 MUM) for 6 hours
      significantly increases corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-1 (CRHR-1) mRNA
      and protein expression. Addition of CRH (1 MUM) to LAD2 cells, which are "primed"
      with SP for 48 hours and then washed, induces synthesis and release of IL-8,
      tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 24
      hours later. These effects are blocked by pretreatment with an NK-1 receptor
      antagonist. Treatment of LAD2 cells with CRH (1 MUM) for 6 hours induces gene
      expression of NK-1 as compared with controls. However, repeated stimulation of
      mast cells with CRH (1 MUM) leads to downregulation of CRHR-1 and upregulation in
      NK-1 gene expression. These results indicate that SP can stimulate mast cells and
      also increase expression of functional CRHR-1, whereas CRH induces NK-1 gene
      expression. These results may explain CRHR-1 and NK-1 expression in lesional skin
      of psoriatic patients.

PMID- 22089832
TI  - Identification of telogen markers underscores that telogen is far from a
      quiescent hair cycle phase.

PMID- 22089833
TI  - Clinical expression and new SPINK5 splicing defects in Netherton syndrome:
      unmasking a frequent founder synonymous mutation and unconventional intronic
      mutations.
AB  - Netherton syndrome (NS) is a severe skin disease caused by loss-of-function
      mutations in SPINK5 (serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5) encoding the serine
      protease inhibitor LEKTI (lympho-epithelial Kazal type-related inhibitor). Here,
      we disclose new SPINK5 defects in 12 patients, who presented a clinical triad
      suggestive of NS with variations in inter- and intra-familial disease expression.
      We identified a new and frequent synonymous mutation c.891C>T (p.Cys297Cys) in
      exon 11 of the 12 NS patients. This mutation disrupts an exonic splicing enhancer
      sequence and causes out-of-frame skipping of exon 11. Haplotype analysis
      indicates that this mutation is a founder mutation in Greece. Two other new deep
      intronic mutations, c.283-12T>A in intron 4 and c.1820+53G>A in intron 19,
      induced partial intronic sequence retention. A new nonsense c.2557C>T (p.Arg853X)
      mutation was also identified. All mutations led to a premature termination codon
      resulting in no detectable LEKTI on skin sections. Two patients with deep
      intronic mutations showed residual LEKTI fragments in cultured keratinocytes.
      These fragments retained some functional activity, and could therefore, together
      with other determinants, contribute to modulate the disease phenotype. This new
      founder mutation, the most frequent mutation described in European populations so
      far, and these unusual intronic mutations, widen the clinical and molecular
      spectrum of NS and offer new diagnostic perspectives for NS patients.

PMID- 22089836
TI  - Tree that provides paclitaxel is put on list of endangered species.

PMID- 22089834
TI  - Automatic segmentation of ground-glass opacities in lung CT images by using
      Markov random field-based algorithms.
AB  - Chest radiologists rely on the segmentation and quantificational analysis of
      ground-glass opacities (GGO) to perform imaging diagnoses that evaluate the
      disease severity or recovery stages of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases.
      However, it is computationally difficult to segment and analyze patterns of GGO
      while compared with other lung diseases, since GGO usually do not have clear
      boundaries. In this paper, we present a new approach which automatically segments
      GGO in lung computed tomography (CT) images using algorithms derived from Markov
      random field theory. Further, we systematically evaluate the performance of the
      algorithms in segmenting GGO in lung CT images under different situations. CT
      image studies from 41 patients with diffuse lung diseases were enrolled in this
      research. The local distributions were modeled with both simple and adaptive
      (AMAP) models of maximum a posteriori (MAP). For best segmentation, we used the
      simulated annealing algorithm with a Gibbs sampler to solve the combinatorial
      optimization problem of MAP estimators, and we applied a knowledge-guided
      strategy to reduce false positive regions. We achieved AMAP-based GGO
      segmentation results of 86.94%, 94.33%, and 94.06% in average sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy, respectively, and we evaluated the performance using
      radiologists' subjective evaluation and quantificational analysis and diagnosis.
      We also compared the results of AMAP-based GGO segmentation with those of support
      vector machine-based methods, and we discuss the reliability and other issues of
      AMAP-based GGO segmentation. Our research results demonstrate the acceptability
      and usefulness of AMAP-based GGO segmentation for assisting radiologists in
      detecting GGO in high-resolution CT diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 22089837
TI  - Breast cancer: overview & updates.
AB  - Breast cancer is a complex disease and treatment recommendations are continually
      changing. It is the leading cancer in women and the second leading cause of
      cancer mortality. This overview of breast cancer will discuss pathologic
      features, local and systemic treatment considerations, endocrine therapy,
      metastatic treatment regimens, and follow-up for optimal breast health. Recent
      approvals that advance the treatment of metastatic breast cancer are also
      addressed.

PMID- 22089838
TI  - Cellular regulation of the inflammatory response.
AB  - In simple terms, inflammation can be defined as a beneficial, nonspecific
      response of tissues to injury that generally leads to restoration of normal
      structure and function. In this concept, resolution of the inflammatory response,
      once it has achieved its protective and pro-immunogenic functions, becomes a
      critical determinant of what might be considered the paradox of inflammation. On
      one hand, inflammation is essential to resolve tissue injury and maintain
      homeostasis. On the other, inflammation is a key participant in the great
      majority of human diseases. Accordingly, to achieve complete resolution of
      inflammation, it is necessary to both turn off inflammatory mediator production
      and inflammatory cell accumulation and to remove inflammatory cells and debris
      without initiating an autoimmune response. Much of this process involves key
      activities of the mononuclear phagocyte series of cells, including resident and
      recruited macrophages. Recognition of activated and dying acute inflammatory
      cells by mononuclear phagocytes has been shown to (a) enhance macropinocytic
      activity for removal of debris, (b) enhance uptake of the effete inflammatory
      cells themselves, (c) induce inflammosuppressive and immunosuppressive mediators
      such as TGFbeta and IL-10 that can down-regulate and limit proinflammatory
      mediator production, and (d) induce production of growth factors for tissue cells
      that may play key roles in tissue repair. Defects in these highly regulated
      processes are associated with persistent inflammation and/or autoimmunity in
      overaggressive resolution mechanisms such as nonresolving fibrosis or persistent
      tissue destruction as in emphysema.

PMID- 22089839
TI  - Proceedings of the 2011 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium.
AB  - The 2011 annual National Toxicology Program (NTP) Satellite Symposium, entitled
      "Pathology Potpourri," was held in Denver, Colorado in advance of the Society of
      Toxicologic Pathology's 30th Annual Meeting. The goal of the NTP Symposium is to
      present current diagnostic pathology or nomenclature issues to the toxicologic
      pathology community. This article presents summaries of the speakers'
      presentations, including diagnostic or nomenclature issues that were presented,
      along with select images that were used for audience voting or discussion. Some
      lesions and topics covered during the symposium include: proliferative lesions
      from various fish species including ameloblastoma, gas gland hyperplasia, nodular
      regenerative hepatocellular hyperplasia, and malignant granulosa cell tumor;
      spontaneous cystic hyperplasia in the stomach of CD1 mice and histiocytic
      aggregates in the duodenal villous tips of treated mice; an olfactory
      neuroblastoma in a cynomolgus monkey; various rodent skin lesions, including
      follicular parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, adnexal degeneration, and epithelial
      intracytoplasmic accumulations; oligodendroglioma and microgliomas in rats; a
      diagnostically challenging microcytic, hypochromic, responsive anemia in rats; a
      review of microcytes and microcytosis; nasal lesions associated with green tea
      extract and Ginkgo biloba in rats; corneal dystrophy in Dutch belted rabbits;
      valvulopathy in rats; and lymphoproliferative disease in a cynomolgus monkey.

PMID- 22089840
TI  - TCDD: an environmental immunotoxicant reveals a novel pathway of immunoregulation
      -a 30-year odyssey.
AB  - I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the 30th Annual Society of Toxicologic
      Pathology Symposium "Toxicologic Pathology and the Immune System." I had the
      opportunity to reminisce about events in the 1970s that set the stage for the
      birth and subsequent growth of the field of immunotoxicology and to summarize my
      research career that has spanned the past 40 years as well. An initial focus on
      the immunotoxicity of pentachlorophenol led my laboratory into the aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) field and the study of its most potent ligand, 2,3,7,8
      tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). My research career has been devoted to trying
      to elucidate the immunological basis of TCDD's profound immunosuppressive
      activity that is mediated by activation of AHR. In recent years, my laboratory
      has focused on the role of CD4(+ )T cells as targets of TCDD, and we were the
      first to describe the induction of AHR-dependent regulatory T cells (Tregs). The
      ability to induce Tregs using an exogenous AHR ligand to activate the AHR-Treg
      pathway represents a novel approach to the prevention and/or treatment of
      autoimmune disease. We are currently searching for such ligands.

PMID- 22089841
TI  - Potentially increased sensitivity of pregnant and lactating female rats to
      immunotoxic agents.
AB  - Characteristic susceptibility to environmental and pharmaceutical exposure may
      occur during periods in life of marked histophysiological changes of the immune
      system. Perinatal development is such a period; pregnancy followed by lactation
      is potentially another one. Here, we explored the influence of pregnancy and
      lactation on the model immunotoxic compound di-n-octyltin dichloride (DOTC) in
      rats using clinical and histopathological parameters. Female rats were exposed to
      0, 3, 10, or 30 mg DOTC/kg feed during pregnancy and up to 20 (at weaning) or 56
      days after delivery. Age-matched nonmated females were exposed during the same
      time periods. DOTC at the level of 10 and 30 mg/kg decreased thymus weight and
      affected thymus morphology in the lactating rats. In addition, DOTC decreased the
      numbers of neutrophils in the lactating rats. These effects were no longer
      apparent at day 56 despite continuous exposure to DOTC. This explorative study
      indicates that the innate and adaptive immune system may be especially sensitive
      to immunotoxicants during pregnancy and lactation.

PMID- 22089842
TI  - Immune functioning in non lymphoid organs: the liver.
AB  - The liver is the primary hematopoietic organ of the mammalian body during the
      fetal stage. The postnatal liver retains immunologically important functions and
      contains a substantial population of immunologically active cells, including T
      and B lymphocytes, Kupffer cells, liver-adapted natural killer (NK) cells (pit
      cells), natural killer cells expressing T cell receptor (NKT cells), stellate
      cells, and dendritic cells. The liver is the major site of production of the
      acute phase proteins that are associated with acute inflammatory reactions.
      Kupffer cells have an important role in the nonspecific phagocytosis that
      comprises a major component of the barrier to invasion of pathogenic organisms
      from the intestine. Hepatic NK and NKT cells are important in the nonspecific
      cell killing that is important in resistance to tumor cell invasion. The liver
      has a major role in deletion of activated T cells and induction of tolerance to
      ingested and self-antigens. Disposal of waste molecules generated through
      inflammatory, immunologic, or general homeostatic processes is accomplished via
      the action of specific endocytic receptors on sinusoidal endothelial cells of the
      liver. Age-related changes in sinusoids (pseudocapillarization), autophagy, and
      functions of various hepatic cell populations result in substantial alterations
      in many of these immunologically important functions.

PMID- 22089843
TI  - Enhanced histopathology of the immune system: a review and update.
AB  - Enhanced histopathology (EH) of the immune system is a tool that the pathologist
      can use to assist in the detection of lymphoid organ lesions when evaluating a
      suspected immunomodulatory test article within a subchronic study or as a
      component of a more comprehensive, tiered approach to immunotoxicity testing.
      There are three primary points to consider when performing EH: (1) each lymphoid
      organ has separate compartments that support specific immune functions; (2) these
      compartments should be evaluated individually; and (3) semiquantitative
      descriptive rather than interpretive terminology should be used to characterize
      any changes. Enhanced histopathology is a screening tool that should be used in
      conjunction with study data including clinical signs, gross changes, body weight,
      spleen and thymus weights, other organ or tissue changes, and clinical pathology.
      Points to consider include appropriate tissue collection, sectioning, and
      staining; lesion grading; and diligent comparison with concurrent controls. The
      value of EH of lymphoid organs is to aid in the identification of target cell
      type, changes in cell production and cell death, changes in cellular trafficking
      and recirculation, and determination of mechanism of action.

PMID- 22089844
TI  - General session 3: acquired immunity.
AB  - Session 3 of the Toxicologic Pathology and the Immune System Symposium, presented
      as part of the 30th Annual Symposium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology in
      2011, focused on the biological advances in control of selected cellular and
      secretory components of acquired immunity. Acquired immunity goes beyond innate
      immunity to provide controlled recognition and memory for specific antigenic
      challenges. Predominately involving activation of T and B lymphocytes, the
      resulting cellular- and secretory-mediated activity provides immediate and long
      term host defenses to antigenic challenge. This session highlighted the
      biological advances in function and dysfunction of acquired immunity through
      regulatory T cells, the pathophysiology of effector cells and secretory molecules
      in immunosuppression, allergic inflammatory disease, and dysregulation that leads
      to loss of tolerance and autoimmune disease. A brief overview of major concepts
      in acquired immunity and summaries of the above themes are covered herein, and
      discussions of these themes are covered in greater detail in this issue of
      Toxicologic Pathology.

PMID- 22089845
TI  - Building a successful trauma practice in a community setting.
AB  - The development of a busy community-based trauma practice is a multifaceted
      endeavor that requires good clinical judgment, business acumen, interpersonal
      skills, and negotiation tactics. Private practice is a world in which perfect
      outcomes are expected and efficiency is paramount. Successful operative outcomes
      are dependent on solid clinical training, good preoperative planning, and
      communication with mentors when necessary. Private practitioners must display
      confidence, polite behavior, and promptness. Maintaining availability for
      consultation from emergency room physicians, private practice physicians, and
      local orthopaedic surgeons is a powerful marketing tool. Orthopaedic trauma
      surgery has been shown to be a profitable field for hospitals and private
      practitioners. However, physician success depends on a sound understanding of
      hospital finance, marketing skills, and knowledge of billing and coding. As the
      financial pressures of medical care increase, hospital negotiation will be
      paramount, and private practitioners must combine clinical and business skills to
      provide good patient care while maintaining independence and financial security.

PMID- 22089846
TI  - Building a successful trauma practice in academics.
AB  - Building a successful trauma practice in the academic medicine sector requires
      planning, contemplation, and continuous reevaluation. Although there are no rigid
      formulas, there are some common sense approaches that can help you start along
      the path toward a successful academic trauma career. This article outlines a
      blueprint that I have found helpful in establishing my academic practice. There
      are 4 major areas of emphasis that we will discuss: (1) the importance of a
      definable career path and goals; (2) developing a small understanding of the
      business aspects of medicine and trauma; (3) the value of developing a niche
      within the practice of trauma; and (4) The importance of developing complementary
      orthopaedic skills outside the realm of conventional trauma. Occasionally, the
      third and fourth areas may overlap.

PMID- 22089847
TI  - Finding your first job in a community hospital.
AB  - Community hospitals offer excellent opportunities for graduating orthopaedic
      trauma fellows. To successfully compete for these jobs, applicants today must be
      better prepared than their predecessors. Organizing your practice aspirations and
      researching job opportunities before the interview are necessary for an effective
      job search. Often, a collaborative effort with hospital administrators is
      required to establish a viable practice that fulfills the unique needs of the
      hospital and surrounding community while concurrently satisfying your practice
      goals. Issues to consider in defining your desired practice, guidelines on how to
      prepare for an interview with a community hospital, and suggestions on how to
      justify the expense of establishing your practice are presented.

PMID- 22089848
TI  - Finding your first job in academics: interviewing strategies.
AB  - Successfully obtaining your first academic orthopaedic surgery position is a
      daunting adventure, but one in which you can succeed with proper preparation.
      First, you must identify specifically what you want to be doing on a daily basis
      at work. Then, you find places where you can potentially do those things. The
      interview will provide more definitive information and will allow you to assess
      if you can happily work in that environment. Remember that you must have balance
      in your life, so consider if the area is suitable to your and to your family's
      needs. By identifying your personal goals and desires of this initial position
      and thoroughly preparing for the entire interview process, you will be able to
      locate the most desirable opportunity available.

PMID- 22089849
TI  - Intramedullary nailing: evolutions of femoral intramedullary nailing: first to
      fourth generations.
AB  - Intramedullary femoral nailing is the gold standard for femoral shaft fixation
      but only in the past 27 years. This rapid replacement of closed traction and cast
      techniques in North America was a controversial and contentious evolution in
      surgery. As we enter the fourth generation of implant design, capabilities, and
      surgical technique, it is important to understand the driving forces for this
      technology. These forces included changes in radiographic imaging capabilities,
      biomaterial design and computer-assisted manufacturing, and the recognition of
      the importance of mobilization of the trauma patient to avoid systemic
      complications and optimize functional recovery.

PMID- 22089850
TI  - Introduction: Young practitioners forum supplement.

PMID- 22089851
TI  - My first year in academic practice: what I learned, what I wish I knew, what I
      would do differently.
AB  - Joining a practice for the first time after training, whether in academia or the
      private sector, is fraught with challenges and a learning curve. Postgraduate
      education has not sufficiently taught anyone how to manage the nuances of this
      new arena or how to become successful. Success is not solely a function measured
      by reportable taxable income. Respect by colleagues, patients, partners, and
      staff is just as important, if not more so. The financial attributes will be
      realized if the tangibles and intangibles discussed are appropriately executed in
      the correct environment. This article will discuss what to be cognizant of during
      the first years in academic practice and how to build a foundation for success.

PMID- 22089852
TI  - Navigating the orthopaedic trauma fellowship match from a candidate's
      perspective.
AB  - The Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Match is now in its fourth year as the
      principal match service for prospective orthopaedic traumatology fellowship
      candidates. The match is facilitated by SF Match. There are now more than 50
      participating programs in the United States and Canada, and the number of
      applicants has expanded in recent years. For many applicants, the match process
      can be very time consuming and expensive and there are a multitude of factors to
      consider. Here, we share our experiences in the trauma match and offer our best
      advice for success.

PMID- 22089853
TI  - Research in a non-academic setting: it can be done.
AB  - The need for quality research to promote evidence-based practice and optimize
      patient care is well recognized. This is particularly relevant in orthopedic
      trauma care, as trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
      Across the spectrum of academic, clinical, and health care administration
      physician roles, research remains fundamental to bridging theory, practice, and
      education. A gap exists, however, between research and practice, especially for
      those physicians practicing outside traditional academic centers. Orthopedic
      trauma surgeons are well situated to contribute to important research; however
      the majority of those in practice at non-academic centers do not have a
      significant research component structured into their physician role. In this
      article, the authors outline the importance of orthopedic trauma surgeons outside
      of academic centers being engaged in research and present some advice on how to
      effectively participate in these endeavors. In this setting, orthopedic trauma
      research involvement includes asking researchable questions, being a savvy
      manager of research collaborators, staff, and funding, and finding one's own
      level of research involvement.

PMID- 22089854
TI  - Research: getting started in an academic setting.
AB  - Surgeons who choose a position in an academic teaching center have chosen to
      incorporate research and education into their clinical practice. These clinicians
      scientists need passion, an inquiring mind, pertinent questions, time, money, and
      a research team to pursue a lifetime of intellectual challenges and patient care.
      The desire and passion for research is a critical requirement. An "inquiring
      mind" has to have a relevant question that is feasible to be tested and attain an
      answer. Adequate time carved into one's weekly schedule will greatly facilitate
      research productivity. Pursuit of money will also assist in obtaining the support
      personnel to help gather data, communicate with institutional review boards, and
      write grants and manuscripts. All these components will be critical members of
      the "research team." Established teams can also greatly facilitate orthopaedic
      research by joining groups that are doing multicenter studies with established
      studies. This can be a great learning experience and introduction into
      multicenter research.

PMID- 22089855
TI  - Things you never thought of that make a difference: personal goals, common sense,
      and good behavior in practice.
AB  - There are many aspects of your practice that you never think of when you first
      get into your new practice environment. You have spent the better part of your
      life training in a rigorous surgical residency and possibly fellowship. You have
      worked hard to get to this station in life. Because of your training and the
      obvious fact that you are a hard-driving individual, there are certain subtleties
      to a successful practice that you might have overlooked or never thought about
      during your training years. In many ways, it is the "little things" that you
      never learned or never thought of that will affect your overall long-term
      practice success, personal happiness, and relationships the most. This article
      reviews aspects of practice that at first glance are merely good common sense.

PMID- 22089856
TI  - When things don't work out: finding another job.
AB  - It is extremely common for young orthopaedic surgeons find themselves in
      unsatisfactory practice situations early in their careers. This article
      highlights several points to bear in mind when considering a change of employment
      in the first few years of practice. Many factors should be revisited from the
      candidate's initial job search to fully analyze the situation. If the problems
      are found to be irreconcilable, then the decision can be made to find a more
      suitable setting, but the relocation process should be handled judiciously. There
      are many resources available that can be helpful to make a successful transition.

PMID- 22089857
TI  - Remodeling of the epitope repertoire of a candidate idiotype vaccine by targeting
      to lysosomal degradation in dendritic cells.
AB  - The generation of efficacious vaccines against self-antigens expressed in tumor
      cells requires breakage of tolerance, and the refocusing of immune responses
      toward epitopes for which tolerance may not be established. While the
      presentation of tumor antigens by mature dendritic cells (mDC) may surpass
      tolerance, broadening of the antigenic repertoire remains an issue. We report
      that fusion of the candidate idiotype vaccine IGKV3-20 to the Gly-Ala repeat
      (GAr) of the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA)-1 inhibits degradation by
      the proteasome and redirects processing to the lysosome. mDCs transduced with a
      recombinant lentivirus encoding the chimeric idiotype efficiently primed CD4+ and
      CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses that lysed autologous blasts expressing
      IGKV3-20 or pulsed with IGKV3-20 synthetic peptides, and HLA-matched IGKV3-20
      positive tumor cell lines. Comparison of the cytotoxic response of CD4+ and CD8+
      T lymphocytes activated by mDCs expressing the wild-type or chimeric IGKV3-20
      reveled largely non-overlapping epitope repertoires in both CD4+ and CD8+
      effectors. Thus, fusion to the GAr may provide an effective means to broaden the
      immune response to an endogenous protein by promoting the presentation of
      antigenic epitopes that require a lysosome-dependent processing step.

PMID- 22089858
TI  - Iron-induced remodeling in cultured rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells.
AB  - Although iron is known to be a component of the pathogenesis and/or maintenance
      of acute lung injury (ALI) in experimental animals and human subjects, the
      majority of these studies have focused on disturbances in iron homeostasis in the
      airways resulting from exposure to noxious gases and particles. Considerably less
      is known about the effect of increased plasma levels of redox-reactive non
      transferrin bound iron (NTBI) and its impact on pulmonary endothelium. Plasma
      levels of NTBI can increase under various pathophysiological conditions,
      including those associated with ALI, and multiple mechanisms are in place to
      affect the [Fe(2+)]/[Fe(3+)] redox steady state. It is well accepted, however,
      that intracellular transport of NTBI occurs after reduction of [Fe(3+)] to
      [Fe(2+)] (and is mediated by divalent metal transporters). Accordingly, as an
      experimental model to investigate mechanisms mediating vascular effects of redox
      reactive iron, rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAECs) were subjected to
      pulse treatment (10 min) with [Fe(2+)] nitriloacetate (30 MUM) in the presence of
      pyrithione, an iron ionophore, to acutely increase intracellular labile pool of
      iron. Cellular iron influx and cell shape profile were monitored with time-lapse
      imaging techniques. Exposure of RPAECs to [Fe(2+)] resulted in: (i) an increase
      in intracellular iron as detected by the iron sensitive fluorophore, PhenGreen;
      (ii) depletion of cell glutathione; and (iii) nuclear translocation of stress
      response transcriptional factors Nrf2 and NFkB (p65). The resulting iron-induced
      cell alterations were characterized by cell polarization and formation of
      membrane cuplike and microvilli-like projections abundant with ICAM-1, caveolin
      1, and F-actin. The iron-induced re-arrangements in cytoskeleton, alterations in
      focal cell-cell interactions, and cell buckling were accompanied by decrease in
      electrical resistance of RPAEC monolayer. These effects were partially eliminated
      in the presence of N,N'-bis (2-hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid,
      an iron chelator, and Y27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor. Thus acute increases in
      labile iron in cultured pulmonary endothelium result in structural remodeling
      (and a proinflammatory phenotype) that occurs via post-transcriptional mechanisms
      regulated in a redox sensitive fashion.

PMID- 22089859
TI  - The copper-inducible ComR (YcfQ) repressor regulates expression of ComC (YcfR),
      which affects copper permeability of the outer membrane of Escherichia coli.
AB  - The pathway of copper entry into Escherichia coli is still unknown. In an attempt
      to shed light on this process, a lux-based biosensor was utilized to monitor
      intracellular copper levels in situ. From a transposon-mutagenized library,
      strains were selected in which copper entry into cells was reduced, apparent as
      clones with reduced luminescence when grown in the presence of copper (low
      glowers). One low-glower had a transposon insertion in the comR gene, which
      encodes a TetR-like transcriptional regulator. The mutant strain could be
      complemented by the comR gene on a plasmid, restoring luminescence to wild-type
      levels. ComR did not regulate its own expression, but was required for copper
      induction of the neighboring, divergently transcribed comC gene, as shown by real
      time quantitative PCR and with a promoter-lux fusion. The purified ComR regulator
      bound to the promoter region of the comC gene in vitro and was released by
      copper. By membrane fractionation, ComC was shown to be localized in the outer
      membrane. When grown in the presence of copper, ?comC cells had higher
      periplasmic and cytoplasmic copper levels, compared to the wild-type, as assessed
      by the activation of the periplasmic CusRS sensor and the cytoplasmic CueR
      sensor, respectively. Thus, ComC is an outer membrane protein which lowers the
      permeability of the outer membrane to copper. The expression of ComC is
      controlled by ComR, a novel, TetR-like copper-responsive repressor.

PMID- 22089860
TI  - Combination of branched-chain amino acid and angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitor improves liver fibrosis progression in patients with cirrhosis.
AB  - An effective therapeutic strategy for suppressing liver fibrosis should improve
      the overall prognosis of patients with chronic liver diseases. Although enormous
      efforts are ongoing to develop anti-fibrotic agents, no drugs have yet been
      approved as anti-fibrotic agents for humans. Insulin resistance (IR) is
      reportedly involved in the progression of liver fibrosis. The aim of the present
      study was to evaluate the effect of combination treatment with a clinically used
      branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      (ACE-I) on several fibrotic indices in patients with liver cirrhosis under the
      condition of IR. BCAA granules (Livact; 12 g/day) and/or ACE-I (perindopril; 4
      mg/day) were administered, and several indices were analyzed. A 48-month follow
      up revealed that the combination treatment with BCAA and ACE-I markedly improved
      the progression of serum fibrosis markers, whereas single treatment with either
      BCAA or ACE-I did not exert these inhibitory effects. The plasma level of
      transforming growth factor-beta was significantly attenuated almost in parallel
      with the suppression of serum fibrosis markers. Furthermore, the combined
      treatment with BCAA and ACE-I improved the serum albumin level and IR, which was
      evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment method for IR. Taken together,
      since both BCAA and ACE-I are widely used with safety in clinical practice, these
      results indicate that this combination therapy may represent a potential new
      future strategy against liver fibrosis development in patients with liver
      cirrhosis under the condition of IR.

PMID- 22089861
TI  - Experimental and theoretical investigations of isomerization reactions of ionized
      acetone and its dimer.
AB  - Ionization dynamics of acetone and its dimer in supersonic jets is investigated
      by a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques, both of which have
      recently been developed. In experiments, the neutral and the cationic structures
      are explored by infrared predissociation spectroscopy with the vacuum-ultraviolet
      photoionization detection schemes. Reaction paths following the one-photon
      ionization of the acetone monomer and its dimer have been studied by the joint
      use of several theoretical methods including the ab initio molecular dynamics,
      the global reaction route mapping, the intrinsic reaction coordinate, and the
      artificial force induced reaction calculations. Upon one-photon ionization, the
      dimer isomerizes to the H-bonded form, in which the enol cation of acetone is
      bound to the neutral molecule, while this enolization is energetically forbidden
      in the acetone monomer. The enolization of the dimer cation occurs through a two
      step proton-transfer from the methyl group of the ionized moiety, and is
      catalyzed by the neutral moiety within the dimer cation.

PMID- 22089862
TI  - One-pot synthesis of novel 2,3-dihydro-1H-indazoles.
AB  - A copper(I)-mediated one-pot synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1H-indazole heterocycles
      has been developed. This synthetic route provides the desired indazoles in
      moderate to good yields (55%-72%) which are substantially better than those
      achievable with an alternative two-step reaction sequence. The reaction is
      tolerant of functionality on the aromatic ring.

PMID- 22089863
TI  - Mn(III)-initiated facile oxygenation of heterocyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.
AB  - The Mn(III)-initiated aerobic oxidation of heterocyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds,
      such as 4-alkyl-1,2-diphenylpyrazolidine-3,5-diones, 1,3-dialkylpyrrolidine-2,4
      diones, 3-alkyl-1,5-dimethylbarbituric acids, and 3-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-quinolinone
      gave excellent to good yields of the corresponding hydroperoxides, which were
      gradually degraded by exposure to the metal initiator after the reaction to
      afford the corresponding alcohols. The synthesis of 30 heterocyclic 1,3
      dicarbonyl compounds, the corresponding hydroperoxides and the 10 alcohols, their
      characterization, and the limitations of the procedure are described. In
      addition, the mechanism of the hydroperoxidation and the redox decomposition of
      the hydroperoxides are discussed.

PMID- 22089864
TI  - The beneficial effect of hydrogen on CO oxidation over Au catalysts. A
      computational study.
AB  - Density functional theory calculations have been carried out to explore the
      effect of hydrogen on the oxidation of CO in relation to the preferential
      oxidation of CO in the presence of excess hydrogen (PROX). A range of gold
      surfaces have been selected including the (100), stepped (310) surfaces and
      diatomic rows on the (100) surface. These diatomic rows on Au(100) are very
      efficient in H-H bond scission. O(2) hydrogenation strongly enhances the surface
      oxygen interaction and assists in scission of the O-O bond. The activation energy
      required to make the reaction intermediate hydroperoxy (OOH) from O(2) and H is
      small. However, we postulate its presence on our Au models as the result of
      diffusion from oxide supports to the gold surfaces. The OOH on Au in turn opens
      many low energy cost channels to produce H(2)O and CO(2). CO is selectively
      oxidized in a H(2) atmosphere due to the more favorable reaction barriers while
      the formation of adsorbed hydroperoxy enhances the reaction rate.

PMID- 22089866
TI  - Coexistence of predator and prey in intraguild predation systems with ontogenetic
      niche shifts.
AB  - In basic intraguild predation (IGP) systems, predators and prey also compete for
      a shared resource. Theory predicts that persistence of these systems is possible
      when intraguild prey is superior in competition and productivity is not too high.
      IGP often results from ontogenetic niche shifts, in which the diet of intraguild
      predators changes as a result of growth in body size (life-history omnivory). As
      a juvenile, a life-history omnivore competes with the species that becomes its
      prey later in life. Competition can hence limit growth of young predators, while
      adult predators can suppress consumers and therewith neutralize negative effects
      of competition. We formulate and analyze a stage-structured model that captures
      both basic IGP and life-history omnivory. The model predicts increasing
      coexistence of predators and consumers when resource use of stage-structured
      predators becomes more stage specific. This coexistence depends on adult
      predators requiring consumer biomass for reproduction and is less likely when
      consumers outcompete juvenile predators, in contrast to basic IGP. Therefore,
      coexistence occurs when predation structures the community and competition is
      negligible. Consequently, equilibrium patterns over productivity resemble those
      of three-species food chains. Life-history omnivory thus provides a mechanism
      that allows intraguild predators and prey to coexist over a wide range of
      resource productivity.

PMID- 22089865
TI  - A unified model of autopolyploid establishment and evolution.
AB  - The prevalence of polyploidy among flowering plants is surprising given the
      hurdles impeding the establishment and persistence of novel polyploid lineages.
      In the absence of strong assortative mating, reproductive assurance, or large
      intrinsic fitness advantages, new polyploid lineages face almost certain
      extinction through minority cytotype exclusion. Consequently, much work has
      focused on a search for adaptive advantages associated with polyploidy such as
      increased competitive ability, enhanced ecological tolerances, and increased
      resistance to pathogens. Yet, no consistent adaptive advantages of polyploidy
      have been identified. Here, to investigate the potential for autopolyploid
      establishment and persistence in the absence of any intrinsic fitness advantages,
      we develop a simulation model of a diploid population that sporadically gives
      rise to novel autopolyploids. The autopolyploids have only very small levels of
      initial assortative mating or niche differentiation, generated entirely by dosage
      effects of genome duplication, and they have realistic levels of reproductive
      assurance. Our results show that by allowing assortative mating and competitive
      interactions to evolve, establishment of novel autopolyploid lineages becomes
      common. Additional scenarios where adaptive optima change over time reveal that
      rapid environmental change promotes the replacement of diploid lineages by their
      autopolyploid descendants. These results help to explain recent empirical
      findings that suggest that many contemporary polyploid lineages arose during the
      Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction, without invoking adaptive advantages of
      polyploidy.

PMID- 22089867
TI  - The population and evolutionary dynamics of Vibrio cholerae and its
      bacteriophage: conditions for maintaining phage-limited communities.
AB  - Although bacteriophage have been reported to be the most abundant organisms on
      earth, little is known about their contribution to the ecology of natural
      communities of their host bacteria. Most importantly, what role do these viral
      parasitoids play in regulating the densities of bacterial populations? To address
      this question, we use experimental communities of Vibrio cholerae and its phage
      in continuous culture, and we use mathematical models to explore the population
      dynamic and evolutionary conditions under which phage, rather than resources,
      will limit the densities of these bacteria. The results of our experiments
      indicate that single species of bacterial viruses cannot maintain the density of
      V. cholerae populations at levels much lower than that anticipated on the basis
      of resources alone. On the other hand, as few as two species of phage can
      maintain these bacteria at densities more than two orders of magnitude lower than
      the densities of the corresponding phage-free controls for extensive periods.
      Using mathematical models and short-term experiments, we explore the population
      dynamic processes responsible for these results. We discuss the implications of
      this experimental and theoretical study for the population and evolutionary
      dynamics of natural populations of bacteria and phage.

PMID- 22089868
TI  - Sexual selection and conflict as engines of ecological diversification.
AB  - Ecological diversification presents an enduring puzzle: how do novel ecological
      strategies evolve in organisms that are already adapted to their ecological
      niche? Most attempts to answer this question posit a primary role for genetic
      drift, which could carry populations through or around fitness "valleys"
      representing maladaptive intermediate phenotypes between alternative niches.
      Sexual selection and conflict are thought to play an ancillary role by initiating
      reproductive isolation and thereby facilitating divergence in ecological traits
      through genetic drift or local adaptation. Here, I synthesize theory and evidence
      suggesting that sexual selection and conflict could play a more central role in
      the evolution and diversification of ecological strategies through the co
      optation of sexual traits for viability-related functions. This hypothesis rests
      on three main premises, all of which are supported by theory and consistent with
      the available evidence. First, sexual selection and conflict often act at cross
      purposes to viability selection, thereby displacing populations from the local
      viability optimum. Second, sexual traits can serve as preadaptations for novel
      viability-related functions. Third, ancestrally sex-limited sexual traits can be
      transferred between sexes. Consequently, by allowing populations to explore a
      broad phenotypic space around the current viability optimum, sexual selection and
      conflict could act as powerful drivers of ecological adaptation and
      diversification.

PMID- 22089869
TI  - A manipulative test of competing theories for metabolic scaling.
AB  - The reasons why metabolic rate (B) scales allometrically with body mass (M)
      remain hotly debated. The field is dominated by correlational analyses of the
      relationship between B and M; these struggle to disentangle competing
      explanations because both B and M are confounded with ontogeny, life history, and
      ecology. Here, we overcome these problems by using an experimental approach to
      test among competing metabolic theories. We examined the scaling of B in size
      manipulated and intact colonies of a bryozoan and show that B scales with M(0.5).
      To explain this, we apply a general model based on the dynamic energy budget
      theory for metabolic organization that predicts B on the basis of energy
      allocation to assimilation, maintenance, growth, and maturation. Uniquely, this
      model predicts the absolute value of B, emphasizes that there is no single
      scaling exponent of B, and demonstrates that a single model can explain the
      variation in B seen in nature.

PMID- 22089870
TI  - Using time series analysis to characterize evolutionary and plastic responses to
      environmental change: a case study of a shift toward earlier migration date in
      sockeye salmon.
AB  - Environmental change can shift the phenotype of an organism through either
      evolutionary or nongenetic processes. Despite abundant evidence of phenotypic
      change in response to recent climate change, we typically lack sufficient genetic
      data to identify the role of evolution. We present a method of using phenotypic
      data to characterize the hypothesized role of natural selection and
      environmentally driven phenotypic shifts (plasticity). We modeled historical
      selection and environmental predictors of interannual variation in mean
      population phenotype using a multivariate state-space model framework. Through
      model comparisons, we assessed the extent to which an estimated selection
      differential explained observed variation better than environmental factors
      alone. We applied the method to a 60-year trend toward earlier migration in
      Columbia River sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka, producing estimates of annual
      selection differentials, average realized heritability, and relative cumulative
      effects of selection and plasticity. We found that an evolutionary response to
      thermal selection was capable of explaining up to two-thirds of the phenotypic
      trend. Adaptive plastic responses to June river flow explain most of the
      remainder. This method is applicable to other populations with time series data
      if selection differentials are available or can be reconstructed. This method
      thus augments our toolbox for predicting responses to environmental change.

PMID- 22089871
TI  - A comparison of dynamic-state-dependent models of the trade-off between growth,
      damage, and reproduction.
AB  - Fast growth can be costly, so trade-offs between growth and fitness are to be
      predicted when organisms adjust their growth to compensate for earlier
      environmental conditions. We developed four generic models of increasing
      complexity with different processes to predict the indeterminate growth of
      vertebrate ectotherms, which is sensitive to ambient temperature even when food
      is not limiting. We contrast the predictions of the models with observed
      experimental data on growth trajectories, feeding activity, and reproductive
      investment of three-spined sticklebacks and inferred patterns of accumulation of
      biomolecular damage arising from activity and growth. All models predicted
      observed patterns of compensatory growth (both accelerating and decelerating) in
      response to earlier temperature perturbations, but the more complex models
      provided the best fit to experimental data. Growth trajectories influenced future
      reproductive investment regardless of final body size at breeding. Our findings
      suggest that while models with fewer parameters can predict basic patterns of
      growth in stable conditions, they cannot capture the costly long-term effects of
      deviations from steady growth trajectories. In contrast, models in which foraging
      activity is assumed to carry costs are capable of predicting the complex patterns
      of feeding, growth, and reproductive investment seen in animals, with the cost of
      a heightened mortality risk (e.g., through predation) being more important than
      the cost of increased physiological damage.

PMID- 22089872
TI  - Communal defense of territories and the evolution of sociality.
AB  - The evolution of group living has attracted considerable attention from
      behavioral ecologists working on a wide range of study species. However,
      theoretical research in this field has been largely focused on cooperative
      breeders. We extend this line of work to species that lack alloparental care
      (hereafter termed "noncooperative species") but that may benefit from grouping by
      jointly defending a common territory. We adopt a demographically explicit
      approach in which the rates of births and deaths as well as the dispersal
      decisions of individuals in the population determine the turnover rates of
      territories and the competition for breeding vacancies thus arising. Our results
      reveal that some of the factors thought to affect the evolution of cooperative
      breeding also affect the evolution of group living in noncooperative species.
      Specifically, high fecundity and low mortality of resident individuals both
      increase the degree of habitat saturation and make joining an established group
      more profitable for nonresidents (floaters). Moreover, if floaters can forcefully
      take over territories, the degree of habitat saturation also affects the chance
      that residents become targets of takeovers. In this situation, communal defense
      of territories becomes an important benefit that further promotes the evolution
      of group living.

PMID- 22089873
TI  - How does life adapt to a gravitational environment? The outline of the
      terrestrial gastropod shell.
AB  - How do several characteristics adapt to gravity while mutually influencing each
      other? Our study addresses this issue by focusing on the terrestrial gastropod
      shell. The geometric relationship between the spire index (shell height/diameter)
      and outline (cylindricality) is theoretically estimated. When the shell grows
      isometrically, a high-spired shell becomes conical in shape and a low-spired
      shell becomes cylindrical in shape. A physical model shows that the lowest- and
      highest-spired shells are the most balanced. In addition, a cone shape is the
      most balanced for a low-spired shell, and a column shape is the most balanced for
      a high-spired shell. Spire index and cylindricality measured for freshwater
      gastropods follow the relationship estimated by the model, whereas those for
      terrestrial gastropods deviate from this relationship. This translates to a high
      shell being more cylindrical than a flat shell, except in the case of extremely
      high or low shells. This suggests that the shape of the most balanced shells
      (lowest and highest shell heights) is constrained by coiling geometry but that
      relatively unbalanced shells (intermediate shell heights) do not follow a coiling
      geometry, as a result of adaptation to enable the snail to carry its shell more
      effectively.

PMID- 22089874
TI  - The role of predators in maintaining the geographic organization of aposematic
      signals.
AB  - Selective predation of aposematic signals is expected to promote phenotypic
      uniformity. But while these signals may be uniform within a population, numerous
      species display impressive variations in warning signals among adjacent
      populations. Predators from different localities who learn to avoid distinct
      signals while performing intense selection on others are thus expected to
      maintain such a geographic organization. We tested this assumption by placing
      clay frog models, representing distinct color morphs of the Peruvian poison dart
      frog Ranitomeya imitator and a nonconspicuous frog, reciprocally between adjacent
      localities. In each locality, avian predators were able to discriminate between
      warning signals; the adjacent exotic morph experienced up to four times more
      attacks than the local one and two times more than the nonconspicuous phenotype.
      Moreover, predation attempts on the exotic morph quickly decreased to almost nil,
      suggesting rapid learning. This experiment offers direct evidence for the
      existence of different predator communities performing localized homogenizing
      selection on distinct aposematic signals.

PMID- 22089877
TI  - Understanding shifts in wildfire regimes as emergent threshold phenomena.
AB  - Ecosystems driven by wildfire regimes are characterized by fire size
      distributions resembling power laws. Existing models produce power laws, but
      their predicted exponents are too high and fail to capture the exponent's
      variation with geographic region. Here we present a minimal model of fire
      dynamics that describes fire spread as a stochastic birth-death process,
      analogous to stochastic population growth or disease spread and incorporating
      memory effects from previous fires. The model reproduces multiple regional
      patterns in fire regimes and allows us to classify different regions in terms of
      their proximity to a critical threshold. Transitions across this critical
      threshold imply abrupt and pronounced increases in average fire size. The model
      predicts that large regions in Canada are currently close to this transition and
      might be driven beyond the threshold in the future. We illustrate this point by
      analyzing the time series for large fires (>199 ha) from the Canadian Boreal
      Plains, found to have shifted from a subcritical regime to a critical regime in
      the recent past. By contrast to its predecessor, the model also suggests that a
      critical transition, and not self-organized criticality, underlies forest fire
      dynamics, with implications for other ecological systems exhibiting power-law
      like patterns, in particular for their sensitivity to environmental change and
      control efforts.

PMID- 22089878
TI  - The evolution of bacteriocin production in bacterial biofilms.
AB  - Bacteriocin production is a spiteful behavior of bacteria that is central to the
      competitive dynamics of many human pathogens. Social evolution predicts that
      bacteriocin production is favored when bacteriocin-producing cells are mixed at
      intermediate frequency with their competitors and when competitive neighborhoods
      are localized. Both predictions are supported by biofilm experiments. However,
      the means by which physical and biological processes interact to produce
      conditions that favor the evolution of bacteriocin production remain to be
      investigated. Here we fill this gap using analytical and computational
      approaches. We identify and collapse key parameters into a single number, the
      critical bacteriocin range, that measures the threshold distance from a focal
      bacteriocin-producing cell within which its fitness is higher than that of a
      sensitive cell. We develop an agent-based model to test our predictions and
      confirm that bacteriocin production is most favored when relatedness is
      intermediate and competition is local. We then use invasion analysis to determine
      evolutionarily stable strategies for bacteriocin production. Finally, we perform
      long-term evolutionary simulations to analyze how the critical bacteriocin range
      and genetic lineage segregation affect biodiversity in multistrain biofilms. We
      find that biodiversity is maintained in highly segregated biofilms for a wide
      array of critical bacteriocin ranges. However, under conditions of high nutrient
      penetration leading to well-mixed biofilms, biodiversity rapidly decreases and
      becomes sensitive to the critical bacteriocin range.

PMID- 22089881
TI  - Advanced fabrication of metal-organic frameworks: template-directed formation of
      polystyrene@ZIF-8 core-shell and hollow ZIF-8 microspheres.
AB  - The conjunction of porous ZIF-8 with polystyrene spheres is demonstrated to
      induce the formation of polystyrene@ZIF-8 core-shell structures. A subsequent
      etching process on polystyrene@ZIF-8 core-shells to remove polystyrene cores
      results in a unique hollow ZIF-8.

PMID- 22089879
TI  - Causes of variation in malaria infection dynamics: insights from theory and data.
AB  - Parasite strategies for exploiting host resources are key determinants of disease
      severity (i.e., virulence) and infectiousness (i.e., transmission between hosts).
      By iterating the development of theory and empirical tests, we investigated
      whether variation in parasite traits across two genetically distinct clones of
      the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium chabaudi, explains differences in within
      host infection dynamics and virulence. First, we experimentally tested key
      predictions of our earlier modeling work. As predicted, the more virulent
      genotype produced more progeny parasites per infected cell (burst size), but in
      contrast to predictions, invasion rates of red blood cells (RBCs) did not differ
      between the genotypes studied. Second, we further developed theory by confronting
      our earlier model with these new data, testing a new set of models that
      incorporate more biological realism, and developing novel theoretical tools for
      identifying differences between parasite genotypes. Overall, we found robust
      evidence that differences in burst sizes contribute to variation in dynamics and
      that differential interactions between parasites and host immune responses also
      play a role. In contrast to previous work, our model predicts that RBC age
      structure is not important for explaining dynamics. Integrating theory and
      empirical tests is a potentially powerful way of progressing understanding of
      disease biology.

PMID- 22089882
TI  - Structure-based prediction of protein-protein binding affinity with consideration
      of allosteric effect.
AB  - The conformational change upon protein-protein binding is largely ignored for a
      long time in the affinity prediction community. However, it is widely recognized
      that allosteric effect does play an important role in biomolecular recognition
      and association. In this article, we describe a new quantitative structure
      activity relationship (QSAR)-based strategy to capture the structural and
      nonbonding information relating to not only the direct noncovalent interactions
      between protein binding partners, but also the indirect allosteric effect
      associated with binding. This method is then employed to quantitatively model and
      predict the protein-protein binding affinities compiled in a recently published
      benchmark consisting of 144 functionally diverse protein complexes with their
      structures available in both bound and unbound states (Kastritis et al. Protein
      Sci 20:482-491, 2011). With incorporating genetic algorithm and partial least
      squares regression (GA-PLS) into this method, a significant linear relationship
      between structural information descriptors and experimentally measured affinities
      is readily emerged and, on this basis, detailed discussions of physicochemical
      properties and structural implications underlying protein binding process, as
      well as the contribution of allosteric effect to the binding are addressed. We
      also give an empirical estimation of the prediction limit r(pred)(2) = 0.80 for
      structure-based method used to determine protein-protein binding affinity.

PMID- 22089883
TI  - Expression of transglutaminase-2 isoforms in normal human tissues and cancer cell
      lines: dysregulation of alternative splicing in cancer.
AB  - The multiple enzymatic activities and functions of transglutaminase type 2 (TG2)
      may be attributed to alternative TG2 molecules produced by differential splicing
      of TG2 mRNA. Different RNA transcripts of the human TG2 gene (TGM2) have been
      identified, but the expression of TG2 multiple transcripts has never been
      systematically addressed. We have confirmed and rationalized the main TG2
      variants and developed a screening assay for the detection of alternative
      splicing of TG2, based on real-time reverse-transcription PCR. We have quantified
      the multiple TG2 transcripts in a wide range of normal tissues and in cancer cell
      lines from four different sites of origin. Our data show a significant
      correlation in the expression of canonical and alternative TG2 isoforms in normal
      human tissue, but differences in alternative splicing of TG2 in cancer cell
      lines, suggesting that in cancer cells the alternative splicing of TG2 is a more
      active process.

PMID- 22089884
TI  - Expression of the bacterial heavy metal transporter MerC fused with a plant
      SNARE, SYP121, in Arabidopsis thaliana increases cadmium accumulation and
      tolerance.
AB  - The bacterial merC gene from the Tn21-encoded mer operon is a potential molecular
      tool for improving the efficiency of metal phytoremediation. Arabidopsis SNARE
      molecules, including SYP111, SYP121, and AtVAM3 (SYP22), were attached to the C
      terminus of MerC to target the protein to various organelles. The subcellular
      localization of transiently expressed GFP-fused MerC-SYP111, MerC-SYP121, and
      MerC-AtVAM3 was examined in Arabidopsis suspension-cultured cells. We found that
      GFP-MerC-SYP111 and GFP-MerC-SYP121 localized to the plasma membrane, whereas GFP
      AtVAM3 localized to the vacuolar membranes. These results demonstrate that
      SYP111/SYP121 and AtVAM3 target foreign molecules to the plasma membrane and
      vacuolar membrane, respectively. To enhance the efficiency and potential of
      plants to sequester and accumulate cadmium from contaminated sites, transgenic
      Arabidopsis plants expressing MerC, MerC-SYP111, MerC-SYP121, or MerC-AtVAM3 were
      generated. The transgenic plants that expressed MerC, MerC-SYP121, or MerC-AtVAM3
      appeared to be normal, whereas the transgenic that expressed MerC-SYP111
      exhibited severe growth defects. The transgenic plants expressing merC-SYP121
      were more resistant to cadmium than the wild type and accumulated significantly
      more cadmium. Thus, the expression of MerC-SYP121 in the plant plasma membrane
      may provide an ecologically compatible approach for the phytoremediation of
      cadmium pollution.

PMID- 22089885
TI  - Sequential cognitive skills in emphysema patients following lung volume reduction
      surgery: a 2-year longitudinal study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study compared visuomotor speed and cognitive flexibility in
      emphysema patients treated with either standard multidisciplinary medical therapy
      (MT) or lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), followed over a 2-year period.
      METHODS: MT patients (n = 544) and 542 LVRS patients completed the Trail Making
      Test (TMT) Parts A and B prior to randomization (baseline). Testing was repeated
      at 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: There were no differences on scores for TMT Parts A
      and B between the LVRS and MT groups at baseline or at years 1 and 2. No
      significant difference between MT and LVRS was noted in terms of overall change
      in TMT Parts A and B over 2 years. The MT group had a significant improvement on
      TMT Part A at each followup time compared with baseline (P < .03) but the LVRS
      group did not. Both the MT and LVRS groups had a significant decline in
      performance (increase in time to completion) on TMT Part B when comparing year 1
      with baseline (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Emphysema patients who received LVRS or MT
      as treatment performed similarly on measures of visuomotor speed and flexibility
      at baseline and 1- and 2-year followup. Both groups showed improvement on
      visuomotor speed during the first year yet overall cognitive flexibility
      declined. By the second year neither group had any significant change from
      baseline. These findings suggest that improvement on visuomotor speed and
      flexibility, observed in a previous 6-month study of LVRS subjects, was not
      sustained at 1- and 2-year followup.

PMID- 22089887
TI  - Clinical characteristics of meningiomas assessed by 11C-methionine and 18F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography.
AB  - The clinical course of meningioma varies from case to case, despite similar
      characteristics on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Functional imaging including
      (11)C-methionine and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography
      (PET) has been widely studied for noninvasive preoperative evaluation of brain
      tumors. However, few reports have examined correlations between meningiomas and
      findings on (11)C-methionine and FDG PET. The objective of this study was to
      clarify the relationship between tumor characteristics and (11)C-methionine and
      FDG uptake in meningiomas. For 68 meningiomas in 51 cases, (11)C-methionine
      uptake was evaluated by measuring both mean and maximum tumor/normal (T/N) ratio
      for the whole area of the tumors. FDG uptake in 44 of those meningiomas was also
      analyzed. Tumor size was measured volumetrically, and tumor-doubling time was
      estimated. Histopathological evaluation was performed in 19 surgical cases. Mean
      and maximum T/N ratios of (11)C-methionine PET were significantly higher in skull
      base lesions than in non-skull-base lesions. Correlations of mean and maximum T/N
      ratio of (11)C-methionine PET with tumor-doubling time, MIB-1 labeling index,
      microvessel density and World Health Organization grading were not significant.
      Mean T/N ratio of (11)C-methionine PET correlated significantly with tumor volume
      according to logarithm regression modeling (P < 0.0001, R = 0.544). However, mean
      and maximum T/N ratio of FDG-PET correlated with none of the tumor
      characteristics described above. These results suggest that (11)C-methionine
      uptake correlates with tumor volume, but not with tumor aggressiveness.

PMID- 22089888
TI  - Increased major bleeding risk in patients with kidney dysfunction receiving
      enoxaparin: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The elimination half-life and consequently the accumulation of
      enoxaparin increase as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases. A dose
      adjustment for patients with a GFR <30 ml/min is recommended and considered
      relatively safe. Our intention was to identify whether the use of enoxaparin is
      safe and to determine what impact an enoxaparin dose adjustment has on patients
      with a GFR <60 ml/min. METHODS: A PubMed search and meta-analysis of literature
      were performed. Studies were analyzed to compare enoxaparin versus other
      heparins/heparinoids and investigate enoxaparin at different stages of kidney
      dysfunction. Only controlled trials were considered, and the enoxaparin dose had
      to be specified. The clinical endpoint was defined as apparent major bleeding.
      RESULTS: Out of 1,027 publications, 20 studies met the criteria and were
      analyzed. Our meta-analysis shows that enoxaparin major bleeding complications at
      a GFR < 60 ml/min increase significantly, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.67 [95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.50) compared with other anticoagulants (p =
      0.01). RR for patients on enoxaparin therapy increases exponentially with each
      stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 1-5) [RR = 0.585 x exp(0.524 x CKD)].
      Despite dose adjustment, the major bleeding risk is still significantly increased
      in patients with a GFR < 60 ml/min versus those with a GFR > 60 ml/min.
      CONCLUSION: Only patients with a GFR > 60 ml/min can be safely treated with
      enoxaparin.

PMID- 22089889
TI  - A detailed study of the intramolecular hydroamination of N-(ortho-alkynyl)aryl-N'
      substituted trifluoroacetamidines and bromodifluoroacetamidines.
AB  - The intramolecular hydroamination of N-(ortho-alkynyl)aryl-N'-substituted
      trifluoroacetamidines and bromodifluoroacetamidines is studied in detail. When
      the substituents on the alkyne fragment are aryl and alkyl groups, 5-endo-dig
      cyclization occurs utilizing NaAuCl(4).2H(2)O as a catalyst, while 6-exo-dig
      cyclization proceeds in the presence of K(2)CO(3) as a base. Interestingly, the
      indole derivatives are afforded with good regioselectivity via a 5-endo-dig
      pathway catalyzed by Cu(OAc)(2) when ortho-ethynyl appears on the aryl
      substituent of the amidine. The electrophilic cyclization of the amidines also
      shows good regioselectivity under the I(2)/NaHCO(3) system. At the end, a facile
      cascade synthesis of fluorinated quinazolones is described via
      hydroamination/ozonolysis from the corresponding amidine.

PMID- 22089891
TI  - [Treatment of chronic pain. Selected interventional methods].

PMID- 22089892
TI  - Is it worth offering cardiovascular disease prevention to the elderly?
AB  - The question whether prevention in the elderly or in the old is still worthwhile
      arises frequently in clinical practice. The life expectancy (LE) of elderly
      persons is often underestimated and ranges for a 65-year-old European person from
      17 to 23 years and for an 80-year-old from 8 and 11 years. In the elderly
      patients with cardiovascular disease, preventive measures are of great benefit.
      Smoking cessation results in substantial gains in LE and is more effective than
      most other interventions. Lipid lowering with statins is cost effective and the
      intensity of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering correlates with the
      risk reduction of cardiac events and stroke without increasing the risk of
      cancer. A quality-adjusted life year costs US $ 18,800, less than the costs of a
      nursing home for 1 year. Exercise training decreases cardiovascular events and
      improves quality of life. The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are based on a
      small randomized trial, which is supplemented by a large observational database.
      A reduction in all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality is highly
      likely. Blood pressure lowering reduces stroke and all-cause mortality above the
      age of 80; however, the target blood pressure should be around 150/80 mmHg or
      slightly lower. Annual vaccination against influenza is one of the most cost
      effective methods to prolong life and should not be forgotten in patients with
      cardiovascular disease above the age of 65. Thus a number of options are
      available to add quality-adjusted life years in the elderly by adhering to the
      general guidelines for cardiovascular prevention.

PMID- 22089890
TI  - [Emergency anesthesia, airway management and ventilation in major trauma.
      Background and key messages of the interdisciplinary S3 guidelines for major
      trauma patients].
AB  - Patients with multiple trauma presenting with apnea or a gasping breathing
      pattern (respiratory rate <6/min) require prehospital endotracheal intubation
      (ETI) and ventilation. Additional indications are hypoxia (S(p)O(2)<90% despite
      oxygen insufflation and after exclusion of tension pneumothorax), severe
      traumatic brain injury [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)<9], trauma-associated
      hemodynamic instability [systolic blood pressure (SBP)<90 mmHg] and severe chest
      trauma with respiratory insufficiency (respiratory rate >29/min). The induction
      of anesthesia after preoxygenation is conducted as rapid sequence induction
      (analgesic, hypnotic drug, neuromuscular blocking agent). With the availability
      of ketamine as a viable alternative, the use of etomidate is not encouraged due
      to its side effects on adrenal function. An electrocardiogram (ECG), blood
      pressure measurement and pulse oximetry are needed to monitor the emergency
      anesthesia and the secured airway. Capnography is absolutely mandatory to confirm
      correct placement of the endotracheal tube and to monitor tube dislocations as
      well as ventilation and oxygenation in the prehospital and hospital setting.
      Because airway management is often complicated in trauma patients, alternative
      devices and a fiber-optic endoscope need to be available within the hospital. Use
      of these alternative measures for airway management and ventilation should be
      considered at the latest after a maximum of three unsuccessful intubation
      attempts. Emergency medical service (EMS) physicians should to be trained in
      emergency anesthesia, ETI and alternative methods of airway management on a
      regular basis. Within hospitals ETI, emergency anesthesia and ventilation are to
      be conducted by trained and experienced anesthesiologists. When a difficult
      airway or induction of anesthesia is expected, endotracheal intubation should be
      supervised or conducted by an anesthesiologist. Normoventilation should be the
      goal of mechanical ventilation. After arrival in the resuscitation room the
      ventilation will be controlled and guided with the help of arterial blood gas
      analyses. After temporary removal of a cervical collar, the cervical spine needs
      to be immobilized by means of manual in-line stabilization when securing the
      airway.

PMID- 22089893
TI  - Gun utopias? Firearm access and ownership in Israel and Switzerland.
AB  - The 2011 attempted assassination of a US representative renewed the national gun
      control debate. Gun advocates claim mass-casualty events are mitigated and
      deterred with three policies: (a) permissive gun laws, (b) widespread gun
      ownership, (c) and encouragement of armed civilians who can intercept shooters.
      They cite Switzerland and Israel as exemplars. We evaluate these claims with
      analysis of International Crime Victimization Survey (ICVS) data and translation
      of laws and original source material. Swiss and Israeli laws limit firearm
      ownership and require permit renewal one to four times annually. ICVS analysis
      finds the United States has more firearms per capita and per household than
      either country. Switzerland and Israel curtail off-duty soldiers' firearm access
      to prevent firearm deaths. Suicide among soldiers decreased by 40 per cent after
      the Israeli army's 2006 reforms. Compared with the United States, Switzerland and
      Israel have lower gun ownership and stricter gun laws, and their policies
      discourage personal gun ownership.

PMID- 22089894
TI  - Application of Gafchromic film in the study of dosimetry methods in CT phantoms.
AB  - Gafchromic film has been used for measurement of computed tomography (CT) dose
      distributions within phantoms. The film was calibrated in the beam from a
      superficial therapy unit and the accuracy confirmed by comparison with
      measurements with a 20 mm long ionisation chamber. The results have been used to
      investigate approaches to CT dosimetry. Dose profiles were recorded within
      standard CT head and body phantoms and scatter tail data fitted to exponential
      functions and extrapolated to predict dose levels in longer phantoms. The data
      have been used to simulate both CT dose index (CTDI) measurements with ionisation
      chambers of differing length and measurements of cumulative doses with a 20 mm
      chamber for scans of varying length. The results show that the length of a pencil
      ionisation chamber is the most significant factor affecting measurements of
      weighted CTDI (CTDI(w)) and a 100 mm chamber would record 50-61% of the dose
      measured with a 450 mm one. The cumulative dose measured at the centre of a 150
      mm long body phantom records over 70% of the equilibrium dose from a helical scan
      of a longer phantom. For routine CT dosimetry tests, the determination of
      correction factors could allow measurements with a 100 mm chamber to be used to
      derive the CTDI that would be recorded with a longer chamber, and cumulative
      doses measured with a 20 mm chamber in shorter phantoms to be used to calculate
      equilibrium doses for helical scans.

PMID- 22089895
TI  - An intervention study in obese mice with astaxanthin, a marine carotenoid-
      effects on insulin signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
AB  - Astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid from the marine algae Hematococcus
      pluvialis, has anti-obesity and insulin-sensitivity effects. The specific
      molecular mechanisms of its actions are not yet established. The present study
      was designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the insulin sensitivity
      effects of ASX in a non-genetic insulin resistant animal model. A group of male
      Swiss albino mice was divided into two and fed either a starch-based control diet
      or a high fat-high fructose diet (HFFD). Fifteen days later, mice in each dietary
      group were divided into two and were treated with either ASX (6 mg kg(-1) per
      day) in olive oil or olive oil alone. At the end of 60 days, glucose, insulin and
      pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, lipids and oxidative stress markers in
      skeletal muscle and adipose tissue were assessed. Further, post-receptor insulin
      signaling events in skeletal muscle were analyzed. Increased body weight,
      hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and increased plasma levels of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha and interleukin-6 observed in HFFD-fed mice were significantly
      improved by ASX addition. ASX treatment also reduced lipid levels and oxidative
      stress in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. ASX improved insulin signaling by
      enhancing the autophosphorylation of insulin receptor-beta (IR-beta), IRS-1
      associated PI3-kinase step, phospho-Akt/Akt ratio and GLUT-4 translocation in
      skeletal muscle. This study demonstrates for the first time that chronic ASX
      administration improves insulin sensitivity by activating the post-receptor
      insulin signaling and by reducing oxidative stress, lipid accumulation and
      proinflammatory cytokines in obese mice.

PMID- 22089896
TI  - 3D quantification of mandibular asymmetry using the SPHARM-PDM tool box.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pretreatment diagnosis of mandibular asymmetry in orthognathic surgery
      patients can be improved by quantitative shape modeling and analysis. The UNC
      SPHARM-PDM (University of North Carolina Spherical Harmonics-Point Distribution
      Model) toolbox was applied to a cohort of patients and the results were
      evaluated. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) virtual surface models are constructed
      from CBCT scans of each patient in the cohort by segmentation. Mirroring on a
      sagittal arbitrary plane is used to flip the left and right sides of each image.
      An automatic voxel-based registration on the cranial base is used to align the
      volume and its mirror for comparison. SPHARM-PDM is used to compute correspondent
      models for each hemimandible and the mirror of the contralateral side. Procrustes
      analysis was used to evaluate discrepancies between each pair of models to assess
      asymmetry. Mandibular asymmetry was also located and quantified by computing
      corresponding surface distances between each hemimandible (left and right sides)
      and the mirror of the contralateral side. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences in surrogates for mandibular asymmetry assessment based
      on right or the left side mirroring. Those surrogates are the rotational and
      translational differences between each hemimandible and the mirror of the
      contralateral side in 3 planes of space (the absolute values of Procrustes
      registration output in 6 degrees of freedom). Absolute and signed distance maps
      between each hemimandible and the mirror of the contralateral side located and
      quantified areas of asymmetry diagnosis for each patient. Even though mandibular
      condyle asymmetry was observed in 8% of the cases and mandibular asymmetry along
      areas of the ramus and mandibular corpus was noted in 17.8% of the cases, the
      remaining 74.2% showed generalized morphological and positional asymmetry at the
      condyle, the ramus and mandibular corpus. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional diagnosis
      of mandibular asymmetry revealed the complex involvement of morphological
      components of the mandible and the heterogeneous nature of this clinical
      condition. SPHARM-PDM has a promising role in the individual diagnosis and
      quantification of mandibular asymmetry.

PMID- 22089897
TI  - Raising concerns about palliative sedation.

PMID- 22089901
TI  - The unspoken: the stresses of a novice nurse.

PMID- 22089903
TI  - Nurses on the move!

PMID- 22089904
TI  - Huddling for optimal care outcomes.

PMID- 22089906
TI  - Getting "hip" to hip hemiarthroplasty.

PMID- 22089907
TI  - Too good for this world.

PMID- 22089909
TI  - Nursing2011 survey results: Blood exposure risk during peripheral I.V. catheter
      insertion and removal.

PMID- 22089910
TI  - Beyond mainstream: making the case for fecal bacteriotherapy.

PMID- 22089911
TI  - Patient education series. Heart attack.

PMID- 22089912
TI  - 13 tips for surviving the 12-hour shift.

PMID- 22089913
TI  - New criteria for assessing and treating neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22089914
TI  - Vitamin D supplementation in chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 22089915
TI  - Renal colic.

PMID- 22089916
TI  - Outcome in patients with an infected nonunion of the long bones treated with a
      reinforced antibiotic bone cement rod.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study looks at the treatment of 16 cases of infection in long
      bone fractures that had an adverse effect on healing. The goal was to find a
      method that may be effective in getting these most difficult injuries to heal.
      The use of reinforced antibiotic-impregnated bone cement rods was studied to see
      if this could be an effective form of treatment. The use of such devices makes
      sense because they provide stability that the fractures need for healing while
      also providing a high concentration of antibiotics locally. The concept was to
      reduce the amount of metal used for stability while still giving the fracture the
      correct milieu for healing. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of 16
      patients with infected nonunions of long bones. A protocol for the use of
      intravenous and per oral antibiotics was developed based on the type of bacteria
      found from cultures of the infected sites. All cases included operative
      debridement and stabilization with a reinforced antibiotic-impregnated bone
      cement rod. PATIENTS: The patient population was selected from all those who
      presented to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Dayanand Medical College &
      Hospital, Ludhiana, India. MAIN OUTCOME: Success was considered when the nonunion
      healed and the limb became functional. RESULTS: The infected nonunions were
      treated successfully in 14 of 16 cases. This represents an alternative to
      external fixation alone as a means of stabilizing nonunions while providing a
      high concentration of antibiotic locally for combating this most difficult
      problem. CONCLUSIONS: The use of reinforced antibiotic-impregnated bone cement
      rods with appropriate surgical debridement and antibiotics may be an effective
      way of treating infected nonunions of long bones. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic
      Level IV. See page 128 for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22089917
TI  - Less invasive stabilization system (LISS) versus proximal femoral nail anti
      rotation (PFNA) in treating proximal femoral fractures: a prospective randomized
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome and efficacy of LISS (Less Invasive
      Stabilization System; Synthes USA, Paoli, PA) for the treatment of proximal
      femoral fractures to find another appropriate minimally invasive surgery for
      these fractures in which intramedullary nailing may be difficult. DESIGN: A
      consecutive prospective randomized clinical study. SETTING: University teaching
      hospital. PATIENTS: Between May 2006 and March 2008, 64 consecutive patients who
      had a proximal femoral fracture were randomized to be treated with fixation with
      either LISS or PFNA (Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation; Synthes USA).
      INTERVENTION: LISS or PFNA fixation of proximal femoral fractures. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS: Intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of
      hospitalization, hip function (Harris score), general complications, fracture
      complications. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up
      time of 26.8 months (range, 21-36 months). No statistical differences in general
      complications, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospitalization, or hip
      function could be found between the two groups. The average operative time was
      longer in the LISS group (98.25 minutes) compared with the PFNA group (65.36
      minutes) (P < 0.05). One PFNA case had intrapelvic penetration of the helical
      blade; two LISS cases had breakage of the screws. CONCLUSION: There were no major
      differences in outcome or complications between the treatment groups. LISS can be
      used effectively in treating proximal femoral fractures, especially for complex
      fractures patterns in which intramedullary nailing may be difficult. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See page 128 for a complete description of levels
      of evidence.

PMID- 22089919
TI  - Long-term outcome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent
      minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has become a well-accepted
      treatment for selected patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However,
      few studies have evaluated long-term outcomes for this operative approach. We
      therefore chose to examine both the long-term symptom resolution and biochemical
      cure following MIP for PHPT. METHODS: A total of 460 PHPT patients who underwent
      a MIP between 2004 and 2009 were successfully mailed a questionnaire that
      assessed preoperative and postoperative Parathyroidectomy Assessment of Symptoms
      (PAS) scores, most recent calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and
      information about any reoperation for PHPT. Long-term evaluation of symptomatic
      and biochemical cure was performed. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients (43.5%)
      responded to our correspondence. The mean age of the patients was 58.7 +/- 11.9
      years, 74.5% were female, and 78.5% were Caucasian. The mean follow-up was 37 +/-
      19 months. The mean PAS scores fell by 117 +/- 14 at long-term follow-up after
      MIP (P < 0.0001). All 13 symptoms comprising the PAS score diminished, of which
      ten did so significantly (P < 0.01). There was a significant drop in the mean
      serum calcium (preop. 11.1 mg/dl, postop. 9.6 mg/dl; P < 0.0001) and PTH (preop.
      130.9 pg/ml, postop. 45.7 pg/ml; P < 0.0001) at long-term follow-up. Five
      patients (2.5%) developed recurrent disease (calcium > 10.5 mg/dl), and one
      (0.5%) underwent a reoperation for persistent disease and was subsequently cured.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that MIP has long-term benefits in terms of
      excellent symptom resolution and a high biochemical cure rate (97%) in selected
      patients who have PHPT, preoperative localization with sestamibi scans, and
      assessment of intraoperative PTH level.

PMID- 22089920
TI  - Prognostic relevance of survivin in pancreatic endocrine tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Better prognostic markers are needed for pancreatic endocrine tumors.
      Survivin is an apoptosis inhibitor that is suggested to have a negative
      prognostic impact in several tumor types. Contradictory data exist, especially
      regarding the significance of a nuclear versus cytoplasmic location of survivin.
      The prognostic relevance of nuclear and cytoplasmic survivin expression in
      pancreatic endocrine tumors-controlled for the tumor Ki-67 index, World Health
      Organization classification, and TNM stage-was investigated. METHODS: A total of
      111 patients treated at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively
      evaluated. Clinical data were gathered from medical records. Immunohistochemistry
      for survivin and Ki-67 was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue. Univariate and
      multivariate Cox analyses were performed. RESULTS: Patients with tumors that had
      <5% survivin-positive nuclei had a mean survival of 225 months [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 168-281]. The corresponding figure for patients with 5 to 50%
      survivin-positive tumor cell nuclei was 101 months [95% CI 61-140; hazard ratio
      (HR) 2.4; P < 0.01) and with >50% survivin-positive nuclei 47 months (95% CI 24
      71; HR 4.9; P < 0.001). Nuclear survivin expression in >50% of the tumor cells
      was an independent marker of a poor prognosis (HR 5.7; P < 0.01). Cytoplasmic
      survivin was not a significant prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis (HR
      0.94; P = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: High expression of nuclear survivin is a
      significant marker of a poor prognosis in patients with a pancreatic endocrine
      tumor.

PMID- 22089921
TI  - Preoperative brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a better predictor of adverse
      cardiac events compared to preoperative scoring system in patients who underwent
      abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of perioperative death in
      surgical patients. A variety of clinical scoring systems have been developed to
      predict adverse cardiovascular events. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a
      sensitive and specific predictor of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and
      predicts first cardiovascular event and death in the general population. We
      present a prospective, single-center, observational cohort study of patients
      undergoing major abdominal surgery and evaluate the role of BNP in predicting
      adverse cardiac events. METHOD: A total of 205 patients were included in the
      study. All patients were assessed by a cardiological clinical evaluation, a 12
      lead ECG report, and a preoperative and postoperative blood sample for plasmatic
      BNP assessment. The primary end point was the predictive power of preoperative
      BNP levels for adverse cardiac events until 30 days after discharge. RESULTS:
      Thirty-one of 205 (15%) patients had adverse cardiac events in the postoperative
      period up to 30 days after discharge. Five patients (2.4%) of these died of
      cardiac events. Preoperative BNP values were significantly increased in the 31
      patients compared to the other patients in the postoperative period [mean =
      112.93 pg/ml (range = 5-2,080) vs. 178.99 pg/ml (range = 5-3,980); median = 117
      vs. 23 pg/ml; 95% CI = 49-181; p < 0.0001]. At logistic regression, a
      preoperative BNP value of >36 pg/ml was the only effective predictor of adverse
      cardiac events. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that elevated preoperative BNP
      levels are independent predictors of adverse cardiac events in a cohort of
      patients undergoing major abdominal surgery in a general surgery department, and
      this is the first study about this specific cohort of patients.

PMID- 22089922
TI  - A unique method for repairing intraoperative pulmonary air leakage with both
      polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the present study we present a unique maneuver, using both fibrin
      glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets, for repairing intraoperative pulmonary
      air leakage, and report our clinical results. METHODS: Based on the results from
      in vitro experiments, we retrospectively investigated the clinical effects of our
      method for repairing intraoperative pulmonary air leakage in 377 consecutive
      patients, who underwent a pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer or
      metastatic lung tumors from 2004 to 2009. From April 2004 through September 2007,
      repair of intraoperative pulmonary air leakage was performed in 204 patients
      using only fibrin glue. From October 2007 through December 2009, the repair was
      performed in 173 patients with a unique application of both fibrin glue and PGA
      sheets, i.e., (1) rubbing fibrin glue A solution, (2) applying a PGA sheet cut to
      an appropriate size, (3) rubbing fibrin glue B solution on the PGA sheet, and (4)
      reapplying fibrin glue A solution and rubbing. RESULTS: The mean duration of
      postoperative pleural drainage was significantly shorter in the latter time
      period when both fibrin glue and PGA sheets were used than in the former period
      when fibrin glue was used alone. The incidence of prolonged air leakage longer
      than 1 week was also significantly lower in the latter era than in the former
      era. CONCLUSION: Our unique application of both fibrin glue and PGA sheets for
      the intraoperative repair of pulmonary air leakage effectively resulted in a
      shortening of the duration of postoperative pleural drainage.

PMID- 22089923
TI  - Bile acid-CoA ligase deficiency--a new inborn error of bile acid metabolism.
AB  - Born at 27 weeks gestation, a child of consanguineous parents of Pakistani origin
      required prolonged parenteral nutrition. She developed jaundice, with extensive
      fibrosis and architectural distortion at liver biopsy; jaundice resolved with
      supportive care. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase values were within normal
      ranges. The bile acids in her plasma and urine were >85% unconjugated (non
      amidated). Two genes encoding bile-acid amidation enzymes were sequenced. No
      mutations were found in BAAT, encoding bile acid-CoA : aminoacid N-acyl
      transferase. The patient was homozygous for the missense mutation c.1012C > T in
      SLC27A5, predicted to alter a highly conserved amino-acid residue (p.H338Y) in
      bile acid-CoA ligase (BACL). She also was homozygous for the missense mutation
      c.1772A > G in ABCB11, predicted to alter a highly conserved amino-acid residue
      (p.N591S) in bile salt export pump (BSEP). BACL is essential for reconjugation of
      bile acids deconjugated by gut bacteria, and BSEP is essential for hepatocyte
      canaliculus export of conjugated bile acids. A female sibling born at term had
      the same bile-acid phenotype and SLC27A5 genotype, without clinical liver
      disease. She was heterozygous for the c.1772A > G ABCB11 mutation. This is the
      first report of a mutation in SLC27A5. The amidation defect may have contributed
      to cholestatic liver disease in the setting of prematurity, parenteral nutrition,
      and homozygosity for an ABCB11 mutation.

PMID- 22089924
TI  - Structure and function of proteins in hydrated choline dihydrogen phosphate ionic
      liquid.
AB  - Ionic liquids are being intensely studied as promising media for the
      stabilization of proteins and other biomolecules. Choline dihydrogen phosphate
      (CDHP) has been identified as one of the most promising candidates for this
      application. In this work we have probed in more detail the effects that CDHP may
      have on the thermodynamics, structure, and stability of proteins, including one
      of therapeutic interest. Microcalorimetry and circular dichroism
      spectropolarimetry (CD) were used to assess the thermal stability of protein
      solutions in CDHP/water mixtures at various concentrations. Increasing thermal
      stability of lysozyme and interleukin-2 in proportion to CDHP concentration was
      observed. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to quantify binding
      interactions, and indicate that the mechanism for stability does not appear to be
      dependent upon CDHP binding to protein. CD and small angle X-ray scattering
      (SAXS) analyses were used to probe for structural changes due to the presence of
      CDHP. SAXS indicates charge effects on the surface of the protein play a role in
      protein stability in ionic liquids, and no significant alteration of the overall
      tertiary conformation of lysozyme was observed at 25  degrees C. However, after
      incubation at 37  degrees C or at higher concentrations of CDHP, small changes in
      protein structure were seen. Effects on protein activity were monitored using
      turbidity assays, and CDHP decreases protein activity but does not eliminate it.
      Protein solubility was also monitored using a turbidity assay and was found to be
      inversely proportional to the concentration of CDHP in solution.

PMID- 22089925
TI  - Regulation of rat MOR-1 gene expression after chronic intracerebroventricular
      administration of morphine.
AB  - The u-opioid receptor is the primary site for the action of morphine. In the
      present study, we investigated the regulation of the u-opioid receptor mRNA
      levels in the locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens and
      hypothalamus of the rat brain following intracerebroventricular administration of
      morphine for 7 days. The isolated mRNA from these regions was subjected to real
      time quantitative RT-PCR to determine the regulation of u-opioid receptor gene
      expression. It was observed that 7 days of treatment with morphine significantly
      down-regulated the u-opioid receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of the brain
      in comparison to the control group. However, the u-opioid receptor levels in the
      locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens regions remained the
      same as the control levels. Down-regulation of u-opioid receptor mRNA levels in
      the hypothalamus region of the brain indicates the probable role of opioids to
      influence neuroendocrine function. The results further indicate that cellular
      adaptation for morphine tolerance is tissue-specific. These findings help us to
      understand the mechanism of morphine tolerance in various regions of the brain.

PMID- 22089926
TI  - In brief: nesiritide (Natrecor).

PMID- 22089928
TI  - Integration of apoptosis and metabolism.
AB  - Apoptotic resistance is a hallmark of human cancers. Recent advances have
      contributed to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that intimately
      integrate cell metabolism and apoptosis. Coordinated activation of the
      proapoptotic Bcl-2 family and the caspase family during apoptosis often leads to
      permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane and release of multiple
      enzymes that normally function in regulating energy production and metabolism.
      The roles of these metabolic enzymes in promoting caspase activation demonstrate
      a primordial need to couple apoptotic cell death and metabolic catastrophe during
      cellular destruction. The Bcl-2 family also directly interacts with the multiple
      metabolic regulators to protect or promote mitochondrial damage during apoptosis.
      However, the integration of metabolism and apoptosis is not simply limited to the
      maintenance of mitochondrial integrity. A recent study demonstrates that the NatA
      complex, a protein N-alpha-acetyltransferase complex, is required for DNA damage
      mediated apoptosis and suggests that regulation of protein acetylation might
      provide an important mechanism for regulating apoptotic sensitivity. Since acetyl
      CoA (coenzyme A) is a key cofactor for the NatA complex, protein acetylation is
      subject to the availability of acetyl-CoA and, thus, under metabolic regulation.
      The revelation that protein N-alpha-acetylation is regulated by Bcl-xL, a major
      antiapoptotic mitochondrial protein, demonstrates a mechanism by which metabolism
      can regulate the activation of multiple key apoptotic factors simultaneously.

PMID- 22089929
TI  - Electrophoretic motion of a charged porous sphere within micro- and nanochannels.
AB  - Electrophoretic motion of a charged porous sphere within micro- and nanochannels
      is investigated theoretically. The Brinkman model and the full non-linear Poisson
      Boltzmann equation are adopted to model the system, with the charged porous
      sphere resembling polyelectrolytes like proteins and DNA. General electrokinetic
      equations are employed and solved with a pseudo-spectral method. Key parameters
      of electrokinetic interest are examined for their respective effect as well as
      overall impact on the particle motion. We found, among other things, that the
      confinement effect of the channel can be so drastic that 75% reduction of
      particle mobility is observed in some situations for a poorly permeable particle.
      However, only 15% for the corresponding highly permeable particle due to the
      allowance of fluid penetration which alleviates the retarding shear stress
      significantly. In particular, an intriguing phenomenon is observed for the highly
      permeable particle: the narrower the channel is, the faster the particle moves!
      This was experimentally observed as well in the literature on DNA electrophoresis
      within nanostructures. The reason behind it is thoroughly explained here.
      Moreover, charged channels can exert electroosmosis flow so dominant that
      sometimes it may even reverse the direction of the particle motion. Comparison
      with experimental data available in the literature for some polyelectrolytes is
      excellent, indicating the reliability of this analysis. The results of this study
      provide fundamental knowledge necessary to interpret experimental data correctly
      in various microfluidic and nanofluidic operations involving bio-macromolecules,
      such as in biosensors and Lab-on-a-chip devices.

PMID- 22089927
TI  - Cancer and altered metabolism: potential importance of hypoxia-inducible factor
      and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) deregulation contributes to the Warburg effect.
      HIF consists of an unstable alpha subunit and a stable beta subunit. In the
      presence of oxygen, HIFalpha becomes prolyl hydroxylated by members of the EglN
      (also called PHD) family, leading to its proteasomal degradation. Under hypoxic
      conditions, EglN activity is diminished and HIF levels rise. EglN1 is the primary
      HIF prolyl hydroxylase with EglN2 and EglN3 playing compensatory roles under
      certain conditions. EglN2 and EglN3 also appear to play HIF-independent roles in
      regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The EglNs belong to a
      large family of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases that includes the TET DNA
      hydroxymethylases and JmjC-containing histone demethylases. Members of this
      superfamily can be inhibited by endogenous metabolites, including fumarate and
      succinate, which accumulate in tumors that have fumarate hydratase (FH) or
      succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations, respectively, as well as by the 2
      hydroxyglutarate detected in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant tumors. 2
      Oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases therefore provide a link between altered
      metabolism and cancer.

PMID- 22089930
TI  - Enhanced ABL-inhibitor-induced MAPK-activation in T315I-BCR-ABL-expressing cells:
      a potential mechanism of altered leukemogenicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeted treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia using imatinib has
      dramatically improved patient outcome. However, residual disease can be detected
      in the majority of patients treated with imatinib. Compensatory activation of MAP
      kinases (MAPK1/2) in response to BCR-ABL-inhibitors has been reported as a
      potential cytokine-dependent resistance mechanism leading to the rescue of
      leukemic progenitor cells. METHODS: Differential MAPK-modulating activity of
      clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors was assessed in vitro using BCR
      ABL-transformed cells. CD34+-enriched progenitors of newly diagnosed chronic
      myelogenous leukemia patients were exposed to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. MAPK
      signaling was studied by Western blot technique. Proliferation assays were used
      to analyze response to antileukemic treatment. RESULTS: The ABL-inhibitors
      imatinib and nilotinib activate MAPKs in CD34+ chronic myelogenous leukemia
      progenitor cells, whereas treatment with the SRC/ABL-inhibitor dasatinib does not
      affect MAPK-activation at clinically relevant concentrations. Similar results are
      seen in BCR-ABL-transformed cells in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3).
      Experiments using BCR-ABL-mutant T315I, a resistance mutation not amenable to
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor binding, demonstrate that ABL-inhibitor-induced MAPK
      activation does not depend on BCR-ABL-inhibition and cannot be prevented by
      selective SRC-inhibition. However, BCR-ABL-T315I enhances MAPK-activation,
      suggesting a T315I-dependent positive feedback of MAPK-activation. An autocrine
      IL-3-loop as trigger for aberrant T315I-dependent MAPK-activation was excluded.
      CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant MAPK-activation triggered by ABL-inhibitors and positively
      regulated by BCR-ABL kinase mutation T315I might be an experimental explanation
      for the clinical observation that patients carrying high-resistance mutations
      show a highly aggressive course of their disease when tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      treatment is not discontinued in time.

PMID- 22089931
TI  - PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion status in older rhabdomyosarcoma patient population by
      fluorescent in situ hybridization.
AB  - PURPOSE: In pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the PAX3-FOXO1 and PAX7-FOXO1
      gene fusions are prognostic indicators, while little is known concerning this
      disease in older patients. To determine whether PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion gene status
      correlates with outcome in adolescent, young adult, and adult rhabdomyosarcoma
      patients, the histological, immunohistochemical, and clinical characteristics of
      105 patients followed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from
      1957 to 2001 were evaluated. METHODS: The samples were assembled into a tissue
      microarray, and fusion gene status was determined by fluorescence in situ
      hybridization using PAX3, PAX7, and FOXO1 loci-specific probes. The disease
      characteristics and specific gene fusion were correlated with patient outcomes
      using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of the samples exhibited a
      PAX3-FOXO1 fusion, 15% the PAX7-FOXO1 fusion, and 33% were negative for a
      rearrangement of these loci. The presence of PAX3/7-FOXO1 translocation was
      significantly associated with a higher frequency of metastatic disease. Although
      a statistically significant correlation between the PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion gene
      status and overall survival was not identified, there was a trend toward better
      outcomes for patients with fusion-negative RMS. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore,
      identification of a FOXO1 fusion appears to be an interesting tool for predicting
      outcomes in older rhabdomyosarcoma patients and is worth further investigations
      in this rare subgroup of RMS population.

PMID- 22089933
TI  - Interactions of amyloid beta peptide 1-40 and cerebrosterol.
AB  - Amyloid beta peptides appear to play a role in physiological processes; however,
      they are also involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Their actions
      under normal conditions are probably mediated by soluble monomeric L-isoforms at
      low concentrations, perhaps via highly specific interactions. On the contrary,
      toxic effects of aggregated natural L-isoforms/synthetic D-isoforms on membranes
      are very similar, but synthetic reverse/random L: -isoforms without pronounced
      aggregation properties are not toxic. Our previous work reported interactions of
      non-aggregated/aggregated L-isoforms of amyloid beta peptides 1-40/1-42 with
      racemic 24-hydroxycholesterol. In this study, stereospecificity in the
      interactions of natural 24(S)hydroxycholesterol (cerebrosterol) or synthetic
      24(R)hydroxycholesterol with soluble fragment 1-40 was evaluated by means of an
      in vitro test based on increased vulnerability of the hemicholinium-3 sensitive
      high-affinity choline uptake system in rat hippocampal cholesterol-depleted
      synaptosomes to the actions of amyloid beta; computational simulations were also
      performed. Our results suggest that: (1) 24(S)hydroxycholesterol interacts with L
      peptide 1-40 but not with the reverse L-peptide 40-1, (2) 24(R)hydroxycholesterol
      does not interact with L-peptide 1-40 or reverse 40-1, and (3) both enantiomers
      can probably interact with D-peptide 1-40. Therefore, the binding of
      24(S)hydroxycholesterol is not fully stereospecific and the interaction could not
      reflect a physiological mechanism. Data from the computational simulation
      indicate that the hydrophobic core of the amyloid beta molecule interacts with
      the hydrophobic part of 24(S)hydroxycholesterol, but no hydrogen bonds with high
      stability were found. Using this procedure, globular amyloid beta could retain
      24(S)hydroxycholesterol and thus contribute to its pathological accumulation in
      the brains of patients with Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 22089932
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of sesame seed oil in 6-hydroxydopamine induced
      neurotoxicity in mice model: cellular, biochemical and neurochemical evidence.
AB  - Natural antioxidants have shown a remarkable reduction in oxidative stress due to
      excess formation of reactive oxygen species by enhancing antioxidant mechanism in
      the neurodegenerative disorders. Sesame seed oil (SO) is one of the most
      important edible oil in India as well as in Asian countries and has potent
      antioxidant properties thus the present study evaluated the neuroprotective
      effect of SO by using 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson's disease
      model in mice. The mice were fed an SO mix diet for 15 days and then 6-OHDA was
      injected into the right striatum of mice brain. Three weeks after 6-OHDA
      infusion, mice were sacrificed and the striatum was removed. The neuroprotective
      role of SO on the activities of antioxidant and non-antioxidant enzymes such as
      glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and content of glutathione (GSH) and
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were studied in the striatum. The
      activities of all the above-mentioned enzymes decreased significantly in 6-OHDA
      group (Lesioned) when compared with Sham. The pretreatment of SO on antioxidant
      mechanism and dopamine level in the brain had shown some significant improvement
      in Lesion+SO (L+SO) group when compared with Lesioned group. However, NADPH
      oxidase subunit, Nox2 and inflammatory stimulator Cox2 expression was increased
      as well as antioxidant MnSOD level was decreased in Lesioned group while SO
      showed the inhibitory effect on the activation of Nox2 and Cox2 and restored
      MnSOD expression in L+SO group. Increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in
      substantia nigra as well as dopamine and its metabolite DOPAC level in L+SO group
      also support our findings that SO may inhibit activation of NADPH oxidase
      dependent inflammatory mechanism due to 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity in mice.

PMID- 22089935
TI  - Organocatalytic asymmetric tandem condensation-intramolecular rearrangement
      protonation: an approach to optically active alpha-amino thioester derivatives.
AB  - An unprecedented and conceptually novel chiral Bronsted base/Bronsted acid
      catalytic method for the enantioselective synthesis of alpha-amino thioesters
      through a tandem condensation-intramolecular rearrangement-protonation has been
      developed which provides a number of important synthetic building blocks in good
      yield and with moderate to good enantioselectivities.

PMID- 22089934
TI  - Striatal GABA receptor alterations in hypoxic neonatal rats: role of glucose,
      oxygen and epinephrine treatment.
AB  - Hypoxia in neonates disrupts the oxygen flow to the brain, essentially starving
      the brain and preventing it from performing vital biochemical processes important
      for central nervous system development. Hypoxia results in a permanent brain
      damage by gene and receptor level alterations mediated through neurotransmitters.
      The present study evaluated GABA, GABAA, GABAB receptor functions and gene
      expression changes in glutamate decarboxylase in the corpus striatum of hypoxic
      neonatal rats and the treatment groups with glucose, oxygen and epinephrine.
      Since GABA is the principal neurotransmitter involved in hypoxic ventilatory
      decline, the alterations in its level under hypoxic stress points to an important
      aspect of respiratory control. Following hypoxic stress, a significant decrease
      in total GABA, GABAA and GABAB receptors function and GAD expression was observed
      in the striatum, which accounts for the ventilator decline. Hypoxic rats treated
      with glucose alone and with oxygen showed a reversal of the receptor alterations
      and changes in GAD to near control. Being a source of immediate energy, glucose
      can reduce the ATP-depletion-induced changes in GABA and oxygenation helps in
      overcoming reduction in oxygen supply. Treatment with oxygen alone and
      epinephrine was not effective in reversing the altered receptor functions. Thus,
      our study point to the functional role of GABA receptors in mediating ventilatory
      response to hypoxia and the neuroprotective role of glucose treatment. This has
      immense significance in the proper management of neonatal hypoxia for a better
      intellect in the later stages of life.

PMID- 22089936
TI  - Mothers' perspectives on their child's mental illness as compared to other
      complex disorders in their family: insights to inform genetic counseling
      practice.
AB  - To facilitate the development of a therapeutic alliance in genetic counseling, it
      is important that the counselor understands how families might perceive the
      condition that constitutes the reason for the referral. Through training and
      professional practice, genetic counselors develop a thorough understanding of
      families' perceptions of the conditions that are common indications for genetic
      counseling. But, for referral indications that are less frequent, like serious
      mental illnesses, genetic counselors may feel less confident in their
      understanding of the family's experience, or in their ability to provide
      psychosocial support when serious mental illness is reported in a family history.
      This may impede the establishment of a therapeutic alliance. As research shows
      that most referrals for genetic counseling related to serious mental illness are
      for female first-degree family members of affected individuals, we sought to
      explore how this group perceives serious mental illness. To provide a frame of
      reference with which genetic counselors may be more familiar, we explored how
      women perceived serious mental illness compared to other common complex disorders
      in their family. We conducted semi-structured interviews with women who had a
      child with a serious mental illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder,
      bipolar disorder) and a first-degree relative with another common complex
      disorder (diabetes, heart disease, cancer). Interviews were transcribed and
      subjected to thematic analysis. Saturation was reached when nine women had
      participated. Serious mental illness was perceived as being more severe and as
      having a greater impact on the family than diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
      Themes identified included guilt, stigma, and loss. Some of the most important
      issues that contribute to mothers' perceptions that serious mental illness is
      more severe than other common complex disorders could be effectively addressed in
      genetic counseling. Developing a heightened awareness of how family members
      experience a relative's mental illness may help genetic counselors to be better
      able to provide psychosocial support to this group, whether serious mental
      illness constitutes the primary reason for referral or appears in the family
      history during counseling for a different referral reason.

PMID- 22089938
TI  - Clinical course of postthrombotic syndrome in children with history of venous
      thromboembolism.
AB  - Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic morbidity of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE) in children. Information about the evolution of PTS is lacking in children.
      Present study was aimed to evaluate the time-course of extremity PTS in children
      who were serially followed in a hematology clinic. This retrospective cohort
      study included 69 consecutive children with documented VTEs that presented with
      symptoms of extremity VTE: 67 extremity VTEs with or without extension to vena
      cava, 2 inferior vena cava VTEs. Severity of PTS was assessed using modified
      Villalta scale. Median age of the cohort was 12.6 years (interquartile range 1.6
      15 years) while median follow-up was 28.7 months (interquartile range 13.3-33.4
      months. PTS prevalence was 46.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 37.9-57.7%]. Lower
      extremity VTE was associated with development of PTS compared to upper extremity
      VTE regardless of catheter use (P = 0.002). The time-course of PTS fluctuated in
      11 of 33 children (33%; 95% CI 20-47%) at a median interval of 12 months from
      diagnosis of VTE (range 4-14 months): three progressed from mild/moderate to
      severe, one improved from moderate to mild, seven fluctuated between mild and
      moderate. Recurrence and incomplete resolution of VTE were associated with
      variability in PTS severity (P < 0.05). In summary, this study suggested that
      almost 50% of study cohort developed PTS, and the time-course of PTS was not
      static in one third of children. Future research should focus on identifying the
      predictors contributing to the worsening of PTS and developing risk-stratified
      treatment interventions so as to improve the outcome of children with VTE.

PMID- 22089939
TI  - Structure and function of von Willebrand factor.
AB  - von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a long plasma protein that contains many domains
      and each domain has its own function. VWF exists in a multimeric form and
      performs varieties of functions in the human body, including thrombus formation
      and blood coagulation. The crystal structures of three subdomains are known, and,
      interestingly, all three domains share identical three-dimensional fold with
      alpha-beta-alpha sandwiched model. VWF is directly associated with different
      types of von Willebrand disease. In this review, our aim is to gather recent
      developments on structure and functions of VWF and its clinical relevance.

PMID- 22089940
TI  - Impact of reduced levels of protein C, free protein S and antithrombin in normal
      frozen plasma on the interpretation of patients' results.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of freezing of normal
      plasma samples on protein C, free protein S (FPS) and antithrombin levels in
      order to determine its potential impact on the interpretation of the results of
      similarly frozen patients' samples. Protein C, FPS and antithrombin levels were
      measured by clotting-based test, by sandwich ELISA and by chromogenic assay,
      respectively, in 50 normal plasma samples prior to freezing, and after 2 and 4
      weeks in parallel aliquots frozen at -25 degrees C. The mean levels of the three
      proteins dropped significantly after a fortnight's freezing, protein C: 130.7
      122.8% (P < 0.0246); FPS: 105.9-94.1% (P < 0.0016); antithrombin: 103.2-95.8% (P
      < 0.0001). The corresponding inter-assay coefficient of variances of the two sets
      of results were 8.9, 6.6 and 9.3%. Thereafter, only FPS declined significantly
      (84.3%) (P < 0.0001). In two of 48 and five of 48 cases at the end of 2 and 4
      weeks, respectively, the levels of FPS values went below the lower limit of the
      normal range established from the 50 plasma samples. Freezing of plasma at -25
      degrees C for 24 h per se did not alter the levels of protein C and antithrombin
      and caused only a negligible change in FPS levels. Since 6, 4 and 14% of normal
      plasma samples would have been labeled as antithrombin, protein C and protein S
      deficient, respectively, had the tests been performed after 4 weeks of freezing,
      it is recommended that for correct interpretation of the results, laboratories
      should establish their reference ranges on normal samples frozen for the same
      period of time as the patients' samples.

PMID- 22089941
TI  - Intravenous thrombolysis on early recurrent cardioembolic stroke:  'Dr Jekyll' or
      'Mr Hyde'?
AB  - Early recurrent cardioembolic stroke on the previously unaffected side has very
      rarely been reported during or after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen
      activator for acute ischemic stroke. For these cases, thrombolysis guidelines
      lack any clear recommendation. We report two cases of thrombolysed stroke
      patients, with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation but normal sinus rhythm on
      admission, who respectively developed recurrent ischemic stroke within few hours
      after complete improvement and during intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen
      activator infusion. Intravenous thrombolysis was successfully repeated after
      echocardiographic evidence of left appendage thrombus in the first case and
      discontinued before complete administration in the second.

PMID- 22089942
TI  - Capsaicin-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation is not mediated by transient
      receptor potential vanilloid type 1.
AB  - Capsaicin is an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1),
      in which it can act as a neuronal stimulant and result in nociception. Capsaicin
      also affects a variety of nonneuronal tissues, in which its mechanisms of action
      are less certain. The present study investigated whether the inhibitory effects
      of capsaicin on platelet aggregation are mediated via TRPV1. Venous whole blood
      obtained from beagle dogs (n = 6) was preincubated with capsaicin and/or the
      potent and selective competitive TRPV1 antagonist, A-993610 and then exposed to
      collagen (2 MUg/ml). An aggregometer was used to quantify the platelet response.
      Capsaicin exposure inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation in a
      concentration-dependent manner, with significant effects at 10 and 30 MUg
      capsaicin per millilitre. A-993610 alone (0.1-1.0 MUg/ml) had no effects on
      collagen-induced platelet aggregation, nor did it have any effects on capsaicin's
      ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. The current results agree with previous
      findings that capsaicin can inhibit platelet aggregation. In addition, the
      present study demonstrates that capsaicin's inhibitory effect on collagen-induced
      canine platelet aggregation is not mediated by TRPV1.

PMID- 22089943
TI  - Effects of four commercially available factor Xa proteins on the fluorogenic anti
      factor Xa assay when monitoring unfractionated heparin.
AB  - Four commercially available factor Xa (FXa) reagents were evaluated in a
      fluorogenic anti-FXa assay. The four reagents - of which three were of human
      origin and the fourth was bovine - were compared in terms of the resulting assay
      dynamic ranges, lag times, coefficient of variation and R2 values, as well as
      their sensitivity to unfractionated heparin within the therapeutic range of 0-1.2
      U/ml. Similar performance of reagents in the fluorogenic anti-FXa assay was
      observed independent of the source of the reagent or its physical state, which
      may assist in the standardization of coagulation assays in clinical settings.

PMID- 22089944
TI  - A Markov decision model for determining optimal outpatient scheduling.
AB  - Managing an efficient outpatient clinic can often be complicated by significant
      no-show rates and escalating appointment lead times. One method that has been
      proposed for avoiding the wasted capacity due to no-shows is called open or
      advanced access. The essence of open access is "do today's demand today". We
      develop a Markov Decision Process (MDP) model that demonstrates that a short
      booking window does significantly better than open access. We analyze a number of
      scenarios that explore the trade-off between patient-related measures (lead
      times) and physician- or system-related measures (revenue, overtime and idle
      time). Through simulation, we demonstrate that, over a wide variety of potential
      scenarios and clinics, the MDP policy does as well or better than open access in
      terms of minimizing costs (or maximizing profits) as well as providing more
      consistent throughput.

PMID- 22089945
TI  - Optimizing renal replacement therapy in older adults: a framework for making
      individualized decisions.
AB  - It is often difficult to synthesize information about the risks and benefits of
      recommended management strategies in older patients with end-stage renal disease
      since they may have more comorbidity and lower life expectancy than patients
      described in clinical trials or practice guidelines. In this review, we outline a
      framework for individualizing end-stage renal disease management decisions in
      older patients. The framework considers three factors: life expectancy, the risks
      and benefits of competing treatment strategies, and patient preferences. We
      illustrate the use of this framework by applying it to three key end-stage renal
      disease decisions in older patients with varying life expectancy: choice of
      dialysis modality, choice of vascular access for hemodialysis, and referral for
      kidney transplantation. In several instances, this approach might provide support
      for treatment decisions that directly contradict available practice guidelines,
      illustrating circumstances when strict application of guidelines may be
      inappropriate for certain patients. By combining quantitative estimates of
      benefits and harms with qualitative assessments of patient preferences,
      clinicians may be better able to tailor treatment recommendations to individual
      older patients, thereby improving the overall quality of end-stage renal disease
      care.

PMID- 22089946
TI  - Issues regarding 'immortal time' in the analysis of the treatment effects in
      observational studies.
AB  - In observational studies, treatment is often time dependent. Mishandling the time
      from the beginning of follow-up to treatment initiation can result in bias known
      as immortal time bias. Nephrology researchers who conduct observational research
      must be aware of how immortal time bias can be introduced into analyses. We
      review immortal time bias issues in time-to-event analyses in the biomedical
      literature and give examples from the nephrology literature. We also use
      simulations to quantify the bias in different methods of mishandling immortal
      time; intuitively explain how bias is introduced when immortal time is
      mishandled; raise issues regarding unadjusted treatment comparison, patient
      characteristics comparison, and confounder adjustment; and, using data from
      DaVita Inc., linked with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services end-stage
      renal disease database, show that the severity of bias and the issues described
      can occur in actual data analyses of patients with end-stage renal disease. In
      the simulation examples, mishandling immortal time led to an underestimated
      hazard ratio (treatment vs. control), thus an overestimated treatment effect, by
      as much as 96%, and an overestimated hazard ratio by as much as 138%, depending
      on the distribution of 'survival' time and the method used. Results from the
      DaVita data were consistent with the simulation. Careful consideration of
      methodology is needed in observational analyses with time-dependent treatment.

PMID- 22089947
TI  - Forty years and counting...

PMID- 22089948
TI  - Illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release
      of chemotoxic substances from a generic geological disposal facility for
      radioactive waste.
AB  - Many countries have a programme for developing an underground geological disposal
      facility for radioactive waste. A case study is provided herein on the
      illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release
      of chemotoxic and radioactive substances from a generic geological disposal
      facility (GDF) for radioactive waste. The illustrative assessment uses a source
      pathway-receptor methodology and considers a number of human exposure pathways.
      Estimated exposures are compared with authoritative toxicological assessment
      criteria. The possibility of additive and synergistic effects resulting from
      exposures to mixtures of chemical contaminants or a combination of radiotoxic and
      chemotoxic substances is considered. The case study provides an illustration of
      how to assess human health issues arising from chemotoxic species released from a
      GDF for radioactive waste and highlights potential difficulties associated with a
      lack of data being available with which to assess synergistic effects. It also
      highlights how such difficulties can be addressed.

PMID- 22089949
TI  - Growth of lung cancer cells in three-dimensional microenvironments reveals key
      features of tumor malignancy.
AB  - Cultured human lung cancer cell lines have been used extensively to dissect
      signaling pathways underlying cancer malignancy, including proliferation and
      resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. However, the ability of malignant cells to
      grow and metastasize in vivo is dependent upon specific cell-cell and cell
      extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, many of which are absent when cells are
      cultured on conventional tissue culture plastic. Previous studies have found that
      breast cancer cell lines show differential growth morphologies in three
      dimensional (3D) gels of laminin-rich (lr) ECM, and that gene expression patterns
      associated with organized cell structure in 3D lrECM were associated with breast
      cancer patient prognosis. We show here that established lung cancer cell lines
      also can be classified by growth in lrECM into different morphological categories
      and that transcriptional alterations distinguishing growth on conventional tissue
      culture plastic from growth in 3D lrECM are reflective of tissue-specific
      differentiation. We further show that gene expression differences that
      distinguish lung cell lines that grow as smooth vs. branched structures in 3D
      lrECM can be used to stratify adenocarcinoma patients into prognostic groups with
      significantly different outcome, defining phenotypic response to 3D lrECM as a
      potential surrogate of lung cancer malignancy.

PMID- 22089950
TI  - Volume-outcome relationship in surgery for esophageal malignancy: systematic
      review and meta-analysis 2000-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to provide a contemporary quantitative
      analysis of the existing literature examining the relationship between surgical
      caseload and outcome following esophageal resection. METHODS: Medline, Embase,
      trial registries, conference proceedings and reference lists were searched for
      trials comparing clinical outcome following esophagectomy from high- and low
      volume hospitals since 2000. Primary outcomes were in-hospital and 30-day
      mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and post-operative
      complications. RESULTS: Nine appropriate publications comprising 27,843
      esophagectomy operations were included, 12,130 and 15,713 operations were
      performed in low- and high-volume surgical units, respectively. Esophagectomy at
      low-volume hospitals was associated with a significant increase in incidence of
      in-hospital (8.48% vs. 2.82%; pooled odds ratio (POR) = 0.29; P < 0.0001) and 30
      day mortality (2.09% vs. 0.73%; POR = 0.31; P < 0.0001). There was insufficient
      data for conclusive statistical analysis of length of hospital stay or post
      operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis does suggest a benefit
      in the centralization of esophageal cancer surgery to high-volume institutions
      with respect to mortality. The outcomes of this study are of interest to
      patients, healthcare providers and payers, particularly regarding service
      reconfiguration and more specifically centralization of services. Future studies
      that look at long-term survival will help improve understanding of any late
      consequences such as survival and quality of life following esophageal surgery at
      low- and high-volume hospitals.

PMID- 22089951
TI  - Is there a role for surgery with adequate nodal evaluation alone in gastric
      adenocarcinoma?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The extent of lymphadenectomy and protocol design in gastric cancer
      trials limits interpretation of survival benefit of adjuvant therapy after
      surgery with adequate lymphadenectomy. We examined the impact of surgery with
      adequate nodal evaluation alone on gastric cancer survival. METHODS: Using 2001
      2008 California Cancer Registry, we identified 2,229 patients who underwent
      gastrectomy with adequate nodal evaluation (>=15 lymph nodes) for American Joint
      Committee on Cancer stage I-IV M0 gastric adenocarcinoma. Cox proportional hazard
      analyses were used to evaluate the impact of surgery alone on survival. RESULTS:
      Nearly 70% of our cohort had T1/2 tumors and 29% had N0 disease. Forty-nine
      percent of the cohort underwent surgery alone. These patients were more likely to
      be older, Medicare-insured, with T1 and N0 disease. On unadjusted analyses,
      persons who underwent surgery alone for stage I or N0 disease experienced 1- and
      3-year overall and cancer-specific survival comparable to those who received
      adjuvant therapy. On multivariate analyses for stage I or N0 disease, surgery
      alone predicted superior survival outcomes than when combined with adjuvant
      therapies. CONCLUSION: Surgery alone with adequate nodal evaluation may have a
      role in low-risk gastric cancer. To corroborate these findings, surgery with
      adequate lymphadenectomy alone (as treatment arm) deserves consideration in the
      design of gastric cancer trials to provide effective yet resource-conserving,
      rather than maximally tolerated, treatments.

PMID- 22089952
TI  - Outcomes of primary surveillance for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding the natural history of patients
      undergoing primary surveillance for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
      (IPMN). We hypothesize that symptoms, radiologic characteristics, and
      cytopathology will predict cancer risk during surveillance. METHODS: Between
      March 2002 and March 2010, 522 patients were diagnosed with IPMN at a single,
      high-volume institution. Low versus high oncologic risk was stratified
      prospectively. Patients with under 3 months of surveillance were excluded.
      RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two patients underwent primary surveillance for IPMN.
      Two hundred forty-four (84%) were classified as low-risk IPMN. Mean surveillance
      duration was 35 (4-99) months. Thirty (12%) patients initially stratified as low
      risk developed a new indication for pancreatic resection. Only 28 underwent
      resection, and pathologic tissue analysis revealed 27 (96%) low-grade IPMN and
      one (4%) high-grade dysplastic IPMN. Overall, two (1%) patients initially
      determined to be low-risk developed invasive cancer. Forty-eight (16%) patients
      stratified as high-risk IPMN were initially managed nonoperatively. Of the 13
      (27%) high-risk patients that died during follow-up, two (15%) died from
      pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Progression to pancreatic cancer during
      surveillance for low-risk IPMN was rare. Current indications for resection did
      not forecast malignancy. Poor operative candidates with high-risk IPMN progressed
      to invasive cancer more commonly, though a substantial portion succumbed to non
      IPMN-related death.

PMID- 22089953
TI  - Reflux esophagitis and marginal ulcer after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PMID- 22089955
TI  - Protection against ischemic cochlear damage by intratympanic administration of AM
      111.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: AM-111, a cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase,
      was investigated for its protective effects against ischemic damage of the
      cochlea in gerbils. METHODS: Transient cochlear ischemia was introduced in
      animals by occluding the bilateral vertebral arteries for l5 minutes. Then, 10
      MUl of AM-111 at a concentration of l, 10, or 100 MUM in hyaluronic acid gel
      formulation was applied onto the round window 30 minutes after the insult. Gel
      without active substance was used in a control group. Treatment effects were
      evaluated by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and histology of the inner ear.
      RESULTS: In controls, transient cochlear ischemia caused a 25.0 +/- 5.0 dB
      increase in the ABR threshold at 8 kHz and a decrease of 13.3 +/- 2.3% in inner
      hair cells at the basal turn on Day 7. Ischemic damage was mild at 2 and 4 kHz.
      When the animals were treated with AM-111 at 100 MUM, cochlear damage was
      significantly reduced: the increase in ABR threshold was 3.3 +/- 2.4 dB at 8 kHz,
      and the inner hair cell loss was 3.1 +/- 0.6% at the basal turn on Day 7. The
      effects of AM-111 were concentration dependent: 100 MUM was more effective than 1
      or 10 MUM. CONCLUSION: Direct application of AM-111 in gel formulation on the
      round window was effective in preventing acute hearing loss because of transient
      cochlear ischemia.

PMID- 22089954
TI  - Epidermal growth factor expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma: a clinically
      relevant target?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There has been recent widespread enthusiasm in epidermal growth
      factor (EGFR) as a molecularly active target in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
      However, there is limited data on the extent of EGFR expression in EAC. Thus, the
      aim of this study was to evaluated EGFR, pErk1/2, and total Erk1/2 expression in
      malignant and benign specimens. METHODS: Baseline expression of EGFR in the human
      normal squamous, Barrett's, and EAC cell lines were determined as well as after
      bile acid treatment and curcumin pretreatment. In addition, EGFR expression was
      also evaluated in 60 matched normal and malignant EAC resected specimens.
      RESULTS: The in vitro studies in the Het-1a, BarT, and OE19 cell lines failed to
      show any measurable expression of EGFR via Western blot technique. The marker
      serving as the positive control for the study, MnSOD, showed expression in each
      cell line for all three treatment regimens at approximately 24 kDa EGFR, showing
      moderate staining in the malignant tumor specimens and low staining in the benign
      tissue specimens. pErk1/2 showed low staining in the malignant tumor specimens
      and no staining in the benign tissue specimens. Total Erk1/2 showed high staining
      in both the malignant tumor specimens and benign tissue specimens. The
      differences in the mean staining scores for the malignant versus benign tissue
      specimens for pErk1/2 and total Erk1/2 are not statistically significant (p =
      0.0726 and p = 0.7054, respectively). CONCLUSION: Thus, in conclusion, EGFR
      expression has been confirmed to be limited to non-existent in EAC and thus its
      use as a clinically active target is limited at best. Prior to the use of these
      expensive anti-EGFR therapies, confirmation of overexpression should be verified.

PMID- 22089956
TI  - Intratympanic dexamethasone is an effective method as a salvage treatment in
      refractory sudden hearing loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of
      intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) as a salvage treatment in sudden hearing loss
      (SHL) patients who had no response to initial systemic combination steroid
      therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2007 to June 2010, 415 SHL patients
      visited 3 tertiary referral centers within 7 days of disease onset. They were all
      treated with an identical protocol, a 10-day scheduled hospitalization and oral
      steroid treatment. Of these, 151 patients were totally unresponsive 2 weeks after
      treatment initiation according to Siegel's criteria. We divided these 151
      refractory patients into 3 groups: those receiving no further treatment (control
      group, n = 59), those receiving one more 10-day cycle of oral steroids (systemic
      reapplication group, n = 26), and those receiving ITD therapy (ITD group, n =
      66). Final assessment of hearing was conducted approximately 3 months after the
      onset of SHL. Hearing improvement was defined as demonstrating "any" improvement
      according to Siegel's criteria. RESULTS: The initial average hearing thresholds
      of all groups were similar. Overall hearing improvement was observed in 10 of 59
      patients in the control group, in 4 of 26 in the systemic reapplication group,
      and in 32 of 66 in the ITD group. No serious complications were observed.
      Analyzing by frequency, paradoxically, hearing of the low and mid frequencies was
      more significantly improved than high frequencies in the ITD group. CONCLUSION:
      Intratympanic dexamethasone administration after failure of an initial treatment
      is effective, and this should be used as a salvage treatment in cases of
      refractory SHL.

PMID- 22089957
TI  - Hearing preservation via a cochleostomy approach and deep insertion of a standard
      length cochlear implant electrode.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The suggestion that the depth of insertion of the electrode into the
      cochlea is critical to hearing preservation has led to the development of a
      generation of short electrodes designed to minimize intracochlear trauma and
      avoid contact with the apical region of the cochlea. This study aims to describe
      our experience of hearing preservation surgery using a deeply inserted standard
      length electrode array covering the region of residual hearing. STUDY DESIGN: A
      retrospective case note review was performed identifying cases of attempted
      hearing preservation using standard length electrodes. SETTING: Study based at
      Manchester Royal Infirmary, a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fourteen
      cochlear implants in 13 patients were identified for further analysis from the
      Manchester Cochlear Implant Programme database. INTERVENTION(S): Each patient
      received the same design of implant using a "soft" surgical technique. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: Preoperative and postoperative air conduction thresholds were
      compared to assess the degree of hearing preservation. RESULTS: Successful
      hearing preservation was demonstrated in 12 of 14 cases, and the postoperative
      residual hearing thresholds in 3 adolescents receiving a standard length
      electrode array were found to have improved. Preservation of speech recognition
      was not measured in this study, rather hearing was tested by pure tone audiogram.
      Follow-up at the time of this study ranged from 1 week to 23 months. CONCLUSION:
      This study demonstrates that deep insertion of the electrode into the cochlea
      does not preclude successful hearing preservation. It also highlights that
      residual hearing can be consistently preserved using a "cochleostomy" approach.

PMID- 22089958
TI  - Efficacy of a vibrotactile neurofeedback training in stance and gait conditions
      for the treatment of balance deficits:  a double-blind, placebo-controlled
      multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vestibular rehabilitation strategies mostly require a long-lasting
      training in stance conditions, which is finally not always successful. The
      individualized training in everyday-life conditions with an intuitive tactile
      neurofeedback stimulus seems to be a more promising approach. Hence, the present
      study was aimed at investigating the efficacy of a new vibrotactile neurofeedback
      system for vestibular rehabilitation. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blinded trial.
      PATIENTS: One hundred five patients who experience one of the following balance
      disorders for more than 12 months were included in the study: canal paresis,
      otolith disorder, removal of an acoustic neuroma, microvascular compression
      syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and presbyvertigo. INTERVENTIONS: Vibrotactile
      neurofeedback training was performed daily (15 min) over 2 weeks with the
      Vertiguard system in those 6 tasks of the Standard Balance Deficit Test with the
      most prominent deviations from the normative values. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trunk
      and ankle sway, dizziness handicap inventory, and vestibular symptom score were
      measured in the verum and placebo group before the training, on the last training
      day and 3 months later. RESULTS: A significant reduction in trunk and ankle sway
      as well as in the subjective symptom scores were observed in the verum group.
      Such an effect could not be found in any of the outcome parameters of the placebo
      group. CONCLUSION: The vibrotactile neurofeedback training applied in the present
      study is a highly efficient method for the reduction of body sway in different
      balance disorders. Because the rehabilitation program is easy to perform, not
      exhausting, and time saving, elderly patients and those with serious, long
      lasting balance problems also can participate successfully.

PMID- 22089959
TI  - A pilot study on safety climate in Chinese hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present paper has 2 primary objectives as a pilot study on health
      care safety climate in China: to develop its prototypical model well fit to the
      country's current hospital situations and validated external reliability and to
      elicit essential characteristics of safety climate for hypothetical general
      features in Chinese health care. METHODS: A safety climate survey was carried out
      in 2008 at a university hospital in Shanghai, using an Operating Room Management
      Attitudes Questionnaire. We collected 1056 valid responses from doctors and
      nurses with 81% of overall response rate. RESULTS: A 9-dimension model of safety
      climate was developed by applying principal component analysis to the entire
      sample with 44% of cumulative variance accounted for. Compared with the Japanese
      sample, safety climate in the Chinese hospital was characterized as strong
      awareness of own competence, positive attitudes to organization, but large power
      distance and unrealistic staff recognition of human error. Criterion validity of
      the construct was in part assured by significant correlations of 4 dimensions
      with self-reported staff behavior of accident reporting. CONCLUSIONS: Safety
      climate has been not yet mature in the hospital surveyed that might be partly
      tied with blame culture. Considering health-care policies, procedures, and
      management styles shared with many other health-care organizations as well as
      Chinese culture, we would hypothesize that the immature nature is common in
      Chinese health care as overall characteristics of safety climate. From these
      results, we would suggest that a nonpunitive health-care culture should be
      fostered to improve patient safety in China.

PMID- 22089960
TI  - Targeting the host-pathogen interface for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus
      infection.
AB  - Recent emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus both within and
      outside healthcare settings has accelerated the use of once reserved last line
      antibiotics such as vancomycin. With increased use of antibiotics, there has been
      a rapid rise in the rate of resistance development to the anti-MRSA drugs. As the
      antibiotic pipeline becomes strained, alternative strategies are being sought for
      future treatment of S. aureus. Here, we review several novel anti-staphylococcal
      strategies that, unlike conventional antibiotics, do not target essential gene
      products elaborated by the pathogen. The approaches seek instead to weaken the S.
      aureus defense by neutralizing its virulence factors or boosting host immunity.
      Other strategies target commensal bacteria that naturally colonize the human host
      to inhibit S. aureus colonization. Ultimately, the aim is to shift the balance
      between host defense and pathogen virulence in favor of inhibition of S. aureus
      pathogenic activities.

PMID- 22089961
TI  - A pilot study of a crossover trial with randomized use of ankle-foot orthoses for
      people with Charcot-Marie-tooth disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This was a pilot and feasibility study of a crossover trial with
      randomized use of ankle-foot orthoses by people with Charcot-Marie-tooth (CMT)
      disease, investigating the effects of these on gait parameters, practical aspects
      of use and achievement of goals. DESIGN: A randomized crossover trial. SETTING:
      The community and ambulatory care. PARTICIPANTS: Eight adults with CMT disease
      type 1 or 2. INTERVENTIONS: LigaflexTM, custom-made polypropylene and silicone
      ankle-foot orthoses worn in randomized order for three weeks each, with a washout
      week in-between; the orthoses of each participant's choice were then worn until
      28 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was gait velocity;
      other outcome measures included Goal Attainment Scaling; Likert scores,
      concerning aspects of orthosis use and gait analysis parameters. RESULTS: Gait
      velocity was greatest wearing polypropylene orthoses, median 0.96 (interquartile
      range (IQR) 0.75-1.18) ms(-1), compared with silicone orthoses, median 0.88 (0.71
      1.12) ms(-1), and no orthosis, median 0.79 (0.56-0.84) ms(-1), P=0.006. The
      silicone orthoses met goals more successfully and scored more favourably for
      comfort, 5.0 (5.0-6.0), P=0.003 and pain, 5.5 (4.0-7.0), P=0.015. Future
      modifications to study methodology were identified, such as a longer period of
      wear and measurement of walking in different situations. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      confirmed the feasibility of a larger trial. It indicated differences in walking
      velocity and parameters concerning wear of the orthoses that could be explored
      further. A further crossover trial would require 27 participants in order to show
      a clinically meaningful difference in velocity of 0.13 ms(-1) with 90% power and
      alpha of 5%.

PMID- 22089962
TI  - Immediate effects of electrical stimulation combined with passive locomotion-like
      movement on gait velocity and spasticity in persons with hemiparetic stroke: a
      randomized controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research to examine the immediate effects of electrical stimulation
      combined with passive locomotion-like movement on gait velocity and spasticity.
      DESIGN: A single-masked, randomized controlled trial design. SUBJECTS: Twenty
      seven stroke inpatients in subacute phase (ischemic n = 16, hemorrhagic n = 11).
      INTERVENTIONS: A novel approach using electrical stimulation combined with
      passive locomotion-like movement. MAIN MEASURES: We assessed the maximum gait
      speed and modified Ashworth scale before and 20 minutes after the interventions.
      RESULTS: The gait velocity of the electrical stimulation combined with passive
      locomotion-like movement group showed the increase form 0.68 +/- 0.28 (mean +/-
      SD, unit: m) to 0.76 +/- 0.32 after the intervention. Both the electrical
      stimulation group and passive locomotion-like movement group also showed
      increases after the interventions (from 0.76 +/- 0.37 to 0.79 +/- 0.40, from 0.74
      +/- 0.35 to 0.77 +/- 0.36, respectively). The gait velocity of the electrical
      stimulation combined with passive locomotion-like movement group differed
      significantly from those of the other groups (electrical stimulation combined
      with passive locomotion-like movement versus electrical stimulation: P = 0.049,
      electrical stimulation combined with passive locomotion-like movement versus
      passive locomotion-like movement: P = 0.025). Although there was no statistically
      significant difference in the modified Ashworth scale among the three groups, six
      of the nine subjects (66.6%) in the electrical stimulation combined with passive
      locomotion-like movement group showed improvement in the modified Ashworth scale
      score, while only three of the nine subjects (33.3%) in the electrical
      stimulation group and two of the nine subjects (22.2%) improved in the passive
      locomotion-like movement group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest electrical
      stimulation combined with passive locomotion-like movement could improve gait
      velocity in stroke patients.

PMID- 22089963
TI  - Effect of simvastatin on the pharmacokinetics of anastrozole.
AB  - We have prospectively tested the effects of simvastatin on the pharmacokinetics
      of anastrozole and on estrogen concentrations in postmenopausal women with
      hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant anastrozole.
      Following 14 days of simvastatin, we did not observe a significant change in
      plasma concentrations of anastrozole or hydroxyanastrozole in nine evaluable
      women. Likewise, we did not observe any statistically significant change in serum
      concentrations of either estradiol, which remained in the undetectable range, or
      estrone sulfate. Simvastatin and anastrozole may be safely co-administered.
      Pharmacokinetic results suggest that simvastatin is not likely to compromise the
      activity of anastrozole.

PMID- 22089965
TI  - Denbinobin, a phenanthrene from dendrobium nobile, inhibits invasion and induces
      apoptosis in SNU-484 human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - Dendrobium nobile is widely used as an analgesic, an antipyretic, and a tonic to
      nourish the stomach in traditional medicine. Mounting evidence suggests an
      antitumor activity of denbinobin, a major phenanthrene isolated from stems of
      Dendrobium nobile. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect
      of denbinobin on the invasive ability of human cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of
      denbonobin was examined in several human cancer cell lines including SK-Hep-1
      hepato-carcinoma cells, SNU-484 gastric cancer cells, and HeLa cervix cancer
      cells. Because SNU-484 cells showed the lowest IC50 value, we examined the effect
      of denbinobin on the invasive ability of SNU-484 cells. The present study
      revealed, for the first time, that denbinobin inhibits the invasive phenotype of
      SNU-484 human gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Expressions of
      matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased by
      denbinobin, suggesting that MMP-2/-9 may be responsible for the anti-invasive
      activity of denbinobin. We also provide evidence that denbinobin induces
      apoptosis through down-regulation of Bcl-2 and an up-regulation of Bax. Taken
      together, this study demonstrates that denbinobin inhibits invasion and induces
      apoptosis in highly invasive SNU-484 human gastric cancer cells. Given that
      gastric cancer has been estimated to be one of the most common causes of cancer
      related death among Asians and the major cause of death from gastric cancer is
      the metastatic spread of the disease, our findings may provide useful information
      regarding the application of denbinobin as a chemopreventive agent that could
      prevent or alleviate metastatic gastric cancer.

PMID- 22089966
TI  - Bacterial glyphosate resistance conferred by overexpression of an E. coli
      membrane efflux transporter.
AB  - Glyphosate herbicide-resistant crop plants, introduced commercially in 1994, now
      represent approximately 85% of the land area devoted to transgenic crops.
      Herbicide resistance in commercial glyphosate-resistant crops is due to
      expression of a variant form of a bacterial 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate
      synthase with a significantly decreased binding affinity for glyphosate at the
      target site of the enzyme. As a result of widespread and recurrent glyphosate
      use, often as the only herbicide used for weed management, increasing numbers of
      weedy species have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Weed resistance is most
      often due to changes in herbicide translocation patterns, presumed to be through
      the activity of an as yet unidentified membrane transporter in plants. To provide
      insight into glyphosate resistance mechanisms and identify a potential glyphosate
      transporter, we screened Escherichia coli genomic DNA for alternate sources of
      glyphosate resistance genes. Our search identified a single non-target gene that,
      when overexpressed in E. coli and Pseudomonas, confers high-level glyphosate
      resistance. The gene, yhhS, encodes a predicted membrane transporter of the major
      facilitator superfamily involved in drug efflux. We report here that an
      alternative mode of glyphosate resistance in E. coli is due to reduced
      accumulation of glyphosate in cells that overexpress this membrane transporter
      and discuss the implications for potential alternative resistance mechanisms in
      other organisms such as plants.

PMID- 22089967
TI  - Self-reported visual impairment among persons with diagnosed diabetes --- United
      States, 1997--2010.
AB  - Diabetes can lead to visual impairment (VI) and blindness (1). However, early
      detection and treatment of many common eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy
      and glaucoma, can reduce the risk for developing VI (1). Surveillance of VI among
      persons with diabetes is important for evaluating the effectiveness of efforts to
      reduce VI and other complications of diabetes. To examine trends in the
      prevalence of self-reported VI among adults (persons aged >=18 years) with
      diagnosed diabetes in the United States and to assess reported access to eye-care
      providers, CDC analyzed 1997-2010 data from the National Health Interview Survey
      (NHIS). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that
      although the number of adults with diagnosed diabetes reporting VI increased, the
      age-adjusted percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who reported VI
      declined significantly, from 23.7% in 1997 to 16.7% in 2010. During this 14-year
      period, age-adjusted VI prevalence declined significantly among most categories
      of adults with diabetes: men, women, whites, Hispanics, those with some college
      or higher education, and those diagnosed with diabetes for >=3 years. Prevalence
      also declined among those aged >=45 years. The percentage of adults with
      diagnosed diabetes and self-reported VI who reported having consulted an eye-care
      provider in the past year remained constant at approximately 63%. Continued
      efforts are needed to sustain and improve the declining trends in self-reported
      VI and to increase rates of recommended eye examinations in the population with
      diabetes.

PMID- 22089968
TI  - Paralytic shellfish poisoning --- southeast Alaska, May--June 2011.
AB  - On June 6, 2011, the Section of Epidemiology (SOE) of the Alaska Division of
      Public Health was notified of a case of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in
      southeast Alaska. In collaboration with local partners, SOE investigated and
      identified a total of eight confirmed and 13 probable PSP cases that occurred
      during May--June 2011. Warnings to avoid noncommercially harvested shellfish were
      broadcast on local radio and television and displayed at beaches and in post
      offices, government offices, and businesses throughout the region. Commercially
      harvested shellfish, which are tested for the presence of PSP-causing toxins,
      were safe. Because the risk for PSP is unpredictable, persons who consume
      noncommercially harvested Alaskan shellfish should know that they are at risk for
      PSP, and suspected cases should be reported promptly to SOE to initiate control
      measures in the affected area.

PMID- 22089969
TI  - How ionic liquids can help to stabilize native proteins.
AB  - The native state of a globular protein is essential for its biocatalytic
      function, but is marginally stable against unfolding. While unfolding equilibria
      are often reversible, folding intermediates and misfolds can promote irreversible
      protein aggregation into amorphous precipitates or highly ordered amyloid states.
      Addition of ionic liquids-low-melting organic salts-offers intriguing prospects
      for stabilizing native proteins and their enzymatic function against these
      deactivating reaction channels. The huge number of cations and anions that form
      ionic liquids allows fine-tuning of their solvent properties, which offers robust
      and efficient strategies for solvent optimization. Going beyond case-by-case
      studies, this article aims at discussing principles for a rational design of
      ionic liquid-based formulations in protein chemistry and biocatalysis.

PMID- 22089970
TI  - Approval summary: letrozole (Femara(r) tablets) for adjuvant and extended
      adjuvant postmenopausal breast cancer treatment: conversion of accelerated to
      full approval.
AB  - On April 30, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration converted letrozole
      (Femara(r); Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ) from
      accelerated to full approval for adjuvant and extended adjuvant (following 5
      years of tamoxifen) treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor
      positive early breast cancer. The initial accelerated approvals of letrozole for
      adjuvant and extended adjuvant treatment on December 28, 2005 and October 29,
      2004, respectively, were based on an analysis of the disease-free survival (DFS)
      outcome of patients followed for medians of 26 months and 28 months,
      respectively. Both trials were double-blind, multicenter studies. Both trials
      were unblinded early when an interim analysis showed a favorable letrozole effect
      on DFS. In updated intention-to-treat analyses of both trials, the risk for a DFS
      event was lower with letrozole than with tamoxifen (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.99; p = .03) in the adjuvant trial and was lower
      than with placebo (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.03; p = .12) in the extended adjuvant
      trial. The latter analysis ignores the interim switch of 60% of placebo-treated
      patients to letrozole. Bone fractures and osteoporosis were reported more
      frequently following treatment with letrozole whereas tamoxifen was associated
      with a higher risk for endometrial proliferation and endometrial cancer.
      Myocardial infarction was more frequently reported with letrozole than with
      tamoxifen, but the incidence of thromboembolic events was higher with tamoxifen
      than with letrozole. Lipid-lowering medications were required for 25% of patients
      on letrozole and 16% of patients on tamoxifen.

PMID- 22089971
TI  - Selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum of
      cows at different stages of lactation.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH
      Px) and the concentration of selenium in Holstein-Friesian cows at different
      stages of lactation. Selenium was determined spectrofluorimetrically and GSH-Px
      activity using a Sigma CGP1 Glutathione Peroxidase Cellular Activity Assay kit.
      Mean serum selenium concentration was highest in early-lactation multiparous cows
      (0.18 MUg/ml) and the lowest in dry cows (0.111 MUg/ml). In early lactation,
      serum selenium concentration was significantly (P <= 0.01) higher in multiparous
      cows than in cows from the other groups. Mean GSH-Px activity in the serum of dry
      cows was over twice lower than in late-lactation cows (P <= 0.01) and over four
      times lower than in first-calving heifers and multiparous cows in early lactation
      (P <= 0.01). The coefficients of Spearman's rank correlation between GSH-Px
      activity and selenium concentration in the cows at different stages of lactation
      were not significant. A significant (P <= 0.01) mean positive correlation (0.46)
      was found between GSH-Px activity and serum selenium concentration for all the
      cows analysed together. The highest Se concentration and GSH-Px activity found in
      the serum of cows during the first stage of lactation may suggest that the
      generation of reactive oxygen species and their derivatives was higher during
      this period compared to the other stages, thus placing the cows at a greater risk
      of oxidative stress. It is therefore essential to give particular attention
      during this period to meeting the cows' requirement for selenium and other feed
      components that increase, directly or indirectly, the capacity of the body's
      antioxidant system.

PMID- 22089972
TI  - Reasons for lower transformation efficiency in indica rice using Agrobacterium
      tumefaciens-mediated transformation: lessons from transformation assays and
      genome-wide expression profiling.
AB  - Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation has been routinely used
      in rice for more than a decade. However, the transformation efficiency of the
      indica rice variety is still unsatisfactory and much lower than that of japonica
      cultivars. Further improvement on the transformation efficiency lies in the
      genetic manipulation of the plant itself, which requires a better understanding
      of the underlying process accounting for the susceptibility of plant cells to
      Agrobacterium infection as well as the identification of plant genes involved in
      the transformation process. In this study, transient and stable transformation
      assays using different japonica and indica cultivars showed that the lower
      transformation efficiency in indica rice was mainly due to the low efficiency in
      T-DNA integration into the plant genome. Analyses of the global gene expression
      patterns across the transformation process in different varieties revealed major
      differences in the expression of genes responding to Agrobacterium within the
      first 6 h after infection and more differentially expressed genes were observed
      in the indica cultivar Zhenshan 97 (ZS), with a number of genes repressed early
      during infection. Microarray analysis revealed an important effect of plant
      defense response on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. It has been shown that
      some genes which may be necessary for the transformation process were down
      regulated in the indica cultivar ZS. This dataset provided a versatile resource
      for plant genomic research to understand the regulatory network of transformation
      process, and showed great promise for improving indica rice transformation using
      genetic manipulation of the rice genome.

PMID- 22089974
TI  - The first European journal on cardiac electrophysiology and pacing, the European
      Journal of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology.

PMID- 22089973
TI  - A transcriptomic analysis reveals the nature of salinity tolerance of a wheat
      introgression line.
AB  - The bread wheat cultivar Shanrong No.3 (SR3) is a salinity tolerant derivative of
      an asymmetric somatic hybrid between cultivar Jinan 177 (JN177) and tall
      wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum). To reveal some of the mechanisms underlying its
      elevated abiotic stress tolerance, both SR3 and JN177 were exposed to iso-osmotic
      NaCl and PEG stress, and the resulting gene expression was analysed using a
      customized microarray. Some genes associated with stress response proved to be
      more highly expressed in SR3 than in JN177 in non-stressed conditions. Its
      unsaturated fatty acid and flavonoid synthesis ability was also enhanced, and its
      pentose phosphate metabolism was more active than in JN177. These alterations in
      part accounted for the observed shift in the homeostasis related to reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). The specific down-regulation of certain ion transporters
      after a 0.5 h exposure to 340 mM NaCl demonstrated that Na(+) uptake occurred
      rapidly, so that the early phase of salinity stress imposes more than simply an
      osmotic stress. We discussed the possible effect of the introgression of new
      genetic materials in wheat genome on stress tolerance.

PMID- 22089975
TI  - Corneal perforation as a primary manifestation of keratoconus in a patient with
      underlying rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report a case of corneal perforation in
      a patient with undiagnosed keratoconus and underlying rheumatoid arthritis.
      METHODS: This is a retrospective case study based on the patient's medical
      records and followed by a brief review of the literature. RESULTS: A 53-year-old
      patient was referred to our department for acute pain and sudden decrease of
      visual acuity in his left eye. Corneal perforation was detected and attributed to
      a previously undiagnosed and untreated keratoconus. Additional laboratory work-up
      and clinical examination revealed a coexisting rheumatoid arthritis. Amniotic
      membrane was originally transplanted in order to maintain the structural
      integrity and promote healing of the perforated eye. Subsequently, the patient
      underwent a penetrating keratoplasty, though with unfavorable results due to
      postoperative endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatoid arthritis may be
      associated with higher risk of corneal perforation in patients with ectatic
      degenerative diseases such as keratoconus.

PMID- 22089976
TI  - Intravitreal bevacizumab as an adjunct to vitrectomy in advanced Eales' disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the use of intravitreal bevacizumab as an
      adjunctive treatment in two cases of advanced Eales' disease with vitreous
      haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment, prior to vitreoretinal surgery.
      METHOD: In two patients presenting with vitreous haemorrhage, retinal
      neovascularisation and localised tractional retinal detachment, 1.25 mg of
      intravitreal bevacizumab was injected prior to vitrectomy, membrane peeling and
      endolaser photocoagulation of retina. RESULT: Regression of the retinal
      neovascularisation with resolution of dye leakage on fluoroscein angiography was
      observed in both cases. Membrane peeling could be performed with minimal bleeding
      during vitreoretinal surgery in both cases. CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab may be a
      possible adjunctive treatment to vitreoretinal surgery for the management of
      Eales' disease with tractional retinal detachment.

PMID- 22089977
TI  - Access to the ophthalmic artery by retrograde approach through the posterior
      communicating artery for intra-arterial chemotherapy of retinoblastoma.
AB  - Intra-arterial infusion of chemotherapy into the ophthalmic artery for treatment
      of retinoblastoma has been realized after catheterization of the internal carotid
      and temporary balloon occlusion beyond the orifice of the ophthalmic artery, or
      more recently after superselective canulation of the ophthalmic artery by a
      microcatheter. The superselective catheterization of the ophthalmic artery could
      be cumbersome because of the implantation of the ostium on the carotid siphon or
      because of the tortuosity of the carotid siphon. We report our experience of
      using a retrograde approach through the posterior communicating artery that
      allows a more direct angle of access to the origin of the ophthalmic artery.

PMID- 22089978
TI  - Information channels associated with awareness of human papillomavirus infections
      and vaccination among Latino immigrants from safety net clinics.
AB  - We report on information channels associated with awareness about human
      papillomavirus (HPV) among immigrant Central and South American Latinos. We
      conducted a survey of 1,334 Latino >= 21 years attending safety-net clinics in
      2007-2008. Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations with HPV
      awareness. Forty-eight percent were aware of HPV infection and 40% were aware of
      the vaccine. Spanish television (38%) and providers (23%) were the primary HPV
      information sources. Infection awareness was associated with internet use (OR
      1.47; 95% CI 1.10-1.96) and self-efficacy to find health information (OR 1.19;
      95% CI 1.08-1.30). Vaccine awareness was associated with media use for health
      information (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.09-1.49) and internet use (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.18
      2.13). Although Spanish television has reached this low HPV awareness group,
      there may be missed opportunities for education by providers. Television and the
      internet may also be effective channels for future interventions.

PMID- 22089979
TI  - Health risk behaviors among five Asian American subgroups in California:
      identifying intervention priorities.
AB  - This analysis assessed the prevalence of excess body weight, physical inactivity
      and alcohol and tobacco use in Asian American subgroups. Using 2005 California
      Health Interview Survey data, we estimated the prevalence of body mass index
      (BMI) categories using both standard and World Health Organization-proposed Asian
      specific categories, physical inactivity, and alcohol and tobacco use for Chinese
      (n = 1,285), Japanese (n = 421), Korean (n = 620), Filipino (n = 659) and
      Vietnamese (n = 480) Americans in California. About 80% of Japanese and Filipino
      American men and 70% of Korean American men were "increased/high risk" by Asian
      specific BMI categories. Most Asian American subgroups were more likely to walk
      for transportation than non-Hispanic whites, but less likely to report other
      physical activities. Highest smoking and binge drinking prevalences were among
      Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino American men and Japanese and Korean American
      women. These results suggest risk profiles for each Asian American subgroup to
      consider when setting priorities for health promotion programs.

PMID- 22089980
TI  - The association between self-reported symptoms of recent airway infection and CRP
      values in a general population.
AB  - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a much used biomarker for respiratory tract
      infection; however, the influence of airway infection on the CRP level in the
      general population has not been well described. The study aimed to evaluate the
      impact of recent symptoms of airway infection on the CRP level and how the
      predictive power of other known CRP predictors is influenced by taking
      respiratory symptoms into account. A total of 6,325 participants, aged 38-87
      years, in the Tromso Study, a repeated population-based survey, were examined
      with questionnaires, measurements of height and weight, spirometry, and high
      sensitivity CRP analyses. The mean CRP value was 2.86 mg/L, and the geometric
      mean was 1.51 mg/L. Geometric means above 2.0 mg/L were found in the subgroups
      with the following characteristics: self-reported COPD, diabetes, recent symptoms
      of airway infection, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <80% predicted, body
      mass index (BMI) >=30, and subjects treated with inhaled or oral corticosteroids.
      Among the subjects who reported recent airway infection, 10.5% had a CRP value of
      >=10 mg/L, compared to 3.3% among the remaining participants. By multivariate
      analysis, BMI was the strongest independent predictor of the CRP level, followed
      by recent airway infection, FEV1% predicted, age, and current smoking. The study
      clearly demonstrates that a report of recent symptoms of airway infection
      strongly predicts the CRP level in the population. Such symptoms were shared
      rather equally between subgroups with increased CRP level, and the risk of being
      an important confounder in epidemiological studies is probably low. In the
      clinical setting, care should be taken when using the CRP level as a guide for
      medical prevention of chronic diseases.

PMID- 22089981
TI  - Sleep deprivation and postpartum mental health: case report.

PMID- 22089982
TI  - Short Psychological Intervention as a Perioperative Pain Reduction Treatment in
      Spinal Neurosurgery.
AB  - STUDY AIMS: The aim of the present pilot study was to test the feasibility of an
      innovative Short Psychological Intervention (SPI) for back pain patients as part
      of an acute inpatient neurosurgical treatment. Fear and fear-avoidance beliefs
      have been shown to influence the functional outcome in chronic back pain (CBP)
      patients. Therefore, a reduction of fear and fear-avoidance beliefs should
      improve the functional outcome and reduce pain in the acute neurosurgical
      setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 39 patients were studied in a randomized
      prospective longitudinal study. The patients had severe degenerative spinal
      disease and had undergone posterior lumbar interbody fusion. RESULTS: All
      patients enrolled in the study were investigated in the immediate preoperative
      period and 6 weeks postoperatively using a package of standardized questionnaires
      in which pain intensity, fear-avoidance beliefs, and physical fitness were
      recorded. In 19 of the patients, the surgical procedure was supplemented by a SPI
      based on methods to increase self-efficacy by reducing fear-avoidance beliefs.
      While the intervention group reported a significantly greater reduction in the
      highest pain intensity and a better physical fitness compared to the control
      group, we did not find a significant decrease in fear-avoidance beliefs in the
      intervention group at the second time of assessment, possibly due to the
      relatively small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that psychological
      interventions can offer significant benefits when used in the acute inpatient
      setting as the outcome of surgery can be positively influenced. Future studies
      should focus on cost savings related to improved postoperative recovery and a
      possible reduction of chronic postoperative pain.

PMID- 22089983
TI  - Is ICRP guidance on the use of reference levels consistent?
AB  - In ICRP 103, which has replaced ICRP 60, it is stated that no fundamental changes
      have been introduced compared with ICRP 60. This is true except that the
      application of reference levels in emergency and existing exposure situations
      seems to be applied inconsistently, and also in the related publications ICRP 109
      and ICRP 111. ICRP 103 emphasises that focus should be on the residual doses
      after the implementation of protection strategies in emergency and existing
      exposure situations. If possible, the result of an optimised protection strategy
      should bring the residual dose below the reference level. Thus the reference
      level represents the maximum acceptable residual dose after an optimised
      protection strategy has been implemented. It is not an 'off-the-shelf item' that
      can be set free of the prevailing situation. It should be determined as part of
      the process of optimising the protection strategy. If not, protection would be
      sub-optimised. However, in ICRP 103 some inconsistent concepts have been
      introduced, e.g. in paragraph 279 which states: 'All exposures above or below the
      reference level should be subject to optimisation of protection, and particular
      attention should be given to exposures above the reference level'. If, in fact,
      all exposures above and below reference levels are subject to the process of
      optimisation, reference levels appear superfluous. It could be considered that if
      optimisation of protection below a fixed reference level is necessary, then the
      reference level has been set too high at the outset. Up until the last phase of
      the preparation of ICRP 103 the concept of a dose constraint was recommended to
      constrain the optimisation of protection in all types of exposure situations. In
      the final phase, the term 'dose constraint' was changed to 'reference level' for
      emergency and existing exposure situations. However, it seems as if in ICRP 103
      it was not fully recognised that dose constraints and reference levels are
      conceptually different. The use of reference levels in radiological protection is
      reviewed. It is concluded that the recommendations in ICRP 103 and related ICRP
      publications seem to be inconsistent regarding the use of reference levels in
      existing and emergency exposure situations.

PMID- 22089984
TI  - Photolithographic surface micromachining of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
AB  - A major technical hurdle in microfluidics is the difficulty in achieving high
      fidelity lithographic patterning on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Here, we report
      a simple yet highly precise and repeatable PDMS surface micromachining method
      using direct photolithography followed by reactive ion etching (RIE). Our method
      to achieve surface patterning of PDMS applied an O(2) plasma treatment to PDMS to
      activate its surface to overcome the challenge of poor photoresist adhesion on
      PDMS for photolithography. Our photolithographic PDMS surface micromachining
      technique is compatible with conventional soft lithography techniques and other
      silicon-based surface and bulk micromachining methods. To illustrate the general
      application of our method, we demonstrated fabrication of large microfiltration
      membranes and free-standing beam structures in PDMS.

PMID- 22089985
TI  - Behcet disease: clinical features and management in a Brazilian tertiary
      hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behcet disease (BD) is prevalent in Central and East Asia and in the
      Eastern Mediterranean area where most studies have been performed. Few studies
      have evaluated patients with BD in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study
      was to describe clinical manifestations of BD and their therapy in a single
      center in Brazil. METHODS: Sixty patients who met the International Study Group
      Criteria for BD and were under follow-up at the Vasculitis Unit of the
      Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo were evaluated in a retrospective observational
      study. RESULTS: Mean age at study was 40.0 (SD, 10.7) years, and the female-male
      ratio was 1.2:1.0. The frequency of disease manifestations was as follows: oral
      ulcers, 100%; genital ulcers, 93.3%; ocular manifestations, 63.3%; arthritis,
      46.7%; cutaneous lesions, 71.7%; positive pathergy test, 22.7%; neurologic
      involvement, 28.3%; thrombosis, 13.3%; and gastrointestinal involvement, 3.3%.
      Arthritis and erythema nodosum were more prevalent among women, whereas
      papulopustular lesions were more common in men. The frequency of each treatment
      modality was as follows: colchicine, 78.3%; thalidomide, 26.7%; colchicine and
      penicillin, 21.7%; dapsone, 8.3%; and pentoxyphyline, 8.3%. These treatments were
      mainly used for mucocutaneous manifestations. Immunosuppressive drugs were
      prescribed for 70% of the patients, including azathioprine (35.0%),
      cyclophosphamide (28.3%), cyclosporin A (21.7%), methotrexate (18.3%), and
      chlorambucil (6.7%). Infliximab was used in 5.0% of refractory patients. No
      differences were observed between sexes related to severe manifestations of BD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although reported elsewhere, Brazilian men with BD did not have a
      worse prognosis. Women had a higher frequency of arthritis manifestations.

PMID- 22089986
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-related disease with lymphoplasmacytic aortitis mimicking
      Takayasu arteritis.

PMID- 22089987
TI  - Adult-onset Still disease in a patient with acute hepatitis A.

PMID- 22089988
TI  - Antiphospholipid antibodies in malignancy: are these pathogenic or epiphenomena?
AB  - Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by
      arterial and venous thrombotic events associated with antiphospholipid
      antibodies. Antiphospholipid syndrome is commonly seen with collagen vascular
      diseases; however, other entities that can cause APS include chronic viral
      infections, certain medications, and malignancies. We present an interesting
      patient with an atypical presentation and course of presumed APS, which lead us
      to perform an exhaustive search for a secondary cause. The patient was ultimately
      found to have splenic marginal zone lymphoma. Analysis of the current data in the
      literature is presented for APS, antiphospholipid antibodies, and malignancy.
      Based on the literature findings and our experience, we recommend a thorough and
      repeated evaluation for an underlying malignancy in patients who have an atypical
      presentation and features of APS.

PMID- 22089989
TI  - Cutaneous necrosis as a presenting manifestation of antiphospholipid antibodies.

PMID- 22089990
TI  - Psychological status in Moroccan patients with ankylosing spondylitis and its
      relationships with disease parameters and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evaluation of emotional status is an important parameter in
      management of rheumatic diseases. There are few studies evaluating the
      psychological status in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its relationships with
      disease parameters and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated
      the psychological status in Moroccan patients with AS and its relationships with
      the activity of the disease, the functional status, and the quality of life.
      PATIENTS: One hundred ten patients were included in this cross-sectional study
      according to the modified New York criteria for AS. Psychological status was
      assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) including the
      depression and anxiety subscales. The quality of life was evaluated by the Short
      Form 36. RESULTS: Depression was found in 55.5% and anxiety in 60% among our
      patients. The HADS depression and anxiety subscales were significantly correlated
      with clinical parameters and with worsening in all domains of the Short Form
      36.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that role limitations due
      to emotional problems, vitality, and general health perception were independent
      risk factors of anxiety. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index,
      vitality, and role limitations due to emotional problems were the independent
      factors that influenced the risk of depression. CONCLUSION: This study suggests
      that depression and anxiety are frequent in AS. Impaired quality of life and
      functional disability seemed to be independent risk factors of psychological
      disorders. Therefore, assessment and management of patients with AS should take
      into account the evaluation and management of their psychological disorders and
      improvement of their functional disability.

PMID- 22089991
TI  - A randomized controlled trial evaluating the cost-effectiveness of sonographic
      guidance for intra-articular injection of the osteoarthritic knee.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present randomized controlled study investigated whether
      sonographic needle guidance affected the outcomes of intra-articular injection
      for osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: Ninety-four noneffusive knees with
      osteoarthritis were randomized to injection by conventional palpation-guided
      anatomic landmark injection or sonographic image-guided injection enhanced with a
      1-handed mechanical (the reciprocating procedure device) syringe. After intra
      articular placement and synovial space dilation were confirmed by sonography, a
      syringe exchange was performed, and 80 mg of triamcinolone acetonide was injected
      with the second syringe through the indwelling intra-articular needle. Baseline
      pain, procedural pain, pain at outcome (2 weeks and 6 months), responders,
      therapeutic duration, reinjection rates, total cost, and cost per responder were
      determined. RESULTS: Relative to conventional palpation-guided anatomic landmark
      methods, sonographic guidance for injection of the knee resulted in 48% reduction
      in procedural pain (P < 0.001), a 42% reduction in pain scores at outcome (P <
      0.03), 107% increase in the responder rate (P < 0.001), 52% reduction in the
      nonresponder rate (P < 0.001), a 36% increase in therapeutic duration (P = 0.01),
      a 13% reduction ($17) in cost per patient per year, and a 58% ($224) reduction in
      cost per responder per year for a hospital outpatient (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Sonographic needle guidance reduced procedural pain and improved the clinical
      outcomes and cost-effectiveness of intra-articular injections of the
      osteoarthritic knee.

PMID- 22089992
TI  - Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in adult patients with juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) have been found
      in different proportions in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) population.
      The majority of studies have been done in children or mixed population (children
      plus adults). AIM: The objective of the study was to study the prevalence of anti
      CCP in JIA adult patients. METHODS: Anti-CCP3 was searched for in 49 adult
      patients with JIA and associated with clinical and demographics data. As
      comparisons, 156 patients with adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 100 healthy
      volunteers were studied. RESULTS: Nine patients (18.3%) were positive for anti
      CCP3. All of them had the polyarthritis form. This antibody was more common in
      JIA than in control subjects (P = 0.0002) and less common in JIA than in adult RA
      patients (P < 0.0001), but the rheumatoid factor polyarticular form of JIA had
      the same prevalence as in adult RA patients (P = 0.33).In JIA patients, anti-CCP
      had a positive association with the presence of rheumatoid factor (P < 0.0001),
      worse functional status (P = 0.04), need for orthopedic surgery (P = 0.01), and
      later disease onset (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients with JIA, the
      prevalence of anti-CCP3 is 18%, and its presence may define a sample of patients
      with worse prognosis.

PMID- 22089993
TI  - Spontaneous resolution of apparent radiation associated retroperitoneal fibrosis.
AB  - A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) complicated
      by ureteral obstruction 4 months after finishing radiotherapy for prostate
      cancer. He was treated conservatively with ureteral stent placement. After 3
      months, computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed resolution of RPF
      without any medical or surgical interventions. Although an uncommon event, the
      possibility of spontaneous resolution of RPF, as demonstrated by this and
      previously reported cases, has led some to encourage conservative management.

PMID- 22089995
TI  - Life-threatening hepatitis C virus-associated polyarteritis nodosa successfully
      treated by rituximab.
AB  - By contrast to cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa associated with
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is rare and still a controversial entity. The
      best treatment for this condition is not established. Cases reported in the
      literature have been treated with various combinations of corticosteroids,
      antiviral therapy, and immunosuppressants. We report a case of severe life
      threatening HCV-associated polyarteritis nodosa successfully treated with
      rituximab and a short course of corticosteroids without antiviral therapy. This
      case, along with recently published data, emphasizes the value of B-cell-targeted
      therapy in this unusual form of HCV-associated vasculitis.

PMID- 22089994
TI  - Leprosy initially misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis, adult-onset still disease, or
      autoinflammatory disease.
AB  - Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. We
      describe the case of a 20-year-old man from India living in Italy since 2003, who
      presented with erythematous papules and nodules distributed on his arms, legs,
      and face in 2006. He also had episodes of high fever, polyarthritis, and
      episcleritis. Sarcoidosis was suspected on the basis of elevated angiotensin
      converting enzyme and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the patient was treated
      with corticosteroids for about a year. A flare of the disease occurred each time
      corticosteroid was tapered or suspended. An autoinflammatory disease was then
      suspected and treated with immunosuppressant. Only the third deep skin biopsy
      revealed the presence of M. leprae. The lack of clinical suspicion and the
      unfamiliarity with the histology of leprosy delayed diagnosis and treatment.
      Leprosy should be considered in the differential diagnoses of patients presenting
      with rheumatic and cutaneous manifestations especially when they come from
      countries where the disease is endemic.

PMID- 22089996
TI  - Parvovirus B19-associated arthritis: report on a community outbreak.

PMID- 22089997
TI  - Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) presenting as a periaortic mass.

PMID- 22089998
TI  - Establishment of a Chinook salmon cell line with an inducible gene expression
      system.
AB  - We have isolated a stable recombinant cell line CHSE-TOF5 derived from the
      Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) embryo cells for use as an inducible
      expression system. The cells were transfected with the pTet-Off plasmid from the
      Tet On/Off Clontech system, carrying a G418 resistance gene. Several G418
      resistant clones were subcultured and characterised by quantitative PCR (qPCR)
      and by transient transfection. The level of expression of transcriptional
      activator was measured by qPCR in a number of isolated clones, and transient
      transfection with a pTRE2-hyg-LUC plasmid was used to evaluate the inducibility
      of these clones. A clone was selected for its relative fast cell growth and good
      level of inducibility. This genetically engineered cell line is a valuable tool
      for the fish research community especially in research areas investigating the
      biological function of proteins from fish or fish pathogens.

PMID- 22089999
TI  - Microsurgical skills training with a new tympanoplasty model:  learning curve and
      motivational impact.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the microsurgical skills training on a tympanoplasty
      model with regard to the learning curve and the participants' motivation for a
      surgical specialty. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled prospective study.
      SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Campus Carl
      Gustav Carus at the Technische Universitat Dresden, Germany. SUBJECTS: Thirty
      randomly chosen fifth-year medical students divided into 2 groups. INTERVENTIONS:
      Group 2 (n = 16) had to perform an ossicular and tympanic membrane reconstruction
      on a tympanoplasty model on Days 1, 7, 14, and 21 and Group 1 (n = 14) on Days 1
      and 21, while observing the procedure at Days 7 and 14. Six otosurgeons served as
      gold standard. Attempts and time of prosthesis placement and time for tympanic
      membrane reconstruction were recorded. Tremor frequency and amplitude were
      obtained at the same time points. An adjusted study interest questionnaire was
      used to assess students' motivation. RESULTS: Students in Group 2 showed a
      significant improvement in all reconstruction parameters over the study period
      compared with both, baseline measurement on first day and Group 1. However, the
      obtained learning curve did not reach the experts level. Tremor indices and
      students' motivation showed no correlation with the reconstruction parameters,
      whereas the training itself had a positive impact on students' interest in the
      surgical specialty. CONCLUSION: Training with the tympanoplasty model is suitable
      to acquire first microsurgical motor skills in otolaryngology and to arouse
      students' interest in the surgical field and otorhinolaryngology.

PMID- 22090000
TI  - A head shake sensory organization test to improve the sensitivity of the sensory
      organization test in the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The head shake sensory organization test (HS-SOT) is an expansion of
      the sensory organization test (SOT), which evaluates impairment of the patient's
      ability to apply vestibular input while actively moving the head. HS-SOTs has
      been proposed to increase the sensitivity of SOTs. The purpose of this study was
      to investigate the value of HS-SOTs in a healthy population with respect to age
      and compare the sensitivity of HS-SOTs with that of SOTs in the elderly
      population. METHODS: One hundred two (n = 102) healthy subjects were divided into
      3 age groups: the young adult group (between 20 and 39 yr), the adult group
      (between 40 and 59 yr), and the elderly group (between 60 and 79 yr). The
      subjects underwent SOTs and HS-SOTs. RESULTS: The equilibrium scores of HS-SOTs
      underwent more significant change than those of SOTs in the elderly group. The
      equilibrium score ratio SOT2/HS-SOT2 (HS-SOT during SOT condition 2) decreased by
      4% more in the elderly group compared with that of the young adult group. The
      ratio of SOT5/HS-SOT5 decreased by 54% more in the elderly group compared with
      that of the young adult group. CONCLUSION: In the elderly, equilibrium scores of
      HS-SOTs changed more than those of SOTs. In addition, SOT5/HS-SOT5 demonstrated
      more sensitive changes in the elderly than SOT2/HS-SOT2 did.

PMID- 22090001
TI  - Results with cochlear implantation in adults with speech recognition scores
      exceeding current criteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate a group of
      postlingually deafened adults, whose aided speech recognition exceeded commonly
      accepted candidacy criteria for implantation. The study aimed to define
      performance and qualitative outcomes of cochlear implants in these individuals
      compared with their optimally fitted hearing aid(s). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: All postlingually
      deafened subjects (N = 27), who were unsuccessful hearing aid users implanted
      between 2000 and 2010 with a preimplantation Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) score
      of 60% or more were included. INTERVENTION: We compared patients' preoperative
      performance (HINT score) with hearing aids to postoperative performance with the
      cochlear implant after 12 months of device use. In addition, the Hearing Handicap
      Inventory questionnaire was used to quantify the hearing-related handicap change
      perceived after the implantation. RESULTS: The study group demonstrated
      significant postoperative improvement on all outcome measures; most notably, the
      mean HINT score improved from 68.4% (standard deviation, 8.3) to 91.9% (standard
      deviation, 9.7). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in hearing
      related handicap perceived by all patients. CONCLUSION: The envelope of
      implantation candidacy criteria continues to expand as shown by this study's
      cohort. Patient satisfaction and speech recognition results are very encouraging
      in support of treating those who currently perform at a level above the
      conventional candidacy threshold but struggle with optimally fitted hearing aids.

PMID- 22090002
TI  - Seborrheic keratosis of the external auditory canal.

PMID- 22090003
TI  - Front squat data reproducibility collected with a triple-axis accelerometer.
AB  - The purpose of our study was to assess data reproducibility from 2 consecutive
      front squat workouts, spaced 1 week apart, performed by American college football
      players (n = 18) as they prepared for their competitive season. For each workout,
      our methods entailed the performance of 3-6 front squat repetitions per set at
      55, 65, and 75% of subject's 1 repetition maximum (1RM) load. In addition, a
      fourth set was done at a heavier load, with a resistance equal to 80 and 83% of
      their 1RM values, for the first and second workouts, respectively. A triple-axis
      accelerometer was affixed to a barbell to quantify exercise performance. Per
      load, the accelerometer measures peak values for the following indices: force,
      velocity, and power. To assess data reproducibility, inter-workout comparisons
      were made for 12 performance indices with 4 statistical test-retest measures:
      intraclass correlation coefficients, coefficients of variation (CVs), and the SEM
      expressed in both absolute and relative terms. Current results show that the
      majority of performance indices exceeded intraclass correlation (0.75-0.80) and
      CV (10-15%) values previously deemed as acceptable levels of data
      reproducibility. The 2 indices with the greatest variability were power and
      velocity values obtained at 55% of the 1RM load; thus, it was concluded that
      higher movement rates at the lightest load were the most difficult aspect of
      front squat performance to repeat successfully over time. Our practical
      applications imply lighter loads, with inherently higher rates of barbell
      movement, yield lower data reproducibility values.

PMID- 22090004
TI  - Anthropometry as a predictor of vertical jump heights derived from an
      instrumented platform.
AB  - The current study purpose examined the vertical height-anthropometry relationship
      with jump data obtained from an instrumented platform. Our methods required
      college-aged (n = 177) subjects to make 3 visits to our laboratory to measure the
      following anthropometric variables: height, body mass, upper arm length (UAL),
      lower arm length, upper leg length, and lower leg length. Per jump, maximum
      height was measured in 3 ways: from the subjects' takeoff, hang times, and as
      they landed on the platform. Standard multivariate regression assessed how well
      anthropometry predicted the criterion variance per gender (men, women, pooled)
      and jump height method (takeoff, hang time, landing) combination. Z-scores
      indicated that small amounts of the total data were outliers. The results showed
      that the majority of outliers were from jump heights calculated as women landed
      on the platform. With the genders pooled, anthropometry predicted a significant
      (p < 0.05) amount of variance from jump heights calculated from both takeoff and
      hang time. The anthropometry-vertical jump relationship was not significant from
      heights calculated as subjects landed on the platform, likely due to the female
      outliers. Yet anthropometric data of men did predict a significant amount of
      variance from heights calculated when they landed on the platform; univariate
      correlations of men's data revealed that UAL was the best predictor. It was
      concluded that the large sample of men's data led to greater data heterogeneity
      and a higher univariate correlation. Because of our sample size and data
      heterogeneity, practical applications suggest that coaches may find our results
      best predict performance for a variety of college-aged athletes and vertical jump
      enthusiasts.

PMID- 22090005
TI  - Evaluating hand in systemic sclerosis.
AB  - Articular symptoms are common in SSc and joint pain is a frequent presenting
      feature of this disease. Hand involvement is often the first clinical
      manifestation of SSc and could be resulted from fibrosis or synovitis or an
      overlap syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); though, the latter is a
      controversy in practice. To define the clues when identifying the nature of the
      hand arthropathy in SSc. In order to determine the hand arthropathy, serological
      tests, hand radiography, finger-to-palm (FTP) distance and other clinical
      features, disease activity and functional scoring parameters were assessed.
      Twenty-eight consecutive SSc patients and 43 controls (21 rheumatoid arthritis
      and 22 healthy controls) were included. Radiographic findings in SSc patients
      were: Erosions 25%, joint space narrowing 17.9%, arthritis 10.7%, radiological
      demineralisation 42.9%, acro-osteolysis 25%, flexion contracture 28.6% and
      calcinosis 17.9%. Anti-CCP antibody and RF positivity were as follows: In SSc
      group: 3 (11%) and 7 patients (25%); In RA group: 13 (62%) and 19 patients
      (90.5%); In healthy control group: 1 (4%) and 3 persons (13.6%), respectively.
      Two patients (7.14%) were regarded as RA overlap, whom both had positive RF and
      positive anti-CCP results and their radiographs revealed arthritis. Seventeen
      patients (61%) were regarded as SSc arthropathy; all were negative for RF and
      anti-CCP but revealed nonarthritic radiological findings. (Among them, only one
      patient had positive anti-CCP result). The remainder (9 patients) had no
      radiological or serological finding positive for arthropathy. Arthritis was found
      to have correlation with heart involvement and FTP was correlated with lung
      involvement. Hand involvement in SSc is a challenge in rheumatology practice;
      Radiographic testing when evaluated with RF and anti-CCP will be a helpful tool
      to discriminate SSc arthropathy from RA-SSc overlap. Hand arthropathy should
      increase the interest in the serious internal organ involvements of SSc.

PMID- 22090006
TI  - Successful treatment for conventional treatment-resistant dermatomyositis
      associated interstitial lung disease with adalimumab.
AB  - Dermatomyositis (DM) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the
      inflammation of skeletal muscles and pathognomonic skin rashes, namely heliotrope
      rash and Gottron's papules and involvement of other organs. Interstitial lung
      disease (ILD) seems to be one of the most characteristic manifestations of the
      lung and associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with DM.
      Despite DM-associated ILD requires aggressive therapy with cytotoxic agents, the
      efficacy is questionable in some cases, and more effective and less toxic
      therapies are needed. Recently, although there have been several reports of
      successful treatment of refractory case of PM and DM with the TNF-alpha
      antagonists, including infliximab and etanercept, there was no enough evidence
      for DM-associated ILD. We described herein a patient with DM-associated ILD who
      had poor response to conventional therapies and successfully treated with
      adalimumab.

PMID- 22090007
TI  - The role of interleukin-23/interleukin-17 axis in the development of systemic
      lupus erythematosus among patients with tuberculosis: comment on: Lin YC, Liang
      SJ, Liu YH et al.: tuberculosis as a risk factor for systemic lupus
      erythematosus: results of a nationwide study in Taiwan. (Rheumatol Int. 2011 Mar
      18. [Epub ahead of print]).

PMID- 22090008
TI  - Living with scleroderma: patients' perspectives, a phenomenological study.
AB  - In this study, it is aimed to determine the daily life experiences of patients on
      the basis their own way of statement. Sixteen patients with scleroderma were
      enrolled to this qualitative study. Data were collected using both a demographic
      data form and a semi-structured interview form. Study was made on individual
      patient interview by face-to-face manner. Data were evaluated using Colaizzi's
      phenomenological data analysis method. Data analysis revealed four categories and
      nine topics. These categories were (1) physical impact of disease, (2) emotional
      impact of disease, (3) social impact of disease and (4) patient behaviours for
      the cope with the disease. As emotional impact, patients imply that they have
      experienced disappointment, hope to get well and have fears about the future. In
      the physical impact category, tight skin, limitations of hand skills, swelling of
      the hands and feet, fatigue, swallowing difficulties and deformation of their
      bodies were the prominent features. In patients with recognizable disease,
      difficulty to join to social activities increases and eventually leads to
      isolation. There was also some evidence that patients who have been supported by
      their family and close relatives seem to be more optimistic about their disease.
      Most patients are not willing to communicate with other patients, particularly in
      an advanced stage. Scleroderma patients imply that they experience several
      difficulties regarding emotional, physical and social aspects. Individual
      abilities to cope with the disease were much more improved among patients who
      have a sustained social support. For advanced patients with apparent
      deformations, an effective social support system should be introduced.

PMID- 22090009
TI  - Bucillamine-induced yellow nail in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis:
      two case reports and a review of 36 reported cases.
AB  - Yellow nail syndrome is an idiopathic condition characterized by a triad
      consisting of yellow nail, lymphedema, and pulmonary manifestations. Thiol
      compounds such as D-penicillamine have been reported to be the major cause of
      drug-induced yellow nail syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We
      recently experienced two Japanese cases with RA who developed yellow nail under
      treatment with bucillamine, a thiol-containing anti-rheumatic drug developed and
      approved in Japan. We reviewed the literature for similar cases and identified 36
      RA cases with bucillamine-induced yellow nail, mostly in Japanese medical
      journals. Most of these cases (90.3%) showed improvement of yellow nail after
      discontinuation of bucillamine, whereas lymphedema and pulmonary manifestations
      improved only in 30.8 and 35.0% of the patients, respectively.

PMID- 22090010
TI  - Paraneoplastic rheumatic syndromes: report of eight cases and review of
      literature.
AB  - Malignant neoplasms are associated with a wide variety of paraneoplastic
      rheumatological syndromes. The paraneoplastic nature should be based on specific
      criteria. We report a series of eight cases of paraneoplastic rheumatic syndromes
      revealing an underlying neoplasia. Our series consists of six men and two women,
      with a mean age of 46.1 (20-69 years). The first case is a hypertrophic
      osteoarthropathy of Pierre Marie that occurred in a 20-year-old man 1 month after
      treatment for his nasopharyngeal carcinoma; the paraclinical examinations showed
      lung and bone metastasis. The second case is that of a bilateral shoulder-hand
      syndrome revealing an invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix in a 63-year
      old woman. The third case involved a 69-year-old patient who had surgery 2 years
      ago for prostate adenocarcinoma and presented with polymyalgia rheumatica
      revealing bone metastasis. We also report two cases of leukemia in adults
      revealed by polyarthritis. The sixth observation is that of a paraneoplastic
      scleroderma that occurred concomitantly with prostate cancer. The seventh case of
      an acute arthritis showed a B lymphoma. The eighth case is that of a 52-year-old
      patient who presented with inflammatory arthralgias, and digital clubbing
      revealing a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Paraneoplastic rheumatism
      remains a rare event, but knowledge of it is essential for early diagnosis of
      underlying cancer.

PMID- 22090011
TI  - In vivo animal models of spinal metastasis.
AB  - The vertebral column is the commonest site for skeletal metastases, with breast,
      prostate and lung cancers being the most common primary sources. The spine has
      structural and neural-protective properties thus involvement by metastatic cancer
      often causes bony instability and fracture, intractable pain and neurological
      deficit. In vivo animal models which resemble the human condition are essential
      in order to improve understanding of the pathophysiology behind the spread of
      metastatic cancer to the spine and its subsequent local growth and invasion, to
      enable in-depth analysis of the interaction between host and tumour cells and the
      molecular processes behind local cancer invasion and barriers to invasion as well
      as to allow assessment of novel treatment modalities for spinal metastases. This
      review summarizes the current status of the animal models specifically used for
      the study of spinal metastasis, their relevance, advantages and limitations, and
      important considerations for the development of future in vivo animal models.

PMID- 22090012
TI  - [Evidence-based surgery. What is really verified?].

PMID- 22090013
TI  - [Lymphadenectomy for malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract].
AB  - Studies from specialized and high volume centers revealed an improved overall
      survival for patients subjected to extended lymphadenectomy. The drawbacks of
      radical lymph node dissection seem to be represented in higher rates of morbidity
      and mortality and thus are correlated to the surgical expertise of the respective
      institution. Especially patients in the early stages of metastatic lymph node
      spread benefit from extended and more radical lymphadenectomy. In a retrospective
      analysis of this institution's own patients, a pN0 category pT stage and the
      amount of retrieved lymph nodes have been found to be independent prognostic
      factors. In patients with up to six positive nodes (pN1) pT stage, the number of
      retrieved nodes, the number of positive nodes and R stage are correlated to
      survival prognosis. If more than six nodes are invaded only the amount of
      metastatic nodes and R stage are relevant prognostic factors. It will be of
      upmost interest to compare these data with analyses from regional and national
      cancer registers for gastric and esophageal cancer. As so far no reliable
      procedure for preoperative determination of lymphatic spread exists, the
      recommendations by the respective research organizations will have to be adopted
      until further notice, which is D2 lymphadenectomy for locally advanced gastric
      cancer and 2-field lymphadenectomy for patients with advanced esophageal
      cancer.Due to higher complication rates for patients subjected to radical
      lymphadenectomy, it is recommended that these procedures be performed in
      specialized high volume centers with corresponding surgical experience.

PMID- 22090014
TI  - [Lymph node dissection for carcinomas of the lower gastrointestinal tract. What
      is evidence-based?].
AB  - Evidence-based analysis of the influence of lymph node dissection on the
      prognosis of colorectal cancer patients is complicated by the now well
      established multimodal treatment strategies. In addition surgical quality
      criteria, such as exact preparation along the mesenterial fascia and avoiding
      tears have a major influence on the prognosis.Nevertheless, the overall evidence
      for the need of lymph node dissection in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma is
      high. However, there are still some questions remaining concerning the extent of
      pericolic lymph node dissection, inclusion of the lymph nodes along the greater
      curvature of the stomach and the inferior aspect of the left pancreas in
      carcinomas of the transverse colon and the flexures. In particular the definitive
      central ligation of the supplying arteries in right-sided colon carcinoma is not
      adequately implemented worldwide.

PMID- 22090015
TI  - [Thrombosis prophylaxis in surgery. What is the evidence?].
AB  - Prevention of venous thromboembolism has become routine in all surgical
      disciplines and consists of physical and pharmacological measures. The
      indications and choice of prophylaxis modality depend on the individual patient
      risk profile which is determined by the combination of exposing and predisposing
      risk factors. The exposing risk factors are characterized by the type and extent
      of surgery or trauma, whereas the predisposing risk factors relate to patient
      inherent risk factors. This is also  taken into consideration for the compilation
      of guidelines. This review summarizes the recommendations of the German S3
      guidelines related to surgery and also discusses the perioperative management of
      patients receiving long-term anticoagulation with new oral anticoagulants
      (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran).

PMID- 22090016
TI  - [Contribution of the Study Center of the German Surgical Society to evidence
      based surgery].
AB  - Since the Study Center of the German Surgical Society (SDGC) was established in
      2003 it has been supporting surgeons to implement their ideas for multicenter
      randomized studies. Assistance is provided for development (sample size
      calculation, protocol, funding application) implementation (submission to ethics
      committee, data management, monitoring) and analysis (statistical analysis,
      publication) in close collaboration with biometricians and data managers.
      Currently more than 2,500 patients have been included in 11 trials. The most
      complex SDGC study (SYNCHRONOUS) so far with up to 80 participating centers has
      been activated in September 2011. Furthermore, there is an increasing relevance
      for systematic reviews and meta analyses with regard to the development of
      studies and aggregation of results. For this reason a systematic review working
      group was established within the SDGC. To date 13 publications have been
      completed and 8 more are underway.

PMID- 22090017
TI  - [Update gastric surgery. Are innovations really always better?].

PMID- 22090018
TI  - [The new TNM classification of tumors of the esophagogastric junction. Surgical
      consequences].
AB  - The new International Union Against Cancer (UICC) classification in its seventh
      version has been out since January 2010. It included some important changes for
      the classification of esophageal and gastric carcinomas compared to the sixth
      version. For esophageal carcinomas this means a more detailed subdivision of the
      T and N stages which should, together with the newly introduced prognostic
      grouping (separate for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) enable a more
      precise and individualized prediction of prognosis. Another innovation is that
      positive lymph nodes in the esophageal drainage area, including celiac axis nodes
      and paraesophageal lymph nodes in the neck, are classified as regional lymph node
      metastases rather than distant metastatic spread, irrespective of tumor location.
      Hereby the lymphadenectomy specimen should include  >= 6 lymph nodes (LN). The
      most controversial improvement is that adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric
      junction (AEG) are all classified as esophageal carcinomas. This should
      acknowledge the similar prognosis of AEGs and esophageal carcinomas, which is
      worse compared to gastric carcinomas in other locations. Regarding the
      classification of gastric carcinomas the T-stages were redefined and lymph node
      staging (N-stage) was refined to allow for a better prediction of prognosis. The
      lymphadenectomy specimen after gastrectomy should hereby include  >= 16 LNs. As
      the primary aim of the UICC classification is a preferably accurate prognosis
      prediction, the impact on a surgeon's therapeutic decision is low. For decisions
      regarding the type of resection the endoscopic AEG classification with the aim of
      R0 resections is still the instrument of choice. The value of the UICC
      classification is that it enables sophisticated comparisons between different
      treatment regimens and strategies.

PMID- 22090019
TI  - [Endoscopic therapy in early gastric cancer].
AB  - Endoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer has been shown to be effective and
      safe. It is a minimally invasive and organ-preserving treatment approach that can
      safely be used as an alternative to surgical resection. A prerequisite of any
      endoscopic treatment with a curative intent is a very low risk of lymph node
      metastasis of the lesion intended to be endoscopically resected. As in high
      volume surgical centers all endoscopic procedures with a curative intent should
      also be carried out in centers with a high expertise in the different endoscopic
      resection (ER) techniques available, the major techniques being suck-and-cut ER
      and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Because of the risk of secondary
      neoplasia after curative endoscopic therapy, a standardized follow-up protocol is
      required. The majority of secondary neoplastic lesions can again be treated
      endoscopically. In the present article an overview of initial staging procedures,
      techniques, indications, as well as follow-up strategies after endoscopic therapy
      for early gastric cancer is given.

PMID- 22090020
TI  - [Minimally invasive gastric surgery].
AB  - The interest in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the treatment of gastric
      carcinoma has increased in recent years worldwide. In particular, for early
      gastric carcinoma (EGC) many retrospective comparative trials and some
      prospective randomized trials have confirmed that laparoscopy-assisted distal
      gastrectomy shows a better short-term outcome in terms of lower morbidity, less
      pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay in contrast to open surgery. In
      this group of selected patients MIS is safe and feasible but at present not
      widely accepted because of a limited evaluation in oncologic long-term follow-up.
      In cases of EGC limited to the mucosal layer and under the condition that
      endoscopic resection is not suitable, laparoscopic local wedge resection or
      intragastric resection can be an alternative option with good results in long
      term follow-up. The data for laparoscopic total gastrectomy and MIS for advanced
      gastric cancer have confirmed that both are technically feasible and extended
      lymph node dissection can also be laparoscopically performed. However,
      laparoscopic total gastrectomy is much more complex and even in expert hands more
      complications and a higher morbidity have been observed in contrast to
      laparoscopic distal resections.

PMID- 22090021
TI  - Mechanistic investigations on dimethyl carbonate formation by oxidative
      carbonylation of methanol over a CuY zeolite: an operando SSITKA/DRIFTS/MS study.
AB  - The simultaneous combination of steady state isotopic transient kinetic analysis
      (SSITKA) with diffuse reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and
      mass spectrometric (MS) analysis was applied to study the oxidative carbonylation
      of methanol (MeOH) to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) on a CuY zeolite catalyst prepared
      by incipient-wetness impregnation of commercial zeolite NH(4)-Y. The interaction
      of the catalyst with different reactants and reactant mixtures (O(2), CO,
      CO/O(2), MeOH/O(2), MeOH/CO, and MeOH/CO/O(2)) was studied in detail using
      (16)O(2)/(18)O(2) as well as (12)CO/(13)CO containing gas mixtures. DMC is
      produced via a monodentate monomethyl carbonate (MMC) species as intermediate
      which is formed by the concerted action of adsorbed methoxide and CO with gas
      phase MeOH. Adsorbed bidentate MMC species were found to be inactive. Lattice
      oxygen supplied by CuO(x) species is involved in the formation of MMC. Gas phase
      oxygen is needed to re-oxidize the catalyst but favours also the oxidation of CO
      to CO(2) and unselective oxidation reactions of MeOH to methyl formate,
      dimethoxymethane, and CO(2). The appropriate choice of reaction temperature and
      of the oxygen content in the reactant gas mixture was found to be indispensable
      for reaching high DMC selectivities.

PMID- 22090022
TI  - Feasibility of surgery after systemic treatment with the humanized recombinant
      antibody bevacizumab in heavily pretreated patients with advanced epithelial
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess operative feasibility and outcome
      after bevacizumab treatment (BT) in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively identified all OC patients operated between April
      2006 and September 2010 after BT. RESULTS: We identified 733 OC operations, 10 of
      which (1.36%) were performed in a mean time of 134 days (range, 10-288) after BT.
      Indication was secondary cytoreduction in 3 patients (mean days after BT, 181;
      range, 82-256) and palliation in 7 due to bowel obstruction and/or intestinal
      perforation or fistula (mean days after BT, 114; range, 10-288). All but 1
      acutely operated patients developed a secondary wound healing, but none of the 3
      patients after planned cytoreduction did. Of these 3 patients, 1 suddenly died on
      the 36th postoperative day, presumably of thromboembolism. None of the patients
      developed postoperatively a gastrointestinal morbidity; however, in 1 patient
      operated 21 days after BT due to a vesicointestinal fistula the bladder
      reconstruction could not heal and developed a permanent fistula. CONCLUSIONS:
      Emergency surgery after BT due to bowel obstruction and/or fistulas seems to be
      associated with an impaired wound healing in advanced heavily pretreated platinum
      resistant OC patients, while this does not appear the case in planned
      cytoreduction. Prospective evaluations are warranted to assess surgical safety
      after BT in this special patients' collective.

PMID- 22090023
TI  - Establishment of Epstein-Barr virus growth-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines.
AB  - Infection of B cells with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) leads to proliferation and
      subsequent immortalization, resulting in establishment of lymphoblastoid cell
      lines (LCL) in vitro. Since LCL are latently infected with EBV, they provide a
      model system to investigate EBV latency and virus-driven B cell proliferation and
      tumorigenesis(1). LCL have been used to present antigens in a variety of
      immunologic assays(2, 3). In addition, LCL can be used to generate human
      monoclonal antibodies(4, 5) and provide a potentially unlimited source when
      access to primary biologic materials is limited(6, 7). A variety of methods have
      been described to generate LCL. Earlier methods have included the use of mitogens
      such as phytohemagglutinin, lipopolysaccharide(8), and pokeweed mitogen(9) to
      increase the efficiency of EBV-mediated immortalization. More recently, others
      have used immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporin A to inhibit T cell
      mediated killing of infected B cells(7, 10-12). The considerable length of time
      from EBV infection to establishment of cell lines drives the requirement for
      quicker and more reliable methods for EBV-driven B cell growth transformation.
      Using a combination of high titer EBV and an immunosuppressive agent, we are able
      to consistently infect, transform, and generate LCL from B cells in peripheral
      blood. This method uses a small amount of peripheral blood mononuclear cells that
      are infected in vitroclusters of cells can be demonstrated. The presence of CD23
      with EBV in the presence of FK506, a T cell immunosuppressant. Traditionally,
      outgrowth of proliferating B cells is monitored by visualization of microscopic
      clusters of cells about a week after infection with EBV. Clumps of LCL can be
      seen by the naked eye after several weeks. We describe an assay to determine
      early if EBV-mediated growth transformation is successful even before microscopic
      clusters of cells can be demonstrated. The presence of CD23(hi)CD58(+) cells
      observed as early as three days post-infection indicates a successful outcome.

PMID- 22090024
TI  - Pancreatic stem cells: from possible to probable.
AB  - Type 1 and some forms of type 2 diabetes mellitus are caused by deficiency of
      insulin-secretory islet beta cells. An ideal treatment for these diseases would
      therefore be to replace beta cells, either by transplanting donated islets or via
      endogenous regeneration (and controlling the autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes).
      Unfortunately, the poor availability of donor islets has severely restricted the
      broad clinical use of islet transplantation. The ability to differentiate
      embryonic stem cells into insulin-expressing cells initially showed great
      promise, but the generation of functional beta cells has proven extremely
      difficult and far slower than originally hoped. Pancreatic stem cells (PSC) or
      transdifferentiation of other cell types in the pancreas may hence provide an
      alternative renewable source of surrogate beta cells. However, the existence of
      PSC has been hotly debated for many years. In this review, we will discuss the
      latest development and future perspectives of PSC research, giving readers an
      overview of this controversial but important area.

PMID- 22090025
TI  - Compartmentation of triacylglycerol accumulation in plants.
AB  - Triacylglycerols from plants, familiar to most people as vegetable oils, supply
      25% of dietary calories to the developed world and are increasingly a source for
      renewable biomaterials and fuels. Demand for vegetable oils will double by 2030,
      which can be met only by increased oil production. Triacylglycerol synthesis is
      accomplished through the coordinate action of multiple pathways in multiple
      subcellular compartments. Recent information has revealed an underappreciated
      complexity in pathways for synthesis and accumulation of this important energy
      rich class of molecules.

PMID- 22090026
TI  - Emerging role of lipid droplets in host/pathogen interactions.
AB  - Lipid droplets (LDs) are highly dynamic cell organelles involved in energy
      homeostasis and membrane trafficking. Here, we review how select pathogens
      interact with LDs. Several RNA viruses use host LDs at different steps of their
      life cycle. Some intracellular bacteria and parasites usurp host LDs or encode
      their own lipid biosynthesis machinery, thus allowing production of LDs
      independently of their host. Although many mechanistic details of host/pathogen
      LD interactions are unknown, a picture emerges in which the unique cellular
      architecture and energy stored in LDs are important in the replication of diverse
      pathogens.

PMID- 22090027
TI  - alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from infant-associated bifidobacteria belonging
      to novel glycoside hydrolase family 129 is implicated in alternative mucin
      degradation pathway.
AB  - Bifidobacteria inhabit the lower intestine of mammals including humans where the
      mucin gel layer forms a space for commensal bacteria. We previously identified
      that infant-associated bifidobacteria possess an extracellular membrane-bound
      endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (EngBF) that may be involved in degradation
      and assimilation of mucin-type oligosaccharides. However, EngBF is highly
      specific for core-1-type O-glycan (Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr), also called T
      antigen, which is mainly attached onto gastroduodenal mucins. By contrast, core-3
      type O-glycans (GlcNAcbeta1-3GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr) are predominantly found on the
      mucins in the intestines. Here, we identified a novel alpha-N
      acetylgalactosaminidase (NagBb) from Bifidobacterium bifidum JCM 1254 that
      hydrolyzes the Tn antigen (GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr). Sialyl and galactosyl core-3
      (Galbeta1-3/4GlcNAcbeta1-3(Neu5Acalpha2-6)GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr), a major
      tetrasaccharide structure on MUC2 mucin primarily secreted from goblet cells in
      human sigmoid colon, can be serially hydrolyzed into Tn antigen by previously
      identified bifidobacterial extracellular glycosidases such as alpha-sialidase
      (SiaBb2), lacto-N-biosidase (LnbB), beta-galactosidase (BbgIII), and beta-N
      acetylhexosaminidases (BbhI and BbhII). Because NagBb is an intracellular enzyme
      without an N-terminal secretion signal sequence, it is likely involved in
      intracellular degradation and assimilation of Tn antigen-containing polypeptides,
      which might be incorporated through unknown transporters. Thus, bifidobacteria
      possess two distinct pathways for assimilation of O-glycans on gastroduodenal and
      intestinal mucins. NagBb homologs are conserved in infant-associated
      bifidobacteria, suggesting a significant role for their adaptation within the
      infant gut, and they were found to form a new glycoside hydrolase family 129.

PMID- 22090028
TI  - Photosystem II component lifetimes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain
      PCC 6803: small Cab-like proteins stabilize biosynthesis intermediates and affect
      early steps in chlorophyll synthesis.
AB  - To gain insight in the lifetimes of photosystem II (PSII) chlorophyll and
      proteins, a combined stable isotope labeling (15N)/mass spectrometry method was
      used to follow both old and new pigments and proteins. Photosystem I-less
      Synechocystis cells were grown to exponential or post-exponential phase and then
      diluted in BG-11 medium with [15N]ammonium and [15N]nitrate. PSII was isolated,
      and the masses of PSII protein fragments and chlorophyll were determined.
      Lifetimes of PSII components ranged from 1.5 to 40 h, implying that at least some
      of the proteins and chlorophyll turned over independently from each other. Also,
      a significant amount of nascent PSII components accumulated in thylakoids when
      cells were in post-exponential growth phase. In a mutant lacking small Cab-like
      proteins (SCPs), most PSII protein lifetimes were unaffected, but the lifetime of
      chlorophyll and the amount of nascent PSII components that accumulated were
      decreased. In the absence of SCPs, one of the PSII biosynthesis intermediates,
      the monomeric PSII complex without CP43, was missing. Therefore, SCPs may
      stabilize nascent PSII protein complexes. Moreover, upon SCP deletion, the rate
      of chlorophyll synthesis and the accumulation of early tetrapyrrole precursors
      were drastically reduced. When [14N]aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was supplemented to
      15N-BG-11 cultures, the mutant lacking SCPs incorporated much more exogenous ALA
      into chlorophyll than the control demonstrating that ALA biosynthesis was
      impaired in the absence of SCPs. This illustrates the major effects that
      nonstoichiometric PSII components such as SCPs have on intermediates and assembly
      but not on the lifetime of PSII proteins.

PMID- 22090029
TI  - Packaging of fat: an evolving model of lipid droplet assembly and expansion.
AB  - Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles found in most types of cells in the tissues
      of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants, as well as in bacteria and yeast. They
      differ from other organelles in binding a unique complement of proteins and
      lacking an aqueous core but share aspects of protein trafficking with secretory
      membrane compartments. In this minireview, we focus on recent evidence supporting
      an endoplasmic reticulum origin for LD formation and discuss recent findings
      regarding LD maturation and fusion.

PMID- 22090030
TI  - Molecular mechanism for inhibition of a critical component in the Arabidopsis
      thaliana abscisic acid signal transduction pathways, SnRK2.6, by protein
      phosphatase ABI1.
AB  - Subclass III SnRK2s (SnRK2.6/2.3/2.2) are the key positive regulators of abscisic
      acid (ABA) signal transduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. The kinases, activated by
      ABA or osmotic stress, phosphorylate stress-related transcription factors and ion
      channels, which ultimately leads to the protection of plants from dehydration or
      high salinity. In the absence of stressors, SnRK2s are subject to negative
      regulation by group A protein phosphatase type 2Cs (PP2C), whereas the underlying
      molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here we report the crystal
      structure of the kinase domain of SnRK2.6 at 2.6-A resolution. Structure-guided
      biochemical analyses identified two distinct interfaces between SnRK2.6 and ABI1,
      a member of group A PP2Cs. Structural modeling suggested that the two interfaces
      lock SnRK2.6 and ABI1 in an orientation such that the activation loop of SnRK2.6
      is posited to the catalytic site of ABI1 for dephosphorylation. These studies
      revealed the molecular basis for PP2Cs-mediated inhibition of SnRK2s and provided
      important insights into the downstream signal transduction of ABA.

PMID- 22090031
TI  - Human protein-disulfide isomerase is a redox-regulated chaperone activated by
      oxidation of domain a'.
AB  - Protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI), with domains arranged as abb'xa'c, is a key
      enzyme and chaperone localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) catalyzing
      oxidative folding and preventing misfolding/aggregation of proteins. It has been
      controversial whether the chaperone activity of PDI is redox-regulated, and the
      molecular basis is unclear. Here, we show that both the chaperone activity and
      the overall conformation of human PDI are redox-regulated. We further demonstrate
      that the conformational changes are triggered by the active site of domain a',
      and the minimum redox-regulated cassette is located in b'xa'. The structure of
      the reduced bb'xa' reveals for the first time that domain a' packs tightly with
      both domain b' and linker x to form one compact structural module. Oxidation of
      domain a' releases the compact conformation and exposes the shielded hydrophobic
      areas to facilitate its high chaperone activity. Thus, the study unequivocally
      provides mechanistic insights into the redox-regulated chaperone activity of
      human PDI.

PMID- 22090032
TI  - Thematic minireview series on the lipid droplet, a dynamic organelle of
      biomedical and commercial importance.

PMID- 22090033
TI  - Structural and mechanistic implications of metal binding in the small heat-shock
      protein alphaB-crystallin.
AB  - The human small heat-shock protein alphaB-crystallin (alphaB) rescues misfolded
      proteins from irreversible aggregation during cellular stress. Binding of Cu(II)
      was shown to modulate the oligomeric architecture and the chaperone activity of
      alphaB. However, the mechanistic basis of this stimulation is so far not
      understood. We provide here first structural insights into this Cu(II)-mediated
      modulation of chaperone function using NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical
      approaches. We show that the alpha-crystallin domain is the elementary Cu(II)
      binding unit specifically coordinating one Cu(II) ion with picomolar binding
      affinity. Putative Cu(II) ligands are His(83), His(104), His(111), and Asp(109)
      at the dimer interface. These loop residues are conserved among different
      metazoans, but also for human alphaA-crystallin, HSP20, and HSP27. The
      involvement of Asp(109) has direct implications for dimer stability, because this
      residue forms a salt bridge with the disease-related Arg(120) of the neighboring
      monomer. Furthermore, we observe structural reorganization of strands beta2-beta3
      triggered by Cu(II) binding. This N-terminal region is known to mediate both the
      intermolecular arrangement in alphaB oligomers and the binding of client
      proteins. In the presence of Cu(II), the size and the heterogeneity of alphaB
      multimers are increased. At the same time, Cu(II) increases the chaperone
      activity of alphaB toward the lens-specific protein beta(L)-crystallin. We
      therefore suggest that Cu(II) binding unblocks potential client binding sites and
      alters quaternary dynamics of both the dimeric building block as well as the
      higher order assemblies of alphaB.

PMID- 22090037
TI  - Automated detection of dark and bright lesions in retinal images for early
      detection of diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - There is an ever-increasing interest in the development of automatic medical
      diagnosis systems due to the advancement in computing technology and also to
      improve the service by medical community. The knowledge about health and disease
      is required for reliable and accurate medical diagnosis. Diabetic Retinopathy
      (DR) is one of the most common causes of blindness and it can be prevented if
      detected and treated early. DR has different signs and the most distinctive are
      microaneurysm and haemorrhage which are dark lesions and hard exudates and cotton
      wool spots which are bright lesions. Location and structure of blood vessels and
      optic disk play important role in accurate detection and classification of dark
      and bright lesions for early detection of DR. In this article, we propose a
      computer aided system for the early detection of DR. The article presents
      algorithms for retinal image preprocessing, blood vessel enhancement and
      segmentation and optic disk localization and detection which eventually lead to
      detection of different DR lesions using proposed hybrid fuzzy classifier. The
      developed methods are tested on four different publicly available databases. The
      presented methods are compared with recently published methods and the results
      show that presented methods outperform all others.

PMID- 22090040
TI  - Tuberculosis through the rose tinted spectacles of the EBUS endoscopist: be aware
      of the bias.

PMID- 22090041
TI  - Developments in in vivo monitoring for radionuclides at AWE.
AB  - The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has routinely used high purity germanium
      crystals for in vivo monitoring, detection and measurement of radionuclides in
      the chest, wounds and whole body of personnel over the past 30 years. However,
      recent organisational changes have resulted in the relocation and modification of
      this capability. Hence, this paper reviews and compares the performance of the
      original twin six crystal detector arrays (contained within environmental
      radiation shielding), that were first used at AWE in 1980, with the latest
      unshielded systems that employ smaller numbers of larger crystals. It has been
      concluded that the required sensitivity of 20 mSv for actinides in the chest was
      achieved using the recently procured twin dual crystal detector arrays outside of
      the conventional heavy duty environmental radiation shield used with the original
      system. Sensitivities of around 1 uSv, for fission and activation products in the
      whole body and around 1 mSv, for actinides in wounds, were achieved using single
      large collimated, but otherwise unshielded, detectors.

PMID- 22090038
TI  - Association between obstructive lung disease and markers of HIV infection in a
      high-risk cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests an association between HIV infection and the
      presence of obstructive lung disease (OLD). However, the associations between
      specific markers of HIV infection and OLD remain unclear. A study was undertaken
      to determine the independent associations of HIV infection, CD4 cell count and
      plasma HIV viral load with the presence of OLD in an urban cohort. METHODS:
      Clinical, laboratory and spirometric data from the AIDS Linked to the Intravenous
      Experience (ALIVE) study, an observational study of current and former injection
      drug users in Baltimore, Maryland, were analysed. Multivariable logistic
      regression models were generated to identify HIV infection indices independently
      associated with OLD. RESULTS: Of 1077 participants (mean+/-SD age 48+/-8 years),
      89% were African-American, 65% were men and 86% were current smokers. A total of
      303 (28%) were HIV infected and 176 (16%) had spirometry-defined OLD. Higher
      viral load was independently associated with OLD. HIV-infected individuals with
      viral load >200,000 copies/ml had a 3.4-fold increase in the odds of OLD compared
      with HIV-negative participants (95% CI 1.24 to 9.39; p=0.02). The association
      between higher HIV viral load and OLD persisted after accounting for
      antiretroviral therapy use (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.41 to 11.7; p=0.01). No association
      was observed between HIV serostatus or CD4 cell count and the presence of OLD.
      CONCLUSION: In a cohort at risk for OLD and HIV infection, high viral load but
      not CD4 cell count was associated with an increased prevalence of spirometry
      defined OLD. These findings suggest that higher viral load may contribute
      mechanistically to the increased risk of OLD in patients with HIV infection.

PMID- 22090042
TI  - Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: pro.
AB  - PURPOSE: To share the experience of the authors with the urological family in the
      world by the review of literature on supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have searched all the available databases, including
      PubMed or MEDLINE and Embase Biomedical Database to find any English articles
      related to supine PCNL from 1998 to 2010. Of 17 studies, 11 were case series and
      6 were comparative. RESULTS: A total of 1914 patients were studied. Only the
      results of mean operation time were significant. Supine PCNL offers several
      advantages, including less operation time, less patient handling, needing only
      one drape, easier access to the urethra and upper calyces, facilitation of
      drainage of stone fragment with the Amplatz sheath, less anterior kidney
      displacement due to lying the kidney in its normal anatomical position, less risk
      of the colon injury, more tolerable for the patients with pulmonary or
      cardiovascular disease, and better for morbid obese patients. The overlap density
      of the vertebrae in the semi-supine position can be avoided. Furthermore, the
      fluoroscopy tube is far from the puncture site; thus, the space is open for the
      surgeon to work and the surgeon can perform the procedure in a more comfortable
      seated position. CONCLUSION: The study showed that PCNL in the supine position is
      feasible. Although supine PCNL has numerous advantages, it is not routine in many
      surgical centers throughout the world. The practice of supine PCNL will be
      popular when the academic centers be encouraged to start it.

PMID- 22090043
TI  - Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: con.
AB  - Advocates of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) consider several
      theoretical advantages for this procedure. Despite the potential advantages of
      the supine PCNL, the majority of urologists have remained reluctant to perform
      this technique. This reluctance may be related to successful outcomes of prone
      PCNL and technical difficulties associated with supine PCNL. Feasibility of
      supine PCNL has been shown in different series and the current evidence, although
      limited and not fully organized, implies the application of this technique for
      patients with simple stones who are at high anesthesiological risk. However,
      there is no convincing evidence to support performing supine PCNL in morbidly
      obese patients and those with complex and multiple stones. Further randomized
      clinical trials of large sample size and high methodological quality are required
      to recommend extensive application of supine PCNL as an alternative to prone
      PCNL.

PMID- 22090044
TI  - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy complications in 671 consecutive patients: a single
      center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate major and minor complications of percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and their management in our consecutive cases. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 671 patients who had undergone PCNL
      in our center from March 2000 to March 2006. The demographic data, stone
      parameters, PCNL complications, and stone-free rate were evaluated. Multiple
      parameters were evaluated for their association with PCNL complications using Chi
      Square test. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 203 (30.3%) patients; renal
      parenchymal injury in 103 (15.4%), peri-operative bleeding in 42 (6.3%), late
      bleeding in 6 (0.9%), renal collecting ducts injury in 35 (5.2%), fever in 7
      (1.0%), colon perforation in 2 (0.3%), major vessels injury in 3 (0.4%),
      pneumothorax in 3 (0.4%), and hemothorax in 2 (0.3%) subjects. Mortality occurred
      in 1 patient with colon perforation (0.15%). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy has low complication rate in experienced hands.

PMID- 22090045
TI  - Evaluating percutaneous nephrolithotomy-induced kidney damage by measuring
      urinary concentrations of beta2-microglobulin.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)-induced kidney tubular
      damage and the associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eight
      patients who have undergone PCNL from May 2007 to October 2007 were recruited in
      this study. Urinary level of beta2-microglobulin (Ubeta2MG) was measured on the
      day before the operation as well as on the 1st and 7th post PCNL days.
      Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed using standard method. Patients'
      demographic and peri-operative data were collected to evaluate factors
      influencing renal injury. RESULTS: Median urinary levels of beta2-microglobulin
      on pre-operative, 1st, and 7th postoperative days were 0.2 mg/dL (range, 0.1 to
      82), 0.4 mg/dL (range, 0.2 to 97), and 0.2 mg/dL (range, 0.2 to 114),
      respectively. High levels of Ubeta2MG (> 2.3 mg/dL) were observed in 10 (9%), 20
      (19%), and 10 (9%) patients pre-operatively and on the 1st, and 7th postoperative
      days, respectively. In multivariable analysis, Ubeta2MG on the 1st postoperative
      day was associated with pre-operative serum creatinine level (P < .001) and
      diabetes mellitus (P = .05), while Ubeta2MG on the 7th day after the operation
      was associated with pre-operative serum creatinine level (P = .01), diabetes
      mellitus (P = .01), and PCNL time (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy does not cause kidney tubular injury beyond one week. In patients
      with pre-operative high serum creatinine concentration, diabetes mellitus, and/or
      long operation time, the likelihood of the kidney damage is higher than others.

PMID- 22090046
TI  - "Latex glove" laparoscopic pyeloplasty model: a novel method for simulated
      training.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a 'latex glove' laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LPP) training model
      and determine its construct validity for its effective use in resident training.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 'latex glove' model was used to perform LPP by five
      operators with variable level of experience, ranging from an experienced (> 20
      independent LPPs) to minimal operative experience (year 5 medical student). The
      palm of the glove was considered the renal pelvis with finger of the glove as the
      proximal ureter. A knot at the junction of the two was considered as
      ureteropelvic junction obstruction. A basic lap trainer was used to simulate the
      LPP. Operation time was noted in minutes and quality of continuous suturing was
      determined for each operator, using a previously described nonvalidated scoring
      system by a blinded reviewer. RESULTS: The operation time varied from 47 to 160
      minutes for the most to the least experienced operator, and the difference was
      statistically significant (P = .043), while the quality of suturing score ranged
      from 1 to 6 for the most to the least experienced operator, respectively (P =
      .038). The operation time and quality of suturing were negatively correlated with
      the level of experience (-0.962 and -0.987, respectively), which were
      statistically significant (P = .009 and P = .002, respectively). CONCLUSION: This
      novel training model has proven its validity, as a cost-effective and readily
      available option for LPP training.

PMID- 22090047
TI  - Management and follow-up of pediatric asymptomatic testicular microlithiasis: are
      we doing it well?
AB  - PURPOSE: To define timing and methods for a balanced follow-up of testicular
      microlithiasis (TM) in pediatric age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed medical records of 21 pediatric asymptomatic patients (42 testicular
      units) diagnosed with TM and without associated risk factors. Microliths were
      found bilaterally on ultrasonography in all the patients. Distribution of
      microliths (focal or diffuse) inside the parenchyma was evaluated as well as its
      eventual variation over time. Every six months, each patient underwent clinical
      and ultrasonography evaluation, as well as serum chemistry markers (alpha
      fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) measurement to detect
      potential malignancy. In the interval between the follow-ups, parents and/or
      patients themselves were asked to control eventual enlargement of the gonads or
      scrotal swelling. Testicular biopsy was not performed in any of our subjects.
      RESULTS: Of 21 patients, 6 had unilateral undescended testis, 4 varicocele, and 1
      patent processus vaginalis with scrotal swelling while 10 patients did not show
      associated anomalies. The distribution pattern of microliths on ultrasonography
      remained unchanged in all follow-ups in every patient, showing a predominance of
      diffuse pattern in the undescended testis series. Tumor markers remained within
      normal limits. In no subject, we observed a shift toward a malignant condition.
      CONCLUSION: In the pediatric population with an incidentally diagnosed TM and
      without any associated risk factor, a slight follow-up is suggested, consisting
      of clinical evaluation every 6 months, without any justifiable recommendation to
      perform a testis biopsy and a measurement of serum tumor markers.

PMID- 22090048
TI  - Risk factors for disconcordance between pre and post radical cystectomy stages.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between pre and post surgical staging in
      patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC), and study the possibility of
      predicting their disconcordance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed medical
      records of 186 patients diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the
      bladder, who had undergone RC between the years 2007 and 2010. We determined the
      correlation between pre and post surgical stages and then studied the association
      between stage disconcordance and age, gender, smoking, history of previous
      transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and intravesical treatments, re
      TURBT in high-risk superficial bladder tumors, and the treatment delay between
      diagnosis and RC. Analysis was performed using Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact
      tests. RESULTS: Post surgical up-staging occurred in 86 (46.24%) patients and
      even more (69.35%) if lymph node involvement was also considered as up-staging.
      Smokers and those with pre surgical stages of <= T1 and T2 with no history of re
      TURBT had a significantly increased risk of disconcordance. The risk of up
      staging was almost halved by an early re-TURBT in high-risk patients. CONCLUSION:
      Disconcordance between pre and post surgical stages in patients undergoing RC is
      common. Until better ways of staging are developed, decision making in patients
      with bladder tumor should be done by extra attention to patients who have risk
      factors associated with increased risk of up-staging, including smokers and those
      with nonmuscle-invasive bladder tumors or T2 tumors. An early re-TURBT will
      decrease the up-staging rate.

PMID- 22090049
TI  - Is microsurgery necessary in grade 3 varicocele?
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the results of microsurgical and naked eye varicocelectomy in
      patients with grade 3 varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted
      on 84 patients with grade 3 varicocele, between 2007 and 2009. Patients were
      randomized into two groups, equal in number. Thereafter, microsurgical
      varicocelectomy was performed in the first group, while the other group underwent
      naked eye varicocelectomy. Groups were compared in terms of operation duration,
      number of ligated internal and external spermatic veins, early and late
      postoperative complications, and postoperative color Doppler ultrasonography
      findings. Parametric and nonparametric values were compared using Student's t
      test and Chi-Square test, respectively. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was
      19 +/- 2.3 minutes (range, 12 to 25 minutes) in the naked eye surgery group and
      43 +/- 3.9 minutes (range, 25 to 75 minutes) in the microsurgery group (P =
      .008). The number of ligated internal and external spermatic veins, the incidence
      of early and late postoperative complications, and color Doppler ultrasonography
      findings were not significantly different between the two groups (P = .12, P =
      .09, P = .17, and P = .22, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with grade 3
      varicocele, microsurgery and naked eye surgical methods proved similar results in
      terms of success and complications. Because the operation time of the classical
      varicocelectomy is significantly shorter, it may be preferred in this subset of
      patients.

PMID- 22090050
TI  - Comparing absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures in corporeal plication for
      treatment of congenital penile curvature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of corporeal plication using absorbable versus
      nonabsorbable sutures for the treatment of congenital penile curvature. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Thirty-eight men older than 15 years old with congenital penile
      curvature were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two
      equal groups based on the suture material (Nylon versus Vicryl) used in corporeal
      plication. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 8.1 +/- 1.4 months
      (range, 6 to 9.1 months). A standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate long
      term outcome and patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (17 in
      Vicryl group and 18 in Nylon group) completed the study. Mean age of the patients
      and degree of penile curvature were not significantly different between the two
      groups (P = .74). Postoperatively, 15 (88.2%) and 16 (88.9%) patients in Vicryl
      and Nylon groups had 75% or greater correction in penile curvature, respectively
      (P = .61). Patient's satisfaction rate differed between two groups (82% in Vicryl
      group versus 66% in Nylon group), which did not reach statistical significance (P
      = .44). Palpable sutures were reported by 7 (39%) patients in Nylon group and
      only 1 (6%) in Vicryl group (P = .04). Shortening of penile length was reported
      by 3 (16.7%) patients in Nylon group and 4 (23.5%) in Vicryl group (P = .69).
      CONCLUSION: Corporeal plication technique using absorbable suture provides
      reasonable success rate with less frequent palpable suture knots.

PMID- 22090051
TI  - One-stage transperineal repair of pan-urethral stricture with dorsally placed
      buccal mucosal grafts: results, complications, and surgical technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the surgical details and results of one-stage transperineal
      urethroplasty using dorsal buccal mucosal graft (BMG) in treatment of panurethral
      stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort study was carried out on 17 men
      with pan-urethral stricture who underwent one-stage transperineal BMG
      urethroplasty. Failure was defined as a need to any intervention during the
      follow-up period. RESULTS: The etiology of stricture was trauma in 4 (23.5%),
      sexually transmitted diseases in 4 (23.5%), lichen sclerosus in 2 (11.8%), and
      idiopathic in 7 (41.1%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 8.5 months
      (range, 3 to 18 months). Six (35.3%) patients developed complications; namely
      wound infection in 2 (11.8%), meatal stenosis in 1 (5.9%), and re-stenosis in 3
      (17.6%) subjects. Complication rate in patients <= 43 and > 43 years old was 25%
      (2/8) and 44% (4/9), respectively, which did not reach statistically significant
      difference (P = .6). The final success rate was 88.2%. None of the patients
      needed open redo-urethroplasty during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION:
      Reconstruction of pan-urethral strictures may be safely and effectively performed
      at a simple single operative procedure using a transperineal approach with
      combinations of dorsal BMG.

PMID- 22090052
TI  - Protective effects of zofenopril on testicular torsion and detorsion injury in
      rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of zofenopril on torsion/detorsion
      induced biochemical and histopathological changes in experimental testicular
      ischemia or reperfusion injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35
      prepubertal male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups, including 7
      rats in each group: Group I (sham, S), sham operation; group II
      (torsion/detorsion-early orchiectomy, T/D-E), 2 hours ischemia and 4 hours
      reperfusion; group III (torsion/detorsion-late orchiectomy), T/D-L), 2 hours
      ischemia and 5 days reperfusion; group IV (zofenopril-early orchiectomy, Z-E), 2
      hours ischemia, 4 hours reperfusion, and a single dose of zofenopril; and group V
      (zofenopril-late orchiectomy, Z-L), 2 hours ischemia, 5 days reperfusion, and 5
      doses of zofenopril. We determined the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitric
      oxide, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities.
      Histopathologically, mean seminiferous tubule diameter measurements were used.
      RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (3.490 +/- 0.89 versus 1.729 +/- 0.25 in early period;
      3.837 +/- 1.694 versus 1.694 +/- 0.47 in late period) and nitric oxide levels
      (3.507 +/- 0.44 versus 2.853 +/- 0.54 in early period; 4.010 +/- 0.72 versus
      2.446 +/- 0.29 in late period) significantly reduced and glutathione peroxidase
      (0.012 +/- 0.001 versus 0.017 +/- 0.001 in early period; 0.013 +/- 0.002 versus
      0.018 +/- 0.001 in late period) and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities
      (58.030 +/- 5.97 versus 70.773 +/- 3.85 in early period; 57.421 +/- 7.81 versus
      76.329 +/- 4.09 in late period) significantly increased in the testis tissue in
      zofenopril pretreated groups compared to group T/D both in early and late period
      (P < .05). The mean seminiferous tubule diameter was significantly better in
      pretreated group (210.33 +/- 17.32) than group T/D (185.02 +/- 22.45) only in
      late period (P < .05), but not in early period (209.38 +/- 30.40 versus 208.21 +/
      13.57; P > .05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with zofenopril decreased damage in
      ipsilateral testis caused by ischemia/reperfusion, and clinical application of
      zofenopril might be a new approach for the treatment of testicular torsion in
      addition to conventional detorsion.

PMID- 22090053
TI  - Assessment of increased desquamation of epididymal epithelial cells in semen of
      men as a predictor of acute epididymitis.

PMID- 22090054
TI  - An unusual presentation of an uncommon renal disease.

PMID- 22090055
TI  - Is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy safe in patients with chronic bleeding
      tendency?

PMID- 22090056
TI  - Concealed male epispadias: a rare form of penile epispadias presenting as
      phimosis.

PMID- 22090057
TI  - Prostatic cyst causing severe infravesical obstruction in a young patient.

PMID- 22090058
TI  - Hydronephrosis secondary to sliding inguinal hernia containing the ureter.

PMID- 22090059
TI  - Myiasis with carcinoma in situ of the glans penis: an unusual combination.

PMID- 22090060
TI  - Renal osteodystrophy secondary to congenital bilateral ureteropelvic junction
      obstruction.

PMID- 22090061
TI  - Dietary CLA combined with palm oil or ovine fat differentially influences fatty
      acid deposition in tissues of obese Zucker rats.
AB  - The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation in
      combination with fat from vegetable versus animal origin on the fatty acid
      deposition, including that of individual 18:1 and 18:2 (conjugated and non
      conjugated) isomers, in the liver and muscle of obese rats was investigated. For
      this purpose, 32 male Zucker rats were randomly assigned to one of four diets
      containing palm oil or ovine fat, supplemented or not with 1% of 1:1
      cis(c)9,trans(t)11 and t10,c12 CLA isomers mixture. Total fatty acid content
      decreased in the liver and muscle of CLA-fed rats. In the liver, CLA increased
      saturated fatty acids (SFA) in 11.9% and decreased monounsaturated fatty acids
      (MUFA) in 6.5%. n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) relative proportions were
      increased in 30.6% by CLA when supplemented to the ovine fat diet. In the muscle,
      CLA did not affect SFA but decreased MUFA and PUFA percentages. The estimation of
      Delta9-indices 16 and 18 suggested that CLA inhibited the stearoyl-CoA desaturase
      activity in the liver (a decrease of 13-38%), in particular when supplemented to
      the ovine fat diet. Concerning CLA supplementation, the t10,c12 isomer percentage
      was 60-80% higher in the muscle than in the liver. It is of relevance that rats
      fed ovine fat, containing bio-formed CLA, had more c9,t11 CLA isomer deposited in
      both tissues than rats fed palm oil plus synthetic CLA. These results highlight
      the importance to further clarify the biological effects of consuming foods
      naturally enriched in CLA, alternatively to CLA dietary supplementation.

PMID- 22090062
TI  - Low levels of lipogenic enzymes in peritumoral adipose tissue of colorectal
      cancer patients.
AB  - Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the crucial enzyme for intravascular catabolism of
      triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a key anabolic
      enzyme that catalyzes the terminal steps in the novo biosynthesis of 18:2n-6. The
      involvement of both LPL and FAS in tumor biology has been widely demonstrated in
      different studies and to verify whether there are regional differences in the
      expression of these enzymes in visceral adipose tissue from patients with
      colorectal cancer might be representative of events which sustain tumor growth.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate LPL and FAS activity and expression
      of their genes in adipose tissue adjacent to neoplasia and distant from it from
      patients operated for colorectal cancer. LPL enzymatic activity was evaluated by
      a fluorescent method and FAS activity by a radiometer assay. Reverse
      transcription and real-time PCR were used to detect mRNA levels of two enzymes.
      Our findings show a significant reduction in both LPL and FAS gene expression and
      activity levels in adipose tissue adjacent to tumor lesion compared to those
      detected in paired tissue distant from neoplasia. These results underline the
      influence of tumor microenvironment on lipid metabolism in adipose tissue,
      demonstrating a tumor-induced impairment in the formation and lipid storing
      capacity of adipose tissue in patients with colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22090064
TI  - Cardiovascular determinants of exercise capacity in the Paralympic athlete with
      spinal cord injury.
AB  - This report briefly summarizes the cardiovascular factors that influence exercise
      physiology and, eventually, sports performance of athletes with a spinal cord
      injury (SCI). The consequences of an SCI are numerous and concern voluntary
      muscle function, deep and superficial sensitivity, and autonomic function to a
      degree determined by the level and completeness of the spinal lesion. Athletes
      with SCI perform with their upper body, which limits their maximal exercise
      capacity and puts them at a disadvantage compared with leg exercise in terms of
      mechanical efficiency and physiological adaptations to exercise. Studies
      generally find that maximal oxygen consumption and mechanical power output are
      inversely related to spinal lesion level. Athletes with cervical or dorsal
      lesions down to Th6 have limited maximal heart rates owing to a lack of
      sympathetic drive to the heart. Blood redistribution from body areas lacking
      autonomic control is impaired, thus reducing venous return and limiting cardiac
      stroke volume during exercise. Thermoregulatory function is affected through a
      lack of afferent neural feedback and limited efferent vasomotor and sudomotor
      control below the lesion. Strategies to support venous return and to promote body
      cooling potentially improve physiological responses and athletic performance,
      especially in individuals with high lesion levels. The latter are subject to
      autonomic dysreflexia, a generalized sympathetic vasoconstriction below the
      lesion resulting from nociceptive stimulations in insensate body regions. Acute
      episodes induce high blood pressure, may enhance exercise performance and must be
      treated as a clinical emergency. Deliberate triggering of this reflex is
      prohibited by the International Paralympic Committee.

PMID- 22090063
TI  - Orthostatic leg blood volume changes assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Standing up shifts blood to dependent parts of the body, and blood vessels in the
      leg become filled. The orthostatic blood volume accumulation in the small vessels
      is relatively unknown, although these may contribute significantly. We
      hypothesized that in healthy humans exposed to the upright posture, volume
      accumulation in small blood vessels contributes significantly to the total fluid
      volume accumulated in the legs. Considering that near-infrared spectroscopy
      (NIRS) tracks postural blood volume changes within the small blood vessels of the
      lower leg, we evaluated the NIRS-determined changes in oxygenated
      (Delta[O(2)Hb]), deoxygenated (Delta[HHb]) and total haemoglobin tissue
      concentration (Delta[tHb]) and in total leg volume by strain-gauge
      plethysmography during 70 deg head-up tilt (HUT; n = 7). In a second experiment,
      spatial and temporal reproducibility were evaluated with three NIRS probes
      applied on two separate days (n = 8). In response to HUT, an initially fast
      increase in [O(2)Hb] was followed by a gradual decline, while [HHb] increased
      continuously. The increase in [tHb] during HUT was closely related to the
      increase in total leg volume (r(2) = 0.95 +/- 0.03). After tilt back, [O(2)Hb]
      declined below and [HHb] remained above baseline, whereas all NIRS signals
      gradually returned to baseline. Spatial heterogeneity was observed, and for two
      probes [tHb] was highly correlated between days (r(2) = 0.92 +/- 0.09 and 0.91 +/
      0.12), but less for the third probe (r(2) = 0.44 +/- 0.36). The results suggest
      a non-linear accumulation of blood volume in the small vessels of the leg, with
      an initial fast phase followed by a more gradual increase at least partly
      contributing to the relocation of fluid during orthostatic stress.

PMID- 22090065
TI  - Breathing 40% O(2) can attenuate postcontraction hyperaemia or muscle fatigue
      caused by static forearm contraction, depending on timing.
AB  - Little is known of the role of O(2)-dependent mechanisms in the hyperaemia
      associated with static muscle contraction or recovery from fatigue. Thus, in
      recreationally active, young, male subjects, forearm contraction was performed
      twice at 100% maximal voluntary effort until exhaustion, with a 7 min recovery
      period, whilst 40% O(2) (hyperoxia) was breathed during the contractions only, or
      during recovery only, or room air (normoxia) was breathed throughout. When
      hyperoxia was limited to the contractions, postcontraction increases in forearm
      blood flow, measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, were ~25% lower (P <
      0.05, n     = 10) than during normoxia throughout. Furthermore, the
      postcontraction increase in venous lactate and fall in pH were attenuated (P <
      0.05, n     = 8). However, there was no effect on fatigue; time to voluntary
      exhaustion of contraction 2 was ~25% less than for contraction 1 in both
      conditions. By contrast, when hyperoxia was limited to recovery (n     = 10),
      there was no effect on postcontraction increases in forearm blood flow, but
      fatigue was ameliorated; time to voluntary exhaustion of contraction 2 was
      comparable to that of contraction 1. These results allow the novel conclusions
      that, even during static forearm contraction at 100% maximal voluntary effort,
      additional O(2) dissolved in plasma can attenuate the contribution made by O(2)
      dependent dilator substances to postcontraction hyperaemia and that these
      substances may be released from the muscle fibres or blood vessel wall.
      Furthermore, they indicate that even in recreationally active individuals,
      recovery from fatigue can be improved by additional O(2) made available during
      recovery, and the O(2)-dependent mechanisms that contribute to fatigue are
      different from those that induce postcontraction hyperaemia.

PMID- 22090066
TI  - Epithelial Na+ channel proteins are mechanotransducers of myogenic constriction
      in rat posterior cerebral arteries.
AB  - It has been suggested that mechanosensitive ion channels initiate myogenic
      responses in vessels; however, the molecular identity of the mechanosensitive ion
      channel complex is unknown. Although previous reports have suggested that
      epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) proteins are mechanotransducers in arteries,
      experimental evidence demonstrating that ENaC proteins are mechanotransducers are
      not fully elucidated. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the
      ENaC is a mechanotransducer for the myogenic response by providing supporting
      evidence in the rat posterior cerebral artery (PCA). We measured the effect of
      ENaC inhibition on the pressure-induced myogenic response, Ca(2+) concentration
      and 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC(20)) phosphorylation. We detected expression
      of betaENaC and gammaENaC subunits in rat PCA by Western blots and
      immunofluorescence. Inhibition of ENaCs with amiloride, ethyl isopropyl amiloride
      or benzamil blocked the myogenic response. Moreover, the myogenic response was
      inhibited in rat PCA transfected with betaENaC and gammaENaC small interfering
      RNA. The myogenic response was inhibited by elimination of external Na(+), which
      was replaced with N-methyl-d-glucamine. Amiloride and nifedipine inhibited the
      pressure-induced increase in Ca(2+) concentration. Finally, MLC(20) increased
      when the intraluminal pressure was raised, and the pressure-induced increase in
      MLC(20) phosphorylation was inhibited by pretreatment with amiloride, and in
      arteries transfected with betaENaC or gammaENaC small interfering RNA. Our
      results suggest that ENaCs may play an important role as mechanosensitive ion
      channels initiating pressure-induced myogenic responses in rat PCA.

PMID- 22090067
TI  - Translating research to practice.

PMID- 22090068
TI  - Validation of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of
      Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND).
AB  - PURPOSE: Preliminary validation of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant
      Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) for motor skill assessment in
      spinal muscular atrophy type I. METHODS: A total of 27 subjects 3 to 260 months
      old (mean = 49, SD = 69) with spinal muscular atrophy-I were evaluated with the
      CHOP INTEND. Subjects were evaluated as part of a multicenter natural history
      study. RESULTS: CHOP INTEND scores and age were significantly correlated (r = 
      0.51, P = .007; 2 survival of the motor neuron [SMN] 2 gene copies, n = 16, r = 
      0.60, 3 SMN2 gene copies, n = 9, r = -0.83). Respiratory support and CHOP INTEND
      scores were correlated (r = -0.74, P < .0001, n = 26). The CHOP INTEND and age
      regression in patients with 2 copies versus 3 copies of SMN2 approached
      significance (P = .0711, n = 25). Subjects who required respiratory support
      scored significantly lower (mean = 15.5, SD = 10.2 vs mean = 31.2, SD = 4.2, P <
      .0001, n = 27). Correlation with motor unit number estimation and combined motor
      unit activation were not significant. CONCLUSION: The CHOP INTEND reflects
      measures of disease severity and supports continued exploration of the CHOP
      INTEND.

PMID- 22090069
TI  - Commentary on "Validation of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test
      of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND)".

PMID- 22090070
TI  - Expiratory flow increase technique and acid esophageal exposure in infants born
      preterm with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if an expiratory flow increase technique (EFIT) is
      associated with acid reflux episodes in infants born preterm with
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHODS: A crossover study was carried out.
      Eighteen subjects divided into 2 groups were randomly assigned to receive 2 EFIT
      sessions at 2 postprandial time points. Group 1 started 2 hours after feeding and
      group 2 started 3 hours after feeding. Esophageal acid exposure was assessed by
      the reflux index (RI) during EFIT and 20 minutes before EFIT by esophageal pH
      monitoring. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the RI was observed in group 1
      with EFIT performed 2 hours after feeding. Group 2 showed no significant
      differences in RI values before and during EFIT in both postprandial periods.
      CONCLUSION: When EFIT is performed 2 and 3 hours after feeding, it is not
      associated with an increase in acid reflux episodes in infants born preterm with
      BPD.

PMID- 22090071
TI  - Commentary on "Expiratory flow increase technique and acid esophageal exposure in
      infants born preterm with bronchopulmonary dysplasia".

PMID- 22090072
TI  - Factors influencing gross motor development in young children in an urban child
      welfare system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether young children involved with child welfare (CW)
      have gross motor (GM) delay; to examine relationships between GM skills and the
      influence of multiple factors on GM skills. METHODS: One hundred seventy-six
      children involved with CW received GM assessment, physical examinations, and
      caseworker interviews. Descriptive statistics, correlations, t tests, analysis of
      variance and covariance, and multiple regression analyses were completed.
      RESULTS: GM scores, lower than population norms, were associated with growth
      parameters. Children in kinship care had significantly higher GM scores compared
      with children in foster care and those with in-home protective services when
      adjusted for differences in time in CW. Abuse/neglect, medical neglect, and
      parental substance abuse produced lower scores; referral for abandonment produced
      higher scores. Age was most strongly related to GM outcome, with multiple
      regression explaining 19% of GM variance. CONCLUSION: Children involved with CW
      have lower mean GM scores than population norms. Several factors specific to CW
      experiences may influence GM outcome.

PMID- 22090073
TI  - Gross motor development in babies with treated idiopathic clubfoot.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of treated clubfoot disorder on gross motor
      skill level measured by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). METHODS: Fifty-two
      babies participated: 26 were treated for idiopathic clubfoot (12 with the Ponseti
      treatment method, 9 with the French physical therapy technique, and 5 with a
      combination of both methods); 26 were babies who were typically developing and
      without medical diagnoses. The AIMS was administered at 3-month intervals.
      RESULTS: No significant differences in AIMS scores were found between the
      clubfoot and control groups at 3 and 6 months, but at 9 and 12 months the
      clubfoot group scored significantly lower. Babies who were typically developing
      were significantly more likely to be walking at 12 months than babies with
      clubfoot. CONCLUSIONS: Treated clubfoot was associated with a mild delay in
      attainment of gross motor skills at 9 and 12 months of age.

PMID- 22090074
TI  - Commentary on "Gross motor development in babies with treated idiopathic
      clubfoot".

PMID- 22090075
TI  - Walking stride rate patterns in children and youth.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe walking activity patterns in youth who are typically
      developing (TD) using a novel analysis of stride data and compare to youth with
      cerebral palsy (CP) and arthrogryposis (AR). METHOD: Stride rate curves were
      developed from 5 days of StepWatch data for 428 youth ages 2 to 16 years who were
      TD. RESULTS: Patterns of stride rates changed with age in the TD group (P = .03
      to < .001). Inactivity varied with age (P < .001); peak stride rate decreased
      with age (P < .001). Curves were stable over a 2-week time frame (P = .38 to
      .95). Youth with CP and AR have lower stride rate patterns (P = .04 to .001).
      CONCLUSION: This is the first documentation of pediatric stride-rate patterns
      within the context of daily life. Including peak stride rates and levels of
      walking activity, this single visual format has potential clinical and research
      applications.

PMID- 22090076
TI  - Commentary on "Walking stride rate patterns in children and youth".

PMID- 22090077
TI  - Predictors of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course outcome measures in children
      with and without developmental disabilities.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine which characteristics of children
      predict measures on the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC). METHODS:
      SWOC testing was performed under 3 conditions: (1) walk, (2) walk with a tray,
      and (3) walk wearing shaded glasses. Trials consisted of standing up, walking the
      course in 1 direction, and sitting down. Children (n = 440) completed 2 trials
      per condition. Trial measures included time, and numbers of steps, stumbles, and
      steps off the path. Relationships were evaluated using Chi-square analyses and
      significant predictors were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses.
      Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine the accuracy of
      disability as a predictor. RESULTS: Age, weight, and disability were the
      strongest predictors (P < .05). Increased age and weight predicted shorter time
      and fewest steps. Disability predicts longer time and most steps. CONCLUSION: The
      SWOC is appropriate to screen children for disabilities in functional ambulation.

PMID- 22090078
TI  - Commentary on "Predictors of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course outcome
      measures in children with and without developmental disabilities".

PMID- 22090079
TI  - Feasibility study: the effect of therapeutic yoga on quality of life in children
      hospitalized with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the effect of therapeutic yoga on child and parental reports
      of quality of life in children hospitalized with oncological diagnoses. METHODS:
      Six children participated in 5 yoga sessions over 2 months. The PedsQL 4.0 was
      administered to each child and participating parent/caregivers at baseline and
      after completion of the yoga intervention. The Wilcoxon nonparametric rank test
      measured individual differences over time. RESULTS: Statistically significant
      differences (P < .05) were found in child perception of gross motor function.
      CONCLUSION: These feasibility study data suggest that therapeutic yoga positively
      affected child perception of gross motor function measured on the PedsQL 4.0.
      Further studies are needed, including a randomized control trial and with a
      larger number of participants, to clarify and confirm the effect of therapeutic
      yoga.

PMID- 22090080
TI  - Commentary on "Feasibility study: effects of therapeutic yoga on quality of life
      in children hospitalized with cancer".

PMID- 22090081
TI  - Pediatric physical therapists' use of support walkers for children with
      disabilities: a nationwide survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated pediatric physical therapists' use of support
      walkers (SWs) for children with disabilities. METHODS: An 8-page survey was
      mailed to 2500 randomly selected members of the Section on Pediatrics of the
      American Physical Therapy Association. Respondents to the survey included 513
      pediatric physical therapists who were users of SWs. Descriptive statistics were
      calculated and themes were analyzed. RESULTS: Several SWs were reported as used
      most often to improve gait, mobility, participation at school, and interaction
      with peers. Use commonly included a month trial before purchase and 9 sessions of
      physical therapy to train a child for use in school. Reasons given for the use of
      SWs were improving impairments, functional limitations, and participation with
      peers. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric physical therapists use SWs to increase postural
      control, mobility, and children's participation in school.

PMID- 22090082
TI  - Commentary on "Pediatric physical therapists' use of support walkers for children
      with disabilities: a nationwide survey".

PMID- 22090083
TI  - Continued ambulation gains through high school in a student with cerebral palsy:
      a case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to describe school-based physical
      therapy services received throughout high school by a student with diplegic
      cerebral palsy and to share her functional gains. KEY POINTS: This previously
      discharged 15-year-old freshman was re-referred due to a perceived walking
      regression using long-leg braces/reverse rolling walker and her desire to again
      try crutches. She subsequently resumed walking, typically 4 days per week at
      school and progressed to axillary crutches on level surfaces and stairs. Gross
      Motor Function Measure scores increased from 66.4% freshman year to 78.8% senior
      year, with the greatest dimension changes in standing (35.9%-69.2%) and walking,
      running, and jumping (8.3%-25.0%). CONCLUSION: School-based physical therapists
      are uniquely positioned to work with students in natural environments to optimize
      activity and participation. This report shows that continued ambulation gains in
      individuals with cerebral palsy are possible throughout adolescence.

PMID- 22090084
TI  - Power mobility and socialization in preschool: follow-up case study of a child
      with cerebral palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our previous study found it feasible for a preschooler with cerebral
      palsy (CP) to use a power mobility device in his classroom but noted a lack of
      typical socialization. The purpose of this follow-up study was to determine the
      feasibility of providing mobility and socialization training for this child.
      METHODS: Will, a 3-year-old with CP, 1 comparison peer, 2 preschool teachers, and
      2 therapists were filmed daily during a training and posttraining phase. Adult
      directed training was provided in the classroom by therapists and teachers during
      the training phase. Mobility and socialization measures were coded from video.
      OUTCOMES: During training, Will demonstrated greater socialization but less
      mobility than the comparison peer. Posttraining, Will socialized less but was
      more mobile, though less mobile than the comparison peer. DISCUSSION: Short-term,
      adult-directed power mobility and socialization training appear feasible for the
      preschool classroom. Important issues regarding socialization and power mobility
      are discussed.

PMID- 22090087
TI  - [Ocular hypertension. What is it actually?].

PMID- 22090088
TI  - [Recommendations for follow-up examinations in patients with ocular
      hypertension].
AB  - Ocular hypertension (OHT) describes a condition with elevated intraocular
      pressure (IOP) above the norm ( > 21 mmHg). By definition the anterior chamber
      angle is open and there are neither signs of glaucomatous optic nerve damage nor
      visual field defects. Thus, for the diagnosis of OHT an extensive baseline
      examination is mandatory in order to rule out pre-existing glaucomatous damage.
      Patients with ocular hypertension are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
      Therefore, periodical routine examinations with a standardized protocol for
      specific follow-up examinations are highly recommended.

PMID- 22090089
TI  - [Orbital exenteration. Algorithm for therapy and rehabilitation].
AB  - Various procedures are available for orbital exenteration, mostly for neoplastic
      disorders, as well as for reconstructive surgery. Within the context of
      postoperative care prosthetic rehabilitation plays an important role. The
      specific form of planned epithetic replacement must already be considered in the
      design of the surgical procedure.

PMID- 22090091
TI  - [The 2011 Julius Springer prize for ophthalmology. Awarded to prof. Dr. Daniel
      Meller and Dr. Mikk Pauklin].

PMID- 22090090
TI  - [Therapy options for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. Photodynamic
      therapy combined with bevacizumab - a case series].
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article reports about the use of a combined photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as a treatment option in nine
      patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A total of nine male patients with chronic CSC were treated with
      standard PDT laser treatment with verteporfin and intravitreal injection of
      bevacizumab administered within 24 h. Before and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after
      treatment the results of visual acuity, fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) examinations were documented. RESULTS: All patients
      showed an improvement in visual acuity of 1-4 ETDRS lines. Mean visual acuity
      increased from baseline 20 / 40 to 20 / 25 after 3 months. FA and OCT findings
      showed a restitution of leakages and subretinal fluid in all cases. After 6-12
      months follow-up 8 patients had ongoing improvement in vision without recurrence
      of CSC. CONCLUSION: The combination of PDT with bevacizumab in this case series
      appears to be an effective and safe therapy combination which is suitable as a
      therapeutic option for patients with chronic CCS without a tendency to recovery.

PMID- 22090092
TI  - [Prophylaxis and therapy of postoperative endophthalmitis. Criticism of the ESCRS
      study and the Early Vitrectomy study].
AB  - Postoperative endophthalmitis often leads to a substantial loss of vision and
      sometimes to loss of the eye. Occasionally this results in legal disputes during
      which medical studies will be consulted for reaching a verdict. Both the European
      Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) study on prophylaxis and the
      Early Vitrectomy study on the therapy of postoperative endophthalmitis suffer
      from substantial deficits in essential areas. These studies cannot therefore be
      utilized as standard operating procedures and guidelines as well as in legal
      disputes.

PMID- 22090093
TI  - [Perioperative visual loss after nonocular surgery].
AB  - Perioperative visual loss (POVL) after nonocular surgery is a rare but unexpected
      event and represents a devastating complication. It is most often associated with
      cardiac, spinal as well as head and neck surgery. The etiology of POVL remains
      incompletely understood. Any portion of the visual system may be involved, from
      the cornea to the occipital lobe. The most common site of permanent injury is,
      however, the optic nerve itself and ischemia is the most often presumed
      mechanism. Multiple factors have been proposed as risk factors for POVL,
      including long duration in the prone position, decreased ocular perfusion
      pressure, excessive blood loss and anemia, hypotension, hypoxia, excessive fluid
      replacement, elevated venous pressure, head positioning and a patient-specific
      vascular susceptibility which may be anatomic or physiologic. However, the risk
      factors for any given patient or procedure may vary. The underlying specific
      pathogenesis of these neuro-ophthalmic complications remains unknown and
      physicians should be alert to the potential for loss of vision in the
      postoperative period. This review updates readers on the incidence, suspected
      risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of POVL in the setting of nonocular
      surgery.

PMID- 22090095
TI  - Recovery of viable cells from rabbit skin biopsies after storage at -20 degrees C
      for up to 10 days.
AB  - Frozen animal tissues are thought to be appropriate for use as a donor for
      somatic cell nuclear transfer. This makes the freezing for long term storage a
      valuable tool for breeders needing to protect an animal population that is
      endangered by sanitary problems or for cryobanking of genetic resources. We
      report the successful cryopreservation of explants of skin derived from small
      biopsies from rabbit ear biopsies by using a protocol that can be easily
      performed by usual breeders, which are not equipped with cooling devices. By
      optimizing the procedure, we show that small biopsies can be kept at -20 degrees
      C in a physiological solution containing 10% DMSO for up to 20 days before being
      deeply frozen in liquid nitrogen for long-term storage. After 10 days of storage
      at -20 degrees C, the rate of viability of biopsies was similar to the control
      one (86 and 82% respectively). After 20 days of storage at -20 degrees C, the
      rate of viability was dramatically lowered (39%), but it still allows to recover
      a significant population of viable cells from the preserved sample. Being
      appropriate to places lacking specific device, such a very simple technique may
      contribute to facilitate genome banking policies dedicated to the management of
      genetic resources in wild and domestic animals.

PMID- 22090096
TI  - Innate sensing of foamy viruses by human hematopoietic cells.
AB  - Foamy viruses (FV) are nonpathogenic retroviruses that have cospeciated with
      primates for millions of years. FV can be transmitted through severe bites from
      monkeys to humans. Viral loads remain generally low in infected humans, and no
      secondary transmission has been reported. Very little is known about the ability
      of FV to trigger an innate immune response in human cells. A few previous reports
      suggested that FV do not induce type I interferon (IFN) in nonhematopoietic
      cells. Here, we examined how human hematopoietic cells sense FV particles and FV
      infected cells. We show that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs),
      plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and the pDC-like cell line Gen2.2 detect FV,
      produce high levels of type I IFN, and express the IFN-stimulated gene MxA. Fewer
      than 20 FV-infected cells are sufficient to trigger an IFN response. Both
      prototypic and primary viruses stimulated IFN release. Donor cells expressing a
      replication-defective virus, carrying a mutated reverse transcriptase, induced
      IFN production by target cells as potently as wild-type virus. In contrast, an FV
      strain with env deleted, which does not produce viral particles, was inactive.
      IFN production was blocked by an inhibitor of endosomal acidification
      (bafilomycin A1) and by an endosomal Toll-like receptor (TLR) antagonist (A151).
      Silencing experiments in Gen2.2 further demonstrated that TLR7 is involved in FV
      recognition. Therefore, FV are potent inducers of type I IFN by pDCs and by
      PBMCs. This previously underestimated activation of the innate immune response
      may be involved in the control of viral replication in humans.

PMID- 22090097
TI  - Transmembrane domain determinants of CD4 Downregulation by HIV-1 Vpu.
AB  - The transmembrane domains (TMDs) of integral membrane proteins do not merely
      function as membrane anchors but play active roles in many important biological
      processes. The downregulation of the CD4 coreceptor by the Vpu protein of HIV-1
      is a prime example of a process that is dependent on specific properties of TMDs.
      Here we report the identification of Trp22 in the Vpu TMD and Gly415 in the CD4
      TMD as critical determinants of Vpu-induced targeting of CD4 to endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD). The two residues participate in
      different aspects of ERAD targeting. Vpu Trp22 is required to prevent assembly of
      Vpu into an inactive, oligomeric form and to promote CD4 polyubiquitination and
      subsequent recruitment of the VCP-UFD1L-NPL4 dislocase complex. In the presence
      of a Vpu Trp22 mutant, CD4 remains integrally associated with the ER membrane,
      suggesting that dislocation from the ER into the cytosol is impaired. CD4 Gly415,
      on the other hand, contributes to CD4-Vpu interactions. We also identify two
      residues, Val20 and Ser23, in the Vpu TMD that mediate retention of Vpu and, by
      extension, CD4 in the ER. These findings highlight the exploitation of several
      TMD-mediated mechanisms by HIV-1 Vpu in order to downregulate CD4 and thus
      promote viral pathogenesis.

PMID- 22090098
TI  - Monoclonal antibody-based antigenic mapping of norovirus GII.4-2002.
AB  - Noroviruses are the primary cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in humans, and
      GII.4 strains cause ~80% of the overall disease burden. Surrogate neutralization
      assays using sera and mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) suggest that antigenic
      variation maintains GII.4 persistence in the face of herd immunity, as the
      emergence of new pandemic strains is accompanied by newly evolved neutralization
      epitopes. To potentially identify specific blockade epitopes that are likely
      neutralizing and evolving between pandemic strains, mice were hyperimmunized with
      GII.4-2002 virus-like particles (VLPs) and the resulting MAbs were characterized
      by biochemical and immunologic assays. All of the MAbs but one recognized GII.4
      VLPs representing strains circulating from 1987 to 2009. One MAb weakly
      recognized GII.4-1987 and -1997 while strongly interacting with 2002 VLPs. This
      antibody was highly selective and effective at blocking only GII.4-2002-ligand
      binding. Using bioinformatic analyses, we predicted an evolving GII.4 surface
      epitope composed of amino acids 407, 412, and 413 and subsequently built mutant
      VLPs to test the impact of the epitope on MAb binding and blockade potential.
      Replacement of the 2002 epitope with the epitopes found in 1987 or 2006 strains
      either reduced or ablated enzyme immunoassay recognition by the GII.4-2002
      specific blockade MAb. These data identify a novel, evolving blockade epitope
      that may be associated with protective immunity, providing further support for
      the hypotheses that GII.4 norovirus evolution results in antigenic variation that
      allows the virus to escape from protective herd immunity, resulting in new
      epidemic strains.

PMID- 22090099
TI  - Dynamics of simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239 infection in pigtail
      macaques.
AB  - Pigtail macaques (PTM) are an excellent model for HIV research; however, the
      dynamics of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVmac239 infection in PTM have
      not been fully evaluated. We studied nine PTM prior to infection, during acute
      and chronic SIVmac239 infections, until progression to AIDS. We found PTM
      manifest clinical AIDS more rapidly than rhesus macaques (RM), as AIDS-defining
      events occurred at an average of 42.17 weeks after infection in PTM compared to
      69.56 weeks in RM (P = 0.0018). However, increased SIV progression was not
      associated with increased viremia, as both peak and set-point plasma viremias
      were similar between PTM and RM (P = 0.7953 and P = 0.1006, respectively).
      Moreover, this increased disease progression was not associated with rapid CD4(+)
      T cell depletion, as CD4(+) T cell decline resembled other SIV/human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) models. Since immune activation is the best
      predictor of disease progression during HIV infection, we analyzed immune
      activation by turnover of T cells by BrdU decay and Ki67 expression. We found
      increased levels of turnover prior to SIV infection of PTM compared to that
      observed with RM, which may contribute to their increased disease progression
      rate. These data evaluate the kinetics of SIVmac239-induced disease progression
      and highlight PTM as a model for HIV infection and the importance of immune
      activation in SIV disease progression.

PMID- 22090100
TI  - Mucosal and peripheral Lin- HLA-DR+ CD11c/123- CD13+ CD14- mononuclear cells are
      preferentially infected during acute simian immunodeficiency virus infection.
AB  - Massive infection of memory CD4 T cells is a hallmark of early simian
      immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, with viral infection peaking at day 10
      postinfection (p.i.), when a majority of memory CD4 T cells in mucosal and
      peripheral tissues are infected. It is not clear if mononuclear cells from the
      monocyte and macrophage lineages are similarly infected during this early phase
      of explosive HIV and SIV infections. Here we show that, at day 10 p.i., Lin(-)
      HLA-DR(+) CD11c/123(-) CD13(+) CD14(-) macrophages in the jejunal mucosa were
      infected, albeit at lower levels than CD4 memory T cells. Interestingly, Lin(-)
      HLA-DR(+) CD11c/123(-) CD13(+) CD14(-) macrophages in peripheral blood, like
      their mucosal counterparts, were preferentially infected compared to Lin(-) HLA
      DR(+) CD11c/123(-) CD13(+) CD14(+) monocytes, suggesting that differentiated
      macrophages were selectively infected by SIV. CD13(+) CD14(-) macrophages
      expressed low levels of CD4 compared to CD4 T cells but expressed similar levels
      of CCR5 as lymphocytes. Interestingly, CD13(+) CD14(-) macrophages expressed
      Apobec3G at lower levels than CD13(+) CD14(+) monocytes, suggesting that
      intracellular restriction may contribute to the differential infection of
      mononuclear subsets. Taken together, our results suggest that CD13(+) CD14(-)
      macrophages in mucosal and peripheral tissues are preferentially infected very
      early during the course of SIV infection.

PMID- 22090101
TI  - Marked endotheliotropism of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1
      following intestinal inoculation in cats.
AB  - Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 can infect mammals via the
      intestine; this is unusual since influenza viruses typically infect mammals via
      the respiratory tract. The dissemination of HPAIV H5N1 following intestinal entry
      and associated pathogenesis are largely unknown. To assess the route of spread of
      HPAIV H5N1 to other organs and to determine its associated pathogenesis, we
      inoculated infected chicken liver homogenate directly into the intestine of cats
      by use of enteric-coated capsules. Intestinal inoculation of HPAIV H5N1 resulted
      in fatal systemic disease. The spread of HPAIV H5N1 from the lumen of the
      intestine to other organs took place via the blood and lymphatic vascular systems
      but not via neuronal transmission. Remarkably, the systemic spread of the virus
      via the vascular system was associated with massive infection of endothelial and
      lymphendothelial cells, resulting in widespread hemorrhages. This is unique for
      influenza in mammals and resembles the pathogenesis of HPAIV infection in
      terrestrial poultry. It contrasts with the pathogenesis of systemic disease from
      the same virus following entry via the respiratory tract, where lesions are
      characterized mainly by necrosis and inflammation and are associated with the
      presence of influenza virus antigen in parenchymal, not endothelial cells. The
      marked endotheliotropism of the virus following intestinal inoculation indicates
      that the pathogenesis of systemic influenza virus infection in mammals may differ
      according to the portal of entry.

PMID- 22090102
TI  - Bromovirus RNA replication compartment formation requires concerted action of
      1a's self-interacting RNA capping and helicase domains.
AB  - All positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes in association with
      rearranged intracellular membranes such as single- or double-membrane vesicles.
      Brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA synthesis occurs in vesicular endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) membrane invaginations, each induced by many copies of viral replication
      protein 1a, which has N-terminal RNA capping and C-terminal helicase domains.
      Although the capping domain is responsible for 1a membrane association and ER
      targeting, neither this domain nor the helicase domain was sufficient to induce
      replication vesicle formation. Moreover, despite their potential for mutual
      interaction, the capping and helicase domains showed no complementation when
      coexpressed in trans. Cross-linking showed that the capping and helicase domains
      each form trimers and larger multimers in vivo, and the capping domain formed
      extended, stacked, hexagonal lattices in vivo. Furthermore, coexpressing the
      capping domain blocked the ability of full-length 1a to form replication vesicles
      and replicate RNA and recruited full-length 1a into mixed hexagonal lattices with
      the capping domain. Thus, BMV replication vesicle formation and RNA replication
      depend on the direct linkage and concerted action of 1a's self-interacting
      capping and helicase domains. In particular, the capping domain's strong dominant
      negative effects showed that the ability of full-length 1a to form replication
      vesicles was highly sensitive to disruption by non-productively titrating lattice
      forming self-interactions of the capping domain. These and other findings shed
      light on the roles and interactions of 1a domains in replication compartment
      formation and support prior results suggesting that 1a induces replication
      vesicles by forming a capsid-like interior shell.

PMID- 22090103
TI  - Hepatitis C virus fails to activate NF-kappaB signaling in plasmacytoid dendritic
      cells.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) respond to viral infection by production of
      alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), proinflammatory cytokines, and cell
      differentiation. The elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in more than 50% of
      chronically infected patients by treatment with IFN-alpha suggests that pDCs can
      play an important role in the control of HCV infection. pDCs exposed to HCV
      infected hepatoma cells, in contrast to cell-free HCV virions, produce large
      amounts of IFN-alpha. To further investigate the molecular mechanism of HCV
      sensing, we studied whether exposure of pDCs to HCV-infected hepatoma cells
      activates, in parallel to interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7)-mediated
      production of IFN-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)-dependent pDC
      responses, such as expression of the differentiation markers CD40, CCR7, CD86,
      and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and
      secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and interleukin 6 (IL-6). We
      demonstrate that exposure of pDCs to HCV-infected hepatoma cells surprisingly did
      not induce phosphorylation of NF-kappaB or cell surface expression of CD40, CCR7,
      CD86, or TRAIL or secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-6. In contrast, CpG-A and CpG-B
      induced production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in pDCs exposed to the HCV-infected
      hepatoma cells, showing that cell-associated virus did not actively inhibit Toll
      like receptor (TLR)-mediated NF-kappaB phosphorylation. Our results suggest that
      cell-associated HCV signals in pDCs via an endocytosis-dependent mechanism and
      IRF7 but not via the NF-kappaB pathway. In spite of IFN-alpha induction, cell
      associated HCV does not induce a full functional response of pDCs. These findings
      contribute to the understanding of evasion of immune responses by HCV.

PMID- 22090104
TI  - Significant association of multiple human cytomegalovirus genomic Loci with
      glioblastoma multiforme samples.
AB  - Viruses are appreciated as etiological agents of certain human tumors, but the
      number of different cancer types induced or exacerbated by viral infections is
      unknown. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)/astrocytoma grade IV is a malignant and
      lethal brain cancer of unknown origin. Over the past decade, several studies have
      searched for the presence of a prominent herpesvirus, human cytomegalovirus
      (HCMV), in GBM samples. While some have detected HCMV DNA, RNA, and proteins in
      GBM tissues, others have not. Therefore, any purported association of HCMV with
      GBM remains controversial. In most of the previous studies, only one or a select
      few viral targets were analyzed. Thus, it remains unclear the extent to which the
      entire viral genome was present when detected. Here we report the results of a
      survey of GBM specimens for as many as 20 different regions of the HCMV genome.
      Our findings indicate that multiple HCMV loci are statistically more likely to be
      found in GBM samples than in other brain tumors or epileptic brain specimens and
      that the viral genome was more often detected in frozen samples than in paraffin
      embedded archival tissue samples. Finally, our experimental results indicate that
      cellular genomes substantially outnumber viral genomes in HCMV-positive GBM
      specimens, likely indicating that only a minority of the cells found in such
      samples harbor viral DNA. These data argue for the association of HCMV with GBM,
      defining the virus as oncoaccessory. Furthermore, they imply that, were HCMV to
      enhance the growth or survival of a tumor (i.e., if it is oncomodulatory), it
      would likely do so through mechanisms distinct from classic tumor viruses that
      express transforming viral oncoproteins in the overwhelming majority of tumor
      cells.

PMID- 22090105
TI  - HLA-B*57 Micropolymorphism shapes HLA allele-specific epitope immunogenicity,
      selection pressure, and HIV immune control.
AB  - The genetic polymorphism that has the greatest impact on immune control of human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is expression of HLA-B*57. Understanding
      of the mechanism for this strong effect remains incomplete. HLA-B*57 alleles and
      the closely related HLA-B*5801 are often grouped together because of their
      similar peptide-binding motifs and HIV disease outcome associations. However, we
      show here that the apparently small differences between HLA-B*57 alleles, termed
      HLA-B*57 micropolymorphisms, have a significant impact on immune control of HIV.
      In a study cohort of >2,000 HIV C-clade-infected subjects from southern Africa,
      HLA-B*5703 is associated with a lower viral-load set point than HLA-B*5702 and
      HLA-B*5801 (medians, 5,980, 15,190, and 19,000 HIV copies/ml plasma; P = 0.24 and
      P = 0.0005). In order to better understand these observed differences in HLA
      B*57/5801-mediated immune control of HIV, we undertook, in a study of >1,000 C
      clade-infected subjects, a comprehensive analysis of the epitopes presented by
      these 3 alleles and of the selection pressure imposed on HIV by each response. In
      contrast to previous studies, we show that each of these three HLA alleles is
      characterized both by unique CD8(+) T-cell specificities and by clear-cut
      differences in selection pressure imposed on the virus by those responses. These
      studies comprehensively define for the first time the CD8(+) T-cell responses and
      immune selection pressures for which these protective alleles are responsible.
      These findings are consistent with HLA class I alleles mediating effective immune
      control of HIV through the number of p24 Gag-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses
      generated that can drive significant selection pressure on the virus.

PMID- 22090106
TI  - Duck Hepatitis A virus possesses a distinct type IV internal ribosome entry site
      element of picornavirus.
AB  - Sequence analysis of duck hepatitis virus type 1 (DHV-1) led to its
      classification as the only member of a new genus, Avihepatovirus, of the family
      Picornaviridae, and so was renamed duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV). The 5'
      untranslated region (5' UTR) plays an important role in translation initiation
      and RNA synthesis of the picornavirus. Here, we provide evidence that the 651
      nucleotide (nt)-long 5' UTR of DHAV genome contains an internal ribosome entry
      site (IRES) element that functions efficiently in vitro and within BHK cells.
      Comparative sequence analysis showed that the 3' part of the DHAV 5' UTR is
      similar to the porcine teschovirus 1 (PTV-1) IRES in sequence and predicted
      secondary structure. Further mutational analyses of the predicted domain IIId,
      domain IIIe, and pseudoknot structure at the 3' end of the DHAV IRES support our
      predicted secondary structure. However, unlike the case for the PTV-1 IRES
      element, analysis of various deletion mutants demonstrated that the optimally
      functional DHAV IRES element with a size of approximately 420 nt is larger than
      that of PTV-1 and contains other peripheral domains (Id and Ie) that do not exist
      within the type IV IRES elements. The domain Ie, however, could be removed
      without significant loss of activity. Surprisingly, like the hepatitis A virus
      (HAV) IRES element, the activity of DHAV IRES could be eliminated by expression
      of enterovirus 2A protease. These findings indicate that the DHAV IRES shares
      common features with type IV picornavirus IRES elements, whereas it exhibits
      significant differences from type IV IRESs. Therefore, we propose that DHAV
      possesses a distinct type IV IRES element of picornavirus.

PMID- 22090107
TI  - Cloning and analysis of sooty mangabey alternative coreceptors that support
      simian immunodeficiency virus SIVsmm entry independently of CCR5.
AB  - Natural host sooty mangabeys (SM) infected with simian immunodeficiency virus
      SIVsmm do not develop AIDS despite high viremia. SM and other natural hosts
      express very low levels of CCR5 on CD4(+) T cells, and we recently showed that
      SIVsmm infection and robust replication occur in vivo in SM genetically lacking
      CCR5, indicating the use of additional entry pathways. SIVsmm uses several
      alternative coreceptors of human origin in vitro, but which molecules of SM
      origin support entry is unknown. We cloned a panel of putative coreceptors from
      SM and tested their ability to mediate infection, in conjunction with smCD4, by
      pseudotypes carrying Envs from multiple SIVsmm subtypes. smCXCR6 supported
      efficient infection by all SIVsmm isolates with entry levels comparable to those
      for smCCR5, and smGPR15 enabled entry by all isolates at modest levels. smGPR1
      and smAPJ supported low and variable entry, whereas smCCR2b, smCCR3, smCCR4,
      smCCR8, and smCXCR4 were not used by most isolates. In contrast, SIVsmm from rare
      infected SM with profound CD4(+) T cell loss, previously reported to have
      expanded use of human coreceptors, including CXCR4, used smCXCR4, smCXCR6, and
      smCCR5 efficiently and also exhibited robust entry through smCCR3, smCCR8,
      smGPR1, smGPR15, and smAPJ. Entry was similar with both known alleles of smCD4.
      These alternative coreceptors, particularly smCXCR6 and smGPR15, may support
      virus replication in SM that have restricted CCR5 expression as well as SM
      genetically lacking CCR5. Defining expression of these molecules on SM CD4(+)
      subsets may delineate distinct natural host target cell populations capable of
      supporting SIVsmm replication without CD4(+) T cell loss.

PMID- 22090108
TI  - The virion-associated open reading frame 49 of murine gammaherpesvirus 68
      promotes viral replication both in vitro and in vivo as a derepressor of RTA.
AB  - Replication and transcription activator (RTA), an immediate-early gene, is a key
      molecular switch to evoke lytic replication of gammaherpesviruses. Open reading
      frame 49 (ORF49) is conserved among gammaherpesviruses and shown to cooperate
      with RTA in regulating virus lytic replication. Here we show a molecular
      mechanism and in vivo functions of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68 or gammaHV
      68) ORF49. MHV-68 ORF49 was transcribed and translated as a late gene. The ORF49
      protein was associated with a virion, interacting with the ORF64 large tegument
      protein and the ORF25 capsid protein. Moreover, ORF49 directly bound to RTA and
      its negative cellular regulator, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), and
      disrupted the interactions of RTA and PARP-1. Productive replication of an ORF49
      deficient mutant virus (49S) was attenuated in vivo as well as in vitro.
      Likewise, latent infection was also impaired in the spleen of 49S-infected mice.
      Taken together, our results suggest that the virion-associated ORF49 protein may
      promote virus replication both in vitro and in vivo by providing an optimal
      environment in the early phase of virus infection as a derepressor of RTA.

PMID- 22090109
TI  - Naturally occurring fragments from two distinct regions of the prostatic acid
      phosphatase form amyloidogenic enhancers of HIV infection.
AB  - Semen is the major vector for HIV-1 transmission. We previously isolated C
      proximal fragments of the prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) from semen which
      formed amyloid fibrils that potently enhanced HIV infection. Here, we used the
      same methodology and identified another amyloidogenic peptide. Surprisingly, this
      peptide is derived from an N-proximal fragment of PAP (PAP85-120) and forms,
      similar to the C-proximal fragments, positively charged fibrillar structures that
      increase virion attachment to cells. Our results provide a first example for
      amyloid formation by fragments of distinct regions of the same precursor and
      further emphasize the possible importance of amyloidogenic peptides in HIV
      transmission.

PMID- 22090110
TI  - Genetic mapping of a highly variable norovirus GII.4 blockade epitope: potential
      role in escape from human herd immunity.
AB  - Noroviruses account for 96% of viral gastroenteritis cases worldwide, with GII.4
      strains responsible >80% of norovirus outbreaks. Histo-blood group antigens
      (HBGAs) are norovirus binding ligands, and antigenic and preferential HBGA
      binding profiles vary over time as new GII.4 strains emerge. The capsid P2
      subdomain facilitates HBGA binding, contains neutralizing antibody epitopes, and
      likely evolves in response to herd immunity. To identify amino acids regulating
      HBGA binding and antigenic differences over time, we created chimeric virus-like
      particles (VLPs) between the GII.4-1987 and GII.4-2006 strains by exchanging
      amino acids in putative epitopes and characterized their antigenic and HBGA
      binding profiles using anti-GII.4-1987 and -2006 mouse monoclonal antibodies
      (MAbs) and polyclonal sera, 1988 outbreak human sera, and synthetic HBGAs. The
      exchange of amino acids 393 to 395 between GII.4-1987 and GII.4-2006 resulted in
      altered synthetic HBGA binding compared to parental strains. Introduction of
      GII.4-1987 residues 294, 297 to 298, 368, and 372 (epitope A) into GII.4-2006
      resulted in reactivity with three anti-GII.4-1987 MAbs and reduced reactivity
      with four anti-GII.4-2006 MAbs. The three anti-GII.4-1987 MAbs also blocked
      chimeric VLP-HBGA interaction, while an anti-GII.4-2006 blocking antibody did
      not, indicating that epitope A amino acids comprise a potential neutralizing
      epitope for GII.4-1987 and GII.4-2006. We also tested GII.4-1987-immunized mouse
      polyclonal sera and 1988 outbreak human sera for the ability to block chimeric
      VLP-HBGA interaction and found that epitope A amino acids contribute
      significantly to the GII.4-1987 blockade response. Our data provide insights that
      help explain the emergence of new GII.4 epidemic strains over time, may aid
      development of norovirus therapeutics, and may help predict the emergence of
      future epidemic strains.

PMID- 22090111
TI  - Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus latency-associated nuclear antigen
      induction by hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors.
AB  - Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) play an important role in the
      Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) life cycle. In particular, hypoxia
      can activate lytic replication of KSHV and specific lytic genes, including the
      replication and transcription activator (RTA), while KSHV infection in turn can
      increase the levels and activity of HIFs. In the present study, we show that
      hypoxia increases the levels of mRNAs encoding KSHV latency-associated nuclear
      antigen (LANA) in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell lines and also increases
      the levels of LANA protein. Luciferase reporter assays in Hep3B cells revealed a
      moderate activation of the LANA promoter region by hypoxia as well as by
      cotransfection with degradation-resistant HIF-1alpha or HIF-2alpha expression
      plasmids. Computer analysis of a 1.2-kb sequence upstream of the LANA
      translational start site identified six potential hypoxia-responsive elements
      (HRE). Sequential deletion studies revealed that much of this activity was
      mediated by one of these HREs (HRE 4R) oriented in the 3' to 5' direction and
      located between the constitutive (LTc) and RTA-inducible (LTi) mRNA start sites.
      Site-directed mutation of this HRE substantially reduced the response to both HIF
      1alpha and HIF-2alpha in a luciferase reporter assay. Electrophoretic mobility
      shift assays (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated
      binding of both HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha to this region. Also, HIF-1alpha was
      found to associate with RTA, and HIFs enhanced the activation of LTi by RTA.
      These results provide evidence that hypoxia and HIFs upregulate both latent and
      lytic KSHV replication and play a central role in the life cycle of this virus.

PMID- 22090112
TI  - Varicella-zoster virus inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway during infection of
      human dendritic cells: role for open reading frame 61 as a modulator of NF-kappaB
      activity.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DC) are antigen-presenting cells essential for initiating
      primary immune responses and therefore an ideal target for viral immune evasion.
      Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can productively infect immature human DCs and
      impair their function as immune effectors by inhibiting their maturation, as
      evidenced by the expression modulation of functionally important cell surface
      immune molecules CD80, CD86, CD83, and major histocompatibility complex I. The NF
      kappaB pathway largely regulates the expression of these immune molecules, and
      therefore we sought to determine whether VZV infection of DCs modulates the NF
      kappaB pathway. Nuclear localization of NF-kappaB p50 and p65 indicates pathway
      activation; however, immunofluorescence studies revealed cytoplasmic retention of
      these NF-kappaB subunits in VZV-infected DCs. Western blotting revealed
      phosphorylation of the inhibitor of kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) in VZV-infected
      DCs, indicating that the pathway is active at this point. We conclude that VZV
      infection of DC inhibits the NF-kappaB pathway following protein phosphorylation
      but before the translocation of NF-kappaB subunits into the nucleus. An NF-kappaB
      reporter assay identified VZV open reading frame 61 (ORF61) as an inhibitor of
      tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced NF-kappaB reporter activity. Mutational
      analysis of ORF61 identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase domain as a region required
      for NF-kappaB pathway inhibition. In summary, we provide evidence that VZV
      inhibits the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in human DCs and that the E3 ubiquitin
      ligase domain of ORF61 is required to modulate this pathway. Thus, this work
      identifies a mechanism by which VZV modulates host immune function.

PMID- 22090113
TI  - The cellular chaperone hsc70 is specifically recruited to reovirus viral
      factories independently of its chaperone function.
AB  - Mammalian orthoreoviruses replicate and assemble in the cytosol of infected
      cells. A viral nonstructural protein, MUNS, forms large inclusion-like structures
      called viral factories (VFs) in which assembling viral particles can be
      identified. Here we examined the localization of the cellular chaperone Hsc70 and
      found that it colocalizes with VFs in infected cells and also with viral factory
      like structures (VFLs) formed by ectopically expressed MUNS. Small interfering
      RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Hsc70 did not affect the formation or
      maintenance of VFLs. We further showed that dominant negative mutants of Hsc70
      were also recruited to VFLs, indicating that Hsc70 recruitment to VFLs is
      independent of the chaperone function. In support of this finding, MUNS was
      immunoprecipitated with wild-type Hsc70, with a dominant negative mutant of
      Hsc70, and with the minimal substrate-binding site of Hsc70 (amino acids 395 to
      540). We identified a minimal region of MUNS between amino acids 222 and 271 that
      was sufficient for the interaction with Hsc70. This region of MUNS has not been
      assigned any function previously. However, neither point mutants with alterations
      in this region nor the complete deletion of this domain abrogated the MUNS-Hsc70
      interaction, indicating that a second portion of MUNS also interacts with Hsc70.
      Taken together, these findings suggest a specific chaperone function for Hsc70
      within viral factories, the sites of reovirus replication and assembly in cells.

PMID- 22090114
TI  - Migration of Norway rats resulted in the worldwide distribution of Seoul
      hantavirus today.
AB  - Despite the worldwide distribution, most of the known Seoul viruses (SEOV) are
      closely related to each other. In this study, the M and the S segment sequences
      of SEOV were recovered from 130 lung tissue samples (mostly of Norway rats) and
      from six patient serum samples by reverse transcription-PCR. Genetic analysis
      revealed that all sequences belong to SEOV and represent 136 novel strains.
      Phylogenetic analysis of all available M and S segment sequences of SEOV,
      including 136 novel Chinese strains, revealed four distinct groups. All non
      Chinese SEOV strains and most of the Chinese variants fell into the phylogroup A,
      while the Chinese strains originating from mountainous areas clustered into three
      other distinct groups (B, C, and D). We estimated that phylogroup A viruses may
      have arisen only within the last several centuries. All non-Chinese variants
      appeared to be directly originated from China. Thus, phylogroup A viruses
      distributed worldwide may share a recent ancestor, whereas SEOV seems to be as
      diversified genetically as other hantaviruses. In addition, all available
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of Norway rats, including our 44 newly
      recovered mtDNA sequences, were divided into two phylogenetic groups. The first
      group, which is associated with the group A SEOV variants, included most of rats
      from China and also all non-Chinese rats, while the second group consisted of a
      few rats originating only from mountain areas in China. We hypothesize that an
      ancestor of phylogroup A SEOV variants was first exported from China to Europe
      and then spread through the New World following the migration of Norway rats.

PMID- 22090115
TI  - Adaptation of a duck influenza A virus in quail.
AB  - Quail are thought to serve as intermediate hosts of influenza A viruses between
      aquatic birds and terrestrial birds, such as chickens, due to their high
      susceptibility to aquatic-bird viruses, which then adapt to replicate efficiently
      in their new hosts. However, does replication of aquatic-bird influenza viruses
      in quail similarly result in their efficient replication in humans? Using sialic
      acid-galactose linkage-specific lectins, we found both avian (sialic acid-alpha2
      3-galactose [Siaalpha2-3Gal] linkages on sialyloligosaccharides)--and human
      (Siaalpha2-6Gal)-type receptors on the tracheal cells of quail, consistent with
      previous reports. We also passaged a duck H3N2 virus in quail 19 times. Sequence
      analysis revealed that eight mutations accumulated in hemagglutinin (HA) during
      these passages. Interestingly, many of the altered HA amino acids found in the
      adapted virus are present in human seasonal viruses, but not in duck viruses. We
      also found that stepwise stalk deletion of neuraminidase occurred during
      passages, resulting in reduced neuraminidase function. Despite some hemagglutinin
      mutations near the receptor binding pocket, appreciable changes in receptor
      specificity were not detected. However, reverse-genetics-generated viruses that
      possessed the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the quail-passaged virus
      replicated significantly better than the virus possessing the parent HA and
      neuraminidase in normal human bronchial epithelial cells, whereas no significant
      difference in replication between the two viruses was observed in duck cells.
      Further, the quail-passaged but not the original duck virus replicated in human
      bronchial epithelial cells. These data indicate that quail can serve as
      intermediate hosts for aquatic-bird influenza viruses to be transmitted to
      humans.

PMID- 22090116
TI  - Lack of association between HLA class II alleles and in vitro replication
      capacities of recombinant viruses encoding HIV-1 subtype C Gag-protease from
      chronically infected individuals.
AB  - It is unknown whether favorable HLA class II alleles may attenuate HIV-1 through
      selection pressure in a manner similar to that of protective HLA class I alleles.
      We investigated the relationship between HLA class II alleles and in vitro
      replication capacities of recombinant viruses encoding HIV-1 subtype C Gag
      protease from chronically infected individuals. No associations were found
      between individual alleles and lower replication capacity, suggesting no
      significant HIV-1 attenuation by HLA class II-restricted Gag-specific CD4(+) T
      cell immune pressure.

PMID- 22090117
TI  - HIV-1 clinical isolates resistant to CCR5 antagonists exhibit delayed entry
      kinetics that are corrected in the presence of drug.
AB  - HIV CCR5 antagonists select for env gene mutations that enable virus entry via
      drug-bound coreceptor. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for viral
      adaptation to drug-bound coreceptor-mediated entry, we studied viral isolates
      from three participants who developed CCR5 antagonist resistance during treatment
      with vicriviroc (VCV), an investigational small-molecule CCR5 antagonist. VCV
      sensitive and -resistant viruses were isolated from one HIV subtype C- and two
      subtype B-infected participants; VCV-resistant isolates had mutations in the V3
      loop of gp120 and were cross-resistant to TAK-779, an investigational antagonist,
      and maraviroc (MVC). All three resistant isolates contained a 306P mutation but
      had variable mutations elsewhere in the V3 stem. We used a virus-cell beta
      lactamase (BlaM) fusion assay to determine the entry kinetics of recombinant
      viruses that incorporated full-length VCV-sensitive and -resistant envelopes. VCV
      resistant isolates exhibited delayed entry rates in the absence of drug, relative
      to pretherapy VCV-sensitive isolates. The addition of drug corrected these
      delays. These findings were generalizable across target cell types with a range
      of CD4 and CCR5 surface densities and were observed when either population
      derived or clonal envelopes were used to construct recombinant viruses. V3 loop
      mutations alone were sufficient to restore virus entry in the presence of drug,
      and the accumulation of V3 mutations during VCV therapy led to progressively
      higher rates of viral entry. We propose that the restoration of pre-CCR5
      antagonist therapy HIV entry kinetics drives the selection of V3 loop mutations
      and may represent a common mechanism that underlies the emergence of CCR5
      antagonist resistance.

PMID- 22090118
TI  - Cooperation between viral interferon regulatory factor 4 and RTA to activate a
      subset of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus lytic promoters.
AB  - The four Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-encoded interferon (IFN)
      regulatory factor homologues (vIRF1 to vIRF4) are used to counter innate immune
      defenses and suppress p53. The vIRF genes are arranged in tandem but differ in
      function and expression. In KSHV-infected effusion lymphoma lines, K10.5/vIRF3
      and K11/vIRF2 mRNAs are readily detected during latency, whereas K9/vIRF1 and
      K10/vIRF4 mRNAs are upregulated during reactivation. Here we show that the
      K10/vIRF4 promoter responds to the lytic switch protein RTA in KSHV-infected
      cells but is essentially unresponsive in uninfected cells. Coexpression of RTA
      with vIRF4 is sufficient to restore regulation, a property not shared by other
      vIRFs. The K9/vIRF1 promoter behaves similarly, and production of infectious
      virus is enhanced by the presence of vIRF4. Synergy requires the DNA-binding
      domain (DBD) and C-terminal IRF homology regions of vIRF4. Mutations of arginine
      residues within the putative DNA recognition helix of vIRF4 or the invariant
      cysteines of the adjacent CxxC motif abolish cooperation with RTA, in the latter
      case by preventing self-association. The oligomerization and transactivation
      functions of RTA are also essential for synergy. The K10/vIRF4 promoter contains
      two transcription start sites (TSSs), and a 105-bp fragment containing the
      proximal promoter is responsive to vIRF4/RTA. Binding of a cellular factor(s) to
      this fragment is altered when both viral proteins are present, suggesting a
      possible mechanism for transcriptional synergy. Reliance on coregulators encoded
      by either the host or viral genome provides an elegant strategy for expanding the
      regulatory potential of a master regulator, such as RTA.

PMID- 22090119
TI  - High-resolution analysis of intrahost genetic diversity in dengue virus serotype
      1 infection identifies mixed infections.
AB  - Little is known about the rate at which genetic variation is generated within
      intrahost populations of dengue virus (DENV) and what implications this diversity
      has for dengue pathogenesis, disease severity, and host immunity. Previous
      studies of intrahost DENV variation have used a low frequency of sampling and/or
      experimental methods that do not fully account for errors generated through
      amplification and sequencing of viral RNAs. We investigated the extent and
      pattern of genetic diversity in sequence data in domain III (DIII) of the
      envelope (E) gene in serial plasma samples (n = 49) taken from 17 patients
      infected with DENV type 1 (DENV-1), totaling some 8,458 clones. Statistically
      rigorous approaches were employed to account for artifactual variants resulting
      from amplification and sequencing, which we suggest have played a major role in
      previous studies of intrahost genetic variation. Accordingly, nucleotide sequence
      diversities of viral populations were very low, with conservative estimates of
      the average levels of genetic diversity ranging from 0 to 0.0013. Despite such
      sequence conservation, we observed clear evidence for mixed infection, with the
      presence of multiple phylogenetically distinct lineages present within the same
      host, while the presence of stop codon mutations in some samples suggests the
      action of complementation. In contrast to some previous studies we observed no
      relationship between the extent and pattern of DENV-1 genetic diversity and
      disease severity, immune status, or level of viremia.

PMID- 22090121
TI  - Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 escaping neutralization:
      more than HA variation.
AB  - Influenza A viruses are one of the major threats in modern health care. Novel
      viruses arise due to antigenic drift and antigenic shift, leading to escape from
      the immune system and resulting in a serious problem for disease control. In
      order to investigate the escape process and to enable predictions of escape, we
      serially passaged influenza A H5N1 virus in vitro 100 times under immune
      pressure. The generated escape viruses were characterized phenotypically and in
      detail by full-genome deep sequencing. Mutations already found in natural
      isolates were detected, evidencing the in vivo relevance of the in vitro-induced
      amino acid substitutions. Additionally, several novel alterations were triggered.
      Altogether, the results imply that our in vitro system is suitable to study
      influenza A virus evolution and that it might even be possible to predict
      antigenic changes of influenza A viruses circulating in vaccinated populations.

PMID- 22090120
TI  - In vitro assembly of virus-like particles of a gammaretrovirus, the murine
      leukemia virus XMRV.
AB  - Immature retroviral particles are assembled by self-association of the structural
      polyprotein precursor Gag. During maturation the Gag polyprotein is
      proteolytically cleaved, yielding mature structural proteins, matrix (MA), capsid
      (CA), and nucleocapsid (NC), that reassemble into a mature viral particle.
      Proteolytic cleavage causes the N terminus of CA to fold back to form a beta
      hairpin, anchored by an internal salt bridge between the N-terminal proline and
      the inner aspartate. Using an in vitro assembly system of capsid-nucleocapsid
      protein (CANC), we studied the formation of virus-like particles (VLP) of a
      gammaretrovirus, the xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus (XMRV).
      We show here that, unlike other retroviruses, XMRV CA and CANC do not assemble
      tubular particles characteristic of mature assembly. The prevention of beta
      hairpin formation by the deletion of either the N-terminal proline or 10 initial
      amino acids enabled the assembly of DeltaProCANC or Delta10CANC into immature
      like spherical particles. Detailed three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis of
      these particles revealed that below a disordered N-terminal CA layer, the C
      terminus of CA assembles a typical immature lattice, which is linked by rod-like
      densities with the RNP.

PMID- 22090122
TI  - Transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and
      nonstructural proteins 2, 3, and 8 are incorporated into viral particles.
AB  - Coronavirus replication and transcription are processes mediated by a protein
      complex, with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) as a main component.
      Proteomic analysis of highly purified transmissible gastroenteritis virus showed
      the RdRp to be a component of the viral particles. This finding was confirmed by
      Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoelectron microscopy analyses.
      Interestingly, the replicase nonstructural proteins 2, 3, and 8 colocalized with
      the RdRp in the viral factories and were also incorporated into the virions.

PMID- 22090123
TI  - Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 is critical for protection against
      Theiler's virus-induced demyelinating disease.
AB  - Infection of dendritic and glial cells with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis
      virus (TMEV) induces various cytokines via Toll-like receptor- and melanoma
      differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-dependent pathways. However, the
      involvement and role of MDA5 in cytokine gene activation and the pathogenesis of
      TMEV-induced demyelinating disease are largely unknown. In this study, we
      demonstrate that MDA5 plays a critical role in the production of TMEV-induced
      alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) during early viral infection and in protection
      against the development of virus-induced demyelinating disease. Our results
      indicate that MDA5-deficient 129SvJ mice display significantly higher viral loads
      and apparent demyelinating lesions in the central nerve system (CNS) accompanied
      by clinical symptoms compared with wild-type 129SvJ mice. During acute viral
      infection, MDA5-deficient mice produced elevated levels of chemokines, consistent
      with increased cellular infiltration, but reduced levels of IFN-alpha, known to
      control T cell responses and cellular infiltration. Additional studies with
      isolated CNS glial cells from these mice suggest that cells from MDA5-deficient
      mice are severely compromised in the production of IFN-alpha upon viral
      infection, which results in increased cellular infiltration and viral loads in
      the CNS. Despite inadequate stimulation, the overall T cell responses to the
      viral determinants were significantly elevated in MDA5-deficient mice, reflecting
      the increased cellular infiltration. Therefore, the lack of MDA5-mediated IFN
      alpha production may facilitate a massive viral load and elevated cellular
      infiltration in the CNS during early viral infection, leading to the pathogenesis
      of demyelinating disease.

PMID- 22090125
TI  - A role for the internal repeat of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus
      latent nuclear antigen in the persistence of an episomal viral genome.
AB  - The latent nuclear antigen (LANA) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus
      (KSHV) is required for the replication and partitioning of latent viral genomes.
      It contains an extended internal repeat (IR) region whose function is only
      incompletely understood. We constructed KSHV genomes lacking either LANA (KSHV
      DeltaLANA) or the IR region of LANA (KSHV-LANADelta329-931). Although still
      capable of replicating a plasmid containing a latent origin of replication,
      LANADelta329-931 does not support the establishment of stable cell lines
      containing a KSHV genome. These findings suggest a role for the LANA IR in KSHV
      episomal maintenance without its being required for replication.

PMID- 22090124
TI  - Respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein G interacts with DC-SIGN and L-SIGN to
      activate ERK1 and ERK2.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) interaction with epithelial and dendritic cells
      (DCs) is known to require divalent cations, suggesting involvement of C-type
      lectins. RSV infection and maturation of primary human DCs are reduced in a dose
      dependent manner by EDTA. Therefore, we asked whether RSV infection involves DC
      SIGN (CD209) or its isoform L-SIGN (CD299) (DC-SIGN/R). Using surface plasmon
      resonance analysis, we demonstrated that the attachment G glycoprotein of RSV
      binds both DC- and L-SIGN. However, neutralization of DC- and L-SIGN on primary
      human DCs did not inhibit RSV infection, demonstrating that interactions between
      RSV G and DC- or L-SIGN are not required for productive infection. Thus, neither
      DC- nor L-SIGN represents a functional receptor for RSV. However, inhibition of
      these interactions increased DC activation, as evidenced by significantly higher
      levels of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), MIP-1alpha, and MIP-1beta in plasmacytoid
      DCs (pDCs) exposed to RSV after neutralization of DC-and L-SIGN. To understand
      the molecular interactions involved, intracellular signaling events triggered by
      purified RSV G glycoprotein were examined in DC- and L-SIGN-transfected 3T3
      cells. RSV G interaction with DC- or L-SIGN was shown to stimulate ERK1 and ERK2
      phosphorylation, with statistically significant increases relative to mock
      infected cells. Neutralization of DC- and L-SIGN reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
      With increased DC activation following DC- and L-SIGN neutralization and RSV
      exposure, these data demonstrate that the signaling events mediated by RSV G
      interactions with DC/L-SIGN are immunomodulatory and diminish DC activation,
      which may limit induction of RSV-specific immunity.

PMID- 22090126
TI  - Essential C-terminal region of the baculovirus minor capsid protein VP80 binds
      DNA.
AB  - The essential Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV)
      minor capsid protein VP80 has been recently shown to interact with the virus
      triggered, nuclear F-actin cytoskeleton. A role for VP80 in virus morphogenesis
      has been proposed in the maturation of progeny nucleocapsids and in their egress
      from the virogenic stroma toward the nuclear periphery by a mechanism, which also
      includes F-actin filaments. We performed functional mapping of VP80 demonstrating
      that its highly conserved C-terminal region plays a crucial role in virion
      morphogenesis. Protein database mining identified a putative basic helix-loop
      helix (bHLH) domain, a DNA-binding module typical for eukaryotic transcription
      factors, in the essential C-terminal region of VP80. Using a molecular modeling
      approach, we predicted the three-dimensional structure of this domain, revealing
      some unique properties. Biochemical assays proved that VP80 can form homodimers,
      a critical prerequisite of DNA-binding bHLH proteins. The ability of VP80 to bind
      DNA was subsequently confirmed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We
      further show that AcMNPV DNA replication occurs in the absence of VP80.
      Immunolabeling of VP80 in baculovirus-infected cells rather points toward its
      involvement in nucleocapsid maturation. The competence of VP80 to interact with
      both F-actin and DNA provides novel insight into baculovirus morphogenesis.

PMID- 22090127
TI  - Reassortment and mutation of the avian influenza virus polymerase PA subunit
      overcome species barriers.
AB  - The emergence of new pandemic influenza A viruses requires overcoming barriers to
      cross-species transmission as viruses move from animal reservoirs into humans.
      This complicated process is driven by both individual gene mutations and genome
      reassortments. The viral polymerase complex, composed of the proteins PB1, PB2,
      and PA, is a major factor controlling host adaptation, and reassortment events
      involving polymerase gene segments occurred with past pandemic viruses. Here we
      investigate the ability of polymerase reassortment to restore the activity of an
      avian influenza virus polymerase that is normally impaired in human cells. Our
      data show that the substitution of human-origin PA subunits into an avian
      influenza virus polymerase alleviates restriction in human cells and increases
      polymerase activity in vitro. Reassortants with 2009 pandemic H1N1 PA proteins
      were the most active. Mutational analyses demonstrated that the majority of the
      enhancing activity in human PA results from a threonine-to-serine change at
      residue 552. Reassortant viruses with avian polymerases and human PA subunits, or
      simply the T552S mutation, displayed faster replication kinetics in culture and
      increased pathogenicity in mice compared to those containing a wholly avian
      polymerase complex. Thus, the acquisition of a human PA subunit, or the signature
      T552S mutation, is a potential mechanism to overcome the species-specific
      restriction of avian polymerases and increase virus replication. Our data suggest
      that the human, avian, swine, and 2009 H1N1-like viruses that are currently
      cocirculating in pig populations set the stage for PA reassortments with the
      potential to generate novel viruses that could possess expanded tropism and
      enhanced pathogenicity.

PMID- 22090128
TI  - Identification of new viral genes and transcript isoforms during Epstein-Barr
      virus reactivation using RNA-Seq.
AB  - Using an enhanced RNA-Seq pipeline to analyze Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      transcriptomes, we investigated viral and cellular gene expression in the Akata
      cell line following B-cell-receptor-mediated reactivation. Robust induction of
      EBV gene expression was observed, with most viral genes induced >200-fold and
      with EBV transcripts accounting for 7% of all mapped reads within the cell. After
      induction, hundreds of candidate splicing events were detected using the junction
      mapper TopHat, including a novel nonproductive splicing event at the gp350/gp220
      locus and several alternative splicing events at the LMP2 locus. A more detailed
      analysis of lytic LMP2 transcripts showed an overall lack of the prototypical
      type III latency splicing events. Analysis of nuclear versus cytoplasmic RNA-Seq
      data showed that the lytic forms of LMP2, EBNA-2, EBNA-LP, and EBNA-3A, -3B, and 
      3C have higher nuclear-to-cytoplasmic accumulation ratios than most lytic genes,
      including classic late genes. These data raise the possibility that at least some
      lytic transcripts derived from these latency gene loci may have unique, noncoding
      nuclear functions during reactivation. Our analysis also identified two
      previously unknown genes, BCLT1 and BCRT2, that map to the BamHI C-region of the
      EBV genome. Pathway analysis of cellular gene expression changes following B-cell
      receptor activation identified an inflammatory response as the top predicted
      function and ILK and TREM1 as the top predicted canonical pathways.

PMID- 22090129
TI  - Enhanced growth of influenza vaccine seed viruses in vero cells mediated by
      broadening the optimal pH range for virus membrane fusion.
AB  - Vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures to combat influenza.
      Prospectively, cell culture-based influenza vaccines play an important role for
      robust vaccine production in both normal settings and urgent situations, such as
      during the 2009 pandemic. African green monkey Vero cells are recommended by the
      World Health Organization as a safe substrate for influenza vaccine production
      for human use. However, the growth of influenza vaccine seed viruses is
      occasionally suboptimal in Vero cells, which places limitations on their
      usefulness for enhanced vaccine production. Here, we present a strategy for the
      development of vaccine seed viruses with enhanced growth in Vero cells by
      changing an amino acid residue in the stem region of the HA2 subunit of the
      hemagglutinin (HA) molecule. This mutation optimized the pH for HA-mediated
      membrane fusion in Vero cells and enhanced virus growth 100 to 1,000 times in the
      cell line, providing a promising strategy for cell culture-based influenza
      vaccines.

PMID- 22090130
TI  - Genetic informational RNA is not required for recombinant prion infectivity.
AB  - Whether a genetic informational nucleic acid is required for the infectivity of
      transmissible spongiform encephalopathies is central to the debate about the
      infectious agent. Here we report that an infectious prion formed with bacterially
      expressed recombinant prion protein plus synthetic polyriboadenylic acid and
      synthetic phospholipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylglycerol is competent to
      infect cultured cells and cause prion disease in wild-type mice. Our results show
      that genetic informational RNA is not required for recombinant prion infectivity.

PMID- 22090131
TI  - An overview of the vaccinia virus infectome: a survey of the proteins of the
      poxvirus-infected cell.
AB  - We have quantitatively profiled the proteins of vaccinia virus-infected HEK293T
      cells early and late during vaccinia virus infection. Proteins corresponding to
      4,326 accessions were identified, the products of 3,798 genes. One hundred thirty
      six of the proteins were vaccinia virus-encoded (~64% of the known vaccinia virus
      proteome). The remaining accessions were from the host cell. A total of 3,403 of
      the 4,326 accessions could be confidently quantitated at the precursor peptide
      level. Although vaccinia virus gene products spanned the entire abundance dynamic
      range of the cellular proteome, nearly all of the proteome dynamics observed as a
      result of infection were manifest in the virus gene products with very little
      plasticity in the host cell proteome. The vaccinia virus gene products could be
      grouped into four kinetic classes (i.e., four combinations of pre- and
      postreplicative expression). These protein kinetic classes reflected, almost
      entirely, the corresponding gene classes within the recently characterized
      vaccinia virus transcriptome map. The few cellular gene products that showed
      notable changes in abundance upon vaccinia virus infection were concentrated
      largely in just a few functional groups. After all of the quantitated cellular
      gene products were assigned to Gene Ontology (GO)-specific groups, quantitation
      values for a number of these GO-specific groups were significantly skewed toward
      over- or underabundance with respect to the global distribution of quantitation
      values. Quantitative analysis of host cell functions reflected several known
      facets of virus infection, along with some novel observations.

PMID- 22090132
TI  - GRB2 interaction with the ecotropic murine leukemia virus receptor, mCAT-1,
      controls virus entry and is stimulated by virus binding.
AB  - For retroviruses such as HIV-1 and murine leukemia virus (MLV), active receptor
      recruitment and trafficking occur during viral entry. However, the underlying
      mechanisms and cellular factors involved in the process are largely
      uncharacterized. The viral receptor for ecotropic MLV (eMLV), a classical model
      for retrovirus infection mechanisms and pathogenesis, is mouse cationic amino
      acid transporter 1 (mCAT-1). Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2) is an
      adaptor protein that has been shown to couple cell surface receptors, such as
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor, to
      intracellular signaling events. Here we examined if GRB2 could also play a role
      in controlling infection by retroviruses by affecting receptor function. The GRB2
      RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated suppression of endogenous GRB2 resulted in a
      consistent and significant reduction of virus binding and membrane fusion. The
      binding between eMLV and cells promoted increased GRB2-mCAT-1 interactions, as
      detected by immunoprecipitation. Consistently, the increased colocalization of
      GRB2 and mCAT-1 signals was detected by confocal microscopy. This association was
      time dependent and paralleled the kinetics of cell-virus membrane fusion.
      Interestingly, unlike the canonical binding pattern seen for GRB2 and growth
      factor receptors, GRB2-mCAT-1 binding does not depend on the GRB2-SH2 domain
      mediated recognition of tyrosine phosphorylation on the receptor. The inhibition
      of endogenous GRB2 led to a reduction in surface levels of mCAT-1, which was
      detected by immunoprecipitation and by a direct binding assay using a recombinant
      MLV envelope protein receptor binding domain (RBD). Consistent with this
      observation, the expression of a dominant negative GRB2 mutant (R86K) resulted in
      the sequestration of mCAT-1 from the cell surface into intracellular vesicles.
      Taken together, these findings suggest a novel role for GRB2 in ecotropic MLV
      entry and infection by facilitating mCAT-1 trafficking.

PMID- 22090133
TI  - The highly conserved arginine residues at positions 76 through 78 of influenza A
      virus matrix protein M1 play an important role in viral replication by affecting
      the intracellular localization of M1.
AB  - Influenza A virus matrix protein (M1) plays an important role in virus assembly
      and budding. Besides a well-characterized basic amino acid-rich nuclear
      localization signal region at positions 101 to 105, M1 contains another basic
      amino acid stretch at positions 76-78 that is highly conserved among influenza A
      and B viruses, suggesting the importance of this stretch. To understand the role
      of these residues in virus replication, we mutated them to either lysine (K),
      alanine (A), or aspartic acid (D). We could generate viruses possessing either
      single or combination substitutions with K or single substitution with A at any
      of these positions, but not those with double substitutions with A or a single
      substitution with D. Viruses with the single substitution with A exhibited slower
      growth and had lower nucleoprotein/M1 quantitative ratio in virions compared to
      the wild-type virus. In cells infected with a virus possessing the single
      substitution with A at position 77 or 78 (R77A or R78A, respectively), the
      mutated M1 localized in patches at the cell periphery where nucleoprotein and
      hemagglutinin colocalized more often than the wild-type did. Transmission
      electron microscopy showed that virus possessing M1 R77A or R78A, but not the
      wild-type virus, was present in vesicular structures, indicating a defect in
      virus assembly and/or budding. The M1 mutations that did not support virus
      generation exhibited an aberrant M1 intracellular localization and affected
      protein incorporation into virus-like particles. These results indicate that the
      basic amino acid stretch of M1 plays a critical role in influenza virus
      replication.

PMID- 22090134
TI  - Xpr1 is an atypical G-protein-coupled receptor that mediates xenotropic and
      polytropic murine retrovirus neurotoxicity.
AB  - Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was first identified in
      human prostate cancer tissue and was later found in a high percentage of humans
      with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). While exploring potential disease
      mechanisms, we found that XMRV infection induced apoptosis in SY5Y human
      neuroblastoma cells, suggesting a mechanism for the neuromuscular pathology seen
      in CFS. Several lines of evidence show that the cell entry receptor for XMRV,
      Xpr1, mediates this effect, and chemical cross-linking studies show that Xpr1 is
      associated with the Gbeta subunit of the G-protein heterotrimer. The activation
      of adenylate cyclase rescued the cells from XMRV toxicity, indicating that
      toxicity resulted from reduced G-protein-mediated cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling.
      Some proteins with similarity to Xpr1 are involved in phosphate uptake into
      cells, but we found no role of Xpr1 in phosphate uptake or its regulation. Our
      results indicate that Xpr1 is a novel, atypical G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)
      and that xenotropic or polytropic retrovirus binding can disrupt the cAMP
      mediated signaling function of Xpr1, leading to the apoptosis of infected cells.
      We show that this pathway is also responsible for the classic toxicity of the
      polytropic mink cell focus-forming (MCF) retrovirus in mink cells. Although it
      now seems clear that the detection of XMRV in humans was the result of sample
      contamination with a recombinant mouse virus, our findings may have relevance to
      neurologic disease induced by MCF retroviruses in mice.

PMID- 22090135
TI  - The cellular antiviral restriction factor tetherin does not inhibit poxviral
      replication.
AB  - Interferon-stimulated genes fulfill innate antiviral effector functions. Among
      them, tetherin (THN) blocks the release of many enveloped viruses from infected
      cells. Vaccinia virus (VACV) encodes immune modulators interfering with antiviral
      host responses. Therefore, it was tempting to study a potential VACV-THN
      interaction. Remarkably, THN expression did not inhibit VACV release and
      replication. VACV infection did not diminish THN surface levels or impair its
      function on retroviral release. This suggests that THN is unable to restrict VACV
      replication.

PMID- 22090136
TI  - Cholesterol-rich microdomains as docking platforms for respiratory syncytial
      virus in normal human bronchial epithelial cells.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the major causes of respiratory
      infections in children, and it is the main pathogen causing bronchiolitis in
      infants. The binding and entry mechanism by which RSV infects respiratory
      epithelial cells has not yet been determined. In this study, the earliest stages
      of RSV infection in normal human bronchial epithelial cells were probed by
      tracking virions with fluorescent lipophilic dyes in their membranes. Virions
      colocalized with cholesterol-containing plasma membrane microdomains, identified
      by their ability to bind cholera toxin subunit B. Consistent with an important
      role for cholesterol in RSV infection, cholesterol depletion profoundly inhibited
      RSV infection, while cholesterol repletion reversed this inhibition. Merger of
      the outer leaflets of the viral envelope and the cell membrane appeared to be
      triggered at these sites. Using small-molecule inhibitors, RSV infection was
      found to be sensitive to Pak1 inhibition, suggesting the requirement of a
      subsequent step of cytoskeletal reorganization that could involve plasma membrane
      rearrangements or endocytosis. It appears that RSV entry depends on its ability
      to dock to cholesterol-rich microdomains (lipid rafts) in the plasma membrane
      where hemifusion events begin, assisted by a Pak1-dependent process.

PMID- 22090137
TI  - The V protein of mumps virus plays a critical role in pathogenesis.
AB  - Mumps virus (MuV) causes an acute infection in humans characterized by a wide
      array of symptoms ranging from relatively mild manifestations, such as parotitis,
      to more-severe complications, such as meningitis and encephalitis. Widespread
      mumps vaccination has reduced mumps incidence dramatically; however, outbreaks
      still occur in vaccinated populations. The V protein of MuV, when expressed in
      cell culture, blocks interferon (IFN) expression and signaling and interleukin-6
      (IL-6) signaling. In this work, we generated a recombinant MuV incapable of
      expressing the V protein (rMuVDeltaV). The rescued MuV was derived from a
      clinical wild-type isolate from a recent outbreak in the United States
      (MuV(Iowa/US/06), G genotype). Analysis of the virus confirmed the roles of V
      protein in blocking IFN expression and signaling and IL-6 signaling. We also
      found that the rMuV(Iowa/US/06)DeltaV virus induced high levels of IL-6
      expression in vitro, suggesting that V plays a role in reducing IL-6 expression.
      In vivo, the rMuV(Iowa/US/06)DeltaV virus was highly attenuated, indicating that
      the V protein plays an essential role in viral virulence.

PMID- 22090139
TI  - Disassembly of simian virus 40 during passage through the endoplasmic reticulum
      and in the cytoplasm.
AB  - The nonenveloped polyomavirus simian virus 40 (SV40) is taken up into cells by a
      caveola-mediated endocytic process that delivers the virus to the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER). Within the ER lumen, the capsid undergoes partial disassembly,
      which exposes its internal capsid proteins VP2 and VP3 to immunostaining with
      antibodies. We demonstrate here that the SV40 genome does not become accessible
      to detection while the virus is in the ER. Instead, the genome becomes accessible
      two distinct detection procedures, one using anti-bromodeoxyuridine antibodies
      and the other using a 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine-based chemical reaction, only
      after the emergence of partially disassembled SV40 particles in the cytoplasm.
      These cytoplasmic particles retain some of the SV40 capsid proteins, VP1, VP2,
      and VP3, in addition to the viral genome. Thus, SV40 particles undergo discrete
      disassembly steps during entry that are separated temporally and topologically.
      First, a partial disassembly of the particles occurs in the ER, which exposes
      internal capsid proteins VP2 and VP3. Then, in the cytoplasm, disassembly
      progresses further to also make the genomic DNA accessible to immune detection.

PMID- 22090138
TI  - Distinct domains in ORF52 tegument protein mediate essential functions in murine
      gammaherpesvirus 68 virion tegumentation and secondary envelopment.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus are etiologically
      associated with several types of human malignancies. However, as these two human
      gammaherpesviruses do not replicate efficiently in cultured cells, the
      morphogenesis of gammaherpesvirus virions is poorly understood. Murine
      gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) provides a tractable model to define common,
      conserved features of gammaherpesvirus biology. ORF52 of MHV-68 is conserved
      among gammaherpesviruses. We have previously shown that this tegument protein is
      essential for the envelopment and egress of viral particles and solved the
      crystal structure of ORF52 dimers. To more closely examine its role in virion
      maturation, we performed immunoelectron microscopy of MHV-68-infected cells and
      found that ORF52 localized to both mature, extracellular virions and immature
      viral particles in the cytoplasm. ORF52 consists of three alpha-helices followed
      by one beta-strand. To understand the structural requirements for ORF52 function,
      we constructed mutants of ORF52 and examined their ability to complement an ORF52
      null MHV-68 virus. Mutations in conserved residues in the N-terminal alpha1-helix
      and C terminus, or deletion of the alpha2-helix, resulted in a loss-of-function
      phenotype. Furthermore, the alpha1-helix was crucial for the predominantly
      punctate cytoplasmic localization of ORF52, while the alpha2-helix was a key
      domain for ORF52 dimerization. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that
      ORF52 interacts with another MHV-68 tegument protein, ORF42; however, a single
      point mutation in R95 in the C terminus of ORF52 led to the loss of this
      interaction. Moreover, the homologues of MHV-68 ORF52 in Kaposi's sarcoma
      associated herpesvirus and Epstein-Barr virus complement the defect in ORF52-null
      MHV-68 and interact with MHV-68 ORF52. Taken together, these data uncover the
      relationship between the alpha-helical structure and the molecular basis for
      ORF52 function. This is the first structure-based functional domain mapping study
      for an essential gammaherpesvirus tegument protein.

PMID- 22090140
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of the latency-associated region of Marek's disease virus
      in tumor-derived T-cell lines and primary lymphoma.
AB  - Meq is the major Marek's disease virus (MDV)-encoded oncoprotein and is essential
      for T-cell lymphomagenesis. Meq and several noncoding RNAs, including three
      microRNA (MiR) clusters, are expressed from the repeats of the MDV genome during
      latent infection of T cells. To investigate the state of the chromatin in this
      and flanking regions, we carried out chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)
      analysis of covalent histone modifications and associated bound proteins. T-cell
      lines and a lymphoma were compared. The chromatin around the promoters for Meq
      and the noncoding RNAs in both cell lines and the lymphoma were associated with
      H3K9 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation, which are marks of transcriptionally
      active chromatin. These correlated with bound Meq-c-Jun heterodimers. The only
      binding site for Meq homodimers is located at the lytic origin of replication
      (OriLyt), next to the lytic gene pp38. This region lacked active marks and was
      associated with repressive histone modifications (H3K27 and H3K9 trimethylation).
      DNA CpG methylation was investigated using methylated DNA precipitation (MeDP).
      In cell lines, DNA methylation was abundant across the repeats but noticeably
      reduced or absent around the active promoters. In primary tumors, CpG methylation
      occurred less than 2 months after infection, focused within the ICP4 gene. These
      data suggest that nonrandom de novo DNA methylation occurs early in
      lymphomagenesis. In addition, the histone data indicate a role for Meq in the
      epigenetic regulation of the MDV genome repeats in transformed T cells and
      suggest that the OriLyt region and the Meq/MiR region might be separated by
      chromatin boundary elements, and preliminary data on CTCF binding are consistent
      with this.

PMID- 22090141
TI  - Dynamic chromatin environment of key lytic cycle regulatory regions of the
      Epstein-Barr virus genome.
AB  - The ability of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to establish latency allows it to evade
      the immune system and to persist for the lifetime of its host; one distinguishing
      characteristic is the lack of transcription of the majority of viral genes. Entry
      into the lytic cycle is coordinated by the viral transcription factor, Zta
      (BZLF1, ZEBRA, and EB1), and downstream effectors, while viral genome replication
      requires the concerted action of Zta and six other viral proteins at the origins
      of lytic replication. We explored the chromatin context at key EBV lytic cycle
      promoters (BZLF1, BRLF1, BMRF1, and BALF5) and the origins of lytic replication
      during latency and lytic replication. We show that a repressive heterochromatin
      like environment (trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 [H3K9me3] and lysine
      27 [H3K27me3]), which blocks the interaction of some transcription factors with
      DNA, encompasses the key early lytic regulatory regions. Epigenetic silencing of
      the EBV genome is also imposed by DNA methylation during latency. The chromatin
      environment changes during the lytic cycle with activation of histones H3, H4,
      and H2AX occurring at both the origins of replication and at the key lytic
      regulatory elements. We propose that Zta is able to reverse the effects of
      latency-associated repressive chromatin at EBV early lytic promoters by
      interacting with Zta response elements within the H3K9me3-associated chromatin
      and demonstrate that these interactions occur in vivo. Since the interaction of
      Zta with DNA is not inhibited by DNA methylation, it is clear that Zta uses two
      routes to overcome epigenetic silencing of its genome.

PMID- 22090142
TI  - Codelivery of the chemokine CCL3 by an adenovirus-based vaccine improves
      protection from retrovirus infection.
AB  - Processing and presentation of vaccine antigens by professional antigen
      presenting cells (APCs) is of great importance for the efficient induction of
      protective immunity. We analyzed whether the efficacy of an adenovirus-based
      retroviral vaccine can be enhanced by coadministration of adenovirus-encoded
      chemokines that attract and stimulate APCs. In the Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse
      model we coexpressed CCL3, CCL20, CCL21, or CXCL14 from adenoviral vectors,
      together with FV Gag and Env antigens, and then analyzed immune responses and
      protection from pathogenic FV infection. Although most tested chemokines did not
      improve protection against FV challenge, mice that received adenoviral vectors
      encoding CCL3 together with FV antigens showed significantly better control over
      viral loads and FV-induced disease than mice immunized with the viral antigens
      only. Improved protection correlated with enhanced virus-specific CD4+ T cell
      responses and higher neutralizing antibody titers. To apply these results to an
      HIV vaccine, mice were immunized with adenoviral vectors encoding the HIV
      antigens Env and Gag-Pol and coadministered vectors encoding CCL3. Again, this
      combination vaccine induced higher virus-specific antibody titers and CD4+ T cell
      responses than did the HIV antigens alone. These results indicate that
      coexpression of the chemokine CCL3 by adenovirus-based vectors may be a promising
      tool to improve antiretroviral vaccination strategies.

PMID- 22090143
TI  - Binding of anti-membrane-proximal gp41 monoclonal antibodies to CD4-liganded and 
      unliganded human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and simian immunodeficiency virus
      virions.
AB  - The broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 4E10, 2F5, and Z13e1 target
      membrane-proximal external region (MPER) epitopes of HIV-1 gp41 in a manner that
      remains controversial. The requirements for initial lipid bilayer binding and/or
      CD4 ligation have been proposed. To further investigate these issues, we probed
      for binding of these MAbs to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and
      simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) virions with protein A-conjugated gold (PAG)
      nanoparticles using negative-stain electron microscopy. We found moderate levels
      of PAG associated with unliganded HIV-1 and SIV virions incubated with the three
      MAbs. Significantly higher levels of PAG were associated with CD4-liganded HIV-1
      (epitope-positive) but not SIV (epitope-negative) virions. A chimeric SIV virion
      displaying the HIV-1 4E10 epitope also showed significantly higher PAG
      association after CD4 ligation and incubation with 4E10. MAbs accumulated rapidly
      on CD4-liganded virions and slowly on unliganded virions, although both reached
      similar levels in time. Anti-MPER epitope-specific binding was stable to washout.
      Virions incubated with an irrelevant MAb or CD4-only (no MAb) showed negligible
      PAG association, as did a vesicle-rich fraction devoid of virions. Preincubation
      with Fab 4E10 inhibited both specific and nonspecific 4E10 IgG binding. Our data
      provide evidence for moderate association of anti-MPER MAbs to viral surfaces but
      not lipid vesicles, even in the absence of cognate epitopes. Significantly
      greater MAb interaction occurs in epitope-positive virions following long
      incubation or CD4 ligation. These findings are consistent with a two-stage
      binding model where these anti-MPER MAbs bind first to the viral lipid bilayer
      and then to the MPER epitopes following spontaneous or induced exposure.

PMID- 22090145
TI  - [Quality of life after coronary intervention or bypass surgery :  SYNTAX quality
      of life study (synergy between PCI with taxus and cardiac surgery)].

PMID- 22090144
TI  - Apoptosis induced by mammalian reovirus is beta interferon (IFN) independent and
      enhanced by IFN regulatory factor 3- and NF-kappaB-dependent expression of Noxa.
AB  - A variety of signal transduction pathways are activated in response to viral
      infection, which dampen viral replication and transmission. These mechanisms
      involve both the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), which evoke an antiviral
      state, and the triggering of apoptosis. Mammalian orthoreoviruses are double
      stranded RNA viruses that elicit apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The
      transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and nuclear factor
      kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB) are required for the
      expression of IFN-beta and the efficient induction of apoptosis in reovirus
      infected cells. However, it is not known whether IFN-beta induction is required
      for apoptosis, nor have the genes induced by IRF-3 and NF-kappaB that are
      responsible for apoptosis been identified. To determine whether IFN-beta is
      required for reovirus-induced apoptosis, we used type I IFN receptor-deficient
      cells, IFN-specific antibodies, and recombinant IFN-beta. We found that IFN
      synthesis and signaling are dispensable for the apoptosis of reovirus-infected
      cells. These results indicate that the apoptotic response following reovirus
      infection is mediated directly by genes responsive to IRF-3 and NF-kappaB. Noxa
      is a proapoptotic BH3-domain-only protein of the Bcl-2 family that requires IRF-3
      and NF-kappaB for efficient expression. We found that Noxa is strongly induced at
      late times (36 to 48 h) following reovirus infection in a manner dependent on IRF
      3 and NF-kappaB. The level of apoptosis induced by reovirus is significantly
      diminished in cells lacking Noxa, indicating a key prodeath function for this
      molecule during reovirus infection. These results suggest that prolonged innate
      immune response signaling induces apoptosis by eliciting Noxa expression in
      reovirus-infected cells.

PMID- 22090146
TI  - Understanding glycomechanics using mathematical modeling: a review of current
      approaches to simulate cellular glycosylation reaction networks.
AB  - Following the footsteps of genomics and proteomics, recent years have witnessed
      the growth of large-scale experimental methods in the field of glycomics. In
      parallel, there has also been growing interest in developing Systems Biology
      based methods to study the glycome. The combined goals of these endeavors is to
      identify glycosylation-dependent mechanisms regulating human physiology, check
      points that can control the progression of pathophysiology, and modifications to
      reaction pathways that can result in more uniform biopharmaceutical processes. In
      these efforts, mathematical models of N- and O-linked glycosylation have emerged
      as paradigms for the field. While these are relatively few in number,
      nevertheless, the existing models provide a basic framework that can be used to
      develop more sophisticated analysis strategies for glycosylation in the future.
      The current review surveys these computational models with focus on the
      underlying mathematics and assumptions, and with respect to their ability to
      generate experimentally testable hypotheses.

PMID- 22090147
TI  - Hygiene hypothesis and autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Throughout the twentieth century, there were striking increases in the incidences
      of many chronic inflammatory disorders in the rich developed countries. These
      included autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
      Although genetics and specific triggering mechanisms such as molecular mimicry
      and viruses are likely to be involved, the increases have been so rapid that any
      explanation that omits environmental change is incomplete. This chapter suggests
      that a series of environmental factors, most of them microbial, have led to a
      decrease in the efficiency of our immunoregulatory mechanisms because we are in a
      state of evolved dependence on organisms with which we co-evolved (and that had
      to be tolerated) as inducers of immunoregulatory circuits. These organisms ("Old
      Friends") are depleted from the modern urban environment. Rather than considering
      fetal programming by maternal microbial exposures, neonatal programming, the
      hygiene hypothesis, gut microbiota, and diet as separate and competing
      hypotheses, I attempt here to integrate these ideas under a single umbrella
      concept that can provide the missing immunoregulatory environmental factor that
      is needed to explain the recent increases in autoimmune disease.

PMID- 22090148
TI  - Effect of herbal preparation on heavy metal (cadmium) induced antioxidant system
      in female Wistar rats.
AB  - Cadmium is one of the elements found to damage antioxidant systems in mammals. To
      ameliorate cadmium toxicity and to prevent oxidative stress, natural products may
      be useful. In Indian ethnobotanical practice, a mixture of 17 herbal products is
      used to fortify the reproductive system of women after parturition and to reverse
      ovarian oxidative stress. Oral administration of this extract to rats exposed to
      cadmium was useful in reversing oxidative stress. Two different doses of cadmium
      (50 ppm and 200 ppm) were given to Wistar rats aged 45 and 65 days. An herbal
      extract derived from 17 plants was administered orally every day at a dose level
      of 200 mg/kg of body weight to the rats exposed to cadmium. A battery of enzymes
      involved in antioxidant activity in the ovary, including superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST)
      were measured in the control, cadmium-exposed rats without treatment and in the
      cadmium-exposed rats treated with herbal extract. The reduction in SOD, catalase,
      GPx and GST activity after cadmium exposure improved significantly in the rats
      treated with the herbal extract (p < 0.05). The decrease of antioxidant enzymes
      due to cadmium exposure was reversed significantly with herbal extract
      administration. The synergistic effect of each bioactive compound in different
      herbal extracts requires further study.

PMID- 22090149
TI  - Autonomic dysfunction as a delayed sequelae of acute ethylene glycol ingestion :
      a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Ethylene glycol poisoning is a common form of poisoning worldwide. The clinical
      course of ethylene glycol poisoning usually follows a three-stage progression,
      although these stages may overlap. A fourth stage of delayed neurological
      dysfunction consisting of cranial neuropathies has been suggested in several case
      reports. We describe a patient with unique findings of postural hypotension and
      gastroparesis following ethylene glycol toxicity with the additional uncommon
      features of albuminocytologic dissociation and increased intracranial pressure
      with papilledema. In addition, we provide a review of the literature on delayed
      neurological manifestations in ethylene glycol toxicity and further elucidate a
      description of a fourth stage of delayed neurological dysfunction following
      ethylene glycol poisoning.

PMID- 22090150
TI  - Acamprosate modulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to determine the efficacy of acamprosate (N
      acetyl homotaurine) in reducing the pathological features of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) which is an animal model for multiple
      sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND: The amino acid taurine has multiple biological
      activities including immunomodulation and neuromodulation. The synthetic
      acetylated taurine derivative, acamprosate, which crosses the blood-brain barrier
      more readily compared to taurine, is currently being used for the prevention of
      alcohol withdrawal symptoms associated with enhanced glutamatergic receptor
      function and GABA receptor hypofunction. METHODS: EAE was induced in C57BL/6
      female mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glyocoprotein, amino acid 35-55. Mice
      were treated with 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg acamprosate for 21 days. RESULTS:
      Neurological scores at disease peak were reduced by 21, 64 and 9% in the 20, 100
      and 500 mg/kg groups, respectively. Neurological improvement in the 100 mg/kg
      group correlated with a reduction in numbers of inflammatory lesions and the
      extent of CNS demyelination. Blood TNF-alpha levels were significantly reduced in
      the 500 mg/kg group. DISCUSSION: Acamprosate and other taurine analogs have a
      potential for future MS therapy.

PMID- 22090151
TI  - Associations between three characteristics of parent-youth relationships, youth
      substance use, and dating attitudes.
AB  - Various dimensions of parenting have been associated with youth risk behaviors,
      such as substance use and dating violence. These associations have spawned many
      prevention strategies that focus on parenting. However, it is unclear which
      characteristics of parent-youth relationships, and thus, which parent-focused
      prevention strategies, may be most influential in youth risk behaviors and, thus,
      which should be targeted in prevention. Using responses from the YouthStyles 2007
      survey (N = 1,357), this study identified three youth-reported parent-youth
      relationship characteristics: communication about risk behaviors,
      closeness/respect, and rules/monitoring. The authors examined the associations
      among these characteristics and youths' demographics, attitudes supporting
      controlling dating relationships, and use of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco.
      Results suggested risk behavior communication was more frequently reported by
      girls and was more frequent among older youth. Closeness/respect and
      rules/monitoring were more frequent among younger youth. Regressions suggested
      communication about risk behaviors was not a predictor of attitudes supporting
      controlling dating relationships but was a significant predictor of substance
      use, closeness/respect and rules/monitoring predicted substance nonuse and
      attitudes unsupportive of controlling dating relationships. The findings suggest
      that parental communication alone may not be sufficient to influence youth risk
      taking, but that parental monitoring and the establishment of respectful, close
      relationships with children may be important elements of parent-focused health
      promotion efforts.

PMID- 22090152
TI  - Successful implementation of Thai Family Matters: strategies and implications.
AB  - This article discusses the successful process used to assess the feasibility of
      implementing the Family Matters program in Bangkok, Thailand. This is important
      work since adopting and adapting evidence-based programs is a strategy currently
      endorsed by leading prevention funding sources, particularly in the United
      States. The original Family Matters consists of four booklets designed to
      increase parental communication with their adolescent children in order to delay
      onset of or decrease alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. As part of the
      program, health educators contact parents by telephone to support them in the
      adoption of the program. Each booklet addresses a key aspect of strengthening
      families and protecting young people from unhealthy behaviors related to alcohol
      and other drug use. Adaptation of the program for Bangkok focused on cultural
      relevance and the addition of a unit targeting adolescent dating and sexual
      behavior. A total of 170 families entered the program, with the majority (85.3%)
      completing all five booklets. On average, the program took 16 weeks to complete,
      with families reporting high satisfaction with the program. This article provides
      greater detail about the implementation process and what was learned from this
      feasibility trial.

PMID- 22090154
TI  - The use of clinical broadband UV radiometers for optical radiation hazard
      measurements.
AB  - The implementation of the UK Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work
      Regulations 2010 requires the employer to perform a risk assessment of workers'
      exposure to UV radiation from phototherapy equipment in the hospital environment.
      The objective of this study was to demonstrate that, where the source spectrum is
      known, an assessment of exposure to UV sources commonly used in hospitals,
      including assessment of reflections and transmission through personal protective
      equipment, may be performed with sufficient reliability by radiometer measurement
      rather than by complex spectroradiometric measurements. An intercomparison of
      radiometer and spectroradiometer measurements of exposure to UV sources was
      carried out. Direct exposure was considered, as well as exposure to reflected or
      scattered beams and that transmitted through eyewear. Assessment by radiometer of
      direct exposure and exposure to reflections demonstrated an acceptable
      measurement error in the context of the inherent uncertainty in the assumptions
      of the exposure scenario. Assessment of transmitted beams may result in a greater
      measurement error due to spectral mismatch; however, for typical exposure
      scenarios the error remained acceptable in comparison with the exposure limit
      value. The methodology presented reduces the complexity of the measurement of UV
      hazard levels for common phototherapy equipment.

PMID- 22090153
TI  - Challenges and opportunities for promoting booster seat use: progressive
      dissemination of a high-threat message.
AB  - Motivating parents to take certain safety precautions when traveling with their
      children remains challenging for advocates. Caregivers of booster-aged children
      are particularly difficult to reach because they do not consider their children
      to be of "safety-seat" age and have inherently low perceptions of vulnerability
      to crash injury. Unfortunately, most booster seat programs fail to adequately
      motivate their intended population because they are primarily informational in
      nature and rely on caregivers to seek out and attend to the information. In this
      article, interventions using threat appeal tactics and progressive dissemination
      methods are recommended to effectively target participation and perceptions of
      vulnerability among this population. Recent research on risk communication
      indicates that threat appeals are supported when they contain high threat and
      high efficacy components. Threat appeal tactics are particularly desirable when
      perception of vulnerability is low, as is the case with parents of booster-aged
      children. In addition to theoretical arguments for more aggressive intervention
      approaches, a case example is presented wherein such techniques were used to
      promote booster seat use. The intervention resulted in significant increases in
      knowledge, risk-reduction attitudes, sense of efficacy, and observed booster seat
      use. Through use of progressive dissemination methods, the intervention has
      reached an audience of 431,600 people and counting.

PMID- 22090155
TI  - Impact of PIT tagging on recapture rates, body condition and reproductive success
      of wild Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentonii).
AB  - A successful and safe methodology for the subcutaneous insertion of passive
      integrated transponder (PIT) tags in a small- to medium-sized bat (average mass 9
      g) under isoflurane-induced anaesthesia is described. Passive integrated
      transponder (PIT) tagging had no significant impact on the rate of recapture,
      body condition index (BCI) (bodyweight/forearm length) and reproductive success
      of tagged individuals, and no visible injuries or health problems were observed
      in any of the recaptured bats. Tagging success, in terms of retention and
      function, was 92 per cent (n=61) by the third year of using the method. Sixteen
      per cent (n=39) of bats tagged during the three-year study period were not
      producing positive scans with the microchip reader when recaptured after
      previously successful tag insertion, indicating that the tags were either working
      their way out of the bats or ceasing to function.

PMID- 22090156
TI  - Enhancing clinical learning in the workplace: a qualitative study.
AB  - Workplace learning (WPL) is seen as an essential component of clinical veterinary
      education by the veterinary profession. This study sought to understand this type
      of learning experience more deeply. This was done utilising observations of
      students on intramural rotations (IMR) and interviews with students and clinical
      staff. WPL was seen as an opportunity for students to apply knowledge and develop
      clinical and professional skills in what is generally regarded as a safe,
      authentic environment. Clinical staff had clear ideas of what they expected from
      students in terms of interest, engagement, professionalism, and active
      participation, where this was appropriate. In contrast, students often did not
      know what to expect and sometimes felt under-prepared when entering the
      workplace, particularly in a new species area. With the support of staff acting
      as mentors, students learned to identify gaps in their knowledge and skills,
      which could then be addressed during specific IMR work placements. Findings such
      as these illustrate both the complexities of WPL and the diversity of different
      workplace settings encountered by the students.

PMID- 22090157
TI  - Dermoid sinus type IV associated with spina bifida in a young Victorian bulldog.

PMID- 22090158
TI  - Visual search deficits are independent of magnocellular deficits in dyslexia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the theory that visual magnocellular
      deficits seen in groups with dyslexia are linked to reading via the mechanisms of
      visual attention. Visual attention was measured with a serial search task and
      magnocellular function with a coherent motion task. A large group of children
      with dyslexia (n = 70) had slower serial search times than a control group of
      typical readers. However, the effect size was small (eta(p)(2)  = 0.05)
      indicating considerable overlap between the groups. When the dyslexia sample was
      split into those with or without a magnocellular deficit, there was no difference
      in visual search reaction time between either group and controls. The data
      suggest that magnocellular sensitivity and visual spatial attention weaknesses
      are independent of one another. They also provide more evidence of heterogeneity
      in response to psychophysical tasks in groups with dyslexia. Alternative
      explanations for poor performance on visual attention tasks are proposed along
      with avenues for future research.

PMID- 22090159
TI  - Epinephrine: a short- and long-term regulator of stress and development of
      illness : a potential new role for epinephrine in stress.
AB  - Epinephrine (Epi), which initiates short-term responses to cope with stress, is,
      in part, stress-regulated via genetic control of its biosynthetic enzyme,
      phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). In rats, immobilization (IMMO)
      stress activates the PNMT gene in the adrenal medulla via Egr-1 and Sp1
      induction. Yet, elevated Epi induced by acute and chronic stress is associated
      with stress induced, chronic illnesses of cardiovascular, immune, cancerous, and
      behavioral etiologies. Major sources of Epi include the adrenal medulla and
      brainstem. Although catecholamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier,
      circulating Epi from the adrenal medulla may communicate with the central nervous
      system and stress circuitry by activating vagal nerve beta-adrenergic receptors
      to release norepinephrine, which could then stimulate release of the same from
      the nucleus tractus solitarius and locus coeruleus. In turn, the basal lateral
      amygdala (BLA) may activate to stimulate afferents to the hypothalamus,
      neocortex, hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and other brain regions sequentially.
      Recently, we have shown that repeated IMMO or force swim stress may evoke stress
      resiliency, as suggested by changes in expression and extinction of fear memory
      in the fear-potentiated startle paradigm. However, concomitant adrenergic changes
      seem stressor dependent. Present studies aim to identify stressful conditions
      that elicit stress resiliency versus stress sensitivity, with the goal of
      developing a model to investigate the potential role of Epi in stress-associated
      illness. If chronic Epi over expression does elicit illness, possibilities for
      alternative therapeutics exist through regulating stress-induced Epi expression,
      adrenergic receptor function and/or corticosteroid effects on Epi, adrenergic
      receptors and the stress axis.

PMID- 22090161
TI  - Sex, abortion and Obama.

PMID- 22090160
TI  - Correlations between cholinesterase activity and cognitive scores in post
      ischemic rats and patients with vascular dementia.
AB  - The biochemical changes such as the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and
      butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were investigated in rats with global cerebral
      ischemia and in vascular dementia (VaD) subjects in this study. The AChE activity
      showed a significant decrease in plasma and a significant increase in the
      hippocampus but not in the cerebral cortices in the post-ischemic rats as
      compared to the controls. The learning abilities and spatial memory were impaired
      in the post-ischemic rats as compared to controls. Furthermore, the AChE activity
      in plasma was significantly reduced in VaD subjects as compared to normal control
      subjects. The BuChE activity did not show any change in both post-ischemic rats
      and VaD patients. Interestingly, the decreased AChE activity in plasma from the
      post-ischemic rats and the VaD subjects showed a significant correlation with the
      declined learning and memory ability, and the Mini-Mental State Examination
      score, respectively. These data suggest that the AChE activity is involved in the
      cognitive recovery after ischemia, and the plasma level of AChE might be a
      reliable supplementary peripheral biomarker to evaluate the cognitive recovery
      degree of VaD patients.

PMID- 22090162
TI  - Advances in intrauterine technique training.

PMID- 22090163
TI  - Assessment of valvular calcification and inflammation by positron emission
      tomography in patients with aortic stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of aortic stenosis is incompletely understood,
      and the relative contributions of valvular calcification and inflammation to
      disease progression are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with aortic
      sclerosis and mild, moderate, and severe stenosis were compared prospectively
      with age- and sex-matched control subjects. Aortic valve severity was determined
      by echocardiography. Calcification and inflammation in the aortic valve were
      assessed by 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)
      uptake with the use of positron emission tomography. One hundred twenty-one
      subjects (20 controls; 20 aortic sclerosis; 25 mild, 33 moderate, and 23 severe
      aortic stenosis) were administered both 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG. Quantification of
      tracer uptake within the valve demonstrated excellent interobserver repeatability
      with no fixed or proportional biases and limits of agreement of +/-0.21 (18F-NaF)
      and +/-0.13 (18F-FDG) for maximum tissue-to-background ratios. Activity of both
      tracers was higher in patients with aortic stenosis than in control subjects (18F
      NaF: 2.87+/-0.82 versus 1.55+/-0.17; 18F-FDG: 1.58+/-0.21 versus 1.30+/-0.13;
      both P<0.001). 18F-NaF uptake displayed a progressive rise with valve severity
      (r(2)=0.540, P<0.001), with a more modest increase observed for 18F-FDG
      (r(2)=0.218, P<0.001). Among patients with aortic stenosis, 91% had increased 18F
      NaF uptake (>1.97), and 35% had increased 18F-FDG uptake (>1.63). A weak
      correlation between the activities of these tracers was observed (r(2)=0.174,
      P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Positron emission tomography is a novel, feasible, and
      repeatable approach to the evaluation of valvular calcification and inflammation
      in patients with aortic stenosis. The frequency and magnitude of increased tracer
      activity correlate with disease severity and are strongest for 18F-NaF. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:
      NCT01358513.

PMID- 22090164
TI  - Look more closely at the valve: imaging calcific aortic valve disease.

PMID- 22090165
TI  - Loss-of-function sodium channel mutations in infancy: a pattern unfolds.

PMID- 22090166
TI  - Brugada-like syndrome in infancy presenting with rapid ventricular tachycardia
      and intraventricular conduction delay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome is a potentially serious channelopathy that usually
      presents in adulthood and has only rarely been described in infancy. In the
      absence of metabolic or structural cardiac disease, rapid ventricular tachycardia
      (>200 bpm) and primary cardiac conduction disease are uncommon in infancy. We
      hypothesized that infants having rapid ventricular tachycardia and conduction
      abnormalities and not having structural or metabolic pathogeneses were likely to
      have mutations in depolarizing current channels. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      retrospective review of all clinical materials from a single institution over a 9
      year period from all infants <2 years old and having a discharge diagnosis of
      ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation was performed. Among 32
      infants fulfilling inclusion criteria, 12 had a structurally normal heart, and 9
      of them had either prolonged QRS duration or Brugada pattern while in sinus
      rhythm. Of those 5 infants not having a definitive pathogenesis,
      electrophysiological testing had been performed in 4, and genetic testing had
      been performed in all 5 of those infants. During electrophysiological testing, a
      prolonged HV interval was present in 2 of 4, inducible ventricular tachycardia
      was present in 1 of 4, and a type 1 Brugada pattern was induced by intravenous
      procainamide in 3 of 4. Genetic testing revealed disease-causing mutations in
      depolarizing sodium (SCN5A) or calcium (CaCNB2b) channels in all 5 infants.
      CONCLUSIONS: Infants having rapid ventricular tachycardia and conduction
      abnormalities in the absence of structural or metabolic abnormalities are likely
      to have disease-causing mutations in cardiac depolarizing channels.

PMID- 22090167
TI  - Colchicine reduces postoperative atrial fibrillation: results of the Colchicine
      for the Prevention of the Postpericardiotomy Syndrome (COPPS) atrial fibrillation
      substudy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation and pericarditis may be contributing factors for
      postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), and both are potentially affected by
      antiinflammatory drugs and colchicine, which has been shown to be safe and
      efficacious for the prevention of pericarditis and the postpericardiotomy
      syndrome (PPS). The aim of the Colchicine for the Prevention of the Post
      Pericardiotomy Syndrome (COPPS) POAF substudy was to test the efficacy and safety
      of colchicine for the prevention of POAF after cardiac surgery. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: The COPPS POAF substudy included 336 patients (mean age, 65.7+/-12.3
      years; 69% male) of the COPPS trial, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized
      trial. Substudy patients were in sinus rhythm before starting the intervention
      (placebo/colchicine 1.0 mg twice daily starting on postoperative day 3 followed
      by a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg twice daily for 1 month in patients >=70 kg,
      halved doses for patients <70 kg or intolerant to the highest dose). The substudy
      primary end point was the incidence of POAF on intervention at 1 month. Despite
      well-balanced baseline characteristics, patients on colchicine had a reduced
      incidence of POAF (12.0% versus 22.0%, respectively; P=0.021; relative risk
      reduction, 45%; number needed to treat, 11) with a shorter in-hospital stay
      (9.4+/-3.7 versus 10.3+/-4.3 days; P=0.040) and rehabilitation stay (12.1+/-6.1
      versus 13.9+/-6.5 days; P=0.009). Side effects were similar in the study groups.
      CONCLUSION: Colchicine seems safe and efficacious in the reduction of POAF with
      the potentiality of halving the complication and reducing the hospital stay.

PMID- 22090168
TI  - Supervised exercise versus primary stenting for claudication resulting from
      aortoiliac peripheral artery disease: six-month outcomes from the claudication:
      exercise versus endoluminal revascularization (CLEVER) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Claudication is a common and disabling symptom of peripheral artery
      disease that can be treated with medication, supervised exercise (SE), or stent
      revascularization (ST). METHODS AND RESULTS: We randomly assigned 111 patients
      with aortoiliac peripheral artery disease to receive 1 of 3 treatments: optimal
      medical care (OMC), OMC plus SE, or OMC plus ST. The primary end point was the
      change in peak walking time on a graded treadmill test at 6 months compared with
      baseline. Secondary end points included free-living step activity, quality of
      life with the Walking Impairment Questionnaire, Peripheral Artery Questionnaire,
      Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form, and cardiovascular risk factors. At
      the 6-month follow-up, change in peak walking time (the primary end point) was
      greatest for SE, intermediate for ST, and least with OMC (mean change versus
      baseline, 5.8+/-4.6, 3.7+/-4.9, and 1.2+/-2.6 minutes, respectively; P<0.001 for
      the comparison of SE versus OMC, P=0.02 for ST versus OMC, and P=0.04 for SE
      versus ST). Although disease-specific quality of life as assessed by the Walking
      Impairment Questionnaire and Peripheral Artery Questionnaire also improved with
      both SE and ST compared with OMC, for most scales, the extent of improvement was
      greater with ST than SE. Free-living step activity increased more with ST than
      with either SE or OMC alone (114+/-274 versus 73+/-139 versus -6+/-109 steps per
      hour), but these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: SE
      results in superior treadmill walking performance than ST, even for those with
      aortoiliac peripheral artery disease. The contrast between better walking
      performance for SE and better patient-reported quality of life for ST warrants
      further study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00132743?order=1. Unique identifier:
      NCT00132743.

PMID- 22090169
TI  - Metabolic restriction of cancer cells in vitro causes karyotype contraction--an
      indicator of cancer promotion?
AB  - The metabolism of cultured cancer cells is stimulated by 21% oxygen and generous
      nutrition, while real tumors grow in oxygen and nutrient-restricted environments.
      The effect of these contrasted conditions was studied in five hyperploid (54-69)
      cancer cell lines. When grown under anoxia and in the presence of antioxidant
      metabolic restrictors, the cell lines quickly reverted to almost normal
      chromosome numbers (47-49). The stepped withdrawal of oxygen over K562 showed
      progressive increases in proliferation rate and the acquisition of a stable, stem
      phenotype. In genetic studies, hyperploid cancer cells adjusted their chromosome
      numbers up or down to match their micro-environment through rapid mechanisms of
      endo-reduplication or chromosome loss. These fast reactions may explain the
      surprising adaptability of tumor cells to oncologic interventions. Furthermore,
      karyotype contraction may provide a basis for the previously observed
      carcinogenic influence of the administration of some antioxidants in human
      populations.

PMID- 22090170
TI  - De novo sequencing and homology searching.
AB  - In proteomics, de novo sequencing is the process of deriving peptide sequences
      from tandem mass spectra without the assistance of a sequence database. Such
      analyses have traditionally been performed manually by human experts, and more
      recently by computer programs that have been developed because of the need for
      higher throughput. Although powerful, de novo sequencing often can only determine
      partially correct sequence tags because of imperfect tandem mass spectra.
      However, these sequence tags can then be searched in a sequence database to
      identify the exact or a homologous peptide. Homology searches are particularly
      useful for the study of organisms whose genomes have not been sequenced. This
      tutorial will present background important to understanding de novo sequencing,
      suggestions on how to do this manually, plus descriptions of computer algorithms
      used to automate this process and to subsequently carryout homology-based
      database searches. This Tutorial is part of the International Proteomics Tutorial
      Programme (IPTP 1).

PMID- 22090172
TI  - Systemic administration of LPS worsens delayed deterioration associated with
      vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage through a myeloid cell-dependent
      mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed deterioration associated with vasospasm (DDAV) after
      aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a major cause of morbidity. We have
      previously shown that myeloid cell depletion before experimental SAH in a murine
      model ameliorates DDAV. In this study, we address whether systemic administration
      of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) worsens DDAV in a myeloid cell-dependent fashion.
      METHODS: We challenged mice in our experimental SAH model with LPS before
      hemorrhage and evaluated the degree of vasospasm on day 6 with India ink
      angiography; behavioral deficits by rotorod, Y-maze, and Barnes maze testing;
      microglial activation early after SAH by immunohistochemistry; and the brain
      levels of the chemokines CCL5 and KC at the time of vasospasm. Another group of
      animals were given the myeloid cell-depleting antibody against the neutrophil
      antigen Ly6G/C prior to LPS administration and SAH. RESULTS: LPS followed by SAH
      significantly worsens angiographic vasospasm as well as performance on the Barnes
      maze but not the Y-maze or rotorod tests. There was an increased activation of
      microglia in animals with LPS before SAH compared to SAH alone. Depletion of
      myeloid cells before LPS administration inhibited the development of vasospasm,
      improved the performance on behavioral tests, and reduced microglial activation.
      The chemokines CCL5 and KC were incrementally elevated in SAH and LPS SAH, but
      suppressed in animals with myeloid cell depletion. CONCLUSIONS: LPS
      administration before SAH worsens DDAV through a myeloid cell-dependent mechanism
      supporting studies in humans which show that systemic inflammation increases the
      likelihood of developing DDAV.

PMID- 22090171
TI  - Hyperosmolar therapy for intracranial hypertension.
AB  - The use of hyperosmolar agents for intracranial hypertension was introduced in
      the early 20th century and remains a mainstay of therapy for patients with
      cerebral edema. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated the efficacy of
      two hyperosmolar agents, mannitol and hypertonic saline, in reducing intracranial
      pressure via volume redistribution, plasma expansion, rheologic modifications,
      and anti-inflammatory effects. However, because of physician and institutional
      variation in therapeutic practices, lack of standardized protocols for initiation
      and administration of therapy, patient heterogeneity, and a paucity of randomized
      controlled trials have yielded little class I evidence on which clinical
      decisions can be based, most current evidence regarding the use of hyperosmolar
      therapy is derived from retrospective analyses (class III) and case series (class
      IV). In this review, we summarize the available evidence regarding the use of
      hyperosmolar therapy with mannitol or hypertonic saline for the medical
      management of intracranial hypertension and present a comprehensive discussion of
      the evidence associated with various theoretical and practical concerns related
      to initiation, dosage, and monitoring of therapy.

PMID- 22090173
TI  - The impact of low vision on activities of daily living, symptoms of depression,
      feelings of anxiety and social support in community-living older adults seeking
      vision rehabilitation services.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous studies showed that older persons with vision loss generally
      reported low levels of health-related quality of life, although study outcomes
      with respect to feelings of anxiety and social support were inconsistent. The
      objective of this study was to examine the impact of low vision on health-related
      quality of life, including feelings of anxiety and social support, among
      community-living older adults seeking vision rehabilitation services. METHODS:
      Differences of activities of daily living (Groningen Activity Restriction Scale
      GARS), symptoms of depression and feelings of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scales-HADS) and social support (Social Support Scale Interactions
      SSL12-I) between 148 older persons >=57 years with low vision and a reference
      population (N = 4,792) including eight patient groups with different chronic
      conditions were tested with Student's t tests. RESULTS: Older persons with vision
      loss reported poorer levels of functioning with respect to activities of daily
      living, symptoms of depression and feelings of anxiety as compared to the general
      older population as well as compared to older patients with different chronic
      conditions. In contrast, older persons with vision loss reported higher levels of
      social support. CONCLUSIONS: Vision loss has a substantial impact on activities
      of daily living, symptoms of depression and feelings of anxiety. Professionals
      working at vision rehabilitation services may improve their quality of care as
      they take such information into account in their intervention work.

PMID- 22090175
TI  - "Aspirin - resistance"? A few critical considerations on definition, terminology,
      diagnosis, clinical value, natural course of atherosclerotic disease, and
      therapeutic consequences.
AB  - Based upon various platelet function tests and the fact that patients experience
      vascular events despite taking acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or aspirin), it has been
      suggested that patients may become resistant to the action of this
      pharmacological compound. However, the term "aspirin resistance" was created
      almost two decades ago but is still not defined. Platelet function tests are not
      standardized, providing conflicting information and cut-off values are
      arbitrarily set. Interest comparison reveals low agreement. Even point of care
      tests have been introduced before appropriate validation. Inflammation may
      activate platelets, co-medication(s) may interfere significantly with aspirin
      action on platelets. Platelet function and Cox-inhibition are only some of the
      effects of aspirin on haemostatic regulation. One single test is not reliable to
      identify an altered response. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to speak
      about "treatment failure" to aspirin therapy than using the term "aspirin
      resistance". There is no evidence based justification from either the laboratory
      or the clinical point of view for platelet function testing in patients taking
      aspirin as well as from an economic standpoint. Until evidence based data from
      controlled studies will be available the term "aspirin resistance" should not be
      further used. A more robust monitoring of factors resulting in cardiovascular
      events such as inflammation is recommended.

PMID- 22090174
TI  - Vaccines and immunomodulatory therapies for food allergy.
AB  - The apparent increase in food allergy prevalence has led to a surge in the amount
      of clinical and basic science research dedicated to the field. At the current
      time, allergen avoidance remains the cornerstone of treatment; however, recent
      clinical trials investigating various forms of immunotherapy have opened doors to
      the possible future application of an active treatment strategy in everyday
      practice. In addition, improvements in molecular biology have allowed researchers
      to purify, clone, and modify allergens, thus laying the groundwork for research
      on vaccines using modified proteins of decreased allergenicity. Finally, various
      allergen-nonspecific immunomodulatory therapies are also being investigated as a
      means to alter the immune response to food allergens. With these emerging
      therapeutic strategies, it is hoped that practitioners will have options in
      caring for their food-allergic patients in the near future.

PMID- 22090176
TI  - Vascular anomalies in children.
AB  - Vascular anomalies are divided in two major categories: tumours (such as
      infantile hemangiomas) and malformations. Hemangiomas are common benign neoplasms
      that undergo a proliferative phase followed by stabilization and eventual
      spontaneous involution, whereas vascular malformations are rare structural
      anomalies representing morphogenetic errors of developing blood vessels and
      lymphatics. It is important to properly diagnose vascular anomalies early in
      childhood because of their distinct differences in morbidity, prognosis and need
      for a multidisciplinary management. We discuss a number of characteristic
      clinical features as clues for early diagnosis and identification of associated
      syndromes.

PMID- 22090177
TI  - Intramural delivery of bortezomib inhibits restenosis following arterial injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that the proteasome inhibitors
      prevent restenosis following arterial injury. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib
      shows anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Here, we evaluate the
      efficacy of bortezomib in inhibiting the restenosis following arterial injury and
      the effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and p27. METHODS: An injured
      iliac artery rabbit model was established by balloon over-stretching. Rabbits
      were intramurally infused with bortezomib or normal saline by a transport
      coronary dilatation catheter in the bortezomib (n = 20) or control (n = 20)
      groups, respectively, and they were sacrificed on the 7th or 21th day following
      the arterial injury. Neointimal area was measured by computer analysis of
      photomicrographs, while expression of NF-kappaB and of p27 on day 7 were
      evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS:
      Expression of p27 (56.10 +/- 3.03% vs. 10.24 +/- 0.60%, p < 0.05) was
      significantly higher while that of NF-kappaB (0.44 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.70 +/- 0.03, p
      < 0.05) was significantly lower in the bortezomib group than in control group on
      day 7 after arterial injury. Neointimal formation was significantly lower in the
      bortezomib group on day 21 after arterial injury (0.67 +/- 0.03 vs. 1.30 +/- 0.05
      intima/media ratio, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intramural delivery of bortezomib
      reduces neointimal formation, possibly via a mechanism involving upregulation of
      the p27 and downregulation of the NF-kappaB. Bortezomib therefore may be an
      alternative therapeutic approach for preventing restenosis.

PMID- 22090178
TI  - Patient specific biomodel of the whole aorta - the importance of calcified plaque
      removal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of anatomical models produced by 3D printing technique (rapid
      prototyping, RP) is gaining increased acceptance as a complementary tool for
      planning complex surgical interventions. This paper describes a method for
      creating a patient specific replica of the whole aorta. METHODS: Computed
      tomography angiography (CTA) DICOM-data was converted to a three-dimensional
      computer aided design-model (CAD) of the inner wall of the aorta representing the
      lumen where the calcified plaque contribution was removed in a multi-step editing
      manoeuvre. The edited CAD-model was used for creating a physical plaster model of
      the true lumen in a 3D-printer. Elastic and transparent silicon was applied onto
      the plaster model, which was then removed leaving a silicon replica of the aorta.
      RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) difference between diameters obtained
      from CTA- and RP plaster-model at 19 predefined locations was 0.5 mm (1 mm) which
      corresponds to a relative median difference of 4.6% (7.0%). The average wall
      thickness of the silicone model was 3.5 mm. The elasticity property and
      performance during intervention was good with an acceptable transparency.
      CONCLUSIONS: The integration of RP-techniques with CAD based reconstruction of 3D
      medical imaging data provides the needed tools for making a truly patient
      specific replica of the whole aorta with high accuracy. Plaque removal
      postprocessing is necessary to obtain a true inner wall configuration.

PMID- 22090179
TI  - Results of combined preoperative direct percutaneous embolization and surgical
      excision in treatment of carotid body tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors are infrequent neoplasms in daily practice.
      Diagnostic difficulties exist because of their slow growth and asymptomatic
      progress. The surgical treatment is complicated and difficult due to their
      proximity to vascular and neural structures. In this study we present the results
      of 12 patients operated for carotid body tumor that underwent preoperative
      percutaneous direct embolization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 12 patients,
      diagnosed with carotid body tumor and surgically treated at our department
      between 2000 and 2010, was retrospectively analyzed. Duplex ultrasound,
      computerized tomography and selective carotid angiography were the applied
      diagnostic tools. Two days before the planned surgery all patients underwent
      percutaneous direct embolization to achieve devascularization of the tumor.
      Afterwards, surgical excision of the mass under general anesthesia was performed
      in all cases. RESULTS: Five tumors were classified as Shamblin type I (41.7%),
      and the others were type II (58.3%). All masses were removed sub-adventitially
      and no vascular reconstruction was necessary. There was no mortality and no
      permanent neural damage. Malfunction of the tongue was observed in only one case,
      which recovered completely in one month. There was one recurrence detected by
      Duplex ultrasound and angiography during the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS:
      Surgical excision is mandatory to be performed as soon as diagnosed in carotid
      body tumors. Preoperative direct percutaneous embolization of the mass helps to
      devascurize the tumor, enabling an optimal surgical procedure. The outcomes of
      such a combined intervention are excellent and neurovascular structure
      preservation decreases complication and morbidity rates.

PMID- 22090180
TI  - The concept of an anatomy related individual arterial access: lowering technical
      and clinical complications with transradial access in bovine- and type-III aortic
      arch carotid artery stenting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) from the femoral approach can be
      anatomically very difficult and the incidence of complications is higher in
      patients with anatomical variations of the aortic arch, difficulties related to
      peripheral vascular disease and/or with access site complications. Because the
      typical morphology in patients with a bovine- or type-III aortic arch applies for
      an arterial access from the right upper extremity (e.g. radial, brachial) we
      evaluated success rates and safety of the right transradial access in a
      prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2009 and October 2010,
      seventeen patients (mean age 74,4 +/- 9 years, 10 male) with a bovine- (n = 4) or
      type-III aortic arch (n = 12) underwent CAS with a planned transradial- (n = 3)
      or after problematic transfemoral access (n = 14). In patients with a type-III
      aortic arch (n = 13), the right target common carotid artery (CCA) was cannulated
      from the right radial artery with a 5F IMA diagnostic catheter-, in patients with
      a bovine aortic arch (n = 4), the left CCA was accessed from the right radial
      artery with a 5F Amplatz- or Judkins left catheter. In all patients a 6F- (n =
      14) or 5F- (n = 3) shuttle sheath was inserted via the diagnostic catheter and a
      0.035? extra-stiff guidewire. All interventions were carried out with the use of
      a peripheral embolization protection device (EPD). Primary study endpoints were
      procedural success and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE),
      secondary endpoints were access site complications and the mean intervention
      time. RESULTS: Procedural success could be achieved in all patients (100 %),
      MACCE and access site complications did not occur in any patient. Mean
      interventional time was 48 +/- 18 min. CONCLUSIONS: CAS using the right
      transradial approach for left CAS in bovine-type aortic arch or the right
      transradial approach in type-III aortic arch for right CAS appears to be safe and
      technically feasible.

PMID- 22090181
TI  - Surgical reconstruction for unilateral iliac artery lesions in patients younger
      than 50 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate safety, short and long-term graft patency, clinical
      success rates, and factors associated with patency, limb salvage and mortality
      after surgical reconstruction in patients younger than 50 years of age who had
      undergone unilateral iliac artery bypass surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From
      January 2000 to January 2010, 65 consecutive reconstructive vascular operations
      were performed in 22 women and 43 men of age < 50 years with unilateral iliac
      atherosclerotic lesions and claudication or chronic limb ischemia. All patients
      were followed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and every 6 months
      thereafter. RESULTS: There was in-hospital vascular graft thrombosis in four (6.1
      %) patients. No in-hospital deaths occurred. Median follow-up was 49.6 +/- 33
      months. Primary patency rates at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year were 92.2 %, 85.6 %,
      73.6 %, and 56.5 %, respectively. Seven patients passed away during follow-up of
      which four patients due to coronary artery disease, two patients due to
      cerebrovascular disease and one patient due to malignancy. Limb salvage rate
      after 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up was 100 %, 100 %, 96.3 %, and 91.2 %,
      respectively. Cox regression analysis including age, sex, risk factors for
      vascular disease, indication for treatment, preoperative ABI, lesion length,
      graft diameter and type of pre-procedural lesion (stenosis/occlusion), showed
      that only age (beta - 0.281, expected beta 0.755, p = 0.007) and presence of
      diabetes mellitus during index surgery (beta - 1.292, expected beta 0.275, p =
      0.026) were found to be significant predictors of diminishing graft patency
      during the follow-up. Presence of diabetes mellitus during index surgery (beta -
      1.246, expected beta 0.291, p = 0.034) was the only variable predicting
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment for unilateral iliac lesions in
      patients with premature atherosclerosis is a safe procedure with a low operative
      risk and acceptable long-term results. Diabetes mellitus and age at index surgery
      are predictive for low graft patency. Presence of diabetes is associated with
      decreased long-term survival.

PMID- 22090182
TI  - Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty versus primary stenting in infrapopliteal
      arteries in critical limb ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In endovascular recanalisation of infrapopliteal arteries, studies
      have already pointed out the value of balloon angioplasty, but for stent
      implantation very few randomized controlled data exist so far. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled prospective trial in patients with
      critical limb ischemia (CLI) comparing the effect of percutaneous transluminal
      balloon angioplasty (PTA) versus primary stenting in infrapopliteal arteries,
      concerning 1-year clinical benefit and reobstruction rate. RESULTS: 54 patients
      were either randomized for primary stenting (balloon expandable stent) or PTA
      alone, 33 patients were assigned to the PTA group, 21 patients to the stent
      group. The whole follow up period of 12 months was completed by 46 patients.
      Improvement by at least one Rutherford classification was reached by a total of
      33 (75.0 %) of patients at month 12, 22 (81.5 %) in the PTA group and 11 (64.7 %)
      in the stent group. A complete ulcer healing at month 12 showed 21 (63.6 %) of
      all patients, with a higher percentage in patients treated with PTA alone 16
      (80.0 %) vs 5 (38.5 %). 50.0 % of all patients showed re-obstruction over the
      follow-up period, 39.4 % of the PTA and 66.7 % of the stent group. At month 3
      primary patency rate was nearly equal in both groups (76.7 % PTA vs 75.0 %
      stent), but drifted apart with the duration of the follow-up period, with a
      primary patency at month 12 in the PTA group of 48,1 % vs 35,3 % in the stent
      group. As for secondary patency at month 12 the PTA group showed a patency rate
      of 70.4 %, vs 52.9 % in the stent group. CONCLUSIONS: Primary stenting with
      balloon expandable stents in the infrapopliteal arteries does not outway the
      benefit of PTA alone with the application of modern hydrophilic balloon catheters
      in patients with CLI.

PMID- 22090183
TI  - Pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery following tonsillectomy.
AB  - Internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of deep neck
      infections. The authors report the case of a 17-year-old male who presented to
      the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with an acute tonsillitis requiring
      tonsillectomy. Four weeks after the surgery the patient was readmitted because of
      progressive swallowing, trismus, and worsening headache. Computed tomography
      revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery in the extracranial
      segment. A bare Wallstent was implanted primarily and a complete occlusion of the
      pseudoaneurysm was achieved. The endovascular approach is a quick and safe method
      for the treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery.

PMID- 22090184
TI  - Synchronous celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery embolism.
AB  - We present a case of combined celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery embolism
      in a 70-year-old patient that was examined in emergency department for atrial
      fibrillation and diffuse abdominal pain. Standard abdominal x-ray showed air in
      the portal vein. CT scan with contrast showed air in the lumen of the stomach and
      small intestine, bowel distension with wall thickening, and a free gallstone in
      the abdominal cavity. Massive embolism of both celiac axis and superior
      mesenteric artery was seen after contrast administration. On laparotomy, complete
      necrosis of the liver, spleen, stomach and small intestine was found. Gallbladder
      was gangrenous and perforated, and the gallstone had migrated into the abdominal
      cavity. We found free air that crackled on palpation of the veins of the gastric
      surface. The patient,s condition was incurable and she died of multiple organ
      failure a few hours after surgery. Acute visceral thromboembolism should always
      be excluded first if a combination of atrial fibrillation and abdominal pain
      exists. Determining the serum levels of d-dimers and lactate, combined with CT
      scan with contrast administration can, in most cases, confirm the diagnosis and
      lead to faster surgical intervention. It is crucial to act early on clinical
      suspicion and not to wait for the development of hard evidence.

PMID- 22090187
TI  - Spatial mislocalization as a consequence of sequential coding of stimuli.
AB  - In three experiments, we tested whether sequentially coding two visual stimuli
      can create a spatial misperception of a visual moving stimulus. In Experiment 1,
      we showed that a spatial misperception, the flash-lag effect, is accompanied by a
      similar temporal misperception of first perceiving the flash and only then a
      change of the moving stimulus, when in fact the two events were exactly
      simultaneous. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that when the spatial
      misperception of a flash-lag effect is absent, the temporal misperception is also
      absent. In Experiment 3, we extended these findings and showed that if the
      stimulus conditions require coding first a flash and subsequently a nearby moving
      stimulus, a spatial flash-lag effect is found, with the position of the moving
      stimulus being misperceived as shifted in the direction of its motion, whereas
      this spatial misperception is reversed so that the moving stimulus is
      misperceived as shifted in a direction opposite to its motion when the conditions
      require coding first the moving stimulus and then the flash. Together, the
      results demonstrate that sequential coding of two stimuli can lead to a spatial
      misperception whose direction can be predicted from the order of coding the
      moving object versus the flash. We propose an attentional sequential-coding
      explanation for the flash-lag effect and discuss its explanatory power with
      respect to related illusions (e.g., the Frohlich effect) and other explanations.

PMID- 22090186
TI  - Maternal and child expressed emotion as predictors of treatment response in
      pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - Expressed emotion (EE) is associated with symptoms and treatment outcome in
      various disorders. Few studies have examined EE in pediatric OCD and none of
      these has assessed the child's perspective. This study examined the relationship
      among maternal and child EE, child OCD severity, and OCD-related functioning pre-
      and post-treatment. At pre-treatment, mothers completed speech samples about the
      child with OCD and an unaffected sibling. Children with OCD completed speech
      samples about parents. There were low rates of high maternal EE (child with OCD:
      16.1%; sibling: 2.6%) and high child EE about parents (mothers: 11.9%; fathers:
      10.2%). High EE was primarily characterized by high criticism, not high
      overinvolvement. High maternal EE and child EE regarding fathers were associated
      with pre-treatment child OCD severity but not post-treatment severity. High child
      and maternal EE were predictive of post-treatment OCD-related functioning. EE may
      be an important child and maternal trait associated with pre-treatment OCD
      severity and generalization of treatment gains.

PMID- 22090188
TI  - Representation of dynamic spatial configurations in visual short-term memory.
AB  - Locations of multiple stationary objects are represented on the basis of their
      global spatial configuration in visual short-term memory (VSTM). Once objects
      move individually, they form a global spatial configuration with varying spatial
      inter-object relations over time. The representation of such dynamic spatial
      configurations in VSTM was investigated in six experiments. Participants
      memorized a scene with six moving and/or stationary objects and performed a
      location change detection task for one object specified during the probing phase.
      The spatial configuration of the objects was manipulated between memory phase and
      probing phase. Full spatial configurations showing all objects caused higher
      change detection performance than did no or partial spatial configurations for
      static and dynamic scenes. The representation of dynamic scenes in VSTM is
      therefore also based on their global spatial configuration. The variation of the
      spatiotemporal features of the objects demonstrated that spatiotemporal features
      of dynamic spatial configurations are represented in VSTM. The presentation of
      conflicting spatiotemporal cues interfered with memory retrieval. However,
      missing or conforming spatiotemporal cues triggered memory retrieval of dynamic
      spatial configurations. The configurational representation of stationary and
      moving objects was based on a single spatial configuration, indicating that
      static spatial configurations are a special case of dynamic spatial
      configurations.

PMID- 22090189
TI  - Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy for malignant tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has become the gold standard for
      benign tumors. As more surgeons have expertise in open and laparoscopic
      pancreatic surgery, increasing numbers of benign-appearing tumors are being
      removed via minimally invasive techniques and found to have malignancy on final
      pathology. Because of our growing experience in laparoscopic distal
      pancreatectomy, we have begun removing preoperatively suspected malignancies in
      the distal pancreas with minimally invasive techniques. METHODS: All cases were
      collected prospectively in a database and analyzed retrospectively. All cases
      begun laparoscopically with the intention of performing the resection with
      minimally invasive techniques were considered even if the operation was
      ultimately converted to an open procedure. RESULTS: A total of 12 cases have been
      attempted of which four required hand assistance and one required conversion to
      an open approach due to delayed bleeding from a calcified splenic artery that had
      been transected with laparoscopic GIA stapler device. In total, eight (67%)
      patients had malignant disease and four (33%) were found to have benign tumors.
      The median lymph node retrieval is 8 (range 3-16) with no positive margins. The
      morbidity rate is 17% with one reoperation (8%) and one mortality (8%) at 30 and
      90 days. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach to malignant pancreatic tumors is
      feasible with similar morbidity and mortality rates to benign series. When tumors
      are next to the confluence of the splenic portal vein, a hand-assisted approach
      may be adviseable. Calcified splenic arteries should be sought on preoperative
      imaging and either transected in non-calcified segments or controlled via open
      techniques via the hand port.

PMID- 22090190
TI  - Patient outcome in primary peritoneal dialysis patients versus those transferred
      from hemodialysis and transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the concept of integrated care, renal transplantation,
      peritoneal dialysis (PD), and hemodialysis (HD) should be considered three
      complementary methods of renal replacement therapy. This study tried to evaluate
      patient outcomes in three different groups of PD patients, namely primary PD
      patients, those transferred to PD with failing kidney transplant, and those
      transferred to PD from HD. METHOD: From January 1, 1995, to end of 2006 from 26
      PD centers, 1,355 patients including demographic, clinical and laboratory data,
      which were monthly collected through questionnaires, were enrolled in the study.
      We compared patients' characteristics, factors affecting patient survival, and
      patient outcomes between primary PD patients (group 1, n = 1,067), patients
      transferred from transplantation (group 2, n = 43) and those transferred from HD
      (group 3, n = 245), which had been on HD for at least 3 months before switching
      to PD. RESULTS: There was no difference in the proportion of patients with
      diabetes in the three groups. Overall, 238 patients (17.5%) were transferred to
      HD but there was no significant difference in PD technique survival on between
      the three groups. Death occurred in 256 (24%), 3 (7%) and 65 (26.5%) subjects in
      groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Most patients (81.5%) in group 2 underwent re
      transplantation. The Kaplan-Meier survival rates were not different between the
      three groups. In the Cox multiple regression model, age, presence of diabetes and
      serum albumin level significantly influenced patient survival. CONCLUSION: We
      concluded that PD could be considered safe for patients experiencing
      complications on HD, as well as for those with renal transplantation.

PMID- 22090191
TI  - Fatal case of perforated appendicitis in an elderly CAPD patient.

PMID- 22090192
TI  - Variations in depression care and outcomes among high-risk mothers from different
      racial/ethnic groups.
AB  - PURPOSE. To examine variations in depression care and outcomes among high-risk
      pregnant and parenting women from different racial/ethnic groups served in
      community health centres. METHODS: As part of a collaborative care programme that
      provides depression treatment in primary care clinics for high-risk mothers, 661
      women with probable depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 >= 10), who self
      reported race/ethnicity as Latina (n = 393), White (n = 126), Black (n = 75) or
      Asian (n = 67), were included in the study. Primary outcomes include quality of
      depression care and improvement in depression. A Cox proportional hazard model
      adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was used to examine
      time to treatment response. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in both
      depression processes and outcomes across ethnic groups. After adjusting for other
      variables, Blacks were found to be significantly less likely to improve than
      Latinas [hazard ratio (HR): 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44-0.65]. Other
      factors significantly associated with depression improvement were pregnancy (HR:
      1.52, 95% CI: 1.27-1.82), number of clinic visits (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.17-1.36)
      and phone contacts (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.32-1.60) by the care manager in the first
      month of treatment. After controlling for depression severity, having suicidal
      thoughts at baseline was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of
      depression improvement (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      racially and ethnically diverse sample of pregnant and parenting women treated
      for depression in primary care, the intensity of care management was positively
      associated with improved depression. There was also appreciable variation in
      depression outcomes between Latina and Black patients.

PMID- 22090193
TI  - The role of primary care professionals in women's experiences of cervical cancer
      screening: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The UK Cervical Screening Programme, delivered mostly through primary
      care, commands impressive levels of public support. However, considerable
      evidence suggests that women find the experience of screening problematic.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate this tension using women's accounts of cervical
      screening, with a view to informing practice to better meet their needs. METHODS:
      A qualitative interview study with 34 participants focussed on their experiences
      and understandings of cervical cancer screening in the UK. Analysis was based on
      the constant comparative method. RESULTS: The highly intimate and personal nature
      of the test is challenging, and many women report unsatisfactory experiences.
      Problematic issues include: embarrassment and discomfort (sometimes severe) in
      exposing an intimate and personal part of their body; surrendering control and
      finding the test painful, uncomfortable and personally threatening. Though there
      is an important role for primary health care professionals in easing discomfort
      and facilitating positive experiences, women often report feeling disappointed
      with how the procedure is conducted. Women suggest that practitioners' attempts
      to normalize the interaction and maintain a degree of detachment could have the
      perverse effect of making them feel more uncomfortable and that more
      personalization would be welcome. CONCLUSIONS: This work identifies the ways in
      which women may find personal engagement with cervical screening difficult and
      demonstrates the important role of primary care practitioners in contributing to
      women's experiences of the encounter. We draw on Erving Goffman's work on the
      'interaction order' to explain some of the problems reported by women and to help
      inform good practice in primary care.

PMID- 22090194
TI  - Cardiac PET, CT, and MR: what are the advantages of hybrid imaging?
AB  - Cardiac hybrid imaging combines different imaging modalities in a way where both
      modalities equally contribute to image information. Hybrid positron emission
      tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging is a promising tool for
      evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) because it enables detection of
      coronary atherosclerotic lesions by CT angiography and their consequences on
      myocardial blood flow by PET perfusion in a single study. This appears to offer
      superior diagnostic accuracy in patients with intermediate risk for CAD compared
      with stand-alone imaging. Novel, commercially available hybrid scanners
      containing PET and magnetic resonance as well as development of targeted probes
      to evaluate molecular and cellular disease mechanisms are expected to provide
      many new applications for cardiac hybrid imaging. This article focuses on the
      advantages of cardiac hybrid imaging in the detection of CAD in light of
      currently available clinical data and discusses the potential future
      applications.

PMID- 22090195
TI  - Clopidogrel and PPI interaction: clinically relevant or not?
AB  - Proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel are commonly prescribed medications, both
      alone and in combination. In January of 2009 the US Food and Drug Administration
      and the European Medicines Agency issued warnings with regard to the concomitant
      use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors. Later that year, these warnings
      were limited to the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. These warnings were largely
      based on in-vitro studies and observational analyses suggesting decreased
      efficacy of clopidogrel in the presence of proton pump inhibitors. Recent
      literature has suggested there may not be a clinically meaningful interaction.

PMID- 22090197
TI  - Suboptimal choice in nonhuman animals: rats commit the sunk cost error.
AB  - The present experiments investigated the sunk cost error, an apparently
      irrational tendency to persist with an initial investment, in rats. This issue is
      of interest because some have argued that nonhuman animals do not commit this
      error. Two or three fixed-ratio (FR) response requirements were arranged on one
      lever, and an escape option was arranged on a second lever. The FRs were of
      different sizes, and escaping was the behavior of interest. Several variables
      that might influence the decision to persist versus escape were manipulated: the
      number of trials with different FR schedules in an experimental session (Exps. 1
      and 2), effort to escape (Exp. 2), and the size of the larger FR (Exp. 3). The
      sunk cost error would result in never escaping, and the optimal strategy would be
      to escape from the larger FR. The main variable that determined persisting versus
      escaping was the size of the large FR. Rats that escaped from the large FR
      apparently optimal behavior-did so at a suboptimal point, and hence committed the
      sunk cost error.

PMID- 22090198
TI  - Genome analysis of two type 6 echovirus (E6) strains recovered from sewage
      specimens in Greece in 2006.
AB  - Echovirus 6 (E6) is one of the main enteroviral serotypes that was isolated from
      cases of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis during the last years in Greece. Two
      E6 (LR51A5 and LR61G3) were isolated from the sewage treatment plant unit in
      Larissa, Greece, in May 2006, 1 year before their characterization from aseptic
      meningitis cases. The two isolates were initially found to be intra-serotypic
      recombinants in the genomic region VP1, a finding that initiated a full genome
      sequence analysis. In the present study, nucleotide, amino acid, and phylogenetic
      analyses for all genomic regions were conducted. For the detection of
      recombination events, Simplot and bootscan analyses were carried out. The
      continuous phylogenetic relationship in 2C-3D genomic region of strains LR51A5
      and LR61G3 with E30 isolated in France in 2002-2005 indicated that the two
      strains were recombinants. SimPlot and Bootscan analyses confirmed that LR51A5
      and LR61G3 carry an inter-serotypic recombination in the 2C genomic region. The
      present study provide evidence that recombination events occurred in the regions
      VP1 (intraserotypic) and non-capsid (interserotypic) during the evolution of
      LR51A5 and LR61G3, supporting the statement that the genomes of circulating
      enteroviruses are a mosaic of genomic regions of viral strains of the same or
      different serotypes. In conclusion, full genome sequence analysis of circulating
      enteroviral strains is a prerequisite to understand the complexity of enterovirus
      evolution.

PMID- 22090199
TI  - Assessment of metabolic modulation in free-living versus endosymbiotic
      Symbiodinium using synchrotron radiation-based infrared microspectroscopy.
AB  - The endosymbiotic relationship between coral hosts and dinoflagellates of the
      genus Symbiodinium is critical for the growth and productivity of coral reef
      ecosystems. Here, synchrotron radiation-based infrared microspectroscopy was
      applied to examine metabolite concentration differences between endosymbiotic
      (within the anemone Aiptasia pulchella) and free-living Symbiodinium over the
      light-dark cycle. Significant differences in levels of lipids, nitrogenous
      compounds, polysaccharides and putative cell wall components were documented.
      Compared with free-living Symbiodinium, total lipids, unsaturated lipids and
      polysaccharides were relatively enriched in endosymbiotic Symbiodinium during
      both light and dark photoperiods. Concentrations of cell wall-related metabolites
      did not vary temporally in endosymbiotic samples; in contrast, the concentrations
      of these metabolites increased dramatically during the dark photoperiod in free
      living samples, possibly reflecting rhythmic cell-wall synthesis related to light
      driven cell proliferation. The level of nitrogenous compounds in endosymbiotic
      cells did not vary greatly across the light-dark cycle and in general was
      significantly lower than that observed in free-living samples collected during
      the light. Collectively, these data suggest that nitrogen limitation is a factor
      that the host cell exploits to induce the biosynthesis of lipids and
      polysaccharides in endosymbiotic Symbiodinium.

PMID- 22090200
TI  - Physiological implications of pair-bond status in greylag geese.
AB  - In group-living vertebrates, reliable social allies play a decisive role in
      dealing with stressors. For example, support by social allies is known to dampen
      glucocorticoid responses. It remains unknown, however, how social embedding
      affects the sympatho-adrenergic axis as indicated by heart rate (HR) in non-human
      animals. We studied the relationships between HR, pair-bond status and distance
      from the pair-partner in twenty-five free-ranging greylag geese (Anser anser) in
      a natural social environment. In three individuals, we investigated HR responses
      following partner loss. Overall, we found a context- and sex-dependent difference
      in HR between paired and unpaired individuals, paired males having a lower HR
      during agonistic encounters, and unpaired females having a lower HR during
      resting. Also, in paired females HR increased with increasing distance from the
      partner. Our data suggest that HR is modulated by pair-bond status in greylag
      geese in a context- and sex-dependent manner, which may be representative for
      social vertebrates in general. Despite the low sample size, the present study
      indicates that proper social embedding may optimize an individual's physiological
      investment in the social domain. This reduces individual energy expenditure and
      may benefit health and reproductive success.

PMID- 22090201
TI  - Wild geese do not increase flight behaviour prior to migration.
AB  - Hypertrophy of the flight muscles is regularly observed in birds prior to long
      distance migrations. We tested the hypothesis that a large migratory bird would
      increase flight behaviour prior to migration, in order to cause hypertrophy of
      the flight muscles, and upregulate key components of the aerobic metabolic
      pathways. Implantable data loggers were used to record year-round heart rate in
      six wild barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis), and the amount of time spent in
      flight each day was identified. Time in flight per day did not significantly
      increase prior to either the spring or the autumn migration, both between time
      periods prior to migration (5, 10 and 15 days), or when compared with a control
      period of low activity during winter. The lack of significant increase in flight
      prior to migration suggests that approximately 22 min per day is sufficient to
      maintain the flight muscles in condition for prolonged long-distance flight. This
      apparent lack of a requirement for increased flight activity prior to migration
      may be attributable to pre-migratory mass gains in the geese increasing workload
      during short flights, potentially prompting hypertrophy of the flight muscles.

PMID- 22090202
TI  - Susceptibility of the male fitness phenotype to spontaneous mutation.
AB  - Adult reproductive success can account for a large fraction of male fitness,
      however, we know relatively little about the susceptibility of reproductive
      traits to mutation-accumulation (MA). Estimates of the mutational rate of decline
      for adult fitness and its components are controversial in Drosophila
      melanogaster, and post-copulatory performance has not been examined. We therefore
      separately measured the consequences of MA for total male reproductive success
      and its major pre-copulatory and post-copulatory components: mating success and
      sperm competitive success. We also measured juvenile viability, an important
      fitness component that has been well studied in MA experiments. MA had strongly
      deleterious effects on both male viability and adult fitness, but the latter
      declined at a much greater rate. Mutational pressure on total fitness is thus
      much greater than would be predicted by viability alone. We also noted a
      significant and positive correlation between all adult traits and viability in
      the MA lines, suggesting pleiotropy of mutational effect as required by 'good
      genes' models of sexual selection.

PMID- 22090203
TI  - Does prey size matter? Novel observations of feeding in the leatherback turtle
      (Dermochelys coriacea) allow a test of predator-prey size relationships.
AB  - Optimal foraging models predict that large predators should concentrate on large
      prey in order to maximize their net gain of energy intake. Here, we show that the
      largest species of sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, does not strictly adhere to
      this general pattern. Field observations combined with a theoretical model
      suggest that a 300 kg leatherback turtle would meet its energetic requirements by
      feeding for 3-4 h a day on 4 g jellyfish, but only if prey were aggregated in
      high-density patches. Therefore, prey abundance rather than prey size may, in
      some cases, be the overriding parameter for foraging leatherbacks. This is a
      classic example where the presence of small prey in the diet of a large marine
      predator may reflect profitable foraging decisions if the relatively low energy
      intake per small individual prey is offset by high encounter rates and minimal
      capture and handling costs. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first
      quantitative estimates of intake rate for this species.

PMID- 22090204
TI  - Evidence for a vertebrate catapult: elastic energy storage in the plantaris
      tendon during frog jumping.
AB  - Anuran jumping is one of the most powerful accelerations in vertebrate
      locomotion. Several species are hypothesized to use a catapult-like mechanism to
      store and rapidly release elastic energy, producing power outputs far beyond the
      capability of muscle. Most evidence for this mechanism comes from measurements of
      whole-body power output; the decoupling of joint motion and muscle shortening
      expected in a catapult-like mechanism has not been demonstrated. We used high
      speed marker-based biplanar X-ray cinefluoroscopy to quantify plantaris muscle
      fascicle strain and ankle joint motion in frogs in order to test for two
      hallmarks of a catapult mechanism: (i) shortening of fascicles prior to joint
      movement (during tendon stretch), and (ii) rapid joint movement during the jump
      without rapid muscle-shortening (during tendon recoil). During all jumps, muscle
      fascicles shortened by an average of 7.8 per cent (54% of total strain) prior to
      joint movement, stretching the tendon. The subsequent period of initial joint
      movement and high joint angular acceleration occurred with minimal muscle
      fascicle length change, consistent with the recoil of the elastic tendon. These
      data support the plantaris longus tendon as a site of elastic energy storage
      during frog jumping, and demonstrate that catapult mechanisms may be employed
      even in sub-maximal jumps.

PMID- 22090205
TI  - Metapopulation models for seasonally migratory animals.
AB  - Metapopulation models are widely used to study species that occupy patchily
      distributed habitat, but are rarely applied to migratory species, because of the
      difficulty of identifying demographically independent subpopulations. Here, we
      extend metapopulation theory to describe the directed seasonal movement of
      migratory populations between two sets of habitat patches, breeding and non
      breeding, with potentially different colonization and extinction rates between
      patch types. By extending the classic metapopulation model, we show that
      migratory metapopulations will persist if the product of the two colonization
      rates exceeds the product of extinction rates. Further, we develop a spatially
      realistic migratory metapopulation model and derive a landscape metric-the
      migratory metapopulation capacity-that determines persistence. This new extension
      to metapopulation theory introduces an important tool for the management and
      conservation of migratory species and may also be applicable to model the
      dynamics of two host-parasite systems.

PMID- 22090206
TI  - Transgenerational effects of parent and grandparent gender on offspring
      development in a biparental beetle species.
AB  - Parental effects on offspring life-history traits are common and increasingly
      well-studied. However, the extent to which these effects persist into offspring
      in subsequent generations has received less attention. In this experiment,
      maternal and paternal effects on offspring and grand-offspring were investigated
      in the biparental burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides, using a split-family
      design. This allowed the separation of prenatal and postnatal transgenerational
      effects. Grandparent and parent gender were found to have a cumulative effect on
      offspring development and may provide a selection pressure on the division of
      parental investment in biparental species.

PMID- 22090207
TI  - Social status gates social attention in humans.
AB  - Humans tend to shift attention in response to the averted gaze of a face they are
      fixating, a phenomenon known as gaze cuing. In the present paper, we aimed to
      address whether the social status of the cuing face modulates this phenomenon.
      Participants were asked to look at the faces of 16 individuals and read fictive
      curriculum vitae associated with each of them that could describe the person as
      having a high or low social status. The association between each specific face
      and either high or low social status was counterbalanced between participants.
      The same faces were then used as stimuli in a gaze-cuing task. The results showed
      a greater gaze-cuing effect for high-status faces than for low-status faces,
      independently of the specific identity of the face. These findings confirm
      previous evidence regarding the important role of social factors in shaping
      social attention and show that a modulation of gaze cuing can be observed even
      when knowledge about social status is acquired through episodic learning.

PMID- 22090208
TI  - Glycemic targets and approaches to management of the patient with critical
      illness.
AB  - Hyperglycemia during critical illness is associated with adverse outcome. The
      proof-of-concept Leuven studies assessed causality, and revealed that targeting
      strict normoglycemia (80-110 mg/dL) with insulin improved outcome compared with
      tolerating hyperglycemia to the renal threshold (215 mg/dL). A large multicenter
      trial (NICE-SUGAR [Normoglycaemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival Using
      Glucose Algorithm Regulation]) found an intermediate blood glucose target (140
      180 mg/dL) safer than targeting normoglycemia. Differences in design and in
      execution of glycemic control at the bedside may have contributed to these
      results. In NICE-SUGAR (Normoglycaemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival
      Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation), the blood-glucose target range in the
      control group was lower, there were problems to reach and maintain normoglycemia
      in the intervention group, and inaccurate handheld blood glucose meters and
      variable blood sampling sites were allowed. Inaccurate tools led to insulin
      dosing errors with consequently (undetected) hypoglycemia and unacceptable blood
      glucose variability. Also, the studies were done superimposed upon different
      nutritional strategies. Thus, such differences do not allow simple, evidence
      based recommendations for daily practice, but an intermediate blood glucose
      target may be preferable while awaiting better tools to facilitate safely
      reaching normoglycemia.

PMID- 22090209
TI  - Amino acids 473V and 598P of PB1 from an avian-origin influenza A virus
      contribute to polymerase activity, especially in mammalian cells.
AB  - It has been reported that the avian-origin influenza A virus PB1 protein (avian
      PB1) enhances influenza A virus polymerase activity in mammalian cells when it
      replaces the human-origin PB1 protein (human PB1). Characterization of the amino
      acid residues that contribute to this enhancement is needed. In this study, it
      was found that PB1 from an avian-origin influenza A virus
      [A/Cambodia/P0322095/2005, H5N1 (Cam)] could enhance the polymerase activity of
      an attenuated human isolated virus, A/WSN/33, carrying the PB2 K627E mutation
      (WSN627E) in vitro. Furthermore, 473V and 598P in the Cam PB1 were identified as
      the residues responsible for this enhanced activity. The results from recombinant
      virus experiments demonstrated the contribution of PB1 amino acids 473V and 598P
      to polymerase activity in mammalian cells and in mice. Interestingly, 473V is
      conserved in pH1N1 viruses from the 2009 pandemic. Substitution of 473V by
      leucine in pH1N1 PB1 led to a decreased viral polymerase activity and a lower
      growth rate in mammalian cells, suggesting that the PB1 473V also plays a role in
      maintaining efficient virus replication of the pH1N1 virus. Thus, it was
      concluded that two amino acids in avian-origin PB1, 473V and 598P, contribute to
      the polymerase activity of the H5N1 virus, especially in mammalian cells, and
      that 473V in PB1 also contributes to efficient replication of the pH1N1 strain.

PMID- 22090210
TI  - Echovirus 11 infection induces dramatic changes in the actin cytoskeleton of
      polarized Caco-2 cells.
AB  - Binding of echovirus 11 strain 207 (EV11-207) to Caco-2 monolayers results in
      rapid transfer of the virus to tight junctions prior to uptake. Using a confocal
      microscopy based-method, this study quantified the spatiotemporal distribution of
      actin during the time course of infection by EV11-207 in Caco-2 polarized cells.
      It was found that binding of EV11-207 to the apical surface resulted in rapid
      rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, concomitant with transport of the virus
      particles to tight junctions. By interfering with the actin network dynamics, the
      virus remained trapped at the cell surface, leading to abortion of infection. In
      addition, it was observed that at 4 h post-infection, concomitant with the
      detection of virus replication, actin filament was depolymerized and degraded.
      Finally, it was shown that the mechanisms leading to loss of actin were
      independent of viral genome synthesis, indicating a potential role for the viral
      protein synthesis seen in late infection. These data confirmed a previous study
      on the requirement for an intact actin cytoskeleton for EV11-207 to infect cells
      and reinforce the notion of actin cytoskeleton subversion by picornaviruses
      during infection in polarized epithelial cells.

PMID- 22090211
TI  - Characterization of intracellular localization of PrP(Sc) in prion-infected cells
      using a mAb that recognizes the region consisting of aa 119-127 of mouse PrP.
AB  - Generation of an abnormal isoform of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) is a key aspect
      of the propagation of prions. Elucidation of the intracellular localization of
      PrP(Sc) in prion-infected cells facilitates the understanding of the cellular
      mechanism of prion propagation. However, technical improvement in PrP(Sc)
      specific detection is required for precise analysis. Here, we show that the mAb
      132, which recognizes the region adjacent to the most amyloidogenic region of
      PrP, is useful for PrP(Sc)-specific detection by immunofluorescence assay in
      cells pre-treated with guanidine thiocyanate. Extensive analysis of the
      intracellular localization of PrP(Sc) in prion-infected cells using mAb 132
      revealed the presence of PrP(Sc) throughout endocytic compartments. In
      particular, some of the granular PrP(Sc) signals that were clustered at peri
      nuclear regions appeared to be localized in an endocytic recycling compartment
      through which exogenously loaded transferrin, shiga and cholera toxin B subunits
      were transported. The granular PrP(Sc) signals at peri-nuclear regions were
      dispersed to the peripheral regions including the plasma membrane during
      incubation at 20  degrees C, at which temperature transport from the plasma
      membrane to peri-nuclear regions was impaired. Conversely, dispersed PrP(Sc)
      signals appeared to return to peri-nuclear regions within 30 min during
      subsequent incubation at 37  degrees C, following which PrP(Sc) at peri-nuclear
      regions appeared to redisperse again to peripheral regions over the next 30 min
      incubation. These results suggest that PrP(Sc) is dynamically transported along
      with the membrane trafficking machinery of cells and that at least some PrP(Sc)
      circulates between peri-nuclear and peripheral regions including the plasma
      membrane via an endocytic recycling pathway.

PMID- 22090212
TI  - Differences in the mechanism of inoculation between a semi-persistent and a non
      persistent aphid-transmitted plant virus.
AB  - Inoculation of the semi-persistent cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV, genus
      Caulimovirus) is associated with successive brief (5-10 s) intracellular stylet
      punctures (pd) when aphids probe in epidermal and mesophyll cells. In contrast to
      non-persistent viruses, there is no evidence for which of the pd subphases (II-1,
      II-2 and II-3) is involved in the inoculation of CaMV. Experiments were conducted
      using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to investigate which
      particular subphases of the pd are associated with the inoculation of CaMV to
      turnip by its aphid vector Brevicoryne brassicae. In addition, the same aphid
      species/test plant combination was used to compare the role of the pd subphases
      in the inoculation of the non-persistent turnip mosaic virus (TuMV, genus
      Potyvirus). Inoculation of TuMV was found to be related to subphase II-1,
      confirming earlier results, but CaMV inoculation appeared to be related
      exclusively to subphase II-2 instead. The mechanism of CaMV inoculation and the
      possible nature of subphase II-2 are discussed in the scope of our findings.

PMID- 22090213
TI  - Hazara virus infection is lethal for adult type I interferon receptor-knockout
      mice and may act as a surrogate for infection with the human-pathogenic Crimean
      Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
AB  - Hazara virus (HAZV) is closely related to the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
      virus (CCHFV). HAZV has not been reported to cause human disease; work with
      infectious material can be carried out at containment level (CL)-2. By contrast,
      CCHFV causes a haemorrhagic fever in humans and requires CL-4 facilities. A
      disease model of HAZV infection in mice deficient in the type I interferon
      receptor is reported in this study. Dose-response effects were seen with higher
      doses, resulting in a shorter time to death and earlier detection of viral loads
      in organs. The lowest dose of 10 p.f.u. was still lethal in over 50 % of the
      mice. Histopathological findings were identified in the liver, spleen and lymph
      nodes, with changes similar to a recent mouse model of CCHFV infection. The
      findings demonstrate that inoculation of mice with HAZV may act as a useful
      surrogate model for the testing of antiviral agents against CCHFV.

PMID- 22090215
TI  - [Editorial].

PMID- 22090214
TI  - Infection of human alveolar macrophages by human coronavirus strain 229E.
AB  - Human coronavirus strain 229E (HCoV-229E) commonly causes upper respiratory tract
      infections. However, lower respiratory tract infections can occur in some
      individuals, indicating that cells in the distal lung are susceptible to HCoV
      229E. This study determined the virus susceptibility of primary cultures of human
      alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages (AMs). Fluorescent antibody
      staining indicated that HCoV-229E could readily infect AMs, but no evidence was
      found for infection in differentiated alveolar epithelial type II cells and only
      a very low level of infection in type II cells transitioning to the type I-like
      cell phenotype. However, a human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE) was
      readily infected. The innate immune response of AMs to HCoV-229E infection was
      evaluated for cytokine production and interferon (IFN) gene expression. AMs
      secreted significant amounts of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha),
      regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES/CCL5) and
      macrophage inflammatory protein 1beta (MIP-1beta/CCL4) in response to HCoV-229E
      infection, but these cells exhibited no detectable increase in IFN-beta or
      interleukin-29 in mRNA levels. AMs from smokers had reduced secretion of TNF
      alpha compared with non-smokers in response to HCoV-229E infection. Surfactant
      protein A (SP-A) and SP-D are part of the innate immune system in the distal
      lung. Both surfactant proteins bound to HCoV-229E, and pre-treatment of HCoV-229E
      with SP-A or SP-D inhibited infection of 16HBE cells. In contrast, there was a
      modest reduction in infection in AMs by SP-A, but not by SP-D. In summary, AMs
      are an important target for HCoV-229E, and they can mount a pro-inflammatory
      innate immune response to infection.

PMID- 22090216
TI  - What has changed in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      in Poland in 2003-2009? Data from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes
      (PL-ACS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A substantial progress has been made in Poland in the field of acute
      coronary syndromes (ACS) management over the last 10 years. AIM: To present the
      data from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) collected
      between 2003 and 2009. Changes in treatment strategies and outcomes in ST-segment
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) were analysed. METHODS: We analysed patients
      enrolled to the PL-ACS Registry - a nationwide multicenter, prospective
      observational study of consecutive patients hospitalised with ACS in Poland.
      RESULTS: Overall, 284,162 patients with ACS were enrolled in 512 centres
      including 88 invasive cardiology centres. The STEMI was diagnosed in 35-36% of
      these patients in 2003-2005, and this proportion remained stable at 30% to 32% in
      2006-2009. The mean age of STEMI patients increased from 62.5 years in 2003 to
      64.5 in 2009. During this period, women represented 32.7% to 34.6% of the STEMI
      patients. Proportion of patients presenting with pulmonary oedema or cardiogenic
      shock decreased with time, from 15.5% in 2003 to 8% in 2009. Delays to
      reperfusion tended to reduce over time: pain-to- -admission time was 240 min in
      2005 and 229 min in 2009 and door-to-balloon time was 32 and 25 min in 2005 and
      2009, respectively, with the delay being longer in the elderly population. The
      proportion of patients undergoing coronary angiography showed a constant
      increase, from 55% in 2003 to 84% in 2009. Percutaneous coronary intervention was
      performed in 51% and 78% of patients in 2003 and 2009, respectively. At the same
      time, the proportion of patients undergoing thrombolysis declined from 14% to 1%.
      Aspirin, beta-blocker, statin and ACE inhibitor use was constantly high, while
      nitrate use declined from 82% to 15%. The proportion of patients receiving
      clopidogrel increased from 40% to 97% over the analysed period. Significant
      reductions in mortality rates were observed: in-hospital mortality decreased from
      11.9% to 6.4%; 30-day mortality from 13.5% to 9.6%; and 12-month mortality from
      19.8% to 15.4% in 2003 and 2009, respectively. Invasive treatment strategy was
      associated with better in-hospital and long-term patient survival. CONCLUSIONS:
      The PL-ACS Registry results demonstrate low short- and long-term mortality rates
      in STEMI patients, mainly due to frequent use of interventional strategy,
      satisfactory logistics and appropriate drug therapy used. As a consequence,
      hospitalisation time has shortened. However, there are several issues that need
      to be improved such as shortening of pre- -hospital delays and increasing the
      rate of invasive treatment in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock.

PMID- 22090217
TI  - [Another success of polish invasive cardiologists-improve the outcomes of heart
      attack].

PMID- 22090218
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of pre-operative NT-proBNP level in predicting short-term
      outcomes in coronary surgery: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) are acknowledged markers of acute
      and chronic heart failure. Insufficient data exist, however, regarding their
      diagnostic usefulness in cardiac surgery, particularly in coronary patients. AIM:
      To assess diagnostic accuracy of preoperative value of NT-proBNP level as a
      predictor of short-term postoperative complications in subjects undergoing
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: This pilot study included 100
      consecutive patients scheduled for elective CABG, including 24 females and 76
      males (mean age 65.9 +/- 9.1 years). Exclusion criteria were: significant
      valvular disorders, off-pump procedure, renal failure (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2),
      low ejection fraction (< 30%), intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP),
      use of inotropic agents, atrial fibrillation (AF), and implanted pacemaker or
      defibrillator. The NT-proBNP level was measured on the day of the surgery before
      induction of anaesthesia. We investigated short-term postoperative complications,
      defined as those occurring within 30 days or before hospital discharge. RESULTS:
      Median NT-proBNP concentration was 526.0 pg/mL (IQR 156.0-1150.0). None of
      patients died postoperatively. Excessive drainage (> 850 mL) was found in 13
      (13%) patients and 22 (22%) subjects required transfusions. Prolonged mechanical
      ventilation (> 12 h) was necessary in 15 (15%) patients and respiratory failure
      occurred in 2 (2%) of them. Postoperative AF was present in 34 (34%) subjects.
      Perioperative myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 2 (2%) persons. Low cardiac
      output was present in 9 (9%) patients. Haemodynamic support with the use of IABP
      was necessary in 7 (7%) patients and inotropic drugs were used in 61 (61%)
      subjects. Stroke or delirium was diagnosed in 1 (1%) subject. The NT-proBNP level
      correlated with the operative risk estimated by logistic and additive EuroSCORE:
      r = 0.558 (95% CI 0.406-0.680; p < 0.001) and r = 0.551 (95% CI 0.397-0.674; p <
      0.001), respectively. The NT-proBNP level correlated significantly with the
      length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay: r = 0.412 (95% CI
      0.238-0.566; p < 0.001) and r = 0.547 (95% CI 0.393-0.672; p < 0.001),
      respectively. The NT-proBNP level was a predictor of postoperative prolonged
      mechanical ventilation, respiratory failure, AF, IABP use, inotropic support and
      postoperative platelet transfusions (p < 0.05 for all). However, good or very
      good diagnostic accuracy was found only in relation to mechanical ventilation
      (AUROC = 0.854), respiratory insufficiency (AUROC = 0.867), IABP use (AUROC =
      0.889), and milrinone use (AUROC = 0.929). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment
      of NT-proBNP level in CABG patients could be a valuable diagnostic method for
      predicting several postoperative complications, especially pulmonary outcomes and
      requirement for haemodynamic support, and it correlated with the length of ICU
      stay and hospital stay.

PMID- 22090219
TI  - [Can BNP may affect eligibility for coronary artery bypass grafting?].

PMID- 22090220
TI  - Myocardial ischaemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: detection and clinical
      relevance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe cardiovascular complications are among the most important
      causes of mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. AIM: To
      assess the usefulness of echocardiography, ECG, and coronary artery calcium
      scoring (CACS) in the detection of myocardial ischaemia in SLE patients compared
      to single photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) and to assess their
      five-year follow-up. METHODS: In 50 consecutive SLE patients (mean age 39.2 +/-
      12.9 years, 90% female), clinical assessment, resting and exercise ECG and
      echocardiography, multidetector computed tomography - based CACS and SPECT
      studies (Tc-99m sestamibi) were performed. Patients were then followed for five
      years. RESULTS: SPECT revealed perfusion defects in 25 (50%) patients; persistent
      defects in 18 (36%) and exercise-induced defects in seven (14%) subjects. No
      typical ischaemic heart disease clinical symptoms, signs of ischaemia in resting
      ECG, or left ventricular contractility impairment in echocardiography were
      observed. Signs of ischaemia in exercise ECG were found in 17 (34%) patients. The
      CACS ranged from 1 to 843.2 (median 23.15), and coronary calcifications were
      observed in 12 (24%) patients. Compared to the SPECT study, exercise ECG had 68%
      sensitivity and 100% specificity in detecting myocardial ischaemia, while CACS
      had only 28% sensitivity and 58% specificity. During follow-up, one patient who
      showed myocardial perfusion defects and the highest calcium score (843.2) at
      baseline, developed CCS II class symptoms of myocardial ischaemia. Coronary
      angiography was not performed because of severe anaemia; the patient died three
      months later. In two other patients with perfusion defects and calcium deposits
      at baseline, CCS I class symptoms were observed; coronary angiography showed only
      thin calcified coronary plaques that were haemodynamically insignificant.
      CONCLUSIONS: In about half of relatively young, mostly female, SLE patients,
      SPECT shows myocardial perfusion defects, with coronary calcifications present in
      one quarter of them. While ECG and echocardiography may not reveal any pathology,
      ECG exercise test can identify these patients with high specificity. In patients
      with a negative SPECT, the short-term prognosis is good, while in patients with
      perfusion defects and coronary calcifications, the clinical symptoms of
      myocardial ischaemia could occurr. However, at a low calcium score ( < 150), the
      short-term risk of significant atherosclerosis progression is low.

PMID- 22090221
TI  - Stent implantation into the interatrial septum in patients with univentricular
      heart and a secondary restriction of interatrial communication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presence of a restrictive interatrial communication in patients with
      univentricular anatomy significantly affects surgical outcomes. In patients with
      univentricular hearts, wide open atrial communication leads to lower pulmonary
      artery pressure, which is one of the most important factors influencing the
      success of bidirectional Glenn and Fontan operations. In some patients,
      recurrence of restricted interatrial communication can be observed despite
      initially successful interventional or surgical creation of unrestrictive
      interatrial communication. AIM: To evaluate efficacy of stent implantation into
      the interatrial septum in patients with univentricular heart and a secondary
      restriction of interatrial communication. METHODS: In 2006-2010, we created
      unrestrictive interatrial communication by stent implantation into the
      interatrial septum in 7 children with univentricular anatomy with systemic right
      ventricle (4 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 3 patients with
      mitral atresia). In all patients we diagnosed recurrent restriction of
      interatrial communication despite prior surgical or interventional creation of
      unrestrictive interatrial communication. Patient age at stent implantation was 3
      to 30 months. Maximal systolic pressure gradient between the left and the right
      atrium was 6-29 mm Hg and left atrial pressure ranged from 20/17/19 mm Hg to
      40/29/32 mm Hg. In all patients, we implanted a Palmaz-Genesis stent (length 18
      29 mm) with subsequent balloon redilatation. RESULTS: In all 7 patients, we
      created unrestrictive interatrial communication with mean pressure gradient
      reduction from 13.14 mm Hg to 0.86 mm Hg (p < 0.006). Mean interatrial
      communication diameter increased from 4.14 mm to 10.57 mm (p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous stent implantation into the interatrial septum in
      children with univentricular heart and secondary restriction of interatrial
      communication is a safe and effective method. Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 11: 1137
      1141.

PMID- 22090222
TI  - [A few comments on the septal stenting].

PMID- 22090223
TI  - QT dispersion in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare, systemic necrotising small
      and middle-sized vessel vasculitis, accompanied by blood eosinophilia, eosinophil
      infiltration of various tissues and bronchial asthma. Cardiac injury caused by
      myocardial eosinophilic infiltration and/or vasculitis in CSS seems to be very
      common. Active inflammatory process accompanied by myocardial fibrosis has been
      described in this population even despite disease remission. Nevertheless, little
      is known about the possible myocardial repolarisation abnormalities in CSS which
      may lead to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. AIM: To evaluate myocardial
      repolarisation in CSS patients at the time of initial diagnosis and during the
      last disease remission. METHODS: In 20 CSS patients (8 male, 12 female) QT
      dispersion (QTd) and QTc dispersion (QTcd) calculated from heart rate corrected
      QT (QTc) from the surface 12-lead electrocardiograms were measured at the time of
      initial diagnosis and during the last disease remission. As a control group, 20
      sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were studied. Transthoracic
      echocardiography was performed in all CSS patients at remission and in the
      control group. RESULTS: QTcd was higher in CSS (n = 20) than in healthy controls
      (n = 20) in each period of time: at the time of initial diagnosis (45.4 +/- 14.2
      vs 26.1 +/- 6.5, p < 0.0001) and at the remission (38.6 +/- 13.4 vs 26.1 +/- 6.5,
      p = 0.002). At the time of initial diagnosis in CSS patients with heart
      involvement (n = 13), when compared to patients without heart involvement, (n =
      7), both QTcd (52.2 +/- 12.1 vs 34.7 +/- 10.7, p = 0.007) and QTd (37.7 +/- 12.7
      vs 24 +/- 11.4, p = 0.008) were higher, and this difference remained significant
      at remission only for QTcd (46.7 +/- 13.2 vs 33.1 +/- 10.8, p = 0.03). No
      significant correlation was observed between QTcd/QTd and disease activity
      (measured using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score - BVAS), eosinophil
      blood count, presence of ANCA, nor the duration of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The
      most pronounced increased QTcd was detected in the CSS patients with cardiac
      involvement at the time of initial diagnosis and remained higher at remission in
      all CSS patients when compared to healthy controls. Nevertheless, in the CSS
      patients, QTcd remains within the normal ranges, which may explain the relatively
      small number of ventricular arrhythmias in these patients.

PMID- 22090224
TI  - [Churg-Strauss syndrome - frequent heart seizure].

PMID- 22090225
TI  - Which standard biomarkers are useful for the evaluation of myocardial injury
      after pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have used creatinine kinase (CK), myocardial bound for
      CK (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) to evaluate myocardial
      cells injury after ablation. We applied measurements of the blood concentration
      of cardio-specific biomarkers as surrogates for the injured cell mass. AIM: To
      clarify which of the standard biomarkers are useful in the evaluation and
      quantification of lesions produced by cryoballoon ablation (CBA) during pulmonary
      vein isolation. METHODS: The CBA was performed in 33 patients with atrial
      fibrillation. Blood samples were obtained before CBA and one, six, and 24 h after
      CBA. We analysed CK, CK-MB and cTnI. RESULTS: A significant increase of all
      biomarkers was observed at each hour of collection as compared to the baseline
      measurement. Maximum median peak levels occurred at 6 h. Pathological values of
      CK, CK-MB and cTnI were observed in 94%, 100% and 100% of patients, respectively.
      Both maximum CK and CK-MB values correlated with median temperature (p < 0.05)
      reached during CBA. Additionally, CK-MB correlated with total cryo-time (p <
      0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The CK-MB is the best biochemical marker for the evaluation
      of myocardial injury after CBA. The cTnI can be useful as an additional parameter
      of myocardial injury after CBA.

PMID- 22090226
TI  - [Cryoablation balloon - a breakthrough in the treatment of atrial fibrillation].

PMID- 22090227
TI  - Comparison of intravascular and conventional hypothermia after cardiac arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia is currently the best-documented method of
      improving neurological outcomes in patients after cardiac arrest and successful
      resuscitation. There is a variety of methods for lowering body temperature.
      However, there are no data showing that any specific method of cooling improves
      the results or increases survival. A simple method involving surface cooling and
      ice-cold intravenous fluids, as well as more technologically advanced methods,
      are used in clinical practice. One of the more advanced methods is intravascular
      hypothermia, during which cooling is carried out with the use of a special
      catheter located in the central vein. AIM: To compare cooling with the use of
      intravascular hypothermia and cooling using the traditional method. METHODS: A
      prospective study was performed in 41 patients with acute coronary syndromes who
      did not regain consciousness after out-of-hospital or in-hospital cardiac arrest
      and restoration of spontaneous circulation. Therapeutic hypothermia (32-34
      degrees C) was obtained with the use of an intravascular method (group A, n = 20)
      or a traditional method (group B, n = 21) for a period of 24 hours. Intravascular
      cooling involved the use of a catheter inserted in the femoral vein connected to
      a heat exchanger (Alsius Coolgard, Zoll, Chelmsford, MA, USA). Traditional
      cooling was carried out using uncontrolled surface cooling, ice-cold intravenous
      fluids and ice-cold gastric lavage. Nasopharyngeal and urinary bladder
      temperatures were recorded hourly. The main analysed temperature was the urinary
      bladder temperature, as the heat exchanger in the intravascular hypothermia group
      was controlled by the readings taken from this site. Temperature profiles were
      compared. RESULTS: Temperature < 34 degrees C was reached in 19 (95.0%) patients
      in group A and in 11 (52.4%) patients in group B (p = 0.004). Stable temperature
      profile (temperature in the range 32-34 degrees C during the final 12 h of
      cooling) was reached in 16 (80%) patients in group A and in three (14.3%)
      patients in group B (p < 0.001). Periods of inadequate cooling (temperature > 34
      degrees C) and temperature overshoots (temperature < 32 degrees C) were
      significantly more frequent in group B. Temperature profiles were significantly
      different in both groups in the readings taken from both sites. CONCLUSIONS: The
      presented technique of intravascular hypothermia provides more precise
      temperature control in comparison with the traditional method.

PMID- 22090228
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients is included in
      the European Resuscitation Council Advanced Life Support Algorithm 2010 for
      treatment of post-cardiac-arrest-syndrome.

PMID- 22090229
TI  - [Percutaneous coronary intervention and aortic valve implantation in a patient
      with breast cancer].
AB  - We present a case of a 70 year-old female with severe aortic stenosis,
      multivessel coronary artery disease and breast cancer who successfully underwent
      complex percutaneous coronary revascularisation, transapical aortic valve
      implantation and mastectomy.

PMID- 22090230
TI  - [Severe pulmonary embolism in a young marijuana smoker].
AB  - It is a popular belief, that marijuana smoking is not harmful to health. Some
      publications, however, suggest its possible association with mental, respiratory
      and cardiovascular complications, but not with venous thromboembolism. The
      authors describe a case of severe pulmonary embolism in a mildly obese, 22 year
      old marijuana and tobacco smoker. After thrombolysis, rapid haemodynamic
      improvement was observed, contrary to slow regression of concomitant deep vein
      thrombosis during anticoagulation with warfarin. Toxycologic assessment of urine
      cannabinols was positive for two months. In trombophilia screening only moderate
      hyperhomocysteinaemia (not related to MTHFR C667T polymorphism) was found.

PMID- 22090231
TI  - [The man from the kingdom of the near-dead - modern treatment of pulmonary
      hypertension].
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and severe condition
      characterised by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Two
      decades ago patients with idiopathic PAH were defined as the people from the
      kingdom of near- -dead because of poor survival. The progress in treatment of PAH
      was made, however the disease is still severe and not curable. We present a 26
      year-old male patient diagnosed with idiopathic PAH. The clinical course was
      complicated by progressive worsening, hemoptysis and thrombocytopenia. Treatment
      with treprostinil and bronchial artery embolisation was started, resulting in
      symptomatic and functional improvement.

PMID- 22090232
TI  - [The concomitance of pericarditis constrictiva in patient with Silver-Russell
      syndrome, primary hyperparathyroidism and oncologic history: causal coincidence
      or pathogenetic sequence?].
AB  - The most common cause of calcific pericarditis is idiopathic. We report a case of
      a 24 year-old woman with Silver-Russell syndrome, history of Wilms' tumour in
      childhood, constrictive pericarditis and primary hyperparathyroidism. We analyse
      pathologic mechanisms of disseminated calcification and possible genetic factors
      that may contribute to aetiology and clinical presentation of calcific
      pericarditis.

PMID- 22090233
TI  - [Clinical and diagnostic aspects of Barth syndrome (X-linked cardiomyopathy)].

PMID- 22090234
TI  - [Cardio-renal syndrome in patients with heart failure: pathophysiology,
      epidemiology and clinical significance].

PMID- 22090235
TI  - [Fungal endocarditis of mitral and aortic biological prosthetic valves].
AB  - We present a rare case of fungal (Candida albicans) endocarditis on the two
      (mitral and aortic) biological prosthetic valves. Vegetations were detected by
      transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 22090236
TI  - [ST-elevation myocardial infarction caused by very late stent thrombosis].
AB  - The case of a 46 year-old man suffering from diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia
      hospitalised with acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation caused by
      very late in-stent thrombosis is presented.

PMID- 22090238
TI  - [Severe tricuspid regurgitation due to ventricular pacing lead - a case report].
AB  - We present a case of severe symptomatic tricuspid valve regurgitation due to
      shifting of the septal leaflet of the valve toward the interventricular septum by
      a permanent ventricular pacemaker lead, making coaptation of the tricuspid
      leflats in systole impossible.

PMID- 22090239
TI  - [Tricuspid regurgitation after pacemaker implantation, or how important it is to
      fix the electrode].

PMID- 22090240
TI  - [Summary of the article:  Jolly SS, Yusuf S, Cairns J et al. Radial versus
      femoral access for coronary angiography and intervention in patients with acute
      coronary syndromes (RIVAL): a randomised, parallel group, multicentre trial.
      Lancet, 2011; 307: 1409-1420].

PMID- 22090241
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22090242
TI  - [Multiple valve disease - a complex problem requiring an individualised approach
      to diagnostics and treatment].

PMID- 22090243
TI  - [Catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation for the treatment of resistant
      arterial hypertension in Poland - experts consensus statement].

PMID- 22090244
TI  - [Letter to the editor].

PMID- 22090245
TI  - Revision surgery for persistent and recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome and for
      failed carpal tunnel release.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel release is one of the most frequently performed hand
      operations. However, persistent, recurrent, or completely new symptoms following
      carpal tunnel release remain a difficult problem. METHODS: A retrospective review
      of the surgical findings and outcomes of 50 consecutive patients who had
      undergone 55 revision carpal tunnel operations was performed. RESULTS: The
      initial carpal tunnel release was an endoscopic technique in 34 hands and an open
      technique in 21 hands. Thirty-four hands continued to have persistent symptoms,
      18 hands had recurrent symptoms, and three hands had completely new symptoms.
      Reexploration revealed incomplete release in 32 patients. Circumferential
      fibrosis around the median nerve was found in all patients. Forty-six percent of
      patients with recurrent symptoms had slight palmar subluxation of the median
      nerve. External neurolysis was performed in 41, epineurectomy was performed in
      15, synovial or hypothenar fat flap coverage was performed in eight, and radial
      forearm adipofascial flap coverage was performed in three hands. Symptomatic
      improvement following revision surgery after open carpal tunnel release was
      slightly better (90 percent) compared with after endoscopic carpal tunnel release
      (76 percent), but complete relief of symptoms following revision surgery was
      similar after open (57 percent) or endoscopic (56 percent) techniques. Ten
      patients (20 percent) showed no improvement and five patients required a third
      operation. CONCLUSIONS: A small number of patients (1) continue to have
      persistent symptoms after carpal tunnel release because of incorrect diagnosis or
      incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament; (2) develop recurrent
      symptoms caused by circumferential fibrosis; or (3) develop completely new
      symptoms, which usually implies iatrogenic injury to branches of the median
      nerve. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 22090246
TI  - Foam pore size is a critical interface parameter of suction-based wound healing
      devices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suction-based wound healing devices with open-pore foam interfaces
      are widely used to treat complex tissue defects. The impact of changes in
      physicochemical parameters of the wound interfaces has not been investigated.
      METHODS: Full-thickness wounds in diabetic mice were treated with occlusive
      dressing or a suction device with a polyurethane foam interface varying in mean
      pore size diameter. Wound surface deformation on day 2 was measured on fixed
      tissues. Histologic cross-sections were analyzed for granulation tissue thickness
      (hematoxylin and eosin), myofibroblast density (alpha-smooth muscle actin), blood
      vessel density (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1), and cell
      proliferation (Ki67) on day 7. RESULTS: Polyurethane foam-induced wound surface
      deformation increased with polyurethane foam pore diameter: 15 percent (small
      pore size), 60 percent (medium pore size), and 150 percent (large pore size). The
      extent of wound strain correlated with granulation tissue thickness that
      increased 1.7-fold in small pore size foam-treated wounds, 2.5-fold in medium
      pore size foam-treated wounds, and 4.9-fold in large pore size foam-treated
      wounds (p < 0.05) compared with wounds treated with an occlusive dressing. All
      polyurethane foams increased the number of myofibroblasts over occlusive
      dressing, with maximal presence in large pore size foam-treated wounds compared
      with all other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pore size of the interface
      material of suction devices has a significant impact on the wound healing
      response. Larger pores increased wound surface strain, tissue growth, and
      transformation of contractile cells. Modification of the pore size is a powerful
      approach for meeting biological needs of specific wounds.

PMID- 22090247
TI  - What is the price to pay for a free fibula flap? A systematic review of donor
      site morbidity following free fibula flap surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of donor-site morbidities following free fibula flap
      surgery, although usually minor and transient, have been documented. The primary
      aim of this systematic review was to identify the incidence of donor-site
      morbidity after free fibula flap surgery, to discuss the causes of these
      morbidities, and to identify the best methods of prevention and treatment
      available. METHODS: A systematic search of the English and Chinese literature was
      performed of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The
      study selection process was adapted from the PRISMA statement, and 42 articles
      complied with the study inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Forty-two relevant articles
      were included in the final analysis. Regarding early donor-site morbidity, the
      weighted mean incidences were as follows: wound infection, 1.07 percent; wound
      dehiscence, 7.0 percent; wound necrosis, 7.3 percent; delayed wound healing, 17.4
      percent; partial skin graft loss, 8.1 percent; and total skin graft loss, 4.7
      percent. The weighted mean incidence of early wound morbidity in surgical wounds
      that were closed primarily was 9.9 percent, compared with skin graft closure at
      19.0 percent. In late donor-site morbidities, the weighted mean incidences were
      as follows: chronic pain, 6.5 percent; considerable gait abnormality, 3.9
      percent; ankle instability, 5.8 percent; limited range of motion in the ankle,
      11.5 percent; reduced muscle strength, 4.0 percent; claw toe, 6.1 percent;
      dorsiflexion of the great toe, 3.6 percent; and sensory deficit, 6.95 percent.
      The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 85.5 percent.
      CONCLUSION: One would expect to pay a low price for free fibula flap surgery with
      adequate surgical experience, refinements in surgical technique, and
      comprehensive postoperative care. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, II.

PMID- 22090248
TI  - Hypertelorism correction:  what happens with growth? Evaluation of a series of 95
      surgical cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This report documents the authors' experience with 95 hypertelorism
      corrections performed since 1971. The authors note their findings regarding
      outcomes, preferred age at surgery, technique, and stability of results with
      growth. METHODS: Patients were classified into three groups: midline clefts (with
      or without nasal anomalies, Tessier 0 to 14); paramedian clefts (symmetric or
      asymmetric with or without nasal anomalies); and hypertelorism with
      craniosynostosis. The authors developed a hypertelorism index to measure
      longitudinal orbital position. RESULTS: A total of 70 box osteotomies were
      performed. Twelve of 95 patients had a bipartition. Six of 95 patients underwent
      a unilateral orbital box displacement or a three-wall mobilization, and seven of
      95 had a medial wall osteotomy. Eighty patients were graded 1 to 4 using the
      Whitaker scale. Fifty-nine of 80 patients received a grade of 1, 15 patients
      received a grade of 2, five patients received a grade of three, four patients
      initially scored a 4, and three patients underwent reoperation and were rescored
      as 1. The authors developed a hypertelorism index to rate 28 patients with long
      term follow-up. None showed deterioration of results over the long term. The
      complication rate was 4 percent. CONCLUSION: The most interesting finding was
      that an initially good result in terms of orbital correction, whatever the
      severity, remains good with time, and facial balance improves after completion of
      growth. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 22090249
TI  - Defining the ideal nasolabial angle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nasolabial angle is defined as the angle between the line drawn
      through the midpoint of the nostril aperture and a line drawn perpendicular to
      the Frankfurt horizontal while intersecting subnasale. An arbitrary range of 90
      to 120 degrees for the nasolabial angle is usually stated in the literature. The
      purpose of this study was to objectively define the ideal nasolabial angle.
      METHODS: Life-sized, lateral photographs of 10 men and 10 women who had undergone
      rhinoplasty performed by the senior surgeon were selected. The photographs were
      electronically altered to change the nasolabial angle by 4 degrees. For men and
      women, these angles were 90, 94, 98, 102, 106, and 110 degrees. Sixteen raters,
      including plastic surgery attending staff, residents, and office staff, selected
      their most aesthetically pleasing nasolabial angle. RESULTS: Data analysis was
      done using the distribution of means of the first preference nasolabial angle
      values based on all 16 raters. The mean angle for ideal male nasolabial angle was
      95.96 degrees +/- 2.57 degrees (mean +/- SD). The mean angle for women was 97.7
      +/- 2.32 degrees. Based on these standard deviations, the ideal nasolabial angle
      would be 93.4 to 98.5 degrees for men and 95.5 to 100.1 degrees for women.
      CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results indicate a much closer range of nasolabial
      angle between men and women than previously reported in the literature. This
      study is the first of its type to objectively define the ideal aesthetic
      nasolabial angle. In addition, the ideal nasolabial angle for women was found to
      be less obtuse than previously thought.

PMID- 22090250
TI  - Reconstructive surgery training:  increased operative volume in plastic surgery
      residency programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Practitioners in other surgical specialties have increasingly
      advanced their volume of reconstructive procedures traditionally served by
      plastic surgeons. Because there has not been a previous specialty training
      comparison, the average operative reconstructive volume of graduating plastic
      surgery residents was formally compared with that of other specialties. METHODS:
      The authors review the case log statistical reports of the Accreditation Council
      for Graduate Medical Education. For each specialty, this annual report highlights
      the average number of cases performed for all graduating residents. The national
      case log reports were reviewed for orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, and
      plastic surgery. Six procedures were compared for residents graduating in the
      2006 to 2010 academic years and are reviewed. A two-sample Welch-Satterthwaite t
      test for independent samples with heterogeneous variance was conducted to compare
      the average number of procedures performed per graduating resident. RESULTS:
      Graduates of plastic surgery residencies compared with graduates of other
      specialties performed more cleft lip and palate repairs, hand amputation, hand
      fracture, and nasal fracture procedures. This difference showed statistical
      significance for all years examined (2006 to 2010). For repair of mandible
      fractures, plastic surgery trainees had significantly more cases for 2006 to 2009
      but not 2010. CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative operative experience of graduating
      plastic surgery residents for selected reconstructive cases is above that of the
      average graduating trainee outside of plastic surgery. Given the exposure and
      strength of plastic surgery training, plastic surgeons should remain at the
      forefront of reconstructive surgery.

PMID- 22090251
TI  - Migraine surgery practice patterns and attitudes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques have been developed to treat migraine
      headache, and several reports have shown efficacy in treating select patients who
      are refractory to conventional therapies. Although there is a growing body of
      evidence supporting migraine surgery, no study has examined its adoption by
      plastic surgeons in the United States. METHODS: A Web-based survey consisting of
      17 ad hoc questions was designed to ascertain respondents' demographics,
      experience, knowledge, and attitudes regarding migraine surgery. After pilot
      testing, the survey was distributed by means of email to the entire membership of
      the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 3747 American
      Society of Plastic Surgeons members were surveyed, and 193 surveys were
      completed, for a response rate of 5.2 percent. Thirty-four respondents (18
      percent) had performed surgery to treat migraine headache. Among those who have
      performed migraine surgery, over 80 percent reported improvement in patient
      symptoms. Of those who have not performed migraine surgery, 60 percent would be
      interested if an appropriate patient was referred to them by a neurologist.
      CONCLUSION: Although there is interest in migraine surgery among a subset of
      plastic surgeons, significant barriers to performing migraine surgery include
      deficient referral patterns from neurologists and lack of familiarity with the
      concept and techniques of migraine surgery.

PMID- 22090252
TI  - Additional benefits of reduction mammaplasty:  a systematic review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty is commonly described with regard to its
      qualitative benefits. The authors sought to perform a systematic review of the
      literature focusing on functional outcomes after reduction mammaplasty with
      regard to physical and psychological symptom improvement, including weight
      related effects, exercise, and eating behaviors, in addition to aesthetic
      outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of the English literature was performed
      using the PubMed database to evaluate outcomes following reduction mammaplasty
      from 1977 to 2010. Studies were chosen that addressed the physical and
      psychological benefits of reduction mammaplasty using a validated questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Women who undergo reduction mammaplasty have a functional improvement in
      musculoskeletal pain, headaches, sleep, and breathing. Psychological benefits are
      vast and include improved self-esteem, sexual function, and quality of life, in
      addition to less anxiety and depression. After reduction mammaplasty, women
      appear to exercise more and have a reduction in eating disorders. CONCLUSION: The
      authors present a comprehensive review of the literature with regard to the
      physical and emotional concerns women with macromastia experience and the broad
      benefits reduction mammaplasty could have for their daily functions and quality
      of life postoperatively. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 22090253
TI  - Identification of T-lymphocyte function in healthy vs. septic preterms and its
      relation to candidal infections in the hospital setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare T-cell function in healthy/septic preterms in relation to
      healthy term babies. Also to determine correlation of sepsis severity with T-cell
      function and risk to candidal infection. METHODS: Patients were recruited to one
      of three groups. Group (I) included 30 healthy growing preterms, group (II)
      included preterms with neonatal sepsis whereas group (III) included 30 healthy
      full term neonates. Patients underwent history taking and comprehensive
      examination plus laboratory tests including T-Lymphocyte function by blastoid
      transformation method using phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). RESULTS: A significant
      difference exists between healthy preterm vs. septic newborn T cell counts and
      functions especially those with multiorgan system failure. No correlation was
      found between candidal infection and T cell functions. CONCLUSIONS: T cell
      functions are remarkably lower in septic newborns. Septic preterms may have low T
      cell functions despite absence of lymphopenia. Early detection is advised to
      improve outcome.

PMID- 22090254
TI  - Changing profile of severe malaria in north Indian children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To look for profile of severe malaria and contribution of vivax
      infection to malarial morbidity in North Indian children. METHODS: Detailed
      clinical, biochemical and hematological characteristics of children hospitalized
      with severe malaria over last 3 y were recorded. Presence of malarial parasite on
      peripheral smear and/or positive antigen test was considered as diagnostic for
      malaria. RESULTS: A total of 131(55.3%) patients with Plasmodium vivax (Pv), 79
      (33.3%) with Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and 27 (11.4%) with mixed infections were
      admitted. Cerebral malaria, severe anemia and shock were significantly more
      frequently observed in Pf group, while hepatic, renal, respiratory, and bleeding
      complications were more commonly seen in Pv patients. Malaria mortality was
      highest in mixed infection (11.1%), followed by Pf (7.6%) and Pv (3%) group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Severe and fatal vivax malaria is an emerging recognized entity and
      challenges the perception of Pv as a benign disease. Further clinical studies and
      molecular research is required to understand emergence of severe malaria in vivax
      mono-infection.

PMID- 22090255
TI  - Recombinant human IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) therapy: where do we stand
      today?
AB  - Recombinant human (rh) IGF-1 has been available for therapy since the 1980s and
      has been commercially available for over 5 y, yet the role of rhIGF-1 in treating
      children with short stature remains ambiguous. This is consequent to the inherent
      difficulty in defining criteria for IGF-1 deficiency, and in determining the
      outcome of rhIGF-1 therapy in terms of growth rate and adult height. The
      rationale for its efficacy compared with rhGH (recombinant human growth hormone)
      for treatment of short stature is still widely debated. Additionally, adverse
      events such as increased intracranial pressure and hypoglycemia are of
      therapeutic concern. The goal of this article is to review published data that
      describes the impact of IGF-1 therapy in treatment of short stature and other
      growth disorders.

PMID- 22090256
TI  - Copper accumulation, translocation, and toxic effects in grapevine cuttings.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the ecotoxicological effects of copper (Cu) on grapevine are of
      global concern due to the intensive and long-term application of Cu-based
      fungicides in vineyards, comparatively little is known about the phytotoxicity,
      accumulation, and translocation of Cu in grapevines. Therefore, this study was to
      conduct a hydroponic experiment to determine the influence of solution Cu
      concentration not only on bioaccumulation and the translocation of Cu in
      grapevine roots, stems, and leaves, but also on the subsequent growth inhibition
      of the roots. METHODS: Grapevine cuttings were grown for 30 days and then exposed
      to various Cu concentrations (0.1-50 MUM) for 15 days. The dose-response profile
      was described by a sigmoid Hill equation. Optical microscopy was used to examine
      the cytotoxicity of Cu on the roots. In addition, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs)
      and translocation factors (TFs) were calculated from the results of the
      hydroponic experiment. RESULTS: Copper was tolerated by grapevines at a
      concentration <=1 MUM. The median inhibition concentration (IC(50)) obtained from
      the Hill model was 3.94 MUM (95% confidence interval, 3.65-4.24). From the light
      micrographs of root tip cells, signs of toxicity including increased
      vacuolization and plasmolysis were observed at solution Cu concentrations >=10
      MUM. In addition, a higher Cu concentration was found in the roots (25-12,000 mg
      kg(-1)) than in the stems (5-540 mg kg(-1)) and leaves (7-46 mg kg(-1)),
      indicating a very limited translocation of Cu from the roots to the aboveground
      parts. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated not only the macroscopic root growth
      and Cu accumulation by grapevine, but also the microscopic changes in root tissue
      at the cell level after the exposure experiment. Based on the BAFs and TFs, the
      grapevine could be considered a Cu-exclusive plant. For toxic effects on the
      exposure of roots to Cu, this study also revealed that root growth, as well as
      the histological changes in rhizodermal cells, can be used as phytotoxic
      indicators of grapevine under Cu stress.

PMID- 22090257
TI  - Mercury policy and regulations for coal-fired power plants.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mercury is a high-priority regulatory concern because of its
      persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment and evidence of its having
      serious adverse effects on the neurological development of children. DISCUSSION:
      Mercury is released into the atmosphere from both natural and anthropogenic
      sources. Coal-fired utilities are considered to be one of the largest
      anthropogenic mercury emission sources. The period since the late 1990s has been
      marked by increasing concern over mercury emissions from combustion systems to
      the extent that a number of national governments have either already implemented
      or are in the process of implementing, legislation aimed at enforcing tighter
      control over mercury emissions and a reduction in mercury consumption.
      CONCLUSION: This review examines the most important national and international
      policies and agreements for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired
      combustion systems. To provide a global perspective, this study lists the
      countries with the largest estimated mercury emissions and regulatory efforts to
      reduce them.

PMID- 22090258
TI  - An update on monoclonal gammopathy and neuropathy.
AB  - Peripheral neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy is a rare but
      important cause of neuropathy that can herald serious underlying disease. IgM
      monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the most commonly
      found monoclonal gammopathy associated with neuropathy, with characteristic
      clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic features. The IgG and IgA monoclonal
      gammopathies are rarely associated with specific neuropathies. Standard
      immunomodulatory agents including steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and
      plasmapheresis have shown limited efficacy in IgM MGUS. Neuropathies associated
      with specific lymphoproliferative disorders may not respond to treatments aimed
      at that disorder. Case series had shown promising results with rituximab, a
      monoclonal antibody that targets the B cell surface antigen CD20 and results in a
      rapid and sustained depletion of B cells; however, two recent randomized
      controlled trials with rituximab failed to provide evidence of efficacy in
      primary outcome measures, despite reduction in antibody levels. Long-term studies
      looking at the association between specific immunologic markers and disease
      recurrence are needed to ultimately develop targeted therapies.

PMID- 22090259
TI  - Extinction of goal tracking also eliminates the conditioned reinforcing effects
      of an appetitive conditioned stimulus.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested that the effects of extinction are response
      specific. The present study investigated whether an extinction treatment that
      eliminated goal tracking elicited by an appetitive conditioned stimulus (CS)
      would also eliminate the conditioned reinforcing effects of that CS. Rats were
      first trained on a goal-tracking procedure in which an auditory CS was paired
      with a food unconditioned stimulus. Animals learned to approach the location
      where the food was delivered. In a subsequent phase, rats in one group received
      extinction training that eliminated the goal-tracking elicited by the CS. Rats in
      the other group did not experience extinction of the food-paired CS. Then, both
      groups received a test for conditioned reinforcement in which leverpresses
      resulted in the brief presentation of the stimulus previously paired with food.
      This stimulus did not act as a conditioned reinforcer in the group that had been
      subjected to extinction training, but did serve as a conditioned reinforcer in
      the group that did not experience extinction. These results indicate that the
      effects of extinction generalize from the approach-eliciting to the conditioned
      reinforcing effects of an appetitive CS.

PMID- 22090260
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by anti-VEGF agents.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological
      entity that may occur in patients receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) agents such as bevacizumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Little
      is known about the characteristics of patients at risk for PRES under anti-VEGF
      agents. We carried out a comprehensive review of reports documenting the
      occurrence of PRES in patients receiving anti-VEGF agents. Twenty-six patients
      are described with a majority of females (73.1%). Almost a third of patients had
      a past history of hypertension. The most common symptoms included headache,
      visual disturbance and seizure. A vast majority of patients had hypertension at
      the diagnosis of PRES, and proteinuria was detectable each time it was
      investigated. Neurological outcome was favorable in all cases with a symptomatic
      treatment including blood pressure control. The risk of PRES is increased when
      blood pressure is poorly controlled and when proteinuria is detectable. The
      clinical course appears favorable with a symptomatic treatment. PRES is a
      potentially severe but manageable toxicity of anti-VEGF agents.

PMID- 22090261
TI  - Automated assembly of optimally spaced and balanced paired comparisons:
      controlling order effects.
AB  - To control order effects in questionnaires containing paired comparisons, Ross
      (1934) described an optimal ordering of the pairings. The pairs can also be
      balanced so that every stimulus appears equal numbers of times as the first and
      the second member of a pair. First, we describe and illustrate the optimally
      spaced, balanced ordering of pairings. Then we show how the optimally spaced,
      balanced order can be used to implement a matrix-sampling design or a fully
      incomplete design when the number of stimuli n is so large that respondents
      cannot reasonably be expected to judge all n(n - 1)/2 pairs. The algorithm for
      balancing and optimally spacing the list of pairs is described.

PMID- 22090262
TI  - A prospective study of psychological distress and weight status in
      adolescents/young adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The obesity-psychological distress relationship remains
      controversial. PURPOSE: This study aims to assess whether adolescents'
      psychological distress was associated with body mass index (BMI) class membership
      determined by latent class analysis. METHODS: Distress (anxiety, depression) and
      BMI were measured annually for 4 years in 1,528 adolescents. Growth mixture
      modeling derived latent BMI trajectory classes for models with 2-11 classes. The
      relationship of distress to class membership was examined in the best-fitting
      model using vector generalized linear regression. RESULTS: BMI trajectories were
      basically flat. The five-class model [normal weight (48.8%), overweight (36.7%),
      obese who become overweight (3.7%), obese (9.4%), and severely obese (1.3%)] was
      the preferred model (Bayesian information criterion = 22789.2, df = 31; rho =
      0.84). Greater distress was associated with higher baseline BMI and, therefore,
      class membership. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress is associated with higher
      BMI class during adolescence. To determine whether distress "leads" to greater
      weight gain may require studies of younger populations.

PMID- 22090263
TI  - Epidural steroid injections.
AB  - Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is the most commonly performed intervention in
      pain clinics across the United States. This article provides an evidence-based
      review of ESI, including data on efficacy, patient selection, comparison of
      types, and complications. The data strongly suggest that ESI can provide short
      term relief for radicular symptoms but are less compelling for long-term effects
      or relief of back pain. Although it has been asserted that transforaminal ESIs
      are more efficacious than interlaminar injections, the evidence supporting this
      is limited.

PMID- 22090264
TI  - Radiofrequency treatment of facet-related pain: evidence and controversies.
AB  - Pain originating from the lumbar facet joints is estimated to represent about 15%
      of all low back pain complaints. The diagnostic block is considered to be a
      valuable tool for confirming facetogenic pain. It was demonstrated that a block
      of the ramus medialis of the ramus dorsalis is preferred over an intra-articular
      injection. The outcome of the consequent radiofrequency treatment is not
      different in patients reporting over 80% pain relief after the diagnostic block
      than in those who have between 50% and 79% pain relief. There is one well
      conducted comparative trial assessing the value of one or two controlled
      diagnostic blocks to none. The results of the seven randomized trials on the use
      of radiofrequency treatment of facet joint pain demonstrate that good patient
      selection is imperative for good clinical outcome. Therefore, we suggest one
      block of the ramus medialis of the ramus dorsalis before radiofrequency
      treatment.

PMID- 22090265
TI  - Central hypothyroidism in a patient with pituitary autoimmunity: evidence for TSH
      independent thyroid hormone synthesis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Acquired central hypothyroidism is rare, especially when isolated, and
      is typically associated with detectable, although biologically inactive, serum
      TSH. OBJECTIVE: We describe a 56-yr-old woman with profound central
      hypothyroidism and partial central hypoadrenalism, in the absence of other
      endocrine abnormalities. In contrast to most cases of central hypothyroidism,
      serum TSH remained undetectable for 9 months before the initiation of thyroid
      hormone and hydrocortisone treatment. A test for pituitary autoantibody was
      moderately positive. Serum free T(4), serum T(3), and neck radioiodine uptake
      were low but detectable. The thyroid and pituitary glands appeared
      morphologically normal on neck ultrasound and head magnetic resonance imaging,
      respectively. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in a tertiary academic medical
      center. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the variable clinical presentation of
      pituitary autoimmunity. The persistence of low but detectable thyroid hormone
      levels and radioiodine neck uptake in the absence of TSH suggests that
      significant TSH-independent thyroid hormone synthesis may occur in the normal
      thyroid.

PMID- 22090266
TI  - Higher rates of bone loss in postmenopausal HIV-infected women: a longitudinal
      study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the effects of
      HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy on change in bone mineral density (BMD)
      in postmenopausal minority women. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We report a
      longitudinal analysis of change in BMD with a median duration of 15.4
      (interquartile range 13.1, 20.7) months in a prospective cohort study of 128 (73
      HIV+, 55 HIV-) postmenopausal Hispanic and African-American women. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Annualized change in BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and
      correlation with baseline markers of bone turnover and serum levels of
      inflammatory cytokines were measured. RESULTS: HIV+ women were younger (56 +/- 1
      vs. 59 +/- 1 yr, P < 0.05) and had lower body mass index (BMI; 28 +/- 1 vs. 31 +/
      1 kg/m(2), P < 0.01). The majority of HIV+ women were on established
      antiretroviral therapy for more than 3 yr. At baseline, BMD, adjusted for age,
      race, and BMI, was lower in HIV+ women at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip, and
      radius and serum C-telopeptide was higher. Annualized rates of bone loss adjusted
      for baseline BMD were higher in HIV+ women by 2.4-fold at the LS (-1.2 +/- 0.3%
      vs. -0.5 +/- 0.3%, P = 0.0009), 3.7-fold at the one third radius (-1.1 +/- 0.2%
      vs. -0.3 +/- 0.2, P = 0.006) and 1.7-fold at the ultradistal radius (-1.2 +/-
      0.2% vs. -0.7 +/- 0.2%, P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, HIV+ status
      predicted bone loss at the LS, total hip, and ultradistal radius. Among HIV+
      women, lower BMI, higher markers of bone turnover levels, and tenofovir were
      associated with more bone loss. CONCLUSION: HIV+ postmenopausal minority women
      had lower BMD, increased bone turnover, and higher rates of bone loss than HIV-
      women. These features may place these women at increased risk for fracture as
      they age.

PMID- 22090267
TI  - Permanent hypopituitarism is rare after structural traumatic brain injury in
      early childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the incidence of permanent hypopituitarism in
      a potentially high-risk group: young children after structural traumatic brain
      injury (TBI). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with longitudinal
      follow-up. Dynamic tests of pituitary function (GH and ACTH) were performed in
      all subjects and potential abnormalities critically evaluated. Puberty was
      clinically staged; baseline thyroid function, prolactin, IGF-I, serum sodium, and
      osmolality were compared with age-matched data. Diagnosis of GH deficiency was
      based on an integrated assessment of stimulated GH peak (<5 MUg/liter suggestive
      of deficiency), IGF-I, and growth pattern. ACTH deficiency was diagnosed based on
      a subnormal response to two serial Synacthen tests (peak cortisol <500
      nmol/liter) and a metyrapone test. RESULTS: We studied 198 survivors of
      structural TBI sustained in early childhood (112 male, age at injury 1.7 +/- 1.5
      yr) 6.5 +/- 3.2 yr after injury. Sixty-four of the injuries (33%) were inflicted
      and 134 (68%) accidental. Two participants had developed precocious puberty,
      which is within the expected background population rate. Peak stimulated GH was
      subnormal in 16 participants (8%), in the context of normal IGF-I and normal
      growth. Stimulated peak cortisol was low in 17 (8%), but all had normal ACTH
      function on follow-up. One participant had a transient low serum T(4). Therefore,
      no cases of hypopituitarism were recorded. CONCLUSION: Permanent hypopituitarism
      is rare after both inflicted and accidental structural TBI in early childhood.
      Precocious puberty was the only pituitary hormone abnormality found, but the
      prevalence did not exceed that of the normal population.

PMID- 22090268
TI  - Synthetic human parathyroid hormone 1-34 replacement therapy: a randomized
      crossover trial comparing pump versus injections in the treatment of chronic
      hypoparathyroidism.
AB  - CONTEXT: Vitamin D therapy for hypoparathyroidism does not restore PTH-dependent
      renal calcium reabsorption, which can lead to renal damage. An alternative
      approach, PTH 1-34 administered twice daily, provides acceptable long-term
      treatment but is associated with nonphysiological serum calcium fluctuation.
      OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare continuous PTH 1-34 delivery, by insulin
      pump, with twice-daily delivery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a 6-month, open
      label, randomized, crossover trial, PTH 1-34 was delivered by pump or twice-daily
      sc injection. After each 3-month study period, serum and 24-h urine mineral
      levels and bone turnover markers were measured daily for 3 d, and 24-h
      biochemical profiles were determined for serum minerals and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin
      D(3) and for urine minerals and cAMP. STUDY PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Eight
      patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (mean +/- sd age 46 +/- 5.6 yr)
      participated at a tertiary care referral center. RESULTS: Pump vs. twice-daily
      delivery of PTH 1-34 produced less fluctuation in serum calcium, a more than 50%
      reduction in urine calcium (P = 0.002), and a 65% reduction in the PTH dose to
      maintain eucalcemia (P < 0.001). Pump delivery also produced higher serum
      magnesium level (P = 0.02), normal urine magnesium, and reduced need for
      magnesium supplements. Finally, pump delivery normalized bone turnover markers
      and significantly lowered urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen
      and pyridinium crosslinks compared with twice-daily injections (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Pump delivery of PTH 1-34 provides the closest approach to date to
      physiological replacement therapy for hypoparathyroidism.

PMID- 22090269
TI  - Glycemic control in non-critically ill hospitalized patients: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of intensive therapy to achieve tight glycemic control in
      patients hospitalized in non-critical care settings is unclear. METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of
      intensive glycemic control strategies on the outcomes of death, stroke,
      myocardial infarction, incidence of infection, and hypoglycemia. We included
      randomized and observational studies. Bibliographic databases were searched
      through February 2010. Random effects model was used to pool results across
      studies. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (nine randomized and 10 observational studies)
      were included. The risk of bias across studies was moderate. Meta-analysis
      demonstrates that intensive glycemic control was not associated with significant
      effect on the risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. There was a trend
      for increased risk of hypoglycemia (relative risk, 1.58; 95% confidence interval,
      0.97-2.57), particularly in surgical studies and when the planned glycemic target
      was achieved. Intensive glycemic control was associated with decreased risk of
      infection (relative risk, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.77) that was
      mainly derived from studies in surgical settings. CONCLUSION: Intensive control
      of hyperglycemia in patients hospitalized in non-critical care settings may
      reduce the risk of infection. The quality of evidence is low and mainly driven by
      studies in surgical settings.

PMID- 22090270
TI  - Quality of life in European patients with Addison's disease: validity of the
      disease-specific questionnaire AddiQoL.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patients with Addison's disease (AD) self-report impairment in specific
      dimensions on well-being questionnaires. An AD-specific quality-of-life
      questionnaire (AddiQoL) was developed to aid evaluation of patients. OBJECTIVE:
      We aimed to translate and determine construct validity, reliability, and
      concurrent validity of the AddiQoL questionnaire. METHODS: After translation, the
      final versions were tested in AD patients from Norway (n = 107), Sweden (n =
      101), Italy (n = 165), Germany (n = 200), and Poland (n = 50). Construct validity
      was examined by exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis, aiming at
      unidimensionality and fit to the Rasch model. Reliability was determined by
      Cronbach's coefficient-alpha and Person separation index. Longitudinal
      reliability was tested by differential item functioning in stable patient
      subgroups. Concurrent validity was examined in Norwegian (n = 101) and Swedish (n
      = 107) patients. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis
      identified six items with poor psychometric properties. The 30 remaining items
      fitted the Rasch model and proved unidimensional, supported by appropriate item
      and person fit residuals and a nonsignificant chi(2) probability. Crohnbach's
      alpha-coefficient 0.93 and Person separation index 0.86 indicate high
      reliability. Longitudinal reliability was excellent. Correlation with Short Form
      36 and Psychological General Well-Being Index scores was high. A shorter subscale
      comprising eight items also proved valid and reliable. Testing of AddiQoL-30 in
      this large patient cohort showed significantly worse scores with increasing age
      and in women compared with men but no difference between patients with isolated
      AD and those with concomitant diseases. CONCLUSION: The validation process
      resulted in a revised 30-item AddiQoL questionnaire and an eight-item AddiQoL
      short version with good psychometric properties and high reliability.

PMID- 22090271
TI  - The Akt inhibitor MK2206 synergizes, but perifosine antagonizes, the BRAF(V600E)
      inhibitor PLX4032 and the MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244 in the inhibition of thyroid
      cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore optimal combinations of
      currently actively developed drugs for dually targeting the Ras -> Raf -> MAPK
      kinase (MEK) -> MAPK/ERK (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt
      pathways as effective treatments for thyroid cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We
      tested the combinations of the Akt inhibitors MK2206 or perifosine with the
      BRAF(V600E) inhibitor PLX4032 or the MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244 in thyroid cancer
      cells harboring both the BRAF(V600E) and PIK3CA mutations. RESULTS: We found that
      MK2206 could potently, when used alone, and synergistically, when combined with
      either PLX4032 or AZD6244, inhibit thyroid cancer cell growth with all the
      combination index values lower than 1. Perifosine could potently inhibit thyroid
      cancer cell growth when used alone, but a strong antagonism occurred between this
      drug and PLX4032 or AZD6244 in the inhibition of thyroid cancer cell growth with
      all combination index values higher than 1. Combinations of MK2206 with PLX4032
      or AZD6244 dramatically enhanced G1 cell cycle arrest induced by each drug alone.
      However, G2 cell cycle arrest uniquely induced by perifosine alone and G1 cell
      cycle arrest induced by PLX4032 or AZD6244 were both reversed by combination
      treatments, providing a mechanism for their antagonism. All these drugs could
      correspondingly inhibit the MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt
      signalings, confirming their expected target effects. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrated, unexpectedly, opposite outcomes of MK2206 and perifosine in their
      combinational treatments with BRAF(V600E)/MEK inhibitors in thyroid cancer cells.
      The data may help appropriate selection of these prominent drugs for clinical
      trials of combination therapies for thyroid cancer.

PMID- 22090273
TI  - Overexpression of metallothionein I/II: a new feature of thyroid follicular cells
      in Graves' disease.
AB  - CONTEXT: One salient feature of autoimmune thyroid disease is the inappropriate
      expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules by thyroid
      follicular cells. Metallothioneins (MT) are small proteins induced by tissue
      stress that can contribute to restoring homeostasis of tissue inflammation and
      have been found to be increased in a transcriptomic analysis of Graves' disease
      (GD) glands. METHODOLOGY: To assess the role of MT in the pathogenesis of GD, we
      analyzed MT-I and -II expression and distribution in GD-affected thyroid glands
      (n = 14) compared with other thyroid diseases (n = 20) and normal thyroid glands
      (n = 5). Two-color indirect immunofluorescence and semiquantitative morphometry
      were applied. The relationship between MT and HLA class II expression was
      analyzed by their degree of colocalization in GD sections, and in vitro induction
      kinetics and expression of these molecules on the HT93 thyroid cell line were
      compared by quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry using interferon-gamma and
      zinc as stimuli. RESULTS: MT were clearly overexpressed in nine of 14 GD glands.
      MT expression distribution in GD was almost reciprocal to that of HLA class II.
      In vitro analysis of MT and HLA class II demonstrated that MT is induced more
      slowly and at a lower level than HLA. Moreover, the main MT inducer, zinc,
      reduces interferon-gamma-induced class II expression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      show that MT and HLA class II play very different roles in the autoimmune process
      by affecting the thyroid gland, thereby pointing to the possible role of MT as a
      marker of cell stress and homeostasis restoration in GD.

PMID- 22090272
TI  - Satisfaction with genital surgery and sexual life of adults with XY disorders of
      sex development: results from the German clinical evaluation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal deficit of androgens or androgen action results in atypical
      genitalia in individuals with XY disorders of sex development (XY,DSD). XY,DSD
      include mainly disorders of gonadal development and testosterone synthesis and
      action. Previously, most XY,DSD individuals were assigned to the female sex.
      Constructive genital surgery allowing heterosexual intercourse, gonadectomy, and
      hormone therapy for feminization were often performed. However, outcome studies
      are scarce. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was evaluation of satisfaction with genital
      surgery and sexual life in adults with XY,DSD. DESIGN AND METHODS: We evaluated
      57 individuals with XY,DSD from the German multicenter clinical evaluation study
      with a condition-specific questionnaire. The individuals were divided into
      subgroups reflecting the absence/presence of partial androgen effect or genital
      constructive surgery. RESULTS: Dissatisfaction with function of the surgical
      result (47.1%) and clitoral arousal (47.4%) was high in XY,DSD partially
      androgenized females after feminization surgery. Dissatisfaction with overall sex
      life (37.5%) and sexual anxieties (44.2%) were substantial in all XY,DSD
      individuals. Problems with desire (70.6%), arousal (52.9%), and dyspareunia
      (56.3%) were significant in XY,DSD complete females. 46,XY partially androgenized
      females reported significantly more often partners of female (9.1%) or both sexes
      (18.2%) and dyspareunia (56.5%) compared with controls. Individuals with complete
      androgen insensitivity syndrome stated significant problems with desire (81.8%),
      arousal (63.6%), and dyspareunia (70%). CONCLUSIONS: Care should be improved in
      XY,DSD patients. Constructive genital surgery should be minimized and performed
      mainly in adolescence or adulthood with the patients' consent. Individuals with
      DSD and their families should be informed with sensibility about the condition.
      Multidisciplinary care with psychological and nonprofessional support (parents,
      peers, and patients' support groups) is mandatory from child to adulthood.

PMID- 22090274
TI  - Insulin resistance is a sufficient basis for hyperandrogenism in lipodystrophic
      women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
AB  - CONTEXT: The lipodystrophies (LD) are characterized by metabolic abnormalities
      (insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and diabetes) and a polycystic ovarian
      syndrome (PCOS) phenotype. Therapeutic administration of leptin improves insulin
      sensitivity and the metabolic features. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was
      to investigate whether the PCOS features are corrected by increasing insulin
      sensitivity as a function of leptin treatment. DESIGN: This was a prospective,
      open-label trial using leptin replacement in various forms of lipodystrophy.
      SETTING: The study was performed at the Clinical Center at the National
      Institutes of Health. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three female
      patients with LD were enrolled in a leptin replacement trial from 2000 to the
      present. Different parameters were assessed at baseline and after 1 yr of
      therapy. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were treated with leptin for at least 1 yr.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We evaluated free testosterone, SHBG, and IGF-I at
      baseline and after 1 yr of leptin. RESULTS: Testosterone levels decreased from
      3.05 +/-0.6 ng/ml at baseline to 1.7 +/-0.3 ng/ml (P = 0.02). SHBG increased from
      14.5 +/-2 to 25 +/-3.5 nmol/liter after 1 yr of leptin therapy. There were no
      significant changes in the levels of gonadotropins and ovarian size as a result
      of leptin replacement therapy. IGF-I increased significantly after leptin therapy
      from 150 +/-14 to 195 +/-17. There was a significant decrease in triglycerides
      and glycosylated hemoglobin in the context of reduced insulin requirements.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we show that LD may be a model for the common
      forms of PCOS and that the endocrine features are corrected by leptin therapy,
      which reduces insulin resistance.

PMID- 22090275
TI  - LCAT, HDL cholesterol and ischemic cardiovascular disease: a Mendelian
      randomization study of HDL cholesterol in 54,500 individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiologically, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels
      associate inversely with risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease. Whether this is
      a causal relation is unclear. METHODS: We studied 10,281 participants in the
      Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) and 50,523 participants in the Copenhagen
      General Population Study (CGPS), of which 991 and 1,693 participants,
      respectively, had developed myocardial infarction (MI) by August 2010.
      Participants in the CCHS were genotyped for all six variants identified by
      resequencing lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in 380 individuals. One
      variant, S208T (rs4986970, allele frequency 4%), associated with HDL cholesterol
      levels in both the CCHS and the CGPS was used to study causality of HDL
      cholesterol using instrumental variable analysis. RESULTS: Epidemiologically, in
      the CCHS, a 13% (0.21 mmol/liter) decrease in plasma HDL cholesterol levels was
      associated with an 18% increase in risk of MI. S208T associated with a 13% (0.21
      mmol/liter) decrease in HDL cholesterol levels but not with increased risk of MI
      or other ischemic end points. The causal odds ratio for MI for a 50% reduction in
      plasma HDL cholesterol due to S208T genotype in both studies combined was 0.49
      (0.11-2.16), whereas the hazard ratio for MI for a 50% reduction in plasma HDL
      cholesterol in the CCHS was 2.11 (1.70-2.62) (P(comparison) = 0.03). CONCLUSION:
      Low plasma HDL cholesterol levels robustly associated with increased risk of MI
      but genetically decreased HDL cholesterol did not. This may suggest that low HDL
      cholesterol levels per se do not cause MI.

PMID- 22090276
TI  - Menin missense mutants encoded by the MEN1 gene that are targeted to the
      proteasome: restoration of expression and activity by CHIP siRNA.
AB  - CONTEXT: In multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) characterized by tumors of
      parathyroid, enteropancreas, and anterior pituitary, missense mutations in the
      MEN1 gene product, menin, occur in a subset of cases. The mutant proteins are
      degraded by the proteasome. However, whether their expression and activity can be
      restored is not known. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to functionally characterize
      a panel of 16 menin missense mutants, including W423R and S443Y identified in new
      MEN1 families, with respect to protein stability, targeting to the proteasome and
      restoration of expression by proteasome inhibitors and expression and function by
      small interfering RNA technology. METHODS: Flag-tagged wild-type (WT) and
      missense menin mutant expression vectors were transiently transfected in human
      embryonic kidney (HEK293) and/or rat insulinoma (Rin-5F) cells. RESULTS: The
      majority of mutants were short-lived, whereas WT menin was stable. Proteasome
      inhibitors MG132 and PS-341 and inhibition of the chaperone, heat-shock protein
      70 (Hsp70), or the ubiquitin ligase, COOH terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein
      (CHIP), by specific small interfering RNA, restored the levels of the mutants,
      whereas that of WT menin was largely unaffected. Inhibition of CHIP restored the
      ability of mutants to mediate normal functions of menin: TGF-beta up-regulation
      of the promoters of its target genes, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p15
      and p21 as well as TGF-beta inhibition of cell numbers. CONCLUSION: When the
      levels of missense menin mutants that are targeted to the proteasome are
      normalized they may function similarly to WT menin. Potentially, targeting
      specific components of the proteasome chaperone pathway could be beneficial in
      treating a subset of MEN1 cases.

PMID- 22090277
TI  - Urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentration associates with obesity and insulin
      resistance.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the world's highest-volume chemicals in use
      today. Previous studies have suggested BPA disturbs body weight regulation and
      promotes obesity and insulin resistance. But epidemiological data in humans were
      limited. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether BPA associates with
      obesity and insulin resistance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross
      sectional study included 3390 adults aged 40 yr or older, in Songnan Community,
      Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaire, clinical
      and biochemical measurements, and urinary BPA concentration were determined.
      Generalized overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) of 24 to less than 28
      kg/m(2) and obesity was defined as BMI of 28 kg/m(2) or higher. Abdominal obesity
      was defined as waist circumference at least 90 cm for men and at least 85 cm for
      women. Insulin resistance was defined as the index of homeostasis model
      assessment of insulin resistance higher than 2.50. RESULTS: The participants in
      the highest quartile of BPA had the highest prevalence of generalized obesity
      [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-1.97], abdominal
      obesity (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.03-1.60), and insulin resistance (OR = 1.37; 95%
      CI = 1.06-1.77). In participants with BMI under 24 kg/m(2), compared with the
      lowest quartile, the highest quartile of BPA increased the prevalence of insulin
      resistance by 94% (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.20-3.14), but this association was not
      observed in those with BMI of 24 kg/m(2) or higher. CONCLUSIONS: BPA was
      positively associated with generalized obesity, abdominal obesity, and insulin
      resistance in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.

PMID- 22090278
TI  - Defects in GLP-1 response to an oral challenge do not play a significant role in
      the pathogenesis of prediabetes.
AB  - CONTEXT: There has been much speculation as to whether defects in glucagon-like
      peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes
      and the progression from normal glucose tolerance to prediabetes and diabetes.
      OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether fasting and postchallenge
      concentrations of active and total GLP-1 decrease as glucose tolerance and
      insulin secretion worsen across the spectrum of prediabetes. DESIGN: This was a
      cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was performed in the clinical research
      unit of an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 165
      subjects with a fasting glucose below 7.0 mmol/liter and not taking medications
      known to affect gastrointestinal motility or glucose metabolism. INTERVENTION:
      Intervention included a 2-h, 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with insulin, C
      peptide, glucagon, and GLP-1 measurements at seven time points. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: We evaluated the association of integrated, incremental active, and
      total GLP-1 concentrations with integrated, incremental glucose response to 75 g
      oral glucose. RESULTS: After accounting for covariates, there was no evidence of
      a relationship of incremental glucose concentrations after oral glucose tolerance
      test with active and total GLP-1 (r(s) = -0.16 and P = 0.14, and r(s) = 0.00 and
      P > 0.9, respectively). There also was no association of GLP-1 concentrations
      with insulin secretion and action. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of association of GLP-1
      concentrations with glucose tolerance status and with insulin secretion and
      action in a cohort encompassing the full spectrum of prediabetes strongly argues
      against a significant contribution of defects in GLP-1 secretion to the
      pathogenesis of prediabetes.

PMID- 22090279
TI  - Baseline sympathetic nervous system activity predicts dietary weight loss in
      obese metabolic syndrome subjects.
AB  - CONTEXT: The sympathetic nervous system is an important physiological modulator
      of basal and postprandial energy expenditure. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to
      investigate whether the variability of weight loss attained during hypocaloric
      dietary intervention is related to individual differences in baseline sympathetic
      drive and nutritional sympathetic nervous system responsiveness. PARTICIPANTS AND
      METHODS: Untreated obese subjects (n = 42; body mass index = 32.1 +/- 0.5
      kg/m(2)), aged 57 +/- 1 yr, who fulfilled Adult Treatment Panel III metabolic
      syndrome criteria participated in a 12-wk weight loss program using a modified
      Dietary Approaches to Treat Hypertension (DASH) diet. Muscle sympathetic nerve
      activity (MSNA) was measured by microneurography at rest and in a subset of
      subjects during a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: Weight loss
      (6.7 +/- 0.5 kg) was independently predicted by baseline resting MSNA burst
      incidence (r = 0.38; P = 0.019), which accounted for 14.3% of the variance after
      adjustment for age and baseline body weight. Weight loss-resistant subjects in
      the lower tertile of weight loss (4.4 +/- 0.3%) had significantly blunted MSNA
      responses to oral glucose at baseline compared with successful weight losers (9.6
      +/- 0.8%). Absolute Delta MSNA averaged -7 +/- 2, -6 +/- 5, and -3 +/- 3 bursts
      per 100 heartbeats at 30, 60, and 90 min after glucose in the weight loss
      resistant group. Corresponding values in the successful weight loss group were 9
      +/- 3, 12 +/- 3, and 15 +/- 4 bursts per 100 heartbeats (time * group
      interaction, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that baseline
      sympathetic drive and nutritional sympathetic responsiveness may be important
      prognostic biological markers for weight loss outcome.

PMID- 22090280
TI  - Diurnal rhythm of circulating nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase
      (Nampt/visfatin/PBEF): impact of sleep loss and relation to glucose metabolism.
AB  - CONTEXT: Animal studies indicate that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase
      [Nampt/visfatin/pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF)] contributes to the
      circadian fine-tuning of metabolic turnover. However, it is unknown whether
      circulating Nampt concentrations, which are elevated in type 2 diabetes and
      obesity, display a diurnal rhythm in humans. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to
      examine the 24-h profile of serum Nampt in humans under conditions of sleep and
      sleep deprivation and relate the Nampt pattern to morning postprandial glucose
      metabolism. INTERVENTION: Fourteen healthy men participated in two 24-h sessions
      starting at 1800 h, including either regular 8-h-night sleep or continuous
      wakefulness. Serum Nampt and leptin were measured in 1.5- to 3-h intervals. In
      the morning, plasma glucose and serum insulin responses to standardized breakfast
      intake were determined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Under regular sleep-wake
      conditions, Nampt levels displayed a pronounced diurnal rhythm, peaking during
      early afternoon (P < 0.001) that was inverse to leptin profiles peaking in the
      early night. When subjects stayed awake, the Nampt rhythm was preserved but phase
      advanced by about 2 h (P < 0.05). Two-hour postprandial plasma glucose
      concentrations were elevated after sleep loss (P < 0.05), whereas serum insulin
      was not affected. The relative glucose increase due to sleep loss displayed a
      positive association with the magnitude of the Nampt phase shift (r = 0.54; P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum Nampt concentrations follow a diurnal rhythm, peaking
      in the afternoon. Sleep loss induces a Nampt rhythm phase shift that is
      positively related to the impairment of postprandial glucose metabolism due to
      sleep deprivation, suggesting a regulatory impact of Nampt rhythmicity on glucose
      homeostasis.

PMID- 22090281
TI  - Phospholipid transfer protein in the placental endothelium is affected by
      gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - CONTEXT: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) causes alterations in fetal high
      density lipoproteins (HDL). Because phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is
      important for HDL (re)assembly and is expressed in the human placenta, we
      hypothesized that circulating fetal and/or placental PLTP expression and activity
      are altered in GDM. DESIGN: PLTP levels and activity were determined in maternal
      and fetal sera from GDM and controls. Placental PLTP was immunolocalized, and its
      expression was measured in placental tissue. PLTP regulation by glucose/insulin
      was studied in human endothelial cells isolated from placental vessels (HPEC).
      RESULTS: Placental Pltp expression was up-regulated in GDM (1.8-fold, P < 0.05).
      PLTP protein (5-fold, P < 0.01) and activity (1.4- to 2.5-fold) were higher in
      fetal than in maternal serum. The placental endothelium was identified as a major
      PLTP location. Insulin treatment of HPEC significantly increased secreted PLTP
      levels and activity. In GDM, fetal cholesterol, HDL-triglycerides and
      phospholipids were elevated compared with controls. Fetal PLTP activity was
      higher than maternal but unaltered in GDM. CONCLUSION: HPEC contribute to the
      release of active PLTP into the fetal circulation. Pltp expression is increased
      in GDM with hyperglycemia and/or hyperinsulinemia contributing. High PLTP
      activity in fetal serum may enhance conversion of HDL into cholesterol-accepting
      particles, thereby increasing maternal-fetal cholesterol transfer.

PMID- 22090282
TI  - Mifepristone effects on tumor somatostatin receptor expression in two patients
      with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic adrenocorticotropin secretion.
AB  - CONTEXT: Two patients presented with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH
      secretion. Initial localization studies included computed tomography, magnetic
      resonance imaging, and octreoscans ((111)In-pentreotide scintigraphy), which were
      negative in both patients. They were treated with the glucocorticoid receptor
      antagonist mifepristone, with improvement in their clinical symptoms. Follow-up
      octreoscans after, respectively, 6 and 12 months showed the unequivocal presence
      of a bronchial carcinoid in both patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study
      was to correlate in vivo and in vitro findings in patients with ectopic ACTH
      producing syndrome. METHODS: We determined the expression of somatostatin and
      dopamine receptors by immunohistochemistry (patients 1 and 2), quantitative PCR,
      and in vitro culturing of tumor cells (patient 1 only). IN VITRO RESULTS: Both
      tumors were strongly positive for somatostatin receptor type 2 (sst(2)) on
      immunohistochemistry, whereas one of the tumors (patient 1) was also dopamine
      receptor subtype 2 (D(2)) positive on both immunohistochemistry and quantitative
      PCR. Octreotide (a sst(2) preferring analog) and cabergoline (D(2) agonist) both
      decreased the ACTH levels in the cultured tumor cells of patient 1. CONCLUSION:
      We describe two patients with ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoids, in whom a
      direct down-regulatory effect of glucocorticoid levels on tumoral sst(2) receptor
      expression is suggested by a remarkable change in octreoscan status after
      successful mifepristone therapy. Further studies will have to demonstrate whether
      glucocorticoid lowering or antagonizing therapy may be used to improve the
      diagnostic accuracy of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in patients with
      ectopic ACTH production of unknown primary origin.

PMID- 22090284
TI  - Adaptive behaviour, tri-trophic food-web stability and damping of chaos.
AB  - We examine the effect of adaptive foraging behaviour within a tri-trophic food
      web with intra-guild predation. The intra-guild prey is allowed to adjust its
      foraging effort so as to achieve an optimal per capita growth rate in the face of
      realized feeding, predation risk and foraging cost. Adaptive fitness-seeking
      behaviour of the intra-guild prey has a stabilizing effect on the tri-trophic
      food-web dynamics provided that (i) a finite optimal foraging effort exists and
      (ii) the trophic transfer efficiency from resource to predator via the intra
      guild prey is greater than that from the resource directly. The latter condition
      is a general criterion for the feasibility of intra-guild predation as a trophic
      mode. Under these conditions, we demonstrate rigorously that adaptive behaviour
      will always promote stability of community dynamics in the sense that the region
      of parameter space in which stability is achieved is larger than for the non
      adaptive counterpart of the system.

PMID- 22090283
TI  - A biomaterials approach to peripheral nerve regeneration: bridging the peripheral
      nerve gap and enhancing functional recovery.
AB  - Microsurgical techniques for the treatment of large peripheral nerve injuries
      (such as the gold standard autograft) and its main clinically approved
      alternative--hollow nerve guidance conduits (NGCs)--have a number of limitations
      that need to be addressed. NGCs, in particular, are limited to treating a
      relatively short nerve gap (4 cm in length) and are often associated with poor
      functional recovery. Recent advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering
      approaches are seeking to overcome the limitations associated with these
      treatment methods. This review critically discusses the advances in biomaterial
      based NGCs, their limitations and where future improvements may be required.
      Recent developments include the incorporation of topographical guidance features
      and/or intraluminal structures, which attempt to guide Schwann cell (SC)
      migration and axonal regrowth towards their distal targets. The use of such
      strategies requires consideration of the size and distribution of these
      topographical features, as well as a suitable surface for cell-material
      interactions. Likewise, cellular and molecular-based therapies are being
      considered for the creation of a more conductive nerve microenvironment. For
      example, hurdles associated with the short half-lives and low stability of
      molecular therapies are being surmounted through the use of controlled delivery
      systems. Similarly, cells (SCs, stem cells and genetically modified cells) are
      being delivered with biomaterial matrices in attempts to control their dispersion
      and to facilitate their incorporation within the host regeneration process.
      Despite recent advances in peripheral nerve repair, there are a number of key
      factors that need to be considered in order for these new technologies to reach
      the clinic.

PMID- 22090286
TI  - Determination and validation of the elastic moduli of small and complex
      biological samples: bone and keratin in bird beaks.
AB  - In recent years, there has been a surge in the development of finite-element (FE)
      models aimed at testing biological hypotheses. For example, recent modelling
      efforts suggested that the beak in Darwin's finches probably evolved in response
      to fracture avoidance. However, knowledge of the material properties of the
      structures involved is crucial for any model. For many biological structures,
      these data are not available and may be difficult to obtain experimentally given
      the complex nature of biological structures. Beaks are interesting as they appear
      to be highly optimized in some cases. In order to understand the biomechanics of
      this small and complex structure, we have been developing FE models that take
      into account the bilayered structure of the beak consisting of bone and keratin.
      Here, we present the results of efforts related to the determination and
      validation of the elastic modulus of bone and keratin in bird beaks. The elastic
      moduli of fresh and dried samples were obtained using a novel double-indentation
      technique and through an inverse analysis. A bending experiment is used for the
      inverse analysis and the validation of the measurements. The out-of-plane
      displacements during loading are measured using digital speckle pattern
      interferometry.

PMID- 22090285
TI  - Effects of surface microtopography on the assembly of the osteoclast resorption
      apparatus.
AB  - Bone degradation by osteoclasts depends on the formation of a sealing zone,
      composed of an interlinked network of podosomes, which delimits the degradation
      lacuna into which osteoclasts secrete acid and proteolytic enzymes. For
      resorption to occur, the sealing zone must be coherent and stable for extended
      periods of time. Using titanium roughness gradients ranging from 1 to 4.5 um R(a)
      as substrates for osteoclast adhesion, we show that microtopographic obstacles of
      a length scale well beyond the range of the 'footprint' of an individual podosome
      can slow down sealing-zone expansion. A clear inverse correlation was found
      between ring stability, structural integrity and sealing-zone translocation rate.
      Direct live-cell microscopy indicated that the expansion of the sealing zone is
      locally arrested by steep, three-dimensional 'ridge-like barriers', running
      parallel to its perimeter. It was, however, also evident that the sealing zone
      can bypass such obstacles, if pulled by neighbouring regions, extending through
      flanking, obstacle-free areas. We propose that sealing-zone dynamics, while being
      locally regulated by surface roughness, are globally integrated via the
      associated actin cytoskeleton. The effect of substrate roughness on osteoclast
      behaviour is significant in relation to osteoclast function under physiological
      and pathological conditions, and may constitute an important consideration in the
      design of advanced bone replacements.

PMID- 22090287
TI  - Apoptosis induced by ZnPcH1-based photodynamic therapy in Jurkat cells and HEL
      cells.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can selectively and effectively kill tumor cells, and
      photosensitization is the key to these anti-tumor effects. In this study, we
      investigated the killing mechanisms of the photosensitizer ZnPcH1 (a mono-alpha
      substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine synthesized in China), in the acute lymphoid
      leukemia cell line Jurkat and the acute erythroleukemia cell line HEL. Results
      from acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescence staining, DNA gel
      electrophoresis, and Annexin-V(FITC/PI) double-stained flow cytometry analysis
      indicated that ZnPcH1-PDT induced apoptosis in Jurkat and HEL cells, with Jurkat
      cells being more sensitive. Following ZnPcH1-PDT treatment, upregulation of p53
      and Bax, downregulation of HSP70, Bcl-2 and Akt, and inhibition of the
      phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3beta were observed. Our results establish a
      theoretical basis for the application of ZnPcH1-PDT in the treatment of acute
      leukemia.

PMID- 22090288
TI  - [Genotyping of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains
      isolated from clinical specimens by rep-PCR].
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are associated with
      increased cost, mortality and length of hospital stay compared with the other
      infections. Therefore, controlling the spread of this pathogen by screening
      patients, personnel and the environment remains as a high priority in infection
      control programs. The aim of this study was to detect the clonal relationship
      between nosocomial MRSA strains by using repetitive-sequence-based polymerase
      chain reaction (rep-PCR) method which has several advantages owing to its speed
      and ease of use. A total of 100 MRSA stock strains that had been isolated from
      various clinical samples of hospitalized patients in Erciyes University Medical
      Faculty Hospitals between September 2008-October 2009, were included in the
      study. Methicillin resistance of the strains were determined by cefoxitin disc
      diffusion test according to CLSI guidelines. Rep-PCR (Diversilab, bioMerieux,
      France) method was performed in the following four steps in order to determine
      genetic proximity of MRSA strains: (1) Manual DNA extraction (UltraClean
      Microbial DNA Isolation Kit; MoBio Laboratories, USA), (2) Rep-PCR by using
      fingerprinting kits in the thermocycler (Diversilab DNA Fingerprinting Kit), (3)
      Automated microfluidic electrophoresis by bioanalyzer (Diversilab DNA LabChip
      kit), (4) Analysis and rapid evaluation with the use of web-based DiversiLab
      software (version 2.1.66). Rep-PCR analysis have shown the presence of a total 11
      clones, including 3 major clones [A (4 subtypes), B (2 subtypes) and C (2
      subtypes)] and 8 unique clones (DK). Clone A was found to be the dominant type.
      Seventy-eight percent of the 100 MRSA isolates belonged to clone A (63 were A1; 9
      were A2; 4 were A3, 2 were A4), 11% belonged to clone B (10 were B1, 1 was B2),
      3% belonged to clone C (2 were C1, 1 was C2), and one of each belonged to the
      other clones (D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K). Clone A was isolated from 93.3% (14/15) of
      the samples sent from internal diseases intensive care unit (ICU), from 66.6%
      (10/15) of the samples sent from infectious diseases ward and 91% (10/11) of
      hematology-oncology ward samples. All MRSA strains isolated from anesthesiology
      and newborn ICU were of clone A. The isolation dates of these strains were in
      proximity. In conclusion, MRSA strains showed clonal dissemination in our
      hospital, clone A being the predominant one during the study period. Rep-PCR
      which is a rapid and reliable method, can easily be applied for molecular
      epidemiological purposes and aid to infection control measures.

PMID- 22090289
TI  - [Evaluation of rapid genotype assay for the identification of gram-positive cocci
      from blood cultures and detection of mecA and van genes].
AB  - Rapid and accurate identification of bacterial pathogens grown in blood cultures
      of patients with sepsis is crucial for prompt initiation of appropriate therapy
      in order to decrease related morbidity and mortality rates. Although current
      automated blood culture systems led to a significant improvement in bacterial
      detection time, more rapid identification systems are still needed to optimise
      the establishment of treatment. Novel genotype technology which is developed for
      the rapid diagnosis of sepsis, is a molecular genetic assay based on DNA
      multiplex amplification with biotinylated primers followed by hybridization to
      membrane bound probes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of
      "Genotype(r) BC gram-positive? test for the identification of gram-positive cocci
      grown in blood cultures and rapid detection of mecA and van genes. This test uses
      DNA.STRIP(r) technology which includes a panel of probes for identification of 17
      gram-positive bacterial species and is able to determinate the methicillin and
      vancomycin resistance mediating genes (mecA and vanA, vanB, vanC1, vanC2/C3)
      simultaneously, in a single test run. A total of 55 positive blood cultures from
      BACTECTM Plus/F (Becton Dickinson, USA) aerobic and pediatric blood culture vials
      were included in the study. The isolates which exhibit gram-positive coccus
      morphology by Gram staining were identified by Genotype (r) BC gram-positive test
      (Hain Life Science, Germany). All of the samples were also identified with the
      use of Phoenix PMIC/ID Panel (Becton Dickinson, USA) and antibiotic
      susceptibilities were determined. Of the 55 blood culture isolates, 17 were
      identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis [all were methicillin-resistant (MR)], 9
      were S.aureus (one was MR), 18 were S.hominis (10 were MR), 4 were E.faecalis, 3
      were E. faecium (one was vanconycin-resistant), 2 were S.saprophyticus (one was
      MR), 1 was S.warneri and 1 was S.haemolyticus, by Phoenix automated system.
      Genotype(r) BC gram-positive test results revealed consistency with Phoenix
      system regarding bacterial identification in 46 (83.6%) of the samples. The two
      bacteria identified as S.saprophyticus by the Phoenix system could not be
      identified by the Genotype(r) BC test since this species were not included in the
      identification panel of the system, however, mecA gene were detected in these two
      samples by Genotype(r) BC test. Genotype(r) BC test detected mecA gene in five
      samples which were not detected as methicillin resistant by the Phoenix system.
      Besides polymicrobial growth was determined in five samples by Genotype (r) BC
      test, but not by the automated system. One E.faecium isolate with vanA gene was
      correctly identified by Genotype(r) BC test. In conclusion, Genotype(r) BC gram
      positive test is a fast and reliable test for the identification of the most
      important gram-positive pathogens and mecA and van genes directly from positive
      blood culture bottles. This test was also found superior than the automated
      Phoenix system regarding the detection of polymicrobial growth. These data
      indicated that, routine use of DNA strip technology-based assay would be useful
      for clinical diagnosis in patients with sepsis.

PMID- 22090290
TI  - [Investigation of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients].
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is widely found in the environment, may lead to
      serious nosocomial infections. Due to its intrinsic resistance to many
      antibacterial agents, treatment of P.aeruginosa infections usually present
      difficulty. Quinolones, especially ciprofloxacin, are crutial antibiotics for the
      treatment of P.aeruginosa infections. However resistance developing to quinolones
      may become an important problem. Resistance to quinolones is often a result of
      chromosomal mutations and by the effect of efflux pumps. Recently plasmid
      mediated quinolone resistance have been reportedin the members of
      Enterobacteriaceae family. The gene responsible for this resistance is called
      qnr. In addition to qnr genes there is also another gene called aac(6?)-Ib-cr
      responsible for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance and aminoglycoside
      resistance. Limited studies which to screen P.aeruginosa strains for the presence
      of qnr gene region, revealed no positivity. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in P.aeruginosa strains
      isolated from cystic fibrosis patients. A total of 110 P.aeruginosa strains
      isolated from respiratory tract specimens from the patients were included in the
      study. Ciprofloxacin susceptibilities of the isolates were detected by Kirby
      Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. The presence of qnrA,
      qnrB, qnrC, qnrS and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes were searched by multiplex polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) with the use of specific individual primer pairs. As
      positive control strains, Escherichia coli J53 pMG252 (qnrA1 positive), E.coli
      J53 pMG252 (qnrS1 positive), E.coli J53 pMG258 (qnrB1 and aac(6')-Ib-cr
      positive), Klebsiella pneumoniae ref.15 (qnrB positive), Enterobacter cloacae
      ref.287 (qnrS positive), E.coli ref.20 (qnrA positive) and E.coli DH10 conjugated
      with pHS11 plasmid (qnrC positive) were used. Of 110 P.aeruginosa clinical
      isolates, 13 were found resistant to ciprofloxacin, while 7 were intermediate.
      However multiplex PCR yielded no positivity in terms of qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrS
      and aac(6')-Ib-cr gene regions. In conclusion, although our results indicated
      that none of the tested P.aeruginosa strains harboured those genes, further
      multicenter studies with large numbers of isolates are needed to confirm these
      results.

PMID- 22090291
TI  - [Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Shigella spp. isolated from feces samples
      in Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital between 1999-2010].
AB  - The symptoms of infections caused by Shigella spp. are diverse and may change
      from person to person. The choice of antibiotics as well as the prevention of the
      loss of fluid and electrolytes are important in the clinical recovery. The local
      resistance rates to antibiotics should be taken into consideration when planning
      empirical therapy. The aims of this retrospective study were to detect the in
      vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of 605 Shigella spp. strains isolated from
      feces samples of children at Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Children's
      Hospital between 1999 and 2010 and to compare the resistance rates by years.
      Susceptibility to ampicillin, cefotaxime, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (T/S),
      nalidixic acid, and ciprofloxacin were determined in Mueller-Hinton Agar by disk
      diffusion method according to CLSI criteria. Among a total of 605 Shigella
      strains, 526 were identified as S.sonnei, 69 as S.flexneri, nine as S.boydii and
      one as S.dysenteriae. Resistance rates to ampicillin, cefotaxime, T/S and
      nalidixic acid were 24.3%, 3.6% 74.2% and 4.6%, respectively. All of the isolates
      were found susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Antibiotic resistance rates of the
      isolates did not exhibit any differences between the years. S.dysenteriae was
      isolated once in 2003 throughout this 12 year survey and the isolate was found
      susceptible to T/S and ciprofloxacin. A significant yearly decrease was detected
      in the number of stool cultures and number of Shigella spp. isolated in stool (p<
      0.001). Ampicillin resistance was higher in S.flexneri (77.8%) and S.boydii
      (62.5%) than S.sonnei (17%). However, T/S resistance was higher in S.sonnei
      (78.9%) than S.flexneri (52.5%) and S.boydii (11.1%). In conclusion, continuous
      surveillance of resistance among Shigella species in Turkey seems to be
      imperative for establishing empirical treatment guidelines in our country.

PMID- 22090292
TI  - [Evaluation of blood agar medium for the growth of mycobacteria].
AB  - This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of blood agar for the growth of
      mycobacteria from clinical specimens sent to Mycobacteriology Laboratory of
      Samsun Chest Diseases Hospital. One hundred fifty six clinical specimens
      including 123 sputum, 28 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 5 pleural fluid
      specimens were inoculated in Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ), BACTEC MGIT 960 system
      (Becton Dickinson, USA) and blood agar following decontamination process. The
      specimens were also simultaneously examined for the presence of acid-fast bacilli
      (AFB). Thirty five mycobacteria strains (33 Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 2
      atypical mycobacteria) grew in blood agar, 38 (36 M.tuberculosis and 2 atypical
      mycobacteria) in LJ media and 46 (44 M.tuberculosis and 2 atypical mycobacteria)
      in BACTEC MGIT 960 system. Among 29 AFB negative specimens, 20 revealed growth in
      both blood agar and LJ medium and 27 in MGIT system. AFB positive 20 samples
      yielded growth in 15 samples in blood agar, 18 in LJ medium and 19 in MGIT
      system. Among the total of 156 samples, contamination was observed in 15 (9.6%)
      samples in blood agar, 16 (10.2%) in LJ medium and 18 (11.5%) in MGIT system.
      Growth time was 5-35 days (mean 18 +/- 7.4), 11-35 days (mean 19 +/- 5.9) and 5
      15 days (mean 10 +/- 2.4) for blood agar, LJ medium and BACTEC MGIT 960 system,
      respectively. The three samples which revealed contamination in BACTEC MGIT 960
      system, grew successfully in both blood agar and LJ medium without contamination.
      In one sample, growth was observed only in LJ medium but neither in blood agar
      nor BACTEC MGIT 960 system. However, in another sample, growth was observed only
      in blood agar while no growth was detected in LJ or BACTEC MGIT 960 system. Six
      samples yielded mycobacteria only in BACTEC MGIT 960 system. These results
      indicated that simultaneous use of one liquid and one solid medium to grow
      mycobacteria from the clinical samples seemed to be complementary. Blood agar was
      a promising choice since it was found to be as effective as LJ medium for the
      growth of mycobacteria, however, this issue needs to be further evaluated in a
      multicentre study with a larger specimen collection.

PMID- 22090293
TI  - [Comparison of proportion method in Lowenstein-Jensen medium with the BACTEC 460
      TB system for antimycobacterial susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis isolates].
AB  - This study was conducted to compare BACTEC 460 TB system and the proportion
      method in commercially available and ready to use antibiotic added Loweinstein
      Jensen (LJ) medium for susceptibility testing of first line drugs in
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates. A total 238 M.tuberculosis strains
      isolated from clinical samples in our laboratory between 2006-2010 period were
      included in the study. Susceptibility testing for streptomycin, isoniazid,
      rifampicin and ethambutol in commercially provided LJ medium (Salubris Inc.,
      Istanbul) was performed by the proportion method as recommended by the
      manufacturer, and the results were compared with the results of BACTEC 460 TB
      (Becton Dickinson, USA) system. Resistance rates of M.tuberculosis strains
      against streptomycin, isoniasid, rifampicin and ethambutol obtained by BACTEC 460
      TB system were 19.7%, 42%, 40.8% and 18%, respectively. Those rates were 22.7%,
      38.7%, 37% and 15.5%, respectively, by antibiotic added LJ proportion method.
      There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods in
      terms of resistance rates (p> 0.05). The rates of consistency between proportion
      method in LJ medium and BACTEC 460 TB system for streptomycin, isoniasid,
      rifampicin and ethambutol susceptibility were found as 85.3%, 92.4%, 95.4% and
      92.4%, respectively. When comparing the reporting time (interval between
      beginning of the process to reporting of the results) of the methods, minimal,
      maximal and average reporting spans for BACTEC 460 TB system were 5, 12 and 8.08
      +/- 2.65 days, and 15, 42 and 23.89 +/- 6.02 days for the proportion method in LJ
      medium, respectively, being statistically significant (p= 0.001). It was
      determined that the sensitivity test results of major antimycobacterial drugs in
      commercial LJ medium were compatible with the BACTEC 460 TB system. Nonetheless,
      the rate of incompatible results was higher for STR than the other drugs.
      Although there has been some disadvantages such as longer reporting time, need
      for experience in manual processing and visual evaluation, standardized LJ media
      approved for quality can be used for susceptibility testing of M.tuberculosis in
      the laboratories which do not have eligible conditions for the establishment of
      automated systems.

PMID- 22090294
TI  - [Development and optimization of an in-house PCR method for molecular diagnosis
      of pertussis].
AB  - Pertussis (whooping cough), caused by Bordetella pertussis is a severe, acute
      contagious disease of the respiratory system and it affects mostly children and
      also susceptible individuals of all ages. Although the conventional culture
      method used for diagnosis is highly specific, it has a lower sensitivity.
      Therefore, there is a need for a sensitive, specific and rapid method for
      diagnosis of pertussis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), introduced recently as a
      new approach for diagnosis of pertussis, has been shown to be more sensitive than
      culture method. Pertussis toxin gene (ptxA-Pr), insertion sequence genes (IS481
      and IS1001), adenylate cyclase genes and structural porin and flagellin genes
      were chosen as targets for PCR, in different studies. This study aimed to develop
      and optimize a diagnostic inhouse PCR method by using primers specific for ptxA
      Pr and IS481 gene regions. An in-house PCR method was developed by using primer
      pairs of PTp1/PTp2 specific for ptxA-Pr gene and PIp1/PIp2 specific for IS481
      gene and DNAs of various bacterial reference strains. Throat samples obtained
      from 45 healthy individuals and B.pertussis reference strain with decreasing
      concentrations were mixed to constitute a group of "representative clinical
      samples" and used to test and optimize sensitivity and specificity of the method.
      The in-house PCR with PTp1/PTp2 primers showed a very high specificity but a low
      sensitivity with a value of 34.4 cfu/Rm (colony forming unit/reaction mixture).
      Whereas, the inhouse PCR with PIp1/PIp2 primers exhibited a low specificity due
      to cross-reactivity with B. Pertussis and B.bronchiseptica but much higher
      sensitivity with a value of 1.12 cfu/Rm. The experiments performed with the
      representative clinical samples yielded similar results. Simultaneously applied
      cultivation studies indicated the detection limit of the PCR method as 2 x 103
      cfu/ml. Based on our results, the PCR targeting IS481 gene had high sensitivity
      while the PCR targeting ptxA-Pr gene had high specificity. It was concluded that,
      PCR method targeting the IS481 gene might be used for pre-diagnosis and then PCR
      for ptxA-Pr gene might be applied for the confirmation of B.pertussis in the
      molecular diagnosis of pertussis.

PMID- 22090295
TI  - [Evaluation of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus colonization at Gaziantep
      Children's Hospital, Turkey].
AB  - Enterococci are members of normal flora of human gastrointestinal system, and
      occupy the first places among the agents causing nosocomial infection. The most
      frequent origin of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is the
      gastrointestinal colonization in hospitalized patients. Prolonged
      hospitalization, long-term antibiotic use and severe underlying diseases increase
      the risk of VRE colonization. Routine VRE surveillance of high-risk group
      patients is crucial for early detection and implementation of precautions to
      impede the development of infection and spread of VRE. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the status of VRE colonization in Oncology Department of Gaziantep
      Children's Hospital, Turkey, following a VRE isolation from the urine sample of a
      patient (index case). In the first phase of this point prevalence study VRE
      screening was done after positive VRE result was obtained from the index case,
      and in the second phase VRE colonization rate was investigated after the
      implementation of infection control policies. Perirectal swab samples collected
      from patients were cultivated into supplemented VRE agar base (Oxoid, UK)
      including vancomycin 6 ug/ml and 5% sheep blood agar. The isolates were
      identified by conventional methods together with API 20 Strep (bioMerieux,
      France) and VITEK2 (bioMerieux, France) identification systems. Vancomycin (30
      ug) and teicoplanin (30 ug) susceptibilities of the isolates were investigated by
      Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI criteria. In addition, VITEK2
      antibiogram cards, AST-592 were used to determine antibiotic susceptibilities. In
      the first phase of the surveillance a total of 123 perirectal swab specimens
      obtained from patients staying at oncology, burn, pediatric surgery and intensive
      care units (ICU) were investigated and the rate of VRE colonization was
      determined as 14.6% (18/123). Thirteen of the VRE colonized patients were from
      oncology wards and five were from ICU. Upon the detection of VRE colonization,
      contact isolation was implemented and hospital staff was educated for hand
      washing and restricted antibotic use policies were established. To evaluate the
      efficacy of infection control implementations, perirectal swab samples were
      collected from 242 patients under antibiotic treatment and hospitalized in
      several wards and ICU for >= 3 days. The results of this second control
      surveillance revealed that VRE colonization rate declined to 3.3% (8/242), and
      three of these VRE colonized patients were in the ICU, three in the oncology ward
      and one of each in burn and pediatric wards. During the study period blood stream
      infection developed in three of the previously colonized oncology patients of
      whom one patient also had simultaneous pneumoniae due to VRE. The results of this
      study indicated the importance of VRE surveillance at the hospital setting. The
      determination of the VRE colonization in the hospital will help the
      implementation of appropriate infection control measures and eventually decrease
      the rate of nosocomial VRE infection.

PMID- 22090296
TI  - [Investigation of Brucella canis seropositivity by in-house slide agglutination
      test antigen in healthy blood donors].
AB  - Canine brucellosis which is due to Brucella canis, is transmitted to man by
      infected dogs or their secretions. The symptoms of canine brucellosis are similar
      to the symptoms of brucellosis caused by other Brucella species and endocarditis
      or meningitis may develop in untreated cases. There is limited data regarding
      B.canis infections in man and the current status of the disease is insufficiently
      evaluated in our country. Serological diagnosis of brucellosis is classically
      based on standard slide and tube agglutination tests. However, the antigens used
      in these tests detect antibodies that develop against species (B.melitensis,
      B.abortus, B.suis) with "smooth" lipopolysaccharides in their cell wall. B.canis
      has "rough" lipopolysaccharide in its cell wall and thus these classical tests
      can not detect antibodies against B.canis. Besides there is no commercial slide
      agglutination test which uses B.canis antigens. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the B.canis seropositivity by slide agglutination test (SAT), using
      homemade B.canis antigen, in healthy subjects and to determine the prevalence of
      B.canis infection in our population. A total of 1930 blood donors (age range: 18
      55 years) who were admitted to the blood donation centers of different hospitals
      in Kocaeli province (located at Northwestern part of Turkey) between January
      December 2010, have been included in the study. All of the subjects were negative
      in terms of Rose-Bengal plate test (B.abortus antigen test). Undiluted serum
      samples were initially screened by SAT, and those which were found positive were
      retested by SAT in the dilutions of 1/25 - 1/200. Confirmation of the positive
      results was performed by using 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) SAT. The test antigen
      (Alton antigen) was prepared from the less mucoid M(-) variant of B.canis, and
      1/1048 titered dog antiserum was used as positive control. Of the 1930 blood
      donors sera, 40 (2.1%) were found positive with SAT, whereas 16 of them yielded
      equivocal positive (12 were 1/50, 4 were 1/100 titers) and 15 yielded positive
      (>= 1/200 titer) results with 2-ME SAT. As a result, B.canis seropositivity rate
      in the healthy subjects in this study was estimated as 1.6% (31/1930). The
      integration of B.canis SAT to the routine serological tests applied for
      brucellosis diagnosis might aid to the data related to brucellosis epidemiology.
      B.canis seroprevalence determined as 1.6% in this study supplied a basic data
      about the infection in our country. However, larger scale, multicenter studies
      with different patient and risk groups should be conducted to further evaluate
      the epidemiology of B.canis infections in Turkey.

PMID- 22090297
TI  - [A real-time PCR assay for the quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA and
      concurrent detection of YMDD motif mutations].
AB  - Monitoring therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving lamivudine therapy,
      is done by two different assays; determination of viral load and genotypic
      resistance. These methods are labor intensive and time consuming. It was aimed to
      develop an assay to quantitate hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum and detect
      YMDD (thyrosine, methionine, aspartate, aspartate) motif mutations in the same
      run. The assay was based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR) with
      YMDD-specific hybridization probes. Determination of YMDD motif was done by
      melting temperature analysis. External standard curve was used for quantifying
      viral DNA, which was generated by standard sera (VQC S2220) including HBV-DNA
      between concentrations of 1000 to 3 million copies/ml. The assay was compared
      with commercial quantitative kit (Artus HBV RG PCR; Qiagen, Germany), commercial
      line prob assay (INNO-LiPA HBV DR v1.0; Innogenetics, Belgium) and direct DNA
      sequencing method. Thirty-eight serum samples obtained from 20 chronic hepatitis
      B patients (7 female, 13 male; age range: 27-70 years) treated with only
      lamivudine and were negative for HIV and HCV antigen and antibodies were tested
      in the study. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was found as 200 copies/ml,
      with a dynamic range of 1 x 103 to 3 x 107 copies/ml. PCR efficiency of the in
      house assay was found to be 1.98. Comparison of log10 HBV-DNA concentrations
      determined by the in-house and commercial quantitative kits showed a significant
      correlation (r= 0.681). Melting temperature (Tm) analysis was used for the YMDD
      motif determination and found to be 59.86 degrees C for YMDD, 56.34 degrees C for
      YVDD and 55.10 degrees C for YIDD. The results of the in-house assay, DNA
      sequencing and LiPA were concordant in samples with homogeneous virus population,
      and in-house assay could also detect the major type of YMDD motif in mixed viral
      populations The Rt-PCR method which was developed in this study is a rapid,
      accurate and reproducible method for quantifying HBV-DNA and detecting the
      predominant YMDD motif in the same run in two hours duration. It was concluded
      that this method may be a convenient tool for monitoring HBV-infected patients
      receiving lamivudine treatment.

PMID- 22090298
TI  - [Investigation of Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus markers by
      serological and molecular methods in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and
      systemic lupus erythematosus].
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which are
      autoimmune diseases usually questioned for their association with many infectious
      agents have etiopathogenesis related to genetic, immunologic, hormonal and even
      environmental factors. The most commonly attributed etiologic agents are herpes
      group viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Epstein-Barr
      virus (EBV) and herpes simplex (HSV) viruses in the etiology of RA and SLE. A
      total of 137 patients (87 RA and 50 SLE; mean age: 33 +/- 12 years) who were
      admitted to Eskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty Rheumatology
      Department between January 2007-January 2008 and diagnosed according to 1987 ACR
      (American College of Rheumatology) criteria have been included in the study,
      together with 50 healthy blood donors (mean age: 35 +/- 14 years) as control
      group. Serum samples obtained from all of the cases were tested for EBV VCA-IgG,
      VCA-IgM, EA/D-IgG and EBNA-IgG (Trinity Biotech, USA); IgM and IgG antibodies
      against HSV-1 and HSV-2 by ELISA method (Dia-Pro Diagnostic, Italy), and the
      presence of viral nucleic acids in blood samples were investigated by real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR; Qiagen, USA). EBV VCA-IgM was
      negative in all of the RA, SLE and control group patients. VCA-IgG positivity
      were 98% and 96%, and for EBNA-IgG 98.5% and 100%, in patient and control groups,
      respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the
      groups regarding VCA-IgG and EBNA- IgG positivity (p> 0.05). On the other hand,
      EBV EA/D-IgG positivity rate found in the SLE group (34%) was significantly
      higher than RA (7%) and control (12%) groups (p< 0.001 and p< 0.05,
      respectively). There was no significant difference between RA and control groups
      in terms of EA/D-IgG positivity (p> 0.05). Regarding herpes simplex virus
      serology, HSV1-IgG seropositivity were 99% and 94% and HSV2-IgG positivity were
      8% and 12% in the patient and control groups, respectively. There was no
      statistically significant difference between the groups according to the
      positivity rates of IgM and IgG specific for HSV-1 and HSV-2 (p> 0.05). All of
      the cases were found negative in terms of EBV, HSV-1 and HSV- 2 DNAs according to
      double-checked RT-PCR results. In conclusion, no significant difference was
      determined for EBV and HSV serologic markers in RA and SLE patients compared to
      the control group. However, significantly higher rate of EBV EA/D-IgG positivity
      in SLE patients might have indicated a possible association between SLE and EBV
      infection. Larger scale, prospective studies including examination of the
      synovial fluid/tissue samples are required to enlighten the association between
      SLE and EBV.

PMID- 22090299
TI  - [Pandemic influenza A (H1N1)v vaccination status and factors affecting
      vaccination: Ankara and Diyarbakir 2009 data from Turkey].
AB  - In this study, it was aimed to determine the frequency of the symptoms of
      influenza-like illness during influenza A (H1N1)v pandemic in two provinces where
      sentinel influenza surveillance was conducted and also to obtain opinions about
      H1N1 influenza and vaccination, H1N1 vaccination status and factors affecting
      vaccination. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the provinces of Ankara
      (capital city, located at Central Anatolia) and Diyarbakir (located at
      southeastern Anatolia). It was planned to include 455 houses in Ankara and 276
      houses in Diyarbakir. The household participation rate in the study was 78.9% and
      53.6% for Ankara and Diyarbakir, respectively. Our study was carried out between
      January-February 2010, with 1164 participants from Ankara and 804 from
      Diyarbakir, including every household subjects except for infants younger than 11
      months and patients with primary/secondary immunodeficiency diseases. Data was
      collected by site teams consisting of a physician and a healthcare staff with
      informed consent. Of the participants 45.5% from Ankara and 35.3% from Diyarbakir
      stated that they had gone through an influenza-like illness. The most frequently
      indicated clinical symptoms were fatigue/weakness, rhinitis, sore throat and
      cough. The rates of admission to a physician with influenza like illness
      complaints were 50.6% and 58.7%; rates of hospitalization due to influenza-like
      illness were 1% and 1.5%, and rates of antiviral drug use were 3.8% and 1.9%, in
      Ankara ve Diyarbakir participants, respectively. The rate of personal precautions
      taken by the subjects for prevention from pandemic influenza were 59% and 53.3%,
      in Ankara and Diyarbakir, respectively. These precautions most frequently were
      "hand washing" and "avoiding crowded public areas". H1N1 influenza vaccine was
      applied in 9.3% of the participants in Ankara and in 3.7% of the participants in
      Diyarbakir. Vaccination rate was higher in both of the provinces in adults over
      25 years old than children and adolescents and in patients with chronic
      underlying disease. None of the 25 pregnant participants were vaccinated against
      pandemic influenza. The educational background, employment status and quality of
      the job have been detected as factors affecting the status of being vaccinated
      with H1N1 influenza vaccine in both provinces. In addition, the percentage of
      having H1N1 influenza vaccination was found to be higher in subjects who had
      seasonal influenza vaccination previously and in 2009, than those who had not,
      and this difference was statistically significant in both provinces (Ankara p<
      0.001, Diyarbakir p< 0.001). The mostly indicated post-vaccination adverse
      reactions reported by vaccinated participants were local sensitivity, muscle and
      joint pains, headache and malaise. The most frequent rationale for not being
      vaccinated against H1N1 were "I do not consider it necessary/I do not want"
      (Ankara 33.4%, Diyarbakir 27.4%) and "I do not believe/trust its efficacy"
      (Ankara 25.6%, Diyarbakir 22.6%). Those data emphasized the insufficient
      awareness of our population about the importance of pandemic influenza and
      vaccine. It is also believed that possible case definition in H1N1 case
      management scheme should be revised. In conclusion an important part of pandemic
      preparation plans is risk communication with the public to increase awareness and
      to prevent the missed opportunities.

PMID- 22090300
TI  - [In vitro biofilm formation and relationship with antifungal resistance of
      Candida spp. isolated from vaginal and intrauterine device string samples of
      women with vaginal complaints].
AB  - Intrauterin device (IUD) application is a widely used effective, safe and
      economic method for family planning. However IUD use may cause certain changes in
      vaginal ecosystem and may disturb microflora leading to increased colonization of
      various opportunistic pathogen microorganisms. The aims of this study were (i) to
      detect the biofilm production characteristics of Candida spp. isolated from
      vaginal and IUD string samples of women with IUDs, and (ii) to investigate the
      relationship between biofilm production and antifungal resistance. A total of 250
      women (mean age: 34.4 +/- 7.6 years) admitted to gynecology outpatient clinics
      with vaginal symptoms (discharge and itching) were included in the study. The
      patients have been implanted CuT380a type IUDs for a mean duration of 59.8 +/-
      42.4 months. Without removing IUD, string samples were obtained by cutting and
      simultaneous vaginal swab samples were also collected. Isolated Candida spp. were
      identified by conventional methods and API 20C AUX (BioMerieux, Fransa) system.
      Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of fluconazole, itraconazole and
      amphotericin B were determined by broth microdilution method according to the
      CLSI guidelines. Biofilm formation was evaluated by crystal violet staining and
      XTT-reduction assays, and the isolates which yielded positive results in both of
      the methods were accepted as biofilm-producers. In the study, Candida spp. were
      isolated from 33.2% (83/250) of the vaginal and 34% (85/250) of the IUD string
      samples, C.albicans being the most frequently detected species (54 and 66 strains
      for the samples, respectively). The total in vitro biofilm formation rate was 25%
      (21/83) for vaginal isolates and 44.7% (38/85) for IUD string isolates. Biofilm
      formation rate of vaginal C.albicans isolates was significantly lower than
      vaginal non-albicans Candida spp. (14.8% and 44.8%, respectively; p= 0.003).
      Biofilm formation rate of C.albicans strains isolated from vaginal and IUD string
      samples were found as 14.8% (8/54) and 45.5% (30/66), with a statistically
      significant importance (p< 0.001). However, no statistically significant
      difference was detected for biofilm formation rates of non-albicans Candida spp.
      when sample types were considered [44.8% (13/29) and 42.1% (8/19), respectively;
      p> 0.05]. Fluconazole resistance was significantly higher in biofilm-producing
      vaginal Candida spp. than those of nonproducers (52.4% vs. 16.1%; p= 0.001),
      however, itraconazole resistance was found similar in biofilmproducer and non
      producer isolates (47.6% vs. 32.3%; p> 0.05). Resistance rates for both
      fluconazole and itraconazole were higher in biofilm-producers (39.5% and 52.6%,
      respectively), than those of non-producers (10.6% and 29.8%, respectively),
      representing a statistical significance (p= 0.002 and p= 0.03, respectively) for
      Candida spp. strains isolated from IUD string samples. The overall resistance
      rates of C.albicans and non-albicans Candida spp. against fluconazole, were
      determined as 15% and 54.2%, respectively, while those rates were 24.2% and
      68.7%, respectively, against itraconazole. MIC value of amphotericin B for all of
      the Candida spp. isolates was <= 1.5 ug/ml. In conclusion, the data obtained from
      this study revealed that Candida spp. May lead to vaginal infections by inducing
      biofilm formation in IUD strings and these biofilms may be related to resistance
      to antifungal agents. Thus, women using IUDs should be followed-up periodically
      for the development of biofilms in their IUD strings.

PMID- 22090301
TI  - [Evaluation of Malassezia species by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)
      spectroscopy].
AB  - Malassezia species which are lipophilic exobasidiomycetes fungi, have been
      accepted as members of normal cutaneous flora as well as causative agent of
      certain skin diseases. In routine  microbiology laboratory, species
      identification based on phenotypic characters may not yield identical results
      with taxonomic studies. Lipophilic and lipid-dependent Malassezia yeasts require
      lipid-enriched complex media. For this reason, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)
      spectroscopy analysis focused on lipid window may be useful for identification of
      Malassezia species. In this study, 10 different standard Malassezia species
      (M.dermatis CBS 9145, M.furfur CBS 7019, M.japonica CBS 9432, M.globosa CBS 7966,
      M.nana CBS 9561, M.obtusa CBS 7876, M.pachydermatis CBS 1879, M.slooffiae CBS
      7956, M.sympodialis CBS 7222 and M.yamatoensis CBS 9725) which are human
      pathogens, have been analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy following standard
      cultivation onto modified Dixon agar medium. Results showed that two main groups
      (M1; M.globosa, M.obtusa, M.sympodialis, M.dermatis, M.pachydermatis vs, M2;
      M.furfur, M.japonica, M.nana, M.slooffiae, M.yamatoensis) were discriminated by
      whole spectra analysis. M.obtusa in M1 by 1686-1606 cm-1 wavenumber ranges and
      M.japonicum in M2 by 2993-2812 cm-1 wavenumber ranges were identified with low
      level discrimination power. Discriminatory areas for species differentiation of
      M1 members as M.sympodialis, M.globosa and M.pachydermatis and M2 members as
      M.furfur and M.yamatoensis could not be identified. Several spectral windows
      analysis results revealed that FT-IR spectroscopy was not sufficient for species
      identification of culture grown Malassezia species.

PMID- 22090302
TI  - [Acinetobacter baumannii: an important pathogen with multidrug resistance in
      newborns].
AB  - Nosocomial sepsis agents with multidrug resistance have led to higher morbidity
      and mortality in premature infants in the recent years. Acinetobacter baumannii
      has become a leading cause of nosocomial sepsis in several neonatal intensive
      care units. In this study, the demographic, clinic, microbiologic characteristics
      and risk factors of 21 premature infants hospitalized in newborn intensive care
      unit between January 2010-February 2011 and developed A.baumannii infection, have
      been evaluated retrospectively. The isolates were identified by conventional
      methods and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by Vitek 2 GN and AST
      N090 using Vitek 2 Compact system (BioMerieux, France). A.baumannii was isolated
      from the blood samples of 10 patients, central venous catheter samples of three
      patients, CSF samples of two, tracheal aspirate of two and urine sample of one
      patient. In two patients both blood and central venous catheter samples and in
      one patient both blood and CSF samples revealed A.baumannii. Gestational age was
      between 22-30 weeks and birth weight was between 500-1320 grams (17 were < 1000
      g) in 19 patients. A.baumannii caused early onset (<= 3 days) sepsis in four, and
      late onset (>= 4 days) sepsis in 17 patients. The main risk factors were detected
      as mechanical ventilation (n= 20, 95%), prematurity (n= 19, 91%), total
      parenteral nutrition (n= 17, 81%) and central catheter use (n= 14, 67%).
      Antibiotics with highest rates of susceptibility were gentamicin (18/21),
      amikacin (14/21), and colistin (10/21). Twenty (95%) isolates had multiple drug
      resistance. Amikacin, gentamicin, colistin and imipenem were used for treatment,
      however 12 infants, 8 of which due to sepsis, died. In conclusion, A.baumannii
      which is an important nosocomial sepsis agent with multidrug resistance, is
      increasing in incidence. To control Acinetobacter infections especially in low
      birth weight infants, the use of invasive procedures, total parenteral nutrition
      and broad spectrum antibiotics should be limited and infected patients should be
      isolated besides establishment of other appropriate infection control measures.

PMID- 22090303
TI  - [Genotypic identification and distribution patterns of Candida parapsilosis
      complex species (C.parapsilosis sensu stricto, C.metapsilosis and
      C.orthopsilosis) isolated from clinical samples].
AB  - Candida parapsilosis, which has recently gained increasing importance, is the
      second most common fungal pathogen isolated from clinical specimens.
      C.parapsilosis strains exhibiting genetic heterogeneity were previously
      considered as a complex of three genetically different groups (group I, II, III).
      However, they have recently been reclassified as new species and named as
      C.parapsilosis sensu stricto (Grup I), C.orthopsilosis (Grup II) and
      C.metapsilosis (Grup III). In the present study we aimed to identify
      C.parapsilosis complex species by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase chain reaction-Restriction
      fragment lenght polymorphism) method and to determine the distribution of new
      species isolated from clinical specimens. A total of 68 samples (44 blood, 10
      urine, 5 wound, 2 paracentesis fluids, 2 tympanocentesis samples and one of each
      cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, surgical material, oral lesion and nail
      sample) in which C.parapsilosis had been isolated and identified with API 20C AUX
      (bioMerieux, France) between October 2005 - July 2009 in the Microbiology
      Laboratory of Karadeniz Technical University Hospital, in Trabzon, Turkey, were
      included in the study. Yeast genomic DNA was extracted using the "High Pure PCR
      Template Preparation Kit" (Roche Diagnostic, USA) and amplification of SADH gene
      was performed by using specific primers (S1-F sense; 5'-GTTGATGCTGTTGGATTGT-3' ve
      S1-R antisense; 5'-CAATGCCAAATCTCCCAA-3') with PCR. RFLP method was then applied
      by digesting PCR product (716 bp) with BanI enzyme (Fermentas, USA). In our study
      98.5% (67/68) of the isolates were identified as C.parapsilosis sensu stricto,
      and 1.5% (1/68) was identifed as C.orthopsilosis, whereas no C.metapsilosis
      strains were detected. The strain identified as C.orthopsilosis was from a urine
      specimen and all the blood culture isolates were C.parapsilosis sensu stricto. In
      conclusion, the inability to differentiate C.parapsilosis complex species by
      phenotypical and routine tests leads to lack of knowledge in the clinical
      importance, isolation rates and geographical distribution of these species. Thus,
      genotypical identification of C.parapsilosis complex species will be the initial
      step for the arrangement of further studies in that area.

PMID- 22090304
TI  - [Pneumonia caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum: is Lemierre syndrome still
      current?].
AB  - Fusobacterium necrophorum is a non-spore-forming gram-negative anaerobic bacillus
      that may be the causative agent of localized or severe systemic infections.
      Systemic infections due to F.necrophorum are known as Lemierre's syndrome,
      postanginal sepsis or necrobacillosis. The most common clinical course of severe
      infections in humans is a progressive illness from tonsillitis to septicemia in
      previously healthy young adults. A septic thrombophlebitis arising from the
      tonsillar veins and extending into the internal jugular vein leads to septicemia
      and septic emboli contributing to the development of necrotic abscesses
      especially in lungs and other tissues such as liver, bone and joints. In this
      case report, a previously healthy man with pneumonia and empyema due to
      F.necrophorum has been presented. A 22 year-old man suffering from sore throat
      for seven days was admitted to emergency department with ongoing fever and
      dysphagia for three days. On admission he was already taking amoxicillin
      clavulanic acid and his complaints were relieved with continuation of therapy to
      a total of 10 days. However, five days after the cessation of treatment he
      developed productive cough, fever and generalized myalgia. On physical
      examination, there were crackles on right lower lung, and chest X-ray revealed
      pulmonary consolidation on the right middle lobe. Levofloxacin therapy was
      started based on the diagnosis of pneumonia. While polymorphonuclear leucocytes
      and intracellular gram-negative bacilli were seen in Gram stained sputum smear,
      sputum culture was reported as normal flora. Although the patient's status had
      started to improve with treatment, his condition deteriorated with development of
      fever and dyspnea. Chest X-ray revealed consolidation, pulmonary infiltrates,
      pleural effusion and air-fluid level on the right. Meropenem, clarithromycin and
      linezolid were initiated and a chest tube was inserted with the preliminary
      diagnosis of necrotizing pneumonia, empyema and type-1 respiratory failure. While
      there was no growth on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture, thoracentesis
      material inoculated into thioglycolate broth revealed turbidity. Further
      inoculation onto Schaedler agar which was incubated under anaerobic conditions,
      yielded growth of catalase negative, indol positive, gram-negative anaerobic
      bacilli identified as F.necrophorum by BBL Crystal system (Becton Dickinson,
      USA). The detailed history of the patient revealed that fish bone had stuck in
      his throat a week ago. Clarithromycin and linezolid were discontinued and he was
      recovered within six weeks of meropenem treatment. F.necrophorum infection should
      be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent head and neck
      infections with rapidly progressive metastatic necrotic lesions especially in
      healthy young adults and clindamycin or metranidazol should be added to the
      treatment protocols.

PMID- 22090305
TI  - [Sepsis caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes in a patient with hydrocephalus].
AB  - Chryseobacterium (formerly Flavobacterium) indologenes, is a non-fermentative
      gram-negative bacillus which is widely found in the nature, primarily soil and
      water. Since it can survive in chlorine-treated municipal water supplies, and can
      colonize the sink basins and tap waters of the hospitals, this bacterium may be a
      potential infectious agent. Contamination of the medical devices containing water
      (respirators, intubation tubes, humidifiers, incubators for newborns, etc.) in
      hospital settings may lead to serious infections especially in patients with
      predisposing diseases, newborns and immunocompromized patients. In this report, a
      case of fatal C.indologenes septicemia developed in a newborn with hydrocephalus
      has been presented. A two-months old male infant was admitted to our hospital
      with the complaints of failure to suck and lethargy for five days and head
      enlargement. He was diagnosed as meningitis based on the clinical and laboratory
      findings of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (protein: 572 mg/dl, glucose 9.5 mg/dl,
      chlorine: 111 mg/dl, and presence of abundant polymorphonuclear leukocytes), and
      empirical antibiotic treatment (ampicillin/sulbactam and cefotaxime) had been
      started. Since the computerized tomography of the brain pointed out
      hydrocephalus, an external shunt was placed for CSF drainage on the second day of
      hospitalization. A total of five CSF and two blood cultures collected during the
      hospitalization period were inoculated into pediatric aerobic CSF and blood
      culture bottles (BacT/ALERT, BioMerieux, France) and incubated for 24-48 hours.
      The isolated bacteria from all of the cultures were identified as C.indologenes
      by conventional methods and BD Phoenix (Becton Dickinson, USA) system. Antibiotic
      susceptibility tests were performed with microdilution method according to CLSI
      guidelines. The isolate was found susceptible to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, while it was resistant to amikacin, gentamicin,
      tobramycin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, aztreonam, meropenem,
      imipenem, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. The treatment continued with
      ampicillin/sulbactam and levofloxacin without removing the shunt. However,
      C.indologenes growth persisted in CSF and blood cultures of the patient. The
      general condition of the patient deteriorated on the 65. day of the
      hospitalization and the patient was lost due to cardiopulmonary arrest. Case
      reports related to isolation of C.indologenes from blood cultures are present in
      the literature, however, isolation of C.indologenes from central nervous system
      was reported previously in a single case. In conclusion, C.indologenes should be
      considered as opportunistic infectious agents especially in the infectious
      diseases that develop in immunocompromised patients with underlying disease and
      with foreign device implementation.

PMID- 22090306
TI  - [Meningitis and white matter lesions due to Streptococcus mitis in a previously
      healthy child].
AB  - Streptococcus mitis, an important member of viridans streptococci, is found in
      the normal flora of the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, female genital tract
      and skin. Although it is of low  pathogenicity and virulence, it may cause
      serious infections in immunocompromised patients. Meningitis caused by S.mitis
      has been described in patients with previous spinal anesthesia, neurosurgical
      procedure, malignancy, bacterial endocarditis with neurological complications and
      alcoholics, but it is rare in patients who are previously healthy. In this
      report, a rare case of meningoencephalitis caused by S.mitis developed in a
      previously healthy child has been presented. A previously healthy eight-year-old
      girl who presented with fever, altered state of consciousness, and headache was
      hospitalized in intensive care unit with the diagnosis of meningitis. Past
      history revealed that she was treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate for acute
      sinusitis ten days before her admission. Whole blood count revealed the
      followings: hemoglobin 13 g/dl, white blood cell count 18.6 x 109/L (90%
      neutrophils), platelet count 200 x 109/L and 150 leucocytes were detected on
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. Protein and glucose levels of CSF were 80
      mg/dl and 40 mg/dl (concomitant blood glucose 100 mg/dl), respectively. Brain
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed widespread white matter lesions, and
      alpha-hemolytic streptococci were grown in CSF culture. The isolate was
      identified as S.mitis with conventional methods, and also confirmed by  VITEK2
      (bioMerieux, France) and API 20 STREP (bioMerieux, France) systems. Isolate was
      found susceptible to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline,
      cefotaxime, vancomycin and chloramphenicol. Regarding the etiology,
      echocardiography revealed no vegetation nor valve pathology, and peripheral blood
      smear showed no abnormality. Immunoglobulin and complement levels were within
      normal limits. Ongoing inflammation in maxillary sinuses detected in brain MRI
      suggested that meningitis could be related to previous sinus infection. After 14
      days of ceftriaxone treatment, the patient was discharged from the hospital with
      cure. The aim of this case presentation was to emphasize that S.mitis may cause
      meningitis and white matter lesions in previously healthy children with
      concomitant sinusitis.

PMID- 22090307
TI  - [Two cases of tick-borne tularemia in Yozgat province, Turkey].
AB  - Tularemia which has a worldwide distribution, is a zoonotic infection caused by
      Francisella tularensis. F.tularensis can infect a wide range of animals and can
      be transmitted to humans in a variety of ways, the most common being by the bite
      of an infected arthropod vector (usually tick) in the USA and Europe. The
      clinical presentations have been classically divided into ulceroglandular,
      glandular, oculoglandular, pharyngeal, respiratory, and typhoidal tularemia
      depending on the route of transmission. Arthropod-borne infection generally leads
      to the ulceroglandular form of tularemia. In Turkey, oropharyngeal form which is
      related to the consumption of contaminated water, is the most common presentation
      of tularemia. In this report, two cases of ulceroglandular tularemia which
      developed as a consequence of tick bite in Yozgat province have been presented. A
      33-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with a tender lump on the
      right axilla. Empiric antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin clavulanate did not
      lead to an improvement in the painful axillary mass. She reported a tick bite on
      her right shoulder before development of fever, chills and regional tender lump.
      On physical examination, hyperemia was seen on the shoulder, with enlarged tender
      right axillary lymph node. The clinical diagnosis of suspected ulceroglandular
      tularemia was confirmed by the seroconversion (1/160 and 1/1280 titers in acute
      and convelescent sera, respectively) with microagglutination test (MAT) and
      F.tularensis DNA positivity in lymph node aspirate by polymerase chain reaction.
      The agent was identified as F.tularensis subsp. holarctica based on the results
      of amplification of target RD1 gene. Second case, a 18-year-old male, was
      admitted to our hospital with a-week history of sudden onset of fever, headache,
      generalized aches, vomiting, nause, and tender lump on the left axilla. On
      physical examination, an inflammatory eschar was seen on his scalp with enlarged
      cervical lymph node on left side. The tick, which has removed from the scalp
      lesion by the patient himself was identified as Dermacentor spp. The suspected
      diagnosis of ulceroglandular tularemia was confirmed by 1/2560 titer positivity
      obtained with MAT. Gentamicin (5 mg/kg/day, PO) was initiated for the treatment
      of both patients, however, LAP did persist in both of them requiring abscess
      drainage and prolonged treatment with gentamicin following a 14-day course of
      ciprofloxacin (1500 mg/day, PO). LAP decreased after medical treatment and
      repetitive drainage procedures. The patients recovered completely without
      sequela. These cases, to the best of our knowledge, who were the first confirmed
      tick-borne tularemia cases in our country, were presented to call attention to a
      different mode of transmission for F.tularensis.

PMID- 22090308
TI  - [In vitro activity of daptomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus strains isolated from blood cultures].
AB  - The aim of this study was to detect the in vitro activity of daptomycin against
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from blood
      cultures at Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey between 2006
      2010. A total of 64 MRSA clinical isolates were included in the study, and
      daptomycin susceptibility were investigated by E-test (AB bioMerieux, Sweden).
      The identification of the MRSA isolates was based on conventional microbiological
      methods and an additional automated identification system (Phoenix 100, BD
      Diagnostic Systems, USA). Etest strips were applied to the surface of Mueller
      Hinton agar plates and incubated at 35 degrees C in ambient air for 18 to 24
      hours. Strains with a MIC value of <= 1 ug/ml were accepted as susceptible to
      daptomycin. In our study all of the 64 MRSA isolates were found susceptible to
      daptomycin (MIC <= 1 ug/ml). The MIC50, MIC90 and MIC ranges were detected as
      0.125, 0.5 and 0.125-0.5 ug/ml, respectively. Only a single isolate yielded MIC
      value of 1 ug/ml. As a result daptomycin was found to be very active against MRSA
      strains in vitro. Our findings suggested that daptomycin might be a suitable
      alternative agent for treating bacteremia caused by MRSA. However, further large
      scaled studies and clinical trials are necessary to support these in vitro data.

PMID- 22090309
TI  - [Evaluation of vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolide and tigecycline
      susceptibilities of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains by E
      test].
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)
      values of vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline and linezolid in 100 methicillin
      resistant staphylococci [21 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
      and 79 methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus (MR-CNS)] isolated
      as agents of nosocomial infection from patients at Ankara Training and Research
      Hospital between June 2005-March 2007. The MIC values for vancomycin,
      teicoplanin, linezolid and tigecycline were tested by E-test method (AB Biodisk,
      Sweden). For 21 MRSA strains MIC50 and MIC90 values were as follows: vancomycin
      0.125 ug/ml and 1 ug/ml; teicoplanin 0.5 ug/ml and 3 ug/ml, linezolid 0.047 ug/ml
      and 0.19 ug/ml; tigecycline 0.094 ug/ml and 0.5 ug/ml,  respectively. For 79 MR
      CNS strains MIC50 and MIC90 values were as follows: vancomycin 0.5 ug/ml and 2
      ug/ml; teicoplanin 2 ug/ml and 4 ug/ml; linezolid 0.125 ug/ml and 0.25 ug/ml;
      tigecycline 0.38 ug/ml and 0.5 ug/ml, respectively. No resistance to vancomycin,
      teicoplanin, tigecycline and linezolid were determined in methicillin-resistant
      staphylococcus strains isolated from the inpatients in our hospital. Among
      glycopeptides, MIC50 and MIC90 values of vancomycin were found to be lower than
      that of teicoplanin.

PMID- 22090310
TI  - [Evaluation of tularemia cases originated from Central Anatolia, Turkey].
AB  - Tularemia is an infection caused by Francisella tularensis with a worldwide
      distribution and diverse clinical manifestations. In recent years, tularemia
      cases are increasing in Turkey, with a special attention to Marmara, western
      Blacksea and Central Anatolia regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      tularemia cases admitted to our hospital during an outbreak emerged at Central
      Anatolia between December 2009 and September 2010, making a point for the
      disease. A total of 32 patients (17 female, 15 male; age range: 15-80 years, mean
      age: 41 +/- 16 years) with fever, sore throat, cervical mass and failure to
      respond to beta-lactam antibiotics, were followed up with the preliminary
      diagnosis of tularemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by specific laboratory tests.
      Serum samples were obtained from 25 patients and in 17 (68%) of them
      microagglutination test yielded positive result (>= 1/160) in their first serum
      samples. All of the 8 patients who had negative results in their first samples (<
      1/160), revealed seroconversion in their second samples. In 10 (91%) of the 11
      patients from whom lymph node aspirates were obtained, PCR performed with species
      specific (tul4) primers yielded positivity and subspecies differentiation done by
      RD1 primers identified the agent as F.tularensis subspecies holarctica.
      F.tularensis growth was not detected in the cultures of lymph aspirates and/or
      throat swabs of the cases (n= 16). All the patients had oropharyngeal tularemia
      and eight of them also had oculoglandular form. The mean duration of the symptoms
      were 25.6 +/- 17.2 (2-60) days. They had a history of oral intake of contaminated
      water. Cervical or submandibular lymphadenopathy were detected in all patients.
      One patient had cervical abscess and the other one had erythema nodosum. Elevated
      sedimentation rate was found in 26 (81.3%) patients and elevated CRP in 24 (75%)
      patients. Spontaneous drainage was detected in nine cases during follow-up. Lymph
      node aspiration was performed in patients when fluctuation was detected.
      Streptomycin 2 g/day for 10 days was given to 21 patients and doxycycline 2 x 100
      mg for 14 days was given to 11 patients. Twelve (37.5%) patients received further
      antibiotic treatment since they failed to respond to the first therapy. Of the
      patients, 21 recovered completely and two patients had lymph node excision. No
      severe complications were observed. The patients who applied to the hospital
      within 10 days of the initiation of the symptoms were treated successfully, while
      the others that applied later were not. In conclusion, tularemia which is an
      endemic disease in Turkey, should be kept in mind in patients with fever, sore
      throat and lymphadenopathy.

PMID- 22090311
TI  - [Protozoal antigen positivity in diarrheal patients admitted to emergency
      service: a point prevalence study].
AB  - Intestinal parasites are the important etiological agents of water and food
      related diarrhea cases which are frequently seen during summer/early autumn
      seasons in developing countries. This point prevalence study was aimed to
      determine the protozoal antigen positivity rate in diarrhea cases admitted to the
      emergency service in one single day. A total of 198 diarrheal patients (90 male,
      108 female; age range: 1-82 years, mean age: 29 years) who were admitted to the
      emergency service of Ankara Training and Research Hospital were included in the
      study. Macroscopic and direct microscopic examinations were performed for the
      stool samples of patients, and the samples which yielded pathological microscopic
      findings (e.g. presence of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and trophozoits) were
      investigated in terms of Entamoeba histolytica adhesin antigen, Giardia
      intestinalis cyst antigen and Cryptosporidium oocyst antigen by commercial ELISA
      kits (Techlab, USA). Macroscopic examination of the stool samples revealed that
      60 (30%) of them had blood and mucous, 137 (69%) were watery and one sample had
      normal appearance. Pathologic results were obtained for 96 (48.5%) of the samples
      by microscopic examination: 36 (37.5%) revealed erythrocytes, 90 (93.7%) had
      leukocytes and 3 (1.5%) had G.intestinalis trophozoites. Since Shigella spp. were
      cultured in two of these 96 samples, these two cases were omitted from the study
      and 94 samples were investigated by ELISA assays. G.intestinalis was detected in
      13 (13.8%) and E.histolytica in 2 (2.1%) samples while Cryptosporidium antigen
      was not detected in any of the samples by the ELISA assays. It was concluded that
      ELISA antigen assays were rapid and cost-effective methods for the determination
      of the causative agent in cases of diarrhea.

PMID- 22090312
TI  - New Agents for Acute Treatment of Migraine: CGRP Receptor Antagonists, iNOS
      Inhibitors.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: The treatment of migraine was advanced dramatically with the
      introduction of triptans in the early 1990s. Despite the substantial improvement
      in the quality of life that triptans have brought to many migraineurs, a
      substantial cohort of patients remain highly disabled by attacks and need new
      therapeutic approaches, which ideally should be quick-acting, have no
      vasoconstrictor activity, and have a longer duration of action and be better
      tolerated than current therapies. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
      receptor antagonists (gepants)-olcegepant (BIBN 4096 BS), telcagepant (MK-0974),
      MK3207, and BI 44370 TA-are effective in treating acute migraine. They have no
      vasoconstrictive properties, fewer adverse effects, and may act longer than
      triptans. Their development has been complicated by liver toxicity issues when
      used as preventives. Results from studies with BI 44370 TA do not support broad
      concern about a class effect, and further studies are ongoing in this respect.
      Many experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that nitric oxide may have
      a role in the pathophysiology of migraine. Therefore, the inhibition of nitric
      oxide synthase (NOS) for the acute or prophylactic treatment of migraine offered
      a feasible approach; as inducible NOS (iNOS) is involved in several pain states,
      such as inflammatory pain, it appeared to be an attractive target. However,
      despite high selectivity and potency, the iNOS inhibitor GW274150 was not
      effective for acute treatment or prophylaxis of migraine, suggesting that iNOS is
      very unlikely to be a promising target.

PMID- 22090313
TI  - Light-sensitive coupling of rhodopsin and melanopsin to G(i/o) and G(q) signal
      transduction in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) initiates signal transduction
      cascades that affect many physiological responses. The worm Caenorhabditis
      elegans expresses >1000 of these receptors along with their cognate
      heterotrimeric G proteins. Here, we report properties of 9-cis-retinal
      regenerated bovine opsin [(b)isoRho] and human melanopsin [(h)Mo], two light
      activated, heterologously expressed GPCRs in the nervous system of C. elegans
      with various genetically engineered alterations. Profound transient
      photoactivation of G(i/o) signaling by (b)isoRho led to a sudden and transient
      loss of worm motility dependent on cyclic adenosine monophosphate, whereas
      transient photoactivation of G(q) signaling by (h)Mo enhanced worm locomotion
      dependent on phospholipase Cbeta. These transgenic C. elegans models provide a
      unique way to study the consequences of G(i/o) and G(q) signaling in vivo with
      temporal and spatial precision and, by analogy, their relationship to human
      neuromotor function.

PMID- 22090314
TI  - Heterologous expression of functional G-protein-coupled receptors in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - New strategies for expression, purification, functional characterization, and
      structural determination of membrane-spanning G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)
      are constantly being developed because of their importance to human health. Here,
      we report a Caenorhabditis elegans heterologous expression system able to produce
      milligram amounts of functional native and engineered GPCRs. Both bovine opsin
      [(b)opsin] and human adenosine A(2A) subtype receptor [(h)A(2A)R] expressed in
      neurons or muscles of C. elegans were localized to cell membranes. Worms
      expressing these GPCRs manifested changes in motor behavior in response to light
      and ligands, respectively. With a newly devised protocol, 0.6-1 mg of purified
      homogenous 9-cis-retinal-bound bovine isorhodopsin [(b)isoRho] and ligand-bound
      (h)A(2A)R were obtained from C. elegans from one 10-L fermentation at low cost.
      Purified recombinant (b)isoRho exhibited its signature absorbance spectrum and
      activated its cognate G-protein transducin in vitro at a rate similar to native
      rhodopsin (Rho) obtained from bovine retina. Generally high expression levels of
      11 native and mutant GPCRs demonstrated the potential of this C. elegans system
      to produce milligram quantities of high-quality GPCRs and possibly other membrane
      proteins suitable for detailed characterization.

PMID- 22090315
TI  - Schwann cell-specific JAM-C-deficient mice reveal novel expression and functions
      for JAM-C in peripheral nerves.
AB  - Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule expressed at
      junctions between adjacent endothelial and epithelial cells and implicated in
      multiple inflammatory and vascular responses. In addition, we recently reported
      on the expression of JAM-C in Schwann cells (SCs) and its importance for the
      integrity and function of peripheral nerves. To investigate the role of JAM-C in
      neuronal functions further, mice with a specific deletion of JAM-C in SCs (JAM-C
      SC KO) were generated. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, JAM-C SC KO mice
      showed electrophysiological defects, muscular weakness, and hypersensitivity to
      mechanical stimuli. In addressing the underlying cause of these defects, nerves
      from JAM-C SC KO mice were found to have morphological defects in the paranodal
      region, exhibiting increased nodal length as compared to WTs. The study also
      reports on previously undetected expressions of JAM-C, namely on perineural
      cells, and in line with nociception defects of the JAM-C SC KO animals, on finely
      myelinated sensory nerve fibers. Collectively, the generation and
      characterization of JAM-C SC KO mice has provided unequivocal evidence for the
      involvement of SC JAM-C in the fine organization of peripheral nerves and in
      modulating multiple neuronal responses.

PMID- 22090317
TI  - Discontinuous LYVE-1 expression in corneal limbal lymphatics: dual function as
      microvalves and immunological hot spots.
AB  - LYVE-1(+) corneal lymphatics contribute to drainage and immunity. LYVE-1 is
      widely accepted as the most reliable lymphatic marker because of its continuous
      expression in lymphatic endothelium. LYVE-1 expression in corneal lymphatics has
      not been examined. In this study, we report intact CD31(+) corneal lymphatic
      capillary endothelial cells that do not express LYVE-1. The number of LYVE-1(-)
      gaps initially increased until 8 wk of age but was significantly reduced in aged
      mice. C57BL/6 mice showed a notably higher number of the LYVE-1(-)/CD31(+)
      lymphatic regions than BALB/c mice, which suggests a genetic predisposition for
      this histological feature. The LYVE-1(-) lymphatic gaps expressed podoplanin and
      VE-cadherin but not alphaSMA or FOXC2. Interestingly, the number of LYVE-1(-)
      gaps in FGF-2, but not VEGF-A, implanted corneas was significantly lower than in
      untreated corneas. Over 70% of the CD45(+) leukocytes were found in the proximity
      of the LYVE-1(-) gaps. Using a novel in vivo imaging technique for visualization
      of leukocyte migration into and out of corneal stroma, we showed reentry of
      extravasated leukocytes from angiogenic vessels into newly grown corneal
      lymphatics. This process was inhibited by VE-cadherin blockade. To date,
      existence of lymphatic valves in cornea is unknown. Electron microscopy showed
      overlapping lymphatic endothelial ends, reminiscent of microvalves in corneal
      lymphatics. This work introduces a novel corneal endothelial lymphatic phenotype
      that lacks LYVE-1. LYVE-1(-) lymphatic endothelium could serve as microvalves,
      supporting unidirectional flow, as well as immunological hot spots that
      facilitate reentry of stromal macropahges.

PMID- 22090318
TI  - Antimicrobial de-escalation in cancer patients.

PMID- 22090316
TI  - Regulation of cAMP homeostasis by the efflux protein MRP4 in cardiac myocytes.
AB  - Recent studies indicate that members of the multidrug-resistance protein (MRP)
      family belonging to ATP binding cassette type C (ABCC) membrane proteins extrude
      cyclic nucleotides from various cell types. This study aimed to determine whether
      MRP proteins regulate cardiac cAMP homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate that MRP4 is
      the predominant isoform present at the plasma membrane of cardiacmyocytes and
      that it mediates the efflux of cAMP in these cells. MRP4-deficient mice displayed
      enhanced cardiac myocyte cAMP formation, contractility, and cardiac hypertrophy
      at 9 mo of age, an effect that was compensated transiently by increased
      phosphodiesterase expression at young age. These findings suggest that cAMP
      extrusion via MRP4 acts together with phosphodiesterases to control cAMP levels
      in cardiac myocytes.

PMID- 22090320
TI  - Prevention of adhesion to prosthetic mesh: comparison of oxidized generated
      cellulose, polyethylene glycol and hylan G-F 20.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of oxidized
      generated cellulose, polyethylene glycol and hylan G-F 20 on adhesion formation,
      fibrosis and inflammation after repair of abdominal wall defect with
      polypropylene mesh in an animal model. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four
      groups and abdominal wall defect was established. The defect was repaired with
      polypropylene mesh alone (control group), polypropylene mesh and hylan G-F 20 as
      adhesion barrier, polypropylene mesh and oxidized generated cellulose as adhesion
      barrier, or polypropylene mesh and polyethylene glycol as adhesion barrier in
      Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th day in
      all groups. RESULTS: A comparison of the groups in terms of macroscopic adhesion
      scores revealed statistically significant differences between the groups using an
      adhesion barrier and the control group. Severe fibroblast proliferation was seen
      in the control group and mild fibroblast proliferation was seen in polyethylene
      glycol group. CONCLUSION: Polyethylene glycol is an effective adhesion prevention
      barrier. Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard method in most of the
      surgical field. With its laparoscopic apparatus, polyethylene glycol allows easy
      application on the damaged surface.

PMID- 22090321
TI  - Beneficial effects of alpha lipoic acid on cerulein-induced experimental acute
      pancreatitis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the effects of alpha lipoic acid
      (ALA) on blood and tissue biochemical parameters, as well as tissue
      histopathology, in an experimental rat model of cerulein-induced acute
      pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Three groups consisting of eight rats each were used,
      as follows: Group 1, controls; Group 2, cerulein-induced pancreatitis group
      treated with saline; and Group 3, cerulein-induced pancreatitis group treated
      with ALA. AP was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cerulein (20 ug/kg)
      4 times at 1-hour intervals. The animals were decapitated 12 hours after the last
      dose of cerulein. Blood amylase, lipase, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels, pancreas tissue glutathione (GSH) and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na+-K+-ATPase
      activity were measured. Pancreatic tissue samples were also evaluated
      histopathologically under a light microscope. RESULTS: While plasma amylase,
      lipase, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha levels, and tissue MDA and MPO levels
      significantly increased in rats with cerulean-induced AP, tissue GSH and Na+-K+
      ATPase activity significantly reduced. These changes were reversed and improved
      with ALA treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that ALA may significantly
      reduce morbidity and mortality by preventing organ dysfunction induced by free
      radicals in the pancreas.

PMID- 22090322
TI  - The value of CRP, IL-6, leptin, cortisol, and peritoneal caspase-3 monitoring in
      the operative strategy of secondary peritonitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP),
      interleukin (IL)-6, leptin, cortisol, and caspase-3 on the decision of
      terminating planned abdominal repair in secondary peritonitis. METHODS: Fifteen
      patients with peritonitis were enrolled into the study. Serum CRP, IL-6, leptin,
      cortisol, and peritoneal caspase-3 activities were measured. RESULTS: APACHE II
      scores at 48 hours (h) and age were significantly higher in non-survivors. A
      significant decrease was observed in caspase-3 activities of patients in whom <=4
      laparotomies were performed when compared with those who underwent >4
      laparotomies. For patients who underwent <=4 laparotomies, there was a
      significant difference in caspase-3 levels between 0 and 72 h. There was no
      significant difference in caspase-3 levels in non-survivors; caspase-3 levels
      were significantly lower in the survivors at 48 and 72 h. Changes in CRP, IL-6,
      leptin, and cortisol levels were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: CRP,
      IL-6, leptin, cortisol, and caspase-3 are not valuable in discriminating the
      number of planned operations, even though there is a significant decrease in
      caspase-3 "within" survivors. The discriminative value of caspase-3 for closure
      should be evaluated in studies in which caspase-3 is monitored for a longer
      duration in a large number of patients.

PMID- 22090323
TI  - Scoring systems in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although special features of acute appendicitis in the elderly have
      been described in some studies, no studies evaluating the applicability of
      appendicitis scores exist in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare
      Alvarado and Lintula scores in patients older than 65 years of age. METHODS:
      Patients older than 65 years with appendicitis confirmed by pathology report were
      matched by year of admission with a group of patients admitted to the emergency
      department with non-specific abdominal pain. Alvarado and Lintula scores were
      calculated retrospectively from patient charts. RESULTS: Both scores were
      observed to operate well in distinguishing between abdominal pain due to
      appendicitis and non-specific abdominal pain. The Alvarado score was a better
      predictor compared to the Lintula score. Two parameters (absent, tingling or high
      pitched bowel sounds and nausea) had similar prevalence in the control and
      appendicitis groups. We selected to recalculate the two scores with the exclusion
      of these two parameters. The two scores performed better but were more similar to
      each other after the modification. CONCLUSION: Both Alvarado and Lintula scores
      have a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in
      the geriatric age group. Their performance improves with exclusion of the two
      parameters "nausea" and "absent, tingling or high-pitched bowel sounds".

PMID- 22090324
TI  - Factors affecting morbidity in penetrating rectal injuries: a civilian
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The principles of the treatment of rectal injuries have been
      determined based on the experiences gained from military injuries. While adopting
      these principles in civilian life, it is essential to know the characteristics of
      civilian rectal injuries as well as the risk factors affecting morbidity.
      METHODS: The characteristics of 29 inpatients who had been treated due to rectal
      injuries caused by gunshot wounds and penetrating devices were evaluated. In
      order to determine the risk factors, the patients were divided into two groups
      regarding the presence of morbidity (Group 1, with morbidity; Group 2, without
      morbidity) and compared. RESULTS: Severe fecal contamination, perianal or gluteal
      injuries, duration of trauma- treatment interval, and isolated extraperitoneal
      injury were significant factors that affected the development of morbidity. The
      length of hospital stay was significantly longer in Group 1 as compared to Group
      2. CONCLUSION: Although rectal injuries are rarely encountered, they carry high
      morbidity and mortality. Awareness of the risk factors and planning of a patient
      based treatment are essential for the success of the therapy. The rate of
      morbidity is substantially decreased when patients are treated in time. Thus, the
      awareness of both patients as well as physicians managing trauma about rectal
      injuries should be increased.

PMID- 22090325
TI  - The use of Ender nail in intertrochanteric fractures supported with external
      fixation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intramedullary Ender nailing in intertrochanteric fractures was very
      popular in the past. However, this method has fallen in favor over time, due to
      complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate results with this method
      and possible ways to prevent these complications, including the use of unilateral
      fixators to support the Ender nails. METHODS: This technique (Ender nailing and
      external fixator) was used in 39 patients (17 M/22 F, mean age: 71.4 years). The
      preoperative mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 1.84
      (range: 1-4) for all the patients. AO/OTA classification of fractures was used.
      In our surgery, we used an external fixator to support the intramedullary nails.
      All patients were evaluated with Parker-Palmer mobility score and with the Harris
      hip score. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 29.2 months (20-56). Two patients
      experienced nail migration in the knees, two patients had varus deformation with
      a reduction in length of 2 cm, and seven patients developed pin-track infection.
      The average Harris score and Parker-Palmer score of the 14 patients who presented
      for their last follow-up examination were 64 and 6.8, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      This method demonstrated several advantages, in that it allows the patient to put
      weight on the extremity after a shorter period of time and enables the fracture
      to heal rapidly without any serious complications.

PMID- 22090326
TI  - Characteristics of open globe injuries in geriatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the etiological and demographic characteristics
      of open globe injuries in geriatric patients, to determine the factors affecting
      the prognosis and to discuss the differences between geriatric and young
      populations in light of the current literature. METHODS: The medical files of 30
      patients aged 65 years and older who were treated and followed up for open globe
      injuries between 1998 and 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean
      age was 73.1 years. Sixty percent of the patients were male, with a predominance
      of left eye involvement. The most common type of trauma was rupture due to a
      blunt object. The presenting visual acuity was no light perception in 13
      patients, light perception/hand movement in 15 patients and 1/200-19/200 in 2
      patients. In a univariate analysis assessing the effects of demographic and
      clinical characteristics on final vision, the wound location, type of trauma and
      Ocular Trauma Score were found to be statistically significant variations.
      CONCLUSION: The prognosis of open globe injuries is very poor in geriatric
      patients. Age-related structural changes and previous history of surgeries
      contribute to easy development of a rupture. During the treatment process,
      limited recovery capacity, ocular pathology in patients and low functional
      capacity in this age group exert negative effects on the prognosis.

PMID- 22090327
TI  - Hot milk burns in children: a crucial issue among 764 scaldings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burns are among the preventable traumas encountered during childhood.
      Burn injuries are mostly classified as scalds, flame, electric, and chemical
      burns. However, each subject has some difference in the course of treatment
      related to the sub-etiologies. To reveal the importance of milk burns, scald burn
      patients were studied retrospectively. METHODS: Demographics of the patients,
      burn etiologies, clinical presentations, and clinical courses were analyzed.
      There were 461 (60.4%) male and 303 (39.6%) female patients, with a 1.52 male to
      female ratio. RESULTS: The mean age of the group was 3.36+/-2.86 years. There
      were no difference in burn causes between males and females. The mean burned
      total body surface area of patients was 16.91+/-12.63%. Hot milk caused larger,
      deeper burns than the other scalds and caused more third-degree burns (p<0.001,
      p<0.001, p<0.05, respectively). Milk burns also resulted in longer hospital stay
      (days) (p<0.001). The mortality rate was also higher in milk burns than other
      scalds (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Due to the more detrimental clinical course, milk
      burns necessitate special consideration in clinical settings. The most important
      factor is to be aware that burns are deeper than they appear.

PMID- 22090328
TI  - Cardiac and great vessel injuries after chest trauma: our 10-year experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular injuries after trauma present with high mortality. The
      aim of the study was to present our experience in cardiac and great vessel
      injuries after chest trauma. METHODS: During the 10-year period, 104 patients
      with cardiac (n=94) and great vessel (n=10) injuries presented to our hospital.
      The demographic data, mechanism of injury, location of injury, other associated
      injuries, timing of surgical intervention, surgical approach, and clinical
      outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: Eighty-eight (84.6%) males presented after chest
      trauma. The mean age of the patients was 32.5+/-8.2 years (range: 12-76).
      Penetrating injuries (62.5%) were the most common cause of trauma. Computed
      tomography was performed in most cases and echocardiography was used in some
      stable cases. Cardiac injuries mostly included the right ventricle (58.5%). Great
      vessel injuries involved the subclavian vein in 6, innominate vein in 1, vena
      cava in 1, and descending aorta in 2 patients. Early operations after admission
      to the emergency were performed in 75.9% of the patients. Thoracotomy was
      performed in 89.5% of the patients. Operative mortality was significantly high in
      penetrating injuries (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Clinicians should suspect cardiac and
      great vessel trauma in every patient presenting to the emergency unit after chest
      trauma. Computed tomography and echocardiography are beneficial in the management
      of chest trauma. Operative timing depends on hemodynamic status, and a
      multidisciplinary team approach improves the patient's prognosis.

PMID- 22090329
TI  - Still an unknown topic: child abuse and "shaken baby syndrome".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of physical child abuse,
      and can even cause death. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether or not
      the primary healthcare workers had received any education regarding child abuse
      and neglect, whether they could diagnose the cases, whether they had sufficient
      knowledge about SBS as a part of child abuse, and whether they were in need of
      education on the topic. METHODS: Health workers in the primary healthcare centers
      in the province of Kayseri were enrolled. A questionnaire was applied. RESULTS:
      In this study, 35.0% of the study group were physicians. 43.7% of the study group
      stated that they had not recieved any education regarding child abuse and
      neglect, and 52.1% stated that they believed that physical abuse was the most
      prominent form of abuse in society. While 64.1% of the participants stated that
      they had heard about SBS, 10.4% of these stated that they had heard about it, but
      did not have adequate knowledge on the topic. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of
      knowledge and a need for education regarding child abuse and neglect among the
      personnel working in primary healthcare, especially on the subject of SBS.
      Undergraduate and postgraduate education regarding child abuse and SBS will help
      to increase the number of people well-informed and sensitive to this important
      issue.

PMID- 22090330
TI  - Delayed presentation of posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Missed diaphragmatic injuries after trauma may present with
      herniation of intraabdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. We aimed to review
      our patients who presented with delayed posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with delayed
      diagnosis of posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia between 2001 and 2009 was
      performed. RESULTS: Ten patients with a mean age of 44.3 years were included. Six
      patients were female. Blunt injuries (n: 7) were more common. Mean duration
      between trauma and presentation to the hospital was 5.9 years (4 months - 19
      years). Nine patients had left-sided diaphragmatic hernia. All patients had chest
      X-ray and most were diagnostic (n: 8). Additional diagnostic imaging with
      computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) was used in seven
      patients. For the repair, laparotomy incision was chosen for seven patients and
      thoracotomy incision for two patients. One patient underwent left
      thoracoabdominal approach. Mesh repair was used in seven patients. Postoperative
      mean hospitalization was 10.6 days. Empyema and atelectasis were the morbidities
      in one patient. No postoperative mortality was detected. CONCLUSION: Delayed
      presentation of posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a serious challenge for
      trauma surgeons. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent serious morbidity and
      mortality associated with complications such as gangrene and/or perforation of
      the herniated organ.

PMID- 22090331
TI  - 10-year evaluation of train accidents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although less frequent than automobile accidents, train accidents
      have a major impact on victims' lives. METHODS: Records of patients older than 16
      years of age admitted to the Adult Emergency Department of Hacettepe University
      Medical Center due to train accidents were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: 44
      patients (30 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 31.8+/-11.4 years were
      included in the study. The majority of the accidents occurred during commuting
      hours. 37 patients were discharged, 22 of them from the emergency department. The
      mortality rate was 7/44 (16%). Overall mean Revised Trauma Score (RTS) was 10.5
      (3 in deaths and 11.9 in survivors). In 5 patients, the cause of death was pelvic
      trauma leading to major vascular injury and lower limb amputation. In 1 patient,
      thorax and abdomen trauma and in 1 patient head injury were the causes of
      mortality. Primary risk factors for mortality were alcohol intoxication (100%),
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation on admittance (100%), recurrent suicide attempt
      (75%), presence of psychiatric illness (60%), and low RTS. CONCLUSION: In this
      study, most train accidents causing minor injuries were due to falling from the
      train prior to acceleration. Nevertheless, train accidents led to a mortality
      rate of 16% and morbidity rate of 37%. These findings draw attention to the
      importance of developing preventive strategies.

PMID- 22090332
TI  - [Domestic accidents involving women and first aid knowledge].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Domestic accidents (DA) are preventable and untoward events occurring
      in a house, pool or garage. Those events constitute a major issue in the context
      of public health. The objective of this study was to highlight the
      characteristics of female involvement in DA and their level of knowledge
      regarding first aid. METHODS: Adult female relatives of patients presenting at
      the university-based emergency department within the six-month study period
      comprised the study sample. They were asked to answer a 23-item self-reported
      questionnaire, and the responses were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1017 women
      (mean age: 29.2+/-11.1 years) were enrolled in the study. Hand lacerations
      (n=924, 90.8%), sprain and contusions (n=904, 88.8%) and burns (n=803, 78.9%)
      were the most commonly reported types of DA. The children were reported to suffer
      mostly from hits, sprains and contusions (n=478, 91.7%), followed by falls and
      slipping (n=452, 86.7%). The telephone number of emergency medical services was
      recalled most frequently (n=871, 85.6%), while that of the poison control center
      was known least commonly (n=48, 4.7%). The group with the highest level of
      education had a significantly higher mean number of correct answers than that of
      the group with the lowest level of education (p=0.001). The knowledge level of
      the women who worked was significantly lower than that of the unemployed women
      (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Extensive training of women on DA should be undertaken and
      the mass media should be utilized to achieve this goal.

PMID- 22090333
TI  - [The affecting factors on the complication ratio in abdominal gunshot wounds].
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the affecting factors on the complication
      ratio in abdominal gunshot wounds. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with abdominal
      gunshot wounds were analyzed between February 2002 and May 2005. The effects of
      the interval between trauma and presentation to the hospital, the number of
      injured abdominal and extra-abdominal organs, penetrating abdominal trauma index
      (PATI), and blood transfusion were evaluated. RESULTS: 90.4% of all patients were
      transported to the hospital and underwent their first evaluation in the first two
      hours. The complication rate was 7.1% in patients who had <3 injured organs and
      71% in the others (p<0.0001). 71.4% of the patients had isolated abdominal
      trauma, while 28.6% had additional extra-abdominal organ trauma. The complication
      rate was 7.7% in 13 patients with PATI score <25 and 62.5% in 8 patients with a
      PATI score >=25 (p<0.0001). In 10 patients who underwent blood transfusion of >=3
      units, the complication rate was 50% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In our study, PATI
      score, multiple blood transfusions and the number of injured intra-abdominal
      organs were the most important factors affecting the rate of postoperative
      complications in penetrating abdominal gunshot wounds. We found that the interval
      between trauma and presentation to the hospital and number of injured extra
      abdominal organs did not affect the complication rate.

PMID- 22090334
TI  - Masked urinary bladder injury with a bullet expulsed spontaneously during
      voiding.
AB  - We report a case with gunshot to the pelvis. The injury site was the soft tissue
      between the rectum and urinary bladder. Several days later, the bullet was
      expulsed spontaneously during voiding. In the literature, only a few case reports
      have described spontaneous expulsion of an intravesical bullet. A 19-year-old
      male was wounded on the left hip by gunshot. Radiographic examinations showed a
      bullet in the pelvis, which was localized in the soft tissue between the rectum
      and urinary bladder, with no accompanying visceral injury on abdominopelvic
      computerized tomography. Macroscopic hematuria was noticed after urethral
      catheterization. Rectosigmoidoscopy and retrograde cystoscopic examinations were
      both negative. The patient was monitored closely and treated conservatively with
      no surgical intervention. The urinary catheter was removed on the fifth
      postoperative day, and the bullet was expulsed spontaneously via the urethra
      during normal voiding three hours after catheter removal. Thereafter, a
      retrograde urethrography was performed, which showed no evidence of urinary tract
      or bladder injury.

PMID- 22090335
TI  - Spondylolisthesis mimicking the progression of dissection in a case of chronic
      Stanford type B aortic dissection.
AB  - Aortic dissection is an acute lethal cardiovascular condition. A 67-year-old
      hypertensive woman was admitted to our Emergency Department with an abrupt onset
      of tearing pain in the interscapular area. A thoracic computed tomography scan
      with contrast showed chronic type B aortic dissection. The patient was
      transferred to intensive care and medical therapy was initiated. Upon spread of
      the pain to the lumbar area, the dissection was thought to have progressed. The
      patient, being hemodynamically stable, was examined using ultrasonography, and
      the dissection did not show any progression. In the neurological examination for
      the lumbar pain, the lumbar processus spinosus was found to be sensitive, and the
      sciatic nerve stretch test was positive at 30 degrees. Magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed spondylolisthesis and a centrally located disc herniation at the L3-4
      level. No operation for the dissection was planned, but discectomy and fusion
      surgery was scheduled. Since the patient refused surgery, she was discharged with
      medical therapy. Our aim in this report was to emphasize the importance of
      spondylolisthesis mimicking the progression of dissection in the differential
      diagnosis of a chronic type B aortic dissection case.

PMID- 22090336
TI  - Multidetector computed tomography diagnosis of ileal and antropyloric gallstone
      ileus.
AB  - Gallstone-induced ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, and gastric
      outlet obstruction is even rarer. We describe the multidetector computed
      tomographic diagnosis of small bowel obstruction resulting from a gallstone
      impacted in the distal ileum and of gastric outlet obstruction from a gallstone
      impacted in the pyloric antrum (Bouveret syndrome).

PMID- 22090337
TI  - Gunshot injury to the penis in a patient with penile prosthesis: a case report.
AB  - Civilian penetrating injuries to the penis are quite rare. We present the case of
      a 48-year-old man with prosthetic implant surgery who referred to the emergency
      department of our clinic with penetrating gunshot injury to the penis. The
      damaged implant was removed and the defect on the anterior urethra was repaired
      primarily. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such report in the
      literature regarding penile gunshot injury in a patient with penile prosthesis.

PMID- 22090338
TI  - Inflamed vermiform appendix within the sac of incarcerated left inguinal hernia.
AB  - A 54-year-old male complained of a continuous pain together with an irreducible
      swelling of the left inguinal region 8 hours prior to admission to the surgical
      emergency department. His physical examination revealed a very painful,
      erythematous, irreducible swelling in the left inguinal region without abdominal
      peritoneal irritation. Routine blood tests disclosed mild leukocytosis. Abdominal
      plain X-ray film was not specific, and ultrasonography revealed a 10 cm in length
      inactive, edematous intestinal section within the inguinal hernia. With the
      diagnosis of strangulated inguinal hernia, he underwent surgical exploration
      through a transverse inguinal incision. By opening the hernia sac, 6-8 cc
      inflammatory fluid drained out, and an inflamed vermiform appendix adhered to the
      inner surface of the sac was seen. Appendicectomy and primary hernia repair were
      performed at the same time through the inguinal incision. The postoperative
      course was uneventful, and the histological examination of the specimen revealed
      an inflamed appendix.

PMID- 22090339
TI  - Late recognized nail aspiration in a child: case report.
AB  - Foreign body (FB) aspiration is common in children aged 0-3 years. Our case, a
      2.5-year-old girl, presented with sudden onset of cough, fever and sputum; she
      had been treated twice for acute bronchitis four months ago. Resisting complaints
      led to an esophagoscopic examination in our Chest Surgery Clinic after a chest X
      ray suggested FB in the esophagus, but no FB could be detected. A lateral chest X
      ray revealed a FB with its sharp end targeting the trachea and its round end to
      the right hemithorax. Removal of the FB with forceps was not possible during
      rigid bronchoscopy. The FB was removed by thoracotomy and bronchotomy under
      general anesthesia. The removed FB was a nail measuring 6 cm in length. This case
      report should serve to stress the diversity of FB aspirations in childhood, the
      role of parental neglect, and that physicians should be aware of the possibility
      of FB in children with persistent cough.

PMID- 22090340
TI  - Royal College of Pathologists' autopsy guidelines on sudden cardiac death: roles
      for cannabis, cotinine, NSAIDs and psychology.

PMID- 22090341
TI  - Intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer by one-step
      nucleic acid amplification.
AB  - One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) is a novel method introduced for the
      lymph node staging of breast cancer and has been tested in multiple series. The
      present review summarises current literature and concerns related to the new
      method. The results of this automated molecular assay based on the quantification
      of cytokeratin 19 mRNA show a 96% concordance rate with detailed histopathology
      complemented with immunohistochemistry when alternative slices of the same lymph
      node are used for the two tests. The low false-negative rate makes OSNA suitable
      for the intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes. The false-positive
      rate also seems very low. Most discordant cases are explainable by low volume
      metastases (micrometastases), which may be missing from the material submitted
      for one test, but not from the different part used for the other test. It is
      tempting to change the gold standard for comparisons between the methods, and if
      this is done, histology seems to come out as a weaker test for the identification
      of metastases. OSNA detects more low volume nodal involvement, but it is
      uncertain whether these require further axillary treatment, and this will be a
      subject for future investigations. Therefore, it is also uncertain whether the
      advantage of OSNA of detecting practically all metastases due to complete
      sampling of lymph node tissue is clinically more important than the exclusion of
      metastases greater than micrometastasis that can be reliably done by
      intraoperative microscopy followed by permanent section histology.

PMID- 22090342
TI  - Nanoethics and the breaching of boundaries: a heuristic for going from
      encouragement to a fuller integration of ethical, legal and social issues and
      science : commentary on: "Adding to the mix: integrating ELSI into a National
      Nanoscale Science and Technology Center".
AB  - The intersection of ELSI and science forms a complicated nexus yet their
      integration is an important goal both for society and for the successful
      advancement of science. In what follows, I present a heuristic that makes
      boundary identification and crossing an important tool in the discovery of
      potential areas of ethical, legal, and social concern in science. A dynamic and
      iterative application of the heuristic can lead towards a fuller integration and
      appreciation of the concerns of ELSI and of science from both sides of the
      divide.

PMID- 22090343
TI  - Spindle assembly requires complete disassembly of spindle remnants from the
      previous cell cycle.
AB  - Incomplete mitotic spindle disassembly causes lethality in budding yeast. To
      determine why spindle disassembly is required for cell viability, we used live
      cell microscopy to analyze a double mutant strain containing a conditional mutant
      and a deletion mutant compromised for the kinesin-8 and anaphase-promoting
      complex-driven spindle-disassembly pathways (td-kip3 and doc1Delta,
      respectively). Under nonpermissive conditions, spindles in td-kip3 doc1Delta
      cells could break apart but could not disassemble completely. These cells could
      exit mitosis and undergo cell division. However, the daughter cells could not
      assemble functional, bipolar spindles in the ensuing mitosis. During the
      formation of these dysfunctional spindles, centrosome duplication and separation,
      as well as recruitment of key midzone-stabilizing proteins all appeared normal,
      but microtubule polymerization was nevertheless impaired and these spindles often
      collapsed. Introduction of free tubulin through episomal expression of alpha- and
      beta-tubulin or introduction of a brief pulse of the microtubule-depolymerizing
      drug nocodazole allowed spindle assembly in these td-kip3 doc1Delta mutants.
      Therefore we propose that spindle disassembly is essential for regeneration of
      the intracellular pool of assembly-competent tubulin required for efficient
      spindle assembly during subsequent mitoses of daughter cells.

PMID- 22090344
TI  - YPR139c/LOA1 encodes a novel lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase associated
      with lipid droplets and involved in TAG homeostasis.
AB  - For many years, lipid droplets (LDs) were considered to be an inert store of
      lipids. However, recent data showed that LDs are dynamic organelles playing an
      important role in storage and mobilization of neutral lipids. In this paper, we
      report the characterization of LOA1 (alias VPS66, alias YPR139c), a yeast member
      of the glycerolipid acyltransferase family. LOA1 mutants show abnormalities in LD
      morphology. As previously reported, cells lacking LOA1 contain more LDs.
      Conversely, we showed that overexpression results in fewer LDs. We then compared
      the lipidome of loa1Delta mutant and wild-type strains. Steady-state metabolic
      labeling of loa1Delta revealed a significant reduction in triacylglycerol
      content, while phospholipid (PL) composition remained unchanged. Interestingly,
      lipidomic analysis indicates that both PLs and glycerolipids are qualitatively
      affected by the mutation, suggesting that Loa1p is a lysophosphatidic acid
      acyltransferase (LPA AT) with a preference for oleoyl-CoA. This hypothesis was
      tested by in vitro assays using both membranes of Escherichia coli cells
      expressing LOA1 and purified proteins as enzyme sources. Our results from
      purification of subcellular compartments and proteomic studies show that Loa1p is
      associated with LD and active in this compartment. Loa1p is therefore a novel LPA
      AT and plays a role in LD formation.

PMID- 22090345
TI  - Cdc28 provides a molecular link between Hsp90, morphogenesis, and cell cycle
      progression in Candida albicans.
AB  - The trimorphic fungus Candida albicans is the leading cause of systemic
      candidiasis, a disease with poor prognosis affecting immunocompromised
      individuals. The capacity of C. albicans to transition between morphological
      states is a key determinant of its ability to cause life-threatening infection.
      Recently the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) was implicated as
      a major regulator of temperature-dependent C. albicans morphogenesis;
      compromising Hsp90 function induces filamentation and relieves repression of Ras1
      protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, although the mechanism involved remains
      unknown. Here we demonstrate that filaments generated by compromise of Hsp90
      function are neither pseudohyphae nor hyphae but closely resemble filaments
      formed in response to cell cycle arrest. Closer examination revealed that these
      filaments exhibit a delay in mitotic exit mediated by the checkpoint protein
      Bub2. Furthermore, Hsp90 inhibition also led to a distinct morphology with
      defects in cytokinesis. We found that the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28 was
      destabilized in response to depletion of Hsp90 and that Cdc28 physically
      interacts with Hsp90, implicating this major cell cycle regulator as a novel
      Hsp90 client protein in C. albicans. Taken together, our results suggest that
      Hsp90 is instrumental in the regulation of cell division during yeast-form growth
      in C. albicans and exerts its major effects during late cell cycle events.

PMID- 22090346
TI  - RNA-related nuclear functions of human Pat1b, the P-body mRNA decay factor.
AB  - The evolutionarily conserved Pat1 proteins are P-body components recently shown
      to play important roles in cytoplasmic gene expression control. Using human cell
      lines, we demonstrate that human Pat1b is a shuttling protein whose nuclear
      export is mediated via a consensus NES sequence and Crm1, as evidenced by
      leptomycin B (LMB) treatment. However, not all P-body components are
      nucleocytoplasmic proteins; rck/p54, Dcp1a, Edc3, Ge-1, and Xrn1 are insensitive
      to LMB and remain cytoplasmic in its presence. Nuclear Pat1b localizes to PML
      associated foci and SC35-containing splicing speckles in a transcription
      dependent manner, whereas in the absence of RNA synthesis, Pat1b redistributes to
      crescent-shaped nucleolar caps. Furthermore, inhibition of splicing by
      spliceostatin A leads to the reorganization of SC35 speckles, which is closely
      mirrored by Pat1b, indicating that it may also be involved in splicing processes.
      Of interest, Pat1b retention in these three nuclear compartments is mediated via
      distinct regions of the protein. Examination of the nuclear distribution of 4E
      T(ransporter), an additional P-body nucleocytoplasmic protein, revealed that 4E-T
      colocalizes with Pat1b in PML-associated foci but not in nucleolar caps. Taken
      together, our findings strongly suggest that Pat1b participates in several RNA
      related nuclear processes in addition to its multiple regulatory roles in the
      cytoplasm.

PMID- 22090347
TI  - The cytoskeletal mechanisms of cell-cell junction formation in endothelial cells.
AB  - The actin cytoskeleton and associated proteins play a vital role in cell-cell
      adhesion. However, the procedure by which cells establish adherens junctions
      remains unclear. We investigated the dynamics of cell-cell junction formation and
      the corresponding architecture of the underlying cytoskeleton in cultured human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells. We show that the initial interaction between
      cells is mediated by protruding lamellipodia. On their retraction, cells maintain
      contact through thin bridges formed by filopodia-like protrusions connected by VE
      cadherin-rich junctions. Bridges share multiple features with conventional
      filopodia, such as an internal actin bundle associated with fascin along the
      length and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein at the tip. It is striking that,
      unlike conventional filopodia, transformation of actin organization from the
      lamellipodial network to filopodial bundle during bridge formation occurs in a
      proximal-to-distal direction and is accompanied by recruitment of fascin in the
      same direction. Subsequently, bridge bundles recruit nonmuscle myosin II and
      mature into stress fibers. Myosin II activity is important for bridge formation
      and accumulation of VE-cadherin in nascent adherens junctions. Our data reveal a
      mechanism of cell-cell junction formation in endothelial cells using lamellipodia
      as the initial protrusive contact, subsequently transforming into filopodia-like
      bridges connected through adherens junctions. Moreover, a novel lamellipodia-to
      filopodia transition is used in this context.

PMID- 22090348
TI  - Characterization of NE81, the first lamin-like nucleoskeleton protein in a
      unicellular organism.
AB  - Lamins build the nuclear lamina and are required for chromatin organization, gene
      expression, cell cycle progression, and mechanical stabilization. Despite these
      universal functions, lamins have so far been found only in metazoans. We have
      identified protein NE81 in Dictyostelium, which has properties that justify its
      denomination as a lamin-like protein in a lower eukaryote. This is based on its
      primary structure, subcellular localization, and regulation during mitosis, and
      its requirement of the C-terminal CaaX box as a posttranslational processing
      signal for proper localization. Our knockout and overexpression mutants revealed
      an important role for NE81 in nuclear integrity, chromatin organization, and
      mechanical stability of cells. All our results are in agreement with a role for
      NE81 in formation of a nuclear lamina. This function is corroborated by
      localization of Dictyostelium NE81 at the nuclear envelope in human cells. The
      discovery of a lamin-like protein in a unicellular organism is not only
      intriguing in light of evolution, it may also provide a simple experimental
      platform for studies of the molecular basis of laminopathies.

PMID- 22090349
TI  - Using biomaterials to improve the efficacy of cell therapy following acute
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - Cardiovascular cell therapy has the potential to improve left ventricular (LV)
      function and alter the course of adverse LV remodeling following acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI). However, current therapy using autologous intracoronary bone
      marrow mononuclear cells results in only minimal recovery of LV function. A major
      impediment appears to be limited retention and engraftment of the transplanted
      cells, in part due to loss of the extracellular matrix (ECM) following AMI that
      can lead to apoptosis of the delivered cells through the mechanism of anoikis.
      Recent pre-clinical studies suggest that the delivery of ECM surrogates to the
      infarct zone following AMI significantly improves LV function through multiple
      mechanisms. The use of ECM surrogates in conjunction with stem cell
      administration may represent a new paradigm for cardiac repair following AMI.
      This review discusses the potential use of biologically based ECM surrogates in
      the clinical setting following STEMI.

PMID- 22090351
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of oral ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus closure in
      preterm infants.

PMID- 22090350
TI  - The "missing" link between acute hemodynamic effect and clinical response.
AB  - The hemodynamic, mechanical and electrical effects of cardiac resynchronization
      therapy (CRT) occur immediate and are lasting as long as CRT is delivered.
      Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that acute hemodynamic effects should
      predict long-term outcome. However, in the literature there is more evidence
      against than in favour of this idea. This raises the question of what factor(s)
      do relate to the benefit of CRT. There is increasing evidence that dyssynchrony,
      presumably through the resultant abnormal local mechanical behaviour, induces
      extensive remodelling, comprising structure, as well as electrophysiological and
      contractile processes. Resynchronization has been shown to reverse these
      processes, even in cases of limited hemodynamic improvement. These data may
      indicate the need for a paradigm shift in order to achieve maximal long-term CRT
      response.

PMID- 22090352
TI  - [Long-term care of Parkinson patients with deep brain stimulation].
AB  - For more than 15 years deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and
      globus pallidus internus have become therapeutic options in advanced Parkinson's
      disease. The number of patients with long-term treatment is increasing steadily.
      This review focuses on issues of the long-term care of these Parkinson's
      patients, including differences of the available deep brain stimulation systems,
      recommendations for follow-up examinations, implications for medical diagnostics
      and therapies and an algorithm for symptom deterioration. Today, there is no
      profound evidence that deep brain stimulation prevents disease progression.
      However, symptomatic relief from motor symptoms is maintained during long-term
      follow-up and interruption of the therapy remains an exception.

PMID- 22090353
TI  - [Functional magnetic stimulation as a supposedly 'painless' option for movement
      induction in plegics].
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is known in the rehabilitation of central pareses that functional
      electrical stimulation (FES) of the muscles can induce movement and accomplish
      training in patients. The main limitations of this method are that patients with
      preserved sensation experience pain and the reflexes triggered by FES. Therefore
      the application of the largely "painless" magnetic stimulation (FMS) of the
      muscles would be a potential alternative in the rehabilitation of patients with
      partially preserved sensation. As the generation of high force and power levels
      is considered to be an essential requirement of effective rehabilitation
      strategies, we have shown in previous work that FMS with large surface magnetic
      coils fitted to the thigh can generate about 2.5 times higher isometric forces in
      patients with preserved sensation, than can FES. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the
      present pilot study was to prove that the mechanical power generated by
      functional magnetic stimulation is superior to that produced by electrical
      stimulation too. METHODS: We have measured the mechanical torque, the power, the
      accomplished work and the kinematics in 4 healthy control subjects, who performed
      pedalling propelled by FMS and FES until complete muscular exhaustion, using a
      cycling test-bed under isotonic conditions (constant resistance). RESULTS: We
      have proved that the generated work, mean power, cadence and smoothness of
      pedalling essentially depend on peak torque and power. Furthermore, we found
      evidence that smoother pedalling could be achieved using magnetic, compared to
      electrical stimulation because of the higher peak torques that were generated by
      FMS. CONCLUSION: This study supports the concept that peripheral magnetic
      stimulation is an appropriate rehabilitation method for patients with central
      pareses and preserved sensory apparatus because FMS is less painful than
      electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22090354
TI  - Extremity soft tissue sarcoma resections: how wide do you need to be?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sarcomas require a wide margin of resection including a cuff of
      normal tissue to minimize the risk of local recurrence. The amount of tissue that
      constitutes a wide margin is unclear in the literature. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We
      therefore determined whether a close resection margin for soft tissue sarcoma
      resulted in an increased incidence of locally recurrent disease and whether
      additional factors, including radiation therapy, outside biopsies, and tumor
      biology, affected the risk of local recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed 117 patients with soft tissue sarcomas resected with negative margins
      from 2001 to 2007. Gross specimens were inked and the closest macroscopic margins
      were sent for microscopic examination. Resection margins were categorized as less
      than 1 mm, 1-5 mm, or greater than 5 mm. We evaluated additional factors that
      might influence local recurrence, including radiation therapy, outside biopsies,
      sarcoma type, grade, and stage at presentation, and development of metastatic
      disease. RESULTS: Four of 117 patients (3.4%) developed local recurrence. The
      incidence of local recurrence was similar in patients with less than 1-mm margins
      and greater than 1-mm margins: two of 45 patients (4.4%) and two of 64 patients
      (3.1%), respectively. Due to the low number of local recurrences, quantitative
      margin extent and the other factors evaluated did not affect local recurrence.
      CONCLUSIONS: The extent of a margin necessary to prevent local recurrence of soft
      tissue sarcoma remains unclear as the power of our study was limited by the low
      number of local recurrences. Relatively low local recurrence rates can be
      achieved even with close margins. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic
      study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of
      evidence.

PMID- 22090355
TI  - Tantalum augments for Paprosky IIIA defects remain stable at midterm followup.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initial reports with short-term followup of porous tantalum
      acetabular components and augments for Paprosky IIIA acetabular defects
      demonstrate high hip scores, low rates of aseptic loosening, and low rates of
      complications. However, longer-term followup with a larger cohort is needed to
      determine the durability of these reconstructions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We
      therefore determined the functional scores, rates of aseptic loosening, and
      complications in patients with Paprosky IIIA acetabular defects treated with
      porous tantalum acetabular components and augments. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed 37 acetabular revisions in 36 patients (one patient with bilateral
      revisions) treated with a porous tantalum acetabular component and augment. All
      patients had defects classified as Type IIIa using the system of Paprosky et al.
      Harris hip scores were obtained and radiographic examination was performed before
      surgery and through most recent followup. The minimum followup was 26 months
      (mean, 60 months; range, 26-106 months). RESULTS: One patient developed aseptic
      loosening of the acetabular reconstruction requiring revision; seven other
      patients required further surgery for periprosthetic femoral fracture (two),
      acute infection (three), and recurrent dislocation (two). Thirty-five of 37 hips
      had no or occasional pain at final followup. Mean Harris hip scores improved from
      33.0 preoperatively (range, 12.6-58.7) to 81.5 postoperatively (range, 27.0
      99.8). CONCLUSIONS: Although the complication rate requiring further surgery was
      considerable, most patients with these reconstructions had pain relief and
      reasonable function with low rates of loosening at midterm followup. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22090356
TI  - The natural history of idiopathic frozen shoulder: a 2- to 27-year followup
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The natural history of spontaneous idiopathic frozen shoulder is
      controversial. Many studies claim that complete resolution is not inevitable.
      Based on the 40-year clinical experience of the senior author, we believed most
      patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder might have a higher rate of resolution
      than earlier thought. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined the length of symptoms,
      whether spontaneous frozen shoulder recovered without any treatment, and whether
      restored ROM, pain relief, and function persisted over the long term. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 83 patients treated for frozen shoulder (84 shoulders;
      56 women) 2 to 27 years (mean, 9 years) after initial consultation. The mean age
      at onset of symptoms was 53 years. Fifty-one of the 83 patients (52 shoulders)
      were treated with observation or benign neglect only (untreated group), and 32
      had received some kind of nonoperative treatment before the first consultation
      with the senior author (nonoperative group). We also evaluated all 20 patients
      (22 shoulders; 13 women) with spontaneous frozen shoulder who underwent
      manipulation under anesthesia during the same time (manipulation group). The mean
      age of these patients was 49 years. The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 14
      years; range, 2-24 years). We determined duration of the disease, pain levels,
      ROM, and Constant-Murley scores. RESULTS: The duration of the disease averaged 15
      months (range, 4-36 months) in the untreated group, and 20 months (range, 6-60
      months) in the nonoperative group. At last followup the ROM had improved to the
      contralateral level in 94% in the untreated group, in 91% in the nonoperative
      group, and in 91% in the manipulation group. Fifty-one percent of patients in the
      untreated group, 44% in the nonoperative group, and 30% in the manipulation group
      were totally pain free at rest, during the night, and with exertion. Pain at rest
      was less than 3 on the VAS in 94% of patients in the untreated group, 91% in the
      nonoperative group, and 90% of the manipulation group. The Constant-Murley scores
      averaged 83 (86%) in the untreated group, 81 (77%) in the nonoperative group, and
      82 (71%) in the manipulation group, reaching the normal age- and gender-related
      Constant-Murley score. CONCLUSIONS: We found 94% of patients with spontaneous
      frozen shoulder recovered to normal levels of function and motion without
      treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22090357
TI  - Environmental tobacco and wood smoke increase the risk of Legg-Calve-Perthes
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The etiology of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) remains unknown. A
      few studies have suggested passive smoke inhalation may be a risk factor,
      although the association is not confirmed and a causal relationship has not been
      established. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore undertook this study to confirm an
      association between environmental tobacco smoke, firewood smoke, and
      socioeconomic status and the risk of LCPD. METHODS: We prospectively recruited
      128 children with LCPD and 384 children attending the hospital for other
      orthopaedic complaints. The control subjects were frequency-matched with the
      cases by age and gender. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the
      association between the exposures and risk of LCPD. RESULTS: The main risk
      factors for LCPD were indoor use of a wood stove (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.56)
      and having a family member who smoked indoors (adjusted OR, 2.07). Children from
      the middle socioeconomic group appeared to be at a greater risk of developing
      LCPD (adjusted OR, 3.60). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that
      environmental tobacco smoke is associated with an increased risk of LCPD.
      Exposure to wood smoke also appears to be a risk factor. However, it remains
      unclear why there are profound differences in the incidence of the disease
      between regions when the prevalence of smoking is comparable and why bilateral
      involvement and familial disease are infrequent.

PMID- 22090358
TI  - Ran is a potential therapeutic target for cancer cells with molecular changes
      associated with activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and Ras/MEK/ERK pathways.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cancer cells have been shown to be more susceptible to Ran knockdown
      than normal cells. We now investigate whether Ran is a potential therapeutic
      target of cancers with frequently found mutations that lead to higher Ras/MEK/ERK
      [mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK; MEK)] and
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTORC1 activities. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
      Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry [propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin V
      staining] and MTT assay in cancer cells grown under different conditions after
      knockdown of Ran. The correlations between Ran expression and patient survival
      were examined in breast and lung cancers. RESULTS: Cancer cells with their
      PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and Ras/MEK/ERK pathways inhibited are less susceptible to Ran
      silencing-induced apoptosis. K-Ras-mutated, c-Met-amplified, and Pten-deleted
      cancer cells are also more susceptible to Ran silencing-induced apoptosis than
      their wild-type counterparts and this effect is reduced by inhibitors of the
      PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and MEK/ERK pathways. Overexpression of Ran in clinical specimens
      is significantly associated with poor patient outcome in both breast and lung
      cancers. This association is dramatically enhanced in cancers with increased c
      Met or osteopontin expression, or with oncogenic mutations of K-Ras or PIK3CA,
      all of which are mutations that potentially correlate with activation of the
      PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and/or Ras/MEK/ERK pathways. Silencing Ran also results in
      dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport of transcription factors and
      downregulation of Mcl-1 expression, at the transcriptional level, which are
      reversed by inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and MEK/ERK pathways. CONCLUSION:
      Ran is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of cancers with
      mutations/changes of expression in protooncogenes that lead to activation of the
      PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and Ras/MEK/ERK pathways.

PMID- 22090359
TI  - STAT5A-mediated SOCS2 expression regulates Jak2 and STAT3 activity following c
      Src inhibition in head and neck squamous carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The inhibition of c-Src results in a striking reduction in cancer cell
      invasion, but the effect on cell survival is modest. Defining mechanisms that
      limit apoptosis following c-Src inhibition could result in an ideal therapeutic
      approach that both inhibits invasion and leads to apoptosis. In this regard, we
      discovered a novel feedback loop that results in STAT3 reactivation following
      sustained c-Src inhibition. Here we define the mechanism underlying this feedback
      loop and examine the effect of inhibiting it in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We
      measured levels and activity of pathway components using PCR, Western blotting,
      and kinase assays following their manipulation using both molecular and
      pharmacologic approaches. We used a heterotransplant animal model in which human
      oral squamous cancer is maintained exclusively in vivo. RESULTS: Following c-Src
      inhibition, STAT5 is durably inhibited. The inhibition of STAT5A, but not STAT5B,
      subsequently reduces the expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling 2
      (SOCS2). SOCS2 inhibits Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) activity and Jak2-STAT3 binding.
      SOCS2 expression is necessary for STAT3 inhibition by c-Src inhibitors.
      Overexpression of SOCS2 is adequate to prevent STAT3 reactivation and to enhance
      the cytotoxic effects of c-Src inhibition. Likewise, the combination of Jak and c
      Src inhibitors led to significantly more apoptosis than either agent alone in
      vivo. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, ours is the first study that fully defines
      the mechanism underlying this feedback loop, in which sustained c-Src inhibition
      leads to diminished SOCS2 expression via sustained inhibition of STAT5A, allowing
      activation of Jak2 and STAT3, Jak2-STAT3 binding, and survival signals.

PMID- 22090360
TI  - TP53 disruptive mutations lead to head and neck cancer treatment failure through
      inhibition of radiation-induced senescence.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mortality of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
      is primarily driven by tumor cell radioresistance leading to locoregional
      recurrence (LRR). In this study, we use a classification of TP53 mutation
      (disruptive vs. nondisruptive) and examine impact on clinical outcomes and
      radiation sensitivity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Seventy-four patients with HNSCC
      treated with surgery and postoperative radiation and 38 HNSCC cell lines were
      assembled; for each, TP53 was sequenced and the in vitro radioresistance measured
      using clonogenic assays. p53 protein expression was inhibited using short hairpin
      RNA (shRNA) and overexpressed using a retrovirus. Radiation-induced apoptosis,
      mitotic cell death, senescence, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were
      carried out. The effect of the drug metformin on overcoming mutant p53-associated
      radiation resistance was examined in vitro as well as in vivo, using an
      orthotopic xenograft model. RESULTS: Mutant TP53 alone was not predictive of LRR;
      however, disruptive TP53 mutation strongly predicted LRR (P = 0.03). Cell lines
      with disruptive mutations were significantly more radioresistant (P < 0.05).
      Expression of disruptive TP53 mutations significantly decreased radiation-induced
      senescence, as measured by SA-beta-gal staining, p21 expression, and release of
      ROS. The mitochondrial agent metformin potentiated the effects of radiation in
      the presence of a disruptive TP53 mutation partially via senescence. Examination
      of our patient cohort showed that LRR was decreased in patients taking metformin.
      CONCLUSIONS: Disruptive TP53 mutations in HNSCC tumors predicts for LRR, because
      of increased radioresistance via the inhibition of senescence. Metformin can
      serve as a radiosensitizer for HNSCC with disruptive TP53, presaging the
      possibility of personalizing HNSCC treatment.

PMID- 22090361
TI  - Anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab enhances the cytolytic activity of natural killer
      cells toward osteosarcoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are the most common bone tumors in
      children and adolescents. Despite intensive chemotherapy, patients with advanced
      disease have a poor prognosis, illustrating the need for alternative therapies.
      Sarcoma cells are susceptible to the cytolytic activity of resting natural killer
      (NK) cells which can be improved by interleukin (IL)-15 stimulation. In this
      study, we explored whether the cytolytic function of resting NK cells can be
      augmented and specifically directed toward sarcoma cells by antibody-dependent
      cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) expression was examined on osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma cell
      lines by flow cytometry and in osteosarcoma biopsy and resection specimens by
      immunohistochemistry. Cetuximab-mediated ADCC by NK cells from osteosarcoma
      patients and healthy controls was measured with 4-hour (51)Cr release assays.
      RESULTS: EGFR surface expression was shown on chemotherapy-sensitive and
      chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma cells (12/12), most primary osteosarcoma
      cultures (4/5), and few Ewing's sarcoma cell lines (2/7). In the presence of
      cetuximab, the cytolytic activity of resting NK cells against all EGFR-expressing
      sarcoma cells was substantially increased and comparable with that of IL-15
      activated NK cells. Surface EGFR expression on primary osteosarcoma cultures
      correlated with EGFR expression in the original tumor. The cytolytic activity of
      osteosarcoma patient-derived NK cells against autologous tumor cells was as
      efficient as that of NK cells from healthy donors. CONCLUSION: Our data show that
      the cytolytic potential of resting NK cells can be potentiated and directed
      toward osteosarcoma cells with cetuximab. Therefore, cetuximab-mediated
      immunotherapy may be considered a novel treatment modality in the management of
      advanced osteosarcoma.

PMID- 22090362
TI  - Phase I, dose-escalation trial of the oral cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor
      PD 0332991, administered using a 21-day schedule in patients with advanced
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose
      (MTD) of the first-in-class, oral CDK4/6 inhibitor PD 0332991 administered once
      daily for 21 of 28 days (3/1 schedule) in patients with retinoblastoma protein
      (Rb)-positive advanced solid tumors and to describe pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic relationships relative to drug effects. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This
      open-label phase I study (NCT00141297) enrolled patients who received PD 0332991
      orally in six dose-escalation cohorts in a standard 3 + 3 design. RESULTS: Forty
      one patients were enrolled. DLTs were observed in five patients (12%) overall; at
      the 75, 125, and 150 mg once daily dose levels. The MTD and recommended phase II
      dose of PD 0332991 was 125 mg once daily. Neutropenia was the only dose-limiting
      effect. After cycle 1, grade 3 neutropenia, anemia, and leukopenia occurred in
      five (12%), three (7%), and one (2%) patient(s), respectively. The most common
      non-hematologic adverse events included fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Thirty
      seven patients were evaluable for tumor response; 10 (27%) had stable disease for
      >=4 cycles of whom six derived prolonged benefit (>=10 cycles). PD 0332991 was
      slowly absorbed (median T(max), 5.5 hours), and slowly eliminated (mean half-life
      was 25.9 hours) with a large volume of distribution (mean, 2,793 L). The area
      under the concentration-time curve increased linearly with dose. Using an E(max)
      model, neutropenia was shown to be proportional to exposure. CONCLUSIONS: PD
      0332991 warrants phase II testing at 125 mg once daily, at which dose neutropenia
      was the sole significant toxicity.

PMID- 22090363
TI  - An oral inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase reduces plasma fibrinogen in patients with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - The aims were to determine the effect of an oral inhibitor of the signaling
      mediator p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (GW856553, losmapimod) on sputum
      neutrophils, pulmonary function, and blood biomarkers of inflammation in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Three hundred and two individuals with GOLD
      stage II COPD were randomized to oral losmapimod 7.5 mg twice daily, inhaled
      salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50 ug/500 ug combination (SFC), or placebo in a
      12-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy study (MKI102428/NCT00642148).
      Neither losmapimod nor SFC had an effect on the primary end point of sputum
      neutrophils. Losmapimod was well tolerated and reduced plasma fibrinogen by 11% (
      0.4 g/L, ratio of effect of losmapimod/placebo 0.89; 95% confidence interval,
      0.83-0.96; P = .002) with nonsignificant reductions in interleukin-6, interleukin
      8, and C-reactive protein. There was evidence of improvement in hyperinflation
      with losmapimod compared with placebo (overall P = .02). Inhaled SFC
      significantly improved lung function and reduced serum CC-16 (ratio of effect of
      SFC/placebo 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.93; P < .001). It was concluded
      that oral losmapimod significantly reduced plasma fibrinogen in patients with
      COPD.

PMID- 22090364
TI  - Specification and differentiation of cerebellar GABAergic neurons.
AB  - Cerebellar GABAergic projection neurons and interneurons originate from the
      ventricular neuroepithelium of the cerebellar primordium. However, while
      projection neurons are born within this germinal layer, interneurons derive from
      progenitors that delaminate into the prospective white matter. In spite of this
      common origin, the two main classes of GABAergic neurons are generated according
      to distinct strategies. Projection neurons are committed to their fate at early
      ontogenetic stages and acquire their mature phenotypes through cell-autonomous
      mechanisms. On the contrary, the different categories of cerebellar interneurons
      derive from a single pool of multipotent progenitors, whose fate choices,
      production rates and differentiation schedules are strongly influenced by
      environmental cues.

PMID- 22090365
TI  - Regulation of inhibitory synaptic plasticity in a Purkinje neuron.
AB  - Inhibitory synapses on Purkinje cells show synaptic plasticity such as rebound
      potentiation (RP), which seems to contribute to refined information processing in
      the cerebellar cortex. Recent progress in the study on regulation mechanism of RP
      is reported. RP is induced by depolarization of a Purkinje cell and expressed as
      the increased postsynaptic responsiveness to GABA. RP might work as a homeostatic
      mechanism to maintain activity of a Purkinje cell sensing the strength of
      heterosynaptic excitatory inputs. However, there is a homosynaptic mechanism to
      regulate RP. RP is suppressed by the GABAergic transmission occurring during
      depolarization. Elaborate molecular regulation mechanism of RP induction,
      including GABA(B) receptors, Ca(2+), cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP),
      kinases such as Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-dependent kinase II and protein kinase A,
      and protein phosphatases such as PP1 and PP2B, has been clarified. Application of
      systems biological analyses combined with electrophysiological experiments has
      revealed a critical role of phosphodiesterase 1 in determination of the Ca(2+)
      signal to induce RP.

PMID- 22090366
TI  - Body mass index is inversely correlated with the expanded CAG repeat length in
      SCA3/MJD patients.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD),
      is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder with no current treatment. We
      aimed to evaluate the body mass index (BMI) of patients with SCA3/MJD and to
      assess the correlations with clinical, molecular, biochemical, and neuroimaging
      findings. A case-control study with 46 SCA3/MJD patients and 42 healthy, non
      related control individuals with similar age and sex was performed. Clinical
      evaluation was done with the ataxia scales SARA and NESSCA. Serum insulin,
      insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and magnetic resonance imaging normalized
      volumetries of cerebellum and brain stem were also assessed. BMI was lower in
      SCA3/MJD patients when compared to controls (p = 0.01). BMI was associated with
      NESSCA, expanded CAG repeat number (CAG)n, age of onset, age, disease duration,
      and serum insulin levels; however, in the linear regression model, (CAG)n was the
      only variable independently associated with BMI, in an inverse manner (R = 
      0.396, p = 0.015). In this report, we present evidence that low BMI is not only
      present in SCA3/MJD, but is also directly related to the length of the expanded
      CAG repeats, which is the causative mutation of the disease. This association
      points that weight loss might be a primary disturbance of SCA3/MJD, although
      further detailed analyses are necessary for a better understanding of the
      nutritional deficit and its role in the pathophysiology of SCA3/MJD.

PMID- 22090368
TI  - ["Can They Still be Helped?" - Psychosocial and Emergency Management in the
      Public Helath Service. Position paper of the Germany Society of Physicians in the
      Public Health Service].

PMID- 22090369
TI  - [The legal basis for the work of the sociopsychiatric services in Germany].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The legal basic principles of community mental health services or
      sociopsychiatric services (SpDi) in the Federal Republic of Germany are state,
      not federal laws, namely laws on help and protective measures for mentally
      disordered people (PsychKG) and laws on Public Health Services (OGDG) as SpDi are
      all integral parts of Community Public Health Authorities in most places. State
      laws of the 16 German states differ considerably. Earlier research on PsychKG
      focussed exclusively on involuntary hospitalisation, this work is the first to
      address PsychKG as related to the work of SpDi and to consider OGDG as well.
      METHODS: Based on an internet-based literature review the expedient laws of the
      16 German states were systematically reviewed and compared. RESULTS: There is an
      OGDG in 15/16 states, a PsychKG in 12/16 and some laws concerning SpDi in 13/16.
      Where OGDG has health support to socially disadvantaged people, there is also a
      law on SpDi. SpDi are mainly part of the municipal or county health authorities
      except for 3 states without PsychKG. Where there is a legal basis, SpDi fulfills
      the 5 core tasks of counselling and support, crisis intervention, psychiatric
      expertise, coordination of mental health services and controlling of mental
      health institutions. CONCLUSION: In every day practice, the "Recommendations of
      the Board of Experts" of 1988 are more relevant than the actual state laws.
      However, where no such law has been passed, the impact of the "Recommendations"
      was much weaker. As PsychKG and OGDG do not warrant individual claims, but give
      only general indications of action, precise standards of practice are needed, as
      they were recently formulated in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The UN
      Convention on the rights of disabled persons with its claim to more assistance
      may be facilitating the process of further development of state laws and to the
      work of the community mental health services based on them.

PMID- 22090370
TI  - [Variety of live worlds - relationship between living situation and developmental
      status in school beginners].
AB  - What is most important if we want to support children in the community of
      Recklinghausen, which is one of the most populous rural districts in Germany?
      With this interest in mind, data from health check assessments which are
      regularly done at primary school enrolment were analysed. For analysis the
      recommended "Bielefelder Modell" was used. The sample included all children who
      entered primary school in the region of Recklinghausen in 2006-2009 (n=23 600).
      These data allowed us to link information about their physical condition and
      cognitive development with issues of social background, environment as well as to
      search for regional patterns. We found a broad variety of "live worlds" of
      children in our community, most striking were substantial inequalities regarding
      utilisation of screening examinations as well as education and training
      opportunities. A strong link to parents' educational and immigrant background was
      evident. The procedure for analysing these data with a focus on regional patterns
      provides a valuable insight into local inequalities. It provides a knowledge base
      for a policy of early interventions to provide all children with the same
      opportunities for good health and development.

PMID- 22090371
TI  - [Medical and Economic Aspects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy].
AB  - Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the method of choice for most
      renal and ureteral calculi. However, endoscopic procedures such as ureteroscopy
      or percutaneous nephrolithotomy are being more and more performed as primary
      treatment alternatives in clinical routine. This development may result from the
      sometimes unsatisfying results of ESWL. While this is often explained by a lower
      efficacy of last-generation machines, an often unrecognized explanation is the
      impact of a less well trained urologist. To achieve best results it is mandatory
      that fundamental knowledge about shock wave physics and disintegration mechanisms
      are available. In Germany, the reimbursement system between outpatient and
      inpatient departments is totally separate. This leads to difficulties in clinical
      practice. We believe that patients at risk for complications, such as ureteral
      stones, urinary tract infections or high age, benefit from inpatient treatment,
      while uncomplicated renal stones can safely be treated on an outpatient basis.
      Regular application and training of ESWL will aid an optimization of its results
      and acceptance.

PMID- 22090372
TI  - [Stool behaviour and local pain after radical perineal and retroperitoneal
      prostatectomy].
AB  - PURPOSE: One of the main therapeutic targets of a radical prostatectomy (RP) as a
      treatment for -localised prostate cancer is the maintenance of quality of life
      after surgery besides the known oncological and functional effects. This
      prospective study compared the quality of life after surgery of patients treated
      with two different surgical methods (perineal RP, RPP; retropubic RP, RRP). The
      aim of this study was to compare perineal and retropubic RP with regard to stool
      behaviour and local pain symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 257  radical
      prostatectomies (169 RPP, 88 RRP) were performed between July 2003 and December
      2004. 208 (151 RPP, 57 RRP) prospectively evaluated patients replied to a
      physician-independent validated questionnaire (QLQ-C30 with prostate modul, IIEF
      75, stool behaviour) followed by a phone survey regarding the continence of all
      257  patients. RESULTS: One year after surgery, the complete continence rate (no
      pads) was 75 % for the RPP group and 61 % for the RRP group. 22 % of the patients
      reported involuntary stool leakage in the RPP group and 19 % in the RRP group
      (not significantly different). 29 % of the patients in the RPP group complained
      of local pain after 12  months, one third of them while sitting. In the RRP
      group, 28 % of the patients complained of local pain after 12  months, 15 % of
      them while sitting.17 % in the RPP and 27 % in the RRP group who suffered of
      stool leakage had these symptoms preoperatively. One year after surgery, 52 % of
      preoperatively potent patients were still potent after nerve-sparing RPP and 40 %
      were potent after nerve-sparing RRP. 78 % of patients in the RPP group and 67 %
      in the RRP group had an overall satisfactory quality of life. CONCLUSION: The
      application of different surgical methods did not differ with regard to
      postoperative local pain, stool behaviour, or general health items of quality of
      life. Stool leakage and perineal pain while sitting were not limited to RPP only
      and about a quarter of these patients had suffered from stool leakage already be
      fore surgery.

PMID- 22090373
TI  - [Partial and total penectomy].

PMID- 22090374
TI  - Cell-type specific and combinatorial usage of diverse transcription factors
      revealed by genome-wide binding studies in multiple human cells.
AB  - Cell-type diversity is governed in part by differential gene expression programs
      mediated by transcription factor (TF) binding. However, there are few systematic
      studies of the genomic binding of different types of TFs across a wide range of
      human cell types, especially in relation to gene expression. In the ENCODE
      Project, we have identified the genomic binding locations across 11 different
      human cell types of CTCF, RNA Pol II (RNAPII), and MYC, three TFs with diverse
      roles. Our data and analysis revealed how these factors bind in relation to
      genomic features and shape gene expression and cell-type specificity. CTCF bound
      predominantly in intergenic regions while RNAPII and MYC preferentially bound to
      core promoter regions. CTCF sites were relatively invariant across diverse cell
      types, while MYC showed the greatest cell-type specificity. MYC and RNAPII co
      localized at many of their binding sites and putative target genes. Cell-type
      specific binding sites, in particular for MYC and RNAPII, were associated with
      cell-type specific functions. Patterns of binding in relation to gene features
      were generally conserved across different cell types. RNAPII occupancy was higher
      over exons than adjacent introns, likely reflecting a link between
      transcriptional elongation and splicing. TF binding was positively correlated
      with the expression levels of their putative target genes, but combinatorial
      binding, in particular of MYC and RNAPII, was even more strongly associated with
      higher gene expression. These data illuminate how combinatorial binding of
      transcription factors in diverse cell types is associated with gene expression
      and cell-type specific biology.

PMID- 22090375
TI  - Developmental control of gene copy number by repression of replication initiation
      and fork progression.
AB  - Precise DNA replication is crucial for genome maintenance, yet this process has
      been inherently difficult to study on a genome-wide level in untransformed
      differentiated metazoan cells. To determine how metazoan DNA replication can be
      repressed, we examined regions selectively under-replicated in Drosophila
      polytene salivary glands, and found they are transcriptionally silent and
      enriched for the repressive H3K27me3 mark. In the first genome-wide analysis of
      binding of the origin recognition complex (ORC) in a differentiated metazoan
      tissue, we find that ORC binding is dramatically reduced within these large
      domains, suggesting reduced initiation as one mechanism leading to under
      replication. Inhibition of replication fork progression by the chromatin protein
      SUUR is an additional repression mechanism to reduce copy number. Although
      repressive histone marks are removed when SUUR is mutated and copy number
      restored, neither transcription nor ORC binding is reinstated. Tethering of the
      SUUR protein to a specific site is insufficient to block replication, however.
      These results establish that developmental control of DNA replication, at both
      the initiation and elongation stages, is a mechanism to change gene copy number
      during differentiation.

PMID- 22090376
TI  - Aberrant firing of replication origins potentially explains intragenic
      nonrecurrent rearrangements within genes, including the human DMD gene.
AB  - Non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), non-homologous end joining (NHEJ),
      and microhomology-mediated replication-dependent recombination (MMRDR) have all
      been put forward as mechanisms to explain DNA rearrangements associated with
      genomic disorders. However, many nonrecurrent rearrangements in humans remain
      unexplained. To further investigate the mutation mechanisms of these copy number
      variations (CNVs), we performed breakpoint mapping analysis for 62 clinical cases
      with intragenic deletions in the human DMD gene (50 cases) and other known
      disease-causing genes (one PCCB, one IVD, one DBT, three PAH, one STK11, one
      HEXB, three DBT, one HRPT1, and one EMD cases). While repetitive elements were
      found in only four individual cases, three involving DMD and one HEXB gene,
      microhomologies (2-10 bp) were observed at breakpoint junctions in 56% and
      insertions ranging from 1 to 48 bp were seen in 16 of the total 62 cases. Among
      these insertions, we observed evidence for tandem repetitions of short segments
      (5-20 bp) of reference sequence proximal to the breakpoints in six individual DMD
      cases (six repeats in one, four repeats in three, two repeats in one, and one
      repeat in one case), strongly indicating attempts by the replication machinery to
      surpass the stalled replication fork. We provide evidence of a novel template
      slippage event during replication rescue. With a deeper insight into the complex
      process of replication and its rescue during origin failure, brought forward by
      recent studies, we propose a hypothesis based on aberrant firing of replication
      origins to explain intragenic nonrecurrent rearrangements within genes, including
      the DMD gene.

PMID- 22090377
TI  - Interlocus gene conversion events introduce deleterious mutations into at least
      1% of human genes associated with inherited disease.
AB  - Establishing the molecular basis of DNA mutations that cause inherited disease is
      of fundamental importance to understanding the origin, nature, and clinical
      sequelae of genetic disorders in humans. The majority of disease-associated
      mutations constitute single-base substitutions and short deletions and/or
      insertions resulting from DNA replication errors and the repair of damaged bases.
      However, pathological mutations can also be introduced by nonreciprocal
      recombination events between paralogous sequences, a phenomenon known as
      interlocus gene conversion (IGC). IGC events have thus far been linked to
      pathology in more than 20 human genes. However, the large number of duplicated
      gene sequences in the human genome implies that many more disease-associated
      mutations could originate via IGC. Here, we have used a genome-wide computational
      approach to identify disease-associated mutations derived from IGC events. Our
      approach revealed hundreds of known pathological mutations that could have been
      caused by IGC. Further, we identified several dozen high-confidence cases of
      inherited disease mutations resulting from IGC in ~1% of all genes analyzed.
      About half of the donor sequences associated with such mutations are functional
      paralogous genes, suggesting that epistatic interactions or differential
      expression patterns will determine the impact upon fitness of specific
      substitutions between duplicated genes. In addition, we identified thousands of
      hitherto undescribed and potentially deleterious mutations that could arise via
      IGC. Our findings reveal the extent of the impact of interlocus gene conversion
      upon the spectrum of human inherited disease.

PMID- 22090378
TI  - Preparation of high-quality next-generation sequencing libraries from picogram
      quantities of target DNA.
AB  - New sequencing technologies can address diverse biomedical questions but are
      limited by a minimum required DNA input of typically 1 MUg. We describe how
      sequencing libraries can be reproducibly created from 20 pg of input DNA using a
      modified transpososome-mediated fragmentation technique. Resulting libraries
      incorporate in-line bar-coding, which facilitates sample multiplexes that can be
      sequenced using Illumina platforms with the manufacturer's sequencing primer. We
      demonstrate this technique by providing deep coverage sequence of the Escherichia
      coli K-12 genome that shows equivalent target coverage to a 1-MUg input library
      prepared using standard Illumina methods. Reducing template quantity does,
      however, increase the proportion of duplicate reads and enriches coverage in low
      GC regions. This finding was confirmed with exhaustive resequencing of a mouse
      library constructed from 20 pg of gDNA input (about seven haploid genomes)
      resulting in ~0.4-fold statistical coverage of uniquely mapped fragments. This
      implies that a near-complete coverage of the mouse genome is obtainable with this
      approach using 20 genomes as input. Application of this new method now allows
      genomic studies from low mass samples and routine preparation of sequencing
      libraries from enrichment procedures.

PMID- 22090379
TI  - Calling amplified haplotypes in next generation tumor sequence data.
AB  - During tumor initiation and progression, cancer cells acquire a selective
      advantage, allowing them to outcompete their normal counterparts. Identification
      of the genetic changes that underlie these tumor acquired traits can provide
      deeper insights into the biology of tumorigenesis. Regions of copy number
      alterations and germline DNA variants are some of the elements subject to
      selection during tumor evolution. Integrated examination of inherited variation
      and somatic alterations holds the potential to reveal specific nucleotide alleles
      that a tumor "prefers" to have amplified. Next-generation sequencing of tumor and
      matched normal tissues provides a high-resolution platform to identify and
      analyze such somatic amplicons. Within an amplicon, examination of informative
      (e.g., heterozygous) sites deviating from a 1:1 ratio may suggest selection of
      that allele. A naive approach examines the reads for each heterozygous site in
      isolation; however, this ignores available valuable linkage information across
      sites. We, therefore, present a novel hidden Markov model-based method-Haplotype
      Amplification in Tumor Sequences (HATS)-that analyzes tumor and normal sequence
      data, along with training data for phasing purposes, to infer amplified alleles
      and haplotypes in regions of copy number gain. Our method is designed to handle
      rare variants and biases in read data. We assess the performance of HATS using
      simulated amplified regions generated from varying copy number and coverage
      levels, followed by amplicons in real data. We demonstrate that HATS infers the
      amplified alleles more accurately than does the naive approach, especially at low
      to intermediate coverage levels and in cases (including high coverage) possessing
      stromal contamination or allelic bias.

PMID- 22090380
TI  - Non-breeding feather concentrations of testosterone, corticosterone and cortisol
      are associated with subsequent survival in wild house sparrows.
AB  - Potential mechanistic mediators of Darwinian fitness, such as stress hormones or
      sex hormones, have been the focus of many studies. An inverse relationship
      between fitness and stress or sex hormone concentrations has been widely assumed,
      although empirical evidence is scarce. Feathers gradually accumulate hormones
      during their growth and provide a novel way to measure hormone concentrations
      integrated over time. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we
      measured testosterone, corticosterone and cortisol in the feathers of house
      sparrows (Passer domesticus) in a wild population which is the subject of a long
      term study. Although corticosterone is considered the dominant avian
      glucocorticoid, we unambiguously identified cortisol in feathers. In addition, we
      found that feathers grown during the post-nuptial moult in autumn contained
      testosterone, corticosterone and cortisol levels that were significantly higher
      in birds that subsequently died over the following winter than in birds that
      survived. Thus, feather steroids are candidate prospective biomarkers to predict
      the future survival of individuals in the wild.

PMID- 22090381
TI  - Evolution of spur-length diversity in Aquilegia petals is achieved solely through
      cell-shape anisotropy.
AB  - The role of petal spurs and specialized pollinator interactions has been studied
      since Darwin. Aquilegia petal spurs exhibit striking size and shape diversity,
      correlated with specialized pollinators ranging from bees to hawkmoths in a
      textbook example of adaptive radiation. Despite the evolutionary significance of
      spur length, remarkably little is known about Aquilegia spur morphogenesis and
      its evolution. Using experimental measurements, both at tissue and cellular
      levels, combined with numerical modelling, we have investigated the relative
      roles of cell divisions and cell shape in determining the morphology of the
      Aquilegia petal spur. Contrary to decades-old hypotheses implicating a discrete
      meristematic zone as the driver of spur growth, we find that Aquilegia petal
      spurs develop via anisotropic cell expansion. Furthermore, changes in cell
      anisotropy account for 99 per cent of the spur-length variation in the genus,
      suggesting that the true evolutionary innovation underlying the rapid radiation
      of Aquilegia was the mechanism of tuning cell shape.

PMID- 22090382
TI  - High dispersal ability inhibits speciation in a continental radiation of
      passerine birds.
AB  - Dispersal can stimulate speciation by facilitating geographical expansion across
      barriers or inhibit speciation by maintaining gene flow among populations.
      Therefore, the relationship between dispersal ability and speciation rates can be
      positive or negative. Furthermore, an 'intermediate dispersal' model that
      combines positive and negative effects predicts a unimodal relationship between
      dispersal and diversification. Because both dispersal ability and speciation
      rates are difficult to quantify, empirical evidence for the relationship between
      dispersal and diversification remains scarce. Using a surrogate for flight
      performance and a species-level DNA-based phylogeny of a large South American
      bird radiation (the Furnariidae), we found that lineages with higher dispersal
      ability experienced lower speciation rates. We propose that the degree of
      fragmentation or permeability of the geographical setting together with the
      intermediate dispersal model are crucial in reconciling previous, often
      contradictory findings regarding the relationship between dispersal and
      diversification.

PMID- 22090383
TI  - Human activity selectively impacts the ecosystem roles of parrotfishes on coral
      reefs.
AB  - Around the globe, coral reefs and other marine ecosystems are increasingly
      overfished. Conventionally, studies of fishing impacts have focused on the
      population size and dynamics of targeted stocks rather than the broader ecosystem
      wide effects of harvesting. Using parrotfishes as an example, we show how coral
      reef fish populations respond to escalating fishing pressure across the Indian
      and Pacific Oceans. Based on these fish abundance data, we infer the potential
      impact on four key functional roles performed by parrotfishes. Rates of
      bioerosion and coral predation are highly sensitive to human activity, whereas
      grazing and sediment removal are resilient to fishing. Our results offer new
      insights into the vulnerability and resilience of coral reefs to the ever-growing
      human footprint. The depletion of fishes causes differential decline of key
      ecosystem functions, radically changing the dynamics of coral reefs and setting
      the stage for future ecological surprises.

PMID- 22090384
TI  - Bumble-bee learning selects for both early and long flowering in food-deceptive
      plants.
AB  - Most rewardless orchids engage in generalized food-deception, exhibiting floral
      traits typical of rewarding species and exploiting the instinctive foraging of
      pollinators. Generalized food-deceptive (GFD) orchids compete poorly with
      rewarding species for pollinator services, which may be overcome by flowering
      early in the growing season when relatively more pollinators are naive and fewer
      competing plant species are flowering, and/or flowering for extended periods to
      enhance the chance of pollinator visits. We tested these hypotheses by
      manipulating flowering time and duration in a natural population of Calypso
      bulbosa and quantifying pollinator visitation based on pollen removal. Both early
      and long flowering increased bumble-bee visitation compared with late and brief
      flowering, respectively. To identify the cause of reduced visitation during late
      flowering, we tested whether negative experience with C. bulbosa (avoidance
      learning) and positive experience with a rewarding species, Arctostaphylos uva
      ursi, (associative learning) by captive bumble-bees could reduce C. bulbosa's
      competitiveness. Avoidance learning explained the higher visitation of early-
      compared with late-flowering C. bulbosa. The resulting pollinator-mediated
      selection for early flowering may commonly affect GFD orchids, explaining their
      tendency to flower earlier than rewarding orchids. For dissimilar deceptive and
      rewarding sympatric species, associative learning may additionally favour early
      flowering by GFD species.

PMID- 22090385
TI  - Microbial to reef scale interactions between the reef-building coral Montastraea
      annularis and benthic algae.
AB  - Competition between reef-building corals and benthic algae is of key importance
      for reef dynamics. These interactions occur on many spatial scales, ranging from
      chemical to regional. Using microprobes, 16S rDNA pyrosequencing and underwater
      surveys, we examined the interactions between the reef-building coral Montastraea
      annularis and four types of benthic algae. The macroalgae Dictyota bartayresiana
      and Halimeda opuntia, as well as a mixed consortium of turf algae, caused hypoxia
      on the adjacent coral tissue. Turf algae were also associated with major shifts
      in the bacterial communities at the interaction zones, including more pathogens
      and virulence genes. In contrast to turf algae, interactions with crustose
      coralline algae (CCA) and M. annularis did not appear to be antagonistic at any
      scale. These zones were not hypoxic, the microbes were not pathogen-like and the
      abundance of coral-CCA interactions was positively correlated with per cent coral
      cover. We propose a model in which fleshy algae (i.e. some species of turf and
      fleshy macroalgae) alter benthic competition dynamics by stimulating bacterial
      respiration and promoting invasion of virulent bacteria on corals. This gives
      fleshy algae a competitive advantage over corals when human activities, such as
      overfishing and eutrophication, remove controls on algal abundance. Together,
      these results demonstrate the intricate connections and mechanisms that structure
      coral reefs.

PMID- 22090386
TI  - Variation in annual and lifetime reproductive success of lance-tailed manakins:
      alpha experience mitigates effects of senescence on siring success.
AB  - The causes of variation in individual reproductive success over a lifetime are
      not well understood. In long-lived vertebrates, reproductive output usually
      increases during early adulthood, but it is difficult to disentangle the roles of
      development and learning on this gain of reproductive success. Lekking lance
      tailed manakins provide an opportunity to separate these processes, as the vast
      majority of male reproduction occurs after a bird obtains alpha status and
      maintains a display area in the lek, but the age at which males achieve alpha
      status varies widely. Using 11 years of longitudinal data on age, social status
      and genetic siring success, I assessed the factors influencing variation in
      siring success by individuals over their lifetimes. The data show increases in
      annual reproductive success with both age and alpha experience. At advanced ages,
      these gains were offset by senescence in fecundity. Individual ontogeny, rather
      than compositional change of the population, generated a nonlinear relationship
      of breeding tenure with lifetime success; age of assuming alpha status was
      unrelated to tenure as a breeder, or success in the alpha role. Importantly,
      these findings suggest that social experience can mitigate the negative effects
      of senescence in older breeders.

PMID- 22090387
TI  - Relevance of evolutionary history for food web structure.
AB  - Explaining the structure of ecosystems is one of the great challenges of ecology.
      Simple models for food web structure aim at disentangling the complexity of
      ecological interaction networks and detect the main forces that are responsible
      for their shape. Trophic interactions are influenced by species traits, which in
      turn are largely determined by evolutionary history. Closely related species are
      more likely to share similar traits, such as body size, feeding mode and habitat
      preference than distant ones. Here, we present a theoretical framework for
      analysing whether evolutionary history--represented by taxonomic classification-
      provides valuable information on food web structure. In doing so, we measure
      which taxonomic ranks better explain species interactions. Our analysis is based
      on partitioning of the species into taxonomic units. For each partition, we
      compute the likelihood that a probabilistic model for food web structure
      reproduces the data using this information. We find that taxonomic partitions
      produce significantly higher likelihoods than expected at random. Marginal
      likelihoods (Bayes factors) are used to perform model selection among taxonomic
      ranks. We show that food webs are best explained by the coarser taxonomic ranks
      (kingdom to class). Our methods provide a way to explicitly include evolutionary
      history in models for food web structure.

PMID- 22090388
TI  - Invasive rats and recent colonist birds partially compensate for the loss of
      endemic New Zealand pollinators.
AB  - Reported declines of pollinator populations around the world have led to
      increasing concerns about the consequences for pollination as a critical
      ecosystem function and service. Pollination could be maintained through
      compensation if remaining pollinators increase their contribution or if novel
      species are recruited as pollinators, but empirical evidence of this compensation
      is so far lacking. Using a natural experiment in New Zealand where endemic
      vertebrate pollinators still occur on one offshore island reserve despite their
      local extinction on the adjacent North Island, we investigated whether
      compensation could maintain pollination in the face of pollinator extinctions. We
      show that two recently arrived species in New Zealand, the invasive ship rat
      (Rattus rattus) and the recent colonist silvereye (Zosterops lateralis; a
      passerine bird), at least partly maintain pollination for three forest plant
      species in northern New Zealand, and without this compensation, these plants
      would be significantly more pollen-limited. This study provides empirical
      evidence that widespread non-native species can play an important role in
      maintaining ecosystem functions, a role that needs to be assessed when planning
      invasive species control or eradication programmes.

PMID- 22090389
TI  - An ecological approach to assessing the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance
      in animal and human populations.
AB  - We examined long-term surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in
      Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 (DT104) isolates from concurrently sampled and
      sympatric human and animal populations in Scotland. Using novel ecological and
      epidemiological approaches to examine diversity, and phenotypic and temporal
      relatedness of the resistance profiles, we assessed the more probable source of
      resistance of these two populations. The ecological diversity of AMR phenotypes
      was significantly greater in human isolates than in animal isolates, at the
      resolution of both sample and population. Of 5200 isolates, there were 65
      resistance phenotypes, 13 unique to animals, 30 unique to humans and 22 were
      common to both. Of these 22, 11 were identified first in the human isolates,
      whereas only five were identified first in the animal isolates. We conclude that,
      while ecologically connected, animals and humans have distinguishable DT104
      communities, differing in prevalence, linkage and diversity. Furthermore, we
      infer that the sympatric animal population is unlikely to be the major source of
      resistance diversity for humans. This suggests that current policy emphasis on
      restricting antimicrobial use in domestic animals may be overly simplistic. While
      these conclusions pertain to DT104 in Scotland, this approach could be applied to
      AMR in other bacteria-host ecosystems.

PMID- 22090390
TI  - Infectious personalities: behavioural syndromes and disease risk in larval
      amphibians.
AB  - Behavioural consistency or predictability through time and/or different contexts
      ('syndromes' or 'personality types') is likely to have substantial influence on
      animal life histories and fitness. Consequently, there is much interest in the
      forces driving and maintaining various syndromes. Individual host behaviours have
      been associated with susceptibility to parasitism, yet the role of pre-existing
      personality types in acquiring infections has not been investigated
      experimentally. Using a larval amphibian-trematode parasite model system, we
      report that tadpoles generally showed consistency in their activity level in
      response to both novel food and parasite exposure. Not only were individual
      activity level and exploration in the novel food context correlated with each
      other and with anti-parasite behaviour, all three were significant predictors of
      host parasite load. This is the first empirical demonstration that host
      behaviours in other contexts are related to behaviours mitigating infection risk
      and, ultimately, host parasite load. We suggest that this system illustrates how
      reliably high levels of activity and exploratory behaviour in different contexts
      might maximize both energy acquisition and resistance to trematode parasites.
      Such benefits could drive selection for the behavioural syndrome seen here owing
      to the life histories and ecological circumstances typical of wood frog
      (Lithobates sylvaticus) larvae.

PMID- 22090391
TI  - Diversification of acorn worms (Hemichordata, Enteropneusta) revealed in the deep
      sea.
AB  - Enteropneusts (phylum Hemichordata), although studied extensively because of
      their close relationship to chordates, have long been considered shallow-water,
      burrowing animals. The present paper more than doubles the number of enteropneust
      species recorded in the deep sea based on high-resolution imaging and sampling
      with remotely operated vehicles. We provide direct evidence that some
      enteropneusts are highly mobile-using changes in posture and currents to drift
      between feeding sites-and are prominent members of deep, epibenthic communities.
      In addition, we provide ecological information for each species. We also show
      that despite their great morphological diversity, most deep-living enteropneusts
      form a single clade (the rediagnosed family Torquaratoridae) on the basis of rDNA
      sequences and morphology of the proboscis skeleton and stomochord. The
      phylogenetic position of the torquaratorids indicates that the group, after
      evolving from near-shore ancestors, radiated extensively in the deep sea.

PMID- 22090392
TI  - Electron microscopy redux.

PMID- 22090393
TI  - Composite mantle cell and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: report of two cases.
AB  - Composite lymphomas are rare and involve the concurrent evolution of 2 distinct
      lymphoma types within a single organ or tissue. This study describes 2 cases of
      composite mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL),
      which has not previously been reported. Each case demonstrated distinct
      populations of CD20 positive small and large atypical B cells. In both cases,
      only the small lymphocytes were positive for CD5 and cyclin D1, and fluorescence
      in situ hybridization (FISH) showed a t(11;14) translocation in the small
      lymphocytes but not in the large cells. Molecular studies for B-cell clonality
      showed a possible clonal relationship between the 2 components in one case but
      not the other. This study describes in detail the morphology, immunophenotype,
      FISH, and molecular analysis of both components in each case. To the authors'
      knowledge, this represents the first report of juxtaposition of MCL with DLBCL
      that does not represent transformation of the mantle cell component.

PMID- 22090394
TI  - Structural analysis of a bacterial exo-alpha-D-N-acetylglucosaminidase in complex
      with an unusual disaccharide found in class III mucin.
AB  - CpGH89 is a family 89 glycoside hydrolase with exo-alpha-D-N
      acetylglucosaminidase activity that is produced by the human and animal pathogen
      Clostridium perfringens. This enzyme is active on the alpha-D-GlcpNAc-(1 -> 4)-D
      Galp motif that is displayed on the class III mucins within the gastric mucosa.
      Other members of this enzyme family, such as human NAGLU, are active on heparan.
      A truncated version of CpGH89 was rendered inactive through the mutation of two
      key catalytic residues, the protein crystallized and its structure determined in
      complex with alpha-D-GlcpNAc-(1 -> 4)-D-Galp to reveal the molecular details of
      how this unique disaccharide is recognized by CpGH89. An analysis of this
      substrate complex not only provides insight into how this enzyme selects for its
      mucin-presented substrate but also advances our understanding of how its
      clinically relevant mammalian counterparts are specific for heparan.

PMID- 22090395
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, crossover comparison of MK-0929 and placebo in the
      treatment of adults with ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preclinical models, receptor localization, and genetic linkage data
      support the role of D4 receptors in the etiology of ADHD. This proof-of-concept
      study was designed to evaluate MK-0929, a selective D4 receptor antagonist as
      treatment for adult ADHD. METHOD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      crossover study was conducted in adults with primary ADHD. The primary end point
      was changed from baseline in total score on the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom
      Rating Scale following a 4-week treatment regimen. Additional measures included
      Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,
      and Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale and D4 genotype analysis. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant treatment differences were found between MK-0929 and
      placebo in any of the primary or secondary assessments. CONCLUSION: Results from
      this study suggest that blockade of the D4 receptor alone is not efficacious in
      the treatment of adult ADHD.

PMID- 22090396
TI  - A review of neurofeedback treatment for pediatric ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to review all randomized published trials
      and unpublished conference presentations on the neurofeedback (NF) treatment of
      pediatric ADHD, and their relevance, strengths, and limitations. METHOD: Via
      PsychInfo and Medline searches and contacts with NF researchers 14 studies were
      identified and reviewed. RESULTS: The majority were conducted from 1994 to 2010,
      with 5- to 15-year-olds, usually male and White with the combined type of ADHD.
      Most studies used theta/beta NF with a unipolar-electrode placement at Cz and
      demonstrated, where reported, an overall ADHD mean effect size of d = 0.69, a
      medium effect. Main study strengths, within some studies, include use of
      randomization, treatment control conditions, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
      Mental Disorders criteria, evidence-based assessment of ADHD, standard treatment
      outcome measures, multidomain assessment, and, for some studies, moderate sample
      size, some type of blind and the identification of medication as a concomitant
      treatment. Main study limitations (and directions for future research) include
      the lack of adequate blinding of participants, raters and NF trainers, a sham
      NF/blinded control treatment condition, posttreatment follow-up,
      generalizability, specific details about delivery of NF, identification and
      control of comorbidity, and the identification, measurement, and control of
      concomitant treatments and potential side effects. CONCLUSION: Based on the
      results and methodologies of published studies, this review concludes that NF for
      pediatric ADHD can be currently considered as "probably efficacious."

PMID- 22090398
TI  - Involvement of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus related to sequence
      type 25 and harboring pvl genes in a case of carotid cavernous fistula after
      community-associated sepsis.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes has become
      the cause of life-threatening infections. We describe a case of carotid cavernous
      fistula after bacteremia in a 12-year-old male, caused by a methicillin
      susceptible S. aureus isolate carrying the pvl, fnbA, and ebpS genes and related
      to sequence type 25 (ST25). The patient's condition was complicated by pleural
      empyema and osteomyelitis in the right femur. The patient was discharged in good
      clinical condition after 160 days of hospitalization.

PMID- 22090399
TI  - Relapse of Serratia marcescens sternal osteitis 15 years after the first episode.
AB  - Sternal osteitis, a potential consequence of cardiac surgery, remains rare. The
      bacteria involved belong mostly to the genus Staphylococcus. Sternal infections
      caused by Serratia marcescens are exceptional. We report an unusual recurrence of
      sternal infection with S. marcescens, 15 years after the initial episode. The
      identities of the isolates were determined by genomic analysis.

PMID- 22090400
TI  - Yield of sputum for viral detection by reverse transcriptase PCR in adults
      hospitalized with respiratory illness.
AB  - Diagnostic tests for respiratory viral infections have traditionally been
      performed on nasopharyngeal swabs or washings. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)
      is rapid, sensitive, and specific for viral infection diagnosis but is rarely
      applied to sputum samples. Thus, we evaluated the diagnostic yield of RT-PCR for
      detection of nine virus types by the use of nose and throat swabs (NTS) and
      sputum samples from patients admitted to the hospital with acute respiratory
      tract illnesses. Adults hospitalized with acute respiratory tract illnesses were
      recruited during the winters of 2008 and 2009. At enrollment, combined nose and
      throat swabs and sputum samples were collected for RT-PCR for detection of nine
      common respiratory virus types. A total of 532 subjects admitted for 556
      respiratory illnesses were enrolled. A total of 189 virus strains were
      identified. The diagnostic yields for detection of any virus were 23% (126/556)
      for NTS RT-PCR and 36% (146/404) for sputum RT-PCR. A total of 83 (44%) of 189
      viral detections were positive by both methods, 43 (23%) were positive by NTS
      alone, and 63 (33%) were positive only with sputum samples. The inclusion of RT
      PCR performed with sputum samples significantly increased the diagnostic yield
      for respiratory viral infections in adults. Further studies designed to adapt the
      use of sputum samples for commercial RT-PCR respiratory virus assays are needed.

PMID- 22090401
TI  - Direct maldi-tof mass spectrometry assay of blood culture broths for rapid
      identification of Candida species causing bloodstream infections: an
      observational study in two large microbiology laboratories.
AB  - We evaluated the reliability of the Bruker Daltonik's MALDI Biotyper system in
      species-level identification of yeasts directly from blood culture bottles.
      Identification results were concordant with those of the conventional culture
      based method for 95.9% of Candida albicans (187/195) and 86.5% of non-albicans
      Candida species (128/148). Results were available in 30 min (median), suggesting
      that this approach is a reliable, time-saving tool for routine identification of
      Candida species causing bloodstream infection.

PMID- 22090402
TI  - Prevalence and sequence variation of panton-valentine leukocidin in methicillin
      resistant and methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus strains in the United
      States.
AB  - Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), encoded by the lukSF-PV genes, is a putative
      virulence factor and marker for community-associated methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus. Here we report the prevalence of PVL among a
      representative sample of 1,055 S. aureus infection isolates from the United
      States and describe the sequence variation of the lukSF-PV genes. We performed
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on all isolates and sequenced fragments of the
      lukSF-PV genes from a sample of 86 isolates. We assigned isolates to a PVL R or H
      sequence type based on a polymorphism that results in an amino acid change from
      arginine (R) to histidine (H). Overall, we found that 36% of S. aureus isolates
      were positive for lukSF-PV. Among the 86 we typed, we identified 72 R variants
      and 14 H variants. Among the 47 methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) isolates,
      43 harbored the R variant, and among the 39 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus
      (MSSA) isolates, 29 harbored the R variant. Almost all (97%) of the R variants
      were found in MLST clonal complex 8 (CC8), while the H variant was broadly
      distributed among 6 CCs. Within CC8, all 38 MRSA (USA300) and all 28 MSSA
      isolates harbored the R variant. Of the 20 isolates from blood and the lower
      respiratory tract, 19 (95%) harbored the R variant. While the R variant had been
      linked primarily to USA300 MRSA, we found that all CC8 MSSA isolates also
      contained the R variant, suggesting that some strains of USA300 may have lost
      methicillin resistance as an adaptation in the community.

PMID- 22090403
TI  - Comparison of the hybrid capture 2 and cobas 4800 tests for detection of high
      risk human papillomavirus in specimens collected in PreservCyt medium.
AB  - Clinical cervical cytology specimens (n = 466) collected in PreservCyt (Hologic
      Inc.) were used to evaluate the agreement between Hybrid Capture 2 (hc2; Qiagen)
      and cobas 4800 (c4800; Roche Molecular Diagnostics) for the detection of high
      risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) genotype infections. The agreement between the
      two assays was 93.8% (kappa = 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.828 to 0.918),
      with 186 and 251 concordant positive and negative results, respectively. All 186
      concordant positives were confirmed using the Linear Array (LA; Roche Molecular
      Diagnostics) genotyping test. Of the 29 samples with discordant results (6.2%),
      18 were hc2 positive and LA verified 17 as positive for HR HPV. Eleven discordant
      specimens were c4800 positive, and LA confirmed 5 as positive for HR HPV. As of
      October 2009, practice guidelines in Alberta, Canada, recommend reflex HPV
      testing for women over 30 years old with atypical squamous cells of undetermined
      significance (ASCUS) and for women over 50 years old with low-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) to help prioritize those who should undergo
      further evaluation. In this study, agreement between hc2 and c4800 results for
      samples from women over 30 years old with ASCUS cytology was 92.3% (n = 13),
      while no samples from women over 50 years old with LSIL cytology were identified
      for analysis.

PMID- 22090404
TI  - Application of a microcalorimetric method for determining drug susceptibility in
      mycobacterium species.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a global public health concern, particularly with
      the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Immediate identification of drug
      resistant strains is crucial to administering appropriate treatment before the
      bacteria are allowed to spread. However, developing countries, which are most
      affected by drug resistance, are struggling to combat the disease without the
      facilities or funds for expensive diagnostics. Recent studies have emphasized the
      suitability of isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) for the rapid detection of
      mycobacteria. In this study, we investigate its suitability for rapid and
      reliable M. tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing. Specifically, IMC was used
      to determine the MICs of three drugs, namely, isoniazid, ethambutol, and
      moxifloxacin, against three mycobacteria, namely, Mycobacterium smegmatis,
      Mycobacterium avium, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Richards growth model
      was used to calculate growth parameters, namely, the maximum bacterial growth
      rate and the lag phase duration from integrated heat flow-versus-time results.
      For example, MICs of isoniazid, ethambutol, and moxifloxacin were determined to
      be 1.00, 8.00, and 0.25 MUg/ml, respectively. IMC, as described here, could be
      used not just in industrialized countries but also in developing countries
      because inexpensive and sensitive microcalorimeters are now available.

PMID- 22090405
TI  - It is time to use treponema-specific antibody screening tests for diagnosis of
      syphilis.
AB  - Assays that detect treponema-specific antibodies, which are either automated or
      can be done as point-of-care tests, have been developed, some of which are FDA
      approved. These assays have the advantage of being easily performed and
      demonstrate high sensitivity, both key features of an infectious disease
      screening test. As a result, many high-volume clinical laboratories have begun to
      offer a reverse syphilis testing algorithm where a treponema-specific test is
      used for screening, followed by a nontreponemal test (i.e., rapid plasma reagin
      [RPR]) to assess disease activity and treatment status. Concerns about physicians
      being able to understand and apply this new testing algorithm have been expressed
      (8). In this point-counterpoint, Michael Loeffelholz of the University of Texas
      Medical Branch at Galveston explains why his laboratory has adopted this reverse
      algorithmic approach. Matthew Binnicker of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN,
      explains why the reverse algorithm may not be suitable for all clinical
      laboratories and every clinical situation.

PMID- 22090407
TI  - Direct comparison of the traditional and reverse syphilis screening algorithms in
      a population with a low prevalence of syphilis.
AB  - We describe the first direct comparison of the reverse and traditional syphilis
      screening algorithms in a population with a low prevalence of syphilis. Among
      1,000 patients tested, the results for 6 patients were falsely reactive by
      reverse screening, compared to none by traditional testing. However, reverse
      screening identified 2 patients with possible latent syphilis that were not
      detected by rapid plasma reagin (RPR).

PMID- 22090406
TI  - Development of a multiplex PCR assay for detection and genogrouping of Neisseria
      meningitidis.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis is a leading pathogen of epidemic bacterial meningitis and
      fulminant sepsis worldwide. Twelve different N. meningitidis serogroups have been
      identified to date based on antigenic differences in the capsular polysaccharide.
      However, more than 90% of human cases of N. meningitidis meningitis are the
      result of infection with just five serogroups, A, B, C, W135, and Y. Efficient
      methods of detection and genogrouping of N. meningitidis isolates are needed,
      therefore, in order to monitor prevalent serogroups as a means of disease control
      and prevention. The capsular gene complex regions have been sequenced from only
      seven out of the 12 serogroups. In this study, the capsular gene complexes of the
      remaining five serogroups were sequenced and analyzed. Primers were designed that
      were specific for N. meningitidis species and for the 12 individual serogroups,
      and a multiplex PCR assay using these specific primers was developed for N.
      meningitidis detection and genogrouping. The assay was tested using 15 reference
      strains covering all 12 serogroups, 143 clinical isolates, and 21 strains from
      closely related species or from species that cause meningitis. The assay could
      detect N. meningitidis serogroups and was shown to be specific, with a detection
      sensitivity of 1 ng of genomic DNA (equivalent to ~4 * 10(5) genomes) or 3 *
      10(5) CFU/ml in noncultured mock cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens. This study,
      therefore, describes for the first time the development of a molecular protocol
      for the detection of all N. meningitidis serogroups. This multiplex PCR-based
      assay may have use for the clinical diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of
      N. meningitidis.

PMID- 22090408
TI  - Performance assessment of the CapitalBio mycobacterium identification array
      system for identification of mycobacteria.
AB  - The CapitalBio Mycobacterium identification microarray system is a rapid system
      for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The performance of this system
      was assessed with 24 reference strains, 486 Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical
      isolates, and 40 clinical samples and then compared to the "gold standard" of DNA
      sequencing. The CapitalBio Mycobacterium identification microarray system showed
      highly concordant identification results of 100% and 98.4% for Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis complex (MTC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), respectively.
      The sensitivity and specificity of the CapitalBio Mycobacterium identification
      array for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were 99.6% and
      100%, respectively, for direct detection and identification of clinical samples,
      and the overall sensitivity was 52.5%. It was 100% for sputum, 16.7% for pleural
      fluid, and 10% for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, respectively. The total assay
      was completed in 6 h, including DNA extraction, PCR, and hybridization. The
      results of this study confirm the utility of this system for the rapid
      identification of mycobacteria and suggest that the CapitalBio Mycobacterium
      identification array is a molecular diagnostic technique with high sensitivity
      and specificity that has the capacity to quickly identify most mycobacteria.

PMID- 22090409
TI  - Validation of pncA gene sequencing in combination with the mycobacterial growth
      indicator tube method to test susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to
      pyrazinamide.
AB  - Pyrazinamide is important in the treatment of tuberculosis. Unfortunately, the
      diagnosis of pyrazinamide resistance is hampered by technical difficulties. We
      hypothesized that mutation analysis combined with the mycobacterial growth
      indicator tube (MGIT) phenotypic method would be a good predictor of pyrazinamide
      resistance. We prospectively analyzed 1,650 M. tuberculosis isolates referred to
      our tuberculosis reference laboratory in 2008 and 2009. In our laboratory, the
      MGIT 960 system was used for pyrazinamide resistance screening. If a pyrazinamide
      resistant strain was detected, we performed a pncA gene mutation analysis. A
      second MGIT 960 susceptibility assay was performed afterwards to evaluate the
      accuracy of the pncA mutation analysis to detect true- or false-positive MGIT
      results. We observed pyrazinamide resistance in 69 samples using the first MGIT
      960 analysis. In a second MGIT 960 analysis, 47 of the 69 samples proved
      susceptible (68% false positivity). Sensitivity of nonsynonymous pncA mutations
      for detecting resistant isolates was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61% to
      73%), and specificity was 100% (95% CI, 95% to 100%). A diagnostic algorithm
      incorporating phenotypic and molecular methods would have a 100% positive
      predictive value for detecting pyrazinamide-resistant isolates, indicating that
      such an algorithm, based on both methods, is a good predictor for pyrazinamide
      resistance in routine diagnostics.

PMID- 22090410
TI  - Comparison of microscopy and PCR for detection of intestinal parasites in Danish
      patients supports an incentive for molecular screening platforms.

PMID- 22090411
TI  - Characterization and comparison of invasive Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolates
      from France and Poland.
AB  - Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the agent of diphtheria, is rarely responsible for
      bacteremia. However, high numbers of bacteremia have been reported in countries
      with extensive immunization coverage. Here, we used molecular and phenotypic
      tools to characterize and compare 42 invasive isolates collected in France
      (including New Caledonia) and Poland over a 23-year period.

PMID- 22090412
TI  - Validation of a large-scale audit technique for CT dose optimisation.
AB  - The expansion and increasing availability of computed tomography (CT) imaging
      means that there is a greater need for the development of efficient optimisation
      strategies that are able to inform clinical practice, without placing a
      significant burden on limited departmental resources. One of the most fundamental
      aspects to any optimisation programme is the collection of patient dose
      information, which can be compared with appropriate diagnostic reference levels.
      This study has investigated the implementation of a large-scale audit technique,
      which utilises data that already exist in the radiology information system, to
      determine typical doses for a range of examinations on four CT scanners. This
      method has been validated against what is considered the 'gold standard'
      technique for patient dose audits, and it has been demonstrated that results
      equivalent to the 'standard-sized patient' can be inferred from this much larger
      data set. This is particularly valuable where CT optimisation is concerned as it
      is considered a 'high dose' technique, and hence close monitoring of patient dose
      is particularly important.

PMID- 22090413
TI  - Natural activity concentrations in bottled drinking water and consequent doses.
AB  - The radioactivity concentrations of nuclides (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K in bottled
      drinking water from six different manufacturers from Turkey were measured using
      high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. The measurement was done using a coaxial
      high-purity germanium detector system coupled to Ortec-Dspect jr digital MCA
      system. The average measured activity concentrations of the nuclides (238)U,
      (232)Th and (40)K are found to be 0.781, 1.05 and 2.19 Bq l(-1), respectively.
      The measured activity concentrations have been compared with similar studies from
      different locations. The annual effective doses for ingestion of radionuclides in
      the water are found to be 0.0246 mSv for (238)U and 0.169 mSv for (232)Th.

PMID- 22090414
TI  - A survey on performance status of mammography machines: image quality and
      dosimetry studies using a standard mammography imaging phantom.
AB  - It is essential to perform quality control (QC) tests on mammography equipment in
      order to produce an appropriate image quality at a lower radiation dose to
      patients. Imaging and dosimetric measurements on 15 mammography machines located
      at the busiest radiology centres of Mumbai, India were carried out using a
      standard CIRS breast imaging phantom in order to see the level of image quality
      and breast doses. The QC tests include evaluations of image quality and the mean
      glandular doses (MGD), which is derived from the breast entrance exposure, half
      value layer (HVL), compressed breast thickness (CBT) and breast tissue
      compositions. At the majority of the centres, film-processing and darkroom
      conditions were not found to be maintained, which is required to meet the
      technical development specifications for the mammography film in use as
      recommended by the American College of Radiology (ACR). In most of the surveyed
      centres, the viewbox luminance and room illuminance conditions were not found to
      be in line with the mammography requirements recommended by the ACR. The measured
      HVL values of the machines were in the range of 0.27-0.39 mm aluminium (Al) with
      a mean value of 0.33+/-0.04 mm Al at 28 kV(p) following the recommendation
      provided by ACR. The measured MGDs were in the range of 0.14-3.80 mGy with a mean
      value of 1.34 mGy. The measured MGDs vary between centre to centre by a factor of
      27.14. Referring to patient doses and image quality, it was observed that only
      one mammography centre has exceeded the recommended MGD, i.e. 3.0 mGy per view
      with the value of 3.80 mGy and at eight mammography centres the measured central
      background density (CBD) values for mammography phantom image are found to be
      less than the recommended CBD limit value of 1.2-2.0 optical density.

PMID- 22090415
TI  - Environmental radioactivity measurements in Greece following the Fukushima Daichi
      nuclear accident.
AB  - Since the double disaster of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that
      affected hundreds of thousands of people and seriously damaged the Fukushima
      Daichi power plant in Japan on 11 March 2011, traces of radioactive emissions
      from Fukushima have spread across the entire northern hemisphere. The radioactive
      isotope of iodine (131)I that was generated by the nuclear accident in Fukushima
      arrived in Greece on 24 March 2011. Radioactive iodine is present in the air
      either as gas or bound to particles (aerosols). The maximum (131)I concentrations
      were measured between 3 and 5 April 2011. In aerosols the maximum (131)I values
      measured in Southern Greece (Athens) and Northern Greece (Thessaloniki) were
      585+/-70 and 408+/-61 MUBetaq m(-3), respectively. (131)I concentrations in gas
      were about 3.5 times higher than in aerosols. Since 29 April 2011, the (131)I
      concentration has been below detection limits. Traces of (137)Cs and (134)Cs were
      also measured in the air filters with an activity ratio of (137)Cs/(134)Cs equal
      to 1 and (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratio of about 3. Since 16 May 2011, the (137)Cs
      concentration in air has been determined to be about the same as before the
      Fukushima accident. Traces of (131)I were also measured in grass and milk. The
      maximum measured activity of (131)I in sheep milk was about 2 Bq l(-1) which is
      5000 times less than that measured in Greece immediately after the Chernobyl
      accident. The measured activity concentrations of artificial radionuclides in
      Greece due to the Fukushima release, have been very low, with no impact on human
      health.

PMID- 22090416
TI  - Estimation of intakes of 131I, 137Cs and 134Cs after the Chernobyl accident.
AB  - Activities of (131)I and (137)Cs excreted in urine from two healthy males during
      May 1986, when contaminated air masses from Chernobyl arrived on the territory of
      the Czech Republic, were determined by bioassay. The data were used to estimate
      the intakes and committed effective doses from these radionuclides. The results
      for inhalation intakes are of particular interest, in the absence of sufficient
      contemporary data for airborne activity. They are found to be higher than initial
      estimates based on air sampling.

PMID- 22090417
TI  - Dosimetric investigation of the solar erythemal UV radiation protection provided
      by beards and moustaches.
AB  - A dosimetric technique has been employed to establish the amount of erythemal
      ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protection provided by facial hair considering the
      influence of solar zenith angle (SZA) and beard-moustache length. The facial hair
      reduced the exposure ratios (ERs) to approximately one-third of those to the
      sites with no hair. The variation in the ERs over the different sites was reduced
      compared with the cases with no beard. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
      provided by the facial hair ranged from 2 to 21. The UPF decreases with
      increasing SZA. The minimum UPF was in the 53-62 degrees  range. The longer hair
      provides a higher UPF at the smaller SZA, but the difference between the
      protection provided by the longer hair compared with the shorter hair reduces
      with increasing SZA. Protection from UVR is provided by the facial hair; however,
      it is not very high, particularly at the higher SZA.

PMID- 22090418
TI  - Measurement of gastric emptying time of solids in healthy subjects using
      scintigraphic method: a revised technique.
AB  - The gastric emptying half time (GET) of solid food in 24 healthy volunteers
      (11M/13F) was evaluated using a revised technique and a gamma camera scan. Within
      20 min and after 8 h of fasting, each volunteer ate two pieces of toast with a
      two-egg-omelette that was mixed with 18.5 MBq (99m)Tc-labelled phytate. The raw
      data were analysed in the MATLAB program to establish the gastric intestine tract
      (GI tract) biokinetic model. The GI tract model defines the metabolic mechanism
      with reference to five compartments, which are stomach, body fluid, small
      intestine (SI), upper large intestine and lower large intestine, according to the
      ICRP-30 report. The model was expressed using four simultaneous time-dependent
      differential equations. The gastric emptying half-time and T(1/2eff)(SI) of males
      were 62.6+/-15.4 and 149.8+/-204.1 min, respectively, and those of females were
      98.8+/-16.3 and 131.6+/-38.4 min.

PMID- 22090419
TI  - Plumbagin inhibits osteoclastogenesis and reduces human breast cancer-induced
      osteolytic bone metastasis in mice through suppression of RANKL signaling.
AB  - Bone loss is one of the major complications of advanced cancers such as breast
      cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma; agents that can suppress this bone
      loss have therapeutic potential. Extensive research within the last decade has
      revealed that RANKL, a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, plays a
      major role in cancer-associated bone resorption and thus is a therapeutic target.
      We investigated the potential of vitamin K3 analogue plumbagin (derived from
      Chitrak, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant) to modulate RANKL signaling,
      osteoclastogenesis, and breast cancer-induced osteolysis. Plumbagin suppressed
      RANKL-induced NF-kappaB activation in mouse monocytes, an osteoclast precursor
      cell, through sequential inhibition of activation of IkappaBalpha kinase,
      IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, and IkappaBalpha degradation. Plumbagin also
      suppressed differentiation of these cells into osteoclasts induced either by
      RANKL or by human breast cancer or human multiple myeloma cells. When examined
      for its ability to prevent human breast cancer-induced bone loss in animals,
      plumbagin (2 mg/kg body weight) administered via the intraperitoneal route
      significantly decreased osteolytic lesions, resulting in preservation of bone
      volume in nude mice bearing human breast tumors. Overall, our results indicate
      that plumbagin, a vitamin K analogue, is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis
      induced by tumor cells and of breast cancer-induced osteolytic metastasis through
      suppression of RANKL signaling.

PMID- 22090420
TI  - Single-chain antibody-based immunotoxins targeting Her2/neu: design optimization
      and impact of affinity on antitumor efficacy and off-target toxicity.
AB  - Recombinant immunotoxins, consisting of single-chain variable fragments (scFv)
      genetically fused to polypeptide toxins, represent potentially effective
      candidates for cancer therapeutics. We evaluated the affinity of various anti
      Her2/neu scFv fused to recombinant gelonin (rGel) and its effect on antitumor
      efficacy and off-target toxicity. A series of rGel-based immunotoxins were
      created from the human anti-Her2/neu scFv C6.5 and various affinity mutants
      (designated ML3-9, MH3-B1, and B1D3) with affinities ranging from 10(-8) to 10(
      11) mol/L. Against Her2/neu-overexpressing tumor cells, immunotoxins with
      increasing affinity displayed improved internalization and enhanced autophagic
      cytotoxicity. Targeting indices were highest for the highest affinity B1D3/rGel
      construct. However, the addition of free Her2/neu extracellular domain (ECD)
      significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of B1D3/rGel because of immune complex
      formation. In contrast, ECD addition had little impact on the lower affinity
      constructs in vitro. In vivo studies against established BT474 M1 xenografts
      showed growth suppression by all immunotoxins. Surprisingly, therapy with the
      B1D3-rGel induced significant liver toxicity because of immune complex formation
      with shed Her2/neu antigen in circulation. The MH3-B1/rGel construct with
      intermediate affinity showed effective tumor growth inhibition without inducing
      hepatotoxicity or complex formation. These findings show that while high-affinity
      constructs can be potent antitumor agents, they may also be associated with
      mistargeting through the facile formation of complexes with soluble antigen
      leading to significant off-target toxicity. Constructs composed of intermediate
      affinity antibodies are also potent agents that are more resistant to immune
      complex formation. Therefore, affinity is an exceptionally important
      consideration when evaluating the design and efficacy of targeted therapeutics.

PMID- 22090421
TI  - In silico screening reveals structurally diverse, nanomolar inhibitors of NQO2
      that are functionally active in cells and can modulate NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - The National Cancer Institute chemical database has been screened using in silico
      docking to identify novel nanomolar inhibitors of NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2
      (NQO2). The inhibitors identified from the screen exhibit a diverse range of
      scaffolds and the structure of one of the inhibitors, NSC13000 cocrystalized with
      NQO2, has been solved. This has been used to aid the generation of a structure
      activity relationship between the computationally derived binding affinity and
      experimentally measured enzyme inhibitory potency. Many of the compounds are
      functionally active as inhibitors of NQO2 in cells at nontoxic concentrations. To
      show this, advantage was taken of the NQO2-mediated toxicity of the
      chemotherapeutic drug CB1954. The toxicity of this drug is substantially reduced
      when the function of NQO2 is inhibited, and many of the compounds achieve this in
      cells at nanomolar concentrations. The NQO2 inhibitors also attenuated TNFalpha
      mediated, NF-kB-driven transcriptional activity. The link between NQO2 and the
      regulation of NF-kB was confirmed by using short interfering RNA to NQO2 and by
      the observation that NRH, the cofactor for NQO2 enzyme activity, could regulate
      NF-kB activity in an NQO2-dependent manner. NF-kB is a potential therapeutic
      target and this study reveals an underlying mechanism that may be usable for
      developing new anticancer drugs.

PMID- 22090422
TI  - Tuberin and PRAS40 are anti-apoptotic gatekeepers during early human amniotic
      fluid stem-cell differentiation.
AB  - Embryoid bodies (EBs) are three-dimensional multicellular aggregates allowing the
      in vitro investigation of stem-cell differentiation processes mimicking early
      embryogenesis. Human amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells harbor high proliferation
      potential, do not raise the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells, have a lower
      risk for tumor development, do not need exogenic induction of pluripotency and
      are chromosomal stable. Starting from a single human AFS cell, EBs can be formed
      accompanied by the differentiation into cells of all three embryonic germ layers.
      Here, we report that siRNA-mediated knockdown of the endogenous tuberous
      sclerosis complex-2 (TSC2) gene product tuberin or of proline-rich Akt substrate
      of 40 kDa (PRAS40), the two major negative regulators of mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR), leads to massive apoptotic cell death during EB development of
      human AFS cells without affecting the endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal cell
      differentiation spectrum. Co-knockdown of endogenous mTOR demonstrated these
      effects to be mTOR-dependent. Our findings prove this enzyme cascade to be an
      essential anti-apoptotic gatekeeper of stem-cell differentiation during EB
      formation. These data allow new insights into the regulation of early stem-cell
      maintenance and differentiation and identify a new role of the tumor suppressor
      tuberin and the oncogenic protein PRAS40 with the relevance for a more detailed
      understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases associated with altered activities
      of these gene products.

PMID- 22090423
TI  - Altered dopamine metabolism and increased vulnerability to MPTP in mice with
      partial deficiency of mitochondrial complex I in dopamine neurons.
AB  - A variety of observations support the hypothesis that deficiency of complex I
      [reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH):ubiquinone oxidoreductase] of
      the mitochondrial respiratory chain plays a role in the pathophysiology of
      Parkinson's disease (PD). However, recent data from a study using mice with
      knockout of the complex I subunit NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase iron-sulfur
      protein 4 (Ndufs4) has challenged this concept as these mice show degeneration of
      non-dopamine neurons. In addition, primary dopamine (DA) neurons derived from
      such mice, reported to lack complex I activity, remain sensitive to toxins
      believed to act through inhibition of complex I. We tissue-specifically disrupted
      the Ndufs4 gene in mouse heart and found an apparent severe deficiency of complex
      I activity in disrupted mitochondria, whereas oxidation of substrates that result
      in entry of electrons at the level of complex I was only mildly reduced in intact
      isolated heart mitochondria. Further analyses of detergent-solubilized
      mitochondria showed the mutant complex I to be unstable but capable of forming
      supercomplexes with complex I enzyme activity. The loss of Ndufs4 thus causes
      only a mild complex I deficiency in vivo. We proceeded to disrupt Ndufs4 in
      midbrain DA neurons and found no overt neurodegeneration, no loss of striatal
      innervation and no symptoms of Parkinsonism in tissue-specific knockout animals.
      However, DA homeostasis was abnormal with impaired DA release and increased
      levels of DA metabolites. Furthermore, Ndufs4 DA neuron knockouts were more
      vulnerable to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Taken
      together, these findings lend in vivo support to the hypothesis that complex I
      deficiency can contribute to the pathophysiology of PD.

PMID- 22090424
TI  - DelK32-lamin A/C has abnormal location and induces incomplete tissue maturation
      and severe metabolic defects leading to premature death.
AB  - The LMNA gene encodes lamin A/C intermediate filaments that polymerize beneath
      the nuclear membrane, and are also found in the nucleoplasm in an uncharacterized
      assembly state. They are thought to have structural functions and regulatory
      roles in signaling pathways via interaction with transcription factors. Mutations
      in LMNA have been involved in numerous inherited human diseases, including severe
      congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD). We created the Lmna(DeltaK32) knock-in
      mouse harboring a L-CMD mutation. Lmna(DeltaK32/DeltaK32) mice exhibited striated
      muscle maturation delay and metabolic defects, including reduced adipose tissue
      and hypoglycemia leading to premature death. The level of mutant proteins was
      markedly lower in Lmna(DeltaK32/DeltaK32), and while wild-type lamin A/C proteins
      were progressively relocated from nucleoplasmic foci to the nuclear rim during
      embryonic development, mutant proteins were maintained in nucleoplasmic foci. In
      the liver and during adipocyte differentiation, expression of DeltaK32-lamin A/C
      altered sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) transcriptional
      activities. Taken together, our results suggest that lamin A/C relocation at the
      nuclear lamina seems important for tissue maturation potentially by releasing its
      inhibitory function on transcriptional factors, including but not restricted to
      SREBP-1. And importantly, L-CMD patients should be investigated for putative
      metabolic disorders.

PMID- 22090425
TI  - Biochemical studies of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mph1 helicase on junction
      containing DNA structures.
AB  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mph1 is a 3-5' DNA helicase, required for the
      maintenance of genome integrity. In order to understand the ATPase/helicase role
      of Mph1 in genome stability, we characterized its helicase activity with a
      variety of DNA substrates, focusing on its action on junction structures
      containing three or four DNA strands. Consistent with its 3' to 5'
      directionality, Mph1 displaced 3'-flap substrates in double-fixed or
      equilibrating flap substrates. Surprisingly, Mph1 displaced the 5'-flap strand
      more efficiently than the 3' flap strand from double-flap substrates, which is
      not expected for a 3-5' DNA helicase. For this to occur, Mph1 required a
      threshold size (>5 nt) of 5' single-stranded DNA flap. Based on the unique
      substrate requirements of Mph1 defined in this study, we propose that the
      helicase/ATPase activity of Mph1 play roles in converting multiple-stranded DNA
      structures into structures cleavable by processing enzymes such as Fen1. We also
      found that the helicase activity of Mph1 was used to cause structural alterations
      required for restoration of replication forks stalled due to damaged template.
      The helicase properties of Mph1 reported here could explain how it resolves D
      loop structure, and are in keeping with a model proposed for the error-free
      damage avoidance pathway.

PMID- 22090427
TI  - Silk-hyaluronan-based composite hydrogels: a novel, securable vehicle for drug
      delivery.
AB  - A new, biocompatible hyaluronic acid (HA)-silk hydrogel composite was fabricated
      and tested for use as a securable drug delivery vehicle. The composite consisted
      of a hydrogel formed by cross-linking thiol-modified HA with poly(ethylene
      glycol)-diacrylate, within which was embedded a reinforcing mat composed of
      electrospun silk fibroin protein. Both HA and silk are biocompatible, selectively
      degradable biomaterials with independently controllable material properties.
      Mechanical characterization showed the composite tensile strength as fabricated
      to be 4.43 +/- 2.87 kPa, two orders of magnitude above estimated tensions found
      around potential target organs. In the presence of hyaluronidase (HAse) in vitro,
      the rate of gel degradation increased with enzyme concentration although the
      reinforcing silk mesh was not digested. Composite gels demonstrated the ability
      to store and sustainably deliver therapeutic agents. Time constants for in vitro
      release of selected representative antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs
      varied from 46.7 min for cortisone to 418 min for hydrocortisone. This
      biocomposite showed promising mechanical characteristics for direct fastening to
      tissue and organs, as well as controllable degradation properties suitable for
      storage and release of therapeutically relevant drugs.

PMID- 22090426
TI  - Structural analysis of an eIF3 subcomplex reveals conserved interactions required
      for a stable and proper translation pre-initiation complex assembly.
AB  - Translation initiation factor eIF3 acts as the key orchestrator of the canonical
      initiation pathway in eukaryotes, yet its structure is greatly unexplored. We
      report the 2.2 A resolution crystal structure of the complex between the yeast
      seven-bladed beta-propeller eIF3i/TIF34 and a C-terminal alpha-helix of
      eIF3b/PRT1, which reveals universally conserved interactions. Mutating these
      interactions displays severe growth defects and eliminates association of
      eIF3i/TIF34 and strikingly also eIF3g/TIF35 with eIF3 and 40S subunits in vivo.
      Unexpectedly, 40S-association of the remaining eIF3 subcomplex and eIF5 is
      likewise destabilized resulting in formation of aberrant pre-initiation complexes
      (PICs) containing eIF2 and eIF1, which critically compromises scanning arrest on
      mRNA at its AUG start codon suggesting that the contacts between mRNA and
      ribosomal decoding site are impaired. Remarkably, overexpression of eIF3g/TIF35
      suppresses the leaky scanning and growth defects most probably by preventing
      these aberrant PICs to form. Leaky scanning is also partially suppressed by eIF1,
      one of the key regulators of AUG recognition, and its mutant sui1(G107R) but the
      mechanism differs. We conclude that the C-terminus of eIF3b/PRT1 orchestrates co
      operative recruitment of eIF3i/TIF34 and eIF3g/TIF35 to the 40S subunit for a
      stable and proper assembly of 48S pre-initiation complexes necessary for
      stringent AUG recognition on mRNAs.

PMID- 22090428
TI  - Preparation of photosensitizer-loaded PLLA nanofibers and its anti-tumor effect
      for photodynamic therapy in vitro.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising new treatment for cancer that has been
      recently accepted clinically. PDT is based on the administration of tumor
      localizing photosensitizers (PSs), followed by exposing the neoplastic area to
      the light absorbed by the PS. In this article, a novel anticancer nanofiber
      membrane containing purpurin-18 (0.1%) was successfully prepared. The thickness
      of membrane was 0.028 mm, and the average fiber diameter was around 357 nm by
      scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was indicated that purpurin-18 possessed
      excellent compatibility with PLLA from FTIR spectrum. The physical properties of
      fiber membrane were also characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
      and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Cell morphology and the interaction between cells
      and nanofibers were studied by SEM. The results showed that both SMMC 7721 and
      ECA109 cells can adhere and spread on the surface of the polymer nanofiber, and
      both cells can interact and integrate well with the surrounding fibers. The
      efficacy of PDT was determined by MTT assays. The results showed that the cells
      were killed immediately after PDT and purpurin-18 had no different efficacy to
      different cancer cell lines. In summary, the PS-loaded PLLA nanofibers were
      prepared successfully, and the SMMC 7721 and ECA109 cells could be inhibited and
      killed through photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 22090429
TI  - Assessment of oxidative stress and chromosomal aberration inducing potential of
      three medical grade silicone polymer materials.
AB  - Medical expenditures for devices are increasing along with the ageing of human
      population and the synthesis of materials such as silicone polymers is on upsurge
      for manufacturing these devices. The International Organization for
      Standardization (ISO) emphasizes a battery of tests for preclinical assessment of
      biocompatibility of medical devices. Genotoxicity assays have become an integral
      component of these test procedures and it employs a set of in vitro and in vivo
      experiments to detect mutagens. Hence, this study was performed with an intention
      to investigate the genotoxic potential of the physiological saline extracts of
      three medical grade silicone polymer materials by the in vitro chromosomal
      aberration assay using human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Further, the oxidative
      stress inducing potential of the material extracts was investigated in vivo in
      mice liver homogenates using cyclophosphamide as positive control. The
      investigation revealed that none of the three materials were able to produce
      marked human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration, suggesting the absence of
      mutagens. The materials also showed negative results in their oxidative stress
      inducing potential, which was revealed by the normal levels of lipid peroxidation
      and unaltered levels of glutathione and its metabolizing enzymes in the mice
      liver tissue homogenates. It was interesting to observe a significant correlation
      between the genotoxic and antioxidant parameters investigated. Hence, it is
      suggested that the estimation of antioxidant status would serve as a better
      preliminary testing procedure prior to evaluating the genetic and molecular
      toxicity mechanisms of medical devices and/or materials intended for manufacture
      of such devices.

PMID- 22090430
TI  - Cell survival and proliferation after encapsulation in a chemically modified
      Pluronic(R) F127 hydrogel.
AB  - Pluronic(r) F127 is a biocompatible, injectable, and thermoresponsive polymer
      with promising biomedical applications. In this study, a chemically modified
      form, i.e., Pluronic ALA-L with tailored degradation rate, was tested as an
      encapsulation vehicle for osteoblastic cells. UV cross-linking of the modified
      polymer results in a stable hydrogel with a slower degradation rate.
      Toxicological screening showed no adverse effects of the modified Pluronic ALA-L
      on the cell viability. Moreover, high viability of embedded cells in the cross
      linked Pluronic ALA-L was observed with life/death fluorescent staining during a
      7-day-culture period. Cells were also cultured on macroporous, cross-linked
      gelatin microbeads, called CultiSpher-S(r) carriers, and encapsulated into the
      modified cross-linked hydrogel. Also, in this situation, good cell proliferation
      and migration could be observed in vitro. Preliminary in vivo tests have shown
      the formation of new bone starting from the injected pre-loaded CultiSpher-S(r)
      carriers.

PMID- 22090431
TI  - Effects of plasma surface treatments of diamond-like carbon and polymeric
      substrata on the cellular behavior of human fibroblasts.
AB  - Surface properties play an important role in the functioning of a biomaterial in
      the biological environment. This work describes the influence of the changes that
      occurred on diamond-like carbon (DLC) and polymeric substrata by different
      nitrogen and ammonia plasmas treatments and its effects on the cell proliferation
      on these materials. All substrata were additionally subjected to the effect of
      neutral beams of nitrogen atoms and NH species for comparison purposes. Results
      about the proliferation, viability, and morphology of fibroblasts were correlated
      with surface chemical composition, surface tension, and topography. It was found
      that the presence of amine groups on the surface and the surface tension are
      beneficial factors for the cell growth. Surface roughness in DLC also plays a
      positive role in favoring cell adhesion and proliferation, but it can be
      detrimental for some of the treated polymers because of the accumulation of low
      molecular weight fragments formed as a result of the plasma treatments. Analysis
      of the overall results for each type of material allowed to define a unique
      parameter called 'factor of merit' accounting for the influence of the different
      surface characteristics on the cell deployment, which can be used to predict
      qualitatively the efficiency for cell growth.

PMID- 22090432
TI  - Bone substitute materials delivering zoledronic acid: physicochemical
      characterization, drug load, and release properties.
AB  - Calcium phosphate-like bone substitute materials have a long history of
      successful orthopedic applications such as bone void filling and augmentation.
      Based on the clinical indications, these materials may be loaded with active
      agents by adsorption offering a perspective for providing innovative drug
      delivery systems. The highly effective bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZOL)
      demonstrated a strong affinity to biominerals and is known to significantly
      reduce osteoclastic activity. Support of early bone formation and reduction of
      bone resorption can be promoted after implantation of bioceramics releasing ZOL.
      The aim of this study was to develop an easy to handle approach to combine ZOL
      with bone substitutes by use of a dipping technique. The properties of three
      different materials were investigated by using a number of physicochemical
      methods such as light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic
      vapor sorption (DVS), true density, and surface area measurement to evaluate the
      feasibility of being potential drug carriers. Besides physicochemical
      characterization, the bone substitutes were evaluated by their ZOL-loading
      capacity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the
      materials were assessed as release systems in an in vitro study. A controlled ZOL
      load in a range of 0.04-1.86 ug/mg material and a release of 0.02-0.18 ug/mg
      within 30 min is demonstrated. The findings support using the investigated
      bioceramics as carrier systems to release ZOL. Overall, the results create the
      base for further development of drug-delivery systems with controlled drug
      loading and prolonged release and need to be further analyzed in an in vivo
      study.

PMID- 22090433
TI  - Stratified scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering applications:
      electrospun PDLLA nanofibre coated Bioglass(r)-derived foams.
AB  - This work focuses on designing bilayered constructs by combining electrospun poly
      DL-Lactide (PDLLA) fibers and Bioglass(r)-derived scaffolds for development of
      osteochondral tissue replacement materials. Electrospinning was carried out using
      a solution of 5 wt/v% PDLLA in dimethyl carbonate. The PDLLA layer thickness
      increased from 2 to 150 um with varying electrospinning time. Bioactivity studies
      in simulated body fluid showed that HA mineralization decreased as the thickness
      of the PDLLA layer increased. A preliminary in vitro study using chondrocyte
      cells (ATDC5) showed that cells attached, proliferated and migrated into the
      fibrous network, confirming the potential applicability of the bilayered
      scaffolds in osteochondral defect regeneration.

PMID- 22090434
TI  - Osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells on micro-patterned surfaces.
AB  - Osteogenic responses of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) were compared on
      square-patterned, inverse square-patterned, and planar titanium, chromium,
      diamond-like carbon (DLC), and tantalum; hypothesis was that both the materials
      and patterns affect osteogenesis. Samples were produced using photolithography
      and physical vapor deposition. Early-marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mid
      markers, small body size and mothers against decapentaplegic-related protein-1
      (SMAD1), runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), and osteopontin were
      studied using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. ALP and
      hydroxyapatite, were colorimetrically studied. ALP reached highest values on both
      patterned titanium samples, but mid-markers disclosed that it was already lagging
      behind planar and inverse patterned tantalum. Hydroxyapatite formation disclosed
      that osteo-induced hMSCs passed all the differentiation stages (except on planar
      chromium). Presence of hydroxyapatite disclosed that both types of patterning
      promoted (p < 0.001) osteogenesis compared to planar samples. Results suggest
      that the osseocompatibility/integration of implants could be improved by changing
      the monotonous and featureless implant-host interface into micro-patterned
      interface to provide physical differentiation cues.

PMID- 22090435
TI  - The 'Green Revolution' dwarfing genes play a role in disease resistance in
      Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare.
AB  - The Green Revolution dwarfing genes, Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b, encode mutant forms of
      DELLA proteins and are present in most modern wheat varieties. DELLA proteins
      have been implicated in the response to biotic stress in the model plant,
      Arabidopsis thaliana. Using defined wheat Rht near-isogenic lines and barley Sln1
      gain of function (GoF) and loss of function (LoF) lines, the role of DELLA in
      response to biotic stress was investigated in pathosystems representing
      contrasting trophic styles (biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, and necrotrophic). GoF
      mutant alleles in wheat and barley confer a resistance trade-off with increased
      susceptibility to biotrophic pathogens and increased resistance to necrotrophic
      pathogens whilst the converse was conferred by a LoF mutant allele. The polyploid
      nature of the wheat genome buffered the effect of single Rht GoF mutations
      relative to barley (diploid), particularly in respect of increased susceptibility
      to biotrophic pathogens. A role for DELLA in controlling cell death responses is
      proposed. Similar to Arabidopsis, a resistance trade-off to pathogens with
      contrasting pathogenic lifestyles has been identified in monocotyledonous cereal
      species. Appreciation of the pleiotropic role of DELLA in biotic stress responses
      in cereals has implications for plant breeding.

PMID- 22090437
TI  - Response of barley plants to Fe deficiency and Cd contamination as affected by S
      starvation.
AB  - Both Fe deficiency and Cd exposure induce rapid changes in the S nutritional
      requirement of plants. The aim of this work was to characterize the strategies
      adopted by plants to cope with both Fe deficiency (release of phytosiderophores)
      and Cd contamination [production of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins] when
      grown under conditions of limited S supply. Experiments were performed in
      hydroponics, using barley plants grown under S sufficiency (1.2 mM sulphate) and
      S deficiency (0 mM sulphate), with or without Fe(III)-EDTA at 0.08 mM for 11 d
      and subsequently exposed to 0.05 mM Cd for 24 h or 72 h. In S-sufficient plants,
      Fe deficiency enhanced both root and shoot Cd concentrations and increased GSH
      and phytochelatin levels. In S-deficient plants, Fe starvation caused a slight
      increase in Cd concentration, but this change was accompanied neither by an
      increase in GSH nor by an accumulation of phytochelatins. Release of
      phytosiderophores, only detectable in Fe-deficient plants, was strongly decreased
      by S deficiency and further reduced after Cd treatment. In roots Cd exposure
      increased the expression of the high affinity sulphate transporter gene (HvST1)
      regardless of the S supply, and the expression of the Fe deficiency-responsive
      genes, HvYS1 and HvIDS2, irrespective of Fe supply. In conclusion, adequate S
      availability is necessary to cope with Fe deficiency and Cd toxicity in barley
      plants. Moreover, it appears that in Fe-deficient plants grown in the presence of
      Cd with limited S supply, sulphur may be preferentially employed in the pathway
      for biosynthesis of phytosiderophores, rather than for phytochelatin production.

PMID- 22090436
TI  - Arabidopsis CSP41 proteins form multimeric complexes that bind and stabilize
      distinct plastid transcripts.
AB  - The spinach CSP41 protein has been shown to bind and cleave chloroplast RNA in
      vitro. Arabidopsis thaliana, like other photosynthetic eukaryotes, encodes two
      copies of this protein. Several functions have been described for CSP41 proteins
      in Arabidopsis, including roles in chloroplast rRNA metabolism and transcription.
      CSP41a and CSP41b interact physically, but it is not clear whether they have
      distinct functions. It is shown here that CSP41b, but not CSP41a, is an essential
      and major component of a specific subset of RNA-binding complexes that form in
      the dark and disassemble in the light. RNA immunoprecipitation and hybridization
      to gene chips (RIP-chip) experiments indicated that CSP41 complexes can contain
      chloroplast mRNAs coding for photosynthetic proteins and rRNAs (16S and 23S), but
      no tRNAs or mRNAs for ribosomal proteins. Leaves of plants lacking CSP41b showed
      decreased steady-state levels of CSP41 target RNAs, as well as decreased plastid
      transcription and translation rates. Representative target RNAs were less stable
      when incubated with broken chloroplasts devoid of CSP41 complexes, indicating
      that CSP41 proteins can stabilize target RNAs. Therefore, it is proposed that (i)
      CSP41 complexes may serve to stabilize non-translated target mRNAs and precursor
      rRNAs during the night when the translational machinery is less active in a
      manner responsive to the redox state of the chloroplast, and (ii) that the
      defects in translation and transcription in CSP41 protein-less mutants are
      secondary effects of the decreased transcript stability.

PMID- 22090438
TI  - Phosphorylation of serine residues in the N-terminus modulates the activity of
      ACA8, a plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase of Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - ACA8 is a plasma membrane-localized isoform of calmodulin (CaM)-regulated Ca(2+)
      ATPase of Arabidopsis thaliana. Several phosphopeptides corresponding to portions
      of the regulatory N-terminus of ACA8 have been identified in phospho-proteomic
      studies. To mimic phosphorylation of the ACA8 N-terminus, each of the serines
      found to be phosphorylated in those studies (Ser19, Ser22, Ser27, Ser29, Ser57,
      and Ser99) has been mutated to aspartate. Mutants have been expressed in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterized: mutants S19D and S57D--and to a
      lesser extent also mutants S22D and S27D--are deregulated, as shown by their low
      activation by CaM and by tryptic cleavage of the N-terminus. The His-tagged N
      termini of wild-type and mutant ACA8 (6His-(1)M-I(116)) were expressed in
      Escherichia coli, affinity-purified, and used to analyse the kinetics of CaM
      binding by surface plasmon resonance. All the analysed mutations affect the
      kinetics of interaction with CaM to some extent: in most cases, the altered
      kinetics result in marginal changes in affinity, with the exception of mutants
      S57D (K(D) ~ 10-fold higher than wild-type ACA8) and S99D (K(D) about half that
      of wild-type ACA8). The ACA8 N-terminus is phosphorylated in vitro by two
      isoforms of A. thaliana calcium-dependent protein kinase (CPK1 and CPK16);
      phosphorylation of mutant 6His-(1)M-I(116) peptides shows that CPK16 is able to
      phosphorylate the ACA8 N-terminus at Ser19 and at Ser22. The possible
      physiological implications of the subtle modulation of ACA8 activity by
      phosphorylation of its N-terminus are discussed.

PMID- 22090439
TI  - A male sterility-associated cytotoxic protein ORF288 in Brassica juncea causes
      aborted pollen development.
AB  - Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a widespread phenomenon in higher plants, and
      several studies have established that this maternally inherited defect is often
      associated with a mitochondrial mutant. Approximately 10 chimeric genes have been
      identified as being associated with corresponding CMS systems in the family
      Brassicaceae, but there is little direct evidence that these genes cause male
      sterility. In this study, a novel chimeric gene (named orf288) was found to be
      located downstream of the atp6 gene and co-transcribed with this gene in the hau
      CMS sterile line. Western blotting analysis showed that this predicted open
      reading frame (ORF) was translated in the mitochondria of male-sterile plants.
      Furthermore, the growth of Escherichia coli was significantly repressed in the
      presence of ORF288, which indicated that this protein is toxic to the E. coli
      host cells. To confirm further the function of orf288 in male sterility, the gene
      was fused to a mitochondrial-targeting pre-sequence under the control of the
      Arabidopsis APETALA3 promoter and introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana. Almost
      80% of transgenic plants with orf288 failed to develop anthers. It was also found
      that the independent expression of orf288 caused male sterility in transgenic
      plants, even without the transit pre-sequence. Furthermore, transient expression
      of orf288 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a fused protein in A. thaliana
      protoplasts showed that ORF288 was able to anchor to mitochondria even without
      the external mitochondrial-targeting peptide. These observations provide
      important evidence that orf288 is responsible for the male sterility of hau CMS
      in Brassica juncea.

PMID- 22090440
TI  - Capitalizing on deliberate, accidental, and GM-driven environmental change caused
      by crop modification.
AB  - The transgenic traits associated with the majority of commercial genetically
      modified crops are focused on improving herbicide and insecticide management
      practices. The use of the transgenic technology in these crops and the associated
      chemistry has been the basis of studies that provide evidence for occasional
      improvement in environmental benefits due to the use of less residual herbicides,
      more targeted pesticides, and reduced field traffic. This is nicely exemplified
      through studies using Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) assessments. Whilst EIQ
      evaluations may sometimes illustrate environmental benefits they have their
      limitations. EIQ evaluations are not a surrogate for Environmental Risk
      Assessments and may not reflect real environmental interactions between crops and
      the environment. Addressing the impact cultivated plants have on the environment
      generally attracts little public attention and research funding, but the
      introduction of GM has facilitated an expansion of research to address potential
      environmental concerns from government, NGOs, industry, consumers, and growers.
      In this commentary, some evidence from our own research and several key papers
      that highlight EIQ assessments of the impact crops are having on the environment
      are presented. This information may be useful as an education tool on the
      potential benefits of GM and conventional farming. In addition, other deliberate,
      accidental, and GM-driven benefits derived from the examination of GM cropping
      systems is briefly discussed.

PMID- 22090441
TI  - Tensional stress generation in gelatinous fibres: a review and possible mechanism
      based on cell-wall structure and composition.
AB  - Gelatinous fibres are specialized fibres, distinguished by the presence of an
      inner, gelatinous cell-wall layer. In recent years, they have attracted
      increasing interest since their walls have a desirable chemical composition (low
      lignin, low pentosan, and high cellulose contents) for applications such as
      saccharification and biofuel production, and they have interesting mechanical
      properties, being capable of generating high tensional stress. However, the
      unique character of gelatinous layer has not yet been widely recognized. The
      first part of this review presents a model of gelatinous-fibre organization and
      stresses the unique character of the gelatinous layer as a separate type of cell
      wall layer, different from either primary or secondary wall layers. The second
      part discusses major current models of tensional stress generation by these
      fibres and presents a novel unifying model based on recent advances in knowledge
      of gelatinous wall structure. Understanding this mechanism could potentially lead
      to novel biomimetic developments in material sciences.

PMID- 22090442
TI  - Control of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) development and senescence by the
      interaction between a chromosome six grain protein content locus, day length, and
      vernalization.
AB  - Regulatory processes controlling traits such as anthesis timing and whole-plant
      senescence are of primary importance for reproductive success and for crop
      quality and yield. It has previously been demonstrated that the presence of
      alleles associated with high grain protein content (GPC) at a locus on barley
      chromosome six leads to accelerated leaf senescence, and to strong (>10-fold) up
      regulation of several genes which may be involved in senescence control. One of
      these genes (coding for a glycine-rich RNA-binding protein termed HvGR-RBP1)
      exhibits a high degree of similarity to Arabidopsis glycine-rich RNA-binding
      protein 7 (AtGRP7), which has been demonstrated to accelerate flowering under
      both long-day (LD) and short-day (SD) conditions, but not after vernalization.
      Development of near-isogenic barley lines, differing in the allelic state of the
      GPC locus, was compared from the seedling stage to maturity under both SD and LD
      and after vernalization under LD. Intriguingly, pre-anthesis plant development
      [measured by leaf emergence timing and pre-anthesis (sequential) leaf senescence]
      was enhanced in high-GPC germplasm. Differences were more pronounced under SD
      than under LD, but were eliminated by vernalization, associating observed effects
      with floral induction pathways. By contrast, differences in post-anthesis flag
      leaf and whole-plant senescence between low- and high-GPC germplasm persisted
      under all tested conditions, indicating that the GPC locus, possibly through HvGR
      RBP1, impacts on both developmental stages. Detailed molecular characterization
      of this experimental system may allow the dissection of cross-talk between
      signalling pathways controlling early plant and floral development on one side,
      and leaf/whole-plant senescence on the other side.

PMID- 22090443
TI  - Enhanced sensitivity to higher ozone in a pathogen-resistant tobacco cultivar.
AB  - Investigations of the effects of elevated ozone (O(3)) on the virus-plant system
      were conducted to inform virus pathogen management strategies better. One
      susceptible cultivar of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Yongding) and a
      resistant cultivar (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Vam) to Potato virus Y petiole
      necrosis strain (PVY(N)) infection were grown in open-top chambers under ambient
      and elevated O(3) concentrations. Above-ground biomass, foliage chlorophyll,
      nitrogen and total non-structural carbohydrate (TNCs), soluble protein, total
      amino acid (TAA) and nicotine content, and peroxidase (POD) activity were
      measured to estimate the effects of elevated O(3) on the impact of PVY(N) in the
      two cultivars. Results showed that under ambient O(3), the resistant cultivar
      possessed greater biomass and a lower C/N ratio after infection than the
      susceptible cultivar; however, under elevated O(3), the resistant cultivar lost
      its biomass advantage but maintained a lower C/N ratio. Variation of foliar POD
      activity could be explained as a resistance cost which was significantly
      correlated with biomass and C/N ratio of the tobacco cultivar. Chlorophyll
      content remained steady in the resistant cultivar but decreased significantly in
      the susceptible cultivar when stressors were applied. Foliar soluble protein and
      free amino acid content, which were related to resistance cost changes, are also
      discussed. This study indicated that a virus-resistant tobacco cultivar showed
      increased sensitivity to elevated O(3) compared to a virus-sensitive cultivar.

PMID- 22090444
TI  - T-DNA mutagenesis in Brachypodium distachyon.
AB  - During the past decade, Brachypodium distachyon has emerged as an attractive
      experimental system and genomics model for grass research. Numerous molecular
      tools and genomics resources have already been developed. Functional genomics
      resources, including mutant collections, expression/tiling microarray, mapping
      populations, and genome re-sequencing for natural accessions, are rapidly being
      developed and made available to the community. In this article, the focus is on
      the current status of systematic T-DNA mutagenesis in Brachypodium. Large
      collections of T-DNA-tagged lines are being generated by a community of
      laboratories in the context of the International Brachypodium Tagging Consortium.
      To date, >13 000 lines produced by the BrachyTAG programme and USDA-ARS Western
      Regional Research Center are available by online request. The utility of these
      mutant collections is illustrated with some examples from the BrachyTAG
      collection at the John Innes Centre-such as those in the eukaryotic initiation
      factor 4A (eIF4A) and brassinosteroid insensitive-1 (BRI1) genes. A series of
      other mutants exhibiting growth phenotypes is also presented. These examples
      highlight the value of Brachypodium as a model for grass functional genomics.

PMID- 22090446
TI  - High cardiovascular risk in patients with Type 2 diabetic nephropathy: the
      predictive role of albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate. The NID-2
      Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Type 2 diabetic patients, clinical diagnosis of diabetic
      nephropathy (DN) is generally based on the concomitant presence of abnormal
      albuminuria and severe retinopathy. In this high-risk population, cardiovascular
      (CV) outcome has never been evaluated. METHODS: A cohort of 742 Type 2 diabetic
      patients with DN from 17 national centres was selected by the presence of
      persistent albuminuria >= 30 mg/day and severe diabetic retinopathy and was
      followed prospectively. Time to CV event (CV death, non-fatal myocardial
      infarction, non-fatal stroke, revascularization, major amputation) was the
      primary composite end point and it was analysed by multivariable Cox's
      proportional hazards model. The interaction between albuminuria and glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) was specifically investigated. RESULTS: Median follow-up
      was 4.6 years. Overall 242 events (26% of which fatal) were observed in 202
      patients. The proportion of CV events increased from 19 to 40% as GFR declined
      from the highest (>= 90 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) to the lowest (<45 mL/min/1.73 m(2))
      category and was equal to 25 and 33% in microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria,
      respectively. In multivariable analysis, the interaction between albuminuria and
      GFR was statistically significant (P = 0.012). Albuminuria, indeed, had a
      remarkable prognostic effect in subjects with high GFR that virtually disappeared
      as GFR became <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Age, smoking habit, previous occurrence of
      myocardial infarction or stroke and proliferative retinopathy were all found to
      have a statistically significant prognostic effect on CV outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A
      clinically based diagnosis of DN in Type 2 diabetes allows the identification of
      subjects with high CV risk. Albuminuria has a relevant prognostic effect on CV
      morbidity and mortality; its effect is especially pronounced when GFR is normal
      or near normal.

PMID- 22090445
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of cDNAs coding for
      hydroxybenzoate/hydroxycinnamate glucosyltransferases co-expressed with genes
      related to proanthocyanidin biosynthesis.
AB  - Grape proanthocyanidins (PAs) play a major role in the organoleptic properties of
      wine. They are accumulated mainly in grape skin and seeds during the early stages
      of berry development. Despite the recent progress in the identification of genes
      involved in PA biosynthesis, the mechanisms involved in subunit condensation,
      galloylation, or fine regulation of the spatio-temporal composition of grape
      berries in PAs are still not elucidated. Two Myb transcription factors, VvMybPA1
      and VvMybPA2, controlling the PA pathway have recently been identified and
      ectopically over-expressed in an homologous system. In addition to already known
      PA genes, three genes coding for glucosyltransferases were significantly
      differentially expressed between hairy roots over-expressing VvMybPA1 or VvMybPA2
      and control lines. The involvement of these genes in PA biosynthesis metabolism
      is unclear. The three glucosyltransferases display high sequence similarities
      with other plant glucosyltransferases able to catalyse the formation of glucose
      esters, which are important intermediate actors for the synthesis of different
      phenolic compounds. Studies of the in vitro properties of these three enzymes
      (K(m), V(max), substrate specificity, pH sensitivity) were performed through
      production of recombinant proteins in E. coli and demonstrated that they are able
      to catalyse the formation of 1-O-acyl-Glc esters of phenolic acids but are not
      active on flavonoids and stilbenes. The transcripts are expressed in the early
      stages of grape berry development, mainly in the berry skins and seeds. The
      results presented here suggest that these enzymes could be involved in vivo in PA
      galloylation or in the synthesis of hydroxycinnamic esters.

PMID- 22090447
TI  - A vero cell-derived whole-virus H5N1 vaccine effectively induces neuraminidase
      inhibiting antibodies.
AB  - A Vero cell-derived whole-virus H5N1 influenza vaccine has been shown to induce
      neutralizing antibodies directed against the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of
      diverse H5N1 strains in animal studies and clinical trials. However,
      neuraminidase-inhibiting (NAi) antibodies can reduce viral spread and may be of
      particular importance in the event of an H5N1 pandemic, where immunity due to HA
      antibodies is likely absent in the general population. Here we demonstrate the
      effective induction of NAi antibody titers after H5N1 vaccination in humans. In
      contrast to the immune response directed toward HA, a single vaccine dose induced
      a strong NAi response that was not significantly boosted by a second dose, most
      probably due to priming by previous vaccination or infection with seasonal
      influenza viruses. After 2 immunizations, seroconversion rates based on antibody
      titers against HA and NA were similar, indicating the induction of equally strong
      immune responses against both proteins by this H5N1 vaccine.

PMID- 22090448
TI  - Evolutionary ecology of human papillomavirus: trade-offs, coexistence, and
      origins of high-risk and low-risk types.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We address the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of human
      papillomavirus (HPV) that lead to the dichotomy between high-risk (HR) and low
      risk (LR) types. We hypothesize that HPV faces an evolutionary tradeoff between
      persistence and per-contact transmission probability. High virion production
      enhances transmissibility but also provokes an immune response leading to
      clearance and limited persistence. Alternatively, low virion production increases
      persistence at the cost of diminished transmission probability per sexual
      contact. We propose that LR HPV types use the former strategy and that HR types
      use the latter. Sexual behaviors in a host population determine the success of
      each strategy. METHODS: We develop an evolutionary model of HPV epidemiology,
      which includes host sexual behavior, and we find evolutionarily stable strategies
      of HPV. RESULTS: A slow turnover of sexual partners favors HR HPV, whereas high
      frequency of partner turnover selects for LR. When both sexual behaviors exist as
      subcultures in a population, disruptive selection can result in the coevolution
      and ecological coexistence of both HR and LR HPV types. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that the elimination of HR HPV through vaccines may alter the
      evolutionary trajectory of the remaining types and promote evolution of new HR
      HPV types.

PMID- 22090449
TI  - Induction of serine protease inhibitor 9 by Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibits
      apoptosis and promotes survival of infected macrophages.
AB  - Our recent microarray analysis of infected human alveolar macrophages (AMs) found
      serine protease inhibitor 9 (PI-9) to be the most prominently expressed of a
      cluster of apoptosis-associated genes induced by virulent Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. In the current study, we show that induction of PI-9 occurs within
      hours of infection with M. tuberculosis H37Rv and is maintained through 7 days of
      infection in both AMs and blood monocytes. Inhibition of PI-9 by small inhibitory
      RNA decreased M. tuberculosis-induced expression of the antiapoptotic molecule
      Bcl-2 and resulted in a corresponding increase in production of caspase 3, a
      terminal effector molecule of apoptosis. Further, PI-9 small inhibitory RNA
      mediated a significant reduction in the subsequent survival of M. tuberculosis
      within AMs. Thus PI-9 induction within human mononuclear phagocytes by virulent
      M. tuberculosis serves to protect these primary targets of infection from
      elimination by apoptosis and thereby promotes intracellular survival of the
      organism.

PMID- 22090450
TI  - Early systemic bacterial dissemination and a rapid innate immune response
      characterize genetic resistance to plague of SEG mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although laboratory mice are usually highly susceptible to Yersinia
      pestis, we recently identified a mouse strain (SEG) that exhibited an exceptional
      capacity to resist bubonic plague and used it to identify immune mechanisms
      associated with resistance. METHODS: The kinetics of infection, circulating blood
      cells, granulopoiesis, lesions, and cellular populations in the spleen, and
      cytokine production in various tissues were compared in SEG and susceptible
      C57BL/6J mice after subcutaneous infection with the virulent Y. pestis CO92.
      RESULTS: Bacterial invasion occurred early (day 2) but was transient in SEG/Pas
      mice, whereas in C57BL/6J mice it was delayed but continuous until death. The
      bacterial load in all organs significantly correlated with the production of 5
      cytokines (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, keratinocyte-derived chemokine
      (KC), macrophage cationic peptide-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1alpha, and interleukin
      6) involved in monocyte and neutrophil recruitment. Indeed, higher proportions of
      these 2 cell types in blood and massive recruitment of F4/80(+)CD11b(-)
      macrophages in the spleen were observed in SEG/Pas mice at an early time point
      (day 2). Later times after infection (day 4) were characterized in C57BL/6J mice
      by destructive lesions of the spleen and impaired granulopoiesis. CONCLUSION: A
      fast and efficient Y. pestis dissemination in SEG mice may be critical for the
      triggering of an early and effective innate immune response necessary for
      surviving plague.

PMID- 22090451
TI  - The labyrinth of nuclear reprogramming.

PMID- 22090452
TI  - Prognostic classification of pediatric medulloblastoma based on chromosome 17p
      loss, expression of MYCC and MYCN, and Wnt pathway activation.
AB  - Pediatric medulloblastoma is considered a highly heterogeneous disease and a new
      strategy of risk stratification to optimize therapeutic outcomes is required. We
      aimed to investigate a new risk-stratification approach based on expression
      profiles of medulloblastoma cohorts. We analyzed gene expression profiles of 30
      primary medulloblastomas and detected strong evidence that poor survival outcome
      was significantly associated with mRNA expression profiles of 17p loss. However,
      it was not supported in independent cohorts from previously published data (n =
      100). We speculated that this discrepancy might come from complex conditions of
      two important prognostic determinants: loss of tumor suppressors (chromosome 17p)
      and high expression of oncogenes c-myc (MYCC) or N-myc (MYCN). When patients were
      stratified into 5 or 7 subgroups based on simultaneous consideration of these 2
      factors while defining the Wnt group as independent, obviously different survival
      expectancies were detected between the subgroups. For instance, predicted 5-year
      survival probabilities ranged from 19% to 81% in the 5 subgroups. We also found
      that age became a significant prognostic marker after adjusting for 17p, MYCC,
      and MYCN status. Diminished survival in age <3 years was more substantial in
      subgroups with high expression of MYCC, MYCN, or 17p loss but not in other
      subgroups, indicating that poor survival outcome might be synergistically
      affected by these 3 factors. Here we suggest a more tailored subgrouping system
      based on expression profiles of chromosome 17p, MYCC, and MYCN, which could
      provide the basis for a novel risk-stratification strategy in pediatric
      medulloblastoma.

PMID- 22090453
TI  - Phase II trial of vorinostat in combination with bortezomib in recurrent
      glioblastoma: a north central cancer treatment group study.
AB  - Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, has shown evidence of single
      agent activity in glioblastoma (GBM), and in preclinical studies, we have
      demonstrated significant synergistic cytotoxicity between HDAC inhibitors and
      proteasome inhibitors in GBM cell lines. We therefore conducted a phase II trial
      to evaluate the efficacy of vorinostat in combination with the proteasome
      inhibitor bortezomib in patients with recurrent GBM. Vorinostat was administered
      at a dose of 400 mg daily for 14 days of a 21-day cycle, and bortezomib was
      administered at a dose of 1.3 mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of
      the cycle. A total of 37 patients were treated, and treatment was well tolerated:
      grade 3, 4 nonhematologic toxicity occurred in 30% of patients and consisted
      mainly of fatigue (14%) and neuropathy (5%); grade 3, 4 hematologic toxicity
      occurred in 37% of patients and consisted of thrombocytopenia (30%), lymphopenia
      (4%), and neutropenia (4%). The trial was closed at the predetermined interim
      analysis, with 0 of 34 patients being progression-free at 6 months. One patient
      achieved a partial response according to the Macdonald criteria. The median time
      to progression for all patients was 1.5 months (range, 0.5-5.6 months), and
      median overall survival (OS) was 3.2 months. Patients who had received prior
      bevacizumab therapy had a shorter time to progression and OS, compared with those
      who had not. On the basis of the results of this phase II study, further
      evaluation of the vorinostat-bortezomib combination in GBM patients in this dose
      and schedule is not recommended.

PMID- 22090454
TI  - Enhanced didactic methods of smoking cessation training for medical students--a
      randomized study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is essential that medical students are adequately trained in
      smoking cessation. A web-based tobacco abstinence training program might
      supplement or replace traditional didactic methods. METHODS: One-hundred and
      forty third-year medical students were all provided access to a self-directed web
      based learning module on smoking cessation. Thereafter, they were randomly
      allocated to attend 1 of 4 education approaches: (a) web-based training using the
      same tool, (b) lecture, (c) role playing, and (d) supervised interaction with
      real patients. RESULTS: Success of the intervention was measured in an objective
      structured clinical examination. Scores were highest in Group 4 (35.9 +/- 8.7),
      followed by Groups 3 (35.7 +/- 6.5), 2 (33.5 +/- 9.4), and 1 (28.0 +/- 9.6; p =
      .007). Students in Groups 4 (60.7%) and 3 (57.7%) achieved adequate counseling
      skills more frequently than those in Groups 2 (34.8%) and 1 (30%; p = .043).
      There was no difference in the scores reflecting theoretical knowledge (p =
      .439). Self-assessment of cessation skills and students' satisfaction with
      training was significantly better in Groups 3 and 4 as compared with 1 and 2 (p <
      .001 and p = .006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Role playing and interaction with
      real patients are equally efficient and both more powerful learning tools than
      web-based learning with or without a lecture.

PMID- 22090455
TI  - Gamma band activity in the developing parafascicular nucleus.
AB  - The parafascicular nucleus (Pf) receives cholinergic input from the
      pedunculopontine nucleus, part of the reticular activating system involved in
      waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and sends projections to the cortex.
      We tested the hypothesis that Pf neurons fire maximally at gamma band frequency
      (30-90 Hz), that this mechanism involves high-threshold voltage-dependent P/Q-
      and N-type calcium channels, and that this activity is enhanced by the
      cholinergic agonist carbachol (CAR). Patch-clamped 9- to 25-day-old rat Pf
      neurons (n = 299) manifested a firing frequency plateau at gamma band when
      maximally activated (31.5 +/- 1.5 Hz) and showed gamma oscillations when voltage
      clamped at holding potentials above -20 mV, and the frequency of the oscillations
      increased significantly with age (24.6 +/- 3.8 vs. 51.6 +/- 4.4 Hz, P < 0.001)
      but plateaued at gamma frequencies. Cells exposed to CAR showed significantly
      higher frequencies early in development compared with those without CAR (24.6 +/-
      3.8 vs. 41.7 +/- 4.3 Hz, P < 0.001) but plateaued with age. The P/Q-type calcium
      channel blocker omega-agatoxin-IVA (omega-Aga) blocked gamma oscillations,
      whereas the N-type blocker omega-conotoxin-GVIA (omega-CgTx) only partially
      decreased the power spectrum amplitude of gamma oscillations. The blocking effect
      of omega-Aga on P/Q-type currents and omega-CgTx on N-type currents was
      consistent over age. We conclude that P/Q- and N-type calcium channels appear to
      mediate Pf gamma oscillations during development. We hypothesize that the
      cholinergic input to the Pf could activate these cells to oscillate at gamma
      frequency, and perhaps relay these rhythms to cortical areas, thus providing a
      stable high-frequency state for "nonspecific" thalamocortical processing.

PMID- 22090456
TI  - Neural prediction of complex accelerations for object interception.
AB  - To intercept or avoid moving objects successfully, we must compensate for the
      sensorimotor delays associated with visual processing and motor movement.
      Although straightforward in the case of constant velocity motion, it is unclear
      how humans compensate for accelerations, as our visual system is relatively poor
      at detecting changes in velocity. Work on free-falling objects suggests that we
      are able to predict the effects of gravity, but this represents the most simple,
      limiting case in which acceleration is constant and motion linear. Here, we show
      that an internal model also predicts the effects of complex, varying
      accelerations when they result from lawful interactions with the environment.
      Participants timed their responses with the arrival of a ball rolling within a
      tube of various shapes. The pattern of errors indicates that participants were
      able to compensate for most of the effects of the ball acceleration (~85%) within
      a relatively short practice (~300 trials). Errors on catch trials in which the
      ball velocity was unexpectedly maintained constant further confirmed that
      participants were expecting the effect of acceleration induced by the shape of
      the tube. A similar effect was obtained when the visual scene was projected
      upside down, indicating that the mechanism of this prediction is flexible and not
      confined to ecologically valid interactions. These findings demonstrate that the
      brain is able to predict motion on the basis of prior experience of complex
      interactions between an object and its environment.

PMID- 22090457
TI  - Age-dependent effect of hearing loss on cortical inhibitory synapse function.
AB  - The developmental plasticity of excitatory synapses is well established,
      particularly as a function of age. If similar principles apply to inhibitory
      synapses, then we would expect manipulations during juvenile development to
      produce a greater effect and experience-dependent changes to persist into
      adulthood. In this study, we first characterized the maturation of cortical
      inhibitory synapse function from just before the onset of hearing through
      adulthood. We then examined the long-term effects of developmental conductive
      hearing loss (CHL). Whole cell recordings from gerbil thalamocortical brain
      slices revealed a significant decrease in the decay time of inhibitory currents
      during the first 3 mo of normal development. When assessed in adults,
      developmental CHL led to an enduring decrease of inhibitory synaptic strength,
      whereas the maturation of synaptic decay time was only delayed. Early CHL also
      depressed the maximum discharge rate of fast-spiking, but not low-threshold
      spiking, inhibitory interneurons. We then asked whether adult onset CHL had a
      similar effect, but neither inhibitory current amplitude nor decay time was
      altered. Thus inhibitory synapse function displays a protracted development
      during which deficits can be induced by juvenile, but not adult, hearing loss.
      These long-lasting changes to inhibitory function may contribute to the auditory
      processing deficits associated with early hearing loss.

PMID- 22090458
TI  - Selectivity for three-dimensional contours and surfaces in the anterior
      intraparietal area.
AB  - The macaque anterior intraparietal area (AIP) is crucial for visually guided
      grasping. AIP neurons respond during the visual presentation of real-world
      objects and encode the depth profile of disparity-defined curved surfaces. We
      investigated the neural representation of curved surfaces in AIP using a stimulus
      reduction approach. The stimuli consisted of three-dimensional (3-D) shapes
      curved along the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or both the horizontal and
      the vertical axes of the shape. The depth profile was defined solely by binocular
      disparity that varied along either the boundary or the surface of the shape or
      along both the boundary and the surface of the shape. The majority of AIP neurons
      were selective for curved boundaries along the horizontal or the vertical axis,
      and neural selectivity emerged at short latencies. Stimuli in which disparity
      varied only along the surface of the shape (with zero disparity on the
      boundaries) evoked selectivity in a smaller proportion of AIP neurons and at
      considerably longer latencies. AIP neurons were not selective for 3-D surfaces
      composed of anticorrelated disparities. Thus the neural selectivity for object
      depth profile in AIP is present when only the boundary is curved in depth, but
      not for disparity in anticorrelated stereograms.

PMID- 22090459
TI  - Extracellular pH dynamics of retinal horizontal cells examined using
      electrochemical and fluorometric methods.
AB  - Extracellular H(+) has been hypothesized to mediate feedback inhibition from
      horizontal cells onto vertebrate photoreceptors. According to this hypothesis,
      depolarization of horizontal cells should induce extracellular acidification
      adjacent to the cell membrane. Experiments testing this hypothesis have produced
      conflicting results. Studies examining carp and goldfish horizontal cells loaded
      with the pH-sensitive dye 5-hexadecanoylaminofluorescein (HAF) reported an
      extracellular acidification on depolarization by glutamate or potassium. However,
      investigations using H(+)-selective microelectrodes report an extracellular
      alkalinization on depolarization of skate and catfish horizontal cells. These
      studies differed in the species and extracellular pH buffer used and the presence
      or absence of cobalt. We used both techniques to examine H(+) changes from
      isolated catfish horizontal cells under identical experimental conditions (1 mM
      HEPES, no cobalt). HAF fluorescence indicated an acidification response to high
      extracellular potassium or glutamate. However, a clear extracellular
      alkalinization was found using H(+)-selective microelectrodes under the same
      conditions. Confocal microscopy revealed that HAF was not localized exclusively
      to the extracellular surface, but rather was detected throughout the
      intracellular compartment. A high degree of colocalization between HAF and the
      mitochondrion-specific dye MitoTracker was observed. When HAF fluorescence was
      monitored from optical sections from the center of a cell, glutamate produced an
      intracellular acidification. These results are consistent with a model in which
      depolarization allows calcium influx, followed by activation of a Ca(2+)/H(+)
      plasma membrane ATPase. Our results suggest that HAF is reporting intracellular
      pH changes and that depolarization of horizontal cells induces an extracellular
      alkalinization, which may relieve H(+)-mediated inhibition of photoreceptor
      synaptic transmission.

PMID- 22090460
TI  - Defensive peripersonal space: the blink reflex evoked by hand stimulation is
      increased when the hand is near the face.
AB  - Electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist may elicit a blink reflex
      [hand blink reflex (HBR)] mediated by a neural circuit at brain stem level. As,
      in a Sherringtonian sense, the blink reflex is a defensive response, in a series
      of experiments we tested, in healthy volunteers, whether and how the HBR is
      modulated by the proximity of the stimulated hand to the face. Electromyographic
      activity was recorded from the orbicularis oculi, bilaterally. We observed that
      the HBR is enhanced when the stimulated hand is inside the peripersonal space of
      the face, compared with when it is outside, irrespective of whether the proximity
      of the hand to the face is manipulated by changing the position of the arm
      (experiment 1) or by rotating the head while keeping the arm position constant
      (experiment 3). Experiment 2 showed that such HBR enhancement has similar
      magnitude when the participants have their eyes closed. Experiments 4 and 5
      showed, respectively, that the blink reflex elicited by the electrical
      stimulation of the supraorbital nerve, as well as the N20 wave of the
      somatosensory evoked potentials elicited by the median nerve stimulation, are
      entirely unaffected by hand position. Taken together, our results provide
      compelling evidence that the brain stem circuits mediating the HBR in humans
      undergo tonic and selective top-down modulation from higher order cortical areas
      responsible for encoding the location of somatosensory stimuli in external space
      coordinates. These findings support the existence of a "defensive" peripersonal
      space, representing a safety margin advantageous for survival.

PMID- 22090461
TI  - Origins of 1/f2 scaling in the power spectrum of intracortical local field
      potential.
AB  - It has been noted that the power spectrum of intracortical local field potential
      (LFP) often scales as 1/f(-2). It is thought that LFP mostly represents the
      spiking-related neuronal activity such as synaptic currents and spikes in the
      vicinity of the recording electrode, but no 1/f(2) scaling is detected in the
      spike power. Although tissue filtering or modulation of spiking activity by UP
      and DOWN states could account for the observed LFP scaling, there is no consensus
      as to how it arises. We addressed this question by recording simultaneously LFP
      and single neurons ("single units") from multiple sites in somatosensory cortex
      of anesthetized rats. Single-unit data revealed the presence of periods of high
      activity, presumably corresponding to the "UP" states when the neuronal membrane
      potential is depolarized, and periods of no activity, the putative "DOWN" states
      when the membrane potential is close to resting. As expected, the LFP power
      scaled as 1/f(2) but no such scaling was found in the power spectrum of spiking
      activity. Our analysis showed that 1/f(2) scaling in the LFP power spectrum was
      largely generated by the steplike transitions between UP and DOWN states. The
      shape of the LFP signal during these transitions, but not the transition timing,
      was crucial to obtain the observed scaling. These transitions were probably
      induced by synchronous changes in the membrane potential across neurons. We
      conclude that a 1/f(2) scaling in the LFP power indicates the presence of
      steplike transitions in the LFP trace and says little about the statistical
      properties of the associated neuronal firing.

PMID- 22090462
TI  - Characterization of thalamocortical responses of regular-spiking and fast-spiking
      neurons of the mouse auditory cortex in vitro and in silico.
AB  - We use a combination of in vitro whole cell recordings and computer simulations
      to characterize the cellular and synaptic properties that contribute to
      processing of auditory stimuli. Using a mouse thalamocortical slice preparation,
      we record the intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic properties of layer 3/4
      regular-spiking (RS) pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking (FS) interneurons in
      primary auditory cortex (AI). We find that postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) evoked
      in FS cells are significantly larger and depress more than those evoked in RS
      cells after thalamic stimulation. We use these data to construct a simple
      computational model of the auditory thalamocortical circuit and find that the
      differences between FS and RS cells observed in vitro generate model behavior
      similar to that observed in vivo. We examine how feedforward inhibition and
      synaptic depression affect cortical responses to time-varying inputs that mimic
      sinusoidal amplitude-modulated tones. In the model, the balance of cortical
      inhibition and thalamic excitation evolves in a manner that depends on modulation
      frequency (MF) of the stimulus and determines cortical response tuning.

PMID- 22090463
TI  - A novel coding mechanism for social vocalizations in the lateral amygdala.
AB  - The amygdala plays a central role in evaluating the significance of acoustic
      signals and coordinating the appropriate behavioral responses. To understand how
      amygdalar responses modulate auditory processing and drive emotional expression,
      we assessed how neurons respond to and encode information that is carried within
      complex acoustic stimuli. We characterized responses of single neurons in the
      lateral nucleus of the amygdala to social vocalizations and synthetic acoustic
      stimuli in awake big brown bats. Neurons typically responded to most of the
      social vocalizations presented (mean = nine of 11 vocalizations) but
      differentially modulated both firing rate and response duration. Surprisingly,
      response duration provided substantially more information about vocalizations
      than did spike rate. In most neurons, variation in response duration depended, in
      part, on persistent excitatory discharge that extended beyond stimulus duration.
      Information in persistent firing duration was significantly greater than in spike
      rate, and the majority of neurons displayed more information in persistent
      firing, which was more likely to be observed in response to aggressive
      vocalizations (64%) than appeasement vocalizations (25%), suggesting that
      persistent firing may relate to the behavioral context of vocalizations. These
      findings suggest that the amygdala uses a novel coding strategy for
      discriminating among vocalizations and underscore the importance of persistent
      firing in the general functioning of the amygdala.

PMID- 22090464
TI  - Measurement of leg-length discrepancy using laser-based ultrasound method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evidence on the role of leg-length discrepancy (LLD) in low back
      pain (LBP) is contradictory, possibly due to the diversity of measurement
      methods. PURPOSE: To assess the reliability of a laser-based ultrasound method
      and its agreement with the radiographic method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      measurement device consisted of a laser measure fixed to a rod holding the
      scanning head of the ultrasound and could be moved automatically by a linear
      actuator. The reliability of the measurement was evaluated using 20 healthy
      voluntary subjects with no known previous LLD (90% women, mean age 23 years). We
      assessed the agreement of the ultrasound method with a radiographic LLD
      measurement using 19 voluntary patients (95% men, mean age 38 years), who had had
      radiographic LLD measurements taken during the previous year. We used intraclass
      correlation co-efficients (ICC) and Bland & Altman analysis in the statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: The ICC value for agreement between methods was 0.97 (95%
      confidence intervals [CI] 0.93-0.99) indicating almost perfect agreement. The ICC
      values for both raters indicated almost perfect agreement between repeated
      measurements (ICC 0.996 and 0.994, respectively). In the Bland and Altman
      analysis, the mean difference was close to zero (0.56 mm and 0.40 mm), indicating
      minimal systematic error. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-laser technique is quick and
      easy to perform. Both reliability and agreement with the radiographic method are
      excellent. The ultrasound measurement is non-invasive and therefore a potential
      alternative to radiographic methods in the evaluation of LLD.

PMID- 22090465
TI  - Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: multimodality imaging and histopathologic
      assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metaplastic carcinomas are ductal carcinomas that display metaplastic
      transformation of the glandular epithelium to non-glandular mesenchymal tissue.
      Metaplastic carcinoma has a poorer prognosis than most other breast cancers, so
      the differential diagnosis is important. Although many clinical and pathologic
      findings have been reported, to our knowledge, few imaging findings related to
      metaplastic carcinoma have been reported. PURPOSE: To investigate whole-breast
      imaging findings, including mammography, sonography, MRI, and pathologic
      findings, including immunohistochemical studies of metaplastic carcinomas of the
      breast. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 33 cases of metaplastic carcinoma
      between January 2001 and January 2011. Mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI were
      recorded retrospectively using the American College of Radiology (ACR) breast
      imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) lexicon. Immunohistochemical studies
      of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53, and C-erbB-2 were
      performed. RESULTS: The most common mammographic findings were oval shape (37%),
      circumscribed margin (59%), and high density (74%). The most common sonographic
      findings were irregular shape (59.4%), microlobulated margin (41%), complex
      echogenicity (81%), parallel orientation (97%), and posterior acoustic
      enhancement (50%). Axillary lymph node metastases were noted for 25% of the
      sonographic examinations. On MRI, the most common findings of margin and shape
      were irregularity (57% and 52.4%, respectively). High signal intensity was the
      most common finding on T2-weighted images (57%). Immunohistochemical profile was
      negative for ER (91%, 29/32) and PR (81%, 26/32). CONCLUSION: Metaplastic
      carcinomas might display more benign features and less axillary lymph node
      metastasis than IDC. High signal intensity on T2 MRI images and hormone receptor
      negativity would be helpful in differentiating this tumor from other breast
      cancers.

PMID- 22090466
TI  - Compression stockings with moderate pressure are able to reduce chronic leg
      oedema.
AB  - AIM: To compare the efficacy of compression stockings and inelastic, high
      pressure bandages concerning leg volume reduction in patients with chronic leg
      oedema. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two legs of 30 patients with chronic leg
      oedema caused by venous stasis were randomized to receive a strong inelastic
      bandage (IB) or an elastic stocking (ES) exerting a pressure of 23-32 mmHg.
      Changes in leg oedema were assessed after two and seven days by water
      displacement volumetry, measurements of leg circumferences and of skin thickness
      by using Duplex ultrasound. Interface pressure was registered under the
      compression devices for seven days. RESULTS: There was no significant difference
      between stockings and bandages, which both produced a significant reduction in
      leg volume after two days (-9.6% [95% CI 7.5-11.8] by ES and -11.5% [95% CI 9.9
      13.2%] by IB) and after seven days (-13.2% [95% CI 10.4-16.2] by ES and -15.6%
      [95% CI 12.8-18.4] by IB). Bandages showed a more pronounced reduction in leg
      circumference and in skin thickness in the calf region. The pressure of IB in the
      lying position fell from initially 63 to 22 mmHg after two days, but only from 33
      to 26 mmHg under ES (median values). The optimal pressure range concerning oedema
      reduction was found between 40 and 60 mmHg, while higher pressures produced by
      bandages showed a negative correlation with volume reduction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compression stockings exerting a pressure of around 30 mmHg are nearly as
      effective as high-pressure bandages with an initial pressure over 60 mmHg in
      reducing chronic leg oedema.

PMID- 22090467
TI  - A dietary pattern including nopal, chia seed, soy protein, and oat reduces serum
      triglycerides and glucose intolerance in patients with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a health problem throughout the world and is
      associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Thus, the purpose of the
      present work was to evaluate the effects of a dietary pattern (DP; soy protein,
      nopal, chia seed, and oat) on the biochemical variables of MetS, the AUC for
      glucose and insulin, glucose intolerance (GI), the relationship of the presence
      of certain polymorphisms related to MetS, and the response to the DP. In this
      randomized trial, the participants consumed their habitual diet but reduced by
      500 kcal for 2 wk. They were then assigned to the placebo (P; n = 35) or DP (n =
      32) group and consumed the reduced energy diet plus the P or DP beverage (235
      kcal) minus the energy provided by these for 2 mo. All participants had decreases
      in body weight (BW), BMI, and waist circumference during the 2-mo treatment (P <
      0.0001); however, only the DP group had decreases in serum TG, C-reactive protein
      (CRP), and AUC for insulin and GI after a glucose tolerance test. Interestingly,
      participants in the DP group with MetS and the ABCA1 R230C variant had a greater
      decrease in BW and an increase in serum adiponectin concentration after 2 mo of
      dietary treatment than those with the ABCA1 R230R variant. The results from this
      study suggest that lifestyle interventions involving specific DP for the
      treatment of MetS could be more effective if local foods and genetic variations
      of the population are considered.

PMID- 22090468
TI  - Total and specific polyphenol intakes in midlife are associated with cognitive
      function measured 13 years later.
AB  - Polyphenols, and in particular flavonoids, are omnipresent plant-food components
      displaying biochemical properties possibly beneficial to brain health. We sought
      to evaluate the long-term association between total and class-specific polyphenol
      intake and cognitive performance. Polyphenol intake was estimated using the
      Phenol-Explorer database applied to at least six 24-h dietary records collected
      in 1994-1996 as part of the SU.VI.MAX (Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux
      Antioxydants) study. The cognitive performance of 2574 middle-aged adults
      participating in the cohort was assessed in 2007-2009 using the following four
      neuropsychological tests: phonemic and semantic fluency, the RI-48 Cued Recall
      test, the Trail Making test, and Forward and Backward Digit Span. Inter
      correlations among the test scores were estimated with principal component
      analysis. Associations between polyphenol intake and cognition were assessed by
      multivariate linear regression and ANCOVA. In multivariate models, high total
      polyphenol intake was associated with better language and verbal memory (P =
      0.01) but not with executive functioning (P = 0.09). More specifically, intake of
      catechins (P = 0.001), theaflavins (P = 0.002), flavonols (P = 0.01), and
      hydroxybenzoic acids (P = 0.0004) was positively associated with language and
      verbal memory, especially with episodic memory assessed by the RI-48 test. In
      contrast, negative associations between scores on executive functioning and
      intake of dihydrochalcones (P = 0.01), catechins (P = 0.01), proanthocyanidins (P
      = 0.01), and flavonols (P = 0.01) were detected. High intake of specific
      polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, may help to preserve verbal
      memory, which is a salient vulnerable domain in pathological brain aging. Further
      investigations are needed to clarify the observed negative associations regarding
      executive functioning.

PMID- 22090469
TI  - Glycemic index predicts individual glucose responses after self-selected
      breakfasts in free-living, abdominally obese adults.
AB  - The degree to which an individual's glycemic response to a meal is determined by
      the glycemic index (GI) and other components of the meal remains unclear,
      especially when meals are not consumed in a highly controlled research setting.
      To address this question, we analyzed data collected during the run-in period of
      a clinical trial. Free-living, nondiabetic adults (n = 57) aged 53.9 +/- 9.8 y
      (mean +/- SD) with a BMI of 33.9 +/- 5.3 kg/m(2) and waist circumference of 109
      +/- 11 cm underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and, on a separate
      day, wore a continuous glucose-monitoring system (CGMS) for 24 h during which
      time they recorded all foods consumed. The protein, fat, and available
      carbohydrate (avCHO) content and GI of the breakfast meals were calculated from
      the food records and the incremental areas under the glycemic response curves
      (iAUC) for 2 h after breakfast (iAUC(breakfast)) were calculated from CGMS data.
      Values for iAUC(breakfast), avCHO, fat, fiber, and BMI were normalized by log
      transformation. The ability of participant characteristics and breakfast
      composition to predict individual iAUC(breakfast) responses was determined using
      step-wise multiple linear regression. A total of 56% of the variation in
      iAUC(breakfast) was explained by GI (30%; P < 0.001), iAUC after the OGTT (11%; P
      < 0.001), avCHO (11%; P < 0.001), and waist circumference (3%; P = 0.049); the
      effects of fat, protein, dietary fiber, age, sex, and BMI were not significant.
      We concluded that, in free-living, abdominally obese adults, GI is a significant
      determinant of individual glycemic responses elicited by self-selected breakfast
      meals. In this study, GI was a more important determinant of glycemic response
      than carbohydrate intake.

PMID- 22090470
TI  - Use of laboratory studies for the design, explanation, and validation of human
      micronutrient intervention studies.
AB  - Many micronutrient supplementation trials have led to important new findings
      relevant to public health, but some outcomes have been unclear or concerning. Can
      and should laboratory studies and animal models be used more extensively to
      pretest the proposed designs of human studies? This paper illustrates, as
      examples, the contributions that animal models have made to several major
      advances in understanding the biology of the micronutrients vitamin A and
      carotenoids, and it proposes that animal studies can play a more integrated role
      in public health nutrition by serving as a first line of interrogation for study
      designs and thereby as a means of refining the designs of human studies so that
      large, expensive, and logistically difficult human trials will yield the best
      possible information.

PMID- 22090471
TI  - International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXXV: calcium-activated
      chloride channels.
AB  - Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are widely expressed in various
      tissues and implicated in physiological processes such as sensory transduction,
      epithelial secretion, and smooth muscle contraction. Transmembrane proteins with
      unknown function 16 (TMEM16A) has recently been identified as a major component
      of CaCCs. Detailed molecular analysis of TMEM16A will be needed to understand its
      structure-function relationships. The role this channel plays in physiological
      systems remains to be established and is currently a subject of intense
      investigation.

PMID- 22090472
TI  - Therapeutic implications for striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase
      (STEP) in neuropsychiatric disorders.
AB  - Striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is a brain-specific
      phosphatase that modulates key signaling molecules involved in synaptic
      plasticity and neuronal function. Targets include extracellular-regulated kinase
      1 and 2 (ERK1/2), stress-activated protein kinase p38 (p38), the Src family
      tyrosine kinase Fyn, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), and alpha-amino-3
      hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). STEP-mediated
      dephosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and Fyn leads to inactivation of these enzymes,
      whereas STEP-mediated dephosphorylation of surface NMDARs and AMPARs promotes
      their endocytosis. Accordingly, the current model of STEP function posits that it
      opposes long-term potentiation and promotes long-term depression.
      Phosphorylation, cleavage, dimerization, ubiquitination, and local translation
      all converge to maintain an appropriate balance of STEP in the central nervous
      system. Accumulating evidence over the past decade indicates that STEP
      dysregulation contributes to the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric
      disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, fragile X syndrome,
      epileptogenesis, alcohol-induced memory loss, Huntington's disease, drug abuse,
      stroke/ischemia, and inflammatory pain. This comprehensive review discusses STEP
      expression and regulation and highlights how disrupted STEP function contributes
      to the pathophysiology of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22090474
TI  - Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1: a novel drug target in cancer development.
AB  - The human arylamine N-acetyltransferases first attracted attention because of
      their role in drug metabolism. However, much of the current literature has
      focused on their role in the activation and detoxification of environmental
      carcinogens and how genetic polymorphisms in the genes create predispositions to
      increased or decreased cancer risk. There are two closely related genes on
      chromosome 8 that encode the two human arylamine N-acetyltransferases--NAT1 and
      NAT2. Although NAT2 has restricted tissue expression, NAT1 is found in almost all
      tissues of the body. There are several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the
      protein coding and 3'-untranslated regions of the gene that affect enzyme
      activity. However, NAT1 is also regulated by post-translational and environmental
      factors, which may be of greater importance than genotype in determining tissue
      NAT1 activities. Recent studies have suggested a novel role for this enzyme in
      cancer cell growth. NAT1 is up-regulated in several cancer types, and
      overexpression can lead to increased survival and resistance to chemotherapy.
      Although a link to folate homeostasis has been suggested, many of the effects
      attributed to NAT1 and cancer cell growth remain to be explained. Nevertheless,
      the enzyme has emerged as a viable candidate for drug development, which should
      lead to small molecule inhibitors for preclinical and clinical evaluation.

PMID- 22090473
TI  - Genome-environment interactions that modulate aging: powerful targets for drug
      discovery.
AB  - Aging is the major biomedical challenge of this century. The percentage of
      elderly people, and consequently the incidence of age-related diseases such as
      heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, is projected to increase
      considerably in the coming decades. Findings from model organisms have revealed
      that aging is a surprisingly plastic process that can be manipulated by both
      genetic and environmental factors. Here we review a broad range of findings in
      model organisms, from environmental to genetic manipulations of aging, with a
      focus on those with underlying gene-environment interactions with potential for
      drug discovery and development. One well-studied dietary manipulation of aging is
      caloric restriction, which consists of restricting the food intake of organisms
      without triggering malnutrition and has been shown to retard aging in model
      organisms. Caloric restriction is already being used as a paradigm for developing
      compounds that mimic its life-extension effects and might therefore have
      therapeutic value. The potential for further advances in this field is immense;
      hundreds of genes in several pathways have recently emerged as regulators of
      aging and caloric restriction in model organisms. Some of these genes, such as
      IGF1R and FOXO3, have also been associated with human longevity in genetic
      association studies. The parallel emergence of network approaches offers
      prospects to develop multitarget drugs and combinatorial therapies. Understanding
      how the environment modulates aging-related genes may lead to human applications
      and disease therapies through diet, lifestyle, or pharmacological interventions.
      Unlocking the capacity to manipulate human aging would result in unprecedented
      health benefits.

PMID- 22090475
TI  - Decoding action intentions in parietofrontal circuits.

PMID- 22090476
TI  - Synaptic properties of corticocortical connections between the primary and
      secondary visual cortical areas in the mouse.
AB  - Despite the importance of corticocortical connections, few published studies have
      investigated the functional, synaptic properties of such connections in any
      species, because most studies have been purely anatomical or aimed at functional
      features other than synaptic properties. We recently published a study of
      synaptic properties of connections between the primary and secondary cortical
      auditory areas in brain slices from the mouse, and, in the present study, we
      aimed to extend this by performing analogous studies of the primary and secondary
      visual areas (V1 and V2). We found effectively the same results. That is,
      connections between V1 and V2 in both directions were quite similar; in each
      case, the glutamatergic inputs could be classified as one of two types, Class 1B
      (formerly "driver") and Class 2 (formerly "modulator"). There is a clear laminar
      correlation for these different inputs, in terms of both the laminae of origin
      and those in which the recorded cells were located. Our data suggest a common
      pattern to the functional organization of corticocortical connectivity in the
      mouse cortex.

PMID- 22090477
TI  - Robust central reduction of amyloid-beta in humans with an orally available, non
      peptidic beta-secretase inhibitor.
AB  - According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, cerebral deposition of amyloid-beta
      peptide (Abeta) is critical for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Abeta
      generation is initiated when beta-secretase (BACE1) cleaves the amyloid precursor
      protein. For more than a decade, BACE1 has been a prime target for designing
      drugs to prevent or treat AD. However, development of such agents has turned out
      to be extremely challenging, with major hurdles in cell penetration, oral
      bioavailability/metabolic clearance, and brain access. Using a fragment-based
      chemistry strategy, we have generated LY2811376 [(S)-4-(2,4-difluoro-5-pyrimidin
      5-yl-phenyl)-4-methyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-[1,3]thiazin-2-ylamine], the first orally
      available non-peptidic BACE1 inhibitor that produces profound Abeta-lowering
      effects in animals. The biomarker changes obtained in preclinical animal models
      translate into man at doses of LY2811376 that were safe and well tolerated in
      healthy volunteers. Prominent and long-lasting Abeta reductions in lumbar CSF
      were measured after oral dosing of 30 or 90 mg of LY2811376. This represents the
      first translation of BACE1-driven biomarker changes in CNS from preclinical
      animal models to man. Because of toxicology findings identified in longer-term
      preclinical studies, this compound is no longer progressing in clinical
      development. However, BACE1 remains a viable target because the adverse effects
      reported here were recapitulated in LY2811376-treated BACE1 KO mice and thus are
      unrelated to BACE1 inhibition. The magnitude and duration of central Abeta
      reduction obtainable with BACE1 inhibition positions this protease as a tractable
      small-molecule target through which to test the amyloid hypothesis in man.

PMID- 22090478
TI  - Disrupting effect of drug-induced reward on spatial but not cue-guided learning:
      implication of the striatal protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding
      protein pathway.
AB  - The multiple memory systems hypothesis posits that different neural circuits
      function in parallel and may compete for information processing and storage. For
      example, instrumental conditioning would depend on the striatum, whereas spatial
      memory may be mediated by a circuit centered on the hippocampus. However, the
      nature of the task itself is not sufficient to select durably one system over the
      other. In this study, we investigated the effects of natural and pharmacological
      rewards on the selection of a particular memory system during learning. We
      compared the effects of food- or drug-induced activation of the reward system on
      cue-guided versus spatial learning using a Y-maze discrimination task. Drug
      induced reward severely impaired the acquisition of a spatial discrimination task
      but spared the cued version of the task. Immunohistochemical analysis of the
      phosphorylated form of the cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein and c-Fos
      expression induced by behavioral testing revealed that the spatial deficit was
      associated with a decrease of both markers within the hippocampus and the
      prefrontal cortex. In contrast, drug reward potentiated the cued learning-induced
      CREB phosphorylation within the dorsal striatum. Administration of the protein
      kinase A inhibitor 8-Bromo-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate Rp isomer
      (Rp-cAMPS) into the dorsal striatum before training completely reversed the drug
      induced spatial deficit and restored CREB phosphorylation levels within the
      hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, drug-induced striatal
      hyperactivity may underlie the declarative memory deficit reported here. This
      mechanism could represent an important early step toward the development of
      addictive behaviors by promoting conditioning to the detriment of more flexible
      forms of memory.

PMID- 22090479
TI  - Selectivity for spectral motion as a neural computation for encoding natural
      communication signals in bat inferior colliculus.
AB  - This study examines the neural computations performed by neurons in the auditory
      system to be selective for the direction and velocity of signals sweeping upward
      or downward in frequency, termed spectral motion. We show that neurons in the
      auditory midbrain of Mexican free-tailed bats encode multiple spectrotemporal
      features of natural communication sounds. These features to which each neuron is
      tuned are nonlinearly combined to produce selectivity for spectral motion cues
      present in their conspecific calls, such as direction and velocity. We find that
      the neural computations resulting in selectivity for spectral motion are
      analogous to models of motion selectivity studied in vision. Our analysis
      revealed that auditory neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) are avoiding
      spectrotemporal modulations that are redundant across different bat communication
      signals and are specifically tuned for modulations that distinguish each call
      from another by their frequency-modulated direction and velocity, suggesting that
      spectral motion is the neural computation through which IC neurons are encoding
      specific features of conspecific vocalizations.

PMID- 22090480
TI  - Critical roles of transitional cells and Na/K-ATPase in the formation of
      vestibular endolymph.
AB  - The mechanotransduction of vestibular sensory cells depends on the high
      endolymphatic potassium concentration ([K+]) maintained by a fine balance between
      K+ secretion and absorption by epithelial cells. Despite the crucial role of
      endolymph as an electrochemical motor for mechanotransduction, little is known
      about the processes that govern endolymph formation. To address these, we took
      advantage of an organotypic rodent model, which regenerates a genuine neonatal
      vestibular endolymphatic compartment, facilitating the determination of
      endolymphatic [K+] and transepithelial potential (Vt) during endolymph formation.
      While mature Vt levels are almost immediately achieved, K+ accumulates to reach a
      steady [K+] by day 5 in culture. Inhibition of sensory cell K+ efflux enhances
      [K+] regardless of the blocker used (FM1.43, amikacin, gentamicin, or
      gadolinium). Targeting K+ secretion with bumetanide partially and transiently
      reduces [K+], while ouabain application and Kcne1 deletion almost abolishes it.
      Immunofluorescence studies demonstrate that dark cells do not express Na-K-2Cl
      cotransporter 1 (the target of bumetanide) in cultured and young mouse utricles,
      while Na/K-ATPase (the target of ouabain) is found in dark cells and transitional
      cells. This global analysis of the involvement of endolymphatic homeostasis
      actors in the immature organ (1) confirms that KCNE1 channels are necessary for
      K+ secretion, (2) highlights Na/K-ATPase as the key endolymphatic K+ provider and
      shows that Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 1 has a limited impact on K+ influx, and (3)
      demonstrates that transitional cells are involved in K+ secretion in the early
      endolymphatic compartment.

PMID- 22090481
TI  - NMDA receptor agonists fail to alter release from cerebellar basket cells.
AB  - Previous studies of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) expression on axons of cerebellar
      molecular layer interneurons have produced conflicting results. We made use of
      the calcium sensitivity of vesicular release machinery to test for NMDAR activity
      in basket cell axons. Iontophoresis of l-aspartate, an NMDAR agonist, onto basket
      cell axon collaterals had no effect on evoked IPSCs measured in synaptically
      coupled Purkinje cells. Furthermore, calcium indicators in basket cell
      varicosities did not report any change in intracellular calcium following
      iontophoresis of l-aspartate or two-photon uncaging of glutamate. In contrast,
      activation of presynaptic purinergic receptors by iontophoresis of ATP decreased
      evoked IPSC amplitudes and action potential-evoked calcium transients in axonal
      varicosities, demonstrating the effectiveness of activating presynaptic receptors
      by iontophoresis. We find no evidence for functional NMDARs in basket cell
      varicosities.

PMID- 22090482
TI  - Regionally specific human GABA concentration correlates with tactile
      discrimination thresholds.
AB  - The neural mechanisms underlying variability in human sensory perception remain
      incompletely understood. In particular, few studies have attempted to investigate
      the relationship between in vivo measurements of neurochemistry and individuals'
      behavioral performance. Our previous work found a relationship between GABA
      concentration in the visual cortex and orientation discrimination thresholds
      (Edden et al., 2009). In the present study, we used magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy of GABA and psychophysical testing of vibrotactile frequency
      thresholds to investigate whether individual differences in tactile frequency
      discrimination performance are correlated with GABA concentration in sensorimotor
      cortex. Behaviorally, individuals showed a wide range of discrimination
      thresholds ranging from 3 to 7.6 Hz around the 25 Hz standard. These frequency
      discrimination thresholds were significantly correlated with GABA concentration
      (r = -0.58; p < 0.05) in individuals' sensorimotor cortex, but not with GABA
      concentration in an occipital control region (r = -0.04). These results
      demonstrate a link between GABA concentration and frequency discrimination in
      vivo, and support the hypothesis that GABAergic mechanisms have an important role
      to play in sensory discrimination.

PMID- 22090483
TI  - Representation of perceptually invisible image motion in extrastriate visual area
      MT of macaque monkeys.
AB  - Why does the world appear stable despite the visual motion induced by eye
      movements during fixation? We find that the answer must reside in how visual
      motion signals are interpreted by perception, because MT neurons in monkeys
      respond to the image motion caused by eye drifts in the presence of a stationary
      stimulus. Several features suggest a visual origin for the responses of MT
      neurons during fixation: spike-triggered averaging yields a peak image velocity
      in the preferred direction that precedes spikes by ~60 ms; image velocity during
      fixation and firing rate show similar peaks in power at 4-5 Hz; and average MT
      firing during a period of fixation is related monotonically to the image speed
      along the preferred axis of the neurons 60 ms earlier. The percept caused by the
      responses of MT neurons during fixation depends on the distribution of activity
      across the population of neurons of different preferred speeds. For imposed
      stimulus motion, the population response peaks for neurons that prefer the actual
      target speed. For small image motions caused by eye drifts during fixation, the
      population response is large, but is noisy and does not show a clear peak. This
      representation of image motion in MT would be ignored if perception interprets
      the population response in the context of a prior of zero speed. Then, we would
      see a stable scene despite MT responses caused by eye drifts during fixation.

PMID- 22090484
TI  - A wide diversity of cortical GABAergic interneurons derives from the embryonic
      preoptic area.
AB  - GABA-containing (GABAergic) interneurons comprise a very heterogeneous group of
      cells that are crucial for cortical function. Different classes of interneurons
      specialize in targeting specific subcellular domains of excitatory pyramidal
      cells or other interneurons, which provides cortical circuits with an enormous
      capability for information processing. As in other regions of the CNS, cortical
      interneuron diversity is thought to emerge from the genetic specification of
      different groups of progenitor cells within the subpallium. Most cortical
      interneurons originate from two main regions, the medial and the caudal
      ganglionic eminences (MGE and CGE, respectively). In addition, it has been shown
      that progenitors in the embryonic preoptic area (POA) also produce a small
      population of cortical GABAergic interneurons. Here, we show that the
      contribution of the POA to the complement of cortical GABAergic interneurons is
      larger than previously believed. Using genetic fate mapping and in utero
      transplantation experiments, we demonstrate that Dbx1-expressing progenitor cells
      in the POA give rise to a small but highly diverse cohort of cortical
      interneurons, with some neurochemical and electrophysiological characteristics
      that were previously attributed to MGE- or CGE-derived interneurons. There are,
      however, some features that seem to distinguish POA-derived interneurons from MGE
      or CGE-derived cells, such as their preferential laminar location. These results
      indicate that the mechanisms controlling the specification of different classes
      of cortical interneurons might be more complex than previously expected. Together
      with earlier findings, our results also suggest that the POA generates nearly 10%
      of the GABAergic interneurons in the cerebral cortex of the mouse.

PMID- 22090485
TI  - beta-III spectrin is critical for development of purkinje cell dendritic tree and
      spine morphogenesis.
AB  - Mutations in the gene encoding beta-III spectrin give rise to spinocerebellar
      ataxia type 5, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive thinning
      of the molecular layer, loss of Purkinje cells and increasing motor deficits. A
      mouse lacking full-length beta-III spectrin (beta-III-/-) displays a similar
      phenotype. In vitro and in vivo analyses of Purkinje cells lacking beta-III
      spectrin, reveal a critical role for beta-III spectrin in Purkinje cell
      morphological development. Disruption of the normally well ordered dendritic
      arborization occurs in Purkinje cells from beta-III-/- mice, specifically showing
      a loss of monoplanar organization, smaller average dendritic diameter and reduced
      densities of Purkinje cell spines and synapses. Early morphological defects
      appear to affect distribution of dendritic, but not axonal, proteins. This study
      confirms that thinning of the molecular layer associated with disease
      pathogenesis is a consequence of Purkinje cell dendritic degeneration, as
      Purkinje cells from 8-month-old beta-III-/- mice have drastically reduced
      dendritic volumes, surface areas and total dendritic lengths compared with 5- to
      6-week-old beta-III-/- mice. These findings highlight a critical role of beta-III
      spectrin in dendritic biology and are consistent with an early developmental
      defect in beta-III-/- mice, with abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic morphology
      potentially underlying disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 22090486
TI  - State-dependent, bidirectional modulation of neural network activity by
      endocannabinoids.
AB  - The endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) play key
      roles in the modulation of brain functions. Although actions of eCBs and CB1Rs
      are well described at the synaptic level, little is known of their modulation of
      neural activity at the network level. Using microelectrode arrays, we have
      examined the role of CB1R activation in the modulation of the electrical activity
      of rat and mice cortical neural networks in vitro. We find that exogenous
      activation of CB1Rs expressed on glutamatergic neurons decreases the spontaneous
      activity of cortical neural networks. Moreover, we observe that the net effect of
      the CB1R antagonist AM251 inversely correlates with the initial level of activity
      in the network: blocking CB1Rs increases network activity when basal network
      activity is low, whereas it depresses spontaneous activity when its initial level
      is high. Our results reveal a complex role of CB1Rs in shaping spontaneous
      network activity, and suggest that the outcome of endogenous neuromodulation on
      network function might be state dependent.

PMID- 22090487
TI  - Amping up effort: effects of d-amphetamine on human effort-based decision-making.
AB  - Animal studies suggest the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) plays an important role
      in decision-making. In rats, DA depletion decreases tolerance for effort and
      probability costs, while drugs enhancing DA increase tolerance for these costs.
      However, data regarding the effect of DA manipulations on effort and probability
      costs in humans remain scarce. The current study examined acute effects of d
      amphetamine, an indirect DA agonist, on willingness of healthy human volunteers
      to exert effort for monetary rewards at varying levels of reward value and reward
      probability. Based on preclinical research, we predicted amphetamine would
      increase exertion of effort, particularly when reward probability was low. Over
      three sessions, 17 healthy normal adults received placebo, d-amphetamine 10 mg,
      and 20 mg under counterbalanced double-blind conditions and completed the Effort
      Expenditure for Rewards Task. Consistent with predictions, amphetamine enhanced
      willingness to exert effort, particularly when reward probability was lower.
      Amphetamine did not alter effects of reward magnitude on willingness to exert
      effort. Amphetamine sped task performance, but its psychomotor effects were not
      strongly related to its effects on decision-making. This is the first
      demonstration in humans that dopaminergic manipulations alter willingness to
      exert effort for rewards. These findings help elucidate neurochemical substrates
      of choice, with implications for neuropsychiatric diseases characterized by
      dopaminergic dysfunction and motivational deficits.

PMID- 22090488
TI  - A seven-transmembrane receptor that mediates avoidance response to dihydrocaffeic
      acid, a water-soluble repellent in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The ability to detect harmful chemicals rapidly is essential for the survival of
      all animals. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), repellents trigger an
      avoidance response, causing animals to move away from repellents. Dihydrocaffeic
      acid (DHCA) is a water-soluble repellent and nonflavonoid catecholic compound
      that can be found in plant products. Using a Xenopus laevis (X. laevis) oocyte
      expression system, we identified a candidate dihydrocaffeic acid receptor (DCAR),
      DCAR-1. DCAR-1 is a novel seven-transmembrane protein that is expressed in the
      ASH avoidance sensory neurons of C. elegans. dcar-1 mutant animals are defective
      in avoidance response to DHCA, and cell-specific expression of dcar-1 in the ASH
      neurons of dcar-1 mutant animals rescued the defect in avoidance response to
      DHCA. Our findings identify DCAR-1 as the first seven-transmembrane receptor
      required for avoidance of a water-soluble repellent, DHCA, in C. elegans.

PMID- 22090489
TI  - The sound of consciousness: neural underpinnings of auditory perception.
AB  - The neural correlates of consciousness (NCC), i.e., patterns of brain activity
      that specifically accompany a particular conscious experience, have been
      investigated mainly in the visual system using particularly suited paradigms,
      such as binocular rivalry and multistable percepts in combination with neural
      recordings or neuroimaging. Through the same principles, we look here for
      possible NCC in the auditory modality exploiting the properties of the Deutsch's
      illusion, a stimulation condition in which a sequence of two specular dichotic
      stimuli presented in alternation causes an illusory segregation of pitch and side
      (ear of origin), which can yield up to four different auditory percepts per
      dichotic stimulus. Using magnetoencephalography in humans, we observed cortical
      activity specifically accompanying conscious experience of pitch inside an early
      bilateral network, including the Heschl's gyrus, the middle temporal gyrus, the
      right inferior, and the superior frontal gyri. The conscious experience of
      perceived side was instead accompanied by later activity observed bilaterally in
      the inferior parietal lobe and in the superior frontal gyrus. These results
      suggest that the NCC are not independent of stimulus features and modality and
      that, even at the higher cortical levels, the different aspects of a single
      perceptual scene may not be simultaneously processed.

PMID- 22090490
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of motor neuron cell death through DNA methylation.
AB  - DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism for gene silencing engaged by DNA
      methyltransferase (Dnmt)-catalyzed methyl group transfer to cytosine residues in
      gene-regulatory regions. It is unknown whether aberrant DNA methylation can cause
      neurodegeneration. We tested the hypothesis that Dnmts can mediate neuronal cell
      death. Enforced expression of Dnmt3a induced degeneration of cultured NSC34
      cells. During apoptosis of NSC34 cells induced by camptothecin, levels of Dnmt1
      and Dnmt3a increased fivefold and twofold, respectively, and 5-methylcytosine
      accumulated in nuclei. Truncation mutation of the Dnmt3a catalytic domain and
      Dnmt3a RNAi blocked apoptosis of cultured neurons. Inhibition of Dnmt catalytic
      activity with RG108 and procainamide protected cultured neurons from excessive
      DNA methylation and apoptosis. In vivo, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a are expressed
      differentially during mouse brain and spinal cord maturation and in adulthood
      when Dnmt3a is abundant in synapses and mitochondria. Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a are
      expressed in motor neurons of adult mouse spinal cord, and, during their
      apoptosis induced by sciatic nerve avulsion, nuclear and cytoplasmic 5
      methylcytosine immunoreactivity, Dnmt3a protein levels and Dnmt enzyme activity
      increased preapoptotically. Inhibition of Dnmts with RG108 blocked completely the
      increase in 5-methycytosine and the apoptosis of motor neurons in mice. In human
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neurons showed changes in Dnmt1,
      Dnmt3a, and 5-methylcytosine similar to experimental models. Thus, motor neurons
      can engage epigenetic mechanisms to drive apoptosis, involving Dnmt upregulation
      and increased DNA methylation. These cellular mechanisms could be relevant to
      human ALS pathobiology and disease treatment.

PMID- 22090491
TI  - Sharp Ca2+ nanodomains beneath the ribbon promote highly synchronous
      multivesicular release at hair cell synapses.
AB  - Hair cell ribbon synapses exhibit several distinguishing features. Structurally,
      a dense body, or ribbon, is anchored to the presynaptic membrane and tethers
      synaptic vesicles; functionally, neurotransmitter release is dominated by large
      EPSC events produced by seemingly synchronous multivesicular release. However,
      the specific role of the synaptic ribbon in promoting this form of release
      remains elusive. Using complete ultrastructural reconstructions and capacitance
      measurements of bullfrog amphibian papilla hair cells dialyzed with high
      concentrations of a slow Ca2+ buffer (10 mM EGTA), we found that the number of
      synaptic vesicles at the base of the ribbon correlated closely to those vesicles
      that released most rapidly and efficiently, while the rest of the ribbon-tethered
      vesicles correlated to a second, slower pool of vesicles. Combined with the
      persistence of multivesicular release in extreme Ca2+ buffering conditions (10 mM
      BAPTA), our data argue against the Ca2+-dependent compound fusion of ribbon
      tethered vesicles at hair cell synapses. Moreover, during hair cell
      depolarization, our results suggest that elevated Ca2+ levels enhance vesicle
      pool replenishment rates. Finally, using Ca2+ diffusion simulations, we propose
      that the ribbon and its vesicles define a small cytoplasmic volume where Ca2+
      buffer is saturated, despite 10 mM BAPTA conditions. This local buffer saturation
      permits fast and large Ca2+ rises near release sites beneath the synaptic ribbon
      that can trigger multiquantal EPSCs. We conclude that, by restricting the
      available presynaptic volume, the ribbon may be creating conditions for the
      synchronous release of a small cohort of docked vesicles.

PMID- 22090492
TI  - Serum response factor is required for cortical axon growth but is dispensable for
      neurogenesis and neocortical lamination.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that neuron-specific deletion of serum response
      factor (SRF) results in deficits in tangential cell migration, guidance-dependent
      circuit assembly, activity-dependent gene expression, and synaptic plasticity in
      the hippocampus. Furthermore, SRF deletion in mouse embryonic stem cells causes
      cell death in vitro. However, the requirement of SRF for early neuronal
      development including neural stem cell homeostasis, neurogenesis, and axonal
      innervations remains unknown. Here, we report that SRF is critical for
      development of major axonal tracts in the forebrain. Conditional mutant mice
      lacking SRF in neural progenitor cells (Srf-Nestin-cKO) exhibit striking deficits
      in cortical axonal projections including corticostriatal, corticospinal, and
      corticothalamic tracts, and they show a variable loss of the corpus callosum.
      Neurogenesis and interneuron specification occur normally in the absence of SRF
      and the deficits in axonal projections were not due to a decrease or loss in cell
      numbers. Radial migration of neurons and neocortical lamination were also not
      affected. No aberrant cell death was observed during development, whereas there
      was an increase in the number of proliferative cells in the ventricular zone from
      embryonic day 14 to day 18. Similar axonal tract deficits were also observed in
      mutant mice lacking SRF in the developing excitatory neurons of neocortex and
      hippocampus (Srf-NEX-cKO). Together, these findings suggest distinct roles for
      SRF during neuronal development; SRF is specifically required in a cell
      autonomous manner for axonal tract development but is dispensable for cell
      survival, neurogenesis, neocortical lamination, and neuronal differentiation.

PMID- 22090493
TI  - Diverse precerebellar neurons share similar intrinsic excitability.
AB  - The cerebellum dedicates a majority of the brain's neurons to processing a wide
      range of sensory, motor, and cognitive signals. Stereotyped circuitry within the
      cerebellar cortex suggests that similar computations are performed throughout the
      cerebellum, but little is known about whether diverse precerebellar neurons are
      specialized for the nature of the information they convey. In vivo recordings
      indicate that firing responses to sensory or motor stimuli vary dramatically
      across different precerebellar nuclei, but whether this reflects diverse synaptic
      inputs or differentially tuned intrinsic excitability has not been determined. We
      targeted whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to neurons in eight precerebellar
      nuclei which were retrogradely labeled from different regions of the cerebellum
      in mice. Intrinsic physiology was compared across neurons in the medial
      vestibular, external cuneate, lateral reticular, prepositus hypoglossi,
      supragenual, Roller/intercalatus, reticularis tegmenti pontis, and pontine
      nuclei. Within the firing domain, precerebellar neurons were remarkably similar.
      Firing faithfully followed temporally modulated inputs, could be sustained at
      high rates, and was a linear function of input current over a wide range of
      inputs and firing rates. Pharmacological analyses revealed common expression of
      Kv3 currents, which were essential for a wide linear firing range, and of SK
      (small-conductance calcium-activated potassium) currents, which were essential
      for a wide linear input range. In contrast, membrane properties below spike
      threshold varied considerably within and across precerebellar nuclei, as
      evidenced by variability in postinhibitory rebound firing. Our findings indicate
      that diverse precerebellar neurons perform similar scaling computations on their
      inputs but may be differentially tuned to synaptic inhibition.

PMID- 22090494
TI  - Elimination of redundant synaptic inputs in the absence of synaptic
      strengthening.
AB  - Synaptic refinement, a developmental process that consists of selective
      elimination and strengthening of immature synapses, is essential for the
      formation of precise neuronal circuits and proper brain function. At
      glutamatergic synapses in the brain, activity-dependent recruitment of AMPA
      receptors (AMPARs) is a key mechanism underlying the strengthening of immature
      synapses. Studies using receptor overexpression have shown that the recruitment
      of AMPARs is subunit specific. With the notable exception of hippocampal CA3-CA1
      synapses, however, little is known about how native receptors behave or the roles
      of specific AMPAR subunits in synaptic refinement in vivo. Using patch-clamp
      recordings in acute slices, we examined developmental refinement of whisker relay
      (lemniscal) synapses in the thalamus in mice deficient of AMPAR subunits.
      Deletion of GluA3 or GluA4 caused significant reductions of synaptic AMPAR
      currents in thalamic neurons at P16-P17, with a greater reduction observed in
      GluA3-deficient mice. Deletions of both GluA3 and GluA4 abolished synaptic AMPAR
      responses in the majority of thalamic neurons, indicating that at thalamic relay
      synapses AMPARs are composed primarily of GluA3 and GluA4. Surprisingly,
      deletions of GluA3 or GluA4 or both had no effect on the elimination of relay
      inputs: the majority of thalamic neurons in these knock-out mice-as in wild-type
      mice-receive a single relay input. However, experience-dependent strengthening of
      thalamic relay synapses was impaired in GluA3 knock-out mice. Together these
      findings suggest that the elimination of immature glutamatergic synapses proceeds
      normally in the absence of synaptic strengthening, and highlight the role of
      GluA3-containing AMPARs in experience-dependent synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 22090496
TI  - One action system or two? Evidence for common central preparatory mechanisms in
      voluntary and stimulus-driven actions.
AB  - Human behavior is comprised of an interaction between intentionally driven
      actions and reactions to changes in the environment. Existing data are equivocal
      concerning the question of whether these two action systems are independent,
      involve different brain regions, or overlap. To address this question we
      investigated whether the degree to which the voluntary action system is activated
      at the time of stimulus onset predicts reaction times to external stimuli. We
      recorded event-related potentials while participants prepared and executed left-
      or right-hand voluntary actions, which were occasionally interrupted by a
      stimulus requiring either a left- or right-hand response. In trials where
      participants successfully performed the stimulus-driven response, increased
      voluntary motor preparation was associated with faster responses on congruent
      trials (where participants were preparing a voluntary action with the same hand
      that was then required by the target stimulus), and slower responses on
      incongruent trials. This suggests that early hand-specific activity in medial
      frontal cortex for voluntary action trials can be used by the stimulus-driven
      system to speed responding. This finding questions the clear distinction between
      voluntary and stimulus-driven action systems.

PMID- 22090495
TI  - Sapap3 deletion causes mGluR5-dependent silencing of AMPAR synapses.
AB  - Synaptic transmission mediated by AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) is
      regulated by scaffold proteins in the postsynaptic density. SAP90/PSD-95
      associated protein 3 (SAPAP3) is a scaffold protein that is highly expressed in
      striatal excitatory synapses. While loss of SAPAP3 is known to cause obsessive
      compulsive disorder-like behaviors in mice and reduce extracellular field
      potentials in the striatum, the mechanism by which SAPAP3 regulates excitatory
      neurotransmission is largely unknown. This study demonstrates that Sapap3
      deletion reduces AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in striatal medium spiny
      neurons (MSNs) through postsynaptic endocytosis of AMPARs. Striatal MSNs in
      Sapap3 KO mice have fewer synapses with AMPAR activity and a higher proportion of
      silent synapses. We further find that increased metabotropic glutamate receptor 5
      (mGluR5) activity in Sapap3 KO mice underlies the decrease in AMPAR synaptic
      transmission and excessive synapse silencing. These findings suggest a model
      whereby the normal role of SAPAP3 is to inhibit mGluR5-driven endocytosis of
      AMPARs. The results of this study provide the first evidence for the mechanism by
      which the SAPAP family of scaffold proteins regulates AMPAR synaptic activity.

PMID- 22090497
TI  - Behavioral state modulates the activity of brainstem sensorimotor neurons.
AB  - Sensorimotor processing must be modulated according to the animal's behavioral
      state. A previous study demonstrated that motion responses were strongly state
      dependent in birds. Vestibular eye and head responses were significantly larger
      and more compensatory during simulated flight, and a flight-specific vestibular
      tail response was also characterized. In the current study, we investigated the
      neural substrates for these state-dependent vestibular behaviors by recording
      extracellularly from neurons in the vestibular nuclear complex and comparing
      their spontaneous activity and sensory responses during default and simulated
      flight states. We show that motion-sensitive neurons in the lateral vestibular
      nucleus are state dependent. Some neurons increased their spontaneous firing
      rates during flight, though their increased excitability was not reflected in
      higher sensory gains. However, other neurons exhibited state-dependent gating of
      sensory inputs, responding to rotational stimuli only during flight. These
      results demonstrate that vestibular processing in the brainstem is state
      dependent and lay the foundation for future studies to investigate the synaptic
      mechanisms responsible for these modifications.

PMID- 22090498
TI  - Perinatal citalopram exposure selectively increases locus ceruleus circuit
      function in male rats.
AB  - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (CTM), have
      been widely prescribed for major depressive disorder, not only for adult
      populations, but also for children and pregnant mothers. Recent evidence suggests
      that chronic SSRI exposure in adults increases serotonin (5-HT) levels in the
      raphe system and decreases norepinephrine (NE) locus ceruleus (LC) neural
      activity, suggesting a robust opposing interaction between these two monoamines.
      In contrast, perinatal SSRI exposure induces a long-lasting downregulation of the
      5-HT-raphe system, which is opposite to that seen with chronic adult treatment.
      Therefore, the goal of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that
      perinatal CTM exposure (20 mg/kg/d) from postnatal day 1 (PN1) to PN10 leads to
      hyperexcited NE-LC circuit function in adult rats (>PN90). Our single-neuron LC
      electrophysiological data demonstrated an increase in spontaneous and stimulus
      driven neural activity, including an increase in phasic bursts in CTM-exposed
      animals. In addition, we demonstrated a corresponding immunoreactive increase in
      the rate-limiting catalyzing catecholamine enzyme (tyrosine hydroxylase) within
      the LC and their neocortical target sites compared to saline controls. Moreover,
      these effects were only evident in male exposed rats, suggesting a sexual
      dimorphism in neural development after SSRI exposure. Together, these results
      indicate that administration of SSRIs during a sensitive period of brain
      development results in long-lasting alterations in NE-LC circuit function in
      adults and may be useful in understanding the etiology of pervasive developmental
      disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.

PMID- 22090499
TI  - Neuronal P2X2 receptors are mobile ATP sensors that explore the plasma membrane
      when activated.
AB  - ATP-gated ionotropic P2X2 receptors are widely expressed in neurons. Although the
      electrophysiological properties of P2X2 receptors have been extensively studied,
      little is known about the plasma membrane lateral mobility of P2X2 receptors or
      whether receptor mobility is regulated by ATP. Here we used single-molecule
      imaging with simultaneous whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings to track quantum
      dot-labeled P2X2 receptors in the dendrites of rat hippocampal neurons to explore
      P2X2 receptor mobility and its regulation. We find that plasma membrane P2X2
      receptor lateral mobility in dendrites is heterogeneous but mostly Brownian in
      nature, consisting of mobile and slowly mobile receptor pools. Moreover, lateral
      mobility is P2X2 subunit and cell specific, is increased in an activation
      dependent manner, and is regulated by cytosolic VILIP1, a calcium binding
      protein. Our data provide the first direct measures of P2X receptor mobility and
      show that P2X2 receptors are mobile ATP sensors, sampling more of the dendritic
      plasma membrane in response to ATP.

PMID- 22090500
TI  - "Small axonless neurons": postnatally generated neocortical interneurons with
      delayed functional maturation.
AB  - GABAergic interneurons of the mouse cortex are generated embryonically in the
      ventral telencephalon. Recent evidence, however, indicated that a subset of
      cortical cells expressing interneuronal markers originate in the neonatal
      subventricular zone. This has raised interest in the functional development and
      incorporation of these postnatally generated cells into cortical circuits. Here
      we demonstrate that these cells integrate in the cortex, and that they constitute
      two distinct GABAergic interneuronal classes. Whereas one class reflects the tail
      end of embryonic interneuron genesis, the other class comprises interneurons that
      are exclusively generated perinatally and postnatally. The latter constitute a
      novel subclass of interneurons. They are preferentially located in the deeper
      layers of the olfactory and orbital cortices, exhibit a unique firing pattern and
      slow functional maturation. Based on their distinct morphology we termed them
      "small axonless neurons" and indeed, unlike other cortical neurons, they
      communicate with their neuronal partners via dendrodendritic synapses. Finally,
      we provide evidence that the number of small axonless neurons is enhanced by odor
      enrichment, a further indication that they integrate into neural circuits and
      participate to olfactory processing.

PMID- 22090501
TI  - Distinct mechanisms underlying pronociceptive effects of opioids.
AB  - In addition to analgesia, opioids may also produce paradoxical pain amplification
      [opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH)] either on abrupt withdrawal or during
      continuous long-term application. Here, we assessed antinociceptive and
      pronociceptive effects of three clinically used opioids at C-fiber synapses in
      the rat spinal dorsal horn in vivo. During 60 min of intravenous infusions of
      remifentanil (450 MUg.kg-1.h-1), fentanyl (48 MUg.kg-1.h-1), or morphine (14
      mg.kg-1.h-1), C-fiber-evoked field potentials were depressed and paired-pulse
      ratios (PPR) were increased, indicating a presynaptic inhibition by all three
      opioids. After withdrawal, postsynaptic responses were enhanced substantially for
      the remaining of the recording periods of at least 3 h. Withdrawal from
      remifentanil led to long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic strength in C-fibers
      via activation of spinal MU-opioid receptors (MORs) and spinal NMDA receptors
      (NMDARs). Fentanyl and morphine caused an enhancement of synaptic transmission at
      C-fibers, which involved two distinct mechanisms: (1) an opioid withdrawal LTP
      that also required activation of spinal MORs and NMDARs and that was associated
      with a decrease in PPR suggestive of a presynaptic mechanism of its expression,
      and (2) an immediate-onset, descending facilitation of C-fiber-evoked field
      potentials during and after intravenous infusion of fentanyl and morphine.
      Immediate-onset, descending facilitation was mediated by the activation of
      extraspinal MORs, descending serotonergic pathways, and spinal 5
      hydroxytryptamine-3 receptors (5-HT3Rs). Our study identified fundamentally
      different pronociceptive effects of clinically used opioids and suggests that OIH
      can be prevented by the combined use of NMDAR and 5-HT3R antagonists.

PMID- 22090502
TI  - A novel functionally distinct subtype of striatal neuropeptide Y interneuron.
AB  - We investigated the properties of neostriatal neuropeptide Y (NPY)-expressing
      interneurons in transgenic GFP (green fluorescent protein)-NPY reporter mice. In
      vitro whole-cell recordings and biocytin staining demonstrated the existence of a
      novel class of neostriatal NPY-expressing GABAergic interneurons that exhibit
      electrophysiological, neurochemical, and morphological properties strikingly
      different from those of previously described NPY-containing, plateau
      depolarization low-threshold spike (NPY-PLTS) interneurons. The novel NPY
      interneuron type (NPY-neurogliaform) differed from previously described NPY-PLTS
      interneurons by exhibiting a significantly lower input resistance and
      hyperpolarized membrane potential, regular, nonaccommodating spiking in response
      to depolarizing current injections, and an absence of plateau depolarizations or
      low-threshold spikes. NPY-neurogliaform interneurons were also easily
      distinguished morphologically by their dense, compact, and highly branched
      dendritic and local axonal arborizations that contrasted sharply with the sparse
      and extended axonal and dendritic arborizations of NPY-PLTS interneurons.
      Furthermore, NPY-neurogliaform interneurons did not express immunofluorescence
      for somatostatin or nitric oxide synthase that was ubiquitous in NPY-PLTS
      interneurons. IPSP/Cs could only rarely be elicited in spiny projection neurons
      (SPNs) in paired recordings with NPY-PLTS interneurons. In contrast, the
      probability of SPN innervation by NPY-neurogliaform interneurons was extremely
      high, the synapse very reliable (no failures were observed), and the resulting
      postsynaptic response was a slow, GABA(A) receptor-mediated IPSC that has not
      been previously described in striatum but that has been elicited from NPY
      GABAergic neurogliaform interneurons in cortex and hippocampus. These properties
      suggest unique and distinctive roles for NPY-PLTS and NPY-neurogliaform
      interneurons in the integrative properties of the neostriatum.

PMID- 22090503
TI  - Use dependence of presynaptic tenacity.
AB  - Recent studies indicate that synaptic vesicles (SVs) are continuously
      interchanged among nearby synapses at very significant rates. These dynamics and
      the lack of obvious barriers confining synaptic vesicles to specific synapses
      would seem to challenge the ability of synapses to maintain a constant amount of
      synaptic vesicles over prolonged time scales. Moreover, the extensive
      mobilization of synaptic vesicles associated with presynaptic activity might be
      expected to intensify this challenge. Here we examined the ability of individual
      presynaptic boutons of rat hippocampal neurons to maintain their synaptic vesicle
      content, and the degree to which this ability is affected by continuous activity.
      We found that the synaptic vesicle content of individual boutons belonging to the
      same axons gradually changed over several hours, and that these changes occurred
      independently of activity. Intermittent stimulation for 1 h accelerated rates of
      vesicle pool size change. Interestingly, however, following stimulation
      cessation, vesicle pool size change rates gradually converged with basal change
      rates. Over similar time scales, active zones (AZs) exhibited substantial
      remodeling; yet, unlike synaptic vesicles, AZ remodeling was not affected by the
      stimulation paradigms used here. These findings indicate that enhanced activity
      levels can increase synaptic vesicle redistribution among nearby synapses, but
      also highlight the presence of forces that act to restore particular set points
      in terms of SV contents, and support a role for active zones in preserving such
      set points. These findings also indicate, however, that neither AZ size nor SV
      content set points are particularly stable, questioning the long-term tenacity of
      presynaptic specializations.

PMID- 22090504
TI  - CRP1, a protein localized in filopodia of growth cones, is involved in dendritic
      growth.
AB  - The cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family is a subgroup of LIM domain proteins.
      CRP1, which cross-links actin filaments to make actin bundles, is the only CRP
      family member expressed in the CNS with little known about its function in nerve
      cells. Here, we report that CRP1 colocalizes with actin in the filopodia of
      growth cones in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Knockdown of CRP1 expression by
      short hairpin RNA interference results in inhibition of filopodia formation and
      dendritic growth in neurons. Overexpression of CRP1 increases filopodia formation
      and neurite branching, which require its actin-bundling activity. Expression of
      CRP1 with a constitutively active form of Cdc42, a GTPase involved in filopodia
      formation, increases filopodia formation in COS-7 cells, suggesting cooperation
      between the two proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate that neuronal activity
      upregulates CRP1 expression in hippocampal neurons via Ca2+ influx after
      depolarization. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) and cAMP
      response element binding protein mediate the Ca2+-induced upregulation of CRP1
      expression. Furthermore, CRP1 is required for the dendritic growth induced by
      Ca2+ influx or CaMKIV. Together, these data are the first to demonstrate a role
      for CRP1 in dendritic growth.

PMID- 22090505
TI  - An essential role for RAX homeoprotein and NOTCH-HES signaling in Otx2 expression
      in embryonic retinal photoreceptor cell fate determination.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms underlying cell fate determination from common
      progenitors in the vertebrate CNS remain elusive. We previously reported that the
      OTX2 homeoprotein regulates retinal photoreceptor cell fate determination. While
      Otx2 transactivation is a pivotal process for photoreceptor cell fate
      determination, its transactivation mechanism in the retina is unknown. Here, we
      identified an evolutionarily conserved Otx2 enhancer of ~500 bp, named embryonic
      enhancer locus for photoreceptor Otx2 transcription (EELPOT), which can
      recapitulate initial Otx2 expression in the embryonic mouse retina. We found that
      the RAX homeoprotein interacts with EELPOT to transactivate Otx2, mainly in the
      final cell cycle of retinal progenitors. Conditional inactivation of Rax results
      in downregulation of Otx2 expression in vivo. We also showed that NOTCH-HES
      signaling negatively regulates EELPOT to suppress Otx2 expression. These results
      suggest that the integrated activity of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors on
      EELPOT underlies the molecular basis of photoreceptor cell fate determination in
      the embryonic retina.

PMID- 22090506
TI  - Lifelong bilingualism maintains white matter integrity in older adults.
AB  - Previous research has shown that bilingual speakers have higher levels of
      cognitive control than comparable monolinguals, especially at older ages. The
      present study investigates a possible neural correlate of this behavioral effect.
      Given that white matter (WM) integrity decreases with age in adulthood, we tested
      the hypothesis that bilingualism is associated with maintenance of WM in older
      people. Using diffusion tensor imaging, we found higher WM integrity in older
      people who were lifelong bilinguals than in monolinguals. This maintained
      integrity was measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and was found in the corpus
      callosum extending to the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi. We also
      hypothesized that stronger WM connections would be associated with more widely
      distributed patterns of functional connectivity in bilinguals. We tested this by
      assessing the resting-state functional connectivity of frontal lobe regions
      adjacent to WM areas with group differences in FA. Bilinguals showed stronger
      anterior to posterior functional connectivity compared to monolinguals. These
      results are the first evidence that maintained WM integrity is related to
      lifelong naturally occurring experience; the resulting enhanced structural and
      functional connectivity may provide a neural basis for "brain reserve."

PMID- 22090507
TI  - HCN channels expressed in the inner ear are necessary for normal balance
      function.
AB  - HCN1-4 subunits form Na+/K+-permeable ion channels that are activated by
      hyperpolarization and carry the current known as I(h). I(h) has been
      characterized in vestibular hair cells of the inner ear, but its molecular
      correlates and functional contributions have not been elucidated. We examined Hcn
      mRNA expression and immunolocalization of HCN protein in the mouse utricle, a
      mechanosensitive organ that contributes to the sense of balance. We found that
      HCN1 is the most highly expressed subunit, localized to the basolateral membranes
      of type I and type II hair cells. We characterized I(h) using the whole-cell,
      voltage-clamp technique and found the current expressed in 84% of the cells with
      a mean maximum conductance of 4.4 nS. I(h) was inhibited by ZD7288, cilobradine,
      and by adenoviral expression of a dominant-negative form of HCN2. To determine
      which HCN subunits carried I(h), we examined hair cells from mice deficient in
      Hcn1, 2, or both. I(h) was completely abolished in hair cells of Hcn1-/- mice and
      Hcn1/2-/- mice but was similar to wild-type in Hcn2-/- mice. To examine the
      functional contributions of I(h), we recorded hair cell membrane responses to
      small hyperpolarizing current steps and found that activation of I(h) evoked a 5
      10 mV sag depolarization and a subsequent 15-20 mV rebound upon termination. The
      sag and rebound were nearly abolished in Hcn1-deficient hair cells. We also found
      that Hcn1-deficient mice had deficits in vestibular-evoked potentials and balance
      assays. We conclude that HCN1 contributes to vestibular hair cell function and
      the sense of balance.

PMID- 22090508
TI  - Multimodal quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of thalamic development and
      aging across the human lifespan: implications to neurodegeneration in multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - The human brain thalami play essential roles in integrating cognitive, sensory,
      and motor functions. In multiple sclerosis (MS), quantitative magnetic resonance
      imaging (qMRI) measurements of the thalami provide important biomarkers of
      disease progression, but late development and aging confound the interpretation
      of data collected from patients over a wide age range. Thalamic tissue volume
      loss due to natural aging and its interplay with lesion-driven pathology has not
      been investigated previously. In this work, we used standardized thalamic
      volumetry combined with diffusion tensor imaging, T2 relaxometry, and lesion
      mapping on large cohorts of controls (N = 255, age range = 6.2-69.1 years) and MS
      patients (N = 109, age range = 20.8-68.5 years) to demonstrate early age- and
      lesion-independent thalamic neurodegeneration.

PMID- 22090509
TI  - A distinct contribution of short-wavelength-sensitive cones to light-evoked
      activity in the mouse pretectal olivary nucleus.
AB  - Melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
      (ipRGCs) combine inputs from outer-retinal rod/cone photoreceptors with their
      intrinsic phototransduction machinery to drive a wide range of so-called non
      image-forming (NIF) responses to light. Defining the contribution of each
      photoreceptor class to evoked responses is vital for determining the degree to
      which our sensory capabilities depend on melanopsin and for optimizing NIF
      responses to benefit human health. We addressed this problem by recording
      electrophysiological responses in the mouse pretectal olivary nucleus (PON) (a
      target of ipRGCs and origin of the pupil light reflex) to a range of gradual and
      abrupt changes in light intensity. Dim stimuli drove minimal changes in PON
      activity, suggesting that rods contribute little under these conditions. To
      separate cone from melanopsin influences, we compared responses to short (460 nm)
      and longer (600/655 nm) wavelengths in mice carrying a red shifted cone
      population (Opn1mw(r)) or lacking melanopsin (Opn4-/-). Our data reveal a
      surprising difference in the quality of information available from medium- and
      short-wavelength-sensitive cones. The majority cone population (responsive to
      600/655 nm) supported only transient changes in firing and responses to
      relatively sudden changes in light intensity. In contrast, cones uniquely
      sensitive to the shorter wavelength (S-cones) were better able to drive responses
      to gradual changes in illuminance, contributed a distinct off inhibition, and at
      least partially recapitulated the ability of melanopsin to sustain responses
      under continuous illumination. These data reveal a new role for S-cones unrelated
      to color vision and suggest renewed consideration of cone contributions to NIF
      vision at shorter wavelengths.

PMID- 22090510
TI  - 5-HT(3A) receptor-bearing white matter interstitial GABAergic interneurons are
      functionally integrated into cortical and subcortical networks.
AB  - In addition to axons and surrounding glial cells, the corpus callosum also
      contains interstitial neurons that constitute a heterogeneous cell population.
      There is growing anatomical evidence that white matter interstitial cells (WMICs)
      comprise GABAergic interneurons, but so far there is little functional evidence
      regarding their connectivity. The scarcity of these cells has hampered
      electrophysiological studies. We overcame this hindrance by taking recourse to
      transgenic mice in which distinct WMICs expressed enhanced green fluorescence
      protein (EGFP). The neuronal phenotype of the EGFP-labeled WMICs was confirmed by
      their NeuN positivity. The GABAergic phenotype could be established based on
      vasoactive intestinal peptide and calretinin expression and was further supported
      by a firing pattern typical for interneurons. Axons and dendrites of many EGFP
      labeled WMICs extended to the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Patch-clamp
      recordings in acute slices showed that they receive excitatory and inhibitory
      input from cortical and subcortical structures. Moreover, paired recordings
      revealed that EGFP-labeled WMICs inhibit principal cells of the adjacent cortex,
      thus providing unequivocal functional evidence for their GABAergic phenotype and
      demonstrating that they are functionally integrated into neuronal networks.

PMID- 22090512
TI  - Multiple reference frames in cortical oscillatory activity during tactile
      remapping for saccades.
AB  - Single-unit recordings have shown that the brain uses multiple reference frames
      in spatial processing. The brain could use this neural architecture to implicitly
      create multiple modes of representation at the population level, with each
      reference frame weighted as a function of task demands. Using
      magnetoencephalography, we tested this hypothesis by studying the reference
      frames in rhythmic neuronal synchronization--a population measure--during tactile
      remapping for saccades. Human subjects fixated either to the left or right of the
      body midline, while a tactile stimulus was applied to an invisible fingertip,
      located either left or right of fixation. After a variable delay, they looked at
      the remembered stimulus location. Results show a transient body-centered,
      stimulus-induced gamma-band response (70-90 Hz) in somatosensory areas,
      contralateral to the stimulated hand. Concurrently, a gamma-band response
      occurred in posterior parietal cortex (PPC), contralateral to the gaze-centered
      location of the stimulus, even though the stimulus was not seen. The temporal
      overlap of these early representations suggests that there is a fast bottom-up
      sensory-induced remapping in PPC, taking into account the relative positions of
      eyes and hand. The gaze-centered representation in PPC was sustained in a high
      gamma range (85-115 Hz) and increased in power closer to the initiation of the
      saccade. Lower-frequency rhythms (alpha, beta) showed body-centered power
      modulations in somatosensory areas in anticipation of the stimulus and a mixture
      of reference frames in PPC after stimulus presentation. We conclude that
      oscillatory activity reflects the time-varying coding of information in body- and
      gaze-centered reference frames during tactile remapping for saccades.

PMID- 22090511
TI  - Fast-activating voltage- and calcium-dependent potassium (BK) conductance
      promotes bursting in pituitary cells: a dynamic clamp study.
AB  - The electrical activity pattern of endocrine pituitary cells regulates their
      basal secretion level. Rat somatotrophs and lactotrophs exhibit spontaneous
      bursting and have high basal levels of hormone secretion, while gonadotrophs
      exhibit spontaneous spiking and have low basal hormone secretion. It has been
      proposed that the difference in electrical activity between bursting somatotrophs
      and spiking gonadotrophs is due to the presence of large conductance potassium
      (BK) channels on somatotrophs but not on gonadotrophs. This is one example where
      the role of an ion channel type may be clearly established. We demonstrate here
      that BK channels indeed promote bursting activity in pituitary cells. Blocking BK
      channels in bursting lacto-somatotroph GH4C1 cells changes their firing activity
      to spiking, while further adding an artificial BK conductance via dynamic clamp
      restores bursting. Importantly, this burst-promoting effect requires a relatively
      fast BK activation/deactivation, as predicted by computational models. We also
      show that adding a fast-activating BK conductance to spiking gonadotrophs
      converts the activity of these cells to bursting. Together, our results suggest
      that differences in BK channel expression may underlie the differences in
      electrical activity and basal hormone secretion levels among pituitary cell types
      and that the rapid rate of BK channel activation is key to its role in burst
      promotion.

PMID- 22090513
TI  - Stress-activated protein kinase MKK7 regulates axon elongation in the developing
      cerebral cortex.
AB  - The c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase (JNK), which belongs to the mitogen
      activated protein kinase family, plays important roles in a broad range of
      physiological processes. JNK is controlled by two upstream regulators, mitogen
      activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 7 and MKK4. To elucidate the physiological
      functions of MKK7, we used Nestin-Cre to generate a novel mouse model in which
      the mkk7 gene was specifically deleted in the nervous system (Mkk7(flox/flox)
      Nestin-Cre mice). These mice were indistinguishable from their control
      littermates in gross appearance during embryogenesis but died immediately after
      birth without breathing. Histological examination showed that the mutants had
      severe defects in brain development, including enlarged ventricles, reduced
      striatum, and minimal axon tracts. Electron microscopy revealed abnormal
      accumulations of filamentous structures and autophagic vacuoles in
      Mkk7(flox/flox) Nestin-Cre brain. Further analysis showed that MKK7 deletion
      decreased numbers of TAG-1-expressing axons and delayed neuronal migration in the
      cerebrum. Neuronal differentiation was not altered. In utero electroporation
      studies showed that contralateral projection of axons by layer 2/3 neurons was
      impaired in the absence of MKK7. Moreover, MKK7 regulated axon elongation in a
      cell-autonomous manner in vivo, a finding confirmed in vitro. Finally,
      phosphorylation levels of JNK substrates, including c-Jun, neurofilament heavy
      chain, microtubule-associated protein 1B, and doublecortin, were reduced in
      Mkk7(flox/flox) Nestin-Cre brain. Our findings demonstrate that the phenotype of
      Mkk7(flox/flox) Nestin-Cre mice differs substantially from that of
      Mkk4(flox/flox) Nestin-Cre mice, and establish that MKK7-mediated regulation of
      JNK is uniquely critical for both axon elongation and radial migration in the
      developing brain.

PMID- 22090514
TI  - Authentically phosphorylated alpha-synuclein at Ser129 accelerates
      neurodegeneration in a rat model of familial Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in
      the substantia nigra (SN) and the appearance of fibrillar aggregates of insoluble
      alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) called Lewy bodies (LBs). Approximately 90% of alpha
      syn deposited in LBs is phosphorylated at serine 129 (Ser129). In contrast, only
      4% of total alpha-syn is phosphorylated in normal brain, suggesting that
      accumulation of Ser129-phosphorylated alpha-syn is involved in the pathogenesis
      of PD. However, the role of Ser129 phosphorylation in alpha-syn neurotoxicity
      remains unclear. In this study, we coexpressed familial PD-linked A53T alpha-syn
      and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) in the rat SN pars compacta using
      recombinant adeno-associated virus 2. Coexpression of these proteins yielded
      abundant Ser129-phosphorylated alpha-syn and significantly exacerbated
      degeneration of dopaminergic neurons when compared with coexpression of A53T
      alpha-syn and GFP. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Ser129
      phosphorylated alpha-syn was preferentially distributed to swollen neurites.
      However, biochemical analysis showed that the increased expression of Ser129
      phosphorylated alpha-syn did not promote accumulation of detergent-insoluble
      alpha-syn. Coexpression of catalytically inactive K215R mutant GRK6 failed to
      accelerate A53T alpha-syn-induced degeneration. Furthermore, introducing a
      phosphorylation-incompetent mutation, S129A, into A53T alpha-syn did not alter
      the pace of degeneration, even when GRK6 was coexpressed. Our study demonstrates
      that authentically Ser129-phosphorylated alpha-syn accelerates A53T alpha-syn
      neurotoxicity without the formation of detergent-insoluble alpha-syn, and
      suggests that the degenerative process could be constrained by inhibiting the
      kinase that phosphorylates alpha-syn at Ser129.

PMID- 22090515
TI  - Collaborations in population-based health research: the 17th annual HMO Research
      Network Conference, March 23-25, 2011, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
AB  - The HMO Research Network (HMORN) is a consortium of 16 health care systems with
      integrated research centers. Approximately 475 people participated in its 17(th)
      annual conference, hosted by the Department of Population Medicine, Harvard
      Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School. The theme,
      "Collaborations in Population-Based Health Research," reflected the network's
      emphasis on collaborative studies both among its members and with external
      investigators. Plenary talks highlighted the initial phase of the HMORN's work to
      establish the NIH-HMO Collaboratory, opportunities for public health
      collaborations, the work of early career investigators, and the state of the
      network. Platform and poster presentations showcased a broad spectrum of
      innovative public domain research in areas including disease epidemiology and
      treatment, health economics, and information technology. Special interest group
      sessions and ancillary meetings provided venues for informal conversation and
      structured work among ongoing groups, including networks in cancer,
      cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, medical product safety, and mental
      health.

PMID- 22090660
TI  - Bleeding complications with the P2Y12 receptor antagonists clopidogrel and
      ticagrelor in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial.
AB  - AIMS More intense platelet-directed therapy for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may
      increase bleeding risk. The aim of the current analysis was to determine the
      rate, clinical impact, and predictors of major and fatal bleeding complications
      in the PLATO study. METHODS AND RESULTS PLATO was a randomized, double-blind,
      active control international, phase 3 clinical trial in patients with acute ST
      elevation and non-ST-segment elevation ACS. A total of 18 624 patients were
      randomized to either ticagrelor, a non-thienopyridine, reversibly binding
      platelet P2Y(12) receptor antagonist, or clopidogrel in addition to aspirin.
      Patients randomized to ticagrelor and clopidogrel had similar rates of PLATO
      major bleeding (11.6 vs. 11.2%; P = 0.43), TIMI major bleeding (7.9 vs. 7.7%, P =
      0.56) and GUSTO severe bleeding (2.9 vs. 3.1%, P = 0.22). Procedure-related
      bleeding rates were also similar. Non-CABG major bleeding (4.5 vs. 3.8%, P =
      0.02) and non-procedure-related major bleeding (3.1 vs. 2.3%, P = 0.05) were more
      common in ticagrelor-treated patients, primarily after 30 days on treatment.
      Fatal bleeding and transfusion rates did not differ between groups. There were no
      significant interactions for major bleeding or combined minor plus major bleeding
      between treatment groups and age >=75 years, weight <60 kg, region, chronic
      kidney disease, creatinine clearance <60 mL/min, aspirin dose >325 mg on the day
      of randomization, pre-randomization clopidogrel administration, or clopidogrel
      loading dose. CONCLUSION Ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel was associated with
      similar total major bleeding but increased non-CABG and non-procedure-related
      major bleeding, primarily after 30 days on study drug treatment. Fatal bleeding
      was low and did not differ between groups.

PMID- 22090661
TI  - Aspirin for primary prevention of vascular events in women: individualized
      prediction of treatment effects.
AB  - AIMS To identify women who benefit from aspirin 100 mg on alternate days for
      primary prevention of vascular events by using treatment effect prediction based
      on individual patient characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS Randomized controlled
      trial data from the Women's Health Study were used to predict treatment effects
      for individual women in terms of absolute risk reduction for major cardiovascular
      events (i.e. myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death). Predictions
      were based on existing risk scores, i.e. Framingham (FRS), and Reynolds (RRS),
      and on a newly developed prediction model. The net benefit of different aspirin
      treatment-strategies was compared: (i) treat no one, (ii) treat everyone, (iii)
      treatment according to the current guidelines (i.e. selective treatment of women
      >65 years of age or having >10% FRS), and (iv) prediction-based treatment (i.e.
      selective treatment of patients whose predicted treatment effect exceeds a given
      decision threshold). The predicted reduction in 10-year absolute risk for major
      cardiovascular events was <1% in 97.8% of 27 939 study subjects when based on the
      refitted FRS, in 97.0% when based on the refitted RRS, and in 90.0% when based on
      the newly developed model. Of the treatment strategies considered, only
      prediction-based treatment using the newly developed model and selective
      treatment of women >65 years of age yielded more net benefit than treating no
      one, provided that the 10-year number-willing-to-treat (NWT) to prevent one
      cardiovascular event was above 50. CONCLUSION Aspirin was ineffective or even
      harmful in the majority of patients. Age was positively related to treatment
      effect, whereas current smoking and baseline risk for cardiovascular events were
      not. When the NWT is 50 or lower, the aspirin treatment strategy that is
      associated with optimal net benefit in primary prevention of vascular events in
      women is to treat none.

PMID- 22090662
TI  - Cyclicality, Mortality, and the Value of Time: The Case of Coffee Price
      Fluctuations and Child Survival in Colombia.
AB  - Recent studies demonstrate procyclical mortality in wealthy countries, but there
      are reasons to expect a countercyclical relationship in developing nations. We
      investigate how child survival in Colombia responds to fluctuations in world
      Arabica coffee prices - and document starkly procyclical child deaths. In
      studying this result's behavioral underpinnings, we highlight that: (1) The
      leading determinants of child health are inexpensive but require considerable
      time, and (2) As the value of time declines with falling coffee prices, so does
      the relative price of health. We find a variety of direct evidence consistent
      with the primacy of time in child health production.

PMID- 22090663
TI  - MAOS ls for the general synthesis and lead optimization of 3,6-disubstituted
      [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines.
AB  - General, high-yielding MAOS protocols for the expedient synthesis of
      functionalized 3,6-disubstituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines are described
      amenable to an iterative analog library synthesis strategy for the lead
      optimization of an M1 antagonist screening hit. Optimized compounds proved to be
      highly selective M1 antagonists.

PMID- 22090664
TI  - Mental Healthcare Disparities Disparities Affect Treatment of Black Adolescents.

PMID- 22090665
TI  - Generalized Degrees of Freedom and Adaptive Model Selection in Linear Mixed
      Effects Models.
AB  - Linear mixed-effects models involve fixed effects, random effects and covariance
      structure, which require model selection to simplify a model and to enhance its
      interpretability and predictability. In this article, we develop, in the context
      of linear mixed-effects models, the generalized degrees of freedom and an
      adaptive model selection procedure defined by a data-driven model complexity
      penalty. Numerically, the procedure performs well against its competitors not
      only in selecting fixed effects but in selecting random effects and covariance
      structure as well. Theoretically, asymptotic optimality of the proposed
      methodology is established over a class of information criteria. The proposed
      methodology is applied to the BioCycle study, to determine predictors of hormone
      levels among premenopausal women and to assess variation in hormone levels both
      between and within women across the menstrual cycle.

PMID- 22090666
TI  - An Evolution of Communication Modalities: Very Young Cochlear Implant Users who
      Transitioned from Sign to Speech During the First Years of Use.
AB  - The communication modalities used, and the articulation and aural-only receptive
      vocabulary skills were investigated in 19 prelingually profoundly deaf infants
      who initially utilized Total Communication and who were implanted between the
      ages of 12 and 29m. Results revealed the children overwhelmingly tended to use
      voice only modality for an expressive task. Additionally articulation and
      receptive vocabulary skills approached those of normal hearing peers.
      Implications of these findings and suggestions for future studies are provided.

PMID- 22090667
TI  - Indians can do better at improving child survival.

PMID- 22090668
TI  - Social audit in health sector planning and program implementation in India.

PMID- 22090669
TI  - Public health education in India: need and demand paradox.

PMID- 22090670
TI  - Relationship of Psychosocial Risk Factors, Certain Personality Traits and
      Myocardial Infarction in Indians: A Case-control Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of psychosocial factors (lack of
      social support, stress and subjective well-being) and personality traits with
      myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study involving
      100 cases and 100 matched controls was conducted in Lok Nayak Hospital, New
      Delhi. RESULTS: Stress over 1 year was significantly higher in cases (P < 0.001).
      However, difference was not significant when scores of social support (P = 0.2),
      Presumptive Stressful Life Event (PSLE) over lifetime (P = 0.058) and subjective
      well-being (P = 0.987) were compared. MI was significantly associated with
      hyperactive (P < 0.001), dominant (P = 0.03), egoistic (P < 0.001) and introvert
      (P < 0.001) personalities. CONCLUSION: Certain personality traits and recent
      stress may be important risk factors of MI, especially in Indians. The finding
      may have implications on the preventive strategies planned for MI patients.

PMID- 22090671
TI  - A Study of the Swine Flu (H1N1) Epidemic Among Health Care Providers of a Medical
      College Hospital of Delhi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics
      that have claimed the lives of millions. Understanding the role of specific
      perceptions in motivating people to engage in precautionary behavior may help
      health communicators to improve their messages about outbreaks of new infectious
      disease generally and swine flu specifically. OBJECTIVES: To study the knowledge
      and practices of health care providers regarding swine flu and to study the
      attitudes and practices of health care providers toward the prevention of the
      swine flu epidemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross
      sectional (descriptive) study and was conducted in the month of September, 2009,
      among doctors and nurses. A maximum of 40% of the total health care providers of
      GTB Hospital were covered because of feasibility and logistics, and, therefore,
      the sample size was 334. RESULTS: Around 75% of the health care providers were
      aware about the symptoms of swine flu. Mostly, all study subjects were aware that
      it is transmitted through droplet infection. Correct knowledge of the incubation
      period of swine flu was known to 80% of the doctors and 69% of the nurses.
      Knowledge about high-risk groups (contacts, travelers, health care providers) was
      observed among 88% of the doctors and 78.8% of the nurses. Practice of wearing
      mask during duty hours was observed among 82.6% of doctors and 85% of nurses,
      whereas of the total study population, only 40% were correctly using mask during
      duty hours. CONCLUSIONS: Significant gaps observed between knowledge and actual
      practice of the Health Care Provider regarding swine flu need to be filled by
      appropriate training. Data indicate that the health care providers are very
      intellectual, but they do not themselves practice what they preach.

PMID- 22090672
TI  - Non-pharmacological Interventions in Hypertension: A Community-based Cross-over
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most prevalent non-communicable disease causing
      significant morbidity/mortality through cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and
      renal complications. OBJECTIVES: This community-based study tested the efficacy
      of non-pharmacological interventions in preventing/controlling hypertension.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-over randomized controlled trial (RCT) of
      the earlier RCT (2007) of non-pharmacological interventions in hypertension,
      conducted in the urban service area of our Institute. The subjects,
      prehypertensive and hypertensive young adults (98 subjects: 25, 23, 25, 25 in
      four groups) were randomly allotted into a group that he/she had not belonged to
      in the earlier RCT: Control (New Group I), Physical Exercise (NG II)-brisk
      walking for 50 to 60 minutes, three to four days/week, Salt Intake Reduction (NG
      III) to at least half of their previous intake, Yoga (NG IV) for 30 to 45
      minutes/day, five days/week. Blood pressure was measured before and after eight
      weeks of intervention. Analysis was by ANOVA with a Games-Howell post hoc test.
      RESULTS: Ninety-four participants (25, 23, 21, 25) completed the study. All three
      intervention groups showed significant reduction in BP (SBP/DBP mmHg: 5.3/6.0 in
      NG II, 2.5/2.0 in NG III, and 2.3/2.4 in NG IV, respectively), while the Control
      Group showed no significant difference. Persistence of significant reduction in
      BP in the three intervention groups after cross-over confirmed the biological
      plausibility of these non-pharmacological interventions. This study reconfirmed
      that physical exercise was more effective than Salt Reduction or Yoga. Salt
      Reduction, and Yoga were equally effective. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise, salt
      intake reduction, and yoga are effective non-pharmacological methods for reducing
      blood pressure in young pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults.

PMID- 22090673
TI  - A study on consciousness of adolescent girls about their body image.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perceived body image is an important potential predictor of
      nutritional status. Body image misconception during adolescence is unexplored
      field in Indian girls. OBJECTIVES: To study the consciousness of adolescent girls
      about their body image. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multistage observational
      study was conducted on 586 adolescent girls of age 10-19 years in Lucknow
      district (151 from rural, 150 from slum, and 286 from urban area) of Uttar
      Pradesh, India. Information on desired and actual body size was collected with
      the help of predesigned questionnaire. RESULTS: 20.5% of studied girls show
      aspiration to become thin, who already perceived their body image as too thin.
      73.4% adolescent girls were satisfied with their body image, while 26.6% were
      dissatisfied. The dissatisfaction was higher among girls of urban (30.2%) and
      slum (40.0%) areas in comparison to rural (22.5%) area. Percentage of satisfied
      girls was less in the 13-15 years (69.9%) age groups in comparison to 10-12 years
      (76.5%) and 16-19 years (76.4%). Among girls satisfied with their body image,
      32.8% girls were found underweight, and 38.4% were stunted. Underweight girls
      (42.1%) and stunted girls (64.9%) were higher in number within satisfied girls of
      slum area. Among all of these adolescent girls, 32.8% of girls had overestimated
      their weight, while only 4.9% of girls had underestimated their weight.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that desire to become thin is higher in
      adolescent girls, even in those who already perceived their body image as too
      thin.

PMID- 22090674
TI  - Quality of life and its determinants in people living with human immunodeficiency
      virus infection in puducherry, India.
AB  - CONTEXT: With anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus
      infection (HIV) coming into picture, quality of life (QOL) has gained importance.
      Knowledge on the factors affecting QOL would be helpful in making important
      policy decisions and health care interventions. AIMS: The aim of this study is to
      assess the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH) and to identify the
      factors influencing their QOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was done among
      200 PLWH attending a tertiary care hospital, and three Non Governmental
      Organizations at Puducherry, India, from November 2005 to May 2007. QOL was
      assessed using HIV specific World Health Organization Quality Of Life scale
      (WHOQOL-HIV) - BREF questionnaire which has six domains (physical, psychological,
      level of independence, social relationships, environment and
      spirituality/religiousness/personal belief). Social support and stigma were
      measured using "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support" and "HIV
      Stigma Scale," respectively, using Likert Scale. Factors influencing QOL were
      identified using backward stepwise multiple linear regression with the six domain
      scores as the dependent variables. RESULTS: MALE: Female ratio was 1:1 and 58%
      were in early stage of the disease (stage I/II). Psychological and SRPB
      (Spirituality Religiousness and Personal Beliefs) domains were the most affected
      domains. All the regression models were statistically significant (P<0.05). The
      determination coefficient was highest for the social relationship domain (57%)
      followed by the psychological domain (51%). Disease stage and perceived social
      support significantly influenced all the domains of WHOQOL. Younger age, female
      gender, rural background, shorter duration of HIV, non-intake of ART and greater
      HIV related stigma were the high risk factors of poor QOL. CONCLUSION:
      Interventions such as ART, family, vocational and peer counseling would address
      these modifiable factors influencing QOL, thereby improving the QOL of PLWH.

PMID- 22090675
TI  - Association of blindness and hearing impairment with mortality in a cohort of
      elderly persons in a rural area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies in developed nations have reported an association of
      blindness and hearing impairment with mortality in elderly persons. OBJECTIVES:
      To study the association of blindness and hearing impairment with mortality in a
      cohort of elderly persons in rural north India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      community-based prospective study was conducted in eleven randomly selected
      villages, in Ballabgarh block, Haryana. A cohort of 1422 participants, of age 60
      years and above, was examined at baseline, for their visual and hearing status.
      Data on the sociodemographic factors, various comorbidities, activities of daily
      living, and self-rated health were recorded. Baseline data was collected for the
      period May 2008 to August 2008. Follow-up data collection for mortality was
      completed in December 2009. The median follow-up period was 518 days. RESULTS:
      One hundred out of 1422 elderly (7.0%) participants died during the follow-up
      period. Significant hazard ratios were found after adjustment for various
      comorbid conditions. On adjustment for sociodemographic factors (age, sex, and
      literacy), neither blindness nor hearing impairment was found to be significantly
      associated with mortality. After adjustment for all covariates in the study,
      hearing impairment (Hazard Ratio = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.29 - 3.54) was found to be
      significantly associated with mortality in the age group >=70 years. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study demonstrated that hearing impairment was an independent risk factor
      for mortality in people aged >=70 years. Similar studies with a longer period of
      follow-up are required in India, to guide public health interventions.

PMID- 22090676
TI  - Maternal Deaths in a Tertiary Health Care Centre of Odisha: An In-depth Study
      Supplemented by Verbal Autopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is a reflection of the care given to women by its
      society. It is tragic that deaths occur during the natural process of child birth
      and most of them are preventable. OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to
      find out the causes and contributing factors of maternal deaths. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: All maternal deaths occurring in a year in the medical college and
      hospital were traced and interviews were taken from the relatives as well as the
      health care providers who were present at the time of death of the woman.
      RESULTS: Out of the total maternal deaths, 72% belonged to 20-30 yrs age group,
      also 46.5% were illiterate, and majority deaths (60.5%) were from low socio
      economics status. Direct causes were responsible for 76.7% of maternal deaths.
      Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were most common (32.6%) cause of direct
      deaths, while malaria (9.3%) and anemia (7%) were most common indirect causes.
      Most of the women had to use their own resources to travel to health care
      facilities. Delays at different levels, often in combination, contributed to the
      maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The study will serve as an eye-opener to the
      bottlenecks present in the community as well as in the health facility so as to
      take appropriate measures to prevent maternal deaths.

PMID- 22090677
TI  - Hand hygiene compliance in the intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hand hygiene (HH) is the most important measure to prevent hospital
      acquired infections but the compliance is still low. AIMS: To assess the
      compliance, identify factors influencing compliance and to study the knowledge,
      attitude and perceptions associated with HH among health care workers (HCW).
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted in 42 bedded Medical
      (Pulmonary, Medicine and Stroke) intensive care units (ICU) of a tertiary care
      hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HCWs (doctors and nurses) were observed during
      routine patient care by observers posted in each ICU and their HH compliance was
      noted. Thereafter, questionnaire regarding knowledge, perception and attitudes
      toward HH was filled by each HCW. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Percentages and chi(2)
      test. RESULTS: The overall compliance was 43.2% (394/911 opportunities). It was
      68.9% (31/45) in the intensivists, 56.3% (18/32) in attending physicians, 40.0%
      (28/70) in the postgraduate residents and 41.3% (301/728) in the nurses.
      Compliance was inversely related to activity index. Compliance for high, medium
      and low risk of cross-transmission was 38.8% (67/170), 43.8% (175/401) and 44.7%
      (152/340), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance of the study group is affected
      by the activity index (number of opportunities they come across per hour) and
      professional status. The HCWs listed less knowledge, lack of motivation,
      increased workload as some of the factors influencing HH.

PMID- 22090678
TI  - Domestic Violence against Nurses by their Marital Partners: A Facility-based
      Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent times, domestic violence against women by marital partners
      has emerged as an important public health problem. OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine
      the prevalence, characteristics and impact of domestic violence against nurses by
      their marital partners, in Delhi, India. 2. To identify nurses' perceptions
      regarding acceptable behavior for men and women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      facility-based pilot study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical
      Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Data were collected using self-administered
      standardized questionnaire, among 60 ever married female nurses working at AIIMS
      hospital, selected by convenience sampling. The principal outcome variables were
      controlling behavior, emotional, physical and sexual violence by marital
      partners. Data were analyzed using SPSS 12 software. The test applied was
      Fisher's exact test and 1-sided Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Sixty percent of
      nurses reported marital partner perpetrated controlling behavior, 65% reported
      emotional violence, 43.3% reported physical violence and 30% reported sexual
      violence. About 3/5(th) of nurses (58%) opined that no reason justified violence,
      except wife infidelity (31.67%). Of the physically or sexually abused
      respondents, 40% were ever injured, and 56.7% reported that violence affected
      their physical and mental health. CONCLUSION: There is a high magnitude of
      domestic violence against nurses and this is reported to have affected their
      physical and mental health.

PMID- 22090679
TI  - Coinfection of two age old diseases.

PMID- 22090680
TI  - Postpartum Blue is Common in Socially and Economically Insecure Mothers.

PMID- 22090681
TI  - Adverse drug events monitoring of live attenuated pandemic influenza vaccine.

PMID- 22090682
TI  - Modular teaching: an alternative to routine teaching method for undergraduate
      medical students.

PMID- 22090683
TI  - Work stress in first trimester causes low birth weight baby.

PMID- 22090684
TI  - Estimating catastrophic health expenditures: need for improved methodology and
      interpretation.

PMID- 22090685
TI  - Adolescent Tobacco Use and Role Model Influence: Interpreting it Right!

PMID- 22090686
TI  - One Year of Experience with H1N1 Infection: Clinical Observations from a Tertiary
      Care Hospital in Northern India.

PMID- 22090687
TI  - Intraoperative neurocytology of primary central nervous system neoplasia: A
      simplified and practical diagnostic approach.
AB  - Intraoperative consultations may pose considerable diagnostic challenge to the
      neuropathologist in diagnosing primary and metastatic neoplasms of the central
      nervous system (CNS). Cytological preparations in the form of squash, touch,
      imprint or smears are few of the available modalities in addition to the frozen
      section (FS). Although the latter is superior in providing both histologic
      patterns and cytomorphologic details yet smears are of vital importance when
      tissue available is limited (stereotactic biopsy), scrutinisation of
      intercellular matrix (astrocytoma versus oligodendroglioma) and evaluation of
      discohesive cells (lymphoma, pituitary adenoma) and in inflammatory lesions. This
      review is intended to emphasize the value, applicability and limitations of
      neurocytology aiming to expedite the intraoperative smear-based diagnoses of CNS
      neoplasia as per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. We recommend
      that whenever possible, both smears and FS should be examined concomitantly and
      in a correlative manner. In the unlikely event of a mismatch between the findings
      on smear and FS, intraoperative diagnosis is primarily based on FS, if adequate
      tissue is available. However, each case must be evaluated on its own merit and in
      difficult cases relevant differential diagnoses should be offered to facilitate
      surgical decisions and optimally triage patient management.

PMID- 22090688
TI  - Defining the validity of classical and non-classical cellular changes indicative
      of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion encompassing human papillomavirus
      infection in relation to human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as of now has been beyond doubt
      to be the causative agent for cervical carcinoma. Its morphological
      identification in Pap smear is important. AIM: To define the validity of
      classical and non-classical cellular changes indicative of low-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesion (SIL) encompassing HPV infection in relation to positivity
      for 'high risk' HPV16 as well as for 'low risk' HPV6/11. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 3000 Papanicolaou smears were screened, of which 150 were reported as
      low grade-SIL encompassing HPV infection (LSIL-HPV). Subsequently cervical
      scrapes from these 150 subjects, along with equal number of normal women as
      controls, were collected and processed for HPV deoxy-ribonucleic acid testing by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: ON THE BASIS OF CYTOMORPHOLOGICAL
      CHARACTERISTICS IN PAP SMEARS, HPV INFECTION WERE CATEGORIZED INTO THE FOLLOWING
      TWO GROUPS: Classical (koilocytic) changes (CC) encountered in 30 women and non
      classical changes (NCC) encountered in 120 women. It was observed that 21 (70%)
      CC and 46 (38.3%) NCC of HPV infection were positive for HR-HPV16; however only
      12 cases (10%) of NCC and two cases (6.6%) of CC were positive for LR-HPV 6/11.
      Majority (41.7%) of HPV positive cases were reported in the age group of 25 to 30
      years and HPV positivity decreased with the increasing age. CONCLUSION: Classical
      cellular changes are not the only diagnostic features for HPV infection in Pap
      smear, non-classical diagnostic features also support the diagnosis of HPV
      infection and may be positive for HR-HPV16.

PMID- 22090689
TI  - Efficacy of oral brush cytology in the evaluation of the oral premalignant and
      malignant lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the present study, oral brush cytology of premalignant and
      malignant lesions was performed using tooth brush. The cytopathological diagnosis
      of brush cytology was compared with that of punch biopsy. The reliability of oral
      brush cytology using tooth brush was assessed in terms of sensitivity and
      specificity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 67 patients, 32 premalignant
      lesions and other 35 frank oral carcinomas, were included in the study. All
      patients underwent oral brush cytology using a toothbrush followed by punch
      biopsy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were
      calculated. Cytopathology and histopathology of premalignant and malignant
      lesions were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Inter- and intra-examiner
      reliability was calculated using Rank-correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Two in
      premalignant group and five in malignant group were marked insufficient. 18% of
      cases were false negatives. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value and negative predictive value were 77%, 100%, 100% and 38%, respectively.
      Statistical analysis showed P>0.05, suggesting that there is no significant
      difference between histopathology and brush cytology in assessing both
      premalignant and malignant lesions. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability were
      99.22% and 99.77%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brush cytology using a tooth brush
      is reliable and can be easily performed with less cost and discomfort to the
      patient. It is useful in those situations when a patient refuses to have a biopsy
      performed or when medically compromised patients would be exposed to unnecessary
      surgical risks. It can be used for screening for suspicious oral lesions, and may
      have applications in resource-challenged areas.

PMID- 22090690
TI  - Cytological pattern of cervical Papanicolaou smear in eastern region of Saudi
      Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer of the cervix has been considered as one of the preventable
      cancers. This study is the first published research addressing the screening of
      cancer of the cervix in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. AIM: This study aims
      to detect the prevalence of abnormal epithelial changes and its types in the
      eastern region of Saudi Arabia.  SETTINGS AND STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study
      was designed to evaluate all previously conducted cervical smears examined at a
      secondary care maternity hospital in Saudi Arabia, during the period from 2003 to
      2010. During this period, a total of 1171 smears were reported. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We analyzed the records of all patients who had undergone Papanicolaou
      (Pap) smear during this period. After data collection, all cases were recorded as
      per Bethesda nomenclature. RESULTS: A total of 624 (53.3%) abnormal Pap smears
      were found, with only 58 cases reported to have epithelial pathological diagnosis
      (SIL). They represented 4.95% of total taken smears. A majority of the SIL
      diagnoses in our population were ASCUS, representing 60% of SIL cases. The
      prevalence of squamous cervical carcinoma was 0.34%. CONCLUSION: The study has
      shown a relatively high prevalence of epithelial abnormalities in cervical smears
      in the studied population. The squamous cell carcinoma represented a higher than
      the overall prevalence compared to World Health Organization (WHO) factsheets
      about Saudi Arabia. The mean age of epithelial abnormalities and squamous cell
      carcinoma was in the reproductive years.

PMID- 22090692
TI  - Erratum: ERRATUM.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 88 in vol. 28, PMID: 21713156.].

PMID- 22090691
TI  - Value of ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the
      investigative sequence of hepatic lesions with an emphasis on hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evaluation and management of various hepatic lesions is a common
      clinical problem and their appropriate clinical management depends on accurate
      diagnoses. AIMS: To study the cytomorphological features of distinctive non
      neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the liver and to evaluate the sensitivity,
      specificity and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography (USG)-guided fine needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of liver diseases. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Seventy-two patients with evidence of liver diseases underwent USG
      guided, percutaneous FNAC. Cytomorphological diagnoses were correlated with
      clinical, biochemical and radiological findings, histopathological diagnoses and
      follow-up information. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from eight months
      to 90 years with 48 males (66.67%) and 24 females (33.33%). Of the 72 cases, the
      cytological diagnosis was rendered in 71 patients and smears were inadequate for
      interpretation in one case. Neoplastic lesions (68.06%) were more common than non
      neoplastic lesions (30.56%). The majority of the neoplastic lesions were
      hepatocellular carcinomas (36.12%) followed by metastatic adenocarcinomas
      (19.45%). Among non-neoplastic lesions, cirrhosis was the commonest lesion
      (8.34%). The overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was 97.82% with a sensitivity
      and specificity of 96.87 and 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: USG-guided FNAC of
      the liver is a safe, simple, cost-effective and accurate method for cytological
      diagnosis of hepatic diffuse, focal/nodular and cystic lesions with good
      sensitivity and specificity.

PMID- 22090693
TI  - Investigating the value of fine needle aspiration cytology in thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidance recommends the use of fine needle aspiration
      cytology (FNAC) as an essential investigation in patients presenting with a
      thyroid lump. Current literature suggests that the sensitivity of FNAC in thyroid
      nodules ranges between 80-90%. However, only very few studies have looked
      specifically at the sensitivity of FNAC in solely thyroid cancer patients. AIMS:
      The aim of our study was to investigate the value of FNAC as a first-line
      investigation in patients with thyroid cancer. We aimed specifically to assess
      the sensitivity of FNAC within this group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients
      diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 2000-08 were identified from a local
      histopathology database. Sixty-seven case notes were retrieved, retrospectively
      reviewed and analyzed. Analysis included results of FNAC, ultrasound scanning and
      final histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: Analysis of the 56 patients who
      underwent FNAC revealed that a cytological grading of thy3 or greater was only
      given to 31 cases (55.3%). CONCLUSION: In this study, FNAC findings of thy3 or
      greater were reported only in 55.3% of proven thyroid cancer cases. This study
      highlights the greater diagnostic difficulties of thyroid cancer compared to
      other thyroid nodules. Our findings suggest that clinicians must interpret the
      results of this initial investigation with caution and consider the routine use
      of ultrasound scanning to help guide FNAC.

PMID- 22090694
TI  - Role of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region staining in identification of
      malignant cells in effusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytological examination of effusions helps to differentiate between
      benign and malignant effusions, but fails a definitive diagnosis in a number of
      cases. The main problem here is to distinguish reactive mesothelial cells from
      neoplastic cells. AIM: In the present study, we used argyrophilic nucleolar
      organizer region (AgNOR) staining for diagnosis of benign and malignant
      effusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 100 cases of effusion samples
      were taken and centrifuged. Four smears were prepared from sediment, one each for
      Leishman, hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining and two for AgNOR staining.
      AgNORs were counted as black dots in the nuclei of all abnormal cells using *100
      oil immersion objective. Their dispersion and shape was compared in benign,
      malignant and atypical cases. RESULTS: Out of 50 pleural effusion samples, 29
      were benign, 10 were malignant and 11 atypical. Among the 47 peritoneal effusion
      samples, 27 were benign, 16 were malignant and 4 atypical. Out of three cases of
      pericardial effusion samples, one was benign and two were malignant. All
      effusions were subjected to AgNOR staining. The benign group consisted of cells
      showing 1 to 2 dots of regular size and shape. In malignant group, 3 to 5 dots of
      variable size, shape and irregular contours were observed per cell. In atypical
      group, the reactive mesothelial cells showed 1 to 2 dots, malignant cells showed
      3 to 4 irregular dots. Thus, a differentiation was noted between activated
      mesothelial cells and malignant cells, which was not possible in Leishman and H
      and E-stained smears alone. CONCLUSION: Therefore, AgNOR can be branded as an
      extremely useful additional diagnostic tool for cytodiagnosis of effusions.

PMID- 22090695
TI  - A cytomorphological study of secretions in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secretions are seen in a range of breast cancer that includes
      invasive ductal carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and secretory carcinoma. Evaluation
      of the quantity and location of secretions and the contours of the cell clusters
      complement cell morphology could improve diagnostic cytopathological criteria.
      AIM: To identify the range of breast carcinomas with secretions on fine-needle
      aspiration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 160 patients with
      breast carcinoma was carried out. The tumors were typed by evaluating the
      quantity and location of secretions, cellularity and nuclear grade. RESULTS:
      Secretions were seen in 16 of 160 breast carcinomas. Eleven were invasive ductal
      carcinoma (IDC), three were mucinous and two were secretory carcinomas. In IDC,
      minimal intracytoplasmic secretions were seen in 10, nuclear grades of 2 and 3 in
      9, cell clusters with irregular margins in 6, and necrosis in 4. All mucinous and
      secretory carcinomas were nuclear grade 1. Extensive extracellular secretions and
      cell clusters with rounded contours were seen in mucinous carcinomas. In
      secretory carcinomas, the secretions were predominantly intracellular; stringy
      vasculature was a unique feature. CONCLUSION: Secretions in breast cancer are
      seen in a range of lesions that include IDC, mucinous, and secretory carcinomas.
      The quantity and location of secretions in breast cancer offer clues to
      differentiating these.

PMID- 22090696
TI  - Cytodiagnosis of intracranial metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma: Spread from a
      primary tumor in the lacrimal gland.
AB  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal gland is a rarely encountered
      orbital tumor. It invades intracranially more frequently than carcinomas of other
      glands in the head and neck. A 61-year-old man underwent right orbital
      exenteration for a tumor in the supraorbital region. He had lost all records and
      presented to us with a diffuse swelling in the right forehead, six years later.
      Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the right frontal swelling revealed
      monomorphic population of small, slightly atypical cells, arranged in
      multilayered groups with abundant fine intercellular metachromatic substance
      between cell groups. There were hyaline globules of varying size with attached
      tumor cells. Cytological diagnosis of metastatic intracranial ACC with a lacrimal
      gland primary was suggested. Biopsy of the swelling confirmed our cytological
      diagnosis of ACC with perineural, vascular and lymphatic invasion. Thus, the
      authors report this case of intracranial metastasis of ACC of the lacrimal gland
      to remind neurosurgeons planning intervention that this disease shows a tendency
      to invade intracranially.

PMID- 22090697
TI  - Basal cell adenocarcinoma of submandibular salivary gland-problems in cytologic
      diagnosis.
AB  - Basal-cell adenoma and basal-cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland are rare
      tumors. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of these tumors, particularly those of
      basal-cell adenocarcinoma, has rarely been described in the literature. In this
      report, we describe the clinical, cytomorphologic and histopathologic features of
      basal cell adenocarcinoma in a 48-year-old male patient. Fine-needle aspiration
      specimen showed abundant cohesive groups of basaloid cells revealing focal
      anisonucleosis and nuclear atypia. The tumor cells also showed rosette-like
      arrangement around central eosinophilic globule. Pertinent literature is reviewed
      and differential diagnosis are discussed.

PMID- 22090698
TI  - Intraoperative scrape cytology: Adult granulosa cell tumor of ovary.
AB  - Adult granulosa cell tumor is often a hormonally active stromal cell neoplasm of
      the ovary with malignant potential. Intra-operative pathological assessment is a
      valuable tool in guiding optimal surgical treatment in patients. Of the various
      intra-operative cytological diagnostic modalities, scrape smear cytology is an
      effective, economical, simple, fast and reliable method with results comparable
      with frozen section diagnosis. We describe a case of adult granulosa cell tumor
      in a 30-years-old lady diagnosed on intra-operative scrape cytology, and further
      reconfirmed on frozen section and histopathology.

PMID- 22090699
TI  - Fine needle aspiration cytology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis - A diagnostic pitfall
      with review of literature.
AB  - Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the second most common thyroid lesion next to goiter
      diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). It is also an important
      cause for hypothyroidism. FNAC plays a significant role in the diagnosis of
      thyroid lesions due to its simplicity and low cost. It can accurately diagnose
      Hashimoto's thyroidits in most patients. However, a small percentage of cases may
      be missed due to the inherent limitations of this procedure and the varied
      cytomorphology of this lesion. Therefore thorough cytological evaluation and an
      integrated approach are necessary to pick up correct diagnosis and to avoid
      unnecessary surgery. We present a 56-year-old female with solitary thyroid nodule
      diagnosed as Hurthle cell neoplasm on FNAC, but subsequent histopathological
      diagnosis following resection revealed Hashimoto's thyroiditis with marked
      Hurthle cell change.

PMID- 22090700
TI  - Primary umbilical endometriosis - Diagnosis by fine needle aspiration.
AB  - Primary (spontaneous) umbilical endometriosis is very rare with an estimated
      incidence of 0.5-1% of all patients with endometrial ectopia. Endometriosis is a
      common gynecological condition, the pelvis being the most common site of the
      disease. Extrapelvic site is less common and even more difficult to diagnose due
      to the extreme variability in presentation. A 38-year-old woman presented with a
      blackish nodule over the umbilicus of 3 years duration. Fine needle aspiration
      cytology of the lesion showed cells in clusters and sheets with background of
      scant stromal fragment, hemosiderin laden macrophages and RBCs, leading to a
      suggestion of umbilical endometriosis. Histopathological examination of the
      excised lesion confirmed the same.

PMID- 22090701
TI  - Juvenile xanthogranuloma-diagnostic challenge on fine-needle aspiration cytology.
AB  - Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare cutaneous lesion with paucity of
      literature on its cytological features. We report one such case which on fine
      needle aspiration cytology yielded a mixed population of foamy histiocytes,
      multinucleated giant cells and variable admixture of lymphocytes and eosinophils
      causing diagnostic dilemma with other differentials, especially Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis. However, clinical correlation followed by histopathology confirmed
      the diagnosis. Hence, JXG has characteristic and diagnostic cytologic features.

PMID- 22090702
TI  - Intraoperative cytology of central neurocytoma mimicking oligodendroglioma.
AB  - Central neurocytomas (CNs) are uncommon tumors of the central nervous system.
      These tumors have a predilection for the lateral ventricles of young adults and
      are known to display characteristic neuroimaging and histomorphologic features.
      Typically, CNs are associated with a favorable outcome, although cases with more
      aggressive clinical course with recurrences are not unknown. Most descriptions of
      this tumor are available in the form of isolated histopathology-based case
      reports and small series. Cytology-based publications of CN are rare. Here, we
      report a case of CN in a 22-year-old girl. Intra-operative squash cytology and
      subsequent histopathology of the tumor simulated an oligodendroglioma and a clear
      cell ependydoma. Final confirmation was obtained on immunohistochemistry. This
      paper discusses the salient cytological, histomorphological and
      immunohistochemical features of CN that are useful in distinguishing from its
      mimickers.

PMID- 22090703
TI  - Parathyroid carcinoma uncovering the enigma: Case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - Parathyroid carcinoma is a very rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Pre
      operative diagnosis remains a challenge. We report a case referred for a
      suspicious goiter with a poor general condition associated with hypercalcemia.
      Cytological findings attributed it to a possible parathyroid neoplasm that must
      be considered in the differential diagnosis of a nodular thyroid mass by the
      cytopathologist. Serum parathormone levels were correlated and the patient
      underwent surgery. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of parathyroid
      carcinoma. There can be a major pitfall, as it may appear indistinguishable from
      a benign adenoma.

PMID- 22090704
TI  - Pancreatic metastasis in a case of small cell lung carcinoma: Diagnostic role of
      fine-needle aspiration cytology and immunocytochemistry.
AB  - Small cell lung carcinoma represents a group of highly malignant tumors giving
      rise to early and widespread metastasis at the time of diagnosis. However, the
      pancreas is a relatively infrequent site of metastasis by this neoplasm, and
      there are only occasional reports on its fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology
      diagnosis. A 66-year-old man presented with extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy
      and a mass in the pancreatic tail. Ultrasound-guided FNA smears from the
      pancreatic mass contained small, round tumor cells with extensive nuclear
      molding. The cytodiagnosis was metastatic small cell carcinoma.
      Immunocytochemical staining showed that a variable number of neoplastic cell were
      positive for cytokeratin, chromogranin A, neurone-specific enolase and
      synaptophysin but negative for leukocyte common antigen. The trans-bronchial
      needle aspiration was non-diagnostic, but biopsy was suspicious of a small cell
      carcinoma. This case represents a rare metastatic lesion in the pancreas from
      small cell lung carcinoma, diagnosed by FNA cytology.

PMID- 22090706
TI  - Anaplastic large cell lymphoma: The evolution continues.

PMID- 22090705
TI  - ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma.
AB  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma
      (ALCL) has a vast morphologic spectrum and may mimic many other types of
      malignancies both cytologically and histologically. There are only a few
      published case reports/series describing the cytomorphologic features of ALCL on
      fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy specimens. We describe a case of ALK-negative
      ALCL mimicking a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh in a 62-year-old
      man. The characteristic morphologic findings on FNA and core biopsy along with
      the immunophenotypic profile are described and reviewed. The diagnosis of ALCL on
      FNA biopsy may be difficult, but can be done successfully with the use of
      ancillary tests. Therefore, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis
      of lesions with pleomorphism, anaplasia, and wreath-like or horseshoe-shaped
      nuclei to ensure that adequate material is obtained for ancillary studies.

PMID- 22090707
TI  - Nodular hidradenoma of male breast: Cytohistological correlation.
AB  - Nodular hidradenoma is an established entity as a skin adnexal tumor arising from
      eccrine sweat glands. A skin adnexal tumor located in the breast is unusual and
      is one of the differential diagnoses for subareolar breast nodules. With the
      exception of gynecomastia, other lesions of the male breast are not very common.
      The review of literature showed only 25 reported cases till date. The rarity of
      this neoplasm and failure to identify its morphologic features may lead to
      misdiagnosis. Being itself rare, cytological features of this lesion are hardly
      encountered in case reports. We report a case of an 18-year-old male who
      presented with a left breast lump and underwent fine needle aspiration and was
      diagnosed as having a benign skin adnexal tumor. Later it was confirmed by
      histopathology to be a nodular hidradenoma.

PMID- 22090708
TI  - Accuracy of references in Journal of Cytology.

PMID- 22090709
TI  - Microfilaria in thyroid aspirate - An unexpected finding.

PMID- 22090710
TI  - Chromosomal aberrations in hematological malignancies: A guide to the
      identification of novel oncogenes.

PMID- 22090711
TI  - Are mannose-binding lectin gene 2 (MBL2) polymorphisms and MBL deficiency
      associated with infections?

PMID- 22090712
TI  - Craniosynostosis genetics: The mystery unfolds.
AB  - Craniosynsostosis syndromes exhibit considerable phenotypic and genetic
      heterogeneity. Sagittal synostosis is common form of isolated craniosynostosis.
      The sutures involved, the shape of the skull and associated malformations give a
      clue to the specific diagnosis. Crouzon syndrome is one of the most common of the
      craniosynostosis syndromes. Apert syndrome accounts for 4.5% of all
      craniosynostoses and is one of the most serious of these syndromes. Most
      syndromic craniosynostosis require multidisciplinary management. The following
      review provides a brief appraisal of the various genes involved in
      craniosynostosis syndromes, and an approach to diagnosis and genetic counseling.

PMID- 22090713
TI  - Characterization of cryptic rearrangements, deletion, complex variants of PML,
      RARA in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by a reciprocal translocation
      t(15;17)(q22;q21) leading to the disruption of Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and
      Retionic Acid Receptor Alpha (RARA) followed by reciprocal PML-RARA fusion in 90%
      of the cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has overcome the hurdles
      of unavailability of abnormal and/or lack of metaphase cells, and detection of
      cryptic, submicroscopic rearrangements. In the present study, besides diagnostic
      approach we sought to analyze these cases for identification and characterization
      of cryptic rearrangements, deletion variants and unknown RARA translocation
      variants by application of D-FISH and RARA break-apart probe strategy on
      interphase and metaphase cells in a large series of 200 cases of APL. Forty cases
      (20%) had atypical PML-RARA and/or RARA variants. D-FISH with PML/RARA probe
      helped identification of RARA insertion to PML. By application of D-FISH on
      metaphase cells, we documented that translocation of 15 to 17 leads to 17q
      deletion which results in loss of reciprocal fusion and/or residual RARA on
      der(17). Among the complex variants of t(15;17), PML-RARA fusion followed by
      residual RARA insertion closed to PML-RARA on der(15) was unique and unusual.
      FISH with break-apart RARA probe on metaphase cells was found to be a very
      efficient strategy to detect unknown RARA variant translocations like
      t(11;17)(q23;q21), t(11;17)(q13;q21) and t(2;17)(p21;q21). These findings proved
      that D-FISH and break-apart probe strategy has potential to detect primary as
      well as secondary additional aberrations of PML, RARA and other additional loci.
      The long-term clinical follow-up is essential to evaluate the clinical importance
      of these findings.

PMID- 22090714
TI  - The first report described as an important study: The association of mannose
      binding lectin gene 2 polymorphisms in children with Down syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin gene 2 (MBL2) plays a very important role in
      the first line of host immune response in Down syndrome (DS). The importance of
      MBL2 gene polymorphisms in children with DS is unclear, and no research has
      addressed MBL2 gene polymorphisms in patients with DS. This is the first report
      describing an important association between MBL2 gene polymorphisms and
      infections in children with DS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the frequency
      of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at two codons of the MBL2 gene in a
      cross sectional cohort of 166 children with DS and 229 controls. Polymorphisms at
      codons 54 (GGC->GAC) and 57 (GGA->GAA) in exon 1 of the MBL2 gene were typed by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
      technique using the restriction enzymes BshN1 (derivated from Bacillus
      sphaericus) and MboII (derivated from Moraxella bovis), respectively. RESULTS:
      MBL2 codon 54 GA genotype frequency was found to be lower in patients with DS
      (22.9%) than those of healthy controls (35.8%), differences were statistically
      significant (OR = 0.532, 95% CI = 0.339-0.836, P = 0.008). On the other hand,
      codon 57 polymorphism in the MBL2 gene was detected in none of the DS patients,
      but only one person in the control group showed codon 57 GA genotype (OR = 1.004,
      95% CI = 0.996-1.013, P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Our data provides an evidence for
      the first time that a homozygote or heterozygote for the variant, MBL2 alleles,
      is not associated with infections in patients with DS, and do not influence the
      incidence of infections.

PMID- 22090715
TI  - Molecular investigation of mental retardation locus gene PRSS12 by linkage
      analysis.
AB  - The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of families having
      mental retardation in Pakistani population. We enrolled seven mentally retarded
      (MR) families with two or more affected individuals. Family history was taken to
      minimize the chances of other abnormalities. Pedigrees were drawn using the
      Cyrillic software (version 2.1). The structure of pedigrees shows that all the
      marriages are consanguineous and the families have recessive mode of inheritance.
      All the families were studied by linkage analysis to mental retardation locus
      (MRT1)/gene PRSS12. Three STR markers (D4S191, D4S2392, and D4S3024) in vicinity
      of mental retardation (MR) locus (MRT1)/gene PRSS12 were amplified on all the
      sample of each family by PCR. The PCR products were then genotyped on non
      denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The Haplotype were
      constructed to determine the pattern of inheritance and also to determine that a
      family was linked or unlinked to gene PRSS12. One out of the seven families was
      potentially linked to gene PRSS12, while the other six families remain unlinked.

PMID- 22090716
TI  - Novel mutations in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy from Indian
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a
      progressive condition with right ventricular myocardium being replaced by fibro
      fatty tissue. The spectrum of the expression may range from benign palpitations
      to the most malignant sudden death. Most of the mutations identified for the
      condition are localized in desmosomal proteins although three other nondesmosomal
      genes (cardiac ryanodine receptor-2, TGF-beta3, and TMEM43) have also been
      implicated in ARVC. Both desmosomal and nondesmosomal genes were screened in a
      set of patients from local population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A set of 34
      patients from local population were included in this study. Diagnosis was based
      on the criteria proposed by task force of European Society of
      Cardiology/International Society and Federation of Cardiology. Polymerase chain
      reaction-based single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was carried out,
      and samples with abnormal band pattern were commercially sequenced. RESULTS:
      Screening of cardiac ryanodine receptor revealed an insertion of a base in the
      intronic region of exon-28 in a patient, leading to a creation of a cryptic
      splice site. Screening of plakohilin-2 for mutations revealed an abnormal band
      pattern in three patients. Two of them had similar abnormal band pattern for exon
      3.1. Sequencing revealed a novel 2 base pair deletion (433_434 delCT), which
      would lead to premature truncation of the protein (L145EfsX8). Another patient
      showed abnormal band pattern for exon-3.2 and sequencing revealed a missense
      mutation C792T leading to amino acid change P244L, in N-terminal, and this
      substitution may cause disturbances in the various protein-protein interactions.
      CONCLUSION: This study reports novel cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR-2) mutations
      and Pkp-2 for the first time from Indian population.

PMID- 22090717
TI  - Cytoprotective effect of honey against chromosomal breakage in fanconi anemia
      patients in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natural honey is widely used all over the world as a complementary
      and alternative medicine in various disorders including Fanconi anemia (FA). FA
      is a rare genetic chromosomal instability syndrome caused by impairment of DNA
      repair and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imbalance. This disease is also related
      to bone marrow failure and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      cytoprotective effect of honey on mitomycin C (MMC-) induced chromosomal damage
      in peripheral lymphocytes from FA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment of
      these complications with alkylation agents MMC may enhance chromosomal breakage.
      We have evaluated the effect of honey on MMC- induced chromosomal breakage in FA
      blood cells using chromosomal breakage assay. The basal chromosomal breakage
      count was higher among FA patients than healthy subjects. RESULTS: The addition
      of MMC alone gave a significantly higher of chromosomal breakage in FA patients
      than control group (P < 0.0001). Pre- treatment with honey significantly
      inhibited breakage induced by MMC in FA patients by its antioxidant effect.
      CONCLUSION: Honey can prevent MMC- induced chromosomal breakage by its
      antioxidant effect.

PMID- 22090718
TI  - Chromosomal abnormalities as a cause of recurrent abortions in Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 4%-8% of couples with recurrent abortion, at least one of the
      partners has chromosomal abnormality. Most spontaneous miscarriages which happen
      in the first and second trimesters are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. These
      chromosomal abnormalities may be either numerical or structural. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Cytogenetic study was done for 73 Egyptian couples who presented with
      recurrent abortion at Genetic Unit of Children Hospital, Mansoura University.
      RESULTS: We found that the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities was not
      significantly different from that reported worldwide. Chromosomal abnormalities
      were detected in 9 (6.1%) of 73 couples. Seven of chromosomal abnormalities were
      structural and two of them were numerical. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that
      6.1% of the couples with recurrent abortion had chromosomal abnormalities, with
      no other abnormalities. We suggest that it is necessary to perform cytogenetic in
      vestigation for couples who have recurrent abortion.

PMID- 22090719
TI  - Association of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 gene single nucleotide
      polymorphism with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Madurai population of Southern
      India.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus formerly called juvenile diabetes, is an organ specific
      T-cell mediated autoimmune disease characterized by the progressive loss of
      function of the insulin producing beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans.
      Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 gene (CTLA-4) has been proposed as a
      candidate gene for conferring susceptibility to autoimmunity. Association of CTLA
      4 gene polymorphism is well established in autoimmune endocrinopathies across
      world population. The present study was conducted to investigate the association
      of CTLA-4 exon 1 49A/G polymorphism with TIDM in Madurai, a city in Southern
      India. Fifty three clinically proven T1DM patients and 53 control subjects with
      no history of autoimmune disease were recruited for the study. Genomic DNA was
      extracted from peripheral blood. CTLA-4 exon 1 49 A/G polymorphism was assessed
      using PCR-RFLP methods. Our findings revealed a significant association of CTLA-4
      exon 1 49 A/G polymorphism with T1DM in Madurai population.

PMID- 22090720
TI  - G-C heterozygosis in mutS homolog2 as a risk factor to hereditary nonpolyposis
      colon cancer in the absence of a family medical history.
AB  - To detect the presence of point mutations in a small section of the mutS homolog2
      (MSH2) gene in both healthy and affected persons treated at the General Hospital
      of the State of Sonora, a 353 base pair section of the MSH2 gene was amplified
      and sequenced from six persons affected by hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal
      cancer and from 19 healthy persons. The affected persons did not show the
      mutations reported in the scientific literature; however, six healthy persons
      were heterozygote and mutant-allele carriers. The heterozygote condition implies
      that carriers are candidates for the development of colorectal cancer. However,
      it is important to know the family medical history when investigating hereditary
      mutations.

PMID- 22090721
TI  - McKusick-Kaufman or Bardet-Biedl syndrome? A new borderline case in an Italian
      nonconsanguineous healthy family.
AB  - McKusick-Kaufman syndrome (MKS, OMIM #236700) is a rare syndrome inherited in an
      autosomal recessive pattern with a phenotypic triad comprising hydrometrocolpos
      (HMC), postaxial polydactyly (PAP), and congenital cardiac disease (CHD). The
      syndrome is caused by mutations in the MKKS gene mapped onto chromosome 20p12
      between D20S162 and D20S894 markers. Mutations in the same gene causes Bardet
      Biedl-6 syndrome (BBS-6, OMIM #209900) inherited in an autosomal recessive
      pattern. BBS-6 comprises retinitis pigmentosa, polydactyly, obesity, mental
      retardation, renal and genital anomalies. HMC, CHD, and PAP defects can also
      occur in BBS-6, and there is a significant clinical overlap between MKS and BBS-6
      in childhood. We describe a new borderline case of MKS and BBS syndrome and
      suggest insights for understanding correlation between MKKS gene mutations and
      clinical phenotype. Here, we report the results of molecular analysis of MKKS in
      a female proband born in an Italian nonconsanguineous healthy family that
      presents HMC and PAP. The mutational screening revealed the presence of two
      different heterozygous missense variants (p.242A>S in exon 3, p.339 I>V in exon
      4) in the MKKS gene, and a nucleotide variation in 5'UTR region in exon 2 (-417
      A>C).

PMID- 22090722
TI  - A recurrent mutation in Moroccan patients with Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome:
      Report of a new case and review.
AB  - Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen (DMC) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. It
      is a spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia associated with mental retardation.
      Clinical manifestations include coarse facies, microcephaly, short trunk
      dwarfism, and mental retardation. Mutations in Dymeclin gene (DYM), mapped to
      chromosome 18q21.1, is responsible for DMC. We report here the observation of a
      consanguineous Moroccan patient having DMC syndrome. The molecular studies showed
      a previously reported homozygous mutation at c.1878delA of DYM gene. We discuss
      this recurrent mutation in Moroccan patients with DMC syndrome with a review.

PMID- 22090723
TI  - Deletion of ABL/BCR on der(9) associated with severe basophilia.
AB  - Chronic basophilic leukemia is a rare form in chronic myeloid leukemia patients.
      Only limited number of reports are available. Herein, we describe a patient who
      presented with fatigue, weight loss, leucocytosis, prominent basophilia, and mild
      eosinophilia. On biopsy, bone marrow was hypercellular with marked basophils. The
      immunophenotype showed abnormal expression of CD7, which is suggestive of
      basophilic maturation. Chromosomal analysis from GTG-banded metaphases revealed
      Ph positivity, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with BCR/ABL dual
      color, dual fusion probe showed single fusion on the der(22) chromosome and
      ABL/BCR fusion was deleted on the der(9) chromosome. The deletion (ABL/BCR) on
      der(9) may be associated with basophilia which may be also indicative of the
      transformation of CML to acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 22090724
TI  - Congenital erythropoietic porphyria with two mutations of the uroporphyrinogen
      III synthase gene (Cys73Arg, Thr228Met).
AB  - Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is an autosomal recessive inborn error
      of metabolism that results from the markedly deficient activity of
      uroporphyrinogen III synthase (UROS). We describe a 14-year-old girl with red
      urine since infancy, progressive blistering and scarring of the skin, and
      moderate hemolytic anemia. After years of skin damage, her face is mutilated; she
      has a bald patch on the scalp, hypertrichosis of the neck, areas of skin
      darkening, and limited joint movements of the hands. Total urine excretion and
      fecal total porphyrin were both markedly raised above normal levels. Sequencing
      of the UROS gene identified two mutations causing CEP (Cys73Arg, Thr228Met). The
      patient lesions are progressing. Bone marrow transplantation and/or gene therapy
      are proposed as the next steps in her treatment. In brief, we describe a CEP with
      confirmed two pathogenic mutations, severe phenotype and discuss the various
      treatment options available.

PMID- 22090725
TI  - Early recurrent left atrial myxoma in a teenager with de novo mutation of Carney
      complex.
AB  - We report a case of an extremely early recurrence of left atrial myxoma in a 13
      year-old girl. On hospital admission, the clinical presentation was of cerebral
      embolism with noticeable spotty skin pigmentation and hypertelorism. The left
      atrial myxoma originated from the roof of the left atrium. The histology specimen
      showed typical finding of a myxoma. Six months later a new intracardial mass was
      evacuated, the postoperative result showing the same type of myxomatous tissue.
      Genetic investigations demonstrated Carney complex. The genetic analysis of the
      child's family was negative, demonstrating de novo mutation of this rare
      disorder.

PMID- 22090726
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis in a mentally retarded woman with mosaic ring chromosome 18.
AB  - We present a pregnant woman with mental retardation and mosaic for ring 18
      referred for prenatal diagnosis. Major clinical features included short stature
      with clinodactyly in feet, foot deformity and club feet, hypotonia, kyphosis, and
      absence of breast development, low set ears, high arched palate, dental decay and
      speech disorder. Prenatal diagnosis was carried. Using amniocentesis. The fetus
      had a normal karyotype described as 46,XX. The fetus was evaluated for clinical
      features after delivery; she was healthy with no abnormal clinical
      characterizations.

PMID- 22090727
TI  - Transcoronary ethanol ablation for ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 22090728
TI  - Autonomic denervation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - The influence of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) on triggering and
      perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is well established. Ganglionated plexi
      (GP) ablation achieves autonomic denervation by affecting both the
      parasympathetic and sympathetic components of the ANS. An anatomic approach for
      GP ablation at relevant atrial sites appears to be safe, and improves the results
      of PV isolation in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. GP ablation can be
      accomplished endocardially or epicardially, ie, during the maze procedure or
      thoracoscopic approaches. Further experience is needed to assess the clinical
      value of this promising technique.

PMID- 22090729
TI  - Entrainment during Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia. What is
      explanation for Post Pacing Interval shorter than the tachycardia cycle length?
AB  - Entrainment mapping of ischemic ventricular tachycardia at a site in the left
      ventricle where radiofrequency ablation was successful in terminating the
      tachycardia revealed a post-pacing interval shorter than the tachycardia cycle
      length. The reason for the same is explained in the current report.

PMID- 22090730
TI  - An unusual mechanism of sustained right atrial tachycardia.
AB  - Lower loop re-entry (LLR) flutter is a rare type of atypical right atrial
      flutter. Most of the reported cases occurred in association with typical flutter
      patterns as a transient arrhythmia. Our case is unique in the fact the LLR was
      sustained and persisted independently.

PMID- 22090731
TI  - Spontaneous demonstration of counterclockwise right atrial activation following
      successful isthmus ablation.
AB  - We describe an uncommon case of typical flutter with symptomatic sinus node
      dysfunction, in which a permanent junctional rhythm developed following ablation
      of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus. This rhythm activated the right atrium in counter
      clockwise manner thus providing spontaneous proof of unidirectional isthmus
      block, a phenomenon that is usually demonstrated by proximal coronary sinus
      pacing.

PMID- 22090732
TI  - Placement Of A Coronary Sinus Pacing Lead From A Sub-occluded Left Subclavian
      Vein Using A Collateral Vein To The Right Subclavian Vein.
AB  - Upgrading of a pacing system in the presence of a subclavian occlusion is
      technically challenging. We describe the case of a patient who underwent a
      successful upgrading procedure of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
      to a biventricular defibrillator (ICD-CRT) in the presence of a suboccluded left
      subclavian vein, using a collateral vein that drained into the contralateral
      subclavian vein.

PMID- 22090733
TI  - What's New in Emergencies, Trauma and Shock ? Optimizing initial resuscitation
      strategies in a patient with shock.

PMID- 22090734
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of bedside emergency ultrasound screening for fractures in
      pediatric trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bedside ultrasound (BUS) can effectively identify fractures in the
      emergency department (ED). AIM: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of BUS for
      fractures in pediatric trauma patients. SETTING AND DESIGN: Prospective
      observational study conducted in the ED. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pediatric patients
      with upper and lower limb injuries requiring radiological examination were
      included. BUS examinations were done by emergency physicians who had undergone a
      brief training. X-rays were reviewed for the presence of fracture and the results
      of BUS and radiography were compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: STATA version 11 was
      used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were
      enrolled in the study. The sensitivity of the BUS in detecting fracture was 89%
      [95% confidence interval (CI): 51% to 99%] and the specificity was 100% (95% CI:
      87% to 100%). The positive predictive value of BUS was 100% and negative
      predictive value was 97%. CONCLUSION: BUS can be utilized by emergency physicians
      after brief training to accurately identify long bone fractures in the pediatric
      age-group.

PMID- 22090735
TI  - Evaluation of trauma and prediction of outcome using TRISS method.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trauma and injury severity score (TRISS), introduced in 1981 is a
      combination index based on revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score
      (ISS) and patient's age. In this study we have used TRISS method to predict the
      outcome in trauma cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1000 consecutive cases of trauma
      of adult age group admitted in casualty of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital
      Ludhiana, from 1/7/2000 onwards. Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score and
      Age Index were recorded from which TRISS was determined. The performance of TS,
      ISS and TRISS as predictors of survival was evaluated using the misclassification
      rate, the information gain and the relative information gain. RESULTS: The
      majority of the patients were men (83.7%) and in the age group of 20-50 years.
      Road traffic collisions (72%) were the most common cause of trauma. The mortality
      rate was 4.1%. Using PER method, the TRISS method was found to have information
      gain of 0.049 and a relative information gain of 0.41. CONCLUSIONS: The revised
      trauma score (RTS) ranged from 2.746 to 7.8408.There was a graded increase in
      mortality with decreasing RTS score.

PMID- 22090736
TI  - Damage control in severely injured trauma patients - A ten-year experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study reviews our 10-year institutional experience with damage
      control management and investigates risk factors for early mortality. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The trauma registry of our level I trauma centre was utilized to
      identify all patients from 01/96 through 12/05 who underwent initial damage
      control procedures. Demographics, clinical and physiological parameters, and
      outcomes were abstracted. Patients were categorized as either early survivors
      (surviving the first 72 hours after admission) or early deaths. RESULTS: During
      the study period, 319 patients underwent damage control management. Overall, 52
      patients (16.3%) died (early deaths) and 267 patients (83.7%) survived the first
      72 hours (early survivors). Early deaths showed significantly deranged serum
      lactate (5.81+/-0.55 vs. 3.46+/-0.13 mmol/L; P<0.001), base deficit (10.10+/-0.95
      vs. 4.90+/-0.28 mmol/L; P<0.001) and pH (7.16+/-0.03 vs. 7.29+/-0.01; P<0.001)
      levels compared to early survivors on hospital admission. An International
      Normalized Ratio >1.2, base deficit >3 mmol/L, head Abbreviated Injury Scale >=3,
      body temperature <35 degrees C, serum lactate >6 mmol/L, and hemoglobin <7 g/dL
      proved to be independent risk factors for early mortality on hospital admission.
      CONCLUSIONS: Several risk factors for early mortality such as severe head injury
      and the lethal triad (coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia) in patients
      undergoing damage control procedures were identified and should trigger the
      trauma surgeon to maintain aggressive resuscitation in the intensive care unit.

PMID- 22090737
TI  - Changing trends in the pattern and outcome of stab injuries at a North London
      hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence, pattern and outcome of stab injuries attending
      a North London Teaching Hospital over a 3-year (2006-2008) period. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective review of collected data from the Hospital database was
      conducted. The database contains comprehensive medical records for all patients
      attended by the trauma team for deliberate stab injuries. It is updated by the
      surgical team after each admission. All patients with deliberate penetrating
      injury who were attended by the service between 1 January 2006 and 31 December
      2008 were identified. Patients who died in the prehospital phase, those managed
      exclusively by the emergency department and limb injuries without vascular
      compromise were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Six hundred and nineteen
      patients with stab injuries (following knife crime) from North London attended
      the Hospital in the above period. One hundred and thirty-seven paients required
      surgical admission. Two were cases of self-inflicted knife injuries. Over the 3
      year period the percentage of victims below 20 years of age is increasing. Ninety
      three percent of knife crime occured between 6 pm and 6 am; recently moving
      toward week days from weekend period. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of
      penetrating injuries (stab injuries) is slowly declining. Timely cardiothoracic
      support facility is vital in saving lives with major cardiac stab injuries.
      Although alcohol drinking restriction has been lifted, most cases of stabbings
      are still occurring out-of-hours when surgical personnel are limited.

PMID- 22090738
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative clinical examination in upper limb injuries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injuries in hands and forearms may cause significant discomfort and
      disability. AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of preoperative clinical examination in
      depicting lesions caused by penetrating wounds of hands or forearms. SETTING AND
      DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted from August 2006 to September 2009
      at Kashani University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients with clean penetrating
      injury to the hand/forearm were enrolled in this study. After patient's data
      registration, a careful clinical examination and routine exploration without
      expansion of wound were done by an orthopedic resident. Each tendon was tested at
      each joint level. Nerves were evaluated with a two-point discrimination test, and
      arteries were tested with palpable pulses. Surgical exploration was done by a
      single hand surgeon in operation room. Accuracy of clinical examination was
      compared to surgical examination. RESULTS: During the study period, 180 (72%)
      males and 70 (28%) females with mean age of 28+/-4 years participated. The
      preoperative examination showed a predominance of the volar zone IV injuries
      followed by volar zone II, III, thumb zone II, volar zone V and thumb zone III.
      Despite the enough accuracy of preoperative examinations in dorsal side injuries
      of hands and forearms (error rate = 8.3%), the preoperative examinations
      significantly underestimated the amount of damage to soft tissues on the volar
      side of hands and forearms (error rate = 14%). CONCLUSIONS: The precise surgical
      evaluations should be considered in patients with penetrating injury to the hand
      or forearm, especially in those with volar side injuries.

PMID- 22090739
TI  - Influence of prehospital fluid resuscitation on patients with multiple injuries
      in hemorrhagic shock in patients from the DGU trauma registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe bleeding as a result of trauma frequently leads to poor
      outcome by means of direct or delayed mechanisms. Prehospital fluid therapy is
      still regarded as the main option of primary treatment in many rescue situations.
      Our study aimed to assess the influence of prehospital fluid replacement on the
      posttraumatic course of severely injured patients in a retrospective analysis of
      matched pairs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data from 35,664 patients
      recorded in the Trauma Registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU).
      The following patients were selected: patients having an Injury Severity Score
      >16 points, who were >=16 years of age, with trauma, excluding those with
      craniocerebral injuries, who were admitted directly to the participating
      hospitals from the accident site. All patients had recorded values for replaced
      volume and blood pressure, hemoglobin concentration, and units of packed red
      blood cells given. The patients were matched based on similar blood pressure
      characteristics, age groups, and type of accident to create pairs. Pairs were
      subdivided into two groups based on the volumes infused prior to hospitalization:
      group 1: 0-1500 (low), group 2: >=2000 mL (high) volume. RESULTS: We identified
      1351 pairs consistent with the inclusion criteria. Patients in group 2 received
      significantly more packed red blood cells (group 1: 6.9 units, group 2: 9.2
      units; P=0.001), they had a significantly reduced capacity of blood coagulation
      (prothrombin ratio: group 1: 72%, group 2: 61.4%; P<=0.001), and a lower
      hemoglobin value on arrival at hospital (group 1: 10.6 mg/dL, group 2: 9.1 mg/dL;
      P<=0.001). The number of ICU-free days concerning the first 30 days after trauma
      was significantly higher in group 1 (group 1: 11.5 d, group 2: 10.1 d; P<=0.001).
      By comparison, the rate of sepsis was significantly lower in the first group
      (group 1: 13.8%, group 2: 18.6%; P=0.002); the same applies to organ failure
      (group 1: 36.0%, group 2: 39.2%; P<=0.001). CONCLUSION: The high amounts of
      intravenous fluid replacement was related to early traumatic coagulopathy, organ
      failure, and sepsis rate.

PMID- 22090740
TI  - Indications for brain computed tomography scan after minor head injury.
AB  - AIMS: Minor head injury (MHI) is a common injury seen in Emergency Departments
      (ED). Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain is a good method of
      investigation to diagnose intracranial lesions, but there is a disagreement about
      indications in MHI patients. We surveyed the post-traumatic symptoms, signs or
      past historical matters that can be used for the indication of brain CT scan.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with MHI who were older than 2 years, had a
      Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score >=13 and were referred to the ED, underwent brain
      CT scan. Data on age, headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness (LOC) or amnesia,
      post-traumatic seizure, physical evidence of trauma above the clavicles, alcohol
      intoxication, and anticoagulant usage were collected. The main outcome measure
      was the presence of lesions related to the trauma in brain CT scan. For
      categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. RESULTS: Six hundred and forty
      two patients were examined by brain CT scan after MHI, and 388 patients (60.4%)
      did not have any risk indicator. Twenty patients (3.1%) had abnormal brain CT
      scans. The logistic regression model showed that headache (P=0.006), LOC or
      amnesia (P=0.024) and alcohol (P=0.036) were associated with abnormal brain CT.
      CONCLUSIONS: WE SUGGESTED THAT ABNORMAL BRAIN CT SCAN RELATED TO THE TRAUMA AFTER
      MHI CAN BE PREDICTED BY THE PRESENCE OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING RISK
      INDICATORS: Headache, vomiting, LOC or amnesia, and alcohol intoxication. Thus,
      if any patient has these indicators following MHI, he must be considered as a
      high-risk MHI.

PMID- 22090741
TI  - C-clamp and pelvic packing for control of hemorrhage in patients with pelvic ring
      disruption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exsanguinating hemorrhage is the major cause of death in patients
      with pelvic ring disruption. AIMS: The aim of this study was to document outcomes
      after the stabilization of pelvic ring injuries by a C-clamp and control of
      hemorrhage by pelvic packing. Physiological parameters were tested as prognostic
      factors. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective study at a level I trauma
      center. The study period was from January 1996 to December 2007. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifty patients with pelvic ring disruption and hemorrhagic shock were
      analyzed. The pelvic rings were fixed by a C-clamp, and patients with ongoing
      hemorrhage underwent laparotomy and extra- and/or intra-peritoneal pelvic
      packing. Clinical parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure) and
      physiological parameters (lactate levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit) were documented
      at admission and at different time points during the initial treatment (1, 2, 3,
      4, 6, 8, and 12h after admission). RESULTS: Within 12 h of admission, 16 patients
      died (nonsurvivors) due to hemorrhagic shock (n=13) or head injuries (n=3). In
      this group, 12 patients underwent laparotomy with pelvic packing. Thirty-four
      patients survived the first 12 h (early survivors) after fixation by a C-clamp
      and additional packing in 23 patients. Four of these patients died 12.3+/-7.1
      days later due to multiple organ failure (n=3) or severe head injury (n=1). The
      blood lactate level at admission was significantly higher in the group of
      nonsurvivors (7.2+/-0.8 mmol/L) compared to the early survivors (4.3+/-0.5
      mmol/L, P<0.05). While hemoglobin values improved within the first 2 h in
      nonsurvivors, lactate levels continued to increase. CONCLUSION: Pelvic packing in
      addition to the C-clamp fixation effectively controls severe hemorrhage in
      patients with pelvic ring disruption. Early sequential measurements of blood
      lactate levels can be used to estimate the severity of shock and the response to
      the shock treatment.

PMID- 22090742
TI  - Evaluating a conservative approach to managing liver injuries in Kashmir, India.
AB  - AIM: There has been a steep rise in incidence of liver injury in the past few
      years because of increase in incidence of road traffic accidents. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the role of non-operative management of liver injury due to
      blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with liver injury
      from blunt trauma abdomen were studied between January 2000 and January 2010. A
      total of 152 patients with liver injury were put on conservative management.
      Hundred and three (67.77%) patients were males and 49 (32.23%) were females with
      an age range of 15-60 years (32.8 years). Most of the injuries were because of
      road traffic accidents (81.57%). Liver injuries were graded according to Moore's
      classification using computed tomography. Patients with Grade V and VI were
      excluded from the study. Patients who were unstable hemodynamically on admission
      were also excluded from the study. RESULTS: There was no mortality in our series.
      Eight patients needed exploration because they developed hemodynamic instability.
      Four of the patient developed post-operative liver abscess which was treated
      conservatively. CONCLUSION: Non-operative management of liver injury due to blunt
      trauma abdomen is a safe, effective and treatment modality of choice in
      hemodynamically stable Moore's grade I to Grade IV injury.

PMID- 22090743
TI  - The provision of critical care in emergency departments at Canada.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Critically ill patients are common in emergency medicine, and
      require expert care to maximize patient outcomes. However, little data is
      available on the provision of critical care in the ED. The goal of this study is
      to describe the management of critically ill patients in the ED via a survey of
      Canadian emergency physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey of attending
      physician members of CAEP was conducted by email. The survey was developed by the
      authors and internal validity was established prior to survey deployment. Data on
      physician demographics, hospital resources, use of invasive procedures,
      vasopressor/inotropic medications, length of stay in the ED and patient
      responsibility were assessed. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 22.9%, with
      the majority of respondents possessing speciality training in EM (73.5%).
      Respondents indicated that critically ill patients were commonly managed in the
      ED, with 68.5% reporting >6 critically ill patients per month, and 12.4%
      indicating > 20 patients per month. Respondents indicated that the majority of
      critically ill patients remained in the ED for 1-4 hours (70%) after
      resuscitation, yet 18% remained in the ED for >5 hours. Patients with a
      "respiratory" etiology were the most common critically ill patient population
      reported, followed by "cardiovascular", "infectious" and "traumatic illness".
      Direct laryngoscopy was frequently performed (66.9%> 11 in the year prior to the
      survey) in the year prior to the survey, while other invasive procedures and
      vasopressor/inotropic medications were utilized less often. EM physicians were
      responsible for the management of critically ill patients in the ED, even after
      consultation to an inpatient service, and were often required to provided acute
      care to critically ill patients admitted to an ICU, yet remaining in the ED prior
      to transfer (20% reported > 50% of the time). CONCLUSION: Our survey demonstrates
      that critically ill patients are common in Canadian ED's, and that EMP's are
      often responsible to provide care for prolonged period of time. In addition, the
      use of invasive procedures other then direct laryngoscopy was variable. Further
      research is warranted to determine the impact of delayed transfer and ED
      physician management of critically ill patients in the ED.

PMID- 22090744
TI  - Designing, managing and improving the operative and intensive care in polytrauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: Polytrauma is a leading cause of mortality in the
      developing countries and efforts from various quarters are required to deal with
      this increasing menace. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: An attempt has been made by the
      coordinated efforts of the intensive care and trauma team of a newly established
      tertiary care institute in designing and improving the trauma care services to
      realign its functions with national policies by analyzing the profile of
      polytrauma victims and successfully managing them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis was carried out among the 531 polytrauma admissions in the
      emergency department. The information pertaining to age and gender distribution,
      locality, time to trauma and initial resuscitation, cause of injury, type of
      injury, influence of alcohol, drug addiction, presenting clinical picture,
      Glasgow Coma score on admission and few other variables were also recorded. The
      indications for various operative interventions and intensive care unit (ICU)
      admissions were analyzed thoroughly with a concomitant improvement of our trauma
      care services and thereby augmenting the national policies and programs. A
      statistical analysis was carried out with chi-square and analysis of variance
      ANOVA tests, using SPSS software version 10.0 for windows. The value of P<0.05
      was considered significant and P<0.0001 as highly significant. RESULTS: Majority
      of the 531 polytrauma patients hailed from rural areas (63.65%), riding on the
      two wheelers (38.23%), and predominantly comprised young adult males. Fractures
      of long bones and head injury was the most common injury pattern (37.85%) and
      51.41% of the patients presented with shock and hemorrhage. Airway management and
      intubation became necessary in 42.93% of the patients, whereas 52.16% of the
      patients were operated within the first 6 hours of admission for various
      indications. ICU admission was required for 45.76% of the patients because of
      their deteriorating clinical condition, and overall,ionotropic support was
      administered in 55.93% of the patients for successful resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is an urgent need for proper implementation ofpre-hospital and advanced
      trauma life support measures at grass-root level. Analyzing the profile of
      polytrauma victims at a national level and simultaneously improving the trauma
      care services at every health center are very essential to decrease the mortality
      and morbidity. The improvement can be augmented further by strengthening the
      rural health infrastructure, strict traffic rules, increasing public awareness
      and participation and coordination among the various public and private agencies
      in dealing with polytrauma.

PMID- 22090745
TI  - Clinical ultrasound physics.
AB  - Understanding the basic physics of ultrasound is essential for acute care
      physicians. Medical ultrasound machines generate and receive ultrasound waves.
      Brightness mode (B mode) is the basic mode that is usually used. Ultrasound waves
      are emitted from piezoelectric crystals of the ultrasound transducer. Depending
      on the acoustic impedance of different materials, which depends on their density,
      different grades of white and black images are produced. There are different
      methods that can control the quality of ultrasound waves including timing of
      ultrasound wave emission, frequency of waves, and size and curvature of the
      surface of the transducer. The received ultrasound signal can be amplified by
      increasing the gain. The operator should know sonographic artifacts which may
      distort the studied structures or even show unreal ones. The most common
      artifacts include shadow and enhancement artifacts, edge artifact, mirror
      artifact and reverberation artifact.

PMID- 22090746
TI  - The sonographic diagnosis of pneumothorax.
AB  - Ultrasound is a modality now available to all physicians and can help in making
      rapid decisions, particularly with critically ill patients. This article reviews
      the basis of the use of sonography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax.

PMID- 22090747
TI  - The role of ultrasound in life-threatening situations in pregnancy.
AB  - Pregnant women are at an increased risk of a number of conditions that are
      associated with bleeding. Conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, retained products
      of conception, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, morbid adhesion of the
      placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage can be associated with massive bleeding that
      endangers the maternal life and health. Screening, early detection, and
      prevention play a key role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality caused by
      these conditions. Ultrasound, in experienced hands, is an effective tool that can
      assist in diagnosing many of these obstetrical conditions. The advances in
      technology and the non-invasive nature of ultrasound examination have made it
      popular in our daily obstetrical practice. The review discusses the role of
      ultrasound in the most common life-threatening conditions during pregnancy.

PMID- 22090748
TI  - Sonographic diagnosis of intraperitoneal free air.
AB  - Detection of intraperitoneal free air is important for the diagnosing of life
      threatening conditions in patients with acute abdominal pain. Point-of-care
      ultrasound is an extension of the clinical examination in patients presenting
      with acute abdomen. Failure of sonographers to detect intraperitoneal free air
      was clinically considered as a limitation of abdominal ultrasound. It is now
      increasingly appreciated that ultrasound may detect intraperitoneal free air.
      Emergency physicians should be familiar with the sonographic features of
      intraperitoneal free air which may be essential to recognize bowel perforation.
      Herein we review the literature on the sonographic findings of intraperitoneal
      free air and the technical manoeuvres that can improve clinicians' detection of
      intraperitoneal free air using point-of-care ultrasound.

PMID- 22090749
TI  - Duodenal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma.
AB  - Duodenal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma is an extremely rare and
      often overlooked injury leading to increased mortality and morbidity. We report
      two cases of isolated duodenal injury following blunt abdominal trauma and
      highlight the challenges associated with their management. In both these
      patients, the diagnosis of the duodenal injuries was delayed, leading to
      prolonged hospital stay. The first patient had two perforations, one on the
      anterior and the other on the posterior wall of the duodenum, of which the
      posterior perforation was missed at initial laparotomy. In the other patient, the
      duodenal injury was missed during the initial assessment in the emergency
      department. He returned to the emergency department 24 hours after discharge with
      abdominal pain and vomiting. During trauma related laparotomy, complete
      kocherization (mobilization) of the duodenum must be mandatory, even in the
      presence of obvious injury on its anterior wall. We emphasize on keeping the
      management protocol simple by a "triple tube decompression", i.e. duodenorrhaphy
      (simple closure), tube gastrostomy, reverse tube duodenostomy and a feeding
      jejunostomy.

PMID- 22090750
TI  - A large left atrial myxoma detected in emergency department using bedside
      transthoracic echocardiography.
AB  - We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with episodes of recurrent pulmonary
      edema that was diagnosed to have a large left atrial myxoma using bedside
      transthoracic echocardiography. This case illustrates the importance of a
      screening focused ultrasound examination of involved systems by emergency
      physicians in detecting causes for emergency clinical presentations.

PMID- 22090751
TI  - Ultrasound diagnosis of quadriceps tendon tear in an uncooperative patient.
AB  - A 38-year-old intoxicated man presented to the emergency department with a
      painful, swollen left knee and inability to ambulate after being tackled to the
      ground. The patient was uncooperative, and physical examination of the lower
      extremities was limited by his intoxication. Radiographic examination of the knee
      was unremarkable. Ultrasound of the knee revealed a quadriceps tendon rupture.
      The sonographic features of quadriceps tendon rupture are described, as is the
      role ultrasound plays in the assessment of a swollen, painful knee.

PMID- 22090752
TI  - Malposition of central venous catheter in a small tributary of left
      brachiocephalic vein.
AB  - Erroneous positioning of central venous catheters in small tributaries of large
      central veins is a rare occurrence. We describe two such unusual incidents
      involving cannulation of the small tributaries of left brachiocephalic vein.
      Malposition was suspected when the central venous waveform could not be obtained
      despite all attempts. Unusual central venous waveforms may indicate central
      venous catheter malposition, and these waveforms have not previously been
      described.

PMID- 22090753
TI  - Telementorable "just-in-time" lung ultrasound on an iPhone.

PMID- 22090754
TI  - Wonders of discovery.

PMID- 22090755
TI  - Secondary alveolar bone grafting in cleft of the lip and palate patients.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to restore the function and form of both arches with a proper
      occlusal relationship and eruption of tooth in the cleft area. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eleven patients were selected irrespective of sex and socio-economic
      status and whose age was within the mixed dentition period. Iliac crest is
      grafted in cleft area and subsequently evaluated for graft success using study
      models, and periapical and occlusal radiographs. RESULTS: At the time of
      evaluation teeth were erupted in the area and good alveolar bone levels were
      present. Premaxilla becomes immobile with a good arch form and arch continuity.
      There are no major complications in terms of pain, infection, paraesthesia,
      hematoma formation at donor site without difficulty in walking. There is no
      complication in terms of pain, infection, exposure of graft, rejection of graft,
      and wound dehiscence at the recipient site. DISCUSSION: It is evident that
      secondary alveolar grafting during the mixed dentition period is more beneficial
      for patients at the donor site as well as the recipient site. CONCLUSION: Long
      term follow-up is required to achieve maximum advantage of secondary alveolar
      grafting; the age of the patient should be within the mixed dentition period,
      irrespective of sex, socio-economic status. It may be unilateral or bilateral.

PMID- 22090756
TI  - Shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin after application of cavity
      disinfectants - SEM study.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different cavity disinfectants on
      dentin bond strengths of composite resin applied with two different adhesive
      systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-hundred mandibular molars were sectioned
      parallel to the occlusal surface to expose dentin in the midcoronal one-third.
      The dentinal surfaces were polished with waterproof-polishing papers. The
      specimens were randomly divided into five groups of 40 teeth each as follows:
      group 1(control) -- specimens were not treated with any cavity disinfectants.
      Groups 2--5 (experimental groups) -- dentin surfaces were treated with the
      following cavity disinfectants, respectively; 2% chlorhexidine solution, 0.1%
      benzalkonium chloride-based disinfectant, 1% chlorhexidine gel, and an iodine
      potassium iodide/copper sulfate-based disinfectant. The specimens were then
      randomly divided into two subgroups including 20 teeth each to evaluate the
      effect of different bonding systems. Dentin bonding systems were applied to the
      dentin surfaces and the composite buildups were done. After the specimens were
      stored in an incubator for 24 hours, the shear bond strength was measured at a
      crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The specimens were then statistically analyzed.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One way analysis of variance and Tukey-HSD tests were
      used. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between chlorhexidine gel and
      control groups regardless of the type of the bonding agent used (P>0.05). On the
      other hand, pretreatment with benzalkonium chloride-based, iodine potassium
      iodide/copper sulfate-based disinfectants or chlorhexidine solutions had a
      negative effect on the shear bond strength of self-etching bonding systems.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that when benzalkonium chloride
      based, iodine potassium iodide/copper sulfate-based disinfectants or
      chlorhexidine solutions are used as a cavity disinfectant, an etch-and-rinse
      bonding system should be preferred.

PMID- 22090757
TI  - In vitro evaluation of influence of salivary contamination on the dentin bond
      strength of one-bottle adhesive systems.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of salivary contamination on the bond strength of one
      bottle adhesive systems - (the V generation) at various stages during the bonding
      procedure and to investigate the effect of the contaminant removing treatments on
      the recovery of bond strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study the V
      generation one-bottle system - (Adper Single Bond) was tested. Fifty caries-free
      human molars with flat dentin surfaces were randomly divided into five groups of
      ten teeth each: Group I had 15 second etching with 35% Ortho Phosphoric acid, 15
      second rinse and blot dried (Uncontaminated); Group II contaminated and blot
      dried; Group III contaminated and completely dried; Group IV contaminated,
      washed, blot dried; Group V contaminated, retched washed, and blot dried. The
      bonding agent was applied and resin composite (Z-100 3M ESPE) was bonded to the
      treated surfaces using the Teflon mold. The specimens in each group were then
      subjected to shear bond strength testing in an Instron Universal testing machine
      at a crosshead speed of 1 mm / minute and the data were subjected to one way
      ANOVA for comparison among the groups (P<0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant
      difference between the group that was dried with strong oil-free air after
      contamination (Group III) and the other groups. When the etched surface was
      contaminated by saliva, there was no statistical difference between the just blot
      dry, wash, or the re-etching groups (Groups II, IV, V) if the dentin surface was
      kept wet before priming. When the etched dentin surface was dried (Group III) the
      shear bond strength decreased considerably. CONCLUSION: The bond strengths to the
      tooth structure of the recent dentin bonding agents are less sensitive to common
      forms of contamination than assumed. Re-etching without additional mechanical
      preparation is sufficient to provide or achieve the expected bond strength.

PMID- 22090759
TI  - Prevalence of tooth size discrepancy among North Indian orthodontic patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tooth size discrepancy (TSD) in a
      representative orthodontics population, to explore how many millimeters of TSD is
      clinically significant and to determine the ability of simple visual inspection
      to detect such a discrepancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 150
      pretreatment study casts with fully erupted and complete permanent dentitions
      from first molar to first molar, which were selected randomly from records of the
      orthodontic patients. The mesiodistal diameters of the teeth were measured at
      contact points using digital calipers and the Bolton's analysis was carried out
      on them. Simple visual estimation of Bolton discrepancy was also performed.
      RESULTS: In the sample group, 24% of the patients had anterior tooth width ratios
      and 8% had total arch ratios greater than +/-2 standard deviation (SD) from
      Bolton's means. For the anterior analysis, correction greater than +/-2 mm was
      required for 24% of patients in the upper arch or 14% in the lower arch. For the
      total arch analysis, correction greater than +/-2 mm was required for 36% of
      patients in the upper arch or 32% in the lower arch. CONCLUSION: Bolton's
      analysis should be routinely performed in all orthodontic patients and the
      findings should be included in orthodontic treatment planning. 2 mm of the
      required tooth size correction is an appropriate threshold for clinical
      significance. Visual estimation of TSD has low sensitivity and specificity.
      Careful measurement is more frequently required in clinical practice than visual
      estimation would suggest.

PMID- 22090758
TI  - Assessment of antibacterial properties of newer dentin bonding agents: An in
      vitro study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of newer dentin bonding
      agents on Streptococcus mutans using the direct contact test. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Streptococcus mutans was used as test organism and a direct contact test
      was performed. The dentin bonding agents to be tested were grouped as Group I,
      Clearfil Protect Bond, Group II, Adper Easy One, and Group III, Prime and Bond
      NT. For the direct contact test, three microtiter plates consisting of 96 wells
      each were taken (288 wells). These wells were divided into three groups of 96
      wells; 16 wells of a microtiter plate were utilized, of which four were
      designated as 'A' wells (with the dentin bonding agent and bacterial suspension),
      another four as 'B' wells (without the dentin bonding agent, but with the
      bacterial suspension), another four as the 'C' wells (with the tested material,
      but without bacteria, which served as the negative control), and the remaining
      four as the 'D' wells (without the dentin bonding agent, which served as the
      positive control). Each group was treated with their respective bonding agents as
      per the manufactures instructions. Broth of 15 MUL was then transferred from the
      A wells into an adjacent set of B wells containing fresh medium (215 MUL). This
      resulted in two sets of four wells for each tested material containing an equal
      volume of liquid medium, so that bacterial growth was monitored both in the
      presence and in the absence of the tested material. The plate was placed for
      incubation at 37 degrees C in the microplate reader and the optical density in
      each well was measured at 600 nm. The readings were taken at regular intervals.
      (Every 30 minutes for 16 hours). RESULTS: The Dentin bonding agents evaluated in
      this study showed different inhibitory effects. Clearfil Protect Bond and Prime
      and Bond NT were most effective, and Adper Easy One was least effective against
      Streptococcus mutans. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: The Dentin bonding agents
      evaluated in this study showed different inhibitory effects. Clearfil Protect
      Bond and Prime and Bond NT were most effective, and Adper Easy One was the least
      effective against Streptococcus mutans. Hence, the incorporation of antibacterial
      agents into the dentin bonding agents may become an essential factor in
      inhibiting residual bacteria in the cavity and secondary caries.

PMID- 22090760
TI  - Assessment of crown angulations, crown inclinations, and tooth size discrepancies
      in a South Indian population.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess crown angulations, crown
      inclinations, and tooth size discrepancy in a sample population from Davangere,
      South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred adults (50 male and 50 female) of
      age 18-30 years, with Angle's class I ideal occlusion and balanced profiles, were
      selected for the study. Study models were prepared and crown angulations and
      crown inclinations were measured using a customized protractor device. Bolton's
      analysis was used to measure the tooth size discrepancies. RESULTS: Maxillary and
      mandibular teeth had less crown angulations. Maxillary and mandibular incisors
      and maxillary molars showed increased crown inclinations, whereas mandibular
      molars and premolars had less crown inclinations than the original Andrews
      sample. The mean maxillary and mandibular tooth size ratios, overall and
      anterior, were similar to Bolton's ratios. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of this study
      indicates that there are possible racial and ethnic factors contributing to
      variations in crown angulations and crown inclinations.

PMID- 22090761
TI  - Comparative evaluation of linear dimensional changes of four commercially
      available heat cure acrylic resins.
AB  - CONTEXT: Heat cured acrylic resins undergo dimensional changes during
      polymerization. Dimensional changes which occur in the heat cure acrylic resins
      are shrinkage and expansion which affects the fit of the denture and occlusal
      relationship. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to access the linear
      dimensional changes of four heat cure acrylic resins before and after curing and
      compare the changes among four different acrylic brands. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty four patients irrespective of age and sex were taken and four commercially
      available brands were procured. After the teeth arrangement on the mandibular
      trial denture, two pins were fixed in central fossae of first molar on both sides
      and one pin in the cingulum of left central incisor. Meliodent heat cure acrylic
      resin was used in Group A; Trevalon heat cure acrylic resin was used in Group B;
      Triplex heat cure acrylic resin was used in Group C and Vertex heat cure acrylic
      resin was used in Group D. Linear measurements of the trial wax up before and
      after curing and before and after finishing and polishing were measured and
      compared. Collected data was analyzed with analysis of variance and 't' test at
      95% level of confidence (P=0.05). RESULTS: The maximum percentage changes were
      seen in cases of Group A (Meliodent) followed by Group B, Group C and Group D
      (Trevalon, Triplex and Vertex). Meliodent showed the highest percentage change
      i.e. 1.18% and Vertex showed least percentage change of 0.37 %. CONCLUSIONS:
      Shrinkage occurred after curing and after finishing and polishing, which varies
      significantly with the four commercially available heat cure acrylic resins.
      Among the four different brands of heat cure acrylic resin Group D (Vertex) had
      the least linear dimensional changes after curing and after finishing and
      polishing, so that D (Vertex) could be the material of choice for fabrication of
      complete denture among the four brands.

PMID- 22090762
TI  - Identification of Candida albicans by using different culture medias and its
      association in potentially malignant and malignant lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates the association of Candida
      albicans with normal control group, potentially malignant and malignant lesions
      of oral cavity by using two different liquid culture media. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Saliva was collected and biopsy was taken only from those clinically
      suspected potentially malignant and malignant lesions for histopathological
      diagnosis. Saliva samples were inoculated for fungal growth in Sabouraud's
      dextrose agar and culture-positive samples had undergone for Germ tube test. Germ
      tube-positive samples were further taken for quantification of chlamydospore
      production in liquid media at 8 and 16 hours. RESULTS: In normal control groups
      no fungus growth was found; however, potentially malignant and malignant cases
      showed fungus growth, positive germ tube test and chlamydospore formation. The
      result also showed rapid and quantitatively more chlamydospore formation in corn
      meal broth + 5% milk in comparison to serum milk culture media. CONCLUSION: The
      oral mucosa is compromised in potentially malignant lesions, it can be argued
      that this species may be involved in carcinogenesis by elaborating the
      nitrosamine compounds which either act directly on oral mucosa or interact with
      other chemical carcinogens to activate specific proto-oncogenes and thereby
      initiate oral neoplasia.

PMID- 22090763
TI  - Redesign of a fixture mount to be used as an impression coping and a provisional
      abutment as well.
AB  - PURPOSE: An integrated fixture mount/impression coping/ temporary abutment can
      provide many advantages for immediate loading of dental implants, such as simpler
      procedure, less chair time, cost reduction, and comfort for the patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A newly designed dental implant fixture mount (DIFMA) can
      be used as an impression coping for taking an immediate impression. An immediate
      load provisional prosthesis can then be fabricated shortly after implant
      placement to immediately load the implants. This fixture mount can also serve as
      a temporary abutment for immediate chair-side fabrication of provisional
      prosthesis. Two clinical cases are presented. RESULTS: A clinical case utilizing
      the fixture mount abutment (DIFMA)/implant assembly is presented. The precision
      of fitting between the impression copings and implants is secured with this
      system. The chair time for taking an immediate impression is greatly reduced.
      Less cost for the restoration is provided and patient comfort is delivered.
      CONCLUSIONS: More patient satisfaction can be conferred by employing the fixture
      mount in the process of immediate impression taking and as an immediate
      provisional abutment.

PMID- 22090764
TI  - Evaluation of mandibular morphology in different facial types.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate mandibular morphology in different
      facial types using various parameters. This study was conducted on lateral
      cephalograms of a total of 110 subjects, which included 55 males and 55 females
      between the age of 18-25 years having a mean of 22.3 years for males and 21.5
      years for females. The sample was divided into normodivergent, hypodivergent, and
      hyperdivergent subgroups based on Jarabak's ratio. Symphysis height, depth, ratio
      (height/depth) and angle, antegonial notch depth, ramal height and width,
      mandibular depth, upper, lower, and total gonial angle, and mandibular arc angle
      were analyzed statistically and graphically. It was found that the mandible with
      the vertical growth pattern was associated with a symphysis with large height,
      small depth, large ratio, small angle, decreased ramus height and width, smaller
      mandibular depth, increased gonial angle, and decreased mandibular arc angle in
      contrast to mandible with a horizontal growth pattern. Sexual dichotomy was found
      with mean symphysis height and depth in the female sample being smaller than in
      the male sample, but symphysis ratio was larger in the female sample; males
      having greater ramus height and width, mandibular depth than females. The
      mandible seemed to have retained its infantile characteristics with all its
      processes underdeveloped in hyperdivergent group.

PMID- 22090765
TI  - Prosthetic rehabilitation of a preschooler with induced anodontia - A clinical
      report.
AB  - A case of prosthetic rehabilitation with complete dentures for a three year nine
      months old child is presented. Dental prosthesis are frequently used to avoid
      psychologic, speech, or swallowing problems in preschooler children. The case was
      followed up for a period of three years. These prosthesis were modified as the
      child grew and as the permanent teeth erupted into the oral cavity the dentures
      were trimmed from the areas of erupting teeth to facilitate their eruption.

PMID- 22090766
TI  - Dentigerous cyst associated with multiple complex composite odontomas.
AB  - Odontomas are considered to be hamartomatous malformations rather than true
      neoplasms. This most common odontogenic lesion results from the growth of
      completely differentiated epithelial and mesenchymal cells that give rise to
      ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Dentigerous cyst is an epithelium-lined sac
      enclosing the crown of an unerupted tooth. Apparently, the dentigerous cyst
      arises by the accumulation of fluid between reduced enamel epithelium and the
      tooth crown. Occasionally it is associated with supernumerary tooth or odontoma.
      We report a case of dentigerous cyst associated with complex composite odontoma
      and an impacted lateral incisor in a 30-year-old male patient.

PMID- 22090767
TI  - Compound odontoma associated with an unerupted rotated and dilacerated maxillary
      central incisor.
AB  - Odontomas are benign tumors containing various component tissues of teeth. They
      usually remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed on routine radiographs. Clinically,
      they are often associated with delayed eruption or impaction of permanent teeth
      and retained primary teeth. A case of compound odontoma in association with an
      unerupted, rotated and dilacerated maxillary permanent right central incisor in a
      12-year-old boy is reported. Such combination is rare, making it an interesting
      case for reporting. We have also discussed the clinical features, diagnosis and
      treatment of such a condition.

PMID- 22090768
TI  - Pierre robin sequence and the pediatric dentist.
AB  - This article on the dental management of a neonate with Pierre Robin sequence
      describes the clinical and laboratory procedures for construction of a feeding
      plate due to the presence of a cleft palate. Emphasis has also been laid on a few
      literatures to describe medical complications associated with this condition. A
      56-day-old neonate had been referred to the outpatient department with the
      complaint of difficulty in feeding, description, and management of which has been
      described in the case report.

PMID- 22090769
TI  - Immediate fixed temporization with a natural tooth crown pontic following failure
      of replantation.
AB  - Extracted teeth can be bonded directly to adjacent teeth utilizing a
      prefabricated composite resin framework reinforced with polyethylene fiber as a
      noninvasive long-term provisional tooth replacement. This immediate provisional
      restoration allow for exact repositioning of the coronal part of the extracted
      tooth in its original intraoral three-dimensional position and thus relieves the
      apprehension of the patient caused by the sudden loss of an anterior tooth.

PMID- 22090770
TI  - Mandibular adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: A report of an unusual case.
AB  - Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a slow-growing, benign tumor that appears
      in the anterior portion of the jaws and more frequently, the anterior maxilla
      usually in association with the crowns of unerupted teeth. Most of the tumors are
      diagnosed in second decade of life. A rare case report of AOT associated with an
      impacted right mandibular first premolar in a 24-year-old female is reported.

PMID- 22090771
TI  - A case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma occupying maxillary sinus.
AB  - We report a rare case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma lesion that filled the entire
      maxillary sinus. The patient visited our hospital with a chief complaint of
      swelling around the upper left premolars. A panoramic X-ray captured an image of
      a mixture of ill-defined radiolucency and radiopacity from the swollen area to
      the maxillary sinus. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resononce imaging
      (MRI) showed that the lesion occupied almost the entire left maxillary sinus and
      had entered the nasal cavity. A pathologic diagnosis of ameloblastoma was made
      after biopsy, and the tumor was removed and the marginal bone curetted under
      general anesthesia. A CT scan at 4 months postoperatively indicated the presence
      of residual and recurrent tumor in the area of the upper left lateral incisor,
      and removal and curettage were performed again. Recurrence may be detected
      relatively easily based on radiographic characteristics, and therefore follow-up
      with an X-ray examination such as a CT scan is important.

PMID- 22090772
TI  - Buccal-sided mandibular angle exostosis - A rare case report.
AB  - Buccal exostoses are benign, broad-based surface masses of the outer or facial
      aspect of the maxilla and less commonly, the mandible. They begin to develop in
      early adulthood and may very slowly enlarge over the years. They are painless and
      self-limiting, but occasionally may become several centimeters across and then
      contribute to periodontal disease of the adjacent teeth by forcing food during
      chewing in toward the teeth instead of away from them, as is normally the case.
      The following paper presents a very rare case of buccal-sided mandibular angle
      exoxtosis and its management with surgical exploration.

PMID- 22090773
TI  - Pyogenic granuloma associated with periodontal abscess and bone loss - A rare
      case report.
AB  - A diverse group of the pathologic process can produce the enlargement of soft
      tissues in the oral cavity and often present a diagnostic challenge. This soft
      tissue enlargement may represent a variation of the normal anatomic structure,
      inflammatory reaction, cyst, neoplasm, and developmental anomalies. A group of
      reactive hyperplasias, which develop in response to chronic recurring tissue
      injury that stimulates an excessive tissue repair response. The pyogenic
      granuloma (PG) is a reactive enlargement that is an inflammatory response to
      local irritation such as calculus, a fractured tooth, rough dental restoration,
      and foreign materials or hormonal (pregnancy tumor) and rarely associated with
      bone loss. This paper presents a rare case of PG associated with periodontal
      abscess and bone loss in a 30-year-old male.

PMID- 22090774
TI  - Franceschetti syndrome.
AB  - Franceschetti syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of craniofacial
      development with variable expressivity. It is commonly known as Treacher Collins
      syndrome (TCS). It is named after E. Treacher Collins who described the essential
      components of the condition. It affects both genders equally. This article
      reports a case of TCS in an 18-year-old female.

PMID- 22090775
TI  - Central giant cell granuloma mimicking an adenomatoid odontogenic tumor.
AB  - Central giant cell granulomas are non-neoplastic lesions of unknown etiology.
      They affect females more than males with the mandibular anterior region being the
      most common site of occurrence. Clinically central giant cell granulomas present
      as asymptomatic, expansile swellings causing deviation of associated teeth.
      Radiologically they usually presents as multilocular lesions causing expansion or
      perforation of cortical bone. Central giant cell granulomas are usually confused
      as other lesions both clinically and radiologically, and a definitive diagnosis
      can be made only histologically. We report here a rare case of central giant cell
      granuloma in association with congenitally missing tooth which was misdiagnosed
      to be an adenomatoid odontogenic tumor both clinically and radiologically. This
      case report also highlights yet another unique presentation of central giant cell
      granulomas that is in association with a congenitally missing maxillary lateral
      incisor.

PMID- 22090776
TI  - Split obturator: An innovative approach.
AB  - A palatal prosthesis can improve function by closing the palatal defect,
      preventing regurgitation, and improving swallowing and speech. Although
      techniques have been previously described for fabrication of palatal obturator,
      but there has not been any technique to devise an obturator for a patient with
      palatal defect with a quadhelix orthodontic appliance overlying it. One cannot
      wait in such patients for completion of lengthy orthodontic treatment and then
      think of devising prosthesis as the patient cannot carry out normal functions
      like swallowing and speech without the closure of defect. This article focuses on
      an innovative method of fabricating a palatal obturator which aims at restoring
      the above-mentioned functions along with improving aesthetics. It also enables us
      to devise the fabrication of prosthesis in two parts for easy insertion and
      removal and as well as to be self-cleansable. Such prosthesis would markedly
      improve patient psychology and confidence.

PMID- 22090777
TI  - Step-by-step full mouth rehabilitation of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with
      tooth and implant-supported prostheses: A clinical report.
AB  - This clinical report presents a 46-year-old man diagnosed with nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma with the chief complaint of masticatory and speech deficiency because
      of radiation therapy. After a period of controlling post radiation caries, the
      patient was rehabilitated with tooth and implant supported metal ceramic
      restorations following surgical and endodontic intervention.

PMID- 22090778
TI  - Congenital hemifacial hyperplasia.
AB  - Congenital hemifacial hyperplasia (CHH) is a rare congenital malformation
      characterized by marked unilateral overdevelopment of hard and soft tissues of
      the face. Asymmetry in CHH is usually evident at birth and accentuated with age,
      especially at puberty. The affected side grows at a rate proportional to the
      nonaffected side so that the disproportion is maintained thr oughout the life.
      Multisystem involvement has resulted in etiological heterogeneity including
      heredity, chromosomal abnormalities, atypical forms of twinning, altered
      intrauterine environment, and endocrine dysfunctions; however, no single theory
      explains the etiology adequately. Deformities of all tissues of face, including
      teeth and their related tissues in the jaw, are key findings for correct
      diagnosis of CHH. Here an attempt has been made to present a case of CHH with its
      archetypal features and to supplement existing clinical knowledge.

PMID- 22090779
TI  - True vertical tooth root fracture: Case report and review.
AB  - It is important for the clinician not only to gather as much information about a
      case as possible, but also to be able to correctly interpret the data to arrive
      at an accurate diagnosis. Occasionally, a case presents with symptoms that might
      be suggestive of a condition; however, the final diagnosis may be totally
      different. This paper reports on an interesting case of a true vertical root
      fracture, in an intact maxillary molar in a 55-year-old man. The case was
      misdiagnosed and treated as a periodontal defect for over two months. The paper
      discusses the various causes and diagnostic dilemmas of root fractures.

PMID- 22090780
TI  - Systematic review of modulators of benzodiazepine receptors in irritable bowel
      syndrome: is there hope?
AB  - Several drugs are used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but all
      have side effects and variable efficacy. Considering the role of the gut-brain
      axis, immune, neural, and endocrine pathways in the pathogenesis of IBS and
      possible beneficial effects of benzodiazepines (BZD) in this axis, the present
      systematic review focuses on the efficacy of BZD receptor modulators in human
      IBS. For the years 1966 to February 2011, all literature was searched for any
      articles on the use of BZD receptor modulators and IBS. After thorough evaluation
      and omission of duplicate data, 10 out of 69 articles were included. BZD receptor
      modulators can be helpful, especially in the diarrhea-dominant form of IBS, by
      affecting the inflammatory, neural, and psychologic pathways, however,
      controversies still exist. Recently, a new BZD receptor modulator, dextofisopam
      was synthesized and studied in human subjects, but the studies are limited to
      phase IIb clinical trials. None of the existing trials considered the
      neuroimmunomodulatory effect of BZDs in IBS, but bearing in mind the
      concentration-dependent effect of BZDs on cytokines and cell proliferation,
      future studies using pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic approaches are highly
      recommended.

PMID- 22090782
TI  - Advanced endoscopic imaging in Barrett's oesophagus: a review on current
      practice.
AB  - Over the last few years, improvements in endoscopic imaging technology have
      enabled identification of dysplasia and early cancer in Barrett's oesophagus. New
      techniques should exhibit high sensitivities and specificities and have good
      interobserver agreement. They should also be affordable and easily applicable to
      the community gastroenterologist. Ideally, these modalities must exhibit the
      capability of imaging wide areas in real time whilst enabling the endoscopist to
      specifically target abnormal areas. This review will specifically focus on some
      of the novel endoscopic imaging modalities currently available in routine
      practice which includes chromoendoscopy, autofluorescence imaging and narrow band
      imaging.

PMID- 22090781
TI  - Factors predicting occurrence and prognosis of hepatitis-B-virus-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Primary liver cancer is an important cause of cancer death, and hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 70%-85% of total liver cancer worldwide. Chronic
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection contributes to > 75% of HCC cases. High serum
      viral load is the most reliable indicator of viral replication in predicting
      development of HCC. HBV genotype C is closely associated with HCC in cirrhotic
      patients aged > 50 years, whereas genotype B is associated with development of
      HCC in non-cirrhotic young patients and postoperative relapse of HCC. Different
      HBV subgenotypes have distinct patterns of mutations, which are clearly
      associated with increased risk of HCC. Mutations accumulate during chronic HBV
      infection and predict occurrence of HCC. Chronic inflammation leads to increased
      frequency of viral mutation via cellular cytidine deaminase induction. Mutations
      are negatively selected by host immunity, whereas some immuno-escaped HBV mutants
      are active in hepatocarcinogenesis. Inflammatory pathways contribute to the
      inflammation-necrosis-regeneration process, ultimately HCC. Their hallmark
      molecules can predict malignancy in HBV-infected subjects. Continuing
      inflammation is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and closely related to
      recurrence and metastasis. HBV load, genotype C, viral mutations and expression
      of inflammatory molecules in HBV-related HCC tissues are significantly associated
      with poor prognosis. Imbalance between intratumoral CD8(+) T cells and regulatory
      T cells or Th1 and Th2 cytokines in peritumoral tissues can predict prognosis of
      HBV-related HCC. These factors are important for developing active prevention and
      surveillance of HBV-infected subjects who are more likely to develop HCC, or for
      tailoring suitable treatment to improve survival or postpone postoperative
      recurrence of HCC.

PMID- 22090783
TI  - Functional imaging and endoscopy.
AB  - The emergence of endoscopy for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases and the
      treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has brought great changes. The mere
      observation of anatomy with the imaging mode using modern endoscopy has played a
      significant role in this regard. However, increasing numbers of endoscopies have
      exposed additional deficiencies and defects such as anatomically similar
      diseases. Endoscopy can be used to examine lesions that are difficult to identify
      and diagnose. Early disease detection requires that substantive changes in
      biological function should be observed, but in the absence of marked
      morphological changes, endoscopic detection and diagnosis are difficult. Disease
      detection requires not only anatomic but also functional imaging to achieve a
      comprehensive interpretation and understanding. Therefore, we must ask if
      endoscopic examination can be integrated with both anatomic imaging and
      functional imaging. In recent years, as molecular biology and medical imaging
      technology have further developed, more functional imaging methods have emerged.
      This paper is a review of the literature related to endoscopic optical imaging
      methods in the hopes of initiating integration of functional imaging and
      anatomical imaging to yield a new and more effective type of endoscopy.

PMID- 22090784
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 system and gastrointestinal inflammation: a short review.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) system catalyzes heme to biologically active products:
      carbon monoxide, biliverdin/bilirubin and free iron. It is involved in
      maintaining cellular homeostasis and many physiological and pathophysiological
      processes. A growing body of evidence indicates that HO-1 activation may play an
      important protective role in acute and chronic inflammation of gastrointestinal
      tract. This review focuses on the current understanding of the physiological
      significance of HO-1 induction and its possible roles in the gastrointestinal
      inflammation studied to date. The ability to upregulate HO-1 by pharmacological
      means or using gene therapy may offer therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal
      inflammation in the future.

PMID- 22090785
TI  - rAd-p53 enhances the sensitivity of human gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy.
AB  - AIM: To investigate potential antitumor effects of rAd-p53 by determining if it
      enhanced sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy. METHODS: Three
      gastric cancer cell lines with distinct levels of differentiation were treated
      with various doses of rAd-p53 alone, oxaliplatin (OXA) alone, or a combination of
      both. Cell growth was assessed with an 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5
      diphenytetrazoliumromide assay and the expression levels of p53, Bax and Bcl-2
      were determined by immunohistochemistry. The presence of apoptosis and the
      expression of caspase-3 were determined using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Treatment
      with rAd-p53 or OXA alone inhibited gastric cancer cell growth in a time- and
      dose-dependent manner; moreover, significant synergistic effects were observed
      when these treatments were combined. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated
      that treatment with rAd-p53 alone, OXA alone or combined treatment led to
      decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax expression in gastric cancer cells.
      Furthermore, flow cytometry showed that rAd-p53 alone, OXA alone or combination
      treatment induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, which was accompanied by
      increased expression of caspase-3. CONCLUSION: rAd-p53 enhances the sensitivity
      of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy by promoting apoptosis. Thus, our results
      suggest that p53 gene therapy combined with chemotherapy represents a novel
      avenue for gastric cancer treatment.

PMID- 22090786
TI  - Casticin-induced apoptosis involves death receptor 5 upregulation in
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2
      cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of casticin on the
      growth of cells was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl
      tetrazolim bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptotic cell death was examined using the
      cell apoptosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection kit, flow
      cytometry (FCM) after propidium iodide (PI) staining and DNA agarose gel
      electrophoresis. The caspase activities were measured using ELISA. Reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by FCM after
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe labeling. Intracellular
      glutathione (GSH) content was measured using a glutathione assay kit. The
      expression of death receptor (DR)4 and DR5 proteins was analyzed by Western
      blotting and FCM. RESULTS: Casticin significantly inhibited the growth of human
      HCC (PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2) cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Casticin
      increased the percentage of the sub-G1 population in HCC cells in a concentration
      dependent manner. The potency of casticin to PLC/PRF/5 cells was higher than that
      of 5-flurouracil (26.8% +/- 4.8% vs 17.4% +/- 5.1%) at 10 MUmol/L for 24 h.
      Casticin increased the levels of Histone/DNA fragmentation and the levels of
      active caspase-3, -8 and -9 in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05).
      Treatment with 30 MUmol/L casticin for 24 h resulted in the formation of a DNA
      ladder. Casticin reduced the GSH content (P < 0.05), but did not affect the level
      of intracellular ROS in PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cells. The thiol antioxidants,
      acetylcysteine (NAC) and GSH restored GSH content and attenuated casticin-induced
      apoptosis. In contrast, the nonthiol antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole and
      mannitol failed to do so. In the HCC cells treated with casticin for 24 h, DR5
      protein level was increased. The expression of DR5 protein induced by casticin
      was inhibited by NAC. Pretreatment with DR5/Fc chimera protein, a blocking
      antibody, effectively attenuated the induction of apoptosis by casticin.
      CONCLUSION: Casticin-induced apoptosis of HCC cells is involved in GSH depletion
      and DR5 upregulation.

PMID- 22090787
TI  - High resolution colonoscopy in a bowel cancer screening program improves polyp
      detection.
AB  - AIM: To compare high resolution colonoscopy (Olympus Lucera) with a megapixel
      high resolution system (Pentax HiLine) as an in-service evaluation. METHODS:
      Polyp detection rates and measures of performance were collected for 269
      colonoscopy procedures. Five colonoscopists conducted the study over a three
      month period, as part of the United Kingdom bowel cancer screening program.
      RESULTS: There were no differences in procedure duration (chi2 P = 0.98), caecal
      intubation rates (chi2 P = 0.67), or depth of sedation (chi2 P = 0.64). Mild
      discomfort was more common in the Pentax group (chi2 P = 0.036). Adenoma
      detection rate was significantly higher in the Pentax group (chi2 test for trend
      P = 0.01). Most of the extra polyps detected were flat or sessile adenomas.
      CONCLUSION: Megapixel definition colonoscopes improve adenoma detection without
      compromising other measures of endoscope performance. Increased polyp detection
      rates may improve future outcomes in bowel cancer screening programs.

PMID- 22090788
TI  - Role of surgical intervention in managing gastrointestinal metastases from lung
      cancer.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of late-stage lung
      cancer patients with gastrointestinal (GI)-tract metastases, focusing on
      therapeutic options and outcomes. METHODS: Our institution (the National Taiwan
      University Hospital) diagnosed 8159 patients with lung cancer between 1987 and
      2008, of which 21 developed symptomatic GI metastases. This study reviewed all of
      the patients' information, including survival data, pathological reports, and
      surgical notes. RESULTS: The most common histological type of lung cancer was
      adenocarcinoma, and 0.26% of patients with lung cancer developed GI metastases.
      The median duration from lung cancer diagnosis to GI metastases was three months
      (range, 0-108 mo), and the average time from diagnosis of GI metastasis to death
      was 2.8 mo. Most patients with symptomatic gastric and/or duodenal metastases
      exhibited GI bleeding and were diagnosed by panendoscopy. In contrast, small
      bowel metastases typically presented as an acute abdomen and were not diagnosed
      until laparotomy. All patients with small bowel or colonic metastases underwent
      surgical intervention, and their perioperative mortality was 22%. Our data
      revealed a therapeutic effect in patients with solitary GI metastasis and a
      favorable palliative effect on survival when metastases were diagnosed
      preoperatively. In patients with multiple GI metastases, the presentation varied
      according to the locations of the metastases. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment is
      worthwhile in a select group of patients with bowel perforation or obstruction.
      Physicians should be more alert to symptoms or signs indicating GI metastases.

PMID- 22090790
TI  - Sixty-four-slice computed tomography in surgical strategy of portal vein
      cavernous transformation.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the role of 64-slice computed tomography (CT) in portal vein
      cavernous transformation to determine surgical strategy. METHODS: The site of
      lesions and extent of collateral circulation in 12 pediatric cases of cavernous
      transformation of the portal vein with surgical treatment were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Eleven of 12 children had esophageal varices and were treated with lower
      esophageal and gastric devascularization and splenectomy, and the other case was
      only treated with splenectomy. There were eight cases with spontaneous
      spleen/stomach-renal shunt, four with Retzius vein opening, which was reserved
      during surgery. Three cases of lesions involving the intrahepatic portal vein
      (PV) were treated with living donor liver transplantation. One patient died from
      PV thrombosis after liver transplantation, and the rest had no significant
      complications. CONCLUSION: The PV, its branches and collateral circulation were
      clearly seen by 64-slice spiral CT angiography, which helped with preoperative
      surgical planning.

PMID- 22090789
TI  - A meta-analysis of lamivudine for interruption of mother-to-child transmission of
      hepatitis B virus.
AB  - AIM: To determine the therapeutic effect of lamivudine in late pregnancy for the
      interruption of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV).
      METHODS: Studies were identified by searching available databases up to January
      2011. Inclusive criteria were HBV-carrier mothers who had been involved in
      randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with lamivudine treatment in late
      pregnancy, and newborns or infants whose serum hepatitis B surface antigen
      (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) or HBV DNA had been documented. The
      relative risks (RRs) for interruption of MTCT as indicated by HBsAg, HBV DNA or
      HBeAg of newborns or infants were calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI) to
      estimate the efficacy of lamivudine treatment. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs including
      1693 HBV-carrier mothers were included in this meta-analysis. The overall RR was
      0.43 (95% CI, 0.25-0.76; 8 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.04) and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.23
      0.47; 6 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.93) indicated by newborn HBsAg or HBV DNA. The
      RR was 0.33 (95% CI, 0.21-0.50; 6 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.46) and 0.32 (95%
      CI, 0.20-0.50; 4 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.33) indicated by serum HBsAg or HBV
      DNA of infants 6-12 mo after birth. The RR (lamivudine vs hepatitis B
      immunoglobulin) was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.16-0.46; 5 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.94) and
      0.24 (95% CI, 0.07-0.79; 3 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.60) indicated by newborn
      HBsAg or HBV DNA, respectively. In the mothers with viral load < 106 copies/mL
      after lamivudine treatment, the efficacy (RR, 95% CI) was 0.33, 0.21-0.53 (5
      RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.82) for the interruption of MTCT, however, this value
      was not significant if maternal viral load was > 106 copies/mL after lamivudine
      treatment (P = 0.45, 2 RCTs), as indicated by newborn serum HBsAg. The RR
      (lamivudine initiated from 28 wk of gestation vs control) was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.22
      0.52; 7 RCTs; P(heterogeneity) = 0.92) and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.22-0.50; 5 RCTs;
      P(heterogeneity) = 0.86) indicated by newborn HBsAg or HBV DNA. The incidence of
      adverse effects of lamivudine was not higher in the mothers than in controls (P =
      0.97). Only one study reported side effects of lamivudine in newborns.
      CONCLUSION: Lamivudine treatment in HBV carrier-mothers from 28 wk of gestation
      may interrupt MTCT of HBV efficiently. Lamivudine is safe and more efficient than
      hepatitis B immunoglobulin in interrupting MTCT. HBV MTCT might be interrupted
      efficiently if maternal viral load is reduced to < 106 copies/mL by lamivudine
      treatment.

PMID- 22090791
TI  - Comparison of laparoscopic and open surgery for pyogenic liver abscess with
      biliary pathology.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of laparoscopic
      surgery for pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) with biliary pathology. METHODS: From
      January 2004 to October 2010, 31 patients with PLA combined with biliary
      pathology meeting entry criteria received surgical management in our hospital. Of
      the 31 patients, 13 underwent laparoscopic surgery (LS group) and 18 underwent
      open surgery (OS group). Clinical data including operation time, intraoperative
      blood loss, postoperative complication rate, length of postoperative hospital
      stay, and abscess recurrence rate were retrospectively analyzed and compared
      between the two groups. RESULTS: All patients received systemic antibiotic
      therapy. Four patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage
      before operation. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (16.1%,
      5/31) including 2 in the LS group and 3 in the OS group. One patient had retained
      calculus in the common bile duct and another had liver abscess recurrence in the
      OS group. No retained calculus and liver abscess recurrence occurred in the LS
      group. In the two groups, there was no mortality during the perioperative period.
      There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood
      loss and transfusion, postoperative complication rate and abscess recurrence rate
      between the two groups. Oral intake was earlier (1.9 +/- 0.4 d vs 3.1 +/- 0.7 d,
      P < 0.05) and length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter (11.3 +/- 2.9 d
      vs 14.5 +/- 3.7 d, P < 0.05) in the LS group than in the OS group. CONCLUSION:
      Laparoscopic surgery for simultaneous treatment of PLA and biliary pathology is
      feasible in selected patients and the therapeutic effect is similar to that of
      open surgery.

PMID- 22090792
TI  - Sudden blindness in a child with Crohn's disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often associated with extraintestinal
      manifestations (EIMs) such as optic neuritis (ON), although this has been
      described in only a few adult patients so far, all of whom were affected with
      Crohn's disease (CD). Furthermore, ON and demyelinating diseases have been
      demonstrated to be more frequent in IBD patients than in control populations. In
      our current case report, we describe a child with active CD who developed sudden
      blindness due to bilateral ON that was not related to any known cause, and that
      promptly responded to a high dose of steroids. Investigations and a clinical
      follow-up have so far ruled out the development of demyelinating diseases in this
      patient. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ON in a pediatric patient
      with CD. Possible explanations for this case include an episodic EIM of an active
      bowel disease, an associated autoimmune disorder such as a recurrent isolated ON,
      the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis, or another demyelinating disease
      that could appear in a later follow-up.

PMID- 22090793
TI  - Regional lymphadenectomy strongly recommended in T1b gallbladder cancer.
AB  - This article discusses the adequate treatment of early gallbladder cancer (T1a,
      T1b) and is based on published studies extending over nearly 3 decades.
      Randomized studies and meta analyses comparing different surgical treatments do
      not exist. The literature shows that in up to 20% of patients lymph node
      metastasis are found in T1b gallbladder cancer. Due to high malignancy with early
      angiolymphatic spread and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation on the one
      hand, and the relative low operative risk of extended cholecystectomy
      (cholecystectomy and regional lymphadenectomy) on the other hand, we believe that
      this procedure is mandatory in early gallbladder cancer.

PMID- 22090794
TI  - Characterization and Analysis of Relative Intensity Noise in Broadband Optical
      Sources for Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - Relative intensity noise (RIN) is one of the most significant factors limiting
      the sensitivity of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The existing and
      prevalent theory being used for estimating RIN for various light sources in OCT
      is questionable, and cannot be applied uniformly for different types of sources.
      The origin of noise in various sources differs significantly, owing to the
      different physical nature of photon generation. In this study, we characterize
      and compare RIN of several OCT light sources including superluminescent diodes
      (SLDs), an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, multiplexed SLDs, and a continuous-wave
      laser. We also report a method for reduction of RIN by amplifying the SLD light
      output by using a gain-saturated semiconductor optical amplifier.

PMID- 22090795
TI  - Developing Survey Research Infrastructure At An Historically Black
      College/University To Address Health Disparities.
AB  - This article describes the development of the Center for Survey Research at Shaw
      University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and its efforts
      to build a data collection infrastructure that addresses issues germane to health
      disparities research in the African American population. Academic institutions
      that are similar to Shaw in size, mission, and background can use the Project
      EXPORT collaboration and the Center for Survey Research as models for
      establishing their own research infrastructure and subsequent survey center in
      order to address health disparities through the use of survey methodology.

PMID- 22090796
TI  - Concordance, compliance, preference or adherence.

PMID- 22090797
TI  - Clinical utility of the risperidone formulations in the management of
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Risperidone is one of the early second-generation antipsychotics that came into
      the limelight in the early 1990s. Both the oral and long-acting injectable
      formulations have been subject to numerous studies to assess their safety,
      efficacy, and tolerability. Risperidone is currently one of the most widely
      prescribed antipsychotic medications, used for both acute and long-term
      maintenance in schizophrenia. Risperidone has better efficacy in the treatment of
      psychotic symptoms than placebo and possibly many first-generation
      antipsychotics. Risperidone fares better than placebo and first-generation
      antipsychotics in the treatment of negative symptoms. Risperidone's long acting
      injectable preparation has been well tolerated and is often useful in patients
      with medication nonadherence. Risperidone has a higher risk of hyperprolactinemia
      comparable to first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) but fares better than many
      second-generation antipsychotics with regards to metabolic side effects. In this
      article, we briefly review the recent literature exploring the role of
      risperidone formulations in schizophrenia, discuss clinical usage, and highlight
      the controversies and challenges associated with its use.

PMID- 22090798
TI  - Antianxiety medications for the treatment of complex agoraphobia: pharmacological
      interventions for a behavioral condition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there are controversial issues (the "American view" and the
      "European view") regarding the construct and definition of agoraphobia (AG), this
      syndrome is well recognized and it is a burden in the lives of millions of people
      worldwide. To better clarify the role of drug therapy in AG, the authors
      summarized and discussed recent evidence on pharmacological treatments, based on
      clinical trials available from 2000, with the aim of highlighting
      pharmacotherapies that may improve this complex syndrome. METHODS: A systematic
      review of the literature regarding the pharmacological treatment of AG was
      carried out using MEDLINE, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases, with keywords
      individuated by MeSH research. Only randomized, placebo-controlled studies or
      comparative clinical trials were included. RESULTS: After selection, 25 studies
      were included. All the selected studies included patients with AG associated with
      panic disorder. Effective compounds included selective serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic
      antidepressants, selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors, and
      benzodiazepines. Paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, and
      clomipramine showed the most consistent results, while fluvoxamine, fluoxetine,
      and imipramine showed limited efficacy. Preliminary results suggested the
      potential efficacy of inositol; D-cycloserine showed mixed results for its
      ability to improve the outcome of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
      More studies with the latter compounds are needed before drawing definitive
      conclusions. CONCLUSION: No studies have been specifically oriented toward
      evaluating the effect of drugs on AG; in the available studies, the improvement
      of AG might have been the consequence of the reduction of panic attacks. Before
      developing a "true" psychopharmacology of AG it is crucial to clarify its
      definition. There may be several potential mechanisms involved, including fear
      learning processes, balance system dysfunction, high light sensitivity, and
      impaired visuospatial abilities, but further studies are warranted.

PMID- 22090799
TI  - Polypharmacy or medication washout: an old tool revisited.
AB  - There has been a rapid increase in the use of polypharmacy in psychiatry possibly
      due to the introduction of newer drugs, greater availability of these newer
      drugs, excessive confidence in clinical trial results, widespread prescribing of
      psychotropic medications by primary care, and pressure to augment with additional
      medications for unresolved side effects or greater efficacy. Even the new
      generation of medications may not hold significant advantages over older drugs.
      In fact, there may be additional safety risks with polypharmacy being so
      widespread. Washout, as a clinical tool, is rarely done in medication management
      today. Studies have shown that augmenting therapy with additional medications
      resulted in 9.1%-34.1% dropouts due to intolerance of the augmentation, whereas
      studies of medication washout demonstrated only 5.9%-7.8% intolerance to the
      washout procedure. These perils justify reconsideration of medication washout
      before deciding on augmentation. There are unwarranted fears and resistance in
      the medical community toward medication washout, especially at the moment a
      physician is trying to decide whether to washout or add more medications to the
      treatment regimen. However, medication washout provides unique benefits to the
      physician: it establishes a new baseline of the disorder, helps identify
      medication efficacy from their adverse effects, and provides clarity of diagnosis
      and potential reduction of drug treatments, drug interactions, and costs. It may
      also reduce overall adverse events, not to mention a potential to reduce
      liability. After washout, physicians may be able to select the appropriate
      polypharmacy more effectively and safely, if necessary. Washout, while not for
      every patient, may be an effective tool for physicians who need to decide on
      whether to add potentially risky polypharmacy for a given patient. The risks of
      washout may, in some cases, be lower and the benefits may be clearly helpful for
      diagnosis, understanding medication effects, the doctor/patient relationship, and
      safer use of polypharmacy if indicated.

PMID- 22090800
TI  - Brain activity modification produced by a single radioelectric asymmetric brain
      stimulation pulse: a new tool for neuropsychiatric treatments. Preliminary fMRI
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Radioelectric asymmetric brain stimulation technology with its treatment
      protocols has shown efficacy in various psychiatric disorders. The aim of this
      work was to highlight the mechanisms by which these positive effects are
      achieved. The current study was conducted to determine whether a single 500
      millisecond radioelectric asymmetric conveyor (REAC) brain stimulation pulse
      (BSP), applied to the ear, can effect a modification of brain activity that is
      detectable using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Ten
      healthy volunteers, six females and four males, underwent fMRI during a simple
      finger-tapping motor task before and after receiving a single 500-millisecond
      REAC-BSP. RESULTS: The fMRI results indicate that the average variation in task
      induced encephalic activation patterns is lower in subjects following the single
      REAC pulse. CONCLUSION: The current report demonstrates that a single REAC-BSP is
      sufficient to modulate brain activity in awake subjects, able to be measured
      using fMRI. These initial results open new perspectives into the understanding of
      the effects of weak and brief radio pulses upon brain activity, and provide the
      basis for further indepth studies using REAC-BSP and fMRI.

PMID- 22090801
TI  - Predisposition for borderline personality disorder with comorbid major depression
      is associated with that for polycystic ovary syndrome in female Japanese
      population.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common lifestyle-related endocrinopathy in
      women of reproductive age and is associated with several mental health problems.
      We examined the genotypic distributions of IRS-1 Gly972Arg and CYP11B2 -344T/C,
      which were previously described as influencing PCOS, and assayed the serum levels
      of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), in a set of
      female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) with comorbid major
      depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 50) and age-matched control subjects (n = 100), to
      investigate the predisposition for BPD with MDD. The results showed that the
      patients were more frequently IRS-1 972Arg variant allele carriers (P = 0.013; OR
      6.68; 95% CI = 1.30-34.43) and homozygous for the CYP11B2 -344C variant allele (P
      = 0.022; OR = 3.32; 95% CI = 1.18-9.35) than the control subjects. The IL-6 level
      was significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (P < 0.0001). There
      was no significant difference in the serum TNF-alpha level between patients with
      BPD with MDD and the healthy comparison group (P = 0.5273). In conclusion, the
      predisposition for BPD with MDD is associated with that for PCOS, in the female
      Japanese population. An elevated serum IL-6 level is considered to be a possible
      biomarker of BPD with MDD.

PMID- 22090802
TI  - Incidence and impact of pain conditions and comorbid illnesses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with pain often present with more than one painful
      condition. The purpose of this study was to characterize the rates of
      comorbidity, pain medication use, and health care costs for 23 selected pain
      conditions in a large health plan using administrative claims data from 2005 to
      2007. METHODS: Eligible patients included 1,211,483 adults with at least one pain
      condition during the one-year study period. Pain condition cohorts were
      classified based on the first diagnosis present in the claims during the study
      period. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal pain conditions were among the most prevalent
      cohorts including low back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. Cancer pain
      was the least prevalent cohort. Conditions with the lowest illness severity
      included migraine and painful bladder syndrome cohorts, while cohorts with
      diabetic neuropathy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated pain, and
      cancer pain were the most severe. Across cohorts, the mean number of comorbid
      pain conditions ranged from 1.39 (for cancer pain and migraine) to 2.65 (for
      multiple sclerosis pain). High rates of mental health conditions were found in
      cohorts with HIV-associated pain and multiple sclerosis pain (42.59% and 34.78%)
      and were lowest among cohorts with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthropathy
      (12.73% and 13.31%), respectively. Rates of sleep disorders ranged from 5.47%
      (for painful bladder syndrome) to 11.59% (for multiple sclerosis pain). Overall,
      patients averaged 3.53 unique pain medications during the study period.
      Considerable annual total health care costs were observed in the cancer pain
      cohort and the lowest costs were observed in the postherpetic neuropathy,
      surgically-induced pain, migraine, and irritable bowel syndrome cohorts. Costs
      attributed to pain were highest among the multiple sclerosis, HIV, and cancer
      pain cohorts. The highest pharmaceutical costs were observed in the HIV cohort.
      CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the heterogeneity of patients with pain in
      terms of burden of illness, costs to the health care system, and the complexity
      of commonly co-occurring disorders.

PMID- 22090803
TI  - Increased levels of SV2A botulinum neurotoxin receptor in clinical sensory
      disorders and functional effects of botulinum toxins A and E in cultured human
      sensory neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that botulinum neurotoxin A may affect
      sensory nociceptor fibers, but the expression of its receptors in clinical pain
      states, and its effects in human sensory neurons, are largely unknown. METHODS:
      We studied synaptic vesicle protein subtype SV2A, a receptor for botulinum
      neurotoxin A, by immunostaining in a range of clinical tissues, including human
      dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons, peripheral nerves, the urinary bladder, and
      the colon. We also determined the effects of botulinum neurotoxins A and E on
      localization of the capsaicin receptor, TRPV1, and functional sensitivity to
      capsaicin stimuli in cultured human dorsal root ganglion neurons. RESULTS: Image
      analysis showed that SV2A immunoreactive nerve fibers were increased in injured
      nerves proximal to the injury (P = 0.002), and in painful neuromas (P = 0.0027);
      the ratio of percentage area SV2A to neurofilaments (a structural marker) was
      increased proximal to injury (P = 0.0022) and in neuromas (P = 0.0001),
      indicating increased SV2A levels in injured nerve fibers. In the urinary bladder,
      SV2A nerve fibers were found in detrusor muscle and associated with blood
      vessels, with a significant increase in idiopathic detrusor over-activity (P =
      0.002) and painful bladder syndrome (P = 0.0087). Colon biopsies showed numerous
      SV2A-positive nerve fibers, which were increased in quiescent inflammatory bowel
      disease with abdominal pain (P = 0.023), but not in inflammatory bowel disease
      without abdominal pain (P = 0.77) or in irritable bowel syndrome (P = 0.13). In
      vitro studies of botulinum neurotoxin A-treated and botulinum neurotoxin E
      treated cultured human sensory neurons showed accumulation of cytoplasmic
      vesicles, neurite loss, and reduced immunofluorescence for the heat and capsaicin
      receptor, TRPV1. Functional effects included dose-related inhibition of capsaicin
      responses on calcium imaging after acute treatment with botulinum neurotoxins A
      and E. CONCLUSION: Differential levels of SV2A protein expression in clinical
      disorders may identify potential new targets for botulinum neurotoxin therapy. In
      vitro studies indicate that treatment with botulinum neurotoxins A and E may
      affect receptor expression and nociceptor function in sensory neurons.

PMID- 22090804
TI  - Placebo controlled, crossover validation study of oral ibuprofen and topical
      hydrocortisone- 21-acetate for a model of ultraviolet B radiation (UVR)-induced
      pain and inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain related to ultraviolet B radiation (UVR) induced sunburn is an
      established, simple, acute pain model. One of the major criticisms is related to
      the potential dermal adverse events caused by the UVR exposure. This study tried
      to validate the model for oral and topical drugs and to define the minimum
      required UVR exposure. METHODS: This subject- and observer-blinded, placebo
      controlled, crossover study evaluated 600 mg oral ibuprofen (IB) and topical
      hydrocortisone-21-acetate (HC) twice daily (bid) in 24 healthy volunteers.
      Treatment started immediately after irradiation and again at 12 hours, 24 hours,
      and 36 hours post-UVR. Assessment of hyperalgesia to heat and signs of
      inflammation (erythema, skin temperature) for all areas was performed after UVR
      and again at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Subjects returned within 4-11 days to
      the study site for the second period of the study. As in the first period,
      subjects received HC at one side and topical placebo on the other side, but oral
      treatment was crossed-over. RESULTS: The primary analysis failed to show the
      expected superiority of the IB-group vs the placebo group in period 1 of the
      study. Evaluating period 2 alone clearly showed the expected treatment effects of
      IB for erythema and heat pain threshold. The results were less pronounced for
      skin temperature. In contrast to IB vs oral placebo, there were no differences in
      treatment response between HC and topical placebo. UVR at all dosages induced
      profound erythema and reduction of heat pain threshold without causing blisters
      or other unexpected discomfort to the subjects. The changes were almost linear
      between 1 and 2 minimal erythema doses (MED), whereas the change from 2 to 3 MED
      was less pronounced. CONCLUSION: Use of 2 MED in upcoming studies seems to be
      reasonable to limit subjects' UVB exposure. The following procedural changes are
      suggested: Intensified training sessions before randomization to
      treatmentIncrease in sample size if they are crossover studiesSimplification in
      design (either oral or topical treatment).

PMID- 22090805
TI  - Functional MRI brain imaging studies using the Contact Heat Evoked Potential
      Stimulator (CHEPS) in a human volunteer topical capsaicin pain model.
AB  - Acute application of topical capsaicin produces spontaneous burning and stinging
      pain similar to that seen in some neuropathic states, with local hyperalgesia.
      Use of capsaicin applied topically or injected intradermally has been described
      as a model for neuropathic pain, with patterns of activation in brain regions
      assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission
      tomography. The Contact Heat Evoked Potential Stimulator (CHEPS) is a noninvasive
      clinically practical method of stimulating cutaneous A-delta nociceptors. In this
      study, topical capsaicin (1%) was applied to the left volar forearm for 15
      minutes of twelve adult healthy human volunteers. fMRI scans and a visual analog
      pain score were recorded during CHEPS stimulation precapsaicin and postcapsaicin
      application. Following capsaicin application there was a significant increase in
      visual analog scale (mean +/- standard error of the mean; precapsaicin 26.4 +/-
      5.3; postcapsaicin 48.9 +/- 6.0; P < 0.0001). fMRI demonstrated an overall
      increase in areas of activation, with a significant increase in the contralateral
      insular signal (mean +/- standard error of the mean; precapsaicin 0.434 +/- 0.03;
      postcapsaicin 0.561 +/- 0.07; P = 0.047). The authors of this paper recently
      published a study in which CHEPS-evoked A-delta cerebral potential amplitudes
      were found to be decreased postcapsaicin application. In patients with
      neuropathic pain, evoked pain and fMRI brain responses are typically increased,
      while A-delta evoked potential amplitudes are decreased. The protocol of
      recording fMRI following CHEPS stimulation after topical application of capsaicin
      could be combined with recording of evoked potentials to provide a simple, rapid,
      and robust volunteer model to develop novel drugs for neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22090806
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of morphine sulfate extended-release capsules in
      patients with chronic, moderate-to-severe pain in a primary care setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and
      safety of morphine sulfate extended-release capsules among primary care patients
      with chronic, moderate-to-severe pain using a universal precautions approach that
      assessed and monitored risk for opioid misuse and abuse. METHODS: This open
      label, uncontrolled, multicenter, prospective study was conducted in primary care
      centers (n = 281) and included opioid-naive and opioid-experienced patients with
      either a pain score >=4 (0 = no pain, 10 = pain as bad as you can imagine), or
      with unacceptable side effects while taking opioids. The patients were treated
      with morphine sulfate extendedrelease capsules for up to four months. Patient
      rated pain intensity (worst, least, average) over the past 24 hours (0-10 scale),
      pain interference with seven activities of daily living (0 = no interference, 10
      = completely interferes), and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Of 1487
      patients who filled at least one prescription, 561 (38%) completed the study.
      Patients were primarily white (87%) and female (57%); 92% had pain for more than
      one year; and 79% were opioid-experienced. Median age was 52 years. Decreases in
      mean (+/- standard deviation) average pain scores (baseline 6.2 +/- 2.3) were 
      0.8 +/- 2.2 at visit 2 (5-14 days later), and -1.6 +/- 2.3 and -1.7 +/- 2.2 at
      visits 3 and 4 (spaced 3-4 weeks apart), respectively, and -1.1 +/- 2.4 at visit
      5 (included patients withdrawn from the study who were no longer taking the study
      drug). A similar trend was observed for worst pain and least pain scores and for
      pain interference with activities. Fifty-one percent of the safety population
      patients and 81% in the completer population reported being satisfied or very
      satisfied with the study treatment. Most common adverse events were typical of
      opioids, ie, constipation (14%), nausea (11%), vomiting (5%), and somnolence
      (5%). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that pain outcomes improved in patients
      with chronic, moderate-to-severe pain receiving morphine sulfate extended-release
      capsules within the context of a structured universal precautions approach in the
      primary care setting.

PMID- 22090807
TI  - LaZn(12.37 (1)), a zinc-deficient variant of the NaZn(13) structure type.
AB  - The title compound (lanthanum dodecazinc), LaZn(12.37 (1)), is confirmed to be a
      nonstoichiometric (zinc-deficient) modification of the NaZn(13) structure type,
      in which one Zn atom (Wyckoff site 8b, site symmetry m[Formula: see text]) has a
      fractional site occupancy of 0.372 (11). The other Zn atom (96i, m) and the La
      atom (8a, 432) are fully occupied. The coordination polyhedra of the Zn atoms are
      distorted icosa-hedra, whereas the La atoms are surrounded by 24 Zn atoms,
      forming pseudo-Frank-Kasper polyhedra. Electronic structure calculations indicate
      that Zn-Zn bonding is much stronger than La-Zn bonding.

PMID- 22090808
TI  - Silver(I) diaqua-nickel(II) catena-borodiphosphate(V) hydrate,
      (Ag(0.57)Ni(0.22))Ni(H(2)O)(2)[BP(2)O(8)].0.67H(2)O.
AB  - The structure framework of the title compound,
      (Ag(0.57)Ni(0.22))Ni(H(2)O)(2)[BP(2)O(8)].0.67H(2)O, is the same as that of its
      recently published counterpart AgMg(H(2)O)(2)[BP(2)O(8)].H(2)O. In the title
      structure, the Ag, Ni, B and one O atom are located on special positions (sites
      symmetry 2). The structure consists of infinite borophosphate helical
      [BP(2)O(8)](3-) ribbons, built up from alternate BO(4) and PO(4) tetra-hedra
      arranged around the 6(5) screw axes. The vertex-sharing BO(4) and PO(4) tetra
      hedra form a spiral ribbon of four-membered rings in which BO(4) and PO(4) groups
      alternate. The ribbons are connected through slightly distorted NiO(4)(H(2)O)(2)
      octa-hedra, four O atoms of which belong to the phosphate groups. The resulting
      three-dimensional framework is characterized by hexa-gonal channels running along
      [001]. However, the main difference between the structures of these two compounds
      lies in the filling ratio of Wyckoff positions 6a and 6b in the tunnels. Indeed,
      in this work, the refinement of the occupancy rate of sites 6a and 6b shows that
      the first is occupied by water at 67% and the second is partially occupied by
      56.6% of Ag and 21.6% of Ni. In the AgMg(H(2)O)(2)[BP(2)O(8)].H(2)O structure,
      these two sites are completely occupied by H(2)O and Ag(+), respectively. The
      title structure is stabilized by O-H?O hydrogen bonds between water mol-ecules
      and O atoms that are part of the helices.

PMID- 22090809
TI  - Bis{2-[(E)-(4-fluoro-benz-yl)imino-meth-yl]-6-meth-oxy-phenolato
      kappaN,O}nickel(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [Ni(C(15)H(13)FNO(2))(2)], the Ni(II) atom is tetra
      coordinated by two N atoms and two O atoms from two 2-[(4-fluoro-benz-yl)imino
      meth-yl]-6-meth-oxy-phenolate ligands in a square-planar geometry. The two N
      atoms and two O atoms around the Ni(II) atom are trans to each other, as the
      Ni(II) atom lies on an inversion centre. In the fluoro-phenyl group, five C atoms
      and an F atom are disordered over two sets of positions of equal occupancy. In
      the crystal, the complex mol-ecules are linked via inter-molecular C-H?F hydrogen
      bonds, forming chains along [001].

PMID- 22090810
TI  - 1,1',2,2',3,3',4,4'-Octa-methyl-ferro-cenium 2,5-dibromo-4-hy-droxy-3,6
      dioxocyclo-hexa-1,4-dien-1-olate.
AB  - In the title salt, octa-methyl-ferrocenium bromanilate,
      [Fe(C(9)H(13))(2)](C(6)HBr(2)O(4)), the Fe atom and the bromanilate anion lie on
      a mirror plane. The octa-methyl-ferrocenium cation adopts an eclipsed
      conformation. An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond is present in the
      bromanilate anion. In the crystal, the cations and anions are stacked
      alternately, forming a one-dimensional columnar structure along [010].

PMID- 22090811
TI  - The monoclinic polymorph of dimethyl-arsinic acid.
AB  - The title compound, C(2)H(7)AsO(2) or [As(CH(3))(2)O(OH)], is an organic
      derivative of arsinic acid, and is also known by its trivial name cacodylic acid.
      In contrast to the first polymorph (triclinic, space group P[Formula: see text],
      Z = 2), the current study revealed monoclinic symmetry (space group C2/c, Z = 8)
      for the second polymorph. The configuration of the tetra-hedral mol-ecule shows
      approximate C(s) symmetry. Strong O-H?O hydrogen bonds connect the mol-ecules to
      infinite zigzag chains along [010], which are further connected by weak inter
      molecular C-H?O contacts into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22090812
TI  - catena-Poly[[bis-(1H-imidazole-kappaN)copper(II)]-MU-benzene-1,4-dicarboxyl-ato
      kappaO:O].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(C(8)H(4)O(4))(C(3)H(4)N(2))(2)](n), the Cu(II) atom is
      four-coordinated by two carboxyl-ate O atoms from two different terephthalate
      ligands and two N atoms from two imidazole ligands in a slightly distorted square
      planar coordination environment. Each terephthalate ligand acts as a bis
      monodentate ligand that binds two Cu(II) atoms, thus forming two unique chains
      extending parallel to [110]. The imidazole ligands are attached on both sides of
      the chains.

PMID- 22090813
TI  - Potassium N-bromo-2-methyl-benzene-sulfonamidate sesquihydrate.
AB  - In the structure of the title compound, K(+).C(7)H(7)BrNO(2)S(-).1.5H(2)O, the
      K(+) ion is hepta-coordinated by three O atoms from water mol-ecules and by four
      sulfonyl O atoms of N-bromo-2-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide anions. The S-N distance
      of 1.577 (5) A is consistent with an S=N double bond. The crystal structure
      comprises sheets in the ac plane which are further stabilized by O-H?Br and O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090814
TI  - 1,2-Dimethyl-1,4-diazo-niabicyclo-[2.2.2]octane tetra-chloridocuprate(II).
AB  - In the title compound, (C(8)H(18)N(2))[CuCl(4)], torsion angles on the ethyl-ene
      bridges of the 1,4-diazo-niabicyclo-[2.2.2]octane fragment are in the range 11.9
      (5)-15.0 (5) degrees  and the [CuCl(4)](2-) anion has a strongly distorted tetra
      hedral geometry. The cation is connected to the anion via three-center N-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090815
TI  - Dichlorido(4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-kappaN,N',N'')zinc acetonitrile
      monosolvate.
AB  - The title complex, [FeZn(C(5)H(5))Cl(2)(C(20)H(14)N(3))].CH(3)CN, is composed of
      one Zn(II) atom, one 4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (fctpy) ligand, two Cl
      atoms and one acetonitrile solvent mol-ecule. The Zn(II) atom is five-coordinated
      in a trigonal-bipyramidal geometry by the tridentate chelating fctpy ligand and
      two Cl atoms.

PMID- 22090816
TI  - Octa-butylbis[MU(2)-4-(diethyl-amino)-benzoato-kappaO:O']bis-[4-(diethyl-amino)
      benzoato-kappaO]di-MU(3)-oxido-tetra-tin(IV).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title complex,
      [Sn(4)(C(4)H(9))(8)(C(11)H(14)NO(2))(4)O(2)], consists of two
      crystallographically independent half-mol-ecules. The other halves are generated
      by crystallographic inversion centers. In each tetra-nuclear mol-ecule, both of
      the two independent Sn atoms are five-coordinated, with distorted trigonal
      bipyramidal SnC(2)O(3) geometries. One Sn atom is coordinated by two butyl
      groups, one O atom of the benzoate anion and two bridging O atoms, whereas the
      other Sn atom is coordinated by two butyl groups, two O atoms of the benzoate
      anions and a bridging O atom. All the butyl groups are equatorial with respect to
      the SnO(3) trigonal plane. Weak intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds stabilize
      the mol-ecular structures. In one mol-ecule, two of the butyl groups and the
      bridging benzoate anion are each disordered over two positions.

PMID- 22090817
TI  - Poly[(MU(4)-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxyl-ato)bis-(N,N-dimethyl-formamide)
      cerium(III)].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title rare earth coordination polymer,
      [Ce(C(9)H(3)O(6))(C(3)H(7)NO)(2)](n), contains one eight-coordinated Ce(3+) ion,
      one benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxyl-ate (BTC) ligand and two coordinated N,N-dimethyl
      formamide (DMF) mol-ecules. The Ce(3+) ion is coordinated by six O atoms from
      four carboxyl-ate groups of the BTC ligands and by two O atoms from two terminal
      DMF mol-ecules.

PMID- 22090818
TI  - Diammine(2,2'-bipyridine)-bis(thio-cyan-ato--kappaN)cobalt(III) diamminetetra
      kis(thio-cyanato--kappaN)chromate(III) aceto-nitrile disolvate.
AB  - The new heterometallic title complex,
      [Co(NCS)(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(NH(3))(2)][Cr(NCS)(4)(NH(3))(2)].2CH(3)CN, has been
      prepared using the open-air reaction of cobalt powder, Reineckes salt and 2,2'
      bipyridine (dpy) in acetonitrile. The crystal structure consists of discrete
      cationic [Co(NCS)(2)(NH(3))(2)(dpy)](+) and anionic [Cr(NCS)(4)(NH(3))(2)](-)
      building blocks, both with 2 symmetry, and acetonitrile solvent mol-ecules, which
      are linked together by N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming extended supra-molecular
      chains. Furthermore, N-H?S, C-H?S and C-H?N hydrogen bonds inter-link
      neighbouring chains into a three-dimensional framework. The Co atom is in an
      elongated octa-hedral coordination environment with two N atoms from the dpy
      ligands and two NCS-groups in the equatorial plane and with two NH(3) mol-ecules
      at the axial positions. The Cr(III) ion is octa-hedraly coordinated by two NH(3)
      mol-ecules at the axial positions and four NCS-groups in the equatorial plane.
      Intensity statistics indicated non-merohedral twinning with the twin matrix [100;
      0[Formula: see text]0; [Formula: see text]0[Formula: see text]]. The refined
      ratio of the twin components is 0.530 (1):0.470 (1).

PMID- 22090819
TI  - Bis[N-(2-amino-eth-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine-kappaN,N',N'']copper(II) tris
      [diamminetetra-kis-(thio-cyanato-kappaN)chromate(III)] thio-cyanate dimethyl
      sulfoxide tetra-deca-solvate monohydrate.
AB  - The ionic title complex,
      [Cu(C(4)H(13)N(3))(2)](2)[Cr(NCS)(4)(NH(3))(2)](3)(NCS).14C(2)H(6)OS.H(2)O,
      consists of complex [Cu(dien)(2)](2+) cations [dien is N-(2-amino-eth-yl)ethane
      1,2-diamine], com-plex [Cr(NCS)(4)(NH(3))(2)](-) anions, an NCS(-) counter-anion
      and uncoordinated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water solvent mol-ecules. One of
      the Cr atoms lies on an inversion center, while the second Cr atom and the Cu
      atom lie in general positions. The thio-cyanate counter-anion and water mol-ecule
      are disordered over two positions close to an inversion center. There are several
      types of hydrogen-bond inter-actions present in the title compound, which connect
      the complex cations and anions into bulky [Cu(2)Cr(3)] polynuclear species. The
      four NH(3) groups of the complex anions and six bridging DMSO O atoms link the
      three complex anions via hydrogen bonding into the anionic polynuclear species
      [Cr(NCS)(4)(NH(3))(2)](3).6DMSO. The last one is connected by four bridging DMSO
      O atoms with the two complex copper cations through N-H? O hydrogen bonds between
      the terminal NH(3) groups of the anionic polynuclear species and the NH and NH(2)
      groups of the dien ligand. One additional DMSO mol-ecule is connected via
      hydrogen bonding to one of the terminal NH(3) groups of the anionic polynuclear
      species. Another DMSO mol-ecule is connected via hydrogen bonding to each
      Cu(dien)(2)](2+) cation.

PMID- 22090820
TI  - [Bis(3-amino-prop-yl)amine-kappaN,N',N'']bis-(thio-cyanato-kappaN)cobalt(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Co(NCS)(2)(C(6)H(17)N(3))], consists
      of one Co(2+) cation, two thio-cyanate anions and one bis-(3-amino-prop-yl)amine
      ligand, all in general positions. The cobalt cation is coordinated by five N
      atoms of two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and one bis-(3-amino-prop
      yl)amine ligand, defining a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination
      polyhedron. The mol-ecules are held together in the crystal by weak N-H?S inter
      actions.

PMID- 22090821
TI  - Dichlorido{N,N-dimethyl-N'-[1-(2-pyrid-yl)ethyl-idene]ethane-1,2-diamine
      kappaN,N',N''}zinc.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [ZnCl(2)(C(11)H(17)N(3))], contains
      two independent penta-coordinate Zn(II) complex mol-ecules. In each mol-ecule,
      the metal atom is coordinated by an N,N',N''-tridenate Schiff base and two Cl
      atoms in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The two mol-ecules differ little
      in their geometry, but more in their inter-molecular inter-actions. In the
      crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are connected via C-H?Cl inter-actions into a three
      dimensional supra-molecular structure. The network is supplemented by pi-pi inter
      actions formed between the aromatic rings of pairs of the symmetry-related mol
      ecules [centroid-centroid distances = 3.6255 (10) and 3.7073 (10) A]. The crystal
      lattice contains void spaces with a size of 52 A(3).

PMID- 22090822
TI  - [5-Chloro-2-hy-droxy-N'-(2-oxidobenzyl-idene)benzohydrazidato]dimethyl-tin(IV).
AB  - In the title compound, [Sn(CH(3))(2)(C(14)H(9)ClN(2)O(3))], the Sn(IV) ion is
      coordinated by one N and two O atoms from the tridentate 5-chloro-2-hy-droxy-N'
      (2-oxidobenzyl-idene)benzohydrazidate (L) ligand and two methyl groups in a
      distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. In the ligand, the hy-droxy group is
      involved in an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond and the two aromatic rings
      form a dihedral angle of 5.5 (1) degrees . In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter-actions between the aromatic rings [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.816 (3) A] link the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22090823
TI  - Bis(N-benzoyl-N-phenyl-hydroxy-l-aminato-kappaO,O')dimethyl-tin(IV).
AB  - The Sn atom in the title compound, [Sn(CH(3))(2)(C(13)H(10)NO(2))(2)], has a
      highly distorted octa-hedral coordination with the equatorial plane made up of
      four O atoms from two N-benzoyl-N-phenyl-hydroxy-laminate ligands and the axial
      positions occupied by two methyl groups. The crystal structure is stabilized by
      van der Waals inter-actions.

PMID- 22090824
TI  - catena-Poly[[trimethyl-tin(IV)]-MU-3,5-difluoro-benzoato-kappaO:O'].
AB  - In the title compound, [Sn(CH(3))(3)(C(7)H(3)F(2)O(2))](n), the central Sn atom
      is coordinated by two O atoms from the anion and three methyl C atoms in a
      polymeric fashion owing to the presence of bidentate bridging carboxyl-ate
      ligands. The five-coordinate Sn atom exists in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal
      geometry with the mol-ecules connected by weak C-H?F inter-moleclar inter
      actions, forming supra-molecular chains parallel to [010].

PMID- 22090825
TI  - Poly[[MU-1,4-bis-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene-kappaN:N](MU-5-methyl-isophthalato
      kappaO:O)cobalt(II)].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [Co(C(9)H(6)O(4))(C(12)H(10)N(4))](n), the
      Co(II) atom is four-coordinated by two O atoms from two different 5-methyl
      isophthalate bivalent anions and two N atoms from two different 1,4-bis-(1H
      imidazol-4-yl)benzene ligands, forming a four-coordinated tetra-hedral
      coordination geometry. Each 5-methyl-isophthalate ligand acts as a MU(2)-bridge,
      linking two Co(II) atoms and forming chains which are further linked by 1,4-bis
      (1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene ligands into a two-dimensional network parallel to
      ([Formula: see text]01). These planes are, in turn, linked by two inter-molecular
      N-H?O inter-actions, forming a three-dimensional structure. Weak C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds are also present in the structure.

PMID- 22090826
TI  - A tetra-gonal polymorph of bis-[hydro-tris-(pyrazol-1-yl)borato]iron(II).
AB  - The title compound, [Fe(C(9)H(10)BN(6))(2)], is a polymorph of a compound
      reported previously [Oliver et al. (1980 ?). Inorg. Chem.19, 165-168]. In the
      previous report, the compound crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c
      (Z = 4), whereas the crystal symmetry of the compound reported here is tetra
      gonal (P4(2)/ncm, Z = 4). The mol-ecular structure is comprised of two hydro-tris
      (1-pyrazol-yl)borate ligands (Tp(-)) and a central Fe(II) ion, which is
      coordinated by six pyrazole N atoms from two two Tp(-) ligands, yielding a
      distorted bipyramidal FeN(6) geometry. The complete molecule exhibits symmetry
      2/m.

PMID- 22090827
TI  - Bis(acetohydroxamato-kappaO,O')diphenyl-tin(IV).
AB  - The complex mol-ecule of the title compound, [Sn(C(6)H(5))(2)(C(2)H(4)NO(2))(2)],
      has crystallographically imposed twofold symmetry. The Sn atom is coordinated by
      four O atoms from two acetohydroxamate ligands and by two C atoms from phenyl
      groups in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      connected by N-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, forming a chain structure
      along the c axis.

PMID- 22090828
TI  - Bis{4-bromo-2-[(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenolato-kappaO,N,O'}cadmium.
AB  - The centrosymmetric title compound, [Cd(C(9)H(9)BrNO(2))(2)], was obtained by the
      reaction of 5-bromo-salicyl-aldehyde, 2-amino-ethanol and cadmium nitrate in
      ethanol. The Cd atom, located on an inversion centre, is hexa-coordinated by two
      Schiff base ligands in an octa-hedral coordination through the phenolate O atom,
      the imine N atom and the hy-droxy O atoms. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      through inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22090829
TI  - catena-Poly[[tetra-aqua-manganese(II)]-MU-5-carboxyl-ato-1-carboxyl-atomethyl-2
      oxidopyridinium-kappaO:O].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [Mn(C(8)H(5)NO(5))(H(2)O)(4)](n), the Mn(II)
      atom is coordinated by two carboxyl-ate O atoms from two 5-carboxyl-ato-1
      carboxyl-atomethyl-2-oxidopyridinium (L(2-)) ligands and by four water mol-ecules
      in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The L(2-) ligands bridge the Mn atoms into
      an infinite chain motif along [100]; the chains are further inter-linked by O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supra-molecular net.

PMID- 22090830
TI  - catena-Poly[[diiodidocadmium]-MU-[4,4'-(2,3,5,6-tetra-methyl-1,4-phenyl-ene)bis
      (methyl-ene)]bis-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole)-kappaN:N].
AB  - The heterocylic ligand of the polymeric title compound, [CdI(2)(C(22)H(30)N(4))],
      links two adjacent CdI(2) units, forming a chain running parallel to [[Formula:
      see text]01]. The Cd(II) atom is located on a twofold rotation axis and shows a
      distorted tetra-hedral CdI(2)N(2) coordination. The mid-point of the benzene ring
      of the ligand lies on a center of inversion. There are no classical hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions present.

PMID- 22090831
TI  - Bis{N-methyl-N'-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-idene]ethane-1,2-diamine}-zinc bis
      (perchlorate).
AB  - The title mononuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn(C(10)H(15)N(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2), was
      obtained by the reaction of 2-acetyl-pyridine, N-methyl-ethane-1,2-diamine and
      zinc perchlorate in methanol. The asymmetric unit of the complex contains two
      independent [Zn(C(10)H(15)N(3))(2)](2+) cations and four perchlorate anions. The
      Zn(II) atom in each complex cation is six-coordinated by two pyridine N, two
      imine N and two amine N atoms from two N-methyl-N'-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl
      idene]ethane-1,2-diamine Schiff base ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry.
      The pyridine rings in each of the complex cations are approximately perpendicular
      to each other, making dihedral angles of 88.4 (3) and 87.9 (3) degrees . The
      perchlorate anions are linked to the complex cations through N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds.

PMID- 22090832
TI  - Poly[(MU-3,5-dinitro-benzoato)(MU-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid)rubidium].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [Rb(C(7)H(3)N(2)O(6))(C(7)H(4)N(2)O(6))](n), comprises an Rb(+) cation, a 3,5
      dinitro-benzoate anion and a 3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ligand. The Rb(+) cation is
      nine-coordinated by O atoms from four 3,5-dinitro-benzoate anions and three
      neutral 3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ligands. The metal atom is firstly linked by
      four bridging carboxyl groups, forming a binuclear motif, which is further linked
      by the nitro groups into a two-dimensional framework along the [110] direction. A
      short O-H?O hydrogen bond between two adjacent carboxy/carboxylate groups occurs.

PMID- 22090833
TI  - Di-MU-acetato-bis-(dimethyl-formamide)-penta-kis-(MU-N,2-dioxidobenzene-1-car
      boximidato)tetra-kis-(1-ethyl-imidazole)-penta-manganese(III)-manganese(II)
      diethyl ether-dimethyl-foramide-methanol-water (1/1/1/1/0.12).
AB  - The title compound
      [Mn(6)(C(7)H(4)NO(3))(5)(CH(3)CO(2))(2)(C(5)H(8)N(2))(4)(C(3)H(7)NO)(2)].(C(2)H(5
      )(2)O.C(3)H(7)NO.CH(3)OH.0.12H(2)O, abbreviated as Mn(II)(OAc)(2)[15
      MC(MnIII(N)shi)-5](EtIm)4(DMF)2.diethyl ether.DMF.MeOH.0.12H(2)O (where (-)OAc is
      acetate, MC is metallacrown, shi(3-) is salicylhydroximate, EtIM is n
      ethylimidazole, DMF is N,N-dimethylformamide, and MeOH is methanol) contains five
      Mn(III) ions as members of the metallacrown ring and an Mn(II) ion bound in the
      central cavity. The central Mn(II) ion is seven-coordinate with a distorted face
      capped trigonal-prismatic geometry. The five Mn(III) ions of the metallacrown
      ring are six-coordinate with distorted octa-hedral geometries. The configuration
      of the Mn(III) ions about the metallacrown ring follow a DeltaLambdaDeltaPP
      pattern, with P representing planar. The four 1-ethyl-imidazole ligands are bound
      to four different Mn(III) ions. A diethyl ether solvent mol-ecule was found to be
      disordered over two mutually exclusive sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.568
      (7):0.432 (7). A methanol solvent mol-ecule was found to be disordered over two
      mutually exclusive sites by being hydrogen bonded either to a dimethyl-formamide
      solvent mol-ecule (major occupancy component) or to an O atom of the main mol
      ecule (minor occupancy component). The occupancy ratio refined to 0.678
      (11):0.322 (11). Associated with the minor component is a partially occupied
      water mol-ecule [total occupancy 0.124 (15)].

PMID- 22090834
TI  - Aqua-(4-carb-oxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO,N,O)(1,10-phenanthroline
      kappaN,N')nickel(II).
AB  - The title compound, [Ni(C(8)H(3)NO(6))(C(12)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)], contains an Ni(II)
      ion, a 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligand, a 4-carb-oxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl
      ate (Hptc(2-)) anion and a coordinated water mol-ecule. The Ni(II) atom exhibits
      a distorted octa-hedral N(3)O(3) environment. O-H?O hydrogen bonding between
      coordinated water and carboxyl-ate O atoms, as well as pi-pi stacking inter
      actions [inter-planar distances between phen rings = 3.293 (2) A] lead to a
      supermolecular assembly.

PMID- 22090835
TI  - Aqua-chloridobis(2-{[3-(morpholin-4-yl)prop-yl]imino-meth
      yl}phenolato)manganese(III) monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Mn(C(14)H(19)N(2)O(2))(2)Cl(H(2)O)].H(2)O, the Mn(III)
      atom is N,O-chelated by two monoanionic Schiff bases, forming two six-membered
      chelate rings. One Cl atom and one water mol-ecule in trans positions complete a
      distorted octa-hedral geometry around the metal atom. In the crystal, the complex
      mol-ecules and the uncoordinated water mol-ecules are connected via O-H?N, O-H?O
      and O-H?Cl hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the ac plane and these are
      consolidated by C-H?pi inter-actions. The layers are further linked into a three
      dimensional network through C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22090836
TI  - N,N'-Dimethyl-ethylenediammonium dioxalatocuprate(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title salt, (C(4)H(14)N(2))[Cu(C(2)O(4))(2)], consists
      of one complex anion and two cationic half-mol-ecules, the other halves being
      generated by inversion symmetry. The Cu(II) atom in the anion is coordinated by
      two bidentate oxalate ligands in a distorted square-planar geometry. Inter
      molecular hydrogen bonds, involving the NH groups as donors and O atoms as
      acceptors, are observed, which lead to the formation of a three-dimensional
      network structure.

PMID- 22090837
TI  - Poly[di-MU-aqua-bis-(MU-2-amino-4-nitro-benzoato)dicaesium].
AB  - In the structure of title compound, [Cs(2)(C(7)H(5)N(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n),
      the asymmetric unit contains two independent Cs atoms comprising different
      coordination polyhedra. One is nine-coordinate, the other seven-coordinate, both
      having irregular configurations. The CsO(9) coordination polyhedron comprises O
      atom donors from three bridging water mol-ecules, one of which is doubly
      bridging, three from carboxyl-ate groups, and three from nitro groups, of which
      two are bidentate chelate bridging. The CsO(6)N coordination polyhedron comprises
      the two bridging water mol-ecules, one amine N-atom donor, one carboxyl-ate O
      atom donor and four O-atom donors from nitro groups (two from the chelate
      bridges). The extension of the dimeric unit gives a three-dimensional polymeric
      structure, which is stabilized by both intra- and inter-molecular amine N-H?O and
      water O-H?O hydrogen bonds to carboxyl-ate O-atom acceptors, as well as inter
      ring pi-pi inter-actions [minimum ring centroid-centroid separation = 3.4172 (15)
      A].

PMID- 22090838
TI  - Bis(2-amino-pyrazine-kappaN)dichlorido-zinc.
AB  - In the title adduct, [ZnCl(2)(C(4)H(5)N(3))(2)], the Zn(II) atom lies on a
      twofold rotation axis that relates one Cl atom to the other as well as one 2
      amino-pyrazine ligand to the other; the coordination geometry is a distorted
      tetra-hedron. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by N-H?N hydrogen
      bonds across the center of inversion, generating a chain; neighboring chains are
      linked by N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22090839
TI  - catena-Poly[[[dichloridomercury(II)]-MU-1,4-bis-(3-pyridyl-amino-meth-yl)benzene
      kappaN:N'] N,N-dimethyl-formamide monosolvate].
AB  - The crystal structure of the polymeric title compound,
      {[HgCl(2)(C(18)H(18)N(4))].C(3)H(7)NO}(n), features an N-heterocyclic ligand
      which links adjacent HgCl(2) units into a helical chain running along the b axis.
      The coordination geometry of the Hg(II) atom is a distorted tetra-hedron. The
      dimethyl-formamide mol-ecule is disordered over two positions in a 1:1 ratio, and
      is linked to the complex mol-ecules via N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090840
TI  - trans-Diaqua-bis-[2,5-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-thia-diazole]nickel(II) bis-(tetra
      fluoridoborate).
AB  - The bidentate 1,3,4-thia-diazole ligand, namely, 2,5-bis-(2-pyrid-yl)-1,3,4-thia
      diazole (denoted L), untested as a polydentate ligand, has been found to form the
      monomeric title complex, [Ni(C(12)H(8)N(4)S)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(2). The complex
      shows an octa-hedral environment of the nickel cation in which the Ni(2+) ion is
      located on a center of symmetry, linked to two ligands and two water molecules.
      In this 1:2 complex (one metal for two organic ligands) each thia-diazole ligand
      uses one pyridyl and one thia-diazole N atom for chelate binding. In the second
      pyridyl substituent, the N atom is oriented towards the same direction as the S
      atom of the 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring. The mean plane of the thia-diazole and
      pyridyl rings linked to the nickel cation forms a dihedral angle with the other
      pyridine ring of 18.63 (8) degrees . The tetra-fluorido-borate ions can be
      regarded as free anions in the crystal lattice. Nevertheless, they are involved
      in an infinite two-dimensional network parallel to ([Formula: see text]01)
      through O-H?F hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090841
TI  - Poly[[(MU(2)-acetato-kappaO,O':O')aqua-bis-(MU(3)-isonicotinato
      kappaO:O':N)samarium(III)silver(I)] perchlorate].
AB  - The title compound, {[AgSm(C(6)H(4)NO(2))(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(H(2)O)]ClO(4)}(n), is a
      three-dimensional heterobimetallic complex constructed from a repeating dimeric
      unit. Only half of the dimeric moiety is found in the asymmetric unit; the unit
      cell is completed by crystallographic inversion symmetry. The Sm(III) ion is
      eight-coordinated by four O atoms of four different isonicotinate ligands, three
      O atoms of two different acetate ligands, and one O atom of a water mol-ecule.
      The two-coordinate Ag(I) ion is bonded to two N atoms of two different
      isonicotinate anions, thereby connecting the disamarium units. In addition, the
      isonicotinate ligands also act as bridging ligands, generating a three
      dimensional network. The coordinated water mol-ecules link the carboxyl-ate group
      and acetate ligands by O-H?O hydrogen bonding. Another O-H?O hydrogen bond is
      observed in the crystal structure. The perchlorate ion is disordered over two
      sites with site-occupancy factors of 0.560 (11) and 0.440 (11), whereas the
      methyl group of the acetate ligand is disordered over two sites with site
      occupancy factors of 0.53 (5) and 0.47 (5).

PMID- 22090842
TI  - Bis(4-methyl-morpholin-4-ium) tetra-bromidozincate(II).
AB  - The title compound, (C(5)H(12)NO)(2)[ZnBr(4)], was synthesized by hydro-thermal
      reaction of ZnBr(2) with 4-methyl-morpholine in a HBr/distilled water solution.
      Each of the two independent cations exhibits a chair conformation; the anion
      deviates slightly from an tetrahedral configuration. The Zn-Br distances in the
      anion are in the range of 2.3996 (9)-2.4247 (9) A. All of the amine H atoms are
      involved in bifurcated inter-molecular N-H?Br hydrogen bonds, building up a
      trimer.

PMID- 22090843
TI  - catena-Poly[[[bis-(4-ethyl-benzoato-kappaO,O')lead(II)]-MU-nicotinamide-kappaN:O]
      monohydrate].
AB  - In the crystal structure of the polymeric title compound,
      {[Pb(C(9)H(9)O(2))(2)(C(6)H(6)N(2)O)].H(2)O}(n), the six-coordinate Pb(II) ion is
      chelated by two 4-ethyl-benzoate (PEB) anions and is bridged by two nicotinamide
      (NA) ligands, forming a polymeric chain running along the b axis. The carboxyl
      ate groups of the PEB ions are twisted away from the attached benzene rings by
      4.0 (6) and 13.3 (5) degrees . The two benzene rings of the PEB ions bonded to
      the same metal ion are oriented at a dihedral angle of 87.4 (3) degrees . In the
      polymeric chain, the NA ligand is linked to one of the carboxyl-ate groups via N
      H?O hydrogen bonding. In the crystal, adjacent polymeric chains inter-act via N
      H?O and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds; and the lattice water mol-ecule links with the
      polymeric chains via N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonding. pi-pi stacking between the
      benzene and the pyridine rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.805 (5) A] and
      weak C-H?pi inter-actions are also observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22090844
TI  - Bis[2,6-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine]di-MU(3)-iodido-diiodidotetra
      copper(I).
AB  - In the title centrosymmetric tetra-nuclear complex,
      [Cu(4)I(4)(C(15)H(17)N(5))(2)], the two distinct Cu(I) atoms adopt similar tetra
      hedral arrangements, each being ligated by two I atoms, and two N atoms from one
      2,6-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine ligand. In the crystal, there are
      no hydrogen bonds present, and only very weak pi-pi inter-actions are observed
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.985 (4) A], which connect neighbouring tetra
      nuclear units into a chain motif along the b axis.

PMID- 22090845
TI  - Poly[tetra-deca-aqua-tetra-kis-(MU(3)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ato)tetra-MU(3)
      sulfato-cobalt(II)hexa-gadolinium(III)].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [CoGd(6)(C(5)H(2)N(2)O(4))(4)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(14)](n), contains a Co(II) ion
      (site symmetry [Formula: see text]), three Gd(III) ions, two imidazole-4,5
      dicarboxyl-ate ligands, three SO(4) (2-) anions, and seven coordinated water mol
      ecules. The Co(II) ion is six-coordinated by two O atoms from water mol-ecules,
      two O atoms and two N atoms from two imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligands, giving
      a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry. The Gd(III) ions exhibit three types
      of coordination environments. One Gd ion is eight-coordinated in a bicapped
      trigonal-prismatic geometry by four O atoms from two imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate
      ligands, two O atoms from two SO(4) (2-) anions and two coordinated water mol
      ecules. The other Gd ions are nine-coordinated in a tricapped trigonal-prismatic
      geometry; one of these Gd ions is bonded to four O atoms from two imidazole-4,5
      dicarboxyl-ate ligands, three O atoms from three SO(4) (2-) anions and two water
      O atoms and the other Gd ion is coordinated by one O atom and one N atom from one
      imidazole-4, 5-dicarboxyl-ate ligand, five O atoms from three SO(4) (2-) anions
      as well as two coordinated water mol-ecules. These metal coordination units are
      connected by bridging imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate and sulfate ligands,
      generating a three-dimensional network. The crystal structure is further
      stabilized by N-H?O, O-H?O, and C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between
      water mol-ecules, SO(4) (2-) anions, and imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligands.

PMID- 22090846
TI  - [2-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl-kappaN)aniline-kappaN]dichloridozinc.
AB  - In the title benzimidazole mononuclear complex, [ZnCl(2)(C(13)H(11)N(3))], the
      Zn(II) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry by an
      imidazole N, an amino N and two Cl atoms. The dihedral angle between the
      benzimidazole and benzene rings is 9.57 (1) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by weak N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the bc plane. pi
      pi inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances in the range 3.4452 (8)-3.8074
      (8) A are also observed.

PMID- 22090847
TI  - Bis(O-n-butyl dithio-carbonato-kappaS,S')bis-(pyridine-kappaN)manganese(II).
AB  - The structure of the title manganese complex,
      [Mn(C(5)H(9)OS(2))(2)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)] or [Mn(S(2)CO-n-Bu)(2)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)],
      consists of discrete monomeric entities with Mn(2+) ions located on centres of
      inversion. The metal atom is coordinated by a six-coordinate trans-N(2)S(4) donor
      set with the pyridyl N atoms located in the apical positions. The observed slight
      deviations from octa-hedral geometry are caused by the bite angle of the
      bidentate kappa(2)-S(2)CO-n-Bu ligands [69.48 (1) degrees ]. The
      O(CH(2))(3)(CH(3)) chains of the O-n-butyl dithio-carbonate units are disordered
      over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.589 (2):0.411 (2).

PMID- 22090848
TI  - catena-Poly[[diaqua-bis-(3-methyl-pyridine-kappaN)cobalt(II)]-MU-sulfato
      kappaO:O'].
AB  - The environment of the Co(II) ion in the title compound,
      [Co(SO(4))(C(6)H(7)N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), exhibits an octa-hedral configuration
      with the two 3-methyl-pyridine ligands lying in cis positions with respect to
      each other and trans to the two coordinated water mol-ecules. The axial positions
      are occupied by O atoms of the sulfate ions. Co and S atoms occupy special
      positions (twofold axis, Wyckoff position 4c). Neighboring Co(II) ions are
      covalently connected with each other through the sulfate ions, thus creating
      infinite polymeric chains that run along the c axis. The water mol-ecules are
      connected with neighboring sulfate ions through strong O-H?O hydrogen bonds.
      Intra-molecular hydrogen bonds parallel to the propagation direction of the
      chains stabilize the polymeric chains, and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds between
      chains connect neighboring chains with each other, thus leading to polymeric
      double chains.

PMID- 22090849
TI  - Poly[aqua-bis-[MU(3)-4-(3-pyrid-yl)pyrimidine-2-sulfonato-kappaN:N,O:O][MU(2)-4
      (3-pyrid-yl)pyrimidine-2-sulfonato-kappaN:N,O]tris-ilver(I)].
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound,
      [Ag(3)(C(9)H(6)N(3)O(3)S)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](n), the mol-ecules are linked into three
      decked polymeric zigzag chains propagating in [100]. On the middle deck, the Ag
      atom is five-coordinated by three O atoms from three 4-(3-pyrid-yl)pyrimidine-2
      sulfonate (L) ligands, one of which lies on a mirror plane with the sulfonate
      group disordered over two orientations in a 1:1 ratio, and two N atoms from two L
      ligands, which lie on the same mirror plane. On the upper and lower decks, the Ag
      atom is four-coordinated by an aqua ligand, one O and two N atoms from two L
      ligands with the pyridyl and pyrimidine rings twisted at 19.8 (2) degrees . In
      the polymeric chain, there are pi-pi inter-actions between six-membered rings of
      L ligands from different decks with centroid-centroid distances of 3.621 (7) and
      3.721 (3) A. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link further
      these three-decked chains into layers parallel to (010).

PMID- 22090850
TI  - Dimeric (2-cyano-phenolato-kappaO){2,2'-[ethyl-enebis(nitrilo-methyl
      idyne)]diphenolato-kappaO,N,N',O'}manganese(III) monohydrate.
AB  - The molecules of the title compound, [Mn(C(7)H(4)NO)(C(16)H(14)N(2)O(2))].H(2)O,
      form dimers in the solid state across a crystallographic inversion center. The
      bridging Mn(2)O(2) group is built of phen-oxy groups, and is asymmetric, with an
      Mn-O distances of 1.9002 (13) and 2.6236 (14) A. A substantial cavity between the
      two Mn atoms [Mn?Mn = 3.5082 (4) A] is produced by the formation of the dimer. In
      the crystal, an extended network of O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions stabil
      izes the structure.

PMID- 22090851
TI  - Dipotassium disulfanilamidate trihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2K(+).2C(6)H(7)N(2)O(2)S(-).3H(2)O,
      consists of two potassium cations located on mirror planes, one sulfanilamidate
      anion in a general position and one and a half mol-ecules of water, one of which
      is also located on a mirror plane. One potassium cation is seven-coordinated by
      six sulfonyl O atoms and one water mol-ecule, whereas the other is surrounded by
      six water O atoms and two sulfonyl O atoms. In the crystal structure, the
      components are connected into polymeric sheets in the bc plane. The two
      dimensional structure is consolidated by N-H?O, O-H?O, O-H?N and C-H?pi inter
      actions. The layers are further linked into a three-dimensional network via N
      H?O, N-H?N and O-H?N hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090852
TI  - Tetra-aqua-bis-[4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzoato-kappaN]manganese(II) deca
      hydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Mn(C(9)H(6)N(3)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(4)].10H(2)O, the Mn(II)
      ion is coordinated by two N atoms from two 4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzoate
      ligands and four water mol-ecules in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The Mn(II)
      ion and two coordinated water mol-ecules lie on a twofold rotation axis. The
      water mol-ecules are involved in O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds with the triazole
      N atoms and carboxyl-ate O atoms, yielding a three-dimensional supra-molecular
      network. pi-pi inter-actions between the benzene rings [centroid-centroid
      distance = 3.836 (9) A] are observed.

PMID- 22090853
TI  - {4,6-Bis[(E)-1-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl-methyl-idene-kappaN)hydrazinyl
      kappaN]pyrimidine-kappaN}dichloridocopper(II) methanol disolvate monohydrate.
AB  - The title compound, [CuCl(2)(C(18)H(18)N(8))].2CH(3)OH.H(2)O, contains a penta
      coordinated Cu(II) atom bonded to the tridentate 4,6-bis-[(E)-1-methyl-2-(pyridin
      2-yl-methyl-idene)hydrazin-yl]pyrimidine ligand and two Cl atoms. The geometry
      around the Cu(II) atom is distorted square-pyramidal. The mol-ecules pack in the
      crystal structure via O-H?Cl, O-H?N, C-H?Cl and C-H?O hydrogen bonds, C-H?pi and
      pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances of the pyrimidine-pyridine and
      pyridine-pyridine inter-actions are 3.750 (3) and 3.850 (3) A, respectively],
      forming sheet-like assemblies.

PMID- 22090854
TI  - Electrostatic repulsion between the cations of (1-methyl-1H-imidazole
      kappaN)(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-kappaN,N',N'')platinum(II) perchlorate nitro
      methane monosolvate prevents Pt?Pt inter-actions.
AB  - The reaction between [Pt(terpy)Cl].2H(2)O (terpy = 2',2'':6',2''-terpyridine) and
      1-methyl-imidazole (MIm) in the presence of two equivalents of AgClO(4) in nitro
      methane yields the title compound,
      [Pt(C(15)H(11)N(3))(C(4)H(6)N(2))](ClO(4))(2).CH(3)NO(2). The dicationic
      complexes are arranged in a staggered configuration. The torsion angle subtended
      by the 1-methyl-imidazole ring relative to the terpyridine ring is 114.9 (5)
      degrees . Inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions between the perchlorate anions and
      the H atoms of the terpy ligand are observed. Consideration of related phenyl
      bipyridyl complexes of platinum(II), which are monocationic, leads to the
      conclusion that the electrostatic repulsion between the dicationic chelates
      prevents the formation of Pt?Pt inter-actions. These inter-actions are a common
      feature associated with the monocationic species.

PMID- 22090855
TI  - (2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-Octa-ethyl-5-phenyl-porphyrinato)platinum(II).
AB  - The title compound, [Pt(C(42)H(48)N(4))], was obtained through metallation of the
      corresponding free base with PtCl(2), followed by crystallization from methyl-ene
      chloride/methanol. The mol-ecule exhibits an almost planar macrocycle with an
      average deviation of the 24 macrocyclic atoms from their least-squares plane
      (Delta24) of 0.04 A and an average Pt-N bond length of 2.022 A. Despite the
      unsymmetrical substitution pattern, there is no significant difference between
      distortion of the geometry at the phenyl substituted meso position and those of
      unsubstituted meso positions.

PMID- 22090856
TI  - Tetra-aqua-{1-[(1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl)meth-yl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole}sulfato
      cobalt(II) dihydrate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Co(SO(4))(C(9)H(8)N(6))(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O, the Co(II) ion
      is six-coordinated by one N atom from a 1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl)meth-yl]-1H
      1,2,4-triazole ligand, one O atom from a monodentate sulfate ligand and four
      water mol-ecules in a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry. The sulfate ligand
      is rotationally disordered over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of
      0.662 (15) and 0.338 (15). In the crystal, complex mol-ecules and solvent water
      mol-ecules are linked through inter-molecular O-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds into
      a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22090857
TI  - Homopiperazine-1,4-diium bis-[hexa-aqua-cobalt(II)] tris-ulfate.
AB  - In the title compound, (C(5)H(14)N(2))[Co(H(2)O)(6)](2)(SO(4))(3), the cationic
      framework is built up of mixed organic-inorganic fragments, namely
      [Co(H(2)O)(6)](2+) and [C(5)H(14)N(2)](2+). The [Co(H(2)O)(6)](2+) cations form
      unconnected octa-hedra. Sulfate anions inter-calated between cationic species
      connect them via N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds and electrostatic inter-actions.

PMID- 22090858
TI  - Tetra-kis[MU-1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)benzene-kappaN:N']tetra-kis-(MU
      methano-lato-kappaO:O)bis-(MU-perchlorato-kappaO:O')tetra-copper(II) bis
      (perchlorate).
AB  - The title tetra-nuclear Cu(II) complex,
      [Cu(4)(C(12)H(12)N(2)O(2))(4)(CH(3)O)(4)(ClO(4))(2)](ClO(4))(2), is located
      around an inversion center. Each Cu(II) atom is coordinated by two cis-O atoms
      from two bridging methano-late anions and two cis-N atoms from two bridging 1,4
      bis-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)benzene (L) ligands in the basal plane, and is
      further coordinated by one O atom of the bridging perchlorate anion, forming a
      distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The Cu?Cu separations in the recta-ngular
      core are 2.9878 (11) and 6.974 (1) A. In the asymmetric unit, there are two L
      ligands with a syn conformation. In one L ligand, the dihedral angles between the
      central benzene ring and the terminal 4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl mean planes are
      22.1 (4) and 33.1 (4) degrees , and in the other L ligand the corresponding
      dihedral angles are 29.3 (4) and 29.9 (4) degrees . The uncoordinated perchlorate
      anion is linked with the complex mol-ecules via weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090859
TI  - catena-Poly[(MU-2-amino-1,3,4-thia-diazole-kappaN:N)di-MU-chlorido-cadmium].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [CdCl(2)(C(2)H(3)N(3)S)](n), the Cd(II) cation
      is coordinated by four Cl(-) anions and two N atoms from two trans 2-amino-1,3,4
      thia-diazole (L) ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The L ligand and
      Cl(-) anions bridge adjacent Cd cations, forming a polymeric chain along the b
      axis; the separation between adjacent Cd cations is 3.619 (1) A. In the crystal,
      the polymeric chains are inter-linking through N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds between the
      L ligands and Cl(-) anions.

PMID- 22090860
TI  - Poly[[MU(2)-1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)benzene-kappaN:N']di-MU(2)
      chlorido-cadmium].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [CdCl(2)(C(12)H(12)N(2)O(2))](n), the Cd(II)
      ion, situated on an inversion center, is coordinated by four bridging Cl atoms
      and two N atoms from two 1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1,3--oxazol-2-yl)benzene (L)
      ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. Each L ligand also lies across an
      inversion center and bridges two Cd(II) ions, forming infinite two-dimensional
      recta-ngular layers running parallel to (010).

PMID- 22090861
TI  - (E)-N-(Ferrocenyl-methyl-idene)(pyridin-3-yl)methanamine.
AB  - In the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(12)H(11)N(2))], the cyclo-penta-dienyl
      rings are present in an eclipsed conformation. The imine is E-configured. In the
      crystal, C-H?N inter-actions involving both N atoms connect the mol-ecules into
      two undulating sheets perpendicular to the b axis. The centroid-centroid distance
      between the two aromatic systems in the ferrocenyl moiety is 3.2928 (18) A. A C
      H?pi inter-action is also present.

PMID- 22090862
TI  - Dichlorido[2-({[3-(cyclo-hexyl-aza-nium-yl)prop-yl]imino}-meth-yl)-5-meth-oxy
      phenolate]zinc.
AB  - The title mononuclear zinc complex, [ZnCl(2)(C(17)H(26)N(2)O(2))], was obtained
      by the reaction of 2-hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-benzaldehyde, N-cyclo-hexyl-propane-1,3
      diamine and zinc chloride in methanol. The Zn(II) atom is four-coordinated by the
      phenolate O atom and imine N atom of the bidentate zwitterionic Schiff base
      ligand 2-{[3-(cyclo-hexyl-amino)-prop-yl]imino-meth-yl}-5-meth-oxy-phenol, and by
      two chloride ions, generating a distorted ZnONCl(2) tetra-hedral geometry. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the
      c-axis direction.

PMID- 22090863
TI  - Ferrocenyl-phospho-nic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(5)H(6)O(3)P)], the phosphate group is
      bonded to the ferrocene unit with a P-C bond length of 1.749 (3) A. In the
      crystal, six ferrocenyl-phospho-nic acid mol-ecules are connected by 12 strong
      inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of a highly
      distorted octa-hedral cage. The volume of the octa-hedral cage is about 270 A(3).

PMID- 22090864
TI  - Poly[MU(4)-glutarato-di-MU(3)-glutarato-bis-(1,10-phenanthroline)diyttrium(III)].
AB  - In the title complex, [Y(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4))(3)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)](n), three
      glutarate groups and two 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecules surround the two Y(III)
      ions. Both Y(III) ions are coordinated by two N atoms from the 1,10
      phenanthroline, seven O atoms from five glutarate groups in a distorted tricapped
      trigonal-prismatic geometry. The Y(III) ions are bridged by glutarate ligands in
      three modes, forming a layered, polymeric structure. The resulting layers are
      assembled by pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.740
      (3) and 3.571 (3) A] into a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

PMID- 22090865
TI  - Tetra-MU-acetato-bis-[(1,3-benzothia-zole)copper(II)](Cu-Cu).
AB  - The title compound, [Cu(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(4)(C(7)H(5)NS)(2)] or
      [(C(7)H(5)NS)Cu](2)(MU-O(2)CCH(3))(4), crystallizes with one mol-ecule per unit
      cell. The coordination number of copper is six with four basal O atoms, one axial
      N atom and one axial Cu atom. Four acetate ligands act as bidentate linker and
      connect two Cu atoms, with a crystallographic inversion center located at the mid
      point of the Cu-Cu bond. The acetate ligands form slightly distorted square
      planes around each metal ion, while the copper ions are displaced by 0.2089 (4) A
      from these planes towards the N atoms. Thus, the Cu-Cu distance is elongated to
      2.6378 (7) A, compared with the 2.2180 (7) A distance between the two basal
      planes. The angle between the basal plane and the Cu-N bond is 4.84 (6) degrees .

PMID- 22090866
TI  - Tetra-kis(2-amino-4-methyl-pyridinium) cyclo-tetra-MU(2)-oxido-tetra-kis-[dioxido
      vanadate(V)] tetra-hydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C(6)H(9)N(2))(4)[V(4)O(12)].4H(2)O,
      contains half of a [V(4)O(12)](4-) anion, two 2-amino-4-methyl-pyridinium,
      (2a4mpH)(+), cations and two water mol-ecules. One water mol-ecule is disordered
      over two sets of sites with equal occupancies and the H atoms for this mol-ecule
      were not included in the refinement. The cation lies on an inversion center with
      four tetra-hedral VO(4) units each sharing two vertices, forming an eight
      membered ring. In the crystal, the components are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming a one-dimensional network along [100]. Further
      stabilization is provided by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds. In
      addition, pi-pi stacking inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances of 3.5420
      (18), 3.7577 (18) and 3.6311 (19) A are observed.

PMID- 22090867
TI  - Hexachloridobis-{MU-2-(piperazin-1-yl)-N-[1-(2-pyrid-yl)ethyl-idene]ethanamine}
      trizinc dihydrate.
AB  - In the trinuclear title compound, [Zn(3)Cl(6)(C(13)H(20)N(4))(2)].2H(2)O, each
      terminal Zn(II) atom is coordinated by an N(3) donor set from the Schiff base
      ligands and two Cl atoms in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The central
      Zn(II) atom is tetra-hedrally coordinated by two piperazine N atoms from two
      Schiff base ligands and two Cl atoms. The piperazine rings adopt chair
      conformations. In the crystal structure, adjacent complex mol-ecules are linked
      into a three-dimensional network via N-H?O, C-H?Cl and C-H?O hydrogen bonds. The
      structure includes two water mol-ecules, one of which is disordered over two
      positions with occupancies of 0.753 (15) and 0.247 (15).

PMID- 22090868
TI  - Triethyl-ammonium hexa-MU(2)-acetato-kappaO:O'-diacetato-kappaO-aqua-MU(3)-oxido
      triferrate(III) toluene monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, (C(6)H(16)N)[Fe(3)(CH(3)CO(2))(8)O(H(2)O)].C(7)H(8), was
      serendipitously crystallized from a reaction of disilanol with iron(II) acetate.
      The trinuclear acetatoferrate(III) anion has a triethyl-ammonium cation as the
      counterion. The three Fe atoms lie on the vertices of a regular triangle and are
      octa-hedrally coordinated. The complete coordination of the anion includes shared
      ligands among the three metal ions: a central tribridging O atom and six
      bidentate bridging acetyl groups. The six-coordinations of two of the metal ions
      are completed by a monodentate acetate ligand, whereas that of the third metal
      ion is completed by a water mol-ecule. The uncoordinated triethyl-ammonium cation
      is involved in N-H?O hydrogen bonding to a singly coordinated acetyl group. The
      coordinated aqua mol-ecule is involved in bifurcated O-H?O hydrogen bonding. C
      H?O inter-actions are also observed. The toluene solvent molecule is disordered
      over two sets of sites in a 0.609 (11):0.391 (11) ratio.

PMID- 22090869
TI  - Triaqua-1kappaO-MU-cyanido-1:2kappaN:C-penta-cyanido-2kappaC-tetra-kis-(dimethyl
      formamide-1kappaO)-1-holmium(III)-2-iron(III) monohydrate.
AB  - In the bimetallic cyanide-bridged title complex,
      [Fe(0.98)HoRu(0.02)(CN)(6)(C(3)H(7)NO)(4)(H(2)O)(3)].H(2)O, the Ho(III) ion is in
      a slightly distorted square-anti-prismatic arrangement formed by seven O atoms
      from four dimethyl-formamide (DMF) mol-ecules and three water mol-ecules, and one
      N atom from a bridging cyanide group connected with the Fe(III) atom which is
      octa-hedrally coordinated by six cyanide groups. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      held together through O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions to form a
      three-dimensional framework. Elemental analysis of one of the precursors and the
      crystal shows that there is a slight contamination of Fe by Ru. The Fe site
      displays, therefore, small substitutional disorder with site-occupancy factors
      Fe/Ru = 0.98:0.02. The two methyl groups of two dimethyl-formamide ligands are
      positionally disordered with site-occupancy factors of 0.44 (3):0.56 (3) and 0.44
      (3):0.56 (3).

PMID- 22090870
TI  - Bis(acetonitrile-kappaN)dichlorido(eta-cyclo-octa-1,5-diene)ruthenium(II)
      acetonitrile monosolvate.
AB  - In the title Ru(II) complex, [RuCl(2)(C(8)H(12))(C(2)H(3)N)(2)].CH(3)CN, the
      metal ion is coordinated to the centers of each of the double bonds of the cyclo
      octa-diene ligand, to two chloride ions (in cis positions) and to two N-atom
      donors (from MeCN mol-ecules) that complete the coordination sphere for the
      neutral complex. The coordination about the Ru(II) atom can thus be considered to
      be octa-hedral with a slightly trigonal distortion. There is also one
      acetonitrile solvent mol-ecule per mol-ecule which is outside the coordination
      sphere of the ruthenium atom.

PMID- 22090871
TI  - [Bis(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl) ether]trichlorido-rhodium(III) dichloro-methane
      monosolvate: unusual hydrolysis of the methyl-ene bridge in (pyrazolylmeth
      yl)pyridine.
AB  - In the title compound, [RhCl(3)(C(12)H(12)N(2)O)].CH(2)Cl(2), the Rh(III) atom
      shows a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry being coordinated by two N atoms
      and one O atom from the 2,2'-(oxydimethanedi-yl)dipyridine ligand and three Cl
      atoms. Two Cl atoms adopt a trans arrangement to the two pyridyl N atoms, while
      the third Cl atom and the O atoms occupy the axial site. The Rh-Cl bonds that are
      trans to the pyridyl N atoms are slightly longer than the Rh-Cl bond distance
      trans to the O atom.

PMID- 22090872
TI  - Tetra-MU(2)-acetato-diaqua-bis-(MU(2)-2-{[1,3-dihy-droxy-2-(oxidometh-yl)propan-2
      yl]imino-meth-yl}phenolato)trimanganese(II,III) acetonitrile disolvate dihydrate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Mn(II)Mn(III)
      (2)(C(11)H(13)NO(4))(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(4)(H(2)O)(2)].2CH(3)CN.2H(2)O, there are two
      Mn(III) and one Mn(II) atoms. The Mn(II) atom lies on an inversion center and the
      Mn(III)-Mn(II)-Mn(III) angle is therefore 180 degrees , as required by
      crystallographic symmetry. The Mn(III) and Mn(II) atoms are six-coordinated in a
      distorted octa-hedral geometry. In the crystal, complex mol-ecules and solvent
      mol-ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by O-H?O and O-H?N
      hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22090873
TI  - Poly[[MU-1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)benzene-kappaN:N']di-MU-bromido
      cadmium].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [CdBr(2)(C(12)H(12)N(2)O(2))](n), the Cd(II)
      ion, situated on an inversion centre, is coordinated by four bridging Br atoms
      and two N atoms from two 1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)benzene (L) ligands
      in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The L ligand, which also lies across an
      inversion centre, bridges two Cd(II) ions, forming layers parallel to (010).

PMID- 22090874
TI  - Bis(MU-3,5-dimethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine-kappaN:N)bis-[bis-(thio-cyanato
      kappaN)zinc]-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine-kappaN)bis-(thio-cyanato
      kappaN)zinc (1/2).
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title 1:2 adduct,
      [Zn(2)(NCS)(4)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)].2[Zn(NCS)(2)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)] or (Ia).2(Ib),
      each Zn(II) atom is coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry by four N
      atoms from two triazole rings of two 4-amino-3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazole (admt)
      ligands and two NCS(-) ligands. In (Ia), double N(1):N(2)-bridging admt ligands
      connect two Zn(II) atoms, forming a dimer with a Zn(2)(admt)(2) six-membered
      metallacycle located on a crystallographic inversion center. In (Ib), the admt
      ligands exhibit monodentate N(1)-coordination modes. Weak N-H?N, N-H?S and C-H?S
      hydrogen bonds play an important role in the inter-molecular packing. The S and C
      atoms of two thiocyanato ligands are disordered over two sets of sites in ratios
      of 0.57 (3):0.43 (3) and 0.63 (3):0.37 (3), respectively.

PMID- 22090875
TI  - catena-Poly[[diaqua-calcium]bis-[MU-2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetato]
      kappaO,O':O;kappaO:O,O'].
AB  - In the title complex, [Ca(C(10)H(6)NO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), the Ca(II) atom lies
      on a twofold rotation axis and adopts a dodeca-hedral geometry. The Ca(II) atom
      is octa-coordinated by two O atoms from two water mol-ecules and six O atoms from
      four acetate ligands. Each acetate acts as a tridentate ligand bridging two
      Ca(II) atoms, resulting in a chain running along the c axis. O-H?O and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds connect the chains into a two-dimensional network parallel to
      [011]. pi-pi inter-actions between adjacent isoindoline-1,3-dione rings [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.4096 (11) A] further consolidate the structure. One of the
      carboxylate O atoms is disordered over two sites in a 0.879 (12):0.121 (12)
      ratio.

PMID- 22090876
TI  - MU-Oxido-bis-{bis-[(penta-fluoro-phen-yl)methano-lato](eta-penta-methyl-cyclo
      penta-dien-yl)titanium(IV)}.
AB  - The dinuclear title complex, [Ti(2)(C(10)H(15))(2)(C(7)H(2)F(5)O)(4)O], features
      two Ti(IV) atoms bridged by an O atom. Each Ti atom is bonded to a eta(5)-penta
      methyl-cyclo-penta-dienyl ring, two (penta-fluoro-phen-yl)methano-late anions and
      to the bridging O atom. The environment around each Ti atom can be considered as
      a distorted tetra-hedron.

PMID- 22090877
TI  - 3,5-Diamino-4H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ium hydroxonium bis-(pyridine-2,6-di-carboxyl
      ato)cobaltate(II) pyridine-2,6-dicarb-oxy-lic acid monohydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title complex,
      (C(2)H(6)N(5))(H(3)O)[Co(C(7)H(3)NO(4))(2)].C(7)H(5)NO(4).H(2)O, contains a
      Co(II) ion coordin-ated by four O atoms and two N atoms from two dipicolinate
      ligands in a disorted octa-hedral environment, a protonated triazole mol-ecule, a
      neutral pyridine-2,6-dicarb-oxy-lic acid mol-ecule, a hydroxonium ion and a
      solvent water mol-ecule. In the crystal, the components are linked into a three
      dimensional framework by inter-molecular O-H?O, N-H?O and N-H?N and weak C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds. In addition, pi-pi stacking inter-actions with centroid-centroid
      distances in the range 3.4809 (7)-3.8145 (6) A are observed.

PMID- 22090878
TI  - Poly[aqua-[MU(5)-5-(isonicotinamido)-isophthalato][MU(4)-5-(isonicotinamido)
      isophthalato]cerium(III)silver(I)].
AB  - The 4d-4f heteronuclear title complex, [AgCe(C(14)H(8)N(2)O(5))(2)(H(2)O)](n),
      has a three-dimensional framework structure, generated by the carboxyl-ate and
      pyridyl groups of the 5-(isonicotinamido)-isophthalate (INAIP) ligands bridging
      the metal ions. The Ce(III) atom is coordinated by eight O atoms from six INAIP
      ligands and a water mol-ecule in a distorted tricapped trigonal-prismatic
      geometry, while the Ag(I) atom has a distorted trigonal-planar AgN(2)O geometry.
      O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter-actions between the pyridine and
      benzene rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.642 (4) and 3.624 (3) A] stabilize
      the crystal structure.

PMID- 22090879
TI  - Redetermination of diaqua-tetra-kis-(dimethyl-formamide-kappaO)magnesium
      dichloride.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound, [Mg(C(3)H(7)NO)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]Cl(2),
      in which the Mg ion lies on a crystallographic inversion centre, confirms that of
      the previous room-temperature study [Pavanello et al. (1995 ?). Main Group Met.
      Chem.18, 9-19]. This redetermination at 113 K has improved geometry precision by
      almost an order of magnitude [e.g. Mg-O(w) (w = water) distances = 2.094 (4) and
      2.0899 (7) A in the old and new structures, respectively] and allowed the water H
      atoms to be located and their positions refined. In the crystal, O-H?Cl hydrogen
      bonds between the two aqua ligands of the complex mol-ecule and neighboring
      chloride counter-anions generate supra-molecular chains propagating along [010].
      The dicationic [Mg(DMF)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] unit (DMF is dimethyl-formamide) adopts a
      slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry in which the Mg atom is coordinated by
      four DMF O atoms in a pseudo-tetra-gonal arrangement and two trans aqua ligands.

PMID- 22090880
TI  - catena-Poly[[dibromidomercury(II)]-MU-3,6-bis-(2-pyridyl-sulfan-yl)pyridazine
      kappaN:N].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [HgBr(2)(C(14)H(10)N(4)S(2))](n), the Hg(II)
      atom is four-coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry by the two N atoms
      of the pyridyl groups of different 3,6-bis-(2-pyridyl-sulfan-yl)pyridazine
      ligands and two Br atoms. The bridging function of the cis ligands leads to a
      helical chain structure along [100].

PMID- 22090881
TI  - Poly[[bis-(nitrato-kappaO)bis-(MU(4)-pyridine-4-carboxyl-ato)tetra-kis-(MU(3)
      pyridine-4-carboxyl-ato)octa-silver(I)] hemihydrate].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer,
      {[Ag(8)(C(6)H(4)NO(2))(6)(NO(3))(2)].0.5H(2)O}(n), two Ag(I) ions are two
      coordinate within an AgN(2) set and six are three-coordinate within AgN(2)O and
      AgO(3) sets. The Ag-N and Ag-O distances are in the ranges 2.150 (5)-2.198 (5)
      and 2.142 (4)-2.702 (5) A, respectively. A two-dimensional coordination network
      is formed parallel to (100). The O atom of the disordered solvent water mol-ecule
      is located on an inversion center.

PMID- 22090882
TI  - N-(Quinolin-8-yl)ferrocene-1-carbox-amide.
AB  - In the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(15)H(11)N(2)O)], the cyclo-penta-dienyl
      rings are essentially eclipsed, and the dihedral angle between the cyclo-penta
      dienyl ring planes is 0.632 (10) degrees . The Fe atom is slightly closer to the
      substituted cyclo-penta-dienyl ring, with an Fe-centroid distance of 1.6374 (3) A
      [1.6494 (3) A for the unsubstituted ring]. The amide group is essentially
      coplanar with the substituted cyclo-penta-dienyl ring, with an N-C(O)-C-C torsion
      angle of 2.3 (3) degrees .

PMID- 22090883
TI  - Bis(MU(2)-2-amino-5-nitro-benzoato)bis-(2-amino-5-nitro-benzoato)octa-butyldi
      MU(3)-oxido-tetra-tin(IV).
AB  - In the title complex, [Sn(4)(C(4)H(9))(8)(C(7)H(5)N(2)O(4))(4)O(2)], all four
      Sn(IV) atoms are five-coordinated with distorted trigonal-bipyramidal SnC(2)O(3)
      geometries. Two Sn(IV) atoms are coordin-ated by two butyl groups, one benzoate O
      atom and two bridging O atoms, whereas the other two Sn(IV) atoms are coordinated
      by two butyl groups, two benzoate O atoms and a bridging O atom. All the butyl
      groups are equatorial with respect to the SnO(3) trigonal plane. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked into a two-dimensional layer parallel to the ab plane by
      inter-molecular N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds and further stabilized by a pi-pi
      inter-action [centroid-centroid distance = 3.6489 (11) A]. Intra-molecular N-H?O
      and C-H?O hydrogen bonds stabilize the mol-ecular structure. Two of the butyl
      groups are each disordered over two sets of sites with site-occupancy ratios of
      0.510 (4):0.490 (4) and 0.860 (5):0.140 (5).

PMID- 22090884
TI  - Bis[1-benzyl-3-(4-methyl-phen-yl)imidazol-2-yl-idene]silver(I) hexa-fluorido
      phosphate.
AB  - The title silver N-heterocyclic carbene compound, [Ag(C(17)H(16)N(2))(2)]PF(6),
      crystallizes as a mononuclear salt. The two imidazole rings, which are almost
      coplanar [maximum deviation from the least squares plane of 0.05 (2) A], are
      linked by the Ag atom with a C-Ag-C angle of 178.60 (9) degrees . In the crystal,
      C-H?F hydrogen bonds, weak pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances =
      3.921 (1) and 3.813 (3) A] and C-H?pi inter-actions lead to a supermolecular
      structure.

PMID- 22090885
TI  - 3,3'-Dimethyl-1,1'-(propane-1,3-di-yl)diimidazol-1-ium bis-(1,2-dicyano-ethene
      1,2-dithiol-ato-kappaS,S')nickelate(II).
AB  - In the title compound, (C(11)H(18)N(4))[Ni(C(4)N(2)S(2))(2)], the asymmetric
      contains one half-complex, with the cation placed on a twofold axis and the anion
      located on an inversion center. The Ni(II) ion in the anion is coordinated by
      four S atoms of two maleonitrile-dithiol-ate ligands, and exhibits the expected
      square-planar coordination geometry.

PMID- 22090886
TI  - Poly[[aqua-(MU(7)-biphenyl-3,3',4,4'-tetra-carboxyl-ato)(1,10
      phenanthroline)dicobalt(II)] monohydrate].
AB  - In the title compound,
      {[Co(2)(C(16)H(6)O(8))(C(12)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)(2)].H(2)O}(n), one Co(II) ion has a
      {CoN(2)O(4)} distorted octa-hedral environment defined by two N atoms of one 1,10
      phenanthroline (phen) ligand, three O atoms of the carboxyl-ate groups of three
      biphenyl-3,3',4,4'-tetra-carboxyl-ate (BPTC) ligands, one of which is bidentate,
      and one O atom from one coordinated water mol-ecule. The other Co(II) atom is
      surrounded by six O atoms from four different BPTC ligands and one coordinated
      water mol-ecule. Each BPTC ligand forms eight coordination bonds with seven
      Co(II) atoms, leading to a layer structure along the ac plane. Uncoordinated
      water mol-ecules occupy the space between the layers, and inter-act via inter
      layer O-H?O hydrogen bonds along the b axis, generating a three-dimensional supra
      molecular network.

PMID- 22090887
TI  - Triaqua-(7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO,O,O)cobalt(II)
      monohydrate.
AB  - The title complex, [Co(C(8)H(8)O(5))(H(2)O)(3)].H(2)O, was synthesized by
      reaction of cobalt acetate with 7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarb-oxy-lic
      anhydride (norcantharidin) in aqueous solution. In the mol-ecule, the Co(II) atom
      is six-coordinated in a distorted octa-hedral environment, binding to the
      bridging O atom of the bicyclo-heptane unit, to two O atoms from monodentate
      carboxyl-ate groups and to three water O atoms. The crystal structure is
      stabilized by several O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions involving both the
      coordinated and uncoordinated water mol-ecules as donors and the carboxyl-ate O
      atoms of neighbouring mol-ecules as acceptors.

PMID- 22090888
TI  - Poly[[tetra-aqua-bis-(MU(3)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ato)tetra-kis-(MU(2)-1H
      imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ato)tricobalt(II)diytterbium(III)] dihydrate].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      {[Co(3)Yb(2)(C(5)H(2)N(2)O(4))(6)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O}(n), contains one Yb(III)
      ion, two Co(II) ions (one situated on an inversion centre), three imidazole-4,5
      dicarboxyl-ate ligands, two coordinated water mol-ecules and one uncoordinated
      water mol-ecule. The Yb(III) ion is seven-coordinated, in a monocapped trigonal
      prismatic coordination geometry, by six O atoms from three imidazole-4,5
      dicarboxyl-ate ligands and one water O atom. Both Co(II) ions are six-coordinated
      in a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry. The Co(II) ion that is located on
      an inversion center is coordinated by two O atoms from two water mol-ecules, as
      well as two O atoms and two N atoms from two imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate
      ligands. The second Co(II) ion is bonded to four O atoms and two N atoms from
      four imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligands. These metal coordination units are
      connected by bridging imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligands, generating a three
      dimensional network. The crystal structure is further stabilized by N-H?O, O-H?O
      and C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions involving the water mol-ecules and the
      imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligands.

PMID- 22090889
TI  - Bis(1H-imidazole-kappaN)bis-(2-methyl-benzoato-kappaO)bis-(2-methyl-benzoic acid
      kappaO)copper(II).
AB  - The structure of the title compound,
      [Cu(C(8)H(7)O(2))(2)(C(3)H(4)N(2))(2)(C(8)H(8)O(2))(2)], consists of
      centrosymmetric monomeric units, in which the Cu(II) atom has a tetra-gonally
      distorted octa-hedral coordination involving two imidazole N atoms and two
      carboxyl-ate O atoms in the square plane [Cu-N = 1.964 (3) and Cu-O = 1.960 (2)
      A] and 2-methyl-benzoic acid O atoms in axial sites [Cu-O = 2.753 (3) A]. Within
      the complex, the carb-oxy-lic acid forms intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      while the mol-ecules are assembled through N-H?O(carbox-yl) hydrogen bonds into
      chains extending along the a-axis direction. These chains are further linked by
      weak pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid separation = 3.930 (2) A].

PMID- 22090890
TI  - Bis(acetonitrile-kappaN)diaqua-bis-(perchlorato-kappaO)copper(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(ClO(4))(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Cu(2+) ion,
      located on a special position (site symmetry [Formula: see text]), is coordinated
      by six monodentate ligands, viz. an N-coordin-ated acetonitrile, a perchlorate
      anion and a water mol-ecule, and their symmetry-related counterparts. The
      perchlorate anion is disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.53
      (2) and 0.47 (2). The crystal structure is stabilized by O-H?O hydrogen bonds
      involving the perchlorate ion and aqua H atoms.

PMID- 22090891
TI  - {MU-6,6'-Dimeth-oxy-2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diyl-bis(nitrilo-methanylyl
      idene)]diphenolato-1kappaO,O,O,O;2kappaO,N,N',O}(methanol-1kappaO)(tetra
      fluoridoborato-1kappaF,F')-2-copper(II)-1-sodium.
AB  - In the dinuclear salen-type title complex,
      [CuNa(BF(4))(C(18)H(18)N(2)O(4))(CH(3)OH)], the Cu(II) atom is chelated by two O
      atoms and two N atoms of the deprotonated Schiff base in a square-planar
      geometry. The Na atom is seven-coordinate as it is linked to four O atoms of the
      same Schiff base ligand, one O atom of the methanol and two tetra-fluorido-borate
      F atoms. The remaining two F atoms of the anion are disordered over two sites in
      a 0.598 (18):0.402 (18) ratio.

PMID- 22090892
TI  - Di-MU-nicotinamide-kappaN:O;kappaO:N-bis-[aqua-bis-(4-bromo-benzoato)
      kappaO;kappaO,O'-manganese(II)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric dinuclear title compound,
      [Mn(2)(C(7)H(4)BrO(2))(4)(C(6)H(6)N(2)O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Mn(II) atom is
      coordinated by one N atom from one bridging nicotinamide ligand and one O atom
      from another symmetry-related bridging nicotinamide ligand, three O atoms from
      two 4-bromo-benzoate ligands and one water mol-ecule in a distorted octa-hedral
      geometry. The dihedral angles between the carboxyl-ate groups and the adjacent
      benzene rings are 10.89 (16) and 8.4 (2) degrees , while the benzene rings are
      oriented at a dihedral angle of 6.09 (13) degrees . Inter-molecular O-H?O, N-H?O
      and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional
      network. pi-pi inter-actions, indicated by short centroid-centroid distances
      [3.845 (2) A between the benzene rings, 3.650 (2) A between the pyridine rings
      and 3.700 (3) A between the benzene and pyridine rings] further stabilize the
      structure.

PMID- 22090893
TI  - Poly[[MU-aqua-tetraaquabis(MU-2-hydroxy-4-oxocyclobut-1-ene-1,3
      diolato)strontium] hemihydrate].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, {[Sr(C(4)HO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(5)].0.5H(2)O}(n),
      the Sr(2+) ion is coordinated by three monodentate hydrogensquarate (hsq) anions
      and six aqua ligands in a distorted SrO(9) monocapped square-anti-prismatic
      geometry. The hsq anions and water mol-ecules bridge the metal ions into infinite
      sheets lying parallel to (100). The O atom of the uncoordinated water mol-ecule
      lies on a crystallographic twofold axis. The packing is stabilized by numerous O
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090894
TI  - {N'-[(E)-1-(5-Bromo-2-oxidophen-yl)ethyl-idene-kappaO]-4-methyl-benzohydrazidato
      kappaN',O}(pyridine-kappaN)nickel(II).
AB  - The central Ni(II) atom in the title complex,
      [Ni(C(16)H(13)BrN(2)O(2))(C(5)H(5)N)], is in a square-planar trans-N(2)O(2)
      environment defined by the NO(2) donor atoms of the tridentate hydrazone ligand
      and the monodentate pyridine ligand. The pyridine mol-ecule forms a dihedral
      angle of 9.99 (11) degrees  with the least-squares plane through the NiN(2)O(2)
      atoms.

PMID- 22090895
TI  - catena-Poly[[(aqualithium)-MU-3-carboxypyrazine-2-carboxylato-kappaO,N:O,N]
      monohydrate].
AB  - The polymeric structure of the title compound
      {[Li(C(6)H(3)N(2)O(4))(H(2)O)].H(2)O}(n), contains two symmetry-independent Li(I)
      complex units, both having distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination
      environments. The Li(I) ions are bridged by both the N and O atoms of the
      ligands, generating two symmetry-independent polymeric chains propagating along
      the b-axis direction. In both ligands, the second carboxyl-ato O atom remains
      protonated, serving as a donor in a short intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond.
      The coordination of each Li(I) ion is completed by a water O atom. The ribbons
      are held together by a network of O-H?O hydrogen bonds in which the coordinated
      and uncoordinated water mol-ecules are donors and the carboxyl-ato O atoms act as
      acceptors.

PMID- 22090896
TI  - (Acetonitrile-kappaN)[2-(diphenylphosphan-yl)ethanamine-kappaN,P][(1,2,3,4,5-eta)
      1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl]iron(II) hexafluoridophosphate
      tetrahydrofuran monosolvate.
AB  - In the title cationic Cp(*)Fe(II) complex,
      [Fe(C(10)H(15))(CH(3)CN)(C(14)H(16)NP)]PF(6).C(4)H(8)O, the metal ion is
      coordinated by the eta(5)-Cp* ring as well as the P and N atoms of the chelating
      2-(diphenyl-phosphino)ethyl-amine ligand and an additional acetonitrile mol-ecule
      in a piano-chair conformation. The PF(6) (-) anion is disordered over two sets of
      sites with occupancies of 0.779 (7) and 0.221 (7).

PMID- 22090897
TI  - catena-Poly[[(3-methyl-pyridine)-copper(I)]-MU-cyanido-copper(I)-MU-cyanido].
AB  - In the title complex, [Cu(2)(CN)(2)(C(6)H(7)N)](n), there are two copper atoms
      with different coordination environments. One Cu atom (Cu1) is linked to the two
      cyanide ligands, one N atom from a pyridine ring while the other (Cu2) is
      coordinated by the two cyanide ligands in a slightly distorted tetra-hedral
      geometry and linked to Cu1, forming a triangular coordination environment. The Cu
      atoms are bridged by bidentate cyanide ligands, forming an infinite Cu-CN chain.
      One cyanide ligand is equally disordered over two sets of sites, exchanging C and
      N atoms coordinated to both metal atoms. However, one cyanide group is not
      disordered and it coordinates to Cu1 via the N atom whereas its C-atom
      counterpart coordinates Cu2. The 3-methyl-pyridine (3MP) ligand coordinates
      through the N atom to Cu1 as a terminal ligand, which originates from decyanation
      of 3-pyridyl-acetonitrile under hydro-thermal conditions. Adjacent Cu-CN chains
      are inter-connected through Cu?Cu inter-actions [2.8364 (10) A], forming a three
      dimensional framework.

PMID- 22090898
TI  - catena-Poly[[(nitrito-kappaO,O')silver(I)]-MU-1,2-bis-[1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl
      idene]hydrazine-kappaN:N'].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ag(NO(2))(C(14)H(14)N(4))](n),
      contains half of the repeating formula unit (Z' = 1/2). The Ag(I) ion lies on a
      twofold rotation axis. The primary structure consists of a one-dimensional
      coordination polymer formed by the Ag(I) ions and the bipyridyl azine ligand in
      which there is an inversion center at the mid-point of the N-N bond. The nitrite
      anion inter-acts with the Ag(I) ion through a chelating MU(2) inter-action
      involving both O atoms. In the crystal, the coordination chains are parallel and
      inter-act through Ag?pi [3.220 (2) A] and pi-pi [3.489 (3) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22090899
TI  - catena-Poly[tris(2,4,6-trimethyl-anilinium) [(tetrachloridocadmium)-MU
      chlorido]].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, {(C(9)H(14)N)(3)[CdCl(5)]}(n),
      comprises three 2,4,6-trimethyl-aniline dications and one half of the
      [Cd(2)Cl(10)](6-) anion. The Cd atoms are each coordinated by six Cl atoms, with
      octa-hedra linked by bridging, apical Cl atoms, forming linear chains running
      parallel to the a axis. The trimethylanilinium cations form stacks between the
      chains of CdCl(6) octa-hedra.

PMID- 22090900
TI  - trans-Bis(acetato-kappaO)diaquabis-(2-amino-pyrazine-kappaN)manganese(II)
      dihydrate.
AB  - The Mn(II) atom in the title compound,
      [Mn(CH(3)COO)(2)(C(4)H(5)N(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O, is situated on a center of
      inversion and shows an octa-hedral coordination polyhedron made up by four O
      atoms and two N atoms. The octa-hedron is somewhat tetra-gonally distorted owing
      to the longer Mn-N bond [2.323 (3) A]. The mononuclear complex mol-ecule and
      uncoordinated water mol-ecules are linked by O-H?N, N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds, generating a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22090901
TI  - Bis[MU(2)-bis-(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)methane-kappaP:P']bis-(MU(4)-diphenyl
      phosphinato-kappaO:O:O':O')bis-[MU(2)-trifluoro-methane-sulfonato-(0.546/0.454)]
      kappaO:O';kappaO:O-tetra-silver(I) acetonitrile disolvate.
AB  - In the centrosymmetric tetra-nuclear title compound,
      [Ag(4)(C(12)H(10)O(2)P)(2)(CF(3)O(3)S)(2)(C(25)H(22)P(2))(2)].2CH(3)CN, the Ag(I)
      atom is coordinated by one P atom from a bis-(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)methane (dppm)
      ligand, two O atoms from two diphenyl-phosphinate (dpp) ligands and one O atom
      from a trifluoro-methane-sulfonate (OTf) anion in a highly distorted tetra-hedral
      geometry. Four Ag(I) atoms are bridged by two dppm ligands, two dpp ligands and
      two OTf anions, forming a tetra-nuclear complex. An weak intra-molecular Ag?Ag
      [3.2692 (14) A] inter-action is observed. The OTf anion and one of the phenyl
      groups in the dppm ligand are disordered over two sets of positions in a 0.546
      (4):0.454 (4) ratio. The 0.546-occupied OTf is bonded to two Ag atoms in a MU
      (kappa(2)O:O') mode, while the 0.454-occupied OTf is bonded in a MU-(kappa(2)O:O)
      mode. The methyl group of the acetonitrile solvent mol-ecule is also disordered
      over two positions with equal occupancy factors.

PMID- 22090902
TI  - Bis[1-(4-chloro-benz-yl)pyridinium] bis-(1,2,5-thia-diazole-3,4-dithiol
      ato)nickelate(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the salt, (C(12)H(11)ClN)(2)[Ni(C(2)N(2)S(3))(2)],
      comprises one cation and a half of Ni(tdas)(2) (tdas = 1,2,5-thia-diazole-3,4
      dithiol-ate) anion. The Ni(II) atom is located at a centre of inversion. The
      Ni(II) atom has a square-planar coordination with Ni-S distances of 2.2052 (4)
      and 2.1970 (5) A. In crystal, weak C-H?S and C-H?Ni contacts are observed between
      the anions and cations.

PMID- 22090903
TI  - catena-Poly[(dichloridocadmium)-di-MU-chlorido-[bis-(morpholinium-kappaO)cadmium]
      di-MU-chlorido].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(2)Cl(6)(C(4)H(10)NO)(2)](n), the coordination geometry
      of each Cd(II) ion is distorted octa-hedral, but with quite different
      coordination environments. One Cd(II) atom is coordinated by four Cl atoms and
      two O atoms from two morpholinium ligands, while the other is coordinated by six
      Cl atoms. Adjacent Cd(II) atoms are inter-connected alternately by paired
      chloride bridges, generating a chain parallel to the a axis. Inter-chain N-H?Cl
      inter-actions form a two-dimensional network.

PMID- 22090904
TI  - {2,2'-[(2,2-Dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl-dinitrilo)bis(phenylmethylidyne)]di
      phenolato}copper(II).
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title complex, [Cu(C(31)H(28)N(2)O(2))], is
      generated by the application of twofold symmetry; the Cu and CMe(2) atoms lie on
      the axis. The geometry around the Cu(II) atom is distorted square-planar. The
      dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is 76.0 (3)  degrees . The crystal
      packing is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090905
TI  - {MU-N,N,N',N'-Tetra-kis[(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)meth-yl]benzene-1,4-diamine}-bis
      [(2,2'-bipyrid-yl)copper(I)] bis-(tetra-fluoridoborate).
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)(C(58)H(52)N(2)P(4))](BF(4))(2),
      the dinuclear cation lies on an inversion centre. The Cu(I) atom is coordinated
      by two N atoms from a 2,2'-bipyridine ligand and two P atoms from an N,N,N',N'
      tetra-kis-[(diphenyl-phos-phan-yl)meth-yl]benzene-1,4-diamine ligand in a
      distorted tetra-hedral geometry. In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?F hydrogen
      bonds link the ions into layers parallel to [[Formula: see text]01]. pi-pi inter
      actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.668 (4) A] are also observed. One F atom
      of the anion is disordered over two orientations with a refined occupancy ratio
      of 0.675 (13):0.325 (13).

PMID- 22090906
TI  - MU-Oxido-bis-[bis-(penta-fluoro-phenolato)(eta-penta-methyl-cyclo-penta-dien
      yl)titanium(IV)].
AB  - The dinuclear title complex, [Ti(2)(C(10)H(15))(2)(C(6)F(5)O)(4)O], features two
      Ti(IV) atoms bridged by an O atom, which lies on an inversion centre. The Ti(IV)
      atom is bonded to a eta(5)-penta-methyl-cyclo-penta-dienyl ring, two penta-fluoro
      phenolate anions and to the bridging O atom. The environment around the Ti(IV)
      atom can be considered as a distorted tetra-hedron. The cyclo-penta-dienyl ring
      is disordered over two sets of sites [site occupancy = 0.824 (8) for the major
      component].

PMID- 22090907
TI  - Tetra-kis(acetonitrile-kappaN)lithium hexa-fluoridophosphate acetonitrile
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Li(CH(3)CN)(4)]PF(6).CH(3)CN, the asymmetric unit
      consists of three independent tetra-hedral [Li(CH(3)CN)(4)](+) cations, three
      uncoordinated PF(6) (-) anions and three uncoordinated CH(3)CN solvent mol
      ecules. The three anions are disordered over two sites through a rotation along
      one of the F-P-F axes. The relative occupancies of the two sites for the F atoms
      are 0.643 (16):0.357 (16), 0.677 (10):0.323 (10) and 0.723 (13):0.277 (13). The
      crystal used was a racemic twin, with approximately equal twin components.

PMID- 22090908
TI  - Bis[2-(2-fur-yl)-1-(2-furylmeth-yl)-1H-benzimidazole-kappaN]diiodidocadmium.
AB  - In the title complex, [CdI(2)(C(16)H(12)N(2)O(2))(2)], the Cd(II) atom is located
      on a twofold rotation axis and is four-coordinated by two N atoms from symmetry
      related 2-(2-fur-yl)-1-(2-furyl-meth-yl)-1H-benzimidazole ligands and two I atoms
      in a distorted tetra-hedral configuration. The benzimidazole rings in adjacent
      mol-ecules are parallel, with an average inter-planar distance of 3.486 A. The I
      atom is disordered over two sites in a 0.85 (5):0.15 (5) ratio.

PMID- 22090909
TI  - Tetra-ethyl-ammonium tri-MU-phenolato-bis-[tricarbonyl-manganate(I)].
AB  - The title compound, (C(8)H(20)N)[Mn(2)(C(6)H(5)O)(3)(CO)(6)], was synthesized
      from [Mn(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)(3)]BF(4) and (C(8)H(20)N)(OC(6)H(5)). The binuclear
      anion exhibits a pseudo-threefold symmetry and contains two six-coordinate Mn
      atoms. Each metal atom is coordinated by three facially oriented CO ligands and
      three doubly-bridging phenolate ligands. The average O-Mn-O bond angle is 74.9
      (7) degrees  in the Mn(2)O(3) metal-phenolate dimeric core, yielding a distorted
      octa-hedron for each metal.

PMID- 22090910
TI  - Poly[(MU-2-acet-oxy-benzoato)(2-acet-oxy-benzoato)-MU-aqua-mercury(II)].
AB  - In the title compound, [Hg(C(9)H(7)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)](n), the Hg(II) ion is five
      coordinated by three acetylsalicylate anions and water leading to the formation
      of a coordination polymer extending parallel to (001). O-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds are effective in the stabilization of the crystal structure.

PMID- 22090911
TI  - Bis(MU-4-amino-3,5-dimethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-kappaN:N)bis-(dibromidozinc).
AB  - The centrosymmetric dimeric title complex, [Zn(2)Br(4)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)], is
      isotypic with its [Zn(2)Cl(4)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)], [Zn(2)I(4)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)] and
      [Co(2)Cl(4)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)] analogues. The zinc atom is bonded to two N atoms
      belonging to triazole bridging rings and to two terminal bromide ligands, in a
      geometry close to tetra-hedral. Weak N-H?Br hydrogen bonds, with the amine
      functions as donor groups, are observed in the crystal structure, forming a three
      dimensional supra-molecular network.

PMID- 22090912
TI  - trans-Dichloridobis(3,5-dimethyl-pyridine-kappaN)(ethano-lato-kappaO)oxido
      rhenium(V).
AB  - The title compound, [Re(C(2)H(5)O)Cl(2)O(C(7)H(9)N)(2)], was crystallized from
      ethanol. The crystal structure of this complex contains a Re(V) atom in a
      slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry with pairs of equivalent
      ligands in trans positions. Adjacent complex mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is additionally stabilized by pi-pi
      stacking inter-actions between the aromatic rings with centroid-centroid
      distances of 3.546 (4) A.

PMID- 22090913
TI  - Poly[bis-[MU-1,4-bis-(imidazol-1-ylmeth-yl)benzene]-dichloridomanganese(II)].
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, [MnCl(2)(C(14)H(14)N(4))(2)](n),
      the Mn(II) atom, lying on an inversion center, is coordinated by four N atoms
      from four 1,4-bis-(imidazol-1-ylmeth-yl)benzene (bimb) ligands and two Cl(-)
      anions in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The bimb ligands bridge the Mn(II)
      atoms, forming a two-dimensional polymeric complex, which is composed of a 52
      membered [Mn(4)(bimb)(4)] ring with distances of 7.7812 (2) and 27.4731 (9) A
      between opposite metal atoms. Weak C-H?pi inter-actions are present in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22090915
TI  - Bis(MU(2)-2-chloro-benzoato-kappaO:O')bis-[(2-chloro-benzoato-kappaO)(1,10
      phenanthroline-kappaN:N')copper(II)] dihydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(2)(C(7)H(4)ClO(2))(4)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)].2H(2)O, the
      two crystallographically independent dinuclear complex mol-ecules, A and B, have
      different Cu?Cu separations, viz. 3.286 (1) A in A and 3.451 (1) A in B. Both
      independent mol-ecules reside on inversion centres, so the asymmetric unit
      contains a half-mol-ecule each of A and B and two water mol-ecules. Each Cu atom
      has a square-pyramidal environment, being coordinated by two O atoms from two
      bridging 2-chloro-benzoate ligands, one O atom from a monodentate 2-chloro
      benzoate ligand and two N atoms from a 1,10-phenanthroline ligand. The water mol
      ecules can also be considered as coordinating ligands, which complete the
      coordination geometry up to distorted octa-hedral with elongated Cu-O distances,
      viz. 3.024 (3) A in A and 2.917 (3) A in B. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular
      C-H?O inter-actions contribute to the consolidation of the crystal packing.

PMID- 22090914
TI  - catena-Poly[[(1,10-phenanthroline)zinc]-MU-2,2'-oxydibenzoato].
AB  - In the title one-dimensional coordination polymer,
      [Zn(C(14)H(8)O(5))(C(12)H(8)N(2))](n), the Zn(II) ion is in a distorted octa
      hedral coordination geometry with four O atoms from two carboxyl-ate groups in
      bidentate chelating modes and two N atoms from a 1,10-phenanthroline ligand. The
      two terminal carboxyl-ate groups bind the Zn(II) ions, leading to a chain along
      the c axis. Adjacent chains are further linked by inter-molecular pi-pi inter
      actions with a shortest centroid-centroid distance of 3.586 (3) A, forming a two
      dimensional supra-molecular architecture with (6,3)-network topology.

PMID- 22090916
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU-4-tert-butyl-benzoato)-kappaO:O,O';kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O'-bis-[aqua
      bis-(4-tert-butyl-benzoato-kappaO,O')(4-tert-butyl-benzoic acid
      kappaO)praseodymium(III)].
AB  - The reaction of praseodymium nitrate and 4-tert-butyl-benzoic acid (tBBAH) in
      aqueous solution yielded the dinuclear title complex,
      [Pr(2)(C(11)H(13)O(2))(6)(C(11)H(14)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], which has non
      crystallographic C(i) symmetry. The two Pr(III) ions are linked by two bridging
      and two bridging-chelating tBBA ligands, with a Pr?Pr separation of 4.0817 (9) A.
      Each Pr(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one chelating tBBA ion, one monodentate
      tBBAH ligand and one water mol-ecule in a distorted tricapped trigonal-prismatic
      environment. The complex mol-ecules are linked into infinite chains along the c
      axis by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090917
TI  - Aqua-(cyanido-kappaC){6,6'-dimeth-oxy-2,2'-[o-phenyl-enebis(nitrilo-methanylyl
      idene)]diphenolato-kappaO,N,N',O}cobalt(III) acetonitrile monosolvate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Co(C(22)H(18)N(2)O(4))(CN)(H(2)O)].CH(3)CN, the Co(III)
      ion is six-coordinated in a distorted octa-hedral environment defined by two N
      atoms and two O atoms from a salen ligand in the equatorial plane and one O atom
      from a water mol-ecule and one C atom from a cyanide group at the axial
      positions. O-H?O hydrogen bonds connect adjacent complex mol-ecules into dimers.
      C-H?N hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter-actions between the benzene rings [centroid
      centroid distances = 3.700 (2) and 3.845 (2) A] are also present.

PMID- 22090918
TI  - {MU-1,2-Bis[bis(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)phosphan-yl]-1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine
      kappaP:P'}bis-[chloridogold(I)] tetra-hydro-furan disolvate.
AB  - The title compound, [Au(2)Cl(2)(C(30)H(34)N(2)O(4)P(2))].2C(4)H(8)O, is formed
      from a bidentate phosphine ligand complexed to two almost linearly coordinated
      gold(I) atoms [P-Au-Cl = 175.68 (3) A]. The nuclei are 3.122 (2) A apart. The mol
      ecule exhibits a twofold rotation axis.

PMID- 22090919
TI  - Diaqua-bis-(N,N'-diethyl-nicotinamide-kappaN)bis-(4-fluoro-benzoato
      kappaO)copper(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title mononuclear Cu(II) complex,
      [Cu(C(7)H(4)FO(2))(2)(C(10)H(14)N(2)O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], contains one-half of the
      mol-ecule. The Cu(II) ion is located on an inversion centre, and is coordinated
      by two N atoms from two diethyl-nicotinamide ligands, two O atoms from two 4
      fluoro-benzoate (PFB) ligands and two water mol-ecules in a distorted octa-hedral
      geometry. In the PFB ligand, the carboxyl-ate group is twisted at an angle of
      2.10 (14) degrees  from the attached benzene ring. In the crystal structure,
      inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules related by translation along
      the a axis into chains. Weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter
      actions between the pyridine rings of neighbouring mol-ecules [centroid-to
      centroid distance = 3.571 (2) A] further consolidate the crystal packing.

PMID- 22090920
TI  - Poly[tetra-deca-aqua-tetra-kis-(MU(3)-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ato)hexa-MU(3)
      sulfato-cobalt(II)hexa-samarium(III)].
AB  - In the title three-dimensional compound,
      [CoSm(6)(C(5)H(2)N(2)O(4))(4)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(14)](n), the Co(II) ion is six
      coordinated with two O atoms and two N atoms from two imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl
      ate ligands and two coordinated water mol-ecules, giving a slightly distorted
      octa-hedral geometry. One Sm(III) ion is eight-coordinated in a bicapped trigonal
      prismatic coordination geometry by four O atoms from two imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl
      ate ligands, two O atoms from two SO(4) (2-) anions and two coordinated water mol
      ecules. The other two Sm(III) ions are nine-coordinated in a tricapped trigonal
      prismatic coordination geometry; one of these Sm(III) ions is bonded to four O
      atoms from two imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligands, three O atoms from three
      SO(4) (2-) anions and two water O atoms, and the other Sm(III) ion is coordinated
      by one O atom and one N atom from one imidazole-4,5-dicarboxyl-ate ligand, five O
      atoms from three SO(4) (2-) anions, as well as two coordinated water mol-ecules.
      The crystal structure is further stabilized by N-H?O, O-H?O, and C-H?O hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22090921
TI  - Tetra-MU-acetato-kappaO:O'-bis-{[2-methyl-sulfanyl-4-(pyridin-4-yl
      kappaN)pyrimidine]-copper(II)}(Cu-Cu).
AB  - The binuclear title compound, [Cu(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(4)(C(10)H(9)N(3)S)(2)],
      comprises a Cu(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(4) paddle-wheel core axially bound by two 2-methyl
      sulfanyl-4-(pyridin-4-yl)pyrimidine ligands. The complex mol-ecule has an
      inversion center lying at the mid-point of the Cu-Cu bond.

PMID- 22090922
TI  - Tetra-aqua-bis-{2-[4-(4-pyrid-yl)pyrimidin-2-ylsulfan-yl]acetato}-zinc.
AB  - In the title compound, [Zn(C(11)H(8)N(3)O(2)S)(2)(H(2)O)(4)], the Zn(II) ion lies
      on an inversion centre and is coordinated by four water mol-ecules and two N
      atoms from two 2-[4-(4-pyrid-yl)pyrimidin-2-ylsulfan-yl]acetate (L) ligands in a
      distorted octa-hedral geometry. In L, the pyridine and pyrimidine rings are
      twisted at an angle of 11.2 (1) degrees . The coordinated water mol-ecules and
      the acetate groups are involved in the formation of a three-dimensional hydrogen
      bonded network, which consolidates the crystal packing.

PMID- 22090923
TI  - Phenyl bis-(m-tolyl-amido)-phosphinate.
AB  - The P atom of the title compound, C(20)H(21)N(2)O(2)P, has a distorted tetra
      hedral configuration; the bond angles at P are in the range 96.11 (6)-117.32 (8)
      degrees . The N atom exhibits sp(2) character. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      connected via N-H?O hydrogen bonds into bands along the a axis, consisting of
      R(2) (2)(8) rings.

PMID- 22090924
TI  - Ethyl 2-(5-cyclo-hexyl-3-methyl-sulfinyl-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(24)O(4)S, the cyclo-hexyl ring adopts a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds. The O atom of the sulfinyl group is disordered over two
      orientations with site-occupancy factors of 0.875 (4) and 0.125 (4).

PMID- 22090925
TI  - Methyl 4-[(5-chloro-pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamo-yl]benzoate.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(13)H(10)ClN(3)O(3), form centrosymmetric
      dimers via inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds generating an R(2) (2)(8) motif.
      The dimers are further connected through an O?Cl-C halogen bond [O?Cl = 3.233 (1)
      A and O?Cl-C = 167.33 (1) degrees ] into a chain along [110]. The secondary amide
      group adopts a cis conformation. Weak C-H?N hydrogen bonds among the methyl
      benzoate and pyrimidyl rings are also observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22090926
TI  - 2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)naphtho-[1,8-de][1,3,2]diaza-borinane.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(12)BClN(2), is one in a series of diaza-borinanes,
      derived from 1,8-diaminona-phthalene, featuring substitution at the 1, 2 and 3
      positions in the nitro-gen-boron heterocycle. The structure deviates from
      planarity, the torsion angle subtended by the p-chloro-phenyl ring relative to
      the nitro-gen-boron heterocycle being -44-.3(3) degrees . The mol-ecules form
      infinite chains with strong inter-actions between the vacant pz orbital of the B
      atom and the pi-system of an adjacent mol-ecule. The distance between the B atom
      and the 10-atom centroid of an adjacent naphthalene ring is 3.381 (4) A. One N-H
      H atom is weakly hydrogen bonded to the Cl atom of an adjacent mol-ecule. This
      combination of inter-molecular inter-actions leads to the formation of an
      infinite two-dimensional network perpendic-ular to the c axis.

PMID- 22090927
TI  - 2-[({[Bis(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]hydrazinecarbonyl}hydrazinylidene)(pyridin-2
      yl)methyl]pyridinium tetra-fluoro-borate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(19)N(8)O(+).BF(4) (-), one pyridine N atom is
      protonated. Two intra-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds occur. In the crystal, inter
      molecular N-H?N hydrogen bond links neighboring C(23)H(19)N(8)O(+) units into
      cyclic supra-molecular dimers while C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the
      C(23)H(19)N(8)O(+) units into a two-dimensional supra-molecular network
      structure.

PMID- 22090928
TI  - Oxomemazine hydro-chloride.
AB  - IN THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 3-(5,5-dioxo-phen-othia-zin-10-yl)-N,N,2
      trimethyl-propanaminium chloride], C(18)H(23)N(2)O(2)S(+).Cl(-), the dihedral
      angle between the two outer aromatic rings of the phenothia-zine unit is 30.5 (2)
      degrees . In the crystal, the components are linked by N-H?Cl and C-H?Cl hydrogen
      bonds and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090929
TI  - 9-(4-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-3,3,6,6-tetra-methyl-4,5,6,9-tetra-hydro-3H-xanthene
      1,8(2H,7H)-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(26)O(4), the two cyclo-hexene rings adopt envelope
      conformations whereas the pyran ring adopts a boat conformation. In the crystal,
      pairs of inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into inversion
      dimers.

PMID- 22090930
TI  - (E)-N'-(5-Bromo-2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)-3-methyl-benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(15)H(13)BrN(2)O(2), an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen
      bond influences the mol-ecular conformation; the two benzene rings form a
      dihedral angle of 13.6 (3) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the a axis and weak inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds further link these chains into layers parallel to
      the ac plane.

PMID- 22090931
TI  - N-(2,5-Dimethyl-phen-yl)succinamic acid monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(15)NO(3).H(2)O, the conformation of the N-H bond in
      the amide segment is syn to the ortho-methyl group and anti to the meta-methyl
      group in the benzene ring. Further, the conformations of the amide O and the
      carbonyl O atom of the acid segment are anti to the adjacent methyl-ene H atoms.
      The C=O and O-H bonds of the acid group are syn to one another. The structure
      shows an inter-esting hydrogen-bonding pattern with the water mol-ecule forming
      hydrogen bonds with three different mol-ecules of the compound. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are packed into infinite chains through inter-molecular O-H?O and N
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090932
TI  - N-(2,6-Dichloro-phen-yl)succinamic acid.
AB  - In the crystal of the title compound, C(10)H(9)Cl(2)NO(3), the conformations of
      the amide O atom and the carbonyl O atom of the acid segment are anti to each
      other and to the H atoms on the adjacent -CH(2) groups. The C=O and O-H bonds of
      the acid group are syn to one another. In the crystal, mol-ecules are packed into
      infinite chains through inter-molecular O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090933
TI  - 2-Amino-anilinium 2-carb-oxy-acetate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(6)H(9)N(2) (+).C(3)H(3)O(4) (
      ), all the amino H atoms are involved in inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      which link the ions into double chains parallel to [101]. In the anion, an intra
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond is observed.

PMID- 22090934
TI  - Ethyl 2-[(carbamoyl-amino)-imino]-propano-ate hemihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(6)H(11)N(3)O(3).0.5H(2)O, has two independent mol-ecules
      and one mol-ecule of water in the asymmetric unit. The crystal packing is
      stabilized by inter-molecular N-H?N, O-H?O, N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds. These
      inter-actions form a two-dimensional array in the ab plane with a zigzag motif
      which has an angle close to 35 degrees  between the zigzag planes. The hydrogen
      bonding can be best described using the graph-set notation as N(1) = C(10)R(2)
      (2)(10)R(2) (2)(8) and N(2) = R(6) (4)(20)R(2) (2)(8).

PMID- 22090935
TI  - 9-[3-(Dimethyl-amino)-prop-yl]-2-trifluoro-meth-yl-9H-thioxanthen-9-ol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(20)F(3)NOS, the dihedral angle between the mean
      planes of the two benzene rings attached to the thioxanthene ring is 41.8 (7)
      degrees ; the latter has a slightly distorted boat conformation. The F atoms are
      disordered over three sets of sites [occupancy ratio = 0.564 (10):0.287
      (10):0.148 (5)] and the methyl groups are disordered over two sets of sites
      [occupancy ratio = 0.72 (4):0.28 (4)]. The crystal packing is stabilized by O-H?N
      and C-H?S hydrogen bonds and weak C-H?Cg inter-actions.

PMID- 22090936
TI  - (E)-Ethyl N'-(3-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)hydrazinecarboxyl-ate dihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(10)H(12)N(2)O(3).2H(2)O, contains
      two organic mol-ecules with similar conformations and four water mol-ecules. Each
      organic mol-ecule is close to planar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.035 and 0.108 A) and
      adopts a trans conformation with respect to its C=N bond. In the crystal, the
      components are linked into a three-dimensional network by N-H?O, O-H?O, O-H?N and
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds, some of which are bifurcated. An R(2) (2)(8) loop occurs
      between adjacent organic mol-ecules.

PMID- 22090937
TI  - (1E,4Z,6E)-5-Hy-droxy-1,7-bis-(2-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-1,4,6-hepta-trien-3-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(20)O(4), the central hepta-trienone unit is
      approximately planar, with a maximum atomic deviation of 0.1121 (11) A; the two
      benzene rings are twisted with respect to the hepta-trienone mean plane by 2.73
      (5) and 29.31 (4) degrees . The mol-ecule exists in the enol form and the hy
      droxy group forms an intra-molecular hydrogen bond with the neighboring carbonyl
      group. Weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal
      structure.

PMID- 22090938
TI  - (E)-N'-(4-Meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-3-nitro-benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(13)N(3)O(4), the two substituted benzene rings form
      a dihedral angle of 5.0 (3) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22090939
TI  - Methyl 2-amino-5-bromo-benzoate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(8)H(8)BrNO(2), the dihedral angle between the aromatic
      ring and the methyl acetate side chain is 5.73 (12) degrees . The mol-ecular
      conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond, generating
      an S(6) ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected by N-H?O inter-actions,
      generating zigzag chains running along the b-axis direction.

PMID- 22090940
TI  - tert-Butyl N-((1S)-2-hy-droxy-1-{N'-[(E)-2-hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-benzyl
      idene]hydrazinecarbon-yl}eth-yl)carbamate.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(16)H(23)N(3)O(6), is twisted about the
      chiral C atom with the dihedral angle formed between the amide residues being
      76.9 (3) degrees . Overall, the mol-ecule is curved with the terminal organic
      groups lying to the same side. The conformation about the imine bond [1.291 (5)
      A] is E and an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring. In the
      crystal, O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds involving the hy-droxy, amine and
      carbonyl groups lead to the formation of supra-molecular layers, which stack
      along the c-axis direction.

PMID- 22090941
TI  - 2-Hy-droxy-methyl-1,3-dimethyl-imidazolium iodide.
AB  - The crystal packing of the title compound, C(6)H(11)N(2)O(+).I(-), can be
      described as inter-calated layers lying parallel to (010), with the iodide ions
      located between the cations. A weak intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond occurs
      within the cation. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?I hydrogen bonds result in
      the formation of a three-dimensional network and reinforce the cohesion of the
      ionic structure.

PMID- 22090942
TI  - 1-(4-Chloro-benzo-yl)-3-cyclo-hexyl-3-methyl-thio-urea.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(19)ClN(2)OS, the dihedral angle between the amide
      and thio-urea fragments is 58.07 (17) degrees . The cyclo-hexane group adopts a
      chair conformation and is twisted relative to the thio-urea fragment, forming a
      dihedral angle of 87.32 (18) degrees . In the crystal, N-H?S hydrogen bond links
      the mol-ecules into chains running parallel to the a-axis direction.

PMID- 22090943
TI  - 3,3'',4,4''-Tetra-meth-oxy-1,1':4',1''-terphen-yl.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(22)H(22)O(4), is centrosymmetric with an inversion centre
      located at the centre of the benzene ring. The 3,4-dimeth-oxy-benzene fragment is
      essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.400 (2) A] and twisted relative to the
      central benzene ring, forming a dihedral angle of 21.25 (7) degrees . In the
      crystal, C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a two-dimensional
      polymeric structure lying parallel to (100).

PMID- 22090944
TI  - 2-Amino-anilinium 6-carb-oxy-picolinate monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(6)H(9)N(2) (+).C(7)H(4)NO(4) (-).H(2)O, one amino group
      of diamino-benzene is protonated while one carb-oxy group of pyridine-2,6-dicarb
      oxy-lic acid is deprotonated. In the anion, the CO(2) and CO(2)H groups make
      dihedral angles of 4.0 (5) and 8.7 (4) degrees  with the pyridine ring. In the
      crystal, extensive N-H?O, N-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds occur between anions,
      cations and water mol-ecules.

PMID- 22090945
TI  - 5,5'-[(2,4-Dichloro-phen-yl)methyl-ene]bis-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione).
AB  - The title compound, C(19)H(18)Cl(2)O(8), was prepared by the reaction of 2,2
      dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione and 2,4-dichloro-benzaldehyde in ethanol. The two
      1,3-dioxane rings exhibit boat conformations. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, forming chains
      parallel to the a axis.

PMID- 22090946
TI  - (E)-N'-(2-Meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-3-nitro-benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(13)N(3)O(4), the two substituted benzene rings form
      a dihedral angle of 10.9 (3) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O and
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into chains running parallel to [101].

PMID- 22090947
TI  - 4-Dimethyl-amino-N'-(2-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(17)H(19)N(3)O(2), the dihedral angle between the two
      benzene rings is 14.05 (15) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      through inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along b.

PMID- 22090948
TI  - Bis(2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)methanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(10)O(3), a benzophenone derivative, the least
      squares planes defined by the C atoms of the 2-hy-droxy-phenyl rings inter-sect
      at an angle of 45.49 (3) degrees . The substituents on the aromatic systems are
      both orientated towards the central O atom. Intra- as well as inter-molecular O
      H?O hydrogen bonds are observed, the latter giving rise to the formation of
      centrosymmetric dimers. The closest centroid-centroid distance between two pi
      systems is 3.7934 (7) A.

PMID- 22090949
TI  - 1-(4-Methyl-phenyl-sulfon-yl)-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)O(2)S, was synthesized by the reaction of 5
      phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole and 4-methyl-benzene-1-sulfonyl chloride. The five
      membered pyrazoline ring is nearly planar, with a miximum deviation of 0.078 (2)
      A.

PMID- 22090950
TI  - 1,4-Bis[(2-ethyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)meth-yl]benzene.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(26)H(26)N(4), the central benzene ring forms dihedral
      angles of 89.9 (2) and 85.4 (2) degrees  with the two benzimidazole rings.

PMID- 22090951
TI  - rac-2-Amino-pyridinium cis-2-carb-oxy-cyclo-hexane-1-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the structure of the title compound, C(5)H(7)N(2) (+).C(8)H(11)O(4) (-), the
      cis anions associate through head-to-tail carb-oxy-lic acid-carboxyl O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds [graph set C(7)], forming chains which extend along c and are
      inter-linked through the carboxyl groups, forming cyclic R(2) (2)(8) associations
      with the pyridinium and an amine H-atom donor of the cation. Further amine
      carboxyl N-H?O inter-actions form enlarged centrosymmetric rings [graph set R(4)
      (4)(18)] and extensions down b, giving a three-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22090952
TI  - 6-Hy-droxy-2,5,7,8-tetra-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carbonitrile, from
      synchrotron data.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound, C(14)H(17)NO(2), solved and refined
      against synchrotron diffraction data, contains one formula unit in an asymmetric
      unit. In the crystal, mol-ecules form right-handed helices located at the 2(1)
      screw axis parallel to the a-axis direction, generated by O-H?N hydrogen bonding
      between the hy-droxy group and carbonitrile group of an adjacent mol-ecule.

PMID- 22090953
TI  - 2-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-3-(4-hy-droxy-phen-yl)-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(12)BrNO(2)S, the dihedral angle between the two
      aromatic rings is 87.81 (8) degrees . The five-membered thia-zolidine ring has an
      envelope conformation, with the S atom displaced by 0.4545 (7) A from the mean
      plane of the other four ring atoms. The crystal structure exhibits O-H?O, C-H?O,
      C-H?Br and C-H? pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090954
TI  - 4,4'-Di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridinium dichloride.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(26)N(2) (2+).2Cl(-), the complete dication is
      generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry; both N atoms are protonated and
      engaged in strong and highly directional N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds. Additional weak C
      H?Cl contacts promote the formation of a tape along ca. [110]. The crystal
      structure can be described by the parallel packing of these tapes. The crystal
      studied was a non-merohedral twin with twin law [-1 0 0, 0 -1 0, -0.887 0.179 1]
      and the final BASF parameter refining to 0.026 (2) .

PMID- 22090955
TI  - N-Hy-droxy-pyridine-4-carboxamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(6)H(6)N(2)O(2), is approximately planar with an r.m.s.
      deviation for the non-H atoms of 0.052 A. In the crystal, a two-dimensional array
      in the bc plane is stabilized by O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090956
TI  - 2-Hy-droxy-2,3,5,10,11,11a-hexa-hydro-1H-pyrrolo-[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11
      dione.
AB  - The seven-membered ring of the title compound, C(12)H(12)N(2)O(3), which is fused
      with the phenyl-ene ring, adopts a boat-shaped conformation (with the methine C
      atom as the prow and the phenyl-ene C atoms as the stern); the H atom on the
      methine linkage exists in an axial position. The five-membered ring that is fused
      with the seven-membered ring adopts an envelope conformation (with the C atom
      bearing the hy-droxy substituent representing the flap) [the deviation from the
      plane defined by the other four atoms is 0.200 (7) A in one mol-ecule and 0.627
      (5) A in the other]. The two independent mol-ecules are disposed about a pseudo
      center of inversion and are connected by a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds. Adjacent
      dimers are linked by a pair of O-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating a chain running
      along the b axis.

PMID- 22090957
TI  - 4,8-Dimeth-oxy-furo[2,3-b]quinoline (gamma-fagarine).
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(13)H(11)NO(3), a natural compound extracted from
      Phellodendron chinense, exhibits a near planar framework: the mean deviations
      from the furo[2,3-b]quinoline ring system and from the whole mol-ecule (not
      including the H atoms) are 0.006 and 0.062 A, respectively.

PMID- 22090958
TI  - Bis(8-methyl-2,8-dicarba-closo-dodeca-boran-2-yl) tris-elenide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(6)H(26)B(20)Se(3), the geometry around the central Se
      atom is V-shaped, with the Se-Se-Se angle being 105.60 (4) degrees . The Se-Se
      bond lengths are consistent with single covalent bonds.

PMID- 22090959
TI  - N-Ethyl-4-methyl-N-(3-methyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(19)NO(2)S, crystallizes with two crystallographically
      independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit in which the dihedral angles
      between the planes defined by the aromatic rings are 35.3 (2) and 42.5 (2)
      degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds stabilize the
      packing.

PMID- 22090960
TI  - Ethyl 3-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-1-(2-oxo-2-phenyl-eth-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(17)ClN(2)O(3), the dihedral angles between the
      pyrazole ring and the substituted and unsubstituted benzene rings are 3.64 (13)
      and 81.15 (17) degrees , respectively. Mol-ecules are connected via three pairs
      of weak hydrogen bonds into a centrosymmetric dimer. The crystal structure is
      stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090961
TI  - 3-Hy-droxy-N'-[(E)-3-pyridyl-methyl-idene]-2-naphtho-hydrazide.
AB  - The title compound, C(17)H(13)N(3)O(2), displays an E configuration about the C=N
      bond. The mean planes of the pyridine and benzene rings make a dihedral angle of
      31.2 (2) degrees . An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond is observed. In the
      crystal, inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonding links the mol-ecules into a chain
      along [101].

PMID- 22090962
TI  - Methyl (2Z)-2-(2-fluoro-4-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-5-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-7-methyl
      3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-[1,3]thia-zolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(24)H(21)FN(2)O(5)S, consists of two
      crystallographically independent mol-ecules. In each mol-ecule, the central
      dihydro-pyrimidine ring is significantly puckered and adopts a conformation which
      is best described as an inter-mediate between a boat and a screw boat. The least
      squares planes of the dihydro-pyrimidine rings are almost coplanar with the
      fluoro-substituted benzene rings, making dihedral angles of 9.04 (7) and 6.68 (7)
      degrees , and almost perpendicular to the meth-oxy-substituted benzene rings with
      dihedral angles of 89.23 (7) and 88.30 (7) degrees . In the mol-ecular structure,
      S(6) ring motifs are formed by C-H?O and C-H?S hydrogen bonds. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by inter-molecular C-H?O
      and C-H?F hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is further stabilized by a C-H?pi
      inter-action.

PMID- 22090963
TI  - (5E)-5-(4-Meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-1,3-thia-zol-4(5H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(18)N(2)O(2)S, the piperidine ring adopts a chair
      conformation. The central 4-thia-zolidinone ring makes dihedral angles of 12.01
      (7) and 51.42 (9) degrees , respectively, with the benzene ring and the least
      squares plane of the piperidine ring. An intra-molecular C-H?S hydrogen bond
      stabilizes the mol-ecular structure and generates an S(6) ring motif. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a tape along the c axis by inter-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090964
TI  - Redetermination and absolute configuration of pruniflorone M monohydrate.
AB  - THE TITLE XANTHONE KNOWN AS PRUNIFLORONE M (SYSTEMATIC NAME: (2R)-5,10-dihy-droxy
      2-hy-droxy-methyl-1,1-dimethyl-1H-furo[2,3-c]xanthen-6-one), crystallized in a
      monohydrate form, C(18)H(16)O(6).H(2)O. It was isolated from the green fruits of
      Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum. The structure of the title compound has
      been reported previously [Boonnak et al. (2010 ?). Aust. J. Chem. 63, 1550-1556],
      but we report here the absolute configuration determined using Cu Kalpha
      radiation. There are two crystallograpically independent mol-ecules in the
      asymmetric unit, which differ slightly in the bond angles. The hy-droxy-methyl
      substituents at position 2 of the furan rings of both pruniflorone M mol-ecules
      adopt R configurations. In both mol-ecules, the three rings of the xanthone
      skeleton are approximately coplanar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0124 (2) A for
      one mol-ecule and 0.0289 (2) A for the other, and the furan ring adopts an
      envelope conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules of pruniflorone M and water are
      linked into a two-dimensional network by O-H?O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H?O
      inter-actions. The crystal structure is further consolidated by pi-pi inter
      actions with centroid-centroid distances in the range 3.5987 (13)-3.7498 (14) A.
      Short C?C [3.378 (3) A] and O?O [2.918 (3) A] contacts are also observed.

PMID- 22090965
TI  - Ethyl 1-benzyl-3-(4-bromo-phen-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(17)BrN(2)O(2), the pyrazole ring makes dihedral
      angles of 88.00 (16) and 5.78 (13) degrees  with the phenyl and bromo-phenyl
      rings, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090966
TI  - 9-Phenyl-3,6-bis-(4,4,5,5-tetra-methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-9H-carbazole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(30)H(35)B(2)NO(4), the carbazole skeleton is essentially
      planar (r.m.s. deviation for all non-H atoms = 0.035 A), and is oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 65.0 (3) degrees  with respect to the adjacent phenyl ring.

PMID- 22090967
TI  - 2,2,6,6-Tetra-methyl-4-oxopiperidin-1-ium 4-chloro-3-nitro-benzoate.
AB  - The title salt, C(9)H(18)NO(+).C(7)H(3)ClNO(4) (-), was obtained as an unexpected
      product of the reaction of 4-chloro-3-nitro-benzoyl isothio-cyanate with
      pyrrolidine. The six-membered ring of the 4-oxopiperidinium cation adopts a chair
      conformation. In the crystal structure, two cations and three anions are linked
      together by inter-molecular N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds and arranged
      diagonally along the ac face.

PMID- 22090968
TI  - 2,4,6-Trimethyl-anilinium 2-carb-oxy-ethano-ate.
AB  - The anion of the title molecular salt, C(9)H(14)N(+).C(3)H(3)O(4) (-), features
      an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      inter-actions link each cation to three different anions.

PMID- 22090969
TI  - 3-(4-Amino-3-ethyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-(2
      chloro-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(19)H(19)ClN(4)OS, the 1,2,4-triazole ring forms
      dihedral angles of 86.0 (2) and 65.6 (2) degrees  with the phenyl and chloro
      phenyl rings, respectively. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?S and N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers, which are further
      linked into chains in [001] via weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090970
TI  - Bis(4-pyrid-yl) disulfide-2,2'-[(p-phenyl-enebis(-oxy)]diacetic acid (1/1).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title 1:1 co-crystal,
      C(10)H(8)N(2)S(2).C(10)H(10)O(6), comprises two half-mol-ecules, the bis-(4-pyrid
      yl) disulfide having twofold rotational symmetry and the 2,2'-[(p-phenyl-enebis(
      oxy)]diacetic acid having crystallographic inversion symmetry. In the disulfide
      mol-ecule, the dihedral angle between the two pyridine rings is 86.8 (1) degrees
      , while the carboxyl groups of the substituted quinone lie essentially in the
      plane of the benzene ring [dihedral angle = 5.3 (1) degrees ]. In the crystal,
      the components are linked via inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds into zigzag
      chains which extend along c and are inter-linked through C-H?pi associations.

PMID- 22090971
TI  - 5-(Pyridin-4-ylmeth-yl)-1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(9)N(5)O, the pyrazolo-pyrimidin-4-one ring system
      is almost planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.0546 (13) A for the O atom. The
      crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular N-H?N, C-H?O and C-H?N hydrogen
      bonds. In addition, pi-pi stacking is found between the pyridine ring and the
      pyrazolo-pyrimidin-4-one ring systems, with centroid-centroid distances in the
      range 3.9627 (12)-4.6781 (12) A.

PMID- 22090972
TI  - 3,8-Dimethyl-quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(10)N(2)O(2), all non-H atoms are approximately co
      planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.016 A. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      into inversion dimers by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds. Chains along [010] are
      buiilt up by pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.602 (1) A]
      between the benzene and piperazine rings of adjacent mol-ecules.

PMID- 22090973
TI  - 2-(4-Iodo-phen-oxy)acetamide.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(8)H(8)INO(2), amide-typical resonance
      shortens the nominal C-N single bond to 1.322 (7) A. In the crystal, hydrogen
      bonds involving both nitro-gen-bound H atoms as well as C-H?O contacts connect
      the mol-ecules into double layers approximately perpendicular to the
      crystallographic b axis. No pi-stacking is apparent in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22090974
TI  - 4,7,13,18-Tetra-oxa-1,10-diazo-nia-bicyclo-[8.5.5]icosane bis-(hexa-fluorido
      phosphate).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title structure, C(14)H(30)N(2)O(4) (2+).2PF(6) (-),
      contains the anion and half of the cation, the latter being completed by a
      crystallographic twofold axis. The cation has a cage structure with the ammonium
      H atoms pointing into the cage. These H atoms are shielded from inter-molecular
      inter-actions and form only intra-molecular contacts. There are short inter
      molecular C-H?F inter-actions in the structure, but no conventional inter
      molecular hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090975
TI  - 3,3'-Di-n-propyl-1,1'-[p-phenyl-enebis(methyl-ene)]diimidazolium dibromide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(20)H(28)N(4) (2+).2Br(-), consists
      of half a 3,3'-di-n-propyl-1,1'-[p-phenyl-enenis(methyl-ene)]diimidazolium cation
      and a bromide anion. The cation is located on an inversion center and adopts an
      ?AAA? trans conformation. In the crystal, the cation is linked to the anions via
      weak C-H?Br hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090976
TI  - N-[(E)-4-Chloro-benzyl-idene]-2,4-dimethyl-aniline.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(15)H(14)ClN, exists in a trans configuration with respect
      to the C=N bond [1.2813 (16) A]. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is
      52.91 (6) degrees . The crystal structure is stabilized by weak inter-molecular C
      H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090977
TI  - 2-[(E)-(2,4-Dimethyl-phen-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(15)H(15)NO, contains two independent
      mol-ecules, both of which exist in trans configurations with respect to the C=N
      bonds [1.278 (2) and 1.279 (2) A]. In each mol-ecule, intra-molecular O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds generate S(6) ring motifs. In one mol-ecule, the benzene rings
      form a dihedral angle of 13.38 (9) degrees , while in the other mol-ecule the
      dihedral angle is 30.60 (10) degrees . In the crystal, the two independent mol
      ecules are linked via weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090978
TI  - 2-[(E)-(2,4,6-Trichloro-phen-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(13)H(8)Cl(3)NO, exists in a trans configuration with
      respect to the C=N bond [1.278 (2) A]. The benzene rings form a dihedral angle of
      24.64 (11) degrees . The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular
      O-H?N hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, pi-pi
      stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.6893 (14) A] are
      observed.

PMID- 22090979
TI  - 2-(m-Tol-yloxy)benzoic acid.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(14)H(12)O(3), the mol-ecules
      form classical O-H?O hydrogen-bonded carb-oxy-lic acid dimers. The dihedral angle
      between the two rings is 80.9 (3) degrees .

PMID- 22090980
TI  - Methyl 2-{[(2-fur-yl)(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl
      idene)meth-yl]amino}-acetate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(17)N(3)O(4), the amino group of the glycine methyl
      ester fragment is involved in an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. The phenyl
      and furyl rings form dihedral angles of 10.20 (4) and 54.56 degrees ,
      respectively, with the pyrazole ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules related by
      translation along the b axis are linked into chains via weak inter-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090981
TI  - 2,2-Dimethyl-5-(2,3,4-trimeth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(18)O(7), was prepared by the reaction of 2,2-dimethyl
      1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione and 2,3,4-trimeth-oxy-benzaldehyde. The 1,3-dioxane ring is
      in a slightly distorted boat conformation. The crystal structure is stabilized by
      weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090982
TI  - 1,2-Bis(4-nitro-benz-yl)diselane.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(12)N(2)O(4)Se(2), is not chiral, but the mol-ecules
      assume a chiral conformation in the solid state and crystallize as an aggregate.
      The central C-Se-Se-C torsion angle is 90.4 (2) degrees , while the two Se-Se-C-C
      fragments assume gauche conformations with values of -59.4 (5) and 67.5 (4)
      degrees . The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 80.74 (14) degrees
      .

PMID- 22090983
TI  - (S)-2-[(S,Z)-3-Bromo-1-nitro-4-phenyl-but-3-en-2-yl]cyclo-hexa-none.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(16)H(18)BrNO(3), the two
      stereogenic centres both have an S configuration. The cyclo-hexyl ring adopts a
      chair conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak N-O?Br contacts
      [O?Br = 3.289 (4) A].

PMID- 22090984
TI  - 1-Cyano-N-(2,4,5-trichloro-phen-yl)cyclo-propane-1-carboxamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(7)Cl(3)N(3)O, the dihedral angle between the
      benzene and cyclo-propane rings is 85.8 (2) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by C-H?O inter-actions, generating C(5) chains propagating in the a
      axis direction.

PMID- 22090985
TI  - Methyl 6-azido-6-de-oxy-alpha-d-galactoside.
AB  - The structure of the title compound, C(7)H(13)N(3)O(5), was solved using data
      from a multiple fragment crystal. The galactoside ring adopts a (4)C(1) chair
      conformation. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by strong O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds, which build linkages around the screw axis of the cell in a similar way to
      the iodo analogue. These C-5 and C-6 packing motifs expand to R(2) (2)(10), C(2)
      (2)(7) and C(2) (2) (2)(8) motifs, as found in closely related compounds.

PMID- 22090986
TI  - 3-{1-[4-(2-Methyl-prop-yl)phen-yl]eth-yl}-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)
      thione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(23)N(3)S, the central 1,2,4-triazole ring makes
      dihedral angles of 69.76 (9) and 81.69 (8) degrees , respectively, with the
      phenyl and benzene rings. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a
      centrosymmetric dimer by a pair of inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonds,
      generating an R(2) (2)(8) ring motif.

PMID- 22090987
TI  - 4-{[(E)-(3-Phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl-idene]amino}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)
      thione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(10)N(6)S, a weak intra-molecular C-H?S hydrogen
      bond stabilizes the mol-ecular conformation. The pyrazole and triazole rings form
      a dihedral angle of 17.82 (8) degrees . The mol-ecule adopts an E configuration
      with respect to the central C=N double bond. In the crystal, inter-molecular N
      H?N and N-H?S hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into chains propagating in
      [20[Formula: see text]].

PMID- 22090988
TI  - 2,2'-Bipyridine-cyclo-pentane-1,2,3,4-tetra-carb-oxy-lic acid (1/1).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(10)H(8)N(2).C(9)H(10)O(8), contains
      a half-molecule of 2,2'-bipyridine and a half-molecule of 1,2,3,4
      cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid, both components being completed by
      crystallographic inversion symmetry. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are assembled
      into chains extending along [010] by O-H?N hydrogen bonds; adjacent chains are
      linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22090989
TI  - Diethyl 2-{[(4-meth-oxy-3-pyrid-yl)amino]-methyl-idene}malonate.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(14)H(8)N(2)O(5), the amino group is involved in the
      formation an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, weak inter
      molecular C-H?O and C-H?N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into ribbons along
      the b axis.

PMID- 22090990
TI  - 3-(3-Meth-oxy-benzo-yl)-1,1-diphenyl-thio-urea.
AB  - The thiono and carbonyl groups in the title compound, C(21)H(18)N(2)O(2)S, adopt
      an anti disposition with respect to the central C-N bond. The diphenyl-amine
      rings are twisted relative to each other by a dihedral angle of 82.55 (10)
      degrees . The 3-meth-oxy-benzoyl fragment is twisted relative to one of the
      diphenyl-amine rings, forming a dihedral angle of 74.04 (9) degrees . In the
      crystal, pairs of inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into
      centrosymmetric dimers, forming columns parallel to the a axis.

PMID- 22090991
TI  - 6-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-2-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-6,7-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo-[5,1
      c][1,4]oxazine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(17)ClN(2)O(2), the pyrazole ring is almost planar
      with a maximum deviation of 0.009 (3) A and makes a dihedral angle of 8.96 (9)
      degrees  with the oxazine ring. The dihedral angles between the pyrazole ring and
      the chlorine- and meth-oxy-substituted benzene rings are 50.95 (8) and 13.24 (9)
      degrees , respectively. An inter-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bond links the mol
      ecules into infinite chains along the a axis. The crystal structure is further
      stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090992
TI  - Ethyl-triphenyl-phospho-nium bromide dihydrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title hydrated bromide salt, C(20)H(20)P(+).Br(
      ).2H(2)O, O-H?Br and O-H?O hydrogen bonds as well as C-H?Br contacts connect the
      different components into a three-dimensional network. In the cation, the
      aromatic rings make dihedral angles of 55.24 (5), 76.16 (4) and 85.68 (4) degrees
      .

PMID- 22090993
TI  - 1-Diazo-naphthalen-2(1H)-one.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(10)H(6)N(2)O, is nearly planar [maximum
      deviation = 0.030 (1) A]. The CN(2) moiety is almost linear, with a C-N-N angle
      of 175.50 (14) degrees . A single inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond is observed
      in the crystal structure. A pi-pi inter-action is also observed with the shortest
      distance being 3.6832 (12) A between the the centroids of the six-membered rings.

PMID- 22090994
TI  - Clostebol acetate.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(29)ClO(3) [systematic name (8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17S)-4
      chloro-3-oxoandrost-4-en-17beta-yl acetate], is a 4-chloro derivative of
      testosterone, used as an anabolic androgenic agent or applied topically in
      ophthalmological and dermatological treatments. The absolute configurations at
      positions 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 17 were established by refinement of the Flack
      parameter as R, S, R, S, S, and S, respectively. Rings B and C of the steroid
      ring system adopt chair conformations, ring A has a half-chair conformation,
      while ring D is in a C(13) envelope conformation. Ring B and C, and C and D are
      trans fused. In the crystal, molecules are linked by a weak C-H?O interaction.

PMID- 22090995
TI  - 1,3-Bis(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-N,N'-(propane-1,3-diyl-idene)dihydroxyl-amine.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(12)F(2)N(2)O(2), crystallizes with two mol-ecules (A
      and B) in the asymmetric unit. Both aromatic rings of both mol-ecules are
      disordered over two orientations [occupancy ratios of 0.768 (3):0.232 (3) and
      0.770 (3):0.230 (3) for mol-ecule A and 0.789 (3):0.211 (3) and 0.789 (3):0.211
      (3) for mol-ecule B]. The dihedral angles between the planes of the major and
      minor components of the disordered aromatic rings are 72.0 (4) and 71.2 (4)
      degrees  for mol-ecule A, and 70.2 (4) and 71.5 (2) degrees  for mol-ecule B. In
      the crystal, both mol-ecules form inversion dimers with R(2) (2)(6) ring motifs
      via pairs of inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds. The dimers are linked, forming
      zigzag C(7) chains along the c axis. Weak C-H?pi inter-actions help to
      consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22090996
TI  - (E)-Methyl N'-[(1H-indol-3-yl)methyl-idene]hydrazinecarboxyl-ate 0.25-hydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(11)H(11)N(3)O(2).0.25H(2)O, contains
      two independent organic mol-ecules and a water mol-ecule, which lies on a twofold
      rotation axis. The side chains of the two mol-ecules have slightly different
      orientations, the C=N-N-C torsion angle being -163.03 (15) degrees  in one and 
      177.52 (14) degrees  in the other, with each adopting a trans configuration with
      respect to the C=N bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains
      extending along b by N-H?O, O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds and in addition, four
      inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions are present.

PMID- 22090997
TI  - 2-(5-Cyclo-hexyl-3-methyl-sulfanyl-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(20)O(3)S, the cyclo-hexyl ring adopts a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, the carboxyl groups are involved in inter-molecular
      O-H?O hydrogen bonds, which link the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers.
      These dimers are further stabilized by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.
      In addition, the crystal structure also exhibits aromatic pi-pi inter-actions
      between the furan rings of adjacent mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distance =
      3.505 (2) A, inter-planar distance = 3.385 (2) A and slippage = 0.909 (2) A], and
      inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22090998
TI  - 4,7,13,18-Tetra-oxa-1,10-diazo-nia-bicyclo-[8.5.5]icosane hexa-fluorido-silicate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title molecular salt, C(14)H(30)N(2)O(4) (2+).SiF(6)
      (2-), contains half of both the anion and the cation, both ions being completed
      by a crystallographic twofold axis passing through the Si atom. The cation has a
      cage structure with the ammonium H atoms pointing into the cage. These H atoms
      are shielded from inter-molecular inter-actions and form only intra-molecular
      contacts. There are short inter-molecular C-H?F inter-actions in the structure,
      but no conventional inter-molecular hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22090999
TI  - trans-3,3',4,5'-Tetra-meth-oxy-stilbene.
AB  - The title compound, C(18)H(20)O(4), was synthesized by a Wittig-Horner reaction
      of diethyl 3,4-dimeth-oxy-benzyl-phosphate and 3,5-dimeth-oxy-benzaldehyde. In
      the crystal, the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 2.47 (12)
      degrees . All the meth-oxy groups are almost coplanar with the aromatic ring to
      which they are attached [C-C-O-C torsion angles = -2.8 (3), -5.2 (4), -176.3 (2)
      and -178.0 (2) degrees ].

PMID- 22091000
TI  - 1-Chloro-1-[(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]propan-2-one.
AB  - The non-H atoms of the title compound, C(10)H(11)ClN(2)O(2), lie nearly on a
      plane (r.m.s. deviation = 0.150 A), and the C=N double bond has a Z
      configuration. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by an N-H?O(carbon
      yl) hydrogen bond, forming a chain running along [201].

PMID- 22091001
TI  - 1-Chloro-1-[(4-chloro-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]propan-2-one.
AB  - The non-H atoms of the title compound, C(9)H(8)Cl(2)N(2)O, lie nearly on a plane
      (r.m.s. deviation = 0.110 A), and the C=N double bond has a Z configuration. In
      the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by an N-H?O(carbon-yl) hydrogen bond,
      forming a chain running along [100].

PMID- 22091002
TI  - 1-Chloro-1-[(4-nitro-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]propan-2-one.
AB  - The non-H atoms of the title compound, C(9)H(8)ClN(3)O(3), lie approximately on a
      plane (r.m.s. deviation = 0.111 A), and the C=N double bond has a Z
      configuration. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by an N-H?O(carbon
      yl) hydrogen bond, forming a chain running along [101].

PMID- 22091003
TI  - 1-Chloro-1-[(4-methyl-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]propan-2-one.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(10)H(11)ClN(2)O, contains two mol
      ecules. The non-H atoms of each mol-ecule lie approximately on a plane (r.m.s.
      deviations = 0.062 and 0.110 A), and the C=N double bond has a Z-configuration in
      both independent mol-ecules. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by N
      H?O(carbon-yl) hydrogen bonds, forming chains running along [100].

PMID- 22091004
TI  - 2-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(25)H(15)FN(4).H(2)O, the fused ring system is
      essentially planar [maximum deviation of 0.0822 (14) A]. The imidazole ring makes
      dihedral angles of 76.83 (7) and 32.22 (7) degrees  with the phenyl group
      attached to nitro-gen and the fluoro-benzene group to carbon, respectively. The
      dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is 72.13 (7) degrees . Inter
      molecular O-H?N, O-H?F, C-H?F, C-H?O and C-H?N hydrogen bonds are found in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22091005
TI  - N-Benzoyl-N-(3-methyl-phen-yl)-O-[2-(2-nitro-phen-yl)acet-yl]hydroxyl-amine.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(22)H(18)N(2)O(5), the nitro-substituted ring makes a
      dihedral angle of 81.9 (1) degrees  with the benzoyl ring and a dihedral angle of
      12.1 (1) degrees  with the methyl-substituted ring.

PMID- 22091006
TI  - Ethyl 2-[(carbamothioyl-amino)-imino]-propano-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(6)H(11)N(3)O(2)S, consists of a roughly planar mol-ecule
      (r.m.s deviation from planarity = 0.077 A for the non-H atoms) and has the S atom
      in an anti position to the imine N atom. This N atom is the acceptor of a
      strongly bent inter-nal N-H?N hydrogen bond donated by the amino group. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are arranged in undulating layers parallel to (010). The mol
      ecules are linked via inter-molecular amino-carboxyl N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      forming chains parallel to [001]. The chains are cross-linked by N(carbazone)-H?S
      and C-H?S inter-actions, forming infinite sheets.

PMID- 22091007
TI  - 5-Methyl-1,2,3,3a-tetra-hydro-benzo[e]pyrrolo-[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepin-10(5H)-one.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(13)H(15)NO(2), the main product of a
      photoreaction, contains two crystallographically independent mol-ecules. In both
      mol-ecules, the conformation of the seven-membered ring is twist sofa and that of
      the five-membered rings is envelope. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by
      weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091008
TI  - N-(2,4-Dinitro-phen-yl)-1,3-dimeth-oxy-isoindolin-2-amine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(16)N(4)O(6), the planes of the isoindole and
      dinitro-benzene groups make a dihedral angle between of 84.15 (8) degrees . The N
      atom of the isoindole group is displaced by 0.2937 (3) A from the plane through
      the remaining atoms. An intra-molecular N-H?O inter-action occurs. In the
      crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds occur.

PMID- 22091009
TI  - Bis(dimethyl-ammonium) 2,2'-(1,3,6,8-tetra-oxo-2,7-diaza-pyrene-2,7-di
      yl)diacetate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of title compound, 2C(2)H(8)N(+).C(18)H(8)N(2)O(8) (2-),
      comprises one crystallographically independent dimethyl-ammonium cation and half
      of a 2,2'-(1,3,6,8-tetra-oxo-2,7-diaza-pyrene-2,7-di-yl)diacetate dianion. The
      anion lies on an inversion centre and the two carboxyl-ate groups are in trans
      positions based on the naphthaleneteracarb-oxy-lic diimide group. The crystal
      packing is stabilized by N-H?O hydrogen bonds between cations and anions, as well
      as by pi-pi inter-actions between the naph-thaleneteracarb-oxy-lic diimide groups
      [centroid-centroid distance = 4.812 (3) A].

PMID- 22091010
TI  - 2-Amino-6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(17)N(5), the pyrrolidine ring adopts an envelope
      conformation. The pyrrolidine ring is disordered over two sets of sites with
      occupancy factors of 0.648 (6) and 0.352 (6). The dihedral angles between the
      pyrrolidine and pyridine rings are 14.6 (3) degrees  for the major component and
      16.2 (6) degrees  for the ninor component. The crystal structure is stabilized by
      inter-molecular N-H?N and C-H?N inter-actions.

PMID- 22091011
TI  - 3-(2-Meth-oxy-naphthalen-1-yl)-2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(19)H(14)O(3), contains two
      crystallographically independent mol-ecules in which the dihedral angles between
      the naphthalene and benzofuran ring systems are 76.49 (7) and 86.17 (7) degrees .
      In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen-bonding
      inter-actions into chains running parallel to the a axis. In addition, the
      crystal packing is stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091012
TI  - exo-4-[(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)meth-yl]-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo-[5.2.1.0]decane-3,5
      dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(15)N(3)O(3), the dihedral angle between the
      approximately planar benzimidazolyl group (r.m.s. deviation = 0.010 A) and the
      pyrrolidine ring is 78.20 (6) degrees . The C-C-N bond angle of the bridging
      CH(2) group is 112.14 (16) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N
      H?N hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains parallel to [101] and [10[Formula:
      see text]].

PMID- 22091013
TI  - 3,5-Bis(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(17)NO(3), the five-membered isoxazoline ring adopts
      an envelope conformation with the chiral C atom at the flap position and 0.133
      (2) A out of the mean plane formed by the other four atoms. The two benzene rings
      form dihedral angles of 6.05 (5) and 81.52 (5) degrees  with the C-C-N-O plane of
      the isoxazoline ring. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091014
TI  - N-(3-Chloro-phen-yl)succinimide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(8)ClNO(2), the chloro-benzene and the essentially
      planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.030 A) pyrrolidine ring are tilted by 59.5 (1)
      degrees  with respect to one another.

PMID- 22091015
TI  - 2-(5-Fluoro-7-methyl-3-methyl-sulfanyl-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetic acid.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(11)FO(3)S, was prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of
      ethyl 2-(5-fluoro-7-methyl-3-methyl-sulfanyl-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetate. In the
      crystal, the carboxyl groups are involved in inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds, which link the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22091016
TI  - N-(2-Hy-droxy-benz-yl)adamantan-1-aminium bromide.
AB  - There are two independent ion pairs in the asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      C(17)H(24)NO(+).Br(-). In the crystal, the ions are linked by inter-molecular N
      H?Br and O-H?Br hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091017
TI  - Diethyl [(9-anthr-yl)(4-methyl-anilino)meth-yl]phospho-nate.
AB  - The title compound, C(26)H(28)NO(3)P, crystallized with two independent mol
      ecules in the asymmetric unit. The structural features (bond lengths and angles)
      of the two mol-ecules are almost identical. The inter-planar angle between the
      anthracene and toluidine rings is similar in the two mol-ecules, with values of
      82.92 (5) and 80.70 (5) degrees . In the crystal, both molecules form inversion
      dimers linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds. Three of the four ethyl groups
      are disordered over two sets of sites, the major components having occupancies of
      0.748 (15), 0.77 (4) and 0.518 (19).

PMID- 22091018
TI  - 2-(Pyridin-2-yl-amino)-pyridinium thio-cyanate acetonitrile monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(10)N(3) (+).NCS(-).CH(3)CN, is the acetonitrile
      solvate of the thio-cyanate salt of protonated dipyridin-2-yl-amine. Protonation
      occurs at one of the pyridine N atoms. The mol-ecular geometry around the central
      N atom is essentially planar (sum of angles = 359.89 degrees ). In the crystal, N
      H?N hydrogen bonds, as well as C-H?S contacts link the different residues into
      chains along the c-axis direction. Inter-action between aromatic systems gives
      rise to pi-stacking, the shortest distance between two pi-systems being 3.6902
      (6) A. Both the protonated and the non-protonated pyridyl groups are involved in
      the latter inter-action.

PMID- 22091019
TI  - 2-[(E)-4-(Dimethyl-amino)-benzyl-idene]indan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(17)NO, the dihydro-indene ring system is
      approximately planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.041 (2) A. This ring system
      is almost coplanar with the benzene ring, making a dihedral angle of 5.22 (9)
      degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol
      ecules into chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22091020
TI  - (1S*,3S*,8S*,10S*)-10-Fluoro-15-oxa-tetra-cyclo-[6.6.1.0.0]penta-deca-5,12-dien-3
      ol.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(17)FO(2), was obtained from anti-4a,9a:8a,10a-diep-oxy
      1,4,4a,5,8,8a,9,9a,10,10a-deca-hydro-anthra-cene via tandem hydrogen-fluoride
      mediated epoxide ring-opening and transannular oxacyclization. With the two cyclo
      hexene rings folded towards the oxygen bridge, the title tetra-cyclic fluoro
      alcohol mol-ecule displays a conformation remin-iscent of a pagoda. The crystal
      packing is effected via inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds, which link the mol
      ecules into a zigzag chain along the b axis.

PMID- 22091021
TI  - 1,3-Diallyl-6-bromo-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(12)H(12)BrN(3)O, the fused-ring system
      is essentially planar, the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.0148 (3)
      A. The two allyl groups are nearly perpendicular to the imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine
      plane [C-C-N-C torsion angles of 81.6 (4) and -77.2 (4) degrees ] and point in
      the same direction. The planes through the atoms forming each allyl group are
      nearly perpendicular to the imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one system, as indicated by
      the dihedral angles between them of 80.8 (5) and 73.6 (5) degrees .

PMID- 22091022
TI  - 1,1-Dibenzyl-3-(4-fluoro-benzo-yl)thio-urea.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(19)FN(2)OS, the 2-fluoro-benzoyl group adopts a
      trans conformation with respect to the thiono S atom across the N-C bond. In the
      crystal, inter-molecular N-H?S, C-H?S and C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol
      ecules, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (101).

PMID- 22091023
TI  - (9S,13R,14S)-7,8-Didehydro-4-(4-fluoro-benz-yloxy)-3,7-dimeth-oxy-17-methyl
      morphinan-6-one sesquihydrate.
AB  - In the title sinomenine derivative, C(26)H(28)FNO(4).1.5H(2)O, the dihedral angle
      between the two aromatic rings is 55.32 (6) degrees . The N-containing ring has
      an approximate chair conformation, while other two rings have approximate
      envelope and half-chair conformations. One water mol-ecule is located on a
      twofold symmetry axis. In the crystal, the water mol-ecules form O-H?O and O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds, bridging symmetry-related main mol-ecules.

PMID- 22091024
TI  - Methyl 3-(4-isopropyl-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-3,3a,4,9b-tetra-hydro-1H-chromeno[4,3
      c]isoxazole-3a-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(27)H(27)NO(4), the five-membered isoxazole ring adopts
      an envelope conformation and the six-membered pyran ring adopts a half-chair
      conformation. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the isoxazole ring
      and the chromene ring system is 54.95 (4) degrees .

PMID- 22091025
TI  - Methyl 6-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo-1,2,3,4,6,6a,7,12b-octa-hydro
      chromeno[4',3':4,5]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6a-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(21)ClN(2)O(6), the two fused six-membered pyran
      rings adopt half-chair conformations. The dihedral angle between the pyrimidine
      ring and the chloro-phenyl ring is 51.55 (3) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by pairs of weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming
      inversion dimers. A C-H?pi inter-action is also observed.

PMID- 22091026
TI  - Tetra-ethyl-ammonium bicarbonate trihydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(8)H(20)N(+).CHO(3) (-).3H(2)O, the bicarbon-ate anion,
      which has a small mean deviation from the plane of 0.0014 A, fully utilises its
      three O and one H atom to form various O-H?O hydrogen bonds with the three water
      mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit, generating a hydrogen-bonded layer, which
      extends along (10[Formula: see text]). The tetra-ethyl-ammonium cations, as the
      guest species, are accommodated between every two neighboring layers,
      constructing a sandwich-like structure with an inter-layer distance of 7.28 A.

PMID- 22091027
TI  - 2,2-Diphenyl-acetamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(13)NO, which has two mol-ecules in the asymmetric
      unit, the dihedral angles between the mean planes of the benzene rings are 84.6
      (7) and 85.0 (6) degrees . N-H?O hydrogen bonds [forming R(2) (2)(8) ring motifs]
      and C-H?O hydrogen bonds dominate the crystal packing, forming zigzag chains
      parallel to the a axis. In addition, weak inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions
      are observed.

PMID- 22091028
TI  - Methyl 2-(4-hy-droxy-benzo-yl)benzoate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(12)O(4), the dihedral angle between the benzene
      rings is 64.0 (6) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming C(8) chains propagating in [10[Formula: see text]] and
      the packing is reinforced by weak C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22091029
TI  - 2-Phenyl-naphtho-[1,8-de][1,3,2]diaza-borinane.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(13)BN(2), is one compound in a series of diaza
      borinanes featuring substitution at the 1, 2 and 3 positions in the nitro-gen
      boron heterocycle. The title compound is slightly distorted from planarity, with
      a dihedral angle of 9.0 (5) degrees  between the mean planes of the naphthalene
      system and the benzene ring. The m-carbon atom of the benzene ring exhibits the
      greatest deviation of 0.164 (2) A from the 19-atom mean plane defined by all non
      H atoms. The two N-B-C-C torsion angles are 6.0 (3) and 5.6 (3) degrees . In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pi-pi inter-actions into columns, with a
      distance of 3.92 (3) A between the naphthalene ring centroids. Adjacent pi
      stacked columns, co-linear with the b-axis, are linked by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091030
TI  - 3,4-Dihy-droxy-phenethyl acetate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(12)O(4), the dihedral angle between the acetate
      group and the aromatic ring is 20.47 (10) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming [001] chains. Weak C-H?O inter
      actions consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22091031
TI  - 2,4,6-Trimethyl-anilinium chloro-acetate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(9)H(14)N(+).C(2)H(2)ClO(2) (-),
      inter-molecular N-H?O inter-actions link the mol-ecules into a one-dimensional
      linear structure.

PMID- 22091032
TI  - 3-Allyl-6-bromo-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(9)H(8)BrN(3)O, the fused-ring system is
      almost planar, the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.008 (3) A. The
      plane through the atoms forming the allyl group is roughly perpendicular to the
      imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one system, as indicated by the dihedral angle between
      them of 70.28 (11) degrees . In the crystal, each mol-ecule is linked to its
      symmetry equivalent about the center of inversion by a pair of strong N-H?O
      hydrogen bond, forming inversion dimers.

PMID- 22091033
TI  - (E)-4-Chloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl-idene)aniline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(16)ClN, the dihedral angle between the benzene
      rings is 24.61 (13) degrees . In the crystal, only van der Waals inter-actions
      occur between neighbouring mol-ecules.

PMID- 22091034
TI  - (E)-2-(2-Formyl-phen-oxy-meth-yl)-3-phenyl-prop-2-ene-nitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(13)NO(2), the dihedral angle between the benzene
      and the phenyl ring is 65.92 (7) degrees . The carbonitrile side chain is almost
      linear, the C-C-N angle being 175.55 (14) degrees . The crystal structure is
      stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22091035
TI  - 2-Cyano-N'-(2-hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)acetohydrazide.
AB  - The title compound, C(11)H(11)N(3)O(3), was obtained by the reaction of 3-meth
      oxy-salicyl-aldehyde with cyano-acetohydrazide in methanol. There is an intra
      molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond in the mol-ecule. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating chains running along the b axis.

PMID- 22091036
TI  - 2-Cyano-N'-(5-hy-droxy-2-nitro-benzyl-idene)acetohydrazide monohydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(8)N(4)O(4).H(2)O, was obtained by the reaction of 5-hy
      droxy-2-nitro-benzaldehyde with cyano-acetohydrazide in methanol. The non-H atoms
      of the hydrazone molecule are approximately coplanar, with a mean deviation from
      the least-squares plane of 0.056 A. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N
      H?O, O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091037
TI  - 6-Nitro-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo-[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione.
AB  - In the two mol-ecules of the asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      C(12)H(11)N(3)O(4), the seven-membered diazepine ring adopts a boat conformation
      (with the two phenyl-ene C atoms representing the stern and the methine C atom
      the prow). The five-membered pyrrole ring, which has an envelope conformation,
      makes dihedral angles of 60.47 (10) and 54.69 (9) degrees  with the benzene ring
      of the benzodiazepine unit in the two mol-ecules. In the crystal, inter-molecular
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance
      = 3.8023 (7)-3.8946 (7) A] lead to the formation of a three-dimensional
      framework.

PMID- 22091038
TI  - 2-Ethyl-N-[(5-nitro-thio-phen-2-yl)methyl-idene]aniline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(12)N(2)O(2)S, the dihedral angle between the
      benzene and thio-phene rings is 36.72 (8) degrees . An inter-molecular C-H?pi
      inter-action contributes to the stability of the crystal structure.

PMID- 22091039
TI  - Meth-yl(phen-yl)phosphinic acid.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound, C(7)H(9)O(2)P, displays O-H?O
      hydrogen bonding , which links individual mol-ecules related via the c-glide
      plane and translational symmetry along the crystallographic b-axis direction into
      continuous chains.

PMID- 22091040
TI  - Ethyl [(benzyl-aza-nium-yl)(2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)meth-yl]phospho-nate.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(20)NO(4)P, crystallizes as a zwitterion. In the mol
      ecule, the two aromatic rings form a dihedral angle of 55.2 (1) degrees . In the
      crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into
      columns propagating in [010].

PMID- 22091041
TI  - 2-[2-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-2-oxoeth-yl]malononitrile.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(10)N(2)O(2), was obtained unintentionally during the
      synthesis of 2-amino-5-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)furan-3-carbonitrile. In the crystal,
      weak inter-mol-ecular C-H?N and C-H?pi inter-actions link the mol-ecules into
      columns propagating in [010].

PMID- 22091042
TI  - Morpholin-4-ium morpholine-4-carbo-dithio-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(4)H(10)NO(+).C(5)H(8)NOS(2) (-), is built up of a
      morpholinium cation and a dithio-carbamate anion. In the crystal, two
      structurally independent formula units are linked via N-H?S hydrogen bonds,
      forming an inversion dimer, with graph-set motif R(4) (4)(12).

PMID- 22091043
TI  - 1,4-Dibromo-naphthalene-2,3-diol.
AB  - In the title compound (r.m.s. deviation for the non-H atoms = 0.020 A),
      C(10)H(6)Br(2)O(2), an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond generates an S(6)
      ring. In the crystal, the same H atom also forms an inter-molecular O-H?O
      hydrogen bond, generating a C(2) chain propagating in [100]. The other O-H
      hydrogen forms a weak O-H?pi inter-action, and short Br?Br contacts [3.5972 (9)
      A] also occur.

PMID- 22091044
TI  - 1-(2-Naphth-yl)-3-phenyl-3-(4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazol-4
      yl)propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(25)H(22)N(2)OSe, the fused six-membered cyclo-hexene
      ring of the 4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazole group adopts a near half
      chair conformation and the five-membered 1,2,3-selenadiazole ring is essentially
      planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.004 A). There are weak inter-molecular C-H?O and C
      H?pi inter-actions in the crystal structure. Inter-molecular pi-pi stacking is
      also observed between the naphthyl units, with a centroid-centroid distance of
      3.529 (15) A.

PMID- 22091045
TI  - 1,5-Anhydro-2-de-oxy-1,2-C-dichloro-methyl-ene-3,4,6-tri-O-(4-meth-oxy-benz-yl)-d
      glycero-d-gulo-hexitol.
AB  - The pyranosyl ring in the title compound, C(31)H(34)Cl(2)O(7), adopts a twist
      boat conformation. The 4-meth-oxy-benzyl groups are located in equatorial
      positions with the meth-oxy groups nearly coplanar with their respective rings
      [dihedral angles of 0.2 (3) and 9.4 (2) degrees ]. The aromatic rings adopt
      orientations enabling them to participate in C-H?pi inter-actions with
      neighboring meth-oxy groups. The crystal structure is additionally stabilized by
      weak C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22091046
TI  - 1,1,2,2-Tetra-kis(1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)ethene.
AB  - The title compound, C(30)H(16)N(4)O(4), reveals [Formula: see text]
      crystallographic and mol-ecular symmetry and accordingly the asymmetric unit
      comprises one half-mol-ecule. The dihedral angle between the planes of the two
      geminal benzoxazole rings is 74.39 (5) degrees . The packing features weak C-H?N
      and pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.652 (1) A].

PMID- 22091047
TI  - 3-Methyl-4-{[(3-{[(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl
      idene)(phen-yl)meth-yl]amino-meth-yl}benz-yl)amino](phen-yl)methyl-idene}-1
      phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one.
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(42)H(36)N(6)O(2), is generated by
      a crystallographic twofold axis with two C atoms of the central phenyl group
      lying on the axis. In the independent part of the mol-ecule, one amino group is
      involved in an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond, and the two adjacent phenyl
      rings are twisted from the plane of the pyrazolone ring with dihedral angles of
      6.82 (3) and 88.32 (6) degrees . The crystal packing exhibits no classical inter
      molecular contacts.

PMID- 22091048
TI  - 5'-Methyl-sulfanyl-4'-oxo-7'-phenyl-3',4'-dihydro-1'H-spiro-[cyclo-hexane-1,2'
      quinazoline]-8'-carbonitrile dimethyl-formamide monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(21)N(3)OS.C(3)H(7)NO, the carbonitrile mol-ecule is
      built up of two fused six-membered rings and one six-membered ring linked through
      a spiro C atom. The 1,3-diaza ring adopts an envelope conformation and the cyclo
      hexane ring adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the aromatic
      rings is 46.7 (3) degrees . In the crystal, the components are linked by N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091049
TI  - 1-(2-Hy-droxy-eth-yl)-4-{3-[(E)-2-(trifluoro-meth-yl)-9H-thioxanthen-9-yl
      idene]prop-yl}piperazine-1,4-diium bis-(3-carb-oxy-prop-2-enoate).
AB  - In the title salt, C(23)H(27)F(3)N(2)OS(+).2C(4)H(3)O(4) (-), a non-merohedral
      twin [ratio of the twin components = 0.402 (1):0.598 (1)], the -CF(3) group is
      disordered over two sets of sites with occupancy factors in the ratio 0.873
      (2):0.127 (2). The dihedral angle between the two outer aromatic rings of the 9H
      thioxanthene unit, whose thio-pyran ring has a screw-boat conformation, is 33.01
      (9) degrees . The diprotonated piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. In
      the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O, N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds between
      neighboring mol-ecules form zigzag chains along the a axis and contribute to the
      stabilization of the packing.

PMID- 22091050
TI  - 2-Chloro-N-(3,4-dimethyl-phen-yl)benzamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(14)ClNO, the conformation of the N-H bond is anti
      to the meta-methyl group in the aniline ring, while that of the C=O bond is anti
      to the ortho-chloro group in the benzoyl ring. The mean planes through the two
      benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 80.8 (2) degrees . In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming column-like
      chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22091051
TI  - 2,2-Dichloro-1-(3,3,6-trimethyl-9-oxo-1,5-diaza-bicyclo-[4.3.0]nonan-5
      yl)ethanone.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(12)H(18)Cl(2)N(2)O(2), the six-membered ring is in a
      chair conformation and the five-membered ring is in an envelope conformation. In
      the crystal, weak inter-molecular bifurcated (C-H)(2)?O hydrogen bonds connect
      mol-ecules into chains along [010].

PMID- 22091052
TI  - 4-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-ylmeth-oxy)-3-meth-oxy-benzaldehyde tetra-hydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(14)N(2)O(3).4H(2)O, the dihedral angle between the
      mean planes of the benzimidazole ring system and benzene ring is 2.9 (1) degrees
      . The aldehyde group is disordered over two sets of sites with refined
      occupancies of 0.559 (4) and 0.441 (4). In the crystal, extensive inter-molecular
      O-H?O, O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds in concert with weak pi-pi stacking inter
      actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.6104 (9), 3.6288 (9) and 3.9167 (10) A]
      create a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091053
TI  - (E)-Methyl N'-(2,4,5-trimeth-oxy-benzyl-idene)hydrazinecarboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(12)H(16)N(2)O(5), adopts a trans configuration with
      respect to the C=N bond. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      link the mol-ecules into chains in [001], and weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter
      actions further link the chains into corrugated layers parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22091054
TI  - 4-[3-(Benzyl-amino)-2-hy-droxy-prop-yl]-2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(35)NO(2), the planes of the two aromatic rings form
      a dihedral angle of 72.76 (4) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by
      O-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen-bond inter-actions, forming an extended two-dimensional
      framework parallel to the ab plane.

PMID- 22091055
TI  - A second monoclinic polymorph of 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl-5-[(E)-2-(methyl-sulfan
      yl)benzyl-idene-amino]-pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
AB  - A new monoclinic form of the title compound, C(14)H(16)N(4)O(2)S, has been
      identified unexpectedly during an attempt to synthesize a coordination compound.
      The heterocyclic ring is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.005 A) and
      makes a dihedral angle of 8.77 (5) degrees  with the benzene ring. This is in
      contrast to 12.24 (7) degrees  reported for the first monoclinic polymorph
      [Booysen et al. (2011 ?). Acta Cryst. E67, o1592]. An intra-molecular N-H?S
      hydrogen bond is observed. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      link the mol-ecules into zigzag chains along the b axis. The closest distance
      between the centroids of symmetry-related heterocyclic rings is 3.5161 (6) A.

PMID- 22091056
TI  - (Z)-2-(4-tert-Butyl-phen-yl)-1-(4-chloro-1-ethyl-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-2
      cyano-vinyl pivalate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(30)ClN(3)O(2), the dihedral angle between the
      benzene and pyrazole rings is 56.86 (7) degrees . The C=C bond is significantly
      twisted, as indicated by the dihedral angle of 12.26 (1) degrees  between the two
      sets of three atoms linked by the double bond.

PMID- 22091057
TI  - 3,3'-(Ethane-1,2-di-yl)bis-(6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazine).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(20)H(24)N(2)O(2), contains one half
      mol-ecule, which is completed by inversion symmetry. In the crystal, mol-ecular
      chains are formed through non-classical C-H?O hydrogen bonds, formed between
      axial H atoms of the oxazine ring and a O atom of a neighboring mol-ecule.

PMID- 22091058
TI  - 4-(4-{[(2-Phenyl-quinazolin-4-yl)-oxy]methyl}-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)butan-1-ol
      hemihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(21)N(5)O(2).0.5H(2)O, has two fused six-membered rings
      linked to a benzene ring and to a triazole ring, which is connected to a butanol
      group. The quinazoline ring forms a dihedral angle of 7.88 (8) degrees  with the
      benzene ring, while the triazole ring is approximately perpendicular to the
      benzene ring and to the quinazoline system, making dihedral angles of 84.38 (10)
      and 76.55 (8) degrees , respectively. The stereochemical arrangement of the
      butanol chain, with a C-C-C-C torsion angle of 178.34 (19) degrees , corresponds
      to an anti-periplanar conformation. However the position of the -OH group is
      split into two very close [O-O = 0.810(3) A] positions of equal occupancy. The
      crystal structure features O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds, building an infinite
      three-dimensional network. The water molecule is located on a half-filled general
      position.

PMID- 22091059
TI  - 1-(2-Ureidoeth-yl)quinolinium tetra-phenyl-borate.
AB  - In the cation of the title salt, C(12)H(14)N(3)O(+).C(24)H(20)B(-), the dihedral
      angle between the quinoline ring and the mean plane of the urea fragment is 61.51
      (5) degrees . In the crystal, the cations inter-act through weak C-H?O hydrogen
      bonding, forming a zigzag chain along the c-axis direction; the cations and
      anions are involved in weak inter-molecular C-H?pi and N-H?pi inter-actions as
      donors and acceptors, respectively.

PMID- 22091060
TI  - N-(2-Amino-3,5-dibromo-benz-yl)-N-methyl-cyclo-hexan-1-aminium p
      toluenesulfonate.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(21)Br(2)N(2) (+).C(7)H(7)O(3)S(-), features a salt of
      protonated bromhexine, a pharmaceutical used in the treatment of respiratory
      disorders, and the p-toluenesulfonate anion. The crystal packing is stabilized by
      inter-molecular N-H?O, N-H?Br and C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091061
TI  - 4,4'-Bipyridine-pyridine-3,5-dicarb-oxy-lic acid (3/4).
AB  - In the title compound, 3C(10)H(8)N(2).4C(7)H(5)NO(4), the asymmetric unit
      contains two mol-ecules of pyridine-3,5-dicarb-oxy-lic acid and one mol-ecule of
      4,4'-bipyridine in general positions together with one mol-ecule of 4,4'
      bipyridine lying across a centre of inversion, thus giving a 4:3 molar ratio of
      pyridine-3,5-dicarb-oxy-lic acid to 4,4'-bipyridine. The dihedral angle between
      the bipyridine rings on general positions is 21.2 (2) degrees . These mol-ecular
      units are linked by O-H?N hydrogen bonds forming an extended two-dimensional
      framework in the crystal.

PMID- 22091062
TI  - 1-Phenyl-isatin.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(9)NO(2), the phenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of
      50.59 (5) degrees  with the mean plane of the isatin fragment. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked through weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds. The
      crystal structure also exhibits two slipped pi-pi inter-actions between the
      benzene rings of neighbouring mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distance = 3.968 (3)
      A, inter-planar distance = 3.484 (3) A and slippage = 1.899 (3) A], and between
      the phenyl rings of neighbouring mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distance = 3.968
      (3) A, inter-planar distance = 3.638 (3) A and slippage = 1.584 (3) A].

PMID- 22091063
TI  - (8aRS)-8,8a-Dihydro-furo[3,2-f]indolizine-6,9(4H,7H)-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(9)NO(3), is a chiral mol-ecule with one stereogenic
      carbon atom, but which crystallizes as a racemate in the centrosymmetric space
      group P2(1)/n. The central six-membered ring of the indolizine moiety adopts a
      definite envelope conformation, while the conformation of the oxopyrrolidine ring
      is close to that of a flat-envelope with a maximum deviation of 0.352 (1) A for
      the flap atom.

PMID- 22091064
TI  - 1-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(9)FN(2)O, the dihedral angle between the rings is
      87.50 (4) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds link the
      mol-ecules in a stacked arrangement along the c axis.

PMID- 22091065
TI  - 5-(Pyridin-2-yl)-3,3'-bi(1H-1,2,4-triazole).
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(9)H(7)N(7), the two triazole rings are twisted by an
      angle of 3.8 (5) degrees ; the central triazole ring is twisted by 32.3 (6)
      degrees  with respect to the pyridyl ring. The crystal packing consists of layers
      generated by inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091066
TI  - 4-Hydrazinyl-idene-1-methyl-3H-2lambda,1-benzothia-zine-2,2-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(9)H(11)N(3)O(2)S, the thia-zine ring adopts a half-chair
      conformation. In the crystal structure N-H?N hydrogen bonds connect two mol
      ecules into a centrosymmetric dimer, forming an R(2) (2)(6) ring motif. These
      dimers are further connected into chains by N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091067
TI  - 3-Hy-droxy-pyridinium-2-carboxylate.
AB  - Comparable to many amino acids, the title compound, C(6)H(5)NO(3), is a
      substitution product of picolinic acid. The mol-ecule shows approximate non
      crystallographic C(s) symmetry. Like many amino acids, the mol-ecule is present
      in its zwitterionic state. Intra- as well as inter-molecular hydrogen bonds are
      observed, the latter connecting the mol-ecules into zigzag chains along the
      crystallographic b axis. An inter-molecular C-C distance of only 3.368 (2) A
      exclusively involving carbon atoms of aromatic rings (centroid-centroid
      separation = 3.803 A) is indicative of pi-pi inter-actions connecting the mol
      ecules into stacks along the crystallographic a axis.

PMID- 22091068
TI  - 7-Meth-oxy-1-(4-nitro-benzo-yl)naph-thalen-2-yl 4-nitro-benzoate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(25)H(16)N(2)O(8), the dihedral angle between the
      naphthalene ring system and the benzene ring of the nitro-phenyl ketone unit is
      82.64 (7) degrees . The bridging ester O-C(=O)-C plane makes dihedral angles of
      42.12 (8) and 11.47 (9) degrees , respectively, with the naphthalene ring system
      and the benzene ring of the nitro-phenyl ester unit. In the crystal, two types of
      weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions are observed.

PMID- 22091069
TI  - N,N-Bis(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)cyclo-butanamine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(28)H(27)NP(2), the N atom adopts an almost planar
      geometry with the two P atoms and the C atom attached to it, with a distance of
      0.066 (2) A between the N atom and the C/P/P plane. The distorted trigonal
      pyramidal geometry of the N atom is further illustrated by bond angles ranging
      between 115.22 (11) and 123.53 (8) degrees . Bond angles varying from 99.99 (9)
      to 108.07 (9)  degrees  are indicative of the distorted pyramidal environment
      around the P atoms. An intra-molecular C-H?P hydrogen bond occurs. In the
      crystal, inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions link the mol-ecules into a supra
      molecular network.

PMID- 22091070
TI  - N-(5-Bromo-pyridin-2-yl)acetamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(7)H(7)BrN(2)O, contains two mol
      ecules, in one of which the methyl H atoms are disorderd over two orientations in
      a 0.57 (3):0.43 (3) ratio. The dihedral angles between the pyridine rings and the
      acetamide groups are 7.27 (11) and 8.46 (11) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds generating bifurcated R(2) (1)(5)
      ring motifs, which in turn lead to [110] chains.

PMID- 22091071
TI  - 2-Amino-6-nitro-1,3-benzothia-zol-3-ium hydrogen sulfate.
AB  - In the title molecular salt, C(7)H(6)N(3)O(2)S(+).HSO(4) (-), the 2-amino-6-nitro
      1,3-benzothia-zole ring system is essentially planar [mean deviation = 0.0605 (4)
      A]. In the crystal, N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions result in a
      layer motif.

PMID- 22091072
TI  - rac-Dimethyl [(9-anthr-yl)(4-methyl-anilino)meth-yl]phospho-nate.
AB  - The title compound, C(24)H(24)NO(3)P, crystallizes as a racemate with two mol
      ecules in the asymmetric unit. The structural features (bond lengths and angles)
      of the two mol-ecules are almost identical. The dihedral angle between the
      anthracene and toluidine rings is similar in the two mol-ecules, with values of
      48.36 (9) and 51.15 (9) degrees . The methyl groups of one of the meth-oxy groups
      in one mol-ecule is disordered over two sets of sites, the major component having
      a site occupancy of 0.636 (3). In the crystal, both molecules are linked into
      inversion dimers by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091073
TI  - N,N'-Bis(2-chloro-benz-yl)-N''-(2,2,2-trichloro-acet-yl)phospho-ric triamide.
AB  - The P atom in the title compound, C(16)H(15)Cl(5)N(3)O(2)P, exhibits a tetra
      hedral coordination geometry and the phosphoryl and carbonyl groups are anti with
      respect to one another. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 44.90
      (15) degrees . One of the 2-chloro-benzyl-amido fragments is disordered over two
      sets of sites with occupancies of 0.8823 (17) and 0.1177 (17). In the crystal,
      adjacent mol-ecules are linked via N-H?O(P) and N-H?O(C) hydrogen bonds into an
      extended chain running parallel to the a axis.

PMID- 22091074
TI  - 2-Phenyl-imidazolium hemi(benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl-ate) monohydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(9)H(9)N(2) (+).0.5C(8)H(4)O(4) (
      ).H(2)O, contains one 2-phenyl-imidazolium cation, half a benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl
      ate anion and one water mol-ecule. In the crystal, components are connected by N
      H?O and O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091075
TI  - 2-[2-(4-Acetyl-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-1,3-diphenyl-propane-1,3-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(18)N(2)O(3), the inter-planar angle between the
      benzoyl units is 80.51 (6) degrees  while the dihedral angles between the
      hydrazinyl-idene and benzoyl groups are 43.43 (6) and 54.16 (6) degrees . In the
      crystal, a strong resonance-assisted intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond is
      observed. The mol-ecules form an inversion dimer via a pair of weak C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds and a pi-pi inter-action [centroid-centroid distance of 3.5719
      (10) A]. These dimers are linked via weak C-H?O contacts, forming chains along
      the b axis.

PMID- 22091076
TI  - (5S)-3-Chloro-4-diallyl-amino-5-[(1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-cyclo-hex
      yloxy]furan-2(5H)-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(30)ClNO(3), was obtained via a tandem asymmetric
      Michael addition-elimination reaction of (5S)-3,4-dichloro-5-(l-menth-yloxy)
      2(5H)-furan-one and diallyl-amine in the presence of potassium fluoride. The mol
      ecular structure contains an approximately planar five-membered furan-one ring
      [maximum atomic deviation = 0.0221 (3) A] and a six-membered ring adopting a
      chair conformation.

PMID- 22091077
TI  - (E)-Methyl 2-chloro-4-dicyclo-hexyl-amino-4-oxobut-2-enoate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(26)ClNO(3), both cyclo-hexyl rings have chair
      conformations. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091078
TI  - 5,7-Dibromo-3-trifluoro-methyl-3,4-dihydro-acridin-1(2H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(8)Br(2)F(3)NO, the mol-ecule is disordered across
      an approximate non-crystallographic mirror plane, which is in the plane of the
      fused ring system [The tetrahedral C atom bearing the trifluormethyl substituent
      is disordered with site occupancy factors of 0.80 (2) and 0.20 (2)]. In the
      crystal, a one-dimensional stacking of mol-ecules involves inter-actions between
      the pyridine ring and symmetry-related Br and O atoms of adjacent mol-ecules. The
      stacking distance between the mean planes of adjacent mol-ecules is 3.395 (4) A.

PMID- 22091079
TI  - 3-Cyclo-hexyl-sulfonyl-5-iodo-2,7-dimethyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(19)IO(3)S, the cyclo-hexyl ring adopts a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular I?O contacts [3.269 (2) A]
      link the mol-ecules into inversion dimers. These dimers are further stabilized by
      a slipped pi-pi inter-action between the benzene and furan rings of adjacent mol
      ecules [centroid-centroid distance = 3.701 (3) A, inter-planar distance = 3.372
      (3) A and slippage = 1.525 (3) A].

PMID- 22091080
TI  - 1,6-Bis(prop-2-yn-1-yl-oxy)naphthalene.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(12)O(2), contains two prop-2-yn-1-yl-oxy groups
      attached to a naphthalene ring system at the 1- and 6-positions. The crystal
      packing includes an inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-action between a terminal
      ethynyl H atom and an ethynyl group on a glide-related mol-ecule and another
      inter-action between an O-atom-linked methyl-ene H and an ethynyl group of a
      different glide-related mol-ecule.

PMID- 22091081
TI  - 2,2-Dimethyl-N-(2-methyl-phenyl-sulfon-yl)acetamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(11)H(15)NO(3)S, contains two
      independent mol-ecules in which the amide bonds show a trans conformation. The C
      S-N-C torsion angles are -67.4 (2) and 63.8 (2) degrees  in the two independent
      mol-ecules. In one of the mol-ecules, a methyl group is disordered over two sets
      of sites with a site-occupation factor of 0.661 (16) for the major occupany
      component. In the crystal, mol-ecules are packed into chains running along [101]
      through N-H?O(S) hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091082
TI  - 6-Allyl-8-meth-oxy-3-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(19)NO(2), the allyl group is disordered over two
      sets of sites [occupancy ratio 0.662 (4):0.338 (4)]. The dihedral angle between
      the phenyl and benzene rings is 87.44 (10) degrees . The oxazinane ring adopts a
      sofa conformation.

PMID- 22091083
TI  - 2-Amino-3-carb-oxy-pyridinium nitrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(6)H(7)N(2)O(2) (+).NO(3) (-),
      the cations are linked via C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains running
      along the b axis. These chains are further linked through N-H?O, O-H?O and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds to the nitrate anions, forming well-separated infinite planar
      layers parallel to (001).

PMID- 22091084
TI  - 3,3'-Dichloro-biphenyl-4,4'-diaminium sulfate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(12)Cl(2)N(2) (2+).SO(4) (2-), the two rings are not
      coplanar [dihedral angle = 48.7 (2) degrees ]. In the crystal, multiple N-H?O
      hydrogen-bond inter-actions are found between the ammonium and sulfate groups.

PMID- 22091085
TI  - (4R,11R)-9-(1-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-4,11-diphenyl-1,3,5,7,9-pentaazatri
      cyclo[5.3.1.0]undecane-2,6-dithione.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(21)H(23)N(5)OS(2), contains two
      independent chiral mol-ecules. The two phenyl rings of one mol-ecule form a
      dihedral angle of 51.95 (7) degrees  and the distance between their centroids is
      4.345 (1) A. In the other mol-ecule, the phenyl rings form a dihedral angle of
      58.79 (8) degrees  with a ring centroid-centroid distance of 4.435 (2) A. An
      intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond occurs in each independent mol-ecule. The
      crystal packing is stabilized by and inter-molecular N-H?O and N-H?S hydrogen
      bonds and C-H?S inter-actions.

PMID- 22091086
TI  - tert-Butyl 1-hy-droxy-piperidine-2-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(19)NO(3), is a disubstituted piperidine bearing
      substituents in two equatorial positions. One of the substituents is a hy-droxy
      group bound to nitro-gen and the second a tert-butyl ester group bound to the
      carbon next to the endocyclic nitro-gen. Enanti-omers of the title compound form
      hydrogen-bridged dimers across a center of inversion.

PMID- 22091087
TI  - 1-Benzyl-3-[3-(naphthalen-2-yl-oxy)prop-yl]imidazolium hexa-fluoro-phosphate.
AB  - In the title salt, C(23)H(23)N(2)O(+).PF(6) (-), the PF(6) (-) anion is highly
      disordered (occupancy ratios of 0.35:0.35:0.3, 0.7:0.15:0.15, 0.7:0.3 and
      0.35:0.35:0.15:0.15) with the four F atoms in the equatorial plane rotating about
      the axial F-P-F bond. The mean plane of the imidazole ring makes dihedral angles
      of 82.44 (17) and 14.39 (16) degrees , respectively, with the mean planes of the
      benzene ring and the naphthalene ring system. The crystal structure is stabilized
      by C-H?F hydrogen bonds. In addition, pi-pi [centroid-centroid distances = 3.7271
      (19)-3.8895 (17) A] and C-H?pi inter-actions are observed.

PMID- 22091088
TI  - N-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)-2-({5-[4-(methyl-sulfan-yl)benz-yl]-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4
      triazol-3-yl}sulfan-yl)acetamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(24)H(21)ClN(4)OS(2), the central 1,2,4-triazole ring
      forms dihedral angles of 89.05 (9), 86.66 (9) and 82.70 (10) degrees  with the
      chloro-substituted benzene ring, the methyl-sulfanyl-substituted benzene ring and
      the phenyl ring, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into sheets
      parallel to (100) by inter-molecular N-H?N and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091089
TI  - (E)-2-(4-Chloro-benzyl-idene)indan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(11)ClO, the dihedral angle between the almost
      planar dihydro-indene ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.009 A) and the chloro
      benzene ring is 3.51 (14) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected by C
      H?O and weak C-H?Cl inter-actions, forming infinite layers parallel to (101).

PMID- 22091090
TI  - (Z)-3alpha-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-17(20)-pregnene.
AB  - The title compound, C(29)H(37)NO(2), crystallized with two independent mol-ecules
      in an asymmetric unit in which the conformation of the cyclo-hexyl ring of the
      pregnene moiety bonded to the 3alpha-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)- ring system
      differs: in one mol-ecule it is in a chair conformation, while in the other it
      exhibits a half-chair conformation. The other six-membered rings in the pregnene
      moiety are in chair conformations and the five-membered rings are in envelope
      forms in both mol-ecules. In both mol-ecules, the 3alpha-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2
      yl)- ring systems are individually approximately planar, with r.m.s. devtaions
      0.0148 and 0.0264 A. The structure is consolidated by inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen-bonding inter-actions involving the carbonyl O atoms and methyl, methyl
      ene and methyl-idyne groups, resulting in a two-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22091091
TI  - 1,3-Bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium tetra-fluoridoborate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(17)H(13)N(4) (+).BF(4) (-), contains
      one half of the benzimidazolium cation and one half of the tetra-fluoridoborate
      anion, with crystallographic mirror planes bis-ecting the mol-ecules. One F atom
      of the tetra-fluoridoborate is equally disordered about a crystallographic mirror
      plane. In the crystal, C-H?F inter-actions link the cations and anions into
      layers parallel to (100). The crystal packing is further stabilized by F?pi
      contacts involving the tetra-fluoridoborate anions and the five-membered rings
      [F?centroid = 2.811 (2) A].

PMID- 22091092
TI  - 2,4-Bis[(3-allyl-imidazolium-1-yl)meth-yl]mesitylene bis-(hexa
      fluoridophosphate).
AB  - In the title mol-ecular salt, C(23)H(30)N(4) (2+).2PF(6) (-), the central benzene
      ring of the cation makes dihedral angles of 89.80 (8) and 85.23 (7) degrees  with
      the pendant imidazole rings. In the crystal, the cations and anions are linked by
      numerous C-H?F hydrogen bonds, thereby forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091093
TI  - 4-Methyl-1-[4-(methyl-sulfan-yl)benzyl-idene]thio-semicarbazide.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(13)N(3)S(2), is roughly planar (r.m.s. deviation =
      0.086 A). In the crystal, N-H?S hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into (001)
      sheets.

PMID- 22091094
TI  - 4-tert-Butyl-2-(4-tert-butyl-pyridin-2-yl)pyridinium nitrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(25)N(2) (+).NO(3) (-), the dihedral angle between
      the pyridine rings is 19.06 (10) degrees . In the crystal, the ions are linked
      into a three-dimensional network by N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter
      actions.

PMID- 22091095
TI  - 2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-5-(cyclo-hex-1-en-1-yl)-3-(4-methyl-phenyl-sulfon-yl)-1
      phenyl-imidazolidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(28)H(27)ClN(2)O(3)S, the central imidazolidine ring
      adopts an envelope conformation with the C atom bearing the chloro-phenyl ring at
      the flap. The geometry around the S atom is distorted tetra-hedral. Three methyl
      ene groups of the cyclo-hexene ring are disordered over two sets of sites [site
      occupancies = 0.562 (10) and 0.438 (10)]. The crystal packing is stabilized by C
      H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091096
TI  - 2-(4-Iodo-phen-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-isoquinoline-1-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(13)IN(2), the benzene ring of the tetra-hydro
      isoquinoline moiety makes a dihedral angle of 45.02 (9) degrees  with the benzene
      ring of the 4-iodo-phenyl fragment. The N atom and the adjacent unsubstituted C
      atom of the tetra-hydro-isoquinoline unit are displaced by 0.294 (2) and 0.441
      (3) A, respectively, from the plane through the remaining eight C atoms. In the
      crystal, pairs of adjacent mol-ecules are linked into dimers by weak inter
      molecular C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091097
TI  - 5-Amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium-3-carboxyl-ate hemihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(3)H(4)N(4)O(2).0.5H(2)O, comprises
      two whole mol-ecules of 5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carb-oxy-lic acid in its
      zwitterionic form (proton transfer occurs from the carb-oxy-lic acid group to the
      N hetero-atom at position 1), plus one water mol-ecule of crystallization. The
      organic moieties are disposed into supra-molecular layers linked by N-H?O and N
      H?N hydrogen bonds parallel to the bc plane. Additional O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds involving the water mol-ecules and the organic mol-ecules lead to the
      formation of double-deck supra-molecular arrangements which are inter-connected
      along the a axis via pi-pi stacking [centroid-centroid distance = 3.507 (3) A].

PMID- 22091098
TI  - 4-Phenyl-1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one.
AB  - 4-Phenyl-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one reacts in the pres-ence of a concentrated
      aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and a quaternary ammonium salt (as catalyst)
      in benzene (phase transfer catalysis) with propargyl bromide, affording the title
      benzodiazepine derivative, C(18)H(14)N(2)O. In the mol-ecule, the mean plane of
      the propargyl substituent is almost perpendicular with that of the amide group
      [dihedral angle = 87.81 (8) degrees ]. In the crystal, the molecules are linked
      by C-H?O and C-H?N inter-actions.

PMID- 22091099
TI  - N-(3-Chloro-phen-yl)-N'-(3-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 inversion at the mid-point of the central C-C
      bond. The amide N-H group is anti to the meta-chloro/methyl groups in the
      adjacent benzene rings. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the NH
      C(O)-CH(2) segment is 43.5 (1) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the a axis. The methyl group
      and the Cl atom occupy the same position and were treated in a disorder model
      with site-occupation factors of 0.5 each.

PMID- 22091100
TI  - 6-Bromo-4-hydrazinyl-idene-1-methyl-3H-2lambda,1-benzothia-zine-2,2-dione.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(9)H(10)BrN(3)O(2)S, the thia-zine ring has an envelope
      conformation with the S atom at the flap. The geometry around the S atom is
      distorted tetra-hedral. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H?N
      hydrogen bonds occur, generating R(2) (2)(6) ring motifs. N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      and C-H?O inter-actions connect the dimers, forming a three-dimentional network
      structure.

PMID- 22091101
TI  - 1-(2-Hy-droxy-eth-yl)-4-[3-(2-trifluoro-methyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-yl-idene)prop
      yl]piperazine-1,4-diium dichloride: the dihydro-chloride salt of flupentixol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(27)F(3)N(2)OS(+).2Cl(-), the piperazinediium ring
      adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the two outer aromatic
      rings of the 9H-thioxanthene unit is 40.35 (18) degrees . The F atoms in the
      trifluoro-methyl group are disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of
      0.803 (6) and 0.197 (6). In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected by N-H?Cl, O
      H?Cl C-H?O and C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [001].
      There are also C-H?pi inter-actions present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22091102
TI  - Diethyl 2,6,11-trioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-1,3-diacetate.
AB  - The title compound, C(23)H(20)N(2)O(7), consists of three fused six-membered
      rings (A, B and C) and one five-membered ring (D), linked to two ethyl acetate
      groups. The four fused rings are slightly folded around the O=C?C=O direction of
      the anthraquinone system, with a dihedral angle of 3.07 (8) degrees  between the
      fused five- and six-membered rings (C and D) and the terminal ring (A). The
      planes through the atoms forming each acetate group are nearly perpendicular to
      the mean plane of the anthra[1,2-d]imidazole system, as indicated by the dihedral
      angles between them of 79.94 (9) and 85.90 (9) degrees . The crystal packing
      displays non-classical C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091103
TI  - Bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)methane dihydrate.
AB  - The bis-(benzimidazol-1-yl)methane mol-ecule of the title compound,
      C(15)H(12)N(4).2H(2)O, displays a trans conformation with a twofold axis running
      through the methylene C atom. Two adjacent water mol-ecules are bonded to this
      mol-ecule through O-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming a trimer. Adjacent trimers are
      connected together via C-H?O inter-actions, forming a chain running along the b
      axis direction. Two such chains are joined together via pi-pi inter-actions
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.556 (2) A], forming double chains, which are
      connected via the water mol-ecules through C-H?O associations, forming a sheet
      structure. The sheets are stacked on top of each other along the a-axis direction
      and connected through O-H?O and C-H?O inter-actions, forming a three-dimensional
      ABAB layer network structure.

PMID- 22091104
TI  - 3-Benzyl-5-benzyl-idene-2-sulfanylidene-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(17)H(13)NOS(2), the essentially planar thia-zole ring
      (r.m.s deviation 0.005 A) forms dihedral angles of 16.85 (8) degrees  and 75.02
      (8) degrees  with the phenyl rings. The dihedral angle between the two phenyl
      rings is 61.95 (9) degrees .

PMID- 22091105
TI  - 2-(2-Chloro-6,7-dimethyl-quinolin-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-quinolin-4(1H)-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(20)H(17)ClN(2)O, the dihedral angle between the mean
      plane of the quinoline ring system and the benzene ring of the dihydro
      quinolinone moiety is 57.84 (8) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      into centrosymmetric dimers via pairs of inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds.
      These dimers are further stabilized by weak pi-pi stacking inter-actions between
      pyridine rings with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.9414 (12) A.

PMID- 22091106
TI  - (2E)-1-(5-Chloro-thio-phen-2-yl)-3-(2,4,5-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(16)H(15)ClO(4)S, the chloro-thio-phene and trimeth-oxy
      phenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 31.12 (5) degrees . The C=C double bond
      exhibits an E conformation. In the crystal, C-H?O inter-actions generate
      bifurcated bonds, linking the mol-ecules into chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22091107
TI  - 9-[(Furan-2-ylmeth-yl)amino]-5-(3,4,5-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)-5,5a,8a,9-tetra-hydro
      furo[3',4':6,7]naphtho-[2,3-d][1,3]dioxol-6(8H)-one.
AB  - In title compound, C(27)H(27)NO(8), the dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one ring and the six
      membered ring fused to it both display envelope conformations. The dihedral angle
      between the benzene ring of the benzo[d][1,3]dioxole group and the other benzene
      ring is 60.59 (2) degrees . In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network. The furan ring is
      disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.722 (7) and 0.278 (7).

PMID- 22091108
TI  - 5-(4-Chloro-benz-yl)-1H-tetra-zole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(8)H(7)ClN(4), the phenyl and tetra-zole rings are
      inclined at a dihedral angle of 67.52 (6) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by an N-H?N hydrogen bond into a chain structure along [010]. pi-pi
      inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances of 3.526 (1) A between adjacent
      tetra-zole rings further link the chains, forming a ribbon structure.

PMID- 22091109
TI  - 6-Chloro-N-methyl-N-phenyl-pyrimidine-4,5-diamine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(11)ClN(4), the dihedral angle between the aromatic
      rings is 66.47 (8) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?N
      hydrogen bonds, generating C(5) chains propagating in [010]. Slipped aromatic pi
      pi stacking between centrosymmetrically related pairs of pyrim-idine rings also
      occurs [centroid-centroid separation = 3.7634 (12)A and slippage = 1.715 A].

PMID- 22091110
TI  - 2,4,5-Tris(biphenyl-2-yl)-1-bromo-benzene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(42)H(29)Br, the dihedral angles between the central
      benzene ring and the three attached benzene rings are very similar, lying in the
      range 52.65 (6)-57.20 (7) degrees . Of the dihedral angles between the rings of
      the o-biphenyl substituents, two are similar [46.34 (7) and 47.35 (7) degrees ],
      while the other differs significantly [64.17 (7) degrees ]. In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by two weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091111
TI  - 6-Bromo-1-methyl-4-[2-(4-methyl-benzyl-idene)hydrazinyl-idene]-3H-2lambda,1
      benzothia-zine-2,2-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(16)BrN(3)O(2)S, the two fused rings are twisted by
      a dihedral angle of 6.61 (15) degrees . The thia-zine ring adopts a sofa
      conformation. The toluene ring is oriented at dihedral angles of 15.5 (2) and
      20.6 (2) degrees  with respect to the bromo-benzene and thia-zine rings,
      respectively. The benzyl-idene system is approximately planar [r.m.s. deviation =
      0.0388 A]. In the cyrstal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds connects the
      mol-ecules into a chain along the b axis.

PMID- 22091112
TI  - N-(2,5-Dichloro-phen-yl)succinamic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(9)Cl(2)NO(3), the conformation of the N-H bond in
      the amide segment is syn with respect to the ortho-Cl atom and anti to the meta
      Cl atom of the benzene ring. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O and N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds pack the mol-ecules into two types of chains along the a and b
      axes, respectively, leading to an overall sheet structure. The acid group in the
      side chain is disordered and was refined using a split model with site-occupation
      factors of 0.60:0.40.

PMID- 22091113
TI  - 1-[3-(Hy-droxy-meth-yl)phen-yl]-3-phenyl-urea.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(14)N(2)O(2), the dihedral angle between the benzene
      rings is 23.6 (1) 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 three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091114
TI  - [2,7-Dimeth-oxy-8-(2-naphtho-yl)naphthalen-1-yl](naphthalen-2-yl)methanone.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(34)H(24)O(4), possesses
      crystallographically imposed twofold C(2) symmetry. The two 2-naphthoyl groups at
      the 1- and 8-positions of the central naphthalene ring are aligned almost anti
      parallel [5.21 (5) degrees ]. The dihedral angle between the central 2,7-dimeth
      oxy-naphthalene unit and the terminal naphthyl groups is 75.13 (4) degrees . In
      the crystal, weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid
      centroid and inter-planar distances are 3.6486 (8) and 3.3734 (5) A,
      respectively] are observed.

PMID- 22091115
TI  - 2,3-Bis(ethyl-sulfan-yl)-1,4,5,8-tetra-thia-fulvalene-6,7-dicarbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(10)N(2)S(6), all non-H atoms, except for those in
      the ethyl groups, lie in the same non-crystallographic plane, with a r.m.s.
      deviation of 0.0366 (5) A. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are linked
      through weak C-H?N hydrogen bonds between methyl and cyano groups, forming
      centrosymmetric dimers. The dimers are arranged along the a axis, due to inter
      molecular N?S [3.337 (4) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22091116
TI  - Dimethyl 3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrrole-2,4-dicarboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title pyrrole derivative, C(12)H(17)NO(4), consists of a pyrrole ring with
      two diagonally attached meth-oxy-carbonyl groups and two diagonally attached
      ethyl groups. The two carbonyl groups are approximately in the same plane as the
      pyrrole ring, making dihedral angles of 3.50 (19) and 6.70 (19) degrees . In the
      crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are assembled into dimers in a head-to-head mode by
      pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091117
TI  - 3-(Diphenyl-methyl-idene)indolin-2-one.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(21)H(15)NO, has an indoline-2-one and two benzene
      substituent groups which are arranged in a propeller-like fashion around the
      central C atom. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 73.32 (16)
      degrees  and those between the benzene rings and the indoline-2-one group are
      76.54 (14) and 67.69 (14) degrees . In the crystal, there is an inter-molecular N
      H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-action, which links the mol-ecules into chains
      extending along c.

PMID- 22091118
TI  - 2,4-Dibromo-6-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(7)H(5)Br(4)NO(2), intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds
      are observed. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link
      the mol-ecules into dimers.

PMID- 22091119
TI  - N-Benzyl-4-methyl-N-(4-methyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(21)H(21)NO(2)S, the phenyl ring makes the dihedral
      angles of 74.13 (11) and 80.16 (11) degrees  with the two benzene rings, which
      are inclined at an angle of 43.73 (10) degrees  with respect to each other. In
      the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds along
      the [010] direction. In addition, a weak C-H?pi (arene) inter-action is observed.

PMID- 22091120
TI  - N,N'-Bis(4-chloro-phenyl-sulfon-yl)suberamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(20)H(22)Cl(2)N(2)O(6)S(2), contains
      one half-mol-ecule with a center of symmetry at the mid-point of the central C-C
      bond. The conformations of all the N-H, C=O and C-H bonds in the central amide
      and aliphatic segments are anti to their adjacent bonds. The mol-ecule is bent at
      the S atom with a C-SO(2)-NH-C(O) torsion angle of -80.6 (4) degrees . The
      dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the SO(2)-NH-C(O)-CH(2)-CH(2)-CH(2)
      segment is 79.5 (2) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O(C) and N
      H?O(S) hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22091121
TI  - 4-Chloro-N-(3,5-dimethyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(14)H(14)ClNO(2)S, contains two
      independent mol-ecules, which are twisted at the S atoms with C-SO(2)-NH-C
      torsion angles of -69.4 (7) degrees  and 66.0 (8) degrees . The sulfonyl and the
      anilino benzene rings are tilted relative to each other by 49.0 (4) and 61.7 (3)
      degrees  in the two mol-ecules. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked into
      chains by N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091122
TI  - 4-Methyl-N-[(Z)-3-(4-methyl-phen-ylsulfon-yl)-1,3-thia-zolidin-2-yl-idene]benzene
      sulfonamide.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(17)H(18)N(2)O(4)S(3), mol
      ecules are connected into centrosymmetric dimers via weak inter-molecular C-H?pi
      inter-actions. These dimers are further connected through a series of weak C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, while futher C-H?pi inter-actions involving the phenyl and thia
      zoline rings are also observed. The thia-zolidine ring is twisted from the
      benzene rings rings by dihedral angles of 79.1 (1) and 85.0 (1) degrees , while
      the dihedral angle between two benzene rings is 76.0 (1) degrees .

PMID- 22091123
TI  - 2-Chloro-methyl-1-methyl-1,3-benzimidazole.
AB  - The title compound, C(9)H(9)ClN(2), was prepared from the reaction of N-methyl
      benzene-1,2-diamine and 2-chloro-acetic acid in boiling 6 M hydro-chloric acid.
      The benzimidazole unit is approximately planar, the largest deviation from the
      mean plane being 0.008 (1) A. The Cl atom is displaced by 1.667 (2) A from this
      plane. The methyl group is statistically disordered with equal occupancy.

PMID- 22091124
TI  - Benzyl 3-[(E)-1-(pyrazin-2-yl)ethyl-idene]dithio-carbazate.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(14)N(4)S(2), was obtained from a condensation reaction
      of benzyl dithio-carbazate and acetyl-pyrazine. The asymmetric unit contains two
      independent mol-ecules, in each of which the pyrazine ring and dithio-carbazate
      unit are approximately co-planar, the r.m.s. deviations being 0.0304 and 0.0418
      A. The mean plane is oriented with respect to the benzene ring at 49.22 (4)
      degrees  in one mol-ecule and at 69.76 (7) degrees  in the other. In the crystal,
      the mol-ecules are linked to each other via inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonds,
      forming centrosymmetric supra-molecular dimers.

PMID- 22091125
TI  - Ethyl 2-amino-4-phenyl-4H-1-benzo-thieno[3,2-b]pyran-3-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title heterocyclic compound, C(20)H(17)NO(3)S, was synthesized by
      condensation of ethyl cyano-acetate with (Z)-2-benzyl-idenebenzo[b]thio-phen
      3(2H)-one in the presence of a basic catalyst in ethanol. The phenyl and ester
      groups make dihedral angles of 77.67 (6) and 8.52 (6) degrees , respectively,
      with the benzothienopyran ring system [maximum r.m.s. deviation = 0.1177 (13) A].
      In the crystal, centrosymmetric dimers are formed through pairs of N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds between the amine and ester groups. Inter-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds
      and C-H?pi inter-actions involving the thio-phene ring are also observed.

PMID- 22091126
TI  - Benzyl 3-[(E)-2-nitro-benzyl-idene]dithio-carbazate.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(13)N(3)O(2)S(2), was obtained from a condensation
      reaction of benzyl dithio-carbazate and 2-nitro-benzaldehyde. In the mol-ecule,
      the nearly planar dithio-carbazate fragment [r.m.s deviation = 0.0264 A] is
      oriented at dihedral angles of 7.25 (17) and 74.09 (9) degrees with respect to
      the two benzene rings. The nitro group is twisted by a dihedral angle of 22.4 (7)
      degrees  to the attached benzene ring. The nitro-benzene ring and dithio
      carbazate fragment are located on the opposite sides of the C=N bond, showing an
      E configuration. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via inter-molecular N-H?S
      hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric supra-molecular dimers. Weak C-H?pi inter
      action is also observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22091127
TI  - 14-Methoxy-2,16-dioxapentacyclo[7.7.5.0.0.0]henicosa-3(8),10,12,14-tetraene-7,20
      dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(20)O(5), was synthesized from the reaction between 3
      methoxysalicaldehyde and 1,3-cyclo-hexa-nedione in the presence of palladium(II)
      chloride. The two fused xanthene rings and one of the six-membered cyclo-hexane
      rings adopt envelope conformations, while the other six-membered cyclo-hexane
      ring is in a chair conformation. The mol-ecular packing is stabilized by weak
      inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22091128
TI  - 4,6-Dimethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)pyrimidine.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(16)H(14)N(2), contains two
      independent mol-ecules in which the dihedral angles between the pyrimidine and
      naphthaline rings are 38.20 (5) and 39.35 (5) degrees . Inter-molecular C-H?pi
      contacts and pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.766
      (1) and 3.792 (1) A] are present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22091129
TI  - 4-{[1-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)eth-yl]amino-meth-yl}phenol.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(16)BrNO, obtained from a two-step reaction, was
      prepared for use in transition metal chemistry as a phenolic ligand with bulky
      substituents. Inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds are present in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22091130
TI  - (Acetoxy)(2-methylphenyl)methyl acetate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(14)O(4), the two acet-oxy groups are inclined by
      57.92 (5) degrees  and 62.71 (6) degrees  to the benzene ring. An inter-molecular
      C-H?O inter-action involving the two acet-oxy groups generates a centrosymmetric
      dimer via an R(2) (2)(16) ring motif.

PMID- 22091131
TI  - (3S,12R,20S,24R)-20,24-Ep-oxy-dammarane-3,12,25-triol.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(30)H(52)O(4), the three six-membered rings are in chair
      conformations, the cyclo-pentane ring is in an envelope form and the tetra-hydro
      furan ring has a conformation inter-mediate between half-chair and sofa. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds into
      helical chains along [100]. Two intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds are also
      present. One C atom of the tetrahydrofuran ring and its attached H atoms are
      equally disordered over two sets of sites.

PMID- 22091132
TI  - (E)-2-[(2,4-Dihy-droxy-benzyl-idene)aza-nium-yl]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propano-ate
      monohydrate.
AB  - In the zwitterionic title compound, C(18)H(16)N(2)O(4).H(2)O, the dihedral angle
      between the planes of the benzene and indole rings is 39.20 (8) degrees . An
      intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal,
      inter-molecular hy-droxy and water O-H?O(carboxyl-ate) and N(+)-H?O(carboxyl-ate)
      and indole N-H?O(water) hydrogen bonds give a three-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22091133
TI  - 4-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-N-[(E)-4-(dimethyl-amino)-benzyl-idene]-1,3-thia-zol-2
      amine.
AB  - The title compound, C(18)H(16)ClN(3)S, adopts an extended mol-ecular structure.
      The thia-zole ring is inclined by 9.2 (1) and 15.3 (1) degrees  with respect to
      the chloro-phenyl and 4-(dimethyl-amino)-phenyl rings, respectively, while the
      benzene ring planes make an angle of 19.0 (1) degrees . A weak inter-molecular C
      H?pi contact is observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22091134
TI  - 4-Nitro-N-phthalyl-l-tryptophan.
AB  - THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: (2R)-3-(1H-indol-3
      yl)-2-(4-nitro-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)propanoic acid], C(19)H(13)N(3)O(6), an
      analogue of epigenetic modulator RG108, is constrained by strong hydrogen bonds
      between the indole N-H group and a carbonyl O atom of the phthalimide ring of a
      symmetry-related mol-ecule, and between the protonated O atom of the carboxyl
      group and a carbonyl O atom of the phthalimide ring. pi-pi stacking inter-actions
      with centroid-centroid distances of 3.638 (1) and 3.610 (1) A are also observed
      between indole and phthalimide rings.

PMID- 22091135
TI  - 2-Hy-droxy-N-(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)benzamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(9)H(11)NO(3), a derivative of salicyl-amide, the intra
      cyclic C-C-C angles span the range 117.96 (13)-121.56 (14) degrees . An intra
      molecular O-H?O hydro-gen bond occurs. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O and
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds occur and C-H?O contacts connect the mol-ecules into a three
      dimensional network. The closest inter-centroid distance between two pi-systems
      is 3.8809 (10) A.

PMID- 22091136
TI  - (3-Amino-phen-yl)methanol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(7)H(9)NO, a derivative of benzyl alcohol, the endocyclic
      C-C-C angles are in the range 119.50 (12)-121.04 (12) degrees . In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O hydrogen-bond inter-actions, forming an extended
      two-dimensional framework parallel to ab. O-H?N inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22091137
TI  - {8-[4-(Bromo-meth-yl)benzo-yl]-2,7-dimeth-oxy-naphthalen-1-yl}[4-(bromo-meth
      yl)phen-yl]methanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(28)H(22)Br(2)O(4), the two 4-bromo-methyl-benzoyl groups
      at the 1- and 8-positions of the naphthalene ring system are aligned almost anti
      parallel, the benzene rings forming a dihedral angle of 2.94 (16) degrees . The
      dihedral angles between the benzene rings and the naphthalene ring systems are
      70.98 (13) and 72.89 (13) degrees . In the crystal, centrosymmetric-ally-related
      mol-ecules are linked into dimeric units by inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22091138
TI  - [2-(4-Methylbenzoyl)phenyl](4-methylphenyl)methanone.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(22)H(18)O(2), contains one half-mol
      ecule, the complete mol-ecule being generated by the operation of a
      crystallographic twofold rotation axis. The carbonyl group and the two C atoms
      attached to it forms inter-planar angles of 23.67 (7) degrees  with the methyl
      substituted phenyl ring and 50.74 (8) degrees  with the central ring. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked into infinite chains along the b-axis direction by
      inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions, generating R(2) (2)(10) graph-set motifs.

PMID- 22091139
TI  - Methyl 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propano-ate.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(12)H(13)NO(2), adopts an essentially
      planar conformation (r.m.s. deviation = 0.057 A). In the crystal, the mol-ecules
      are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating chains along
      [201].

PMID- 22091141
TI  - N-(2,6-Dichloro-phen-yl)-4-methyl-benzamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(11)Cl(2)NO, the two aromatic rings are nearly
      orthogonal to each other [dihedral angle 79.7 (1) degrees ], while the central
      amide core -NH-C(=O)- is nearly coplanar with the benzoyl ring [N-C-C-C torsion
      angles = -5.5 (3) and 1772. (2) degrees ]. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into C(4) chains propagating in [001].

PMID- 22091140
TI  - 21-Hy-droxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(28)O(3), is a fungal transformed metabolite of
      decoxycorticosterone acetate, consisting of four fused rings A, B, C and D. Ring
      A is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.010 (3) A from the least
      squares plane, while the trans-fused rings B and C adopt chair conformations. The
      five-membered ring D is in an envelope conformation. The orientation of the side
      chain is stabilized by an intramolecular O-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal,
      adjecent mol-ecules are linked by C-H?O hydrogen bonds into extended zigzag
      chains along the a axis.

PMID- 22091142
TI  - A triclinic polymorph of 3-nitro-anilinium chloride.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(6)H(7)N(2)O(2) (+).Cl(-), contains
      two independent ion pairs. A monoclinic form of the title compound with only one
      ion pair in the asymmetric unit has been reported previously [Ploug-Sorensen &
      Andersen (1986). Acta Cryst. C42, 1813-1815]. In the crystal of the title
      compound, the components are linked into layers parallel to (001) by inter
      molecular N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, with alternating hydro-philic and hydro-phobic
      regions.

PMID- 22091143
TI  - 2-[(4-Chloro-anilino)meth-yl]phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(12)ClNO, the dihedral angle between the two benzene
      ring planes is 68.71 (8) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs
      of O-H?N hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers, which are further linked by
      intermolecular N-H?O interactions into a chain running parallel to the a axis.

PMID- 22091144
TI  - (E)-1-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-3-(3,4,5-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(19)H(20)O(5), was synthesized by reaction of 4-meth-oxy
      acetophenone and 3,4,5-trimeth-oxy-benzaldehyde. The aromatic rings form a
      dihedral angle of 36.39 (7) degrees . Two intramolecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      occur. The crystal packing features weak C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22091145
TI  - (1R,2R,3R,4S,5S)-3-Methyl-8-oxa-bicyclo-[3.2.1]oct-6-ene-2,4-diyl diacetate.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(12)H(16)O(5), has crystallographically
      imposed mirror symmetry with the mirror plane passing through the endocyclic O
      atom and the mid-point of the double bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      by C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming chains running along the a axis.

PMID- 22091146
TI  - 3-Ethyl-4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-2-ium-5-olate.
AB  - The title compound, C(6)H(10)N(2)O, is a zwitterionic pyrazole derivative. The
      crystal packing is predominantly governed by a three-center iminium-amine N(+)
      H?O(-)?H-N inter-action, leading to an undulating sheet-like structure lying
      parallel to (100).

PMID- 22091147
TI  - 3,8-Dimethyl-acenaphthyl-ene-1,2-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(10)O(2), the acenaphthene-quinone core is
      essentially planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0140 A. In the crystal, mol
      ecules are connected by pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances
      = 3.766 (3), 3.839 (3) and 3.857 (3) A], forming columns parallel to the a axis.

PMID- 22091148
TI  - 4,4'-Dichloro-3,3',5,5'-tetra-methyl-2,2'-[(3aR,7aR/3aS,7aS)-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 title compound, C(25)H(32)Cl(2)N(2)O(2), there are two intra-molecular O
      H? N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between the hy-droxy groups on the aromatic
      rings and the two N atoms of the heterocyclic group. The cyclo-hexane ring adopts
      a chair conformation and the imidazolidine unit to which it is fused has a
      twisted envelope conformation. The asymmetric unit comprises one half-mol-ecule
      which is completed by a twofold rotation axis. A C-H?O inter-action is observed
      in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22091149
TI  - 1,5-Bis[1-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)ethyl-idene]thio-carbonohydrazide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(19)H(22)N(4)O(2)S, the two benzene rings form a
      dihedral angle of 9.16 (13) degrees . In the crystal, pairs of weak inter
      molecular C-H?S hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers,
      which are further linked through weak C-H?O inter-actions into sheets parallel to
      (012).

PMID- 22091150
TI  - 1,5-Bis(4-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)thio-carbonohydrazide methanol monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(18)N(4)O(2)S.CH(3)OH, the two benzene rings in the
      thio-carbonohydrazide mol-ecule form a dihedral angle of 22.42 (18) degrees .
      Pairs of N-H?S hydrogen bonds link thio-carbonohydrazide mol-ecules into
      centrosymmetric dimers. Methanol solvent mol-ecules serve as donors (O-H?S and O
      H?N) and acceptors (N-H?O and C-H?O) of weak inter-molecular hydrogen bonds,
      which link further these dimers into double ribbons along the b axis.

PMID- 22091151
TI  - 2-[4-(4-Methylphenylsulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl]-1-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2
      c]pyridin-5-yl)ethanone.
AB  - In the title thienopyridine derivative, C(20)H(25)N(3)O(3)S(2), the piperazine
      ring exhibits a chair conformation and the tetra-hydro-pyridine ring exhibits a
      half-chair conformation. The folded conformation of the mol-ecule is defined by
      the N-C-C-N torsion angle of -70.20 (2)  degrees . Inter-molecular C-H?S and C
      H?O hydrogen bonds help to establish the packing.

PMID- 22091152
TI  - (E)-Ethyl 2-cyano-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)acrylate.
AB  - All the non-H atoms of the title compound, C(10)H(10)N(2)O(2), are nearly in the
      same plane with a maximum deviation of 0.093 (1) A. In the crystal, adjacent mol
      ecules are linked by pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating
      inversion dimers with R(2) (2)(14) ring motifs.

PMID- 22091153
TI  - 1,3-Dibenzyl-5-chloro-1H-benzimidazol-2(3H)-one.
AB  - In both independent mol-ecules of the title compound, C(21)H(17)ClN(2)O, the
      aromatic rings of the benzyl substituents are located on opposite sides of the
      benzimidazole ring systems. In one mol-ecule, the rings are aligned at 77.0 (1)
      and 78.1 (1) degrees  with respect to the fused-ring system, whereas in the other
      mol-ecule the rings are aligned at 76.0 (1) and 76.9 (1) degrees . There is an
      inter-molecular Cl?O contact of 3.086 (1) A.

PMID- 22091154
TI  - 1,3-Bis[3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)prop-yl]-1H-anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-2,6,11(3H)
      trione.
AB  - The title compound, C(37)H(26)N(4)O(7), is a 1H-anthra[2,1-d]imidazole-2,6,11(3H)
      trione derivative having isoindolindionylpropyl substitutents attached to the
      imidazole N atoms. The anthraquinone fragment is buckled, the dihedral angle
      between the two benzene rings being 1.6 (1) degrees . The two isoindoline rings
      of the substituents of the imidazole ring are positioned on opposite sides of the
      five-membered ring; these are nearly mutually perpendicular [dihedral angle
      between isoindoline rings = 88.3 (1) degrees ].

PMID- 22091155
TI  - 1,3-Bis(naphthalen-2-ylmeth-yl)-1H-anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-2,6,11(3H)-trione.
AB  - The title compound, C(37)H(24)N(2)O(3), is a 1H-anthra[2,1-d]imidazole-2,6,11(3H)
      trione derivative having naphthyl-methyl substitutents attached to the imidazole
      N atoms. The anthraquinone part of the mol-ecule is somewhat folded along the the
      line connecting the carbonyl bonds. The dihedral angle between the two benzene
      rings is 7.8 (1) degrees . The two naphthyl systems of the substituents of the
      imidazole ring are positioned on the same side of the five-membered ring; these
      are approximately coplanar, the dihedral angle between the napthyl systems being
      4.3 (2) degrees .

PMID- 22091156
TI  - (E)-N'-[4-(Dimethyl-amino)-benzyl-idene]-4-methyl-benzohydrazide methanol
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(19)N(3)O.CH(3)OH, the hydrazone mol-ecule exists in
      a trans geometry with respect to the methyl-idene unit and the dihedral angle
      between the two substituted benzene rings is 42.6 (2) degrees . In the crystal,
      the components are linked through N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming [100]
      chains of alternating hydrazone and methanol mol-ecules.

PMID- 22091157
TI  - N-[Amino-(azido)-meth-ylidene]-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(8)H(10)N(5)O(2)S, the amino-(azido)-methyl and p
      toluene-sulfonyl moieties are inclined almost at right angles with respect to
      each other, making a dihedral angle of 83.49 (6) degrees . An intra-molecular N
      H?O hydrogen bond gives rise to the formation of six-membered ring with graph-set
      motif S(6). In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonding is responsible
      for the formation of dimers about inversion centers, which are linked through
      another N-H?O inter-action along the b axis.

PMID- 22091158
TI  - 5-Chloro-6-hy-droxy-7,8-dimethyl-chroman-2-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(11)H(11)ClO(3), the fused pyran ring adopts a half
      chair conformation. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link mol
      ecules into chains along [100]. These chains are inter-connected by weak inter
      molecular C-H?O contacts which generate R(2) (2)(8) ring motifs, forming sheets
      parallel to (001). Tetra-gonal symmetry generates an equivalent motif along b.
      Furthermore, the sheets are linked along the c axis by offset pi-pi stacking
      inter-actions involving the benzene rings of adjacent mol-ecules [with centroid
      centroid distances of 3.839 (2) A], together with an additional weak C-H?O
      hydrogen bond, resulting in an overall three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091159
TI  - N-tert-Butyl-2-methyl-propanamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(8)H(17)NO, crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules in
      the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonding is
      observed between neighboring mol-ecules, forming continuous mol-ecular chains
      along the c-axis direction.

PMID- 22091160
TI  - 2,2'-(Propane-1,3-di-yl)bis-(2H-indazole).
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(17)H(16)N(4), is a bis-indazole crystallized in the rare
      2H-tautomeric form. Indazole heterocycles are connected by a propane C(3) chain,
      and the mol-ecule is placed on a general position, in contrast to the analogous
      compound with a central C(2) ethane bridge, which was previously found to be
      placed on an inversion center in the same space group. In the title mol-ecule,
      indazole rings make a dihedral angle of 60.11 (7) degrees , and the bridging
      alkyl chain displays a trans conformation, resulting in a W-shaped mol-ecule. In
      the crystal, mol-ecules inter-act weakly through pi-pi contacts between inversion
      related pyrazole rings, with a centroid-centroid separation of 3.746 (2) A.

PMID- 22091161
TI  - (Z)-Ethyl 2-cyano-2-{2-[5,6-dimethyl-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo-[3,4
      b]pyridin-3-yl]hydrazinylidene}acetate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(16)N(6)O(2)S, an intra-molecular N-H?O inter-action
      generates an S(6) ring. The pyridine ring makes a dihedral angle of 71.38 (11)
      degrees  with the thio-phene ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by a
      pair of N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming an inversion dimer. The dimers are stacked
      in columns along the b axis through weak inter-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091162
TI  - (E)-2-[4-(Trifluoro-meth-oxy)benzyl-idene]indan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(11)F(3)O(2), the dihydro-indene ring is
      approximately planar with a maximum deviation of 0.024 (2) A and makes a dihedral
      angle of 3.17 (8) A with the adjacent benzene ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are inter-connected by C-H?O inter-actions, forming an infinite chain along the c
      axis.

PMID- 22091163
TI  - (1,2-Dicarba-closo-dodeca-boran-yl)trimethyl-methanaminium iodide.
AB  - The title compound, [1-(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(11)](+).I(-) or
      C(6)H(22)B(10)N(+).I(-), was obtained by the reaction of (1,2-dicarba-closo
      dodeca-boran-yl)dimethyl-methanamine with methyl iodide. The asymmetric unit
      contains two iodide anions and two (o-carboran-yl)tetra-methyl-ammonium cations.
      The bond lengths and angles in the carborane cage are within normal ranges, but
      the N-C(methyl-ene)-C(cage) angle is very large [120.2 (2) degrees ] because of
      repulsion between the carborane and tetra-methyl-ammonium units. In the crystal,
      ions are linked through C-H?I hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091164
TI  - N-(2,4,6-Trichloro-phen-yl)maleamic acid.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(10)H(6)Cl(3)NO(3), the
      conformation of the amide bond is trans. The C=O and O-H bonds of the acid group
      are in the relatively rare anti position to each other. This is a consequence of
      the intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond donated to the amide carbonyl group
      stabilizing the mol-ecular structure. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into zigzag chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22091165
TI  - 3-[(1-Isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-yl)amino]-benzoic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(20)N(4)O(2), the statistically planar 1H-limidazole
      ring [maximum deviation = 0.003 (1) A] makes dihedral angles of 1.33 (9) and 8.23
      (7) degrees , respectively, with the essentially planar fused pyridine ring
      [maximum devation = 0.018 (1) A] and the pendant benzene ring, which is attached
      to the pyridine ring by an -NH- group. An intra-molecular C-H?N inter-action,
      which generates an S(6) ring, helps to estalish the mol-ecular conformation. In
      the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O, C-H?O and O-H-N hydrogen bonds,
      which generate bifurcated R(1) (2)(6) and R(2) (2)(9) ring motifs, resulting in
      supra-molecular [001] chains. The crystal structure also features weak pi-pi
      stacking [centroid-centroid distance = 3.5943 (9) A] and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091166
TI  - (E)-2-[4-(Dimethyl-amino)-styr-yl]-1-methyl-pyridinium triiodide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(16)H(19)N(2) (+).I(3) (-), contains
      a (E)-2-[4-(dimethyl-amino)-styr-yl)-1-methyl-pyrid-in-ium cation and half each
      of two triiodide anions. The complete triiodide anions are each generated by
      inversion symmetry. The planar cation has all of its eighteen non-H atoms
      situated on a mirror plane. In the crystal, the cations are stacked along the b
      axis by pi-pi inter-actions with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.5757 (13) A.
      The triiodide anions are located between the cations. The crystal structure is
      further consolidated by short C?C [3.322 (9)-3.3952 (19) A] contacts.

PMID- 22091167
TI  - (R)-Methyl {[(2-carb-oxy-bicyclo-[2.2.2]octan-1-yl)-ammonio]-methyl}-phos-phon
      ate dichloro-methane 0.25-solvate.
AB  - The carb-oxy-lic acid mol-ecule of the title compound,
      C(11)H(20)NO(5)P.0.25CH(2)Cl(2), exists as a zwitterion with the H atom of the
      phospho-nate group being transferred to the imine N atom. In the asymmetric unit,
      there are two crystallographically independent acid mol-ecules adopting the same
      absolute configuration and differing slightly in their geometrical parameters. In
      each mol-ecule, the imino and carboxyl groups are connected via an intra
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. Inter-molecular O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      induce the formation of layers parallel to the ab plane. The dichloro-methane
      solvent mol-ecule, with a site occupancy of 0.5, is located between the layers.

PMID- 22091168
TI  - Pyridine-2,3-diamine.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title pyridine derivative, C(5)H(7)N(3), shows approximately
      non-crystallographic C(s) symmetry. Intra-cyclic angles cover the range 117.50
      (14)-123.03 (15) degrees . In the crystal, N-H?N hydrogen bonds connect mol
      ecules into a three-dimensional network. The closest inter-centroid distance
      between two pi-systems occurs with the c-axis repeat at 3.9064 (12) A.

PMID- 22091169
TI  - Benzyl N-(1-{N'-[(E)-2,3-dihy-droxy-benzyl-idene]hydrazinecarbon-yl}-2-hy-droxy
      eth-yl)carbamate dihydrate.
AB  - The organic mol-ecule in the title dihydrate, C(18)H(19)N(3)O(6).2H(2)O, adopts a
      twisted U-shape with the major twists evident about the chiral C atom [the C-N-C
      C torsion angle is -88.2 (4)  degrees ] and about the oxygen-benzyl bond [C-O-C-C
      = 74.2 (4)  degrees ]. The conformation about the imine bond [1.290 (4) A] is E
      and an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond helps to establish the near
      coplanarity of the hy-droxy-benzene and hydrazine groups. The crystal packing
      features O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds, leading to two-dimensional supra
      molecular arrays in the ab plane with weak C-H?pi connections between the arrays.

PMID- 22091170
TI  - (2Z)-3-(4-Chloro-anilino)-1-(5-hy-droxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)but-2
      en-1-one.
AB  - With the exception of the terminal benzene rings, the atoms in the title
      compound, C(20)H(18)ClN(3)O(2), are approximately coplanar (r.m.s. deviation =
      0.0495 A). The benzene/chloro-benzene rings form dihedral angles of 3.02 (4) and
      41.59 (5) degrees , respectively, with this plane. The hy-droxy, amino and
      carbonyl groups all lie to the same side of the mol-ecule, enabling the formation
      of intra-molecular O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds that close S(6) rings. The
      configuration about the 2-butene bond is Z. Supra-molecular chains mediated by C
      H?Cl inter-actions and aligned along the c axis are found in the crystal packing.
      These assemble into layers that are connected by weak pi-pi inter-actions between
      centrosymmetrically related chloro-benzene rings [3.8156 (9) A].

PMID- 22091171
TI  - Resorcinol-triethyl-enediamine (1/1).
AB  - The title co-crystal, C(6)H(12)N(2).C(6)H(6)O(2), is composed of neutral
      resorcinol and triethyl-enediamine mol-ecules in which the resorcinol mol-ecules
      came from the in situ deca-rboxylation of 2,4-dihy-droxy-benzoic acid. In the
      crystal, the components are connected by O-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming a chain in
      the b-axis direction.

PMID- 22091172
TI  - 4,4,5,5-Tetra-methyl-1,3,2lambda-dioxa-phospho-lan-2-one.
AB  - The five-membered ring in the title compound, C(6)H(13)O(3)P, exists in an
      envelope conformation with one of the ring C atoms at the flap position. The
      coordination geometry around the P atom is a distorted tetra-hedron. The crystal
      structure is stabilized by several weak C-H?O and P-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a
      three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22091173
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(14)H(14)ClNO(2)S, are bent at the S atom with
      a C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle of 57.7 (2) degrees . The benzene rings are rotated
      relative to each other by 68.1 (1) degrees . In the crystal, N-H?O(S) hydrogen
      bonds pack the mol-ecules into infinite chains parallel to the b axis.

PMID- 22091174
TI  - N,N'-Bis(4-methyl-phenyl-sulfon-yl)-suberamide.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(22)H(28)N(2)O(6)S(2), the
      asymmetric unit contains one half mol-ecule with a center of symmetry at the mid
      point of the central C-C bond. The conformations of all the N-H, C= O and C-H
      bonds in the central amide and aliphatic segments are anti to their adjacent
      bonds. The mol-ecule is bent at the S atom with an C-SO(2)-NH-C(O) torsion angle
      of -76.4 (3) degrees . The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the SO(2)
      NH-C(O) segment in the two halves of the mol-ecule is 67.2 (1) degrees . In the
      crystal, N-H?O(C) inter-molecular hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains
      along the b axis.

PMID- 22091175
TI  - 2-[(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl-methyl-idene)amino]-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1-benzothio
      phene-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - The title compound, C(17)H(14)N(2)O(2)S, crystallizes with two roughly planar mol
      ecules in the asymmetric unit, in which the dihedral angles between the 1,3
      benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde moiety and the heterocyclic five-membered ring are
      3.76 (5) and 5.33 (12) degrees . In each mol-ecule, a short C-H?S contact
      generates an S(5) ring. In the crystal, pairs of mol-ecules are linked by a weak
      C-H?N inter-action, forming dimers.

PMID- 22091176
TI  - 4-[(Anthracen-9-yl-methyl-idene)amino]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)
      one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(21)N(3)O, the phenyl ring of the 4-amino-anti
      pyrine group and the heterocyclic five-membered ring along with its substituents,
      except for the N-bound methyl group (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0027 A), form a
      dihedral angle of 54.20 (5) degrees . Two S(6) ring motifs are formed due to
      intra-molecular C-H?N and C-H?O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked into supra-molecular chains along the a-axis direction via C-H?O contacts.

PMID- 22091177
TI  - 2-Hy-droxy-N-(4-meth-oxy-benz-yl)-4-nitro-anilinium chloride.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound, C(14)H(15)N(2)O(4) (+).Cl(-), can be
      described as being composed of layers containing both cations and anions that are
      staggered along [010]. Two types of the hydrogen bonds are observed, viz. cation
      anion and cation-cation. The chloride anions are acceptors of the strong hydrogen
      bonds donated by the secondary amine and the hy-droxy groups. The packing is also
      stabilized by weak C-H?O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds. An intra-molecular N-H?O
      inter-action also occurs.

PMID- 22091178
TI  - 3-Amino-N'-(2-oxoindolin-3-yl-idene)benzohydrazide.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(12)N(4)O(2), contains two substituted benzohydrazide
      and indole rings linked via a C=N double bond. The dihedral angle between the
      benzene ring and the indole ring system is 11.38 (10) degrees . The mol-ecular
      structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond, forming a six
      membered ring. The crystal structure is consolidated by inter-molecular N-H?O and
      C-H?O inter-actions, which result in sheets.

PMID- 22091179
TI  - p-Tolyl bis-(cyclo-hexyl-amido)-phosphinate.
AB  - The P atom in the title mol-ecule, C(19)H(31)N(2)O(2)P, is in a distorted tetra
      hedral configuration with the bond angles in the range 101.48 (10)-118.58 (9)
      degrees . The N-H units have a syn orientation with respect to one another. In
      the crystal, mol-ecules are connected via two different inter-molecular N-H?O(P)
      hydrogen bonds into chains along the a axis in which the O atom of the P=O group
      acts as a double acceptor.

PMID- 22091180
TI  - 2,5-Bis[2-(4-methyl-phen-yl)ethyn-yl]benzyl methacrylate.
AB  - In the title bis-tolane derivative, C(29)H(24)O(2), the central benzene ring
      forms dihedral angles of 29.12 (9) and 26.46 (9) degrees  with the other two
      benzene rings. The dihedral angle between two terminal benzene rings is 55.58 (8)
      degrees .

PMID- 22091181
TI  - Diisopropyl-ammonium methane-sulfonate.
AB  - The title molecular salt, C(6)H(16)N(+).CH(3)SO(3) (-), has been determined at
      150 K. Two diisopropyl-ammonium cations (dipH) and two anions form N-H?O hydrogen
      bonded cyclic dimers lying around centers of symmetry. Only two of the three O
      atoms of the methane-sulfonate anion are involved in hydrogen bonding, resulting
      in slightly longer S-O bond lengths. The title structure represents an example of
      a sulfonate anion that is part of a hydrogen-bonding R(4) (4)(12) graph-set
      motif, which is well known for related dipH acetates. Additionally, the Raman and
      the IR spectroscopic data for the title compound are presented.

PMID- 22091182
TI  - N-Acryloyl glycinamide.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound [systematic name: N-(carbamoylmeth-yl)prop-2
      enamide], C(5)H(8)N(2)O(2), which can be radically polymerized to polymers with
      thermoresponsive behavior in aqueous solution, consists of linked essentially
      planar acryl-amide and amide segments [maximum deviations = 0.054 (1) and 0.009
      (1) A] with an angle of 81.36 (7) degrees  between their mean planes. In the
      crystal, N-H?O hydrogen bonding leads to an infinite two-dimensional network
      along (100).

PMID- 22091183
TI  - Tetra-methyl-ammonium borohydride from powder data.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(4)H(12)N(+).BH(4) (-), the
      tetra-methyl-ammonium cations are situated on special positions with site
      symmetry [Formula: see text]m2. The borohydride anions are situated on special
      positions with 4mm site symmetry and show rotational disorder around the fourfold
      axis.

PMID- 22091184
TI  - 1-[(Z)-2-Phenyl-hydrazin-1-yl-idene]-1-(piperidin-1-yl)propan-2-one.
AB  - A Z configuration about the imine bond [1.3025 (18) A] in the title compound,
      C(14)H(19)N(3)O, allows for the formation of an intra-moleclar N-H?N hydrogen
      bond between the hydrazone H and piperidine N atoms; the carbonyl group is
      disposed to lie over the piperidine residue, which is in a chair form. A twist
      between the terminal benzene ring and the hydrazine residue is seen [N-N-C-C
      torsion angle = 163.81 (12) degrees ]. Helical supra-molecular chains along the c
      axis mediated by N-H?O hydrogen bonds are the most prominent feature of the
      crystal packing. The chains are connected into layers lying in the ac plane by
      weak C-H?pi contacts involving two methyl-ene H atoms and an adjacent benzene
      ring.

PMID- 22091185
TI  - 2,13-Dibenzyl-5,16-diethyl-2,6,13,17-tetra-aza-tricyclo-[16.4.0.0]docosan-2-ium
      nitrate.
AB  - One of the tertiary amine atoms has been protonated in the title salt,
      C(36)H(57)N(4) (+).NO(3) (-). The four N atoms of the macrocycle are almost
      coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0053 A), a result correlated with the formation of
      intra-molecular N-H?N and N-H?(N,N) hydrogen bonds. With respect to this plane,
      the benzyl groups lie to either side; a similar arrangement pertains for the
      cyclo-hexyl rings (each with a chair conformation). Helical supra-molecular
      chains are evident in the crystal, whereby alternating cations and anions are
      linked by C-H?O inter-actions. The chains are consolidated into supra-molecular
      arrays in the ab plane via C-H?pi contacts involving both benzene rings.

PMID- 22091186
TI  - N,N'-Bis[(E)-2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl-idene]ethane-1,2-diamine.
AB  - The title compound, C(22)H(28)N(2), which is a double imine derived from ethane
      1,2-diamine and mesityl aldehyde, has crystallographic inversion symmetry, with
      both C=N bonds E configured. The dihedral angle between the mesityl ring system
      and the imide functional group is 23.89 (17) degrees .

PMID- 22091187
TI  - 2-[(4-Formyl-phen-yl)(hy-droxy)meth-yl]acrylonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(9)NO(2), the mean planes formed by the phenyl and
      acryl group are almost orthogonal to each other, with a dihedral angle of 88.61
      (7) degrees . The carbonitrile side chain is almost linear, the C-C-N angle being
      179.54 (16) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular O
      H?O inter-actions into infinite chains running parallel to the b axis.

PMID- 22091188
TI  - (2-Benzoyl-phen-yl)(3,4-dimethyl-phen-yl)methanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(18)O(2), the central benzene ring forms dihedral
      angles of 76.0 (1) and 73.1 (1) degrees  with the phenyl ring and dimethyl
      substituted benzene ring, respectively. The carbonyl-group O atoms deviate
      significantly from the phenyl ring and the dimethyl-substituted benzene ring [
      0.582 (12) and 0.546 (12) A, respectively]. The crystal packing is stabilized by
      C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091189
TI  - N-(3-Chloro-phen-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(14)H(14)ClNO(2)S, the N-H bond is in a
      syn position with respect to the meta-Cl atom in the aniline ring. The mol-ecule
      is twisted about the N-S bond with a C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle of 44.55 (17)
      degrees . The two aromatic rings are inclined relative to each other by 66.2 (1)
      degrees . In the crystal, N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into infinite
      chains parallel to the b axis.

PMID- 22091190
TI  - N,N'-Bis(4-chloro-phenyl-sulfon-yl)-adipamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(18)Cl(2)N(2)O(6)S(2), the asymmetric unit contains
      half a 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 SO(2)-NH-C(O) segment
      in the two halves of the mol-ecule is 83.5 (2) degrees . In the crystal, N-H?O(S)
      inter-molecular hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into infinite chains running
      along the c axis. The O atom involved in the hydrogen bond has a longer S-O bond
      than the other O atom bonded to S [1.403 (4) versus 1.361 (4) A].

PMID- 22091191
TI  - (2-Hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)(2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)methanone.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(12)O(4), is an asymmetric substitution product of
      benzophenone. Both hy-droxy groups are orientated towards the O atom of the keto
      group. Intra-molecular as well as inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds can be
      observed in the crystal structure, with the latter connecting the mol-ecules into
      chains along the crystallographic b axis. C-H?O contacts [C?O = 3.3297 (18) A]
      are also apparent. The closest centroid-centroid distance between two aromatic
      systems is 4.9186 (9) A.

PMID- 22091192
TI  - Heptane-1,7-diaminium sulfate mono-hydrate.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound, C(7)H(20)N(2) (2+).SO(4) (2-).H(2)O,
      is presented, with particular focus on the packing arrangement in the crystal
      structure and selected hydrogen-bonding inter-actions that the compound forms.
      The crystal structure exhibits parallel stacking of the diammonium dication in
      its packing arrangement, together with inorganic-organic layering that is typical
      of these n-alkyl-diammonium salts. An intricate three-dimensional hydrogen
      bonding network exists in the crystal structure where the hydrogen bonds link the
      cation and anion layers together through the sulfate anions and the water mol
      ecules.

PMID- 22091193
TI  - 5,5'-(Disulfanedi-yl)bis-(1-methyl-1H-tetra-zole).
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(4)H(6)N(8)S(2), two tetra-zole rings linked by a
      disulfide bridge form a dihedral angle of 71.32 (7) degrees  [C-S-S-C torsion
      angle = -80.51 (10) degrees ]. In the crystal, strong inter-molecular pi-pi inter
      actions between the tetra-zole rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.285 (3) A]
      link pairs of mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers. Weak inter-molecular C-H?N
      hydrogen bonds further link these dimers, related by translation in the [100]
      direction, into columns.

PMID- 22091194
TI  - Cyclo-hexyl-ammonium 4-meth-oxy-benzoate.
AB  - In the crystal of the title molecular salt, C(6)H(14)N(+).C(8)H(7)O(3) (-),
      strong N-H?O hydrogen bonds are formed between the ammonium H atoms and the
      carboxyl-ate O atoms. The resulting supra-molecular structure is based on chains
      running in the [010] direction. The dihedral angle between the -CO(2) group and
      the benzene ring is 8.94 (17) degrees  and the methoxy C atom deviates by 1.374 A
      from the ring.

PMID- 22091195
TI  - N-[2-(3,4-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)eth-yl]-N,4-dimethyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(23)NO(4)S, the dihedral angle between the two
      aromatic rings is 29.14 (7) degrees . The S atom has a distorted tetra-hedral
      geometry [106.15 (9)-119.54 (10) degrees ]. The crystal structure exhibits weak C
      H?O and pi-pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22091196
TI  - Methyl 2-(3a,8a-dimethyl-4-oxodeca-hydro-azulen-6-yl)acrylate.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(24)O(3), was synthesized from ilicic acid, which was
      isolated from the aerial part of Inula viscosa- (L) Aiton [or Dittrichia viscosa-
      (L) Greuter]. The asymmetric unit contains two independent mol-ecules, in each of
      which the seven-membered ring shows a chair conformation, whereas the five
      membered ring presents disorder. In the two molecules, three C atoms in the five
      membered ring are disordered over two positions with site-occupancy factors of
      0.53/0.47 and 0.83/0.17. The dihedral angle between the two rings is different in
      the two mol-ecules [31.7 (3) and 47.7 (7) degrees ]. The crystal structure is
      stabilized by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen-bond inter-actions.

PMID- 22091197
TI  - N'-(3,4-Dimeth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-3,5-dihy-droxy-benzohydrazide methanol
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)O(5).CH(4)O, the two benzene rings in the
      Schiff base mol-ecule form a dihedral angle of 17.1 (1) degrees . In the crystal,
      inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the components into corrugated sheets
      parallel to the (101) plane.

PMID- 22091198
TI  - (R)-(+)-2-{[(3-Methyl-4-nitro-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]sulfin-yl}-1H-benzimidazole.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(12)N(4)O(3)S, is an inter-mediate of Dexlansoprazole,
      a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) mainly developed for anti-ulcer activity. The
      absolute configuration of the title compound was determined as R. The crystal
      structure reveals that the mol-ecules form chains along the b axis through N-H?N
      and C-H?O hydrogen-bonded dimers. These chains are connected via weak C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22091199
TI  - 7-Benzyl-2-[(cyclo-propyl-meth-yl)amino]-3-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetra-hydro
      pyrido[4',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one.
AB  - There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title
      compound, C(26)H(26)N(4)OS. In each mol-ecule, the thienopyrimidine fused-ring
      system is essentially planar with a maximum deviation of 0.0409 (18) for the N
      atom. In one mol-ecule, this ring system forms diherdral angles of 84.8 (1) and
      67.6 (1) degrees  with the adjacent phenyl and benzyl rings, respectively, while
      the corresponding angles in the other mol-ecule are 77.9 (1) and 66.5 (1) degrees
      .

PMID- 22091200
TI  - Eucomic acid methanol monosolvate.
AB  - IN THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 2-hy-droxy-2-(4
      hy-droxy-benz-yl)butane-dioic acid methanol monosolvate], C(11)H(12)O(6).CH(3)OH,
      the dihedral angles between the planes of the carboxyl groups and the benzene
      ring are 51.23 (9) and 87.97 (9) degrees . Inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen-bonding
      inter-actions involving the hy-droxy and carb-oxy-lic acid groups and the
      methanol solvent mol-ecule give a three-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22091201
TI  - 1,5-Dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-aminium chloride-thio-urea
      (1/1).
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(14)N(3)O(+).Cl(-).CH(4)N(2)S, the components are
      connected into a two-dimensional polymeric structure parallel to (001) via N
      H?Cl, N-H?O, N-H?S and C-H?S hydrogen bonds. The dihedral angle between the
      phenyl and 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazole rings is 44.96 (7) degrees .

PMID- 22091202
TI  - 1,2-Bis[5-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-thio-phen-3-yl]-3,3,4,4,5,5-hexa
      fluoro-cyclo-pentene.
AB  - The title compound, C(43)H(32)F(6)N(2)S(2), is a new symmetrical photochromic
      diaryl-ethene derivative with 9-ethyl-carbazol-3-yl substituents. The mol-ecule
      adopts a photoactive anti-parallel conformation [Irie (2000). Chem. Rev.100, 1685
      1716; Kobatake et al. (2002). Chem. Commun. pp. 2804-2805], with a dihedral angle
      between the mean planes of the two thio-phene rings of 56.23 (6) degrees . The
      distance between the two reactive C atoms is 3.497 (3) A. In the crystal, two mol
      ecules are associated through a pair of C-H?F inter-molecular hydrogen bonds,
      forming a centrosymmetric dimer. Dimers are linked by weak pi-pi inter-actions
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.8872 (13) A], forming chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22091203
TI  - 3-Hy-droxy-4-(3-hy-droxy-phen-yl)-2-quinolone monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, also known as viridicatol monohydrate,
      C(15)H(11)NO(3).H(2)O, the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and quinoline
      ring system is 64.76 (5) degrees . An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond occurs.
      The crystal structure is stabilized by classical inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds and weak pi-pi inter-actions with a centroid-centroid distance of
      3.8158 (10) A.

PMID- 22091204
TI  - (E)-Methyl 3-(1H-indol-2-yl)acrylate.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(11)NO(2), is close to being planar (r.m.s. deviation
      for the non-H atoms = 0.033 A). In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, generating C(7) chains running along the b axis. A weak C-H?O
      interaction helps to establish the packing.

PMID- 22091205
TI  - N'-(5-Bromo-2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)-4-nitro-benzohydrazide methanol monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(10)BrN(3)O(4).CH(4)O, the benzohydrazide mol-ecule
      is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.110 (2) A]. The mean planes of the two
      benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 8.4 (3) degrees . In the benzohydrazide
      mol-ecule, there is an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond and the NH group is
      hydrogen bonded to the methanol solvent mol-ecule. In the crystal, inter
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds involving the methanol solvent mol-ecule link the
      benzohydrazide mol-ecules to form chains which propagate along the a axis.

PMID- 22091206
TI  - 2,4-Dibromo-naphthalen-1-ol.
AB  - In the essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.023 A) title compound,
      C(10)H(6)Br(2)O, an intra-molecular O-H?Br hydrogen bond generates an S(5) ring.
      In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by an ?O-H?O-H?O- C(2) chain extending
      along [100], which involves the same H atom that participates in the intra
      molecular hydrogen bond. Aromatic pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid
      separation = 3.737 (4) A] help to consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22091207
TI  - Methyl 2-{[(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl-idene)(thio-phen
      2-yl)meth-yl]amino}-3-phenyl-propionate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(25)H(23)N(3)O(3)S, an intra-molecular N-H?O inter-action
      generates an S(6) ring, which stabilizes the enamine-keto form of the compound.
      This S(6) ring and the pyrazole ring are essentially coplanar, making a dihedral
      angle of 1.49 (6) degrees . The bond lengths within the S(6) ring of the mol
      ecule lie between classical single- and double-bond lengths, indicating extensive
      conjugation. The structure exhibits a thienyl-ring flip disorder, with occupancy
      factors in the ratio 64.7 (3):35.3 (3).

PMID- 22091208
TI  - N-[Bis(morpholin-4-yl)phosphino-yl]-2-chloro-2,2-difluoro-acetamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(10)H(17)ClF(2)N(3)O(4)P, consists of
      two independent mol-ecules in each of which the P atom adopts a distorted tetra
      hedral environment with the P=O and N-H units in a syn orientation with respect
      to one another. Both morpholine rings in one of the phospho-ramide mol-ecules are
      disordered over two sets of sites, with site occupancies of 0.766 (7) and 0.234
      (7) for one ring and 0.639 (10) and 0.361 (10) for the other. In the second
      phospho-ramide mol-ecule, one of the NC(4)H(8)O moieties is disordered over two
      sets of sites with site occupancies of 0.807 (6) and 0.193 (6). In the crystal,
      pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O(P) hydrogen bonds form two independent
      centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22091209
TI  - Phenyl bis-(morpholin-4-yl-amido)-phosphinate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(23)N(4)O(4)P, the P atom is in a distorted tetra
      hedral environment with bond angles in the range 96.87 (6)-119.86 (6) degrees .
      The two morpholinyl groups adopt a chair conformation. The phenyl ring is
      disordered over two sets of sites with equal occupancies [0.500 (2)]. In the
      crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked via N-H?O hydrogen bonds into an extended
      chain running parallel to the a axis. Only one of the amidate N-H groups is
      involved in hydrogen bonding.

PMID- 22091210
TI  - (2RS,3SR,10SR,11RS)-3,10-Diphen-oxy-18,21-dioxa-5,8-diaza-penta-cyclo
      [20.4.0.0.0.0]hexa-cosa-1(26),12,14,16,22,24-hexa-ene-4,9-dione ethyl acetate
      hemisolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(34)H(30)N(2)O(6).0.5C(4)H(8)O(2), there are two mol
      ecules in the asymmetric unit and the structure is stabilized by C-H?O inter
      actions. The two nonsolvent mol-ecules of the asymmetric unit are linked together
      by a weak C-H?O hydrogen bond. The ethyl acetate mol-ecule is present as a space
      filler and does not participate in the hydrogen-bonding network.

PMID- 22091211
TI  - (E)-4-Bromo-N-(2-chloro-benzyl-idene)-aniline.
AB  - In the title Schiff base mol-ecule, C(13)H(9)BrClN, the dihedral angle between
      the benzene rings is 49.8 (2) degrees  and the mol-ecule has an E configuration
      about the C=N bond. In the crystal, there are no directional interactions but
      only van der Waals inter-molecular inter-action forces between neighbouring mol
      ecules.

PMID- 22091212
TI  - 1,3-Diisopropyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazolium benzene-sulfonate.
AB  - In the title salt, C(11)H(21)N(2) (+).C(6)H(5)O(3)S(-), which has two cation
      anion pairs in the asymmetric unit, the two imidazolium cations are linked to two
      separate acceptor O atoms of one of the benzene-sulfonate anions through aromatic
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds, while the second anion is unassociated.

PMID- 22091213
TI  - A monoclinic polymorph of (1E,5E)-1,5-bis-(2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)thio-carbono
      hydrazide.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(14)N(4)O(2)S, is a derivative of thio-ureadihydrazide.
      In contrast to the previously reported polymorph (ortho-rhom-bic, space group
      Pbca, Z = 8), the current study revealed monoclinic symmetry (space group
      P2(1)/n, Z = 4). The mol-ecule shows non-crystallographic C(2) as well as
      approximate C(s) symmetry. Intra-molecular bifurcated O-H?(N,S) hydrogen bonds,
      are present. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi
      contacts connect the mol-ecules into undulating chains along the b axis. The
      shortest centroid-centroid distance between two aromatic systems is 4.5285 (12)
      A.

PMID- 22091214
TI  - 1',3',4',5',7',8'-Hexafluoro-1,1'',2,2'',3,3'',4,4''-octa-phenyl-2',6'-dihydro
      dispiro-[cyclo-penta-1,3-diene-5,2'-naphthalene-6',5''-cyclo-penta-1'',3''-diene]
      dichloro-methane monosolvate.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(66)H(40)F(6).CH(2)Cl(2), is
      centrosymmetric; the dihedral angle between the central fluorinated unit and the
      cyclo-penta-diene ring is 88.36 (7) degrees . The dihedral angles between the
      cyclo-penta-diene ring and the four surrounding phenyl rings are in the range
      26.6 (1)-65.6 (1) degrees . Centrosymmetric cavities in the crystal structure are
      populated by disordered dichloro-methane solvent mol-ecules.

PMID- 22091215
TI  - 4-Hy-droxy-3-[(E)-3-phenyl-prop-2-eno-yl]-2H-chromen-2-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(18)H(12)O(4), the phenyl ring is twisted by 23.2 (1)
      degrees  from the mean plane of the chromene system. In the crystal, weak inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into zigzag chains extending in
      the [010] direction. An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond is also present.

PMID- 22091216
TI  - Climate change and consequences in the Arctic: perception of climate change by
      the Nenets people of Vaigach Island.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arctic climate change is already having a significant impact on the
      environment, economic activity, and public health. For the northern peoples,
      traditions and cultural identity are closely related to the natural environment
      so any change will have consequences for society in several ways. METHODS: A
      questionnaire was given to the population on the Vaigach island, the Nenets who
      rely to a large degree on hunting, fishing and reindeer herding for survival.
      Semi-structured interviews were also conducted about perception of climate
      change. RESULTS: Climate change is observed and has already had an impact on
      daily life according to more than 50% of the respondents. The winter season is
      now colder and longer and the summer season colder and shorter. A decrease in
      standard of living was noticeable but few were planning to leave. CONCLUSION:
      Climate change has been noticed in the region and it has a negative impact on the
      standard of living for the Nenets. However, as of yet they do not want to leave
      as cultural identity is important for their overall well-being.

PMID- 22091217
TI  - The role of monocyte-lineage cells in human immunodeficiency virus persistence:
      mechanisms and progress.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) persistence is a major barrier to the
      successful treatment and eradication of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
      (AIDS). In addition to resting CD4(+) T cells, a significant long-lived
      compartment of HIV-1 infection in vivo includes blood monocytes and tissue
      macrophages. Studying HIV-1 persistence in monocyte-lineage cells is critical
      because these cells are important HIV-1 target cells in vivo. Monocyte-lineage
      cells, including monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, play a
      significant role in HIV-1 infection and transmission. These cells have been
      implicated as viral reservoirs that facilitate HIV-1 latency and persistence. A
      better understanding of HIV-1 interactions with monocyte-lineage cells can
      potentially aid in the development of new approaches for intervention. This
      minireview highlights the latest advances in understanding the role of monocyte
      lineage cells in HIV-1 persistence and emphasizes new insights into the
      mechanisms underlying viral persistence.

PMID- 22091218
TI  - Successful implementation of a perioperative glycemic control protocol in cardiac
      surgery: barrier analysis and intervention using lean six sigma.
AB  - Although the evidence strongly supports perioperative glycemic control among
      cardiac surgical patients, there is scant literature to describe the practical
      application of such a protocol in the complex ICU environment. This paper
      describes the use of the Lean Six Sigma methodology to implement a perioperative
      insulin protocol in a cardiac surgical intensive care unit (CSICU) in a large
      academic hospital. A preintervention chart audit revealed that fewer than 10% of
      patients were admitted to the CSICU with glucose <200 mg/dL, prompting the
      initiation of the quality improvement project. Following protocol implementation,
      more than 90% of patients were admitted with a glucose <200 mg/dL. Key elements
      to success include barrier analysis and intervention, provider education, and
      broadening the project scope to address the intraoperative period.

PMID- 22091219
TI  - Legumes: A component of a healthy diet.

PMID- 22091220
TI  - Relationship between gamma-glutamyl transferase and glucose intolerance in first
      degree relatives of type 2 diabetics patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considering that serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity
      could reflect several different processes relevant to diabetes pathogenesis and
      the increasing rate of type 2 diabetes worldwide, the aim of this study was to
      assess the association between serum GGT concentrations and glucose intolerance,
      in the first-degree relatives (FDR) of type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: In this
      descriptive study, 30-80 years old, non diabetic FDRs of type 2 diabetic patients
      were studied. Serum GGT was measured by enzymatic photometry method in all
      studied population. The relationship between GGT and glucose intolerance status
      (normal, prediabetic and diabetics) was evaluated. RESULTS: During this study 551
      non-diabetic FDRs of type 2 diabetic patients were studied. Mean of GGT was 25.3
      +/- 12.1 IU/L. According to glucose tolerance test, 153 were normal and 217 and
      181 were diabetic and prediabetic respectively. Mean of GGT in normal,
      prediabetic and diabetic patients was 23.5 +/- 15.9 IU/L, 29.1 +/- 28.1 IU/L and
      30.9 +/- 24.8 IU/L respectively (p = 0.000). The proportion of prediabetic and
      diabetic patients was higher in higher quartile of GGT and there was a
      significant correlation between GGT and BMI, HbA1c, FPG, cholesterol, LDL-C, and
      triglyceride (p < 0.05). There was a significant relation between GGT and area
      under the curve (AUC) of oral glucose tolerance test (p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS:
      Measurement of GGT in FDRs of type 2 diabetic patients may be useful in assessing
      the risk of diabetes; those with chronically high levels of GGT should be
      considered as high risk group for diabetes.

PMID- 22091221
TI  - Change in functional bowel symptoms after prostatectomy: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder
      that up to 20% of the population is suffering from it. Also benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem that approximately 90 percent of men may be
      affected by this condition until the eighth decade of their life. Prostatectomy
      as a surgery and pelvic intervention can cause IBS. METHODS: It was a case
      control study including 66 patients in 2 case groups and 66 patients in 2 control
      groups. Case groups were patients who underwent open prostatectomy and
      transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and control groups were patients
      who were candidate for prostatectomy. RESULTS: Ten patients in case groups and
      five patients in control groups had IBS. There was no significant difference in
      IBS between control and case groups (p = 0.117). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      forward study regarding bowel symptom changes following prostatectomy. The main
      positive finding of this study is that open prostatectomy was followed by
      significant increase in diarrhea and bowel habit alternation associated with
      onset of abdominal pain. Specifically the change was found after open operation
      but not after TURP. Prostatectomy whether in form of open or transurethral may
      cause onset of abdominal discomfort and bowel habit change.

PMID- 22091222
TI  - Detection and classification of cardiac ischemia using vectorcardiogram signal
      via neural network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various techniques are used in diagnosing cardiac diseases. The
      electrocardiogram is one of these tools in common use. In this study
      vectorcardiogram (VCG) signals are used as a tool for detection of cardiac
      ischemia. METHODS: VCG signals used in this study were obtained form 60 patients
      suspected to have ischemia disease and 10 normal candidates. Verification of the
      ischemia had done by the cardiologist during strain test by the evaluation of
      electrocardiogram (ECG) records and patient's clinical history. The recorder
      device was Cardiax digital recorder system. The VCG signals were recorded in
      Frank lead configuration system. RESULTS: Extracted ischemia VCG signals have
      been configured with 22 features. Feature dimensionalities were reduced by the
      use of Independent Components Analysis and Principal Component Analysis tools.
      Results obtained from strain test indicated that among 60 subjects, 50 had
      negative results and 10 had positive results. Ischemia detection of neural
      network using VCG parameters indicates 86% accuracy. Classification result on
      neural network using ECG ischemia detection parameters is 73% accurate.
      Accumulative evaluation including VCG analysis and strain test indicates 90%
      consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the obtained results in this study, VCG has
      higher accuracy than ECG, so that in cases which ECG signal cannot provide
      certain diagnosis of existence or non-existence of ischemia, VCG signal can help
      in a wider range. We suggest the use of VCG as an auxiliary low cost tool in
      ischemia detection.

PMID- 22091223
TI  - Relationship between serum N-terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-Pro BNP)
      level and the severity of coronary artery involvements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid measuring of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the emergency
      departments effectively results in evaluating patients with acute cardiac attacks
      and has appeared to be a useful prognostic marker of cardiovascular risk. A
      current study came to address the association between plasma N-terminal pro BNP
      level and severity of coronary vessels' defects based on Gensini score in
      patients with stable angina pectoris candidate for coronary angiography. METHODS:
      The study population consisted of 92 consecutive patients with appearance of
      stable angina and candidate for coronary angiography. All participants underwent
      selective left and right coronary angiography. For BNP measurement and just
      before the catheterization of left coronary, 5cc blood samples were drawn from
      coronary. RESULTS: With respect to the role of N terminal pro BNP for predicting
      severity of CAD based on Gensini scoring, linear regression analysis confirmed
      that plasma BNP level was a strong predictor for CAD severity (p = 0.009) in the
      presence of study cofounders. A significant correlation was also observed between
      N terminal pro BNP and left ventricular ejection fraction, so that all patients
      with left ventricular dysfunction (EF < 40%) had plasma N terminal pro BNP level
      higher than 100 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: NT-pro BNP can be a good parameter for
      predicting the severity of coronary vessels' involvement besides other diagnostic
      tools. In all patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%,
      plasma NT-pro BNP level was higher than 100 pg/ml.

PMID- 22091224
TI  - High dose Senna or Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) for elective colonoscopy
      preparation: a prospective randomized investigator-blinded clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of two methods of
      colon preparation for colon cleansing in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS:
      In this prospective randomized investigator-blinded trial, consecutive
      outpatients indicated for elective colonoscopy were randomized into two groups.
      Patients in Senna group took 24 tablets of 11 mg Senna in two divided doses 24
      hour before colonoscopy. In Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) group they solved 4
      sachets in 4 liters of water the day before the procedure and were asked to drink
      250 ml every 15 minutes. The overall quality of colon cleansing was evaluated
      using the Aronchick scoring scale. Difficulty of the procedure, patients'
      tolerance and compliance and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS: 322
      patients were enrolled in the study. There was no significant difference in the
      quality of colon cleansing, patients' tolerance, compliance and the difficulty of
      the procedure between two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of adverse effects was
      similar between two groups except for abdominal pain that was more severe in
      Senna group (p < 0.05) and nausea and vomiting that was more common in PEG group
      (p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion we deduce that Senna has the same efficacy
      and patient's acceptance as Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) and
      it could be prescribed as an alternative method for bowel preparation.

PMID- 22091225
TI  - The association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus among individuals with first relative history of diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antropometric measures with biochemical indicators have been used as
      screening tools for metabolic abnormalities in adolescents and adults. A few
      studies have assessed the relation of EWET (Enlarge waist Elevated triglyceride)
      phenotype with diabetes, especially among individuals with first relative history
      of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the association of EWET phenotype with
      diabetes among individuals with family history of diabetes. METHODS:
      Antropometric and biochemical measurments were evaluated in a population - based
      cross - sectional study of 332 male and 991 female Isfahani adults aged 35-55
      year. The EWET phenotype was defined as serum trigcylglycerol concentrations >=
      150 mg/dl and concurrent waist circumference (WC) >= 88 cm in females and >= 102
      cm in males. RESULTS: The prevalence of EWET phenotype was respectively 9.6% and
      23.6% among male and female. Individuals with the phenotype had significantly
      higher BMI and WHR (waist to hip ratio) as compared to other groups. After
      control for age and physical activity, male with EWET phenotype were
      significantly more likely to have high serum triglyceride levels (p < 0.001),
      cholesterol (p < 0.001). Even after additional control for BMI, the significant
      associations remained except for low HDL Cholestrol. Female with EWET phenotype
      had significantly adverse metabolic risks as compared to other groups, either
      before or after control for BMI (p < 0.001). Individuals with the phenotype were
      more likely to have diabetes (both gender) and (IGT) Impaired Glucose Tolerance
      (female only). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that EWET phenotype has
      significantly associated with diabetes. This phenotype could be used for early
      identification of diabetes and IGT.

PMID- 22091226
TI  - The effect of Ramadan fasting on fetal growth and Doppler indices of pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting
      on fetal growth and Doppler in-dices of pregnancy. METHODS: Fifty two healthy
      pregnant women of second or third trimester, 25 in fasting group and 27 in non
      fasting group were included. Growth parameters including biparietal diameter
      (BPD), femoral length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), estimated fetal weight,
      amniotic fluid index and also Doppler indices of both uterine and umbilical
      arteries (including peak systolic and end diastolic velocity, systolic to
      diastolic ratio, resistive and pulsatility indices) were evaluated by Gray scale
      and colour Doppler imaging for each women two times, in the beginning and at the
      end of Ramadan. RESULTS: Increases in BPD, FL, AC and fetal weight within one
      month were similar in two groups. Amniotic fluid index also were similar in two
      groups. There was not any statistically significant difference in abnormal
      Doppler indices of uterine or umbilical artery between two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results of present study show that Ramadan fasting has no adverse effect on
      fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume or maternofetal circulation.

PMID- 22091227
TI  - IGF-I concentration and changes in critically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) is an anabolic growth factor
      that affects nitrogen balance and its changing trend is not clearly understood in
      critically ill patients. This study was carried out to evaluate the association
      between serum IGF-I levels and its changing trend in critically ill patients.
      METHODS: In this nested case-control study, all consecutive patients admitted to
      the medical ICU of Rasoul-e-Akram and Firuzgar hospital (Tehran, Iran) from
      January through October 2008 were included. IGF1 concentration was measured
      within the first 24h of ICU admission and the fourth, seventh and tenth day since
      admission. Patients were followed until discharge from ICU or expiration.
      RESULTS: The study population consisted of 90 patients (mean age: 58.01 +/-
      22.56), 31 (34.4%) of who died and 59 (65.6%) were discharged. On admission, 43
      patients (47.7%) had low IGF-I levels, whereas 47 (52.3%) had normal or high
      levels. The concentration of IGF-I was not significantly different in every 4
      measurements between expired and discharged patients. Significant decrease was
      seen between first to fourth day IGF-I concentration (p = 0.005). Changing trend
      was not statistically different in two groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: There was
      no relation between low IGF-I concentration on admission day and increased
      adverse outcome, but overall these patients had lower IGF1. No clear association
      was found between changing trend of IGF1 and mortality. Stress on admission time
      may cause decreasing pattern of IGF-I in the first 4 days of admission.

PMID- 22091228
TI  - Evaluation of hearing loss in juvenile insulin dependent patients with diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important epidemics of our era.
      Complications of this disease are diverse and include retinopathy, nephropathy
      and neuropathy. This study has been designed to evaluate hearing loss patterns in
      young children suffering from IDDM and define risk factors for this complication.
      METHODS: This descriptive analytic study includes 200 youngsters divided into two
      groups: 100 patients in diabetic group and 100 healthy individual in control
      group. Hearing thresholds are determined in 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000
      Hz and metabolic controls are evaluated as average of one year HbA1C, dividing
      diabetic group into well control and poor control subgroups. RESULTS: Twenty one
      out of 100 patients in diabetic group showed significant hearing loss. Hearing
      loss is correlated with metabolic control, showing less loss in patients with
      HbA1C less than 7.5%. Results showed that hearing loss is not related to sex of
      patients but duration of disease (more or less than 5 years) affects degree of
      hearing loss in some frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss in children suffering
      from IDDM is sensorineural, bilateral and symmetrical and is related to the
      duration of disease and state of metabolic control (HbA1C).

PMID- 22091229
TI  - Helicobacter pylori as a zoonotic infection: the detection of H. pylori antigens
      in the milk and faeces of cows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, which may increase
      the risk of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and cancer, has increased worldwide. This
      number is estimated to be around 70-90% in developing countries and 25-50% in
      developed countries. It is possible that the bacterium can be transmitted via
      food and water as well as zoonotically and iatrogenically. Because of high
      prevalence of this infection in Iran, the aim of this study is to examine whether
      H. pylori infection might be transmitted from cow's milk and faeces. METHODS: The
      existence of the H. pylori antibody and antigen was investigated in samples of
      serum, milk, and faeces from 92 lactating Holstein cows in Shahrekord, Iran. The
      H. pylori antigen and antibody were detected using ELISA and were confirmed by
      PCR. RESULTS: It was found that out of 92 serum specimens, 25 (27%) of the cows
      were positive for the H. pylori antibody and 67 specimens were negative. From
      these 25 seropositive cows, 10 (40%) faeces samples and four (16%) milk samples
      were antigen positive for H. pylori. Four of the antigen-positive milk specimens
      were also antigen positive for faeces. The existence of the UreC gene was also
      confirmed in positive samples of milk and faeces. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      possibility that cow's milk is a transmission mode in H. pylori infection and
      faecal contamination and inappropriate management processes could transfer H.
      pylori to humans. The awareness of the H. pylori epidemiology and its method of
      distribution are necessary for public health measures and controlling the spread
      of this bacterium. Further investigation with a greater sample number is
      necessary to verify the ability of H. pylori transmission via milk consumption.

PMID- 22091230
TI  - The effects of hypotension on differences between the results of simultaneous
      venous and arterial blood gas analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Analysis of venous blood gas (VBG) can represent arterial blood gas
      (ABG) analysis in patients with various diseases. The effects of hypotension on
      differences between the results of simultaneous venous and arterial blood gas
      analyses were reviewed. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study was
      conducted from March to October 2010 in emergency departments of two university
      hospitals in Tehran (Iran) on consecutive adult patients for whom ABG had been
      indicated for diagnosis/treatment. Arterial and peripheral venous bloods were
      simultaneously sampled with blood pressure measurement. The VBG-ABG amount of
      difference regarding pH, HCO(3), PCO(2), PO(2), SO(2), and Base Excess (BE) was
      compared between those with and without hypotension. RESULTS: During the study,
      192 patients (51.6 +/- 23.6 years, 67.7% males) were entered into the hypotension
      (n = 78) and normotensive groups (n = 114). The average VBG-ABG amount of
      difference (95% limits of agreement) in the hypotension versus normotensive group
      were -0.030 (-0.09 to 0.03) vs. -0.016 (-0.1 to 0.068) for pH (p = 0.01), 1.79 (
      1.91 to 5.49) vs. 1.32 (-1.94 to 4.58) mEq/L for HCO(3) (p = 0.032), 2.69 (-20.43
      to 25.81) vs. 2.03 (-7.75 to 11.81) mmHg for PCO(2) (p = 0.295), -35.97 (-130.17
      to 58.23) vs. -32.65 (-104.79 to 39.49) mmHg for PO(2) (p = 0.293), -18.58 (
      14.66 to 51.82) vs. -9.06 (-31.28 to 13.16) percent (p < 0.001) for SO(2), and
      0.25 (-3.73 to 4.23) vs. 0.79 (-2.51 to 4.09) for BE (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS:
      Hypotensive status is associated with an increase in the amount of difference
      between VBG and ABG analysis regarding pH, HCO(3), and BE, though the amount of
      increase does not seem to be clinically important. Studying the precise effects
      of replacing ABG with VBG on the clinical decision-making and the following
      outcomes is worth-while.

PMID- 22091231
TI  - Effects of health belief model-based video training about risk factors on
      knowledge and attitude of myocardial infarction patients after discharge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart diseases are the most common cardiovascular diseases.
      This study aimed to assess the effects of video training about risk factors based
      on health belief model on knowledge and attitude of myocardial infarction
      patients after discharge. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted
      in 2010. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to either intervention or control
      group. Data was collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. RESULTS: Study
      results showed that the mean score of knowledge about disease, diet, physical
      activity and perceived benefit, severity, and susceptibility after video training
      was increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Using videos for educating myocardial
      infarction patients is a useful method for preventing recurrence of the disease.

PMID- 22091233
TI  - Bacterial meningitis: a new risk factor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to discuss a possible new risk factor
      for the bacterial meningitis. METHODS: Cerebrospinal fluid collected from 270
      patients was assayed. An enzyme immunosorbent assay for the detection of
      Staphylococcal enterotoxins A to E was used. RESULTS: The results indicated that
      the frequency of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) was 35 (20.46%). An
      important finding of this research was that the CoNS isolates produced
      enterotoxin C and D or enterotoxin C and E. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report
      of enterotoxin-producing Coagulase Negative Staphylococci isolated from CSF
      patients. Therefore, these enterotoxins probably act as risk factors in the
      bacterial invasion into central nervous system.

PMID- 22091232
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome in adults over 35 years in Shiraz, southern Iran:
      prevalence and associated factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in the
      general population. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the
      prevalence of IBS and describe the associated factors including demographic, life
      style and health-seeking behaviors in Shiraz city, southern Iran. METHODS: From
      April to September 2004, 1978 subjects aged > 35 years old completed a validated
      and reliable questionnaire on IBS. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of IBS was 10.9%,
      higher in females, in 35-44 years old age group and among subjects eating fast
      food (14.1%) but was lower in those taking more fruits and vegetables (10.5%).
      The occurrence of anxiety, nightmare and restlessness was also significantly
      higher in subjects with IBS. It had an association with psychological distress
      and recurrent headaches but not with drinking tea/coffee, smoking or physical
      activity. CONCLUSIONS: In our area, IBS was correlated with gender, age,
      psychological distress, recurrent headaches and consumption of fast foods that
      necessitate health planning programs by health policy makers.

PMID- 22091234
TI  - Physician's acquittal of responsibility in Iranian statutes.
AB  - The physician's acquittal has obsessed Iranian legislator's mind to a large
      extent. This is exclusively observed in Iranian statuses and specifically in
      Shi'ite school of though. Muslim jurists' opinions play a very important role in
      enacting legal articles related to it. After reviewing the literature, the
      authors tried to pick and collect common features of physician's responsibilities
      and duties to introduce Iranian Acts with respect to the subject. Also, Iranian
      Acts are analyzed and the challenging medical topics such as emergency situations
      and infectious diseases are discussed.Iranian legislator didn't specify a kind of
      physician's acquittal which received from the patient knowingly and is based on
      his/her free will. There are also some medical and legal gaps. Patients are not
      often informed of all exact and scientific information and results of their
      treatments. Furthermore, the forms prepared to receive the patient's consent do
      not provide what Iranian legislator meant.

PMID- 22091235
TI  - A pulmonary aspergillosis case with fatal course in a patient with SIRS clinic.
AB  - A 77-year-old male patient with a history of tuberculosis applied to emergency
      service with complaints of confusion, shortness of breath, tachycardia,
      hypothermia and hypotension. A bronchoalveolar lavage culture was collected
      because a fungus ball was seen on repeat chest X-ray and thoracic CT of the
      patient. Aspergillus fumigatus grew and voricona-zole treatment was started, but
      the patient was lost from multiple organ failure (MOF). In diagnosis of patients
      with SIRS clinic, causative factor may be aspergillus located in an old
      tuberculosis cavity, and this may have a fatal course in an old patient having
      previous pulmonary and systemic diseases.

PMID- 22091236
TI  - A case report of cemento-ossifying fibroma presenting as a mass of the ethmoid
      sinus.
AB  - Cemento-ossifying fibroma is a lesion containing both fibrous and osseous
      components. Such lesions include fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, cemento
      ossifying fibroma and cementifying fibroma. Periodontal membrane is the origin of
      fibro-osseous lesions other than fibrous dysplasia.Here a clinical case of a
      young woman referred for evaluation of a mass in the right side of face between
      eye and nose is presented. The first time she noticed the mass was 2 years ago
      and was growing larger inwards. She was treated with surgical resection.In this
      case of a cemento-ossifying fibroma, histological interpretation was critical,
      and was the basis of correct treatment.

PMID- 22091237
TI  - Myasthenia gravis as a presenting feature in a patient with lung cancer: A case
      report.
AB  - A male patient with muscle weakness had clinical findings of ptosis, diplopia,
      proximal leg weakness, and positive repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test. He
      demonstrated positive acetylcholine receptor antibody. This lung cancer patient
      was presenting myasthenia gravis. The causal association between non-small-cell
      lung cancer and non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis has not been clarified yet. To
      date, there has been no evidence supporting the speculation that association of
      myasthenia gravis with lung cancer might be one of the phenotypes of
      paraneoplastic syndrome.

PMID- 22091238
TI  - Fracture of ossified Achilles tendon.

PMID- 22091239
TI  - Comparison of Generalized Estimating Equations and Quadratic Inference Functions
      in superior versus inferior Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The celebrated generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach is
      often used in longitudinal data analysis While this method behaves robustly
      against misspecification of the working correlation structure, it has some
      limitations on efficacy of estimators, goodness-of-fit tests and model selection
      criteria The quadratic inference functions (QIF) is a new statistical methodology
      that overcomes these limitations. METHODS: We administered the use of QIF and GEE
      in comparing the superior and inferior Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation,
      while our focus was on the efficiency of estimation and using model selection
      criteria, we compared the effect of implant location on intraocular pressure
      (IOP) in refractory glaucoma patients We modeled the relationship between IOP and
      implant location, patient's sex and age, best corrected visual acuity, history of
      cataract surgery, preoperative IOP and months after surgery with assuming
      unstructured working correlation. RESULTS: 63 eyes of 63 patients were included
      in this study, 28 eyes in inferior group and 35 eyes in superior group The GEE
      analysis revealed that preoperative IOP has a significant effect on IOP (p = 0
      011) However, QIF showed that preoperative IOP, months after surgery and squared
      months are significantly associated with IOP after surgery (p < 0 05) Overall,
      estimates from QIF are more efficient than GEE (RE = 1 272). CONCLUSIONS: In the
      case of unstructured working correlation, the QIF is more efficient than GEE
      There were no considerable difference between these locations, our results
      confirmed previously published works which mentioned it is better that glaucoma
      patients undergo superior AGV implantation.

PMID- 22091240
TI  - Acute and long term effects of grape and pomegranate juice consumption on
      endothelial dysfunction in pediatric metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the short- and long-term effects of
      consumption of grape and pomegranate juices on markers of endothelial function
      and inflammation in adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: In a non
      pharmacologic randomized controlled trial, 30 individuals were randomly assigned
      to two groups of drinking natural grape or pomegranate juice for 1 month.
      Measurements of inflammatory factors [Hs-CRP, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM, and
      interleukin 6 (IL-6)] and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were made at baseline, 4
      hours after first juice consumption and after one month of juice consumption.
      RESULTS: The percent changes of FMD were significant in both groups in the short-
      and long-term. Hs-CRP had a nonsignificant decrease. sE selectin had a
      significant decrease after 4 hours in total and in the pomegranate juice group,
      followed by a significant decrease after 1 month in both groups. After 4 hours,
      sICAM-1 significantly decreased in the pomegranate juice group, and after 1 month
      it decreased in total and pomegranate juice group. Interleulkin-6 (IL-6) had a
      significant constant decrease at 4-hour and 1-month measurements after drinking
      pomegranate juice, and in both groups after 1 month. Significant negative
      correlations of changes in sICAM-1 and sE-selectin with changes in FMD were found
      in both periods of follow-up; and at 1 month for IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Decline in
      inflammation was associated with improvement in FMD without changes in
      conventional risk factors. Daily consumption of natural antioxidants may improve
      endothelial function in adolescents with MetS.

PMID- 22091241
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and health-related quality of life in Iranian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and
      Health related quality of life (QoL) in Iranian population. METHODS: We used data
      from the post-intervention phase of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP), a
      community trial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and control. We
      recruited 9570 healthy adults, aged >= 19 years who were randomly selected using
      multistage random sampling method. World Health Organization QoL questionnaire
      (WHOQOL-BREF) which contains 26 items was used to assess QoL. It assesses four
      domains of QoL; Physical health, Psychological health, Social relationship and
      Environmental issues. MetS was defined based on ATP III criteria. RESULTS: The
      mean age of participants was 38.8+/-15.6 years (mean +/- SD) and the prevalence
      of MetS was 22.5%. From all participant 18.2% were illiterate and 13.2% had
      university educational level. Two way multivariate analyses of covariance
      (MANCOVA) test after adjusting age showed significant difference between women
      with and without Mets in regard to physical health and social relations domains,
      while none of QoL domains was different in men with Mets in comparison to men
      without it. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting the role of socio-demographic factors as
      components of QoL score, no association was observed between QoL domains and MetS
      in men, while only social relations and physical health scores were higher in
      women with Mets compared to those without Mets. Other variety of health-related
      QoL assessment tools or definitions of MetS may show different relationship in
      the Iranian socio-cultural context.

PMID- 22091242
TI  - A novel prediction model for all cause emergency department visits in ischemic
      heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the main cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide, and a considerable part of these patients attend to
      emergency departments, which increases the burden to these busy departments. The
      aim of this study was to develop a prediction model enabling prediction of all
      cause emergency department (ED) visits in patients with documented coronary
      stenosis in a derivation set, and then to determine its accuracy in a validation
      set. METHODS: In a prospective study at outpatient setting of Baqiyatallah
      hospital, Tehran, Iran, 502 patients with IHD were followed for 6 months for
      observing the outcome of ED visits for all causes. They were divided in two
      random groups of derivation set (n = 335) and validation set (n = 167). In the
      derivation set, to achieve an all cause ED visits prediction model, a prediction
      model was reached by entering demographic data, clinical variables, somatic
      comorbidity (Ifudu index), level of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety
      Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire), and angina grade (WHO Rose Angina) to a
      logistic regression. Then in the validation set, the sensitivity, specificity,
      and the accuracy of that model was tested. RESULTS: A novel model for prediction
      of all cause ED visits in IHD patients in six months was presented with gender,
      anxiety, WHO angina grade and somatic comorbidity as inputs. Sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy of the model were 63.0%, 68.6%, and 67.7%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Testing and using the achieved model is suggested to
      health care providers in other settings.

PMID- 22091243
TI  - Coronary angiogenesis during experimental hypertension: is it reversible?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated coronary angiogenesis and serum vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor-1 (sFlt-1) concentrations in two
      kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats before and after reversal of
      hypertension. METHODS: THE ANIMAL GROUPS WERE: (i) sham-clipped for 12 weeks;
      (ii) 2K1C for 12 weeks; (iii) sham-clipped for 12 weeks and unclipped for 12
      weeks; and (iv) 2K1C for 12 weeks and unclipped for 12 weeks. Blood samples were
      taken before experiments and after clipping and unclipping; capillary density was
      also evaluated. RESULTS: Our results showed that blood pressure in hypertensive
      animals was higher than sham group (175 +/- 10 vs. 110.3 +/- 11.3 mmHg; p <
      0.05). Unclipping significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats (p <
      0.05). Serum VEGF and sFlt-1 levels in hypertensive group were significantly
      lower than sham group (VEGF: 74.36 +/- 5.85 vs. 104.07 +/- 7.75 pg/ml; sFlt-1:
      426.67 +/- 25.74 vs. 690.76 +/- 41.14 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.05). Unclipping
      in hypertensive animals increased serum VEGF and sFlt-1 concentrations (VEGF:
      93.65 +/- 8.61 vs. 74.36 +/- 5.85 pg/ml; sFlt-1: 742.05 +/- 79.23 vs. 426.67 +/-
      25.74 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.05). In hypertensive animals, capillary density
      in the heart was higher than sham group, non-significantly (p > 0.05) and after
      unclipping, it reached to sham group level. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that changes in
      capillary density and serum VEGF and sFlt-1 concentrations in renovascular
      hypertension are reversible by removing the cause of hypertension and it shows
      the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in clinical
      condition.

PMID- 22091244
TI  - Timing of puberty in Iranian girls according to their living area: a national
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the timing of puberty between various
      geographic locations and different ethnicities. METHODS: This national survey was
      conducted in 20 provinces in Iran. Healthy Iranian girls were selected from
      public schools using cluster random sampling. A total number of 30 clusters
      including 7493 girls, aged 6.0-20 years, were selected. In order to compare
      different areas, the national classification of the provinces based on climate,
      ethnicity, geographic locations, and socioeconomic variables were used.
      Accordingly, there are 11 regions in Iran. Analysis of variance was used to
      compare the mean ages of menarche, pubarche, and thelarche in different regions.
      RESULTS: Tehranian girls, with 11.99 +/- 1.35 years (mean +/- SD), had the lowest
      age of menarche which was statistically significantly. The second region with
      lowest age at menarche was Fars (12.40 +/- 1.27 years). The mean age at breast
      bud stage (B2) was significantly lower in Ghazvin-Zanjan region (8.97 +/- 1.45
      years). In Fars region, the mean age at B2 stage of breast development (11.01 +/-
      1.88 years) was higher than other regions except for Mazendran-Guilan and Tehran
      related cities. The mean age at public hair development at Tanner stage 2 (PH2)
      in Kordestan-Lorestan-Ilam region (10.70 +/- 1.23 years) was significantly higher
      than other regions. CONCLUSIONS: We found significant differences in the age of
      pubertal stages of girls living in various regions with different ethnicity and
      geographic characteristics. Considering the impact of pubertal age on general
      health, more studies should be done about the lifestyle and environmental factors
      affecting the onset of puberty.

PMID- 22091245
TI  - Evaluation of pre lumbar puncture position on post lumbar puncture headache.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common complication of lumbar puncture (LP) occurring in
      over thirty percent of patients is headache. The position after lumbar puncture,
      needle type and size, and volume of the extracted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have
      been evaluated as contributory factors in occurrence of post lumbar puncture
      headache (PLPH), but the position before lumbar puncture has not been evaluated.
      METHODS: The occurrence of post lumbar puncture headache was evaluated in 125
      patients undergoing lumbar puncture, divided randomly into sitting and lateral
      decubitus groups in the following five days. Chi-square test was used for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty eight patients (30.4%) reported headache
      after lumbar puncture in the two groups, and post lumbar puncture headache was
      significantly lower in the lateral decubitus position (p = 0.001). There was no
      significant difference between genders in the post lumbar puncture headache
      occurrence (p = 0.767). CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar puncture in sitting position could
      produce more post lumbar puncture headache in comparison with lateral decubitus
      position.

PMID- 22091246
TI  - Effects of silybum marianum on patients with chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Silymarin derived from silybum marianum (milk thistle), a flowering
      member of the daisy family, may benefit liver function in people infected with
      the hepatitis C virus. The aims of this pilot study were to assess the efficacy
      and safety of silymarin on serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, serum
      aminotransferases (ALT, AST) levels, liver fibrosis and well-being in patients
      with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHODS: This prospective self-controlled trial
      study was conducted from March to September 2006 at Department of
      Gastroenterology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 55
      patients with HCV (10 female and 45 male) with a mean age of 31.8 +/- 6.4 years
      (10-67 years) were participated in the study. Patients received 24 weeks of
      silymarin (630 mg/day). Baseline virological biochemical, liver fibrosis (by a
      serum fibrosis markers, including YKL-40 and Hyaluronic acid), and SF-36
      questionnaire were performed with biochemical tests repeated at the end of the
      treatment period. RESULTS: There was statistically difference in mean of ALT
      (108.7 +/- 86.6 vs 70.3 +/- 57.7) before and after the treatment (p < 0.001). The
      means of AST were 99.4 +/- 139.7 and 59.7 +/- 64.32 before and after the
      treatment with statistically differences (p = 0.004). After the treatment, nine
      patients were found with negative HCV-RNA (p = 0.004) and statistically
      significant improvement in results of liver fibrosis markers were found only in
      fibrosis group (p = 0.015). Quality of life was improved significantly (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that in patients with CHC performing
      silymarin (650 mg/day) for 6 months, improved serum HCV-RNA titer, serum
      aminotransferases (ALT, AST), hepatic fibrosis and patient's quality of life.
      More future studies are warranted.

PMID- 22091247
TI  - Genotyping of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma)
      polymorphism (Pro12Ala) in Iranian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) is
      a nuclear hormone receptor. It is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and
      as a receptor for thiazolidinediones, it has drawn attentions towards itself as a
      key molecule to trigger pathways involving in some diseases such as cancers, type
      2 diabetes, inflammations and osteoporosis. A proline changed to alanine in codon
      12 of PPAR-gamma gene (Pro12Ala) has been known to be responsible for decreased
      risk of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study is to investigate the
      frequency of Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR-gamma in healthy Iranian population to
      compare with other populations. Understanding this polymorphism may help us in
      better diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic approaches toward a better
      management of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. METHODS: 128
      healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. To determine single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs), we did real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using
      TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. RESULTS: Genotype frequencies for PPAR
      gamma gene Pro12Ala (rs1801282) polymorphism were 0.86 for CC, 0.14 for CG, 0.00
      for GG while allelic frequencies were 0.93 and 0.0.07 for C and G, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: There are statistical differences between the distribution of the
      PPAR-gamma-2 Pro12Ala polymorphism in other populations and Iranian population.

PMID- 22091248
TI  - Effect of soy phytoestrogen on metabolic and hormonal disturbance of women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens are a group of plants derived compounds with weekly
      estrogen effect that appear to have protective effects on metabolic and hormonal
      abnormalities of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). So the aim of this
      study was to investigate the effect of soy phytoestrogens on reproductive
      hormones and lipid profiles in PCOS women. METHODS: In this quasi-randomized
      trial, 146 subjects with PCOS were divided into two groups; the experimental
      group who received Genistein (Bergamon, Italy) 18 mg twice a day orally and the
      control group that received similar capsules with cellulose for 3 months.
      Hormonal features and lipid profiles were measured before and after 3 months of
      supplement therapy. RESULTS: After 3 months of supplement therapy there were no
      statistically significant differences in high density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDL) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) serum levels in Genistein and
      placebo group before and after treatment; however serum levels of luteinizing
      hormone (LH), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL),
      dehydroepiandrostrone sulfate (DHEAS) and testosterone were significantly
      decreased after 3 months therapy in Genistein group. CONCLUSIONS: Genistein
      consumption may prevent cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in PCOS patients
      by improving their reproductive hormonal and lipid profiles.

PMID- 22091249
TI  - Successful prevention of tunneled, central catheter infection by antibiotic lock
      therapy using cefotaxime.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic hemodialysis patients frequently require vascular access
      through central venous catheters (CVCs). The most significant complication of
      these catheters is infection. This risk can be lowered by the use of an
      antibiotic-Heparin lock. This study focuses on hemodialysis patients using
      Tunneled-cuffed catheters (TCC), to assess the rate of catheter-related
      infections (CRI) in catheter-restricted filling with Cefotaxime and Heparin in
      end stage renal disease patients. METHODS: A double-blind randomized study was
      conducted to compare 5000 U/ml Heparin plus10 mg/ml cefotaxime (CE/HS) as
      catheter-lock solutions, with Heparin (5000 U/ml) alone. A total of 30 patients
      with end-stage renal disease and different etiologies, were enrolled for chronic
      hemodialysis with permanent catheters from December 2009 to March 2010. These
      patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 15 members. Blood samples were
      collected for culture, sensitivity, and colony count, from the catheter lumen and
      the peripheral vein. CRI was considered as the end point. RESULTS: The rate of
      CRI was significantly lower in the cefotaxime group versus control group (p <
      0.001). No exit site infection was occurred in both groups. Infection-free
      survival rates at 180 days were 100% for the CE/HS group, and 56% for the HS
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic lock therapy using cefotaxime reduces the risk of
      CRI in hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22091250
TI  - Situation analysis of local ethical committees in medical sciences in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local ethical committees in medical sciences in Iran were established
      in 1999 in order to assess and evaluate the observance of ethical standards
      throughout the universities and research centers. The purpose of this study is to
      analyze the situation of local ethical committees in order to develop research
      ethics guideline. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study which has been
      conducted with the support of WHO, 40 local ethical committees in all
      universities of medical sciences were evaluated by use of determined
      questionnaires. RESULTS: In this study, 40 universities of medical sciences
      participated; all of them have established local ethical committees. Each
      committee has 5 to 11 members and in more than 80% cases, written guidelines for
      selecting the committee's members are available. The minimum number of members
      for official session is at least 3 and replacement of absent members, did not
      take place in more than 85% of the committees. Informed consent in 95% of these
      local ethical committees is available. In all committees, researches regarding
      the use of human subjects are under ethical consideration. In half of the local
      ethical committees, penalties for non-compliance with the regulations are
      considered. The average number of research project evaluated in last session of
      these committees was 15.2 and the committees in 50% of cases have provided ethics
      training specifically for their members. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers should develop
      a standard guideline for local ethical committees in medical science universities
      in Iran.

PMID- 22091251
TI  - Evaluation of breast self-examination program using Health Belief Model in female
      students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has been considered as a major health problem in
      females, because of its high incidence in recent years. Due to the role of breast
      self-examination (BSE) in early diagnosis and prevention of morbidity and
      mortality rate of breast cancer, promoting student knowledge, capabilities and
      attitude are required in this regard. This study was conducted to evaluation BSE
      education in female University students using Health Belief Model. METHODS: In
      this semi-experimental study, 243 female students were selected using multi-stage
      randomized sampling in 2008. The data were collected by validated and reliable
      questionnaire (43 questions) before intervention and one week after intervention.
      The intervention program was consisted of one educational session lasting 120
      minutes by lecturing and showing a film based on HBM constructs. The obtained
      data were analyzed by SPSS (version11.5) using statistical paired t-test and
      ANOVA at the significant level of alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: 243 female students aged
      20.6 +/- 2.8 years old were studied. Implementing the educational program
      resulted in increased knowledge and HBM (perceived susceptibility, severity,
      benefit and barrier) scores in the students (p <= 0.01). Significant increases
      were also observed in knowledge and perceived benefit after the educational
      program (p <= 0.05). ANOVA statistical test showed significant difference in
      perceived benefit score in students of different universities (p = 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Due to the positive effects of education on increasing knowledge and
      attitude of university students about BSE, the efficacy of the HBM in BSE
      education for female students was confirmed.

PMID- 22091252
TI  - Comparative study of two anesthesia methods according to postoperative
      complications and one month mortality rate in the candidates of hip surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery for hip fractures can be done under general or neuraxial
      anesthesia. This study aimed to compare these two methods concerning their
      postoperative complications, duration of operation, hospitalization and the
      mortality rate within a period of one month after surgery. METHODS: 400 patients
      aged more than 30 years old and scheduled for elective operative fixation of
      fractured hip, randomly enrolled in two equal groups of general (GA) and
      neuraxial (NA) anesthesia. Hemoglobin level was measured before and 6 hours, 2, 3
      and 5 days after the surgery. The intra and postoperative blood loss, duration of
      surgery, the severity of pain at the time of discharge from recovery and at the
      2(nd), 3(rd) and 5(th) postoperative days were recorded. Statistical analysis was
      performed using SPSS version 12.0 by Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and t tests. P <
      0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Both groups were similar regarding age,
      weight, and gender ratio. There was no significant difference in baseline
      hemoglobin, duration of surgery, length of hospitalization before surgery and the
      type of surgery. The mean of intraoperative blood loss and visual analogue score
      (VAS) in recovery and at the 3(rd) postoperative day, and also the length of
      hospitalization after surgery were significantly less in neuraxial anesthesia
      group. Both groups showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin values on the
      2(nd) and 3(rd) postoperative days comparing to the baseline (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity and mortality rates of patients undergoing hip surgery
      were similar in both methods of anesthesia, but postoperative pain, blood loss,
      and duration of hospitalization were more in patients undergoing general
      anesthesia.

PMID- 22091253
TI  - An alternative management procedure after inadvertent dural puncture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accidental dural puncture during epidural blockade is a rare
      complication. Since postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most frequent
      complication, a wisely management method will also reduce the incidence of PDPH.
      METHODS: Five patients who had inadvertent dural puncture during the epidural
      procedure before hip or knee arthroplasty were included in this study. After
      dural puncture we drew back the epidural needle and placed an epidural catheter
      into the epidural space. RESULTS: Epidural anesthesia and postoperative epidural
      analgesia have been provided successfully in all cases. 20% showed PDPH.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the effectiveness of management skills
      after inadvertent dural punctures.

PMID- 22091254
TI  - Obesity predictors in people with chronic spinal cord injury: an analysis by
      injury related variables.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite an elevated obesity risk in people with spinal cord injury
      (SCI), investigation on the effects of age, obesity predictors, and injury
      related factors is yet to be unknown within the SCI population. METHODS: Obesity
      predictors were measured in 162 patients. RESULTS: 27.5% of the participants were
      overweight and 5.6% of them were obese. Mean BMI was different between patients
      with tetraplegia and paraplegia (p < 0.01). More than 20% of participants had
      central obesity, significantly patients with higher age and time since injury.
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant positive relationship was found between level of injury
      and BMI. Participants with higher age and time since injury had higher waist
      circumference.

PMID- 22091256
TI  - Intervention in the learning process of second year medical students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that educational programs that focus on
      study skills could improve learning strategies and academic success of university
      students. Due to the important role of such supportive programs aimed at the
      fresh students, this survey was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of
      an optional course of learning and study skills on learning and study skills of
      second year medical students. METHODS: This quasi-experimental research was
      performed on 32 eligible medical students in Isfahan University of Medical
      Sciences, who chose the optional course of learning and study skills. Both of
      intervention and control groups completed Learning and Study Strategies Inventory
      (LASSI) at the beginning and the end of semester. Students in the intervention
      group studied different components of reading and learning skills using team
      working. Their final scores were calculated based on written reports on
      application of study skills in exams (portfolio), self-evaluation form and their
      progress in LASSI test. The mean differences of scores before and after
      intervention in each of ten test scales were compared between two groups.
      RESULTS: The results showed that the mean difference scores in attitude, time
      management, information processing, main ideas selection, study aids and self
      testing scales were significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.05 for
      all). CONCLUSIONS: This optional course successfully improved learning strategies
      in the corresponding classroom activities. However, there was no improvement in
      the motivational scale which is tightly related to the educational success.
      Therefore, the implementation of educational programs with an emphasis on meta
      cognitional aspects of learning is recommended.

PMID- 22091255
TI  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome: A review article.
AB  - Stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a recently
      increasing diagnosed disease showed by transient apical or mid left ventricular
      dilation and dysfunction. This sign is similar to acute myocardial infarction but
      without significant coronary artery stenosis and intra coronary clots. On the
      other hand there are important and essential differences in their management.
      Consequently, our physicians should know about its pathophysiology, diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 22091257
TI  - Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura associated with Clopidogrel: a case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a life threatening, multisystem
      disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia,
      neurological changes, renal failure, and fever. These signs and symptoms are
      thought to be caused by microthrombi, composed of agglutinated platelets and
      fibrin, which deposit in the arterioles and capillaries without mediation by an
      inflammatory process. TTP can occur in the first two weeks of initiation of
      Clopidogrel therapy. Early signs of TTP may be a skin reaction, which may precede
      the onset of TTP or it may be other type of purpura or neurological changes. We
      report the clinical and laboratory findings in a 67 years old female patient in
      whom TTP developed soon after treatment with 40 mg/day oral Clopidogrel after 8
      days. She developed thrombocytopenia (platelets count 12000 /mm3). Her clinical
      signs and symptoms were fever (39.6C), bleeding from the nose and gum, large skin
      bruises (purpura and ecchymoses), neurological changes including hallucinations,
      bizarre behavior, altered mental status (fluctuating), headache, and renal
      dysfunction. Physicians should be aware of the possibility early onset of this
      syndrome when initiate Clopidogrel treatment.

PMID- 22091258
TI  - Intracranial foreign body granuloma simulating brain tumor: a case report.
AB  - Intracranial foreign body granulomas are rarely reported. Clinical symptoms
      caused by foreign body granulomas can be noticed from months to many years after
      surgical procedure. The most common reported etiology is suture material. A 45
      year-old woman was presented with grand mal epilepsy. She was operated for brain
      tumor 19 years ago. In CT scan, a round radio-dense mass resembling a tumor at
      anterior fossa was seen. She underwent craniotomy and resected a granuloma with
      cotton fibers surrounded by yellow capsule without residual or recurrent tumor.
      Granuloma can mimic intracranial meningioma and special attention should be paid
      not to leave cotton pledgets during operations.

PMID- 22091259
TI  - Effects of low dose methotrexate on relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in
      comparison to Interferon beta-1alpha: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methotrexate, a toxic antimetabolite that limits cellular
      reproduction by acting as an antagonist to folic acid, has been used to control
      autoimmune disease with different results. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the effectiveness of low dose Methotrexate in the relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS: Eighty patients with definite RRMS aged 15 to 55 years
      were randomly allocated to receive a 12-month treatment course of either oral
      Methotrexate (7.5 mg/week) or intramuscular Interferon beta-1alpha (30 MUg/week).
      Response to treatment was assessed at 12 months after start of therapy. RESULTS:
      The results of the study demonstrated significant reduction in relapse rate in
      both groups (p < 0.01). In 40 patients treated by Methotrexate, the mean value
      (SD) of relapse rate decreased from 1.75 (0.74) to 0.97 (0.83) (p < 0.01).
      Correspondingly, the mean value (SD) of relapse rate in patients treated by
      Interferon beta-1alpha decreased from 1.52 (0.59) to 0.57 (0.78) (p < 0.01).
      Decrease of relapse rate in Interferon beta-1alpha group was more than that in
      the other group (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that although
      treatment with Methotrexate may significantly reduce relapse rate and slow
      progression of disease in patients with RRMS, its efficacy is less than
      Interferon beta-1alpha and it may be better used as add-on therapy.

PMID- 22091260
TI  - Comparing the outcomes of open surgical procedure and percutaneously peritoneal
      dialysis catheter (PDC) insertion using laparoscopic needle: A two month follow
      up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare the outcomes of open surgical
      procedure and percutaneously peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) insertion using
      laparoscopic needle. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted
      in the Nephrology Department in Noor Hospital, Isfahan, Iran between 2009 and
      2010. 64 uremic patients were randomized into two study groups using random
      allocation software. Thirty four catheters were inserted percutaneously (P group)
      and 30 catheters were placed surgically (S group). Collected information included
      demographic data, body mass index, and cause of renal disease, duration of
      operation and length of hospitalization. Outcomes were considered as mechanical
      and infectious complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in
      age, gender, the mean of body mass index, having history of hemodialysis,
      diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and length of
      hospitalization. Hemopenitoneom was more frequent in S group than P group (13.3%
      versus 3.2%; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between two groups
      in early peritonitis, early leakage, hernia, hollow viscous perforation, catheter
      obstruction, and malpositioning and the time of peritoneal dialysis onset.
      Outflow failure and the exit site infection were more frequent in S group than P
      group (p < 0.0001). Mean of the operative time was longer in S group than P group
      (27.70 +/- 2.79 minutes versus 10.48 +/- 1.91 minutes, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Percutaneous catheter insertion has fewer rate of complications and is less time
      consuming in comparison with surgical method.

PMID- 22091261
TI  - Effects of daily milk supplementation on improving the physical and mental
      function as well as school performance among children: results from a school
      feeding program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: School feeding programs are important interventions for improving the
      nutritional status of students. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate
      the effects of milk supplementation on physical, mental and school performance of
      students. METHODS: This case-control population-based intervention was conducted
      on 469 students from 4 schools in a medium socio-economic status region in
      Tehran. The schools were chosen by Iranian ministry of education and training and
      they were allocated in case and control groups randomly. All the students in the
      first to third classes in the intervention schools were daily consumed sterilized
      and homogenized milk for three months (250 ml each). Anthropometric measurements
      were done according to the standard methods. For evaluating the mental function,
      the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale
      for children (verbal, non-verbal, total Intelligent Quotient) were conducted on
      students. School performance was assessed by grade-point averages of each
      student. RESULTS: The weight of children was significantly different between
      control and intervention group at the end of the study among girls (23.0 +/- 3.8
      vs. 23.8 +/- 4.3 kg; p < 0.05). Psychological tests' scores were significantly
      different between the control and the intervention groups (p < 0.05) at the end
      of the trial among boys. The grade-point average was significantly different at
      the end of the trial between the intervention and the control group among girls
      (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: School feeding programs focus on milk supplementation
      had beneficial effects on the physical function and school performances
      specifically among girls in Iran.

PMID- 22091262
TI  - The efficacy of preventive parasternal single injection of bupivacaine on
      intubation time, blood gas parameters, narcotic requirement, and pain relief
      after open heart surgery: A randomized clinical trial study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postsurgical pain usually results in some complications in the
      patients. This study has tried to investigate the effects of parasternal single
      injection of bupivacaine on postoperative pulmonary and pain consequences in
      patients after open heart surgery. METHODS: In a prospective double blind
      clinical study, 100 consenting patients undergoing elective open heart surgery
      were randomized into two groups. In case group, bupivacaine was injected at both
      sides of sternum, immediately before sternal closure. In the control group, no
      intervention was performed. Then, the patients were investigated regarding
      intubation period, length of ICU stay, arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters,
      morphine requirement, and their severity of postoperative pain using a visual
      analogue scale (VAS) device. RESULTS: No differences were found between the two
      groups regarding to age, sex, pump time, operation time, and body mass index and
      preoperative cardiac ejection fraction. Mean intubation length in case group was
      much shorter than that in control group. Mean PaO(2) in case group was lower in
      different checking times in postoperative period. The patients in the case group
      needed less morphine compared to those in the control group during the 24-hour
      observation period in the ICU. Finally, mean VAS scores of pain in case group
      were significantly lower than those in control group at 6, 12, and 24 hours
      postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' pain relief by parasternal single
      injection of bupivacaine in early postoperative period can facilitate earlier
      ventilator weaning and tracheal extubation after open heart surgery as well as
      achieving lower pain scores and narcotic requirements.

PMID- 22091263
TI  - Comparing angiography features of inferior versus anterior myocardial infarction
      regarding severity and extension in a cohort of Iranian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The location of acute myocardial infarction (MI) is an important
      prognostic factor for risk stratification of patients with first ST-segment
      elevation MI (STEMI). The main goal of this study was to compare the severity and
      extension of coronary involvement in inferior and anterior MI. METHODS: This
      study reviewed angiographic reports of 579 patients with a first anterior wall
      STEMI and 690 with a first inferior STEMI that were referred to Tehran Heart
      Center between March 2004 and September 2007. The number of coronary vessels
      involvement and the presence of left main lesion were determined based on
      angiography reports. The Gensini score was also calculated for each patient from
      the coronary arteriogram. RESULTS: Incidence of left main lesion was similar
      between the two groups. Although coronary arteries involvement according to
      Gensini score was more severe in anterior wall MI group compared with inferior
      wall MI group, the number of involved coronary arteries was significantly higher
      in the inferior MI patients. Recommendation of coronary artery bypass grafting,
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medical treatment were the same for
      both groups; however, patients with anterior MI were treated more with primary
      PCI. CONCLUSIONS: According to our angiography database, despite anterior wall MI
      is associated with more severity of coronary artery disease; inferior wall MI is
      more extent with regard to the number of involved coronary vessels. Location of
      MI can predict the severity and extension of infarction.

PMID- 22091264
TI  - The effect of omega-3 on the serum visfatin concentration in patients with type
      II diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visfatin is an adipocytokine which is secreted from adipose tissue
      and can affect on the diabetes inflammatory reaction and also serum lipids level.
      On the other hand, Omega-3 can also prevent formation of insulin resistance. In
      the present study, the effect of Omega-3 on the serum visfatin concentration was
      evaluated. METHODS: 71 women with type II diabetes were randomly assigned to the
      group that took Omega-3 capsules or control group with placebo capsules. In the
      first step, study subjects filled a questionnaire collecting their age, height,
      weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Also their blood samples were
      taken for blood tests. In the second step, the intervention was done for 8 weeks
      and in the third step the aforementioned were collected again. In the blood
      samples visfatin and lipid profiles (low density lipoprotein [LDL], high density
      lipoprotein [HDL], triglyceride [TG], and cholesterol), glucose and HbA1c were
      measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in serum visfatin level
      between Omega-3 and placebo groups before the intervention (p = 0.14), while
      after the intervention, the mean serum visfatin level in the Omega-3 group was
      significantly higher (p < 0.001). In addition, the mean difference between the
      serum visfatin level before and after the intervention in both groups was
      significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed an increase in visfatin
      level following consuming Omega-3 fats but according to controversial issues on
      insulin-like function of visfatin, the effects of Omega-3 on diabetes should be
      studied more in further studies.

PMID- 22091265
TI  - Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Isfahan province, central
      Iran: A population based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection. Most studies on toxoplasmosis
      are in women in child bearing ages. We conducted an epidemiological survey on the
      population of the Isfahan Province to identify characteristics of the individuals
      associated with seropositivity. METHODS: In a cross sectional study, 599 serum
      samples were randomly collected for seroepidemiology of Hepatitis A and E, and
      were also used for titration of IgG anti-toxoplasma gondii antibody by a
      commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Data were analyzed
      using SPSS software(15). Chi square and Fisher exact tests were employed to
      examine antibody status in different age, gender, education and residency groups.
      RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 41.4% (248/599). There was a statistical
      significant association between seroprevalence with age, education, and gender (p
      < 0.05) but not with residency state. The peak age for acquisition of the
      infection in females was 20-29 and in males 20-39 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      of current study showed a moderate prevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection.
      However higher seroconversion rate in active social and reproductive ages,
      females and low educated individuals necessitate active preventive programs in
      these high risk groups.

PMID- 22091266
TI  - Influence of the timing of cardiac catheterization and amount of contrast media
      on acute renal failure after cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited data about the influence of timing of cardiac
      surgery in relation to diagnostic angiography and/or the impact of the amount of
      contrast media used during angiography on the occurance of acute renal failure
      (ARF). Therefore, in the present study the effect of the time interval between
      diagnostic angiography and cardiac surgery and also the amount of contrast media
      used during the diagnostic procedure on the incidence of ARF after cardiac
      surgery was investigated. METHODS: Data of 1177 patients who underwent different
      types of cardiac surgeries after cardiac catheterization were prospectively
      examined. The influence of time interval between cardiac catheterization and
      surgery as well as the amount of contrast agent on postoperative ARF were
      assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The patients who
      progressed to ARF were more likely to have received a higher dose of contrast
      agent compared to the mean dose. However, the time interval between cardiac
      surgery and last catheterization was not significantly different between the
      patients with and without ARF (p = 0.05). Overall, postoperative peak creatinine
      was highest on day 0, then decreased and remained significantly unchanged after
      this period. Overall prevalence of acute renal failure during follow-up period
      had a changeable trend and had the highest rates in days 1 (53.57%) and 6
      (52.17%) after surgery. Combined coronary bypass and valve surgery were the
      strongest predictor of postoperative ARF (OR: 4.976, CI = 1.613-15.355 and p =
      0.002), followed by intra-aortic balloon pump insertion (OR: 6.890, CI = 1.482
      32.032 and p = 0.009) and usage of higher doses of contrast media agent (OR:
      1.446, CI = 1.033-2.025 and p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Minimizing the amount of
      contrast agent has a potential role in reducing the incidence of postoperative
      ARF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but delaying cardiac surgery after
      exposure to these agents might not have this protective effect.

PMID- 22091267
TI  - Effect of nasal beclomethasone spray in the treatment of otitis media with
      effusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimicrobials treatment of Otitis media (OM) reduces some
      complications, but some of chronic complications, and specially otitis media with
      effusion (OME), seem to increase. Theoretically the usage of nasal corticosteroid
      sprays may prevent this problem by reducing the local inflammation around the
      eustachian tube. So, this study aimed to evaluate the role of nasal
      corticosteroid spray as an adjuvant for the treatment of OME. METHODS: In a
      randomized, prospective clinical trial, 2 groups of 46 subjects who had OME were
      recruited. A questionnaire containing patients' characters, history, complaints,
      otologic examinations, and the report of tympanometries was filled for all before
      and after treatment. We administered a period of amoxicillin and a decongestant
      for both group and nasal beclomethasone spray only for case group. RESULTS:
      Thirty five of cases (76.1%) and 22 (47.8%) of controls had an improvement in
      their symptoms or the quality of hearing (p = 0.005). Partial remission was the
      most common finding in 52.2% of the patients in the case group but for control
      group there was no change (p = 0.024). The higher improvement in the tympanic
      retraction in the case group was significant (p < 0.05). A significant better
      tympanometric result has showed in the treatment of left ear in the patients of
      the case group (p = 0.038) but not for right ear (p = 0.136). CONCLUSIONS: We
      concluded that the administration of nasal beclomethasone spray as an adjuvant
      for the treatment of OME not only improved the results treatment but also
      increased the resolution of symptoms and the patients' quality of hearing.

PMID- 22091268
TI  - Efficacy of desmopressin in treatment of nocturia in elderly men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nocturia may be due to urological and non-urological diseases and
      some of the possible underlying non-urological diseases may be life-threatening.
      We investigated the efficacy and safety of lowest dose of oral desmopressin in
      treatment of nocturia in elderly men. METHODS: 60 old men referring to urology
      clinic of Imam Reza hospital in Tehran, Iran from 2008-2009 for treatment of
      nocturia were included in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Patients were
      randomly divided into 2 study groups (30 patients in each group). Care was taken
      to match the patients of the 2 groups by age and clinical criteria. They
      complained of about 2 voids per night. We divided the patients into 2 study
      groups. Patients belonging to group A (n = 30) received placebo and patients of
      group B (n = 30) received 0.1 mg desmopressin at bed time for 8 weeks. Patients
      were assessed after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. The means were compared using
      paired sample t-test and chi-square test for time of nocturia before and after
      treatments and also between the two groups. ANOVA test was used for assessement
      of statistical differences between outcomes of the two groups. RESULTS: Mean
      number of nocturia before and after receiving desmopressin were 2.6 and 1.6
      respectively which differed significantly (p < 0.001). Mean number of nocturia
      before and after receiving placebo were 2.5 and 2.3 respectively with no
      significant difference (p = 0.344). After 4 weeks of treatment with desmopressin,
      17 patients (56.7%) had less than 2 voids, 5 patients (16.7%) had 2 voids and 8
      (26.7%) had more than 2 voids per night (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks, patients were
      evaluated and it was noticed that in group B, 4 patients (13.3%) had 2 voids, 24
      (80%) had less than 2 voids and 2 patients (6.7%) had more than 2 voids per night
      (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of desmopressin is an effective and
      well-tolerated treatment for nocturia in elderly men.

PMID- 22091269
TI  - Spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia for elective lumbar spine surgery: A
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Either general or regional anesthesia can be used for lumbar disk
      surgery. The common anesthetic technique is general anesthesia (GA). The aim of
      this study was to compare the intra and postoperative outcomes of spinal
      anesthesia (SA) with GA in these patients. METHODS: Seventy-two patients were
      enrolled in the study. They were randomized into two groups with 37 patients in
      GA Group and 35 ones in SA Group. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure
      (MAP), blood loss, surgeons satisfaction with the operating conditions, the
      severity of postoperative pain based on visual analogue scale (VAS) and analgesic
      use were recorded. RESULTS: The mean blood loss was significantly less in the SA
      Group compared to GA Group (p < 0.05). Intraoperative maximum blood pressure and
      heart rate changes were significantly less in SA Group (p < 0.05). The surgeons
      satisfaction was significantly more in the SA Group (p < 0.05). The number of
      patients who used postoperative analgesic as well as postoperative mean VAS was
      significantly less in SA Group in comparison with GA group (p < 0.05 for both).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that SA was superior to GA in providing
      postoperative analgesia and decreasing blood loss while maintained better
      perioperative hemodynamic stability without increasing adverse side effects.

PMID- 22091270
TI  - The relationship between parameters of static and dynamic stability tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stability is often described to be static (quiet standing) and
      dynamic (maintaining a stable position while undertake a prescribed movement).
      Many researchers have used only static tests to evaluate the stability of normal
      and handicapped subjects. However, it is important to evaluate the stability of
      subjects while undertaking various tasks (dynamic stability). It is not currently
      clear whether static balance can predict dynamic balance or not. Therefore, the
      aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between parameters of
      static and dynamic stability tests. METHODS: The current clinical trial study was
      carried out in the Bioengineering Unit of Strathclyde University during 2008 and
      2009. The normal subjects with no history of musculoskeletal disorders from staff
      and students of the Unit were selected in this study. Twenty-five normal subjects
      were recruited to participate in this research project. They were asked to stand
      on a force plate in quiet standing and while undertaking various hand tasks. The
      functional stability of the subjects was measured while transverse and vertical
      reaching tasks were undertaken. The correlation between various parameters of
      stability in quiet standing and functional hand tasks was evaluated using Pearson
      correlation. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between static and
      dynamic stability parameters. The Pearson correlation coefficients for all
      parameters regarding the static and dynamic tests were less than 0.46.
      CONCLUSIONS: As there was no correlation between stability parameters in quiet
      standing and while performing various hand tasks, it is not practical to discuss
      ability of the subjects to control their balance while undertaking various hand
      tasks based on static balance ability.

PMID- 22091271
TI  - Comparing immune response of intradermal low dose versus intramuscular high dose
      of hepatitis B vaccination in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is the most important cause of cirrhosis in developing
      countries. Hemodialysis patients are susceptible to infection due to repeated
      contact with dialysis machines and blood products. The aim of this study was to
      compare the efficacy of intradermal low dose with intramuscular high dose
      hepatitis B vaccination in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: In a cross-sectional
      study on 24 hemodialysis patients that not responded to conventional method of
      vaccination in this center (double dose in 0, 1 and 6 months) and have antibody
      titer less than 10 mu/ml were enrolled to intramuscular or intradermal group,
      randomly. In intradermal (ID) group 10 MUg (0.5 ml) recombinant vaccine, every 2
      weeks to 6 months and in intramuscular (IM) group 40 MUg (2 ml) at 0, 1, 2, and 6
      months were prescribed and antibody titer were checked after 1 and 3 months of
      the end of vaccination. RESULTS: Mean HBS antibody titer in patients was 4.4 +/-
      3.1 mu/ml at the beginning of study (minimum: 1.1 mu/ml and maximum: 9.2 mu/ml)
      and after 1 month and 3 months, mean HBS antibody were 190.4 +/- 59 and 223.3 +/-
      83.9, respectively (p < 0.001). After one month, in intradermal and intramuscular
      groups, mean HBS antibody was 198.8 +/- 75.6 mu/ml and 181.2 +/- 61.8 mu/ml,
      respectively (p = 0.5) and after 3 months it was 230 +/- 76 mu/ml and 216.2 +/-
      94.3 mu/ml, respectively (p = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Antibody titer was high (> 50
      mu/ml) in two groups after 1 and 3 months of vaccination and no significant
      difference was found between the 2 groups. Therefore, two methods of vaccination
      (high dose IM and low dose SC) are equally effective and the selection of
      vaccination method is based on health policy.

PMID- 22091272
TI  - Designing a health equity audit model for Iran in 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health equity audit, as an alternative solution, is a process by
      which local partners systematically review inequalities in the patients' health,
      their access to appropriate services and health system outputs. Then, necessary
      activities needed in order to have more equitable services are agreed on and
      these concurrences become the executive scheme and action initiates. Therefore,
      it is pivotal for health care organizations to pay special attention to this
      important topic. The objective of the current study was to review the health
      equity audit model in different countries to gather viewpoints of various
      involved groups in health sector, particularly health experts, and to offer a
      practical and appropriate model for health equity audit in Iran. METHODS: This
      study adopted applied research approach in two phases. In the first step, this
      study conducted theoretical health equity audit models in the texts; the
      experiences of other countries were studied and the most appropriate model for
      Iranian health system was selected. In the second step, this study employed the
      Delphi technique. According to the Delphi technique the questionnaire applied in
      order to gather data and then, the final model was extracted. RESULTS: Agreeable
      topics, performing agencies, 6 equity audit stages, and equity indicators under 3
      main parts with 16 sub-sections were elaborated and viewpoints of Iranian experts
      in the above fields were gathered and presented as the proposed health equity
      audit model for Iran. CONCLUSIONS: This study reviewed the model of health equity
      audit for UK and provided a comparative model for health system of Iran with
      respect to the opinions of academic experts.

PMID- 22091273
TI  - Childhood obesity and parks and playgrounds: A review of issues of equality,
      gender and social support.
AB  - The childhood obesity has been a growing concern over the last decade all over
      the world. Built environmental characteristics such as parks and playgrounds
      serves as a reference point for physical activity in children. The equality
      issues related to ethnicity, Social Economic Status (SES), gender and social
      support have been related with both physical activity and presence and quality of
      parks and playgrounds. However, only limited studies have addressed these issues
      in children. The current paper is a general enumerative review that would
      discusses the above issues with respect to obesity in all age groups, giving
      particular emphasis to childhood obesity. The importance of this review is to
      further explore the importance and highlight the findings related to these
      issues, so that future original studies could be planned keeping these
      associations in mind.

PMID- 22091274
TI  - Evidence-based history taking under "time constraint".
AB  - Physicians all through the world visit patients under time limitations. The most
      important troubled clinical skill under "time constraint" is the diagnostic
      approach. In this situation, clinicians need some diagnostic approaches to reduce
      both diagnostic time and errors. It seems that highly experienced physicians
      utilize some special tactics in this regard. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) as a
      relatively new paradigm for clinical practice stresses on using research
      evidences in diagnostic evaluations. The authors aimed to evaluate experts'
      strategies and assess what EBM can add to these tactics. They reviewed diagnostic
      strategies of some veteran internists in their busy outpatient clinics and
      proposed an evidence-based diagnostic model engaging clinical experience and
      research evidence. It appears that every clinician utilizes a set of "key
      pointer" questions for decision-making. In addition to use of evidence-based
      resources for making differential diagnosis and estimating utility of various
      diseases, clinicians should use "key pointers" with significant likelihood ratios
      and from independent systems to reduce time and errors of history taking.
      Clinical trainees can improve their practice by constructing their own set of
      pointers from valid research evidences. Using this diagnostic model, EBM can help
      physicians to struggle against their "time constraint".

PMID- 22091275
TI  - Huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma.
AB  - Liposarcoma are one of the common soft tissue sarcomas of adulthood which are
      remarkable because of their frequently large size. We report a case with an
      extremely large well-differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma that weighted 32
      kilograms. The patient had relapse about one year later and two recurrent tumors
      were successfully excised.

PMID- 22091276
TI  - Metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - Medullary thyroid carcinoma accounts for 4% of thyroid carcinoma and originates
      from parafollicular cells, secreting calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen
      (CEA). Conventional radiographic modalities such as Computerized Tomography (CT),
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasonography (U/S), are used for
      detecting recurrences following total thyroidectomy. However, metastatic disease
      frequently escapes detection by the above modalities, even when its presence is
      suggested by persistently elevated serum calcitonin levels. In this paper, we
      report a case of medullary thyroid carcinoma in a 40 year-old woman who had whole
      body octreotide scintigraphy to evaluate and detect the origin of calcitonin and
      CEA secretion.

PMID- 22091277
TI  - Malignant endometrial polyps: Report of two cases and review of literature with
      emphasize on recent advances.
AB  - Endometrial polyps are common pathologic findings in gynecologic pathology
      practice. Although malignant changes in these lesions are uncommon, numerous
      studies confirmed this association especially with endometrial serous and clear
      cell carcinoma. Two cases of malignant endometrial polyps in association with
      presumed precursor lesion in one of them are presented.

PMID- 22091278
TI  - Theory based health education: Application of health belief model for Iranian
      patients with myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22091279
TI  - Fish oil increases atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis, although decreases
      serum cholesterol in Wistar rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is known that fish oil consumption decreases incidence of
      cardiovascular disease. However, some studies showed that it increases
      atherosclerosis as it does not get completely metabolized by the liver. The aim
      of the present study was to investigate the effects of fish oil on aortic
      atherosclerosis, hepatic steatosis and serum lipids in rats. METHODS: Twenty
      pregnant Wistar rats were fed with a fish oil-containing diet or standard diet
      (containing soy bean oil) during pregnancy and lactation and the pups were weaned
      onto the same diet. Fasting blood samples, hepatic and aortic specimens were
      taken from pups on day 70 postnatal. Data were analyzed with SPSS software, using
      t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Values of p <
      0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Medians for fatty streak in aorta of
      fish oil fed and soy bean oil fed pups were 1.00 and 0.00, respectively, and P
      value was 0.042. Also, medians for ductular cell hyperplasia of liver in fish oil
      fed and soy bean oil fed pups were 1.00 and 0.00, respectively, and P value was
      0.014. Total cholesterol in pups fed with fish oil was 52.20 mg/dl and in pups
      fed with soy bean oil was 83.90 mg/dl (p < 0.00) and for low density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C) values were 8.79 mg/dl and 13.16 mg/dl, respectively (p =
      0.031). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, a diet which
      provided 15.9% of energy from fish oil as the only source of dietary fat, induced
      aortic atherosclerosis as well as hepatic steatosis in Wistar rat, although it
      decreased total cholesterol and LDL-C.

PMID- 22091280
TI  - Thoracic computerized tomographic (CT) findings in 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus
      infection in Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus arrived at Isfahan in August
      2009. The virus is still circulating in the world. The abnormal thoracic
      computerized tomographic (CT) scan findings vary widely among the studies of 2009
      H1N1 influenza. We evaluated the thoracic CT findings in patients with 2009 H1N1
      virus infection to describe findings compared to previously reported findings,
      and to suggest patterns that may be suggestive for 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in an
      appropriate clinical setting. METHODS: Retrospectively, the archive of all
      patients with a diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza A were reviewed, in Al-Zahra
      Hospital in Isfahan, central Iran, between September 23(rd) 2009 to February
      20(th) 2010. Out of 216 patients with confirmed 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, 26
      cases with abnormal CT were enrolled in the study. Radiologic findings were
      characterized by the type and pattern of opacities and zonal distribution.
      RESULTS: Patchy infiltration (34.6%), lobar consolidation (30.8%), and
      interstitial infiltration (26.9%) with airbronchogram (38.5%) were the
      predominant findings in our patients. Bilateral distribution was seen in 80.8% of
      the patients. Only one patient (3.8%) showed ground-glass opacity, predominant
      radiographic finding in the previous reports and severe acute respiratory
      syndrome (SARS). CONCLUSIONS: The most common thoracic CT findings in pandemic
      H1N1 were patchy infiltration, lobar consolidation, and interstitial infiltration
      with airbronchogram and bilateral distribution. While these findings can be
      associated with other infections; they may be suggestive to 2009 influenza A
      (H1N1) in the appropriate clinical setting. Various radiographic patterns can be
      seen in thoracic CT scans of the influenza patients. Imaging findings are
      nonspecific.

PMID- 22091281
TI  - The evaluation of Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine impacts on immune response to
      hepatitis B (HB) vaccine in non-responder dialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Hepatitis B (HB) vaccine response in hemodialysis patients is
      less than healthy individuals. Different strategies have been taken into account
      to improve the response rate. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tetanus
      and diphtheria (Td) vaccine as an adjuvant therapy to HB vaccination. METHODS:
      Sixty three end-stage renal disease patients were recruited on dialysis that were
      older than 18 years and had passed at least 3 doses of HB vaccination schedule,
      and had HBS antibody (Ab) with titer less than 10 IU/L. The patients were divided
      into two groups; A (30 patients) and B (33 patients). Both of the groups received
      a 3-dose HB vaccination schedule of 40 MU g intramuscularly in the left deltoid
      muscle at 0, 1 and 6 months. Group A also received Td vaccine intramuscularly
      simultaneous with the first dose of HB vaccine. HBS Ab was measured in periods of
      1 and 6 months after completion of the vaccination. RESULTS: One month after
      completion of the vaccination, group A had better but not significant response
      rate (96%) than group B (83.9%) (p > 0.05); in addition, after 6 month there was
      no difference between the two groups (87.5% vs. 83.3%) (p > 0.05). Patients with
      HCV infection had lower response rate than patients who did not have HCV
      infection (33.3% vs. 92.5%) (p < 0.05). Age had negative effect on immune
      response to HB vaccination (r = -0.339; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Td
      vaccine concurrent with HB vaccination may increase the response rate in non
      responder individuals; however, it seems it does not have any role in the
      persistence of immune response. Age and HCV infection negatively affected the
      response to HB vaccination in dialysis patients.

PMID- 22091282
TI  - The effects of bare metal versus drug-eluting stent implantation on circulating
      endothelial cells following percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of bare metal
      stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation on circulating
      endothelial cells (CECs) which have been proposed as cellular markers of
      endothelial dysfunction following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
      Recently, it has been established that DES further reduce restenosis and
      revascularization rate compared to bare metal stents in elective procedures.
      However, its benefits are compromised by the stent-related thrombosis events.
      METHODS: 22 patients who were candidate of PCI were included in this study. The
      patients underwent DES implantation (n = 11) or BMS implantation (n = 11). In all
      patients the numbers of CECs were determined before and a week after stent
      implantation using flow cytometry and the obtained data were compared within and
      between groups by paired and unpaired Student's t-test, respectively. CECs were
      defined as cells negative for CD45 (FITC) and highly double positive for CD146
      (PE) and CD34 (PE-Cy5) expression. RESULTS: There were no significant differences
      in the baseline levels of CECs between two groups (p = 0.96). Stent implantation
      led to a significant increase in CECs compared with the preprocedural levels in
      the BMS group (p = 0.005) whereas there was a significant decrease in CEC numbers
      in DES group (p < 0.001). One week after stent implantation CECs count in BMS
      group was significantly higher compared to DES group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      The results indicate that patients undergoing DES implantation were subjected to
      less endothelial injury than patients receiving BMS as indicated by CEC
      enumeration.

PMID- 22091283
TI  - Target-controlled infusion of remifentanil with propofol or desflurane under
      bispectral index guidance: quality of anesthesia and recovery profile.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our objective was to examine the clinical properties of two
      anesthetic regimens, propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI), or desflurane
      using remifentanil TCI under bispectral index (BIS) guidance during ear, nose,
      and throat (ENT) procedures. METHODS: FORTY CONSENTING PATIENTS WHO SCHEDULED FOR
      ENT PROCEDURES WERE PROSPECTIVELY STUDIED AND WERE INCLUDED IN ONE OF THE TWO
      GROUPS: TCI group or desflurane (DES) group. General anesthesia was induced with
      3 ng mL(-1) and 4 MUg mL(-1) effect site concentrations (Ce) of remifentanil and
      propofol, respectively, with TCI system. After intubation, while propofol
      infusion was continued in the TCI group, it was ceased in the DES group and
      desflurane with an initial delivered fraction of 6% was administered. The Ce of
      propofol infusion and inspired fraction of desflurane was adjusted in order to
      keep BIS as 50 +/- 10. RESULTS: General mean values of mean arterial pressure
      (MAP) and heart rate (HR) for the TCI group was significantly higher than DES
      group (89.3 mmHg and 72.4 bpm vs. 77.1 mmHg and 69.5 bpm). Early emergence from
      anesthesia did not significantly differ between the groups. The rate of patients'
      Aldrete score (ARS) to reach 10 was found to be 100% at the 15(th) min in both
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bispectral index guided combinations of remifentanil TCI
      either with propofol TCI or desflurane anesthetic regimens are both suitable for
      patients undergoing ENT surgery. The lower blood pressure in the remifentanil TCI
      with desflurane anesthetic regimens may be a significant advantage.

PMID- 22091284
TI  - The effect of impregnated autogenous epidural adipose tissue with bupivacaine,
      methylprednisolone acetate or normal saline on postoperative radicular and low
      back pain in lumbar disc surgery under spinal anesthesia; A randomized clinical
      trial study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low Back Pain (LBP) and radicular leg pain (RLP) after lumbar disc
      surgery are great challenges that prevent patients and neurosurgeons in making a
      surgical decision. By spinal anesthesia, LBP and RLP diminish up to 2 to 3 hours
      postoperatively. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of impregnated
      epidural adipose tissue (EAT) with bupivacaine or methylprednisolone acetate on
      reduction of late postoperative pain after spinal anesthesia. METHODS: This study
      was performed on lumbar disc herniation surgery under spinal anesthesia. Sixty
      six patients entered our study who were divided into three groups, EAT
      impregnated with bupivacaine (group 1), methylprednisolone acetate (group2) and
      normal saline (control group). The LBP and RLP were evaluated during the first 24
      hours postoperatively and 14 days later by visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS:
      Of 66 patients, 53% were female and 47% male. The average (SE) LBP in the first 6
      hours after surgery based on VAS were 1.59 +/- 0.90 in group one, 2.36 +/- 2.38
      in group 2 and 3.09 +/- 1.41 in control group but the VAS for RLP in this period
      were 1.95 +/- 1.13, 1.31 +/- 1.39 and 2.40 +/- 1.09, respectively. The average
      LBP and RLP did not show any differences after 14 days postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to our data bupivacaine was effective on LBP relief and
      steroid was effective on RLP relief during the first 12 hours after surgery.

PMID- 22091285
TI  - The relationship between type D personality and perceived social support in
      myocardial infarction patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type D personality is based on two global and stable personality
      traits, including negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI). The aim
      of this study was to examine the relationship between type D personality and
      perceived social support in post myocardial infarction (MI) patients. METHODS:
      One hundred seventy six consecutive patients following MI admitted to the cardiac
      care unit (CCU) of nine hospitals in Isfahan, Iran from April to September 2006
      were selected based on the inclusive and exclusive criteria. The patients
      completed the Persian version of type D personality scale and the Persian version
      of multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS). Also, demographic
      and medical questionnaire was completed for each patient. Chi-squared test, t
      test and MANOVA were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The findings indicated
      that 35.8% patients (35.8 %) were classified as type D. The results of MANOVA
      showed that type D patients were significantly different from non-type D patients
      (F = 8.72, p = 0.0001) on MSPSS scores and on all dimensions including family
      subscale (F = 11.52, p = 0.001), friends subscale (F= 16.16, p = 0.0001) and
      significant others subscale (F = 5.04, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Type D
      personality substantially affects the way MI patients perceive availability of
      social support from different sources including family, friends, and significant
      others. One implication of this finding may be to develop tailor-made
      interventions for MI patients with type D.

PMID- 22091286
TI  - Correlation of spot urine protein-creatinine ratio with 24-hour urinary protein
      in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is the major cause for chronic renal failure
      (CRF) and proteinuria is an independent risk factor for end stage renal disease.
      Hence, early identification and quantification of proteinuria is of prime
      importance in the diagnosis and management. METHODS: This study was conducted
      amongst 42 diabetic subjects from HSK hospital, Bagalkot. Twenty four-hour urine
      protein and random urine protein to creatinine ratio (P:C) was determined.
      Pearson's correlation, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive
      values were determined using 24-hour urinary protein as a gold standard for spot
      urine P:C ratio. ROC curve and area under curve was also determined using SPSS
      (11.5) software. All the results were expressed in mean+/-SD. RESULTS: Forty two
      diabetes mellitus patients participated in this study. The average of 24 hour
      urinary protein was 1.6 +/- 1.7 gm/day. The spot urine P:C ratio was 1.27 +/-
      1.55. There was a positive correlation between 24 hours urinary protein and spot
      urine P:C ratio (r = 0.925, p < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve for urine
      P:C ratio at various cutoff was 0.947 (95% confidence interval: 0.831-0.992, p <
      0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity was 80.65% and 100% respectively at P:C
      ratio cutoff of 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: The random urine P:C ratio predicts the amount
      of 24-hour urinary protein excretion with high accuracy. Hence it can be used as
      a faster diagnostic substitute for 24-hour urinary protein estimation.

PMID- 22091287
TI  - The impact of generic form of Clopidogrel on cardiovascular events in patients
      with coronary artery stent: results of the OPCES study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the early and late cardiovascular events as well as side
      effects of Osvix, a generic form of Clopidogrel versus Plavix regimens in
      patients with chronic stable angina, undergoing bare metal stent (BMS) or drug
      eluting stent (DES) placement, this study was carried out. METHODS: A total of
      442 patients with chronic stable angina who were scheduled for elective
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in a randomized, double
      blind, multi-centric clinical trial being performed in 6 distinct university
      hospitals in 5 cities of Iran from March 2007 to November 2009. Baseline,
      demographic and history of risk factors were recorded using the patients' medical
      charts. Stenting procedure was performed via transfemoral approach using low
      osmolar contrast agents. Patients underwent BMS or DES placements based on the
      physician selection and were randomly assigned to Osvix or Plavix groups.
      Patients were followed by telephone in 0 and 6 months intervals regarding the
      major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including death, myocardial
      infarction, in-stent thrombosis, stroke, target lesion revascularization, and
      target vascular revascularization. Angina episodes, bleeding, liver enzymes,
      neutrophils and platelets count were also assessed in these intervals. RESULTS:
      There was not any significant difference between these two groups regarding the
      baseline characteristics. In the DES group, the 6-month mortality rate and the
      incidence of MACE in Osvix and Plavix groups were 0.9% and 1.9% (p = 0.61) and
      1.8% and 4.9% (p = 0.26), respectively. During the follow up period after DES or
      BMS placement, there wasn't any significant difference regarding neutrophil and
      platelet counts or liver enzymes between study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using Osvix
      and Plavix are followed by similar major cardiovascular events and side-effect
      profile in patients undergoing PCI.

PMID- 22091288
TI  - Postoperative residual block in postanesthesia care unit more than two hours
      after the administration of a single intubating dose of atracurium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residual neuromuscular blockade continues to be a clinical problem
      after surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      incidence of residual paralysis in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after a
      single intubating dose of twice of the 95% estimated dose (ED95) of a
      nondepolarizing muscle relaxant with an intermediate duration of action. METHODS:
      Two hundred and sixteen patients scheduled for elective surgery under general
      anaesthesia requiring tracheal intubation were included in the study. They
      received a single intubating dose of intravenous atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) to
      facilitate tracheal intubation. At the end of surgery, if train of four (TOF)
      ratio was <= 0.9, neostigmine 40 MUg/kg intravenously was given. If TOF-ratio was
      >= 0.9, no neostigmine was given. Also, in awake patients with TOF > 0.9,
      residual neuromuscular paralysis was evaluated by using clinical tests such as
      head lift test and tongue depressor test. RESULTS: TOF was less than 0.9 in 48
      (22.2%) patients while after 120 minutes, no patients had TOF less than 0.9. Of
      33 patients whose operation lasted less than 120 minutes, 4 patients had TOF less
      than 0.9 at the end of surgery. There was no case of hypoventilation or hypoxia
      at PACU. The incidence of negative value in clinical tests was high. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study gave the impression that more than two hours between the administration
      of a single intubating dose of an intermediate-acting nondepolarizing muscle
      relaxant (atracurium) and arrival to the PACU can probably guarantee the lack of
      a residual paralysis.

PMID- 22091289
TI  - Belonging to a peer support group enhance the quality of life and adherence rate
      in patients affected by breast cancer: A non-randomized controlled clinical
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It seems that
      breast cancer patients benefit from meeting someone who had a similar experience.
      This study evaluated the effect of two kinds of interventions (peer support and
      educational program) on quality of life in breast cancer patients. METHODS: This
      study was a controlled clinical trial on women with non-metastatic breast cancer.
      The patients studied in two experimental and control groups. Experimental group
      took part in peer support program and control group passed a routine educational
      program during 3 months. The authors administered SF-36 for evaluating the
      quality of life pre-and post intervention. Also, patient's adherence was assessed
      by means of a simple checklist. RESULTS: Two groups were similar with respect of
      age, age of onset of the disease, duration of having breast cancer, marital
      status, type of the treatment receiving now, and type of the received surgery. In
      the control group, there were statistically significant improvements in body
      pain, role-physical, role-emotional and social functioning. In experimental
      group, role-physical, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and mental
      health showed significant improvement. Vitality score and mental health score in
      experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, both
      with p < 0.001. Also, it was shown that adherence was in high levels in both
      groups and no significant difference was seen after the study was done.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, supporting the patients with
      breast cancer by forming peer groups or by means of educational sessions could
      improve their life qualities.

PMID- 22091290
TI  - Depression and perceived social support from family in Turkish patients with
      chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients experience psychosocial problems, such as anxiety,
      depression, social isolation, loneliness, helplessness, and hopelessness. All of
      these psychosocial problems can increase patients' need for holistic care,
      including attention to the person's environment and receiving support from
      family. If dialysis patients are better supported and cared for, these negative
      consequences might be prevented or at least decreased. This study was performed
      to determine the perceived social support from family and depression level of
      hemodialysis patients. METHODS: In this study, descriptive design was used. Data
      were collected during structured interviews in an outpatient clinic using a
      questionnaire. The questionnaire aimed to determine the patients' descriptive
      characters and the scores of Beck Depression Inventory and Perceived Social
      Support from Family Scales. In data evaluation, descriptive statistics, Student's
      t tests, Kruskal Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson product moment
      correlations were used. RESULTS: The mean depression score was very high (23.2 +/
      10.5). Significant differences were found between employment status and level of
      depressive symptoms. The mean level of perceived social support from family was
      15.23 +/- 5.37. There were no statistically significant differences between all
      the variables for the level of perceived social support from family. Perceived
      social support from family was negatively correlated with depression.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that Turkish hemodialysis
      patients experience depression. However, patients who were dissatisfied with
      their social relationships had higher depression scores.

PMID- 22091291
TI  - Elevated plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity and its
      relationship to the presence of coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) is a circulating
      enzyme that has an important role in the development of coronary artery disease
      (CAD). The correlations between PAF-AH and CAD are controversial. Furthermore,
      the differences of the enzyme levels between patients with stable and unstable
      CAD are not fully determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma
      PAF-AH levels and its association with the presence of CAD and some clinical risk
      factors in the patients. METHODS: This case-control study included 50 control
      subjects without CAD, 50 stable CAD patients and 50 unstable CAD patients with
      angiographically documented CAD. Plasma PAF-AH activity was determined by a
      commercial kit. The inflammatory markers, high sensitivity C-reactive protein
      (hsCRP) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), and lipid profile were
      also measured. Comparisons of biochemical risk factors among all groups were
      performed by one way ANOVA. The association of PAF-AH activity with the presence
      of CAD was analyzed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Plasma PAF-AH
      activity levels were higher in unstable CAD patients (0.040 +/- 0.012
      MUmol/min/ml) than in stable CAD patients (0.032 +/- 0.010 MUmol/min/ml) and
      control subjects (0.026 +/- 0.009 MUmol/min/ml) (p < 0.01). Plasma PAF-AH
      activity was also independently associated with the presence of CAD (p< 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Plasma PAF-AH activity levels were highly increased in unstable and
      stable CAD patients as compared to control subjects and may be a useful biomarker
      for CAD prediction.

PMID- 22091292
TI  - Asymptomatic falciparum malaria and intestinal helminths co-infection among
      school children in Osogbo, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria and intestinal helminths are parasitic diseases causing high
      morbidity and mortality in most tropical parts of the world, where climatic
      conditions and sanitation practices favor their prevalence. The aim of this study
      was to determine the prevalence and possible impact of falciparum malaria and
      intestinal helminths co-infection among school children in Kajola, Osun state,
      Nigeria. METHODS: Fresh stool and blood samples were collected from 117 primary
      school children age range 4-15 years. The stool samples were processed using both
      Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques and microscopically examined
      for intestinal parasitic infections. Blood was collected by finger prick to
      determine malaria parasitemia using thick film method; and packed cell volume
      (PCV) was determined by hematocrit. Univariate analysis and chi-square
      statistical tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      Plasmodium falciparum, intestinal helminth infections, and co-infection of
      malaria and helminth in the study were 25.6%, 40.2% and 4.3%, respectively. Five
      species of intestinal helminths were recovered from the stool samples and these
      were Ascaris lumbricoides (34.2%), hookworm (5.1%), Trichuris trichiura (2.6%),
      Diphyllobothrium latum (0.9%) and Trichostrongylus species (0.9%). For the co
      infection of both malaria and intestinal helminths, females (5.9%) were more
      infected than males (2.0%) but the difference was not statistically significant
      (p = 0.3978). Children who were infected with helminths were equally likely to be
      infected with malaria as children without intestinal helminths [Risk Ratio (RR) =
      0.7295]. Children with A. lumbricoides (RR = 1.359) were also likely to be
      infected with P. falciparum as compared with uninfected children. CONCLUSIONS:
      Asymptomatic falciparum malaria and intestinal helminth infections do co-exist
      without clinical symp-toms in school children in Nigeria.

PMID- 22091293
TI  - Evaluating the effectiveness of local dexamethasone injection in pregnant women
      with carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most of the medical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have
      focused on suppressing the inflammatory process. An injection of dexamethasone
      acetate might provide the necessary cellular and humoral mediators to induce a
      healing cascade. Dexamethasone is a water-soluble steroid which is safe to be
      used in the third trimester, especially as a local treatment. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 4 mg dexamethasone acetate injection
      to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy period. METHODS: Twenty pregnant
      women with CTS were recruited using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. All
      the patients had been injected with 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate and 0.5 ml
      lidocaine 1% under the carpal tunnel. Pain intensity (based on visual analog
      scale or VAS) and electro physiologic parameters of median nerve (transcarpal
      median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), distal motor latency (DML) and
      distal sensory latency (DSL) were recorded before and 3 weeks after the
      injection. RESULTS: The average pain scores before and 3 weeks after the
      dexamethasone acetate injection was 8.70 +/- 0.92 and 4.30 +/- 0.76 respectively
      (p < 0.005). In addition, transcarpal SNCV of median nerve was 33.7 +/- 6.3 m/s
      and 24.5 +/- 6.8 m/s (p = 0.001); DML of median nerve was 5.16 +/- 1.04 ms and
      4.70 +/- 0.53 ms (p = 0.001) and DSL of median nerve was 4.84 +/- 0.77 ms and 4.2
      +/- 0.6 ms (p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After dexamethasone acetate
      injection, pain intensity and electrophysiological parameters were significantly
      improved. This study offered encouraging results for an alternative minimally
      invasive treatment for CTS in pregnant women.

PMID- 22091294
TI  - Health research priority setting in Iran: Introduction to a bottom up approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Priority setting is one of the major issues in the health research
      system and no health system can afford to pay for every research they want to do,
      particularly in developing countries, so we decided to set the national main
      areas of the health research priorities. METHODS: In this study, according to
      Essential National Health Research (ENHR) strategy and with cooperation of all
      the Iranian universities of medical sciences and other stakeholders, the national
      health research priorities were extracted. RESULTS: The number of research
      priorities collected from the universities of medical sciences was 6723.
      Seventeen percent of the research priorities were related to basic science, 78
      percent applied science, and 5 percent were related to developmental type.
      According to epidemiological classification, 50% of the research priorities were
      in descriptive form. In this process, 9 main extracted areas consist of
      communicable diseases, non-communicable disease, Health System Research,
      pharmaceutical sciences and Industry, basic science, traditional medicine and
      herbal medicine, nutrition, environmental health, and dentistry. And then for
      each area, five main projects were defined. CONCLUSIONS: In the Health Research
      System, the participatory priority setting is the main function based on needs
      assessment.

PMID- 22091295
TI  - Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection.
AB  - Dyspepsia with mild, stabbing epigastric discomfort without history of trauma is
      a very common symptom that emergency physicians see in their daily practice.
      Vascular emergencies, mostly the aortic dissection and aneurysm, are always
      described in the differential diagnosis with persistent symptoms. Isolated celiac
      artery dissection occurring spontaneously is a very rare diagnosis. The
      involvement of branch vessels is generally observed and patients show various
      clinical signs and symptoms according to the involved branch vessel. Here we are
      presenting a case with spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection, without any
      branch vessel involvement or visceral damage, detected by computed tomography
      scans taken on admission.

PMID- 22091296
TI  - Pamidronate infusion improved two cases of intractable seronegative rheumatoid
      arthritise.
AB  - Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate derivative that can inhibit bone resorption by
      actions on osteoclasts and increase bone density in spite of treatment with
      steroids. This drug has the anti-inflammatory effect by increase apoptosis of
      monocytes. 5-10 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients is seronegative and may
      be resistant to conventional disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
      Intravenous (IV) pamidronate can be effective in disease control in seronegative
      rheumatoid arthritis. We report two cases of seronegative and drug resistant
      rheumatoid arthritis that favorably responds to pamidronate.

PMID- 22091297
TI  - Choriocarcinoma of the breast; a case report and review of literatures.
AB  - Choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare pathology among breast malignancies. It is
      introduced by two distinct terms in the literatures: breast cancer with
      choriocarcinomatous features and metastatic choriocarcinoma to the breast. In
      this case report, the history, physical examination, laboratory findings, imaging
      studies, and pathological findings of breast choriocarcinoma in a 41-year-old
      woman are described and previous literatures about choriocarcinoma in the breast
      are reviewed.

PMID- 22091298
TI  - Comment on Attari et al: Spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia for elective
      lumbar spine surgery: randomized clinical trial.

PMID- 22091299
TI  - Hypoadiponectinemia in obese subjects with type II diabetes: A close association
      with central obesity indices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is an adipocyte secreted protein with important
      biological functions Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with obesity, insulin
      resistance, and type II diabetes This study aimed to evaluate serum adiponectin
      level in obese subjects with type II diabetes and its correlation with metabolic
      parameters METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 obese subjects
      with type II diabetes and 40 non-diabetic obese control subjects Fasting lipid
      profile was measured by the enzymatic methods The NycoCard HbA1c protocol was
      used to measure HbAlc The Serum adiponectin, insulin and glucose levels were
      measured using an enzyme immunoassay and glucose oxidase methods respectively
      RESULTS: Type II diabetes was associated with hypoadiponectinemia, in both men
      and women Serum adiponectin level in non-diabetic subjects (6.44 +/- 2.47 MUg/ml)
      was significantly higher than diabetics (4.55 +/- 1.88 MUg/ml) Furthermore, serum
      adiponectin concentration in females was significantly higher than males in non
      diabetics (7.18 +/- 2.68 vs 5.61 +/- 0.57) and diabetic groups (5.18 +/- 2.08 vs
      3.99 +/- 1.5) There was a negative and significant correlation between serum
      adiponectin level with waist (r = -0.451, p = 0.003), waist to hip ratio (r = 
      0.404, p = 0.01) and BMI (r = - 0.322, p = 0.042) and a positive correlation with
      HDL (r = 0.337, p = 0.034) in non-diabetic group In diabetic group, there was
      only found a negative correlation between adiponectin and waist size (r = -0.317,
      p = 0.046) CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and type II diabetes are associated with low
      serum adiponectin concentration.

PMID- 22091300
TI  - Impact of health belief modification on intention to make smoke free home among
      pregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of health education on modification
      of health belief and intention among pregnant women to have smoke free home.
      METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, 91 pregnant women completed the
      study in two groups. Intervention group was educated about the harms of
      environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was a
      framework for analyzing the beliefs. After 10-12 weeks, the HBM constructs and
      weekly ETS exposure at home were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After
      performing educational program, the subjects in intervention group perceived more
      susceptibility and severity and reported lower weekly ETS exposure at home than
      subjects in control group; but, the self efficacy and perceived barrier were not
      different. The relationships between HBM constructs and weekly ETS exposure were
      significant; but, there was no significant difference in point prevalence of
      having smoke free home. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the health
      education about ETS exposure can modify health belief and reduce EST exposure
      among pregnant women, but cannot affect the self efficacy and perceived barrier.
      To have smoke free home, they need to increase their self efficacy.

PMID- 22091301
TI  - Genetic variation in the association of air pollutants with a biomarker of
      vascular injury in children and adolescents in Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some experimental studies revealed that exposure to air pollution
      increases the expression of tissue factor (TF) in atherosclerotic lesions. We
      aimed to investigate the role of TF +5466A>G (rs3917643) polymorphism in the
      association of air pollution on serum levels of TF as a biomarker of vascular
      injury in children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 110
      children, consisting of 58 (52.8%) girls and 52 (47.2%) boys with a mean age of
      12.7 +/- 2.3 years, living in Isfahan, Iran. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      were used for measurement of serum TF. Genotype of +5466A>G (rs3917643)
      polymorphism was determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction length
      fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: We identified 2 individuals
      with +5466AG genotype and 108 homozygous for the +5466A allele (no +5466GG
      homozygotes). The mean pollution standards index (PSI) value was at moderate
      level, the mean particular matter measuring up to 10 MUm (PM(10)) was more than
      twice the normal level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after
      adjustment for confounding factors (weight status, dietary and physical activity
      pattern), serum TF level had significant relationship with PSI (beta: 0.55, SE:
      0.07, p<0.000) and PM(10) (beta: 0.51, SE: 0.03, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In spite
      of similar genetic polymorphism of TF, air pollutants might have an independent
      association with systemic inflammatory and coagulation responses. The harmful
      effects of air pollutants on the first stages of atherosclerosis in the pediatric
      age group should be underscored in primordial and primary prevention of chronic
      diseases.

PMID- 22091302
TI  - The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral stress management training on mental
      health, social interaction and family function in adolescents of families with
      one Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive member.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated stress management training to improve mental
      health, social interaction and family function among adolescents of families with
      one Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive member. METHODS: There were 34
      adolescents (13-18 years old) with at least one family member living with HIV
      from whom finally 15 attended the study and participated in 8 weekly sessions of
      stress management training. The tests used in this study were: Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire (self and parent report), General Health Questionnare
      28 (GHQ-28) and Family Assessment Device (FAD), conducted before, after and three
      months after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by repeated
      measure test using SPSS software (Version 18.0). RESULTS: Adolescents with one
      HIV positive family member showed high level of emotional problem (40%) and
      conduct problem (33.3%). There was a significant difference between before, after
      and 3months after intervention based on GHQ-28 mean scores and FAD mean sores (p
      < 0.001). There was a significant difference between mean scores of peers'
      relationship based on SDQ (self report and parents report forms) before and after
      intervention, but there was no significant difference between mean scores of pro
      social behavior based on SDQ (self report and parents report forms) in all three
      stages (before, after and three months after intervention). CONCLUSIONS: Stress
      management training is effective in improving mental health, family function and
      social interaction among adolescents living with parents infected with HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 22091303
TI  - Diagnostic performance of electrocardiography in the assessment of significant
      coronary artery disease and its anatomical size in comparison with coronary
      angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current study addressed the predictive value of 12-lead
      electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).
      METHODS: Four hundred consecutive patients with new onset of chest pain were
      studied. A resting standard 12-lead ECG was recorded and all patients underwent
      coronary angiography. RESULTS: ECG correctly detected significant stenosis in 176
      out of 400 patients with an overall sensitivity per patient of 51.5% and
      specificity per patient of 66.1%. Based on artery analysis, ECG had the highest
      and lowest sensitivity for the detection of involvement in LAD (37.3%) and RCA
      (25.8%), respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that ECG changes were not good
      indicators of coronary arteries involvement with areas under the ROC curves 0.586
      (for LAD artery), 0.524 (for RCA artery) and 0.530 (for LCX artery). CONCLUSIONS:
      ECG has low partial sensitivity and specificity for predicting coronary artery
      stenosis with accuracy ranged 58.5 to 62.0 percent based on coronary artery
      analysis.

PMID- 22091304
TI  - Clients' satisfaction with primary health care in Tehran: A cross-sectional study
      on Iranian Health Centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary health care system is the basic core of public service
      provision in Iran. This study aimed to assess clients' satisfaction with primary
      health care in Tehran, the capital of Iran, as a metropolitan. METHODS: Through a
      cross-sectional study in 2009-10, four urban primary health care clinics were
      selected through stratified random sampling. Four hundred participants were
      interviewed in the selected clinics about their satisfaction with the primary
      health care services and setting. Six domains of satisfaction including
      accessibility to services, continuity of care, humaneness of staff,
      comprehensiveness of care, provision of health education and effectiveness of
      services were calculated from selected variables. The descriptive statistics, chi
      square and t-tests were used when appropriate. RESULTS: The mean age of users of
      health services was 31.3 years (SD=9.6). Thirteen percent of participants were
      male. The most common reasons for asking health services reported as vaccination,
      family planning and children care. Overall, primary health care services were
      suitable for eighty percent of the participants. The mean and standard deviation
      for Access to services was 2.11 (SD=3.44), continuity of care was -0.35
      (SD=3.49), humanness of staff was 3.93 (SD=5.70), comprehensiveness of care was 
      0.53 (SD=3.66), provision of health educational materials was -1.45 (SD=3.64) and
      effectiveness of services was 4.30 (SD=7.47). CONCLUSIONS: Primary health care is
      a comprehensive and suitable strategy to provide health services in public
      health. Package of services in primary health care may affect clients'
      satisfaction. Using family doctors may improve the indices.

PMID- 22091305
TI  - The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance according to the
      phenotypic subgroups of polycystic ovary syndrome in a representative sample of
      Iranian females.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with metabolic
      abnormalities which are also parts of metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is debated
      whether all women with PCOS should be screened for MetS and Insulin resistance
      (IR), since they may vary in terms of PCOS phenotype, ethnicity and age. This
      large scale study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among Iranian women
      diagnosed with different phenotypic subgroups of PCOS based on the Rotterdam
      criteria. METHODS: This study was conducted from January 2006 to June 2008 in
      Isfahan, Iran. The study population comprised females diagnosed with PCOS
      referred to the infertility clinic. The subjects were divided into for subgroups
      according to different phenotypes of PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria. They
      underwent metabolic screening according to NCEP ATP III guidelines and IR
      screening based on homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS and IR were 24.9% and 24.3%, respectively. A
      significant difference in the prevalence of MetS was documented between
      anovulatory women having PCOS with or without hyperandrogenism (23.1% and 13.9%,
      respectively; P = 0.001). Likewise, in PCOS women with hyperandrogenism, the MetS
      prevalence differed among those with or without polycystic ovary (23.1% and
      63.8%, respectively; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MetS and IR
      varies between the phenotypic subgroups of PCOS. Hyperandrogenemia PCOS
      phenotypes of Iranian women, in particular those without sonographic polycystic
      ovary, are highly at risk of MetS and IR.

PMID- 22091306
TI  - Comparative evaluation of different values of bispectral index in determination
      of the appropriate level of anesthesia for tracheal intubation during
      inhalational induction of anesthesia in pediatrics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Induction of anesthesia is the most crucial period of general
      anesthesia. Inhalational induction is the most commonly used technique in
      pediatric anesthesia. Tracheal intubation can be done after reaching the deep
      levels of anesthesia. The depth of anesthesia is often difficult to be judged.
      Bispectral index is a measure of the effects of anesthesia on brain. This study
      was designed to evaluate the efficacy of bispectral index (BIS) in clarifying
      suitable depth of anesthesia for tracheal intubation during inhalational
      induction of anesthesia. METHODS: In a clinical trial, ninety patients, ASA I &
      II, 1 to 6 years old, scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled into the
      study. After starting BIS monitoring, patients randomly were divided into three
      groups. Then, anesthesia was induced by gradual increase of halothane in 50%
      mixture of oxygen (O(2)) and N(2)O and continued until target BIS (60 +/- 2, 50
      +/- 2 and 40 +/- 2) achieved. After tracheal intubation, the duration of
      laryngoscopy and the presence of laryngospasm, bronchospasm, laryngoscopy
      failure, the movement of extremities and the changes in SpO2 and BIS were
      recorded. The data were analyzed by chi-square and ANOVA at 0.05 level of
      significance. RESULTS: BIS could not determine the appropriate level of
      anesthesia for tracheal intubation in this setting. There were no differences in
      laryngoscopy duration and the occurrence of laryngospasm, bronchospasm,
      laryngoscopy failure, extremity movement and awakening time among three groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed that there was no significant difference in
      the incidence of complications related to intubation at different BIS values
      (from 60 to 40) during inhalation induction, and probably to achieve an adequate
      or more reliable depth of anesthesia, the lower values of BIS is required.

PMID- 22091307
TI  - Antihyperlipidemic activities of Pleurotus ferulae on biochemical and
      histological function in hypercholesterolemic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pleurotus ferulae is an edible mushroom has been widely used for
      nutritional and medicinal purposes. Irrespective of the medicinal importance or
      therapeutic potentials of P. ferulae, there have not been studies on anti
      hyperlipidemic properties. Therefore, the present study investigates the effects
      of dietary P. ferulae fruiting bodies on plasma and feces biochemical and on the
      liver histological status in hypercholesterolemic rats. METHODS: Six weeks old
      female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each.
      Then biochemical and histological examinations were performed. RESULTS: Feeding
      of a diet containing 5% P. ferulae fruiting bodies to hypercholesterolemic rat
      reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL),
      total lipid, phospholipids, and LDL/high-density lipoprotein ratio by 30.02,
      49.31, 71.15, 30.23, 21.93, and 65.31%, respectively. Mushroom also significantly
      reduced body weight in hypercholesterolemic rats. However, it had no adverse
      effects on plasma albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatinin, blood
      urea nitrogen, uric acid, glucose, total protein, calcium, sodium, potassium,
      chloride, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, and enzyme profiles. Feeding mushroom
      increased total lipid and cholesterol excretion in feces. The plasma lipoprotein
      fraction, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, indicated that P. ferulae
      significantly reduced plasma beta and pre-beta-lipoprotein, while increased the
      alpha-lipoprotein. A histological study of hepatic cells by conventional
      hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining showed normal findings for mushroom-fed
      hypercholesterolemic rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that 5% P.
      ferulae diet supplement provides health benefits, at least partially, by acting
      on the atherogenic lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

PMID- 22091308
TI  - Evaluation of accuracy of Euroscore risk model in prediction of perioperative
      mortality after coronary bypass graft surgery in Isfahan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Euroscore (European
      System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) in predicting perioperative
      mortality after cardiac surgery in Iranian patient population. METHODS: Data on
      1362 patients undergoing coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) from 2007 to 2009
      were collected. Calibration was assessed by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. Area
      under the curve (AUC) was used to assess score validity. Odds ratios were
      measured to evaluate the predictive value of each risk factor on mortality rate.
      RESULTS: The overall perioperative in hospital mortality was 3.6% whereas the
      Euroscore predicted a mortality of 3.96%. Euroscore model fitted well in the
      validation databases. The mean AUC was 66%. Mean length of intensive care unit
      (ICU) stay was 2.5 +/- 2.5 days. Among risk factors, only left ventricular
      dysfunction, age and neurologic dysfunction were found to be related to mortality
      rate. CONCLUSIONS: Euroscore did not have acceptable discriminatory ability in
      perioperative in hospital mortality in Iranian patients. It seems that
      development of a local mortality risk scores corresponding to our patients
      epidemiologic characteristics may improve prediction of outcome.

PMID- 22091309
TI  - The effect of psychiatric symptoms on the internet addiction disorder in
      Isfahan's University students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internet addiction disorder is an interdisciplinary phenomenon and it
      has been studied from different viewpoints in terms of various sciences such as
      medicine, computer, sociology, law, ethics, and psychology. The aim of this study
      was to determine the association of psychiatric symptoms with Internet addiction
      while controlling for the effects of age, gender, marital status, and educational
      levels. It is hypothesized, that high levels of Internet addiction are associated
      with psychiatric symptoms and are specially correlated with obsessive-compulsive
      disorder symptoms. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a total number of 250
      students from Isfahan's universities were randomly selected. Subjects completed
      the demographic questionnaire, the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) and the
      Symptom Checklist-90-Revision (SCL-90-R). Data was analyzed using the multiple
      logistic regression method. RESULTS: There was an association between psychiatric
      symptoms such as somatization, sensitivity, depression, anxiety, aggression,
      phobias, and psychosis with exception of paranoia; and diagnosis of Internet
      addiction controlling for age, sex, education level, marital status, and type of
      universities. CONCLUSIONS: A great percentage of youths in the population suffer
      from the adverse effects of Internet addiction. It is necessary for psychiatrists
      and psychologists to be aware of the mental problems caused by Internet
      addiction.

PMID- 22091310
TI  - Association between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome in a population-based
      study: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiologic studies have found that self-reported sleep
      duration is associated with components of metabolic syndrome (MS) such as
      obesity, diabetes and hypertension. This relation may be under influence of
      regional factors in different regions of the world. The association of sleep
      duration and MS in a sample of Iranian people in the central region of Iran was
      investigated in this study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted as
      a part of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP). A total of 12492 individuals
      aged over 19 years, 6110 men and 6382 women entered the study. Definition of
      National Cholesterol Education Program was used to define MS. Sleep duration was
      reported by participants. Relation between sleep duration with MS was examined
      using categorical logistic regression in two models; unadjusted and adjusted for
      age and sex. RESULTS: In our study, 23.5 % of participants had MS. Compared with
      sleep duration of 7-8 hours per night; sleep duration of less than 5 hours was
      associated with a higher odds ratio for MS. This association remained significant
      even after adjustment for age and sex (OR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.33-1.74). However,
      sleep duration of 9 hours or more showed a protective association with MS (OR:
      0.79; 95%CI: 0.68-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive relation between sleep
      deprivation and MS and its components. This relation was slightly affected by sex
      and age.

PMID- 22091311
TI  - DNA-methyltransferase 3B 39179 G > T polymorphism and risk of sporadic colorectal
      cancer in a subset of Iranian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epigenetic event is a biological regulation that influences the
      expression of various genes involved in cancer. DNA methylation is established by
      DNA methyltransferases, particularly DNAmethyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B). It seems
      to play an oncogenic role in the creation of abnormal methylation during
      tumorigenesis. The polymorphisms of the DNMT3B gene may influence DNMT3B activity
      in DNA methylation and increase the susceptibility to several cancers. These
      genetic polymorphisms have been studied in several cancers in different
      populations. METHODS: In this study, we performed a case-control study with 125
      colorectal cancer patients and 135 cancer-free controls to evaluate the
      association between DNMT3B G39179T polymorphism (rs1569686) in the promoter
      region and the risk of sporadic colorectal cancer. Up to now, few studies have
      investigated the role of this gene variant in sporadic colorectal cancer with no
      familial history. The genotypes of DNMT3B G39179T polymorphism was analyzed by
      PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: We found that compared with G allele carriers, statistically
      the DNMT3B TT genotype (%34) was significantly associated with increased risk of
      colorectal cancer (adjusted OR, 3.993, 95% CI, 1.726-9.238, P = 0.001). Compared
      with DNMT3B TT genotype, the GT and GG genotypes had lower risk of developing
      sporadic colorectal cancer (OR = 0.848, 95% CI = 0.436-1.650). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings were consistent with that of previously reported case-control studies
      with colorectal cancer. These results suggest that the DNMT3B G39179T
      polymorphism influences DNMT3B expression, thus contributing to the genetic
      susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Further mechanistic studies are needed to
      unravel the causal molecular mechanisms.

PMID- 22091312
TI  - Primary bone lymphoma: a clinicopathological retrospective study of 28 patients
      in a single institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare disease and distinct
      clinicopathological entity. The optimal treatment strategy is still unclear.
      Because of rarity of PBL, we report our institute experience in PBL
      clinicopathological feature and treatment results. METHODS: 28 patients diagnosed
      with PBL were referred to Omid Hospital, cancer research center (CRC), between
      March 2001 and February 2009. Immunophenotype studies on 16 out of 28
      pathological blocks were performed. We analyzed disease free survival (DFS) and
      overall survival (OS) rates. RESULTS: 14 patients with PBL were analyzed
      retrospectively. 17 patients (60.7%) were male and 11 (39.3%) were female with a
      median age of 41 years (range: 11-79). Long bones were the most primarily site of
      involvement (71%). 26 (93%) patients had diffuse large B cell lymphoma and 2 (7%)
      had small lymphoblastic lymphoma. One (3%) patient received radiation alone, 18
      (66%) cases received combined modality (chemotherapy + radiotherapy) and 8 (30%)
      received only chemotherapy during their treatment period. The median follow up
      was 18 months (range: 1-82). Mean DFS was 51 months (range: 37-66). Overall
      survival (OS) was 54 months (range: 40-68). OS was significantly better in the
      chemoradiotherapy group compared with other two groups (64 versus 27 months,
      respectively, p=0.014). DFS was also significantly better in combined modality
      arm compared with other two groups (64 versus 21 months, respectively, p=0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: In spite of small number of patients reported in this study,
      combined modality treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) was shown to be
      useful as an effective treatment strategy in PBL.

PMID- 22091313
TI  - Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in preschool children of
      Tehran, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is reported that prevalence of overweight and obesity have
      increased in all age groups, but little is known about prevalence of overweight
      and obesity in preschool children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
      survey the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in 3-6 year-old
      Tehranian children in 2009-2010. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
      performed on a total of 756 (378 boys and 378 girls) preschool children aged 3-6.
      Subjects were selected through stratified sampling from 5 geographic regions of
      Tehran (east, west, north, south, and center). Body weight and height were
      measured directly. Underweight, overweight and obesity was defined as Body Mass
      Index (BMI) <= 5(th) percentile (underweight), 5(th) to 85(th) percentile (normal
      weight), 85(th) to 95(th) percentile (overweight), and > 95(th) percentile
      (obesity); based on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2000.
      RESULTS: Findings showed that the prevalence of underweight, overweight and
      obesity was 4.77%, 9.81% and 4.77% in boys and 4.77%, 10.31% and 4.49% in girls,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed a relatively high prevalence of
      overweight and obesity in Tehranian preschool children that is a serious problem.
      This result can be used in clinical setting and preventive programs.

PMID- 22091314
TI  - Anesthesia in multiple sclerosis and obstructive sleep apnea: case report and
      literature review.
AB  - While patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or multiple sclerosis (MS) are
      at high risk of developing postoperative complications, both of them have special
      anesthetic considerations in intraoperative and postoperative periods. A careful
      preoperative evaluation, use of the optimal anesthetic regimen and close
      postoperative care is essential for these patients. Rarity of coexistence of both
      obstructive sleep apnea and multiple sclerosis in a surgical patient necessitates
      careful anesthetic management. We here report anesthetic management of a female
      patient with OSA and MS who underwent anesthesia three times for surgery and
      review the literature.

PMID- 22091315
TI  - A case report of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome as a rare hereditary disorder.
AB  - Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant and a rare hereditary disease.
      Diagnosis of this syndrome is based on major and minor criteria. We report a
      Gorlin-Goltz syndrome in a 25-year-old male who was presented with progressive
      pain of maxilla and mandible over 5 years. The pain was diffuse and compatible
      with expansile cyst in alveolar ridges on panoramic radiography. In physical
      examination, he had coarse face and prognathism. Computer tomography of face
      revealed two expansile maxillary and one mandibular cyst. Calcification of entire
      length in falx and tentorium were detected in bone window.

PMID- 22091316
TI  - Ossifying fibroma of the ethmoid sinus: Report of a rare case and review of
      literature.
AB  - Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign fibro-osseous lesion which was first described
      by Menzel in 1872. It is commonly seen in the head and neck regions and
      represents an aggressive pattern when the midface and paranasal sinuses are
      involved. We report a 36 years old white woman with OF in the right ethmoid
      sinus. Computed Tomography (CT) scan images showed a hyperdense mass. Transnasal
      endoscopic resection was performed and histopathological examination confirmed
      the diagnosis of OF. The present case is notable because involvement of the
      ethmoid sinus is rare in this condition with only 48 cases reported in the
      literature until June 2011.

PMID- 22091317
TI  - Treatment of Lymphedema Praecox through Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).
AB  - A 15-year-old girl with right lower extremity lymphedema praecox was treated
      through Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), by means of a GaAs and GaAlAs diodes
      laser-therapy device. Treatment sessions were totally 24, each cycle containing
      12 every other day 15-minute sessions, and one month free between the cycles. The
      treatment was achieved to decrease the edema and no significant increase in
      circumference of involved leg was found following three months after the course
      of treatment. Although LLLT can be considered a beneficial treatment for
      Lymphedema Praecox, any definite statement around its effectiveness needs more
      studies on more cases.

PMID- 22091318
TI  - Knowledge and practice in association with self-medication of nutrient
      supplements, herbal and chemical pills among women based on Health Belief Model.

PMID- 22091319
TI  - Post-coupling strategy enables true receptor-targeted nanoparticles.
AB  - A key goal of our research is the targeted delivery of functional
      biopharmaceutical agents of interest, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), to
      selected cells by means of receptor-mediated nanoparticle technologies. Recently,
      we described how pH-triggered, PEGylated siRNA-nanoparticles (pH triggered siRNA
      ABC nanoparticles) were able to mediate the passive targeting of siRNA to liver
      cells in vivo. In addition, PEGylated siRNA nanoparticles enabled for long-term
      circulation (LTC siRNA-ABC nanoparticles, LEsiRNA nanoparticles) were shown to do
      the same to tumour cells in vivo. Further gains in the efficiency of siRNA
      delivery are expected to require active targeting with nanoparticles targeted for
      delivery and cellular uptake by means of attached biological ligands. Here we
      report on the development of a new synthetic chemistry and a bioconjugation
      methodology that allows for the controlled formulation of PEGylated nanoparticles
      which surface-present integrin-targeting peptides unambiguously and so enable
      integrin receptor-mediated cellular uptake. Furthermore, we present delivery data
      that provide a clear preliminary demonstration of physical principles that we
      propose should underpin successful, bonefide receptor-mediated targeted delivery
      of therapeutic and/or imaging agents to cells.

PMID- 22091320
TI  - Refinement on surgical technique: role of magnification.

PMID- 22091321
TI  - Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using De-epithelialized Dermal Flap: A New
      Technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although autogenous materials have been used in abdominal wall
      hernioplasty for a long time, the introduction of prosthetic materials diminished
      their popularity. However, these materials may be expensive, inappropriate or
      unavailable. The aim of this study is to determine the place of de-epithelialized
      dermal flap in the reconstruction of abdominal wall hernias. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A five-year prospective, descriptive analysis of eligible patients with
      difficult abdominal wall hernias closed with de-epithelialized dermal flap in a
      Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution, from January 2001 to December 2005.
      RESULTS: Over the five-year period, 37 patients were recruited into the study.
      There were 11 males and 26 females, giving a male: female ratio of 1: 2.4. The
      ages ranged from 8 months to 47 years (mean = 12.6 years). The defects consisted
      of 15 incisional hernias, 12 intermuscular/inferior lumbar hernias, nine healed
      exomphalos major and two giant umbilical hernias. The size of the hernia defects
      ranged from 4.5 cm to13cm (mean = 6.4 cm). Three patients had bowel resection and
      end-to-end anastomosis, in addition to the flap reconstruction. Morbidity was
      minimal and included skin dimpling in 11 patients, seroma in three, and wound
      infection in two patients. Neither recurrence of herniation nor mortality was
      recorded during the period of follow-up, which ranged from three months to 4.5
      years (mean = nine months). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this is a useful
      technique that can easily be applied in many centers with minimal resources. It
      is cheap, effective and associated with minimal morbidity.

PMID- 22091322
TI  - Hip Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures Using the Modified Stracathroc
      approach - Short Term Results in Twenty-six Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Stracathro approach to the hip is a modification of
      the lateral approach, which was popularized by Hays and McLauchlan. It has a high
      safety profile and a low rate of hip dislocation. However, the need for osteotomy
      increases blood loss, risk of intraoperative fracture, and postoperative
      heterotopic calcification. In sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional healers
      dabble in the treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions, extensive soft tissue
      contractures and disuse osteoporosis arise and further complicate the lateral
      approach. The objective of this article is to highlight modifications made to the
      stracathro approach and present the short-term results in a group of 26 patients,
      who had hemiarthroplasty using this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All
      patients presenting with subcapital or transcervical fracture of the femoral neck
      after the age of 50 years were offered hemiarthroplasty using the modified
      Stracathro approach, with follow-ups for a period ranging from 28 - 84 months.
      RESULTS: A majority (23 out of 26 - 88.5%) of patients presented late for the
      treatment, due to the patronage of traditional bonesetters. In spite of the soft
      tissue contractures and osteoporosis associated with late presentation, there was
      no case of intraoperative fractures. The patients had good hip abduction
      postoperatively. In addition, there was no intraoperative nerve or vascular
      injury. CONCLUSION: The short-term results in this group of patients showed that
      the modified Stracathro approach was safe and useful in hemiarthroplasty, for
      patients with soft tissue contracture and osteoporosis.

PMID- 22091323
TI  - Using 'Catheter a Fentes' for Management of Childhood Hydrocephalus: A
      Prospective Study of Ninety-six Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management of childhood hydrocephalus using the
      'catheter a fentes' as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      prospective study from January 2003 to January 2004 was carried out in the
      Neurosurgery Department of the National Hospital Niamey (Niger-Republic). Ninety
      six infants with hydrocephalus, between the ages of 1 to 22 months were treated
      with 'catheter a fentes' as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. RESULTS: Ninety-six
      infants with hydrocephalus, between the ages of 1 and 22 months were included in
      this study, over a period of 31 months; 53% of the infants were females. The
      symptoms evolved over three months in 89.55% of the cases (n = 85). Hydrocephalus
      was post-infective in 51% of the cases, associated with spina bifida in 32% of
      the cases, neonatal bleeding in 7.2% of the cases; brain abnormalities were found
      in 6.2%, and tumor in 3.1% of the cases. The head circumference was greater than
      2SD in all cases; 87.53% of the infants had psychomotor retardation (less than 80
      QD according to the Lezine score). Ventricular dilation was triventricular in
      17.70% and tetra ventricular in 82.29% of the cases. 'Catheter a fentes' models
      of high pressure, medium pressure, and low pressure were used. Hydrodynamic
      complications (hyperdrainage, obstruction, underdrainage) occurred in 7.9% of the
      cases, and these were handled with simple observation in follow-up clinics. The
      average regression of head circumference three months postoperatively, for all
      the three models of 'catheter a fentes,' was 3.73 cm. CONCLUSION: This study
      shows that the usage of 'catheter a fentes' for treatment of childhood
      hydrocephalus gives satisfactory results.

PMID- 22091324
TI  - The level of fibula osteotomy and incidence of peroneal nerve palsy in proximal
      tibial osteotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The level of fibular osteotomy has a role in the incidence of
      peroneal nerve palsy (PNP). This study aims to compare the prevalence of PNP
      among patients who had fibular osteotomy at two different levels. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixty-nine limbs in fifty-two patients had valgus osteotomy of the
      proximal tibia and fibular osteotomy at two different levels - the proximal half
      (Group 1) and distal half (Group 2). The results of these were compared. RESULTS:
      The incidence of peroneal nerve palsy was 23.6 and 3.2% in Groups 1 and 2,
      respectively (P < 0.025). CONCLUSION: This study supports the choice of the
      distal half for fibular osteotomy.

PMID- 22091325
TI  - Pentalogy of cantrell: a report of three cases.
AB  - Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare upper midline syndrome that may present in
      association with anomalies outside the torso. The pentad - the supraumbilical
      body wall defect, sternal defect, deficiency of the anterior diaphragm, defect of
      the diaphragmatic pericardium, and the intracardiac anomalies - was first
      described by Cantrell et al., in 1958. The defect is said to be more common in
      males, and survival is dependent on the cardiac malformations and on the degree
      of completeness of the syndrome. We report three cases of Cantrell's pentalogy
      managed in our unit. Two of the patients were females and one a male. All were
      seen at peripheral health centers before being referred to us. Age at
      presentation for the girls was 18 hours and 36 hours, respectively, the boy
      presented at the age of six weeks. All of their parents were unschooled manual
      workers. All patients presented with a defect in the supraumbilical body wall,
      bifid sternum, and a visible cardiac impulse. We were unable to do
      echocardiography to rule out intracardiac anomalies in the three patients. The
      thin membranous covering of the epigastrium in the female patients was managed
      conservatively. Both female patients were discharged against medical advice as
      requested by their parents, due to financial constraints. The male patient was
      lost to follow up after two clinic visits. A multidisciplinary approach to the
      management of this syndrome is recommended.

PMID- 22091326
TI  - Solitary giant neurofibroma of the scalp with calvarial defect in a child.
AB  - Neurofibroma of the scalp are mostly multiple as part of neurofibromatosis or
      other phakomatosis. De novo solitary types are less common and rarely erode the
      skull, unlike the intracranial counterpart. Skull erosion has been reported in
      adults with longstanding plexiform neurofibromas. We report a giant neurofibroma
      on the scalp of a five-year-old boy, managed in our center. Although this
      condition is a rare entity, it should be anticipated and the treatment strategy
      should include repair of the skull defect.

PMID- 22091327
TI  - Rachipagus: a report of two cases - thoracic and lumbar.
AB  - We present two cases of rachipagus in two male infants and review the literature
      on this anomaly. These infants were from consanguineous marriages and cases of
      twins were reported in their families. In the first case it was a limb attached
      to the lower lumbar region with a rudimentary posterior arch. At the junction
      there was a lipomeningocele. Anatomical dissection of the limb identified the
      bones of the lower limb. In the second case, the parasites were joints of the
      upper limb that were attached to the chest by rudimentary posterior arches. In
      both cases there was only one spinal canal and a single spinal cord. Except the
      spina bifida in the first case no other malformation was diagnosed. The parasites
      were successfully excised. The two patients are well at one year of follow-up.
      Rachipagus is a rare embryogenic malformation with a good prognosis in the
      absence of associated congenital anomalies.

PMID- 22091328
TI  - Unusual giant prostatic urethral calculus.
AB  - Giant vesico-prostatic urethral calculus is uncommon. Urethral stones rarely form
      primarily in the urethra, and they are usually associated with urethral
      strictures, posterior urethral valve or diverticula. We report a case of a 32
      year-old man with giant vesico-prostatic (collar-stud) urethral stone presenting
      with sepsis and bladder outlet obstruction. The clinical presentation,
      management, and outcome of the giant prostatic urethral calculus are reviewed.

PMID- 22091329
TI  - Giant retroperitoneal lipoma in an infant.
AB  - Retroperitoneal lipomas have remained the essentially rare tumors seen in
      clinical practice. The tumors are rarer in children, with very few reported cases
      in surgical literature worldwide. We are reporting the case of a six-month-old
      child who presented with a giant retroperitoneal lipoma that was successfully
      managed by complete excision. There has been no recurrence noticed during follow
      up.

PMID- 22091330
TI  - Unusual cutaneous metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common thyroid cancer (TCs)
      after papillary carcinoma, but it is ranked first in producing distant metastases
      among TCs. It accounts for 10 - 20% of all thyroid malignancies and is most often
      seen in patients over 40 years of age. Distant metastases at the time of
      diagnosis are reported in 11 - 20% of the patients and may be the reason for
      presentation. There have been less than 30 reported cases of cutaneous metastases
      from FTC in the English Literature, a majority affecting the scalp. We present an
      unusual aggressive, hypervascular FTC in a 58-year-old man with a previous
      diagnosis of multinodular goiter. The difficulty in gaining his acceptability of
      orthodox management resulted in the development of multiple giant scalp and right
      facial metastatic masses associated with lytic calvarial destruction and the
      involvement of frontal and right maxillary sinuses. These imposed serious
      challenges in managing him in a resource-poor community.

PMID- 22091331
TI  - Mayer-rokitansky-kuster-hauser syndrome: surgical management of two cases.
AB  - The Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome is a rare anomaly
      characterized by congenital aplasia of the uterus and vagina in women showing
      normal development of secondary sexual characters and normal 44 XX karyotype. We
      report our experience in the management of two patients with congenital absence
      of the vagina due to the MRKH syndrome. The first case was a 24-year-old student,
      who presented with primary amenorrhea, uterovaginal agenesis, right pelvi
      ureteric junction obstruction, and left renal agenesis. The second patient was a
      24-year-old housewife, who presented with primary amenorrhea and inability to
      achieve penetrative sexual intercourse. She had vaginal atresia and a grossly
      hypoplastic uterus. Both had successful sigmoid colovaginoplasty and are sexually
      active. Vaginal reconstruction using the sigmoid colon saw an immediate and
      satisfactory outcome in both patients.

PMID- 22091332
TI  - The use of cyanoacrylate in surgical anastomosis: an alternative to microsurgery.
AB  - To present anastomosis with cyanoacrylate as a cheap, simple, fast, and available
      technique for anastomosis in urological, vascular, gynecological, and general
      surgical procedures. This method may in the future be a good alternative to
      microsurgery, particularly in centers where facilities are unavailable and the
      financial implication is unbearable for the patient. Cyanoacrylate is an adhesive
      or glue that is available in different chemical forms ranging from
      ethylcyanoacrylate (superglue) to Isobutylcyanoacrylate and octylcyanoacrylate
      (dermerbond), which is in clinical use. Anastomosis with cyanoacrylate requires
      the application of stay sutures, a luminal stent and the subsequent application
      of the adhesive. The adhesives with lower molecular weights produce a rigid and
      patent region of anastomosis, while the higher molecular compounds produce a
      consistency close to the normal tissue. This technique presents a surgical method
      that is socially, culturally, and ethically acceptable, which is affordable to a
      larger majority of patients in our subregion. Cyanoacrylate anastomosis may in
      the future present a fast, convenient, simple, and affordable option in the
      treatment of patients requiring anastomosis. In our subregion where the socio
      cultural, psychological, and economic burden of failed anastomosis is high,
      associated with the low per capital income, this may be a novel option for the
      management of urogynecological, vascular, neurosurgical, and general surgical
      procedures requiring either microscopic or macroscopic anastomosis.

PMID- 22091333
TI  - Endoscopic and external surgical approach to paranasal sinus mucocele.
AB  - Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses are not common, but usually present as cystic
      lesions causing facial asymmetry requiring surgery. Hitherto surgical attempts at
      excision were external surgical approaches with the use of stents to drain the
      frontoethmoidal sinus, if they were the principal sinus involved, for a variable
      period. Recent advances in endoscopic sinus surgery have made the endoscopic
      approach to surgically manage paranasal sinus mucoceles the new trend. A total of
      18 patients were seen over a ten-year period with paranasal sinus mucocele; 14
      cases were managed through the external approach, while four were consecutively
      managed endoscopically. The endoscopic approach in the surgical management of
      mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses and the external approach are discussed in
      this article with the intent of showing the advantages of the two approaches,
      with more emphasis on the endoscopic approach and caution that should the
      endoscopic approach prove difficult, reversal to the external approach should be
      undertaken immediately, so as to avoid unnecessary complications.

PMID- 22091334
TI  - Clinicopathological relationship between fibrocystic disease complex and breast
      cancer: a case report.

PMID- 22091335
TI  - The advantages of lateral tarsal strip procedure.

PMID- 22091336
TI  - The correction of involutional entropion of eyelid by lateral strip procedure.
AB  - AIM: To determine cosmetic and functional outcome following lateral strip
      procedure (LSP) for involutional entropion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was
      a prospective analysis of 15 patients (20 eyelids) of involutional entropion, who
      needed surgical repair. After thorough evaluation, the surgical treatment (LSP)
      was done in all 15 patients. RESULTS: Cosmetic and functional outcome was
      excellent in all cases following LSP. No complications and recurrence were
      encountered in any case. CONCLUSIONS: LSP is simple, physiologic, easy and quick
      to perform as OPD procedure for involutional entropion under local anesthesia
      without hospitalization by a general ophthalmologist.

PMID- 22091337
TI  - Peri-vesical fat interposition flap reinforcement in high vesico-vaginal
      fistulas.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The urinary bladder becomes small, contracted and is
      associated with excess pelvic fat in long standing cases of vesico-vaginal
      fistulas (VVFs). The aim of this new technique was to use this excess pelvic fat
      for harvesting an interposition flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interposition
      flap of peri-vesical fat was raised from the anterior, superior and posterior
      surfaces of the urinary bladder and was interposed between the right angle closed
      vaginal vault and the urinary bladder to strengthen the repair. This technique
      was used in two patients of VVFs. RESULTS: Both the patients had successful
      outcome and were able to retain sufficient quantity of urine at 3 months follow
      up. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-vesical fat flap proved an effective interposition flap in
      the repairs of VVFs in selected cases.

PMID- 22091338
TI  - Reverse Transrectal Stapling Technique Using the EEA Stapler: An Alternative
      Approach in Difficult Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure.
AB  - The introduction of circular end-to-end stapling devices (CEEA OR EEA stapler)
      into colorectal surgery have revolutionised anastomotic techniques. The EEA
      stapler is generally regarded as an instrument that is safe, reliable, and simple
      to operate. Despite it's popularity, very little information is available
      regarding the technical difficulties encountered during surgery. The routine
      technique to perform an end-to-end circular colonic anastomosis is to introduce
      the instrument distally through the anus (transrectal/transanal approach) and
      attach it to the anvil which is purse stringed at the distal end of the proximal
      bowel to be anastomosed. Two cases of reversal of Hartmann's procedure for
      perforated diverticulitis are described in the present study, where difficulty
      was experienced while using the EEA stapler in the routine method. Hence, an
      alternative reverse technique which was used is presented.

PMID- 22091339
TI  - Spontaneous recanalization of complete internal carotid artery: a clinical
      reminder.
AB  - Spontaneous recanalization of atherothrombotic extracranial cerebral arteries is
      rare vis-a-vis recanalization of intracranial vessels. The time course is
      unknown. The question is the advisability and timing of surgery in a recanalized
      vessel. We describe a patient with spontaneous recanalization of a totally
      occluded left Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) who was monitored with periodic
      imaging and in time had partial recanalization of the ICA. We believe patients
      with total ICA occlusion with return of function should be followed up with
      periodic carotid ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) or CT
      angiography, and when appropriate, be candidates for carotid vascular
      interventions.

PMID- 22091340
TI  - Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis developing over a keloid: a rare presentation.
AB  - Cutaneous tuberculosis can present as either primary or secondary infection, or
      it can be associated with systemic tuberculosis. It can present with unusual
      clinical and histological features causing delay in diagnosis and treatment.
      Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis occurs as a single verrucous lesion over exposed
      areas of the body along with inflammatory borders and discharging sinus. Here, we
      are presenting a rare case of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis developing over a
      keloid. There is no report of such case in literature so far.

PMID- 22091341
TI  - Fetus-in-fetu: A Rare Congenital Anomaly.
AB  - Two cases of fetus-in-fetu, on which we performed surgery in 2003 and 2006, are
      being reported. Both the cases presented with a lump in the abdomen. Radiology
      confirmed the diagnosis. The lumps were found in the retroperitoneum and
      successfully excised. Because of the rarity of the condition, these two cases are
      being reported with relevant salient features and are discussed in the light of
      available literature.

PMID- 22091342
TI  - Plexiform neurofibroma: a rare tumor of submandibular salivary gland.
AB  - A 15-year-old boy presented with swelling in the submandibular region. X-ray of
      the swollen part showed faint radio opaque shadow. A provisional diagnosis of
      sialadenitis with sialolithiasis was made. Excised mass was reported
      histopathologically as plexiform neurofibroma of submandibular salivary
      gland.Plexiform neurofibroma of the salivary gland is a rare benign tumor often
      present in the parotid gland. It is very rare in submandibular salivary gland. It
      is a slow growing, locally infiltrating tumor.

PMID- 22091343
TI  - Imperforate hymen presenting as acute urinary retention in a 14-year-old nigerian
      girl.
AB  - Acute urinary retention in adolescent females is rare, just like imperforate
      hymen. We present a case of acute urinary retention secondary to imperforate
      hymen in a 14-year-old Nigerian girl. Its diagnosis and treatment are discussed
      with a brief review of literature. We highlight the need for a thorough
      evaluation in the female patient presenting with acute urinary retention, and
      also the need to provide better health facilities in rural areas in developing
      countries such as ours.

PMID- 22091344
TI  - Extensive supratentorial hemorrhages following posterior fossa meningioma
      surgery.
AB  - Remote supratentorial hematoma soon after posterior fossa surgery for the removal
      of a space-occupying lesion is a rare but dramatic and dreaded complication,
      carrying significant morbidity and mortality. A 47-year-old woman presented with
      headache of 1-year duration that worsened over last 2 months, progressive ataxia
      of 2 months' duration, blurring and diminution of vision of 2 months' duration
      and forgetfulness of 2 months' duration. Fundus showed bilateral papille dema,
      and visual acuity was 6/9 in both eyes. She had left-sided cerebellar signs.
      There were no focal motor or sensory neurological deficits. MRI brain with
      contrast showed a large posterior fossa tumor with obstructive hydrocephalus. The
      patient underwent left paramedian suboccipital craniectomy in prone position with
      left side up. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient did no recover
      from anesthesia and was persistently drowsy. Immediate repeat CT scan showed
      diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage spread all over the bilateral cerebral
      hemispheres with diffuse cerebral edema. The patient recovered with conservative
      management without deficits. This case stresses the importance of early
      postoperative CT scan and optimal management of the hemorrhage for good outcome.

PMID- 22091345
TI  - Bilateral biconvex frontal chronic subdural hematoma mimicking extradural
      hematoma.
AB  - Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common clinical entities
      encountered in daily neurosurgical practice. The advent of computed tomography
      (CT) has made a major impact on the radiological diagnosis of CSDH. Although
      unilateral chronic isodense subdural hematomas as a result of indirect signs of a
      space-occupying lesion are easily recognizable on CT, bilateral CSDH may cause
      considerable difficulty, particularly when it is biconvex in shape as discussed
      in the present case. A judicious use of magnetic resonance imaging will help in
      making the diagnosis and for the management of such lesions.

PMID- 22091346
TI  - Surgicel as an unusual cause of prolonged drainage.

PMID- 22091347
TI  - Oral biopsy: a dental gawk.

PMID- 22091348
TI  - Biological characterization of Bothrops marajoensis snake venom.
AB  - This study describes the effects of Bothrops marajoensis venom (Marajo lancehead)
      on isolated neuromuscular preparations of chick biventer cervicis (CBC) and mouse
      phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND). At low concentrations (1ug/ml for CBC and 5ug/ml
      for PND), the venom exhibited a neuromuscular blocking without any damaging
      effect on the muscle integrity. At higher concentration (20MUg/ml for PND),
      together with the neuromuscular blockade, there was a moderate myonecrosis. The
      results show differences between mammalian and avian preparations in response to
      venom concentration; the avian preparation was more sensitive to venom neurotoxic
      effect than the mammalian preparation. The possible presynaptic mechanism
      underlying the neuromuscular blocking effect was reinforced by the observed
      increase in MEPPs at the same time (at 15min) when the facilitation of twitch
      tension occurred. These results indicate that the B. marajoensis venom produced
      neuromuscular blockade, which appeared to be presynaptic at low concentrations
      with a postsynaptic component at high concentrations, leading to muscle oedema.
      These observations demand the fractionation of the crude venom and
      characterization of its active components for a better understanding of its
      biological dynamics.

PMID- 22091349
TI  - Purification of a phospholipase A(2) from Daboia russelii siamensis venom with
      anticancer effects.
AB  - Venom phospholipases A2 (PLA(2)) are associated with neurotoxic, myotoxic,
      cardiotoxic, platelet aggregation, and edema activities. A PLA(2) (Drs-PLA(2))
      was purified from Daboia russelii siamensis venom by a two-step purification
      procedure consisting of size-exclusion, followed by anion exchange high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The molecular weight of the Drs-PLA(2)
      was 13,679Da, which was determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Its N-terminal
      amino acid sequence was homologous to basic PLA(2)s of viperid snake venoms. The
      Drs-PLA(2) had indirect hemolytic and anticoagulant activities, cytotoxic
      activity with a CC(50) of 65.8nM, and inhibited SK-MEL-28 cell migration with an
      IC(50) of 25.6nM. In addition, the Drs-PLA(2) inhibited the colonization of
      B16F10 cells in lungs of BALB/c mice by ~65%.

PMID- 22091351
TI  - Laparoscopic treatment of a rare right diaphragmatic rupture with small bowel
      herniation after blunt thoracic trauma.
AB  - Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (BTDR) is a life-threatening condition with
      an incidence from 0,8%-1,6% in blunt trauma, mostly located on the left side. The
      main prognostic factors are severe side injuries and the delay of diagnosis. We
      present a rare case of a 68-year-old female, with an isolated right diaphragm
      rupture. The diagnosis was done with a delay of 4 days by thoracic radiographs,
      which showed a herniation of small bowel into the right thoracic cavity. A
      reposition of the small bowel and a closure of the diaphragmatic defect by
      running suture were carried out laparoscopicly. Although large prospective
      studies concerning the outcome of laparoscopic approach to right BTDR are still
      missing, we could show, that laparoscopy can be performed safely in right
      traumatic diaphragm rupture.

PMID- 22091350
TI  - Extracellular NM23 Signaling in Breast Cancer: Incommodus Verum.
AB  - The notion that breast cancers can survive in an individual patient in a dormant
      state only to grow as metastatic disease in the future, is in our view
      incontrovertibly established. Convincing too is the evidence that surgery to
      remove the primary tumor often terminates dormancy resulting in accelerated
      relapses. Accepting that many deaths due to breast cancer might be averted were
      we to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying escape from dormancy, we have
      examined the extracellular signals produced by breast cancers derived from women
      with metastatic breast disease. In this perspective, we explore the role of
      extracellular nucleotide signaling that we have proposed constitutes a
      pathological axis from the transformed tumor cell to the endothelium in the
      service of intravasation, dissemination, extravasation and angiogenesis. A role
      for the dinucleotide kinase NM23/NDPK (nucleoside diphosphate kinase) secreted by
      breast tumor cells in the generation of signals that stimulate vascular
      leakiness, anti-thrombosis, endothelial migration and growth, constitutes a
      mechanistic basis for escape from latency and offers putative therapeutic targets
      for breast cancer management not previously appreciated. 

PMID- 22091352
TI  - The Relationship between Tests of Neurocognition and Performance on a
      Laparoscopic Simulator.
AB  - Objective. To estimate if there is a relationship between the results of tests of
      neurocognition and performance on a laparoscopic surgery simulator. Methods and
      Materials. Twenty participants with no prior laparoscopic experience had baseline
      cognitive tests administered (Trail Making Test, Part A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B),
      Grooved Peg Board Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Symbol Digit Recall Test,
      and Stroop Interference Test), completed a demographic questionnaire, and then
      performed laparoscopy using a simulator. We correlated the results of cognitive
      tests with laparoscopic surgical performance. Results. One cognitive test
      sensitive to frontal lobe function, TMT-A, significantly correlated with
      laparoscopic surgical performance on the simulator (correlation coefficient of
      0.534 with P < .05). However, the correlation between performance and other
      cognitive tests (TMT-B, Grooved Peg Board Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test,
      Symbol Digit Recall Test, and Stroop Interference Test) was not statistically
      significant. Conclusion. Laparoscopic performance may be related to measures of
      frontal lobe function. Neurocognitive tests may predict motor skills abilities
      and performance on laparoscopic simulator.

PMID- 22091353
TI  - Laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined using miniaturised instruments in
      transgastric gall bladder removal: performed on 63 patients.
AB  - Background. The laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a perfectly codified surgical
      procedure. The development of recent innovative and experimental surgical
      techniques Natural Orifice transluminal endoscopic surger (N.O.T.E.S.) which
      reduces the abdominal wall trauma leads us to develop a combined procedure of a
      standard dissection using miniaturised instruments already existing on the market
      (3 and 5 mm wide) and a gall bladder removal through a short gastrotomy Natural
      Orifice Specimen Extraction (N.O.S.E.). Methods. Our objective was to evaluate
      the safety, the feasibility, and the reproducibility of our new approach. After
      reviewing existing products on the market and a feasibility study, we put in
      place a protocol in our structure for patients on whom the procedure was
      performed. We carried out a gall bladder removal by a short gastrotomy, located
      on the anterior gastric wall, which then reduced the abdominal wall trauma and
      allowed them to resume normal physical activity quickly without risk of trocar
      site hernia. Results. We performed the procedure described in this paper on 63
      patients, between April 2008 and July 2009. There were 14 men and 49 women with
      an average age of 46.8 years (ranging from 28 to 77) and an average BMI of 27.2.
      30 patients had at least one gallstone larger than 10 mm. There was no
      postoperative gastric or abdominal wall complication and a fast recovery for all
      the patients in our study. Conclusions. This procedure is feasible, reproducible,
      with good results and minimal abdominal wall trauma. It is also safer than
      N.O.T.E.S. and endoscopic clipping and recovery, allowing normal physical
      activity, fast and, without risk of incisional hernia.

PMID- 22091354
TI  - The learning curve for a fetal cardiac intervention team.
AB  - Objectives. Multiple technical difficulties are encountered when a
      multidisciplinary team of subspecialists begins a minimally-invasive fetal
      cardiac interventional program. We describe the learning curve. Study Design. Ten
      pregnant sheep underwent ultrasound-guided balloon valvuloplasty of the aortic
      valve. Team members and their roles remained constant through the trial. The time
      between needle insertion and entrance of the left ventricle at the aortic root
      was recorded. F-test was used to assess significance (P <= .05). Results. The
      time required to accurately position the needle tip at the aortic root decreased
      significantly over the course of the trial, from 12 minutes with the first
      attempt to one minute with the last (P = .003). Conclusion. A significant
      learning curve is encountered when a multidisciplinary team begins a minimally
      invasive fetal cardiac intervention program. However, technical proficiency can
      be achieved with practice. Institutions interested in developing such a program
      should consider practice in an animal model before proceeding to the human fetus.

PMID- 22091355
TI  - Endoscopic resection and topical 5-Fluorouracil as an alternative treatment to
      craniofacial resection for the management of primary intestinal-type sinonasal
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Introduction. Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract is very rare
      and is responsible for less than 4% of tumours of the sinuses. Craniofacial
      resection has been the mainstay of treatment for many years; however, techniques
      for endoscopic resection are constantly being developed. Discussion. The use of
      transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) and topical chemotherapy applications as an
      alternative to cranio-facial resection (CFR) is discussed. TER offers advantages
      over CFR in terms of fewer intra-operative complications and an improved cosmetic
      outcome. Survival and metastatic rates are similar between both procedures.
      Patients with locally invasive tumours are better managed with CFR. Topical
      applications of 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to be effective in increasing
      survival in patients with sino-nasal malignancy. Conclusion. Trans-nasal
      endoscopic resection and topical 5-Fluorouracil could potentially offer an
      acceptable alternative treatment to the standard of cranio-facial resection. This
      should be investigated in trials with a longer followup period than this paper in
      order to directly compare the two treatment modalities.

PMID- 22091356
TI  - A novel technique of uterine manipulation in laparoscopic pelvic oncosurgical
      procedures: "the uterine hitch technique".
AB  - Aim. To describe a new technique of uterine manipulation in laparoscopic
      management of pelvic cancers. Material and Methods. We used a novel uterine hitch
      technique in 23 patients from May 2008 to October 2008. These patients underwent
      pelvic oncologic surgery including laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (n = 7),
      laparoscopic anterior resection (n = 4), laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection
      (n = 3), laparoscopic posterior exenteration (n = 4), or laparoscopic anterior
      exenteration (n = 5). The uterus was hitched to the anterior abdominal.wall by
      either a single suture in the fundus or by sutures through the round ligaments.
      Results. The uterine hitch technique was successfully accomplished in all
      procedures. It was performed in less than 5 minutes in all cases. It obviated the
      need for vaginal manipulation. An extra port for retraction could be avoided.
      There were no intraoperative complications. Conclusion. A practical, cheap and
      reproducible method for uterine manipulation, during pelvic oncologic surgery is
      described. It improves the stability of the uterus and also obviates the need for
      keeping an additional assistant for vaginal manipulation in any of the
      procedures.

PMID- 22091357
TI  - Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) for a Large Ovarian Tumour: First
      Clinical Case Report.
AB  - Objective. To report the feasibility of removing a 10 cm ovarian fibroma via a
      laparoendoscopic single-site trocar through trans-umbilical access. Design. Case
      report. Setting. Teaching and research hospital. Patient. A 64-year-old patient
      affected by a large 10 cm ovarian tumour. Intervention(s). Bilateral salpingo
      oophorectomy a large 10 cm ovarian tumour, using a laparoendoscopic single-site
      approach with a Covidien SILS multitrocar access device and standard laparoscopic
      instruments. Main Outcome Measure(s). Conversion to standard laparoscopic
      technique or laparotomy, estimated blood loss, operative time , extent of
      scarring, occurrence of intra- and perioperative surgical complications,
      technical adequacy, and clinical outcome. Result(s). No conversion to standard
      laparoscopic technique or laparotomy, and no intraoperative or postoperative
      complications were observed. Total operative time was 99 minutes. The patient was
      discharged home on postoperative day one. Conclusion(s). Laparoendoscopic single
      site bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy of a large ovarian tumour is feasible with
      standard laparoscopic instruments. It is safe and effective, with good results in
      terms of excellent cosmesis and minimal postoperative pain.

PMID- 22091358
TI  - Preoperative parathyroid needle localization: a minimally invasive novel
      technique in reoperative settings.
AB  - Background. Reoperative parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism can
      be challenging. Numerous preoperative localization techniques have been employed
      to facilitate a more focused surgical exploration. This paper describes a novel,
      minimally invasive, and highly successful method of parathyroid localization.
      Methods. Patients with recurrent or persistent primary hyperparathyroidism
      underwent parathyroidectomy following CT scan or ultrasound-guided wire
      localization of the parathyroid. Accurate placement was confirmed by fine-needle
      aspiration with immunocytochemistry or PTH washout. The guide wire was left in
      situ to guide surgical excision of the gland. Curative resection was established
      by monitoring intact serum PTH levels after excision of the adenoma. Results. All
      ten patients underwent successful redo-targeted parathyroidectomy. Nine of the
      ten patients were discharged on the day of surgery. One patient was observed
      overnight due to transient postoperative hypocalcemia, which resolved with
      calcium supplementation. Conclusion. Placement of a localization wire via
      preoperative high-resolution ultrasound or CT can expedite reoperative
      parathyroid surgery. It allows identification of parathyroid adenoma via a
      minimally invasive approach, especially in cases where a sestamibi scan is
      inconclusive.

PMID- 22091359
TI  - Single-Incision Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastasis through
      Stoma Site at Time of Reversal of Diversion Ileostomy: A Case Report.
AB  - Minimally invasive surgical techniques for liver tumors are gaining increased
      acceptance as an alternative to traditional resections by laparotomy. In this
      article we describe a laparoscopic liver resection of a metastatic lesion in a
      patient primarily operated for colorectal cancer. The resection was conducted as
      a single port procedure through the stoma aperture at time of reversal of the
      diversion ileostomy. Sigle incision liver resections may be less traumatic than
      conventional laparoscopy and could be applied in selected patients with both
      benign and malignant liver tumors.

PMID- 22091360
TI  - An Effective Approach to Improving Day-Case Rates following Laparoscopic
      Cholecystectomy.
AB  - Background. Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe and cost
      effective treatment for gallstones. In 2006, our institution recorded an 86%
      laparoscopic, 10% day-case, and 5% readmission rate. A gallbladder pathway was
      therefore introduced in 2007 with the aim of increasing daycase rates. Methods.
      Patients with symptomatic gallstones, proven on ultrasound, were referred to a
      specialist-led clinic. Those suitable for surgery were consented, preassessed,
      and provided with a choice of dates. All defaulted to day case unless deemed
      unsuitable due to comorbidity or social factors. Results. The number of
      cholecystectomies increased from 464 in 2006 to 578 in 2008. Day-case rates in
      2006, 2007, 2008, and June 2009 were 10%, 20%, 30%, and 61%, respectively.
      Laparoscopic and readmission rates remained unchanged. Conversion rates for
      elective cholecystectomy fell from 6% in 2006 to 3% in 2009. Conclusions.
      Development of a gallbladder pathway increased day-case rates sixfold without an
      associated increase in conversion or readmission rates.

PMID- 22091361
TI  - Percutaneous ventricular assist devices: new deus ex machina?
AB  - The development of ventricular assist devices has broadened the means with which
      one can treat acute heart failure. Percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD)
      have risen from recent technological advances. They are smaller, easier, and
      faster to implant, all important qualities in the setting of acute heart failure.
      The present paper briefly describes the functioning and assets of the most common
      devices used today. It gives an overview of the current evidence and indications
      for left ventricular assist device use in cardiogenic shock and high-risk
      percutaneous coronary intervention. Finally, extracorporeal life support devices
      are dealt with in the setting of hemodynamic support.

PMID- 22091362
TI  - Arthroscopic optical coherence tomography in diagnosis of early arthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, debilitating disease that is increasing in
      prevalence. The pathogenesis of OA is likely multifactorial but ultimately leads
      to progressive breakdown of collagen matrix and loss of chondrocytes. Current
      clinical modalities employed to evaluate cartilage health and diagnose
      osteoarthritis in orthopaedic surgery include, radiography, MRI, and arthroscopy.
      While these assessment methods can show cartilage fissuring and loss, they are
      limited in ability to diagnose cartilage injury and degeneration prior breakdown
      of the articular surface. An improved clinical ability to detect subsurface
      cartilage pathology is important for development and testing of chondroprotective
      and chondrorestorative treatments because the pathological changes following
      surface breakdown are generally considered to be irreversible. Optical Coherence
      Tomography (OCT), is a novel, non-destructive imaging technology capable of near
      real time cross-sectional images of articular cartilage at high resolutions
      comparable to low power histology. This review discusses a series of bench to
      bedside studies supporting the potential use of OCT for enhanced clinical
      diagnosis and staging of early cartilage injury and degeneration. OCT was also
      found to be useful as a translations research tool to assist in clinical
      evaluation of novel quantitative MRI technologies for non-invasive evaluation of
      articular cartilage.

PMID- 22091363
TI  - Evaluation of clinical outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in clinical
      practice: still a controversial issue.
AB  - Background. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has shown to be effective in
      controlling gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Yet, a universally accepted
      definition and evaluation for treatment success/failure in GERD is still
      controversial. The purpose of this paper is to assess if and how the outcome
      variables used in the different studies could possibly lead to an homogeneous
      appraisal of the limits and indications of LARS. Methods. We analyzed papers
      focusing on the efficacy and outcome of LARS and published in English literature
      over the last 10 years. Results. Symptoms scores and outcome variables reported
      are dissimilar and not uniform. The most consistent parameter was patient's
      satisfaction (mean satisfaction rate: 88.9%). Antireflux medications are not a
      trustworthy outcome index. Endoscopy and esophageal manometry do not appear very
      helpful. Twenty-four hours pH metry is recommended in patients difficult to
      manage for recurrent typical symptoms. Conclusions. More uniform symptoms scales
      and quality of life tools are needed for assessing the clinical outcome after
      laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In an era of cost containment, objective
      evaluation tests should be more specifically addressed. Relying on patient's
      satisfaction may be ambiguous, yet from this study it can be considered a
      practical and simple tool.

PMID- 22091364
TI  - Rectal atresia-operative management with endoscopy and transanal approach: a case
      report.
AB  - The aim of this study is to present the technique and outcome of the management
      of a newborn child with rectal atresia. A girl born with rectal atresia was
      diagnosed during physical examination and confirmed with X-ray. The anatomic
      appearance of the external anus, and lower pelvis was normal. The rectal ending
      was located 2 cm cranial from the anus and the distance between the rectal
      endings was 2 cm. A colostomy was established. At the age of five months the
      child was operated on with a rectal anastomosis using the endoscopic and
      transanal approach. Closure of the colostomy was performed at the age of ten
      months. The rectal anastomosis was treated with rectal dilatation weekly in order
      to avoid stricture. The patient was faecally continent at followup one and three
      months postoperatively. In conclusion, the endoscopic and transanal approach is
      an alternative to other surgical techniques in the management of rectal atresia.

PMID- 22091366
TI  - Arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis after a calcaneus fracture covered with a
      forearm flap.
AB  - Surgical treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures is often associated with
      postoperative wound problems. Soft tissue necrosis, bone loss and uncontrollable
      infection are a challenge for the surgeon and amputation may in some cases be the
      ultimate solution. A free flap can be very helpful to cover a significant soft
      tissue defect and help in fighting the infection. However, the free flap
      complicates the surgical approach if subtalar arthrodesis and bone reconstruction
      are needed. This study demonstrates the value of an arthroscopic technique to
      resect the remaining articular cartilage in preparation for subtalar arthrodesis
      and bone grafting. This approach avoids compromising the soft tissues and
      minimizes damage to the free flap.

PMID- 22091365
TI  - Single-Incision Cholecystectomy in about 200 Patients.
AB  - Background and Aims. We describe our experience of performing transumbilical
      single-incision laparoendoscopic cholecystectomy as standard procedure for acute
      and chronic gallbladder diseases. Methods. Between September 2008 and March 2010,
      220 patients underwent laparoscopic single-incision surgery. A single port was
      used for 196 patients and two conventional 5 mm and one 10 mm port in 24 cases.
      All operations were performed with straight instruments. Results. Single-incision
      surgery was successfully performed in 215 patients (98%). Three patients (1.4%)
      required conversion to a three-port technique and two patients (0.9%) to an open
      procedure. Average age of 142 women (65%) and 78 men (35%) was 47 years (range:
      15-89), average ASA status 2 (range: 1-3) and BMI 28 (range: 15-49). Mean
      operative time was 62 minutes (range: 26-174) and 57 patients (26%) had
      histopathological signs of acute cholecystitis. Eleven patients (5%) developed to
      surgery-related complications and nine (4%) of these required a reoperation. The
      mean followup was 331.5 (range: 11-590) days. Conclusion. Transumbilical single
      incision cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe new approach for routine
      cholecystectomy. After a short learning curve, operation time and complication
      rate are comparable with standard multiport operation. In addition, most cases of
      acute cholecystitis can be performed with this technique.

PMID- 22091367
TI  - Technical progress in single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our initial
      experience.
AB  - Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has rapidly spread throughout
      the world because of its low invasiveness and because it is a scarless procedure.
      Various surgical methods of performing SILC are present in each institute;
      however, it is necessary to develop a standardized procedure that we can perform
      safely, such as the conventional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The
      SILC experiment in our institute was started by use of the commercial SILS Port
      and changed from a 3-port method via an umbilicus to a 2-port method to improve
      some problems. Although none of the conversions to conventional 4-port LC and
      also none of the complications such as bile duct injury occurred in each method,
      the 2-port method functioned best and was also economical. However, it is most
      important to adopt strict criteria and select the patients suitable for SILC to
      demonstrate SILC safety same as 4-port LC.

PMID- 22091369
TI  - Dual-Source CT Angiography of Peripheral Arterial Stents: In Vitro Evaluation of
      22 Different Stent Types.
AB  - Purpose. To test different peripheral arterial stents using four image
      reconstruction approaches with respect to lumen visualization, lumen attenuation
      and image noise in dual-source multidetector row CT (DSCT) in vitro. Methods and
      Materials. 22 stents (nitinol, steel, cobalt-alloy, tantalum, platinum alloy)
      were examined in a vessel phantom. All stents were imaged in axial orientation
      with standard parameters. Image reconstructions were obtained with four different
      convolution kernels. To evaluate visualization characteristics of the stent, the
      lumen diameter, intraluminal density and noise were measured. Results. The mean
      percentage of the visible stent lumen diameter from the nominal stent diameter
      was 74.5% +/- 5.7 for the medium-sharp kernel, 72.8% +/- 6.4 for the medium,
      70.8% +/- 6.4 for the medium-smooth and 67.6% +/- 6.6 for the smooth kernel. Mean
      values of lumen attenuation were 299.7HU +/- 127 (medium-sharp), 273.9HU +/- 68
      (medium), 270.7HU +/- 53 (medium-smooth) and 265.8HU +/- 43. Mean image noise
      was: 54.6 +/- 6.3, 20.5 +/- 1.7, 16.3 +/- 1.7, 14.0 +/- 2 respectively.
      Conclusion. Visible stent lumen diameter varies depending on stent type and scan
      parameters. Lumen diameter visibility increases with the sharpness of the
      reconstruction kernel. Smoother kernels provide more realistic density
      measurements inside the stent lumen and less image noise.

PMID- 22091370
TI  - Intraoperative three-dimensional imaging in selective decompression for lumbar
      spinal stenosis: a useful tool in theory but also in everyday practice?
AB  - Background. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the value of an Iso-C3D
      imaging system in determining the extent of decompression of lumbar spinal
      stenosis during surgery. We now address the question whether this imaging has
      become a routine tool. Material and Methods. Ten patients who underwent
      unilateral decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis were intraoperatively
      examined using the Iso-C3D imaging system. Four years after this study, we
      investigated whether this intraoperative imaging modality is still being used.
      Results. Evaluable images were intraoperatively obtained for all patients. In two
      cases, the surgical procedure was changed on the basis of the images. Myelography
      did not provide any additional information. In the four years following the
      study, this intraoperative imaging technique has not been used again. Conclusion.
      Intraoperative imaging using the Iso-C3D system provides additional safety. It,
      however, has not become established as a routine procedure.

PMID- 22091368
TI  - Porcine and canine von Willebrand factor and von Willebrand disease: hemostasis,
      thrombosis, and atherosclerosis studies.
AB  - Use of animal models of inherited and induced von Willebrand factor (VWF)
      deficiency continues to advance the knowledge of VWF-related diseases: von
      Willebrand disease (VWD), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and coronary
      artery thrombosis. First, in humans, pigs, and dogs, VWF is essential for normal
      hemostasis; without VWF bleeding events are severe and can be fatal. Second, the
      ADAMTS13 cleavage site is preserved in all three species suggesting all use this
      mechanism for normal VWF multimer processing and that all are susceptible to TTP
      when ADAMTS13 function is reduced. Third, while the role of VWF in atherogenesis
      is debated, arterial thrombosis complicating atherosclerosis appears to be VWF
      dependent. The differences in the VWF gene and protein between humans, pigs, and
      dogs are relatively few but important to consider in the design of VWF-focused
      experiments. These homologies and differences are reviewed in detail and their
      implications for research projects are discussed. The current status of porcine
      and canine VWD are also reviewed as well as their potential role in future
      studies of VWF-related disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis.

PMID- 22091371
TI  - Percutaneous transfistulous interventions for intractable pancreatic fistula.
AB  - THREE TECHNIQUES FOR THE TREATMENT OF INTRACTABLE PANCREATIC FISTULA:
      percutaneous transfistulous pancreatic duct drainage (PTPD), percutaneous
      transfistulous pancreatojejunostomy (PTPJ), and percutaneous transfistulous
      pancreatic duct embolization (PTPE) are presented as treatment options for
      intractable pancreatic fistula. PTPD is effective for most cases of intractable
      fistula that communicate with the main pancreatic duct. However, PTPD itself is
      not enough in some specific cases. PTPJ and PTPE are applicable in such cases.

PMID- 22091372
TI  - Correlation between Rotator Cuff Tears and Systemic Atherosclerotic Disease.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of aortic arch
      calcification, a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis, with rotator cuff
      tendinosis and tears given the hypothesis that decreased tendon vascularity is a
      contributing factor in the etiology of tendon degeneration. A retrospective
      review was performed to identify patients ages 50 to 90 years who had a shoulder
      MRI and a chest radiograph performed within 6 months of each other. Chest
      radiographs and shoulder MRIs from 120 patients were reviewed by two sets of
      observers blinded to the others' conclusions. Rotator cuff disease was classified
      as tendinosis, partial thickness tear, and full thickness tear. The presence or
      absence of aortic arch calcification was graded and compared with the MRI
      appearance of the rotator cuff. The tendon tear grading was positively correlated
      with patient age. However, the tendon tear grading on MRI was not significantly
      correlated with the aorta calcification scores on chest radiographs. Furthermore,
      there was no significant correlation between aorta calcification severity and
      tendon tear grading. In conclusion, rotator cuff tears did not significantly
      correlate with aortic calcification severity. This suggests that tendon ischemia
      may not be associated with the degree of macrovascular disease.

PMID- 22091373
TI  - Technique of Peritoneal Catheter Placement under Fluroscopic Guidance.
AB  - Peritoneal catheters are mainly used for peritoneal dialysis in patients with end
      stage renal disease. Other uses of this catheter include intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy and gene therapy for ovarian cancer and draining of uncontrolled
      refractory ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis. Traditionally, surgeons
      place most of these peritoneal catheters either by laparoscopy or open
      laparotomy. We detail our percutaneous approach to placing peritoneal catheters
      using fluoroscopic guidance. We emphasize the use of additional ultrasound
      guidance, including gray scale and color Doppler ultrasound, to determine the
      safest puncture site and to guide the initial needle puncture in order to avoid
      bowel perforation and injury to epigastric artery. We present our experience in
      placing peritoneal catheters using this technique in 95 patients with various
      indications. Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous placement of peritoneal catheters
      is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective alternative to open surgical or
      laparoscopic placement.

PMID- 22091375
TI  - Current perspectives on percutaneous vertebroplasty: current
      evidence/controversies, patient selection and assessment, and technique and
      complications.
AB  - Osteoporotic-associated vertebral compression fractures are a major public health
      concern, dwarfing even hip fractures in incidence in the United States. These
      fractures carry a significant morbidity and mortality burden and also represent a
      major growing source of consumption of scarce heath resources. Percutaneous
      vertebroplasty remains a commonly used and safe technique for the symptomatic
      treatment of vertebral compression fractures, both osteoporotic- and neoplastic
      induced. By carefully selecting appropriate patients who are referred promptly,
      vertebroplasty can provide significant and durable pain relief over traditional
      conservative therapy. Recent controversies surrounding the evidence for
      vertebroplasty in osteoporotic-associated vertebral compression fractures are
      reviewed. A comprehensive step-by-step practical guide to performing
      vertebroplasty is then described. A brief description of patient selection,
      workup, as well as complications is also provided.

PMID- 22091374
TI  - Interventional radiology and the care of the oncology patient.
AB  - Interventional Radiology (IR) is occupying an increasingly prominent role in the
      care of patients with cancer, with involvement from initial diagnosis, right
      through to minimally invasive treatment of the malignancy and its complications.
      Adequate diagnostic samples can be obtained under image guidance by percutaneous
      biopsy and needle aspiration in an accurate and minimally invasive manner. IR
      techniques may be used to place central venous access devices with well
      established safety and efficacy. Therapeutic applications of IR in the oncology
      patient include local tumour treatments such as transarterial chemo-embolisation
      and radiofrequency ablation, as well as management of complications of malignancy
      such as pain, organ obstruction, and venous thrombosis.

PMID- 22091376
TI  - Thoracic radionecrosis following repeated cardiac catheterization.
AB  - Radiodermatitis is a known complication in patients having undergone
      radiotherapy. It usually appears 2 to 5 years after irradiation. We are reporting
      on a case of radiodermatitis that occurred within months after coronary
      dilatation and stenting. It started with painful swelling, followed by a typical
      appearance on the skin surface. Histological finding confirmed the diagnosis.
      However, magnetic resonance imaging showed changes in the subcutaneous tissue
      extending into the ribs. A radical debridement was performed including removal of
      a partially necrotic 4th rib. The defect was closed with a latissimus dorsi
      transposition flap. Our findings are compared with the literature reports.

PMID- 22091377
TI  - Malignant Cerebral Edema following CT Myelogram Using Isovue-M 300 Intrathecal
      Nonionic Water-Soluble Contrast: A Case Report.
AB  - Lumbar myelogram utilizing nonionic contrast is a commonly performed procedure to
      identify spinal pathology. Complication rates are low. Cerebral edema has been
      shown to occur following intrathecal injection of ionic contrast; however, no
      current literature has documented this complication relating to the ubiquitously
      used nonionic contrast medium. We report a case of a patient who developed
      malignant cerebral edema following a lumbar myelogram with Isovue-M 300 nonionic
      water-soluble intrathecal contrast. We believe this is the first reported case of
      cerebral edema resulting from the use of a nonionic contrast.

PMID- 22091378
TI  - Myelography in the Age of MRI: Why We Do It, and How We Do It.
AB  - Myelography is a nearly ninety-year-old method that has undergone a steady
      development from the introduction of water-soluble contrast agents to CT
      myelography. Since the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into clinical
      routine in the mid-1980s, the role of myelography seemed to be constantly less
      important in spinal diagnostics, but it remains a method that is probably even
      superior to MRI for special clinical issues. This paper briefly summarizes the
      historical development of myelography, describes the technique, and discusses
      current indications like the detection of CSF leaks or cervical root avulsion.

PMID- 22091379
TI  - Esophageal inlet patch.
AB  - An inlet patch is a congenital anomaly consisting of ectopic gastric mucosa at or
      just distal to the upper esophageal sphincter. Most inlet patches are largely
      asymptomatic, but in problematic cases complications related to acid secretion
      such as esophagitis, ulcer, web and stricture may occur. The diagnosis of inlet
      patch is strongly suggested on barium swallow where the most common pattern
      consists of two small indentations on the wall of the esophagus. The diagnosis of
      inlet patch is confirmed via endoscopy with biopsy. At endoscopy, the lesion
      appears salmon-coloured and velvety and is easily distinguished from the normal
      grey-white squamous epithelium of the esophagus. The prominent margins correlate
      with the radiological findings of indentations and rim-like shadows on barium
      swallow. Histopathology provides the definitive diagnosis by demonstrating
      gastric mucosa adjacent to normal esophageal mucosa. No treatment is required for
      asymptomatic inlet patches. Symptomatic cases are treated with proton pump
      inhibitors to relieve symptoms related to acid secretion. Strictures and webs are
      treated with serial dilatation and should be biopsied to rule out malignancy.

PMID- 22091380
TI  - MR Angiography of Peripheral Arterial Stents: In Vitro Evaluation of 22 Different
      Stent Types.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate stent lumen visibility of a large sample of different
      peripheral arterial (iliac, renal, carotid) stents using magnetic resonance
      angiography in vitro. Materials and Methods. 21 different stents and one
      stentgraft (10 nitinol, 7 316L, 2 tantalum, 1 cobalt superalloy, 1 PET + cobalt
      superalloy, and 1 platinum alloy) were examined in a vessel phantom (vessel
      diameters ranging from 5 to 13 mm) filled with a solution of Gd-DTPA. Stents were
      imaged at 1.5 Tesla using a T1-weighted 3D spoiled gradient-echo sequence. Image
      analysis was performed measuring three categories: Signal intensity in the stent
      lumen, lumen visibility of the stented lumen, and homogeneity of the stented
      lumen. The results were classified using a 3-point scale (good, intermediate, and
      poor results). Results. 7 stents showed good MR lumen visibility (4x nitinol, 2x
      tantalum, and 1x cobalt superalloy). 9 stents showed intermediate results (5x
      nitinol, 2x 316L, 1x PET + cobalt superalloy, and 1x platinum alloy) and 6 stents
      showed poor results (1x nitinol, and 5x 316L). Conclusion. Stent lumen visibility
      varies depending on the stent material and type. Some products show good lumen
      visibility which may allow the detection of stenoses inside the lumen, while
      other products cause artifacts which prevent reliable evaluation of the stent
      lumen with this technique.

PMID- 22091381
TI  - The risk of radiation exposure to the eyes of the interventional pain physician.
AB  - It is widely accepted that the use of medical imaging continues to grow across
      the globe as does the concern for radiation safety. The danger of lens opacities
      and cataract formation related to radiation exposure is well documented in the
      medical literature. However, there continues to be controversy regarding actual
      dose thresholds of radiation exposure and whether these thresholds are still
      relevant to cataract formation. Eye safety and the risk involved for the
      interventional pain physician is not entirely clear. Given the available
      literature on measured radiation exposure to the interventionist, and the
      controversy regarding dose thresholds, it is our current recommendation that the
      interventional pain physician use shielded eyewear. As the breadth of
      interventional procedures continues to grow, so does the radiation risk to the
      interventional pain physician. In this paper, we attempt to outline the risk of
      cataract formation in the scope of practice of an interventional pain physician
      and describe techniques that may help reduce them.

PMID- 22091382
TI  - MR Imaging of Prostate Cancer: Diffusion Weighted Imaging and (3D) Hydrogen 1 (H)
      MR Spectroscopy in Comparison with Histology.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate retrospectively the impact of diffusion weighted imaging
      (DWI) and (3D) hydrogen 1 ((1)H) MR-spectroscopy (MRS) on the detection of
      prostatic cancer in comparison to histological examinations. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 50 patients with suspicion of prostate cancer underwent a MRI
      examination at a 1.5T scanner. The prostate was divided into sextants. Regions of
      interest were placed in each sextant to evaluate the apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC)-values. The results of the DWI as well as MRS were compared
      retrospectively with the findings of the histological examination. Sensitivity
      and specificity of ADC and metabolic ratio (MET)-both separately and in
      combination-for identification of tumor tissue was computed for variable
      discrimination thresholds to evaluate its receiver operator characteristic (ROC).
      An association between ADC, MET and Gleason score was tested by the non
      parametric Spearman rho-test. Results. The average ADC-value was 1.65 +/-
      0.32mm(2)/s * 10(-3) in normal tissue and 0.96+/-0.24 mm(2)/s * 10(-3) in tumor
      tissue (mean +/- 1 SD). MET was 0.418 +/- 0.431 in normal tissue and 2.010 +/-
      1.649 in tumor tissue. The area under the ROC curve was 0.966 (95%-confidence
      interval 0.941-0.991) and 0.943 (0.918-0.968) for DWI and MRS, respectively.
      There was a highly significant negative correlation between ADC-value and the
      Gleason score in the tumor-positive tissue probes (n = 62, rho = -0.405, P =
      .001). MRS did not show a significant correlation with the Gleason score (rho =
      0.117, P = .366). By using both the DWI and MRS, the regression model provided
      sensitivity and specificity for detection of tumor of 91.9% and 98.3%,
      respectively. Conclusion. The results of our study showed that both DWI and MRS
      should be considered as an additional and complementary tool to the T2-weighted
      MRI for detecting prostate cancer.

PMID- 22091383
TI  - Differential effects of alpha-particle radiation and x-irradiation on genes
      associated with apoptosis.
AB  - This study examined differential effects of alpha-(alpha-) particle radiation and
      X-rays on apoptosis and associated changes in gene expression. Human monocytic
      cells were exposed to alpha-particle radiation and X-rays from 0 to 1.5 Gy. Four
      days postexposure, cell death was measured by flow cytometry and 84 genes related
      to apoptosis were analyzed using real-time PCR. On average, 33% of the cells were
      apoptotic at 1.5 Gy of alpha-particle radiation. Transcript profiling showed
      statistical expression of 15 genes at all three doses tested. Cells exposed to X
      rays were <5% apoptotic at ~1.5 Gy and induced less than a 2-fold expression in 6
      apoptotic genes at the higher doses of radiation. Among these 6 genes, Fas and
      TNF-alpha were common to the alpha-irradiated cells. This data suggests that
      alpha-particle radiation initiates cell death by TNF-alpha and Fas activation and
      through intermediate signalling mediators that are distinct from X-irradiated
      cells.

PMID- 22091384
TI  - Advances in imaging for atrial fibrillation ablation.
AB  - Over the last fifteen years, our understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial
      fibrillation (AF) has paved the way for ablation to be utilized as an effective
      treatment option. With the aim of gaining more detailed anatomical
      representation, advances have been made using various imaging modalities, both
      before and during the ablation procedure, in planning and execution. Options have
      flourished from procedural fluoroscopy, electroanatomic mapping systems,
      preprocedural computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      ultrasound, and combinations of these technologies. Exciting work is underway in
      an effort to allow the electrophysiologist to assess scar formation in real time.
      One advantage would be to lessen the learning curve for what are very complex
      procedures. The hope of these developments is to improve the likelihood of a
      successful ablation procedure and to allow more patients access to this
      treatment.

PMID- 22091385
TI  - Osteoid osteoma: can impedance levels in radiofrequency thermocoagulation predict
      recurrence?
AB  - Objective. To evaluate rise in impedance during percutaneous radiofrequency
      thermocoagulation (PRFTC) of osteoid osteomas as a predictor of local recurrence.
      Design and Patients. A prospective study of 23 patients (24 PRFTC procedures)
      with minimum of 2.25-year followup (average 3.3 years). Average age 19.6 years
      (range 4-44), sex ratio 15 : 8 (male : female), 16 nondiaphyseal, 7 diaphyseal.
      Results. In 19 procedures, an increase in impedance was measured-no recurrences
      have occurred in this group to date. In 5 procedures, no increase in impedance
      was seen (3 non-diaphyseal, 2 diaphyseal), and 1 recurrence has been seen in this
      group to date. This difference is statistically significant with a P value of
      .05.

PMID- 22091386
TI  - Clinical outcome of intra-arterial embolization for treatment of patients with
      pelvic trauma.
AB  - Purpose. To analyse the technical success of pelvic embolization in our
      institution and to assess periprocedural hemodynamic status and
      morbidity/mortality of all pelvic trauma patients who underwent pelvic
      embolization. Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients with a pelvic
      fracture due to trauma who underwent arterial embolization was performed.
      Clinical data, pelvic radiographs, contrast-enhanced CT-scans, and angiographic
      findings were reviewed. Subsequently, the technical success and peri-procedural
      hemodynamic status were evaluated and described. Results. 19 trauma patients with
      fractures of the pelvis underwent arterial embolization. Initially, 10/19
      patients (53%) were hemodynamically unstable prior to embolization. Technical
      success of embolization was 100%. 14/19 patients (74%) were stable after
      embolization, and treatment success was high as 74%. Conclusion. Angiography with
      subsequent embolization should be performed in patients with a pelvic fracture
      due to trauma and hemodynamic instability, after surgical intervention or with a
      persistent arterial blush indicative of an active bleeding on CT.

PMID- 22091388
TI  - Signatures of drug sensitivity in nonsmall cell lung cancer.
AB  - We profiled receptor tyrosine kinase pathway activation and key gene mutations in
      eight human lung tumor cell lines and 50 human lung tumor tissue samples to
      define molecular pathways. A panel of eight kinase inhibitors was used to
      determine whether blocking pathway activation affected the tumor cell growth. The
      HER1 pathway in HER1 mutant cell lines HCC827 and H1975 were found to be highly
      activated and sensitive to HER1 inhibition. H1993 is a c-MET amplified cell line
      showing c-MET and HER1 pathway activation and responsiveness to c-MET inhibitor
      treatment. IGF-1R pathway activated H358 and A549 cells are sensitive to IGF-1R
      inhibition. The downstream PI3K inhibitor, BEZ-235, effectively inhibited tumor
      cell growth in most of the cell lines tested, except the H1993 and H1650 cells,
      while the MEK inhibitor PD-325901 was effective in blocking the growth of KRAS
      mutated cell line H1734 but not H358, A549 and H460. Hierarchical clustering of
      primary tumor samples with the corresponding tumor cell lines based on their
      pathway signatures revealed similar profiles for HER1, c-MET and IGF-1R pathway
      activation and predict potential treatment options for the primary tumors based
      on the tumor cell lines response to the panel of kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 22091387
TI  - Urine glycoprotein profile reveals novel markers for chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem, and
      progression to end-stage renal disease leads to dramatic increases in morbidity
      and mortality. The mechanisms underlying progression of disease are poorly
      defined, and current noninvasive markers incompletely correlate with disease
      progression. Therefore, there is a great need for discovering novel markers for
      CKD. We utilized a glycoproteomic profiling approach to test the hypothesis that
      the urinary glycoproteome profile from subjects with CKD would be distinct from
      healthy controls. N-linked glycoproteins were isolated and enriched from the
      urine of healthy controls and subjects with CKD. This strategy identified several
      differentially expressed proteins in CKD, including a diverse array of proteins
      with endopeptidase inhibitor activity, protein binding functions, and acute
      phase/immune-stress response activity supporting the proposal that inflammation
      may play a central role in CKD. Additionally, several of these proteins have been
      previously linked to kidney disease implicating a mechanistic role in disease
      pathogenesis. Collectively, our observations suggest that the human urinary
      glycoproteome may serve as a discovery source for novel mechanism-based
      biomarkers of CKD.

PMID- 22091389
TI  - The application of a three-step proteome analysis for identification of new
      biomarkers of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - We searched for novel tumor markers of pancreatic cancer by three-step serum
      proteome analysis. Twelve serum abundant proteins were depleted using
      immunoaffinity columns followed by fractionation by reverse-phase high
      performance liquid chromatography. Proteins in each fraction were separated by
      two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Then the gel was stained by Coomassie
      Brilliant Blue. Protein spots in which the expression levels were significantly
      different between cancer and normal control were identified by LC-MS/MS. One
      hundred and two spots were upregulated, and 84 spots were downregulated in serum
      samples obtained from patients with pancreatic cancers, and 58 proteins were
      identified by mass spectrometry. These candidate proteins were validated using
      western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As a result
      of these validation process, we could confirm that the serum levels of
      apolipoprotein A-IV, vitamin D-binding protein, plasma retinol-binding protein 4,
      and tetranectin were significantly decreased in patients with pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22091390
TI  - Proteomic Approach to Evaluate Mechanisms That Contribute to Food Allergenicity:
      Comparative 2D-DIGE Analysis of Radioallergosorbent Test Positive and Negative
      Patients.
AB  - Proteomic profiles of RAST(+) subjects with severe food allergies and RAST(-)
      subjects were compared using 2D-DIGE analysis to obtain candidate biomarkers
      specific to food allergies. Our analysis highlighted 52 proteins that were
      differentially expressed between the RAST(+) and RAST(-) groups of which 37 were
      successfully identified that include chondroitin sulfates, zinc finger proteins,
      C-type lectins, retinoic acid binding proteins, heat shock proteins, myosin,
      cytokines, mast cell expressed proteins, and MAP kinases. Biological network
      analysis tool Metacore revealed that most of these regulated proteins play a role
      in immune tolerance, hypersensitivity and modulate cytokine patterns inducing a
      Th2 response that typically results in IgE-mediated allergic response which has a
      direct or indirect biological link to food allergy. Identifying unique biomarkers
      associated with certain allergic phenotypes and potentially cross-reactive
      proteins through bioinformatics analyses will provide enormous insight into the
      mechanisms that underlie allergic response in patients with food allergies.

PMID- 22091391
TI  - A bayesian model averaging approach to the quantification of overlapping peptides
      in an maldi-tof mass spectrum.
AB  - In a high-resolution MALDI-TOF mass spectrum, a peptide produces multiple peaks,
      corresponding to the isotopic variants of the molecules. An overlap occurs when
      two peptides appear in the vicinity of the mass coordinate, resulting in the
      difficulty of quantifying the relative abundance and the exact masses of these
      peptides. To address the problem, two factors need to be considered: (1) the
      variability pertaining to the abundances of the isotopic variants (2) extra
      information content needed to supplement the information contained in data. We
      propose a Bayesian model for the incorporation of prior information. Such
      information exists, for example, for the distribution of the masses of peptides
      and the abundances of the isotopic variants. The model we develop allows for the
      correct estimation of the parameters of interest. The validity of the modeling
      approach is verified by a real-life case study from a controlled mass
      spectrometry experiment and by a simulation study.

PMID- 22091392
TI  - Allelic Diversity of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II DRB Gene in Indian
      Cattle and Buffalo.
AB  - The present study was conducted to study the diversity of MHC-DRB3 alleles in
      Indian cattle and buffalo breeds. Previously reported BoLA-DRB exon 2 alleles of
      Indian Zebu cattle, Bos taurus cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats were analyzed
      for the identities and divergence among various allele sequences. Comparison of
      predicted amino acid residues of DRB3 exon 2 alleles with similar alleles from
      other ruminants revealed considerable congruence in amino acid substitution
      pattern. These alleles showed a high degree of nucleotide and amino acid
      polymorphism at positions forming peptide-binding regions. A higher rate of
      nonsynonymous substitution was detected at the peptide-binding regions,
      indicating that BoLA-DRB3 allelic sequence evolution was driven by positive
      selection.

PMID- 22091393
TI  - Glycolysis in the african trypanosome: targeting enzymes and their subcellular
      compartments for therapeutic development.
AB  - Subspecies of the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, which cause human
      African trypanosomiasis, are transmitted by the tsetse fly, with transmission
      essential lifecycle stages occurring in both the insect vector and human host.
      During infection of the human host, the parasite is limited to using glycolysis
      of host sugar for ATP production. This dependence on glucose breakdown presents a
      series of targets for potential therapeutic development, many of which have been
      explored and validated as therapeutic targets experimentally. These include
      enzymes directly involved in glucose metabolism (e.g., the trypanosome
      hexokinases), as well as cellular components required for development and
      maintenance of the essential subcellular compartments that house the major part
      of the pathway, the glycosomes.

PMID- 22091394
TI  - Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of trypanosomatids: characterization, target
      validation, and drug discovery.
AB  - In trypanosomatids, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), the first enzyme
      of the pentosephosphate pathway, is essential for the defense of the parasite
      against oxidative stress. Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania
      mexicana G6PDHs have been characterized. The parasites' G6PDHs contain a unique
      37 amino acid long N-terminal extension that in T. cruzi seems to regulate the
      enzyme activity in a redox-state-dependent manner. T. brucei and T. cruzi G6PDHs,
      but not their Leishmania spp. counterpart, are inhibited, in an uncompetitive
      way, by steroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone and derivatives. The Trypanosoma
      enzymes are more susceptible to inhibition by these compounds than the human
      G6PDH. The steroids also effectively kill cultured trypanosomes but not
      Leishmania and are presently considered as promising leads for the development of
      new parasite-selective chemotherapeutic agents.

PMID- 22091395
TI  - Protein methylation and stress granules: posttranslational remodeler or innocent
      bystander?
AB  - Stress granules contain a large number of post-translationally modified proteins,
      and studies have shown that these modifications serve as recruitment tags for
      specific proteins and even control the assembly and disassembly of the granules
      themselves. Work originating from our laboratory has focused on the role protein
      methylation plays in stress granule composition and function. We have
      demonstrated that both asymmetrically and symmetrically dimethylated proteins are
      core constituents of stress granules, and we have endeavored to understand when
      and how this occurs. Here we seek to integrate this data into a framework
      consisting of the currently known post-translational modifications affecting
      stress granules to produce a model of stress granule dynamics that, in turn, may
      serve as a benchmark for understanding and predicting how post-translational
      modifications regulate other granule types.

PMID- 22091397
TI  - Target Identification and Intervention Strategies against Kinetoplastid Protozoan
      Parasites.

PMID- 22091396
TI  - The Role of Protein Arginine Methylation in mRNP Dynamics.
AB  - In eukaryotes, messenger RNA biogenesis depends on the ordered and precise
      assembly of a nuclear messenger ribonucleoprotein particle (mRNP) during
      transcription. This process requires a well-orchestrated and dynamic sequence of
      molecular recognition events by specific RNA-binding proteins. Arginine
      methylation is a posttranslational modification found in a plethora of RNA
      binding proteins responsible for mRNP biogenesis. These RNA-binding proteins
      include both heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and
      serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins. In this paper, I discuss the mechanisms of
      action by which arginine methylation modulates various facets of mRNP biogenesis,
      and how the collective consequences of this modification impart the specificity
      required to generate a mature, translational- and export-competent mRNP.

PMID- 22091398
TI  - Cryptolepine-Induced Cell Death of Leishmania donovani Promastigotes Is Augmented
      by Inhibition of Autophagy.
AB  - Leishmania donovani are the causative agents of visceral leishmaniasis worldwide.
      Lack of vaccines and emergence of drug resistance warrants the need for improved
      drug therapy and newer therapeutic intervention strategies against leishmaniasis.
      In the present study, we have investigated the effect of the natural
      indoloquinoline alkaloid cryptolepine on L. donovani AG83 promastigotes. Our
      results show that cryptolepine induces cellular dysfunction in L. donovani
      promastigotes, which leads to the death of this unicellular parasite.
      Interestingly, our study suggest that cryptolepine-induced cell death of L.
      donovani is counteracted by initial autophagic features elicited by the cells.
      For the first time, we show that autophagy serves as a survival mechanism in
      response to cryptolepine treatment in L. donovani promastigotes and inhibition of
      autophagy causes an early increase in the amount of cell death. This study can be
      exploited for designing better drugs and better therapeutic strategies against
      leishmaniasis in future.

PMID- 22091399
TI  - Bioinformatic Analysis of Leishmania donovani Long-Chain Fatty Acid-CoA Ligase as
      a Novel Drug Target.
AB  - Fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (fatty acid: CoA ligase, AMP-forming; (EC 6.2.1.3))
      catalyzes the formation of fatty acyl-CoA by a two-step process that proceeds
      through the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate. Fatty acyl-CoA represents bioactive
      compounds that are involved in protein transport, enzyme activation, protein
      acylation, cell signaling, and transcriptional control in addition to serving as
      substrates for beta oxidation and phospholipid biosynthesis. Fatty acyl-CoA
      synthetase occupies a pivotal role in cellular homeostasis, particularly in lipid
      metabolism. Our interest in fatty acyl-CoA synthetase stems from the
      identification of this enzyme, long-chain fatty acyl-CoA ligase (LCFA) by
      microarray analysis. We found this enzyme to be differentially expressed by
      Leishmania donovani amastigotes resistant to antimonial treatment. In the present
      study, we confirm the presence of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA ligase gene in the
      genome of clinical isolates of Leishmania donovani collected from the disease
      endemic area in India. We predict a molecular model for this enzyme for in silico
      docking studies using chemical library available in our institute. On the basis
      of the data presented in this work, we propose that long-chain fatty acyl-CoA
      ligase enzyme serves as an important protein and a potential target candidate for
      development of selective inhibitors against leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22091400
TI  - Experimental Chemotherapy for Chagas Disease: A Morphological, Biochemical, and
      Proteomic Overview of Potential Trypanosoma cruzi Targets of Amidines Derivatives
      and Naphthoquinones.
AB  - Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects approximately eight
      million individuals in Latin America and is emerging in nonendemic areas due to
      the globalisation of immigration and nonvectorial transmission routes. Although
      CD represents an important public health problem, resulting in high morbidity and
      considerable mortality rates, few investments have been allocated towards
      developing novel anti-T. cruzi agents. The available therapy for CD is based on
      two nitro derivatives (benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nf)) developed more than
      four decades ago. Both are far from ideal due to substantial secondary side
      effects, limited efficacy against different parasite isolates, long-term therapy,
      and their well-known poor activity in the late chronic phase. These drawbacks
      justify the urgent need to identify better drugs to treat chagasic patients.
      Although several classes of natural and synthetic compounds have been reported to
      act in vitro and in vivo on T. cruzi, since the introduction of Bz and Nf, only a
      few drugs, such as allopurinol and a few sterol inhibitors, have moved to
      clinical trials. This reflects, at least in part, the absence of well-established
      universal protocols to screen and compare drug activity. In addition, a large
      number of in vitro studies have been conducted using only epimastigotes and
      trypomastigotes instead of evaluating compounds' activities against intracellular
      amastigotes, which are the reproductive forms in the vertebrate host and are thus
      an important determinant in the selection and identification of effective
      compounds for further in vivo analysis. In addition, due to pharmacokinetics and
      absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics, several
      compounds that were promising in vitro have not been as effective as Nf or Bz in
      animal models of T. cruzi infection. In the last two decades, our team has
      collaborated with different medicinal chemistry groups to develop preclinical
      studies for CD and investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicity,
      selectivity, and parasite targets of different classes of natural and synthetic
      compounds. Some of these results will be briefly presented, focusing primarily on
      diamidines and related compounds and naphthoquinone derivatives that showed the
      most promising efficacy against T. cruzi.

PMID- 22091401
TI  - Evasion of Host Defence by Leishmania donovani: Subversion of Signaling Pathways.
AB  - Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are responsible for causing a variety
      of human diseases known as leishmaniasis, which range from self-healing skin
      lesions to severe infection of visceral organs that are often fatal if left
      untreated. Leishmania donovani (L. donovani), the causative agent of visceral
      leishmaniasis, exemplifys a devious organism that has developed the ability to
      invade and replicate within host macrophage. In fact, the parasite has evolved
      strategies to interfere with a broad range of signaling processes in macrophage
      that includes Protein Kinase C, the JAK2/STAT1 cascade, and the MAP Kinase
      pathway. This paper focuses on how L. donovani modulates these signaling pathways
      that favour its survival and persistence in host cells.

PMID- 22091402
TI  - Screening the MayBridge Rule of 3 Fragment Library for Compounds That Interact
      with the Trypanosoma brucei myo-Inositol-3-Phosphate Synthase and/or Show
      Trypanocidal Activity.
AB  - Inositol-3-phosphate synthase (INO1) has previously been genetically validated as
      a drug target against Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping
      sickness. Chemical intervention of this essential enzyme could lead to new
      therapeutic agents. Unfortunately, no potent inhibitors of INO1 from any organism
      have been reported, so a screen for potential novel inhibitors of T. brucei
      INO1was undertaken. Detection of inhibition of T. brucei INO1 is problematic due
      to the nature of the reaction. Direct detection requires differentiation between
      glucose-6-phosphate and inositol-3-phosphate. Coupled enzyme assays could give
      false positives as potentially they could inhibit the coupling enzyme. Thus, an
      alternative approach of differential scanning fluorimetry to identify compounds
      that interact with T. brucei INO1 was employed to screen ~670 compounds from the
      MayBridge Rule of 3 Fragment Library. This approach identified 38 compounds,
      which significantly altered the T(m) of TbINO1. Four compounds showed
      trypanocidal activity with ED50s in the tens of micromolar range, with 2 having a
      selectivity index in excess of 250. The trypanocidal and general cytotoxicity
      activities of all of the compounds in the library are also reported, with the
      best having ED50S of ~20 MUM against T. brucei.

PMID- 22091403
TI  - Identification and characterization of genes involved in leishmania pathogenesis:
      the potential for drug target selection.
AB  - Identifying and characterizing Leishmania donovani genes and the proteins they
      encode for their role in pathogenesis can reveal the value of this approach for
      finding new drug targets. Effective drug targets are likely to be proteins
      differentially expressed or required in the amastigote life cycle stage found in
      the patient. Several examples and their potential for chemotherapeutic disruption
      are presented. A pathway nearly ubiquitous in living cells targeted by anticancer
      drugs, the ubiquitin system, is examined. New findings in ubiquitin and ubiquitin
      like modifiers in Leishmania show how disruption of those pathways could point to
      additional drug targets. The programmed cell death pathway, now recognized among
      protozoan parasites, is reviewed for some of its components and evidence that
      suggests they could be targeted for antiparasitic drug therapy. Finally, the
      endoplasmic reticulum quality control system is involved in secretion of many
      virulence factors. How disruptions in this pathway reduce virulence as evidence
      for potential drug targets is presented.

PMID- 22091404
TI  - MiR-146a in Immunity and Disease.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules able to influence all aspects of the
      biology of a cell. They have been associated with diseases such as cancer, viral
      infections, and autoimmune diseases, and in recent years, they also emerged as
      important regulators of immune responses. MiR-146a in particular is rapidly
      gaining importance as a modulator of differentiation and function of cells of the
      innate as well as adaptive immunity. Given its importance in regulating key
      cellular functions, it is not surprising that miR-146a expression was also found
      dysregulated in different types of tumors. In this paper, we summarize recent
      progress in understanding the role of miR-146a in innate and adaptive immune
      responses, as well as in disease.

PMID- 22091405
TI  - Databases and bioinformatics tools for the study of DNA repair.
AB  - DNA is continuously exposed to many different damaging agents such as
      environmental chemicals, UV light, ionizing radiation, and reactive cellular
      metabolites. DNA lesions can result in different phenotypical consequences
      ranging from a number of diseases, including cancer, to cellular malfunction,
      cell death, or aging. To counteract the deleterious effects of DNA damage, cells
      have developed various repair systems, including biochemical pathways responsible
      for the removal of single-strand lesions such as base excision repair (BER) and
      nucleotide excision repair (NER) or specialized polymerases temporarily taking
      over lesion-arrested DNA polymerases during the S phase in translesion synthesis
      (TLS). There are also other mechanisms of DNA repair such as homologous
      recombination repair (HRR), nonhomologous end-joining repair (NHEJ), or DNA
      damage response system (DDR). This paper reviews bioinformatics resources
      specialized in disseminating information about DNA repair pathways, proteins
      involved in repair mechanisms, damaging agents, and DNA lesions.

PMID- 22091406
TI  - A perspective on the emergence of sialic acids as potent determinants affecting
      leishmania biology.
AB  - Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania sp. has a wide range of manifestations from
      cutaneous to the deadly visceral form. They shuttle between the invertebrate and
      vertebrate hosts as promastigotes and amastigotes having adaptations for
      subverting host immune responses. Parasite-specific glycoconjugates have served
      as important determinants influencing parasite recognition, internalization,
      differentiation, multiplication, and virulence. Despite the steady progress in
      the field of parasite glycobiology, sialobiology has been a less traversed domain
      of research in leishmaniasis. The present paper focuses on identification,
      characterization, and differential distribution of sialoglycotope having the
      linkage-specific 9-O-acetylated sialic acid in promastigotes of different
      Leishmania sp. causing different clinical ramifications emphasizing possible role
      of these sialoglycotopes in infectivity, virulence, nitric oxide resistance, and
      host modulation in Leishmania spp. asserting them to be important molecules
      influencing parasite biology.

PMID- 22091407
TI  - Nucleotide Excision Repair in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) plays an essential role in many organisms across
      life domains to preserve and faithfully transmit DNA to the next generation. In
      humans, NER is essential to prevent DNA damage-induced mutation accumulation and
      cell death leading to cancer and aging. NER is a versatile DNA repair pathway
      that repairs many types of DNA damage which distort the DNA helix, such as those
      induced by solar UV light. A detailed molecular model of the NER pathway has
      emerged from in vitro and live cell experiments, particularly using model systems
      such as bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cell cultures. In recent years, the
      versatility of the nematode C. elegans to study DNA damage response (DDR)
      mechanisms including NER has become increasingly clear. In particular, C. elegans
      seems to be a convenient tool to study NER during the UV response in vivo, to
      analyze this process in the context of a developing and multicellular organism,
      and to perform genetic screening. Here, we will discuss current knowledge gained
      from the use of C. elegans to study NER and the response to UV-induced DNA
      damage.

PMID- 22091409
TI  - Copper and its complexes in medicine: a biochemical approach.
AB  - The fundamental role of copper and the recognition of its complexes as important
      bioactive compounds in vitro and in vivo aroused an ever-increasing interest in
      these agents as potential drugs for therapeutic intervention in various diseases.
      The vast array of information available for their bioinorganic properties and
      mode of action in several biological systems, combined with the new opportunities
      offered by the flourishing technologies of medicinal chemistry, is creating an
      exciting scenario for the development of a novel generation of highly active
      drugs with minimized side effects which could add significantly to the current
      clinical research and practice. In this paper we attempt to summarize all the
      available-to-date information on these issues.

PMID- 22091410
TI  - Structure and Function of the Small MutS-Related Domain.
AB  - MutS family proteins are widely distributed in almost all organisms from bacteria
      to human and play central roles in various DNA transactions such as DNA mismatch
      repair and recombinational events. The small MutS-related (Smr) domain was
      originally found in the C-terminal domain of an antirecombination protein, MutS2,
      a member of the MutS family. MutS2 is thought to suppress homologous
      recombination by endonucleolytic resolution of early intermediates in the
      process. The endonuclease activity of MutS2 is derived from the Smr domain.
      Interestingly, sequences homologous to the Smr domain are abundant in a variety
      of proteins other than MutS2 and can be classified into 3 subfamilies. Recently,
      the tertiary structures and endonuclease activities of all 3 Smr subfamilies were
      reported. In this paper, we review the biochemical characteristics and structures
      of the Smr domains as well as cellular functions of the Smr-containing proteins.

PMID- 22091408
TI  - Use of antimony in the treatment of leishmaniasis: current status and future
      directions.
AB  - In the recent past the standard treatment of kala-azar involved the use of
      pentavalent antimonials Sb(V). Because of progressive rise in treatment failure
      to Sb(V) was limited its use in the treatment program in the Indian subcontinent.
      Until now the mechanism of action of Sb(V) is not very clear. Recent studies
      indicated that both parasite and hosts contribute to the antimony efflux
      mechanism. Interestingly, antimonials show strong immunostimulatory abilities as
      evident from the upregulation of transplantation antigens and enhanced T cell
      stimulating ability of normal antigen presenting cells when treated with Sb(V) in
      vitro. Recently, it has been shown that some of the peroxovanadium compounds have
      Sb(V)-resistance modifying ability in experimental infection with Sb(V) resistant
      Leishmania donovani isolates in murine model. Thus, vanadium compounds may be
      used in combination with Sb(V) in the treatment of Sb(V) resistance cases of kala
      azar.

PMID- 22091411
TI  - Arsenic biotransformation as a cancer promoting factor by inducing DNA damage and
      disruption of repair mechanisms.
AB  - Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water poses a major global health
      concern. Populations exposed to high concentrations of arsenic-contaminated
      drinking water suffer serious health consequences, including alarming cancer
      incidence and death rates. Arsenic is biotransformed through sequential addition
      of methyl groups, acquired from s-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Metabolism of arsenic
      generates a variety of genotoxic and cytotoxic species, damaging DNA directly and
      indirectly, through the generation of reactive oxidative species and induction of
      DNA adducts, strand breaks and cross links, and inhibition of the DNA repair
      process itself. Since SAM is the methyl group donor used by DNA
      methyltransferases to maintain normal epigenetic patterns in all human cells,
      arsenic is also postulated to affect maintenance of normal DNA methylation
      patterns, chromatin structure, and genomic stability. The biological processes
      underlying the cancer promoting factors of arsenic metabolism, related to DNA
      damage and repair, will be discussed here.

PMID- 22091412
TI  - Role of cAMP Signaling in the Survival and Infectivity of the Protozoan Parasite,
      Leishmania donovani.
AB  - Leishmania donovani, while invading macrophages, encounters striking shift in
      temperature and pH (from 22 degrees C and pH 7.2 to 37 degrees C and pH 5.5),
      which act as the key environmental trigger for differentiation, and increases
      cAMP level and cAMP-mediated responses. For comprehensive understanding of cAMP
      signaling, we studied the enzymes related to cAMP metabolism. A stage-specific
      and developmentally regulated isoform of receptor adenylate cyclase (LdRACA)
      showed to regulate differentiation-coupled induction of cAMP. The soluble
      acidocalcisomal pyrophosphatase, Ldvsp1, was the major isoform regulating cAMP
      level in association with LdRACA. A differentially expressed soluble cytosolic
      cAMP phosphodiesterase (LdPDEA) might be related to infection establishment by
      shifting trypanothione pool utilization bias toward antioxidant defense. We
      identified and cloned a functional cAMP-binding effector molecule from L.
      donovani (a regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, LdPKAR) that may
      modulate metacyclogenesis through induction of autophagy. This study reveals the
      significance of cAMP signaling in parasite survival and infectivity.

PMID- 22091413
TI  - The Role of miRNAs as Key Regulators in the Neoplastic Microenvironment.
AB  - The neoplastic microenvironment has been recognized to play a critical role in
      the development of cancer. Although a large body of evidence has established the
      importance of the cancer microenvironment, the manners of crosstalk between it
      and the cancer cells still remains unclear. Emerging mechanisms of communication
      include microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that are
      involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA. Both intracellular and
      circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed in cancer and some of these
      alterations have been correlated with clinical patient outcomes. The role of
      miRNAs in the tumor microenvironment has only recently become a focus of
      research, however. In this paper, we discuss the influence of miRNAs on the tumor
      microenvironment as it relates to cancer progression. We conclude that miRNAs are
      a critical component in understanding invasion and metastasis of cancer cells.

PMID- 22091414
TI  - Peptide Inhibition of Topoisomerase IB from Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - Control of diseases inflicted by protozoan parasites such as Leishmania,
      Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium, which pose a serious threat to human health
      worldwide, depends on a rather small number of antiparasite drugs, of which many
      are toxic and/or inefficient. Moreover, the increasing occurrence of drug
      resistant parasites emphasizes the need for new and effective antiprotozoan
      drugs. In the current study, we describe a synthetic peptide, WRWYCRCK, with
      inhibitory effect on the essential enzyme topoisomerase I from the malaria
      causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The peptide inhibits specifically the
      transition from noncovalent to covalent DNA binding of P. falciparum
      topoisomerase I, while it does not affect the ligation step of catalysis. A
      mechanistic explanation for this inhibition is provided by molecular docking
      analyses. Taken together the presented results suggest that synthetic peptides
      may represent a new class of potential antiprotozoan drugs.

PMID- 22091415
TI  - Antiproliferative, Ultrastructural, and Physiological Effects of Amiodarone on
      Promastigote and Amastigote Forms of Leishmania amazonensis.
AB  - Amiodarone (AMIO), the most frequently antiarrhythmic drug used for the
      symptomatic treatment of chronic Chagas' disease patients with cardiac
      compromise, has recently been shown to have also specific activity against fungi,
      Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania. In this work, we characterized the effects of
      AMIO on proliferation, mitochondrial physiology, and ultrastructure of Leishmania
      amazonensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. The IC(50) values were
      4.21 and 0.46 MUM against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes,
      respectively, indicating high selectivity for the clinically relevant stage. We
      also found that treatment with AMIO leads to a collapse of the mitochondrial
      membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and to an increase in the production of reactive
      oxygen species, in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence microscopy of cells
      labeled with JC-1, a marker for mitochondrial energization, and transmission
      electron microscopy confirmed severe alterations of the mitochondrion, including
      intense swelling and modification of its membranes. Other ultrastructural
      alterations included (1) presence of numerous lipid-storage bodies, (2) presence
      of large autophagosomes containing part of the cytoplasm and membrane profiles,
      sometimes in close association with the mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum,
      and (3) alterations in the chromatin condensation and plasma membrane integrity.
      Taken together, our results indicate that AMIO is a potent inhibitor of L.
      amazonensis growth, acting through irreversible alterations in the mitochondrial
      structure and function, which lead to cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and/or
      autophagy.

PMID- 22091416
TI  - Cardiac tumors.
AB  - Cardiac tumors represent a relatively rare, yet challenging diagnosis. Secondary
      tumors are far more frequent than primary tumors of the heart. The majority of
      primary cardiac tumors is benign in origin, with primary malignant tumors
      accounting for 25% of cases. Metastatic tumors usually arise from lung, breast,
      renal cancer, melanomas, and lymphomas. Clinical manifestations of cardiac tumors
      depend on the size and location of the mass and the infiltration of adjacent
      tissues rather than the type of the tumor itself. Echocardiography is the main
      diagnostic tool for the detection of a cardiac mass. Other imaging modalities (C
      MRI, C-CT, 3D Echo) may offer further diagnostic information and the
      establishment of the diagnosis is made with histological examination. Management
      depends on the type of the tumor and the symptomatology of the patient.

PMID- 22091417
TI  - Controversies in the management of papillary thyroid cancer revisited.
AB  - The debate on the appropriate treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer
      (PTC) has persisted for several decades. The main controversies focus on the
      extent of surgery, the timing of central neck dissection, and the indications for
      radioactive iodine ablation. These controversies continue, for the most part, due
      to the good prognosis of PTC patients and the questionable effect these treatment
      modalities have on patient survival. This paper addresses these three
      controversies and the role of molecular tumor markers in the appropriate
      treatment selection.

PMID- 22091419
TI  - Serum Natrium Determines Outcome of Treatment of Advanced GIST with Imatinib: A
      Retrospective Study of 80 Patients from a Single Institution.
AB  - Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has drastically improved overall
      survival (OS) of patients with advanced GIST. The aim of this study is to
      evaluate the results of treatment with different TKIs on advanced GIST and
      identify prognostic factors for OS. The medical records of all patients treated
      at the Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital were retrospectively
      reviewed. Between 2001 and 2009, 80 patients with advanced GIST were treated with
      imatinib as first-line therapy. The median OS was 44 months (95% CI 31-56), and
      the 5-year OS was 40%. Since 2005, 32 patients were treated with sunitinib as 2nd
      line therapy. The median time to progression was 9 months (95% CI: 3-13 months),
      and the 3-year OS was 30%. The data illustrate that data from large multicenter
      studies are reproducible in a single sarcoma centre. This retrospective study
      pointed to low serum sodium at the start of imatinib as a possible prognostic
      factor affecting OS.

PMID- 22091418
TI  - Pathway profiling and rational trial design for studies in advanced stage
      cervical carcinoma: a review and a perspective.
AB  - Multiple genetic abnormalities will have occurred in advanced cervical cancer and
      multiple targeting is likely to be needed to control tumor growth. To date,
      dominant therapeutic targets under scrutiny for cervical cancer treatment have
      been EGFR pathway and angiogenesis inhibition as well as anti-HPV vaccines. The
      potentially most effective targets to be blocked may be downstream from the
      membrane receptor or at the level of the nucleus. Alterations of the pathways
      involved in DNA repair and in checkpoint activations, as well as the specific
      site of HPV genome integration, appear worth assessing. For genetic mutational
      analysis, complete exon sequencing may become the norm in the future but at this
      stage frequent mutations (that matter) can be verified by PCR analysis. A precise
      documentation of relevant alterations of a large spectrum of protein biomarkers
      can be carried out by reverse phase protein array (RPPA) or by multiplex
      analysis. Clinical decision-making on the drug(s) of choice as a function of the
      biological alteration will need input from bio-informatics platforms as well as
      novel statistical designs. Endpoints are yet to be defined such as the loss (or
      reappearance) of a predictive biomarker. Single or dual targeting needs to be
      explored first in relevant preclinical animal and in xenograft models prior to
      clinical deployment.

PMID- 22091420
TI  - Morbidity and mortality of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy: national cancer institute, Mexico city, Mexico.
AB  - Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is generally considered a lethal disease, with a
      poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a new approach for peritoneal surface
      disease. This study investigated the early experience with this combined modality
      treatment at a single institute. From January 2007 to March 2010, 24 patients
      were treated After aggressive CS, with HIPEC (cisplatin 25 mg/m(2)/L and
      mitomycin C 3.3 mg/m(2)/L was administered for 90-minutes at 40.5 degrees  C).
      These data suggest that aggressive CRS with HIPEC for the treatment of PC may
      result in low mortality and acceptable morbidity. Rigorous patient selection,
      appropriate and prudent operative procedures were associated with encouraging
      results in our experience.

PMID- 22091421
TI  - A very unusual presentation of metastatic colon cancer.
AB  - This case highlights two very rare complications of metastatic colorectal
      carcinoma. It describes a 59 year old female with both cutaneous and endometrial
      metastases from colorectal carcinoma. While both of these presentations are very
      unusual, they highlight the need to be vigilant about the detection of metastatic
      complications during follow up.

PMID- 22091422
TI  - A new classification and clinical predictivity for some naevus variants.
AB  - Background. The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is rapidly increasing in Europe.
      Active research is directed toward the identification of naevi as a risk factor.
      Objective. The aim of our case-control study was to observe different numbers of
      moles and different mole typology associations in order to evaluate clinical
      predictivity and to establish a new classification for some naevus variants.
      Methods. A case-control study was carried out, enrolling 64 cases affected by
      melanoma and 183 controls, between October 2009 and February 2011. Each patient
      was interviewed and subjected to clinical examination. The resulting data were
      analysed using the statistical elaboration program SPSS 16.0. Results. The
      association of target naevus with other variants increases the degree of risk
      (target + small brown Odds Ratio 5.25; confidence interval 1.8-15.4); (target +
      small brown + small black + large brown odds ratio 5.0; confidence interval 1.1
      22.4). Therefore, other variants and/or other variant combinations do not
      significantly increase risk. Conclusion. People presenting two naevus variants in
      association with other naevus variants seem to run a major risk. The general
      nonuniformity of the whole naevus panorama should be carefully considered.

PMID- 22091423
TI  - Predictors of nonsentinel nodal involvement to aid intraoperative decision making
      in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes.
AB  - Background. Up to 60% of patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) have
      no additional nodal involvement and do not benefit from completion axillary lymph
      node dissection (ALND). We aim to identify factors predicting for non-SLN
      involvement and to validate the MSKCC nomogram and Tenon score in our population.
      Methods. Retrospective review was performed of 110 consecutive patients with
      positive SLNs who underwent ALND over an 8-year period. Results. Fifty patients
      (45%) had non-SLN involvement. Non-SLN involvement correlated positively with the
      number of positive SLNs (P = 0.04), macrometastasis (P = 0.01), and inversely
      with the total number of SLNs harvested (P = 0.03). The MSKCC nomogram and Tenon
      score both failed to perform as previously reported. Conclusions. The MSKCC
      nomogram and Tenon score have limited value in our practice. Instead, we
      identified three independent predictors, which are more relevant in guiding the
      intraoperative decision for ALND.

PMID- 22091425
TI  - Spermatic cord metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as an
      inguinal mass: a case report.
AB  - Most spermatic cord masses are benign, and malignant spermatic cord tumors are
      uncommon. Spermatic cord metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) have not been previously reported in the English language literature as
      determined by a PubMed search. We report a male patient who presented with a
      painful palpable mass in the right inguinal area. The patient was diagnosed with
      HCC in 2004 and undertook a nonsurgical approach to control the cancer. A radical
      orchiectomy was performed, and the pathological report showed metastatic HCC in
      the spermatic cord. The patient received palliative radiation therapy because of
      a positive surgical margin. No recurrence was noted after 6 months of followup.

PMID- 22091424
TI  - Use of pattern recognition analysis to identify underlying relationships of
      Doxorubicin derivatives optimized for breast cancer treatment.
AB  - Introduction. Treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, drugs (hormone therapy
      and chemotherapy), and radiation. A discussion of eight drug constructs for the
      treatment of breast cancer, derived through application of in silico optimized
      molecular properties and substituent substitution, are analyzed using pattern
      recognition techniques. Methods and Materials. Determined properties of these
      eight compounds (inclusive of doxorubicin) showed a Log P varying from 0.567 to
      4.137, rotatable bonds from 5 to 12, polar surface area from 195.1 A(2) to 206.1
      A(2), and water solubility from 0.00873 mg/L to 390 mg/L. Analysis of similarity
      (ANOSIM), hierarchical cluster analysis, and neighbor-joining cluster analysis
      elucidated relationships among the drugs that are useful for pharmaceutical
      consideration. Results and Discussion. Although the new derivatives share the
      same parent scaffold (doxorubicin), elucidation by analysis of similarity
      (ANOSIM) indicates that these assorted compounds are substantially distinct. The
      number of oxygen and nitrogen atoms (hydrogen bond acceptors) remained constant
      at 12 for compounds. Although violations of the Rule of five remained constant at
      three for all compounds, the variation of Log P and water solubility offers
      potentially beneficial medicinal activity for this group of anticancer agents
      that may enhance the antitumor activity of these anthracycline antibiotics.
      Hierarchical cluster analysis results clearly differentiated the parent
      doxorubicin from all higher molecular weight analogs. This outcome is confirmed
      with the use of neighbor-joining cluster analysis. Conclusion. By utilizing in
      silico optimization with pattern recognition analysis, potentially advantageous
      analogs can be elucidated from known effective pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 22091426
TI  - Incidentally detected squamous cell carcinoma of renal pelvis in patients with
      staghorn calculi: case series with review of the literature.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis is a rare neoplasm, often unsuspected
      clinically due to its rarity and ambiguous clinical and radiological features,
      and hence patients present at advanced stages resulting in poor prognosis. We
      report here four cases of incidentally diagnosed primary renal squamous cell
      carcinoma, treated at our hospital over a short span of one year, and review the
      relevant literature. Mean age of the patients (3 males, 1 female) was 60 years.
      All suffered from staghorn stones. Interestingly, renal carcinoma was unsuspected
      clinically in all patients. In one case, a computerised tomography scan showed a
      suspicious nodule. All underwent nephrectomy for nonfunctioning kidney. In just
      two cases, tumor was identified on gross examination, while the other two only
      showed thickened pelvis. Our series emphasises the need for pelvicalyceal biopsy
      during treatment for long-standing nephrolithiasis, and thorough sampling of the
      renal pelvis in nephrectomy specimen of such patients.

PMID- 22091427
TI  - Prognostic Significance of the Number of Removed and Metastatic Lymph Nodes and
      Lymph Node Ratio in Breast Carcinoma Patients with 1-3 Axillary Lymph Node(s)
      Metastasis.
AB  - We evaluated the prognostic significance of lymph node ratio (LNR), number of
      metastatic lymph nodes divided by number of removed nodes in 924 breast carcinoma
      patients with 1-3 metastatic axillary lymph node(s). The most significant LNR
      threshold value separating patients in low- and high-risk groups with significant
      survival difference was 0.20 for disease-free survival (P < 0.001), 0.30 for
      locoregional recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001), and 0.15 for distant
      metastasis-free survival (P < 0.001), and the patients with lower LNR had better
      survival. All three LNR threshold values had independent prognostic significance
      in Cox analysis (P < 0.001 for all three of them). In conclusion, LNR is a useful
      tool in separating breast carcinoma patients with 1-3 metastatic lymph node(s)
      into low- and high-risk prognostic groups.

PMID- 22091428
TI  - Study of Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Expression in Breast Ductal
      Carcinoma In Situ by Immunohistochemical Staining in ER/PgR-Negative Invasive
      Breast Cancer.
AB  - Background. To our knowledge, the hormone receptor status of noncontiguous ductal
      carcinoma in situ (DCIS) occurring concurrently in ER/PgR-negative invasive
      cancer has not been studied. The current study was undertaken to investigate the
      ER/PgR receptor status of DCIS of the breast in patients with ER/PgR-negative
      invasive breast cancer. Methods. We reviewed the immunohistochemical (IHC)
      staining for ER and PgR of 187 consecutive cases of ER/PgR-negative invasive
      breast cancers, collected from 1995 to 2002. To meet the criteria for the study,
      we evaluated ER/PgR expression of DCIS cancer outside of the invasive breast
      cancer. Results. A total of 37 cases of DCIS meeting the above criteria were
      identified. Of these, 16 cases (43.2%) showed positive staining for ER, PgR, or
      both. Conclusions. In our study of ER/PgR-negative invasive breast cancer we
      found that in 8% of cases noncontiguous ER/PR-positive DCIS was present. In light
      of this finding, it may be important for pathologists to evaluate the ER/PgR
      status of DCIS occurring in the presence of ER/PgR-negative invasive cancer, as
      this subgroup could be considered for chemoprevention.

PMID- 22091429
TI  - Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2a presenting with pheochromocytoma and pituitary
      macroadenoma.
AB  - Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2A (MEN-2a) is a rare disease associated with
      tumors of endocrine organs. Presentation most commonly is with medullary thyroid
      cancer and infrequently with other complaints. Pituitary adenoma has been seen
      coincidentally with this disease very rarely. Presented is a case of coincident
      MEN-2a with a symptomatic pituitary adenoma and an asymptomatic pheochromocytoma.
      A brief review is also provided.

PMID- 22091430
TI  - Association of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations with metastatic
      presentations in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - We performed this retrospective study to assess the association of epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) with metastatic presentations in advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The data from 125 patients with stage III or IV NSCLC
      were analyzed. We detected EGFR mutations in 36 NSCLC patients. EGFR mutations
      were predominant in never-smokers (P < .001), patients with adenocarcinomas (P <
      .001), and female patients (P < .001). When the metastatic sites were analyzed,
      pleural metastases were associated with a high incidence of EGFR mutations (P =
      .028). Particularly, pleural metastases with minimal effusion (PMME) were
      associated with EGFR mutational status (P = .001). Patients with N3 lesions were
      less likely to harbor EGFR mutations (P = .033). On multivariate analysis, N3
      lesions (P = .017) and PMME (P < .001) remained significant factors for EGFR
      mutations. EGFR mutations may be associated with different presentations of
      pleural and N3 nodal metastases.

PMID- 22091431
TI  - Ten-year survival after liver resection for colorectal metastases: systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background. Liver resection in metastatic colorectal cancer is proved to result
      in five-year survival of 25-40%. Several factors have been investigated to look
      for prognostic factors stratifications such as resection margins, node
      involvement in the primary disease, and interval between the primary disease and
      liver metastases. Methods. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies that
      reported ten-year survival. Metaanalysis was performed to analyse the effect of
      recognised prognostic factors on cure rate for colorectal metastases. The meta
      analysis was performed according to Ottawa-Newcastle method of analysis for
      nonrandomised trials and according to the guidelines of the PRISMA. Results.
      Eleven studies were included in the analysis, which showed a ten-year survival
      rate of 12-36%. Factors that have favourable impact are clear resection margin,
      low level of CEA, single metastatic deposit, and node negative disease. The only
      factor that excluded patients from cure is the positive status of the resection
      margin. Conclusion. Predicted ten-year survival after liver resection for
      colorectal metastases varies from 12 to 36%. Only positive resection margins
      resulted in no 10-year survivors. No patient can be excluded from consideration
      for liver resection so long the result is negative margins.

PMID- 22091433
TI  - Evaluating smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates in cancer
      patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background. Tobacco smoking cessation interventions in the oncology population
      are an important part of comprehensive treatment plan. Objectives. To evaluate
      through a systematic review smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates
      in cancer patients. Search Strategy. The literature was searched using Medline,
      EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to November 2010) by three
      independent review authors. Selection Criteria. Studies were included if tobacco
      smoking cessation interventions were evaluated and patients were randomized to
      usual care or an intervention. The primary outcome measure was cessation rates.
      Data Collection and Analysis. Two authors extracted data independently for each
      paper, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Main Results. The systematic
      review found eight RCTs investigating smoking cessation interventions in the
      oncology patient population. Pooled relative risks were calculated from two
      groups of RCTs of smoking cessation interventions based on followup duration. In
      both groups, the pooled relative risk did not suggest a statistically significant
      improvement in tobacco cessation compared to usual care. Conclusions. Our review
      demonstrates that recent interventions in the last decade which are a combination
      of non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches yield a statistically
      significant improvement in smoking cessation rates compared to usual care.

PMID- 22091434
TI  - Downregulation of the adenosine a2b receptor by RNA interference inhibits
      hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth.
AB  - To investigate the biological effect of adenosine A2b receptor (A2bR) on the
      human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, three A2bR siRNA constructs were
      transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The results showed that A2bR siRNA
      reduced the levels of A2bR mRNA and protein. In order to further detect the
      function of A2bR, we established a stable hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
      (HepG2) expressing siRNA targeting the adenosine A2b receptor. Targeted RNAi
      significantly inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro, and flow cytometry (FCM)
      showed that significantly more cells expressing A2bR siRNA were in the G0/G1
      phase compared to the untransfected group ((89.56% +/- 3.15%) versus (56.19% +/-
      1.58%), P < 0.01). These results indicated that silencing the expression of
      adenosine A2b receptor in HepG2 cells can suppress cell growth effectively by
      blocking the cell cycle. Downregulation of adenosine A2b receptor gene expression
      with RNA interference could be a new approach to hepatocellular carcinoma
      therapy.

PMID- 22091435
TI  - Prepubertal daidzein exposure enhances mammary gland differentiation and
      regulates the expression of estrogen receptor-alpha and apoptotic proteins.
AB  - Mechanism of chemoprevention by daidzein (500 MUg/g bwt) was examined by
      injecting it subcutaneously at 16th, 18th, and 20th day postpartum, followed by
      counting of terminal end buds (TEBs), terminal ducts (TDs), and lobules and
      immunohistochemistry of ER-alpha, Bcl2, Bax, and caspase-3. DNA fragmentation was
      also analysed to measure the apoptosis level. Estradiol benzoate (EB) (500 ng/g
      bwt) and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) were used as reference and vehicle,
      respectively. Observations show a significant enhancement of mammary gland
      differentiation at postnatal day 21 (PND21) as well as PND50. There was a
      significant decrease of ER-alpha expression at PND21 and increase in its
      expression at PND50, in daidzein-treated animals. The ratio of expression of Bcl
      2 to Bax proteins increased at PND50 the same whereas, it decreased at PND50 due
      to daidzein. An increased expression of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation was also
      seen due to daidzein at PND50. The mammary gland of EB-treated animals showed
      response a somewhat similar to that of daidzein-treated animals.

PMID- 22091432
TI  - Innovative Therapies against Human Glioblastoma Multiforme.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme is the most invasive and aggressive brain tumor in
      humans, and despite the latest chemical and radiative therapeutic approaches, it
      is still scarcely sensitive to these treatments and is generally considered an
      incurable disease. This paper will focus on the latest approaches to the
      treatment of this cancer, including the new chemicals such as proautophagic drugs
      and kinases inhibitors, and differentiating agents. In this field, there have
      been opening new perspectives as the discovery of possible specific targets such
      as the EGFRvIII, a truncated form of the EGF receptor. Antibodies against these
      targets can be used as proapoptotic agents and as possible carriers for
      chemicals, drugs, radioisotopes, and toxins. In this paper, we review the
      possible mechanism of action of these therapies, with particular attention to the
      combined use of toxic substances (for example, immunotoxins) and
      antiproliferative/differentiating compounds (i.e., ATRA, PPARgamma agonists). All
      these aspects will be discussed in the view of progress clinical trials and of
      possible new approaches for directed drug formulations.

PMID- 22091436
TI  - Novel strategy with gemcitabine for advanced pancreatic cancer.
AB  - 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used in chemotherapy for gastric and colorectal
      cancer, but gemcitabine (GEM), and not 5-FU, is approved as a standard drug for
      use in pancreatic cancer. Interindividual variation in the enzyme activity of the
      GEM metabolic pathway can affect the extent of GEM metabolism and the efficacy of
      GEM chemotherapy. Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is
      recognized as a major transporter of GEM into cells. In addition, a factor that
      activates hENT1 is the inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TS), one of the 5-FU
      metabolic enzymes; TS inhibition mediates depleting intracellular nucleotide
      pools, resulting in the activation of the salvage pathway mediated through hENT1.
      In this paper, the role of 5-FU in GEM-based chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
      is discussed with special emphasis on enzymes involved in the 5-FU and GEM
      metabolic pathways and in the correlation between GEM responsiveness and the
      expression of 5-FU and GEM metabolic enzymes.

PMID- 22091437
TI  - Screening for Prostate Cancer by Digital Rectal Examination and PSA Determination
      in Senegal.
AB  - Objectives. The goal of our study was to investigate the prevalence of prostate
      cancer in an unselected population of Senegalese men. Patients and Methods. We
      conducted the study over two years (2008 and 2009) on an unselected population of
      572 Senegalese men, aged 35 and older. The following parameters have been
      investigated: the subject's age, the presence or absence of urination disorders,
      the family's history of prostate cancer or prostate surgery, the aspects of the
      prostate on digital rectal examination (DRE), the total PSA level, and the
      outcomes of the prostate biopsies. Data entry was performed with Epi Info 6
      software and was analyzed and recorded using Excel software. We performed mean
      and frequency calculations. Results. The mean age of our patients was 65.5 years,
      with extremes of 38 and 93 years. Age groups from 50 to 59 and from 60 to 69 were
      the most represented. DRE was normal in the age group from 35 to 39, and only one
      patient in the age group from 40 to 49 had a prostate nodule. PSA level was
      greater than or equal to 4 ng/mL in 66 cases. A total of 5.4% patients had a PSA
      level greater than or equal to 10 ng/mL. Only two patients in the age group from
      40 to 49 had a PSA level greater than 4 ng/mL. Of the 72 biopsies we performed,
      prostatic adenocarcinoma was found in 30.6% of the cases. It is the only type of
      prostate cancer we found in our series. The cases of prostate cancer were mostly
      observed in the age groups from 60 to 69 and from 70 to 79. No cases were
      detected for ages younger than 50. DRE gave indications of possible
      adenocarcinoma in 27.30% cases. Its sensitivity was 27%, while its positive
      predictive value was estimated at 35%. Of all positive biopsies, 4.5% had a PSA
      level between 0 and 3.9 ng/mL. In this case, the sensitivity of PSA was 95.5%,
      and the positive predictive value was 31.8%. High-grade intraepithelial
      neoplasiae were observed in 21 cases. Conclusion. Prostate cancer is frequent in
      Senegal, and screening remains the best way for early diagnosis.

PMID- 22091438
TI  - In colorectal liver metastases, the presence of extrahepatic disease correlates
      with the pathology of the primary tumour.
AB  - Background. FDG-PET scan detects extrahepatic metastases in 20% of patients with
      colorectal liver metastases but it is reported to have approximately 16% false
      negative rates. Patients and Methods. Patients who had PET scan for metastatic
      colorectal cancer at Westmead Hospital between March 2006 and March 2010 were
      reviewed retrospectively. The results of PET scan were correlated with tumour
      characteristics that were thought to affect the overall prognosis. Results.
      Degree of tumour differentiation and vascular invasion were significantly
      predictive for the presence of extrahepatic disease on PET scan, also did the
      level of CEA. Conclusion. The detection of extrahepatic disease in colorectal
      liver metastases correlates with the biologic behaviour of the primary tumour.
      Poorly differentiated tumours and those with lymphovascular invasion behave in
      aggressive fashion and likely to have wide-spread metastases. This should be
      considered when contemplating liver resection for colorectal metastases.

PMID- 22091440
TI  - Incidental Parathyroid Disease during Thyroid Surgery: Should We Remove Them?
AB  - Aim. Despite an incidence of parathyroid "incidentalomas" of 0.2%-4.5%, only
      approximately 135 cases have been reported in the literature. We present eight
      patients in whom an incidental abnormal parathyroid gland was found during
      routine thyroid surgery. We have reviewed the literature and postulate whether
      these glands could represent further evidence of a preclinical stage of primary
      hyperparathyroidism. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all 236 thyroid
      operations performed by a single surgeon was performed to identify patients in
      whom abnormal parathyroid tissue was removed at surgery. Results. 8/236 patients
      (3.39%) had a single macroscopically abnormal parathyroid gland removed and sent
      for analysis. Seven patients were found to have histological evidence of a
      parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia. None of the patients had abnormal serum
      calcium detected preoperatively. Postoperatively, four patients had normal
      calcium, three had temporary hypocalcaemia and one refused followup. No patients
      had recurrent laryngeal nerve impairment. Conclusions. Despite the risk of
      removing a histologically normal gland, we believe that when parathyroid
      "incidentalomas" are found during surgery they should be excised and sent for
      histological analysis. We have found this to be a safe procedure with minimal
      morbidity to the patient. As the natural history of primary hyperparathyroidism
      is better understood, these glands found in normocalcaemic patients may in fact
      represent the early or preclinical phase of the disease. By removing them at the
      original operation, the patient is saved redo neck surgery with its high
      complication rate as or when clinically apparent primary hyperparthryoidism
      develops in the future.

PMID- 22091439
TI  - A systematic review of randomized controlled interventions for parents' distress
      in pediatric leukemia.
AB  - Objective. This review aims to summarize the existing evidence concerning
      interventions towards reducing stress in parents with a child with leukemia and
      their effect in child and family wellbeing. Methods. A systematic review strategy
      was conducted using MEDLINE covering the period January 1980 to June 2010.
      Results. Seven randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria including
      in total 1045 parents participants. A variety of cognitive-behavioral
      interventions problem-solving skills training programs have been used for
      managing distress in parents and children. Outcome measures are assessed by self
      report, observer report, behavioral/psychological, and physiological measures.
      The most prominent methodological problems were the marked heterogeneity in
      stress measurement and the relative absence of proper measurement and adjustment
      of moderating and mediating factors. The largest effect has been obtained by
      combined cognitive-behavioral interventions with promising but limited evidence
      for several other psychological interventions. Conclusions. Recommendations for
      future RCTs are provided, and particular attention to the quality of trial design
      and reporting is highlighted.

PMID- 22091441
TI  - Morphological analysis of optical coherence tomography images for automated
      classification of gastrointestinal tissues.
AB  - The impact of digestive diseases, which include disorders affecting the
      oropharynx and alimentary canal, ranges from the inconvenience of a transient
      diarrhoea to dreaded conditions such as pancreatic cancer, which are usually
      fatal. Currently, the major limitation for the diagnosis of such diseases is
      sampling error because, even in the cases of rigorous adherence to biopsy
      protocols, only a tiny fraction of the surface of the involved gastrointestinal
      tract is sampled. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is an interferometric
      imaging technique for the minimally invasive measurement of biological samples,
      could decrease sampling error, increase yield, and even eliminate the need for
      tissue sampling provided that an automated, quick and reproducible tissue
      classification system is developed. Segmentation and quantification of
      ophthalmologic pathologies using OCT traditionally rely on the extraction of
      thickness and size measures from the OCT images, but layers are often not
      observed in nonopthalmic OCT imaging. Distinct mathematical methods, namely
      Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and textural analyses including both spatial
      textural analysis derived from the two-dimensional discrete Fourier transform
      (DFT) and statistical texture analysis obtained independently from center
      symmetric autocorrelation (CSAC) and spatial grey-level dependency matrices
      (SGLDM), have been previously reported to overcome this problem. We propose an
      alternative approach consisting of a region segmentation according to the
      intensity variation along the vertical axis and a pure statistical technique for
      feature quantification, i.e. morphological analysis. Qualitative and quantitative
      comparisons with traditional approaches are accomplished in the discrimination of
      freshly-excised specimens of gastrointestinal tissues to exhibit the feasibility
      of the proposed method for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) in the clinical
      setting.

PMID- 22091442
TI  - Enhanced video indirect ophthalmoscopy (VIO) via robust mosaicing.
AB  - Indirect ophthalmoscopy (IO) is the standard of care for evaluation of the
      neonatal retina. When recorded on video from a head-mounted camera, IO images
      have low quality and narrow Field of View (FOV). We present an image fusion
      methodology for converting a video IO recording into a single, high quality, wide
      FOV mosaic that seamlessly blends the best frames in the video. To this end, we
      have developed fast and robust algorithms for automatic evaluation of video
      quality, artifact detection and removal, vessel mapping, registration, and multi
      frame image fusion. Our experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed
      methods.

PMID- 22091443
TI  - Fast macro-scale transmission imaging of microvascular networks using KESM.
AB  - Accurate microvascular morphometric information has significant implications in
      several fields, including the quantification of angiogenesis in cancer research,
      understanding the immune response for neural prosthetics, and predicting the
      nature of blood flow as it relates to stroke. We report imaging of the whole
      mouse brain microvascular system at resolutions sufficient to perform accurate
      morphometry. Imaging was performed using Knife-Edge Scanning Microscopy (KESM)
      and is the first example of this technique that can be directly applied to
      clinical research. We are able to achieve ~ 0.7MUm resolution laterally with 1MUm
      depth resolution using serial sectioning. No alignment was necessary and contrast
      was sufficient to allow segmentation and measurement of vessels.

PMID- 22091444
TI  - Automated detection and cell density assessment of keratocytes in the human
      corneal stroma from ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomograms.
AB  - Keratocytes are fibroblast-like cells that maintain the optical clarity and the
      overall health of the cornea. The ability to measure precisely their density and
      spatial distribution in the cornea is important for the understanding of corneal
      healing processes and the diagnostics of some corneal disorders. A novel
      computerized approach to detection and counting of keratocyte cells from ultra
      high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) images of the human
      corneal stroma is presented. The corneal OCT data is first processed using a
      state-of-the-art despeckling algorithm to reduce the effect of speckle on
      detection accuracy. A thresholding strategy is then employed to allow for
      improved delineation of keratocyte cells by suppressing similarly shaped features
      in the data, followed by a second-order moment analysis to identify potential
      cell nuclei candidates. Finally, a local extrema strategy is used to refine the
      candidates to determine the locations and the number of keratocyte cells. Cell
      density distribution analysis was carried in 3D UHR-OCT images of the human
      corneal stroma, acquired in-vivo. The cell density results obtained using the
      proposed novel approach correlate well with previous work on computerized
      keratocyte cell counting from confocal microscopy images of human cornea.

PMID- 22091445
TI  - Changes to lipid droplet configuration in mCMV-infected fibroblasts: live cell
      imaging with simultaneous CARS and two-photon fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - We have performed multimodal imaging of live fibroblast cells infected by murine
      cytomegalovirus (mCMV). The infection process was monitored by imaging the two
      photon fluorescence signal from a GFP-expressing strain of mCMV, whilst changes
      to lipid droplet configuration were observed by CARS imaging. This allowed us to
      identify three visually distinct stages of infection. Quantitative analysis of
      lipid droplet number and size distributions were obtained from live cells, which
      showed significant perturbations across the different stages of infection. The
      CARS and two-photon images were acquired simultaneously and the experimental
      design allowed incorporation of an environmental control chamber to maintain cell
      viability. Photodamage to the live cell population was also assessed.

PMID- 22091446
TI  - Increasing the field-of-view of dynamic cardiac OCT via post-acquisition
      mosaicing without affecting frame-rate or spatial resolution.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows imaging dynamic structures and fluid
      flow within scattering tissue, such as the beating heart and blood flow in murine
      embryos. For any given system, the frame rate, spatial resolution, field-of-view
      (FOV), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are interconnected: favoring one aspect
      limits at least one of the others due to optical, instrumentation, and software
      constraints. Here we describe a spatio-temporal mosaicing technique to
      reconstruct high-speed, high spatial-resolution, and large-field-of-view OCT
      sequences. The technique is applicable to imaging any cyclically moving structure
      and operates on multiple, spatially overlapping tiled image sequences (each
      sequence acquired sequentially at a given spatial location) and effectively
      decouples the (rigid) spatial alignment and (non-rigid) temporal registration
      problems. Using this approach we reconstructed full-frame OCT sequences of the
      beating embryonic rat heart (11.5 days post coitus) and compared it to direct
      imaging on the same system, demonstrating a six-fold improvement of the frame
      rate without compromising spatial resolution, FOV, or SNR.

PMID- 22091447
TI  - Split operator method for fluorescence diffuse optical tomography using
      anisotropic diffusion regularisation with prior anatomical information.
AB  - Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (fDOT) is an imaging modality that
      provides images of the fluorochrome distribution within the object of study. The
      image reconstruction problem is ill-posed and highly underdetermined and,
      therefore, regularisation techniques need to be used. In this paper we use a
      nonlinear anisotropic diffusion regularisation term that incorporates anatomical
      prior information. We introduce a split operator method that reduces the
      nonlinear inverse problem to two simpler problems, allowing fast and efficient
      solution of the fDOT problem. We tested our method using simulated, phantom and
      ex-vivo mouse data, and found that it provides reconstructions with better
      spatial localisation and size of fluorochrome inclusions than using the standard
      Tikhonov penalty term.

PMID- 22091448
TI  - Evaluation of a spectrally resolved scattering microscope.
AB  - A scattering microscope was developed to investigate single cells and biological
      microstructures by light scattering measurements. The spectrally resolved part of
      the setup and its validation are shown in detail. The analysis of light scattered
      by homogenous polystyrene spheres allows the determination of their diameters
      using Mie theory. The diameters of 150 single polystyrene spheres were determined
      by the spectrally resolved scattering microscope. In comparison, the same
      polystyrene suspension stock was investigated by a collimated transmission setup.
      Mean diameters and standard deviations of the size distribution were evaluated by
      both methods with a statistical error of less than 1nm. The systematic errors of
      both devices are in agreement within the measurement accuracy.

PMID- 22091449
TI  - In vivo evaluation of demyelination and remyelination in a nerve crush injury
      model.
AB  - Nerves of the peripheral nervous system have, to some extent, the ability to
      regenerate after injury, particularly in instances of crush or contusion
      injuries. After a controlled crush injury of the rat sciatic nerve, demyelination
      and remyelination are followed with functional assessments and imaged both ex
      vivo and in vivo over the course of 4 weeks with video-rate coherent anti-Stokes
      Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. A new procedure compatible with live animal
      imaging is developed for performing histomorphometry of myelinated axons. This
      allows quantification of demyelination proximal and remyelination distal to the
      crush site ex vivo and in vivo respectively.

PMID- 22091450
TI  - [Validation of the Argentine version of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire].
AB  - Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe and recurrent medical illness with relevant
      impact on quality of life and functioning for patients. However, we still have
      significant deficits on its detection. One of the ways to improve the accurate
      recognition of the disease consists on the administration of screening tools such
      as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). The main aim of this investigation was
      to validate the Argentine version of the MDQ and determine the optimal cut off
      for outpatients who suffer from mood disorders in our country. The total sample
      consisted of 354 adult outpatients with diagnosis of BD type I, II and NOS, and
      Unipolar - Major Mood Disorders (MDD), enrolled between 2007 and 2008, from 11
      sites of Argentina. The MDQ positively detected 53.6% of BD patients and 96.6% of
      MDD patients. The best cut off for our sample was established in 5 points for
      item 1 of the MDQ. By deleting the item 3 of the questionnaire, the performance
      was significantly improved. In conclusion, the Argentine version of the MDQ has
      demonstrated the same ability for detecting patients with BD of the English
      original version on a psychiatric population.

PMID- 22091451
TI  - [Some criminological and psychopathologic reflexions about serial crimes].
AB  - This article reviews the concept of serial crime, including murder as well as any
      action for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm upon any person. It
      characterizes three types of multi-murderers: serial killers, mass murderers, and
      spree killers. These offenders often have a specific (ritual) behavior that is
      idiosyncratic and repeated on each crime, which allows the psychological
      profiling of the murderer. Examples, a psychopathological background, and a
      description of both their criminal behavior and dynamics are provided for each of
      these criminals. They are further classified according to their different
      motivations: psychotic, prophetic or enlightened, pleasure, secondary or
      pecuniary profits, power or control. Finally, the author shares his personal
      experience over 20 years in the assessment of sexual offenders.

PMID- 22091452
TI  - [Legal approach of antisocial personality disorders].
AB  - We mention the different terms used over time to describe those behavioral
      disorders where prevailing selfishness, brutality, insensitivity,
      irresponsibility, manipulation and lack of empathy. It takes into account the
      biological, psychological and environmental theories. It refers to the importance
      of mirror neurons and its value in relation to the understanding of feelings. The
      criteria for the diagnosis, stressing the differences between psychopathic
      personalitya and antisocial personality disorder. Some sentences from different
      courts with various criteria are transcribed, for the apportionment or insanity
      of cases whose diagnosis is the psychopathic personality. Culminating with the
      legal approach of this type of personalities, from a civil and criminal
      perspective.

PMID- 22091453
TI  - [Filicide. Killer mothers].
AB  - This paper aims to conduct a literature review of filicide and its various forms,
      placing the emphasis on the perpetrators, particularly in maternal filicide and
      the incidence of mental disorders in the perpetrators. It addresses the issue
      from the perspective of forensic psychiatrists, with input from a synthesis of
      two clinical trials of women charged for this crime, in which it arrived at the
      diagnosis of psychosis in one case and Munchausen syndrome in the other.

PMID- 22091454
TI  - [Vicissitudes of hospitalization and emergency in a Prison Psychiatric hospital].
AB  - This paper evaluates the Reform of the Psychiatrist Central Ward for Men (Unit 20
      of the Federal Prison System). The aim is to study the process of adopting a new
      paradigm for medically assisting psychiatric prisoner-patients and its
      consequences. It concludes that the medical condition of a psychiatric prisoner
      should be clarified and referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine by a
      Criminal Court straightaway, and that the Department of Forensic Medicine should
      act more promptly. It also suggests the relative reduction in working hours of
      both teams.

PMID- 22091455
TI  - [An approximation to the concepts of autonomy and integrity in clinical
      practice].
AB  - This paper is about the interplay between autonomy and integrity in individuals
      in the context of the doctor-patient relationship. It analyses the concepts of
      autonomy, competence and rationality, related to the notion of individual
      integrity. It further provides a practical guide for the assessment of competence
      levels to be used by training doctors and therapists.

PMID- 22091456
TI  - [Psychiatric hospitalization for mental illness: past, present and future].
AB  - The use of psychiatric hospitalization for mental illness has evolved through
      Modernity. In the last century, indefinite and involuntary committal was a
      widespread practice but has now become an extraordinary and short-term
      therapeutic recourse. Even though law experts, doctors and other mental health
      professionals agree on the benefits of this shift, in practice there are
      disagreements rooted in the shortcomings of health service providers. The current
      medical and legal criteria for hospitalization of patients with mental disorders
      should move away from the concept of endangerment and embrace therapeutic
      procedures and social care. New contemporary challenges, such as drugs and
      violence, require the implementation of a social strategy that is more
      comprehensive than medical treatment. This article presents a series of case
      studies describing the circumstances that led to the hospitalization of mental
      health patients, mostly in the city of Buenos Aires.

PMID- 22091457
TI  - [The first contribution of Psychiatry to Legal Medicine in Argentina].

PMID- 22091458
TI  - Characterization of a novel Entamoeba histolytica strain from Burkina Faso,
      Africa, possessing a unique hexokinase-2 gene.
AB  - An Entamoeba histolytica strain (BF-841 cl1) that originated from Burkina Faso,
      Africa presented with novel, polymorphic genotypes of the serine-rich E.
      histolytica protein and the anodic hexokinase-2 (HXK-2) isoenzyme band, which
      showed less electrophoretic mobility than that of an E. histolytica reference
      strain [HM-1:IMSS cl6 (zymodeme (Z)-II)] by starch gel electrophoresis and
      isoelectric focusing (IEF). The HXK-2 gene of BF-841 cl1 had amino acid
      variations at four positions compared to the sequence of HM-1:IMSS cl6. These
      variations were absent from the sequences of four other E. histolytica strains
      with different zymodemes [KU27 (Z-II), SAW1627 (Z-IIa-), SAW755CR clB (Z-XIV),
      and KU2 (Z-XIX)]. The results of IEF showed no difference in the substrate
      specificity of HXK (HXK-1 and HXK-2) between BF-841 cl1 and the three reference
      E. histolytica strains (HM-1:IMSS cl6, SAW755 clB, and KU27). It was also
      confirmed that BF-841 cl1 was able to form liver abscesses in Syrian hamsters.

PMID- 22091459
TI  - Experimental evaluation of xenodiagnosis to detect trypanosomes at low
      parasitaemia levels in infected hosts.
AB  - In Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT) endemic areas, there are a number of
      subjects that are positive to serological tests but in whom trypanosomes are
      difficult to detect with the available parasitological tests. In most cases and
      particularly in West Africa, these subjects remain untreated, thus posing a
      fundamental problem both at the individual level (because of a possible lethal
      evolution of the disease) and at the epidemiological level (since they are
      potential reservoirs of trypanosomes). Xenodiagnosis may constitute an
      alternative for this type of cases. The objective of this study was to update the
      use of xenodiagnosis to detect trypanosomes in infected host characterized by low
      parasitaemia levels. This was carried out experimentally by infecting cattle and
      pigs with Trypanosoma congolense and T. brucei gambiense respectively, and by
      feeding tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans submorsitans and G. palpalis gambiensis,
      from the CIRDES colonies) on these animals at a time when the observed blood
      parasitaemia were low or undetectable by the classical microscopic
      parasitological tests used for the monitoring of infected animals. Our results
      showed that: i) the G. p. gambiensis colony at CIRDES could not be infected with
      the T. b. gambiense stocks used; ii) midgut infections of G. m. submorsitans were
      observed with both T. congolense and T. b. gambiense; iii) xenodiagnosis remains
      positive even at very low blood parasitaemia for both T. congolense and T. b.
      gambiense; and iv) to implement T. b. gambiense xenodiagnosis, batches of 20 G.
      m. submorsitans should be dissected two days after the infective meal. These
      results constitute a first step toward a possible implementation of xenodiagnosis
      to better characterize the parasitological status of seropositive individuals and
      the modalities of parasite transmission in HAT foci.

PMID- 22091460
TI  - [Entomological survey in the historical focus of human African trypanosomiasis of
      Bendje (Gabon)].
AB  - The situation of human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is poorly
      known in Gabon. Most of the historical foci have not been investigated for more
      than 15 years. Few cases are passively recorded from the historical focus of
      Bendje; they involved mainly fishermen but determining their contamination site
      is difficult because of their mobility due to their activity. The presence of
      these cases in that focus could favour its reactivation if the vector is still
      there. In order to assess a potential transmission risk in that area, an
      entomological survey has been carried out in it. Traps were set up during four
      days in different habitats used by humans during their daily activities. Three
      species of tsetse flies (Glossina palpalis palpalis, G. pallicera newsteadi and
      G. caliginea) were caught and two species of trypanosomes (Trypanosoma vivax and
      T. brucei s.l.) were identified by PCR. These results suggest the presence of an
      animal transmission cycle. Human-flies contact was confirmed in all type of
      habitats but no transmission was quantified in the mangrove.

PMID- 22091461
TI  - [Comparative safety study of two commercialised vaccines against canine
      babesiosis induced by Babesia canis].
AB  - The safety of two vaccines available on the French market against canine
      babesiosis - Nobivac Piro(r) (NP) and Pirodog(r) (P) - have been evaluated. Their
      local, general and biochemical impacts have been compared in a controlled
      experimental study. Three groups were used: a control group (T) and two groups
      vaccinated twice at 21 days interval. All dogs presented moderate local reaction.
      However, either clinical and biological parameters showed that the NP group
      presented a significantly more intense reaction at the injection site compared to
      the P group. No statistical difference has been revealed between the groups P and
      T evolutions.

PMID- 22091462
TI  - Study of the sustained speed of kill of the combination of fipronil/amitraz/(S)
      methoprene and the combination of imidacloprid/permethrin against Dermacentor
      reticulatus, the European dog tick.
AB  - The sustained speed of kill against Dermacentor reticulatus of two topical
      combinations, one containing fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene and the other,
      imidacloprid/permethrin, was evaluated in dogs. Two treated groups and one
      untreated control group of eight adult Beagle dogs each were randomly formed
      based on pre-infestation rates and bodyweight. Each treatment was administered
      topically once on Day 0, according to the recommended label dose and instructions
      for use. All dogs were infested with 50 adult unfed D. reticulatus starting on
      Day 1, then weekly, for a total of five weeks. While most studies determine tick
      efficacy at 48 hours (h), in this study, all remaining ticks were counted and
      categorized 24 h following each infestation. The numbers of ticks (living or
      dead) that remained attached on treated dogs were compared to those on the
      control animals. The percent reduction of attached ticks (disruption of
      attachment) at 24 h on dogs treated with fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene remained
      above 92% for four weeks. The reduction of attached ticks at 24 h on dogs treated
      with imidacloprid/permethrin did not reach 80% during the entire study. The
      number of ticks attached at 24 h was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the
      fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene group than in the imidacloprid/permethrin group
      in assessments on Days 2, 15, 22, 29 and 36. When assessing efficacy based upon
      live ticks on treated versus control dogs, fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene 24 h
      efficacy was above 95% for four weeks, decreasing to 77.8% at Day 36. The 24 h
      efficacy of imidacloprid/permethrin ranged from 56.2% to 86.7% through Day 29,
      never achieving 90% throughout the study. The 24-hour efficacy of
      fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene was significantly (p<0.05) higher than
      imidacloprid/permethrin at all time points, including Day 36.

PMID- 22091463
TI  - Comparative efficacy on dogs of a single topical treatment with the pioneer
      fipronil/(S)-methoprene and an oral treatment with spinosad against
      Ctenocephalides felis.
AB  - In the study reported here, the pioneer fipronil/(S)-methoprene topical product
      (Frontline(r) Plus, Merial Limited, Duluth, GA) was compared to the oral spinosad
      product (Comfortis(r) Elanco, Greenfield, IN) for efficacy against adult fleas
      and preventing egg production. The product presentations, doses and labelling
      were the one applicable in the USA. Using a standard protocol, 200 cat fleas of
      mixed sex were applied to dogs on Days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. Dogs were
      combed to remove fleas 24 hours post-infestation, the fleas were counted,
      collected, and then reapplied to each dog following completion of their
      respective count. At 48 hours post-infestation, comb counts were performed and
      fleas were removed. No fleas were collected from any dog in the fipronil/(S)
      methoprene group at any 24 or 48 hours post-infestation assessment throughout the
      six weeks study, yielding a preventive efficacy of 100%. For the spinosad
      treatment, efficacy was 100% at 24 hours and 48 hours through Day 16, and
      thereafter declined. The results observed in the spinosad-treated dogs were
      highly variable between animals. At the 24 and 48 hours counts following the Day
      21 infestation, only five of eight spinosad-treated dogs (62.5%) were flea-free.
      Following the Day  28 infestation, spinosad efficacy fell to 85% and 89%, for the
      24 hours and 48 hours counts, and only two dogs (25%) were flea free, compared to
      100% flea-free dogs in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group. No fleas were collected
      from the fipronil/(S)-methoprene treated dogs throughout the entire study,
      therefore, no eggs were collected at any time from any dog in the group. However,
      in the spinosad group adult fleas were found on dogs starting on Day 21 and by
      Day 30, 42 eggs were collected from one dog that had 107 adult fleas counted at
      48 hours. At Day 37 and Day 49, more than 100 eggs were collected from each dog
      in the spinosad-treated and control groups.

PMID- 22091464
TI  - Antileishmanial activity of a formulation of 2-n-propylquinoline by oral route in
      mice model.
AB  - 2-n-propylquinoline is presently a drug-candidate for the treatment of visceral
      leishmaniosis in pre-clinical development. As this compound is in an oily state,
      it needs to be formulated and the objectives of this study are: to prepare a
      formulation; to demonstrate that the new salted formulation did not alter the
      activity of the active ingredient; and finally, that this activity was quite good
      compared to the reference oral drug, miltefosine. Therefore, a 2-n
      propylquinoline formulation, as camphorsulfonic salt, was prepared and
      characterised. On the Leishmania donovani / Balb/c mice model, a treatment by
      oral route at 60 mmoles/kg/day for ten consecutive days with this formulation was
      compared to 2-n-propylquinoline alone and to miltefosine, the oral reference
      drug. The salt formulation did not alter the activity of the 2-n-propylquinoline.
      The formulation reduced the parasite burden of 76% compared to 89% for
      miltefosine (not significant). The characteristics of this formulation results in
      a suitable drugability of 2-n-propylquinoline for further studies.

PMID- 22091465
TI  - Record of Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) mascittii Grassi, 1908 and Phlebotomus
      (Larroussius) chadlii Rioux, Juminer & Gibily, 1966 female in Algeria.
AB  - We report for the first time the presence of Phlebotomus mascittii and the female
      of Phlebotomus chadlii in Algeria. These two species were collected during an
      entomological study conducted in endemic visceral leishmaniasis focus from the
      north part of the country, Kabylia.

PMID- 22091466
TI  - Recovery of DNA of Giardia intestinalis cysts from surface water concentrates
      measured with PCR and real time PCR.
AB  - The most important restriction for the detection in water samples is the low
      concentration of Giardia intestinalis cysts, additional difficulty is the
      presence of PCR inhibitors. We have carried out trials in order to assess the
      sensitivity of semi-nested PCR and TaqMan real time PCR on the basis of DNA
      extracted from G. intestinalis cysts coming from spiked environmental and
      distilled water samples, filtrated with the use of Filta-Max(r) equipment (1623
      Method). Removal of inhibitors was carried out with addition of BSA in different
      concentrations. During the filtration and concentration of water samples, losses
      of cysts have been recorded. Moreover, addition of BSA to the PCR and real time
      PCR mix increases the sensitivity of reaction. The optimal concentration of BSA
      for semi-nested PCR was 15 and 20 ng/MUl, whereas for real time PCR 5 ng/MUl.

PMID- 22091467
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii in wild and domestic animals from New Caledonia.
AB  - Samples (serum or meat juice) collected from 205 animals in New Caledonia in
      April 2009 were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA using
      the multi-species ID Screen(r) Toxoplasmosis Indirect kit (IDVET, Montpellier).
      Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 2% (1/49) of the pigs, in 3.3% (1/30) of
      the cattle, in 13.8% (4/29) of Rusa deers, in 16% (4/25) of the horses, in 32.8%
      (21/64) of the dogs, and in 50% (4/8) of cats. Statistically, no significant
      difference was observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and age or sex. No
      survey on the prevalence of T. gondii in animals has ever been conducted in New
      Caledonia and this is the first serological evidence of T. gondii in Rusa deer
      (Cervus timorensis russa). These results indicate an important circulation of T.
      gondii exists in the animal populations of New Caledonia. In view of humans being
      exposed, it is advisable to insist on sanitary education and on respect for good
      hygienic and food practice.

PMID- 22091468
TI  - Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy cattle from north-west and centre of
      Romania.
AB  - Neosporosis is a disease that mainly affects cattle in both dairy and beef herds.
      The main definitive host of this parasite is the dog. Since 1984 and its first
      description a large number of data were published worldwide on this parasite. In
      Romania, the research regarding this parasite is limited. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dairy
      cattle from six regions in north-western Romania and to evaluate the intensity of
      infection in different animals groups. A total number of 901 samples (862 sera
      from adult cows and 39 sera from calves) were collected from dairy farms and were
      screened for the presence of specific IgG anti-bodies using an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence for neosporosis was
      34.6%. In adult cows and calves seroprevalences reached 34.8% (300/862) and 30.8%
      for calves (12/39) respectively. In cattle which had previously aborted,
      seroprevalence was 40.9%. These results indicate that N. caninum infection is
      widespread among animals reared in dairy systems from Romania and a program for
      farmer training and a strategy for reducing the economic impact of the disease
      are needed.

PMID- 22091469
TI  - Sensitive electrochemical immunosensor array for the simultaneous detection of
      multiple tumor markers.
AB  - A novel electrochemical immunosensor array for the simultaneous detection of
      multiple tumor markers was developed by incorporating electrochemically
      addressing immobilization and one signal antibody strategy. As a proof-of
      principle, an eight-electrode array including six carbon screen-printed working
      electrodes was used as a base array for the analysis of two important tumor
      markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and a
      horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibody was employed as a signal antibody. The
      immunosensor in the array was fabricated in sequence by covalently coupling the
      capture antibody onto the surface of the desired working electrode, which was
      firstly electrochemically addressably grafted with an aminophenyl group by
      reduction of in situ generated aminophenyl diazonium cation generated from p
      phenylenediamine, using glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. This allowed the
      selective immobilization of the capture antibody at the desired position on a
      single array via an electrochemical operation. The immunoassay in sandwich mode
      was performed by specifically binding the targets, second antibodies and one
      signal antibody to the immunosensor array. The result showed that the steady
      current density was directly proportional to the concentration of target CEA/AFP
      in the range from 0.10 to 50 ng mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.03 ng mL(-1)
      for CEA and 0.05 ng mL(-1) for AFP (S/N = 3), respectively. This work
      demonstrates that the employment of an electrochemically addressing method for
      the fabrication of an immunosensor array and one signal antibody is a promising
      approach for the determination of multiple tumor markers in clinical samples.

PMID- 22091484
TI  - Successful aging: development and testing of a multidimensional model using data
      from a large sample of older australians.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a multidimensional statistical model that could assess the
      contribution of, and interrelationships between, measures likely to contribute to
      an individual's successful aging, defined as aging well across a number of
      dimensions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Data collected from 8,841
      Australians aged 16 to 85 during the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and
      Well-Being conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. PARTICIPANTS: Two
      thousand two hundred eighty-six survey participants aged 61 to 85. MEASUREMENTS:
      Self-assessed physical and mental health, quality of life, and cognition
      constitute the outcome factor: successful aging. Attributes measuring past and
      current mental and physical health, social measures, and health behaviors were
      considered for inclusion as predictor measures. Results of the final model
      allowed calculation of individual weighted successful aging scores. RESULTS: The
      final model closely fitted responses from participants and men and women
      separately. Factors measuring mental and physical health and social support
      contributed significantly and independently to successful aging. Health
      behaviors, measuring extent of physical exercise and not smoking, contributed to
      successful aging in addition to their association with physical health. On
      average, those scoring in the highest decile of the successful aging measure
      reported having two chronic health conditions, indicating that such conditions do
      not necessarily preclude high levels of well-being in older individuals.
      CONCLUSION: This model developed from a large sample of older individuals
      identified factors worth targeting in future social and health policy initiatives
      for this age group. It also indicates that chronic illness is not necessarily a
      barrier to successful aging.

PMID- 22091485
TI  - Robust monomer-distribution biosignatures in evolving digital biota.
AB  - Because organisms synthesize component molecules at rates that reflect those
      molecules' adaptive utility, we expect a population of biota to leave a
      distinctive chemical signature on its environment that is anomalous given the
      local (abiotic) chemistry. We observe the same effect in the distribution of
      computer instructions used by an evolving population of digital organisms, and we
      characterize the robustness of the evolved signature with respect to a number of
      different changes in the system's physics. The observed instruction abundance
      anomaly has features that are consistent over a large number of evolutionary
      trials and alterations in system parameters, which makes it a candidate for a non
      Earth-centric life diagnostic.

PMID- 22091486
TI  - The O/OREOS mission: first science data from the Space Environment Survivability
      of Living Organisms (SESLO) payload.
AB  - We report the first telemetered spaceflight science results from the orbiting
      Space Environment Survivability of Living Organisms (SESLO) experiment, executed
      by one of the two 10 cm cube-format payloads aboard the 5.5 kg Organism/Organic
      Exposure to Orbital Stresses (O/OREOS) free-flying nanosatellite. The O/OREOS
      spacecraft was launched successfully to a 72 degrees  inclination, 650 km Earth
      orbit on 19 November 2010. This satellite provides access to the radiation
      environment of space in relatively weak regions of Earth's protective
      magnetosphere as it passes close to the north and south magnetic poles; the total
      dose rate is about 15 times that in the orbit of the International Space Station.
      The SESLO experiment measures the long-term survival, germination, and growth
      responses, including metabolic activity, of Bacillus subtilis spores exposed to
      the microgravity, ionizing radiation, and heavy-ion bombardment of its high
      inclination orbit. Six microwells containing wild-type (168) and six more
      containing radiation-sensitive mutant (WN1087) strains of dried B. subtilis
      spores were rehydrated with nutrient medium after 14 days in space to allow the
      spores to germinate and grow. Similarly, the same distribution of organisms in a
      different set of microwells was rehydrated with nutrient medium after 97 days in
      space. The nutrient medium included the redox dye Alamar blue, which changes
      color in response to cellular metabolic activity. Three-color transmitted
      intensity measurements of all microwells were telemetered to Earth within days of
      each of the 48 h growth experiments. We report here on the evaluation and
      interpretation of these spaceflight data in comparison to delayed-synchronous
      laboratory ground control experiments.

PMID- 22091487
TI  - Who values information from a health plan Internet-based decision tool and why: a
      demographic and utilization analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with
      utilization of health plan Internet-based decision tools. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY
      SETTING: Enrollment, claims, plan design, and web transaction data during 2008
      provided by a national health insurer for 253,398 subscribers from 919 employers.
      STUDY DESIGN: Multivariate models of the effects of demographic, health,
      employer, and plan benefit design characteristics on the use of the tool and its
      individual function categories. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS: Subscribers, who were
      either an individual member or a family, were included if at least one family
      member had 12 months of coverage in 2008. Members older than 65 and those with
      multiple insurance carriers were excluded. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Higher education,
      higher income, younger age, female gender, higher co-morbidity risk, prevalence
      of chronic conditions, Caucasian race, and English as the primary language were
      positively associated with using the tool. Plan benefit characteristics such as
      free preventive coverage, higher deductible, moderate coinsurance rate, family
      coverage, and enrollment in health savings accounts were also associated with
      higher likelihood of using the tool. CONCLUSIONS: Insurers provide consumers
      information on cost efficiency, quality, and wellness through Internet-based
      decision tools, but more effort is needed to reach certain demographics.

PMID- 22091488
TI  - Positive intelligence illusions: on the relation between intellectual self
      enhancement and psychological adjustment.
AB  - The relation between self-enhancement and psychological adjustment has been
      debated for over 2 decades. This controversy is partly due to the variety of
      approaches implicated in the assessment of mainly self-enhancement but also
      psychological adjustment. We adopted a face-valid approach by statistically
      removing actual intellectual ability variance from self-rated intellectual
      ability variance. Study 1 (N = 2,048), a concurrent Internet investigation,
      provided initial insight into the relation between intellectual self-enhancement
      and psychological adjustment. Study 2 (N = 238), a longitudinal round-robin
      investigation, allowed a closer examination of the dynamic processes underlying
      this relation. Self-enhancement was positively linked to multiple indicators of
      intrapersonal and interpersonal adjustment, and predicted rank-order increases in
      adjustment over time. The links between intellectual self-enhancement and
      intrapersonal adjustment were mediated by self-esteem. Finally, the interpersonal
      costs and benefits of self-enhancement systematically varied depending on
      methodology.

PMID- 22091489
TI  - Resection of Grade III cranial horn tears of the equine medial meniscus alter the
      contact forces on medial tibial condyle at full extension: an in-vitro cadaveric
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnitude and distribution of joint contact pressure
      on the medial tibial condyle after grade III cranial horn tears of the medial
      meniscus. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Cadaveric equine stifles (n
      = 6). METHODS: Cadaveric stifles were mounted in a materials testing system and
      electronic pressure sensors were placed between the medial tibial condyle and
      medial meniscus. Specimens were loaded parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
      tibia to 1800 N at 130 degrees , 140 degrees , 150 degrees , and 160 degrees 
      stifle angle. Peak pressure and contact area were recorded from the contact maps.
      Testing was repeated after surgical creation of a grade III cranial horn tear of
      the medial meniscus, and after resection of the simulated tear. RESULTS: In the
      intact specimens, a significantly smaller contact area was observed at 160
      degrees  compared with the other angles (P < .05). Creation of a grade III
      cranial horn tear in the medial meniscus did not significantly alter the pressure
      or contact area measurements at any stifle angle compared with intact specimens
      (P > .05). Resection of the tear resulted in significantly higher peak pressures
      in the central region of the medial tibial condyle at a stifle angle of 160
      degrees  relative to the intact (P = .026) and torn (P = .012) specimens.
      CONCLUSIONS: Resection of grade III cranial horn tears in the medial meniscus
      resulted in a central focal region of increased pressure on the medial tibial
      condyle at 160 degrees  stifle angle.

PMID- 22091490
TI  - Association between serum cholesterol and noncardiovascular mortality in older
      age.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To clarify the association between cholesterol and noncardiovascular
      mortality and to evaluate how this association varies across age groups. DESIGN:
      Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
      PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 55 to 99 (N = 5,750). MEASUREMENTS: Participants were
      evaluated for total cholesterol and subfractions and followed for mortality for a
      median of 13.9 years. Total cholesterol and its subfractions were evaluated in
      relation to noncardiovascular mortality. Cox regression analyses were conducted
      in the total sample and within age-groups (55-64, 65-74, 75-84, >=85). RESULTS:
      Age- and sex-adjusted analyses showed that each 1-mmol/L increase in total
      cholesterol was associated with an approximately 12% lower risk of
      noncardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.88, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) = 0.84-0.92, P < .001). Age group-specific analyses demonstrated that this
      association reached significance after the age of 65 and increased in magnitude
      across each subsequent decade. This was driven largely by non-high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.93, P < .001) and
      was partly attributable to cancer mortality. Conversely, HDL-C was not
      significantly associated with noncardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.79
      1.07, P = .26). CONCLUSION: Higher total cholesterol was associated with a lower
      risk of noncardiovascular mortality in older adults. This association varied
      across the late-life span and was stronger in older age groups. Further research
      is required to examine the mechanisms underlying this association.

PMID- 22091491
TI  - Relationship between vitamin D and hyperglycemia in older people from a
      nationally representative population survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between vitamin D levels and
      hyperglycemia in a national community sample of older people. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional, nationally representative sample. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS:
      Two thousand thirty-eight noninstitutitionalized adults aged 65 and older taking
      part in the Health Survey for England 2005. MEASUREMENTS: Serum 25-hydroxy
      vitamin D (25(OH) D) levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and covariates:
      age, sex, social class, season of examination, use of vitamin supplements, and
      physical health status. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia was independently associated with
      low vitamin D levels (odds ratio (OR) = 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20
      4.42 for 25(OH)D <25.0 nmol/L and OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.22-3.58 for 25(OH)D 25.0
      49.9 nmol/L) but not for 25(OH)D between 50.0 and 74.9 nmol/L (OR = 1.49, 95% CI
      = 0.85-2.62). CONCLUSION: The higher-than-expected co-occurrence of low vitamin D
      levels and hyperglycemia (HbA1c >= 6.5%) are important public health concerns for
      older populations living in northern latitudes because both are common, and both
      have substantial adverse health consequences. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels
      may help reverse the increasing trend in the development of diabetes mellitus and
      related complications in older people.

PMID- 22091494
TI  - Quality of care provided in a special needs plan using a nurse care manager
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively evaluate the quality of care provided in special
      needs plans (SNPs; Medicare Advantage plans that aim to provide specialized care
      for complex older adults) and specifically the nurse care management model in the
      community setting. DESIGN: We adapted 107 process-of-care quality measures across
      12 conditions from the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders set to obtain a
      clinically detailed evaluation of the quality of care received by complex older
      enrollees in a dual eligible Evercare SNP. We abstracted 13 months of primary
      care medical records to delineate quality of care provided by physicians and
      whether there was value added from the nurse care manager model. SETTING: Dual
      eligible Evercare SNP located in central Florida. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred
      thirty-one vulnerable older enrollees in the SNP who had complex disease.
      RESULTS: Based on physician medical records alone, the 231 high-risk participants
      (mean age 77, 67% women) received recommended care for 53% of 5,569 evaluated
      clinical circumstances, ranging from 12% for end-of-life care to 78% for diabetes
      mellitus. In fewer than 40% of these clinical circumstances was recommended care
      provided for dementia, falls, and urinary incontinence. In a second analysis
      accounting for care provided by both the Evercare nurse and the physician,
      recommended care was provided to patients in 69% of the 5,684 evaluated clinical
      circumstances. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive quality measurement applied to
      vulnerable older adults enrolled in one mature SNP showed that the Evercare nurse
      model addresses important deficits in physician care for geriatric conditions.
      Such measurement should be applied to other SNP models and to compare SNP care
      with that for complex, older, fee-for-service Medicare cohorts.

PMID- 22091492
TI  - Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical function in older adults: the
      Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and
      physical function in adults of advanced age. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and
      longitudinal analysis of physical function over 3 years of follow-up in the
      Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars. SETTING: Forsyth County, North Carolina;
      Sacramento County, California; Washington County, Maryland; and Allegheny County,
      Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults aged 77 to 100 (N = 988).
      MEASUREMENTS: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D), Short Physical Performance
      Battery (SPPB), and grip and knee extensor strength assessed at baseline.
      Mobility disability (difficulty walking half a mile or up 10 steps) and
      activities of daily living (ADLs) disability were assessed at baseline and every
      6 months over 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Almost one-third (30.8%) of
      participants were deficient in 25(OH)D (<20 ng/mL). SPPB scores were lower in
      those with deficient 25(OH)D (mean (standard error) 6.53 (0.24)) than in those
      with sufficient 25(OH)D (>=30 ng/mL) (7.15 (0.25)) after adjusting for
      sociodemographic characteristics, season, health behaviors, and chronic
      conditions (P = .006). Grip strength adjusted for body size was also lower in
      those with deficient 25(OH)D than in those with sufficient 25(OH)D (24.7 (0.6) kg
      vs 26.0 (0.6) kg, P = .02). Participants with deficient 25(OH)D were more likely
      to have prevalent mobility (OR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.96-2.14)
      and ADL disability (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.01-2.25) at baseline than those with
      sufficient 25(OH)D. Furthermore, participants with deficient 25(OH)D were at
      greater risk of incident mobility disability over 3 years of follow-up (hazard
      ratio = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.06-2.30). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was common
      and was associated with poorer physical performance, lower muscle strength, and
      prevalent mobility and ADL disability in community-dwelling older adults.
      Moreover, vitamin D deficiency predicted incident mobility disability.

PMID- 22091493
TI  - Categorizing the effect of comorbidity: a qualitative study of individuals'
      experiences in a low-vision rehabilitation program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify generalizable ways that comorbidity affects older adults'
      experiences in a health service program directed toward an index condition and to
      develop a framework to assist clinicians in approaching comorbidity in the
      design, delivery, and evaluation of such interventions. DESIGN: A qualitative
      data content analysis of interview transcripts to identify themes related to
      comorbidity. SETTING: An outpatient low-vision rehabilitation program for macular
      disease. PARTICIPANTS: In 2007/08, 98 individuals undergoing low-vision
      rehabilitation and their companions provided 624 semistructured interviews that
      elicited perceptions about barriers and facilitators of successful program
      participation. RESULTS: The interviews revealed five broad themes about
      comorbidity: (i) "good days, bad days," reflecting participants' fluctuating
      health status during the program because of concurrent medical problems; (ii)
      "communication barriers." which were sometimes due to participant impairments and
      sometimes situational; (iii) "overwhelmed," which encompassed pragmatic and
      emotional concerns of participants and caregivers; (iv) "delays," which referred
      to the tendency of comorbidities to delay progress in the program and to confer
      added inconvenience during lengthy appointments; and (v) value of companion
      involvement in overcoming some barriers imposed by comorbid conditions.
      CONCLUSION: This study provides a taxonomy and conceptual framework for
      understanding consequences of comorbidity in the experience of individuals
      receiving a health service. If confirmed in individuals receiving interventions
      for other index diseases, the framework suggests actionable items to improve care
      and facilitate research involving older adults.

PMID- 22091495
TI  - Differences in mortality associated with dementia in U.S. blacks and whites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that the geographic pattern of mortality with
      dementia coded on the death certificate varies according to race and that racial
      differences vary according to geography in the United States. DESIGN: Analysis of
      the U.S. multiple-cause-of-death files for 1999 to 2004. SETTING: United States.
      PARTICIPANTS: Decedents with dementia coded as underlying or contributing cause
      of death on the death certificate. MEASUREMENTS: Age-adjusted death rates for
      U.S. Census geographic divisions for blacks and whites aged 65 and older.
      RESULTS: From 1999 to 2004, the U.S. age-adjusted annual death rate per 100,000
      for dementia was 628 in blacks and 647 in whites. The difference between rates in
      blacks and whites ranged from -130 deaths per 100,000 (-36%) in the Middle
      Atlantic region to +55 (+8%) in the South Atlantic division. Blacks had higher
      rates in three divisions and whites in five. In the Middle Atlantic and in the
      United States as a whole, blacks were relatively more likely to receive a
      diagnosis of unspecified dementia or senility (66%) than Alzheimer's disease
      (30%) than whites (58% and 41%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although overall rates
      were similar, geographic variation in racial differences in rates of death with
      dementia occurred between U.S. regions. Further research is needed to assess
      geographic and racial variation in artifacts of certification versus biological
      variation as possible causes of variation to enhance utility of mortality data
      for disease monitoring and health-disparities research.

PMID- 22091496
TI  - Subsyndromal delirium in older long-term care residents: incidence, risk factors,
      and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of
      subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in older long-term care (LTC) residents and,
      secondarily, to explore the use of a more-restrictive definition of SSD. DESIGN:
      Cohort study with repeated weekly assessments for up to 6 months. SETTING: Seven
      LTC facilities in Montreal and Quebec City, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred
      four LTC residents aged 65 and older and free of delirium core symptoms at
      baseline. MEASUREMENTS: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Confusion
      Assessment Method (CAM), Delirium Index (DI), Hierarchic Dementia Scale (HDS),
      and Barthel Index (BI) were completed at baseline. The MMSE, CAM, and DI were
      repeated weekly for 6 months. SSD1 required one or more CAM core symptoms; SSD2,
      a more-restrictive definition, required two or more CAM core symptoms. Outcomes
      at 6 months were decline on the MMSE, HDS, and BI; mortality; and a composite
      outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 104 residents had SSD1. In survival analysis,
      the incidence was 5.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.1-6.7) per 100 person
      weeks of follow-up. In multivariate analysis, risk factors were male sex and more
      severe cognitive impairment at baseline. The differences in outcomes between
      residents with and without SSD1 were small and not statistically significant.
      SSD2 had a lower incidence (1.3, 95% CI = 0.9-1.9), similar risk factors, and
      statistically significantly worse cognitive outcomes. CONCLUSION: SSD2 appears to
      be a clinically important disorder in older LTC residents. Despite limited
      statistical power, these findings have potentially important implications for
      clinical practice and research in LTC settings.

PMID- 22091497
TI  - The feasibility of inpatient geriatric assessment for older adults receiving
      induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility and utility of a bedside geriatric assessment
      (GA) to detect impairment in multiple geriatric domains in older adults
      initiating chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). DESIGN: Prospective
      observational cohort study. SETTING: Single academic institution. PARTICIPANTS:
      Individuals aged 60 and older with newly diagnosed AML and planned chemotherapy.
      MEASUREMENTS: Bedside GA was performed during inpatient exmination for AML. GA
      measures included the modified Mini-Mental State Examination; Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; Distress Thermometer, Pepper Assessment
      Tool for Disability (includes self- reported activities of daily living (ADLs),
      instrumental ADLs, and mobility questions); Short Physical Performance Battery
      (includes timed 4-m walk, chair stands, standing balance); grip strength, and
      Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: Of 54 participants
      (mean age 70.8 +/- 6.4) eligible for this analysis, 92.6% completed the entire GA
      battery (mean time 44.0 +/- 14 minutes). The following impairments were detected:
      cognitive impairment, 31.5%; depression, 38.9%; distress, 53.7%; impairment in
      ADLs, 48.2%; impaired physical performance, 53.7%; and comorbidity, 46.3%. Most
      were impaired in one (92.6%) or more (63%) functional domains. For the 38
      participants rated as having good performance status according to standard
      oncologic assessment (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Performance Scale score <=1),
      impairments in individual GA measures ranged from 23.7% to 50%. Significant
      variability in cognitive, emotional, and physical status was detected even after
      stratification according to tumor biology (cytogenetic risk group
      classification). CONCLUSION: Inpatient GA was feasible and added new information
      to standard oncology assessment, which may be important for stratifying
      therapeutic risk in older adults with AML.

PMID- 22091498
TI  - Staging the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in older persons
      based on spirometric Z-scores.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Among older persons, the use of spirometric Z-scores as calculated by
      the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method has a strong scientific rationale for
      establishing a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its
      clinical validity in staging COPD severity is not yet known. The current study
      has therefore evaluated the association between LMS-staged COPD and health
      outcomes, in two separate cohorts of older persons. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort
      study. SETTING: The Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS, N = 3,248) and the Third
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III, N = 1,354).
      PARTICIPANTS: Community-living white participants aged 65 to 80. MEASUREMENTS:
      Using spirometric data, COPD was staged as mild, moderate, or severe based on LMS
      derived Z-scores. Clinical validity was then evaluated according to all-cause
      mortality, respiratory symptoms (chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, or wheezing), and
      moderate to severe dyspnea (available in CHS only). RESULTS: In CHS, the LMS
      staging of COPD as mild, moderate, and severe was associated with mortality
      (adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-1.94; aHR = 1.31,
      95% CI = 1.03-1.67; and aHR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.70-2.36, respectively) and with
      respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR (aOR)  = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.12-2.56; aOR = 1.87,
      95% CI = 1.28-2.73; and aOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 2.91-5.48, respectively). Also in
      CHS, moderate and severe, but not mild, LMS-staged COPD was associated with
      moderate to severe dyspnea (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.24-3.75; aOR = 3.98, 95% CI =
      2.77-5.74; and aOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.35-2.01, respectively). Similar
      associations were found for mortality and respiratory symptoms in NHANES-III,
      except mild severity was not associated with mortality (aHR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.62
      1.40). CONCLUSION: In white older persons, the spirometric staging of COPD
      severity based on LMS-derived Z-scores was associated with several clinically
      relevant health outcomes. These results support the use of the LMS method for
      staging the severity of COPD in older populations.

PMID- 22091500
TI  - Emergency department visits by nursing home residents in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize emergency department (ED) use by nursing home
      residents in the United States. DESIGN: Analysis of the National Hospital
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. SETTING: U.S. EDs from 2005 to 2008.
      PARTICIPANTS: Individuals visiting U.S. EDs stratified according to nursing home
      residency. MEASUREMENTS: All ED visits by nursing home residents were identified.
      The demographic and clinical characteristics and ED resource utilization, length
      of stay, and outcomes of nursing home residents and nonresidents were compared.
      RESULTS: During 2005 to 2008, nursing home residents accounted for 9,104,735 of
      475,077,828 U.S. ED visits (1.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8-2.1%). The
      annualized number of ED visits by nursing home residents was 2,276,184. Most
      nursing home residents were older (mean age 76.7, 95% CI = 75.8-77.5), female
      (63.3%), and non-Hispanic white (74.8%). Nursing home residents were more likely
      to have been discharged from the hospital in the prior 7 days (adjusted odds
      ratio (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1-1.9), to present with fever (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI =
      1.5-2.4) or hypotension (systolic blood pressure <=90 mmHg, aOR = 1.8, 95% CI =
      1.5-2.2), and to receive diagnostic tests (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.6-2.2), imaging
      (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3-1.7), or procedures (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.4-1.7) in the
      ED. Almost half of nursing home residents visiting the ED were admitted to the
      hospital. Nursing home residents were more likely to be admitted to the hospital
      (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.6-2.0) and to die (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.6-3.3).
      CONCLUSION: Nursing home residents account for more than 2.2 million ED visits
      annually in the United States. Nursing home residents have greater medical acuity
      and complexity. These observations highlight the national challenges of
      organizing and delivering ED care to nursing home residents in the United States.

PMID- 22091499
TI  - Lower extremity nerve function, calf skeletal muscle characteristics, and
      functional performance in peripheral arterial disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether poor lower extremity nerve function is
      associated with less-favorable calf muscle characteristics and greater functional
      impairment in people with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD). DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional. SETTING: Three Chicago-area medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Four
      hundred thirteen participants with PAD (ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.90) and
      255 without. MEASUREMENTS: Electrodiagnostic testing of the peroneal nerve was
      performed. Calf muscle cross-sectional area and percentage fat were measured
      using computed tomography at 66.7% of the distance between the distal and
      proximal tibia. Six-minute walk performance was measured. RESULTS: Adjusting for
      age, sex, race, ABI, leg symptoms, smoking, physical activity, comorbidities, and
      other covariates, lower peroneal nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was associated
      with lower calf muscle area (first quartile 4,770.3 mm(2) , fourth quartile 5,571
      mm(2) , P < .001) and poorer 6-minute walk distance (first quartile 989.2 feet,
      fourth quartile 1,210.8 feet, P < .001) in participants without diabetes mellitus
      with PAD. Lower peroneal NCV was associated with lower calf muscle area (first
      quartile 5,166.0 mm(2) , fourth quartile 6,003.8 mm(2) , P = .01) and poorer 6
      minute walk distance (first quartile 866.4 feet, fourth quartile 1,082.5 feet, P
      = .01) in participants with diabetes mellitus and PAD as well. In participants
      without PAD, lower peroneal NCV was not associated with lower calf muscle area
      but was associated with poorer 6-minute walk distance only in participants
      without diabetes mellitus (first quartile 1,317.0 feet, fourth quartile 1,570.4
      feet, P-trend < .001). CONCLUSION: Lower peroneal nerve function is associated
      with smaller calf muscle area and greater functional impairment in individuals
      with PAD. Future study is needed to determine whether improving peroneal NCV
      prevents loss of calf muscle and functional decline in people with PAD.

PMID- 22091501
TI  - Sustaining clinical programs during difficult economic times: a case series from
      the Hospital Elder Life Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore strategies used by clinical programs to justify operations
      to decision-makers using the example of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP),
      an evidence-based, cost-effective program to improve care for hospitalized older
      adults. DESIGN: Qualitative study design using 62 in-depth, semistructured
      interviews conducted with HELP staff members and hospital administrators between
      September 2008 and August 2009. SETTING: Nineteen HELP sites in hospitals across
      the United States and Canada that had been recruiting patients for at least 6
      months. PARTICIPANTS: HELP staff and hospital administrators. MEASUREMENTS:
      Participant experiences sustaining the program in the face of actual or perceived
      financial threats, with a focus on factors they believe are effective in
      justifying the program to decision-makers in the hospital or health system.
      RESULTS: Using the constant comparative method, a standard qualitative analysis
      technique, three major themes were identified across interviews. Each focuses on
      a strategy for successfully justifying the program and securing funds for
      continued operations: interact meaningfully with decision-makers, including
      formal presentations that showcase operational successes and informal means that
      highlight the benefits of HELP to the hospital or health system; document day-to
      day, operational successes in metrics that resonate with decision-maker
      priorities; and garner support from influential hospital staff that feed into
      administrative decision-making, particularly nurses and physicians. CONCLUSION:
      As clinical programs face financially challenging times, it is important to find
      effective ways to justify their operations to decision-makers. Strategies
      described here may help clinically effective and cost-effective programs sustain
      themselves and thus may help improve care in their institutions.

PMID- 22091502
TI  - Risk of fractures requiring hospitalization after an initial prescription for
      zolpidem, alprazolam, lorazepam, or diazepam in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether zolpidem is a safer alternative to
      benzodiazepines. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Community based.
      PARTICIPANTS: Health maintenance organization members with an initial
      prescription for zolpidem (n = 43,343), alprazolam (n = 103,790), lorazepam (n =
      150,858), or diazepam (n = 93,618). MEASUREMENTS: Zolpidem and benzodiazepine
      prescriptions were identified from pharmacy databases. Rates of nonvertebral
      fractures and hip fractures requiring hospitalization were compared before and
      after an initial prescription for each treatment, adjusting for confounders using
      doubly robust estimation. RESULTS: In patients aged 65 and older, the rates of
      nonvertebral fractures and dislocations were similar in the pre- treatment
      intervals. The rate ratios (RRs) for the 90-day posttreatment interval relative
      to the pretreatment interval were 2.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.78-3.65;
      P < .001) for zolpidem, 1.14 (95% CI = 0.80-1.64; P = .42) for alprazolam, 1.53
      (95% CI = 1.23-1.91; P < .001) for lorazepam, and 1.97 (95% CI = 1.22-3.18; P =
      .01) for diazepam. The ratio of RRs (RRR)-the RR in the posttreatment period
      adjusted for the corresponding RR in the pretreatment period-were 2.23 (95% CI =
      1.36-3.66; P = .006) for zolpidem relative to alprazolam, 1.68 (95% CI = 1.12
      2.53; P = .02) for zolpidem relative to lorazepam, and 1.29 (95% CI = 0.72-2.30;
      P = .32) for zolpidem relative to diazepam. The RRs decreased with time from the
      initial prescription (trend P < .001), as would be expected if the association is
      causal. CONCLUSION: In older adults, the risk of injury with zolpidem exceeded
      that with alprazolam and lorazepam and was similar to that with diazepam. If the
      associations are causal, then the high incidence of these fractures implies that
      these treatment induce a substantial number of fractures and consequential costs.
      Further study of the association is imperative.

PMID- 22091503
TI  - Use of opioids or benzodiazepines and risk of pneumonia in older adults: a
      population-based case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine whether use of opioids or benzodiazepines is associated
      with risk of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults. DESIGN: Population
      based case-control study. SETTING: An integrated healthcare delivery system.
      PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling, immunocompetent adults aged 65 to 94 from 2000
      to 2003. Presumptive pneumonia cases were identified from health plan automated
      data and validated through medical record review. Two controls were selected for
      each case with pneumonia, matched on age, sex, and calendar year. MEASUREMENTS:
      Information about opioid and benzodiazepine use came from computerized pharmacy
      data. Information on covariates including comorbid illnesses and functional and
      cognitive status came from medical record review and electronic health data.
      RESULTS: One thousand thirty-nine validated cases of pneumonia and 2,022 matched
      controls were identified. One hundred forty-four (13.9%) cases and 161 (8.0%)
      controls used prescription opioids (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-1.76 vs nonuse). Risk was highest for opioids
      categorized as immunosuppressive based on immunological studies (OR = 1.88, 95%
      CI = 1.26-1.79 vs nonuse), whereas for nonimmunosuppressive opioids the OR was
      1.23 (95% CI = 0.89-1.69). Risk was highest in the first 14 days of use (OR =
      3.24, 95% CI = 1.64-6.39 vs nonuse). For long-acting opioids, the OR was 3.43
      (95% CI = 1.44-8.21) versus nonuse, whereas for short-acting opioids, it was 1.27
      (95% CI = 0.98-1.64). No greater risk was seen for current benzodiazepine use
      compared to nonuse (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.80-1.47). CONCLUSION: Use of opioids
      but not benzodiazepines was associated with pneumonia risk. The differences in
      risk seen for different opioid regimens warrant further study.

PMID- 22091504
TI  - Cognitive complaints, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment: are they
      related?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine whether concurrent depressive symptoms and self- and
      informant-reported cognitive impairments are related to cognitive complaints.
      DESIGN: Longitudinal aging study of the relationship between depressive symptoms,
      reported cognitive impairments, and cognitive complaints. Mixed-effects
      regression models were used to determine whether scores on the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale
      (CDR) predicted cognitive complaints. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ)
      assessed cognitive complaints. SETTING: A community-dwelling sample in Baltimore,
      Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred five cognitively normal older individuals
      with a mean baseline age of 75 followed for an average of 4 years. MEASUREMENTS:
      The CES-D measured depressive symptoms. The CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) measured
      self- and informant-reported impairment, and the CFQ measured cognitive
      complaints. RESULTS: Greater depressive symptoms and reported impairments are
      associated with higher CFQ scores. In addition, there was a significant
      interaction between depressive symptoms and reported impairment. Specifically,
      individuals without reported cognitive impairment had the strongest association
      between depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints. Finally, reported
      impairments interact with baseline age, suggesting that the relationship between
      reported impairments and cognitive complaints is strongest in individuals younger
      than 80. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm a relationship between reported
      cognitive impairment and cognitive complaints in older individuals and highlight
      the extent to which age and depressive symptoms account for variation in
      complaints. These factors should be considered when interpreting cognitive
      complaints in a clinical setting.

PMID- 22091505
TI  - Chronic physical conditions in older adults with mental illness and/ or substance
      use disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between mental illness and chronic
      physical conditions in older adults and investigate whether co-occurring
      substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with greater risk of chronic
      physical conditions beyond mental illness alone. DESIGN: A retrospective cross
      sectional study. SETTING: Medicare and Medicaid programs in Massachusetts.
      PARTICIPANTS: Massachusetts Medicare and Medicaid members aged 65 and older as of
      January 1, 2005 (N = 679,182). MEASUREMENTS: Diagnoses recorded on Medicare and
      Medicaid claims were used to identify mental illness, SUDs, and 15 selected
      chronic physical conditions. RESULTS: Community-dwelling older adults with mental
      illness or SUDs had higher adjusted risk for 14 of the 15 selected chronic
      physical conditions than those without these disorders; the only exception was
      eye diseases. Moreover, those with co-occurring SUDs and mental illness had the
      highest adjusted risk for 11 of these chronic conditions. For residents of long
      term care facilities, mental illness and SUDs were only moderately associated
      with the risk of chronic physical conditions. CONCLUSION: Community-dwelling
      older adults with mental illness or SUDs, particularly when they co-occurred, had
      substantially greater medical comorbidity than those without these disorders. For
      residents of long-term care facilities, the generally uniformly high medical
      comorbidity may have moderated this relationship, although their high prevalence
      of mental illness and SUDs signified greater healthcare needs. These findings
      strongly suggest the imminent need for integrating general medical care, mental
      health services, and addiction health services for older adults with mental
      illness or SUDs.

PMID- 22091506
TI  - The cholesterol conundrum.

PMID- 22091507
TI  - Do vitamin D levels influence the risk of diabetes mellitus and play a role in
      healthier aging?

PMID- 22091508
TI  - Handing down memories of Jesse Owens.

PMID- 22091509
TI  - Unilateral acute pyelonephritis associated with a neglected pessary.

PMID- 22091510
TI  - Common but critical sensation in older adults.

PMID- 22091511
TI  - A false diabetic foot ulcer.

PMID- 22091512
TI  - An uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, blister pack drug.

PMID- 22091513
TI  - Prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation by angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors in individuals with impaired swallowing.

PMID- 22091514
TI  - Shelter-acquired pneumonia after a catastrophic earthquake in Japan.

PMID- 22091515
TI  - Population-based smoking trends in older adults: the Minnesota Heart Survey.

PMID- 22091516
TI  - Strong association between polycythemia and glucose intolerance in older adults
      living at high altitudes in the Andes.

PMID- 22091517
TI  - Association between high variability of gait speed and mild cognitive impairment:
      a cross-sectional pilot study.

PMID- 22091518
TI  - Improving office detection of asymptomatic dementia.

PMID- 22091519
TI  - Structured history taking of medication use reveals iatrogenic harm due to
      discrepancies in medication histories in hospital and pharmacy records.

PMID- 22091520
TI  - Is frailty associated with cardiovascular drug use?

PMID- 22091521
TI  - Telomere length in old age and cholesterol across the life course.

PMID- 22091522
TI  - Defining palliative care competencies in Canadian geriatric medicine subspecialty
      training.

PMID- 22091523
TI  - End-of-life and formal and informal care use of community-dwelling older adults
      with different levels of physical disability.

PMID- 22091524
TI  - Social support and mortality: if you're sick, friends can't save you.

PMID- 22091525
TI  - Elderly: a term to avoid or to embrace?

PMID- 22091526
TI  - The aging paradox: how old is old and all that jazz?

PMID- 22091527
TI  - Cholinesterase inhibitor initiation in hospital setting.

PMID- 22091528
TI  - Individualized nutritional intervention during and after hospitalization: the
      nutrition intervention study clinical trial.

PMID- 22091530
TI  - Noncovalently functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes by chitosan-grafted
      reduced graphene oxide and their synergistic reinforcing effects in chitosan
      films.
AB  - Water-soluble chitosan-grafted reduced graphene oxide (CS-rGO) sheets are
      successfully synthesized via amidation reaction and chemical reduction. CS-rGO
      possesses not only remarkable graphitic property but also favorable water
      solubility, which is found to be able to effectively disperse multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes (MWCNTs) in acidic solutions via noncovalent interaction. The
      efficiency of CS-rGO in dispersing MWCNTs is tested to be higher than that of
      plain graphene oxide (GO) and a commercial surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate
      (SDS). With incorporation of 1 wt % CS-rGO dispersed MWCNTs (CS-rGO-MWCNTs), the
      tensile modulus, strength and toughness of the chitosan (CS) nanocomposites can
      be increased by 49, 114, and 193%, respectively. The reinforcing and toughening
      effects of CS-rGO-MWCNTs are much more prominent than those of single-component
      fillers, such as MWCNTs, GO, and CS-rGO. Noncovalent pi-pi interactions between
      graphene sheets and nanotubes and hydrogen bonds between grafted CS and the CS
      matrix are responsible for generating effective load transfer between CS-rGO
      MWCNTs and the CS matrix, causing the simultaneously increased strength and
      toughness of the nanocomposites.

PMID- 22091531
TI  - Fluoride as a probe for H-bonding interactions in the active site of heme
      proteins: the case of Thermobifida fusca hemoglobin.
AB  - The structural and functional properties of the active site of the bacterial
      hemoglobin from Thermobifida fusca are largely determined by three polar amino
      acids: TrpG8, TyrCD1, and TyrB10. We have exploited the availability of a
      combinatorial set of mutants, in each of which these three amino acids have been
      singly, doubly, or triply replaced by a Phe residue, to perform a detailed study
      on H-bonding interactions between the protein and heme-bound fluoride. By
      appropriate choice of the excitation conditions, nu(Fe-F) stretching bands have
      been detected in the resonance Raman spectra. In the wild-type protein and one of
      the mutants, two nu(Fe-F) bands have been observed and assigned to the presence
      of two protein conformers where fluoride is singly or doubly H-bonded.
      Furthermore, by plotting the CT1 charge-transfer transition energy vs the nu(Fe
      F) wavenumbers, an empirical correlation has been found. The data are well fitted
      by a straight line with a positive slope. The position along the correlation line
      can be considered as a novel, general spectroscopic indicator of the extent of H
      bonding in the active site of heme proteins. In agreement with the spectroscopic
      results, we have observed that the rate of ligand dissociation in stopped-flow
      kinetic measurements progressively increases upon substitution of the H-bonding
      amino acids. Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on the fluoride
      complexes of native and mutated forms, indicating the prevalent interactions at
      the active site. All the techniques yield evidence that TrpG8 and TyrCD1 can form
      strong H bonds with fluoride, whereas TyrB10 plays only a minor role in the
      stabilization of the ligand.

PMID- 22091532
TI  - Ribose 5-phosphate glycation reduces cytochrome c respiratory activity and
      membrane affinity.
AB  - Spontaneous glycation of bovine heart cytochrome c (cyt c) by the sugar ribose 5
      phosphate (R5P) weakens the ability of the heme protein to transfer electrons in
      the respiratory pathway and to bind to membranes. Trypsin fragmentation studies
      suggest the preferential sites of glycation include Lys72 and Lys87/88 of a
      cationic patch involved in the association of the protein with its respiratory
      chain partners and with cardiolipin-containing membranes. Reaction of bovine cyt
      c with R5P (50 mM) for 8 h modified the protein in a manner that weakened its
      ability to transfer electrons to cytochrome oxidase by 60%. An 18 h treatment
      with R5P decreased bovine cyt c's binding affinity with cardiolipin-containing
      liposomes by an estimated 8-fold. A similar weaker binding of glycated cyt c was
      observed with mitoplasts. The reversal of the effects of R5P on membrane binding
      by ATP further supports an A-site modification. A significant decrease in the
      rate of spin state change for ferro-cyt c, thought to be due to cardiolipin
      insertion disrupting the coordination of Met to heme, was found for the R5P
      treated cyt c. This change occurred to a greater extent than what can be
      explained by the permanent attachment of the protein to the liposome. Turbidity
      changes resulting from the multilamellar liposome fusion that is readily promoted
      by cyt c binding were not seen for the R5P-glycated cyt c samples. Collectively,
      these results demonstrate the negative impact that R5P glycation can have on
      critical electron transfer and membrane association functions of cyt c.

PMID- 22091533
TI  - Functional neural correlates of psychometric schizotypy: an fMRI study of
      antisaccades.
AB  - Dimensional models of psychosis assume a continuum between schizotypy and
      schizophrenia. However, little is known about the overlap in brain functional
      alterations between schizotypy and schizophrenia. Fifty-four healthy volunteers
      underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during an antisaccade task, a
      measure of cognitive control known to be impaired in schizophrenia, and a
      prosaccade task. Higher positive schizotypy was correlated with higher
      antisaccade error rates. Associations between reduced blood oxygenation level
      dependent signal and higher schizotypy were found during antisaccades in the
      putamen, thalamus, cerebellum, and visual cortex and during prosaccades in the
      visual cortex, supplementary eye field, and posterior intraparietal sulcus. These
      findings show that increased schizotypy is associated with decreased antisaccade
      performance and reduced brain function in regions also affected in schizophrenia,
      therefore providing evidence of neurocognitive and neurophysiological overlap
      between schizotypy and schizophrenia.

PMID- 22091534
TI  - A randomized study of aspiration and sclerotherapy versus laparoscopic deroofing
      in management of symptomatic simple renal cysts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To perform a prospective randomized study to evaluate aspiration and
      sclerotherapy vs. laparoscopic deroofing in the management of symptomatic simple
      renal cysts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with symptomatic simple renal
      cysts were randomized to treatment either by ultrasonography-guided aspiration
      and sclerotherapy (group A-20 patients) or by laparoscopic deroofing (group B-20
      patients). Two patients in group A and one patient in group B had a parapelvic
      cyst. Patients were evaluated by urine analysis, serum creatinine level,
      coagulation profile, ultrasonography, and CT urography. In group A patients,
      after aspiration, 1% polidocanol in a volume equivalent to 10% of cyst volume was
      instilled. In group B patients, laparoscopic deroofing was performed. All
      patients were followed up by ultrasonography up to 1 year after treatment.
      RESULTS: In group A, aspiration and sclerotherapy was performed on an outpatient
      basis, and none of the patients needed postoperative analgesia. Eighteen of 20
      patients had complete regression; two of these had parapelvic cyst. Partial
      regression with relief of pain was noted in one patient, whereas treatment failed
      in one patient. None of the patients had any significant complication and none
      required analgesia. All the patients were discharged two hours after the
      procedure. In group B, laparoscopic deroofing was successfully performed in 19 of
      20 patients. Laparoscopic deroofing could not be performed in one patient with
      parapelvic cyst because of failure of access. The mean analgesic requirement was
      285 +/- 57.98 (200-400) mg tramadol, and average hospital stay was 2.1 +/- 0.32
      (2-3) days. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy with
      polidocanol is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive therapeutic option for
      symptomatic simple renal cysts, with equal efficacy and lower morbidity and
      hospital stay in comparison with laparoscopic deroofing.

PMID- 22091535
TI  - Cognitive functioning predicts driver safety on road tests 1 and 2 years later.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe longitudinal changes in mean level and evaluate rank
      order stability in potential predictors of driving safety (visual sensory, motor,
      visual attention, and cognitive functioning) and safety errors during an 18-mile
      on-road driving test in older adults and to evaluate the relative predictive
      power of earlier visual sensory, motor, visual attention, and cognitive
      functioning on future safety errors, controlling for earlier driving capacity.
      DESIGN: Three-year longitudinal observational study. SETTING: Large teaching
      hospital in the Midwest. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eleven neurologically normal
      older adults (60-89 at baseline). MEASUREMENTS: Safety errors based on video
      review of a standard 18-mile on-road driving test served as the outcome measure.
      A comprehensive battery of tests on the predictor side included visual sensory
      functioning, motor functioning, cognitive functioning, and a measure of useful
      field of view. RESULTS: Longitudinal changes in mean levels of safety errors and
      cognitive functioning were small from year to year. Relative rank-order stability
      between consecutive assessments was moderate in overall safety errors and
      moderate to strong in visual attention and cognitive functioning. Although
      prospective bivariate correlations between safety errors and predictors ranged
      from fair to moderate, only functioning in the cognitive domain predicted future
      driver performance 1 and 2 years later in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION:
      Normative aging-related declines in driver performance as assessed using on-road
      tests emerge slowly. Even in the presence of conservative controls, such as
      previous driving ability, age, and visual sensory and motor functioning,
      cognitive functioning predicted future on-road driving performance 1 and 2 years
      later.

PMID- 22091536
TI  - Persistent enhancement of functional MRI responsiveness to sensory stimulation
      following repeated seizures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neural reorganization and interictal behavioral anomalies have been
      documented in people with epilepsy and in animal seizure models. Alterations in
      behavior could be due to somatosensory dysfunction. This study was designed to
      determine whether seizures can lead to changes in somatosensory representations
      and whether those changes are persistent. METHODS: Twice-daily seizures were
      elicited by delivering 1 s of electrical stimulation through carbon fiber
      electrodes implanted in both the corpus callosum and sensorimotor neocortex of
      young adult male Long-Evans rats until a total of 20 seizures were elicited.
      Either 1-3 days or 3-5 weeks following the last seizure, functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) was used to image the brain during electrical stimulation
      of each forepaw independently. KEY FINDINGS: Forepaw stimulation in control rats
      resulted in a focused and contralateral fMRI signal in the somatosensory
      neocortex. Rats that had repeated seizures had a 151% increase in the number of
      voxels activated in the contralateral hemisphere 1-3 days after the last seizure
      and a 166% increase at 3-5 weeks after the last seizure. The number of voxels
      activated in response to forepaw stimulation was positively correlated with the
      duration of the longest seizure experienced by each rat. The intensity of the
      activated voxels was not significantly increased at either time interval from the
      last seizure. SIGNIFICANCE: The increased area of activation in somatosensory
      cortex, which is persistent at 3-5 weeks, is consistent with previous
      observations of larger motor maps following seizures. Seizure-induced changes in
      the functioning of sensory cortex may also contribute to interictal behavioral
      anomalies.

PMID- 22091537
TI  - Development of neutralizing antibody responses in muskellunge, Esox masquinongy
      (Mitchill), experimentally exposed to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus
      (genotype IVb).
AB  - A complement-dependent 50% plaque neutralization test was used to assess the
      neutralizing antibody response in sera of muskellunge, Esox masquinongy,
      experimentally infected with viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV, genotype
      IVb) by immersion. Groups of muskellunge were challenged with varying
      concentrations of VHSV: Group 1 with 10(2) plaque-forming units (pfu) mL(-1) ,
      Group 2 with 4 * 10(3)  pfu mL(-1) , Group 3 with 10(5)  pfu mL(-1) and Group 4
      with 0 pfu mL(-1) . The fish were held at a temperature of 11 +/- 1  degrees C
      and were sampled over a 20-week period. Neutralizing antibodies were not detected
      in sera of any of the negative control fish throughout the study. Low
      neutralizing titres were detected in Groups 1-3 by 6 days post-infection (p.i.).
      Neutralizing titres of >=80 [corrected]. were not detected again until 3, 4 and 7
      weeks p.i. for Groups 2, 3 and 1, respectively, with peak titres for those groups
      occurring 16, 11 and 17 weeks p.i., respectively. VHSV was detected in serum for
      up to 11 weeks p.i. Results of this study show that survivors can be detected by
      a serological technique, despite being virus negative. This may benefit the
      investigation of VHSV IVb distribution in the Great Lakes and the study of host
      immune responses to this emerging sublineage.

PMID- 22091538
TI  - Microalgae in the postgenomic era: a blooming reservoir for new natural products.
AB  - Bacteria, fungi, algae and higher plants are the most prolific producers of
      natural products (secondary metabolites). Compared to macroalgae, considerably
      fewer natural products have been isolated from microalgae, which offer the
      possibility of obtaining sufficient and well-defined biological material from
      laboratory cultures. Interest in microalgae is reinforced by large-scale data
      sets from genome sequencing projects and the development of genetic tools such as
      transformation protocols. This review highlights what is currently known about
      the biosynthesis and biological role of natural products in microalgae, with
      examples from isoprenoids, complex polyketides, nonribosomal peptides,
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxylipins, alkaloids, and aromatic secondary
      metabolites. In addition, we introduce a bioinformatic analysis of available
      genome sequences from totally 16 microalgae, belonging to the green and red
      algae, heterokonts and haptophytes. The results suggest that the biosynthetic
      potential of microalgae is underestimated and many microalgal natural products
      remain to be discovered.

PMID- 22091539
TI  - Income and reproductive motivation.
AB  - Abstract   It is often assumed that family size and income would be positively
      related if unwanted births among the less advantaged were prevented. But this
      assumption rests on a prior expectation that family-size preferences bear a
      direct relation to income in modern societies. Data on such reproductive
      preferences in relation to economic status from 13 studies in the United States
      dating between 1936 and 1966 do not support the notion of a positive association
      between reproductive preferences and income. Only when Catholics are considered
      is there even a U-shaped relation between family-size desires and income. These
      results cast doubt on the notion that the economic theory of demand for consumer
      durables is relevant to reproductive motivation. Rather, the data lend credence
      to the idea that significant non-economic influences associated with prosperity
      depress family-size desires among the well-to-do. Only if these influences are
      specifically weakened by a counter-force (such as Catholicism) do wealthier
      people show a preference for somewhat larger families. In no case, however, are
      the Catholic/non-Catholic differences in reproductive preference large. Moreover,
      no economic group, even among non-Catholics, prefers very small families.

PMID- 22091540
TI  - Malaria eradication and its effect on mortality levels.
AB  - Abstract   It is argued in this article that malaria eradication was only one of
      a group of factors which were responsible for the lowering of mortality levels in
      Ceylon in the years after 1946. The magnitude of the contribution made by these
      other factors has not generally been taken into account since they took effect
      during the period of malaria eradication, but since some of them were carried out
      in a few of the endemic malarial areas during the pre-eradication period, some
      attempt to measure them can be made of their impact on mortality levels. Further
      the effect of malaria eradication on mortality levels in the absence of these
      other measures is also studied by examining the case of Guatemala where in spite
      of malaria eradication the decline in mortality levels has not been so
      significant as in Ceylon.

PMID- 22091541
TI  - The interaction of demand and supply and its effect on the female labour force in
      the United States.
AB  - Abstract   In both 1900 and 1940 young women and unmarried women formed the most
      important component of the female labour force. By 1960, however, older women and
      married women had replaced them. An explanation for this shift is sought in
      divergent trends in the demand for female labour and in the supply of the kind of
      female workers typical of the 1900-40 period. Three series of estimates of the
      demand for female labour are compared to six series of estimates of the supply of
      different types of women. It was found that all three series of estimates of
      demand showed a rising demand for female workers in the 1900 to 1960 period.
      However, the number of young women (those aged 18-34) and of unmarried women,
      aged 18-64 was actually declining in the 1940 to 1960 period. As a consequence,
      the supply of such women was well below our estimates of demand in 1960. The
      maintenance and continued expansion of the female labour force in the 1940 to
      1960 period rested, therefore, on the greater utilization of married women and
      women over the age of 35. As a consequence, the age and marital-status
      composition of the female labour force has undergone considerable changes in the
      1940 to 1960 period.

PMID- 22091542
TI  - Population and social structure in a Bedfordshire parish: The Cardington listing
      of inhabitants, 1782.
AB  - Abstract   This paper describes some of the main social and demographic
      characteristics of a Bedfordshire parish in the second half of the eighteenth
      century. It is based on an analysis of the 'Listing of Inhabitants' of Cardington
      in 1782, and on the use of the parish registers. The listing does not allow an
      analysis of the entire population of the parish. Its most serious deficiency is
      the failure to give sufficient detail for the upper social strata of the parish
      population, viz. the residents of 'farm tenements' and a small number of other
      properties likewise poorly documented. In the main, the data given in the article
      refer only to the residents of 'cottage tenements'. They represent the majority
      of the parish population, but omit the small group at the top of village society.
      For the 'cottage tenement' population a number of conclusions are drawn. Within
      this population there was an overall excess of females over males, but the excess
      was slight, and the number and proportion of males and females in each age-group
      balanced quite closely. 43-44% of the population of known age were less than 15
      years old, and almost half the population were aged between 16 and 60 years. An
      analysis of marital status tentatively suggests that adult celibacy was rare. The
      average number of residents per 'cottage' household was only a little higher than
      the average size of family, confirming that only a small proportion of households
      contained more than one family. Household and family size may have been larger
      among craftsmen than labourers, with the households and families of the former
      containing more resident offspring than those of the latter. About one in every
      three marriages was either a broken marriage or are-marriage.   A reconstitution
      of certain 'cottage tenement' families tentatively suggests an average of over
      five baptisms per family. Yet there were only two resident offspring per family
      in 1782. The difference may be explained by the high level of infant and child
      mortality, with one-third of all baptised children failing to reach the age of 15
      years, and by the high degree of population mobility, albeit over short
      distances.

PMID- 22091543
TI  - Some factors associated with Urban-Rural fertility differentials in Mexico.
AB  - Abstract   Warren C. Robinson and others have presented strong evidence that a
      substantial portion of the variation in urban-rural fertility differentials is
      attributable to variations in infant and child mortality when the child-woman
      ratio is the index of fertility. This paper focuses on the contributions of
      several additional factors in accounting for variations in urban-rural fertility
      differentials. 1960 census data for 23 urban and rural areas in Mexico are
      investigated by means of correlation analysis. City growth and literacy
      differentials are found to be significantly related to the size of the urban
      rural fertility (child-woman ratio) differential, but their effect appears to be
      indirect, and brought about by their association with urban-rural differentials
      in the sex ratio at the reproductive ages, age at marriage, and the percentage
      married. The latter three factors are positively related to the size of the urban
      rural fertility differential. City growth is inversely related to the magnitude
      of the fertility differential.   This analysis suggests that changes in (urban)
      population composition may favour higher as well as lower urban fertility and
      thus affect the size of the urban-rural fertility differential. If this is true,
      it would appear that urbanization does not necessarily lead to lower total
      fertility (at least in its early stages), but may lead to the modification of
      certain demographic characteristics which formerly favoured lower urban
      fertility. The long-run effects of urbanization are more difficult to assess, but
      it is suggested that migrants to urban areas may require several generations to
      manifest lower fertility. This would constitute an additional factor favouring
      higher urban fertility. The possible contribution of changing mortality
      conditions is also considered.

PMID- 22091545
TI  - Notes.

PMID- 22091547
TI  - Assessment of the mutagenicity of aromatic amines from theoretical structural
      parameters: a hierarchical approach.
AB  - Abstract   A hierarchical approach has been used in this paper in predicting the
      mutagenicity/non-mutagenicity of a set of 127 chemicals from their molecular
      descriptors. The set of descriptors consisted of topostructural and topochemical
      parameters, experimental properties like log P, and quantum chemical indices
      calculated using a semi-empirical method. The results show that a combination of
      topostructural and topochemical molecular descriptors explain most of the
      variance in the experimental data. The addition of physical properties or quantum
      chemical parameters did not make any significant improvement in the predictive
      power of the models.

PMID- 22091548
TI  - Chemical sub-structural cluster expansions for molecular properties.
AB  - Abstract   The correlation of different molecular sub-structures with various
      molecular properties has a long history, of over a century. And currently such
      structural characterizations still remain of central interest in chemistry. Thus
      a general formalism to analyze a property or activity in terms of sub-structural
      contributions is of interest, and is pursued here. The approach may indeed be
      viewed as a formalization and extension of standard bond-energy ideas as arise
      even in introductory chemistry courses. The present formalism allows for:   * a
      more complete and comprehensive formulation, with higher-order corrections to
      achieve greater accuracy;   * a more general form for the class of sub-structures
      appearing in the expansion, thereby allowing more general (e.g.,
      "multiplicative") properties to be expanded; and   * a more general form for the
      expansion functions, thereby allowing more rapid convergence rates for the
      expansions.   An illustrative example for the structure/property correlation of
      conjugated-hydrocarbon pi-energy is made. Some comments on the use for describing
      bio-activities, and in particular toxicities, are made.

PMID- 22091549
TI  - A novel electron-conformational approach to molecular modeling for QSAR by
      identification of pharmacophore and anti-pharmacophore shielding.
AB  - Abstract   A novel method of pharmacophore identification and activity prediction
      in structure-activity (structure-property) relationships is worked out as an
      essential extension and improvement of previous publications. In this method each
      conformation of the molecular systems in the training set of the SAR problem is
      presented by both electronic structure and geometry parameters arranged in a
      matrix form. Multiple comparisons of these matrices for the active and inactive
      compounds allows one to separate a smaller number of matrix elements that are
      common for all the active compounds and are not present in the same arrangement
      in the inactive ones. This submatrix of activity represents the pharmacophore
      (Pha).   By introducing the Anti-Pharmacophore Shielding (APS) defined as
      molecular groups and competing charges outside the Pha that hinder the proper
      docking of the Pha with the bioreceptor, the procedure of Pha identification is
      essentially reduced to the treatment of a smaller number of simplest in structure
      most active and inactive compounds. A simple empirical scheme is suggested to
      estimate the APS numerically, while the contributions of different conformations
      of the same compound are taken into account by means of Boltzmann distribution.
      This enables us to make approximate quantitative predictions of activities.   In
      application to rice blast activity we reached an approximately 100% (within
      experimental error) prediction probability of the activity qualitatively (yes,
      no), and with r (2) = 70% quantitatively.

PMID- 22091550
TI  - Calculation of octanol/water partition coefficients for pesticides: a comparative
      study.
AB  - Abstract   On the basis of a set of 593 experimental octanol/water partition
      coefficients (log P) for pesticides, the simulation performances of two models
      using computable descriptors are compared. The back propagation neural network
      model designed from autocorrelation descriptors (SAR QSAR Environ. Res. (1997),
      7, 151-172) compares favorably with the AFC model (J. Pharm. Sci. (1995), 84, 83
      92) using atom/fragment contributions and correction factors.

PMID- 22091551
TI  - Editorial board page for "SAR and QSAR in Environmental Research", Volume 10,
      Number 2-3.
AB  - Abstract   This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for
      this issue.

PMID- 22091552
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22091553
TI  - Sequential Stevens-Johnson syndrome and photo-recall phenomenon.

PMID- 22091554
TI  - Increasing the number of irrelevant stimuli increases ability to detect
      countermeasures to the P300-based Complex Trial Protocol for concealed
      information detection.
AB  - We previously found that simultaneously executing a mental countermeasure and an
      explicit required response impairs reaction time (RT)-based detection of
      countermeasure use in a P300- based concealed information test. To address this
      issue, we increased the numbers of irrelevant stimuli to eight, and manipulated
      the proportions of to-be-countered irrelevant stimuli from 25% to 50% to 75% in
      three groups. RESULTS: Based on P300 data, 100% of the simple guilty (no
      countermeasure use) and 92% of the innocent subjects were correctly identified as
      having or not having concealed information. In the countermeasure groups,
      detection rates varied from 71% to 92% across the different groups. Notably, in
      the present study with eight irrelevant items, simultaneous countermeasure use
      was indicated by elevated RT in the 50% and 75% countermeasure proportion groups,
      which it was not, previously, with 50% (two) countermeasures and four
      irrelevants.

PMID- 22091555
TI  - Potential limitations in the use of KillerRed for fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - KillerRed, a bright red fluorescent protein, is a genetically encoded
      photosensitizer, which generates radicals and hydrogen peroxide upon green light
      illumination. The protein is a potentially powerful tool for selective light
      induced protein inactivation and cell killing, and can also be used to study
      downstream effects of locally increased levels of reactive oxygen species. The
      initial aim of this study was to investigate whether or not KillerRed-mediated
      reactive oxygen species production inside peroxisomes could trigger the
      sequestration of these organelles into autophagosomes. Green fluorescent protein
      tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 was used as autophagosome
      marker. We observed that KillerRed also emits weak green fluorescence upon
      excitation at 480 nm, and this may lead to erroneous data interpretation in
      conditions where green fluorophores are used. We discuss this potential pitfall
      of KillerRed for biological imaging and formulate recommendations to avoid
      misinterpretation of the data.

PMID- 22091556
TI  - Keeping it simple: flowering plants tend to retain, and revert to, simple leaves.
AB  - * A wide range of factors (developmental, physiological, ecological) with
      unpredictable interactions control variation in leaf form. Here, we examined the
      distribution of leaf morphologies (simple and complex forms) across angiosperms
      in a phylogenetic context to detect patterns in the directions of changes in leaf
      shape. * Seven datasets (diverse angiosperms and six nested clades, Sapindales,
      Apiales, Papaveraceae, Fabaceae, Lepidium, Solanum) were analysed using maximum
      likelihood and parsimony methods to estimate asymmetries in rates of change among
      character states. * Simple leaves are most frequent among angiosperm lineages
      today, were inferred to be ancestral in angiosperms and tended to be retained in
      evolution (stasis). Complex leaves slowly originated ('gains') and quickly
      reverted to simple leaves ('losses') multiple times, with a significantly greater
      rate of losses than gains. Lobed leaves may be a labile intermediate step between
      different forms. The nested clades showed mixed trends; Solanum, like the
      angiosperms in general, had higher rates of losses than gains, but the other
      clades had higher rates of gains than losses. * The angiosperm-wide pattern could
      be taken as a null model to test leaf evolution patterns in particular clades, in
      which patterns of variation suggest clade-specific processes that have yet to be
      investigated fully.

PMID- 22091557
TI  - A novel injectable in situ forming poly-DL-lactide and DL-lactide/glycolide
      implant containing lipospheres for controlled drug delivery.
AB  - One of the greatest challenges in in situ forming implant (ISFI) systems by
      polymer precipitation is the large burst release during the first 1-24 hours
      after implant injection. The aim of this study was to decrease the burst-release
      effect of a water-soluble model drug, donepezil HCl, with a molecular weight of
      415.96 Da, from in situ forming implants using a novel in situ implant containing
      lipospheres (ISILs). In situ implant suspensions were prepared by dispersing
      cetyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate lipospheres in a solution of poly-DL-lactide
      (PDL) or DL-lactide/glycolide copolymer (PDLG). Also, in situ implant solutions
      were prepared using different concentrations of PDL or PDLG solutions in N-methyl
      2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Triacetin and Pluronic L121 were used to modify the release
      pattern of donepezil from the in situ implant solutions. In vitro release,
      rheological measurement, and injectability measurement were used to evaluate the
      prepared in situ implant formulae. It was found that ISIL decreased the burst
      effect as well as the rate and extent of drug release, compared to lipospheres,
      PDL, and PDLG in situ implant. The amount of drug released in the first day was
      37.75, 34.99, 48.57, 76.3, and 84.82% for ISIL in 20% PDL (IL-1), ISIL in 20%
      PDLG (IL-2), lipospheres (L), 20% PDL ISFI (I5), and 20% PDLG ISFI (I8),
      respectively. The prepared systems showed Newtonian flow behavior. ISIL (IL-1 and
      IL-2) had a flow rate of 1.94 and 1.40 mL/min, respectively. This study shows the
      potential of using in situ implants containing lipospheres in controlling the
      burst effect of ISFI.

PMID- 22091558
TI  - Pre-operative and intraoperative determinants for prolonged ventilation following
      adult cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolonged ventilation is a serious complication after cardiac
      surgery, but few risk prediction models exist. Our objectives were to develop a
      specific risk prediction model based on pre-operative variables, to identify
      whether selected intraoperative variables could improve prediction, and to
      compare our model with the EuroSCORE. METHODS: Data from 5027 patients undergoing
      open-heart surgery in 2000-2007 were used for logistic regression model
      development. Internal validation was performed by bootstrapping. Discrimination
      and calibration were assessed with areas under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Our pre-operative model
      was compared with predictions based on the additive and logistic EuroSCORE.
      RESULTS: Age, previous cardiac surgery, peripheral arterial disease, left
      ventricular hypertrophy, chronic pulmonary disease, renal insufficiency, pre
      operative hemoglobin concentration, urgent or emergency operation, and operation
      other than isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were identified as pre
      operative predictors for prolonged ventilation (model I). Discrimination and
      accuracy were excellent (AUC: 0.848 and shrinkage factor: 94%). Calibration was
      good (Hosmer-Lemeshow test: P = 0.43). Inclusion of a few intraoperative
      variables somewhat improved the model, increasing shrinkage factors (96%) and
      discrimination ability (AUC model II = 0.870 and model III = 0.875 for two
      alternative such models). Our pre-operative model showed better performance than
      the logistic or additive EuroSCORE. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-operative risk
      prediction model for prolonged ventilation with easily obtainable variables in
      routine clinical work performed well and was only slightly improved by inclusion
      of intraoperative variables. Performance was better than with the EuroSCORE.

PMID- 22091559
TI  - Physician practices and readiness for medical home reforms: policy, pitfalls, and
      possibilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of physician practices in the United
      States that currently meets medical home criteria. DATA SOURCE/STUDY SETTING:
      2007 and 2008 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. STUDY DESIGN: We mapped
      survey items to the National Committee on Quality Assurance's (NCQA's) medical
      home standards. After awarding points for each "passed" element, we calculated a
      practice's infrastructure score, dividing its cumulative total by the number of
      available points. We identified practices that would be recognized as a medical
      home (Level 1 [25-49 percent], Level 2 [50-74 percent], or Level 3
      [infrastructure score >=75 percent]) and examined characteristics associated with
      NCQA recognition. RESULTS: Forty-six percent (95 percent confidence interval
      [CI], 42.5-50.2) of all practices lack sufficient medical home infrastructure.
      While 72.3 percent (95 percent CI, 64.0-80.7 percent) of multi-specialty groups
      would achieve recognition, only 49.8 percent (95 percent CI, 45.2-54.5 percent)
      of solo/partnership practices meet NCQA standards. Although better prepared than
      specialists, 40 percent of primary care practices would not qualify as a medical
      home under present criteria. CONCLUSION: Almost half of all practices fail to
      meet NCQA standards for medical home recognition.

PMID- 22091560
TI  - Passion for a cause, passion for a creed: on ideological passion, identity
      threat, and extremism.
AB  - Passion energizes and directs both peaceful and violent ideologically inspired
      movements. The type of ideological passion that underlies people's political or
      religious commitment was proposed to moderate the effect of social identity
      threatening circumstances on their choice of activist tactics. Ideological
      passion was defined as a strong inclination toward a loved, valued, and self
      defining cause, ideology, or group in which people invest considerable time and
      energy. Harmonious ideological passion was expected to promote peaceful activism
      and nonviolence partly because it is anchored in a strong and secure sense of
      identity-one that facilitates nondefensiveness in identity-threatening
      circumstances. Obsessive ideological passion, in contrast, was expected to
      engender hatred and aggressive extremism in identity-threatening circumstances
      partly because it is anchored in a strong, but insecure, sense of identity.
      Results from 2 studies, conducted with nationalist activists (N = 114) and devout
      Muslims (N = 111), supported these hypotheses. Implications for the
      motivation/passion and intergroup literatures are discussed.

PMID- 22091561
TI  - Relationship between patient safety and hospital surgical volume.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between hospital volume and in-hospital
      adverse events. DATA SOURCES: Patient safety indicator (PSI) was used to identify
      hospital-acquired adverse events in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database in
      abdominal aortic aneurysm, coronary artery bypass graft, and Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass from 2005 to 2008. STUDY DESIGN: In this observational study, volume
      thresholds were defined by mean year-specific terciles. PSI risk-adjusted rates
      were analyzed by volume tercile for each procedure. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Overall,
      hospital volume was inversely related to preventable adverse events. High-volume
      hospitals had significantly lower risk-adjusted PSI rates compared to lower
      volume hospitals (p < .05). CONCLUSION: These data support the relationship
      between hospital volume and quality health care delivery in select surgical
      cases. This study highlights differences between hospital volume and risk
      adjusted PSI rates for three common surgical procedures and highlights areas of
      focus for future studies to identify pathways to reduce hospital-acquired events.

PMID- 22091562
TI  - Conservative versus arthroscopic management for medial coronoid process disease
      in dogs: a prospective gait evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate, using objective gait analysis, the long-term outcome
      of dogs with medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) treated with conservative
      management (CM) versus arthroscopic treatment (AT). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective
      clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 20) with unilaterally confirmed MCPD. METHODS:
      Eleven dogs were treated arthroscopically with removal of coronoid fragments and
      burring of any associated chondromalacic cartridge and 9 dogs were managed
      conservatively. All dogs were administered a 6-week course of oral tepoxalin on
      enrollment. Inverse dynamics gait analysis was performed at initial presentation
      and at 4, 8, 26, and 52 weeks. The gait variables analyzed were elbow moment
      (EM), elbow power (EP), total support moment (TSM), and total support moment
      ratio (TSMR) as a measure of forelimb asymmetry. RESULTS: Affected peak EM
      increased from 0.58 to 0.76 Nm/kg in the AT dogs, and from 0.66 to 0.81 Nm/kg in
      the CM dogs and there was no significant difference between groups. Affected peak
      EP increased marginally in the AT dogs, but was unchanged in the CM dogs and
      there was no significant difference between groups. TSM increased from 1.49 to
      1.92 Nm/kg in the AT dogs and from 1.52 to 2.06 Nm/kg in the CM dogs and there
      was no significant difference between groups. TSMR was statistically different
      between treatment groups at 1 (P = .003) and 2 months (P = .048) with the AT
      group more asymmetric and hence more lame. TSMR at 12 months was 0.83 (AT) and
      0.86 (CM) implying a failure of return to soundness by either group. CONCLUSIONS:
      AT dogs had increased mechanical asymmetry at 4 and 8 weeks compared to the CM
      group revealing surgery worsened limb function. There was no significant
      difference in mechanical symmetry between groups at 26 and 52 weeks.

PMID- 22091563
TI  - Once-yearly zoledronic acid in older men compared with women with recent hip
      fracture.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of once-yearly zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg in
      increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in men with a recent hip fracture
      participating in the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid
      Once- Yearly Recurrent Fracture Trial and to compare the efficacy with that in
      women from the same study. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind
      trial. SETTING: International multicenter. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and eight
      men and 1,619 women within 90 days of surgical repair of low-trauma hip fracture
      in the same study (for comparison). INTERVENTION: Once-yearly intravenous (IV)
      ZOL 5 mg (n = 248) or placebo (n = 260), loading dose of vitamin D, daily
      calcium, and vitamin D supplements. MEASUREMENT: Changes in BMD. RESULTS:
      Percentage change from baseline in total hip BMD at Months 12 and 24 was
      significantly higher with ZOL than with placebo (between-group difference, 2.0%,
      P = .003, and 3.8%, P = .002, respectively). Percentage change from baseline in
      femoral neck BMD at Month 24 was significantly higher with ZOL than with placebo
      (3.8%, P = .003). The BMD benefit was comparable with that observed in women in
      this study. New clinical fractures occurred in 36 (7.1%) participants (ZOL, n =
      16; placebo, n = 20; P = .64). The ZOL safety profile was comparable with that of
      placebo, with no significant differences in cardiovascular or long-term renal
      function and a trend toward lower mortality in ZOL-treated men. CONCLUSION: Once
      yearly IV ZOL 5 mg increases bone mass at the hip and femoral neck in men within
      90 days of repair of a low-trauma hip fracture. Increases were of a similar
      magnitude to those observed in women in the same study.

PMID- 22091564
TI  - Building a delirium network.

PMID- 22091565
TI  - E Pluribus Unum.

PMID- 22091566
TI  - Delirium: a strategic plan to bring an ancient disease into the 21st century.

PMID- 22091567
TI  - The importance of delirium: economic and societal costs.
AB  - Although a number of studies have documented the negative clinical and economic
      consequences of delirium, interventions to prevent and treat delirium are
      infrequently implemented. The importance of delirium may continue to be
      underestimated until its societal and economic effects are documented. The
      current article outlines the existing literature related to long-term sequelae
      and costs associated with delirium and stresses the importance of such research
      in prompting recognition, prevention, and treatment efforts that could reduce the
      effect of delirium and improve quality of life for older adults and their
      caregivers.

PMID- 22091568
TI  - The Johns Hopkins Delirium Consortium: a model for collaborating across
      disciplines and departments for delirium prevention and treatment.
AB  - Delirium is an important syndrome affecting inpatients in various hospital
      settings. This article focuses on multidisciplinary and interdepartmental
      collaboration to advance efforts in delirium clinical care and research. The
      Johns Hopkins Delirium Consortium, which includes members from the disciplines of
      nursing, medicine, rehabilitation therapy, psychology, and pharmacy within the
      departments and divisions of anesthesiology, geriatrics, oncology, orthopedic
      surgery, psychiatry, critical care medicine, and physical medicine and
      rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical
      Center, is one model of such collaboration. This article describes the process
      involved in developing functional collaboration around delirium and highlights
      projects, opportunities, and challenges resulting from them.

PMID- 22091569
TI  - Delirium and sedation recognition using validated instruments: reliability of
      bedside intensive care unit nursing assessments from 2007 to 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the reliability and sustainability of delirium and
      sedation measurements of bedside intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort study. SETTING: A tertiary care academic medical center.
      PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred ten ICU patients from 2007 to 2010; 627 bedside
      nurses. MEASUREMENTS: Bedside nurses and well-trained reference-rater research
      nurses independently measured delirium and sedation levels in routine care.
      Bedside nurses were instructed to use the Confusion Assessment Method for the
      Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) every 12 hours to measure delirium and the Richmond
      Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) every 4 hours to measure sedation. CAM-ICU and
      RASS assessment agreement were computed using weighted kappa statistics across
      the entire population and subgroups (e.g., ICU type). Sensitivity and specificity
      of bedside nurse identification of delirium were calculated to understand sources
      of discordance. RESULTS: Six thousand one hundred ninety-eight CAM-ICU and 6,880
      RASS measurement pairs obtained on 3,846 patient-days. For CAM-ICU measurements,
      agreement between bedside and research nurses was substantial (weighted kappa =
      0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66-0.70) and stable over 3 years of data
      collection. RASS measures also demonstrated substantial agreement (weighted kappa
      = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.64-0.68), which was stable across all years of data
      collection. The sensitivity of delirium nurse assessments was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.78
      0.83), and the specificity was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.78-0.85). CONCLUSION: Bedside
      nurse measurements of delirium and sedation are sustainable and reliable sources
      of information. These measures can be used for clinical decision-making, quality
      improvement, and quality measurement activities.

PMID- 22091570
TI  - Biomarkers for delirium--a review.
AB  - To improve delirium recognition and care, numerous serum biomarkers have been
      investigated as potential tools for risk stratification, diagnosis, monitoring,
      and prognostication of delirium. The literature was reviewed, and no evidence was
      found to support the clinical use of any delirium biomarker, although certain
      biomarkers such as S-100 beta and insulin-like growth factor-1 and inflammatory
      markers have shown some promising results that need to be evaluated in future
      studies with appropriate sample size, prospective designs, and in a more
      generalizable population.

PMID- 22091571
TI  - Vulnerability: the crossroads of frailty and delirium.
AB  - Frailty and delirium, although seemingly distinct syndromes, both result in
      significant negative health outcomes in older adults. Frailty and delirium may be
      different clinical expressions of a shared vulnerability to stress in older
      adults, and future research will determine whether this vulnerability is age
      related, pathological, genetic, environmental, or most likely, a combination of
      all of these factors. This article explores the clinical overlap of frailty and
      delirium, describes possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking the two, and
      proposes research opportunities to further knowledge of the interrelationships
      between these important geriatric syndromes. Frailty, a diminished ability to
      compensate for stressors, is generally viewed as a chronic condition, whereas
      delirium is an acute change in attention and cognition, but there is a developing
      literature on transitions in frailty status around acute events, as well as on
      delirium as a chronic, persistent condition. If frailty predisposes an individual
      to delirium, and delirium delays recovery from a stressor, then both syndromes
      may contribute to a downward spiral of declining function, increasing risk, and
      negative outcomes. In addition, frailty and delirium may have shared
      pathophysiology, such as inflammation, atherosclerosis, and chronic nutritional
      deficiencies, which will require further investigation. The fields of frailty and
      delirium are rapidly evolving, and future research may help to better define the
      interrelationship of these common and morbid geriatric syndromes. Because of the
      heterogeneous pathophysiology and presentation associated with frailty and
      delirium, typical of all geriatric syndromes, multicomponent prevention and
      treatment strategies are most likely to be effective and should be developed and
      tested.

PMID- 22091572
TI  - Antipsychotics in the treatment of delirium in older hospitalized adults: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine evidence of the efficacy of antipsychotics in the
      treatment of delirium in older hospitalized adults. DESIGN: Systematic literature
      review. SETTING: Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults with delirium.
      MEASUREMENTS: The MEDLINE (January 1980-December 2010) and Cochrane Databases
      were searched using the keywords "delirium" and "antipsychotics." References of
      review articles were reviewed to identify additional studies. Study selection
      criteria included prospective design, more than 10 participants (in treatment
      arms), mean age 60 and older, standardized criteria for diagnosing delirium, and
      validated delirium rating scales for reporting outcomes. RESULTS: Thirteen
      articles met selection criteria: six single-agent and seven comparison studies.
      Of these, eight (62%) had fewer than 25 participants in treatment arms, 10 (77%)
      recruited participants from psychiatry referrals, and eight (62%) did not clearly
      describe their screening methods. All single-agent studies were open-label
      studies. Of the comparison studies, five (71%) used randomization, but only one
      of these (a placebo-controlled study) used adequate allocation concealment
      methods, and only one other study (comparing two antipsychotics) described a
      double-blind method in detail. In the only placebo-controlled study (which was
      stopped early), no statistically significant differences in mean delirium
      severity scores were found at individual time points (Days 2, 3, 4, 7, 10). The
      other 12 studies reported improvements in delirium severity or resolution of
      delirium based on cutoff scores of the scales, but it is not clear from any of
      these studies what the natural course of delirium would have been without use of
      antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: Because of severe methodological limitations, the
      studies in this review do not support the use of antipsychotics in the treatment
      of delirium in older hospitalized adults. Additional well-designed randomized
      placebo-controlled trials are needed.

PMID- 22091573
TI  - Association between prescribing of anticholinergic medications and incident
      delirium: a cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between anticholinergic medications and
      incident delirium in hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment and to
      test the hypothesis that anticholinergic medications would increase the risk of
      incident delirium. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Urban public
      hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-seven
      participants aged 65 and older with cognitive impairment who screened negative
      for delirium at the time of admission to a general medical ward. MEASUREMENTS:
      Cognitive function at the time of admission was assessed using the Short Portable
      Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Anticholinergic medication orders between
      the time of admission and the final delirium assessment were evaluated.
      Anticholinergic medication orders were identified using the Anticholinergic
      Cognitive Burden Scale. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment
      Method. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of the cohort received at least one order
      for possible anticholinergic medications, and 28% received at least one order for
      definite anticholinergic medications. The incident rate for delirium was 22% of
      the entire cohort. After adjusting for age, sex, race, baseline SPMSQ score, and
      Charlson Comorbidity Index, the odds ratio (OR) for developing delirium in those
      with orders for possible anticholinergic medications was 0.33 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 0.10-1.03). The OR for developing delirium among those with
      orders for definite anticholinergic medications was 0.43 (95% CI = 0.11-1.63).
      CONCLUSION: The results did not support the hypothesis that prescription of
      anticholinergic medications increases the risk of incident delirium in
      hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment. This relationship needs to
      be established using prospective study designs with medication dispensing data to
      improve the performance of predictive models of delirium.

PMID- 22091574
TI  - Pilot randomized trial of donepezil hydrochloride for delirium after hip
      fracture.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether donepezil hydrochloride can reduce the
      prevalence and severity of delirium in older adults undergoing hip fracture
      repair. DESIGN: Pilot double-masked randomized placebo-controlled trial. SETTING:
      Large academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen individuals aged 70 and
      older with hip fracture. INTERVENTION: Donepezil 5 mg or placebo was randomly
      allocated and initiated within 24 hours of surgery, preoperatively or
      postoperatively. Daily treatment was continued for 30 days or until side effects
      or the clinical situation required termination. MEASUREMENTS: All outcomes were
      ascertained masked to treatment status. Information on drug tolerability and
      safety was obtained from the participant, nurse, and medical record. Delirium
      presence and severity were measured during daily hospital interviews and at 2, 4,
      and 6 weeks after surgery after a standardized assessment using the Confusion
      Assessment Method (CAM) and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS).
      RESULTS: Participants in the donepezil and placebo arms had similar baseline
      characteristics. Participants in the donepezil arm experienced significantly more
      side effects. In longitudinal models, there were no significant differences
      between the donepezil and placebo arms with regard to delirium presence over time
      (odds ratio = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4-2.3) or delirium severity
      over time (effect size = -0.2 on 30-point MDAS scale, 95%CI = -1.5-1.2).
      CONCLUSION: Participants randomized to donepezil had no significant improvement
      in delirium presence or severity but experienced more side effects. Overall,
      sufficient evidence was not found from this pilot study to warrant a definitive
      Phase III trial.

PMID- 22091575
TI  - Validation of a medical record-based delirium risk assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To improve identification of patients at high risk for delirium, this
      study developed a chart abstraction tool for delirium risk and validated the tool
      against clinical expert diagnosis of delirium. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.
      SETTING: Tertiary Veterans Affairs hospital in New England. PARTICIPANTS: One
      hundred veterans admitted to the medical service. MEASUREMENTS: While admitted,
      each participant underwent serial assessments for delirium by a clinical expert.
      Using the four criteria of a validated delirium prediction rule (cognitive
      impairment, sensory deficit, severe illness, and dehydration), chart review terms
      were selected for each criterion, and delirium risk was the sum of criteria
      present (range: 0-4; 4 = worst). After discharge, a nurse blinded to the expert's
      diagnosis completed the chart tool. RESULTS: The participants were mostly male
      (94%) and older (mean age 81 +/- 7), and 23% developed overall delirium (14%
      incident). The rate of overall delirium was 11% in participants with zero risk
      factors, 18% in those with one or two, and 50% in those with three or four (P =
      .01; c-statistic 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54-0.76). For incident
      delirium, the rates were 11%, 13%, and 25%, respectively (P = .53; c-statistic
      0.56, 95% CI = 0.42-0.74). Discharge to a rehabilitation center or nursing home
      increased with increasing delirium risk (0%, 18%, 60%, P = .02). CONCLUSION: A
      chart abstraction tool was effective at identifying overall delirium risk but not
      incident delirium risk. Although the tool cannot replace clinical assessment and
      diagnosis of delirium, the use of this tool as an educational, clinical, or
      quality measurement aid warrants additional study.

PMID- 22091576
TI  - Matching the environment to patients with delirium: lessons learned from the
      delirium room, a restraint-free environment for older hospitalized adults with
      delirium.
AB  - Delirium is associated with several negative outcomes and is not always
      preventable. Current practices for the management of older hospitalized adults
      with delirium, such as one-on-one sitters, antipsychotic medications, and
      physical restraints, have limited effectiveness or potential health risks. An
      alternative management model, called the Delirium Room (DR), is a four-bed
      patient room (within an Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit) that provides 24-hour
      nursing care, emphasizes nonpharmacological approaches, and is completely free of
      physical restraints. This article is based on 13 years of experience at two
      hospitals. The authors have found that a restraint-free environment can be
      achieved; "tolerate, anticipate, and don't agitate" (the T-A-DA method) are the
      core principles of the nonpharmacological approach that go beyond the traditional
      strategies of management (such as reorientation); based on observational data, it
      appears that negative outcomes associated with delirium, such as loss of
      function, longer hospital stay, and greater mortality, can be decreased to levels
      seen in individuals without delirium; and based on limited data, it appears that
      the rate of falls is at least not higher in the DR than in the ACE unit overall.
      The limitations of the DR model include lack of randomized controlled trials and
      the inability to determine which component of the model provides its benefits.

PMID- 22091577
TI  - Postoperative delirium and functional decline after noncardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether delirium after noncardiac surgery is associated
      with functional decline 3 months postoperatively. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a
      prospective study. SETTING: Thirteen hospitals in eight countries. PARTICIPANTS:
      One thousand two hundred eighteen individuals aged 60 and older undergoing
      noncardiac surgery. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were interviewed before surgery
      and 3 months postoperatively using six items pertaining to social and independent
      function. Functional decline was determined according to a loss in function in at
      least one item at the 3-month assessment from baseline. Postoperatively, a
      trained interviewer assessed delirium daily using a standardized battery. The
      primary outcome of this analysis was an examination of the risk of functional
      decline with delirium. RESULTS: Of the 948 participants who completed functional
      assessment at 3 months, 20% (n = 189) had a decline in function. In unadjusted
      analysis, postoperative delirium increased the odds of functional decline (odds
      ratio (OR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-4.2). After adjustment for
      age, sex, education, cognition, and surgery duration, delirium remained
      associated with functional decline (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2-3.8). CONCLUSION:
      Although considered an acute event, delirium can have lasting functional
      consequences. Clinicians should give strong consideration to preoperative
      delirium risk assessment, delirium prevention strategies, and delirium
      surveillance programs after noncardiac surgery.

PMID- 22091578
TI  - Theory of mind through the ages: older and middle-aged adults exhibit more errors
      than do younger adults on a continuous false belief task.
AB  - Theory of mind (ToM), or the ability to understand mental states, is a
      fundamental aspect of social cognition. Previous research has documented marked
      advances in ToM in preschoolers, and declines in ToM in older-aged adults. In the
      present study, younger (n=37), middle-aged (n=20), and older (n=37) adults
      completed a continuous false belief task measuring ToM. Middle-aged and older
      adults exhibited more false belief bias than did younger adults, irrespective of
      language ability, executive function, processing speed, and memory. The authors
      conclude that ToM declines from younger to older adulthood, independent of age
      related changes to domain-general cognitive functioning.

PMID- 22091579
TI  - Age differences in valence judgments of emotional faces: the influence of
      personality traits and current mood.
AB  - Previous research on emotion processing revealed a positivity bias that
      progressively evolves across the adult age range. This study obtained gradual
      valence judgments of emotional faces across the adult age span, to see whether
      this positivity bias persists when positive and negative stimuli are matched for
      arousal; and whether bias relates to personality traits or to current mood. With
      increasing age subjects judged negative and neutral faces less negatively.
      Further, younger participants scoring high in "agreeableness" and
      "conscientiousness" scales showed a positivity bias when judging positive faces,
      suggesting an association of the positivity effect with trait variables.

PMID- 22091580
TI  - The contribution of set switching and working memory to sentence processing in
      older adults.
AB  - This study evaluates the involvement of switching skills and working-memory
      capacity in auditory sentence processing in older adults. The authors examined
      241 healthy participants, aged 55 to 88 years, who completed four
      neuropsychological tasks and two sentence-processing tasks. In addition to age
      and the expected contribution of working memory, switching ability, as measured
      by the number of perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, emerged
      as a strong predictor of performance on both sentence-processing tasks.
      Individuals with both low working-memory spans and more perseverative errors
      achieved the lowest accuracy scores. These findings are consistent with
      compensatory accounts of successful performance in older age.

PMID- 22091581
TI  - Older adults capitalize on contextual information to guide search.
AB  - Much has been learned about the age-related cognitive declines associated with
      the attentional processes that utilize perceptual features during visual search.
      However, questions remain regarding the ability of older adults to use scene
      information to guide search processes, perhaps as a compensatory mechanism for
      declines in perceptual processes. The authors had younger and older adults search
      pseudorealistic scenes for targets with strong or no spatial associations. Both
      younger and older adults exhibited reaction time benefits when searching for a
      target that was associated with a specific scene region. Eye movement analyses
      revealed that all observers dedicated most of their time to scanning target
      consistent display regions and that guidance to these regions was often evident
      on the initial saccade of a trial. Both the benefits and costs related to
      contextual information were larger for older adults, suggesting that this
      information was relied on heavily to guide search processes towards the target.

PMID- 22091582
TI  - Context processing in aging: older mice are impaired in renewal of extinguished
      fear.
AB  - Fear conditioning, extinction, and renewal were evaluated in adult (6-month-old)
      and aging (17-month-old) male C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were subjected to five tone
      shock trials and later exposed to 150 tone-alone trials. Thereafter, all mice
      showed little fear in the extinction context. Adult mice demonstrated return of
      fear in a distinct context (renewal) but aging mice did not. Aging mice showed
      normal shock sensitivity, tone fear learning, and extinction. Aging mice thus
      exhibited a very selective deficit in the contextual gating of extinguished fear.
      This contextual gating deficit may reflect age-related pathology in the
      hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

PMID- 22091584
TI  - Experimental methods and prediction with COSMO-RS to determine partition
      coefficients in complex surfactant systems.
AB  - Surfactant-based separation processes are a promising alternative to conventional
      organic solvent processes. A crucial parameter to describe the efficiency of such
      processes is the partition coefficient between the surfactant aggregates
      (micelles) and the aqueous bulk phase. In this work, several experimental methods
      to determine these partition coefficients (micellar liquid chromatography,
      micellar enhanced ultrafiltration, and cloud point extraction) are evaluated and
      compared. In addition, these results are compared to predictions with the
      thermodynamic model COSMO-RS. In particular, systems with the nonionic surfactant
      TritonX-100 are studied. The partition equilibria of various solutes (pyrene,
      naphthalene, phenanthrene, phenol, 3-methoxyphenol, and vanillin) and the
      influence of different additives (alcohols) are investigated. All experimental
      methods show very good reproducibility. Moreover, the results from different
      methods are in good agreement, supplementing one another concerning the
      temperature ranges. Notably, the COSMO-RS model is capable of predicting
      partition coefficients between micelles and water in the investigated temperature
      range and at different alcohol concentrations. The results demonstrate the
      potential of the model COSMO-RS to facilitate the selection of optimized process
      parameters for a given separation problem. By predicting partition equilibria in
      multicomponent systems, the selection of surfactant, temperature, and appropriate
      additives can be facilitated.

PMID- 22091585
TI  - Guided transport of water droplets on superhydrophobic-hydrophilic patterned Si
      nanowires.
AB  - We present a facile method to fabricate hydrophilic patterns in superhydrophobic
      Si nanowire (NW) arrays for guiding water droplets. The superhydrophobic Si NW
      arrays were obtained by simple dip-coating of dodecyltrichlorosilane (DTS). The
      water contact angles (CAs) of DTS-coated Si NW arrays drastically increased and
      saturated at the superhydrophobic regime (water CA >= 150 degrees ) as the
      lengths of NWs increased. The demonstrated superhydrophobic surfaces show an
      extreme water repellent property and small CA hysteresis of less than 7 degrees ,
      which enable the water droplets to easily roll off. The wettability of the DTS
      coated Si NW arrays can be converted from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic via UV
      enhanced photodecomposition of the DTS, and such wettability conversion was
      reproducible on the same surfaces by repeating the DTS coating and
      photodecomposition processes. The resulting water guiding tracks were
      successfully demonstrated via selective patterning of the hydrophilic region on
      superhydrophobic Si NW arrays, which could enable water droplets to move along
      defined trajectories.

PMID- 22091586
TI  - Stepwise effective molarities in porphyrin oligomer complexes: preorganization
      results in exceptionally strong chelate cooperativity.
AB  - Complexes of zinc porphyrin oligomers with multivalent ligands can be denatured
      by adding a large excess of a monodentate ligand, such as quinuclidine. We have
      used denaturation titrations to determine the stabilities of the complexes of a
      cyclic zinc-porphyrin hexamer with multidentate ligands with two to six pyridyl
      coordination sites. The corresponding complexes of linear porphyrin oligomers
      were also investigated. The results reveal that the stepwise effective molarities
      (EMs) for the third through sixth intramolecular coordination events with the
      cyclic hexamer are extremely high (EM = 10(2)-10(3) M), whereas the values for
      the linear porphyrin oligomers are modest (EM ~ 0.05 M). The speciation profiles
      for the denaturation reactions demonstrate that intermediate species are not
      significantly populated and that these equilibria are well described by a highly
      cooperative two-state model.

PMID- 22091587
TI  - Identification of mitochondrial electron transport chain-mediated NADH radical
      formation by EPR spin-trapping techniques.
AB  - The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is a major source of free
      radical production. However, due to the highly reactive nature of radical species
      and their short lifetimes, accurate detection and identification of these
      molecules in biological systems is challenging. The aim of this investigation was
      to determine the free radical species produced from the mitochondrial ETC by
      utilizing EPR spin-trapping techniques and the recently commercialized spin-trap,
      5-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propoxycyclophosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide
      (CYPMPO). We demonstrate that this spin-trap has the preferential quality of
      having minimal mitochondrial toxicity at concentrations required for radical
      detection. In rat heart mitochondria and submitochondrial particles supplied with
      NADH, the major species detected under physiological pH was a carbon-centered
      radical adduct, indicated by markedly large hyperfine coupling constant with
      hydrogen (a(H) > 2.0 mT). In the presence of the ETC inhibitors, the carbon
      centered radical formation was increased and exhibited NADH concentration
      dependency. The same carbon-centered radical could also be produced with the NAD
      biosynthesis precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide, in the presence of a
      catalytic amount of NADH. The results support the conclusion that the observed
      species is a complex I derived NADH radical. The formation of the NADH radical
      could be blocked by hydroxyl radical scavengers but not SOD. In vitro experiments
      confirmed that an NADH-radical is readily formed by hydroxyl radical but not
      superoxide anion, further implicating hydroxyl radical as an upstream mediator of
      NADH radical production. These findings demonstrate the identification of a novel
      mitochondrial radical species with potential physiological significance and
      highlight the diverse mechanisms and sites of production within the ETC.

PMID- 22091588
TI  - Orienting to external versus internal regions of space: consequences of attending
      in advance versus after the fact.
AB  - We examined effects of knowing where to attend to-be-remembered information in
      advance versus after the fact. Participants performed a visuospatial short-term
      memory task with orienting cues that appeared before or after a memory display
      and reported whether a probe item had appeared on the cued side. Event-related
      potentials (ERPs) were recorded for cues, memory displays, and probes.
      Performance was better in precued versus postcued conditions. ERPs to orienting
      cues and memory displays were lateralized in relation to the direction of
      attention in precued but not postcued conditions. ERPs to recognition probes were
      lateralized, but this was similar between pre- and postcued conditions. Results
      suggest that we can orient visuospatial attention outwardly to external events
      and inwardly to remembered events alike, but knowing where to attend information
      in advance gives a bigger boost to brain and behavior.

PMID- 22091589
TI  - Developing predictive biomarkers for dementia of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22091590
TI  - Charting the path for early diagnosis and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22091592
TI  - Eslicarbazepine acetate for partial-onset seizures.
AB  - Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), a new voltage-gated sodium channel blocker that is
      chemically related to carbamazepine and partially metabolized to oxcarbazepine,
      has attracted attention as results of previous Phase II and III studies
      demonstrated and confirmed efficacy and tolerability of ESL 800 and 1200 mg once
      daily as add-on therapy for adult patients with drug-resistant partial-onset
      seizures. In children, efficacy data point towards a dose-dependent decrease in
      seizure frequency and tolerability analyses showed a low incidence of mild drug
      related adverse effects at 5 and 15 mg/kg/day. The most frequently reported
      adverse effects were dizziness, somnolence, headache, diplopia, nausea and
      vomiting. The convenience of once-daily dosing and a short/simple titration
      regimen in combination with a comparative efficacy and tolerability profile might
      promote ESL as a valid alternative to the current adjunctive antiepileptic drug
      therapy armamentarium for drug-resistant partial seizures in adults. Since
      clinical trials in children and adolescents on ESL efficacy and safety are
      ongoing and data already published are far from conclusive, the therapeutic value
      of ESL in this special population has to be established in the near future.

PMID- 22091593
TI  - Treating multiple sclerosis with natalizumab.
AB  - Natalizumab is the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of
      relapsing multiple sclerosis. Pivotal trials demonstrated the efficacy of
      natalizumab on clinical and paraclinical measures of disease activity and
      disability progression. Although a direct comparison has not been performed yet,
      natalizumab seems to be more efficacious than the currently available
      immunomodulant drugs, such as IFN-beta and glatiramer acetate. Despite its
      efficacy, the occurrence of an increased risk of progressive multifocal
      leukoencephalopathy with the treatment, raises concerns about its widespread use
      in multiple sclerosis patients. This paper provides an overview of the most
      relevant results from the Phase I-IV studies on natalizumab and highlights the
      challenges addressed to minimize and manage its adverse events in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22091594
TI  - Lithium treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: do we have enough trials?
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative
      disorder; riluzole is marginally effective, and as a consequence a large number
      of trials are regularly reported. Lithium raised marked enthusiasm based on the
      report of a pilot study that suggested very positive results. Two previous trials
      were negative, applying a different methodology. The reviewed article reports the
      results of a third trial using a historical control group. In this trial, lithium
      was detrimental to ALS progression. Two more trials testing lithium in ALS are in
      progress. This study is discussed in the context of the great competitive effort
      that was derived from the unsupported hope created by a false-positive
      preliminary study.

PMID- 22091595
TI  - Translational neuroscience in pediatric bipolar disorder.
AB  - While controversial and often confounded with other forms of psychopathology,
      recent studies have shown that bipolar disorder (BD) is on the rise in children
      and adolescents. Research has made important strides in advancing our
      understanding of the phenomenology, neural underpinnings and treatment outcomes
      for BD youths. However, there is an increasing need to unite these domains to
      identify potential neural effects and predictors of treatment outcome. Pavuluri
      et al. have conducted such a study, evaluating the neural effects of divalproex
      or risperidone for pediatric BD. The future is likely to bring more of such
      studies, potentially resulting in a biomarker augmented approach to the diagnosis
      and treatment of pediatric BD.

PMID- 22091597
TI  - Metal attenuating therapies in neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - The clinical and pathological spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases is diverse,
      although common to many of these disorders is the accumulation of misfolded
      proteins, with oxidative stress thought to be an important contributing mechanism
      to neuronal damage. As a corollary, transition metal ion dyshomeostasis appears
      to play a key pathogenic role in a number of these maladies, including the most
      common of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, studies spanning a wide
      variety of neurodegenerative disorders are presented with their involvement of
      transition metals compared and contrasted, including more detailed treatise in
      relation to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and prion diseases. For each
      of these diseases, a discussion of the evolving scientific rationale for the
      development of therapies aimed at ameliorating the detrimental effects of
      transition metal dysregulation, including results from various human trials, is
      then provided.

PMID- 22091598
TI  - Problems and controversies in status epilepticus: a review and recommendations.
AB  - Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurologic emergency that require immediate vigorous
      treatment in order to prevent serious morbidity or even death. Several
      investigators have suggested that the underlying etiology is the primary
      determinant of outcome. We believe that this may be true in aggressively treated
      SE, but not when the treatment is less than optimal. In this article, we will
      discuss the factors that have been implicated in affecting SE outcomes, and
      argue, on the basis of both human and experimental animal data, that aggressive
      treatment is necessary and appropriate for all presentations of SE in order to
      maximize the probability of a successful outcome even when the etiology suggests
      a poor prognosis.

PMID- 22091599
TI  - The use of recently approved antiepileptic drugs: use with caution, use in
      refractory patients or use as first-line indications?
AB  - Approximately 50% of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy achieve immediate
      remission, and up to 50% enter terminal remission with first-generation
      antiepileptic drugs. However, 20-30% of cases are still refractory to current
      treatments. This population is the target of newer antiepileptic drugs and other
      compounds in development. The licensing of newer antiepileptic drugs represents
      an advance in the development of more manageable products and the control of
      several disturbing adverse drug reactions of the older compounds. However,
      despite the development of several new antiepileptic drugs, the efficacy and
      tolerability of drug treatment of epilepsy has not substantially improved in
      terms of effectiveness and risk-benefit and cost-benefit profiles. Newer
      antiepileptic drugs are, at best, equivalent in efficacy to their predecessors,
      but some of them are more manageable and better tolerated. However, the use of a
      first-generation compound at low doses in newly diagnosed patients is still
      preferable because the disease can be as well-controlled and the incidence of
      intolerable side effects is minimized. Newer generation compounds should be used
      as alternative treatments in patients who are nonresponding to first-generation
      drugs and in those for whom these drugs are contraindicated or poorly tolerated.
      As an exception, some new-generation drugs are a valuable option in the presence
      of comorbidities known to respond to these products or in patients with selected
      epilepsy syndromes. In light of the heterogeneity and the complexity of the
      mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures, the future of drug development will be
      the discovery of drugs efficacious for the treatment of selected epilepsy
      syndromes or, more specifically, targeting genetic defects leading to molecular
      abnormalities.

PMID- 22091596
TI  - Pathways towards an effective immunotherapy for Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Immunizations that target specific types of immune responses are used commonly to
      prevent microbial infections. However, a range of immune responses may prove
      necessary to combat the ravages of neurodegenerative diseases. The goal is to
      eliminate the 'root' cause of neurodegenerative disorders, misfolded aggregated
      proteins, while harnessing adaptive immune responses to promote neural repair.
      However, immunization strategies used to elicit humoral immune responses against
      aberrant brain proteins have yielded mixed success. While specific proteins can
      be cleared, the failures in halting disease progression revolve, in measure,
      around adaptive immune responses that promote autoreactive T cells and, as such,
      induce a meningoencephalitis, accelerating neurodegeneration. Thus, alternative
      approaches for protein clearance and neural repair are desired. To this end, our
      laboratories have sought to transform autoreactive adaptive immune responses into
      regulatory neuroprotective cells in Parkinson's disease. In this context,
      induction of immune responses against modified brain proteins serves to break
      immunological tolerance, while eliciting adaptive immunity to facilitate neuronal
      repair. How to harness the immune response in the setting of Parkinson's disease
      requires a thorough understanding of the role of immunity in human disease and
      the ways to modify such immune responses to elicit therapeutic gain. These are
      discussed in this review.

PMID- 22091600
TI  - Memory problems in dementia: adaptation and coping strategies and psychosocial
      treatments.
AB  - Memory problems are generally quite prominent in dementia and they have a
      significant impact on everyday functioning. Medication developed for Alzheimer's
      disease, for example, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, can slow down the increase
      of cognitive impairment for a while. In addition to pharmacotherapy, psychosocial
      treatment methods are also used, some of which have a positive effect on
      cognition, for example, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation therapy
      and movement therapy. However, more research is needed. This article first
      describes the consequences of memory problems on the everyday life of people with
      dementia and summarizes research findings on how people with dementia experience
      and cope with their illness. We then discuss the most frequently applied
      psychosocial treatments for cognitive problems in dementia.

PMID- 22091601
TI  - Molecular PET imaging in multicenter Alzheimer's therapeutic trials: current
      trends and implementation strategies.
AB  - Current therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have evolved to
      target specific molecular biological, metabolic and neuropathologic hallmarks of
      the disease. Since these approaches are hypothesized to be most effective at the
      earliest stages of the degenerative process, the ability to accurately detect and
      monitor progression of AD pathology and metabolic changes in vivo may accelerate
      the discovery and development of disease-modifying drugs. The use of molecular
      imaging biomarkers can not only enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate
      patient selection/stratification, but can also serve as key outcomes for clinical
      trials. In this review, we discuss emerging trends in the use of PET in AD drug
      development and provide a roadmap for harnessing its promise in multicenter
      clinical trials.

PMID- 22091603
TI  - Efficacy, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine oral loading in
      patients with epilepsy.
AB  - The rapid achievement of effective levels of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is
      required in patients with epilepsy who have a higher risk of seizures, and oral
      loading of AEDs may be an important consideration in these patients. We performed
      the present study to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of oral loading of
      oxcarbazepine in patients with recurrent seizures, or after temporary
      discontinuation of AEDs for diagnostic or presurgical evaluation of epilepsy.
      Forty adult patients were studied and oxcarbazepine was administered orally at a
      single loading dosage of 30 mg/kg. The plasma levels of oxcarbazepine and its
      active metabolite, 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-carbazepine (monohydroxy derivative,
      MHD), were measured, and clinical assessment of adverse events was performed at
      2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 h after oral loading of oxcarbazepine.
      Approximately two-thirds of patients reached effective levels of MHD 2 h after
      receiving the oral loading, and all patients reached effective levels 4 h after
      oxcarbazepine administration. Most patients maintained therapeutic MHD levels for
      at least 16 h. Almost half of the patients experienced adverse events, but all
      were mild to moderate in severity and resolved spontaneously within 24 h. Our
      study shows that oral loading of oxcarbazepine is an effective and well-tolerated
      method for rapidly achieving therapeutic levels of MHD in patients with epilepsy,
      and is a useful option in selected patients with recurrent seizures, or after
      temporary discontinuation of AEDs.

PMID- 22091604
TI  - Review of "depression in the elderly-simulated patient small group activity".
AB  - This activity teaches knowledge and skills regarding the assessment and
      management of geriatric depression to second-year medical students. Students
      actively participate in a standardized patient scenario with a "collateral
      source," which the authors define as a relative, friend, neighbor, healthcare
      power of attorney, or healthcare provider of a cognitively impaired patient who
      can provide additional history that might be more accurate than that obtained
      from the patient. Students also discuss proposed physical examination items,
      formulate a management plan with assistance from a handout on geriatric
      depression and facilitation by a faculty member, and receive feedback from the
      standardized patient and a "collateral source." This activity is designed to take
      c approximately 2 hours to administer to small groups of learners and emphasizes
      that depression often presents atypically in older adults.

PMID- 22091605
TI  - Pharmacokinetic assessment of ketanserin in the horse.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the 5
      HT(2A) receptor antagonist ketanserin in healthy adult horses, and to develop a
      computational model that could be used to optimize dosing. Plasma concentrations
      of ketanserin were determined using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
      after single and multiple intravenous administration in the horse. A two
      compartment linear pharmacokinetic model described the plasma concentration-time
      profile of ketanserin after single and multiple doses in healthy horses; the
      terminal half-life was 11.5 h; steady-state volume of distribution was 10.5 L/kg;
      AUC was 115 ng . h/mL; and clearance was 0.87 L/h/kg. Model simulations followed
      by the examination in three healthy horses suggest 0.3 mg/kg q.8 h exhibited
      linear PK and produced consistent systemic blood concentrations of ketanserin
      above 3 ng/mL.

PMID- 22091609
TI  - Recent fertility declines in Hong Kong: the role of the changing age structure.
AB  - Abstract   The birth rate in Hong Kong fell rapidly from 1961 to 1966: from 35.5
      in 1961 to 25.8 in 1966 1 These rates are based on corrected estimates of
      population and of births made after the 1966 census. They differ somewhat from
      rates published before that, because the earlier rates had not been adjusted for
      some underregistration of births and had been calculated on larger population
      bases than proved to be justified by the census. - a decline of27%. Such a
      decline deserves special attention, because there are only a few examples of such
      trends in poor, high-fertility populations since World War II. We have just begun
      to find evidence of such declines in a few of the other rapidly developing
      countries of Asia: Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

PMID- 22091610
TI  - Son survivorship motivation and family size in India: A computer simulation.
AB  - Abstract   Many sociologists and demographers have argued that the comparatively
      large families of six to eight children found in rural India to-day result from
      ignorance of family planning methods, from tradition, and from passive
      indecision; and that large reductions in the Indian growth rate to Western levels
      would occur spontaneously if each Indian family were given access to birth
      control facilities, materials and information. On the other hand, it has been
      maintained that large family sizes are functional for rural families in India and
      other developing countries; and that they result from conscious or unconscious
      choice based upon enlightened self-interest.

PMID- 22091611
TI  - Fertility and nuptiality changes in Spain from the late 18th to the early 20th
      century.
AB  - Abstract   3.1. A regional approach often reveals features of population trends
      not evident in national data. We have already pointed out that the 1768 census
      followed the ecclesiastical sub-divisions of the country; therefore its
      territorial data are not comparable with those derived from later enumerations.
      The 1787 and 1797 censuses, on the other hand, were based on civil sub-divisions,
      which can be compared, when aggregated, with later censuses of the modern
      statistical era.

PMID- 22091606
TI  - Mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii persistence and latency.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes
      opportunistic disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Central to
      its transmission and pathogenesis is the ability of the proliferative stage
      (tachyzoite) to convert into latent tissue cysts (bradyzoites). Encystment allows
      Toxoplasma to persist in the host and affords the parasite a unique opportunity
      to spread to new hosts without proceeding through its sexual stage, which is
      restricted to felids. Bradyzoite tissue cysts can cause reactivated toxoplasmosis
      if host immunity becomes impaired. A greater understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms orchestrating bradyzoite development is needed to better manage the
      disease. Here, we will review key studies that have contributed to our knowledge
      about this persistent form of the parasite and how to study it, with a focus on
      how cellular stress can signal for the reprogramming of gene expression needed
      during bradyzoite development.

PMID- 22091612
TI  - Changing vital rates and age distributions.
AB  - Abstract   In a time of rapid change in birth and death rates demographers need
      to know the consequences of such changes for age distribution. Does the fall in
      death rates tend to make the age distribution older? It certainly enables
      individuals to grow older, but for population aggregates the effect depends on
      the ages at which mortality improves. Coale, Stolnitz, Schwarz, Lorimer, the
      United Nations and other writers have investigated trends in age-specific birth
      and death rates. In particular they have demonstrated that the falling mortality
      which is now nearly universal does not generally make the population older and
      sometimes makes it younger. The present article contributes a technique for
      further examination of this phenomenon.

PMID- 22091613
TI  - Determinants of birth intervals and their means.
AB  - Abstract 1.     The duration of post-partum infecundity; 2.     Fecundability; 3.
      Duration of pregnancy.

PMID- 22091614
TI  - Return migration from Canada to Britain.
AB  - Abstract   Statistics of migrants returning from Canada to Britain and re
      registering for national insurance purposes are compared with labour force
      immigrants entering Canada between 1956 and 1965. Short and long-term indices are
      calculated which suggest that return migration has been increasing since 1960. A
      sample survey carried out in 1962-63 distinguishes three types of returning
      migrant: (a) quasi-migrants who originally planned to return to Britain; (b)
      permanent repatriates who originally intended to settle in Canada but now expect
      to remain in Britain; (c) transilient migrants who exhibit a high propensity to
      move backwards and forwards between two or more countries without becoming
      permanently rooted in anyone. The demographic, economic and social
      characteristics of the three types are described. A further comparison is made
      between migrants who plan to settle in Britain, those who intend to come back
      again to Canada, and those who are uncertain of their future plans or who intend
      to move on to a third country.

PMID- 22091615
TI  - A note on the population of Iran, 1900-1966.
AB  - Abstract   The first national census of Iran was held in November 1956, and the
      second in November 1966. Prior to 1956 the only official population records that
      existed were figures for an urban headcount (held between June 1939 and August
      1941) and the statistics of the Civil Registration Office (C.R.O.), which started
      operations in 1928.

PMID- 22091616
TI  - A note of correction with reference to parameters of the menstrual cycle and the
      efficiency of rhythm methods of contraception.
AB  - Abstract   Owing to a misunderstanding in regard to the data sheets, all the
      references to the pre- and post-ovulatory phases in Dr. Marshall's data in my
      paper should be interchanged. The following is a list of conclusions which may be
      drawn from that study: 1.     Although the Farris Test is probably less efficient
      than had formerly been thought, there is no evidence that it is biased. 2.    
      Within individual histories, pre-ovulatory phase variance usually exceeds post
      ovulatory phase variance. 3.     The variance of mean pre-ovulatory phase exceeds
      that of mean post-ovulatory phase among a group of women. 4.     Within a group
      of women, there seems to be no appreciable correlation between mean pre-ovulatory
      and mean post-ovulatory phase. 5.     It is possible that there is a true
      underlying positive correlation between pre- and post-ovulatory phases within a
      single menstrual history. 6.     The standard error of the RB.T. test was
      estimated to exceed ?6 days. 7.     The variances of the phases within individual
      histories are probably positively correlated, so it seems that in general a
      variable post-ovulatory phase is not favourable to the outcome of the practice of
      rhythm.

PMID- 22091619
TI  - Acquired bilateral melanosis of the neck in perimenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acquired bilateral patchy or mottled pigmentation of the neck has
      occasionally been observed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and
      histopathological characteristics of this pigmentation. METHODS: Fourteen
      patients were included in the study. Patch and photopatch tests, and laboratory
      tests including serum hormonal evaluation were performed. Skin biopsies were
      performed on lesional skin and perilesional normal skin. RESULTS: All the
      patients were women and all were perimenopausal. The lesions were characterized
      by bilateral, symmetrical, brown-to-grey patchy or mottled pigmentation on the
      lateral neck. There were positive photopatch results in some cases, but their
      relevance was doubtful. All laboratory findings were within the normal ranges.
      The histological findings showed marked accumulation of pigment in the dermis
      with perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. A significantly higher expression of
      melanogenesis-associated proteins and an increased number of melanocytes were
      observed in the epidermis of the lesional skin. The melanin-bearing cells in the
      dermis were stained with factor XIIIa or CD68, but the majority of these cells
      were identified as factor XIIIa+ dermal dendrocytes. Some brown pigments were
      mixed with light brown or golden brown pigment that was positive in iron
      staining. CONCLUSIONS: These cases seem to represent a continuum of Riehl
      melanosis. However, the principal distribution of the pigmentation is a
      distinguishing feature. Any consistent predisposing factors were not established,
      but there may be a role for subclinical injury or inflammation as possible
      causative factors for development of the pigmentation.

PMID- 22091621
TI  - Physiological and perceptual responses to affect-regulated exercise in healthy
      young women.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to objectively measure the exercise intensity
      associated with affective responses of "good" and "fairly good." In Study 1, 8
      active females completed 20 min of affect-regulated exercise to feel "good" or
      "fairly good" (order counterbalanced) followed by an intensity replication
      session. On-line gas analysis was used during the replication session to measure
      the physiological cost of exercising. In Study 2, 10 females completed either 3
      trials of exercise to feel "good" (n = 5) or 3 trials to feel "fairly good" (n =
      5). Each trial consisted of an affect-regulated session followed by a replication
      session. Across studies, the intensity to feel "fairly good" was significantly
      higher than to feel "good." Both intensities lay close to ventilatory threshold.
      The results add to evidence that women can use affect to regulate intensity and
      exercise at an intensity that would confer fitness and health benefits if
      maintained.

PMID- 22091622
TI  - An extension of the functional cerebral systems approach to hostility: a capacity
      model utilizing a dual concurrent task paradigm.
AB  - Regulatory control of emotions and expressive fluency (verbal or design) have
      historically been associated with the frontal lobes. Moreover, research has
      demonstrated the importance of cerebral laterality with a prominent role of the
      right frontal regions in the regulation of negative affect (anger, hostility) and
      in the fluent production of designs rather than verbal fluency. In the present
      research, participants identified with high and with low levels of hostility were
      evaluated on a design fluency test twice in one experimental session. Before the
      second administration of the fluency test, each participant underwent
      physiological (cold pressor) stress. It was hypothesized that diminished right
      frontal capacity in high-hostile men would be evident through lowered performance
      on this cognitive stressor. Convergent validity of the capacity model was
      supported wherein high-hostile men evidenced reduced delta magnitude over the
      right frontal region after exposure to the physiological stressor but failed to
      maintain consistent levels of right cerebral activation across conditions. The
      results suggest an inability for high-hostile men to maintain stable levels of
      cerebral activation after exposure to physiological and cognitive stress.
      Moreover, low-hostiles showed enhanced cognitive performance on the design task
      with lower levels of arousal (heightened delta magnitude). In contrast, reduced
      arousal yielded increased executive deficits in high-hostiles as evidenced
      through increased perseverative errors on the design fluency task.

PMID- 22091623
TI  - Pharmaceutical price controls and minimum efficacy regulation: evidence from the
      United States and Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article examines the relationship between drug price and drug
      quality and how it varies across two of the most common regulatory regimes in the
      pharmaceutical market: minimum efficacy standards (MES) and a mix of MES and
      price control mechanisms (MES + PC). DATA SOURCES: Our primary data source is the
      Tufts-New England Medical Center-Cost Effectiveness Analysis Registry which have
      been merged with price data taken from MEPS (for the United States) and AIFA (for
      Italy). STUDY DESIGN: Through a simple model of adverse selection we model the
      interaction between firms, heterogeneous buyers, and the regulator. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: The theoretical analysis provides two results. First, an MES regime
      provides greater incentives to produce high-quality drugs. Second, an MES + PC
      mix reduces the difference in price between the highest and lowest quality drugs
      on the market. CONCLUSION: The empirical analysis based on United States and
      Italian data corroborates these results.

PMID- 22091624
TI  - Sphingosine kinase-signaling pathway: a possible therapeutic target for post
      operative cognitive dysfunction.

PMID- 22091625
TI  - Immunological response to Parthenium hysterophorus in Indian Patients with
      Parthenium sensitive atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Parthenium hysterophorus is the leading cause of airborne contact dermatitis, a
      type IV hypersensitivity reaction in India. Though there are reports of it
      causing type-I hypersensitivity in atopic individuals in the form of allergic
      rhinitis and asthma, there is very little information on its role in pathogenesis
      of atopic dermatitis (AD), another predominately type I hypersensitivity. In the
      present study, we evaluated the presence of immediate hypersensitivity to P.
      hysterophorus in patients with AD and evaluated the in vitro immunological
      response of P. hysterophorus SPT positive AD patients to stimulation with P
      hysterophorus allergen. In 70 patients (age 15-45 years) with AD and 70 healthy
      controls, who were patch test negative to P. hysterophorus, immediate
      hypersensitivity to P hysterophorus was determined by skin prick test (SPT). In
      SPT positive patients with AD and SPT negative controls, the absolute eosinophil
      count (AEC), the total serum IgE and Parthenium specific IgE were determined and
      PBMC proliferation assay to Parthenium pollen using tritiated thymidine
      incorporation was done. The IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and IFN-gamma from stimulated PBMCs
      culture supernatant was also quantified using sandwich ELISA in both groups of
      patients. Twenty-five (35.7%) of 70 patients with AD had a positive SPT to
      Parthenium, compared to 3 (4.3%) of controls. The mean AEC, the mean total IgE
      and Parthenium specific IgE were significantly elevated in SPT positive AD
      patients vis-a-vis SPT negative controls. Similarly in the Parthenium specific
      PBMCs proliferation assay, the stimulation index as well as the Th2 cytokine (IL
      4 and IL-10) profile were significantly elevated in SPT positive AD patients vis
      a-vis SPT negative controls but there was no difference in the Th1 cytokine (IL-2
      and IFN-gamma) profile. Our study suggests that a third of patients with AD
      demonstrated a type I hypersensitivity to P. hysterophorus with a Th2 biased
      cytokine profile (IL-4 and IL-10) in culture supernatant of Parthenium stimulated
      PBMCs in these patients.

PMID- 22091626
TI  - A narrower scope or a clearer lens for personality? Examining sources of
      observers' advantages over self-reports for predicting performance.
AB  - Emerging studies have shown that observers' ratings of personality predict
      performance behaviors better than do self-ratings. However, it is unclear whether
      these predictive advantages stem from (a) use of observers who have a frame of
      reference more closely aligned with the criterion ("narrower scope") or (b)
      observers having greater accuracy than targets themselves ("clearer lens"). In a
      primary study of 291 raters of 97 targets, we found predictive advantages even
      when observers were personal acquaintances who knew targets only outside of the
      work context. Integrating these findings with previous meta-analyses showed that
      colleagues' unique perspectives did not predict incrementally beyond commonly
      held trait perceptions across all raters (except for openness) and that self
      raters who overestimate their agreeableness and conscientiousness perform worse
      on the job. Broadly, our results suggest that observers have clearer lenses for
      viewing targets' personality traits, and we discuss the theoretical implications
      of these findings for studying and measuring personality.

PMID- 22091627
TI  - Nurse staffing and deficiencies in the largest for-profit nursing home chains and
      chains owned by private equity companies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare staffing levels and deficiencies of the 10 largest U.S. for
      profit nursing home chains with five other ownership groups and chain staffing
      and deficiencies before and after purchase by four private equity (PE) companies.
      DATA SOURCES: Facilities for the largest for-profit chains were identified
      through Internet searches and company reports and matched with federal secondary
      data for 2003-2008 for each ownership group. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive statistics
      and generalized estimation equation panel regression models examined staffing and
      deficiencies by ownership groups in the 2003-2008 period, controlling for
      facility characteristics, resident acuity, and market factors with state fixed
      effects. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The top 10 for-profit chains had lower registered
      nurse and total nurse staffing hours than government facilities, controlling for
      other factors. The top 10 chains received 36 percent higher deficiencies and 41
      percent higher serious deficiencies than government facilities. Other for-profit
      facilities also had lower staffing and higher deficiencies than government
      facilities. The chains purchased by PE companies showed little change in staffing
      levels, but the number of deficiencies and serious deficiencies increased in some
      postpurchase years compared with the prepurchase period. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      need for greater study of large for-profit chains as well as those chains
      purchased by PE companies.

PMID- 22091628
TI  - Incidence of serious upper and lower gastrointestinal events in older adults with
      and without Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate and compare the incidence of serious upper and lower
      gastrointestinal (GI) events in individuals aged 65 and older with and without
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING:
      PharMetrics, a large population-based health insurance claims database was used
      for the study. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of AD
      (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      Code 331.0) were identified between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2006, using
      the PharMetrics database. The control cohort consisted of a random sample of
      health plan enrollees matched to the AD cohort according to age, sex, location,
      and index year in a 1:1 ratio. MEASURES: The outcomes of interest were serious GI
      events, including ulceration, perforation, and bleeding in the upper or lower GI
      tract. RESULTS: Twenty-seven thousand seventy-six individuals with AD were
      identified. Approximately 66% of them were age 80 and older, and 65% were female.
      Participants with AD had higher incidence of serious GI events (upper GI: AD vs
      non-AD: 27.4 vs 17.1/1000 person-years, HR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.34-1.65; lower GI:
      AD vs non-AD: 9.4 vs 6.9/1000 person-years, HR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.06-1.48). The
      association was also present in participants without a history of GI bleeding
      (upper GI: HR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.37-1.73; lower GI: HR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.14-1.64).
      CONCLUSION: Participants with AD had higher incidence of serious upper and lower
      GI events, compared to those without AD. Physicians should recognize the high
      risk of serious GI events that exists in individuals with AD.

PMID- 22091629
TI  - Use of the PleuralPort device for management of pleural effusion in six dogs and
      four cats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the placement technique, complications, and outcomes
      associated with use of the PleuralPort device for management of pleural effusion
      in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Case Series. ANIMALS: Six dogs and 4 cats.
      METHODS: Medical records of all animals with pleural effusion managed with the
      PleuralPort device were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, fluid analysis,
      placement technique, duration of function, duration of implantation,
      complications, and outcome were collected. Owners and referring veterinarians
      were contacted for follow-up information. RESULTS: Nine animals had chylous
      effusion and 1 dog had pleural carcinomatosis. Eleven ports were placed with 1
      cat receiving bilateral ports. Four animals developed complications. One cat
      developed pneumothorax immediately after implantation and was euthanatized. In 2
      dogs and 1 cat, the ports obstructed. The 6 remaining animals had functioning
      ports at time of death or resolution of effusion and no longer required use of
      the port. No significant port migration, irritation, or infection of the device
      was reported. Excluding the cat with pneumothorax, median duration of port
      function was 20 days (range 1-391), and median duration of port implantation was
      391 days (range 6-723). CONCLUSIONS: The PleuralPort device is a feasible option
      for the management of pleural effusion in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22091630
TI  - The identification of frailty: a systematic literature review.
AB  - An operational definition of frailty is important for clinical care, research,
      and policy planning. The literature on the clinical definitions, screening tools,
      and severity measures of frailty were systematically reviewed as part of the
      Canadian Initiative on Frailty and Aging. Searches of MEDLINE from 1997 to 2009
      were conducted, and reference lists of retrieved articles were pearled, to
      identify articles published in English and French on the identification of
      frailty in community-dwelling people aged 65 and older. Two independent reviewers
      extracted descriptive information on study populations, frailty criteria, and
      outcomes from the selected papers, and quality rankings were assigned. Of 4,334
      articles retrieved from the searches and 70 articles retrieved from the pearling,
      22 met study inclusion criteria. In the 22 articles, physical function, gait
      speed, and cognition were the most commonly used identifying components of
      frailty, and death, disability, and institutionalization were common outcomes.
      The prevalence of frailty ranged from 5% to 58%. Despite significant work over
      the past decade, a clear consensus definition of frailty does not emerge from the
      literature. The definition and outcomes that best suit the unique needs of the
      researchers, clinicians, or policy-makers conducting the screening determine the
      choice of a screening tool for frailty. Important areas for further research
      include whether disability should be considered a component or an outcome of
      frailty. In addition, the role of cognitive and mood elements in the frailty
      construct requires further clarification.

PMID- 22091631
TI  - Fabrication of Au-Pd core-shell heterostructures with systematic shape evolution
      using octahedral nanocrystal cores and their catalytic activity.
AB  - By using octahedral gold nanocrystals with sizes of approximately 50 nm as the
      structure-directing cores for the overgrowth of Pd shells, Au-Pd core-shell
      heterostructures with systematic shape evolution can be directly synthesized.
      Core-shell octahedra, truncated octahedra, cuboctahedra, truncated cubes, and
      concave cubes were produced by progressively decreasing the amount of the gold
      nanocrystal solution introduced into the reaction mixture containing
      cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), H(2)PdCl(4), and ascorbic acid. The core
      shell structure and composition of these nanocrystals has been confirmed. Only
      the concave cubes are bounded by a variety of high-index facets. This may be a
      manifestation of the release of lattice strain with their thick shells at the
      corners. Formation of the [CTA](2)[PdBr(4)] complex species has been identified
      spectroscopically. Time-dependent UV-vis absorption spectra showed faster Pd
      source consumption rates in the growth of truncated cubes and concave cubes,
      while a much slower reduction rate was observed in the generation of octahedra.
      The concave cubes and octahedra were used as catalysts for a Suzuki coupling
      reaction. They can all serve as effective and recyclable catalysts, but the
      concave cubes gave higher product yields with a shorter reaction time attributed
      to their high-index surface facets. The concave cubes can also catalyze a wide
      range of Suzuki coupling reactions using aryl iodides and arylboronic acids with
      electron-donating and -withdrawing substituents.

PMID- 22091632
TI  - Combined E7-dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and human sodium/iodide symporter
      radioiodine gene therapy with monitoring of antitumor effects by bioluminescent
      imaging in a mouse model of uterine cervical cancer.
AB  - Using a uterine cervical cancer cell line expressing human papillomavirus (HPV)
      16 E7 antigen and bioluminescent imaging (BLI), we evaluated the therapeutic
      potential of combined immunotherapy using transfected dendritic cells (DC-E7) and
      human sodium/iodide symporter (hNIS) radioiodine gene therapy in a xenograft
      animal cancer model. Dendritic cells expressing either E7 antigen (DC-E7) or no
      insert (DC-no insert) were made for immunization materials, and murine uterine
      cervical cancer cell line coexpressing E7, firefly luciferase, hNIS, and EGFP
      genes (TC-1/FNG) were prepared for the animal tumor model. C57BL/6 mice were
      divided into five therapy groups (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], DC-no insert,
      DC-E7, I-131, and DC-E7+I-131 groups). Single therapy with either DC-E7 or I-131
      induced greater retardation in tumor growth compared with PBS or DC-no insert
      groups, and it resulted in some tumor-free mice (DC-E7 and I-131 groups, 40% and
      20%, respectively). Combination therapy with DC-E7 and I-131 dramatically
      inhibited tumor growth, thus causing complete disappearance of tumors in all
      mice, and these effects were further confirmed by BLI in vivo. In conclusion,
      complete disappearance of the tumor was achieved with combined DC-E7 vaccination
      and hNIS radioiodine gene therapy in a mouse model with E7-expressing uterine
      cervical cancer, and serial BLIs successfully demonstrated antitumor effects in
      vivo.

PMID- 22091633
TI  - Desktop study of occupational exposure judgments: do education and experience
      influence accuracy?
AB  - This study examines the impact of several experience and education determinants
      on exposure judgment accuracy. The study used desktop assessments performed on
      several different tasks with different exposure profiles to identify correlations
      between determinants and judgment accuracy using logistic regression models. The
      exposure judgments were elicited from industrial hygienists with varying levels
      of experience, education, and training. Videos and written and oral information
      about the exposure tasks were presented to all participants as they documented a
      series of qualitative and quantitative exposure judgment probabilities in four
      exposure categories. Participants (n = 77) first documented their qualitative and
      then their quantitative exposure assessments after receiving the series of
      sampling data points. Data interpretation tests and training in simple rules-of
      thumb for data interpretation were also given to each participant to investigate
      the impact of data interpretation skills on exposure judgment accuracy. Logistic
      regression analysis indicated "years of exposure assessment experience" (p <
      0.05), "highest EHS degree" (p < 0.05), and a participant's "data interpretation
      test score" (p < 0.05) directly impacted qualitative exposure judgment accuracy.
      Logistic regression models of quantitative judgment accuracy showed positive
      correlation with "greater than 10 years of exposure assessment experience" (p <
      0.05), "highest EHS degree" (p < 0.05), a participant's "data interpretation test
      score" (p < 0.001), rules-of-thumb data interpretation training (p < 0.001), and
      the number of sample data points available for a judgment (p < 0.005). Analyzing
      judgments in subsets for participants with less or more than 10 years' experience
      indicated additional correlations with Certified Industrial Hygienist and
      Certified Safety Professional certifications, total number of task exposure
      assessments, and career number of air surveys. The correlation of qualitative and
      quantitative exposure judgment accuracy with "greater than 10 years experience"
      supports similar research findings from other fields. The results of this study
      indicate that several determinants of experience, education, and training, in
      addition to the availability of sampling data, significantly impact the accuracy
      of exposure assessments. The findings also suggest methods for enhancing exposure
      judgment accuracy through statistical tools, mathematical exposure modeling, and
      specific training.

PMID- 22091634
TI  - Heat, electricity, or transportation? The optimal use of residual and waste
      biomass in Europe from an environmental perspective.
AB  - The optimal use of forest energy wood, industrial wood residues, waste wood,
      agricultural residues, animal manure, biowaste, and sewage sludge in 2010 and
      2030 was assessed for Europe. An energy system model was developed comprising 13
      principal fossil technologies for the production of heat, electricity, and
      transport and 173 bioenergy conversion routes. The net environmental benefits of
      substituting fossil energy with bioenergy were calculated for all approximately
      1500 combinations based on life cycle assessment (LCA) results. An optimization
      model determines the best use of biomass for different environmental indicators
      within the quantified EU-27 context of biomass availability and fossil energy
      utilization. Key factors determining the optimal use of biomass are the
      conversion efficiencies of bioenergy technologies and the kind and quantity of
      fossil energy technologies that can be substituted. Provided that heat can be
      used efficiently, optimizations for different environmental indicators almost
      always indicate that woody biomass is best used for combined heat and power
      generation, if coal, oil, or fuel oil based technologies can be substituted. The
      benefits of its conversion to SNG or ethanol are significantly lower. For non
      woody biomass electricity generation, transportation, and heating yield almost
      comparable benefits as long as high conversion efficiencies and optimal
      substitutions are assured. The shares of fossil heat, electricity, and
      transportation that could be replaced with bioenergy are also provided.

PMID- 22091635
TI  - Thermodynamic properties of arsenic compounds and the heat of formation of the As
      atom from high level electronic structure calculations.
AB  - Structures, vibrational frequencies, atomization energies at 0 K, and heats of
      formation at 0 and 298 K are predicted for the compounds As(2), AsH, AsH(2),
      AsH(3), AsF, AsF(2), and AsF(3) from frozen core coupled cluster theory
      calculations performed with large correlation consistent basis sets, up through
      augmented sextuple zeta quality. The coupled cluster calculations involved up
      through quadruple excitations. For As(2) and the hydrides, it was also possible
      to examine the impact of full configuration interaction on some of the
      properties. In addition, adjustments were incorporated to account for
      extrapolation to the frozen core complete basis set limit, core/valence
      correlation, scalar relativistic effects, the diagonal Born-Oppenheimer
      correction, and atomic spin orbit corrections. Based on our best theoretical
      D(0)(As(2)) and the experimental heat of formation of As(2), we propose a revised
      0 K arsenic atomic heat of formation of 68.86 +/- 0.8 kcal/mol. While generally
      good agreement was found between theory and experiment, the heat of formation of
      AsF(3) was an exception. Our best estimate is more than 7 kcal/mol more negative
      than the single available experimental value, which argues for a re-examination
      of that measurement.

PMID- 22091636
TI  - Pore development in carbonized hemoglobin by concurrently generated MgO template
      for activity enhancement as fuel cell cathode catalyst.
AB  - Various carbon materials with a characteristic morphology and pore structure have
      been produced using template methods in which a carbon-template composite is once
      formed and the characteristic features derived from the template are generated
      after the template removal. In this study, hemoglobin, which is a natural
      compound that could be abundantly and inexpensively obtained, was used as the
      carbon material source to produce a carbonaceous noble-metal-free fuel cell
      cathode catalyst. Magnesium oxide was used as the template concurrently generated
      with the hemoglobin carbonization from magnesium acetate mixed with hemoglobin as
      the starting material mixture to enable pore development for improving the
      activity of the carbonized hemoglobin for the cathodic oxygen reduction. After
      removal of the MgO template, the substantially developed pores were generated in
      the carbonized hemoglobin with an amorphous structure observed by total-electron
      yield X-ray absorption. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure at the Fe-K
      edge indicated that Fe was coordinated with four nitrogen atoms (Fe-N(4) moiety)
      in the carbonized hemoglobin. The oxygen reduction activity of the carbonized
      hemoglobin evaluated using rotating disk electrodes was dependent on the pore
      structure. The highly developed pores led to an improved activity.

PMID- 22091637
TI  - A highly reactive mononuclear non-heme manganese(IV)-oxo complex that can
      activate the strong C-H bonds of alkanes.
AB  - A mononuclear non-heme manganese(IV)-oxo complex has been synthesized and
      characterized using various spectroscopic methods. The Mn(IV)-oxo complex shows
      high reactivity in oxidation reactions, such as C-H bond activation, oxidations
      of olefins, alcohols, sulfides, and aromatic compounds, and N-dealkylation. In C
      H bond activation, the Mn(IV)-oxo complex can activate C-H bonds as strong as
      those in cyclohexane. It is proposed that C-H bond activation by the non-heme
      Mn(IV)-oxo complex does not occur via an oxygen-rebound mechanism. The
      electrophilic character of the non-heme Mn(IV)-oxo complex is demonstrated by a
      large negative rho value of -4.4 in the oxidation of para-substituted
      thioanisoles.

PMID- 22091638
TI  - Dissecting the structure, thermodynamic stability, and aggregation properties of
      the A25T transthyretin (A25T-TTR) variant involved in leptomeningeal amyloidosis:
      identifying protein partners that co-aggregate during A25T-TTR fibrillogenesis in
      cerebrospinal fluid.
AB  - Deposition of amorphous aggregates and fibrils of transthyretin (TTR) in
      leptomeninges and subarachnoid vessels is a characteristic of leptomeningeal
      amyloidosis (LA), a currently untreatable cerebral angiopathy. Herein, we report
      the X-ray structure of the A25T homotetramer of TTR, a natural mutant described
      in a patient with LA. The structure of A25T-TTR is indistinguishable from that of
      wild-type TTR (wt-TTR), indicating that the difference in amyloidogenicity
      between A25T-TTR and wt-TTR cannot be ascribed to gross structural differences.
      Using pressure-induced dissociation of the tetramer, we show that A25T-TTR is 3
      kcal/mol less stable than L55P-TTR, the most aggressive mutant of TTR described
      to date.  After incubation for 15 days at 37  degrees C (pH 7.3), A25T-TTR forms
      mature amyloid fibrils. To mimic the environment in which TTR aggregates, we
      investigated aggregation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Unlike L55P-TTR, A25T-TTR
      rapidly forms amyloid aggregates in CSF that incorporated several protein
      partners. Utilizing a proteomics methodology, we identified 19 proteins that
      copurified with A25T-TTR amyloid fibrils. We confirmed the presence of proteins
      previously identified to be associated with TTR aggregates in biopsies of TTR
      amyloidosis patients, such as clusterin, apolipoprotein E, and complement
      proteins. Moreover, we identified novel proteins, such as blood coagulation
      proteins. Overall, our results revealed the in vitro characterization of TTR
      aggregation in a biologically relevant environment, opening new avenues of
      investigation into the molecular mechanisms of LA.

PMID- 22091639
TI  - On the resistance to extinction of fear conditioned to angry faces.
AB  - The present study investigated whether, like fear conditioned to pictures of
      snakes and spiders, fear conditioned to angry faces resists extinction even after
      verbal instruction and removal of the shock electrode. Participants were trained
      in a differential Pavlovian fear conditioning procedure with angry face or happy
      face conditional stimuli (CSs). Prior to extinction, half the participants in
      each group were informed that no more unconditional stimuli would be presented
      and the shock electrode was removed. In the absence of this manipulation,
      participants showed resistance to extinction after training with angry face CSs,
      but not after training with happy face CSs. Instructed extinction and electrode
      removal abolished fear conditioning regardless of the emotion expressed by the CS
      faces. This finding suggests that fear conditioned to angry faces, like fear
      conditioned to racial out-group faces, is more malleable than fear conditioned to
      snakes and spiders.

PMID- 22091640
TI  - Estimating changes in public health following implementation of hazard analysis
      and critical control point in the United States broiler slaughter industry.
AB  - A common approach to reducing microbial contamination has been the implementation
      of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program to prevent or
      reduce contamination during production. One example is the Pathogen Reduction
      HACCP program implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and
      Inspection Service (FSIS). This program consisted of a staged implementation
      between 1996 and 2000 to reduce microbial contamination on meat and poultry
      products. Of the commodities regulated by FSIS, one of the largest observed
      reductions was for Salmonella contamination on broiler chicken carcasses.
      Nevertheless, how this reduction might have influenced the total number of
      salmonellosis cases in the United States has not been assessed. This study
      incorporates information from public health surveillance and surveys of the
      poultry slaughter industry into a model that estimates the number of broiler
      related salmonellosis cases through time. The model estimates that-following the
      56% reduction in the proportion of contaminated broiler carcasses observed
      between 1995 and 2000-approximately 190,000 fewer annual salmonellosis cases
      (attributed to broilers) occurred in 2000 compared with 1995. The uncertainty
      bounds for this estimate range from approximately 37,000 to 500,000 illnesses.
      Estimated illnesses prevented, due to the more modest reduction in contamination
      of 13% between 2000 and 2007, were not statistically significant. An analysis
      relating the necessary magnitude of change in contamination required for
      detection via human surveillance also is provided.

PMID- 22091641
TI  - The characterization and comparison of Staphylococcus aureus by antibiotic
      susceptibility testing, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus
      polymerase chain reaction, and random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain
      reaction.
AB  - Thirty-five of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food raw materials and
      workers' hands in a noshery were characterized using antibiotic susceptibility
      testing, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain
      reaction (ERIC-PCR), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR. As a
      similarity threshold of 90%, ERIC-PCR classified 35 S. aureus isolates into 28
      ERIC types with discrimination indexes (D) of 0.984, while RAPD-PCR grouped 35 S.
      aureus isolates into five clusters (A-E) showing 19 RAPD types with D of 0.949.
      Four resistance patterns were observed with D of 0.826. A comparison of
      characterization of S. aureus indicated a clear correlation between ERIC-PCR and
      RAPD-PCR or resistance patterns in some strains. It was concluded that ERIC-PCR
      method could be used for genetic diversity of S. aureus and tracing the sources
      of it from the food chain.

PMID- 22091642
TI  - Methodology of photic stimulation revisited: updated European algorithm for
      visual stimulation in the EEG laboratory.
AB  - Intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) is a common procedure performed in the
      electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory in children and adults to detect abnormal
      epileptogenic sensitivity to flickering light (i.e., photosensitivity). In
      practice, substantial variability in outcome is anecdotally found due to the many
      different methods used per laboratory and country. We believe that
      standardization of procedure, based on scientific and clinical data, should
      permit reproducible identification and quantification of photosensitivity. We
      hope that the use of our new algorithm will help in standardizing the IPS
      procedure, which in turn may more clearly identify and assist monitoring of
      patients with epilepsy and photosensitivity. Our algorithm goes far beyond that
      published in 1999 (Epilepsia, 1999a, 40, 75; Neurophysiol Clin, 1999b, 29, 318):
      it has substantially increased content, detailing technical and logistical
      aspects of IPS testing and the rationale for many of the steps in the IPS
      procedure. Furthermore, our latest algorithm incorporates the consensus of
      repeated scientific meetings of European experts in this field over a period of 6
      years with feedback from general neurologists and epileptologists to improve its
      validity and utility. Accordingly, our European group has provided herein updated
      algorithms for two different levels of methodology: (1) requirements for defining
      photosensitivity in patients and in family members of known photosensitive
      patients and (2) requirements for tailored studies in patients with a clear
      history of visually induced seizures or complaints, and in those already known to
      be photosensitive.

PMID- 22091645
TI  - Time-course effects of St John's wort on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in
      dogs: interactions between herbal extracts and drugs.
AB  - To clarify the interaction between St John's wort (SJW) and cyclosporine (CsA) in
      dogs, the pharmacokinetics of CsA before and during the repeated administration
      of SJW were analyzed. In the SJW group, SJW (300 mg) was given orally to four
      dogs every 24 h for 14 days. A single dose of CsA (5 mg/kg) was given orally 7
      days before and 7 and 14 days after the initiation of the repeated administration
      of SJW. In the Control group, a single dose of CsA (5 mg/kg) was given orally to
      four other dogs in accordance with that in the SJW group. Blood samples from both
      groups were collected, and whole-blood concentrations of CsA were determined
      using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The maximum whole
      blood concentration and AUC(0-infinity) of the SJW group were significantly lower
      and the CL(tot) /F and V(d) /F were significantly higher than those in the
      Control group 7 and 14 days after the initiation of repeated SJW. Thus, repeated
      administrations of SJW affect the pharmacokinetic profiles of CsA in dogs.
      Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction between
      SJW and CsA in dogs.

PMID- 22091646
TI  - Virus hazards from food, water and other contaminated environments.
AB  - Numerous viruses of human or animal origin can spread in the environment and
      infect people via water and food, mostly through ingestion and occasionally
      through skin contact. These viruses are released into the environment by various
      routes including water run-offs and aerosols. Furthermore, zoonotic viruses may
      infect humans exposed to contaminated surface waters. Foodstuffs of animal origin
      can be contaminated, and their consumption may cause human infection if the
      viruses are not inactivated during food processing. Molecular epidemiology and
      surveillance of environmental samples are necessary to elucidate the public
      health hazards associated with exposure to environmental viruses. Whereas
      monitoring of viral nucleic acids by PCR methods is relatively straightforward
      and well documented, detection of infectious virus particles is technically more
      demanding and not always possible (e.g. human norovirus or hepatitis E virus).
      The human pathogenic viruses that are most relevant in this context are
      nonenveloped and belong to the families of the Caliciviridae, Adenoviridae,
      Hepeviridae, Picornaviridae and Reoviridae. Sampling methods and strategies,
      first-choice detection methods and evaluation criteria are reviewed.

PMID- 22091649
TI  - Infant mortality and fertility in three Bavarian villages: An analysis of family
      histories from the 19th century.
AB  - Abstract   Family history data derived from the records of three parishes in
      Bavaria provide evidence for several important demographic questions when
      analysed in conjunction with information concerning the prevalent breast-feeding
      practices. The results suggest strongly that breast feeding can prolong birth
      intervals substantially. The evidence concerning the independent influence of
      infant deaths on subsequent birth intervals is inconclusive. It is clear,
      however, that even if such an influence did exist it was relatively small,
      compared to the effect of lactation. In addition the results do not lend support
      to the hypothesis that couples experiencing low child mortality practised family
      limitation more than couples experiencing high child mortality. In all three
      parishes, however, fertility appeared to influence infant mortality. Infants born
      after short intervals were subject to considerably higher mortality risks than
      infants following longer intervals.

PMID- 22091650
TI  - Birth control and regional differentials in the Soviet Union.
AB  - Abstract   Following the territorial division pointed out by Urlanis into those
      parts of the Soviet Union where birth control is practised and where it is not as
      widespread, it is possible to ascertain the importance of different factors
      bearing on fertility within each region.   This study was based on data obtained
      from the 1959 USSR Census of Population including information on social and
      demographic characteristics of the urban and rural populations for over 150
      political-administrative areas. In Central Asia, Azerbaidjan and Armenia, outside
      the region of birth control, the level of fertility depends mainly on the
      proportion of women who are married and also on their social position measured by
      the discrepancy in the educational status of men and women. In contrast, the
      birth control region of a relatively low level of fertility in urban areas, for
      example, displays the characteristic of women's educational achievement most
      strongly associated with the child-woman ratio. Except for the rural areas in
      this region, the present study fails to support the popular hypothesis that
      economic dependency of women is directly related to fertility.

PMID- 22091651
TI  - Altitude, fertility and mortality in Andean countries.
AB  - Abstract   Using the census data for Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, previous writers
      have investigated some possible determinants of inter-regional differences in
      fertility; language spoken, female participation rates, and altitude. This paper
      points out the many sources of inaccuracy in the census data used. It argues that
      the indicators of unusually low fertility in the highland, predominantly
      Indianspeaking areas fail to control effectively for the very high levels of
      infant mortality in these regions. Fragmentary survey results give some
      indication of the scale of infant mortality, and appear to refute the idea that
      fertility is exceptionally low in areas of high altitude. In an attempt to
      explain why such high mortality rates persist in the Andean region the main
      health problems of Bolivia are examined. It seems that the causes are economic
      and social, rather than physiological. Unfortunately a change of policy which
      reduced death rates would produce grave new social problems.

PMID- 22091652
TI  - A study on the demographic impact of an IUD programme.
AB  - Abstract   This paper discusses and presents data obtained through various
      studies and surveys on the effect of the IUD contraceptive programme in Taiwan.
      It has been demonstrated that the fertility of IUD acceptors before first
      acceptance was 58 % higher than that of married women in general and that, after
      acceptance, it declined by about 76%. The corresponding fertility decline among
      married women in general was only about %. Acceptors had had more recent births,
      as indicated by their shorter 'open interval' of 20.7 months, compared with 374
      months among the women in the KAP survey sample.   If the fertility of IUD
      acceptors had declined at the same rate as that of married women in general in
      the absence of IUD, the insertion of about 4 IUDs would probably prevent one live
      birth in the following year. Observation over a longer period, however, is needed
      to determine the demographic effect of IUD. Data on fertility control practice
      after termination, type of termination of pregnancies after first acceptance,
      life-table rates by various socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors, and
      the 'life expectancy' of the first segment of IUD are also presented.

PMID- 22091653
TI  - Determinants of rural-urban migration in Ghana.
AB  - Abstract   In the 39 years between the 1921 and 1960 censuses, urban population
      in Ghana multiplied by nine while the population of the whole country only
      trebled. The major factor in urban growth was rural-urban migration and the
      reproduction of the migrants.   In 1963 a survey consisting of a systematic
      sample of households in 45 rural centres, randomly chosen in Local Authority
      Areas selected in accord with the regional rural population distribution,
      reconstituted the rural population so as to include current migrants in the towns
      as well as those remaining in rural areas. For analysis 13,748 respondents were
      divided into 14 categories by ruralurban migration behaviour. At the same time a
      survey of urban population provided a check on rural-urban migration data.   
      study of the propensity to migrate from rural to urban areas shows that this
      increases with the closeness of the rural area to a large town, the population
      size of the rural centre, the economic well-being of the rural household, the
      number of relatives already in the urban area, the individual's level of
      education, larger family size and probably lower birth rank, as well as
      exhibiting specific age and sex patterns. It is shown that only a minor role is
      played by occupation, conjugal condition and number of dependants. Various
      interrelations between these factors are discussed, and attention is given to the
      special importance of education in partially or wholly determining some of the
      other factors.   Census data are used to demonstrate the effect of rural-urban
      migration in concentrating persons with certain characteristics in the urban
      areas.

PMID- 22091654
TI  - Reflections on the demographic conditions needed to establish a U.S. stationary
      population growth.
AB  - Abstract   It is assumed that in the long run U.S. population growth will have to
      cease, as otherwise life will become physically impossible. Various hypothetical
      possibilities of achieving such a type of development are investigated.
      Alternatives of reproduction rate trends are considered in terms of alternatives
      of interactions of assumed age-specific fertility and mortality trends and these
      are computed and evaluated. The various computations then indicate the nature of
      childbearing attitudes and behaviour, which the 'average population' would have
      to adopt in order to achieve the desired stationary population growth after a
      certain period of time. On the other hand the results presented in the paper also
      indicate that a certain population growth (of the order of 30-50%) and change in
      age structure is inevitable in the coming 5-10 decades given the initial
      childbearing behaviour.

PMID- 22091655
TI  - Observations on the relationship between frequency and timing of intercourse and
      the probability of conception.
AB  - Abstract   Several aspects of stochastic models as they relate to the monthly
      probability of conception are explored. In particular a method of obtaining the
      required probability distributions proceeding from a rather general description
      of human behaviour is presented.   The number of acts of intercourse per month is
      considered as a random variable rather than being taken as a fixed constant. The
      pattern of intercourse is characterized mathematically. The construction of the
      probability function is presented and illustrated numerically.   he Weibull
      distribution is shown to illustrate considerable flexibility in describing these
      differing patterns of intercourse quantitatively. The resulting probabilities of
      conception vary considerably under changing parameter values even when the
      expected number of acts of intercourse is taken to be nearly equal. The relevance
      of these considerations is discussed.

PMID- 22091656
TI  - The Mathematics of the menstrual cycle.
AB  - Abstract   Attempts have been made to rebut criticisms by Professor Potter of a
      rhythm method of contraception described by the author.   There is a correlation
      between the lengths of adjacent cycles within the menstrual histories of some
      women.

PMID- 22091659
TI  - Eltrombopag named patient programme for patients with chronic immune
      thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22091662
TI  - Kernel current source density method.
AB  - Local field potentials (LFP), the low-frequency part of extracellular electrical
      recordings, are a measure of the neural activity reflecting dendritic processing
      of synaptic inputs to neuronal populations. To localize synaptic dynamics, it is
      convenient, whenever possible, to estimate the density of transmembrane current
      sources (CSD) generating the LFP. In this work, we propose a new framework, the
      kernel current source density method (kCSD), for nonparametric estimation of CSD
      from LFP recorded from arbitrarily distributed electrodes using kernel methods.
      We test specific implementations of this framework on model data measured with
      one-, two-, and three-dimensional multielectrode setups. We compare these methods
      with the traditional approach through numerical approximation of the Laplacian
      and with the recently developed inverse current source density methods (iCSD). We
      show that iCSD is a special case of kCSD. The proposed method opens up new
      experimental possibilities for CSD analysis from existing or new recordings on
      arbitrarily distributed electrodes (not necessarily on a grid), which can be
      obtained in extracellular recordings of single unit activity with multiple
      electrodes.

PMID- 22091663
TI  - Quantifying statistical interdependence, part III: N > 2 point processes.
AB  - Stochastic event synchrony (SES) is a recently proposed family of similarity
      measures. First, "events" are extracted from the given signals; next, one tries
      to align events across the different time series. The better the alignment, the
      more similar the N time series are considered to be. The similarity measures
      quantify the reliability of the events (the fraction of "nonaligned" events) and
      the timing precision. So far, SES has been developed for pairs of one-dimensional
      (Part I) and multidimensional (Part II) point processes. In this letter (Part
      III), SES is extended from pairs of signals to N > 2 signals. The alignment and
      SES parameters are again determined through statistical inference, more
      specifically, by alternating two steps: (1) estimating the SES parameters from a
      given alignment and (2), with the resulting estimates, refining the alignment.
      The SES parameters are computed by maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation (step
      1), in analogy to the pairwise case. The alignment (step 2) is solved by linear
      integer programming. In order to test the robustness and reliability of the
      proposed N-variate SES method, it is first applied to synthetic data. We show
      that N-variate SES results in more reliable estimates than bivariate SES. Next N
      variate SES is applied to two problems in neuroscience: to quantify the firing
      reliability of Morris-Lecar neurons and to detect anomalies in EEG synchrony of
      patients with mild cognitive impairment. Those problems were also considered in
      Parts I and II, respectively. In both cases, the N-variate SES approach yields a
      more detailed analysis.

PMID- 22091661
TI  - Response activation impairments in schizophrenia: evidence from the lateralized
      readiness potential.
AB  - Previous research has demonstrated deficits in preresponse motor activity in
      schizophrenia, as evidenced by a reduced lateralized readiness potential (LRP).
      The LRP deficit could be due to increased activation of the incorrect response
      (e.g., failure to suppress competition) or to reduced activation of the correct
      response (e.g., a low-level impairment in response preparation). To distinguish
      these possibilities, we asked whether the LRP impairment is increased under
      conditions of strong response competition. We manipulated the compatibility of
      stimulus-response mappings (Experiment 1) and the compatibility of the target
      with flankers (Experiment 2). In both experiments, the patient LRP was reduced as
      much under conditions of low response competition as under high competition.
      These results are incompatible with a failure of patients to suppress competition
      and are instead consistent with a deficit in activating the correct response.

PMID- 22091664
TI  - Noise tolerance of attractor and feedforward memory models.
AB  - In short-term memory networks, transient stimuli are represented by patterns of
      neural activity that persist long after stimulus offset. Here, we compare the
      performance of two prominent classes of memory networks, feedback-based attractor
      networks and feedforward networks, in conveying information about the amplitude
      of a briefly presented stimulus in the presence of gaussian noise. Using Fisher
      information as a metric of memory performance, we find that the optimal form of
      network architecture depends strongly on assumptions about the forms of
      nonlinearities in the network. For purely linear networks, we find that
      feedforward networks outperform attractor networks because noise is continually
      removed from feedforward networks when signals exit the network; as a result,
      feedforward networks can amplify signals they receive faster than noise
      accumulates over time. By contrast, attractor networks must operate in a signal
      attenuating regime to avoid the buildup of noise. However, if the amplification
      of signals is limited by a finite dynamic range of neuronal responses or if noise
      is reset at the time of signal arrival, as suggested by recent experiments, we
      find that attractor networks can outperform feedforward ones. Under a simple
      model in which neurons have a finite dynamic range, we find that the optimal
      attractor networks are forgetful if there is no mechanism for noise reduction
      with signal arrival but nonforgetful (perfect integrators) in the presence of a
      strong reset mechanism. Furthermore, we find that the maximal Fisher information
      for the feedforward and attractor networks exhibits power law decay as a function
      of time and scales linearly with the number of neurons. These results highlight
      prominent factors that lead to trade-offs in the memory performance of networks
      with different architectures and constraints, and suggest conditions under which
      attractor or feedforward networks may be best suited to storing information about
      previous stimuli.

PMID- 22091666
TI  - Nondegenerate piecewise linear systems: a finite Newton algorithm and
      applications in machine learning.
AB  - We investigate Newton-type optimization methods for solving piecewise linear
      systems (PLSs) with nondegenerate coefficient matrix. Such systems arise, for
      example, from the numerical solution of linear complementarity problem, which is
      useful to model several learning and optimization problems. In this letter, we
      propose an effective damped Newton method, PLS-DN, to find the exact (up to
      machine precision) solution of nondegenerate PLSs. PLS-DN exhibits provable
      semiiterative property, that is, the algorithm converges globally to the exact
      solution in a finite number of iterations. The rate of convergence is shown to be
      at least linear before termination. We emphasize the applications of our method
      in modeling, from a novel perspective of PLSs, some statistical learning problems
      such as box-constrained least squares, elitist Lasso (Kowalski & Torreesani,
      2008), and support vector machines (Cortes & Vapnik, 1995). Numerical results on
      synthetic and benchmark data sets are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness
      and efficiency of PLS-DN on these problems.

PMID- 22091667
TI  - Intrinsic adaptation in autonomous recurrent neural networks.
AB  - A massively recurrent neural network responds on one side to input stimuli and is
      autonomously active, on the other side, in the absence of sensory inputs. Stimuli
      and information processing depend crucially on the quality of the autonomous
      state dynamics of the ongoing neural activity. This default neural activity may
      be dynamically structured in time and space, showing regular, synchronized,
      bursting, or chaotic activity patterns. We study the influence of nonsynaptic
      plasticity on the default dynamical state of recurrent neural networks. The
      nonsynaptic adaption considered acts on intrinsic neural parameters, such as the
      threshold and the gain, and is driven by the optimization of the information
      entropy. We observe, in the presence of the intrinsic adaptation processes, three
      distinct and globally attracting dynamical regimes: a regular synchronized, an
      overall chaotic, and an intermittent bursting regime. The intermittent bursting
      regime is characterized by intervals of regular flows, which are quite
      insensitive to external stimuli, interceded by chaotic bursts that respond
      sensitively to input signals. We discuss these findings in the context of self
      organized information processing and critical brain dynamics.

PMID- 22091668
TI  - Simple modification of Oja rule limits L1-norm of weight vector and leads to
      sparse connectivity.
AB  - This letter describes a simple modification of the Oja learning rule, which
      asymptotically constrains the L1-norm of an input weight vector instead of the L2
      norm as in the original rule. This constraining is local as opposed to commonly
      used instant normalizations, which require the knowledge of all input weights of
      a neuron to update each one of them individually. The proposed rule converges to
      a weight vector that is sparser (has more zero weights) than the vector learned
      by the original Oja rule with or without the zero bound, which could explain the
      developmental synaptic pruning.

PMID- 22091669
TI  - Computational advantages of reverberating loops for sensorimotor learning.
AB  - When we learn something new, our brain may store the information in synapses or
      in reverberating loops of electrical activity, but current theories of motor
      learning focus almost entirely on the synapses. Here we show that loops could
      also play a role and would bring advantages: loop-based algorithms can learn
      complex control tasks faster, with exponentially fewer neurons, and avoid the
      problem of weight transport. They do all this at a cost: in the presence of long
      feedback delays, loop algorithms cannot control very fast movements, but in this
      case, loop and synaptic mechanisms can complement each other-mixed systems
      quickly learn to make accurate but not very fast motions and then gradually speed
      up. Loop algorithms explain aspects of consolidation, the role of attention, and
      the relapses that are sometimes seen after a task has apparently been learned,
      and they make further predictions.

PMID- 22091670
TI  - Spiking neural P systems with astrocytes.
AB  - In a biological nervous system, astrocytes play an important role in the
      functioning and interaction of neurons, and astrocytes have excitatory and
      inhibitory influence on synapses. In this work, with this biological inspiration,
      a class of computation devices that consist of neurons and astrocytes is
      introduced, called spiking neural P systems with astrocytes (SNPA systems). The
      computation power of SNPA systems is investigated. It is proved that SNPA systems
      with simple neurons (all neurons have the same rule, one per neuron, of a very
      simple form) are Turing universal in both generative and accepting modes. If a
      bound is given on the number of spikes present in any neuron along a computation,
      then the computation power of SNPA systems is diminished. In this case, a
      characterization of semilinear sets of numbers is obtained.

PMID- 22091671
TI  - Noninvertibility, chaotic coding, and chaotic multiplexity of synaptically
      modulated neural firing.
AB  - Widely accepted neural firing and synaptic potentiation rules specify a cross
      dependence of the two processes, which, evolving on different timescales, have
      been separated for analytic purposes, concealing essential dynamics. Here, the
      morphology of the firing rates process, modulated by synaptic potentiation, is
      shown to be described by a discrete iteration map in the form of a thresholded
      polynomial. Given initial synaptic weights, a firing activity is triggered by
      conductance. Elementary dynamic modes are defined by fixed points, cycles, and
      saddles of the map, building blocks of the underlying firing code. Showing
      parameter-dependent multiplicity of real polynomial roots, the map is proved to
      be noninvertible. The incidence of chaos is then implied by the parameter
      dependent existence of snap-back repellers. The highly patterned geometric and
      statistical structures of the associated chaotic attractors suggest that these
      attractors are an integral part of the neural code. It further suggests the
      chaotic attractor as a natural mechanism for statistical encoding and temporal
      multiplexing of neural information. The analytic findings are supported by
      simulation.

PMID- 22091672
TI  - European long-term care programs: lessons for community living assistance
      services and supports?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To uncover lessons from abroad for Community Living Assistance
      Services and Supports (CLASS), a federally run voluntary public long-term care
      (LTC) insurance program created under the Accountable Care Act of 2010. DATA
      SOURCES: Program administrators and policy researchers from Austria, England,
      France, Germany, and the Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative methods focused
      on key parameters of cash for care: how programs set benefit levels; project
      expenditures; control administrative costs; regulate the use of benefits; and
      protect workers. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Structured discussions were
      conducted during an international conference of LTC experts, followed by personal
      meetings and individual correspondence. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Germany's self
      financing mandate and tight targeting of benefits have resulted in a solvent
      program with low premiums. Black markets for care are likely in the absence of
      regulation; France addresses this via a unique system ensuing legal payment of
      workers. CONCLUSIONS: Programs in the five countries studied have lessons, both
      positive and negative, relevant to CLASS design.

PMID- 22091673
TI  - IgE antibody detection in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity to neuromuscular
      blocking agents.

PMID- 22091674
TI  - Imaging of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors.

PMID- 22091675
TI  - Reprogramming intestinal immunity is the answer to induced pathogenic
      inflammation.

PMID- 22091676
TI  - Acute graft-versus-host disease.

PMID- 22091678
TI  - MKP-1 signaling translates innate signals into adaptive responses.

PMID- 22091679
TI  - Mycophenolate mofetil for the induction and maintenance treatment of lupus
      nephritis.
AB  - Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) inhibits purine synthesis by inhibiting inosine-5'
      monophosphate dehydrogenase. Since 1995, it has been approved in the USA for the
      prevention of allograft rejection in solid organ transplant patients. In the last
      two decades, it has been frequently used as an immunosuppressive therapy for
      numerous autoimmune conditions including lupus nephritis. Management of lupus
      nephritis has been advanced by well-designed randomized clinical trials
      establishing MMF as a viable alternative to established therapies such as pulse
      intravenous cyclophosphamide in selected patients. This article outlines the
      pharmacologic properties of MMF and summarizes recent randomized clinical trials
      in lupus nephritis.

PMID- 22091680
TI  - Optimizing tumor-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells in B-cell lymphoma
      patients.
AB  - Evaluation of: Savoldo B, Ramos CA, Liu E et al. CD28 costimulation improves
      expansion and persistence of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells in
      lymphoma patients. J. Clin. Invest. 121(5), 1822-1826 (2011). Chimeric antigen
      receptor (CAR)-T cells are promising antitumor immunotherapies. However, there
      are limited reports of persistence, tumor-homing and clinical efficacy in cancer
      patients. Savoldo and colleagues used a novel approach to compare the use of
      first- and second-generation tumor-specific CAR-T cells in six B-cell lymphoma
      patients. They provide one of the first comparisons in human subjects and
      demonstrate the superiority of second-generation CAR-T cells to expand, survive
      and home to the tumor site.

PMID- 22091682
TI  - Novel therapies in melanoma.
AB  - The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is on the rise worldwide despite increasing
      awareness and vigilance towards prevention by the lay public and health
      professionals. Melanoma is easily curable by surgical excision when detected
      early, but it is nearly incurable when discovered in its later stages owing to
      resistance to treatment. Unfortunately, treatment options traditionally used in
      melanoma have not shown a survival benefit. However, as the understanding of
      tumor biology and metastatic growth evolves, new therapeutic options for
      metastatic melanoma have shown impressive survival benefit. The blockade of
      cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) by use of the monoclonal antibody,
      ipilimumab (YervoyTM, Bristol-Myers Squibb), produces favorable antitumor immune
      system responses and was recently approved by the US FDA for use in patients with
      advanced melanoma. In addition, targeting components of the MAPK pathway have
      also demonstrated survival advantage in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma and
      vemurafenib (ZelborafTM, Plexxikon/Roche) was approved by the FDA in August 2011
      for the first-line treatment of both metastatic and unresectable melanomas for
      patients whose tumors have V600E mutations in the BRAF gene.

PMID- 22091681
TI  - Use of allogeneic NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
AB  - Controversy exists as to the role that the immune system plays in cancer therapy.
      While the immune system has been proposed to scavenge the body to prevent
      microscopic transformation from forming cancer, it has been difficult to mount
      its potential of shrinking established tumors. NK cells are components of the
      innate immune system. They can recognize targets without prior sensitization,
      making them ideal candidates to manipulate for therapeutic use against cancer.
      Initially, autologous NK cells were directed against tumors but it was realized
      that NK cells that recognize self cells are inhibited. More encouraging advances
      have been made with allogeneic NK cell therapy in clinical trials to overcome
      this limitation. In this article, we present developments in NK cell adoptive
      immunotherapy for hematologic and solid tumor malignancies.

PMID- 22091684
TI  - Sirolimus in solid organ transplantation: current therapies and new frontiers.
AB  - Sirolimus (SRL) is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, which provides an
      immunosuppressive effect by inhibiting cell cycle progression. The encouraging
      results of combined SRL-cyclosporine therapy paved the way to further
      immunosuppressant combinations. Although SRL is relatively non-nephrotoxic when
      administered as monotherapy, it pharmacodynamically enhances the toxicity of
      calcineurin inhibitors. Other side effects may include hyperlipidemia and
      myelosuppression and less commonly wound healing impairment, proteinuria, edema
      and pneumonitis. Surprisingly, SRL also showed encouraging properties as an
      antiatherogenic and antineoplastic, opening a large spectrum of new potential
      applications. Whether SRL can be used safely over the long term with low doses of
      calcineurin inhibitors requires further study. The use of SRL as a corticosteroid
      sparing agent also remains to be proven in controlled trials.

PMID- 22091683
TI  - Stromal cell-based immunotherapy in transplantation.
AB  - Organs are composed of parenchymal cells that characterize organ function and
      nonparenchymal cells that are composed of cells in transit, as well as tissue
      connective tissue, also referred to as tissue stromal cells. It was originally
      thought that these tissue stromal cells provided only structural and functional
      support for parenchymal cells and were relatively inert. However, we have come to
      realize that tissue stromal cells, not restricted to in the thymus and lymphoid
      organs, also play an active role in modulating the immune system and its response
      to antigens. The recognition of these elements and the elucidation of their
      mechanisms of action have provided valuable insight into peripheral immune
      regulation. Extrapolation of these principles may allow us to utilize their
      potential for clinical application. In this article, we will summarize a number
      of tissue stromal elements/cell types that have been shown to induce
      hyporesponsiveness to transplants. We will also discuss the mechanisms by which
      these stromal cells create a tolerogenic environment, which in turn results in
      long-term allograft survival.

PMID- 22091685
TI  - Developing immunologic tolerance for transplantation at the fetal stage.
AB  - Given the shortage of human organs for transplantation, the waiting lists are
      increasing annually and consequently so is the time and deaths during the wait.
      As most immune suppression therapy is not antigen specific and the risk of
      infection tends to increase, scientists are looking for new options for
      immunosuppression or immunotolerance. Tolerance induction would avoid the
      complications caused by immunosupressive drugs. As such, taking into account the
      experience with autoimmune diseases, one strategy could be immune modulation
      induced changes in T-cell cytokine secretion or antigen therapy; however, most
      clinical trials have failed. Gene transfer of MHC genes across species may be
      used to induce tolerance to xenogenic solid organs. Other options are induction
      of central tolerance by the establishment of mixed chimerism through
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the induction of 'operational
      tolerance' through immunodeviation involving dendritic or Tregs. I propose that,
      as the recognition and tolerance of proteins takes place in the thymus, this
      organ should be the main target for immunotolerance research protocols even as
      early as during the fetal development.

PMID- 22091687
TI  - Is low anxiety part of the psychopathy construct?
AB  - Low anxiety has traditionally been considered a feature of psychopathy, but there
      has been mixed research support for this conceptualization. We investigated the
      PPI-R-SF Stress Immunity subscale (a measure of low anxiety) in relation to 2
      widely used self-report psychopathy scales in a sample of 346 undergraduate
      students. Results indicated that PPI-R-SF Stress Immunity was nearly unrelated to
      other indicators of psychopathy, showing a near-zero loading on the common
      psychopathy factor defined jointly by the scales of the PPI-R-SF and SRP-III.
      Stress Immunity also showed a pattern of personality and temperament correlates
      much different from those of other psychopathy subscales. Finally, Stress
      Immunity had a slight negative correlation with self-reports of diverse
      antisocial acts. These results suggest that despite its historical importance in
      the conceptualization of psychopathy, low anxiety is likely not a core feature of
      psychopathy.

PMID- 22091688
TI  - Differences in well-being between GPs, medical specialists, and private
      physicians: the role of psychosocial factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the well-being differences among physicians working in
      different health care sectors and to test whether psychosocial stressors account
      for these differences. The well-being indicators used were psychological
      distress, self-rated health, and work ability. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: A
      total of 2,841 randomly selected Finnish physicians (response rate 57 percent)
      returned the postal questionnaire, of which 2,047 (1,241 women) fulfilled all the
      participant criteria. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire
      study. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: General practitioners and medical specialists
      experienced lower well-being than private physicians and this difference was
      partly explained by differences in psychosocial stressors. CONCLUSIONS: General
      practitioners and medical specialists report more problems in well-being than
      private physicians. It is of particular importance to be aware of the sector
      specific difficulties in work environments.

PMID- 22091689
TI  - Predicting nursing home adherence to a clinical trial intervention: lessons for
      the conduct of cluster randomized trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe factors predictive of nursing home (NH) adherence to a
      clinical trial intervention. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a cluster randomized
      trial (CRT) evaluating a structured communication intervention to improve nurse
      physician telephone communication in NHs. SETTING: NH. PARTICIPANTS: All eligible
      licensed nursing staff in all participating NHs. MEASUREMENTS: Adherence was
      defined as active participation for at least 3 months of the 12-month trial. NH
      characteristics hypothesized to affect trial outcomes (profit status, bed size,
      nursing staff time, NH quality, and leadership turnover) were measured a priori.
      The association between intervention adherence, NH characteristics and
      preintervention questionnaire response rate was examined. RESULTS: Of 13
      intervention NHs, seven adhered to the intervention. Three factors differentiated
      adherent from nonadherent NHs: director of nursing turnover (nonadherent NHs 50%
      vs adherent NHs 0%, P = .03); Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
      nurse staffing rating (range: 1-5) (nonadherent NHs mean 3.7 +/- 0.5 vs adherent
      NHs mean 4.3 +/- 0.5), P = .048); and questionnaire response rate (nonadherent
      NHs 15.6 +/- 10.0% vs adherent NHs 34.2 +/- 12.1%, P = .02). Profit status, bed
      size, and number of NH deficiencies on state surveys were not significantly
      associated with intervention adherence. CONCLUSION: CMS nurse staffing rating,
      leadership turnover, and questionnaire response rate are associated with
      adherence to a CRT intervention. Pretrial evaluation of NH staffing rating by CMS
      and of response to a questionnaire can help investigators improve trial
      efficiency by screening for NHs likely to adhere to a CRT intervention.

PMID- 22091690
TI  - Prospective comparison of cisterna chyli ablation to pericardectomy for treatment
      of spontaneously occurring idiopathic chylothorax in the dog.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prospective comparison of cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) or
      pericardectomy (PC) for chylothorax. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective study.
      SUBJECT POPULATION: Dogs with idiopathic chylothorax (n= 23). METHODS: Dogs were
      treated by thoracic duct ligation (TDL) with either CCA (n = 12) or PC (n = 11).
      Long-term outcomes, intraoperative central venous pressures (CVPs) and
      pericardial histology were assessed. Dogs with persistent chylothorax were
      offered retreatment by the alternative procedure. RESULTS: Ten (83%) dogs treated
      by CCA-TDL and 6 (60%) treated by PC-TDL resolved their chylothorax. Retreatment
      in 4 dogs resulted in resolution in 2 dogs and 2 perioperative deaths. Four dogs
      developed nonchylous effusions; 2 of which resolved after initiating steroid
      therapy, 1 of which was unsuccessfully treated by PC, and 1 continues to be
      managed by thoracocentesis 6.5 years later. CVPs were normal in most dogs and
      unaffected by PC. On histology, pericardial tissues had extensive external
      surface fibrosis with mild inflammation. On follow-up (<= 6.5 years), no
      recurrence of pleural effusions occurred after initial resolution. CONCLUSIONS:
      CCA-TDL appears to offer improved outcomes over historical results with TDL.
      Results with PC-TDL were more variable for unknown reasons. Venous pressure
      measurements did not support the hypothesis that venous hypertension was involved
      in chylothorax or response to therapy in these dogs.

PMID- 22091691
TI  - Target family-directed exploration of scaffolds with different SAR profiles.
AB  - The scaffold concept is widely applied in chemoinformatics and medicinal
      chemistry to organize bioactive compounds according to common core structures or
      associate compound classes with specific biological activities. A variety of
      scaffold analyses have been carried out to derive statistics for scaffold
      distributions, generate structural organization schemes, or identify scaffolds
      that preferentially occur in given compound activity classes. Herein we further
      extend scaffold analysis by identifying scaffolds that display defined SAR
      profiles consisting of multiple properties. A structural relationship-based
      scaffold network has been designed as the basic data structure underlying our
      analysis. From network representations of scaffolds extracted from compounds
      active against 32 different target families, scaffolds with different SAR
      profiles have been extracted on the basis of decision trees that capture
      structural and functional characteristics of scaffolds in different ways. More
      than 600 scaffolds and 100 scaffold clusters were assigned to 10 SAR profiles.
      These scaffold sets represent different activity and target selectivity profiles
      and are provided for further SAR investigations including, for example, the
      exploration of alternative analog series for a given target of target family or
      the design of novel compounds on the basis of scaffold(s) with desired SAR
      profiles.

PMID- 22091692
TI  - A new multimodal geriatric discharge-planning intervention to prevent emergency
      visits and rehospitalizations of older adults: the optimization of medication in
      AGEd multicenter randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a new multimodal comprehensive discharge
      planning intervention would reduce emergency rehospitalizations or emergency
      department (ED) visits for very old inpatients. DESIGN: Six-month prospective,
      randomized (Zelen design), parallel-group, open-label trial. SETTING: Six acute
      geriatric units (AGUs) in Paris and its surroundings. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred
      sixty-five consecutive inpatients aged 70 and older (intervention group (IG) n =
      317; control group (CG) n = 348). INTERVENTION: Intervention-dedicated
      geriatricians different from those in the study centers implemented the
      intervention, which targeted three risk factors for preventable readmissions and
      consisted of three components: comprehensive chronic medication review, education
      on self-management of disease, and detailed transition-of-care communication with
      outpatient health professionals. MEASUREMENTS: Emergency hospitalization or ED
      visit 3 and 6 months after discharge, as assessed by telephone calls to the
      participant, the caregiver, and the general practitioner and confirmed with the
      hospital administrative database. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of IG
      participants were readmitted to hospital or had an ED visit 3 months after
      discharge, compared with 30.5% of CG participants (P = .03); at 6 months, the
      proportions were 35.3% and 40.8%, respectively (P = .15). Event-free survival was
      significantly higher in the IG at 3 months (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) = 0.53-0.97, P = .03) but not at 6 months (HR = 0.81,
      95% CI = 0.64-1.04, P = .10). CONCLUSION: This intervention was effective in
      reducing rehospitalizations and ED visits for very elderly participants 3 but not
      6 months after their discharge from the AGU. Future research should investigate
      the effect of this intervention of transitional care in a larger population and
      in usual acute and subacute geriatric care.

PMID- 22091694
TI  - A brief response.

PMID- 22091695
TI  - Perceptuo-acoustic assessment of prosodic impairment in dysarthria.
AB  - Dysprosody was studied in four groups of male subjects: subjects with amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS) and mild intelligibility impairment, subjects with ALS
      and a more severe intelligibility loss, subjects with cerebellar disease, and
      neurologically normal controls. Dysprosody was assessed with perceptual ratings
      and acoustic measures pertaining to the regulation of duration, f(0), and
      intensity within tone units of conversational samples. Intelligibility reduction
      and prosodic disturbance were not necessarily equally impaired in all subjects,
      and it is concluded that these are complementary indices of severity of
      dysarthria. Compared to the neurologically normal control group, the clinical
      groups tended to decrease the overall duration of tone units, produce fewer words
      in a tone unit, and use smaller variations in f(0). Recommendations are offered
      for the assessement of.

PMID- 22091696
TI  - Speaking rate, conversational speech acts, interruption, and linguistic
      complexity of 20 pre-school stuttering and non-stuttering children and their
      mothers.
AB  - This is the second in a series of reports concerning stuttering pre-school
      children enrolled in a longitudinal study; the first was Ryan (1992).
      Conversational samples of 20 stuttering and 20 non-stuttering pre-school children
      and their mothers were analysed for speaking rate, conversational speech acts,
      interruption, and linguistic complexity. Between-group analyses revealed few
      differences between either the two children or two mother groups. Within-group
      analyses indicated differences that involved conversational speech acts and
      linguistic complexity. Most stuttering occurred on statements (M = 32.3%
      stuttered) and questions (M = 20.9% stuttered). Stuttered and disfluent sentences
      had higher Developmental Sentence Scoring (DSS) (Lee, 1974) scores (M = 10.9,
      12.9, respectively) than fluent sentences (M = 7.6). Multiple correlation
      analyses indicated that speaking rate of mothers (0.561) and normal disfluency of
      children (0.396) were major predictor variables.

PMID- 22091697
TI  - A phonological system at 2 years after cochlear implantation.
AB  - This report is a description of a developing phonological system as manifested in
      the productions of a prelingually deafened child approximately 2 years after
      fitting with a Nucleus 22-Channel Multi-Electrode Cochlear Implant. A probe list
      consisting of 23 proper nouns familiar to the child was used to elicit samples of
      her speech; stimulus materials consisted of photographs of those persons (friends
      and family members) whose names were included in the probe list. Analysis of the
      child's productions addressed the composition of the phonetic inventory of
      consonants and vowels and the presence of syllable structure and other
      phonotactic constraints. Results indicated a rich inventory of speech sound
      segments (among both consonants and vowels) and a lack of stringent constraints
      on syllable structure and consonants permitted in specified word positions. A
      further comparative analysis of correspondences with the ambient language showed
      a number of patterns that are also common in the speech of children with normal
      hearing.

PMID- 22091699
TI  - Moving toward the circular economy: the role of stocks in the Chinese steel
      cycle.
AB  - As the world's largest CO(2) emitter and steel producer, China has set the
      ambitious goal of establishing a circular economy which aims at reconciling
      economic development with environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
      This work applies dynamic material flow analysis to forecast production,
      recycling, and iron ore consumption in the Chinese steel cycle until 2100 by
      using steel services in terms of in-use stock per capita as driver of future
      development. The whole cycle is modeled to determine possible responses of the
      steel industry in light of the circular economy concept. If per-capita stock
      saturates at 8-12 tons as evidence from industrialized countries suggests,
      consumption may peak between 2015 and 2020, whereupon it is likely to drop by up
      to 40% until 2050. A slower growing in-use stock could mitigate this peak and
      hence reduce overcapacity in primary production. Old scrap supply will increase
      substantially and it could replace up to 80% of iron ore as resource for steel
      making by 2050. This would require advanced recycling technologies as
      manufacturers of machinery and transportation equipment would have to shift to
      secondary steel as well as new capacities in secondary production which could,
      however, make redundant already existing integrated steel plants.

PMID- 22091700
TI  - In situ synthesis of polymer-modified mesoporous carbon CMK-3 composites for CO2
      sequestration.
AB  - Here we report carbon-based composites polyethylenimine-mesocarbon (PEI-CMK-3)
      and polyvinylamine-mesocarbon (PVA-CMK-3) that can be used to capture and rapidly
      release CO(2). CO(2) uptake by the synthesized composites was determined using a
      gravimetric method at 30  degrees C and 1 atm; the 39% PEI-CMK-3 composite had
      ~12 wt % CO(2) uptake capacity and the 37% PVA-CMK-3 composite had ~13 wt % CO(2)
      uptake capacity. A desorption temperature of 75  degrees C was sufficient for
      regeneration. The CO(2) uptake was the same when using 10% CO(2) in a 90% CH(4),
      C(2)H(6), and C(3)H(8) mixture, underscoring this composite's efficacy for CO(2)
      sequestration from natural gas.

PMID- 22091701
TI  - Mechanism of S-oxygenation by a cysteine dioxygenase model complex.
AB  - In this work, we present the first computational study on a biomimetic cysteine
      dioxygenase model complex, [Fe(II)(LN(3)S)](+), in which LN(3)S is a tetradentate
      ligand with a bis(imino)pyridyl scaffold and a pendant arylthiolate group. The
      reaction mechanism of sulfur dioxygenation with O(2) was examined by density
      functional theory (DFT) methods and compared with results obtained for cysteine
      dioxygenase. The reaction proceeds via multistate reactivity patterns on
      competing singlet, triplet, and quintet spin state surfaces. The reaction
      mechanism is analogous to that found for cysteine dioxygenase enzymes (Kumar, D.;
      Thiel, W.; de Visser, S. P. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 3869-3882); hence, the
      computations indicate that this complex can closely mimic the enzymatic process.
      The catalytic mechanism starts from an iron(III)-superoxo complex and the attack
      of the terminal oxygen atom of the superoxo group on the sulfur atom of the
      ligand. Subsequently, the dioxygen bond breaks to form an iron(IV)-oxo complex
      with a bound sulfenato group. After reorganization, the second oxygen atom is
      transferred to the substrate to give a sulfinic acid product. An alternative
      mechanism involving the direct attack of dioxygen on the sulfur, without
      involving any iron-oxygen intermediates, was also examined. Importantly, a
      significant energetic preference for dioxygen coordinating to the iron center
      prior to attack at sulfur was discovered and serves to elucidate the function of
      the metal ion in the reaction process. The computational results are in good
      agreement with experimental observations, and the differences and similarities of
      the biomimetic complex and the enzymatic cysteine dioxygenase center are
      highlighted.

PMID- 22091702
TI  - Estrogen-anchored pH-sensitive liposomes as nanomodule designed for site-specific
      delivery of doxorubicin in breast cancer therapy.
AB  - The present investigation reports the development of nanoengineered estrogen
      receptor (ER) targeted pH-sensitive liposome for the site-specific intracellular
      delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) for breast cancer therapy. Estrone, a bioligand,
      was anchored on the surface of pH-sensitive liposome for drug targeting to ERs.
      The estrone-anchored pH-sensitive liposomes (ES-pH-sensitive-SL) showed fusogenic
      potential at acidic pH (5.5). In vitro cytotoxicity studies carried out on ER
      positive MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells revealed that ES-pH-sensitive-SL
      formulation was more cytotoxic than non-pH-sensitive targeted liposomes (ES-SL).
      The flow cytometry analysis confirmed significant enhanced uptake (p < 0.05) of
      ES-pH-sensitive-SL by MCF-7 cells. Intracellular delivery and nuclear
      localization of the DOX was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The mechanism
      for higher cytotoxicity shown by estrone-anchored pH-sensitive liposomal-DOX was
      elucidated using reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination. The in vivo
      biodistribution studies and antitumor activities of formulations were evaluated
      on tumor bearing female Balb/c mice followed by intravenous administration. The
      ES-pH-sensitive-SL efficiently suppressed the breast tumor growth in comparison
      to both ES-SL and free DOX. Serum enzyme activities such as LDH and CPK levels
      were assayed for the evaluation of DOX induced cardiotoxicity. The ES-pH
      sensitive-SL accelerated the intracellular trafficking of encapsulated DOX, thus
      increasing the therapeutic efficacy. The findings support that estrone-anchored
      pH-sensitive liposomes could be one of the promising nanocarriers for the
      targeted intracellular delivery of anticancer agents to breast cancer with
      reduced systemic side effects.

PMID- 22091703
TI  - A 1,3-dihydro-1,3-azaborine debuts.
AB  - We present the first synthesis and characterization of a 1,3-dihydro-1,3
      azaborine, a long-sought BN isostere of benzene. 1,3-Dihydro-1,3-azaborine is a
      stable structural motif with considerable aromatic character as evidenced by
      structural analysis and its reaction chemistry. Single crystal X-ray analysis
      indicates bonding consistent with significant electron delocalization. 1,3
      Dihydro-1,3-azaborines also undergo nucleophilic substitutions at boron and
      electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. In view of the versatility and
      impact of aromatic compounds in the biomedical field and in materials science,
      the present study further expands the available chemical space of arenes via
      BN/CC isosterism.

PMID- 22091704
TI  - Necessary and sufficient conditions for equality of sibling and parent-offspring
      risk of a disease endophenotype in case families.
AB  - A large number of linkage and association studies of complex diseases focus on
      analysis of a more common or more easily measured disease endophenotype. The
      motivation for this approach is that there is a pleiotropic locus common to both
      the disease and the endophenotype and that this locus is a major genetic
      determinant of the endophenotype. In this paper, we determine the conditions
      under which the risk of the endophenotype in siblings of affected probands with
      disease equals the risk of the endophenotype in the offspring (parents) of
      affected parents (offspring) with disease. In doing so we prove that this
      equality holds if and only if the penetrance of either the endophenotype or the
      disease (but not necessarily both) is additive.

PMID- 22091705
TI  - On the relationship between temperament, metacognition, and anxiety: independent
      and mediated effects.
AB  - The present study examined the relations between temperamental traits
      distinguished in regulative theory of temperament, state anxiety, and
      metacognition as postulated in self-regulatory executive function (S-REF) theory
      of emotional disorder. Data analysis (n=315) consisted of independent and
      mediated effect analyses. Of the six traits, briskness, emotional reactivity and
      perseveration correlated significantly with both state anxiety and metacognitions
      (emotional reactivity and perseveration correlated positively, and briskness -
      negatively). These traits were predictors of state anxiety. Metacognition
      predicted state anxiety and relationships were independent of temperament. A
      mediating effect of metacognition was confirmed for the general index as well as
      negative and positive belief subscales. The findings support the metacognitive
      model of psychopathology and suggest that temperament is associated with
      metacognitions implicated in psychopathology and may have both direct and
      metacognitively mediated effects on anxiety.

PMID- 22091709
TI  - Psychological sweating from glabrous and nonglabrous skin surfaces under
      thermoneutral conditions.
AB  - Recent experiments revealed psychological sweating to be a ubiquitous phenomenon
      in passively heated individuals. Since heating potentiates sweating, and since
      most research into psychological sweating was not conducted in this thermal
      state, these observations required thermoneutral verification. Thermoneutral
      subjects performed mental arithmetic (at 26(o) C) with psychological sweating
      evaluated from nine sites (ventilated capsules, skin conductance). Discharged
      sweating was evident from three glabrous sites (P < .05). However, significant
      sweating was evident from two nonglabrous surfaces (P < .05), and skin
      conductance increased at the volar and dorsal finger surfaces (P < .05). Each of
      these changes occurred while core and skin temperatures remained stable (P >
      .05). These thermoneutral observations further refute the proposition that
      psychological sweating in humans is restricted to the glabrous skin surfaces.

PMID- 22091708
TI  - Newly diagnosed epileptic seizures: focus on an elderly population on the French
      island of Reunion in the Southern Indian Ocean.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe seizure types and risk factors among elderly people with
      newly diagnosed epileptic seizures living on La Reunion, a French Island in the
      Southern Indian Ocean. METHODS: We describe an elderly population with newly
      diagnosed epileptic seizures using data from the EPIREUN study conducted between
      July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. The methodology is described in detail in the
      EPIREUN study report (Mignard et al., 2009). KEY FINDINGS: There were 153 single
      unprovoked seizures (84.1%); their incidence was 278.1 [95% confidence interval
      (CI) 237.4-325.9] per 100,000. The incidence of newly diagnosed epilepsy was
      125.4 (95% CI, 99.1-158.8) per 100,000. Twenty-eight acute symptomatic seizures
      occurred (15.4%); the incidence was 50.9 (95% CI 35.1-73.7) per 100,000. The
      annual incidence of newly diagnosed epileptic seizure in the elderly was 330.8
      (95% CI 286.1-382.6) per 100,000: 403.0 (95% CI 328.5-494.3) per 100,000 in men
      and 279.6 (95% CI, 227.4-343.8) per 100,000 in women. Sex had a significant (p =
      0.014) effect on incidence: elderly men had a risk ratio of 1.44 compared to
      women of developing a newly diagnosed epileptic seizure. The etiology of single
      unprovoked seizure was as follows: stroke, 77 cases (50.3%); cryptogenic, 36
      (23.5%); alcoholism, 10 (6.6%); a combination of several causes such as
      polypathology, 9 (5.9%); degenerative disease, 6 (4.0%); HIV infection, 2 (2.0%),
      and undetermined causes (2.7%). Most patients (170; 93.4%) were hospitalized, and
      110 (60.8%) were treated. Among patients treated, 49 (44.5%) were given sodium
      valproate, 25 (22.7%) benzodiazepines, 12 (10.9%) phenytoin, 9 (8.2%)
      lamotrigine, 8 (7.3%) Trileptal, and 7 (6.4%) gabapentin. SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      findings show that the incidences of newly diagnosed epileptic seizures and newly
      diagnosed epilepsy were high in the elderly population of La Reunion. These
      incidences were significantly higher in men than in women. These results may be
      attributable to the high incidence of cerebrovascular diseases and comorbidities
      in this population.

PMID- 22091711
TI  - From individual cell motility to collective behaviors: insights from a
      prokaryote, Myxococcus xanthus.
AB  - In bird flocks, fish schools, and many other living organisms, regrouping among
      individuals of the same kin is frequently an advantageous strategy to survive,
      forage, and face predators. However, these behaviors are costly because the
      community must develop regulatory mechanisms to coordinate and adapt its response
      to rapid environmental changes. In principle, these regulatory mechanisms,
      involving communication between individuals, may also apply to cellular systems
      which must respond collectively during multicellular development. Dissecting the
      mechanisms at work requires amenable experimental systems, for example,
      developing bacteria. Myxococcus xanthus, a Gram-negative delatproteobacterium, is
      able to coordinate its motility in space and time to swarm, predate, and grow
      millimeter-size spore-filled fruiting bodies. A thorough understanding of the
      regulatory mechanisms first requires studying how individual cells move across
      solid surfaces and control their direction of movement, which was recently
      boosted by new cell biology techniques. In this review, we describe current
      molecular knowledge of the motility mechanism and its regulation as a lead-in to
      discuss how multicellular cooperation may have emerged from several layers of
      regulation: chemotaxis, cell-cell signaling, and the extracellular matrix. We
      suggest that Myxococcus is a powerful system to investigate collective principles
      that may also be relevant to other cellular systems.

PMID- 22091712
TI  - Deaths from violence in Britain: A tentative secular survey.
AB  - Abstract   In recent years about 7,500 persons have been killed annually in road
      accidents in Britain. This 'slaughter on the roads' represents a mortality rate
      of around 150 per million persons living per annum (henceforth, pMa). 1  The vast
      majority of deaths occurred in accidents involving motor vehicles, 2  of which
      there were approximately 14 million in Britain in 1968. 3  Four decades ago the
      number ofmotor vehicles was less than one-quarter ofthat to-day (in 1934, 2.4
      million): nevertheless, in the 1930's the mortality rate from motor vehicle
      accidents was almost identical with that of to-day. Clearly, though road traffic
      has increased and more persons expose themselves to the risks, with much longer
      exposure for some, man's mastery over the motor vehicle, social as well as
      technical, has correspondingly increased in recent decades. Individual vehicles
      are much less likely to be involved in fatal accidents, and for those who travel
      in vehicles (though conceivably not for pedestrians) the roads are no more
      dangerous, despite the increased traffic.

PMID- 22091710
TI  - A typical preparation of Francisella tularensis O-antigen yields a mixture of
      three types of saccharides.
AB  - Tularemia is a severe infectious disease in humans caused by the Gram-negative
      bacterium Francisella tularensis (Ft). Because of its low infectious dose, high
      mortality rate, and the threat of its large-scale dissemination in weaponized
      form, development of vaccines and immunotherapeutics against Ft is essential. Ft
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which contains the linear graded-length saccharide
      component O-antigen (OAg) attached to a core oligosaccharide, has been reported
      as a protective antigen. Purification of LPS saccharides of defined length and
      composition is necessary to reveal the epitopes targeted by protective
      antibodies. In this study, we purified saccharides from LPS preparations from
      both the Ft subspecies holarctica live vaccine strain (LVS) and the virulent Ft
      subspecies tularensis SchuS4 strain using liquid chromatography. We then
      characterized the fractions using high-resolution mass spectrometry and tandem
      mass spectrometry. Three types of saccharides were observed in both the LVS and
      SchuS4 preparations: two consisting of OAg tetrasaccharide repeats attached to
      one of two core oligosaccharide variants and one consisting of tetrasaccharide
      repeats only (coreless). The coreless OAg oligosaccharides were shown to contain
      Qui4NFm (4,6-dideoxy-4-formamido-D-glucose) at the nonreducing end and QuiNAc (2
      acetamido-2,6-dideoxy-O-D-glucose) at the reducing end. Purified homogeneous
      preparations of saccharides of each type will allow mapping of protective
      epitopes in Ft LPS.

PMID- 22091713
TI  - A Marxian-Malthusian view of poverty and development.
AB  - Abstract   The names of Marx and Malthus are often linked in disjunction but
      never in conjunction. Nevertheless, the thesis argued in this paper is that the
      two historically dominant theories of poverty, the Marxian and the Malthusian,
      are not inconsistent, but complementary; that a union of the two yields a basic
      fourfold typology of social classes by differential ownership of property and
      differential fertility; that this typology can also be viewed as a way of
      disaggregating the meaningless average of 'GNP per head' in a way which gives
      social content (i.e. a distributional dimension) to the concept; that the
      typology provides more satisfactory definitions of 'development' and
      'overpopulation'; and that these four categories are improved, or usefully
      supplemented, by replacing the flowof income by the stock of wealth in each case.
      Also the universality of the typology is discussed along with some preliminary
      empirical considerations.

PMID- 22091714
TI  - The influence of fluctuations in economic conditions on fertility and marriage
      rates, Australia, 1920-21 to 1937-38 and 1946-47 to 1966-67.
AB  - Abstract   It has been widely observed that both cross-sectionally and secularly
      there has been a negative relationship between income or level of living and the
      family size of married females. 1  At the same time the relationship between
      economic indicators and current fertility with a lag of one or more years over
      the business cycle has been found to be strongly positive. In fact the
      persistence of the latter relationship over a wide area and varying periods led
      Dr. Thomas to remark that it has been one of the most firmly based empirical
      findings in any of the social sciences.

PMID- 22091715
TI  - Factors affecting fertility of natives and migrants in urban Brazil.
AB  - Abstract   Modernization is expected to change the patterns of population growth
      of developing countries. The primary reason explaining the fast rate of
      population growth of these nations has been established as that of the reductions
      of mortality! which marks the first stage of demographic transition. The second
      stage in this process is the reduction in fertility which counterbalances lowered
      mortality and therefore reduces the rate of population growth. This latter phase
      has been achieved in modern industrial societies.

PMID- 22091716
TI  - Migration as a means of population control.
AB  - Abstract   The more crowded West Indian islands lose citizens each year through
      emigration, and they are small enough for an appreciable relief of population
      pressure to be thereby afforded. Each year some of the inhabitants of Java move
      to Sumatra and elsewhere under official sponsorship, part of the rationale for
      the policy being the relief of population pressure; a recent definitive study
      covers the movement in detail.

PMID- 22091717
TI  - Ages at menarche and menopause: Some mediaeval authorities.
AB  - Abstract   It is well known that the duration of the fecund period in the female
      has not been constant, in the last couple of centuries at least. Tanner(1) has
      assembled the best menarche statistics currently available for Western peoples in
      the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and has concluded that the average age at
      menarche has fallen fairly consistently, at a rate of four months per decade,
      since c. 1830. This puts menarche somewhere between 15+ and 17+ in the second
      quarter of the nineteenth century, against equivalent figures of 12+ and 14 in
      the mid-twentieth. For earlier periods Tanner's methods cannot be applied because
      of the lack of clinical data of the order he requires; but Backman, in a more
      general survey, concluded that in classical antiquity the time of menarche was
      fairly constant at around the age of fourteen and probably remained at about that
      age until the beginning of the modern era, But c. 1500, or earlier, a retardation
      of menarche began throughout Europe ... By the end of the eighteenth century this
      process of retardation had produced the very high figure of 17.5-18 years, at
      least in northern Europe. In the early nineteenth century, perhaps c. 1830, there
      began a progressive decline in the age of menarche, which now seems to be
      levelling out at around the age of 14.0-14.5.

PMID- 22091718
TI  - Estimates of population size and growth from the 1952-54 and 1961 censuses of the
      Kingdom of Nepal.
AB  - Abstract   The Census of Nepal conducted in 1961 conforms to the generally
      accepted requirements for a national census. Some doubt could be raised about the
      previous census as part of the country was enumerated in 1952 and part in 1954.
      More serious doubts still could be entertained about earlier censuses, including
      their very existence, though there are persistent rumours that they were carried
      out every ten years or so since about the middle of the previous century. We have
      only been able to lay our hands on some data in respect of four earlier censuses:
      those of 1911, 1920, 1930 and 1941. Little more is available than population
      totals for some of the component areas from these four censuses, and even then
      the boundaries and coverage of the component parts are uncertain.

PMID- 22091719
TI  - Child-spacing differentials for white and non-white couples according to
      educational level of attainment for the 1/1000 sample of the United States
      population in 1960.
AB  - Abstract   Despite previous research on the relationship between husband's or
      wife's level of educational attainment and childbearing and child spacing,
      relatively few data exist on couples' combined educational attainment which
      compares whites and non-whites. Further, to date a systematic exploration of
      available information contained on the 1/1,000 sample of the United States
      population in 1960 has not been undertaken. This paper utilizes these data and
      investigates the time intervals between marriage and first birth and between
      subsequent events to determine what relationships exist between parity and child
      spacing for white and non-white couples by level of educational attainment.

PMID- 22091720
TI  - A cost-benefit model of rural to urban migration in Taiwan.
AB  - Abstract   Migration is a form of human behaviour which has lent itself to
      careful measurement for a relatively long period of time. In 1885 Ravenstein set
      forth certain empirical laws concerning the relationship of migration to age and
      distance which have held up to the present. Since then an abundance of migration
      data has enabled social scientists to develop more precise models relating the
      volume or rate of migration to characteristics of the migrants or of the areas of
      origin and destination. Prominent among these models are the gravity model, the
      intervening opportunities model, a gravity type model including wage rates and
      unemployment rates developed by Lowry, and the Cornell mobility model.

PMID- 22091721
TI  - Plague mortality rates by age and sex in the parish of St. Botolph's without
      Bishopsgate, London, 1603.
AB  - Abstract   The Bills of Mortality for London were instituted at least as early as
      1528 but only a few figures survive before the extant annual series that begins
      in 1603. Ages at death, even in broad groups of ages, are not generally available
      until 1728, which is more than 50 years too late to give us any inkling of the
      ages, if any, at which people were specially susceptible to plague. There are
      reports, it is true, that suggest that children suffered from plague more
      severely than adults, at least on certain occasions (as in 1361 or 1418 for
      example), but nothing more precise. The legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin may
      be a folk-memory of a plague (possibly in 1284) that killed mainly the children
      of the town, for the connection between infestation of rats and the loss of
      children suggests some kind of plague outbreak. Pollitzer concludes that no
      particular age group is specially liable to plague, and attributes all
      differences observed to different risks of exposure. The determinants of the
      severity of an outbreak would therefore be the environmental details and social
      customs.

PMID- 22091722
TI  - Those alleged pitfalls.
AB  - Abstract   The following comments apply only to those remarks of Professor
      Leibenstein that can be treated very briefly.

PMID- 22091723
TI  - A final remark on pitfalls.
AB  - Abstract   I agree that criticism is relatively easy. Further, I should like to
      repeat that the contributions made by Enke and others in calculating cost-benefit
      estimates have been stimulating. However, at a time when the so-called
      'population explosion' has become a hot topic in the mass media and elsewhere
      there is some danger of overselling the results. To me it seems that relatively
      little criticism has been ventured in the past. Of course, I cannot prove this,
      but I suspect that most readers have a bias (as I do) in favour of birth control,
      and we seldom feel compelled to ferret out definciencies in procedures that lead
      to results which are in accord with out tastes.

PMID- 22091726
TI  - Targeting post-translational modifications on tau as a therapeutic strategy for
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes early memory
      impairment, followed by profound progressive cognitive decline, and eventually
      death. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are one of the histopathological hallmarks
      of AD. NFTs are deposits of insoluble aggregates of the microtubule-binding
      protein tau, left behind following neuronal loss. Intracellular aggregates of
      tau, either in soluble or insoluble forms, are thought to disrupt cellular
      machinery and synaptic function and ultimately lead to neuronal death. As the
      ultimate pathological endpoint in AD is neuronal loss, there is significant
      interest in understanding the causes of tau aggregation and deposition in the
      brain as a potential therapeutic avenue for AD. Post-translational modifications
      on tau are thought to be an important regulatory mechanism that may contribute to
      the propensity of tau to aggregate and form NFTs. In addition to phosphorylation,
      numerous other post-translational modifications have been observed on tau
      protein. The mechanisms that cause aggregation of tau are unknown, but it is
      likely that post-translational modifications other than phosphorylation also
      regulate this process. This review will discuss several post-translational
      modifications of tau and their roles in modulation of tau function and
      aggregation in AD.

PMID- 22091727
TI  - Characterization of an mGluR2/3 negative allosteric modulator in rodent models of
      depression.
AB  - There is growing evidence suggesting that antagonists of group II metabotropic
      glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) exhibit antidepressant-like properties in several
      preclinical models of depression. However, all those studies have been performed
      using competitive group II non-selective orthosteric antagonists. In this study
      we extensively characterized a group II selective negative allosteric modulator
      (4-[3-(2,6-Dimethylpyridin-4-yl)phenyl]-7-methyl-8-trifluoromethyl-1,3
      dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]diazepin-2-one, namely RO4491533, Woltering et al., 2010) in
      several in vitro biochemical assays and in vivo models of depression. In vitro,
      RO4491533 completely blocked the glutamate-induced Ca(2+) mobilization and the
      glutamate-induced accumulation in [(35)S]GTP(gammaS) binding in cells expressing
      recombinant human or rat mGluR2 and in native tissues. Results from Schild plot
      experiments and reversibility test at the target on both cellular and membrane
      based assays confirmed the negative allosteric modulator properties of the
      compound. RO4491533 was equipotent on mGluR2 and mGluR3 receptors but not active
      on any other mGluRs. RO4491533 has acceptable PK properties in mice and rats, is
      bioavailable following oral gavage (F = 30%) and brain-penetrant (CSF conc/total
      plasma conc ratio = 0.8%). RO4491533 appeared to engage the central mGluR2 and
      mGluR3 receptors since the compound reversed the hypolocomotor effect of an
      mGluR2/3 orthosteric agonist LY379268 in a target-specific manner, as did the
      group II orthosteric mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495. RO4491533 and LY341495 dose
      dependently reduced immobility time of C57Bl6/J mice in the forced swim test.
      Also, RO4491533 and LY341495 were active in the tail suspension test in a line of
      Helpless (H) mice, a putative genetic model of depression. These data suggest
      that mGluR2/3 receptors are viable targets for development of novel
      pharmacotherapies for depression.

PMID- 22091728
TI  - Pharmacological validation of candidate causal sleep genes identified in an N2
      cross.
AB  - Despite the substantial impact of sleep disturbances on human health and the many
      years of study dedicated to understanding sleep pathologies, the underlying
      genetic mechanisms that govern sleep and wake largely remain unknown. Recently,
      the authors completed large-scale genetic and gene expression analyses in a
      segregating inbred mouse cross and identified candidate causal genes that
      regulate the mammalian sleep-wake cycle, across multiple traits including total
      sleep time, amounts of rapid eye movement (REM), non-REM, sleep bout duration,
      and sleep fragmentation. Here the authors describe a novel approach toward
      validating candidate causal genes, while also identifying potential targets for
      sleep-related indications. Select small-molecule antagonists and agonists were
      used to interrogate candidate causal gene function in rodent sleep
      polysomnography assays to determine impact on overall sleep architecture and to
      evaluate alignment with associated sleep-wake traits. Significant effects on
      sleep architecture were observed in validation studies using compounds targeting
      the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 subunit (Chrm3) (wake promotion),
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha4 subunit (Chrna4) (wake promotion),
      dopamine receptor D5 subunit (Drd5) (sleep induction), serotonin 1D receptor
      (Htr1d) (altered REM fragmentation), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (Glp1r)
      (light sleep promotion and reduction of deep sleep), and calcium channel, voltage
      dependent, T type, alpha 1I subunit (Cacna1i) (increased bout duration of slow
      wave sleep). Taken together, these results show the complexity of genetic
      components that regulate sleep-wake traits and highlight the importance of
      evaluating this complex behavior at a systems level. Pharmacological validation
      of genetically identified putative targets provides a rapid alternative to
      generating knock out or transgenic animal models, and may ultimately lead towards
      new therapeutic opportunities.

PMID- 22091729
TI  - Phenotypic variability in a large Czech family with a dynamin 2-associated
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy.
AB  - Mutations in the Dynamin 2 gene (DNM2) cause autosomal dominant centronuclear
      myopathy or autosomal dominant (AD) Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Here the
      authors report one large Czech family with 15 members affected with an AD CMT
      phenotype of extraordinary variability. Genetic linkage analysis using SNP arrays
      revealed a locus of about 9.6 Mb on chromosome 19p13.1-13.2. In this critical
      interval, 373 genes were located. The only gene herein known to be associated
      with an intermediate type of CMT was Dynamin 2 (DNM2). Subsequent sequence
      analysis of the DNM2 gene in the index patient revealed a novel missense mutation
      p.Met580Thr. This missense mutation segregated with the neuropathy, indicating
      the causal character of this mutation. The phenotype of CMT in this family shows
      mild to moderate impairment with relatively preserved upper limbs and a very
      broad range of the onset of clinical symptoms from an early onset around the age
      of 12 to the late onset during the fifth decade. Electrophysiology showed an
      intermediate type of peripheral neuropathy. The motor median nerve conduction
      velocity varied from 36 m/s to normal values with signs of asymmetrical affection
      of peripheral nerves. No additional symptoms such as cranial nerve involvement,
      cataract, and signs of neutropenia or myopathy syndrome were observed in any
      member of the family yet. The progression was slow with no loss of ambulation.
      The authors suggest that the characterization of clinical variability in a single
      family may help to direct the genetic analysis directly to the rarely observed
      DNM2 mutations.

PMID- 22091730
TI  - An interacting multiple model filter-based autofocus strategy for confocal time
      lapse microscopy.
AB  - Gene expression and other cellular processes are stochastic, thus their study
      requires observing multiple events in multiple cells. Therefore, confocal
      microscopy cell imaging has recently gained much interest. In time-lapse imaging,
      adjustments are needed at short intervals to compensate for focus drift. There
      are several automated methods for this purpose. In general, before acquiring
      higher resolution images, software-based autofocus algorithms require a set of
      low-resolution images along the z-axis to determine the plane for which a
      predefined focusing function is maximized. These algorithms require 10-100 z
      slices each time, and there is no fixed number or upper limit of required z
      slices that ensures optimal focusing. The higher is this number, the stronger is
      photo bleaching, hampering the feasibility of long-time series measurements. We
      propose a new focusing strategy in time-lapse imaging. The algorithm relies on
      the nature and predictability of the focus drift. We first show that the focus
      drift curve is predictable within a small error bound in standard experimental
      setups. We, then, exploit the interacting multiple model filter algorithm to
      predict the drift at time, t, based on the measurement at time t-1. This allows a
      drastic reduction of the number of required z-slices for focus drift correction,
      largely overcoming the problem of photo bleaching. In addition, we propose a new
      set of functions for focusing in time-lapse imaging, derived from preexisting
      ones. We demonstrate the method's efficiency in time-lapse imaging of Escherichia
      coli cells expressing MS2d-GFP tagged RNA molecules.

PMID- 22091731
TI  - Bilobetin ameliorates insulin resistance by PKA-mediated phosphorylation of
      PPARalpha in rats fed a high-fat diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The amelioration of insulin resistance by bilobetin is
      closely related to its hypolipidaemic effect. The aim of the present study was to
      determine the insulin-sensitizing mechanism of bilobetin by elucidating its
      effect on lipid metabolism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Rats fed a high-fat diet were
      treated with bilobetin for either 4 or 14 days before applying a
      hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp. Triglyceride and fatty acids labelled with
      radioactive isotopes were used to track the transportation and the fate of lipids
      in tissues. The activity of lipid metabolism-related enzymes and beta-oxidation
      rate were measured. Western blot was used to investigate the phosphorylation,
      translocation and expression of PPARalpha in several tissues and cultured cells.
      The location of amino acid residues subjected to phosphorylation in PPARalpha was
      also studied. KEY RESULTS: Bilobetin ameliorated insulin resistance, increased
      the hepatic uptake and oxidation of lipids, reduced very-low-density lipoprotein
      triglyceride secretion and blood triglyceride levels, enhanced the expression and
      activity of enzymes involved in beta-oxidation and attenuated the accumulation of
      triglycerides and their metabolites in tissues. Bilobetin also increased the
      phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and activity of PPARalpha accompanied by
      elevated cAMP level and PKA activity. Threonine-129-alanine and/or serine-163
      alanine mutations on the PPARalpha genes and PKA inhibitors prevented the effects
      of bilobetin on PPARalpha. However, cells overexpressing PKA appeared to
      stimulate the phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and activity of PPARalpha.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Bilobetin treatment ameliorates hyperlipidaemia,
      lipotoxicity and insulin resistance in rats by stimulating PPARalpha-mediated
      lipid catabolism. PKA activation is crucial for this process.

PMID- 22091732
TI  - Costs of addressing heroin addiction in Malaysia and 32 comparable countries
      worldwide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Develop and apply new costing methodologies to estimate costs of
      opioid dependence treatment in countries worldwide. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING:
      Micro-costing methodology developed and data collected during randomized
      controlled trial (RCT) involving 126 patients (July 2003-May 2005) in Malaysia.
      Gross-costing methodology developed to estimate costs of treatment replication in
      32 countries with data collected from publicly available sources. STUDY DESIGN:
      Fixed, variable, and societal cost components of Malaysian RCT micro-costed and
      analytical framework created and employed for gross-costing in 32 countries
      selected by three criteria relative to Malaysia: major heroin problem, geographic
      proximity, and comparable gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Medication, and urine and blood testing accounted for the greatest
      percentage of total costs for both naltrexone (29-53 percent) and buprenorphine
      (33-72 percent) interventions. In 13 countries, buprenorphine treatment could be
      provided for under $2,000 per patient. For all countries except United Kingdom
      and Singapore, incremental costs per person were below $1,000 when comparing
      buprenorphine to naltrexone. An estimated 100 percent of opiate users in Cambodia
      and Lao People's Democratic Republic could be treated for $8 and $30 million,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Buprenorphine treatment can be provided at low cost in
      countries across the world. This study's new costing methodologies provide tools
      for health systems worldwide to determine the feasibility and cost of similar
      interventions.

PMID- 22091733
TI  - Exposure to acute stress is associated with attenuated sweet taste.
AB  - This study examined the effects of stress on taste perception. Participants (N =
      38; 21 women) completed two laboratory sessions: one stress (public speaking,
      math, and cold pressor) and one control rest session. The taste perception test
      was conducted at the end of each session and included rating the intensity and
      pleasantness of sweet, salty, sour, and savory solutions at suprathreshold
      concentrations. Cardiovascular, hormonal, and mood measures were collected
      throughout the sessions. Participants showed the expected changes in
      cardiovascular, hormonal, and mood measures in response to stress. Reported
      intensity of the sweet solution was significantly lower on the stress day than on
      the rest day. Cortisol level poststress predicted reduced intensity of salt and
      sour, suggesting that stress-related changes in adrenocortical activity were
      related to reduced taste intensity. Results indicate that acute stress may alter
      taste perception, and ongoing research investigates the extent to which these
      changes mediate effects of stress on appetite.

PMID- 22091734
TI  - Forces applied to the maxillary incisors by video laryngoscopes and the Macintosh
      laryngoscope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern video laryngoscopes (VLSs) provide a superior view of the
      glottis, facilitating easier intubations. This study evaluates the forces applied
      to the maxillary incisors when using various VLSs and a Macintosh blade. METHODS:
      Fifty consecutive surgery patients were randomly assigned to receive laryngoscopy
      from a pair of four blades investigated in the study - the VLS GlideScope((r)) 
      (Verathon Inc., Bothell, WA, USA), V-MacTM Storz((r))  (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen,
      Germany), and McGrathTM (Aircraft Medical, Edinburgh, United Kingdom); and the
      classic Macintosh blade also from Storz((r))  (Karl Storz). An endotracheal tube
      (ETT) was brought into position anterior to the vocal cords, with actual
      intubation carried out only with the second of the laryngoscopes. Sensors
      measured the forces directly applied to the patient's maxillary incisors while
      inserting the ETT. Other common metrics of intubation difficulty (e.g. Mallampati
      grade, Cormack-Lehane grade, and time) were also recorded. RESULTS: Only one
      patient was not intubated within the standard study parameters and was converted
      to the hospital protocols for difficult intubations. The forces applied to the
      maxillary incisors were significantly greater with the Macintosh blade compared
      with all VLSs. There were no differences between the VLSs with regard to the
      forces. Patient characteristics, including Mallampati grade, were not predictive
      of the forces applied. CONCLUSIONS: All VLSs considered were safer for the
      patient than was the Macintosh blade in terms of the forces applied to the
      maxillary teeth, time, number of insertion attempts, and view achieved of the
      glottic arch. There is a small, but significant, difference in the time and
      number of insertion attempts required during laryngoscopy with the different
      VLSs. There was no difference in the forces applied. The geometry of the
      respective blades may be an important component in the ease of laryngoscopy.

PMID- 22091735
TI  - Interaction terms in nonlinear models.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explain the use of interaction terms in nonlinear models. STUDY
      DESIGN: We discuss the motivation for including interaction terms in multivariate
      analyses. We then explain how the straightforward interpretation of interaction
      terms in linear models changes in nonlinear models, using graphs and equations.
      We extend the basic results from logit and probit to difference-in-differences
      models, models with higher powers of explanatory variables, other nonlinear
      models (including log transformation and ordered models), and panel data models.
      EMPIRICAL APPLICATION: We show how to calculate and interpret interaction effects
      using a publicly available Stata data set with a binary outcome. Stata 11 has
      added several features which make those calculations easier. LIMDEP code also is
      provided. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to understand why interaction terms are
      included in nonlinear models in order to be clear about their substantive
      interpretation.

PMID- 22091736
TI  - Modified ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy for management of otitis
      media in an alpaca.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report surgical treatment of severe otitis media in an alpaca by a
      modification of a subtotal ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy
      technique used in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: An 11-week-old female
      alpaca cria. METHODS: The cria had a 2-week history of right otitis media,
      nonresponsive to medical treatment, as well as right facial nerve paralysis, and
      a melting corneal ulcer of the right eye. Otitis media was confirmed by computed
      tomography. Right subtotal ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy were
      performed using a modification of a technique reported in dogs. RESULTS: There
      were no surgical complications and the alpaca was discharged from the hospital 5
      days later. At 10 months, moderate motor function had been restored to the pinna
      with the ear standing partially erect. The otitis had resolved, and the alpaca
      was reportedly well integrated into the herd. CONCLUSION: Subtotal ear canal
      ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy, a technique modified from that performed in
      dogs, were successful in providing complete clinical resolution of otitis media
      in an alpaca.

PMID- 22091737
TI  - Quantification of subfamily I.2.C catechol 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA transcripts in
      groundwater samples of an oxygen-limited BTEX-contaminated site.
AB  - Low dissolved oxygen concentration of subsurface environments is a limiting
      factor for microbial aromatic hydrocarbon degradation, and to date, there are
      only a limited number of available reports on functional genes and microbes that
      take part in the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons under hypoxic conditions.
      Recent discoveries shed light on the prevalence of subfamily I.2.C catechol 2,3
      dioxygenases in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated hypoxic groundwaters, and
      their considerable environmental importance was suggested. Here, we report on a
      Hungarian aromatic hydrocarbon (methyl-substituted benzene derivatives, mostly
      xylenes) contaminated site where we investigated this presumption. Groundwater
      samples were taken from the center and the edge of the contaminant plume and
      beyond the plume. mRNA transcripts of subfamily I.2.C catechol 2,3-dioxygenases
      were detected in considerable amounts in the contaminated samples by qPCR
      analysis, while activity of subfamily I.2.A, which includes the largest group of
      extradiol dioxygenases described by culture-dependent studies and thought to be
      widely distributed in BTEX-contaminated environments, was not observed. Bacterial
      community structure analyses showed the predominance of genus  Rhodoferax 
      related species in the contaminated samples.

PMID- 22091738
TI  - Community aging in place, advancing better living for elders: a bio-behavioral
      environmental intervention to improve function and health-related quality of life
      in disabled older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine effect size and acceptability of a multicomponent
      behavior and home repair intervention for low-income disabled older adults.
      DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Participants'
      homes. PARTICIPANTS: Forty low-income older adults with difficulties in one or
      more activities of daily living (ADLs) or two or more instrumental activities of
      daily living (IADLs). INTERVENTION: The Community Aging in Place, Advancing
      Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE), coordinated occupational therapy, nursing,
      and handyman visits, was compared with attention-control visits. The intervention
      consisted of up to six visits with an occupational therapist, up to four visits
      with a nurse, and an average of $1,300 in handyman repairs and modifications.
      Each intervention participant received all components of the intervention
      clinically individualized to risk profile and goals. Each attention-control
      participant received the same number of visits as the intervention participants,
      involving sedentary activities of their choice. MEASUREMENT:  PRIMARY OUTCOME:
      difficulty in performing ADLs and IADLs. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: health-related
      quality of life and falls efficacy. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 40 adults (87%)
      completed the 6-month trial, and 93% and 100% of the control and intervention
      group, respectively, stated that the study benefited them. The intervention group
      improved on all outcomes. When comparing mean change in the intervention group
      with mean change in the control group from baseline to follow-up, the CAPABLE
      intervention had effect sizes of 0.63 for reducing difficulty in ADLs, 0.62 for
      reducing difficulty in IADLs, 0.89 for quality of life, and 0.55 for falls
      efficacy. CONCLUSION: The CAPABLE intervention was acceptable to participants and
      feasible to provide and showed promising results, suggesting that this
      multicomponent intervention to reduce disability should be evaluated in a larger
      trial.

PMID- 22091739
TI  - Adolescent substance use groups: antecedent and concurrent personality
      differences in a longitudinal study.
AB  - This study attempted to extend Shedler and Block's (1990) influential study,
      which found that adolescent drug experimenters had the healthiest personality
      functioning compared to abstainers and frequent users. Using a prospective
      design, we examined the relationship between antecedent and concurrent
      personality and age-18 substance use in a community sample of 1,298 twins (96%
      Caucasian, 49% male). Personality measures at ages 11 and 18 assessed positive
      emotionality (agentic and communal), negative emotionality, and constraint.
      Substance use groups-abstainers, experimenters, and problem users-were created at
      age 18. Age-18 substance use groups differed in age-11 and age-18 constraint such
      that problem users were lower than experimenters, who were lower than abstainers.
      Age-18 substance use groups did not differ in age-18 positive emotionality.
      However, abstainers were significantly lower than experimenters in communal
      positive emotionality, whereas female abstainers scored higher in agentic
      positive emotionality than female experimenters, who scored higher than female
      problem users. Experimenters were significantly lower in negative emotionality
      than problem users. Our findings are inconsistent with the notion that
      experimenters had the healthiest personality functioning and instead suggest
      different strengths and weaknesses for each group. Future studies should examine
      agentic and communal positive emotionality separately.

PMID- 22091741
TI  - Relationship between current psychological symptoms and future risk of asthma
      outcomes: a 12-month prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subjects with asthma are more susceptible to psychological symptoms,
      but it is uncertain whether psychological symptoms are linked to future risk of
      asthma outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between current
      psychological symptoms and future risk of asthma outcomes. METHODS: We conducted
      a prospective cohort study with a 12-month follow-up period of 297 patients with
      asthma. Psychological symptoms, lung function, asthma control test, and Asthma
      Quality of Life Questionnaire at baseline were assessed. Asthma outcomes
      including exacerbations, unplanned visits, emergency visits, hospital admissions,
      intensive care unit admissions, and length of hospital stays were monitored
      monthly. The time to the first asthma outcomes was analyzed. Furthermore, the
      association between psychological symptoms and future risk of asthma outcomes was
      calculated as adjusted relative risk (RR) using logistic regression models.
      RESULTS: The asthma patients were assigned to one of three groups: neither
      anxiety nor depression symptoms (NAD, n = 102), either anxiety or depression
      symptoms (A/D, n = 68), or anxiety and depression symptoms (AD, n = 120).
      Logistic regression models indicated that asthma patients in the AD group, but
      not the A/D group, had an increased adjusted RR for unplanned visits and
      emergency visits (RR = 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.50, 3.61]; and RR
      = 3.13, 95% CI = [1.90, 5.17], respectively). The time to the first asthma
      outcomes including exacerbations, unplanned visits, and emergency visits was
      shorter in patients with psychological symptoms than those without (all p <
      .001). CONCLUSION: Current psychological symptoms, especially anxiety combined
      with depression, independently predict the future risk of asthma outcomes. Ting
      Zhou and Lan Wang contributed equally to this study.

PMID- 22091740
TI  - Psychosocial outcomes are related to asthma control and quality of life in
      pregnant women with asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the psychosocial impact and perceived
      teratogenic (fetal harm due to medication) risks of asthma treatment
      (inhaled/oral corticosteroids and beta-agonist) during pregnancy. AIMS: To assess
      the perception of asthma control, quality of life (QoL), and perceived risks of
      therapy in pregnant women with asthma. METHODS: Pregnant women with asthma (n =
      125) were recruited between 12 and 20 weeks gestation. QoL (generic: Short Form
      12 Health Survey v1, and asthma specific: Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire
      Marks (AQLQ-M)) and psychological variables were assessed using the Perceived
      Control of Asthma Questionnaire (PCAQ), the Brief Illness Perception
      Questionnaire, and the Six-Item Short-Form State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI
      6). Women's perceptions of the teratogenic risks of asthma therapy were also
      assessed and analyzed for adherence to maintenance inhaled corticosteroids
      (ICSs), poor asthma control, and QoL. RESULTS: Women reported good QoL (median
      AQLQ-M total score/maximum score = 0.88/10), moderate ability to deal with asthma
      symptoms (mean PCAQ score = 42.6/55), positive beliefs about their asthma and low
      anxiety (median STAI score = 26.7/80). Perceived teratogenic risks for asthma
      drugs were excessive and class dependent. Women perceived there was a 42%
      teratogenic risk for oral corticosteroid, a 12% risk for ICSs, and a 5% risk with
      short-acting beta-agonist. Illness beliefs, emotional response to illness (p =
      .030), age >= 30 years (p = .046), and maintenance ICS use (p = .045) were
      significantly associated with uncontrolled asthma, while maintenance ICS use (p =
      .023), illness beliefs, consequences (p = .044), timeline (p = .016), and
      emotional response (p = .015) and anxiety (p <= .0001) were significantly
      associated with reduced QoL. CONCLUSIONS: In pregnancy, women with asthma
      experience good QoL but overestimate teratogenic risks of asthma medication.
      Maintenance ICS use, illness beliefs, and anxiety are associated with impaired
      QoL and asthma control.

PMID- 22091742
TI  - Concomitant asthma medication use by patients receiving omalizumab 2003-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine patterns of omalizumab use in the first 5 years of its
      availability. METHODS: Our study comprised a series of descriptive retrospective
      cohort analyses using healthcare claims data. The study population comprised
      patients of any age who had omalizumab claims in the 5 years after 1 July 2003,
      and we created five 1-year cohorts from this population. Each cohort included
      patients continuously enrolled for at least 12 months with >=2 omalizumab claims
      during the year. Cohorts contained between 302 and 1382 unique omalizumab users,
      and over 99% of patients with an omalizumab claim had at least one asthma
      diagnosis. RESULTS: In all years, the specialty most commonly seen in conjunction
      with the initial omalizumab prescription was allergy/immunology. In all years,
      omalizumab was used in conjunction with three or more additional classes of
      asthma medications at least 70% of the time and with five or more classes at
      least 33% of the time; the proportion of patients filling omalizumab
      prescriptions who had no other concomitant classes of asthma medications varied
      from 4% to 8%. The most common pattern of asthma medication treatment in all
      years was omalizumab with combination steroids/long-acting beta-agonist inhaler,
      a leukotriene receptor antagonist, a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler, and at
      least one course of oral corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of a large
      sample of commercial health insurance claims covering the first 5 years after
      approval of omalizumab, we found that omalizumab was infrequently used as a
      single agent or without concomitant inhaled corticosteroids, and most omalizumab
      prescriptions came from specialist physicians.

PMID- 22091743
TI  - Comparison of asthma control criteria: importance of spirometry.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the measurements of asthma control using Canadian Thoracic
      Society (CTS) Asthma Management Consensus Summary and Global Initiative for
      Asthma (GINA) guidelines composite indices with and without spirometry. METHODS:
      Asthma control parameters were extracted from electronic medical records (EMRs)
      of patients >=6 years old at two primary care sites. Asthma control ratings
      calculated according to CTS and GINA criteria were compared. RESULTS: Data were
      available from 113 visits by 93 patients, aged 6-85 years (38.7 +/- 24.8; mean +/
      SD). The proportion of visits at which individuals' asthma was completely
      controlled was 22.1% for CTS symptoms only and 9.7% for CTS with spirometry (p <
      .01); and 17.7% versus 14.1% for GINA symptoms only versus symptoms with
      spirometry (p = .125). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma control ratings using GINA and CTS
      criteria are discordant in more than half of the patients deemed "in control" by
      at least one scale. Differences in the spirometry criterion threshold are
      primarily responsible for this discordance. Failure to include spirometry as part
      of the control index consistently overestimates asthma control and may
      underestimate future risk of exacerbations.

PMID- 22091744
TI  - Relationship between exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) and asthma control test
      (ACT) in asthmatic children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between Asthma Control TestTM (ACT) and
      exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in 81 asthmatic children. METHODS: EIB was
      assessed in every patient by Balke protocol and asthma control was evaluated by
      ACT. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A (30 patients) with complete
      asthma control (ACT score = 25), Group B (37 patients) with partial asthma
      control (ACT score = 21-24), and Group C (14 patients) with poor asthma control
      (ACT score < 20). RESULTS: About 36% (11/30) of patients in Group A (with
      complete asthma control) tested positive for EIB, whereas 21% (8/37) in Group B
      (with partial asthma control) and 28% (4/14) in Group C (with poor asthma
      control) exhibited EIB. The percentage of positive EIB was very similar between
      the three groups with no differences between controlled, partially controlled,
      and uncontrolled asthma. Statistical evaluation by chi(2)-test between complete
      (ACT score = 25) and not complete asthma control (ACT score < 24) confirmed a
      statistically significant difference (p < .01) between the obtained data.
      CONCLUSIONS: It must be stated that ACT alone is not sufficient to evaluate
      asthma control in children correctly because it fails to detect EIB in a
      significant percentage of subjects.

PMID- 22091746
TI  - Putting evidence for diabetes care into practice.
AB  - The amount of research and technology related to diabetes mellitus has grown
      dramatically over the past few decades. This knowledge has led to many advances
      in the detection and treatment of prediabetes and diabetes and the prevention of
      their related complications. However, there continues to be a distinct gap
      between these advances and the medical care of patients with diabetes. This
      article focuses on translational research findings that address the causes of
      this gap and that attempt to find methods to close this gap at the level of the
      provider, healthcare system, and patient. The research findings are discussed in
      terms of elements of the chronic care model originally proposed by Wagner et al.
      to help optimize the care of patients with any chronic disease such as diabetes.

PMID- 22091745
TI  - Electrospun fibers with plasmid bFGF polyplex loadings promote skin wound healing
      in diabetic rats.
AB  - Deep or chronic skin wounds are difficult to heal spontaneously due to the lack
      of scaffold to guide cell growth and reduced levels and activities of endogenous
      growth factors. Emulsion electrospinning process integrated with DNA condensation
      techniques indicated potentials to gradually release DNA, but no attempt has been
      made to clarify the advantages in promoting tissue regeneration and wound
      recovery. In this study, polyplexes of basic fibroblast growth factor-encoding
      plasmid (pbFGF) with poly(ethylene imine) were incorporated into electrospun
      fibers with a core-sheath structure, and poly(ethylene glycol) was included into
      the fiber sheath to allow a sustained release of pbFGF for 4 weeks. In vitro
      tests on mouse embryo fibroblasts indicated that pbFGF-loaded fibrous mats
      enhanced cell proliferation by the autocrine bFGF, and an effective cell
      transfection proceeded for over 28 days. Skin wounds were created in the dorsal
      area of diabetic rats for in vivo evaluation of skin regeneration after being
      covered with pbFGF-loaded fibrous mats. The gradual pbFGF release revealed
      significantly higher wound recovery rate with improved vascularization, enhanced
      collagen deposition and maturation, complete re-epithelialization and formation
      of skin appendages. The above results demonstrate the potential use of pbFGF
      loaded electrospun fibrous mats to accelerate the healing of skin ulcers for
      patients with diabetic mellitus.

PMID- 22091747
TI  - Does in vitro fertilisation increase type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk?
AB  - Since the first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) birth in 1978, the number of
      children born by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) continues to increase
      worldwide. However, the safety issues surrounding these procedures remain
      controversial, and the long term impact on human health is unknown. There is
      emerging evidence to indicate that IVF may predispose individuals to increased
      incidence of obesity, elevated blood pressure, fasting glucose and triglycerides
      and subclinical hypothyroidism. However, few studies have been conducted to date
      and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This review will summarize the
      existing evidence in animal models and in humans, and will discuss epigenetic
      alterations, which may link manipulation of the pre-implantation embryo with
      increased risk of the later development of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2
      diabetes and cardiovascular disease in offspring. Since these diseases are the
      leading cause of mortality and can be delayed or prevented by lifestyle
      modification, prospective follow up studies in IVF born adults are now urgently
      required to determine the degree of risks utilizing gold standard measures in
      human and animal models.

PMID- 22091748
TI  - Diabetes and periodontal diseases: interplay and links.
AB  - The association between diabetes and periodontal diseases is well-established.
      Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease, with diabetic patients
      exhibiting an increased prevalence, extent and severity of gingivitis and perio-
      dontitis compared to healthy adults. Several mechanisms involved in the
      pathogenesis of diabetes have also been associated with periodontal disease
      progression. It is recognized today that there is a bidirectional relationship
      between diabetes and periodontal disease, with recent research showing that
      periodontal disease may affect the metabolic control of diabetes in diabetic
      patients. In this review, we present the current knowledge of the interplay
      between periodontal diseases and diabetes through the evaluation of randomized
      control and longitudinal cohort studies published in the past 15 years. Current
      data support the conclusion that diabetic patients are at increased risk for
      periodontal diseases, and that patients with poorly controlled diabetes are at
      risk for severe periodontitis. This results in the destruction of oral connective
      tissue and generalized bone loss, leading ultimately to tooth loss. Although the
      effect of periodontal disease on glycemic control in type 1 diabetic patients is
      controversial, evidence does show a direct correlation between periodontal health
      and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Furthermore, several studies
      have demonstrated the beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on metabolic
      control of type 2 diabetic patients.

PMID- 22091749
TI  - Development and mechanistic investigation of a highly efficient iridium(V) silyl
      complex for the reduction of tertiary amides to amines.
AB  - The cationic Ir(III) acetone complex (POCOP)Ir(H)(2)(acetone)(+) (POCOP = 2,6
      bis(di-tert-butylphosphinito)phenyl) was shown to catalyze the reduction of a
      variety of tertiary amides to amines using diethylsilane as reductant.
      Mechanistic studies established that a minor species generated in the reaction,
      the neutral silyl trihydride Ir(V) complex (POCOP)IrH(3)(SiEt(2)H), was the
      catalytically active species. High concentrations of this species could be
      conveniently generated by treatment of readily available (POCOP)IrHCl with tert
      butoxide in the presence of Et(2)SiH(2) under H(2). Thus, using this mixture in
      the presence of a trialkylammonium salt, a wide array of tertiary amides,
      including extremely bulky substrates, are rapidly and quantitatively reduced to
      tertiary amines under mild conditions with low catalyst loading. A detailed
      mechanistic study has been carried out and intermediates identified. In brief,
      (POCOP)IrH(3)(SiEt(2)H) reduces the amide to the hemiaminal silyl ether that, in
      the presence of a trialkylammonium salt, is ionized to the iminium ion, which is
      then reduced to the tertiary amine by Et(2)SiH(2). Good functional group
      compatibility is demonstrated, and a high catalyst stability has provided
      turnover numbers as high as 10,000.

PMID- 22091750
TI  - Improving decision-making for feeding options in advanced dementia: a randomized,
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test whether a decision aid improves quality of decision-making
      about feeding options in advanced dementia. DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled
      trial. SETTING: Twenty-four nursing homes in North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS:
      Residents with advanced dementia and feeding problems and their surrogates.
      INTERVENTION: Intervention surrogates received an audio or print decision aid on
      feeding options in advanced dementia. Controls received usual care. MEASUREMENTS:
      Primary outcome was the Decisional Conflict Scale (range: 1-5) measured at 3
      months; other main outcomes were surrogate knowledge, frequency of communication
      with providers, and feeding treatment use. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six
      residents and surrogate decision-makers were recruited. Residents' average age
      was 85; 67% were Caucasian, and 79% were women. Surrogates' average age was 59;
      67% were Caucasian, and 70% were residents' children. The intervention improved
      knowledge scores (16.8 vs 15.1, P < .001). After 3 months, intervention
      surrogates had lower Decisional Conflict Scale scores than controls (1.65 vs
      1.90, P < .001) and more often discussed feeding options with a healthcare
      provider (46% vs 33%, P = .04). Residents in the intervention group were more
      likely to receive a dysphagia diet (89% vs 76%, P = .04) and showed a trend
      toward greater staff eating assistance (20% vs 10%, P = .08). Tube feeding was
      rare in both groups even after 9 months (1 intervention vs 3 control, P = .34).
      CONCLUSION: A decision aid about feeding options in advanced dementia reduced
      decisional conflict for surrogates and increased their knowledge and
      communication about feeding options with providers.

PMID- 22091751
TI  - Laparotomy versus laparoscopy for the treatment of adnexal masses during
      pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has been highlighted as an effective surgical modality
      for diverse pelvic organ diseases. However, its surgical and obstetric efficacy
      has not been fully confirmed in pregnant women because of the absence of a large
      comparative study. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes between
      laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses during pregnancy. METHODS:
      A retrospective analysis of 262 pregnant women who underwent laparotomy or
      laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses between 2000 and 2009 was performed.
      RESULTS: Of the 262 women, 174 (66.4%) underwent laparotomy and 88 (33.6%)
      underwent laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses. The laparoscopy group had a
      significantly shorter mean operative time (60.7 +/- 27.1 vs 69.7 +/- 24.4 min, P
      = 0.002) and mean hospital stay (4.7 +/- 1.7 vs 6.6 +/- 1.3 days, P < 0.001) than
      the laparotomy group. In multivariate analysis, there was no significant
      difference between laparoscopy and laparotomy group in obstetric outcomes,
      including preterm delivery and miscarriage rate, after adjusting for confounding
      factors, such as gestational age at surgery, emergency surgery and mass size.
      CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach appears to offer a suitable alternative to
      laparotomy, which, in our setting, was associated with shorter operative times
      and hospital stays than laparotomy.

PMID- 22091759
TI  - Grouping mechanisms in response preparation investigated with event-related brain
      potentials.
AB  - Preliminary information about responses facilitates performance, especially when
      the information can be grouped into stimulus-response sets, for example, into
      fingers belonging to the same hand. Here, we studied the mechanisms of supposedly
      fast and automatic exogenous as compared to slow and controlled endogenous
      grouping of same-hand fingers. As compared to endogenous cuing, exogenous cuing
      facilitated reaction times and induced larger amplitudes of the contingent
      negative variation, but did not show any advantage in amplitude or latency of the
      lateralized readiness potential or in the magnitude of current source density
      over the motor cortices. Similarly, the stimulus preceding negativity did not
      seem to be a plausible explanation for the observed effect. Therefore, at least
      one functional mechanism underlying exogenous stimulus-response grouping appears
      to be the facilitation of central response programming.

PMID- 22091758
TI  - The structure, dynamics, and binding of the LA45 module pair of the low-density
      lipoprotein receptor suggest an important role for LA4 in ligand release.
AB  - The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), the primary receptor for cholesterol
      uptake, binds ligands through its seven LDL-A modules (LAs). We present nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) and ligand binding measurements on the fourth and fifth
      modules of the LDLR (LA45), the modules critical for ApoE binding, at
      physiological pH. Unlike LA5 and all other modules in LDLR, LA4 has a very weak
      calcium affinity, which probably plays a critical role in endosomal ligand
      release. The NMR solution structure of each module in the LA45 pair only showed
      minor differences compared to the analogous domains in previously determined
      crystal structures. The 12-residue linker connecting the modules, though slightly
      structured through an interaction with LA4, is highly flexible. Although no
      intermodule nuclear Overhauser effects were detected, chemical shift
      perturbations and backbone dynamics suggest cross talk between the two modules.
      The ligand affinity of both modules is enhanced when the two are linked. LA4 is
      more flexible than LA5 and remains so even in the module pair, which likely is
      related to its weaker calcium binding affinity.

PMID- 22091760
TI  - State affect and emotion-focused coping: examining correlated change and
      causality.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to verify whether two kinds of emotion-focused
      coping, namely strategies aimed at reducing negative emotions (palliative coping
      [PC]) and strategies aimed at inducing positive emotions (salutary coping [SC])
      are related longitudinally to relevant affective states. Positive and negative
      state affects were assessed among 133 cardiac patients, along with coping
      strategies at three time points: a few days after myocardial infarction, one and
      6 months later. Due to SC stability, the correlated change with affect was
      estimated only for PC, but the directionality was examined in all four affect
      coping pairs. For uncomplementary pairs, the models with diagonal paths equal to
      zero fitted the data best. For the first complementary pair, i.e., negative
      affect-PC, reciprocal influences were revealed with both starting points and the
      amount of decline positively correlated. For the second pair, i.e., positive
      affect-SC, strategies consequently increased affect, whereas affect decreased SC,
      but only at first lag. Concluding, PC may be a behavioral manifestation of
      negative affect rather than reflective goal-oriented efforts. Although the
      relation between SC and positive affect is more complex, it still supports the
      idea of distinctiveness within the scope of emotion-focused coping.

PMID- 22091761
TI  - Aldehyde-alcohol reactions catalyzed under mild conditions by chromium(III)
      terephthalate metal organic framework (MIL-101) and phosphotungstic acid
      composites.
AB  - Porous materials based on chromium(III) terephthalate metal organic frameworks
      (MIL-101) and their composites with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) were studied as
      heterogeneous acid catalysts in aldehyde-alcohol reactions exemplified by
      acetaldehyde-phenol (A-P) condensation and dimethylacetal formation from
      benzaldehyde and methanol (B-M reaction). The MIL-101 was synthesized
      solvothermically in water, and the MIL101/PTA composite materials were obtained
      by either impregnation of the already prepared MIL-101 porous matrix with
      phosphotungstic acid solution or by solvothermic treatment of aqueous mixtures of
      Cr(NO(3))(3), and terephthalic and phosphotungstic acids. The MIL101/PTA
      materials appeared to be effective catalysts for both A-P and B-M reactions
      occurring at room temperature, with half-lives ranging from 0.5 h (A-P) to 1.5-2
      h (B-M) and turnover numbers over 600 for A-P and over 2900 for the B-M reaction,
      respectively. A synergistic effect of the strong acidic moieties (PTA) addition
      to mildly acidic Bronsted and Lewis acid cites of the MIL-101 was observed with
      the MIL101/PTA composites. The ability of the PTA and MIL101/PTA materials to
      strongly absorb and condense acetaldehyde vapors was discovered, with the
      MIL101/PTA absorbing over 10-fold its dry weight of acetaldehyde condensate at
      room temperature. The acetaldehyde was converted rapidly to crotonaldehyde and
      higher-molecular-weight compounds while in contact with MIL-101 and MIL101/PTA
      materials. The stability of the MIL-101 and MIL101/PTA catalysts was assessed
      within four cycles of the 1-day alcohol-aldehyde reactions in terms of the
      overall catalyst recovery, PTA or Cr content, and reaction rate constants in each
      cycle. The loss of the catalyst over 4 cycles was approximately 10 wt % for all
      tested catalysts due to the incomplete recovery and minute dissolution of the
      components. The reaction rates in all cycles remained unchanged and the catalyst
      losses stopped after the third cycle. The developed MIL101/PTA composites appear
      to be feasible for industrial catalytic applications.

PMID- 22091762
TI  - Population growth, the dependency rate, and the pace of economic development.
AB  - Abstract   The analysis of population's impact on the economy has frequently been
      developed in the context of the dependency-rate argument. The dependency rate,
      typically measured as the proportion of the total population outside the labour
      force, is a summary statistic which is intended to capture the influence of a
      population's age structure on the process of economic growth. Unfortunately,
      there has been substantial confusion surrounding the economic interpretation of
      the dependency rate. This confusion derives from the fact that the dependency
      rate has been used as a proxy for several age-specific influences of population
      on economic growth. Additionally, for anyone of these influences of population,
      the impact on the economy will be determined by the particular economic model
      within which the dependency rate is being analysed. In other words, depending on
      which age-specific economic aspect of the dependency rate is being examined, and
      depending on which economic model forms the basis of the analysis, it is possible
      that an increase in the dependency rate may be associated with either an increase
      or a decrease in the economy-wide growth of output per head. As a result, the
      widely used dependency-rate statistic may not be a particularly useful predictor
      of economic - demographic - growth-rate interrelationships unless the analyst
      makes explicit his underlying economic framework, and unless the particular
      economic influences for which the dependency rate is taken as a proxy are
      delineated.

PMID- 22091763
TI  - Population growth: U.S. and Latin American views.
AB  - Abstract   This article is an attempt at interpretation. As one who has worked
      professionally both in the United States and in Latin America, I would like to
      interpret how I see the United States and Latin America responding to the high
      Latin American population growth rate. This is a personal interpretation and as
      such, of course, is biassed. It is also a very broad subject to which a few pages
      of interpretation can hardly do justice. The very generalizations 'the United
      States' and 'Latin America' lend themselves to misunderstanding. These are not
      homogeneous areas but contain a variety of forces pulling in many directions. And
      yet, just because this is such a difficult subject as well as such an important
      one in the world of to-day, it is perhaps worth while to try to distil some
      common components which may help us gain a better understanding of the actions of
      others as well as our own.

PMID- 22091764
TI  - A proposed explanation of the fertility gap differentials by socio-economic
      status and modernity: The case of Egypt.
AB  - Abstract   The present paper is part of a larger analysis of data collected in
      the summer of 1970 in the city of Cairo. 1 A joint study between the Institute of
      Statistical Studies and Research and Centre for Sociological Studies, Cairo. The
      present analysis is based on a sub-sample of 569 households.

PMID- 22091765
TI  - Male sterilization as a contraceptive method in Canada an empirical study.
AB  - Abstract   In 1851-61, the crude birth rate in Canada was 45. In 1972, it was
      approximately 16. Not only have birth rates decreased but the average family size
      has declined from five or six children per family at the turn of the century to
      two or three children in the 1970'S. In addition, women are completing their
      childbearing at an earlier age. 50 years ago, it was not uncommon for a woman to
      have a child in her late thirties or early forties. To-day, this is a relatively
      rare event. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 80% of all families have
      the number of children desired before the woman is 30 years of age. This new
      demographic pattern creates an important and crucial situation for Canadian
      couples. At age 30, with all the desired children and 15 more years of potential
      childbearing ahead of them, what can they do to prevent the occurrence of
      additional pregnancies?

PMID- 22091766
TI  - Reproductive time lost due to sexual union dissolution in San Jose, Costa Rica.
AB  - Abstract   It has long been recognized, on a theoretical level, that widowhood,
      divorce, and separation, if not immediately followed by re-marriage, could have a
      negative impact on fertility. Davis and Blake specifically identified the amount
      of reproductive time spent after or between unions as one of the eleven
      intermediate variables bearing immediately upon fertility.

PMID- 22091767
TI  - A three parameter model for birth projections.
AB  - Abstract   The approach underlying the model proposed in this article constitutes
      a considerable departure from the conventional methods used for the projection of
      birth series. Instead of following the customary procedure of directly projecting
      the age-specific fertility rates, they can be derived with this model from only
      three relatively simple fertility measures, namely, total fertility rate, mean
      age of fertility, and modal age of fertility. The reduction of the number of
      fertility parameters offers appreciable operational and analytical advantages.
      Among these, the most significant is the fact that statistical manipulation is
      confined to only three fertility measures, all of which are particularly
      appropriate for the in-depth analysis which is required to provide a rationale
      for assumptions of future fertility.

PMID- 22091768
TI  - Canada, United States, Australia and New Zealand: Nuptiality trends.
AB  - Abstract   Annual variations are often more brutal for nuptiality than they are
      for other demographic phenomena. Short-term economic movements, in particular,
      seem to have a more direct impact. Fig. 1 clearly illustrates this point for
      Australia during the thirties. Nuptiality rates dip more sharply and recuperation
      is more pronounced: not only do they follow the employment trend, they amplify
      it. 1 For nuptiality and fertility, the two indicators we chose are probably the
      most responsive to short-term movements. They result respectively, from the
      addition of age-specific first-marriage rates (number of first marriages at age
      x/total population age x) for ages 15 to 50, and from the combination of parity
      progression ratios which gives the average number of births per marriage, (a
      (0)+a (0) a (1)+a (0) a (1) a (2)+ ..., where a (1) is the ratio ofwomen who have
      a child of order i+1 per 1,000 mothers of children of order i). For each year
      these were divided by the corresponding cohort index, i.e. the proportion ever
      married, and the mean number of ever-born children per marriage. The cohort used
      for a given year is that which reaches its mean age at first marriage in that
      year or its mean duration at birth of the children. Nine months are subtracted
      from the fertility measure to give time of conception. The economic indicator is
      a measure obtained by dividing the number of jobs by the population aged 15 to
      64. All indices are calculated using the 1926-1927 figures as base 100.

PMID- 22091769
TI  - The fecundability of U.S. women.
AB  - Abstract   In this note I shall define fecundability as the probability that a
      non-pregnant woman will achieve a recognizable pregnancy during a month of
      exposure to risk.

PMID- 22091770
TI  - Fertility differentials among the tribal groups of Sierra Leone.
AB  - Abstract   Sierra Leone is in a position typical of many African countries
      regarding accurate information on her basic demographic characteristics. Such
      vital registration as exists is confined to a small area and there has been only
      one census of any reliability, that of 1963. Estimates of fertility levels from
      the age distribution obtained from that enumeration have been made by Dow, the
      method having been used previously by Van de Walle for Nigeria.

PMID- 22091771
TI  - The effect of illegitimacy on U.S. general fertility rates and population growth.
AB  - Abstract   Illegitimacy and bridal pregnancy has attracted the attention of
      scholars concerned with a variety of plausible causes and consequences ofbirths
      conceived out of wedlock. Sociologists have expressed concern with the impact of
      such births on maternal and child health, family stability and the economic
      status offamilies. Although demographers have described trends in various
      populations, and have occasionally suggested that births conceived out of wedlock
      influence general fertility rates and cohort fertility, measures of the
      demographic impact of illegitimate or premaritally conceived births have not been
      assessed. While it seems obvious that a change in births conceived  out of
      wedlock will affect change in a general fertility rate, this finding would not
      automatically allow the conclusion that cohort fertility would change because a
      change in the rate of births conceived out of wedlock occurred.

PMID- 22091772
TI  - Mortality decline in the people's Republic of China and the United States.
AB  - Abstract   From mortality levels in 1949 similar to those in the United States
      during the nineteenth century, China claims to have reduced mortality to levels
      comparable to those in the United States 30 years ago. The rapidity of this
      recent transition and its fragmentary statistical verification have made analysts
      doubt these claims. The purpose of this paper is to assess medical evidence which
      indicates that the rate of mortality decline has been rapid indeed, primarily due
      to the unique social organization of Chinese public health practices.

PMID- 22091773
TI  - Mobility ratios and association in mobility tables.
AB  - Abstract   In the late 1940's a similar problem occurred in the work of three
      sociologists, working in three countries, on three similar sets of data. Natalie
      Rogoff, David Glass and G6sta Carlsson all faced the problem of making sense of
      data on intergenerational occupational mobility. A matrix of frequencies of
      occupations of respondents by occupations of fathers could be converted, in an
      obvious and straightforward fashion, into matrices of inflow and outflow
      percentages. Their joint problem arose in comparing inflow percentages across
      rows or outflow percentages across columns. The problem was that, as
      sociologists, concerned with the extent that origins in socially meaningful
      categories influenced destinations in the same socially meaningful categories,
      they were stuck with occupational categories that differed from one another
      dramatically in size. A secondary (though hardly trivial) problem was the fact
      that, in all their data, the two marginal distributions, the respondents'
      generation and the fathers' 'generation', were notably dissimilar - a consequence
      of both differential fertility and a general upward shift in the occupational
      distributions of the three countries. All sought a technique that would 'make the
      two time periods comparable with respect to occupational structure'.

PMID- 22091777
TI  - Fertility effects of the abolition of legal abortion in Romania.

PMID- 22091774
TI  - A comment on 'social and economic factors in Hong Kong's fertility decline' by
      Sui-Ying Wat and R. W. Hodge.
AB  - Abstract   The recent article by Wat and Hodge appears to make incorrect
      inferences about the relation of certain social and economic indicators (infant
      mortality, employment opportunities for women, and education) to Hong Kong's
      fertility decline, based on a multiple regression of these variables to the crude
      birth rate of Hong Kong for 1951-1967. Such modernization measures probably have
      at least a long-run causal relation to fertility decline. It is also possible
      that the family planning programme ofHong Kong may have added little to the
      effects, as the authors suggest. However, I do not believe that their multiple
      regression analysis establishes these conclusions.

PMID- 22091778
TI  - Genetic and environmental correlates of topiramate-induced cognitive impairment.
AB  - Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug that has marked treatment-limiting side
      effects on specific aspects of cognitive performance in both patients and healthy
      volunteers. Because these severe side effects occur only in certain individuals,
      identifying genetic or environmental variables that influence cognitive response
      would be of great utility in determining whether to administer this drug to a
      patient. We gave an acute 100 mg oral dose of topiramate to 158 healthy
      volunteers and measured how the drug changed their performance on a diverse
      battery of cognitive tests. We found a wide range of responses to topiramate, and
      we demonstrated that not all tests in the battery were equally affected. There
      was no correlation between the effect of topiramate and either education level or
      baseline cognitive performance. Of interest, there was an up to 55-fold variation
      in the topiramate plasma levels of the participants. Our genome-wide association
      study (GWAS) of cognitive response did not reveal any genome-wide significant
      associations; the study was powered to find variants explaining at least 25% of
      the variation in cognitive response. Combining the results of this GWAS with a
      retrospective study of cognitive complaints in 290 epilepsy patients who received
      topiramate as part of their treatment also did not result in a significant
      association. Our results support the need for additional genetic studies of
      topiramate that use larger sample sizes.

PMID- 22091779
TI  - Sexual development and cryptic sexuality in fungi: insights from Aspergillus
      species.
AB  - Major insights into sexual development and cryptic sexuality within filamentous
      fungi have been gained from investigations using Aspergillus species. Here, an
      overview is first given into sexual morphogenesis in the aspergilli, describing
      the different types of sexual structures formed and how their production is
      influenced by a variety of environmental and nutritional factors. It is argued
      that the formation of cleistothecia and accessory tissues, such as Hulle cells
      and sclerotia, should be viewed as two independent but co-ordinated developmental
      pathways. Next, a comprehensive survey of over 75 genes associated with sexual
      reproduction in the aspergilli is presented, including genes relating to mating
      and the development of cleistothecia, sclerotia and ascospores. Most of these
      genes have been identified from studies involving the homothallic Aspergillus
      nidulans, but an increasing number of studies have now in addition characterized
      'sex-related' genes from the heterothallic species Aspergillus fumigatus and
      Aspergillus flavus. A schematic developmental genetic network is proposed showing
      the inter-relatedness between these genes. Finally, the discovery of sexual
      reproduction in certain Aspergillus species that were formerly considered to be
      strictly asexual is reviewed, and the importance of these findings for cryptic
      sexuality in the aspergilli as a whole is discussed.

PMID- 22091780
TI  - Light inhibition of leaf respiration in field-grown Eucalyptus saligna in whole
      tree chambers under elevated atmospheric CO2 and summer drought.
AB  - We investigated whether the degree of light inhibition of leaf respiration (R)
      differs among large Eucalyptus saligna grown in whole-tree chambers and exposed
      to present and future atmospheric [CO(2) ] and summer drought. Associated with
      month-to-month changes in temperature were concomitant changes in R in the light
      (R(light) ) and darkness (R(dark) ), with both processes being more temperature
      dependent in well-watered trees than under drought. Overall rates of R(light) 
      and R(dark)  were not significantly affected by [CO(2) ]. By contrast, overall
      rates of R(dark)  (averaged across both [CO(2) ]) were ca. 25% lower under
      drought than in well-watered trees. During summer, the degree of light inhibition
      of leaf R was greater in droughted (ca. 80% inhibition) than well-watered trees
      (ca. 50% inhibition). Notwithstanding these treatment differences, an overall
      positive relationship was observed between R(light)  and R(dark)  when data from
      all months/treatments were combined (R(2)  = 0.8). Variations in R(light)  were
      also positively correlated with rates of Rubisco activity and nitrogen
      concentration. Light inhibition resulted in a marked decrease in the proportion
      of light-saturated photosynthesis respired (i.e. reduced R/A(sat) ).
      Collectively, these results highlight the need to account for light inhibition
      when assessing impacts of global change drivers on the carbon economy of tree
      canopies.

PMID- 22091782
TI  - Electrodermal activity reliably captures physiological differences between wins
      and losses during gambling on electronic machines.
AB  - Differential patterns of physiological arousal to win and loss events during
      gambling is central to psychological conceptualizations of gambling behaviors but
      is poorly researched. We recorded heart rate (HR) and skin conductance responses
      (SCRs) to wins and losses while 23 healthy participants played for small
      incentives on a simulated electronic gambling task. Wins produced large SCRs
      whereas losses did not, and large wins produced larger SCRs than small wins.
      Electrodermal measures also correlated with reward responsiveness on a
      personality measure and with ratings of excitement during gambling. HR evidenced
      a slight deceleration before event outcomes, and the rebound HR was larger after
      wins than after losses. The study demonstrates that physiological changes to
      gambling events can be reliably captured, and that these changes are sensitive to
      differential outcomes. These findings establish a foundation for future research
      in field settings.

PMID- 22091783
TI  - Phylogenetic microarray analysis of a microbial community performing reductive
      dechlorination at a TCE-contaminated site.
AB  - A high-density phylogenetic microarray (PhyloChip) was applied to track bacterial
      and archaeal populations through different phases of remediation at Ft. Lewis,
      WA, a trichloroethene (TCE)-contaminated groundwater site. Biostimulation with
      whey, and bioaugmentation with a Dehalococcoides-containing enrichment culture
      were strategies implemented to enhance dechlorination. As a measure of species
      richness, over 1300 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected in DNA from
      groundwater samples extracted during different stages of treatment and in the
      bioaugmentation culture. In order to determine active members within the
      community, 16S rRNA from samples were analyzed by microarray and ~600 OTUs
      identified. A cDNA clone library of the expressed 16S rRNA corroborated the
      observed diversity and activity of some of the phyla. Principle component
      analysis of the treatment plot samples revealed that the microbial populations
      were constantly changing during the course of the study. Dynamic analysis of the
      archaeal population showed significant increases in methanogens at the later
      stages of treatment that correlated with increases in methane concentrations of
      over 2 orders of magnitude. Overall, the PhyloChip analyses in this study have
      provided insights into the microbial ecology and population dynamics at the TCE
      contaminated field site useful for understanding the in situ reductive
      dechlorination processes.

PMID- 22091784
TI  - Comparison of air-sealing characteristics of tapered- vs. cylindrical-shaped high
      volume, low-pressure tube cuffs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed at comparing air-sealing characteristics of the new
      tapered-shaped tracheal tube cuffs with cylindrical tube cuffs. METHODS: Tracheal
      tubes with tapered-shaped polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cuffs as
      well as standard cylindrical-shaped cuffs made of PU and PVC (Covidien, Athlone,
      Ireland) were investigated. A tracheal model attached to a test lung was
      intubated, and cuffs were inflated to 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm H(2)O. The test
      lung was ventilated with intermittent positive pressure ventilation at peak
      inspiratory pressures (PIPs) of 20 and 25 cm H(2)O. Air leakage was assessed by
      spirometry and measurement of sevoflurane concentration passing the cuff at the
      upper cuff border using an anaesthetic gas analyser. Experiments were repeated
      four times with new tracheal tubes for each run. Statistical comparisons were
      done using Mann-Whitney U-test with level of significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS:
      The tapered-shaped PVC tube cuff demonstrated a significantly lower air leakage
      determined by spirometry than the cylindrical-shaped cuff at both PIPs (20 and 25
      cm H(2)O). Similarly, sevoflurane leakage was less with the tapered PVC cuff
      particularly at higher cuff pressures. With the PU cuff, reduction in air leakage
      by a tapered-shaped compared with a cylindrical-shaped tube cuff was not
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: A tapered-shaped tube cuff considerably improves air
      sealing characteristics of PVC tube cuffs and allows thereby reducing cuff
      pressure required for sufficient ventilation. In tube cuffs made of PU that
      exhibits superior sealing characteristics compared with PVC, a tapered shape
      failed to result in a further reduction of air leakage.

PMID- 22091787
TI  - Standoffish perhaps, but successful as well: evidence that avoidant attachment
      can be beneficial in professional tennis and computer science.
AB  - Attachment-related avoidance and anxiety have repeatedly been associated with
      poorer adjustment in various social, emotional, and behavioral domains. We
      examined 2 domains in which avoidant individuals might be better equipped than
      their less avoidant peers to succeed and be satisfied--professional singles
      tennis and computer science. These fields may reward self-reliance, independence,
      and the ability to work without proximal social support from loved ones. In study
      1, we followed 58 professional singles tennis players for 16 months and found
      that scores on attachment-related avoidance predicted a higher ranking, above and
      beyond the contributions of training and coping resources. In study 2, we sampled
      100 students and found that those who scored higher on avoidance were happier
      with their choice of computer science as a career than those who scored lower on
      avoidance. Results are discussed in relation to the possible adaptive functions
      of certain personality characteristics often viewed as undesirable.

PMID- 22091785
TI  - Ethnic differences in appointment-keeping and implications for the patient
      centered medical home--findings from the Diabetes Study of Northern California
      (DISTANCE).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine ethnic differences in appointment-keeping in a managed care
      setting. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Kaiser Permanente Diabetes Study of Northern
      California (DISTANCE), 2005-2007, n = 12,957. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. Poor
      appointment-keeping (PAK) was defined as missing >1/3 of planned, primary care
      appointments. Poisson regression models were used to estimate ethnic-specific
      relative risks of PAK (adjusting for demographic, socio-economic, health status,
      and facility effects). DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS:
      Administrative/electronic health records and survey responses. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Poor appointment-keeping rates differed >2-fold across ethnicities:
      Latinos (12 percent), African Americans (10 percent), Filipinos (7 percent),
      Caucasians (6 percent), and Asians (5 percent), but also varied by medical
      center. Receiving >50 percent of outpatient care via same-day appointments was
      associated with a 4-fold greater PAK rate. PAK was associated with 20, 30, and 40
      percent increased risk of elevated HbA1c (>7 percent), low-density lipoprotein
      (>100 mm/dl), and systolic blood pressure (>130 mmHg), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Latinos and African Americans were at highest risk of missing planned primary
      care appointments. PAK was associated with a greater reliance on same-day visits
      and substantively poorer clinical outcomes. These results have important
      implications for public health and health plan policy, as primary care rapidly
      expands toward open access to care supported by the patient-centered medical home
      model.

PMID- 22091788
TI  - Methanol and ethylene glycol acute poisonings - predictors of mortality.
AB  - CONTEXT: Methanol and ethylene glycol cause significant mortality post-ingestion.
      Predicting prognosis based on the biomarkers osmolal gap, anion gap and pH is
      beneficial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between biomarkers, measured
      post-methanol and ethylene glycol exposure, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A
      review of the literature identified cases where methanol or ethylene glycol had
      been ingested and clinical outcomes were recorded. Biomarkers were extracted
      including osmolal gap, anion gap and pH, with clinical outcomes categorised as
      recovered, recovered with adverse sequelae and death. Biomarkers were analysed
      using the Mann-Whitney test for two samples; sensitivity and specificity were
      evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: In
      total, 119 cases of methanol and 88 of ethylene glycol poisoning were identified;
      21 methanol and 19 ethylene glycol patients died. For methanol ingestion the mean
      values, for survival compared to death, were 48 (range: 6-138) and 90 (range: 49
      159) mOsm/kg water for osmolal gap (p=0.0052), 31 (range: 11-50) and 41 (range:
      30-53) mmol/L for anion gap (p=0.0065) and 7.21 (range: 6.60-7.50) and 6.70
      (range: 6.34-7.22) for arterial pH (p<0.0001). The area under the ROC curve was
      highest for arterial pH, 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.99). For ethylene glycol, these
      were 49 (range: 0-189) and 79 (range: 25-184) mOsm/kg water for osmolal gap
      (p=0.050), 28 (range: 6-48) and 38 (range: 20-66) mmol/L for anion gap (p=0.0037)
      and 7.08 (range: 6.46-7.39) and 6.98 (range: 6.50-7.16) for pH (p=0.072), for
      survival compared to death. The area under the ROC curve was highest for anion
      gap, 0.73 (95% CI: 0.60-0.87). CONCLUSION: Post-methanol ingestion a large
      osmolal gap, anion gap and low pH (<7.22) were associated with increased
      mortality; and pH has the highest predictive value. Post-ethylene glycol
      ingestion, both osmolal gap and anion gap were associated with increased
      mortality.

PMID- 22091786
TI  - Analgesic conotoxins: block and G protein-coupled receptor modulation of N-type
      (Ca(V) 2.2) calcium channels.
AB  - Conotoxins (conopeptides) are small disulfide bonded peptides from the venom of
      marine cone snails. These peptides target a wide variety of membrane receptors,
      ion channels and transporters, and have enormous potential for a range of
      pharmaceutical applications. Structurally related omega-conotoxins bind directly
      to and selectively inhibit neuronal (N)-type voltage-gated calcium channels
      (VGCCs) of nociceptive primary afferent neurones. Among these, omega-conotoxin
      MVIIA (Prialt) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an
      alternative intrathecal analgesic for the management of chronic intractable pain,
      particularly in patients refractory to opioids. A series of newly discovered
      omega-conotoxins from Conus catus, including CVID-F, are potent and selective
      antagonists of N-type VGCCs. In spinal cord slices, these peptides reversibly
      inhibit excitatory synaptic transmission between primary afferents and dorsal
      horn superficial lamina neurones, and in the rat partial sciatic nerve ligation
      model of neuropathic pain, significantly reduce allodynic behaviour. Another
      family of conotoxins, the alpha-conotoxins, are competitive antagonists of
      mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). alpha-Conotoxins Vc1.1 and
      RgIA possess two disulfide bonds and are currently in development as a treatment
      for neuropathic pain. It was initially proposed that the primary target of these
      peptides is the alpha9alpha10 neuronal nAChR. Surprisingly, however, alpha
      conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA and PeIA more potently inhibit N-type VGCC currents via a
      GABA(B)  GPCR mechanism in rat sensory neurones. This inhibition is largely
      voltage-independent and involves complex intracellular signalling. Understanding
      the molecular mechanisms of conotoxin action will lead to new ways to regulate
      VGCC block and modulation in normal and diseased states of the nervous system.

PMID- 22091789
TI  - Biomechanical testing of a novel suture pattern for repair of equine tendon
      lacerations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare in vitro biomechanical properties of a novel suture pattern
      to a current standard for primary repair of equine superficial digital flexor
      tendon (SDFT) laceration. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro randomized, paired design.
      ANIMALS: Cadaveric equine forelimb SDFT (n = 24). METHODS: The 3-loop pulley
      (3LP) and 6-strand Savage (SSS) suture patterns were applied to transected equine
      SDFT. Ultimate failure load, stiffness, mode of failure, and load required to
      form a 3-mm gap were obtained using a materials testing system and synchronized
      high-speed video analysis. Statistical comparisons were made using Student's t
      test, with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: The SSS repair failed at a
      higher ultimate load (421.1 N +/- 47.6) than the 3LP repair (193.7 N +/- 43.0; P
      < .001). There was no significant difference in stiffness (P = .99). Failure mode
      was suture breakage for all SSS repair and suture pull through for all 3LP
      repair. The maximum load to create a 3-mm gap in the SSS repair (102.0 N +/-
      22.4) was not significantly different from the 3LP repair (109.9 N +/- 16.0; P =
      .27). CONCLUSIONS: SSS tenorrhaphy has improved strength and resistance to pull
      through compared with 3LP for equine SDFT in a single load-to-failure test. Load
      required to form a 3-mm gap was not significantly different between SSS and 3LP.

PMID- 22091790
TI  - Testing the effect of function-focused care in assisted living.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop and test the Function-Focused Care in Assisted Living (FFC
      AL) intervention so as to alter the decline that older adults in AL experience.
      DESIGN: Cluster-randomized controlled trial using repeated measures to test the
      effect of FFC-AL. SETTING: Four AL facilities with at least 100 beds.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seventy-one residents and 96 direct care workers (DCWs)
      were recruited. Ninety-five of the DCWs were female (99%), and 59 were black
      (62%), with a mean age of 41.7 +/- 13.8. The residents were mostly female (80%),
      white (93%), and widowed (80%), with a mean age of 87.7 +/- 5.7. INTERVENTION:
      FFC-AL included four components implemented by a research-supported function
      focused-care nurse (FFCN) and a site-identified champion over a 12-month period.
      Control sites were exposed to FFC education only. MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes for
      residents included psychosocial domains (mood, resilience, self-efficacy, and
      outcome expectations for function and physical activity), function, gait and
      balance, and actigraphy. Outcomes for DCWs included knowledge, performance, and
      beliefs associated with FFC. RESULTS: DCWs in treatment sites provided more FFC
      by 12 months than those in control sites. Residents in treatment sites
      demonstrated less decline in function, a greater percentage returned to
      ambulatory status, and there were positive trends demonstrating more time in
      moderate-level physical activity at 4 months and more overall counts of activity
      at 12 months than for residents in control sites. CONCLUSION: Using a function
      focused approach in AL may help prevent some of the functional decline commonly
      noted in these settings.

PMID- 22091791
TI  - Purely coherent nonlinear optical response in solution dispersions of graphene
      sheets.
AB  - We have developed an efficient chemical exfoliation approach for the high
      throughput synthesis of solution-processable, high-quality graphene sheets that
      are noncovalently functionalized by alkylamine. Purely coherent nonlinear optical
      response of these graphene sheets has been investigated, using near-infrared,
      visible, and ultraviolet continous wave and ultrafast laser beams. Spatial self
      phase modulation has been unambiguously observed in the solution dispersions. Our
      results suggest that this coherent light scattering is due to a broadband,
      ultrafast, and remarkably huge third-order optical nonlinearity chi(3), which is
      a manifestation of the graphene's cone-shaped large-energy-scale band structure.
      Our experimental findings endow graphene new potentials in nonlinear optical
      applications.

PMID- 22091792
TI  - Behind-the-counter statins: a silver bullet for reducing costs and increasing
      access?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine how the 2004 introduction of behind-the-counter (BTC)
      simvastatin in the United Kingdom affected utilization, prices, and expenditures.
      DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Secondary data on simvastatin utilization, prices,
      and expenditures between 1997 and 2007 in the United Kingdom and four other
      countries. STUDY DESIGN: We used a difference-in-differences approach to estimate
      how the introduction of BTC simvastatin affected utilization, prices, and
      expenditures. This approach compares outcomes in the United Kingdom before and
      after the introduction of BTC simvastatin, using outcomes in countries where the
      drug remained prescription only to control for possible confounders. DATA
      COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Data on simvastain utilization, prices, and
      expenditures between 1997 and 2007 in the United Kingdom and four other countries
      were obtained from an outside vendor. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The introduction of BTC
      simvastatin in the United Kingdom led to a significant increase in utilization of
      simvastatin and a significant decline in expenditures for simvastatin purchases.
      Our results are robust to alternate model specifications. CONCLUSIONS: Behind-the
      counter statins have the potential to simultaneously increase use of statins and
      lower expenditures.

PMID- 22091794
TI  - Academic geriatrics in Singapore.
AB  - Singapore is one of the fastest-aging countries in the world. The proportion of
      adults aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 8.7% to 20% over the next
      20 years. The country has developed various strategies to meet the needs of this
      increase in older adults. There is an acute shortage of geriatricians and a need
      to train more healthcare workers to care for older adults. Geriatric medicine is
      a relatively new specialty, and a small number of geriatricians have been tasked
      with providing an increasing load of clinical service, education, and research.
      Hence, there is a need to develop a cohesive structure of support for faculty
      development and retention, advanced specialty trainee recruitment, leadership in
      medical education, research, and clinical service to care for the rapidly aging
      population. In addition, geriatric medicine is primarily a hospital-based
      specialty in Singapore. There is still opportunity to collaborate and improve the
      academic and practice integration of geriatric medicine into primary care and
      intermediate and long-term care where it is most needed.

PMID- 22091795
TI  - The role of meaning-focused coping in significant loss.
AB  - When individuals face uncontrollable situations such as natural disasters,
      meaning-focused coping (MFC) can contribute to individuals' adjustment. The
      objectives of the current study were to examine the role of MFC in post-traumatic
      growth and to explore how three different types of coping (problem-focused
      coping, emotion-focused coping, and MFC) affected the mental health of earthquake
      victims following the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. Hierarchical regression analyses
      indicated that MFC had a significantly incremental value in predicting positive
      affect (DeltaR2=7.6%, p<.01) and well-being (DeltaR2=3.1%, p<.01), above and
      beyond problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. In contrast, for
      negative affect and depression, these incremental effects were not significant.
      Path analysis was conducted to test the mediating role of post-traumatic growth
      among the three coping styles and the outcome variables (well-being, positive
      affect, negative affect, and depression). The results showed that post-traumatic
      growth mediated the path from MFC to well-being and positive affect (for positive
      affect: Sobel z = 3.74, p<.001; for well-being: Sobel z = 5.02, p<.001). In
      addition, post-traumatic growth mediated the path from problem-focused coping to
      depression (Sobel z = 2.21, p<.001). The hypothetical model of emotion-focused
      coping did not converge.

PMID- 22091796
TI  - Fractional laser resurfacing.

PMID- 22091797
TI  - Fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing: a review.
AB  - Ablative laser technology has been in use for many years now. The large side
      effect profile however has limited its use. Fractional ablative technology is a
      newer development which combines a lesser side effect profile along with similar
      efficacy. In this paper we review fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing.

PMID- 22091798
TI  - Hair removal utilizing the LightSheer Duet HS hand piece and the LightSheer ET: a
      comparative study of two diode laser systems in Chinese women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy, safety and pain associated with the
      use of the LightSheer Duet HS as compared to the original LightSheer ET diode
      Laser for axillae hair removal in Chinese women. METHODS: Thirty-six Chinese
      women received three axillae laser hair removal treatments using the LightSheer
      Duet HS on one side and the LightSheer ET on the other side. Subjects were
      evaluated for hair removal efficiency. The immediate pain associated with the
      treatments was noted. RESULTS: At 1 month following the final laser treatment,
      hair reduction on the LightSheer Duet HS side and on the LightSheer ET side was
      81 +/- 13% and 85 +/- 9% respectively. There was no statistical difference.
      Immediate pain scores at the first session on the LightSheer Duet HS sites and
      LightSheer ET sites was 5.71 +/- 1.74 and 6.86 +/- 1.80 respectively, which was
      statistically significant (p < 0.05). Following the second and third sessions,
      immediate pain scores of the LightSheer Duet HS sites were both less than those
      of the LightSheer ET sites, but the differences were not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: The LightSheer Duet HS laser is a safe and effective
      method of hair removal in Chinese women. Treatment with the LightSheer Duet HS
      causes less pain.

PMID- 22091799
TI  - Clinical efficacy of home-use blue-light therapy for mild-to moderate acne.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Blue-light light-emitting diode (LED) therapy has become widely
      used for the treatment of inflammatory acne. In this study we evaluated the
      efficacy of a home use blue-light LED application in improving lesions and
      shortening their time to clearance. METHODS: This was an IRB approved randomized
      self-control study. For each patient (n = 30), 2 similar lesions, one of each
      side of the face were chosen for treatment with either a blue-light LED hand-held
      or sham device. Treatments (n = 4) were conducted twice daily in the clinic and
      lesions were followed-up till resolution. Reduction in blemishes size and
      erythema and the overall improvement were evaluated by both the physician and the
      patients. Time to lesion resolution was recorded. RESULTS: There was a
      significant difference in the response of lesions to the blue-light LED
      application as opposed to the placebo in terms of reduction in lesion size and
      lesion erythema as well as the improvement in the overall skin condition (p <
      0.025). Signs of improvement were observed as early as post 2 treatments. Time to
      resolution was significantly shorter for the blue-light LED therapy. CONCLUSION:
      The results support the effectiveness of using blue-light LED therapy on a daily
      basis for better improvement and faster resolution of inflammatory acne lesions.

PMID- 22091801
TI  - Income inequality and fertility: A comparative view.
AB  - Summary   Most studies pertaining to the relationship between population and
      economic development suffer from a major flaw. Researchers use aggregate measures
      like income or energy consumption per head as indicators of economic development.
      Such aggregate measures fail to take into account the nature of the distribution
      of income or energy consumption to the population. The present study attempts to
      demonstrate the importance of incorporating the nature of distribution of
      resources as an important intervening variable in the study of the overall
      relationship between population and economic development. A measure of income
      inequality is developed which represents the difference between rural and urban
      incomes. This measure is justified in terms of the distinctiveness of urban and
      rural sectors in the process of development.   The data used relate to societal
      measures of fertility, income, income inequality, etc. Consistently with existing
      literature, we observe that, generally speaking, economic development does entail
      a reduction in rural-urban income inequalities. On the other hand, a substantial
      part of the negative effect of an increase in income per head can be nullified if
      such an increase were not also accompanied by a reduction in rural-urban income
      inequality. Also, a substantial part of the negative effect of an increase in
      income per head and the level of education in reducing the level of infant
      mortality would be nullified if it did not also result in a reduction of rural
      urban income inequality. On the other hand, it is quite possible for the level of
      education in a society to increase together with an increase in income per head
      without substantially altering the extent of inequality of income between the
      rural and the urban population. It is suggested that the positive relationship
      between rural-urban income inequality and the level of fertility is due to higher
      rural fertility rates in a high-inequality country. By implication, this would
      mean that higher standards of living for the rural population compared with its
      urban counterpart will have a favourable impact in reducing rural fertility.

PMID- 22091802
TI  - Social and demographic determinants of abortion in Poland.
AB  - Summary   Most abortions in Polish hospitals and clinics are performed on social
      indications. In the 22 administrative areas of Poland, the high rates of divorce
      and large proportions of total population employed in non-agricultural pursuits
      reflect the individualistic approach to family planning which is characteristic
      of present-day urban society. Industrialization is disruptive to the normal
      functioning of the country's traditionally large families. In addition, the gross
      reproduction rate increases directly with the proportion of the peasant
      population in 17 voivodships and five large cities of Poland, whereas in the
      urban sector the gross reproduction rate has fallen below replacement level in
      the past few years. Rural birth rates will continue to decline. In view of
      increasing needs for future manpower, population policy aimed at increasing
      births through incentives to prospective mothers may achieve a limited degree of
      success in cities only among the educated segments of the female population.

PMID- 22091803
TI  - Mortality and fertility in Arctic Communities Greenland - A case study.
AB  - Summary   The purpose of this paper is to estimate the present level of mortality
      and fertility as well as its history amongst the indigenous population of
      Greenland during the period 1834-1953 on the basis of a series of censuses taken
      during that time.   Mortality and fertility parameters have been estimated by
      techniques particularly suited for the analysis of incomplete demographic data -
      e.g. stable population analysis.   During the period studied Greenland was a
      Danish colony. It did not become constitutionally part of Denmark until 1953. The
      paper shows that even though the importance of Danish - and other European -
      influence should not be underestimated, the socio-economic structure of Greenland
      was relatively stable until 1953.   The results show an extremely high mortality
      and a correspondingly high fertility. There is also evidence that mortality
      fluctuated considerably during the period. This might also be true of fertility,
      but it is impossible to establish this by means of the techniques used. These
      results are supported by an analysis of registrations of births and deaths for
      part of the period.   The paper concludes with an evaluation of the validity of
      the techniques of estimation, having regard to the nature of the Greenland
      censuses. It is pointed out that the empirical material from which model stable
      populations must have been constructed varies somewhat from that applicable to an
      Arctic population.

PMID- 22091804
TI  - Government policy and personal family planning approval in conflict settings: The
      case of the Muslim minority in the Southern Philippines.
AB  - Summary   Certain minority groups in a number of culturally pluralistic societies
      have interpreted governmentally sponsored family planning programmes as vehicles
      for reducing one basis for potential political power, i.e. the minority group's
      share of the total population. This has especially been the case in societies
      with protracted inter-group conflict. Such a conflict situation is found in the
      Southern Philippines between indigenous Muslims and arriving Christian settlers.
      Contrasting Muslim women in predominantly Muslim and in pluralistic-Muslim
      minority settings into which there have been sizeable Christian incursions, we
      suggest that though cultural pluralism has facilitated the dissemination of the
      national government's position on family planning, the nature of culture contact,
      and inter-group conflict could have provoked personal opposition to family
      planning because of its links with the government.

PMID- 22091805
TI  - Factors associated with the timing and duration of the leaving-home stage of the
      family life cycle.
AB  - Summary   Based on empirical age distributions of sons and daughters leaving
      home, an examination is made of the theoretical effect of three factors - the sex
      composition of the family, the interval between births, and their reasons for
      leaving home - on the dynamics of the leaving-home stage in the life cycle of two
      child families. Consideration is given to four measures, the timing of the
      beginning and end of the leaving-home stage, its duration, and the ratio of the
      length of the leaving-home stage to the length of the childbearing stage. The
      outstanding feature of the leaving-home stage is that a second child may leave
      home before its older sibling, described as the 'crossing-over effect'. For
      Australian data, factors contributing to the variation in experience between
      families include the fact that sons generally leave home at an older age than
      daughters, and that children leaving home for different reasons leave at
      different ages. Brief reference is made to the relationship between the leaving
      home stage and the starting-work stage, and to the limitations of a theoretical
      analysis.

PMID- 22091806
TI  - The role of simulation techniques in the theory and observation of family
      formation.
AB  - Summary   The investigation of fertility change can involve the consideration of
      the results of micro-level empirical studies in the context of an economic theory
      of family formation. In particular, a change in the observable statistics can
      then be related to a change in behaviour, or factors influencing behaviour. The
      analysis of this relationship is hindered, however, by its complexity and by the
      large number of stochastic variables present. It is argued that an essential aid
      to such an analysis is the use of a model suitable for simulation. Here, we
      present such a model and illustrate possible applications with various
      experiments.

PMID- 22091807
TI  - A re-estimation of the multiplying factors for the Brass technique for
      determining childhood survivorship rates.
AB  - Summary   One of the truly significant contributions to practical demography is
      the procedure developed by William Brass for estimating life-table values from
      minimal data obtained in fertility surveys. Specifically, Brass designed a set of
      factors dependent on the shape of the fertility schedule, which convert
      proportions of children dead of women in standard age intervals into life table
      q(x)-values. Jeremiah Sullivan recently presented in this journal a method for
      simplifying the calculations involved in obtaining the multiplying factor in the
      Brass procedure. Both Brass and Sullivan employed restrictive fertility schedules
      to obtain their multiplying factors, and a rigorous test of either model has been
      hampered by the lack of numerous adequately recorded fertility schedules,
      especially those which begin early. Recently, a set of model fertility schedules
      which adequately duplicates empirical fertility schedules has been developed.
      These schedules were used to test the Brass and Sullivan procedures and to obtain
      new estimates of multiplying factors. Although the Brass and Sullivan procedures
      are shown to produce good estimators, new estimators, which prove superior to
      either, are developed and analysed.

PMID- 22091808
TI  - The mixed effects of income upon successive births may explain the convergence
      phenomenon.
AB  - Summary   This paper finds that an increment of income has a more positive (less
      negative) effect on the probability of a family having another child when it
      consists of relatively few children than of relatively many children. That is,
      within a group of people whose income is increased, the increase may be expected
      to influence the average family with no children or one child to increase family
      size, and to influence the average family that would otherwise have many children
      to have fewer. To put it another way, increased income reduces the variance of
      family size across families. This provides an explanation for the 'convergence'
      of American families to two to four children. The basis for these conclusions is
      a cross-sectional analysis of white women in the U.S. Census of 1960.

PMID- 22091809
TI  - The impact of children on household saving: Age effects versus family size.
AB  - Summary   This paper extends a recent article by Allen Kelley, 'Population
      Growth, the Dependency Rate, and the Pace of Economic Development', published in
      Population Studies, 27, 3. Its objectives are threefold: (1) to point out that
      Kelley's earlier assessment of the effect of family size on household savings
      rates turns on somewhat arbitrary methods of computation and is altered when more
      conventional procedures are used, (2) to argue that in modern American society
      the savings behaviour of families may be tied more to the ages of the children
      than to their number, and (3) to provide some comparative evidence which tends to
      substantiate Kelley's conjecture that the way and extent to which children
      influence household savings patterns depends upon the underlying level of
      economic development.

PMID- 22091810
TI  - Reliability estimates of some survey data on family planning.
AB  - Summary   A follow-up study employing the panel design which aimed to evaluate
      the temporal stability of rural respondents' answers to KAP and fertility-related
      questions after a lapse of nearly five months revealed that reports by females on
      factual data dealing with socio-economic and demographic topics are as highly
      reliable as are those of males. The study based on 79 males and 81 females in
      Haryana further supports the hypothesis that re-test reliabilities of factual
      data such as respondent's age, religion, occupation, etc. are substantially
      higher than those of knowledge about contraceptives. Attitude items showed very
      low re-test reliabilities although the internal consistency reliabilities of the
      two attitude scales were found to vary within the range of 0.72 to 0.88. Both
      attitude scales were found to have a very high reproducibility coefficient, all
      higher than 0.95, for both the interview sessions.   Re-test reliabilities of
      data on contraceptive use were also found to be moderately high. However, the
      rates of loop insertion and condom use as reported by female respondents are
      likely to show a substantial amount of gross error as is evident from their low
      re-test reliabilities. The findings of the present study cast serious doubt on
      the assumption that married males are not capable of accurately reporting the
      pregnancy histories of their wives.   Several implications of the findings are
      discussed. From the methodological point of view they suggest a need to develop
      improved techniques for assessing attitudes toward family planning programmes and
      abortion as well as to knowledge of contraceptive methods and desired family
      size. The findings also justify the inclusion of eligible male respondents in KAP
      and fertility surveys.

PMID- 22091811
TI  - A note on nineteenth-century Irish emigration statistics.
AB  - Summary   On the basis of a re-examination of the different statistical series of
      post-Famine Irish emigration, this paper finds (1) that the total outflow was
      larger than the figures for total emigration allow, and (2) that permanent
      movement to Great Britain was substantially more important, both relatively and
      absolutely, than is commonly realized.

PMID- 22091812
TI  - Tribal affiliation and fertility: A note.
AB  - Summary   This not extends T. L. F. Devis's recent investigation of the
      relationship between tribal affiliation and fertility in Sierra Leone. Controls
      are introduced for age structure and economic variables. The findings suggest
      that tribal affiliation does not have much independent influence on fertility
      after these factors are allowed for.

PMID- 22091815
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22091816
TI  - Ventricular enlargement in new-onset pediatric epilepsies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine baseline and prospective (2-year) changes in third, fourth,
      and lateral ventricle volumes in children with new-onset idiopathic epilepsies
      and controls (age 8-18 years). METHODS: Structural magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) were collected from children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE, n =
      29), idiopathic localization-related epilepsy (ILRE, n = 30), and healthy
      controls (HCs, n = 49). Volumes of the third, fourth, and lateral ventricles were
      derived and compared across groups, followed by shape analyses, to identify
      specific regions of ventricular abnormality. Of the initial cohort, a consecutive
      sample of 71 children returned 2 years later for reimaging and determination of
      progressive changes in the ventricular system. KEY FINDINGS: At baseline,
      children with new-onset IGE had significantly larger lateral and third ventricle
      volumes relative to the HC group. In addition, lateral ventricle enlargement in
      IGE was significantly greater compared to new-onset ILRE. Shape analysis of the
      lateral ventricles revealed that volume expansion in IGE was selective for the
      anterior horn, a region surrounded by the lateral and medial frontal lobes as
      well as basal ganglia. These abnormalities did not progress over a 2-year
      interval. SIGNIFICANCE: Abnormalities in brain development prior to onset and
      diagnosis of epilepsy are evident and reflected in expansion of the ventricular
      system, especially among children with IGE. These abnormalities appear to
      represent an antecedent and possibly static finding given the lack of progressive
      ventricular expansion over the 2-year interval following diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22091818
TI  - Structure-activity relationships in the control of chemical risks.

PMID- 22091819
TI  - Predictions for existing chemicals-a multilateral QSAR project.
AB  - Abstract   Following a previous collaborative EU/EPA project focussed on QSAR
      predictions for a selection of new chemicals which had been notified in the EU, a
      similar exercise was started in 1993 on existing chemicals. In a first phase, the
      project addresses the High Production Volume (HPV) chemicals which are produced
      or imported at levels above a 1000t/year in the EU and 454t/year in the US. The
      relevant EU (Annex 1 of Existing Chemicals Regulation No. 793/93) and US-EPA
      lists contain 1036 and 2881 organic substances respectively of which HPV 749
      chemicals are in common. The joint project aims at an estimation through
      validated QSAR models of the physical-chemical, ecotoxicity and toxicity
      endpoints which are included in the regulation and where experimental data will
      become available in IUCLID (International Unified Chemicals Information
      Database). Next to EC-JRC (ECB) and US-EPA, various laboratories in the EU are
      contributing to the project and recently, two institutes in Japan have joined in
      this project.

PMID- 22091817
TI  - Crotonase catalysis enables flexible production of functionalized prolines and
      carbapenams.
AB  - The biocatalytic versatility of wildtype and engineered carboxymethylproline
      synthases (CMPSs) is demonstrated by the preparation of functionalized 5
      carboxymethylproline derivatives methylated at C-2, C-3, C-4, or C-5 of the
      proline ring from appropriately substituted amino acid aldehydes and malonyl
      coenzyme A. Notably, compounds with a quaternary center (at C-2 or C-5) were
      prepared in a stereoselective fashion by engineered CMPSs. The substituted-5
      carboxymethyl-prolines were converted into the corresponding bicyclic beta
      lactams using a carbapenam synthetase. The results demonstrate the utility of the
      crotonase superfamily enzymes for stereoselective biocatalysis, the amenability
      of carbapenem biosynthesis pathways to engineering for the production of new
      bicyclic beta-lactam derivatives, and the potential of engineered biocatalysts
      for the production of quaternary centers.

PMID- 22091820
TI  - Assessment of QSARS for Predicting Fate and Effects of Chemicals in the
      Environment: An International European Project.
AB  - Abstract   In 1993, an international project on QSAR has been started with
      funding from the Commission of the European Union. The first part of the project
      is focused on preparing an overview of existing models for the prediction of
      environmental parameters such as bioconcentration, sorption, degradation and
      ecotoxicity. Emphasis will be given to defining the limitations of the models.
      Since all models, including QSARs, have their limitations, it is important that
      these limitations are known in case QSARs are actually used and applied within
      the risk assessment context. The second part of the project is directed towards
      experimental research on new developments with emphasis on the use of
      multivariate techniques and quantum chemical properties. In this short paper, a
      general outline of the project will be given, as well as some first results.
      Results of experimental work within this project will be published in the
      proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on QSAR in Environmental Sciences
      and will appear in this same journal.

PMID- 22091821
TI  - Evaluation of the Use of QSARS for Priority Setting and Risk Assessment.
AB  - Abstract   Impending changes in EEC legislation have accelerated the need to
      define the principles and practical considerations of the use of QSARs in
      priority setting and risk assessment. It is important to delineate the
      limitations of this approach and to review whether and how this information
      should be used in the risk assessment. The value and limitations of QSARs for use
      in priority setting and risk assessment will not be discussed in detail since the
      European Chemical Industry Ecology and Toxicology Centre (ECETOC) has only
      recently established a Task Force to tackle this issue. The terms of reference of
      the Task Force are: (1) compare the predictions obtained with QSARs to measured
      data using ECETOC databases and other sources of data and comment on the validity
      and applicability of such QSARs; (2) identify and review software packages which
      are available for accessing and using appropriate QSARs; (3) identify those
      aspects of environmental distribution, fate and effects where the further
      development of QSARs is desirable and feasible; and (4) provide a scientific
      basis for ECETOC's contribution to the activities of the European Chemicals
      Bureau (ECB) in this area. In this short paper, only an initial and personal
      evaluation is made of when and where to use QSARs in the priority setting and
      risk assessment process within the regulatory framework. Some critical remarks
      and suggestions are provided to guide future developments and integration of
      QSARs in the risk assessment process.

PMID- 22091822
TI  - Editorial board page for "SAR and QSAR in Environmental Research", Volume 3,
      Number 3.
AB  - Abstract   This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for
      this issue.

PMID- 22091823
TI  - Decoding Caulobacter development.
AB  - Caulobacter crescentus uses a multi-layered system of oscillating regulators to
      program different developmental fates into each daughter cell at division. This
      is achieved by superimposing gene expression, subcellular localization,
      phosphorylation, and regulated proteolysis to form a complex regulatory network
      that integrates chromosome replication, segregation, polar differentiation, and
      cytokinesis. In this review, we outline the current state of research in the
      field of Caulobacter development, emphasizing new findings that elaborate how the
      developmental program is modulated by factors such as the environment or the
      metabolic state of the cell.

PMID- 22091824
TI  - The influence of the magnitude, probability, and valence of potential wins and
      losses on the amplitude of the feedback negativity.
AB  - We assessed the influence of the variables outcome potential, feedback valence,
      magnitude, and probability on the amplitude of the feedback negativity (FN).
      Outcome potential was defined as the a priori valence of an upcoming feedback,
      that is, is there a potential win or potential loss? All these variables have
      been studied previously, although never together, but the findings have been
      contradictory. We analyzed the event-related potential (ERP) after feedback
      presentation in a reinforcement-learning task to examine the effects of all the
      variables on feedback negativity. Our results show that outcome potential,
      feedback valence, probability, and magnitude all influence feedback related ERPs.
      Taken together, the findings suggest that ERPs in the time range of the feedback
      negativity are primarily driven by positive outcomes (reinforcement) rather than
      negative outcomes (punishment).

PMID- 22091825
TI  - "Does this doctor speak my language?" Improving the characterization of physician
      non-English language skills.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the initial impact of an organizational policy change on
      measurement of physician non-English language proficiency. STUDY SETTING:
      Multispecialty health care organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. STUDY
      DESIGN/DATA COLLECTION: In response to preliminary findings suggesting that the
      organization's nonvalidated and undefined three-category tool for physician self
      report of non-English language proficiency levels was likely inadequate, the
      organization asked physicians to rate their non-English language proficiency
      levels using an adapted Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale, a validated
      measure with five rating levels and descriptors. We then compared the self
      reported language proficiency on the original scale and the ILR for those
      physicians who completed both and used regression analysis to investigate
      physician characteristics potentially associated with a change in score on the
      old versus ILR scales. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Six months after the ILR scale was
      implemented throughout the organization, 75 percent (258/342) of physicians had
      updated their language proficiency ratings. Among clinicians who had previously
      rated themselves in the "Medical/Conversational" category, there were substantial
      variations in scores using the ILR scale. Physicians who spoke two or more non
      English languages were significantly more likely to lower their self-reported
      proficiency when updating from the old scale to the ILR scale. CONCLUSIONS: The
      organization was willing to adopt a relatively straightforward change in how data
      were collected and presented to patients based on the face validity of initial
      findings. This organizational policy change appeared to improve how self-reported
      physician language proficiency was characterized.

PMID- 22091826
TI  - Mortality in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients has decreased in the era of
      therapeutic hypothermia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves survival after out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This treatment was implemented in most Finnish
      intensive care units (ICUs) in 2003. The aim of this study was to find out
      whether hospital mortality of ICU-treated OHCA patients has changed in the era of
      TH. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of data collected prospectively into
      the database of the Finnish Intensive Care Consortium during the years 2000-2008.
      The study population consisted of 3958 patients for whom cardiac arrest was
      registered as the reason for ICU admission and who were transferred to the ICU
      from the emergency department. We divided the patients into those treated in the
      pre-hypothermia era (2000-2002) and those treated in the hypothermia era (2003
      2008). We investigated whether the treatment period had any impact on hospital
      mortality. RESULTS: There were no differences between the periods regarding the
      age or initial Glasgow Coma Scores of the patients. Mean severity of illness was
      higher in the latter period. Despite this, mortality decreased: the hospital
      mortality rate was 57.9% in 2000-2002 and 51.1% in 2003-2008, P < 0.001. In a
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, treatment in 2003-2008 was associated
      with a reduced risk of in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio 0.54, 95%
      confidence interval 0.45-0.64 and P < 0.001). Survival improved markedly between
      the years 2002 and 2003. This improvement has persisted, but there has been no
      further improvement. CONCLUSION: Concurrently with the implementation of TH,
      hospital mortality of OHCA patients treated in Finnish ICUs decreased.

PMID- 22091827
TI  - When doctors and daughters disagree: twenty-two days and two blinks of an eye.
AB  - A cornerstone of American medical ethics is the right to say, "Keep your hands
      off of me," to decline medical treatment. A central problem is how to decide
      about individuals who have become incapacitated and can no longer request or
      refuse potentially life-sustaining treatment. An advance directive is a formal
      attempt to protect people's right to autonomy when they are no longer autonomous.
      As such, it assumes that previously expressed wishes are precise and immutable,
      but many families make decisions together, and individuals may negotiate,
      compromise, and modify their genuine preferences, especially when novel threats
      arise, and the stakes are high. The current article describes a case in which two
      daughters overruled a patient's explicit preference to refuse life-sustaining
      treatment, leading to burdensome illness before death. In the end, the mother
      seemed to understand her children's needs and seemed willing, at least in
      retrospect, to have met those needs. After the death of this individual, we
      continued to talk with the daughters and videotaped an interview in which they
      shared their perspectives on the case. The daughters consented to be videotaped
      and to share the video with the medical community (available in online version of
      article). Their forceful devotion to their mother and their search in retrospect
      for what could have been done differently has completely changed our
      understanding of events. We believe that the daughters' behavior is not the
      indefensible breach of respect for person that it seemed to be. Their mother's
      true wishes might well have included a desire to help her children during her own
      dying. Family members' preferences are likely to be important considerations for
      many people, although the possibility of coercion has to be acknowledged as well.
      Accommodating this level of decision-making complexity is highly problematic for
      our understanding of advance directives.

PMID- 22091828
TI  - Development and field-scale optimization of a honeycomb zeolite rotor
      concentrator/recuperative oxidizer for the abatement of volatile organic carbons
      from semiconductor industry.
AB  - The combined concentrator/oxidizer system has been proposed as an effective
      physical-chemical option and proven to be a viable solution that enables Volatile
      Organic Carbons (VOCs) emitters to comply with the regulations. In this work, a
      field scale honeycomb zeolite rotor concentrator combined with a recuperative
      oxidizer was developed and applied for the treatment of the VOC waste gas. The
      research shows the following: (1) for the adsorption rotor, zeolite is a more
      appropriate material than Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). The designing and
      operation parameters of the concentrator were discussed in detail including the
      size and the optimal rotation speed of rotor. Also the developed rotor
      performance's was evaluated in the field; (2) Direct Fired Thermal Oxidizer
      (DFTO), Recuperative Oxidizer (RO), Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) and
      Regenerative Catalytic oxidizer (RCO) are the available incinerators and the RO
      was selected as the oxidizer in this work; (3) The overall performance of the
      developed rotor/oxidizer was explored in a field scale under varying conditions;
      (4) The energy saving strategy was fulfilled by reducing heat loss from the
      oxidizer and recovering heat from the exhaust gas. Data shows that the developed
      rotor/oxidizer could remove over 95% VOCs with reasonable cost and this could be
      helpful for similar plants when considering VOC abatement.

PMID- 22091829
TI  - The hierarchical structure of childhood personality in five countries: continuity
      from early childhood to early adolescence.
AB  - Childhood personality is a rapidly growing area of investigation within
      individual differences research. One understudied topic is the universality of
      the hierarchical structure of childhood personality. In the present
      investigation, parents rated the personality characteristics of 3,751 children
      from 5 countries and 4 age groups. The hierarchical structure of childhood
      personality was examined for 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-factor models across country
      (Canada, China, Greece, Russia, and the United States) and age group (3-5, 6-8, 9
      11, and 12-14 years of age). Many similarities were noted across both country and
      age. The Five-Factor Model was salient beginning in early childhood (ages 3-5).
      Deviations across groups and from adult findings are noted, including the
      prominent role of antagonism in childhood personality and the high covariation
      between Conscientiousness and intellect. Future directions, including the need
      for more explicit attempts to merge temperament and personality models, are
      discussed.

PMID- 22091830
TI  - Novel blockers of hyperpolarization-activated current with isoform selectivity in
      recombinant cells and native tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Selective hyperpolarization activated, cyclic nucleotide
      gated channel (HCN) blockers represent an important therapeutic goal due to the
      wide distribution and multiple functions of these proteins, representing the
      molecular correlate of f- and h-current (I(f)  or I(h) ). Recently, new compounds
      able to block differentially the homomeric HCN isoforms expressed in HEK293 have
      been synthesized. In the present work, the electrophysiological and
      pharmacological properties of these new HCN blockers were characterized and their
      activities evaluated on native channels. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293 cells
      expressing mHCN1, mHCN2 and hHCN4 isoforms were used to verify channel blockade.
      Selected compounds were tested on native guinea pig sinoatrial node cells and
      neurons from mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by patch-clamp recordings and on
      dog Purkinje fibres by intracellular recordings. KEY RESULTS In HEK293 cells,
      EC18 was found to be significantly selective for HCN4 and MEL57A for HCN1 at
      physiological membrane potential. When tested on guinea pig sinoatrial node
      cells, EC18 (10 uM) maintained its activity, reducing I(f)  by 67% at -120 mV,
      while MEL57A (3 uM) reduced I(f)  by 18%. In contrast, in mouse DRG neurons, only
      MEL57A (30 and 100 uM) significantly reduced I(h)  by 60% at -80 mV. In dog
      cardiac Purkinje fibres, EC18, but not MEL57A, reduced the amplitude and slowed
      the slope of the spontaneous diastolic depolarization. CONCLUSIONS Our results
      have identified novel and highly selective HCN isoform blockers, EC18 and MEL57A;
      the selectivity found in recombinant system was maintained in various tissues
      expressing different HCN isoforms.

PMID- 22091831
TI  - Computed tomographic documentation of the natural progression of humeral
      intracondylar fissure in a cocker spaniel.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the computed tomographic (CT) documentation of humeral
      intracondylar fissure (HIF) developing after complete ossification of the humeral
      condyle (HC). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Male 3 year old working
      (English) Cocker Spaniel. METHODS: Sequential CT screening (659-day interval
      between analyses). RESULTS: A sagittal hypodense fissure typical of incomplete
      ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) was identified ~ 22 months after
      screening CT examination documented a normal elbow joint. CONCLUSION: Even in
      dogs with clinical features typical of the condition most commonly termed IOHC,
      fissure formation and propagation can occur after ossification is complete.

PMID- 22091832
TI  - Repair of rabbit ulna segmental bone defect using freshly isolated adipose
      derived stromal vascular fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Stromal vascular fractions (SVF) from adipose tissue have
      heterogeneous cell populations, and include multipotent adipose-derived stem
      cells. The advantages of using of SVF include the avoidance of an additional
      culture period, a reduced risk of extensive cell contamination, and cost
      effectiveness. METHODS: Unilateral 20-mm mid-diaphyseal segmental defects in
      rabbit ulna were treated with one of the following: polylactic glycolic acid
      (PLGA) scaffold alone (group 1, control), a PLGA scaffold with undifferentiated
      SVF cells (group 2), or a PLGA scaffold with osteogenically differentiated SVF
      cells (group 3). At 8 weeks after implantation, five rabbits in each treatment
      group were killed to assess bone defect healing by plain radiography,
      quantitative microcomputed tomography and histology. RESULTS: The SVF cells were
      well grown on PLGA scaffolds and expressed type I collagen and alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP). The intensity of ALP and OPN gene expressions in osteogenic
      medium culture were increased from 14 days to 28 days. In vivo evaluations at 8
      weeks showed that treatment of SVF cells with or without osteogenic
      differentiation resulted in more bone formation in the critically sized segmental
      defects than PLGA scaffold alone. Osteogenically differentiated SVF cells
      significantly enhanced bone healing compared with undifferentiated SVF cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adipose-derived stromal SVF showed osteogenic potential in vitro.
      Accordingly, SVF could provide a cell source for bone tissue engineering.
      However, treatment with uncultured SVF cells on bone healing was not satisfactory
      in the in vivo animal model.

PMID- 22091833
TI  - Comparison of chemokine and receptor gene expression between Wharton's jelly and
      bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Because of their multilineage differentiation capacity,
      immunomodulatory role and homing ability, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are
      emerging as a new therapeutic strategy for treating a variety of disorders.
      Although bone marrow (BM) is the best characterized source of MSC, Wharton's
      jelly (WJ) of the umbilical cord holds great promise as an alternative. As
      delivery direct to the site of injury is not always feasible, efficient homing of
      MSC to the site of injury is critical for inducing tissue repair and
      regeneration. MSC express a wide variety of growth factors, chemokines and
      receptors that are important for cell migration, homing and re-establishment of
      blood supply for recovery of damaged tissues. METHODS: Detailed chemokine and
      receptor gene expression profiles of WJ MSC were established, and subsequently
      compared with those of BM-derived MSC using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      array. Secretion of growth factors was analyzed and evaluated using culture
      supernatant from WJ and BM MSC. RESULTS: Our results revealed a differential
      expression pattern of the chemokines and their receptors between WJ- and BM
      derived MSC. Several Glutamic acid-Leucine-Arginine; ELR-positive CXC chemokine
      genes and secretion of growth factors, which promote angiogenesis, were found to
      be up-regulated in WJ MSC. CONCLUSIONS: To understand better the localization and
      mechanism of tissue repair by transplanted WJ MSC, we attempted chemokine and
      their receptor transcription profiling, followed by analysis of growth factors
      secreted by WJ MSC, and compared them against those of BM MSC. The data suggest
      that MSC from different sources can be explored for distinct therapeutic roles.

PMID- 22091835
TI  - The feedback-related negativity (FRN) in adolescents.
AB  - This study examined age-related differences in the ERP correlates of external
      feedback processing (i.e., the feedback-related negativity [FRN]) in adolescent
      and young adult males, using a simple gambling task involving unpredictable
      monetary losses and gains of low and high magnitude. The FRN was larger after
      losses than gains, and was modulated by the magnitude of gains, but not the
      magnitude of losses, for all participants regardless of age. FRN amplitude was
      larger in adolescents than adults and also discriminated relatively less strongly
      between gains and losses in adolescents. In addition, the morphology of the
      waveform after high losses suggests that feedback in this condition may have been
      processed less efficiently by adolescents. Our results suggest that, although the
      FRN in adults and adolescents share some common characteristics, the neural
      processes that generate the FRN are still developing in midadolescence. These
      findings are discussed in the context of adolescent risk taking.

PMID- 22091834
TI  - Can claims-based data be used to recruit black and Hispanic subjects into
      clinical trials?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the accuracy of an algorithm at identifying ethnic minorities
      from administrative claims for enrollment into a clinical trial. DATA
      SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Claims data from a health benefits company. STUDY DESIGN:
      We compared results of a three-step algorithm to self-reported race/ethnicity.
      DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Using the algorithm, we identified subjects
      with high probability of being minority and ascertained self-reported
      race/ethnicity. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We identified 164 subjects as likely minority
      based on our algorithm. Of these, 94 completed the survey and 87 identified
      themselves as black or Hispanic. The positive predictive value of the algorithm
      was 93 percent (CI: 85-97). CONCLUSIONS: Claims data can be used to efficiently
      identify minorities for participation in clinical trials.

PMID- 22091836
TI  - NHC gold halide complexes derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles: synthesis,
      structural analysis, and pharmacological investigations as potential antitumor
      agents.
AB  - A series of novel neutral NHC gold halide complexes derived from 4,5
      diarylimidazoles were synthesized, characterized, and analyzed for biological
      effects. High growth inhibitory effects in MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer as
      well as HT-29 colon cancer cell lines depended on the presence of the C4,C5
      standing aromatic rings. Methoxy groups at these rings did not change the growth
      inhibitory properties, while F-substituents in the ortho-position (5d) increased
      the activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 cells. The substituents at the nitrogen
      atoms and the oxidation state of the metal play a subordinate role. The most
      active bromo[1,3-diethyl-4,5-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2
      ylidene]gold(I) (5d) was distinctly more active than cisplatin. All complexes
      caused thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition (EC50=374-1505 nM) distinctly
      lower than auranofin (EC50=18.6 nM) excluding this enzyme as main target. Because
      of the low nuclear content, a participation of DNA interaction on the mode of
      action is very unlikely. The missing ER binding and the missing correlation of
      growth inhibition and inactivation of COX enzymes exclude these targets, too.

PMID- 22091837
TI  - Autism spectrum disorders in older adults: toward defining a research agenda.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common of the severe
      developmental disabilities, yet little is known about older adults with ASDs-in
      particular, how the disabilities and dependencies that result from aging interact
      with those resulting from ASDs. The aging of the population in Western countries,
      the increasing rate of diagnosis of ASDs, and the burgeoning use of services for
      ASDs are converging to create a large, growing influx of older adults with ASDs
      that could impose tremendous humanistic and economic burdens on the healthcare
      system and society. An understanding of the epidemiological, biological,
      psychological, and social aspects of ASDs in older adults is essential for
      preparing to meet their needs, but studies on ASDs in these individuals are
      practically nonexistent. This article outlines observations and recommendations
      of a multidisciplinary expert group convened in March 2010 to characterize gaps
      in knowledge regarding ASDs in older adults and defines research directions to
      help individuals, the healthcare system, and society prepare for meeting the
      needs of this population. The proposed research agenda could help improve the
      lives of older adults with ASDs and inform research and clinical practice
      involving younger individuals with ASDs.

PMID- 22091838
TI  - The relationship between retrieval-induced forgetting, anxiety, and personality.
AB  - Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) refers to the finding that the retrieval of a
      memory trace suppresses the retrieval of rival memory traces, and there is
      evidence that RIF reflects the effects of cognitive inhibition. The Attentional
      Control Theory (ACT) postulates that cognitive inhibition will be impaired by a
      high level of state anxiety, but the effect of anxiety on RIF has not previously
      been investigated. A sample of 116 participants were tested on the RIF procedure,
      and were also administered the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and the Big
      Five Personality Inventory. The results indicated a significant negative
      correlation between RIF scores and state anxiety, and a significant positive
      correlation between RIF scores and extraversion. However, a multiple regression
      analysis identified extraversion as the main predictor of RIF performance. None
      of the other personality factors correlated with RIF scores. These findings are
      consistent with the predictions of the ACT.

PMID- 22091841
TI  - An Investigation of Clustering as a Tool in Quantitative Structure-Activity
      Relationships (QSARS).
AB  - Abstract   By means of clustering, one is able to manage large databases easily.
      Clustering according to structure similarity distinguished the several chemical
      classes that were present in our training set. All the clusters showed
      correlation of log WS with log K ( OW ) and melting point, except EINECS-cluster
      1. This cluster contains only chemicals with melting points below room
      temperature, resulting in a log WS-log K( OW ), relationship. The observed weak
      correlation for this cluster is probably due to the insufficient number of
      available screens. Such a limited amount of screens allows relatively very
      different chemicals to share the same cluster. Using statistical criteria, our
      approach resulted in three QSARs with reasonably good predictive capabilities,
      originating from clusters 1639, 3472, and 5830. The models resulting from the
      smaller clusters 6873, 8154, and 16424 are characterised by high correlation
      coefficients which describe the cluster itself very well but, due to our
      stringent bootstrap criterion, they are close to randomness. Clusters 6815 and
      18083 showed rather low correlations. The models originating from clusters 1639,
      3472, and 5830 proved their usefulness by external validation. The log WS-values
      calculated with our QSARs agreed within 1 log-unit to these reported in the
      literature.

PMID- 22091840
TI  - Prostaglandin E(2)  potentiates methylmalonate-induced seizures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Methylmalonic acidemias are inherited metabolic disorders characterized
      by methylmalonate (MMA) accumulation and neurologic dysfunction, including
      seizures. It is known that metabolic crises in affected patients are precipitated
      by infections. Although growing evidence supports that inflammation facilitates
      seizures, it is not known whether inflammatory mediators facilitate MMA-induced
      seizures. Therefore, in this study we investigate the involvement of
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in MMA-induced seizures.
      METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were implanted with electrodes over the parietal
      cortex for electroencephalography (EEG) recording and a cannula in the right
      lateral ventricle. Animals were injected with PGE(2) (100 ng/2 MUl, i.c.v.) or
      phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (2 MUl, i.c.v.), 15 min before MMA (2.5 MUmol/2.5
      MUl, i.c.v.) or NaCl (2.5 MUmol/2.5 MUl, i.c.v.). The anticonvulsant effect of
      celecoxib (0.2; 2 or 20 mg/kg, p.o., 60 min before MMA) on MMA-induced seizures,
      and whether PGE(2) (10 or 100 ng/2 MUl, i.c.v.) prevented the anticonvulsant
      effect of celecoxib (2 mg/kg, p.o.) were also investigated. KEY FINDINGS: PGE(2)
      decreased the latency to MMA-induced jerks and generalized seizures, and
      increased the amplitude of generalized seizure EEG recordings. The selective COX
      2 inhibitor celecoxib at the dose 2 mg/kg, but not at the dose 20 mg/kg,
      completely prevented MMA-induced seizures. The protective effect of celecoxib (2
      mg/kg) against MMA-induced seizures was prevented by PGE(2). SIGNIFICANCE: These
      results support a role for PGE(2) in the seizures elicited by MMA, which is in
      agreement with the view that infections may precipitate and exacerbate neurologic
      dysfunction in patients with MMA acidemic.

PMID- 22091842
TI  - Selection of Polychlorinated Biphenyls for use in Quantitative Structure-Activity
      Modelling.
AB  - Abstract   By characterizing the 154 tetra- through heptachlorinated biphenyl
      (PCB) congeners with a multitude of physico-chemical descriptors, a model
      representing chemical similarities and differences is achieved. The multivariate
      characterization of the PCBs was based on 47 physico-chemical descriptor
      variables, which were summarised by using principal component analysis (PCA). By
      applying statistical design to the orthogonal scores from the PCA, a 2(4)
      factorial design was used to select a set of 16 congeners. In addition, four
      congeners were added to provide information about the interior region of the
      chemical domain of PCBs. This set of 20 structurally different congeners is
      suggested to be used in future quantitative structure-activity relationships
      (QSARs) for screening of the toxicological and biochemical effects of the PCBs.

PMID- 22091839
TI  - Recent progress in Bacillus subtilis sporulation.
AB  - The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis can initiate the process of
      sporulation under conditions of nutrient limitation. Here, we review some of the
      last 5 years of work in this area, with a particular focus on the decision to
      initiate sporulation, DNA translocation, cell-cell communication, protein
      localization and spore morphogenesis. The progress we describe has implications
      not only just for the study of sporulation but also for other biological systems
      where homologs of sporulation-specific proteins are involved in vegetative
      growth.

PMID- 22091843
TI  - A General QSAR Model for Predicting the Toxicity of Organic Chemicals to
      Luminescent Bacteria (Microtox(r) test).
AB  - Abstract   A large data set of Microtox(r) toxicity results was used to derive a
      general QSAR model. Chemicals were described by means of a modified
      autocorrelation method. The autocorrelation vectors were generated from atomic
      contributions encoding the hydrophobicity and molar refractivity of the
      molecules. A three-layer backpropagation neural network was used to design the
      model. The obtained results were compared with those obtained from a principal
      components regression analysis.

PMID- 22091844
TI  - Nonlinear Multivariate SAR of Lepidoptera Pheromones.
AB  - Abstract   The combined use of the nonlinear mapping method with correspondence
      factor analysis allowed to derive interesting structure-chemoreception
      relationships in Lepidoptera. A chemotaxonomy of insects based on their responses
      to pheromones was also proposed.

PMID- 22091845
TI  - Modelling physico-chemical properties of halogenated benzenes: QSAR optimisation
      through variables selection.
AB  - Abstract   This paper describes the development of multivariate QSAR models for
      halogenated benzenes. Four physico-chemical properties have been modelled:
      Boiling Point (BP), Melting Point (MP), Flash Point (FP) and Density (D). For the
      multivariate characterisation of this class of compounds 90 topological indices
      derived from the chemical formula were used. The models were calibrated on
      training sets selected by a D-optimal design and were optimised by a statistical
      procedure of selection of the most informative variables. The predictive capacity
      of the resulting models measured in terms of the parameter SDEP (Standard
      Deviation of the Errors of Predictions) were as follows; MP: +/- 21 +/-C (with MP
      ranging from -48 degrees  to 181 degrees C); BP: +/-13 degrees C (75 degrees  to
      286 degrees C); D: +/-0.14 (1.02 to 2.52 g/cm(3)); FP: +/-17 degrees C (-12 to
      126 degrees C). These data were confirmed "experimentally", i.e., on external
      validation sets of compounds, the experimental values of the standard deviation
      of prediction errors were in fact as follows; MP: +/-30 degrees C; BP: +/-16
      degrees C D: +/-0.18 g/cm(3); FP: +/-16 degrees C. The developed models therefore
      provide a valuable tool for estimating physico-chemical properties relevant to
      environmental chemistry.

PMID- 22091846
TI  - Editorial board page for "SAR and QSAR in Environmental Research", Volume 4,
      Number 1.
AB  - Abstract   This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for
      this issue.

PMID- 22091847
TI  - Separation of sunscreens in skincare creams using greener high-temperature liquid
      chromatography and subcritical water chromatography.
AB  - In this study, high-temperature liquid chromatographic (HTLC) and subcritical
      water chromatographic (SBWC) separations of sunscreens contained in skincare
      creams were achieved at temperatures ranging from 90 to 250 degrees C. The
      columns employed in this work include a ZirChrom-DiamondBond-C18, a XTerra MS C18
      and a XBridge C18 column. The quantity of methanol consumed by the greener HTLC
      sunscreen methods developed in this project is significantly reduced although the
      HTLC separation at this stage is not as efficient as that achieved by traditional
      HPLC. SBWC separation of sunscreens was also achieved on the XTerra MS C18 and
      the XBridge C18 columns using pure water at 230-250 degrees C. Methanol was
      eliminated in the SBWC methods developed in this study.

PMID- 22091848
TI  - Investigation of the photoinduced magnetization of copper octacyanomolybdates
      nanoparticles by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism.
AB  - Through an extensive set of SQUID magnetic measurements, X-ray absorption
      spectroscopy, and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, we have determined the
      nature of the metastable photomagnetic phase in the cyano-bridged 3D network
      Cs(2)Cu(7)[Mo(CN)(8)](4). The photomagnetic effect is induced by the
      photoconversion of Mo(IV) ions in low spin (LS) configuration (S = 0) into Mo(IV)
      ions in high spin (HS) configuration (S = 1). The magnetic and spectroscopic
      measurements fully support the LS to HS conversion, whereas the previously
      invoked charge transfer mechanism Mo(IV) + Cu(II) => Mo(V) + Cu(I) can be
      completely ruled out.

PMID- 22091849
TI  - The association of health insurance and disease impairment with reported asthma
      prevalence in U.S. children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that reported asthma prevalence is higher among
      insured than uninsured children and that insurance-based differences in asthma
      diagnosis, treatment, and health care utilization are associated with disease
      severity. DATA SOURCES: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003
      2008. STUDY DESIGN: We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the
      relationship between insurance and asthma symptom severity with asthma diagnosis,
      treatment, and acute care utilization. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In multivariate
      analysis, insured children had greater odds of reporting a current diagnosis of
      asthma than uninsured children (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.47-2.94). When interactions between insurance and asthma impairment were
      included, insurance was associated with greater odds of diagnosis among children
      with intermittent (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 1.57-10.61), but not persistent, symptoms.
      Among children with intermittent symptoms, insurance was associated with inhaled
      corticosteroid use (OR = 4.51, 95% CI: 1.18-17.24) and asthma-related acute care
      utilization (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.21-23.53); these associations were
      nonsignificant among children with persistent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Being insured
      increases only the likelihood that a child with intermittent, not persistent,
      asthma symptoms will receive an asthma diagnosis and control medication, and it
      may not reduce acute care utilization. Although universal insurance may increase
      detection and management of undiagnosed childhood asthma, theorized cost savings
      from reduced acute care utilization might not materialize.

PMID- 22091850
TI  - SPR Award, 2010. For distinguished contributions to psychophysiology: Judith M.
      Ford.

PMID- 22091851
TI  - Population estimates for Bangladesh: The use of a specific transitional
      population model.
AB  - Summary   The development of population in Bangladesh was affected by a
      succession of man-made and natural calamities, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943,
      refugee movements following the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947,
      devastating floods and cyclones around 1970, and the military action during the
      war of liberation. Though there had been a tradition of census taking and vital
      registration in Bangladesh, as part of the Indian sub-continent, extending for
      over a century, vital registration was so deficient as to be almost valueless,
      and there were gross misstatements of age and under-enumeration in the censuses.
      In the census of 1941, on the other hand, political manoeuvring led to a
      substantial overcount of the population. In this paper, Bangladesh population
      trends are studied within the broader framework of the subcontinent, taking
      account of plausible differentials. A considerable element of uncertainty was
      introduced into growth trends as a result of variations in the completeness of
      census-taking and of unrecorded refugee and labour movements across open land
      borders. In this connection the substantial inflationary bias associated with
      techniques of population estimation using the dual record system is discussed.
      The application of stable population models is even less justified in Bangladesh
      with its history of declining mortality.   A transitional age structure model was
      constructed on the basis of the information available on declining mortality and
      accelerating growth and the model was made even more specific by modifications
      which took care of the impact of recent calamities and of unrecorded migration.
      The population base of the census of 1961 was adjusted in accordance with this
      model. The local mortality age pattern was used in projecting the population by
      sex and age groups to the date at which the census was originally due to be taken
      in 1971, and to the date when it was actually taken in March 1974. The post-1970
      calamities and their effect on mortality were ignored. The aggregate estimate of
      population of 72.9 million in March 1974 is slightly in excess of the census
      count (by about two per cent) reported provisionally as 71.3 million. The excess
      in our estimate could be accounted for by the losses due to cyclone and military
      action.

PMID- 22091852
TI  - Attitudes toward family size in some East European countries.
AB  - Summary   The paper is a review of published materials on attitudes toward family
      size derived from nationwide family planning studies conducted in Czechoslovakia,
      Hungary, Poland and the USSR around 1970. Priority is given to the findings on
      expected family size, though other attitudinal variables such as the ideal number
      of children and/or the number planned at marriage are also discussed.   The paper
      shows that the majority of women in all the countries surveyed tend to have a
      limited number of children. Although the trend is especially striking among
      better-educated and gainfully employed women, it is also spreading fast,
      particularly among the younger generations, through the whole urban and rural
      population. The average expected family size is generally close to, and for a
      sizeable group of women below, replacement level.   The trend toward a small
      family size is only partially a reflection of real desires. Various factors, most
      of them apparently of an economic nature, prompt many women to have fewer
      children than they would wish. If the average expected fertility were equal to
      that considered as ideal or to that planned at marriage there would be no danger
      that births would fall below replacement level.   In contrast to the situation in
      the countries as a whole, women in the Asian Republics of the USSR not only
      expect but also tend to regard as ideal a family with larger numbers of children.

PMID- 22091853
TI  - Parental survival data: Some results of the application of Ledermann's model life
      tables.
AB  - Summary   Ledermann's one- and two-parameter model life tables are used in order
      to summarize and compare adult mortality estimates derived from parental survival
      data, and also to link parental survival with child survival data.   The
      Ledermann models provide an alternative to the logit model used by Brass and
      Hill. Examination of life tables derived from actual child and adult mortality
      estimates reveals that although the two types of models yield similar overall
      levels of mortality, they show marked differences in the estimated patterns by
      sex and age. It has not been possible to disentangle completely how much of this
      divergence is due to the models themselves and how much to inadequacies in the
      data available. Finally, we question whether it is always wise to establish a
      full life table from child and adult mortality estimates when these are based on
      data which refer to different periods of exposure to the risk of dying, without
      allowance for possible distortions resulting from mortality change.

PMID- 22091854
TI  - Government perceptions of population growth.
AB  - Summary   This paper seeks to evaluate the extent to which the world's population
      is represented by governments that judge population growth largely in terms of
      their countries' socio-economic capacity to absorb such growth. The initial data
      base consists of 125 countries, representing approximately 94 per cent of the
      world's population, classified according to whether their governments perceive
      their rates of population growth as deficient, satisfactory or excessive. Using
      various socio-economic development indices, a crude attempt is made to assess
      linkages between government perceptions and absorptive capacity. Results lead to
      insights into why some governments perceive their population situation at
      variance with the popular tide of opinion about desirability of reducing
      population growth everywhere.

PMID- 22091855
TI  - Demographic crisis: The impact of the Bangladesh civil war (1971) on births and
      deaths in a rural area of Bangladesh.
AB  - Summary   In Matlab Bazaar Thana the Cholera Research Laboratory has registered
      the births, deaths and migrations in a population of approximately 125,000 since
      1966. Although this rural area was not the scene of any significant armed
      encounters, striking changes in birth and death rates were registered during and
      after the conflict. Birth rates did not change during the relatively brief period
      of the civil war, but a small decline was registered for one year after the war.
      Fertility rates which had been declining slightly and irregularly in the pre-war
      baseline period may have increased slightly during the war and fell substantially
      in all age groups in the year following the war. The crude death rate, which rose
      by 37 per cent during the war, was a very sensitive reflection of the
      administrative and economic problems. Overall infant mortality rose by only 15
      per cent over pre-war levels because all of the increase was observed in the post
      neo-natal component, which traditionally accounts for less than one-third of the
      total infant mortality in Bangladesh. Children and older adults accounted for the
      majority of excess deaths which were largely attributed to acute diarrhoeas and
      other gastro-intestinal causes.   The death rate at ages 1-4 rose by 43 per cent
      and at ages 5-9 soared to 208 per cent above pre-war baseline rates. All
      increases in age-specific mortality rates fell to baseline levels during the year
      following the war, except the 5-9-year age group, in which rates continued to be
      high largely because of deaths due to dysentery.

PMID- 22091856
TI  - Pro-natalist population policies in Czechoslovakia.
AB  - Summary   Given the high rate of women's employment and the lack of labour
      reserves, other than the natural replacement of the population, pro-natalist
      population policy in Czechoslovakia should be seen as a response to an
      anticipated shortage of labour. The rapid post-war decline in the birth rate has
      been caused by the greatly increased opportunity structure for women in education
      and employment, and by other policies favouring lower natality - rapid
      urbanization, inadequate provision of housing, insufficient investment in
      consumers' goods and services, low wages and relatively free availability of
      abortion. To reverse this undesirable population trend, the Czechoslovak
      government has adopted a more restrictive attitude towards abortion, lengthened
      paid maternity leave, increased family allowances and single grants given at
      childbirth and introduced the so-called maternity allowance, which is a direct
      monthly payment given by the state to mothers who wish to stay at home to raise a
      second or subsequent child, until the child is two years old. The time so spent
      counts towards the mother's retirement pension and other kinds of seniority, and
      her job is held open for her. These measures have contributed to the recent
      increase in the Czechoslovak birth rate, but more time is needed for the
      assessment of the long-term effectiveness of these measures.

PMID- 22091857
TI  - Cohort nuptiality in England and Wales.
AB  - Summary   A computerized nuptiality system, called GENMAR, has been developed to
      investigate trends in cohort nuptiality in England and Wales. This system has
      five main programmes dealing with first marriage, the effects of changes in
      mortality on nuptiality measures, divorce, re-marriage, and marital status
      distribution.   This paper summarizes the results of the application of the first
      programme to England and Wales data on first marriages of persons who were born
      in every single year since 1900. GENMAR-1 generated for each of these cohorts a
      'complete' gross nuptiality table.   The analysis shows that there have been
      substantial increases in the intensity of first marriage at young ages, a
      downward shift in the modal age at marriage, and a significant rise in the
      proportion ever married among women. The cohort nuptiality tables also show that
      the change in the nuptiality of women was due to changes in both the tempo and
      level of nuptiality, whereas the change for men was mainly the effect of shifts
      in the temporal pattern of nuptiality. There are, however, signs of a slow down
      of marriage among the cohorts born since the early 1950's.

PMID- 22091858
TI  - Matching experimentation in a dual record system for births and deaths in
      Morocco.
AB  - Summary   In an effort to improve the quality and completeness of birth and death
      reporting in Morocco, a sample of 84,000 persons was established, for whom birth
      and death data were collected by two methods. Each household was contacted once a
      month by interviewers in a registration method; independently, each household was
      interviewed once every six months by a survey team. Interviewing continued from
      April 1972 to July 1973. Results of these two methods were then compared through
      matching the vital events recorded by the two sources. First a 'true match
      status' was established by teams of 'experts', supplemented by field verification
      of uncertain cases. Of the 15 variables on the vital event reporting forms, eight
      were studied to establish the optimal tolerance limits for deciding whether any
      two completed recording forms (one from each method) were recording a single
      birth (or death) or two different ones. Next, those characteristics were selected
      which introduced the fewest matching errors; for births, this was the dwelling
      unit number, the name of the mother, and the name of the baby; for deaths, the
      dwelling unit number, the name of the person, and the name of the head of
      household. Aside from its manifest function, the matching operation also improved
      the fieldwork and helped to clean the data.

PMID- 22091859
TI  - Methods of adjusting the stable estimates of fertility for the effects of
      mortality decline.
AB  - Summary   The paper shows how stable population methods, based on the age
      structure and the rate of increase, may be used to estimate the demographic
      measures of a quasi-stable population.   After a discussion of known methods for
      adjusting the stable estimates to allow for the effects of mortality decline two
      new methods are presented, the application of which requires less information.
      The first method does not need any supplementary information, and the second
      method requires an estimate of the difference between the last two five-year
      intercensal rates of increase, i.e. five times the annual change of the rate of
      increase during the last ten years. For these new methods we do not need to know
      the onset year of mortality decline as in the Coale-Demeny method, or a long
      series of rates of increase as in Zachariah's method.

PMID- 22091862
TI  - Common data elements for research on traumatic brain injury: pediatric
      considerations.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health problem, with a
      notably high incidence in children and adolescents. Despite the prevalence of TBI
      and the disabilities that often follow, research on which to base effective
      treatment is limited by several challenges, including but not limited to the
      complexity and heterogeneity of TBI. Even when rigorous methods are employed, the
      utility of the research may be limited by difficulties in comparing findings
      across studies resulting from the use of different measures to assess similar TBI
      study variables. Standardization of definitions and data elements is an important
      step toward accelerating the process of data sharing that will ultimately lead to
      a stronger evidence base for treatment advances. To address this need,
      recommendations for common data elements (CDEs) for research on TBI were
      developed through a 2009 national initiative. To ensure that the TBI CDE
      recommendations are relevant to pediatric populations, the National Institute on
      Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the National Institute of
      Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) called for a review of the original
      recommendations. Following the process used for the original initiative,
      multidisciplinary work groups composed of pediatric TBI experts were formed
      (Demographics and Clinical Assessment; Biomarkers; Neuroimaging; and Outcomes
      Assessment). Recommendations for modifications and additions to the original CDEs
      were developed by the work groups, vetted at a 2010 workshop and further refined
      in preparation for publication. The pediatric considerations for TBI CDEs are
      described in a series of articles in this journal. This article describes the
      efforts leading to this pediatric CDE initiative and the CDE review and
      development process. It concludes with general recommendations for future
      iterations of the CDE initiative.

PMID- 22091863
TI  - Lost in transition.

PMID- 22091864
TI  - Antimicrobial applications of electroactive PVK-SWNT nanocomposites.
AB  - The antibacterial properties of a nanocomposite containing an electroactive
      polymer, polyvinyl-N-carbazole (PVK) (97 wt %), and single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWNT) (3 wt %) was investigated as suspensions in water and as thin
      film coatings. The toxic effects of four different PVK-SWNT (97:3 wt %)
      nanocomposite concentrations (1, 0.5, 0.05, and 0.01 mg/mL) containing 0.03,
      0.015, 0.0015, and 0.0003 mg/mL of SWNT, respectively, were determined for
      planktonic cells and biofilms of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis
      (B. subtilis). The results showed that the nanocomposite PVK-SWNT had
      antibacterial activity on planktonic cells and biofilms at all concentration
      levels. Higher bacterial inactivation (94% for E. coli and 90% for B. subtilis)
      were achieved in planktonic cells at a PVK-SWNT concentration of 1 mg/mL. Atomic
      force microscopy (AFM) imaging showed significant reduction of biofilm growth on
      PVK-SWNT coated surfaces. This study established for the first time that the
      improved dispersion of SWNTs in aqueous solutions in the presence of PVK enhances
      the antimicrobial effects of SWNTs at very low concentrations. Furthermore, PVK
      SWNT can be used as an effective thin film coating material to resist biofilm
      formation.

PMID- 22091865
TI  - The neuroregenerative mechanism mediated by the Hsp90-binding immunophilin FKBP52
      resembles the early steps of neuronal differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The immunosuppressive macrolide FK506 (tacrolimus) shows
      neuroregenerative action by a mechanism that appears to involve the Hsp90-binding
      immunophilin FKBP52. This study analyses some aspects of the early steps of
      neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
      Undifferentiated murine neuroblastoma cells and hippocampal neurones isolated
      from embryonic day-17 rat embryos were induced to differentiate with FK506.
      Subcellular relocalization of FKBP52, Hsp90 and its co-chaperone p23 was analysed
      by indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and by Western blots of axonal
      fractions isolated from cells grown on a porous transwell cell culture chamber.
      Neuroregeneration was evaluated using a scratch-wound assay. KEY RESULTS In
      undifferentiated cells, FKBP52, Hsp90 and p23 are located in the cell nucleus,
      forming an annular structure that disassembles when the differentiation process
      is triggered by FK506. This was observed in the N2a cell line and in hippocampal
      neurones. More importantly, the annular structure of chaperones is reassembled
      after damaging the neurones, whereas FK506 prompts their rapid regeneration, a
      process linked to the subcellular redistribution of the heterocomplex.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There is a direct relationship between the
      disassembly of the chaperone complex and the progression of neuronal
      differentiation upon stimulation with the immunophilin ligand FK506. Both
      neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration appear to be mechanistically
      linked, so the elucidation of one mechanism may lead to unravel the properties of
      the other. This study also implies that the discovery of FK506 derivatives,
      devoid of immunosuppressive action, would be therapeutically significant for
      neurotrophic use.

PMID- 22091866
TI  - Nonspecific interaction between DNA and protein allows for cooperativity: a case
      study with mycobacterium DNA binding protein.
AB  - Different DNA-binding proteins have different interaction modes with DNA.
      Sequence-specific DNA-protein interaction has been mostly associated with
      regulatory processes inside a cell, and as such extensive studies have been made.
      Adequate data is also available on nonspecific DNA-protein interaction, as an
      intermediate to protein's search for its cognate partner. Multidomain nonspecific
      DNA-protein interaction involving physical sequestering of DNA has often been
      implicated to regulate gene expression indirectly. However, data available on
      this type of interaction is limited. One such interaction is the binding of DNA
      with mycobacterium DNA binding proteins. We have used the Langmuir-Blodgett
      technique to evaluate for the first time the kinetics and thermodynamics of
      Mycobacterium smegmatis Dps1 binding to DNA. By immobilizing one of the
      interacting partners, we have shown that, when a kinetic bottleneck is applied,
      the binding mechanism showed cooperative binding (n = 2.72) at lower
      temperatures, but the degree of cooperativity gradually reduces (n = 1.38) as the
      temperature was increased. We have also compared the kinetics and thermodynamics
      of sequence-specific and nonspecific DNA-protein interactions under the same set
      of conditions.

PMID- 22091867
TI  - A tutorial on hierarchically structured constructs.
AB  - Many psychological constructs are conceived to be hierarchically structured and
      thus to operate at various levels of generality. Alternative confirmatory factor
      analytic (CFA) models can be used to study various aspects of this proposition:
      (a) The one-factor model focuses on the top of the hierarchy and contains only a
      general construct, (b) the first-order factor model focuses on the intermediate
      level of the hierarchy and contains only specific constructs, and both (c) the
      higher order factor model and (d) the nested-factor model consider the hierarchy
      in its entirety and contain both general and specific constructs (e.g., bifactor
      model). This tutorial considers these CFA models in depth, addressing their
      psychometric properties, interpretation of general and specific constructs, and
      implications for model-based score reliabilities. The authors illustrate their
      arguments with normative data obtained for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
      and conclude with recommendations on which CFA model is most appropriate for
      which research and diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 22091868
TI  - Cardiovascular and cortisol reactions to acute psychological stress and cognitive
      ability in the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort Study.
AB  - Given evidence linking blunted cardiovascular and cortisol reactions to acute
      stress and a range of adverse behavioral outcomes, the present study examined the
      associations between cardiovascular and cortisol reactivity and cognitive ability
      measured independently of the stress task exposure. Cognitive ability was
      assessed using the Alice Heim-4 test of general intelligence and two memory tasks
      in 724 men and women who were part of the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort Study. Blood
      pressure and heart rate, as well as cortisol reactivity, were measured to a
      battery of three standard acute stress tasks. Poorer cognitive ability was
      associated with lower cardiovascular reactions to stress and lower cortisol area
      under the curve. Our results are consistent with recent findings implicating low
      physiological stress reactivity in a range of adverse behavioral and health
      outcomes.

PMID- 22091869
TI  - Binding of ibuprofen, ketorolac, and diclofenac to COX-1 and COX-2 studied by
      saturation transfer difference NMR.
AB  - Saturation transfer difference NMR (STD-NMR) spectroscopy has emerged as a
      powerful screening tool and a straightforward way to study the binding epitopes
      of active compounds in early stage lead discovery in pharmaceutical research.
      Here we report the application of STD-NMR to characterize the binding of the anti
      inflammatory drugs ibuprofen, diclofenac, and ketorolac to COX-1 and COX-2. Using
      well-studied COX inhibitors and by comparing STD signals with crystallographic
      structures, we show that there is a relation between the orientations of
      ibuprofen and diclofenac in the COX-2 active site and the relative STD responses
      detected in the NMR experiments. On the basis of this analysis, we propose that
      ketorolac should bind to the COX-2 active site in an orientation similar to that
      of diclofenac. We also show that the combination of STD-NMR with competition
      experiments constitutes a valuable tool to address the recently proposed behavior
      of COX-2 as functional heterodimers and complements enzyme activity studies in
      the effort to rationalize COX inhibition mechanisms.

PMID- 22091870
TI  - Electronic-state switching strategy in the photochemical synthesis of indanones
      from o-methyl phenacyl epoxides.
AB  - An electronic excited-state switching strategy has been utilized to control the
      selectivity of a key photochemical step in the total synthesis of indanorine. The
      excited-state character of 4,5-dimethoxy-2-methylphenacyl epoxide was changed
      from an unfavorable (3)pi,pi* state to a productive (3)n,pi* state by a temporary
      structural modification, resulting in a relatively efficient and high-yielding
      formation of an indanone derivative. The corresponding structural modification
      was selected on the basis of quantum chemical calculations prior to the
      synthesis.

PMID- 22091872
TI  - Quantification of humeroulnar incongruity in labrador retrievers with and without
      medial coronoid disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify humeroulnar incongruity on elbow radiographs in Labrador
      Retrievers with or without medial coronoid disease (MCD). STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective study of 92 elbows. SAMPLE POPULATION: Radiographic projections of
      elbow joints from Labrador Retrievers with MCD (n = 42 elbows; 26 dogs) and
      without MCD (n = 50 elbows; 25 dogs). PROCEDURE: The congruity of the humeroulnar
      joint was measured using an index of subluxation (SI) for each elbow. SI was
      defined as the distance between the centers of 2 circles drawn along the margins
      of the incisura trochlearis and the trochlea of humerus on mediolateral digital
      radiographic projections, normalized by the radius of the circle circumscribing
      the humeral trochlea. SI was compared between right and left elbows with and
      without pathology using a Wilcoxon test for paired data, and between normal and
      abnormal groups with a Wilcoxon test for unpaired data. Mismatch between ulnar
      curvature and curvature of humeral trochlea and radioulnar incongruency were also
      noted (Wilcoxon test). The intraobserver repeatability, correlation between SI
      and radioulnar incongruency, and between SI and mismatch elbow curvature were
      estimated with a Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Intraobserver
      repeatability of SI measurement was high (r = 0.97). Mean +/- SD humeroulnar
      incongruity (SI) was greater in elbows with MCD (18.5 +/- 6.6) than in the normal
      elbows (1.7 +/- 2.0, P < 0.001). The difference between the diameters of the
      curvatures of the ulnar and humeral trochlea was greater in elbows with MCD (12.5
      +/- 4.4) than in the normal group (10.7 +/- 4.1, P < 0.05). A moderate
      correlation was found between the degree of humeroulnar incongruity and a
      radioulnar step (r = 0.63); however, no correlation was identified between SI and
      the difference between the diameters of the curvatures of the ulnar and humeral
      trochleae (r = 0.14). CONCLUSION: We propose a radiographic index to measure
      humeroulnar incongruity on mediolateral digital radiographic projections. This
      index (SI) supports the presence of humeroulnar incongruity in Labrador
      Retrievers with MCD. Further evaluation of its reproducibility and clinical
      importance are warranted. Although there is a moderate correlation between
      humeroulnar incongruity and radioulnar incongruency, causation has not been
      established.

PMID- 22091871
TI  - The effects of safety net hospital closures and conversions on patient travel
      distance to hospital services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of safety net hospital (SNH) closure and for
      profit conversion on uninsured, Medicaid, and racial/ethnic minorities. DATA
      SOURCES/EXTRACTION METHODS: Hospital discharge data for selected states merged
      with other sources. STUDY DESIGN: We examined travel distance for patients
      treated in urban hospitals for five diagnosis categories: ambulatory care
      sensitive conditions, referral sensitive conditions, marker conditions, births,
      and mental health and substance abuse. We assess how travel was affected for
      patients after SNH events. Our multivariate models controlled for patient,
      hospital, health system, and neighborhood characteristics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Our results suggested that certain groups of uninsured and Medicaid patients
      experienced greater disruption in patterns of care, especially Hispanic uninsured
      and Medicaid women hospitalized for births. In addition, relative to privately
      insured individuals in SNH event communities, greater travel for mental health
      and substance abuse care was present for the uninsured. CONCLUSIONS: Closure or
      for-profit conversions of SNHs appear to have detrimental access effects on
      particular subgroups of disadvantaged populations, although our results are
      somewhat inconclusive due to potential power issues. Policy makers may need to
      pay special attention to these patient subgroups and also to easing
      transportation barriers when dealing with disruptions resulting from reductions
      in SNH resources.

PMID- 22091873
TI  - The influence of oral VPA on the required dose of propofol for sedation during
      dental treatment in patients with mental retardation: a prospective observer
      blinded cohort study.
AB  - In sedation of dental patients with moderate or severe mental retardation, it is
      difficult to identify the optimum sedation level and to maintain it
      appropriately. Moreover, many patients have concomitant epilepsy and are
      medicated with oral antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), which influence the drug
      metabolizing enzymes. In particular, valproate (VPA) has been demonstrated to
      inhibit propofol metabolism in vitro. Therefore, the objective of the present
      study was to investigate the clinical influence of oral VPA on the required dose
      of propofol for sedation, with use of a prospective cohort study design. We
      studied 45 patients with moderate or severe mental retardation who underwent
      dental treatment under sedation. Propofol was infused, and sedation was
      maintained at the same level in all patients using a bispectral index (BIS)
      monitor. After the completion of treatment for the scheduled patients, patients
      were divided into those with oral VPA treatment (VPA group: 20 patients) and
      without any oral antiepileptic treatment (control group: 25 patients). The
      propofol dose required for sedation and times to the recovery of the eyelash
      reflex and spontaneous eye opening were evaluated. The median required propofol
      doses in the VPA and control groups were 4.15 (range 1.97-5.88) and 5.67 (2.92
      7.17) mg/kg/h, respectively. We observed a statistically significant difference
      between the two patient groups with respect to median VPA dose (p < 0.01).
      However, no statistically significant differences were noted in the time until
      eyelash reflex recovery or spontaneous eye opening between the two groups. The
      results suggest that oral VPA reduces the dose of propofol required for sedation
      during dental treatment in patients with moderate or severe mental retardation.

PMID- 22091874
TI  - Health behaviors as predictors for declines in higher-level functional capacity
      in older adults: the Ohasama study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics of health behaviors related to
      higher-level functional decline in older community-dwelling adults. DESIGN:
      Prospective. SETTING: Ohasama Town, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand fifty
      residents (mean age: 67.5) free of functional decline at baseline. MEASUREMENTS:
      Health behaviors including smoking status, alcohol consumption, frequency of
      exercise, sleep duration, dietary habits (supplement use, breakfast, late-night
      snacking, eating regularly, and eating out), and self-rated health were obtained
      from a self-administered questionnaire at baseline. Higher-level functional
      decline was examined using the subscales of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of
      Gerontology Index of Competence. RESULTS: During the 7-year follow-up, 27.5% of
      eligible participants reported decline in higher-level functional capacity. After
      adjustment for putative confounding factors, health behaviors that were
      significant predictors for declines in higher-level functional capacity at the 7
      year follow-up were current smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.58, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 1.06-2.36), sleep duration of 9 hours or longer (OR = 2.15, 95%
      CI = 1.49-3.11), and poor self-rated health (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.40-2.67).
      CONCLUSION: Several modifiable health behaviors contribute to higher-level
      functional decline.

PMID- 22091875
TI  - The essential role of psychosocial risk and protective factors in pediatric
      traumatic brain injury research.
AB  - This article builds upon Traumatic Brain Injury Common Data Elements (TBI CDE)
      version 1.0 and the pediatric CDE Initiative by emphasizing the essential role of
      psychosocial risk and protective factors in pediatric TBI research. The goals are
      to provide a compelling rationale for including psychosocial risk and protective
      factors in addition to socioeconomic status (SES), age, and sex in the study
      design and analyses of pediatric TBI research and to describe recommendations for
      core common data elements in this domain. Risk and protective factor research is
      based on the ecological theory of child development in which children develop
      through a series of interactions with their immediate and more distant
      environments. Home, school, religious, and social influences are conceptualized
      as risk and/or protective factors. Child development and TBI researchers have
      interpreted risk and protective variables as main effects or as interactions and
      have used cumulative risk indices and moderation models to describe the
      relationship among these variables and outcomes that have to do with development
      and with recovery from TBI. It is likely that the number, type, and interaction
      among risk and protective factors each contribute unique variance to study
      outcomes. Longitudinal designs in TBI research will be essential to understanding
      the reciprocal relationships between risk/protective factors and the
      recovery/outcome made by the child. The search for effective interventions to
      hasten TBI recovery mandates the need to target modifiable risks and to promote
      protective factors in the child's environment.

PMID- 22091876
TI  - Protective effect of selenium on gentamicin-induced oxidative stress and
      nephrotoxicity in rats.
AB  - Gentamicin (GM) is a widely used antibiotic against serious, life-threatening
      infections, but its usefulness is limited by the development of nephrotoxicity.
      The present study was designed to determine the protective effect of selenium
      (Se) in GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Experiments were done on 32 adult
      Wistar rats divided into four groups of 8 animals each. The GM group received
      gentamicin (100 mg/kg), whereas the GM+Se group received the same dose of GM and
      selenium (1 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections on a daily basis. Animals
      in the Se group, serving as a positive control, received only selenium (1 mg/kg)
      and the control group received saline (1 mL/day), both given i.p. All groups were
      treated during 8 consecutive days. Quantitative evaluation of GM-induced
      structural alterations and degree of functional alterations in the kidneys were
      performed by histopathological and biochemical analyses in order to determine
      potential beneficial effects of selenium coadministration with GM. GM was
      observed to cause a severe nephrotoxicity, which was evidenced by an elevation of
      serum urea and creatinine levels. The significant increases in malondialdehyde
      levels and protein carbonyl groups indicated that GM-induced tissue injury was
      mediated through oxidative reactions. On the other hand, simultaneous selenium
      administration protected kidney tissue against oxidative damage and the
      nephrotoxic effect caused by GM treatment. Exposure to GM caused necrosis of
      tubular epithelial cells. Necrosis of tubules was found to be prevented by
      selenium pretreatment.   The results from our study indicate that selenium
      supplementation attenuates oxidative-stress-associated renal injury by reducing
      oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in GM-treated rats.

PMID- 22091877
TI  - The relationship between measures of impulsivity and alcohol misuse: an
      integrative structural equation modeling approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher levels of impulsivity have been implicated in the development
      of alcohol use disorders. Recent findings suggest that impulsivity is not a
      unitary construct, highlighted by the diverse ways in which the various measures
      of impulsivity relate to alcohol use outcomes. This study simultaneously tested
      the following dimensions of impulsivity as determinants of alcohol use and
      alcohol problems: risky decision making, self-reported risk-attitudes, response
      inhibition, and impulsive decision making. METHODS: Participants were a community
      sample of nontreatment seeking problem drinkers (n = 158). Structural equation
      modeling (SEM) analyses employed behavioral measures of impulsive decision making
      (delay discounting task [DDT]), response inhibition (stop signal task [SST]), and
      risky decision making (Balloon Analogue Risk Task [BART]), and a self-report
      measure of risk-attitudes (domain-specific risk-attitude scale [DOSPERT]), as
      predictors of alcohol use and of alcohol-related problems in this sample.
      RESULTS: The model fits well, accounting for 38% of the variance in alcohol
      problems, and identified 2 impulsivity dimensions that significantly loaded onto
      alcohol outcomes: (i) impulsive decision making, indexed by the DDT; and (ii)
      risky decision making, measured by the BART. CONCLUSIONS: The impulsive decision
      making dimension of impulsivity, indexed by the DDT, was the strongest predictor
      of alcohol use and alcohol pathology in this sample of problem drinkers.
      Unexpectedly, a negative relationship was found between risky decision making and
      alcohol problems. The results highlight the importance of considering the
      distinct facets of impulsivity to elucidate their individual and combined effects
      on alcohol use initiation, escalation, and dependence.

PMID- 22091879
TI  - Cognitive reappraisal and secondary control coping: associations with working
      memory, positive and negative affect, and symptoms of anxiety/depression.
AB  - The current study examined the relations of measures of cognitive reappraisal and
      secondary control coping with working memory abilities, positive and negative
      affect, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adults (N=124). Results
      indicate significant relations between working memory abilities and reports of
      secondary control coping and between reports of secondary control coping and
      cognitive reappraisal. Associations were also found between measures of secondary
      control coping and cognitive reappraisal and positive and negative affect and
      symptoms of depression and anxiety. Further, the findings suggest that reports of
      cognitive reappraisal may be more strongly predictive of positive affect whereas
      secondary control coping may be more strongly predictive of negative affect and
      symptoms of depression and anxiety. Overall, the results suggest that current
      measures of secondary control coping and cognitive reappraisal capture related
      but distinct constructs and suggest that the assessment of working memory may be
      more strongly related to secondary control coping in predicting individual
      differences in distress.

PMID- 22091880
TI  - The status of unmarried Hong Kong women and the social factors contributing to
      their delayed marriage.
AB  - Summary   The Dixon model, which assesses the factors responsible for a rise in
      marriage age, has been applied to a number of Hong Kong women, aged from 20 to 24
      in 1973, who were interviewed in depth. Four of them have delayed marriage due to
      the unavailability of mates, in particular the new marriage style and difficulty
      of locating a companionable mate. For 21 marriage was not economically feasible.
      Three anticipated they would lose too many opportunities by early marriage which
      was consequently undesirable at that time; only one sought to gain opportunities
      by a young marriage. All three factors work in concert to some extent. The age
      structure contributes to women's participation in the labour force and they could
      meet neither their obligations to their families nor to themselves by marrying
      early. Delayed marriage enhances women's status, and is an attractive policy for
      the developing world.

PMID- 22091878
TI  - Theta lingua franca: a common mid-frontal substrate for action monitoring
      processes.
AB  - We present evidence that a multitude of mid-frontal event-related potential (ERP)
      components partially reflect a common theta band oscillatory process.
      Specifically, mid-frontal ERP components in the N2 time range and error-related
      negativity time range are parsimoniously characterized as reflections of theta
      band activities. Forty participants completed three different tasks with varying
      stimulus-response demands. Permutation tests were used to identify the dominant
      time-frequency responses of stimulus- and response-locked conditions as well as
      the enhanced responses to novelty, conflict, punishment, and error. A dominant
      theta band feature was found in all conditions, and both ERP component amplitudes
      and theta power measures were similarly modulated by novelty, conflict,
      punishment, and error. The findings support the hypothesis that generic and
      reactive medial prefrontal cortex processes are parsimoniously reflected by theta
      band activities.

PMID- 22091881
TI  - Fertility and work-force participation: The experience of Melbourne Wives.
AB  - Summary   Current and retrospective data on the fertility control, work-force
      participation intentions and practice of Melbourne wives are combined in an
      examination of the causal link between work-force participation and reduced
      family size. Stress is laid on the analysis of the interaction between work-force
      participation and fertility over time, taking into account the proportion of
      married life spent in the work-force, rather than relying exclusively on a
      measure of current participation, the only option available in the analysis of
      census-type data. The wide range of information available makes it possible to
      study the effects of work-force participation on wives of unimpaired fertility,
      as well as the different consequences of planned and unplanned participation, and
      of working in a variety of occupations and for a number of distinct reasons.
      Examination of the future fertility intentions and current contraceptive practice
      of the younger wives shows that working wives are not, in these respects,
      markedly different from their house-wife peers. Overall, the balance of the
      evidence indicates that in the majority of cases fertility influences work-force
      participation rather than the converse.

PMID- 22091882
TI  - Economic development and fertility: A methodological re-evaluation.
AB  - Summary   Several studies in recent years have investigated the relationship
      between economic development and fertility, using the methods of multiple and
      partial correlation. Results from these studies have been interpreted to show
      that economic development, while directly tending to increase fertility, also
      gives rise to factors which inhibit it, resulting in an eventual decrease in
      fertility with increasing development. The present study re-examines the
      methodology and empirical results upon which this explanation is based and finds
      little statistical or empirical support for such a model. Subsequent statistical
      re-examination of the data from one of these studies reveals that the major
      independent variables in the model are largely redundant, and that the model is
      untenable in that it seeks to establish patterns of interrelation between what
      appear to be redundant constructs. The isolation of additional statistically
      independent variables is suggested to improve the explanation of variance in
      fertility in terms of its social and economic correlates.

PMID- 22091883
TI  - Differential fertility in peasant communities: A study of Six Iranian Villages.
AB  - Summary   This paper attempts to study the relation between socio-economic status
      and fertility in a sample of six villages in Iran. An index of socio-economic
      status was constructed. The data reveal positive association between socio
      economic status and fertility behaviour of rural couples. When duration of
      marriage, age of woman at marriage and contraceptive use were introduced into the
      socio-economic status-fertility relationships, they failed to alter the original
      findings. Because socio-economic status is related to a number of variables which
      directly or indirectly influence fertility, additional variables such as
      miscarriage, stillbirth and lactation must be incorporated into rural surveys on
      fertility differentials.

PMID- 22091884
TI  - A simulation of the impact of changes in age at marriage before and during the
      advent of industrialization in England.
AB  - Summary   The quantitative significance of changes in age at marriage on family
      size is assessed by applying a simple simulation model of family reproduction,
      using data broadly related to England in the period 1700-1850. Within this
      context, the impacts of parity-specific infant mortality, and an association
      between age at marriage and potential fertility are considered. The evidence
      concerning variations in marriage and mortality distributions over the period in
      question is examined and linked to the simulation results to produce some
      tentative conclusions relating to the impact of changes in the distribution of
      age at marriage on the birth rate and rate of population growth and to an
      assessment of such changes as an homeostatic adjustment mech-anism. In
      particular, it is argued that age at marriage played no more than a secondary
      role in the English demographic revolution.

PMID- 22091885
TI  - Fertility and desired fertility: Longitudinal evidence from Thailand.
AB  - Summary   The validity and usefulness of 'desired additional children' and 'ideal
      family size' as predictors of fertility are analysed in this paper on the basis
      of longitudinal survey data from Thailand. First, the extent of measurement error
      in these variables is considered, and it is concluded that the error variance and
      the true variance are of similar orders of magnitude. Secondly, the changes in
      attitudes subsequent to births and deaths of children are investigated. It is
      found that the number of additional children desired is decreased by births and
      increased by deaths, but less than would be expected if 'desired additional
      children' represented an unchanging target family size. 'Ideal family size' is
      almost unaffected by births and deaths. Thirdly, the contribution of attitudinal
      variables to behavioural models is examined. It is found that desired fertility
      is explained no better than fertility in a standard economic model. A birth
      function separating desired children from identifiable physiological factors as
      explanatory variables indicated that the former was just significant. A model of
      contraceptive acceptance also found desired fertility to be a significant
      determinant. Thus, desired fertility can be successfully integrated into
      behavioural models. But on the whole, its explanatory power was weak, and it was
      concluded that the independent use of this variable does not significantly
      improve on models which relate fertility to socio-economic variables directly.

PMID- 22091886
TI  - Age at marriage and timing of the first birth.
AB  - Summary   An attempt has been made to measure the effect of age at marriage of
      brides on the timing of the first birth. In Australian vital statistics, first
      nuptial confinements have been tabulated by age of mothers and by single years of
      marriage duration in single months for the first two years and by single years
      for all other durations since 1916. A simple technique has been used to link such
      data with marriage cohorts. The study briefly reviews the prevailing patterns of
      the timing of first births by mothers' age at marriage and changes in this
      pattern since the marriages of the 1925/9 period. The analysis shows that after a
      period of relative stability of family formation patterns in the 1950s and early
      1960s, women married in the late 1960s started postponing the first birth beyond
      the first two years of marriage. It is suggested that a fraction of the decline
      in total births recorded in Australia since 1972 can be attributed to the
      postponement of first nuptial confinements by women married in the late 1960s and
      early 1970s.

PMID- 22091887
TI  - Regional-sub-cultural explanations of black fertility in the United States.
AB  - Summary   This paper re-examines the relevance of the hypothesis concerning the
      Southern sub-culture and black fertility in the United States. According to zero
      order correlation analysis, Southern-born blacks show higher fertility than those
      born in other regions. But a dummy-variable regression technique applied to the
      data from the 1970 public-use sample indicates that the Southern origin -
      independent of other factors-is not different from other regions. Southern birth
      has the effect of increasing black fertility, but much less so than birth in the
      North Central region. Southern blacks show higher fertility because of their
      lower socio-economic background. It is concluded that geographical regions in the
      United States have little or no cultural meaning in explaining reproductive
      behaviour.

PMID- 22091890
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22091891
TI  - Computational prediction of 1H and 13C chemical shifts: a useful tool for natural
      product, mechanistic, and synthetic organic chemistry.

PMID- 22091892
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus and its food poisoning toxins: characterization and
      outbreak investigation.
AB  - Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is one of the most common food-borne diseases
      and results from the ingestion of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) preformed in
      food by enterotoxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. To date, more than 20
      SEs have been described: SEA to SElV. All of them have superantigenic activity
      whereas half of them have been proved to be emetic, representing a potential
      hazard for consumers. This review, divided into four parts, will focus on the
      following: (1) the worldwide story of SFP outbreaks, (2) the characteristics and
      behaviour of S. aureus in food environment, (3) the toxinogenic conditions and
      characteristics of SEs, and (4) SFP outbreaks including symptomatology,
      occurrence in the European Union and currently available methods used to
      characterize staphylococcal outbreaks.

PMID- 22091893
TI  - Comparative floc-bed sediment trace element partitioning across variably
      contaminated aquatic ecosystems.
AB  - Significantly higher concentrations of Ag, As, Cu, Ni and Co are found in floc
      compared to bed sediments across six variably impacted aquatic ecosystems. In
      contrast to the observed element and site-specific bed sediment trace element
      (TE) partitioning patterns, floc TE sequestration is consistently dominated by
      amorphous oxyhydroxides (FeOOH), which account for 30-79% of floc total TE
      concentrations, irrespective of system physico-chemistry or elements involved.
      FeOOH consistently occur in significantly higher concentrations in floc than
      within bed sediments. Further, comparative concentration factors indicate
      significantly higher TE reactivity of floc-FeOOH relative to sediment-FeOOH in
      all systems investigated, indicating that both the greater abundance and higher
      reactivity of floc-FeOOH contribute to enhanced floc TE uptake. Results indicate
      that floc-organics (live cells and exopolymeric substances, EPS) directly predict
      floc-FeOOH concentrations, suggesting an organic structural role in the
      collection/templating of FeOOH. This, in turn, facilitates the sequestration of
      TEs associated with floc-FeOOH formation, imparting the conserved FeOOH
      "signature" on floc TE geochemistry across sites. Results demonstrate that the
      organic rich nature of floc exerts an important control over TE geochemistry in
      aquatic environments, ultimately creating a distinct solid with differing
      controls over TE behavior than bed sediments in close proximity (<0.5 m).

PMID- 22091894
TI  - Chiral transformation: from single nanowire to double helix.
AB  - We report a new type of water-soluble ultrathin Au-Ag alloy nanowire (NW), which
      exhibits unprecedented behavior in a colloidal solution. Upon growth of a thin
      metal (Pd, Pt, or Au) layer, the NW winds around itself to give a metallic double
      helix. We propose that the winding originates from the chirality within the as
      synthesized Au-Ag NWs, which were induced to untwist upon metal deposition.

PMID- 22091895
TI  - Expanding the phenotype associated with FOXG1 mutations and in vivo FoxG1
      chromatin-binding dynamics.
AB  - Mutations in the Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) gene, a brain specific transcriptional
      factor, are responsible for the congenital variant of Rett syndrome. Until now
      FOXG1 point mutations have been reported in 12 Rett patients. Recently seven
      additional patients have been reported with a quite homogeneous severe phenotype
      designated as the FOXG1 syndrome. Here we describe two unrelated patients with a
      de novo FOXG1 point mutation, p.Gln46X and p.Tyr400X, respectively, having a
      milder phenotype and sharing a distinctive facial appearance. Although FoxG1
      action depends critically on its binding to chromatin, very little is known about
      the dynamics of this process. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching,
      we showed that most of the GFP-FoxG1 fusion protein associates reversibly to
      chromatin whereas the remaining fraction is bound irreversibly. Furthermore, we
      showed that the two pathologic derivatives of FoxG1 described in this paper
      present a dramatic alteration in chromatin affinity and irreversibly bound
      fraction in comparison with Ser323fsX325 mutant (associated with a severe
      phenotype) and wild type Foxg1 protein. Our observations suggest that alterations
      in the kinetics of FoxG1 binding to chromatin might contribute to the
      pathological effects of FOXG1 mutations.

PMID- 22091896
TI  - Investigation of model membrane disruption mechanism by melittin using pulse
      electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and cryogenic transmission electron
      microscopy.
AB  - Studies of membrane peptide interactions at the molecular level are important for
      understanding essential processes such as membrane disruption or fusion by
      membrane active peptides. In a previous study, we combined several electron
      paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques, particularly continuous wave (CW) EPR,
      electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM), and double electron-electron
      resonance (DEER) with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to probe the conformation,
      insertion depth, and orientation with respect to the membrane of the membrane
      active peptide melittin. Here, we combined these EPR techniques with cryogenic
      transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) to examine the effect of the
      peptide/phospholipid (P/PL) molar ratio, in the range of 1:400 to 1:25, on the
      membrane shape, lipids packing, and peptide orientation and penetration. Large
      unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) of DPPC/PG (7:3 dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/egg
      phosphatidylglycerol) were used as model membranes. Spin-labeled peptides were
      used to probe the peptide behavior whereas spin-labeled phspholipids were used to
      examine the membrane properties. The cryo-TEM results showed that melittin causes
      vesicle rupture and fusion into new vesicles with ill-defined structures. This
      new state was investigated by the EPR methods. In terms of the peptide, CW EPR
      showed decreased mobility, and ESEEM revealed increased insertion depth as the
      P/PL ratio was raised. DEER measurements did not reveal specific aggregates of
      melittin, thus excluding the presence of stable, well-defined pore structures. In
      terms of membrane properties, the CW EPR reported reduced mobility in both polar
      head and alkyl chain regions with increasing P/PL. ESEEM measurements showed
      that, as the P/PL ratio increased, a small increase in water content in the PL
      headgroup region took place and no change was observed in the alkyl chains part
      close to the hydrophilic region. In terms of lipid local density, opposite
      behavior was observed for the polar head and alkyl chain regions with increasing
      P/PL; while the DPPC density increased in the polar head region, it decreased in
      the alkyl chain region. These results are consistent with disruption of the lipid
      order and segregation of the PL constituents of the membrane as a consequence of
      the melittin binding. This work further demonstrates the applicability and
      potential of pulse EPR techniques for the study of peptide-membrane interactions.

PMID- 22091897
TI  - Anesthesia and myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease affecting the nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor of the post-synaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, causing
      muscle fatigue and weakness. The myasthenic patient can be a challenge to
      anesthesiologists, and the post-surgical risk of respiratory failure has always
      been a matter of concern. The incidence and prevalence of MG have been increasing
      for decades and the disease is underdiagnosed. This makes it important for the
      anesthesiologist to be aware of possible signs of the disease and to be properly
      updated on the optimal perioperative anesthesiological management of the
      myasthenic patient. The review is based on electronic searches on PubMed and a
      review of the references of the articles. The following keywords were used:
      myasthenia gravis AND neuromuscular blocking agents, myasthenia gravis AND
      sevoflurane, myasthenia gravis AND epidural, myasthenia gravis AND neuromuscular
      blockade reversal and myasthenia gravis AND pyridostigmine. The articles included
      were from reviews and clinical trials written in English. MG patients can easily
      be anesthetized without need for post-surgery mechanical ventilation whether it
      is general anesthesia or peripheral nerve block. Volatile anesthesia or the use
      of an epidural for the patient makes it possible to avoid the use of
      neuromuscular blocking agents, and when used, it should be in smaller doses and
      the patient should be carefully monitored. This review shows that with thorough
      pre-operative evaluation, continuing the daily pyridostigmine and careful
      monitoring the MG patient can be managed safely.

PMID- 22091898
TI  - Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw.
AB  - Bisphosphonates are used worldwide as a successful treatment for people with
      osteoporosis, which is the major underlying cause of fractures in postmenopausal
      women and older adults. These agents are successful at increasing bone mass and
      bone trabecular thickness, decreasing the risk of fracture, and decreasing bone
      pain, enabling individuals to have better quality of life. Bisphosphonates are
      also used to treat multiple myeloma, bone metastasis, and Paget's disease;
      however, bisphosphonate treatment may result in negative side effects, including
      osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ involves necrotic, exposed bone in the jaw,
      pain, possible secondary infection, swelling, painful lesions, and various
      dysesthesias, although less-severe cases may be asymptomatic. First-generation
      bisphosphonates, which do not contain nitrogen, are metabolized into a
      nonfunctional, cytotoxic analogue of adenosine triphosphate and cause osteoclast
      death by starvation. Second-generation bisphosphonates are nitrogen-containing
      agents; these inhibit osteoclast vesicular trafficking, membrane ruffling,
      morphology, and cytoskeletal arrangement by inhibiting farnesyl diphosphate
      synthase in the mevalonate pathway. Physicians treating older adults with
      osteoporosis and cancer should work together with dental practitioners,
      pharmacists, and other clinicians to inform individuals receiving bisphosphonates
      of their possible side effects and to suggest precautionary steps that may
      minimize the risk of osteonecrosis, particularly of the jaw. These include
      practicing good oral hygiene; scheduling regular dental examinations and
      cleanings; and cautioning people who are scheduling treatment for periodontal
      disease, oral and maxillofacial therapy, endodontics, implant placement,
      restorative dentistry, and prosthodontics. Recommendations for management of
      people with ONJ include an oral rinse, such as chlorhexidine, and antibiotics.

PMID- 22091902
TI  - Approach for prostate cancer vaccine development.

PMID- 22091904
TI  - Conscientiousness in the classroom: a process explanation.
AB  - Although the research literature has established that Conscientiousness predicts
      task performance across a variety of achievement contexts (e.g., ; ),
      comparatively less is known about the processes that underlie these relations. To
      the latter end, the current research examines effortful strategies and
      achievement goals as mediating factors that might explain why people with higher
      levels of Conscientiousness are predicted to reach higher levels of academic
      performance. In a longitudinal study, 347 college students completed measures of
      personality and achievement goals at the beginning of the class, followed by
      measures of effortful strategies multiple times throughout the semester. Results
      support the hypothesis that effortful strategies mediate the association between
      Conscientiousness and academic performance. Moreover, the statistical effects of
      Conscientiousness were generally independent of achievement goals, but a small
      portion of the effect was mediated through approach, not avoidance, achievement
      goals. These results highlight the importance of examining mediating processes
      between personality and outcomes, and in the case of Conscientiousness, our
      results suggest that effortful strategies might serve as a useful target for
      performance-enhancing interventions.

PMID- 22091905
TI  - Influence of durotomy on laser-Doppler measurement of spinal cord blood flow in
      chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess influence of durotomy on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) in
      chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion. STUDY DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk
      extrusion (n = 11). METHODS: Diagnosis was based on neurologic signs, magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and surgical confirmation. Regional SCBF was
      measured 3 times intraoperatively by laser-Doppler flowmetry: (1) before surgical
      decompression; (2) immediately after decompression by hemilaminectomy-durotomy;
      and (3) after 15 minutes of lesion lavage. A standardized hemilaminectomy and
      durotomy performed by the same neurosurgeon, was used to minimize factors that
      could influence measurement readings. RESULTS: A significant increase in
      intraoperative SCBF was found immediately after spinal cord decompression and
      durotomy in dogs but SCBF returned to previous levels or lower after 15 minutes
      of lavage. Changes in SCBF were not associated with duration of clinical signs;
      neurologic status, degree of spinal cord compression, or signal intensity changes
      as assessed by MRI. CONCLUSION: Durotomy does not increase SCBF in dogs with disk
      extrusion associated spinal cord compression.

PMID- 22091906
TI  - Total synthesis and stereochemical assignment of burkholdac B, a depsipeptide
      HDAC inhibitor.
AB  - Three diastereomers of burkholdac B were prepared by total synthesis, enabling
      the full stereochemical assignment of the natural product. It is proposed that
      burkholdac B is identical to thailandepsin A independently isolated by Cheng from
      the same strain of  Burkholderia thailandensis . Burkholdac B is the most potent
      among depsipeptide histone deacetylase inhibitors in growth inhibition of the
      MCF7 breast cancer cell line with an IC(50) of 60 pM.

PMID- 22091907
TI  - Aiming for the bull's eye: Preparing for throwing investigated with event-related
      brain potentials.
AB  - We explored the feasibility of investigating complex goal-directed actions with
      event-related brain potentials by studying the aiming phase of throwing. A
      virtual reality environment was set up, allowing aimed throws at distant targets,
      with participants standing upright and moving relatively unrestrained. After a
      separate practice session, the contingent negative variation (CNV) was measured
      during preparation for a simple button release, unaimed throws, and aimed throws
      at targets of two levels of difficulty. Consistent with expectations, CNV
      amplitude was larger for all throwing conditions compared to button release. It
      further increased with task difficulty in the aimed throwing conditions,
      reflecting the increasing motor programming demands for more difficult goal
      directed actions. Therefore, investigating throwing as an instance of complex
      goal-directed action with ERPs is feasible, opening interesting perspectives for
      future research.

PMID- 22091908
TI  - The sensitivity of adverse event cost estimates to diagnostic coding error.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of diagnostic coding error on estimates of
      hospital costs attributable to adverse events. DATA SOURCES: Original and
      reabstracted medical records of 9,670 complex medical and surgical admissions at
      11 hospital corporations in Ontario from 2002 to 2004. Patient specific costs,
      not including physician payments, were retrieved from the Ontario Case Costing
      Initiative database. STUDY DESIGN: Adverse events were identified among the
      original and reabstracted records using ICD10-CA (Canadian adaptation of ICD10)
      codes flagged as postadmission complications. Propensity score matching and
      multivariate regression analysis were used to estimate the cost of the adverse
      events and to determine the sensitivity of cost estimates to diagnostic coding
      error. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Estimates of the cost of the adverse events ranged
      from $16,008 (metabolic derangement) to $30,176 (upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding). Coding errors caused the total cost attributable to the adverse events
      to be underestimated by 16 percent. The impact of coding error on adverse event
      cost estimates was highly variable at the organizational level. CONCLUSIONS:
      Estimates of adverse event costs are highly sensitive to coding error. Adverse
      event costs may be significantly underestimated if the likelihood of error is
      ignored.

PMID- 22091909
TI  - New estimates of fertility and child mortality in Africa, south of the Sahara.
AB  - Summary   Earlier work by Page and Coale has estimated demographic indices of
      fertility and mortality for parts of Africa using the Sullivan modification of
      Brass's technique. The present paper presents modified and more accurate
      estimates of fertility and child mortality, not only for the sub-national units
      covered by Page and Coale but also for areas not covered by them. The present
      analysis which employs Trussell's refinement of Brass and Sullivan's techniques
      also includes improvements overlooked in earlier estimates. The salient finding
      that emerges is that while the Brass mortality technique is very powerful, his
      equally ingenious fertility technique is very weak and should not be relied on
      for estimating fertility parameters.

PMID- 22091910
TI  - The evolution of family planning in an African city: Ibadan, Nigeria.
AB  - Summary   Data drawn from a 1973 probability sample of 6,606 Yoruba females, 15
      59 years of age in Ibadan City, Nigeria, are employed to analyse changing family
      planning practice over time. Usage and method rates are calculated for broad age
      groups from 1930 to 1973. Contraceptive practice is shown to have increased
      rapidly during the 1960s and early 1970s, from a very low initial base with a
      doubling period for the proportion of contraceptors of about four years, so that
      by 1973 one-sixth of the women had practised contraception and one-ninth were
      currently doing so. The major determinant of contraceptive practice is education.
      Oral contraceptives and IUDs account for an ever larger proportion of all
      contraception over time and together made up over 50 per cent by 1973. The Ibadan
      data give strong support to a suggestion emanating from scattered findings
      elsewhere that there is a special pattern of sub-Saharan contraceptive use: it
      begins with use in pre-marital and extra-marital relationships; then is
      increasingly employed as a substitute for post-marital sexual abstinence, and
      only later becomes the means for limiting the size of the family. Hence, the
      success of a family planning programme is indicated by rising average parity
      among the acceptors. Most couples in Ibadan will probably be practising
      contraception at some time in the 1980s, but even then such rates will probably
      still be low in rural areas.

PMID- 22091911
TI  - Minority status and family size: A comparison of explanations.
AB  - Summary   In this study, the family sizes of Chinese, Japanese and Filipino
      Americans are compared with those of whites, using data from the 1970 public use
      samples for California and Hawaii. The two hypotheses derived from the 'minority
      status' hypothesis are tested; the latter states that minorities experience
      tensions and anxiety which lead to lower fertility compared with native whites of
      Anglo-Saxon ancestry under certain conditions. We also examine the effect of
      assimilation in terms of variables known to affect fertility, and control for
      several age and acculturation variables.   Analysis, based on a regression
      decomposition model, gives some support to the argument that the family size of
      minority groups differs from that of native whites because of incomplete
      assimilation and because independent variables affect fertility differently.
      However, since the independent effect of minority status per se is generally to
      raise fertility for Japanese and Chinese Americans, and lower it for Filipinos,
      we reject this version of the minority status hypothesis. Our general conclusion
      is that family size differentials in a pluralistic society may be part of a
      persisting pattern of sub-cultural differentiation, and do not necessarily
      reflect any 'tensions and anxiety' of minority status.

PMID- 22091912
TI  - Fertility decline in Germany: An econometric appraisal.
AB  - Summary   A re-analysis of Knodel's data provides some new results for the
      fertility decline in Germany and a new approach to testing hypotheses about the
      demographic transition. Two formulations of transition theory are compared: one
      emphasizing the importance of changing social and economic structure for
      fertility decline; the other, the changing relationships between fertility and
      its determinants over time. To evaluate these formulations, multivariate time
      series cross-sectional models are developed. The statistical models permit the
      estimation of relationships both cross-sectionally and over time. As a
      consequence, the ability of the independent variables to explain cross-sectional
      as against temporal differences is evaluated. Industrialization, urbanization,
      religious composition, migration, infant mortality and marriage patterns
      satisfactorily explain the fertility decline once regional differences have been
      taken into account. Persisting characteristics of regional units account for much
      of the unexplained variance. Industrialization is the main explanatory variable
      of fertility decline in Germany. In the period considered, its impact on
      fertility increased substantially.

PMID- 22091913
TI  - Population momentum: A wider definition.
AB  - Summary   Keyfitz has derived an elegant formula for estimating the ultimate size
      of an initially stable, growing population that abruptly reduces its fertility to
      replacement level. Reduction of fertility is achieved by the rather unrealistic
      device of dividing the original age schedule nffertility rates by the net
      reproduction rate. Only the inertia of the age distribution is thus accounted
      for, but not that of the fertility schedule. The key idea of an abrupt imposition
      of a fixed regimen capable in the long run of generating zero population growth
      may be retained, but the regimen made more realistic. By elaborating the
      population setting, such disparate ZPG regimens as reduction of marital fertility
      by contraception, delayed and/or less universal marriage, raised mortality risks,
      or permanent net out-migration may be formulated. Convergence of the populaton to
      stationarity becomes a two-phase process: a primary adjustment period of changing
      fertility rates followed by a period of age adjustment.   The present paper
      treats what happens when a fixed ZPG sterilization regimen, defined by a minimum
      age of sterilization gamma and constant continuous risk phi of sterilization
      among unsterilized wives aged gamma to beta, is imposed abruptly (or else
      progressively over an interval T) upon an initially stable, growing population.
      Additional sources of residual growth are: (1) the nine-month lag in
      sterilization effect owing to pregnancy: (2) the more youthful pattern of child
      bearing under sterilization: (3) the extra adjustment period (of length beta
      gamma-0.75) of changing fertility rates; and (4) any delays in exposing elements
      of the population to the sterilization regimen.   Two questions are pursued.
      First, how important are the additional sources of residual growth? Secondly, how
      do their relative sizes vary as a function of the characteristics of the initial
      population?

PMID- 22091914
TI  - The United Kingdom's international migration in the inter-war period: Theoretical
      considerations and empirical testing.
AB  - Summary   At the theoretical level, the paper has two aims: to develop a three
      country migration model and to incorporate British emigration schemes of the
      1920s into it. The model is tested on data of U.K. emigration to Canada, the
      U.S.A. and Australia from 1920 to 1936.

PMID- 22091915
TI  - Comment on 'facts and artifacts in the study of intra-uterine mortality: a
      reconsideration from pregnancy histories' by henri leridon(1).
AB  - Abstract   Extract   I have suggested that at a given birth order the probability
      of having a further pregnancy is greater when the last pregnancy had been
      spontaneously aborted than when it resulted in a birth.(2) Leridon,(3)in the
      course of a valuable paper on foetal wastage, presents data which, according to
      him, impugn my suggestion. I would like to question his claim.

PMID- 22091916
TI  - A reply to W. H. James.
AB  - Abstract   The objection of W. H. James to my computation on p. 330, for the
      sample of Creteil, is valid. For reasons that are developed elsewhere in my
      paper, the current pregnancy of any woman was omitted in the elaboration of Table
      6. Therefore, in order to derive continuation rates, we must re-include this
      pregnancy in each individual pregnancy history. Since women whose previous
      pregnancies ended in induced abortions had been excluded, we must do the same for
      women whose current pregnancy was interrupted by an induced abortion.

PMID- 22091917
TI  - Dual record demographic surveys: A re-assessment.
AB  - Summary   A Review of 'Population Growth Estimation': A Handbook of Vital
      Statistics Measurement, by Eli S. Marks, W. Seltzer and K. J. Krotki. pp. 496.

PMID- 22091918
TI  - Notes to authors on the preparation of papers submitted to population studies.
AB  - Abstract   All typing, including footnotes, references, extracts and quotations
      to be double-spaced and on one side of the paper which should preferably be A4 in
      size.

PMID- 22091922
TI  - Does decreased access to emergency departments affect patient outcomes? Analysis
      of acute myocardial infarction population 1996-2005.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analyze whether decreased emergency department (ED) access results
      in adverse patient outcomes or changes in the patient health profile for patients
      with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). DATA: We merge Medicare claims, American
      Hospital Association annual surveys, Medicare hospital cost reports, and location
      information for 1995-2005. STUDY DESIGN: We define four ED access change
      categories and estimate a ZIP Code fixed-effects regression models on the
      following AMI outcomes: mortality rates, age, and probability of percutaneous
      transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on day of admission. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      We find a small increase in 30-day to 1-year mortality rates among patients in
      communities that experience a <10-minute increase in driving time. Among patients
      in communities with >30-minute increases, we find a substantial increase in long
      term mortality rates, a shift to younger ages (suggesting that older patients die
      en route), and a higher probability of immediate PTCA. Most of the adverse
      effects disappear after the transition years. CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration in
      geographic access to ED affects a small segment of the population, and most
      adverse effects are transitory. Policy planners can minimize the adverse effects
      by providing assistance to ensure adequate capacity of remaining EDs, and
      facilitating the realignment of health care resources during the critical
      transition periods.

PMID- 22091921
TI  - Cardiometabolic effects in caregivers of nursing home placement and death of
      their spouse with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that cardiometabolic risk is attenuated when
      caregivers are relieved of caregiving stress when the caregiving recipient
      transitions out of the home. DESIGN: Longitudinal. SETTING: Participants' homes.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred nineteen spousal caregivers of a patient with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 55 noncaregiving controls (mean age of entire sample
      75 +/- 8, 68% women). MEASUREMENTS: Participants underwent up to three yearly
      assessments of metabolic syndrome (MetS) factors related to adiposity,
      dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Changes in the total number of
      MetS factors (range: 0-5) 3 months after caregiver transitions were evaluated
      using random regression models with fixed and time-variant effects for
      sociodemographic and health-related covariates. RESULTS: Caregivers had a greater
      number of MetS factors over time than noncaregivers (1.78 +/- 0.13 vs 1.36 +/-
      0.18, P = .008), which, after the death of the spouse, dropped by 0.46 +/- 0.16
      (P = .003) being no longer different from those of noncaregivers; this effect was
      most prominently related to decreases in triglycerides (-22.2 +/- 11.0 mg/dL, P =
      .03), systolic blood pressure (-6.2 +/- 2.6 mmHg, P = .02), and diastolic blood
      pressure (-3.4 +/- 1.5 mmHg, P = .03). Placement of the spouse decreased the
      number of MetS factors only in caregivers with lower levels of depressive
      symptoms (-0.48 +/- 0.18, P = .01) and sleeping difficulties (-0.42 +/- 0.18, P =
      .02) but not in caregivers with higher levels in these measures at postplacement.
      CONCLUSION: High cardiometabolic risk in caregivers decreased to the level of
      that of noncaregivers within 3 months of death of the spouse with AD, although
      placement, a transition in the course of dementia caregiving, did not benefit
      cardiovascular health in highly distressed caregivers.

PMID- 22091923
TI  - Investigation of nanoparticle transport inside coarse-grained geological media
      using magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Quantifying nanoparticle (NP) transport inside saturated porous geological media
      is imperative for understanding their fate in a range of natural and engineered
      water systems. While most studies focus upon finer grained systems representative
      of soils and aquifers, very few examine coarse-grained systems representative of
      riverbeds and gravel based sustainable urban drainage systems. In this study, we
      investigated the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to image transport
      behaviors of nanoparticles (NPs) through a saturated coarse-grained system. MRI
      successfully imaged the transport of superparamagnetic NPs, inside a porous
      column composed of quartz gravel using T(2)-weighted images. A calibration
      protocol was then used to convert T(2)-weighted images into spatially resolved
      quantitative concentration maps of NPs at different time intervals. Averaged
      concentration profiles of NPs clearly illustrates that transport of a positively
      charged amine-functionalized NP within the column was slower compared to that of
      a negatively charged carboxyl-functionalized NP, due to electrostatic attraction
      between positively charged NP and negatively charged quartz grains. Concentration
      profiles of NPs were then compared with those of a convection-dispersion model to
      estimate coefficients of dispersivity and retardation. For the amine
      functionalized NPs (which exhibited inhibited transport), a better model fit was
      obtained when permanent attachment (deposition) was incorporated into the model
      as opposed to nonpermanent attachment (retardation). This technology can be used
      to further explore transport processes of NPs inside coarse-grained porous media,
      either by using the wide range of commercially available (super)paramagnetically
      tagged NPs or by using custom-made tagged NPs.

PMID- 22091924
TI  - Titan tholins: simulating Titan organic chemistry in the Cassini-Huygens era.

PMID- 22091925
TI  - Beyond seizures and medications: normal activity limitations, social support, and
      mental health in epilepsy.
AB  - Although seizure control is a critical goal for persons with epilepsy (PWE) from
      the biomedical perspective, there is growing support for approaches that take
      into account the effect of epilepsy on the whole person (the biopsychosocial
      perspective). We hypothesized that PWE who report normal activity limitations due
      to epilepsy and poor social/emotional support would report poor mental health
      regardless of whether they report having seizures in the past 3 months or
      currently taking medication for their epilepsy. In 2005 and 2006, twenty-two
      states asked about epilepsy in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
      (BRFSS). A set of survey weight-adjusted logistic regression analyses were
      conducted to examine self-reported poor mental health. Our findings reveal that
      both normal activity limitations due to epilepsy and poor social/emotional
      support are significant predictors of reporting poor mental health. After
      controlling for social support, demographics, comorbidities, and health behaviors
      we determined that those reporting normal activity limitations due to epilepsy
      are more likely to report poor mental health (odds ratio [OR] 3.05, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.41-6.58). Similarly, after controlling for the same
      factors, PWE with poor social/emotional support are more likely to report poor
      mental health (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.84-5.61). In contrast, reported seizures in the
      past 3 months (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.56-2.25) or current use of medication (OR 0.58,
      95% CI 0.30-1.10) were not significantly associated with poor mental health.
      These population-based findings support the need for clinical approaches that
      address psychosocial issues in addition to seizure control and treatment.

PMID- 22091926
TI  - Eyeblink conditional discrimination learning in healthy young men is impaired
      after stress exposure.
AB  - Stress is known to influence the hippocampus. Eyeblink conditional discrimination
      learning is dependent on the hippocampus, but the effects of stress on the task
      are unknown. Male participants were allocated to a psychosocial stress condition
      (Trier Social Stress Test) or a control condition. Afterwards, a conditional
      discrimination task was performed. A tone (the CS) predicted an airpuff (the US)
      only when preceded by a specific visual stimulus (a red or a green colored
      square, the S+ and S-). Stressed participants showed a rise in cortisol and an
      increase in negative affect. Stressed participants also failed to acquire the
      conditional discrimination. They responded to all of the presented CS
      irrespective of the preceding occasion setter (S+ or S-). Controls, in contrast,
      acquired the discrimination rapidly. The present study provides further evidence
      for an impairing effect of acute stress on tasks relying on the hippocampal
      formation.

PMID- 22091927
TI  - Intercepting bacterial indole signaling with flustramine derivatives.
AB  - Indole signaling is one of the putative universal signaling networks in bacteria.
      We have investigated the use of desformylflustrabromine (dFBr) derivatives for
      the inhibition of biofilm formation through modulation of the indole-signaling
      network in  Escherichia coli  and  Staphylococcus aureus . We have found dFBr
      derivatives that are 10-1000 times more active than indole itself, demonstrating
      that the flustramine family of indolic natural products represent a privileged
      scaffold for the design of molecules to control pathogenic bacterial behavior.

PMID- 22091928
TI  - Ecology of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Europe: transmission dynamics in
      multi-host systems, influence of molecular processes and effects of climate
      change.
AB  - The analysis of different multi-host systems suggests that even hosts that are
      not capable of transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) to the tick
      vector, Ixodes ricinus, or that are secondary reservoirs for these agents
      contribute to the intensity of transmission and to the overall risk of Lyme
      borreliosis, through the process of vector augmentation and pathogen
      amplification. On the other hand, above certain threshold densities, or in the
      presence of competition with primary reservoir hosts or low attachment rate of
      ticks to reservoir hosts, incompetent or less competent hosts may reduce
      transmission through dilution. The transmission of B. burgdorferi s.l. is
      affected by molecular processes at the tick-host interface including mechanisms
      for the protection of spirochaetes against the host's immune response. Molecular
      biology also increasingly provides important identification tools for the study
      of tick-borne disease agents. Ixodes ricinus and B. burgdorferi s.l. are
      expanding their geographical range to northern latitudes and to higher altitudes
      through the effects of climate change on host populations and on tick
      development, survival and seasonal activity. The integration of quantitative
      ecology with molecular methodology is central to a better understanding of the
      factors that determine the main components of Lyme borreliosis eco-epidemiology
      and should result in more accurate predictions of the effects of climate change
      on the circulation of pathogens in nature.

PMID- 22091929
TI  - The introduction of a choice to learn pre-symptomatic DNA test results for BRCA
      or Lynch syndrome either face-to-face or by letter.
AB  - In predictive DNA testing for hereditary cancer, test results should
      traditionally be disclosed face-to-face. Increasingly, however, counselees ask to
      receive their test result at home by letter. To compare the quality of genetic
      counselling in the traditional way to a procedure in which counselees are offered
      a choice on how to get their test result. Counselees from families with a known
      BRCA1/2 or Lynch syndrome mutation were randomised into two groups. The control
      group was given the DNA test result in a face-to-face consultation. In the
      intervention group people could choose to learn their test result face-to-face or
      by letter. The quality of genetic counselling was assessed through questionnaires
      at three different moments. Data of 198 counselees were analysed. The quality of
      genetic counselling and psychological functioning were equally good in both
      groups. The majority of cases chose for disclosure by letter. The counselees with
      a good test result in the intervention group were the most satisfied. Our results
      indicate that in predictive DNA testing for BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome, a choice
      protocol is equally safe and more satisfying. Moreover, it is more efficient for
      both counsellor and counselee.

PMID- 22091930
TI  - Comparative evaluation of pharmaceutical products obtained in Mexico: augmenting
      existing scientific data.
AB  - CONTEXT: The accessibility of pharmacies in neighboring countries has facilitated
      the trend of acquiring medications outside of local borders. However, scientific
      data assessing the drug content and quality of these medications has not
      increased in a corresponding fashion. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to augment
      existing scientific data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen products that were
      obtained from pharmacies in Mexico were evaluated for active ingredient content.
      The active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) assessed included amoxicillin,
      ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, levothyroxine, sildenafil citrate, sulfamethoxazole,
      trimethoprim, and warfarin. API content was analysed with high performance liquid
      chromatography assays and the resultant data interpreted by applying United
      States Pharmacopeia (USP) acceptability limits. RESULTS: All of the samples
      analyzed for the two ciprofloxacin products and the two ampicillin products were
      found to be within the USP limits. Of the four different
      sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim products tested, all were within USP limits for
      sulfamethoxazole, but contained 2-3 individual units which were outside of USP
      limits for trimethoprim. Several of the remaining products (amoxicillin,
      levothyroxine, sildenafil citrate, and warfarin) had individual units that fell
      outside of the USP limits, although only one of the levothyroxine products (1 out
      of 20 tablets tested) and both sildenafil citrate products (all of the units
      tested) contained units outside of +/-25% label claim.

PMID- 22091931
TI  - The S-measurement in the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To propose a direct measure of subluxation of the femoral head (S) in
      the assessment of hip joint laxity and evaluate it for clinical use. STUDY
      DESIGN: Method comparison study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 51). METHODS: Dogs were
      sedated or anesthetized for a dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) examination. Two
      sets of radiographs were acquired, 1 each by a different technologist. A
      calibrated measuring bar was included on the image at the height of the hip to
      assess magnification. The DLS was calculated for each hip and different persons
      unaware of these details measured the "S"-value. One person measured the S-value
      3 times over 3 days. Box plots were used to determine a cut-off for the empiric
      (8 mm) and corrected (4 mm) S-value. RESULTS: Of 51 dogs, 33 were dysplastic
      based on a DLS score <55%. Magnification and body weight were strongly correlated
      (r = 0.4922, P = .0006). Both empiric and corrected S measurements showed good
      agreement with the DLS score (kappa = 0.688 and kappa = 0.681, respectively). The
      corrected S measurement produced more false negatives. Bland-Altman analysis
      showed interobserver and technician variance acceptable for clinical use (limits
      of agreement < +/-3 mm). Intraobserver repeatability was acceptable for the right
      hip (95% of differences were <=1.3 mm and 100% <= 1.9) but not for the left hip.
      CONCLUSION: Using a cut-off value of 5 mm, the empirical S measurement can be
      used to exclude hip dysplasia in young dogs of various body proportions.

PMID- 22091932
TI  - Physician perspectives on medical care delivery in assisted living.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the provision of medical care in assisted living (AL) as
      provided by physicians who are especially active in providing care to older
      adults and AL residents; to identify characteristics associated with physician
      confidence in AL staff; and to ask physicians a variety of questions about their
      experience providing care to AL residents and how it compares with providing care
      in the nursing home and home care settings. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive
      study. SETTING: AL communities in 27 states. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-five
      physicians and administrators of 125 AL settings in which they had patients.
      MEASUREMENTS: Interviews and questionnaires containing open- and close-ended
      questions regarding demographics, care arrangements, attitudes, and behaviors in
      managing medical problems. RESULTS: Most respondents were certified in internal
      medicine (46%) or family medicine (47%); 32% were certified in geriatrics and 30%
      in medical directorship. In this select sample, 48% visited the AL setting once a
      year or less, and 19% visited once a week or more. Mean physician confidence in
      AL staff was 3.3 (somewhat confident), with greater confidence associated with
      smaller AL community size, nursing presence, and the physician being the medical
      director. Qualitative analyses identified differences between settings including
      lack of vital sign assessment in the home setting, concern about the ability of
      AL staff to assess and monitor problems, and greater administrative and
      regulatory requirements in AL than in the other settings. CONCLUSION: Providing
      medical care for AL residents presents unique challenges and opportunities for
      physicians. Nursing presence and physician oversight and familiarity and
      communicating with AL staff who are highly familiar with a given resident and can
      monitor care may facilitate care.

PMID- 22091933
TI  - The bystander effect is a novel mechanism of UVA-induced melanogenesis.
AB  - We successfully identified the bystander effect in B16 murine melanoma cells
      exposed to UVA irradiation. The effect was identified based on melanogenesis
      following the medium transfer of the B16 cells, which had been cultured for 24 h
      after being exposed to UVA irradiation, to nonirradiated cells (bystander cells).
      Our confirmation study of the functional mechanism of bystander cells confirmed
      the reduced levels of mitochondrial membrane potential 1-4 h after the medium
      transfer. In addition, we observed increased levels of intracellular oxidation
      after 9-12 h, and the generation of melanin radicals, including long-lived
      radicals, 24 h after medium transfer. Further analysis of bystander factors
      revealed that the administration of EGTA treatment at the time of medium transfer
      led to an inhibition of melanogenesis and to neutralization of the mitochondrial
      membrane potential level, as well as to the restoration of intracellular
      oxidation levels to those of controls. The results demonstrated that the UVA
      irradiation bystander effect in B16 cells, as indicated by melanogenesis, was
      induced by the increase in intracellular oxidation due to the mitochondrial
      activity of calcium ions, which were among the bystander factors involved in the
      increase.

PMID- 22091934
TI  - Family composition preferences in a developing culture: The case of Taiwan, 1973.
AB  - Abstract   As fertility comes increasingly under voluntary control in a
      developing society, it can be argued that individual desires or preferences about
      children will become more salient and more significant for eventual fertility.
      Hence, the study of preferences is increasingly important as contraceptive use is
      extended and results in decreasing the number of unwanted births.(1) Further
      changes in fertility then depend on changes in preferences. The assumption is
      that people will at least try to achieve the families they want, if the means to
      do so are available. The fact that contraception is used at all is some evidence
      of the soundness of this assumption, although it should be recognized that family
      size desires operate in a complex of preferences, under varying degrees of
      conflict and control. To expect a one-to-one relationship between attitudes or
      preferences and overt behaviour would be simplistic.

PMID- 22091935
TI  - Household composition and extended kinship in Taiwan.
AB  - Abstract   The extended family has been an essential part of Chinese society,
      both in cultural ideal and social reality.(1) The traditional Chinese ideal has
      been for co-residence of parents with their married sons and their families in a
      large, joint-stem household unit. The reality, in Taiwan and elsewhere, has
      deviated from the ideal in several ways. First, for any given young couple,
      relatives necessary for a joint-stem family may not be available at one or
      another stage of the family life cycle. Secondly, even when all the necessary
      relatives are available, the emphasis has been on the vertical filial tie, rather
      than the horizontal fraternal tie, so the predominant fact has been co-residence
      of parents with a married son. Married brothers usually-do not live together and,
      if they do, it is usually when the parent is or has been in the same unit.

PMID- 22091936
TI  - Effects of child mortality on subsequent fertility of women in some rural and
      semi-urban areas of certain Latin American countries.
AB  - Abstract   With the rapid decline in child mortality in developing countries
      there is considerable interest in understanding its effects on fertility.
      According to the theory of demographic transition, mortality declines are
      accompanied by fertility declines after a time lag, as countries go through the
      process of economic development. However, the immediate effects of a mortality
      decline on fertility have not been uniform as in many countries fertility has
      actually increased. For example, in many Latin American countries where mortality
      declines have been very rapid there have not been any appreciable changes in
      fertility. Only in recent years has there been a noticeable decline in the urban
      areas of some nations. While it is possible to examine the effects of various
      socio-economic factors on mortality and fertility at the macro-level, any real
      understanding of how mortality itself influences fertility would require
      information at the micro-level on couples who have experienced child mortality
      and who are also exposed to the risk of childbearing.

PMID- 22091937
TI  - How a trend towards a stationary population affects consumer demand.
AB  - Abstract   During the great depression of the 1930seconomists in both the United
      States and Europe tried to analyse the economic consequences of declining rates
      of population growth. Not only were birth rates in many industrial countries at
      the lowest levels ever, but they coincided with high rates of unemployment. Of
      the many economists who held that demographic trends were partly responsible for
      the adverse economic conditions, a prominent example was John Maynard Keynes.
      According to his so-called stagnation thesis, population growth stimulates
      investment demand in two ways: more people need more goods and services and,
      hence, more investment in factories and machinery; and with population growing,
      businessmen are more likely to regard their investment misallocations as less
      serious than when the growth is slow or nil.(1)A minority of writers were more
      optimistic about the economic consequences of slower rates of population growth.
      For example, Thompson argued that with a lower ratio of consumers to producers
      the population would enjoy a higher standard of living and the education of
      children should improve.(2).

PMID- 22091938
TI  - Fertility, mortality, migration and family planning in the Yemen Arab Republic.
AB  - Abstract   Until the end of the seven years' civil war following the revolution
      of 1962, almost no reliable statistical information of any kind about the Yemen
      Arab Republic (North Yemen) and its people was available. Since President al
      Hamdi's takeover of 1974, the demand for more accurate statistics for developing
      planning has led to a number of studies which give us the first numerical
      insights into the dynamics of the Yemen's population. The National Population
      Census of 1975 is the most important of these studies since it showed two things
      very clearly. First, it indicated that the Yemen's population is large and
      concentrated in selected rural areas where there are real problems of crowding
      and shortages of good agricultural land. Secondly, the Census showed that the
      lack of domestic economic opportunities partially related to the high rural
      population densities, and the numerous opportunities in the oil-rich states of
      the Middle East, especially Sa'udi Arabia, had resulted in an out-migration of
      young males of prime ages of very large proportions. This article elaborates
      further on the dynamics of the population in Yemen and reports on the results of
      a small sample survey carried out in May 1976which provides further insights into
      the factors affecting fertility and mortality during this early stage of the
      Yemen's economic and social development.

PMID- 22091939
TI  - Consistency between fertility attitudes and behaviour: A conceptual model.
AB  - Abstract   The consistency (or lack of it) between attitude and behaviour has
      been a controversial issue in social psychology for the past several decades,(1)
      and more recently has become a focus of considerable controversy in the field of
      population studies.(2) In accordance with Freedman, Hermalin and Chang,(3)it is
      argued here that this controversy will not be resolved by theoretical
      discussions, and evidence is needed from many countries at several time points to
      resolve this issue. This paper presents evidence on consistency between fertility
      attitudes and behaviour from survey data from Venezuela and, based upon analysis
      of the present data, suggests a conceptual model for the study of consistency
      between fertility attitudes and behaviour.

PMID- 22091940
TI  - The length of the human fertile period.
AB  - Abstract   Estimates of the. length of the human fertile period (that interval
      within the menstrual cycle during which insemination is associated with a non
      zero probability of conception) are necessarily indirect. Moreover, those
      estimates do not seem in close agreement with one another. For instance, it has
      been suggested that:

PMID- 22091941
TI  - A comment on De Jong and Sell's 'Changes in childlessness in the United States: A
      demographic path analysis'.
AB  - Abstract   I found De Jong and Sell's recent paper! to be a study in contrasts.
      On the one hand, the authors have done a good job of scouring the literature for
      information pertinent to their work. It is evident from the breadth of sources
      cited that they were both persistent and thorough in this task. I also found
      their discussions of possible explanations for changing patterns of childlessness
      to be very good.

PMID- 22091945
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22091942
TI  - Changes in childlessness for all women in the United States: A reply to Spencer.
AB  - Abstract   The analysis of changes in childlessness as opposed to structural
      correlates of childlessness is quite new. Our focus on indicators of such changes
      called for a macro-analytic framework which would permit the test of changing
      features of population characteristics and the relationship between structural
      changes in different population cohorts. An appropriate data set was one that
      would permit the analysis ofchanging levels ofchildlessness in age cohorts and
      the changes in population characteristics which would offer possible explanations
      for the changing childlessness pattern.

PMID- 22091946
TI  - Establishing a trait anxiety threshold that signals likelihood of anxiety
      disorders.
AB  - Evidence suggests that the state trait inventory for cognitive and somatic
      anxiety (STICSA) may be a more pure measure of anxiety than other commonly used
      scales. Further, the STICSA has excellent psychometric properties in both
      clinical and nonclinical samples. The present study aimed to extend the utility
      of the STICSA-Trait version by identifying a cut-off score that could
      differentiate a group of clinically diagnosed anxiety disorder patients (n=398)
      from a group of student controls (n=439). Two receiver operating characteristic
      curve analyses indicated cut-off scores of 43 (sensitivity=.73, specificity=.74,
      classification accuracy=.74) and 40 (sensitivity=.80, specificity=.67,
      classification accuracy=.73), respectively. In a large community sample (n
      =6685), a score of 43 identified 11.5% of individuals as probable cases of
      clinical anxiety, while a score of 40 identified 17.0% of individuals as probable
      cases of clinical anxiety. As a result of differences in sensitivity and
      specificity, the present findings suggest a cut-off score of 43 is optimal to
      identify probable cases of clinical anxiety, while a cut-off score of 40 is
      optimal to screen for the possible presence of anxiety disorders.

PMID- 22091947
TI  - In situ methane recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration in methane hydrates: a
      molecular dynamics simulation study.
AB  - One intriguing idea for the simultaneous recovery of energy and sequestration of
      global warming gas is proposed by the transformation of methane hydrates to
      carbon dioxide hydrates with the injection of liquid CO(2). Here we use molecular
      dynamics simulations to show that the replacement can take place without melting
      of the network of hydrogen-bonded water molecules. Depending on the distance to
      the interface between the liquid CO(2) and solid clathrate hydrate, we find that
      the replacement occurs either via direct swapping of methane and CO(2) or via a
      transient co-occupation of both methane and CO(2) in one cavity. Our results
      suggest that, with a careful design of the operation condition, it is possible to
      replace methane from methane hydrates with CO(2) in the solid phase without much
      change in the geological stability.

PMID- 22091948
TI  - Exploring the personality structure in the 11 languages of South Africa.
AB  - The present study, part of the development of the South African Personality
      Inventory (SAPI), explores the implicit personality structure in the 11 official
      language groups of South Africa by employing a mixed-method approach. In the
      first, qualitative part of the study, semistructured interviews were conducted
      with 1,216 participants from the 11 official language groups. The derived
      personality-descriptive terms were categorized and clustered based on their
      semantic relations in iterative steps involving group discussions and contacts
      with language and cultural experts. This analysis identified 37 subclusters,
      which could be merged in 9 broad clusters: Conscientiousness, Emotional
      Stability, Extraversion, Facilitating, Integrity, Intellect, Openness,
      Relationship Harmony, and Soft-Heartedness. In the second, quantitative part, the
      perceived relations between the 37 subclusters were rated by 204 students from
      different language groups in South Africa and 95 students in the Netherlands. The
      outcomes generally supported the adequacy of the conceptual model, although
      several clusters in the domain of relational and social functioning did not
      replicate in detail. The outcomes of these studies revealed a personality
      structure with a strong emphasis on social-relational aspects of personality.

PMID- 22091949
TI  - Alpha-adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular reactivity to
      stress in Black adolescents and young adults.
AB  - Cardiovascular reactivity to stress and alpha-adrenergic receptor (alpha-AR)
      function may contribute to the development of hypertension. As Black Americans
      have an increased risk of hypertension, we evaluated associations between
      alpha(1A) -AR (Arg492Cys), alpha(2A) -AR (-1291C/G), and alpha(2B) -AR
      (Ins/Del301-303) gene variants and cardiovascular reactivity in 500 normotensive
      Black youth. Heart rate, preejection period, total peripheral resistance, and
      blood pressure were measured during cold and psychological stress. The Arg492Cys
      polymorphism in the alpha(1A) -AR gene was associated with heart rate reactivity
      to stress, but the association depended on sex. The -1291C/G promoter
      polymorphism in the alpha(2A) -AR gene was associated with vascular reactivity to
      stress; vasoconstriction increased as a linear function of the number of copies
      of the variant G allele. Thus, specific associations emerged between genetic
      variations in alpha-Ars and cardiovascular reactivity in young Blacks.

PMID- 22091950
TI  - Does community-based health insurance protect household assets? Evidence from
      rural Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether community-based health insurance (CBHI) protects
      household assets in rural Burkina Faso, Africa. DATA SOURCES: Data were used from
      a household panel survey that collected primary data from randomly selected
      households, covering 41 villages and one town, during 2004-2007(n = 890). STUDY
      DESIGN: The study area was divided into 33 clusters and CBHI was randomly offered
      to these clusters during 2004-2006. We applied different strategies to control
      for selection bias-ordinary least squares with covariates, two-stage least
      squares with instrumental variable, and fixed-effects models. DATA COLLECTION:
      Household members were interviewed in their local language every year, and
      information was collected on demographic and socio-economic indicators including
      ownership of assets, and on self-reported morbidity. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Fixed
      effects and ordinary least squares models showed that CBHI protected household
      assets during 2004-2007. The two-stage least squares with instrumental variable
      model showed that CBHI increased household assets during 2004-2005. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this study, we found that CBHI has the potential to not only protect household
      assets but also increase household assets. However, similar studies from
      developing countries that evaluate the impact of health insurance on household
      economic indicators are needed to benchmark these results with other settings.

PMID- 22091951
TI  - Incidence of medial meniscal tears after arthroscopic assisted tibial plateau
      leveling osteotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of medial meniscal tears in dogs with
      naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease treated with
      arthroscopy and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Canine Stifles (n = 357) with
      naturally occurring CCL disease. METHODS: Medical records (November 2006-November
      2009) were reviewed for all dogs with CCL disease treated with arthroscopic CCL
      debridement, meniscal probing, and TPLO. We investigated the significance of the
      preoperative variables; age, weight, tibial plateau angle (TPA), sex, and the
      preoperative condition of the CCL on the prevalence of concurrent meniscal tears
      (CMT) and incidence of late onset meniscal tears (LMT). RESULTS: Prevalence of
      CMT and incidence of LMT was 32.2% and 5.6%, respectively. A significant
      difference between age of dogs with and without CMT was identified. There was a
      significantly lower prevalence of CMT and incidence of LMT in dogs that had a
      partial CCL tear compared with those that had a complete CCL tear. All dogs with
      LMT treated by partial meniscectomy (PMM) returned to peak postoperative limb
      function after (PMM) based on client-assessed outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates the importance of LMT as a complication, the importance of
      comprehensive meniscal assessment, and may add to the evidence against routinely
      performing meniscal release in TPLO. The preoperative condition of the CCL should
      be considered before operating on grossly normal menisci.

PMID- 22091952
TI  - Synthesis of rhodamines from fluoresceins using Pd-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling.
AB  - A unified, convenient, and efficient strategy for the preparation of rhodamines
      and N,N'-diacylated rhodamines has been developed. Fluorescein ditriflates were
      found to undergo palladium-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling with amines, amides,
      carbamates, and other nitrogen nucleophiles to provide direct access to known and
      novel rhodamine derivatives, including fluorescent dyes, quenchers, and latent
      fluorophores.

PMID- 22091956
TI  - Regional cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism during propofol anaesthesia
      in healthy subjects studied with positron emission tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General anaesthetics can alter the relationship between regional
      cerebral glucose metabolism rate (rGMR) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF).
      With the present study, we wanted to assess quantitatively the effects of
      propofol on rCBF and rGMR in the same healthy volunteers measured with positron
      emission tomography (PET). METHODS: (15)O-labelled water and (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose were used as PET tracers to determine rCBF and rGMR,
      respectively, in eight healthy volunteers during the waking state (baseline) and
      during propofol anaesthesia. Propofol was titrated to keep a constant hypnotic
      depth (Bispectral Indes 35-40) throughout the anaesthesia. Changes in rGMR and
      rCBF were quantified using region-of-interest and voxel-based analyses. RESULTS:
      The measured mean propofol concentration was 4.1 +/- 0.8 MUg/ml during
      anaesthesia. Compared with the conscious state, total CBF and GMR decreased
      during the anaesthetic state with 47% and 54%, respectively. In the white and
      grey matter, rCBF and rGMR were reduced by 37% and 49%, and by 45% and 57%,
      respectively. Propofol decreased rCBF in all brain structures by 46-55% (P <=
      0.01) with highest significant decreases in the thalamus and parietal lobe.
      Regional GMR was reduced in all brain areas to 48-66% (P <= 0.01) with highest
      significant reductions in the occipital lobe, the lingual gyrus, parietal lobe,
      temporal lobe and thalamus. No increases in rCBF or rGMR happened anywhere.
      CONCLUSIONS: General anaesthesia with propofol is associated with a global
      metabolic and vascular depression in the human brain, with significant shifts in
      regional blood flow and metabolism indicating marked metabolic and vascular
      responsiveness in some cortical areas and thalamus.

PMID- 22091957
TI  - Mobilization of manufactured gas plant tar with alkaline flushing solutions.
AB  - This experimental study investigates the use of alkaline and alkaline-polymer
      solutions for the mobilization of former manufactured gas plant (FMGP) tars. Tar
      aqueous interfacial tensions (IFTs) and contact angles were measured, and column
      flushing experiments were conducted. NaOH solutions (0.01-1 wt.%) were found to
      significantly reduce tar-aqueous IFT. Contact angles indicated a shift to
      strongly water-wet, then to tar-wet conditions as NaOH concentration increased.
      Column experiments were conducted with flushing solutions containing 0.2, 0.35,
      and 0.5% NaOH, both with and without xanthan gum (XG). Between 10 and 44% of the
      residual tar was removed by solutions containing only NaOH, while solutions
      containing both NaOH and XG removed 81-93% of the tar with final tar saturations
      as low as 0.018. The mechanism responsible for the tar removal is likely a
      combination of reduced IFT, a favorable viscosity ratio, and tar bank formation.
      Such an approach may have practical applications and would be significantly less
      expensive than surfactant-based methods.

PMID- 22091958
TI  - Concomitant use of cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergics: prevalence and
      outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of concomitant use of cholinesterase
      inhibitor (ChI) and anticholinergic (ACh) medications and the clinical
      consequences of dual use in a population-based setting. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Group Health Cooperative and Kaiser Permanente Colorado.
      PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand six hundred twenty-five adults aged 50 and older who
      began new use of a ChI between 2000 and 2007. MEASUREMENTS: Rates and
      characteristics of concomitant ChI and ACh use and the association between dual
      use and the outcomes of death and nursing home placement (claim from a nursing
      home with no prior claims used as a proxy). RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of ChI
      users also received AChs. Eleven percent of ChI users were concomitantly using
      two or more moderate to potent AChs. Median duration of this concomitant use was
      approximately 4 months, but a substantial proportion (25%) continued to use both
      medication classes simultaneously for longer than 12 months. In 23% of ChI users,
      AChs were being used at the time ChI therapy was initiated. The majority of this
      ACh use (77%) was not stopped once ChIs were started. No association was observed
      between concomitant use and risk of death or nursing home placement. CONCLUSION:
      These results should raise awareness about the prevalence and potential
      inappropriateness of concomitant use of ChIs and AChs and promote evaluations of
      practices intended to improve care standards.

PMID- 22091959
TI  - Incompletely condensed fluoroalkyl silsesquioxanes and derivatives: precursors
      for low surface energy materials.
AB  - A novel synthetic method was developed for the controlled functionalization of
      fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (F-POSS), which are useful as
      low surface energy materials for superhydrophobic and superoleophobic materials.
      Utilizing triflic acid, open-cage compounds were created and then reacted with a
      variety of dichlorosilanes to produce functional F-POSS structures possessing
      alkyl-, aryl-, and acrylate-based moieties. The crystal structure for an
      endo,endo-disilanol F-POSS compound was determined by single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction. The chemical structures were confirmed using multinuclear NMR
      spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, (19)F, and (29)Si), FT-IR, and combustion analysis.
      Dynamic contact angle measurements of these compounds were taken with water and
      hexadecane. These novel structures were found to possess excellent wetting
      resistant behavior, similar to that of the parent F-POSS compound. They are the
      first well-defined fluorinated nano-building blocks with a controlled level of
      reactive functionality for the development of new superhydrophobic and
      superoleophobic materials.

PMID- 22091960
TI  - Translation of evidence-based clinical standards into a new prehospital
      resuscitation policy in Los Angeles County.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To translate a set of evidence-based clinical standards designed to
      allow paramedics to forego unnecessary and potentially harmful resuscitation
      attempts into a feasible new policy. DATA SOURCES/SETTING: Policy documents,
      meeting minutes, and personal communications between a large urban Emergency
      Medical Services (EMS) agency serving all of Los Angeles County (LAC) and a
      research group were reviewed over 12 months. STUDY DESIGN: LAC EMS and University
      of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) formed a partnership (the EMS-UCLA
      Collaborative) to develop and translate the standards into new EMS protocols.
      Clinical indicators considered appropriate and feasible by an expert panel were
      submitted to the agency for inclusion in the new policy. FINDINGS: The
      Collaborative submitted the results to the LAC EMS Commission and a physician
      advisory group for review. Of the 41 indicators approved by the expert panel, 22
      would have resulted in changes to the current policy. All six involved asking
      family members about or honoring written and verbal Do Not Attempt Resuscitate
      requests, but only 4 of the 16 indicators based on clinical characteristics were
      included in the new policy. Ultimately, 10 of the 22 indicators that would have
      changed policy were approved and implemented. CONCLUSIONS: By collaboration, a
      large EMS agency and a research team were able to develop and implement a revised
      resuscitation policy within 1 year.

PMID- 22091961
TI  - Task confusion after switching revealed by reductions of error-related ERP
      components.
AB  - While response delays after task switching have been widely used as an index to
      investigate the limits of cognitive flexibility, little is known about their
      counterpart in error rates. It has been hypothesized that at least some
      postswitching errors are not caused by simple response errors but by task
      confusion, which refers to the establishment and execution of an incorrect task
      set. The aim of the current study is to provide evidence for this hypothesis.
      Using a multitrial paradigm, we firstly dissociated task confusion from simple
      cue encoding failure, and then measured the error-related negativity (ERN) and
      the following error positivity (Pe) as indices of the brain's error processing.
      We predicted that task confusion, if it exists, would cause ambiguity to the
      criteria of correct response, and therefore attenuate error processing. Results
      confirmed our prediction, suggesting that task confusion actually occurs after
      switching.

PMID- 22091963
TI  - Absence of influenza A(H1N1) during seasonal and pandemic seasons in a sentinel
      nursing home surveillance network in the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological, virological, and institutional
      characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) in nursing homes (NHs). DESIGN:
      Continuous clinical surveillance of ILI and virological surveillance of ILI and
      other acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during four influenza seasons. SETTING:
      National sentinel NH surveillance network. PARTICIPANTS: National sentinel
      residents. MEASUREMENTS: Weekly registration of ILI cases (influenza seasons
      2008/09-2009/10), influenza virus detection (influenza seasons 2006/07-2009/10),
      and collection of institutional characteristics of NHs at start of participation.
      RESULTS: During the 2008/09 influenza season, ILI incidence started to rise in
      Week 49 of 2008, peaked in Week 3 of 2009 (158 cases per 10,000 resident weeks),
      and flattened out by Week 16 of 2009 (mean ILI incidence during epidemic: 73
      cases per 10,000 resident weeks). During the 2009/10 influenza pandemic, there
      was no epidemic peak. Influenza virus type and subtype varied throughout
      virological surveillance but was limited to influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses.
      Higher staff vaccination coverage (>15%) was associated with lower ILI-incidence
      in the 2008/09 influenza season in a univariate negative binomial regression
      analysis (incidence rate ratio = 0.3, 95% confidence interval = 0.1-0.8)).
      CONCLUSION: Neither seasonal nor pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses were detected
      in the network, despite widespread community transmission of seasonal and
      influenza A(H1N1) virus. ILI incidence trends corresponded to virological trends.
      Sentinel surveillance of ILI combining clinical and virological data in NHs
      increases understanding of transmission risks in this specific vulnerable
      population.

PMID- 22091964
TI  - Identification of genomic deletions spanning the PCDH19 gene in two unrelated
      girls with intellectual disability and seizures.
AB  - Recently, missense and truncating mutations in the gene PCDH19 have been reported
      to cause female-restricted epilepsy with mental retardation (EFMR). EFMR
      (MIM#300088) is an X-linked disorder characterized by early onset seizures and
      intellectual disability (ID). Interestingly, unlike typical X-linked mode of
      inheritance, the phenotype is restricted to females, and males are unaffected
      carriers. PCDH19 is highly expressed in brain, and the encoded protein belongs to
      the cadherin superfamily. Here we report two unrelated female patients with
      deletions spanning PCDH19 identified by copy number variation (CNV) analysis and
      validated by qPCR. In one, we have identified a 3 Mb interstitial deletion at
      Xq21.33-q22.1 which spans PCDH19, LOC442459 & TNMD. This patient had her first
      seizure at 8 months old, and also has ID and aggressive behavior. In another
      female patient we identified a de novo 603 kb heterozygous deletion in a female
      patient with fits (since 1 year of age), ID, hyperactivity and aggressive
      behavior. The deletion spans the entire PCDH19 gene (also TNMD, SRPX2, TSPAN6 and
      SYTL4). In conclusion, our results suggest that deletions at PCDH19 also cause
      EFMR.

PMID- 22091965
TI  - Streptomyces as symbionts: an emerging and widespread theme?
AB  - Streptomyces bacteria are ubiquitous in soil, conferring the characteristic
      earthy smell, and they have an important ecological role in the turnover of
      organic material. More recently, a new picture has begun to emerge in which
      streptomycetes are not in all cases simply free-living soil bacteria but have
      also evolved to live in symbiosis with plants, fungi and animals. Furthermore,
      much of the chemical diversity of secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces
      species has most likely evolved as a direct result of their interactions with
      other organisms. Here we review what is currently known about the role of
      streptomycetes as symbionts with fungi, plants and animals. These interactions
      can be parasitic, as is the case for scab-causing streptomycetes, which infect
      plants, and the Streptomyces species Streptomyces somaliensis and Streptomyces
      sudanensis that infect humans. However, in most cases they are beneficial and
      growth promoting, as is the case with many insects, plants and marine animals
      that use streptomycete-produced antibiotics to protect themselves against
      infection. This is an exciting and newly emerging field of research that will
      become increasingly important as the search for new antibiotics switches to
      unusual and under-explored environments.

PMID- 22091966
TI  - Thoracic kyphosis associated with hemivertebra.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on
      kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS:
      French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive
      spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra. METHODS: Thoracic spinal
      radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs
      with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with
      hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral
      column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each
      group. RESULTS: Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3
      groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001)
      different between groups 1 (178 degrees ) and 2 (169 degrees ), and group 3 (133
      degrees ). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P <
      .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3). CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral
      canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic
      hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and
      kyphosis and subluxation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vertebral realignment without
      vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected
      by thoracic hemivertebra.

PMID- 22091967
TI  - Myosin regulatory light chain mutation found in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
      patients increases isometric force production in transgenic mice.
AB  - FHC (familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is a heritable form of cardiac
      hypertrophy caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. The
      present study focuses on the A13T mutation in the human ventricular myosin RLC
      (regulatory light chain) that is associated with a rare FHC variant defined by
      mid-ventricular obstruction and septal hypertrophy. We generated heart-specific
      Tg (transgenic) mice with ~10% of human A13T-RLC mutant replacing the endogenous
      mouse cardiac RLC. Histopathological examinations of longitudinal heart sections
      from Tg-A13T mice showed enlarged interventricular septa and profound fibrotic
      lesions compared with Tg-WT (wild-type), expressing the human ventricular RLC, or
      non-Tg mice. Functional studies revealed an abnormal A13T mutation-induced
      increase in isometric force production, no change in the force-pCa relationship
      and a decreased Vmax of the acto-myosin ATPase. In addition, a fluorescence-based
      assay showed a 3-fold lower binding affinity of the recombinant A13T mutant for
      the RLC-depleted porcine myosin compared with WT-RLC. These results suggest that
      the A13T mutation triggers a hypertrophic response through changes in cardiac
      sarcomere organization and myosin cross-bridge function leading to abnormal
      remodelling of the heart. The significant functional changes observed, despite a
      low level of A13T mutant incorporation into myofilaments, suggest a 'poison
      peptide' mechanism of disease.

PMID- 22091968
TI  - Surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticulate formulation for ifosfamide:
      development and characterization.
AB  - AIMS: The present research focuses on the development of the surface modified
      solid lipid nanoparticulate (SLN) system for enhancing the stability and
      sustaining the release of a model hydrophilic drug ifosfamide. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: SLNs consisting of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and chitosan were prepared
      by double emulsion technique, crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate, followed
      by lyophilization under two different vacuum conditions. The physicochemical
      characterization of SLNs included evaluation of surface morphology, particle size
      and surface charge, moisture content and physical state of the drug in the
      delivery system. The in vitro drug release and the stability were evaluated using
      high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass
      spectrometry, respectively. Cellular permeability and subcellular localization
      studies were performed using Caco-2 cells. RESULTS: Different chamber pressures
      during lyophilization produced SLNs with different morphologies and moisture
      contents. SLNs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, sustained release, and
      enhanced stability of ifosfamide with a high cellular uptake and permeability for
      Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSION: GMO and chitosan SLNs could be successfully used for
      enhancing the stability, sustaining the release, enhancing the targeting and
      permeability characteristics of ifosfamide.

PMID- 22091969
TI  - Development of big five domains and facets in adulthood: mean-level age trends
      and broadly versus narrowly acting mechanisms.
AB  - Data from a cross-sectional sample (N = 601 men and women) and a longitudinal
      sample (N = 125 women) were used to test hypotheses about the development of Big
      Five domains and facets from early adulthood through middle age. Analyses of mean
      level age trends indicated that overall Agreeableness and Conscientiousness
      increased with age and that several facets showed distinctive trends that
      replicated across the samples. Cross-sectional analyses of trait
      intercorrelations and covariances indicated that interrelations between the Big
      Five domains, and between their more specific facets, were quite similar at older
      versus younger ages. Finally, longitudinal analyses of individual-level changes
      indicated that (a) different people's personalities changed in markedly different
      ways; (b) these changes were predominantly independent, rather than correlated,
      across Big Five domains; and (c) the pattern of change correlations between Big
      Five facets could be explained by the facets' interrelations at the first
      assessment time. Taken together, these results suggest that a complete
      understanding of personality development requires consideration of facet-level
      traits and that adult personality development is predominantly influenced by
      narrowly acting mechanisms that each affect a single Big Five domain, or a small
      cluster of related facets, rather than by broadly acting mechanisms that
      simultaneously affect previously independent traits.

PMID- 22091970
TI  - Application of a novel automatic disintegration apparatus for the development and
      evaluation of a direct compression rapidly disintegrating tablet.
AB  - An automatic disintegration tester was developed and used to explore
      disintegration mechanism and times of rapidly disintegrating tablets. DT50, the
      time required for a tablet to decrease in its thickness by half, allowed an
      unbiased determination of disintegration time. Calcium silicate concentration,
      Explotab(r) concentration, DiPac(r)/Xylitab(r) ratio as fillers, and compression
      pressure were evaluated using a central composite model design analysis for their
      DT50, tensile strength, and friability. Tablets that could reasonably be handled
      (friability <10%) could be produced. The expansion coefficient (n) and the
      exponential rate constant (k) for disintegrating tablets, originally measured by
      Caramella et al. using force kinetics, could be determined from axial
      displacement data measured directly without the need to assume that
      disintegration force generation was indicative of changes in tablet volume. The n
      values of tablets containing calcium silicate, Ditab(r) and/or Xylitab(r),
      magnesium stearate, and Explotab(r) suggested that the amount of Explotab(r) was
      not a significant factor in determining the disintegration mechanism; however,
      the type of disintegrant used did alter the n value. Primojel(r) and Explotab(r),
      which are in the same class of disintegrants, exhibited similar DT50, n, and k.
      Polyplasdone(r) XL exhibited a much higher n, while yielding faster DT50,
      suggesting that its performance is more dependent on facilitating the interfacial
      separation of particles. AcDiSol(r) showed no apparent moisture sensitivity in
      regards to disintegration efficiency. The use of the novel apparatus proved to be
      useful in measuring disintegration efficiency of rapidly disintegrating tablets
      and in providing valuable information on the disintegration phenomena.

PMID- 22091971
TI  - Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin have significant association with
      metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between sex hormones and metabolic
      syndrome (MS) in an Asian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted in 237 men aged 20-88 years (mean age 52 years). Serum lipids, glucose,
      insulin, total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin
      (SHBG), and dehydroepiandosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured along with body
      height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Free testosterone (FT)
      and bioavailable testosterone (BT) were calculated. Correlations were determined
      using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Men with MS had
      lower levels of TT, BT, FT, SHBG and DHEA-S than men without MS. Multivariate
      analysis, after adjusting for age and smoking status, indicated that TT (OR:
      0.909, 95% CI: 0.836-0.988, p = 0.003) and SHBG (OR: 0.948, 95% CI: 0.913-0.985,
      p = 0.006) were significantly associated with MS (R(2) = 0.314). TT was
      associated with waist circumference (p = 0.008) and abnormal triglycerides level
      (p = 0.006); SHBG was associated with blood pressure (p = 0.003), blood glucose
      (p = 0.043) and abnormal triglycerides (p = 0.048). A significant trend was
      observed between decreasing levels of TT, BT, FT, and SHBG and increasing numbers
      of MS components. CONCLUSION: Results show that serum testosterone and SHBG
      levels inversely correlate with MS in an Asian population applying the Asian MS
      definition.

PMID- 22091972
TI  - Comparison of computed tomography and myelography to a reference standard of
      computed tomographic myelography for evaluation of dogs with intervertebral disc
      disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) and myelography
      to a reference standard of CT myelography for determining localization of Type I
      intervertebral disc extrusions in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded
      comparative study. ANIMALS: Dogs with acute onset myelopathy because of suspected
      disc extrusions (n = 30). METHODS: Dogs had CT, myelography, and CT myelography
      to diagnose disc extrusions. Sensitivity of CT and myelography was compared to CT
      myelography for lateral, longitudinal, and combined localization. Confidence in
      the assessment of each imaging study was scored by 3 reviewers. RESULTS:
      Sensitivity of CT for lateral, longitudinal, and combined localization was 94%,
      91%, and 81%, respectively, and was 64%, 74%, and 53%, respectively for
      myelography. Sensitivity of all 3 categories of localization was significantly
      different between modalities (P < .0001, P = .0031, P < .0001). Significant
      differences in the sensitivity of lateral and combined localization were found
      between confidence scores for myelography (P < .0001, P < .0001). Significant
      differences in the sensitivity of lateral, longitudinal, and combined
      localization were found between confidence scores for CT (P = .011, P = .013, P =
      .027). Poor sensitivity was obtained for both modalities except when imaging
      studies were assigned the highest confidence score. CONCLUSIONS: CT is a more
      sensitive imaging technique than myelography for localizing disc extrusions when
      compared to a reference standard of CT myelography. Both modalities yielded high
      sensitivity with the highest confidence score and poor sensitivity for all other
      confidence scores.

PMID- 22091973
TI  - Synthesis of azines in solid state: reactivity of solid hydrazine with aldehydes
      and ketones.
AB  - Highly conjugated azines were prepared by solid state grinding of solid hydrazine
      and carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes and ketones, using a mortar and a
      pestle. Complete conversion to the azine product is generally achieved at room
      temperature within 24 h, without using solvents or additives. The solid-state
      reactions afford azines as the sole products with greater than 97% yield,
      producing only water and carbon dioxide as waste.

PMID- 22091974
TI  - Reciprocal relationships between resource loss and psychological distress
      following exposure to political violence: an empirical investigation of COR
      theory's loss spirals.
AB  - We conducted a four-wave prospective study of Palestinian adults living in the
      West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, interviewed between 2007 and 2009 at 6
      month interval to explore transactional relationships between resource loss
      (i.e., intra and interpersonal resource loss) and psychological distress (i.e.,
      posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms). Initially, 1196
      Palestinians completed the first wave interview and 752 of these participants
      completed all four interviews. A cross-lagged panel design was constructed to
      model the effects of trauma exposure on both resource loss and psychological
      distress and the subsequent reciprocal effects of resource loss and psychological
      distress across four time waves. Specifically, resource loss was modeled to
      predict distress, which in turn was expected to predict further resource loss.
      Structural equation modeling was used to test this design. We found that
      psychological distress significantly predicts resource loss across shorter, 6
      month time waves, but that resource loss predicts distress across longer, 12
      month intervals. These findings support the Conservation of Resources theory's
      corollary of loss spirals.

PMID- 22091975
TI  - Where did the ventricles go?

PMID- 22091976
TI  - Ethnic/race differences in the attrition of older American survey respondents:
      implications for health-related research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare models of attrition across race/ethnic groups of aging
      populations and discuss implications for health-related research. DATA SOURCES:
      The Health and Retirement Study (1992-2008). STUDY DESIGN: A competing risks
      model was estimated using a multinomial logit model when respondents faced
      competing types of risks, such as dying, being lost from the study, and
      nonresponse in some years for different groups of elderly. Key explanatory
      variables were foreign birth, health insurance, and health status. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Variables describing foreign birth, health insurance, and health status
      differed in their prediction of attrition across ethnic groups of aging
      populations. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the predictors of attrition across
      ethnic groups of elderly could potentially lead to biased estimates in health
      related research using longitudinal data sources.

PMID- 22091977
TI  - Direct 1270 nm irradiation as an alternative to photosensitized generation of
      singlet oxygen to induce cell death.
AB  - This article is a highlight of the paper by Anquez et al. in this issue of
      Photochemistry and Photobiology and describes the potential benefits of direct
      excitation of molecular oxygen to produce singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) rather than
      using a photosensitizer. Due to its simplicity, the direct excitation of
      molecular oxygen can potentially overcome problems associated with systemic
      administration of dyes, such as skin photosensitivity and the clearance of free
      sensitizer from the body. However, concerns associated with the technique include
      indiscriminate generation of extracellular and intracellular (1)O(2), the
      difficulty of controlling necrotic vs apoptotic cell death and the possible
      consequences of thermal effects.

PMID- 22091978
TI  - Different mental rotation strategies reflected in the rotation related
      negativity.
AB  - In a mental rotation task of objects, typically, reaction time (RT) increases and
      the rotation related negativity (RRN) increases in amplitude with increasing
      angles of rotation. However, in a mental rotation task of hands, different RT
      profiles can be observed for outward and inward rotated hands. In the present
      study, we examined the neurophysiological correlates of these asymmetries in the
      RT profiles. We used a mental rotation task with stimuli of left and right hands.
      In line with previous studies, the behavioral results showed a linear increase in
      RT for outward rotations, but not for inward rotations as a function of angular
      disparity. Importantly, the ERP results revealed an RRN for outward rotated
      stimuli, but not for inward rotated stimuli. This is the first study to show that
      the behaviorally observed differences in a mental rotation task of hands is also
      reflected at the neurophysiological level.

PMID- 22091979
TI  - Metabolic cost of daily activities and effect of mobility impairment in older
      adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare metabolic equivalent (MET) values of common daily tasks in
      men and women aged 70 and older with normative criteria and to determine the
      effect of having mobility impairments. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational
      study. SETTING: University-based research clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five
      participants aged 70 to 90 (mean 76.3 +/- 5.1) volunteered to complete 17 daily
      activities, each lasting 10 minutes. MEASUREMENTS: Oxygen consumption (VO(2) =
      mL/kg per minute) was measured through a mask using a portable gas analyzer, and
      MET values were calculated as measured VO(2) /3.5 mL/kg per minute. Values were
      compared with normative values and between participants with and without mobility
      impairments. RESULTS: Measured METs were different from the established normative
      criteria in 14 of 17 tasks performed. Normative values underestimated walking
      leisurely (0.87 +/- 0.12 METs) walking briskly (0.87 +/- 0.12 METs), and making
      beds (1.07 +/- 0.10 METs) but overestimated gardening (1.46 +/- 0.12 METs) and
      climbing stairs (0.73 +/- 0.18). Participants with impairments had significantly
      lower METs while gardening, vacuuming or sweeping, stair climbing, and walking
      briskly, although when METs were adjusted for performance speed, the metabolic
      costs were 16% to 27% higher for those with mobility impairments. CONCLUSION:
      Metabolic costs of daily activities are substantially different from normative
      values in older adults, and having mobility impairments increases this metabolic
      cost. These results may have implications for practitioners to appropriately
      prescribe daily physical activities for healthy and mobility-impaired older
      adults.

PMID- 22091980
TI  - How effective are short message service reminders at increasing clinic
      attendance? A meta-analysis and systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the last few years there has been a steady uptake
      of mobile phone short message service (SMS) reminders to increase medical
      attendance rates. We undertook a review of studies that assessed the
      effectiveness of SMS reminders at increasing the uptake of appointments in health
      care settings. METHODS: We reviewed studies which involved a comparison of
      appointment attendance rates between patients who did and did not receive SMS
      reminders published prior to June 2010. We used meta-analysis methods to
      calculate the overall effect on attendance rates, stratified by study design and
      clinic type. RESULTS: The review criteria were met by 18 reports, made up of
      eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 controlled observational
      studies. Across all studies, there was significant heterogeneity in the estimated
      effect measure of the relationship between use of SMS reminders and clinic
      attendance (I(2)  = 90 percent; p < .01), so a summary effect estimate was not
      calculated. Stratification by study design showed that the heterogeneity was due
      to the observational studies. The summary effect from the RCTs was 1.48 (95% CI:
      1.23-1.72) with no significant subgroup differences by clinic type (primary care
      clinics, hospital outpatient clinics), message timing (24, 48, and 72+ hours
      before the scheduled appointment), and target age group (pediatric, older).
      CONCLUSIONS: Short message service reminders in health care settings
      substantially increase the likelihood of attending clinic appointments. SMS
      reminders appear to be a simple and efficient option for health services to use
      to improve service delivery, as well as resulting in health benefits for the
      patients who receive the reminders.

PMID- 22091984
TI  - Electron-transfer studies with a new flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent
      glucose dehydrogenase and osmium polymers of different redox potentials.
AB  - A new extracellular flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent glucose
      dehydrogenase from Glomerella cingulata (GcGDH) was electrochemically studied as
      a recognition element in glucose biosensors. The redox enzyme was recombinantly
      produced in Pichia pastoris and homogeneously purified, and its glucose-oxidizing
      properties on spectrographic graphite electrodes were investigated. Six different
      Os polymers, the redox potentials of which ranged in a broad potential window
      between +15 and +489 mV versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE), were used to
      immobilize and "wire" GcGDH to the spectrographic graphite electrode's surface.
      The GcGDH/Os polymer modified electrodes were evaluated by chronoamperometry
      using flow injection analysis. The current response was investigated using a
      stepwisely increased applied potential. It was observed that the ratio of
      GcGDH/Os polymer and the overall loading of the enzyme electrode significantly
      affect the performance of the enzyme electrode for glucose oxidation. The best
      suited Os polymer [Os(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(2)(PVI)Cl](+) had a
      potential of +309 mV versus NHE, and the optimum GcGDH/Os polymer ratio was 1:2
      yielding a maximum current density of 493 MUA.cm(-2) at a 30 mM glucose
      concentration.

PMID- 22091985
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of (smif)2M(n) (n = 0, M = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni,
      Ru; n = +1, M = Cr, Mn, Co, Rh, Ir; smif =1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azaallyl).
AB  - A series of Werner complexes featuring the tridentate ligand smif, that is, 1,3
      di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azaallyl, have been prepared. Syntheses of (smif)(2)M (1-M; M =
      Cr, Fe) were accomplished via treatment of M(NSiMe(3))(2)(THF)(n) (M = Cr, n = 2;
      Fe, n = 1) with 2 equiv of (smif)H (1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azapropene); ortho
      methylated ((o)Mesmif)(2)Fe (2-Fe) and ((o)Me(2)smif)(2)Fe (3-Fe) were similarly
      prepared. Metatheses of MX(2) variants with 2 equiv of Li(smif) or Na(smif)
      generated 1-M (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Ru). Metathesis of VCl(3)(THF)(3) with
      2 Li(smif) with a reducing equiv of Na/Hg present afforded 1-V, while 2 Na(smif)
      and IrCl(3)(THF)(3) in the presence of NaBPh(4) gave [(smif)(2)Ir]BPh(4) (1(+)
      Ir). Electrochemical experiments led to the oxidation of 1-M (M = Cr, Mn, Co) by
      AgOTf to produce [(smif)(2)M]OTf (1(+)-M), and treatment of Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)
      with 4 equiv Na(smif) and 2 AgOTf gave 1(+)-Rh. Characterizations by NMR, EPR,
      and UV-vis spectroscopies, SQUID magnetometry, X-ray crystallography, and DFT
      calculations are presented. Intraligand (IL) transitions derived from promotion
      of electrons from the unique CNC(nb) (nonbonding) orbitals of the smif backbone
      to ligand pi*-type orbitals are intense (epsilon ~ 10,000-60,000 M(-1)cm(-1)),
      dominate the UV-visible spectra, and give crystals a metallic-looking appearance.
      High energy K-edge spectroscopy was used to show that the smif in 1-Cr is redox
      noninnocent, and its electron configuration is best described as (smif(-))(smif(2
      ))Cr(III); an unusual S = 1 EPR spectrum (X-band) was obtained for 1-Cr.

PMID- 22091986
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia in adult cardiac arrest because of drowning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia in adult victims who suffer cardiac arrest
      following drowning has been applied in only a small number of cases. In the last
      4 years, we have employed therapeutic hypothermia to decrease hypoxia-induced
      brain injury in these patients. The purpose of the present study was to report
      the results of the treatment of these patients. METHODS: This study investigated
      the utilisation of therapeutic hypothermia on consecutive patients with cardiac
      arrest because of drowning between 2005 and 2008. The study was conducted
      retrospectively, collecting data by reviewing medical records. Hypothermia, with
      a target temperature of 32-34 degrees C, was induced for 24 h. Neurological
      outcomes were classified using the cerebral performance categories (CPCs). The
      primary outcome was neurological function at discharge. RESULTS: Twenty patients
      were treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Four patients (20%) exhibited a
      favourable neurological outcome (CPC 1-2). Two patients (10%) remained in a
      vegetative state at discharge (CPC 4), and 14 patients (70%) died (CPC 5). The
      most common complications during therapeutic hypothermia were pancreatitis and
      rhabdomyolysis. A longer duration of advanced cardiac life support (P = 0.035),
      an absence of motor response to pain after 3 days (P = 0.003), an abnormal brain
      imaging (P = 0.005) and a lack of cortical response to somatosensory evoked
      potential (P = 0.008) were related to an unfavourable outcome (CPC 3-5).
      CONCLUSION: The present study did not demonstrate an advantage of therapeutic
      hypothermia in adult cardiac arrest after drowning compared with previous studies
      treated with conventional therapy. Further prospective studies are needed to
      evaluate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia.

PMID- 22091987
TI  - The association between work stress and inflammatory biomarkers in Jordanian male
      workers.
AB  - The study aimed to establish the association of work stress, expressed as effort
      reward imbalance (ERI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 152 healthy Jordanian
      male employees. Self-report work stress, anthropometric data, and blood for CRP
      analysis were collected. A significant correlation between ERI and CRP (r = 0.29,
      p < .01), and between waist circumference with CRP (r = 0.44, p < .01) was found.
      Central obesity explained most of the variance in CRP after controlling for
      various covariates, and ERI was not a significant predictor of CRP (DeltaR2  =
      0.02; beta = 0.15, p = .052). However, when only the centrally obese group was
      considered, ERI accounted for 5.0% of the variability in the CRP (beta = 0.24, p
      < .05). Results of this study confirm previous findings that obesity is
      significantly associated with CRP, and support the notion that higher ERI amongst
      obese workers is one small but significant predictor of increased levels of CRP.

PMID- 22091988
TI  - Enantiomeric interactions between liquid crystals and organized monolayers of
      tyrosine-containing dipeptides.
AB  - We have examined the orientational ordering of nematic liquid crystals (LCs)
      supported on organized monolayers of dipeptides with the goal of understanding
      how peptide-based interfaces encode intermolecular interactions that are
      amplified into supramolecular ordering. By characterizing the orientations of
      nematic LCs (4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl and TL205 (a mixture of mesogens
      containing cyclohexane-fluorinated biphenyls and fluorinated terphenyls)) on
      monolayers of l-cysteine-l-tyrosine, l-cysteine-l-phenylalanine, or l-cysteine-l
      phosphotyrosine formed on crystallographically textured films of gold, we
      conclude that patterns of hydrogen bonds generated by the organized monolayers of
      dipeptides are transduced via macroscopic orientational ordering of the LCs. This
      conclusion is supported by the observation that the ordering exhibited by the
      achiral LCs is specific to the enantiomers used to form the dipeptide-based
      monolayers. The dominant role of the -OH group of tyrosine in dictating the
      patterns of hydrogen bonds that orient the LCs was also evidenced by the effects
      of phosphorylation of the tyrosine on the ordering of the LCs. Overall, these
      results reveal that crystallographic texturing of gold films can direct the
      formation of monolayers of dipeptides with long-range order, thus unmasking the
      influence of hydrogen bonding, chirality, and phosphorylation on the macroscopic
      orientational ordering of LCs supported on these surfaces. These results suggest
      new approaches based on supramolecular assembly for reporting the chemical
      functionality and stereochemistry of synthetic and biological peptide-based
      molecules displayed at surfaces.

PMID- 22091989
TI  - Binding of inositol stereoisomers to model amyloidogenic peptides.
AB  - The self-aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils is a pathological hallmark
      of numerous incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. scyllo-Inositol is a
      stereochemistry-dependent in vitro inhibitor of amyloid formation. As the first
      step to elucidate its mechanism of action, we present molecular dynamics
      simulations of scyllo-inositol and its inactive stereoisomer, chiro-inositol,
      with simple peptide models, alanine dipeptide (ADP) and (Gly-Ala)(4). We
      characterize molecular interactions and compute equilibrium binding constants
      between inositol and ADP as well as, successively, monomers, amorphous
      aggregates, and fibril-like beta-sheet aggregates of (Gly-Ala)(4). Inositol
      interacts weakly with all peptide systems considered, with millimolar to molar
      affinities, and displaces the conformational equilibria of ADP but not of the
      (Gly-Ala)(4) systems. However, scyllo- and chiro-inositol adopt different binding
      modes on the surface of beta-sheet aggregates. These results suggest that
      inositol does not inhibit amyloid formation by breaking up preformed aggregates
      but rather by binding to the surface of prefibrillar aggregates.

PMID- 22091990
TI  - No role of homologous recombination in dealing with beta-lapachone cytotoxicity
      in yeast.
AB  - beta-Lapachone (beta-lap) is a promising antitumoral agent. DNA base oxidation
      and alkylation are among the expected damages by beta-lap. Herein, we have
      explored the role that the homologous recombination pathway (HR), a critical DNA
      repair process in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has in the cytotoxic profile of beta
      lap. We have further compared beta-lap to the closely related compound menadione
      and the well-known alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Surprisingly,
      we found that beta-lap does not trigger HR, as seen for (i) the mutant
      sensitivity profiles, (ii) concentration-dependent arrest profiles, (iii) absence
      of nuclear DNA repair factories, and (iv) frequency of recombination between
      direct repeats.

PMID- 22091992
TI  - Language concordance and patient-physician communication regarding mental health
      needs.
AB  - Language-related communication barriers between minority patients and their
      physicians may contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care.
      Accordingly, the current study sought to examine whether perceived mental health
      needs and discussion of these needs differed as a function of race or ethnicity
      and language concordance in older Latinos and Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs).
      Using the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, the analytical sample included
      Latinos and APIs aged 55 and older (N = 2,960) who reported having seen a primary
      care provider within the past 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression was used
      to examine differences according to race or ethnicity and language concordance
      status (three groups: English-language concordant, other-language concordant,
      language discordant) in perceived mental health needs and discussion of those
      needs with a physician, adjusting for respondents' sociodemographic
      characteristics and mental health status. There were no significant differences
      in respondents' perceptions of their mental health needs across race or ethnicity
      or level of language concordance status (Ps > .41), although there were
      significant differences in whether respondents had discussed their mental health
      needs with their physicians according to participant race or ethnicity and
      language concordance status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.47, P = .04). Specifically,
      Spanish language-concordant Latinos were just as likely to discuss their mental
      health needs with their physicians as English language-concordant Latinos. In
      contrast, Asian language-concordant APIs were less likely to discuss their mental
      health needs with their physicians than English language-concordant APIs. There
      were no significant differences between language-discordant and English language
      concordant older adults in predicting discussion of mental health concerns. These
      findings underscore the importance of overcoming language-related and cultural
      barriers to improve patient-provider discussions of older adults' mental health
      needs.

PMID- 22091993
TI  - Comparison of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
      (NOTES(r)) and laparoscopy for elective bilateral ovariectomy in standing mares.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical trauma, perioperative pain, surgical time, and
      complication rate in mares undergoing standing bilateral ovariectomy by natural
      orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) or laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN:
      Experimental study. ANIMALS: Healthy mares (n = 12). METHODS: Ovariectomy was
      performed with a vessel-sealing device by transvaginal NOTES (n = 6) using a
      flexible endoscope and specialized instruments or by bilateral flank laparoscopy
      (n = 6). Preoperative and postoperative complete blood count (CBC), plasma
      fibrinogen concentration, serum amyloid A concentration, peritoneal nucleated
      cell count, and total protein concentration were compared using repeated measures
      ANOVA. Surgical times were compared using an unpaired t-test. Mares were
      monitored for 2 weeks postoperatively and necropsy was performed at 3 weeks (n =
      6) or 3 months (n = 6) to assess short- and medium-term effects of each
      procedure. Complication rate, necropsy, and bacteriology findings were compared
      using a Fishers exact test. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: All
      surgical procedures were performed successfully and all but one laparoscopy mare
      were bright, alert, and maintained a good appetite until euthanasia. Mean +/- SD
      surgical time was similar between groups (NOTES: 100 +/- 40 minutes; laparoscopy:
      107 +/- 47 minutes). There were no significant temporal differences in vital
      parameters, CBC, plasma fibrinogen concentration, serum amyloid A concentration,
      peritoneal nucleated cell count, and total protein concentration between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral ovariectomy by transvaginal NOTES or laparoscopy resulted
      in minimal inflammation and surgical trauma.

PMID- 22091994
TI  - Seasonalizing mountain system recharge in semi-arid basins-climate change
      impacts.
AB  - Climate variability and change impact groundwater resources by altering recharge
      rates. In semi-arid Basin and Range systems, this impact is likely to be most
      pronounced in mountain system recharge (MSR), a process which constitutes a
      significant component of recharge in these basins. Despite its importance, the
      physical processes that control MSR have not been fully investigated because of
      limited observations and the complexity of recharge processes in mountainous
      catchments. As a result, empirical equations, that provide a basin-wide estimate
      of mean annual recharge using mean annual precipitation, are often used to
      estimate MSR. Here North American Regional Reanalysis data are used to develop
      seasonal recharge estimates using ratios of seasonal (winter vs. summer)
      precipitation to seasonal actual or potential evapotranspiration. These seasonal
      recharge estimates compared favorably to seasonal MSR estimates using the
      fraction of winter vs. summer recharge determined from isotopic data in the Upper
      San Pedro River Basin, Arizona. Development of hydrologically based seasonal
      ratios enhanced seasonal recharge predictions and notably allows evaluation of
      MSR response to changes in seasonal precipitation and temperature because of
      climate variability and change using Global Climate Model (GCM) climate
      projections. Results show that prospective variability in MSR depends on GCM
      precipitation predictions and on higher temperature. Lower seasonal MSR rates
      projected for 2050-2099 are associated with decreases in summer precipitation and
      increases in winter temperature. Uncertainty in seasonal MSR predictions arises
      from the potential evapotranspiration estimation method, the GCM downscaling
      technique and the exclusion of snowmelt processes.

PMID- 22091995
TI  - E-genetics: exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using technology in
      cancer genetics services.
AB  - The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of
      cancer genetics services could improve equality of access in rural areas and help
      meet the increasing demand for specialist genetics services. An online patient
      survey and focus groups with patients and staff from the Cancer Genetics Service
      for Wales (CGSW) were used to explore the acceptability and feasibility of
      utilizing ICTs within genetics services, which we have termed e-genetics. A total
      of 225 patients completed the online survey. Many aspects of e-genetics proposed
      in the survey were highly acceptable to patients, including an electronic version
      of the family history questionnaire, an email facility for cancer genetic
      queries, and a computerized decision-aid. Participants in the focus groups
      emphasized the importance of patient choice when developing new models of service
      delivery. For example, the use of genetic counselling via telemedicine was not
      considered to be preferable to face-to-face clinic appointments but could benefit
      those unable to travel. This article highlights the fact that e-genetics
      initiatives may not be appropriate for all cancer genetics service users.
      However, user-friendly developments that can be easily implemented and attend to
      individual needs could improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, whilst
      providing high-quality services to remote areas.

PMID- 22091996
TI  - To discover or to create: metaphors and the true self.
AB  - Three studies examined how endorsement of self-discovery and self-creation
      metaphors influences belief in the true self and its use as meaning source. It
      was hypothesized that discovery metaphors contribute to belief in the true self
      and bolster the relationship between true self-knowledge and meaning. Study 1
      supported the hypothesis that discovery is positively associated with belief in
      the true self among a sample of college students (N = 311). Studies 2 and 3
      extended the analysis by showing that the discovery metaphor also facilitates
      perceptions of meaning and the use of the true self specifically as a source of
      meaning in a second sample of college students (N = 75) as well as an adult
      sample of university employees (N = 173). Implications for understanding what
      enables the true self to infuse life with meaning, as well as an individual
      differences approach to metaphoric cognition, are discussed.

PMID- 22091997
TI  - Impact of phosphoproteomics on studies of bacterial physiology.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation on serine, threonine and tyrosine is recognized as a
      major tool of signal transduction in bacteria. However, progress in the field has
      been hampered by the lack of global and site-specific data on bacterial
      phosphoproteomes. Recent advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics have
      encouraged bacteriologists to start using powerful gel-free approaches for global
      detection of phosphorylated proteins. These studies have generated large data
      sets of proteins phosphorylated on serine, threonine and tyrosine, with
      identified phosphorylation sites which represent an excellent starting point for
      in-depth physiological characterization of kinases and their substrates. The list
      of phosphorylated proteins inspired a number of physiological studies in which
      the identity of the phosphorylation site facilitated the elucidation of molecular
      mechanisms of signaling and regulation. Bacterial phosphoproteomics also provided
      interesting insights into the evolutionary aspects of protein phosphorylation.
      The field is rapidly embracing quantitative mass spectrometry strategies,
      comparing phosphoproteome dynamics in changing conditions and aiming to
      reconstruct the entire regulatory networks by linking kinases to their
      physiological substrates.

PMID- 22091998
TI  - Oxidation of Met1606 in von Willebrand factor is a risk factor for thrombotic and
      septic complications in chronic renal failure.
AB  - CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a life-threatening pathology, often requiring HD
      (haemodialysis) and characterized by high OS (oxidative stress), inflammation and
      perturbation of vascular endothelium. HD patients have increased levels of vWF
      (von Willebrand factor), a large protein (~240 kDa) released as UL-vWF (ultra
      large-vWF polymers, molecular mass ~20000-50000 kDa) from vascular endothelial
      cells and megakaryocytes, and responsible for the initiation of primary
      haemostasis. The pro-haemostatic potential of vWF increases with its length,
      which is proteolytically regulated by ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and
      metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 13), a zinc-protease cleaving vWF at
      the single Tyr1605-Met1606 bond, and by LSPs (leucocyte serine proteases),
      released by activated PMNs (polymorphonuclear cells) during bacterial infections.
      Previous studies have shown that in vitro oxidation of Met1606 hinders vWF
      cleavage by ADAMTS-13, resulting in the accumulation of UL-vWF that are not only
      more pro-thrombotic than shorter vWF oligomers, but also more efficient in
      binding to bacterial adhesins during sepsis. Notably, HD patients have increased
      risk of developing dramatic cardiovascular and septic complications, whose
      underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, we first
      purified vWF from HD patients and then chemically characterized its oxidative
      state. Interestingly, HD-vWF contains high carbonyl levels and increased
      proportion of UL-vWF polymers that are also more resistant to ADAMTS-13. Using
      TMS (targeted MS) techniques, we estimated that HD-vWF contains >10% of Met1606
      in the sulfoxide form. We conclude that oxidation of Met1606, impairing ADAMTS-13
      cleavage, results in the accumulation of UL-vWF polymers, which recruit and
      activate platelets more efficiently and bind more tightly to bacterial adhesins,
      thus contributing to the development of thrombotic and septic complications in
      CKD.

PMID- 22091999
TI  - Identification of two novel coccidian species shed by California sea lions
      (Zalophus californianus).
AB  - Routine fecal examination revealed novel coccidian oocysts in asymptomatic
      California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in a rehabilitation facility.
      Coccidian oocysts were observed in fecal samples collected from 15 of 410
      California sea lions admitted to The Marine Mammal Center between April 2007 and
      October 2009. Phylogenetic analysis using the full ITS-1 region, partial small
      subunit 18S rDNA sequence, and the Apicomplexa rpoB region identified 2 distinct
      sequence clades, referred to as Coccidia A and Coccidia B, and placed them in the
      Sarcocystidae, grouped with the tissue-cyst-forming coccidia. Both sequence
      clades resolved as individual taxa at ITS-1 and rpoB and were most closely
      related to Neospora caninum. Coccidia A was identified in 11 and Coccidia B in 4
      of 12 sea lion oocyst samples successfully sequenced (3 of those sea lions were
      co-infected with both parasites). Shedding of Coccidia A oocysts was not
      associated with age class, sex, or stranding location, but yearlings represented
      the majority of shedders (8/15). This is the first study to use molecular
      phylogenetics to identify and describe coccidian parasites shed by a marine
      mammal.

PMID- 22092000
TI  - Enantioselective bromocyclization of olefins catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid.
AB  - A chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed enantioselective bromocyclization of olefins
      is described. Various cis-, trans-, or trisubstituted gamma-hydroxy-alkenes and
      gamma-amino-alkenes can cyclize under the reaction conditions to give optically
      active 2-substituted tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrroles in up to 91% ee.

PMID- 22092002
TI  - Insulin pump therapy for pregnancy: a primer.
AB  - Current knowledge and advances in insulin formulations, insulin pump technology,
      and blood glucose monitoring techniques have improved practitioners' ability to
      achieve diabetic people's blood glucose targets. Practitioners and pregnant women
      should bear in mind that important differences exist in glucose metabolism during
      pregnancy and require a different approach from non-pregnant people to avoid
      pregnant women's experience being adversely affected. Insulin pump therapy, if
      used skillfully by practitioners and their pregnant patients, can be especially
      beneficial for some diabetic women during their pregnancies. Women's healthcare
      practitioners should endeavor to be familiar with this therapy, even if they are
      not experts in its full complexity.

PMID- 22092001
TI  - Molecular heterogeneity in the choroid plexus epithelium: the 22-member gamma
      protocadherin family is differentially expressed, apically localized, and
      implicated in CSF regulation.
AB  - The choroid plexus (CP) epithelium develops from the ependyma that lines the
      ventricular system, and plays a critical role in the development and function of
      the brain. In addition to being the primary site of CSF production, the CP
      maintains the blood-CSF barrier via apical tight junctions between epithelial
      cells. Here we show that the 22-member gamma-protocadherin (gamma-Pcdh) family of
      cell adhesion molecules, which we have implicated previously in synaptogenesis
      and neuronal survival, is highly expressed by both CP epithelial and ependymal
      cells, in which gamma-Pcdh protein localization is, surprisingly, tightly
      restricted to the apical membrane. Multi-label immunostaining demonstrates that
      gamma-Pcdhs are excluded from tight junctions, basolateral adherens junctions,
      and apical cilia tufts. RT-PCR analysis indicates that, as a whole, the CP
      expresses most members of the Pcdh-gamma gene family. Immunostaining using novel
      monoclonal antibodies specific for single gamma-Pcdh proteins shows that
      individual epithelial cells differ in their apically localized gamma-Pcdh
      repertoire. Restricted mutation of the Pcdh-gamma locus in the choroid plexus and
      ependyma leads to significant reductions in ventricular volume, without obvious
      disruptions of epithelial apical-basal polarity. Together, these results suggest
      an unsuspected role for the gamma-Pcdhs in CSF production and demonstrate a
      surprising molecular heterogeneity in the CP epithelium.

PMID- 22092003
TI  - From goal motivation to goal progress: the mediating role of coping in the Self
      Concordance Model.
AB  - The present studies examined the mediating role of self-regulatory mechanisms in
      the relationship between goal motivation and goal progress in the Self
      Concordance Model. First, a systematic review, using meta-analytical path
      analysis, supported the mediating role of effort and action planning in the
      positive association between autonomous goal motivation and goal progress.
      Second, results from two additional empirical studies, using structural equation
      modeling, lent credence to the mediating role of coping in the relationship
      between goal motivation and goal progress of university students. Autonomous goal
      motivation was positively associated with task-oriented coping, which predicted
      greater goal progress during midterm exams (Study 1, N=702) and at the end of the
      semester in a different sample (Study 2, N=167). Controlled goal motivation was
      associated with greater disengagement-oriented coping (Study 1 and Study 2) and
      lesser use of task-oriented coping (Study 2), which reduced goal progress. These
      results held up after controlling for perceived stress (Study 2). Our findings
      highlight the importance of coping in the "inception-to-attainment" goal process
      because autonomous goal motivation indirectly rather than directly predicts goal
      progress of university students through their usage of task-oriented coping.

PMID- 22092004
TI  - Health care reform in the former Soviet Union: beyond the transition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess accessibility and affordability of health care in eight
      countries of the former Soviet Union. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Primary data
      collection conducted in 2010 in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia,
      Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional household
      survey using multistage stratified random sampling. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION
      METHODS: Data were collected using standardized questionnaires with subjects aged
      18+ on demographic, socioeconomic, and health care access characteristics.
      Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were used. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Almost half of respondents who had a health problem in the previous month which
      they viewed as needing care had not sought care. Respondents significantly less
      likely to seek care included those living in Armenia, Georgia, or Ukraine, in
      rural areas, aged 35-49, with a poor household economic situation, and high
      alcohol consumption. Cost was most often cited as the reason for not seeking
      health care. Most respondents who did obtain care made out-of-pocket payments,
      with median amounts varying from $13 in Belarus to $100 in Azerbaijan.
      CONCLUSIONS: Access to health care and within-country inequalities appear to have
      improved over the past decade. However, considerable problems remain, including
      out-of-pocket payments and unaffordability despite efforts to improve financial
      protection.

PMID- 22092005
TI  - Pharmacokinetic analysis and optimization of hydroxycamptothecin-loaded
      nanoparticles for liver targeting.
AB  - In this paper, a pharmacokinetic model to describe the tissue distribution
      process of nanoparticles was established. To test the possibility of the model,
      nanoparticles composed of poly(butylcyanoacrylate) and hydroxypropyl-beta
      cyclodextrins (HP-beta-CD) was prepared with a poorly soluble anticancer drug,
      hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT). Characteristics were determined including particle's
      size, morphology and in vitro release. The tissue distribution of nanoparticles
      was also studied. Further, mathematical equation was fitted to the curve of drug
      concentration-time in liver of hydroxycamptothecin-loaded nanoparticles and the
      pharmacokinetic parameters of liver were obtained. The effectiveness of
      hydroxycamptothecin-loaded nanoparticles for liver targeting was evaluated. The
      results showed that nanoparticles composed of poly(butylcyanoacrylate) and
      hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (HP-beta-CD) exhibited enhanced liver targeting
      in rats after i.v. injection. More importantly, the pharmacokinetic parameters
      (transport constant from blood to target organ KT, drug release rate from
      nanoparticles Kr and drug elimination constant in target organ Ke) provided some
      quantitative measure of liver distribution and were useful guidelines for
      development of targeted drug delivery systems.

PMID- 22092006
TI  - The effects of marital status on episodic and semantic memory in healthy middle
      aged and old individuals.
AB  - The present study examined the influences of marital status on different episodic
      and semantic memory tasks. A total of 1882 adult men and women participated in a
      longitudinal project (Betula) on memory, health and aging. The participants were
      grouped into two age cohorts, 35-60 and 65-85, and studied over a period of 5
      years. Episodic memory tasks concerned recognition and recall, whereas semantic
      memory tasks concerned knowledge and fluency. The results showed, after
      controlling for education, some diseases, chronological age and leisure activity
      as covariates, that there were significant differences between married and single
      individuals in episodic memory, but not in semantic memory. Married people showed
      significantly better memory performances than singles in both subsystems of
      episodic memory, that is, recall and recognition. Also, the rate of decline in
      episodic memory was significantly larger for singles and widowed than other
      groups over the 5-year time period in both age groups. The findings demonstrate
      that the positive relation found between marriage and health can be extended to
      the relation between marriage and cognitive performance. This effect might be
      explained by the role played by cognitive stimulation in memory and cognition.

PMID- 22092007
TI  - The consistency between treatments provided to nursing facility residents and
      orders on the physician orders for life-sustaining treatment form.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the consistency between treatments provided and Physician
      Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) orders. DESIGN: Retrospective chart
      abstraction. SETTING: Stratified, random sample of 90 nursing facilities in
      Oregon, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred seventy living
      and deceased nursing facility residents aged 65 and older with a minimum 60-day
      stay. MEASUREMENTS: Chart data about POLST form orders and related treatments
      over a 60-day period were abstracted. Decision rules were created to determine
      whether the rationale for each treatment was consistent with POLST orders.
      RESULTS: Most residents (85.2%) had the same POLST form in place during the
      review period. A majority of treatments provided to residents with orders for
      comfort measures only (74.3%) and limited antibiotics (83.3%) were consistent
      with POLST orders because they were primarily comfort focused rather than life
      prolonging, but antibiotics were provided to 32.1% of residents with orders for
      no antibiotics. Overall consistency rates between treatments and POLST orders
      were high for resuscitation (98%), medical interventions (91.1%), and antibiotics
      (92.9%) and modest for feeding tubes (63.6%). In all, POLST orders were
      consistent with treatments provided 94.0% of the time. CONCLUSION: With the
      exception of feeding tubes and antibiotic use in residents with orders for no
      antibiotics, the use of medical treatments was nearly always consistent with
      POLST orders to provide or withhold life-sustaining interventions. The POLST
      program is a useful tool for ensuring that the treatment preferences of nursing
      facility residents are honored.

PMID- 22092008
TI  - Designer drugs: a medicinal chemistry perspective.
AB  - There are numerous medicinal chemistry reports in the literature describing the
      pharmacological properties of thousands of narcotics, stimulants, hallucinogens,
      sedative-hypnotic drugs, cannabinoids, and other psychoactive substances as well
      as synthetic methods for their preparations. This information, while essential
      for the advancement of science, has been used by clandestine chemists to
      manufacture and market an endless variety of analogs of so-called designer drugs.
      In this review, we describe how clandestine chemists used the principles of
      medicinal chemistry to design molecules, referred to as designer drugs, that
      elicit the effects of opioids, amphetamine and analogs, cannabinoids, and
      phencyclidine analogs while circumventing the law.

PMID- 22092009
TI  - The productivity and cost-efficiency of models for involving nurse practitioners
      in primary care: a perspective from queueing analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop simple stylized models for evaluating the productivity and
      cost-efficiencies of different practice models to involve nurse practitioners
      (NPs) in primary care, and in particular to generate insights on what affects the
      performance of these models and how. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY DESIGN: The
      productivity of a practice model is defined as the maximum number of patients
      that can be accounted for by the model under a given timeliness-to-care
      requirement; cost-efficiency is measured by the corresponding annual cost per
      patient in that model. Appropriate queueing analysis is conducted to generate
      formulas and values for these two performance measures. Model parameters for the
      analysis are extracted from the previous literature and survey reports.
      Sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the model performance under
      different scenarios and to verify the robustness of findings. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Employing an NP, whose salary is usually lower than a primary care physician, may
      not be cost-efficient, in particular when the NP's capacity is underutilized.
      Besides provider service rates, workload allocation among providers is one of the
      most important determinants for the cost-efficiency of a practice model involving
      NPs. Capacity pooling among providers could be a helpful strategy to improve
      efficiency in care delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The productivity and cost-efficiency of
      a practice model depend heavily on how providers organize their work and a
      variety of other factors related to the practice environment. Queueing theory
      provides useful tools to take into account these factors in making strategic
      decisions on staffing and panel size selection for a practice model.

PMID- 22092010
TI  - Pyridazine based scorpionate ligand in a copper boratrane compound.
AB  - Reaction of potassium tris(mercapto-tert-butylpyridazinyl)borate K[Tn(tBu)] with
      copper(II) chloride in dichloromethane at room temperature led to the diamagnetic
      copper boratrane compound [Cu{B(Pn(tBu))(3)}Cl] (Pn = pyridazine-3-thionyl) (1)
      under activation of the B-H bond and formation of a Cu-B dative bond. In contrast
      to this, stirring of the same ligand with copper(I) chloride in tetrahydrofuran
      (THF) gave the dimeric compound [Cu{Tn(tBu)}](2) (2) where one copper atom is
      coordinated by two sulfur atoms and one hydrogen atom of one ligand and one
      sulfur of the other ligand. Hereby, no activation of the B-H bond occurred but a
      3-center-2-electron B-H...Cu bond is formed. The reaction of copper(II) chloride
      with K[Tn(tBu)] in water gave the same product 2, but a formal reduction of the
      metal center from Cu(II) to Cu(I) occurred. When adding tricyclohexyl phosphine
      to the reaction mixture of K[Tn(R)] (R = tBu, Me) and copper(I) chloride in MeOH,
      the distorted tetrahedral Cu complexes [Cu{Tn(R)}(PCy(3))] (R = tBu 3, Me 4) were
      formed. Compound 4 is exhibiting an "inverted" kappa(3)-H,S,S, coordination mode.
      The copper boratrane 1 was further investigated by density functional theory
      (DFT) calculations for a better understanding of the M->B interaction involving
      the d(8) electron configuration of Cu.

PMID- 22092011
TI  - Exploring priorities for public health genomics.

PMID- 22092012
TI  - Transcranial Doppler microembolic signals and serum marker evidence of brain
      injury during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI) is associated with new foci of restricted diffusion on
      cerebral magnetic resonance imaging suggestive of cerebral microembolism. The aim
      of the present investigation was to quantify the cerebral embolic load and to
      evaluate during which phase of the TAVI procedure microembolism occurs. We also
      evaluated the association between the cerebral embolic load and post-procedural
      release of S100B, a serological marker of cerebral injury. METHODS: In 21
      patients, we described the extent and intra-procedural distribution of
      microemboli during the TAVI procedure using the transcranial Doppler technique.
      S100B, a marker of astroglial injury, was measured for 24 h after the procedure,
      and the area under the curve (AUC(24h) ) relating S100B to time was calculated.
      RESULTS: During the TAVI procedure, a mean of 282 +/- 169 emboli was detected,
      37% occurred during manipulation of the aortic arch/root/valve by guide wires and
      catheters, 22% occurred immediately after balloon dilatation of the native valve
      and 41% occurred during frame expansion of the valve prosthesis. S100B increased
      in all patients with a peak at 1 h after the procedure and returned to baseline
      after 4 h. There was a positive correlation between the total amount of cerebral
      microemboli and the AUC(24h) for S100B (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). None of the
      patients developed neurological impairment. CONCLUSION: TAVI is associated with a
      substantial amount of cerebral microemboli. The microembolic load correlates to
      the degree of post-procedural release of a marker of cerebral injury.

PMID- 22092013
TI  - Theoretical evaluation of structural models of the S2 state in the oxygen
      evolving complex of Photosystem II: protonation states and magnetic interactions.
AB  - Protonation states of water ligands and oxo bridges are intimately involved in
      tuning the electronic structures and oxidation potentials of the oxygen evolving
      complex (OEC) in Photosystem II, steering the mechanistic pathway, which involves
      at least five redox state intermediates S(n) (n = 0-4) resulting in the oxidation
      of water to molecular oxygen. Although protons are practically invisible in
      protein crystallography, their effects on the electronic structure and magnetic
      properties of metal active sites can be probed using spectroscopy. With the twin
      purpose of aiding the interpretation of the complex electron paramagnetic
      resonance (EPR) spectroscopic data of the OEC and of improving the view of the
      cluster at the atomic level, a complete set of protonation configurations for the
      S(2) state of the OEC were investigated, and their distinctive effects on
      magnetic properties of the cluster were evaluated. The most recent X-ray
      structure of Photosystem II at 1.9 A resolution was used and refined to obtain
      the optimum structure for the Mn(4)O(5)Ca core within the protein pocket.
      Employing this model, a set of 26 structures was constructed that tested various
      protonation scenarios of the water ligands and oxo bridges. Our results suggest
      that one of the two water molecules that are proposed to coordinate the outer Mn
      ion (Mn(A)) of the cluster is deprotonated in the S(2) state, as this leads to
      optimal experimental agreement, reproducing the correct ground state spin
      multiplicity (S = 1/2), spin expectation values, and EXAFS-derived metal-metal
      distances. Deprotonation of Ca(2+)-bound water molecules is strongly disfavored
      in the S(2) state, but dissociation of one of the two water ligands appears to be
      facile. The computed isotropic hyperfine couplings presented here allow
      distinctions between models to be made and call into question the assumption that
      the largest coupling is always attributable to Mn(III). The present results
      impose limits for the total charge and the proton configuration of the OEC in the
      S(2) state, with implications for the cascade of events in the Kok cycle and for
      the water splitting mechanism.

PMID- 22092014
TI  - Determinants of death in the hospital among older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate patient-level determinants of in-hospital death,
      adjusting for patient and regional characteristics. DESIGN: Using multivariable
      regression, the relationship between in-hospital death and participants' social,
      functional, and health characteristics was investigated, controlling for regional
      Hospital Care Intensity Index (HCI) from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.
      SETTING: The Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal nationally
      representative cohort of older adults. PARTICIPANTS: People aged 67 and older who
      died between 2,000 and 2,006 (N = 3,539) were sampled. MEASUREMENTS: In-hospital
      death. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent (n = 1,380) of participants died in the
      hospital (range 34% in Midwest to 45% in Northeast). Nursing home residence,
      functional dependence, and cancer or dementia diagnosis, among other
      characteristics, were associated with lower adjusted odds of in-hospital death.
      Being black or Hispanic, living alone, and having more medical comorbidities were
      associated with greater adjusted odds, as was higher HCI. Sex, education, net
      worth, and completion of an advance directive did not correlate with in-hospital
      death. CONCLUSION: Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and other functional and
      social characteristics are correlates of in-hospital death, even after
      controlling for the role of HCI. Further work must be done to determine whether
      preferences, provider characteristics and practice patterns, or differential
      access to medical and community services drive this difference.

PMID- 22092015
TI  - Contrast of the biological activity of negatively and positively charged
      microwave synthesized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.
AB  - Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that have found use in
      bioimaging, cell tracking, and drug delivery. This article compares the
      cytotoxicity and cellular interactions of positively and negatively charged
      CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs prepared by a microwave method using a murine alveolar
      macrophage-like cell culture model. Keeping the core semiconductor the same, QD
      charge was varied by altering the surface capping molecule; negatively charged
      QDs were formed with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA-QDs) and positively charged QDs
      with thiocholine (THIO-QDs). The size and charge of these two QDs were
      investigated in three types of media (RPMI, RPMI + FBS, and X-VIVO serum-free
      media) relevant for the biological studies. MPA-QDs were found to have negative
      zeta potential in RPMI, RPMI + FBS, and serum-free media and had sizes ranging
      from 8 to 54 nm. THIO-QDs suspended in RPMI alone were <62 nm in size, while
      large aggregates (greater than 1000 nm) formed when these QDs were suspended in
      RPMI + FBS and serum-free media. THIO-QDs retained positive zeta potential in
      RPMI and were found to have a negative zeta potential in RPMI + FBS and nearly
      neutral zeta potential in serum-free media. In a cell culture model, both MPA-QDs
      and THIO-QDs caused comparable levels of apoptosis and necrosis. Both QDs induced
      significant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion only at high
      concentrations (>250 nM). Both types of QDs were internalized via clathrin
      dependent endocytosis. Using real-time, live cell imaging, we found that MPA-QDs
      interact with the cell surface within minutes and progress through the endocytic
      pathway to the lysosomes upon internalization. With the THIO-QDs, the
      internalization process was slower, but the pathways could not be mapped because
      of spectroscopic interference caused by QD aggregates. Finally, MPA-QDs were
      found to associate with cell surface scavenger receptors, while the THIO-QDs did
      not. This study indicates that the surface charge and aggregation characteristics
      of QDs change drastically in biological culture conditions and, in turn,
      influence nanoparticle and cellular interactions.

PMID- 22092017
TI  - The nursing hypothesis: an evolutionary account of emotional modulation of the
      postauricular reflex.
AB  - The postauricular reflex (PAR) is anomalous because it seems to be potentiated
      during positive emotions and inhibited during negative states, unlike eyeblink
      and other components of the startle reflex. Two evolutionary explanations based
      on simian facial emotion expressions were tested. Reflexes were elicited while 47
      young adult volunteers made lip pursing or grimacing poses and viewed neutral,
      intimidating, or appetitive photos. The PAR was enhanced during appetitive
      slides, but only as subjects carried out the lip-pursing maneuver. These results
      support the nursing hypothesis, which assumes that infant mammals instinctively
      retract their pinnae while nursing in order to comfortably position the head.
      Appetitive emotions prime the ear-retraction musculature, even in higher primates
      whose postauricular muscles are vestigial.

PMID- 22092018
TI  - Merged- and separate-band behavior of the C?O stretching band in N,N
      dimethylformamide isotopic liquid mixtures: DMF/DMF-d1, DMF/DMF-d6, and DMF/DMF
      13C?O.
AB  - A combined experimental and theoretical analysis is carried out on the polarized
      (isotropic and anisotropic) Raman spectra in the spectral region of the C?O
      stretching (amide I) band of three isotopic liquid mixtures of N,N
      dimethylformamide (normal/d(1), normal/d(6), and normal/(13)C?O). Two distinct
      types of spectral behavior are found for the isotropic Raman spectra: the
      separate-band behavior (for normal/(13)C?O), where two separate bands (one for
      each species) appear at all concentrations but with significant intensity bias,
      and the merged-band behavior (for normal/d(6)), where only one band appears at a
      frequency between those of the two species and with a band shape noticeably
      different from the simple overlap of their profiles. An intermediate case between
      these two limits is also found (for normal/d(1)). These main spectral features,
      as well as the noncoincidence effect (NCE) observed for all the mixtures and neat
      liquids, are well reproduced by the calculations, meaning that (1) the
      computational procedure (carried out in the time domain) incorporates all the
      important factors that determine the main spectral features, and (2) the band
      merger and the intensity bias are both controlled by the same type of term
      (resonant intermolecular vibrational coupling) of the vibrational Hamiltonian
      that gives rise to the NCE. Based on this result, the one- and two-dimensional
      infrared spectra of the normal/d(1) 1:1 mixture are calculated as theoretical
      predictions. For this purpose, an eigenstate-free method is developed to increase
      the efficiency of the time-domain spectral calculations and to do the
      calculations on a largest possible system. The calculated spectral features are
      compared with those of the polarized Raman spectra and discussed.

PMID- 22092019
TI  - Isolated cardiomyopathy caused by a DMD nonsense mutation in somatic mosaicism:
      genetic normalization in skeletal muscle.
AB  - X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy is a pure cardiac dystrophinopathy phenotype
      mainly caused by DMD mutations that present a specific transcription effect in
      cardiac tissue. We report a 26-year-old male who presented with severe dilated
      cardiomyopathy and high creatine kinase. The patient did not complain of skeletal
      muscle weakness. A muscle biopsy showed mild dystrophic changes and a low
      proportion of dystrophin-negative fibres. A molecular study identified a nonsense
      DMD mutation (p.Arg2098X) in somatic mosaicism. The ratio of mutant versus normal
      allele in blood and skeletal muscle suggests selective pressure against mutant
      muscle cells, a process known as genetic normalization. We hypothesize that this
      process may have mitigated skeletal muscle symptoms in this patient. This is the
      second report of a DMD somatic mosaic with evidence of genetic normalization in
      muscle. Somatic DMD mutations should be considered in patients presenting with
      idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22092020
TI  - Why physicians should like bundled payment.

PMID- 22092021
TI  - Examining multiple sources of differential item functioning on the Clinician &
      Group CAHPS(r) survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate psychometric properties of a widely used patient
      experience survey. DATA SOURCES: English-language responses to the Clinician &
      Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS(r))
      survey (n = 12,244) from a 2008 quality improvement initiative involving eight
      southern California medical groups. METHODS: We used an iterative hybrid ordinal
      logistic regression/item response theory differential item functioning (DIF)
      algorithm to identify items with DIF related to patient sociodemographic
      characteristics, duration of the physician-patient relationship, number of
      physician visits, and self-rated physical and mental health. We accounted for all
      sources of DIF and determined its cumulative impact. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The
      upper end of the CG-CAHPS(r) performance range is measured with low precision.
      With sensitive settings, some items were found to have DIF. However, overall DIF
      impact was negligible, as 0.14 percent of participants had salient DIF impact.
      Latinos who spoke predominantly English at home had the highest prevalence of
      salient DIF impact at 0.26 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The CG-CAHPS(r) functions
      similarly across commercially insured respondents from diverse backgrounds.
      Consequently, previously documented racial and ethnic group differences likely
      reflect true differences rather than measurement bias. The impact of low
      precision at the upper end of the scale should be clarified.

PMID- 22092022
TI  - Managed care and the diffusion of endoscopy in fee-for-service Medicare.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Medicare managed care penetration impacted the
      diffusion of endoscopy services (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy) among the fee-for
      service (FFS) Medicare population during 2001-2006. METHODS: We model utilization
      rates for colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy as impacted by both market supply and
      demand factors. We use spatial regression to perform ecological analysis of
      county-area utilization rates over two time intervals (2001-2003, 2004-2006)
      following Medicare benefits expansion in 2001 to cover colonoscopy for persons of
      average risk. We examine each technology in separate cross-sectional regressions
      estimated over early and later periods to assess differential effects on
      diffusion over time. We discuss selection factors in managed care markets and how
      failure to control perfectly for market selection might impact our managed care
      spillover estimates. RESULTS: Areas with worse socioeconomic conditions have
      lower utilization rates, especially for colonoscopy. Holding constant
      statistically the socioeconomic factors, we find that managed care spillover
      effects onto FFS Medicare utilization rates are negative for colonoscopy and
      positive for sigmoidoscopy. The spatial lag estimates are conservative and
      interpreted as a lower bound on true effects. Our findings suggest that managed
      care presence fostered persistence of the older technology during a time when it
      was rapidly being replaced by the newer technology.

PMID- 22092023
TI  - The accuracy of present-on-admission reporting in administrative data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the accuracy of reporting present-on-admission (POA) and to
      assess whether POA reporting accuracy differs by hospital characteristics. DATA
      SOURCES: We performed an audit of POA reporting of secondary diagnoses in 1,059
      medical records from 48 California hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: We used patient
      discharge data (PDD) to select records with secondary diagnoses that are powerful
      predictors of mortality and could potentially represent comorbidities or
      complications among patients who either had a primary procedure of a percutaneous
      transluminal coronary angioplasty or a primary diagnosis of acute myocardial
      infarction, community-acquired pneumonia, or congestive heart failure. We modeled
      the relationship between secondary diagnoses POA reporting accuracy (over
      reporting and under-reporting) and hospital characteristics. DATA COLLECTION: We
      created a gold standard from blind reabstraction of the medical records and
      compared the accuracy of the PDD against the gold standard. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      The PDD and gold standard agreed on POA reporting in 74.3 percent of records,
      with 13.7 percent over-reporting and 11.9 percent under-reporting. For-profit
      hospitals tended to overcode secondary diagnoses as present on admission (odds
      ratios [OR] 1.96; 95 percent confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 3.44), whereas
      teaching hospitals tended to undercode secondary diagnoses as present on
      admission (OR 2.61; 95 percent CI 1.36, 5.03). CONCLUSIONS: POA reporting of
      secondary diagnoses is moderately accurate but varies by hospitals. Steps should
      be taken to improve POA reporting accuracy before using POA in hospital
      assessments tied to payments.

PMID- 22092024
TI  - Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance studies delineate the role of the protein
      in activation of both aromatic rings of thiamin.
AB  - Knowledge of the state of ionization and tautomerization of heteroaromatic
      cofactors when enzyme-bound is essential for formulating a detailed stepwise
      mechanism via proton transfers, the most commonly observed contribution to enzyme
      catalysis. In the bifunctional coenzyme, thiamin diphosphate (ThDP), both
      aromatic rings participate in catalysis, the thiazolium ring as an electrophilic
      covalent catalyst and the 4'-aminopyrimidine as acid-base catalyst involving its
      1',4'-iminopyrimidine tautomeric form. Two of four ionization and tautomeric
      states of ThDP are well characterized via circular dichroism spectral signatures
      on several ThDP superfamily members. Yet, the method is incapable of providing
      information about specific proton locations, which in principle may be accessible
      via NMR studies. To determine the precise ionization/tautomerization states of
      ThDP during various stages of the catalytic cycle, we report the first
      application of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to ThDP enzymes, whose large mass
      (160,000-250,000 Da) precludes solution NMR approaches. Three de novo synthesized
      analogues, [C2,C6'-(13)C(2)]ThDP, [C2-(13)C]ThDP, and [N4'-(15)N]ThDP used with
      three enzymes revealed that (a) binding to the enzymes activates both the 4'
      aminopyrimidine (via pK(a) elevation) and the thiazolium rings (pK(a)
      suppression); (b) detection of a pre-decarboxylation intermediate analogue using
      [C2,C6'-(13)C(2)]ThDP, enables both confirmation of covalent bond formation and
      response in 4'-aminopyrimidine ring's tautomeric state to intermediate formation,
      supporting the mechanism we postulate; and (c) the chemical shift of bound [N4'
      (15)N]ThDP provides plausible models for the participation of the 1',4'
      iminopyrimidine tautomer in the mechanism. Unprecedented detail is achieved about
      proton positions on this bifunctional coenzyme on large enzymes in their active
      states.

PMID- 22092025
TI  - Detection of articular pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal
      bone in thoroughbred racehorses: comparison of radiography, computed tomography
      and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of pathology of the distal aspect
      of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) and to assess whether arthrography would
      improve detection of articular cartilage or subchondral bone cracking. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Limb specimens from 17
      Thoroughbred horses after catastrophic injury and 4 age-matched control horses.
      METHODS: Standard DR, CT, and MRI images of the metacarpophalangeal joint were
      acquired before and after iohexol injection. Pathologic features detected with
      imaging and on visual inspection of cartilage and subchondral bone of the distal
      aspect of MC3 were graded. Imaging observations were compared with pathologic
      abnormalities. RESULTS: Inspection revealed obvious changes in the cartilage and
      subchondral bone surfaces in Thoroughbreds. Both CT and MRI were superior to DR
      for detection of subchondral bone pathology. Cracking of cartilage was not
      detected by any imaging modality. Signal changes associated with cartilage loss
      and development of repair tissue were evident on MRI in 9/19 cases. There was
      significant correlation (P < .05) between subchondral bone pathology detected on
      both CT and MRI, and cartilage pathology on gross examination. Contrast
      arthrography did not improve the detection of articular cartilage or subchondral
      plate cracking. CONCLUSION: Both CT and MRI are superior to DR for detection of
      subchondral bone pathology, but underestimate the extent of joint adaptation and
      pathologic damage. MRI was able to detect cartilage degeneration.

PMID- 22092026
TI  - The moderating role of self-monitoring on the interpersonal aspects of attitude
      ambivalence.
AB  - Extant research has found a relation between holding conflicting attitudes with a
      familiar person (interpersonal discrepancy) and subjective attitude ambivalence.
      In 2 studies, we investigated the role of interpersonal discrepancy in the
      experience of attitude ambivalence as a function of self-monitoring and level of
      liking of the other person. Building on balance theory, we proposed and found
      that high (vs. low) self-monitors feel most comfortable when they are in
      agreement with liked (vs. disliked) others. In Study 1, 80 university students
      revealed that when the significant other is a parent, high self-monitors feel
      more subjective ambivalence when there is more interpersonal discrepancy. In
      Study 2, 37 university students reported their feelings of subjective ambivalence
      when considering the interpersonal discrepancy between liked (vs. disliked)
      familiar people. Again, it was high self-monitors who were most susceptible to
      increased feelings of subjective ambivalence, particularly for discrepancies
      between their own attitude and the attitude of liked others. Taken together, our
      2 studies broaden our understanding of the interpersonal foundations of
      subjective ambivalence by suggesting that they may depend on personality
      differences and the nature of the social relationship.

PMID- 22092027
TI  - Total synthesis of polygalolide A.
AB  - The total synthesis of polygalolide A was accomplished through intramolecular C
      glycosylation of glucal modified with siloxyfuran. The siloxyfuran group and
      siloxy substituent at the C-3 position played crucial roles in allowing direct
      access to the highly substituted oxabicyclo[3.2.1] core skeleton with correct
      quaternary stereogenic centers.

PMID- 22092028
TI  - Resilience is a good predictor of hopelessness even after accounting for
      stressful life events, mood and personality (NEO-PI-R).
AB  - A better understanding of the relation between protection and vulnerability may
      advance our understanding of mental health. Therefore the purpose of this study
      was to examine the incremental validity of the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA)
      as a predictor for level of hopelessness. A healthy sample (N = 532) completed
      the Beck Hopelessness Scale, a list of Stressful Life Events (SLE), the Hopkins
      Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), NEO-PI-R (NEO Personality Inventory Revised) and
      the RSA. The relations between the variables were explored with correlations and
      multiple hierarchical regression analyses. The results indicated that the RSA
      measures important protective factors that significantly predict lower levels of
      hopelessness even when accounting for age, gender, SLE, HSCL-25 and NEO-PI-R.
      This study supports the notion that the protective resilience factors in the RSA
      have unique contributions over and above established constructs of stressful life
      events, depressive and anxiety symptoms and personality in predicting
      hopelessness, supporting the incremental validity of the RSA.

PMID- 22092029
TI  - Predicting road test performance in drivers with dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a cognitive and functional screening battery for the on
      road performance of older drivers with dementia. DESIGN: Prospective
      observational study. SETTING: On-road driving evaluation clinic at an academic
      rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-nine older people with dementia (63%
      male, mean age 74.2 +/- 9), referred by community physicians to an occupational
      therapy driving clinic. MEASUREMENTS: The outcome variable was pass or fail on
      the modified Washington University Road Test. Predictor measures were tests of
      visual, motor, and cognitive functioning, selected for their empirical or
      conceptual relationship to the complex task of driving safely. RESULTS: Sixty
      five (65%) participants failed the on-road driving test. The best predictive
      model, with an overall accuracy of up to 85% when participants were blinded,
      included the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia,
      Clock Drawing Test score, and time to complete the Snellgrove Maze Test or Trail
      Making Test Part A. Visual and motor functioning were not associated with road
      test failure. CONCLUSION: A screening battery that could be performed in less
      than 10 minutes predicted with good accuracy failure rate for the on-road driving
      test in this sample of older drivers with dementia. A probability of failure
      calculator is provided from a logistic regression model that may be useful for
      clinicians in their decision to refer impaired older adults for further testing.
      More studies are needed in larger community-based samples, along with discussions
      with patients, families, and clinicians, with regard to acceptable levels of test
      uncertainty.

PMID- 22092031
TI  - Loss of claudin-1 in lipopolysaccharide-treated periodontal epithelium.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The epithelial barrier is a critical component of
      innate immunity and provides protection against microbial invasion. Claudin-1, a
      tight junction protein, is known to contribute to the epithelial cell barrier. An
      experimentally induced rat periodontal disease model was used to study the
      effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of tight junction
      associated molecule genes in the junctional epithelium. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LPS
      was applied for 8 wk in the gingival sulcus, and junctional epithelium was
      collected by laser-capture microdissection and subjected to microarray analysis.
      RESULTS: Microarray analysis identified that expression of the claudin-1 gene was
      decreased in the epithelium by chronic LPS challenge. Immunohistochemical
      analysis confirmed the expression of claudin-1 protein in junctional epithelium
      and that 8 wk of chronic LPS topical application significantly reduced claudin-1
      expression. The effect of LPS on claudin-1 protein expression was validated using
      a porcine junctional epithelial cell culture Transwell model. The epithelial
      barrier, as measured using transmembrane resistance, was significantly reduced
      after 3 wk of LPS challenge and this was associated with a decreased level of
      expression of claudin-1 protein. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that the
      initiation of experimental periodontal disease is associated with reduction in
      the expression of claudin-1 gene and protein. This decreased level of a critical
      tight junction protein may result in the disruption of barrier function and may
      play an important role in the initiation of periodontal disease.

PMID- 22092030
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of compartmentalization and biomineralization in
      magnetotactic bacteria.
AB  - Magnetotactic bacteria (MB) are remarkable organisms with the ability to exploit
      the earth's magnetic field for navigational purposes. To do this, they build
      specialized compartments called magnetosomes that consist of a lipid membrane and
      a crystalline magnetic mineral. These organisms have the potential to serve as
      models for the study of compartmentalization as well as biomineralization in
      bacteria. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to design applications that
      take advantage of the particular properties of magnetosomes. In recent years, a
      sustained effort to identify the molecular basis of this process has resulted in
      a clearer understanding of the magnetosome formation and biomineralization. Here,
      I present an overview of MB and explore the possible molecular mechanisms of
      membrane remodeling, protein sorting, cytoskeletal organization, iron transport,
      and biomineralization that lead to the formation of a functional magnetosome
      organelle.

PMID- 22092032
TI  - Role of water contamination within the GC column of a GasBench II peripheral on
      the reproducibility of 18O/16O ratios in water samples.
AB  - The GasBench II peripheral along with MAT 253 combination provides a more
      sensitive platform for the determination of water isotope ratios. Here, we
      examined the role of adsorbed moisture within the gas chromatography (GC) column
      of the GasBench II on measurement uncertainties. The uncertainty in (18)O/(16)O
      ratio measurements is determined by several factors, including the presence of
      water in the GC. The contamination of GC with water originating from samples as
      water vapour over a longer timeframe is a critical factor in determining the
      reproducibility of (18)O/(16)O ratios in water samples. The shift in isotope
      ratios observed in the experiment under dry and wet conditions correlates
      strongly with the retention time of analyte CO(2), indicating the effect of
      accumulated moisture. Two possible methods to circumvent or minimise the effect
      of adsorbed water on isotope ratios are presented here. The proposed methodology
      includes either the regular baking of the GC column at a higher temperature (120 
      degrees C) after analysis of a batch of 32 sample entries or conducting the
      experiment at a low GC column temperature (22.5  degrees C). The effects of water
      contamination on long-term reproducibility of reference water, with and without
      baking protocol, have been described.

PMID- 22092033
TI  - A comparison of health care use for physician-referred and self-referred episodes
      of outpatient physical therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare patient profiles and health care use for physician-referred
      and self-referred episodes of outpatient physical therapy (PT). DATA SOURCE: Five
      years (2003-2007) of private health insurance claims data, from a Midwest
      insurer, on beneficiaries aged 18-64. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analyses of
      health care use of physician-referred (N = 45,210) and self-referred (N = 17,497)
      ambulatory PT episodes of care was conducted, adjusting for age, gender,
      diagnosis, case mix, and year. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION: Physical therapy
      episodes began with the physical therapist initial evaluation and ended on the
      last date of service before 60 days of no further visits. Episodes were
      classified as physician-referred if the patient had a physician claim from a
      reasonable referral source in the 30 days before the start of PT. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: The self-referred group was slightly younger, but the two groups were
      very similar in regard to diagnosis and case mix. Self-referred episodes had
      fewer PT visits (86 percent of physician-referred) and lower allowable amounts
      ($0.87 for every $1.00), after covariate adjustment, but did not differ in
      related health care utilization after PT. CONCLUSIONS: Health care use during PT
      episodes was lower for those who self-referred, after adjusting for key
      variables, but did not differ after the PT episode.

PMID- 22092034
TI  - Recurrence of empty follicle syndrome with stimulated IVF cycles.
AB  - AIM: To determine the incidence of recurrent empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and to
      analyse the factors associated with this phenomenon. METHODS: Retrospective
      analysis comparing all EFS cycles with cycles in which oocytes were retrieved in
      our in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit between 1998 and 2006. RESULTS: Of 8292 IVF
      cycles, 163 (2.0%) resulted in empty follicles. Risk factors for EFS included
      advanced age (37.7 +/- 6.0 years vs. 34.2 +/- 6.0 years, p < 0.001), longer
      infertility (8.8 +/- 10.6 years vs. 6.3 +/- 8.4 years, p < 0.05), higher baseline
      follicle-stimulating hormone levels (8.7 +/- 4.7 IU/L vs. 6.7 +/- 2.9 IU/L, p <
      0.001) and lower E2 levels before the human chorionic gonadotropin injection
      (499.9 +/- 480.9 pg/mL vs. 1516.3 +/- 887.5 pg/mL, p < 0.001) compared with cases
      in which ova were retrieved. Among patients with EFS, recurrent EFSs occurred in
      15.8% of subsequent cycles. CONCLUSION: The EFS is a sporadic event in the
      majority of patients. However, in about 16% of the patients, EFS may recur. These
      cases may be a variant form of poor response and patients with repetitive EFS
      syndrome should be counseled concerning their chances to conceive.

PMID- 22092035
TI  - Socioeconomic status and smoking: a review.
AB  - Smoking prevalence is higher among disadvantaged groups, and disadvantaged
      smokers may face higher exposure to tobacco's harms. Uptake may also be higher
      among those with low socioeconomic status (SES), and quit attempts are less
      likely to be successful. Studies have suggested that this may be the result of
      reduced social support for quitting, low motivation to quit, stronger addiction
      to tobacco, increased likelihood of not completing courses of pharmacotherapy or
      behavioral support sessions, psychological differences such as lack of self
      efficacy, and tobacco industry marketing. Evidence of interventions that work
      among lower socioeconomic groups is sparse. Raising the price of tobacco products
      appears to be the tobacco control intervention with the most potential to reduce
      health inequalities from tobacco. Targeted cessation programs and mass media
      interventions can also contribute to reducing inequalities. To tackle the high
      prevalence of smoking among disadvantaged groups, a combination of tobacco
      control measures is required, and these should be delivered in conjunction with
      wider attempts to address inequalities in health.

PMID- 22092036
TI  - Accuracy of various human NAT2 SNP genotyping panels to infer rapid, intermediate
      and slow acetylator phenotypes.
AB  - AIM: Humans exhibit genetic polymorphism in NAT2 resulting in rapid, intermediate
      and slow acetylator phenotypes. Over 65 NAT2 variants possessing one or more SNPs
      in the 870-bp NAT2 coding region have been reported. The seven most frequent SNPs
      are rs1801279 (191G>A), rs1041983 (282C>T), rs1801280 (341T>C), rs1799929
      (481C>T), rs1799930 (590G>A), rs1208 (803A>G) and rs1799931 (857G>A). The
      majority of studies investigate the NAT2 genotype assay for three SNPs: 481C>T,
      590G>A and 857G>A. A tag-SNP (rs1495741) recently identified in a genome-wide
      association study has also been proposed as a biomarker for the NAT2 phenotype.
      MATERIALS & METHODS: Sulfamethazine N-acetyltransferase catalytic activities were
      measured in cryopreserved human hepatocytes from a convenience sample of
      individuals in the USA with an ethnic frequency similar to the 2010 US population
      census. These activities were segregated by the tag-SNP rs1495741 and each of the
      seven SNPs described above. We assessed the accuracy of the tag-SNP and various
      two-, three-, four- and seven-SNP genotyping panels for their ability to
      accurately infer NAT2 phenotype. RESULTS: The accuracy of the various NAT2 SNP
      genotype panels to infer NAT2 phenotype were as follows: seven-SNP: 98.4%; tag
      SNP: 77.7%; two-SNP: 96.1%; three-SNP: 92.2%; and four-SNP: 98.4%. CONCLUSION: A
      NAT2 four-SNP genotype panel of rs1801279 (191G>A), rs1801280 (341T>C), rs1799930
      (590G>A) and rs1799931 (857G>A) infers NAT2 acetylator phenotype with high
      accuracy, and is recommended over the tag-, two-, three- and (for economy of
      scale) the seven-SNP genotyping panels, particularly in populations of non
      European ancestry.

PMID- 22092037
TI  - A standardized protocol for the perioperative management of myasthenia gravis
      patients. Experience with 110 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy (VATET) is well
      established in the treatment of myasthenia gravis; however, patient selection
      remains controversial. Perioperative management protocol is lacking, and concerns
      regarding post-operative myasthenic crisis still remain. We performed a
      retrospective observational study evaluating the impact of the introduction of a
      protocol in the perioperative management of patients with myasthenia gravis who
      underwent VATET. METHODS: The perioperative management protocol was developed by
      a team of neurologists and anesthesiologists who reviewed the literature and
      their previous experience on myasthenia gravis patients. Respiratory, clinical,
      and neurological patient features were included in the protocol evaluation. A
      retrospective review of patients who underwent VATET before and after
      introduction to the protocol was finally performed. RESULTS: The medical records
      of 66 patients (pre-protocol group) and 44 patients (protocol group) were
      available for the study. In the pre-protocol group, 17 patients (26%) were
      admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) during the post-operative period, while
      three patients (6.8%) of the protocol group met the criteria for ICU post
      operative admission. This resulted in a reduction of 73.5% of patients admitted
      to ICU (P = 0.023) and in an 80% (P = 0.002) reduction of the use neuromuscular
      blocking agents. Two post-operative myasthenic crises preceded by bulbar symptoms
      (1.8%) were identified in the pre-protocol group patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      the application of our protocol results in a substantial reduction in the
      recovery of patients in the ICU and in hospital costs, there was no substantial
      difference in mortality and morbidity between patients admitted to the surgical
      ward or to ICU.

PMID- 22092038
TI  - Activator protein-1 (AP-1) signalling in human atherosclerosis: results of a
      systematic evaluation and intervention study.
AB  - Animal studies implicate the AP-1 (activator protein-1) pro-inflammatory pathway
      as a promising target in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease. It is,
      however, unclear whether these observations apply to human atherosclerosis.
      Therefore we evaluated the profile of AP-1 activation through histological
      analysis and tested the potential benefit of AP-1 inhibition in a clinical trial.
      AP-1 activation was quantified by phospho-c-Jun nuclear translocation
      (immunohistochemistry) on a biobank of aortic wall samples from organ donors. The
      effect of AP-1 inhibition on vascular parameters was tested through a double
      blind placebo-controlled cross-over study of 28 days doxycycline or placebo in
      patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Vascular function was
      assessed by brachial dilation as well as by plasma samples analysed for hs-CRP
      (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-8, ICAM-1
      (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), vWF (von Willebrand factor), MCP-1 (monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1), PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) and
      fibrinogen. Histological evaluation of human atherosclerosis showed minimal AP-1
      activation in non-diseased arterial wall (i.e. vessel wall without any signs of
      atherosclerotic disease). A gradual increase of AP-1 activation was found in non
      progressive and progressive phases of atherosclerosis respectively (P<0.044). No
      significant difference was found between progressive and vulnerable lesions. The
      expression of phospho-c-Jun diminished as the lesion stabilized (P<0.016) and
      does not significantly differ from the normal aortic wall (P<0.33). Evaluation of
      the doxycycline intervention only revealed a borderline-significant reduction of
      circulating hs-CRP levels (-0.51 MUg/ml, P=0.05) and did not affect any of the
      other markers of systemic inflammation and vascular function. Our studies do not
      characterize AP-1 as a therapeutic target for progressive human atherosclerotic
      disease.

PMID- 22092039
TI  - Mn2+ complexes with 12-membered pyridine based macrocycles bearing carboxylate or
      phosphonate pendant arm: crystallographic, thermodynamic, kinetic, redox, and
      1H/17O relaxation studies.
AB  - Mn(2+) complexes represent an alternative to Gd(3+) chelates which are widely
      used contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. In this perspective, we
      investigated the Mn(2+) complexes of two 12-membered, pyridine-containing
      macrocyclic ligands bearing one pendant arm with a carboxylic acid (HL(1), 6
      carboxymethyl-3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1] pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene) or a
      phosphonic acid function (H(2)L(2), 6-dihydroxyphosphorylmethyl-3,6,9,15
      tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene). Both ligands were
      synthesized using nosyl or tosyl amino-protecting groups (starting from
      diethylenetriamine or tosylaziridine). The X-ray crystal structures confirmed a
      coordination number of 6 for Mn(2+) in their complexes. In aqueous solution,
      these pentadentate ligands allow one free coordination site for a water molecule.
      Potentiometric titration data indicated a higher basicity for H(2)L(2) than that
      for HL(1), related to the electron-donating effect of the negatively charged
      phosphonate group. According to the protonation sequence determined by (1)H and
      (31)P pH-NMR titrations, the first two protons are attached to macrocyclic amino
      groups whereas the subsequent protonation steps occur on the pendant arm. Both
      ligands form thermodynamically stable complexes with Mn(2+), with full
      complexation at physiological pH and 1:1 metal to ligand ratio. The kinetic
      inertness was studied via reaction with excess of Zn(2+) under various pHs. The
      dissociation of MnL(2) is instantaneous (at pH 6). For MnL(1), the dissociation
      is very fast (k(obs) = 1-12 * 10(3) s(-1)), much faster than that for MnDOTA,
      MnNOTA, or the Mn(2+) complex of the 15-membered analogue. It proceeds
      exclusively via the dissociation of the monoprotonated complex, without any
      influence of Zn(2+). In aqueous solution, both complexes are air-sensitive
      leading to Mn(3+) species, as evidenced by UV-vis and (1)H NMRD measurements and
      X-ray crystallography. Cyclic voltammetry gave low oxidation peak potentials
      (E(ox) = 0.73 V for MnL(1) and E(ox) = 0.68 V for MnL(2)), in accordance with air
      oxidation. The parameters governing the relaxivity of the Mn(2+) complexes were
      determined from variable-temperature (17)O NMR and (1)H NMRD data. The water
      exchange is extremely fast, k(ex) = 3.03 and 1.77 * 10(9) s(-1) for MnL(1) and
      MnL(2), respectively. Variable-pressure (17)O NMR measurements have been
      performed to assess the water exchange mechanism on MnL(1) and MnL(2) as well as
      on other Mn(2+) complexes. The negative activation volumes for both MnL(1) and
      MnL(2) complexes confirmed an associative mechanism of the water exchange as
      expected for a hexacoordinated Mn(2+) ion. The hydration number of q = 1 was
      confirmed for both complexes by (17)O chemical shifts. A relaxometric titration
      with phosphate, carbonate or citrate excluded the replacement of the coordinated
      water molecule by these small endogenous anions.

PMID- 22092040
TI  - Methodological reporting in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods health
      services research articles.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Methodologically sound mixed methods research can improve our
      understanding of health services by providing a more comprehensive picture of
      health services than either method can alone. This study describes the frequency
      of mixed methods in published health services research and compares the presence
      of methodological components indicative of rigorous approaches across mixed
      methods, qualitative, and quantitative articles. DATA SOURCES: All empirical
      articles (n = 1,651) published between 2003 and 2007 from four top-ranked health
      services journals. STUDY DESIGN: All mixed methods articles (n = 47) and random
      samples of qualitative and quantitative articles were evaluated to identify
      reporting of key components indicating rigor for each method, based on accepted
      standards for evaluating the quality of research reports (e.g., use of p-values
      in quantitative reports, description of context in qualitative reports, and
      integration in mixed method reports). We used chi-square tests to evaluate
      differences between article types for each component. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Mixed
      methods articles comprised 2.85 percent (n = 47) of empirical articles,
      quantitative articles 90.98 percent (n = 1,502), and qualitative articles 6.18
      percent (n = 102). There was a statistically significant difference (chi(2) (1) =
      12.20, p = .0005, Cramer's V = 0.09, odds ratio = 1.49 [95% confidence interval =
      1,27, 1.74]) in the proportion of quantitative methodological components present
      in mixed methods compared to quantitative papers (21.94 versus 47.07 percent,
      respectively) but no statistically significant difference (chi(2) (1) = 0.02, p =
      .89, Cramer's V = 0.01) in the proportion of qualitative methodological
      components in mixed methods compared to qualitative papers (21.34 versus 25.47
      percent, respectively). CONCLUSION: Few published health services research
      articles use mixed methods. The frequency of key methodological components is
      variable. Suggestions are provided to increase the transparency of mixed methods
      studies and the presence of key methodological components in published reports.

PMID- 22092041
TI  - Punishment has a lasting impact on error-related brain activity.
AB  - The current study examined whether punishment has direct and lasting effects on
      error-related brain activity, and whether this effect is larger with increasing
      trait anxiety. Participants were told that errors on a flanker task would be
      punished in some blocks but not others. Punishment was applied following 50% of
      errors in punished blocks during the first half of the experiment (i.e.,
      acquisition), but never in the second half (i.e., extinction). The ERN was
      enhanced in the punished blocks in both experimental phases--this enhancement
      remained stable throughout the extinction phase. More anxious individuals were
      characterized by larger punishment-related modulations in the ERN. The study
      reveals evidence for lasting, punishment-based modulations of the ERN that
      increase with anxiety. These data suggest avenues for research to examine more
      specific learning-related mechanisms that link anxiety to overactive error
      monitoring.

PMID- 22092042
TI  - Preparation of azithromycin nanosuspensions by reactive precipitation method.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to prepare azithromycin (AZI) nanosuspensions
      to increase the solubility and dissolution rate. METHOD: AZI nanosuspensions were
      prepared by the combination of reactive precipitation and freeze-drying in
      presence of biocompatible stabilizer. Formulation and process variables affecting
      the characteristics of nanosuspensions were optimized. Various tests were carried
      out to study the physicochemical characteristics of AZI nanosuspensions. RESULTS:
      The nanosuspensions were parenterally acceptable and autoclavable, because
      soybean lecithin was the stabilizer of choice and no organic solvents were used
      during the preparation. The mean particle size and zeta potential of the AZI
      nanosuspensions were about 200 nm (+/-20 nm) and -36.7 mV (+/-7.6 mV),
      respectively. Solid nanoparticles were obtained by lyophilization of the
      nanosuspensions and nanosuspensions rapidly reconstituted when the nanoparticles
      were dispersed in water. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry
      analysis showed that the crystal state of nanoparticles was amorphous. Solubility
      and in vitro release studies indicated that the saturated solubility and
      dissolution rate increased obviously in comparison of raw AZI. The nanoparticles
      were physically stable over a period of 5 months as demonstrated by unchanged
      crystallinity and stable particle size when stored at room temperature and
      protected from humidity. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that reactive
      precipitation is an effective way to prepare AZI nanosuspensions with increased
      solubility and dissolution rate.

PMID- 22092043
TI  - A structurally simple self-immolative reagent that provides three distinct,
      simultaneous responses per detection event.
AB  - A general design is presented for a stimulus-responsive small molecule that is
      capable of responding to a specific applied chemical or physical signal by
      releasing two different types of pendant small molecules and a colorimetric
      indicator simultaneously. A key aspect of this design is the ease with which
      these reagents are prepared: typically, only four synthetic steps are required.
      Moreover, the modular construction strategy provides access to stimuli-responsive
      reagents that are capable of (i) responding to a variety of applied signals and
      (ii) releasing a number of different small molecules that contain primary
      alcohols, secondary alcohols, or phenols. These stimuli-responsive reagents are
      stable under physiological conditions (neither hydrolysis nor thermal degradation
      of the reagent occurs in significant quantity), and when they are exposed to the
      appropriate applied signal, they release both pendant small molecules and the
      colorimetric indicator completely within hours. Finally, unlike other functional
      groups, such as carbonates, that are used to connect alcohol-bearing molecules to
      controlled-release reagents, the linkage described in this article increases in
      hydrolytic stability (rather than decreases) as the pK(a) of the pendant alcohol
      decreases.

PMID- 22092044
TI  - Associations between cytomegalovirus infection and functional impairment and
      frailty in the BELFRAIL Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether an observed association between
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) exposure and functional impairment and frailty in older
      adults is reproducible in a cohort of individuals aged 80 and older. DESIGN: The
      baseline results of the BELFRAIL study, a prospective observational cohort study,
      were analyzed. SETTING: Three well-circumscribed areas of Belgium. PARTICIPANTS:
      Five hundred sixty-seven persons aged 80 and older recruited by 29 general
      practitioners. MEASUREMENTS: Serum samples were assayed for levels of CMV
      immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies, interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein.
      Measures of functional impairment were the Physical Performance Battery,
      Activities of Daily Living, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Frailty was
      assessed using the Fried criteria. RESULTS: Positive CMV serology was found in
      74% of the population, 61% of whom had a high anti-CMV IgG titer (>250 IU/mL).
      CMV infection was not associated with functional or cognitive impairment.
      Positive CMV serology was negatively associated with prevalent frailty after
      adjusting for age, sex, level of education, comorbidity, smoking status, body
      mass index, and IL-6 level. High levels of anti-CMV IgG were associated with
      functional impairment. In the adjusted models, this relationship was no longer
      statistically significant. There was no association between prevalent frailty or
      cognitive impairment and high anti-CMV IgG titers. CONCLUSION: The findings of
      previous studies could not be confirmed. Moreover, positive CMV serology was
      found to be negatively associated with frailty. These apparently contradictory
      results may reflect a survival effect because the current study population was
      considerably older than the populations of older adults in previous studies.

PMID- 22092045
TI  - Narcissism in midlife: longitudinal changes in and correlates of women's
      narcissistic personality traits.
AB  - We examined changes in and correlates of 3 kinds of narcissism--hypersensitivity,
      willfulness, and autonomy--during middle adulthood. Few studies have examined
      narcissistic personality traits beyond young adulthood, and none has assessed
      longitudinal changes in narcissism during midlife. In a sample of 70 college
      educated women, we found that observer ratings of hypersensitive narcissism were
      associated with more negative outcomes at ages 43 and 53 (i.e., more depressive
      symptoms and physical health problems, lower life satisfaction and well-being).
      Ratings of willfulness and autonomy predicted more positive outcomes. All 3 kinds
      of narcissism showed considerable rank-order stability over 10 years, but there
      were also mean-level changes: Hypersensitivity and autonomy decreased, whereas
      willfulness increased. More positive outcomes were associated with decreases in
      hypersensitivity and increases in willfulness and autonomy. However, in
      multivariate analyses, autonomy did not show any significant associations with
      women's health and well-being outcomes, suggesting that it may have less
      predictive utility compared to hypersensitivity and willfulness. Our findings
      highlight developmental changes in and correlates of women's narcissistic
      personality traits and the importance of assessing different aspects of
      narcissism in midlife.

PMID- 22092046
TI  - Neuropsychological function and past exposure to metallic mercury in female
      dental workers.
AB  - The aim of this study was to see if dental personnel with previous exposure to
      metallic mercury have later developed disturbances in cognitive function. Ninety
      one female participants who had been selected from a previous health survey of
      dental personnel were investigated neuropsychologically within the following
      domains: motor function, short-term memory, working memory, executive function,
      mental flexibility, and visual and verbal long-term memory. The scores were
      mainly within normal ranges. Relationships between an exposure score, the
      duration of employment before 1990, and previously measured mercury in urine as
      independent variables and the neuropsychological findings as dependent variables,
      were analyzed by multiple linear regression controlling for age, general ability,
      length of education, alcohol consumption, and previous head injuries. The only
      relationship that was statistically significant in the hypothesized direction was
      between the previously measured urine mercury values and visual long-term memory,
      where the urine values explained 30% of the variability. As the study had a low
      statistical power and also some other methodological limitations, the results
      have to be interpreted with caution. Even so, we think it is right to conclude
      that neuropsychological findings indicative of subsequent cognitive injuries are
      difficult to find in groups of otherwise healthy dental personnel with previous
      occupational exposure to mercury.

PMID- 22092047
TI  - Does cognitive impairment affect rehabilitation outcome?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess how cognitive impairment affects rehabilitation outcomes
      and to determine whether individual benefit regardless of cognition. DESIGN:
      Prospective open observational study. SETTING: Two rehabilitation wards admitting
      older adults after admissions with medical or surgical problems. PARTICIPANTS:
      Two hundred forty-one individuals admitted to two rehabilitation wards, 144
      female, mean age 84.4 +/- 7.3 (range: 59-103). MEASUREMENTS: The Mini-Mental
      State Examination (MMSE) was administered, and participants were categorized into
      four groups: cognitively intact (MMSE score: 27-30), mildly impaired (MMSE score:
      21-26), moderately impaired (MMSE score: 11-20), and severely impaired (MMSE
      score: 0-10). Barthel activity of daily living score was calculated on admission,
      at 2 and 6 weeks (if appropriate), and at discharge to assess level of
      independence and improvement or deterioration in function. Information relating
      to mortality, discharge destination, and length of stay was also collected.
      RESULTS: After adjusting for comorbidities and age, all four groups showed
      improvement in Barthel score from admission to discharge. This improvement was
      highly significant (P = .005) in participants with normal cognition and mild to
      moderate impairment. Severely impaired participants also made significant
      improvement (P = .01). Length of stay was significantly longer for participants
      with lower cognitive scores. Discharge of 50% of participants occurred by 26, 28,
      38, and 47 days for Groups 1 to 4, respectively (P = .001). Higher rates of
      institutionalization and mortality (P = .02) were associated with lower MMSE
      score. CONCLUSION: All participants improved functionally regardless of
      cognition. Likelihood of institutionalization, mortality, length of stay, and
      adverse incidents was higher with lower MMSE scores.

PMID- 22092048
TI  - When 'UPS' fails to deliver: a novel gene associated with the ubiquitin
      proteasome system causes familial ALS.

PMID- 22092050
TI  - Identifying sources and processes controlling the sulphur cycle in the Canyon
      Creek watershed, Alberta, Canada.
AB  - Sources and processes affecting the sulphur cycle in the Canyon Creek watershed
      in Alberta (Canada) were investigated. The catchment is important for water
      supply and recreational activities and is also a source of oil and natural gas.
      Water was collected from 10 locations along an 8 km stretch of Canyon Creek
      including three so-called sulphur pools, followed by the chemical and isotopic
      analyses on water and its major dissolved species. The delta(2)H and delta(18)O
      values of the water plotted near the regional meteoric water line, indicating a
      meteoric origin of the water and no contribution from deeper formation waters.
      Calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate were the dominant ions in the upstream portion
      of the watershed, whereas sulphate was the dominant anion in the water from the
      three sulphur pools. The isotopic composition of sulphate (delta(34)S and
      delta(18)O) revealed three major sulphate sources with distinct isotopic
      compositions throughout the catchment: (1) a combination of sulphate from soils
      and sulphide oxidation in the bedrock in the upper reaches of Canyon Creek; (2)
      sulphide oxidation in pyrite-rich shales in the lower reaches of Canyon Creek and
      (3) dissolution of Devonian anhydrite constituting the major sulphate source for
      the three sulphur pools in the central portion of the watershed. The presence of
      H(2)S in the sulphur pools with delta(34)S values ~30 0/00 lower than those of
      sulphate further indicated the occurrence of bacterial (dissimilatory) sulphate
      reduction. This case study reveals that delta(34)S values of surface water
      systems can vary by more than 20 0/00 over short geographic distances and that
      isotope analyses are an effective tool to identify sources and processes that
      govern the sulphur cycle in watersheds.

PMID- 22092051
TI  - Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of gamma-irradiated Iranian
      Zataria multiflora extracts.
AB  - CONTEXT: Irradiation is the process of exposing food such as herbal plant to
      ionizing radiation to destroy microorganisms. Zataria multiflora Boiss
      (Lamiaceae), known as Avishan-e-Shirazi in Persian, is a thyme-like plant that
      grows naturally in central and southern parts of Iran and is used in traditional
      folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of gamma-radiation on
      chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Z. multiflora were
      investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plants were first irradiated with Co60
      source (0, 10, and 25 kGy) and then subjected to Clevenger extraction to obtain
      essential oils. The composition of the oil was analyzed by a gas chromatography
      and compared with samples pretreated under different conditions. In parallel, the
      hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and used for measuring flavonoid content.
      Thereafter, the free-radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of essential
      oils and hydroalcoholic extract were examined. RESULTS: Despite the minor change
      in the individual oil constituents, the total percentage of the main components
      remained unaffected before and after irradiation (~95%). In addition, the total
      flavonoid content of hydroalcoholic extract was also unchanged due to irradiation
      (~32 mg QE/g extract). The high radical scavenging activity of the oil (~67%) and
      hydroalcoholic extract (~71%), in addition, the antioxidant properties of the oil
      (~91%) and hydroalcoholic extract (~95%), were unaffected after irradiation.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings may suggest the sustainability of Z.
      multiflora extract properties pretreated with gamma-radiation. With a view to its
      antioxidant applications, resistance of Z. multiflora and its properties against
      radiation effects are promising findings.

PMID- 22092058
TI  - Synthesis and structural characterization of 1,2,4-diazaphospholide complexes of
      titanium(IV) and titanium(III).
AB  - Two 1,2,4-diazaphospholide complexes of [Ti(eta(2)-3,5-Ph(2)dp)(4)] and
      paramagnetic [Ti(eta(2)-3,5-tBu(2)dp)(3)] were prepared by the reaction of
      tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium(IV) with 3,5-diphenyl-1,2,4-diazaphophole, H[3,5
      Ph(2)dp], or by the treatment of 3,5-tert-butyl-1,2,4-diazaphopholide potassium,
      K[3,5-tBu(2)dp], with titanium trichloride. Complexes can be viewed as the core
      of P(sigma(2)lambda(3))-functionalized metallodendrimers, in which the metal
      atoms are exclusively eta(2)(N,N) bonding to the 1,2,4-diazaphospholides while P
      atoms (sigma(2)lambda(3)) with electron lone pairs are located on the periphery
      of the molecules.

PMID- 22092059
TI  - Phosphonate monoesters as carboxylate-like linkers for metal organic frameworks.
AB  - Bidentate phosphonate monoesters are analogues of popular dicarboxylate linkers
      in MOFs, but with an alkoxy tether close to the coordinating site. Herein, we
      report 3-D MOF materials based upon phosphonate monoester linkers. Cu(1,4
      benzenediphosphonate bis(monoalkyl ester), CuBDPR, with an ethyl tether is
      nonporous; however, the methyl tether generates an isomorphous framework that is
      porous and captures CO(2) with a high isosteric heat of adsorption of 45 kJ mol(
      1). Computational modeling reveals that the CO(2) uptake is extremely sensitive
      both to the flexing of the structure and to the orientation of the alkyl tether.

PMID- 22092060
TI  - State-level variations in racial disparities in life expectancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore state patterns in the racial life expectancy gap. DATA
      SOURCES: The 1997-2004 Multiple Cause of Death PUF, 2000 U.S. Census. STUDY
      DESIGN: We calculated life expectancy at birth for black and white men and women.
      DATA EXTRACTION METHODS: Data were obtained by the NCHS and U.S. Census Bureau.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: States with small racial differences are due to higher-than
      expected life expectancy for blacks or lower-than-expected for whites. States
      with large disparity are explained by higher-than-average life expectancy among
      whites or lower-than-average life expectancy among blacks. CONCLUSIONS:
      Heterogeneous state patterns in racial disparity in life expectancy exist.
      Eliminating disparity in states with large black populations would make the
      greatest impact nationally.

PMID- 22092061
TI  - Dermal uptake study with 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate led to active
      sensitization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the dermal uptake of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate
      (4,4'-MDI), a study was performed in which 2 female volunteers were exposed to 10
      and 25 mg, respectively, of 4,4'-MDI by applying 2.0% 4,4'-MDI in petrolatum over
      areas where the surface concentration corresponded to 800 ug/cm(2) . Ten days
      later, they developed eczematous dermatitis at the area of application.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the dermal application caused active
      sensitization to 4,4'-MDI. METHODS: Chemical analysis of the 4,4'-MDI preparation
      used in the application and the amount of 4,4'-MDI not absorbed by the skin was
      performed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The volunteers were
      tested with serial dilutions of 4,4'-MDI and the potentially cross-reacting
      substances 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (4,4'-MDA), p-phenylenediamine (PPD), and
      dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (DMDI). RESULTS: Patch test results
      suggested that the volunteers were actively sensitized to 4,4'-MDI following the
      dermal uptake study, as they reacted positively to 4,4'-MDA, a marker for 4,4'
      MDI allergy. No positive reactions were seen to PPD or DMDI. Chemical
      investigation confirmed that the correct concentration had been used for the
      dermal uptake study, and showed that about 70% of the applied 4,4'-MDI was not
      absorbed. CONCLUSIONS: A dermal uptake study with 4,4'-MDI in 2.0% pet. with an
      occlusion time of 8 hr induced active sensitization to 4,4'-MDI and subsequently
      to 4,4'-MDA.

PMID- 22092062
TI  - Effect of cannabidiol on human gingival fibroblast extracellular matrix
      metabolism: MMP production and activity, and production of fibronectin and
      transforming growth factor beta.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) use may be associated with
      gingival enlargement, resembling that caused by phenytoin. Cannabidiol (CBD), a
      nonpsychotropic Cannabis derivative, is structurally similar to phenytoin. While
      there are many reports on effects of phenytoin on human gingival fibroblasts,
      there is no information on effects of Cannabis components on these cells. The
      objective of this study was to determine effects of CBD on human gingival
      fibroblast fibrogenic and matrix-degrading activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Fibroblasts were incubated with CBD in serum-free medium for 1-6 d. The effect of
      CBD on cell viability was determined by measuring activity of a mitochondrial
      enzyme. The fibrogenic molecule transforming growth factor beta and the
      extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin were measured by ELISA. Pro-MMP-1 and
      total MMP-2 were measured by ELISA. Activity of MMP-2 was determined via a
      colorimetric assay in which a detection enzyme is activated by active MMP-2. Data
      were analysed using ANOVA and Scheffe's F procedure for post hoc comparisons.
      RESULTS: Cannabidiol had little or no significant effect on cell viability. Low
      CBD concentrations increased transforming growth factor beta production by as
      much as 40% (p < 0.001), while higher concentrations decreased it by as much as
      40% (p < 0.0001). Cannabidiol increased fibronectin production by as much as
      approximately 100% (p < 0.001). Lower CBD concentrations increased MMP
      production, but the highest concentrations decreased production of both MMPs (p <
      0.05) and decreased MMP-2 activity (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that
      the CBD may promote fibrotic gingival enlargement by increasing gingival
      fibroblast production of transforming growth factor beta and fibronectin, while
      decreasing MMP production and activity.

PMID- 22092063
TI  - Preparation and characterization of magnetic alginate-chitosan hydrogel beads
      loaded matrine.
AB  - The aim of this study was to use alginate-chitosan (Alg-CS) hydrogel beads for
      developing an oral water-soluble drug delivery system, occupying pH-sensitive
      property and superparamagnetic. Matrine as a model drug was loaded in Alg-CS
      hydrogel beads to study the release character of the delivery system. The amount
      of matrine released from the beads was relatively low in pH 2.5 over 8 h
      (34.90%), but nearly all of the initial drug content was released in simulated
      intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8) within 8 h. The results demonstrated that Alg-CS
      hydrogel beads possess unique pH-dependent swelling behaviors. In addition, the
      magnetic beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
      scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometry and vibrating-sample
      magnetometry. Magnetometer measurements data suggested that Alg-CS beads also had
      superparamagnetic property as well as fast magnetic response. It can be expected
      that the beads can deliver and release encapsulated anticancer agent at the tumor
      by the weak magnetic field, and hence could be potential candidates as an orally
      administered drug delivery system.

PMID- 22092064
TI  - Is the P3 amplitude reduction seen in externalizing psychopathology attributable
      to stimulus sequence effects?
AB  - P3 amplitude reduction (P3-AR) is associated with biological vulnerability to a
      spectrum of externalizing (EXT) disorders, such as conduct disorder, antisocial
      behavior, and substance use disorders. P3 amplitude, however, can be affected by
      the context within which it is measured, for example, by the position of the
      target in the sequence of stimuli during an oddball task. We hypothesized that
      EXT-related P3-AR may be due to attention or working memory deficits in EXT that
      would weaken these stimulus sequence effects. Using a community-based sample of
      adolescent males, we examined the relationship between P3 and EXT as a function
      of the number of standards preceding the target. Higher EXT was associated with
      significantly smaller P3 amplitude, regardless of the number of standards
      preceding the target. These results suggest that P3-AR in EXT does not vary as a
      function of stimulus sequence, further supporting P3-AR as an endophenotype for
      EXT disorders.

PMID- 22092066
TI  - The dynamic role of personality states in mediating the relationship between
      extraversion and positive affect.
AB  - One of the most noteworthy and robust findings in personality psychology is the
      relationship between extraversion and positive affect. Existing theories have
      debated the origins and nature of this relationship, offering both
      structural/fixed and environmental/dynamic explanations. We tested the novel and
      straightforward dynamic hypothesis that part of the reason trait extraversion
      predicts trait positive affect is through an increased propensity to enact
      extraverted states, which in turn leads to experiencing more positive affect
      states. We report 5 experience sampling studies (and a meta-analysis of primary
      studies) conducted in natural environments and laboratory settings in which
      undergraduate participants (N = 241) provided ratings of trait extraversion,
      trait positive affect, extraversion states, and positive affect states. Results
      of primary studies and the meta-analysis showed that relationships between trait
      extraversion and trait positive affect were partially mediated by aggregated
      extraversion states and aggregated positive affect states. The results supported
      our dynamic hypothesis and suggested that dynamic explanations of the
      relationship between trait extraversion and trait positive affect are compatible
      with structural explanations. An important implication of these findings is that
      individuals might be able to increase their happiness by self-regulating their
      extraverted states.

PMID- 22092065
TI  - A growing family: the expanding universe of the bacterial cytoskeleton.
AB  - Cytoskeletal proteins are important mediators of cellular organization in both
      eukaryotes and bacteria. In the past, cytoskeletal studies have largely focused
      on three major cytoskeletal families, namely the eukaryotic actin, tubulin, and
      intermediate filament (IF) proteins and their bacterial homologs MreB, FtsZ, and
      crescentin. However, mounting evidence suggests that these proteins represent
      only the tip of the iceberg, as the cellular cytoskeletal network is far more
      complex. In bacteria, each of MreB, FtsZ, and crescentin represents only one
      member of large families of diverse homologs. There are also newly identified
      bacterial cytoskeletal proteins with no eukaryotic homologs, such as WACA
      proteins and bactofilins. Furthermore, there are universally conserved proteins,
      such as the metabolic enzyme CtpS, that assemble into filamentous structures that
      can be repurposed for structural cytoskeletal functions. Recent studies have also
      identified an increasing number of eukaryotic cytoskeletal proteins that are
      unrelated to actin, tubulin, and IFs, such that expanding our understanding of
      cytoskeletal proteins is advancing the understanding of the cell biology of all
      organisms. Here, we summarize the recent explosion in the identification of new
      members of the bacterial cytoskeleton and describe a hypothesis for the evolution
      of the cytoskeleton from self-assembling enzymes.

PMID- 22092067
TI  - Comparison of the effects of two screw insertion patterns on bone fragment
      translocation in a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate and a 3.5 mm limited-contact
      dynamic compression plate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of screw insertion pattern, plate type,
      application of bone reduction forceps, and additional load screw insertion in an
      8-hole 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) and limited-contact dynamic
      compression plate (LC-DCP) on bone fragment translocation (BFT) in a fracture gap
      model. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical study. METHODS: Two screw insertion
      patterns were tested in the DCP and newly redesigned LC-DCP using gap model
      synthetic bone constructs. In Pattern 1, screws were first inserted into the
      holes at each end of the plate, then screws were inserted into the holes adjacent
      to the fracture gap. In Pattern 2, screws were only inserted into the holes
      adjacent to the fracture gap. The effects of tight or loose bone forceps securing
      the plate, loosening a neutral screw in Pattern 1, and inserting up to 4
      additional load screws with each pattern were tested. Changes in the fracture gap
      were measured after insertion of all neutral screws and after each load screw.
      RESULTS: Pattern 2 BFT was significantly greater than Pattern 1 BFT when bone
      forceps were loose with both plates (P < .001). In the DCP, the BFT was
      significantly increased by loosening the bone forceps with Pattern 2 (P < .001)
      and by loosening 1 neutral screw in Pattern 1 (P < .001). The BFT for each
      additional load screw inserted was significantly less than 1.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A
      tight neutral screw in the same bone fragment as the load screw or bone clamps
      that tightly secure the plate to the bone can limit BFT.

PMID- 22092068
TI  - Integrated model for providing tactical emergency medicine support (TEMS):
      analysis of 120 tactical situations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various models for organising tactical emergency medicine support
      (TEMS) in law enforcement operations exist. In Helsinki, TEMS is organised as an
      integral part of emergency medical service (EMS) and applied in hostage, siege,
      bomb threat and crowd control situations and in other tactical situations after
      police request. Our aim was to analyse TEMS operations, patient profile, and the
      level of on-site care provided. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort
      study of TEMS operations in Helsinki from 2004 to 2009. Data were retrieved from
      EMS, hospital and dispatching centre files and from TEMS reports. RESULTS: One
      hundred twenty TEMS operations were analysed. Median time from dispatching to
      arrival on scene was 10 min [Interquartile Range (IQR) 7-14]. Median duration of
      operations was 41 min (IQR 19-63). Standby was the only activity in 72
      operations, four patients were dead on arrival, 16 requests were called off en
      route and patient examination or care was needed in 28 operations. Twenty-eight
      patients (records retrieved) were alive on arrival and were classified as trauma
      (n = 12) or medical (n = 16). Of traumas, two sustained a gunshot wound, one
      sustained a penetrating abdominal wound, three sustained medium severity injuries
      and nine sustained minor injuries. There was neither on-scene nor in-hospital
      mortality among patients who were alive on arrival. The level of on-site care
      performed was basic life support in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed
      that TEMS integrated to daily EMS services including safe zone working only was a
      feasible, rapid and efficient way to provide medical support to law enforcement
      operations.

PMID- 22092069
TI  - Review of a Geriatric Health Literacy Workshop for Medical Students and
      Residents.
AB  - The "Geriatric Health Literacy Workshop for Medical Students and Residents"
      developed by Seema Limaye, MD, introduces medical students and residents to
      important concepts in communicating with older adults with low health literacy
      through a variety of teaching modalities. The workshop is available on the Portal
      of Geriatric Online Education (POGOe) and includes a didactic session, role
      playing exercises, and a critique of patient education handouts. A preworkshop
      health literacy module and postworkshop clinical observation sessions reinforce
      the workshop content. The activity is designed to take approximately 2.5 hours to
      administer to small groups of three to five learners and is also suitable for
      interdisciplinary teams of health professions trainees. This POGOe product review
      highlights important features of the workshop and suggests opportunities for
      improvement.

PMID- 22092070
TI  - Regional and temporal variability of the isotope composition (O, S) of
      atmospheric sulphate in the region of Freiberg, Germany, and consequences for
      dissolved sulphate in groundwater and river water.
AB  - The isotope composition of dissolved sulphate and strontium in atmospheric
      deposition, groundwater, mine water and river water in the region of Freiberg was
      investigated to better understand the fate of these components in the regional
      and global water cycle. Most of the isotope variations of dissolved sulphates in
      atmospheric deposition from three locations sampled bi- or tri-monthly can be
      explained by fractionation processes leading to lower [Formula: see text] (of
      about 2-30/00) and higher [Formula: see text] (of about 8-100/00) values in
      summer compared with the winter period. These samples showed a negative
      correlation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values and a weak
      positive correlation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values.
      They reflect the sulphate formed by aqueous oxidation from long-range transport
      in clouds. However, these isotope variations were superimposed by changes of the
      dominating atmospheric sulphate source. At two of the sampling points, large
      variations of mean annual [Formula: see text] values from atmospheric bulk
      deposition were recorded. From 2008 to 2009, the mean annual [Formula: see text]
      value increased by about 50/00; and decreased by about 40/00 from 2009 to 2010. A
      change in the dominating sulphate source or oxidation pathways of SO(2) in the
      atmosphere is proposed to cause these shifts. No changes were found in
      corresponding [Formula: see text] values. Groundwater, river water and some mine
      waters (where groundwater was the dominating sulphate source) also showed
      temporal shifts in their [Formula: see text] values corresponding to those of
      bulk atmospheric deposition, albeit to a lower degree. The mean transit time of
      atmospheric sulphur through the soil into the groundwater and river water was
      less than a year and therefore much shorter than previously suggested. Mining
      activities of about 800 years in the Freiberg region may have led to large
      subsurface areas with an enhanced groundwater flow along fractures and mined
      refilled ore lodes which may shorten transit times of sulphate from precipitation
      through groundwater into river water.

PMID- 22092071
TI  - Prospective validation of the modified mini nutritional assessment short-forms in
      the community, nursing home, and rehabilitation setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To validate the modified Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) short
      forms (MNA-SFs) with respect to agreement with full MNA classification in the
      target populations of the MNA. DESIGN: Prospective analysis. SETTING: Community,
      nursing home, rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred fifty-seven individuals
      aged 65 and older (75.3% female; mean age 82.3 +/- 7.4). MEASUREMENTS:
      Classification agreement between full MNA score and MNA-SF scores. RESULTS:
      Agreement between the full MNA and classification using the MNA-SFs was 84.6%
      when the MNA-SF using body mass index (BMI) was applied and 81.4% when the MNA-SF
      using calf circumference (CC) was applied. The highest agreement of
      classification was found in the community setting (90.8% and 90.4%, respectively)
      and the lowest in the rehabilitation setting (72.4% and 71.4%, respectively).
      Both MNA-SFs tended to underestimate nutritional status, but that was significant
      only for the MNA-SF with CC. CONCLUSION: The modified MNA-SFs represent a
      valuable tool for rapid and reliable nutritional screening.

PMID- 22092072
TI  - Fractionation of stigmasterol derivative and study of the effects of Celsia
      coromandelina aerial parts petroleum ether extract on appearance of puberty and
      ovarian steroidogenesis in immature mice.
AB  - CONTEXT: Celsia coromandelina Vahl (Scrophulariaceae) is a shrub found throughout
      Bangladesh and India, and it is distributed widely in the plains of West Bengal.
      It is used by the tribal people to treat diarrhea, dysentery, insomnia, skin
      eruption, fever, syphilis, helminthes infection, and to control fertility.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to fractionate stigmasterol derivative
      and to investigate the effects of petroleum ether extract of C. coromandelina
      (PECC) aerial parts on the onset of reproductive maturity and the ovarian
      steroidogenesis in immature female mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PECC was prepared
      by hot extraction process and one compound was isolated by preparative TLC from
      it. PECC was completely freed from solvent and administered in immature female
      mice intraperitoneally once on every alternate day for nine doses. The sexual
      maturity was observed by means of vaginal opening, first estrus (days), rate of
      body growth, changes in weight of ovary, uterus and pituitary. The content of
      ascorbic acid, cholesterol, Delta5-3beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (Delta5
      3beta-HSD) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G 6-PDH) activities in ovaries
      and carbonic anhydrase activity in uterus were measured by means of biochemical
      technique in control and treated mice. The activity of PECC was compared with
      standard marker compound ethinyl estradiol. RESULTS: The isolated compound was
      characterized as stigmasterol derivative. PECC treatment caused a remarkable
      delay (30.27 and 18.56%, respectively, by low dose) in sexual maturity compared
      to vehicle control as evidenced by the age of vaginal opening and appearance of
      first estrus (cornified smear). PECC treatment also caused a significant fall
      (58.6 and 50.0%, respectively, by low dose) in Delta5-3beta-HSD and G 6-PDH
      activities involved in ovarian steroidogenesis compared to vehicle control. Total
      cholesterol and ascorbic acid content in ovaries and carbonic anhydrase activity
      in uterus were increased significantly (low dose by 49.3, 424.6 and 82.4%,
      respectively) along with a reduction in the weight of ovary, uterus and pituitary
      in comparison to that of control. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Overall, these
      results demonstrate that PECC has a good antifertility effect and is responsible
      for the delayed development of sexual maturity, suppression of ovarian
      steroidogenesis and elevation of carbonic anhydrase activity in uterus of
      immature mice. This supports the claim by tribal people as a potential remedy for
      birth control.

PMID- 22092073
TI  - The pro-inflammatory effects of platelet contamination in plasma and mitigation
      strategies for avoidance.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Plasma and platelet concentrates are
      disproportionately implicated in transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).
      Platelet-derived pro-inflammatory mediators, including soluble CD40 ligand
      (sCD40L), accumulate during storage. We hypothesized that platelet contamination
      induces sCD40L generation that causes neutrophil [polymorphonuclear leucocyte
      (PMN)] priming and PMN-mediated cytotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma was
      untreated, centrifuged (12,500 g) or separated from leucoreduced whole blood
      (WBLR) prior to freezing. Platelet counts and sCD40L concentrations were measured
      1-5 days post-thaw. The plasma was assayed for PMN priming activity and was used
      in a two-event in vitro model of PMN-mediated human pulmonary microvascular
      endothelial cell (HMVEC) cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Untreated plasma contained 42+/
      4.2*10(3)/MUl platelets, which generated sCD40L accumulation (1.6-eight-fold vs.
      controls). Priming activity and HMVEC cytotoxicity were directly proportional to
      sCD40L concentration. WBLR and centrifugation reduced platelet and sCD40L
      contamination, abrogating the pro-inflammatory potential. CONCLUSION: Platelet
      contamination causes sCD40L accumulation in stored plasma that may contribute to
      TRALI. Platelet reduction is potentially the first TRALI mitigation effort in
      plasma manufacturing.

PMID- 22092074
TI  - Layered assemblies of a dialuminum-substituted silicotungstate trimer and the
      reversible interlayer cation-exchange properties.
AB  - Two polyoxometalate assemblies, TBA(9)[{gamma-H(2)SiW(10)O(36)Al(2)(MU-OH)(2)(MU
      OH)}(3)] (1; TBA = tetra-n-butylammonium) and TBA(6)Li(3)[{gamma
      H(2)SiW(10)O(36)Al(2)(MU-OH)(2)(MU-OH)}(3)].18H(2)O (2), were synthesized by
      trimerization of a dialuminum-substituted silicotungstate monomer. Both 1 and 2
      possessed a layered structure composed of a basal sheet unit [TBA(3){gamma
      H(2)SiW(10)O(36)Al(2)(MU-OH)(2)(MU-OH)}(3)](6-) and interlayer cations. The
      interconversion between 1 and 2 reversibly took place through interlayer cation
      exchange.

PMID- 22092075
TI  - Identification of phosphoproteins in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves using
      polyethylene glycol fractionation, immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography,
      two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
AB  - Reversible protein phosphorylation is a key regulatory mechanism in cells.
      Identification and characterization of phosphoproteins requires specialized
      enrichment methods, due to the relatively low abundance of these proteins, and is
      further complicated in plants by the high abundance of Rubisco in green tissues.
      We present a novel method for plant phosphoproteome analysis that depletes
      Rubisco using polyethylene glycol fractionation and utilizes immobilized metal
      ion affinity chromatography to enrich phosphoproteins. Subsequent protein
      separation by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is further improved by
      extracting the PEG-fractionated protein samples with SDS/phenol and
      methanol/chloroform to remove interfering compounds. Using this approach, we
      identified 132 phosphorylated proteins in a partial Arabidopsis leaf extract.
      These proteins are involved in a range of biological processes, including CO(2)
      fixation, protein assembly and folding, stress response, redox regulation, and
      cellular metabolism. Both large and small subunits of Rubisco were phosphorylated
      at multiple sites, and depletion of Rubisco enhanced detection of less abundant
      phosphoproteins, including those associated with state transitions between
      photosystems I and II. The discovery of a phosphorylated form of AtGRP7, a self
      regulating RNA-binding protein that affects floral transition, as well as several
      previously uncharacterized ribosomal proteins confirm the utility of this
      approach for phosphoproteome analysis and its potential to increase our
      understanding of growth and development in plants.

PMID- 22092076
TI  - A regional meeting continues to grow: the 2nd annual Michigan alliance for
      Reproductive Technologies and Science Conference.

PMID- 22092077
TI  - Interchromosomal effect analyses by sperm FISH: incidence and distribution among
      reorganization carriers.
AB  - Structural reorganization carriers usually present compromised fertility
      accompanied by an increased risk of producing gametes with chromosomal
      abnormalities that can be transmitted to the offspring. In part these imbalances
      are ascribed to result from the occurrence of meiotic disturbances produced by
      the rearrangements in the proper segregation of other chromosome pairs. This
      phenomenon of interference has been called interchromosomal effect (ICE). Several
      studies have been performed to assess the occurrence of ICE in structural
      reorganization carriers by analyzing the frequencies of numerical abnormalities
      in the gametes. Nevertheless, the occurrence and distribution of these disturbing
      events still is a controversial issue. In this work we present compiled data from
      130 sperm fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies performed in carriers
      of the most frequent structural rearrangements in humans: 44 Robertsonian
      translocations, 66 reciprocal translocations and 13 inversions. Data from 7
      complex/multiple rearrangements will be considered in a separate group.  
      Significant increases of gametes with numerical abnormalities have been detected
      in all types of reorganization carriers. Among the groups of non-complex/multiple
      rearrangements, Robertsonian translocations appear to be the most prone to
      produce such interference (54.5%) closely followed by reciprocal translocations
      (43.9%). In contrast, ICE's were only detected in 7.7% of the inversion carriers
      analyzed. The presence of complex/multiple rearrangements seems to be an
      important factor for promoting ICE, as 71.4% of these carriers presented
      increased rates of gametes with numerical abnormalities. Altogether, almost half
      of the structural reorganization carriers (45.4%) present a higher reproductive
      risk of producing aneuploid/diploid spermatozoa compared to the general
      population. This high incidence has been obtained by analyzing a small set of
      chromosomes, suggesting that underlying meiotic disorders could be present in
      these individuals.   Further ICE studies in structural reorganization carriers
      will help to clarify the still unknown predisposing cytogenetic features that
      promote this phenomenon.

PMID- 22092078
TI  - The cerebellum, cognition, and behaviour.

PMID- 22092079
TI  - Verification of the Robin and Graham classification system of hip disease in
      cerebral palsy using three-dimensional computed tomography.
AB  - AIM: We evaluated the validity of the Robin and Graham classification system of
      hip disease in cerebral palsy (CP) using three-dimensional computed tomography in
      young people with CP. METHOD: A total of 91 hips in 91 consecutive children with
      bilateral spastic CP (57 males, 34 females; nine classified at Gross Motor
      Function Classification System level II, 42 at level III, 32 at level IV, and
      eight at level V; mean age 5 y 2 mo, SD 11 mo; range 2-6 y) were investigated
      retrospectively using anteroposterior plain radiographs and three-dimensional
      computed tomography (3D-CT) of the hip. The migration percentage was calculated
      on plain radiographs and all participants were classified into four groups
      according to migration percentage: grade II, migration percentage >= 10% but <=
      15%, (four hips), grade III, migration percentage >15% but <= 30%, (20 hips);
      grade IV, migration percentage >30% but <100%, (63 hips); and grade V, migration
      percentage >= 100%, (four hips). The lateral opening angle and the sagittal
      inclination angle of the acetabulum, the neck-shaft angle, and the femoral
      anteversion of the femur were measured on 3D-CT. RESULTS: The three-dimensional
      quantitative evaluation indicated that there were significant differences in the
      lateral opening angle and the neck-shaft angle between the four groups (Kruskal
      Wallis test, p <= 0.001). INTERPRETATION: This three-dimensional evaluation
      supports the validation of the Robin and Graham classification system for hip
      disease in 2- to 7-year-olds with CP.

PMID- 22092081
TI  - Development of a standardized low-dose double-blind placebo-controlled challenge
      vehicle for the EuroPrevall project.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) is the gold
      standard for diagnosing food allergy. Standardized materials and protocols are
      essential for comparing DBPCFC results for multicentre studies such as
      EuroPrevall. This required the development and piloting of a standardized vehicle
      and low-dose protocol for confirming food allergy and determination of minimum
      eliciting doses (MEDs). METHODS:   A low-dose DBPCFC protocol was developed, with
      eight titrated protein doses from 3 MUg to 1 g. This was delivered using a
      simple, microbiologically stable food base incorporating allergenic food
      ingredients manufactured at three sites and centrally distributed to clinical
      centres. Allergen blinding was assessed by a professional sensory testing panel
      using a triangle test. Homogeneity and allergen content were confirmed by ELISA
      and clinical efficacy was assessed in a pilot study, using celeriac and hazelnut
      as exemplars. RESULTS:   Celeriac and hazelnut ingredients were sufficiently
      blinded in the dessert. The dessert meals were successfully piloted with hazelnut
      in allergy clinics in Spain, the Netherlands and Italy and with celeriac and
      hazelnut in Zurich. The challenges elicited a range of subjective and objective
      reactions ranging in severity from mild itching of the oral mucosa to
      bronchospasm. CONCLUSIONS:   A standardized challenge vehicle proven to
      sufficiently blind processed, powdered hazelnut and celeriac ingredients and that
      can be reproducibly manufactured has been developed. This pilot study shows that
      the vehicle is promising for the confirmation of food allergy and determination
      of MEDs in adults and children with body weight >28.8 kg (approximately 7-11
      years old).

PMID- 22092080
TI  - Behavioural comorbidity in Tanzanian children with epilepsy: a community-based
      case-control study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of and risk factors for
      behavioural disorders in children with epilepsy from a rural district of Tanzania
      by conducting a community-based case-control study. METHOD: One hundred and
      twelve children aged 6 to 14 years (55 males, 57 females; median age 12 y) with
      active epilepsy (at least two unprovoked seizures in the last 5 y) were
      identified in a cross-sectional survey and included in this study. Children who
      were younger than 6 years were excluded in order to eliminate febrile seizures.
      Behaviour was assessed using the Rutter scale; children who scored 13 or more
      were considered to have disordered behaviour. A comparison group was made up of
      age- and sex-matched children without epilepsy (n = 113; 57 males, 56 females;
      median age 12 y). RESULTS: Behavioural disorders were diagnosed in 68 of 103
      (66%) children with epilepsy and in 19 of 99 (19%) controls. Disordered behaviour
      was significantly more common in children with epilepsy than in the comparison
      group (univariate odds ratio 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.3-15.6; p <
      0.001) and frequent seizures and poor scholastic attainment were associated in
      children with epilepsy. Behavioural disorders were not associated with
      antiepileptic drug usage. Attention problems were present in 48 of 91 (53%)
      children with epilepsy and 16 of 97 (17%) controls (univariate odds ratio 5.7;
      95% CI 2.9-11.1; p < 0.001). In children with epilepsy, attention problems were
      significantly more common in males and were associated with frequent seizures.
      INTERPRETATION: Children with epilepsy in a rural area of sub-Saharan Africa have
      a high prevalence of behavioural disorders and attention problems, both of which
      are associated with frequent seizures. Providing behaviour assessment and
      appropriate intervention programmes for children with epilepsy may reduce the
      burden of behaviour disorders in this setting.

PMID- 22092083
TI  - Powder X-ray diffraction method for the quantification of cocrystals in the
      crystallization mixture.
AB  - CONTEXT: The solid state purity of cocrystals critically affects their
      performance. Thus, it is important to accurately quantify the purity of
      cocrystals in the final crystallization product. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to develop a powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) quantification method for
      investigating the purity of cocrystals. The method developed was employed to
      study the formation of indomethacin-saccharin (IND-SAC) cocrystals by
      mechanochemical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pure IND-SAC cocrystals were
      geometrically mixed with 1:1 w/w mixture of indomethacin/saccharin in various
      proportions. An accurately measured amount (550 mg) of the mixture was used for
      the PXRD measurements. The most intense, non-overlapping, characteristic
      diffraction peak of IND-SAC was used to construct the calibration curve in the
      range 0-100% (w/w). This calibration model was validated and used to monitor the
      formation of IND-SAC cocrystals by liquid-assisted grinding (LAG). RESULTS: The
      IND-SAC cocrystal calibration curve showed excellent linearity (R(2) = 0.9996)
      over the entire concentration range, displaying limit of detection (LOD) and
      limit of quantification (LOQ) values of 1.23% (w/w) and 3.74% (w/w),
      respectively. Validation results showed excellent correlations between actual and
      predicted concentrations of IND-SAC cocrystals (R(2) = 0.9981). DISCUSSION: The
      accuracy and reliability of the PXRD quantification method depend on the methods
      of sample preparation and handling. The crystallinity of the IND-SAC cocrystals
      was higher when larger amounts of methanol were used in the LAG method.
      CONCLUSION: The PXRD quantification method is suitable and reliable for verifying
      the purity of cocrystals in the final crystallization product.

PMID- 22092082
TI  - The health care cost implications of overweight and obesity during childhood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether childhood overweight at age 4-5 increases
      publicly funded health care costs during childhood, and to explore the role of
      timing and duration of overweight on health costs. DATA SOURCES: The Longitudinal
      Study of Australian Children (2004-2008) and linked records from Medicare,
      Australia's public health insurance provider (2004-2009). STUDY DESIGN: The
      influence of overweight status on non-hospital Medicare costs incurred by
      children over a 5-year period was estimated using two-part models and one-part
      generalized linear models (GLM). All models controlled for demographic,
      socioeconomic, and parental characteristics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Being overweight
      at age 4-5 is associated with significantly higher pharmaceutical and medical
      care costs. The results imply that for all children aged 4 and 5 in 2004-2005,
      those who were overweight had a combined 5-year Medicare bill that was AUD$9.8
      million higher than that of normal weight children. Results from dynamic analyses
      show that costs of childhood overweight occur contemporaneously, and the duration
      of overweight is positively associated with medical costs for children who became
      overweight after age 5. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that the financial burden
      to the public health system of childhood overweight and obesity occurs even
      during the first 5 years of primary school.

PMID- 22092084
TI  - Oral malodorous compound causes caspase-8 and -9 mediated programmed cell death
      in osteoblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2) S) is one of two volatile sulfur
      compounds that are known to be the main cause of oral malodor; the other is
      methyl mercaptan. Other known volatiles existing in mouth air do not contribute
      significantly to oral malodor originating in the oral cavity. Hydrogen sulfide is
      also known to be an etiological factor in periodontal disease. However, the
      effects of H(2) S on alveolar bone remain unclear. The objectives of this study
      were to determine the apoptotic effects of H(2) S on osteoblasts and to verify
      the apoptotic molecular pathways. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clonal murine calvaria
      cell line was incubated with 50 ng/mL of H(2) S. To detect apoptosis, the cells
      were analysed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization
      was assessed using flow cytometry as well. ELISA was used to evaluate the release
      of cytochrome c into the cytosol and to assess Fas ligand, p53, tumor necrosis
      factor alpha, interleukin IL1-alpha IL-beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, interferon-gamma,
      granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities were estimated. Expression of
      BAX and Bcl-2 was assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. DNA fragmentation
      was detected by single-cell gel electrophoresis. Fas receptors were evaluated by
      western blotting. RESULTS: After H(2) S incubation, apoptotic levels increased
      significantly in a time-dependent manner. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization,
      the release of cytochrome c, p53 and caspase-3, -8 and -9 and DNA fragmentation
      were all significantly greater. BAX gene activity was upregulated, whereas Bcl-2
      remained low. Fas ligand/Fas receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha and other
      cytokines were not increased to a significant degree. CONCLUSION: At less-than
      pathological concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid, H(2) S induces
      apoptosis in osteoblasts. The molecular mechanisms underlying the apoptotic
      process include p53, a mitochondrial pathway and caspase-8 activation.

PMID- 22092085
TI  - Characterization of four new HLA alleles: HLA-B*15:01:18, HLA-B*44:110, HLA
      C*04:01:22 and HLA-DQB 1*05:14.
AB  - We describe four novel HLA alleles, HLA-B*15:01:18, HLA-B*44:110, HLA-C*04:01:22
      and HLA-DQB1*05:14.

PMID- 22092086
TI  - Stereoselective total synthesis of (+/-)-peribysin E.
AB  - Radical cyclization of iodoketone 3 afforded cis-hydrindanone 8. Compound 8 was
      converted into key intermediate 5 via conventional transformations. Annulation of
      a spiro-lactal unit to 5 was pursued with three different approaches. In the
      first approach, radical cyclization of propargyl ester 17 provided spiro-lactone
      18 with an undesired stereochemistry. Attempts to invert the stereochemistry at
      the spiro-center via retro-aldol and aldol condensation of compound 20 failed. In
      the second approach, key intermediate 5 was transformed into 23. Acylation of
      compound 23 gave 24 as a single diastereomer with the desired stereochemistry but
      in low yield. NBS bromination of 24 followed by lactone formation gave 26 in low
      yield. Alternatively, allylic oxidation of 24 with SeO(2) followed by
      lactonization gave 26 also in low yield. Finally, a third approach employing a
      semipinacol-type rearrangement of epoxy-alcohol 33 gave aldehyde 34 with the
      desired stereochemistry. Treatment of compound 34 with HCl in MeOH effected spiro
      lactal formation and provided (+/-)-peribysin E. The overall yield of our
      synthesis is 3.2% from 2-methylcyclohenen-1-one.

PMID- 22092087
TI  - Toward a tripartite model of intrinsic motivation.
AB  - Intrinsic motivation (IM) refers to engaging in an activity for the pleasure
      inherent in the activity. The present article presents a tripartite model of IM
      consisting of IM to know (i.e., engaging in an activity to experience pleasure
      while learning and trying to understand something new), IM toward accomplishment
      (i.e., engaging in an activity for the pleasure experienced when attempting task
      mastery), and IM to experience stimulation (i.e., engaging in an activity for
      feelings of sensory pleasure). The tripartite model of IM posits that each type
      of IM can result from task, situational, and personality determinants and can
      lead to specific types of cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes. The
      purpose of this research was to test some predictions derived from this model.
      Across 4 studies (Study 1: N = 331; Study 2: N = 113; Study 3: N = 58; Study 4: N
      = 135), the 3 types of IM as well as potential determinants and consequences were
      assessed. Results revealed that experiencing one type of IM over the others
      depends in part on people's personality styles. Also, each type of IM was found
      to predict specific outcomes (i.e., affective states and behavioral choices). The
      implications of the tripartite model of IM for motivation research are discussed.

PMID- 22092094
TI  - Nanoporous carbohydrate metal-organic frameworks.
AB  - The binding of alkali and alkaline earth metal cations by macrocyclic and
      diazamacrobicyclic polyethers, composed of ordered arrays of hard oxygen (and
      nitrogen) donor atoms, underpinned the development of host-guest supramolecular
      chemistry in the 1970s and 1980s. The arrangement of -OCCO- and -OCCN- chelating
      units in these preorganized receptors, including, but not limited to, crown
      ethers and cryptands, is responsible for the very high binding constants observed
      for their complexes with Group IA and IIA cations. The cyclodextrins (CDs),
      cyclic oligosaccharides derived microbiologically from starch, also display this 
      OCCO- bidentate motif on both their primary and secondary faces. The self
      assembly, in aqueous alcohol, of infinite networks of extended structures, which
      have been termed CD-MOFs, wherein gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) is linked by
      coordination to Group IA and IIA metal cations to form metal-organic frameworks
      (MOFs), is reported. CD-MOF-1 and CD-MOF-2, prepared on the gram-scale from KOH
      and RbOH, respectively, form body-centered cubic arrangements of (gamma-CD)(6)
      cubes linked by eight-coordinate alkali metal cations. These cubic CD-MOFs are
      (i) stable to the removal of solvents, (ii) permanently porous, with surface
      areas of ~1200 m(2) g(-1), and (iii) capable of storing gases and small molecules
      within their pores. The fact that the -OCCO- moieties of gamma-CD are not
      prearranged in a manner conducive to encapsulating single metal cations has led
      to our isolating other infinite frameworks, with different topologies, from salts
      of Na(+), Cs(+), and Sr(2+). This lack of preorganization is expressed
      emphatically in the case of Cs(+), where two polymorphs assemble under identical
      conditions. CD-MOF-3 has the cubic topology observed for CD-MOFs 1 and 2, while
      CD-MOF-4 displays a channel structure wherein gamma-CD tori are perfectly stacked
      in one dimension in a manner reminiscent of the structures of some gamma-CD
      solvates, but with added crystal stability imparted by metal-ion coordination.
      These new MOFs demonstrate that the CDs can indeed function as ligands for alkali
      and alkaline earth metal cations in a manner similar to that found with crown
      ethers. These inexpensive, green, nanoporous materials exhibit absorption
      properties which make them realistic candidates for commercial development, not
      least of all because edible derivatives, fit for human consumption, can be
      prepared entirely from food-grade ingredients.

PMID- 22092095
TI  - Physical exercise performed before bedtime improves the sleep pattern of healthy
      young good sleepers.
AB  - To investigate the influence of different intensities and durations of exercise
      before bedtime on the sleep pattern and core body temperature of individuals
      considered good sleepers, we selected 17 healthy males and all underwent 5
      nonconsecutive days of study. Measurements of polysomnographic parameters and
      core body temperature were taken at baseline and after each experimental
      protocol, performed at night. We found increased sleep efficiency (p = .016)
      among all protocols compared with baseline data and increase in REM sleep latency
      (p = .047) between two experiments; there was decrease in the percentage of stage
      1 sleep (p = .046) and wake after sleep onset (p = .003). Core body temperature
      did not change significantly during the nights following exercise. Exercise
      performed before sleep does not impair sleep quality; rather, its practice
      improves sleep in good sleepers who are nonathletes, and may be considered to
      improve sleep pattern.

PMID- 22092096
TI  - Intraoperative contamination of the suction tip in clean orthopedic surgeries in
      dogs and cats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To (1) determine suction tip (intermittent and continuous mode)
      contamination rate in orthopedic surgery in dogs and cats; (2) examine the effect
      of surgical time on contamination; and (3) report bacteria isolated. STUDY
      DESIGN: Clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Clean orthopedic surgeries (n = 50).
      METHODS: Surgical procedures were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) continuous (n =
      25) or (2) intermittent suction (n = 25). A control suction was operated in each
      surgery. Samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteriologic examination were
      collected from the surgical suction at 0, 20, 60 minutes, and at the end of
      surgery, and from the control suction at the end of the surgery only. Comparison
      of continuous and intermittent suction data, and the effect of surgical time on
      contamination rate were analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis followed
      by a Cox proportional hazards model. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS:
      Aerobic contamination occurred in 22 of 50 surgical procedures and there was no
      anaerobic growth. There was no significant difference between continuous and
      intermittent suction mode groups (P = .40). Surgical time did not influence the
      contamination rate (P = .79). Bacterial cultures mainly revealed coagulase
      negative Staphylococci, however multiresistant bacteria were isolated.
      CONCLUSIONS: We failed to find superiority of the intermittent operation mode of
      the suction tip over the continuous mode. A safe time frame before contamination
      of the suction tip occurs that could not be defined.

PMID- 22092097
TI  - A randomized trial on elderly laypersons' CPR performance in a realistic cardiac
      arrest simulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is important for
      survival after cardiac arrest. We hypothesized that elderly laypersons would
      perform CPR poorer in a realistic cardiac arrest simulation, compared to a
      traditional test. METHODS: Sixty-four lay rescuers aged 50-75 were randomized to
      realistic or traditional test, both with ten minutes of telephone assisted CPR.
      Realistic simulation started suddenly without warning, leaving the test subject
      alone in a confined and noisy apartment. Traditional test was conducted in a
      spacious and calm classroom with a researcher present. CPR performance was
      recorded with a manikin with human like chest properties. Heart rate and self
      reported exhaustion were registered. RESULTS: CPR quality was not different in
      the two groups: compression depth, 43 mm +/- 7 versus 43 +/- 4, P = 0.72;
      compressions rate, 97 min(-1) +/- 11 versus 93 +/- 15, P = 0.26; ventilation
      rate, 2.4 min(-1) +/- 1.7 versus 2.8 +/- 1.1, P = 0.35; and hands-off time 273 s
      +/- 50 versus 270 +/- 66, P = 0.82; in realistic (n = 31) and traditional (n =
      33) groups, respectively. No fatigue was evident in the repeated measures
      analysis of variance. Work load was not different between the groups; attained
      percentage of age predicted maximum heart rate, 73% +/- 9 and 76 +/- 11, P =
      0.37, reported exhaustion 43 +/- 21 (scale: 0 to 100) and 37 +/- 19, P = 0.24.
      CONCLUSIONS: Elderly lay people are capable of performing chest compressions with
      acceptable quality for ten minutes in a realistic cardiac arrest simulation.
      Ventilation quality and hands-off time were not adequate in either group.

PMID- 22092088
TI  - Signals and regulators that govern Streptomyces development.
AB  - Streptomyces coelicolor is the genetically best characterized species of a
      populous genus belonging to the gram-positive Actinobacteria. Streptomycetes are
      filamentous soil organisms, well known for the production of a plethora of
      biologically active secondary metabolic compounds. The Streptomyces developmental
      life cycle is uniquely complex and involves coordinated multicellular development
      with both physiological and morphological differentiation of several cell types,
      culminating in the production of secondary metabolites and dispersal of mature
      spores. This review presents a current appreciation of the signaling mechanisms
      used to orchestrate the decision to undergo morphological differentiation, and
      the regulators and regulatory networks that direct the intriguing development of
      multigenomic hyphae first to form specialized aerial hyphae and then to convert
      them into chains of dormant spores. This current view of S. coelicolor
      development is destined for rapid evolution as data from '-omics' studies shed
      light on gene regulatory networks, new genetic screens identify hitherto unknown
      players, and the resolution of our insights into the underlying cell biological
      processes steadily improve.

PMID- 22092098
TI  - Formation of ripples in graphene as a result of interfacial instabilities.
AB  - Formation of ripples on a supported graphene sheet involves interfacial
      interaction with the substrate. In this work, graphene was grown on a copper foil
      by chemical vapor deposition from methane. On thermal quenching from elevated
      temperatures, we observed the formation of ripples in grown graphene, developing
      a peculiar topographic pattern in the form of wavy grooves and single/double
      rolls, roughly honeycomb cells, or their combinations. Studies on pure copper
      foil under corresponding conditions but without the presence of hydrocarbon
      revealed the appearance of peculiar patterns on the foil surface, such as
      dendritic structures that are distinctive not of equilibrium solidified phases
      but arise from planar and/or convective instabilities driven by solutal and
      thermal capillary forces. We propose a new origin for the formation of ripples in
      the course of graphene growth at elevated temperatures, where the topographic
      pattern formation is governed by dynamic instabilities on the interface of a
      carbon-catalyst binary system. These non-equilibrium processes can be described
      based on Mullins-Sekerka and Benard-Marangoni instabilities in diluted binary
      alloys, which offer control over the ripple texturing through synthesis
      parameters such as temperature, imposed temperature gradient, quenching rate,
      diffusion coefficients of carbon in the metal catalyst, and the miscibility gap
      of the metal catalyst-carbon system.

PMID- 22092100
TI  - First magnetostructural study on a heterodinuclear 2,2'-bipyrimidine-bridged
      complex.
AB  - The use of the [ReCl(4)(bpym)] precursor as a ligand toward the fully solvated
      nickel(II) metal ion affords the first example of a 2,2'-bipyrimidine-bridged
      Re(IV)-Ni(II) complex, [ReCl(4)(MU-bpym)NiBr(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (1), whose
      intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling has been substantiated from both
      experimental and theoretical studies.

PMID- 22092099
TI  - Psychotropic medication burden and factors associated with antipsychotic use: an
      analysis of a population-based sample of community-dwelling older persons with
      dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of community-dwelling older adults with
      dementia being prescribed a psychotropic and to identify patient and caregiver
      factors associated with antipsychotic use. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of
      the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) from 2002 to 2004 designed to
      assess dementia severity and service use of community-dwelling older adults. The
      frequency of psychotropic medication (antipsychotics, antidepressants,
      anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines) use was tabulated and weighted to the U.S.
      population according to dementia diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis
      identified factors associated with antipsychotic use. RESULTS: The 307 ADAMS
      participants had the following dementia diagnoses: Alzheimer's disease (69.3%),
      vascular dementia (17.7%), and other dementia (12.4%). The proportion of
      participants prescribed a psychotropic medication broken down according to
      therapeutic class was 19.1% antipsychotics, 29.1% antidepressants, 9.8%
      benzodiazepines, and 8.8% anticonvulsants. Older adults with dementia were
      significantly more likely to receive an antipsychotic if they had moderate (odds
      ratio (OR) = 7.4, P = .002) or severe (OR = 5.80, P = .002) dementia than if they
      had mild dementia or were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (OR = 6.7, P = .04)
      compared to vascular dementia. Older adults with dementia who lived with a
      caregiver were significantly less likely to taking an antipsychotic (OR = 0.19, P
      = .001) than those who lived alone. Also, persons with dementia were
      significantly less likely to be prescribed an antipsychotic if their caregiver
      was clinically depressed (OR = 0.03, P = .005) than if their caregiver was not
      depressed. CONCLUSION: Psychotropic medication use is common in community
      dwelling older adults with dementia. Caregivers appear to have a substantial
      effect on whether an antipsychotic is prescribed, which adds additional
      complexity to conversations discussing the risk:benefit ratio of this medication
      class.

PMID- 22092101
TI  - Radioactivity of sand, groundwater and wild plants in northeast Sinai, Egypt.
AB  - The radioactivity levels are poorly studied in non-coastal arid regions. For this
      reason, 38 locations covering an area of about 350 km(2) in northeast Sinai,
      Egypt, were investigated by gamma-ray spectroscopy. Moderately significant
      correlations among (238)U, (234)Th, and (226)Ra isotopes and low significant
      correlations between the concentrations of (238)U-series and (232)Th in sand were
      obtained. No evidence of correlation was found between the concentrations of
      radioisotopes and pH, grain size, total organic matter content, bicarbonate or
      calcium carbonate concentrations of the sand samples. The mean values of soil-to
      plant transfer factor were 0.15, 0.18, 1.52 and 0.74 for (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K,
      and (137)Cs, respectively. The range of concentrations of (226)Ra,( 232)Th, and
      (40)K in water samples collected from five wells were<0.4-0.16,<0.4-0.13,
      and<0.15-1.62 Bq l(-1), respectively. The mean absorbed dose rate in outdoor air
      at a height of 1 m above the ground surface for the sand samples was 19.4 nGy h(
      1). The Ra(eq) activities of the sands are lower than the recommended maximum
      value of 370 Bq kg(-1) criterion limit for building materials.

PMID- 22092103
TI  - Self-generated retrievals while multitasking improve memory for names.
AB  - We used a translational research paradigm to investigate whether distributed
      retrievals could benefit name learning in social situations. Undergraduates
      (N=64) were trained to generate distributed retrievals while they were
      multitasking. Students learned to generate distributed retrievals according to
      either an expanding or a uniform schedule. Their self-generated distributed
      retrievals while they were multitasking were effective in improving name recall
      for both retrieval schedules. The increase with self-generated retrievals while
      multitasking was greater (eta2 =.76) than the increase that Helder and
      Shaughnessy ( 2008 ) found with experimenter-controlled retrievals while
      multitasking (eta2 =.42). These findings provide evidence that the beneficial
      effect of distributed retrievals can extend to learning names in a social
      situation.

PMID- 22092102
TI  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and statin use and incident mobility
      limitation in community-dwelling older adults: the Health, Aging and Body
      Composition study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
      inhibitors and statins is associated with a lower risk of incident mobility
      limitation in older community dwelling adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study.
      SETTING: Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. PARTICIPANTS:
      Three thousand fifty-five participants who were well functioning at baseline (no
      mobility limitations). MEASUREMENTS: Summated standardized daily doses (low,
      medium, high) and duration of ACE inhibitor and statin use were computed.
      Mobility limitation (two consecutive self-reports of having any difficulty
      walking one-quarter of a mile or climbing 10 steps without resting) was assessed
      every 6 months after baseline. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses
      were conducted, adjusting for demographics, health status, and health behaviors.
      RESULTS: At baseline, 15.2% used ACE inhibitors and 12.9% used statins; use of
      both was greater than 25% by Year 6. Over 6.5 years of follow-up, 49.8% had
      developed mobility limitation. In separate multivariable models, neither ACE
      inhibitor (multivariate hazard ratio (HR) = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) =
      0.82-1.09) nor statin use (multivariate HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.87-1.17) was
      associated with lower risk of mobility limitation. Similar findings were seen in
      analyses examining dose-response and duration-response relationships and a
      sensitivity analysis restricted to those with hypertension. CONCLUSION: ACE
      inhibitors and statins widely prescribed to treat hypertension and
      hypercholesterolemia, respectively, do not lower risk of mobility limitation, an
      important indicator of quality of life.

PMID- 22092104
TI  - The relation of the conceptual self to recent and distant autobiographical
      memories.
AB  - Based on the self-memory system model (SMS; Conway, Singer, & Tagini, 2004) of
      autobiographical memory, this study uses a large sample of young and middle-aged
      adults to investigate the relation between individuals' current self
      characteristics and the content of both their earliest childhood memory and a
      recent memory. In the first session, participants' current self-characteristics
      were assessed. In the second session, individuals provided a written narrative of
      their earliest childhood memory and a more recent memory (within-participants
      design) and rated the self themes present in each memory. In keeping with the SMS
      model, findings show that current self-characteristics were reflected in
      individuals' memories. As predicted, however, recent memories were more
      frequently linked to current self-characteristics than were earliest memories.
      All six current self-characteristics predicted the inclusion of these themes in
      recent memories, but only four self-characteristics were associated with memory
      themes in earliest memories. The relation between current self-characteristics
      and memory themes did not differ across young and middle-aged adults, suggesting
      developmental stability in these relations. Findings provide general support for
      the SMS model but also suggest possibilities for its extension and refinement.

PMID- 22092105
TI  - Directed forgetting of autobiographical memory in mild Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Using the autobiographical directed forgetting method (Barnier et al., 2007), the
      present paper addressed the intentional inhibitory processes of episodic and
      semantic autobiographical memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mild AD patients
      and healthy elderly people were instructed to either forget or to continue
      remembering previously generated autobiographical events. In a later recall test
      they were asked to reconstruct the early-generated memories regardless of the
      forget/remember instruction. Autobiographical reconstruction was further
      distributed into episodic and semantic memories. Results showed no forget
      instruction effect on episodic or semantic autobiographical recall with AD
      patients, whereas healthy elderly people were able to inhibit only episodic
      autobiographical memories. The findings suggest an impairment of the intentional
      inhibitory processes in autobiographical memory with AD and a relative
      preservation of these mechanisms with normal ageing. They also demonstrate an
      earlier decline in the intentional inhibitory processes compared to the
      autobiographical deterioration in AD.

PMID- 22092106
TI  - Memory for details with self-referencing.
AB  - Self-referencing benefits item memory, but little is known about the ways in
      which referencing the self affects memory for details. Experiment 1 assessed
      whether the effects of self-referencing operate only at the item, or general,
      level or whether they also enhance memory for specific visual details of objects.
      Participants incidentally encoded objects by making judgements in reference to
      the self, a close other (one's mother), or a familiar other (Bill Clinton).
      Results indicate that referencing the self or a close other enhances both
      specific and general memory. Experiments 2 and 3 assessed verbal memory for
      source in a task that relied on distinguishing between different mental
      operations (internal sources). The results indicate that self-referencing
      disproportionately enhances source memory, relative to conditions referencing
      other people, semantic, or perceptual information. We conclude that self
      referencing not only enhances specific memory for both visual and verbal
      information, but can also disproportionately improve memory for specific internal
      source details.

PMID- 22092109
TI  - Impact of solvent/detergent treatment of plasma on transfusion-relevant bacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment in a medical device has been
      developed for pathogen reduction of plasma for transfusion. Impact of S/D on
      bacterial growth and on the capacity of complement to kill bacteria has been
      investigated in this study. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A pool of apheresis plasma
      from four donors was spiked with eight transfusion-relevant bacteria. Plasma was
      treated with 1% tri(n-butyl) phosphate and 1% Triton X-45 at 31 degrees C for 90
      min and then extracted by oil at 31 degrees C for 70 min. Decomplemented plasma
      and Phosphate Buffer Saline were used as controls. Bacterial count was determined
      in samples taken immediately after spiking, or after S/D and oil treatment.
      Similar experiments were conducted using three individual recovered plasma
      donations. Bacteria growth inhibition tests were performed using discs soaked
      with plasma samples whether containing the S/D agents or not. RESULTS: The mean
      reduction factors of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella
      pneumoniae due to complement during S/D treatment were >8.75, 4.71, and 4.18 log
      in pooled plasma and >7.42, 2.24 and >6.08 log in individual plasmas,
      respectively. Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis were inactivated by S/D
      (>7.04 and 1.60 log in pooled, and >6.06 and 2.39 in individual plasmas,
      respectively). Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterobacter
      cloacae did not multiply during S/D treatment of plasma. Growth inhibition tests
      revealed an inhibition of three gram-negative bacteria by complement and all gram
      positive by S/D. CONCLUSION: The S/D treatment of plasma does not alter the
      bactericidal activity of complement, and inactivates some gram-positive bacteria.

PMID- 22092110
TI  - Predictors of postpartum weight change among overweight and obese women: results
      from the Active Mothers Postpartum study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The postpartum period may be critical for the development of midlife
      obesity. Identifying factors associated with postpartum weight change could aid
      in targeting women for healthy lifestyle interventions. METHODS: Data from Active
      Mothers Postpartum (AMP), a study of overweight and obese postpartum women
      (n=450), were analyzed to determine the effect of baseline characteristics,
      breastfeeding, diet, physical activity, and contraception on weight change from 6
      weeks to 12, 18, and 24 months postpartum. The repeated measures mixed model was
      used to test the association of these effects with weight change. RESULTS:
      Although mean weight loss was modest (0.49 kg by 24 months), the range of weight
      change was striking (+21.5 kg to -24.5 kg, standard deviation [SD] 7.4).
      Controlling only for baseline weight, weight loss was associated with
      breastfeeding, hormonal contraception, lower junk food and greater healthy food
      intake, and greater physical activity. Only junk food intake and physical
      activity were significant after controlling for all other predictors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Eating less healthy foods and being less physically active put
      overweight and obese women at risk of gaining more weight after a pregnancy.

PMID- 22092111
TI  - Overexpression of ADK in human astrocytic tumors and peritumoral tissue is
      related to tumor-associated epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adenosine kinase (ADK), a largely astrocyte-based metabolic enzyme,
      regulates adenosine homeostasis in the brain. Overexpression of ADK decreases
      extracellular adenosine and consequently leads to seizures. We hypothesized that
      dysfunction in the metabolism of tumor astrocytes is related to changes in ADK
      expression and that those changes might be associated with the development of
      epilepsy in patients with tumors. METHODS: We compared ADK expression and
      cellular distribution in surgically removed tumor tissue (n = 45) and peritumoral
      cortex (n = 20) of patients with glial and glioneuronal tumors to normal control
      tissue obtained at autopsy (n = 11). In addition, we compared ADK expression in
      tumor patients with and without epilepsy. To investigate ADK expression, we used
      immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. ADK activity measurement was
      performed in surgical specimens of astrocytomas World Health Organization (WHO)
      grade III (n = 3), peritumoral cortex (n = 3), and nonepileptic cortex (n = 3).
      KEY FINDINGS: Immunohistochemistry predominantly showed cytoplasmic labeling in
      tumors and peritumoral tissue containing infiltrating tumor cells. ADK
      immunoreactivity was significantly stronger in tumor and peritumoral tissue
      compared to normal white matter and normal cortex, especially in astrocytoma WHO
      grade III, as confirmed by Western blot analysis and ADK activity measurements.
      Importantly, we found a significantly higher expression of ADK in the peritumoral
      infiltrated tissue of patients with epilepsy than in patients without epilepsy.
      SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest a dysregulation of ADK in astrocytic brain
      tumors. Moreover, the upregulation of ADK observed in peritumoral infiltrated
      tissue of glioma patients with epilepsy supports the role of this enzyme in tumor
      associated epilepsy.

PMID- 22092113
TI  - Development of modified in situ gelling oral liquid sustained release formulation
      of dextromethorphan.
AB  - CONTEXT: Alternative strategies are being employed to develop liquid oral
      sustained release formulation. These included ion exchange resin, sustained
      release suspensions and in situ gelling systems. The later mainly utilizes
      alginate solutions that form gels upon contact with calcium which may be
      administered separately or included in the alginate solution as citrate complex.
      This complex liberates calcium in the stomach with subsequent gellation. The
      formed gel can break after gastric emptying leading to dose dumping. OBJECTIVE:
      Development of modified in situ gelling system which sustain dextromethorphan
      release in the stomach and intestine. METHODS: Solutions containing alginate with
      calcium chloride and sodium citrate were initially prepared to select the
      formulation sustaining the release in the stomach. The best formulation was
      combined with chitosan. All formulations were characterized with respect to flow,
      gelling capacity, gelling strength and drug release. RESULTS: Increasing the
      concentration of alginate increased the gelling capacity and strength and reduced
      the rate of drug release in gastric conditions with 2% w/v alginate being the
      best formulation. However, these formulations failed to sustain the release in
      the intestinal conditions. Incorporation of chitosan with alginate increased the
      gelling capacity and strength and reduced the rate of drug release compared to
      alginate only system. The effect was optimum in formulation containing 1.5% w/v
      chitosan. The sustained release pattern was maintained both in the gastric and
      intestinal conditions and was comparable to that obtained from the marketed
      product. CONCLUSION: Alginate-chitosan based in situ gelling system is promising
      for developing liquid oral sustained release.

PMID- 22092112
TI  - Growth velocity during infancy and onset of asthma in school-aged children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth velocities during infancy might affect the risk of asthma in
      childhood. This study examines the association between peak height and weight
      velocities during the first 2 years of life and onset of asthma and wheeze up to
      10 years of age. METHODS: Data from 9086 children who participated in the
      GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts were analyzed. Information on asthma was
      requested annually from 1 to 10 years and information on wheeze at 1, 2, 4, 6,
      and 10 years. Peak height and weight velocities were calculated using height and
      weight measurements obtained between birth and 2 years of age. Cox proportional
      hazards models and generalized linear mixed models were calculated after
      adjustment for potential confounding factors including birth weight and body mass
      index at 10 years of age. RESULTS: Per interquartile range increase in peak
      weight velocity (PWV), the risk of asthma increased significantly (adjHR: 1.22;
      CI: 1.02-1.47). The relationship between peak height velocity (PHV) and onset of
      asthma was nonsignificant (adjHR: 1.08; CI: 0.88-1.31). Wheeze was not
      significantly associated with PHV or with PWV (adjOR: 1.07; CI: 0.64-1.77 and
      adjOR: 1.11; CI: 0.68-1.79, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain during
      infancy is positively associated with physician-diagnosed asthma in school-aged
      children.

PMID- 22092114
TI  - Growth references for Brazilian children and adolescents: healthy growth in
      Cariri study.
AB  - AIM: To construct reference values for height, body mass and BMI of children and
      adolescents from the Cariri region, Brazil; to compare the growth of Cariri
      children with those from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and
      with references from other Brazilian regions; to verify the associations between
      socioeconomic status and height, body mass and BMI in children and youth from
      both sexes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 3311 girls and 3280 boys
      aged 7-17 years, participating in the study 'Healthy Growth in Cariri'.
      Socioeconomic status was defined according to school attendance: private and
      public. Centile curves for height, body mass and BMI were constructed using the
      LMS method. RESULTS: Significant differences between children and adolescents
      from Cariri and those from other Brazilian regions and the CDC references were
      found for height and body mass. In girls from private schools, average
      differences in height compared to the CDC references ranged from 0.79-5.9 cm and
      in boys from 2.9-8.6 cm. CONCLUSION: Children from Cariri show a growth pattern
      in height, body mass and BMI that closely resembles the patterns observed in
      developed countries, but the absolute values in height and body mass are markedly
      lower than CDC references and growth references for other regions in Brazil.

PMID- 22092115
TI  - Location of cancer surgery for older veterans with cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many veterans undergo cancer surgery outside of the Veterans Health
      Administration (VHA). We assessed to what extent these patients obtained care in
      the VHA before surgery. DATA SOURCES: VHA-Medicare data, VHA administrative data,
      and Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry data. STUDY DESIGN: We identified
      patients aged >=65 years in the VHA-Medicare cohort who underwent lung or colon
      cancer resection outside the VHA and assessed VHA visits in the year before
      surgery. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Over 60% of patients in the VHA-Medicare cohort who
      received lung or colon cancer surgeries outside the VHA did not receive any care
      in VHA before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans' receipt of major cancer surgery
      outside the VHA probably reflects usual private sector care among veterans who
      are infrequent VHA users.

PMID- 22092116
TI  - Genetic and environmental influences on personality profile stability: unraveling
      the normativeness problem.
AB  - The present study is the first to disentangle the genetic and environmental
      influences on personality profile stability. Spanning a period of 10 years, we
      analyzed the etiology of 3 aspects of profile stability (overall profile
      stability, distinctive profile stability, and profile normativeness) using self-
      and peer reports from 539 identical and 280 fraternal twins reared together. This
      3-wave multirater twin design allowed us to estimate the genetic and
      environmental effects on latent true scores of the 3 aspects of profile stability
      while controlling for method effects and random error. Consistent biometric
      results were only found for profile normativeness, whereas overall and
      distinctive profile stability scores turned out to be biased. Over time, we found
      personality profile normativeness to be relatively stable. This stability was due
      to both stable genetic and nonshared environmental effects, whereas innovative
      variance was completely explained by nonshared environmental effects. Our
      findings emphasize the importance of distinguishing between the different aspects
      of profile stability, since overall and distinctive stability scores are likely
      biased due to the normativeness problem. Yet indicating a person's similarity to
      the average person, the normativeness of a personality profile itself has a
      psychological meaning beyond socially desirable responding.

PMID- 22092121
TI  - Ultrasonography in the management of the airway.
AB  - In this study, it is described how to use ultrasonography (US) for real-time
      imaging of the airway from the mouth, over pharynx, larynx, and trachea to the
      peripheral alveoli, and how to use this in airway management. US has several
      advantages for imaging of the airway - it is safe, quick, repeatable, portable,
      widely available, and it must be used dynamically for maximum benefit in airway
      management, in direct conjunction with the airway management, i.e. immediately
      before, during, and after airway interventions. US can be used for direct
      observation of whether the tube enters the trachea or the esophagus by placing
      the ultrasound probe transversely on the neck at the level of the suprasternal
      notch during intubation, thus confirming intubation without the need for
      ventilation or circulation. US can be applied before anesthesia induction and
      diagnose several conditions that affect airway management, but it remains to be
      determined in which kind of patients the predictive value of such an examination
      is high enough to recommend this as a routine approach to airway management
      planning. US can identify the croicothyroid membrane prior to management of a
      difficult airway, can confirm ventilation by observing lung sliding bilaterally
      and should be the first diagnostic approach when a pneumothorax is suspected
      intraoperatively or during initial trauma-evaluation. US can improve percutaneous
      dilatational tracheostomy by identifying the correct tracheal-ring interspace,
      avoiding blood vessels and determining the depth from the skin to the tracheal
      wall.

PMID- 22092122
TI  - Monitoring patients at risk of massive transfusion with Thrombelastography or
      Thromboelastometry: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombelastography (TEG) and Thrombelastometry (ROTEM) are
      viscoelastic whole-blood assays evaluating the haemostatic capacity of blood.
      These devices are used in algorithms to guide transfusion of haemostatic blood
      components. METHODS: The methods used for this study were systematic reviews with
      meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of randomised clinical trials (RCTs)
      of TEG/ROTEM-based algorithm compared with standard treatment in patients with
      bleeding. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We searched the literature in
      seven databases (up to 31 October 2010), reference lists, registers of ongoing
      trials, and contacted authors and experts. We extracted data from included
      studies related to study methods, interventions, outcomes, bias risk and adverse
      events using Cochrane methodology. All trials irrespective of blinding or
      language status were included. RESULTS: Nine trials involving 776 participants
      were included. Eight trials involved cardiac surgery with an average blood loss
      of 390-960  ml, and one trial investigated liver transplantations. One trial was
      classified as low-risk-of-bias trial. We found two ongoing trials. No impact was
      identified on mortality, amount of blood transfused, incidence of surgical
      reinterventions, time to extubation, or length of stay in hospital and intensive
      care unit. We identified a significant reduction in blood loss favouring the use
      of TEG/ROTEM {85  ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.4-140.7]} and in the
      proportion of patients receiving freshly frozen plasma and platelets [relative
      risk 0.39 (95%CI 0.27-0.57)]. CONCLUSION: There is currently weak evidence to
      support the use of TEG/ROTEM as a tool to guide transfusion in patients with
      severe bleeding. Further studies need to address other clinical settings and with
      larger blood losses.

PMID- 22092123
TI  - Temporal comparison of ultrasound vs. auscultation and capnography in
      verification of endotracheal tube placement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared the time consumption of bilateral lung ultrasound
      with auscultation and capnography for verifying endotracheal intubation. METHODS:
      A prospective, paired, and investigator-blinded study carried out in the
      operating theatre. Twenty-five adult patients requiring endotracheal intubation
      were included. During intubation, transtracheal ultrasound was performed to
      visualize passage of the endotracheal tube. During bag ventilation, bilateral
      lung ultrasound was performed for the detection of lung sliding as a sign of
      ventilation simultaneous with capnography and auscultation of the epigastrium and
      chest. Primary outcome measure was time difference to confirmed endotracheal
      intubation between ultrasound and auscultation alone. Secondary outcome measure
      was time difference between ultrasound and auscultation combined with
      capnography. RESULTS: Both methods verified endotracheal tube placement in all
      patients. In 68% of patients, endotracheal tube placement was visualized by real
      time transtracheal ultrasound. Comparing ultrasound with the combination of
      auscultation and capnography, there was a significant difference between the two
      methods. Median time for ultrasound was 40 s [interquartile range (IQR) 35-48 s]
      vs. 48 s (IQR 45-53 s), P < 0.0001. Mean difference was -7.1 s in favour of
      ultrasound [95% confidence interval (CI) -9.4--4.8 s]. No significant difference
      was found between ultrasound compared with auscultation alone. Median time for
      auscultation alone was 42 s (IQR 37-47 s), P = 0.6, with a mean difference of 
      0.88 s in favour of ultrasound (95% CI -4.2-2.5 s). CONCLUSIONS: Verification of
      endotracheal tube placement with ultrasound is as fast as auscultation alone and
      faster than the standard method of auscultation and capnography.

PMID- 22092124
TI  - Dexamethasone has additive effect when combined with ondansetron and droperidol
      for treatment of established PONV.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prophylactic dexamethasone, ondansetron and droperidol have a
      documented effect on post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Still, there is a
      lack of studies investigating the effect of adding dexamethasone to ondansetron
      and droperidol in order to treat established PONV. METHODS: In this double-blind
      randomised, controlled trial, we compared triple prophylaxis for PONV consisting
      of dexamethasone 8 mg intravenous (IV), ondansetron 4 mg IV and droperidol 0.625
      mg IV (n = 157) with placebo (n = 156) given before gynaecological day-case
      surgery. Subsequently, in those having PONV despite triple prophylaxis or
      placebo, a dose of ondansetron and droperidol plus dexamethasone was compared
      with the combination of ondansetron and droperidol. RESULTS: Triple prophylaxis
      reduced acute PONV (0-6 h) (P = 0.0003) and post-discharge PONV (6-24 h) (P =
      0.001) when compared with placebo. Among those suffering from PONV despite
      placebo or active prophylaxis (n = 80), adding dexamethasone to ondansetron and
      droperidol reduced acute PONV (0-6 h) (P = 0.025) as well as post-discharge
      nausea (6-24 h) (P = 0.04) compared with duo treatment comprising ondansetron and
      droperidol. In those reporting PONV despite prophylaxis (n = 12), the treatment
      comprising ondansetron and droperidol, with or without dexamethasone, gave a
      91.7% reduction in acute PONV and an 83.6% reduction in post-discharge PONV.
      CONCLUSION: Treatment of established PONV comprising ondansetron and droperidol,
      with or without dexamethasone, reduced PONV in both treatment groups. In those
      reporting PONV without active prophylaxis, the addition of dexamethasone resulted
      in a significant amplification of the PONV-reducing [corrected] effects of
      ondansetron and droperidol.

PMID- 22092125
TI  - A pilot study of the implementation of WHO surgical checklist in Finland:
      improvements in activities and communication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: World Health Organisation (WHO) has introduced a surgical safety
      checklist that has reduced post-operative morbidity and mortality. Prior to
      national checklist implementation, we assessed its possible impact on the
      operating room (OR) process, safety-related issues and communication among
      surgical staff in a high-income country. METHODS: In four university and teaching
      hospitals, a structured questionnaire was delivered to OR personnel involved in
      consecutive operations over 4-6 weeks before and after the checklist
      implementation. The questionnaire resembled the WHO checklist and comprised
      multiple-choice questions relating to performance of safety checks and
      communication. Anaesthesiologists (A), surgeons (S) and circulating nurses (CN)
      answered the questions independently. The WHO checklist was modified for national
      needs. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned from 1748 operations, 901 before and
      847 after the checklist. Patient's identity was more often confirmed (A: 62.7%
      vs. 84.0%, S: 71.6% vs. 85.5%, CN: 81.6% vs. 94.2%, P < 0.001) and knowledge of
      names and roles among team members (A: 65.7% vs. 81.8%, S: 71.1% vs. 83.6%, CN:
      87.7% vs. 93.2%, P < 0.01) improved with the checklist. Anaesthesiologists and
      surgeons discussed critical events pre-operatively (A: 22.0% vs. 42.6%, S: 34.7%
      vs. 46.2%, P < 0.001) more frequently after the checklist. In addition, fewer
      communication failures (43 vs. 17, P < 0.05) were reported with checklist.
      CONCLUSIONS: The checklist increased OR teams' awareness of patient-related
      issues, the procedure and expected risks. It also enhanced team communication and
      prevented communication failures. Our findings support use of the WHO checklist
      in various surgical fields.

PMID- 22092126
TI  - Dose-dependent attenuation by fentanyl on cough during emergence from general
      anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although fentanyl suppresses tracheal tube-induced cough during
      anesthetic recovery, it has not been proven if its antitussive effect is dose
      dependent and complication free. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
      relationship between fentanyl doses and cough suppression during emergence from
      sevoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing thyroidectomy were
      randomly allocated to one of four groups (F0, F1, F1.5, and F2) according to the
      fentanyl dose (0 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg, 1.5 mcg/kg, or 2 mcg/kg). Fentanyl was
      administered immediately after sevoflurane discontinuation. Coughing was assessed
      throughout the periextubation period. The relationship between fentanyl dose and
      incidence of cough was analyzed using Cochran-Armitage trend test. Incidence of
      more than 30% elevation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR),
      awakening time, extubation time, and respiratory rate after extubation were
      recorded and compared using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test and one-way analysis
      of variance. RESULTS: Fentanyl suppressed emergence cough in a dose-related
      manner (P = 0.002), and the ED(50) and ED(90) were 1.1 mcg/kg and 2.1 mcg/kg,
      respectively. The higher dose of fentanyl further reduced the number of patient
      with MAP and HR elevation (P = 0.003 and 0.005, respectively). Awakening time
      (8.4 +/- 1.9 min) in F2 was comparable with that in F1 and F1.5. Respiratory rate
      (9 +/- 2 bpm) and extubation time (11.9 +/- 1.8 min) in F2 were only different
      from those in F0 (13 +/- 3 bpm and 10.4 +/- 1.1 min, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Fentanyl suppressed cough in a dose-related manner during recovery from general
      sevoflurane anesthesia, and 2 mcg/kg may be considered as a proper dose.

PMID- 22092127
TI  - Photoplethysmographic and pulse pressure variations during abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory variations in pulse pressure (DeltaPP) predict fluid
      responsiveness during mechanical ventilation. Variations in pulse oximetry
      plethysmography amplitude (DeltaPOP) are proposed as a non-invasive alternative.
      Large variations in DeltaPOP and poor agreement between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP are
      found in intensive care unit patients. General anaesthesia is suggested to reduce
      variability of DeltaPOP and improve agreement between the variables. We evaluated
      the variability of the agreement between and the diagnostic values of DeltaPP and
      DeltaPOP during ongoing open abdominal surgery. The variability of diagnostic
      methods in specific clinical conditions is important, as this reflects the
      stability over time during which clinical decisions are made. METHODS:
      Observational study during open abdominal surgery in general anaesthesia. DeltaPP
      and DeltaPOP were calculated semi-automatically from recording periods of
      approximately 5 min both before and after fluid challenges. Fluid responsiveness
      was evaluated by changes in stroke volume (oesophageal Doppler) after 250 ml
      colloid. RESULTS: Thirty-four fluid challenges were performed in 25 patients.
      Variance both within registration periods and between patients were significantly
      larger for DeltaPOP than for DeltaPP (54.1% vs. 22.1% and 69.6% vs. 22.6%,
      respectively, both P < 0.001). Limits of agreement with a regression-based
      correction were +/- 13.9%. Areas under receiver operating characteristics curves
      for fluid responsiveness were 0.67 for DeltaPP and 0.72 for DeltaPOP.
      CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of raw signals during open abdominal surgery documents that
      the variance of DeltaPOP is larger than of DeltaPP, with wide limits of agreement
      between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP. The diagnostic values of DeltaPP and DeltaPOP are
      relatively poor.

PMID- 22092128
TI  - Validation and usefulness of the Danish version of the Pain Medication
      Questionnaire in opioid-treated chronic pain patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Addiction is a feared complication of long-term opioid therapy for
      chronic pain patients. A screening tool to assess the potential risk of addiction
      may be helpful. METHODS: The Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) was translated
      into Danish by a 'forward' and 'backward' translation procedure. Patients with
      chronic non-cancer pain and cancer pain treated at a tertiary pain center were
      screened for addiction using Portenoy's criteria and invited to answer the Danish
      version of the PMQ. RESULTS: Two hundred nine patients participated in the study.
      PMQ was able to discriminate between addicted and non-addicted patients. Patients
      with high PMQ scores indicating a risk of addiction drank more alcohol, smoked
      more tobacco, used higher doses of morphine, had a higher anxiety and depression
      score, and had poorer mental health. Using a cut-off score of 22, the PMQ had a
      sensitivity of 82%, but the specificity at this cut-point was 56%, indicating a
      risk of false positive cases. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed
      by correlation with opioid doses, alcohol and tobacco use, anxiety and depression
      scores, and inverse correlation with mental health and social role. Test-retest
      showed a very strong correlation. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was
      0.61. Ten components were found to have eigenvalues above 1.0, confirming the
      multidimensional structure of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The PMQ may assist
      physicians in addiction risk assessment and stratification when treating chronic
      pain patients with opioids. PMQ is not a diagnostic tool and should only be used
      as an indicator for possible addiction problems.

PMID- 22092129
TI  - Noninvasive tissue oxygen saturation determined by near-infrared spectroscopy
      following peripheral nerve block.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Noninvasive physiologic measurement of cutaneous tissue oxygenation
      using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has become increasingly common in
      cardiovascular and plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to determine
      whether clinically available NIRS-based monitors could detect changes in tissue
      oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) following a variety of peripheral nerve blocks. We
      hypothesize that peripheral nerve blocks will produce detectable changes in
      cutaneous tissue oxygenation levels that can be measured by noninvasive NIRS
      based oximetry. METHODS: Forty adult patients scheduled for pre-operative
      peripheral nerve block placement were enrolled. Prior to block placement, NIRS
      sensors were placed on the operative and nonoperative (control) limb. Baseline
      tissue oxygen saturation values were obtained prior to dosing of the nerve block,
      and measurements were recorded every 5 min thereafter. RESULTS: Initial rSO(2)
      values were higher in the operative vs. control limbs prior to nerve block
      placement. Tissue oxygen saturation increased in the blocked, but not control,
      limbs with time. Subgroup analysis suggested statistically significant
      differences in rSO(2) values in blocked vs. control limbs for cervical
      paravertebral, infraclavicular, and femoral nerve blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results demonstrated sustained increases in tissue rSO(2) values following
      peripheral nerve block placement, in addition to higher initial rSO(2) values in
      operative limbs prior to block placement. Further investigations are necessary to
      define the expected baseline rSO(2) values in operative and control limbs. Future
      efforts utilizing NIRS-based detection of tissue ischemia should consider the
      small but significant changes in rSO(2) resulting from a successful nerve block.

PMID- 22092130
TI  - Sonoanatomy of the vasculature at the supraclavicular and interscalene regions
      relevant for brachial plexus block.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aim in this observational study was to utilize ultrasound, as
      well as anatomic dissection, to document the frequency with which branches of the
      subclavian vessels are found in close association with the brachial plexus at the
      locations of supraclavicular and interscalene brachial plexus block. METHODS:
      Ultrasound was utilized to document the presence of branches of the subclavian
      vein and artery, adjacent to the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular and in
      the interscalene region in 50 patients undergoing shoulder surgery. The position,
      depth, and dimensions of the vessels were described, and the origin determined
      when possible. In addition, the posterior triangle of the neck on both sides of
      three non-preserved cadavers was dissected to evaluate the vascular anatomy and
      correlate the ultrasound findings. RESULTS: Ultrasound scanning revealed an
      arterial branch adjacent to, or passing directly through, the brachial plexus in
      the supraclavicular region in 43/50 (86%) patients. Within the interscalene
      region, an artery was identified coursing in a lateral direction in 45/50 (90%)
      of cases, while a corresponding small vein, coursing medial to lateral in this
      area, was noted in 23/50 (46%) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Small branch vessels from
      the subclavian artery and vein were frequently evident, on ultrasound imaging, in
      close association with the nerve elements of the brachial plexus in the
      supraclavicular and interscalene regions. Appreciation of the presence of these
      vessels and their likely origin and course will aid the anesthesiologist in
      planning a safe nerve block.

PMID- 22092131
TI  - Hospital and long-term outcomes of ICU-treated severe community- and hospital
      acquired, and ventilator-associated pneumonia patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to analyse the association of pneumonia types with
      hospital and long-term outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU)-treated pneumonia
      patients. METHODS: The occurrence of pneumonia was retrospectively evaluated
      among prospectively registered patients admitted into a mixed university-level
      ICU during a 14-month period. Their age, severity of underlying disease,
      malignancy, immunosuppressive therapy and organ dysfunctions were recorded, as
      well as the length of hospital stay and short- and long-term mortalities.
      RESULTS: There were 117 severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP), 66 hospital
      acquired pneumonia (HAP) and 25 ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) cases among
      the 817 patients admitted. ICU and hospital mortality did not differ between
      pneumonia groups. VAP and HAP patients had more malignant underlying diseases
      than SCAP patients (P < 0.001). HAP patients were older than SCAP and VAP
      patients (P = 0.023). The admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation II scores did not differ between the groups (P > 0.90). The patients
      with VAP had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment maximum scores compared
      with patients with SCAP and HAP (P < 0.001). In an adjusted multivariate logistic
      regression model, there were no significant differences in odds ratios for
      hospital mortality between the three pneumonia types. Mortality among the
      hospital survivors during the 12-month follow-up period was 18% (16/89) in the
      SCAP group, 35% (18/51) in the HAP group and 41% (7/17) in the VAP group (P =
      0.023). CONCLUSION: The type of pneumonia (i.e. SCAP, HAP or VAP) had no
      significant association with hospital mortality, whereas the SCAP patients had
      the lowest 1-year mortality.

PMID- 22092132
TI  - Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist vs. pressure support ventilation in
      critically ill patients: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA), the inspiratory
      support is controlled by the patients' respiratory drive influenced by an
      operator-controlled gain factor (NAVA level). The purpose of our observational
      study was to transfer patients from conventional pressure support ventilation
      (PSV) to NAVA safely. We compared two approaches to set the NAVA level and
      evaluated the effect of NAVA. METHODS: We studied mechanically ventilated
      patients capable of spontaneous breathing. For the change of the ventilator mode,
      we used a NAVA level calculated to generate a peak inspiratory pressure equal to
      PSV. We compared this NAVA level with a NAVA level determined by a NAVA level
      titration. Ventilatory and haemodynamic data were recorded during an
      observational period of 6 h. RESULTS: All 20 patients included in the study could
      be transferred from PSV to NAVA and completed the observation interval. Setting
      the NAVA level according to prior PSV settings proved to be a feasible approach,
      but in 75% of our patients, we modified the NAVA level according to the titration
      results. Gas exchange and ventilatory mechanics during the observation interval
      remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: The ventilator mode NAVA seems to be well tolerated
      in a heterogeneous group of critically ill patients. Pre-setting of the NAVA
      level during PSV can result in an overestimation of the required ventilator
      support. An additional titration of the NAVA level ads valuable information
      although difficult to interpret in some cases.

PMID- 22092133
TI  - Dexmedetomidine attenuates remote lung injury induced by renal ischemia
      reperfusion in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) may cause acute lung injury (ALI).
      The mortality of combined acute kidney injury and ALI is extremely high.
      Dexmedetomidine, an alpha(2) adrenergic agonist, exerts potent anti-inflammatory
      and organoprotective effects in addition to its sedative and analgesic
      properties. We sought to elucidate whether dexmedetomidine can attenuate lung
      injury following renal I/R in a murine model of renal I/R. METHODS: Adult
      C57BL/6J male mice were randomized to five groups: sham-operated control (Sham);
      renal I/R (I/R); intraperitoneal injection of dexmedetomidine 25 MUg/kg before
      ischemia (pre-dex) and after perfusion (post-dex); combination of alpha(2)
      adrenergic antagonist atipamezole 250 MUg/kg prior to dexmedetomidine pre
      treatment (atip-dex). Kidney I/R was induced by bilateral renal pedicle clamping
      for 45 min and followed by 6 h reperfusion. The pulmonary tissues were harvested
      for histopathological evaluation, wet/dry ratio measurement, biochemical analysis
      of myeloperoxidase (MPO), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) determination of Inter
      cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and Tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF-alpha)
      mRNA. RESULTS: Renal IR induced significant pulmonary injuries, increased wet/dry
      ratio together with the enhanced of MPO activities and increased ICAM-1 and TNF
      alpha mRNA level. Both pre- and post-treatment with dexmedetomidine markedly
      reduced lung edema and inflammatory response and lowered MPO activity and ICAM-1
      and TNF-alpha mRNA expression. The protective effects of dexmedetomidine in the
      lung were partially reversed by atipamezole, but there were no effect on ICAM-1
      and TNF-alpha mRNA expression level. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine is capable of
      attenuating remote lung injury induced by renal IR via both alpha(2)
      adrenoceptors dependent and independent mechanisms.

PMID- 22092134
TI  - Anaphylaxis to ethylene oxide - a rare and overlooked phenomenon?
AB  - Spina bifida patients have been reported to be at increased risk of anaphylactic
      reactions during general anaesthesia. Following a reaction, latex is often
      incriminated as spina bifida patients are known to have an increased incidence of
      latex allergy. Ethylene oxide (EO) has recently been suggested to be an
      alternative cause, but in many cases reported in the literature, it seems that EO
      has not been considered as a cause. EO is a highly reactive gas widely used to
      sterilise heat-sensitive medical devices, and traces of EO can be found in many
      of the same products as latex. We present the case of a spina bifida patient with
      a known latex allergy, where EO was found to be the cause of an anaphylactic
      reaction during general anaesthesia. In addition, we describe measures taken
      during preparation of a subsequent general anaesthesia to minimise exposure to
      EO. Spina bifida patients seem to be at increased risk of sensitisation against
      EO due to repeated exposure, but only limited literature is available. To ensure
      that EO is considered as a cause in these cases, we recommend that testing for
      latex and EO go hand in hand following an anaphylactic reaction in this high-risk
      population.

PMID- 22092136
TI  - A new and simple method for the correct localization of the intra-aortic balloon:
      the celiac artery Doppler ultrasound.

PMID- 22092135
TI  - Comparing axillary with infraclavicular perineural catheters for post-operative
      analgesia.

PMID- 22092137
TI  - Design and use of nerve stimulator needle-a novel technique.

PMID- 22092139
TI  - Ecology and metagenomics of soil microorganisms.

PMID- 22092140
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of a metal-to-polyoxometalate charge transfer
      molecular chromophore.
AB  - [P(4)W(35)O(124){Re(CO)(3)}(2)](16-) (1), a Wells-Dawson [alpha(2)
      P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) polyoxometalate (POM)-supported [Re(CO)(3)](+) complex
      containing covalent W(VI)-O-Re(I) bonds has been synthesized and characterized by
      several methods, including X-ray crystallography. This complex shows a high
      visible absorptivity (epsilon(470 nm) = 4000 M(-1) cm(-1) in water) due to the
      formation of a Re(I)-to-POM charge transfer (MPCT) band. The complex was
      investigated by computational modeling and transient absorption measurements in
      the visible and mid-IR regions. Optical excitation of the MPCT transition results
      in instantaneous (<50 fs) electron transfer from the Re(I) center to the POM
      ligand.

PMID- 22092141
TI  - Synthesis of branched dithiotrisaccharides via ring-opening reaction of sugar
      thiiranes.
AB  - Satisfactory procedures are described for the synthesis of 5,6- and 3,4-thiirane
      derivatives from the respective hexofuranose or hexopyranose epoxide precursors.
      The controlled ring-opening reaction of thiiranes by 1-thioaldoses was
      successfully accomplished to afford, regio- and stereoselectively, beta-S-(1->4)
      3,4-dithiodisaccharides. For instance, the regioselective attack of per-O-acetyl
      1-thioglucose (16) to C-4 of 2-propyl 2,6-di-O-acetyl-3,4-epithio-alpha-D
      galactopyranoside (14) gave the derivative of Glcp-beta-S-(1->4)-3,4-dithioGlcp-O
      iPr (17). This thiodisaccharide was accompanied by the (1->3)-disulfide 18,
      formed between 16 and 17, and the symmetric (3->3)-disulfide 19, which resulted
      from the oxidative dimerization of 17. However, the S-acetyl derivative of 17
      could be obtained in good yield (62%) by LiAlH(4) reduction of the crude mixture
      17-19, followed by acetylation. The same sequence of reactions starting from 14
      and the 1-thiolate of Galp afforded the per-O,S-acetyl derivative of Galp-beta-S
      (1->4)-3,4-dithio-alpha-D-Glcp-O-iPr (23), which was selectively S-deacetylated
      to give 25. The dithiosaccharides 17 and 25 are 3,4-di-S-analogues of derivatives
      of the natural disaccharides cellobiose and lactose, respectively. The ring
      opening reaction of 5,6-epithiohexofuranoses of D-galacto (8) or L-altro (11)
      configuration with 1-thioaldoses was also regio- and stereoselective to give the
      respective beta-S-(1->6)-linked 5,6-dithiodisaccharides 26 or 29 in excellent
      yields. Glycosylation of the free thiol group of 17, 25, or 26, using
      trichloroacetimidates as glycosyl donors, led to the corresponding branched
      dithiotrisaccharides. Some of them are sulfur analogues of derivatives of
      branched trisaccharides found in natural polysaccharides.

PMID- 22092142
TI  - Belongingness as a core personality trait: how social exclusion influences social
      functioning and personality expression.
AB  - People have a fundamental need for positive and lasting relationships. This need
      to belong is rooted in evolutionary history and gave rise to the development of
      traits that enable individuals to gain acceptance and to avoid rejection. Because
      belongingness is a core component of human functioning, social exclusion should
      influence many cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes and personality
      expression. This article summarizes recent evidence that social exclusion causes
      an assortment of outcomes, many of which depend on whether the excluded can gain
      acceptance or forestall possible distress. It highlights common overlap in
      physical and social pain systems and how a physical painkiller can reduce the
      pain of social exclusion. Finally, it shows how social exclusion moderates the
      effects of traits on cognition, emotion, and behavior. To appreciate personality
      processes in social contexts, scientists should consider how people respond to
      social exclusion and how the need to belong influences personality expression.

PMID- 22092144
TI  - How does temporal preparation speed up response implementation in choice tasks?
      Evidence for an early cortical activation.
AB  - We investigated the influence of temporal preparation on information processing.
      Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the primary motor cortex
      was delivered during a between-hand choice task. The time interval between the
      warning and the imperative stimulus varied across blocks of trials was either
      optimal (500 ms) or nonoptimal (2500 ms) for participants' performance. Silent
      period duration was shorter prior to the first evidence of response selection for
      the optimal condition. Amplitude of the motor evoked potential specific to the
      responding hand increased earlier for the optimal condition. These results
      revealed an early release of cortical inhibition and a faster integration of the
      response selection-related inputs to the corticospinal pathway when temporal
      preparation is better. Temporal preparation may induce cortical activation prior
      to response selection that speeds up the implementation of the selected response.

PMID- 22092143
TI  - When curiosity breeds intimacy: taking advantage of intimacy opportunities and
      transforming boring conversations.
AB  - Curious people seek knowledge and new experiences. In 3 studies, we examined
      whether, when, and how curiosity contributes to positive social outcomes between
      unacquainted strangers. Study 1 (98 college students) showed that curious people
      expect to generate closeness during intimate conversations but not during small
      talk; less curious people anticipated poor outcomes in both situations. We
      hypothesized that curious people underestimate their ability to bond with
      unacquainted strangers during mundane conversations. Studies 2 (90 college
      students) and 3 (106 college students) showed that curious people felt close to
      partners during intimate and small-talk conversations; less curious people only
      felt close when the situation offered relationship-building exercises. Surprise
      at the pleasure felt during this novel, uncertain situation partially mediated
      the benefits linked to curiosity. We found evidence of slight asymmetry between
      self and partner reactions. Results could not be attributed to physical
      attraction or positive affect. Collectively, results suggest that positive social
      interactions benefit from an open and curious mind-set.

PMID- 22092145
TI  - Long-term outcome after acute renal replacement therapy: a narrative review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) necessitating renal replacement therapy
      (RRT) is associated with high short-term mortality, relatively little however is
      known of the long-term outcome in these patients. This narrative review describes
      renal recovery, long-term mortality, and quality of life in RRT patients with
      acute kidney injury. METHODS: A literature search using the PubMed search engine
      from the year 2000 to present with the MeSH terms 1) acute kidney injury, renal
      replacement therapy, prognosis, and 2) acute kidney injury, quality of life,
      prognosis, was performed, including studies addressing long-term outcome (over 60
      days) in adults with AKI on RRT. RESULTS: According to inclusion criteria, twenty
      two studies were eligible. Outcome varied depending on AKI aetiology, setting, co
      morbidity and pre-morbid renal function. Five-year-survival was between 15% and
      35%, with dialysis dependence in less than 10% of survivors. Renal recovery, even
      if incomplete occurred during the first year. Quality of life assessment amongst
      survivors indicated moderate physical impairment and reduced mental health
      scores. A majority of patients returned to employment and self-sustainability and
      reported acceptable to good quality of life. Over 90% of patients indicated that
      they would undergo the same treatment again. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Early
      initiation of treatment and fine-tuning of the RRT technique may improve outcome.
      Consensus regarding AKI definitions, renal function measurement and standardised
      follow-up regimens are required. Further long-term studies are needed.

PMID- 22092146
TI  - Group 15 pnictenium cations supported by a conjugated bithiophene backbone.
AB  - Thiophene based polymers and oligomers have attracted considerable attention
      because they can be functionalized to alter the gap between the highest occupied
      molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO),
      which enables the design of tunable light emitting materials. One area, which has
      been less explored, is the incorporation of low coordinate, low oxidation state
      main group elements into these systems. We have currently developed a novel pi
      conjugated ligand containing two contiguous thiophene rings in which we have
      demonstrated its ability to support both pnictogen cations and their metal
      complexes.

PMID- 22092147
TI  - Unilateral and bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in 157 mares: a retrospective
      multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical techniques, perioperative complications and
      outcome of laparoscopic surgery for unilateral and bilateral ovariectomy in
      mares. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter case series. ANIMALS: Mares (n =
      157). METHODS: Indications for surgery were neutering, fertility problems,
      elimination of hormone-related abnormal behavior, ovarian tumors as well as
      nonregressive ovarian hematomas or cysts. Ovariectomy (n = 206) were performed by
      a standard laparoscopic procedure in 157 standing sedated mares. Dissection and
      hemostasis were achieved by using either (1) a linear stapling device, (2)
      bipolar electrosurgical instruments, with or without a modified Roeder knot, (3)
      a vessel-sealing system, or (4) a diode-laser with ligation. For some larger
      ovarian masses (>20 cm diameter), a 2-step surgical procedure was used with
      standing flank laparoscopic ovariectomy followed by ovarian retrieval through a
      median celiotomy. Surgical techniques, outcome, and perioperative complications
      of each method were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic dissection of
      the ovary was accomplished in all mares. Because of the size of the ovarian tumor
      (n = 7) or in 1 mare with behavioral problems (n = 1), the dissected ovary was
      removed through a median celiotomy under general anesthesia. Seventeen mares
      (10.8%) developed postoperative complications (eg, incisional drainage,
      incisional infection, seroma formation, dehiscence, transient fever and mild
      abdominal discomfort). All mares with flank incisional problems had ovarian size
      >12 cm and in 15 (88%) of these mares electrosurgical instruments were used for
      mesovarial dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing sedated
      mares provides good surgical access and is associated with low morbidity.

PMID- 22092148
TI  - Application of sulphur isotopes for stratigraphic correlation.
AB  - The sulphur isotopic composition of dissolved sulphate in seawater has varied
      considerably through time. Certain time intervals are characterised by distinct
      variations and a relatively high rate of change. These relatively rapid
      fluctuations allow for correlation of sediment sections using sulphur isotopes.
      Sulphur isotope reconstructions based on the analysis of carbonate associated
      sulphate or marine barite result in sulphur isotope records with an age
      resolution of 1-5 million years (Ma), and for some age intervals the resolution
      is<0.25 Ma. At these specific time intervals, where higher resolution records
      exist and excursions in the record are identified, the trends could be used for
      stratigraphic correlations. Such records are particularly useful in sections from
      deep marine sites that lack biostratigraphic controls or where biozones do not
      provide sufficient resolution.

PMID- 22092149
TI  - Electrochemistry at nanoscale electrodes: individual single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWNTs) and SWNT-templated metal nanowires.
AB  - Individual nanowires (NWs) and native single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can
      be readily used as well-defined nanoscale electrodes (NSEs) for voltammetric
      analysis. Here, the simple photolithography-free fabrication of submillimeter
      long Au, Pt, and Pd NWs, with sub-100 nm heights, by templated electrodeposition
      onto ultralong flow-aligned SWNTs is demonstrated. Both individual Au NWs and
      SWNTs are employed as NSEs for electron-transfer (ET) kinetic quantification,
      using cyclic voltammetry (CV), in conjunction with a microcapillary-based
      electrochemical method. A small capillary with internal diameter in the range 30
      70 MUm, filled with solution containing a redox-active mediator (FcTMA(+)
      ((trimethylammonium)methylferrocene), Fe(CN)(6)(4-), or hydrazine) is positioned
      above the NSE, so that the solution meniscus completes an electrochemical cell. A
      3D finite-element model, faithfully reproducing the experimental geometry, is
      used to both analyze the experimental CVs and derive the rate of heterogeneous
      ET, using Butler-Volmer kinetics. For a 70 nm height Au NW, intrinsic rate
      constants, k(0), up to ca. 1 cm s(-1) can be resolved. Using the same
      experimental configuration the electrochemistry of individual SWNTs can also be
      accessed. For FcTMA(+/2+) electrolysis the simulated ET kinetic parameters yield
      very fast ET kinetics (k(0) > 2 +/- 1 cm s(-1)). Some deviation between the
      experimental voltammetry and the idealized model is noted, suggesting that double
      layer effects may influence ET at the nanoscale.

PMID- 22092150
TI  - Patient participation in medical and social decisions in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze the preferences of people with amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment (aMCI) and mild dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD) regarding
      different aspects of healthcare-related decisions, to correlate these findings
      with different measures of decision-making capacity, and to explore the views of
      relatives and referring physicians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING:
      University-based memory clinic in Munich, Germany. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred
      people with aMCI or mild AD, their relatives (N = 99), and their referring
      physicians (N = 93). MEASUREMENTS: Participation preferences and decisional
      capacity and assessment of these measures according to relatives and physicians.
      RESULTS: Patients had a preference for participation in healthcare-related
      decisions, especially in social ones. Overall, individuals wanted their relatives
      to play a secondary role in decision-making. Relatives and referring physicians
      performed poorly in predicting the individuals' participation preferences, and
      relatives wanted to attribute less decision-making power to patients than the
      patients did themselves. Patients refrained from participation if they had lower
      Mini-Mental State Examination scores or were unsure about their decisional
      capacity. There were deficits in decision-making capacity, which mostly related
      to understanding of the information presented. There was only weak correlation
      between the different measures (patient's, relative's, and physician's estimate,
      MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment) of the patients' decisional
      capacity. CONCLUSION: The combination of marked participation preferences and
      impairments in the decisional capacity of individuals with aMCI and early AD
      constitute an ethical and practical challenge. A thorough implementation of
      structured probes of the patients' decisional capacity combined with
      interventions that aid patients in their decision-making capability might help to
      overcome some of these challenges.

PMID- 22092151
TI  - The effect of testosterone supplementation on depression symptoms in hypogonadal
      men from the Testim Registry in the US (TRiUS).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of long-term testosterone replacement therapy
      (TRT) on depression symptoms in hypogonadal men. METHODS: Data were from TRiUS, a
      multicenter, 12-month observational registry (N = 849) of hypogonadal men
      prescribed 1% testosterone gel. Measures including total testosterone (TT) were
      assessed at baseline and months 3, 6, and 12. Depression symptoms were measured
      with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated self-report
      questionnaire. A PHQ-9 score decrease of >=5 represents clinical improvement.
      RESULTS: PHQ-9 scores were available for 762/849 TRiUS participants at baseline.
      Overall, 92.4% (704/762) demonstrated some level of depressive symptoms, with
      17.3% (132/762) having moderately severe (score 15-19) to severe (score 20-27)
      symptoms. Subcohorts with significantly (p <= 0.03) more moderately severe to
      severe symptoms were: <60 years old, TT levels <250 ng/dl (<8.68 nmol/l),
      HIV/AIDS-positive, or used antidepressants or opioids. TT levels and PHQ-9 scores
      improved significantly (p < 0.01) by 3 months of TRT. At 12 months PHQ-9 scores
      showed a clinically meaningful mean improvement of 5.62 points, patients with
      moderately severe to severe symptoms decreased from 17.3% to 2.1% (5/233), and
      subcohorts, including those defined by age (<60 years) and antidepressant use,
      had improved PHQ-9 scores >=5. CONCLUSION: TRT may reduce depression symptoms in
      hypogonadal men, including middle-aged men and those using antidepressants.

PMID- 22092153
TI  - The impact of 90-day prescriptions on adherence at workplace pharmacies compared
      to traditional mail order.
AB  - This study evaluated adherence to medications used to treat chronic conditions
      for patients with 90-day prescriptions, comparing patients with access to
      workplace pharmacy services versus patients using mail order services. De
      identified pharmacy claims data were used to compute medication possession ratio
      and gaps in therapy. Results were compared for patients who filled 90-day
      prescriptions at workplace pharmacies versus patients who filled 90-day
      prescriptions using mail order pharmacy services in a 1-year period. Statistical
      tests to assess between group differences were performed controlling for
      differences because of age, sex, number of select chronic conditions, number of
      unique medication therapeutic classes, and patient out-of-pocket cost per therapy
      day. Statistically significant differences were found between patients who filled
      their maintenance medications at the worksite compared to those who used mail
      order pharmacy services. Patients filling prescriptions at a workplace pharmacy
      were 22% less likely to have a gap in therapy of over 30 days compared to similar
      patients using mail order services. Workplace pharmacy utilizers also had overall
      adherence rates 3.68% higher than patients who utilized mail order pharmacy
      services. Our analysis suggests that it may not be just the quantity of
      medication dispensed that impacts patients' adherence to their prescription
      medication, but a variety of other factors including pharmacist-patient
      interaction. Having a pharmacist on-site and available to patients with chronic
      considerations could provide added value. These results can aid employers and
      other stakeholders to decide which prescription benefits to offer their employees
      and members.

PMID- 22092152
TI  - Behavioral versus drug treatment for overactive bladder in men: the Male
      Overactive Bladder Treatment in Veterans (MOTIVE) Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of behavioral treatment with that of
      antimuscarinic therapy in men without bladder outlet obstruction who continue to
      have overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms with alpha-blocker therapy. DESIGN: The
      Male Overactive Bladder Treatment in Veterans (MOTIVE) Trial was a two-site
      randomized, controlled, equivalence trial with 4-week alpha-blocker run-in.
      SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center outpatient clinics. PARTICIPANTS:
      Volunteer sample of 143 men aged 42 to 88 who continued to have urgency and more
      than eight voids per day, with or without incontinence, after run-in.
      INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to 8 weeks of behavioral treatment
      (pelvic floor muscle exercises, urge suppression techniques, delayed voiding) or
      drug therapy (individually titrated, extended-release oxybutynin, 5-30 mg/d).
      MEASUREMENTS: Seven-day bladder diaries and a validated urgency scale were used
      to calculate changes in 24-hour voiding frequency, nocturia, urgency, and
      incontinence. Secondary outcomes were global patient ratings and American
      Urological Association Symptom Index. RESULTS: Mean voids per day decreased from
      11.3 to 9.1 (-18.8%) with behavioral treatment and 11.5 to 9.5 (-16.9%) with drug
      therapy. Equivalence analysis indicated that posttreatment means were equivalent
      (P < .01). After treatment, 85% of participants rated themselves as much better
      or better; more than 90% were completely or somewhat satisfied, with no between
      group differences. The behavioral group showed greater reductions in nocturia
      (mean = -0.70 vs -0.32 episodes/night; P = .05). The drug group showed greater
      reductions in maximum urgency scores (mean = -0.44 vs -0.12; P = .02). Other
      between-group differences were nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: Behavioral and
      antimuscarinic therapy are effective when added to alpha-blocker therapy for OAB
      in men without outlet obstruction. Behavioral treatment is at least as effective
      as antimuscarinic therapy.

PMID- 22092154
TI  - Acute encephalopathy in children with Dravet syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The occurrence of acute encephalopathy in children with Dravet syndrome
      has been reported sporadically. This study clarified the features of acute
      encephalopathy in children with Dravet syndrome. METHODS: Through the mailing
      list of the Annual Zao Conference on Pediatric Neurology, we collected 15
      patients with clinically diagnosed Dravet syndrome, who had acute encephalopathy,
      defined as a condition with decreased consciousness with or without other
      neurologic symptoms, such as seizures, lasting for >24 h in association with
      infectious symptoms. KEY FINDINGS: There were seven boys and eight girls. A
      mutation of the SCN1A gene was present in nine (truncation in six and missense in
      three). The frequency of seizures during the 3 months before the onset of acute
      encephalopathy was monthly in seven children and none in three. The median age at
      the onset of acute encephalopathy was 44 months (range 8-184 months). All
      children had status epilepticus followed by coma as the initial manifestation.
      Two different distributions of brain lesions were observed on diffusion-weighted
      images during the acute phase: cerebral cortex-dominant lesions with or without
      deep gray matter involvement and subcortical-dominant lesions. Four children
      died; nine survived with severe sequelae, and two had moderate sequelae.
      SIGNIFICANCE: We must be aware that acute encephalopathy is an important
      complication in children with Dravet syndrome, and associated with fulminant
      clinical manifestations and a poor outcome.

PMID- 22092155
TI  - Surgery wait times and specialty services for insured and uninsured breast cancer
      patients: does hospital safety net status matter?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether safety net and non-safety net hospitals influence
      inpatient breast cancer care in insured and uninsured women and in white and
      African American women. DATA SOURCES: Six years of Virginia Cancer Registry and
      Virginia Health Information discharge data were linked and supplemented with
      American Hospital Association data. STUDY DESIGN: Hierarchical generalized linear
      models and linear probability regression models were used to estimate the
      relationship between hospital safety net status, the explanatory variables, and
      the days from diagnosis to mastectomy and the likelihood of breast
      reconstruction. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The time between diagnosis and surgery was
      longer in safety net hospitals for all patients, regardless of insurance source.
      Medicaid insured and uninsured women were approximately 20 percent less likely to
      receive reconstruction than privately insured women. African American women were
      less likely to receive reconstruction than white women. CONCLUSIONS: Following
      the implementation of health reform, disparities may potentially worsen if safety
      net hospitals' burden of care increases without commensurate increases in
      reimbursement and staffing levels. This study also suggests that Medicaid
      expansions may not improve outcomes in inpatient breast cancer care within the
      safety net system.

PMID- 22092156
TI  - Influence of partial lateral corpectomy with and without hemilaminectomy on
      canine thoracolumbar stability: a biomechanical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biomechanical changes induced by partial lateral
      corpectomy (PLC) and a combination of PLC and hemilaminectomy in a T13-L3 spinal
      segment in nonchondrodystrophic dogs. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical
      cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: T13-L3 spinal segments (n = 10) of
      nonchondrodystrophic dogs (weighing, 25-38 kg). METHODS: A computed tomography
      (CT) scan of each T13-L3 spinal segment was performed. A loading simulator for
      flexibility analysis was used to determine the range of motion (ROM) and neutral
      zone (NZ) during flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. A
      servohydraulic testing machine was used to determine the changes in stiffness
      during compression, dorsoventral, and lateral shear. All spines were tested
      intact, after PLC in the left intervertebral space of L1-L2, and after a
      combination of PLC and hemilaminectomy. RESULTS: Statistically significant
      increases in ROM and NZ (P < .05) were detected during flexion/extension and
      lateral bending when PLC was performed. A significant increase in ROM (P < .001)
      was noted during axial rotation and flexion after PLC and hemilaminectomy.
      Stiffness decreased significantly during compression and dorsoventral shear after
      each procedure. Decreased stiffness during lateral shear was only significant
      after a combination of both procedures. CONCLUSION: PLC might lead to some spinal
      instability; these changes are enhanced when a hemilaminectomy is added.

PMID- 22092157
TI  - The electrocoagulation/advanced oxidation treatment of the groundwater used for
      human consumption.
AB  - The purpose of this work was development and application of the purification
      system suitable for the treatment of groundwater used for human consumption,
      satisfying following criteria: (a) no need for external addition of the
      chemicals; (b) simultaneous removal of wide range of contaminants present in the
      treated water; (c) low sensitivity to the changes in the composition of the
      treated water; (d) high quality of treated water with regards to all measured
      parameters. Therefore the well water from the 60 m deep water layer situated near
      the city of Osijek (Eastern Croatia) with elevated values of heavy metals, color,
      turbidity, suspended solids, ammonia and organic contaminants was processed. Due
      to the complex composition of the treated water, the purification system required
      the combination of electroreduction/electrocoagulation, using iron and aluminum
      electrode plates followed by the simultaneous ozonation/UV treatment. The
      electroreduction/electrocoagulation approach was used for the removal of heavy
      metals, suspended solids, color and turbidity, while the organic contaminants and
      ammonia were removed by the ozonation/UV treatment. All measured parameters in
      the purified water were significantly lower compared to the regulated values.
      Under the optimum treatment conditions, the removal efficiencies for color,
      turbidity, nickel and arsenic were 100%. The removal efficiencies of V, Cr, Mn,
      Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, ammonia, fluorides, sulfates and COD were 94.5%, 96.0%, 98.3%,
      99.6%, 99.7%, 97.8%, 96.7%, 96,7%, 93.4%, 51.4%, 72.2% and 93.8%, respectively,
      increasing with the increased initial concentrations.

PMID- 22092158
TI  - Demographic differences in self-report pubertal status among rural adolescents in
      the US.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While sex and racial/ethnic differences in pubertal development have
      been noted, most of this research has been in urban areas. AIM: The purpose of
      this study is to examine demographic differences in pubertal status among a
      school-based sample of US rural adolescents aged 11-17 (n = 6425). METHODS:
      Pubertal status was measured using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), a self
      report scale of secondary sexual characteristics. This study compared pubertal
      status means by age, sex and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: At all ages, females had a
      higher mean pubertal status than males. Most racial/ethnic differences were
      between White and Black youth. Between the ages of 11 and 13, Black youth
      reported more advanced development than White youth. However, contrary to
      research with urban samples, this pattern of development reversed in later
      adolescence and the reversal was more prominent among males than females.
      Although there were no differences in pubertal status between White and Latino
      males, White females had higher mean levels of development than Latino females.
      CONCLUSION: Demographic patterns were both consistent with and different from
      previous research with urban adolescents, suggesting the need for comparison of
      demographic patterns of pubertal development in samples that include youth from
      urban and rural areas.

PMID- 22092160
TI  - Evaluation of the hemostatic potential including thrombin generation of three
      different therapeutic pathogen-reduced plasmas.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several pathogen inactivation methods currently
      applied to therapeutic plasma may result in products with different hemostatic
      properties. This study aims at evaluating and comparing the hemostatic potential
      of different therapeutic plasma preparations currently available in France.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied three types of pathogen-reduced plasma for
      transfusion (MB/light, Amotosalen/UVA, industrial S/D plasma). Quarantine, non
      pathogen-reduced plasma, was used as a control. This study compared more
      specifically the content in FVIII, fibrinogen (clottable and antigen assays) and
      ADAMTS-13 and evaluated the intrinsic hemostatic properties using a thrombin
      generation test [Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT)] at high and low
      concentrations of tissue factor to assess the maximum quantity of thrombin
      generated or the contribution of FVIII and FIX in the amplification phase of
      thrombin generation, respectively. RESULTS: The median FVIII concentration was
      >70 IU/dl for each preparation. Endogenous thrombin potential values were
      significantly different among the methods of plasma preparation (P<0.001) but
      were all in the range of the values measured in donors' plasma. Control by the
      thrombomodulin-activated protein C system was preserved in all preparations (>50%
      inhibition of endogenous thrombin potential). Fibrinogen concentrations were all
      within normal range but fibrinogen levels were lower in the plasmas treated with
      photochemical methods. ADAMTS-13 levels were preserved. CONCLUSION: The
      hemostatic potential appears well preserved in all therapeutic plasmas tested but
      there are some differences between preparations, the clinical relevance of which
      remains to be elucidated.

PMID- 22092159
TI  - A multi-allergen standard for the calibration of immunoassays: CREATE principles
      applied to eight purified allergens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergen measurements are widely used for environmental exposure
      assessments and for determining the potency of allergen vaccines, yet few
      purified allergen standards have been developed. The aim of the study was to
      develop a single standard containing multiple purified allergens that could be
      used in enzyme immunoassays and in multiplex arrays for the standardization of
      allergen measurements. METHODS: Eight purified allergens were formulated into a
      single multi-allergen, or 'universal', standard based on amino acid analysis.
      Dose-response curves were compared with previous individual ELISA standards and
      allergen measurements of house dust extracts to obtain correction factors.
      Measured allergen concentrations were also modeled using linear regression, and
      the predictive accuracy was determined. RESULTS: Parallel dose-response curves
      were obtained between the universal allergen standard and the individual ELISA
      standards, with close agreement between curves for 5/8 allergens. Quantitative
      differences of greater than twofold were observed for Fel d 1, Can f 1, and Der f
      1, which were confirmed by the analysis of house dust extracts. Correction
      factors were developed that allowed ELISA data to be expressed in terms of the
      universal standard. Linear regression data confirmed the predictive accuracy of
      the universal standard. CONCLUSION: This study shows that a single standard of
      eight purified allergens can be used to compare allergen measurements by
      immunoassay. This approach will improve the continuity of environmental exposure
      assessments and provide improved standardization of allergy diagnostics and
      vaccines used for immunotherapy.

PMID- 22092161
TI  - The big chill: interpersonal coldness and emotion-labeling skills.
AB  - Interpersonally cold (relative to warm) individuals may be less skilled in
      inferring the emotional states of others, a factor that should contribute to
      their poorer social relationships. Systematic support for this hypothesis was
      obtained in 4 studies (total N = 434 undergraduates) involving diverse emotion-
      and affect-decoding tasks. Specifically, relatively cold individuals exhibited
      lower accuracy in decoding emotional facial expressions (Study 1), in labeling
      the emotions of others from audio and video clips (Study 2), in predicting the
      emotions of others from social scenario descriptions (Study 3), and in the
      normative accuracy of their word evaluations (Study 4). Altogether, the results
      demonstrate that cold individuals appear broadly deficient in linking emotion and
      affect to relevant environmental stimuli. Implications of the findings for
      understanding the nature and correlates of interpersonal coldness are discussed.

PMID- 22092162
TI  - The hubris hypothesis: you can self-enhance, but you'd better not show it.
AB  - We tested whether and why observers dislike individuals who convey self
      superiority through blatant social comparison (the hubris hypothesis).
      Participants read self-superiority claims ("I am better than others"; Experiments
      1-7), noncomparative positive claims ("I am good"; Experiments 1-2, 4), self
      equality claims ("I am as good as others"; Experiments 3-4, 6), temporally
      comparative self-superiority claims ("I am better than I used to be"; Experiment
      5), other-superiority claims ("S/he is better than others"; Experiment 6), and
      self-superiority claims accompanied by persistent disclaimers (Experiment 7).
      They judged the claim and the claimant (Experiments 1-7) and made inferences
      about the claimant's self-view and view of others (Experiments 4-7) as well as
      the claimant's probable view of them (Experiment 7). Self-superiority claims
      elicited unfavorable evaluations relative to all other claims. Evaluation
      unfavorability was accounted for by the perception that the claimant implied a
      negative view of others (Experiments 4-6) and particularly of the observer
      (Experiment 7). Supporting the hubris hypothesis, participants disliked
      individuals who communicated self-superiority beliefs in an explicitly
      comparative manner. Self-superiority beliefs may provoke undesirable
      interpersonal consequences when they are explicitly communicated to others but
      not when they are disguised as noncomparative positive self-claims or self
      improvement claims.

PMID- 22092163
TI  - Good results from advanced trauma care in rural areas.

PMID- 22092164
TI  - Transfusion: is merely not bad good enough?

PMID- 22092165
TI  - Corticosteroid therapy in intensive care unit patients with PCR-confirmed
      influenza A(H1N1) infection in Finland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, treatment, and outcome of influenza A(H1N1)
      in Finnish intensive care units (ICUs) with special reference to corticosteroid
      treatment. METHODS: During the H1N1 outbreak in Finland between 11 October and 31
      December 2009, we prospectively evaluated all consecutive ICU patients with high
      suspicion of or confirmed pandemic influenza A(H1N1) infection. We assessed
      severity of acute disease and daily organ dysfunction. Ventilatory support and
      other concomitant treatments were evaluated and recorded daily throughout the ICU
      stay. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. RESULTS: During the 3-month
      period altogether 132 ICU patients were tested polymerase chain reaction-positive
      for influenza A(H1N1). Of these patients, 78% needed non-invasive or invasive
      ventilatory support. The median (interquartile) length of ICU stay was 4 [2-12]
      days. Hospital mortality was 10 of 132 [8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3-12%].
      Corticosteroids were administered to 72 (55%) patients, but rescue therapies
      except prone positioning were infrequently used. Simplified Acute Physiology
      Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in patients with and
      without corticosteroid treatment were 31 [24-36] and 6 [2-8] vs. 22 [5-30] and 3
      [2-6], respectively. The crude hospital mortality was not different in patients
      with corticosteroid treatment compared to those without: 8 of 72 (11%, 95% CI 4
      19%) vs. 2 of 60 (3%, 95% CI 0-8%) (P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of H1N1
      patients in ICUs received ventilatory support. Corticosteroids were administered
      to more than half of the patients. Despite being more severely ill, patients
      given corticosteroids had comparable hospital outcome with patients not given
      corticosteroids.

PMID- 22092166
TI  - Volume kinetics of acetated Ringer's solution during experimental spinal
      anaesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General anaesthesia lowers the clearance of crystalloid fluid, but
      the volume kinetics of such fluid throughout the duration of spinal anaesthesia
      has not been studied. METHODS: Ten female volunteers (mean age 29 years) received
      an intravenous infusion of 25 ml/kg of acetated Ringer's solution with and
      without spinal anaesthesia. A volume kinetic model was fitted to serial
      measurements of the haemoglobin concentration over 240 min based on arterial,
      cubital vein, and femoral vein blood. The measured urine flow was compared to the
      model-predicted elimination. RESULTS: The arterial pressure remained stable,
      although the block reached to Th3-Th5 in half of the volunteers. There were no
      differences in fluid kinetics between the spinal anaesthesia and the control
      experiments. The administered volume was well confined to the kinetic system,
      which consisted of two communicating fluid spaces that were 2.8 l and
      approximately 7 l in size at baseline. The arteriovenous difference in plasma
      dilution remained positive for 30 min post-infusion in those having analgesia
      reaching to Th3-Th5, which differed significantly from low-level analgesia (Th12
      L2, P < 0.03) when venous plasma was sampled from the leg. The urinary excretion
      averaged 1.13 l and 1.01 l for the spinal and control experiments, respectively.
      Volume kinetics predicted the urinary excretion at 5- to 10-min intervals with an
      overall bias of 52 ml. CONCLUSION: Acetated Ringer's solution showed the same
      kinetics during experimental spinal anaesthesia as when the fluid was infused
      alone. Hence, spinal anaesthesia is not associated with the reduced fluid
      clearance reported for general anaesthesia.

PMID- 22092167
TI  - Haemostatic effect of aprotinin during craniosynostotic surgery in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aprotinin has been used in our hospital since the year 2003 to reduce
      bleeding during craniosynostotic surgery in children. The aim of this
      retrospective study was to investigate its effect, primarily on bleeding and
      secondarily on the need for transfusion. METHODS: Thirteen children were treated
      with aprotinin from 2003 to 2008, while 39 were not treated in the period 1993
      2002. Information on blood loss and need for transfusion during the operations in
      all 52 children was collected from their medical records. RESULTS: There was a
      significant difference in both blood loss and need for transfusion. Estimated
      blood volume was used to correct for difference in the children's age and size.
      In the aprotinin group, blood loss was 3.9% of circulating blood volume vs.
      22.0%, and the need for transfusion was 0.0% vs. 21.1%. CONCLUSION: Blood loss
      and need for blood transfusion were significantly reduced in the aprotinin group.
      No allergic or other possible aprotinin-specific complications were registered in
      the aprotinin group.

PMID- 22092168
TI  - Effect of N-acetylcysteine on cardiac injury and oxidative stress after abdominal
      aortic aneurysm repair: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that the antioxidant properties of N
      acetylcysteine (NAC) can provide cardiac protection through scavenging of free
      radicals. The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of NAC for cardiac
      protection in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
      repair. METHODS: Fifty adult patients undergoing (AAA) repair were randomly
      allocated to receive NAC infusion (n = 25) or placebo infusion (n = 25). NAC
      infusion in group I (NAC group) was started at a rate of 0.3 mg/kg/min
      intravenously during surgery then decreased to a rate of 0.2 mg/kg/min for 24 h
      post-operatively. Group II (placebo group) received an equivalent rate of placebo
      infusion. The following parameters: myocardial-specific protein troponin-I,
      creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumour
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-1beta], were assessed at
      the following time points: preoperatively and at 1 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h
      after surgery. Furthermore, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant
      capacity (TAC) were measured preoperatively as a baseline, during aortic
      clamping, 30 min after declamping, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, 12 h
      after surgery, and 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: NAC infusion patients had
      significantly lower post-operative concentrations of myocardial-specific protein
      [cTnI, CPK-MB] and pro-inflammatory cytokines [TNF-alpha, IL-1beta]. In addition,
      MDA level was less and TAC was higher in patients who received NAC infusion.
      CONCLUSION: NAC infusion provided cardiac protection through scavenging of oxygen
      free radicals.

PMID- 22092170
TI  - P-type nitrogen-doped ZnO nanoparticles stable under ambient conditions.
AB  - Zinc oxide is considered as a very promising material for optoelectronics.
      However, to date, the difficulty in producing stable p-type ZnO is a bottleneck,
      which hinders the advent of ZnO-based devices. In that context, nitrogen-doped
      zinc oxide receives much attention. However, numerous reviews report the
      controversial character of p-type conductivity in N-doped ZnO, and recent
      theoretical contributions explain that N-doping alone cannot lead to p-typeness
      in Zn-rich ZnO. We report here that the ammonolysis at low temperature of ZnO(2)
      yields pure wurtzite-type N-doped ZnO nanoparticles with an extraordinarily large
      amount of Zn vacancies (up to 20%). Electrochemical and transient spectroscopy
      studies demonstrate that these Zn-poor nanoparticles exhibit a p-type
      conductivity that is stable over more than 2 years under ambient conditions.

PMID- 22092171
TI  - BF3.OEt2-promoted diastereoselective diacetoxylation of alkenes by PhI(OAc)2.
AB  - Selective syn and anti diacetoxylations of alkenes have been achieved using a
      PhI(OAc)(2)/BF(3).OEt(2) system in the presence and absence of water,
      respectively. A broad range of substrates including electron-deficient alkenes
      (such as alpha,beta-unsaturated esters) could be elaborated efficiently at room
      temperature with this methodology, furnishing the desired products in good to
      excellent yields and diastereoselectivity. In particular, a multigram-scale
      diastereoselective diacetoxylation of methyl cinnamate (5.00 g) was also
      accomplished in a few hours, maintaining the same efficiency as small-scale
      reaction. This novel methodology provides an alternative approach for the
      preparation of various 1,2-diols.

PMID- 22092172
TI  - Stable isotope and hydrogeochemical studies of Beaver Lake and Radok Lake,
      MacRobertson Land, East Antarctica.
AB  - Beaver Lake and Radok Lake, the largest known epishelf lake and the deepest
      freshwater lake on the Antarctic continent, respectively, were isotopically
      (delta(2)H, delta(18)O) and hydrogeochemically studied. Radok Lake is an
      isothermal and non-stratified, i.e. homogeneous water body, while Beaver Lake is
      stratified with respect to temperature, salinity, and isotopic composition. The
      results for the latter attest to freshwater (derived from snow and glacier melt)
      overlying seawater.

PMID- 22092173
TI  - Analysis of a genome-wide association study-linked locus (CCR6) in Asian
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - A genome-wide association study in Japan identified the C-C chemokine receptor
      type 6 gene (CCR6) as associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This finding has
      not been validated in other Asian populations. A case-control study involving 996
      subjects, comprising 440 controls and 556 RA patients, was done to determine
      their anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody status and CCR6
      polymorphism (rs3093024) genotype. Three hundred eighty-seven patients were anti
      CCP positive and 153 anti-CCP negative. Logistic regression showed that allele A
      was likely to increase the risk of developing RA among females via a recessive
      model (odds ratio [OR]=1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.01, 2.39), whereas
      the risk effect appeared to be reduced among males via an additive model
      (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.42, 0.85). Considering only subjects who are anti-CCP
      positive, allele A increased RA risk among females via a recessive model
      (OR=1.68, 95% CI=1.07, 2.64) but decreased the risk among males via an additive
      model (OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.39, 0.89). We showed that CCR6 polymorphism was a risk
      factor among females but a protective factor among males. Functional studies are
      warranted to unravel the pathophysiological relevance of the gene variant and
      other linked variants with RA.

PMID- 22092174
TI  - Neural response to the second stimulus associated with poor speed discrimination
      performance in schizophrenia.
AB  - Visual motion processing is compromised in schizophrenia (SZ), but it is
      uncertain what neural deviations account for their motion analysis abnormalities.
      Neural activations were measured with dense-array electroencephalography while 14
      medicated SZ and 14 healthy persons performed a paired-stimuli forced choice
      speed discrimination task. SZ had (a) worse-at-speed discrimination, replicating
      previous findings, (b) normal early extrastriate neural activity (N1) to both
      motion stimuli, (c) reduced later extrastriate activity (P2) specifically to the
      second stimulus, and (d) following P2, an enhanced later N2 over parietal cortex.
      Stronger P2 and N2 responses were associated with better speed discrimination
      performance across groups. These findings indicate that the neural correlates of
      poor motion analysis in SZ may not be an early visual analysis abnormality but a
      problem with efficient use of speed information later in cognitive processing.

PMID- 22092175
TI  - Antagonistic interaction networks among bacteria from a cold soil environment.
AB  - Microbial antagonism in an Arctic soil habitat was demonstrated by assessing the
      inhibitory interactions between bacterial isolates from the same location. Of 139
      isolates obtained from five soil samples, 20 antagonists belonging to the genera,
      Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium were identified. Inter-genus, inter
      species and inter-strain antagonism was observed between the interacting members.
      The extent of antagonism was temperature dependent. In some cases, antagonism was
      enhanced at 4  degrees C but suppressed at 18  degrees C while in some the
      reverse phenomenon was observed. To interpret antagonism from an ecological
      perspective, the interacting members were delineated according to their
      positional roles in a theoretical antagonistic network. When only one
      antimicrobial producer (P) was present, all the other members permitted grouping
      into either sensitive (S) or resistant (R). Composite interactive types such as
      PSR, PS, PR or SR could be designated only when at least two producers were
      present. Mapping of all possible antagonistic interaction networks based on the
      individual positional roles of the interactive types illustrates the existence of
      complex and interconnected networks among microbial communities.

PMID- 22092176
TI  - Actinobacterial community dominated by a distinct clade in acidic soil of a
      waterlogged deciduous forest.
AB  - Members of the Actinobacteria are among the most important litter decomposers in
      soil. The site of a waterlogged deciduous forest with acidic soil was explored
      for actinobacteria because seasonality of litter inputs, temperature, and
      precipitation provided contrasting environmental conditions, particularly
      variation of organic matter quantity and quality. We hypothesized that these
      factors, which are known to influence decomposition, were also likely to affect
      actinobacterial community composition. The relationship between the
      actinobacterial community, soil moisture and organic matter content was assessed
      in two soil horizons in the summer and winter seasons using a 16S rRNA taxonomic
      microarray and cloning-sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Both approaches showed that
      the community differed significantly between horizons and seasons, paralleling
      the changes in soil moisture and organic matter content. The microarray analysis
      further indicated that the actinobacterial community of the upper horizon was
      characterized by high incidence of the genus Mycobacterium. In both horizons and
      seasons, the actinobacterial clone libraries were dominated (by 80%) by sequences
      of a separate clade sharing an ancestral node with Streptosporangineae. This
      relatedness is supported also by some common adaptations, for example, to soil
      acidity and periodic oxygen deprivation or dryness.

PMID- 22092177
TI  - Investigation of the faecal microbiota of kittens: monitoring bacterial
      succession and effect of diet.
AB  - Weaning is a stressful process for kittens and is often associated with diarrhoea
      and the onset of infectious diseases. The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota plays
      an essential role in host well-being, including improving homoeostasis.
      Composition of the GI microbiota of young cats is poorly understood and the
      impact of diet on the kitten microbiota unknown. The aims of this study were to
      monitor the faecal microbiota of kittens and determine the effect(s) of diet on
      its composition. Bacterial succession was monitored in two groups of kittens (at
      4 and 6 weeks, and 4 and 9 months of age) fed different foods. Age-related
      microbial changes revealed significantly different counts of total bacteria,
      lactic acid bacteria, Desulfovibrionales, Clostridium cluster IX and
      Bacteroidetes between 4-week- and 9-month-old kittens. Diet-associated
      differences in the faecal microbiota of the two feeding groups were evident. In
      general, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated bifidobacteria,
      Atopobium group, Clostridium cluster XIV and lactic acid bacteria were dominant
      in kittens. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiling showed highly
      complex and diverse faecal microbiotas for kittens, with age- and/or food-related
      changes seen in relation to species richness and similarity indices. Four-week
      old kittens harboured more diverse and variable profiles than those of weaned
      kittens.

PMID- 22092178
TI  - Characterization and distribution of the gene cluster encoding RumC, an anti
      Clostridium perfringens bacteriocin produced in the gut.
AB  - Ruminococcin C (RumC) is a trypsin-dependent bacteriocin produced by Ruminococcus
      gnavus E1, a gram-positive strict anaerobic strain isolated from human feces. It
      consists of at least three similar peptides active against Clostridium
      perfringens. In this article, a 15-kb region from R. gnavus E1 chromosome,
      containing the biosynthetic gene cluster of RumC was characterized. It harbored
      17 open reading frames (called rum(c) genes) with predicted functions in
      bacteriocin biosynthesis and post-translational modification, signal transduction
      regulation, and immunity. An unusual feature of the locus is the presence of five
      genes encoding highly homologous, but nonidentical RumC precursors. The
      transcription levels of the rum(c) genes were quantified. The rumC genes were
      found to be highly expressed in vivo, when R. gnavus E1 colonized the digestive
      tract of mono-contaminated rats, whereas the amount of corresponding transcripts
      was below detection level when it grew in liquid culture medium. Moreover, the
      rumC-like genes were disseminated among 10 strains (R. gnavus or related species)
      previously isolated from human fecal samples and selected for their capability to
      produce a trypsin-dependant anti-C. perfringens compound. All harbored at least a
      rumC1-like copy, four exhibited rumC1-5 genes identical to those of strain E1.

PMID- 22092179
TI  - Optical response of a cyclometalated iridium(III) hydrazino complex to carbon
      dioxide: generation of a strongly luminescent iridium(III) carbazate.
AB  - A system pairing the luminescent core of [Ir(ppy)(2)L(2)](+) (ppy = 2
      phenylpyridine) with simple hydrazino ancillary ligands (L = N(2)H(4)) has been
      prepared for the direct optical detection of carbon dioxide (CO(2)). Silver
      assisted and silver-free techniques were used for the successful introduction of
      N(2)H(4) into the [Ir(ppy)(2)Cl](2) coordination sphere at room temperature to
      give the corresponding biscyclometalated iridium(III) hydrazino species as either
      a CF(3)SO(3)(-) (OTf(-), 2a) or Cl(-) (2b) salt. The silver-free route was
      accomplished by the direct replacement of the ligated Cl(-) using a slight excess
      of hydrazine. The luminescence profile of the cationic iridium(III) hydrazino
      complex 2a (lambda(max) = 501 nm) undergoes a red shift (lambda(max) = 524 nm),
      accompanied by a change in the peak shape during exposure to CO(2) in solution.
      The spectral changes observed are attributed to the formation of the
      corresponding neutral carbazate species Ir(ppy)(2)(H(2)NNHCOO) (3) and are not
      consistent with protonation of the ligated hydrazine. Conversion of the hydrazino
      species to the carbazate species is solvent-dependent and irreversible. The
      hydrazino and carbazate species have been structurally characterized by single
      crystal X-ray diffraction; both compounds exhibit long-lived and intense room
      temperature luminescence in solution with tau = 1.56 and 1.80 MUs and phi(em) =
      0.42 and 0.45, respectively.

PMID- 22092180
TI  - Liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry based assay to evaluate
      inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells from stem cell transplant recipients.
AB  - Combinations of immunosuppressive drugs are routinely used post-transplantation
      to prevent rejection and/or other complications and optimize outcomes. The
      prodrug ester mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is frequently used in solid-organ and
      stem cell transplantation settings. A growing body of evidence supports
      therapeutic monitoring of this immunosuppressant to optimize its efficacy and
      reduce toxicity. Thus, pharmacodynamic monitoring of MMF is a strategy that could
      potentially improve patient outcomes. Pharmacodynamic measurements require
      evaluation of inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) activity, the target
      enzyme of the active moiety mycophenolic acid. Various nonradioactive methods
      using chromatographic separations have been used to quantify xanthosine
      monophosphate, the catalytic product of the enzyme, to indirectly evaluate IMPDH
      activity. However, no methods have used mass spectrometry based detection, which
      provides more specificity and sensitivity. Here, we describe a liquid
      chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the
      quantification of xanthosine monophosphate and adenosine monophosphate (for
      normalization) in lysates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from
      hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Linearity, precision, and
      accuracy were validated over a large range of concentrations for each compound.
      The method could measure analytes with high sensitivity, accuracy (93-116%), and
      reproducibility (CV < 7.5%). Its clinical application was validated in PBMC
      lysates obtained from healthy individuals (n = 43) and HSCT recipients (n = 19).
      This reliable and validated LC-MS/MS method could be a useful tool for
      pharmacodynamic monitoring of patients treated with MMF.

PMID- 22092181
TI  - Recovery of T1 response following rocuronium induced neuromuscular block reversed
      by sugammadex.

PMID- 22092182
TI  - Combined intramedullary and external skeletal fixation of metatarsal and
      metacarpal fractures in 12 dogs and 19 cats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report surgical technique, clinical experiences, and long-term
      outcomes of combined intramedullary/external skeletal fixation of metatarsal (MT)
      and metacarpal (MC) fractures in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Case series.
      ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 12); 19 cats. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic records of
      animals managed by combined intramedullary/external fixation of MT/MC fractures
      were reviewed. Signalment, fracture configuration, complications, and subjective
      clinical findings were recorded. Surgical technique involved retrograde
      intramedullary pin placement into fractured MT/MC bones, and transverse pin
      placement in the base of the MT/MCs or tarsal/carpal bones. Contoured pin ends
      were enshrouded dorsally in epoxy resin and implants maintained until fracture
      union. Postoperative clinical and radiographic reassessment was performed where
      possible. RESULTS: Small breed dogs (n = 12) and 19 cats were operated. Fixator
      removal occurred in < 10 weeks in all cases. Complications included synostosis (n
      = 2), pin tract discharge (7), excessive postoperative swelling (8), skin
      abrasions from the frame (2), and paw distortion associated with frame
      impingement (2). Long-term radiography documented degenerative changes associated
      with MT-phalangeal or MC-phalangeal joints in 2 dogs; 7 cats, but changes were
      typically graded mild or moderate and affected only 1 or 2 joints. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combined intramedullary/external fixation of MT/MC fractures is viable,
      particularly juxta-articular fractures. Pin penetration of MT-phalangeal or MC
      phalangeal joints may cause morbidity and requires further study.

PMID- 22092186
TI  - Cellular immunostimulation by CpG-sequence-coated DNA origami structures.
AB  - To investigate the potential of DNA origami constructs as programmable and
      noncytotoxic immunostimulants, we tested the immune responses induced by hollow
      30-helix DNA origami tubes covered with up to 62 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG)
      sequences in freshly isolated spleen cells. Unmethylated CpG sequences that are
      highly specific for bacterial DNA are recognized by a specialized receptor of the
      innate immune system localized in the endosome, the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9).
      When incubated with oligonucleotides containing CpGs, immune cells are stimulated
      through TLR9 to produce and secrete cytokine mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL
      6) and interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70), a process associated with the initiation of
      an immune response. In our studies, the DNA origami tube built from an 8634 nt
      long variant of the commonly used single-stranded DNA origami scaffold M13mp18
      and 227 staple oligonucleotides decorated with 62 CpG-containing oligonucleotides
      triggered a strong immune response, characterized by cytokine production and
      immune cell activation, which was entirely dependent on TLR9 stimulation. Such
      decorated origami tubes also triggered higher immunostimulation than equal
      amounts of CpG oligonucleotides associated with a standard carrier system such as
      Lipofectamine. In the absence of CpG oligonucleotides, cytokine production
      induced by the origami tubes was low and was not related to TLR9 recognition.
      Fluorescent microscopy revealed localization of CpG-containing DNA origami
      structures in the endosome. The DNA constructs showed in contrast to
      Lipofectamine no detectable toxicity and did not affect the viability of
      splenocytes. We thus demonstrate that DNA origami constructs represent a delivery
      system for CpG oligonucleotides that is both efficient and nontoxic.

PMID- 22092187
TI  - Disease management and medication compliance.
AB  - Lack of medication compliance is harmful to health care systems from both a
      clinical and economic perspective. This study examines the methods that disease
      management organizations employ to identify nonadherent patients and to measure
      effectiveness of compliance programs for patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia,
      and cystic fibrosis. In addition, this study investigates the degree to which
      disease managers assume risk in their contracts, and whether compliance
      strategies are being coordinated with payers' use of value-based insurance
      design, in which patient cost sharing is a function of the relative value of
      pharmaceuticals. This study's findings suggest that disease management may be
      falling short in terms of: (a) comprehensive commitment to expert-recommended at
      home devices used to self-diagnose and measure health indicators; (b) early
      adoption of expert-recommended new technologies to measure and improve
      compliance; (c) intensity of use of standard tests in outpatient clinics; (d)
      coordination of compliance strategies with payers' use of value-based insurance
      design; and (e) the proportion of risk assumed in disease management contracts.

PMID- 22092188
TI  - Adherence to preventive recommendations: experience of a cohort presenting for
      executive health care.
AB  - Adherence to recommended preventive services and immunizations in adults is
      suboptimal and often associated with socioeconomic status, race, and access to
      care. The aim of this study is to evaluate adherence in a cohort without these
      barriers to ascertain realistically optimal adherence rates and to examine
      remaining barriers among relatively advantaged individuals. Specifically, it
      employed a sample of 6889 patients presenting for executive health care from 2005
      to 2009. Adherence varied across colorectal cancer screening (79%), mammography
      (89%), cervical cancer screening (91%), tetanus immunization (82%), and
      pneumococcal vaccination (62%). Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that
      age, education, alcohol use concerns, and being married were positively
      associated with adherence to certain services. Individuals without the usual
      barriers to care have variable, less-than-ideal rates of adherence to preventive
      services, which correlate with some health behaviors and demographics.
      Understanding the predictors of adherence may inform quality improvement
      processes aimed at optimizing disease prevention.

PMID- 22092189
TI  - Belt restraint reduction in nursing homes: effects of a multicomponent
      intervention program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of a multicomponent intervention program to
      reduce the use of belt restraints in psychogeriatric nursing homes. DESIGN: A
      quasi-experimental longitudinal design. Study duration was 8 months. SETTING:
      Twenty-six psychogeriatric nursing home wards in 13 Dutch nursing homes were
      assigned to intervention or control groups. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred fourteen
      residents were selected for participation. Legal representatives of 520 residents
      agreed on participation; complete data are available for 405 residents.
      INTERVENTION: The intervention program included four major components: promotion
      of institutional policy change that discourages use of belt restraint, nursing
      home staff education, consultation by a nurse specialist aimed at nursing home
      staff, and availability of alternative interventions. MEASUREMENTS: The primary
      outcome measure was the frequency of belt restraint use. Secondary outcomes
      included other types of physical restraints, psychoactive drug use, falls, and
      fall-related injuries. These data were collected at baseline and after 4 and 8
      months. A trained, blinded observer measured the use of belts and other physical
      restraints types four times during a 24-hour period. RESULTS: The intervention
      resulted in a 50% decrease in belt use (odds ratio = 0.48, 95% confidence
      interval = 0.28-0.81; P = .005). No increase occurred in the use of other types
      of restraints. No marked differences between the groups were found regarding
      psychoactive drugs, falls, and fall-related injuries. CONCLUSION: A
      multicomponent intervention program led to a substantial reduction in use of
      belts, full-enclosure bedrails, and sleep suits without increasing the use of
      other physical restraints, psychoactive drugs, or falls and fall-related
      injuries.

PMID- 22092190
TI  - The compassion of concealment: silence between older caregivers and dying
      patients in the AIDS era, northwest Tanzania.
AB  - In northwest Tanzania, where AIDS has been present for 25 years, AIDS-related
      illness is a trigger through which community members discuss personal experiences
      of loss and assess social relationships. The terminal phase of AIDS demands
      intimate social relations between patients and caretakers. In this final phase of
      illness, caretakers are scrutinised for their behaviour towards the patient. In
      the moral world in which caregiving takes place, the act of concealing is
      considered an intrinsic part of proper care. Current debates on morality, stigma
      and secrecy inform my argument that acts of concealment around dying are not so
      much related to the exclusion and ostracism of patients but to inclusion and
      compassionate care.

PMID- 22092191
TI  - Why humans do not make good vampires. Testing the ability of humans to detect
      true blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research indicating the effects of real blood or of its iconic
      representation on human behaviour has thus far concentrated on phobia and
      aggressiveness. Little is known about other responses or, more fundamentally,
      about the biological basis of all such responses. AIM: In this study it is
      examined whether or not humans are able to detect real blood. METHODS: Human
      subjects (n = 89) were asked to distinguish different kinds of blood from red
      control fluids under varying visual and choice conditions. Relevant differences
      between subjects were tested for through written questionnaires, including
      standardized scales for disgust sensitivity (DS-R) and blood phobia (MBPI) and
      performance on two clinical olfactory tests. RESULTS: Analysis of variance shows
      that humans are excellent detectors of animal blood (in casu pig blood), whereas
      the ability of detecting human blood is much less developed. Surprisingly,
      differences in olfactory capacities and personal experience with blood have no
      effect on blood detection, while blood fear lowers and disgust sensitivity
      ameliorates this performance. CONCLUSION: This study allows further mapping of
      the exact role of disgust sensitivity in human behaviour, as well as a deliberate
      choice of materials in blood-related experiments. It is imperative for further
      research on the behavioural and psychological impact 'blood' resorts on humans.

PMID- 22092192
TI  - Resident physician interactions with surrogate decision-makers: the resident
      experience.
AB  - This study explored interactions between medical residents and patient surrogates
      in order to clarify resident understanding of roles and relationships, resident
      emotional experience, and resident learning processes. Qualitative analysis of in
      depth interviews were used involving three family medicine residency programs
      serving culturally diverse, urban, underserved patient populations. Eighteen
      second- and third-year trainees described a memorable interaction with a
      surrogate and then were prompted to discuss their learning experience and their
      role in the interaction. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed
      through an iterative process. Residents experienced significant emotional burden
      during interactions yet continued to value their relationships with surrogates.
      Despite their reservations about giving recommendations, residents adopted a
      variety of roles with surrogates as they gave support, information, and advice.
      Although residents reported little formal education about surrogate decision
      making, they relied on passive role modeling and their own previous experiences
      to help surrogates make decisions. Residents have complex and emotionally
      significant interactions with surrogates despite minimal formal education about
      surrogate decision-making. Educational efforts should seek to help residents
      understand their own emotions and the ethical beliefs that underlie the roles
      they adopt with surrogates. This will help residents to facilitate value-based
      conversations with surrogates and better support surrogates in the decision
      making process.

PMID- 22092193
TI  - Factors influencing the behavior of land applied biosolids.
AB  - Using biosolids from the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), laboratory
      studies were conducted to provide an insight into the behavior of this material
      when it is applied on land. The interaction and affinity of the biosolids for
      heavy metals was determined by packing reactor columns with known amounts of the
      biosolids and passing through the packed columns aliquots of several heavy metal
      solutions including, cobalt, copper, lead, iron, manganese, and zinc. The process
      was repeated until the retention capacity of the columns was reached. Solution
      parameters were varied to allow investigations of the influence of pH, ionic
      strength, and inter-elemental effects. The affinity of the biosolids for each
      metal was determined by calculating the mass of the metal that was adsorbed on
      the biosolids (removed from the solution) per gram of the biosolids. Using batch
      and reactor column procedures, samples of the biosolids were fractionated to
      determine water soluble, exchangeable, adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate,
      and sulfide fractions and to determine the lability, mobility, and availability
      of the heavy metal and other contaminants in those fractions. A fractional
      distribution extraction protocol was specifically conducted for the lead
      biosolids complex to provide an insight into the lability and bioavailability of
      the biosolids-bound lead. The affinity of metal ions for the biosolids was found
      to increase in the order Pb>Fe>Cu>Zn>Ni>Mn>Co. Correspondingly, synergistic
      effects of the different metals led to characteristic decreases in the respective
      binding capacities. A decrease in system pH led to a decrease in the binding
      capacity, a trend that was also observed when the ionic strength increased. Using
      lead as a model, fractionation studies revealed that adsorption of lead by
      biosolids is mainly associated with the carbonate fraction.

PMID- 22092194
TI  - Does a video-interpreting network improve delivery of care in the emergency
      department?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact of a policy change from use of telephonic and
      face-to-face interpreting to use of a video-interpreting network on Emergency
      Department (ED) care. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Observational study of ED care
      at two California hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: We compared tests ordered, time in the
      ED, and admission rates for English- and Spanish-speaking patients presenting
      with chest pain and abdominal pain before and after the policy change. DATA
      COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Data were extracted from electronic medical and
      billing records. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Mean time in the ED, mean number of
      laboratory tests, radiology services, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms,
      and rates of hospital admission for both language groups at both hospitals went
      down in the post-video-interpreting network period compared with the pre-video
      interpreting network period. The percentage of patients leaving the ED against
      medical advice (AMA) increased in one hospital for both language groups; this
      increase was statistically significantly smaller in the Spanish-language group
      compared with the English group (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The studied video
      interpreting network had minimal impact on health care outcomes in the ED.

PMID- 22092195
TI  - Modeling general and specific variance in multifaceted constructs: a comparison
      of the bifactor model to other approaches.
AB  - This article recommends an alternative method for testing multifaceted
      constructs. Researchers often have to choose between two problematic approaches
      for analyzing multifaceted constructs: the total score approach and the
      individual score approach. Both approaches can result in conceptual ambiguity.
      The proposed bifactor model assesses simultaneously the general construct shared
      by the facets and the specific facets, over and above the general construct. We
      illustrate the bifactor model by examining the construct of Extraversion as
      measured by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae,
      1992), with two college samples (N = 383 and 378). The analysis reveals that the
      facets of the NEO-PI-R Extraversion correlate with criteria in opposite
      directions after partialling out the general construct. The direction of gender
      differences also varies by facets. Bifactor models combine the advantages but
      avoid the drawbacks of the 2 existing methods and can lead to greater conceptual
      clarity.

PMID- 22092196
TI  - Spatiotemporal organization and thalamic modulation of seizures in the mouse
      medial thalamic-anterior cingulate slice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Seizure-like activities generated in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are
      usually classified as simple partial and are associated with changes in autonomic
      function, motivation, and thought. Previous studies have shown that thalamic
      inputs can modulate ACC seizure, but the exact mechanisms have not been studied
      thoroughly. Therefore, we investigated the role of thalamic inputs in modulating
      ACC seizure-like activities. In addition, seizure onset and propagation are
      difficult to determine in vivo in ACC. We studied the spatiotemporal changes in
      epileptiform activity in this cortex in a thalamic-ACC slice to clearly determine
      seizure onset. METHODS: We used multielectrode array (MEA) recording and calcium
      imaging to investigate the modulatory effect of thalamic inputs in a thalamic-ACC
      slice preparation. KEY FINDINGS: Seizure-like activities induced with 4
      aminopyridine (4-AP; 250 MUm) and bicuculline (5-50 MUm) in ACC were attenuated
      by glutamate receptor antagonists, and the degree of disinhibition varied with
      the dose of bicuculline. Seizure-like activities were decreased with 1 Hz
      thalamic stimulation, whereas corpus callosum stimulation could increase ictal
      discharges. Amplitude and duration of cingulate seizure-like activities were
      augmented after removing thalamic inputs, and this effect was not observed with
      those induced with elevated bicuculline (50 MUm). Seizure-like activities were
      initiated in layers II/III and, after thalamic lesions, they occurred mainly in
      layers V/VI. Two-dimensional current-source density analyses revealed sink
      signals more frequently in layers V/VI after thalamic lesions, indicating that
      these layers produce larger excitatory synchronization. Calcium transients were
      synchronized after thalamic lesions suggesting that ACC seizure-like activities
      are subjected to desynchronizing modulation by thalamic inputs. Therefore, ACC
      seizure-like activities are subject to desynchronizing modulation from medial
      thalamic inputs to deep layer pyramidal neurons. SIGNIFICANCE: Cingulate seizure
      like activities were modulated significantly by thalamic inputs. Repeated
      stimulation of the thalamus efficiently inhibited epileptiform activity,
      demonstrating that the desynchronization was pathway-specific. The clinical
      implications of deep thalamic stimulation in the modulation of cingulate
      epileptic activity require further investigation.

PMID- 22092197
TI  - Investigating the mechanism of substrate uptake and release in the glutamate
      transporter homologue Glt(Ph) through metadynamics simulations.
AB  - A homeostatic concentration of glutamate in the synaptic cleft ensures a correct
      signal transduction along the neuronal network. An unbalance in this
      concentration can lead to neuronal death and to severe neurodegenerative diseases
      such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Glutamate transporters play a crucial role in
      this respect because they are responsible for the reuptake of the
      neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft, thus controlling the glutamate
      concentration. Understanding the molecular mechanism of this transporter can
      provide the possibility of an exogenous control. Structural studies have shown
      that this transporter can assume at least three conformations, thus suggesting a
      pronounced dynamical behavior. However, some intermediate states that lead to the
      substrate internalization have not been characterized and many aspects of the
      transporter mechanism still remain unclear. Here, using metadynamics simulations,
      we investigate the substrate uptake from the synaptic cleft and its release in
      the intracellular medium. In addition, we focus on the role of ions and substrate
      during these processes and on the stability of the different conformations
      assumed by the transporter. The present dynamical results can complement
      available X-ray data and provide a thorough description of the entire process of
      substrate uptake, internalization, and release.

PMID- 22092198
TI  - Comparison of the mechanical behaviors of locked and nonlocked plate/screw
      fixation applied to experimentally induced rotational osteotomies in canine ilia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical behaviors of 2 locked (parallel and
      diverging screws) and 1 nonlocked (NL) version of triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO)
      plate/screw fixation. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical evaluation. ANIMALS:
      Cadaveric canine hemipelves. METHODS: Comparison 1-NL screws 20 degrees  TPO (NL
      20) construct versus locked parallel (LP) screws 20 degrees  TPO (LP-20)
      construct (n = 7). Comparison 2-LP-20 construct versus locked diverging (LD)
      screws 20 degrees  TPO (LD-20) construct (n = 6). Condition 1-Nondestructive
      loading to determine stiffness. Condition 2-Cyclic loading to determine
      stiffness, screw loosening, and osteotomy gap displacement. Condition 3-Load to
      failure (yield load, yield displacement, maximum load, load to failure, failure
      mode). RESULTS: Stiffness was not significantly different for NL-20 versus LP-20
      constructs (P = .48) or for LP-20 versus LD-20 constructs (P = .83). Screw
      loosening was significantly more frequent for NL-20 versus LP-20 (P = .01) and
      for LD-20 versus LP-20 constructs (P = .02). The relative risk for screw
      loosening with NL-20 constructs versus LP-20 constructs was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1
      1.8). The relative risk for screw loosening with LD-20 versus LP-20 was 1.6 (95%
      CI: 1.1-2.2). Yield load was significantly greater for LP-20 versus NL-20 and LD
      20 constructs (P = .04, P = .03), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No TPO constructs
      tested maintained complete integrity after cyclic loading; however, screw
      loosening was significantly reduced and yield loads were significantly larger for
      LP-20 plate/screw constructs.

PMID- 22092200
TI  - Cognitive impairments after critical illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairments are common after critical illness. Aetiology
      and effects of cognitive impairments in this setting are not fully revealed. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the effect of critical illness and intensive
      care unit (ICU) treatment on cerebral function. METHODS: Adult ICU patients with
      no previous history of cerebral disorders were included. Non-delirious patients
      scoring >=  24 on mini-mental state examination on ICU discharge were explored
      neuropsychologically using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated
      Battery (CANTAB) to classify cognitive impairments. Tests were repeated at 3 and
      12 months. Results were compared with a normal reference population and a
      surgical comparison group. RESULTS: We included 55 patients. Eighteen of 28
      patients were cognitively impaired, and it was not possible to classify 27
      patients. The ICU survivors tested with CANTAB scored significantly lower than
      the reference population. They also scored worse than a surgical comparison group
      but significantly on only one of 10 measures. At 3 months follow-up, included
      patients scored significantly worse on one of 10 reported CANTAB measures. There
      were no differences at 12 months. We found no associations between age, co
      morbidity, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Sequential Organ Failure
      Assessment score, presence of cardiovascular disease, duration of ventilatory
      support and length of ICU stay, and cognitive impairments. Having a cognitive
      impairment did not affect other outcome measures such as mortality, health
      related quality of life, and institutionalization. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive
      impairments are common after critical illness and may be caused by the critical
      illness in itself. Incidences are high after ICU discharge (64%) but drops
      rapidly during the first 3 months after discharge.

PMID- 22092201
TI  - Risk factors for 1-year mortality in patients with nontraumatic intracranial
      hemorrhage requiring intensive care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage remains high. The
      aim of this study was to determine the 1-year survival and potential risk factors
      for 1-year mortality in patients with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage
      requiring intensive care. METHODS: This was a 3-year (2005-2007) retrospective
      study in a university-level intensive care unit (ICU). Patient characteristics,
      level of consciousness, and radiological findings of the primary head computed
      tomography were recorded on admission. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores
      were recorded during the ICU stay. Patients were divided into two groups:
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) group and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) group.
      Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and independent risk factors were
      determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS: Two
      hundred twenty-nine patients were analyzed. The 1-year mortality rate was 32% in
      patients with SAH and 44% in patients with ICH. The risk factors for 1-year
      mortality in both groups were unconsciousness on admission [SAH: hazard ratio
      (HR) 6.2, P = 0.017 and ICH: HR 3.0, P = 0.004] and renal failure during the ICU
      stay (SAH: HR 2.5, P = 0.021 and ICH: HR 3.6, P = 0.021). Risk factors specific
      to the type of hemorrhage were the presence of ICH (HR 2.0, P = 0.033) and
      diffuse cerebral edema (HR 2.3, P = 0.017) in the SAH group and a prior use of
      warfarin (HR 5.1, P = 0.016) in the ICH group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to
      decreased level of consciousness on admission, renal failure during the ICU stay
      is an independent risk factor for 1-year mortality in nontraumatic SAH as well as
      ICH.

PMID- 22092202
TI  - Influence of prone positioning on the measurement of transpulmonary
      thermodilution-derived variables in critically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with respiratory failure undergoing prone positioning (PP)
      are often monitored by the transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) technique.
      However, it remains unclear whether the measurement of TPTD-derived variables is
      influenced by PP. We investigated the effects of 135 degrees  PP on the accuracy
      of TPTD-derived variables and their changes over an 8-10 h period of time.
      METHODS: We studied 16 mechanically ventilated patients who underwent PP for
      acute respiratory distress syndrome or acute lung injury and received hemodynamic
      monitoring by the TPTD technique. Measurements of extravascular lung water index
      (EVLWI), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI), ejection fraction corrected
      GEDVI (cGEDVI), pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) and hemodynamic
      variables were obtained 10 min before and after positioning and repositioning.
      One-way analysis of variance and Friedman's test with Student-Newman-Keuls method
      for all pairwise multiple comparisons were used for statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: EVLWI increased after proning (12.7 +/- 4.7 vs. 14.8 +/- 7.8 ml/kg) and
      remained elevated until end of prone positioning (15.1 +/- 7.2 vs. 12.8 +/- 4.9
      ml/kg) with P < 0.05 for difference between respective time points. After
      proning, GEDVI remained unchanged (571 +/- 153 vs. 593 +/- 152 ml/m2). At the end
      of prone positioning GEDVI was 610 +/-  55 ml/m2 and decreased after returning to
      supine to 553 +/- 14 ml/m2. Proning increased cGEDVI from 525 +/- 136 to 570 +/-
      11  ml/m2 and repositioning decreased cGEDVI from 558 +/- 116 to 496 +/- 121
      ml/m2. No significant changes in PVPI were observed during the study period.
      CONCLUSIONS: EVLWI and GEDVI measurements are possibly influenced by prone
      positioning. In spite of statistical significance, the differences in EVLWI and
      GEDVI are low and presumably of no clinical relevance.

PMID- 22092203
TI  - Positive end-expiratory pressure-induced changes in end-expiratory lung volume
      measured by spirometry and electric impedance tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A bedside tool for monitoring changes in end-expiratory lung volume
      (DeltaEELV) would be helpful to set optimal positive end-expiratory pressure
      (PEEP) in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. The
      hypothesis of this study was that the cumulative difference of the inspiratory
      and expiratory tidal volumes of the first 10 breaths after a PEEP change
      accurately reflects the change in lung volume following a PEEP alteration.
      METHODS: Changing PEEP induces lung volume changes, which are reflected in
      differences between inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes measured by
      spirometry. By adding these differences with correction for offset, for the first
      10 breaths after PEEP change, cumulative tidal volume difference was calculated
      to estimate DeltaEELV(VT) ((i-e)) . This method was evaluated in a lung model and
      in patients with acute respiratory failure during a PEEP trial. In patients,
      DeltaEELV(VT) ((i-e))  were compared with simultaneously measured changes in lung
      impedance, by electric impedance tomography (EIT), using calibration vs. tidal
      volume to estimate changes in DeltaEELV(EIT) . RESULTS: In the lung model, there
      was close correlation (R(2)  = 0.99) between DeltaEELV(VT) ((i-e))  and known
      lung model volume difference, with a bias of -4 ml and limits of agreement of 42
      and -50 ml. In 12 patients, DeltaEELV(EIT)  was closely correlated to
      DeltaEELV(VT) ((i-e))  (R(2)  = 0.92), with mean bias of 50 ml and limits of
      agreement of 131 and -31 ml. Changes in EELV estimated by EIT (DeltaEELV(EIT) )
      exceeded measurements by spirometry (DeltaEELV(VT) ((i-e)) ), with 15 (+/-15)%.
      CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that spirometric measurements of inspiratory-expiratory
      tidal volumes agree well with impedance changes monitored by EIT and can be used
      bedside to estimate PEEP-induced changes in EELV.

PMID- 22092204
TI  - Non-toxic alveolar oxygen concentration without hypoxemia during apnoeic
      oxygenation: an experimental study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxygenation without tidal breathing, i.e. apnoeic oxygenation in
      combination with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal, might be an option in the
      treatment of acute respiratory failure. However, ventilation with 100% O2, which
      is potentially toxic, is considered a prerequisite to ensure acceptable
      oxygenation. We hypothesized that trapping nitrogen (N2) in the lungs before the
      start of apnoeic oxygenation would keep the alveolar O2 at a non-toxic level and
      still maintain normoxaemia. The aim was to test whether a predicted N2
      concentration would agree with a measured concentration at the end of an apnoeic
      period. METHODS: Seven anaesthetized, muscle relaxed, endotracheally intubated
      pigs (22-27 kg) were ventilated in a randomized order with an inspired fraction
      of O2 0.6 and 0.8 at two positive end-expiratory pressure levels (5 cm and 10 cm
      H2O) before being connected to continuous positive airway pressure using 100% O2
      for apnoeic oxygenation. N2 was measured before the start of and at the end of
      the 10-min apnoeic period. The predicted N2 concentration was calculated from the
      initial N2 concentration, the end-expiratory lung volume, and the anatomical dead
      space. RESULTS: The mean difference and standard deviation between measured and
      predicted N2 concentration was -0.5 +/- 2%, P = 0.587. No significant difference
      in the agreement between measured and predicted N2 concentrations was seen in the
      four settings. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that it is possible to predict
      and keep alveolar N2 concentration at a desired level and, thus, alveolar O2
      concentration at a non-toxic level during apnoeic oxygenation.

PMID- 22092205
TI  - H-index is a sensitive indicator of academic activity in highly productive
      anaesthesiologists: results of a bibliometric analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: H-index distinguishes differences in scholarly output across faculty
      ranks in anaesthesiologists, but whether h-index also identifies differences in
      other aspects of productivity is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that h-index
      is an indicator of not only publication record, but also grant funding and
      mentoring in highly productive US academic anaesthesiologists. METHODS: We
      conducted an internet analysis of the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and
      Research Academy of Research Mentors in Anesthesiology (n = 43). Publications,
      citations, citations per publication, and h-index for each investigator were
      obtained using the Scopus((r)) . Total grants, active grants, years of funding,
      and duration of longest funded grant were recorded using the US National
      Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools((r)) . Members
      were surveyed to identify the number of their career trainees and those who
      obtained independent funding. RESULTS: The median [IRQ (Interquartile range)] h
      index of members was 23 [17-32 (8-50)]. Members published 136 [100-225 (39-461)]
      papers with 3573 [1832-5090 (150-11,601)] citations and 21 [15-32 (4-59)]
      citations per publication. Members received four [3-7 (0-10)] grants and were
      funded for 29 [17-45 (0-115)] grant-years. Survey respondents (79%) mentored 40
      [26-69 (15-191)] trainees, three [2-6 (0-20)] of which subsequently received
      funding. Members with h-indices greater than the median had more publications,
      citations, citations per publication, grants, and years of funding compared with
      their counterparts. H-index was associated with total citations, active grants,
      and the number of trainees. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to publication record, h
      index sensitively indicates grant funding and mentoring in highly productive US
      academic anaesthesiologists.

PMID- 22092206
TI  - GlideScope videolaryngoscope vs. Macintosh direct laryngoscope for intubation of
      morbidly obese patients: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morbidly obese patients are at increased risk of hypoxemia during
      tracheal intubation because of increased frequency of difficult and impossible
      intubation and a decreased apnea tolerance. In this study, intubation with the
      GlideScope videolaryngoscope (GS) was compared with the Macintosh direct
      laryngoscope (DL) in a group of morbidly obese patients. METHODS: One hundred
      consecutive patients (body mass index >= 35 kg/m(2) ) scheduled for bariatric
      surgery were randomized 1 : 1 to intubation with GS (group GS) or DL (group DL).
      The primary outcome was intubation time. Secondary outcomes were number of
      attempts, Cormack-Lehane grade, intubation difficulty scale score (IDS),
      subjective difficulty of intubation, desaturation, airway bleeding, postoperative
      sore throat, and hoarseness. Group assignment was not blinded. RESULTS:
      Intubation in group GS and group DL lasted 48 (22-148) and 32 s (17-209),
      respectively (median (range); P = 0.0001); median difference 11 s (95% confidence
      interval 6-17). Laryngoscopic views were better in group GS with Cormack-Lehane
      grades 1/2/3/4 distributed as 35/13/2/0 vs. 23/13/10/4 in group DL (P = 0.003).
      IDS scores were significantly lower with GS than with DL. No other statistically
      significant differences were found. Two cases of failed intubation occurred in
      group DL vs. none in group GS (non-significant). Both patients were intubated
      with the GlideScope without problems. CONCLUSION: Intubation of morbidly obese
      patients with GS was slightly slower than with DL. The increased intubation time
      was of no clinical consequence as no patients became hypoxemic. Both devices
      generally performed well in the studied population, but the GS provided better
      laryngoscopic views and decreased IDS scores.

PMID- 22092207
TI  - High-resolution solid-state manometry of the effect of rocuronium on
      barrierpressure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is partly
      dependent on striated muscles derived from the crural portion of the diaphragm.
      The effect of neuromuscular blockade on the integrity of the esophagogastric
      junction is not well studied. We conducted a prospective interventional study to
      determine the effect of rocuronium on the barrier pressure (LES pressure -
      intragastric pressure) of the esophagogastric junction. We also studied the
      effect of positive pressure ventilation on the barrier pressure after
      neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium. METHODS: Fourteen patients classified as
      American Society of Anesthesiologists classification system (ASA) I or II (aged
      18-75 years) who presented for elective surgery (11 cholecystectomy, 3 inguinal
      hernia) participated in the study. Esophageal manometry was performed during
      anesthetization with propofol, fentanyl, and sevoflurane. The LES pressure was
      studied prior to anesthesia, after anesthesia induction during spontaneous
      breathing with laryngeal mask airway, after administration of rocuronium (0.6
      mg/kg), and during positive pressure ventilation. RESULTS: Muscle relaxation with
      rocuronium showed no significant changes in barrier pressure when comparing the
      pressure immediately before rocuronium administration with the pressure obtained
      after rocuronium administration at the time point of 0% train-of-four (TOF).
      Conversion to positive pressure ventilation did not change the barrier pressure
      with inspiration or expiration. The greatest decrease in barrier pressure was
      measured after inducing anesthesia when comparing pressures during inspiration (P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium and conversion from
      spontaneous breathing to positive pressure ventilation does not decrease the
      barrier pressure during anesthesia induction.

PMID- 22092208
TI  - Effect of patient position and PEEP on hepatic, portal and central venous
      pressures during liver resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that blood loss during liver resection may be
      reduced if central venous pressure (CVP) is kept at a low level. This can be
      achieved by changing patient position but it is not known how position changes
      affect portal (PVP) and hepatic (HVP) venous pressures. The aim of the study was
      to assess if changes in body position result in clinically significant changes in
      these pressures. METHODS: We studied 10 patients undergoing liver resection. Mean
      arterial pressure (MAP) and CVP were measured using fluid-filled catheters, PVP
      and HVP with tip manometers. Measurements were performed in the horizontal, head
      up and head down tilt position with two positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)
      levels. RESULTS: A 10 degrees  head down tilt at PEEP 5 cm H(2) O significantly
      increased CVP (11 +/- 3 to 15 +/- 3 mmHg) and MAP (72 +/- 8 to 76 +/- 8 mmHg)
      while head up tilt at PEEP 5 cm H(2) O decreased CVP (11 +/- 3 to 6 +/- 4 mmHg)
      and MAP (72 +/- 8 to 63 +/- 7 mmHg) with minimal changes in transhepatic venous
      pressures. Increasing PEEP from 5 to 10 resulted in small increases, around 1
      mmHg in CVP, PVP and HVP. There was no significant correlation between changes in
      CVP vs. PVP and HVP during head up tilt and only a weak correlation between CVP
      and HVP by head down tilt. CONCLUSIONS: Changes of body position resulted in
      marked changes in CVP but not in HVPs. Head down or head up tilt to reduce venous
      pressures in the liver may therefore not be effective measures to reduce blood
      loss during liver surgery.

PMID- 22092209
TI  - Chronic alcoholism increases the induction dose of propofol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to investigate the possible effect of
      chronic alcohol intake on propofol and remifentanil requirements, which was
      determined by quantifying the 50% (EC(50) ) and 95% (EC(95) ) effective effect
      site concentrations for propofol and remifentanil at loss of consciousness (LOC)
      and after a painful stimulus. METHODS: Thirty male patients (alcoholic group; n =
      30) with chronic alcoholism and 30 patients (control group; n = 30) with a
      history of small alcohol intake were anaesthetized with propofol and remifentanil
      by target-controlled infusion. The predicted drug concentrations and Bispectral
      Index (BIS) values were recorded at LOC and after no response to painful stimuli.
      RESULTS: The EC(50)  and EC(95)  of propofol at LOC in alcoholic group were 3.15
      [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.77-3.37] and 4.05 (95% CI, 3.18-5.26) MUg/ml,
      respectively, and those of the control group were 2.21 (95% CI, 1.92-2.86) and
      3.04 (95% CI, 2.45-4.64) MUg/ml, respectively. The EC(50)  and EC(95)  of
      remifentanil measured after no response to painful stimuli in the alcoholic group
      were 3.02 (95% CI, 2.70-3.38) and 4.98 (95% CI, 4.56-5.89) ng/ml, respectively,
      and those of the control group were 2.95 (95% CI, 2.68-3.33) and 4.86 (95% CI,
      4.55-5.92) ng/ml, respectively. The EC(50)  and EC(95)  values of propofol at LOC
      in the control group were significantly lower than that of the alcoholic group.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the induction dose requirements of
      propofol are increased in alcoholic patients anaesthetized with propofol and
      remifentanil administered by target controlled infusion.

PMID- 22092210
TI  - Washout of sevoflurane from the GE Avance and Amingo Carestation anesthetic
      machines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhalational anesthetics must be removed from anesthetic machines to
      prevent malignant hyperthermia (MH) in susceptible patients or to treat MH
      occurring during inhalational general anesthesia. This study examines the
      sevoflurane washout from the GE Avance and Amingo CarestationsTM. METHODS: The
      care stations were contaminated with sevoflurane during general anesthesia. Then,
      the vaporizer was removed, the CO2 absorber was exchanged against an empty one
      and the breathing tubes were substituted by clean ones. In the first part, the
      fresh gas flow was 10 l/min. In the second part, the Advanced Breathing SystemTM
      (ABSTM), the internal breathing circuit, was replaced by a laundered component.
      The fresh gas flow was set to 10 l/min for 10 min and to 5 l/min for the
      following 20 min. RESULTS: In the 25 measurements of the first part, the
      sevoflurane concentration decreased from a median of 31.60 ppm [interquartile
      range (IQR) 130.12 ppm] within 22 min in every case to values below 5 ppm and
      stayed there for the last 8 min of the measuring (P < 0.0001). In the 15
      measurements of the second part, the sevoflurane concentration fell from the
      median of 8.56 ppm (IQR 8.99 ppm) within 5 min to values being significantly
      below 5 ppm and stayed there for the following 25 min (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      In case of sudden onset of MH, the Avance or Amingo CarestationTM can stay in
      place, if the fresh gas flow is increased to 10 l/min or more. To prepare these
      machines for MH-susceptible patients, the ABSTM should be substituted by a
      laundered component.

PMID- 22092211
TI  - Isoflurane decreases death of human embryonic stem cell-derived, transcriptional
      marker Nkx2.5(+)  cardiac progenitor cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) derived from human embryonic stem
      cells (hESCs) can multiply and generate cardiomyocytes, offering their tremendous
      potential for cardiac regenerative therapy. However, poor survival under
      stressful conditions is a major hurdle in the regeneration. We investigated
      whether isoflurane-induced preconditioning can increase hESC-derived CPC survival
      under oxidative stress. METHODS: Undifferentiated hESCs were cultured in
      suspension with 20% FBS (fetal bovine serum) and 20 ng/ml of BMP-4 (bone
      morphogenetic protein-4) to form embryoid bodies and grown onto Matrigel-coated
      plates for 2-3 weeks. To characterise the differentiated CPCs, immunostaining for
      Nkx2.5 (nonspecific transcriptional marker) and Isl-1 was performed. hESC-derived
      CPCs were exposed to oxidative stress induced by H(2) O(2) and FeSO(4) . For
      anaesthetic preconditioning, CPCs were exposed to isoflurane (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 mM).
      CPC survival was determined by trypan blue exclusion. A mitoK(ATP) channels
      inhibitor, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (200 MUM) and an opener, diazoxide (100 MUM),
      were used to investigate the involvement of mitoK(ATP) channels. RESULTS: hESC
      derived CPCs stained with Nkx2.5 were 95 +/- 3% of total cell number. Isoflurane
      (0.5 and 1.0 mM)-preconditioned CPCs showed a significantly lower death rate
      compared with control (0.5 mM: 30.6 +/- 10.7% and 1.0 mM: 28.5 +/- 6.2% vs.
      control: 43.2 +/- 9.9%). Inhibition of mitoK(ATP) channels with 5-HD completely
      abolished the protective effects of isoflurane. Diazoxide significantly decreased
      CPC death (29.5 +/- 12.4%). However, when diazoxide was applied to CPC
      preconditioned with isoflurane, CPC death did not decrease further (28.7 +/-
      10.9%). CONCLUSION: Isoflurane increased hESC-derived Nkx2.5(+) CPC survival
      under oxidative stress, and mitoK(ATP) channels may be involved in the protective
      effect.

PMID- 22092212
TI  - Plasma tau protein in comatose patients after cardiac arrest treated with
      therapeutic hypothermia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurological outcome after cardiac arrest (CA) is difficult to
      predict in the acute phase. In this pilot study, we assessed blood levels of tau
      protein as a prognostic marker for the neurological outcome after 6 months in
      patients treated with hypothermia after resuscitation from CA. METHODS: 22
      unconscious patients resuscitated after CA were treated with mild hypothermia (32
      34 degrees C) for 26 h. Blood samples were collected at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96
      h after CA, and the concentration of tau protein was analyzed. Neurological
      outcome was assessed with the Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category
      (CPC) scale at intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and after 6 months. The higher
      of the two CPC scores was used. RESULTS: At ICU discharge, 21/22 patients were
      alive, of whom 10 had a good (CPC 1-2) outcome. After 6 months, 15/22 patients
      were alive, of whom 14 had a good outcome. Tau protein levels were higher among
      those with a poor outcome at 48 h and 96 h. At 96 h sampling, tau concentration
      predicted a poor outcome (CPC 3-5) with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of
      93%. CONCLUSIONS: Although in a pilot study, a late increase in plasma tau
      protein seems to be associated with a worse outcome after hypothermia treatment
      after CA, although more studies are needed.

PMID- 22092213
TI  - Movement-evoked breakthrough cancer pain despite intrathecal analgesia: a
      prospective series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrathecal analgesia (ITA) is a valuable treatment option for
      intractable cancer-related pain. However, the issue of movement-evoked
      breakthrough pain (BTP) has not been specifically investigated in the ITA
      setting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ITA on spontaneous
      resting pain intensity (SRPI), doses of non-ITA opioids, and specifically on
      movement-evoked pain intensity (MEPI). METHODS: We prospectively studied 28
      consecutive patients who graded SRPI and MEPI on a 0-10 numerical rating scale
      (NRS) at the time of ITA procedure, after 1 week, and after 1 month. Mild pain
      was defined as NRS <= 3 and severe pain as NRS >= 7. Concomitant doses of opioids
      were registered. RESULTS: After 1 week, no patient had severe SRPI compared with
      31% before ITA, and the proportion of patients with mild SRPI had increased from
      27% to 76%. Meanwhile, the median daily dose of non-ITA opioids decreased from
      575 to 120 mg of oral morphine equivalents. The effect on SRPI and on doses of
      non-ITA opioids remained essentially unchanged during the study month, but the
      proportion of patients having severe MEPI did not change significantly: 44% still
      had severe MEPI after 1 week and 40% after 1 month. CONCLUSION: Movement-evoked
      BTP was a major clinical problem throughout the study month despite otherwise
      successful ITA. Improving the quality of life of patients with intractable cancer
      related pain should include developing strategies to better deal with movement
      evoked BTP.

PMID- 22092214
TI  - Levosimendan for treatment of septic shock: homeotherapy or inadequate therapy?

PMID- 22092217
TI  - Gamma oscillation: is there a place in post-operative cognitive dysfunction?

PMID- 22092220
TI  - Predicting massive blood transfusion using clinical scores post-trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Early prediction of massive transfusion (MT) post
      trauma may reduce mortality by earlier delivery of blood products. A clinical
      prediction tool (PWH score) for this purpose was developed at the Prince of Wales
      Hospital, Hong Kong. The aims of this study were to apply this tool to major
      trauma patients in Victoria, Australia and compare the score to the Assessment of
      Blood Consumption (ABC) score and the Trauma-Associated Severe Haemorrhage (TASH)
      score. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients entered into the The Alfred
      Trauma Registry between January 2006 and December 2009 was conducted. The
      performance of the PWH score to predict MT defined by 5 units of packed red blood
      cells in 4 h was compared with the ABC and TASH scores. Included patients
      presented to the Emergency & Trauma Centre from the scene and had had complete
      datasets with respect to the components of the three scores. RESULTS: There were
      1234 patients included in the study with 195 (15.8%) receiving a MT and an
      overall mortality of 14.0%. The PWH score had an area under the receiver
      operating characteristics (ROC) curve of 0.842 (95% CI: 0.820-0.862). The area
      under the ROC curve of the PWH score was significantly less than that of the TASH
      score (chi(2)=19.8, P<0.001) and significantly greater than that of the ABC score
      (chi(2)=9.3, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The PWH score performs with similar accuracy
      when applied to an Australian population as in its derivation population. The
      relative simplicity of the PWH score makes it a viable tool for clinical use,
      although utility of such tools may be more suited for research in determining
      inclusion or exclusion criteria for comparative outcome studies.

PMID- 22092221
TI  - Evaluation of sublingual microcirculatory blood flow in the critically ill.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The microcirculation regulates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to
      tissues. The sublingual region is frequently used as a window to microcirculation
      in critically ill patients. Numerous studies have reported impaired sublingual
      microcirculatory flow. We hypothesized that the quality of sidestream dark field
      imaging (SDF) recordings could be systematically analyzed to justify the
      monitoring of sublingual microcirculation in interventional studies or in
      clinical practice. METHODS: The sublingual microcirculation in critically ill
      patients with septic shock, open heart surgery, or alcoholic pancreatitis, and
      healthy subjects was recorded with a hand held SDF device by one trained
      investigator in observational setting. A total of 82 video recording sessions
      were performed and 240 video clips eligible for quality assessment were
      identified. Quality assessment was performed offline by two investigators
      independently and blinded for the origin of the video file. RESULTS: Of the 240
      clips, pressure artifact was detected in 86 (36%), major blood in 5 (2.1%), major
      saliva in 21 (8.8%) and extreme brightness causing loss of visible capillaries in
      16 (6.7%) clips. The dominating vessel architecture was multiple size vessels in
      228 (95%) and repeating capillary loop motif in 12 (5.0%). The mean (+/- SD)
      relative size reduction during stabilization was -6.9% (+/- 4.7%). Excellent
      technical quality was detected in 74 of 240 (30.8%) recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings highlight the need of a comprehensive training period and reporting of
      data quality before findings with SDF imaging can be accepted as surrogate end
      points in interventional studies or as guidance in clinical practice.

PMID- 22092222
TI  - Composite QDs@MIP nanospheres for specific recognition and direct fluorescent
      quantification of pesticides in aqueous media.
AB  - Quantum dots (QDs)-based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) composite
      nanospheres were successfully prepared via a facile and versatile ultrasonication
      assisted encapsulation method. Unlike the hydrogen-bond-based MIPs, these so
      prepared QDs-MIP composite nanospheres, relying on the interaction including van
      der Waals forces and hydrophobic forces, demonstrated excellent selectivity in
      aqueous media. Their small particle sizes and carboxyl-enriched polymer matrixes
      give rise to their good dispersibility and stability in aqueous solution, and
      faster adsorption and desorption kinetics, which further make them extensively
      applicable for chemical/biological sensors in aqueous media. Based on the
      fluorescence quenching via template analytes (diazinon) rebinding into the
      recognition cavities in the polymer matrixes, the QDs-MIP nanospheres were
      successfully applied to the direct fluorescence quantification of diazinon,
      independent of extracting templates from the MIP nanospheres, as well as further
      complicated and time-consuming assays. This novel method can selectively and
      sensitively detect down to 50 ng/mL of diazinon in water, and a linear
      relationship has been obtained covering the concentration range of 50-600 ng/mL.
      The present studies provide a new and general strategy to fabricate other
      multifunctional (luminescent and magnetic) inorganic-organic MIP nanocomposites
      with highly selective recognition ability in aqueous media and are pretty
      desirable for biomedical/chemical sensing applications.

PMID- 22092223
TI  - Isotope fractionation in aqua-gas systems: Cl(2)-HCl-Cl(-), Br(2)-HBr-Br(-) and
      H(2)S-S(2-).
AB  - We report calculated values of isotope fractionation factors between chlorine,
      bromine and sulphide hydrated anions and respective gaseous compounds: hydrogen
      chloride, hydrogen bromide, molecular chlorine and bromine and hydrogen sulphide.
      For the calculation of the reduced partition function ratios (beta-factors) of
      hydrated Cl(-), Br(-) and S(2-) anions, we used a model of a cluster composed of
      the considered ion surrounded by two shells of H(2)O molecules. Only the
      electrostatic interaction between ion and water molecules treated as electric
      dipoles was taken into account. The beta-factors for the gaseous compounds (HCl,
      Cl(2), HBr, Br(2) and H(2)S) were calculated from vibrational frequencies
      reported by Urey and Greiff [Isotopic Exchange Equilibria, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 57,
      321 (1935)] and Schauble et al. [Theoretical Estimates Equilibrium Chlorine
      Isotope Fractionation, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 67, 3267 (2003)]. Low-temperature
      isotope fractionation between chlorine-hydrated anion and hydrogen chloride
      attains 1.55-1.680/00 (this work), which is in good agreement with experimental
      data (1.4-1.80/00) [Z.D. Sharp, J.D. Barnes, T.P. Fischer and M. Halick, An
      Experimental Determination of Chlorine Isotope Fractionation in Acid Systems and
      Applications to Volcanic Fumaroles, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 74, 264 (2010)]. The
      predicted isotope fractionations for hydrated bromine and HBr, Br(2) gases are
      very small, 1000 ln alpha, do not exceed 0.80/00; thus, the expected variations
      of bromine isotope composition in aqua-gas systems will require enhanced
      precision for their detection. In contrast, the sulphur isotope fractionation
      between H(2)S( gas ) and S(2-) attains 6.00/00 at room temperature and drops
      nearly linearly to 3.10/00 at 350 degrees C.

PMID- 22092224
TI  - Magnetic resonance volumetry and spectroscopy of hippocampus and insula in
      relation to severe exposure of traumatic stress.
AB  - Severe and chronic stress affects the hippocampus, especially during development.
      However, studies concerning structural alterations of the hippocampus yielded a
      rather inconsistent picture. Moreover, further anxiety-relevant brain regions,
      such as the insula, might be implicated in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD). We combined magnetic resonance (MR) volumetric and
      spectroscopic analyses of hippocampus and insula in highly traumatized refugees
      without a history of alcohol/substance abuse or other comorbid diseases. No PTSD
      related difference was apparent in the volumes or neurometabolite levels of
      bilateral hippocampus or insula. However, an association between left hippocampal
      N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and adverse childhood experiences indicated a potential
      detrimental effect of the early environment on hippocampal integrity. Our results
      add to increasing evidence that PTSD-related, morphological alterations in the
      hippocampus are a consequence of early adversity or may result from other
      factors, such as extensive use of alcohol.

PMID- 22092225
TI  - Health services research and global health.

PMID- 22092226
TI  - Does HIV services decentralization protect against the risk of catastrophic
      health expenditures?: some lessons from Cameroon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Scaling up antiretroviral treatment (ART) through decentralization of
      HIV care is increasingly recommended as a strategy toward ensuring equitable
      access to treatment. However, there have been hitherto few attempts to
      empirically examine the performance of this policy, and particularly its role in
      protecting against the risk of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE). This
      article therefore seeks to assess whether HIV care decentralization has a
      protective effect against the risk of CHE associated with HIV infection. DATA
      SOURCE AND STUDY DESIGN: We use primary data from the cross-sectional EVAL-ANRS
      12-116 survey, conducted in 2006-2007 among a random sample of 3,151 HIV-infected
      outpatients followed up in 27 hospitals in Cameroon. DATA COLLECTION AND METHODS:
      Data collected contain sociodemographic, economic, and clinical information on
      patients as well as health care supply-related characteristics. We assess the
      determinants of CHE among the ART-treated patients using a hierarchical logistic
      model (n = 2,412), designed to adequately investigate the separate effects of
      patients and supply-related characteristics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Expenditures for
      HIV care exceed 17 percent of household income for 50 percent of the study
      population. After adjusting for individual characteristics and technological
      level, decentralization of HIV services emerges as the main health system factor
      explaining interclass variance, with a protective effect on the risk of CHE.
      CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that HIV care decentralization is likely to
      enhance equity in access to ART. Decentralization appears, however, to be a
      necessary but insufficient condition to fully remove the risk of CHE, unless
      other innovative reforms in health financing are introduced.

PMID- 22092227
TI  - A proposed framework for understanding the forces behind legislation of universal
      health insurance: lessons from ten countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the forces propelling countries to legislate universal
      health insurance. DATA SOURCE/STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive review and exploratory
      synthesis of historic data on economic, geographic, socio-demographic, and
      political factors. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS: We searched under "insurance, health"
      on MEDLINE and Google Scholar, and we reviewed relevant books and articles via a
      snowball approach. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Ten countries with universal health
      insurance were studied. For the five countries that passed final universal
      insurance laws prior to 1958, we found that two forces of "historical context"
      (i.e., social solidarity and historic patterns), one "ongoing dynamic force"
      (political pressures), and "one uniqueness of the moment" force (legislative
      permissiveness) played a major role. For the five countries that passed final
      legislation between 1967 and 2010, the predominant factors were two "ongoing
      dynamic forces" (economic pressures and political pressures) and one "uniqueness
      of the moment" force (leadership). In general, countries in the former group made
      steady progress, whereas those in the latter group progressed in abrupt leaps.
      CONCLUSIONS: The lessons of more recent successes-almost all of which were
      achieved via abrupt leaps-strongly indicate the importance of leadership in
      taking advantage of generalized economic and political pressures to achieve
      universal health insurance.

PMID- 22092228
TI  - Organizational culture and its relationship with hospital performance in public
      hospitals in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure perceptions of organizational culture among employees of
      public hospitals in China and to determine whether perceptions are associated
      with hospital performance. DATA SOURCES: Hospital, employee, and patient surveys
      from 87 Chinese public hospitals conducted during 2009. STUDY DESIGN: Developed
      and administered a tool to assess organizational culture in Chinese public
      hospitals. Used factor analysis to create measures of organizational culture.
      Analyzed the relationships between employee type and perceptions of culture and
      between perceptions of culture and hospital performance using multivariate
      models. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Employees perceived the culture of Chinese public
      hospitals as stronger in internal rules and regulations, and weaker in
      empowerment. Hospitals in which employees perceived that the culture emphasized
      cost control were more profitable and had higher rates of outpatient visits and
      bed days per physician per day but also had lower levels of patient satisfaction.
      Hospitals with cultures perceived as customer-focused had longer length of stay
      but lower patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Managers in Chinese public hospitals
      should consider whether the culture of their organization will enable them to
      respond effectively to their changing environment.

PMID- 22092229
TI  - Functional torque ratios and torque curve analysis of shoulder rotations in
      overhead athletes with and without impingement symptoms.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the peak torque, functional torque ratios, and torque
      curve profile of the shoulder rotators in overhead athletes with impingement
      symptoms so as to examine possible alterations in response to sports training and
      shoulder pain. Twenty-one overhead athletes with impingement symptoms were
      compared with 25 overhead athletes and 21 non-athletes, none of whom were
      symptomatic for impingement. The participants performed five maximal isokinetic
      concentric and eccentric contractions of medial and lateral shoulder rotations at
      1.57 rad . s(-1) and 3.14 rad . s(-1). Isokinetic peak torque was used to
      calculate the eccentric lateral rotation-to-concentric medial rotation and the
      eccentric medial rotation-to-concentric lateral rotation ratios. An analysis of
      the torque curve profiles was also carried out. The eccentric lateral rotation-to
      concentric medial rotation torque ratio of asymptomatic athletes was lower than
      that of non-athletes at both test velocities. The concentric medial rotation
      isokinetic peak torque of the asymptomatic athletes, at 3.14 rad . s(-1), was
      greater than that of the non-athletes, and the peak appeared to occur earlier in
      the movement for athletes than non-athletes. These findings suggest that there
      may be adaptations to shoulder function in response to throwing practice. The
      eccentric medial rotation-to-concentric lateral rotation torque ratio was altered
      neither by the practice of university-level overhead sports nor impingement
      symptoms.

PMID- 22092230
TI  - Identification of heptapeptides interacting with IFN-alpha-sensitive CML cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is the traditional therapeutic agent for
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The molecular mechanism of IFN-alpha efficacy in
      the treatment of CML is not fully clear. OBJECTIVES: To identify the peptides
      and/or proteins that bind to the proteins specifically expressed on the surface
      of IFN-alpha-sensitive CML cells by using a phage display library.
      DESIGN/METHODS: IFN-alpha-sensitive KT-1/A3 cells were used as the target, and
      IFN-alpha-resistant subline KT-1/A3R was used as absorber for phage display
      biopanning. The positive phage clones were identified by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. The peptides were deduced from their DNA
      sequences. RESULTS: Multiple clones showed high binding efficiency to KT-1/A3
      cells compared with that of the other leukemia cells. One of the peptides,
      KLWVIPQ, has a partial amino acid sequence homology with the C-terminal domain of
      E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the identification
      of specific heptapeptides that bind to IFN-alpha-sensitive KT-1/A3 cells. The
      cancer-selective ligands provide novel strategies for early and differential
      diagnoses, as well as potential targeted drug delivery.

PMID- 22092231
TI  - A prospective cohort study of geriatric syndromes among older medical patients
      admitted to acute care hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of geriatric syndromes in the premorbid
      for all syndromes except falls (preadmission), admission, and discharge
      assessment periods and the incidence of new and significant worsening of existing
      syndromes at admission and discharge. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING:
      Three acute care hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred
      seventy-seven general medical patients aged 70 and older admitted to the
      hospital. MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of syndromes in the premorbid (or preadmission
      for falls), admission, and discharge periods; incidence of new syndromes at
      admission and discharge; and significant worsening of existing syndromes at
      admission and discharge. RESULTS: The most frequently reported premorbid
      syndromes were bladder incontinence (44%), impairment in any activity of daily
      living (ADL) (42%). A high proportion (42%) experienced at least one fall in the
      90 days before admission. Two-thirds of the participants experienced between one
      and five syndromes (cognitive impairment, dependence in any ADL item, bladder and
      bowel incontinence, pressure ulcer) before, at admission, and at discharge. A
      majority experienced one or two syndromes during the premorbid (49.4%), admission
      (57.0%), or discharge (49.0%) assessment period. The syndromes with a higher
      incidence of significant worsening at discharge (out of the proportion with the
      syndrome present premorbidly) were ADL limitation (33%), cognitive impairment
      (9%), and bladder incontinence (8%). Of the syndromes examined at discharge, a
      higher proportion of patients experienced the following new syndromes at
      discharge (absent premorbidly): ADL limitation (22%); and bladder incontinence
      (13%). CONCLUSION: Geriatric syndromes were highly prevalent. Many patients did
      not return to their premorbid function and acquired new syndromes.

PMID- 22092232
TI  - Postoperative opioid consumption and its relationship to cognitive function in
      older adults with hip fracture.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between opioid consumption and
      cognitive impairment after hip fracture repair. DESIGN: Prospective study of
      consecutive patients. SETTING: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore,
      Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty-six participants aged 65 and older
      undergoing hip fracture repair. MEASUREMENTS: Older adults without preoperative
      delirium who underwent hip fracture repair between April 2005 and July 2009 were
      followed for pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative delirium. Participants
      were tested for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method preoperatively and
      midmorning on Postoperative Day 2. The nursing staff assessed pain on a numeric
      oral scale (range 0-10). Opioid analgesia was provided in response to pain at
      rest to achieve scores of 3 or less. Opioid consumption was analyzed with respect
      to the occurrence of incident postoperative delirium, presence of dementia, and
      other demographic variables. RESULTS: Of the 236 participants, 66 (28%) had
      dementia, and 213 (90%) received opioids postoperatively, including 55 (83%) with
      dementia and 158 (93%) without. There was no association between the use of any
      postoperative opioid and incident delirium (P = .61) in participants with (P =
      .33) and without (P = .40) dementia. Dementia, but not postoperative delirium,
      was associated with less opioid use (P < .001 for dementia; P = .12 for delirium;
      P = .04, for their interaction; Wald chi-square = 142.8, df = 7). Opioid dose (P
      >= .59) on Postoperative Days 1 and 2 was not predictive of incident delirium.
      Dementia (P < .001) and intensive care unit admission (P = .006), not opioid
      consumption, were the most important predictors of incident postoperative
      delirium. CONCLUSION: Concern for postoperative delirium should not prevent the
      use of opioid analgesic therapy sufficient to achieve a generally accepted level
      of comfort in individuals with or without preexisting cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22092233
TI  - Mechanical testing of orthopedic suture material used for extra-articular
      stabilization of canine cruciate ligament-deficient stifles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) if braided, polyblend orthopedic suture materials are
      mechanically superior to monofilament nylon leader and (2) have mechanical
      properties similar to biomechanical properties of the canine cruciate ligament.
      SAMPLE POPULATION: Different suture material types. METHODS: Mechanical testing
      was performed on 5 different orthopedic suture materials: 80# test Mason
      monofilament nylon leader (MNL), FiberTape (FT), FiberWire (FW), Xgen OrthoFiber
      (XOF), and LigaFiba (LF) using a servohydraulic materials-testing machine.
      Materials were loaded to failure while collecting data for tensile strength, load
      at 3 mm and 5 mm of elongation and stiffness. Cyclic elongation of each suture
      material was tested under physiologic loading between 70 and 150 N for 1000
      cycles using 3 mm of elongation to describe excessive elongation. Load at 3 mm of
      elongation and performance during cyclic testing were compared to previously
      published physiologic loads in the dog stifle. RESULTS: Ultimate tensile strength
      was greatest with LF, followed by XOF that was stronger than FT and FW, and the
      weakest was MNL. LF was the stiffest of all tested materials at 3 mm of
      elongation. Cyclic elongation was greatest for the MNL elongating 3.75 mm after
      1000 cycles. All polyblend braided materials continued to elongate throughout the
      1000 cycles under physiologic loads. CONCLUSIONS: Polyblend suture materials are
      stronger and elongate less than MNL in pure tension. The mechanical performance
      of all sutures tested is questionable when compared with the mechanical demands
      of the normal stifle in a mid-sized dog.

PMID- 22092234
TI  - Not at all so hard-to-reach: same-sex attracted men in Dar es Salaam.
AB  - Based on research in Tanzania, this paper critically examines the widely
      circulating notion that African same-sex attracted men are hard-to-reach
      individuals and populations. Despite expectations to the contrary, it was neither
      time consuming nor difficult to identify and get to know same-sex attracted men
      in Dar es Salaam. On the contrary, a large and diverse group of such men could
      readily be encountered, befriended and involved in HIV-related research. The
      fieldwork was characterised by communicative openness and the researcher was
      treated with immense kindliness, hospitality and inclusivity. While we may not be
      in a position to say that the situation is identical everywhere else, we find
      reason to caution against accepting and propagating unexplained, unexamined and
      unverified claims to the effect that same-sex attracted men in Africa cannot be
      reached. We argue that such claims contribute to stigmatise same-sex attracted
      men and to hinder much-needed HIV-related research and programming.

PMID- 22092235
TI  - Electrically bistable properties of layer-by-layer assembled multilayers based on
      protein nanoparticles.
AB  - Electrochemical properties of redox proteins, which can cause the reversible
      changes in the resistance according to their redox reactions in solution, are of
      the fundamental and practical importance in bioelectrochemical applications.
      These redox properties often depend on the chemical activity of transition metal
      ions as cofactors within the active sites of proteins. Here, we demonstrate for
      the first time that the reversible resistance changes in dried protein films
      based on ferritin nanoparticles can be caused by the externally applied voltage
      as a result of charge trap/release of Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. We also show
      that one ferritin nanoparticle of about 12 nm size can be operated as a nanoscale
      memory device, and furthermore the layer-by-layer assembled protein multilayer
      devices can be extended to bioinspired electronics with adjustable memory
      performance via molecular level manipulation.

PMID- 22092237
TI  - Metal-mediated affinity and orientation specificity in a computationally designed
      protein homodimer.
AB  - Computationally designing protein-protein interactions with high affinity and
      desired orientation is a challenging task. Incorporating metal-binding sites at
      the target interface may be one approach for increasing affinity and specifying
      the binding mode, thereby improving robustness of designed interactions for use
      as tools in basic research as well as in applications from biotechnology to
      medicine. Here we describe a Rosetta-based approach for the rational design of a
      protein monomer to form a zinc-mediated, symmetric homodimer. Our metal interface
      design, named MID1 (NESG target ID OR37), forms a tight dimer in the presence of
      zinc (MID1-zinc) with a dissociation constant <30 nM. Without zinc the
      dissociation constant is 4 MUM. The crystal structure of MID1-zinc shows good
      overall agreement with the computational model, but only three out of four
      designed histidines coordinate zinc. However, a histidine-to-glutamate point
      mutation resulted in four-coordination of zinc, and the resulting metal binding
      site and dimer orientation closely matches the computational model (Calpha rmsd =
      1.4 A).

PMID- 22092238
TI  - Distinct white matter abnormalities in different idiopathic generalized epilepsy
      syndromes.
AB  - PURPOSE: By definition idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is not associated
      with structural abnormalities on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      However, recent quantitative studies suggest white and gray matter alterations in
      IGE. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are white and/or
      gray matter structural differences between controls and two subsets of IGE,
      namely juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and IGE with generalized tonic-clonic
      seizures only (IGE-GTC). METHODS: We assessed white matter integrity and gray
      matter volume using diffusion tensor tractography-based analysis of fractional
      anisotropy and voxel-based morphometry, respectively, in 25 patients with IGE,
      all of whom had experienced generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. Specifically,
      15 patients with JME and 10 patients with IGE-GTC were compared to two groups of
      similarly matched controls separately. Correlations between total lifetime
      generalized tonic-clonic seizures and fractional anisotropy were investigated for
      both groups. KEY FINDINGS: Tractography revealed lower fractional anisotropy in
      specific tracts including the crus of the fornix, body of corpus callosum,
      uncinate fasciculi, superior longitudinal fasciculi, anterior limb of internal
      capsule, and corticospinal tracts in JME with respect to controls, whereas there
      were no fractional anisotropy differences in IGE-GTC. No correlation was found
      between fractional anisotropy and total lifetime generalized tonic-clonic
      seizures for either JME or IGE-GTC. Although false discovery rate-corrected voxel
      based morphometry (VBM) showed no gray matter volume differences between patient
      and control groups, spatial extent cluster-corrected VBM analysis suggested a
      trend of gray matter volume reduction in frontal and central regions in both
      patient groups, more lateral in JME and more medial in IGE-GTC. SIGNIFICANCE: The
      findings support the idea that the clinical syndromes of JME and IGE-GTC have
      unique anatomic substrates. The fact that the primary clinical difference between
      JME and IGE-GTC is the occurrence of myoclonus in the former raises the
      possibility that disruption of white matter integrity may be the underlying
      mechanism responsible for myoclonus in JME. The cross-sectional study design and
      relatively small number of subjects limits the conclusions that can be drawn
      here; however, the absence of a correlation between fractional anisotropy and
      lifetime seizures is suggestive that the white matter abnormalities observed in
      JME may not be secondary to seizures.

PMID- 22092239
TI  - Expanding the safety net of specialty care for the uninsured: a case study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe core principles and processes in the implementation of a
      navigated care program to improve specialty care access for the uninsured. STUDY
      SETTING: Academic researchers, safety-net providers, and specialty physicians,
      partnered with hospitals and advocates for the underserved to establish Project
      Access-New Haven (PA-NH). PA-NH expands access to specialty care for the
      uninsured and coordinates care through patient navigation. STUDY DESIGN: Case
      study to describe elements of implementation that may be relevant for other
      communities seeking to improve access for vulnerable populations. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Implementation relied on the application of core principles from
      community-based participatory research (CBPR). Effective partnerships were
      achieved by involving all stakeholders and by addressing barriers in each phase
      of development, including (1) assessment of the problem; (2) development of
      goals; (3) engagement of key stakeholders; (4) establishment of the research
      agenda; and (5) dissemination of research findings. CONCLUSIONS: Including safety
      net providers, specialty physicians, hospitals, and community stakeholders in all
      steps of development allowed us to respond to potential barriers and implement a
      navigated care model for the uninsured. This process, whereby we integrated
      principles from CBPR, may be relevant for future capacity-building efforts to
      accommodate the specialty care needs of other vulnerable populations.

PMID- 22092240
TI  - Potential ecological risks of thermal-treated waste recombination DNA discharged
      into an aquatic environment.
AB  - It has been shown that thermal-treatment at 100  degrees  C can denature
      deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), yet this does not cause it to break down completely.
      To clarify the risk of gene pollution from thermal-treated recombinant DNA, the
      renaturation characteristics of thermal-denatured plasmid pET-28b and its
      persistence in aquatic environments were investigated. The results revealed that
      the double-stranded structure and transforming activity of the thermal-treated
      plasmid DNA could be recovered even if the thermal-treatment was conducted at 120
      degrees  C. The presence of sodium chloride (NaCl) and ethylenediamine
      tetraacetic acid (EDTA) led to the increase of renaturation efficiency of the
      denatured DNA. When thermal-treated plasmid DNA was discharged into simulated
      aquatic environments with pH values from 5 to 9, it showed a longer persistence
      at pH 7 and 8 than that at 5, 6 and 9; however, the denatured plasmid DNA could
      persist for more than 33 min at any pH. Moreover, a higher ionic strength further
      protected the thermal-denatured plasmids from degradation in the simulated
      aquatic environment. These results indicated that when the thermal-treated DNA
      was discharged into an aquatic environment, it might not break down completely in
      a short period. Therefore, there is the potential for the discarded DNA to
      renature and transform, which might result in gene pollution.

PMID- 22092241
TI  - Allergic reaction after dextran.

PMID- 22092242
TI  - The transcriptome of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices (DAOM
      197198) reveals functional tradeoffs in an obligate symbiont.
AB  - * The arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is arguably the most ecologically
      important eukaryotic symbiosis, yet it is poorly understood at the molecular
      level. To provide novel insights into the molecular basis of symbiosis-associated
      traits, we report the first genome-wide analysis of the transcriptome from Glomus
      intraradices DAOM 197198. * We generated a set of 25,906 nonredundant virtual
      transcripts (NRVTs) transcribed in germinated spores, extraradical mycelium and
      symbiotic roots using Sanger and 454 sequencing. NRVTs were used to construct an
      oligoarray for investigating gene expression. * We identified transcripts coding
      for the meiotic recombination machinery, as well as meiosis-specific proteins,
      suggesting that the lack of a known sexual cycle in G. intraradices is not a
      result of major deletions of genes essential for sexual reproduction and meiosis.
      Induced expression of genes encoding membrane transporters and small secreted
      proteins in intraradical mycelium, together with the lack of expression of
      hydrolytic enzymes acting on plant cell wall polysaccharides, are all features of
      G. intraradices that are shared with ectomycorrhizal symbionts and obligate
      biotrophic pathogens. * Our results illuminate the genetic basis of symbiosis
      related traits of the most ancient lineage of plant biotrophs, advancing future
      research on these agriculturally and ecologically important symbionts.

PMID- 22092243
TI  - Combined treatment with immunoadsorption and rituximab leads to fast and
      prolonged clinical remission in difficult-to-treat pemphigus vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune
      bullous disorder which is characterized by blisters and erosions of the skin and
      mucous membranes. A frequently applied first-line therapy for PV consists of
      systemic corticosteroids (CS) combined with immunosuppressive agents. In
      refractory cases, novel therapeutic strategies such as immunoadsorption (IA) and
      the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (Rtx) aim at directly interfering with
      pathogenic autoantibodies (auto-Abs). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term
      efficacy of IA in combination with Rtx in patients with difficult-to-treat PV, we
      assessed the clinical response to treatment by monitoring the Autoimmune Bullous
      Skin Disorder Intensity Score, IgG auto-Abs against desmoglein 1 and 3 (Dsg1 and
      Dsg3) and the dose of systemic CS. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed clinical
      and serological parameters of 10 patients with difficult-to-treat PV who received
      IA at 4-week intervals, followed by Rtx either twice at 1000 mg or four times at
      375mg m(-2) . During a 12-month follow-up period, CS were tapered according to
      the individual clinical status. RESULTS: Six months after the first IA treatment
      eight of 10 patients were in complete remission on therapy while one patient
      showed a partial response and one patient was unresponsive to the treatment. At
      12 months, six of eight patients were in complete remission on therapy, one
      patient showed stable disease and one patient had relapsed. Overall, anti-Dsg3
      IgG and anti-Dsg1 IgG auto-Abs correlated well with the clinical activity and
      systemic CS were tapered gradually. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings show that
      the combination of IA and Rtx induces rapid clinical remission and long-term
      control in difficult-to-treat pemphigus.

PMID- 22092244
TI  - Chronicle of a death foretold: Plasmodium liver stage parasites decide on the
      fate of the host cell.
AB  - Protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium are the causative agents of malaria.
      Despite more than 100 years of research, the complex life cycle of the parasite
      still bears many surprises and it is safe to say that understanding the biology
      of the pathogen will keep scientists busy for many years to come. Malaria
      research has mainly concentrated on the pathological blood stage of Plasmodium
      parasites, leaving us with many questions concerning parasite development within
      the mosquito and during the exo-erythrocytic stage in the vertebrate host. After
      the discovery of the Plasmodium liver stage in the middle of the last century, it
      remained understudied for many years but the realization that it represents a
      promising target for vaccination approaches has brought it back into focus. The
      last decade saw many new and exciting discoveries concerning the exo-erythrocytic
      stage and in this review we will discuss the highlights of the latest
      developments in the field.

PMID- 22092245
TI  - An assessment of patient-based and practice infrastructure-based measures of the
      patient-centered medical home: do we need to ask the patient?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the importance of patient-based measures and practice
      infrastructure measures of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH). DATA
      SOURCES: A total of 3,671 patient surveys of 202 physicians completing the
      American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) 2006 Comprehensive Care Practice
      Improvement Module and 14,457 patient chart reviews from 592 physicians
      completing ABIM's 2007 Diabetes and Hypertension Practice Improvement Module.
      METHODOLOGY: We estimated the association of patient-centered care and practice
      infrastructure measures with patient rating of physician quality. We then
      estimated the association of practice infrastructure and patient rating of care
      quality with blood pressure (BP) control. RESULTS: Patient-centered care measures
      dominated practice infrastructure as predictors of patient rating of physician
      quality. Having all patient-centered care measures in place versus none was
      associated with an absolute 75.2 percent increase in the likelihood of receiving
      a top rating. Both patient rating of care quality and practice infrastructure
      predicted BP control. Receiving a rating of excellent on care quality from all
      patients was associated with an absolute 4.2 percent improvement in BP control.
      For reaching the maximum practice-infrastructure score, this figure was 4.5
      percent. CONCLUSION: Assessment of physician practices for PCMH qualification
      should consider both patient based patient-centered care measures and practice
      infrastructure measures.

PMID- 22092247
TI  - Re: Preoperative stenting decreases operative time and reoperative rates of
      ureteroscopy (from: Chu L, Sternberg KM, Averch TD. Preoperative stenting
      decreases operative time and reoperative rates of ureteroscopy. J Endourol
      2011;25:751-754).

PMID- 22092248
TI  - The acute effects of intranasal oxytocin on automatic and effortful attentional
      shifting to emotional faces.
AB  - Oxytocin is known to promote social affiliation. The mechanism by which this
      occurs is unknown, but it may involve changes in social information processing.
      In a placebo-controlled study, we examined the influence of intranasal oxytocin
      on effortful and automatic attentional shifting in 57 participants using a
      spatial cueing task with emotional and neutral faces. For effortful processing,
      oxytocin decreased the speed of shifting attention to sad faces presented for 750
      ms and facilitated disengagement from right hemifield sad and angry faces
      presented for 200 ms. For automatic processing, symptoms of depression moderated
      the relationship between drug and disengagement. Oxytocin attenuated an
      attentional bias to masked angry faces on disengagement trials in persons with
      high depression scores. Oxytocin's influence on social behavior may occur, in
      part, by eliciting flexible attentional shifting in the early stages of
      information processing.

PMID- 22092249
TI  - Stable isotope fractionation related to technically enhanced bacterial sulphate
      degradation in lignite mining sediments.
AB  - A mine dump aquifer in the Lusatian lignite mining district, Germany, is
      contaminated with acid mine drainage (AMD). The only natural process that can
      counteract the effects of the contamination is bacterial sulphate reduction. The
      technical measures chosen to handle the contamination include the injection of
      glycerol into the aquifer to supply electron donors and to accelerate the growth
      and activity of sulphate-reducing bacteria. An initial assessment of the
      hydrochemical conditions in the aquifer showed that sulphate concentrations are
      subject to alteration due to flow-related processes. Consequently, the decision
      whether sulphate reduction is occurring in the investigated aquifer section was
      based on the stable isotopic composition of dissolved sulphate and sulphide,
      which were used in combination with sulphate concentrations. The significant
      enrichment of both heavy sulphur and heavy oxygen in the remaining sulphate pool
      and a characteristic isotope fractionation pattern are a clear evidence for the
      activity of sulphate-reducing bacteria utilising the injected glycerol as an
      electron donor. This activity seemed to intensify over the observation period.
      The spatial distribution of sulphate reduction activity, however, appeared to be
      highly inhomogeneous. Rather than occurring ubiquitously, sulphate reduction
      activity seemed to concentrate in a defined reaction zone. Regardless of the
      inhomogeneous distribution, the overall turnover of sulphate during the period of
      investigation proves the applicability of this enhanced natural attenuation
      method to handle the restoration of aquifers contaminated with AMD.

PMID- 22092250
TI  - Trait means and desirabilities as artifactual and real sources of differential
      stability of personality traits.
AB  - Using data from 3 personality trait inventories and 7 samples, we show that trait
      items that have means near the scale midpoint and that vary more in their
      perceived desirability (e.g., items related to dominance, creativity,
      traditionalism, and organization) tend to be more stable over time, whereas items
      with means near the scale maximum or minimum and that vary less in their
      perceived desirability (e.g., items related to agreeableness, intellect, and
      reliability) tend to be less stable. Our findings indicate that items with means
      near the scale maximum or minimum have lower stabilities primarily due to having
      lower measurement dependability (i.e., short-term stabilities unlikely to reflect
      true change). However, items varying more in their desirability are more stable
      even after accounting for measurement dependability, consistent with the view
      that trait stability is facilitated in part by individuals actively working to
      develop in the direction they find desirable.

PMID- 22092251
TI  - Differences in clinical features and in-hospital outcomes of older adults with
      tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of
      older adults with tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). DESIGN: Partially
      retrospective, partially prospective observational study. SETTING: Eleven Italian
      referral cardiac centers included in the Tako-tsubo Italian Network.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety consecutive individuals with TTC (92.1% female,
      mean age 66) were divided into three groups according to age (<65, n = 78; 65-74,
      n = 61; >=75, n = 51). MEASUREMENTS: Clinical findings and in-hospital outcomes
      were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: Participants aged 65 and older had a
      greater prevalence of hypertension (P = .001) and a lower glomerular filtration
      rate (P < .001), and those aged 65 to 74 had a greater prevalence of psychiatric
      disorders (P = .01), ST-segment elevation on admission (P = .01) and a
      cerebrovascular disease (P = .003) than those younger than 65. Despite similar
      left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on admission (P = .26), the oldest
      group had a lower LVEF at discharge (P = .03). Inotropic agents were used more
      frequently in older adults (P = .03). In-hospital composite adverse events (all
      cause death, acute heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, stroke, and
      cardiogenic shock; P = .03) and overall complications (P = .004) were more common
      in participants aged 75 and older. Overall in-hospital mortality was low (2.8%)
      but was more prevalent in participants aged 75 and older (6.3%). On multivariate
      analysis, age of 75 and older (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.45, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) = 1.28-5.82, P = .04) and LVEF on admission (HR = 0.874, 95% CI = 0.81-0.95,
      P < .001) were the only independent predictors of in-hospital adverse events.
      CONCLUSION: The clinical profile of participants aged 75 and older with TTC was
      different from that of those younger than 75 with TTC, and they had a higher in
      hospital complication rate.

PMID- 22092252
TI  - Selective removal of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells using magnetic
      activated cell sorting followed by a cytotoxic antibody.
AB  - One of the most pertinent concerns of using differentiated cells derived from
      human embryonic stem cells (hESC) is the presence of residual undifferentiated
      hESC, because they carry a risk of teratoma formation. A new cell-cell separation
      approach that eliminates teratoma-forming hESC in order to ensure safer cell
      therapy was developed. By combining antibodies (IgMs or IgGs) for the selective
      removal of undifferentiated hESC using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS)
      followed by selective killing of residual hESC with the unique cytotoxic antibody
      mAb 84, the required purity of differentiated hESC can be achieved. The
      applicability and robustness of this separation strategy is shown here in a case
      study using pools of undifferentiated hESC and human fibroblast cells at
      different ratios (5%-50% hESC) to reflect the different scenario of contaminating
      hESC in a differentiated cell population. Notably, 97.2%-99.7% of the hESC were
      removed after the MACS step and 99.1%-100%, after the mAb 84 treatment step,
      which was confirmed by double-staining flow cytometry and RT-qPCR analysis. These
      in vitro findings were further validated in an in vivo severe combined
      immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model. Importantly, we observed the absence of
      teratoma formation in eight out of nine SCID mice 28 weeks postinjection of cells
      after the MACS step, whereas teratomas were observed in all of the controls.
      Thus, the combination of MACS with the unique cytotoxic antibody mAb 84
      constitutes an indispensible tool for successful and safe cell therapy.

PMID- 22092253
TI  - Foot strike patterns of recreational and sub-elite runners in a long-distance
      road race.
AB  - Although the biomechanical properties of the various types of running foot strike
      (rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot) have been studied extensively in the
      laboratory, only a few studies have attempted to quantify the frequency of
      running foot strike variants among runners in competitive road races. We
      classified the left and right foot strike patterns of 936 distance runners, most
      of whom would be considered of recreational or sub-elite ability, at the 10 km
      point of a half-marathon/marathon road race. We classified 88.9% of runners at
      the 10 km point as rearfoot strikers, 3.4% as midfoot strikers, 1.8% as forefoot
      strikers, and 5.9% of runners exhibited discrete foot strike asymmetry. Rearfoot
      striking was more common among our sample of mostly recreational distance runners
      than has been previously reported for samples of faster runners. We also compared
      foot strike patterns of 286 individual marathon runners between the 10 km and 32
      km race locations and observed increased frequency of rearfoot striking at 32 km.
      A large percentage of runners switched from midfoot and forefoot foot strikes at
      10 km to rearfoot strikes at 32 km. The frequency of discrete foot strike
      asymmetry declined from the 10 km to the 32 km location. Among marathon runners,
      we found no significant relationship between foot strike patterns and race times.

PMID- 22092254
TI  - Quality of pharmacokinetic studies in critically ill patients receiving
      continuous renal replacement therapy.
AB  - Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the preferred renal replacement
      therapy modality in the critically ill. We aimed to reveal the literature on the
      pharmacokinetic studies in critically ill patients receiving CRRT with special
      reference to quality assessment of these studies and the CRRT dose. We conducted
      a systematic review by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases
      to December 2009 and bibliographies of relevant review articles. We included
      original studies reporting from critically ill adult subjects receiving CRRT
      because of acute kidney injury with a special emphasis on drug pharmacokinetics.
      We used the minimum reporting criteria for CRRT studies by Acute Dialysis Quality
      Initiative (ADQI) and, second, the Downs and Black checklist to assess the
      quality of the studies. We calculated the CRRT dose per study. We included
      pharmacokinetic parameters, residual renal function, and recommendations on drug
      dosing. Of 182 publications, 95 were considered relevant and 49 met the inclusion
      criteria. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] number of reported criteria by
      ADQI was 7.0 (5.0-8.0) of 12. The median (IQR) Downs and Black quality score was
      15 (14-16) of 32. None of the publications reported CRRT dose directly. The
      median (IQR) weighted CRRT dose was 23.7 (18.8-27.9) ml/kg/h. More attention
      should be paid both to standardizing the CRRT dose and reporting of the CRRT
      parameters in pharmacokinetic studies. The general quality of the studies during
      CRRT in the critically ill was only moderate and would be greatly improved by
      reports in concordant with the ADQI recommendations.

PMID- 22092255
TI  - Raman doping profiles of polyelectrolyte SWNTs in solution.
AB  - We present a resonance Raman study of electrochemical charge transfer doping on
      polyelectrolyte single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in solution. Changes in
      the intensity of the radial breathing modes of well-identified SWNTs are measured
      as a function of the electrochemical potential. The intensity is maximum when the
      nanotubes are neutral. Unexpectedly, the Raman signal decreases as soon as
      charges are transferred to the nanotubes, leading to intensity profiles that are
      triangular for metallic and trapezoidal for semiconducting nanotubes. A key
      result is that the width in energy of the plateaus for the semiconducting
      nanotubes is roughly equal to the optical gap (rather than the free carrier gap).
      While these experiments can be used to estimate the energy levels of individual
      nanotubes, strong dynamical screening appears to dominate in individual SWNT
      polyelectrolytes so that only screened energy levels are being probed.

PMID- 22092256
TI  - Biomechanical evaluation of screw-in femoral implant in cementless total hip
      system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare (1) proximal femoral axial strains, (2) femoral head
      deflection, and (3) failure mechanical properties, between Helica head and neck
      prosthesis implanted femora and normal femora. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study.
      SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric canine femora (n = 5 pair). METHODS: Femoral bone
      strains and head displacement during in vitro simulation of midstance of the
      gallop were evaluated using cadaveric femurs cyclically loaded in vitro. Strains
      and displacements were compared within femurs, before and after, prosthesis
      implantation; and throughout cycling to seek evidence of movement with cyclic
      loading. Subsequently, implanted femurs and contralateral, intact femurs were
      loaded to failure to compare failure mechanical properties and modes of failure.
      RESULTS: Proximal femoral axial strains were significantly different between
      intact and implanted femora on all 4 cortical surfaces (P < .05). Compressive
      strains were lower in the implanted femur on all cortical surfaces, except on the
      caudal surface which was higher. No difference was noted for femoral head angle
      under an axial load corresponding to gallop (P > .05). Vertical head displacement
      was ~0.1 mm greater for implanted femora than intact femora (P < .05). Yield and
      failure loads and yield energy of implanted femora were 39-54% lower than those
      for intact femora (P < .05). Mode of failure for both the intact and implanted
      femora did not appear to be different. CONCLUSION: Helica femoral prosthesis
      alters strain distribution in the proximal aspect of the femur and exhibits
      initial micromotion. Failure load in axial compression of the Helica-implanted
      femur is less than that of the normal femur, but greater than that expected in
      vivo.

PMID- 22092257
TI  - A once-per-day, drug-in-food protocol for prolonged administration of
      antiepileptic drugs in animal models.
AB  - PURPOSE: Convenient and effective methods for administering potential
      antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) chronically should facilitate many experiments in
      animal models of chronic epilepsy with spontaneous recurrent seizures. This proof
      of-principle study aimed to optimize a once-per-day, drug-in-food protocol by
      testing the effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) on the frequency of convulsive seizures
      in rats with kainate-induced epilepsy. METHODS: Adult male rats were given
      repeated low-dose kainate injections until convulsive status epilepticus
      persisted for >3 h. After the rats developed spontaneous recurrent seizures, food
      pellets with CBZ (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) were provided once per day in three
      2-week trials (n = 7-9 rats) involving 5 days of CBZ or control treatment,
      separated by two recovery days within a trial. The total amount of food provided
      and consumed per day corresponded to a normal caloric diet (60 g/kg/day). KEY
      FINDINGS: When provided once per day, all animals ate the CBZ-containing food
      irregularly but continuously throughout the 24-h day. With this daily feeding
      protocol, CBZ significantly reduced the frequency of spontaneous convulsive
      seizures in a dose-dependent manner. It is important to note that the effect of
      CBZ was consistent across the 5 days and throughout each day of the trials. With
      food administered at 9:00 a.m., and blood assayed at 5:00 p.m., higher food
      levels of CBZ resulted in higher plasma concentrations of CBZ. SIGNIFICANCE: This
      AED-in-food protocol is simple, efficient, inexpensive, reliable, and
      noninvasive; it allows easier long-term drug administration and is less stressful
      and more humane than other methods of AED administration.

PMID- 22092258
TI  - Depression is associated with sarcopenia, not central obesity, in elderly korean
      men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between depression and various components
      of body composition, including fat and muscle, in elderly Koreans. DESIGN: A
      cross-sectional sample of a longitudinal cohort from the Ansan Geriatric (AGE)
      Study. SETTING: Elderly people living in urban area (Ansan City, South Korea).
      PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred thirty-six participants (378 male, 458 female) aged
      60 and older were recruited from April 2006 to January 2008. MEASUREMENTS:
      Depressive symptoms were examined using the Korean version of the 30-item
      Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS). Participants taking antidepressant medications
      or with a KGDS score of 14 or greater were classified as having depression.
      Abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area were assessed using
      single-slice computed tomography, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and
      percentage body fat (%BF) were determined using whole-body dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry. RESULTS: Elderly men with depression had a lower ASM than those
      without depression (P = .01) after adjusting for age, body weight, and height. In
      men, the risk of depression was lower with higher body mass index (BMI) (odds
      ratio (OR) per 1-standard deviation (SD) increase = 0.70, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) = 0.51-0.96) after adjusting for all confounding variables and higher ASM
      (OR per 1-SD increase = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.29-0.85) after controlling for age,
      height, and weight. Similarly, depression was negatively associated with BMI in
      women (OR per 1-SD increase = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.56-0.95). Waist circumference,
      %BF, and VFA were not consistently associated with depression in men or women.
      CONCLUSION: Depression in elderly Koreans is associated with low body mass and
      sarcopenia, especially in men.

PMID- 22092259
TI  - Physician social networks and variation in prostate cancer treatment in three
      cities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether physician social networks are associated with
      variation in treatment for men with localized prostate cancer. DATA SOURCE: 2004
      2005 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data from three cities.
      STUDY DESIGN: We identified the physicians who care for patients with prostate
      cancer and created physician networks for each city based on shared patients.
      Subgroups of urologists were defined as physicians with dense connections with
      one another via shared patients. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Subgroups varied widely in
      their unadjusted rates of prostatectomy and the racial/ethnic and socioeconomic
      composition of their patients. There was an association between urologist
      subgroup and receipt of prostatectomy. In city A, four subgroups had
      significantly lower odds of prostatectomy compared with the subgroup with the
      highest rates of prostatectomy after adjusting for patient clinical and
      sociodemographic characteristics. Similarly, in cities B and C, subgroups had
      significantly lower odds of prostatectomy compared with the baseline.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using claims data to identify physician networks may provide an
      insight into the observed variation in treatment patterns for men with prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 22092260
TI  - Characteristics and kinetics of phosphate adsorption on dewatered ferric-alum
      residuals.
AB  - The characteristics and kinetics of phosphate (P) adsorption on dewatered ferric
      alum water treatment residuals (Fe-Al-WTRs) have been investigated. The existence
      of both aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) in the residuals can result in significantly
      high P adsorption capacities. The P adsorption kinetics of Fe-Al-WTRs exhibited
      an initial rapid phase, followed by a slower phase. This could be described by
      three models, including a pseudo-first-order equation, a pseudo-second-order
      equation, and a double-constant rate equation. The latter was especially good for
      those runs with initial P concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L(-1). Both the
      Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms fit the experimental data well, particularly
      the Freundlich isotherm, which had a correlation coefficient of 0.9930. The
      maximum measured P adsorption capacity of Fe-Al-WTRs was 45.42 mg g(-1), which is
      high when compared to those of most WTRs, as well as other reported adsorbents.
      The results also show that the P adsorption is a spontaneous endothermic process.
      Highest P adsorption capacities of Fe-Al-WTRs were measured at low pHs and a
      particle size range of 0.6 to 0.9 mm.

PMID- 22092261
TI  - Robust identification of binding hot spots using continuum electrostatics:
      application to hen egg-white lysozyme.
AB  - Binding hot spots, protein regions with high binding affinity, can be identified
      by using X-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopy to screen libraries of small
      organic molecules that tend to cluster at such hot spots. FTMap, a direct
      computational analogue of the experimental screening approaches, uses 16
      different probe molecules for global sampling of the surface of a target protein
      on a dense grid and evaluates the energy of interaction using an empirical energy
      function that includes a continuum electrostatic term. Energy evaluation is based
      on the fast Fourier transform correlation approach, which allows for the sampling
      of billions of probe positions. The grid sampling is followed by off-grid
      minimization that uses a more detailed energy expression with a continuum
      electrostatics term. FTMap identifies the hot spots as consensus clusters formed
      by overlapping clusters of several probes. The hot spots are ranked on the basis
      of the number of probe clusters, which predicts their binding propensity. We
      applied FTMap to nine structures of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL), whose hot
      spots have been extensively studied by both experimental and computational
      methods. FTMap found the primary hot spot in site C of all nine structures, in
      spite of conformational differences. In addition, secondary hot spots in sites B
      and D that are known to be important for the binding of polysaccharide substrates
      were found. The predicted probe-protein interactions agree well with those seen
      in the complexes of HEWL with various ligands and also agree with an NMR-based
      study of HEWL in aqueous solutions of eight organic solvents. We argue that FTMap
      provides more complete information on the HEWL binding site than previous
      computational methods and yields fewer false-positive binding locations than the
      X-ray structures of HEWL from crystals soaked in organic solvents.

PMID- 22092262
TI  - Studies on the inactivation of selected viral and bacterial fish pathogens at
      high pH for waste disposal purposes.
AB  - This study investigated the use of alkaline hydrolysis at ambient temperature for
      inactivation of selected fish pathogens in fish tissues under conditions
      approximating those that are likely to be found in the aquaculture industry.
      Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) and Lactococcus garvieae have been
      determined in a previous study to be the most resistant virus and bacteria to pH
      12 from a wide range of viruses and bacteria tested. They were spiked at high
      titres into fish extracts that were then treated with 1 m sodium hydroxide
      (NaOH). Viable L. garvieae was not detected in the treated fish extract after 1
      h, and ISAV was not detected after 24-h exposure. Field mortalities of Atlantic
      salmon, Salmo salar L., caused by infectious pancreatic necrosis virus were
      treated by alkaline hydrolysis at ambient temperature. The macerated fish
      mortalities contained a high titre of virus (3.38 * 108 TCID50 g-1) that was
      reduced to approximately 2.2 * 103 TCID50 g-1 after 24-h exposure to NaOH, and
      virus was not detected after exposure for 48 h. The results suggest that alkaline
      hydrolysis at ambient temperature has potential as a biosecure treatment method
      for fish by-products containing fish pathogens.

PMID- 22092263
TI  - Functional connectivity and infant spatial working memory: a frequency band
      analysis.
AB  - The limited research on the functional meaning of infant EEG frequency bands has
      used measures of EEG power. The purpose of this study was to examine task-related
      changes in frontal EEG coherence measures for three infant EEG frequency bands (2
      5 Hz, 6-9 Hz, 10-13 Hz) during a spatial working memory task. Eight-month-olds
      exhibited baseline-to-task changes in frontal EEG coherence for all infant
      frequency bands. Both the 2-5 Hz and the 10-13 Hz bands differentiated frontal
      functional connectivity during the distinct processing stages, but each band
      provided unique information. The 10-13 Hz band, however, was the only frequency
      band to distinguish frontal EEG coherence values during correct and incorrect
      responses. These data reveal valuable information concerning frontal functional
      connectivity and the functional meaning of three different infant EEG frequency
      bands during working memory processing.

PMID- 22092265
TI  - Applications of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in clinical diagnostic microbiology.
AB  - Until recently, microbial identification in clinical diagnostic laboratories has
      mainly relied on conventional phenotypic and gene sequencing identification
      techniques. The development of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) devices has revolutionized the routine
      identification of microorganisms in clinical microbiology laboratories by
      introducing an easy, rapid, high throughput, low-cost, and efficient
      identification technique. This technology has been adapted to the constraint of
      clinical diagnostic laboratories and has the potential to replace and/or
      complement conventional identification techniques for both bacterial and fungal
      strains. Using standardized procedures, the resolution of MALDI-TOF MS allows
      accurate identification at the species level of most Gram-positive and Gram
      negative bacterial strains with the exception of a few difficult strains that
      require more attention and further development of the method. Similarly, the
      routine identification by MALDI-TOF MS of yeast isolates is reliable and much
      quicker than conventional techniques. Recent studies have shown that MALDI-TOF MS
      has also the potential to accurately identify filamentous fungi and
      dermatophytes, providing that specific standardized procedures are established
      for these microorganisms. Moreover, MALDI-TOF MS has been used successfully for
      microbial typing and identification at the subspecies level, demonstrating that
      this technology is a potential efficient tool for epidemiological studies and for
      taxonomical classification.

PMID- 22092264
TI  - Delay in seeing a doctor due to cost: disparity between older adults with and
      without disabilities in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the disparity in delaying seeing a doctor due to cost
      between older adults with and without disabilities, and whether the disparity
      could be explained by health and financial variables. DATA SOURCES: Nationally
      representative sample of community-dwelling adults aged >=65 who have health
      insurance and a usual source of care from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System (n = 85,015). STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used
      sequential logistic regression models to examine the associations of delaying
      seeing a doctor due to cost with disability status, including demographic,
      health, and financial variables. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Older adults with
      disabilities had significantly higher odds of delaying seeing a doctor due to
      cost compared to older adults without disabilities after controlling for
      demographic, health, and financial factors. Although health and financial
      variables collectively attenuated the disparity, they did not fully explain the
      disparity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having health insurance and a usual source of
      care, older adults with disabilities encountered greater economic difficulties in
      seeing a doctor than their counterparts without disabilities. Policy makers
      should continue addressing the economic burden to improve timely visits to health
      care providers.

PMID- 22092266
TI  - Multiple markers pyrosequencing reveals highly diverse and host-specific fungal
      communities on the mangrove trees Avicennia marina and Rhizophora stylosa.
AB  - Fungi are important actors in ecological processes and trophic webs in mangroves.
      Although saprophytic fungi occurring in the intertidal part of mangrove have been
      well studied, little is known about the diversity and structure of the fungal
      communities in this ecosystem or about the importance of functional groups like
      pathogens and mutualists. Using tag-encoded 454 pyrosequencing of the ITS1, ITS2,
      nu-ssu-V5 and nu-ssu-V7 regions, we studied and compared the fungal communities
      found on the marine and aerial parts of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora stylosa
      trees in a mangrove in New Caledonia. A total of 209,544 reads were analysed,
      corresponding to several thousand molecular operational taxonomic units (OTU).
      There is a marked zonation in the species distribution, with most of the OTU
      being found specifically in one of the microhabitat studied. Ascomycetes are the
      dominant phylum (82%), Basidiomycetes are very rare (3%), and 15% of the
      sequences correspond to unknown taxa. Our results indicate that host specificity
      is a key factor in the distribution of the highly diverse fungal communities, in
      both the aerial and intertidal parts of the trees. This study also validates the
      usefulness of multiple markers in tag-encoded pyrosequencing to consolidate and
      refine the assessment of the taxonomic diversity.

PMID- 22092267
TI  - Neuromuscular blocking agents for electroconvulsive therapy: a systematic review.
AB  - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the transcutaneous application of small
      electrical stimuli to the brain to induce generalised seizures for the treatment
      of selected psychiatric disorders. The clinical indications for ECT as an
      effective therapeutic modality have been considerably expanded since its
      introduction. Anaesthesia and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are required
      to ensure patients' safety during ECT. The optimal dose of muscle relaxant for
      ECT reduces muscle contractions without inducing complete paralysis. Slight
      residual motor convulsive activity is helpful in ascertaining that a seizure has
      occurred, while total paralysis prolongs the procedure unnecessarily.
      Suxamethonium is commonly used, but nondepolarising NMBAs are indicated in
      patients with certain comorbidities. In this review, we summarise current
      concepts of NMBA management for ECT.

PMID- 22092268
TI  - Hybrid field-assisted solid-liquid-solid dispersive extraction for the
      determination of organochlorine pesticides in tobacco with gas chromatography.
AB  - A novel one-step sample preparation technique termed hybrid field-assisted solid
      liquid-solid dispersive extraction (HF-SLSDE) was developed in this study. A
      simple glass system equipped with a condenser was designed as an extraction
      vessel. The HF-SLSDE technique was a three-phase dispersive extraction approach.
      Target analytes were extracted from the sample into the extraction solvent
      enhanced by the hybrid field. Meanwhile, the interfering components were adsorbed
      by dispersing sorbent. No cleanup step preceded chromatographic analysis. The
      efficiency of the HF-SLSDE approach was demonstrated in the determination of
      organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in tobacco with a gas chromatography
      electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Various operation conditions were studied
      systematically. Low detection limits (0.3-1.6 MUg/kg) and low quantification
      limits (1.0-4.5 MUg/kg) were achieved under the optimized conditions. The
      recoveries of OCPs ranged from 70.2% to 118.2%, with relative standard deviations
      of <9.6%, except for the lowest fortification level. Because of the effect of the
      hybrid field, HF-SLSDE showed significant predominance compared with other
      extraction techniques. The dispersing sorbent with good cleanup ability used in
      this study was also found to be a microwave absorption medium, which could heat
      the nonpolar extraction solvent under microwave irradiation. Different
      microstructures of tobacco samples before and after extractions demonstrated the
      mechanism of HF-SLSDE was based on an explosion at the cell level. According to
      the results, HF-SLSDE was proved to be a simple and effective sample preparation
      method for the analysis of pesticide residues in solid samples and could
      potentially be extended to other nonpolar target analytes in a complex matrix.

PMID- 22092270
TI  - Acceptability of the H1N1 vaccine among older adults: the interplay of message
      framing and perceived vaccine safety and efficacy.
AB  - This study examines the relative effectiveness of using gain- versus loss-framed
      messages to promote H1N1 vaccination among older adults, focusing on the
      moderating roles of perceived vaccine safety and efficacy. An experiment was
      conducted with older adults recruited from senior centers in the state of
      Maryland. Results show that older adults who perceived low vaccine efficacy
      developed greater intentions to receive the vaccine when presented with a loss
      framed message (versus a gain-framed message). For those who perceived high
      vaccine efficacy, message framing did not make a difference in postexposure
      intentions. Evidence regarding the interaction between message framing and
      perceived vaccine safety is limited. Theoretical and practical implications of
      the findings are discussed.

PMID- 22092269
TI  - Using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to explore the
      relationship between medical "homeness" and quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determine, using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA),
      the relationship between patient-centered medical home (PCMH) systems and quality
      in 21 NCQA recognized medical homes. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Primary data
      collected in 2009, including measures of optimal diabetes care (ODC), preventive
      services up-to-date (PSUTD), patient experience (PEX), survey data assessing PCMH
      capabilities (PPC-RS), and other clinic characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study identifying associations between PPC-RS domains, demographic,
      socioeconomic, and co-morbidity measures, and quality outcomes. DATA
      COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: PPC-RS scores were obtained by surveying clinic
      leaders. PSUTD and ODC scores were obtained from provider performance data. PEX
      data were obtained from patient surveys. Demographic, socioeconomic, and co
      morbidity data were obtained from EMR and census data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: fs/QCA
      identified associations between all three outcomes and PCMH capabilities: ODC and
      team-based care; PSUTD and preventive services systems; and all three outcomes
      and provider performance reporting systems. Previous statistical analysis of this
      data had failed to identify these relationships. CONCLUSIONS: fs/QCA identified
      important associations that were overlooked using conventional statistics in a
      small-N health services data set. PCMH capabilities are associated with quality
      outcomes.

PMID- 22092271
TI  - The moderating effect of physical activity on cardiovascular reactivity following
      single fat feedings.
AB  - This experiment examined the effects of consuming a high-fat meal on
      cardiovascular reactivity and the ability of exercise to act as a moderator
      between dietary fat consumption and cardiovascular reactivity. Forty healthy,
      college-age students were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups:
      (1) low-fat meal, no exercise; (2) low-fat meal, postprandial exercise; (3) high
      fat meal, no exercise; and (4) high-fat meal, postprandial exercise. To induce
      stress, all participants performed a public speaking task, while heart rate and
      blood pressure reactivity were measured. Multilevel analyses revealed that
      consuming a high-fat meal led to heightened mean arterial pressure reactivity.
      Acute high-intensity exercise resulted in attenuated heart rate and mean arterial
      pressure reactivity. The results of this study offer insight into how diet and
      exercise may influence cardiovascular reactivity, which is a key determinant of
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22092272
TI  - Protective effect of Rubia cordifolia on reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia.
AB  - In this study, the neuroprotective potential and in vivo antioxidant status of
      extract of roots and rhizomes of Rubia cordifolia L (MERC) in reserpine-induced
      orofacial dyskinesia was studied. Reserpine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) on day 1, 3 and 5 was
      used to induce orofacial dyskinesia. At the end of treatment schedule, MERC
      significantly inhibited reserpine-induced vacuous chewing movements, tongue
      protrusions, orofacial bursts, catalepsy. MERC significantly increased locomotion
      and rearing in open field test. MERC exhibited significant elevation in the
      levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and inhibition of
      lipid peroxidation in forebrain region, compared with the reserpine treated
      group. It significantly elevated dopamine levels in the forebrain region. GCMS
      revealed the presence of anthraquinones, having strong antioxidant activity. It
      is concluded that oxidative stress might play an important role in reserpine
      induced abnormal oral movements and MERC significantly protected animals against
      reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and has great potential in treatment of
      neuroleptic induced orofacial dyskinesia.

PMID- 22092273
TI  - T-RFLP analysis of bacterial communities in the midguts of Apis mellifera and
      Apis cerana honey bees in Thailand.
AB  - This study investigated bacterial community structures in the midguts of Apis
      mellifera and Apis cerana in Thailand to understand how bacterial communities
      develop in Apis species. The bacterial species present in replicate colonies from
      different locations and life stages were analysed. PCR amplification of bacterial
      16S rRNA gene fragments and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism
      analyses revealed a total of 16 distinct terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs),
      12 of which were shared between A. mellifera and A. cerana populations. The T-RFs
      were affiliated to Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinomycetes.
      The Gammaproteobacteria were found to be common in all stages of honey bee, but
      in addition, the Firmicutes group was found to be present in the worker bees.
      Bacterial community structure showed no difference amongst the replicate
      colonies, but was affected to some degree by geographical location, life stage
      and species of honey bees.

PMID- 22092274
TI  - The role of perfectionism in daily self-esteem, attachment, and negative affect.
AB  - This study of university students (64 men, 99 women) examined the role of self
      critical (SC) and personal standards (PS) higher order dimensions of
      perfectionism in daily self-esteem, attachment, and negative affect. Participants
      completed questionnaires at the end of the day for 7 consecutive days. Trait and
      situational influences were found in the daily reports of self-esteem,
      attachment, and affect. In contrast to PS perfectionism, SC perfectionism was
      strongly related to aggregated daily reports of low self-esteem, attachment fears
      (fear of closeness, fear of dependency, fear of loss), and negative affect as
      well as instability indexes of daily self-esteem, attachment, and negative
      affect. Multilevel modeling indicated that both SC and PS perfectionists were
      emotionally reactive to decreases in self-esteem, whereas only SC perfectionists
      were emotionally reactive to increases in fear of closeness with others. These
      results demonstrate the dispositional and moderating influences of perfectionism
      dimensions on daily self-esteem, attachment, and negative affect.

PMID- 22092275
TI  - Processing of equine bone marrow using the automated MarrowXpress System: RBC
      depletion, volume reduction, and mononuclear cell recovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The therapeutic use of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs)
      and mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of soft tissue and orthopedic
      injuries in equine patients is expanding. After collection, bone marrow must be
      reduced in volume and depleted of RBCs for immediate therapeutic use or to
      prepare cells for culture or cryopreservation and storage. The MarrowXpress (MXP)
      System is an automated, closed, sterile system designed to process human bone
      marrow samples. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      capacity of the MXP System to process equine bone marrow to reduce volume,
      deplete RBCs, and enhance recovery of MNCs. METHODS: Bone marrow was collected
      from 47 horses into 2 60-mL syringes containing heparin and processed using the
      MXP System. HCT, total nucleated cell (TNC) count, and MNC count were obtained
      for each sample before and after processing using an Advia 120 hematology
      analyzer. Volume reduction, RBC depletion, and recovery of TNCs and MNCs were
      calculated. RESULTS: For equine bone marrow samples, mean values were 73.2% for
      RBC depletion and 78.0% for volume reduction. TNC count before processing was 2.5
      +/- 1.2 * 10(7) and after processing was significantly higher at 7.8 +/- 3.3 *
      10(7) (P < .0001), with a recovery of 68.5 +/- 24.5% (mean +/- SD). MNC count
      before processing was 1.1 +/- 0.9 * 10(7) and after processing was significantly
      higher at 3.8 +/- 1.9 * 10(7) (P < .0001), with a recovery 73.0 +/- 31.5%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The MXP System can reliably reduce volume and deplete RBCs from
      aspirates of equine bone marrow aspirates. MNCs can be recovered in a
      reproducible and sterile manner. Further studies evaluating the effects of the
      MXP System on cell viability, identification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs),
      and the efficacy of MSC expansion are warranted.

PMID- 22092276
TI  - Relationships between physiological, anthropometric, and skill qualities and
      playing performance in professional rugby league players.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the relationship between physiological,
      anthropometric, and skill qualities and playing performance in professional rugby
      league players. Fifty-eight high-performance rugby league players underwent
      measurements for anthropometry (height, body mass, sum of seven skinfolds),
      physiological (speed, change of direction speed, lower body muscular power,
      repeated-sprint ability, prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability,
      and estimated maximal aerobic power), technical skill (tackling proficiency, draw
      and pass proficiency), and perceptual skill (reactive agility, pattern recall,
      pattern prediction) qualities. National Rugby League matches were coded for
      attacking (e.g. line breaks, try assists, etc.) and defensive (e.g. missed
      tackles, tackling efficiency, etc.) statistics commonly used to assess rugby
      league playing performance. The number of line break assists was significantly
      associated (P < 0.05) with greater playing experience (r = 0.36), dual-task draw
      and pass proficiency (r = 0.54), reactive agility (r = 0.29), and pattern recall
      (r = 0.32) and prediction (r = 0.28) ability, while faster speed over 40 m (r = 
      0.42) was associated (P < 0.05) with a higher number of tries scored. Greater age
      and playing experience, better lower body muscular power, and faster 10 m and 40
      m speed were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the number of tackle
      attempts (positive), tackles completed (positive), and proportion of missed
      tackles (negative). These findings demonstrate that well-developed physical and
      skill qualities are associated with effective playing performance in National
      Rugby League players.

PMID- 22092277
TI  - Scutellarin inhibits translocation of protein kinase C in diabetic thoracic aorta
      of the rat.
AB  - The aims of the present study were to explore the effects of: (i) scutellarin
      (Scu) on protein kinase C (PKC) translocation caused by diabetic conditions in
      diabetic rat thoracic aorta; and (ii) phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)
      treatment of cultured thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells. Diabetes was induced
      in rats by streptozotocin and diabetic rats were divided into two groups: (i) an
      Scu-treated group, administered 0.1 g/kg Scu by gavage; and (ii) an
      aminoquanidine (AG)-treated group, which received dietary supplementation of 0.1%
      AG from Week 1 of diabetes induction. After 10 weeks, rats were killed and
      thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells were isolated and cultured. Cell fractions
      were obtained by ultracentrifugation and PKC activity was assayed by ELISA,
      whereas the distribution of PKC was verified by western immunoblotting. The PKC
      activity in the membrane fraction of thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells was
      significantly increased in diabetic compared with control rats, whereas the
      administration of Scu significantly inhibited this increase. Phorbol myristate
      acetate (100 nmol/L, 10 min) induced the translocation of the PKCalpha, betaI,
      betaII, delta and epsilon isoforms, whereas 48 h pretreatment of cells with 1
      MUmol/L Scu significantly inhibited PMA-induced PKCbetaI, betaII and delta
      translocation. The results of the present study suggest that Scu inhibits the
      translocation of PKC in vivo and in vitro and may have value as a drug in the
      treatment of diabetic complications via its inhibition of PKC betaI, betaII and
      delta translocation.

PMID- 22092278
TI  - The severity of sevoflurane-induced malignant hyperthermia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal complication of
      general anesthesia triggered by volatile anesthetics. In animal studies,
      sevoflurane has been reported to be a weak triggering agent. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the clinical severity of sevoflurane-induced MH compared to
      isoflurane. METHODS: From the Japanese MH database containing information for 520
      MH cases since 1961, we analyzed 147 cases classified by the MH Clinical Grading
      Scale (CGS) as 'very likely' or 'almost certain', accumulated from 1990 to 2009.
      Sevoflurane without succinylcholine (S-SCh (-) group) was given to 48 cases, and
      isoflurane without succinylcholine (I-SCh (-) group) was given to 30. Variables
      studied were outcome, CGS score, CGS rank, the first MH sign, and time from
      induction to onset of MH (occurrence time). Clinical signs and maximum laboratory
      data from six processes of the CGS were also analyzed. Each of the Mann-Whitney U
      test or the unpaired t-test was used for group comparisons. RESULTS: Mortality
      was 8.3% in the S-SCh (-) group and 10.0% in the I-SCh (-) group (P = 0.803). The
      CGS scores were 53.4 (SD, 12.2) and 52.3 (11.7) (P = 0.691), respectively. The
      five processes of the CGS did not differ between groups. Median occurrence times
      were 72.5 minutes (range, 36.3-127.5) and 65.0 minutes (30.0-131.3), respectively
      (P = 0.890). CONCLUSION: There were no clinically apparent differences between MH
      triggered by sevoflurane and isoflurane, and thus no evidence to support the
      postulate that sevoflurane is a weak or weaker MH triggering agent.

PMID- 22092279
TI  - A microfabricated platform to measure and manipulate the mechanics of engineered
      cardiac microtissues.
AB  - Engineered myocardial tissues can be used to elucidate fundamental features of
      myocardial biology, develop organotypic in vitro model systems, and as engineered
      tissue constructs for replacing damaged heart tissue in vivo. However, a key
      limitation is an inability to test the wide range of parameters (cell source,
      mechanical, soluble and electrical stimuli) that might impact the engineered
      tissue in a high-throughput manner and in an environment that mimics native heart
      tissue. Here we used microelectromechanical systems technology to generate arrays
      of cardiac microtissues (CMTs) embedded within three-dimensional micropatterned
      matrices. Microcantilevers simultaneously constrain CMT contraction and report
      forces generated by the CMTs in real time. We demonstrate the ability to
      routinely produce ~200 CMTs per million cardiac cells (<1 neonatal rat heart)
      whose spontaneous contraction frequency, duration, and forces can be tracked.
      Independently varying the mechanical stiffness of the cantilevers and collagen
      matrix revealed that both the dynamic force of cardiac contraction as well as the
      basal static tension within the CMT increased with boundary or matrix rigidity.
      Cell alignment is, however, reduced within a stiff collagen matrix; therefore,
      despite producing higher force, CMTs constructed from higher density collagen
      have a lower cross-sectional stress than those constructed from lower density
      collagen. We also study the effect of electrical stimulation on cell alignment
      and force generation within CMTs and we show that the combination of electrical
      stimulation and auxotonic load strongly improves both the structure and the
      function of the CMTs. Finally, we demonstrate the suitability of our technique
      for high-throughput monitoring of drug-induced changes in spontaneous frequency
      or contractility in CMTs as well as high-speed imaging of calcium dynamics using
      fluorescent dyes. Together, these results highlight the potential for this
      approach to quantitatively demonstrate the impact of physical parameters on the
      maturation, structure, and function of cardiac tissue and open the possibility to
      use high-throughput, low volume screening for studies on engineered myocardium.

PMID- 22092280
TI  - Prevalence of food avoidance and food allergy in Chinese patients with chronic
      urticaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food avoidance is common among Chinese patients with chronic
      urticaria because food allergy is considered to be the cause of disease. The
      benefit of food avoidance and its relationship with food allergy is unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and effect of
      food avoidance and food allergy in patients with chronic urticaria. METHODS: Four
      hundred and ninety-four patients with chronic urticaria, who attended Peking
      University Third Hospital from January 2009 to December 2010, were studied. Food
      avoidance and its effect were investigated with a detailed questionnaire. Food
      allergy was diagnosed by serum food-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), elimination
      diet based on food-specific IgE, and open food challenge. RESULTS: One hundred
      and fifty-eight patients (32%) avoided fish, shrimp, crab, lamb or beef prior to
      evaluation and 82.9% of them reported food avoidance ineffective. Out of 341
      patients tested for serum food-specific IgE, 75 (22%) were positive, with soy,
      peanut, beef, lamb, chicken, crab and shrimp as the leading allergens. Chronic
      urticaria induced by food allergy was found in only 2.8% of patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of food avoidance is high and mostly ineffective in
      Chinese patients with chronic urticaria. Foods avoided do not correspond to serum
      food-specific IgE. The incidence of IgE-mediated urticaria, as demonstrated by
      open food challenge, is low. Physicians and patients should be aware of
      unnecessary dietary avoidance while seeking treatment of chronic urticaria.

PMID- 22092281
TI  - Characterization of the tandem-arrayed hiC6 genes in Antarctic and temperate
      strains of Chlorella vulgaris.
AB  - HIC6 is a group-3 late embryogenesis abundant protein found in Chlorella
      vulgaris. In the Antarctic strain NJ-7 of this unicellular green alga, it is
      encoded by a tandem array of five hiC6 genes (designated as NJ7hiC6-1, -2, -3, -4
      and -5); in the temperate strain UTEX259, it is encoded by four hiC6 genes in
      tandem (designated as 259hiC6-1, -2, -3 and -4). Except for NJ7hiC6-3 and -4, the
      encoding regions of all other hiC6 genes differ from each other by 2-19 bp in
      each strain. Based on RT-PCR and sequencing of total hiC6 cDNA clones, the
      relative transcript abundance of each hiC6 gene was evaluated. NJ7hiC6-2 and
      259hiC6-2 were not expressed or expressed at low levels, whereas 259hiC6-1 and
      NJ7hiC6-3/4 exhibited the highest hiC6 transcript levels in the respective
      strains. In vitro assays showed that different isoforms of HIC6 provided almost
      identical cryoprotection of lactate dehydrogenase. Our studies suggest that the
      formation of the tandem arrays of hiC6 in Chlorella is a process of gene
      duplications accompanied by gene expression divergence.

PMID- 22092283
TI  - Analysis of microRNA-size, small RNAs in Streptococcus mutans by deep sequencing.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of gene expression in eukaryotic
      cells. However RNAs of the same size in bacteria have not been specifically
      discussed previously. Here, we provide a library of miRNA-size RNAs (msRNAs),
      which were registered by deep sequencing in Streptococcus mutans. Bioinformatic
      analysis of the whole set revealed more than 900 individual msRNA species. The
      cellular content of selected msRNAs was verified by quantitative RT-PCR and
      Northern blotting. The high abundance and discrete size of the subset of
      registered msRNAs suggest their functional significance, although the precise
      biological role of the RNA species revealed in S. mutans, which is one of the
      principle causative agents of dental caries, has to be elucidated.

PMID- 22092282
TI  - Is there a critical period for mossy fiber sprouting in a mouse model of temporal
      lobe epilepsy?
AB  - PURPOSE: Dentate granule cell axon (mossy fiber) sprouting creates an aberrant
      positive-feedback circuit that might be epileptogenic. Presumably, mossy fiber
      sprouting is initiated by molecular signals, but it is unclear whether they are
      expressed transiently or persistently. If transient, there might be a critical
      period when short preventative treatments could permanently block mossy fiber
      sprouting. Alternatively, if signals persist, continuous treatment would be
      necessary. The present study tested whether temporary treatment with rapamycin
      has long-term effects on mossy fiber sprouting. METHODS: Mice were treated daily
      with 1.5 mg/kg rapamycin or vehicle (i.p.) beginning 24 h after pilocarpine
      induced status epilepticus. Mice were perfused for anatomic evaluation
      immediately after 2 months of treatment ("0 delay") or after an additional 6
      months without treatment ("6-month delay"). One series of sections was Timm
      stained, and an adjacent series was Nissl-stained. Stereologic methods were used
      to measure the volume of the granule cell layer plus molecular layer and the Timm
      positive fraction. Numbers of Nissl-stained hilar neurons were estimated using
      the optical fractionator method. KEY FINDINGS: At 0 delay, rapamycin-treated mice
      had significantly less black Timm staining in the granule cell layer plus
      molecular layer than vehicle-treated animals. However, by 6-month delay, Timm
      staining had increased significantly in mice that had been treated with
      rapamycin. Percentages of the granule cell layer plus molecular layer that were
      Timm-positive were high and similar in 0 delay vehicle-treated, 6-month delay
      vehicle-treated, and 6-month delay rapamycin-treated mice. Extent of hilar neuron
      loss was similar among all groups that experienced status epilepticus and,
      therefore, was not a confounding factor. Compared to naive controls, average
      volume of the granule cell layer plus molecular layer was larger in 0 delay
      vehicle-treated mice. The hypertrophy was partially suppressed in 0 delay
      rapamycin-treated mice. However, 6-month delay vehicle- and 6-month delay
      rapamycin-treated animals had similar average volumes of the granule cell layer
      plus molecular layer that were significantly larger than those of all other
      groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Status epilepticus-induced mossy fiber sprouting and
      dentate gyrus hypertrophy were suppressed by systemic treatment with rapamycin
      but resumed after treatment ceased. These findings suggest that molecular signals
      that drive mossy fiber sprouting and dentate gyrus hypertrophy might persist for
      >2 months after status epilepticus in mice. Therefore, prolonged or continuous
      treatment might be required to permanently suppress mossy fiber sprouting.

PMID- 22092285
TI  - Neglect - a consequence of austerity?

PMID- 22092284
TI  - Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the extant literature on the prevalence, phenomenology,
      etiology and treatment of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A
      discussion of differential diagnosis between postpartum OCD and other postpartum
      psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, psychosis) and nonpostpartum-onset OCD
      is provided. DATA SOURCES, STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All studies
      addressing postpartum OCD between the years 1950 and 2011 were reviewed. Data
      from all pertinent studies was explored as it related to postpartum OCD. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: Studies were organized based on their empirical technique (e.g.,
      retrospective, prospective), population studied (e.g., clinical OCD, nonclinical
      populations, males), and etiological or treatment theory (e.g., cognitive
      behavioral). CONCLUSION: The prevalence, phenomenology, etiology, and treatment
      of postpartum OCD are reviewed. The limited data on treatment approaches and
      outcomes for postpartum OCD are highlighted with a discussion of the role of
      nurses in the prevention and identification of postpartum OCD.

PMID- 22092286
TI  - An oral health care guideline for institutionalised older people.
AB  - Institutionalized older people are prone to oral health problems and their
      negative impact due to frailty, disabilities, multi-morbidity, and multiple
      medication use. Until recently, no evidence-based oral health care guideline for
      institutionalized older people has been available. For that reason, the Dutch
      Association of Nursing Home Physicians developed the Oral health care Guideline
      for Older people in Long-term care Institutions (OGOLI), meeting the requirements
      of the AGREE instrument for assessing a guideline's quality. This short report
      presents the keynotes and the content of the Oral health care Guideline. Most
      recommendations are based on expert opinions. Only 4 recommendations (education,
      pneumonia, use of an electric toothbrush, and fluoride rinsing in case of a
      sudden increase of oral plaque amount) are based on evidence level A2
      conclusions. This emphasizes the need for further research on oral health of
      institutionalized older people.

PMID- 22092289
TI  - Sergei Winogradsky: a founder of modern microbiology and the first microbial
      ecologist.
AB  - Sergei Winogradsky, was born in Russia in 1856 and was to become a founder of
      modern microbiology. After his Master's degree work on the nutrition and growth
      physiology of the yeast Mycoderma vini at the University of St. Petersburg, he
      joined the laboratory of Anton DeBary in Strassburg. There he carried out his
      studies on the sulfur-oxidizing bacterium Beggiatoa which resulted in his
      formulation of the theory of chemolithotrophy. He then joined the Swiss
      Polytechnic Institute in Zurich where he did his monumental work on bacterial
      nitrification. He isolated the first pure cultures of the nitrifying bacteria and
      confirmed that they carried out the separate steps of the conversion of ammonia
      to nitrite and of nitrite to nitrate. This led directly to the concept of the
      cycles of sulfur and nitrogen in Nature. He returned to Russia and there was the
      first to isolate a free-living dinitrogen-fixing bacterium. In the flush of
      success, he retired from science and spent 15 years on his familial estate in the
      Ukraine. The Russian revolution forced him to flee Russia. He joined the Pasteur
      Institute in Paris where he spent his remaining 24 years initiating and
      developing the field of microbial ecology. He died in 1953.

PMID- 22092290
TI  - Measurement of vascular tone and stroke volume baroreflex gain.
AB  - The arterial baroreflex system (BRS) consists of at least three closed-loop
      control systems: the heart rate (HR), vascular tone (VT), and stroke volume (SV)
      BRSs. Whereas HR-BRS gain is well studied, VT-BRS and SV-BRS gain are not. This
      study aimed to develop a method for quantifying VT-BRS and SV-BRS gain using an
      established HR-BRS gain measurement approach. ECG and beat-to-beat blood pressure
      (BP) were recorded in 31 young healthy participants during three tasks. Sequences
      of R-to-R wave intervals (RRI) of the ECG, pulse transit time (PTT), and SV were
      measured to assess HR-, VT-, and SV-BRS gain using the cross-spectral technique
      of computing the BP-RRI, BP-PTT, and BP-SV transfer functions. Gain in each BRS
      arch was measured in individuals with intact BRS functioning. Functional overlap
      and independence was noted in the BRS arches. The implications of the proposed
      method are discussed.

PMID- 22092292
TI  - Applying the PRECIS criteria to describe three effectiveness trials of weight
      loss in obese patients with comorbid conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize Practice-Based Opportunities for Weight Reduction
      (POWER) trials along the pragmatic-explanatory continuum. SETTINGS: The POWER
      trials consist of three individual studies that target obesity treatment in
      primary care settings. DESIGN: Using the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum
      Indicator Summary (PRECIS) criteria, nine reviewers independently scored each
      trial. METHODS: Average and median ratings, inter-rater reliability, and
      relationships to additional ratings of the extent to which study designs were
      explanatory (i.e., efficacy) versus pragmatic (i.e., practical) and related to
      external validity were determined. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: One trial was consistently
      rated as being significantly more pragmatic than the others (R(2) =0.43, p<
      .001), although all three were in the moderate range on the PRECIS scales.
      Ratings varied across PRECIS dimensions, being most pragmatic on comparison
      condition and primary outcome. Raters, although undergoing training and using
      identical definitions, scored their own study as more pragmatic than the other
      studies/interventions. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the need for more
      comprehensive reporting on PRECIS and related criteria for research translation.
      The PRECIS criteria provide a richer understanding of the POWER studies. It is
      not clear whether the original criteria are sufficient to provide a comprehensive
      profile.

PMID- 22092293
TI  - Genetic characterization of denitrifier communities with contrasting intrinsic
      functional traits.
AB  - Microorganisms capable of denitrification are polyphyletic and exhibit distinct
      denitrification regulatory phenotypes (DRP), and thus, denitrification in soils
      could be controlled by community composition. In a companion study (Dorsch et
      al., 2012) and preceding work, ex situ denitrification assays of three organic
      soils demonstrated profoundly different functional traits including N(2) O/N(2)
      ratios. Here, we explored the composition of the underlying denitrifier
      communities by analyzing the abundance and structure of denitrification genes
      (nirK, nirS, and nosZ). The relative abundance of nosZ (vs. nirK + nirS) was
      similar for all communities, and hence, the low N(2) O reductase activity in one
      of the soils was not because of the lack of organisms with this gene. Similarity
      in community composition between the soils was generally low for nirK and nirS,
      but not for nosZ. The community with the most robust denitrification
      (consistently low N(2) O/N(2) ) had the highest diversity/richness of nosZ and
      nirK, but not of nirS. Contrary results found for a second soil agreed with
      impaired denitrification (low overall denitrification activity, high N(2) O/N(2)
      ). In conclusion, differences in community composition and in the absolute
      abundance of denitrification genes clearly reflected the functional differences
      observed in laboratory studies and may shed light on differences in in situ N(2)
      O emission of the soils.

PMID- 22092294
TI  - Analgesia and sedation of mechanically ventilated patients - a national survey of
      clinical practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The importance of balanced sedation and pain treatment in intensive
      care units (ICUs) is evident, but regimes and use of medication differ widely.
      Previous surveys have focused on the use of various medications and regimes. What
      has not been explored is the process by which nurses and physicians assess
      patients' needs and work together toward a defined level of sedation and pain for
      the ICU patient. The purpose of the study was to determine the use of protocols
      and medications for sedation and analgesia in Norwegian ICUs and the degree of
      cooperation between nurses and physicians in using them. METHODS: A national
      survey was conducted in autumn 2007, using postal self-administered
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Written pain treatment and sedation protocols were not
      routinely used in Norwegian ICUs; however, half of the departments titrated
      sedation according to a scoring system, most commonly the Motor Activity
      Assessment Score. The most commonly used sedatives were propofol and midazolam,
      while fentanyl and morphine were the most used analgesics. The majority of
      respondents were concerned about the side effects of sedation and analgesics,
      leading to circulatory instability and delayed awakening. Nurses and physicians
      agreed upon the main indications for sedation: patient tolerance for ventilation,
      tolerance for medical and nursing interventions, and patient symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: Potential factors which may improve sedation and pain management of
      mechanically ventilated patients in Norwegian ICUs are more systematic
      assessments of pain and sedation, and the use of written protocols. Strategies
      which reduce side effects should be addressed.

PMID- 22092296
TI  - The effect of clockwise and counterclockwise twisting moments on abutment screw
      loosening.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Abutment screw loosening is one of the most common complications of
      dental implants. When occlusal loading is applied, bending and twisting moments
      are counteracted by the implant-abutment connection held with the abutment screw.
      Restorations in different quarters of the oral cavity might bear clockwise or
      counterclockwise twisting moments that result from a regular chewing pattern. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different directional twisting
      moments on abutment screws. METHODS: Twenty 3i implants were divided into four
      groups of C, R, L, and O. Each assembly consisted of an implant, abutment, and
      superstructure. For group C, a cyclic load of 10-100 N for 10(6)  cycles was
      applied centrally and perpendicular to the long axis of the implant, whereas for
      groups R and L, the same load conditions were applied eccentrically in clockwise
      and counterclockwise directions, respectively. Group O was left unloaded. The
      difference between the initial torque and post-load reverse torque was defined as
      the total torque loss. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test. The surface
      of the abutment hexagon corners were examined with SEM after loading. RESULTS: No
      abutment screw loosening was found after loading. Total torque loss of groups C,
      R, L, and O were 10.50 +/- 0.58, 9.56 +/- 1.01, 9.98 +/- 1.81, and 9.58 +/- 0.94
      Ncm, respectively. There were no statistical differences among the four groups.
      SEM observations showed marked burnishing at the hexagonal corners on the
      compression sides of the R and L groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of
      this study, there was little effect of twisting moment direction on the total
      torque loss of an internal hexagon connection implant system. This could be
      attributed to the anti-twisting mechanism of the internal hexagon connection.

PMID- 22092295
TI  - Personal use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by U.S. health care
      workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine personal use of complementary and alternative medicine
      (CAM) among U.S. health care workers. DATA: Data are from the 2007 Alternative
      Health Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey. We examined a
      nationally representative sample of employed adults (n = 14,329), including a
      subsample employed in hospitals or ambulatory care settings (n = 1,280). STUDY
      DESIGN: We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the odds of past
      year CAM use. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Health care workers are more likely than the
      general population to use CAM. Among health care workers, health care providers
      are more likely to use CAM than other occupations. CONCLUSIONS: Personal CAM use
      by health care workers may influence the integration of CAM with conventional
      health care delivery. Future research on the effects of personal CAM use by
      health care workers is therefore warranted.

PMID- 22092297
TI  - Increased risk for post-operative corneal injuries in patients who undergo
      laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to verify whether or not the
      incidence of post-operative corneal injuries (PCIs) in patients who undergo
      laparoscopic gynecologic surgery is higher than patients who undergo non
      laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: The peri-operative variables were
      extracted from the medical records of patients who underwent gynecologic surgery
      under general anesthesia at our institute between January 2004 and June 2010. The
      extracted variables were age, day of week of surgery, type of surgery
      (laparoscopy vs. non-laparoscopy), surgical scheduling (elective vs. emergent),
      pre-operative hemoglobin, surgery time, peri-operative transfusions, and PCIs.
      The association of peri-operative variables with PCIs was examined using
      univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 6992 consecutive
      patients were included in this study. PCIs occurred in 23 patients (0.3%). Based
      on univariate analysis, the type of surgery and surgery times were associated
      with PCIs. Based on multivariate analysis, laparoscopy and lengthy surgery times
      significantly increased the risk for PCIs. The median duration of PCI symptoms
      was 3 days (range, 1-11 days); no patient had long-term sequalae. CONCLUSION:
      Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery increases the incidence of PCI compared with non
      laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

PMID- 22092298
TI  - Methadone inhibits CYP2D6 and UGT2B7/2B4 in vivo: a study using codeine in
      methadone- and buprenorphine-maintained subjects.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the O-demethylation (CYP2D6-mediated), N-demethylation (CYP3A4
      mediated) and 6-glucuronidation (UGT2B4/7-mediated) metabolism of codeine between
      methadone- and buprenorphine-maintained CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer subjects.
      METHODS: Ten methadone- and eight buprenorphine-maintained subjects received a
      single 60 mg dose of codeine phosphate. Blood was collected at 3 h and urine over
      6 h and assayed for codeine, norcodeine, morphine, morphine-3- and -6
      glucuronides and codeine-6-glucuronide. RESULTS: The urinary metabolic ratio for
      O-demethylation was significantly higher (P= 0.0044) in the subjects taking
      methadone (mean +/- SD, 2.8 +/- 3.1) compared with those taking buprenorphine
      (0.60 +/- 0.43), likewise for 6-glucuronide formation (0.31 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.053 +/
      0.027; P < 0.0002), but there was no significant difference (P= 0.36) in N
      demethylation. Similar changes in plasma metabolic ratios were also found. In
      plasma, compared with those maintained on buprenorphine, the methadone-maintained
      subjects had increased codeine and norcodeine concentrations (P < 0.004), similar
      morphine (P= 0.72) and lower morphine-3- and -6- and codeine-6-glucuronide
      concentrations (P < 0.008). CONCLUSION: Methadone is associated with inhibition
      of CYP2D6 and UGTs 2B4 and 2B7 reactions in vivo, even though it is not a
      substrate for these enzymes. Plasma morphine was not altered, owing to the
      opposing effects of inhibition of both formation and elimination; however,
      morphine-6-glucuronide (analgesically active) concentrations were substantially
      reduced. Drug interactions with methadone are likely to include drugs metabolized
      by various UGTs and CYP2D6.

PMID- 22092299
TI  - Thiamine plays a critical role in the acid tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Understanding the molecular basis of acid tolerance in the food-borne pathogen
      Listeria monocytogenes is important as this property contributes to survival in
      the food-chain and enhances survival within infected hosts. The aim of this study
      was to identify genes contributing to acid tolerance in L. monocytogenes using
      transposon mutagenesis and subsequently to elucidate the physiological role of
      these genes in acid tolerance. One mutant harboring a Tn917 insertion in the thiT
      gene (formerly lmo1429), which encodes a thiamine (vitamin B1) uptake system, was
      found to be highly sensitive to acid. The acid-sensitive phenotype associated
      with loss of this gene was confirmed with an independently isolated mutant, from
      which the thiT gene was deleted (?thiT). Cells of both wild-type and ?thiT mutant
      that were thiamine depleted were found to be significantly more acid sensitive
      than control cultures. Thiamine-depleted cultures failed to produce significant
      concentrations of acetoin, consistent with the known thiamine dependence of
      acetolactate synthase, an enzyme required for acetoin synthesis from pyruvate. As
      acetoin synthesis is a proton-consuming process, we suggest that the acid
      sensitivity observed in thiamine-depleted cultures may be owing to an inability
      to produce acetoin.

PMID- 22092300
TI  - Effect of implant-abutment connection design on reliability of crowns: regular
      vs. horizontal mismatched platform.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability and failure modes of regular and
      horizontal mismatched platforms for implant-abutment connection varying the
      implant diameter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Regular (REG, n = 21, 4.0-mm-diameter
      implant) and horizontal mismatched (HM, n = 21, 4.6-mm-diameter implant) platform
      Ti-6Al-4V implants were restored with proprietary identical Ti-6Al-4V abutments
      and metal crowns (cobalt-chrome, Wirobond 280, BEGO, Bremen, Germany) cemented.
      Mechanical testing comprised step-stress accelerated-life testing, where crowns
      were distributed in three loading profiles for fatigue in water, producing timely
      and clinically relevant fractures. The probability of failure vs. cycles (95% two
      sided confidence intervals) was calculated and plotted using a powerlaw
      relationship for damage accumulation, Weibull modulus (95% two-sided confidence
      intervals) and then the reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles at 125 N load
      (95% two-sided confidence interval) were calculated. Fractography was performed
      in the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The beta-value for group REG (beta
      = 1.37) indicated that fatigue was a factor accelerating the failure, whereas
      load alone dictated the failure for group HM (beta = 0.71). The Weibull parameter
      contour plot showed no significantly different Weibull modulus for REG (10.24)
      compared to HM (10.20) and characteristic strength of 162.6 and 166.8 N,
      respectively (P > 0.91). The calculated reliability for a mission of 50,000
      cycles at 125 N load was not significantly different (0.71 for REG and 0.73 for
      HM). Abutment screw failure was the chief failure mode. CONCLUSIONS: Reliability
      was not significantly different between groups and failure modes were similar.

PMID- 22092301
TI  - The influence of color on emotional perception of natural scenes.
AB  - Is color a critical factor when processing the emotional content of natural
      scenes? Under challenging perceptual conditions, such as when pictures are
      briefly presented, color might facilitate scene segmentation and/or function as a
      semantic cue via association with scene-relevant concepts (e.g., red and
      blood/injury). To clarify the influence of color on affective picture perception,
      we compared the late positive potentials (LPP) to color versus grayscale
      pictures, presented for very brief (24 ms) and longer (6 s) exposure durations.
      Results indicated that removing color information had no effect on the affective
      modulation of the LPP, regardless of exposure duration. These findings imply that
      the recognition of the emotional content of scenes, even when presented very
      briefly, does not critically rely on color information.

PMID- 22092302
TI  - Healing outcomes at implants installed in grafted sites: an experimental study in
      dogs.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the integration of implants installed using a surgical guide in
      augmented sites with autologous bone or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM)
      blocks, concomitantly with a collagen membrane. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mandibular
      molars were extracted bilaterally in six Labrador dogs, the buccal bony wall was
      removed, and a box-shaped defect was created. After 3 months, flaps were
      elevated, a bony graft was harvested from the ascending ramus, and secured to the
      lateral wall of the defect by means of screws. In the left mandibular side, a
      DBBM block was fixed into the defect. A resorbable membrane was applied at both
      sides, and the flaps were sutured. After 3 months, flaps were elevated, and a
      customized device was used as surgical guide to prepare the recipient sites in
      the interface between grafts and parent bone. One implant was installed in each
      side of the mandible. After 3 months, biopsies were harvested, and ground
      sections were prepared for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: One autologous bone
      block graft was lost before implant installation. The width of the alveolar crest
      at the test sites (DBBM) was 5.4 +/- 1.2 mm before, 9.4 +/- 1.2 mm immediately
      after grafting, and 9.3 +/- 1 mm at implant installation. At the control sites
      (autologous bone), the corresponding values were: 5.2 +/- 1, 9 +/- 1.2, and 8.7
      +/- 0.9 mm, respectively. All implants installed were available for histologic
      evaluation (n = 5). The autologous bone grafts, rich in vessels and cells, were
      integrated in the parent bone, and only little non-vital bone was found. The BIC%
      was 56.7 +/- 15.6% and 54.2 +/- 13.2% at the buccal and lingual aspects,
      respectively. At the test sites, the DBBM appeared to be embedded into connective
      tissue, and very little newly formed bone was encountered within the grafts. The
      BIC% was 5.8 +/- 12.3% and 51.3 +/- 14.2% at the buccal and lingual aspects,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous bone blocks used to augment the alveolar
      bony crest horizontally allowed the complete osseointegration of implants
      installed after 3 months of healing. However, similar blocks of DBBM did not
      promote osseointegration, although the installed implants were stable owing to
      the osseointegration in the sites of the parent bone.

PMID- 22092303
TI  - Retention of implant-supported zirconium oxide ceramic restorations using
      different luting agents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention value of implant
      supported zirconium oxide ceramic copings using different luting agents. METHOD
      AND MATERIALS: Twenty ITI solid abutments of 5.5 mm height and ITI implant
      analogs were mounted vertically into autopolymerizing acrylic resin blocks.
      Ninety zirconium oxide copings (Cercon, Degudent) with a loop on the occlusal
      portion were made. All samples were airborne particle abraded with 110 MUm Al2O3
      and luted using different types of luting agents: resin cements (Clearfil SA,
      Panavia F2.0, Fuji Plus), conventional cements (Fleck's, Poly F, Fuji I), and
      temporary cements (Temp Bond, GC free eugenol, TempSpan) with a load of 5 Kg. (N
      = 10) All copings were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h and conditioned in
      artificial saliva for 1 week, and thermal cycled for 5000 cycles 5-55 degrees C
      with a 30-s dwell time. The dislodging force of the copings along the long axis
      of the implant-abutment complex was recorded using universal testing machine with
      5 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis (alpha = 0.05)
      and Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni step down correction (alpha = 0.001).
      RESULTS: There was significant difference between the mean rank retention values
      of different luting agents (P < 0.001). The resin cements showed the highest
      retention (Clearfil SA, 203.49 +/- 52.86; Fuji Plus, 190.61 +/- 48.00; Panavia F
      2.0, 172.16 +/- 70.76 N). The conventional cements had more retention than the
      temporary cements and glass ionomer cement (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The retention
      of zircona ceramic restorations, over ITI solid abutments may be influenced by
      the type of cement. The application of an MDP-containing resin and resin-modified
      glass ionomer luting agents increase the retentive value of implant-supported
      zirconium oxide restorations.

PMID- 22092304
TI  - Species composition and cyanotoxin production in periphyton mats from three lakes
      of varying trophic status.
AB  - In lakes, benthic micro-algae and cyanobacteria (periphyton) can contribute
      significantly to total primary productivity and provide important food sources
      for benthic invertebrates. Despite recognition of their importance, few studies
      have explored the diversity of the algal and cyanobacterial composition of
      periphyton mats in temperate lakes. In this study, we sampled periphyton from
      three New Zealand lakes: Tikitapu (oligotrophic), Okareka (mesotrophic) and
      Rotoiti (eutrophic). Statistical analysis of morphological data showed a clear
      delineation in community structure among lakes and highlighted the importance of
      cyanobacteria. Automated rRNA intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) and 16S rRNA
      gene clone libraries were used to investigate cyanobacterial diversity. Despite
      the close geographic proximity of the lakes, cyanobacterial species differed
      markedly. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified eight cyanobacterial
      OTUs. A comparison with other known cyanobacterial sequences in GenBank showed
      relatively low similarities (91-97%). Cyanotoxin analysis identified nodularin in
      all mats from Lake Tikitapu. ndaF gene sequences from these samples had very low
      (<= 89%) homology to sequences in other known nodularin producers. To our
      knowledge, this is the first detection of nodularin in a freshwater environment
      in the absence of Nodularia. Six cyanobacteria species were isolated from Lake
      Tikitapu mats. None were found to produce nodularin. Five of the species shared
      low (< 97%) 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with other cultured
      cyanobacteria.

PMID- 22092306
TI  - Intravenous injection of autologous amniotic fluid induces transient
      thrombocytopenia in a gravid rabbit model of amniotic fluid embolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but catastrophic complication
      of pregnancy characterized by severe hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, and
      massive consumptive coagulopathy. Several animal models of this syndrome have
      been proposed, but most have yielded inconclusive results. OBJECTIVES: The
      objective of this study was to develop a suitable animal model of AFE. METHODS:
      Twelve rabbits in late gestation (25 days) were used. Amniotic fluid was
      collected from the fetal amniotic sacs after laparotomy, and autologous fluid was
      injected into 6 rabbits via the left auricular vein. Six other rabbits received
      saline (control group). Blood pressure, platelet counts, and coagulation
      variables were measured at baseline and at various intervals for 60 minutes after
      injection. The in vitro effect of amniotic fluid on coagulation was assessed by
      thrombelastographic (TEG) analysis. RESULTS: Injection of amniotic fluid did not
      reproduce clinical signs of AFE and had no effect on activated partial
      thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), or Factor VIII activity.
      However, significant thrombocytopenia was observed 5 minutes after administration
      of amniotic fluid and resolved by 60 minutes. In vitro addition of amniotic fluid
      to blood resulted in accelerated clotting on TEG tracings. CONCLUSIONS: The
      syndrome of AFE was not reproduced in this rabbit model. However, injection of
      autologous amniotic fluid induced a transient and severe thrombocytopenia.
      Moreover, TEG analysis indicated that amniotic fluid could initiate the
      coagulation cascade. Other factors such as the presence of meconium in amniotic
      fluid may be needed to provoke more severe clinical signs.

PMID- 22092307
TI  - Evidence to inform policy, practice and education for unintended pregnancy
      prevention and management.

PMID- 22092308
TI  - Hip strength assessment using handheld dynamometry is subject to intertester bias
      when testers are of different sex and strength.
AB  - Handheld dynamometry (HHD) is a promising tool for obtaining reliable hip
      strength measurements in the clinical setting, but intertester reliability has
      been questioned, especially in situations where testers exhibit differences in
      upper-extremity muscle strength (male vs female). The purpose of this study was
      to examine the intertester reliability concerning strength assessments of hip
      abduction, adduction, external and internal rotation, flexion and extension using
      HHD, and to test whether systematic differences in test values exist between
      testers of different upper-extremity strength. Fifty healthy individuals (29
      women), aged 25 +/- 5 years were included. Two physiotherapist students (one
      female, one male) of different upper-extremity strength performed the
      measurements. The tester order and strength test order were randomized.
      Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to quantify reliability, and ranged
      from 0.82 to 0.91 for the six strength test. The female tester systematically
      measured lower strength values for all isometric strength tests (P < 0.05). In
      hip strength assessments using HHD, systematic bias exists between testers of
      different sex, which is likely explained by differences in upper-extremity
      strength. Hence, to improve intertester reliability, the dynamometer likely needs
      external fixation, as this will eliminate the influence of differences in upper
      extremity strength between testers. 

PMID- 22092309
TI  - Relationship between magnitude of immediate loading and peri-implant osteogenesis
      in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the
      magnitude of immediate loading on peri-implant bone in an animal model of dental
      implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight weeks after the extraction of maxillary
      and mandibular premolars, three implants were inserted bilaterally in the
      mandibles of six Beagle dogs. One implant was unloaded (UL) as a control, and two
      implants were loaded immediately with 10 N (mild loading: ML) or 50 N (excessive
      loading: EL) laterally using a cyclic loading device twice a week for 3 weeks.
      Fluorescent bone markers were injected to examine bone formation around the
      implants. The animals were sacrificed 3 weeks after implantation. Peri-implant
      osteogenesis was assessed by histomorphometric procedures, i.e., measuring bone
      implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD). RESULTS: The UL and ML groups had no
      peri-implant infection, and newly formed bone was observed over a wide area from
      the implant neck toward the tip, and in direct contact with the implant surface.
      In contrast, in the EL group, newly formed bone was rarely observed around the
      implant neck and there were signs of infection. Both BIC and BD in the ML group
      were significantly greater than those in the other groups. BIC and BD in the EL
      group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. CONCLUSION: A
      suitable magnitude of load applied immediately after dental implantation promotes
      peri-implant osteogenesis.

PMID- 22092310
TI  - AT-rich region and repeated sequences - the essential elements of replication
      origins of bacterial replicons.
AB  - Repeated sequences are commonly present in the sites for DNA replication
      initiation in bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic replicons. Those motifs are
      usually the binding places for replication initiation proteins or replication
      regulatory factors. In prokaryotic replication origins, the most abundant
      repeated sequences are DnaA boxes which are the binding sites for chromosomal
      replication initiation protein DnaA, iterons which bind plasmid or phage DNA
      replication initiators, defined motifs for site-specific DNA methylation, and 13
      nucleotide-long motifs of a not too well-characterized function, which are
      present within a specific region of replication origin containing higher than
      average content of adenine and thymine residues. In this review, we specify
      methods allowing identification of a replication origin, basing on the
      localization of an AT-rich region and the arrangement of the origin's structural
      elements. We describe the regularity of the position and structure of the AT-rich
      regions in bacterial chromosomes and plasmids. The importance of 13-nucleotide
      long repeats present at the AT-rich region, as well as other motifs overlapping
      them, was pointed out to be essential for DNA replication initiation including
      origin opening, helicase loading and replication complex assembly. We also
      summarize the role of AT-rich region repeated sequences for DNA replication
      regulation.

PMID- 22092311
TI  - Caring for smiles--a new educational resource for oral health training in care
      homes.

PMID- 22092312
TI  - Delivering and securing health care in challenging times.

PMID- 22092313
TI  - Plagiarism or differing ways of representing knowledge?

PMID- 22092314
TI  - Promoting access to health care: a nursing role and responsibility.

PMID- 22092318
TI  - Many paths lead to nursing: factors influencing students' perceptions of nursing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A diverse group of students is being recruited to nursing programmes
      worldwide, although little research has identified the effect of this diversity.
      Contemporary knowledge of the qualities of nurses and how they vary with
      demographic and other factors may assist in the retention of nursing students.
      AIM: The aim of this study is to explore student nurses' perceptions of the
      qualities of nurses and how these differ with age, country of birth, gender,
      healthcare experience and mode of entry to the nursing programme. METHODS: Using
      a descriptive comparative design, 676 nursing students in their first week of a
      Bachelor of Nursing programme participated (77% response). Participants completed
      a survey noting demographic data such as age, gender, healthcare experience,
      country of birth, nursing programme entry method and attributes of nurses from
      the valid and reliable Qualities of Nursing Scale (QoN). RESULTS: Overall, the
      students confirmed their agreement with the 12 items of the QoN and rated good
      listening skills as the most important quality for a nurse rather than Caring or
      Helping. Male participants and participants born overseas demonstrated the lowest
      mean scores on most qualities, suggesting less agreement with the qualities.
      DISCUSSION: The recruitment of students to university needs to continue to
      support disparate entry pathways. Students with more life experience (older
      students) or health experience may be more likely to complete nursing courses and
      to be retained within health services. Qualities of nurses may be changing to
      reflect modern perceptions of nurses with a shift away from the focus on caring.

PMID- 22092319
TI  - Nursing students' perceptions of nursing: a descriptive study of four cohorts.
AB  - AIMS: The study aims to describe nursing students' changing perception of nursing
      over 4 years of the nursing programme and examine whether perception differed by
      gender, previous study or choice of nursing education. METHODS: A descriptive
      cross-sectional design was used, with a probability sample of 606 students.
      Respondents were a random sample of 50% of each of the four educational cohorts
      studying within the academic year 2008-2009 in one baccalaureate nursing
      programme at a Jordanian public university. A specifically designed tool of
      statements of nursing definitions based on nursing theories, the nursing
      literature and sociocultural beliefs was used to identify student nurses'
      perception of nursing. FINDINGS: Student perceptions changed from lay altruistic
      beliefs of nursing to theoretical medical technological views of the profession
      denoting a theory-practice gap. Perceptions also differed by gender, having a
      previous associate degree in nursing and a priority choice to study nursing.
      CONCLUSION: Such results delineated the importance of revising nursing schools'
      curricula and the universities' admission policies into the nursing profession.

PMID- 22092320
TI  - Exchange students crossing language boundaries in clinical nursing practice.
AB  - AIM: This article examines challenges and learning outcomes for nursing students
      from a Central European university of applied sciences who completed 3 months of
      clinical practice in Norway. The clinical practice was supervised in English by
      Norwegian nurses and nursing teachers. English is not the primary language in any
      of the countries. BACKGROUND: Increases in global migration have contributed to
      the need for an international dimension in nursing education. Personal mobility
      is a crucial part of the European Union's goal of becoming a knowledge society.
      Clinically based experiences pose challenges that are additional to and often
      more complex than traditional course-based experiences. Students who come from a
      non-English-speaking country for clinical practice in Norway face challenges
      regarding language. Accepting incoming students is a way of achieving higher
      quality and more relevant education in nursing. FINDINGS: The study shows that
      clinical practice in a foreign country gives added value compared with clinical
      practice at home. Greater self-confidence and understanding of core concepts in
      nursing is described by the participants. Language differences are not regarded
      as a problem but as a way of developing personal and professional competence. The
      ability to compare healthcare systems in the two counties is important in
      developing competencies in nursing.

PMID- 22092321
TI  - Patient safety: nursing students' perspectives and the role of nursing education
      to provide safe care.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nurses as the largest group of healthcare providers are in
      the best position to improve patient safety. In preparing future nurses, nurse
      educators have an important role in developing the knowledge, skills and
      attitudes among nursing students related to patient safety. The aim of this study
      was to explore Iranian nursing students' perspectives regarding patient safety
      and the role of nursing education in developing their capabilities to provide
      safe care. METHODS: A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit 17 junior
      and senior nursing students for qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Content
      analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted to identify several relevant
      themes. FINDINGS: Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: 'safety as
      patient comfort', 'not being knowledgeable or experienced enough' and 'being
      helped to internalise the principles and values of patient safety'. The third
      theme consisted of two categories: 'adopting a humanistic approach towards
      patients' and 'practising conscientiously in the workplace'. CONCLUSION: The
      present study adds insights on how nursing students understand and may be helped
      to internalise concepts of patient safety within their practice. Nursing
      education curriculum designers need to go beyond theoretical concepts of patient
      safety education and devise strategies to increase the application of safety
      knowledge and competencies in nursing practice.

PMID- 22092322
TI  - Children's knowledge of cancer diagnosis and treatment: Jordanian mothers'
      perceptions and satisfaction with the process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The amount of information shared with children regarding their
      illness, as well as what knowledge children are entitled to know, varies widely
      among cultures. AIMS: This study aims to examine mothers' accounts of
      communication about cancer diagnosis to their children, how much children knew
      about their illnesses and how satisfied the mothers were with the method they
      used in communicating the diagnosis. METHODS: Using semi-structured interviews
      and open-ended questions, 51 mothers attending paediatric oncology clinics in
      Jordan were interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS:
      Mothers expressed a range of views about the forms of disclosure, including being
      clear about the diagnosis and its treatment and being secretive yet
      misconceptualizing the accounts of the illness. The median age for the children
      diagnosed with cancer was 11 years (interquartile range 7-16 years). Most of the
      mothers were offered no help with talking to their children about cancer
      diagnosis. Mothers who found it difficult to tell the news of the diagnosis to
      their children finally withheld the diagnoses from them. Those same mothers were
      unhappy and uncomfortable with the communication method they had used with
      children. CONCLUSION: This study emphasized the role of nurses' interaction with
      their child patients diagnosed with cancer. Nurses should not have an opinion
      about how and what children need to know about their illness, and preferably
      should take an active role in the process of communication between mothers and
      their children. Further work and research are needed in this field.

PMID- 22092323
TI  - The breast care nurse: the care specialist in breast centres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Europe, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women;
      26.5 per cent of all new malignant diseases and 17.5 per cent of all cancer
      deaths are due to this type of cancer. In Germany, approximately every tenth
      woman is diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. OBJECTIVE: In order to
      increase the quality of life of breast cancer patients, the European Society of
      Mastology (EUSOMA) requires the availability of, and an integration of qualified
      and specialized care into the interdisciplinary team. Thus, in Germany, a new
      type of job profile for 'breast nurse' as a qualified care specialist has to be
      established and has to be oriented towards the international standards of a
      breast care nurse (BCN). METHODS: The Charite's Academy of Health--in cooperation
      with the Interdisciplinary Breast Centre of the Charite--has offered a career
      advisory service curriculum for the BCN since 2006 in accordance with the EUSOMA
      guidelines. RESULTS: In three courses, 45 BCNs have been trained. In the first
      refresher seminar in May 2009, the BCNs were given an opportunity to exchange
      with fellow BCNs their experiences. CONCLUSION: We were able to set up a new
      curriculum to train nurses as BCNs as to improve the quality of care for breast
      cancer patients and to orientate the training towards the international standards
      of a BCN qualification.

PMID- 22092324
TI  - Occupational exposure to HIV: a conflict situation for health workers.
AB  - AIM: To determine the frequency of occupational exposure to human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the circumstances and predisposing factors, the
      high-risk groups, the extent to which exposures are reported and the post
      exposure prophylaxis (PEP) utilized by health-care workers (HCWs) and students in
      a Ugandan hospital. BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to HIV is a low but
      potential risk of HIV infection to health workers. METHOD: Self-administered
      questionnaire was given to 224 participants (including 98 HCWs and 126 students)
      in Mbarara Hospital, Uganda. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics using
      the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago,
      IL, USA). FINDINGS: Of the 224 participants surveyed, 19.2% reported having
      sustained injection needle stick injuries in the previous year, of which 4.46%
      occurred with HIV-infected blood. Other reported injuries were cannula needle
      stick injury (0.89%), suture needle stick injuries (3.13%), scalpel cut injuries
      (0.45%) and muco-cutaneous contamination (10.27%). The most affected groups were
      nurses-midwives for scalpel injuries and students for stick injuries. The
      predisposing factors reported included lack of protective devices and recapping
      of needles. Exposures were under-reported. Uptake of PEP was also low.
      CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to HIV presents a conflict situation for HCWs.
      It remains a frequent occurrence particularly among student nurses-midwives,
      despite being avoidable. Its prophylactic treatment is hampered by poor reporting
      and investigation of exposures, and poor access to PEP. Strict adherence to
      universal precaution and proper handling of occupational exposure to HIV should
      be encouraged.

PMID- 22092325
TI  - Factors affecting peritoneal dialysis selection in Taiwanese patients with
      chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taiwan has the highest incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD) in the world with 55,499 ESRD patients on long-term dialysis.
      Nevertheless, 90.96% of these patients are managed on maintenance haemodialysis
      (HD), with only 9.03% enrolled in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) programme. AIM: The
      study aim was to identify the factors affecting Taiwanese patient's selection of
      PD in preference to HD for chronic kidney disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      research design was utilized with 130 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients
      purposively selected from outpatient nephrology clinics at four separate Taiwan
      hospitals. Logistic regression was used to identify the main factors affecting
      the patient's choice of dialysis type. RESULTS: Single-factor logistic regression
      found significant differences in opinion related to age, education level,
      occupation type, disease characteristics, lifestyle modifications, self-care
      ability, know-how of dialysis modality, security considerations and findings
      related to the decisions made by medical personnel (P < 0.05). Moreover,
      multinomial logistic regression after adjustment for interfering variables found
      that self-care ability and dialysis modality know-how were the two main factors
      affecting the person's selection of dialysis type. CONCLUSIONS: Self-care ability
      and the person's knowledge of the different types of dialysis modality and how
      they function were the major determinants for selection of dialysis type in
      Taiwan based on the results from this study. The results indicate that the
      education of CRF patients about the types of dialysis available is essential to
      enable them to understand the benefits or limitations of both types of dialysis.

PMID- 22092326
TI  - Factors associated with delayed hospital arrival among patients with acute
      myocardial infarction: a cross-sectional study in Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is proven that early admission to hospital contributes
      significantly to the successful management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
      AIM: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with delayed hospital
      arrival among patients with AMI. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 477 AMI
      patients was conducted during a 2-year period in two large tertiary hospitals in
      Greece. Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted and information
      regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, medical history and factors
      that might be correlated with delayed hospital arrival were collected. RESULTS:
      The main factors that were found to be correlated with delayed hospital arrival
      among AMI patients were the absence of companion/attendant/escort present during
      the AMI [odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-4.4, P = 0.049],
      previous medical history of diabetes mellitus (OR 3.4, CI 1.6-7.2, P = 0.002),
      absence of dyspepsia (OR 9.2, CI 3.6-23.3, P < 0.001) and nausea/vomiting
      symptoms (OR 16.9, CI 4.1-69.1, P < 0.001), and also being at a distance of more
      than 10 km from the hospital (OR 19.6, CI 5.4-70.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A
      number of factors that might delay hospital arrival among patients with AMI
      should be taken into account in healthcare service planning. Health policy
      actions that will improve the accessibility to healthcare services, the
      restructuring of the Greek primary healthcare system and the provision of
      effective patient education by nurses could reduce the pre-hospital delay.
      LIMITATIONS: The study was conducted in two hospitals which limits the
      generalization of the findings. Also, the onset of AMI symptoms relied on self
      report by the patients.

PMID- 22092327
TI  - Condom promotion in Belize: self-efficacy of Belizean nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outside of abstinence, correct and consistent condom use is the
      single most effective tool to prevent the transmission human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV). This is particularly true in countries such as Belize where
      incidence rates remain high. Women are physiologically at higher risk for HIV,
      and many feel powerless to insist on condom use. Although nurses are in a
      position to promote condom use, variables that influence this decision are not
      clearly understood. In this study, we examined variables that influence a nurses'
      self-efficacy to promote and teach condom use to women specifically to reduce
      their HIV risk. METHODS: Data related to self-efficacy, vicarious experience
      related to condom use promotion and a nurse's sexual relationship power were
      collected from nurses practising in Belize (n = 60). These data were cross
      sectional and collected at the annual nurses' conference. RESULTS: Both years of
      nursing education and positive vicarious experience promoting and teaching condom
      use to women were positively correlated to their self-efficacy to do so.
      Vicarious experience was significantly correlated to self-efficacy in a subgroup
      of nurses with lower sexual relationship power but not in those with higher
      sexual relationship power. CONCLUSIONS: When designing HIV continuing education
      programmes for nurses in Belize, it is important to consider level of nursing
      education and access to vicarious experience such as mentoring and role
      modelling. An additional factor to consider is the influence that a nurse's power
      in her own primary sexual relationship may play in the formation of her self
      efficacy.

PMID- 22092328
TI  - Religion, culture and male involvement in the use of the Standard Days Method:
      evidence from Enugu and Katsina states of Nigeria.
AB  - AIM: This paper presents findings from an exploratory study on the use of the
      Standard Days Method(r) (SDM) of family planning (FP) in Katsina and Enugu states
      of Nigeria. BACKGROUND: Potential users of FP often do not use modern methods if
      its practice is in dissonance with cultural and religious values. Increasing FP
      options through the introduction of effective natural methods is important, as it
      will ensure that FP providers, particularly nurses, can provide appropriate non
      hormonal methods to women who are interested in their use. This will bring about
      an increased contraceptive prevalence in countries with strong religious barriers
      to modern FP methods. METHODS: A qualitative study using focus group discussions
      and in-depth interviews was conducted with nurses, community FP providers and
      users of the SDM following the introduction of the method in two Nigerian states.
      DISCUSSION: Both users and providers perceive the SDM to be religiously and
      culturally acceptable. They found it useful particularly among women who could
      not use hormonal methods for medical reasons. CONCLUSION: There was no
      religious/cultural opposition to the use of SDM. Spousal involvement in use
      within localities where hormonal methods are not accepted was perceived as an
      important factor in making the method acceptable. It is imperative to scale up
      the intervention to other areas both in Nigeria and in other countries that have
      similar religious and cultural resistance to modern FP methods.

PMID- 22092329
TI  - Help-seeking behaviours in childbearing women in Ghana, West Africa.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this ethnographic study was to examine the health-seeking
      behaviours of Ghanaian childbearing women. BACKGROUND: The Ashanti consider
      pregnancy to be a vulnerable time when risk increases that women may be affected
      by witchcraft and develop sunsumyare. Preparation for positive birth outcomes
      include biomedical, ethnomedical and faith-based interventions. DESIGN: A sample
      of 42 childbearing Ghanaian women participated in audiotaped interviews.
      Transcribed interviews were coded and categorized into themes. FINDINGS AND
      DISCUSSION: The overriding theme was health seeking to ensure positive pregnancy
      outcomes. Subthemes included accessing multiple sources of care simultaneously,
      feeling vulnerable to spiritual illness, seeking spiritual protection and
      disclosing multiple sources of care. CONCLUSION: Childbearing is an essential
      part of the gender identity of Ashanti women. Witchcraft mentality provides a way
      for a woman to manage her life challenges. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Cultural
      beliefs and practices have profound effects on health-seeking behaviours. It is
      becoming increasingly important that healthcare providers perform cultural and
      spiritual assessments and inquire about complementary sources of health care.

PMID- 22092330
TI  - Factors influencing midwifery migration from the United Kingdom to Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Within the current literature on the globalization of the healthcare
      workforce, it is difficult to separate the migration experience of nurses from
      that of midwives. As more countries are moving to offer direct entry educational
      programmes and provide separate registration for midwives, information specific
      to that professional group will be required to guide workforce planners and
      inform employment practice. This qualitative study tracks the migration
      experience of midwives moving between the UK and Australia. METHODS: A purposeful
      sample of 18 midwives who had migrated from the UK to one state in Australia was
      interviewed within a descriptive phenomenological framework. Data were analysed
      using thematic coding within Nvivo (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia).
      RESULTS: The strongest motivator for migration was to improve the family's
      lifestyle. Push factors included disillusionment with working conditions,
      standard of living in the UK and national politics. The majority of midwives had
      organized their own entry visa and employment. Most midwives had occupied senior
      positions in the UK but accepted employment initially within entry-level
      positions in Australia. DISCUSSION: Despite both countries offering similar
      standards of living, the majority of midwives expected to achieve an improvement
      in family lifestyle in Australia. Midwives indicated they were prepared to lose
      professional status and seniority of position to gain a better overall lifestyle
      for their family. To examine the long-term sustainability of international
      recruitment processes, further research is indicated to examine the ongoing
      experience and integration of migrant midwives into the workforce in Australia.

PMID- 22092331
TI  - Nurse teachers' working lives: a questionnaire survey of nursing schools in
      Mainland China.
AB  - AIM: The study aimed to explore Chinese nurse teachers' views and experience
      regarding different components of their working lives. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey of 18 schools of nursing offering nationally accredited baccalaureate
      nursing programmes across Mainland China was conducted. A total of 227 nurse
      teachers completed questionnaires yielding a response rate of 72%. FINDINGS: The
      sample comprised mainly female, married lecturers younger than 44 years with an
      average teaching experience of about 10 years. The respondents were satisfied
      with their overall job, work, supervision and co-workers, but dissatisfied with
      their pay and promotion opportunities. There were statistically significant
      differences in several facets of job satisfaction across the respondents of
      different age groups, education levels, job titles and those working in the
      schools of different sizes. The respondents perceived their work environment to
      be only somewhat empowering. Their average level of professional identification
      was relatively high, but their overall role conflict, role ambiguity and sense of
      coherence were relatively low. CONCLUSION: Chinese nurse teachers had a positive
      feeling towards their working lives, but strategies should be developed to
      enhance their sense of coherence and professional commitment. It is worth noting
      that there is still much adjustment to be made towards the new higher education
      roles, but the findings may only be generalizable to similar settings.

PMID- 22092334
TI  - Physical activity is inversely associated with high blood pressure independently
      of overweight in Brazilian adolescents.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between blood pressure
      (BP) levels and physical activity (PA) domains accounting for overweight/obesity.
      Adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old were recruited (n = 1021). International
      Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria were used to define overweight and obesity.
      High BP was defined using the Center of Disease Control and Prevention criteria.
      Different domains of PA (school activities, sport out of school, and leisure time
      PA) were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The prevalence of
      overweight/obesity was 21.9% for boys and 14.8% for girls. Some 13.4% of boys and
      10.2% of girls, respectively, had high blood pressure (HBP). A strong and
      positive association was found between overweight and HBP. After adjustment for
      body mass index (BMI), total PA was inversely associated with BP. When all PA
      domains were entered simultaneously in a regression model, and after adjustment
      for BMI, only sport out of school was significantly and inversely associated with
      systolic BP [beta: -0.82 (-1.50; -0.13)]. These findings open avenue for the
      early prevention of HBP by the prevention of obesity and promotion of PA.

PMID- 22092333
TI  - Hybrid carbon-based scaffolds for applications in soft tissue reconstruction.
AB  - Current biomedical scaffolds utilized in surgery to repair soft tissues commonly
      fail to meet the optimal combination of biomechanical and tissue regenerative
      properties. Carbon is a scaffold alternative that potentially optimizes the
      balance between mechanical strength, durability, and function as a cell and
      biologics delivery vehicle that is necessary to restore tissue function while
      promoting tissue repair. The goals of this study were to investigate the
      feasibility of fabricating hybrid fibrous carbon scaffolds modified with
      biopolymer, polycaprolactone and to analyze their mechanical properties and
      ability to support cell growth and proliferation. Environmental scanning electron
      microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and cell adhesion and cell proliferation
      studies were utilized to test scaffold suitability as a cell delivery vehicle.
      Mechanical properties were tested to examine load failure and elastic modulus.
      Results were compared to an acellular dermal matrix scaffold control
      (GraftJacket((r)) [GJ] Matrix), selected for its common use in surgery for the
      repair of soft tissues. Results indicated that carbon scaffolds exhibited similar
      mechanical maximums and capacity to support fibroblast adhesion and proliferation
      in comparison with GJ. Fibroblast adhesion and proliferation was collinear with
      carbon fiber orientation in regions of sparsely distributed fibers and occurred
      in clusters in regions of higher fiber density and low porosity. Overall,
      fibroblast adhesion and proliferation was greatest in lower porosity carbon
      scaffolds with highly aligned fibers. Stepwise multivariate regression showed
      that the variability in maximum load of carbon scaffolds and controls were
      dependent on unique and separate sets of parameters. These finding suggested that
      there were significant differences in the functional implications of scaffold
      design and material properties between carbon and dermis derived scaffolds that
      affect scaffold utility as a tissue replacement construct.

PMID- 22092335
TI  - Interannual dynamics of viriobenthos abundance and morphological diversity in
      Chesapeake Bay sediments.
AB  - Despite significant implications of viral activity in sediment ecosystems, there
      are limited data describing how sediment viral assemblages respond to broader
      ecosystem changes. To document this, the spatial and temporal dynamics of viral
      and bacterial abundance (BA) and changes in the morphological distribution of
      viruses were examined within three salinity regions over 2 years. Viral
      abundances (VA) ranged from 0.2 to 17 * 10(10) viruses mL(-1) sediment while
      direct bacterial counts ranged from 3.8 to 37 * 10(8) cells mL(-1) sediment.
      Peaks and valleys in the abundance of extracted viruses and bacteria from surface
      sediments occurred simultaneously, with lows in February 2004 and highs in April
      2003. Across all samples, viral and BA were positively correlated (P < 0.001).
      Vertical profiles showed a decrease in viral and BA with depth in sediments.
      Based on transmission electron microscopy results, viruses with diminutive
      capsids (20-50 nm) and from the Myoviridae and Podoviridae viral family types
      were dominant within surface sediments. The most morphologically diverse viral
      assemblages occurred in autumn samples from the sandy, polyhaline station and
      spring samples from the mesohaline station. Seasonal changes showed an average
      72% decrease in VA from spring to winter. These observations support the view
      that viriobenthos assemblages are responsive to seasonal environmental changes
      and that viral processes have significant implications for the biogeochemical
      processes mediated by bacterial communities within Bay sediments.

PMID- 22092336
TI  - Fluorescence imaging with multifunctional polyglycerol sulfates: novel polymeric
      near-IR probes targeting inflammation.
AB  - We present a highly selective approach for the targeting of inflammation with a
      multivalent polymeric probe. Dendritic polyglycerol was employed to synthesize a
      polyanionic macromolecular conjugate with a near-infrared fluorescent dye related
      to Indocyanine Green (ICG). On the basis of the dense assembly of sulfate groups
      which were generated from the polyol core, the resulting polyglycerol sulfate
      (molecular weight 12 kD with ~70 sulfate groups) targets factors of inflammation
      (IC(50) of 3-6 nM for inhibition of L-selectin binding) and is specifically
      transported into inflammatory cells. The in vivo accumulation studied by near-IR
      fluorescence imaging in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated fast
      and selective uptake which enabled the differentiation of diseased joints (score
      1-3) with a 3.5-fold higher fluorescence level and a signal maximum at 60 min
      post injection. Localization in tissues using fluorescence histology showed that
      the conjugates are deposited in the inflammatory infiltrate in the synovial
      membrane, whereas nonsulfated control was not detected in association with
      disease. Hence, this type of polymeric imaging probe is an alternative to current
      bioconjugates and provides future options for targeted imaging and drug delivery.

PMID- 22092338
TI  - Cutaneous myxoid solitary fibrous tumour.

PMID- 22092337
TI  - Mechanosensation and maximum bite force in edentulous patients rehabilitated with
      bimaxillary implant-supported fixed dental prostheses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare tactile sensitivity and maximum
      voluntary bite force (MBF) of edentulous patients with implant-supported fixed
      dental prostheses (IFDP/IFDPs) to those wearing complete dentures (CG-CC) and
      fully dentate subjects (CG-DD). METHODS: Seven edentulous subjects with
      IFDP/IFDPs, seven with CG-CC and seven CG-DD, matched for age and gender,
      participated in the pilot experiments. Three active tactile thresholds (absolute,
      50% and 100%) were evaluated by means of copper foils of decreasing thickness (12
      foils: 700-5 MUm). The passive thresholds were measured in six different sites
      per quadrant using a custom-made computer-supported strain gauge. MBF was
      evaluated electronically using the central-bearing point method. RESULTS: Active
      tactile thresholds were different between all three groups of dental state
      (Kruskal-Wallis: absolute P = 0.0156; 50% P = 0.0019; 100% P = 0.0059). The
      active tactile sensitivity with IFDP/IFDPs was between those of the two other
      groups, except for the 100% threshold. The median passive tactile threshold was
      higher in patients with IFDP/IFDPs (5.7 N) than in CG-CC (1.7 N) and CG-DD (0.5
      N) (Kruskal-Wallis P < 0.0005). MBF did not differ significantly between the
      dental states (ns). CONCLUSION: IFDP/IFDPs are a valuable treatment option for
      restoring edentulous patients. Limitations concerning their physiological
      integration into the orofacial system are mainly related to a poor passive rather
      than active tactile sensitivity or maximum bite force.

PMID- 22092339
TI  - Clinical and microbiological characteristics of peri-implantitis cases: a
      retrospective multicentre study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to follow patient cases retrospectively in
      a longitudinal manner from the time of implant placement to the time they were
      diagnosed with peri-implant disease, and to identify associated clinical and
      microbiological features of peri-implant disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total
      of 281 patient cases were chosen from the archives of the Oral Microbiological
      Diagnostic Laboratory, Gothenburg, Sweden, based on bacterial samples taken from
      diseased implants. A form was designed and filled in separately for each case
      including data on patient, implant and disease profile. RESULTS: Most cases were
      severe peri-implantitis cases (91.4%). In 41.3% of the patients, peri-implantitis
      was developed early, already after having implants in function less than 4 years.
      The type of implant surface was significantly associated with the time in years
      implants were in function, before disease was developed (P < 0.05). The
      microbiological results by both culture and checkerboard analysis, although
      failed to fully correspond to the severity of the disease in terms of magnitude,
      proved to show that peri-implantitis is a polymicrobial anaerobic infection with
      increased number of AGNB (aerobic Gram-negative bacilli) in 18.6% of the
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implantitis is a biological complication of implants
      in function that poses a threat to their long-term survival. It may develop
      earlier around implants with rough surfaces and it may represent a true
      infection. Microbiological sampling methods should be improved and uniformed so
      as to fully unveil the microbiological profile of the disease.

PMID- 22092340
TI  - Roles of siderophore in manganese-oxide reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
AB  - Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB), such as Shewanella oneidensis MR-1,
      are of great interest for their importance in the biogeochemical cycling of
      metals and utility in biotechnological processes, such as bioremediation and
      microbial fuel cells. To identify genes necessary for metal reduction, this study
      constructed a random transposon-insertion mutant library of MR-1 and screened it
      for isolating mutants that were deficient in metal reduction. Examination of
      approximately 5000 mutants on lactate minimal-medium plates containing MnO(2)
      resulted in the isolation of one mutant, strain N22-7, that showed a decreased
      MnO(2)-reduction activity. Determination of a transposon-insertion site in N22-7
      followed by deletion and complementation experiments revealed that the disruption
      of SO3030, a siderophore biosynthesis gene, was responsible for the decreased
      MnO(2)-reduction activity. In DeltaSO3030 cells, iron and cytochrome contents
      were decreased to approximately 50% of those in the wild-type cells, when they
      were incubated under MnO(2)-reduction conditions. In addition, the transcription
      of genes encoding outer-membrane cytochromes necessary for metal reduction was
      repressed in DeltaSO3030 under MnO(2)-reduction conditions, while their
      transcription was upregulated after supplementation of culture media with ferrous
      iron. These results suggest that siderophore is important for S. oneidensis MR-1
      to respire MnO(2), because iron availability influences the expression of
      cytochromes necessary for metal reduction.

PMID- 22092341
TI  - Osseointegration of dental implants installed without mechanical engagement: a
      histometric analysis in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the healing pattern of
      sand-blasted, large grid, acid-etched (SLA)-surfaced implants at two healing
      periods in a model that represents loosened implants (LIs) installed without
      mechanical engagement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five mongrel dogs were used, in
      which 20 dental implants were prepared. The implants were divided into two groups
      according to the absence or presence of initial mechanical engagement: LIs) and
      control, respectively. An oversized drill was used to prepare the implant area
      for the LI group. The implants were allowed to heal for 4 or 8 weeks. After the
      healing period, the experimental animals were sacrificed and block sections were
      obtained for histological analysis and histometric measurements. RESULTS: All
      implants were in intimate contact with the host bone and were without any
      inflammation after both 4 and 8 weeks of healing. While the mean amount of bone
      to-implant contact (BIC) was constant in the control group, it tended to increase
      in the LI group with increasing healing period. However, neither BIC nor bone
      density differed significantly between the groups or with the healing period.
      CONCLUSION: From the results of the study, it can be conjectured that the
      submerged and unloaded SLA-surfaced implants could result in successful
      osseointegration, even if the mechanical engagement was not obtained at placement
      of the implants.

PMID- 22092342
TI  - Accuracy of data entry of patient race/ethnicity/ancestry and preferred spoken
      language in an ambulatory care setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe data collection methods and to audit staff data entry of
      patient self-reported race/ethnicity/ancestry and preferred spoken language
      (R/E/A/L) information. DATA SOURCE/STUDY SETTING: Large mixed payer outpatient
      health care organization in Northern California, June 2009. STUDY DESIGN:
      Secondary analysis of an audit planned and executed by the Department of Clinical
      Services. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: We analyzed concordance between
      patient written responses and staff data entry. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The data
      entry accuracy rate across questions was high, ranging from 92 to 97 percent.
      Inaccuracies were due to human error (62 percent), flaws in system design (2
      percent), or some combination of both (35 percent). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights the high accuracy of patient self-reported R/E/A/L data entry and
      identifies some areas for improvement in staff training and technical system
      design to facilitate further progress.

PMID- 22092343
TI  - Noninvasive biosensor for cathepsin L in the stratum corneum.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective is to propose an on-site testing biosensor of cathepsin L
      (CatL) activity in the stratum corneum, which can be used for the evaluation of
      skin conditions noninvasively and easily. METHODS: The biosensor comprises of a
      disposable test strip and a desktop-sized reader (260 * 150 * 290 mm(3), 1.9 kg),
      incorporating a charge-coupled device image sensor (CCD) unit to measure the
      reflectance of the test strip. A novel immuno-chromatographic test strip was
      proposed for CatL analysis in the stratum corneum. In order to realize the test
      strip, a colloidal gold technique was selected as the molecular recognition
      method for the CatL. A human skin sample was collected noninvasively by adhesive
      tape stripping. RESULTS: Based on optimal assay conditions, the sensitivity of
      the biosensor was evaluated. It required 10 min from a sample dropping to appear
      the test line on the test strip. The optical density was proportion to the CatL.
      Bioanalytical validation indicated that, within the biosensor's detection limit
      (172.2 MUU/mL), its accuracy (R(2) = 0.94), and precision (CV = 15%) approach
      more elaborate laboratory-based analyzers. In addition, the truncated sampling
      reporting cycle (<15 min) allows speedy reporting of CatL levels. CONCLUSION: It
      was indicated that this noninvasive and easy-to use biosensor might be a novel
      tool for the semi-quantitative analysis of CatL in the stratum corneum.

PMID- 22092344
TI  - Teratoma composed of struma and seminoma arising from an undescended testis.

PMID- 22092345
TI  - Osseointegration--communication of cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The article provides the scientific documentation for the 3D animated
      film - "Osseointegration - Communication of cells". AIM: The aim of this article
      and of the film is to visualise the molecular and cellular events during the
      healing of an osseous wound after installation of a dental implant with special
      emphasis on the process of osseointegration. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: In this review
      article for didactic reasons the concept of the four phases of a healing soft
      tissue wound was transferred to a bone wound after insertion of a dental implant:
      haemostasis, inflammatory phase, proliferative phase and remodelling phase. Wound
      healing throughout these phases is the result of a coordinated action of
      different cell types which communicate with each other by their interaction using
      signalling molecules like cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and small
      molecules. A regular sequence of cell types controlled by adequate concentrations
      of signalling molecules results in undisturbed healing. Disturbed healing is
      associated with a continuation of the early inflammatory phase and the
      development of a toxic wound environment. The latter is characterized by high
      counts of polymorphnuclear cells, high concentrations of toxic radicals and
      proteolytic enzymes and low concentrations of growth factors and extracellular
      matrix molecules. Clinically the development of a toxic wound environment should
      be avoided, e.g. by antibacterial measures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
      Experiencing implant osseointegration as a biological process may provide the
      clinician new targets to improve the therapy with dental implants.

PMID- 22092346
TI  - Frequencies of blood types A, B, and AB in non-pedigree domestic cats in Beijing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frequencies of blood types A, B, and AB in domestic cats vary
      geographically and among breeds and have not been reported in China. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of this study was to survey the frequency of blood types in domestic
      cats in the Beijing area. METHODS: A total of 262 cats from the city of Beijing
      were blood-typed using a standard tube agglutination assay. All cats were
      nonpedigree domestic shorthaired and longhaired cats; purebred cats were
      excluded. Serum obtained from type-B cats and a lectin (Triticum vulgaris)
      solution served as anti-A and anti-B reagents, respectively. The presence of
      alloantibodies was also determined in some cats. RESULTS: The frequency of blood
      types was 88.2% type A, 11.4% type B, and 0.4% type AB. The tube assay resulted
      in 3+ to 4+ agglutination reactions with either the anti-A or anti-B reagents.
      The 1 type AB sample showed 3+ agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B
      reagents; the plasma of that sample did not react with either type-A or type-B
      RBCs. Tested type-B cats had strong anti-A antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency
      of blood type B in the Beijing area was relatively high and similar to that
      reported for other Asian countries and Australia. Blood-typing is recommended to
      match donors and recipients before transfusion therapy and planned matings to
      avoid hemolytic transfusion and neonatal isoerythrolysis reactions, respectively,
      due to blood-type incompatibility.

PMID- 22092347
TI  - Segmental Becker's nevi with mucosal involvement.
AB  - Becker's nevus otherwise known as Becker's pigmented hairy nevus, is a common
      melanotic epidermal hypermelanosis. It usually presents as a large unilateral
      patch of hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis on the shoulder, chest, or back of
      an adult man. It can be bilateral or multiple and affect areas other than the
      usual sites. We report a 16-year-old boy with two Becker's nevi on the left side
      of the face in a segmental distribution with extension onto the oral mucosa. This
      case is being reported for its rare presentation.

PMID- 22092348
TI  - Evidence for a curvilinear relationship between sympathetic nervous system
      activation and women's physiological sexual arousal.
AB  - There is increasing evidence that women's physiological sexual arousal is
      facilitated by moderate sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. Literature
      also suggests that the level of SNS activation may play a role in the degree to
      which SNS activity affects sexual arousal. We provide the first empirical
      examination of a possible curvilinear relationship between SNS activity and
      women's genital arousal using a direct measure of SNS activation in 52 sexually
      functional women. The relationship between heart rate variability (HRV), a
      specific and sensitive marker of SNS activation, and vaginal pulse amplitude
      (VPA), a measure of genital arousal, was analyzed. Moderate increases in SNS
      activity were associated with higher genital arousal, while very low or very high
      SNS activation was associated with lower genital arousal. These findings imply
      that there is an optimal level of SNS activation for women's physiological sexual
      arousal.

PMID- 22092349
TI  - An evidence-based guideline for unintended pregnancy prevention.
AB  - Despite the frequency of and significant costs related to unintended pregnancy,
      it has received less attention in research and prevention guidelines development
      than other important health threats. This lack of attention has resulted in a
      system-wide failure to provide care to reproductive aged women who are at risk of
      unintended pregnancy. An evidence-based blueprint for a coordinated system of
      primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention is proposed for health professionals
      who provide care for patients at risk for unintended pregnancy.

PMID- 22092350
TI  - Metabolic adaptation of human pathogenic and related nonpathogenic bacteria to
      extra- and intracellular habitats.
AB  - Most bacteria pathogenic for humans have closely related nonpathogenic
      counterparts that live as saprophytes, commensals or even symbionts (mutualists)
      in similar or different habitats. The knowledge of how these bacteria adapt their
      metabolism to the preferred habitats is critical for our understanding of
      pathogenesis, commensalism and symbiosis, and - in the case of bacterial
      pathogens - could help to identify targets for new antimicrobial agents. The
      focus of this review is on the metabolic potentials and adaptations of three
      different groups of human extra- and intracellular bacterial pathogens and their
      nonpathogenic relatives. All bacteria selected have the potential to reach the
      interior of mammalian host cells. However, their ability to replicate
      intracellularly differs significantly. The question therefore arises whether
      there are specific metabolic requirements that support stable intracellular
      replication. Furthermore, we discuss - whenever relevant data for the pathogenic
      representatives are available - the possible effect of the metabolism on the
      expression of virulence genes.

PMID- 22092351
TI  - Is PPARalpha intron 7 G/C polymorphism associated with muscle strength
      characteristics in nonathletic young men?
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), a ligand-dependent
      transcription factor, regulates fatty acid metabolism in heart and skeletal
      muscle. The intron 7 G/C polymorphism (rs4253778) has been associated with
      athletic performance. The rare C-allele was predominant in power athletes,
      whereas the G-allele was more frequent in endurance athletes. In the present
      study, we investigated the association between this polymorphism and strength
      characteristics in nonathletic, healthy young adults (n = 500; age 24.2 +/- 4.4
      years). Knee torque was measured during concentric knee flexion and extension
      movements at 60 degrees /s, 120 degrees /s, and 240 degrees /s during 3, 25, and
      5 repetitions, respectively. Also, resistance to muscle fatigue (i.e. work last
      20% repetitions/work first 20% repetitions *100) was calculated. Differences in
      knee strength phenotypes between GG homozygous individuals and C-allele carriers
      were analyzed. The polymorphism did not influence the ability to produce
      isometric or dynamic knee flexor or extensor peak torque during static or dynamic
      conditions in this population (0.23 < P < 0.95). Similar results were found for
      the endurance ratio, a measure for resistance to muscle fatigue. In conclusion,
      the PPARalpha intron 7 G/C polymorphism does not seem to influence strength
      characteristics in a nonathletic population. 

PMID- 22092352
TI  - The importance of bicarbonate and nonbicarbonate buffer systems in batch and
      continuous flow bioreactors for articular cartilage tissue engineering.
AB  - In cartilage tissue engineering an optimized culture system, maintaining an
      appropriate extracellular environment (e.g., pH of media), can increase cell
      proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. We have previously
      reported on a continuous-flow bioreactor that improves tissue growth by supplying
      the cells with a near infinite supply of medium. Previous studies have observed
      that acidic environments reduce ECM synthesis and chondrocyte proliferation.
      Hence, in this study we investigated the combined effects of a continuous culture
      system (bioreactor) together with additional buffering agents (e.g., sodium
      bicarbonate [NaHCO3]) on cartilaginous tissue growth in vitro. Isolated bovine
      chondrocytes were grown in three-dimensional cultures, either in static
      conditions or in a continuous-flow bioreactor, in media with or without NaHCO3.
      Tissue constructs cultivated in the bioreactor with NaHCO3-supplemented media
      were characterized with significantly increased (p<0.05) ECM accumulation
      (glycosaminoglycans a 98-fold increase; collagen a 25-fold increase) and a 13
      fold increase in cell proliferation, in comparison with static cultures.
      Additionally, constructs grown in the bioreactor with NaHCO3-supplemented media
      were significantly thicker than all other constructs (p<0.05). Further, the
      chondrocytes from the primary construct expanded and synthesized ECM, forming a
      secondary construct without a separate expansion phase, with a diameter and
      thickness of 4 mm and 0.72 mm respectively. Tissue outgrowth was negligible in
      all other culturing conditions. Thus this study demonstrates the advantage of
      employing a continuous flow bioreactor coupled with NaHCO3 supplemented media for
      articular cartilage tissue engineering.

PMID- 22092353
TI  - Structural and functional changes in the alveolar bone osteoclasts of estrogen
      treated rats.
AB  - This study investigated structural and functional features of apoptotic alveolar
      bone osteoclasts in estrogen-treated rats. For this purpose, 15 female rats 22
      days old were divided into three groups: Estrogen (EG), Sham (SG) and Control
      (CG). The rats of EG received daily intramuscular injection of estrogen for 7
      days. The SG received only the oil vehicle. Maxillary fragments containing
      alveolar bone were removed and processed for light and transmission electron
      microscopy. Area (OcA) and number of nuclei (OcN) and bone resorption surface per
      TRAP-positive osteoclasts (BS/OC) were obtained. Vimentin, caspase-3 and MMP-9
      immunoreactions, TUNEL/TRAP and MMP-9/TUNEL combined reactions were performed. In
      EG, the OcA, OcN and BS/Oc were reduced. Moreover, osteoclasts showed cytoplasm
      immunolabelled by caspase-3 and a different pattern of vimentin expression in
      comparison with CG and SG. MMP-9 expression was not affected by estrogen and the
      TUNEL-positive osteoclasts were MMP-9-immunolabelled. In EG, ultrastructural
      images showed that apoptotic osteoclasts did not exhibit ruffled borders or clear
      zones and were shedding mononucleated portions. TRAP-positive structures
      containing irregular and dense chromatin were partially surrounded by fibroblast
      like cells. In conclusion, the reduction in the BS/Oc may be due to reduction in
      OcA and OcN; these effects seem to be related to vimentin disarrangement rather
      than to an interference of estrogen with osteoclast MMP-9 expression. Osteoclast
      apoptosis involves caspase-3 activity and vimentin degradation; these cells
      release portions containing one apoptotic nucleus and, subsequently, undergo
      fragmentation, giving rise to apoptotic bodies.

PMID- 22092354
TI  - Designing a novel dental root analogue implant using cone beam computed
      tomography and CAD/CAM technology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study aim is to introduce a novel preemptively constructed dental
      root analogue implant (RAI) based on three-dimensional (3D) root surface models
      obtained from a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, computer aided
      designing and computer aided manufacturing technology. MATERIALS & METHODS: One
      partially edentulous mandibular human cadaver was scanned with the Accuitomo 170
      CBCT system. The scan volumes and datasets were used to create 3D surface models
      of the tooth. A 3D surface mesh of the tooth was stored as a standard
      triangulation language (STL) file. A high-end selective laser melting technology
      was used to fabricate the RAI from the STL file. The RAI was produced in a
      biocompatible titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Optical scanning technology was used to
      measure the RAI, as well as the natural tooth that was extracted. To validate the
      accuracy of the CBCT 3D root surface and the manufactured Titanium RAI, both
      surfaces were superimposed on the optical scan of the tooth, which served as the
      gold "reference" standard. RESULTS: The differences between the RAI and the
      optical scan of the original tooth are most noticeable at the level of the apex
      and the cementenamel junction areas on the buccal and lingual side (divergence of
      more than 0.15 mm). Surface area measurements show an overall decrease in surface
      area of 6.33% for the RAI in comparison with the original tooth and an increase
      of 0.27% when comparing the 3D surface model with optical scan of the original
      tooth. CONCLUSION: With the use of currently available technology it is very well
      feasible to preemptively create a custom RAI in titanium. However, clinical
      evidence evaluating the success of this novel dental implant approach is needed.

PMID- 22092356
TI  - An investigation of the practice activities and coaching behaviors of
      professional top-level youth soccer coaches.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the coaching behaviors of elite English
      youth soccer coaches in different practice settings and gain insight into the
      coaches' cognitive processes underpinning these behaviors. The practice setting
      was split into two types of activities, "training form" and "playing form," and
      behavioral data were collected using a modified version of the Coach Analysis and
      Intervention System. Interpretive interview data were triangulated with the
      behavioral data to ensure that both the "what" and the "why" of the coaches'
      behavior and practice were considered. The results showed the coaches using more
      "training form" activities than "playing form," and using high levels of
      prescriptive instruction, regardless of practice type, in contrast to a stated
      desire to "developing the whole player," creating "decision makers," and being a
      "facilitator of knowledge creation." The interviews revealed that the coaches had
      a low self-awareness about their behavior, with an epistemological gap identified
      between understanding and practice, with statements of intent not being matched
      by knowledge and action.

PMID- 22092355
TI  - Assessing factors underlying variation of CO2 emissions in boreal lakes vs.
      reservoirs.
AB  - Reservoirs and lakes were compared to test the hypothesis that they are similar
      with respect to factors driving the variation in CO(2)  emissions to the
      atmosphere. Understanding this variation is necessary for the assessment of the
      contribution of these freshwater ecosystems to the global carbon cycle. This
      study, in contrast to previous ones, included analyses of the relationships
      between CO(2)  emissions and microbial communities. Pooled data (lakes and
      reservoirs) showed that variations in CO(2)  emissions were strongly related to
      variations in temperature, dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality, and bacterial
      production (BP). Results also showed that lakes were characterized by higher
      water temperature, lower DOM quality, larger size of Daphnia, and enriched
      delta(13) C zooplankton compared to reservoirs. Moreover, interactions within
      plankton communities and relationships between CO(2)  emissions and zooplankton
      delta(13) C signatures differed in lakes vs. reservoirs, indicating among-system
      type differences in food web structure and carbon cycling. As a result of these
      ecosystem-type characteristics, CO(2)  emission variation was mainly explained by
      temperature and BP in lakes, and by DOM quality and the ratio of phytoplankton
      biomass to microheterotroph biomass in reservoirs. These results showed that
      differences in temperature and DOM quality between lakes and reservoirs translate
      into differences in microbial interactions and ultimately in the importance of
      factors driving CO(2)  emissions to the atmosphere. They indicated that
      considering microbial communities and environmental variables such as temperature
      and DOM quality can help improve our understanding of the variation in CO(2) 
      emissions from freshwater ecosystems.

PMID- 22092357
TI  - Low-dose transdermal buprenorphine - long-term use and co-medication with other
      potentially addictive drugs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recently, low-dose transdermal buprenorphine (LD-TD-BUP) was
      introduced for treatment of patients with chronic non-malignant pain. The primary
      aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who were prescribed
      LD-TD-BUP for non-malignant pain who became long-term users. The secondary aim
      was to determine the proportion of patients who co-medicated with other opioids
      or benzodiazepines during treatment with LD-TD-BUP. METHODS: Data were drawn from
      the Norwegian Prescription Database that covers all prescriptions dispensed at
      pharmacies to the entire Norwegian population (4.7 million inhabitants). The
      study population consisted of all patients who were dispensed at least one
      prescription of LD-TD-BUP from its introduction in November 2005 to 31 December
      2008. Patients who were dispensed more than 24 patches (>= 6 months) were defined
      as long-term users. Reimbursement codes were used to stratify patients as having
      cancer pain or non-malignant pain. RESULTS: Among new users of LD-TD-BUP for non
      malignant pain (n = 13,451), only 22% became long-term users, while 44% were only
      dispensed one prescription. Among long-term users who were opioid naive when LD
      TD-BUP was initiated, 43% co-medicated with other opioids or benzodiazepines,
      compared with 82% of those who previously had used opioids. CONCLUSION: Three
      years after introduction, 0.4% of the Norwegian population had been dispensed LD
      TD-BUP. Only one-fifth had become long-term users. Those who used opioids before
      the first dispension of LD-TD-BUP co-medicated with other potentially addictive
      drugs to a much higher degree compared with those who were opioid naive.

PMID- 22092358
TI  - Comparison of Bacteria and Archaea communities in municipal solid waste,
      individual refuse components, and leachate.
AB  - Refuse decomposition in landfills is a microbially mediated process that occurs
      primarily under anaerobic conditions. Because of limited moisture conditions,
      hydraulic transport as a means of cellular translocation within the landfill
      appears limited, especially during the initial stages of decomposition. Thus,
      microbial communities within the incoming refuse serve as a primary source of
      facultative and obligate anaerobic microorganisms that initiate refuse
      decomposition. Fresh residential refuse was collected five times over 26 months,
      and microbial communities in these samples were compared with those in individual
      refuse components and decomposed refuse. Bacterial and archaeal community
      structures were determined using T-RFLP. The Bacterial microbial community
      richness was correlated (r(2) = 0.91) with seasonal differences in ambient air
      temperature. Analysis of the results shows that fresh refuse is most likely not
      the source of methanogens in landfills. Microbial communities in the solid and
      leachate phases were different, indicating that both matrices must be considered
      when characterizing microbial diversity within a landfill.

PMID- 22092359
TI  - The influence of perforating the autogenous block bone and the recipient bed in
      dogs. Part II: histologic analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study histologically evaluated the influence of cortical
      perforation of grafted autogenous block bone (ABB) and/or the recipient bed at
      different healing periods in dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four ABBs harvested from
      the posterior mandible were bilaterally fixed onto the maxillary premolar region
      in five mongrel dogs. The experiments involved four groups according to the
      perforation site: the ABB and/or the recipient bed. The animals were killed at 1,
      4, and 10 days (early healing periods) and 4 and 8 weeks (late healing periods)
      postoperatively. Specimens were prepared for histological evaluation. RESULTS: In
      the perforated ABB groups, blood clots had reached the inner surface of the ABB
      through a surgically prepared pathway, indicating that revascularization had
      taken place earlier than in the solid ABB groups. Finger-like bony projections
      into the graft were observed at the interfaces between the ABB and the recipient
      bed at the fourth week in all four groups. The remodeling process was observed
      over the entire ABB in the perforated ABB groups, whereas in the solid ABB groups
      it occurred only at the interface, and the ABB maintained its original lamella
      structure with more osteoclastic activity. Interestingly, in the perforated ABB
      groups, additional new bone with a smooth margin was formed above the block
      bone's original border. CONCLUSION: It was conjectured that intentional cortical
      perforation of the recipient bed and the ABB might enhance the initial
      angiogenesis and the integration of the graft.

PMID- 22092360
TI  - The potential effects of cholecalciferol on bone regeneration in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the potential effects
      of the systemically delivered combination of calcium supplementation and
      cholecalciferol and of the locally applied biphasic calcium alloplast on the
      surgically produced alveolar sockets at the early healing stage in a dog model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandibular pre-molars of nine Beagle dogs were
      extracted first. Three months later, four standardized sockets with a 4 mm in
      diameter and 6 mm deep cylinder were created bilaterally at healed extraction
      sites. The sockets on one side were grafted with biphasic calcium phosphate
      alloplast, whereas the defects on the other side were left un-grafted. The dogs
      were then randomly divided into two groups; five dogs received oral calcium and
      cholecalciferol combination (Vit.D/Ca) and were assigned to the test group
      (Vit.D/Ca Group). The other four dogs without Vit.D/Ca supplement were
      distributed to the control group (Non-Vit.D/Ca Group). The bone density (Density)
      and the implant stability quotient (ISQ) at prepared sites were measured 4 weeks
      later. The drawn bone cores were examined by a histomorphometric analysis for
      measurement of new bone formation (NBF). The amount of vertical ridge resorption
      (VRR) was evaluated. RESULTS: The Vit.D/Ca-treated subjects revealed
      significantly more NBF (P < 0.05), higher bone density (P < 0.05) and
      significantly less vertical ridge reduction (P < 0.05) in the healing sockets
      than those without Vit.D/Ca treatment. The non-grafted sockets demonstrated
      significantly more NBF (P < 0.05), higher bone density (P < 0.05), better ISQ
      value (P < 0.05) and more vertical ridge reduction (P < 0.05) than those in the
      grafted sockets. There was no significant difference between the serum data
      determined before and 4 weeks after experiment in Vit.D/Ca Group or Non-Vit.D/Ca
      Group. However, the changed value (post-op vs. pre-op) between the two groups was
      significant in the serum level of phosphate and parathyroid hormone (P = 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that the examined calcium
      phosphate alloplast may perform a function in alveolar ridge preservation while
      reducing the potential of NBF potential in the healing extraction socket. Also,
      the combination of calcium supplementation and cholecalciferol may have systemic
      effects on accelerating bone regeneration.

PMID- 22092361
TI  - Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis: comment.

PMID- 22092362
TI  - A new DNA extraction method by controlled alkaline treatments from consolidated
      subsurface sediments.
AB  - Microbial communities that thrive in subterranean consolidated sediments are
      largely unknown owing to the difficulty of extracting DNA. As this difficulty is
      often attributed to DNA binding onto the silica-bearing sediment matrix, we
      developed a DNA extraction method for consolidated sediment from the deep
      subsurface in which silica minerals were dissolved by being heated under alkaline
      conditions. NaOH concentrations (0.07 and 0.33 N), incubation temperatures (65
      and 94  degrees C) and incubation times (30-90 min) before neutralization were
      evaluated based on the copy number of extracted prokaryotic DNA. Prokaryotic DNA
      was detected by quantitative PCR analysis after heating the sediment sample at 94
      degrees C in 0.33 N NaOH solution for 50-80 min. Results of 16S rRNA gene
      sequence analysis of the extracted DNA were all consistent with regard to the
      dominant occurrence of the metallophilic bacterium, Cupriavidus metallidurans,
      and Pseudomonas spp. Mineralogical analysis revealed that the dissolution of a
      silica mineral (opal-CT) during alkaline treatment was maximized at 94  degrees C
      in 0.33 N NaOH solution for 50 min, which may have resulted in the release of DNA
      into solution. Because the optimized protocol for DNA extraction is applicable to
      subterranean consolidated sediments from a different locality, the method
      developed here has the potential to expand our understanding of the microbial
      community structure of the deep biosphere.

PMID- 22092363
TI  - Single-tooth Morse taper connection implants placed in fresh extraction sockets
      of the anterior maxilla: an aesthetic evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the aesthetic
      outcome of single-tooth Morse taper connection implants placed in fresh
      extraction sockets of the anterior maxilla, by means of the pink aesthetic/white
      aesthetic score (PES/WES) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six adult patients
      (18 men, 8 women, aged between 20 and 62 years; average: 48.7 years) who were
      treated with an immediate, single-tooth Morse taper connection implant (Leone
      Implant System(R) , Florence, Italy) in the aesthetic area of the anterior
      maxilla, were enrolled in this retrospective study. An independent calibrated
      examiner applied the PES/WES index to 26 single-tooth implant-supported
      restorations, respectively, 3 months and 2 years after implant placement.
      RESULTS: No implants were lost. All 26 anterior maxillary single-tooth implants
      fulfilled the established success criteria for dental implants with regard to
      osseointegration, including the absence of pain, suppuration, clinically
      detectable implant mobility, peri-implant radiolucency and prosthetic
      complications at the implant-abutment interface, with an overall implant-crown
      success of 100.0%. At the 2-year examination, the mean DIB was 0.44 +/- 0.14 mm
      (95% CI: 0.41-0.47); the mean total PES/WES was 14.30 +/- 2.78 (range 8-19); the
      mean PES was 7.30 +/- 1.78 (range 4-10) and the mean WES was 7.00 +/- 1.35 (range
      4-10). CONCLUSIONS: The immediate placement of single-tooth Morse taper
      connection implants in the anterior maxilla seems to represent a successful
      procedure, from an aesthetic point of view. Further studies are needed to
      evaluate the aesthetic outcome of single-tooth Morse taper connection implants
      placed in fresh extraction sockets of the anterior maxilla.

PMID- 22092364
TI  - Two-dimensional dielectric imaging for dermatologic screening: a feasibility
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The diagnosis of skin neoplasia can be very challenging,
      given the low sensitivity and specificity of traditional methods of diagnosis
      which are based on visual appearance. Techniques which are based on the
      dielectric properties of cells can improve the diagnostic accuracy of screening
      techniques; as an example, point-contact coaxial probes for dielectric
      measurement can improve diagnostic accuracy. Unfortunately, these probes are not
      well suited for two-dimensional spatial imaging of the skin surface, given that
      they must be manually scanned over the skin surface. METHODS/RESULTS: An
      electronic scanning probe was developed and fabricated to simulate an open-ended
      coaxial probe suitable for two-dimensional dielectric imaging of human skin in
      real time. A clinical study was undertaken to demonstrate proof-of-concept for
      the instrumentation. A select group of normal healthy subjects as well as a
      subject with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma participated in this study. The
      electronic scanning probe was found to be a potentially useful tool for providing
      two-dimensional images from diseased skin. CONCLUSION: The electronic scanning
      probe used for the present study addresses existing limitations with current
      coaxial probes. Measurements of healthy and diseased areas of skin are provided
      to illustrate the feasibility of the approach.

PMID- 22092365
TI  - Lymphopenia in patients with chronic idiopathic neutropenia is associated with
      decreased number of T-lymphocytes containing T-cell receptor excision circles.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) is a disorder of granulopoiesis
      characterized by the presence of activated T-lymphocytes that induce/sustain
      apoptosis of bone marrow (BM) granulocytic progenitors. T-cell lymphopenia is
      commonly found in CIN. The aim of the study is to probe the mechanisms underlying
      T-cell lymphopenia in CIN. METHODS: We investigated parameters of T-cell
      homeostasis namely the proliferation/apoptotic rate of naive and memory T cells,
      the T-cell senescence by telomere measurement, the recent thymic T-cell
      production through quantification of T-cell receptor rearrangement excision
      circles (TRECs), and the production of interleukin (IL)-7. RESULTS: Patients with
      CIN (n = 44) displayed lower proportion of naive CD45RA(+) cells within the
      CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells compared with controls (n = 15). The proportion of
      apoptotic cells within the CD8(+) fraction was higher in patients compared with
      controls and was correlated with the percentage of Ki-67(+) cells, indicating an
      activation-induced accelerated CD8(+) cell death. The TREC content of CD4(+) and
      CD8(+) cells was lower in patients compared with controls and was correlated with
      the proportion of CD45RA(+) CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells and with the levels of serum
      and BM IL-7, which were significantly decreased in the patients. The mean
      relative telomere length of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells was significantly lower in
      patients with CIN compared with age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: The aberrant T
      cell expansions associated with the pathogenesis of CIN result in increased
      proliferation/apoptosis and possibly exhaustion of peripheral blood T cells
      which, in association with the inadequate compensatory thymic export of new TREC
      expressing T cells partially because of IL-7 deficiency, may contribute to
      lymphopenia in CIN.

PMID- 22092367
TI  - Accuracy of professional sports drafts in predicting career potential.
AB  - The forecasting of talented players is a crucial aspect of building a successful
      sports franchise and professional sports invest significant resources in making
      player choices in sport drafts. The current study examined the relationship
      between career performance (i.e. games played) and draft round for the National
      Football League, National Hockey League, National Basketball League, and Major
      League Baseball for players drafted from 1980 to 1989 (n = 4874) against the
      assumption of a linear relationship between performance and draft round (i.e.
      that players with the most potential will be selected before players of lower
      potential). A two-step analysis revealed significant differences in games played
      across draft rounds (step 1) and a significant negative relationship between
      draft round and games played (step 2); however, the amount of variance accounted
      for was relatively low (less than 17%). Results highlight the challenges of
      accurately evaluating amateur talent.

PMID- 22092366
TI  - Nursing home price and quality responses to publicly reported quality
      information.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the release of Nursing Home Compare (NHC) data
      affected self-pay per diem prices and quality of care. DATA SOURCES: Primary data
      sources are the Annual Survey of Wisconsin Nursing Homes for 2001-2003, Online
      Survey and Certification Reporting System, NHC, and Area Resource File. STUDY
      DESIGN: We estimated fixed effects models with robust standard errors of per diem
      self-pay charge and quality before and after NHC. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: After NHC,
      low-quality nursing homes raised their prices by a small but significant amount
      and decreased their use of restraints but did not reduce pressure sores. Mid
      level and high-quality nursing homes did not significantly increase self-pay
      prices after NHC nor consistently change quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest that the release of quality information affected nursing home behavior,
      especially pricing and quality decisions among low-quality facilities. Policy
      makers should continue to monitor quality and prices for self-pay residents and
      scrutinize low-quality homes over time to see whether they are on a pathway to
      improve quality. In addition, policy makers should not expect public reporting to
      result in quick fixes to nursing home quality problems.

PMID- 22092368
TI  - Response of human bone marrow stromal cells, MG-63, and SaOS-2 to titanium-based
      dental implant surfaces with different topography and surface energy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Osseointegration is dependent on different parameters of the implant
      surface like surface roughness and physicochemical properties. In vitro studies
      using a wide variety of surface parameters and cell lines make it difficult to
      address the influence of a single parameter. With this study the influence of
      surface topography and energy on different osteoblast derived cell lines, namely
      MG-63 and SaOS-2 and of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) were investigated.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells were cultured on polished (POL) and sandblasted/hot
      acid etched (SBA) titanium surfaces which were partly alkaline treated (SBA
      NaOH). Cell morphology, metabolic activity, tissue non-specific alkaline
      phosphatase (TNAP) activity and prostaglandin E(2)  (PGE(2) ) formation were
      determined. RESULTS: Impaired spreading was found on both SBA surfaces.
      Proliferation after 4 and 7 days increased on POL compared to both SBA surfaces.
      TNAP activity of hMSC and MG-63 was increased on POL compared to both SBA
      surfaces whereas SaOS-2 did not discriminate between the three surfaces. PGE(2) 
      formation of hMSC and MG-63 was on both SBA surfaces after 2 days significantly
      higher than on POL. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that surface
      roughness has a distinct influence on proliferation and differentiation of
      osteoblasts. However, variations in physicochemical properties seem to have
      little influence under the used experimental conditions. It is suggested that
      more sever and long-lasting modifications of surface chemistry would have an
      influence on osteoblastic cells.

PMID- 22092369
TI  - Performance evaluation of the Sysmex pocH-100iV Diff hematology analyzer for
      analysis of canine, feline, equine, and bovine blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Sysmex pocH-100iV Diff is an impedance hematology analyzer
      recently introduced for point-of-care use in veterinary practices in Europe.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to validate the pocH-100iV Diff for
      analysis of blood samples from dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. METHODS: Fresh
      EDTA-blood samples from healthy and ill dogs (115), cats (94), horses (91), and
      cattle (78) were analyzed on the pocH-100iV Diff and the Cell-Dyn 3500. Results
      of the automated WBC differential counts were compared with the manual
      differential counts for 77 dogs, 65 cats, 40 horses, and 46 cattle. HCT were
      compared with PCVs obtained by microhematocrit centrifugation. Furthermore,
      precision, linearity, carry-over, cell aging, and clinical relevance of the pocH
      100iV Diff results were assessed. RESULTS: Most of the CBC results obtained by
      the pocH-100iV Diff correlated well with those of the Cell-Dyn 3500. Slightly low
      correlation was observed for canine MCV and hemoglobin concentration. Lymphocytes
      correlated well in horses and cattle, but less well in cats and dogs. The mixed
      cell population termed "OTHRS" (all granulocytes and monocytes for horses and
      cattle; neutrophils, monocytes, and basophils for cats and dogs) correlated well
      in all tested species. The instrument overestimated feline and canine
      eosinophils. In cats, platelet counts showed a strong negative bias. CONCLUSIONS:
      The overall performance of the pocH-100iV Diff was excellent with the noted
      limitations. The automated differential count can be used as screening tool in
      conjunction with evaluation of a blood smear.

PMID- 22092370
TI  - Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy.
AB  - Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is an uncommon lesion with
      remarkably consistent histopathologic features that arises primarily in the
      pediatric population. We describe a MNTI arising in the anterior maxilla of a 6
      month-old boy.

PMID- 22092371
TI  - Editorial Comment to Active surveillance criteria for prostate cancer: can they
      be applied to Japanese patients?

PMID- 22092372
TI  - Pathogenesis in tuberculosis: transcriptomic approaches to unraveling virulence
      mechanisms and finding new drug targets.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem worldwide. Attempts to control
      this disease have proved difficult owing to our poor understanding of the
      pathobiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the emergence of strains that are
      resistant to multiple drugs currently available for treatment. Genome-wide
      expression profiling has provided new insight into the transcriptome signatures
      of the bacterium during infection, notably of macrophages and dendritic cells.
      These data indicate that M. tuberculosis expresses numerous genes to evade the
      host immune responses, to suit its intracellular life style, and to respond to
      various antibiotic drugs. Among the intracellularly induced genes, several have
      functions in lipid metabolism, cell wall synthesis, iron uptake, oxidative stress
      resistance, protein secretion, or inhibition of apoptosis. Herein we review these
      findings and discuss possible ways to exploit the data to understand the complex
      etiology of TB and to find new effective drug targets.

PMID- 22092373
TI  - Social cognitive and clinical factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation
      among urban, economically disadvantaged women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To learn more about human papilloma virus (HPV) knowledge and
      vaccination among teens and young women age 13 to 26 years from an economically
      disadvantaged, urban community. Our aim was to identify common beliefs about HPV
      vaccine initiation and describe the relationship between attitudes, norms,
      perceived control, and intention to receive HPV vaccine, drawing from the theory
      of planned behavior (TPB). DESIGN: Mixed method, descriptive design. Guided by
      the TPB, HPV vaccine beliefs were assessed through focus groups. Intention to
      receive the vaccine, demographic and clinical factors, and theoretical predictor
      variables (attitudes, norms, and control) were assessed through questionnaires.
      SETTING: After recruitment, focus groups were held at a convenient date and time
      for our participants in a small university conference room. PARTICIPANTS:
      Participants were economically disadvantaged young women, age 13 to 26 (N = 34).
      METHODS: Specific behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were elicited in
      focus groups and analyzed using content analysis. Simple and multivariate general
      linear modeling with adjustment for prognostic demographic and clinical factors
      was completed to assess the influence of the theoretical predictor variables on
      the outcome of HPV vaccine initiation. RESULTS: Influential beliefs toward
      vaccination were identified. Analysis indicated attitudes, norms, and perceived
      control toward HPV vaccine initiation were highly significant predictors of
      intent, as was tobacco use; all p's < .001. CONCLUSION: Barriers to HPV vaccine
      initiation were identified, and strong preliminary evidence supports use of the
      TPB to guide programs to promote urban, economically disadvantaged young women's
      intent to begin the HPV vaccine.

PMID- 22092374
TI  - Defined electrical stimulation emphasizing excitability for the development and
      testing of engineered skeletal muscle.
AB  - Electrical stimulation is required for the maturation of skeletal muscle and as a
      way to nondestructively monitor muscle development. However, the wrong
      stimulation parameters can result in electrochemical damage that impairs muscle
      development/regeneration. The goal of the current study was to determine what
      aspect of an electrical impulse, specifically the pulse amplitude or pulse width,
      was detrimental to engineered muscle function and subsequently how engineered
      muscle responded to continuous electrical stimulation for 24 h. Acute stimulation
      at a pulse amplitude greater than six-times rheobase resulted in a 2.4-fold
      increase in the half-relaxation time (32.3+/-0.49 ms vs. 77.4+/-4.35 ms; p<0.05)
      and a 1.59-fold increase in fatigability (38.2%+/-3.61% vs. 60.6%+/-4.52%;
      p<0.05). No negative effects were observed when the pulse energy was increased by
      lengthening the pulse width, indicating electrochemical damage was due to
      electric fields at or above six-times rheobase. Continuous stimulation for 24 h
      at electric fields greater than 0.5 V/mm consistently resulted in ~2.5-fold
      increase in force (0.30+/-0.04 kN/m2 vs. 0.67+/-0.06 kN/m2; p<0.05). Forty per
      cent of this increase in force was dependent on the mammalian target of rapamycin
      (RAP) complex 1 (mTORC1), as RAP prevented this portion of the increase in force
      (CON=0.30+/-0.04 kN/m2 to 0.67+/-0.06 kN/m2 compared with RAP=0.21+/-0.01 kN/m2
      to 0.37+/-0.04 kN/m2; p<0.05). Since there was no increase in myosin heavy chain,
      the remaining increase in force over the 24 h of stimulation is likely due to
      cytoskeletal rearrangement. These data indicate that electrochemical damage
      occurs in muscle at a voltage field greater than six-times rheobase and therefore
      optimal muscle stimulation should be performed using lower electric fields (two-
      to four-times rheobase).

PMID- 22092375
TI  - The effect of surrounding conditions on pixel value of cone beam computed
      tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of pixel
      value in CBCT, especially with regard to the effect of surrounding objects that
      are presented outside the field of view (FOV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      experiment used the GE Hi-Speed QXi, a multidetector helical computed tomography
      (MDCT) scanner, and the 3D Accuitomo FPD 8, a cone beam computed tomography
      (CBCT) scanner. Two types of phantoms were used, both of which contained Lipiodol
      Ultra Fluid (Lipiodol UF). The type A phantom was a target phantom for pixel
      value measurement while type B was used for the surrounding environment. For
      CBCT, the type A phantom was placed in a water bath, and 4 types of surrounding
      environmental conditions were created: (1) no other phantom present, (2) phantom
      type B also within the FOV, (3) half of phantom type B within the FOV, (4)
      phantom type B entirely outside the FOV but within the path of x-rays aimed at
      phantom A. RESULTS: In MDCT, pixel value (CT number) showed an almost linear
      correlation with the concentration of Lipiodol UF. In CBCT, on the other hand,
      pixel value was not linearly correlated with Lipiodol UF concentration. The
      position of the type B phantom affected pixel values in images of the type A
      phantom. CONCLUSIONS: Pixel value in CBCT may be affected by various conditions
      such as beam hardening and surrounding materials, and is therefore not reliable.
      Caution is essential when pixel values in CBCT are used to estimate bone density
      at potential implant sites.

PMID- 22092376
TI  - Selective down-regulation of Th2 cell-mediated airway inflammation in mice by
      pharmacological intervention of CCR4.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The chemokine receptor CCR4 has been implicated in Th2 cell-mediated
      immune responses. However, other T cell subsets are also known to participate in
      allergic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The role of CCR4 in Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell
      mediated allergic airway inflammation was investigated. METHOD: We generated an
      allergic airway inflammation model by adoptive transfer of in vitro-polarized
      ovalbumin (OVA)-specific Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells. The effect of a low-molecular
      weight CCR4 antagonist, Compound 22, on this model was examined. RESULTS: Upon in
      vitro polarization of DO11.10 naive T cells, Th1- and Th2-polarized cells
      dominantly expressed CXCR3 and CCR4, respectively, while Th17-polarized cells
      expressed CCR6 and CCR4. Intranasal OVA-challenge of mice transferred with each T
      cell subset induced accumulation of T cells in the lungs. Eosinophils were also
      massively accumulated in Th2-transferred mice, whereas neutrophils were
      preferentially recruited in Th1- and Th17-transferred mice. Compound 22, as well
      as anti-CCL17 or anti-CCL22 antibody selectively suppressed accumulation of Th2
      cells and eosinophils in the lungs of Th2-transferred and OVA-challenged mice.
      Compound 22 also inhibited bronchial hyperresponsiveness but had little effect on
      goblet cell hyperplasia in Th2-transferred and OVA-challenged mice. CONCLUSIONS
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There were notable differences in allergic lung
      inflammation mediated by different T cell subsets. CCR4 blockage was selectively
      effective for suppression of Th2-mediated allergic inflammation by blocking
      infiltration of Th2 cells.

PMID- 22092378
TI  - The effect of ageing and fitness on thermoregulatory response to high-intensity
      exercise.
AB  - There are conflicting reports as to whether ageing causes a decreased
      thermoregulatory response, or if observed differences in previous studies are
      related to maximal aerobic capacity or training status. This study hypothesized
      that thermoregulatory response to severe exercise-heat stress is maintained with
      ageing when both young and older subjects are well trained. Seven older highly
      trained (OHT = 51-63 years) cyclists were matched with two groups of young
      cyclists (19-35 years); one group matched for training status [young highly
      trained (YHT) participants, n = 7] and another for V  O 2 max [young moderately
      trained (YMT), n = 7]. Each participant exercised at 70% V  O 2 max in hot (35
      degrees C, 40% relative humidity) and thermoneutral (20 degrees C, 40% relative
      humidity) conditions for 60 min. Final rectal temperature in the thermoneutral
      and heat (YHT = 39.13 +/- 0.33 degrees C, YMT = 39.11 +/- 0.38 degrees C, OHT =
      39.11 +/- 0.51 degrees C) tests were similar between all three groups. %HR(max) 
      (heat test: YHT = 92.5 +/- 6.0%, YMT = 91.6 +/- 4.4%, OHT = 88.6 +/- 5.1%), skin
      temperature, and cutaneous vascular conductance during cycling in both
      environments were similar between groups. Lower sweat loss and evaporative heat
      loss in the heat test in the OHT and YMT groups when compared with the YHT group
      reflected lower metabolic heat production. The findings of the present study
      suggest that thermoregulatory response is maintained with age among highly
      trained subjects.

PMID- 22092377
TI  - Comparative histological results of different biomaterials used in sinus
      augmentation procedures: a human study at 6 months.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Various grafts or combination of graft materials have been used in
      sinus floor augmentations, and human histological reports on their performance
      are available, although limited in number. Histological analysis of the
      regenerated tissues will provide useful information regarding the nature and
      amount of newly formed bone. Aim of the present study was a histological and
      histomorphometric evaluation, in humans, of specimens retrieved from sinuses
      augmented with phycogene hydroxyapatite, biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics,
      calcium carbonate, porcine bone and anorganic bovine bone, after a healing period
      of 6 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients, undergoing 30 sinus
      augmentation procedures with five different biomaterials, participated in this
      study. A total of 82 titanium dental implants were inserted in the augmented
      sinuses after a healing period of 6 months. A total of 60 bone cores, 2 for each
      augmented sinus, 12 for every biomaterial, were retrieved and all were stored
      immediately in 10% buffered formalin and processed to obtain thin ground
      sections. RESULTS: In all biomaterials, many grafted particles were lined and,
      sometimes, bridged by newly formed bone. Some biomaterials particles appeared to
      be partially resorbed and substituted by newly formed bone. Histomorphometry
      showed that, in all biomaterials, newly formed bone and residual grafted material
      particles represented about 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Longer term histological and
      histomorphometric studies will be necessary to understand better the resorption
      times of all these biomaterials. The high interconnecting microporosity allowed,
      in all the present biomaterials, the ingrowth of newly formed bone and vessels in
      the pores of the partially resorbed particles. In conclusion, within the
      limitations of the present study, the data provided support the fact that all
      these biomaterials can be used, successfully, in sinus augmentation procedures.

PMID- 22092379
TI  - Similarity and difference among rainforest fruit-feeding butterfly communities in
      Central and South America.
AB  - 1. Documenting species abundance distributions in natural environments is
      critical to ecology and conservation biology. Tropical forest insect faunas vary
      in space and time, and these partitions can differ in their contribution to
      overall species diversity. 2. In the Neotropics, the Central American butterfly
      fauna is best known in terms of general natural history, but butterfly community
      diversity is best documented by studies on South American fruit-feeding
      butterflies. Here, we present the first long-term study of fruit-feeding
      nymphalid species diversity from Central America and provide a unique comparison
      between Central and South American butterfly communities. 3. This study used 60
      months of sampling among multiple spatial and temporal partitions to assess
      species diversity in a Costa Rican rainforest butterfly community. Abundance
      distributions varied significantly at the species and higher taxonomic group
      levels, and canopy and understorey samples were found to be composed of distinct
      species assemblages. 4. Strong similarities in patterns of species diversity were
      found between this study and one from Ecuador; yet, there was an important
      difference in how species richness was distributed in vertical space. In contrast
      to the Ecuadorian site, Costa Rica had significantly higher canopy richness and
      lower understorey richness. 5. This study affirms that long-term sampling is
      vital to understanding tropical insect species abundance distributions and points
      to potential differences in vertical structure among Central and South American
      forest insect communities that need to be explored.

PMID- 22092380
TI  - Clinical efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix in augmenting keratinized
      mucosa around implants: a randomized controlled prospective clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this controlled randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the
      efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) to augment the keratinized tissue
      around implants supporting prosthetic restorations at 6 months when compared with
      the standard treatment, the connective tissue autograft, CTG). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This randomized longitudinal parallel controlled clinical trial studied
      24 patients with at least one location with minimal keratinized tissue (<=1 mm).
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The 6-month width of keratinized tissue. As secondary
      outcomes the esthetic outlook, the maintenance of peri-implant mucosal health and
      the patient morbidity were assessed pre-operatively and 1, 3, and 6 months post
      operatively. RESULTS: At 6 months, Group CTG attained a mean width of keratinized
      tissue of 2.75 (1.5) mm, while the corresponding figure in Group CM was 2.8 (0.4)
      mm, the inter-group differences not being statistically significant. The surgical
      procedure in both groups did not alter significantly the mucosal health in the
      affected abutments. There was a similar esthetic result and significant increase
      in the vestibular depth in both groups as a result of the surgery. In the CM
      group it changed from 2.2 (3.3) to 5.1 (2.5) mm at 6 months. The patients treated
      with the CM referred less pain, needed less pain medication, and the surgical
      time was shorter, although these differences were not statistically significant
      when compared with the CTG group. CONCLUSIONS: These results prove that this new
      CM was as effective and predictable as the CTG for attaining a band of
      keratinized tissue.

PMID- 22092382
TI  - A novel multiplex PCR/RFLP assay for the identification of Streptococcus
      bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex members from dairy microbial communities
      based on the 16S rRNA gene.
AB  - The Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC) comprises
      pathogenic species associated with different degrees with human infections but
      also spontaneously fermented dairy products. We aimed therefore at developing a
      specific identification assay for the SBSEC targeting the 16S rRNA gene
      comprising a multiplex PCR followed by a differentiating restriction fragment
      length polymorphisms (RFLP). The multiplex PCR assay was positively applied on
      200 SBSEC isolates including reference strains. The assay did not yield false
      positive amplifications with strains of closely related bacteria and isolates of
      non-SBSEC streptococci, lactococci, enterococci, and other genera of dairy
      origin. The downstream RFLP using MseI and XbaI enabled further discrimination of
      Streptococcus infantarius/S. bovis (biotype II.1) from Streptococcus gallolyticus
      (biotype I and II.2)/Streptococcus alactolyticus and S. equinus. Furthermore, the
      newly developed primers can be used directly for Sanger sequencing. Conclusively,
      this novel PCR/RFLP assay is applicable in the complex dairy microbial
      communities and provides an important tool to assess the prevalence of members of
      the SBSEC in dairy products.

PMID- 22092381
TI  - Bacterial diversity in three distinct sub-habitats within the pitchers of the
      northern pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea.
AB  - Pitcher plants have been widely used in ecological studies of food webs; however,
      their bacterial communities are poorly characterized. Pitchers of Sarracenia
      purpurea contain several distinct sub-habitats, namely the bottom sediment, the
      liquid, and the internal pitcher wall. We hypothesized that those three sub
      habitats within pitcher plants are inhabited by distinct bacterial populations.
      We used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to
      characterize bacterial populations in pitchers from three bogs. DGGE and
      sequencing revealed that in any given pitcher, the three sub-habitats contain
      significantly different bacterial populations. However, there was significant
      variability between bacterial populations inhabiting the same type of habitat in
      different pitchers, even at the same site. Therefore, no consistent set of
      bacterial populations was enriched in any of the three sub-habitats. All sub
      habitats appeared to be dominated by alpha- and betaproteobacteria in differing
      proportions. In addition, sequences from the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were
      obtained from all three sub-habitats. We conclude that container aquatic habitats
      such as the pitchers of S. purpurea possess a very high bacterial diversity, with
      many unique bacterial populations enriched in individual pitchers. Within an
      individual pitcher, populations of certain bacterial families may be enriched in
      one of the three studied sub-habitats.

PMID- 22092386
TI  - Probing fibril dissolution of the repeat domain of a functional amyloid, Pmel17,
      on the microscopic and residue level.
AB  - Pmel17 is a human amyloid involved in melanin synthesis. A fragment of Pmel17,
      the repeat domain (RPT) rich in glutamic acids, forms amyloid only at mildly
      acidic pH. Unlike pathological amyloids, these fibrils dissolve at neutral pH,
      supporting a reversible aggregation-disaggregation process. Here, we study RPT
      dissolution using atomic force microscopy and solution-state nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy. Our results reveal asymmetric fibril disassembly
      proceeding in the absence of intermediates. We suggest that fibril unfolding
      involves multiple deprotonation events resulting in electrostatic charge
      repulsion and filament dissolution.

PMID- 22092387
TI  - Quantitative biomechanical analysis of the influence of the cortical bone and
      implant length on primary stability.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of cortical bone and
      increasing implant fixture length on primary stability. Further investigation
      considered the correlation between the presence of cortical bone at the marginal
      bone and implant stability measured by insertion torque (IT) and resonance
      frequency analysis (RFA), as well as implant length, were determined. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Two different types of polyurethane bone models were compared.
      (Group 1: with cortical and cancellous bone; Group 2: with cancellous bone only).
      A total of 60 external type implants (? 4.1, OSSTEM((r)), US II((r))) with
      different lengths (7, 10, and 13 mm) were used. IT was recorded automatically by
      a computer which was connected to the Implant fixture installation device during
      the placement. RFA was conducted to quantify the primary implant stability
      quotient (ISQ). All two measurements were repeated 10 times for each group.
      RESULTS: All these differences were statistically significant between the two
      groups (P < 0.001) and intragroups (P < 0.001). Upon comparing the IT, cortical
      bone appears to have a greater influence on implant stability than implant
      lengths, whereas the RFA value strongly affects implant length rather than the
      presence of the crestal cortical bone. CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative
      biomechanical evaluations clearly demonstrated that primary implant stability
      seems to be influenced by the presence of a cortical plate and total surface area
      of the implant fixture appears to be the decisive determinant for ISQ value.

PMID- 22092388
TI  - Application of high-throughput sequencing to measure the performance of commonly
      used selective cultivation methods for the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter.
AB  - Campylobacter is an important foodborne human pathogen, which has traditionally
      been studied using a variety of selective cultivation methods. Here we use next
      generation sequencing to ask the following: (i) how selective are commonly used
      Campylobacter cultivation methods relative to the initial sample and (ii) how do
      the specificity and sensitivity of these methods compare with one another? To
      answer these questions, we used 16S rRNA tagged-pyrosequencing to sequence
      directly from a pooled fecal sample representing a c. 16,000 bird poultry flock
      and compared these data to exhaustive sequencing of colonies formed after
      plating. We compared five commonly used media [Cefex, Cape Town, modified
      cefoperazone charcoal deoxycholate agar (mCCDA), Campy-Line agar (CLA), and Campy
      CVA agar (CVA)], two incubation atmospheres (10% CO(2), 5% O(2), 85% N(2) and 10%
      CO(2), 10% H(2), 80% N(2)), and two incubation temperatures (37 and 42  degrees
      C). Analysis of 404,104 total sequence reads, including 19 472 total fecal reads,
      revealed Campylobacter represented only a small proportion (< 0.04%) of sequences
      present in the feces, but 88-97% of sequences from each media type. Incubation
      atmosphere had little effect on recovery, but a significant difference in media
      specificity (more non-Campylobacter OTUs; P = 0.028) was found at 42 vs. 37 
      degrees C. The most common non-Campylobacter sequence type was Proteus, which
      ranged from 0.04% of sequences (mCCDA) to 10.8% (Cape Town). High-throughput
      sequencing provides a novel and powerful approach to measure the performance of
      selective media, which remain widely used for research and regulatory purposes.

PMID- 22092389
TI  - The impact of local anesthetic volume and concentration on pain during prostate
      biopsy: a prospective randomized trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of equivalent doses of local anesthetic
      administered at different concentrations and volumes on pain scores in patients
      undergoing prostate biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center,
      randomized trial. A total of 120 patients were randomized into two groups with 60
      patients in each group. In group 1, 2.5 mL of 2% lidocaine (low volume-high
      concentration) and in group 2, 5 mL of 1% lidocaine (high volume-low
      concentration) was injected just lateral to the junction between the prostate
      base and seminal vesicle on each side under ultrasonographic guidance. Patients
      were given an 11 point visual analog scale (VAS) to evaluate the level of pain
      encountered during transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS) probe insertion, injection
      of the local anesthetic, and the biopsy procedure. RESULTS: In both groups, TRUS
      probe insertion was the most painful stage of the procedure. With regard to local
      anesthetic injection, the VAS pain score was significantly lower in group 1 (1.56
      vs. 2.41, P=0.001). Concerning sampling of the prostate, group 1 had a
      significantly lower VAS pain score compared with group 2 (1.71 vs. 2.48,
      P=0.008). Neither major complications nor side effects related to local
      anesthetic absorption occurred in both groups. CONCLUSION: Low volume-high
      concentration lidocaine administration provides superior analgesia compared with
      high volume-low concentration lidocaine during transrectal biopsy of the
      prostate.

PMID- 22092390
TI  - Multiple myeloma vs. breast cancer patients with bisphosphonates-related
      osteonecrosis of the jaws: a comparative analysis of response to treatment and
      predictors of outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) and breast cancer (BC) are the two most common
      diseases associated with bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaws
      (BRONJ), for which different therapeutical approaches have been proposed. The aim
      of this study was to compare the clinical behaviour of BRONJ in patients with MM
      vs. BC and the time of healing in terms of clinical and symptomatological
      remission, following a standardized therapeutic protocol. METHODS: Twenty-six
      BRONJ patients (13 men with MM and 13 women with BC) were prospectively enroled
      and treated with a specific systemic and topical antibiotic therapy. Several
      predictors of outcome were also evaluated. RESULTS: Nine patients (69.2%) with BC
      and 10 patients (76.9%) with MM progressed towards a complete clinical remission
      (CR) in a mean healing time of 183.3 days [SD: 113.7; 95% confidence interval
      (CI): 95.95-207.7] and 372.0 days (SD: 308.0; 95% CI: 151.7-592.3) (P = 0.776),
      respectively. The clinical improvement was statistically significant (P = 0.0013
      and P = 0.0014), as well as the assessment of pain (P = 0.0015 and P = 0.0015),
      in MM and BC group, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that just
      triggering events (P = 0.036) were found to be significant predictors of outcome
      of BRONJ healing. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups of cancer patients experienced
      clinical and symptomatological remission regardless their malignancy, but BC
      patients earlier than MM patients.

PMID- 22092391
TI  - Intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (ITAP) for limb salvage in 4
      dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report clinical application of intraosseous transcutaneous
      amputation prosthesis (ITAP) for limb salvage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case
      series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Client owned dogs with malignant neoplasia of the
      distal aspect of the limb. METHOD: Distal limb amputation allowed press-fit
      insertion of the ITAP into the radius (n = 3) or tibia (1). Remaining soft
      tissues including skin were attached directly to the ITAP. Limb stump and ITAP
      were protected by bandaging (1) or external skeletal fixation (3) for 5-6 weeks
      before exoprosthesis attachment. Measures of outcome included subjective
      assessments of limb function by owners and veterinarians, radiographic (4) and
      histologic (1) examination. RESULTS: Dermal integration with the ITAP was
      achieved by 3 weeks and dogs were walking in a pain-free manner by 8 weeks. One
      dog was administered adjunctive carboplatin chemotherapy. No evidence of local
      tumor recurrence occurred. In 1 dog, ITAP fracture occurred at 10 weeks and was
      successfully managed by ITAP replacement. Three dogs were euthanatized because of
      confirmed or assumed metastatic disease at 8, 12, and 17 months. Histologic
      examination of the ITAP-limb interface at 1 year documented osseous and dermal
      integration. CONCLUSION: Implantation of ITAP to the distal limb of dogs is
      feasible and can result in favorable functional outcomes. Biological integration
      of osseous and dermal tissues with ITAP is reliable and robust.

PMID- 22092392
TI  - Primary care and health outcomes among older patients with diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure the relationship between days
      spent waiting for primary care and health outcomes among patients diagnosed with
      diabetes, especially among the elderly population. DATA SOURCE: Secondary data
      from VA administrative databases and Medicare claims. STUDY DESIGN: This is a
      retrospective observational study. Outcome variables include primary care
      utilization, mortality, heart attack, stroke, and ambulatory-care sensitive
      condition (ACSC) hospitalization. The main explanatory variable of interest is VA
      primary care wait time. Negative binomial models predict utilization and stacked
      logistic regression models predict the probability of experiencing each health
      outcome. Models are stratified by the presence of a selected health condition and
      age. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Longer wait times were predicted to decrease utilization
      between 2 and 4 percent. There was no significant relationship between wait times
      and health outcomes for the overall sample. In stratified analyses, longer waits
      were associated with undesirable outcomes for those over age 70 with one of the
      selected health conditions or in certain narrower 5-year age groups, but the
      overall pattern of results does not indicate a systematic and significant effect.
      CONCLUSIONS: There was a modest effect of long wait times on primary care
      utilization but no robust effect of longer wait times on health outcomes. Waiting
      for care did not significantly compromise long-term health outcomes for veterans
      with diabetes.

PMID- 22092393
TI  - Heterogeneous amplification of ERBB2 in primary lesions is responsible for the
      discordant ERBB2 status of primary and metastatic lesions in gastric carcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the extent of HER2 homogeneity/heterogeneity in primary versus
      metastatic gastric carcinoma (GC). MATERIALS AND RESULTS: The human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in primary and metastatic lesions was
      evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in-situ hybridization
      (FISH). Four separate cohorts consisting of primary GC alone or primary GC paired
      with metastatic lesions were examined. In the FISH analysis of 325 primary GCs,
      eight cases (2.5%) showed amplification with a heterogeneous pattern, whereas 27
      cases (8.3%) showed amplification with a homogeneous pattern, and in this cohort
      the discordant:concordant FISH ratio based on examination of three different
      areas in each primary lesion was 0.30:1. FISH testing using 250 paired primary
      and metastatic lesions revealed seven cases (2.8%) with discordant amplification.
      In metastatic disease positive conversion occurred in six cases (2.4%), whereas
      negative conversion happened in one case (0.4%). The discordant:concordant ratio
      of primary versus secondary lesions was 0.23:1. When the seven discordant cases
      were re-evaluated using whole sections of primary GCs, six showed a heterogeneous
      pattern of amplification. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the discordant
      HER2 amplification observed in metastatic lesions is explained substantially by
      heterogeneity within primary tumours.

PMID- 22092394
TI  - Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing in gastric carcinoma: issues
      related to heterogeneity in biopsies and resections.
AB  - AIMS: To assess human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and
      heterogeneity using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and silver in-situ hybridization
      (SISH) in gastric carcinoma and dysplasia, and to correlate HER2 status between
      biopsy and resection specimens of gastric carcinoma. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemistry for HER2 was performed in 178 cases of gastric carcinoma,
      and SISH in cases showing at least 1+ reaction. HER2 positivity [European
      Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines] was identified in 20.2% of carcinomas and
      12.9% of high-grade dysplasia, and HER2 heterogeneity noted in 50% and 33% of
      these cases, respectively. IHC negative/positive reactivity and SISH results were
      concordant in 96.2%. SISH amplification was seen in 35.3% of IHC 2+ and in a case
      with previously unrecognized staining pattern. Concordance of IHC HER2 status on
      biopsies and gastrectomies was seen in 74.1%. False negative IHC results on
      either the biopsy or gastrectomy were seen in 19.4% of HER2 amplified cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in gastric carcinoma
      is comparable to previous studies with good concordance between IHC and SISH; all
      IHC 2+ and unusual patterns should be assessed with ISH studies; heterogeneity of
      tumour HER2 overexpression/amplification is common with possible implications for
      HER2 testing; and HER2 overexpression appears sufficiently specific to be
      considered a potential diagnostic biomarker of dysplasia.

PMID- 22092395
TI  - Nuclear atypia grading score is a useful prognostic factor in papillary gastric
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate nuclear atypical in papillary gastric adenocarcinoma (PGA).
      METHOD AND RESULTS: Hundred cases of PGA were classified into two groups
      according to nuclear pleomorphism and nuclear polarity; these groups were
      designated as high nuclear grade and low nuclear grade. Correlations between
      nuclear grade and clinicopathological features were evaluated for prognostic
      value. In order to evaluate which types of biological factors influence nuclear
      atypia, the expression of gastric-type mucin phenotype, p53, HER2 and Ki-67
      detected by immunohistochemistry and DNA ploidy detected by laser scanning
      cytometry. The high nuclear grade group correlated with deeper wall invasion, the
      presence of lymphatic and venous invasion and the positivity of lymph node
      metastasis. High nuclear grade was an independent prognostic factor for disease
      free survival. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between high
      nuclear grade and positivity of gastric-type mucin phenotype, p53 and HER2 and
      DNA aneuploidy. CONCLUSION: Nuclear grade could be a new and useful morphological
      predictor for high malignant potential in PGA.

PMID- 22092396
TI  - Focal active colitis: a prospective study of clinicopathological correlations in
      90 patients.
AB  - AIMS: Considerable controversy exists about the clinical implication of a
      diagnosis of focal active colitis (FAC). The aim of this study was to assess
      clinicopathological correlations of FAC in 90 adults, representing the largest
      and only prospective series of FAC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were assessed
      by comprehensive clinical follow-up and questionnaires. Fifteen histopathological
      features were scored and correlated with clinical outcome. In 24% of patients
      drugs, especially NSAIDs, were implicated. Infection was a probable cause in 19%.
      In 14 patients (15.6%), predominantly women, a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory
      bowel disease was ultimately made. Most were Crohn's disease, but this is the
      first study in which FAC has presaged an ultimate diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
      in adults (in two patients). A specific subtype of FAC, termed basal FAC, was
      significantly associated with drugs. These excepted, this study has found no
      histopathological parameters of FAC, such as amount, location and/or
      distribution, to correlate with clinical outcome or allowed selection of those
      patients more likely to show subsequent evidence of chronic inflammatory bowel
      disease. CONCLUSION: This study has provided powerful information on the
      implication of a diagnosis of FAC. In a small but not inconsiderable case number,
      the ultimate diagnosis will be chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 22092397
TI  - Aggressive colorectal carcinoma phenotypes of invasion can be assessed
      reproducibly and effectively predict poor survival: interobserver study and
      multivariate survival analysis of a prospectively collected series of 299
      patients after potentially curative resections with long-term follow-up.
AB  - AIMS: To test whether assessment of colorectal carcinoma phenotypes of invasion
      can be taught successfully to pathologists not familiar with these features and
      to confirm their prognostic impact. METHODS AND RESULTS: A junior member of staff
      was supplied with written information and a generous set of images on how to type
      the invasive margin of colorectal carcinomas (expansive versus infiltrative) and
      how to assess tumour budding (counting on pan-cytokeratin immunostains; cut-off
      at the 66th percentile). An interobserver study yielded kappa values of 0.578 and
      0.438 for typing the invasive margin and assessment of tumour budding,
      respectively. Margin typing improved significantly to kappa=0.939 after a
      training session. However, using a cut-off, assessment of tumour budding improved
      only moderately to kappa=0.629 although, numerically, divergences were within +/
      10%. On univariate analysis, a high-degree of tumour budding and the infiltrative
      type of invasive margin were strong negative prognostic factors. The Cox model
      included nodal status, tumour budding, serosal penetration and venous
      angioinvasion. Importantly, using the tumour budding counts as a numerical
      variable for the Cox model also yielded significant odds, allowing the
      constraints of a cut-off to be relinquished. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of
      colorectal carcinoma phenotypes of invasion can be learnt and performed with
      confidence, and their prognostic impact is confirmed in this independent series.

PMID- 22092398
TI  - Histological and immunohistological findings in biliary intraepithelial neoplasia
      arising from a background of chronic biliary disease compared with liver
      cirrhosis of non-biliary aetiology.
AB  - AIMS: Hitherto, biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) has been described in
      chronic biliary disease but rarely in non-biliary liver cirrhosis (LC).
      Intraepithelial neoplasia of the pancreas shows alterations in the expression of
      cell cycle and mucin core proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate BilIN
      and reactive biliary lesions in biliary disease and non-biliary LC. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: BilIN was found in 51% (33 of 65) of liver tissue cases of biliary
      disease, and in 11% (34 of 310) of the LC group. Immunohistologically, MUC5AC, an
      'early phase' protein, and Ki67, reflecting 'late phase' expression, were
      identified with increasing degrees of dysplasia in both groups, but that
      expression was significantly higher in the biliary disease group. 'Early phase'
      cell cycle proteins, p16 (decrease) and p21 (increase) altered in both biliary
      and LC groups with increasing degrees of dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: We found BilIN
      in the large bile ducts of hepatitis B virus- and hepatitis C virus-related LC as
      well as in cases related to a biliary aetiology. The LC group was significantly
      less likely to show changes in the expression of MUC5AC and proliferative
      activity than the biliary group. Alterations in p16 and p21 reflected increasing
      degrees of dysplasia in both groups.

PMID- 22092399
TI  - Pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis-like lesions in severely congested lungs.
AB  - AIMS: To elucidate the nature of capillary alterations in the severe form of
      pulmonary venous congestion (SPVC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Post-mortem lungs from
      52 patients with left-sided cardiac failure were examined, including 31 cases of
      valvular heart disease and 21 cases of cardiomyopathy. Six post-mortem lungs (six
      of 52, 11.5%) had patchy lesions composed of markedly widened alveolar walls
      containing numerous dilated capillaries. These features strikingly mimicked
      pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis (PCH). Moreover, one (one of 52, 1.9%) lung
      showed numerous fibrous micronodules containing capillaries with or without
      ossification, associated with prominent capillary sprouts, suggesting capillary
      varicose changes. No pathological features suggesting plexiform angiopathy or
      veno-occlusive disease were found. Ultrastructural examination revealed
      occasional interposition of swollen endothelial cells in the thickened basement
      membranes of the pulmonary capillaries. CONCLUSION: PCH-like lesions can occur
      infrequently as an incidental finding in SPVC, rarely accompanying ossifying
      fibrocapillary micronodules. These lesions are considered to be a secondary form
      of PCH, representing severely tortuous and proliferative capillary changes rather
      than neoplasia.

PMID- 22092400
TI  - An immunohistochemical analysis-based decision tree model for estimating the risk
      of lymphatic metastasis in pN0 squamous cell carcinomas of the lung.
AB  - AIMS: Lung cancer patients within the pN0 category have a significantly different
      outcome. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model to assist in
      predicting the prognosis of pN0 lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Twenty-three proteins were examined by immunohistochemical (IHC)
      analysis on primary tumour tissues from 319 lung SCC patients. In a training
      group, using IHC data, a recursive partitioning decision tree (RP-DT) was used to
      build a model for estimating the risk for lymphatic metastasis. This model was
      then validated in a test cohort. Of 23 proteins, 8 (matrix metallopeptidase 1,
      metalloproteinase inhibitor 1, Ras GTPase-activating-like protein IQGAP1,
      targeting protein for Xklp2, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, cathepsin D,
      fascin, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor/secretory component) were selected, and
      generated a tree model in a training group of 255 patients to classify them as at
      high or low risk of lymphatic invasion, with accuracy of 78.0% (compared to
      histopathological diagnosis), sensitivity of 83.0% and specificity of 70.3%. When
      the tree model was applied to the test group, the accuracy, sensitivity and
      specificity were 76.6%, 76.0% and 76.9%, respectively. The performance of this
      mathematical model was substantiated further in 34 'problematic' stage I/pN0
      patients by survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The RP-DT model, constructed with
      eight protein markers for estimating lymphatic metastasis risk in pN0 lung SCC,
      is clinically feasible and practical, using IHC data from the primary tumour.

PMID- 22092401
TI  - Large needle aspiration biopsy histology for preoperative selection of Hurthle
      cell thyroid nodules.
AB  - AIMS: To assess whether the large needle aspiration biopsy (LNAB) histological
      distinction between pure microfollicular nodules and mixed micro-macrofollicular
      nodules can assist preoperative selection of a Hurthle cell nodule (HCN)
      discovered by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 24
      HCN identified by preoperative FNAC, preoperative LNAB histology was compared
      with postoperative pathology. FNAC demonstrated seven benign HCN (negative),
      eight HCN with atypia (positive); seven suspected cancers with HC (positive); and
      two cancers with Hurthle cells (positive). LNAB showed mixed micro
      macrofollicular hyperplastic features in 12 nodules (negative) and a
      microfollicular structure in 12 nodules (positive), two of which included
      findings of papillary cancer. Postoperative findings were benign (negative) in 16
      patients and malignant (positive) in eight patients. The sensitivity and
      specificity for FNAC were 87.5% [seven of eight, 95% confidence interval (CI):
      47.3-99.7%) and 37.5% (six of 16, 95% CI: 15.2-64.6%], respectively, and for LNAB
      were 87.5% (seven of eight, 95% CI: 47.3-99.7%) and 68.8% (11 of 16, 95% CI: 41.3
      89.0%), respectively. FNAC results were significantly different from
      postoperative results (McNemar's test, exact two-sided P=0.012), while LNAB
      results were not (McNemar's test, exact two-sided P=0.219). CONCLUSIONS: These
      data suggest that LNAB histology is more accurate than FNAC cytology for the
      preoperative selection of HCN.

PMID- 22092402
TI  - Cytoplasmic expression of oestrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) as a prognostic factor
      in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in elderly women.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the prognostic value of cytoplasmic oestrogen receptor beta
      (ERbeta) expression in a series of untreated patients with non-human
      papillomavirus (HPV)-related vulvar cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemistry was carried out using a polyclonal rabbit anti-human ERbeta
      antibody. The nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of ERbeta was evaluated in 33
      patients. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was correlated with histopathological and
      molecular parameters (Ki67, p21), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall
      survival (OS). The expression of cytoplasmic ERbeta was found to be associated
      with grade (P=0.006), while no association was found with any of the remaining
      variables examined. Cases with high cytoplasmic ERbeta expression showed lower
      DFS and OS compared to cases with low cytoplasmic ERbeta (P=0.007, P=0.01,
      respectively). There was also a progressive decline in both the DFS and OS with
      increasing tumour size (P=0.05, P=0.07, respectively) and with increasing depth
      of infiltration (P=0.14, P=0.07, respectively). On multivariate analysis, only
      tumour size and cytoplasmic ERbeta staining retained an independent negative
      prognostic role for DFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of cytoplasmic ERbeta
      expression could be helpful to identify poor prognosis in elderly patients with
      non-HPV-related vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

PMID- 22092403
TI  - Evaluation of a hormone receptor-positive ovarian carcinoma subtype with a
      favourable prognosis by determination of progesterone receptor and oestrogen
      receptor 1 mRNA expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.
AB  - AIMS: In vitro and epidemiological studies indicate an essential role for
      progesterone in the aetiology and progression of ovarian carcinoma. The aim of
      this study was to examine the prognostic role of progesterone receptor (PR)
      protein and mRNA expression. METHODS AND RESULTS: PR expression was examined by
      immunohistochemistry (n=143) and kinetic reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue (n=55). PR
      mRNA and protein expression correlated (P<0.0001). PR mRNA was a positive
      predictor for overall and progression-free survival (P=0.0005 and P<0.0001,
      respectively). Protein expression was also prognostic (P=0.015 and P=0.0011,
      respectively), whereas only PR mRNA retained its prognostic value on multivariate
      analysis (P=0.04). PR mRNA was still a positive prognostic marker among oestrogen
      receptor 1 (ESR1) mRNA-positive tumours (P=0.0007) and survival was best in
      patients with PR- and ESR1-positive phenotypes (P=0.0155 and P=0.0016,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Expression of PR and ESR1 defines a subgroup of
      ovarian carcinomas with a favourable prognosis. PR and ESR1 mRNA expression
      analysis is a sensitive, quantitative and easy-to-perform high-throughput
      analytical tool for the identification of this subgroup and could be predictive
      in clinical trials focused on patients with potential benefit from hormonal
      treatment.

PMID- 22092405
TI  - Factors influencing the agreement on histopathological assessments of breast
      biopsies among pathologists.
AB  - AIMS: It has been recommended that the histopathology results of core biopsies of
      the breast are categorized according to the B-categorization scheme. We measured
      the interobserver variability of the B-categorization of core biopsies of the
      breast. METHODS AND RESULTS: Core biopsies were taken among 765 women at the
      University of Halle between 2006 and 2008. All histological slides were reviewed
      in a blinded fashion by two experienced breast pathologists. We calculated
      observed and chance-corrected agreements (kappa) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CI). The prevalence of B3-B5 biopsies was 41.6%. The observed and weighted kappa
      agreement of the five-level B-categorization scheme was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84 -0.89)
      and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.89-0.91), respectively. The most frequent disagreement was
      between B2 and B3 (47 of 103 disagreements, 45.6%). Overall, 49.5% of all
      disagreements were clinically relevant disagreements that would imply different
      therapeutic strategies. Agreement was modified by referral group, Breast Imaging
      Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) level, radiological breast density, imaging
      guidance and application of immunohistological staining. CONCLUSIONS:
      Interobserver agreement of the B-categorization scheme was high and was modified
      by referral status, level of radiological suspicion of breast cancer, breast
      density, imaging guidance of core biopsies and requirement of additional
      immunohistological staining.

PMID- 22092404
TI  - Unexplained fetal death has a biological signature of maternal anti-fetal
      rejection: chronic chorioamnionitis and alloimmune anti-human leucocyte antigen
      antibodies.
AB  - AIMS: Chronic chorioamnionitis is a histological manifestation of maternal anti
      fetal cellular rejection. As failure of graft survival is the most catastrophic
      event in organ transplantation, we hypothesized that fetal death could be a
      consequence of maternal rejection. The aim of this study was to assess whether
      there is evidence of cellular and antibody-mediated rejection in fetal death.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Placental histology was reviewed for the presence of chronic
      chorioamnionitis in unexplained preterm fetal death (n=30) and preterm live birth
      (n=103). Amniotic fluid CXCL10 concentrations were measured with a specific
      immunoassay. Chronic chorioamnionitis was more frequent in fetal death than in
      live birth (60.0% versus 37.9%; P<0.05) and fetal death had a higher median
      amniotic fluid CXCL10 concentration than live birth (2.0 versus 1.8 ng/ml,
      P<0.05), after adjusting for gestational age at amniocentesis. Maternal anti
      human leucocyte antigen class II panel-reactive seropositivity determined by flow
      cytometry was higher in fetal death compared to live birth (35.7% versus 10.9%;
      P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic chorioamnionitis is a common pathologic feature in
      unexplained preterm fetal death. This novel finding suggests that cellular and
      antibody-mediated anti-fetal rejection of the mother is associated with fetal
      death (graft failure) in human pregnancy.

PMID- 22092406
TI  - Expression of calretinin by breast carcinoma and the potential for misdiagnosis
      of mesothelioma.
AB  - AIMS: Calretinin and cytokeratin (CK)5/6 are frequently used to differentiate
      between metastatic breast cancer and primary malignant mesothelioma in pleural
      biopsies, but both tumours may express these markers. This study was aimed at
      evaluating the frequency of calretinin expression in primary breast carcinomas,
      and assessing the characteristics of the calretinin-positive tumours. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Fifty-three primary breast adenocarcinomas were analysed for
      immunohistochemical expression of calretinin. CK5/6 and epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) immunostaining were performed on the calretinin-positive subset.
      Tumours were classified as basal-like if they met standard morphological and
      immunohistochemical criteria. Fifteen per cent (8/53) of the breast tumours were
      positive for calretinin. Eighty-eight per cent (7/8) of the calretinin-positive
      tumours were grade 3, as compared with 20% (9/45) of the calretinin-negative
      tumours (P<0.001). Only 13% (1/8) of the calretinin-positive tumours were also
      oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive, as compared with 87% (39/45) of the calretinin
      negative tumours (P<0.001). Eleven per cent (6/53) of the tumours were classified
      as basal-like. Of these, four were positive for calretinin and two were negative
      (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Fifteen per cent of breast carcinomas stain with
      calretinin. These tumours are more likely to be high-grade, ER-negative, and
      display a basal-like phenotype. These tumours may be misdiagnosed as malignant
      mesothelioma when they metastasize to the pleura.

PMID- 22092407
TI  - Mesothelial markers in high-grade breast carcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: Advances in molecular profiling have subdivided breast carcinomas into
      distinct subtypes. Basal carcinomas are generally oestrogen receptor (ER)
      progesterone receptor (PR)-/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-, and
      cytokeratin (CK)5/6+. This profile overlaps with that of mesothelial cells. This
      study of high-grade breast carcinomas was undertaken to determine the expression
      of mesothelial markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry was performed
      on 23 basal-like breast carcinomas and 30 high-grade breast carcinomas with
      variable ER, PR and HER2 expression. The incidence of staining of CK5/6, CK14,
      calretinin, Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1), thrombomodulin and epithelial membrane antigen
      was assessed statistically. CK14 staining was more specifically associated with
      triple-negative tumours than CK5/6. Calretinin positivity was statistically
      associated with basal-like carcinomas. WT1 and thrombomodulin expression was
      infrequent and limited to a small number of non-basal carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is an overlap between the immunophenotype of mesothelial cells and that of
      basal-like carcinomas of breast. Positive calretinin and CK5/6 are not specific,
      and may be seen in both mesothelial cells and basal-like breast carcinomas.
      Negative ER and PR of basal carcinomas may also bias the observer against a
      breast origin. However, other negative mesothelial markers, such as WT1 and
      thrombomodulin, may help point to the correct diagnosis.

PMID- 22092408
TI  - In breast cancer, a high ratio of tumour-infiltrating intraepithelial CD8+ to
      FoxP3+ cells is characteristic for the medullary subtype.
AB  - AIMS: Medullary breast cancer (MBC) is a biologically distinct subtype of breast
      cancer characterized by prominent lymphocytic infiltrates and a favourable
      clinical outcome. Tumour-infiltrating CD8+ effector T cells may contribute to the
      good prognosis of this type of cancer; however, certain subtypes of lymphocyte,
      such as FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), can also suppress antitumour immunity.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We determined tumour infiltration by FoxP3+, CCL22+ and CD8+
      cells in paraffin-embedded sections of MBC, and, as a reference, in samples of
      grade 3 ductal, lobular and mucinous breast cancer. All analysed MBCs were
      strongly infiltrated by FoxP3+ cells, whereas only weak infiltrates were detected
      in ductal or lobular breast cancer. This finding was unexpected, given the good
      prognosis of MBC. Strikingly, the number of CD8+ T cells exceeded the number of
      FoxP3+ cells in MBC (ratio of CD8+ to FoxP3+ cells of 2.6), whereas equal amounts
      of both cell types were found in ductal breast cancer (ratio of CD8+ to FoxP3+
      cells of 1.1). In both types of breast cancer, we also detected cells expressing
      the Treg-attracting chemokine CCL22. CONCLUSIONS: In breast cancer, a
      predominance of tumour-infiltrating CD8+ over FoxP3+ cells was observed in MBC.
      Thus, the ratio of CD8+ to FoxP3+ cells rather than the absolute number of
      intratumoral FoxP3+ cells may be predictive for the clinical outcome of cancer.

PMID- 22092409
TI  - Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunoreactivity: specificity of
      three pharmacodiagnostic antibodies.
AB  - AIMS: The availability of specific antibody-based test systems is essential to
      testing of HER2 protein expression. Here, we mapped epitopes recognized by three
      pharmacodiagnostic HER2 antibodies and investigated their specificity towards
      peptides and fusion proteins homologous to the intracellular domains of HER1,
      HER2, HER3 and HER4. The investigated antibodies were PATHWAY((r)) HER2 (clone
      4B5; Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Tucson, AZ, USA), HercepTestTM (Dako Denmark
      A/S, Glostrup, Denmark), and Oracle((r)) HER2 (clone CB11; Leica Microsystems
      GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). METHODS AND RESULTS: Epitopes were mapped using the
      alanine scanning method. Specificity was investigated in immunohistochemical
      stainings, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and
      immunoblotting. All three antibodies reacted with HER2 proteins and peptides in
      immunohistochemical stainings, ELISA and immunoblotting. PATHWAY((r)) HER2 also
      stained HER4-expressing cells, reacted with HER4 peptide in ELISA and detected
      HER4 fusion protein in an immunoblot. Oracle((r)) HER2 weakly detected HER4 in
      immunohistochemical stainings, whereas the HercepTestTM antibody showed no cross
      reactivity with other HER proteins. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the
      PATHWAY((r)) HER2 antibody can bind HER4 peptides and fusion proteins in three
      different experimental settings. This should be investigated further to determine
      whether binding of HER4 also occurs in tissue samples and if such binding would
      have implications for therapy decisions for breast cancer patients.

PMID- 22092410
TI  - Dual-colour chromogenic in-situ hybridization is a potential alternative to
      fluorescence in-situ hybridization in HER2 testing.
AB  - AIM: Dual-colour chromogenic in-situ hybridization (dc-CISH) is an emerging
      methodology for characterizing genomic alterations. This study was aimed at
      evaluating the performance of a dc-CISH kit (ZytoVision) in determining human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in breast cancer. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight invasive breast carcinomas arranged in
      tissue microarrays were analysed in parallel with dc-CISH, fluorescence in-situ
      hybridization (FISH), and immunohistochemistry. Of 227 tumours with available
      FISH and dc-CISH results, HER2 amplification and non-amplification were detected
      in 49 (21.6%) and 178 (78.4%) tumours, respectively, by both assays. The
      concordance between dc-CISH and FISH results showed 100% agreement (kappa
      coefficient=1.00). Immunohistochemically, 162 (71%), 25 (11.0%) and 41 (18%)
      tumours were scored 0/1+, 2+, and 3+, respectively. The corresponding results
      with both FISH and dc-CISH demonstrated HER2 amplification in two (3.2%), nine
      (36%) and 38 (93%) tumours, respectively. Complete consensus among these three
      methods was observed in 197 cases, representing 98% of all 3+ and 0/1+ tumours
      (kappa-coefficient=0.92). Confirmatory testing of 25 2+ tumours showed complete
      consensus between FISH and dc-CISH. CONCLUSIONS: dc-CISH is a promising
      alternative to FISH in HER2 testing, and the single-institute incidence of HER2
      amplification in breast cancer in Taiwan is 21.2%.

PMID- 22092411
TI  - Improved detection of mycobacteria species in formalin-fixed tissue sections.
AB  - AIMS: To develop an antibody broadly reactive against mycobacterial species,
      which will improve detection of mycobacteria in tissue sections by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). METHODS: A sheep antisera was developed by
      immunization with multiple mycobacteria, and was tested by IHC against a range of
      mycobacteria in tissues from many species, as well as negative tissue controls
      and other bacteria. RESULTS: The sheep antiserum, MAS-01, reacted with all 18
      mycobacterial species tested, but did not react with uninfected inflammatory
      tissues. Although MAS-01 cross-reacted with two microbial genera which are
      related to mycobacteria (Corynebacteria and Proprionibacteria), it did not with
      Nocardia or Actinomyces. The antibody was more sensitive than the Ziehl-Neelsen
      stain for detection of tissue mycobacteria, and shortened the time required to
      identify these infections. CONCLUSION: The MAS-01 antiserum will facilitate rapid
      identification of tissue mycobacterial infection by histopathologists.

PMID- 22092414
TI  - Histopathology sampling of radical prostatectomy specimens: representative or
      entire submission?

PMID- 22092416
TI  - Regional differences in injury incidence in European professional football.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate regional differences in injury
      incidence in men's professional football in Europe. A nine-season prospective
      cohort study was carried out between 2001-2002 and 2009-2010 involving 1357
      players in 25 teams from nine countries. Teams were categorized into different
      regions according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification system. Teams from
      the northern parts of Europe (n = 20) had higher incidences of injury overall
      [rate ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.20], training injury
      (rate ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.27), and severe injury (rate ratio 1.29, 95%
      CI 1.10 to 1.52), all statistically significant, compared to teams from more
      southern parts (n = 5). In contrast, the anterior cruciate ligament injury
      incidence was lower in the northern European teams with a statistically
      significant difference (rate ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.77), especially for
      noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury (rate ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.09 to
      0.39). In conclusion, this study suggests that there are regional differences in
      injury incidence of European professional football. However, further studies are
      needed to identify the underlying causes. 

PMID- 22092417
TI  - Involvement of upper cheek sagging in nasolabial fold formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasolabial folds are a well-known feature of aging, but the mechanism
      of their formation remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the mechanism of
      nasolabial fold formation, we established grading criteria for severity and
      explored the influence of dermal elasticity and subcutaneous adipose mass. We
      also investigated the involvement of facial morphological changes, such as
      wrinkling and sagging. METHODS: Faces of 108 healthy Japanese female volunteers
      (age range: 20-60) were photographed at the angle of 45 degrees , and a six-grade
      photograph-based grading scheme for nasolabial fold severity was established and
      evaluated. In 70 Japanese female volunteers (middle-aged: 30-50), dermal
      elasticity was measured with a Cutometer MPA 580(r) and subcutaneous adipose
      layer thickness was measured by ultrasound using a Prosound alpha 5(r). RESULTS:
      Nasolabial fold severity was significantly and positively correlated with age in
      subjects in their twenties to sixties (R = 0.777, P < 0.001). Nasolabial folds
      were drastically reduced, or disappeared, when the facial position was changed
      (subjects lay down instead of sitting) to reduce sagging; only 13.8% of subjects
      showed fixed wrinkles at the positions of the nasolabial folds after the facial
      position change. Nasolabial fold severity in middle-aged volunteers was
      significantly and negatively correlated with dermal elasticity parameters, i.e.,
      net elasticity excluding viscoelastic creep (Ur/Ue), overall elasticity including
      creep and creep recovery (Ua/Uf), ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation
      (Ur/Uf), and the negative value of the amount of deformation that did not recover
      to the original state [-Uf-Ua)], all of which were significantly and negatively
      correlated with age. Subcutaneous adipose layer thickness was significantly and
      negatively correlated with dermal elasticity parameter Ua/Uf, and also
      significantly and positively related to nasolabial fold severity (R = 0.285, P <
      0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Nasolabial fold severity increases with decreasing dermal
      elasticity and with increment of the subcutaneous adipose layer. These changes
      might induce sagging formation in the upper cheek area, promoting fold formation
      at the border between the inner and outer nasolabial areas.

PMID- 22092418
TI  - Non-surgical periodontal therapy improves oral health-related quality of life.
AB  - AIM: The influence of non-surgical periodontal therapy on oral health-related
      quality of life (OHQoL) was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five
      Chinese adults (25 men, mean 47.4 years) with moderate-to-advanced chronic
      periodontitis were recruited. All received oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and
      non-surgical periodontal treatment in a quadrant-wise approach, followed by
      recalls at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post treatment, when OHI and prophylaxis were
      repeated. Clinical parameters were recorded, and oral health impact profile short
      form (OHIP-14S) was administered at all time points. RESULTS: Moderate-to-deep
      sites (>=4 mm) decreased from 31.0% to 3.0% at 12 months post treatment (p <
      0.005) which corresponded well with reductions in plaque, 72.8% to 25.4% (p <
      0.005) and bleeding on probing, 86.3% to 32.0% (p < 0.005). Median OHIP-14S
      scores gradually reduced from 17 at baseline to 14 over the first 6 months and
      remained plateaued at 12-month post treatment (p < 0.005). Improvements in
      subdomains of physical pain, psychological discomfort and psychological
      disability accounted for the changes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that
      OHQoL, in particular, pain and psychological subdomains, improvement was
      associated with non-surgical periodontal therapy responses. Clinicians could
      capitalize upon the positive psychological OHQoL impacts of mechanical
      periodontal treatment for subsequent patient-centred motivation during
      maintenance therapy.

PMID- 22092419
TI  - Does three-dimensional imaging offer a financial benefit for treating maxillary
      molars with furcation involvement? A pilot clinical case series.
AB  - AIM: To assess the financial benefit of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for
      the treatment options of maxillary molars including periodontal surgery and
      extraction followed by implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients
      with generalized chronic periodontitis were recruited, and CBCT was performed in
      maxillary molars (n = 22) with clinical furcation involvement and increased
      probing pocket depths. Treatment recommendations were either based on
      conventional periodontal diagnostics (clinical examinations and periapical
      radiographs), or based on the additional CBCT data. Clinical recommendations
      comprised a minimal (e.g. supportive periodontal treatment) and a maximal
      invasive therapy (e.g. extraction and implant placement), and these were compared
      with CBCT-based recommendations. According to the Swiss dental tariff structure,
      the probabilities of saving costs or time, and the numbers needed to treat were
      analysed with an empirical cumulative distribution function. RESULTS: Average
      cost reduction from CBCT amounted to CHF 915 +/- 1470 and saved 136 +/- 217 min.
      Greatest reductions were found with maximal invasive clinically based treatment
      decisions (CHF 1566 +/- 1840), particularly for second molars (CHF 2485 +/-
      2226). To compensate CBCT costs, 1.7 subjects were needed to treat to at least
      break even. CONCLUSIONS: Data from CBCT facilitated a reduction in treatment
      costs and time for periodontally involved maxillary molars in Switzerland. Based
      on these cost analyses, however, CBCT as additional diagnostic measure is
      justified only when more invasive therapies are planned.

PMID- 22092420
TI  - Kruger strict morphology and post-thaw progressive motility in cryopreserved
      human spermatozoa.
AB  - The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate Kruger strict morphology
      and conventional semen analysis in predicting cryosurvival and the progressive
      motility recovery rate of frozen spermatozoa. Our study included 56 semen samples
      with >10 million spermatozoa per ejaculate. The main outcome measures were
      conventional semen analysis, strict morphology analysis by the Kruger method,
      cryosurvival rate and post-thaw sperm motility. A significant reduction in sperm
      motility after cryopreservation was demonstrated. The freeze-thawing process
      caused a 66% reduction in rapid progressive motile spermatozoa, a 45% reduction
      in slow progressive motile spermatozoa and a 2% reduction in nonprogressive
      motile spermatozoa. The cryosurvival and progressive motility recovery rates were
      not correlated with parameters of conventional semen analysis, such as sperm
      concentration, motility, WHO morphology and total motile count, but the
      progressive motility recovery rate was significantly correlated with the
      percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting Kruger normal morphology (P = 0.028). The
      recovery rate of rapidly progressive motility was profoundly decreased compared
      with slow progressive motility following the frozen-thaw procedure of semen.
      Kruger strict morphology assessment was a better predictor of the progressive
      motility recovery rate following the freezing-thaw procedure than parameters of
      conventional semen analysis.

PMID- 22092421
TI  - The ethics of international studies.

PMID- 22092422
TI  - Physical activity among South Asian Indian immigrants: an integrative review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this research review was to portray the correlates of
      lifestyle physical activity (PA) behavior of healthy South Asian Indian (SAI)
      immigrants comprehensively by identifying, synthesizing, and critically analyzing
      the existing research literature. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: An integrative review
      methodology was used. The sample included 11 cross-sectional and 4 qualitative
      studies. MEASURES: The physical activity framework for SAI immigrants guided the
      development of data collection tools that included study measures of PA and
      background (current health, acculturation, discrimination, social support,
      environmental) and intrapersonal (motivation) correlates of PA. RESULTS:
      Regardless of the PA measure used, all studies reported low PA levels in at least
      40% of the participants. The correlates of PA most often studied were
      sociodemographic variables, current health, and acculturation; female sex; poorer
      health; and less time since immigration. Few studies focused on social support,
      environmental factors, or included dynamic motivational factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Increased knowledge of the factors that impact lifestyle PA is needed so that
      public health nurses can develop targeted interventions to increase the lifestyle
      PA of SAI immigrants at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and central
      obesity.

PMID- 22092423
TI  - Undermining of nutrition and exercise decisions: experiencing negative social
      influence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to assess social undermining
      (negative interpersonal influence) on health behaviors in a large sample of
      Internet users. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive
      design with an online survey that yielded quantitative and qualitative data. A
      total of 6,923 individuals received invitations and 1,270 participants completed
      the survey (18.3% response rate). Respondents completing at least 1 qualitative
      question were retained for analysis (n=1,158). The sample had more females
      (75.9%) than males (24.1%) and an average age of 42.9 years (SD+/-12.4).
      MEASURES: Participants described experiences and perceptions of undermining.
      Content analysis was used to identify themes, and responses were coded after
      establishing intercoder reliability (kappa=.92). Coded responses were correlated
      with gender, body mass index, and satisfaction with weight. RESULTS: Many
      respondents reported that they were affected by undermining. The most common
      sources of undermining were family and significant others. Individuals satisfied
      with their current weight were more likely to resist undermining. Many suggested
      undermining might result from jealousy or others' guilt over their own decisions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Undermining of healthy behaviors is an important issue for public
      health researchers and practitioners as it pertains to patient counseling and the
      development of strategies for resisting undermining.

PMID- 22092424
TI  - Do infertile women and government staff differ in the evaluation of infertility
      related Web sites?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the evaluation of local government Web sites carrying
      information on infertility by infertile women and by government staff. In
      particular, the study investigated whether the women and staff differed with
      respect to the information they rate as important and their self-reported
      satisfaction with the Web sites. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Cross-sectional descriptive
      study. Sixty-two local government staff members, of whom 46 were public health
      nurses managing subsidy programs for infertility treatment in the Hokuriku region
      of Japan, and 84 infertile women attending local clinics. MEASURES: We measured
      the level of satisfaction with the local government Web sites and perceptions
      about the importance of each type of content. Data were descriptively analyzed,
      as well as by factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Local
      government Web sites were analyzed with respect to information about the
      treatment, details of the subsidy program, psychological support, and procedures
      for making a subsidy application. CONCLUSIONS: The women rated information on the
      treatment and details of the subsidy programs as important. There was no
      difference of satisfaction with the Web sites between the infertile women and the
      staff. Local government staff need to provide reliable data for women who are
      seeking information on infertility treatment.

PMID- 22092425
TI  - Feasibility of using the Omaha System to represent public health nurse manager
      interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of representing public health nurse (PHN)
      manager interventions using a recognized standardized nursing terminology. DESIGN
      AND SAMPLE: A nurse manager in a Midwest local public health agency documented
      nurse manager interventions using the Omaha System for 5 months. ANALYTIC
      STRATEGY: The data were analyzed and the results were compared with the results
      from a parallel analysis of existing PHN intervention data. RESULTS:
      Interventions for 79 "clients" (projects, teams, or individuals) captured 76% of
      recorded work hours, and addressed 43% of Omaha System problems. Most problems
      were addressed at the "community" level (87.1%) versus the "individual" level
      (12.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Nursing practice differed between the 2 knowledge domains
      of public health family home visiting nursing and public health nursing
      management. Standardized nursing terminologies have the potential to represent,
      describe, and quantify nurse manager interventions for future evaluation and
      research.

PMID- 22092426
TI  - Effects of visiting nurses' individually tailored education for low-income adult
      diabetic patients in Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of individually tailored education by visiting
      nurses for low-income adult diabetic patients. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This one-group
      pretest-posttest study included 96 newly registered low-income adult diabetic
      patients in a public health center in DJ-gu (similar to a county in the United
      States) in 2006; the patients met the selection criteria. MEASURES: Diabetes
      knowledge, self-management, and blood glucose levels were compared before and
      after education. INTERVENTION: 15 visiting nurses delivered individually tailored
      education for 60-90 min/month for 7 months. RESULTS: After education, diabetes
      knowledge (p<.001) and self-management in all categories of lifestyle (p<.001),
      diet (p<.001), exercise (p<.001), foot care (p<.001), medication (p=.004), and
      insulin therapy (p=.022) significantly improved. The mean fasting blood glucose
      (FBG) level decreased by 14.53 mg/dl; this decrease was insignificant (p=.117).
      However, the relationship between education and FBG levels was significant
      (chi(2)=40.11, p=.005). CONCLUSIONS: Tailored education effectively improved the
      patients' knowledge of diabetes and self-management. Therefore, regular,
      individually tailored education on a long-term basis by visiting nurses can
      provide essential education to low-income adult diabetic patients for maintaining
      self-management.

PMID- 22092427
TI  - Motorcycle rider training for the prevention of road traffic crashes: a review
      synopsis.

PMID- 22092428
TI  - Stage-based interventions for smoking cessation: a review synopsis.

PMID- 22092429
TI  - Cognitive interviews to test and refine questionnaires.
AB  - Survey data are compromised when respondents do not interpret questions in the
      way researchers expect. Cognitive interviews are used to detect problems
      respondents have in understanding survey instructions and items, and in
      formulating answers. This paper describes methods for conducting cognitive
      interviews and describes the processes and lessons learned with an illustrative
      case study. The case study used cognitive interviews to elicit respondents'
      understanding and perceptions of the format, instructions, items, and responses
      that make up the Diabetes Symptom Self-Care Inventory (DSSCI), a questionnaire
      designed to measure Mexican Americans' symptoms of type 2 diabetes and their
      symptom management strategies. Responses to cognitive interviews formed the basis
      for revisions in the format, instructions, items, and translation of the DSSCI.
      All those who develop and revise surveys are urged to incorporate cognitive
      interviews into their instrumentation methods so that they may produce more
      reliable and valid measurements.

PMID- 22092430
TI  - Cluster analysis identifies subpopulations for health promotion campaign design.
AB  - While health communication campaigns have been effective in addressing a variety
      of health concerns, even broadly successful campaigns can miss particular
      subpopulations. The statistical technique of cluster analysis, which makes it
      possible to group individuals based on sets of identifying variables, is a
      statistical method that could prove useful in the design of more effective
      communication campaigns. This paper illustrates the use of cluster analysis to
      group women based on their (1) prepregnancy weight, (2) weight gain during
      pregnancy, and (3) weight retention after giving birth as it relates to the
      process of targeting subpopulations and developing more effective health
      communication campaigns and interventions. The implications of cluster analysis,
      from guiding additional formative research to development of health communication
      strategies, are discussed.

PMID- 22092431
TI  - A concept analysis of suicidal behavior.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Suicidal behavior is a significant global public health problem.
      Despite this, many health care professionals remain unaware of the distinction
      among suicidal behavior, self-mutilation, and deliberate self-harm. The aim of
      this study was to conduct a concept analysis of suicidal behavior. METHOD: Walker
      and Avant's 8-step method of concept analysis was used to examine the concept of
      suicidal behavior. Sources for analysis were identified using a systematic search
      of Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, and the reference
      lists of related journal articles. RESULTS: Suicidal behavior was found to be
      associated with a constellation of external hazards and internal crises, lack of
      coping mechanisms and social support structures, and degree of suicidal intent,
      which, in the worst-case scenario, results in successful suicide. The antecedents
      of suicidal behavior are vulnerability characteristics that make painful events
      seem unbearable, and the consequences are death or failed suicide. In cases of
      failure, the medical consequences may be serious and long lasting. CONCLUSIONS:
      Defining the concept of suicidal behavior provides a basis for public health
      nurses to better understand suicidal behavior, thus improving their ability to
      care for suicidal patients during home visits.

PMID- 22092432
TI  - Four responsibilities of the tuberculosis nurse, circa 1919.
AB  - Specialization in public health nursing practice was beginning to occur early in
      the 20th century. In a 1919 paper published in The Public Health Nurse, Mary Van
      Zile argued that there were four essential functions of the tuberculosis nurse.
      Later that year, Janet Scott reported on the results of a partnership between the
      tuberculosis dispensary, the Lions Club, and other Oklahoma City community
      organizations, which illustrated the application of Van Zile's principles, and
      the expanding scope of public health nursing practice.

PMID- 22092433
TI  - Detecting metabolic activities in single cells, with emphasis on nanoSIMS.
AB  - Investigating the contribution of microbial populations to biochemical processes
      of global significance is challenging as there are few approaches that can detect
      microbial metabolic activities on single-cell level. Given the widespread
      distribution and importance of microorganisms in elemental transformations,
      improved methods for measuring microbial activities in naturally occurring
      microbial communities is essential. In this article, microautoradiography (MAR),
      Raman microspectroscopy, and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and their
      combination with isotope labeling and molecular genetic methods for cell
      identification (i.e. FISH and related methods) are reviewed. We focus our review
      on the application of MAR-FISH, Raman-FISH, and FISH-SIMS to environmental
      samples, with a more detailed description of the use of nanoSIMS-based
      methodologies to identify, quantify, and visualize the incorporation of labeled
      substrates of single microorganisms in complex microbial communities. We
      highlight examples from the marine habitat. In addition, relevant technical
      aspects as well as important considerations concerning sample preparation and
      handling are presented. We conclude with a perspective on the usefulness of such
      tools to study the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling from micron
      to global scales.

PMID- 22092434
TI  - Expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins p53, bcl-2 and bax in recurrent
      aphthous ulceration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is considered to be an acute
      inflammatory disease of unknown pathogenesis. Apoptosis may represent an
      important event in the control of inflammation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study
      was to investigate apoptosis process in RAU using immunohistochemistry. METHODS:
      We studied the expression and location of p53, bcl-2 and bax in ulcerated lesions
      clinically diagnosed as RAU (n = 12) and compared it with that of oral clinically
      normal mucosa (n = 6) and of other inflammatory chronic disease such as oral
      fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia (FIH; n = 18). RESULTS: Significant
      statistically differences (n < 0.05) in p53 expression were noticed in RAU when
      compared with normal mucosa. No significant statistically differences (P > 0.05)
      were noticed between FIH and RAU. Bcl-2 and bax did not show remarkable
      differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the data suggest that
      RAU induces p53 immunoexpression. Therefore, the protein might be related to the
      aetiopathogenesis of the ulcerated oral lesions.

PMID- 22092435
TI  - Effects of adult inpatient group psychotherapy on attachment characteristics: an
      observational study comparing routine care to an untreated comparison group.
AB  - This study investigated the changes in attachment characteristics of patients
      undergoing inpatient group psychotherapy in routine care. We collected data from
      265 consecutively recruited patients and 260 non-clinical control persons using
      self-report measures of attachment, depression, and socio-demographic
      characteristics. The effects of treatment on patients were analyzed using
      propensity score techniques (propensity strata and logit-transformed propensity
      scores) in combination with a generalized analysis of covariance. A moderate
      increase of attachment security was found which could be attributed to a decrease
      both in attachment anxiety and avoidance. Pre-post improvements in attachment
      with regard to romantic partnerships were stable after a 1-year follow-up.
      Furthermore, we found significant treatment-covariate interactions indicating
      that subjects with particularly high treatment propensities (propensities were
      highly correlated with depression and attachment anxiety) improved the most in
      terms of attachment security. Our results are encouraging for psychotherapeutic
      practice in that they provide evidence that long-term attachment improvements can
      be reached via psychotherapy. Our results will also provide a sound basis for
      future studies in the field of clinical attachment research, e.g., studies
      examining whether improved attachment security is correlated to symptom
      improvements in different psychological disorders.

PMID- 22092436
TI  - Histomorphometric analysis of sinus augmentation using bovine bone mineral with
      two different resorbable membranes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different
      resorbable collagen membranes on new bone formation after sinus grafts with
      anorganic bovine bone mineral (BBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 64 patients
      presenting with an initial residual bone height <=4 mm at the posterior maxilla,
      the sinus floors were grafted with BBM (Bio-Oss). The lateral windows were
      covered by one of the two bio-resorbable membranes, Bio-Arm or Bio-Gide. The
      histomorphometric data were obtained 7-15 months after sinus augmentation at the
      time of the implant installation. RESULTS: The core biopsy specimens of Bio-Arm
      (n = 37 sites) and Bio-Gide group (n = 22 sites) were compared. The results
      showed that the BBM particles were in direct contact with the newly formed bone
      in all cases. In histomorphometric analysis, the Bio-Gide group showed
      significantly higher new bone formation (33.3 +/- 12%) compared with the Bio-Arm
      group (26.3 +/- 8.1%) (P < 0.05). All the implants survived successfully after a
      mean follow-up of 35.3 months (range 22-63 months) in the Bio-Arm group and 55.5
      months (range 35-66 months) in the Bio-Gide group. The amount of new bone in the
      specimens did not significantly correlate with the residual bone height at the
      time of surgery or the length of the healing period. CONCLUSIONS: The type of
      resorbable membrane did not readily affect the long-term survival of the implants
      at the grafted sinus. On the other hand, Bio-Gide group showed more new bone
      formation than the Bio-Arm group, which implied that the function of the membrane
      can influence the remodeling of the grafted sinus. As the amount of residual bone
      substitute particle had not decreased significantly over time, the results
      suggest that the BBM was rarely resorbable for at least 15 months after the
      surgery.

PMID- 22092437
TI  - An increase in serum tryptase even below 11.4 ng/mL may indicate a mast cell
      mediated hypersensitivity reaction: a prospective study in Hymenoptera venom
      allergic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During a systemic hypersensitivity reaction (SR), an increase in
      serum tryptase compared to the baseline value is an indicator of mast cell
      activation, most often due to an IgE-mediated mechanism. OBJECTIVE: To study the
      relevance of an increase in serum tryptase below the upper normal value of 11.4
      ng/mL. METHODS: Serum tryptase levels were measured in 35 patients with
      Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity before and during venom exposure. Of these, 20
      developed SR to stings or following venom injections during immunotherapy
      (reactors), while 15 tolerated reexposure to stings or venom injections during
      immunotherapy without SR (non-reactors). Serum tryptase was estimated at 2, 5 and
      24 h after exposure and was compared to a baseline value obtained before or at
      least 72 h after exposure. RESULTS: Considering circadian variation of serum
      tryptase, a relative increase to >=135% of the baseline value (relative delta
      bound) was defined to indicate mast cell activation. Such an increase was
      observed in 17 of 20 reactors (85%), but none of 15 non-reactors. A serum
      tryptase of >=11.4 ng/mL following venom exposure was observed in eight of the 20
      reactors (40%) and 2 (13.3%) of the 15 non-reactors. Both these non-reactors also
      had an elevated baseline serum tryptase. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Serum tryptase values obtained during a suspected hypersensitivity reaction must
      always be compared to a baseline value. A relative tryptase increase to >=135% of
      the baseline value during a suspected hypersensitivity reaction indicates mast
      cell activation even below 11.4 ng/mL.

PMID- 22092438
TI  - Genetic difference but functional similarity among fish gut bacterial communities
      through molecular and biochemical fingerprints.
AB  - Considering the major involvement of gut microflora in the digestive function of
      various macro-organisms, bacterial communities inhabiting fish guts may be the
      main actors of organic matter degradation by fish. Nevertheless, the extent and
      the sources of variability in the degradation potential of gut bacterial
      communities are largely overlooked. Using Biolog EcoplateTM and denaturing
      gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), we explored functional (i.e. the ability to
      degrade organic matter) and genetic (i.e. identification of DGGE banding
      patterns) diversity of fish gut bacterial communities, respectively. Gut
      bacterial communities were extracted from fish species characterized by different
      diets sampled along a salinity gradient in the Patos-Mirim lagoons complex
      (Brazil). We found that functional diversity was surprisingly unrelated to
      genetic diversity of gut bacterial communities. Functional diversity was not
      affected by the sampling site but by fish species and diet, whereas genetic
      diversity was significantly influenced by all three factors. Overall, the
      functional diversity was consistently high across fish individuals and species,
      suggesting a wide functional niche breadth and a high potential of organic matter
      degradation. We conclude that fish gut bacterial communities may strongly
      contribute to nutrient cycling regardless of their genetic diversity and
      environment.

PMID- 22092439
TI  - Listeria monocytogenes tyrosine phosphatases affect wall teichoic acid
      composition and phage resistance.
AB  - Tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-like proteins exist in many bacteria and are
      segregated into two major groups: low molecular weight and conventional. The
      latter group also has activity as phosphoinositide phosphatases. These two kinds
      of PTP are suggested to be involved in many aspects of bacterial physiology
      including stress response, DNA binding proteins, virulence, and capsule/cell wall
      production. By annotation, Listeria monocytogenes possesses two potential low
      molecular weight and two conventional PTPs. Using L. monocytogenes wild-type (WT)
      strain 10403S, we have created an in-frame deletion mutant lacking all four PTPs,
      as well as four additional complemented strains harboring each of the PTPs. No
      major physiological differences were observed between the WT and the mutant
      lacking all four PTPs. However, the deletion mutant strain was resistant to
      Listeria phages A511 and P35 and sensitive to other Listeria phages. This was
      attributed to reduced attachment to the cell wall. The mutant lacking all PTPs
      was found to lack N-acetylglucosamine in its wall teichoic acid. Phage
      sensitivity and attachment was rescued in a complemented strain harboring a low
      molecular weight PTP (LMRG1707).

PMID- 22092440
TI  - The anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve: prevalence, measurement of its
      length and a recommendation for interforaminal implant installation based on cone
      beam CT imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interforaminal implant surgery requires anatomical knowledge of the
      area and adequate information on the location of the various landmarks of
      significance such as the mental foramen, the anterior loop of the inferior
      alveolar nerve and the mandibular incisive canal. Cone beam computed tomography
      (CBCT) is a relatively new imaging modality that provides a multi-dimensional
      view of the facial skeleton with, in most instances, lower radiation dose to the
      patient compared to medical CT. The present study aims to use CBCT to identify
      and measure variation in the presence and extent of the anterior loop of the
      inferior alveolar nerve. This information may be used to provide recommendations
      to the surgeon without access to a 3D scan of the dento-alveolar region. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients scanned with a Newtom VG device for a variety
      of clinical indications were included in this retrospective study. Using the
      multiplanar capabilities of the device's software the prevalence and length of
      the anterior loop was assessed. RESULTS: The results show that an anterior loop
      could be identified in 48% of the cases with a mean length (range) of 0.89 mm (0
      5.7). CONCLUSIONS: In almost half of the surveyed cases an anterior loop was
      present. Even though in 95% of the study cases the loop was <3 mm, a 100% safety
      margin in the placement of anterior mandibular implants, in the absence of a CBCT
      scan, would only be achieved with a distance of 6 mm between the anterior border
      of the mental foramen and the most distal interforaminal implant fixture.

PMID- 22092441
TI  - Feeding frequency and survival of Anopheles gambiae in a rice-growing area in
      Ghana.
AB  - Mortality rates, determined by dissection, of predominantly M form female
      Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) were estimated. Mosquitoes were collected
      in tent traps and light traps in an irrigation project village in Ghana in June
      and July 2010, when much of the area was flooded. Both M and S form larvae were
      collected from rice fields (74 of 80 specimens were M form). Adults were
      collected in equal proportions from the two traps (90 of 107 specimens from the
      light trap and 106 of 116 specimens from the tent trap were M form). During the
      study, collection numbers rose from 105 to 972 per night. A total of 1787 of the
      15 431 An. gambiae collected were dissected. Of these, 953 (53%) were found to
      have taken their first bloodmeal, either as virgins or following mating. The age
      profiles of mosquitoes collected alive and dead, respectively, were similar.
      Eighteen of 2933 (0.61 +/- 0.49%) specimens were found to be positive for
      sporozoites in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lagged cross
      correlations among the different age groups implied that the mosquitoes fed on
      days 2 and 4 following emergence prior to oviposition and every 2.65 +/- 0.17
      days thereafter. The best model to describe the observed population patterns
      implied a daily mortality of 84%. The results are discussed in relation to
      possible mosquito control measures for the village.

PMID- 22092442
TI  - Piezoelectric vs. conventional implant site preparation: ex vivo implant primary
      stability.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine differences in primary stability between
      implants placed in cortical bone following Piezoelectric or conventional site
      preparation, as assessed by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and reverse torque
      testing (RTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four fresh bovine ribs were acquired and
      surgical guides fabricated with five sites per rib (n = 20), for proper site
      preparation. Implant sites were prepared via conventional drilling technique as
      per manufacturer's instruction (Implantium) or via Piezoelectric (Mectron)
      implant site preparation using the Implant Prep kit. Twenty 10 mm long, 3.6 mm
      diameter Implantium implants were placed with 35 Ncm torque; 10 implants per
      preparation method. RFA was assessed via the Osstell Mentor. Five values were
      taken per implant. All implants where subjected to a reverse torque in increasing
      increments of 5 until 50 Ncm force was reached. RESULTS: The five RFA values per
      site were averaged and plotted by placement technique. A paired t-test
      statistical analysis was run. The average RFA values showed no statistical
      significance between the 10 test (RFA = 69.04 +/- 5.11) and 10 control (RFA =
      70.94 +/- 6.41) sites (P > 0.05). All implants in both groups withstood RTT up to
      50 Ncm force without movement and thus showed no statistical differences.
      CONCLUSION: Results of this ex vivo study imply that the Piezoelectric implant
      site preparation affords similar primary implant stability in comparison to
      conventional rotary instrumentation in cortical bone.

PMID- 22092443
TI  - Digital correction of motion artefacts in microscopy image sequences collected
      from living animals using rigid and nonrigid registration.
AB  - Digital image analysis is a fundamental component of quantitative microscopy.
      However, intravital microscopy presents many challenges for digital image
      analysis. In general, microscopy volumes are inherently anisotropic, suffer from
      decreasing contrast with tissue depth, lack object edge detail and
      characteristically have low signal levels. Intravital microscopy introduces the
      additional problem of motion artefacts, resulting from respiratory motion and
      heartbeat from specimens imaged in vivo. This paper describes an image
      registration technique for use with sequences of intravital microscopy images
      collected in time-series or in 3D volumes. Our registration method involves both
      rigid and nonrigid components. The rigid registration component corrects global
      image translations, whereas the nonrigid component manipulates a uniform grid of
      control points defined by B-splines. Each control point is optimized by
      minimizing a cost function consisting of two parts: a term to define image
      similarity, and a term to ensure deformation grid smoothness. Experimental
      results indicate that this approach is promising based on the analysis of several
      image volumes collected from the kidney, lung and salivary gland of living
      rodents.

PMID- 22092444
TI  - Reflections on a sticky situation: how surface contact pulls the trigger for
      bacterial adhesion.
AB  - Adhesion of bacterial cells to surfaces can be mediated by a wide variety of
      extracellular structures, which can either recognize specific molecular motifs or
      adhere in non-specific ways to multiple types of surfaces. The attachment is
      thought to be highly regulated, but the underlying sensory mechanism(s) are
      poorly understood. In the alpha-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus, the
      formation of adhesive organelles is 'hardwired' into the cell cycle regulatory
      circuitry. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Li et al. (2011) employed
      this model organism to examine the adhesion process and the transition from
      temporary to permanent attachment using total internal reflection fluorescence
      (TIRF) microscopy. Surprisingly, they observed that adhesin production was not
      only under developmental control, but was also stimulated by surface contact.
      Initial reversible contact of the pili with the surface was followed by flagellum
      rotation arrest and subsequent induction of the holdfast to allow irreversible
      surface adhesion. These findings demonstrate that Caulobacter produces its
      holdfast only at the appropriate time for surface attachment, preventing
      premature export of the adhesin, which could then be inactivated by 'curing' or
      be masked by occluding particles. Importantly, their results support the notion
      that the flagellum serves as a mechanosensor for adhesion.

PMID- 22092445
TI  - Ten-year results of a three arms prospective cohort study on implants in
      periodontally compromised patients. Part 2: clinical results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes of implants
      placed both in patients treated for periodontitis and in periodontally healthy
      patients (PHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twelve partially edentulous
      patients were consecutively enrolled in private specialist practice and divided
      into three groups according to their initial periodontal condition: PHP,
      moderately periodontally compromised patients (PCP) and severely PCP. Implants
      were placed to support fixed prostheses, after successful completion of initial
      periodontal therapy [full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) <25%, full-mouth bleeding
      score (FMBS) <25%]. At the end of active periodontal treatment (APT), patients
      were asked to follow an individualized supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)
      program. Diagnosis and treatment of peri-implant biological complications was
      performed according to cumulative interceptive supportive therapy. At 10 years,
      clinical measures were recorded by two calibrated operators, blinded to the
      initial patient classification, on 101 patients, as 11 were lost to follow-up.
      The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics
      and/or surgery) during the 10 years was registered. RESULTS: Eighteen implants
      were removed for biological complications. Antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was
      performed in 10.7% of cases in PHP, in 27% of cases in moderate PCP and in 47.2%
      cases in severe PCP, with a statistically significant differences between PHP and
      severe PCP (P = 0.002). At the final examination, the percentage of implants,
      with at least one site which presented a PD >=6 mm, was respectively 1.7% for
      PHP, 15.9% for moderate PCP and 27.2% for severe PCP, with a statistically
      significant difference between PHP and moderate PCP (P = 0.005) and PHP and
      severe PCP (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of periodontitis
      presented a statistically significant higher number of sites which required
      additional treatment. Therefore, patients with a history of periodontitis should
      be informed that they are more at risk for peri-implant disease. This underlines
      the value of the SPT in enhancing long-term outcomes of implant therapy,
      particularly in subjects affected by periodontitis. Therefore, the approach for
      multiple preventive dental extractions and implant placement, based on the
      assumption the implants perform better than teeth, should be followed with
      extreme caution.

PMID- 22092446
TI  - The validity of the diagnostic criteria used in chronic exertional compartment
      syndrome: a systematic review.
AB  - Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower limb is part of a
      group of overuse lower limb injuries with common presenting features. It is
      commonly diagnosed by the measurement of raised intramuscular pressures in the
      lower limb. The pathophysiology of the condition is poorly understood, and the
      criteria used to make the diagnosis are based on small sample sizes of
      symptomatic patients. We carried out a systematic review to compare intramuscular
      pressures in the anterior compartment of healthy subjects with commonly used
      criteria for CECS. Thirty-eight studies were included. With the exception of
      relaxation pressure, the current criteria for diagnosing CECS, considered to be
      the gold standard, overlap the range found in normal healthy subjects. Several
      studies reported mean pressures that would prompt a positive diagnosis for CECS,
      despite none of the subjects reporting any symptoms. The intramuscular pressure
      at all time points has also shown to vary in relation to a number of other
      factors other than the presence of CECS. Taken together, these data have major
      implications on the ability to use these published criteria for diagnosis and
      question the underlying pathophysiology. Clinicians are recommended to use
      protocol-specific upper confidence limits to guide the diagnosis following a
      failed conservative management.

PMID- 22092447
TI  - Beliefs associated with Mexican immigrant families' practice of la cuarentena
      during postpartum recovery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine underlying beliefs that motivate the observed behaviors of
      la cuarentena, which refers to the 40 days (6 weeks) of postpartum recovery
      observed by Mexican immigrant women in the United States. DESIGN:
      Qualitative/descriptive. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Forty Spanish speaking individuals
      from 19 different Mexican immigrant families in Colorado were visited in their
      homes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS: Ethnographic methods
      for this study focused on participant observation and interviews during
      traditional observance of la cuarentena. Mothers, their partners, and caregivers
      were interviewed in their homes in a series of four visits. RESULTS: Families
      described perceptions of the body as "open" and vulnerable to drafts or aire.
      Women reported that the cultural traditions of la cuarentena will "close" the
      body, and this was seen as the central purpose of postpartum recovery. Immigrant
      women reported that they hide their traditions in health care settings,
      recognizing that many providers don't understand or trivialize their beliefs and
      customs. A lack of awareness of la cuarentena among health care providers is a
      barrier to many women seeking professional care. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the
      underlying fears associated with la cuarentena will assist nurses and clinicians
      in supporting immigrant families during postpartum recovery. Support from health
      care providers is particularly important given the occasional lack of family
      social support for immigrant women after they give birth.

PMID- 22092448
TI  - NTrap in prevention of stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy for
      proximal ureteral stones: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of NTrap in the prevention of stone
      migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones. METHODS:
      Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, the
      Cochrane Library, ISI - Science Citation Index, and Chinese biomedicine
      literature database). The database search, quality assessment, and data
      extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. Our primary outcomes
      were the stone-free (SF) and incidence of stone migration. Secondary outcomes
      were operative time and the rate of auxiliary procedures. The outcomes were
      explored by using Review Manager 5.0. Sensitivity analysis was performed to
      explore the influence of low-quality studies. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled
      trials and one case-control study including 456 patients met the inclusion
      criteria. Meta-analysis of extractable data showed that patients who underwent
      ureteroscopic lithotripsy with the use of the NTrap demonstrated a significant
      advantage over without the use of the NTrap in terms of the stone-free rate (odds
      ratio [OR]=3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.45-6.53], P=0.003); the
      incidence of stone migration was significantly lower in NTrap treatment than
      without NTrap (OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.53, P=0.0006, while there was no
      significant difference in operative time between NTrap and control (mean
      difference=-3.25, 95% CI: -16.11-9.62, P=0.62). Our pooled meta-analysis showed
      that the incidence of auxiliary shockwave lithotripsy was significantly lower in
      NTrap treatment than control (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.70, P=0.006). CONCLUSION:
      The results of this meta-analysis suggested that the NTrap stone occlusion device
      is efficient at preventing stone retropulsion during ureteroscopic lithotripsy of
      proximal ureteral calculi. The findings of this review highlight the need for
      more efficient performance of higher quality, more rigorous, large sample, long
      term randomized controlled trials where outcomes are detailed in description.

PMID- 22092449
TI  - Nonfinancial barriers and access to care for U.S. adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify prevalences and predictors of nonfinancial barriers that
      lead to unmet need or delayed care among U.S. adults. DATA SOURCE: 2007 Health
      Tracking Household Survey. STUDY DESIGN: Reasons for unmet need or delayed care
      in the previous 12 months were assigned to one of five dimensions in the
      Penchansky and Thomas model of access to care. Prevalences of barriers in each
      nonfinancial dimension were estimated for all adults and for adults with
      affordability barriers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to
      estimate associations between individual, household, and insurance
      characteristics and barriers in each access dimension. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Eighteen percent of U.S. adults experienced affordability barriers and 21 percent
      experienced nonfinancial barriers that led to unmet need or delayed care. Two
      thirds of adults with affordability barriers also reported nonfinancial barriers.
      Young adults, women, individuals with lower incomes, parents, and persons with at
      least one chronic illness had higher adjusted prevalences of nonfinancial
      barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Nonfinancial barriers are common reasons for unmet need or
      delayed care among U.S. adults and frequently coincide with affordability
      barriers. Failure to address nonfinancial barriers may limit the impact of
      policies that seek to expand access by improving the affordability of health
      care.

PMID- 22092451
TI  - A new method for evaluating postacne scarring.

PMID- 22092452
TI  - Predictors of actual turnover in a national sample of newly licensed registered
      nurses employed in hospitals.
AB  - AIM: This paper is a report of a study of factors that affect turnover of newly
      licensed registered nurses in United States hospitals. BACKGROUND: There is a
      large body of research related to nursing retention; however, there is little
      information specific to newly licensed registered nurse turnover. Incidence rates
      of turnover among new nurses are unknown because most turnover data are not from
      nationally representative samples of nurses. METHOD: This study used a
      longitudinal panel design to obtain data from 1653 registered nurses who were
      recently licensed by examination for the first time. We mailed surveys to a
      nationally representative sample of hospital registered nurses 1 year apart. The
      analytic sample consisted of 1653 nurses who responded to both survey mailings in
      January of 2006 and 2007. RESULTS: Full-time employment and more sprains and
      strains (including back injuries) result in more turnover. Higher intent to stay
      and hours of voluntary overtime and more than one job for pay reduces turnover.
      When we omitted intent to stay from the probit model, less job satisfaction and
      organizational commitment led to more turnover, confirming their importance to
      turnover. Magnet Recognition Award((r)) hospitals and several other work
      attributes had no effect on turnover. CONCLUSION:   Turnover problems are
      complex, which means that there is no one solution to decreasing turnover.
      Multiple points of intervention exist. One specific approach that may improve
      turnover rates is hospital policies that reduce strains and sprains.

PMID- 22092453
TI  - Stabilization of juxta-physeal distal tibial and fibular fractures in a juvenile
      tiger using a hybrid circular-linear external fixator.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report stabilization of closed, comminuted distal metaphyseal
      transverse fractures of the left tibia and fibula in a tiger using a hybrid
      circular-linear external skeletal fixator. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMAL:
      Juvenile tiger (15 months, 90 kg). METHODS: From imaging studies, the tiger had
      comminuted distal metaphyseal transverse fractures of the left tibia and fibula,
      with mild caudolateral displacement and moderate compression. Multiple fissures
      extended from the fractures through the distal metaphyses, extending toward, but
      not involving the distal tibial and fibular physes. A hybrid circular-linear
      external skeletal fixator was applied by closed reduction, to stabilize the
      fractures. RESULTS: The fractures healed and the fixator was removed 5 weeks
      after stabilization. Limb length and alignment were similar to the normal
      contralateral limb at hospital discharge, 8 weeks after surgery. Two weeks later,
      the tiger had fractures of the right tibia and fibula and was euthanatized.
      Necropsy confirmed pathologic fractures ascribed to copper deficiency.
      CONCLUSION: Closed application of the hybrid construct provided sufficient
      stability to allow this 90 kg tiger's juxta-articular fractures to heal with
      minimal complications and without disrupting growth from the adjacent physes.

PMID- 22092450
TI  - Distinct commensal bacteria associated with ingesta and mucosal epithelium in the
      gastrointestinal tracts of calves and chickens.
AB  - The primary aim of this study was to determine whether distinct gastrointestinal
      tract (GIT) microbial communities are established within ingesta and on mucosal
      surfaces of dairy calves and chickens to evaluate whether the principle of
      microbial segregation is of broad biological significance. Multivariate analysis
      of the predominant bacterial PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles
      and estimated bacterial populations were compared in rumen, jejunum, ileum,
      cecum, and colon ingesta and matching mucosal tissues. Samples collected from 3
      week old (n = 8) and 6-month old (n = 8) calves revealed that the predominant
      mucosa-associated bacteria were distinct from those inhabiting ingesta, and
      bacterial diversity varied significantly among the GIT regions. The estimated
      bacterial populations displayed significant regional differences for bovine
      mucosal (P = 0.05) and for ingesta (P = 0.03) only at 6 months of age. This
      indicates an established segregation of the enteric bacterial population
      throughout the GIT in weaned calves. Analysis of ileal and cecal bacterial
      profiles in chickens confirmed that the segregation of commensal bacteria between
      ingesta and the mucosal tissue was a common biological phenomenon. Our study
      provides some fundamental understanding of the impact of sample type (mucosa vs.
      ingesta), region, and host age on commensal bacterial establishment and
      segregation throughout the GIT.

PMID- 22092454
TI  - Poor relevance of a lymphocyte proliferation assay in lamotrigine-induced Stevens
      Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior use of 'lymphocyte transformation test' (LTT) in Stevens
      Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) provided conflicting
      results, possibly dependent on sampling dates (acute vs. late). OBJECTIVE:
      Evaluation of LTT in patients with SJS or TEN who reacted to lamotrigine (LTG).
      In a small subgroup we explored the possible role of regulatory T cells (T-reg).
      METHODS: Acute phase samples (9) and post-recovery samples (14) from cases of SJS
      or TEN to LTG were provided by the RegiSCAR-study group. Controls were persons
      never exposed to LTG (12), patients exposed without reaction (6), and patients
      who developed a mild eruption to LTG (6). LTT was performed by measuring (3) H
      thymidine incorporation after 3 days of incubation with phytohemmaglutinin, LTG
      (10 MUg/mL) or medium. Stimulation index >= 2 was considered positive. In 16
      cases LTT was redone after depletion of T-reg by fluorescence activated cell
      sorting. RESULTS: Positive LTT was observed in 3/6 cases of mild eruptions, 1/9
      SJS/TEN-cases tested during the acute phase and 3/14 SJS/TEN-cases tested after
      recovery. We noted a very mild and nonsignificant trend for an increased response
      after depletion of T-reg in late samples from SJS or TEN patients. CONCLUSIONS
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With the largest number of LTT performed in patients with
      SJS or TEN to a single drug, we confirmed that reactive cells are rarely detected
      in these reactions. Poor reactivity did not seem related to T-reg. Other in vitro
      assays than those testing proliferation should be evaluated, before raising the
      hypothesis that specific cells disappeared by undergoing apoptosis during the
      reaction.

PMID- 22092455
TI  - MMP-8 -799 C>T genetic polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to
      chronic and aggressive periodontitis in Taiwanese.
AB  - AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 is a protease that degrades numerous
      extracellular molecules and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      periodontitis. Polymorphism in the MMP-8 could affect the susceptibility to
      disease. Our aim was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and MMP-8 
      799 C>T polymorphism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was obtained from 361
      chronic periodontitis patients (CP), 96 aggressive periodontitis patients (AgP),
      and 106 periodontally healthy controls (HC). MMP-8 -799 C>T polymorphism was
      determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequencies of genotypes in diseased groups
      were similar but were significantly different from those in the HC. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and smoking
      indicated that increased risks of AgP and CP were associated with the -799 T
      allele (in AgP, adjusted OR = 1.99, p = 0.04; in CP, adjusted OR = 1.87, p =
      0.007). To avoid the confounded effect of smoking on MMP-8 polymorphism to
      periodontitis, the analysis was conducted on non-smokers and the associations
      were significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that non-smoking Taiwanese
      with the MMP-8 -799 T allele were associated with the risks of both CP and AgP.
      Further studies in other ethnic populations are necessary.

PMID- 22092456
TI  - [Past, present, future in public health nursing].

PMID- 22092457
TI  - Smoking cessation counseling for parents during child hospitalization: a national
      survey of pediatric nurses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Given the central role played by pediatric nurses in intake
      assessment, discharge planning, and education for families of hospitalized
      pediatric patients, a child's hospitalization may provide a unique opportunity
      for counseling parents about smoking. We sought to determine if hospital policies
      can support nurses in effectively counseling parents about smoking. DESIGN AND
      SAMPLE: We conducted a national survey of pediatric staff nurses and
      administrators/educators who were members of the Society of Pediatric Nurses in
      2008 (n=888) to explore counseling practices for tobacco control. MEASURES:
      Questionnaires included data on demographics, personal and work environment
      characteristics, hospital policy characteristics, work attitudes and barriers and
      the main outcome--5As for smoking cessation counseling--Ask, Advise, Assess,
      Assist, and Arrange. RESULTS: Overall, routine screening for household smokers
      was most common (43%), followed by advice to quit (25%), assessing willingness to
      quit (19%), assisting with a quit plan (6%), and arranging follow-up contact
      (3%). Nurses working in hospitals with admission assessments specifically asking
      about household members who smoke were 7 times more likely than those without
      such assessments to routinely ask about smoking (OR: 7.2, 95% CI: 4.9-10.5).
      CONCLUSION: Future research should test the efficacy of developing comprehensive
      hospital-wide policies to deliver smoking cessation for parents during a child's
      hospitalization.

PMID- 22092458
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in human papillomavirus awareness and vaccination
      among young adult women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine racial and ethnic disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV)
      awareness and vaccination among young adult females aged 18-24 years. DESIGN AND
      SAMPLE: Descriptive correlational study. One thousand nineteen women aged 18-24
      years who self-identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic White.
      MEASURES: Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses using data
      from the 2007-2008 National Survey of Family Growth. RESULTS: Approximately 90%
      of non-Hispanic White women, 80% of non-Hispanic Black women, and 56-60% of
      Hispanic women reported an awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, and yet,
      vaccine receipt across racial and ethnic groups was 23%, 8%, and 6%,
      respectively. In multivariate analyses, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women
      were less aware than non-Hispanic White women of HPV infection (OR=0.10, 95%
      CI=0.05, 0.19; OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.13, 0.40) and vaccination (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.07,
      0.27; OR=0.27, 95% CI=0.14, 0.52) and also less likely to report vaccine receipt
      (OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.21, 0.90; OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.07, 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      moderate to high levels of awareness, HPV vaccination rates were low among this
      national population of young adult women. Continued surveillance is imperative to
      monitor vaccine uptake, including racial and ethnic disparities. Further research
      exploring HPV knowledge and vaccination barriers across diverse cultural groups
      is needed to inform the development of more effective public health
      interventions.

PMID- 22092459
TI  - Intention to smoke tobacco using a waterpipe among students in a southeastern
      U.S. College.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action, this study examined the
      association of behavioral beliefs, attitudes, normative beliefs, and subjective
      norms with waterpipe tobacco smoking intention in college students. DESIGN AND
      SAMPLE: A cross-sectional design was used. A Web-based survey was sent to a
      random sample of 1,000 undergraduate students from a public institution in the
      southeast to recruit participants. MEASURES: The Theory of Reasoned Action
      Waterpipe Questionnaire, a modified version of the Fishbein-Ajzen-Hanson
      Questionnaire, was used to capture modal constructs of the Theory of Reasoned
      Action related to waterpipe use. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the scales of
      the Theory of Reasoned Action Waterpipe Questionnaire ranged from .76 to .95.
      RESULTS: Of the sample (n=223), 13.5% currently smoked a waterpipe and 61% had
      ever done so. Using multiple regression, attitudes, behavioral beliefs, and
      subjective norms were associated with intention to smoke a waterpipe in the next
      3 months and collectively explained 35% of the variance in intention. The full
      model, which included all the constructs of the Theory of Reasoned Action,
      demographic variables, and tobacco use variables, explained 83% of the variance
      in intention to smoke a waterpipe in the next 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides valuable information that may be used to target students at risk for
      waterpipe smoking and serves as a starting point in developing theoretically
      driven interventions to prevent waterpipe smoking.

PMID- 22092460
TI  - Lifestyle physical activity behavior of Korean American dry cleaner couples.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to: (1) describe and compare lifestyle
      physical activity (leisure-time physical activity [LTPA], household physical
      activity [HPA], and occupational physical activity [OPA]), using both self-report
      and an objective measure of step counts, in self-employed Korean American married
      couples working together at dry cleaners, and (2) examine the relationship
      between self-report and objective measures of physical activity. DESIGN AND
      SAMPLE: 70 couples participated in this cross-sectional, descriptive, face-to
      face interview survey. MEASURES: 2 self-reports (28-item Community Healthy
      Activities Model Program for Seniors Physical Activity Questionnaire and Tecumseh
      Occupational Physical Activity Questionnaire) and 1 objective measure (New
      Lifestyles-800 pedometer) were used. RESULTS: The husbands spent significantly
      more time than their wives in moderate- to vigorous-intensity LTPA (207 vs. 122
      min/week) and OPA (2,585 vs. 1,065 min/week). Most couples (91%) met recommended
      levels of physical activity based on their OPA. Pedometer steps correlated
      significantly only with LTPA. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that to
      increase physical activity in Korean American couples who work in a small
      business, moderate-intensity lifestyle physical activity interventions across
      LTPA, HPA, and OPA will be more successful than traditional leisure-time
      interventions. In addition, results suggest that there is a need for
      interventions that target both members of the married couple.

PMID- 22092461
TI  - Benefits, barriers, sources of influence, and prostate cancer screening among
      rural men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore 3 research questions: (1)
      What are the perceived benefits of screening for prostate cancer (PC)? (2) What
      are the perceived barriers to screening for PC? and (3) Is there an association
      with perceived benefits or perceived barriers and participants' reported source
      of influence related to prostate cancer screening (PCS) decisions? DESIGN AND
      SAMPLE: A nonexperimental exploratory design was used for the study. Sample
      included 94 rural-dwelling male participants aged 40 and older. MEASURES: The
      instruments used included an adapted version of Champion's (1999) revised Health
      Belief Model scale and a researcher-developed demographic and PCS patterns form.
      RESULTS: Both benefits and barriers were significantly associated with PCS and
      sources of influence. Health care providers and family were highly reported, at
      81.8% and 59.5%, respectively, as sources of influence regarding PCS decisions.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this primarily African American sample, significant barriers to
      PCS among rural men were indentifed. PC health education may need to include
      family, whom study participants highly reported as a source of influence
      regarding their PCS decisions.

PMID- 22092462
TI  - Empowerment and commitment perceptions of community/public health nurses and
      their tenure intention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A descriptive, nonexperimental study of community/public health
      nurses' (C/PHN) perceptions of their work and their workplace was conducted for
      the purpose of identifying factors that may affect tenure intention and, by
      extension, health care delivery, at a time when nursing workforce capacity is in
      crisis, a subject not studied well among the C/PHN workforce. It was thought that
      findings would potentially contribute to decisions about curriculum development,
      hiring practices, and work design by nurse educators, leaders, and
      administrators. Spreitzer's Theory of Structural and Psychological Empowerment
      and Meyer and Allen's Commitment theory were utilized together as a framework.
      DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A paper-pen survey was mailed to 688 C/PHNs in 10 states
      seeking national accreditation serving in community-oriented and population
      focused roles and selected randomly in local health departments with a census of
      10 or more eligible nurses. The return of 478 completed surveys yielded a
      response rate of 76%. MEASURES: Data were examined with descriptive statistics,
      correlation, and multiple logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Results revealed
      1/3 of C/PHNs were in some way considering leaving the job in spite of
      significant relationships among empowerment factors and between empowerment and
      commitment factors. CONCLUSIONS: These data beg for a clearer understanding of
      C/PHNs' perceptions of empowerment and the reasons for intent to leave.

PMID- 22092463
TI  - Vaccination competence of public health nurses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the vaccination competence of
      Finnish public health nurses. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A survey design was used.
      Participants (n=405) were public health nurses working in health centers in
      Finland. MEASURES: The data were collected using a structured instrument and were
      analyzed by SAS. RESULTS: The mean of self-assessment was 8.3 and the proportion
      percentage of correct answers in the knowledge test was 83 %. According to the
      self-assessment, public health nurses felt they were most competent in achieving
      the desired outcomes of vaccination implementation and poorest in their qualities
      as vaccinators. In the knowledge test, the public health nurses were familiar
      with vaccination recommendations and common contraindications, but showed room
      for improvement in managing an anaphylactic reaction, aseptic practices, and
      knowing the names of vaccines. There was a statistically significant link between
      the results on the self-assessment and the knowledge test. CONCLUSIONS: Further
      training should be organized in the areas where knowledge was lacking. It would
      be useful to further investigate differences in competence between public health
      nurses working different sectors. These results could be utilized in education,
      clinical nursing practice, administration and research. This study demonstrated
      that vaccination competence can be measured by means of the structured
      instrument.

PMID- 22092464
TI  - A win-win partnership between academia and public health practice.
AB  - Partnerships are fundamental to successful public health practice, and
      collaborations between academia and public health practice, as recommended by the
      Institute of Medicine and the Council on Linkages between academia and public
      health practice, are vital to ensuring a competent public health workforce.
      During times of economic crisis, graduate public health nursing students with
      clinical expertise, people and communication skills, and critical thinking
      capabilities are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between academia and
      public health practice. In 2009, 5 registered nurses enrolled in a master of
      science in nursing program with a focus on public health partnered with public
      health professionals from the state Department of Public Health to conduct an
      active surveillance study to understand the increase in vancomycin-resistant
      enterococci incidences that occurred since 2005. The purpose of this paper is to
      describe the successes and challenges of the collaboration to provide an insight
      for those who wish to build similar collaborations. Even in light of the
      challenges that occurred during this collaboration, faculty should strongly
      consider developing partnerships with public health practice in order to
      contribute to important public health surveillance and other functions, and to
      provide relevant experiences for students.

PMID- 22092465
TI  - Designing a health behavior change program for dissemination to underserved
      pregnant women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The paper describes the formative research conducted toward
      developing a health behavior change program for underserved pregnant women. It is
      provided as an example to guide researchers, academics, and practitioners on how
      to incorporate dissemination in all aspects of project planning and
      implementation. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A series of formative research was conducted,
      including an advisory council, expert interviews, 6 focus groups and 5 usability
      interviews with the target population (n=53), key informant interviews, expert
      reviews of the pilot program, and a pilot test (n=87). A total of 140 underserved
      pregnant women were recruited from Community Health Center Inc. in Connecticut.
      RESULTS: The extensive formative research served to lay the foundation for the
      development of a healthy pregnancy behavior change program. The pilot test
      exemplified the feasibility and acceptability of the program. CONCLUSION:
      Successful adoption of interventions depends upon strong formative research,
      participatory research methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment
      to dissemination from project inception. The development of the intervention
      discussed serves as a useful and practical example for others working in health
      care and behavioral medicine to improve the overall health and well-being of the
      underserved.

PMID- 22092467
TI  - Public health nursing-indispensible and economical for everyone if organized.
AB  - In August 1930, the editors of the original Public Health Nursing published an
      article derived from a speech made by Dr. Haven Emerson, then professor of public
      health administration at Columbia University, on the topic of the distribution
      and use of public health nurses. The speech was made before an audience of lay
      board members from hospitals and public health nursing organizations in Chicago,
      February 17, 1930. Emerson reported the results of a data analysis in which the
      numbers and credentials of public health nurses in 24 cities across the United
      States were reported. Excerpts from this report and Dr. Emerson's conclusions are
      powerful reminders that while there were issues of labor supply and distribution,
      the power of nurses to effect social transformation was central to the role as
      conceived by those administering public health services.

PMID- 22092466
TI  - Childhood bullying: a review of constructs, concepts, and nursing implications.
AB  - Bullying among children as a pervasive problem has been increasingly recognized
      as an important public health issue. However, while much attention has been given
      to understanding the impact of bullying on victims, it is equally important to
      examine predictors of bullying and potential outcomes for bullies themselves. The
      current literature on bullying lacks consensus on a utilizable definition of
      bullying in research, which can vary by theoretical framework. In an attempt to
      bridge the gaps in the literature, this article will provide a review of the
      state of the science on bullying among children, including the major theoretical
      constructs of bullying and their respective viewpoints on predictors and
      correlates of bullying. A secondary aim of this article is to summarize empirical
      evidence for predictors of bullying and victimization, which can provide
      strategies for intervention and prevention by public health nursing
      professionals. By calling attention to the variability in the bullying literature
      and the limitations of current evidence available, researchers can better address
      methodological gaps and effectively move toward developing studies to inform
      nursing treatment programs and enhance public health initiatives that reduce
      violence in school settings.

PMID- 22092469
TI  - Cancer stem-like cells in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands:
      relationship with morphogenesis of histological variants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is a common malignant salivary gland
      tumor. AdCC is histologically characterized as having cribriform, tubular and
      solid patterns, and production of excess extracellular matrix (ECM). Cancer stem
      cells (CSCs) are defined cells within a tumor that possess the capacity to self
      renew and to induce the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the
      tumor. METHODS: To examine the morphogenetic relationship between CSCs and the
      growth patterns in AdCC, we employed formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded 26
      cases of AdCC and immunohistochemically clarified the distribution of CSCs using
      CD133 and CD44 antibodies. RESULTS: CD133- or CD44-positive cancer stem (CS)-like
      cells were scattered in the pseudocyst-lining area of cribriform patterns having
      a Swiss cheese-like appearance. However, based on the further overproduction of
      ECM, CS-like cells accumulate in thin epithelial cords or trabecular
      arrangements. These CS-like cell aggregations are considered to form two cell
      layered tubular patterns. Moreover, proliferation of outer cells in tubular
      patterns leads to cribriform patterns or solid patterns in the presence of excess
      ECM production or a lack of ECM overproduction, respectively. CS-like cells in
      AdCC were frequently located at the border areas adjacent to ECM, with exception
      of some cribriform and solid variants. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that CSCs
      included in CD133- or CD44-positive cells play an important role in morphogenesis
      of salivary AdCC, especially in transition among the histological growth
      patterns. ECM is well known as a component of the CSC microenvironment, and ECM
      may regulate morphogenesis of AdCC through the stimulation of CSCs.

PMID- 22092470
TI  - Alveolar process preservation at implants installed immediately into extraction
      sockets using deproteinized bovine bone mineral - an experimental study in dogs.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the soft tissue and the dimensional changes of the alveolar bony
      crest at sites where deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles,
      concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane, were used at implants
      installed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of (3) P(3) was removed in six Labrador dogs,
      and the root canals were filled. Flaps were elevated bilaterally, the premolars
      hemi-sectioned, and the distal roots removed. Recipient sites were prepared in
      the distal alveolus, and implants were placed. At the test sites, DBBM particles
      were placed in the residual marginal defects concomitantly with the placement of
      a collagen membrane. No treatment augmentation was performed at the control
      sites. A non-submerged healing was allowed. Impressions were obtained at baseline
      and at the time of sacrifice performed 4 months after surgery. The cast models
      obtained were analyzed using an optical system to evaluate dimensional
      variations. Block sections of the implant sites were obtained for histological
      processing and soft tissue assessments. RESULTS: After 4 months of healing, no
      differences in soft tissue dimensions were found between the test and control
      sites based on the histological assessments. The location of the soft tissue at
      the buccal aspect was, however, more coronal at the test compared with the
      control sites (1.8 +/- 0.8 and 0.9 +/- 0.8 mm, respectively). At the three
      dimensional evaluation, the margin of the soft tissues at the buccal aspect
      appeared to be located more apically and lingually. The vertical dislocation was
      1 +/- 0.6 and 2.7 +/- 0.5 mm at the test and control sites, respectively. The
      area of the buccal shrinkage of the alveolar crest was significantly smaller at
      the test sites (5.9 +/- 2.4 mm(2) ) compared with the control sites (11.5 +/- 1.7
      mm(2) ). CONCLUSION: The use of DBBM particles concomitantly with the application
      of a collagen membrane used at implants placed into sockets immediately after
      tooth extraction contributed to the preservation of the alveolar process.

PMID- 22092471
TI  - Periodontal disease, tooth loss and incident rheumatoid arthritis: results from
      the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its
      epidemiological follow-up study.
AB  - AIMS: Infection may be a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk factor. We examined
      whether signs of periodontal infection were associated with RA development in the
      First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its epidemiological
      follow-up study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 1971-1974, 9702 men and women aged 25
      74 were enrolled and surveyed longitudinally (1982, 1986, 1987, 1992).
      Periodontal infection was defined by baseline tooth loss or clinical evidence of
      periodontal disease. Baseline (n = 138) and incident (n = 433) RA cases were
      defined via self-report physician diagnosis, joint pain/swelling, ICD-9 codes
      (714.0-714.9), death certificates and/or RA hospitalization. RESULTS: Adjusted
      odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) for prevalent RA in gingivitis and periodontitis
      (versus healthy) were 1.09 (0.57, 2.10) and 1.85 (0.95, 3.63); incident RA ORs
      were 1.32 (0.85, 2.06) and 1.00 (0.68, 1.48). The ORs for prevalent RA among
      participants missing 5-8, 9-14, 15-31 or 32 teeth (versus 0-4 teeth) were 1.74
      (1.03, 2.95), 1.82 (0.81, 4.10), 1.45 (0.62, 3.41) and 1.30 (0.48, 3.53); ORs for
      incident RA were 1.12 (0.77, 1.64), 1.67 (1.12, 2.48), 1.40 (0.85, 2.33) and 1.22
      (0.75, 2.00). Dose-responsiveness was enhanced among never smokers. The rate of
      death or loss-to-follow-up after 1982 was two- to fourfold higher among
      participants with periodontitis or missing >=9 teeth (versus healthy
      participants). CONCLUSIONS: Although participants with periodontal disease or >=5
      missing teeth experienced higher odds of prevalent/incident RA, most ORs were non
      statistically significant and lacked dose-responsiveness. Differential RA
      ascertainment bias complicated the interpretation of these data.

PMID- 22092472
TI  - Periodontitis is associated with angiographically verified coronary artery
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We investigated the association of periodontitis and severity of
      coronary artery disease (CAD) as verified using coronary angiography. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Participants were recruited among those attending coronary
      angiography at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, in 2007 and 2008.
      Detailed clinical periodontal examination [number of teeth, bleeding on probing,
      periodontal probing depth (PPD)] and oral panoramic radiographs [alveolar bone
      loss (ABL), angular bone defects] were performed. RESULTS: Of 506 patients, 123
      (24.3%) had no significant CAD, whereas 184 (36.4%) had stable CAD and 169
      (33.4%) acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Both stable CAD and ACS were associated
      with 8-17 missing teeth with ORs 4.33 (1.61-11.7, p = 0.020) and 5.24 (1.90-14.5,
      p = 0.014), and more than seven teeth with PPD >=6 mm with ORs 2.44 (1.01-6.07, p
      = 0.049) and 2.75 (1.16-6.53, p = 0.022) respectively. Severe ABL was associated
      with ACS with an OR 5.39 (1.23-23.6, p = 0.025). Number of stenosed arteries was
      linearly associated with ABL (p for trend <0.001), number of missing teeth (p <
      0.001), and pockets with probing depth >=6 mm (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      with patients with no significant stenosis, poor periodontal health including
      missing teeth, periodontal inflammation, and bone loss is associated with
      angiographically verified coronary artery narrowing in patients with stable CAD
      or ACS.

PMID- 22092473
TI  - Stage of hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with periodontitis.
AB  - AIM: Periodontitis induces overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This
      state increases circulating ROS levels and may affect hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). The Japan Integrated Stage (JIS) score is a novel staging system for HCC.
      The objective of the present study was to compare JIS scores in HCC patients with
      and without periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited 64 HCC patients
      comprising 31 chronic periodontitis subjects (HCC + P) and 33 periodontally
      healthy controls (HCC + H). Their JIS scores were recorded. Serum levels of
      reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) from HCC + P, HCC + H and healthy age- and
      gender-matched subjects with healthy gingiva (control, n = 15) were also assessed
      for circulating ROS levels. RESULTS: The HCC + P and HCC + H groups had similar
      body mass index, habitual drinking and tobacco exposure data. The HCC + P group
      showed higher JIS scores than the HCC + H group (p = 0.027). Both the HCC + P and
      HCC + H groups had higher serum levels of ROM than controls (p < 0.001), while
      serum levels of ROM in the HCC + P group were a further 25.8% higher than those
      in the HCC + H group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HCC patients with periodontitis had
      higher JIS score and circulating ROS level than HCC patients without
      periodontitis.

PMID- 22092474
TI  - Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand antagonists inhibit tissue
      inflammation and bone loss in experimental periodontitis.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of anti-bone resorptive
      agents and an anti-inflammatory compound in murine Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.
      gingivalis)-induced periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six randomly assigned
      groups were administered vehicle (saline, control) (n = 6), P. gingivalis
      infection only (untreated) (n = 6), human-Fc (n = 4), Kavain (n = 6), OPG-Fc (n =
      6) and Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK)-Fc (n = 6)
      intraperitoneally at day 0, 3 and 7. Animals were euthanized on day 10 and
      subjected to comprehensive histomorphometric analysis. To capture the progress of
      inflammation, serum samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7 and 10 for levels of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Compared with control group, OPG-Fc, RANK-Fc
      and Kavain treatment showed significant bone loss reduction with OPG-Fc
      performing better than RANK-Fc or Kavain. Epithelial down-growth showed
      significant reduction in treatment groups with OPG-Fc performing better than RANK
      Fc or Kavain. Finally, Kavain, OPG-Fc and RANK-Fc-treated mice displayed reduced
      inflammatory cell counts and cytokine expression particularly at day 7
      postinfection. CONCLUSIONS: RANKL antagonists and Kavain effectively reduced
      alveolar bone loss in P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis in our mice model.
      Compared with RANK-Fc, Kavain-treated animals showed milder improvement of bone
      and connective tissue inflammation. Therapeutic implications in the prevention of
      periodontal bone loss are discussed.

PMID- 22092475
TI  - Multiple applications of flurbiprofen and chlorhexidine chips in patients with
      chronic periodontitis: a randomized, double blind, parallel, 2-arms clinical
      trial.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present randomized, double blind, parallel, 2-arm clinical
      study was to examine the safety and efficacy of frequent applications of
      chlorhexidine chip (CHX) and flurbiprofen chip (FBP) in patients with chronic
      periodontitis. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized into CHX and FBP groups.
      Following OHI and scaling and root planing (SRP), baseline pocket depth (PD)
      measurements, gingival recession and bleeding on probing (BOP) were performed and
      repeated at week 4 and 8. The assigned chip was placed at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.
      RESULTS: Mean PD reduction in the CHX group was 2.08 mm (7.17 to 5.09, p <
      0.0001). Mean PD reduction in the FBP group was 2.27 mm (6.72 to 4.45, p <
      0.0001). Ninety-seven percentage and 95% of these sites exhibited PD reduction
      >=1 mm, while 38% and 34% of the sites exhibited PD >=3 mm (FBP and CHX,
      respectively). Clinical attachment level gain (1.66 and 1.95 mm, respectively)
      was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Baseline BOP dropped from 98% and
      100% to 24% and 30% for the CHX and FBP groups, respectively (p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: Frequent applications of CHX and FBP chips resulted in a significant
      improvement in the periodontal condition in these sites. Furthermore studies will
      be required to compare this new treatment regimen to SRP or SRP with single chip
      application.

PMID- 22092476
TI  - A phase IIa randomized controlled clinical and histological pilot study
      evaluating rhGDF-5/beta-TCP for periodontal regeneration.
AB  - AIM: The primary objective of this study was to clinically and histologically
      evaluate periodontal wound healing/regeneration following surgical implantation
      of recombinant human growth/differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5) adsorbed onto a
      particulate beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) carrier rhGDF-5/beta-TCP into
      periodontal defects in man. MATERIAL & METHODS: Twenty chronic periodontitis
      patients, each with at least one tooth scheduled for extraction exhibiting a
      probing depth >=6 mm and an associated intra-bony defect >=4 mm participated in
      the study upon written informed consent. Subjects (one defect/patient) were
      randomized to receive open flap debridement (OFD) + rhGDF-5/beta-TCP (n = 10) or
      OFD alone (control; n = 10). Block biopsies of the defect sites were collected at
      6 months post-surgery and prepared for the histological evaluation. Two masked
      examiners evaluated the deepest aspect of each defect site relative to bone
      (height/area), periodontal ligament (PDL) and cementum regeneration, and residual
      beta-TCP. RESULTS: Sites receiving rhGDF-5/beta-TCP showed numerically greater PD
      reduction (3.7 +/- 1.2 versus 3.1 +/- 1.8 mm; p = 0.26), less gingival recession
      (0.5 +/- 0.8 versus 1.4 +/- 1.0 mm; p < 0.05) and greater clinical attachment
      level (CAL) gain (3.2 +/- 1.7 versus 1.7 +/- 2.2 mm; p = 0.14) at the deepest
      aspect of the defect compared with OFD alone. One biopsy in the rhGDF-5/beta-TCP
      and four biopsies in the OFD group were deemed as not evaluable. Histologically,
      bone regeneration height was almost threefold greater for the rhGDF-5/beta-TCP
      treatment compared with OFD alone (2.19 +/- 1.59 versus 0.81 +/- 1.02 mm; p =
      0.08). Similarly an almost twofold increase was observed for PDL (2.16 +/- 1.43
      versus 1.23 +/- 1.07 mm; p = 0.26), cementum (2.16 +/- 1.43 versus 1.23 +/- 1.07
      mm; p = 0.26) and bone regeneration area (0.74 +/- 0.69 versus 0.32 +/- 0.47
      mm(2) ; p = 0.14). Root resorption/ankylosis was not observed. Residual beta-TCP
      occupied 8.4 +/- 11.5% of the area of interest in biopsies of patients receiving
      rhGDF-5/beta-TCP. Five biopsies (one rhGDF-5/beta-TCP, four OFD) were deemed
      unsuitable to allow a meaningful histological or histometrical evaluation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Descriptive statistics showed greater PD reduction and CAL gain, and
      greater alveolar bone regeneration and periodontal regeneration at sites that
      received rhGDF-5/beta-TCP compared to control. However, these differences were
      not statistically significant. Future studies with larger sample sizes will have
      to be conducted to verify these findings.

PMID- 22092477
TI  - Coronally advanced flap adjunct with low intensity laser therapy: a randomized
      controlled clinical pilot study.
AB  - AIM: Coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique and its modifications have been
      proposed in the literature. Low intensity laser therapy (LILT) is shown to
      increase wound healing. The aim of this split-mouth randomized controlled pilot
      study was to assess the effects of LILT with respect to root coverage after CAF
      procedure for the treatment of multiple-recession type defects (MRTD). MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Ten patients with symmetrical 74 Miller I and II gingival recessions
      were included in this study (37 in test, 37 in control group). A diode laser (588
      nm) was applied to test sites before and immediately after surgery, and for 5
      min. daily 7 days post-operatively. Comparisons of the surgical sites were made
      with clinical measurements. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were
      observed between test and control sites in the gingival recession depth (GRD),
      gingival recession width (GRW) and width of the keratinized tissue (WKT) and
      clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements after 1 year (p = 0.014, p = 0.015,
      p = 0.009 and p = 0.018 respectively). The test group presented greater complete
      root coverage (n = 7, 70%) compared with the control group (n = 3, 30%) after
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results
      indicated that LILT may improve the predictability of CAF in multiple recessions.

PMID- 22092478
TI  - Soft tissue volume augmentation by the use of collagen-based matrices in the dog
      mandible -- a histological analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to test, whether or not soft tissue volume augmentation
      with a specifically designed collagen matrix (CM), leads to ridge width gain in
      chronic ridge defects similar to those obtained by an autogenous subepithelial
      connective tissue graft (SCTG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In six dogs, soft tissue
      volume augmentation was performed by randomly allocating three treatment
      modalities to chronic ridge defects [CM, SCTG and sham-operated control
      (Control)]. Dogs were sacrificed at 28 (n = 3) and 84 days (n = 3). Descriptive
      histology and histomorphometric measurements were performed on non-decalcified
      sections. RESULTS: SCTG and CM demonstrated favourable tissue integration, and
      subsequent re-modelling over 84 days. The overall mean amount of newly formed
      soft tissue (NMT) plus bone (NB) amounted to 3.8 +/- 1.2 mm (Control), 6.4 +/-
      0.9 mm (CM) and 7.2 +/- 1.2 mm (SCTG) at 28 days. At 84 days, the mean NMT plus
      NB reached 2.4 +/- 0.9 mm (Control), 5.6 +/- 1.5 mm (CM) and 6.0 +/- 2.1 mm
      (SCTG). Statistically significant differences were observed between CM/SCTG and
      Control at both time-points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this
      animal model, the CM performed similar to the SCTG, based on histomorphometric
      outcomes combining NB and NMT.

PMID- 22092479
TI  - Cyclic loading of tendon fascicles using a novel fatigue loading system increases
      interleukin-6 expression by tenocytes.
AB  - Repetitive strain or 'overuse' is thought to be a major factor contributing to
      the development of tendinopathy. The aims of our study were to develop a novel
      cyclic loading system, and use it to investigate the effect of defined loading
      conditions on the mechanical properties and gene expression of isolated tendon
      fascicles. Tendon fascicles were dissected from bovine-foot extensors and
      subjected to cyclic tensile strain (1 Hz) at 30% or 60% of the strain at failure,
      for 0 h (control), 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, or 5 h. Post loading, a quasi-static test
      to failure assessed damage. Gene expression at a selected loading regime (1 h at
      30% failure strain) was analyzed 6 h post loading by quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. Compared with unloaded controls, loading at 30%
      failure strain took 5 h to lead to a significant decrease in failure stress,
      whereas loading to 60% led to a significant reduction after 15 min. Loading for 1
      h at 30% failure strain did not create significant structural damage, but
      increased Collagen-1-alpha-chain-1 and interleukin-6 (IL6) expression, suggesting
      a role of IL6 in tendon adaptation to exercise. Correlating failure properties
      with fatigue damage provides a method by which changes in gene expression can be
      associated with different degrees of fatigue damage.

PMID- 22092480
TI  - Evaluation of peri-implant bone resorption around Straumann Bone Level implants
      placed in areas reconstructed with autogenous vertical onlay bone grafts.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the survival and success rate of Straumann Bone
      Level implants placed in vertically atrophied edentulous jaws previously
      reconstructed with autogenous onlay bone grafts taken from the calvarium or the
      mandibular ramus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2009, 18 patients
      presenting with vertical deficits of the edentulous ridges were treated with
      autogenous cortical bone grafts harvested from the mandibular ramus or the
      calvarium. Four to seven months afterward, 60 Straumann Bone Level implants were
      placed in the reconstructed areas. After a further waiting period of 2-3 months,
      patients were rehabilitated with implant-supported fixed prostheses. Follow-up
      ranged from 12 to 36 months (mean: 19 months) after the start of prosthetic
      loading. Graft resorption before implant placement, as well as survival and
      success rates of implants, were recorded. RESULTS: The mean bone resorption prior
      to implant placement was 0.18 mm for calvarial grafts and 0.42 mm for ramus
      grafts. Survival rate was 100% either for implants placed in calvarial grafts or
      implants placed in ramus grafts, while success rate was 90.3% for implants placed
      in calvarial grafts, and 93.1% for implants placed in ramus grafts. CONCLUSION:
      Results from this study seem to demonstrate that implants with a platform
      switching design may predictably integrate in edentulous areas reconstructed with
      autogenous bone grafts, with survival rates consistent with those reported in
      recent literature reviews on the same topic, and also with implants placed in
      native bone. Conversely, this study was not able to demonstrate that implants
      with platform-switching design may reduce bone resorption around implants placed
      in reconstructed areas.

PMID- 22092481
TI  - Effects of bait age, larval chemical cues and nutrient depletion on colonization
      by forensically important Calliphorid and Sarcophagid flies.
AB  - Species colonization patterns on corpses and the frequency of carrion fly
      oviposition and larviposition are affected by decomposition stage and previous
      maggot colonization. This study investigated these effects on meat bait
      colonization by Victorian Diptera of forensic importance. Bait treatments were:
      'aged' (aged for 4 days at 22  degrees C, allowing some decomposition); 'nutrient
      depleted' [aged for 4 days at 22  degrees C with feeding Calliphora vicina
      (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae]; 'extract' (fresh bait mixed
      with liquid formed by feeding C. vicina larvae), and 'fresh' (untreated control
      bait). Statistical analysis (alpha = 0.05) revealed that colonization frequency
      differed significantly among treatments (Welch's F(3,18.83)  = 4.66, P < 0.05).
      Post hoc tests showed that fresh and extract baits were colonized extensively
      throughout the experiment with no significant difference, whereas the
      colonization of nutrient-depleted baits was significantly lower. This suggests
      that larval digestive enzymes, larval excreta and cuticular hydrocarbons have
      less effect on colonizing Diptera than the nutritional content of meat. The
      colonization of aged baits did not differ significantly from that of fresh,
      extract or nutrient-depleted baits. A further experiment testing 'very aged'
      (aged for 8 days at 28  degrees C), 'larvae-added' (fresh bait with C. vicina
      larvae added before placement) and 'fresh' (untreated control) baits revealed
      that very aged baits were colonized significantly less frequently than either
      fresh or larvae-added baits (Welch's F(2, 6.17)  = 17.40, P < 0.05).

PMID- 22092482
TI  - Public awareness and attitudes towards cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic
      region in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: One of the priorities in public health policy for the
      control of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is to investigate associations between
      disease distribution, socio-demographical and environmental risk factors, so that
      rational prevention and control strategies can be developed. Assessment of
      baseline awareness of the disease amongst the endemic population would be one of
      the first steps in this direction. This study aims to provide qualitative
      information on lay perceptions of CL in an endemic area in Saudi Arabia. We also
      attempted to correlate these perceptions with associated socio-demographical
      backgrounds. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out
      in Al-Hassa, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study included
      1824 participants, age ranging from 15 to 63 years (mean 35.86+/-9.54 years).
      RESULTS: Over 76% of the studied population recognized the infectious nature of
      CL. There was also good awareness regarding the clinical features of CL, but the
      awareness regarding the vector, transmission, risk factors and preventive methods
      were very poor. Our study demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge score
      correlated with regard to male gender, higher family income, age and a previous
      history of CL. CONCLUSION: In our study we found low awareness for important
      epidemiological aspects like transmission of the disease, risk factors and
      prevention. Our study provides a baseline to understand and correct deficits in
      the perceptions and knowledge regarding CL in Saudi Arabia and would provide a
      template to design interventions.

PMID- 22092483
TI  - Antibiotics and asthma medication in a large register-based cohort study -
      confounding, cause and effect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An association between asthma and antibiotic usage has been
      demonstrated, and the issue of reverse causation and confounding by indication is
      much debated. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the association between different
      classes of antibiotics and prescription of asthma medication in a register-based
      cohort of all Swedish children, born between July 2005 and June 2009, ever
      treated with antibiotics. METHODS: Data on dispensed prescriptions of antibiotics
      (ATC-codes J01) and asthma medication (ATC-codes R03A-D) were requested from the
      Prescribed Drug Register. The association between dispensed prescriptions of
      different classes of antibiotics and asthma medication was analysed with Cox
      regression and a descriptive sequence symmetry analysis. RESULTS: In total, 211
      192 children had received prescriptions of antibiotics. There was a strong
      association between prescription of antibiotics and prescription of asthma
      medication. The hazard ratios (HRs) for asthma medication associated with
      prescription of amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporin and macrolides (Gram
      positive infections) were stronger than HRs associated with prescription of
      sulphonamides, trimethoprim and quinolones (urinary tract infections) and
      flucloxacillin (skin and soft tissue infections), e.g. first year HR = 2.27 (95%
      confidence intervals 2.17-2.37) as compared with HR = 1.04 (0.78-1.40). The HR
      associated with broad spectrum antibiotics was significantly higher than the
      narrow spectrum. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our data suggest that the
      association between antibiotics and asthma is subject to either reverse causation
      or confounding by indication due to respiratory tract infections. This implies
      that careful consideration is required as to whether or not symptoms from the
      respiratory tract in early childhood should be treated with antibiotics or asthma
      medication.

PMID- 22092484
TI  - Effect of vitamin supplementation on lung injury and running performance in a
      hot, humid, and ozone-polluted environment.
AB  - In this study, the effect of vitamin C and E supplementation on lung injury and
      performance of runners were analyzed. Using a randomized, double-blinded,
      crossover design, nine runners participated in two experimental trials: a 2-week
      Vitamin trial (vitamin C = 500  mg/day + vitamin E = 100  IU/day) and a 2-week
      Placebo trial. At the end of each supplementation period the runners performed an
      8-km time-trial run in a hot (31 degrees C), humid (70% rh), and ozone-polluted
      (0.10  ppm O(3)) environmental chamber. Nasal lavage and blood samples were
      collected pre-, post-, and 6-h post-exercise to assess antioxidant status and
      CC16 as lung injury marker. Higher plasma (pre- and post-exercise) and nasal
      lavage (post-exercise) antioxidant concentration were found for the Vitamin
      trial. Nevertheless, this did not result in performance differences (Vitamin
      trial: 31:05  min; Placebo trial: 31:54  min; P = 0.075) even though significant
      positive correlations were found between antioxidant concentration and
      improvement in time to complete the run. CC16 was higher post-exercise in the
      Placebo trial (P < 0.01) in both plasma and nasal lavage. These findings suggest
      that antioxidant supplementation might help to decrease the lung injury response
      of runners when exercising in adverse conditions, but has little effect on
      performance.

PMID- 22092485
TI  - Clinical, histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of socket preservation
      using a synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite in comparison with a bovine
      xenograft: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite
      (NCHA), NanoBone((r))  and a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), Bio
      Oss((r))  with a collagen membrane on the horizontal ridge width alterations
      following tooth extraction, in addition to histologic aspects of the grafted
      extraction sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 28
      symmetrical, non-molar, extraction sockets using a split-mouth design in 12
      patients (eight women and four men; aged 21-60; mean 44.6 +/- 11.4 years), were
      randomly selected in the first group to be grafted with DBBM granules covered
      with a collagen membrane and in the other group grafted with NCHA covered with a
      collagen membrane. Following extraction horizontal ridge width was measured using
      caliper and was blindly compared to the dimensions measured prior to implant
      placement, at the 6- to 8-month follow-up. Subsequently, a 2 * 6 mm trephine core
      was obtained with aid of acrylic stent and routine histologic preparation was
      performed on the specimens. RESULTS: The width of the DBBM group decreased from
      7.75 +/- 1.55 to 6.68 +/- 1.85 mm (P < 0.05), whereas the width of the NCHA group
      decreased from 7.36 +/- 1.94 to 6.43 +/- 2.08 mm (P < 0.05). The mean between
      group difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.62). Furthermore,
      histologic and histomorphometric analyses revealed 28.63 +/- 12.53% vital bone in
      NCHA group vs. 27.35 +/- 12.39% in DBBM group, and no statistically significant
      difference between the groups (P = 0.68). CONCLUSION: Socket preservation using
      either NCHA or DBBM in combination with collagen membrane, results in similar,
      limited horizontal ridge width alterations following tooth extraction.

PMID- 22092486
TI  - A 2D MEMS mirror with sidewall electrodes applied for confocal MACROscope
      imaging.
AB  - This paper presents microelectromechanical system micromirrors with sidewall
      electrodes applied for use as a Confocal MACROscope for biomedical imaging. The
      MACROscope is a fluorescence and brightfield confocal laser scanning microscope
      with a very large field of view. In this paper, a microelectromechanical system
      mirror with sidewall electrodes replaces the galvo-scanner and XYZ-stage to
      improve the confocal MACROscope design and obtain an image. Two micromirror-based
      optical configurations are developed and tested to optimize the optical design
      through scanning angle, field of view and numerical aperture improvement.
      Meanwhile, the scanning frequency and control waveform of the micromirror are
      tested. Analysing the scan frequency and waveform becomes a key factor to
      optimize the micromirror-based confocal MACROscope. When the micromirror is
      integrated into the MACROscope and works at 40 Hz, the micromirror with open-loop
      control possesses good repeatability, so that the synchronization among the
      scanner, XYZ-stage and image acquisition can be realized. A laser scanning
      microscope system based on the micromirror with 2 MUm width torsion bars was
      built and a 2D image was obtained as well. This work forms the experimental basis
      for building a practical confocal MACROscope.

PMID- 22092487
TI  - A genetic discontinuity in root-nodulating bacteria of cultivated pea in the
      Indian trans-Himalayas.
AB  - Evolutionary relationships of 120 root-nodulating bacteria isolated from the
      nodules of Pisum sativum cultivated at 22 different locations of the trans
      Himalayan valleys of Lahaul and Spiti in the state of Himachal Pradesh of India
      were studied using 16S rRNA gene PCR-RFLP, ERIC-PCR, sequencing of 16S rRNA,
      atpD, recA, nodC and nifH genes, carbon-source utilization pattern (BIOLOGTM),
      and whole-cell fatty acid profiling. The results demonstrated that all isolates
      belonged to Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiovar viciae (Rlv). Isolates from the two
      valleys were clearly separated on the basis of ERIC fingerprints, carbon-source
      utilization pattern, and whole-cell fatty acid methyl esters. Phylogenetic
      analysis of atpD, recA, nodC and nifH genes revealed a common Rlv sublineage in
      Spiti valley. Lahaul valley isolates were represented by three sequence types of
      atpD and recA genes, and four sequence types of nodC and nifH genes. Genotypes
      from the two valleys were completely distinct, except for two Lahaul isolates
      that shared nodC and nifH sequences with Spiti isolates but were otherwise more
      similar to other Lahaul isolates. Isolates from the two highest Spiti valley
      sites (above 4000 m) had a distinctive whole-cell fatty acid profile. Spiti
      valley isolates are closely related to Rlv sublineages from Xinjiang and Shanxi
      provinces in China, while Lahaul valley isolates resemble cosmopolitan strains of
      the western world. The high mountain pass between these valleys represents a
      boundary between two distinct microbial populations.

PMID- 22092488
TI  - Young women's experiences living with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the psychosocial effects of living with polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS) through the experiences of young women diagnosed with this
      endocrine disorder. DESIGN: A qualitative, phenomenological methodology was used.
      Data were obtained through personal, semistructured interviews. SETTING: College
      campuses in New England. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample of 12 young women with
      PCOS age 18 to 23 years. RESULTS: The following themes emerged from analysis of
      participants' responses: concerns for older self, feeling physically inferior,
      coping with symptoms, patient-provider relationship, seeking useable information
      and support, and coming to terms with a chronic condition. CONCLUSIONS:
      Participants in this study faced numerous physical, social, and emotional
      challenges on a daily basis. As these young women gathered information relevant
      to their needs, sought and received social support, and maintained their daily
      routines to improve their health and appearance, they came to terms with this
      chronic condition. Based on participants' relayed experiences, it became evident
      that a need exists for health care practitioners to include psychosocial support
      in a comprehensive holistic plan for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents and
      young women in their early twenties.

PMID- 22092489
TI  - What drives the distribution of the bloom-forming cyanobacteria Planktothrix
      agardhii and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii?
AB  - The cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii are
      bloom-forming species common in eutrophic freshwaters. These filamentous species
      share certain physiological traits which imply that they might flourish under
      similar environmental conditions. We compared the distribution of the two species
      in a large database (940 samples) covering different climatic regions and the
      Northern and Southern hemispheres, and carried out laboratory experiments to
      compare their morphological and physiological responses. The environmental ranges
      of the two species overlapped with respect to temperature, light and total
      phosphorus (TP); however, they responded differently to environmental gradients;
      C. raciborskii biovolume changed gradually while P. agardhii shifted sharply from
      being highly dominated to a rare component of the phytoplankton. As expected, P.
      agardhii dominates the phytoplankton with high TP and low light availability
      conditions. Contrary to predictions, C. raciborskii succeeded in all climates and
      at temperatures as low as 11  degrees C. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii had
      higher phenotypic plasticity than P. agardhii in terms of pigments, individual
      size and growth rates. We conclude that the phenotypic plasticity of C.
      raciborskii could explain its ongoing expansion to temperate latitudes and
      suggest its future predominance under predicted climate-change scenarios.

PMID- 22092490
TI  - An assay for exogenous sources of purified MurG, enabled by the complementation
      of Escherichia coli murG(Ts) by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis homologue.
AB  - The Mycobacterium tuberculosis murG gene, Rv2153, was expressed in Escherichia
      coli murG(Ts) strain OV58 on a plasmid under the control of the arabinose
      inducible araBAD promoter. Mycobacterium tuberculosis murG rescued the growth of
      E. coli murG(Ts) at the nonpermissive temperature: transformants were only
      obtained in the presence of 0.2% arabinose at 42  degrees C, and their growth
      rate was dependent on arabinose concentrations. However, no MurG activity was
      detected in membranes from the transformant grown in arabinose at 42  degrees C,
      while MraY activity was normal. This observation led to the development of a
      membrane-based scintillation proximity assay for exogenous sources of MurG.
      Addition of purified E. coli MurG resulted in the reconstitution of MurG and
      peptidoglycan synthesis in these membranes. MurG is an attractive target for drug
      discovery, but assays to measure the activity of purified MurG are challenging.
      This presents an easy method to measure the activity of exogenous sources of MurG
      for structure-activity studies of mutant MurG proteins. It can also be used to
      compare the activity of, or effect of inhibitors on, MurG from other bacterial
      species.

PMID- 22092491
TI  - Influence of implants with different sizes and configurations installed
      immediately into extraction sockets on peri-implant hard and soft tissues: an
      experimental study in dogs.
AB  - AIM: To study the influence on the healing of soft and hard peri-implant tissues
      when implants of different sizes and configurations were installed into sockets
      immediately after tooth extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transmucosal
      cylindrical implants, 3.3 mm in diameter in the control sites, and conical 5 mm
      in diameter in the test sites, were installed into the distal socket of the
      fourth mandibular premolars in dogs immediately after tooth extraction. After 4
      months, the hard and soft tissue healing was evaluated histologically. RESULTS:
      All implants were integrated in mineralized mature bone. Both at the test and
      control sites, the alveolar crest underwent resorption. The buccal bony surface
      at the implant test sites (conical; 3.8 mm) was more resorbed compared with the
      control sites (cylindrical; 1.6 mm). The soft tissue dimensions were similar in
      both groups. However, in relation to the implant shoulder, the peri-implant
      mucosa was located more apically at the test compared with the control sites.
      CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed that the distance between the implant
      surface and the outer contour of the buccal alveolar bony crest influenced the
      degree of resorption of the buccal bone plate. Consequently, in relation to the
      implant shoulder, the peri-implant mucosa will be established at a more apical
      level, if the distance between the implant surface and the outer contour of the
      alveolar crest is small.

PMID- 22092492
TI  - Effects of a physical education program on physical activity, fitness, and health
      in children: the JuvenTUM project.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a school-based
      prevention program on physical activity, fitness, and obesity. We performed a
      prospective study in eight Bavarian primary schools (n = 724 children, 8.4 +/-
      0.7 years) randomized one to one to either an intervention school (IS, n = 427)
      or a control school (CS, n = 297). Children in IS attended 10 health-related
      lessons at school over a period of 1 year. Parents and teachers attended two and
      three educational health-related lessons, respectively, and also received 10
      newsletters on health issues. Daily physical activity (>= 60 min/day), physical
      fitness (six-item test battery), and anthropometric data were obtained at
      baseline and after 1 year. Physical activity and physical fitness increased in
      IS, but it failed to reach significant intervention effects. Nevertheless, a
      reduction in waist circumference was observed for all children [mean change 1.7
      cm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-2.3; P < 0.001). This effect was more
      pronounced in overweight children (> 90th percentile, n = 99, mean change 3.2 cm;
      95% CI 1.5-4.8; P < 0.001). This easily administered preventative program
      involving children, parents, and teachers revealed that a generalized approach
      increasing physical activity will even be favorable in a subgroup of obese
      children.

PMID- 22092494
TI  - Prevalence of clinical and subclinical middle ear disease in cats undergoing
      computed tomographic scans of the head.
AB  - Three hundred and ten cats that had CT imaging of the head between January 2000
      and December 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. Data that were recorded
      included signalment, presenting complaint, clinical signs, presence of upper
      respiratory tract disease, and CT findings. One hundred and one cats had evidence
      of middle ear disease on CT. Thirty-four of the 101 cats (34%) did not have a
      primary complaint of ear-related disease, clinical signs or physical findings
      consistent with ear disease, suggesting that the middle ear disease was
      subclinical. Twenty-seven of the 34 cats (79%) had concurrent nasal disease.
      Middle ear lesions were chronic in appearance. With the exception of tympanic
      bulla lysis, CT findings were similar in cats presenting with primary aural
      disease versus cats with presumptive subclinical middle ear disease. The majority
      of the cats did not return for treatment of the identified middle ear
      abnormalities. Subclinical middle ear disease is relatively frequent in cats
      undergoing CT imaging of the head. Few cats required subsequent treatment for ear
      disease although follow up was limited. Identification of subclinical middle ear
      abnormalities on CT should prompt acquisition of a detailed patient history and
      bilateral otoscopic examination.

PMID- 22092493
TI  - Swarming motility and the control of master regulators of flagellar biosynthesis.
AB  - Swarming motility is the movement of bacteria over a solid surface powered by
      rotating flagella. The expression of flagellar biosynthesis genes is governed by
      species-specific master regulator transcription factors. Mutations that reduce or
      enhance master regulator activity have a commensurate effect on swarming
      motility. Here we review what is known about the proteins that modulate swarming
      motility and appear to act upstream of the master flagellar regulators in diverse
      swarming bacteria. We hypothesize that environmental control of the master
      regulators is important to the swarming phenotype perhaps at the level of
      controlling flagellar number.

PMID- 22092495
TI  - Microbial community structure in methane hydrate-bearing sediments of freshwater
      Lake Baikal.
AB  - Gas hydrates in marine sediments have been known for many years but recently
      hydrates were found in the sediments of Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater basin
      in the world. Marine gas hydrates are associated with complex microbial
      communities involved in methanogenesis, methane oxidation, sulfate reduction and
      other biotransformations. However, the contribution of microorganisms to the
      formation of gas hydrates remains poorly understood. We examined the microbial
      communities in the hydrate-bearing sediments and water column of Lake Baikal
      using pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria dominated
      the water sample collected at the lake floor in the hydrate-bearing site. The
      shallow sediments were dominated by Archaea. Methanogens of the orders
      Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales were abundant, whereas representatives
      of archaeal lineages known to perform anaerobic oxidation of methane, as well as
      sulfate-reducing bacteria, were not found. Affiliation of archaea to methanogenic
      rather than methane-oxidizing lineages was supported by analysis of the sequences
      of the methyl coenzyme M reductase gene. The deeper sediments located at 85-90 cm
      depth close to the hydrate were dominated by Bacteria, mostly assigned to
      Chloroflexi, candidate division JS1 and Caldiserica. Overall, our results are
      consistent with the biological origin of methane hydrates in Lake Baikal.

PMID- 22092496
TI  - Immunoglobulin E-binding autoantigens: biochemical characterization and clinical
      relevance.
AB  - Although immediate-Type I skin reactions to human dander have been described six
      decades ago, only the recent application of molecular biology to allergology
      research allowed fast and detailed characterization of IgE-binding autoantigens.
      These can be functionally subdivided into three classes: (1) self-antigens with
      sequence homology to environmental allergens belonging to the class of
      phylogenetically conserved proteins, (2) self-antigens without sequence homology
      to known environmental allergens, and (3) chemically modified self-antigens
      deriving from workplace exposure. As environmental allergens, also IgE-binding
      autoantigens belong to different protein families without common structural
      features that would explain their IgE-binding capability. Many of the self
      antigens showing sequence homology to environmental allergens, are
      phylogenetically conserved proteins like manganese dependent superoxide
      dismutase, thioredoxin or cyclopilin. Their IgE-binding capability can be
      explained by molecular mimicry resulting from shared B-cell epitopes. A common
      factor of IgE-binding self-antigens without sequence homology to known
      environmental allergens is that they elicit IgE responses only in individuals
      suffering from long-lasting atopic diseases. In contrast, IgE-mediated reactions
      to modified self-antigens might be explained with the generation of novel B-cell
      epitopes. Chemically modified self-antigens are likely to be recognized as non
      self by the immune system. The clinical relevance of IgE responses to self
      antigens remains largely unclear. Well documented is their ability to induce
      immediate Type I skin reactions in vivo, and to induce mediator release from
      effector cells of sensitized individuals in vitro. Based on these observations it
      is reasonable to assume that IgE-mediated cross-linking of FcRIepsilon receptors
      on effector cells can elicit the same symptoms as those induced by environmental
      allergens, and this could explain exacerbations of chronic allergic diseases in
      the absence of external exposure. However, because most of the described IgE
      binding self-antigens are intracellular proteins normally not accessible for
      antigen-antibody interactions, local release of the antigens is required to
      explain the induction of symptoms.

PMID- 22092497
TI  - An integrated methodology for process improvement and delivery system
      visualization at a multidisciplinary cancer center.
AB  - Multidisciplinary cancer centers require an integrated, collaborative, and stream
      lined workflow in order to provide high quality of patient care. Due to the
      complex nature of cancer care and continuing changes to treatment techniques and
      technologies, it is a constant struggle for centers to obtain a systemic and
      holistic view of treatment workflow for improving the delivery systems. Project
      management techniques, Responsibility matrix and a swim-lane activity diagram
      representing sequence of activities can be combined for data collection,
      presentation, and evaluation of the patient care. This paper presents this
      integrated methodology using multidisciplinary meetings and walking the route
      approach for data collection, integrated responsibility matrix and swim-lane
      activity diagram with activity time for data representation and 5-why and gap
      analysis approach for data analysis. This enables collection of right detail of
      information in a shorter time frame by identifying process flaws and deficiencies
      while being independent of the nature of the patient's disease or treatment
      techniques. A case study of a multidisciplinary regional cancer centre is used to
      illustrate effectiveness of the proposed methodology and demonstrates that the
      methodology is simple to understand, allowing for minimal training of staff and
      rapid implementation.

PMID- 22092498
TI  - The ureteroscope as a safety wire for ureteronephroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The recent technologic advances in the newer generation
      of flexible ureteroscopes have significantly enhanced the therapeutic and
      diagnostic efficacy of ureteroscopy. The purpose of our study was to assess
      ureteroscopy and lithotripsy of renal calculi without a safety wire, using the
      ureteroscope as the safety device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records for
      patients undergoing ureteroscopy by a single surgeon were retrospectively
      reviewed from December 2006 to December 2009. Inclusion criteria for our study
      included all adult patients who underwent wireless flexible ureteroscopy for the
      management of renal calculi and had 1 month follow-up data. RESULTS: Of the 568
      patients who underwent ureteroscopy during this period, 268 patients met our
      study inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients undergoing wireless
      ureteroscopy was 33 years, and the mean body mass index was 33.1 kg/m(2). Mean
      stone diameter of the renal calculi treated was 12.0+/-5.9 mm. Fifteen percent of
      the patients had a ureteral stent in place before the procedure, and 84% of the
      patients had a stent placed after ureteroscopy. Twenty percent of the patients
      needed ureteral dilation, and 15% of the patients had a ureteral access sheath
      placed intraoperatively. The overall complication rate was 2.6% (major=0.7%,
      minor=1.9%). Complications included: Four urinary tract infections, two patients
      with urosepsis, and one patient with urinary retention. No patients had ureteral
      perforation or ureteral avulsion. CONCLUSIONS: Using the ureteroscope as the
      safety mechanism, ureteroscopy is safe with regard to maintaining renal access
      and control. Routine safety wires during ureteronephroscopy are not necessary
      assuring the ureteroscope is in the kidney.

PMID- 22092499
TI  - Stress resiliency, psychological empowerment and conflict management styles among
      baccalaureate nursing students.
AB  - AIMS: This article is a report of a Neuman Systems Model-guided correlational
      study of the relations of stress resiliency, psychological empowerment, selected
      demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, semester in school) and conflict
      management styles. BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that stress resiliency
      and psychological empowerment can strengthen student nurses in academic
      achievement and coping with stress. Little is known about conflict management
      styles of students and the relationship to empowerment, resiliency and the
      implications for managing workplace conflict. METHODS: A correlational study was
      conducted in Spring 2010 with 166 baccalaureate students. Most participants were
      female, single, Hispanic and 25 years old. The data collection instruments
      included the Stress Resiliency Profile, the Psychological Empowerment Instrument,
      the Conflict Mode Instrument and a demographic inventory. Descriptive and
      inferential correlational statistics were used to analyse the data. RESULTS:
      Students scored in the high range for focusing on their deficiencies in conflict
      situations; they scored above the 60th percentile for avoiding and accommodating
      behaviours and were less likely to use competing or collaborating strategies to
      manage conflict. Empowerment scores were significantly correlated with stress
      resiliency scores. Students with high scores on empowerment had high scores on
      the skill recognition subscale of the Stress Resiliency Profile suggesting more
      resilience; high scores on empowerment were related to high necessitating
      subscale scores of the Stress Resiliency Profile suggesting a predisposition to
      stress. CONCLUSIONS: Neuman Systems Model may provide guidance for educators to
      strengthen student nurses' management of stressors in the workplace.

PMID- 22092500
TI  - Three-phase general border detection method for dermoscopy images using non
      uniform illumination correction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computer-aided diagnosis of dermoscopy images has shown great promise
      in developing a quantitative, objective way of classifying skin lesions. An
      important step in the classification process is lesion segmentation. Many studies
      have been successful in segmenting melanocytic skin lesions (MSLs), but few have
      focused on non-melanocytic skin lesions (NoMSLs), as the wide variety of lesions
      makes accurate segmentation difficult. METHODS: We developed an automatic
      segmentation program for detecting borders of skin lesions in dermoscopy images.
      The method consists of a pre-processing phase, general lesion segmentation phase,
      including illumination correction, and bright region segmentation phase. RESULTS:
      We tested our method on a set of 107 NoMSLs and a set of 319 MSLs. Our method
      achieved precision/recall scores of 84.5% and 88.5% for NoMSLs, and 93.9% and
      93.8% for MSLs, in comparison with manual extractions from four or five
      dermatologists. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of our method was competitive or better
      than five recently published methods. Our new method is the first method for
      detecting borders of both non-melanocytic and melanocytic skin lesions.

PMID- 22092501
TI  - Association of XRCC1, XRCC3, and NAT2 polymorphisms with the risk of oral
      submucous fibrosis among eastern Indian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arecanut and smokeless tobacco usage is a major cause for oral
      submucous fibrosis (OSF) and its subsequent development to oral squamous cell
      carcinoma in South-east Asian population. Polymorphisms at N-acetyltransferase 2
      locus, coding for an enzyme catalyzing acetylation of aromatic amines, might
      cause DNA adduct formation because of improper acetylation of these polyaromatic
      hydrocarbons. DNA repair enzymes remove these adduct to prevent malignancy.
      METHODS: In this hospital-based study, 100 controls and 88 OSF patients were
      genotyped at four polymorphic sites on NAT2 481 (C > T; silent), 590 (G > A;
      Arg197 > Gln), 803 (A > G; Lys268 > Arg), 857 (G > A; Gly286 > Glu) and two on
      XRCC1 18067 (C > T Arg 194 > Trp), 28152 (G > A Arg 399 > Gln), and one of XRCC3
      26304 (C > T Thr 241 > Met) loci by PCR-RFLP to determine the risk of the
      disease. RESULTS: Heterozygous XRCC3 codon 241 [OR 2.07 (1.05-4.06)], homozygous
      variant of NAT C481T [OR 2.81 (1.09-7.21)], and both heterozygous and homozygous
      variants of NAT codon 268 and 286 [OR 2.31 (1.20-4.45) and 4.98 (1.87-13.14), and
      6.12 (2.75-13.62) and 2.65 (1.04-6.72)] individually influenced susceptibility to
      OSF in the population. CONCLUSION: Gene-gene interaction analysis by multifactor
      dimensionality reduction (MDR) revealed that XRCC3 Thr 241 Met had the largest
      univariate effect followed by XRCC3 Thr 241 Met - NAT2 A857G in men that presents
      a highly synergistic interaction as one of the potential combinations of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to increase the risk of OSF in men if exposed to
      arecanut or smokeless tobacco usage. These observations can speculate the impact
      of the studied SNPs on the etiology of OSF.

PMID- 22092502
TI  - Ten-year longitudinal study of gingival recession in dentists.
AB  - AIM: To assess the prevalence and progression/regression of gingival recession in
      a population sample with a high standard of oral hygiene and broad knowledge of
      the role of traumatic tooth brushing in the aetiology of gingival recession.
      MATERIAL & METHODS: Forty dental students in their final year at Dental School
      were examined for gingival recession in 1994 and 10 years later by the same
      examiner. Tooth brushing habits were ascertained in a questionnaire. Clinical
      parameters recorded for each recession were: recession height, probing depth,
      width of keratinized gingiva and bleeding on probing. Full-mouth plaque index was
      recorded using the modified Quigley & Hein index. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      gingival recession was 85% and did not change after 10 years. A total of 210
      recessions found at the initial examination and 299 at the second were valid for
      longitudinal evaluation. Statistical differences between recessions at both
      examinations were found in several clinical parameters. Subjects had a
      significant increase in the plaque index at the second examination despite very
      few changes in their oral hygiene habits (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In dentists,
      after 10 years, mean number of gingival recession per person and mean recession
      height increased while plaque control decreased.

PMID- 22092503
TI  - Moral enhancement via direct emotion modulation: a reply to John Harris.
AB  - Some argue that humans should enhance their moral capacities by adopting
      institutions that facilitate morally good motives and behaviour. I have defended
      a parallel claim: that we could permissibly use biomedical technologies to
      enhance our moral capacities, for example by attenuating certain counter-moral
      emotions. John Harris has recently responded to my argument by raising three
      concerns about the direct modulation of emotions as a means to moral enhancement.
      He argues (1) that such means will be relatively ineffective in bringing about
      moral improvements, (2) that direct modulation of emotions would invariably come
      at an unacceptable cost to our freedom, and (3) that we might end up modulating
      emotions in ways that actually lead to moral decline. In this article I outline
      some counter-intuitive potential implications of Harris' claims. I then respond
      individually to his three concerns, arguing that they license only the very weak
      conclusion that moral enhancement via direct emotion modulation is sometimes
      impermissible. However I acknowledge that his third concern might, with further
      argument, be developed into a more troubling objection to such enhancements.

PMID- 22092505
TI  - Diabetes mellitus: its differentiation into insulin-sensitive and insulin
      insensitive types.

PMID- 22092504
TI  - IL-13-induced MUC5AC production and goblet cell differentiation is steroid
      resistant in human airway cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are used to treat bronchial asthma, but
      are not uniformly effective, especially in severe asthma. IL-13 is a T helper
      type 2 cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, and IL-13 induces mucus
      production and goblet cell hyperplasia in airway epithelial cells. The effect of
      GCS on IL-13-induced mucin production is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone (Dex), a potent
      synthetic GCS, on IL-13-induced MUC5AC mucin expression and goblet cell
      proliferation in differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBECs).
      METHODS: NHBECs were cultured for 14 days at an air-liquid interface with IL-13,
      with or without Dex. MUC5AC protein secretion and mRNA expression was determined
      using ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR. IL-8 production was assayed using
      ELISA. Histochemical analysis was performed using H&E and periodic acid-Schiff
      stain, and MUC5AC immunostaining. RESULTS: Although Dex dose dependently
      inhibited IL-8 release induced by 5 ng/mL IL-13, Dex 0.001-1 MUg/mL had no effect
      on IL-13 induced MUC5AC protein secretion or mRNA expression. Dex paradoxically
      increased MUC5AC induced by IL-13 at 0.5 and 1 ng/mL, but had no effect alone or
      with IL-13 at 0.1 ng/mL. Dex 0.001-1 MUg/mL did not inhibit the differentiation
      of cells into goblet cells and MUC5AC-positive cells induced by IL-13. CONCLUSION
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dex at therapeutic concentrations did not inhibit the
      effects of IL-13 on goblet cell differentiation, characteristic of severe asthma.
      Paradoxically, MUC5AC production was increased with lower dose IL-13 exposure.
      This may lead to airway mucus obstruction commonly seen in life-threatening
      asthma.

PMID- 22092507
TI  - Evidence for the possible involvement of Selenomonas ruminantium in rumen fiber
      digestion.
AB  - Selenomonas ruminantium strains were isolated from sheep rumen, and their
      significance for fiber digestion was evaluated. Based on the phylogenetic
      classification, two clades of S. ruminantium (clades I and II) were proposed.
      Clade II is newly found, as it comprised only new isolates that were
      phylogenetically distant from the type strain, while all of the known isolates
      were grouped in the major clade I. More than half of clade I isolates displayed
      CMCase activity with no relation to the degree of bacterial adherence to fibers.
      Although none of the isolates digested fiber in monoculture, they stimulated
      fiber digestion when co-cultured with Fibrobacter succinogenes, and there was an
      enhancement of propionate production. The extent of such synergy depended on the
      clade, with higher digestion observed by co-culture of clade I isolates with F.
      succinogenes than by co-culture with clade II isolates. Quantitative PCR analysis
      showed that bacterial abundance in the rumen was higher for clade I than for
      clade II. These results suggest that S. ruminantium, in particular the major
      clade I, is involved in rumen fiber digestion by cooperating with F.
      succinogenes.

PMID- 22092508
TI  - Residual periodontal pockets are a risk indicator for peri-implantitis in
      patients treated for periodontitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical
      outcomes of implant treatment in periodontally compromised and periodontally
      healthy patients (PHP), with a minimum follow-up period of 5 years. METHODS:
      Thirty treated periodontally compromised patients (PCP) and 30 PHP, with a total
      of 117 Straumann implants (PCP = 56, PHP = 61) were matched for age, gender,
      smoking and implant characteristics. The PCP group was further stratified with
      patients having at least one periodontal pocket >=6 mm at follow-up examination
      allocated to a "residual periodontitis" (RP) group, while the remaining patients
      were assigned to a "no residual periodontitis" (NRP) group. These groups were
      compared with respect to probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP)
      and marginal bone loss. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period in the PCP and PHP
      groups was 7.99 years (range 5.04-14.40) and 8.20 years (range 5.00-13.46)
      respectively. There was no difference in mean PPD between the PCP and PHP groups,
      but the prevalence of implants with PPD >=5 mm + BOP was greater in the PCP group
      than in the PHP group, at both implant- (27% vs. 13%) and patient- (37% vs. 17%)
      level analyses. Mean implant PPD was significantly greater in the RP group (3.18
      mm) than in both the NRP (2.67 mm) and PHP (2.81 mm) groups. Mean bone loss was
      also significantly greater in the RP group (0.68 mm) than in the NRP (0.23 mm)
      and PHP groups (0.26 mm). The prevalence of bone loss and PPD >=5 mm + BOP at the
      implant level was significantly greater for the RP group compared with both the
      NRP and PHP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implants in PCP with residual pocketing at
      follow-up had increased PPD and bone loss compared with implants placed in PHP
      and PCP without residual pocketing. Hence, it is the maintenance of periodontal
      health rather than a previous history of periodontitis that is the critical
      determinant of increased risk of peri-implantitis, highlighting the importance of
      effective periodontal therapy and maintenance in patients with a history of
      periodontitis.

PMID- 22092509
TI  - Impaired force control during food holding and biting in subjects with tooth- or
      implant-supported fixed prostheses.
AB  - AIM: Our goal here was to assess the ability of subjects with their natural teeth
      (natural), bimaxillary tooth-supported bridges (bridge) and bimaxillary implant
      supported bridges (implant) to control the low contact and high biting forces
      associated with holding and splitting food between the teeth. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ten subjects in each of these groups performed a task involving holding
      and splitting morsels of food with different degrees of hardness (biscuits and
      peanuts) between a pair of opposing central incisors. RESULTS: The hold force
      employed by the implant group was significantly higher and more variable than the
      corresponding force exerted by the bridge group, whereas the natural group used
      lowest and least variable force. For all three groups, the split force was higher
      and the split phase duration longer with peanuts than for biscuits. In the case
      of the natural group, a significantly higher rate of force increase (peak force
      rate) was observed when splitting peanuts when compared with biscuits, whereas no
      such difference could be seen for the other two groups. CONCLUSION: These
      findings demonstrate that individuals with bimaxillary tooth- or implant
      supported bridges (in whom sensory information provided by the periodontal
      mechanoreceptors is impaired or missing) are unable to apply low-hold forces at
      the levels of individuals with natural teeth or to adapt the rate of the split
      force to the hardness of the food. We thus conclude that adequate sensory
      information from periodontal mechanoreceptors is essential for normal control of
      both low contact and high biting forces.

PMID- 22092510
TI  - Foot pressure and center of pressure in athletes with ankle instability during
      lateral shuffling and running gait.
AB  - This study evaluates foot pressure and center of pressure (COP) patterns in
      individuals with ankle instability during running and lateral shuffling. Eleven
      participants with ankle instability (AI) and 11 normal subjects (Normal)
      performed running and lateral shuffling tasks. The outcome measures were foot
      progression angle, peak pressure, and displacement of COP during stance phase.
      During running, the foot progression angle, that is, the angle of foot abduction,
      was lower in the AI group (Normal: 13.46 degrees  +/- 4.45 degrees ; AI: 8.78
      degrees  +/- 3.91 degrees ), and the 1st metatarsal contact pressure (Normal:
      0.76 +/- 0.47 N/cm(2).kg; AI: 1.05 +/- 0.70 N/cm(2).kg) and the 3rd metatarsal
      peak pressure were higher in the AI (Normal: 0.96 +/- 0.60 N/cm(2).kg; AI: 1.54
      +/- 0.68 N/cm(2).kg). The medial-lateral (M-L) COP in the late-stance phase of
      running for the AI group transferred faster from lateral to medial foot than the
      Normal group. For lateral shuffling, the AI group had greater peak pressure at
      the 1st (Normal: 0.76 +/- 0.67 N/cm(2).kg; AI: 1.49 +/- 1.04 N/cm(2).kg), 2nd
      (Normal: 0.57 +/- 0.39 N/cm(2).kg; AI: 0.87 +/- 0.68 N/cm(2).kg), 3rd (Normal:
      0.70 +/- 0.54 N/cm(2).kg; AI: 1.42 +/- 0.87 N/cm(2).kg), and 4th (Normal: 0.52 +/
      0.38 N/cm(2).kg; AI: 1.12 +/- 0.78 N/cm(2).kg) metatarsal areas than the Normal
      group. The M-L COP located more laterally from the early to mid-stance phase in
      the AI compared with the Normal group. The findings suggest that COP displacement
      during lateral shuffle may be a factor in ankle instability while the foot
      progression angle during running may be a compensatory strategy.

PMID- 22092511
TI  - Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis: analysis of 10 cases and a brief review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is an extremely rare disease
      characterized by mast cell (MCs) infiltration of the entire skin. Little is known
      about the natural course of DCM. OBJECTIVES: We decided to characterize clinical
      manifestations, the frequency of MCs mediator-related symptoms and anaphylaxis,
      risk of systemic mastocytosis (SM) and prognosis, based on 10 cases of DCM, the
      largest series published to date. METHODS: Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis, DCM
      was confirmed by histopathological examination of skin samples in all cases.
      SCORing Mastocytosis (SCORMA) Index was used to assess the intensity of DCM. The
      analysis of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, including serum tryptase
      levels was performed. Bone marrow biopsy was done only in selected cases.
      RESULTS: Large haemorrhagic bullous variant of DCM (five cases) and infiltrative
      small vesicular variant (five cases) were identified. The skin symptoms appeared
      in age-dependent manner; blistering predominated in infancy, whereas grain
      leather appearance of the skin and pseudoxanthomatous presentation developed with
      time. SM was not recognized in any of the patients. Mast cell mediator-related
      symptoms were present in all cases. Anaphylactic shock occurred in three
      patients. Follow-up performed in seven cases revealed slight improvement of skin
      symptoms, reflected by decrease of SCORMA Index in all of them. Serum tryptase
      levels declined with time in six cases. CONCLUSIONS: Diffuse cutaneous
      mastocytosis, DCM is a heterogeneous, severe, cutaneous disease, associated with
      mediator-related symptoms and risk of anaphylactic shock. Although our results
      suggest generally favourable prognosis, the review of the literature indicate
      that SM may occur. Therefore, more guarded prognosis should be given in DCM
      patients.

PMID- 22092512
TI  - Is oral health-related quality of life stable following rehabilitation with
      mandibular two-implant overdentures?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The superiority of mandibular two-implant overdentures (IODs) over
      conventional complete dentures (CDs) in terms of quality of life is still
      questioned. Furthermore, the stability and magnitude of the treatment effect over
      time remain uncertain. This follow-up study aimed to determine the stability and
      magnitude of the effect of IODs on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: 172 participants (mean age 71 +/- 4.5 years) randomly
      received CDs or IODs, both opposed by conventional maxillary dentures. OHRQoL was
      measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20) at baseline, 1 and 2
      years post-treatment. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to assess the
      effects of time and treatment on the total OHIP and its individual domain scores.
      RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in OHRQoL was seen for both
      treatment groups (P < 0.001). This improvement was maintained over the 2 year
      assessment. At both follow-ups, participants wearing IODs reported significantly
      better total OHIP scores than those wearing CDs (P < 0.001), with a 1.5 times
      larger magnitude of effect. In the CD group, baseline OHIP scores influenced the
      post-treatment scores (P < 0.001). This effect was not found in the IOD group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The effect of mandibular two-IODs on OHRQoL is stable over a 2-year
      period. The large magnitude of effect of this treatment supports its clinical
      significance.

PMID- 22092513
TI  - Is vibration exercise a useful addition to a weight management program?
AB  - Vibration exercise (VbX) has received a lot of attention as an exercise modality,
      which evokes muscular work and elevates metabolic rate that could be a potential
      method for weight reduction. Popular press has purported that VbX is quick and
      convenient, and 10 min of VbX is equivalent to 1 h of traditional exercise, where
      it has been marketed as the new weight-loss and body toning workout. However,
      research studies have shown that muscle activation occurs but the energy demand
      in response to VbX is quite low, where exhaustive VbX reported a metabolic demand
      of 23 mL/kg/min compared with 44 mL/kg/min from an exhaustive cycle test.
      Different vibration frequencies with varying amplitudes and loads have been
      tested, but only small increases in metabolic rate have been reported. Based on
      these findings, it has been indirectly calculated that a VbX session of 26 Hz for
      three continuous minutes would only incur a loss of ~ 10.7 g fat/h. Following a
      24-week program of VbX, no observed differences were found in body composition,
      and following 12 months of VbX, the time to reach peak V O2 was significantly
      higher in conventional exercise compared with VbX. However, one study has
      reported that percentage body fat decreased by 3.2% after 8 months after VbX in
      comparison with resistance and control groups that performed no aerobic
      conditioning. The evidence to date suggests that VbX can increase whole and local
      oxygen uptake; however, with additional load, high vibration frequency, and/or
      amplitude, it cannot match the demands of conventional aerobic exercise.
      Therefore, caution is required when VbX programs are solely used for the purpose
      of reducing body fat without considering dietary and aerobic conditioning
      guidelines.

PMID- 22092514
TI  - Comparison of platelet rich fibrin and collagen as osteoblast-seeded scaffolds
      for bone tissue engineering applications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The loss of jaw bone caused by different kinds of pathologies leads
      to dysfunction and reduced quality of life in affected patients. Thus, the
      pivotal goal in bone tissue engineering is to reconstruct these defects. The
      essential precondition for new tissue generation is an extracellular matrix which
      acts as a scaffold so that cells can migrate, differentiate, and proliferate.
      Fibrin, a biopolymer responsible for blood clot formation, has been shown to be
      suitable for tissue engineering applications. The aim of the present study is a
      comparison of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) with the commonly used collagen membrane
      BioGide((r))  as a scaffold for human osteoblast cell seeding for bone tissue
      engineering. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human osteoblasts were cultured with eluates
      from PRF (n = 7) and BioGide((r))  (n = 8) membranes incubated in serum-free cell
      culture medium. Vitality of these cells was assessed by fluorescein diacetate and
      propidium iodide staining, biocompatibility with the lactate dehydrogenase test
      and proliferation levels with the MTT ([3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium-bromide]), and BrdU (5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine) tests. In
      addition, human osteoblasts were seeded on both membrane systems and cell growth
      was compared by the water soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) (4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4
      nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate) test and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM). Osteoblastic differentiation was assessed by alkaline
      phosphatase activity measured by ELISA in the supernatant of osteoblasts
      cultivated on PRF membranes (n = 10), PRF clots (n = 10), and BioGide((r)) 
      membranes (n = 10). RESULTS: Lactate dehydrogenase test values were higher for
      PRF compared to BioGide((r)) . The BrdU test showed superior cell growth after
      cultivation in eluate from PRF than in eluate from BioGide((r)) . The WST-1 assay
      demonstrated superior cell proliferation on PRF than on BioGide((r)) . SEM
      revealed osteoblast colonization of both membranes. Cultivation of osteoblasts on
      PRF membranes and PRF clots showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase
      activity than on BioGide((r))  membranes. CONCLUSION: Metabolic activity and
      proliferation of human osteoblast cells in vitro were supported to a significant
      higher extent by eluates from PRF membranes. Both membranes are suitable as
      scaffolds for cultivation of human osteoblast cells in vitro; proliferation was
      significant higher on PRF membranes and on PRF clot than on BioGide((r)) 
      membranes.

PMID- 22092515
TI  - Automated 15-minute cytokeratin 7 immunostaining protocol for extramammary
      Paget's disease in Mohs micrographic surgery.

PMID- 22092517
TI  - High diversity in populations of the introduced plant pathogen, Cryphonectria
      parasitica, due to encounters between genetically divergent genotypes.
AB  - The ascomycete fungus Cryphonectria parasitica is an aggressive introduced
      pathogen of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.). It has spread throughout the
      chestnut-growing areas of Europe, with higher diversity in the regions close to
      its first introduction and lower diversity in its expanding ranges in Europe. To
      reconstruct the invasion events that could explain the high diversity of C.
      parasitica in Croatia and Slovenia, 180 samples were genotyped using 11 sequence
      characterized amplified region markers. Eight of 11 loci were found to be
      polymorphic, and a total of 66 different haplotypes were identified. Bayesian
      clustering indicated the existence of two clusters, which suggests two separate
      introductions of C. parasitica in these regions. The first cluster is dominant in
      western parts of Croatia and Slovenia and the second in eastern and northern
      regions. The data analysis indicates that northern Italy was the first source of
      infection, with the subsequent introduction from south-eastern Europe, which
      contributed significantly to the diversity of the C. parasitica populations
      tested. Most haplotypes were probably derived through sexual recombination
      between a few divergent haplotypes, which suggests that multiple introductions
      and sexual reproduction are important for the formation of genetically diverse C.
      parasitica populations.

PMID- 22092516
TI  - A specific mix of generalists: bacterial symbionts in Mediterranean Ircinia spp.
AB  - Microbial symbionts form abundant and diverse components of marine sponge
      holobionts, yet the ecological and evolutionary factors that dictate their
      community structure are unresolved. Here, we characterized the bacterial symbiont
      communities of three sympatric host species in the genus Ircinia from the NW
      Mediterranean Sea, using electron microscopy and replicated 16S rRNA gene
      sequence clone libraries. All Ircinia host species harbored abundant and
      phylogenetically diverse symbiont consortia, comprised primarily of sequences
      related to other sponge-derived microorganisms. Community-level analyses of
      bacterial symbionts revealed host species-specific genetic differentiation and
      structuring of Ircinia-associated microbiota. Phylogenetic analyses of host
      sponges showed a close evolutionary relationship between Ircinia fasciculata and
      Ircinia variabilis, the two host species exhibiting more similar symbiont
      communities. In addition, several bacterial operational taxonomic units were
      shared between I. variabilis and Ircinia oros, the two host species inhabiting
      semi-sciophilous communities in more cryptic benthic habitats, and absent in I.
      fasciculata, which occurs in exposed, high-irradiance habitats. The generalist
      nature of individual symbionts and host-specific structure of entire communities
      suggest that: (1) a 'specific mix of generalists' framework applies to bacterial
      symbionts in Ircinia hosts and (2) factors specific to each host species
      contribute to the distinct symbiont mix observed in Ircinia hosts.

PMID- 22092518
TI  - Damping behavior of implant-supported restorations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the shock absorbing
      capacity of implant-supported restorations (CAD/CAM composite resin or zirconia
      abutment with composite resin or porcelain crown/onlay) and a simulated natural
      tooth complex using the Periometer((r)) . MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and
      twenty Morse taper implants (Titamax CM 11 mm) were mounted on bone-simulating
      acrylic resin base and restored with CAD/CAM zirconia (60) and metal composite
      resin Paradigm MZ100 (60) abutments. Using CEREC3, standardized onlays (60) and
      crowns (60) were designed and milled in ceramic (Paradigm C) or composite resin
      (Paradigm MZ100) to simulate a maxillary premolar. All restorations were luted
      with a preheated light curing composite resin (Filtek Z100). Fifteen extracted
      human upper premolars were mounted with a simulated PDL and used as control
      group. The Periometer((r)) , a new handheld percussion probe that measures the
      energy loss coefficient (LC) for both natural teeth and implant-supported
      structures, was positioned perpendicularly to the buccal surface of each
      restoration. Three measurements of the LC were collected for each specimen. The
      effect of each variable (abutment material, restoration material, and restoration
      design) on the LC was explored using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS:
      Differences in LC between the abutment material (zirconia/Paradigm MZ100), the
      restoration material (Paradigm C/Paradigm MZ100) and the restoration design
      (onlay/crown) were recorded. The average LC of zirconia and metal composite resin
      abutments ranged from 0.040 to 0.053 and 0.059 to 0.068, respectively. Zirconia
      abutments restored with composite resin restorations (LC 0.051-0.053) had the
      closest LC value when compared with teeth with simulated PDL (0.049). CONCLUSION:
      Composite resin onlays/crowns bonded to zirconia implant abutments presented
      similar dynamic response to load (damping behavior) when compared to teeth with a
      simulated PDL.

PMID- 22092520
TI  - Current literature.

PMID- 22092519
TI  - Low-carbohydrate diets for weight loss: the pros and cons.

PMID- 22092521
TI  - Plastinated heart slices aid echocardiographic interpretation in the dog.
AB  - Our aim was to compare plastinated sections of the canine heart with
      corresponding two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic images. Thirteen dog hearts
      were fixed by dilation and then processed by the S10 silicon plastination method
      (Biodur). Two dogs without evidence of cardiac disease were imaged using 2D
      echocardiography so as to obtain a complete series of the standard right and left
      parasternal images, which were compared with corresponding plastinated slices
      obtained by knife sectioning of the hearts. The plastinated slices revealed the
      internal anatomy of the heart with great detail and were particularly useful to
      display the spatial relationship between complex anatomic structures. The
      plastinated slices corresponded accurately with the echocardiographic images.
      Because of the dilation of the right heart during the fixation process, it was
      not possible to obtain plastinated specimens in ventricular systole. This paper
      may be a reference atlas for assisting 2D echocardiography interpretation.

PMID- 22092522
TI  - Application of phylogenetic microarrays to interrogation of human microbiota.
AB  - Human-associated microbiota is recognized to play vital roles in maintaining host
      health, and it is implicated in many disease states. While the initial surge in
      the profiling of these microbial communities was achieved with Sanger and next
      generation sequencing, many oligonucleotide microarrays have also been developed
      recently for this purpose. Containing probes complementary to small ribosomal
      subunit RNA gene sequences of community members, such phylogenetic arrays provide
      direct quantitative comparisons of microbiota composition among samples and
      between sample groups. Some of the developed microarrays including PhyloChip,
      Microbiota Array, and HITChip can simultaneously measure the presence and
      abundance of hundreds and thousands of phylotypes in a single sample. This review
      describes the currently available phylogenetic microarrays that can be used to
      analyze human microbiota, delineates the approaches for the optimization of
      microarray use, and provides examples of recent findings based on microarray
      interrogation of human-associated microbial communities.

PMID- 22092524
TI  - Hypersensitivity reaction to chromated glycerin.

PMID- 22092523
TI  - Shackling incarcerated pregnant women.

PMID- 22092525
TI  - Effects of the Bam earthquake on employment: a shift-share analysis.
AB  - Disasters have potential short-term and long-term impacts on employment and
      employment structures in affected regions. While measuring the full economic
      impact of a disaster requires sophisticated econometrics and mathematical
      simulations, conventional regional economic models such as shift-share analysis
      can be used to assess some of these effects. This paper applies shift-share
      analysis to understand potential long-term impacts of disasters on employment
      using the December 2003 Bam earthquake as a case study. The results provide
      further evidence that disasters could have significant long-term effects on the
      employment structure of affected regions.

PMID- 22092526
TI  - Gingival changes during pregnancy: III. Impact of clinical, microbiological,
      immunological and socio-demographic factors on gingival inflammation.
AB  - AIMS: To identify predictor variables involved in exacerbated gingival
      inflammation associated with pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cohort
      study, 48 pregnant and 28 non-pregnant women without periodontitis were included.
      The pregnant women were evaluated in the first, second and third trimester and at
      3 months postpartum, whilst the non-pregnant women were evaluated twice, with a 6
      month interval. At each visit, clinical [plaque index (PlI) and gingival index
      (GI)], hormonal (salivary progesterone and estradiol), immunological [gingival
      crevicular fluid interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandin-E(2) ] and microbiological (periodontal pathogens
      culture) evaluations were performed. Statistical analysis was undertaken using
      exhaustive chi-square automatic interaction detection (exhaustive CHAID) to
      analyse the predictive value of the independent outcomes to develop pregnancy GI.
      RESULTS: PlI was the strongest predictor implicated in the GI throughout
      pregnancy and after delivery. During the second and third trimesters the presence
      of Porphyromonas gingivalis significantly contributed to the worsening of
      gingival inflammation. When compared with the non-pregnant group, significant
      differences were found in TNF-alpha amounts and concentrations and in the third
      trimester site-specific GI. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial challenge to the gingival
      tissues, both quantitatively (PlI) and qualitatively (harbouring P. gingivalis)
      appears to affect the level of gingival inflammation observed during pregnancy.

PMID- 22092527
TI  - Survey of the efficacy of a short fragment of the rbcL gene as a supplemental DNA
      barcode for diatoms.
AB  - DNA barcoding is a tool that uses a short, standard segment of DNA to identify
      organisms. In diatoms, a consensus on an appropriate DNA barcode has not been
      reached, but several markers show promise. These include the 5.8S gene plus a
      fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) of nuclear-encoded
      ribosomal RNA, a 420-bp segment of the 18S rRNA gene, and a 748-bp fragment at
      the 3'-end of the ribulose bisophosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL) gene.
      Here, we tested a 540-bp fragment 417-bp downstream of the start codon of the
      rbcL gene for its efficacy in distinguishing diatom species in a wide range of
      taxa. Overall, 381 sequences representing 66 genera and 245 species from the
      classes Mediophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were examined. Intra/interspecific
      thresholds were set at p = 0.01 differences per site (diff./site) for
      Mediophyceae and p = 0.02 diff./site for Bacillariophyceae and correctly
      segregated 96% and 93% of morphological congeners, respectively. When testing
      reproductively isolated or biological species, which are only available from
      Bacillariophyceae, 80% of species were discriminated. Therefore, we concluded
      that, alone, the rbcL region tested herein as potential a DNA barcode was not a
      sufficient discriminator of all diatoms. We suggest that this fragment could be
      used in a dual-locus barcode with the more variable 5.8S+ITS-2 to discriminate
      species without sufficient interspecific divergences in the tested rbcL region
      and to provide insight into species identity from a separately evolved genome.

PMID- 22092528
TI  - Acanthamoeba belonging to T3, T4, and T11: genotypes isolated from air
      conditioning units in Santiago, Chile.
AB  - Free-living amoebae (FLA) of the genus Acanthamoeba are widely distributed in the
      environment, in the air, soil, and water, and have also been isolated from air
      conditioning units. The objective of this work was to investigate the presence of
      this genus of FLA in the air-conditioning equipment at the Institute of Public
      Health of Chile in Santiago, Chile. Water and air samples were collected from air
      conditioning systems and were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp.
      Positive samples were further classified at the genotype level after sequencing
      the highly variable diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3) region of the 18S rRNA gene. This
      is the first report of the T3, T4, and T11 genotypes of Acanthamoeba in air
      conditioning units from Chile. Overall, the widespread distribution of
      potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains in the studied source demands more
      awareness within the public and health professionals in Chile as this pathogen is
      emerging as a risk for human health worldwide.

PMID- 22092530
TI  - Association of vitamin D and antimicrobial peptide production during late-phase
      allergic responses in the lung.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D may play important roles in regulating immune responses and
      in defence against infectious diseases by effects on both innate and adaptive
      immune responses. Little is known regarding activation of vitamin D within airway
      tissues and its relationship to inflammation and antimicrobial responses.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the activation of
      vitamin D within the airways and to define relationships between vitamin D
      metabolites and measures of inflammatory and antimicrobial responses assessed by
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during late-phase responses following allergen
      challenge of allergic subjects. METHODS: Segmental allergen challenge was
      performed with saline and allergen in 16 adult allergic subjects. BAL was
      performed in both saline and allergen-challenged sites 20-24 h. after challenge.
      Following extraction from BAL fluids, levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D)
      and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D) were assayed by specific
      radioimmunoassays. The cleavage product of cathelicidin, LL-37, was assayed by
      ELISA. Cellular constituents and albumin were measured. RESULTS: Levels of
      vitamin D metabolites were increased in concentrated BAL fluids after allergen
      compared to saline challenge. Levels of 1,25(OH)(2)D increased from largely
      undetectable to 2.5 pm (median; range: 1-29.5; P = 0.005) while 25(OH)D increased
      from 3.2 (0.8-6.2) to 6.2 (1.5-184.9) nm (P = 0.0006). Levels of LL-37 increased
      from 2.1 (1.4-4.1) to 14.5 (2.2-106.7) ng/mL BAL (P = 0.0005). Levels of LL-37,
      1,25(OH)(2)D, and 25(OH)D following allergen challenge were correlated with each
      other (P < 0.0001), cellular changes, and levels of albumin (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Levels of vitamin D metabolites, particularly
      1,25(OH)(2)D, were low within the airways and increased after allergen challenge.
      The increases correlated with the magnitude of inflammation and increases in
      cathelicidin. Normalization to albumin suggested plasma exudation as a mechanism
      for the increases. The findings support a role for vitamin D in allergic and
      innate immune responses in the lung.

PMID- 22092532
TI  - Analysis of human perception of facial skin radiance by means of image histogram
      parameters of surface and subsurface reflections from the skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The appearance of the skin is the result of complicated light-skin
      interactions involving surface and subsurface reflections. Radiant skin is a
      complicated attribute but is important for skin beauty. The aim of the present
      study was to achieve an understanding of the association between human
      perceptions of skin radiance and image histogram parameters from technically
      recorded images of surface and subsurface reflections. METHODS: Facial images of
      45 subjects were evaluated visually by 30 respondents and were also computer
      analyzed in terms of their image histogram parameters. A partial least squares
      regression model was created to explain visual perceptions in terms of the image
      histogram parameters. RESULTS: Visual perceptions of subsurface reflections can
      be explained in terms of the mean from the subsurface reflection image histogram,
      and visual perceptions of surface reflections can be explained in terms of the
      standard deviation (SD) and skewness from the surface reflection image histogram.
      Skin radiance can be explained in terms of the mean from the subsurface
      reflection and the SD from the surface reflection. CONCLUSION: To acquire skin
      radiance, a surface reflection component that makes the skin look shiny and a
      subsurface reflection component that is in line with skin fairness are both
      needed. A balance of these features provides the origin of skin radiance.

PMID- 22092531
TI  - CDKB2 is involved in mitosis and DNA damage response in rice.
AB  - DNA damage checkpoints delay mitotic cell-cycle progression in response to DNA
      stress, stalling the cell cycle to allow time for repair. CDKB is a plant
      specific cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) that is required for the G2/M transition
      of the cell cycle. In Arabidopsis, DNA damage leads the degradation of CDKB2, and
      the subsequent G2 arrest gives cells time to repair damaged DNA. G2 arrest also
      triggers transition from the mitotic cycle to endoreduplication, leading to the
      presence of polyploid cells in many tissues. In contrast, in rice (Oryza sativa),
      polyploid cells are found only in the endosperm. It was unclear whether
      endoreduplication contributes to alleviating DNA damage in rice (Oryza sativa).
      Here, we show that DNA damage neither down-regulates Orysa;CDKB2;1 nor induces
      endoreduplication in rice. Furthermore, we found increased levels of
      Orysa;CDKB2;1 protein upon DNA damage. These results suggest that CDKB2 functions
      differently in Arabidopsis and rice in response to DNA damage. Arabidopsis may
      adopt endoreduplication as a survival strategy under genotoxic stress conditions,
      but rice may enhance DNA repair capacity upon genotoxic stress. In addition,
      polyploid cells due to endomitosis were present in CDKB2;1 knockdown rice,
      suggesting an important role for Orysa;CDKB2;1 during mitosis.

PMID- 22092533
TI  - Salt induces biosynthesis of hemolytically active compounds in the xerotolerant
      food-borne fungus Wallemia sebi.
AB  - Wallemia sebi is a xerotolerant, ubiquitous, food-borne, mycotoxigenic fungus. An
      ethanol extract of its mycelium demonstrated a strong hemolytic activity, which
      was further enhanced at high salt concentrations in the growth medium.
      Characterization of the extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      revealed a mixture of sterols and unsaturated fatty acids, indicating the latter
      as responsible for the hemolytic activity. The lytic activity of the extract is
      here studied using red blood cells and artificial small lipid vesicles with
      various lipid compositions. This shows concentration-dependent hemolysis and
      preferential activity toward lipid membranes with greater fluidity. The W. sebi
      lytic activity on mammalian erythrocytes shows its potential involvement in the
      formation of lesions in subcutaneous infections, in farmer's lung disease, and in
      consumption of food and feed that are contaminated with food-borne W. sebi.

PMID- 22092534
TI  - Reducing errors benefits the field-based learning of a fundamental movement skill
      in children.
AB  - Proficient fundamental movement skills (FMS) are believed to form the basis of
      more complex movement patterns in sports. This study examined the development of
      the FMS of overhand throwing in children through either an error-reduced (ER) or
      error-strewn (ES) training program. Students (n = 216), aged 8-12 years (M =
      9.16, SD = 0.96), practiced overhand throwing in either a program that reduced
      errors during practice (ER) or one that was ES. ER program reduced errors by
      incrementally raising the task difficulty, while the ES program had an
      incremental lowering of task difficulty. Process-oriented assessment of throwing
      movement form (Test of Gross Motor Development-2) and product-oriented assessment
      of throwing accuracy (absolute error) were performed. Changes in performance were
      examined among children in the upper and lower quartiles of the pretest throwing
      accuracy scores. ER training participants showed greater gains in movement form
      and accuracy, and performed throwing more effectively with a concurrent secondary
      cognitive task. Movement form improved among girls, while throwing accuracy
      improved among children with low ability. Reduced performance errors in FMS
      training resulted in greater learning than a program that did not restrict
      errors. Reduced cognitive processing costs (effective dual-task performance)
      associated with such approach suggest its potential benefits for children with
      developmental conditions.

PMID- 22092535
TI  - Molecular and clinical rationale for therapeutic targeting of interleukin-5 and
      its receptor.
AB  - Interleukin-5 is a Th2 homodimeric cytokine involved in the differentiation,
      maturation, migration, development, survival, trafficking and effector function
      of blood and local tissue eosinophils, in addition to basophils and mast cells.
      The IL-5 receptor (IL-5R) consists of an IL-5-specific alpha subunit that
      interacts in conformationally dynamic ways with the receptor's betac subunit, an
      aggregate of domains it shares with binding sites of IL-3 and granulocyte
      macrophage colony-stimulating factor. IL-5 and IL-5R drive allergic and
      inflammatory immune responses characterizing numerous diseases, such as asthma,
      atopic dermatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eosinophilic
      gastrointestinal diseases, hyper-eosinophilic syndrome, Churg-Strauss syndrome
      and eosinophilic nasal polyposis. Although corticosteroid therapy is the primary
      treatment for these diseases, a substantial number of patients exhibit incomplete
      responses and suffer side-effects. Two monoclonal antibodies have been designed
      to neutralize IL-5 (mepolizumab and reslizumab). Both antibodies have
      demonstrated the ability to reduce blood and tissue eosinophil counts. One
      additional monoclonal antibody, benralizumab (MEDI-563), has been developed to
      target IL-5R and attenuate eosinophilia through antibody-dependent cellular
      cytotoxicity. All three monoclonal antibodies are being clinically evaluated.
      Antisense oligonucleotide technology targeting the common betac IL-5R subunit is
      also being used therapeutically to inhibit IL-5-mediated effects (TPI ASM8).
      Small interfering RNA technology has also been used therapeutically to inhibit
      the expression of IL-5 in animal models. This review summarizes the structural
      interactions between IL-5 and IL-5R and the functional consequences of such
      interactions, and describes the pre-clinical and clinical evidence supporting IL
      5R as a therapeutic target.

PMID- 22092536
TI  - Paracetamol and opioid pathways: a pilot randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that the antinociceptive action of paracetamol
      (acetaminophen, APAP) might involve descending inhibitory pain pathways and the
      opioidergic system: this study explores this issue in humans with naloxone, the
      opioid antagonist. After ethical approval, 12 healthy male volunteers were
      included in this randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover, four-arm study.
      They were administered intravenous paracetamol (APAP 1 g) or saline (placebo, pl)
      followed at 100 min with IV naloxone (Nal 8 mg) or saline, every week for 4
      weeks. The amplitude of cerebral potentials evoked by thermal/painful stimuli
      applied on the arm was recorded nine times over 150 min, witnessing of pain
      integration at central level. Amplitude changes as well as areas under the curve
      (AUCs) over 150 min were compared for the four treatments by repeated measures
      ANOVA (significance 0.05). Amplitude changes were significant for APAP/pl vs.
      pl/pl at t150: -44% (95%CI -58 to -30) vs. -27% (95%CI -37 to -17; P < 0.05) but
      not vs. APAP/Nal. AUC (0-150) of APAP/pl is significantly different from pl/pl (
      3452%.min (95%CI -4705 to -2199) vs. -933% min (95%CI -2273 to 407; P = 0.015)
      but not from APAP/Nal (-1731% min (95%CI -3676 to 214; P = 0.08) and other
      treatments. AUC (90-150) is not significantly different. This pilot study shows
      for the first time in human volunteers that naloxone does not inhibit paracetamol
      antinociception, suggesting no significant implication of the opioid system in
      paracetamol mechanism of action: this needs be confirmed on a larger number of
      subjects.

PMID- 22092537
TI  - Neurolytic effects of ampicillin on the rat infraorbital nerve.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the histomorphological changes
      of the infraorbital nerve of rats treated with ampicillin. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The infraorbital nerve was approached through the infraorbital foramen, and 0.01
      ml of ampicillin dissolved in distilled water was injected taking care not to
      damage the nerve. Saline solution was used in control animals. Nerves were
      dissected and after routine histology processing analysed by light microscopy.
      RESULTS: Cross-section of the nerve treated with ampicillin showed damaged axons
      with disintegration of heavily myelinated fibres, while thinly myelinated fibres
      remain unaffected. In the saline group, no damage was observed. The signs of
      regeneration of the damaged infraorbital nerves were detected on the fourth post
      operative week. CONCLUSION: Ampicillin can cause peripheral nerve damage when
      injected perineurally.

PMID- 22092538
TI  - Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes?

PMID- 22092539
TI  - Stem cell treatments in China: rethinking the patient role in the global bio
      economy.
AB  - The paper looks in detail at patients that were treated at one of the most
      discussed companies operating in the field of untried stem cell treatments, Beike
      Biotech of Shenzhen, China. Our data show that patients who had been treated at
      Beike Biotech view themselves as proactively pursuing treatment choices that are
      not available in their home countries. These patients typically come from a broad
      variety of countries: China, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa
      and Australia. Among the patients we interviewed there seemed to be both an
      awareness of the general risks involved in such experimental treatments and a
      readiness to accept those risks weighed against the possible benefits. We
      interpret this evidence as possibly reflecting the emergence of risk-taking
      patients as 'consumers' of medical options as well as the drive of patients to
      seek treatment options in the global arena, rather than being hindered by the
      ethical and regulatory constraints of their home countries. Further, we found
      that these patients tend to operate in more or less stable networks and groups in
      which they interact and cooperate closely and develop opinions and assessments of
      available treatment options for their ailments. These patients also perform a
      multiple role as patients, research subjects, and research funders because they
      are required to pay their way into treatment and research activities. This new
      social dynamics of patienthood has important implications for the ethical
      governance of stem cell treatments.

PMID- 22092540
TI  - Stability of cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy for dental implants as a function of
      saliva pH - an electrochemical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of different levels of pH of artificial
      saliva under simulated oral environment on the corrosion behavior of commercially
      pure titanium (cp-Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Special attention is given to
      understand the changes in corrosion kinetics and surface characterization of Ti
      by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Fifty-four Ti disks (15-mm diameter, 2-mm thickness) were divided into six groups
      (n = 9) as a function of saliva pH (3, 6.5, and 9) and Ti type. Samples were
      mechanically polished using standard metallographic procedures. Standard
      electrochemical tests, such as open circuit potential, EIS, and potentiodynamic
      tests were conducted in a controlled environment. Data were evaluated by two-way
      ANOVA, Tukey multiple comparison test, and independent t-test (alpha = 0.05). Ti
      surfaces were examined using white-light-interferometry microscopy and scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Saliva pH level significantly affected the
      corrosion behavior of both Ti types. At low pH, acceleration of ions exchange
      between Ti and saliva, and reduction of resistance of Ti surface against
      corrosion were observed (P < 0.05). Corrosion rate was also significantly
      increased in acidic medium (P < 0.05). Similar corrosion behavior was observed
      for both Ti types. The white-light-interferometry images of Ti surfaces show
      higher surface changes at low pH level. SEM images do not show detectable
      changes. No pitting corrosion was observed for any group. CONCLUSIONS: The pH
      level of artificial saliva influences the corrosion behavior of cp-Ti and Ti-6Al
      4V alloy in that lower pH accelerates the corrosion rate and kinetics. The
      corrosion products may mitigate the survival rate of dental implants.

PMID- 22092541
TI  - Comparison of strength development with resistance training and combined exercise
      training in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Resistance training has been shown to increase strength in type 2 diabetes;
      however, it is unclear if combining resistance and aerobic training (A + R)
      impedes strength development compared with resistance training only (R). The
      purpose of this study was to compare changes in strength with A + R vs R in
      individuals with type 2 diabetes. We evaluated monthly workload increments in
      participants from the Diabetes Aerobic and Resistance Exercise clinical trial.
      Muscular strength was assessed through training volumes and as the eight
      repetition maximum (8-RM) at 0, 3, and 6 months. Both groups increased their
      upper and lower body volumes monthly for 6 months. The relative increase in upper
      body workload in R was significantly greater than A + R at 4 months (161 +/- 11%
      vs 127 +/- 11%, P = 0.009) and at 6 months of training (177 +/- 11% vs 132 +/-
      11%, P = 0.008). Both groups had improvements in 8-RM workloads at 3 and 6
      months. The resistance training group had a significantly greater improvement in
      8-RM on the leg press at 6 months compared with A + R (80 +/- 11% vs 58 +/- 8%, P
      = 0.045). Both R and A + R improved strength with a 6-month training program;
      however, increases in strength may be greater with resistance training alone
      compared with performing both aerobic and resistance training.

PMID- 22092542
TI  - Application of self-regulation theory and motivational interview for improving
      oral hygiene: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: Because patient adherence to oral hygiene is essential for periodontal
      treatment success, the aim of the study was to assess whether a motivational
      interview addressing the five dimensions of Leventhal's theory performed better
      than conventional basic instruction on improving compliance with plaque control
      among patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled
      clinical trial design was used in which a group of patients underwent a
      motivational interview in addition to classical consultation. A control group
      received only the standard consultation. The O'Leary Plaque Index was used to
      judge the oral hygiene at baseline and at 1 month follow-up. Patient satisfaction
      with the dental visit was scored using a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: At
      baseline, the mean full mouth plaque score varied between 55% (experimental
      group) and 58% (control group). Patients in the experimental group had a higher
      oral hygiene improvement (21 +/- 20% versus 4 +/- 5%, p < 0.001) 1 month post
      treatment. The motivational interview resulted in greater satisfaction scores
      compared with those of patients in the control group: 10.55 +/- 1.53 versus 8.82
      +/- 2.40, p = 0.014. CONCLUSIONS: This new concept of motivational interview is a
      promising approach and can be useful for counselling-related periodontal
      disorders.

PMID- 22092543
TI  - Greater prevalence of proposed DSM-5 nicotine use disorder compared to DSM-IV
      nicotine dependence in treated adolescents and young adults.
AB  - AIMS: Compared to DSM-IV nicotine dependence, proposed DSM-5 nicotine use
      disorder (NUD) would lower the threshold from three to two symptoms, and increase
      the number of criteria used for diagnosis from seven to 11. The impact of the
      proposed changes on nicotine disorder prevalence and the concurrent validity of
      diagnostic criteria were examined. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey to compare DSM
      IV and proposed DSM-5 algorithms. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent (n = 179)
      and young adult (n = 292) past-year cigarette users recruited from addictions
      treatment. MEASUREMENTS: Semi-structured clinical interview to evaluate DSM-IV
      nicotine dependence, and 10 of the 11 proposed DSM-5 NUD criteria; 30-day time
      line follow-back; and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).
      FINDINGS: Prevalence of proposed DSM-5 NUD (two-symptom threshold) was much
      higher (adolescents: 68.7%, young adults: 86.0%) than DSM-IV nicotine dependence
      (33.0% and 59.6%, respectively), although prevalence of DSM-5 severe NUD (four
      symptom threshold) was similar to DSM-IV nicotine dependence. Concurrent validity
      analyses in both samples indicated consistent support for DSM-5 severe NUD
      diagnosis (four symptoms) but not for the moderate NUD (two symptoms) diagnosis,
      which had modest relations with only FTND score. IRT analyses indicated strong
      support for the new craving item, but not for the proposed interpersonal problems
      and hazardous use items. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed DSM-5 nicotine use disorder
      criteria have substantial limitations when applied to adolescents and young
      adults, and appear to have low concurrent validity.

PMID- 22092544
TI  - Peri-implant bone reactions to immediate implants placed at different levels in
      relation to crestal bone. Part II: a pilot study in dogs.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone-to-implant contact
      (BIC) and bone remodeling dynamics after immediate implant placement at different
      levels in relation to the crestal bone with two different implant designs in
      beagle dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandibular second, third and fourth
      premolars of six beagle dogs were extracted bilaterally and three implants were
      immediately placed in the hemi-arches of each dog. Randomly, three cylindrical
      and three tapered implants were inserted crestally (control group) or 2 mm
      subcrestally (test group). Both groups were treated with a minimal mucoperiosteal
      flap elevation approach. A gap from the buccal cortical wall to the implant was
      always left. Three dogs were allowed a 4-week submerged healing period and the
      other three an 8-week submerged healing period. The animals were sacrificed and
      samples were obtained. Biopsies were processed for ground sectioning.
      Histomorphometric analysis was carried out in order to compare BIC, de novo bone
      formation and bone remodeling. RESULTS: All implants osseointegrated clinically
      and histologically. Healing patterns examined microscopically at 4 and 8 weeks
      for both groups (crestal and subcrestal) yielded similar qualitative bone
      findings. The total BIC mean value for the crestal group was 36.48 +/- 3.4% and
      for the subcrestal group was 41.46 +/- 4.2%. The mean percentage of newly formed
      BIC was greater with the cylindrical implant design (46.06 +/- 1.09%) than with
      the tapered design (33.89 +/- 1.72%). There was less bone resorption in the
      subcrestal group (test) than crestal group (control). CONCLUSION: These findings
      suggest that apical positioning of the top of the implant does not jeopardize
      bone crest and peri-implant tissue remodeling. However, less resorption of the
      lingual crest may be expected when implants are placed 2 mm subcrestally.
      Moreover, higher BIC values were found in cylindrical implants placed
      subcrestally.

PMID- 22092545
TI  - Rejuvenation of periorbital area: treatment with an injectable nonanimal non
      crosslinked glycerol added hyaluronic acid preparation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic approaches to aging of the periorbital region are unique
      because of the delicacy of the anatomical structures and the possibility of
      adverse events. The synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) and other components
      responsible for skin hydration and elasticity diminish with age. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of an injectable product containing non
      crosslinked HA of nonanimal origin in association with glycerol to treat aging of
      the periorbital region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot study in which 20 women
      were administered three monthly superficial intradermal injections of non
      crosslinked HA of nonanimal origin containing glycerol in the periorbital area.
      The clinical results consisted of the evaluation of three researchers and an
      independent evaluator and the degree of posttreatment patient satisfaction.
      RESULTS: An improvement of between 25% and 50% in skin brightness, texture, and
      turgor was observed in the periorbital area. Papules were present after each
      application, and hematoma was the longest lasting effect. All adverse events were
      reversible and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Injections of HA of nonanimal origin,
      in association with glycerol, using a micropuncture technique are well tolerated
      and can improve skin brightness and turgor and reduce roughness in the
      periorbital region.

PMID- 22092546
TI  - In vitro study of the biological interface of Bio-Oss: implications of the
      experimental setup.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To systematically investigate the biological interface of Bio-Oss by
      analysing dissolution-precipitation behaviour and osteogenic responses using in
      vitro experimental systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different concentrations (1-100
      mg/ml) of Bio-Oss were incubated in cell culture medium for 24 h before elemental
      concentrations for calcium, phosphorus and silicon in the medium were analysed
      with inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Radioactive calcium
      45 isotope labelling technique was used to study possible precipitation of
      calcium on the Bio-Oss particle. Biological interface of Bio-Oss was studied in
      osteogenic experiments using mineralization medium and three different sources of
      cells (primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells, primary rat calvarial cells and
      MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblast cell line). Cells were fixed and stained with
      Toulidine blue, von Kossa or Alizarin Red staining for confirmation of
      extracellular matrix mineralization. RESULTS: Elemental analysis of the cell
      culture medium demonstrated a significant decrease of calcium and phosphorus and
      a dose-dependent release of silicon to the medium after incubation with Bio-Oss.
      A significant decrease of calcium and phosphorus in the medium occurred even at
      low concentrations of Bio-Oss. Uptake of calcium on the Bio-Oss particle was
      confirmed with radioactive calcium-45 isotope labelling technique. In osteogenic
      experiments with Bio-Oss (<1 mg/ml), matrix mineralization around the Bio-Oss
      particles were demonstrated in all three cell types with von Kossa and Alizarin
      Red staining. CONCLUSION: Dissolution-precipitation reactions occur at the
      surface of Bio-Oss, and osteogenic responses are seen at the biological
      interface. The concentration of Bio-Oss is a key factor for the experimental in
      vitro results, and may also have implications for the clinic.

PMID- 22092547
TI  - Retention force of plastic clips on implant bars: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Retention of overdentures is important for patients' satisfaction.
      The study tested whether the clinical performance of retentive clips made of poly
      ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is superior to those made of poly-oxy-methylene (POM).
      METHODS: A total of 30 patients received complete dentures with round bars (SFI
      Bar) on two implants in a chairside technique. Two types of clip matrices
      (PEEK/POM) were used in a split-mouth technique. Retention forces were measured
      separately for both materials at baseline when the dentures were inserted and
      after 1, 3 and 6 months. The measurement was performed extraorally and
      intraorally by using a measuring stylus equipped, respectively, with an opposing
      matrix or bar part. Simultaneously, at each point in time the patient and the
      dentist judged the retention either to be good, or to be too high or too low.
      Statistical analysis involved performance of global non-parametric testing of
      dependence of retention force on time and material was performed with Brunner
      Langer model; non-parametric 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
      RESULTS: At baseline the median force for POM matrices was 6.89N (95% CI: 6.50
      8.21) and for PEEK matrices 7.17N (95% CI: 6.97-7.93). After 6 months, the
      retention of POM decreased to 5.53N (95% CI: 4.81-7.00) and of PEEK to 6.42N (95%
      CI: 5.15-7.51). The retention force changed significantly over time (P = 0.004)
      without differences between POM and PEEK (P = 0.135). No significant alteration
      of the retention force over time was measured at the bar (P = 0.289). Retention
      was estimated to be good with 90% at baseline and with 80% after 6 months,
      equally by patients and dentist. CONCLUSIONS: POM as well as PEEK material
      fulfills the requirements of retentive clips on round bars.

PMID- 22092548
TI  - Use of a special knife and blade for Mohs layers when tumor extends to the
      perichondrium of the ear.

PMID- 22092549
TI  - Excitatory amino acid transporter 2 and excitatory amino acid transporter 1
      negatively regulate calcium-dependent proliferation of hippocampal neural
      progenitor cells and are persistently upregulated after injury.
AB  - Using a transgenic mouse (Mus musculus) in which nestin-expressing progenitors
      are labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein, we previously characterized
      the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (GltI) and excitatory amino
      acid transporter 1 (Glast) on early neural progenitors in vivo. To address their
      functional role in this cell population, we manipulated their expression in P7
      neurospheres isolated from the dentate gyrus. We observed that knockdown of GltI
      or Glast was associated with decreased bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and
      neurosphere formation. Moreover, we determined that both glutamate transporters
      regulated progenitor proliferation in a calcium-dependent and metabotropic
      glutamate receptor-dependent manner. To address the relevance of this in vivo, we
      utilized models of acquired brain injury, which are known to induce hippocampal
      neurogenesis. We observed that GltI and Glast were specifically upregulated in
      progenitors following brain injury, and that this increased expression was
      maintained for many weeks. Additionally, we found that recurrently injured
      animals with increased expression of glutamate transporters within the progenitor
      population were resistant to subsequent injury-induced proliferation. These
      findings demonstrate that GltI and Glast negatively regulate calcium-dependent
      proliferation in vitro and that their upregulation after injury is associated
      with decreased proliferation after brain trauma.

PMID- 22092550
TI  - Relationships among subgross anatomy, computed tomography, and histologic
      findings in dogs with disease localized to the pulmonary acini.
AB  - During computed tomography (CT), the appearance of disease involving the
      pulmonary acinus may be described using terms such as atelectasis, ground-glass
      opacity, or consolidation. These CT signs, however, have not been correlated with
      histologic findings in canine pulmonary disease. To facilitate interpretation of
      lung diseases by CT signs, our goals were to review the morphologic organization
      of the lung and evaluate the medical records of four dogs with different types of
      pulmonary acinar disease. Anatomic review focused on understanding the pulmonary
      acinus and the secondary pulmonary lobule; the secondary pulmonary lobule is a
      fundamental unit for interpretation in people. All dogs had similar CT findings
      of fully expanded lungs with increased attenuation and partial-to-complete
      obscuring of the pulmonary blood vessels. Histologic findings varied between dogs
      and included partial-to-complete filling of airspaces with cells or fluid,
      interstitial thickening, increased capillary blood volume, or a combination of
      these findings. Final diagnoses were hemorrhagic pneumonia, bronchiolar
      carcinoma, metastatic mammary adenocarcinoma, and pulmonary edema. In summary,
      the morphologic organization of the lungs is complex and has implications for
      diagnostic interpretation needing further evaluation in dogs. In this study,
      increased lung attenuation during CT due to disease localized to the pulmonary
      acini was due to the displacement of air from the lungs and not to the
      microscopic distribution of lesions within the pulmonary acinus. Imaging
      descriptors that classify diseases according to structures larger than the
      pulmonary acini, for example, regions of the secondary pulmonary lobule or
      larger, may be appropriate for dogs.

PMID- 22092551
TI  - Persistence of Escherichia coli in freshwater periphyton: biofilm-forming
      capacity as a selective advantage.
AB  - Recent research has shown that Escherichia coli can persist in aquatic
      environments, although the characteristics that contribute to their survival
      remain poorly understood. This study examines periphytic E. coli populations that
      were continuously present in three temperate freshwater lakes from June to
      October 2008 in numbers ranging from 2 to 2 * 10(2)  CFU 100 cm(-2) . A crystal
      violet assay revealed that all tested periphytic E. coli isolates were superior
      biofilm formers and they formed, on average, 2.5 times as much biofilm as E. coli
      isolated from humans, 4.5 times as much biofilm as shiga-like toxin-producing E.
      coli, and 7.5 times as much biofilm as bovine E. coli isolates. Repetitive
      extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR) DNA fingerprinting
      analysis demonstrated the genetically diverse nature of the periphytic isolates,
      with genetic similarity between strains ranging from 40% to 86%. Additionally,
      the role of curli fibers in biofilm formation was investigated by comparing
      biofilm formation with curli expression under optimal conditions, although little
      correlation (R(2)  = 0.095, P = 0.005) was found. The high mean biofilm-forming
      capacity observed in E. coli isolated from the periphyton suggests that selective
      pressures may favor E. coli capable of forming biofilms in freshwater
      environments.

PMID- 22092552
TI  - Obesity and aspirin intolerance are risk factors for difficult-to-treat asthma in
      Japanese non-atopic women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a clinical syndrome characterized by variabilities in
      disease expression and severity. The pathophysiological mechanism underlying anti
      asthma treatment resistance is also assumed to be different between disease
      phenotypes. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effect of gender and atopic phenotype on
      the relationship between clinical factors and the risk of treatment resistance.
      METHODS: We compared outpatients with difficult-to-treat asthma (DTA; n = 486) in
      a tertiary hospital for allergic diseases in central Japan with those with
      controlled severe asthma (n = 621) with respect to clinical factors including
      body mass index (BMI) and aspirin intolerance using multivariate logistic
      regression analysis stratified by gender and atopic phenotype. RESULTS: When
      analysis was performed on the entire study populations, obesity (BMI >= 30
      kg/m(2); adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.92; 95% confidence interval (95% CI: 1.07
      3.43) and aspirin intolerance (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.44-4.57) were found to be the
      significant risk factors for DTA. However, after the stratification by gender and
      atopic phenotype, the association between obesity and DTA was significant only in
      women (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.31-5.78), but not in men (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.38
      2.81), and only in non-atopics (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.15-14.08), but not in atopics
      (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.79-3.02). The similar gender and phenotypic differences were
      also observed in the association between aspirin intolerance and DTA: namely, the
      association was significant only in women (OR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.84-8.50), but not
      in men (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.46-3.05); and only in non-atopics (OR: 5.49, 95% CI:
      1.98-15.19), but not in atopics (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.65-2.98). CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Significant associations of obesity and aspirin intolerance
      with DTA were observed only in women and in non-atopics. These findings suggest
      that a phenotype-specific approach is needed to treat patients with DTA.

PMID- 22092553
TI  - Influence of ultrasound or halogen light on microleakage and hardness of enamel
      adjacent to glass ionomer cement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of external sources of energy may accelerate the setting rate
      of glass ionomer cements (GICs) allowing better initial mechanical properties.
      AIM: To investigate the influence of ultrasound and halogen light on the
      microleakage and hardness of enamel adjacent to GIC restorations, after
      artificial caries challenge. DESIGN: Cavities were prepared in 60 primary
      canines, restored with GIC, and randomly distributed into three groups: control
      group (CG), light group (LG) - irradiation with a halogen light-curing unit for
      60s, and ultrasonic group (UG) - application of ultrasonic scaler device for 15s.
      All specimens were then submitted to a cariogenic challenge in a pH cycling
      model. Half of sample in each group were immersed in methylene blue for 4h and
      sectioned for dye penetration analysis. The remaining specimens were submitted to
      Knoop cross-sectional microhardness assessments, and mineral changes were
      calculated for adjacent enamel. RESULTS: Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis
      test and two-way ANOVA with 5% significance. Higher dye penetration was observed
      for the UG (P<0.01). No significant mineral changes were observed between groups
      (P=0.844). CONCLUSION: The use of halogen light-curing unit does not seem to
      interfere with the properties of GICs, whereas the use of ultrasound can affect
      its marginal sealing.

PMID- 22092554
TI  - Satellite cell count, VO(2max) , and p38 MAPK in inactive to moderately active
      young men.
AB  - Satellite cells (SCs) are responsible for muscle repair following strenuous
      exercise or injury. SC responses to intervention have been studied, but most
      studies do not discuss or take into account the substantial variability in SC
      number among young individuals. We hypothesized that an active lifestyle
      reflected in higher VO(2max)  may be associated with greater SC number. As
      training alters basal p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, which
      is associated with SC proliferation, SC count may also correlate with this stress
      signaling kinase. Muscle biopsies from vastus lateralis of eight male
      participants were analyzed for fiber type, myogenin, and p38/phospho-p38 MAPK
      using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence was used to detect
      Pax7(+)  SCs. Two weeks following the biopsy, subjects underwent an incremental
      treadmill test to determine VO(2max) . A strong positive correlation (P = 0.0087)
      was found between the number of Pax7(+)  nuclei and VO(2max) . Pax7(+)  cell
      number correlated negatively with phospho-p38/p38 MAPK (P = 0.0006), but had no
      correlation with fiber type or myogenin. SC number is proportional to VO(2max) ,
      and hence it can be postulated that higher levels of physical activity activate
      SC proliferation but not fusion, underlining the relevance of exercise in
      stimulating SC pool size even without injury.

PMID- 22092555
TI  - Annexin-1-deficient mice exhibit spontaneous airway hyperresponsiveness and
      exacerbated allergen-specific antibody responses in a mouse model of asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids are the mainstream drugs used in the treatment and
      control of inflammatory diseases such as asthma. Annexin-1 (ANXA1) is an anti
      inflammatory protein which has been described as an endogenous protein
      responsible for some anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid effects. Previous studies
      have identified its importance in other immune diseases such as rheumatoid
      arthritis and cystic fibrosis. ANXA1-deficient ((-/-)) mice are Th2 biased, and
      ANXA1 N-terminus peptide exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in a rat model of
      pulmonary inflammation. OBJECTIVE: ANXA1 protein is found in bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid from asthmatics. However, the function of ANXA1 in the pathological
      development of allergy or asthma is unclear. Thus, in this study we intended to
      examine the effect of ANXA1 deficiency on allergen-specific antibody responses
      and airway responses to methacholine (Mch). METHODS: ANXA1(-/-) mice were
      sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with aerosolized OVA. Airway
      resistance, lung compliance and enhanced pause (PenH) were measured in naive,
      sensitized and saline or allergen-challenged wild-type (WT) and ANXA1(-/-) mice.
      Total and allergen-specific antibodies were measured in the serum. RESULTS: We
      show that allergen-specific and total IgE, IgG2a and IgG2b levels were
      significantly higher in ANXA1(-/-) mice. Furthermore, naive ANXA1(-/-) mice
      displayed higher airway hypersensitivity to inhaled Mch, and significant
      differences were also observed in allergen-sensitized and allergen-challenged
      ANXA1(-/-) mice compared with WT mice. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ANXA1(-/-)
      mice possess multiple features characteristic to allergic asthma, such as airway
      hyperresponsiveness and enhanced antibody responses, suggesting that ANXA1 plays
      a critical regulatory role in the development of asthma. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We
      postulate that ANXA1 is an important regulatory factor in the development of
      allergic disease and dysregulation of its expression can lead to pathological
      changes which may affect disease progression.

PMID- 22092556
TI  - Distribution of the entodiniomorphid ciliate Troglocorys cava Tokiwa, Modry, Ito,
      Pomajbikova, Petrzelkova, & Imai, , (Entodiniomorphida: Blepharocorythidae) in
      wild and captive chimpanzees.
AB  - Trophozoites of Troglocorys cava were detected in all but one of the wild
      chimpanzee populations from Rubondo Island (Tanzania), with a prevalence ranging
      between 20% and 78%. However, the ciliate was absent in all captive groups.
      Prevalence appeared to increase with the number of sequential samples taken from
      a particular individual and reached 95.5% in wild individuals sampled at least 4
      times.

PMID- 22092557
TI  - An insight into the ligand-receptor interactions involved in the translocation of
      pathogens across blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Traversal of pathogen across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an essential step
      for central nervous system (CNS) invasion. Pathogen traversal can occur
      paracellularly, transcellularly, and/or in infected phagocytes (Trojan horse
      mechanism). To trigger the translocation processes, mainly through paracellular
      and transcellular ways, interactions between protein molecules of pathogen and
      BBB are inevitable. Simply, it takes two to tango: both host receptors and
      pathogen ligands. Underlying molecular basis of BBB translocation of various
      pathogens has been revealed in the last decade, and a plethora of experimental
      data on protein-protein interactions has been created. This review compiles these
      data and should give insights into the ligand-receptor interactions that occur
      during BBB translocation. Further, it sheds light on cell signaling events
      triggered in response to ligand-receptor interaction. Understanding of the
      molecular principles of pathogen-host interactions that are involved in traversal
      of the BBB should contribute to develop new vaccine and drug strategies to
      prevent CNS infections.

PMID- 22092558
TI  - The human macrophage sodium channel NaV1.5 regulates mycobacteria processing
      through organelle polarization and localized calcium oscillations.
AB  - Phagocytosis and intracellular processing of mycobacteria by macrophages are
      complex cellular processes that require spatial and temporal coordination of
      particle uptake, organelle movement, activation of signaling pathways, and
      channel-mediated ionic flux. Recent work demonstrated that human macrophage
      NaV1.5, an intracellular voltage-gated sodium channel expressed on late
      endosomes, enhances endosomal acidification and phagocytosis. Here, using
      bacillus Camille-Guerin (BCG) as a model of mycobacterial infection, we examined
      how this channel regulates phagocytosis and phagosome maturation in human
      macrophages. Knockdown of NaV1.5 reduced high capacity uptake of labeled BCG. BCG
      containing, NaV1.5-expressing cells demonstrated localization of NaV1.5 and Rab-7
      positive endosomes and mitochondria to periphagosome regions that was not
      observed in NaV1.5-deficient cells. Knockdown of the channel reduced the initial
      calcium response following bacterial challenge and prevented the generation of
      prolonged and localized calcium oscillations during phagosome maturation.
      Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na(+) /Ca(2+)  exchanger also prevented prolonged
      calcium oscillations during phagosome maturation. These results suggest that
      NaV1.5 and mitochondrial-dependent calcium signaling regulate mycobacteria
      phagocytosis and phagosome maturation in human macrophages through spatial
      temporal coordination of calcium signaling within a unique subcellular region.

PMID- 22092559
TI  - Novel roles for autotransporter adhesin AatA of avian pathogenic Escherichia
      coli: colonization during infection and cell aggregation.
AB  - Systemic infections in avian species caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
      (APEC) are economically devastating to poultry industries worldwide. To unravel
      factors possibly involved in APEC pathogenicity, suppression subtractive
      hybridization was applied, leading to the identification of a putative APEC
      autotransporter adhesin gene aatA in our previous study. In this study,
      pathogenic mechanism of AatA was further determined. A deletion mutant of aatA
      was constructed in the APEC DE205B, which results in the reduced capacity to
      adhere to DF-1 cells, defective virulence in vivo, and decreased colonization
      capacity in lung during the systemic infection compared with the wild-type
      strain. Furthermore, these capacities were restored in the complementation
      strains. These results indicated that AatA makes a significant contribution to
      APEC virulence through bacterial adherence to host tissues in vivo and in vitro.
      In addition, aggregation assays for strain AAEC189 expressing aatA indicated that
      AatA mediates cell aggregation and settling of cells. However, this cell
      aggregation is blocked by Type I fimbriae. This study illustrates the first
      examination of the role of AatA in aggregation and systemic infection.

PMID- 22092560
TI  - Permissivity of fish cell lines to three Chlamydia-related bacteria: Waddlia
      chondrophila, Estrella lausannensis and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae.
AB  - Epitheliocystis is an infectious disease affecting gills and skin of various
      freshwater and marine fishes, associated with high mortality and reduced growth
      of survivors. Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis and Clavochlamydia salmonicola
      have recently been identified as aetiological agents of epitheliocystis in
      Atlantic Salmon. In addition, several other members of the Chlamydiales order
      have been identified in other fish species. To clarify the pathogenicity of
      Chlamydia-like organisms towards fishes, we investigated the permissivity of two
      fish cell lines, EPC-175 (Fathead Minnow) and RTG-2 (rainbow trout) to three
      Chlamydia-related bacteria: Waddlia chondrophila, Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and
      Estrella lausannensis. Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence demonstrated that
      W. chondrophila and, to a lesser extent, E. lausannensis were able to replicate
      in the two cell lines tested. Waddlia chondrophila multiplied rapidly in its host
      cell and a strong cytopathic effect was observed. During E. lausannensis
      infection, we observed a limited replication of the bacteria not followed by host
      cell lysis. Very limited replication of P. acanthamoebae was observed in both
      cell lines tested. Given its high infectivity and cytopathic effect towards fish
      cell lines, W. chondrophila represents the most interesting Chlamydia-related
      bacteria to be used to develop an in vivo model of epitheliocystis disease in
      fishes.

PMID- 22092561
TI  - Bacterial translocation in cirrhosis is not caused by an abnormal small bowel gut
      microbiota.
AB  - Sepsis is common in liver cirrhosis, and animal studies have shown the gut to be
      the principal source of infection, through bacterial overgrowth and translocation
      in the small bowel. A total of 33 patients were recruited into this study, 10
      without cirrhosis and 23 with cirrhotic liver disease. Six distal duodenal
      biopsies were obtained and snap frozen for RNA and DNA extraction, or frozen for
      FISH. Peripheral venous bloods were obtained from 30 patients, including 17
      chronic liver disease patients. Samples were analysed by real-time PCR, to assess
      total bacteria, bifidobacteria, bacteroides, enterobacteria, staphylococci,
      streptococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, Helicobacter pylori and moraxella, as
      well as TNF-alpha, IL-8 and IL-18. There was no evidence of bacterial overgrowth
      with respect to any of the individual bacterial groups, with the exception of
      enterococci, which were present in higher numbers in cirrhotic patients (P =
      0.04). There were no significant differences in any of the cytokines compared to
      the controls. The small intestinal mucosal microbiota in cirrhotic patients was
      qualitatively and quantitatively normal, and this shifts the focus of disease
      aetiology to factors that reduce gut integrity, failure of mechanisms to remove
      translocating bacteria, or the large bowel as the source of sepsis.

PMID- 22092562
TI  - Protective mechanism of curcumin against Vibrio vulnificus infection.
AB  - Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma
      longa L., has many beneficial biological activities. However, there are
      relatively few reports of the effects of curcumin on pathogen infections. This
      study examined the effect of curcumin on a Vibrio vulnificus infection. The
      cytotoxicity of V. vulnificus to HeLa cells was significantly inhibited by
      curcumin (at 10 or 30 MUM). To further examine the inhibitory mechanism of
      curcumin against V. vulnificus-mediated cytotoxicity, the level of bacterial
      growth, bacterial motility, cell adhesion, RTX toxin expression and host cell
      reactions were evaluated. Curcumin inhibited V. vulnificus growth in HI broth.
      Curcumin inhibited both bacterial adhesion and RTX toxin binding to the host
      cells, which can be considered the major protective mechanisms for the decrease
      in V. vulnificus cytotoxicity. Curcumin also inhibited host cell rounding and
      actin aggregation, which are the early features of cell death caused by V.
      vulnificus. In addition, curcumin decreased the V. vulnificus-induced NF-kappaB
      translocation in HeLa cells. Finally, curcumin protected mice from V. vulnificus
      induced septicemia. In conclusion, curcumin may be an alternative antimicrobial
      agent against fatal bacterial infections.

PMID- 22092563
TI  - Cryptococcus neoformans suppresses the activation of bone marrow-derived
      dendritic cells stimulated with its own DNA, but not with DNA from other fungi.
AB  - DNA from Cryptococcus neoformans activates bone marrow-derived dendritic cells
      (BM-DCs) in a TLR9-dependent manner. In this study, we examined the effect of the
      culture supernatants of C. neoformans on the activation of BM-DCs caused by its
      own DNA. C. neoformans supernatants suppressed IL-12p40, IL-6 production and CD40
      expression by BM-DCs stimulated with its own DNA, but not with CpG-ODN and DNA
      from Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Escherichia coli. In a
      confocal microscopic analysis, C. neoformans DNA was colocalized with LAMP-1, a
      late endosomal marker, and TLR9. The culture supernatants did not show any
      apparent suppression of these responses. In a luciferase reporter assay, C.
      neoformans supernatants inhibited NFkappaB activation caused by its own DNA.
      These inhibitory activities were attenuated by treatment with heat or trypsin.
      These results indicate that C. neoformans secrete certain proteinous molecules
      that suppress the activation of BM-DCs caused by its own DNA.

PMID- 22092564
TI  - Molecular typing of Bordetella parapertussis isolates circulating in Pakistan.
AB  - Although a whole-cell pertussis vaccine was introduced in Pakistan in 1980,
      little is known about the pertussis prevalence and circulating strains in
      Pakistan. The aim of this study was to analyze Bordetella parapertussis isolates
      circulating between 2005 and 2009 in Pakistan and to compare them with those
      found in other countries during different periods. A total of 59 (7.35%) B.
      parapertussis isolates from 802 subjects (median age, 3 years) from Pakistan,
      with pertussis-like symptoms were investigated. We carried out genotyping and DNA
      microarray analyses on these isolates and compared them with some international
      isolates of B. parapertussis. We found that the allele for pertactin (prn) found
      in strains studied from Pakistan was identical to the predominant type found in
      Europe. We showed that B. parapertussis isolates circulating in Pakistan are part
      of the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis group to those circulating in
      Finland during the period of 1982-2007. Finally, microarray analysis confirmed
      that the isolates collected in Pakistan, were quite similar to international
      strains. Overall, these results confirm that B. parapertussis is extremely
      monomorphic. The high isolation rate of B. parapertussis (7.35%) compared to
      Bordetella pertussis (0.5%) may suggest that the whole-cell vaccine used in
      Pakistan is effective against B. pertussis (0.5% infections detected), but much
      less so against B. parapertussis.

PMID- 22092565
TI  - Induction of prostaglandin E(2)  and interleukin-6 in gingival fibroblasts by
      oral biofilms.
AB  - Polymicrobial oral biofilms attaching on tooth surfaces can trigger inflammatory
      responses by the neighbouring tooth-supporting periodontal tissues. An excessive
      inflammatory response can cause destruction of the periodontal tissues, including
      the alveolar bone, thus resulting in periodontitis. Mediators of inflammation,
      such as prostaglandin E(2)  (PGE(2) ) and interleukin-6, are primary regulators
      of alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis. The present study aimed to
      comparatively investigate the effects of in vitro supragingival and subgingival
      biofilms, on the regulation of PGE(2)  and interleukin-6 in human gingival
      fibroblasts. The cells were challenged with culture supernatants of the two
      biofilms for 6 h. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, an enzyme responsible for the
      conversion of PGE(2) , and interleukin-6 gene expression were analysed by
      quantitative real-time PCR. The production of PGE(2)  and interleukin-6 by the
      cells was analysed by ELISA. While the supragingival biofilm did not induce
      significant changes, the subgingival biofilm caused an 8.6- and 2.9-fold
      enhancement of COX-2 and interleukin-6 gene expression, respectively, and a 72.5-
      and 1.5-fold enhancement of PGE(2) and interleukin-6 production, respectively. In
      conclusion, subgingival biofilms are potent inducers of PGE(2)  in gingival
      fibroblasts, providing further mechanistic insights into the association of
      subgingival biofilms with bone resorption periodontitis.

PMID- 22092566
TI  - Immunoreactive proteins of Campylobacter concisus, an emergent intestinal
      pathogen.
AB  - Campylobacter concisus is an emerging pathogen of the human gastrointestinal
      tract. Recently, a significantly higher prevalence of C. concisus DNA and higher
      levels of antibodies specific to C. concisus was detected in children with
      Crohn's disease when compared with controls. The aim of this study was to
      identify C. concisus immunoreactive antigens. Proteins from C. concisus were
      separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and sera from 10 C. concisus
      positive children with Crohn's disease were employed for immunoprobing. The
      patients' sera reacted with 69 spots, which corresponded to 31 proteins
      identified by mass spectrometry. The proteins were functionally classified as
      involved in chemotaxis, signal transduction, flagellar motility, surface binding
      and membrane protein assembly. Although the individual patients' sera reacted to
      different sets of proteins, common antigens that were recognized by all patients
      were flagellin B, ATP synthase F1 alpha subunit, and outer membrane protein 18.
      Cross-reactivity between proteins of the Campylobacter genus was tested using
      patients' sera absorbed with Campylobacter showae, Campylobacter jejuni and
      Campylobacter ureolyticus. Most of the C. concisus immunoreactive proteins
      identified in this study showed cross-reactivity with other species except for
      three antigens. In conclusion, this study has identified C. concisus proteins
      that are immunoreactive within patients with Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22092567
TI  - Monophosphoryl lipid A induced innate immune responses via TLR4 to enhance
      clearance of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis from
      the nasopharynx in mice.
AB  - Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common infectious diseases in
      children. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis,
      Gram-negative bacteria, are considered major pathogens of AOM and respiratory
      tract infections. In this study, we used monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) as a Toll
      like receptor (TLR4) agonist to induce innate immune responses before challenge
      with NTHi and M. catarrhalis to enhance bacterial clearance from the nasopharynx.
      Mice were intranasally administered 40, 10, or 1 MUg of MPL and challenged with
      NTHi and M. catarrhalis 12 and 24 h later. At 6 and 12 h after the bacterial
      challenge, the mice were killed and nasal washes were collected. The numbers of
      NTHi, M. catarrhalis, and inflammatory cells were quantitated. Inoculation of MPL
      produced a significant reduction in the number of bacteria recovered from the
      nasopharynx at 6 and/or 12 h after the bacterial challenge, when compared with
      control mice. The effect was dose dependent. MPL inoculation also induced the
      early accumulation of neutrophils in the nasopharynx after exposure to bacteria.
      MPL is effective for eliciting clearance of both NTHi and M. catarrhalis from the
      nasopharynx. These results indicate the possibility of a new strategy against
      Gram-negative bacterial infection that involves the stimulation of the innate
      immune system by TLR4 agonists such as MPL.

PMID- 22092568
TI  - Up-regulation of human bradykinin B1 receptor by secreted components of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa via a NF-kappaB pathway in epithelial cells.
AB  - Pulmonary epithelial cells produce neutrophil chemotactic activity in response to
      pathogenic bacterial infections, resulting in neutrophil migration to infection
      sites. Elicited neutrophils in the inflamed tissues were found to be dependent on
      bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R), which shows high affinity for the active
      metabolites derived from bradykinin. Thus, the up-regulation of bradykinin and
      B1R expression represents an important host defense response against invading
      microbes such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the effect of P. aeruginosa on
      the expression of B1R remains unclear, while P. aeruginosa infection is known to
      stimulate the production of bradykinin. Here, we report that human B1R (hB1R)
      transcription is up-regulated in host cells co-cultured with P. aeruginosa.
      Components secreted from P. aeruginosa play a major role in the up-regulation,
      and the secretion of the components is not controlled by either type III
      secretion system or quorum sensing. Moreover, the B1R induction is mediated by a
      NF-kappaB signaling pathway in human lung epithelial cells. Taken together, this
      study demonstrates that P. aeruginosa is capable of up-regulating hB1R expression
      via the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID- 22092569
TI  - Viral and bacterial abundance and production in the Western Pacific Ocean and the
      relation to other oceanic realms.
AB  - We completed a transect through the Western Pacific Warm Pool to examine how
      environmental variables may influence viral and bacterial abundance and
      production rates in this globally important oceanic region. Of the variables
      analyzed, viral abundance and production had the most significant relationship to
      bacterial cell abundance: viral parameters were not significantly correlated to
      the measured environmental variables, including temperature. Bacterial production
      rates were significantly correlated to temperature in open ocean waters, but not
      in waters close to land masses. Analyses of 16S rRNA gene by pyrosequencing
      indicated only minor changes in eubacterial community structure across the
      transect, with alpha-proteobacteria dominating all sampled populations. Diversity
      within the prokaryotic community did not correlate directly with viral abundance
      or activity. Comparisons to two other ocean-scale transects (> 8000 km of open
      ocean in total) in the Atlantic Ocean indicated that correlations between viral
      and bacterial abundance and production relative to environmental variables are
      regime dependent. In particular, correlations to temperature showed remarkable
      differences across the three transects. Collectively, our observations suggest
      that seemingly similar oceanic regions may have very different microbial
      community responses to environmental variables. Our observations and analyses
      demonstrate that ocean-scale generalizations may not apply in the case of viral
      ecology.

PMID- 22092570
TI  - A possible melanoma discrimination index based on hyperspectral data: a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection and proper excision of the primary lesions of
      malignant melanoma (MM) are crucial for reducing melanoma-related deaths. To
      support the early detection of melanoma, automated melanoma screening systems
      have been extensively studied and developed. In this article, we present a
      hyperspectral melanoma screening system and propose a possible melanoma
      discrimination index derived from the characteristics of the pigment molecules in
      the skin, both of which have been derived from hyperspectral data (HSD). METHODS:
      The index expresses the disordered nature of each lesion including variegation in
      color based on variation in spectral information obtained from each lesion.
      Performance of the index in discriminating melanomas from other pigmented skin
      lesions has been studied in five cases of melanoma (41 HSD sets), one case of
      Spitz nevus (13 HSD sets), 10 cases of seborrheic keratosis (78 HSD sets), three
      cases of basal cell carcinoma (16 HSD sets), and nine cases of melanocytic nevus
      (21 HSD sets), obtained from patients and volunteers, all of whom were Japanese.
      RESULTS: Performance of the index, which reflects the disordered nature of a
      lesion, discriminates melanomas with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 84%,
      and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93, on
      resubstitution. CONCLUSION: An objective melanoma discrimination index at a
      molecular pigmentary level, derived from HSD, has been proposed, and its
      performance evaluated. This index was highly successful in discriminating MM from
      non-melanoma, although the statistical population was small.

PMID- 22092571
TI  - Hydrogen-rich water attenuates experimental periodontitis in a rat model.
AB  - AIM: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the development of
      periodontitis. As molecular hydrogen can act as a scavenger of ROS, we examined
      the effects of treatment with hydrogen-rich water on a rat model of
      periodontitis. MATERIAL & METHODS: A ligature was placed around the maxillary
      molars for 4 weeks to induce periodontitis, and the animals were given drinking
      water with or without hydrogen-rich water. RESULTS: The rats with periodontitis
      which were treated with pure water showed a time-dependent increase in serum ROS
      level. Compared with the rats without periodontitis, the periodontitis-induced
      rats which were given pure water also showed polymorphonuclear leucocyte
      infiltration and alveolar bone loss at 4 weeks. Hydrogen-rich water intake
      inhibited an increase in serum ROS level and lowered expression of 8
      hydroxydeoxyguanosine and nitrotyrosine in the periodontal tissue at 4 weeks.
      Such conditions prevented polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration and osteoclast
      differentiation following periodontitis progression. Furthermore, inflammatory
      signalling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases, were less
      activated in periodontal lesions from hydrogen-rich water-treated rats as
      compared with pure water-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Consuming hydrogen-rich water
      might be beneficial in suppressing periodontitis progression by decreasing
      gingival oxidative stress.

PMID- 22092572
TI  - Enhancing disaster management by mapping disaster proneness and preparedness.
AB  - The focus of most disaster management programmes is to deploy resources-physical
      and human-from outside the disaster zone. This activity can produce a delay in
      disaster mitigation and recovery efforts, and a consequent loss of human lives
      and economic resources. It may be possible to expedite recovery and prevent loss
      of life by mapping out disaster proneness and the availability of resources in
      advance. This study proposes the development of two indices to do so. The Indian
      census data of 2001 is used to develop a methodology for creating one index on
      disaster proneness and one on resourcefulness for administrative units (tehsils).
      Findings reveal that tehsil residents face an elevated risk of disaster and that
      they are also grossly under-prepared for such events. The proposed indices can be
      used to map regional service provision facilities and to assist authorities in
      evaluating immediate, intermediate, and long-term disaster recovery needs and
      resource requirements.

PMID- 22092573
TI  - Differential gene expression in planktonic and biofilm cells of multiple
      antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - This study was designed to evaluate gene expression patterns of the planktonic
      and biofilm cells of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium in
      trypticase soy broth adjusted to pH 5.5 and pH 7.3. The planktonic and biofilm
      cells of multiple antibiotic-resistant S. aureus (S. aureus(R) ) and S.
      Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium(R) ) were more resistant to beta-lactams than those
      of antibiotic-susceptible S. aureus (S. aureus(S) ) and S. Typhimurium (S.
      Typhimurium(S) ) at pH 5.5 and pH 7.3. The relative gene expression levels of
      norB, norC, and mdeA genes were increased by 7.0-, 4.7-, and 4.6-fold,
      respectively, in the biofilm cells of S. aureus(S) grown at pH 7.3, while norB,
      norC, mdeA, sec, seg, sei, sel, sem, sen, and seo genes were stable in the
      biofilm cells of S. aureus(R) . This study provides useful information for
      understanding gene expression patterns in the planktonic and biofilm cells of
      antibiotic-resistance pathogens exposed to acidic stress.

PMID- 22092574
TI  - Retrospective analysis of survival rates and marginal bone loss on short implants
      in the mandible.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Short implants have become an interesting alternative to bone
      augmentation in dental implantology. Design of shorter implants and longer
      surveillance times are a current research issue. The goal of this study was to
      show the survival rates of short implants below 9 mm in the partly edentulous
      mandibular premolar and molar regions with fixed prosthetics. Marginal vertical
      and 2D bone loss was evaluated additionally. Different implant designs are
      orientationally evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 247 dental implants
      with fixed prosthetics (crowns and bridges) in the premolar and molar region of
      the mandible were evaluated; 47 implants were 9 mm or shorter. Patient data were
      evaluated to acquire implant survival rates, implant diameter, gender and age.
      Panoramic X-rays were analysed for marginal bone loss. RESULTS: Average
      surveillance time was 1327 days. Cumulative survival rate (CSR) of short implants
      was 98% (1 implants lost) compared to 94% in the longer implants group without
      significance. Thirty-five of the short implants were Astratech (0 losses) and 12
      were Camlog Screw Line Promote Plus (1 loss). Early vertical and two-dimensional
      marginal bone loss was not significantly different in short and regular length
      implant group with an average of 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm(2) in short implants over the
      observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, we
      conclude that short implants with a length of 9 mm or less have equal survival
      rates compared with longer implants over the observation period of 1-3 years.

PMID- 22092576
TI  - Centella asiatica extracts modulate hydrogen peroxide-induced senescence in human
      dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) is a pharmacological plant in South Asia. It has
      been demonstrated that C. asiatica extracts containing various pentacyclic
      triterpenes exert healing effects, especially wound healing and collagen
      synthesis in skin. However, there are few studies on the effect of C. asiatica
      extracts on stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). To determine whether H(2)
      O(2) -induced senescence is affected by C. asiatica extracts, we performed
      senescence analysis on cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We also analysed
      whole gene expression level using microarrays and showed that 39 mRNAs are
      differentially expressed in H(2) O(2) -induced HDFs with and without treatment
      with C. asiatica extracts. These genes regulate apoptosis, gene silencing, cell
      growth, transcription, senescence, DNA replication and the spindle checkpoint.
      Differential expression of FOXM1, E2F2, MCM2, GDF15 and BHLHB2 was confirmed
      using semi-quantitative PCR. In addition, C. asiatica extracts rescued the H(2)
      O(2) -induced repression of replication in HDFs. Therefore, the findings
      presented here suggest that C. asiatica extracts might regulate SIPS by
      preventing repression of DNA replication and mitosis-related gene expression.

PMID- 22092577
TI  - Thymic stromal lymphopoietin exerts antimicrobial activities.
AB  - Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin-7-like cytokine expressed
      by epithelial cells and reported to be involved in allergic diseases and atopic
      eczema. The presence of several predicted alpha-helical regions in TSPL, a
      structure characterizing many classical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), prompted
      us to investigate whether TSLP exerts antimicrobial activities. Recombinant human
      TSLP exerted antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria.
      Using synthetic overlapping peptide 20-mers of TSLP, it was demonstrated that the
      antimicrobial effect is primarily mediated by the C-terminal region of the
      protein. MKK34 (MKKRRKRKVTTNKCLEQVSQLQGLWRRFNRPLLK), a peptide spanning a C
      terminal alpha-helical region in TSLP, showed potent antimicrobial activities, in
      physiological salt conditions and in the presence of human plasma. Fluorescent
      studies of peptide-treated bacteria, electron microscopy and liposome leakage
      models showed that MKK34 exerted membrane-disrupting effects comparable to those
      of the classical AMP LL-37. Moreover, TSLP was degraded into multiple fragments
      by staphylococcal V8 proteinase. One major antimicrobial degradation fragment was
      found to encompass the C-terminal antimicrobial region defined by the MKK34
      peptide. We here describe a novel antimicrobial role for TSLP. The antimicrobial
      activity is primarily mediated by the C-terminal part of the protein. In
      combination with the previously known cytokine function of TSLP, our result
      indicates dual functions of the molecule and a previously unknown role in host
      defense.

PMID- 22092578
TI  - Human keratinocytes express AIM2 and respond to dsDNA with IL-1beta secretion.
AB  - Keratinocytes have been recognized to actively participate in the skin immune
      response. It has been shown that keratinocytes express all components that are
      necessary to form the NLRP3 inflammasome complex including the adapter protein
      ASC and caspase-1. In this study, we investigated the presence and activity of
      the recently identified absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome in human
      keratinocytes. We were able to show that an AIM2 inflammasome is active in human
      keratinocytes. IL-1 production by keratinocytes plays a pivotal role in
      inflammatory processes in the skin. Activation of the AIM2 inflammasome in
      keratinocytes represents another potential trigger factor for the development and
      maintenance of inflammatory skin diseases.

PMID- 22092575
TI  - The itchy scalp--scratching for an explanation.
AB  - Scalp pruritus is a common complaint that is considered a diagnostically and
      therapeutically challenging situation. Scalp skin has a unique neural structure
      that contains densely innervated hair follicles and dermal vasculature. In spite
      of the recent advances in our understanding of itch pathophysiology, scalp
      itching has not been studied as yet. In this review, we summarize the current
      knowledge on the neurobiology of scalp and hair follicles as well as itch
      mediators and provide a putative mechanism for scalp itch with special emphasis
      on neuroanatomy and pathophysiology.

PMID- 22092579
TI  - Signalling and chemosensitivity assays in melanoma: is mutated status a
      prerequisite for targeted therapy?
AB  - Selection for targeted therapies in melanoma is currently based on the search for
      mutations in selected genes. We aimed at evaluating the interest of signalling
      and chemosensitivity studies in addition to genotyping for assessing the best
      suitable treatment in an individual patient. We extracted genomic DNA and
      melanoma cells from tumor tissue of a skin metastasis of a 17-year-old woman with
      stage IV melanoma progressing despite three successive lines of treatment.
      Despite the absence of mutation in BRAF, NRAS cKIT, the MAPK pathway was
      activated and a significant response to sorafenib, a mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK)/RAF inhibitor, was found in signalling and chemosensitivity assays.
      A treatment combining sorafenib and dacarbazine produced a partial response for 9
      months, with marked necrosis in some lesions. Chemosensitivity assays and
      signalling pathway studies could be of great value in addition to genotyping for
      assessing the most appropriate treatment in melanoma.

PMID- 22092580
TI  - A novel mutation of the glomulin gene in an Italian family with autosomal
      dominant cutaneous glomuvenous malformations.
AB  - Glomuvenous malformations (GVM) are hamartomas characterized histologically by
      glomus cells, which should be distinguished from glomus tumors. Familial GVM are
      rare, often present as multiple lesions, and exhibit familial aggregation, with
      autosomal dominant transmission. GVM are caused by mutations of the glomulin
      (GLMN) gene on chromosome 1p21-p22. Their development is thought to follow the
      'two-hit' hypothesis, with a somatic mutation required in addition to the
      inherited germline mutation. We describe a novel GLMN mutation in an Italian
      family with GVM in which some members present with the less commonly observed
      phenotype of solitary lesions. A second somatic 'hit' mutation in GLMN was not
      discovered in our family. We further provide histological, immunohistochemical
      and electron microscopic data exhibiting the classic features of GVM. The
      diagnosis of GVM is critical because of distinction from venous malformations and
      blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, which may demonstrate clinical similarities but
      require different treatment.

PMID- 22092581
TI  - Fitness consequences of social network position in a wild population of forked
      fungus beetles (Bolitotherus cornutus).
AB  - Social networks describe the pattern of intraspecific interactions within a
      population. An individual's position in a social network often is expected to
      influence its fitness, but only a few studies have examined this relationship in
      natural populations. We investigated the fitness consequences of network position
      in a wild beetle population. Copulation success of male beetles positively
      covaried with strength (a measure of network centrality) and negatively covaried
      with clustering coefficient (CC) (a measure of cliquishness). Further analysis
      using mediation path models suggested that the activity level of individuals
      drove the relationships between strength and fitness almost entirely. In
      contrast, selection on CC was not explained by individual behaviours. Although
      our data suggest that social network position can experience strong sexual
      selection, it is also clear that the relationships between fitness and some
      network metrics merely reflect variation in individual-level behaviours.

PMID- 22092582
TI  - Errors in basophil enumeration with 3 veterinary hematology systems and
      observations on occurrence of basophils in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most automated hematology analyzers cannot detect canine or feline
      basophils. However, many veterinary laboratories continue to report basophils as
      part of the automated 5-part differential leukocyte count for dogs and cats.
      OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to evaluate the performance of the Sysmex
      XT-2000iV, Advia 2120, and CELL-DYN 3500 hematology analyzers in detecting
      basophils using blood from dogs, cats, and rabbits with basophilia and to
      investigate the concurrence of basophilia and other hematologic changes, sex, and
      breed in dogs. METHODS: One or more of the 3 hematology analyzers was used to
      analyze 11 canine blood samples with prominent basophilia (>= 5%) based on a
      manual differential count. In addition, samples from 2 cats and 4 rabbits with
      basophilia were analyzed with the Advia 2120. Leukocyte cytograms were inspected
      for the likely location of basophil cell clusters. In a retrospective study of
      canine patients, reports of hematologic results that included a manual leukocyte
      differential count were identified using the laboratory information system and
      examined for the occurrence of basophilia and other hematologic changes, sex, and
      breed of the dogs. RESULTS: Canine basophils were not detected by the Sysmex XT
      2000iV or CELL-DYN 3500 analyzers, and neither canine nor feline basophils were
      detected by the Advia 2120. The Advia was able to detect basophils in rabbits. On
      the Sysmex cytogram canine basophils were found slightly above or together with
      neutrophils. On the Advia Perox cytogram canine basophils were located in upper
      part of the lymphocyte box and in the area of large unstained cells (LUC). Dogs
      with marked basophilia often had concurrent eosinophilia, and basophilia may be
      found more frequently in Rottweiler dogs than in other breeds. In 5 dogs with
      marked basophilia and without eosinophilia, marked thrombocytosis and anemia were
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: Canine basophils were not detected by these automated
      hematology analyzers, and careful analysis of instrument graphical displays or
      increased LUC (Advia) may guide the need to examine a blood smear for basophils.

PMID- 22092583
TI  - Surgical-site infections and routes of bacterial transfer: which ones are most
      plausible?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are an unfortunate consequence of
      cutaneous surgery. Their incidence can be a significant problem for patients and
      surgeons. Most SSIs are presumed to originate from the patient and operating room
      staff. OBJECTIVES: To review the potential routes of iatrogenic bacterial
      transfer during cutaneous surgery. METHODS: A review of the medical literature.
      CONCLUSIONS: Potential routes of bacterial transfer during surgery include
      respiratory droplets and nuclei, skin scales carried on air currents, direct
      contact with the surgical team's skin, and contaminated fomites. The route with
      the most significant potential for iatrogenic bacterial transfer is direct
      physical contact. Strategies that minimize contact with infected fomites and with
      the surgical team would probably have the best chances of reducing the incidence
      of SSIs.

PMID- 22092584
TI  - Risk of bias of animal studies on regenerative procedures for periodontal and
      peri-implant bone defects - a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess the risk of bias of studies in which animal models were
      used for investigating regenerative therapies for periodontal and peri-implant
      defects. (2) To investigate changes in risk of bias by comparing samples drawn
      from two different publication periods. MATERIAL & METHODS: We searched the
      PubMed and LILACS electronic databases, independently and in duplicate, for
      randomized and controlled trials published from 1998 to 2000 and from 2008 to
      2010. Hand searching included search of 10 dental journals, in the issues
      published between August 2008 and August 2010. Studies on non-human primates and
      canines were included. We assessed independently and in triplicate the risk of
      bias with reference to a six-item checklist based on the Cochrane Collaboration's
      tool for assessing the risk of bias and information about formal sample size
      calculation. RESULTS: One hundred and seven studies were included in the review.
      Checklist items were poorly reported in the studies selected, and therefore for
      most of the studies, the risk of bias was unclear. CONCLUSION: As a result of the
      unclear risk of bias of animal studies in periodontal and peri-implant
      treatments, it is difficult to determine the accuracy of treatment effect
      estimates. There is a need for standardization of reporting procedures on animal
      experiments.

PMID- 22092585
TI  - Randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an evidence-based
      review of the literature.
AB  - Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as a chronic pain condition,
      characterized symptomatically by a generalized or localized burning sensation in
      the oral cavity. Various drugs have been used in attempting to treat BMS, but
      there is insufficient evidence to show the effect of any effective treatment. The
      aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of therapies for BMS.
      Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling patients with a diagnosis of BMS
      were identified by searching Pubmed and Scoppus databases. The methodological
      quality of included studies was assessed on the basis of the method of allocation
      concealment, blindness of the study, loss of participants, size sample, and
      outcome concealment. A total of 12 relevant articles were analyzed. Therapies
      that used capsaicin, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and clonazepam were those that
      showed more reduction in symptoms of BMS. However, many studies of therapeutic
      interventions in BMS lack consistency in their results, because they use in their
      methodology, sample and a relatively short time of therapy and often do not
      provide a follow-up of patients treated. Thus, future studies are required to
      establish the treatment for patients suffering from this chronic and painful
      syndrome.

PMID- 22092586
TI  - Factors influencing transfer accuracy of cone beam CT-derived template-based
      implant placement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present investigation was the analysis of the factors
      presumptively affecting the accuracy outcome of cone-beam computed tomography
      (CBCT)-derived laboratory-based surgical guides for implant placement in
      partially edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 52 partially edentulous
      patients a total of 132 implants were placed following CBCT diagnostics with the
      aid of laboratory-fabricated, tooth-borne templates. Based on the image fusion
      technique measurements were done to calculate linear and angular deviations
      between virtually planned and placed implants. The implant sites were stratified
      according to four factors that presumably may influence the transfer accuracy:
      (i) type of arch (maxilla/mandible), (ii) kind of template (single-tooth
      gap/interrupted dental arch/shortened dental arch/reduced residual dentition),
      (iii) surgical technique (flapless/open flap), (iv) number of sleeve-guided site
      preparation steps (fully guided placement/freehand placement/freehand final
      drilling). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Bonferroni
      test. RESULTS: The transfer accuracy of shoulder level, apex level, and
      angulation was similar for maxilla and mandible as well as for flapless and open
      flap approach. The differences were small in magnitude and reached no or only a
      borderline statistical significance. At implant sites in the reduced residual
      dentition group, the discrepancies were more pronounced than in the single-tooth
      gap group, whereas no significant differences could be determined between free
      ending templates in the shortened dental arch and bilateral anchored templates in
      the interrupted dental arch. Implant placement through the guide allowed a more
      accurate implementation of the virtual plan to the surgical site than freehand
      insertion or freehand final drilling. CONCLUSION: CBCT-derived laboratory-based
      surgical templates enabled an implant placement in the cancellous maxilla as well
      as flapless procedures without compromising the transfer accuracy. The number and
      distribution of the remaining teeth as well as the number of sleeve-guided
      implant site preparation steps influenced the extent of deviation that can be
      achieved in partial edentulism.

PMID- 22092587
TI  - Biomechanical evaluation of a microstructured zirconia implant by a removal
      torque comparison with a standard Ti-SLA implant.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical bone
      tissue response to novel microstructured zirconia implants in comparison to
      sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium implants through the analysis of
      removal torque (RTQ) measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ti-SLA implants with a
      sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched surface were compared with zirconia
      implants with an acid-etched surface. All implants had the same shape, a diameter
      of 4.1 mm and a length of 10 mm. A total of 136 implants were placed in the
      maxillae of 17 miniature pigs. Six animals were sacrificed after both 4 and 8
      weeks and five animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks, thus providing a total of
      102 implants for RTQ testing (34 implants were reserved for future histological
      analysis). The RTQ analysis was successfully performed, using a mixed model
      regression with P-values calculated using the nonparametric Brunner-Langer
      method, on 100 of the 102 implants, two were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS:
      The adjusted mean RTQ values for Ti-SLA implants were 131 Ncm (95% CI: 107-155)
      at 4 weeks, 128 Ncm (108-148) Ncm at 8 weeks, and 180 Ncm (153-207 Ncm) at 12
      weeks of healing, whereas RTQ values for the zirconia implants were 110 Ncm (86
      134), 97 Ncm (76-118) and 147 Ncm (121-174) at the corresponding time intervals.
      A comparison of the implant materials resulted in P-values of P = 0.114 at 4
      weeks, P = 0.034 at 8 weeks and P = 0.105 at 12 weeks (significance set at P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, it could be confirmed
      that the biomechanical bone-tissue response of the investigated zirconia implants
      is non-inferior to that of the well-documented, roughened titanium surface, at
      each time point, within the set tolerance. There were no statistically
      significant differences between the two materials after a healing period of 4 and
      12 weeks. The RTQ values of both implant types increased significantly from the 8
      week to the 12-week time point.

PMID- 22092588
TI  - Characterization of an UV- and VIS-absorbing, purpurogallin-derived secondary
      pigment new to algae and highly abundant in Mesotaenium berggrenii
      (Zygnematophyceae, Chlorophyta), an extremophyte living on glaciers.
AB  - Mesotaenium berggrenii is one of few autotrophs that thrive on bare glacier
      surfaces in alpine and polar regions. This extremophilic alga produces high
      amounts of a brownish vacuolar pigment, whose chemical constitution and
      ecological function is largely unknown until now. Field material was harvested to
      isolate and characterize this pigment. Its tannin nature was determined by
      photometric methods, and the structure determination was carried out by means of
      HPLC-MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. The main constituent turned out to be
      purpurogallin carboxylic acid-6-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside. This is the first
      report of such a phenolic compound in this group of algae. Because of its broad
      absorption capacities of harmful UV and excessive VIS radiation, this secondary
      metabolite seems to play an important role for the survival of this alga at
      exposed sites. Attributes and abundances of the purpurogallins found in M.
      berggrenii strongly suggest that they are of principal ecophysiological relevance
      like analogous protective pigments of other extremophilic microorganisms. To
      prove that M. berggrenii is a true psychrophile, photosynthesis measurements at
      ambient conditions were carried out. Sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of this
      alpine species and of its arctic relative, the filamentous Ancylonema
      nordenskioldii, underlined their distinct taxonomic position within the
      Zygnematophyceae.

PMID- 22092590
TI  - Age-related changes in the guinea pig auditory cortex: relationship with
      brainstem changes and comparison with tone-induced hearing loss.
AB  - Elderly people often show degraded hearing performance and have difficulties in
      understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments. Although loss in
      peripheral hearing sensitivity is an important factor in explaining these low
      performances, central alterations also have an impact but their exact
      contributions remained unclear. In this study, we focus on the functional effects
      of aging on auditory cortex responses. Neuronal discharges and local field
      potentials were recorded in the auditory cortex of aged guinea pigs (> 3 years),
      and several parameters characterizing the processing of auditory information were
      quantified: the acoustic thresholds, response strength, latency and duration of
      the response, and breadth of tuning. Several of these parameters were also
      quantified from auditory brainstem responses collected from the same animals, and
      recordings obtained from a population of animals with trauma-induced hearing loss
      were also included in this study. The results showed that aging and acoustic
      trauma reduced the response strength at both brainstem and cortical levels, and
      increased the response latencies more at the cortical level than at the brainstem
      level. In addition to the brainstem hearing loss, aging induced a 'cortical
      hearing loss' as judged by additive changes in the threshold and frequency
      response seen in the cortex. It also increased the duration of neural responses
      and reduced the receptive field bandwidth, effects that were not found in
      traumatized animals. These effects substantiate the notion that presbycusis
      involves both peripheral hearing loss and biological aging in the central
      auditory system.

PMID- 22092589
TI  - Clinical and radiographic evaluation of NobelActive(TM)  dental implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To conduct a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the short-term
      clinical and radiographic efficacy of the NobelActiveTM system and to evaluate
      the relative importance of achieving primary stability at placement. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 32 subjects were recruited and, using a split-mouth
      design, the NobelActive(TM)  implant was compared with a contralaterally matched
      Branemark implant. Both implants were placed in a single surgical procedure into
      healed sites using a one-stage protocol and reviewed at monthly intervals.
      NobelActive(TM)  implants were functionally loaded with provisional restorations
      at 1 month and all implants were restored with final crowns 3 months post-implant
      placement. The implant was assessed using peak insertion torque values, resonance
      frequency analysis (RFA), clinical parameters, digital subtraction radiography,
      and cone beam computed tomography. RESULTS: The insertion torque was
      significantly greater for the NobelActive(TM)  implant group (P = 0.02), although
      no observable difference in RFA values were found. Preliminary results of 6
      months follow-up suggest comparable clinical and radiographic healing responses
      between the test and control implants. Within the limits of the sample
      population, the survival rates were lower with the test implants, although this
      difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The NobelActive(TM) 
      implant system requires higher insertion torques and can also achieve greater
      primary stability compared with a control implant system. Short-term survival and
      marginal bone levels of NobelActive(TM)  and control implants are comparable,
      although the NobelActive(TM)  implant system appeared to be more technique
      sensitive.

PMID- 22092591
TI  - Mutational analysis of YgfZ, a folate-dependent protein implicated in
      iron/sulphur cluster metabolism.
AB  - Proteins of the YgfZ family occur in all domains of life and are characterized by
      the conserved dodecapeptide motif KGC[Y/F]-x-GQE-x(3) -[R/K]. YgfZ proteins are
      known to participate in assembly or repair of iron/sulphur clusters, and to
      require folate for biological activity, but their mechanism of action is unknown.
      To assess the importance of individual residues in the conserved motif,
      Escherichia coli Ygf Z was expressed from a plasmid in a DeltaygfZ strain and
      subjected to alanine-scanning mutagenesis. The impacts on YgfZ functionality were
      evaluated by assays of growth and of the in vivo activity of the iron/sulphur
      enzyme MiaB, which modifies tRNA. By these criteria, the motif's tyrosine residue
      (Y229) had a detectable influence but only the cysteine residue (C228) was
      critical, for only the C228A mutant failed to complement the growth and MiaB
      activity phenotypes of the DeltaygfZ strain. Immunoblots confirmed that the
      latter result was not simply because of a low level of the C228A mutant protein.
      Collectively, these data demonstrate a pivotal role for the Ygf Z motif's
      cysteine residue and a subsidiary one for the adjacent tyrosine, and help
      formulate a hypothesis about the folate requirement of Ygf Z proteins.

PMID- 22092592
TI  - Completeness of reporting of radiation therapy planning, dose, and delivery in
      veterinary radiation oncology manuscripts from 2005 to 2010.
AB  - Surrounding a shift toward evidence-based medicine and widespread adoption of
      reporting guidelines such as the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials
      (CONSORT) statement, there has been a growing body of literature evaluating the
      quality of reporting in human and veterinary medicine. These reviews have
      consistently demonstrated the presence of substantive deficiencies in
      completeness of reporting. The purpose of this study was to assess the current
      status of reporting in veterinary radiation oncology manuscripts in regards to
      treatment planning methods, dose, and delivery and to introduce a set of
      reporting guidelines to serve as a standard for future reporting. Forty-six
      veterinary radiation oncology manuscripts published between 2005 and 2010 were
      evaluated for reporting of 50 items pertaining to patient data, treatment
      planning, radiation dose, delivery of therapy, quality assurance, and adjunctive
      therapy. A mean of 40% of checklist items were reported in a given manuscript
      (range = 8-75%). Only 9/50 (18%) checklist items were reported in > or = 80%
      manuscripts. The completeness of reporting was best in regards to a statement of
      prescription radiation protocol (91-98% reported) and worst in regards to
      specification of absorbed dose within target volumes and surrounding normal
      tissues (0-6% reported). No manuscripts met the current International Commission
      of Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) dose specification recommendations.
      Incomplete reporting may stem from the predominance of retrospective manuscripts
      and the variability of protocols and equipment in veterinary radiation oncology.
      Adoption of reporting guidelines as outlined in this study is recommended to
      improve the quality of reporting in veterinary radiation oncology.

PMID- 22092593
TI  - Effect of intense pulsed light on rat skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intense pulsed light (IPL) is widely used in treating skin conditions
      and has been reported to increase collagen and elastic fibers without damaging
      the epidermis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of variation in the number of
      passes and intervals of IPL treatments on photorejuvenation in rats. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Groups of two rats each were exposed to two or four passes of an IPL
      source using a fluence of 30 J/cm(2)  and a cut-off filter of 560 nm at 1- or 3
      week intervals. The collagen and elastic fiber content in stained tissue biopsies
      and the thickness of the collagen fibers of IPL-irradiated and unexposed skin
      regions were compared. RESULTS: Collagen distribution and collagen fiber diameter
      was in IPL-irradiated than in control regions. The number of passes did not
      significantly affect the collagen fiber thickness, but the collagen fibers from
      the 3-week-interval groups were thicker than those of the 1-week-interval groups
      (p < .001). CONCLUSION: IPL increased dermal collagen fibers and collagen fiber
      diameter, suggesting efficacy in photorejuvenation and wrinkle reduction.

PMID- 22092594
TI  - Low neonatal Toll-like receptor 4-mediated interleukin-10 production is
      associated with subsequent atopic dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and respiratory syncytial virus lower
      respiratory tract infection (RSV LRTI) are common diseases during early life.
      Impaired Th1-cell polarizing Toll-like receptor (TLR) responses play an important
      role in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Neonatal TLR-mediated production of
      Th1-type cytokines is decreased at birth, but rapidly increases during the first
      month of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether decreased TLR-mediated production
      of Th1-polarizing cytokines, at the age of 1 month is associated with subsequent
      AD or RSV LRTI. METHODS: A prospective healthy birth cohort study was performed.
      Whole blood concentrations of innate immune cells and TLR-mediated cytokine
      responses were measured at the age of 1 month in 291 neonates. AD was determined
      by a physician questionnaire at the age of 1 year and RSV LRTI was defined as
      parent-reported respiratory symptoms and presence of RSV RNA in a nose-throat
      specimen. RESULTS: Of participating neonates, 45 (15%) developed AD and 41 (14%)
      developed RSV LRTI. Risks of AD and RSV LRTI were not associated (chi(2) , P =
      1.00). AD was associated with decreased concentrations of basophils (7.6 vs. 14.0
      * 10(6) /mL, P = 0.002) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (17.0 vs. 20.5 * 10(6)
      /mL, P = 0.04), increased concentrations of NK-cells (79.7 vs. 45.1 * 10(6) /mL,
      P = 0.03), and twofold lower TLR4-mediated IL-10 production (P = 0.001). In
      contrast, RSV LRTI was associated neither with neonatal concentrations of innate
      immune cells, nor with TLR-mediated TNF-alpha, IL-12p70, IL-10 or IFN-alpha
      production. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Atopic dermatitis, but not RSV
      LRTI, is associated with distinct pre-symptomatic differences in the innate
      immune system. We hypothesize that decreased neonatal IL-10-mediated immune
      regulation during early life might play a causal role in the initiation of AD.

PMID- 22092595
TI  - Human leucocyte antigen-G: expression and function in airway allergic disease.
AB  - Human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical HLA class I molecule
      demonstrated originally in placental trophoblast cells. Recognition of the
      importance of HLA-G to the maternal immune accommodation of the semi-allogeneic
      fetus has led to investigations of its role in the suppression of immune
      responses and induction of tolerance. More recently, HLA-G has been shown to have
      increased expression in several immunological diseases including asthma and
      allergic rhinitis. The focus of this review is the potential role of HLA-G in
      immunological airway diseases.

PMID- 22092597
TI  - Effects of Coxiella burnetii on MAPKinases phosphorylation.
AB  - Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular
      bacterium. Acute Q fever is characterized by efficient immune response, whereas
      chronic Q fever is characterized by dysregulated immune response as demonstrated
      by the lack of granulomas, the failure of C. burnetii to induce
      lymphoproliferation, and interferon-gamma production. The mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays crucial roles in innate immune
      responses and control of bacterial infections. However, its role in Q fever has
      not been addressed. First, we investigated the activation of MAPKs p38, c-jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in
      murine macrophages stimulated with C. burnetii. Coxiella burnetii NM phase I
      (virulent) and NM phase II (avirulent) induced the activation of JNK and ERK1/2.
      Avirulent C. burnetii activate p38, whereas C. burnetii did not induce the
      phosphorylation of p38. Second, the level of p38 activation was studied in Q
      fever patients. We found that p38 was activated in monocyte-derived macrophages
      from healthy donors and patients with acute Q fever in response to a potent
      agonist such as lipopolysaccharide. Interestingly, p38 was not activated in
      patients with active chronic Q fever and was activated in patients with cured
      chronic Q fever. These results suggest that the determination of p38 activation
      may serve as a tool for measuring Q fever activity.

PMID- 22092596
TI  - Knowledge of paediatricians regarding child oral health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In dentistry, clinical practice is directed towards attitudes that
      promote oral health and the paediatricians occupy a privileged position in this
      process. AIM: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of paediatricians in relation
      to the oral health of their patients. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried
      out at the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife,
      Brazil. A total of 182 paediatricians participated by filling out a
      questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 63.9% believed the first visit to the dentist
      should occur before the child completes 1 year of life. Moreover, 67.8%
      considered their knowledge on oral health to be insufficient. Approximately 78%
      of the paediatricians diagnosed caries through an analysis of cavities. Only
      29.9% always recommended fluoride dentifrice. The term 'fluorosis' was unknown by
      48.3% of the respondents. Concerning pacifiers, 32.6% did not allow it and 66.9%
      did not either recommend it or restrict it. A total of 83.4% classified the oral
      health content in their medical education as either nonexistent or deficient;
      this figure remained high (72.4%) in relation to residency. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      important to develop oral health information programmes to paediatricians.
      Information on oral health should be included in medical curricula and residency.

PMID- 22092598
TI  - Ciliate ingestion and digestion: flow cytometric measurements and regrowth of a
      digestion-resistant Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - We measured ingestion and digestion rates of the pathogenic bacterium
      Campylobacter jejuni by a freshwater ciliate Colpoda sp. to determine whether
      Campylobacter is able to resist protist digestion. Campylobacter and the
      nonpathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas putida LH1 were labeled with a 5
      chloromethylfluorescein diacetate, which fluoresces in intact and active cells
      but fades when exposed to low pH environments, such as protistan food vacuoles.
      Ingestion and digestion rates were measured via flow cytometry as the change in
      ciliate fluorescence over time, which corresponded to the quantity of
      intracellular bacteria. The rate of Campylobacter ingestion exceeded the
      digestion rate. Ciliates retained labeled Campylobacter 5 h after ingestion was
      stopped. In contrast, ciliates grazing upon P. putida returned to baseline
      fluorescence within 5 h, indicating that P. putida were completely digested. The
      ability of intracellular Campylobacter to remain viable after ingestion was
      tested by sorting individual ciliates and bacterial cells into Campylobacter
      selective media. Campylobacter growth occurred in 15% (+/- 5 SE) of wells seeded
      with highly fluorescent ciliates, whereas only 4% (+/- 1) of wells seeded with
      free-living Campylobacter exhibited growth. A key advantage of this approach is
      that it is rapid and should be applicable to other phagocytotis studies.

PMID- 22092599
TI  - Incorporation of plant residue-derived carbon into the microeukaryotic community
      in a rice field soil revealed by DNA stable-isotope probing.
AB  - The microbial decomposition of plant residue is a central part of the carbon
      cycle in soil ecosystems. Here, we explored the microeukaryotic community
      responsible for the uptake of plant residue carbon in a rice field soil through
      DNA-based stable-isotope probing (SIP) using dried rice callus labelled with (13)
      C as a model substrate. Molecular fingerprinting with PCR-DGGE showed that the
      total eukaryotic community in soil under drained (upland) conditions distinctly
      changed within 3 days after the callus was applied and stable thereafter. The
      predominant group of eukaryotes that incorporated callus carbon were fungi
      affiliated with the Mucoromycotina (Mortierella), Ascomycota (Galactomyces,
      Eleutherascus, Gibberella and Fusarium) and Zoopagomycotina (Syncephalis).
      'Fungus-like' protists such as Pythium (stramenopiles) and Polymyxa (Cercozoa)
      were also involved in carbon flow from the callus. Some of these fungi and
      'fungus-like' protists took up soil organic matter with time, which suggested a
      priming effect of the callus on the eukaryotic community. Our results
      demonstrated the usefulness of SIP not only to trace the carbon flow from fresh
      organic matter but also to study the effect of fresh organic matter on the
      utilization of soil organic matter by the microbial community.

PMID- 22092600
TI  - Where's the naevus? Inter-operator variability in the localization of melanocytic
      lesion border.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first step in the analysis of a dermatoscopically imaged
      melanocytic lesion is segmentation--informally, isolating those points in the
      image belonging to the lesion from those belonging to the surrounding non
      lesional skin. Although typically studied in the context of automated analysis,
      segmentation is a necessary step even for human operators who plan to evaluate
      quantitative features of a lesion (such as diameter or asymmetry). METHODS: In a
      double blind evaluation of the segmentation of 77 digital dermatoscopic images,
      we observed a significant inter-operator variability. RESULTS: The area of the
      disagreement region was on average 15.28% of the area of the lesion itself, and
      in 10% of the cases it was more than 28%. More experienced dermatologists showed
      greater agreement among themselves than with less experienced dermatologists, and
      a slight tendency toward 'tighter' segmentations. CONCLUSION: The evaluation
      methodology addresses a number of crucial difficulties encountered in previous
      studies and may be of independent interest. Our results underscore the necessity
      of taking into account inter-operator variability in large epidemiological
      studies, in particular those involving less experienced dermatologists, and of
      striving toward techniques allowing greater standardization and replicability in
      the evaluation of the fundamental visual parameters of lesions.

PMID- 22092601
TI  - The development of doping use in high-level cycling: from team-organized doping
      to advances in the fight against doping.
AB  - In 1998, the Festina scandal at the Tour de France provided the first proof of
      widespread doping in professional cycling. This doping scandal marked the end of
      team-organized doping in professional cycling and ushered in a new period marked
      by the increasing implementation of anti-doping measures. This article evaluates
      the impact of the anti-doping rules and tests instituted since the Festina
      scandal. We adopt a psychosocial approach to analyze the organization of doping
      and the development of doping attitudes and practices in high-level cycling.
      Sixteen cyclists were interviewed, of which eight were young, current cyclists
      and eight were former cyclists who became professionals before the Festina
      scandal. Our results show that although the fight against doping in the last
      decade has reduced doping use in high-level cycling, anti-doping measures have
      also had unexpected effects. The fight against doping in cycling is not over.

PMID- 22092602
TI  - Direct visualization of the interaction between pilin and exopolysaccharides of
      Myxococcus xanthus with eGFP-fused PilA protein.
AB  - Type IV pili (TFP) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) are important components for
      social behaviors in Myxococcus xanthus, including gliding motility and fruiting
      body formation. Although specific interactions between TFP and EPS have been
      proposed, there have as yet been no direct observations of these interactions
      under native conditions. In this study, we found that a truncated PilA protein
      (PilACt) containing only the C-terminal domain (amino acids 32-208) is sufficient
      for EPS binding in vitro. Furthermore, an enhanced green fluorescent protein
      (eGFP) and PilACt fusion protein were constructed and used to label the native
      EPS in M. xanthus. Under confocal laser scanning microscope, the eGFP-PilACt
      bound fruiting bodies, trail structures and biofilms exhibited similar patterns
      as the wheat germ agglutinin lectin-labeled EPS structures. This study showed
      that eGFP-PilACt fusion protein was able efficiently to label the EPS of M.
      xanthus, providing evidence for the first time of the direct interaction between
      the PilA protein and EPS under native conditions.

PMID- 22092603
TI  - Inequalities in exposure and awareness of flood risk in England and Wales.
AB  - This paper explores the environmental inequalities of living in the floodplains
      of England and Wales and the differences in flood awareness of those 'at risk'.
      An area comparison is made between an etic, objective flood risk exposure, and an
      emic, subjective perception of that risk by social class. In all areas except the
      Midlands, the working classes were more likely to reside in the floodplains; the
      greatest exposure inequality is seen in the North East and Anglian regions. Flood
      awareness in the Anglian regions was much lower than average, but there were no
      significant class differences. In the Thames region, despite equal flood risk
      exposure between classes, the most deprived displayed the least awareness of
      flood risk. In the North East, inequalities in the distribution of flood risk
      exposure accompanied inequalities in perception, resulting in the least aware and
      most deprived experiencing the greatest flood risk.

PMID- 22092604
TI  - Periodontal disease: a new factor associated with the presence of multiple
      complex coronary lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Periodontal disease, including bone loss, is thought to be
      involved in coronary artery disease. Multiple complex coronary lesions relate to
      multifocal destabilization of coronary plaques. We investigated whether bone loss
      could be associated with the presence of multiple complex coronary lesions.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 150 patients with recent myocardial
      infarction (<1 month). Multiple complex coronary lesions were determined at
      coronary angiography. A panoramic dental X-ray including bone loss >50% was
      performed. Patients with no or simple complex lesions were compared to patients
      with multiple complex lesions. RESULTS: Over 20% of patients had multiple complex
      coronary lesions. Patients with multiple complex lesion were less likely to be
      women and more likely to have multivessel disease or elevated C-reactive protein
      (CRP) than patients with no or single complex lesion. Bone loss >50% tended to be
      more frequent in patients with multiple complex lesions (p = 0.063). In
      multivariate analysis, multivessel disease, gender and CRP were associated with
      multiple complex lesion. Bone loss >50% increased the risk of multiple complex
      lesion. CONCLUSION: Bone loss was associated with complex multiple coronary
      lesions, beyond systemic inflammation. These findings may bear important clinical
      implications for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.

PMID- 22092605
TI  - A comparison between laser-doppler imaging and colorimetry in the assessment of
      scarring: "a pilot study".
AB  - BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional pilot-study investigated the reproducibility of
      the LDI (Moor-LDI-B2; Moor Instruments) and the chromameter (Minolta chromameter
      CR-300) when used in scar assessment. METHODS: Twenty-seven scars in 14 subjects
      were included between January and June 2003. One observer performed two times
      both measurements with 10 min apart. The intra-observer agreement is quantified
      by means of the intra-class correlations (ICC) and the standard errors of
      measurement (SEM) for both the LDI and the chromameter. RESULTS: Ignoring one
      outlier, the ICC of the LDI = 0.856 and the SEM = 34.56. The chromameter shows a
      better reproducibility with an ICC of 0.93 and a SEM of 0.79. CONCLUSION: This
      pilot-study with a limited number of measurements shows a moderate
      reproducibility of the LDI compared to the chromameter measurements, in the
      assessment of respectively flux and redness in scars.

PMID- 22092606
TI  - Periodontal health status and bacteraemia from daily oral activities: systematic
      review/meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the robustness of the observations
      on the influence of oral hygiene, gingival and periodontal status on the
      development of bacteraemia from everyday oral activities (B-EOA), analysing its
      prevalence, duration, magnitude and bacterial diversity. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      This systematic review/meta-analysis complies with PRISMA reporting guidelines.
      MEDLINE-PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase were explored for detecting
      studies on B-EOA. RESULTS: There were 290 potentially eligible articles, of which
      12 article on B-EOA fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were processed for data
      extraction (seven on toothbrushing, one on dental flossing and four on chewing).
      Evaluating the influence of plaque and gingival indices on the prevalence of
      bacteraemia following toothbrushing, the pooled odds ratios were 2.61 [95%
      confidence interval (CI) = 1.45-4.69] and 2.77 (95% CI = 1.50-5.11),
      respectively. None of five studies on bacteraemia following dental flossing and
      chewing revealed a statistically significant association between oral hygiene,
      gingival or periodontal status and the development of bacteraemia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Meta-analysis showed that plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation scores
      significantly increased the prevalence of bacteraemia following toothbrushing.
      However, systematic review showed no relationship between oral hygiene, gingival
      and periodontal status and the development of B-chewing, and there is no evidence
      that gingival and periodontal health status affects B-flossing.

PMID- 22092607
TI  - Enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats: diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment,
      and control.
AB  - This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment,
      and control of the primary enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats, with an
      emphasis on Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp.,
      Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli associated with granulomatous colitis in
      Boxers. Veterinarians are challenged when attempting to diagnose animals with
      suspected bacterial-associated diarrhea because well-scrutinized practice
      guidelines that provide objective recommendations for implementing fecal testing
      are lacking. This problem is compounded by similar isolation rates for putative
      bacterial enteropathogens in animals with and without diarrhea, and by the lack
      of consensus among veterinary diagnostic laboratories as to which diagnostic
      assays should be utilized. Most bacterial enteropathogens are associated with
      self-limiting diarrhea, and injudicious administration of antimicrobials could be
      more harmful than beneficial. Salmonella and Campylobacter are well-documented
      zoonoses, but antimicrobial administration is not routinely advocated in
      uncomplicated cases and supportive therapy is recommended. Basic practices of
      isolation, use of appropriate protective equipment, and proper cleaning and
      disinfection are the mainstays of control. Handwashing with soap and water is
      preferred over use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers because spores of C.
      difficile and C. perfringens are alcohol-resistant, but susceptible to bleach
      (1:10 to 1:20 dilution of regular household bleach) and accelerated hydrogen
      peroxide. The implementation of practice guidelines in combination with the
      integration of validated molecular-based testing and conventional testing is
      pivotal if we are to optimize the identification and management of
      enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22092608
TI  - Diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infections caused by Rhodococcus
      equi in foals.
AB  - Rhodococcus equi, a gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, is one of
      the most common causes of pneumonia in foals. Although R. equi can be cultured
      from the environment of virtually all horse farms, the clinical disease in foals
      is endemic at some farms, sporadic at others, and unrecognized at many. On farms
      where the disease is endemic, costs associated with morbidity and mortality
      attributable to R. equi may be very high. The purpose of this consensus statement
      is to provide recommendations regarding the diagnosis, treatment, control, and
      prevention of infections caused by R. equi in foals.

PMID- 22092609
TI  - Rhodococcus equi: clinical manifestations, virulence, and immunity.
AB  - Pneumonia is a major cause of disease and death in foals. Rhodococcus equi, a
      gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, is a common cause of pneumonia
      in foals. This article reviews the clinical manifestations of infection caused by
      R. equi in foals and summarizes current knowledge regarding mechanisms of
      virulence of, and immunity to, R. equi. A complementary consensus statement
      providing recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention
      of infections caused by R. equi in foals can be found in the same issue of the
      Journal.

PMID- 22092610
TI  - Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy--what can we learn from humans?
AB  - Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs in both human
      newborns and foals. The condition is the subject of extensive current research in
      human infants, but there have been no direct studies of HIE in foals, and hence,
      knowledge of the condition has been extrapolated from studies in humans and other
      animal models. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the most up-to
      date and relevant research in the human field, and discuss how this potentially
      might have an impact in the management of foals with HIE.

PMID- 22092611
TI  - Sensitivity and specificity of canine pancreas-specific lipase (cPL) and other
      markers for pancreatitis in 70 dogs with and without histopathologic evidence of
      pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is a common disorder in dogs for which the antemortem
      diagnosis remains challenging. OBJECTIVES: To compare the sensitivity and
      specificity of serum markers for pancreatitis in dogs with histopathologic
      evidence of pancreatitis or lack thereof. ANIMALS: Seventy dogs necropsied for a
      variety of reasons in which the pancreas was removed within 4 hours of euthanasia
      and serological markers were evaluated within 24 hours of death. METHODS:
      Prospective study: Serum was analyzed for amylase and lipase activities, and
      concentrations of canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) and canine pancreas
      specific lipase (cPL). Serial transverse sections of the pancreas were made every
      2 cm throughout the entire pancreas and reviewed using a semiquantitative
      histopathologic grading scheme. RESULTS: The sensitivity for the Spec cPL (cutoff
      value 400 MUg/L) was 21 and 71% in dogs with mild (n = 56) or moderate-severe
      pancreatitis (n = 7), and 43 and 71% (cutoff value 200 MUg/L), respectively. The
      sensitivity for the cTLI, serum amylase, and lipase in dogs with mild or moderate
      severe pancreatitis was 30 and 29%; 7 and 14%; and 54 and 71%, respectively. The
      specificity for the Spec cPL based on 7 normal pancreata was 100 and 86% (cutoff
      value 400 and 200 MUg/L, respectively), whereas the specificity for the cTLI,
      serum amylase, and lipase activity was 100, 100, and 43%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The Spec cPL demonstrated the best overall
      performance characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) compared to other serum
      markers for diagnosing histopathologic lesions of pancreatitis in dogs.

PMID- 22092612
TI  - Normal dogs treated with famotidine for 14 days have only transient increases in
      serum gastrin concentrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In people, serum gastrin concentrations increase in response to
      administration of H(2) receptor antagonists, but the effect of famotidine
      administration on serum gastrin concentrations has not been evaluated in dogs.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine if serum gastrin concentrations increase in response to
      14 days of famotidine treatment and the time needed to return to baseline after
      discontinuation of famotidine; define stability of gastrin in samples held at
      room temperature. ANIMALS: Eleven healthy dogs were included in part A
      (famotidine treatment) and 7 healthy dogs in Part B (serum gastrin stability). In
      part A, famotidine (0.5 mg/kg p.o. q12h) was administered for 14 days. Fasting
      blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. In part
      B, blood was collected after a 12-hour fast. Gastrin concentrations in serum
      samples held at room temperature for <=30 minutes after sampling were compared to
      concentrations in samples held at room temperature for 150 minutes after
      sampling. RESULTS: Serum gastrin concentrations increased by day 3 of famotidine
      administration and returned to baseline concentrations in all dogs by day 14
      despite continued famotidine administration. Serum gastrin concentrations were
      lower (20% mean decrease; P = .0005) in samples held at room temperature for 150
      minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: After 14 days of famotidine
      administration, clinically healthy dogs have normal serum gastrin concentrations.
      In a dog with clinical features consistent with gastrinoma, chronic famotidine
      administration is unlikely to contribute to increases in serum gastrin
      concentrations.

PMID- 22092613
TI  - Utility of endoscopic biopsies of the duodenum and ileum for diagnosis of
      inflammatory bowel disease and small cell lymphoma in cats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic duodenal biopsies are relatively convenient, minimally
      invasive tests for infiltrative intestinal disorders of cats. Ileal endoscopic
      biopsies might not be performed because of technical difficulty and effort
      required to prepare the colon. It is not known whether or not histopathology of
      feline duodenal and ileal biopsies for detection of inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD) and small cell lymphoma (SC-LSA) provides comparable results. OBJECTIVES:
      To evaluate the agreement between endoscopic biopsies of duodenum and ileum in
      cats with IBD and SC-LSA. ANIMALS: Seventy client-owned cats with
      gastrointestinal disease and adequate duodenal and ileal tissue biopsies obtained
      endoscopically. METHODS: Retrospective study: Search of medical records of cats
      with enteropathy and endoscopy. Samples were blinded and re-evaluated by single
      pathologist (JM) for quality, number of biopsies, and diagnosis according to
      WSAVA standards. Agreement of IBD and SC-LSA diagnoses among biopsy sites
      assessed using Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS: Eighteen of 70 cats (26%) were diagnosed
      with SC-LSA in duodenum, ileum, or both. Of these 18 cats, 7 (39%) were diagnosed
      with only duodenal SC-LSA, 8 (44%) were diagnosed with only ileal SC-LSA, and 3
      (17%) had SC-LSA in both duodenum and ileum. There was poor agreement on
      diagnosis between duodenal and ileal biopsies (kappa = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although review by a single pathologist remains a limitation
      of this study, results suggest that there is a population of cats in which
      diagnosis of SC-LSA can be found only by evaluation of ileal biopsies. Clinicians
      should consider performing both upper and lower GI endoscopic biopsies in cats
      with infiltrative small bowel disease.

PMID- 22092614
TI  - The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of antiphospholipid antibodies in the prolonged activated
      partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) previously identified in healthy Bernese
      Mountain Dogs remains unknown. In people, an isolated prolonged aPTT without
      evidence of bleeding might be because of a thrombophilic condition caused by
      antiphospholipid antibodies. OBJECTIVE: To examine if prolonged aPTT in healthy
      Bernese Mountain Dogs is because of antiphospholipid antibodies. ANIMALS: Twenty
      two healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs and 10 healthy adult dogs of various breeds.
      METHODS: Prospective case control study. Healthy Bernese Moutain Dogs were
      examined twice over 6 months. Dogs were investigated for the presence of lupus
      anticoagulants and anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies by the use of multiple aPTT
      tests with low and high lupus anticoagulant sensitivities, a mixing study, and an
      ELISA test for aCL antibody optical density to detect solid phase
      antiphospholipid antibodies. RESULTS: In all, 15 of 22 healthy Bernese Mountain
      Dogs were positive for lupus anticoagulants. The Bernese Mountain Dogs had
      markedly higher levels of aCL antibodies compared with the control dogs (P =
      .006). In all, 7 of 21 of the Bernese Mountain Dogs were positive for both lupus
      anticoagulants and aCL antibodies, whereas 4 of 21 Bernese Mountain Dogs were
      negative for both. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lupus anticoagulants and
      aCL antibodies could be the cause of prolonged aPTT in healthy Bernese Mountain
      Dogs. The importance of the antiphospholipid antibodies in the dogs remains
      unknown.

PMID- 22092615
TI  - Detection of Bartonella henselae IgM in serum of experimentally infected and
      naturally exposed cats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results of Bartonella henselae blood culture, polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) assay on blood, or IgG antibody assays do not always correlate
      with the presence or absence of clinical disease in cats, and B. henselae IgG
      antibodies in serum do not always correlate with bacteremia. However, little is
      known concerning Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies in naturally exposed cats.
      HYPOTHESIS: Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies in serum are associated with fever,
      stomatitis, and bacteremia based on PCR assay results in experimentally infected
      or client-owned cats. ANIMALS: Stored sera from cats experimentally infected with
      B. henselae by exposure to Ctenocephalides felis, client-owned cats with and
      without fever, and client-owned cats with and without stomatitis were studied.
      METHODS: A Bartonella spp. IgM ELISA was titrated with samples from
      experimentally infected cats and then test sera from client-owned cats were
      assayed. Associations among IgM ELISA results, clinical findings, and bacteremia
      as defined by Bartonella spp. PCR assay were assessed. RESULTS: All
      experimentally infected cats developed Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies. Bartonella
      spp. IgM antibody assay results were not always in agreement with PCR assay
      results in client-owned cats (60%). Bartonella spp. DNA in blood, IgM antibodies,
      and IgG antibodies were not associated with the presence of fever or stomatitis.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Because Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies as
      measured by this assay were not associated with fever or stomatitis and were not
      always in agreement with PCR assay results, there appears to be little need for
      assessing individual client-owned cats for this antibody class alone.

PMID- 22092616
TI  - Randomized, placebo controlled study of the effect of propentofylline on survival
      time and quality of life of cats with feline infectious peritonitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently there is no drug proven to effectively treat cats with
      feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). HYPOTHESIS: Propentofylline (PPF) can
      decrease vasculitis, and therefore prolong survival time in cats with FIP, and
      increase their quality of life. ANIMALS: Twenty-three privately owned cats with
      FIP. METHODS: Placebo-controlled double-blind trial. FIP was confirmed by
      histology or immunostaining of feline coronavirus (FCoV) antigen in effusion or
      tissue macrophages or both. The cats were randomly selected for treatment with
      either PPF or placebo. All cats received additional treatment with
      glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and low molecular weight heparin according to
      methods. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the
      survival time of cats treated with PPF (8 days, 95% CI 5.4-10.6) versus placebo
      (7.5 days, 95% CI 4.4-9.6). The median survival time of all cats was 8 days (4-36
      days). There was neither a difference in quality of life (day 7, P = .892), in
      the amount of effusion (day 7, P = .710), the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) concentration (day 7, P = .355), nor in any other variable investigated in
      this study, including a complete blood count, and a small animal biochemistry
      profile. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study did not detect an effect
      of PPF on the survival time, the quality of life, or any clinical or laboratory
      parameter in cats with FIP. Therefore, PPF does not appear to be an effective
      treatment option in cats with a late stage of the disease FIP.

PMID- 22092617
TI  - Severe myositis associated with Sarcocystis spp. infection in 2 dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dogs are definitive hosts for numerous species of the intracellular
      protozoan parasite Sarcocystis. Reports of sarcocysts in muscles of dogs most
      often represent incidental findings. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To report the
      clinicopathologic, ultrastructural, and molecular findings in 2 dogs with
      myositis associated with Sarcocystis spp. infection, as well as the response to
      treatment with antiprotozoal drugs. ANIMALS: Two dogs with severe myositis in
      association with massive sarcocystosis. METHODS: Retrospective case review.
      Affected dogs were identified by a diagnostic laboratory. Attending clinicians
      were contacted, and the medical records reviewed. Immunostaining and electron
      microscopy were performed on muscle biopsies. Biopsies also were subjected to 18S
      rRNA gene PCR. RESULTS: Both dogs had fever, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and
      increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity when first evaluated. One
      dog developed hyperbilirubinemia. Subsequently, both dogs had increased serum
      creatine kinase activity and clinical signs of myositis, with reluctance to move,
      generalized pain, and muscle wasting. Histopathology of muscle biopsies showed
      severe inflammatory and necrotizing myopathy with numerous sarcocysts.
      Ultrastructural studies and 18S rRNA gene sequence results were consistent with
      infection with a Sarcocystis spp. other than Sarcocystis neurona. Both dogs
      initially were treated unsuccessfully with clindamycin and anti-inflammatory
      drugs. One dog died. The other dog subsequently responded to treatment with
      decoquinate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Sarcocystis spp. infection
      should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs that develop fever,
      thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzyme activities, and clinical and biochemical
      evidence of myositis. Although additional studies are required, decoquinate holds
      promise as an effective treatment for the disease.

PMID- 22092618
TI  - Molecular prevalence of Bartonella, Babesia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in
      dogs with splenic disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among diseases that cause splenomegaly in dogs, lymphoid nodular
      hyperplasia (LNH), splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA), and fibrohistiocytic nodules
      (FHN) are common diagnoses. The spleen plays an important role in the immunologic
      control or elimination of vector-transmitted, blood-borne pathogens, including
      Bartonella sp., Babesia sp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. OBJECTIVE: To compare
      the prevalence of Bartonella sp., Babesia sp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. DNA
      in spleens from dogs with LNH, HSA, and FHN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paraffin
      embedded, surgically obtained biopsy tissues from LNH (N = 50), HSA (N = 50), and
      FHN (N = 37) were collected from the anatomic pathology archives. Spleens from
      specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs (N = 8) were used as controls. Bartonella sp.,
      Babesia sp., and Mycoplasma sp. DNA was amplified by PCR, followed by DNA
      sequencing. RESULTS: Bartonella sp. DNA was more prevalent in FHN (29.7%) and HSA
      (26%) as compared to LNH (10%) (P = .019, .0373, respectively) or control spleens
      (0.0%). The prevalence of Babesia sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. DNA was
      significantly lower than Bartonella sp. DNA in HSA (P = .0005, .006,
      respectively) and FHN (P = .003, .0004, respectively). There was no statistically
      significant difference in DNA prevalence among the 3 genera in the LNH group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The higher prevalence of Bartonella sp. in FHN and HSA warrants
      future investigations to determine if this bacterium plays a role in the
      development of these splenic diseases.

PMID- 22092619
TI  - Quantitative and qualitative urine protein excretion in dogs with severe
      inflammatory response syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proteinuria is an established characteristic of renal disease in
      dogs, providing diagnostic and prognostic information. Little is known about the
      occurrence and severity of proteinuria in dogs with severe inflammatory response
      syndrome (SIRS). HYPOTHESIS: The quantitative and qualitative urinary protein
      (UP) excretion is altered in dogs with SIRS. ANIMALS: Thirty-nine dogs with SIRS
      and 15 healthy control dogs at admission. METHODS: A case control study was
      performed. Diagnosis of SIRS was based on clinical and clinicopathological
      findings. Urinary protein (UP) was measured by a colorimetric assay. Urinary
      albumin (UAlb) and urinary retinol-binding protein (URBP) were measured by ELISA
      and quantified in relation to urinary creatinine (UC). Sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamid-gel electrophoresis was conducted to identify the qualitative
      pattern of proteinuria. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to assess differences in
      UP/UC, UAlb/UC and URBP/UC between the groups. P-values < .05 were considered
      significant. RESULTS: Dogs with SIRS had higher ratios of UP/UC, UAlb/UC and
      URBP/UC (all P < .001) in comparison to healthy control dogs. Dogs with SIRS had
      a total of 11 protein bands compared to 3 bands in healthy controls. In dogs with
      SIRS, 58% of the total counted bands were in the low molecular weight range (<60
      kDa) whereas 42% were in the middle (60-80 kDa)/high molecular weight range (>80
      kDa). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: SIRS alters UP excretion in dogs.
      Further studies should evaluate whether or not the magnitude of proteinuria is
      predictive of the severity and outcome of dogs with SIRS.

PMID- 22092620
TI  - Dose reduction of meloxicam in dogs with osteoarthritis-associated pain and
      impaired mobility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) dose
      reduction appears logical; however, there is no evidence-based medicine
      indicating that efficacy is maintained as dose is reduced. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine if NSAID dose can be reduced and pain relief and mobility can be
      maintained in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 59)
      with OA-associated impaired mobility and pain. METHODS: Prospective, randomized,
      blinded study. After 14 days wash-out, dogs were randomized to reducing dose
      (RDG) (n = 30) or maintenance dose (MDG) (n = 29). MDG received standard dose
      meloxicam. RDG received a reducing dose from D28 onward, reducing to 0% of
      maintenance for the final 2 weeks. Assessments were at D14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84,
      98 and 112 using subjective owner assessments, accelerometry (AM), and standing
      percent body weight distribution (%BW). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve described
      how dogs dropped out because of insufficient pain control. A Log-rank test
      compared the groups. RESULTS: More dogs in RDG (13) dropped out because of owner
      evaluated insufficient pain control compared with MDG (5) (P = .029; odds ratio:
      3.67; median dropout time: 84 days in each group). For the dogs that did not drop
      out (n = 41), there were no significant differences between groups in owner
      assessments (P > .2 for each), %BW placed on the index limb (P = .750), or
      accelerometer-measured activity (P = .14). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Dose reduction is a less effective means of pain control compared with maintained
      dosing. However, NSAID dose reduction with maintained efficacy is possible, but
      success appears to be individual dog dependent.

PMID- 22092621
TI  - Association between body condition and survival in dogs with acquired chronic
      kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated
      with longer survival. The purpose of this study was to determine if a
      relationship exists between body condition score (BCS) and survival in dogs with
      CKD. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Higher BCS is a predictor of prolonged survival in
      dogs with CKD. ANIMALS: One hundred dogs were diagnosed with CKD (International
      Renal Interest Society stages II, III or IV) between 2008 and 2009. METHODS:
      Retrospective case review. Data regarding initial body weight and BCS,
      clinicopathologic values and treatments were collected from medical records and
      compared with survival times. RESULTS: For dogs with BCS recorded (n = 72), 13
      were underweight (BCS = 1-3; 18%), 49 were moderate (BCS = 4-6; 68%), and 10 were
      overweight (BCS = 7-9; 14%). For dogs with at least 2 body weights recorded (n =
      77), 21 gained weight, 47 lost weight, and 9 had no change in weight. Dogs
      classified as underweight at the time of diagnosis (median survival = 25 days)
      had a significantly shorter survival time compared to that in both moderate
      (median survival = 190 days; P < .001) and overweight dogs (median survival = 365
      days; P < .001). There was no significant difference in survival between moderate
      and overweight dogs (P = .95). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Higher BCS at
      the time of diagnosis was significantly associated with improved survival.
      Further research on the effects of body composition could enhance the management
      of dogs with CKD.

PMID- 22092622
TI  - Radiographic heart size and its rate of increase as tests for onset of congestive
      heart failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve regurgitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In canine mitral regurgitation (MR) the rate of heart enlargement
      increases in the last year before congestive heart failure (CHF). Measurement of
      heart size and its rate of increase may be useful tests for CHF in MR.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of vertebral heart scale (VHS) and its rate of
      increase (?VHS units/month) for diagnosing the presence and predicting the onset
      of CHF. ANIMALS: Longitudinal study of 94 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS).
      METHODS: VHS was measured at intervals before CHF. ?VHS/month was calculated from
      sequential pairs of VHS measurements and the interval between them. Diagnostic
      accuracy and utility were determined by the areas under receiver operating
      characteristic plots (AUROC), and likelihood ratios (LR). RESULTS: AUROC for VHS
      at the onset of CHF was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.96-0.90), to predict CHF 1-12 months
      before CHF was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.81-0.66), and for ?VHS/month at CHF was 0.98 (95%
      CI, 0.99-0.96). Interval LRs and their cutoff values for CHF were for VHS: 13
      (95% CI, 20-7.3) at >=12.7; 1.2 (95% CI, 2.0-0.68) between 12.7 and 12.0; 0.04
      (95% CI, 0.18-0.01) at <=12.0, and for ?VHS/month: 15 (95% CI, 30-7.7) at >=0.08;
      0.72 (95% CI, 2.0-0.25) between 0.08 and 0.06; and 0.05 (95% CI, 0.13-0.02) at
      <=0.06. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Under the conditions of this study,
      VHS and particularly ?VHS/month are useful measurements for detecting onset of
      CHF in CKCS with MR.

PMID- 22092623
TI  - Comparisons of 2- and 3-dimensional echocardiographic methods for estimation of
      left atrial size in dogs with and without myxomatous mitral valve disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) and real-time three-dimensional (RT3D)
      echocardiography can be used to assess left atrial (LA) size, but their
      correlation in dogs remains unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Estimations of LA size differ
      depending on the echocardiographic technique. ANIMALS: Privately owned dogs; 70
      with myxomatous mitral valve disease and 32 healthy control dogs. METHODS:
      Prospective observational study comparing RT3D volume at atrial end-diastole
      (RT3DLAd) with 4 different 2D methods of estimating LA size: LA diameter and area
      in short-axis (LA(sax) and LA(area)) and LA diameter in long-axis (LA(lax)), both
      as indexed variables and as predictors of LA volume indexed to body weight (BW)
      using allometric scaling and geometric assumption of sphericity. Furthermore,
      agreement between indexed 2D based methods was studied using concordance
      correlation coefficient (rho(c)) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: None of the
      indexed 2D methods of estimating LA size showed good correlation with BW-indexed
      RT3DLAd volumes. Estimates of LA volumes from 2D measurements using allometric
      scaling showed better correlation with RT3D volumes than corresponding calculated
      volume approximations. The best correlation was found between RT3DLAd and
      estimated LA volumes based on allometric scaling of LA(lax) (rho(c) = 0.89)
      followed by LA(area) (rho(c) = 0.86) measurements. Comparing indexed 2D-based
      measurements of LA size, best agreement was found between LA(sax) to aortic
      diameter and LA(sax) to expected LA diameter, based on allometric scaling.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Allometric scaling of 2D-based measurements
      of LA showed good correlation with RT3DLAd, whereas corresponding indexed
      measurements or calculated volume approximations did not.

PMID- 22092624
TI  - The effect of pimobendan on left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve
      regurgitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of pimobendan on left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with
      mitral valve disease (MR) have not been documented in a quantitative manner.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective was to document and study the short-term effects of
      pimobendan on LAP and echocardiographic parameters in MR dogs. ANIMALS: Eight
      healthy Beagle dogs weighing 10.0-14.7 kg (3 males and 5 females; aged 2 years)
      were used. METHODS: Experimental, cross-over, and interventional study. Dogs with
      surgically induced MR received pimobendan at either 0.25 mg/kg or 0.50 mg/kg p.o.
      q12h for 7 days and then, after a 7-day wash-out period, the other dosage. LAP
      was measured for 30 minutes at baseline and again on days 1, 2, 4, and 7 of
      pimobendan administration. RESULTS: Mean LAP was significantly decreased after
      the administration of 0.25 mg/kg (15.81 +/- 5.44 mmHg to 12.67 +/- 5.71 mmHg, P <
      .001) and 0.50 mg/kg (15.76 +/- 5.45 mmHg to 10.77 +/- 5.23 mmHg, P < .001).
      Also, the 0.50 mg/kg group led to a significantly lower LAP (P < .01) compared
      with the 0.25 mg/kg group. Significant reduction was seen for the first time 4
      days after the administration of 0.25 mg/kg and a day after the administration of
      0.50 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Pimobendan decreased LAP in a
      dose-dependent manner in dogs with acute MR caused by experimental chordal
      rupture. This study did not evaluate adverse effects of high-dose pimobendan, and
      additional studies in clinical patients are warranted.

PMID- 22092625
TI  - Randomized, blinded comparison of epinephrine and vasopressin for treatment of
      naturally occurring cardiopulmonary arrest in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Administration of epinephrine during CPR is recommended for treatment
      of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in dogs. Administration of epinephrine during CPR
      might be associated with deleterious adverse effects. Vasopressin has been
      studied for use in CPR as an alternative. HYPOTHESIS: That administration of
      vasopressin instead of epinephrine with standard CPR techniques will result in
      improved outcome. ANIMALS: Seventy-seven client-owned dogs identified in the
      ER/ICU with CPA were eligible for inclusion. METHODS: Randomized, prospective
      clinical study. Dogs were randomized to receive epinephrine (0.01-0.02 mg/kg) or
      vasopressin (0.5-1 U/kg) in a blinded fashion. Attending veterinarians were asked
      to adhere to standardized CPR protocol for the 1st 6 minutes of CPR, during which
      time doses of the study drug were administered at 3-minute intervals. RESULTS: A
      total of 60 dogs completed this study with 31 receiving epinephrine and 29
      receiving vasopressin. Overall rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
      was 60% (36/60), 32% (19/60) of dogs survived to 20 minutes, 18% (11/60) survived
      to 1 hour. No difference was seen in rates of ROSC between the 2 groups (P =
      .20). Dogs receiving epinephrine were more likely to survive to 1 hour (odds
      ratio 5.86; 95% CI: 1.19-28.95) than those receiving vasopressin (P = .027).
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: ROSC was similar in dogs receiving
      epinephrine or vasopressin. In this study, a survival advantage at 1 hour was
      seen in those animals receiving epinephrine. No advantage of routine use of
      vasopressin over epinephrine was detected. Further studies are required to
      examine subgroups of dogs that might benefit from specific interventions.

PMID- 22092626
TI  - Resting energy expenditure per lean body mass determined by indirect calorimetry
      and bioelectrical impedance analysis in cats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resting energy expenditure (REE) approximates >=60% of daily energy
      expenditure (DEE). Accurate REE determination could facilitate sequential
      comparisons among patients and diseases if normalized against lean body mass
      (LBM). OBJECTIVE: (1) Validate open-flow indirect calorimetry (IC) system and
      multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) to determine REE and
      LBM, respectively, in healthy nonsedated cats of varied body conditions; (2)
      normalize REE against LBM. ANIMALS: Fifty-seven adult neutered domestic short
      haired cats with stable BW. METHODS: Continuous (45-min) IC-measurements
      determined least observed metabolism REE. Cage gas flow regulated with mass flow
      controllers was verified using nitrogen dilution; span gases calibrated gas
      measurements. Respiratory quotient accuracy was verified using alcohol
      combustion. IC-REE was compared to DEE, determined using doubly labeled water. MF
      BIA LBM was validated against criterion references (deuterium, sodium bromide).
      Intra- and interassay variation was determined for IC and MF-BIA. RESULTS: Mean
      IC-REE (175 +/- 38.7 kcal; 1.5-14% intra- and interassay CV%) represented 61 +/-
      14.3% of DEE. Best MF-BIA measurements were collected in sternal recumbency and
      with electrodes in neck-tail configuration. MF-BIA LBM was not significantly
      different from criterion references and generated LBM interassay CV% of 6.6
      10.1%. Over- and underconditioned cats had significantly (P <= .05) lower and
      higher IC-REE (kcal/kg) respectively, compared with normal-conditioned cats.
      However, differences resolved with REE/LBM (approximating 53 +/- 10.3 kcal/LBM
      [kg]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: IC and MF-BIA validated herein
      reasonably estimate REE and LBM in cats. REE/LBM(kg) may permit comparison of
      energy utilization in sequential studies or among different cats.

PMID- 22092627
TI  - White blood cell count and the sodium to potassium ratio to screen for
      hypoadrenocorticism in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal sodium to potassium (Na:K) ratios can raise suspicion for
      hypoadrenocorticism (HA). Although dogs with HA usually have normal leukograms,
      their white blood cell counts may be useful in screening for HA. OBJECTIVES: To
      examine the utility of combining the Na:K ratio with white blood cell counts to
      screen for HA in hospitalized dogs requiring fluid treatment administered i.v..
      ANIMALS: Fifty-three dogs with confirmed HA and 110 sick dogs confirmed not to
      have HA. METHODS: Retrospective, case-control study. Dogs were included if they
      were hospitalized and administered fluids i.v., had a complete blood count and
      measurement of serum Na and K concentrations. HA was diagnosed using an ACTH
      stimulation test, or ruled out by measurement of basal serum cortisol
      concentration. RESULTS: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the
      lymphocyte count was not significantly different from the ROC curve of the Na:K
      ratio (P = .55). The ROC curve for the model combining the Na:K ratio and
      lymphocyte count was superior for identifying dogs with HA compared to the Na:K
      ratio (P = .02) or lymphocyte count (P = .005) alone. At the 100% sensitivity
      cutoff, lymphocyte count was more specific for detection of HA than Na:K (P <
      .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A combination of the Na:K ratio and
      lymphocyte count provides a better screening test for HA compared to the Na:K
      ratio or lymphocyte count alone. At 100% sensitivity, the lymphocyte count is a
      more specific test for HA than the Na:K.

PMID- 22092628
TI  - The efficacy and safety of a novel lipophilic formulation of methimazole for the
      once daily transdermal treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies on transdermal methimazole have used pluronic
      lecithin organogel as the vehicle. This might not be the most suitable vehicle
      for a lipophilic drug, such as methimazole. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Once daily
      transdermal administration of a novel lipophilic formulation of methimazole is as
      safe and effective as oral carbimazole in treating hyperthyroidism in cats.
      ANIMALS: Forty-five client-owned cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. METHODS:
      Prospective study. Cats with newly diagnosed, untreated hyperthyroidism were
      treated with carbimazole (5 mg p.o., q12h) or methimazole (10 mg) applied to the
      inner pinnae q24h. Cats were examined after 0, 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of
      treatment. Clinical signs, body weight, systolic blood pressure, hematologic,
      serum biochemical and urine parameters, total serum thyroxine concentrations
      (TT4), and serum methimazole concentrations were recorded. RESULTS: No
      significant differences between groups were detected at day 0. Both formulations
      were effective in treating hyperthyroidism. No significant differences were
      detected in thyroxine concentrations, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate,
      alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and urine
      specific gravity (USG) between groups. The serum methimazole concentrations
      correlated poorly with TT4-concentrations in both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In this 12-week trial, once daily application of a novel
      formulation of transdermal methimazole applied to the pinnae was as effective and
      safe as twice daily oral carbimazole in the treatment of cats with
      hyperthyroidism. This novel formulation and transdermal application could have
      practical advantages to some pet owners.

PMID- 22092629
TI  - Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions testing for screening of sensorineural
      deafness in puppies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) are widely used for
      human neonatal deafness screening, but have not been reported for clinical use in
      dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of TEOAE testing in
      conscious puppies and the ability of TEOAE testing to correctly identify deaf and
      hearing ears, as defined by brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). ANIMALS:
      Forty puppies from 10 litters. METHODS: Prospective study on puppies presented
      for hearing assessment as part of a congenital deafness BAER screening program.
      Hearing status was determined using BAER. TEOAE testing was performed after the
      BAER assessment and the results of the TEOAE testing were compared with the
      hearing status for each ear. Parameters were tested for normality using the
      D'Agostino Pearson test and comparisons between the deaf and hearing ears were
      made using Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: TEOAE testing was readily performed in
      puppies presented for congenital deafness screening. Using analysis parameters
      based on those used in human neonatal hearing screening, TEOAE testing correctly
      identified all deaf ears, as defined by BAER testing, with a sensitivity of 100%
      (95% CI: 56-100%) for diagnosing deafness and specificity of 78% (95% CI: 66
      87%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: TEOAE testing is an effective
      screening modality for identifying congenital sensorineural deafness in dogs. In
      light of the simpler and less expensive equipment, TEOAE testing has the
      potential to improve access to hearing screening and through this reduce the
      prevalence of congenital deafness in the dog.

PMID- 22092630
TI  - Epilepsy in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: prevalence, semiology, and clinical
      phenotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy with a genetic background is increasingly being identified.
      In certain dog breeds, epilepsy occurs with a higher prevalence than the estimate
      of 1-2% reported in the general dog population. HYPOTHESIS: The Petit Basset
      Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) experiences an increased occurrence of epilepsy compared
      to the general dog population. ANIMALS: The target population consisted of all
      876 PBGV dogs registered in the Danish Kennel Club from January 1, 1999 to
      December 31, 2008. The study population included 820 dogs that met the inclusion
      criteria. METHODS: A population study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of
      epilepsy in the Danish PBGV population. A mailed questionnaire was used to detect
      possible signs of epilepsy. The information was subsequently validated by
      telephone interviews of positive and possible positive responders and a negative
      responder control group, using an extensive questionnaire developed to detect
      epilepsy. Dogs evaluated as epilepsy positive after the telephone interview were
      offered a clinical investigation. RESULTS: The prevalence of epilepsy was
      estimated to be 8.9% (42/471) in the PBGV population. Average age of onset was
      26.3 months. Sex and mode of response did not affect the prevalence, but a strong
      litter effect was seen. Among euthanized dogs, epilepsy was the predominant cause
      (6/45 = 13.3%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
      dogs experience an increased risk of epilepsy characterized by a relatively early
      onset and dominated by focal seizures with and without secondary generalization.
      With an estimated prevalence of 8.9% and substantial clustering within litters, a
      genetic factor associated with epilepsy is suspected.

PMID- 22092631
TI  - Incidence of postoperative seizures with and without levetiracetam pretreatment
      in dogs undergoing portosystemic shunt attenuation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPS), postligation
      seizures can be challenging to treat and often result in mortality. Levetiracetam
      (LEV) is a novel anticonvulsive drug that is commonly used in humans with seizure
      disorders who have hepatic comorbidity. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of
      postoperative seizures in dogs that underwent surgical attenuation of an
      extrahepatic CPS and preoperatively received either LEV or no anticonvulsant
      medication. ANIMALS: A total of 126 dogs undergoing attenuation of an
      extrahepatic CPS that preoperatively received either LEV or no anticonvulsant
      medication. METHODS: Retrospective case review. Information obtained included
      signalment, duration of clinical signs, presence of neurologic abnormalities
      before surgery, preoperative bile acid and ammonia concentrations, diagnostic
      imaging modality, duration of hospitalization, postoperative complications
      including seizures, and discharge status. Bayesian Poisson regression was used to
      estimate the risk of seizures in LEV-treated dogs when compared with untreated
      dogs. RESULTS: Levetiracetam was administered to 33% (42/126) of dogs. No dog
      treated with LEV experienced postoperative seizures, whereas 5% (4/84) of dogs
      not treated with LEV experienced postoperative seizures. The relative risk of
      seizures was significantly (P < .0002) < 1 for the LEV-treated dogs, indicating
      LEV protection against development of postoperative seizures. No dog that
      experienced postoperative seizures survived to discharge from the hospital.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Levetiracetam administered at 20 mg/kg p.o.
      q8h for a minimum of 24 hours before surgery significantly decreased the risk of
      postoperative seizures and death in dogs undergoing surgical attenuation of
      extrahepatic CPS with ameroid ring constrictors.

PMID- 22092632
TI  - Clinical trial of vinblastine in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the
      urinary bladder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder of dogs can
      be a difficult cancer to treat, and effective therapies are limited. Vinblastine
      has been used in humans with TCC and has potent anti-proliferative effects
      against canine TCC cells in vitro. OBJECTIVES: To determine the antitumor
      activity and toxicoses of vinblastine in dogs with urinary bladder TCC. ANIMALS:
      Animals selected were 28 privately owned dogs that presented to the Purdue
      University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PUVTH) with measurable, histologically
      confirmed TCC. METHODS: Prospective clinical trial: The starting vinblastine
      dosage was 3.0 mg/m(2) i.v. every 2 weeks. Treatment continued until cancer
      progression or unacceptable toxicoses occurred. Complete evaluations (physical
      exam, complete blood count [CBC], serum biochemical profile, urinalysis, thoracic
      radiography, abdominal ultrasound [US]) were performed at 8-week intervals.
      Urinary tract US with bladder tumor mapping was performed monthly. Toxicoses were
      graded according to Veterinary Co-Operative Oncology Group (VCOG) criteria.
      RESULTS: Tumor responses included 10 (36%) partial remission, 14 (50%) stable
      disease, and 4 (14%) progressive disease. The median progression free interval
      was 122 days (range, 28-399 days). The median survival time was 147 days (range,
      28-476 days) from 1st vinblastine treatment to death and 299 days (range, 43-921
      days) from diagnosis to death. The majority of dogs (27 of 28) did not have
      clinically relevant adverse effects. Seventeen of 28 (61%) dogs required dosage
      reductions because of neutropenia. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:
      Vinblastine has antitumor activity against TCC in dogs and can be considered
      another treatment option for this cancer.

PMID- 22092633
TI  - Pharmacodynamic monitoring of canine T-cell cytokine responses to oral
      cyclosporine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacodynamic assays measure the immunosuppressive effects of
      cyclosporine on T-cells and offer an alternative assessment of efficacy in
      individual patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunosuppressive effects of high
      and low dosage cyclosporine on canine T-cells and to develop a novel testing
      system for individualized dose adjustment. ANIMALS: Seven healthy female Walker
      hounds. METHODS: Experimental study using a paired comparison design. Flow
      cytometry was used to measure T-cell expression of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma.
      Cytokine expression 8 days after oral administration of high and low dosages of
      cyclosporine was compared to baseline and washout values, respectively. The high
      dosage was initially 10 mg/kg q12h and was then adjusted to attain established
      immunosuppressive trough blood drug concentrations (>600 ng/mL). The low dosage
      was 5 mg/kg q24h. RESULTS: High dosage cyclosporine resulted in significant
      decreases in IL-2 and IFN-gamma expression (P = .0156, P = .0156), but not IL-4
      expression (P = .2188). Low dosage cyclosporine was associated with a significant
      decrease in IFN-gamma expression (P = .0156), while IL-2 expression was not
      affected (P = .1094). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: T-cell function is
      suppressed at trough blood drug concentrations exceeding 600 ng/mL, and is at
      least partially suppressed in some dogs at low dosages. Direct evaluation of T
      cell function could be an effective, more sensitive alternative to measuring
      blood drug concentrations for monitoring immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 22092634
TI  - Canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors at first presentation: clinical
      behavior and prognostic factors in 55 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors (c-PWT) are soft tissue
      sarcomas recently identified when hemangiopericytomas were reclassified. No
      previous clinical data are available for c-PWT. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To define
      the clinical behavior and prognostic role of clinical and pathological variables
      in a homogeneous population of c-PWT. ANIMALS: Fifty-five c-PWT in 53 client
      owned dogs at first presentation undergoing surgery. METHODS: Retrospective case
      series. The endpoint was the relapse of tumor (local and/or distant). The
      prognostic values of clinical (age, sex, weight, site and tumor size, adjuvant
      therapy) and pathological (status of surgical margins, histological grade,
      mitosis, percentage of tumor necrosis) variables were investigated by univariate
      and bivariate analyses (P < .05). The pattern of associations between variables
      was explored by multivariate correspondence analysis (MCA). RESULTS: Twelve dogs
      had a relapse. Ten dogs had local recurrence, 1 had metastatic disease, and 1 had
      both. The estimated probability of local recurrence was 0.02, 0.08, 0.20, and
      0.24 at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Size of the tumor was a
      significant prognostic factor while status of margins had only a clinically
      relevant hazard ratio. In MCA evaluation, young age, tumor size (< 5 cm), grade
      I, and location in the extremities were associated. Association was also observed
      for older age, tumor size (> 5 cm), grade II, and other location. CONCLUSION AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: C-PWT tend to locally recur a long time after surgery. An
      early diagnosis of c-PWT associated with small tumor size (< 5 cm) and clean
      surgical margins ensures a good prognosis independently of histological grade.

PMID- 22092635
TI  - Collection of peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells from healthy dogs and dogs
      diagnosed with lymphoproliferative diseases using a Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus
      blood cell separator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) apheresis using a
      Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus automated blood cell separator has not been reported.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and safety of using a CS-3000 Plus blood
      cell separator with a small volume separation container holder (SVSCH) and small
      volume collection chamber (SVCC) to harvest canine PBMCs from dogs weighing <50
      kg. ANIMALS: Eight healthy mongrel dogs and 11 client-owned dogs in clinical
      remission for lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD). METHODS: In this prospective
      study, aphereses were performed using a Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus blood cell
      separator, with or without recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor (rhG-CSF) treatment. RESULTS: Aphereses from 6 healthy dogs given rhG-CSF
      yielded an average of 1.1 * 10(7) +/- 8.2 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. Aphereses from
      LPD dogs given rhG-CSF yielded an average of 5.4 * 10(6) +/- 3.25 * 10(6) CD34+
      cells/kg (P = .17). Higher hematocrit in both groups of dogs receiving rhG-CSF
      correlated with an increased number of CD34+ cells/kg harvested (healthy, P =
      .04; LPD, P = .05). Apheresis was well tolerated by all dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Canine PBMC apheresis using the Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus
      cell separator with an SVSCH and SVCC is a feasible and safe option for
      harvesting an adequate number of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells from
      dogs weighing >=17 kg for hematopoietic cell transplantation.

PMID- 22092636
TI  - Serial measurement of lactate concentration in horses with acute colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serial measurement of lactate concentration is utilized for
      therapeutic and prognostic purposes in human critical care. The prognostic value
      of serial lactate measurement in equine acute colitis warrants investigation.
      HYPOTHESIS: Serial lactate concentrations are predictive of outcome in horses
      with colitis. ANIMALS: A total of 101 horses with colitis. METHODS: Retrospective
      study. Plasma L-lactate concentrations were measured at admission and at 4-8 and
      24 hours after admission. Associations between admission, early (4-8 hours) and
      late (24 hours) lactate concentrations, and survival status were determined. The
      percent reduction in lactate concentration between admission and the early time
      point, and between admission and the late time point, was calculated. Using a
      cutoff value, associations between percent reduction in lactate and survival
      status and associations between percent reduction in lactate and clinical and
      clinicopathologic data were determined. RESULTS: There was no association between
      admission plasma lactate concentration and survival status (P = .26). The 4-8 and
      24 hour after admission lactate concentrations were associated with survival
      status (P = .023, .013, respectively). Lactate cutoffs of <=2.3 and <=1.5 mmol/L
      had the maximum sensitivity and specificity for predicting survival at the 4-8
      and 24 hour time points, respectively. When lactate reduction >=30% at 4-8 hours
      and >=50% at 24 hours after admission were used as the cutoffs, the percent
      reduction of lactate concentration was significantly associated with survival (P
      = .012 and .019, respectively). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The
      prognostic ability of serial measurement of blood lactate concentration warrants
      prospective study as a measure of therapeutic response in horses with colitis.

PMID- 22092637
TI  - Hyperlipemia in a population of aged donkeys: description, prevalence, and
      potential risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperlipemia is a common disorder of the donkey, with mortality rates
      of up to 80% reported. Such a poor prognosis makes prevention of this disorder or
      amelioration in the early stages crucial. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study
      was to describe and determine the prevalence of hyperlipemia in a population of
      donkeys and to determine risk factors for development of the disease. ANIMALS: A
      total of 449 cases were investigated from a population of 3829 donkeys; donkeys
      were resident at The Donkey Sanctuary, a charity providing refuge for unwanted
      donkeys in the UK. Animals were selected on the basis of presence of clinical
      disease. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study design was used, and all
      donkeys presenting with hyperlipemia over a 4-year period were included. Each
      case was matched with 2 controls that had not suffered from hyperlipemia in the
      previous month. Multivariable analysis was carried out to determine risk factors.
      RESULTS: A total of 449 clinical cases of hyperlipemia were reported with an
      associated mortality rate of 48.5%. Concurrent disease was present in 72% of
      donkeys and was the greatest risk factor (OR = 76.98); others included cardboard
      bedding (OR = 3.86), movement (OR = 3.94), weight loss (OR = 6.4), dental disease
      (OR = 1.73), and concentrate feeding (OR = 1.87). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows
      that this population of donkeys in the UK often develops hyperlipemia,
      particularly in response to stress or primary illness, and provides useful
      insights in to health and management risk factors that may be addressed to
      decrease the risk of hyperlipemia both in the study population and in other
      similar donkey populations.

PMID- 22092638
TI  - The relationship between serum calcium concentration and outcome in horses with
      renal failure presented to referral hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypercalcemia is common in horses with renal failure, but it is not
      known whether it impacts prognosis. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The primary objective
      of this study was to determine whether hypercalcemia was associated with
      decreased likelihood of survival to discharge in horses with renal failure.
      Secondary objectives were to determine whether hypercalcemia was more common in
      acute (ARF) or chronic renal failure (CRF), whether feeding alfalfa was
      associated with hypercalcemia, and whether serum creatinine concentration was
      associated with survival. ANIMALS: Medical records of 63 horses presented to
      referral hospitals for renal failure were evaluated. Cases were classified as ARF
      or CRF based on historical and clinical findings. METHODS: The distribution of
      hypocalcemic, normocalcemic, and hypercalcemic cases in the ARF and CRF groups
      was determined. Mean serum calcium and creatinine concentrations for survivors
      and nonsurvivors, and for ARF and CRF cases, were compared. Mean serum calcium
      concentrations for cases fed alfalfa or not fed alfalfa were compared. RESULTS:
      Hypercalcemia was significantly more common in CRF than ARF cases. CRF cases fed
      alfalfa were significantly more likely to be hypercalcemic. There was no
      significant difference in serum calcium concentration between survivors and
      nonsurvivors. Serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher in
      nonsurvivors and in ARF cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Horses with
      CRF are more likely to be hypercalcemic than horses with ARF. Hypercalcemia was
      not associated with outcome in renal failure cases in this study. Additional
      research on the impact of dietary calcium on long-term well-being in horses with
      CRF is warranted.

PMID- 22092639
TI  - Comparison of cortisol and ACTH responses after administration of thyrotropin
      releasing hormone in normal horses and those with pituitary pars intermedia
      dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in both adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol concentration
      in response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) administration have been used
      to diagnose equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), but the use of
      the 2 hormones has not been compared. HYPOTHESES: Measuring ACTH concentration is
      superior to measuring cortisol concentration after TRH administration in
      differentiating between normal horses and those with PPID, and the 2 hormone
      concentrations are disassociated in PPID horses. ANIMALS: Eleven horses and 2
      ponies with PPID and 19 normal horses. METHODS: A study evaluating cortisol and
      ACTH concentrations before and at 14, 30, and 60 minutes after TRH
      administration. RESULTS: At 14 and 30 minutes after TRH administration, cortisol
      concentration increased in PPID horses, and ACTH increased in all groups; ACTH,
      but not cortisol concentration, was significantly higher in PPID horses compared
      with normal horses. A relationship between cortisol concentration and ACTH
      concentration was seen in normal horses, but not in horses with PPID. Compared
      with normal castrated males, normal female horses had a greater change in
      cortisol concentration per unit change of ACTH concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: ACTH and cortisol concentrations are disassociated in horses
      with PPID. Measuring ACTH concentration after TRH administration appears superior
      to measuring cortisol concentration as a diagnostic test for PPID.

PMID- 22092640
TI  - Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy in Lusitano horses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a neurodegenerative
      disorder that has been previously associated with low vitamin E concentrations.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic features
      of EDM in a group of related Lusitano horses. ANIMALS: Fifteen Lusitano horses.
      PROCEDURES: Neurologic examinations were conducted, and serum vitamin E
      concentrations were measured. Three neurologically abnormal horses were further
      evaluated by ophthalmologic examination, electroretinography,
      electroencephalography, muscle and nerve biopsies, and post-mortem examination.
      RESULTS: Six horses appeared neurologically normal, 6 were neurologically
      abnormal, and 3 had equivocal gait abnormalities. Abnormal horses demonstrated
      ataxia and paresis. An inconsistent menace response was noted in 4 neurologically
      abnormal horses and in 1 horse with equivocal findings. All horses had low serum
      vitamin E concentrations (<1.5 ppm). Ophthalmologic examinations,
      electroretinograms, electroencephalograms, and muscle and peripheral nerve
      biopsies were unremarkable in 3 neurologically abnormal horses. At necropsy,
      major neuropathological findings in these horses were bilaterally symmetric,
      severe, neuro axonal degeneration in the gracilis, cuneatus medialis, cuneatus
      lateralis, and thoracicus nuclei and bilaterally symmetric axonal loss and
      demyelination mainly in the dorsolateral and ventromedial tracts of the spinal
      cord. A diagnosis of EDM was made based on these findings. Pedigree analysis
      identified 2 sires among the affected horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disorder that
      causes ataxia and, in severe cases, paresis, in young Lusitano horses. The
      disease appears to have a genetic basis, and although vitamin E deficiency is a
      common finding, low serum vitamin E concentrations also may occur in apparently
      unaffected related individuals.

PMID- 22092641
TI  - A randomized clinical trial evaluating a farm-of-origin autogenous Moraxella
      bovis vaccine to control infectious bovine keratoconjunctivis (pinkeye) in beef
      cattle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A randomized, masked, 2-arm parallel trial was conducted to assess
      the efficacy of a Moraxella bovis (M. bovis) autogenous vaccine to prevent
      naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivis (IBK) in beef calves.
      HYPOTHESIS: The null hypothesis was that treatment group was not associated with
      either risk of IBK or last observed weight. ANIMALS: The trial was conducted
      between May and November 2009 and 2010 on a university-owned farm in Iowa. The
      vaccine contained 2 randomly selected M. bovis from IBK cases that occurred at
      the farm in 2008. Calves born between January and May 2009 and 2010 without
      visible corneal lesions were randomly allocated to receive vaccine (n = 191) or
      placebo (n = 178). METHODS: Two s.c. doses were administered 21-28 days apart.
      Allocation to treatment was concealed using bottles marked A or B. Staff
      observing the animals for IBK could not determine the treatment grouping. The
      herd met the "at-risk" criteria (ie, >15% IBK in unvaccinated calves and M. bovis
      detection in IBK cases). Analysis was "per-protocol". RESULTS: The risk of IBK
      was 58/185 (31%) in vaccinated calves and 66/173 (38%) in unvaccinated calves
      (adjusted risk ratio = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.49-1.24). Average weight before sale did
      not differ between the vaccinated calves (196.6 kg, SD +/- 39.9) and unvaccinated
      calves (198.1 kg, SD +/- 42.7) (P value = .19). No adverse effects were noted.
      CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Combination of the study results with
      previous studies suggests that autogenous M. bovis vaccines often are ineffective
      in controlling naturally occurring IBK.

PMID- 22092642
TI  - Renal tubular acidosis associated with zonisamide therapy in a dog.

PMID- 22092643
TI  - Dynamic collapse of the common pharynx in a cat.

PMID- 22092644
TI  - Ultrasonographic evaluation of vincristine-induced gastric hypomotility and the
      prokinetic effect of mosapride in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vincristine induces gastrointestinal motility disorders in humans.
      Adverse gastrointestinal events are commonly observed in dogs receiving
      vincristine. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate gastric motility after vincristine
      administration in dogs and the prophylactic effect of a prokinetic agent,
      mosapride. ANIMALS: Five healthy Beagle dogs. METHODS: Five dogs received
      vincristine i.v. at a dosage of 0.75 mg/m(2). The motility index (MI) of the
      antral contraction was ultrasonographically evaluated 30 minutes postfeeding
      before administration of vincristine and for 6 days after vincristine treatment.
      After a 6-week washout period, the dogs received vincristine with mosapride (2
      mg/kg p.o., q24h for 6 days), and the MI was re-evaluated. Adverse
      gastrointestinal events were evaluated according to the Veterinary Co-operative
      Group Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE). RESULTS: After
      vincristine administration, a significant decrease (P < .05) in MI was observed
      on days 3 (6.64 +/- 0.30) and 4 (8.02 +/- 0.94), compared with pretreatment
      levels (10.00 +/- 0.62). Gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in 4 dogs
      (grade 2 decreased appetite: 3 dogs; grade 1 vomiting: 2 dogs; and grade 1
      diarrhea and grade 2 hematochezia: 1 dog). When mosapride citrate was
      administered with vincristine and for the next 5 days, no decrease in MI was
      observed. Furthermore, adverse gastrointestinal events occurred less frequently
      (grade 1 vomiting and grade 2 hematochezia in 1 dog each). CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Vincristine (0.75 mg/m(2)) induces gastric hypomotility in
      dogs. Preventive administration of mosapride citrate (2.0 mg/kg p.o., q24h)
      improves hypomotility and may decrease the adverse gastrointestinal effects of
      vincristine.

PMID- 22092645
TI  - Comparison of four refractometers for the investigation of the passive transfer
      in beef calves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure of passive transfer (FPT) in beef calves can be detected by
      refractometry. Nevertheless, different models of refractometers are available,
      and few studies compare them for the detection of FPT. OBJECTIVES: To compare the
      accuracy of 4 different refractometers for measuring serum total protein
      concentrations in comparison with results obtained by the biuret method and,
      based on the serum IgG threshold of 1,600 mg/mL, to determine, for each
      refractometer, the optimal serum protein concentration's lowest threshold for
      successful passive transfer. ANIMALS: One hundred and eight healthy beef calves,
      3-8 days of age. METHODS: Observational study. The concentrations of serum total
      proteins were determined with 4 different models of refractometers and compared
      with the biuret method by a Bland-Altman statistical method. The optimal serum
      protein concentration's lowest threshold for successful passive transfer was
      determined for each refractometer by receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      analysis. In addition, the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was
      compared with the serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) activity and with
      the total immunoglobulin concentration. RESULTS: The refractometric measurements
      were highly correlated with those obtained by the biuret method. Serum total
      protein concentration threshold values of 56, 58, 54, and 56 g/L were found
      respectively for the Atago, Atago ATC, Wolf ATC, and digital ATC refractometers.
      Immunoglobulins were highly correlated with IgG, whereas gamma-GT only reflected
      colostrum uptake by the calf. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: All
      refractometers could be used for the assessment of passive transfer using their
      individual serum protein concentration threshold.

PMID- 22092647
TI  - Pre-operative measurement of the volume of bone graft in sinus lifts using
      CompuDent.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to calculate the volume of graft necessary
      for rehabilitation using varying lengths of implants, and to evaluate the
      usefulness of the planning dental software in determining the pre-operative
      volume of bone graft in maxillary sinus floor lifts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using
      the CompuDent program, we calculated the volume of graft necessary for 62 sinus
      lifts. This volume was measured to raise the floor of each sinus to 13.4 and 15
      mm in height. RESULTS: The average volume of graft to achieve a lift of 13.4 mm
      was 2.61 +/- 0.69 cm3 for the right maxillary sinus, with the range of 1.38-4.1
      cm3, and 2.68 +/- 0.81 cm3 for the left maxillary sinus, with the range of 1.1
      4.25 cm3. The average volume of graft to achieve a lift of 15 mm was 3.13 +/-
      0.75 cm3 for the right maxillary sinus, with the range of 1.59-4.81 cm3, and 3.29
      +/- 1.02 cm3 for the left maxillary sinus, with the range of 1.48-5.11 cm3. The
      statistical results showed a significant inversely proportional correlation
      between the average of the heights and the volume of graft in the right sinus.
      CONCLUSIONS: The planning dental software is an effective tool in determining the
      volume of bone graft given the tool's simplicity, rapidness and possibility of
      standardization in all pre-surgical procedures.

PMID- 22092648
TI  - Strength, diversity and plasticity of postmating reproductive barriers between
      two hybridizing oak species (Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea (Matt) Liebl.).
AB  - Very little is known about the nature and strength of reproductive isolation (RI)
      in Quercus species, despite extensive research on the estimation and evolutionary
      significance of hybridization rates. We characterized postmating pre- and
      postzygotic RI between two hybridizing oak species, Quercus robur and Quercus
      petraea, using a large set of controlled crosses between different genotypes.
      Various traits potentially associated with reproductive barriers were quantified
      at several life history stages, from pollen-pistil interactions to seed set and
      progeny fitness-related traits. Results indicate strong intrinsic postmating
      prezygotic barriers, with significant barriers also at the postzygotic level, but
      relatively weaker extrinsic barriers on early hybrid fitness measures assessed in
      controlled conditions. Using general linear modelling of common garden data with
      clonal replicates, we showed that most traits exhibited important genotypic
      differences, as well as different levels of sensitivity to micro-environmental
      heterogeneity. These new findings suggest a large potential genetic diversity and
      plasticity of reproductive barriers and are confronted with hybridization
      evidence in these oak species.

PMID- 22092649
TI  - Bovine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 13 cases (November 2008-August 2009).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) occurs in cattle; however,
      there are few reported cases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate
      the prevalence of IMHA in cattle with anemia, describe the associated clinical
      and laboratory findings, including osmotic fragility, and identify potential
      causative infectious agents or drugs. METHODS: This study included 42 anemic
      cattle (HCT < 27.5%) comprising 31 females and 11 bulls with a mean age of 3.5
      years referred to the University of Tehran Veterinary Teaching Hospital during a
      10-month period. CBCs, saline osmotic fragility tests, direct Coombs' tests, and
      biochemical profiles were performed, and blood smears were evaluated for
      spherocytosis, parasites, and microscopic agglutination. Five clinically healthy
      cattle were used as controls for testing osmotic fragility of RBCs. RESULTS: The
      Coombs' test was positive in 13/42 (30%) cattle; 5 had no evidence of concurrent
      disease or history of drug administration, and 8 had underlying or concurrent
      diseases, positivity for BLV, or exposure to drugs. The HCT (mean +/- SE) of
      Coombs'-positive cattle (16 +/- 1.7%) was significantly lower than that of
      Coombs'-negative animals (21 +/- 0.8%). Hematologic and biochemical findings in
      cattle with IMHA included anisocytosis (2), polychromasia (2), basophilic
      stippling (2), spherocytosis (2), hyperfibrinogenemia (5), left-shifted
      neutrophilia (3), and hyperbilirubinemia (8). RBCs from Coombs'-positive anemic
      cattle were more fragile than those from Coombs'-negative anemic cattle. Four
      osmotically different populations of RBCs were detected in cattle with IMHA,
      whereas RBC populations were homogeneous in the Coombs'-negative anemic cattle
      and in normal cattle. CONCLUSION: IMHA was identified in a significant proportion
      of anemic cattle. Idiopathic IMHA and IMHA secondary to infectious diseases and
      administration of certain drugs occur in cattle.

PMID- 22092650
TI  - An investigation of coagulation cascade activation and induction of fibrinolysis
      using foam sclerotherapy of reticular veins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coagulation parameters have not been investigated when foam
      sclerotherapy is used to treat reticular leg veins. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      effect of foam bubbles on coagulation and fibrinolysis by measuring platelet
      count and concentrations of clotting factors and fibrinogen after foam
      sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) mixed with room air. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Patients with reticular veins received treatment with up to 30 mL of
      foam sclerotherapy prepared with STS and room air in a 1:4 ratio (1 mL STS, 4 mL
      room air) using the double-syringe technique. Venous blood was drawn immediately
      beforesclerotherapy and 15 minutes after the procedure. Pre- and post-treatment
      laboratory values were compared. RESULTS: Subjects treated with up to 30 mL of
      foam (30 mL foam = 6 mL sclerosing solution and 24 mL air) showed no
      statistically significant difference in coagulation or fibrinolysis, as measured
      according to platelet count and concentrations of clotting factors and
      fibrinogen, after foam sclerotherapy with STS mixed with room air. CONCLUSION:
      STS foam made with room air, up to 30 mL, when injected into reticular veins does
      not affect coagulation parameters.

PMID- 22092651
TI  - Semaphorin 3C is not required for the establishment and target specificity of the
      GABAergic septohippocampal pathway in vitro.
AB  - The septohippocampal (SH) pathway comprises cholinergic and GABAergic fibers.
      Whereas the former establish synaptic contacts with all types of hippocampal
      neurons, the latter form complex baskets specifically on interneurons. The
      GABAergic SH function is associated with the control of hippocampal synchronous
      networks. Little is known about the mechanisms involved in the formation of the
      GABAergic SH pathway. Semaphorin (Sema) 3C is expressed in most hippocampal
      interneurons targeted by these axons. To ascertain whether Sema 3C influences the
      formation of the SH pathway, we analyzed the development of this connection in
      Sema 3C-deficient mice. As these animals die at birth, we developed an in vitro
      organotypic co-culture model reproducing the postnatal development of the SH
      pathway. In these SH co-cultures, the GABAergic SH pathway developed with target
      specificity similar to that present in vivo. SH axons formed incipient baskets on
      several types of hippocampal interneurons at 7 days in vitro, which increased
      their complexity by 18-25 days in vitro. These SH fibers formed symmetric
      synaptic contacts on GABAergic interneurons. This synaptic specificity was not
      influenced by the absence of entorhinal afferents. Finally, the absence of Sema
      3C in target neurons or its blockage by neuropilin-1 and -2 ectodomains in slice
      co-cultures did not lead to major changes in either the target specificity of the
      GABAergic SH pathway or its density of innervation. We conclude that the
      formation and synaptic specificity of the GABAergic SH pathway relies on robust
      molecular mechanisms, independent of Sema 3C, that are retained in our in vitro
      co-culture model.

PMID- 22092652
TI  - Conjunctival provocation with airborne allergen in patients with atopic
      keratoconjunctivitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic eye disease with
      periods of exacerbations. Many patients experience no obvious seasonal variation,
      although a majority of patients are allergic to common airborne allergens.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allergic reaction, to conjunctival provocation with
      airborne allergens, in patients with AKC. METHODS: Eleven patients with AKC and
      birch and/or grass pollen allergy participated in the study, which was performed
      outside the pollen season. Five patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
      (SAC) and five healthy subjects were included for validation purposes. The
      challenge was performed in one eye with the allergen, to which the patient was
      reactive, and with dilution buffer in the other eye. Signs and symptoms from both
      eyes were graded at baseline and at 10 min, 8 and 48 h after provocation. Tear
      fluid was collected from both eyes for cytokine analyses at baseline and at 8 and
      48 h. RESULTS: A significant change in clinical symptoms and signs, (redness and
      chemosis) was evident 10 min after provocation compared with baseline (P = 0.005)
      and compared with the unprovoked eye (P = 0.005) in AKC subjects. These
      parameters were normalized after 8 and 48 h. A significant increase for IFN-gamma
      (P = 0.021) and IL-6 (P = 0.015), and a near significant increase for IL-10 (P =
      0.066) were seen in the tear fluid of the challenged eye at 48 h after
      provocation vs. baseline and vs. the control eye for IFN-gamma (P = 0.005), IL-6
      (P = 0.028) and IL-10 (P = 0.008) in AKC subjects. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: In this single dose allergen provocation study, AKC patients responded
      with a typical IgE-mediated allergic reaction. An increase in cytokines at 48 h
      after the challenge was demonstrated and might, with further studies, give us a
      better understanding of the nature of inflammation in AKC.

PMID- 22092653
TI  - Histomorphometrical and molecular evaluation of endosseous dental implants sites
      in humans: correlation with clinical and radiographic aspects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlations between clinical-radiographical aspects
      and histomorphometric-molecular parameters of endosseous dental implant sites in
      humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of bone implant sites
      from the jawbones of 32 volunteers, which were classified according to two
      different systems: (1) based only on periapical and panoramic images (PP); (2) as
      proposed by Lekholm & Zarb (L&Z). Bone biopsies were removed using trephine
      during the first drilling for implant placement. Samples were stained with
      haematoxylin-eosin (HE), and histomorphometric analysis was performed to obtain
      the following parameters: trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number, bone
      volume density (BV/TV), bone specific surface (BS/BV), bone surface density and
      trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis was
      performed on bone tissue samples for the proteins, Receptor activator of nuclear
      factor kappa-B (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Osteocalcin
      (OC). Also, the determination of the relative levels of gene expression was
      performed using Reverse transcription-real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT
      PCR). RESULTS: PP and L&Z classification systems revealed a moderate correlation
      with BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th and Tb.Sp. L&Z's system identified differences among
      bone types when BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th and Tb.Sp were compared. A weak correlation
      between PP/L&Z classifications and the expression of bone metabolism regulators
      (RANK, RANKL, OPG e OC) was found. The analysis of mRNA expression showed no
      difference between the bone types evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that PP and L&Z subjective bone-type classification systems are related to
      histomorphometric aspects. These data may contribute to the validation of these
      classifications. Bone remodelling regulatory molecules do not seem to influence
      morphological aspects of the jawbone .

PMID- 22092654
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of Rho GTPases in ameloblastomas.
AB  - Rho GTPases are proteins that regulate cell cycle, shape, polarization, invasion,
      migration, and apoptosis, which are important characteristics of normal and
      neoplastic cells. Rho GTPases expression has been reported in normal tooth germ
      and several pathologies; however, it has not been evaluated in ameloblastomas.
      The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and distribution of RhoA,
      RhoB, Rac1, and Cdc42 Rho GTPases in solid and unicystic ameloblastomas. Three
      micrometer sections from paraffin-embedded specimens were evaluated by using an
      avidin-biotin immunohistochemical method with antibodies against the proteins
      mentioned above. RhoA and RhoB staining was observed in a high number of cells (P
      < 0.05) and greater intensity in non-polarized ones. Rac1 was not observed, and
      Cdc42 did not show any statistical differences between the number of non
      polarized and basal positive cells (P > 0.05). Upon comparing the studied
      ameloblastomas, a higher number of positive cells in the unicystic variant was
      observed than that in the solid one (P < 0,05). The results obtained suggest that
      these GTPases could play a role in the ameloblastoma neoplastic epithelial cell
      phenotype determination (polarized or non-polarized), as well as in variant
      (solid or unicystic) and subtype (follicular or plexiform) determination.
      Furthermore, they could participate in solid ameloblastoma invasion mechanisms.

PMID- 22092656
TI  - CT features of pleural masses and nodules.
AB  - Pleural space masses and nodules are rarely described on computed tomography (CT)
      in veterinary medicine and have only been described in patients with neoplasia.
      Our purpose was to describe the CT findings and diagnoses in seven patients with
      pleural masses and nodules. Two patients had broad-based, plaque-like pleural
      masses, both of which were due to neoplasia (primary pleural carcinoma,
      metastatic thymoma). Two patients had well-defined pleural nodules and nodular
      pleural thickening, one of which had mesothelial hypertrophy, and another of
      which had metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Three patients had ill-defined pleural
      nodules to nodular pleural thickening, one of which had metastatic pulmonary
      carcinoma, while the other two had bacterial infection with mesothelial
      proliferation (n = 2), fibrinous pleuritis (n = 1), and severe mediastinal
      pleuritis/mediastinitis (n = 2). Five of the seven patients had focal, multifocal
      or diffuse smooth, and/or irregular pleural thickening. Five of seven patients
      had pleural effusion, and postcontrast CT was useful in several patients for
      delineating the pleural lesions from the effusion. All patients except one had
      additional lesions identified on CT besides those in the pleural space. CT is
      useful in identifying and characterizing pleural space lesions and could be used
      to guide further diagnostic procedures such as thoracoscopy or exploratory
      thoracotomy. Both neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases should be considered in
      the differential diagnoses for pleural space masses and nodules found on CT.

PMID- 22092655
TI  - Longitudinal relationship of early life immunomodulatory T cell phenotype and
      function to development of allergic sensitization in an urban cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunomodulatory T cells are thought to influence development of
      allergy and asthma, but early life longitudinal data on their phenotype and
      function are lacking. OBJECTIVES: As part of the Urban Environment and Childhood
      Asthma (URECA) study, we investigated the development of immunomodulatory T cell
      phenotype and function, and characterized their relation to allergic disease
      progression from birth through to 2 years of age. METHODS: Immunomodulatory T
      cell phenotype and function in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) and peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at 1 and 2 years of age were characterized by
      analysing CD25(bright) and FoxP3(+) expression, proliferative responses and
      cytokine production. The relation of immunomodulatory T cell characteristics to
      allergic sensitization and disease at 1- and 2-years of age was investigated.
      RESULTS: The proportion of CD4(+)CD25(bright) and CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+)T cells (n
      = 114, 83, 82 at birth, 1- and 2-years respectively) increased significantly,
      whereas there were no significant changes in the suppressive function of CD25(+)T
      cells (n = 78, 71, 81 at birth, 1- and 2-years respectively). Birth
      immunomodulatory T cell characteristics were not related to subsequent allergic
      sensitization or disease. However, increases in the numbers of CD4(+)CD25(bright)
      cells and their ability to suppress lymphoproliferative responses at 1 year of
      age were associated with reduced allergic sensitization at 1 (P = 0.03) and 2 (P
      = 0.02) years of age. Production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by
      CD25(+)T cells appeared to mediate this protective suppressive function. In
      contrast, by 2 years of age, we observed the emergence of a positive association
      of CD4(+)CD25(+) FoxP3(+) T cell numbers with allergic sensitization (P = 0.05)
      and eczema (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest
      that the relationship between immunomodulatory T cell subsets, allergic
      sensitization and eczema is developmentally regulated. In the first year of life,
      CD4(+)CD25(+) IL-10 producing T cells are associated with a reduced incidence of
      allergic sensitization. Once allergic sensitization or eczema is established,
      CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+)T-reg cells expand to potentially counteract the allergic
      inflammatory response. Understanding the relationship between development of
      immunoregulatory T cells and early onset atopy could lead to new preventive
      strategies for allergic diseases.

PMID- 22092657
TI  - Development, ultrastructural pathology, and taxonomic revision of the
      Microsporidial genus, Pseudoloma and its type species Pseudoloma neurophilia, in
      skeletal muscle and nervous tissue of experimentally infected zebrafish Danio
      rerio.
AB  - The microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia was initially reported to infect the
      central nervous system of zebrafish causing lordosis and eventually death.
      Subsequently, muscle tissue infections were also identified. To understand the
      infection process, development, and ultrastructural pathology of this
      microsporidium, larval and adult zebrafish were fed P. neurophilia spores. Spores
      were detected in the larval fish digestive tract 3-h postexposure (PE). By 4.5-d
      PE, developing parasite stages were identified in muscle tissue. Wet preparations
      of larvae collected at 8-d PE showed aggregates of spores in the spinal cord
      adjacent to the notochord. All parasite stages, including spores, were present in
      the musculature of larval fish 8-d PE. Adult zebrafish sacrificed 45-d PE had
      fully developed infections in nerves. Ultrastructural study of the developmental
      cycle of P. neurophilia revealed that proliferative stages undergo karyokinesis,
      producing tetranucleate stages that then divide into uninucleate cells. The
      plasmalemma of proliferative cells has a previously unreported glycocalyx-like
      coat that interfaces with the host cell cytoplasm. Sporogonic stages form
      sporophorous vacuoles (SPOV) derived from the plasmalemmal dense surface coat,
      which "blisters" off sporonts. Uninucleate sporoblasts and spores develop in the
      SPOV. The developmental cycle is identical in both nerve and muscle. The SPOV
      surface is relatively thick and is the outermost parasite surface entity; thus,
      xenomas are not formed. Based on the new information provided by this study, the
      taxonomic description of the genus Pseudoloma and its type species, P.
      neurophilia, is modified and its life cycle described.

PMID- 22092658
TI  - Immediate rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with screw type implants:
      results after up to 10 years of clinical function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective case series was to evaluate the results
      of an immediate loading concept using four Xi VE S plus implants in the
      edentulous mandible, after a period of up to 10 years of clinical function.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients were treated with four implants each placed
      interforaminally and provisionally restored within 1 week. Radiographic bone
      levels, condition of the peri-implant mucosa, implant survival and success were
      recorded annually from implant insertion (baseline) up to 10 years after final
      restoration. RESULTS: A total of 120 Xi VE S plus implants were placed in the
      interforaminal region. A significant coronal bone loss of 1.80 mm (SD +/- 0.65)
      was recorded within the first 8 years of function (P < 0.001). Within the next
      years no further significant increase of bone resorption was observed. The mean
      values of the plaque, calculus, bleeding and mucosal indices and probing depth
      remained low throughout this period. All implants were inserted with an insertion
      torque of more than 32 N cm. Two losses (1.7%) occurred prior to permanent
      restoration (1 and 3 months post-insertion), resulting in a survival rate of
      98.3% over the entire observation period. Four implants were recorded as failures
      due to excessive bone resorption, resulting in an overall success rate of 95%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that in selected patients
      immediate restoration of dental implants in the edentulous mandible will achieve
      a clinically predictable outcome.

PMID- 22092659
TI  - Diversity and expression of different forms of RubisCO genes in polluted
      groundwater under different redox conditions.
AB  - Groundwater polluted with methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and ammonium was
      investigated for chemolithoautotrophic CO(2)  fixation capabilities based on
      detailed analyses of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO)
      large subunit genes. Samples retrieved from a groundwater conditioning unit,
      characterized by different redox conditions, were examined for the presence of
      form IA, form IC (cbbL) and form II (cbbM) RubisCO genes and transcripts obtained
      from DNA- and RNA-extracts. Form IA RubisCO sequences, which revealed a complex
      and distinct variety in different sampling stations, were expressed in the
      original groundwater and in samples amended with oxygen, but not in the aquifer
      groundwater enriched with nitrate. Form IC RubisCO genes were exclusively
      detected in groundwater supplied with oxygen and sequences were affiliated with
      cbbL genes in nitrifying bacteria. cbbM genes were not expressed in the oxygen
      amended groundwater, probably due to the low CO(2) /O(2)  substrate specificity
      of this enzyme. Most form II RubisCO transcripts were affiliated with RubisCO
      genes of denitrifiers, which are important residents in the groundwater supplied
      with nitrate. The distinct distribution pattern and diversity of RubisCO genes
      and transcripts obtained in this study suggest that the induction of different
      RubisCO enzymes is highly regulated and closely linked to the actual
      environmental conditions.

PMID- 22092660
TI  - The magnitude of intramuscular deoxygenation during exercise is an unreliable
      measure to diagnose the cause of leg pain.
AB  - We measured intramuscular oxygenation in the anterior tibial muscle of 176
      patients with exercise-induced leg pain by noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy
      before, during, and after an exercise test that elicited the symptoms. Clinical
      investigation was performed after each test. Intramuscular pressure was measured
      in patients with nonconclusive findings. Chronic anterior compartment syndrome
      (CACS) was diagnosed in 47 patients, and other causes for the leg pain were
      diagnosed in 129 patients by clinical means. The mean level of oxygenation
      decreased to 33 +/- 19% in patients with CACS and to 34 +/- 19% in patients
      without CACS compared with baseline level (100%) at rest before exercise. The
      level of oxygenation was below 20% during the exercise test in 12 of 47 (26%)
      patients with CACS and in 30 of 129 (23%) patients without CACS. The time
      required for reoxygenation after the cessation of exercise was 61 +/- 34 s in
      patients with CACS and 46 +/- 20 s in patients without CACS (P < 0.05). We
      conclude that the magnitude of intramuscular deoxygenation during exercise is an
      unreliable measure to diagnose CACS. However, the time for reoxygenation
      returning to baseline level following an exercise test is a valuable adjunct in
      diagnosing CACS.

PMID- 22092661
TI  - Granulomatous reaction to hyaluronic acid: a case series and review of the
      literature.

PMID- 22092662
TI  - Inferior alveolar nerve injury associated with implant surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the most commonly injured nerve
      (64.4%) during implant treatment. At present, no standardized protocol exists for
      clinicians to manage IAN injury related with implant surgery. Therefore, the
      purposes of the present article were to analyze the reasons for nerve injury and
      to propose guidelines in managing IAN injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with
      IAN sensory disturbances after implant treatment were recruited for the study.
      Sixteen patients, eight men and eight women, with a mean age of 52.2 +/- 8.1
      years participated in this study. Patient examination, treatment, and IAN sensory
      function recovery monitoring were performed following six-step IAN injury during
      dental implant surgery (IANIDIS) protocol. The control group was composed of 25
      healthy volunteers who never had IAN sensory disturbances or any trauma in the
      maxillofacial region. RESULTS: The IAN sensory disturbances were scored as
      following: 5 (31.25%) had hyperalgesia and 11 (68.75%) expressed hypoalgesia. The
      mean asymmetry index (AI) was calculated for each patient and varied from 0.6 to
      3.2. Overall, 31.3% of nerve injury patients were classified as mild, 31.3% as
      moderate, and remaining 37.5% as severe injury. All patients were successfully
      treated with proposed IANIDIS protocol. CONCLUSION: The most frequent (50%) risk
      factor for IAN injury was intraoperative bleeding during bone preparation. The
      most common (56.3%) etiological risk factor of nerve injury was dental implant. A
      six-step protocol aimed at managing patients with IAN injury, during dental
      implant surgery, was a useful tool that could provide successful treatment
      outcome.

PMID- 22092663
TI  - Immunochemical studies of Salmonella Dakar and Salmonella Telaviv O-antigens
      (serogroup O:28).
AB  - Salmonella Dakar and Salmonella Telaviv bacteria belong to serogroup O:28, which
      represents 107 serovars and possesses only the epitope O28. Salmonella Telaviv
      has the subfactors O28(1) and O28(2) , whereas S. Dakar has O28(1) and O28(3) .
      So far, only limited serological and immunological information for this serogroup
      is available in the literature. Knowledge of the structures of their O
      polysaccharides and the immunochemical investigations performed in this work
      allowed to reveal the nature of subfactor O28(1) as attributed to the presence of
      3-linked (or 3,4-disubstituted) alpha-d-GalpNAc in the main chains of S. Dakar
      and S. Telaviv O-polysaccharides. An explanation for the cross-reactions between
      Salmonella enterica O28 O-antigens and other Salmonella O-polysaccharides and
      their structural similarity to Escherichia coli O-serogroups is also given.

PMID- 22092664
TI  - Hydration measurements of the stratum corneum: comparison between the capacitance
      method (digital version of the Corneometer CM 825(r)) and the impedance method
      (Skicon-200EX(r)).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of stratum corneum (SC) hydration often involves the use
      of commercial instruments. The aim of this study was to compare and validate two
      recent instruments: the Corneometer 825(r) (digital probe) and the Skicon-200
      EX(r). METHODS: In vitro calibration was carried out on filter pads using
      different solvents, measurements over different layers of plastic foils, and
      evaluation of desorption kinetics. In vivo measurements were carried out on skin
      sites covering a range of very dry to well-hydrated skin areas. RESULTS:
      Conductance measurements are influenced by electrolytes while capacitance
      measurements are not. Dielectric constant of the solvents influences the values
      of both instruments (r respectively 0.92 and 0.99). The capacitance method
      carries information from deeper layers (up to 45 MUm) compared with the
      conductance instrument (up to 15 MUm). Desorption experiments show a strong
      relation between the amount of water and respectively the capacitance and the
      conductance values. The in vivo experiments revealed a strong relation between
      the two methods (r = 0.97). Sensitivity of the capacitance method is limited for
      the highest hydration values. CONCLUSIONS: Both instruments allow a certain
      calibration and both give good estimates of the SC hydration.

PMID- 22092665
TI  - Validation of a Korean version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP)
      among 8- to 15-year-old school children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess reliability, discriminant
      validity, and convergent validity of the Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP)
      Korean version in a representative community sample of 8- to 15-year-old Korean
      children. METHODS: A Korean version of COHIP was developed according to the
      standard procedure of cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported instruments. A
      representative community sample of 2236 schoolchildren was selected by cluster
      sampling method. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 11.8 years. Mean and
      median of the overall COHIP score were 103.3 (SD 13.3) and 106, respectively.
      Internal reliability and retest reliability were excellent with Chronbach's alpha
      0.88 and intraclass correlation coefficient 0.88. Face validity was confirmed
      with 98% of participants reporting the COHIP questionnaire was easy to answer.
      Nonclinical factors such as self-rated oral health or satisfaction with oral
      health were significantly related with overall COHIP score and five subscale
      scores (P < 0.001) in a consistent manner. Children with carious permanent teeth
      and with orthodontic treatment need had highly significantly lower overall COHIP
      score (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The Korean version of the COHIP was successfully
      developed. The internal reliability, retest reliability, face validity,
      discriminant validity, and convergent validity of the COHIP Korean version were
      confirmed.

PMID- 22092666
TI  - Treatment of experimental periodontal disease with antimicrobial photodynamic
      therapy in nicotine-modified rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare antimicrobial photodynamic
      therapy (aPDT) as an adjunctive treatment to scaling and root planing (SRP) for
      induced periodontitis in nicotine-modified rats. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of
      240 rats were evenly divided into two groups: C - saline solution treatment; N -
      nicotine treatment. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first
      mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed. All animals were
      submitted to SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP -
      irrigation with saline solution; Toluidine Blue-O (TBO) - irrigation with
      phenothiazinium dye (100 MUg/ml); LLLT - laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J);
      and aPDT - TBO and laser irradiation. Ten animals in each group/treatment were
      euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. The histometric and immunohistochemical values
      were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis demonstrated that in
      both groups the aPDT treatment resulted in lower bone loss (BL) when compared to
      SRP in all experimental periods. Intergroup analysis demonstrated that aPDT
      treatment resulted in lower BL in Group N than in Group C treated with SRP in all
      experimental periods. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was an
      effective adjunctive treatment to SRP for induced periodontitis in nicotine
      modified rats.

PMID- 22092667
TI  - Reactive oxygen and oxidative stress tolerance in plant pathogenic Pseudomonas.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a key feature of plant (and animal) defences
      against invading pathogens. As a result, plant pathogens must be able to either
      prevent their production or tolerate high concentrations of these highly reactive
      chemicals. In this review, we focus on plant pathogenic bacteria of the genus
      Pseudomonas and the ways in which they overcome the challenges posed by ROS. We
      also explore the ways in which pseudomonads may exploit plant ROS generation for
      their own purposes and even produce ROS directly as part of their infection
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22092668
TI  - Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations and leukocyte counts in the clinical
      investigation of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiologic agent of caseous
      lymphadenitis (CLA), a disease that affects small ruminants and is responsible
      for economic losses, including condemnation of carcasses and damaged hides.
      OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine if serum haptoglobin and
      plasma fibrinogen concentrations and peripheral blood leukocyte counts are
      biologic markers of CLA in sheep. METHODS: Blood from 38 clinically healthy Santa
      Ines ewes selected and segregated from a commercial flock of 2500 sheep in an
      area endemic for C. pseudotuberculosis was collected every 30 days for 6 months.
      An indirect ELISA was used to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against C.
      pseudotuberculosis. Serum haptoglobin concentration was measured using a
      hemoglobin-binding assay and plasma fibrinogen concentration by refractometry
      following heat precipitation. Total leukocyte counts were determined using a
      hemocytometer, and differential leukocyte counts were performed on smears of
      peripheral blood. RESULTS: Twenty-one sheep were seropositive at the start of the
      study; 15 became seropositive during the study. Only 2 sheep were seronegative at
      the conclusion of the study. Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations and WBC
      counts were not significantly different for seropositive and seronegative
      animals. Nine sheep, 5 that were seropositive positive at the start and 4 that
      became seropositive during the study period, developed abscesses in peripheral
      lymph nodes. There were 15 animals that became seropositive during the study, and
      their values did not differ significantly among the 3 phases--seronegative, acute
      (IgM+/IgG+/-), and chronic (IgM-/IgG+)--of infection. However, 11 of these sheep
      did not develop peripheral abscesses and had significantly higher haptoglobin
      concentrations and lower monocyte counts during the acute phase of the disease
      than did the 4 sheep that later developed abscesses. CONCLUSION: Serum
      haptoglobin concentration and monocyte counts may be potential markers for
      progression of CLA in sheep.

PMID- 22092669
TI  - Skin hydration and cooling effect produced by the Voltaren(r) vehicle gel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Voltaren vehicle gel is the carrier substance of the topical Voltaren
      products. This vehicle gel is especially formulated to be easily applied on the
      skin, while providing some sensory benefits. The present study aims to
      substantiate the widely perceived hydrating and cooling effect of Voltaren
      vehicle gel. METHODS: Volar forearm skin hydration and transepidermal water loss
      (TEWL) were measured and user satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaires, after
      application in 31 healthy, female volunteers. The cooling effect was investigated
      for 40 min with thermal imaging on 12 forearm sites of six healthy subjects.
      RESULTS: Voltaren vehicle gel application increased skin hydration by 13.1% (P =
      0.0002) when compared with the untreated site, 8 h after the final treatment
      after 2 weeks. TEWL decreased on both treated (0.37 g/m(2) /h) and untreated
      (0.74 g/m(2) /h) forearm sites after 2 weeks (8 h after last treatment),
      demonstrating a relative increase of 6.5% in water loss. Voltaren vehicle gel
      application resulted in a rapid reduction of skin surface temperature by 5.1
      degrees C after only 3 min with an average maximum reduction of 5.8 degrees C
      after 10 min. The cooling effect was experienced by 94% subjects, while 74% felt
      that their skin became softer. No adverse events, including skin irritation, were
      reported during the study and by the 37 participants. CONCLUSION: This study
      showed a statistically significant increase in skin hydration as well as a rapid
      cooling effect lasting approximately 30 min, after application of Voltaren
      vehicle gel. The small relative increase in water loss may be attributed to an
      additional skin surface water loss secondary to the increased water content
      brought into the skin by the Voltaren vehicle gel. The use did not induce any
      skin irritation and was found acceptable to use by the majority of participants.

PMID- 22092670
TI  - Bone modelling at fresh extraction sockets: immediate implant placement versus
      spontaneous healing: an experimental study in the beagle dog.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation is to describe histologically the
      undisturbed healing of fresh extraction sockets when compared to immediate
      implant placement. METHODS: In eight beagle dogs, after extraction of the 3P3 and
      4P4, implants were inserted into the distal sockets of the premolars, while the
      mesial sockets were left to heal spontaneously. Each animal provided four socket
      sites (control) and four implant sites (test). After 6 weeks, animals were
      sacrificed and tissue blocks were dissected, prepared for ground sectioning.
      RESULTS: The relative vertical buccal bone resorption in relation to the lingual
      bone was similar in both test and control groups. At immediate implant sites,
      however, the absolute buccal bone loss observed was 2.32 (SD 0.36) mm, what may
      indicate that while an apical shift of both the buccal and lingual bone crest
      occurred at the implant sites, this may not happen in naturally healing sockets.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results from this investigation showed that after tooth
      extraction the buccal socket wall underwent bone resorption at both test and
      control sites. This resorption appeared to be more pronounced at the implant
      sites, although the limitations of the histological evaluation method utilized
      preclude a definite conclusion.

PMID- 22092671
TI  - Sex difference in fluid balance responses during prolonged exercise.
AB  - Maintaining a proper fluid balance is important during exercise as athletes are
      prone to develop dehydration during exercise. Although several factors may
      regulate the fluid balance, little is known about the role of sex during
      prolonged moderate-intensity exercise. Therefore, we compared body mass changes
      and fluid balance parameters in men vs women in a large heterogeneous group of
      participants during prolonged exercise. Ninety-eight volunteers walked 30-50 km
      at a self-selected pace. Exercise duration (8 h, 32 min) and intensity (69%
      HRmax) were comparable between groups. Men demonstrated a significantly larger
      change in body mass than women (-1.6% vs -0.9%, respectively, P < 0.001) and a
      higher incidence of dehydration (defined as >= 2% body mass loss) compared with
      women (34% vs 12%, respectively, odds ratio = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.1-16.7). Changes in
      blood sodium levels were significantly different between men (+1.5 mmol/L) and
      women (-0.4 mmol/L), while 27% of the men vs 0% of the women showed postexercise
      hypernatremia (sodium levels >= 145 mmol/L). Moreover, men demonstrated a
      significantly lower fluid intake (2.9 mL/kg/h) and higher fluid loss (5.0
      mL/kg/h) compared with women (3.7 and 4.8 mL/kg/h, respectively). Taken together,
      our data suggest that men and women demonstrate different changes in fluid
      balance in response to a similar bout of exercise.

PMID- 22092672
TI  - The aberdeen knot: a sliding knot for dermatology.

PMID- 22092673
TI  - HIV-1 gp120 upregulates matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in a rat
      model of HIV encephalopathy.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in diverse processes, such as
      neuroinflammation, leakiness of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and direct cellular
      damage in neurodegenerative and other CNS diseases. Tissue destruction by MMPs is
      regulated by their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). TIMPs prevent excessive
      MMP-related degradation of extracellular matrix components. In a rat model of
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related encephalopathy, we described MMP-2 and
      MMP-9 upregulation by HIV-1 envelope gp120, probably via gp120-induced reactive
      oxygen species. Antioxidant gene delivery blunted gp120-induced MMP production.
      We also studied the effect of gp120 on TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 production. TIMP-1 and
      TIMP-2 levels increased 6 h after gp120 injection into rat caudate-putamen (CP).
      TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 colocalized mainly with neurons (92 and 95%, respectively). By
      24 h, expression of these protease inhibitors diverged, as TIMP-1 levels remained
      high but TIMP-2 subsided. Gene delivery of the antioxidant enzymes Cu/Zn
      superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase into the CP before injecting gp120
      there reduced levels of gp120-induced TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, recapitulating the
      effect of antioxidant enzymes on gp120-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9. A significant
      correlation was observed between MMP/TIMP upregulation and BBB leakiness. Thus,
      HIV-1 gp120 upregulated TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in the CP. Prior antioxidant enzyme
      treatment mitigated production of these TIMPs, probably by reducing MMP
      expression.

PMID- 22092674
TI  - Use of fraction flow reserve to predict changes over time in management of
      superficial femoral artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease is a condition characterized by
      progressive arterial narrowing, which affects patients' quality of life. The
      purposes of this study were to (1) establish the feasibility of obtaining
      peripheral fractional flow reserve (pFFR) in the peripheral vascular circulation,
      (2) demonstrate an association between baseline pFFR and peak systolic velocity
      (PSV) measured by duplex ultrasound, and (3) correlate postintervention pFFR with
      future restenosis using the change in PSV over time as a surrogate. METHODS:
      Twenty patients underwent baseline ankle brachial index (ABI) and PSV testing.
      Pre- and postintervention pFFR was performed. Patients were followed with three
      ABI and PSV recordings during the 1 year follow-up period. The association
      between baseline PSV, ABI, and pFFR with changes in PSV over time were explored.
      Predictors of postprocedural PSV over time were determined. RESULTS: The baseline
      translesional-resting ratio was significantly different from the pFFR using
      adenosine (0.79 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.09, P = 0.01). Baseline PSV was
      significantly associated with preintervention pFFR (-0.77, P < 0.001). Compared
      to patients with a postprocedure pFFR > 0.95, patients with a postprocedure pFFR
      < 0.95 had a significantly more rapid rise in PSV over time (P = 0.009).
      CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate that the peripheral vascular
      bed does respond to vasodilatation thereby supporting the use of pFFR for this
      procedure. In our study, postintervention pFFR < 0.95 predicted a more rapid
      increase in PSV over time, which is a reasonably accepted surrogate for
      restenosis.

PMID- 22092676
TI  - Reliability and failure modes of anterior single-unit implant-supported
      restorations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Failures of implant-abutment connections have been observed clinically,
      especially in single-tooth replacements. This study sought to evaluate the
      reliability and failure modes of implant-supported anterior crowns restored with
      different implant systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two Ti-6Al-4V dental
      implants (~4 mm diameter) were used for single anterior crown replacement and
      divided into two groups according to tested system: (NB) Replace Select system,
      Nobel Biocare (n = 21); and (IL) Internal connection system, Intra-Lock
      International (n = 21). Proprietary abutments were screwed to the implants and
      anatomically correct maxillary central incisor metal crowns were cemented and
      subjected to step-stress-accelerated life testing in water. Use-level probability
      Weibull curves and reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles at 200 N (95% 2
      sided confidence intervals) were calculated. Polarized-light and scanning
      electron microscopes were used for failure analyses. RESULTS: The Beta values for
      NB and IL (2.09 and 2.05, respectively) indicated that fatigue accelerated the
      failure of both groups. The calculated reliability for the NB system (0.81) was
      lower than for the IL system (0.96), but no significant difference was observed
      between groups. Screw and abutment fracture was the chief failure mode in group
      NB, while screw fracture was most representative in specimens of group IL.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reliability of implant-supported maxillary central incisor crowns
      was not significantly different between NB and IL abutments. Failure modes
      differed between implant systems.

PMID- 22092675
TI  - Anaphylaxis in Turkish children: a multi-centre, retrospective, case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially lethal systemic reaction
      affecting more than one organ or system. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the
      demographic characteristics, clinical features, causes, settings, and
      administered therapy in Turkish children. METHODS: This retrospective, case note
      study included all children referred to the outpatient clinics of the Pediatric
      Allergy Departments of the participating study centres from 1 July 1999 to 30
      June 2009 for investigation of anaphylaxis or who were seen by us at the moment
      of the reaction during the same period and who met the clinical criteria of
      anaphylaxis. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-four cases of anaphylaxis were
      reported in 137 children (88 boys, P = 0.0001). The mean +/- SD age at the
      referral was 7.7 +/- 4.2 years (range: 4 months-17 years). Ninety-eight episodes
      (43.8%) occurred at home. The symptoms were cutaneous in 222 (99.1%) episodes,
      respiratory in 217 (96.9%), neuro-psychiatric in 118 (52.7%), cardiovascular in
      92 (41.1%), and gastrointestinal in 88 (39.3%). Biphasic reaction was reported in
      seven episodes (3.1%, 95% CI: 1.5-6.3). Death occurred in one case (0.4%, 95% CI:
      0.08-2.4). Treatment was available in 158 episodes (70.5%). Of them, 148 (93.7%)
      received antihistamines, 132 (83.5%) corticosteroids, 51 (32.3%) epinephrine, and
      17 (10.8%) beta-2-mimetics. The causative agents were foods in 86 (38.4%)
      episodes, hymenoptera venom in 84 (37.5%), drugs and medications in 47 (21.0%),
      and latex in 5 (2.2%). In two episodes (0.9%), the causative agent was
      unidentified. Allergy to the trigger was known prior to anaphylaxis in 116
      (51.8%) episodes. An epinephrine auto-injector had been prescribed for 70
      children (51.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anaphylaxis was seen
      significantly more in boys. Most of the reactions occurred at home. Foods were
      the most frequent cause. Epinephrine, the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis,
      was administered in only a third of the children.

PMID- 22092677
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the phytopathogenic fungus Penicillium
      digitatum and comparative analysis of closely related species.
AB  - The complete mitochondrial genome of Penicillium digitatum (Pers.:Fr) Sacc is
      reported, the first time in a phytopathogenic Penicillium species. Comparative
      analysis revealed its close relationship to mitochondrial genomes of other
      Penicillium and Aspergillus species, both in gene content and in arrangement. The
      intron content of protein coding genes revealed several differences. The
      different exon-intron organization of Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 1 genes
      indicated their common origin before the divergence of Penicillium and
      Aspergillus, and that, largely, their introns were transmitted vertically.

PMID- 22092678
TI  - Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola effector HopF1 inhibits pathogen-associated
      molecular pattern-triggered immunity in a RIN4-independent manner in common bean
      (Phaseolus vulgaris).
AB  - Plant pathogens usually promote pathogenesis by secreting effector proteins into
      host plant cells. One of the secreted effectors of Pseudomonas syringae pv.
      phaseolicola, the causative agent of halo-blight disease in common bean
      (Phaseolus vulgaris), HopF1, activates effector-triggered immunity (ETI) in a
      bean cultivar containing R1 resistance gene, but displays virulence function in a
      bean cultivar without the R1 gene. The virulence mechanism of the effector
      remained unknown, although it was identified more than a decade ago. Here we
      demonstrated that HopF1 can inhibit pathogen-associated molecular pattern
      triggered immunity (PTI) in a susceptible bean cultivar Tendergreen. HopF1
      directly interacted with two RPM1-interacting protein 4 (RIN4) orthologs of bean,
      PvRIN4a and PvRIN4b. Like RIN4 in Arabidopsis, both PvRIN4 orthologs negatively
      regulated the PTI responses in bean. However, the virulence function of HopF1 was
      enhanced in Tendergreen silencing PvRIN4. Furthermore, silencing PvRIN4a
      compromised the avrbeta1-induced hypersensitive response (HR), which previously
      was reported to be suppressed by HopF1. Together, these results demonstrated that
      PvRIN4 orthologs were not the virulence target of HopF1 for inhibiting PTI, but
      probably for interfering with ETI.

PMID- 22092679
TI  - Adherence and motility characteristics of clinical Acinetobacter baumannii
      isolates.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii continues to be a major health problem especially in
      hospital settings. Herein, features that may play a role in persistence and
      disease potential were investigated in a collection of clinical A. baumannii
      strains from Australia. Twitching motility was found to be a common trait in A.
      baumannii international clone I strains and in abundant biofilm formers, whereas
      swarming motility was only observed in isolates not classified within the
      international clone lineages. Bioinformatic analysis of the type IV fimbriae
      revealed a correlation between PilA sequence homology and motility. A high level
      of variability in adherence to both abiotic surfaces and epithelial cells was
      found. We report for the first time the motility characteristics of a large
      number of A. baumannii isolates and present a direct comparison of A. baumannii
      binding to nasopharyngeal and lung epithelial cells.

PMID- 22092680
TI  - In vitro activity of deferoxamine against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
AB  - Deferoxamine (DFO), an FDA-approved iron chelator used for treatment of iron
      poisoning, affects bacteria as iron availability is intimately connected with
      growth and several virulence determinants. However, little is known about the
      effect on oral pathogens. In this study, the effect of DFO on Porphyromonas
      gingivalis, a major periodontopathogen which has an essential growth requirement
      for hemin (Fe(3+)-protoporphyrin IX), was evaluated. The viability of P.
      gingivalis W83 was not affected by 0.06-0.24 mM DFO, whereas the doubling time of
      the bacterium was considerably prolonged by DFO. The inhibitory effect was
      evident at earlier stages of growth and reduced by supplemental iron. UV-visible
      spectra using the pigments from P. gingivalis cells grown on blood agar showed
      that DFO inhibited MU-oxo bisheme formation by the bacterium. DFO decreased
      accumulation and energy-driven uptake of hemin by P. gingivalis. Antibacterial
      effect of H(2)O(2) and metronidazole against P. gingivalis increased in the
      presence of DFO. Collectively, DFO is effective for hemin deprivation in P.
      gingivalis suppressing the growth and increasing the susceptibility of the
      bacterium to other antimicrobial agents such as H(2)O(2) and metronidazole.
      Further experiments are necessary to show that DFO may be used as a therapeutic
      agent for periodontal disease.

PMID- 22092681
TI  - Cloning and expression of serum opacity factor in fish pathogenic Streptococcus
      dysgalactiae and its application to discriminate between fish and mammalian
      isolates.
AB  - Lancefield group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae (GCSD) is known as a causative
      agent of bovine mastitis and cardiopulmonary diseases in humans. Recently, GCSD
      has been isolated from diseased fish in Japan. Almost all culture supernatants
      and sodium dodecyl sulfate extracts obtained from GCSD isolated from farmed fish
      possessed serum opacity activity. Serum opacity factor (SOF) is a bifunctional
      cell-associated protein that causes serum opacification. In this study, a gene
      coding SOF, which was named sof-FD, was identified from GCSD isolated from fish.
      The amino acid sequence of sof-FD showed 40.1-46.5% identity to those of other
      SOFs from mammalian strains of S. dysgalactiae and Streptococcus pyogenes.
      Repetitive fibronectin binding domains were also observed in sof-FD, the
      structures of which were similar to those of other SOFs, as previously reported.
      The amino acid sequence of SOF was identical among fish isolates. A primer set
      targeting the sof-FD gene was designed and applied to a PCR assay for
      discriminating fish isolates from mammalian isolates.

PMID- 22092682
TI  - BopC is a type III secreted effector protein of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
AB  - Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, exploits the Bsa
      type III secretion system (T3SS) to deliver effector proteins into host cells.
      These effectors manipulate host cell functions; thus, contributing to the ability
      of the bacteria to evade the immune response and cause disease. Only two Bsa
      secreted effectors have been conclusively identified to date. Here, we report the
      identification of the third B. pseudomallei type III secreted effector protein,
      designated BopC. BopC is encoded by the bpss1516 gene abutting bpss1517, which
      encodes its putative chaperone. The genes are located in the close proximity to
      the bsa T3SS gene cluster of B. pseudomallei K96243 (Fig. 1). BopC was secreted
      into culture supernatant by the wild-type B. pseudomallei strain, but its
      secretion was abolished in the bsaZ T3SS mutant. Using pull down and co
      purification assays, we confirmed that BopC interacts with its putative
      chaperone, BPSS1517, in vitro. Furthermore, the first 20 N-terminal amino acids
      of BopC were found to be sufficient to mediate the T3SS-dependent translocation
      of a reporter protein from a heterologous enteropathogenic Escherichia coli host
      into mammalian cells. Finally, bopC mutant was found to be less invasive than the
      wild-type strain in the epithelial cells.

PMID- 22092683
TI  - Lactobacillus alvi sp. nov., isolated from the intestinal tract of chicken.
AB  - Strain R54(T) was isolated from the gizzard of hens. The isolate was Gram
      positive, facultative anaerobic, gas-forming, catalase-negative, nonmotile,
      nonspore-forming and short-rod-shaped. The optimal temperature for growth was 40 
      degrees C and the DNA G+C content was 42.7 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequences
      similarity showed that strain R54(T) was most closely related to Lactobacillus
      ingluviei LMG 20380(T) (97.5%), followed by Lactobacillus coleohominis CIP
      106820(T) (96.1%), Lactobacillus secaliphilus DSM 17896(T) (95.6%) and
      Lactobacillus gastricus LMG 22113(T) (95.4%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between
      strain R54(T) and L. ingluviei LMG 20380(T) , was 43.3%. The predominant cellular
      fatty acids of strain R54(T) were C(18:1 omega9c) (64.9%) and C(16:0) (20.0%),
      and the major polar lipid group was phospholipids. On the basis of polyphasic
      taxonomy approach, strain R54(T) represents a novel species of the genus
      Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus alvi sp. nov. is proposed (type
      strain R54(T) = KCCM 90099(T) = JCM 17644(T)).

PMID- 22092684
TI  - Induction of the Escherichia coli cysK gene by genetic and environmental factors.
AB  - Cysteine synthase A encoded by cysK catalyzes the synthesis of cysteine from O
      acetylserine. Expression of cysK in Escherichia coli is under the control of
      CysB, a LysR family transcription factor. Herein we showed that the expression of
      cysK is regulated by several genetic and environmental factors in addition to
      CysB: two genetic factors, OmpR and CysE, and lithium. Based on the findings, we
      constructed the high-level expression system of cysK.

PMID- 22092685
TI  - Effect of glucocorticoid administration on adrenal gland size and sonographic
      appearance in beagle dogs.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the influence of glucocorticoids on the adrenal gland
      using ultrasonography. Eleven healthy beagles were used in a prospective placebo
      controlled study. All dogs received hydrocortisone at 10 mg/kg twice a day per os
      for 4 months or a gelatin capsule twice a day per os as a placebo. Clinical and
      endocrinologic examination of the dogs and ultrasonographic evaluation of adrenal
      echogenicity, shape, and measurement of the length and height of the cranial and
      caudal pole were performed at baseline (TO), at 1 (T1) and 4 months (T4) after
      the beginning of treatment, and 2 months after the end of the treatment including
      1 month of tapering and 1 month without treatment (T6). The dogs were assigned
      randomly to the glucocorticoid (n = 6) and placebo groups (n = 5). At T1, the
      difference between the two groups for the height of the cranial and caudal pole
      was not ultrasonographically remarkable despite a statistically significant
      difference (P = 0.0165 and P = 0.0206). Decreased height and length of entire
      gland were observed at T4 (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0015, and P = 0.0035, respectively).
      Percentages of atrophy were variable between dogs. Both adrenal glands regained
      normal size and shape 1 month after cessation of glucocorticoid administration.
      As not all dogs developed marked adrenal gland atrophy and the degree of atrophy
      varied widely between individuals, ultrasonography cannot be the technique of
      choice to detect iatrogenic hypercortisolism. Ultrasonographic changes are
      reversible within 1 month after the end of glucocorticoid administration.

PMID- 22092686
TI  - Serum bone formation marker correlation with improved osseointegration in
      osteoporotic rats treated with simvastatin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Simvastatin has been shown to enhance osseointegration of pure
      titanium implants in osteoporotic rats. This study aimed to evaluate the
      relationship between the serum level of bone formation markers and the
      osseointegration of pure titanium implants in osteoporotic rats treated with
      simvastatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3
      months, were randomly divided into three groups: Sham-operated group (SHAM; n =
      18), ovariectomized group (OVX; n = 18), and ovariectomized with simvastatin
      treatment group (OVX + SIM; n = 18). Fifty-six days after ovariectomy, screw
      shaped titanium implants were inserted into the tibiae. Simvastatin was
      administered orally at 5 mg/kg each day after the placement of the implant in the
      OVX + SIM group. The animals were killed at either 28 or 84 days after
      implantation and the undecalcified tissue sections were processed for
      histological analysis. Total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline
      phosphatase (BALP) and bone Gla protein (BGP) were measured in all animal sera
      collected at the time of euthanasia and correlated with the histological
      assessment of osseointegration. RESULTS: The level of ALP in the OVX group was
      higher than the SHAM group at day 28, with no differences between the three
      groups at day 84. The level of BALP in the OVX + SIM group was significantly
      higher than both OVX and SHAM groups at days 28. Compared with day 28, the BALP
      level of all three groups showed a significant decrease at day 84. There were no
      significant differences in BGP levels between the three groups at day 28, but at
      day 84, the OVX + SIM group showed significantly higher levels than both the OVX
      and SHAM groups. There was a significant increase in BGP levels between days 28
      and 84 in the OVX + SIM group. The serum bone marker levels correlated with the
      histological assessment showing reduced osseointegration in the OVX compared to
      the SHAM group which is subsequently reversed in the OVX + SIM group. CONCLUSION:
      The results from this study indicate that the serum level of bone formation
      markers, especially BALP and BGP, could be correlated with the degree of
      osseointegration around titanium implants in osteoporotic rats treated with
      simvastatin.

PMID- 22092687
TI  - Post-mating prezygotic barriers to gene exchange between hybridizing field
      crickets.
AB  - Studies of sexual selection in speciation have traditionally focused on mate
      preference, with less attention given to traits that act between copulation and
      fertilization. However, recent work suggests that post-mating prezygotic barriers
      may play an important role in speciation. Here, we evaluate the role of such
      barriers in the field crickets, Gryllus firmus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus.
      Gryllus pennsylvanicus females mated with G. firmus males produce viable, fertile
      offspring, but when housed with both species produce offspring sired primarily by
      conspecifics. We evaluate patterns of sperm utilization in doubly mated G.
      pennsylvanicus females and find no evidence for conspecific sperm precedence. The
      reciprocal cross (G. firmus female * G. pennsylvanicus male) produces no progeny.
      Absence of progeny reflects a barrier to fertilization rather than reduced sperm
      transfer, storage or motility. We propose a classification scheme for mechanisms
      underlying post-mating prezygotic barriers similar to that used for premating
      barriers.

PMID- 22092688
TI  - Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic energy in postoperative recovery from
      blepharoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A novel medical device that has been approved by the Food and Drug
      Administration is available for treatment of postsurgical edema. The device emits
      a low-level, pulsed electromagnetic energy field, which modulates resting cell
      membrane potential, allowing a return to physiologic resting membrane potential.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefits of electromagnetic energy in eyelid wound
      healing. METHODS: Fifty-seven individuals participated in this randomized, double
      blinded study. All patients underwent upper blepharoplasty. At the postoperative
      visit, patients rated pain, edema, and ecchymosis, and the physician rated edema,
      ecchymosis, and erythema. RESULTS: There was no difference (p = .76) in patient
      pain rating when comparing placebo (1.6) with the patch (1.3). Patients reported
      6% less edema (p = .11) and 10% less ecchymosis (p = .17) with the active patch
      eye than in control eye. The physician-graded edema, ecchymosis, and erythema had
      a mean Likert-type scale difference between placebo and active eyes of -0.3 (p =
      .12), -0.3 (p = .17), and -0.2 (p = .004) respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of
      pulsed electromagnetic energy did not have an effect on postoperative pain,
      edema, or ecchymosis as rated by patients and physicians. There was a
      statistically significant reduction in physician-graded erythema for active patch
      eyes versus placebo.

PMID- 22092689
TI  - Osseointegration in periodontitis susceptible individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine tissue integration of
      implants placed (i) in subjects who had lost teeth because of advanced
      periodontal disease or for other reasons, (ii) in the posterior maxilla
      exhibiting varying amounts of mineralized bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six
      subjects were enrolled; 19 had lost teeth because of advanced periodontitis
      (group P) while the remaining 17 subjects had suffered tooth loss from other
      reasons (group NP). As part of site preparation for implant placement, a 3 mm
      trephine drill was used to remove one or more 2 mm wide and 5-6 mm long block of
      hard tissue [biopsy site; Lindhe et al. (2011). Clinical of Oral Implants
      Research, DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02205.x]. Lateral to the biopsy site a
      twist drill (diameter 2 mm) was used to prepare the hard tissue in the posterior
      maxilla for the placement of a screw-shaped, self-tapping micro-implant (implant
      site). The implants used were 5 mm long, had a diameter of 2.2 mm. After 3 months
      of healing, the micro-implants with surrounding hard tissue cores were retrieved
      using a trephine drill. The tissue was processed for ground sectioning. The
      blocks were cut parallel to the long axis of the implant and reduced to a
      thickness of about 20 MUm and stained in toluidine blue. The percentage of (i)
      implant surface that was in contact with mineralized bone as well as (ii) the
      amount of bone present within the threads of the micro-implants (percentage bone
      area) was determined. RESULTS: Healing including hard tissue formation around
      implants placed in the posterior maxilla was similar in periodontitis susceptible
      and non-susceptible subjects. Thus, the degree of bone-to-implant contact (about
      59%) as well as the amount of mineralized bone within threads of the micro
      implant (about 45-50%) was similar in the two groups of subjects. Pearson's
      coefficient disclosed that there was a weak negative correlation (-0.49; P <
      0.05) between volume of fibrous tissue (biopsy sites) and the length of bone to
      implant contact (BIC) while there was a weak positive correlation (0.51; P <
      0.05) between the volume of bone marrow and BIC.

PMID- 22092690
TI  - Recruitment order of the abdominal muscles varies with postural task.
AB  - Abdominal muscle recruitment strategies in response to a postural perturbation
      contradict the theory that the deeper abdominal muscles are always recruited in
      advance of the more superficial muscles. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether such contrasting muscle recruitment patterns are due to the
      postural task or the predictability of a postural task. Participants performed an
      arm raise task as well as an unpredictable and a predictable balance perturbation
      task (i.e. support-surface translation) while intramuscular electromyographic
      (EMG) recordings were obtained from the deep [transversus abdominis (TrA)] and
      superficial [obliquus externus (OE)] abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscle
      recruitment order was dependent on the postural task but not on the
      predictability of a postural perturbation. Whereas arm raises elicited similar
      EMG onset latencies in TrA and OE, the OE onset latency was 48 ms earlier than
      the TrA following an unpredictable translation (P = 0.003). The early OE
      activation persisted when the translation was made predictable to the participant
      (P = 0.024). These results provide evidence that the abdominal muscle recruitment
      order varies with the trunk stability requirements specific to each task.
      Rehabilitation strategies focusing on an early TrA activation to improve postural
      stability may not be appropriate for all everyday tasks.

PMID- 22092691
TI  - Evaluation of moldable, in situ hardening calcium phosphate bone graft
      substitutes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Moldable in situ self-stabilizing and hardening bone graft materials
      facilitate handling and may be suitable for membrane-free bone regeneration
      methods. This study aimed to compare two moldable synthetic calcium phosphate
      materials in a rabbit calvarial defect model. METHOD: In 12 New Zealand white
      rabbits, four evenly distributed 6 mm diameter defects were drilled in the
      calvarial bone. Three filler materials were randomly applied to 48 defects: an in
      situ hardening polylactide-coated beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), an in situ
      hardening polylactide-coated biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), and a granular
      deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM, positive control). One defect remained
      untreated and served as a negative control. Six animals were sacrificed after 4
      weeks, and the remaining animals were sacrificed after 16 weeks.
      Biocompatibility, bone graft substitute integration and resorption, bone
      formation, defect bridging, and height of reconstructed hard tissue were assessed
      histologically and histomorphometrically. RESULTS: All tested materials showed
      good biocompatibility. Semi-quantitative analysis and pair-wise comparison
      suggested that BCP was more efficient in centripetal bone formation when compared
      with TCP. After 4 weeks, significantly more bone had formed in the defects
      treated with either TCP or BCP materials compared with the untreated sites. BCP
      and DBBM did not show macroscopic signs of degradation, whereas the TCP material
      was partially resorbed after 16 weeks. Otherwise, no major differences were
      detected between the three materials. CONCLUSION: The moldable, synthetic calcium
      phosphates are safe and suitable bone graft substitutes with outcomes that are
      comparable to the control material.

PMID- 22092692
TI  - Treatment and secondary prevention effects of the probiotics Lactobacillus
      paracasei or Bifidobacterium lactis on early infant eczema: randomized controlled
      trial with follow-up until age 3 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic disease has been associated with altered intestinal
      microbiota. Therefore, probiotics have been suggested as a potential treatment
      for eczema. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether dietary supplementation of infants
      with eczema at age 3-6 months with Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-2116 or
      Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-3446 had a treatment effect or altered allergic
      disease progression. METHODS: Primary outcome included eczema severity (SCORing
      Atopic Dermatitis, SCORAD) 3 months post-randomization. Secondary: SCORAD (other
      visits); infant dermatitis quality of life (IDQoL); gastrointestinal
      permeability; urinary eosinophilic protein X; allergen-sensitization; allergic
      symptoms (age 12, 18, 36 months). A total of 208 infants aged 3-6 months with
      physician-diagnosed eczema were recruited; 137/208 (SCORAD >= 10, consuming >=
      200 mL standard formula/day) were randomized to daily supplements containing L.
      paracasei or B. lactis or placebo for a 3-month period, while receiving
      extensively hydrolysed whey-formula (dairy-free diet). There were two open
      observational groups, one group exclusively breastfed (n = 22) and the other,
      standard formula-fed (n = 49). TRIAL NUMBER: ISRCTN41490500. RESULTS: Eczema
      severity decreased significantly over time in all groups. No significant
      difference was observed between randomized groups after 12-week treatment-period
      (SCORAD-score pre-/post-intervention: B. lactis 25.9 [95% CI: 22.8-29.2] to 12.8
      [9.4-16.6]; L. paracasei 25.4 [22.1-29] to 12.5 [9.2-16.4]; placebo 26.9 [23.4
      30.6] to 11.8 [9.6-14.3]; P = 0.7). Results were similar when analysis was
      controlled for allergen-sensitization, or when only sensitized infants were
      analysed. No differences were found for secondary outcomes. No difference was
      observed in SCORAD-score between randomized and observational groups. CONCLUSION
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We found no benefit from supplementation with B. lactis
      or L. paracasei in the treatment of eczema, when given as an adjunct to basic
      topical treatment, and no effect on the progression of allergic disease from age
      1 to 3 years.

PMID- 22092693
TI  - Non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth: meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth (NSMST) is a condition
      with a very low prevalence and which is opportunely described in the literature
      by case reports or group of cases. This represents a problem when it comes to
      describing and discussing the characteristics of this disorder. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, and
      Scopus databases to locate and identify cases and series of cases about articles
      on multiple supernumerary teeth not associated with syndromes that have been
      reported so far. The following data were recorded: age, gender, total number of
      supernumerary teeth, number of teeth in both the maxilla and mandible,
      respectively, and number of teeth in each dental series (incisor, canine
      premolar, and molar). Bilaterality in dental series and its localization in
      either maxilla or mandible were also determined. RESULTS: A total of 46 cases
      including patients of both genders with a mean age of 19 years (SD = 6.826) and a
      ratio of 2.14:1 were identified. A total of 393 supernumeraries were reported;
      43.26% (n = 170) were located in the maxilla and 56.74% (n = 223) in the
      mandible. No significant differences were found between genders with respect to
      the total number, involvement of the dental series, or distribution of
      supernumerary teeth in each of the arches. CONCLUSION: Although NSMST is a
      condition that has a higher incidence in the male gender, no differences have
      been found as to their number and localization in both genders. Bilaterality
      seems to be a common characteristic of this disorder.

PMID- 22092694
TI  - Micro-marsupialization as an alternative treatment for mucocele in pediatric
      dentistry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucocele is a common oral lesion in children and adolescents.
      Different techniques have been described for the treatment; however, all of them
      are invasive. AIM: This work studied the efficacy of micro-marsupialization for
      the treatment for mucoceles in paediatric patients. DESIGN: A retrospective
      review was performed using the clinical records of patients aged between 0 and 18
      years with a clinical diagnosis of mucocele. The following data were obtained:
      age, gender, location and size of the lesion, duration of mucocele development,
      and type of treatment and its results. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was
      11.1 +/- 3.95 years. Mucoceles were found in the lower lip (83.7%), buccal mucosa
      (11.6%), and tongue (4.7%). From the overall cohort of 86 cases, 33 were treated
      by micro-marsupialization, of which five developed a recurrence that required
      surgical excision. The other 53 cases were treated by surgical excision, and
      three of these had recurrent disease. No statistically significant difference was
      found between the treatment methods. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-marsupialization can be
      used to treat mucoceles in paediatric dentistry. It is simpler to perform,
      minimally invasive, requires no local infiltration of anaesthesia, has a lower
      postoperative complications rate, and is well-tolerated by patients.

PMID- 22092695
TI  - Vertical bone augmentation with 3D-synthetic monetite blocks in the rabbit
      calvaria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Long-term success of osteointegrated dental implants requires
      sufficient volume of healthy bone at the recipient sites. However, this is
      frequently lacking as a result of trauma, tooth loss, or infection. Onlay
      autografting is amongst the most predictable techniques for craniofacial vertical
      bone augmentation, however, complications related to donor site morbidity are
      common and alternatives to onlay autografts are desirable. AIM: To develop and
      evaluate a new synthetic onlay block for vertical bone augmentation. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Sixteen synthetic monetite monolithic discs-shaped blocks were prepared
      using a 3D-printing technique. The blocks were computer-designed, and had a
      diameter of 9.0 mm, a thickness of either 4.0 mm (n = 8) or 3.0 mm (n = 8) and
      one 0.5-mm wide central hole that enabled their surgical fixation with
      osteosynthesis screws. The blocks were randomly allocated to each side of the
      calvaria (right or left) of eight New Zealand rabbits and fixed with screws to
      achieve vertical bone augmentation. Eight weeks after the surgical intervention,
      the animals were sacrificed and the calvaria were retrieved for histological
      analysis. The following parameters were analysed: the interaction between the
      graft and the original bone surface, the amount of bone ingrowth within the graft
      and the gain in bone height achieved by the procedure. Wilcoxon t-test was used
      to evaluate significant differences between the two types of monetite bone block
      grafts. RESULTS: The blocks were easy to handle and no damage or fracture was
      registered while being screw-fixated to the calvarial bone. As a result, the
      surgical procedure was easy and quick. After a healing of 8 weeks, the synthetic
      blocks were strongly fused to the calvarial bone surface. Upon histological
      observation, the monetite blocks appeared to be infiltrated by newly formed bone,
      without histological signs of necrosis, osteolysis or foreign body reaction.
      Histomorphometry revealed that bone augmentation occurred within and over the
      monetite block. The 4.0- and 3.0-mm high blocks were filled with newly formed
      bone with 35% and 41% of their respective volumes. These observations indicated
      that craniofacial bone augmentations of at least 4 mm could be achieved with
      synthetic monetite blocks. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of our study, this novel
      material may be able to eliminate the need for autologous bone transplantation
      for the augmentation of large vertical bone defects.

PMID- 22092696
TI  - Morphological and molecular characterization of Hematodinium perezi (Dinophyceae:
      Syndiniales), a dinoflagellate parasite of the harbour crab, Liocarcinus
      depurator.
AB  - Hematodinium perezi Chatton and Poisson 1931 (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales) is
      reported from one of its type hosts, Liocarcinus depurator, from Rye Bay in the
      English Channel, a site in a similar geographical location to that of the type
      description. The histology and ultrastructure of vegetative trophont stages, and
      rDNA sequences of the parasite infecting this host are reported for the first
      time. Ultrastructurally, H. perezi was confirmed by the presence of condensed
      chromatin profiles, trichocysts, an alveolar membrane, and micropores. The
      pathology of H. perezi was similar to other Hematodinium descriptions with large
      numbers of parasites present within the haemolymph and host tissues. No host
      responses against the parasite were observed. Molecular analysis of the ITS rRNA
      regions from H. perezi infecting L. depurator suggests that Callinectes sapidus
      from the United States, and Portunus trituberculatus and Scylla serrata from
      China are infected with different genotypes of H. perezi. The morphological and
      molecular characterization of H. perezi in one of the type hosts from Europe will
      allow for a better understanding of the phylogeny of these pathogens of
      commercially important Crustacea.

PMID- 22092697
TI  - Criteria for diagnosing pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus by reflectance
      confocal microscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is an autoimmune, bullous disease affecting the skin and
      mucous membranes. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether pemphigus vulgaris
      (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF), may be diagnosed using reflectance confocal
      microscopy (RCM). METHODS: Thirty patients (18 with PV and 12 with PF) were
      included into the study. In total, 36 PV lesions and 29 PF lesions were examined.
      Healthy-appearing skin adjacent to skin lesions and not adjacent to skin lesions
      was also investigated. RESULTS: Intraepidermal clefts (bullae) with acantholytic
      cells were observed in 47% of PV lesions and 59% of PF lesions. Multiple dilated
      blood vessels in the upper dermis were observed using RCM in 61% of PV lesions
      and in 86% of PF lesions. RCM features of pemphigus also included presence of
      inflammatory infiltrates, loss of typical honeycomb pattern of the epidermis, and
      detachment of the outer root sheath in hair follicles. In 20-64% of cases, RCM
      features, which are characteristic for PV and PF lesions were also observed in
      the proximity of these lesions within the healthy-appearing skin. Following
      criteria for RCM diagnosis of pemphigus were developed: (i) acantholytic clefts
      in RCM of a lesion, (ii) acantholytic clefts in RCM of healthy-appearing skin
      adjacent to a lesion, (iii) multiple-dilated blood vessels in RCM of a lesion.
      Fulfillment of two of these three criteria is sufficient to establish a RCM
      diagnosis of pemphigus. These criteria do not differentiate between PV and PF.
      CONCLUSIONS: RCM is useful for rapid, non-invasive, in-office differential
      diagnosis of pemphigus. RCM does not replace immunologic and histopathologic
      examinations, which remain the gold standard for establishing the final diagnosis
      of PV and PF.

PMID- 22092698
TI  - Hidradenitis suppurativa: surgical and other management techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, painful,
      debilitating, and emotionally distressing disease. OBJECTIVE: This article aims
      to provide a comprehensive review of HS, with a focus on surgical and procedural
      therapies for this devastating disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By searching
      PubMed using the keyword "hidradenitis suppurativa," this author identified 718
      articles on this disease, among which surgical and other procedural treatments
      for HS represent the most common topic. This literature was reviewed. RESULTS:
      Management of this devastating disease comprises medical, surgical, and other
      procedural therapies. Medical management can be successful in controlling mild
      diseases, but recurrences are frequent. Surgery is considered the only curative
      therapy for HS. CONCLUSION: More randomized controlled trials are needed to
      clarify the relative efficacy of various treatment modalities; however, surgical
      and procedural treatments can be more successful than medical treatments,
      especially for patients with severe diseases.

PMID- 22092699
TI  - Effects of skin pressure from compression legwear on resting salivary cortisol
      and urinary catecholamines excretion in women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefits of compression legwear (CL) have been demonstrated in
      the improvement of vascular function and venous return of the lower extremities,
      but their effect on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activities and human stress
      response remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible effects of
      CLs on ANS activities and in inducing stress on the human body. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Resting salivary cortisol and urinary catecholamine (adrenaline and
      noradrenaline) excretions were examined in 12 healthy women. The effects of
      different skin pressure levels exerted by CL were studied by conducting a 4-hour
      prolonged standing and sitting wear trial with intermittent sampling of the
      aforementioned biochemical parameters. RESULTS: No statistically significant
      differences in resting salivary cortisol and urinary catecholamines were found
      between control and different clothing pressure conditions (light, mild,
      moderate, and strong), although the secretion of salivary cortisol (SSC) showed a
      significant decrease during the 180 minutes of the testing period that was
      maintained up to 10 minutes after the CL was removed for the studied pressure
      conditions. Urinary excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline decreased with
      increasing pressure levels and was lower in response to higher clothing pressure
      when tested in the afternoon. CONCLUSION: Constant pressure exerted by CL did not
      cause any stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. The prolonged wearing of
      CL while standing or sitting did not induce any stress on the human body,
      suggesting that CL can be safely used in the treatment of patients with venous
      disorders of the lower extremities.

PMID- 22092700
TI  - Mobilizable narrow host range plasmids as natural suicide vectors enabling
      horizontal gene transfer among distantly related bacterial species.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae 287-w carries three small narrow host range (NHR) plasmids
      (pIGMS31, pIGMS32, and pIGRK), which could be maintained in several closely
      related species of Gammaproteobacteria, but not in Alphaproteobacteria. The
      plasmids contain different mobilization systems (MOB), whose activity in
      Escherichia coli was demonstrated in the presence of the helper transfer system
      originating from plasmid RK2. The MOBs of pIGMS31 and pIGMS32 are highly
      conserved in many bacterial plasmids (members of the MOB family), while the
      predicted MOB of pIGRK has a unique structure, encoding a protein similar to
      phage-related integrases. The MOBs of pIGMS31 and pIGMS32 enabled the transfer of
      heterologous replicons from E. coli into both gammaproteobacterial and
      alphaproteobacterial hosts, which suggests that these NHR plasmids contain broad
      host range MOB systems. Such plasmids therefore represent efficient carrier
      molecules, which may act as natural suicide vectors promoting the spread of
      diverse genetic information (including other types of mobile elements, e.g.
      resistance transposons) among evolutionarily distinct bacterial species. Thus,
      mobilizable NHR plasmids may play a much more important role in horizontal gene
      transfer than previously thought.

PMID- 22092701
TI  - Assimilatory nitrate utilization by bacteria on the West Florida Shelf as
      determined by stable isotope probing and functional microarray analysis.
AB  - Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) uptake by marine heterotrophic bacteria has
      important implications for the global nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycles.
      Bacterial nitrate utilization is more prevalent in the marine environment than
      traditionally thought, but the taxonomic identity of bacteria that utilize
      nitrate is difficult to determine using traditional methodologies. (15) N-based
      DNA stable isotope probing was applied to document direct use of nitrate by
      heterotrophic bacteria on the West Florida Shelf. Seawater was incubated in the
      presence of 2 MUM (15) N ammonium or (15) N nitrate. DNA was extracted,
      fractionated via CsCl ultracentrifugation, and each fraction was analyzed by
      terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) analysis. TRFs that
      exhibited density shifts when compared to controls that had not received (15) N
      amendments were identified by comparison with 16S rRNA gene sequence libraries.
      Relevant marine proteobacterial lineages, notably Thalassobacter and
      Alteromonadales, displayed evidence of (15) N incorporation. RT-PCR and
      functional gene microarray analysis could not demonstrate the expression of the
      assimilatory nitrate reductase gene, nasA, but mRNA for dissimilatory pathways,
      i.e. nirS, nirK, narG, nosZ, napA, and nrfA was detected. These data directly
      implicate several bacterial populations in nitrate uptake, but suggest a more
      complex pattern for N flow than traditionally implied.

PMID- 22092702
TI  - High frequency of glucose-utilizing mutants in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
AB  - Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 has conventionally been considered unable to use
      glucose as a carbon substrate for growth. The genome sequence of S. oneidensis MR
      1 however suggests the ability to use glucose. Here, we demonstrate that during
      initial glucose exposure, S. oneidensis MR-1 quickly and frequently gains the
      ability to utilize glucose as a sole carbon source, in contrast to wild-type S.
      oneidensis, which cannot immediately use glucose as a sole carbon substrate. High
      performance liquid chromatography and (14)C glucose tracer studies confirm the
      disappearance in cultures and assimilation and respiration, respectively, of
      glucose. The relatively short time frame with which S. oneidensis MR-1 gained the
      ability to use glucose raises interesting ecological implications.

PMID- 22092703
TI  - Evidence for an exercise induced increase of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in marathon
      runners.
AB  - Regular physical activity of moderate intensity improves cardiovascular risk
      factors including low-grade inflammation. However, acute vigorous exercise such
      as marathon running results in marked increases of circulating pro-inflammatory
      markers. Up to now, the origin of this pro-inflammatory boost is still debated
      equivocally. We analyzed the change of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and leptin from pre- to immediately post-race in 15
      male runners (age 43 +/- 10.9 years and body mass index 24.5 +/- 2.7 kg/m(2) )
      both on the protein level in the plasma and on the messenger ribonucleic acid
      (mRNA) level in blood mononuclear cells (BMNC). We observed a significant
      increase of IL-6 (prerace 2.08 +/- 0.10 ng/L and postrace 40.14 +/- 24.85 ng/L, P
      < 0.001) and TNF-alpha (prerace 8.14 +/- 1.38 ng/L and postrace 12.40 +/- 3.15
      ng/L, P < 0.001) and a decrease of leptin (prerace 1.64 +/- 2.64 MUg/L and
      postrace 0.80 +/- 1.70 MUg/L, P = 0.04) serum levels after the marathon race.
      Furthermore, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and leptin were expressed (mRNA level) in BMNC.
      However no significant differences in mRNA levels were seen before and after the
      run in these cells. We found an up-regulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the plasma
      during vigorous exercise. This increase is not attributable to BMNC. We assume a
      local production in, or release from, exercised tissues.

PMID- 22092704
TI  - Reference intervals for Greyhounds and Lurchers using the Sysmex XT-2000iV
      hematology analyzer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need for breed-specific reference intervals (RIs) for Greyhounds
      has been identified. As Lurchers are a sighthound cross-breed, specific RIs may
      also be needed for these dogs. Hematologic RIs for Greyhounds and Lurchers using
      the Sysmex XT-2000iV hematology analyzer have not been established. OBJECTIVES:
      The aims of this study were to establish RIs for Greyhounds using the Sysmex XT
      2000iV, to investigate whether RIs for Greyhound and nonsighthound dogs could be
      transferred to Lurchers, and to establish new RIs for Lurchers if transference
      was not possible. METHODS: Data were retrieved retrospectively from a database of
      blood donor dogs. Greyhound RIs were established using nonparametric methods
      based on a reference population of 179 dogs. For the RI transference study, 38
      Lurchers were selected, following guidelines proposed by the Clinical and
      Laboratory Standards Institute. When transference was not appropriate, new RIs
      were generated using the robust method. RESULTS: Greyhound RIs for the Sysmex
      hematology analyzer reflected known differences in this breed with a tendency
      toward higher RBC mass and lower WBC and platelet counts. RIs for hemoglobin
      concentration, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte,
      and platelet counts for Greyhounds were suitable for transference to Lurchers.
      For RBC and eosinophil counts, new RIs were established. CONCLUSION: Our study
      suggests that Lurchers share many hematologic characteristics with Greyhounds,
      but had higher reference limits for RBC and eosinophil counts.

PMID- 22092705
TI  - Analysis of the influence of residual alveolar bone height on sinus augmentation
      outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Maxillary sinus augmentation is a predictable implant site
      development technique for posterior atrophic maxillary ridges. However, graft
      consolidation requires adequate angiogenesis and migration of osteogenic cells
      from native bone. Therefore, the amount of residual bone height (RBH) may play a
      role in the rate of graft maturation. The purpose of this study was to analyze
      the influence of RBH in the histomorphometric outcomes of maxillary sinus
      augmentation procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients in need of sinus
      augmentation were recruited for the study. Customized radiographic guides were
      fabricated and a cone-beam computerized tomography scan was obtained at baseline.
      Two examiners measured RBH on the scans at the locations marked by the
      radiographic guide. Sinus grafting was performed by a lateral window approach
      using a particulated mineralized allograft. Patients were followed up for 6
      months. At the time of implant placement, bone core biopsies were harvested using
      the radiographic guide, which was converted into a surgical guide. Samples were
      histomorphometrically analyzed. Proportion of vital bone (%VB), remaining
      allograft particles (%RA), and non-mineralized tissue (%NMT) were quantified.
      Categorical analysis of correlation of RBH (<4 or >=4 mm) with%VB and%RA was
      performed using a statistical model. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent sinus
      augmentation for a total of 21 sinuses. One patient developed an infection after
      grafting and was excluded. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that mean%VB was
      20.47 +/- 18.25, mean %RA was 29.04 +/- 24.94, and average %NMT was 50.47 +/-
      12.76. No significant correlation between RBH and %VB (r = 0.016; P = 0.951), and
      RBH and % (r = 0.009; P = 0.971) was found. Similarly, categorical analysis of
      correlation showed no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: These findings
      suggest that the remaining alveolar bone height does not appear to influence the
      maturation and consolidation of an allograft in the maxillary sinus.

PMID- 22092706
TI  - Abiotic heterogeneity drives parasite local adaptation in coevolving bacteria and
      phages.
AB  - Spatial abiotic heterogeneity can result in divergent selection, hence might
      increase the magnitude of host-parasite local adaptation (the mean difference in
      fitness of sympatric vs. allopatric host-parasite combinations). We explicitly
      tested this hypothesis by measuring local adaptation in experimentally coevolved
      populations of bacteria and viruses evolved in the same or different nutrient
      media. Consistent with previous work, we found that mean levels of evolved phage
      infectivity and bacteria resistance varied with nutrient concentration, with
      maximal levels at nutrient concentrations that supported the greatest densities
      of bacteria. Despite this variation in evolved mean infectivity and resistance
      between treatments, we found that parasite local adaptation was greatly increased
      when measured between populations evolved in different, compared with the same,
      media. This pattern is likely to have resulted from different media imposing
      divergent selection on bacterial hosts, and phages in turn adapting to their
      local hosts. These results demonstrate that the abiotic environment can play a
      strong and predictable role in driving patterns of local adaptation.

PMID- 22092707
TI  - Seasonal patterns in the sunlight sensitivity of bacterioplankton from
      Mediterranean surface coastal waters.
AB  - The sensitivity of coastal marine bacterioplankton to natural photosynthetically
      active radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm) and ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280-400 nm)
      was evaluated in five experiments over a seasonal cycle in the Blanes Bay, NW
      Mediterranean Sea. Exposure to natural solar radiation generally inhibited bulk
      bacterial activities or damaged membrane integrity when irradiances were high
      (i.e. spring and summer experiments) and, in general, UVB (280-320 nm) accounted
      for most of the inhibition. When assessing activity ((3) H-leucine uptake) at the
      single-cell level by microautoradiography and rRNA gene probing, seasonally
      varying responses and sensitivities were found among bacterial groups. While
      autumn and winter irradiances seemed too low to cause changes in activity,
      variable effects were found in spring and summer. SAR11 was consistently
      inhibited by UVR and PAR exposure, whereas Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes
      showed higher resistance. Roseobacter, Synechococcus and the NOR5 clade were
      occasionally photostimulated in their activity, mainly because of PAR. Our
      results indicate that a component of seasonality exists in the bacterial
      responses to solar radiation, which vary not only depending on the irradiance and
      the spectral characteristics, but also on the previous light history and the
      taxonomic composition of the community.

PMID- 22092708
TI  - The copper responding surfaceome of Methylococccus capsulatus Bath.
AB  - Proteins on the cellular surface of a bacterium, its surfaceome, are part of the
      interface between the bacterium and its environment, and are essential for the
      cells response to its habitat. Methylococcus capsulatus Bath is one of the most
      extensively studied methane-oxidizers and is considered as a model-methanotroph.
      The composition of proteins of the surfaceome of M. capsulatus Bath varies with
      the availability of copper and changes significantly upon only minor changes of
      copper concentration in the sub-MUM concentration range. Proteins that respond to
      the changes in copper availability include the assumed copper acquisition protein
      MopE, c-type heme proteins (SACCP, cytochrome c(553o) proteins) and several
      proteins of unknown function. The most intriguing observation is that multi-heme
      c-type cytochromes are major constituents of the M. capsulatus Bath surfaceome.
      This is not commonly observed in bacteria, but is a feature shared with the
      dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria. Their presence on the M. capsulatus Bath
      cellular surface may be linked to the cells ability to efficiently adapt to
      changing growth conditions and environmental challenges. However, their possible
      role(s) in methane oxidation, nitrogen metabolism, copper acquisition, redox
      reactions and/or electron transport remain(s) at present an open question. This
      review will discuss the possible significance of these findings.

PMID- 22092709
TI  - The chemotaxis-like Che1 pathway has an indirect role in adhesive cell properties
      of Azospirillum brasilense.
AB  - The Azospirillum brasilense chemotaxis-like Che1 signal transduction pathway was
      recently shown to modulate changes in adhesive cell surface properties that, in
      turn, affect cell-to-cell aggregation and flocculation behaviors rather than
      flagellar-mediated chemotaxis. Attachment to surfaces and root colonization may
      be functions related to flocculation. Here, the conditions under which A.
      brasilense wild-type Sp7 and che1 mutant strains attach to abiotic and biotic
      surfaces were examined using in vitro attachment and biofilm assays combined with
      atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy. The nitrogen source available
      for growth is found to be a major modulator of surface attachment by A.
      brasilense and could be promoted in vitro by lectins, suggesting that it depends
      on interaction with surface-exposed residues within the extracellular matrix of
      cells. However, Che1-dependent signaling is shown to contribute indirectly to
      surface attachment, indicating that distinct mechanisms are likely underlying
      flocculation and attachment to surfaces in A. brasilense.

PMID- 22092710
TI  - The rhamnolipid stress response of Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Rhamnolipids are biosurfactants produced by the soil bacterium P seudomonas
      aeruginosa. In addition to their high industrial potential as surface-active
      molecules, rhamnolipids also have antimicrobial properties. In densely populated
      habitats, such as the soil, production of antimicrobial compounds is important to
      inhibit growth of competitors. For the latter, it is crucial for survival to
      sense and respond to the presence of those antibiotics. To gain a first insight
      into the biological competition involving biosurfactants, we investigated the
      cellular response of the model organism B acillus subtilis upon exposure to
      rhamnolipids by genome-wide transcriptional profiling. Most of the differentially
      expressed genes can be assigned to two different regulatory networks: the cell
      envelope stress response mediated by the two-component system LiaRS and the
      extracytoplasmic function sigma factor sigma(M) and the CssRS-dependent secretion
      stress response. Subsequent phenotypic analysis demonstrated a protective
      function of LiaRS and sigma(M) against cell lysis caused by rhamnolipids. Taken
      together, we present the first evidence that a single antimicrobial compound can
      simultaneously induce genes from two independent stress stimulons.

PMID- 22092711
TI  - Ploidy in cyanobacteria.
AB  - A recently developed real-time PCR method for the determination of genome copy
      numbers was optimized for the application to cyanobacteria. Three species were
      chosen to represent a fresh water species, a salt water species, and two strains
      of a widely used laboratory species. Synechococcus PCC 7942 and Synechococcus
      WH7803 were found to contain 3-4 genome copies per cell and are thus oligoploid,
      confirming earlier publications. In contrast, Synechocystis PCC 6803 is highly
      polyploid. The motile wild-type strain contains 218 genome copies in exponential
      phase and 58 genome copies in linear and in stationary growth phase. The GT wild
      type strain contains 142 genome copies in exponential phase and 42 genome copies
      in linear and stationary growth phase. These are the highest numbers found for
      any cyanobacterial species. Notably these values are much higher than the value
      of 12 genome copies published for the 'Kazusa' strain more than 20 years ago. The
      results reveal that for Synechocystis PCC 6803 strain differences exist and that
      the ploidy level is highly growth phase-regulated. A compilation of the ploidy
      levels of all investigated cyanobacterial species gives an overview of the genome
      copy number distribution and shows that monoploid, oligoploid, and polyploid
      cyanobacteria exist.

PMID- 22092712
TI  - Subcellular localization of N-deoxyribosyltransferase in Lactobacillus fermentum:
      cell surface association of an intracellular nucleotide metabolic enzyme.
AB  - N-deoxyribosyltransferases are essential enzymes in the nucleotide salvage
      pathway of lactobacilli. They catalyze the exchange between the purine or
      pyrimidine bases of 2'-deoxyribonucleosides and free pyrimidine or purine bases.
      In general, N-deoxyribosyltransferases are referred to as cytoplasmic enzymes,
      although there is no experimental evidence for this subcellular localization. In
      this work, the subcellular localization of N-deoxyribosyltransferase II (NTD)
      from Lactobacillus fermentum was examined by subcellular fractionation,
      transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Our results
      indicate that L. fermentum NTD are distributed not only in the cytoplasm but also
      on the cell wall surface, and further studies showed that surface-attached NTD
      can be released into the culture broth and conventional buffers.

PMID- 22092713
TI  - Quantitative proteomics of Chlorobaculum tepidum: insights into the sulfur
      metabolism of a phototrophic green sulfur bacterium.
AB  - Chlorobaculum (Cba.) tepidum is a green sulfur bacterium that oxidizes sulfide,
      elemental sulfur, and thiosulfate for photosynthetic growth. To gain insight into
      the sulfur metabolism, the proteome of Cba. tepidum cells sampled under different
      growth conditions has been quantified using a rapid gel-free, filter-aided sample
      preparation (FASP) protocol with an in-solution isotopic labeling strategy. Among
      the 2245 proteins predicted from the Cba. tepidum genome, approximately 970
      proteins were detected in unlabeled samples, whereas approximately 630-640
      proteins were detected in labeled samples comparing two different growth
      conditions. Wild-type cells growing on thiosulfate had an increased abundance of
      periplasmic cytochrome c-555 and proteins of the periplasmic thiosulfate
      oxidizing SOX enzyme system when compared with cells growing on sulfide. A dsrM
      mutant of Cba. tepidum, which lacks the dissimilatory sulfite reductase DsrM
      protein and therefore is unable to oxidize sulfur globules to sulfite, was also
      investigated. When compared with wild type, the dsrM cells exhibited an increased
      abundance of DSR enzymes involved in the initial steps of sulfur globule
      oxidation (DsrABCL) and a decreased abundance of enzymes putatively involved in
      sulfite oxidation (Sat-AprAB-QmoABC). The results show that Cba. tepidum
      regulates the cellular levels of enzymes involved in sulfur metabolism and other
      electron-transferring processes in response to the availability of reduced sulfur
      compounds.

PMID- 22092714
TI  - High-resolution melting for analysis of short sequence repeats in Mycobacterium
      avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
AB  - Analysis of micro- and minisatellite loci is widely used in sub-typing of
      Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Microsatellite (short sequence
      repeat, SSR) loci have shown highest discriminatory power, but direct sequencing
      of amplicons is required for correct assignment of the repeat number. We
      developed an alternative method to sequencing, focusing on the SSR8 locus
      (constituted by GGT triplets from three to six repeats). The approach is based on
      asymmetric quantitative PCR, followed by high-resolution melting analysis with
      unlabelled probes (UP-HRM). Data showed perfect concordance between direct
      sequencing and UP-HRM, which is faster, simpler and more cost effective.

PMID- 22092715
TI  - Helicobacter pylori CagA-mediated IL-8 induction in gastric epithelial cells is
      cholesterol-dependent and requires the C-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation
      containing domain.
AB  - Upon infection of the gastric epithelial cells, the Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin
      associated gene A (CagA) virulence protein is injected into the epithelial cells
      via the type IV secretion system (TFSS), which is dependent on cholesterol.
      Translocated CagA is targeted by the membrane-recruited c-Src family kinases in
      which a tyrosine residue in the Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala (EPIYA)-repeat region, which
      can be phosphorylated, induces cellular responses, including interleukin-8 (IL-8)
      secretion and hummingbird phenotype formation. In this study, we explored the
      role of EPIYA-containing C-terminal domain (CTD) in CagA tethering to the
      membrane lipid rafts and in IL-8 activity. We found that disruption of the lipid
      rafts reduced the level of CagA translocation/phosphorylation as well as CagA
      mediated IL-8 secretion. By CagA truncated mutagenesis, we identified that the
      CTD, rather than the N-terminal domain, was responsible for CagA tethering to the
      plasma membrane and association with detergent-resistant membranes, leading to
      CagA-induced IL-8 promoter activity. Our results suggest that CagA CTD-containing
      EPIYAs directly interact with cholesterol-rich microdomains that induce efficient
      IL-8 secretion in the epithelial cells.

PMID- 22092716
TI  - Streptococcus sanguinis induces foam cell formation and cell death of macrophages
      in association with production of reactive oxygen species.
AB  - Streptococcus sanguinis, a normal inhabitant of the human oral cavity, is a
      common streptococcal species implicated in infective endocarditis. Herein, we
      investigated the effects of infection with S. sanguinis on foam cell formation
      and cell death of macrophages. Infection with S. sanguinis stimulated foam cell
      formation of THP-1, a human macrophage cell line. At a multiplicity of infection
      >100, S. sanguinis-induced cell death of the macrophages. Viable bacterial
      infection was required to trigger cell death because heat-inactivated S.
      sanguinis did not induce cell death. The production of cytokines interleukin
      1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from macrophages was also stimulated during
      bacterial infection. Inhibition of the production of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) resulted in reduced cell death, suggesting an association of ROS with cell
      death. Furthermore, S. sanguinis-induced cell death appeared to be independent of
      activation of inflammasomes, because cleavage of procaspase-1 was not evident in
      infected macrophages.

PMID- 22092717
TI  - Listeria monocytogenes adapts to long-term stationary phase survival without
      compromising bacterial virulence.
AB  - Bacteria withstand starvation during long-term stationary phase through the
      acquisition of mutations that increase bacterial fitness. The evolution of the
      growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP) phenotype results in the ability of
      bacteria from an aged culture to outcompete bacteria from a younger culture when
      the two are mixed together. The GASP phenotype was first described for
      Escherichia coli, but has not been examined for an environmental bacterial
      pathogen, which must balance long-term survival strategies that promote fitness
      in the outside environment with those that promote fitness within the host.
      Listeria monocytogenes is an environmental bacterium that lives as a saprophyte
      in soil, but is capable of replicating within the cytosol of mammalian cells.
      Herein, we demonstrate the ability of L. monocytogenes to express GASP via the
      acquisition of mutations during long-term stationary growth. Listeria
      monocytogenes GASP occurred through mechanisms that were both dependent and
      independent of the stress-responsive alternative sigma factor SigB. Constitutive
      activation of the central virulence transcriptional regulator PrfA interfered
      with the development of GASP; however, L. monocytogenes GASP cultures retained
      full virulence in mice. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes can accrue
      mutations that optimize fitness during long-term stationary growth without
      negatively impacting virulence.

PMID- 22092718
TI  - Effect of interactions between Mip and PrtA on the full extracellular protease
      activity of Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris.
AB  - Mip (macrophage infectivity potentiator) and Mip-like proteins have been
      demonstrated to be involved in virulence of several animal pathogens, but as yet
      none of their native bacterial targets has been identified. Our previous work
      demonstrated that the Mip-like protein found in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas
      campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) (hereafter called Mip(Xcc)) is also involved in
      virulence. Inactivation of the mip(Xcc) gene leads to a significant reduction in
      exopolysaccharide production and extracellular protease activity via an unknown
      mechanism. The Xcc genome encodes six extracellular proteases, all of which are
      secreted via the type II secretion system. The serine protease PrtA makes the
      largest contribution to Xcc's total extracellular proteolytic activity. In this
      study, Western blotting analysis demonstrated that Mip(Xcc) was located in the
      periplasm. Bacterial two-hybrid and far-Western analysis indicated that Mip(Xcc)
      interacted with PrtA directly. Purified Mip(Xcc) was found to be able to rescue
      the protease activity of periplasmic proteins extracted from the mip(Xcc) mutant.
      These findings show that Mip(Xcc) plays a role in the maturation of PrtA, which
      is the novel native target for at least one Mip or Mip-like protein.

PMID- 22092719
TI  - Effect of substrate type on bacterial community composition in biofilms from the
      Great Barrier Reef.
AB  - Natural and anthropogenic impacts such as terrestrial runoff, influence the water
      quality along the coast of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and may in turn affect
      coral reef communities. Associated bacterial biofilms respond rapidly to
      environmental conditions and are potential bioindicators for changes in water
      quality. As a prerequisite to study the effects of water quality on biofilm
      communities, appropriate biofilm substrates for deployment in the field must be
      developed and evaluated. This study investigates the effect of different
      settlement substrates (i.e. glass slides, ceramic tiles, coral skeletons and reef
      sediments) on bacterial biofilm communities grown in situ for 48 days at two
      locations in the Whitsunday Island Group (Central GBR) during two sampling times.
      Bacterial communities associated with the biofilms were analysed using terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and clone library analyses of
      16S rRNA genes. Findings revealed that substrate type had little influence on
      bacterial community composition. Of particular relevance, glass slides and coral
      skeletons exhibited very similar communities during both sampling times,
      suggesting the suitability of standardized glass slides for long-term biofilm
      indicator studies in tropical coral reef ecosystems.

PMID- 22092720
TI  - Isolation of the fenoxaprop-ethyl (FE)-degrading bacterium Rhodococcus sp. T1,
      and cloning of FE hydrolase gene feh.
AB  - An enrichment culture which completely degraded fenoxaprop-ethyl (FE) was
      acquired by using FE as sole carbon source. An efficient FE-degrading strain T1
      was isolated from the enrichment culture and identified as Rhodococcus sp. Strain
      T1 could degrade 94% of 100 mg L(-1) FE within 24 h and the metabolite fenoxaprop
      acid (FA) was identified by HPLC/MS analysis. This strain converted FE by
      cleavage of the ester bond, but could not further degrade FA. Strain T1 could
      also efficiently degrade haloxyfop-R-methyl, quizalofop-p-ethyl, cyhalofop-butyl
      and clodinafop-propargyl. FE hydrolase capable of hydrolysing FE to FA was found
      in the cell-free extract of strain T1 by zymogram analysis. A novel gene feh
      encoding FE hydrolase was cloned by shotgun library construction and successfully
      expressed in Escherichia coli.

PMID- 22092721
TI  - A neuro-endocrine-immune symphony.
AB  - The inflammatory response provides a powerful means for the body to fight an
      infection. The neuroendocrine system plays an important role in controlling the
      magnitude and duration of this response and maintaining homeostasis in the
      inflamed state. Glucocorticoids released following activation of the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal axis limit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules, whereas
      the neurohypophysial hormones vasopressin and oxytocin act both within the brain
      and in the periphery to maintain cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis and to
      limit the rise in body temperature.

PMID- 22092722
TI  - Assessment of melanocytic skin lesions with a high-definition laser Doppler
      imaging system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection is a major goal in the management of malignant
      melanoma. Besides clinical assessment many noninvasive technologies such as
      dermoscopy, digital dermoscopy and in vivo laser scanner microscopy are used as
      additional methods. Herein we tested a system to assess lesional perfusion as a
      tool for early melanoma detection. METHODS: Laser Doppler flow (FluxExplorer) and
      mole analyser (MA) score (FotoFinder) were applied to histologically verified
      melanocytic nevi (33) and malignant melanomas (12). RESULTS: Mean perfusion and
      MA scores were significantly increased in melanoma compared to nevi. However,
      applying an empirically determined threshold of 16% perfusion increase only 42%
      of the melanomas fulfilled the criterion of malignancy, whereas with the mole
      analyzer score 82% of the melanomas fulfilled the criterion of malignancy.
      CONCLUSION: Laser Doppler imaging is a highly sensitive technology to assess skin
      and skin tumor perfusion in vivo. Although mean perfusion is higher in melanomas
      compared to nevi the high numbers of false negative results hamper the use of
      this technology for early melanoma detection.

PMID- 22092723
TI  - An analysis of the decision-making process for single implant treatment in
      general practice.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the frequency of and factors associated with the decision to
      perform single implant treatment after tooth extraction by general practitioners
      in a private, fee-for-service setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred
      practitioners with a general dental practice in Ghent were randomly selected.
      Clinicians were asked to fill in a study form for every single extraction they
      performed during an 8-week period. The form related to the treatment decision and
      a number of patient- and clinician-related factors. RESULTS: Ninety-four general
      dentists (52 men, 42 women; mean age 49; range 24-68) agreed to participate and
      extracted 1180 single teeth. After exclusion of third molars and cases where the
      reason for tooth loss would generally prohibit replacement, 900 cases were
      identified. In 24% of these patients, there was no treatment decision and in 18%
      replacement was deemed unnecessary. When replacement was necessary (n = 526),
      removable partial denture (RPD), fixed partial denture (FPD), single implant
      treatment and resin-bonded bridge were chosen in 54%, 24%, 21% and 1% of the
      patients, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the
      decision-making process for single implant treatment against RPD and FPD. In
      relation to RPD, single implant treatment was more likely in highly educated
      patients with few missing teeth and no bone loss at adjacent teeth. In relation
      to FPD, single implant treatment was more likely in patients with intact adjacent
      teeth and when the tooth was extracted by a female dentist. Experience in implant
      prosthetics was positively associated with single implant treatment in all
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Single implant treatment is not the most common procedure
      in daily practice to restore a single tooth gap. Patient's education, oral
      factors and clinician-related factors may affect the decision-making process,
      whereas medical factors may not.

PMID- 22092724
TI  - Predictive value of ridge dimensions on autologous bone graft resorption in
      staged maxillary sinus augmentation surgery using Cone-Beam CT.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: No studies are available that provide predictive parameters
      regarding the expected amount of resorption after maxillary sinus augmentation
      surgery using autologous bone grafts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      determine parameters influencing the outcome of the bone graft resorption
      process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 20 patients, three-dimensional analysis of
      alveolar ridge dimensions and bone graft volume change in the atrophic posterior
      maxilla was performed by Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography imaging. Ridge
      dimensions were assessed before maxillary sinus augmentation surgery. Bone graft
      volumes were compared after maxillary sinus floor augmentation surgery and a
      graft healing interval of several months. To analyze the relation between bone
      volume changes with the independent variables, patients' gender, age, alveolar
      crest height and width, and graft healing time interval, a multi-level extension
      of linear regression was applied. RESULTS: A residual bone height of 6.0 mm (SD =
      3.6 mm) and 6.2 mm (SD = 3.6 mm) was found at the left and right sides,
      respectively. Moreover, alveolar bone widths of 6.5 mm (SD = 2.2 mm) and 7.0 mm
      (SD = 2.3 mm) at the premolars, and 8.8 mm (SD = 2.2 mm) and 8.9 mm (SD = 2.5 mm)
      at the molars regions were found at the left and right site, respectively. Bone
      graft volume decreased by 25.0% (SD = 21.0%) after 4.7 months (SD = 2.7, median =
      4.0 months) of healing time. The variables "age" (P = 0.009) and mean alveolar
      crest "bone height" (P = 0.043), showed a significant influence on bone graft
      resorption. A decrease of 1.0% (SE = 0.3%) of bone graft resorption was found for
      each year the patient grew older, and an increase in bone graft resorption of
      1.8% (SE = 0.8%) was found for each mm of original bone height before sinus floor
      augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Graft resorption occurs when using autologous bone
      grafts for maxillary sinus augmentation. Alveolar crest bone height and patient
      age have a significant effect on graft resorption, with increased resorption for
      higher alveolar crest bone height and decreased resorption for older patients.
      Consequently, patient characteristics that affect the process of bone graft
      resorption should be given full consideration, when performing sinus augmentation
      surgery.

PMID- 22092725
TI  - Quality of care for cardiovascular disease and diabetes amongst individuals with
      serious mental illness and those using antipsychotic medications.
AB  - Individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) experience excess mortality
      due to natural causes. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are twice as
      prevalent in SMI populations as in the general population, and this may be partly
      related to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and the use of antipsychotic
      medications. This review examined comparative studies of quality of care in SMI
      and non-SMI populations, and studies investigating cardio-metabolic screening in
      patients prescribed antipsychotics. We identified that individuals with SMI are
      around 30% less likely than those without SMI to receive hospital care for CVD
      and diabetes complications, to receive blood glucose, lipid, and other diabetes
      tests, to undergo invasive procedures, and to be prescribed medications known to
      be effective in the treatment of CVD and diabetes. In addition, less than 30% of
      individuals with SMI may receive examinations for weight, blood glucose, and
      lipids, before or during treatment with antipsychotics. Evidence from studies
      within the U.S.' Veteran Affairs health care system indicates that the
      integration of physical and mental health services may be beneficial in reducing
      disparities in health care for individuals with SMI. Clear policies, which
      identify practitioner responsibilities for cardio-metabolic screening in patients
      receiving antipsychotic therapy must be disseminated.

PMID- 22092726
TI  - Biological complications and peri-implant clinical and radiographic changes at
      immediately placed dental implants. A prospective 5-year cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinically and radiographically immediate implants 5
      years after insertion and to compare them with delayed-placed implants in the
      same subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients that needed
      at least two implants for replacing hopeless teeth, one immediately upon
      extraction and the other in a delayed fashion (at least 4 months post-extraction)
      were selected in this prospective cohort study. Post-extraction immediate
      implants (II) and delayed implants (DI) groups were defined. One and 5 years
      after implant loading, clinical and radiographical outcome variables were
      recorded and analysed both at site and at implant level. Intra-group and inter
      group comparisons were performed. RESULTS: The intergroup comparison did not show
      significant differences for plaque index, bleeding on probing and suppuration.
      These parameters worsen in both groups along the study. This trend was stronger
      for the plaque index in the group II, which increased from 15.6% at 1 year to
      25.9% at 5 years (P < 0.04). One year after loading, the sites with probing depth
      >=5 mm were higher for the group II compared to DI (2.5% vs. 0%; P = 0.049). At
      the end of the study, no significant statistical differences were found.
      Radiographically, bone crestal changes did not yield significant differences.
      During the follow-up period, 25% of the implants (26.4% in group II and 23.5% in
      DI) showed biological complications: mucositis (20%) and/or periimplantitis
      (5.8%). No differences between groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Within the same
      patients, the implants placed with the immediate protocol demonstrated a higher
      tendency to crestal bone loss and to peri-implantitis, although these differences
      were not statistically significant.

PMID- 22092727
TI  - Fractionated 1550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser for the treatment of periorbital
      hyperpigmentation.

PMID- 22092730
TI  - Continuous ultra-low-intensity artificial daylight is not as effective as red LED
      light in photodynamic therapy of multiple actinic keratoses.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a simple and
      tolerable treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. It is of interest which light
      intensity is sufficient to prevent accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and
      effectively treat actinic keratoses (AKs). We compared the efficacy of PDT with
      light-emitting diode (LED) to daylight-mediated PDT with very low-intensity
      artificial daylight ('daylight') in the treatment of multiple AKs in the face or
      scalp. METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with conventional methyl
      aminolevulinate (MAL) PDT in one area. Another area was, after half an hour of
      occlusive treatment with MAL, illuminated for 2.5 h with low-intensity 'daylight'
      (0.5 mW/cm(2) -3.7 mW/cm(2)) that corresponds to midday outdoor intensity in the
      Scandinavian winter. RESULTS: After 3 months, with a response rate of 52%, low
      dose artificial daylight was less effective than conventional LED-PDT (63%) (P =
      0.0017). The mean PpIX light dose during 'daylight' exposure was 2.23 J/cm(2) and
      the lower the PpIX light intensity, the higher the accumulation of PpIX (P =
      0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Even very low-intensity/dose artificial daylight-mediated
      PDT of multiple AKs resulted in a response rate of more than 50%. However, to
      ensure efficacies equivalent to conventional LED-PDT, the treatment should not be
      conducted on very overcast days.

PMID- 22092728
TI  - Nitric oxide and related enzymes in asthma: relation to severity, enzyme function
      and inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) associates with asthma and eosinophilic
      inflammation. However, relationships between nitric oxide synthases, arginase,
      FeNO, asthma severity and inflammation remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the relationships of iNOS expression/activation and arginase 2
      expression with asthma severity, FeNO, nitrotyrosine (NT) and eosinophilic
      inflammation. METHODS: Bronchial brushings and sputum were obtained from 25
      normal controls, eight mild/no inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), 16 mild
      moderate/with ICS and 35 severe asthmatics. The FeNO was measured the same day by
      ATS/ERS standards. The iNOS, arginase2 mRNA/protein and NT protein were measured
      in lysates from bronchial brushings by quantitative real-time PCR and Western
      blot. Induced sputum differentials were obtained. RESULTS: Severe asthma was
      associated with the highest levels of iNOS protein and mRNA, although the index
      of iNOS mRNA to arginase2 mRNA most strongly differentiated severe from milder
      asthma. When evaluating NO-related enzyme functionality, iNOS mRNA/protein
      expression both strongly predicted FeNO (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001 for both). Only
      iNOS protein predicted NT levels (r = 0.48, P = 0.003) with the strongest
      relationship in severe asthma (r = 0.61, P = 0.009). The iNOS protein, FeNO and
      NT, all correlated with sputum eosinophils, but the relationships were again
      strongest in severe asthma. Controlling for arginase 2 mRNA/protein did not
      impact any functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data
      suggest that while iNOS expression from epithelial brushings is highest in severe
      asthma, factors controlling arginase2 mRNA expression significantly improve
      differentiation of severity. In contrast, functionality of the NO pathway as
      measured by FeNO, NT and eosinophilic inflammation, is strongly associated with
      iNOS expression alone, particularly in severe asthma.

PMID- 22092731
TI  - Compliance with age and skin type restrictions following the introduction of
      indoor tanning legislation in Melbourne, Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The study aimed to establish compliance of indoor tanning
      businesses with 2009 legislation, particularly with requirements to provide
      information on skin cancer and exclude people under 18 or with fair skin.
      METHODS: Compliance was tested through surveys and in-person visits to 30
      businesses in Melbourne, Australia. Research assistants presented as potential
      customers with different profiles: young adults eligible to use a sunbed, young
      adults with fair skin, under age customers who prompted with their age and under
      age customers who concealed their age and claimed to be 18 if asked. RESULTS:
      Communicating the risks of skin cancer during the visit improved from 70% in
      2003, prior to the introduction of legislation, to 97% in 2009. While there were
      improvements in restricting access to sunbeds among high-risk groups, compliance
      of indoor tanning businesses with age and skin type restrictions remained less
      than optimal. Almost half (47%) allowed access to fair-skinned research
      assistants, compared with 90% in 2003. Only one of the 30 operators allowed
      access to a teenager who prompted with her age; in 2003, 52% of under age
      teenagers were granted access without parental consent. However, when teenagers
      concealed their age or claimed to be 18, 80% of operators granted them access.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that regulation of the indoor tanning industry
      is a better approach to this health issue than voluntary standards and/or
      education. Nonetheless, inadequate compliance with requirements to exclude high
      risk groups lends weight to calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement, or an
      absolute ban.

PMID- 22092732
TI  - Comparison of topical 8-methoxypsoralen and narrowband ultraviolet B with
      narrowband ultraviolet B alone in treatment-resistant sites in plaque-type
      psoriasis: a placebo-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination of topical methoxsalen and narrowband ultraviolet B
      (NBUVB) was shown to be more effective than NBUVB alone in treating plaque-type
      psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To find out whether topical methoxsalen and NBUVB had any
      benefit in induction of remission on treatment-resistant plaques of psoriasis on
      the legs in comparison with NBUVB alone. METHODS: Ten patients were included. Two
      symmetric lesions with similar Psoriasis Severity Index score on the lower legs
      were randomly assigned to be treated with cold cream as placebo or 0.1% 8
      methoxypsoralen (8MOP) cream 15 min before phototherapy with NBUVB. Phototherapy
      was given three times per week for up to three months. Severity scores were
      recorded each week and side effects were observed before each session. RESULTS:
      Significant decrease in the severity score was observed in both groups (P-value <
      0.001), but none of the lesions cleared completely at the end of the study. The
      decrease of the score in the 8MOP arm was greater than the control arm; however,
      the difference was not significant. The only side effect was pigmentation that
      occurred in all of the 8MOP-treated patients after 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: We could
      not confirm any significant benefit of topical methoxsalen and NBUVB in
      comparison to NBUVB alone in treating resistant plaques of psoriasis on the legs.

PMID- 22092733
TI  - Effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure on FOXP3+ infiltration in cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence and significance of FOXP3+ infiltration into
      (pre)malignant skin carcinomas following ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure.
      The possible pathways that UVR impacts on FOXP3 are to be discussed. BACKGROUND:
      FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (FOXP3+ Tregs) are correlated to cutaneous squamous
      tumor progression. However, there is no information describing the prevalence of
      FOXP3+ infiltration in cutaneous premalignant and malignant squamous carcinomas
      with UVR exposure. METHODS: We investigated the prevalence of FOXP3+ infiltration
      in 14 patients with Bowen's disease, 40 squamous cell carcinoma SCC patients and
      21 patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The
      percentages of FOXP3+ vs. total peri-neoplasm infiltration cells (FOXP3+ PCT)
      were significantly higher in Bowen's disease and well-differentiated SCC that
      were exposed to UVR than these diseases not exposed to UVR (t = 3.5776, P =
      0.0038; t' = 5.9214, P < 0.01, respectively). FOXP3+ PCT was also higher in less
      pigmented than pigmented sites in BCC (t = 3.369, P = 0.0032). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study shed some light on the effect of UVR on FOXP3+ infiltration in skin
      (pre)malignant carcinomas. Our data suggested that FOXP3+ infiltration was
      positively related to UVR exposure. The mechanisms merit further investigation.

PMID- 22092734
TI  - Vitamin D serum level changes in psoriatic patients treated with narrowband
      ultraviolet B phototherapy are related to the season of the irradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is produced in the human skin by short wavelength (290-315
      nm) ultraviolet (UV) radiation. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate
      how outdoor conditions may influence the serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D in
      psoriasis patients under narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. METHODS:
      The winter and summer groups of patients received almost the same narrowband UV
      (nUVB) doses during whole-body phototherapy. The 25(OH)D serum concentration was
      measured before and after two series of 10 exposures. The cabinet doses were
      compared with potentially available cumulative solar doses. The solar doses
      (unweighted UVB and vitamin D effective dose) and duration of solar intensity
      sufficient to produce vitamin D were calculated using a model based on local
      atmospheric data. RESULTS: After an initial 10 nUVB treatments, 25(OH)D serum
      concentration increased by 68% for winter patients in relation to the level
      before therapy, whereas a 20% increase was found for the summer patients. The
      next 10 treatments caused a much lower increase in 25(OH)D concentration: 5% and
      3.5% for the winter and summer patients, respectively. No statistically
      significant relationship was observed between post-therapy 25(OH)D serum
      concentration and solar radiation variability. CONCLUSIONS: The different
      baseline values of 25(OH)D serum levels in winter and summer patients result from
      seasonal variability in solar irradiance. Thus, outdoor solar radiation affects
      the patients over a much longer period, and artificial UV light is the main
      factor responsible for increase in 25(OH)D serum level over a 30-day period of
      cabinet therapy.

PMID- 22092735
TI  - Ultraviolet exposure for different outdoor sports in Valencia, Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to quantify ultraviolet (UV) exposure of
      several groups of amateur athletes in their training or recreational schedules.
      METHODS: The athletes were monitored using dosimeters (VioSpor).The study took
      place in Valencia, Spain, from May to July 2010, and involved a group of 10
      mountaineers, four tennis players and five runners. RESULTS: The mean daily
      personal UV exposure for mountaineers was 9.48 +/- 3.23 standard erythema dose
      (SED). The tennis players received a mean of 10.65 +/- 1.57 SED for every 2 days
      of training, and the runners received a mean of 7.62 +/- 4.28 SED for every 5
      days of training. CONCLUSION: Mountaineers received a higher dose of UV exposure
      and have a higher exposure ratio than the tennis players, probably because they
      spent more time outdoors. However, the runners received a low dose of UV
      exposure, perhaps because their training takes place in the evening. Mean daily
      UV exposure of the mountaineers and tennis players exceeded 5 SED, which means
      that, in the case of non-sun-adapted skin type III and the non-use of sun
      protection, erythema may be induced in these subjects. Accordingly, it is
      necessary to encourage the use of high protection sunscreens and protective
      clothing, and to avoid UV exposure in the hottest part of the day.

PMID- 22092736
TI  - UVA-activated synthesis of metalloproteinases 1, 3 and 9 is prevented by a broad
      spectrum sunscreen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Specific sunscreens against ultraviolet (UV) A and B radiations are
      essential to prevent matrix degradation and the activation of intracellular
      signaling pathways involved in photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Matrix
      degradation results from UVA-induced production of matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMP) and activation of intracellular pathways in fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
      In particular, in keratinocytes, UVA radiation induces beta-catenin nuclear
      translocation and stimulates MMP gene transcription. Our study was aimed at
      assessing the efficacy of a specific broad-spectrum sunscreen in preventing beta
      catenin translocation and MMPs enhanced expression in cultured keratinocytes
      after UVA irradiation. METHODS: Sunscreen or the vehicle was spread on quartz
      sheet. Irradiation of HaCaT cells with 6 J/cm(2) UVA was performed through the
      sheet, and cells were collected for beta-catenin immunostaining then
      visualization by confocal microscopy, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction analysis of MMP-1, -3 and -9 gene expression. RESULTS: As shown by
      immunostaining and confocal microscopy, the sunscreen abrogated UVA-induced beta
      catenin translocation to the nucleus, in comparison with control groups. MMP-1, 
      3 and -9 mRNA expression was enhanced by 7, 7 and 4 folds (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001
      and P < 0.01, respectively) in unprotected UVA-irradiated cells compared to the
      non-irradiated control. Sunscreen protection of the cells significantly reduced
      UVA-induced expression of MMP-1, -3 and -9 by 83% (P < 0.01), 80% (P < 0.01) and
      65% (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the efficacy of
      this broad-spectrum sunscreen in preventing UVA-induced effects on the markers of
      photoaging and photocarcinogenesis in vitro. It was able to protect HaCaT
      keratinocytes from UVA-induced beta-catenin translocation to the nucleus and MMPs
      expression.

PMID- 22092737
TI  - Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for alopecia areata.
AB  - Although narrowband ultraviolet B (NB UVB) phototherapy is a well-established
      treatment in many dermatosis, there is little evidence of efficacy of this method
      for alopecia areata (AA) treatment in the literature. We undertook a
      retrospective review of the 25 AA patients treated with NB UVB. Intramuscular
      triamcinolone acetonide injections per month were used as concomitant treatment
      in some patients who did not have any contraindication. Eight patients (32%)
      received monthly intramuscular corticosteroid injections. Four (22.2%) and two
      (20%) patients achieved excellent response in extensive patchy hair loss patients
      and entire scalp hair loss patients, respectively. Four of six patients who
      achieved excellent response also received monthly intramuscular corticosteroid
      injections. When patients receiving systemic corticosteroid injections were
      compared with patients given only NB UVB with respect to the treatment responses,
      a statistically significant difference was seen in patients who achieved
      excellent response. NB UVB is not an effective treatment with only 20% excellent
      treatment responses in patients with severe AA, most of whom were also treated
      with systemic corticosteroids.

PMID- 22092738
TI  - Dysfunction of melanocytes in photoleukomelanoderma following photosensitivity
      caused by hydrochlorothiazide.
AB  - We report a 68-year-old Japanese man who developed photoleukomelanoderma
      following prolonged photosensitivity caused by hydrochlorothiazide. He showed
      complete recovery from the leukomelanoderma with the discontinuation of the
      responsive drug and with topical application of tacrolimus hydrate and
      corticosteroid. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed that
      there were no melanin-positive cells in the hypopigmented area, despite the
      presence of melanocytes. These results and the clinical course indicate that
      leukomelanoderma is postulated temporary dysfunction of melanocytes. We also
      conducted a review of previous case reports regarding drug-induced
      photoleukomelanoderma.

PMID- 22092739
TI  - The impact of ultraviolet therapy on stratum corneum ceramides and barrier
      function.
AB  - The ceramide profile as well as the barrier function is known to be deteriorated
      in atopic eczema and psoriasis, and ultraviolet (UV) light is known to improve
      the barrier function. The impact of UV light on ceramides, however, is not
      clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of UV therapy in
      dermatological patients on ceramides and skin barrier function. We found that UV
      light treatment does not change the ratio of important stratum corneum lipids,
      but we confirm earlier findings of decreased susceptibility to irritants after UV
      therapy.

PMID- 22092740
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for a hypertrophic scarring: a promising choice.
AB  - The case we report is about a female patient, 69 years old, who had a
      hypertrophic scarring on the right cheek because of a bite by her dog. She had
      attempted many types of topical and intralesional treatments but without success.
      The patient underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT), employing a methyl ester of 5
      aminolevulinic acid (MAL) as topical photosensitizer and a non-coherent red light
      at a wavelength of 632 nm. This session was then repeated three more times at 2
      week intervals. A month after the last session, the scarred area significantly
      softened, becoming more flexible, less erythematous, smoother and reduced in
      volume. The patient was greatly satisfied with the clinical and cosmetic result,
      she had no more than rough scarring on the cheek, and her skin in the area around
      the lesion was very smooth, wrinkle-free. She did not show any recurrence of her
      hypertrophic scarring after 1 year of follow-up. PDT revealed to be the most
      effective approach if compared with previous therapeutic options received by the
      patient, but further studies are necessary to evaluate protocols to be used for
      the best results in this kind of application.

PMID- 22092741
TI  - Failure of omalizumab (Xolair(r)) in the treatment of a case of solar urticaria
      caused by ultraviolet A and visible light.
AB  - Solar urticaria is a rare photodermatosis probably caused by a chromophore, that 
      if activated by light of a specific spectrum - binds to mast cell-bound IgE and
      elicits degranulation. In our patient an action spectrum in ultraviolet A and
      visible light range was found, in the autologous serum test the presence of a
      serum chromophore for the same action spectra could be demonstrated, which may
      underline this pathogenetic hypothesis. Symptoms did not improve using
      antihistamines and sun protection. Photo hardening was denied from the patient,
      immunosuppression and plasmapheresis were discussed but not considered. So a
      treatment with Omalizumab was started that recently was successfully used in 4
      case reports. After 3 doses of Xolair(r) there was no changing in the
      phototesting results and after 4 doses no subjective improvement.

PMID- 22092742
TI  - Photosensitivity induced by naproxen.
AB  - We present two cases of systemic photosensitivity due to naproxen that presented
      as photodistributed erythema multiforme (EM) and lichenoid photodermatitis (LP).
      Although naproxen is a commonly used nonsteroidal antinflammatory drug and has
      the capacity of causing systemic photosensitivity, there are very few reports
      about it in the literature. The diagnosis was suspected by the recent ingestion
      of the drug and the photodistribution of the lesions. A positive photopatch test
      in the first patient and the normalization of the MED-UVB after discontinuing
      naproxen in the second patient supported the diagnosis.

PMID- 22092743
TI  - Quantitative method for measuring therapeutic efficacy of the 308 nm excimer
      laser for vitiligo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are several available treatments for vitiligo, but measurement
      of their therapeutic efficacy is not standardized and is somewhat arbitrary based
      largely on the global impression of the overall response. The purpose of this
      study was to develop a quantitative method for evaluating the treatment response
      of vitiligo measuring changes in area using digital image analysis. We applied
      this parametric model to the evaluation of efficacy of the 308 nm excimer laser.
      METHODS: This study was a retrospective study, designed as a before and after
      trial with a single arm. A total of 18 patients were enrolled who had been
      treated with a 308 nm excimer laser as monotherapy twice a week for 20 sessions.
      The repigmentation percentage was calculated by measuring changes in area before
      and after treatment using digital image analysis and graded on a five-point
      ordinal scale [global assessment scale (GAS)]. GAS was also measured by physician
      and patient for comparison with our estimates. Additional GASs were also measured
      by four different evaluators for inter-rater variability. RESULTS: The mean
      repigmentation percentage after treatment was 45.3% (range, 0.7-100%). The
      changes in area after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05). A
      substantial agreement of outcomes was observed between physicians and digital
      image analysis (kappa(w) = 0.78), but lower agreement was observed between
      patients and digital image analysis (kappa(w) = 0.49). The inter-rater
      variability for GAS was substantially low (Krippendorff's alpha = 79.3%).
      CONCLUSION: Measurement of changes in area using digital image analysis could be
      used as a quantitative method in evaluating efficacy of treatment for vitiligo.
      Because vitiligo lesions can occur in any location with various shapes and sizes,
      digital image analysis would be a more objective method for measuring treatment
      response than a GAS.

PMID- 22092744
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase-8 expression in periodontal tissues surgically removed
      from diabetic and non-diabetic patients with periodontal disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although it is known that periodontal matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP
      8) expression is associated with periodontal disease, the information concerning
      the periodontal MMP-8 expression in diabetic patients with periodontal disease is
      insufficient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal tissue specimens were collected
      from seven patients without periodontal disease and diabetes (Group 1), 15
      patients with periodontal disease alone (Group 2) and 10 patients with both
      periodontal disease and diabetes (Group 3). The frozen sections were prepared and
      MMP-8 protein expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and quantified.
      For in vitro study, human U937 mononuclear cells were pre-exposed to normal or
      high glucose and then treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS: The
      nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the difference in MMP-8 protein
      levels among the three groups were statistically significant (p = 0.003).
      Nonparametric analysis using Jonckheere-Terpstra test showed a tendency of
      increase in periodontal MMP-8 levels across Group 1 to Group 2 to Group 3 (p =
      0.0002). In vitro studies showed that high glucose and LPS had a synergistic
      effect on MMP-8 expression. CONCLUSION: Our current study showed an increasing
      trend in MMP-8 protein expression levels across patients without both periodontal
      disease and diabetes, patients with periodontal disease alone and patients with
      both diseases.

PMID- 22092745
TI  - Supportive periodontal therapy and dental implants: an analysis of patients'
      compliance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the
      compliance to supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in a population of adult
      periodontal patients, and to determine the impact of clinical procedures
      performed such as the type of active periodontal therapy and the insertion of
      dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients were evaluated. The
      subjects were divided into two groups, according to the active periodontal
      procedure (surgical/non-surgical), and were also classified as having or not
      having osseointegrated implants. The number of visits for SPT after the end of
      active therapy was evaluated, and subjects were classified as compliant or non
      compliant. RESULTS: At the end of a 5-year evaluation, 77.1% of patients
      completely complied with SPT while 22.9% of patients had insufficient compliance
      degree. No significant difference was found in compliance between subjects that
      had surgical or non-surgical periodontal treatment. However, patients that had
      the insertion of one or more dental implant registered a significant higher
      degree of compliance than patients that had no fixtures insertion. CONCLUSION:
      The results suggest that it is possible to have excellent degree of patients'
      compliance for SPT. The performance of periodontal surgical therapy itself is not
      a reason able to motivate the patients to maintenance care, while the insertion
      of osseointegrated implants seems to be a reliable reason to positively affect
      the compliance with SPT.

PMID- 22092746
TI  - Serum resistance in Haemophilus parasuis SC096 strain requires outer membrane
      protein P2 expression.
AB  - Haemophilus parasuis outer membrane protein P2 (OmpP2), the most abundant protein
      in the outer membrane, has been identified as an antigenic protein and a
      potential virulence factor. To study the precise function of OmpP2, an ompP2
      deficient mutant (DeltaompP2) of a H. parasuis serovar 4 clinical strain SC096
      was constructed by a modified natural transformation system. Compared with the
      wild-type SC096 strain, the DeltaompP2 mutant showed a pronounced growth defect
      and exhibited significantly greater sensitivity to the bactericidal action of
      porcine and rabbit sera, whereas the complemented strain could restore the growth
      and serum resistance phenotypes. The results indicated that H. parasuis OmpP2
      from SC096 strain is an important surface protein involved in serum resistance.

PMID- 22092747
TI  - Inflammation and oxidative stress are lower in physically fit and active adults.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if the inverse relationship between
      perceived physical fitness (pFIT) and exercise frequency (ExFreq) levels and
      chronic inflammation and oxidative stress exists after making statistical
      adjustments for confounders including body mass index (BMI), age, gender, and
      cigarette smoking. Study participants (60% female and 40% male; n = 998) varied
      widely in age (18-85 years) and BMI (16.7-52.7 kg/m(2)) completed an extensive
      medical/health and lifestyle questionnaire, and data were used to establish pFIT
      and ExFreq tertiles. Biomarkers included serum C-reactive protein (CRP), total
      blood leukocytes, five plasma cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), and
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF)], F2 -isoprostanes, ferric reducing
      ability of plasma (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). A
      general linear model was used to examine relationships between pFIT and ExFreq
      with inflammation and oxidative stress while controlling for age, gender, BMI,
      and smoking. Benjamini-Hochberg method for false discovery rate correction was
      used for multiple testing corrections. Significant tests (P < 0.05) for trend
      were found for the effect of pFIT and ExFreq on CRP, white blood cell, IL-6, TNF
      alpha, GCSF, and F2 -isoprostanes, but not MCP1, IL-10, FRAP, and ORAC, after
      adjustment for confounders. These data indicate that an inverse relationship
      exists among chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and pFIT and ExFreq at the
      community level even after adjustment for important confounders.

PMID- 22092748
TI  - Microdontia and hypodontia of premolars and permanent molars in childhood cancer
      survivors after chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adverse long-term general and dental health effects of cancer and
      cancer therapy during childhood have been reported. AIM: To examine the
      association between chemotherapy before the age of 8 years and (1): microdontia;
      (2): hypodontia of premolars and permanent molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In The
      Danish Registry of Childhood Cancer (DBCR), we identified 203 children who met
      the following inclusion criteria: (1) age below 8 years at the start of
      treatment; (2) age between 12 to 18 years upon dental examination; (3) had
      received chemotherapy The exclusion criterion was radiotherapy to the head and
      neck. A total of 150 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. As controls, a
      random sample of 193 age-matched unexposed children was included. RESULTS:
      Microdontia was found in a total of 88 teeth in 29 (19.3%) of the 150 children
      who had been exposed to chemotherapy, while none of the controls had microdontia
      of premolars or permanent molars (difference: 19.3%; 95% CL: 13.5%; 26.4%). The
      earlier the exposure, the more frequent was microdontia. We found a total of 27
      missing premolars and permanent molars in 14 (9.3%) of the exposed children and a
      total of 18 missing premolars and permanent molars in 8 (4.1%) of the controls
      (difference: 5.2%; 95% CL: -0.1%; 11.3%). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms
      findings from previous studies that chemotherapy, especially in very young
      children, causes microdontia and hypodontia of premolars and permanent molars.

PMID- 22092749
TI  - Increased chitinase expression and fungal-specific antibodies in the
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence highlights the contribution of chitinases and
      fungal infection to the development of asthma. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to characterize chitinase expression and serological markers of fungal
      infection in children with severe asthma. METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      (BALF) was collected from children undergoing clinically indicated flexible
      bronchoscopy. A diagnosis of asthma was confirmed by pulmonary function testing.
      BALF was tested for chitinase activity and YKL-40 (an enzymatically inactive
      chitinase) concentrations. Specimens were cultured for fungal organisms and
      tested for cryptococcal antigen by ELISA. IgG and IgA reactivity to whole extract
      fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Cryptococcus neoformans and
      Candida albicans) proteins were determined by immunoblot assay. RESULTS: Among
      the 37 patients studied, 30 were asthmatic and 7 were non-asthmatic. Asthmatics
      exhibited elevated serum IgE levels (median: 748 IU/mL, IQR: 219-1765 IU/mL).
      Chitinase activity was greater in the BALF of asthmatics (mean, 0.85 +/- 1.2
      U/mL) compared with non-asthmatics (mean: 0.23 +/- 0.21 U/mL, P = 0.012).
      Likewise YKL-40 concentrations were higher in the BALF of asthmatics and
      correlated with chitinase activity. There was a trend towards increased fungal
      specific IgG in the BALF of asthmatics compared with non-asthmatics and for C.
      albicans this difference reached statistical significance. IgA reactivity to C.
      neoformans and A. fumigatus was greater in the BALF of asthmatics compared with
      non-asthmatics. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with non-asthmatics,
      asthmatic children exhibited increased chitinase activity and increased YKL-40
      levels in BALF. Increased IgG and IgA reactivity to fungal proteins in the BALF
      of asthmatics may reflect a local response to fungal infection. Our findings are
      consistent with and suggest a role for chitinases in asthma pathogenesis among
      Bronx children and provide serological evidence of an association between fungal
      infection and severe asthma.

PMID- 22092750
TI  - Estimation of effective concentrations of ATP-regenerating enzymes in cilia of
      Paramecium caudatum.
AB  - The phosphoarginine shuttle system effectively regenerates ATP in the cilia of
      Paramecium caudatum. To estimate the effective concentration of ATP-regenerating
      enzymes, we attempted to reconstitute certain ATP-regenerating systems within the
      cilia of intact cortical sheets using exogenous enzymes and high-energy
      substances. The addition of phosphoenolpyruvate, which is one of the substrates
      in glycolysis, did not increase the ciliary beat frequency, whereas
      phosphocreatine together with exogenous creatine kinase, effectively increased
      the ciliary beat frequency. In the presence of 0.6 mg/ml creatine kinase and 0.4
      mM phosphocreatine, the ciliary beat frequency was comparable to that produced by
      the addition of phosphoarginine. This result indicates that the reconstituted
      phosphocreatine shuttle system can work as an artificial ATP-regenerating system
      for ciliary movements. The effective concentration of creatine kinase in the
      reconstituted phosphocreatine shuttle system was estimated to be about 7.4 MUM
      based on the molecular mass of creatine kinase (MW 81,000). Therefore, the
      effective concentration of arginine kinase in the cilia of live Paramecium is
      approximately 10 MUM. This estimated concentration of intraciliary arginine
      kinase is sufficient to maintain a high ATP concentration throughout the cilia of
      P. caudatum.

PMID- 22092751
TI  - Duplication of the great saphenous vein: a definition problem and implications
      for therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the literature there is a range from 1% to 20 % of duplication (up
      to 20%) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) reported, because there is a lack of an
      accurate definition of the GSV and objective parameters for an anatomical
      identification. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of true duplications of
      the GSV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature, a
      retrospective analysis of duplex examinations, and a prospective study of duplex
      examinations to investigate the frequency of true duplications of the GSV.
      RESULTS: In the literature review, a great variety of definitions is used for
      duplication of the GSV. Before the consensus of the Union International de
      Phlebologie (UIP) in 2006, Only in a small number of studies, the definition of
      the GSV in the saphenous compartment between the fascial blades is mentioned.
      CONCLUSION: Phlebographic studies have been the criterion standard for the
      identification of venous anatomy. Now, duplex is regarded as the criterion
      standard for accurate detection of the veins. True duplication of the GSV is less
      common than the previous literature has suggested, namely 1.6% to 2%. It is
      recommended that the duplicated GSV should be treated to avoid an important risk
      of recurrence of venous insufficiency.

PMID- 22092752
TI  - Laser tattoo removal: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tattoos have played an important role in human culture for thousands
      of years, and they remain popular today. The development of quality-switched (QS)
      lasers has revolutionized the removal of unwanted tattoos. OBJECTIVES: To
      thoroughly review the literature on laser tattoo removal pertaining to its
      history, its theoretical basis, the various devices used, potential adverse
      effects, and future developments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extensive literature
      review of publications related to tattoo removal was conducted. RESULTS: Reports
      exist demonstrating the efficacy of laser removal of different tattoo types,
      including professional, amateur, traumatic, cosmetic, and medical. The literature
      supports the use of different QS lasers for removal of tattoos. Some colors have
      a more-complete response using particular wavelengths. CONCLUSION: QS lasers can
      effectively and safely remove different types of unwanted tattoos.

PMID- 22092753
TI  - Preliminary molecular identification of cylindrospermopsin-producing
      Cyanobacteria in two Polish lakes (Central Europe).
AB  - The presence of toxigenic cyanobacteria capable of biosynthesis of
      cylindrospermopsin (CYN) was measured in 24 water samples collected from the
      lakes Bytynskie (BY) and Bninskie (BN) in the Western Poland. The study also
      covered analysis of toxigenicity and production of CYN by the culture of
      Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii isolated from BY. The cyrJ gene associated with
      CYN production was identified in 22 water samples collected in the summer seasons
      of 2006 and 2007. The presence of CYN was confirmed in 16 samples. The homology
      searches revealed that amplified sequences of four water samples, which were
      selected from among all the samples, displayed a strong 99% homology to cyrJ gene
      of Aphanizomenon sp. 10E6. The culture of C. raciborskii did not contain the cyrJ
      gene nor the CYN. The specificity of C. raciborskii was confirmed by application
      of a fragment of the rpoC1. These first genetic analyses have shown that
      Aphanizomenon seems to be the main cyanobacterial genus responsible for the
      production of CYN in the Polish lakes. The lack of toxigenicity of the isolated
      C. raciborskii suggests that it is possible that this invasive species does not
      demonstrate toxigenic activity in Polish water bodies.

PMID- 22092754
TI  - Expanding the mycobacterial diversity of metalworking fluids (MWFs): evidence
      showing MWF colonization by Mycobacterium abscessus.
AB  - Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been associated with hypersensitivity
      pneumonitis in machinists. Only two species of NTM, namely Mycobacterium
      immunogenum and Mycobacterium chelonae, have been reported thus far to have the
      ability to colonize contaminated metalworking fluids (MWFs). Here, we report, for
      the first time, the presence and characterization (phenotypic and genotypic) of a
      third species, Mycobacterium abscessus, colonizing these harsh alkaline machining
      fluids. Two Mycobacterium morphotypes, smooth (S) and rough (R), were isolated
      (two isolates each) from an in-use industrial MWFs. Biocide susceptibility
      analysis using triclosan as a model yielded the same minimal inhibitory
      concentration for the two morphotypes. PCR-restriction analysis-based speciation
      of the morphotypes confirmed their identity as M. abscessus. Genotyping based on
      partial DNA sequences corresponding to the variable regions of the hsp65 gene and
      16S-23S rRNA operon internal transcribed spacer region and randomly amplified
      polymorphic DNA-PCR analysis showed that both morphotypes belong to a single
      genotype. In addition, we isolated and confirmed two novel mycobacterial
      genotypes, one each of M. immunogenum and M. chelonae from additional in-use MWF
      screening. Taken together, this study expands the known mycobacterial species-
      and strain-diversity colonizing MWF. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need
      for including M. abscessus species in the existing mycobacterial screening of
      contaminated MWF.

PMID- 22092755
TI  - Phylogenetic characterization of bacteria in the gut of house flies (Musca
      domestica L.).
AB  - House flies (Musca domestica L.) are cosmopolitan, ubiquitous, synanthropic
      insects that serve as mechanical or biological vectors for various
      microorganisms. To fully assess the role of house flies in the epidemiology of
      human diseases, it is essential to understand the diversity of microbiota
      harbored by natural fly populations. This study aimed to identify the diversity
      of house fly gut bacteria by both culture-dependent and culture-independent
      approaches. A total of 102 bacterial strains were isolated from the gut of 65
      house flies collected from various public places including a garden, public park,
      garbage/dump area, public toilet, hospital, restaurant/canteen, mutton
      shop/market, and house/human habitation. Molecular phylogenetic analyses placed
      these isolates into 22 different genera. The majority of bacteria identified were
      known potential pathogens of the genera Klebsiella, Aeromonas, Shigella,
      Morganella, Providencia, and Staphylococcus. Culture-independent methods involved
      the construction of a 16S rRNA gene clone library, and sequence analyses
      supported culture recovery results. However, additional bacterial taxa not
      determined via culture recovery were revealed using this methodology and included
      members of the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and the phylum
      Bacteroidetes. Here, we show that the house fly gut is an environmental reservoir
      for a vast number of bacterial species, which may have impacts on vector
      potential and pathogen transmission.

PMID- 22092756
TI  - Three-dimensional bone structure and bone mineral density evaluations of
      autogenous bone graft after sinus augmentation: a microcomputed tomography
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships and
      differences in three-dimensional (3D) bone mineral density (BMD) and
      microtrabecular structures between autogenous bone grafts and their adjacent
      native bone after a healing period following maxillary sinus augmentation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine rod-shaped human bone biopsy samples were taken from
      patients receiving two-stage sinus augmentation therapy in implantation areas and
      analyzed using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Before micro-CT scanning, two
      BMD phantoms were placed near to the bone biopsy samples for executing BMD
      calculations of the grafted and native bone samples. In addition, 3D structural
      parameters of the trabeculae were analyzed for both the grafted and native bone,
      including percentage of bone volume [bone volume (BV)/tissue volume (TV)], bone
      specific surface [bone surface (BS)/BV], trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular
      number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular pattern factor (Tb.Pf),
      and structure model index (SMI). RESULTS: No significant correlations with regard
      to BMD and trabecular-structure parameters were found between native bone and
      grafted bone; however, BS/BV and Tb.Pf were higher and Tb.Th and Tb.Sp were
      37.35% and 12.74% lower in grafted bone than in native bone. For grafted bone,
      there were significant correlations (P < 0.05) between BMD and BV/TV, and Tb.N.
      CONCLUSIONS: When using autogenous bone as a graft material, BMD and
      micromorphological conditions of grafted bone were not influenced by the
      condition of the native bone in the maxilla. Differences were found in surface
      complexity, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, and the connectivity of
      trabeculae between grafted and native bone. The BMD in grafted bone was affected
      by the quantity of the trabeculae.

PMID- 22092757
TI  - Histoplasma mechanisms of pathogenesis--one portfolio doesn't fit all.
AB  - Histoplasma capsulatum is the leading cause of endemic mycosis in the world.
      Analyses of clinical isolates from different endemic regions show important
      diversity within the species. Recent molecular studies of two isolates, the
      Chemotype I NAm2 strain G217B and the Chemotype II Panamanian strain G186A,
      reveal significant genetic, structural, and molecular differences between these
      representative Histoplasma strains. Some of these variations have functional
      consequences, representing distinct molecular mechanisms that facilitate
      Histoplasma pathogenesis. The realization of Histoplasma strain diversity
      highlights the importance of characterizing Histoplasma virulence factors in the
      context of specific clinical strain isolates.

PMID- 22092759
TI  - Saliva promotes survival and even proliferation of Candida species in tap water.
AB  - Candida yeasts colonize the human oral cavity as commensals or opportunistic
      pathogens. They may be isolated from water circulating in dental unit waterlines
      mixed with traces of saliva mainly because of the dysfunction of antiretraction
      valves. This study deals with the growth ability of Candida albicans, Candida
      glabrata and Candida parapsilosis in tap water with saliva (0-20% v/v). Results
      show that C. glabrata is the most susceptible species in tap water. Furthermore,
      saliva promotes both survival and proliferation of the three studied Candida
      species in tap water.

PMID- 22092758
TI  - NADPH-dependent pgi-gene knockout Escherichia coli metabolism producing shikimate
      on different carbon sources.
AB  - We explored the physiological and metabolic effects of different carbon sources
      (glucose, fructose, and glucose/fructose mixture) in phosphoglucose isomerase
      (pgi) knockout Escherichia coli mutant producing shikimic acid (SA). It was
      observed that the pgi(-) mutant grown on glucose exhibited significantly lower
      cell growth compared with the pgi(+) strain and its mixed glucose/fructose
      fermentation grew well. Interestingly, when fructose was used as a carbon source,
      the pgi(-) mutant showed the enhanced SA production compared with the pgi(+)
      strain. In silico analysis of a genome-scale E. coli model was then conducted to
      characterize the cellular metabolism and quantify NAPDH regeneration, which
      allowed us to understand such experimentally observed attenuated cell growth and
      enhanced SA production in glucose- and fructose-consuming pgi(-) mutant,
      respectively with respect to cofactor regeneration.

PMID- 22092760
TI  - Variation and predicted structure of the flagellin gene in Actinoplanes species.
AB  - Members of the genus Actinoplanes are considered to be representative of motile
      actinomycetes. To infer the flagellar diversity of Actinoplanes species, novel
      degenerate primers were designed for the flagellin (fliC) gene. The fliC gene of
      21 Actinoplanes strains was successfully amplified and classified into two groups
      based on whether they were large (type I) or small (type II). Comparison of the
      translated amino acid sequences revealed that this size difference could be
      attributed to large number of gaps located in the central variable region.
      However, the C- and N- terminal regions were conserved. Except for a region on
      the flagellum surface, structural predictions of type I and II flagellins
      revealed that the two flagellin types were strongly correlated with each other.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the 115-amino acid N-terminal sequences revealed that
      the Actinoplanes species formed three clusters, and type II flagellin gene
      containing three type strains were phylogenetically closely related each other.

PMID- 22092761
TI  - Development of antibiotic resistance and up-regulation of the antimutator gene
      pfpI in mutator Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to inactivation of two DNA oxidative
      repair genes (mutY, mutM).
AB  - Prevention and correction of oxidative DNA lesions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is
      ensured by the DNA oxidative repair system (GO). Single inactivation of mutT,
      mutY and mutM involved in GO led to elevated mutation rates (MRs) that correlated
      to increased development of resistance to antibiotics. In this study, we
      constructed a double mutant in mutY and mutM (PAOMY-Mgm) and characterized the
      phenotype and the gene expression profile using microarray and RT-PCR. PAOMY-Mgm
      presented 28-fold increases in MR compared with wild-type reference strain PAO1.
      In comparison, the PAOMYgm (mutY) single mutant showed only a fivefold increase,
      whereas the single mutant PAOMMgm (mutM) showed a nonsignificant increase in MR
      compared with PAO1 and the single mutants. Mutations in the regulator nfxB
      leading to hyperexpression of MexCD-OprJ efflux pump were found as the mechanism
      of resistance to ciprofloxacin in the double mutant. A better fitness of the
      mutator compared with PAO1 was found in growth competition experiments in the
      presence of ciprofloxacin at concentrations just below minimal inhibitory
      concentration. Up-regulation of the antimutator gene pfpI, that has been shown to
      provide protection to oxidative stress, was found in PAOMY-Mgm compared with
      PAO1. In conclusion, we showed that MutY and MutM are cooperating in the GO of P.
      aeruginosa, and that oxidative DNA lesions might represent an oxidative stress
      for the bacteria.

PMID- 22092762
TI  - Cloning, expression analysis, and sequence diversity of genes encoding two
      different immunodominant membrane proteins in poinsettia branch-inducing
      phytoplasma (PoiBI).
AB  - Poinsettia branch-inducing phytoplasma (PoiBI) is a phytopathogenic bacterium
      that infects poinsettia, and is associated with the free-branching morphotype
      (characterized by many axillary shoots and flowers) of many commercially grown
      poinsettias. The major membrane proteins of phytoplasmas are classified into
      three general types, that is, immunodominant membrane protein (Imp),
      immunodominant membrane protein A (IdpA), and antigenic membrane protein (Amp).
      These membrane proteins are often used as targets for the production of
      antibodies used in phytoplasma detection. Herein, we cloned and sequenced the imp
      and idpA genes of PoiBI strains from 26 commercial poinsettia cultivars. Although
      the amino acid sequences of the encoded IdpA proteins were invariant, those of
      the encoded Imp varied among the PoiBI isolates, with no synonymous nucleotide
      substitution. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the
      amount of Imp expressed exceeded that of IdpA, in contrast to the case of a
      related phytoplasma-disease, western X-disease, for which the major membrane
      protein appears to be IdpA, not Imp. These results suggest that even
      phylogenetically close phytoplasmas express different types of major membrane
      proteins.

PMID- 22092763
TI  - Fbl is not involved in the invasion of eukaryotic epithelial and endothelial
      cells by Staphylococcus lugdunensis.
AB  - For several Staphylococci, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus
      saprophyticus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, invasion of eukaryotic cells has
      been described and this mechanism has been considered an important part of the
      infection process. The fibrinogen-binding protein (Fbl) of Staphylococcus
      lugdunensis, a homolog of the clumping factor A of S. aureus, has been described
      as fibrinogen-binding adhesin and might promote invasion of cells. We therefore
      characterized several clinical strains of S. lugdunensis in terms of whole cell
      fibrinogen and fibronectin binding and correlated these results with the invasion
      of epithelial and endothelial cells by S. lugdunensis. We described for the first
      time invasion of cells by S. lugdunensis. As invasion of cells by S. lugdunensis
      was only partly inhibited by cytochalasin D in contrast to a complete inhibition
      of invasion of cells by S. aureus, further invasion mechanisms are likely to be
      present in S. lugdunensis. In addition, the Fbl of S. lugdunensis is not involved
      in the invasion of cells as ruled out by an isogenic fbl mutant.

PMID- 22092764
TI  - Functional characterization of the type II PamI restriction-modification system
      derived from plasmid pAMI7 of Paracoccus aminophilus JCM 7686.
AB  - Plasmid pAMI7 of the methylotrophic bacterium Paracoccus aminophilus JCM 7686
      (Alphaproteobacteria) encodes a functional type II restriction-modification (R-M)
      system designated PamI. Homologous systems were identified in the genomes of
      distinct taxonomic groups of Bacteria and Archaea, which provides evidence that
      horizontal gene transfer has contributed to the wide dissemination of R-M modules
      - even between domains. Analysis of the cleavage specificity of the R.PamI
      endonuclease revealed that this protein is an isoschizomer of restriction enzyme
      NcoI. Interestingly, bioinformatic analyses suggest that R.PamI and NcoI are
      accompanied by methyltransferases of different methylation specificities (C5
      methylcytosine and N4-methylcytosine methyltransferases, respectively), which
      possibly exemplifies recombinational shuffling of genes coding for individual
      components of R-M systems. The PamI system can stabilize plasmid pAMI7 in a
      bacterial population, most probably at the postsegregational level. Therefore, it
      functions in an analogous manner to plasmid-encoded toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems.
      Since the TA system of pAMI7 is nonfunctional, it is highly probable that this
      lack is compensated by the stabilizing activity of PamI. This indicates the
      crucial role of the analyzed R-M system in the stable maintenance of pAMI7, which
      is, to our knowledge, the first report of 'symbiosis' between a R-M system and a
      plasmid in the Alphaproteobacteria.

PMID- 22092765
TI  - Effects of microplusin, a copper-chelating antimicrobial peptide, against
      Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - Microplusin is an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the cattle tick
      Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Its copper-chelating ability is putatively
      responsible for its bacteriostatic activity against Micrococcus luteus as
      microplusin inhibits respiration in this species, which is a copper-dependent
      process. Microplusin is also active against Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC(50) =
      0.09 MUM), the etiologic agent of cryptococcosis. Here, we show that microplusin
      is fungistatic to C. neoformans and this inhibitory effect is abrogated by copper
      supplementation. Notably, microplusin drastically altered the respiratory profile
      of C. neoformans. In addition, microplusin affects important virulence factors of
      this fungus. We observed that microplusin completely inhibited fungal
      melanization, and this effect correlates with the inhibition of the related
      enzyme laccase. Also, microplusin significantly inhibited the capsule size of C.
      neoformans. Our studies reveal, for the first time, a copper-chelating
      antimicrobial peptide that inhibits respiration and growth of C. neoformans and
      modifies two major virulence factors: melanization and formation of a
      polysaccharide capsule. These features suggest that microplusin, or other copper
      chelation approaches, may be a promising therapeutic for cryptococcosis.

PMID- 22092766
TI  - The Vibrio parahaemolyticus pvuA1 gene (formerly termed psuA) encodes a second
      ferric vibrioferrin receptor that requires tonB2.
AB  - We previously reported that the Vibrio parahaemolyticus pvsABCDE and psuA
      pvuABCDE operons are involved in the biosynthesis and transport of its own
      siderophore, vibrioferrin (VF). Of these, psuA and pvuA encode TonB-dependent
      outer-membrane proteins (OMPs). Although pvuA was characterized as the ferric
      vibrioferrin receptor gene, the role of the psuA product remains unknown. In this
      study, a growth assay of isogenic psuA, pvuA, and psuA-pvuA double-deletion
      mutants followed by complementation of the double-deletion mutant with psuA or
      pvuA was used to identify psuA as a gene encoding an OMP involved in the uptake
      of ferric VF. Thus, psuA and pvuA were renamed pvuA1 and pvuA2, respectively.
      Moreover, we clarified the TonB specificities of PvuA1 and PvuA2, because V.
      parahaemolyticus has three sets of the TonB systems. The triple deletion of
      pvuA1, tonB1, and tonB2, and the double deletion of pvuA2 and tonB2 resulted in
      the complete loss of growth promotion by VF. This finding indicates that the
      energy required for PvuA1 and PvuA2 to transport ferric VF across the outer
      membrane is provided by the TonB2 system and by both the TonB1 and TonB2 systems,
      respectively.

PMID- 22092767
TI  - Proteomics and multilocus sequence analysis confirm intraspecific variability of
      Vibrio tapetis.
AB  - Vibrio tapetis is the etiological agent of brown ring disease (BRD) in clams.
      Phenotypic, antigenic and genetic variability have been demonstrated, with three
      groups being established associated with host origin. In this work we analyze the
      variability of representative strains of these three groups, CECT 4600(T) and
      GR0202RD, isolated from Manila clam and carpet-shell clam, respectively, and
      HH6087, isolated from halibut, on the basis of the whole proteome analysis by 2D
      PAGE and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). A quantitative analysis of the
      proteome match coefficient showed a similarity of 79% between the clam isolates,
      whereas fish isolate showed similarities lower than 70%. A preliminary mass
      spectrometry (MS) assay allowed the identification of 27 proteins including 50S
      ribosomal protein L9, riboflavin synthase beta subunit, ribose-phosphate
      pyrophosphokinase and succinyl-CoA synthase alpha subunit. The MLSA approach gave
      similar results, showing a 99.4% similarity of the clam isolates, which was
      higher than that observed between the fish isolate and either clam strain
      (98.2%). The topology of the maximum parsimony tree, obtained from 2D-PAGE
      analysis, and the phylogenetic tree, constructed with the maximum likelihood
      algorithm from concatenated sequences of 16S rRNA gene and five housekeeping
      genes (atpA, pyrH, recA, rpoA and rpoD), was very similar, confirming the closer
      relationship between the two clam isolates.

PMID- 22092768
TI  - Influence of bone augmentation procedures on the short-term prognosis of
      simultaneously placed implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of
      simultaneous bone-augmentation procedures, and their combination, on the survival
      of dental implants and on the incidence of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Within a retrospective analysis, 958 implants placed in 404 patients (mean age
      58.18) were selected from a prospective clinical study. In 304 cases of reduced
      bone width, bone spreading (n = 217) with hand osteotomes, or bone splitting (n =
      15), or guided bone regeneration (n = 72) combined with autogenous bone grafts
      were also performed. Eighty-eight implants were placed in combination with
      simultaneous internal sinus floor elevation without using graft material. For 194
      additional implants, several augmentation procedures were combined because of
      extensive bone deficits. Three-hundred and seventy-two conventionally placed
      implants served as controls. Implant failures and complications were recorded
      after a mean observation period of 2.1 years (maximum 6.9 years). RESULTS:
      Seventeen failures and nine additional implant-related complications were
      observed. After 4 years, Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a probability of survival
      without complication of 97.5% for conventionally placed implants, and 95.8% for
      implants placed in combination with a single augmentation technique. If several
      augmentation techniques were combined, success decreased to 94.1%. Complication
      free survival differences between combined augmentation techniques and
      conventionally placed implants were significant (P = 0.004). Age, gender, and
      location showed no effect on implant survival. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded
      that simultaneous bone-augmentation techniques slightly reduce short-term
      prognosis for dental implants. This effect was more pronounced when advanced
      defects required the combination of several augmentation procedures.

PMID- 22092769
TI  - Role of teeth adjacent to implants installed immediately into extraction sockets:
      an experimental study in the dog.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the influence of the presence of both adjacent teeth on the
      level of alveolar bony crest at sites where implants were installed into the
      socket immediately after tooth extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six Labrador
      dogs were used. Extractions of all teeth from the second premolar to the first
      molar were performed in the right side of the mandible, after full-thickness flap
      elevation. In the left side of the mandible, an endodontic treatment of the
      mesial root of the third and fourth premolars was performed. Full-thickness flaps
      were elevated, the teeth hemi-sected, and the distal roots removed. Immediately
      after, implants were bilaterally installed with the margin flush to the buccal
      bony crest. The implants were placed in the center of the alveolus at the third
      premolars and toward the lingual bony plate of the alveolus at the fourth
      premolars. After 3 months of healing, the animals were euthanized. RESULTS: All
      implants were integrated in mature bone. More bone resorption was observed at the
      test compared to the control sites. At the buccal aspect, a resorption of 2.8 +/-
      0.5 and 1.6 +/- 0.4 mm at the third premolars and of 2.4 +/- 0.6 and 0.8 +/- 0.7
      mm at the fourth premolars were found, at the test and control sites,
      respectively. At the lingual aspect, the bony crest was apically located in
      relation to the implant shoulder 1.5 +/- 0.3 and 0.5 +/- 0.5 mm at the third
      premolars and 1.6 +/- 0.6 and 0.3 +/- 1.1 mm at the fourth premolars, at the test
      and control sites, respectively. A lower buccal bone resorption was found at the
      control implants placed lingually. CONCLUSION: Multiple extractions of teeth
      adjacent to a socket into which implants were installed immediately after, tooth
      extraction induced more alveolar bone recession compared to sites where the
      adjacent teeth were preserved. Moreover, an implant placed more lingually yielded
      less recession of the buccal aspect of the implant.

PMID- 22092770
TI  - Novel protein identification methods for biomarker discovery via a proteomic
      analysis of periodontally healthy and diseased gingival crevicular fluid samples.
AB  - AIM: To identify possible novel biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)
      samples from chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy individuals
      using high-throughput proteomic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival
      crevicular fluid samples were collected from 12 CP and 12 periodontally healthy
      subjects. Samples were trypically digested with trypsin, eluted using high
      performance liquid chromatography, and fragmented using tandem mass spectrometry
      (MS/MS). MS/MS spectra were analysed using PILOT_PROTEIN to identify all
      unmodified proteins within the samples. RESULTS: Using the database derived from
      Homo sapiens taxonomy and all bacterial taxonomies, 432 human (120 new) and 30
      bacterial proteins were identified. The human proteins, angiotensinogen,
      clusterin and thymidine phosphorylase were identified as biomarker candidates
      based on their high-scoring only in samples from periodontal health. Similarly,
      neutrophil defensin-1, carbonic anhydrase-1 and elongation factor-1 gamma were
      associated with CP. Candidate bacterial biomarkers include 33 kDa chaperonin,
      iron uptake protein A2 and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (health-associated)
      and ribulose biphosphate carboxylase, a probable succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid-coenzyme
      A transferase, or DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit beta (CP-associated). Most
      of these human and bacterial proteins have not been previously evaluated as
      biomarkers of periodontal conditions and require further investigation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methods for large-scale comprehensive proteomic
      analysis may lead to the identification of novel biomarkers of periodontal health
      or disease.

PMID- 22092771
TI  - Surgical treatment of nail apparatus melanoma in situ: the use of artificial
      dermis in reconstruction.

PMID- 22092772
TI  - Targeted 307 nm UVB-phototherapy in psoriasis. A pilot study comparing a 307 nm
      excimer light with topical dithranol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phototherapy is a cornerstone in treatment of moderate-to-severe
      psoriasis. Narrow-band UVB has been shown to be a potent therapeutic tool. To
      reduce the potential carcinogenic risk, targeted phototherapy has been developed
      using excimer lasers or excimer light devices (ELD). OBJECTIVE: The role of
      excimer light therapy in practice and modes of action are not completely
      understood. We wanted to investigate a 307 nm ELD for plaque psoriasis in
      comparison with topical dithranol therapy twice daily. METHODS: We conducted a
      pilot trial in 21 adult patients with moderate plaque-type psoriasis. Two target
      lesions of comparable size and plaque-modified Psoriasis Activity and Severity
      Index (PSI) scores were selected. Lesion A was treated three times using a newly
      developed 307 nm ELD. Lesion B was treated twice daily with dithranol ointment.
      The mean period of treatment was 9 days. Clinical evaluation included PSI scores,
      safety, time needed to treat, and patient's satisfaction. In addition,
      fluorescence-remission imaging technique was used for objective evaluation.
      RESULTS: Both treatments improved the PSI score (mean 3.0 points). The treatments
      were safe but ELD was more convenient for patients. The time needed to treat the
      target lesion was significantly shorter with ELD. Targeted UVB therapy normalized
      NADH fluorescence in lesional skin. CONCLUSIONS: The 307 nm excimer light therapy
      for plaque type psoriasis was equipotent to twice daily topical dithranol.
      Efficacy, safety, and convenience suggest that targeted UVB therapy with quasi
      monochromatic light is a new useful treatment option for patients with limited
      psoriatic plaques.

PMID- 22092773
TI  - The effect of abutment dis/reconnections on peri-implant bone resorption: a
      radiologic study of platform-switched and non-platform-switched implants placed
      in animals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this animal study was to radiologically measure the
      influence of abutment disconnection on bone resorption and to compare this
      influence on platform-switched vs. non-platform-switched implants. METHODS: The
      study design included extraction of all mandibular premolars in five canines .
      After 2 months, six implants were placed in each dog. Four of them were platform
      switched (PS) implants and two were non-platform-switched (NPS) implants. Some or
      all of the abutments connected to the implants were disconnected at pre-ordained
      post-surgical intervals. Radiographs were taken at the time of implant placement
      and at every handling. The values for mesial (horizontal and vertical) and distal
      (horizontal and vertical) bone resorption were taken and compared for each
      implant at every abutment dis/reconnection. RESULTS: The average vertical bone
      resorption around NPS implants after four dis/reconnections was 1.09 mm (SD 0.25
      mm), and the average horizontal bone resorption was 0.98 mm (SD 0.27 mm). The
      average vertical bone resorption around PS implants after four dis/reconnections
      was 0.24 mm, (SD 0.08 mm) and the average horizontal bone resorption was 0.24 mm
      (SD 0.13 mm). The difference of the average horizontal and vertical bone
      resorption around NPS (site D) and PS (site A) implants was statically
      significant (P < 0.05). The average mesial and distal bone resorption values
      around PS (site A) implant adjacent to a tooth were compared, and statically
      significant differences were found (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implants with a PS
      design show less peri-implant bone resorption during the healing process and as
      their abutments are disconnected, than do comparably dis/reconnected NPS
      implants. The location of the PS implant next to a tooth may decrease
      radiographically visible peri-implant bone resorption significantly.

PMID- 22092774
TI  - Are reptile and amphibian species younger in the Northern Hemisphere than in the
      Southern Hemisphere?
AB  - A previous analysis of molecular phylogenies suggested that intraspecific
      diversification had occurred more recently in temperate-zone Northern Hemisphere
      reptiles and amphibians than in Southern Hemisphere taxa. Here, we test potential
      explanations for this pattern. We examined published phylogenetic analyses,
      derived from genetic sequence data, to generate two estimates of the age of
      species: (i) the oldest intraspecific diversification event within each taxon and
      (ii) the inferred timing of the split between two sister species. The timing of
      splits between species shows the same pattern as splits within species, and thus
      may be due to climatically driven cladogenic and extinction events or may be an
      artefact of differing levels of taxonomic knowledge about the fauna. Current
      rates of species descriptions suggest that many more taxa remain to be described
      in the Southern Hemisphere than the Northern Hemisphere; for that bias to fully
      explain our results on species age differences, the proportion of undescribed
      Southern taxa would need to be >= 12% in reptiles and >= 51% in anurans. For
      reptiles, taxonomic ignorance plausibly explains the apparent difference in mean
      age of species between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres; but this
      explanation can apply to amphibians only if a vast number of Southern taxa remain
      to be described.

PMID- 22092775
TI  - Grey eosinophils in sighthounds: frequency in 3 breeds and comparison of
      eosinophil counts determined manually and with 2 hematology analyzers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Grey eosinophils (GE) reported to occur in Greyhounds, and
      occasionally in other breeds, have clear granules, probably due to abnormal
      staining properties. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate the
      frequency of GE in Greyhounds and 2 other sighthound breeds, and to assess the
      capacity of the ADVIA 120 and Sysmex XT-2000iV hematology analyzers to correctly
      identify GE. METHODS: Blood samples from 20 Greyhounds, 29 Italian Greyhounds,
      and 24 Whippets were analyzed using the ADVIA and Sysmex hematology analyzers,
      and blood smears stained with May-Grunwald Giemsa were evaluated microscopically.
      The frequency of samples with GE detected on smears was recorded for each breed.
      Manual and automated eosinophil counts were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank
      test. Agreement between methods was assessed using Passing-Bablok and Bland
      Altman plots. RESULTS: GE were detected in all 3 breeds: 9/20 Greyhounds (45.0%),
      10/29 Italian Greyhounds (34.5%), and 5/24 Whippets (62.5%) with no significant
      differences in the frequency of GE among the breeds. In samples containing GE,
      both analyzers underestimated the percentage of eosinophils and occasionally
      eosinophils were not detected at all. When a novel "GE gate" was used, the
      percentage of eosinophils reported by the Sysmex was similar to that obtained by
      manual counting. CONCLUSIONS: GE are found in the blood of sighthounds other than
      Greyhounds. Hematology analyzers may underestimate the percentage of GE, probably
      due to their abnormal physical or chemical features. Underestimation is slight
      and usually clinically insignificant, but occasionally eosinophils are completely
      misclassified. Using the Sysmex analyzer, a GE gate can be designed to normalize
      the eosinophil count.

PMID- 22092776
TI  - Characterization of the fecal bacteria communities of forage-fed horses by
      pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA V4 gene amplicons.
AB  - The diversity of the equine fecal bacterial community was evaluated using
      pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Fecal samples were obtained from
      horses fed cool-season grass hay. Fecal bacteria were characterized by amplifying
      the V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Of 5898 mean unique sequences, a mean
      of 1510 operational taxonomic units were identified in the four fecal samples.
      Equine fecal bacterial richness was higher than that reported in humans, but
      lower than that reported in either cattle feces or soil. Bacterial classified
      sequences were assigned to 16 phyla, of which 10 were present in all samples. The
      largest number of reads belonged to Firmicutes (43.7% of total bacterial
      sequences), Verrucomicrobia (4.1%), Proteobacteria (3.8%), and Bacteroidetes
      (3.7%). The less abundant Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and TM7 phyla presented
      here have not been previously described in the gut contents or feces of horses.
      Unclassified sequences represented 38.1% of total bacterial sequences; therefore,
      the equine fecal microbiome diversity is likely greater than that described. This
      is the first study to characterize the fecal bacterial community in horses by the
      use of 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing, expanding our knowledge of the
      fecal microbiota of forage-fed horses.

PMID- 22092777
TI  - Impact of fatigue on performance in registered nurses: data mining and
      implications for practice.
AB  - Performance of nurses has a direct effect on the quality and safety of care that
      is delivered. Fatigue has been identified as a factor that leads to performance
      decrements in healthcare workers, especially nurses. Determining associations
      between dimensions of fatigue and performance is imperative to better
      understanding fatigue in nurses and the potential implications for both patient
      and provider safety. This article identifies associations between ranges of
      fatigue levels and significant differences in perceived performance, and analyzes
      interactions between fatigue dimensions in relation to perceived performance
      scores. Overall, mental fatigue tended to have higher perceived performance
      decrements than physical and total fatigue in the highest fatigue ranges. As
      physical fatigue begins to develop in nurses, physical exertion rather than
      discomfort is more critical to perceived performance. As acute fatigue levels
      increase, perceived performance levels continue to decrease, whereas the role of
      chronic fatigue is relatively constant. Minimizing the development of acute
      fatigue may help in maintaining higher performance levels. The findings from this
      study provide valuable information in quantifying the changes in perceived
      performance with regard to specific fatigue levels, as well as an initial
      understanding of how the individual dimensions and states of fatigue vary in
      their association with perceived performance decrements.

PMID- 22092778
TI  - Gateway to doping? Supplement use in the context of preferred competitive
      situations, doping attitude, beliefs, and norms.
AB  - Nutritional supplement (NS) use is widespread in sport. This study applied an
      integrated social cognitive approach to examine doping attitudes, beliefs, and
      self-reported doping use behavior across NS users (n = 96) and nonusers (n =
      116). Following ethical approval, 212 competitive athletes (age mean = 21.4, s =
      4.5; 137 males) completed self-reported measures of doping-related social
      cognitions and behaviors, presented in an online format where completion implied
      consent. Significantly more NS users (22.9%) reported doping compared with
      nonusers (6.0%; U = 4628.0, P < 0.05). NS users presented significantly more
      positive attitudes toward doping (U = 3152.0, P < 0.05) and expressed a
      significantly greater belief that doping is effective (U = 3152.0, P < 0.05).
      When presented with the scenario that performance-enhancing substances are
      effective and increase the possibility of winning, NS users were significantly
      more in favor of competing in situations that allow doping (U = 3504.5, P <
      0.05). In sum, doping use is three-and-a-half times more prevalent in NS users
      compared with nonusers. This finding is accompanied by significant differences in
      doping attitudes, norms, and beliefs. Thus, this article offers support for the
      gateway hypothesis; athletes who engage in legal performance enhancement
      practices appear to embody an "at-risk" group for transition toward doping.
      Education should be appropriately targeted.

PMID- 22092779
TI  - Results of drug hypersensitivity evaluations in a large group of children and
      adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proven IgE or T-cell mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs)
      seem less common in children compared with adults. However, this has never been
      proved by data. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare proven DHR prevalence in
      children and adults. METHODS: Using the DAHD (Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity
      Database) cohort, children with proven DHRs were compared with adults. The
      international EAACI-ENDA recommendations were followed. Patients were divided
      into four groups: index reaction and test during childhood (C/C), index reaction
      at childhood and test at adulthood (C/A), index reactions at childhood and
      adulthood and test at adulthood (CA/A), index reaction and test at adulthood
      (A/A). RESULTS: A total of 3275 patients (67.9% female), comprising a total of
      4370 patient-episodes, were evaluated (74.5% belonged to the A/A group).
      Prevalence of positive tests was 15.2% (95%CI, 14.1-16.2) for all tested classes,
      10.6% (8.3-13.0) for C/C, 10.6% (7.5-13.6) for C/A, 22.1% (12.8-31.3) for CA/A
      and 16.5% (15.2-17.8) for A/A. The prevalence was lower in group C/C compared
      with groups A/A (P < 0.0001) and CA/A (P = 0.003). It was also lower in group C/A
      compared with the two latter groups (respectively P = 0.003 and P = 0.005).
      Significant differences were found for maculopapular exanthemas only, and not for
      urticaria/angioedema and anaphylaxis. The difference was mainly observed with
      beta-lactams and not for NSAIDs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Suspicions of
      DHRs are less likely to be confirmed in children.

PMID- 22092780
TI  - Tensegrity and plasma for skin regeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical stresses induce variations in tissue tensegrity leading to
      cell proliferation and differentiation thus contributing to tissue remodelling.
      Besides mechanical forces, skin remodelling may be induced by the application of
      plasma, a new type of energy delivery resulting in controlled heat damage. Here
      we demonstrate that mechanical stress induced by the application of vacuum
      increases the efficacy of plasma in skin regeneration treatment. METHODS: Vacuum
      alone and vacuum plus plasma at different energies were applied to rat skin and
      biopsies collected at different time intervals after treatments. Skin integrity,
      collagen arrangement, inflammation and myofibroblast differentiation were
      assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. Procollagen synthesis was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Vacuum alone induced significant and temporary
      alterations in the distribution of collagen bundles, with concomitant procollagen
      synthesis in the dermis; no myofibroblasts and no signs of inflammation were
      observed. Vacuum plus plasma determined an important spatial modification of
      collagen bundles, more intense than vacuum or plasma alone. Significant increase
      of procollagen synthesis, numerous myofibroblasts but slight sign of inflammation
      appeared after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Vacuum mechanically stimulated
      fibroblasts, producing changes in collagen arrangement and procollagen synthesis.
      Plasma led to the same effects through thermal damage. Application of a combined
      treatment consisting in vacuum plus plasma induced more remarkable effects on
      skin regeneration with relatively low plasma energies and no relevant side
      effects.

PMID- 22092781
TI  - Management of severe anogenital acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe anogenital acne inversa (AI) is a debilitating chronic
      inflammatory disease with a major negative effect on quality of life. OBJECTIVES:
      To evaluate the role of surgery in the treatment of severe anogenital AI.
      METHODS: We analyzed the records of patients with anogenital AI from 2000 to
      2010. Assessment was done using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesion, Area, and
      Severity Index (HS-LASI), pain visual analogue scale, physician global assessment
      (PhGA), and patient global assessment (PaGA). Comorbidities and adverse events
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with a Hurley score of 3 were
      identified. Mean follow-up was 56.9 +/- 41.3 months. A number of comorbidities
      were observed. After surgery, mean pain scores decreased from 6.3 +/- 1.5 to 0.8
      +/- 0.7, PhGA improved from 6.8 +/- 1.2 to 0.9 +/- 0.6, PaGA improved from 7.3 +/
      1.2 to 1.1 +/- 0.5, and HS-LASI decreased from 41.8 +/- 21.3 to 2.4 +/- 2.8.
      Adverse reactions were seen in 10.4%. The total relapse rate was 6% (5 patients)
      with only one case with healing by secondary intention (2% of 49 patients).
      CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for advanced AI. Healing by
      secondary intention results in significant reduction of complaints and achieves
      satisfying body contouring.

PMID- 22092782
TI  - Influence of aerobic cycle exercise training on patellar tendon cross-sectional
      area in older women.
AB  - Nine to 12 weeks of resistance exercise training in young individuals induces
      quadriceps muscle (~6%) and region-specific patellar tendon (4-6%) hypertrophy.
      However, 12 weeks of resistance exercise training (~1 h total exercise time) in
      older individuals (60-78 years) induces quadriceps muscle hypertrophy (9%)
      without impacting patellar tendon size. The current study examined if a different
      loading paradigm using cycle exercise would promote patellar tendon hypertrophy
      or alter the internal tendon properties, measured with magnetic resonance imaging
      signal intensity, in older individuals. Nine women (70 +/- 2 years) completed 12
      weeks of aerobic upright cycle exercise training (~28 h total exercise time).
      Aerobic exercise training increased (P < 0.05) quadriceps muscle size (11 +/- 2%)
      and VO2max (30 +/- 9%). Mean patellar tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) (2 +/-
      1%) and signal intensity (-1 +/- 2%) were unchanged (P > 0.05) over the 12 weeks
      of training. Region-specific CSA was unchanged (P > 0.05) at the proximal (-1 +/-
      3%) and mid regions (2 +/- 2%) of the tendon but tended (P = 0.069) to increase
      at the distal region (5 +/- 3%). Region-specific signal intensity differed along
      the tendon but was unchanged (P > 0.05) with training. Although more studies are
      needed, exercise-induced patellar tendon hypertrophy, compared with skeletal
      muscle, appears to be attenuated in older individuals, while the loading pattern
      associated with aerobic exercise seems to have more impact than resistance
      exercise in promoting patellar tendon hypertrophy.

PMID- 22092783
TI  - Upper cutaneous lip reconstruction after tumor excision.

PMID- 22092784
TI  - Acellular dermal matrix allograft versus subepithelial connective tissue graft in
      treatment of gingival recessions: a 5-year randomized clinical study.
AB  - AIM: The present randomized clinical trial compared the long-term results of
      subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) versus acellular dermal matrix
      allograft (ADMA) in treatment of gingival recessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      16 patients with bilateral Miller Class I/II gingival recessions, one side was
      treated with SCTG and the other side with ADMA. Clinical parameters were measured
      at baseline, 6 months, and at 5 years post-surgery. RESULTS: Fifteen patients
      completed the study. At 6 months, all parameters showed significant improvement
      in ADMA and SCTG groups [complete root coverage (CRC): 73.3% versus 26.7%, p =
      0.027; reduction of recession depth (RD): 2.6 +/- 1.1 mm versus 2.2 +/- 1.1 mm, p
      = 0.376; reduction of recession width (RW): 3.0 +/- 1.4 mm versus 2.4 +/- 1.4 mm,
      p = 0.207 respectively]. At 5 years, significant relapses were detected in CRC
      and reduction of RD and RW in both groups with no statistically significant
      difference (CRC: 20.0% versus 13.3%, p = 1.00; RD: 1.6 +/- 1.2 mm versus 1.5 +/-
      1.4mm, p = 0.838; RW: 1.8 +/- 1.4 mm versus 1.3 +/- 1.5mm, p = 0.367). Patients
      practicing horizontal toothbrushing habit showed more relapse (OR = 11.2; p =
      0.01). Compared with baseline, the gingival width (GW) did not increase in ADMA
      treated sites (p = 0.903). CONCLUSION: Five-year results of SCTG and ADMA were
      similar in terms of CRC and reduction of RD and RW. Both techniques showed a
      significant relapse associated with returning to horizontal toothbrushing habit.
      Increase of GW was stable in SCTG-treated sites, but reached to pre-surgical
      values in ADMA-treated cases.

PMID- 22092785
TI  - Emotional contagion of dental fear to children: the fathers' mediating role in
      parental transfer of fear.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental fear is considered to be one of the most frequent problems in
      paediatric dentistry. According to literature, parents' levels of dental fear
      play a key role in the development of child's dental anxiety. HYPOTHESIS OR AIM:
      We have tried to identify the presence of emotional transmission of dental fear
      among family members and to analyse the different roles that mothers and fathers
      might play concerning the contagion of dental fear to children. We have
      hypothesized a key role of the father in the transfer of dental fear from mother
      to child. DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey (Children's Fear Survey Schedule
      Dental Subscale) has been distributed among 183 schoolchildren and their parents
      in Madrid (Spain). Inferential statistical analyses, i.e. correlation and
      hierarchical multiple regression, were carried out and possible mediating effects
      between variables have been tested. RESULTS: Our results support the hypothesis
      that family members' levels of dental fear are significantly correlated, and they
      also allow us to affirm that fathers' dental fear is a mediating variable in the
      relationship between mothers and children's fear scores. CONCLUSIONS: Together
      with the presence of emotional transmission of dental fear among family members,
      we identified the relevant role that fathers play as regards the transfer of
      dental fear from parents to children.

PMID- 22092786
TI  - Staphylococcal-derived superantigen enhances peanut induced Th2 responses in the
      skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The allergen-induced activation and expansion of IL-4 producing T
      helper type 2 (Th2) cells is a key event in the initiation and progression of
      allergic disease. Intriguingly, concomitant early childhood staphylococcal skin
      infections are being increasingly implicated in the allergen-induced switch of
      primary T cell responses towards the Th2 phenotype. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      identify whether or not staphylococcal-derived superantigen can influence the
      primary T cell response in the skin to food allergens with a view to determining
      whether such exposures create the immune pathology that predisposes to the
      development of food allergy. METHODS: Using a novel Th2 reporter model, we
      determined the ability of the staphylococcal superantigen (SEB) to influence
      priming in the skin of IL-4 expressing Th2 cells by peanut extract (PE). Factors
      including the effect of SEB on the magnitude of the Th2 response in the skin
      draining lymph nodes, T cell receptor V region usage and the influence of
      endotoxin were evaluated. RESULTS: Primary exposure to PE and SEB lead to
      significantly enhanced PE specific Th2 responses when the mice were subsequently
      exposed to PE alone. The enhancement of the Th2 response was dependent on the
      Vbeta-binding properties of the SEB, but was not affected by endotoxin-mediated
      TLR-4 effects or strain differences in the mice. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: These results identify that in the skin environment, the presence of
      SEB can significantly increase the numbers of allergen-induced Th2 cells which
      develop in response to subsequent allergen exposure. These data highlight the
      process by which individuals may become pathologically sensitized to food
      allergens in early life.

PMID- 22092787
TI  - Sulfidogenesis in hypersaline chloride-sulfate lakes of Kulunda Steppe (Altai,
      Russia).
AB  - The activity and culturable diversity of sulfidogens were investigated in anoxic
      sediments of four hypersaline lakes with pH 7.6-8.2 in the Kulunda Steppe (Altai,
      Russia). Sulfate reduction rates were low, varying from 0.1 to 6.0 nmol HS(-)
      /(cm(3) h) with a maximum in the top 10 cm layer. Potential sulfidogenic rates
      with thiosulfate and sulfur as the e-acceptors were higher than with sulfate and
      were stimulated by formate, lactate, and acetate. Sulfidogenesis was optimal at
      salt concentrations below 2 M NaCl. Cultivation at 2 M NaCl resulted in the
      isolation of several strains of moderately halophilic SRB, but no growth of SRB
      was observed at 4 M NaCl. At lithotrophic conditions (i.e., with formate or H(2)
      as e-donors), several closely related alkalitolerant strains belonging to the
      genus Desulfonatronovibrio were isolated. Enrichments at heterotrophic conditions
      with lactate, propionate, acetate, or butyrate using sulfate or thiosulfate as e
      acceptors yielded isolates related to Desulfosalsimonas propionicica,
      Desulfohalobium utahense, and Desulfocella halophila. Sulfur-reducing enrichments
      at 2 M NaCl with ethanol produced a member of the genus Halanaerobium, while
      enrichments at 4 M NaCl with acetate were dominated by archaea, demonstrating for
      the first time such type of catabolism in haloarchaea.

PMID- 22092788
TI  - Effects of platelet-rich and -poor plasma on the reparative response of gingival
      fibroblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a
      therapeutic tool to enhance wound repair, the cellular and molecular mechanisms
      stimulated by this agent are still not completely understood. The present study
      was designed to characterize the effects of PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP)
      supernatants on cell responses involved in gingival tissue repair. METHODS: We
      studied the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) to PRP and PPP fractions
      on: matrix contraction, cell migration, myofibroblastic differentiation,
      production of matrix components and proteolytic enzymes. PRP and PPP were
      obtained from donors using a commercial kit. Matrix contraction was evaluated by
      means of collagen lattices in the presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and
      actin polymerization inhibitors. The production of matrix molecules and
      proteinases was assessed through Western-blot. RhoA activity was evaluated
      through a pull-down assay. Actin distribution and focal adhesions were assessed
      through immunofluorescence. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was
      quantified through ELISA. RESULTS: Both PRP and PPP stimulated human gingival
      fibroblasts-populated collagen gel contraction and Ilomastat and cytochalasin D
      inhibited this response. PRP and PPP also stimulated MT1-MMP and TIMP-2
      production, RhoA activation and actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell
      migration/invasion and myofibroblastic differentiation. TGF-beta1 was found at
      significantly higher concentrations in PRP than in PPP. CONCLUSIONS: Both PRP and
      PPP promote wound tissue remodeling and contraction through the stimulation of
      actin remodeling, the activity of MMPs, promotion of cell migration, and
      myofibroblastic differentiation. The similar biological responses induced by PRP
      and PPP suggest that both platelet-derived fractions may exert a positive effect
      on gingival repair.

PMID- 22092789
TI  - Stenotrophomonas interspecies differentiation and identification by gyrB sequence
      analysis.
AB  - Stenotrophomonas species are found commonly in environmental and clinical
      samples; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an important opportunistic pathogen of
      humans. Traditional phenotyping protocols, as well as genotyping by 16S rRNA gene
      sequence analysis, do not reliably distinguish the species of Stenotrophomonas.
      Sequence analyses of two targeted PCR-amplified regions of the gyrB gene, which
      encodes the beta-subunit of DNA gyrase, enabled resolution and identification of
      these species. Most type strains of the different species of Stenotrophomonas
      exhibited more than 7% dissimilarity in the gyrB gene sequences. Among these,
      strains identified as the same species exhibited sequence dissimilarities up to
      4.6% and 5.9% for the two regions, respectively. Strains identified as S.
      maltophilia, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities > 99.0%, were grouped
      within a 'S. maltophilia complex'; these organisms exhibited gyrB similarities as
      low as 93%. Many of these strains possessed genomic DNA similarities with the
      type strain of S. maltophilia CCUG 5866(T) below 70%. These data, including gyrB
      sequence comparisons, indicate that strains identified as S. maltophilia may
      comprise distinct, new species.

PMID- 22092790
TI  - Wound microbiology: tabula rosa, a blank slate.

PMID- 22092791
TI  - The importance of a multifaceted approach to characterizing the microbial flora
      of chronic wounds.
AB  - Chronic wounds contain complex polymicrobial communities of sessile organisms
      that have been underappreciated because of limitations of standard culture
      techniques. The aim of this work was to combine recently developed next
      generation investigative techniques to comprehensively describe the microbial
      characteristics of chronic wounds. Tissue samples were obtained from 15 patients
      with chronic wounds presenting to the Johns Hopkins Wound Center. Standard
      bacteriological cultures demonstrated an average of three common bacterial
      species in wound samples. By contrast, high-throughput pyrosequencing revealed
      increased bacterial diversity with an average of 17 genera in each wound. Data
      from microbial community profiling of chronic wounds were compared with published
      sequenced analyses of bacteria from normal skin. Increased proportions of
      anaerobes, Gram-negative rods and Gram-positive cocci were found in chronic
      wounds. In addition, chronic wounds had significantly lower populations of
      Propionibacterium compared with normal skin. Using epifluorescence microscopy,
      wound bacteria were visualized in highly organized thick confluent biofilms or as
      scattered individual bacterial cells. Fluorescent in situ hybridization allowed
      for the visualization of Staphylococcus aureus cells in a wound sample. Quorum
      sensing molecules were measured by bioassay to evaluate signaling patterns among
      bacteria in the wounds. A range of autoinducer-2 activities was detected in the
      wound samples. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the identity,
      organization, and behavior of bacteria in chronic wounds. Such information may
      provide important clues to effective future strategies in wound healing.

PMID- 22092792
TI  - Clinical efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor on pressure ulcers: case
      control pairing study using a new evaluation method.
AB  - A basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) case and a control case whose total
      scores of Pressure Ulcer Healing Process-Ohura (PUHP-Ohura) and risk factors for
      pressure ulcers, and level of care for pressure ulcers were equivalent were
      paired. Twenty-three such eligible pairs were enrolled in this study. Both cases
      in each pair were treated under conditions in which extrinsic factors such as the
      use of a pressure-relief mattress and the frequency of postural change were
      equivalent. The efficacy of bFGF was assessed by analyzing the data obtained over
      time as the scores of PUHP-Ohura for nine observation items using the SAS MIXED
      procedure. Treatment of pressure ulcers with bFGF accelerated wound healing over
      time more significantly than the control in six observation items (exudate
      volume, ulcer depth, granulation formation, wound edge, epithelialization, total
      score of the PUHP-Ohura). These data suggest that it may be possible to evaluate
      drugs for the treatment of pressure ulcers using the PUHP-Ohura wound-assessment
      tool.

PMID- 22092793
TI  - Prevalence rate for inherited thrombophilia in patients with chronic and
      recurrent venous leg ulceration.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence rate for inherited
      thrombophilia (IT) in patients with chronic (CVU) and recurrent venous leg
      ulceration. We also investigated and evaluated the severity of the clinical
      pattern of CVU in patients with and without IT. We examined 110 patients with CVU
      (the study group) and 110 healthy subjects (the control group). We prepared a
      questionnaire to be completed by each study participant. Ultrasound Doppler color
      imaging or/and duplex ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the efficiency of
      the venous system. The ankle-brachial index was calculated to determine the
      efficiency of the arterial system. We examined both groups for the presence of
      IT. IT was diagnosed in 30% of study group and in 1.8% of control group. Our
      diagnoses of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were based on medical interviews,
      physical examinations, and an ultrasonography of the venous system and concerned
      64 study group patients (58.2%), 35 of whom (31.8%) experienced recurrent DVT.
      Proximal and/or distal DVT was determined in an interview and/or by an
      ultrasonography performed for all patients with CVU and IT. In 94% of these
      patients, DVT was recurrent, and in 88% of patients with CVU and IT, we observed
      recurrent DVT and CVU. It recurred more often and persisted longer when compared
      to patients with CVU and no IT, despite similar management. No differences were
      observed in ulcer size, localization, or pain level related to ulceration between
      patients with CVU and IT and those with CVU and no IT.

PMID- 22092794
TI  - Clinical wound assessment using DESIGN-R total score can predict pressure ulcer
      healing: pooled analysis from two multicenter cohort studies.
AB  - There are few clinical tools with both predictive validity for pressure ulcer
      healing and availability in broad populations. We evaluated whether the total
      scores from DESIGN-R tool could predict pressure ulcer healing. We followed 3,196
      patients with pressure ulcers from two multicenter cohort studies until wound
      healing, patient death, or discharge. Wound severity was evaluated by DESIGN-R
      tool from 0 (healed) to 66 (greatest severity). In the multivariate Cox
      proportional hazard model, higher DESIGN-R total scores at baseline were
      associated with lower healing rates (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval
      0.89-0.92), independent of the patient's characteristics, setting types, and
      wound depth or location. DESIGN-R had discriminative value for wound healing up
      to 90 days; the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve from
      univariate analysis was 0.81 for healing within 30 days and 0.74 for healing
      within 30-90 days. The cutoff points were 9 for healing within 30 days and 18
      within 30-90 days (positive and negative predictive value 78.8 and 74.1%; 63.9
      and 81.1%, respectively). These points were validated for both superficial and
      deep ulcers. DESIGN-R can be a useful tool to predict pressure ulcer healing for
      a wide range of patient populations, settings, and wound locations.

PMID- 22092795
TI  - Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 in the formation of
      postburn hypertrophic scar (HTS).
AB  - Recent data support the involvement of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in
      the homing of bone marrow-derived stem cells to wound sites during skeletal,
      myocardial, vascular, lung, and skin wound repair as well as some fibrotic
      disorders via its receptor CXCR4. In this study, the role of SDF-1/CXCR4
      signaling in the formation of hypertrophic scar (HTS) following burn injury and
      after treatment with systemic interferon alpha2b (IFNalpha2b) is investigated.
      Studies show SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling was up-regulated in burn patients, including
      SDF-1 level in HTS tissue and serum as well as CD14+ CXCR4+ cells in the
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vitro, dermal fibroblasts constitutively
      expressed SDF-1 and deep dermal fibroblasts expressed more SDF-1 than superficial
      fibroblasts. Lipopolysaccharide increased SDF-1 gene expression in fibroblasts.
      Also, recombinant SDF-1 and lipopolysaccharide stimulated fibroblast-conditioned
      medium up-regulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell mobility. In the burn
      patients with HTS who received subcutaneous IFNalpha2b treatment, increased SDF
      1/CXCR4 signaling was found prior to treatment which was down-regulated after
      IFNalpha2b administration, coincident with enhanced remodeling of their HTS. Our
      results suggest that SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling is involved in the development of HTS
      by promoting migration of activated CD14+ CXCR4+ cells from the bloodstream to
      wound sites, where they may differentiate into fibrocyte and myofibroblasts and
      contribute to the development of HTS.

PMID- 22092796
TI  - Aminated beta-1,3-D-glucan has a dose-dependent effect on wound healing in
      diabetic db/db mice.
AB  - Inflammatory responses are common in diabetes and are operative in angiopathy,
      neuropathy, and wound healing. There are indications of incomplete macrophage
      activation in diabetes and reduced expression of growth factors. We have
      previously found that up to 15 topical applications of the macrophage-stimulant,
      aminated beta-1,3-D-glucan (AG), improved wound healing in db/db mice. The
      present open-label study was undertaken to examine dose-dependent effects of AG
      over 40 days in db/db mice. AG was given as a single dose (group 1), one dose
      every 10th day (group 2), five initial doses on consecutive days (group 3), and
      >=15 doses (group 4). Controls were db/db mice receiving platelet-derived growth
      factor + insulin-like growth factor-1 (group 5), topical placebo (NaCl 9 mg/mL)
      and insulin (group 6), placebo (group 7), and a nondiabetic group receiving
      placebo (group 8). Seven to 14 animals were allocated to each group. Percentage
      wound closure 17 days after surgery in groups 1 and 2 were (mean +/- standard
      error of the mean) 25.5 +/- 5.3 and 32.2 +/- 6.3, respectively. Corresponding
      closure in groups 3, 4, and 5 was 55.7 +/- 5.0, 57.3 +/- 5.0, and 55.6 +/- 4.8,
      respectively (p < 0.05 vs. groups 1 and 2). Groups 6, 7, and 8 closed 32.0 +/-
      4.5, 38.2 +/- 5.3, and 98.5 +/- 0.4%, respectively. Significant association
      between the number of AG-dosages and wound closure indicates dose-related effects
      in db/db mice.

PMID- 22092797
TI  - Evaluation of closed incision management with negative pressure wound therapy
      (CIM): hematoma/seroma and involvement of the lymphatic system.
AB  - The objective of this porcine study was to evaluate the effect of closed incision
      management with negative pressure wound therapy (CIM) on hematoma/seroma
      formation, fluid removal into the CIM canister, and involvement of the lymphatic
      system. In each swine (n = 8), two sets of ventral contralateral subcutaneous
      dead spaces with overlying sutured incisions were created. Stable isotope-labeled
      nanospheres were introduced into each subcutaneous dead space. Each contralateral
      incision was assigned to CIM (continuous -125 mmHg negative pressure) and control
      (semipermeable film dressing), respectively. Following 4 days of therapy,
      hematoma/seroma was weighed, total fluid volume in canisters was measured, five
      pre-identified lymph nodes were harvested, and five key organs were biopsied.
      There was 25 +/- 8 g (standard error [SE]) (63%) less hematoma/seroma in CIM
      sites compared to control sites (p = 0.002), without any fluid collection in the
      CIM canister. In lymph nodes, there were ~60 MUg (~50%) more 30- and 50-nm
      nanospheres from CIM sites than from control sites (p = 0.04 and 0.05,
      respectively). There was significantly greater nanosphere incidence from CIM
      sites than from control sites in lungs, liver, and spleen (p < 0.05); no
      nanospheres were detected in kidney biopsies. Thus, in this porcine model,
      application of CIM significantly decreased hematoma/seroma levels without fluid
      collection in the canister, which may be explained by increased lymph clearance.

PMID- 22092798
TI  - Selection of proangiogenic ascorbate derivatives and their exploitation in a
      novel drug-releasing system for wound healing.
AB  - The pathophysiology leading to delayed wound healing is complex and efficient
      therapeutic approaches for accelerated wound healing currently do not exist. We
      developed a novel drug-eluting platform for the potential use in wound dressings.
      Here, we report on the potential of eluting ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (ASC-2P), a
      highly stable variant of ascorbic acid, to induce angiogenesis and to promote
      collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. The drug-eluting platform device (DEPD)
      consists of biocompatible polymeric layers comprising polyethylene terephtalate,
      polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyurethane with PVA as the solvent for ASC-2P. The
      angiogenic potential of ASC-2P was evaluated in the endothelial cell tube
      formation assay (TFA) and in the chorion allantoic membrane (CAM) model. Collagen
      synthesis by ASC-2P-stimulated fibroblasts was determined by Sirius Red staining.
      ASC-2P significantly induced angiogenesis in five independent TFA and CAM assays
      and induced collagen synthesis in two different fibroblast cell lines. The
      eluting kinetics of ASC-2P was determined by the ultraviolet NanoDrop method and
      the functional 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) method.
      Eluting profiles showed a continuous release in the range of biologically
      effective concentrations >10 days. This is the first report showing the
      proangiogenic- and collagen-promoting features of ASC-2P. DEPD loaded with ASC-2P
      ought to be further evaluated as wound dressings or as supplementary pads for
      topical treatment of delayed wound healing in preclinical studies.

PMID- 22092799
TI  - Wound healing in skin promoted by inoculation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1:
      The critical role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha secreted from infiltrating
      neutrophils.
AB  - Wound healing is promoted by the presence of replicating microorganisms adhering
      to the wounded tissue, but the precise mechanism is not fully understood. In the
      present study, using a rat model with full-thickness dermal wounds, we examined
      the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa inoculation on wound healing and the role of
      neutrophils infiltrating the wound site. Within 3 days, inoculation with this
      bacterium had accelerated re-epithelialization, epidermal cell proliferation, and
      neo-vascularization, as well as the local infiltration of neutrophils, which
      reached a peak at 24 hours. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was detected in the
      wound tissues on the mRNA and protein levels within 24 hours. Flow cytometry and
      immunohistochemical analyses detected higher levels of TNF-alpha in the
      infiltrating neutrophils in rats inoculated with P. aeruginosa than in
      uninoculated rats. Neutropenic rats treated with anti-neutrophil mAb or
      cyclophosphamide exhibited significant attenuation in re-epithelialization,
      epidermal cell proliferation, neo-vascularization, and TNF-alpha synthesis
      compared with control; administration of TNF-alpha reversed these attenuations.
      These wound-healing responses were decelerated in rats treated with anti-TNF
      alpha mAb, as was the infiltration of neutrophils. These results indicate that
      inoculation with P. aeruginosa promotes wound healing by inducing the
      infiltration of neutrophils, which play a critical role as a major source of TNF
      alpha.

PMID- 22092800
TI  - Spatiotemporal progression of cell death in the zone of ischemia surrounding
      burns.
AB  - Burns are dynamic injuries, characterized by progressive death of surrounding
      tissue over time. Although central to an understanding of burn injury
      progression, the spatiotemporal degrees and rates of cellular necrosis and
      apoptosis in the zone of ischemia surrounding burns are not well characterized.
      Using a validated porcine hot comb model, we probed periburn tissue at 1, 4, and
      24 hours after injury for high-mobility group box 1 as a marker of necrosis and
      activated cleaved caspase-3 as a marker of apoptosis, followed by spatiotemporal
      morphometric analysis. We found that necrosis was the most prominent mechanism of
      cell death in burn injury progression, with significant progression between 1 and
      4 hours postburn. Apoptosis appeared not to play a role in early burn injury
      progression but was observed in cells at the interface of necrotic and viable
      tissue at 24 hours postburn. Our findings imply that intervention within the
      first 4 hours following injury is likely necessary to limit burn injury
      progression. Additionally, based on high-mobility group box 1 staining patterns,
      we define distinct early, intermediate, and late pathological signs of cell
      necrosis that may facilitate delineation of causal mechanistic relationships of
      burn injury progression in vivo.

PMID- 22092801
TI  - Acceleration of diabetic-wound healing with PEGylated rhaFGF in healing-impaired
      streptozocin diabetic rats.
AB  - Molecular modification with polyethylene glycol (PEGylation) is an effective
      approach to improve protein biostability, in vivo lifetime and therapeutic
      potency. In the present study, the recombinant human acid fibroblast growth
      factor (rhaFGF) was site-selectively PEGylated with 20 kDa mPEG-butyraldehyde.
      Mono-PEGylated rhaFGF was purified to near homogeneity by Sephadex G 25-gel
      filtration followed by a Heparin Sepharose TM CL-6B affinity chromatography.
      PEGylated rhaFGF has less effect than the native rhaFGF on the stimulation of 3T3
      cell proliferation in vitro; however, its relative thermal stability at normal
      physiological temperature and structural stability were significantly enhanced,
      and its half-life time in vivo was significantly extended. Then, the
      physiological function of PEGylated rhaFGF on diabetic-wound healing was
      evaluated in type 1 diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. The results showed that,
      compared with the group of animal treated with native rhaFGF, the group treated
      with PEGylated rhaFGF exhibited better therapeutic efficacy with shorter healing
      time, quicker tissue collagen generation, earlier and higher transforming growth
      factor (TGF)-beta expression, and dermal cell proliferation. In addition, in vivo
      analysis showed that both native and PEGylated rhaFGF were more effective in the
      wound healing in the diabetic group compared with the nondiabetic one. Taken
      together, these results suggest that PEGylation of rhaFGF could be a more
      effective approach to the pharmacological and therapeutic application of native
      rhaFGF.

PMID- 22092802
TI  - The electric field near human skin wounds declines with age and provides a
      noninvasive indicator of wound healing.
AB  - Due to the transepidermal potential of 15-50 mV, inside positive, an injury
      current is driven out of all human skin wounds. The flow of this current
      generates a lateral electric field within the epidermis that is more negative at
      the wound edge than at regions more lateral from the wound edge. Electric fields
      in this region could be as large as 40 mV/mm, and electric fields of this
      magnitude have been shown to stimulate human keratinocyte migration toward the
      wounded region. After flowing out of the wound, the current returns through the
      space between the epidermis and stratum corneum, generating a lateral field above
      the epidermis in the opposite direction. Here, we report the results from the
      first clinical trial designed to measure this lateral electric field adjacent to
      human skin wounds noninvasively. Using a new instrument, the Dermacorder(r), we
      found that the mean lateral electric field in the space between the epidermis and
      stratum corneum adjacent to a lancet wound in 18-25-year-olds is 107-148 mV/mm,
      48% larger on average than that in 65-80-year-olds. We also conducted extensive
      measurements of the lateral electric field adjacent to mouse wounds as they
      healed and compared this field with histological sections through the wound to
      determine the correlation between the electric field and the rate of epithelial
      wound closure. Immediately after wounding, the average lateral electric field was
      122 +/- 9 mV/mm. When the wound is filled in with a thick, disorganized epidermal
      layer, the mean field falls to 79 +/- 4 mV/mm. Once this epidermis forms a
      compact structure with only three cell layers, the mean field is 59 +/- 5 mV/mm.
      Thus, the peak-to-peak spatial variation in surface potential is largest in fresh
      wounds and slowly declines as the wound closes. The rate of wound healing is
      slightly greater when wounds are kept moist as expected, but we could find no
      correlation between the amplitude of the electric field and the rate of wound
      healing.

PMID- 22092804
TI  - Minimally invasive transcrestal sinus floor elevation with graft biomaterials. A
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to comparatively evaluate the
      effectiveness and post-operative morbidity of transcrestal sinus floor elevation
      (tSFE) performed with a minimally invasive procedure (Smart Lift technique)
      combined with the additional use of two graft biomaterials. METHODS: Thirty sites
      in 30 patients were randomly assigned to tSFE in association with either
      deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) (n = 15) or synthetic hydroxyapatite in
      a collagen matrix (S-HA) (n = 15). In both groups, the extent of the sinus lift
      (SL) and the height of the graft apical to the implant apex (aGH) were assessed
      on periapical radiographs taken immediately after surgery and at 6 months
      following surgery. Surgical and post-surgical complications as well post-surgical
      pain and discomfort were also assessed. RESULTS: The results of the study
      indicated that (i) immediately post-surgery, both DBBM and S-HA resulted in
      substantial SL and aGH, which were maintained at 6 months, (ii) greater aGH and
      SL were observed in S-HA group compared with DBBM group at 6 months post-surgery
      and (iii) limited surgical complications and post-operative pain/discomfort were
      associated with the use of both graft biomaterials. CONCLUSIONS: The Smart Lift
      technique in conjunction with the additional use of either S-HA or DBBM may
      provide a predictable elevation of the maxillary sinus floor along with limited
      post-surgical complications and post-operative pain/discomfort. SL and aGH were
      significantly greater at 6 months for S-HA than DBBM.

PMID- 22092805
TI  - Pasteuria endospores from Heterodera cajani (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) exhibit
      inverted attachment and altered germination in cross-infection studies with
      Globodera pallida (Nematoda: Heteroderidae).
AB  - The Pasteuria group of Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacteria are parasites of
      invertebrates and exhibit differences in host specificity. We describe a cross
      infection study between an isolate of Pasteuria from pigeon pea cyst nematode,
      Heterodera cajani, which also infects the potato cyst nematode, Globodera
      pallida, from the United Kingdom. A proportion of the attached endospores, 13% on
      H. cajani and 22% on G. pallida adhere to the cuticle in an inverted orientation.
      Inverted and conventionally attached endospores germinated and produced bacillus
      like rods that completed their life cycle in < 15 weeks within females of G.
      pallida. This is the first example in which the life cycle of a Pasteuria
      population was systematically followed in two different nematode genera. A 1430
      base pair fragment of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the Pasteuria isolate from H.
      cajani revealed 98.6% similarity to the orthologous gene in Pasteuria nishizawae.
      Additionally, their respective endospore sizes were not significantly different,
      in contrast their host ranges are. Potential reasons for this remain unclear and
      are discussed.

PMID- 22092806
TI  - Titanium-zirconium alloy narrow-diameter implants (Straumann Roxolid((r))) for
      the rehabilitation of horizontally deficient edentulous ridges: prospective study
      on 18 consecutive patients.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: (i) To evaluate the survival and success rates of the new
      Roxolid narrow diameter implant placed in horizontally deficient ridges; and (ii)
      to evaluate the incidence of prosthetic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      a 24-month period (2009-2010) 18 partially or totally edentulous patients
      received 51 Straumann Roxolid (13 tissue level, 38 bone level) implants.
      Prosthetic loading of implants was either immediate (four implants; one patient)
      or delayed (2-12 months after placement; 47 implants; 17 patients). The patients
      were rehabilitated with either fixed (16 patients; 45 implants) or removable (two
      patients; six implants) prostheses. RESULTS: All implants successfully achieved
      osseointegration and all patients completed the planned prosthetic
      rehabilitation. Peri-implant bone resorption values ranged from 0 to 1 mm at the
      end of the observation period (range: 3-19 months). Implant survival and success
      rates were therefore 100%. No prosthetic complications occurred and all implants
      are still in function; therefore the prosthesis success rate was 100%.
      CONCLUSION: Narrow diameter implants fabricated with the new titanium-zirconium
      alloy were demonstrated to be reliable in supporting both fixed and removable
      prosthetic rehabilitations in horizontally deficient ridges. Implant survival,
      peri-implant bone resorption, and prosthetic complication rates were consistent
      with those reported in the literature for standard diameter implants placed in
      non-deficient edentulous ridges.

PMID- 22092807
TI  - The preliminary study of the relationship between facial movements and wrinkle
      formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As facial wrinkles develop particularly in areas of the skin that are
      subject to repeated facial movements, the degree of facial movements may be
      related to the degree of facial wrinkles, although no data have been reported.
      METHODS: Wrinkles were graded on the faces of Japanese female subjects when they
      made strong voluntary facial movements (eyes closed tightly, raised eyebrows, and
      frowns) and also when they were at rest using a set of photos (a photo scale)
      obtained from subjects with different degrees of wrinkles in the static and
      dynamic states. Scores obtained were compared between the dynamic and static
      states, and were analyzed in relation to age and to facial region. RESULTS: We
      found that the levels of wrinkles in both states showed a significant positive
      correlation with age. Further, the distribution of wrinkles in the dynamic state
      was found to be similar to those in the static states. Finally, the correlations
      between static and dynamic wrinkles in the same facial sites were higher than
      those in different facial sites. CONCLUSION: Facial movements cause wrinkling in
      both the dynamic and the static states and also that static wrinkles may work at
      the kinetic origins of dynamic wrinkles.

PMID- 22092808
TI  - Aspergillus biofilms: clinical and industrial significance.
AB  - The biofilm phenotype is an increasingly important concept in mycological
      research. Recently, there has been a developing interest in whether Aspergillus
      species are truly able to form biofilms or not. Industrial mycologists have long
      been aware of biofilms and their benefit in fermentation processes, whereas
      clinically their role is uncertain. This review provides an update on the impact
      that Aspergillus biofilms have medically and industrially, and will discuss
      biofilm development, and our current understanding of its molecular basis. The
      role of exopolymeric substance and how this substance relates to antimicrobial
      recalcitrance will also be discussed.

PMID- 22092809
TI  - The pro-region of Streptomyces hygroscopicus transglutaminase affects its
      secretion by Escherichia coli.
AB  - Streptomyces transglutaminase (TGase) is secreted as a zymogen (pro-TGase) in
      liquid cultures and is then processed by the removal of its N-terminal region,
      resulting in active TGase. To date, there is no report describing TGase (or pro
      TGase) secretion in Escherichia coli. In this study, the pro-TGase from
      Streptomyces hygroscopicus was efficiently secreted by E. coli BL21(DE3) using
      the TGase signal peptide or the pelB signal peptide. The secreted pro-TGase was
      efficiently transformed into active TGase by adding dispase to the culture
      supernatant of the recombinant strains. Mutational analysis showed that deletion
      of the first six amino acids of the N-terminal of the pro-region reduced the
      secretion of pro-TGase, and removal of the next 10 amino acids resulted in the
      formation of insoluble pro-TGase. These results suggest that the pro-region of
      TGase is essential for its efficient secretion and solubility in E. coli.

PMID- 22092810
TI  - Response to mercury (II) ions in Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath).
AB  - The mercury (II) ion is toxic and is usually detoxified in Bacteria by reduction
      to elemental mercury, which is less toxic. This is catalysed by an NAD(P)H
      dependent mercuric reductase (EC 1.16.1.1). Here, we present strong evidence that
      Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) - a methanotrophic member of the
      Gammaproteobacteria - uses this enzyme to detoxify mercury. In radiorespirometry
      studies, it was found that cells exposed to mercury dissimilated 100% of [(14) C]
      methane provided to generate reducing equivalents to fuel mercury (II) reduction,
      rather than the mix of assimilation and dissimilation found in control
      incubations. The detoxification system is constitutively expressed with a
      specific activity of 352 (+/-18) nmol NADH oxidized min(-1)  (mg protein)(-1) .
      Putative mercuric reductase genes were predicted in the M. capsulatus (Bath)
      genome and found in mRNA microarray studies. The MerA-derived polypeptide showed
      high identity (> 80%) with MerA sequences from the Betaproteobacteria.

PMID- 22092811
TI  - Plasmid-mediated transfer of the bla(NDM-1)  gene in Gram-negative rods.
AB  - The latest threat of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria corresponds to
      the emergence of carbapenemase NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase)
      producers, mostly in Enterobacteriacae. Five bla(NDM) (-1) -positive plasmids of
      different incompatibility groups (IncL/M, FII, A/C and two untypeable plasmids)
      from clinical Enterobacteriaceae were evaluated for conjugation properties and
      host specificity. Successful conjugative transfers were obtained using all tested
      enterobacterial species as recipients (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
      Salmonella typhimurium and Proteus mirabilis) and all plasmid types. Conjugation
      frequencies varied from 1 * 10(-4) to 6 * 10(-8) transconjugants per donor.
      Higher conjugation rates were obtained for two plasmids at 30  degrees C compared
      with that observed at 25 and 37  degrees C. Carbapenems used as selector did not
      lead to higher conjugation frequencies. None of the five plasmids was
      transferable to Acinetobacter baumannii or Pseudomonas aeruginosa by conjugation.
      This work underlines how efficient the spread of the carbapenemase bla(NDM) (-1)
      gene could be among Enterobacteriaceae.

PMID- 22092812
TI  - Genetic analysis of the capsular polysaccharide synthesis locus in 15
      Streptococcus suis serotypes.
AB  - The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) synthesis locus of 13 Streptococcus suis
      serotypes (serotype 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 23, 25 and 1/2) was
      sequenced and compared with that of serotype 2 and 16. The CPS synthesis locus of
      these 15 serotypes falls into two genetic groups. The locus is located on the
      chromosome between orfZ and aroA. All the translated proteins in the CPS
      synthesis locus were clustered into 127 homology groups using the tribemcl
      algorithm. The general organization of the locus suggested that the CPS of S.
      suis could be synthesized by the Wzy-dependent pathway. The capsule of serotypes
      3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 19 and 23 was predicted to be amino-polysaccharide. Sialic
      acid was predicted to be present in the capsule of serotypes 1, 2, 14, 16 and
      1/2. The characteristics of the CPS synthesis locus suggest that some genes may
      have been imported into S. suis (or their ancestors) on multiple occasions from
      different and unknown sources.

PMID- 22092813
TI  - Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for the infra-generic taxonomic classification
      of entomopathogenic Rickettsiella bacteria.
AB  - The genus Rickettsiella comprises intracellular bacterial pathogens of a wide
      range of arthropods that are currently classified in four recognized species and
      numerous further pathotypes. However, both the delineation of and the
      synonymization of pathotypes with species are highly problematic. In the sequel
      of a previous phylogenomic study at the supra-generic level, nine selected genes 
      the 16S and 23S rRNA genes and the protein-encoding genes dnaG, ftsY, gidA,
      ksgA, rpoB, rpsA, and sucB - were evaluated for their potential as markers for
      the generic and infra-generic taxonomic classification of Rickettsiella-like
      bacteria. A methodological approach combining phylogenetic reconstruction with
      likelihood-based significance testing was employed on the basis of sequence data
      from the species Rickettsiella grylli and Rickettsiella popilliae, pathotypes
      'Rickettsiella melolonthae' and 'Rickettsiella tipulae'. This study provides the
      first multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data for the genus Rickettsiella and
      identifies two new genetic markers, gidA and sucB, for the infra-generic
      classification within this taxon. In particular, aforesaid genes were found more
      reliable and informative markers than the corresponding 16S rRNA-encoding
      sequences that failed to produce strictly significant infra-generic taxonomic
      assignments. However, gidA- and sucB-based phylogenies were consistent with the
      currently accepted view of species delineation and species-pathotype
      synonymization within the genus Rickettsiella.

PMID- 22092814
TI  - Characterization of the Streptococcus suis XerS recombinase and its
      unconventional cleavage of the difSL site.
AB  - XerC and XerD are members of the tyrosine recombinase family and mediate site
      specific recombination that contributes to the stability of circular chromosomes
      in bacteria by resolving plasmid multimers and chromosome dimers to monomers
      prior to cell division. Homologues of xerC/xerD genes have been found in many
      bacteria, and in the lactococci and streptococci, a single recombinase called
      XerS can perform the functions of XerC and XerD. The xerS gene of Streptococcus
      suis was cloned, overexpressed and purified as a maltose-binding protein (MBP)
      fusion. The purified MBP-XerS fusion showed specific DNA-binding activity to both
      halves of the dif site of S. suis, and covalent protein-DNA complexes were also
      detected with dif site suicide substrates. These substrates were also cleaved in
      a specific fashion by MBP-XerS, generating cleavage products separated by an 11
      bp spacer region, unlike the traditional 6-8-bp spacer observed in most tyrosine
      recombinases. Furthermore, xerS mutants of S. suis showed significant growth and
      morphological changes.

PMID- 22092815
TI  - SlyA regulator is involved in bile salts stress response of Enterococcus
      faecalis.
AB  - SlyA is a newly transcriptional regulator identified in Enterococcus faecalis
      that is involved in the virulence, persistence in mouse kidneys and liver, and
      survival inside peritoneal macrophages. In this study we searched for
      environmental conditions that affect expression of the corresponding gene. Of the
      several stress conditions tested, only bile salts (0.08%) significantly induced
      transcription of slyA. In addition, the growth of DeltaslyA mutant strain was
      significantly impaired in the presence of bile salts. To increase knowledge of
      SlyA regulon, real-time quantitative PCR was performed and revealed that
      expression of EF_3005, which encodes a choloylglycine hydrolase, is negatively
      regulated by SlyA.

PMID- 22092816
TI  - Isoalantolactone protects against Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen that can cause life-threatening
      infections. The growing emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains and
      a decrease in the discovery of new antibiotics warrant the search for new
      therapeutic targets to combat infections. Staphylococcus aureus produces many
      extracellular virulence factors that contribute to its pathogenicity. Therefore,
      targeting bacterial virulence as an alternative strategy to the development of
      new antimicrobials has gained great interest. alpha-Toxin is a 33.2-kDa, water
      soluble, pore-forming toxin that is secreted by most S. aureus strains. alpha
      Toxin is essential for the pathogenesis of pneumonia, as strains lacking alpha
      toxin display a profound defect in virulence. In this report, we demonstrate that
      isoalantolactone (IAL), a naturally occurring compound found in Inula helenium
      (Compositae), has no anti-S. aureus activity as per MIC evaluation in vitro.
      However, IAL can markedly inhibit the expression of alpha-toxin in S. aureus at
      very low concentrations. Furthermore, the in vivo data indicate that treatment
      with IAL protects mice from S. aureus pneumonia.

PMID- 22092817
TI  - Identification of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus type III secretion system 2
      associated chaperone VocC for the T3SS2-specific effector VopC.
AB  - The enteropathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus possesses two sets of type III
      secretion systems, T3SS1 and T3SS2. Effector proteins secreted by these T3SSs are
      delivered into host cells, leading to cell death or diarrhea. However, it is not
      known how specific effectors are secreted through a specific T3SS when both T3SSs
      are expressed within bacteria. One molecule thought to determine secretion
      specificity is a T3SS-associated chaperone; however, no T3SS2-specific chaperone
      has been identified. Therefore, we screened T3SS2 chaperone candidates by a pull
      down assay using T3SS2 effectors fused with glutathione-S-transferase. A
      secretion assay revealed that the newly identified cognate chaperone VocC for the
      T3SS2-specific effector VopC was required for the efficient secretion of the
      substrate through T3SS2. Further experiments determined the chaperone-binding
      domain and the amino-terminal secretion signal of the cognate effector. These
      findings, in addition to the previously identified T3SS1-specific chaperone,
      VecA, provide a strategy to clarify the specificity of effector secretion through
      T3SSs of V. parahaemolyticus.

PMID- 22092818
TI  - Generating thermotolerant colonies by pairing Beauveria bassiana isolates.
AB  - Low thermotolerance in entomopathogenic fungi is the main impediment to their
      industrialization. This research, for the first time, describes the generation of
      a thermotolerant colony by pairing and subculturing (cycling) two Beauveria
      bassiana isolates without sexual reproduction. A mixture of B. bassiana ERL1578
      and ERL1576 was inoculated on quarter-strength Sabouraud dextrose agar with yeast
      extract (1/4SDAY). The paired culture (ERL1578 + 1576) was cycled three times to
      increase the frequency of possible hyphal fusion at the first cycle (c. 5/5 *
      10(5)  conidia), followed by a heat treatment as a selection pressure. Two non
      paired isolates served as controls. Two morphologically different colonies
      (BbHet1 and BbHet2) were isolated from the pairing. BbHet1 colony had the highest
      conidial yield. BbHet2 had the most rapid mycelial growth and produced sponge
      like mycelial masses (the others were flat), and its conidia were darker than the
      non-paired colonies under a microscope (400*). BbHet2 conidia had 60.7%
      germination after exposure to 45  degrees C for 60 min (the others had < 15%)
      without significant loss of virulence against Western flower thrips,
      Frankliniella occidentalis; however, there was a slight decrease in conidial
      yield. The new phenotypes formed suggested that a genetic variation happened as a
      result of heterokaryosis and/or recombination, more than environmental
      adaptation, when mixing different conidia. This methodology seems to be very
      useful for enhancing thermotolerance in fungi.

PMID- 22092819
TI  - Mutation of pfm affects the adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to host cells and
      the quorum sensing system.
AB  - The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) system is controlled by the signal
      molecules acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) that are synthesized from acyl enoyl
      acyl carrier proteins (acyl-ACPs) provided by the fatty acid biosynthesis cycle.
      Pfm (PA2950), an enoyl-CoA reductase, has previously been shown to affect
      swimming mobility and fatty acid biosynthesis. In this report, we further show
      that pfm influences bacterial adherence to human cells. Microarray assay results
      suggest that pfm affects bacterial adherence through its influence on the QS
      system. Further experiments confirmed that the pfm mutant strain produces
      significantly less QS signal molecules than the corresponding wild-type strain.
      Using strains Escherichia coli DH5alpha(pECP64, lasB'-lacZ) and E. coli
      DH5alpha(pECP61.5, rhlA'-lacZ), biosensors for N-(3-oxododecanoyl) homoserine
      lactone (3O-C(12) -HSL) and N-butyryl homoserine lactone (C(4) -HSL),
      respectively, we found that pfm mutant strain produces decreased amounts of both
      signal molecules. Elastase activity and pyocyanin measurements further confirmed
      the reduced levels of 3O-C(12) -HSL and C(4) -HSL in the pfm mutant. Finally,
      bacterial virulence, as assessed by the Caenorhabditis elegans worm killing
      assay, is decreased in the pfm mutant. Taken together, these data indicate that
      pfm can be an important target for the control of P. aeruginosa infectivity.

PMID- 22092820
TI  - Characterization of ISR region and development of a PCR assay for rapid detection
      of the fish pathogen Tenacibaculum soleae.
AB  - The aims of this work were to characterize the 16S-23S internal spacer region of
      the fish pathogen Tenacibaculum soleae and to develop a PCR assay for its
      identification and detection. All T. soleae strains tested displayed a single
      internal spacer region class, containing tRNA(I) (le)  and tRNA(A) (la)  genes;
      nevertheless, a considerable intraspecific heterogeneity was observed. However,
      this region proved to be useful for differentiation of T. soleae from related and
      non-related species. Species-specific primers were designed targeting the 16S
      rRNA gene and the internal spacer region region, yielding a 1555-bp fragment.
      Detection limit was of 1 pg DNA per reaction (< 30 bacterial cells) when using
      pure cultures. The detection level in the presence of DNA from fish or other
      bacteria was lower; however, 10 pg were detected at a target/background ratio of
      1 : 10(5) . The PCR assay proved to be more sensitive than agar cultivation for
      the detection of T. soleae from naturally diseased fish, offering a useful tool
      for diagnosis and for understanding the epidemiology of this pathogen.

PMID- 22092821
TI  - Human cecum content modulates production of extracellular proteins by food and
      probiotic bacteria.
AB  - Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are responsible for different types of food
      fermentations that provide humans with many different classes of fermented
      products. During the 20th century, some LAB strains as well as several members of
      the genus Bifidobacterium started to be extensively used in human nutrition as
      probiotics because of their health-promoting effects. Nowadays, the subset of
      extracellular proteins is being investigated as potential mediators of the
      process known as bacteria-host molecular crosstalk. Inclusion of human cecum
      extracts in laboratory culture medium modified the production of extracellular
      proteins by food and probiotic microorganisms. By proteomic and genetic means,
      the specific overproduction of two proteins was revealed to occur at
      transcriptional level. This work sheds light on the potential molecular effectors
      that food bacteria could use for interacting with the human gut and revealed that
      they may be produced under very specific environmental conditions.

PMID- 22092822
TI  - Periodontitis could be related factors on metabolic syndrome among Koreans: a
      case-control study.
AB  - AIM: Several studies have suggested that metabolic disorders are related to
      periodontitis. The objective of this study is to assess whether periodontitis is
      associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Koreans. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: This case-control study was performed among 167 cases with MetS and 166
      healthy controls from Shiwha-Banwol Environmental Health Cohort (N = 1853). The
      community periodontal index (CPI) was used to assess periodontitis (CPI 3-4).
      MetS was an outcome variable and periodontitis was a main explanatory variable.
      Age-gender-matched conditional logistic regression models were applied. Monthly
      household income, smoking, drinking, physical activity and diabetes mellitus were
      factored as confounders. We also performed stratified analyses according to
      confounders. RESULTS: Those with periodontitis are more likely to be patients
      with MetS than those without periodontitis. The adjusted odds ratio of
      periodontitis for MetS was 1.76. There was no significant dose-effect response on
      the relationship between the number of sextants with periodontitis and MetS.
      Links became higher in adults aged 45-60 years and adults without diabetes
      mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that periodontitis could be an
      independently related factor on MetS. Hence, dentists and physicians should be
      aware of the importance of periodontitis as a potential source of inflammatory
      burden.

PMID- 22092824
TI  - Gram-positive bacteria on grass pollen exhibit adjuvant activity inducing
      inflammatory T cell responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, it has been established that pollen grains contain Th2
      enhancing activities besides allergens. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      analyse whether pollen carry additional adjuvant factors like microbes and what
      immunological effects they may exert. METHODS: Timothy pollen grains were
      collected and disseminated on agar plates, and the growing microorganisms were
      cultivated and defined. Furthermore, the immunologic effects of microbial
      products on DC and T cell responses were analysed. RESULTS: A complex mixture of
      bacteria and moulds was detected on grass pollen. Besides Gram-negative bacteria
      that are known to favour Th1-directed immune responses, moulds were identified as
      being sources of allergens themselves. Herein, we focused on Gram-positive
      bacteria that were found in high numbers, e.g. Bacillus cereus and Bacillus
      subtilis. Contact of immature dendritic cells (DC) from grass pollen allergic
      donors with supernatants of homogenized Gram-positive bacteria induced maturation
      of DC as measured by up-regulation of CD80, CD83 and CD86 and by enhanced
      production of IL-6, IL-12p40 and TNF-alpha, which was less pronounced compared
      with effects induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Consequently, stimulation of
      autologous CD4(+)  T cells with supernatants of homogenized Gram-positive
      bacteria plus grass pollen allergen-pulsed DC led to an enhanced proliferation
      and production of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22 and IFN-gamma production
      compared with T cells that were stimulated with allergen-pulsed immature DC
      alone, whereas production of the transcription factor for regulatory T cells
      FoxP3 was not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These
      data indicate that grass pollen is colonized by several microorganisms that
      influence the immune response differently. Similar to LPS, supernatants of
      homogenized Gram-positive bacteria may serve as adjuvants by augmenting DC
      maturation and inflammatory Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses helping to initiate
      allergic immune responses.

PMID- 22092825
TI  - A prospective study on implants installed with flapless-guided surgery using the
      all-on-four concept in the mandible.
AB  - AIM: Clinical data are scarce on flapless-guided surgery in the mandible using
      the all-on-four concept. In addition, limited documentation exists on the latter
      under immediate loading conditions with a pre-fabricated implant bridge. The aim
      was to provide detailed documentation focusing on clinical and radiographic
      outcome and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen systemically healthy non
      smoking patients (10 women, 6 men, average age 59 years) with sufficient bone
      volume in the mandible were operated via flapless-guided surgery using the all-on
      four concept. Clinical and radiographic data and complications were registered at
      3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The overall implant survival rate was 90% with a
      trend for higher failure of short implants (P = 0.098). The mean bone level after
      12 months of function was 0.83 mm with a maximum of 1.07 mm. Technical
      complications were common (15/16 patients). These mainly related to a misfit
      between the pre-fabricated prosthesis and abutment(s) (13/16 patients).
      CONCLUSION: If immediate loading of implants is pursued fabrication of the
      implant bridge should be based on actual impression of the implants at the time
      of surgery and not on their virtual position.

PMID- 22092826
TI  - Toivo Suutarinen--father of Finnish pediatric anesthesia.

PMID- 22092827
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Northwest marine and freshwater
      recreational beaches.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the spatial distribution of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at two marine and one freshwater
      recreational beaches in the Seattle area. Fifty-six marine water, 144 freshwater,
      and 96 sand samples were collected from June through August 2010. Isolates were
      biochemically verified as MRSA. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec)
      typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulse field gel electrophoresis and
      the presence of other antibiotic resistance genes were determined. Twenty-two
      freshwater (15.3%; n = 144), one dry sand (1.9%; n = 53), six wet sand (14%; n =
      43), and two marine water samples (3.6%; n = 56) were MRSA positive. Of the 27
      freshwater stream sites sampled multiple times, 37% of the sites were positive
      for MRSA and/or S. aureus >= 2 times. Twenty-one (67.7%) of 31 MRSA were SCCmec
      type IV, 15 (48.4%) of the isolates had MLST types not previously associated with
      humans, and 29 (93.5%) of the isolates carried other antibiotic resistance genes.
      This study is the first to report and characterize repeated MRSA-positive samples
      from freshwater drainages and creeks surrounding popular recreational beaches.

PMID- 22092828
TI  - Patient satisfaction among Spanish-speaking patients in a public health setting.
AB  - Despite the growing literature on health care quality, few patient satisfaction
      studies have focused upon the public health setting; where many Hispanic patients
      receive care. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in
      satisfaction between English and Spanish-speaking patients in a local health
      department clinical setting. We conducted a paper-based satisfaction survey of
      patients that visited any of the seven Jefferson County Department of Health
      primary care centers from March 19 to April 19, 2008. Using Chi-squared analyses
      we found 25% of the Spanish-speaking patients reported regularly having problems
      getting an appointment compared to 16.8% among English-speakers (p < .001).
      Results of logistic regression analyses indicated that, despite the availability
      of interpreters at all JCDH primary care centers, differences in satisfaction
      existed between Spanish and English speaking patients controlling for center
      location, purpose of visit, and time spent waiting. Specifically, Spanish
      speaking patients were more likely to report problems getting an appointment and
      less likely to report having their medical problems resolved when leaving their
      visit as compared to those who spoke English. Findings presented herein may
      provide insight regarding the quality of care received, specifically regarding
      patient satisfaction in the public health setting.

PMID- 22092829
TI  - In vivo investigations on the penetration of various oils and their influence on
      the skin barrier.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The skin represents a potent barrier to the environment, which can be
      enhanced by the topical application of skin care products, such as oil and oil
      based formulations by moisturizing the skin. METHODS: The aim of this study was
      the investigation of the penetration behaviour of four vegetable oils and of
      paraffin oil into the stratum corneum by laser scanning microscopy. In addition,
      the occlusion capacity of these substances was assessed by transepidermal water
      loss (TEWL) measurements. Petrolatum served as a positive control for skin
      occlusion. The study was conducted in vivo and included six healthy volunteers.
      RESULTS: Paraffin oil, as well as the vegetable oils, penetrated only into the
      first upper layers of the stratum corneum. TEWL measurements indicated that the
      application of the vegetable oils (except jojoba oil) as well as paraffin oil,
      led to a similar occlusion of the skin surface. The most effective occlusion was
      found for petrolatum. CONCLUSION: For the investigated oils, a deeper penetration
      than into the first upper layers of the stratum corneum could be excluded. The
      decreased TEWL values indicate that the application of the oils leads to a semi
      occlusion of the skin surface as it is intended by the use of oils to retain
      moisture in skin.

PMID- 22092830
TI  - Inferiorly based crescentic "sliding" cheek flaps for the reconstruction of
      paranasal surgical defects.

PMID- 22092831
TI  - Anti-infective surgical therapy of peri-implantitis. A 12-month prospective
      clinical study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate an anti-infective
      surgical protocol for the treatment of peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Thirty-six implants in 24 partially dentate patients with moderate to advanced
      peri-implantitis were treated using an anti-infective surgical protocol
      incorporating open flap debridement and implant surface decontamination, with
      adjunctive systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole. Treatment outcomes were
      assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Patient-based statistical analyses using multiple
      regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was 100% survival of treated
      implants at 12 months. At 3 months, there were statistically significant (P <
      0.01) reductions in mean probing depths (PD), Bleeding on Probing (BoP) and
      suppuration. The greater the mean PD at baseline, the greater the PD reduction at
      3 months. At 3 months, there was also a significant mean facial mucosal recession
      of 1 mm (P < 0.001). All these changes were maintained at 6 and 12 months. At 12
      months, all treated implants had a mean PD < 5 mm, while 47% of the implants had
      complete resolution of inflammation (BoP negative). At 12 months, 92% of implants
      had stable crestal bone levels or bone gain. There were no significant effects of
      smoking on any of the treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of peri
      implantitis, an anti-infective protocol incorporating surgical access, implant
      surface decontamination and systemic antimicrobials followed by a strict
      postoperative protocol was effective at 3 months with the results maintained for
      up to 12 months after treatment.

PMID- 22092832
TI  - Do patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy have an altered somatosensory
      profile? A Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) study.
AB  - The prevalence of tendinopathies in sports is high. The etiology and pain
      mechanisms of tendinopathies are not completely understood. Currently, little is
      known whether, or to which degree, somatosensory changes within the nervous
      system may contribute to the pain in tendinopathies. We conducted a patient
      controlled study in which we used the standardized QST protocol developed by the
      German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain. This protocol consists of seven
      different tests that measures 13 somatosensory parameters and can be seen as the
      gold standard to measure somatosensory function. Twelve athletes with clinically
      diagnosed chronic patellar tendinopathy (PT) mean duration 30 months (range 6
      120) and 20 controls were included in the study. In two of the 13 QST parameters
      namely Mechanical Pain Threshold (P < 0.05) and Vibration Disappearance Threshold
      (P < 0.5) injured athletes were significantly more sensitive for the applied
      stimuli. None of the athletes had signs of Dynamic Mechanical Allodynia. Reduced
      mechanical pain thresholds or pinprick allodynia reflects the involvement of
      central sensitization upon the myelinated (Adelta-fibre) nociceptive input. From
      this explorative study, we conclude that sensitization may play a prominent role
      in the pain during and after sports activity in patella tendinopathy patients.

PMID- 22092833
TI  - Fatigue in female breast cancer patients: might its origins be more generic than
      we think?

PMID- 22092834
TI  - Interactions of bacteria with different mechanisms for chitin degradation result
      in the formation of a mixed-species biofilm.
AB  - In this study, interactions between bacteria possessing either released or cell
      associated enzymes for polymer degradation were investigated. For this, a co
      culture of Aeromonas hydrophila strain AH-1N as an enzyme-releasing bacterium and
      of Flavobacterium sp. strain 4D9 as a bacterium with cell-associated enzymes was
      set up with chitin embedded into agarose beads to account for natural conditions,
      under which polymers are usually embedded in organic aggregates. In single
      cultures, strain AH-1N grew with embedded chitin, while strain 4D9 did not. In co
      cultures, strain 4D9 grew and outcompeted strain AH-1N in the biofilm fraction.
      Experiments with cell-free culture supernatants containing the chitinolytic
      enzymes of strain AH-1N revealed that growth of strain 4D9 in the co-culture was
      based on intercepting N-acetylglucosamine from chitin degradation. For this,
      strain 4D9 had to actively integrate into the biofilm of strain AH-1N. This study
      shows that bacteria using different chitin degradation mechanisms can coexist by
      formation of a mixed-species biofilm.

PMID- 22092835
TI  - The use of transcutaneous oximetry to predict complications of chronic wound
      healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Transcutaneous oximetry (P(tc) O(2) ) has been proposed as a method to predict
      nonhealing of chronic wounds and the occurrence of healing complications.
      However, the validity of this method as an independent predictor and an optimal
      threshold value for this tool are poorly defined. We undertook a systematic
      review and meta-analysis to address these questions, searching five major medical
      databases, relevant review articles, and reference lists. We included all studies
      that used multivariable analysis to evaluate P(tc) O(2)  for its ability to
      predict chronic wound healing complications. Article selection and data
      abstraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. Four studies,
      enrolling 901 patients with 910 lower extremity chronic wounds, met our inclusion
      criteria. These studies showed that a peri-wound P(tc) O(2)  level below a cutoff
      of 20 mmHg or 30 mmHg was an independent predictor of chronic wound healing
      complications (odds ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 1.07-9.69, I(2)  = 77%).
      A threshold value of 20 mmHg was used most frequently in the included studies and
      showed the strongest association. This review was limited by the small number of
      studies, a possible reporting bias, and heterogeneity. These results suggest that
      P(tc) O(2)  measurements have independent prognostic value in the assessment of
      chronic wounds, but further research is required to confirm these findings and
      define an optimal threshold value.

PMID- 22092836
TI  - The effect of honey-coated bandages compared with silver-coated bandages on
      treatment of malignant wounds-a randomized study.
AB  - Malignant wounds (MWs) occur in 5-10% of all cancer patients. Malodor and
      exudation are the most common side effects. The aim was to determine the
      influence of honey-coated compared with silver-coated bandages on treatment of
      MWs. Patients were randomly selected to enter either group A (honey-coated
      bandages) or group B (silver-coated bandages). Parameters were the following:
      wound size, cleanliness, malodor, exudation, and wound pain. Digital photographs,
      visual analog scales (VAS), and wound morphology registration were used for
      measurement at baseline and following the 4-week intervention. Sixty-nine
      patients with MWs and advanced cancer, aged 47-90 (median 65.6), were included.
      No statistically significant difference was noted between the groups with respect
      to wound size, degree of cleanliness, exudation, malodor, and wound pain. There
      was a median decrease in wound size of 15 cm2 and 8 cm2 in group A and B,
      respectively (p = 0.63). Based on post-intervention pooled data from the groups,
      improvement was seen in 62% of the participants with respect to wound size and in
      58% (n = 69) with respect to cleanliness. The VAS score for malodor (p = 0.007)
      and exudation (p < 0.0001) improved significantly post-intervention. Patients
      with reduced wound size had a median survival time of 387 days compared with 134
      days in patients with no wound reduction (p = 0.003). The use of honey-coated and
      silver-coated bandages improved the outcome of MWs. No differences were found
      between the two regimens. Both types of bandages are recommended for use by
      patients with MWs containing tumor debris and necrosis.

PMID- 22092837
TI  - Reflectance confocal microscopy for the evaluation of acute epidermal wound
      healing.
AB  - The dynamic process of wound healing is routinely evaluated by clinical or
      histological evaluation. Recently, a number of non-invasive imaging techniques
      have been evaluated for their clinical applicability in dermatology. Among them,
      reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) represents a non-invasive imaging technique
      that allows the in vivo characterization of the skin at near-histological
      resolution. The aim of this study was to monitor epidermal wound repair using RCM
      in a model of tissue damage induced by cryosurgery. For this purpose, contact
      cryosurgery was performed at -32  degrees C for 10 seconds on the volar forearm
      of five healthy volunteers. Clinical and RCM evaluations were performed at nine
      consecutive time points. RCM allowed the visualization of edema formation and
      blood vessel dilatation immediately after cryosurgery, as well as morphologic
      features of wound repair, including the formation of finger-like protusions of
      keratinocytes into the wound bed, the appearance of hairpin-like vessels, and
      inflammatory cells. This pilot study illustrates that RCM represents a promising
      technique for quasi-real-time monitoring the kinetics of wound repair non
      invasively and over time, thus offering new insights into in vivo processes of
      cutaneous wound repair and angiogenesis, as well as potential effects of
      topically applied drugs on the process of tissue repair.

PMID- 22092838
TI  - Everolimus-induced loss of wound strength can be prevented by a short
      postoperative delay in its administration.
AB  - The use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors coincides with an increased
      incidence of surgical complications. In previous experiments, serious negative
      effects of postoperative everolimus on anastomotic strength were found. This
      study aims to investigate if delayed drug administration can prevent loss of
      wound strength. Ten groups of Wistar rats each received daily oral doses of 1.0
      or 2.0 mg/kg everolimus, starting the day of anastomotic construction in both
      ileum and colon, or 1, 2, 3, or 4 days later. The 11th group received saline.
      Seven days later, wound strength in anastomoses and in the abdominal wall and
      wound hydroxyproline levels were measured. Mean wound strength was significantly
      and dose-dependently reduced if everolimus was started on the day of operation.
      In ileum and colon, strength was not affected if drug administration was delayed
      until the third or second day, respectively. In abdominal fascia, this was the
      case only if everolimus was withheld until day 4. In general, changes in wound
      hydroxyproline content showed similarities to changes in wound strength. Thus,
      delaying administration of everolimus for 2-4 days after operation can prevent a
      serious loss of wound strength, both in the intestine and in the abdominal
      fascia.

PMID- 22092839
TI  - Collagen matrix-bound clotting factors (CMBCF) promote healing-associated events
      independent of factor XIII in an in vitro model.
AB  - We have previously explored in vitro as well as in vivo models of the biological
      effects of liquid fibrin glue (FG) containing factor XIII. The fixed combination
      of a collagen matrix and coagulation factors I and IIa (TachoSil((r)) , Nycomed,
      Linz, Austria) is void of factor XIII. We aimed to determine whether (1) this
      preparation exerts similar effects to liquid FG on cells in an in vitro system,
      or (2) this effect is modulated by factor XIII. In an in vitro model, the effect
      of the fixed combination of collagen matrix and coagulation factors I and IIa
      (collagen matrix-bound clotting factor [CMBCF]) on the expression and secretion
      of growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth
      factor, fibroblast growth factor-2) by gastric epithelial (AGS) and mesenchymal
      cells (fibroblasts), as well as their proliferative response (WST-test), was
      compared in the presence and absence of factor XIII. The use of CMBCF compared
      with collagen type I matrix resulted in an increased proliferation rate of
      fibroblasts; there was an increased secretion of fibroblast growth factor-2.
      Gastric epithelial cells secreted more vascular endothelial growth factor and
      platelet-derived growth factor into the culture supernatant in the presence of
      CMBCF. All responses remained unaltered by the addition of factor XIII in
      different concentrations. In conclusion, CMBCF exerted effects similar to liquid
      FG in an in vitro model of healing. The addition of factor XIII did not alter the
      response of mesenchymal or epithelial cells, with respect to proliferation and
      growth factor secretion.

PMID- 22092840
TI  - Acceleration of cutaneous healing by electrical stimulation: degenerate
      electrical waveform down-regulates inflammation, up-regulates angiogenesis and
      advances remodeling in temporal punch biopsies in a human volunteer study.
AB  - We previously demonstrated the beneficial effect of a novel electrical
      stimulation (ES) waveform, degenerate wave (DW) on skin fibroblasts, and now
      hypothesize that DW can enhance cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Therefore, a
      punch biopsy was taken from the upper arm of 20 volunteers on day 0 and repeated
      on day 14 (NSD14). A contralateral upper arm biopsy was taken on day 0 and
      treated with DW for 14 days prior to a repeat biopsy on day 14 (ESD14). A near
      completed inflammatory stage of wound healing in ESD14, compared to NSD14 was
      demonstrated by up-regulation of interleukin-10 and vasoactive intestinal peptide
      using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and down-regulation of CD3
      by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (p < 0.05). In addition to up-regulation (p < 0.05)
      of mRNA transcripts for re-epithelialization and angiogenesis, IHC showed
      significant overexpression (p < 0.05) of CD31 (15.5%), vascular endothelial
      growth factor (66%), and Melan A (8.6 cells/0.95 mm2) in ESD14 compared to NSD14
      (9.5%, 38% and 4.3 cells/0.95 mm2, respectively). Furthermore, granulation tissue
      formation (by hematoxylin and eosin staining), and myofibroblastic proliferation
      demonstrated by alpha-smooth muscle actin (62.7%) plus CD3+ T lymphocytes (8.1%)
      showed significant up-regulation (p < 0.05) in NSD14. In the remodeling stage,
      mRNA transcripts for fibronectin, collagen IV (by IHC, 14.1%) and mature collagen
      synthesis (by Herovici staining, 71.44%) were significantly up-regulated (p <
      0.05) in ESD14. Apoptotic (TUNEL assay) and proliferative cells (Ki67) were
      significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in NSD14 (5.34 and 11.9 cells/0.95 mm2)
      while the proliferation index of ESD14 was similar to normal skin. In summary,
      cutaneous wounds receiving DW electrical stimulation display accelerated healing
      seen by reduced inflammation, enhanced angiogenesis and advanced remodeling
      phase.

PMID- 22092841
TI  - Augmentation of rat skin flap viability by relaxin-expressing adenovirus.
AB  - Relaxin (RLX) has multiple vascular actions, including vasodilation and
      angiogenesis, which occur via induction of vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) expression. We generated a RLX-expressing (dE1-RGD/lacZ/RLX) adenovirus
      and investigated whether it enhances skin flap survival. Thirty Sprague-Dawley
      rats were divided into three groups: RLX-expressing adenovirus group, control
      virus group, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group. Two days before surgery
      and immediately after flap elevation, the caudally based flap that was 3 * 9 cm
      in size was subdermally injected with the dE1-RGD/lacZ/RLX virus (107 PFU), dE1
      RGD/lacZ virus (107 PFU), or PBS. The surviving area of the flap and the amount
      of blood flow were measured. On postoperative day 10, CD31-positive vessels and
      VEGF protein expression were examined. We observed a significant increase in the
      survival area of the flap in the RLX group. Doppler measurement also showed
      significantly increased blood flow immediately after the operation and on
      postoperative days 7 and 10. CD31-positive vessels and VEGF protein expression
      were significantly greater in the RLX group. Thus, administration of RLX
      expressing adenovirus into elevated skin flaps increased VEGF expression, the
      number of capillaries, and blood flow to the flap, thereby improving skin flap
      survival.

PMID- 22092842
TI  - Extracellular matrix-derived tripeptide proline-glycine-proline inhibits
      keratinocyte proliferation and migration.
AB  - Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in epidermis, and are primarily
      responsible for the epithelialization phase of wound healing. Previous studies by
      our group showed a positive correlation between IL-8 concentration and delayed
      healing of porcine cutaneous partial-thickness wounds. Interleukin-8 and collagen
      breakdown product N-acetyl-Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) are known as chemoattractant
      molecules for neutrophils during inflammation. The activity of both molecules is
      dependent on chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. In addition to neutrophils,
      keratinocytes also express CXCR1 and CXCR2. Here we investigated the effects of
      IL-8 and PGP on keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Our results showed that
      IL-8 up to 100 ng/mL does not have any significant impact on keratinocyte
      proliferation or migration. ECM-derived tripeptide PGP chemotactically attracts
      neutrophils but not keratinocytes. PGP strongly inhibits keratinocyte
      proliferation and migration in a cell-type specific manner. Thus, collagen
      breakdown product PGP plays a key role in modulating both the inflammatory and
      epithelialization phases of wound healing.

PMID- 22092843
TI  - Measurements of wound edge microvascular blood flow during negative pressure
      wound therapy using thermodiffusion and transcutaneous and invasive laser Doppler
      velocimetry.
AB  - The effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on wound edge microvascular
      blood flow are not clear. The aim of the present study was therefore to further
      elucidate the effects of NPWT on periwound blood flow in a porcine peripheral
      wound model using different blood flow measurement techniques. NPWT at -20, -40, 
      80, and -125 mmHg was applied to a peripheral porcine wound (n = 8).
      Thermodiffusion, transcutaneous, and invasive laser Doppler velocimetry were used
      to measure the blood perfusion 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 cm from the wound edge.
      Thermodiffusion (an invasive measurement technique) generally showed a decrease
      in perfusion close to the wound edge (0.5 cm), and an increase further from the
      edge (2.5 cm). Invasive laser Doppler velocimetry showed a similar response
      pattern, with a decrease in blood flow 0.5 cm from the wound edge and an increase
      further away. However, 1.0 cm from the wound edge blood flow decreased with high
      pressure levels and increased with low pressure levels. A different response
      pattern was seen with transcutaneous laser Doppler velocimetry, showing an
      increase in blood flow regardless of the distance from the wound edge (0.5, 1.0,
      and 2.5 cm). During NPWT, both increases and decreases in blood flow can be seen
      in the periwound tissue depending on the distance from the wound edge and the
      pressure level. The pattern of response depends partly on the measurement
      technique used. The combination of hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion caused by
      NPWT may accelerate wound healing.

PMID- 22092844
TI  - Multiplexed molecular descriptors of pressure ulcers defined by imaging mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The pathogenesis of impaired healing within pressure ulcers remains poorly
      characterized and rarely examined. We describe the results of a pilot study that
      applies matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
      technology for direct tissue analysis to evaluate proteomic signatures ranging
      from 2 to 20 kDa and phospholipids from 300-1,200 Da in focal regions within the
      wound microenvironment. Distinguishing molecular differences were apparent
      between upper vs. lower regions of ulcers and further contrasted against adjacent
      dermis and epidermal margins using protein profiles, ion density maps, principal
      component analysis and significant analysis of microarrays. Several proteins
      previously uncharacterized in pressure ulcers, the alpha-defensins (human
      neutrophil peptide [HNP]-1, -2, -3), are potential markers indicating whether the
      wound status is improving or being prolonged in a deleterious, chronic state.
      Thymosin beta4 appears to be a favorable protein marker showing higher relative
      levels in adjacent dermis and maturing areas of the wound bed. Lipidomic
      examination revealed the presence of major lipid classes: glycerophosphocholines,
      glycerophosphoglycerols, glycerophosphoinositols, and triacylglycerols. Our pilot
      data examined from either a global perspective using proteomic or lipidomic
      signatures or as individual distributions reveal that imaging mass spectrometry
      technology can be effectively used for discovery and spatial mapping of molecular
      disturbances within the microenvironment of chronic wounds.

PMID- 22092845
TI  - CEACAM1 deficiency delays important wound healing processes.
AB  - Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process that requires the coordination of
      many cell types to achieve proper tissue repair. Four major overlapping processes
      have been identified in wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation,
      reepithelialization and granulation tissue formation, and tissue remodeling.
      Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a
      glycoprotein expressed in epithelial, endothelial, lymphoid, and myeloid cells.
      Given its known roles in angiogenesis, cell migration, and immune functions, we
      hypothesized that CEACAM1 might also be involved in cutaneous wound healing and
      that a number of relevant CEACAM1-positive cell types might contribute to wound
      healing. To evaluate the role of CEACAM1 in these processes, 6-mm-diameter skin
      wounds were inflicted on Ceacam1(-/-)  and wild-type mice. Herein, we demonstrate
      that CEACAM1 deletion indeed affects wound healing in three key ways.
      Infiltration of F4/80(+)  macrophages was decreased in Ceacam1(-/-)  wounds,
      altering inflammatory processes. Reepithelialization in Ceacam1(-/-)  wounds was
      delayed. Furthermore, the vascular density of the granulation tissue in Ceacam1(
      /-)  wounds was significantly diminished. These results confirm CEACAM1's role as
      an important regulator of key processes in cutaneous wound healing, although
      whether this works via a specific cell type or alterations in the functioning of
      multiple processes remains to be determined.

PMID- 22092846
TI  - Platelet-rich fibrin matrix improves wound angiogenesis via inducing endothelial
      cell proliferation.
AB  - The economic, social, and public health burden of chronic ulcers and other
      compromised wounds is enormous and rapidly increasing with the aging population.
      The growth factors derived from platelets play an important role in tissue
      remodeling including neovascularization. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been
      utilized and studied for the last four decades. Platelet gel and fibrin sealant,
      derived from PRP mixed with thrombin and calcium chloride, have been exogenously
      applied to tissues to promote wound healing, bone growth, hemostasis, and tissue
      sealing. In this study, we first characterized recovery and viability of as well
      as growth factor release from platelets in a novel preparation of platelet gel
      and fibrin matrix, namely platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM). Next, the effect of
      PRFM application in a delayed model of ischemic wound angiogenesis was
      investigated. The study, for the first time, shows the kinetics of the viability
      of platelet-embedded fibrin matrix. A slow and steady release of growth factors
      from PRFM was observed. The vascular endothelial growth factor released from PRFM
      was primarily responsible for endothelial mitogenic response via extracellular
      signal-regulated protein kinase activation pathway. Finally, this preparation of
      PRFM effectively induced endothelial cell proliferation and improved wound
      angiogenesis in chronic wounds, providing evidence of probable mechanisms of
      action of PRFM in healing of chronic ulcers.

PMID- 22092847
TI  - The efficacy of silver dressings and antibiotics on MRSA and MSSA isolated from
      burn patients.
AB  - In this study our objectives were (1) to investigate whether meticillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed an increased tolerance to silver wound
      dressings compared with meticillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA); and (2) to
      evaluate the effects of bacterial phenotypic states of MRSA and MSSA, and pH, on
      the activity of silver wound dressings and two antibiotics, ampicillin and
      clindamycin. Twenty MRSA strains and 10 MSSA strains isolated from burns patients
      in South Africa were evaluated for their susceptibility to a silver alginate and
      a silver carboxymethyl cellulose wound dressing, employing a corrected zone of
      inhibition assay, conducted on Mueller Hinton agar and a poloxamer-based biofilm
      model. When exposed to the two silver dressings, all 30 S. aureus strains showed
      susceptibility. Possible enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the silver dressings
      occurred when pH was lowered to 5.5, compared with a pH of 7.0. When all S.
      aureus were grown in the biofilm phenotypic state and exposed to both silver
      dressings and antibiotics, enhanced tolerance was noted. Susceptibility to silver
      was overall higher for MRSA when compared with MSSA. This study showed that the
      effect of pH and bacterial phenotypic state must be considered when the
      antimicrobial activity of silver wound dressings is being investigated. It is
      evident from the data generated that both pH and the bacterial phenotypic state
      are factors that induce changes that affect both antimicrobial performance and
      bacterial susceptibility.

PMID- 22092848
TI  - Multiple pass ultrasound tightening of skin laxity of the lower face and neck.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skin laxity is a common complaint of patients who request skin
      rejuvenation. Radiofrequency and infrared light are widely used for nonablative
      treatment of skin laxity. Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) has been investigated
      as a tool for the treatment of solid benign and malignant tumors for many decades
      but is only now beginning to emerge as a potential noninvasive alternative to
      conventional nonablative therapy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of IFUS
      for the treatment of face and neck laxity. METHODS: Twelve female volunteers were
      enrolled in the study, and 10 were ultimately evaluated. The device under
      investigation was an IFUS. Areas treated included the face and neck. For
      treatment, the 4-MHz, 4.5-mm probe was used first, followed by the 7-MHz, 3.0-mm
      probe. Two blinded, experienced clinicians evaluated paired pretreatment and post
      treatment (day 90) photographs. Patient self-assessments were also obtained.
      RESULTS: On the first primary outcome measure, two blinded clinicians felt that 8
      of 10 subjects (80%) showed clinical improvement 90 days after treatment. Nine of
      10 subjects (90%) reported subjective improvement. CONCLUSIONS: IFUS has many
      advantages for skin tightening.

PMID- 22092849
TI  - Knee injuries related to sports in young adult males during military service -
      incidence and risk factors.
AB  - The population-based incidence and risk factors for knee injuries in young adults
      were assessed in Finnish male conscripts performing their compulsory military
      service (n = 128,584). The main outcome variables were (1) hospitalization due to
      knee injuries overall and (2) hospitalization due to knee disorders as
      categorized into specific International Classification of Diseases, tenth
      revision diagnoses (cruciate and collateral ligament tears, meniscal tears,
      traumatic chondral lesions, and patellar dislocations). Person-time injury
      incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of persons with a
      diagnosed knee injury by the total exposure time of 97,503 person-years. The
      number of subjects with surgical operations and military service class changes
      indicative of longer term notable disability are also reported. Risk factor
      analyses were performed by logistic regression. The person-based incidence of
      hospitalizations for knee injury was 11 cases per 1000 person-years [95%
      confidence interval (CI): 10.4-11.7]. The most important risk factors were higher
      age (odds ratio 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.2) and obesity (odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 1.03
      2.5). Two thirds of all subjects hospitalized for knee injuries had surgery, and
      one third had longer term notable disability. These findings indicate that knee
      injuries cause a significant burden of hospitalizations, often leading to surgery
      and longer term disability.

PMID- 22092850
TI  - Patch testing: what allergists should know.
AB  - Patch testing is a standardized, in vivo diagnostic test for type IV
      hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in allergic contact dermatitis, which
      clinically resembles eczema. Common allergens include fragrance chemicals, hair
      dyes, metals, rubber accelerators and preservatives. Known allergens at
      particular concentrations in optimal vehicles are tested on the upper back under
      occlusion for 2 days. Readings according to international criteria are usually
      performed on days 2 and 4. Irritant reactions can closely resemble allergic ones,
      and further tests may be necessary to discriminate. Interpretation of the
      relevance of the reactions can also be difficult, perhaps requiring repeated open
      application testing, work-site visits etc. Monitoring of trends in patch test
      positivity can be effective in primary prevention of type IV allergy.

PMID- 22092851
TI  - Effect of mismatching abutments on implants with wider platforms--an experimental
      study in dogs.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of mismatching abutments on implants with a wider
      platform on the peri-implant hard tissue remodeling and the soft tissue
      dimensions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mandibular premolars and first molars of six
      Labrador dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, one tapered
      implant was installed on each side of the mandibular molar region with the
      implant shoulder placed at the level of the buccal alveolar bony crest. On the
      right side of the mandible, an abutment of reduced diameter in relation to the
      platform of the implant was used, creating a mismatch of 0.85 mm (test), whereas
      an abutment of the same diameter of the implant platform was affixed in the left
      side of the mandible (control). The flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged
      healing. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were
      obtained for histometric assessment. RESULTS: All implants were completely osseo
      integrated. Bone levels were superior at the test than at the control sites.
      However, statistically significant differences were found only at the buccal and
      proximal aspects. The soft tissue vertical dimension was higher at the control
      compared with the test sites. However, statistically significant differences were
      demonstrated only at the buccal aspects. CONCLUSIONS: A mismatch of 0.85 mm
      between the implant and the abutment yielded more coronal levels of bone-to
      implant contact and a reduced height of the peri-implant soft tissue (biologic
      width), especially at the buccal aspect, if the implant shoulder was placed flush
      with the level of the buccal alveolar bony crest.

PMID- 22092852
TI  - Sublethal ciprofloxacin treatment leads to resistance via antioxidant systems in
      Proteus mirabilis.
AB  - This study investigates new aspects of the possible role of antioxidant defenses
      in the mechanisms of resistance to ciprofloxacin in Proteus mirabilis. Four
      ciprofloxacin-resistant variants (CRVs), selected in vitro by repeated cultures
      in a sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) concentration of ciprofloxacin,
      attained different levels of antibiotic resistance and high Ferric reducing
      antioxidant power, with 10(-6) frequencies. However, no mutations occurred in
      positions 83 or 87 of gyrA, 464 or 466 of gyrB, or 78, 80 or 84 of parC,
      suggesting that resistance took place without these typical mutations in DNA
      gyrase or topoisomerase IV. Assays with ciprofloxacin and the pump inhibitor
      carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone showed that in addition to the
      antioxidant mechanisms, the influx/efflux mechanism also contributed to the
      increase in the resistance to ciprofloxacin in one CRV. Moreover, lipid oxidation
      to malondialdehyde and protein oxidation to carbonyls and advanced oxidation
      protein products were higher in sensitive than in the resistant strains, as a new
      factor involved in the mechanisms of resistance in P. mirabilis. The oxidative
      stress cross-resistance to telluride in CRVs enhanced the role of the
      antioxidants in the ciprofloxacin resistance of P. mirabilis, which was
      reinforced during the assays of reduction of susceptibility to ciprofloxacin by
      glutathione and ascorbic acid.

PMID- 22092853
TI  - ICD arrhythmia detection and discrimination algorithms: whose is best?

PMID- 22092854
TI  - Using optical coherence tomography for the longitudinal non-invasive evaluation
      of epidermal thickness in a murine model of chronic skin inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-invasive methods are desirable for longitudinal studies examining
      drug efficacy and disease resolution defined as decreases in epidermal thickness
      in mouse models of psoriasiform skin disease. This would eliminate the need for
      either sacrificing animals or collecting serial skin biopsies to evaluate changes
      in disease progression during an individual study. The quantitation of epidermal
      thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides an alternative to
      traditional histology techniques. METHODS: Using the KC-Tie2 doxycycline
      repressible psoriasiform skin disease mouse model, OCT imaging was completed on
      diseased back skin of adult KC-Tie2 (n = 3-4) and control (n = 3-4) mice,
      followed immediately by the surgical excision of the same region for histologic
      analyses. Animals were then treated with doxycycline to suppress transgene
      expression and to reverse the skin disease and additional OCT images and tissues
      were collected 2 and 4 weeks following. Epidermal thickness was measured using
      OCT and histology. RESULTS: Optical coherence tomography and histology both
      demonstrated that KC-Tie2 mice had significantly thicker epidermis (~4-fold; P <
      0.0001) than control animals. By 2 weeks following gene repression, decreases in
      epidermal thickness were observed using both OCT and histology, and were
      sustained through 4 weeks. Correlation analyses between histology and OCT values
      at all time points and in all animals revealed high significance (R(2) = 0.78);
      with correlation being highest in KC-Tie2 mice (R(2) = 0.92) compared to control
      animals (R(2) = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Non-invasive OCT imaging provided similar
      values as those collected using standard histologic measures in thick skin of KC
      Tie2 mice but became less reliable in thinner control mouse skin, possibly
      reflecting limitations in resolution of OCT. Future advances in resolution of OCT
      may improve and allow greater accuracy of epidermal thickness measurements.

PMID- 22092855
TI  - The Tat protein export pathway and its role in cyanobacterial metalloprotein
      biosynthesis.
AB  - The Tat pathway is a common protein translocation system that is found in the
      bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, as well as in the cyanobacterial and plant
      thylakoid membranes. It is unusual in that the Tat pathway transports fully
      folded, often metal cofactor-containing proteins across these membranes. In
      bacteria, the Tat pathway plays an important role in the biosynthesis of
      noncytoplasmic metalloproteins. By compartmentalizing protein folding to the
      cytoplasm, the potentially aberrant binding of non-native metal ions to
      periplasmic proteins is avoided. To date, most of our understanding of Tat
      function has been obtained from studies using Escherichia coli as a model
      organism but cyanobacteria have an extra layer of complexity with proteins
      targeted to both the cytoplasmic and thylakoid membranes. We examine our current
      understanding of the Tat pathway in cyanobacteria and its role in metalloprotein
      biosynthesis.

PMID- 22092856
TI  - Passage through Tetrahymena tropicalis enhances the resistance to stress and the
      infectivity of Legionella pneumophila.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterium prevalent in fresh water
      which accidentally infects humans and is responsible for the disease called
      legionellosis. Intracellular growth of L. pneumophila in Tetrahymena is
      inconsistent; in the species Tetrahymena tropicalis stationary-phase forms (SPFs)
      of L. pneumophila differentiate into mature intracellular forms (MIFs) without
      apparent bacterial replication and are expelled from the ciliate as pellets
      containing numerous MIFS. In the present work, we tested the impact of L.
      pneumophila passage through T. tropicalis. We observed that MIFs released from T.
      tropicalis are more resistant to various stresses than SPFs. Under our
      conditions, MIFs harboured a higher gentamicin resistance, maintained even after
      3 months as pellets. Long-term survival essays revealed that MIFs survived better
      in a nutrient-poor environment than SFPs, as a reduction of only about 3 logs was
      observed after 4 months in the MIF population, whereas no cultivable SPFs were
      detected after 3 months in the same medium, corresponding to a loss of about 7
      logs. We have also observed that MIFs are significantly more infectious in human
      pneumocyte cells compared with SPFs. These results strongly suggest a potential
      role of ciliates in increasing the risk of legionellosis.

PMID- 22092857
TI  - Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab is active on Anopheles mosquitoes: single D block
      exchanges reveal critical residues involved in activity.
AB  - Cry2Aa exhibits dual activity to Lepidoptera and Diptera. Cry2Ab differs in amino
      acid sequence from Cry2Aa by 13% and has shown significant lepidopteran activity,
      but no mosquitocidal activity. Previous studies implicate 23 Cry2Aa specificity
      conferring residues of domain II, which differ in Cry2Ab. Nine residues are
      putatively involved in conferring Cry2Aa dipteran specificity. To explore Cry2Ab
      dipteran toxicity, site-directed mutagenesis was employed to exchange Cry2Ab
      residues with Cry2Aa D (dipteran) block residues. Cry2Ab wild type demonstrated
      high toxicity (LC(50) of 540 ng mL(-1)) to Anopheles gambiae, but not to Aedes or
      Culex, within a 24-h time period. Cry2Ab should be reclassified as a dual active
      Cry toxin. Cry2Ab mutagenesis revealed critical residues for Cry2Ab protein
      function, as well as enhanced activity against the malarial mosquito, An.
      gambiae.

PMID- 22092858
TI  - Duplication of partial spinosyn biosynthetic gene cluster in Saccharopolyspora
      spinosa enhances spinosyn production.
AB  - Spinosyns, the secondary metabolites produced by Saccharopolyspora spinosa, are
      the active ingredients in a family of insect control agents. Most of the S.
      spinosa genes involved in spinosyn biosynthesis are found in a contiguous c. 74
      kb cluster. To increase the spinosyn production through overexpression of their
      biosynthetic genes, part of its gene cluster (c. 18 kb) participating in the
      conversion of the cyclized polyketide to spinosyn was obtained by direct cloning
      via Red/ET recombination rather than by constructing and screening the genomic
      library. The resultant plasmid pUCAmT-spn was introduced into S. spinosa CCTCC
      M206084 from Escherichia coli S17-1 by conjugal transfer. The subsequent single
      crossover homologous recombination caused a duplication of the partial gene
      cluster. Integration of this plasmid enhanced production of spinosyns with a
      total of 388 (+/- 25.0) mg L(-1) for spinosyns A and D in the exconjugant S.
      spinosa trans1 compared with 100 (+/- 7.7) mg L(-1) in the parental strain.
      Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction analysis of three selected genes
      (spnH, spnI, and spnK) confirmed the positive effect of the overexpression of
      these genes on the spinosyn production. This study provides a simple avenue for
      enhancing spinosyn production. The strategies could also be used to improve the
      yield of other secondary metabolites.

PMID- 22092859
TI  - Rapid detection of vip1-type genes from Bacillus cereus and characterization of a
      novel vip binary toxin gene.
AB  - A PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method for identifying
      vegetative insecticidal protein (vip) 1-type genes from Bacillus cereus was
      developed by designing specific primers based on the conserved regions of the
      genes to amplify vip1-type gene fragments. PCR products were digested with
      endonuclease AciI, and four known vip1-type genes were identified. Vip1Ac and
      vip1Aa-type genes appeared in 17 of 26 B. cereus strains. A novel vip1-type gene,
      vip1Ac1, was identified from B. cereus strain HL12. The vip1Ac1 and vip2Ae3 genes
      were co-expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 by vector pCOLADuet-1. The
      binary toxin showed activity only against Aphis gossypii (Homoptera), but not for
      Coleptera (Tenebrio molitor, Holotrichia oblita), Lepidoptera (Spodoptera exigua,
      Helicoverpa armigera, and Chilo suppressalis), Diptera (Culex quinquefasciatus).
      The LC(50) of this binary toxin for A. gossypii is 87.5 (34.2-145.3) ng mL(-1) .
      This is probably only the second report that Vip1 and Vip2 binary toxin shows
      toxicity against homopteran pests. The PCR-RFLP method developed could be very
      useful for identifying novel Vip1-Vip2-type binary toxins, and the novel binary
      toxins, Vip1Ac1 and Vip2Ae3, identified in this study may have applications in
      biological control of insects, thus avoiding potential problems of resistance.

PMID- 22092860
TI  - Phylogeographic relationships in the polypore fungus Pycnoporus inferred from
      molecular data.
AB  - The genus Pycnoporus forms a group of four species known especially for producing
      high redox potential laccases suitable for white biotechnology. A sample of 36
      Pycnoporus strains originating from different geographical areas was studied to
      seek informative molecular markers for the typing of new strains in laboratory
      culture conditions and to analyse the phylogeographic relationships in this
      cosmopolitan group. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA and partial regions of beta
      tubulin and laccase lac3-1 gene were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees inferred from
      these sequences clearly differentiated the group of Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
      strains from the group of Pycnoporus puniceus strains into strongly supported
      clades (100% bootstrap value). Molecular clustering based on lac 3-1 sequences
      enabled the distribution of Pycnoporus sanguineus and Pycnoporus coccineus
      through four distinct, well supported clades and sub-clades. A neotropical sub
      clade, grouping the P. sanguineus strains from French Guiana and Venezuela,
      corresponded to P. sanguineus sensu stricto. A paleotropical sub-clade,
      clustering the strains from Madagascar, Vietnam and New Caledonia, was defined as
      Pycnoporus cf. sanguineus. The Australian clade corresponded to P. coccineus
      sensu stricto. The Eastern Asian region clade, clustering the strains from China
      and Japan, formed a P. coccineus-like group. Laccase gene (lac 3-1) analysis
      within the Pycnoporus species can highlight enzyme functional diversity
      associated with biogeographical origin.

PMID- 22092861
TI  - Effect of Bacillus subtilis  BsuM restriction-modification on plasmid transfer by
      polyethylene glycol-induced protoplast fusion.
AB  - Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced cell fusion is a promising method to transfer
      larger DNA from one cell to another than conventional genetic DNA transfer
      systems. The laboratory strain Bacillus subtilis 168 contains a restriction (R)
      and modification (M) system, BsuM, which recognizes the sequence 5'-CTCGAG-3'. To
      study whether the BsuM system affects DNA transfer by the PEG-induced cell fusion
      between R(+)M(+) and R(-)M(-) strains, we examined transfer of plasmids pHV33 and
      pLS32neo carrying no and eight BsuM sites, respectively. It was shown that
      although the transfer of pLS32neo but not pHV33 from the R(-)M(-) to R(+)M(+)
      cells was severely restricted, significant levels of transfer of both plasmids
      from the R(+)M(+) to R(-)M(-) cells were observed. The latter result shows that
      the chromosomal DNA in the R(-)M(-) cell used as the recipient partially survived
      restriction from the donor R(+)M(+) cell, indicating that the BsuM R(-)M(-)
      strain is useful as a host for accepting DNA from cells carrying a restriction
      system(s). Two such examples were manifested for plasmid transfer from Bacillus
      circulans and Bacillus stearothermophilus strains to a BsuM-deficient mutant, B.
      subtilis RM125.

PMID- 22092862
TI  - Genetic analysis of the pnp-deaD genetic region reveals membrane lipoprotein NlpI
      as an independent participant in cold acclimatization of Salmonella enterica
      serovar Typhimurium.
AB  - The cold acclimatization response in many bacterial species is a tightly
      regulated process, which ensures the correct folding of macromolecules. In
      enterobacteria, this response is in part dependent on polynucleotide
      phosphorylase, which is encoded by the gene pnp. Based on transcriptional
      analysis of the pnp locus of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, we show
      that pnp and the adjacent membrane lipoprotein nlpI gene form an operon with both
      genes contributing independently to the cold acclimatization response at 15 
      degrees C. Our findings thereby define a new role for NlpI in bacterial cold
      acclimatization.

PMID- 22092863
TI  - Direct and indirect control of Lrp on LEE pathogenicity genes of Citrobacter
      rodentium.
AB  - Citrobacter rodentium is a mouse pathogen that, because of its similarities with
      human enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) strains of Escherichia
      coli is widely used as a model system for in vivo and in vitro studies. Similarly
      to EPEC and EHEC, C. rodentium carries the LEE (locus of enterocyte effacement)
      pathogenicity island, encoding virulence factors essential for causing
      transmissible colonic hyperplasia in mice by attaching and effacing (A/E)
      lesions. Expression of the genes carried by the LEE pathogenicity island is
      controlled by complex networks of transcriptional factors, including the global
      regulators H-NS, IHF, and Fis. In this study, we analyzed the role of Lrp,
      another global regulator of gene expression in enteric bacteria, on the
      expression of LEE genes of C. rodentium. To this aim, a real-time PCR approach
      was used and revealed a negative role of Lrp on the expression of all analyzed
      LEE genes. Mobility-shift experiments indicated that Lrp action is direct on LEE1
      and indirect on all other analyzed LEE genes.

PMID- 22092864
TI  - Cloning and characterization of a novel cold-active endoglucanase establishing a
      new subfamily of glycosyl hydrolase family 5 from a psychrophilic deep-sea
      bacterium.
AB  - The gene of a novel endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (named Cel5M) was isolated from the
      psychrophilic deep-sea bacteria Pseudomonas sp. MM15. The deduced protein
      sequence lacked the typical cellulase domain structures of the carbohydrate
      binding module and the linker region. Cel5M showed relatively higher activity
      toward carboxymethyl cellulose, but much lower activity toward p-nitrophenyl-beta
      D-galactopyranoside and no activity toward avicel. Cel5M was identified as a cold
      active cellulase with an optimal temperature of 30  degrees C and it was active
      within a narrow pH range with an optimum at pH 4.5. Phylogenetic analysis showed
      that Cel5M represented a new subfamily of the glycosyl hydrolase family 5,
      representing an opportunity for research into and applications of novel cold
      active cellulases.

PMID- 22092865
TI  - Comparative genome analysis of Lactococcus garvieae using a suppression
      subtractive hybridization library: discovery of novel DNA signatures.
AB  - Lactococcus garvieae, the pathogenic species in the genus Lactococcus, is
      recognized as an emerging pathogen in fish, animals, and humans. Despite the
      widespread distribution and emerging clinical significance of L. garvieae, little
      is known about the genomic content of this microorganism. Suppression subtractive
      hybridization was performed to identify the genomic differences between L.
      garvieae and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, its closest phylogenetic neighbor,
      and the type species of the genus Lactococcus. Twenty-seven clones were specific
      to L. garvieae and were highly different from Lactococcus lactis in their
      nucleotide and protein sequences. Lactococcus garvieae primer sets were
      subsequently designed for two of these clones corresponding to a pyrH gene and a
      novel DNA signature for application in the specific detection of L. garvieae. The
      primer specificities were evaluated relative to three previously described 16S
      rRNA gene-targeted methods using 32 Lactococcus and closely related strains. Both
      newly designed primer sets were highly specific to L. garvieae and performed
      better than did the existing primers. Our findings may be useful for developing
      more stable and accurate tools for the discrimination of L. garvieae from other
      closely related species.

PMID- 22092866
TI  - Characterization of four lytic transducing bacteriophages of luminescent Vibrio
      harveyi isolated from shrimp (Penaeus monodon) hatcheries.
AB  - Four lytic bacteriophages designated as phiVh1, phiVh2, phiVh3, and phiVh4 were
      isolated from commercial shrimp hatcheries, possessing broad spectrum of
      infectivity against luminescent Vibrio harveyi isolates, considering their
      potential as biocontrol agent of luminescent bacterial disease in shrimp
      hatcheries, and were characterized by electron microscopy, genomic analysis,
      restriction enzyme analysis (REA), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
      Three phages phiVh1, phiVh2, and phiVh4 had an icosahedral head of 60-115 nm size
      with a long, noncontractile tail of 130-329 * 1-17 nm, belonged to the family
      Siphoviridae. phiVh3 had an icosahedral head (72 +/- 5 nm) with a short tail (27
      * 12 nm) and belonged to Podoviridae. REA with DraI and PFGE of genomic DNA
      digested with ScaI and XbaI and cluster analysis of their banding patterns
      indicated that phiVh3 was distinct from the other three siphophages. PFGE-based
      genome mean size of the four bacteriophages phiVh1, phiVh2, phiVh3, and phiVh4
      was estimated to be about 85, 58, 64, and 107 kb, respectively. These phages had
      the property of generalized transduction as demonstrated by transduction with
      plasmid pHSG 396 with frequencies ranging from 4.1 * 10(-7) to 2 * 10(-9) per
      plaque-forming unit, suggesting a potential ecological role in gene transfer
      among aquatic vibrios.

PMID- 22092867
TI  - Changes of lipid domains in Bacillus subtilis cells with disrupted cell wall
      peptidoglycan.
AB  - The cell wall is responsible for cell integrity and the maintenance of cell shape
      in bacteria. The Gram-positive bacterial cell wall consists of a thick
      peptidoglycan layer located on the outside of the cytoplasmic membrane. Bacterial
      cell membranes, like eukaryotic cell membranes, are known to contain domains of
      specific lipid and protein composition. Recently, using the membrane-binding
      fluorescent dye FM4-64, helix-like lipid structures extending along the long axis
      of the cell and consisting of negatively charged phospholipids were detected in
      the rod-shaped bacterium Bacillus subtilis. It was also shown that the
      cardiolipin-specific dye, nonyl acridine orange (NAO), is preferentially
      distributed at the cell poles and in the septal regions in both Escherichia coli
      and B. subtilis. These results suggest that phosphatidylglycerol is the principal
      component of the observed spiral domains in B. subtilis. Here, using the
      fluorescent dyes FM4-64 and NAO, we examined whether these lipid domains are
      linked to the presence of cell wall peptidoglycan. We show that in protoplasted
      cells, devoid of the peptidoglycan layer, helix-like lipid structures are not
      preserved. Specific lipid domains are also missing in cells depleted of MurG, an
      enzyme involved in peptidoglycan synthesis, indicating a link between lipid
      domain formation and peptidoglycan synthesis.

PMID- 22092868
TI  - Low-dose rhBMP2/7 heterodimer to reconstruct peri-implant bone defects: a micro
      CT evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To delineate the dynamic micro-architectures of bone induced by low
      dose bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2/7 heterodimer in peri-implant bone
      defects compared to BMP2 and BMP7 homodimer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peri-implant
      bone defects (8 mm in diameter, 4 mm in depth) were created surrounding SLA
      treated titanium implants (3.1 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) in minipig's
      calvaria. We administrated collagen sponges with adsorbed low-dose (30 ng/mm(3) )
      BMP2/7 to treat the defects using BMP2, BMP7 or no BMP as controls.2, 3 and 6
      weeks after implantation, we adopted micro-computer tomography to evaluate the
      micro-architectures of new bone using the following parameters: relative bone
      volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th),
      trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), connectivity density, and structure mode index
      (SMI). Bone implant contact (BIC) was also revealed histologically. RESULTS:
      Consistent with 2 and 3 weeks, after 6 weeks post-operation, BMP2/7 resulted in
      significantly higher BV/TV (63.033 +/- 2.055%) and significantly lower SMI (
      4.405 +/- 0.500) than BMP2 (BV/TV: 43.133 +/- 2.001%; SMI: -0.086 +/- 0.041) and
      BMP7 (BV/TV: 41.467 +/- 1.850%; SMI: -0.044 +/- 0.016) respectively. Significant
      differences were also found in Tb.N, Tb.Th and Tb.Sp at all time points. At 2
      weeks, BMP2/7 resulted in significantly higher BIC than the controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose BMP2/7 heterodimer facilitated more rapid bone regeneration
      in better quality in peri-implant bone defects than BMP2 and BMP7 homodimers.

PMID- 22092869
TI  - Reference intervals for hematologic and coagulation tests in adult alpacas
      (Vicugna pacos).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Species-specific reference intervals are needed for interpretation of
      laboratory tests. Reference interval studies of alpacas have been limited by low
      numbers and use of outdated methods. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to
      establish reference intervals for hematologic and coagulation tests in alpacas
      using a laser-based hematology analyzer and a mechanical clot detection
      coagulation analyzer, respectively; to compare results for automated and manual
      differential WBC and platelet counts and fibrinogen concentrations; and to
      examine the effect of herd and sex on hematologic tests in a population of
      alpacas. METHODS: Blood collected from clinically healthy female and male adult
      alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from 5 herds underwent full CBC analysis using an ADVIA
      2120 (n = 65). Blood smears were examined for manual differential WBC counts,
      platelet estimates, and morphologic examination of blood cells. PCV and plasma
      protein and heat-precipitable fibrinogen concentration measured by refractometry
      were also determined. Partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and
      clottable fibrinogen concentration were measured using a STA Compact analyzer (n
      = 13). Reference intervals were established using 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles
      for hematologic analytes and minimum and maximum values for coagulation tests.
      Automated and manual differential WBC counts, platelet counts, and fibrinogen
      concentrations were compared. Results were also evaluated for herd- and sex
      associated effects. RESULTS: Hematologic reference intervals for alpacas were
      similar to those reported previously, except for lower RBC-related results, which
      showed a herd bias. Correlations between automated and manual neutrophil,
      lymphocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts were moderate to good, with weak to
      poor correlations for monocyte and basophil counts and fibrinogen concentrations.
      Owing to the low number of samples analyzed, reference intervals for coagulation
      tests should be considered estimated intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Reference intervals
      will be useful guides for interpreting hematologic and coagulation results in
      alpacas, particularly when using the same instrumentation and reagents.

PMID- 22092870
TI  - Assessment of human exposure to indoor organic contaminants via dust ingestion in
      Pakistan.
AB  - Ingestion of indoor dust has been acknowledged as an important route of
      exposure to organic contaminants (OCs). We investigated the presence of
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), novel brominated flame retardants
      (NBFRs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in indoor floor dust from rural
      homes (N=31) and mosques (N=12) in Gujrat, Pakistan. Low concentrations were
      observed for most contaminants. OPFRs were the principle contaminants, with tri
      (2-butoxyethyl)-phosphate (TBEP) and tri-phenyl-phosphate (TPP) having medians of
      66 and 109 ng/g, respectively. PBDEs were only minor constituents in the
      investigated samples, with BDE 209 (median 40 ng/g) being the most important
      congener. Levels and profile of ?PBDEs, ?NBFRs, ?HCHs, ?DDTs, and ?PCBs revealed
      no difference (P<0.05) between samples of dust from homes and mosques, indicating
      similar emission sources. Exposure scenarios using 5th percentile, median, mean,
      and 95th percentile levels were estimated for both adult and toddlers. Typical
      high-end, using median levels and high dust ingestion, exposure for adults were
      0.02, 0.02, 0.03, <0.01, and 0.65 ng/kg bw/day and for toddlers 0.39, 0.45, 0.69,
      0.01, and 15.2 ng/kg bw/day for ?PBDEs, ?NBFRs, ?OCPs, ?PCBs, and ?OPFRs,
      respectively. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to document the
      presence of indoor OCs in Pakistani dust. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This is the
      first report on the analysis of various contaminants in indoor dust from
      Pakistan. Some of these chemicals are currently being used in different consumer
      products. The study will help to further an understanding of the levels of
      different organic contaminants (OCs) in Pakistani indoor environments and will
      enlighten the generally ignored area of environmental pollution in Pakistan.
      Furthermore, studies based on animal models have shown that some of the analyzed
      chemicals can cause different types of chronic toxicities. However, our results
      showed that the levels of estimated exposure via dust ingestion for all chemicals
      were several orders of magnitude lower than their reference dose (RfD) values or
      than those reported in studies from Belgium, China, Singapore, and the UK (Ali et
      al., 2011a; Harrad et al., 2008; Tan et al., 2007a,b; Van den Eede et al., 2011a;
      Wang et al., 2010).

PMID- 22092871
TI  - Production of viruses during a spring phytoplankton bloom in the South Pacific
      Ocean near of New Zealand.
AB  - Lagrangian studies of virus activity in pelagic environments over extended
      temporal scales are rare. To address this, viruses and bacteria were examined
      during the course of a natural phytoplankton bloom in the pelagic South Pacific
      Ocean east of New Zealand. Daily samples were collected in a mesoscale eddy from
      year days 263-278 (September 19th-October 4th, 2008). The productive bloom
      transitioned from a diatom to a pico- and nanoplankton-dominated system,
      resulting in chlorophyll a concentrations up to 2.43 MUg L(-1) . Virus abundances
      fluctuated c. 10-fold (1.8 * 10(10) -1.3 * 10(11)  L(-1) ) over 16 days. The
      production rates of virus particles were high compared with those reported in
      other marine systems, ranging from 1.4 * 10(10)  to 2.1 * 10(11)  L(-1)  day(-1)
      . Our observations suggest viruses contributed significantly to the mortality of
      bacteria throughout the bloom, with 19-216% of the bacterial standing stock being
      lysed daily. This mortality released nutrient elements (N, Fe) that likely helped
      sustain the bloom through the sampling period. Parametric analyses found
      significant correlations with both biotic (e.g. potential host abundances) and
      abiotic parameters (e.g. nutrient concentrations, temperature). These
      observations demonstrate that viruses may be critical in the extended maintenance
      of regeneration-driven biological production.

PMID- 22092872
TI  - Interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 prime migrational responses of haemopoietic
      progenitor cells to stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung-homing of progenitor cells is associated with inflammatory and
      remodelling changes in asthma. Factors that modulate the increased traffic of
      progenitor cells to the site of inflammation in asthma remain to be defined.
      Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are Th2 cytokines that are key regulators of asthma
      pathology. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of IL-4 and IL-13 in modulating
      the trans-migrational responses of haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). METHODS:
      HPC were enriched from cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB) samples.
      Migration of HPC was assessed using transwell migration assays, and responding
      cells were enumerated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: IL-4 and IL-13 primed migration
      of CB- and PB-derived HPC (CD34(+) 45(+)  cells) to stromal cell-derived factor
      1alpha (SDF-1alpha), in vitro. However, these cytokines had no effect on
      migrational responses of eosinophil-lineage committed progenitors (CD34(+) 45(+)
      IL-5Ralpha(+)  cells) or mature eosinophils to SDF-1alpha. For HPC, priming
      effects of IL-4 (0.1 ng/mL) and IL-13 (0.1 ng/mL) were detectable within 1 h and
      optimal at 18-h post-incubation, and IL-4 was the more effective priming agent.
      Pre-incubation with IL-4 or IL-13 had no effect on the intensity of cell surface
      expression of SDF-1alpha receptor, CXCR4. Disruption of cell membrane cholesterol
      content by pre-incubation with polyene antibiotics inhibited IL-4 priming of SDF
      1alpha stimulated migration of HPC indicating that increased incorporation of
      CXCR4 into membrane lipid rafts mediated the cytokine primed migrational response
      of HPC. This was confirmed by confocal fluorescent microscopy. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IL-4 and IL-13 prime the migrational response of HPC to SDF
      1alpha by enhancing the incorporation of CXCR4 into lipid rafts. The priming
      effect of these cytokines is specific to primitive HPC. These data suggest that
      increased local production of IL-4 and IL-13 within the lungs may promote
      increased SDF-1alpha mediated homing of HPC to the airways in asthma.

PMID- 22092873
TI  - Variation in arterial supply to the floor of the mouth and assessment of relative
      hemorrhage risk in implant surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bleeding in the floor of the mouth during implant surgery is
      attributed to arterial injuries in the sublingual space: clinicians may injure
      the submental and sublingual arteries, which originate from the facial and
      lingual arteries, respectively. This study aimed to clarify the three-dimensional
      courses of submental and sublingual arteries and their topographic relation to
      the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the gross anatomy course at the
      Faculty of Dentistry and Graduate School, Niigata University (2009-2011), we
      investigated the relationship between the courses of submental and sublingual
      arteries and their dividing patterns of the mylohyoid muscle, sublingual gland,
      and mandible using 27 human cadavers. RESULTS: The courses of submental and
      sublingual arteries were divided into four patterns: (1) the sublingual space was
      supplied by the sublingual artery (type I: 63%), (2) it was supplied by both the
      sublingual and submental arteries (type II: 5.6%), (3) it was supplied by the
      submental artery without the sublingual artery (type III: 29.6%), and (4) type
      III without the deep lingual artery originated from the lingual artery (type IV:
      1.8%). In type II, III, and IV, the submental artery perforates the mylohyoid
      muscle or takes a roundabout route to travel near the surface of the mandible.
      The percentage occurrence of arteries traveling between the sublingual gland and
      mandible in type II, III, and IV (55%) is higher than that in type I (8.8%).
      CONCLUSION: Susceptibility of the submental artery in type II, III, and IV to
      injury during implant surgery is suggested.

PMID- 22092874
TI  - Octreotide as therapeutic option for congenital idiopathic chylothorax: a case
      series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is used for the management of
      patients with refractory chylothorax although its safety and efficacy in neonates
      have not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. We present one of the
      largest case series about the use of octreotide in congenital idiopathic
      chylothorax. METHODS: Six cases of congenital chylothorax (CC) were prospectively
      collected, who were managed with same unit protocol for octreotide. Mean (SD)
      gestation was 34.5 (+/-2.2) weeks, and birthweight was 3410 (+/-840.4) g. All
      infants required chest drains from day 1 of life, and the mean (SD) duration of
      insertion was 36.1 (+/-8.5) days. Octreotide was commenced at a median age of
      13.5 days (range 8-22), given for a median duration of 20 days (range 12-27). The
      starting dose was 0.5-1 MUg/kg/h with an increment of 1-2 MUg/kg/day to a maximum
      of 10 MUg/kg/day. Resolution of chylothorax was achieved in five patients, being
      resistant to treatment in the sixth patient. None had adverse effects from
      octreotide. Full enteral feeds were reached at a mean age of 44 days. CONCLUSION:
      Early commencement of octreotide is recommended although further reports to
      evaluate the safety and efficacy would add to the profile of this medication in
      the treatment of CC.

PMID- 22092875
TI  - Effect of thread size on the implant neck area: preliminary results at 1 year of
      function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the effect of the coronal thread size on the
      marginal bone loss around the fixtures, when both implants were provided with
      threads to the top of fixture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of implants, one
      with a macro-thread to the top of the fixture (A) and the other with a micro
      thread to the top of the fixture (B), were placed adjacent to each other in the
      partially edentulous areas of 20 patients. Bone loss around each implant was
      analyzed after 1 year of functional loading. The bone losses after loading were
      compared using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. RESULTS: The mean marginal bone
      losses (A, 0.154 +/- 0.144 mm; B, 0.125 +/- 0.136 mm) were not statistically
      significant between the two groups (P = 0.669). CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      significant difference between implant with macro- and micro-neck thread in terms
      of marginal bone loss after 1 year of loading.

PMID- 22092876
TI  - Engineering of a periodontal ligament construct: cell and fibre alignment induced
      by shear stress.
AB  - AIM: We report an in vitro technique to establish alignment of collagen fibres
      and cells within a three-dimensional tissue equivalent that mimics the natural
      periodontal ligament (PDL) using a novel custom-designed bioreactor. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Shear stress was applied to the tissue equivalent prepared with collagen
      solution and seeded with human PDL cells. Stress-strain dynamics and the
      alignment of collagen fibres and PDL cells in tissue equivalents were analysed.
      RESULTS: Shear stress aligned collagen fibres and PDL cells in a direction
      parallel to the principle strain vector. PDL cells and Collagen fibres aligned in
      strained tissue equivalents with higher uniformity than in unstrained tissue
      equivalents. CONCLUSIONS: The cell and fibre alignment of the engineered PDL was
      precisely guided by mechanical shear stress along the direction of principal
      strain vector using a custom-designed bioreactor, suggesting that the enhanced
      functional property of engineered PDL constructs could be achieved with this
      technique.

PMID- 22092877
TI  - My eyes, your eyes--the relationship between CMS five-star rating of nursing
      homes and family rating of experience of care in Maryland.
AB  - In 2008, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) launched the Five
      Star Quality Rating System to help consumers compare nursing homes. The quality
      rating system consists of three domains: nursing home inspection results,
      staffing, and quality measures (QMs) and an overall rating calculated from the
      three domains. The Five-Star System has both advocates and detractors. One source
      of criticism about the rating system is its lack of input from consumer surveys.
      Although different dimensions of quality have been recognized as important by the
      experts and studied in the literature, how these dimensions are linked with each
      other is largely unknown. This article describes an analysis of the relationship
      between overall experience of care ratings from a family survey and ratings
      obtained on the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating for Maryland nursing homes. The
      results indicated a strong positive correlation between family experience of care
      score and two five-star domains, namely health inspections and nurse staffing,
      and no relationship with the quality domain. The lack of relationship between the
      quality domain and the family score may be due to inadequate risk adjustment or
      that each rating system measures different aspects of quality.

PMID- 22092878
TI  - Autologous fibroblast culture in the repair of aging skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human cell cultures are being developed to replace various body
      tissues. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of dermal regeneration with
      the injection of young autologous fibroblasts obtained from culture containing
      serum from patients themselves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dermal tissue from the
      groin of five patients was cultivated in M199 medium supplemented with 10% human
      serum. Four population doublings were obtained. The fibroblasts were injected
      intradermally into forehead wrinkles and periorbital and paranasal areas. RESULT:
      At the fourth population doubling, a mean of 3.85 * 10(6) cells/mL was obtained;
      viability was 98%. Sixty days after completing treatment, with four injections
      given at 15-day intervals, periorbital tonicity had improved significantly,
      although the quantity of fibroblasts used resulted in little improvement to
      surface lines and no improvement at all in deeper wrinkles. After 6 months, no
      further changes were found beyond the initial results obtained. CONCLUSION:
      Injection of skin fibroblasts cultivated in medium supplemented with human serum
      is a viable technique and provokes no side effects. Four injections given at 15
      day intervals containing a total of 6.4 * 10(6) fibroblasts/mL resulted in
      significant improvement in periorbital skin flaccidity. Further studies should be
      conducted with larger sample sizes.

PMID- 22092880
TI  - Cancer survivors' experiences of discharge from hospital follow-up.
AB  - Discharge from hospital follow-up is a key time point in the cancer journey. With
      recommendations for earlier discharge of cancer survivors, attention to the
      discharge process is likely to become increasingly important. This study explored
      cancer survivors' experiences of discharge from hospital follow-up. Survivors of
      breast, colorectal and prostate cancer (n= 1275), 5-16 years post diagnosis were
      approached to take part in a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included
      questions about discharge status, provision of time/information prior to
      discharge, feelings at discharge and satisfaction with how discharge was managed.
      Completed questionnaires were returned by 659 survivors (51.7%). Approximately
      one-third of respondents were not discharged from follow-up 5-16 years post
      diagnosis. Of those discharged, a substantial minority reported insufficient time
      (27.9%), information (24.5-45.0%) or adverse emotions (30.9%) at the time of
      discharge. However, 90.6% of respondents reported satisfaction with how discharge
      from hospital follow-up was managed. Despite high levels of satisfaction,
      discharge of cancer survivors from hospital follow-up could be improved with the
      provision of additional time, information and support. Better structuring of the
      final hospital appointment or a review appointment in primary care at this time
      could help to ensure that discharge from hospital follow-up is managed optimally
      for cancer survivors.

PMID- 22092879
TI  - Phylogenetic relationship of Lotus uliginosus symbionts with bradyrhizobia
      nodulating genistoid legumes.
AB  - Lotus species are legumes with potential for pastures in soils with low-fertility
      and environmental constraints. The aim of this work was to characterize bacteria
      that establish efficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with the forage species Lotus
      uliginosus. A total of 39 isolates were obtained from nodules of L. uliginosus
      naturally growing in two different locations of Portugal. Molecular
      identification of the isolates plus the commercial inoculant strain NZP2039 was
      performed by REP-PCR, 16S rRNA RFLP, and 16S rRNA, glnII and recA sequence
      analyses. Limited genetic diversity was found among the L. uliginosus symbionts,
      which showed a close phylogenetic relationship with the species Bradyrhizobium
      japonicum. The symbiotic nifH, nodA and nodC gene sequences were closely related
      with the corresponding genes of various Bradyrhizobium strains isolated from
      Lupinus and other genistoid legumes and therefore were phylogenetically separated
      from other Lotus spp. rhizobia. The L. uliginosus bradyrhizobia were able to
      nodulate and fix nitrogen in association with L. uliginosus, could nodulate Lotus
      corniculatus with generally poor nitrogen-fixing efficiency, formed nonfixing
      nodules in Lotus tenuis and Lupinus luteus roots and were unable to nodulate
      Glycine soja or Glycine max. Thus, L. uliginosus rhizobia seem closely related to
      B. japonicum biovar genistearum strains.

PMID- 22092881
TI  - Dynamic analysis for mental sweating of a group of eccrine sweat glands on a
      human fingertip by optical coherence tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An important function of skin physiology is mental sweating, where
      sweating is accelerated via the sympathetic nerve by mental or physical stress
      externally applied to a volunteer. AIM: Activity of the sympathetic nerve (ASN)
      is evaluated by quantitative measurement of mental sweating. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is highly potential for in vivo
      observation of human sweating dynamics which affects ASN. We demonstrate dynamic
      OCT analysis of mental sweating of a group of eccrine sweat glands. The sweating
      dynamics is tracked simultaneously for 19 sweat glands by time-sequential piled
      up en-face OCT images with the frame spacing of 3.3 s. The en-face OCT images of
      the spiral lumen of the eccrine sweat gland are constructed by data acquisition
      of the 128 B-mode OCT images. RESULTS: It is thus found that the response to
      mental stress is different for each sweat gland even though the sweat glands are
      adjacent to each other. Such strong non-uniformity is observed in mental sweating
      where the amount of excess sweat is different for each sweat gland although the
      sweat glands are adjacent to each other. DISCUSSION: The non-uniformity should be
      necessary to adjust as precisely the total amount of excess sweat as possible
      through the sympathetic nerve in response to strength of the stress.

PMID- 22092882
TI  - Cardiac electromechanical delay is increased during recovery from 40 km cycling
      but is not mediated by exercise intensity.
AB  - Cardiac electrical-mechanical delay (cEMD), left ventricular (LV) function, and
      cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were assessed after 40 km cycle time trials completed
      at high (HIGH) and moderate (MOD) intensities in 12 cyclists. Echocardiograms and
      blood samples were collected before, 10, and 60 min after cycling. cEMD as
      assessed by time from QRS onset to peak systolic (S') tissue velocity was
      lengthened after both bouts of cycling but was not mediated by cycling intensity
      (HIGH: 174 +/- 52 vs 198 +/- 26 ms; MOD: 151 +/- 40 vs 178 +/- 52 ms, P < 0.05).
      Global LV systolic function was unaltered by exercise. cEMD from QRS to peak
      early (E') diastolic tissue velocity was also increased post-exercise (HIGH: 524
      +/- 95 vs 664 +/- 68 ms; MOD: 495 +/- 62 vs 604 +/- 91 ms, P < 0.05). Indices of
      LV diastolic function was reduced after cycling but were not mediated by exercise
      intensity. cTnI was elevated in two participants after HIGH trial (0.06 ug/L;
      0.04 ug/L) and one participant after MOD trial (0.02 ug/L). While cEMD is
      lengthened and LV diastolic function was reduced post-cycling, altering time
      trial intensity had little impact upon cEMD, LV function, and cTnI release.

PMID- 22092883
TI  - Obesity is associated with increased asthma severity and exacerbations, and
      increased serum immunoglobulin E in inner-city adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with increased asthma and atopy. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether or not obesity in inner-city adults is associated with
      increased asthma prevalence, severity and exacerbations and IgE responses.
      METHODS: This retrospective study involved 246 adults with asthma and other
      atopic disorders who were seen at an asthma clinic in New York City between 1997
      and 2010. Height, weight, asthma diagnosis and symptoms, peak flow (PF),
      spirometry, serum IgE levels and white blood cell differentials were recorded.
      RESULTS: Asthmatic patients had higher body mass index than non-asthmatics
      (median, interquartile range: 30.5, 10.2 vs. 27.8, 8.8; Mann-Whitney U-test, P =
      0.0006). Class I and II/III obesity were associated with increased asthma (I: OR:
      2.35, 95% CI: 1.04-5.34, P = 0.04; II/III: OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.36-7.74, P =
      0.008). Class I and II/III obesity were associated with worsened asthma severity
      (ordinal logistic regression; I: OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.61-11.06, P = 0.003; II/III:
      OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.08-7.09, P = 0.03). Class II/III obesity was associated with
      increased asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids (repeated measures
      logistic regression, OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25; P = 0.01) and increased
      requirement of inhaled corticosteroid for long-term asthma management (OR: 1.45,
      95% CI: 1.29-1.62; P < 0.0001). In asthmatics, class II/III obesity was
      associated with decreased PF (general linear model, least squares mean +/- SEM:
      333.8 +/- 37.4 vs. 396.2 +/- 32.1 L/min; P = 0.007), forced expiratory volume in
      1 s (75.2 +/- 4.6 vs. 88.4 +/- 5.6%; P = 0.03) and forced vital capacity (83.2 +/
      4.7 vs. 109.2 +/- 6.0%; P = 0.0002) and increased serum IgE (480.2 +/- 88.3 vs.
      269.0 +/- 66.6 IU/mL; P = 0.04) and neutrophils (66.6 +/- 3.7 vs. 60.1 +/- 3.8%;
      P = 0.02). Class I obesity was also associated with increased serum IgE (458.7 +/
      68.9, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obesity in inner-city adults
      may be both a risk and exacerbating factor for atopic asthma.

PMID- 22092884
TI  - The trigeminocardiac reflex and dermatologic surgery.

PMID- 22092885
TI  - Atlas-based versus individual-based fiber tracking of the corpus callosum in
      patients with multiple sclerosis: reliability and clinical correlations.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In multiple sclerosis (MS), the presence of lesions and
      normal-appearing white matter damage may affect the reliability of diffusion
      tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based tractography. We compared the
      performance of an individual-based method for corpus callosum (CC) fiber tracking
      in MS with those of two atlas-based methods. METHODS: Brain DT MRI scans were
      acquired from 35 patients with MS and 18 age-matched healthy volunteers (HV). DT
      derived metrics from the CC-the mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy
      (FA)-were calculated using an individual-based and two atlas-based methods with
      different types of subject registration (linear and nonlinear) to a CC atlas.
      Customized termination criteria were applied to stop the tracking algorithm when
      using the individual-based method. RESULTS: All the methods were able to
      distinguish between MS patients and HV. Using the individual-based method,
      stronger relationships were found between CC DT-derived metrics and the subjects'
      clinical condition. CONCLUSION: CC DT tractography using an individual-based
      method is more sensitive than the atlas-based ones to tract-specific alterations
      related to MS disability. An atlas-based method with nonlinear registration can
      be a valid alternative when an automated postprocessing is warranted, such as in
      the case of high volumes of data.

PMID- 22092886
TI  - High prevalence of shoulder pain among elite Norwegian female handball players.
AB  - Clinical experience indicates that a substantial number of handball players may
      suffer from shoulder pain, but they continue to play despite having shoulder pain
      problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and consequences
      of shoulder pain problems among Norwegian female elite handball players. In the
      preseason of the 2007-2008 season, 179 players from all 12 teams of the Norwegian
      elite league went through the following tests: internal and external shoulder
      range of motion, apprehension, relocation test, and shooting velocity. All
      players completed the Fahlstrom questionnaire and, for players with current pain,
      the Western Ontario shoulder instability index questionnaire. Sixty-five (36%)
      players reported shoulder pain on the test day, and 40 (22%) players reported
      previous shoulder pain. Two thirds of the players with pain reported a gradual
      onset. For players with current or previous pain, 22 (36%) and 14 (36%) had
      missed match play, and 43 (68%) and 28 (76%) reported changing their training
      habits. A positive apprehension and relocation test was found among 51 (29%) of
      the players. In conclusion, a high proportion of female elite handball players
      experience shoulder pain and problems and have an unstable shoulder.

PMID- 22092887
TI  - Are marginal bone levels and implant stability/mobility affected by single-stage
      platform switched dental implants? A comparative clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term bone level and
      stability/mobility measurement alterations at platform switched (PS) and standard
      platform (SP) implants placed in mandibular premolar/molar regions using a single
      stage protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen PS and 16 SP implants restorated
      with fixed prosthesis were included. Standard implant dimensions were used for
      both implant systems. After 3 months of osseointegration, implants were connected
      to abutments and final restorations were performed. Marginal bone loss was
      measured by standardized periapical radiographs. Implant stability/mobility was
      determined by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and mobility measuring (MM)
      device values. Peri-implant parameters were evaluated with clinical periodontal
      indices and all parameters were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after
      the surgery. RESULTS: After 6 months, all implants showed uneventful healing.
      Radiographic evaluation showed a mean bone loss of 0.72 mm for PS and 0.56 mm for
      SP implants, and there were no significant differences between implant types. At
      6 months, mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were 73.38 and 77 for PS
      and SP implants, respectively. Mean MM values were -4.75 for PS and -6.38 for SP
      implants. Mean MM values were lower for SP implants compared to PS implants at
      all time points. No significant differences were detected between implant types
      according to clinical peri-implant parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The micro-gap at
      crestal level which immediately exposed to the oral cavity in non-submerged two
      part implants seems to have adverse influence on the marginal bone level.

PMID- 22092888
TI  - Signal integration by the Cpx-envelope stress system.
AB  - The Cpx-envelope stress system coordinates the expression and assembly of surface
      structures important for the virulence of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. It
      is comprised of the membrane-anchored sensor kinase CpxA, the cytosolic response
      regulator CpxR and the accessory protein CpxP. Characteristic of the group of two
      component systems, the Cpx system responds to a broad range of stimuli including
      pH, salt, metals, lipids and misfolded proteins that cause perturbation in the
      envelope. Moreover, the Cpx system has been linked to inter-kingdom signalling
      and bacterial cell death. However, although signal specificity has been assumed,
      for most signals the mechanism of signal integration is not understood. Recent
      structural and functional studies provide the first insights into how CpxP
      inhibits CpxA and serves as sensor for misfolded pilus subunits, pH and salt.
      Here, we summarize and reflect on the current knowledge on signal integration by
      the Cpx-envelope stress system.

PMID- 22092889
TI  - Anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary sinus detected in cone beam
      computed tomography for dental implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of anatomic variations and lesions of the
      maxillary sinus in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the maxilla required
      for dental implant planning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This transversal prevalence
      study evaluated a sample of 500 consecutive CBCT exams. The inclusion criteria
      were CBCT exams of the maxilla required for dental implant planning. The CBCT
      exams were independently evaluated by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists who
      assessed the presence of anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary sinus.
      As most of the CBCT exams did not allow the evaluation of the area close to the
      maxillary sinus roof, anatomic variations that take place at this site were not
      assessed. RESULTS: The anatomic variations detected were pneumatization (83.2%),
      antral septa (44.4%), hypoplasia (4.8%), and exostosis (2.6%). The identified
      lesions were mucosal thickening (<=3 mm in 54.8% and >3 mm in 62.6%), polypoid
      lesions (21.4%), discontinuity of the sinus floor (17.4%), air-fluid level
      (4.4%), bone thickening of the maxillary sinus wall (3.8%), antroliths (3.2%),
      discontinuity of the sinus lateral wall (2.6%), sinus opacification (1.8%), and
      foreign body (1.6%). CONCLUSION: Anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary
      sinus were common findings in CBCT exams of the maxilla required for dental
      implant planning. As some of these conditions can modify dental implant planning
      and must require specialized treatment, its recognition is noteworthy in dental
      practice, and especially in implantology. The amount and significance of the
      anatomic variations and lesions detected in this study reinforces the importance
      of computed tomography in preoperative dental implant planning.

PMID- 22092890
TI  - Evaluation of the catalase promoter for expressing the alkaline xylanase gene
      (alx) in Aspergillus niger.
AB  - Aspergillus niger represents a promising host for the expression of recombinant
      proteins, but only a few expression systems are available for this organism. In
      this study, the inducible catalase promoter (PcatR) from A. niger was
      characterized. For this, constructs were developed and checked for the expression
      of the alkaline xylanase gene transcriptionally fused under the cat R promoter.
      Two versions of the catalase (catR) promoter sequence from A. niger (P(cat300,)
      P(cat924)) were isolated and tested for their ability to drive expression of the
      alkaline xylanase (alx) gene. P(cat924) showed better efficiency (more than 10
      fold increase in AlX activity compared to P(cat300)) under the optimized culture
      conditions. Induction of the catR promoter with 0.20% H(2)O(2) and 1.5% CaCO(3)
      in the culture medium, further increased expression of AlX 2.61- and 2.20-fold,
      respectively, clarifying its inducible nature. Specific induction or repression
      of the catR promoter provides the possibility for utilization of this promoter in
      heterologous protein production.

PMID- 22092891
TI  - Do we need to reconsider the desirable blood level of vitamin B12?

PMID- 22092892
TI  - The low rate of bacterial meningitis in children, ages 6 to 18 months, with
      simple febrile seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This evidence-based review examines the risk of bacterial meningitis
      as diagnosed by lumbar puncture (LP) in children presenting to the emergency
      department (ED) with a simple febrile seizure. The study population consists of
      fully immunized children between ages 6 and 18 months of age with an unremarkable
      history and normal physical examination. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane
      Library databases were searched for studies that enrolled children who presented
      with simple febrile seizure to the ED and had LP performed to rule out
      meningitis. The primary outcome measure was the risk of bacterial meningitis
      based on findings of the LP. The secondary outcome was the rate of cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) pleocytosis in children who were pretreated with antibiotics.
      RESULTS: Two studies enrolling a total of 150 children met the inclusion and
      exclusion criteria. The overall rate of meningitis was 0% (95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 0.0% to 3.0%). The rate of CSF pleocytosis in children who were
      pretreated with antibiotics was 2.5% (95% CI = 0.0% to 14.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The
      sample size of the studies included in this review is too small to draw any
      definitive conclusion. However, their findings suggest that that the risk of
      bacterial meningitis in children presenting with simple febrile seizure is very
      low.

PMID- 22092893
TI  - Validation and refinement of the difficult intravenous access score: a clinical
      prediction rule for identifying children with difficult intravenous access.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The difficult intravenous access (DIVA) score, a proportionally
      weighted four-variable (vein palpability, vein visibility, patient age, and
      history of prematurity) clinical rule, has been developed to predict failure of
      intravenous (IV) placement in children. This study sought to externally validate
      and refine the DIVA score. METHODS: Patients undergoing peripheral IV placement
      by pediatric emergency department (ED) nurses were enrolled. The outcome of
      interest was defined as failure of cannulation on first attempt. Proposed
      refinement predictor variables include history of newborn intensive care unit
      (NICU) stay, operator experience characteristics (years since graduation, years
      of pediatric nursing experience, and IVs started per month), and skin shade.
      Adjusted multivariate models were constructed using logistic regression. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and areas under the curve
      (AUC) calculated for each model. RESULTS: A total of 366 subjects were enrolled
      (mean age = 5.4 years, SD +/- 5.6 years) and of them, 118 (32.2%) subjects failed
      the first IV attempt. The original four-variable model tested in this data set
      resulted in an AUC of 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.67 to 0.78).
      Patients with a DIVA score of 4 or greater had more than 50% likelihood of failed
      first IV attempt. A three-variable rule (vein palpability, vein visibility, and
      patient age) was evaluated and found to possess similar discriminating ability
      (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: This study validated the
      previously derived four-variable DIVA score. A simpler three-variable rule was as
      predictive of failed IV placement on first attempt as the four-variable rule.
      Validation in nonpediatric EDs is needed to thoroughly evaluate generalizability.

PMID- 22092894
TI  - L-carnitine increases survival in a murine model of severe verapamil toxicity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: L-carnitine is an essential compound involved in cellular energy
      production through free fatty acid metabolism. It has been theorized that severe
      verapamil toxicity "shifts" heart energy production away from free fatty acids
      and toward other sources, contributing to profound cardiogenic shock. The primary
      study objective was to determine whether intravenous (IV) L-carnitine affects
      survival in severe verapamil toxicity. Secondary objectives were to determine the
      effects on hemodynamic parameters. The authors hypothesized that IV L-carnitine
      would increase both survival and hemodynamic parameters in severe verapamil
      toxicity. METHODS: This was a controlled, blinded animal investigation. Sixteen
      male rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and instrumented to record mean arterial
      pressure (MAP) and heart rate. Verapamil toxicity was achieved by a constant
      infusion of 5 mg/kg/hr. After 5 minutes a bolus of 50 mg/kg of either L-carnitine
      or normal saline was given. The experiment concluded when either 10% of baseline
      MAP was achieved or 150 minutes had elapsed. The data were analyzed using Kaplan
      Meier analysis, log rank test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The median
      survival for the animals in the L-carnitine group was 140.75 minutes
      (interquartile range [IQR] = 98.6 to 150 minutes), and for those in the normal
      saline group it was 49.19 minutes (IQR = 39.02 to 70.97 minutes; p = 0.0001). At
      15 minutes the MAP was 20.45 mm Hg greater in the animals in the L-carnitine
      group than in the animals in the normal saline group (95% confidence interval
      [CI] = 0.25 to 40.65; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: When compared with saline, IV L
      carnitine increases survival and MAP in a murine model of severe verapamil
      toxicity.

PMID- 22092895
TI  - Levamisole exposure and hematologic indices in cocaine users.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Levamisole is an antihelminthic agent found in nearly 70% of seized
      U.S. cocaine. Sporadic case literature describes a life-threatening
      agranulocytosis associated with levamisole exposure secondary to cocaine use. The
      authors compared the distribution of hematologic indices in a population of
      cocaine users with and without a confirmed exposure to levamisole. METHODS: The
      records of all patients in the Lifespan hospital system who underwent
      comprehensive toxicologic testing between September 2009 and December 2009 (n =
      799) were reviewed. Of these, 95 patients were eligible for inclusion (cocaine
      positive with a simultaneous complete blood count). Patients were grouped into
      levamisole-positive (n = 47) and -negative (n = 48) groups. The primary outcome
      measures were total white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count
      (ANC), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC); secondary outcome measures included
      percent neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils, as well
      as identified co-ingestants. RESULTS: Both groups had a similar makeup of age,
      sex, and race. The total WBC count, ANC, and ALC were not significantly different
      between the two groups. There was no significant difference in relative
      proportion of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, or monocytes between the
      groups. There was one neutropenic patient in the levamisole-positive group, while
      three patients were neutropenic in the negative group. Additionally, a literature
      review of case reports describing levamisole-induced agranulocytosis (n = 33) was
      conducted. In 52% of these cases, patients presented with an oropharyngeal chief
      complaint; in an additional 27%, patients presented with soft tissue infections
      or purpura. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of neutropenia was 4.2% in all
      cocaine users and 2.1% in the levamisole-positive group. A striking number of the
      reported patients with levamisole-associated neutropenia have presented to care
      with oropharyngeal complaints, vasculitis, or fever. A clinical algorithm for
      identifying levamisole toxicity in the emergency department setting is provided.
      Further research is necessary to determine the circumstances required for
      levamisole-associated neutropenia.

PMID- 22092896
TI  - Short, subjective measures of numeracy and general health literacy in an adult
      emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the reliability and validity of brief
      subjective measures of numeracy and general health literacy in the adult
      emergency department (ED) setting. METHODS: A convenience sample of adult ED
      patients completed subjective measures of general health literacy (Short Literacy
      Survey [SLS]) and numeracy (Subjective Numeracy Scale [SNS]). These patients also
      completed two objective tests of literacy (the Short Test of Functional Health
      Literacy in Adults [S-TOFHLA] and the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in
      Medicine [REALM]) and an objective test of numeracy (Wide Range Achievement Test
      4 [WRAT4]). Internal reliability of the subjective measures was assessed using
      Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity of the subjective measures was assessed by
      correlating them against the S-TOFHLA, REALM, and WRAT4, using Spearman's rank
      correlation coefficients, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, and
      hierarchical, multiple linear regression with adjustment for patient age, sex,
      race, and education. RESULTS: The median age of the 207 patients surveyed was 46
      years (interquartile range [IQR] = 32 to 59 years); 27% were African American.
      Sixty-one percent of patients reported that their highest level of education was
      high school or below. As measured by the S-TOFHLA and REALM, most patients had
      adequate literacy levels (89% and 80%, respectively), while 44% of patients had
      below average numeracy skills on the WRAT4. The median SLS score was 14 (IQR = 12
      to 15) on a scale of 3 to 15; the median SNS score was 36 (IQR = 30 to 42) on a
      scale of 6 to 48. The SLS and SNS had good internal reliability, with Cronbach's
      alphas of 0.74 and 0.82, respectively. The SLS Spearman's rank order correlation
      coefficient was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.20 to 0.45) for the S
      TOFHLA, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.36 (p < 0.05) after adjustment
      for patient demographics. The SLS correlation coefficient was 0.26 (95% CI = 0.13
      to 0.38) for the REALM, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.38 (p < 0.05)
      after adjustment for patient demographics. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for
      the SLS was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.68 to 0.80) when compared to the S-TOFHLA and 0.72
      (95% CI = 0.65 to 0.78) when compared to the REALM. The SNS predicted numeracy
      well, with a correlation coefficient of 0.57 (95% CI = 0.47 to 0.65) for the
      WRAT4, a standardized beta coefficient of 0.30 (p < 0.05) after adjustment for
      patient demographics, and an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.82). CONCLUSIONS:
      The SNS and SLS are reliable, valid tests that can be used to rapidly estimate
      general health literacy and numeracy skill levels in adult ED patients.
      Continuing work is needed to establish their ability to predict clinical
      outcomes.

PMID- 22092897
TI  - Emergency severity index triage system correlation with emergency department
      evaluation and management billing codes and total professional charges.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: All services provided by physicians to patients during an emergency
      department (ED) visit, including procedures and "cognitive work," are described
      by common procedural terminology (CPT) codes that are translated by coders into
      total professional (physician) charges for the visit. These charges do not
      include the technical (facility) charges. The objectives of this study were to
      characterize associations between Emergency Severity Index (ESI) acuity level, ED
      Evaluation and Management (E&M) billing codes 99281-99285 and 99291, and total ED
      provider charges (sum of total procedure and E&M professional charges). Secondary
      objectives were to identify factors that might affect these associations and to
      evaluate the performance of ESI and identified variables to predict E&M code and
      average total professional charges. METHODS: The authors reviewed 276,824 patient
      records for calendar year 2007, of which 193,952 adult ED visits from three
      different ED types (community, university-based academic, and non-university
      based academic) met inclusion criteria. Correlations between 1) ESI level and E&M
      billing code per visit by institution and 2) ESI and total professional charges
      were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Linear regression analysis was
      performed to identify variables that significantly affected these correlations.
      RESULTS: ESI level and E&M codes were moderately correlated (Spearman r = 0.51).
      ESI levels corresponded proportionately to higher E&M codes. ESI 1, 2, and 3 most
      frequently corresponded with E&M level 5 (50, 62, and 45%, respectively), and ESI
      4 and 5 most frequently corresponded with E&M level 3 (56 and 67%, respectively).
      Only age by decade significantly affected the association between ESI level and
      E&M billing code. The mean total professional charge for all patient encounters
      was $421 (SD +/- $204) with increasing mean charges per patient by increasing ESI
      acuity. Race and E&M code significantly affected the relationship between ESI
      level and total ED professional charges per patient (adjusted r(2) = 0.66).
      CONCLUSIONS: A moderate, nonlinear correlation exists between ESI acuity levels
      and ED E&M billing codes. Increasing age affects this correlation. Race and E&M
      code affect the correlation between ESI level and total professional charges. As
      such, basic triage data can be used to estimate E&M code and total professional
      charges. Future studies are needed to validate these findings across other
      institutional settings.

PMID- 22092898
TI  - Comparison of experimental chest compression data to a theoretical model for the
      mechanics of constant peak displacement cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective was to validate an existing theoretical model for the
      mechanics of constant peak displacement cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using
      experimental data taken using various back support surfaces at different chest
      compression (CC) rates. METHODS: A CPR simulator was used to perform constant
      peak displacement CC on a weighted full-body CPR training manikin supported on
      surfaces of varying stiffness at different CC rates. The net sternum-to-spine
      displacement, combined chest and mattress displacement, and axial reaction force
      were measured during each test. The experimental results were compared to
      theoretical predictions from the constant peak displacement CPR model. RESULTS:
      The theoretical model predictions matched the experimental data to within a mean
      difference of 11.7% at a CC rate of 42 compressions per minute (cpm), 10.0% at a
      CC rate of 60 cpm, and 10.1% at a CC rate of 96 cpm, for a target maximum sternal
      displacement of 5.0 cm. The model predictions also show that when the back
      support stiffness is less than 250 N/cm, the benefit of using a backboard is
      greater than for stiffer support surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Good quantitative
      agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical model suggests that
      the constant peak displacement CPR model provides reasonable prediction of CC
      mechanics during CPR over a wide range of CC rates. Conflicts in the literature
      are also explained by showing that backboards can significantly enhance CPR CC
      performance when the back support stiffness is less than 250 N/cm, while for
      surfaces with higher stiffness, the benefit of using a backboard is reduced.

PMID- 22092899
TI  - The association between emergency medical services field performance assessed by
      high-fidelity simulation and the cognitive knowledge of practicing paramedics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the association between the
      performance of practicing paramedics on a validated cognitive exam and their
      field performance, assessed on a simulated emergency medical services (EMS)
      response. METHODS: This was an observational study of paramedics from a single
      tiered, urban, advanced life support EMS agency. A high-fidelity simulated
      response to a medical emergency on environmentally realistic sound stages, and
      the cognitive portion of the national paramedic certification exam, were each
      assessed as pass or fail. Participants were randomly assigned to one of six
      simulations designed by the agency's educational staff, medical director, and
      representatives from the National Registry of EMTs to be equivalently difficult.
      Simulations were pilot tested to assess content and face validity. Each
      participant was classified as failing a simulation scenario if his or her score
      was one standard deviation (SD) below the population mean. RESULTS: There were
      107 paramedics who participated in the study. Participants reported a median of
      7.7 years of service (interquartile range [IQR] = 4.1 to 12.8 years). Simulation
      scores were normally distributed. Ninety-two (86.0%) participants received a
      passing score for the simulation and 77 (72.0%) passed the cognitive exam. There
      were 70 (65.4%) individuals who passed both the simulation and the cognitive
      exam, eight (7.5%) who failed both the simulation and the cognitive exam, 22
      (20.6%) who passed the simulation but failed the cognitive exam, and seven (6.5%)
      who failed the simulation but passed the cognitive exam. There was a significant
      association between passing the cognitive exam and passing the simulation (chi
      square p-value = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study simultaneously assessed cognitive
      knowledge and simulated field performance. Utilization of these measurement
      techniques allowed for the assessment and comparison of field performance and
      cognitive knowledge. Results demonstrated an association between a practicing
      paramedic's performance on a cognitive examination and field performance,
      assessed by a simulated EMS response.

PMID- 22092900
TI  - The Millennial Generation and "the lecture".
AB  - This lecture can be viewed in its entirety online by visiting
      http://vimeo.com/24148123.

PMID- 22092901
TI  - Society for Academic Emergency Medicine position statement on teacher-learner
      relationships.

PMID- 22092902
TI  - Emergency care and the affordable care act: how can we learn from the past to
      predict the future?

PMID- 22092903
TI  - PeRLs: changing the way we view lectures.

PMID- 22092904
TI  - Consensus conference follow-up: inter-rater reliability assessment of the Best
      Evidence in Emergency Medicine (BEEM) rater scale, a medical literature rating
      tool for emergency physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies published in general and specialty medical journals have the
      potential to improve emergency medicine (EM) practice, but there can be delayed
      awareness of this evidence because emergency physicians (EPs) are unlikely to
      read most of these journals. Also, not all published studies are intended for or
      ready for clinical practice application. The authors developed "Best Evidence in
      Emergency Medicine" (BEEM) to ameliorate these problems by searching for,
      identifying, appraising, and translating potentially practice-changing studies
      for EPs. An initial step in the BEEM process is the BEEM rater scale, a novel
      tool for EPs to collectively evaluate the relative clinical relevance of EM
      related studies found in more than 120 journals. The BEEM rater process was
      designed to serve as a clinical relevance filter to identify those studies with
      the greatest potential to affect EM practice. Therefore, only those studies
      identified by BEEM raters as having the highest clinical relevance are selected
      for the subsequent critical appraisal process and, if found methodologically
      sound, are promoted as the best evidence in EM. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective
      was to measure inter-rater reliability (IRR) of the BEEM rater scale. Secondary
      objectives were to determine the minimum number of EP raters needed for the BEEM
      rater scale to achieve acceptable reliability and to compare performance of the
      scale against a previously published evidence rating system, the McMaster Online
      Rating of Evidence (MORE), in an EP population. METHODS: The authors
      electronically distributed the title, conclusion, and a PubMed link for 23
      recently published studies related to EM to a volunteer group of 134 EPs. The
      volunteers answered two demographic questions and rated the articles using one of
      two randomly assigned seven-point Likert scales, the BEEM rater scale (n = 68) or
      the MORE scale (n = 66), over two separate administrations. The IRR of each scale
      was measured using generalizability theory. RESULTS: The IRR of the BEEM rater
      scale ranged between 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.86 to 0.93) to 0.92
      (95% CI = 0.89 to 0.94) across administrations. Decision studies showed a minimum
      of 12 raters is required for acceptable reliability of the BEEM rater scale. The
      IRR of the MORE scale was 0.82 to 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: The BEEM rater scale is a
      highly reliable, single-question tool for a small number of EPs to collectively
      rate the relative clinical relevance within the specialty of EM of recently
      published studies from a variety of medical journals. It compares favorably with
      the MORE system because it achieves a high IRR despite simply requiring raters to
      read each article's title and conclusion.

PMID- 22092905
TI  - Ethics seminar: the hospice patient in the ED: an ethical approach to
      understanding barriers and improving care.
AB  - Emergency physicians (EPs) are asked to evaluate and treat a growing population
      of hospice patients who present to the emergency department (ED) for a number of
      important reasons. Hospice patients pose unique ethical challenges, and "best
      practices" for these patients can differ from the life-preserving interventions
      of usual ED care. Having a solid understanding of professional responsibilities
      and ethical principles is useful for guiding EP management of these patients. In
      end-of-life care, EPs need to recognize that there are barriers and complexities
      to the best management of hospice patients, but they need to commit to strategies
      that optimize their care. This article describes the case of a hospice patient
      who presented with sepsis and end-stage cancer to the ED. Patient, system, and
      physician factors made management decisions in the ED difficult. The goal in the
      ED should be to determine the best way to address terminally ill patient needs
      while respecting wishes to limit interventions that will only increase suffering
      near the end of life.

PMID- 22092906
TI  - Association of direct helicopter versus ground transport and in-hospital
      mortality in trauma patients: a propensity score analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport of trauma
      patients has been used for decades. Its use, however, is still a subject of
      debate, including issues such as high costs, increasing numbers of crashes, and
      conflicting results regarding effectiveness in reducing mortality. The aim of
      this study was to examine whether mode of transport (HEMS vs. ground EMS) is
      independently associated with mortality among trauma patients transported
      directly from the scene of injury to definitive care. METHODS: All trauma
      patients transported directly to a Level I or Level II trauma center by either
      air or ground EMS over a 4-year period were selected from the Oklahoma State
      Trauma Registry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop propensity
      scores based on variables measured at the scene of injury. The propensity scores
      represented the predicted probabilities of a patient being transported by HEMS
      given a specific set of characteristics and were used as a composite confounding
      variable in subsequent models of the association of mortality and mode of
      transport. Along with the propensity scores, Injury Severity Scores (ISS),
      initial Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and distance from the trauma center were
      included in a Cox proportional hazards model of the association of mode of
      transport and 24-hour and 2-week mortality. RESULTS: Overall, the hazard ratio
      (HR) for 2-week mortality in patients transported by HEMS was 33% lower (HR =
      0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54 to 0.84) than in patients transported
      by ground EMS from the scene of injury, after adjustment for the propensity score
      and other covariates. In subanalyses, the apparent association of a reduction in
      the hazard of early mortality among patients transported by HEMS was most evident
      for patients with an RTS based on injury scene vital signs of 3 to 7 (HR = 0.61,
      95% CI = 0.46 to 0.82). The point estimate of the HR was similar (HR = 0.65 95%
      CI = 0.34 to 1.2) in the 75% of cases who had normal vital signs at the scene of
      injury, although it was no longer statistically significant because crude
      mortality was very low (1.7%) in this group. Among those with a RTS of 3 or less
      at the scene, crude mortality was 58%, and mode of transport was not associated
      with mortality (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.6). CONCLUSIONS: Helicopter EMS
      transport was associated with a decreased hazard of mortality among certain
      patients transported from the scene of injury directly to definitive care.
      Refinements in scene triage and transport guidelines are needed to more
      effectively select patients that may benefit from HEMS transport from those
      unlikely to benefit.

PMID- 22092907
TI  - Commentary: the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media.

PMID- 22092908
TI  - A case of a young girl with fever and seizure.

PMID- 22092910
TI  - Assessment of Streptococcus pneumoniae pilus islet-1 prevalence in carried and
      transmitted isolates from mother-infant pairs on the Thailand-Burma border.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae pilus islet-1 (PI-1)-encoded pilus enhances in vitro
      adhesion to the respiratory epithelium and may contribute to pneumococcal
      nasopharyngeal colonization and transmission. The pilus subunits are regarded as
      potential protein vaccine candidates. In this study, we sought to determine PI-1
      prevalence in carried pneumococcal isolates and explore its relationship with
      transmissibility or carriage duration. We studied 896 pneumococcal isolates
      collected during a longitudinal carriage study that included monthly
      nasopharyngeal swabbing of 234 infants and their mothers between the ages of 1
      and 24 months. These were cultured according to the WHO pneumococcal carriage
      detection protocol. PI-1 PCR and genotyping by multilocus sequence typing were
      performed on isolates chosen according to specific carriage and transmission
      definitions. Overall, 35.2% of the isolates were PI-1-positive, but PI-1 presence
      was restricted to ten of the 34 serotypes studied and was most frequently
      associated with serotypes 19F and 23F; 47.5% of transmitted and 43.3% of non
      transmitted isolates were PI-1-positive (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.8-1.7; p 0.4). The
      duration of first-ever infant pneumococcal carriage was significantly longer with
      PI-1-positive organisms, but this difference was not significant at the
      individual serotype level. In conclusion, PI-1 is commonly found in pneumococcal
      carriage isolates, but does not appear to be associated with pneumococcal
      transmissibility or carriage duration.

PMID- 22092909
TI  - Clinical pathology of Greyhounds and other sighthounds.
AB  - Owing to the development of Greyhounds as racing sighthounds, these dogs have
      acquired unique physiologic adaptations that distinguish them from other breeds.
      Reference intervals for many analytes in retired racing Greyhounds (RRGs) differ
      from those of other breeds; most of the hematologic differences have also been
      described in other sighthounds. In this review, we provide a survey of the
      literature on clinical pathology of Greyhounds and other sighthounds and results
      of laboratory testing, including analysis of CBCs, biochemical profiles,
      coagulation tests, and blood gases, in RRGs at The Ohio State University. Major
      clinicopathologic differences in this breed include higher RBC mass, creatinine
      concentration, glomerular filtration rate, activities of hepatic enzymes, and
      concentration of cardiac troponin, as well as lower WBC, neutrophil, and platelet
      counts, thromboelastographic values, and concentrations of serum haptoglobin,
      total globulins, and T4.

PMID- 22092911
TI  - Comparative evaluation of different calcium phosphate-based bone graft granules -
      an in vitro study with osteoblast-like cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Granule-shaped calcium phosphate-based bone graft materials are often
      required for bone regeneration especially in implant dentistry. Two newly
      developed bone graft materials are Ceracell((r)) , an open-celled highly porous
      bioceramic from beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) under addition of bioglass
      and Osseolive((r)) , an open porous glass ceramic with the general formula Ca2
      KNa(PO4 )2 . The goal of this study was to characterize different modifications
      of the two bone graft materials in vitro in comparison to already established
      ceramic bone grafts Cerasorb M((r)) , NanoBone((r)) and BONIT Matrix((r)) .
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adhesion and proliferation of SaOS-2 osteoblast-like cells
      were evaluated quantitatively by determining DNA content and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM). In addition, MTT cell-vitality staining was applied to confirm the
      attachment of viable cells to the different materials. Osteogenic differentiation
      was evaluated by measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as well as
      gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers using reverse transcriptase PCR.
      RESULTS: DNA content and LDH activity revealed good cell attachment and
      proliferation for Ceracell and Cerasorb M. When pre-incubated with cell-culture
      medium, also Osseolive showed good cell attachment and proliferation. Attachment
      and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells on NanoBone and BONIT Matrix was very
      low, even after pre-incubation with cell-culture medium. Specific ALP activity on
      Ceracell((r)) , Osseolive ((r)) and Cerasorb M((r)) increased with time and
      expression of bone-related genes ALP, osteonectin, osteopontin and bone
      sialoprotein II was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Ceracell as well as Osseolive
      granules support proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro and may be
      promising candidates for in vivo applications.

PMID- 22092912
TI  - NsrR-dependent method for detecting nitric oxide accumulation in the Escherichia
      coli cytoplasm and enzymes involved in NO production.
AB  - A beta-galactosidase assay for detecting the accumulation of NO in the
      Escherichia coli cytoplasm has been developed based on the sensitive response of
      the transcription repressor, NsrR, to NO. The hcp promoter is repressed by NsrR
      in the absence of nitric oxide, but repression is relieved when NO accumulates in
      the cytoplasm. Most, but not all, of this NO is formed by the interaction of the
      membrane-associated nitrate reductase, NarG, with nitrite. External NO at
      physiologically relevant concentrations does not equilibrate across the E. coli
      membrane with NsrR in the cytoplasm. The periplasmic nitrite reductase, NrfAB, is
      not required to prevent equilibration of NO across the membrane. External NO
      supplied at the highest concentration reported to occur in vivo does not damage
      FNR sufficiently to affect transcription from the hcp or hmp promoters or from a
      synthetic promoter. We suggest that the capacity of E. coli to reduce NO is
      sufficient to prevent its accumulation from external sources in the cytoplasm.

PMID- 22092913
TI  - Oral hygiene, periodontal health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      exacerbations.
AB  - AIM: To assess the associations of oral hygiene and periodontal health with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      In total, 392 COPD patients were divided into frequent and infrequent
      exacerbation (>=2 times and <2 times in last 12 months) groups. Their lung
      function and periodontal status were examined. Information on oral hygiene
      behaviours was obtained by interview. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, fewer
      remaining teeth, high plaque index (PLI) scores, low tooth brushing times, and
      low regular supra-gingival scaling were significantly associated with COPD
      exacerbations (all p-values <0.05). After adjustment for age, gender, body mass
      index, COPD severity and dyspnoea severity, the associations with fewer remaining
      teeth (p = 0.02), high PLI scores (p = 0.02) and low tooth brushing times (p =
      0.008) remained statistically significant. When stratified by smoking, fewer
      remaining teeth (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.04-4.02) and low tooth brushing times (OR =
      4.90, 95% CI: 1.26-19.1) among past smokers and high PLI scores (OR = 3.43, 95%
      CI: 1.19-9.94) among never smokers were significantly associated with COPD
      exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer remaining teeth, high PLI scores, and low tooth
      brushing times are significant correlates of COPD exacerbations, indicating that
      improving periodontal health and oral hygiene may be a potentially preventive
      strategy against COPD exacerbations.

PMID- 22092914
TI  - Emotional responses of mothers of late-preterm and term infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the emotional responses of mothers of late-preterm infants
      (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation) with those of mothers of full-term infants.
      DESIGN: A mixed method comparative study. SETTING: A southeastern tertiary
      academic medical center postpartum unit. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty mothers: 29 mothers
      of late-preterm infants and 31 mothers of full-term infants. METHODS: Measures of
      maternal emotional distress (four standardized measures of anxiety, postpartum
      depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and worry about infant health) and
      open-ended semistructured maternal interviews were conducted in the hospital
      following birth and by phone at one month postpartum. RESULTS: Mothers of late
      preterm infants experienced significantly greater emotional distress immediately
      following delivery, and their distress levels continued to be higher at one month
      postpartum on each of the standardized measures. Mothers of late-preterm infants
      also discussed the altered trajectories in their birth and postpartum experiences
      and feeling unprepared for these unexpected events as a source of ongoing
      emotional distress. CONCLUSION: Mothers of late-preterm infants have greater
      emotional distress than mothers of term infants for at least one month after
      delivery. Our findings suggest that it may not be a single event that leads to
      different distress levels in mothers of late-preterm and full-term infants but
      rather the interaction of multiple alterations in the labor and delivery process
      and the poorer-than-expected infant health outcomes. In the future, researchers
      need to examine how and when mothers' emotional responses change over time and
      how their responses relate to parenting and infant health and development.

PMID- 22092915
TI  - No detectable beneficial systemic immunomodulatory effects of a specific
      synbiotic mixture in infants with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a murine model of allergic inflammation, Bifidobacterium breve M
      16V has been shown to reduce IL-4 and IgE by inducing IL-10 and IFN-gamma.
      However, it remains unknown whether this strain has the same effect in humans
      with allergic disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of Bifidobacterium
      breve M-16V combined with a prebiotic oligosaccharide mixture (synbiotic) on
      atopic markers, ex vivo cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) and circulating regulatory T cell percentage in infants with atopic
      dermatitis. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-centre trial, 90
      infants with atopic dermatitis, age <7 months, were randomized to receive an
      infant formula with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and a mixture of short chain
      galactooligosaccharides and long chain fructooligosaccharides (Immunofortis((r))
      ), or the same formula without synbiotics during 12 weeks. At week 0 and 12,
      plasma levels of IL-5, IgG1, IgG4, CTACK and TARC, ex vivo cytokine responses by
      PBMCs and percentage of regulatory T cells, were determined. RESULTS: There were
      no significant differences between the synbiotic and the placebo group in IL-5,
      IgG1, IgG4, CTACK and TARC levels and ex vivo cytokine production by anti
      CD3/anti-CD28-stimulated PBMCs. With allergen-specific stimuli, we found a
      decreased IL-12p40/70 and IL-12p70 production in response to egg allergen (P =
      0.04 and P = 0.01, respectively) and decreased IL-12p70 production in response to
      peanut allergen (P = 0.003) in the synbiotic compared with the placebo group.
      Circulating regulatory T cell percentage did not significantly differ between the
      groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This synbiotic mixture has no
      detectable effect on plasma levels of the analysed atopic disease markers, ex
      vivo cytokine production and circulating regulatory T cell percentage in infants
      with atopic dermatitis, besides down-regulation of IL-12 production in egg- and
      peanut-stimulated PBMCs. These results do not support the use of this synbiotic
      in clinical practice.

PMID- 22092916
TI  - Labial bone assessment surrounding dental implant using cone-beam computed
      tomography: an in vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stable esthetic restoration is required for anterior dental implants,
      assessed over a long-term follow-up. Cross-sectional images obtained using cone
      beam computed tomography (CBCT) allow visualization of the bucco-lingual bone
      surrounding dental implants; however, the thin labial bone surrounding anterior
      dental implants is unclear. So, the minimum labial bone thickness surrounding
      dental implants detected using CBCT images was estimated in the present in vitro
      study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One dry mandible with five aluminum steps and a
      titanium rod for simulation of the thin labial bone and dental implant were used.
      CBCT was performed three times using three exposure volumes, and voxel values of
      each aluminum step were plotted. Then, the maximum voxel value in each aluminum
      step as a percentage of that of the 1-mm-thick aluminum step was calculated.
      RESULTS: The rates for the 0.6-mm-thick aluminum step with a 51- and 102-mm
      diameter exposure volume were approximately 50% or greater. CONCLUSIONS: When
      labial bone surrounding the dental implant was approximately 0.6 mm or greater,
      it was suggested that it might be visually detectable using CBCT images with a 51
      and 102-mm-diameter exposure volume.

PMID- 22092917
TI  - Decreased colonization of fecal Clostridium coccoides/Eubacterium rectale species
      from ulcerative colitis patients in an in vitro dynamic gut model with mucin
      environment.
AB  - The mucus layer in the colon, acting as a barrier to prevent invasion of
      pathogens, is thinner and discontinuous in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
      A recent developed in vitro dynamic gut model, the M-SHIME, was used to compare
      long-term colonization of the mucin layer by the microbiota from six healthy
      volunteers (HV) and six UC patients and thus distinguish the mucin adhered from
      the luminal microbiota. Although under the same nutritional conditions, short
      chain fatty acid production by the luminal communities from UC patients showed a
      tendency toward a lower butyrate production. A more in-depth community analysis
      of those microbial groups known to produce butyrate revealed that the diversity
      of the Clostridium coccoides/Eubacterium rectale and Clostridium leptum group,
      and counts of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were lower in the luminal fractions of
      the UC samples. Counts of Roseburia spp. were lower in the mucosal fractions of
      the UC samples. qPCR analysis for butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA transferase,
      responsible for butyrate production, displayed a lower abundance in both the
      luminal and mucosal fractions of the UC samples. The M-SHIME model revealed
      depletion in butyrate producing microbial communities not restricted to the
      luminal but also in the mucosal samples from UC patients compared to HV.

PMID- 22092918
TI  - Cutaneous resonance running time is decreased in psoriatic lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psoriasis is characterized by lower stratum corneum (SC)
      hydration and dermal inflammation. Both SC hydration and cutaneous inflammation
      influence cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT). However, the characteristics
      of CRRT in psoriatic lesions are largely unknown. In the present study, we
      assessed whether changes in CRRT occur in psoriatic lesions in Chinese. METHODS:
      A Reviscometer RVM600 and Corneometer CM 825 were used to measure CRRTs and SC
      hydration, respectively, in psoriatic lesions (psoriasis vulgaris) on the
      extensor of forearm in 111 subjects (58 men, 53 women), aged 23-80 years (50.42
      +/- 1.23 years). The contralateral uninvolved sites served as control. RESULTS:
      In comparison with contralateral uninvolved sites, CRRTs in psoriatic lesions
      were reduced significantly in all directions. There was neither gender nor age
      difference in the extent of reduction in CRRTs. However, the reduction of CRRTs
      varied with measurement directions. Positive correlations of SC hydration with
      CRRTs were found at some directions in uninvolved and involved sites in young men
      whereas CRRTs in psoriatic lesions were not correlated with SC hydration in
      either aged or young women. Moreover, CRRT at 0-6 o'clock direction was
      positively correlated with SC hydration in involved sites of aged men.
      CONCLUSION: Cutaneous resonance running times are decreased in psoriatic lesions.
      Reduction of CRRTs varies with measurement directions, but not gender or age.
      Measurement of CRRTs could be another valuable approach to assess the severity of
      psoriasis and the efficacy of its treatment.

PMID- 22092919
TI  - Interview with a quality leader: Carol Wagner on Washington State Hospital
      Association (WSHA) and their statewide improvement. Interview by Susan V. White.
AB  - Carol Wagner, RN, MBA is the Vice President for Patient Safety at the Washington
      State Hospital Association (WSHA). She is recognized nationally as an innovative
      patient safety leader. She led the development of WSHA's Patient Safety Program
      and Rural Healthcare Quality Network. Under Carol's leadership, the WSHA received
      the 2010 John Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for national innovation
      given by The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum. The association
      also received the 2011 Dick Davidson Award for Allied Association Leadership.
      These national awards are two of the highest honors an organization can receive
      for patient safety and quality. Through close working relationships with national
      and state regulatory bodies and professional organizations, Carol designs
      programs to improve quality and safety in every hospital in Washington State.
      Under Carol's leadership, all hospitals in Washington participated in the
      Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) 5 Million Lives Campaign. The effort
      led to implementation of the largest number of rapid response teams in a
      geographic area. Carol also created the first statewide learning collaborative to
      reduce hospital-acquired infections. Carol is a registered nurse with an MBA
      focusing on finance and operations. She worked clinically in a variety of
      settings, provided leadership as a nursing administrator, and transitioned to
      lead hospital strategic planning, budgeting, and cost accounting. She studied
      management and system change at The Wharton School at the University of
      Pennsylvania. Her quality training was with Dr. W. Edwards Deming and at
      Intermountain Health Care with Dr. Brent James. Her experience includes work in
      for-profit and not-for-profit environments and supporting community, tertiary,
      and academic medical centers. This includes Huntington Hospital in Pasadena,
      California and a national for-profit hospital system with more than 100
      hospitals.

PMID- 22092921
TI  - Fractional thermoablation using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet
      fractionated laser for the treatment of pulsed dye laser-resistant port wine
      stain birthmarks.

PMID- 22092920
TI  - Drivers of epsilonproteobacterial community composition in sulfidic caves and
      springs.
AB  - Epsilonproteobacteria are widely distributed in marine, freshwater, and
      terrestrial environments, although most well-studied groups are from hydrothermal
      vents and the human intestinal tract. The environmental variables that control
      epsilonproteobacterial communities in sulfidic terrestrial environments, however,
      are poorly understood. Here, the environmental variables that influence
      epsilonproteobacterial community composition in geographically separated sulfidic
      caves and springs were determined by coarse and fine-scale approaches: denaturing
      gradient gel electrophoresis profiling of 23S rRNA PCR amplicons and clone
      library sequencing of the 16S-ITS-23S rRNA operon. Sequences retrieved from this
      study were not closely related to cultured representatives, indicating that
      existing culture collections do not adequately capture the diversity of
      terrestrial Epsilonproteobacteria. Comparisons of 16S-ITS-23S rRNA operon
      sequences from four sites revealed that some distant communities (> 8000 km)
      share closely related populations of Epsilonproteobacteria, while other sites
      have nearly clonal and phylogenetically distinct populations. Statistical
      evaluations of sequence data reveal that multiple environmental variables (e.g.
      temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and bicarbonate concentrations)
      influence Epsilonproteobacteria community composition. Locations with clonal
      populations tended to be from higher temperatures and intermediate dissolved
      oxygen concentrations. rRNA operon sequences outside of the 16S rRNA gene may be
      critical to recognizing environmental drivers of epsilonproteobacterial community
      composition.

PMID- 22092922
TI  - Effect of acquisition time and chemical fat suppression on meningeal enhancement
      on MR imaging in dogs.
AB  - Our purpose was to characterize meningeal gadolinium enhancement on magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging in dogs with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, and to
      assess interobserver variability and the impact of delayed acquisition and
      chemical fat saturation on its conspicuity. Transverse T1-weighted FLAIR images
      were acquired prior to, and immediately following gadolinium injection (T0), and
      at 5 (T5) and 15-20 min delay (TD), with and without fat suppression, in 155
      consecutive dogs imaged for suspected brain disease. The agreement on meningeal
      enhancement was globally substantial (kappa = 0.61) and the likelihood of
      obtaining a definite diagnosis was significantly increased with the use of fat
      suppression (P < or = 0.004). Meningeal enhancement was judged definitively
      present by consensus in 46 of 155 (30%) dogs. Of these, meningeal enhancement was
      characterized qualitatively and quantitatively in 30 dogs with a clinical
      diagnosis (18 inflammatory, 11 neoplastic, 1 infarct), and image sequences were
      compared. Meningeal enhancement was more often diffuse and leptomeningeal in
      animals with inflammation versus neoplasia (50% vs. 42%, and 69% vs. 48%,
      respectively), but significant associations were not found. Meningeal thickness
      and contrast ratio were higher with neoplasia (P < or = 0.02), but results did
      not vary significantly between series for either group. Yet, images with fat
      suppression were most useful 50% of the time for definite diagnosis and/or
      characterization of meningeal enhancement. While delayed image acquisition
      following gadolinium injection does not improve characterization of meningeal
      enhancement in dogs, fat suppression is beneficial qualitatively.

PMID- 22092923
TI  - Complications associated with implant migration into the maxillary sinus cavity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migration of dental implants into the maxillary sinus is an uncommon,
      but increasingly reported complication. Implant migration may result from initial
      lack of primary stability, intrasinusal and nasal pressure changes, autoimmune
      reaction to the implant or incorrect distribution of occlusal forces. This
      retrospective study aims at analyzing the factors that may influence implant
      migration into the maxillary sinus cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen
      patients presenting a total 15 implants that migrated into the maxillary sinus
      were recruited. Diagnosis of this complication was based on imaging techniques,
      such as cone beam computerized tomography scan and panoramic radiography.
      Clinical data were recorded in all cases and processed for statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: ABH was below 6 mm in the majority of cases. However, almost 50% of the
      patients did not receive any site preparation treatment prior to implant
      insertion. Five patients (33.3%) were treated by osteotome techniques, but only
      one of them had bone grafting. Therefore, 73.3% of sites did not receive any
      biomaterial to increase available bone height. The most common complication
      associated factors found on this study were related to implant design
      (cylindrical), implant dimension (diameter), implant restoration/rehabilitation
      method (partial removable denture), site-specific anatomy (initial residual bone
      height between 5 and 6.9 mm), demographics (age), and biomaterials. CONCLUSION:
      Patient selection and proper treatment planning, as well as the application of
      the appropriate sinus augmentation technique, are critical aspects that should be
      controlled to minimize the risk of implant migration into the maxillary sinus
      cavity.

PMID- 22092924
TI  - Structural, biochemical, cellular, and functional changes in skeletal muscle
      extracellular matrix with aging.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) of skeletal muscle is critical for force
      transmission and for the passive elastic response of skeletal muscle. Structural,
      biochemical, cellular, and functional changes in skeletal muscle ECM contribute
      to the deterioration in muscle mechanical properties with aging. Structural
      changes include an increase in the collagen concentration, a change in the
      elastic fiber system, and an increase in fat infiltration of skeletal muscle.
      Biochemical changes include a decreased turnover of collagen with potential
      accumulation of enzymatically mediated collagen cross-links and a buildup of
      advanced glycation end-product cross-links. Altered mechanotransduction, poorer
      activation of satellite cells, poorer chemotactic and delayed inflammatory
      responses, and a change in modulators of the ECM are important cellular changes.
      It is possible that the structural and biochemical changes in skeletal muscle ECM
      contribute to the increased stiffness and impairment in force generated by the
      contracting muscle fibers seen with aging. The cellular interactions provide and
      potentially coordinate an adaptation to mechanical loading and ensure successful
      regeneration after muscle injury. Some of the changes in skeletal muscle ECM with
      aging may be preventable with resistance or weight training, but it is clear that
      more human studies are needed on the topic.

PMID- 22092925
TI  - IL1 gene polymorphisms and unsuccessful dental implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the association between polymorphisms in
      the IL1 gene cluster and failure of dental implants in a Portuguese population.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 155 Caucasian Portuguese subjects were divided
      into two groups: 100 with successful dental implants and 55 with unsuccessful
      dental implants. DNA was obtained through an oral mucosa scraping. PCR was used
      to identify the polymorphisms: single nucleotide changes in positions -889 of
      IL1A gene and +3953 of IL1B gene. RESULTS: The prevalence of the polymorphisms 
      889IL1A gene and +3953IL1B gene, determined by the positive result of TGP
      (Genetic Test for Periodontitis; CGC, Genetics, Portugal), in the studied
      population rehabilitated with dental implants was of 33.50%. Allele 1 of the IL1B
      gene was the most prevalent (62.20%), followed by allele 1 of the IL1A gene
      (54.80%) and the least frequent was allele 2 of IL1B gene (37.40%). Success of
      dental implants was mainly associated with a negative TGP result, whereas no
      success was found to be related to a positive result. There were no statistically
      significant differences between the alleles 1 and 2 of the genes IL1A and IL1B
      and the tobacco and alcohol consumption for the success or no success of the
      dental implants. CONCLUSIONS: The alleles 1 and 2 of IL1A gene and the alleles 1
      and 2 of IL1B gene were statistically associated with the success or no success
      of the dental implants. Tobacco habit and alcohol consumption showed no
      statistically significant association with success or no success of the dental
      implants.

PMID- 22092927
TI  - Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst: the lived experiences of women
      undergoing ovarian cancer surgery.
AB  - In this study, the lived experiences of women undergoing ovarian cancer surgery
      were explored, aiming to provide a patient perspective on being newly diagnosed
      and starting treatment for ovarian cancer. The study period ran from the first
      visit in the outpatient clinic, till 8 weeks later, when the women had either
      begun chemotherapy or completed their recovery. Ten women participated in two
      qualitative research interviews each, before and after surgery. By applying a
      phenomenological-hermeneutic text interpretation methodology, the findings were
      systematically identified, put into meaning-structures, interpreted and
      discussed. This process constituted the theme: 'Hoping for the best, preparing
      for the worst'. Final diagnostics and treatment start were extensive life events,
      where life itself was threatened, although hope and will were present. The women
      intuitively prepared themselves for the diagnosis and treatment. However, the
      ability to prepare was influenced by personal lifestyle, social conditions,
      coping strategies, and experiences of hope. The ability to prepare could be
      strengthened by providing adjusted information, psychosocial support and physical
      optimisation during the perioperative period. By offering targeted family
      counselling and taking good care of the women's general health and well-being,
      hope could be sustained and early cancer rehabilitation initiated.

PMID- 22092926
TI  - Basic pharmacology of topical imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and diclofenac for the
      dermatologic surgeon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes to the vast majority of
      nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). As the incidence of NMSC continues to rise,
      topical therapies will be used with increasing frequency. Topical therapies may
      benefit high-risk surgical candidates as an alternative treatment modality and
      may improve overall cosmesis. The most commonly employed topical therapies are
      imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and diclofenac. OBJECTIVE: To review the
      detailed mechanism of action and side-effect profiles of each topical therapy
      used to treat NMSC and to explore newly discovered actions. Uncommon adverse
      events are also presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive literature search
      was performed to describe the pharmacologic actions of imiquimod, 5-FU, and
      diclofenac. CONCLUSION: A keen understanding of the pharmacologic concepts of
      these topical therapies may aid the dermatologic surgeon in making sound choices
      before, during, and after surgery.

PMID- 22092928
TI  - Work-relief ratios and imbalances of load application in sport climbing: another
      link to overuse-induced injuries?
AB  - An imbalanced load application of the upper extremity may contribute to overuse
      induced injuries of the fingers. Thus, the present study evaluated load
      application symmetry between the right and the left hand and its work-relief
      ratios (WRR) depending on climbing ability and pre-exhaustion level. Twenty-eight
      sport climbers (age: 29 +/- 8 years; body mass index: 22 +/- 2 kg/m(2); years of
      climbing: 10 +/- 6; climbing level: 6+ UIAA to 9 UIAA) were assigned to a group
      of recreational (<=8-UIAA, n = 14) or a group of ambitious (>=8 UIAA, n = 14)
      climbers. Blood lactate and perceived exertion level were recorded at the end of
      the climbing attempt. Load application and WRR were derived from video analysis
      separately for the left and the right hand. Differences in load-application time
      between the left (47 +/- 4%) and the right (53 +/- 4%) hand (P < 0.001) were
      observed. Irrespective of side differences, the overall WRR was 5:1. Increasing
      climbing level leads to a more symmetric load application (r = -0.42, P < 0.03).
      Differences of lactate concentration and exertion level were found between the
      pre- and the non-pre-exhausted group. Depending on climbing ability and
      exhaustion level, load application for the dominant hand (right) prevails.
      Further longitudinal studies should focus on imbalanced load application and
      overuse-induced climbing injuries.

PMID- 22092929
TI  - Incidental findings from cone beam computed tomography of the maxillofacial
      region: a descriptive retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the type and prevalence of incidental findings from cone
      beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the maxillofacial region. Findings are divided
      into those that require (i) intervention/referral, (ii) monitoring, and (iii) no
      further evaluation. METHODS: Three hundred consecutive CBCT scans conducted in
      the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial
      Radiology Clinic from January 1 to August 31, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.
      Findings were categorized into airway, soft tissue calcifications, bone,
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ), endodontic, dental developmental, and pathological
      findings. RESULTS: A total of 272 scans revealed 881 incidental findings (3.2
      findings/scan). The most prevalent was airway findings (35%) followed by soft
      tissue calcifications (20%), bone (17.5%), TMJ (15.4%), endodontic (11.3%),
      dental developmental (0.7%), and pathological (0.1%). 16.1% required
      intervention/referral, 15.6% required monitoring, and the remainder (68.3%)
      required neither. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need to thoroughly
      examine all CBCT volumes for clinically significant findings within and beyond
      the region of interest.

PMID- 22092930
TI  - Reference intervals for biochemical analytes in serum and heparinized plasma and
      serum protein fractions in adult alpacas (Vicugna pacos).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Species-specific reference intervals for laboratory tests are
      required for diagnosis and management of disease. Few reports of reference
      intervals for biochemical analytes and protein fractions are available for
      alpacas. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to establish reference intervals
      for biochemical analytes measured in both serum and plasma and in serum protein
      fractions, and to determine the influence of herd and sex on test results in a
      population of alpacas. METHODS: Blood was collected from 74 healthy male and
      female adult alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from 5 herds into tubes with no
      anticoagulant or with sodium heparin and analyzed within 4 hours. Biochemical
      analytes and ionized calcium were measured using a Hitachi P modular automated
      chemistry analyzer and an ABL-800 Flex blood-gas analyzer, respectively, and
      protein fractions were measured by agarose gel electrophoresis of serum.
      Nonparametric statistical methods were used to determine reference intervals,
      results obtained from serum and plasma were compared, and effects of herd and sex
      were examined. RESULTS: Serum and plasma samples from 71 and 74 alpacas,
      respectively, were used to establish reference intervals for serum and plasma
      biochemical analytes. Intervals were similar, although clinically relevant
      differences between creatine kinase activity and phosphate concentration were
      found in individual animals. Serum proteins from 60 alpacas were analyzed by
      electrophoresis. There were significant herd- and sex-associated differences in
      some biochemical analytes and protein fractions; however, most had minimal impact
      on reference interval determination, with the exception of herd-associated
      effects on concentrations of urea nitrogen, ionized calcium, and bile acids and
      transferrin saturation. CONCLUSIONS: Serum and plasma reference intervals are
      interchangeable; however, consistency of sample type is imperative when
      performing serial testing. Use of laboratory- and instrument-specific reference
      intervals is optimal; however, intervals reported here may be used as a guide for
      interpreting laboratory results from alpacas, especially when test methods are
      the same.

PMID- 22092931
TI  - Periodontitis in non-smoking type 1 diabetic adults: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - AIM: To compare levels of periodontitis in non-smoking type 1 diabetic patients
      and controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Type 1 diabetic patients, aged 20-55 years,
      were recruited from outpatient clinics at five hospitals in Glasgow, UK. Control
      subjects were recruited from physiotherapy clinics, using the buddy system and
      through an advertisement in a free newspaper. The primary outcome was severe
      periodontitis defined by clinical attachment level >=6 mm on >=1 tooth. RESULTS:
      There were 34 well controlled patients (HbA1c <= 7.5%), 169 poorly controlled
      patients and 112 non-diabetic subjects. Prevalence of severe periodontitis was
      higher in all type 1 diabetic patients [24.1% (95% CI: 18.4-30.6%)] and poorly
      controlled patients [27.2% (20.7-34.6%)] than in controls [20.5% (13.5-29.2%)].
      The fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) in never smokers comparing the whole
      diabetic group, and the poorly controlled group, with the control group were 1.35
      [0.66-2.8] (p = 0.41) and 1.58 [0.75-3.33] (p = 0.23), respectively. Mean
      clinical attachment level was higher in all type 1 diabetic and poorly controlled
      patients than in controls (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate
      worse periodontal health in type 1 diabetic patients than in control subjects.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the UKCRN, ID: 9314 and
      Scottish Diabetes Research Network registration number: 128.

PMID- 22092932
TI  - Cytological evaluation of the effect of azoxystrobin and alternative oxidase
      inhibitors in Botrytis cinerea.
AB  - Azoxystrobin (AZ), a strobilurin-derived fungicide, is known to inhibit
      mitochondrial respiration in fungi by blocking the electron transport chain in
      the inner mitochondrial membrane. Germination was strongly inhibited when
      Botrytis cinerea spore suspension was treated with AZ and the alternative oxidase
      (AOX) inhibitors, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) and n-propyl gallate. However,
      chemical death indicators trypan blue and propidium iodide showed that those
      spores were still alive. When the spore suspension in the AZ and SHAM solution
      was replaced with distilled water, the germination rate almost recovered, at
      least during the first 2 days of incubation with AZ and SHAM solution. No
      morphological alteration was detected in the cells treated with AZ and SHAM,
      especially in mitochondria, using transmission electron microscopy. Therefore,
      simultaneous application of AZ and AOX inhibitors has a fungistatic, rather than
      a fungicidal, action.

PMID- 22092933
TI  - The relation between coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic subjects and
      both traditional risk factors and living in the city centre: a DanRisk substudy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the risk factor for living in the
      city centre as a surrogate for air pollution and the presence of coronary artery
      calcification (CAC) in a population of asymptomatic Danish subjects. DESIGN AND
      SUBJECTS: A random sample of 1825 men and women of either 50 or 60 years of age
      were invited to take part in a screening project designed to assess risk factors
      for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Noncontrast cardiac computed tomography was
      performed on all subjects, and their Agatston scores were calculated to evaluate
      the presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. The relationship between
      CAC and several demographic and clinical parameters was evaluated using
      multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1225 individuals
      participated in the study, of whom 250 (20%) were living in the centres of major
      Danish cities. Gender and age showed the greatest association with the presence
      of CAC: the odds ratio (OR) for men compared with women was 3.2 [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 2.5-4.2; P < 0.0001], and the OR for subjects aged 60 versus those
      aged 50 years was 2.2 (95% CI 1.7-2.8; P < 0.0001). Other variables independently
      associated with the presence of CAC were diabetes and smoking with ORs of 2.0
      (95% CI 1.1-3.5; P = 0.03) and 1.9 (95% CI 1.4-2.5, P < 0.0001), respectively.
      The adjusted OR for subjects living in city centres compared to those living
      outside was 1.8 (95% CI 1.3-2.4; P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Both conventional risk
      factors for CVD and living in a city centre are independently associated with the
      presence of CAC in asymptomatic middle-aged subjects.

PMID- 22092934
TI  - In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for varicella prompt diagnosis and
      treatment in a severely immunosuppressed patient.

PMID- 22092936
TI  - Alkaline Fe(III) reduction by a novel alkali-tolerant Serratia sp. isolated from
      surface sediments close to Sellafield nuclear facility, UK.
AB  - Extensive denitrification resulted in a dramatic increase in pH (from 6.8 to 9.5)
      in nitrate-impacted, acetate-amended sediment microcosms containing sediment
      representative of the Sellafield nuclear facility, UK. Denitrification was
      followed by Fe(III) reduction, indicating the presence of alkali-tolerant, metal
      reducing bacteria. A close relative (99% 16S rRNA gene sequence homology) to
      Serratia liquefaciens dominated progressive enrichment cultures containing
      Fe(III)-citrate as the sole electron acceptor at pH 9 and was isolated
      aerobically using solid media. The optimum growth conditions for this
      facultatively anaerobic Serratia species were investigated, and it was capable of
      metabolizing a wide range of electron acceptors including oxygen, nitrate, FeGel,
      Fe-NTA and Fe-citrate and electron donors including acetate, lactate, formate,
      ethanol, glucose, glycerol and yeast extract at an optimum pH of c. 6.5 at 20 
      degrees C. The alkali tolerance of this strain extends the pH range of highly
      adaptable Fe(III)-reducing Serratia species from mildly acidic pH values
      associated with acid mine drainage conditions to alkali conditions representative
      of subsurface sediments stimulated for extensive denitrification and metal
      reduction.

PMID- 22092935
TI  - Presence of functional, autoreactive human milk-specific IgE in infants with
      cow's milk allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occasionally, exclusively breastfed infants with cow's milk allergy
      (CMA) remain symptomatic despite strict maternal milk avoidance. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether or not persistence of symptoms could be due to sensitization
      against endogenous human milk proteins with a high degree of similarity to bovine
      allergens. METHODS: Ten peptides representing known bovine milk IgE-binding
      epitopes [alpha-lactalbumin (ALA), beta- and kappa-casein] and the corresponding,
      highly homologous human milk peptides were labelled with sera from 15 breastfed
      infants with CMA, aged 3 weeks to 12 months, and peptide (epitope)-specific IgE
      antibodies were assessed. Nine of the 15 breastfed infants became asymptomatic
      during strict maternal avoidance of milk and other major food allergens; six
      infants remained symptomatic until weaned. Ten older children, aged 5-15 years,
      with CMA were also assessed. The functional capacity of specific IgE antibodies
      was assessed by measuring beta-hexosaminidase release from rat basophilic
      leukaemia cells passively sensitized and stimulated with human and bovine ALA.
      RESULTS: A minimum of one human milk peptide was recognized by IgE antibodies
      from 9 of 15 (60%) milk-allergic infants, and the majority of older children with
      CMA. Genuine sensitization to human milk peptides in the absence of IgE to bovine
      milk was occasionally seen. There was a trend towards specific IgE being detected
      to more human milk peptides in those infants who did not respond to the maternal
      milk elimination diet than in those who did (P = 0.099). Functional IgE antibody
      to human ALA was only detected in infants not responding to the maternal diet.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endogenous human milk epitopes are recognized
      by specific IgE from the majority of infants and children with CMA. Such
      autoreactive, human milk-specific IgE antibodies appear to have functional
      properties in vitro. Their role in provoking allergic symptoms in infants
      exclusively breastfed by mothers strictly avoiding dietary milk remains unclear.

PMID- 22092937
TI  - Bio-Oss(r) blocks combined with BMP-2 and VEGF for the regeneration of bony
      defects and vertical augmentation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone formation rate and
      osseointegration of Bio-Oss((r)) blocks combined with rhBMP-2 and rhVEGF in bony
      defects and after vertical augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bio-Oss((r))
      blocks plus rhBMP-2 (BMP), Bio-Oss((r)) blocks plus rhVEGF (VEGF), or Bio
      Oss((r)) blocks plus rhBMP-2 and rhVEGF (BMPVEGF) were inserted in "critical size
      defects" (CSD) in the calvariae of adult pigs. Control defects were filled with
      collagen carrier (Lyostypt((r)) ) plus growth factors and untreated Bio-Oss((r))
      blocks (CO). In a second group, Bio-Oss((r)) blocks plus growth factors and
      untreated Bio-Oss((r)) blocks were used for vertical augmentation of the
      calvariae. In the first group, the investigation time was 30 days, in the second
      group it was 30 and 60 days. The bone samples were investigated
      histomorphometrically, and the newly formed bone (BV/TV) was judged by
      microradiographic investigation. RESULTS: In the CSD model, the newly formed bone
      in the region of interest was not significantly different within the groups. In
      the second setting, the inserted bone blocks exhibited sufficient volume
      stability with increasing bone formation up to 9.33% +/- 3.92% for BMP, 10.42% +/
      1.81% for BMP/VEGF, 11.01% +/- 4.78% for VEGF, and 10.02% +/- 5.43% for the
      control group after 60 days. CONCLUSION: In the chosen setting and time frame, de
      novo bone formation did not increase with the additional use of growth factors.

PMID- 22092938
TI  - On electronic fetal heart rate monitoring.

PMID- 22092939
TI  - Relation between bone quality values from ultrasound transmission velocity and
      implant stability parameters--an ex vivo study.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between bone
      qualities measured by ultrasound transmission velocity (UTV) and primary implant
      stability parameters measured by radiofrequency analysis (RFA) and push-out test
      (POT) in an ex-vivo model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three blocks of fresh porcine
      bone samples were obtained from different anatomic regions, correlating to
      cortical, mixed and cancellous bone. Mechanical bone qualities of these samples
      were measured using UTV (expressed in m/s) prior to implantation. Three similar
      implants (4.1 * 11 mm, AstraTech OS) were inserted into each of the procured bone
      blocks. The evaluation of implant-bone interface stability was evaluated by RFA
      expressed as implant stability quotient (ISQ), and POT measured in Newton (N).
      RESULTS: For cortical, mixed and cancellous bone samples UTV values showed a mean
      of 2049.33, 1728.67 and 1427.67 m/s, respectively. For the implants inserted into
      cortical, mixed and cancellous bone samples the mean RFA (ISQ) values were 94.33,
      81.33 and 63.11, whereas the POT values were >2000, 680 and 290 N, respectively.
      There was a strong correlation between UTV values and implant stability
      parameters that was shown descriptively by scatter box plots. CONCLUSION: The
      bone quality measurements obtained by UTV values significantly correlated to
      primary implant stability values measured by RFA and push-out test. Moreover, UTV
      was able to significantly differentiate between the different bone types. This
      suggested that UTV may be considered as a reasonable instrument to measure bone
      quality preoperatively and would help clinicians predict primary implant
      stability before implant insertion.

PMID- 22092940
TI  - Risk variables in the association between frequency of alcohol consumption and
      periodontitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigate the association between the frequency of alcohol
      consumption and periodontitis. Moreover, evaluate the influence of biological,
      behavioural, and social risk variables in this association. METHODS: Sample was
      comprised by 542 subjects of both genders, 35-55 years of age, who underwent a
      complete periodontal examination, and was divided into four groups according to
      the frequency of alcohol use, based on alcohol use disorders identification test
      (AUDIT) and Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE) instruments: (1) no or
      occasional alcohol use (NA), (2) moderate alcohol use (MA), (3) intense alcohol
      use (IA) and (4) alcohol dependence (DA). Associations between the occurrence of
      periodontitis and potential risk variables were analysed by univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression stratified by smoking status when appropriate.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of periodontitis in NA, MA, IA and DA groups were 17.2%,
      24.0%, 29.6% and 53%, respectively. Alcohol odds ratio (OR) estimates
      significantly increased with an increase in consumption frequency (DA>IA>MA>NA)
      and were approximately two times higher in smokers (OR = 3.43 to 7.91) compared
      to non-smokers (OR = 1.22 to 3.02). CONCLUSION: Occurrence of periodontitis among
      alcohol users were high and the frequency of alcohol consumption increased the
      odds of periodontitis incrementally mainly in smokers.

PMID- 22092941
TI  - Maintaining tissue orientation during mohs micrographic surgery: scalpel versus
      marker.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical to the accuracy of Mohs surgery is the ability to maintain
      proper orientation of excised tissue with respect to the surrounding skin.
      Several techniques have been described for maintaining this orientation, although
      no prior investigations directly compare these techniques. OBJECTIVE: To compare
      the incidence of tissue orientation loss resulting from inability to identify
      skin score marks with that occurring from failure to identify marks made using a
      gentian violet marker during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). We also sought to
      determine the incidence of scars resulting from skin scoring. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients undergoing MMS were prospectively randomized to have their
      tissue margins oriented using light scoring using a scalpel versus marking them
      using a gentian violet marker. Incidence of scoring scars and tissue orientation
      loss were the primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 101
      tumors. There were no instances of tissue orientation loss in the scalpel or
      marker arms, nor were there any visible score mark scars at follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Incidence of excessive scars resulting from lightly scored tissue or
      loss of tissue orientation caused by lost gentian violet markings appears to be
      low. Both methods worked well within the confines of this study.

PMID- 22092942
TI  - Commentary on treatment of acne scars in Asian Patients using a 2,790-nm
      fractional yttrium scandium gallium garnet laser.

PMID- 22092943
TI  - Giant schwannoma of the little finger.

PMID- 22092944
TI  - Letter: "mushroom-cloud sign" of melanoma.

PMID- 22092945
TI  - Letter: successful treatment of multiple miliary osteomas of the face using an
      erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

PMID- 22092946
TI  - Letter: treatment of ingrown toenail with a novel instrument.

PMID- 22092947
TI  - Prevalence and diversity of allergic rhinitis in regions of the world beyond
      Europe and North America.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is comparatively little information in the public domain on the
      diversity in prevalence and triggers/factors associated with allergic rhinitis
      (AR) or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C) in countries beyond western-Europe
      and North America. OBJECTIVE: To review the prevalence and the sensitizing
      agents/triggers and factors associated with AR/C in several countries in Africa,
      the Asia-Pacific region, Australia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East
      and Turkey. METHODS: Articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals were
      assessed and selected for further review, following an extensive literature
      search using the Medline database. RESULTS: This review demonstrated that
      prevalence of AR and AR/C in these regions has predominantly been investigated in
      children; with studies indicating wide inter- and intra-regional variations
      ranging from 2.9% AR and 3.8% AR/C in 10-18-years-old children from one region in
      Turkey to 54.1% AR and 39.2% AR/C in 13-14-years-old children in one region in
      Nigeria. Moreover, the prevalence of AR and AR/C has increased markedly over the
      last decade particularly in some of the more affluent African countries, China
      Taiwan and several Middle East countries, likely as a consequence of improved
      living standards leading to increased exposure to multiple traditional and non
      traditional sensitizing agents and risk factors similar to those noted in western
      Europe and North America. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings
      suggest that the greater diversity in prevalence of AR or AR/C in populations in
      these regions is in contrast to the lower diversity of AR or AR/C in the 'western
      populations (USA and Europe), which tend to be more uniform. This review provides
      a comprehensive database of the important allergens and triggers which are likely
      to influence the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in these diverse regions, where
      the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing and its adverse impact on the
      quality of life of affected individuals is increasingly recognised.

PMID- 22092948
TI  - Just scratching the surface: an expanding view of the Cpx envelope stress
      response.
AB  - To detect and effectively respond to damage to the cell envelope, Gram-negative
      bacteria possess multiple envelope stress responses. Among these, the CpxAR two
      component system has been shown to sense the presence of misfolded periplasmic
      proteins and increase the production of envelope-localized protein folding and
      degrading factors in response. However, recent studies have revealed that
      additional parameters, such as adhesion and central metabolism, can also be
      sensed by the Cpx signalling system. The discovery that the Cpx regulon contains
      dozens to hundreds of genes indicates that the cellular functions of the Cpx
      response are also likely much broader than previously realized. These newly
      recognized functions include other aspects of envelope maintenance, communication
      with other regulatory pathways, and pathogenesis. A new model is emerging in
      which the Cpx response integrates diverse signals and promotes cell survival by
      protecting the envelope in multiple ways.

PMID- 22092949
TI  - Twelve-month fall outcomes among delirium subtypes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine falls as an outcome measure at
      12 months for two-group comparison (delirium cases and noncases) and five-group
      comparison (noncases, hypoactive, hyperactive, mixed delirium cases, and
      subsyndromal delirium cases). DESIGN: Three hundred and twenty patients enrolled
      in the Delirium in Rural Long-Term Care Facilities Study, which examined subjects
      for delirium during a 28-day surveillance period, were followed longitudinally
      for fall events for 12 months. Fall events were recorded and data analyzed using
      date of "first fall" as the referent for statistical analysis. METHODS: Fall
      reports were completed for all subjects for 12 months following delirium
      surveillance. Fall records were reviewed and the number of days until the first
      fall event was calculated. Data were censored for deaths that occurred during the
      12-month period. FINDINGS: Five group analysis of variance (noncases, hyperactive
      delirium, hypoactive delirium, mixed delirium, and subsyndromal delirium) showed
      significant differences in Functional Independence Measure scores (p = .001) and
      number of medications (p = .001). The percentage of patients who fell was higher
      in all delirium subtypes than in noncases at 12 months and was statistically
      significant for subsyndromal subjects. Two patients, one each from the
      subsyndromal and mixed delirium subtypes, died from injuries sustained during
      falls. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium appears to increase the risk for falls. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Increased surveillance and fall prevention strategies are needed for
      patients who experience transient cognitive changes such as delirium and
      subsyndromal delirium, even after delirium resolution.

PMID- 22092950
TI  - Skin surface hydration decreases rapidly during long distance flights.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dehydration of the stratum corneum leads to sensations and symptoms
      of 'dry skin' such as skin tightness and itchiness. As these complaints are
      frequently experienced by airline travellers, the aim of this study was to
      investigate the changes in skin surface hydration during long distance flights.
      METHODS: The study was performed on four healthy Caucasian, and on four Japanese
      women aged 29-39 years, travelling on long distance flights. They had stopped
      using skin care products at least 12 h before, and did not apply them during the
      flights. The air temperature and relative humidity inside the cabin, as well as
      skin capacitance of the face and forearm of participants, were registered at
      several time points before and during the flights. RESULTS: Relative humidity of
      the aircraft cabin dropped to levels below 10% within 2 h after take-off and
      stayed at this value throughout the flight. Skin capacitance decreased rapidly on
      both the face and forearms with most pronounced changes on the cheeks where it
      decreased by up to 37%. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that during long
      distance flights, the aircraft cabin environment leads to a rapid decrease in
      stratum corneum hydration, an alteration, which probably accounts for the
      discomfort experienced by long distance aircraft travellers.

PMID- 22092952
TI  - Midface rejuvenation: an innovative technique to restore cheek volume.

PMID- 22092951
TI  - Microbial community analysis in the termite gut and fungus comb of Odontotermes
      formosanus: the implication of Bacillus as mutualists.
AB  - The microbial communities harbored in the gut and fungus comb of the fungus
      growing termite Odontotermes formosanus were analyzed by both culture-dependent
      and culture-independent methods to better understand the community structure of
      their microflora. The microorganisms detected by denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (DGGE), clonal selection, and culture-dependent methods were
      hypothesized to contribute to cellulose-hemicellulose hydrolysis, gut
      fermentation, nutrient production, the breakdown of the fungus comb and the
      initiation of the growth of the symbiotic fungus Termitomyces. The predominant
      bacterial cultivars isolated by the cultural approach belonged to the genus
      Bacillus (Phylum Firmicutes). Apart from their function in lignocellulosic
      degradation, the Bacillus isolates suppressed the growth of the microfungus
      Trichoderma harzianum (genus Hypocrea), which grew voraciously on the fungus comb
      in the absence of termites but grew in harmony with the symbiotic fungus
      Termitomyces. The in vitro studies suggested that the Bacillus sp. may function
      as mutualists in the termite-gut-fungus-comb microbial ecosystem.

PMID- 22092953
TI  - Imaging diagnosis--Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt associated infection in a dog.
AB  - Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting is a surgical treatment for hydrocephalus.
      Complications of this procedure are not well described in dogs. The most common
      complication in humans is infection, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and
      treated quickly. We describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics
      of a shunt-associated cerebral infection in a dog. The MR features of the
      infection included hyperintensity of the lining of the ventricular system visible
      on a T2-weighted FLAIR sequence and marked linear contrast enhancement of the
      ependymal layer on T1-weighted sequences, similar to that described in people.

PMID- 22092954
TI  - Bacterivory by phototrophic picoplankton and nanoplankton in Arctic waters.
AB  - Mixotrophy, the combination of phototrophy and heterotrophy within the same
      individual, is widespread in oceanic systems. Yet, neither the presence nor
      ecological impact of mixotrophs has been identified in an Arctic marine
      environment. We quantified nano- and picoplankton during early autumn in the
      Beaufort Sea and Canada Basin and determined relative rates of bacterivory by
      heterotrophs and mixotrophs. Results confirmed previous reports of low microbial
      biomass for Arctic communities in autumn. The impact of bacterivory was
      relatively low, ranging from 0.6 * 10(3) to 42.8 * 10(3) bacteria mL(-1) day(-1)
      , but it was often dominated by pico- or nanomixotrophs. From 1% to 7% of the
      photosynthetic picoeukaryotes were bacterivorous, while mixotrophic nanoplankton
      abundance comprised 1-22% of the heterotrophic and 2-32% of the phototrophic
      nanoplankton abundance, respectively. The estimated daily grazing impact was
      usually < 5% of the bacterial standing stock, but impacts as high as 25%
      occurred. Analysis of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) band
      patterns indicated that communities from different depths at the same site were
      appreciably different and that there was a shift in community diversity at the
      midpoint of the cruise. Sequence information from DGGE bands reflected microbes
      related to those from other Arctic studies, particularly from the Beaufort Sea.

PMID- 22092955
TI  - The effect of using a relaxation tape on pulse, respiration, blood pressure and
      anxiety levels of surgical patients.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to investigate the effect of a relaxation tape on levels of
      anxiety in surgical patients. BACKGROUND: Surgery is a stressful event for
      patients. Because of uncertainty regarding surgery and anaesthesia, patients
      often experience heightened anxiety and fear. DESIGN: A one-group pretest-post
      test quasi-experimental design. METHODS: Samples were taken from surgical
      patients in a medical centre in northern Taiwan. The patients were given
      relaxation tapes the day before their scheduled surgery. Tests were conducted
      before and after patients listened to the tapes. STAI and respiration, pulse and
      blood pressure were used to collect data measurements on the anxiety level of
      these patients. RESULTS: The average age of 80 patients was 43.14 (SD 17.27)
      years. After the patients listened to the relaxation tape, their respiration rate
      dropped from 18.4 (SD 6.9) -17.8 (SD 7.4), pulse rate dropped from 81.9 (SD 33.5)
      - (SD 33.7), systolic blood pressure decreased from 125.4 (SD 16) mmHg - 121.5
      (SD 13.4) mmHg and STAI score dropped from 50.9 (SD 11.1) - 41.1 (SD 9.8). They
      all showed a significant level of difference (p < 0.05). A one-time listen to the
      tape during the entire hospital stay was the experience of the majority (66.3%)
      and indicated that the STAI score can be further reduced by increasing the number
      of tape listening sessions (F = 14.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results show
      that a relaxation tape can significantly reduce the level of anxiety and vital
      signs related to anxiety in surgical patients. Relevance to clinical practice. 
      The results of this study can provide an empirical basis for nursing treatments.
      We recommend that relaxation tapes be included in standard of care to alleviate
      anxiety in surgical patients.

PMID- 22092956
TI  - Bacterial communities associated with a mineral weathering profile at a sulphidic
      mine tailings dump in arid Western Australia.
AB  - We investigated bacterial community assemblages and functions down a hill slope
      contaminated by tailings from a volcanogenic massive sulphide mine in arid
      Western Australia. Weathering of waste rock, high in S and Fe, had resulted in a
      varying elemental dispersal down a face of the tailings hill. Bacterial community
      assemblage, characterised by PCR-DGGE fingerprinting, was significantly
      associated with electrical conductivity (E.C.) (rho = 0.664; P < 0.01). Analysis
      of mobile salts showed that E.C. values were driven by ionic S, Zn, Cl and Al.
      The bacterial community assemblage was directly characterised across an E.C.
      gradient using an oligonucleotide microarray (PhyloChip). The dominant taxa at
      the site were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes; however, 37 phyla
      were detected. The most responsive taxa to variation in E.C. was Acidobacteria
      (negative correlation). Patterns of heterotrophic processes (BioLog analysis)
      were also best explained by variation in E.C. (rho = 0.53; P < 0.01), showing a
      link between primary mineral weathering by lithotrophic bacteria and abiotic
      processes, and secondary biogeochemical processes by heterotrophic taxa. These
      data significantly broaden our knowledge of the bacteria present in
      metallomorphic ecosystems, establish that mobile phase elements are key drivers
      of community structure, and that primary biogeochemical cycling is directly
      influencing other geochemical interactions in the samples.

PMID- 22092957
TI  - The effect of loading in regenerated bone in dehiscence defects following a
      combined approach of bone grafting and GBR.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate by histology the effect of loading on the regenerated
      bone at dehiscence type defects around implants when treated with a combined
      approach of bone grafting and guided bone regeneration (GBR). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In twelve Gottingen mini-pigs, the lower premolars and first molars were
      extracted and the alveolar process was reduced in width. After 3 months, two
      Straumann SLActive (Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) implants were placed in
      each hemi-mandible. Twelve implants were placed into the reduced alveolar ridge
      (group P) with no further defect or treatment on the site, while on 36 implants,
      buccal dehiscence defects were created and treated as follows: Group T1:
      synthetic bone substitute (Straumann Bone Ceramic, SBC, Straumann AG). Group T2:
      SBC with a polyethylene glycol membrane (Straumann MembraGel, Straumann AG);
      Group N: the dehiscence remained untreated. Three months following implantation,
      long, custom-made, healing abutments were placed in one hemi-mandible only to
      ensure functional loading. After 2 months, histological analysis was performed.
      RESULTS: A trend for lower residual defect height and higher bone-to-implant
      contact was observed in the loaded sites compared with non-loaded sites in groups
      P, T1 and N. In group T2, the opposite effect was observed. In terms of bone
      formation, sites treated with SBC grafting and GBR (group T2) exhibited the
      largest surface area of regenerated bone followed by T1 and N. Significant
      resorption of the graft particles was noted in group T2 and the graft surface
      area occupied by SBC was significantly higher in group T1 compared with group T2
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Loading may have a positive effect on bone-to-implant
      contact in implants inserted in pristine bone or inserted in dehiscence sites and
      treated by grafting/no grafting.

PMID- 22092958
TI  - Comparative investigation of the effects of different materials used with a
      titanium barrier on new bone formation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to study the effects on new bone formation of
      autogenous blood, deproteinized bovine bone graft (DBBG), and biphasic calcium
      phosphate (BCP) bioceramic graft materials placed under titanium barriers.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used
      in this study. Two titanium barriers were fixed on each rabbit's calvarium. The
      study included four groups, one of which was a control group. The experiment
      groups, autogenous blood, DBBG (Bio-Oss((r)) ; Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen,
      Switzerland) and BCP (4Bone(TM) ; Biomatlante, Vigneux de Bretagne, France) were
      placed under titanium barriers; in the control group, no materials were used.
      Half of the animals were sacrificed after 1 month, and the rest were sacrificed
      after 3 months. After this, micro-computerized tomography images were taken, and
      a histomorphometric evaluation was carried out. RESULTS: The amounts of new bone
      formation were found to be higher at the third month than at the first month. The
      differences between the groups were examined with both a micro-computerized
      tomography and histomorphometric analysis, and no statistical significance was
      noted in the first month. In contrast, the increase in the amount of new bone
      formation at the third month was found to be statistically significant only
      between the DBBG and control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Autogenous blood with
      titanium barriers in guided bone regeneration seems to be as successful as DBBG
      and BCP bioceramic graft material.

PMID- 22092959
TI  - Detecting and measuring small numbers of viable Coxiella burnetii.
AB  - Coxiella burnetii is an acidophilic, intracellular bacterium that causes the
      human disease Q fever. In some studies, it is important to distinguish between
      viable and nonviable C. burnetii. We compared four methods for detecting and
      measuring viable C. burnetii in biological samples as follows: growth in two
      different cell culture lines, infection of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID)
      mice (leading to death) and infection of SCID mice with detection of C. burnetii
      in their spleen (after euthanasia at day 50 postinfection). Two isolates of C.
      burnetii were used ('Henzerling' and 'Arandale'). Our in-house qPCR assay for C.
      burnetii DNA was used as a control. SCID mouse inoculation was more sensitive
      than cell culture. The assay that detected C. burnetii in SCID mouse spleens was
      slightly more sensitive than SCID mice deaths alone. Approximately one viable C.
      burnetii cell could be detected by this method, making it suitable for
      determining the viability of C. burnetii in a sample.

PMID- 22092960
TI  - Physiological and performance adaptations to an in-season soccer camp in the
      heat: associations with heart rate and heart rate variability.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between adaptive
      responses to an in-season soccer training camp in the heat and changes in
      submaximal exercising heart rate (HRex, 5-min run at 9  km/h), postexercise HR
      recovery (HRR) and HR variability (HRV). Fifteen well-trained but non-heat
      acclimatized male adult players performed a training week in Qatar (34.6 +/- 1.9
      degrees C wet bulb globe temperature). HRex, HRR, HRV (i.e. the standard
      deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat R-R interval variability measured from
      Poincare plots SD1, a vagal-related index), creatine kinase (CK) activity, plasma
      volume (PV) changes, and post-5-min run rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were
      collected at six occasions in temperate environmental conditions (22 degrees C).
      Players also performed the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)
      in the same environmental conditions (22 degrees C), both at the beginning and at
      the end of the training week. Throughout the intervention, HRex and HRV showed
      decreasing (P < 0.001) and increasing (P < 0.001) trends, respectively, while HRR
      remained unaffected (P = 0.84). Changes in HRex [-0.52, 90% confidence limits (
      0.64; -0.38), P < 0.001] and SD1 [0.35 (0.19; 0.49), P < 0.001] were correlated
      with those in PV. There was no change in RPE (P = 0.92), while CK varied
      according to training contents (P < 0.001), without association with HR-derived
      measures. Yo-Yo IR1 performance increased by 7 +/- 9% (P = 0.009), which was
      correlated with changes in HRex [-0.64 (-0.84; -0.28), P = 0.01]. In conclusion,
      we found that an in-season soccer training camp in the heat can significantly
      improve PV and soccer-specific physical performance; both of which are associated
      with changes in HRex during a 5-min submaximal run.

PMID- 22092961
TI  - Immunohistochemical analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-9, vascular endothelial
      growth factor, bone sialoprotein and i-nitric oxide synthase in calvaria vs.
      iliac crest bone grafts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate, in parallel to clinical and
      histological modifications, the expression of specific proteins involved in
      different extraoral autologous bone grafts integration in humans. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Patients needing oral rehabilitation of posterior maxilla, with
      inadequate bone volume for implant placement, received bone grafts from calvaria
      (Group 1) and iliac crest (Group 2), respectively. From five patients from each
      group, with a total of 10 subjects, bone biopsy specimens were collected at two
      different experimental time points: at bone blocks withdrawal for grafting (T0),
      from donor sites, and after 4 months, from reconstructed sites. Samples were
      processed for light microscope and immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate MMP9,
      VEGF, BSP, iNOS expression. RESULTS: Morphological analysis of T0 calvaria
      evidenced areas of extracellular matrix, uniformly stained and organized in
      concentric mineralized lamellae edging few vascular canals, while T0 iliac crest
      showed greater cellularity compared to calvaria, with rare mineralized areas,
      surrounding wide bone marrow lacunae. In T1, Group 1 samples showed large areas
      of extracellular matrix, uniformly stained, at the same time as Group 2 samples
      disclosed few areas of mineralized tissue. Although no significant differences
      were found in proteins expression among calvaria and iliac crest T0 samples,
      MMP9, VEGF and BSP expression at T1 were discovered higher in Group 1 samples
      than in Group 2 ones, while iNOS expression increased in Group 2 samples compared
      to the others. In any group, molecules expression increased passing from T0 to
      T1. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that, even though clinically both
      extraoral sources of autologous bone could be considered suitable for grafting in
      case of large oral rehabilitation, some differences might be detected
      microscopically and biologically. Calvaria bone graft seemed to enhance not only
      the quantity of bone tissue at the defect site, but also its quality, better than
      iliac crest bone do. Then, while both grafts appeared to promote a suitable
      neoangiogenesis, as showed by morphological analysis and by MMP9 and VEGF
      expression, in terms of new bone formation and lack of occurrence of inflammatory
      events, calvaria could be considered a more suitable donor site for bone grafts.

PMID- 22092962
TI  - Double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare safety and
      efficacy of a metallic cannula with that of a standard needle for soft tissue
      augmentation of the nasolabial folds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injection-related side effects and complications are likely to occur
      during or after filler injections; they are mainly caused by the injection
      technique. OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and efficacy of a metallic cannula to
      inject hyaluronic acid (HA) filler in the nasolabial folds and to compare the
      safety of this cannula with that of a standard needle. METHODS: This was a
      prospective, randomized, phase II, double-blinded study that included 25
      participants with Grade 2 to 3 for bilateral nasolabial folds according to the
      Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (MFWS). The side of the injection was
      randomized (cannula or needle), and 0.5 mL of HA was injected into each
      nasolabial fold. RESULTS: At day 3, mean MFWS score fell from 2.40 +/- 0.40 to
      1.46 +/- 0.52 (p < .001) on the cannula-injected side and from 2.40 +/- 0.40 to
      1.48 +/- 0.60 (p < .001) on the regular needle-injected side. Participants
      reported fewer side effects on the side injected with the new tool on the day of
      the injections: pain (p = .03), edema (p < .001), redness (p = .01) and hematoma
      (p < .001) than on the needle side. CONCLUSION: The new cannula is a safe and
      useful tool to inject HA fillers in the nasolabial folds, producing less pain,
      edema, hematoma, and redness than regular needles.

PMID- 22092963
TI  - Asymptomatic Achilles, patellar, and quadriceps tendinopathy: a longitudinal
      clinical and ultrasonographic study in elite fencers.
AB  - Lower limb tendon changes detected at imaging are common among asymptomatic
      athletes. We aimed to prospectively assess the clinical status, tendon structure,
      and vascularity of lower limb tendons of elite fencers, and predict the risk of
      developing symptoms over time. Clinical examination, changes at ultrasonography
      (US), and Power Doppler (PD) flow of both the Achilles, patellar, and quadriceps
      tendon were assessed in 37 elite fencers in January 2007 and 3 years after. Two
      hundred and twenty-two tendons were examined. At the last appointment, patellar
      tendons diagnosed as abnormal at baseline were more likely to develop symptoms
      than those normal at baseline (P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test), while US and PD
      abnormalities on Achilles and quadriceps tendons were no predictive for
      development of symptoms over years. A very low percentage of tendons diagnosed as
      normal at baseline (1.45%) showed US abnormalities at 3-year follow-up. In
      asymptomatic elite fencers, structural changes are relatively common at US and PD
      assessment of Achilles, quadriceps, and patellar tendons. It seems unlikely that
      additional PD investigations provide further information or change prognosis in
      patients with US diagnosis of tendinopathy.

PMID- 22092964
TI  - Evaluation of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors using a silkworm model.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that the silkworm model is useful for identifying
      virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus, a human pathogenic bacterium. Here we
      examined the scope of S. aureus virulence factors that can be evaluated using the
      silkworm model. Gene-disrupted mutants of the agr locus, arlS gene and saeS gene,
      which regulate the expression of cell surface adhesins and hemolysins, exhibited
      attenuated virulence in silkworms. Mutants of the hla gene encoding alpha
      hemolysin, the hlb gene encoding beta-hemolysin, and the psmalpha and psmbeta
      operons encoding cytolysins, however, showed virulence in silkworms
      indistinguishable from that of the parent strain. Thus, these S. aureus
      cytolysins are not required for virulence in silkworms. In contrast, the gene
      disrupted mutants of clfB, fnbB and sdrC, which encode cell-wall-anchored
      proteins, attenuated S. aureus virulence in silkworms. In addition, the mutant of
      the srtA gene encoding sortase A, which anchors cell-wall proteins, showed
      attenuated virulence in silkworms. These findings suggest that the silkworm model
      can be used to evaluate S. aureus cell-wall proteins and regulatory proteins as
      virulence factors.

PMID- 22092965
TI  - What is your diagnosis? Serum biochemical data from Sprague-Dawley rats in a
      toxicology study.

PMID- 22092966
TI  - Effect of dust storm events on daily emergency admissions for respiratory
      diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The harmful effect of dust storm on lung health is
      controversial. This study aimed to assess any associations between dust storms
      and emergency hospital admissions due to respiratory disease in Hong Kong.
      METHODS: Data on daily emergency admissions for respiratory diseases to major
      hospitals in Hong Kong, and indices of air pollutants and meteorological
      variables from January 1998 to December 2002 were obtained from several
      government departments. We identified five dust storm days during the study
      period. Independent t-tests were used to compare the mean daily number of
      admissions on dust storm and non-dust storm days. Case-crossover analysis using
      the Poisson regression was used to examine the effects of PM(10) to emergency
      hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases. RESULTS: Significant increases
      in emergency hospital admission due to COPD were found 2 days after dust storm
      episode. The relative risk of PM(10) for lag 2 days was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.09)
      per 10 ug/m(3) . CONCLUSIONS: Dust storms have an adverse effect on emergency
      hospital admission for COPD in Hong Kong. This also suggests the adverse effect
      of coarse particles on lung health.

PMID- 22092967
TI  - Evaluation of therapeutic sublingual vaccines in a murine model of chronic house
      dust mite allergic airway inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second generation therapeutic vaccines based upon recombinant
      allergens or natural extracts, potentially formulated in vector systems or
      adjuvants, are being developed. To this aim, preclinical studies in relevant
      animal models are needed to select proper allergens, formulations and
      administration schemes. OBJECTIVE: To develop a chronic house dust mite (HDM)
      allergy model to evaluate sublingual therapeutic vaccine candidates. METHODS: The
      BABL/c mice that were used were sensitized with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
      (Dpte) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Dfar) mite extracts by intraperitoneal
      injections followed by aerosol exposures. Animals subsequently underwent
      sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with either Dpte, Dfar or Dpte/Dfar extracts,
      twice a week for 8 weeks. SLIT efficacy was assessed by whole body
      plethysmography, lung histology and broncho-alveolar lavages cell counts.
      Specific T cell and antibody responses to major and minor HDM allergens were
      monitored in tissues and serum/saliva, respectively. RESULTS: Mice sensitized to
      Dpte and Dfar allergens exhibited strong airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and
      lung inflammatory infiltrates including eosinophils. Sensitized animals mounted
      Th2-biased cellular and humoral responses specific for group 1 and 2 major
      allergens, as well as group 5, 7 and 10 minor allergens. This phenotype was
      sustained for at least 2 months, allowing the evaluation of immunotherapeutic
      protocols with HDM extracts-based vaccines. In this model, SLIT decreased AHR and
      Th2 responses and induced HDM-specific IgAs in saliva. The Dpte/Dfar mix proved
      the most efficacious when compared to Dpte or Dfar extracts alone. CONCLUSIONS
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The efficacy of a sublingual vaccine based on a Dpte/Dfar
      allergen extract mix was demonstrated in a well standardized murine model of
      chronic allergic airway inflammation based on clinically relevant mite allergens.
      The latter will be used as a benchmark for evaluation of future vaccines,
      including recombinant allergens. This HDM allergic airway inflammation animal
      model is a useful tool to design and select candidate vaccines to be tested in
      humans.

PMID- 22092968
TI  - Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level associated with the extent of
      periodontal inflammation in type 1 diabetic subjects.
AB  - AIM: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known for its anti
      inflammatory and antioxidant activities in protection against cardiovascular
      diseases. We investigated whether a protective association also exists between
      serum HDL and periodontal inflammation in type 1 diabetic subjects (T1DM).
      METHODS: Plaque and periodontal inflammation (bleeding and PD >= 4 mm) were
      examined in 80 subjects with T1DM. The serum levels of glycosylated haemoglobin
      (HbA1c, %) and HDL (mmol/l) were determined. Adjusted associations between
      inflammation and serum HDL were analysed using linear regression analysis. To
      study the linearity of the association, the subjects were categorized into HDL
      tertiles (I-III). RESULTS: A statistically significant negative association was
      observed between serum HDL level and the extent of bleeding and PD >= 4 mm.
      Subjects in HDL tertiles II and III (high HDL) presented significantly fewer
      inflamed sites when compared with the subjects in tertile I (low HDL), whereas no
      significant difference in the number of inflamed sites was observed between
      tertiles II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the finding of a negative association
      between serum HDL and periodontal inflammation, HDL may be considered a marker of
      susceptibility to periodontal inflammation. A longitudinal study is needed to
      verify possible causal relationship between serum HDL and inflammation.

PMID- 22092969
TI  - Changes of oxygen content in facial skin before and after cigarette smoking.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Cigarette smoking not only causes systemic health problems,
      but may also be an underlying cause of premature skin aging. Cigarette smokers
      frequently have morphological changes in facial skin that may be attributed to
      reduced oxygen in this region. The purpose of this study was to measure the
      oxygen content in facial skin before and after smoking. METHODS: Twenty-five
      volunteers participated in this study. Changes in oxygen content of the facial
      skin were measured before and after 30 min of cigarette smoking. Skin temperature
      and oxygen content were evaluated in the periorbital and periolar regions.
      RESULTS: There was a significant increase in temperature after smoking. The oxy
      hemoglobin and partial pressure of oxygen decreased in both the periocular and
      perioral areas after smoking. There were no changes in deoxy hemoglobin and
      partial pressure of carbon dioxide at these areas. CONCLUSION: Significant
      changes were seen in temperature and oxygen content after only 30 min of smoking.
      The results from this study suggest that alterations in the skin temperature and
      oxygen content in facial skin after smoking may be an underlying cause of
      premature skin aging.

PMID- 22092970
TI  - Expression and regulation of CCL15 by human airway smooth muscle cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Structural cells are an important reservoir of chemokines that
      coordinate the influx of various immune cells to the lungs of asthmatics. Airway
      smooth muscle cells (ASMC) are an important source of these chemokines. CCL15 is
      a recently described chemo-attractant for neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and
      lymphocytes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the production and the regulation of CCL15
      by ASMC and to investigate its production in asthmatic airways. METHODS: Human
      ASMC were obtained from main bronchial airway segments of patients with mild,
      moderate and severe asthma. To induce chemokine production, cells were incubated
      with IL-4, IL-13, TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma in presence or absence of dexamethasone,
      mithramycin A (SP-1 inhibitor) or the IKK-2 inhibitor, AS602868. CCL15 mRNA
      expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Immunoreactive CCL15 was detected by
      immuno-fluorescence and CCL15 protein concentration in the supernatant was
      measured using ELISA. RESULTS: CCL15 is constitutively expressed in human ASMC
      and is strongly up-regulated by TNF-alpha. This up-regulation is inhibited by
      dexamethasone, mithramycin A and AS602868. TNF-alpha-induced CCL15 levels can be
      synergistically enhanced by the presence of IFN-gamma, at both the
      transcriptional and translation level. This synergism is NF-kappaB-dependent.
      Asthmatic biopsies demonstrated higher expression of CCL15 compared with non
      asthmatic controls. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results show that ASMC
      are a potent source of CCL15 in the airways and may directly participate in the
      recruitment of inflammatory cells to asthmatic airways. Targeting the production
      of CCL15 by ASMC might reduce the inflammatory response within the airways of
      asthmatic patients.

PMID- 22092971
TI  - Carbon source control of the phosphorylation state of the Bacillus subtilis
      carbon-flux regulator Crh in vivo.
AB  - Bacillus subtilis possesses carbon-flux regulating histidine protein (Crh), a
      paralog of the histidine protein (HPr) of the phosphotransferase system (PTS).
      Like HPr, Crh becomes (de)phosphorylated in vitro at residue Ser46 by the
      metabolite-controlled HPr kinase/phosphorylase HPrK/P. Depending on its
      phosphorylation state, Crh exerts regulatory functions in connection with
      carbohydrate metabolism. So far, knowledge on phosphorylation of Crh in vivo has
      been limited and derived from indirect evidence. Here, we studied the dynamics of
      Crh phosphorylation directly by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis followed by
      Western analysis. The results confirm that HPrK/P is the single kinase catalyzing
      phosphorylation of Crh in vivo. Accordingly, phosphorylation of Crh is triggered
      by the carbon source as observed previously for HPr, but with some differences.
      Phosphorylation of both proteins occurred during exponential growth and
      disappeared upon exhaustion of the carbon source. During exponential growth, ~80%
      of the Crh molecules were phosphorylated when cells utilized a preferred carbon
      source. The reverse distribution, i.e. around 20% of Crh molecules
      phosphorylated, was obtained upon utilization of less favorable substrates. This
      clear-cut classification of the substrates into two groups has not previously
      been observed for HPr(Ser)~P formation. The likely reason for this difference is
      the additional PTS-dependent phosphorylation of HPr at His15, which limits
      accumulation of HPr(Ser)~P.

PMID- 22092972
TI  - Evaluation of cortical bone thickness and root proximity at maxillary
      interradicular sites for mini-implant placement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interradicular cortical
      bone thickness, alveolar process width and root proximity for planning mini
      implant placement in the maxillary alveolar process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty
      maxillae (right and left sides) of 40 Japanese adult skulls were examined. The
      samples were imaged and measured using a micro-CT system. Buccal and palatal
      interradicular cortical bone thickness, alveolar process width, and root
      proximity were measured in six interradicular sites from distal of central
      incisor to mesial of second molar. Buccal and palatal interradicular cortical
      bone thickness and alveolar process width were measured at 10 different vertical
      levels. Root proximity was measured at four different vertical levels. RESULTS:
      Buccal and palatal interradicular cortical bone thickness and alveolar process
      width tended to increase from crest to base of alveolar process. The buccal
      interradicular cortical bone thickness between canine and first premolar or
      between first premolar and second premolar was the greatest, and between central
      incisor and lateral incisor was the least. The palatal interradicular cortical
      bone was significantly thicker than the buccal. The root proximity between second
      premolar and first molar or first premolar and second premolar was the widest and
      between central incisor and lateral incisor it was the narrowest. CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings of this study suggest that recommendations when low dose 3D
      multislice CT or low dose cone beam imaging is not available, the results of this
      research may be useful in providing indicators for selecting the design of the
      placement site.

PMID- 22092973
TI  - Reimplantation of cultivated human bone cells from the posterior maxilla for
      sinus floor augmentation. Histological results from a randomized controlled
      clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present randomized clinical study was to evaluate
      histologically whether the addition of cultivated, autogenous bone cells to a
      composite graft of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and autogenous bone
      (AB) for sinus floor augmentation (SFA) enhance bone formation compared with what
      achieved after SFA with DBBM + AB alone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients
      with remaining posterior maxillary alveolar crest height of less than 3 mm
      received SFA after randomization either with an DBBM and AB composite in a 1 : 1
      ratio or with DBBM + AB supplemented with autogenous bone cells, which were
      cultivated from a bone biopsy harvested earlier from the tuberosity area. Four
      months after SFA, two cylindrical biopsies were taken from the augmented sinuses
      concomitantly with the implant site preparation by means of a trephine bur. An
      additional biopsy was taken from the tuberosity area. Bone density at the
      augmented sinus and the tuberosity area and the height of augmentation were
      estimated on non-decalcified histological sections prepared from the biopsies. A
      relative bone density index (RBD) was also calculated by dividing bone density at
      the augmented sinus with bone density at the tuberosity area. RESULTS: All
      patients but one could receive two implants after SFA; in one patient, only one
      implant could be placed. All implants were osseointegrated and could be loaded.
      Median bone density in the sinus was 30% and 25% in the cell seeded and no-cells
      added DBBM + AB groups, respectively. Bone augmentation height averaged 6.0 and
      5.4 mm and RBD averaged 0.48 and 0.73 in the cell seeded and no-cells added DBBM
      + AB groups, respectively. None of the differences between groups was
      statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Cultivated autogenous bone cell seeded to
      a DBBM + AB composite did not significantly improve bone formation (density and
      height) after SFA, compared with what was achieved with DBBM + AB alone. Both
      approaches resulted into enough bone to support implant placement and
      osseointegration.

PMID- 22092974
TI  - Five years of experience using a dermal substitute: indications, histologic
      studies, and first results using a new single-layer tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dermal substitutes have been used in Europe since 1996 as a mean of
      reconstructing the dermal layer. OBJECTIVES: To introduce the dermal substitute
      as a dual-stage reconstructing procedure using the dual-layer version and as a
      single-stage procedure, combining the single layer with a skin graft to achieve
      immediate closure. Our further objective was to evaluate the persistence of a
      commercial dermal substitute in the host's dermal layer using serial histologic
      studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dermal substitute used was a membrane made
      using a porous coprecipitate of type I bovine collagen and glycosaminoglycan
      organized in a three-dimensional structure that allows the host's cell to migrate
      into it. It is available in a double-layer structure, covered by a silicone
      sheet, and in a single-layer structure without silicon. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:
      We describe the dermal substitute indications in dermatologic surgery and our
      first results with the single layer as a single-stage procedure with an 80% to
      100% take rate. Our histological studies of both products show their perfect
      integration and the persistence of the peculiar three-dimensional structure
      (neodermis) 5 years from implantation of the dual-layer dermal substitute.

PMID- 22092975
TI  - Synergistic use of local flaps for total lower lip reconstruction.

PMID- 22092976
TI  - Tie-over dressing with criss-cross lacing pattern.

PMID- 22092977
TI  - Postradiation chronic scalp ulcer: a challenge for wound healing experts.

PMID- 22092978
TI  - Pitfalls of using dermatoscopy in defining surgical margins of basal cell
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22092979
TI  - Recurrence after epidermal grafting in segmental vitiligo.

PMID- 22092980
TI  - Keratoacanthoma, trauma, and cryotherapy.

PMID- 22092981
TI  - Radix nasi transposition flap for medial canthus and nasal sidewall defects.

PMID- 22092982
TI  - The electron beam attenuating properties of SuperFlab, Play-Doh, and wet gauze,
      compared to plastic water.
AB  - Bolus material is used commonly with electron treatments. The purpose of this
      study was to compare the electron beam attenuating properties of SuperFlab, Play
      Doh, and wet gauze to that of plastic water, and evaluate their characteristics
      as bolus materials for electron beam therapy. Electron beams of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10,
      and 12 MeV were used. Dose reduction from a range of bolus thicknesses from 2 mm
      to a thickness well beyond the thickness required to reach peak ioization was
      measured for each of the bolus materials to establish independent isodose curves.
      Measurements performed at the known water Dmax for all bolus materials indicated
      similar results for SuperFlab and plastic water with less than 3% difference for
      most energies. Play-Doh resulted in more attenuation or less dose buildup
      compared with plastic water, especially at lower energies. The difference was as
      high as 24.7% for the beam energy of 5 MeV for Play-Doh. Evaluation of the dose
      build up curves for all materials indicated the peak dose build up for wet gauze
      and Play-Doh occurred at lesser thicknesses compared to plastic water and
      SuperFlab, particularly at lower energies. If Play-Doh and wet gauze are to be
      used for electron bolus materials, dose build up curves should be established for
      the machine being used and the appropriate thickness of bolus material be chosen
      based on those curves.

PMID- 22092983
TI  - Key physiological properties contributing to rhizosphere adaptation and plant
      growth promotion abilities of Azospirillum brasilense.
AB  - Azospirillum brasilense is a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) that is
      being increasingly used in agriculture in a commercial scale. Recent research has
      elucidated key properties of A. brasilense that contribute to its ability to
      adapt to the rhizosphere habitat and to promote plant growth. They include
      synthesis of the auxin indole-3-acetic acid, nitric oxide, carotenoids, and a
      range of cell surface components as well as the ability to undergo phenotypic
      variation. Storage and utilization of polybetahydroxyalkanoate polymers are
      important for the shelf life of the bacteria in production of inoculants,
      products containing bacterial cells in a suitable carrier for agricultural use.
      Azospirillum brasilense is able to fix nitrogen, but despite some controversy, as
      judging from most systems evaluated so far, contribution of fixed nitrogen by
      this bacterium does not seem to play a major role in plant growth promotion. In
      this review, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of physiological
      properties of A. brasilense that are important for rhizosphere performance and
      successful interactions with plant roots.

PMID- 22092984
TI  - Meeting the national health goal to reduce unintended pregnancy.
AB  - In spite of advances in health care, the rate of unintended pregnancy has not
      diminished. Healthy People 2020 and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 have promoted
      prevention as the most effective means of ensuring the health of the citizens of
      the United States. This shift in the national approach to the promotion of
      prevention holds the potential to appropriately address pregnancy planning from a
      comprehensive public health framework.

PMID- 22092985
TI  - Effects of frequency on gross efficiency and performance in roller ski skating.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of frequency on
      efficiency and performance during G3 roller ski skating. Eight well-trained male
      cross-country skiers performed three submaximal 5-min speeds (10, 13, and 16
      km/h) and a time-to-exhaustion (TTE) performance (at 20 km/h) using the G3
      skating technique using freely chosen, high, and low frequency at all four
      speeds. All tests were done using roller skis on a large treadmill at 5% incline.
      Gross efficiency (GE) was calculated as power divided by metabolic rate. Power
      was calculated as the sum of power against frictional forces and power against
      gravity. Metabolic rate was calculated from oxygen consumption and blood lactate
      concentration. Freely chosen frequency increased from 60 to 70 strokes/min as
      speed increased from 10 to 20 km/h. GE increased with power. At high power (20
      km/h performance test), both efficiency and performance were significantly
      reduced by high frequency. In regard to choice of frequency during G3 roller ski
      skating, cross-country skiers seems to be self-optimized both in relation to
      energy saving (efficiency) and performance (TTE).

PMID- 22092986
TI  - Composition dynamics of epilithic intertidal bacterial communities exposed to
      high copper levels.
AB  - Copper has a dual role for organisms, both as micronutrient and toxic element.
      Copper mining activities have an enormous ecological impact because of the
      extraction process and the consequent release of copper-containing waste
      materials to the environment. In northern Chile, mainly in the Chanaral coastal
      area, this phenomenon is clearly evident. The released waste material has caused
      a strong modification of the area, and copper enrichment of beaches and rocky
      shores has provoked a decrease in the richness and diversity of many species of
      macroorganisms. However, the effects that copper enrichment has on microbial
      (e.g. bacterial epilithic) communities associated with the rocky shore
      environment are poorly understood. Using a culture-independent molecular
      approach, field sampling and laboratory microcosm experiments, we determined the
      effects of copper enrichment on bacterial communities inhabiting the rocky shore
      environment. Field samples showed a strong effect of copper on the structure of
      the natural bacterial epilithic communities, and microcosm experiments
      demonstrated rapid changes in bacterial community when copper is added, and
      reversibility of this effect within 48 h after copper is removed.

PMID- 22092987
TI  - Complementary therapies in rehabilitation: nurses' narratives. Part 1.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the narratives of nursing staff in a Thai
      rehabilitation centre where complementary therapies are used and to discuss
      perceived progress of these complementary therapies on stroke patients. Specific
      complementary therapies used at this rehabilitation centre include Thai massage
      and herbal therapies. BACKGROUND: In Thailand, there is cultural acknowledgement
      of a range of traditional therapies (including complementary therapies) widely
      used in Thai health care. For example, meditation enjoys wide acceptance in Thai
      culture and attracts strong participation from visitors to Thai Buddhist centres
      because of growing interest in developing a personal health regime for future
      preventative health problems. DESIGN: Qualitative study using narrative inquiry
      and discourse analysis framed by poststructural theory. METHOD: Six nursing staff
      and six stroke patients were interviewed about their involvement in complementary
      therapy practice and treatments and their experiences of these therapies in
      rehabilitation. This paper reports the six nurses' narratives of their
      involvement with patients and complementary therapies. RESULTS: The overall
      findings revealed two strong themes: nurses' professional landscape and changes
      in stroke patients' embodiment. These two themes were interwoven in a main
      discourse of nurses attending to and enabling holistic care. CONCLUSION: The
      contexts of temporality, spatiality and other people influencing the progress of
      patients' recovery are significant in this study. In particular, the findings
      illustrate the importance of the nurses' discourse in preparing stroke patients
      for a state of readiness to heal. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The nurses'
      role becomes much more significant in health care as demonstrated through these
      stories. Their part in establishing a holistic approach through motivating,
      advising, educating, calming and imparting a sense of family enables a strong
      connection with mind, body and spirit potentiating recovery for stroke patients.

PMID- 22092988
TI  - Changes in patient flow among five hospitals participating in a learning
      collaborative.
AB  - This was an evaluation of the efforts of five hospitals that participated in a
      collaborative aimed at improving patient flow and reducing emergency department
      (ED) crowding. Interviews with hospital implementation team members were
      conducted at two separate times, and multivariate linear regression models and
      bivariate logistic models were constructed to assess changes in ED length of stay
      (LOS) and left without being seen (LWBS). By the end of the collaborative, four
      of the five hospitals had at least one fully implemented improvement strategy.
      Those hospitals experienced modest improvements in patient flow: a hospital that
      implemented front-end improvements and devoted additional resources to fast track
      had a 51-min reduction in ED LOS, another that implemented only front-end
      improvements had a 9-min reduction in LOS, a third hospital that improved
      communication between the ED and inpatient units to facilitate admissions
      decreased LWBS from 0.6% to 0.4%, and a fourth hospital reduced LOS by 59 min for
      mid-acuity patients by establishing a new care process for them. Results suggest
      that relatively small changes may lead to improvements in measures of patient
      flow that are modest, at best.

PMID- 22092989
TI  - Myeloperoxidase-positive acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in a dog.
AB  - A 16-month-old female spayed Labrador Retriever was referred to the University of
      Edinburgh for exercise intolerance, inappetence, and severe anemia. A CBC showed
      severe nonregenerative anemia and moderate numbers of atypical cells with
      morphologic features most consistent with megakaryoblastic origin. Similar cells
      were identified in a bone marrow aspirate and accounted for 23% of all nucleated
      cells. Atypical promegakaryocytes and megakaryocytes were also noted.
      Myelodysplastic syndrome affecting the megakaryocytic lineage was suspected.
      Cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate of the spleen revealed rare
      megakaryoblasts similar to those in blood and bone marrow. At necropsy, the bone
      marrow consisted of atypical megakaryoblasts and megakaryocytes that were also
      infiltrating spleen, liver, lymph nodes, renal perihilar tissue, and visceral
      adipose tissue, consistent with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia.
      Immunohistochemical analysis of splenic sections confirmed megakaryoblastic
      origin (immunoreactive for CD61 and von Willebrand factor). Some leukemic cells
      were also immunoreactive for myeloperoxidase (MPO). This aberrant immunophenotype
      suggested both megakaryocytic and granulocytic/monocytic differentiation of the
      leukemic cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MPO-positive acute
      megakaryoblastic leukemia in a dog.

PMID- 22092990
TI  - Bacterial leakage along the implant-abutment interface: culture and DNA
      Checkerboard hybridization analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bacterial species have been found harboring the internal surface of
      dental implants as consequence of their failed connections. The aim of the
      present study was to compare the detection frequency of bacterial leakage from
      human saliva through the implant-abutment interface, under non-loading
      conditions, using either DNA Checkerboard or culture method. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty dental implants with hexagonal platforms were connected to pre
      machined abutments according to the manufacturers' specifications. The assemblies
      were individually incubated in human saliva under anaerobic conditions for 7 days
      at 37 degrees C. Afterward, contents from the inner parts of the implants were
      collected and evaluated with either DNA Checkerboard (s = 15) or culture (n =
      15). Subsequently, identification and quantitation of bacterial species from
      saliva and implants were carried out for the group evaluated with the DNA
      Checkerboard method. RESULTS: Both DNA Checkerboard and culture showed positive
      signals of bacterial leakage in 6 of the 15 evaluated samples. Capnocytophaga
      gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans were the most frequently detected species
      harboring the internal surface of the implants followed by Veillonella parvula.
      CONCLUSION: Occurrence of bacterial leakage along the implant-abutment interface
      is comparably detected with both DNA Checkerboard hybridization and conventional
      culture methods.

PMID- 22092991
TI  - Soft tissue surrounding switched platform implants: an immunohistochemical
      evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This clinical and immunohistochemical study was designed to
      characterize the cellular and molecular patterns for bone loss of soft tissues
      surrounding implants restored with different implant platform configurations.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 implants were restored using abutments with
      the following mismatches: 0 mm (control group), 0.25 mm (test group(1)), 0.5 mm
      (test group(2)) and 0.85 mm (test group(3)). Four years after, loading all sites
      were clinically healthy, and soft tissue samples were harvested and processed for
      immunohistochemical analysis. Amounts of lymphocytes T (LyT) -B (LyB), IL-17 and
      RANKL were assessed. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups
      (P > 0.05) in terms of infiltrated T and B cell counts, IL-17 and RANKL
      expressions. When pooled data were analysed, lymphocytes T counts and IL-17 were
      higher than lymphocytes B counts and RANKL. LyT and LyB counts were highly
      negatively correlated (Pearson's r > 0.7) and IL-17 was correlated (Pearson's r >
      0.4, <0.7) to LyT and LyB. CONCLUSIONS: After prolonged exposure of abutments in
      the oral cavity, the configuration of the implant abutment interface does not
      seem to affect the inflammatory cellular and molecular pattern responsible for
      bone loss.

PMID- 22092992
TI  - Fitness testing as a discriminative tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of
      fibromyalgia.
AB  - We aimed to determine the ability of a set of physical fitness tests to
      discriminate between presence/absence of fibromyalgia (FM) and moderate/severe
      FM. The sample comprised 94 female FM patients (52 +/- 8 years) and 66 healthy
      women (54 +/- 6 years). We assessed physical fitness by means of the 30-s chair
      stand, handgrip strength, chair sit and reach, back scratch, blind flamingo, 8
      feet up and go, and 6-min walking tests. Patients were classified as having
      moderate FM if the score in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was <70
      and as having severe FM if the FIQ was >=70. FM patients and patients with severe
      FM performed worse in most of the fitness tests studied (P < 0.001). Except the
      back scratch test, all the tests were able to discriminate between presence and
      absence of FM [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.66 to 0.92; P <= 0.001], and four
      tests also discriminated FM severity (AUC = 0.62 to 0.66; P <= 0.05). The 30-s
      chair stand test showed the highest ability to discriminate FM presence and
      severity (AUC = 0.92, P < 0.001; and AUC = 0.66, P = 0.008, respectively), being
      the corresponding discriminating cutoffs 9 and 6 repetitions, respectively.
      Physical fitness in general, and particularly the 30-s chair stand test, is able
      to discriminate between women with FM from those without FM, as well as between
      those with moderate FM from their peers with severe FM. 

PMID- 22092993
TI  - Effects of adhesive dressings on stratum corneum conductance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stratum corneum is a fundamental layer of epidermis. It acts as a
      barrier, with antimicrobial features, regulating skin permeability and integrity
      as well. Adhesive dressings and their removal could alter this layer, affecting
      cutaneous water balance and lipid composition of stratum corneum. These changes
      could be monitored by measurement of cutaneous hydration. METHODS: Ninety-two
      patients affected by wounds dressed with adhesive tapes or plasters have been
      studied. Measurement of skin conductance under tape/plaster and in the
      surrounding healthy skin, immediately after removal of dressing has been
      performed. Dressing age, wound localization, and characteristics were also
      considered. RESULTS: Adhesive dressings alter significantly stratum corneum
      conductance. Although healthy skin hydration has significant variations
      throughout the body, cutaneous conductance under adhesive dressing in different
      areas displays no significative changes. Moreover, the increase in hydration due
      to adhesive tapes/plasters showed no association with wound dehiscence.
      DISCUSSION: Adhesive dressings cause a significative increase in stratum corneum
      conductance, acting as a barrier to apocrine secretions. Although different
      hydration levels have been observed in healthy skin throughout the body, no
      difference exists under adhesive dressing among different regions, suggesting no
      contraindications in their employment throughout the body. CONCLUSION: Increase
      in cutaneous hydration showed no correlations with wound dehiscence, thus
      confirming safety and practicality of these dressings.

PMID- 22092994
TI  - The RANKL-OPG system in clinical periodontology.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand
      osteoprotegerin (RANKL-OPG) bi-molecular system is the "bottle-neck" regulator of
      osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, both in physiological and pathological
      conditions. This review aims to elaborate the current knowledge on RANKL and OPG
      in periodontal disease, and to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic potential
      as biomarkers of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To pursue this aim,
      electronic and manual searches were performed for identifying clinical and in
      vivo studies on RANKL and OPG in gingival tissue, gingival crevicular fluid,
      saliva and blood. Smoking and diabetes mellitus were also considered for their
      potential effects. RESULTS: Papers fulfilling the inclusion criteria demonstrate
      that RANKL is up-regulated, whereas OPG is down-regulated in periodontitis,
      compared to periodontal health, resulting in an increased RANKL/OPG ratio. This
      ratio is further up-regulated in smokers and diabetics, and is not affected by
      conventional periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The increased RANKL/OPG ratio
      may serve as a biomarker that denotes the occurrence of periodontitis, but may
      not necessarily predict on-going disease activity. Its steadily elevated levels
      post treatment may indicate that the molecular mechanisms of bone resorption are
      still active, holding an imminent risk for relapse of the disease. Additional
      adjunct treatment modalities that would "switch-off" the RANKL/OPG ratio may
      therefore be required.

PMID- 22092995
TI  - Orally administered heat-killed Lactobacillus gasseri  TMC0356 can upregulate
      cell-mediated immunity in senescence-accelerated mice.
AB  - The present study was conducted to test the ability of probiotic lactobacilli to
      alter age-related immunosenescence in host animals. Senescence-accelerated mouse
      prone 1 mice were orally fed heat-killed Lactobacillus gasseri TMC0356 (TMC0356)
      for 4 and 8 weeks at dosages of 10 mg day(-1)  after a 16-week period of
      prefeeding with a standard diet. After 4 and 8 weeks of TMC0356 intervention,
      splenic activation of natural killer (NK) cells and mRNA expression of cytokines
      and other immune molecules in the lungs were analysed. After 4 and 8 weeks,
      splenic NK cell activities were significantly higher in the TMC0356-fed mice
      compared with control mice (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks, mRNA expression of
      interleukin-2 and interferon-(alpha and beta) receptor 1 in lung cells isolated
      from the TMC0356-fed mice also increased significantly compared with that in lung
      cells from the control mice (P < 0.05). These results suggest that lactobacilli,
      especially certain selected strains, might enhance cell-mediated immunity in host
      animals and thereby alter age-related immunosenescence.

PMID- 22092996
TI  - Bet v 1-like pollen allergens of multiple Fagales species can sensitize atopic
      individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the temperate climate zone of the Northern hemisphere, Fagales
      pollen allergy represents the main cause of winter/spring pollinosis. Among
      Fagales trees, pollen allergies are strongly associated within the Betulaceae and
      the Fagaceae families. It is widely accepted that Fagales pollen allergies are
      initiated by sensitization against Bet v 1, the birch pollen major allergen,
      although evidence is accumulating that the allergenic activity of some Bet v 1
      like molecules has been underestimated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allergenic
      potential of the clinically most important Fagales pollen allergens from birch,
      alder, hazel, hornbeam, hop-hornbeam, oak, beech and chestnut. METHODS: To obtain
      the full spectrum of allergens, the three previously unavailable members of the
      Bet v 1-family, hop-hornbeam Ost c 1, chestnut Cas s 1 and beech Fag s 1, were
      identified in the respective pollen extracts, cloned and produced as recombinant
      proteins in E. coli. Together with recombinant Bet v 1, Aln g 1, Car b 1, Cor a 1
      and Que a 1, the molecules were characterized physicochemically, mediator release
      assays were performed and IgE cross-reactivity was evaluated by ELISA and Immuno
      Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC) IgE inhibition assays. RESULTS: All allergens
      showed the typical Bet v 1-like secondary structure elements, and they were all
      able to bind serum IgE from Fagales allergic donors. Strong IgE binding was
      observed for Betuloideae and Coryloideae allergens, however, cross-reactivity
      between the two subfamilies was limited as explored by inhibition experiments. In
      contrast, IgE binding to members of the Fagaceae could be strongly inhibited by
      serum pre-incubation with allergens of the Betuloideae subfamily. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data suggest that Bet v 1-like allergens of the
      Betuloideae and Coryloideae subfamily might have the potential to induce IgE
      antibodies with different specificities, while allergic reactions towards
      Fagaceae allergens are the result of IgE cross-reactivity.

PMID- 22092997
TI  - An explorative study of non-invasive ultra-weak photon emission and the anti
      oxidative influence of oral zinc sulphate in light-sensitive patients with
      erythropoietic protoporphyria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare, inherited disorder of
      haem biosynthesis owing to deficient ferrochelatase (FECH) and accumulation of
      protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). This results in acute cutaneous photosensitivity upon
      light exposure with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ultra-weak
      photon emission (UPE) as a by-product. We investigated if UPE evaluated the light
      sensitivity in EPP patients and influence of zinc treatment. METHODS: Fourteen
      EPP patients took zinc sulphate (3 * 200 mg/day) during spring and summer. Using
      a photomultiplier (PM), UPE was measured from the buttock skin and dorsal hand
      before and after solar-simulated light (SUN) exposure. Blood samples were
      analysed routinely for plasma zinc, iron, ferritin, transferrin, haemoglobin,
      erythrocyte PPIX and Zn-PPIX. RESULTS: UPE in EPP patients resembled that seen in
      healthy individuals. Without treatment, a seasonal decrease was seen from spring
      to summer in four control patients. However, oral zinc treatment reduced ROS
      formation significantly regardless of SUN exposure. After SUN exposure, the
      initial burst was correlated to plasma iron and erythrocyte PPIX. During
      treatment, an inverse correlation was found between plasma zinc concentration and
      the initial burst. CONCLUSION: Measurements of UPE can be used for monitoring UVA
      induced oxidative processes in vivo in the skin of EPP patients.

PMID- 22092998
TI  - An investigation of nursing students' experiences in an Iranian psychiatric unit.
AB  - This qualitative study aimed to investigate and explain clinical experiences of
      nursing students in a psychiatric unit in an Iranian hospital. The researcher
      performed a Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological study by conducting in
      depth interviews of 13 participants. An analysis based on Diekelmann's method
      helped to interpret the data and uncover common themes. The following four
      correlated themes were obtained: anxiety, maturation, dissatisfaction and
      enthusiasm. These results present distinctive insights on contextualizing,
      developing and implementing clinical education in Iran, especially in psychiatric
      units. The exploration and description of students' experiences will help nurse
      educators to plan the clinical learning opportunities such that they are less
      stressful, thus ensuring that nursing students are equipped to act as therapeutic
      professionals.

PMID- 22092999
TI  - Widespread use of real-time PCR for rickettsial diagnosis.
AB  - We report 2 years of experience with rickettsial molecular diagnosis using real
      time PCR at the French National Reference Center. All Rickettsia genomes
      available were compared to discover specific sequences to design new sets of
      primers and probes. The specificity was verified in silico and against a panel of
      30 rickettsial species. Sensitivity was determined using 10-fold serial
      dilutions. Finally, primers and probes that were both specific and sensitive were
      routinely used for the diagnosis of rickettsial infections from clinical
      specimens. We retained sets of primers and probes to detect spotted fever group
      Rickettsia, typhus group Rickettsia,Rickettsia conorii,Rickettsia
      slovaca,Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia australis; 643 clinical samples were
      screened for the presence of Rickettsia DNA. Overall, 45 positive samples were
      detected, including 15 Rickettsia africae, nine R. conorii, five Rickettsia
      sibirica mongolitimonae, four R. slovaca, two R. australis, four Rickettsia
      massiliae, one Rickettsia honei, one Rickettsia typhi and eight Rickettsia sp.
      Positive samples were detected mainly from cutaneous biopsies and swabs (31/45).
      Widespread use of real-time PCR is inexpensive and reduces delay in the diagnosis
      of rickettsial infections. These real-time PCR assays could be implemented easily
      in laboratories that have molecular facilities and may be added to existing
      molecular tools as a point-of-care strategy.

PMID- 22093000
TI  - Community-specific pH response of denitrification: experiments with cells
      extracted from organic soils.
AB  - Denitrifying prokaryotes are phylogenetically and functionally diverse. Little is
      known about the relationship between soil denitrifier community composition and
      functional traits. We extracted bacterial cells from three cultivated peat soils
      with contrasting native pH by density gradient centrifugation and investigated
      their kinetics of oxygen depletion and NO2 -, NO, N(2) O and N(2) accumulation
      during initially hypoxic batch incubations (0.5-1 MUM O(2)) in minimal medium
      buffered at either pH 5.4 or 7.1 (2 mM glutamate, 2 mM NO3 -). The three
      communities differed strikingly in NO2 - accumulation and transient N(2) O
      accumulation at the two pH levels, whereas NO peak concentrations (24-53 nM) were
      similar across all communities and pH treatments. The results confirm that the
      communities represent different denitrification regulatory phenotypes, as
      indicated by previous denitrification bioassays with nonbuffered slurries of the
      same three soils. The composition of the extracted cells resembled that of the
      parent soils (PCR-TRFLP analyses of 16S rRNA genes, nirK, nirS and nosZ), which
      were found to differ profoundly in their genetic composition (Braker et al., ).
      Together, this suggests that direct pH response of denitrification depends on
      denitrifier community composition, with implications for the propensity of soils
      to emit N(2) O to the atmosphere.

PMID- 22093001
TI  - Fate of autologous and fresh-frozen allogeneic block bone grafts used for ridge
      augmentation. A CBCT-based analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate dimensional changes in autologous (AT) and fresh-frozen
      allogeneic (AL) block bone grafts 6 months after alveolar ridge augmentation.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six partially or totally edentulous patients treated
      either with fresh-frozen AL bone or AT bone onlay block grafts prior to implant
      placement (13 patients in each group), were included in this analysis. Patients
      received CBCT (i-CAT Classic) examinations prior to surgery and 14 days and 6
      months after grafting. Differences in alveolar ridge area among the various
      observation times were evaluated by planimetric measurements on two-dimensional
      CBCT images of the grafted regions. Nineteen grafted blocks from each group were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Significant increase in alveolar ridge dimensions, allowing
      implant placement, was obtained with both types of grafts 6 months after
      grafting; no significant differences in alveolar ridge area were observed between
      the groups at the various observation times. However, graft resorption in the AL
      group was significantly larger compared to that in the AT group at 6 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Larger bone graft resorption was seen in patients treated with fresh
      frozen AL bone than in those treated with AT bone 6 months following alveolar
      ridge augmentation.

PMID- 22093002
TI  - White globules in melanocytic neoplasms: in vivo and ex vivo characteristics.

PMID- 22093003
TI  - Inflammation and remodelling patterns in early stage chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A distinct set of inflammatory and remodelling factors have been
      found elevated in chronic rhinosinusitis. OBJECTIVE: The investigation of their
      expression in early stage disease may reveal early events in this common disease.
      METHODS: Sinonasal mucosal samples from nine patients with early stage CRSsNP
      were taken from the inferior and middle turbinates, the uncinate process,
      maxillary sinus, anterior ethmoid, bulla ethmoidalis and the posterior ethmoid
      and measured for TGF-beta 1 and it's receptors, MPO protein as well as pro
      inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) and the Th1 cell signature (IFN
      gamma and T-bet). As outcome parameter for TGF-beta signalling collagen
      deposition was analysed. Inferior turbinates from patients undergoing (rhino-)
      septoplasty were collected as controls. RESULTS: TGF-beta 1 protein
      concentrations were significantly increased in the maxillary sinuses (P = 0.006),
      the uncinate process (P = 0.01), the anterior ethmoid including the bulla
      ethmoidalis (P = 0.005) and the posterior ethmoid (P = 0.037) when compared to
      the inferior and middle turbinates. Collagen deposition was significantly
      increased in the maxillary sinus when compared to the inferior turbinates (P =
      0.008). In contrast, mRNA for TGF-beta receptors, Th1 related markers (IFN-gamma
      and T-bet), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha), and MPO protein
      as neutrophil marker were expressed at all locations but showed no significant
      differences between the various locations. TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression in inferior
      turbinates of CRSsNP was significantly higher when compared to inferior
      turbinates of controls (P = 0.017). The pro-inflammatory cytokines and Th1
      related cytokines did not show an upregulation in inferior turbinates of CRSsNP
      when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: In early stage chronic sinus disease, TGF
      beta protein is expressed in significantly higher concentrations within the
      paranasal sinuses when compared to turbinates, whereas pro-inflammatory,
      neutrophilic and Th1 markers did not show any difference. These findings suggest
      that TGF-beta plays a central role in the initiation of CRSsNP, and represents a
      major target for further research and future intervention.

PMID- 22093004
TI  - Differential photoinhibition of bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidation.
AB  - Inhibition by light potentially influences the distribution of ammonia oxidizers
      in aquatic environments and is one explanation for nitrite maxima near the base
      of the euphotic zone of oceanic waters. Previous studies of photoinhibition have
      been restricted to bacterial ammonia oxidizers, rather than archaeal ammonia
      oxidizers, which dominate in marine environments. To compare the photoinhibition
      of bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizers, specific growth rates of two ammonia
      oxidizing archaea (Nitrosopumilus maritimus and Nitrosotalea devanaterra) and
      bacteria (Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrosospira multiformis) were determined at
      different light intensities under continuous illumination and light/dark cycles.
      All strains were inhibited by continuous illumination at the highest intensity
      (500 MUE m(-2) s(-1)). At lower light intensities, archaeal growth was much more
      photosensitive than bacterial growth, with greater inhibition at 60 MUE m(-2) s(
      1) than at 15 MUE m(-2) s(-1), where bacteria were unaffected. Archaeal ammonia
      oxidizers were also more sensitive to cycles of 8-h light/16-h darkness at two
      light intensities (60 and 15 MUE m(-2) s(-1)) and, unlike bacterial strains,
      showed no evidence of recovery during dark phases. The findings provide evidence
      for niche differentiation in aquatic environments and reduce support for
      photoinhibition as an explanation of nitrite maxima in the ocean.

PMID- 22093005
TI  - Adjunctive daily supplementation with encapsulated fruit, vegetable and berry
      juice powder concentrates and clinical periodontal outcomes: a double-blind RCT.
AB  - AIM: A double-blind randomized controlled trial to determine whether dietary
      supplementation with fruit/vegetable/berry juice powder concentrates,
      simultaneously with non-surgical periodontal therapy, improved 2-month treatment
      outcomes. METHODS: Volunteers with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned
      to one of three groups: fruit/vegetable (FV), fruit/vegetable/berry (FVB) or
      placebo. Supplements were taken daily during non-surgical debridement and
      maintenance and outcomes assessed at 2, 5 and 8 months after completion. Primary
      outcomes were mean probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment gain, % sites
      bleeding on probing (% BOP) at 2 months. Adherence and plasma beta-carotene were
      determined. RESULTS: Sixty-one nutritionally replete (by serum biochemistry)
      volunteers enrolled and 60 (n = 20 per arm) completed the 2-month review.
      Clinical outcomes improved in all groups at 2 months, with additional improvement
      in PPD versus placebo for FV (p < 0.03). Gingival crevicular fluid volumes
      diminished more in supplement groups than placebo (FVB; p < 0.05) at 2 months,
      but not at later times. The % BOP (5 months) and cumulative plaque scores (8
      months) were lowered more in the FV group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive
      juice powder concentrates appear to improve initial pocket depth reductions in
      nutritionally replete patients, where plasma micronutrient bioavailability is
      attainable. Definitive multicentre studies in untreated and treated patients are
      required to ascertain the clinical significance of such changes.

PMID- 22093006
TI  - Baby oil therapy for uremic pruritus in haemodialysis patients.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of
      chilled/un-chilled baby oil therapy for treating uremic pruritus in haemodialysis
      patients. BACKGROUND: Uremic pruritus affects 50-90% of haemodialysis patients,
      which makes it one of the most common medical problems in this population.
      Pruritus can cause skin infection, desquamation, pathological skin change, sleep
      disorder, anxiety, depression and social dysfunction. DESIGN: A prospective,
      pretest-post-test quasi-experimental design was used. METHODS: Haemodialysis
      patients with uremic pruritus were recruited and randomly assigned to one of
      three groups: experimental group 1 (chilled baby oil treatment; n = 30),
      experimental group 2 (un-chilled baby oil treatment; n = 31) and a control group
      (routine care only; n = 32). Participants in experimental group 1 and
      experimental group 2 were treated with chilled and un-chilled baby oil,
      respectively, for 15 minutes at least once daily for three weeks. The control
      group received no intervention other than standard care. Data collection included
      demographic data and itch severity. Medical records were also reviewed. RESULTS:
      The baseline characteristics of subjects in this study were as follows: 59% were
      male, mean age was 61.88 (SD 12.7) years, mean duration of haemodialysis was 5.31
      years, mean duration of uremic pruritus was 40.58 (SD 37.8) months and mean
      intensity of uremic pruritus was mild. The anti-pruritic effects were
      significantly larger in subjects treated with either chilled or un-chilled baby
      oil than in those who received routine care. Anti-pruritic effects did not
      significantly differ between experimental group 1 and experimental group 2.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that, for relieving pruritus in haemodialysis
      patients, either chilled or un-chilled baby oil is as effective as moisturising
      lotions and cooling soothing agents. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Applying
      baby oil is a simple, safe, inexpensive and easily administered treatment for
      itchy skin in haemodialysis patients. By preventing or reducing uremic pruritus,
      baby oil treatment may also improve quality of life in this patient group.

PMID- 22093008
TI  - The clinical evaluation of penicillin allergy: what is necessary, sufficient and
      safe given the materials currently available?

PMID- 22093009
TI  - Unravelling gene-by-environment effects in asthma and allergy: the glutathione
      pathway as an early success story.

PMID- 22093010
TI  - A statement on cefazolin immediate hypersensitivity: data from a large database,
      and focus on the cross-reactivities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More perioperative cefazolin use has resulted in an increased risk of
      cefazolin-associated reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to study
      immediate reactions to cefazolin and attempt to determine possible allergic cross
      reactivity with other beta-lactams using data from the Drug Allergy and
      Hypersensitivity Database (DAHD). METHODS: All 25 cefazolin-associated reactions
      in the DAHD were reviewed. The cases identified were then investigated according
      to the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) recommendations by skin testing
      and challenges. RESULTS: A total of 10 individuals with proven IgE-mediated
      cefazolin hypersensitivity were identified between January 1999 and July 2009.
      All the index reactions were compatible with an acute IgE-mediated process, six
      with anaphylaxis, two with systemic allergic reactions without hypotension, and
      two with urticaria/angioedema. Cefazolin skin tests were positive in seven
      individuals and cefazolin challenges were positive in three more individuals. In
      the eight cefazolin allergic patients who had challenges with other beta-lactams,
      there was no positive reaction noted. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this
      cohort of patients with IgE-mediated reactions to cefazolin, a majority tolerated
      amoxicillin and several patients tolerated other cephalosporins. This implies
      that the R1 side-chain may play an essential role in IgE-mediated reactions to
      cefazolin. No clear rule to predict cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams
      could be determined. More research on IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to cefazolin
      and other cephalosporins is needed.

PMID- 22093011
TI  - Effective treatment of experimental ragweed-induced asthma with STAT-6-IP, a
      topically delivered cell-penetrating peptide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of allergic airways disease including asthma remains
      primarily local immunosuppression with topical corticosteroid and symptomatic
      management with antihistamines and anti-leucotrienes. We have developed a novel
      topical therapy designed to specifically inhibit the events associated with Th2
      cell activation. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the efficacy of our cell-penetrating STAT
      6 inhibitory peptide (STAT-6-IP), a novel treatment for allergic airways disease,
      in a model of chronic ragweed-induced asthma. METHODS: Six- to eight-week-old
      mice were sensitized over 5 weeks with intranasal (IN) exposures to whole ragweed
      allergen without adjuvant. Mice were then IN challenged with Amba 1 with and
      without treatment IN with STAT-6-IP and allergic responses assessed. Two weeks
      later, some animals were rechallenged with Amba 1 with or without STAT-6-IP.
      RESULTS: Animals exposed to IN ragweed developed significant airway
      hyperresponsiveness and airways inflammation upon challenge. Cell cultures showed
      increases in Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Topical STAT-6-IP treatment reduced
      production of Th2 cytokines, demonstrated increased expression of IL-10 and
      reduced frequency of cultured IL-4 positive CD4+ T cells derived from treated
      mice, suggesting that STAT-6-IP treatment may be immunomodulatory. Airway
      responsiveness to methacholine challenge in the treatment group was similarly
      reduced to that of the non-allergic PBS-exposed animals. Importantly, STAT-6-IP
      treated mice remained hyporesponsive following second ragweed challenge 2 weeks
      after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggest that
      topical application of the STAT-6-IP is sufficient to inhibit allergic airways
      responses in animals chronically sensitized and challenged with ragweed. Data
      show that a single topical treatment course is sufficient to block signs of
      allergic responses to ragweed in the airways for at least 2 weeks. STAT-6-IP is a
      novel potential treatment for chronic allergic asthma.

PMID- 22093013
TI  - Dimensions of buccal bone and mucosa at immediately placed implants after 7
      years: a clinical and cone beam computed tomography study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dimensions of buccal
      bone and soft tissue at immediately placed implants over a 7-year period.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients, that participated in a clinical
      prospective study and received implants immediately placed into extraction
      socket, were enrolled for this study. Residual bone defects were grafted with
      xenogenic bone substitute and covered by means of collagen membrane. Baseline
      examination included measurements of full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores, width
      of keratinized mucosa, and dimensions of residual bone defects at the buccal
      aspect. Seven years after implant placement, full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth
      bleeding score, width of keratinized mucosa, and probing pocket depth were
      assessed and cone beam computed tomography images acquired. Dimensions of buccal
      bone and soft tissue were evaluated on the cross-sectional cone beam computed
      tomography reconstructions. Differences between two time-points were tested using
      the two-sided t-test. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the influence
      of baseline bone defect dimensions on the bone dimensions measured at the 7-year
      follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen patients attended the follow-up
      examination. In five implants almost no buccal bone was detected, whereas in the
      remaining nine implants the buccal bone was found covering the rough implant
      surface. No correlation was found between initial bone defects and bone
      dimensions at the follow-up examination. The sites without radiographically
      detectable buccal bone at the 7-year control presented with 1 mm more apical
      mucosal level in comparison to implants with intact buccal bone.

PMID- 22093014
TI  - Experimental evidence for interfacial biochemical bonding in osseointegrated
      titanium implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (i) To identify and quantify an interfacial biochemical bond and the
      bonding strength of osseointegrated implants with bioactive titanium oxide
      chemistry, ATiO(x)B (A, metal cations; TiO(x) , titanium oxides/hydroxides; B,
      non-metal anions) and (ii) to provide quantitative evidence for the biochemical
      bond theory of osseointegration proposed by Sul et al. for description and
      explanation of why and how the implants with ATiO(x) B surface oxide chemistry
      may exhibit a significantly stronger bone response, in spite of the fact that the
      roughness values approached zero, or were equivalent to or significantly lower
      than those of the control implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied a newly
      developed biochemical bond measurement (BBM) method to model implant surfaces
      that were "perfectly" smooth nanotopography near-zero roughness as the constant
      parameter, and used the bioactive surface chemistry of titanium oxide, ATiOx B
      chemistry as a variable parameter in rabbit tibiae for 10 weeks. In this manner,
      we determined an interfacial biochemical bond and quantified its bonding
      strength. RESULTS: The increase in biochemical bond strengths of the test implant
      relative to the control implant was determined to be 0.018 (+/-0.008) MPa (0.031
      vs 0.021 MPa, n = 10) for tensile strength and 8.9 (+/-6.1) Ncm (33.0 vs 24.1
      Ncm, n = 10) for removal torque. Tensile and removal torque show strong
      correlation in the Pearson test (r = 0.901, P <= 0.001). In addition,
      histomorphometric measurements including bone-to-metal-contact (BMC, P = 0.007),
      bone area and newly formed bone showed significant increases in the mean values
      for ATiO(x) B chemistry (P = 0.007, n = 10). Biochemical bond theory states that
      the surface oxide chemistry, ATiO(x) B must have more electrical and chemical
      molecular polarity that fractionally charges the surfaces denoted as delta(+) and
      delta(-) and leads to electrostatic and electrodynamic interactions with the bone
      healing cascade, eventually leading to the formation of biochemical bonding at
      the bone/implant interface. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has provided
      quantitative evidence for biochemical bond theory of osseointegration of implants
      with bioactive surface oxide chemistry, ATiO(x) B. The theory of biochemical
      bonds may provide a scientific rationale pertinent to recent emerging trends and
      technologies for surface chemistry modifications of implants.

PMID- 22093015
TI  - Caring for women with unintended pregnancies.
AB  - Unintended pregnancy is a common reproductive health event. Professional
      responsibilities for nurses providing care to women with unintended pregnancies
      include appropriate assessment, options counseling, provision of or referral for
      desired services, care coordination, and prevention efforts aimed at decreasing
      future unintended pregnancies. Nurses' awareness of available services and their
      involvement in referring or providing services is an essential component to
      reproductive health care.

PMID- 22093016
TI  - Can we define a tolerable level of risk in food allergy? Report from a
      EuroPrevall/UK Food Standards Agency workshop.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an emerging consensus that, as with other risks in society,
      zero risk for food-allergic people is not a realistic or attainable option. Food
      allergy challenge data and new risk assessment methods offer the opportunity to
      develop quantitative limits for unintended allergenic ingredients which can be
      used in risk-based approaches. However, a prerequisite to their application is
      defining a tolerable level of risk. This requires a value judgement and is
      ultimately a 'societal' decision that has to involve all relevant stakeholders.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the workshop was to bring together key representatives from
      the stakeholders (regulators, food industry, clinical researchers and patients),
      and for the first time ever discuss the definition of a tolerable level of risk
      with regard to allergic reactions to food. RESULTS: The discussions revealed a
      consensus that zero risk was not a realistic option and that it is essential to
      address the current lack of agreed action levels for cross-contamination with
      allergens if food allergen management practice is to be improved. The discussions
      also indicated that it was difficult to define and quantify a tolerable level of
      risk, although both the clinical and the industry groups tried to do so. A
      consensus emerged that doing nothing was not a viable option, and there was a
      strong desire to take action to improve the current situation. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Two concrete actions were suggested: (1) Action levels should
      be derived from the data currently available. Different scenarios should be
      examined and further developed in an iterative process. On the basis of this
      work, a tolerable level of risk should be proposed. (2) 'One-dose' clinical trial
      with a low challenge dose should be performed in multiple centres to provide
      additional information about the general applicability of dose-distribution
      models and help validate the threshold levels derived.

PMID- 22093017
TI  - The use of delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage
      and T2 mapping to evaluate articular cartilage in the normal canine elbow.
AB  - Commonly used diagnostic tools used to evaluate articular cartilage lack the
      sensitivity, specificity, and objectivity to measure early changes associated
      with osteoarthritis. Two techniques using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have
      been developed to detect the biology of articular cartilage are delayed
      gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping. Both
      techniques have been validated and are used to study the degenerative and
      adaptive nature of articular cartilage in people. The use of these techniques as
      a diagnostic tool in dogs has not been well described. We evaluated articular
      cartilage in the region of the medial coronoid process (MCP) of six healthy dogs
      free of detectable orthopedic disease using both MR imaging techniques. Histology
      and proteoglycan (PG) content of the MCP were used to confirm normal articular
      cartilage. All dogs had ground reaction forces consistent with normal function.
      Mean dGEMRIC index (T1 value) was 400 +/- 47 ms and mean T2 value was 56 +/- 8
      ms. Intra- and interobserver variability was low. dGEMRIC and T2 values for
      normal cartilage in the elbow of the dog can be generated reproducibly using 3T
      MR imaging. Using these techniques as objective outcome measures for clinical
      studies in dogs with OA conditions should help delineate the efficacy of some
      disease interventions.

PMID- 22093018
TI  - A longitudinal investigation of sports-related risk factors for disordered eating
      in aesthetic sports.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated a higher risk of disordered eating in certain
      types of elite sports such as aesthetic sports (e.g., rhythmical gymnastics,
      figure skating). But even though some studies on risk factors for disordered
      eating in sports exist, most research on this topic is based on cross-sectional
      data with limitations on causal inferences. We examined sports-related risk
      factors for disordered eating in a 1-year longitudinal study with two assessment
      points. The participants were 65 adolescent athletes from aesthetic sports (mean
      age 14.0  +/-.2.2 years) who completed measures of disordered eating, social
      pressure from the sports environment, sports-related body dissatisfaction, desire
      to be leaner to improve sports performance, and emotional distress resulting from
      missed exercise sessions. All variables were relatively stable in the mean.
      Individual changes in the desire to be leaner to improve sports performance were
      associated with individual changes in disordered eating. Furthermore, a cross
      lagged partial correlation analysis showed that the desire to be leaner to
      improve sports performance was predictive of disordered eating and not vice
      versa. The results of our study indicate that athletes are more at risk for
      disordered eating if they believe it is possible to enhance their sports
      performance through weight regulation.

PMID- 22093019
TI  - Reliability and fatigue failure modes of implant-supported aluminum-oxide fixed
      dental prostheses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate failure modes and reliability of implant-supported
      aluminum-oxide three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) using two different
      veneering porcelains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six aluminum-oxide FDP
      frameworks were computer-aided designed and computer-aided manufactured and
      either hand-veneered(n = 18) or over-pressed(n = 18). All FDPs were adhesively
      luted to custom-made zirconium-oxide-abutments attached to dental implant
      fixtures (regular platform 4 * 13 mm). Specimens were stored in water before
      mechanical testing. A step-stress accelerated life test (SSALT) with three
      load/cycles varying profiles was developed based on initial single-load-to
      failure testing. Failure was defined by veneer chipping or chipping in
      combination with framework fracture. SSALT was performed on each FDP inclined 30
      degrees  with respect to the applied load direction. For all specimens, failure
      modes were analyzed using polarized reflected light microscopy and scanning
      electron microscopy. Reliability was computed using Weibull analysis software
      (Reliasoft). RESULTS: The dominant failure mode for the over-pressed FDPs was
      buccal chipping of the porcelain in the loading area of the pontic, while hand
      veneered specimens failed mainly by combined failure modes in the veneering
      porcelain, framework, and abutments. Chipping of the porcelain occurred earlier
      in the over-pressed specimens (350 N/85 k, load/cycles) than in the hand-veneered
      ones (600 N/110 k) (profile I). Given a mission at 300 N load and 100 or 200 k
      cycles, the computed Weibull reliability (two-sided at 90% confidence bounds) was
      0.99(1/0.98) and 0.99(1/0.98) for hand-veneered FDPs and 0.45(0.76/0.10) and
      0.05(0.63/0) for over-pressed FDPs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the range of
      average clinical loads (300-700 N), hand-veneered aluminum-oxide FDPs showed
      significantly less failure by chipping of the veneer than the over-pressed. Hand
      veneered FDPs under fatigue loading failed at loads >=600 N.

PMID- 22093020
TI  - Computer-aided pattern classification system for dermoscopy images.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computer-aided pattern classification of melanoma and other pigmented
      skin lesions is one of the most important tasks for clinical diagnosis. To
      differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, the extraction of color,
      architectural order, symmetry of pattern and homogeneity (CASH) is a challenging
      task. METHODS: In this article, a novel pattern classification system (PCS) based
      on the clinical CASH rule is presented to classify among six classes of patterns.
      The PCS system consists of the following five steps: transformation to the CIE
      L*a*b* color space, pre-processing to enhance the tumor region and removal of
      hairs, tumor-area segmentation, color and texture feature extraction, and
      finally, classification based on a multiclass support vector machine. RESULTS:
      The PCS system is tested on a total of 180 dermoscopic images. To test the
      performance of the PCS diagnostic classifier, the area under the receiver
      operating characteristics curve (AUC) is utilized. The proposed classifier
      achieved a sensitivity of 91.64%, specificity of 94.14%, and AUC of 0.948.
      CONCLUSION: The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed pattern
      classifier is highly accurate and classify between benign and malignant lesions
      into some extend. The PCS method is fully automatic and can accurately detect
      different patterns from dermoscopy images using color and texture properties.
      Additional pattern features can be included to investigate the impact of pattern
      classification based on the CASH rule.

PMID- 22093021
TI  - Large-scale improvement initiatives in healthcare: a scan of the literature.
AB  - CONTEXT: The goal of this article is to provide a succinct scan of the literature
      as it relates to the current thinking and practice in large-scale improvement
      initiatives in healthcare. METHOD: We employed a scan of the literature using a
      modified Delphi technique. A standard review form was used. The scan was limited
      to large-scale spread efforts in hospitals and healthcare systems. Each of the
      main factors that emerged during the scan was linked to secondary factors and
      organized using a driver diagram. FINDINGS: Four primary drivers (factors)
      emerged during our scan that inform large-scale change initiatives in healthcare:
      Planning and Infrastructure; Individual, Group, Organizational, and System
      Factors; The Process of Change; and Performance Measures and Evaluation.
      CONCLUSION: Our scan identified a tremendous amount of work being done around the
      world to improve healthcare. In general, our findings suggest these initiatives
      tend to be fragmented from an implementation standpoint. We identified primary
      and secondary drivers (factors) that can be used by those responsible for
      implementing large-scale improvement initiatives both at a strategy level and in
      their daily work. These drivers could serve as a "checklist" of ideas to consider
      in different testing and implementation situations.

PMID- 22093022
TI  - Tooth loss in periodontally treated patients: a long-term study of periodontal
      disease and root caries.
AB  - AIM: To study periodontal conditions, root caries, number of lost teeth and
      causes for tooth loss during 11-14 years after active periodontal treatment.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients participated in the follow-up study.
      Reasons for tooth loss were identified through previous case books, radiographs
      and clinical photos. To identify factors contributing to tooth loss, a logistic
      multilevel regression analysis was used. RESULTS: The number of lost teeth was
      211. The main reason was periodontal disease (n = 153). Due to root caries and
      endodontic complications, 28 and 17 teeth, respectively, were lost. Thirteen
      teeth were lost for other reasons. The number of teeth (p = 0.05) and prevalence
      of probing pocket depths, 4-6 mm (p = 0.01) at baseline, smoking (p = 0.01) and
      the number of visits at dental hygienists (p = 0.03) during maintenance,
      significantly contributed to explain the variation in tooth loss. CONCLUSION:
      Previously treated patients at a specialist clinic for periodontology continued
      to lose teeth in spite of maintenance treatments at general practitioners and
      dental hygienists. The main reason for tooth loss was periodontal disease. Tooth
      loss was significantly more prevalent among smokers than non-smokers. Tooth
      related risk factors were smoking, low numbers of teeth and prevalence of
      periodontal pockets, 4-6 mm.

PMID- 22093023
TI  - Sample pooling obscures diversity patterns in intertidal ciliate community
      composition and structure.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sample pooling on the portrayal
      of ciliate community structure and composition in intertidal sediment samples.
      Molecular ciliate community profiles were obtained from nine biological
      replicates distributed in three discrete sampling plots and from samples that
      were pooled prior to RNA extraction using terminal restriction fragment
      polymorphism (T-RFLP) analyses of SSU rRNA. Comparing the individual replicates
      of one sampling plot with each other, we found a differential variability among
      the individual biological replicates. T-RFLP profiles of pooled samples displayed
      a significantly different community composition compared with the cumulative
      individual biological replicate samples. We conclude that sample pooling obscures
      diversity patterns in ciliate and possibly also other microbial eukaryote
      studies. However, differences between pooled samples and replicates were less
      pronounced when community structure was analyzed. We found that the most abundant
      T-RFLP peaks were generally shared between biological replicates and pooled
      samples. Assuming that the most abundant taxa in an ecosystem under study are
      also the ones driving ecosystem processes, sample pooling may still be effective
      for the analyses of ecological key players.

PMID- 22093024
TI  - Basal cell carcinoma, syringocystadenoma papilliferum, trichilemmoma, and
      sebaceoma arising within a nevus sebaceus associated with pigmented nevi.

PMID- 22093025
TI  - Mechanical stability of the femoral fixation for single- and double-bundle ACL
      reconstruction in an in vitro experimental model.
AB  - Anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction using the double-bundle (DB)
      technique is gaining popularity. A possible weak link in the DB technique could
      be that two tendon grafts of smaller diameters are used. The purpose of this
      study was to test different femoral fixation methods and graft diameters
      representing single-bundle (SB) and DB ACL reconstructions and compare their
      biomechanical properties. We hypothesized that SB 6-mm graft constructs had
      inferior biomechanical properties than SB 9-mm grafts or DB 2 * 6-mm grafts.
      Furthermore, we hypothesized that interference (IF) screw fixation would
      demonstrate less elongation and a higher stiffness than Endobutton (Smith &
      Nephew(r), Inc., Andover, Massachusetts, USA) fixation (EBF). We performed an in
      vitro study using porcine knees and extensor tendons. The mechanical test
      consisted of a cyclic test followed by a load-to-failure test. We found that 6-mm
      graft constructs had an ultimate failure load that was up to 40% less than both
      the 9-mm and 2 * 6-mm graft constructs, despite the fixation method (P-values >=
      0.004). Comparing fixation methods, EBF was superior to IF concerning maximum
      load to failure (P < 0.001); IF resulted in a higher stiffness of the femur/graft
      complex than the EBF (P < 0.001) but no significant difference in elongation
      between fixation methods. Since the two graft strands are subjected to different
      loads in different knee flexion angles, the reduced strength of the individual
      graft strands in DB ACL reconstruction could be a concern.

PMID- 22093026
TI  - A single-center study of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for primary
      immune deficiencies (PIDD).
AB  - PIDD are rare inherited disorders that can result in life-threatening infections.
      Allogeneic HSCT is the only cure for many primary immune deficiencies; however,
      the specific diseases and optimal type(s) of transplants are not clear. This
      study compares transplant outcomes in a large cohort with a relatively uniform
      pre- and post-transplant management strategies. We conducted a retrospective
      analysis of 39 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT for SCID (n = 25) or other
      immune deficiencies (n = 14) from 1986 to 2010. A structured case report form was
      used to collect clinical information. The outcomes of survival, immune
      reconstitution, engraftment, incidence of GvHD and IVIG dependency were
      tabulated. Overall survival rates were 88% for SCID and 86% for other primary
      immune deficiencies, which are high compared to other historical series. No
      single variable was associated with mortality. Immunoglobulin dependence occurred
      only in patients who had X-linked SCID and a parental donor haploidentical
      transplant. Because of improved supportive care and use of alternative donors and
      conditioning regimens, HSCT has become an acceptable option for an increasing
      number of PIDD subtypes not previously transplanted with high frequency. This
      study encourages greater use of transplantation.

PMID- 22093027
TI  - A novel fingerprint method to assess the diversity of methanogens in microbial
      systems.
AB  - Understanding the ecology of methanogens in natural and engineered environments
      is a prerequisite to predicting or managing methane emissions. In this study, a
      novel high-throughput fingerprint method was developed for determining methanogen
      diversity and relative abundance within environmental samples. The method
      described here, designated amplicon length heterogeneity PCR of the mcrA gene (LH
      mcrA), is based on the natural length variation in the mcrA gene. The mcrA gene
      encodes the alpha-subunit of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase, which is involved
      in the terminal step of methane production by methanogens. The methanogenic
      communities from stored swine and dairy manures were distinct from each other. To
      validate the method, methanogenic communities in a plug flow-type bioreactor
      (PFBR) treating swine manure were characterized using LH-mcrA method and
      correlated to mcrA gene clone libraries. The diversity and relative abundance of
      the methanogenic groups were assessed. Methanobrevibacter, Methanosarcinaceae,
      Methanoculleus, Methanogenium, Methanocorpusculum and one unidentified group were
      assigned to particular LH-mcrA amplicons. Particular phylotypes related to
      Methanoculleus were predominant in the last compartment of the PFBR where the
      bulk of methane was produced. LH-mcrA method was found to be a reliable, fast and
      cost-effective alternative for diversity assessment of methanogenic communities
      in microbial systems.

PMID- 22093028
TI  - Effect of prednisone administration on coagulation variables in healthy Beagle
      dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term corticosteroid therapy has been associated with increased
      risk of thrombotic disease in dogs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective
      study was to use thrombelastography (TEG) and thrombin generation (TG) to detect
      development of a hypercoagulable state in healthy Beagle dogs receiving oral
      prednisone. We hypothesized that administration of corticosteroids would result
      in a hypercoagulable profile on TEG tracings and an increase in TG. METHODS: Six
      healthy adult Beagles from the University of Montreal's research colony were used
      to conduct a prospective longitudinal study in which all dogs received 1 mg/kg of
      prednisone orally once daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 6-week washout period,
      and then 4 mg/kg of prednisone orally once daily for 2 weeks. TEG tracings on
      citrated whole blood and TG measurements on frozen-thawed platelet-poor plasma
      were obtained before prednisone administration (baseline), at the end of the
      washout period, and at the end of both corticosteroid trials. RESULTS:
      Significant differences compared with baseline values were obtained for K, alpha,
      and MA, with tracings compatible with a hypercoagulable profile following both
      corticosteroid trials. There was a significant increase in endogenous thrombin
      potential only after low-dose (1 mg/kg) prednisone. CONCLUSION: Administration of
      prednisone to healthy Beagles resulted in hypercoagulability as indicated by TEG
      tracings, whereas the effect on TG was more variable. Further studies are needed
      to determine the underlying mechanisms of hypercoagulability and its clinical
      impact.

PMID- 22093029
TI  - The effect of hydrophilic titanium surface modification on macrophage
      inflammatory cytokine gene expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chemical modification of microrough titanium dental implants to
      produce a hydrophilic surface with increased wettability and improved surface
      energy has been demonstrated clinically to achieve superior bone wound healing
      and osseointegration compared to that achieved with a microrough titanium surface
      alone. As the recruitment of the necessary osseoinductive precursors involved in
      bone wound healing and osseointegration to the wound site is facilitated by the
      action of cytokines, this study sought to determine the in vitro effect of
      hydrophilic surface modification on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      from adherent macrophages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surface topography and
      composition of the titanium surfaces was characterized by scanning electron
      microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Macrophage attachment and
      proliferation was assessed using an MTT assay. The expression of 84 pro
      inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by adherent RAW 264.7 cells, a murine
      leukaemic monocyte cell line, was assessed by PCR array after 24 h culture on
      either smooth polished, sand-blasted acid-etched (SLA) or hydrophilic-modified
      SLA (SLActive) titanium surfaces. RESULTS: Following 24 h culture on titanium,
      surface microroughness activated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription in
      RAW 264.7 cells. Although there was no significant difference in the degree of
      cellular attachment or proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells to the different titanium
      surfaces, by 24 h the hydrophilic surface elicited a gene expression profile with
      significant down-regulation of the key pro-inflammatory cytokines Tnfalpha, IL
      1alpha, IL-1beta and the chemokine Ccl-2. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of the
      expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes may thus modulate the inflammatory
      response and may facilitate the enhanced bone wound healing and osseointegration
      observed clinically using implants with a microrough hydrophilic surface.

PMID- 22093030
TI  - Earlobe keloids: classification according to gross morphology determines proper
      surgical approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previous study described the outcomes of a treatment protocol using
      a prospective design and identified three clinical risk factors for recurrent
      keloids. OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel classification of earlobe keloids
      through a retrospective study and describe the appropriate surgical methods
      according to this new classification. METHODS: One thousand twenty-seven earlobe
      keloids were treated at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from March 2001 to February
      2011. All cases were studied retrospectively and classified. RESULTS: The earlobe
      keloids were classified into five groups. The frequency of earlobe keloids in
      descending order were a sessile type, single nodular pattern; pedunculated type;
      sessile type, multinodular pattern; buried type; and mixed type. Different
      surgical methods were used based on the Chang-Park classification according to
      gross morphology, including core extirpation using a penetrating technique,
      standard keloidectomy, radical keloidectomy, keloidectomy with core extirpation,
      and a combination of these. All cases were closed primarily without skin grafting
      or sacrifice of the surrounding tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This novel classification
      for earlobe keloids can lead to a better understanding of the different types of
      earlobe keloids and inform decisions regarding surgical methods.

PMID- 22093031
TI  - Virus-triggered autophagy in viral hepatitis - possible novel strategies for drug
      development.
AB  - Autophagy is a very tightly regulated process that is important in many cellular
      processes including development, differentiation, survival and homoeostasis. The
      importance of this process has already been proven in numerous common diseases
      such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging data indicate that
      autophagy plays an important role in some liver diseases including liver injury
      induced by ischaemia reperfusion and alpha-1 antitrypsin Z allele-dependent liver
      disease. Autophagy may also occur in viral infection, and it may play a crucial
      role in antimicrobial host defence against pathogens, while supporting cellular
      homoeostasis processes. Here, the latest findings on the role of autophagy in
      viral hepatitis B and C infection, which are both serious health threats, will be
      reviewed.

PMID- 22093032
TI  - Chronic hepatitis C infection blocks the ability of dendritic cells to secrete
      IFN-alpha and stimulate T-cell proliferation.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are likely to play a key role in the compromised T-cell
      function associated with hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. However, studies of
      DC function in HCV-infected patients to date have yielded conflicting findings
      possibly because of patient and virus heterogeneity. Here, we report the
      characterization of monocyte-derived DCs obtained from a homogenous cohort of
      women who were infected with HCV genotype 1b following exposure to contaminated
      anti-D immunoglobulin from a single donor source. Patients included in the study
      had not received anti-viral therapy and all had mild liver disease. We show that
      phenotypically normal monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) (CD11c(+) HLA(-)
      DR(+) CD1a(+) CD14(lo) ) can be obtained from these patients. These cells respond
      to both Poly(I:C) and LPS, by up-regulating expression of CD86. They secrete high
      levels of IL-8 and CCL5 in response to LPS, an indication that the MyD88
      dependent and MyD88-independent signalling pathways downstream of TLR4 ligation
      are functioning normally. However, these cells are poor stimulators of T-cell
      proliferation in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions. Furthermore, patient
      MDDCs fail to secrete IFN-alpha in response to poly(I:C) or IFN-beta stimulation.
      Altered DC function may contribute to impaired cellular immune responses and
      chronicity of disease following HCV infection in this cohort. An effective
      therapeutic vaccine for chronic HCV infection will most likely need to target DCs
      to elicit an appropriate cellular response; therefore, it is important to resolve
      how the DCs of different patient cohorts respond to stimulation via TLRs.

PMID- 22093033
TI  - Hepatitis C virus and the immunological response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in
      dialysis patients: meta-analysis of clinical studies.
AB  - It is well known that the seroconversion rate of patients following hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) vaccination is lower in uraemic than healthy subjects. A variety of
      inherited or acquired factors have been implicated in this diminished response,
      and the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients on
      maintenance dialysis has been suggested to play a role. However, the impact of
      HCV on the immune response to HB vaccine in patients receiving long-term dialysis
      is not entirely understood. Here, we evaluate the influence of HCV infection on
      the immunological response to HBV vaccine in dialysis population by performing a
      systematic review of the literature with a meta-analysis of clinical studies.We
      used the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird with heterogeneity and
      sensitivity analyses. The end-point of interest was the rate of patients showing
      seroprotective anti-hepatitis B titres at completion of HBV vaccine schedule
      among HCV-positive versus HCV-negative patients on chronic dialysis. We
      identified eight studies involving 520 unique patients on long-term dialysis.
      Aggregation of study results did not show a significant decrease in response
      rates among HCV-infected versus noninfected patients [pooled odds ratio = 0.621
      (95% CI, 0.285; 1.353)]. The P-value was 0.007 for our test of study
      heterogeneity. Stratified analysis in various subgroups of interest did not
      meaningfully change our results. Our meta-analysis showed no association between
      immunological response to hepatitis B vaccine and HCV infection in individuals on
      long-term dialysis. These results support the use of recombinant vaccine against
      hepatitis B in patients on regular dialysis with HCV infection.

PMID- 22093034
TI  - Clinical features and risk factors of creatine kinase elevations and myopathy
      associated with telbivudine.
AB  - With the extensive use of telbivudine, more and more studies reported its
      association with creatine kinase (CK) elevations and myopathy. However, clinical
      features of these adverse effects were poorly understood. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors of CK elevations
      and myopathy associated with telbivudine. The serum CK levels of 200 patients who
      were treated with telbivudine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) between January 2007
      and July 2010 were monitored and analysed along with clinical manifestations. The
      3-year cumulative incidence of CK elevations and myopathy was 84.3% and 5%,
      respectively. CK elevations occurred more frequently in men than in women, and
      patients aged <=45 years and with negative HBeAg had higher incidence of CK
      elevations. There was no difference in CK elevations among patients with
      different HBV DNA levels. Male, younger age and HBeAg negativity were independent
      predictors of CK elevations by multivariate Cox regression analysis. There was no
      association between the occurrence of myopathy and variables including age, sex,
      HBeAg and HBV DNA. No risk factors of myopathy were identified. CK elevations
      usually occurred 21 months after starting treatment, and most patients resolved
      spontaneously without interruption of telbivudine therapy except three patients
      who had to switch to other agents. In conclusion, CK elevations are common
      adverse reactions associated with telbivudine therapy, while myopathy is rare.
      Male, younger age and HBeAg negativity might be risk factors of CK elevations.

PMID- 22093035
TI  - Effect of dietary citric acid on the performance and mineral metabolism of
      broiler.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary citric acid
      (CA) on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler chicks. A total of 1720
      Ross PM3 broiler chicks (days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (430 in
      each) and reared for a period of 35 days. The diets of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were
      supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.75% or 1.25% CA by weight respectively. Feed and
      faeces samples were collected weekly and analysed for acid insoluble ash, calcium
      (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg). The pH was measured in feed and faeces.
      At the age of 28 days, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered; tibiae were
      collected from each bird for the determination of bone mineral density, total
      ash, Ca, P, Mg and bone-breaking strength, and blood was collected for the
      measurement of osteocalcin, serum CrossLaps((r)), Ca, P, Mg and 1,25(OH)(2)Vit-D
      in serum. After finishing the trial on day 37, all chicks were slaughtered by
      using the approved procedure. Birds that were fed CA diets were heavier (average
      body weights of 2030, 2079 and 2086 g in the 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA groups,
      respectively, relative to the control birds (1986 g). Feed conversion efficiency
      (weight gain in g per kg of feed intake) was also higher in birds of the CA-fed
      groups (582, 595 and 587 g/kg feed intake for 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA
      respectively), relative to the control birds (565 g/kg feed intake). The
      digestibility of Ca, P and Mg increased in the CA-fed groups, especially for the
      diets supplemented with 0.25% and 0.75% CA. Support for finding was also
      indicated in the results of the analysis of the tibia. At slaughter, the birds
      had higher carcass weights and higher graded carcasses in the groups that were
      fed the CA diets. The estimated profit margin was highest for birds fed the diet
      containing 0.25% CA. Birds of the 0.75% CA group were found to have the second
      highest estimated profit margin. Addition of CA up to a level of 1.25% of the
      diet increased performance, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight and
      carcass quality, but only in numerical terms. The addition of CA up to 0.75%
      significantly increased the digestibility of macro minerals, bone ash content,
      bone mineral density and bone strength of the broiler chicks. It may, therefore,
      be concluded that the addition of 0.75% CA in a standard diet is suitable for
      growth, carcass traits, macromineral digestibility and bone mineral density of
      broiler chicks.

PMID- 22093036
TI  - Successful treatment of cosmetic mucosal tattoos via Q-switched laser.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers is well established in the
      medical literature, but it is not clear how tattoos on mucosal membranes should
      be treated because of their infrequent presentation. OBJECTIVE: To report
      successful cosmetic tattoo removal using Q-switched laser irradiation on the oral
      mucosal surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three men with cosmetic tattoos on the
      orolabial mucosa of the lower lip sought permanent removal. Each patient received
      treatments using a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG)
      laser to the desired endpoint. RESULTS: Treatment of the affected area with the
      Nd:YAG laser resulted in clearing of the pigment without scarring. CONCLUSION: Q
      switched laser treatment is a safe and very effective means of removing cosmetic
      mucosal tattoos on the inner lip and should be considered the criterion standard
      treatment option.

PMID- 22093038
TI  - Development of new strains and related SCAR markers for an edible mushroom,
      Hypsizygus marmoreus.
AB  - New fast-growing and less bitter varieties of Hypsizygus marmoreus were developed
      by crossing monokaryotic mycelia from a commercial strain (Hm1-1) and a wild
      strain (Hm3-10). Six of the better tasting new strains with a shorter cultivation
      period were selected from 400 crosses in a large-scale cultivation experiment. We
      attempted to develop sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers to
      identify the new strain from other commercial strains. For the SCAR markers, we
      conducted molecular genetic analysis on a wild strain and the eight most
      cultivated H. marmoreus strains collected from various areas in East Asia by
      randomly amplified polymorphic DNA. Ten unique DNA bands for a commercial Hm1-1
      strain and the Hm3-10 strain were extracted and their sequences were determined.
      Primer sets were designed based on the determined sequences. PCR reactions with
      the primer sets revealed that four primer sets successfully discriminated the new
      strains from other commercial strains and are thus suitable for commercial
      purposes.

PMID- 22093037
TI  - Microbial diversity in bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis in Holstein dairy
      cows from upstate New York.
AB  - Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is one of the most prevalent diseases of
      cattle, adversely affecting the dairy industry by its negative effect on milk
      production and reproductive performance. Our objective was to use culture
      independent methods to determine the microbial diversity in different strata of
      PDD lesions of three Holstein dairy cows, analyzing whether major differences
      exist compared to foot skin of three non-infected cows. Both group-specific 16S
      rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone library
      sequencing of broad-range 16S rRNA gene showed differences between the microbial
      composition of healthy dairy cows and the different strata of the lesion. The
      predominant bacterial community in the lesion, regardless of the stratum,
      consisted of 166 specific phylotypes belonging to seven bacterial phyla.
      Spirochetes (particularly, treponemes) was the most prominent group detected in
      PDD deep biopsies and was only found in samples from the lesion. Additionally,
      one phylotype phylogenetically affiliated with uncultured Euryarchaeota was
      detected in two strata of the lesion. Sequences from healthy foot skin samples
      revealed 86 specific phylotypes that were affiliated with Firmicutes and
      Proteobacteria. Our study corroborates the theory that treponemes are involved in
      PDD disease etiology and suggests, for the first time, the presence of archaeal
      members in this particular bovine infection.

PMID- 22093039
TI  - Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of novel metallic ultrasonic scaler tip
      on titanium surfaces.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of novel ultrasonic scaler tips,
      conventional stainless-steel tips, and plastic tips on titanium surfaces.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mechanical instrumentation was carried out using
      conventional ultrasonic scalers (EMS, Nyon, Switzerland) with novel metallic
      implant tip (BS), a plastic-headed tip (ES), a plastic tip (PS) and a
      conventional stainless-steel tip (CS) on 10 polished commercially pure titanium
      disks (Grade II) per group. Arithmetic mean roughness (R(a) ) and maximum height
      roughness (R(y) ) of titanium samples were measured and dissipated power of the
      scaler tip in the tip-surface junction was estimated to investigate the scaling
      efficiency. The instrumented surface morphology of samples was viewed with a
      scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface profile of the each sample was
      investigated using contact mode with a commercial atomic force microscope (AFM).
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in surface roughness (R(a) and
      R(y) ) among BS, ES, and PS group. However, CS group showed significant higher
      surface roughness (R(a) and R(y) ). The efficiency of CS tip is twice as much
      higher than that of BS tip, the efficiency of BS tip is 20 times higher than that
      of PS tip, and the efficiency of BS tip is 90 times higher than that of ES tip.
      CONCLUSION: Novel metallic copper alloy ultrasonic scaler tips may minimally
      influence the titanium surface, similar to plastic tip. Therefore, they can be a
      suitable instrument for implant maintenance therapy.

PMID- 22093040
TI  - Methods for evaluation of cosmetic antioxidant capacity.
AB  - The skin as the largest part of human body is one of the main targets for
      ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, toxic chemicals and some metal
      ions, which share responsibility for the formation of free radicals. The
      resulting free radicals, both oxygen and nitrogen species are one of the main
      causes of aging due to impaired regulation of cell respiratory metabolism
      involving incomplete oxygen reduction in mitochondria and production a superoxide
      anion, hydroxyl radicals et al. In modern cosmetology to minimize the adverse
      effects of free radicals, antioxidants, which inhibit free radical reactions,
      mainly autoxidation processes are used. Currently, not only many cosmetic
      products containing antioxidants are available, but a large diversity of methods
      for determination of cosmetics antioxidant activity is also accessible. These
      methods can be divided into three main groups: in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo as
      reported herein. Due to lack of standardization and validation it is necessary to
      use a variety of methods as well as conditions for those purposes, which are
      presented to the context.

PMID- 22093041
TI  - Evaluation of the child with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Atopic dermatis (AD) is a very common inflammatory skin disease in childhood.
      Various doctors such as paediatricians, general practitioners, allergologists and
      dermatologists are regularly consulted by these children and their parents, but
      there is no clear consensus on the diagnostic work-up that should be performed
      when evaluating a child with eczema. A careful history, clinical examination and
      adequate documentation of disease severity are essential in all children with
      eczema, irrespective of their disease severity. AD is a clinical diagnosis;
      diagnostic criteria, such as the UK diagnostic criteria, can be helpful for an
      accurate definition of the disease. A careful history, including alarm symptoms,
      respiratory symptoms and the impact of the disease on psychosocial functioning is
      important. Clinical scoring lists such as SCORAD and EASI are well validated for
      clinical studies; they are, however, not very suitable tools in clinical
      practice. More simple scoring systems, such as Three Item Severity Score (TIS)
      and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), are more easy to use for clinical
      record keeping in daily practice. Allergen testing in children with AD without a
      history of acute non-eczematous reactions after allergen exposure is not
      necessary. In very young children with eczema, not yet exposed to foods, routine
      allergen testing is not necessary. If in individual cases, the decision is made
      to perform allergen tests, oral challenges should performed to confirm the
      diagnoses of food allergy.

PMID- 22093042
TI  - The proteome and gene expression profile of cementoblastic cells treated by bone
      morphogenetic protein-7 in vitro.
AB  - AIM: Regenerative periodontal therapy is often unpredictable and limited.
      Cementum regeneration is necessary for the proper repair of a periodontal
      ligament. The precise mechanism how bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7) induces
      differentiation and mineralization of cementoblasts remains undetermined. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of BMP7 on early proteome and
      gene expression profile of cementoblastic OCCM.30 cells in vitro. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Immortalized murine cementoblasts (OCCM.30) were exposed to BMP7 and
      evaluated for: (1) proliferation; (2) mineralization; (3) early proteome profile
      using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS); and (4) gene expression by
      quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Bone morphogenetic protein-7 increased the cell
      proliferation at 24 h and 48 h, while higher doses suppressed the cell
      proliferation at 48 h. BMP7 induced the mineralization of cementoblasts following
      8 days of therapy. Using LC-MS we identified 1117 proteins from the cell lysate.
      Many belonged to extracellular matrix formation such as PCPE1, collagens,
      annexins and integrin receptors. RT-PCR analyses revealed a BMP7 dose-dependent
      upregulation of BMP1, TGFbeta1, osterix, osteoprotegerin, procollagen I and II,
      PCPE1, and noggin, while BMP6 and chordin expression were decreased. The high
      BMP7 dose down regulated most of the genes 24 h following therapy. CONCLUSION:
      Bone morphogenetic protein-7 promotes differentiation and mineralization of
      cementoblasts via inducing PCPE1 and BMP1 responsible for processing of type I
      collagen.

PMID- 22093043
TI  - Use of the Internet as a source of health information amongst participants of
      antenatal classes.
AB  - AIM: To describe the pattern of use of the Internet as a source of health
      information by participants of antenatal classes. Background.  There is a lack of
      information about the frequency of Internet use amongst expectant mothers and
      fathers who attend antenatal classes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive
      study. METHODS: Women (n = 114) and men (n = 21) were recruited. Data were
      collected anonymously using a self-administered questionnaire, containing
      questions about Internet use, the frequency of that use, sources of information
      about pregnancy, preference over other non-Internet sources, positive and
      negative feelings generated due to the use of the Internet and willingness to
      receive instructions on Internet use. RESULTS: The average age of participants
      was 31.4 (SD 6.1) and their stage of pregnancy ranged from 24-38 weeks. 83.5%
      were expecting their first child. 93.5% reported that they used the Internet on a
      regular basis and no significant difference was found between men and women.
      Amongst Internet users, 97.7% sought, at some point, information on pregnancy on
      the Internet and 26.9% had done so in the last 24 hours. The Internet was the
      most popular source of information on pregnancy topics (18.5% of women and 25.8%
      of men used it as their primary source of information) after a physician.
      Commercial websites were more frequently used by people looking for information
      on pregnancy than sites maintained by not-for-profit organisations or
      professional unions. CONCLUSIONS: The Internet is widely used as a source of
      information amongst participants of antenatal classes, both male and female.
      Approximately 95% have used it at some point to find information during
      pregnancy, but the majority (approximately 90%) had no knowledge of websites run
      by not-for-profit organisations and preferred commercial websites. Relevance to
      clinical practice.  Instead of disregarding the use of the Internet as a source
      of information during pregnancy, midwives should keep up to date and give their
      patients links to high-quality sites.

PMID- 22093044
TI  - Rhinitis symptoms caused by grass pollen are associated with elevated basophile
      allergen sensitivity and a larger grass-specific immunoglobulin E fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms responsible for the difference between clinically
      irrelevant IgE-sensitization and allergic rhinitis are not fully understood.
      OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the humoral and cellular mechanisms that may be
      associated with the presence of allergic rhinitis symptoms. METHODS: We selected
      26 subjects with positive grass pollen skin tests and IgE antibodies to Timothy
      (g6) and the major grass allergens rPhl p 1, 5b. Fourteen of those patients
      reported a history of allergic rhinitis. During winter, we performed a grass
      pollen CD63 basophile activation test using four log allergen concentrations,
      followed by a grass nasal provocation test (NPT). We obtained symptom scores in
      the subsequent pollination season. RESULTS: We showed that subjects with a
      positive NPT have significantly higher CD63 basophile grass pollen responsiveness
      than NPT-negative subjects, preferably at submaximal allergen concentrations,
      which represent cellular sensitivity. Moreover, basophile sensitivity positively
      correlated with the size of the grass-specific IgE fraction in relation to total
      IgE, and it was highly predictive of allergic rhinitis symptoms in the following
      pollination season. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Allergic rhinitis symptoms
      are significantly associated with allergen-specific basophile sensitivity. In
      vitro evaluation of basophile sensitivity should prove useful for distinguishing
      clinical phenotype of allergic sensitization.

PMID- 22093045
TI  - Staphylococcal enterotoxin B compromises the immune tolerant status in the airway
      mucosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The breakdown of immune tolerance plays a critical role in allergic
      disorders; the mechanism of breaching immune tolerance remains largely unknown.
      OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the role of Staphylococcal
      enterotoxin B (SEB) in the interference of the immune tolerance in the nasal
      mucosa. METHODS: The immune tolerant components, tolerogenic dendritic cells
      (TolDC) and regulatory T cells (Treg), were assessed in the surgically removed
      nasal mucosa from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) or non-AR chronic
      rhinitis. The contents of SEB and integrin alphavbeta6 (avb6) in the nasal
      epithelium were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. The ability of avb6 on
      TolDC induction and the effect of SEB on suppression of avb6 in nasal epithelial
      cells were observed in cell culture. RESULTS: Compared with that in the non-AR
      nasal mucosa, the frequencies of TolDCs/Tregs were lower, the contents of SEB
      were higher and the contents of avb6 were lower in the AR nasal mucosa. Avb6 had
      the ability to induce the development of TolDCs in vitro; the latter had the
      ability to induce Treg development. The expression of avb6 was detected in nasal
      epithelial cells in culture that could be suppressed by SEB. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The components of immune tolerance machinery, TolDCs and
      Tregs were suppressed in the AR nasal mucosa. The increases in SEB and decreases
      in avb6 in nasal epithelium are associated with the compromises of immune
      tolerance in the nasal mucosa. SEB has the ability to suppress the expression of
      avb6 in nasal epithelial cells.

PMID- 22093046
TI  - Yellow fever vaccination in organ transplanted patients: is it safe? A
      multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Yellow fever (YF) may be very serious, with mortality reaching 50%.
      Live attenuated virus YF vaccine (YFV) is effective, but may present, although
      rare, life-threatening side effects and is contraindicated in immunocompromised
      patients. However, some transplant patients may inadvertently receive the
      vaccine. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all associated doctors to the
      Brazilian Organ Transplantation Association through its website, calling for
      reports of organ transplanted patients who have been vaccinated against YF.
      RESULTS: Twelve doctors reported 19 cases. None had important side effects. Only
      one had slight reaction at the site of YFV injection. Eleven patients were male.
      Organs received were 14 kidneys, 3 hearts, and 2 livers. Twelve patients received
      organs from deceased donors. Mean age at YFV was 45.6 +/- 13.6 years old (range
      11-69); creatinine: 1.46 +/- 0.62 mg/dL (range 0.8-3.4); post-transplant time: 65
      +/- 83.9 months (range 3-340); and time from YFV at the time of survey: 45 +/- 51
      months (range 3-241). Immunosuppression varied widely with different drug
      combinations: azathioprine (7 patients), cyclosporine (8), deflazacort (1),
      mycophenolate (10), prednisone (11), sirolimus (3), and tacrolimus (4).
      CONCLUSIONS: YFV showed no important side effects in this cohort of solid organ
      transplanted patients. However, owing to the small number of studied patients, it
      is not possible to extend these findings to the rest of the transplanted
      population, assuring safety. Therefore, these data are not strong enough to
      safely recommend YFV in organ transplanted recipients, as severe, even life
      threatening side effects may occur.

PMID- 22093047
TI  - Clinical and radiographic evaluation of early loaded narrow diameter implants - 1
      year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance of Astra Tech OsseoSpeed TX 3.0S
      implants using one-stage surgical procedure and early loading in the anterior
      region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective, single arm, multi-centre
      study. Patients missing teeth at positions 12, 22 and 32-42 were eligible to
      enter the study. The implants (OsseoSpeed TX 3.0S) used in the study were of 3 mm
      diameter and of different lengths. One-stage surgery was performed, and healing
      abutments were used during the 6-10 weeks healing period. Clinical and
      radiographic examinations were assessed at implant installation, loading and at
      the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Ninety-seven implants were placed
      in 69 patients at six different study centres in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain,
      Sweden and the United Kingdom. The survival rate was 95.9%. No implants have been
      lost after loading (100% survival rate after loading). Mean marginal bone loss 1
      year after installation was 0.065 mm (SD = 1.018). The frequency of bone loss >=
      1 mm was 6.6% and 51.3% of the implants demonstrated no bone loss or even bone
      gain from the surgical visit to the first year follow-up visit. Mean probing
      pocket depth and gingival zenith score were stable from crown placement to the 6-
      and 1-year follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Treatment with OsseoSpeed TX 3.0S
      implants is a safe and predictable option in the anterior region where physical
      space is limited. Minimal marginal bone loss was observed during the first year
      follow-up.

PMID- 22093048
TI  - Determination of the protection efficacy and homogeneity of the distribution of
      sunscreens applied onto skin pre-treated with cosmetic products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of sunscreens depends decisively on the homogeneity of
      its distribution on the skin surface, which is sensitively reflected by two
      spectroscopic data - the factor of inhomogeneity and the sum transmission -
      measured after tape stripping. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      influence of a skin pre-treatment with body lotion on the layout of the
      formulations. METHODS: Six healthy volunteers were pre-treated using the body
      lotion, Nivea Body (Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany). The sunscreen was an
      oil/water (o/w) emulsion, Roc SPF 8 (RoC SA, Paris, France). The tape stripped
      tesa films were measured with a modified UV/VIS spectrometer Lambda 5
      (PerkinElmer, Frankfurt/Main, Germany), the data of which were used to calculate
      both measurands. RESULTS: The obtained results made clear that the original
      spectroscopic data must be corrected taking into account the changed amounts of
      horny layer particles removed with the individual tape strips after pre
      treatment. As a consequence of the correction, the factors of inhomogeneity as
      well as the sum transmissions confirm a more homogeneous distribution of the
      applied sunscreen. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that the applied method is
      well suited to obtain information on the distribution of topically applied
      substances, and furthermore that the influence of the pre-treatment of the skin
      with the body lotion enhances the homogeneity of distribution and thus the
      sunscreen efficacy.

PMID- 22093049
TI  - Timing of rectosigmoid resection for diverticular disease: the patient's view.
AB  - AIM: The study aimed to determine the patient's view on the timing of elective
      resection for sigmoid diverticulitis. METHOD: A questionnaire was answered by 162
      (69%) of 236 consecutive patients who had a resection of the rectosigmoid for
      diverticulitis from July 2002 to August 2005. Patients (n=45) having resection at
      or after the first inflammatory attack were excluded, leaving 117 eligible for
      analysis. Questions asked included those concerning symptoms before surgery,
      improvement of symptoms after surgery and the timing of surgery. RESULTS: Patient
      assessment of symptoms after surgery was as follows: no improvement (2%; n=2),
      some improvement (10%; n=12), marked improvement (34%; n=39) and complete
      resolution (54%; n=63). Forty-five (38%) patients would have preferred an earlier
      operation. Preference for earlier surgery related to the number of previous
      inflammatory attacks was expressed as follows: 13 (34%) of 38 patients after two
      inflammatory attacks, 5 (18%) of 28 patients after three, seven (37%) of 19
      patients after four, four (44%) of nine patients after five, and 16 (70%) of 23
      patients after six or more inflammatory attacks would have preferred earlier
      surgery. Statistically significant factors influencing this potential choice were
      number of episodes of pain (P=0.006, OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.060-1.430) and number of
      attacks of inflammation (P=0.048, OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.002-1.598). CONCLUSION:
      Surgery for recurrent diverticulitis resulted in a marked improvement or complete
      relief of symptoms in 88% of patients. A large proportion of patients with
      recurrent episodes of sigmoid diverticulitis would have preferred earlier
      resection.

PMID- 22093050
TI  - Continuity of care between family practice physicians and hospitalist services.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hospitalist services are increasing in popularity and fewer primary care
      providers (PCPs) are caring for patients while hospitalized. Due to concerns with
      discontinuity of care, this study evaluated communication and medication
      discrepancies on admission and discharge between PCPs without admitting
      privileges and hospitalist physicians. METHODS: This retrospective analysis
      evaluated patients from a PCP office admitted to hospitalist services from
      January 2009 through July 2009. Patient charts were evaluated for PCP, age,
      gender, insurance, modes and timeliness of PCP notification, medications on
      admission and discharge, and medication discrepancies. RESULTS: A total of 120
      charts were evaluated. Physicians were contacted by receipt of admission
      summaries for 93% of patients and by phone for 5.8% of patients. Twenty-one
      percent of admission summaries were received by the PCP after the patient was
      discharged from the hospital and 7% of discharge summaries were received after
      the first hospital follow-up with the PCP. Medication errors occurred frequently
      and the rate increased in patients at least 65 years old, if they had Medicare,
      Medicaid, or were without insurance coverage. CONCLUSION: Better communication
      and documentation of medication regimens are needed to improve continuity of care
      of patients between outpatient and inpatient settings and avoid potentially
      harmful medication errors.

PMID- 22093051
TI  - Tissue integration of collagen-based matrices: an experimental study in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test whether or not tissue integration, biodegradation, and new
      blood vessel formation in two collagen-based matrices depend on the level of
      chemical cross-linking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two collagen matrices with high
      (CM1) and low (CM2) levels of chemical cross-linking were randomly implanted in
      two pouches in 14 athymic nude mice. Three and 6 weeks later, the animals were
      euthanized. Histologic and histomorphometric measurements were performed on
      paraffin-embedded sections. RESULTS: Both collagen matrices integrated well into
      the surrounding soft tissues. The level of cross-linking and duration of
      implantation had an effect on the formation of new blood vessels. More blood
      vessels (n = in absolute numbers) were found in outer compartments compared to
      the central compartments of the matrices, reaching 5.6 (CM2) vs. 4.3 (CM1) at 3
      weeks, and 5.3 (CM2) vs. 7.3 (CM1) at 6 weeks. Similarly, connective tissue
      formation increased for both matrices between 3 and 6 weeks, whereas the amount
      of remaining collagen network gradually decreased over time being more pronounced
      for CM1 (-50%) compared to CM2 (-15%). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of cross-linking
      was negatively correlated for all outcome measures resulting in improved tissue
      integration, superior matrix stability and enhanced angiogenic patterns for the
      less cross-linked collagen matrix (CM2) in this experimental study in mice.

PMID- 22093052
TI  - Defining a periodontitis case: analysis of a never-treated adult population.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the present study was to assess the extent to which the three
      periodontitis case definition systems proposed by van der Velden, Tonetti &
      Claffey and Page & Eke identify the same cases in a population of never-treated
      adults with limited tradition for oral hygiene procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Based on data on clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PD) and
      bleeding on probing (BOP) of four sites in all teeth present among 1,130 adult
      Kenyans we classified the population according to the three case definition
      systems, and according to the occurrence of the concomitant presence of CAL and
      BOP at the site level. RESULTS: The case definitions by Tonetti & Claffey and by
      Page & Eke yielded similar results, which were also quite similar to the results
      of simply identifying a case of periodontitis as a person having at least one
      site showing both CAL >= 4 mm and BOP. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that it
      should be feasible for the periodontal community to reach an agreement over the
      distinction between a case and a non-case. The classification system proposed by
      van der Velden is better suited for providing clinicians with a clear image of
      the case.

PMID- 22093053
TI  - Topical timolol for a refractory wound.

PMID- 22093054
TI  - Combined treatment with a nonablative infrared device and hyaluronic acid filler
      does not have enhanced efficacy in treating nasolabial fold wrinkles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are extensively used for the
      correction of facial wrinkles and folds, there is a limit to patient
      satisfaction, especially in patients with severe wrinkles. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the potential for synergistic effects with combined treatment using a nonablative
      infrared (IR) device and HA filler in the treatment of nasolabial fold (NLF)
      wrinkles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a split-face randomized study in which
      12 Korean patients were treated with HA filler on both NLFs and with a
      nonablative IR device on the experimental side of the face. Clinical evaluations
      from subjects and investigators and photographs were obtained at baseline, just
      before and after the procedures, and 1 and 2 months after completion of the
      procedures. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between wrinkle
      severity and global aesthetic scores for HA gel implantation alone and HA gel
      with nonablative IR device treatment at any point. CONCLUSION: Combining the use
      of a nonablative IR device with HA filler does not appear to be superior to HA
      filler alone in the treatment of moderate to severe NLF wrinkles.

PMID- 22093055
TI  - Female soccer knee injury: observed knowledge gaps in injury prevention among
      players/parents/coaches and current evidence (the KNOW study).
AB  - This study sought to determine if knowledge regarding the risk for knee injuries
      and the potential for their prevention is being translated to female adolescent
      soccer players (13-18 years), their parents, and coaches. Eligible participants
      in the 2007 indoor soccer season were surveyed to determine their knowledge of
      the risk for and the potential to prevent knee injuries, and their knowledge of
      effective prevention strategies, if they felt that injury prevention was
      possible. Team selection was stratified to be representative of both competitive
      and recreational level play and age group distributions within the selected
      soccer association. Of the study subjects, 773/1396 (55.4%) responded to the
      survey: 408 (53%) players, 292 (38%) parents, and 73 (9%) coaches. Most
      respondents (538 [71%]) were aware of the risk for knee injury. Coaches and
      parents were more likely than players to view knee injuries as preventable;
      however, appropriate prevention strategies were often not identified. Four
      hundred eighty-four (63.8%) respondents reported that they had never received
      information on knee injuries. Substantial knowledge gaps regarding knee injury
      prevention and effective preventative strategies were identified. Given the
      predominance of knee injuries in female adolescent soccer players, there is an
      urgent need for knowledge translation of prevention strategies to decrease both
      incidence and long-term consequences of knee injuries.

PMID- 22093056
TI  - Development and assessment of the constipation-related disability scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation is associated with impaired quality of life and
      physical discomfort. Although inability to engage in day-to-day activities has
      been significantly associated with psychological distress, limited research has
      examined this relationship in constipated samples. AIM: To develop and validate
      the Constipation-Related Disability Scale (CRDS), which assesses the extent of
      disability caused by constipation. METHODS: A total of 240 constipated
      participants and 103 healthy controls completed the CRDS. Reliability was
      measured with Cronbach's coefficient alpha and test-retest reliability was
      assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. Convergent, divergent and
      predictive validity were assessed. RESULTS: Component and factor analyses were
      used to derive two factors: Work/Leisure Activities and Activities of Daily
      Living, as well as a total CRDS score. Good reliability was found, with alphas >=
      0.87 and intraclass correlation coefficients >= 0.85. All scales were negatively
      correlated with the physical health subscales of the SF-36 (P < 0.001) and were
      not significantly correlated with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Social
      Desirability Scale, providing support for convergent and divergent validity,
      respectively. Evidence of predictive validity was supported by associations
      between the total CRDS with number of physician visits per year (P < 0.01),
      missed work in the last year (odds ratio [OR = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      = 1.06-1.19, P < 0.001) and ER visits in the last year (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00
      1.16, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Constipation-Related Disability Scale is the
      first instrument that assesses the impact of constipation on daily activities.
      There is evidence of strong reliability and validity of the instrument.

PMID- 22093057
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of long-acting
      testosterone treatment as assessed by the Aging Male Symptoms scale.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (RCT). Level of Evidence 1b. What's known on the subject?
      and What does the study add? Testosterone deficiency syndrome can be treated with
      testosterone replacement in the form of injectable, transdermal, buccal and oral
      preparations. Long-acting i.m. testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg, which is given
      at 10-14 week intervals, has been shown to be adequate for sustaining normal
      testosterone levels in hypogonadal men. This study confirms that long-acting i.m.
      testosterone undecanoate is effective in improving the health-related quality of
      life in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome as assessed by the improvement
      in the Aging Male Symptoms scale. Testosterone treatment can be indicated in men
      who have poor health-related quality of life resulting from testosterone
      deficiency syndrome. OBJECTIVE: * To evaluate the effect of i.m. injection of
      testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg over 12 months on the Aging Male Symptom (AMS)
      scale scores in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: * A total of 120 men >40 years old with TDS (total testosterone < 12
      nmol/L and total AMS scores >= 27) were randomized into i.m. injection of either
      placebo or testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg. * In all, 56 and 58 participants
      from the active treatment and placebo groups, respectively completed the study. *
      An i.m. injection of either placebo or testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg was given
      at weeks 0, 6, 18, 30 and 48. * Self-administered AMS questionnaires were
      completed at weeks 0, week 18 and week 48. RESULTS: * Improvement in the total
      AMS score was significantly greater in the treatment group than in the placebo
      group (F: 4.576, P= 0.017) over the 48-week period. * The mean (sd) total AMS
      score was 38.46 (11.85) at baseline and 33.59 (1.69) at 48 weeks for the placebo
      group, and 41.73 (12.73) at baseline and 32.61 (9.67) at 48 weeks for the
      treatment group. * The mean change in the total AMS score was -12.6% in the
      placebo group and -21.9% in the treatment group. * The mean psychological and
      somatovegetative domain scores decreased significantly more in the treatment
      group than in the placebo group (-2.8 vs -1.2, P= 0.03; and -3.2 vs -1.8, P=
      0.016). * The difference in change between the randomized groups for the sexual
      domain scores followed the same trend, though the difference was not significant.
      CONCLUSION: * Long-acting testosterone is effective in improving health-related
      quality of life as assessed by the AMS scale in men with TDS.

PMID- 22093058
TI  - Acclimatization improves submaximal exercise economy at 5533 m.
AB  - We tested whether the better subjective exercise tolerance perceived by
      mountaineers after altitude acclimatization relates to enhanced exercise economy.
      Thirty-two mountaineers performed progressive bicycle exercise to exhaustion at
      490 m and twice at 5533 m (days 6-7 and day 11), respectively, during an
      expedition to Mt. Muztagh Ata. Maximal work rate (W(max)) decreased from mean +/-
      SD 356 +/- 73 watts at 490 m to 191 +/- 49 watts and 193 +/- 45 watts at 5533 m,
      days 6-7 and day 11, respectively; corresponding maximal oxygen uptakes (VO2max )
      were 50.7 +/- 9.5, 26.3 +/- 5.6, 24.7 +/- 7.0 mL/min/kg (P = 0.0001 5533 m vs 490
      m). On days 6-7 (5533 m), VO(2) at 75% W(max) (152 +/- 37 watts) was 1.75 +/-
      0.45 L/min, oxygen saturation 68 +/- 8%. On day 11 (5533 m), at the same
      submaximal work rate, VO(2) was lower (1.61 +/- 0.47 L/min, P < 0.027) indicating
      improved net efficiency; oxygen saturation was higher (74 +/- 7%, P < 0.0004) but
      ratios of VO(2) to work rate increments remained unchanged. On day 11,
      mountaineers climbed faster from 4497 m to 5533 m than on days 5-6 but perceived
      less effort (visual analog scale 50 +/- 15 vs 57 +/- 20, P = 0.006) and reduced
      symptoms of acute mountain sickness. We conclude that the better performance and
      subjective exercise tolerance after acclimatization were related to regression of
      acute mountain sickness and improved submaximal exercise economy because of lower
      metabolic demands for non-external work-performing functions.

PMID- 22093059
TI  - Decreased gallbladder emptying in dogs with biliary sludge or gallbladder
      mucocele.
AB  - Biliary sludge in dogs is dismissed commonly as an incidental finding. On the
      other hand, gallbladder mucocele is reported increasingly in dogs and can lead to
      biliary obstruction or gallbladder rupture. Cholestasis is suspected to play a
      role in development of sludge and mucoceles, though there are no data in dogs to
      support this. We investigated gallbladder emptying, a key factor in biliary flow,
      in dogs with mobile sludge, immobile sludge, or gallbladder mucocele and in
      healthy controls. Gallbladder ejection fraction estimated by ultrasonography was
      used as the index of gallbladder emptying. The ejection fraction at 60 min after
      eating was significantly decreased in all three abnormal groups. Moreover, all
      dogs with sludge or a mucocele had gallbladder distension. These changes were the
      greatest in the mucocele group. Thus, biliary stasis occurs not only in dogs with
      gallbladder mucocele but also in dogs with biliary sludge. Cholestasis may play a
      role in the pathogenesis or progression of these diseases in dogs.

PMID- 22093060
TI  - Genetic diversity of Mimosa pudica rhizobial symbionts in soils of French Guiana:
      investigating the origin and diversity of Burkholderia phymatum and other beta
      rhizobia.
AB  - The genetic diversity of 221 Mimosa pudica bacterial symbionts trapped from eight
      soils from diverse environments in French Guiana was assessed by 16S rRNA PCR
      RFLP, REP-PCR fingerprints, as well as by phylogenies of their 16S rRNA and recA
      housekeeping genes, and by their nifH, nodA and nodC symbiotic genes.
      Interestingly, we found a large diversity of beta-rhizobia, with Burkholderia
      phymatum and Burkholderia tuberum being the most frequent and diverse symbiotic
      species. Other species were also found, such as Burkholderia mimosarum, an
      unnamed Burkholderia species and, for the first time in South America,
      Cupriavidus taiwanensis. The sampling site had a strong influence on the
      diversity of the symbionts sampled, and the specific distributions of symbiotic
      populations between the soils were related to soil composition in some cases.
      Some alpha-rhizobial strains taxonomically close to Rhizobium endophyticum were
      also trapped in one soil, and these carried two copies of the nodA gene, a
      feature not previously reported. Phylogenies of nodA, nodC and nifH genes showed
      a monophyly of symbiotic genes for beta-rhizobia isolated from Mimosa spp.,
      indicative of a long history of interaction between beta-rhizobia and Mimosa
      species. Based on their symbiotic gene phylogenies and legume hosts, B. tuberum
      was shown to contain two large biovars: one specific to the mimosoid genus Mimosa
      and one to South African papilionoid legumes.

PMID- 22093061
TI  - Acute humoral rejection in pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving
      steroid minimization immunosuppression.
AB  - SM protocols have increasingly gained acceptance owing to their favorable side
      effect profile with comparable cellular rejection rates. After encountering SM
      patients with AHR, we performed a case-control study to identify predictors
      associated with AHR in this cohort. Patients with (n = 4) and without (n = 19)
      biopsy proven AHR on a SM regimen were compared using the Student's t-tests. The
      median age at transplant was 13.8 yr. Compared to controls, the AHR cohort was
      older (15.9 vs. 12.1 yr, p = 0.01). Children with AHR had a lower mean tacrolimus
      trough level and were more likely to have a sub-therapeutic trough at six months
      (3.5 vs. 5.5 ng/mL, p = 0.05); mean MMF doses were lower at all times points
      except three months in the AHR group (not statistically significant). This
      occurred in spite of higher MPA trough levels at all study points in the AHR
      group (significant at 3 [p = 0.019] and 6 [p = 0.03] months). Children receiving
      a SM regimen have a lower safety net and may benefit from more intensive
      monitoring of tacrolimus exposure. MMF dose modifications based on MPA trough
      determinations should be resisted in the setting of SM.

PMID- 22093062
TI  - The benefits and risks of stem cell technology.
AB  - The potential impact of stem cell technology on medical and dental practice is
      vast. Stem cell research will not only provide the foundation for future
      therapies, but also reveal unique insights into basic disease mechanisms.
      Therefore, an understanding of stem cell technology will be necessary for
      clinicians in the future. Herein, we give a basic overview of stem cell biology
      and therapeutics for the practicing clinician.

PMID- 22093063
TI  - Chromatophoroma in a crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis).
AB  - A captive adult crevice kelpfish, Gibbonsia montereyensis, developed a cutaneous
      mass, approximately 9 * 7 mm on the right side of the head in an area of
      nonscaled skin. Following surgical debulking, examination of both impression
      smears and histologic sections of the tumor revealed a predominant population of
      round to spindloid to polygonal cells with a moderate amount of lightly
      basophilic cytoplasm. The cytoplasm was filled with round, variably-sized reddish
      brown granules that often obscured the nucleus. Nuclei were round to ovoid with
      coarsely granular chromatin. There was minimal anisocytosis and anisokaryosis.
      The cytoplasmic granules in histologic sections were weakly positive by the
      Fontana-Masson method, and staining was eliminated with melanin bleach.
      Immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive with a murine monoclonal
      antibody for melan A. As the specificity of melan A for melanophores is not
      clearly defined in nonmammalian species, the tumor was examined by transmission
      electron microscopy. Melanophores were not detected. Instead, neoplastic cells
      were filled with numerous intracytoplasmic organelles with triple-limiting
      membranes composed of concentric lamellae; these structures were most compatible
      with pterinosomes, which are the pigment-containing organelles of cells called
      xanthophores and erythrophores. As both of these organelles are ultrastructurally
      indistinguishable and as kelpfish skin is known to contain both xanthophores and
      erythrophores, a diagnosis of a mixed pigment cell tumor or chromatophoroma was
      made. As the tumor was grossly reddish-brown, the possibility of a neoplastic
      population of only erythrophores could not be excluded. Pigment cell tumors,
      arising from cells of the embryonic neural crest, are common in reptiles and bony
      fish.

PMID- 22093064
TI  - Development of a novel set of Gateway-compatible vectors for live imaging in
      insect cells.
AB  - Insect genomics is a growing area of research. To exploit fully the genomic data
      that are being generated, high-throughput systems for the functional
      characterization of insect proteins and their interactomes are required. In this
      work, a Gateway-compatible vector set for expression of fluorescent fusion
      proteins in insect cells was developed. The vector set was designed to express a
      protein of interest fused to any of four different fluorescent proteins [green
      fluorescent protein (GFP), cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), yellow fluorescent
      protein (YFP) and mCherry] by either the C-terminal or the N-terminal ends.
      Additionally, a collection of organelle-specific fluorescent markers was
      assembled for colocalization with fluorescent recombinant proteins of interest.
      Moreover, the vector set was proven to be suitable for simultaneously detecting
      up to three proteins by multiple labelling. The use of the vector set was
      exemplified by defining the subcellular distribution of Mal de Rio Cuarto virus
      (MRCV) outer coat protein P10 and by analysing the in vivo self-interaction of
      the MRCV viroplasm matrix protein P9-1 in Forster resonance energy transfer
      (FRET) experiments. In conclusion, we have developed a valuable tool for high
      throughput studies of protein subcellular localization that will aid in the
      elucidation of the function of newly described insect and virus proteins.

PMID- 22093065
TI  - Identification of RCN1 and RSA3 as ethanol-tolerant genes in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae using a high copy barcoded library.
AB  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) encounters a multitude of stresses
      during industrial processes such as wine fermentation including ethanol toxicity.
      High levels of ethanol reduce the viability of yeast and may prevent completion
      of fermentation. The identification of ethanol-tolerant genes is important for
      creating stress-resistant industrial yeast, and S. cerevisiae genomic resources
      have been utilized for this purpose. We have employed a molecular barcoded yeast
      open reading frame (MoBY-ORF) high copy plasmid library to identify ethanol
      tolerant genes in both the S. cerevisiae S288C laboratory and M2 wine strains. We
      find that increased dosage of either RCN1 or RSA3 improves tolerance of S288C and
      M2 to toxic levels of ethanol. RCN1 is a regulator of calcineurin, whereas RSA3
      has a role in ribosome maturation. Additional fitness advantages conferred upon
      overproduction of RCN1 and RSA3 include increased resistance to cell wall
      degradation, heat, osmotic and oxidative stress. We find that the M2 wine yeast
      strain is generally more tolerant of stress than S288C with the exception of
      translation inhibition, which affects M2 growth more severely than S288C. We
      conclude that regulation of ribosome biogenesis and ultimately translation is a
      critical factor for S. cerevisiae survival during industrial-related
      environmental stress.

PMID- 22093066
TI  - Identification of a Dau c PRPlike protein (Dau c 1.03) as a new allergenic
      isoform in carrots (cultivar Rodelika).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of food allergic subjects in central Europe suffer from
      carrot allergy. Until now, two isoforms of the major carrot (Daucus carota)
      allergen Dau c 1 have been described: Dau c 1.01, comprising five variants (Dau c
      1.0101-Dau c 1.0105) and Dau c 1.02. OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential
      allergenic properties of a Dau c PRPlike protein, a novel isoform of the PR-10
      protein family in carrot. METHODS: Dau c PRPlike cDNA from carrot roots (cv
      Rodelika) was cloned after RT-PCR and 5'RACE. Dau c PRPlike protein was expressed
      in E. coli, purified under native conditions by Ni-NTA chromatography and
      analysed by CD spectroscopy. Immuno-reactivity of the rDau c PRPlike protein was
      compared with rDau c 1.0104 and rDau c 1.0201 in terms of IgE binding
      (immunoblotting, ImmunoCAP), IgE cross-reactivity (ELISA inhibition) and in vitro
      mediator release with sera from carrot allergic patients. mRNA expression of Dau
      c PRPlike protein in wild-type and transgenic carrot roots was analysed by qRT
      PCR. RESULTS: The Dau c PRPlike protein was identified as a new allergenic
      isoform, Dau c 1.03, in carrot roots. 68% of carrot allergic patients were
      sensitized to rDau c 1.03. The IgE-reactivity of rDau c 1.03 strongly correlated
      with reactivity to rDau c 1.0104, but not to rDau c 1.0201. The extent of IgE
      cross-reactivity and allergenic potency of Dau c 1 isoforms varied between the
      individual sera tested. Dau c 1.03 mRNA transcripts were up-regulated in Dau c
      1.01 and Dau c 1.02 gene-silenced carrot roots. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Dau c 1 isoforms display distinct IgE epitope heterogeneity. Dau c
      1.03 appears to contribute to the allergenicity of carrots and the manifestation
      of carrot allergy. The epitope diversity of different Dau c 1 isoforms should be
      considered for component-resolved diagnosis and gene silencing of carrot
      allergens.

PMID- 22093067
TI  - Reactions of non-immunologic contact urticaria on scalp, face, and back.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared the reactivity of scalp, face, and back to
      nonimmunologic contact urticants (NICU) to ascertain relative responsiveness.
      METHODS: Model urticants, benzoic acid (BA) and hexyl nicotinate (HN) with 3
      concentrations of each were applied to marked skin of 10 bald males during 6
      weeks. One urticant was applied to one side of nasolabial fold, back, and scalp
      and the other applied to the contralateral side. Reactivity was assessed by
      visual scores (VS) and biophysical instruments. Subjects ranked skin sensation
      with a 10-point visual analogue scale. RESULTS: With 0.25% HN application, upper
      back VS significantly (p<0.05) exceeded scalp and back VS also showed
      significantly (p<0.05) stronger reaction than face at 60 min post-application;
      however, at 2.5% BA site, VS of face exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher than
      back at 15 min post-application but with 0.625% BA site, VS of back was
      significantly (p<0.05) higher than face. The a* value was significantly (p<0.05)
      higher on back than scalp with 0.625% BA treatment. CONCLUSION: Thus symptoms and
      measurements vary among sites. Differences may be related to solubility related
      percutaneous penetration. We encourage investigation into this relatively
      neglected but clinically important arena, to help explain difference in
      consumer/patient acceptance of topical formulations.

PMID- 22093069
TI  - An endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Enterococcus faecalis V583 responsible
      for the hydrolysis of high-mannose and hybrid-type N-linked glycans.
AB  - It has been demonstrated previously that Enterococcus faecalis produces secreted
      endoglycosidases that enable the bacteria to remove N-linked glycans from
      glycoproteins. One enzyme potentially responsible for this activity is EF0114,
      comprising a typical GH18 endoglycosidase domain and a GH20 domain. We have
      analyzed the other candidate, EF2863, and show that this predicted single domain
      GH18 protein is an endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. EF2863 hydrolyzes the
      glycosidic bond between two N-acetylglucosamines (GlcNAc) in N-linked glycans of
      the high-mannose and hybrid type, releasing the glycan and leaving one GlcNAc
      attached to the protein. The activity of EF2863 is similar to that of the well
      known deglycosylating enzyme EndoH from Streptomyces plicatus. According to the
      CAZy nomenclature, the enzyme is designated EfEndo18A.

PMID- 22093070
TI  - Feed consumption, diet digestibility and mineral utilization in captive blackbuck
      (Antelope cervicapra) fed different levels of concentrates.
AB  - A feeding trial was conducted to know the level of concentrates in the diet of
      Antelope cervicapra at which diet digestibility and mineral utilization were
      optimum. Fifteen blackbucks (25-33 kg BW) were distributed into three groups of
      five each. Fresh oat (Avena sativa) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) fodders
      were offered ad libitum to all the animals. In addition, animals in groups II and
      III received concentrate mixture at the rate of 0.5 and 1% of BW, whereas animals
      in group I received no concentrates. As the level of concentrates increased,
      consumption of fodder decreased resulting in decreased consumption of neutral
      detergent fibre (NDFom), acid detergent fibre (ADFom), hemicellulose and
      cellulose. However, overall total dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake
      was not significantly different between the groups. Digestibility of DM, OM and
      gross energy (GE) increased while that of NDFom and ADFom decreased with
      increased level of concentrates in the diet. Intake of P, Zn, Cu and Mn increased
      with increased level of concentrate supplementation; however, consumption of Ca
      and Fe followed the reverse trend. Absorption of P and Zn increased with
      increased level of concentrate supplementation. Serum concentration of Zn
      increased when concentrate was supplemented at the rate of 0.5% BW beyond which
      there was no further improvement. Increasing the level of concentrates in the
      diet was resulted in increased serum glucose and cholesterol levels. Forage-only
      diet was inadequate in supply of energy, P and zinc. Supplementation of
      concentrates at the rate of 0.5% BW was able to meet the requirement of these
      nutrients. Supplementation at the rate of 1% BW supplied energy and P in excess
      of requirement. It was concluded that the feeding of concentrates to the captive
      blackbuck fed forage-based diets should be restricted to 0.5% of BW.

PMID- 22093071
TI  - Acute effects of fractional laser on photo-aged skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonablative fractional photothermolysis (FP) laser treatment has
      shown clinical efficacy on photo-aged skin. Few studies have examined the
      molecular responses to FP. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the dynamic alterations
      involved in dermal matrix remodeling after FP laser treatment. METHODS: A single
      multipass FP treatment was performed. Baseline, day 1, and day 7 biopsies were
      obtained. Biopsies were sectioned and stained for histology and
      immunofluorescence confocal microscopic. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) and
      matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and extracellular matrix (ECM)
      autofluorescence were examined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (qRT-PCR) experiments were performed probing for collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) and
      COL3A1. RESULTS: All three patients were Caucasian women aged 49, 62, and 64 with
      Fitzpatrick skin types II, III, and IV. Transient neutrophilic infiltration found
      on day 1. Protein expression of HSP-70 and MMP-1 were up-regulated on day 1,
      reverting to baseline by day 7. ECM autofluorescence decreased from baseline to
      day 7. qRT-PCR showed a minor decrease in COL1A1 and COL3A1 messenger RNA 1 day
      after treatment. Variable results between patients receiving equal treatment were
      evident.

PMID- 22093072
TI  - The cytocompatibility and osseointegration of the Ti implants with XPEED(r)
      surfaces.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated cytocompatibility and osseointegration of the
      titanium (Ti) implants with resorbable blast media (RBM) surfaces produced by
      grit-blasting or XPEED((r)) surfaces by coating of the nanostructured calcium.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ti implants with XPEED((r)) surfaces were hydrothermally
      prepared from Ti implants with RBM surfaces in a solution containing alkaline
      calcium. The surface characteristics were evaluated by using a scanning electron
      microscope (SEM) and surface roughness measuring system. Apatite formation was
      measured with SEM after immersion in modified-simulated body fluid and the amount
      of calcium released was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission.
      The cell proliferation was investigated by MTT assay and the cell attachment was
      evaluated by SEM in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. Thirty implants with RBM
      surfaces and 30 implants with XPEED((r)) surfaces were placed in the proximal
      tibiae and in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. The
      osseointegration was evaluated by a removal torque test in the proximal tibiae
      and by histomorphometric analysis in the femoral condyles 4 weeks after
      implantation. RESULTS: The Ti implants with XPEED((r)) surfaces showed a similar
      surface morphology and surface roughness to those of the Ti implants with RBM
      surfaces. The amount of calcium ions released from the surface of the Ti implants
      with XPEED((r)) surfaces was much more than the Ti implants with RBM surfaces (P
      < 0.05). The cell proliferation and cell attachment of the Ti implants showed a
      similar pattern to those of the Ti implants with RBM surfaces (P > 0.1). Apatite
      deposition significantly increased in all surfaces of the Ti implants with
      XPEED((r)) surfaces. The removable torque value (P = 0.038) and percentage of
      bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) (P = 0.03) was enhanced in the Ti implants with
      XPEED((r)) surfaces. CONCLUSION: The Ti implants with XPEED((r)) surfaces
      significantly enhanced apatite formation, removal torque value, and the BIC%. The
      Ti implants with XPEED((r)) surfaces may induce strong bone integration by
      improving osseointegration of grit-blasted Ti implants in areas of poor quality
      bone.

PMID- 22093073
TI  - Potential impact of surgical periodontal therapy on oral health-related quality
      of life in patients with periodontitis: a pilot study.
AB  - AIM: To gain insight into the impact of periodontal surgery on oral health
      related quality of life (QoL) of patients with periodontitis. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Study participants were recruited from moderate to severe periodontitis
      patients. After initial periodontal therapy, participants received periodontal
      surgery. Oral Health-related Quality of Life Model for Dental Hygiene (OHRQL) was
      used to assess participant's QoL at each time point of periodontal evaluation
      (baseline, at least 3 weeks after initial therapy and 3-4 months after surgery).
      RESULTS: A total of 21 patients completed OHRQL assessment after surgery.
      Compared with baseline, a progressive improvement in periodontal parameters was
      observed during the periodontal therapy. The total mean OHRQL score at baseline
      (25.5 +/- 11.4) was significantly reduced (improved) after initial therapy and
      after surgery (16.7 +/- 9.5 and 15.0 +/- 9.7, respectively; p < 0.01). However,
      no significant difference was found between the OHRQL score after initial therapy
      and that after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in patients' oral
      health-related QoL were observed between post-initial therapy and post-surgery
      intervals, although a tendency of surgery to determine an improvement in QoL was
      observed when compared with post-initial treatment.

PMID- 22093074
TI  - Urinary concentrations of 15-epimer of lipoxin A(4)  are lower in patients with
      aspirin-intolerant compared with aspirin-tolerant asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although an abnormality in arachidonic acid metabolism may be
      responsible for aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA), there is little knowledge about
      the concentrations of urinary lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) and the 15-epimer of LXA(4)
      (15-epi-LXA(4)) in relation to asthma severity in AIA subjects. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study is to estimate urinary LXA(4) and the 15-epimer
      concentrations to investigate lipoxins in AIA. METHODS: In this study, we
      examined AIA, aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA) and healthy control groups. The AIA
      and ATA groups were subdivided into the severe asthma and non-severe asthma
      subgroups. Urinary LXA(4), 15-epi-LXA(4) and leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4) ) were
      quantified using enzyme immunoassay after separating these compounds using high
      performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The urinary LXA(4) concentration was
      significantly lower than the 15-epi-LXA(4) concentration in the asthmatic
      subjects. The AIA group showed significantly lower urinary 15-epi-LXA(4) (P <
      0.01) and higher urinary LTE(4) concentrations (P < 0.05) than the ATA group.
      Comparison of 15-epi-LXA(4) concentrations between the severe asthmatic and non
      severe asthmatic subjects in the AIA and ATA groups revealed that the decreased
      15-epi-LXA(4) concentration may be related to aspirin intolerance, but not asthma
      severity. Receiver operator characteristic curves demonstrated that the
      concentration ratio of LTE(4) to 15-epi-LXA(4) was superior to 15-epi-LXA(4)
      concentration and LTE(4) concentration as a predictive factor for aspirin
      intolerance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We have demonstrated for the
      first time that urinary 15-epi-LXA(4) concentration is significantly higher than
      LXA(4) concentration in both the AIA and ATA groups. 15-Epi-LXA(4) concentration
      was significantly lower in the AIA group with an increased urinary LTE(4)
      concentration than in the ATA group. An imbalance between proinflammatory
      cysteinyl-leukotrienes and anti-inflammatory 15-epi-LXA(4) may be involved in AIA
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 22093075
TI  - Clinical impact of the use of 16S rRNA sequencing method for the identification
      of "difficult-to-identify" bacteria in immunocompromised hosts.
AB  - Molecular method of 16S rRNA sequencing is reported to be helpful in the accurate
      identification of organisms with ambiguous phenotypic profiles. We analyzed the
      use of 16S rRNA sequencing method to identify clinically significant, "difficult
      to-identify" bacteria recovered from clinical specimens, and evaluated its role
      in patient management and consequent clinical outcome. Among the 172 "difficult
      to-identify" bacteria recovered over a 4-year period, 140 were gram-positive
      cocci or gram-negative bacilli; identification by 16S rRNA did not play a role in
      the management of patients infected with these bacteria. From 32 patients, 33
      "difficult-to-identify" gram-positive bacilli were identified; the organisms were
      mycobacteria, Nocardia, Tsukamurella, Rhodococcus, and Gordonia. In 24 patients
      for whom clinical data were available, results from the 16S rRNA sequencing
      method led to treatment change in 14 immunocompromised patients (including 7
      hematopoietic stem cell recipients and 1 liver transplant recipient). Therapy was
      modified in 9 patients, initiated in 3 patients, and discontinued in 2 patients.
      Most patients' therapy was switched to oral antibiotics with discontinuation of
      intravascular catheters, facilitating early hospital discharge. All 14 patients
      were alive 30 days after infection onset. The present study demonstrates the
      clinical application of 16S rRNA sequencing method to identify "difficult-to
      identify" mycobacteria and other gram-positive bacilli in clinical specimens,
      particularly in immunocompromised hosts.

PMID- 22093076
TI  - RCT comparing minimally with moderately rough implants. Part 2: microbial
      observations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most current implants have a moderately rough surface (compared with
      older minimally rough "turned" implants) to facilitate osseointegration. This
      randomized controlled trial (RCT), with split-mouth design, examined whether this
      increased surface roughness influenced the initial subgingival plaque formation.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten fully edentulous and eight partially edentulous
      patients, all with a history of severe periodontitis, received 4-6 implants
      (mandible or maxilla). Per jaw, both minimally (turned) and moderately rough
      (TiUnite) implants (MKIII; Nobel Biocare) were alternated. Also, the healing and
      final abutments had similar surface characteristics. Subgingival biofilm
      formation was followed up for 1 year, and samples were analyzed by culture
      technique, qPCR and checkerboard RESULTS: Over the entire period, no
      statistically significant differences could be detected in subgingival microbiota
      between the minimally and moderately rough surfaces. In partially edentulous
      patients, the biofilm matured to a higher concentration of pathogens when
      compared with fully edentulous patients. The subgingival implant composition and
      concentration in partially edentulous patients were comparable to the subgingival
      microbiota along teeth. CONCLUSION: The roughness of the more modern implants did
      not influence the biofilm formation during the first year of implant loading.

PMID- 22093077
TI  - African ancestry, early life exposures, and respiratory morbidity in early
      childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Racial disparities persist in early childhood wheezing and cannot be
      completely explained by known risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      associations of genetic ancestry and self-identified race with early childhood
      recurrent wheezing, accounting for socio-economic status (SES) and early life
      exposures. METHODS: We studied 1034 children in an urban, multi-racial,
      prospective birth cohort. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate
      the association of genetic ancestry as opposed to self-identified race with
      recurrent wheezing (>3 episodes). Sequential models accounted for demographic,
      socio-economic factors and early life risk factors. Genetic ancestry, estimated
      using 150 ancestry informative markers, was expressed in deciles. RESULTS:
      Approximately 6.1% of subjects (mean age 3.1 years) experienced recurrent
      wheezing. After accounting for SES and demographic factors, African ancestry (OR:
      1.16, 95% CI: 1.02-1.31) was significantly associated with recurrent wheezing. By
      self-reported race, hispanic subjects had a borderline decrease in risk of wheeze
      compared with African Americans (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.19-1.00), whereas white
      subjects (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.14-1.57) did not have. After further adjustment for
      known confounders and early life exposures, both African (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05
      1.34) and European ancestry (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74-0.94) retained a significant
      association with recurrent wheezing, as compared with self-identified race
      (OR(whites) : 0.31, 95% CI: 0.09-1.14; OR(hispanic) : 0.47, 95% CI: 0.20-1.08).
      There were no significant interactions between ancestry and early life factors on
      recurrent wheezing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to self
      identified race, African ancestry remained a significant, independent predictor
      of early childhood wheezing after accounting for early life and other known risk
      factors associated with lung function changes and asthma. Genetic ancestry may be
      a powerful way to evaluate wheezing disparities and a proxy for differentially
      distributed genetic and early life risk factors associated with childhood
      recurrent wheezing.

PMID- 22093078
TI  - Early peri-implant endosseous healing of two implant surfaces placed in
      surgically created circumferential defects. A histomorphometric and fluorescence
      study in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several implant surfaces are being developed, some in the nanoscale
      level. In this study, two different surfaces had their early healing properties
      compared in context of circumferential defects of various widths. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Six dogs had the mandibular premolars extracted. After 8 weeks, four
      implants were placed equicrestally in each side. One acted as control, while the
      others were inserted into sites with circumferential defects of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0
      mm wide and 5 mm deep. A nano-modified surface was used on one side and a micro
      rough on the other. Bone markers were administered on the third day after implant
      placement and then after 1, 2, 4 weeks to investigate the bone formation dynamic
      through fluorescence analysis. Ground sections were prepared from 8-week healing
      biopsies and histomorphometry was performed. RESULTS: The fluorescence evaluation
      of the early healing showed numerically better results for the nano-modified
      group; however this trend was not followed by the histomorphometric evaluation. A
      non-significant numerical superiority of the micro-rough group was observed in
      terms of vertical bone apposition, defect bone fill, bone-to-implant contact and
      bone density. In the intra-group analysis, the wider defects showed the worse
      results while the control sites showed the best results for the different
      parameters, but without statistical relevance. CONCLUSION: Both surfaces may lead
      to complete fill of circumferential defects, but the gap width has to be
      considered as a challenge. The nano-scale modification was beneficial in the
      early stages of bone healing, but the micro-rough surface showed numerical better
      outcomes at the 8-week final period.

PMID- 22093079
TI  - Evolutionary origin of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides specialized RpoN sigma
      factors.
AB  - Gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) are two events that enable
      the generation of new genes. Rhodobacter sphaeroides (WS8 and 2.4.1 strains) has
      four copies of the rpoN gene that are not functionally interchangeable. Until
      now, this is the only example of specialization of this sigma factor. In this
      work, we aimed to determine whether the multiple copies of this gene originated
      from HGT or through gene duplication. Our results suggest a multiplication origin
      of the different rpoN copies that occurred after the Rhodobacter clade separated.
      Functional tests indicate that the specialization of the rpoN genes is not
      restricted to R. sphaeroides. We propose that the rpoN copy involved in nitrogen
      fixation is the ancestral gene and that the other rpoN genes have acquired new
      specificities.

PMID- 22093080
TI  - The impact of dietary induced hyperparathyroidism on healthy and diseased
      periodontia: an experimental study in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nutrition may be a potential modifying factor in
      periodontal conditions. The present study investigated this phenomenon for
      dietary induced hyperparathyroidism (dHPT) by revealing the histopathological and
      histomorphometrical profiles of healthy and diseased periodontia in dHPT.
      METHODS: Dietary induced hyperparathyroidism was induced in 12 rats by dietary
      calcium/phosphorous imbalance and 12 rats were fed standard diet (SD).
      Periodontitis was induced on the right mandibular molar teeth (mmt) of these rats
      by injecting an endotoxin + saline solution whereas injecting pure saline to the
      left mmt. Thus, four study groups were created: dHPT + saline (group 1), dHPT +
      endotoxin (group 2), SD + endotoxin (group 3) and SD + saline (group 4).
      Histological sections were obtained from the second mmt and examined using light
      microscope. RESULTS: Group 1 demonstrated inflammatory and degenerative
      alterations in periodontium without pocket formation. Periodontitis was evident
      in groups 2 and 3. Group 2 revealed the highest amounts of gingival inflammatory
      cell and vessel counts (group 2 > group 3 > group 1 > group 4), attachment and
      bone losses (group 2 > group 3 > groups 1 > group 4) and osteoclast count (group
      2 > group 3 > group 1 > group 4) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results propose
      that dHPT may impair the health status of periodontium and may worsen the
      pathobiology of periodontal diseases.

PMID- 22093081
TI  - The role of massage in scar management: a literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many surgeons recommend postoperative scar massage to improve
      aesthetic outcome, although scar massage regimens vary greatly. OBJECTIVE: To
      review the regimens and efficacy of scar massage. METHODS: PubMed was searched
      using the following key words: "massage" in combination with "scar," or "linear,"
      "hypertrophic," "keloid," "diasta*," "atrophic." Information on study type, scar
      type, number of patients, scar location, time to onset of massage therapy,
      treatment protocol, treatment duration, outcomes measured, and response to
      treatment was tabulated. RESULTS: Ten publications including 144 patients who
      received scar massage were examined in this review. Time to treatment onset
      ranged from after suture removal to longer than 2 years. Treatment protocols
      ranged from 10 minutes twice daily to 30 minutes twice weekly. Treatment duration
      varied from one treatment to 6 months. Overall, 65 patients (45.7%) experienced
      clinical improvement based on Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale score,
      Vancouver Scar Scale score, range of motion, pruritus, pain, mood, depression, or
      anxiety. Of 30 surgical scars treated with massage, 27 (90%) had improved
      appearance or Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale score. CONCLUSIONS: The
      evidence for the use of scar massage is weak, regimens used are varied, and
      outcomes measured are neither standardized nor reliably objective, although its
      efficacy appears to be greater in postsurgical scars than traumatic or postburn
      scars. Although scar massage is anecdotally effective, there is scarce scientific
      data in the literature to support it.

PMID- 22093082
TI  - Adherence to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for chronic
      heart failure--a national survey of the cardiologists in Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to evaluate the awareness of and
      attitudes towards the 2005 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for
      Heart Failure (HF) of the cardiologists in Pakistan and assess barriers to
      adherence to guidelines. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in
      person from March to July 2009 to all cardiologists practicing in 4 major cities
      in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar). A validated, semi-structured
      questionnaire assessing ESC 2005 Guidelines for HF was used to obtain information
      from cardiologists. It included questions about awareness and relevance of HF
      guidelines (See Additional File 1). Respondents' management choices were compared
      with those of an expert panel based on the guidelines for three fictitious
      patient cases. Cardiologists were also asked about major barriers to adherence to
      guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 372 cardiologists were approached; 305 consented
      to participate (overall response rate, 82.0%). The survey showed a very high
      awareness of CHF guidelines; 97.4% aware of any guideline. About 13.8% considered
      ESC guidelines as relevant or very relevant for guiding treatment decisions while
      92.8% chose AHA guidelines in relevance. 87.2% of respondents perceived that they
      adhered to the HF guidelines. For the patient cases, the proportions of
      respondents who made recommendations that completely matched those of the
      guidelines were 7% (Scenario 1), 0% (Scenario 2) and 20% (Scenario 3).
      Respondents considered patient compliance (59%) and cost/health economics (50%)
      as major barriers to guideline implementation. CONCLUSION: We found important
      self reported departures from recommended HF management guidelines among
      cardiologists of Pakistan.

PMID- 22093083
TI  - Towards continuous improvement of endoscopy standards: validation of a
      colonoscopy assessment form.
AB  - AIM: The assessment of procedural colonoscopy skills is important and topical.
      The aim of this study was to develop and validate a competency-based colonoscopy
      assessment form that would be easy to use, suitable for the assessment of junior
      and senior endoscopists and potentially a useful instrument to detect differences
      in performance standards following different training interventions. METHOD: A
      standardized assessment form was developed incorporating a checklist with
      dichotomous yes/no responses and a global assessment section incorporating
      several different elements. This form was used prospectively to evaluate
      colonoscopy cases during the period of the study in several university teaching
      hospitals. Results were analysed using ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections for post
      hoc analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-one procedures were assessed, performed by eight
      consultant and 19 trainee endoscopists. There were no serious errors. When
      divided into three groups based on previous experience (novice, intermediate and
      expert) the assessment form demonstrated statistically significant differences
      between all three groups (P<0.05). When separate elements were taken into
      account, the global assessment section was a better discriminator of skill level
      than the checklist. CONCLUSION: This form is a valid, easy-to-use assessment
      method. We intend to use it to assess the value of simulator training in trainee
      endoscopists. It also has the potential to be a useful training tool when
      feedback is given to the trainee.

PMID- 22093084
TI  - Infant mortality in South Africa--distribution, associations and policy
      implications, 2007: an ecological spatial analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many sub-Saharan countries are confronted with persistently high
      levels of infant mortality because of the impact of a range of biological and
      social determinants. In particular, infant mortality has increased in sub-Saharan
      Africa in recent decades due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The geographic
      distribution of health problems and their relationship to potential risk factors
      can be invaluable for cost effective intervention planning. The objective of this
      paper is to determine and map the spatial nature of infant mortality in South
      Africa at a sub district level in order to inform policy intervention. In
      particular, the paper identifies and maps high risk clusters of infant mortality,
      as well as examines the impact of a range of determinants on infant mortality. A
      Bayesian approach is used to quantify the spatial risk of infant mortality, as
      well as significant associations (given spatial correlation between neighbouring
      areas) between infant mortality and a range of determinants. The most
      attributable determinants in each sub-district are calculated based on a
      combination of prevalence and model risk factor coefficient estimates. This
      integrated small area approach can be adapted and applied in other high burden
      settings to assist intervention planning and targeting. RESULTS: Infant mortality
      remains high in South Africa with seemingly little reduction since previous
      estimates in the early 2000's. Results showed marked geographical differences in
      infant mortality risk between provinces as well as within provinces as well as
      significantly higher risk in specific sub-districts and provinces. A number of
      determinants were found to have a significant adverse influence on infant
      mortality at the sub-district level. Following multivariable adjustment
      increasing maternal mortality, antenatal HIV prevalence, previous sibling
      mortality and male infant gender remained significantly associated with increased
      infant mortality risk. Of these antenatal HIV sero-prevalence, previous sibling
      mortality and maternal mortality were found to be the most attributable
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the usefulness of advanced
      spatial analysis to both quantify excess infant mortality risk at the lowest
      administrative unit, as well as the use of Bayesian modelling to quantify
      determinant significance given spatial correlation. The "novel" integration of
      determinant prevalence at the sub-district and coefficient estimates to estimate
      attributable fractions further elucidates the "high impact" factors in particular
      areas and has considerable potential to be applied in other locations. The
      usefulness of the paper, therefore, not only suggests where to intervene
      geographically, but also what specific interventions policy makers should
      prioritize in order to reduce the infant mortality burden in specific
      administration areas.

PMID- 22093085
TI  - The effect of ergometer design on rowing stroke mechanics.
AB  - The effect of rowing ergometer design upon power delivery and coordination
      patterns of the rowing stroke was analyzed for 14 elite rowers. Rowers were
      tested in three ergometer conditions: the fixed stretcher Concept2c ergometer,
      the Concept2c ergometer mounted on sliding rails, and the sliding stretcher
      RowPerfect ergometer. Ergometers were instrumented to measure the external force
      generated at the handle and the foot stretcher and a nine-segment inverse
      dynamics model used to calculate joint and overall power delivery. Peak power
      generation and absorption at the knee joint was significantly greater, and total
      power delivered to the ergometer delayed on the fixed stretcher ergometer when
      compared to the sliding stretcher ergometers. No differences were found in the
      mechanical energy delivered to the handle of the three ergometers; however,
      greater joint mechanical energy production of the lower limb reduced mechanical
      efficiency when rowing the Concept2c fixed ergometer. The fixed foot stretcher on
      the Concept2c fixed ergometer acts to increase the inertial forces that the rower
      must overcome at the catch, increasing the moment and power output at the knee,
      and affecting the coordination pattern during the recovery phase. 

PMID- 22093086
TI  - Cutaneous ureterostomy using the transverse mesocolon.
AB  - Cutaneous ureterostomy cannot be carried out by the retroperitoneal method in
      cases showing an insufficient length of the available ureter. We therefore
      proposed and carried out cutaneous ureterostomy transperitoneally on a ureter of
      minimum length using the transverse mesocolon. The right and left ureters are
      drawn from the retroperitoneum into the peritoneal cavity in the renal hilus
      area. The right ureter is then led from the root of the transverse mesocolon to
      the area attached to the transverse colon under the subserous part of the
      transverse mesocolon, and penetrates the gastrocolic ligament. The left ureter is
      led to the area attached to the transverse mesocolon under the subserous part of
      the transverse mesocolon, and penetrates the transverse mesocolon, bursa
      omentalis and gastrocolic ligament. Next, both the right and left ureters are
      drawn up to the abdominal wall and a ureterstoma is constructed. The transverse
      mesocolon can be used as supporting tissue for the ureter. Furthermore, this also
      ensures blood flow in the ureter.

PMID- 22093088
TI  - Mammalian lipocalin allergens--insights into their enigmatic allergenicity.
AB  - Most of the important mammal-derived respiratory allergens, as well as a milk
      allergen and a few insect allergens, belong to the lipocalin protein family. As
      mammalian lipocalin allergens are found in dander, saliva and urine, they
      disperse effectively and are widely present in the indoor environments.
      Initially, lipocalins were characterized as transport proteins for small,
      principally hydrophobic molecules, but now they are known to be involved in many
      other biological functions. Although the amino acid identity between lipocalins
      is generally at the level of 20-30%, it can be considerably higher. Lipocalin
      allergens do not exhibit any known physicochemical, functional or structural
      property that would account for their allergenicity, that is, the capacity to
      induce T-helper type 2 immunity against them. A distinctive feature of mammalian
      lipocalin allergens is their poor capacity to stimulate the cellular arm of the
      human or murine immune system. Nevertheless, they induce IgE production in a
      large proportion of atopic individuals exposed to the allergen source. The poor
      capacity of mammalian lipocalin allergens to stimulate the cellular immune system
      does not appear to result from the function of regulatory T cells. Instead, the T
      cell epitopes of mammalian lipocalin allergens are few and those examined have
      proved to be suboptimal. Moreover, the frequency of mammalian lipocalin allergen
      specific CD4(+)  T cells is very low in the peripheral blood. Importantly, recent
      research suggests that the lipocalin allergen-specific T cell repertoires differ
      considerably between allergic and healthy subjects. These observations are
      compatible with our hypothesis that the way CD4(+)  T-helper cells recognize the
      epitopes of mammalian lipocalin allergens may be implicated in their
      allergenicity. Indeed, as several lipocalins exhibit homologies of 40-60% over
      species, mammalian lipocalin allergens may be immunologically at the borderline
      of self and non-self, which would not allow a strong anti-allergenic immune
      response against them.

PMID- 22093087
TI  - Evolutionary and functional analyses of cytochrome P4501A promoter polymorphisms
      in natural populations.
AB  - The functional importance of variable, transcriptional regulatory sequences
      within and among natural populations is largely unexplored. We analysed the
      cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) promoter in three populations of the minnow, Fundulus
      heteroclitus, because two SNPs in the promoter and first intron of CYP1A are
      under selection in populations adapted to pollutants. To define the importance of
      these SNPs, 1630 bp of the CYP1A promoter and first intron and exon were
      sequenced in eight individuals from three populations: a population from a
      polluted environment resistant to some aromatic pollutants and two flanking
      reference populations. CYP1A is induced by many aromatic pollutants, but in
      populations adapted to pollutants, CYP1A has been shown to be refractory to
      induction. We were interested in understanding whether variation in the CYP1A
      promoter explains mechanism(s) of adaptation to these aromatic pollutants. The
      CYP1A promoter was extremely variable (an average of 9.3% of the promoter
      nucleotides varied among all populations) and exhibited no fixed differences
      between populations. As CYP1A is poorly inducible in adapted fish, we
      hypothesized that CYP1A promoter regions might vary functionally between
      populations. Unexpectedly, in vitro analysis showed significantly greater
      transcription from CYP1A promoters found in the population from the polluted
      environment relative to promoters found in both reference populations. Thus,
      despite extensive variation among populations and lack of fixed differences
      between populations, individuals from a polluted environment have significantly
      enhanced promoter activity. These data demonstrate that intraspecific variation,
      which provides the raw material for natural selection to act on, can occur while
      maintaining promoter function.

PMID- 22093089
TI  - Analysis of rotavirus antigenemia in hematopoietic stem cell transplant
      recipients.
AB  - Systemic rotavirus infection, such as rotavirus antigenemia, has been found in
      immunocompetent rotavirus gastroenteritis patients. However, the pathogenesis of
      rotavirus infection in immunocompromised transplant recipients remains unclear.
      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure rotavirus antigen levels in
      serially collected serum samples obtained from 62 pediatric patients receiving
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). Rotavirus antigen was
      detected in 43 (6.8%) of 633 serum samples (8 of 62 patients). The duration of
      rotavirus antigenemia ranged between 1 and 10 weeks, and diarrhea was concurrent
      with rotavirus antigenemia in Cases 3, 6, 7, and 8. The level of viral antigen in
      the transplant recipients (0.19 +/- 0.20) was significantly lower than that
      observed in serum samples collected from immunocompetent patients on either day 1
      (0.49 +/- 0.18, P = 0.0011) or day 3 (0.63 +/- 0.09, P = 0.0005). A patient who
      received a graft from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched donor was at
      significant risk for rotavirus antigenemia (P = 0.024; odds ratio = 9.44) in
      comparison to patients who received grafts from HLA-matched donors. Although the
      duration of antigenemia was clearly longer in HSCT patients than in
      immunocompetent rotavirus gastroenteritis patients, the levels of viral antigen
      were not as high. Therefore, mismatched HLA may be a risk factor for rotavirus
      antigenemia after HSCT.

PMID- 22093091
TI  - Transperineal prostate biopsy detects significant cancer in patients with
      elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and previous negative transrectal
      biopsies.
AB  - Several authors have previously reported that transrectal prostate biopsy has a
      false-negative rate of 20-30%, and that a number of prostate cancers missed on
      transrectal biopsy can be detected by transperineal biopsy. It has also been
      shown that most of these tumours are located anteriorly in the prostate gland.
      The present study showed a high rate of prostate cancer in patients with previous
      negative transrectal biopsies but elevated PSA levels, and that the cancers were
      located anteriorly in the prostate gland. Also, most of these cancers were
      clinically significant in patients that underwent RP, i.e. a high proportion of
      cancers were high-grade/high-stage tumours. We also showed that the transperineal
      biopsy technique can be applied successfully to patients with a closed anal
      orifice after previous surgery for rectal cancer. Transperineal biopsy can be
      done safely without routine antibiotic prophylaxis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      outcomes of transperineal prostate biopsies in patients with elevated prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) levels and negative transrectal biopsies. The aim of this
      retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of the transperineal
      biopsy approach in these patients, and to evaluate the pathology findings in
      subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens in patients undergoing RP.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 69 consecutive patients with previous negative
      transrectal biopsies but elevated PSA levels investigated at urological units in
      Norway who had been referred to The Norwegian Radium Hospital were included. The
      patients had undergone a mean (median; range) of 2.42 (2; 0-7) transrectal
      biopsies. The mean (range) age was 63.1 (42-78) years. The median (range) PSA
      level was 12 (4.3-229) ng/mL. The patients were examined with transperineal
      biopsy of the prostate between July 2007 and February 2009. The results of the
      transperineal biopsies were reviewed for Gleason biopsy score, and these were
      compared with the histopathology results of the RP specimens, i.e. final Gleason
      scores. Pathological stage of the prostate specimens and tumour volume were also
      reviewed. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was found in the biopsies of 38 of 69 patients
      (55%). In all, 20 of 38 patients had a Gleason score estimated at >=3 + 4 = 7. In
      all, 26 patients underwent RP. The surgical specimens revealed pathological stage
      pT2c in 65%, pT3a in 27% and pT3b in 8% of the cases. In all, 23 of the 26 RP
      specimens showed a final Gleason score of >=7. The vast majority of cancers
      detected were situated in the anterior/ventral portion of the prostate.
      CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal biopsy of the prostate in patients with an elevated
      PSA level after negative transrectal prostate biopsies appears to be a feasible
      and important option for further investigation to detect prostate cancer. The
      present study shows that the transperineal biopsy allows good access of the
      anterior/ventral part of the prostate. Histopathology reports on the RP specimens
      obtained from the patients that underwent RP revealed significant cancer.

PMID- 22093090
TI  - Fractalkine/CX3CL1 protects striatal neurons from synergistic morphine and HIV-1
      Tat-induced dendritic losses and death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractalkine/CX3CL1 and its cognate receptor CX3CR1 are abundantly
      expressed in the CNS. Fractalkine is an unusual C-X3-C motif chemokine that is
      important in neuron-microglial communication, a co-receptor for HIV infection,
      and can be neuroprotective. To assess the effects of fractalkine on opiate-HIV
      interactive neurotoxicity, wild-type murine striatal neurons were co-cultured
      with mixed glia from the striata of wild-type or Cx3cr1 knockout mice +/- HIV-1
      Tat and/or morphine. Time-lapse digital images were continuously recorded at 20
      min intervals for up to 72 h using computer-aided microscopy to track the same
      cells repeatedly. RESULTS: Co-exposure to Tat and morphine caused synergistic
      increases in neuron death, dendritic pruning, and microglial motility as
      previously reported. Exogenous fractalkine prevented synergistic Tat and morphine
      induced dendritic losses and neuron death even though the inflammatory mediator
      TNF-alpha remained significantly elevated. Antibody blockade of CX3CR1 mimicked
      the toxic effects of morphine plus Tat, but did not add to their toxicity; while
      fractalkine failed to protect wild-type neurons co-cultured with Cx3cr1-/--null
      glia against morphine and Tat toxicity. Exogenous fractalkine also normalized
      microglial motility, which is elevated by Tat and morphine co-exposure,
      presumably limiting microglial surveillance that may lead to toxic effects on
      neurons. Fractalkine immunofluorescence was expressed in neurons and to a lesser
      extent by other cell types, whereas CX3CR1 immunoreactivity or GFP fluorescence
      in cells cultured from the striatum of Cx3cr1-/- (Cx3cr1GFP/GFP) mice were
      associated with microglia. Immunoblotting shows that fractalkine levels were
      unchanged following Tat and/or morphine exposure and there was no increase in
      released fractalkine as determined by ELISA. By contrast, CX3CR1 protein levels
      were markedly downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that deficits in
      fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling contribute to the synergistic neurotoxic effects of
      opioids and Tat. Importantly, exogenous fractalkine can selectively protect
      neurons from the injurious effects of chronic opioid-HIV-1 Tat co-exposure, and
      this suggests a potential therapeutic course for neuroAIDS. Although the cellular
      mechanisms underlying neuroprotection are not certain, findings that exogenous
      fractalkine reduces microglial motility and fails to protect neurons co-cultured
      with Cx3cr1-/- mixed glia suggest that fractalkine may act by interfering with
      toxic microglial-neuron interactions.

PMID- 22093092
TI  - T-lymphocyte homeostasis and function in infant baboons: implications for
      transplantation.
AB  - Laboratory mice are born lymphopenic and demonstrate lymphopenia-induced
      proliferation that generates memory T cells, yet they are prone to immunologic
      tolerance. Here we tested whether these fundamental immunologic observations
      apply to higher animals by studying the immune system of infant baboons. Using
      flow cytometry of the peripheral blood cells, it was found that baboons are born
      relatively lymphopenic and subsequently expand their initially naive T cell pool
      with increasing numbers of memory T cells. After transplantation of an artery
      patch allograft or xenograft, non-immunosuppressed recipients readily mounted an
      immune response against donor-type antigens, as evidenced by mixed lymphocyte
      reaction. Immunosuppression with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), anti-CD154 mAb,
      and mycophenolate mofetil prevented T cell-mediated rejection. After lymphocyte
      depletion with ATG, homeostatic T cell proliferation was observed. In conclusion,
      the baboon proved a suitable model to investigate the infant immune system. In
      this study, neonatal lymphopenia and expansion of the memory T cell population
      were observed but, unlike mice, there were no indications that infant baboons are
      prone to T cell tolerance. The expansion of memory T cells during the neonatal
      period or after induction therapy may actually form an obstacle to tapering
      immunosuppressive therapy, or ultimately achieving immunologic tolerance.

PMID- 22093093
TI  - Development and characterization of a human dermal equivalent with physiological
      mechanical properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Different models of reconstructed skin are available, either to
      provide skin wound healing when this process is deficient, or to be used as an in
      vitro model. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the mechanical properties
      of skin equivalent. Indeed, human skin is naturally under tension. Taking into
      account these features, the purpose of this work was to obtain a cellularized
      dermal equivalent (CDE), composed of collagen and dermal fibroblasts. METHODS: To
      counteract the natural retraction of CDE and to maintain it under tension,
      different biomaterials were tested. Selection criteria were biocompatibility,
      bioadhesion properties, ability to induce differentiation of fibroblasts into
      myofibroblasts and mechanical characterization, considering that of skin in vivo.
      These assays led to the selection of honeycomb of polyester. CDE constructed on
      this biomaterial was further characterized mechanically using tensile tests.
      RESULTS: The results showed that mechanical features of the obtained dermal
      equivalent, including myofibroblasts, were similar to skin in vivo. CONCLUSION:
      The original model of dermal equivalent presented herein may be a useful tool for
      clinical use and as an in vitro model for toxicological/pharmacological research.

PMID- 22093094
TI  - Computed tomography myelographic findings in dogs with cervical
      spondylomyelopathy.
AB  - Computed tomography (CT) myelography is used occasionally in the diagnosis of
      cervical spondylomyelopathy, but the type of lesion found in large- versus giant
      breed dogs using this modality has not been characterized. Our purpose was to
      report the frequency of compressive lesions in large- and giant-breed dogs with
      cervical spondylomyelopathy and imaged using CT myelography. Fifty-eight dogs
      were retrospectively studied, 23 large-breed and 35 giant-breed dogs. Multiple
      sites of compression were found in 12 large-breed dogs (52.2%) compared to 30
      (85.8%) giant-breed dogs. The main site of compression was at C5-6 and C6-7 in
      both large-breed (91.3%) and giant-breed (72.4%) dogs. The main cause and
      direction of compression was disc-associated and ventral in 19 (82.6%) of the
      large-breed dogs while osseous changes were the primary cause of compression in
      27 (77.2%) of the giant-breed dogs, with most compressions being lateral (51.4%),
      followed by dorsolateral (14.2%). Osseous compression was observed at C7-T1 in
      eight giant-breed dogs (22.8%), and at T1-T2 or T2 only in five dogs (14.3%).
      Four of 23 large-breed dogs (17.4%), and seven (20%) of 35 giant-breed dogs had
      spinal cord atrophy. Therefore, giant-breed dogs often have multiple
      compressions, usually caused by osseous changes causing lateralized compressions.
      In large-breed dogs most compressions are disc-associated and located ventrally.
      Considering the number of giant-breed dogs with compressions at C7-T1, T1-2, and
      T2, it is important to include the cranial thoracic region when imaging dogs
      suspected of having cervical spondylomyelopathy.

PMID- 22093095
TI  - Effect of GDF-5 and BMP-2 on the expression of tendo/ligamentogenesis-related
      markers in human PDL-derived cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effect of growth differentiation factor 5 and bone morphogenetic
      protein 2 on human periodontal ligament-derived cells was investigated with
      special reference to tendo/ligamentogenesis-related markers. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Effects of each factor were analyzed by quantitative PCR for scleraxis
      and tenomodulin and by western blotting for scleraxis. After exposure to those
      factors, STRO-1-positive and STRO-1-negative fractions of human periodontal
      ligament tissues were isolated with an immunomagnetic cell sorting system, and
      the expression of scleraxis in each fraction was analyzed by western blotting.
      Non-separated crude cells were used as a control. RESULTS: Growth differentiation
      factor 5 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 did not increase alkaline phosphatase
      activity in crude periodontal ligament-derived cells. Growth differentiation
      factor 5, but not bone morphogenetic protein 2, increased the expression of
      scleraxis in crude, STRO-1-positive and STRO-1-negative periodontal ligament
      derived cells. The expression of scleraxis in STRO-1-positive periodontal
      ligament-derived cells was significantly less compared to that in crude P2 and
      STRO-1-negative periodontal ligament-derived cells. CONCLUSION: Growth
      differentiation factor 5 induced the expression of scleraxis and may enhance
      tendo/ligamentogenesis in human periodontal ligament-derived cells. The
      expression of scleraxis was higher in STRO-1-negative fraction, suggesting more
      differentiated state of the cells.

PMID- 22093096
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and 5
      fluorouracil tattooing for the treatment of keloids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars and keloids may complicate wound healing secondary
      to trauma or surgery. A variety of treatment regimens have been used for
      treatment of keloids. OBJECTIVE: To compare 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) tattooing and
      intralesional steroid for treatment of keloids. METHODS: In this 44-week, double
      blind, clinical trial, 40 patients were randomized into two study groups.
      Patients in group 1 were given intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), and
      patients in group 2 were treated with 5-FU tattooing; both groups received
      treatment every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Lesions were assessed for erythema,
      pruritus, height, surface, and induration at baseline (initiation of treatment)
      and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 20, 28, 36, and 44. All patients had complete blood count,
      liver function tests, and renal function tests before treatment and at week 20.
      RESULTS: All the patients completed the study. At the 44-week follow-up visits,
      both groups showed improvement in all parameters, but improvement was more
      significant in the 5-FU group (p < .05). No side effect was detected in either of
      the groups. CONCLUSION: 5-FU tattooing was more effective than intralesional TAC
      for the treatment of keloids.

PMID- 22093097
TI  - Notch1 promotes glioma cell migration and invasion by stimulating beta-catenin
      and NF-kappaB signaling via AKT activation.
AB  - The Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in both developmental processes
      and tumorigenesis. Aberrant Notch signaling has been repeatedly demonstrated to
      facilitate the proliferation and survival of glioma cells by regulating
      downstream effectors or other signaling pathways. In glioblastoma multiforme
      specimens from 59 patients, Notch1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues compared
      with normal brain tissues, and this expression was correlated with elevated AKT
      phosphorylation and Snail expression. Increased nuclear localization of beta
      catenin and p50 as well as enhanced IKKalpha/AKT interaction were also observed
      in glioma tissues. In U87MG cells, the activation of Notch1 by DLL4 stimulation
      or by the overexpression of Notch intracellular domain (NICD) resulted in AKT
      activation and thereby promoted beta-catenin activity and NF-kappaB signaling.
      Inhibition of EGFR partially blocked the beta-catenin and NF-kappaB signaling
      stimulated by Notch1 activation. Furthermore, NICD overexpression in U87MG cells
      led to the upregulated expression of several metastasis-associated molecules,
      which could be abrogated by the knockdown of either beta-catenin or p50. In U87MG
      and U251 cells, DLL4-induced cellular migration and invasion could be inhibited
      by either beta-catenin or a p50 inhibitor. Collectively, these results indicate
      that Notch activation could stimulate beta-catenin and NF-kappaB signaling
      through AKT activation in glioma cells. Thus, Notch activation-stimulated beta
      catenin and NF-kappaB signaling synergistically promote the migratory and
      invasive properties of glioma cells.

PMID- 22093098
TI  - What is your diagnosis? Lingual mass in a dog.

PMID- 22093099
TI  - Current methods employed in the prevention and minimization of surgical scars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postsurgical scars are of significant concern to patients and
      surgeons. Many studies have focused on different treatment options for
      established surgical scars. The prevention and minimization of such aberrant
      healing responses is more likely to yield better outcomes and require less time
      and expense. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: A review of the literature on various forms of
      prophylactic treatments intended to prevent or minimize the development of
      prominent postsurgical scars was performed using the Pubmed database over a
      period from 1987 to 2010. Search terms included "scar prevention," "scar
      minimization," "post-surgical scar management," and "surgical scars." RESULTS:
      Various over-the-counter topical products commonly used by patients have failed
      to demonstrate any significant benefits in improving final scar outcomes.
      Numerous interventions performed around the time of surgery, including botulinum
      toxin, lasers, and intradermal injectable products, have shown effectiveness in
      minimizing eventual scar appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Patient education on proper
      wound care is a simple method of improving the cosmetic appearance of surgical
      scars. At the other end of the spectrum, our knowledge of the complex mechanisms
      of wound healing has allowed for the development of new, effective treatment
      modalities, including lasers, botulinum toxin, cytokines, and stem cells.

PMID- 22093100
TI  - Cryptococcus neoformans Ca(2+)  homeostasis requires a chloride
      channel/antiporter Clc1 in JEC21, but not in H99.
AB  - CLC-type chloride/proton antiporters are required for copper/iron homeostasis in
      fungi. A relationship between CLCs and Ca(2+)  homeostasis has not been found
      before. Here we demonstrate the requirement of the antiporter CLC1 for Ca(2+) 
      homeostasis/signaling in Cryptococcus neoformans. The deletion of CLC1 in JEC21
      resulted in a mutant hypersensitive to cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of
      calcineurin. Intracellular Ca(2+)  deficiency in the mutant Tx1 was confirmed
      with Fluo-3 staining epi-fluorescence microscopy. Tx1 failed to grow at elevated
      temperature and in SDS and displayed defects in cell wall integrity and cell
      separation. This defective phenotype is because of Ca(2+)  deficiency that was
      restorable by exogenous Ca(2+) . In contrast, H99 CLC1 was dispensable for Ca(2+)
      homeostasis and had no comparable defective consequences if deleted, suggesting
      divergent roles of CLCs in Ca(2+)  homeostasis. Distinct Ca(2+)  homeostasis
      mechanisms may contribute the virulence difference between the two strains. This
      work reveals a novel action of CLC antiporters in fungi and may provide
      information as to the evolution of pathogenicity among cryptococcal strains.

PMID- 22093102
TI  - Desktop microsimulation: a tool to improve efficiency in the medical office
      practice.
AB  - Because the economic crisis in the United States continues to have an impact on
      healthcare organizations, industry leaders must optimize their decision making.
      Discrete-event computer simulation is a quality tool with a demonstrated track
      record of improving the precision of analysis for process redesign. However, the
      use of simulation to consolidate practices and design efficiencies into an
      unfinished medical office building was a unique task. A discrete-event computer
      simulation package was used to model the operations and forecast future results
      for four orthopedic surgery practices. The scenarios were created to allow an
      evaluation of the impact of process change on the output variables of exam room
      utilization, patient queue size, and staff utilization. The model helped with
      decisions regarding space allocation and efficient exam room use by demonstrating
      the impact of process changes in patient queues at check-in/out, x-ray, and cast
      room locations when compared to the status quo model. The analysis impacted
      decisions on facility layout, patient flow, and staff functions in this newly
      consolidated practice. Simulation was found to be a useful tool for process
      redesign and decision making even prior to building occupancy.

PMID- 22093101
TI  - A protective role for periostin and TGF-beta in IgE-mediated allergy and airway
      hyperresponsiveness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of asthma involves allergic inflammation and
      remodelling in the airway and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to cholinergic
      stimuli, but many details of the specific underlying cellular and molecular
      mechanisms remain unknown. Periostin is a matricellular protein with roles in
      tissue repair following injury in both the skin and heart. It has recently been
      shown to be up-regulated in the airway epithelium of asthmatics and to increase
      active TGF-beta. Though one might expect periostin to play a deleterious role in
      asthma pathogenesis, to date its biological role in the airway is unknown.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of periostin deficiency on airway responses to
      inhaled allergen. METHODS: In vivo measures of airway responsiveness,
      inflammation, and remodelling were made in periostin deficient mice and wild-type
      controls following repeated intranasal challenge with Aspergillus fumigatus
      antigen. In vitro studies of the effects of epithelial cell-derived periostin on
      murine T cells were also performed. RESULTS: Surprisingly, compared with wild
      type controls, periostin deficient mice developed increased AHR and serum IgE
      levels following allergen challenge without differences in two outcomes of airway
      remodelling (mucus metaplasia and peribronchial fibrosis). These changes were
      associated with decreased expression of TGF-beta1 and Foxp3 in the lungs of
      periostin deficient mice. Airway epithelial cell-derived periostin-induced
      conversion of CD4(+)  CD25(-)  cells into CD25(+) , Foxp3(+)  T cells in vitro in
      a TGF-beta dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Allergen-induced
      increases in serum IgE and bronchial hyperresponsiveness are exaggerated in
      periostin deficient mice challenged with inhaled aeroallergen. The mechanism of
      periostin's effect as a brake on allergen-induced responses may involve
      augmentation of TGF-beta-induced T regulatory cell differentiation.

PMID- 22093103
TI  - Infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae
      in solid organ transplantation.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae is spreading
      globally and represents a challenge in infection control and treatment. Solid
      organ transplant (SOT) recipients are especially at risk for infection by
      multidrug-resistant bacteria, and little is known about infection with KPC
      producing organisms in this setting. The aim of this study was to describe the
      clinical and microbiologic aspects of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae infections in
      SOT recipients. A KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae outbreak was identified in a
      public teaching tertiary care hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in June 2009. During
      the outbreak, cases of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae infection in SOT recipients
      occurred between July 2009 and February 2010; these cases were retrospectively
      reviewed. Overall, 12 episodes of infection with KPC-producing K. pneumoniae
      occurred in 2 heart, 4 liver, and 6 kidney transplant recipients with incidence
      rates of 16.7%, 12.9%, and 26.3% in heart, liver, and kidney transplantation,
      respectively. Infection occurred at a median time of 20 days after
      transplantation. Primary infection sites were as follows: 4 urinary tract
      infections, 4 bloodstream infections, 2 pneumonias, and 2 surgical site
      infections. All patients except one had received antibiotics in the last 30 days,
      mostly piperacillin-tazobactam or glycopeptides. All strains exhibited
      susceptibility to amikacin and gentamicin. Patients were treated with tigecycline
      plus polymyxin B (3 cases), polymyxin B plus carbapenem (3 cases), polymyxin B
      alone (3 cases), or tigecycline plus imipenem (1 case). In 2 cases, patients
      received only carbapenem, and death occurred before the final culture result. The
      overall 30-day mortality rate was 42%. In this series of KPC-producing K.
      pneumoniae infection in SOT recipients, the infection occurrence was high during
      an institutional outbreak and was potentially life threatening.

PMID- 22093104
TI  - Pattern and rate of progression of periodontal attachment loss in an urban
      population of South Brazil: a 5-years population-based prospective study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this 5-years longitudinal study was to investigate the pattern
      and rate of periodontal attachment loss (PAL) progression in an urban population
      in South Brazil. METHODS: In 2001, a multistage probability sampling strategy was
      used to derive a representative sample of 1,465 dentate individuals from Porto
      Alegre, Brazil. Five years later, 697 dentate individuals (294M/403F, mean age:
      37.9 +/- 13.3) were available for follow-up. PAL was assessed by calibrated
      examiners using a full-mouth protocol. Estimates of proximal PAL progression and
      standard errors (SE) are reported. RESULTS: Fifty-six per cent (SE: 1.9) and 36%
      (SE: 1.8) of subjects showed PAL progression >=3 mm affecting >=2 and >=4 teeth
      respectively. PAL progression >=3 mm was mostly localized affecting 3.8 (SE: 0.2)
      teeth and 5.7 (SE: 0.3) sites. Annual PAL progression was, on average, 0.3 mm
      (SE: 0.01). Significant differences in PAL progression were observed according to
      age, gender, race and socioeconomic status. PAL progression increased with age
      reaching the highest progression rate in the 40-49 years cohort, and then
      decreased in older age groups. PAL progression was consistently higher among
      males and non-Whites than females and whites. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of
      this urban Brazilian sample was affected by PAL progression underscoring the need
      for health promotion initiatives aiming at preventing progression of destructive
      periodontal disease.

PMID- 22093105
TI  - Rising concern over cosmetic tattoos.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A rise in popularity of cosmetic tattoos has led to an increase in
      adverse reactions. Due to more pressing concerns, the Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) has not traditionally enforced its authority over tattoo
      inks. OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness of the dangers of cosmetic tattoos. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We reviewed FDA policies regarding tattoo ink, different ink
      components, adverse reactions, and various treatment options for cosmetic tattoo
      removal. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An increase in consumer complaints has prompted
      FDA investigation into tattoo inks and their safety. It is important that further
      complications be reported to the FDA to promote regulation of cosmetic tattoo
      inks.

PMID- 22093106
TI  - Use of a gentamicin-impregnated collagen sheet (Collatamp((r)) ) following
      implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator for faecal incontinence.
AB  - AIM: Gentamicin-impregnated collagen (Collatamp((r)) ) is well described for the
      prevention of infection in surgery. This technical note describes its
      intraoperative use as a prophylactic measure to prevent infection following
      implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator for faecal incontinence. METHOD:
      Following implantation of the Interstim II Neurostimulator (Medtronic
      Neuromodulation, 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, USA) in a subcutaneous
      pocket overlying the gluteal muscle, a single sheet of 10cm * 10cm gentamicin
      impregnated collagen is placed within the wound covering the implant. The
      subcutaneous tissue and skin are then closed in separate layers. RESULTS: To date
      eight patients [median age 46.5 (30-59) years] have received prophylactic cover
      with gentamicin-impregnated collagen following permanent sacral nerve stimulator
      implantation. At a median interval of 89.5 (51-128) days, none of these patients
      developed a wound infection at the site of the neurostimulator implant.
      CONCLUSION: Gentamicin-impregnated collagen (Collatamp((r)) ) used in the
      implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator may be a useful addition to the
      technique.

PMID- 22093107
TI  - Dopamine D3 receptor gene variation: impact on electroconvulsive therapy response
      and ventral striatum responsiveness in depression.
AB  - Dysfunction of dopamine D3 receptors, particularly in the mesocorticolimbic
      system, has been linked to the pathogenesis of major depression. Preclinical data
      show enhanced D3 receptor binding in the striatum upon antidepressant medication
      and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Thus, the potential impact of dopamine D3
      receptor gene (DRD3) variation on ECT outcome in treatment-resistant major
      depression was evaluated by applying a combined molecular and imaging genetic
      approach. Altogether, 10 representative variants covering 95.4% of DRD3 gene
      variation were investigated for association with response to ECT in a sample of
      104 (71 female, 33 male) Caucasian patients with pharmacorefractory major
      depression. Additionally, ventral striatum responsiveness to happy faces was
      assessed in two independent samples of depressed patients (total N=54) by means
      of functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T. Significant association of DRD3
      rs3732790, rs3773679 and rs9817063 variants with response (uncorrected p=0.02
      0.03) and remission (uncorrected p=0.01) after ECT was discerned. Logistic
      regression analyses revealed association of rs3732790 (uncorrected p=0.009;
      corrected p=0.045) and rs3773679 (uncorrected p=0.009; corrected p=0.045) with
      remission when applying a recessive model of inheritance. The rs3732790T allele
      conferring a more favourable treatment response was furthermore found to be
      associated with stronger striatal responsiveness to happy facial expressions
      (sample 1: cluster-corrected p=0.002; sample 2: p=0.023). In summary, the present
      study suggests some impact of DRD3 gene variation on ECT response, potentially
      mediated by alteration of striatal engagement during the processing of
      emotionally rewarding stimuli.

PMID- 22093108
TI  - Unilateral positive biopsies in low risk prostate cancer patients diagnosed with
      extended transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy schemes do not predict unilateral
      prostate cancer at radical prostatectomy.
AB  - Focal therapy is an emergent therapeutic option for prostate cancer. Focal
      therapy includes a variety of therapeutic approaches ranging from lesion
      treatment to sub-total gland treatment. In this context, an accurate selection of
      patients having unilateral prostate cancer is closely related to the success of
      these strategies, especially when a hemi-ablative approach is considered. As
      prostate cancer is often multifocal, the critical issue is whether it is possible
      to preoperatively predict a clinically significant unifocal and/or unilateral
      lesion with sufficient accuracy to recommend focal or hemi-ablative therapy,
      relying on clinical characteristics and pathological data derived from the
      biopsy. Our study clearly demonstrates that the prediction of unilateral prostate
      cancer is not accurate, based on preoperative variables (predictive accuracy
      52.3%). Our study is the first study based on an extended biopsy template. Even
      in patients diagnosed with extended biopsy, the accuracy of the available
      predictors is far from the ideal prediction. To date, there is no way of
      correctly identifying patients who will harbour unilateral prostate cancer based
      on routinely available variables. OBJECTIVE: o establish the predictors of
      unilateral prostate cancer in a population of patients with low risk prostate
      cancer, diagnosed with extended biopsy and submitted to radical prostatectomy,
      potentially candidates for focal therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study
      included 321 consecutive patients with low risk (clinical stage T1, Gleason score
      3 + 3 or less, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] < 10 ng/mL) unilateral prostate
      cancer diagnosed after extended biopsy who were subsequently treated with radical
      prostatectomy between 2002 and 2009 at a single institution. We evaluated the
      rate of unilateral prostate cancers at final pathology following radical
      prostatectomy, defined as pT2a or pT2b stage. Univariable and multivariable
      logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of unilateral
      prostate cancers. Predictive accuracy was assessed with estimates of the area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which were subjected to 200
      bootstraps to reduce overfit bias. RESULTS: At final pathology only 29.3%
      patients harboured unilateral prostate cancer. No significant differences in
      terms of age, preoperative PSA, prostate volume and percentage of positive cores
      were recorded between patients with unilateral prostate cancer and patients with
      more advanced stage (all P >= 0.07). Patients harbouring unilateral prostate
      cancer had a smaller number of positive biopsy cores (2.8 vs 3.2, P = 0.056)
      compared with patients with stage pT2c or higher at final pathology. Patients
      with unilateral prostate cancer had a higher rate of Gleason sum 6 compared with
      patients with more advanced pathological stage (pT2c or higher: 85.1% vs 65.6%; P
      = 0.002). On multivariable analyses, only the percentage of positive cores (odds
      ratio 0.57; P = 0.047) was an independent predictor of unilateral prostate cancer
      at radical prostatectomy, after controlling for age, PSA at diagnosis and
      prostate volume (all P >= 0.3). The newly developed model for identifying the
      presence of unilateral prostate cancer failed to achieve accurate prediction
      (area under the curve 52.3%). When only patients with a single positive core were
      considered, no differences in PSA and prostate volume were detected (all P >=
      0.5) and a similar rate of unilateral prostate cancer was demonstrated (33.3% vs
      28.4%; P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with unilateral low risk prostate
      cancer at biopsy, only one-third showed unilateral prostate cancer at radical
      prostatectomy. The number of cores and the number of positive cores represented
      independent predictors of unilateral prostate cancer. However, the accuracy of
      the multivariable model in predicting unilateral prostate cancer is low (52.3%),
      thus making prediction of unilateral prostate cancer extremely inaccurate. These
      results need to be taken into account in those cases where focal therapy is
      considered as a treatment of prostate cancer.

PMID- 22093109
TI  - Intestinal defensin secretion in infancy is associated with the emergence of
      sensitization and atopic dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal flora and innate immunity, and their interactions impact
      adaptive immunity. OBJECTIVE: To study the association of fecal defensin levels
      in infancy with synbiotic treatment and with the emergence of atopy. METHODS: The
      randomly selected group of 102 infants belonged to a randomized, double-blind
      placebo-controlled trial where 1223 infants in high risk for allergy received,
      from birth to 6 months, a mixture of synbiotics, or placebo. Clinical trials
      registration number for the clinical trial is NCT00298337. In the subgroup, 45
      received active treatment and 56 received placebo treatment. Follow-up for the
      emergence of sensitization and allergic diseases lasted 5 years. At the age of 3
      (n = 96) and 6 (n = 87) months, we measured fecal levels of human neutrophil
      peptide (HNP) 1-3 and of beta-defensin 2 (HBD2) using enzyme linked immunosorbent
      assays and concentrations of lactic acid bacteria on MRS agar. We used
      multifactorial regression in data analysis. RESULTS: Fecal levels of HNP1-3 and
      HBD2 decreased from the age of 3-6 months (P < 0.0001). HBD2 levels decreased
      less in the synbiotics group compared with placebo (P < 0.02). High fecal HBD2
      levels at 6 months were associated with an increased risk for sensitization by
      the age of 5 years (OR 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-5.8, P < 0.03). High
      fecal HNP1-3 levels at 6 months were associated with a decreased risk for atopic
      dermatitis (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-1.0, P < 0.05). Samples with very low or high HBD2
      levels at 6 months had low concentrations of lactic acid bacteria (P < 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early innate immunity responses in the gut
      are associated with the emergence of sensitization and atopic dermatitis later in
      childhood.

PMID- 22093110
TI  - Effects of fluorides on apoptosis and activation of human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of fluorides on endothelial functioning.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed expressions of adhesion molecules, ICAM-1 and
      ICAM-3, and annexin V, on the surface of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs) exposed to various concentrations of NaF and SnF(2) . We compared the
      effects of fluoride-induced changes with those obtained when stimulating HUVECs
      with TNF-alpha and verified whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), well-known
      antioxidant, can prevent both fluoride- and TNF-alpha-induced alterations.
      RESULTS: The expressions of annexin V and ICAM-1 increased significantly after
      adding NaF (5.0 or 7.5mM) or Sn(2) F (0.5 or 0.75mM) to the culture medium. Pre
      incubating HUVECs with NAC prevented the effects induced by 5.0 mM of NaF and 0.5
      mM of Sn(2) F. Only the highest concentration of NaF (7.5mM) triggered the
      expression of ICAM-3. The expressions of all three molecules increased
      significantly upon stimulating the cultures with TNF-alpha (20ng ml(-1) ); these
      changes were not reversed by pre-incubation with NAC. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorides
      induce oxidative stress, resulting in apoptosis and activation of HUVECs,
      manifested by an elevated expression of ICAM-1. The oxidative stress resulting
      from a stimulation by the highest NaF concentration triggers ICAM-3 expression on
      the HUVECs' surface.

PMID- 22093111
TI  - Abdominal actinomycosis masquerading as colon cancer in a liver transplant
      recipient.
AB  - Infections in transplant recipients are associated with high morbidity and
      mortality, making their early recognition and treatment particularly important.
      Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare clinical entity and difficult to diagnose
      because of its various and nonspecific features. We describe a 57-year-old
      patient who presented with abdominal actinomycosis simulating colon cancer 6
      years after liver transplantation. The main symptom was abdominal pain. Abdominal
      computed tomography and colonoscopy revealed an intraluminal 4.5 cm mass in the
      right colon, raising suspicions of a colonic malignancy and leading to surgical
      intervention. The postoperative pathologic study showed sulfur granules in the
      resected specimen compatible with abdominal actinomycosis. No signs of recurrence
      were seen throughout the 6-month follow-up. The literature on actinomycosis
      infections in immune-compromised hosts is reviewed. This presentation of
      actinomycosis in a liver transplant recipient has not been described previously,
      to our knowledge.

PMID- 22093112
TI  - High-resolution computed tomography bronchial lumen to pulmonary artery diameter
      ratio in anesthetized ventilated cats with normal lungs.
AB  - High-resolution computed tomography (CT) is the preferred noninvasive tool for
      diagnosing bronchiectasis in people. A criterion for evaluating dilation of the
      bronchus is the bronchial lumen to pulmonary artery diameter (bronchoarterial
      ratio [BA ratio]). A ratio of > 1.0 in humans or > 2.0 in dogs has been suggested
      as a threshold for identifying bronchiectasis. The purpose of this study was to
      establish the BA ratio in normal cats. Fourteen specific pathogen-free cats were
      selected for analysis of thoracic CT images. The BA ratios of the lobar bronchi
      of the left cranial (cranial and caudal parts), right cranial, right middle, left
      caudal, and right caudal lung lobes were measured. The mean of the mean BA ratio
      of all lung lobes was 0.71 +/- 0.05. Individual BA ratios ranged from 0.5 to
      1.11. Comparing individual lobes for each cat, there was no significant
      difference (P = 0.145) in mean BA ratio between lung lobes. A mean BA ratio for
      these normal cats was 0.71 +/- 0.1, which suggests an upper cut-off normal value
      > 0.91 (mean +/- 2 standard deviations) between normal and abnormal cats.

PMID- 22093113
TI  - What is your diagnosis? Intracranial mass in a dog.

PMID- 22093114
TI  - Using en face ink to guide the conservative sectioning of a Mohs margin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the epidermal rim of a Mohs layer routinely requires some
      manipulation, the deep margin seems to conform easily to a smooth surface for
      sectioning even when tissue textures and contours are prominent. How well these
      common features of the deep margin flatten during processing has not been well
      studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine how successfully tissue processing flattens the
      deep margin of Mohs specimens. METHODS: Using en face inking, this study compared
      the sectioning required to reach a completed epidermal margin with that of the
      completed deep margin in 100 routine first-stage Mohs specimens. RESULTS: A mean
      of 248.8 MUm of additional sectioning beyond the completed epidermal margin was
      required in 74% of specimens to reach the completed deep margin. This deep margin
      differential was associated with increasing layer size (p = .003) and those
      specimens that required the least amount of sectioning to reach a completed
      epidermal margin (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The differential between the epidermal
      and deep margin suggests that tissue texture and contour irregularities can be
      easily compressed and internalized during embedding. En face inking can be used
      to delineate the tissue texture and surgical features of a Mohs margin ensuring a
      complete and conservative section evaluation.

PMID- 22093115
TI  - Lateral longitudinal excision of the nail unit.

PMID- 22093116
TI  - Treatment of IBS-D with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists vs spasmolytic agents: similar
      therapeutical effects from heterogeneous pharmacological targets.
AB  - There is still no agreement over optimal pharmacological treatment for irritable
      bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients with IBS and diarrhea (IBS-D) demonstrate both
      visceral hypersensitivity and impaired colonic motility with increased frequency
      and amplitude of giant migrating contractions (GMCs) which cause mass movements,
      propulsion of stools and initiation of defecation. Both antispasmodics and 5-HT3
      receptor antagonists can improve the symptoms and the impaired colonic motility
      of patients with IBS-D though through very different mechanisms. Antispasmodics
      act by directly relaxing the colonic smooth muscle cells or antagonizing the
      excitatory neuromuscular neurotransmission. In contrast, the mechanism of action
      of 5HT3 antagonists is much more complex and subtle as they inhibit the ascending
      excitatory component of the peristaltic reflex and GMCs. There are some concerns
      about the safety of 5HT3 antagonists in long-term treatment. Most of the studies
      on the treatment of IBS have followed the pharmacological strategy of looking for
      big clinical effects acting on a single receptor/target. We propose a
      pharmacologic strategy which uses different drugs for pain and dysmotility in the
      same patient and includes specific drugs acting on smooth muscle cells,
      neuromuscular transmission, synaptic transmission and intrinsic afferents. The
      clinical effect on IBS symptoms would be found in the sum of all these smaller
      effects on multiple targets.

PMID- 22093117
TI  - Pain education for physiotherapists: is it time for curriculum reform?

PMID- 22093118
TI  - Engagement of physiotherapists in cardiology research.

PMID- 22093119
TI  - Inspiratory muscle training increases inspiratory muscle strength in patients
      weaning from mechanical ventilation: a systematic review.
AB  - QUESTION: Does inspiratory muscle training improve inspiratory muscle strength
      and endurance, facilitate weaning, improve survival, and reduce the rate of
      reintubation and tracheostomy in adults receiving mechanical ventilation? DESIGN:
      Systematic review of randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials.
      PARTICIPANTS: Adults over 16 years of age receiving mechanical ventilation.
      INTERVENTION: Inspiratory muscle training versus sham or no inspiratory muscle
      training. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were extracted regarding inspiratory muscle
      strength and endurance, the duration of unassisted breathing periods, weaning
      success and duration, reintubation and tracheostomy, survival, adverse effects,
      and length of stay. RESULTS: Three studies involving 150 participants were
      included in the review. The studies varied in time to commencement of the
      training, the device used, the training protocol, and the outcomes measured.
      Inspiratory muscle training significantly increased inspiratory muscle strength
      over sham or no training (weighted mean difference 8 cmH(2)O, 95% CI 6 to 9).
      There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in weaning
      success or duration, survival, reintubation, or tracheostomy. CONCLUSION:
      Inspiratory muscle training was found to significantly increase inspiratory
      muscle strength in adults undergoing mechanical ventilation. Despite data from a
      substantial pooled cohort, it is not yet clear whether the increase in
      inspiratory muscle strength leads to a shorter duration of mechanical
      ventilation, improved weaning success, or improved survival. Further large
      randomised studies are required to clarify the impact of inspiratory muscle
      training on patients receiving mechanical ventilation. REVIEW REGISTRATION:
      PROSPERO CRD42011001132.

PMID- 22093120
TI  - Timing of dornase alpha inhalation does not affect the efficacy of an airway
      clearance regimen in adults with cystic fibrosis: a randomised crossover trial.
AB  - QUESTION: Does the timing of inhalation of dornase alpha in relation to physical
      airway clearance techniques influence the effect of the entire airway clearance
      regimen?. DESIGN: A randomised crossover trial with concealed allocation,
      intention-to-treat analysis and blinding of patients, therapists, and assessors.
      PARTICIPANTS: Twenty adults with cystic fibrosis who were not taking dornase
      alpha were recruited, of whom 17 were randomised and completed the trial.
      INTERVENTION: Participants performed an individually tailored session of physical
      airway clearance techniques for at least 15 minutes per day for 28 days. For 14
      days, dornase alpha was inhaled before each session of airway clearance
      techniques and a placebo was inhaled after. For the other 14 days, placebo was
      inhaled before and dornase alpha after airway clearance techniques. The order of
      the two 14-day periods was randomised. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was
      the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)). Secondary outcomes were forced
      vital capacity, 24-hour sputum production, sputum production during the airway
      clearance regimen, oxygen saturation, peak oxygen consumption during an
      incremental exercise test, oxygen desaturation during exercise, and quality of
      life. RESULTS: Inhalation of dornase alpha after airway clearance techniques did
      not significantly affect the change in FEV(1) compared with inhalation before
      airway clearance techniques, mean difference 0.04 L, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.23. None
      of the secondary outcomes differed significantly between the study arms. There
      was good correlation between the change in FEV(1) and the change in quality of
      life scores. CONCLUSION: Timing of dornase alpha can be selected according to
      convenience, patient preference, or to accommodate the timing of other
      medications in the treatment regimen. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12611001041943.

PMID- 22093121
TI  - Telephone coaching can increase activity levels for people with non-chronic low
      back pain: a randomised trial.
AB  - QUESTION: Does the addition of telephone coaching to usual physiotherapy care
      improve activity for people with non-chronic low back pain and low to moderate
      recovery expectations? DESIGN: Randomised trial with concealed allocation and
      intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS: People attending the physiotherapy
      department of a public hospital for treatment within eight weeks of onset of non
      specific low back pain. Eligible participants had low to moderate recovery
      expectations, defined as a response of 7 or less to the question 'How certain are
      you that you will return to all of your usual activities one month from today?'
      on a scale from 0 (not certain at all) to 10 (completely certain). INTERVENTION:
      Five sessions of telephone coaching by a physiotherapist trained in health
      coaching techniques in addition to usual physiotherapy compared to usual
      physiotherapy alone. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Patient Specific Functional Scale,
      Oswestry Disability Index, Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire, and recovery
      expectation were measured at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: 30 participants
      were recruited, with 26 completing all measures at 12 weeks. There were no
      significant differences between groups at 4 weeks. After 12 weeks the coaching
      group improved significantly more than the control group on two 10-point scales:
      the Patient Specific Functional Scale (mean difference 3.0 points, 95% CI 0.7 to
      5.4) and recovery expectation (mean difference 3.4 points, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.7).
      Estimates of effect sizes were moderate to large in favour of the intervention.
      CONCLUSION: The addition of telephone health coaching to usual physiotherapy care
      for people with non-chronic non-specific low back pain led to clinically
      important improvements in activity and recovery expectation. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ACTRN12607000458437.

PMID- 22093122
TI  - The Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP) is a valid measure of professional
      competence of physiotherapy students: a cross-sectional study with Rasch
      analysis.
AB  - QUESTION: Is the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP) a valid instrument
      for the assessment of entry-level competence in physiotherapy students? DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study with Rasch analysis of initial (n=326) and validation
      samples (n=318). Students were assessed on completion of 4, 5, or 6-week clinical
      placements across one university semester. PARTICIPANTS: 298 clinical educators
      and 456 physiotherapy students at nine universities in Australia and New Zealand
      provided 644 completed APP instruments. RESULTS: APP data in both samples showed
      overall fit to a Rasch model of expected item functioning for interval scale
      measurement. Item 6 (Written communication) exhibited misfit in both samples, but
      was retained as an important element of competence. The hierarchy of item
      difficulty was the same in both samples with items related to professional
      behaviour and communication the easiest to achieve and items related to clinical
      reasoning the most difficult. Item difficulty was well targeted to person
      ability. No Differential Item Functioning was identified, indicating that the
      scale performed in a comparable way regardless of the student's age, gender or
      amount of prior clinical experience, and the educator's age, gender, or
      experience as an educator, or the type of facility, university, or clinical area.
      The instrument demonstrated unidimensionality confirming the appropriateness of
      summing the scale scores on each item to provide an overall score of clinical
      competence and was able to discriminate four levels of professional competence
      (Person Separation Index=0.96). Person ability and raw APP scores had a linear
      relationship (r(2)=0.99). CONCLUSION: Rasch analysis supports the interpretation
      that a student's APP score is an indication of their underlying level of
      professional competence in workplace practice.

PMID- 22093123
TI  - Provocative wrist tests and MRI are of limited diagnostic value for suspected
      wrist ligament injuries: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - QUESTION: What is the diagnostic value of provocative wrist tests and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected wrist ligament injuries? DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: 105 people presenting to hand clinics with wrist
      pain and suspected wrist ligament injuries were evaluated prospectively. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The integrity of wrist ligaments was tested with seven provocative
      tests. The results were compared to the reference standard of arthroscopy. In a
      subgroup of 55 participants, MRI findings were also compared to arthroscopy. The
      provocative tests were the scaphoid shift test (SS test), lunotriquetral test (LT
      test), midcarpal test (MC test), distal radioulnar joint test (DRUJ test),
      triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) stress test (TFCC test), TFCC stress
      test with compression (TFCC comp test), and the gripping rotatory impaction test
      (GRIT). RESULTS: Most provocative tests and MRI findings were of little or no
      value for diagnosing wrist ligament injuries. Exceptions were the SS test (+ve LR
      2.88 and -ve LR 0.28), MC test (+ve LR 2.67) and DRUJ test (-ve LR 0.30), all of
      which were of mild diagnostic usefulness. MRI was moderately useful for
      diagnosing TFCC injuries (+ve LR 5.56, -ve LR 0.15), and was mildly useful for
      diagnosing scapholunate (SL) ligament injuries (+ve LR 4.17, -ve LR 0.32) and
      lunate cartilage damage (+ve LR 3.67, -ve LR 0.33). Adding MRI to provocative
      tests improved the accuracy of diagnosis of TFCC injuries slightly (by 13%) and
      lunate cartilage damage (by 8%). CONCLUSION: Provocative wrist tests of SL
      ligament injuries and midcarpal ligament injuries are mildly useful for
      diagnosing wrist injuries. MRI diagnostic findings of SL ligament injuries,
      lunate cartilage damage, and TFCC are mildly to moderately useful. MRI slightly
      improves the diagnosis of TFCC injury and lunate cartilage damage compared to
      provocative tests alone.

PMID- 22093124
TI  - Aerobic exercise enhances executive function and academic achievement in
      sedentary, overweight children aged 7-11 years.
AB  - Summary of: Davis CL et al (2011) Exercise improves executive function and
      achievement and alters brain activation in overweight children: a randomized
      controlled trial. Health Pscyh 30: 91-98. [Prepared by Nora Shields, CAP Editor.]
      QUESTION: Does aerobic exercise improve cognition and academic achievement in
      overweight children aged 7-11 years? DESIGN: Randomised, controlled trial with
      concealed allocation and blinded outcome assessment. SETTING: After school
      program in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Overweight, inactive children aged 7
      11 years with no medical contraindication to exercise. Randomisation of 171
      participants allocated 56 to a high dose exercise group, 55 to a low dose
      exercise group, and 60 to a control group. INTERVENTIONS: Both exercise groups
      were transported to an after school exercise program each school day and
      participated in aerobic activities including running games, jump rope, and
      modified basketball and soccer. The emphasis was on intensity, enjoyment, and
      safety, not competition or skill enhancement. The student-instructor ratio was
      9:1. Heart rate monitors were used to observe the exercise intensity. Points were
      awarded for maintaining an average of>150 beats per minute and could be redeemed
      for weekly prizes. The high dose exercise group received 40 min/day aerobic
      exercise and the low dose exercise group received 20 min/day aerobic exercise and
      20 min/day unsupervised sedentary activities including board games, drawing, and
      card games. The average duration of the program was 13 +/- 1.6 weeks. The control
      group did not receive any after school program or transportation. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The primary outcome was the Cognitive Assessment System taken at
      baseline and postintervention. This measure tests four cognitive processes:
      planning (or executive function), attention, simultaneous, and successive tasks
      with each process yielding a standard score with a mean of 100 and a SD of 15.
      Secondary outcome measures were the broad reading and mathematics clusters of the
      Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement III. RESULTS: 164 participants completed
      the study. At the end of the intervention period, there was a dose-response
      benefit of exercise on executive function (linear trend p=0.013) and mathematics
      achievement (linear trend p=0.045); ie, the post-intervention group scores for
      these outcomes increased with the intensity of exercise. Compared to the control
      group, exposure to either exercise program resulted in higher executive function
      scores (mean difference=-2.8, 95% CI -5.3 to -0.2 points) but not in higher
      mathematics achievement scores. The groups did not differ significantly on any of
      the other outcomes. There were no differences between the two exercise groups.
      CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise enhances executive function in overweight children.
      Executive function develops in childhood and is important for adaptive behaviour
      and cognitive development.

PMID- 22093125
TI  - Questioning the role of targeted respiratory physiotherapy over and above a
      standard clinical pathway in the postoperative management of patients following
      open thoracotomy.
AB  - Summary of: Reeve JC et al (2010) Does physiotherapy reduce the incidence of
      postoperative pulmonary complications following pulmonary resection via open
      thoracotomy? A preliminary randomised single-blind clinical trial. Eur J
      Cardiothorac Surg 37: 1158-1166. [Prepared by Kylie Hill, CAP Editor.] QUESTION:
      Does routine prophylactic targeted respiratory physiotherapy after elective
      pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy decrease the incidence of postoperative
      pulmonary complications and reduce length of hospital stay? DESIGN: Randomised,
      controlled trial with concealed allocation in which those who collected outcome
      measures were blinded to group allocation. SETTING: Hospital ward of a tertiary
      referral centre in Auckland, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: Adults scheduled for
      pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: (i) unable to
      understand written and spoken English, (ii) tumour invasion of the chest wall or
      brachial plexus, (iii) physiotherapy for a respiratory or shoulder problem within
      2 weeks prior to admission, (iv) development of a postoperative pulmonary
      complication prior to randomisation on Day 1 postoperatively, or (v) intubation
      and mechanical ventilation >= 24 hours following surgery. Randomisation of 76
      patients allocated 42 to the intervention group and 34 to the control group.
      INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received usual medical and nursing care via a
      standardised clinical pathway, which included early and frequent position
      changes, sitting out of bed on the first postoperative day, early ambulation and
      frequent pain assessment. In addition, the intervention group received daily
      targeted respiratory physiotherapy, which comprised deep breathing and coughing
      exercises, assistance with ambulation, and progressive shoulder and thoracic cage
      exercises. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was incidence of postoperative
      pulmonary complications, defined using a standardised diagnostic tool. The
      secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The primary and
      secondary outcomes were available for all enrolled patients. Neither the
      incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications [mean difference intervention
      control 1.8% (95% CI -10.6 to 13.1%)] nor the hospital length of stay
      [intervention group median 6.0 days, control group median 6.0 days; p=0.87)
      differed significantly between groups. The overall incidence of postoperative
      pulmonary complications (3.9%) was lower than expected. CONCLUSION: In adults
      following open thoracotomy, the addition of targeted respiratory physiotherapy to
      a standardised clinical pathway that included early mobilisation did not reduce
      the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications or change length of
      hospital stay.

PMID- 22093126
TI  - Surgery with disc prosthesis may produce better outcomes than multidisciplinary
      rehabilitation for patients with chronic low back pain.
AB  - Hellum C et al (2011) Surgery with disc prosthesis versus rehabilitation in
      patients with low back pain and degenerative disc: two year follow-up of
      randomised study. BMJ 342: d2786 doi:10.1136/bmj.d2786. [Prepared by Margreth
      Grotle and Kare Birger Hagen, CAP Editors.] QUESTION: What are the effects of
      surgery with disc prosthesis compared to multidisciplinary rehabilitation for
      patients with chronic low back pain? DESIGN: A single blind randomised controlled
      multicentre trial. SETTING: Five university hospitals in Norway. PARTICIPANTS:
      Men and women 25-55 years with low back pain as the main symptom for at least one
      year, physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment for at least six months without
      sufficient effect, a score of at least 30 on the Oswestry disability index, and
      degenerative intervertebral disc changes at L4/L5 or L5/S1, or both. Patients
      with nerve root involvement were excluded. Randomisation of 179 participants
      allocated 86 patients to surgical treatment and 87 to rehabilitation.
      INTERVENTIONS: Rehabilitation consisted of a cognitive approach and supervised
      physical exercise directed by physiotherapists and specialists in physical
      medicine and rehabilitation. Intervention was standardised and organised as
      outpatient treatment in groups; it lasted for about 60 hours over 3-5 weeks.
      Follow-up consultations were conducted at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year
      after the intervention. Surgical intervention consisted of replacement of the
      degenerative intervertebral lumbar disc with an artificial lumbar disc. Surgeons
      were required to have inserted at least six disc prostheses before performing
      surgery in the study. Patients were not referred for postoperative physiotherapy,
      but at 6 weeks follow-up they could be referred for physiotherapy if required,
      emphasising general mobilisation and non-specific exercises. OUTCOME MEASURES:
      The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0-100 scale) at 2
      years. Secondary outcomes included low back pain (0-100 VAS), SF-36, and EQ-5D
      scores. RESULTS: The drop-out rate at 2 years was 15% in the surgical arm and 24%
      in the rehabilitation arm. At 2 years follow up, the between group differences
      (95% CI) in favour of the surgical treatment were -8.4 (-13.2 to -3.6) for ODI, 
      12.2 (-21.3 to -3.1) for pain, and 5.8 (2.5 to 9.1) for SF-36 physical health
      summary. No differences were found in SF-36 mental health summary or EQ-5D.
      CONCLUSION: Surgery with disc prosthesis produced significantly greater
      improvement in variables measuring physical disability and pain, but the
      difference in ODI between groups did not exceed the pre-specified minimally
      important difference of 10 points, so it is unclear whether the observed changes
      were clinically meaningful.

PMID- 22093127
TI  - Manual lymph drainage when added to advice and exercise may not be effective in
      preventing lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer.
AB  - Summary of: Devoogdt N et al (2011) Effect of manual lymph drainage in addition
      to guidelines and exercise therapy on arm lymphoedema related to breast cancer:
      randomized controlled trial. BMJ 343: d5326. [Prepared by Nicholas Taylor, CAP
      Editor.] QUESTION: Does manual lymph drainage prevent lymphoedema in patients who
      have had surgery for breast cancer?. DESIGN: Randomised, controlled trial with
      concealed allocation and blinded outcome assessment. SETTING: A multidisciplinary
      breast centre of a tertiary hospital in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS: Patients were
      eligible to be included if they received unilateral surgery with axillary node
      dissection for breast cancer, and agreed to participate. Randomisation of 160
      participants allocated 79 to the intervention group and 81 to a control group.
      INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received guidelines about the prevention of
      lymphoedema in the form of a brochure, and exercise therapy involving supervised
      individualised 30 minute sessions - initially twice a week, reducing to once
      fortnightly as patients progressed. Participants in both groups were also asked
      to perform exercises at home twice/day. In addition, the intervention group
      received 40 sessions of manual lymph drainage over 20 weeks with each session
      lasting 30 minutes and performed by trained therapists. OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence of and the time to develop arm
      lymphoedema (defined as a 200 ml increase) as measured with the water
      displacement method with measures taken at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months
      after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were lymphoedema measured with the arm
      circumference method, health-related quality of life using the SF-36 scale, and a
      patient reported questionnaire to score the presence of subjective arm
      lymphoedema. RESULTS: 154 participants (96%) completed the study at 12 months. At
      12 months the incidence of lymphoedema in the intervention group (n=18, 24%) was
      similar to the incidence of lymphoedema in the control group (n = 15, 19%, OR
      1.3, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.4); also there was no difference in incidence at 3 or 6
      months. There was no difference between the groups in the time taken to develop
      lymphoedema, and no difference between the groups in any secondary outcome
      measure. CONCLUSION: The application of manual lymph drainage after axillary node
      dissection for breast cancer in addition to providing guidelines and exercise
      therapy did not prevent lymphoedema in the first year after surgery.

PMID- 22093128
TI  - General Health Questionnaire - 28 (GHQ-28).

PMID- 22093129
TI  - The Neer sign and Hawkins-Kennedy test for shoulder impingement.

PMID- 22093133
TI  - Recombinant DNA immunotherapy ameliorate established airway allergy in a IL-10
      dependent pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have established that mycobacterial infections
      ameliorate allergic inflammation. However, a non-infectious approach that
      controls allergic responses might represent a safer and more promising strategy.
      The 60-65 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp) family is endowed with anti-inflammatory
      properties, but it is still unclear whether and how single mycobacterial Hsp
      control allergic disorders. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, in this study we determined
      whether the administration of Mycobacterial leprae Hsp65 expressed by recombinant
      a DNA plasmid could attenuate a previously established allergic response.
      METHODS: We used an experimental model of airway allergic inflammation to test
      the effects of immunotherapy with DNA encoding Hsp65. Allergic mice, previously
      sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin, were treated with tree intramuscular
      doses of recombinant DNA encoding Hsp65. After treatment, mice received a second
      allergen challenge and the allergic response was measured. RESULTS: We found that
      immunotherapy attenuated eosinophilia, pulmonary inflammation, Th2 cytokine and
      mucus production. Moreover, we showed that the inhibition of allergic response is
      dependent on IL-10 production. Both Hsp65 and allergen-specific IL-10-producing
      cells contributed to this effect. Cells transferred from DNA-immunized mice to
      allergic mice migrated to allergic sites and down-modulated the Th2 response.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings clearly show that immunotherapy
      with DNA encoding Hsp65 can attenuate an established Th2 allergic inflammation
      through an IL-10-dependent mechanism; moreover, the migration of allergen- and
      Hsp65-specific cells to the allergic sites exerts a fundamental role. This work
      represents a novel contribution to the understanding of immune regulation by
      Hsp65 in allergic diseases.

PMID- 22093134
TI  - Oral valganciclovir versus ganciclovir as delayed pre-emptive therapy for
      patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: a pilot trial (04
      0274) and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important cause of morbidity
      and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). This
      pilot prospective randomized clinical trial compares valganciclovir (VGV) to
      ganciclovir (GCV) as pre-emptive therapy for CMV viremia in the post-allogeneic
      HSCT population. METHODS: Patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT who were at risk
      for CMV viremia were monitored post HSCT by weekly quantitative whole blood
      polymerase chain reaction. Pre-emptive therapy was delayed until the viral load
      (VL) was >10,000 copies/mL once, or >5000 copies/mL twice. Patients were
      randomized to either GCV 5 mg/kg twice a day (b.i.d.) for 7 days followed by
      daily GCV 5 mg/kg for up to 21 days, or VGV 900 mg b.i.d. for 7 days followed by
      900 mg daily for up to 21 days. The primary endpoint was clearance of viremia (VL
      <5000 copies/mL) within 28 days of initiation of therapy. RESULT: In total, 37
      patients were enrolled; 19 patients received treatment with VGV and 18 patients
      received treatment with GCV. The VGV was not inferior in efficacy to GCV as pre
      emptive therapy, with rates of viral clearance at 28 days of 89.5% and 83%,
      respectively (P-value for non-inferiority = 0.030). Toxicities were similar
      between the 2 arms. No patients developed CMV disease. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      trial, the rates of clearance of viremia appear to be similar with VGV and GCV.

PMID- 22093135
TI  - Evaluation of process variations in noncompliance in the implementation of
      evidence-based sepsis care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is recognized as an often-lethal disease. Recommended
      guidelines are complex and time sensitive. Response teams (RTs) have demonstrated
      success in implementation of quality initiatives. The purpose of this study was
      to evaluate variations in noncompliance with recommended sepsis guidelines
      overall and between a sepsis-focused RT and standard care. METHODS: This
      retrospective chart review categorized septic patients based on treatment by a
      sepsis response team (SRT) versus standard care (non-SRT). Guideline compliance
      was based upon the Surviving Sepsis evaluation and treatment guidelines. RESULTS:
      Patient records for 123 identified septic patients post first-year implementation
      were evaluated. Overall, compliance rates were low and there were variations in
      compliance between the treatment providers. The SRT was more compliant than the
      non-SRT. SRT noncompliance was more often due to failure to achieve therapeutic
      goals within the recommended time. Mortality benefit was not statistically
      significant between groups; however mortality was higher in the non-SRT group.
      CONCLUSION: Noncompliance is more complex than simple failure to initiate,
      especially in time-dependent therapies. The development and education of an RT
      demonstrates improvement in application of sepsis-focused therapies over standard
      care.

PMID- 22093136
TI  - [Pleural empyema caused by Streptococcus constellatus].

PMID- 22093137
TI  - Effectiveness of laxatives in elderly--a cross sectional study in nursing homes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laxatives are efficient drugs, but the effectiveness has been
      questioned. In nursing homes, the prevalence of constipation is high and
      laxatives are commonly used drugs. The aims of the study were to assess the
      effectiveness of laxative therapy in an everyday setting in Norwegian nursing
      homes, study differences between treatment regimens and factors associated with
      normal bowel function. METHODS: A cross-sectional study. After giving informed
      consent, residents above 60 years of age using laxatives for functional
      constipation were included, and their characteristics, medical history, use of
      drugs and bowel functions were recorded. Normal bowel function was defined as
      bowel movements from 3 times/week to 3 times/day and stool consistency 3-5 on
      Bristol Stool Form Scale. RESULTS: Out of 647 residents in the nursing homes, 197
      were included and 116 (59%) had normal bowel function. The treatment effect did
      not differ significantly between the laxatives, treatment regimens or expected
      efficacy of the regimens. The treatment was unsatisfactorily adapted to
      individual needs. In subjects with normal bowel function, 113 (97%) had
      persistent complaints; 68 (59.5%), 10 (8.0%), 34 (28.6%) and 26 (22.5%) reported
      straining, manual manoeuvre to facilitate bowel movements, feeling of incomplete
      bowel movements, and feeling of anorectal obstruction respectively. Good
      nutritional status, previous or present cancer disease and anxiety/depression
      were predictors of normal bowel function. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of constipation
      in nursing homes was unsatisfactory. Nearly all patients with normal stool
      frequency and consistence had some persistent complaints. Improved nutrition and
      individualization of the treatment could improve the outcome.

PMID- 22093138
TI  - Mastication in humans: finding a rationale.

PMID- 22093139
TI  - External validity and psychiatric disorder exclusions in orofacial pain clinical
      trials.

PMID- 22093140
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of kaposi sarcoma herpes virus seropositivity: a cross
      sectional analysis of HIV-infected adults initiating ART in Johannesburg, South
      Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common AIDS-defining tumour in HIV
      infected individuals in Africa. Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) infection
      precedes development of KS. KSHV co-infection may be associated with worse
      outcomes in HIV disease and elevated KSHV viral load may be an early marker for
      advanced HIV disease among untreated patients. We examined the prevalence of KSHV
      among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) and compared immunological,
      demographic and clinical factors between patients seropositive and seronegative
      for KSHV. RESULTS: We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from 404 HIV
      infected treatment-naive adults initiating ART at the Themba Lethu Clinic,
      Johannesburg, South Africa between November 2008 and March 2009. Subjects were
      screened at ART initiation for antibodies to KSHV lytic K8.1 and latent Orf73
      antigens. Seropositivity to KSHV was defined as positive to either lytic KSHV
      K8.1 or latent KSHV Orf73 antibodies. KSHV viremia was determined by quantitative
      PCR and CD3, 4 and 8 lymphocyte counts were determined with flow cytometry. Of
      the 404 participants, 193 (48%) tested positive for KSHV at ART initiation; with
      76 (39%) reactive to lytic K8.1, 35 (18%) to latent Orf73 and 82 (42%) to both.
      One individual presented with clinical KS at ART initiation. The KSHV infected
      group was similar to those without KSHV in terms of age, race, gender, ethnicity,
      smoking and alcohol use. KSHV infected individuals presented with slightly higher
      median CD3 (817 vs. 726 cells/mm3) and CD4 (90 vs. 80 cells/mm3) counts than KSHV
      negative subjects. We found no associations between KSHV seropositivity and body
      mass index, tuberculosis status, WHO stage, HIV RNA levels, full blood count or
      liver function tests at initiation. Those with detectable KSHV viremia (n = 19),
      however, appeared to present with signs of more advanced HIV disease including
      anemia and WHO stage 3 or 4 defining conditions compared to those in whom the
      virus was undetectable. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a high prevalence of KSHV
      among HIV-infected adults initiating ART in a large urban public-sector HIV
      clinic. KSHV viremia but not KSHV seropositivity may be associated with markers
      of advanced HIV disease.

PMID- 22093141
TI  - Distal matrix glomus tumor presenting as longitudinal erythronychia: a pearl for
      surgical management.

PMID- 22093142
TI  - Intensive multifactorial treatment and cognitive functioning in screen-detected
      type 2 diabetes--the ADDITION-Netherlands study: a cluster-randomized trial.
AB  - AIM: To assess whether an intensive multifactorial treatment can reduce cognitive
      decrements and cognitive decline in screen-detected type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The
      multinational ADDITION-study, a cluster-randomized parallel group trial in
      patients with screen-detected type 2 diabetes, compared the effectiveness of
      intensive multifactorial treatment (IT; lifestyle advice and strict regulation of
      metabolic parameters) with routine care (RC) on cardiovascular outcome. In The
      Netherlands randomization was stratified according to practice organization.
      Allocation was concealed from patients. The present study assessed the effect of
      IT on cognition through two neuropsychological assessments (NPA) on two
      occasions. The assessments took place three and six years after the start of the
      intervention. Non-diabetic controls served as reference group. The first NPA was
      performed in 183 patients (IT: 97; RC: 86) and 69 controls. The second NPA was
      performed in 135 patients (IT: 71; RC: 64) and 55 controls. Primary outcome was a
      composite score, including the domains memory, information-processing speed and
      attention and executive function. Comparisons between the treatment groups were
      performed with multi-level analyses. RESULTS: The first NPA showed no differences
      between the treatment groups (mean difference composite z-score: 0.00; 95%-CI 
      0.16 to 0.16; IT vs RC). Over the next three years cognitive decline in the
      diabetic groups was within the range of the reference group and did not differ
      between the treatment arms (difference decline between diabetic groups -0.12; 
      0.24 to 0.01; IT vs RC). CONCLUSIONS: Six years of IT in screen-detected type 2
      diabetes had no benefit on cognitive functioning over RC.

PMID- 22093143
TI  - Congenital vertebral duplication: a predisposing risk factor for dissection.
AB  - Spontaneous cervical-artery dissection (CAD) is a major cause of cerebral
      ischaemia in young adults. While their pathophysiology remains still poorly
      understood, CAD is considered today as a multifactorial disease determined by
      general and local predisposing factors; these predisposing factors being
      predominantly constitutional abnormalities of the arterial wall. Here, we report
      an MRI-confirmed dissection of a duplicated vertebral artery, in a patient with
      attacks of vertigo due to cerebellar infarction following a minor neck trauma.
      Knowing that another case of vertebrobasilar CAD on a duplicated vertebral artery
      has been reported, these rare anatomical variants probably predispose to
      vertebral CAD, via local histological defects or significant hemodynamics
      alterations, as reported for the classical local predisposing conditions for
      vertebral dissection, i.e.: fibromuscular dysplasias or carotid redundancies
      (including loops, kinks and coils).

PMID- 22093144
TI  - Value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mass ratio in the detection of prostate
      cancer in men with PSA levels of <=10 ng/mL.
AB  - A group of researchers introduced a parameter named PSA mass ratio, which is
      defined as total circulating PSA protein (PSA [ng/mL] x plasma volume [L]) per
      prostate volume, as a prostate cancer screening tool. They suggested that PSA
      mass ratio may be representative of a PSA value adjusted for potentially
      influencing factors, such as haemodilution and prostate volume. By adjusting for
      the combined effects of plasma volume and prostate volume, it can be hypothesized
      that PSA mass ratio would enhance the predictive value of the PSA test. Although
      PSA mass ratio appears to be an attractive alternative to serum PSA level, PSA
      mass ratio may not significantly enhance the currently available method to
      predict prostate cancer detection among men with PSA level of <=10 ng/mL who are
      undergoing prostate biopsy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) mass ratio, defined as total PSA in circulation per
      prostate volume (PV), in the prediction of prostate cancer detection among men
      with PSA levels of <=10 ng/mL who are undergoing prostate biopsy. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We reviewed records of 2431 men aged 56-80 years who presented with PSA
      levels of <=10 ng/mL and underwent multi (>=12)-core transrectal ultrasound
      guided prostate biopsy at our institution. Predictive accuracies of relevant
      variables and multivariate models in the prostate cancer detection via biopsy
      were assessed with receiver operating characteristics-derived area under the
      curve and compared. RESULTS: When compared one-on-one, PSA mass ratio had a
      significantly higher accuracy than PSA in the prediction of prostate cancer among
      our subjects (0.638 vs 0.565, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, when multivariable model for
      the prediction of prostate cancer detection via prostate biopsy was devised
      incorporating patient age, body mass index, digital rectal examination findings,
      PV, number of biopsy cores, and PSA level, the replacement of PSA level with PSA
      mass ratio (P = 0.102) or the addition of PSA mass ratio (P = 0.164) in the model
      was not associated with significantly increased accuracy of model for predicting
      prostate cancer detection via biopsy. CONCLUSION: Although PSA mass ratio appears
      to be an attractive alternative to PSA level, PSA mass ratio may not
      significantly enhance the currently available method to predict prostate cancer
      detection among men with PSA levels of <=10 ng/mL who are undergoing prostate
      biopsy.

PMID- 22093145
TI  - Targeting metabolism with arsenic trioxide and dichloroacetate in breast cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer cells have a different metabolic profile compared to normal
      cells. The Warburg effect (increased aerobic glycolysis) and glutaminolysis
      (increased mitochondrial activity from glutamine catabolism) are well known
      hallmarks of cancer and are accompanied by increased lactate production,
      hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane and increased production of reactive oxygen
      species. METHODS: In this study we target the Warburg effect with dichloroacetate
      (DCA) and the increased mitochondrial activity of glutaminolysis with arsenic
      trioxide (ATO) in breast cancer cells, measuring cell proliferation, cell death
      and mitochondrial characteristics. RESULTS: The combination of DCA and ATO was
      more effective at inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell death than
      either drug alone. We examined the effect of these treatments on mitochondrial
      membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production and ATP levels and have
      identified new molecular mechanisms within the mitochondria for both ATO and DCA:
      ATO reduces mitochondrial function through the inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase
      (complex IV of the electron transport chain) while DCA up-regulates ATP synthase
      beta subunit expression. The potentiation of ATO cytotoxicity by DCA is
      correlated with strong suppression of the expression of c-Myc and HIF-1alpha, and
      decreased expression of the survival protein Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: This study is the
      first to demonstrate that targeting two key metabolic hallmarks of cancer is an
      effective anti-cancer strategy with therapeutic potential.

PMID- 22093146
TI  - Does a DNA-less cellular organism exist on Earth?
AB  - All the self-reproducing cellular organisms so far examined have DNA as the
      genome. However, a DNA-less organism carrying an RNA genome is suggested by the
      fact that many RNA viruses exist and the widespread view that an RNA world
      existed before the present DNA world. Such a possibility is most plausible in the
      microbial world where biological diversity is enormous and most organisms have
      not been identified. We have developed experimental methodology to search DNA
      less microorganisms, which is based on cultivation with drugs that inhibit
      replication or expression of DNA, detection of DNA in colonies with a fluorescent
      dye and double staining for DNA and RNA at a cellular level. These methods have
      been applied for about 100 microbial samples from various waters including hot
      springs, soils including deep sea sediments, and organisms. We found many
      colonies and cells which apparently looked DNA-less and examined them further. So
      far, all such colonies that reformed colonies on isolation were identified to be
      DNA-positive. However, considering the difficulty in cultivation, we think it
      possible for DNA-less microorganisms to live around us. We believe that our ideas
      and results will be of interest and useful to discover one in the future.

PMID- 22093147
TI  - Value of tracheal bifurcation angle measurement as a radiographic sign of left
      atrial enlargement in dogs.
AB  - An increased tracheal bifurcation angle on the dorsoventral projection is
      described as a sign of left atrium enlargement in dogs, with a normal range of 60
      90 degrees reported. However in people, this angle is a poor indicator of left
      atrial size. Our purpose was to evaluate the value of the tracheal bifurcation
      angle for differentiating normal from enlarged left atrium in dogs. Dorsoventral
      radiographs and echocardiograms of 33 healthy and 73 dogs with confirmed
      degenerative myxomatous mitral valve disease were evaluated. Left atrial size was
      classified according to the echocardiographic left atrium to aorta ratio, as
      normal, mildly, moderately, or severely enlarged. Independent samples t-tests
      were used to compare the bifurcation angle between groups. A significant
      difference was observed between the angle of dogs with normal left atrium (68.1
      +/- 8.5 degrees, range: 51.3-92.4 degrees) and dogs with enlarged left atrium
      (75.8 +/- 8.2 degrees, range: 57.3-91.7 degrees). A significant difference was
      also noted between the angle of normal dogs and those with moderate (75.5 +/- 6.8
      degrees, range: 62.8-88.7 degrees) and severe (80.4 +/- 7.7 degrees, range: 64.7
      91.7 degrees) left atrial enlargement, as well as between dogs with mild (70.7 +/
      7.2 degrees, range: 57.3-89.9 degrees) and severe enlargement. Using two
      discriminators, 85.1 degrees and 76.6 degrees, the bifurcation angle had a
      specificity of 92.6% and 88.9%, respectively, for identifying left atrial
      enlargement, and a sensitivity of 15.4% and 40.4%. Although significant
      differences were observed between dogs with normal and increased left atrial
      size, the large degree of overlap in the range of bifurcation angles and its poor
      sensitivity make the measurement of this angle of little value for diagnosing
      left atrial enlargement.

PMID- 22093148
TI  - Two decades of describing the unseen majority of aquatic microbial diversity.
AB  - Aquatic environments harbour large and diverse microbial populations that ensure
      their functioning and sustainability. In the current context of global change,
      characterizing microbial diversity has become crucial, and new tools have been
      developed to overcome the methodological challenges posed by working with
      microbes in nature. The advent of Sanger sequencing and now next-generation
      sequencing technologies has enabled the resolution of microbial communities to an
      unprecedented degree of precision. However, to correctly interpret microbial
      diversity and its patterns this revolution must also consider conceptual and
      methodological matters. This review presents advances, gaps and caveats of these
      recent approaches when considering microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems. We also
      discuss potentials and limitations of the available methodologies, from water
      sampling to sequence analysis, and suggest alternative ways to incorporate
      results in a conceptual and methodological framework. Together, these methods
      will allow us to gain an unprecedented understanding of microbial diversity in
      aquatic ecosystems.

PMID- 22093149
TI  - Successful treatment of Trichosporon fungemia in a patient with refractory acute
      myeloid leukemia using voriconazole combined with liposomal amphotericin B.
AB  - Trichosporon fungemia is a rare and fatal fungal infection that occurs in
      patients with prolonged neutropenia associated with hematologic malignancies. A
      21-year-old male developed Trichosporon fungemia during remission induction
      therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although two courses of induction
      therapy failed to induce a remission of AML, combination therapy with
      voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) followed by monocyte colony
      stimulating factor ameliorated the Trichosporon fungemia and enabled the patient
      to receive reduced-intensity bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from his human
      leukocyte antigen-A one-locus mismatched mother. The patient achieved a durable
      remission after BMT without exacerbation of Trichosporon fungemia. The
      combination therapy with voriconazole and L-AmB may therefore be useful in
      controlling Trichosporon fungemia associated with prolonged neutropenia after
      remission induction therapy for AML.

PMID- 22093150
TI  - The psychological impact of diagnostic food challenges to confirm the resolution
      of peanut or tree nut allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Twenty percent of children outgrow peanut allergy and 10% outgrow
      tree nut allergy. Resolution can be confirmed by a food challenge. Little is
      known about the psychosocial impact of the challenge. We aimed to investigate
      effects of a food challenge on anxiety, stress and quality of life (QoL) in
      children and their mothers on the day of a food challenge to peanuts or nuts, and
      in the months following the challenge. METHODS: One hundred and three families
      participated. Forty children undergoing food challenges to access resolution of
      allergy, and their mothers, completed validated questionnaires to measure generic
      and food specific quality of life, stress and anxiety prior to challenge, on the
      day of investigation and 3-6 months later. Sixty-three children with no clinical
      indication to challenge (i.e. in the opinion of the allergist had persistent
      allergy) acted as comparison group completing questionnaires 3-6 months apart.
      RESULTS: Mothers reported raised anxiety on the day of challenge (P = 0.007), but
      children were less anxious. The children (P = 0.01) and mothers (P = 0.01) had
      improved food-related, but not general, QoL 3-6 months following challenge.
      Children reported lower anxiety levels following the challenge (P = 0.02), but
      anxiety remained unchanged in mothers. The improvements in maternal and
      children's QoL and anxiety levels were irrespective of the challenge outcome and
      despite co-existing food allergies in 50% of children. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers
      experienced increased anxiety on the day of food challenge, unlike the children,
      perhaps reflecting the differences in their perceived risks. Food challenges are
      associated with improved food-related QoL in the following months even in those
      with a positive challenge.

PMID- 22093151
TI  - Testing children of mothers with HIV infection: experience in three south-west
      London HIV clinics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are several reported cases of vertically infected children
      presenting with advanced HIV infection in the UK. The children of women with HIV
      infection are at increased risk of being infected. There are few data available
      on the number of such children that are yet to be tested for HIV. This study
      looked at the HIV testing status of children whose mothers attend HIV services at
      three south-west London clinics. METHODS: Case notes of women attending the
      clinics from 1 January to 30 June 2009 were reviewed. When data were incomplete,
      women were prospectively interviewed. RESULTS: Case notes of 605 women were
      reviewed; 478 women had 1107 children. The majority of women (386; 81%) were of
      Black African ethnicity. Sixty-one per cent (675 of 1107) of the children were
      known to have been tested for HIV. The children resident abroad were more likely
      to be untested compared with those resident in the UK; 186 of 255 (73%) vs. 246
      of 852 (29%). A quarter (106 of 432) of the untested children were <= 18 years
      old; 49 (46%) of these were resident in the UK. The most common reason given by
      the mothers for not testing was a perceived 'unlikely risk'. CONCLUSIONS: A
      significant number of children at risk of vertically transmitted HIV infection,
      including 49 children <= 18 years and resident in the UK, were identified through
      this study. The mothers are being encouraged to have these children tested and a
      multidisciplinary team involving adult and paediatric HIV healthcare
      professionals has been set up to negotiate and facilitate testing.

PMID- 22093152
TI  - Behavioral autonomy age expectations among Mexican-origin mother-daughter dyads:
      an examination of within-group variability.
AB  - This study examined differences in behavioral autonomy age expectations between
      Mexican-origin mothers and their adolescent daughters (N = 319 dyads);
      variability in behavioral autonomy age expectations as a function of nativity and
      maternal educational attainment also was examined. Findings indicated significant
      differences between mothers and daughters, such that mothers reported later
      expectations for the timing of behavioral autonomy than did daughters. Follow-up
      analyses indicated that findings appeared to be driven by maternal nativity, with
      dyads comprised of Mexico-born mothers reporting the latest age expectations for
      behavioral autonomy when compared with dyads comprised of U.S. born mothers.
      Findings underscore the need to examine normative development among Latino
      adolescents and their families with a specific focus on how sociocultural
      characteristics can contribute to within-family differences.

PMID- 22093153
TI  - Is liver-targeted FOXp3 staining beneficial after living-donor liver
      transplantation?
AB  - As treatments for acute cellular rejection (ACR) and recurrent hepatitis caused
      by hepatitis C virus (HCV) are dramatically different, making a precise diagnosis
      is considered to be essential in patients after liver transplantation. Therefore,
      we investigated whether immunohistochemical detection of FOXp3, a marker for
      regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+), could be used to differentiate between recurrent
      hepatitis C and ACR. From a group of 103 cases of living-donor liver
      transplantation (LDLT), 48 samples were taken via liver biopsy from 20 patients
      with HCV infection. An initial diagnosis was made based on hematoxylin and eosin
      staining, which was scored with the hepatitis activity index (HAI) grading,
      whereas ARC was scored with the rejection activity index (RAI). The FOXp3
      immunohistochemical staining on serial specimens was retrospectively analyzed,
      scoring from 0 to III. The time after LDLT was a median of 270 (range: 14-2000)
      days, whereas the median number of biopsies per patient was 3 (range: 1-8). The
      HAI was significantly different between 0 vs. I, and II vs. III, in terms of the
      FOXp3 score. On the other hand, a significant difference in the RAI was only
      found between 0 vs. I. In conclusion, FOXp3 may represent a surrogate marker for
      recurrent HCV infection after LDLT.

PMID- 22093154
TI  - Exposure to enriched environments during adolescence prevents abnormal behaviours
      associated with histone deacetylation in phencyclidine-treated mice.
AB  - Enriched environments (EEs) during development have been shown to influence adult
      behaviour. Environmental conditions during childhood may contribute to the onset
      and/or pathology of schizophrenia; however, it remains unclear whether EE might
      prevent the development of schizophrenia. Herein, we investigated the effects of
      EE during adolescence on phencyclidine (PCP)-induced abnormal behaviour, a
      proposed schizophrenic endophenotype. Male ICR mice (3 wk old) were exposed to an
      EE for 4 wk and then treated with PCP for 2 wk. The EE potentiated the acute PCP
      treatment-induced hyperlocomotion in the locomotor test and prevented chronic PCP
      treatment-induced impairments of social behaviour and recognition memory in the
      social interaction and novel object recognition tests. It also prevented the PCP
      induced decrease of acetylated Lys9 in histone H3-positive cells and increase of
      the histone deacetylase (HDAC)5 level in the prefrontal cortex. To investigate
      whether the histone modification during adolescence might be critical for the
      effect of EE, 3-wk-old mice were first treated with sodium butyrate (SB; an HDAC
      inhibitor) for 4 wk and then treated with PCP for 2 wk. Chronic SB treatment
      during adolescence mimicked the effects of EE, including potentiation of
      hyperlocomotion induced by acute PCP treatment and prevention of social and
      cognitive impairments, decrease of acetylated Lys9 in histone H3-positive cells
      and increase of the HDAC5 level in the prefrontal cortex associated with chronic
      PCP treatment. Our results suggest that EEs prevent PCP-induced abnormal
      behaviour associated with histone deacetylation. EEs during childhood might prove
      to be a novel strategy for prophylaxis against schizophrenia.

PMID- 22093156
TI  - Laser-assisted lipolysis: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, liposuction is the most commonly performed
      cosmetic surgical procedure. Laser lipolysis is the latest adjunct to
      liposuction. This technique employs laser energy to induce lipolysis and
      hemostasis and stimulate neocollagenesis. Multiple laser systems have been
      studied. METHODS: PubMed literature search with the key words laser lipolysis and
      laser assisted liposuction. Original articles that studied the internal
      application of laser energy to adipose tissue were reviewed and included.
      RESULTS: Nineteen manuscripts were reviewed. One double-blind randomized
      controlled trial compared laser liposuction with tumescent liposuction. Several
      authors claimed that laser lipolysis offers fewer side effects than "traditional"
      liposuction performed under general anesthesia. A true objective comparison with
      tumescent liposuction is missing in the literature. LIMITATIONS: Comparison
      studies between laser-assisted lipolysis and conventional liposuction are
      limited, as are comparisons between the different laser systems and wavelengths.
      Standardization of laser energy settings is lacking. CONCLUSION: Laser-assisted
      lipolysis is a safe and efficacious procedure that may possess advantages over
      conventional liposuction. Lipolysis occurs in a dose-response relationship. No
      advantage over tumescent liposuction has been demonstrated. A specific laser
      wavelength may prove superior for each clinical application, but more studies are
      needed.

PMID- 22093155
TI  - Factors associated with smoking abstinence among smokers and recent-quitters with
      lung and head and neck cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smoking cessation among cancer patients is critical for improving
      outcomes. Understanding factors associated with smoking abstinence after the
      diagnosis of cancer can provide direction to develop and test interventions to
      enhance cessation rates. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants
      of smoking outcomes among cancer patients. METHODS: Standardized questionnaires
      were used to collect data from 163 smokers or recent-quitters (quit<=6 months) at
      study entry of which 132 and 121 had data collected at 3 and 6 months.
      Biochemical verification was conducted with urinary cotinine and carbon monoxide.
      Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, Pearson correlations,
      Fisher's exact test, and multivariable logistic regression were used for
      analyses. RESULTS: Seven-day-point-prevalence-abstinence (PPA) rates were 90/132
      (68%) at 3 months; 46/71 (65%) among lung and 44/61 (72%) among head and neck
      cancer patients, whereas 7-day-PPA rates were 74/121 (61%) at 6 months; 31/58
      (53%) among lung and 43/63 (68%) among head and neck cancer patients. Continuous
      abstinence rates were 63/89 (71%) at 3 months; 32/45 (71%) among lung and 31/44
      (70%) among head and neck cancer patients, whereas continuous abstinence rates
      were 46/89 (52%) at 6 months; 18/45 (40%) among lung and 28/44 (64%) among head
      and neck cancer patients. Lower cancer-related, psychological and nicotine
      withdrawal symptoms were associated with increased 7-D-PPA abstinence rates at 3
      and 6 months in univariate models. In multivariable models, however, decreased
      craving was significantly related with 7-day-PPA at 3 months and decreased
      craving and increased self-efficacy were associated with 7-D-PPA at 6 months.
      Decreased craving was the only factor associated with continuous abstinence at 6
      months. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking outcomes among lung and head and neck cancer
      patients appear to have remained the same over the last two decades despite the
      availability of an increased number of pharmacotherapy options to treat tobacco
      dependence. Decreased craving and increased self-efficacy were the most
      consistent factors associated with improved smoking outcomes but symptom control
      may also play a role in optimal management. Use of combined, and/or higher doses
      of pharmacotherapy along with behavioral interventions that increase self
      efficacy and manage symptoms may promote enhanced cessation rates.

PMID- 22093157
TI  - Do lean practices lead to more time at the bedside?
AB  - The aim of this review is to evaluate the application of value-added processes in
      healthcare, with an emphasis on their effects on bedside nursing. Literature
      relevant to Lean methodology and inpatient care was reviewed, excluding all
      research related to other service lines (i.e., surgical services, emergency
      services, laboratory, radiology, etc.). Increased value is also an important
      tenet of transforming care at the bedside (TCAB), an initiative launched by the
      Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
      (RWJF). Therefore, articles concerning TCAB were also included in this review. A
      systematic study of the literature revealed varied applications of Lean
      principles in practice, ranging from the implementation of a single tool, to full
      organizational restructuring. All articles reviewed reported positive results,
      although the majority lacked strong supporting evidence for claims of
      improvement. Even though there is some indication that the application of Lean
      principles to nursing processes is successful in improving specific outcomes, the
      authors cannot conclude that the implementation of Lean methodology or TCAB
      greatly influences direct patient care, or increases time spent at the bedside.

PMID- 22093158
TI  - Clinical trial for safety evaluation of hyaluronidase as diffusion enhancing
      adjuvant for infiltration analgesia of skin with lidocaine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infiltration anesthesia of the skin is an analgesic procedure often
      practiced before minor surgical interventions or punctures. The addition of
      hyaluronidase is a possible option to improve the effectiveness of the local
      anesthetic with respect to expansion of effect. OBJECTIVE: To validate the safety
      of intracutaneous application of hyaluronidase as a lidocaine adjuvant. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The influence of adjuvant hyaluronidase on wound healing was
      investigated using the suction blister method in a prospective, single-center,
      placebo-controlled, double-blind, intraindividual comparison study with 20
      participants. The target parameters were defined as the time of normalization of
      transepidermal water loss, hemovascular perfusion, and complete macroscopic
      epithelization of the wound. RESULTS: No evidence was found that adjuvant
      application of hyaluronidase retards wound healing. CONCLUSION: The addition of
      hyaluronidase to lidocaine in intracutaneous infiltration analgesia does not lead
      to retardation of wound healing, and no additional relevant risks were observed.

PMID- 22093159
TI  - Loss of sensory and noradrenergic innervation in benign colorectal adenomatous
      polyps--a putative role of semaphorins 3F and 3A.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nerve fibers can exert trophic/anti-trophic effects on epithelial
      cells. Substance P (SP) is a pro-proliferative neuropeptide, whereas sympathetic
      noradrenaline is anti-proliferative at high concentrations. METHODS: Density of
      noradrenergic and sensory nerve fibers and presence of nerve repellent factors
      specific for noradrenergic (semaphorin 3F) and sensory nerve fibers (semaphorin
      3A) were investigated in colorectal adenomas. KEY RESULTS: The pedunculus was
      innervated by noradrenergic fibers, whereas the mucosa was sparsely innervated.
      The control submucosa compared with control mucosa demonstrated increased density
      of noradrenergic fibers. Control tissue was much better innervated than the
      polyp. This was accompanied by strong expression of semaphorin 3F in epithelial
      cells. Density of sensory SP+ nerve fibers was higher in control colon mucosa
      compared with polyp mucosa, and SP+ cell clusters and semaphorin 3A-positive
      cells appeared in the intercrypt space in polyps, but not in control tissue.
      CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: This study demonstrated a marked loss of noradrenergic
      and sensory nerve fibers in polyp mucosa, which was associated with a strong
      increase of semaphorin 3F and 3A. Up-regulation of the sympathetic repellent
      semaphorin 3F in the polyps possibly triggers sympathetic repulsion and polyp
      growth due to the loss of anti-proliferative noradrenaline and presence of SP
      from local SP+ cells.

PMID- 22093160
TI  - The burden of varicella from a parent's perspective and its societal impact in
      The Netherlands: an Internet survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Varicella is a common childhood disease. Only 5% of first varicella
      zoster-virus infections occur asymptomatically. Most data on the burden of
      varicella stem from health service databases. This study aims to provide insight
      in the burden of varicella from a parent's perspective including cases outside
      the healthcare system. METHODS: An internet questionnaire was developed for
      parents in the Netherlands to report health care resource use and productivity
      losses during the varicella episode in their child younger than 6 years. 11,367
      invitations were sent out to members with children of an internet panel of a
      market research agency. 4,168 (37%) parents started the questionnaire (response
      rate), of which 360 (9%) stopped before completion and 1,838 (44%) were out of
      the target group. In total 1,970 parents completed the questionnaire. The
      questionnaire provided a symptom list ranging from common symptoms, such as skin
      vesicles, itching to fits or convulsions. A posteriori, in the analyses, the
      symptoms 'skin infections', 'fits/convulsions', 'unconsciousness', and 'balance
      and movement disorders' were labelled as complications. There was no restriction
      to time since the varicella episode for inclusion in the analyses. RESULTS: The
      1,970 respondents had in total 2,899 children aged younger than six years, of
      which 2,564 (88%) children had had varicella. In 62% of the episodes the parent
      did not seek medical help. In 18% of all episodes symptoms labelled as
      complications were reported; in 11% of all episodes parents visited a medical
      doctor (MD) for a complication. Reporting of complications did not differ (X2 ; p
      = 0.964) between children with a recent (<= 12 months ago) or a more distant (>
      12 months) history of varicella. Prescription drugs were used in 12% of the
      children with varicella; OTC drugs in 72%. Parents reported work loss in 17% of
      the varicella-episodes (23% when MD visit; 14% when no MD-visit) for on average
      14 hours, which equals to 2.5 hours of work loss for any given varicella-episode.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the full spectrum of varicella-episodes and
      associated healthcare use, including the large proportion of cases not seeking
      medical care and the societal impact associated with those cases.

PMID- 22093161
TI  - Dermoscopic features of basal cell carcinomas: differences in appearance under
      non-polarized and polarized light.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can be diagnosed using different
      dermoscopic modalities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dermoscopic features of BCCs using
      nonpolarized and polarized dermoscopy to highlight similarities and differences
      between dermoscopic modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 149
      BCCs under nonpolarized dermoscopy (NPD), polarized contact dermoscopy (PCD), and
      polarized noncontact dermoscopy (PNCD). Images were evaluated for a range of
      dermoscopic colors, structures, and vessels. Features were compared according to
      histopathologic subtype. RESULTS: The most common dermoscopic structures in BCCs
      across all modalities included globules (50.3-51.0%), dots (49.7-50.3%), white
      structureless areas (63.1-74.5%), structureless gray-brown areas (24.2-24.8%),
      and ulcerations (28.2%). The most frequently observed vasculature included
      arborizing vessels (18.8-38.3%), short fine telangiectasias (SFTs) (73.8-82.6%),
      and vascular blush (41.6-83.2%). Structures with higher levels of agreement
      across modalities included pigmented structures and ulcerations. Lower levels of
      agreement existed between contact and noncontact modalities for certain vascular
      features. White shiny structures, which include shiny white lines (chrysalis and
      crystalline structures) (0-69.1%), shiny white areas (0-25.5%), and rosettes (0
      11.4%), exhibited no agreement between NPD and polarized modalities. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study highlights differences in dermoscopic features of BCCs under three
      dermoscopic modalities. Shiny white lines (chrysalis and crystalline structures)
      and shiny white areas may be used as additional criteria to diagnose BCCs.

PMID- 22093162
TI  - Prostate cancers detected by saturation repeat biopsy impairs the Partin tables'
      accuracy to predict final pathological stage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: * To analyse the overall accuracy of Partin tables, with special
      emphasis to potential limitations resulting from differences between prostate
      cancers detected by different biopsy schedules. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * Clinical
      characteristics from 599 patients treated with radical prostatectomy defined the
      2007 Partin probabilities of organ confinement (OC), seminal vesicle invasion
      (SVI) and extracapsular extension (ECE). Prostate cancers were detected by
      initial biopsy (IBx) with <=12 cores in 405 patients (67.6%), by conventional
      repeat biopsy (CRBx) with <=12 cores in 99 (16.5%) and by saturation repeat
      biopsy (SRBx) with >=20 cores in 95 patients (15.9%). * The area under the curve
      (AUC) estimated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, assessed the
      predictive accuracy of the 2007 Partin tables. RESULTS: * The Partin tables AUC
      of the IBx, CRBx and the SRBx groups were 0.730 vs 0.701 vs 0.585 for OC, 0.631
      vs 0.689 vs 0.547 for ECE, and 0.775 vs 0.755 vs 0.641 for SVI, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: * The overall accuracy of the 2007 Partin tables was clearly
      inferior in patients with prostate cancers detected by SRBx. * Prostate cancers
      detected by SRBx undermine the Partin tables' overall accuracy, and this group of
      patients may be miscounselled by vague predictions.

PMID- 22093163
TI  - Contrast stress echocardiography in hypertensive heart disease.
AB  - Hypertension is associated with atherosclerosis and cardiac and vascular
      structural and functional changes. Myocardial ischemia may arise in hypertension
      independent of coronary artery disease through an interaction between several
      pathophysiological mechanisms, including left ventricular hypertrophy, increased
      arterial stiffness and reduced coronary flow reserve associated with
      microvascular disease and endothelial dysfunction. The present case report
      demonstrates how contrast stress echocardiography can be used to diagnose
      myocardial ischemia in a hypertensive patient with angina pectoris but without
      significant obstructive coronary artery disease. The myocardial ischemia was due
      to severe resistant hypertension complicated with concentric left ventricular
      hypertrophy and increased arterial stiffness.

PMID- 22093164
TI  - Performance of the digene LQ, RH and PS HPVs genotyping systems on clinical
      samples and comparison with HC2 and PCR-based Linear Array.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Certain Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the infectious agents
      involved in cervical cancer development. Detection of HPVs DNA is part of the
      cervical cancer screening protocols and HPVs genotyping has been proposed for its
      inclusion in these preventive programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      three novel genotyping tests, namely Qiagen LQ, RH and PS, in clinical samples
      with and without abnormalities. For this, 305 cervical samples were processed and
      the results of the evaluated techniques were compared with those obtained in the
      HPVs diagnostic process in our lab, by using HC2 and Linear Array (LA)
      technologies. RESULTS: The concordances and kappa statistics (k) for each
      technique compared with HC2 were 98.69% (k = 0.94) for LQ, 98.03% (k = 0.91) for
      RH and 91.80% (k = 0.82) for PS. There was a very good agreement in HPVs type
      specific concordance for the most prevalent types HPV16 (kappa range = 0.83
      0.90), HPV18 (k.r.= 0.74-0.80) and HPV45 (k.r.= 0.82-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The
      three tests showed an overall good concordance for HPVs detection when compared
      with HR-HC2 system. LQ and RH rendered lower detection rate for multiple
      infections than LA genotyping. However, our understanding of the clinical
      significance of multiple HPVs infections is still incomplete and therefore the
      relevance of the lower ability to detect multiple infections needs to be
      evaluated.

PMID- 22093165
TI  - Microbial ureteral stent colonization in renal transplant recipients: frequency
      and influence on the short-time functional outcome.
AB  - Ureteral stent insertion at the time of renal transplantation significantly
      decreases complications of urine leakage and obstruction, but bears an intrinsic
      risk of microbial colonization. Associated urinary tract infection (UTI) may pose
      a significant risk for graft infection and subsequent graft failure, in
      particular, during high-level immunosuppression in the early phase after
      transplantation. The aims of this prospective study were (i) to assess the
      frequency of microbial ureteral stent colonization (MUSC) in renal transplant
      recipients by sonication, (ii) to compare the diagnostic value of sonication with
      that of conventional urine culture (CUC), (iii) to determine biofilm forming
      organisms, and (iv) to investigate the influence of MUSC on the short-time
      functional outcome. A total of 80 ureteral stents from 78 renal transplant
      recipients (deceased donors n = 50, living donors n = 28) were prospectively
      included in the study. CUC was obtained prior to renal transplantation and at
      ureteral stent removal. In addition, a new stent sonication technique was
      performed to dislodge adherent microorganisms. CUCs were positive in 4% of
      patients. Sonicate-fluid culture significantly increased the yield of microbial
      growth to 27% (P < 0.001). Most commonly isolated microorganisms by sonication
      were Enterococcus species (31%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (19%), and
      Lactobacillus species (19%), microorganisms not commonly observed in UTIs after
      renal transplantation. The median glomerular filtraton rate (GFR) of the study
      population increases from 39 mL/min immediately after transplantation (time point
      A) to 50 mL/min 6 month post transplantation (time point B). In patients without
      MUSC, the GFR improves from 39 mL/min (A) to 48 mL/min (B) and in patients with
      MUSC from 39 mL/min (A) to 50 mL/min (B), respectively. In summary, MUSC in renal
      transplant recipients is common and remains frequently undetected by routine CUC,
      but colonization had no measurable effect on renal function.

PMID- 22093166
TI  - Biochemical and genetical analyses of the three mcm genes from the
      hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis.
AB  - In eukaryotes, the replicative DNA helicase 'core' is the minichromosome
      maintenance (Mcm) complex (MCM), forming a heterohexameric complex consisting of
      six subunits (Mcm2-7). Recent studies showed that the CMG (Cdc45-MCM-GINS)
      complex is the actual helicase body in the replication fork progression complex.
      In Archaea, Thermococcus kodakarensis harbors three genes encoding the Mcm
      homologs on its genome, contrary to most archaea, which have only one homolog. It
      is thus, of high interest, whether and how these three Mcms share their functions
      in DNA metabolism in this hyperthermophile. Here, we report the biochemical
      properties of two of these proteins, TkoMcm1 and TkoMcm3. In addition, their
      physical and functional interactions with GINS, possibly an essential factor for
      the initiation and elongation process of DNA replication, are presented through
      in vitro ATPase and helicase assays, and an in vivo immunoprecipitation assay.
      Gene disruption and product quantification analyses suggested that TkoMcm3 is
      essential for cell growth and plays a key role as the main DNA helicase in DNA
      replication, whereas TkoMcm1 also shares some function in the cells.

PMID- 22093167
TI  - Fatty acid binding protein 4 is expressed in distinct endothelial and non
      endothelial cell populations in glioblastoma.
AB  - AIMS: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour
      in adults. Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis play key roles in progression of GBMs.
      Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is an intracellular chaperone for free fatty
      acids. FABP4 is detected in microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) in several
      normal tissues and promotes proliferation of ECs. The goal of this study was to
      characterize the tissue distribution pattern of FABP4 in GBMs. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemistry for FABP4 was performed on paraffin-embedded tumour sections
      and the intensity and distribution of FABP4 immunoreactivity were analysed.
      Double immunofluorescence was employed for detailed characterization of FABP4
      positive cells. RESULTS: FABP4 immunoreactivity was absent in normal brain tissue
      sections. FABP4-positive cells were detected in 33%, 43%, 64% and 89% of Grade I,
      Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV glial tumours, respectively. Thus, the
      percentage of FABP4-positive cells in GBMs was significantly higher than lower
      grade gliomas. In general, FABP4-expressing cells were distributed in a non
      homogenous pattern, as 'hot spots' in glial tumours. FABP4 expression was
      detected in a subset of vascular ECs as well as some non-ECs. CONCLUSION: FABP4
      is expressed in a significantly higher percentage of GBMs in comparison to both
      normal brain tissues and lower-grade glial tumours. FABP4 is expressed in some
      tumour ECs as well as non-ECs in glial tumours. As FABP4 promotes proliferation
      of ECs, detection of FABP4 in GBM-ECs, but not normal brain ECs suggests that
      FABP4 may play a role in the robust angiogenesis associated with GBMs.

PMID- 22093168
TI  - MRI features of CNS lymphoma in dogs and cats.
AB  - The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of central nervous system lymphoma
      in eight dogs and four cats are described. Intracranial lesions affected the
      rostrotentorial structures in six dogs and caudotentorial structures in two cats.
      Lesions affected the spinal cord in two dogs and in two cats. One dog and one cat
      with intracranial lymphoma had signs of local extracranial extension and
      lymphadenopathy. Lesions were considered extraparenchymal in four dogs and three
      cats, intraparenchymal in two dogs and one cat, and appeared to have both intra-
      and extraparenchymal components in two dogs. All lesions were hyperintense in T2
      weighted images when compared to white matter, most were hypointense in T1
      weighted images (7/12), and most were hyperintense in fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery (FLAIR) images (5/9). When compared to grey matter, these lesions appear
      either isointense (5/12) or hyperintense (7/12) on T2-weighted images, half of
      them were hypointense in T1-weighted images (6/12), and most were isointense in
      FLAIR images (7/9). Lesion margins were usually indistinct in T2-weighted images
      (10/12) and had perilesional hyperintensity in FLAIR images (7/9). The majority
      of lesions (10/12) had abnormal meninges around the lesion and half (6/12) had
      generalized contrast enhancement. Mass effect was evident in all lesions.
      Although not specific, when combined with the history and neurologic signs, MR
      features aid presumptive diagnosis that should be confirmed by cytology or
      histopathology.

PMID- 22093169
TI  - Haloperidol conditioned catalepsy in rats: a possible role for D1-like receptors.
AB  - Decreases in brain dopamine (DA) lead to catalepsy, quantified by the time a rat
      remains with its forepaws resting on a suspended horizontal bar. Low doses of the
      DA D2 receptor-preferring antagonist haloperidol repeatedly injected in a
      particular environment lead to gradual day-to-day increases in catalepsy
      (catalepsy sensitization) and subsequent testing following an injection of saline
      reveal conditioned catalepsy. We tested the hypothesis that D1-like and D2
      receptors play different roles in catalepsy sensitization and in acquisition and
      expression of conditioned catalepsy. Rats were repeatedly treated with the DA D1
      like receptor antagonist SCH 23990 (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg i.p.), the D2
      receptor-preferring antagonist haloperidol (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) or a
      combination of the two drugs and tested for catalepsy each day in the same
      environment. Following 10 drug treatment days, rats were injected with saline and
      tested for conditioned catalepsy in the previously drug-paired environment.
      Haloperidol did not elicit cataleptic responses in the initial session; however,
      rats developed sensitization with repeated testing. Significant catalepsy
      sensitization was not observed in rats repeatedly tested with SCH 23390. When
      rats were injected and tested with saline following haloperidol sensitization
      they exhibited conditioned catalepsy in the test environment; conditioned
      catalepsy was not seen following SCH 23390. Rats treated with 0.05 mg/kg SCH
      23390+0.25 mg/kg haloperidol showed catalepsy sensitization but failed to show
      conditioned catalepsy. Conversely, SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg) given on the test day
      after sensitization to haloperidol (0.25 mg/kg) failed to block conditioned
      catalepsy. Repeated antagonism of D2 receptors leads to catalepsy sensitization
      with repeated testing in a specific environment. Conditioned catalepsy requires
      intact D1-like receptor function during sensitization sessions but not during
      test sessions. In conclusion, repeated antagonism of D2, but not D1-like
      receptors leads to catalepsy sensitization with repeated testing in a specific
      environment. Conditioned catalepsy requires functional D1-like receptors during
      sensitization sessions but not during test sessions.

PMID- 22093170
TI  - Interview with a quality leader: Dr. Verna Gibbs on surgical safety. Interview by
      Susan V. White.
AB  - Dr. Verna Gibbs describes the "NoThing Left Behind" Program designed to eliminate
      retained devices from surgical procedures. She explains the genesis of the
      program along with adjuncts to counting including computer-assisted sponge count,
      radiofrequency detection system, radiofrequency identification system, and the
      Sponge ACCOUNTing system. She provides comments on the use of these adjuncts with
      responses on their effectiveness on improving safety.

PMID- 22093172
TI  - Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in kidney transplantation.
AB  - Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) remains an important cause of morbidity
      and mortality in immunocompromised renal transplant recipients. In recent years,
      PCP outbreaks in renal transplant centers have been reported in many countries.
      Person-to-person transmission between PCP patients and other recipients lacking
      prophylaxis is one of the possible sources of infection. To prevent infection,
      effective prophylaxis in susceptible patients is recommended. Trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the most effective drug for PCP prophylaxis, but
      its recommended duration of use after transplantation varies among the different
      guidelines. The European Renal Association recommends a prophylaxis period of 4
      months after transplantation, the American Society of Transplantation (AST) 6-12
      months, and the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines 3-6 months.
      Lifelong prophylaxis with TMP-SMX is not recommended in renal transplant
      recipients; however, in many cases, PCP has occurred after the recommended
      prophylaxis periods after transplantation. In this minireview, we discuss the
      risk factors including environmental-nosocomial exposure; state-of-the-art
      diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis and isolation; and references to the AST 2009
      guidelines with the aim of integrating our experience with PCP outbreaks into
      recent reports, and we discuss how renal transplant recipients can be protected
      from PCP.

PMID- 22093171
TI  - Late presentation for HIV diagnosis and care in Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality and morbidity in HIV
      infected individuals most markedly when initiated early, before advanced
      immunodeficiency has developed. Late presentation for diagnosis and care remains
      a significant challenge. To guide public health interventions effectively it is
      crucial to describe the factors associated with late presentation. METHODS: Case
      surveillance data for all individuals newly diagnosed with HIV infection in
      Germany in the years 2001-2010 and data for the years 1999-2010 from the German
      Clinical Surveillance of HIV Disease (ClinSurv) cohort study, a large multicentre
      observational study, were analysed. Factors associated with late presentation
      (CD4 count < 350 cells/MUL or clinical AIDS) were assessed using descriptive
      statistics and multivariable logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Among 22 925
      eligible patients in the national surveillance database, 49.5% were late
      presenters for HIV diagnosis. Among 6897 treatment-naive patients in the ClinSurv
      cohort, 58.1% were late presenters for care. Late presenters for care were older
      (median 42 vs. 39 years for early presenters), more often heterosexuals from low
      prevalence countries (18.1% vs. 15.5%, respectively) and more often migrants
      (18.2% vs. 9.7%, respectively; all P < 0.005). The probability of late
      presentation was >65% throughout the observation period in migrants. The
      probability of late presentation for care clearly decreased in men who have sex
      with men (MSM) from 60% in 1999 to 45% in 2010. CONCLUSIONS: In Germany, the
      numbers of late presenters for HIV diagnosis and care remain high. The
      probability of late presentation for HIV diagnosis seems to be particularly high
      for migrants. These results argue in favour of targeted test promotion rather
      than opt-out screening. Late presentation for care seems to be an additional
      problem after HIV diagnosis.

PMID- 22093173
TI  - White gel pen easily marks a port-wine stain margin during pulsed dye laser
      therapy.

PMID- 22093174
TI  - Effects of SLC10A2 variant rs9514089 on gallstone risk and serum cholesterol
      levels- meta-analysis of three independent cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9514089 in SLC10A2
      (apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter gene) has been identified as a
      susceptibility variant for cholelithiasis in humans. METHODS: Here we assessed
      the effects of rs9514089 on gallstone risk and related phenotypes of the
      metabolic syndrome in the self-contained population of Sorbs (183 cases with
      gallstones/826 controls). Furthermore, we performed a meta-analysis for effects
      of rs9514089 on susceptibility for cholelithiasis in three independent cohorts
      (Stuttgart: 56 cases/71 controls, Aachen: 184 cases/184 controls and Sorbs).
      RESULTS: There was no significant association of rs9514089 with gallstone risk,
      serum lipid parameters and BMI in the Sorbs and in the meta-analysis of all three
      cohorts (p > 0.05). There was an effect trend in the subgroup of lean subjects
      but based on different effect directions in the three cohorts there was no
      significant association in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We were not able to
      replicate the effect of rs9514089 on gallstone risk in the Sorbs. Further
      analyses in larger cohorts are required to finally assess the role of genetic
      variants in SLC10A2 in human gallstone development and lipid metabolism.

PMID- 22093175
TI  - The contribution of protein kinase C and CPI-17 signaling pathways to
      hypercontractility in murine experimental colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colonic smooth muscle contractility is altered in colitis, and
      several protein kinase pathways can mediate colonic smooth muscle contraction. In
      the present study, we investigated whether protein kinase C (PKC) pathways also
      play a role in colonic hypercontractility observed during T(H) 2 colitis in
      BALB/c mice. METHODS: Colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by provision of 5%
      dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days. Changes in smooth muscle contractility
      were examined using dissected circular smooth muscle preparations from the distal
      colon. The contribution of conventional and novel PKC isozymes to the
      hypercontractile response was examined with pharmacological PKC inhibitors.
      Western blot analyses were used to examine protein expression and phosphorylation
      changes. KEY RESULTS: Colonic smooth muscle was associated with inflammation
      induced hypercontractility and altered PKC expression. Carbachol-induced peak
      (phasic) and sustained (tonic) contractions were increased. Chelerythrine was the
      most effective PKC inhibitor of both phasic and tonic contractions. There was no
      general difference in the percent contribution of conventional and novel PKC
      isozymes toward the DSS-induced hypercontractility, but inhibition of sustained
      force with GF109203x was higher for inflamed muscle. The CPI-17 phosphorylation
      was equally suppressed in both normal and DSS conditions by Go6976 and
      chelerythrine, but only for the phasic component of contraction. CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: The outcomes suggest that both conventional and novel PKC isozymes
      contribute to the phasic and tonic contractile components of BALB/c colonic
      circular smooth muscle under normal conditions, with novel PKC isozymes having a
      greater contribution to the tonic contraction. However, no effect of inflammation
      was observed on the relative contribution of PKC and CPI-17 toward the observed
      hypercontractility.

PMID- 22093176
TI  - Low-fluence Q-switched 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser for
      the treatment of facial partial unilateral lentiginosis in Koreans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Established pigment lasers have been used in partial unilateral
      lentiginosis (PUL) have shown unsatisfactory results. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      effectiveness and safety of low-fluence 1,064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped
      yttrium aluminum garnet (QS Nd:YAG) laser treatment of PUL in Koreans. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Ten Korean patients with facial PUL were treated with 1,064-nm QS
      Nd:YAG laser, 7-mm spot size, 1.5- to 2.5-J/cm(2)  fluence at 2-week intervals.
      Standard digital photographs were taken under the same condition at baseline and
      at each follow-up visit. Independent dermatologists evaluated the photographs.
      All patients completed a questionnaire to assess their subjective satisfaction
      with the laser treatment using a 5-point grading system. Degree of pain was
      assessed using a visual analog scale (0-10). Any complications and side effects
      were recorded at each visit. Patients were followed up every 4 weeks for 12 weeks
      after the last laser treatment. RESULTS: Five of 10 patients (50%) had achieved
      excellent improvement (76-100%) at the end of treatment, and the remaining 50%
      had good improvement (51-75%). In patient self-evaluation of the degree of
      improvement of PUL, nine (90%) assessed it as very much to much improved (>50%
      improvement), and 1 (10%) assessed it as moderate (50-75%). Subjects rated the
      pain associated with laser treatment at a mean score of 3.3 (range: 1-5) on a
      scale of 1 to 10. Mottled hypopigmentation developed in two patients. At follow
      up, 12 weeks after the last laser session, all of the patients had partial
      recurrence, which wqw resolved with one to two sessions of laser treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Low-fluence 1,064-nm QS Nd:YAG laser treatment for facial PUL in
      Koreans showed improvement with no significant side effects. We recommend the low
      fluence 1,064-nm QS Nd:YAG laser as a treatment option for facial PUL.

PMID- 22093177
TI  - New classification for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: cluster analysis
      using the International Prostate Symptom Score.
AB  - SUBJECTS AND METHODS: * Secondary analysis of anonymous data from 10,434 patients
      enrolled in a postmarketing surveillance study of tamsulosin in Japan was
      performed. Data were prospectively collected through the central register from
      men diagnosed with LUTS in 1100 medical institutions between October 2004 and
      March 2005. * Those who had received an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist within 1
      week before the initial visit were excluded. * The survey items were
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, and
      patient characteristics including age, bodyweight, body mass index, and LUTS
      related comorbid conditions. * Data on IPSS items were used in a hierarchical
      cluster analysis (Ward's method). RESULTS: * Of 10,434 men with LUTS, 9910 were
      included in the analysis after 5% data trimming (524 patients). Five symptom
      clusters were identified and the symptom types of each cluster were examined. *
      The largest cluster (27%) consisted of patients with multiple severe symptoms,
      i.e. complaining of six or more symptoms with a mean score >=2.8. In contrast,
      the second smallest cluster (13%) consisted of patients with minimal symptoms,
      i.e. complaining of essentially one or two symptom with a mean score <=2.1. * The
      other three clusters were labelled based on their dominant symptoms. The clusters
      were weak stream (27%), storage symptoms (21%) and voiding symptoms (12%). * The
      storage symptoms group was older, and had more comorbidities. * The distribution
      of the QOL score was different among the clusters, and the percentage of patients
      who were very dissatisfied was highest in the multiple severe symptoms group and
      lowest in the minimal symptoms group. CONCLUSIONS: * Cluster analysis using the
      IPSS showed that men with LUTS can be classified into five characteristic symptom
      groups. * A new approach to symptom-based classification may be useful to
      elucidate the pathology of male LUTS and individualize the therapeutic strategy
      for affected patients, but further studies are needed.

PMID- 22093178
TI  - Determining the safety of office-based surgery: what 10 years of Florida data and
      6 years of Alabama data reveal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is a continued examination of 10 years of prospectively
      collected Florida in-office adverse event data and new comparable data from
      mandatory Alabama in-office adverse event data reporting. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      which office surgical procedures have resulted in reported complications.
      METHODS: This study is a compilation of mandatory reporting of office surgical
      complications by Florida and Alabama physicians to a central agency. Reports
      resulting in death or a hospital transfer were further investigated over the
      telephone or on-line to determine the reporting physician's board certification
      status, hospital privilege status, and office accreditation status. RESULTS: In
      10 years in Florida, there were 46 deaths and 263 procedure-related complications
      and hospital transfers; 56.5% (26/46) of deaths and 49.8% (131/263) of hospital
      transfers were associated with non-medically necessary (cosmetic) procedures. The
      majority of deaths (67%) and hospital transfers (74%) related to non-medically
      necessary (cosmetic) procedures were from procedures performed on patients under
      general anesthesia. Liposuction and liposuction with abdominoplasty or other
      cosmetic procedure resulted in 10 deaths and 34 hospital transfers. Thirty-eight
      percent of offices reporting adverse events were accredited by an independent
      accrediting agency, 93% of physicians were board certified, and 98% of physicians
      had hospital privileges. The most common specialty of physicians reporting
      adverse events was plastic surgery (45% of all reported complications).
      Dermatologists reported four total complications (no deaths) and accounted for
      1.3% of all complications over the 10-year period. In 6 years in Alabama, there
      were three deaths and 49 procedure-related complications and hospital transfers;
      42% (22/52) of hospital transfers and no deaths were associated with non
      medically necessary (cosmetic) procedures. The majority of hospital transfers
      related to cosmetic procedures (86%) were from procedures performed on patients
      under general anesthesia. Liposuction accounted for no deaths and two hospital
      transfers. Seventy-one percent of offices reporting adverse events were
      accredited by an independent accrediting agency, and 100% of physicians were
      board-certified. Plastic surgery was the most common specialty represented in
      adverse event reporting (42.3% of all reported complications). Dermatologists
      reported one complication (no deaths) and accounted for 1.9% of all complications
      over the 6-year period. CONCLUSIONS: Continued analysis reveals that medically
      necessary office surgery does not represent an emergent hazard to patients. The
      data obtained from 10 and 6 years of adverse event reporting in Florida and
      Alabama, respectively, are comparable and consistent. Medically necessary
      surgical procedures performed in the office setting by dermatologists have an
      exceedingly low complication rate, and complications that arose were largely
      unexpected, isolated, and possibly unpreventable. Cosmetic procedures performed
      in offices by dermatologists under local and dilute local anesthesia yielded no
      reported complications. Complications from cosmetic procedures accounted for
      nearly half of all reported incidents in Florida and Alabama, and in both states,
      plastic surgeons were most represented in adverse event reports. Liposuction
      performed under general anesthesia requires further investigation because deaths
      from this procedure continue to occur despite the ability to use dilute local
      anesthesia for this procedure. Requiring physician board certification and
      physician hospital privileges does not seem to increase safety of patients
      undergoing surgical procedures in the office setting. Mandatory reporting of
      adverse events in the office setting should continue to be championed. Reporting
      of delayed deaths after hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgery center
      procedures should be implemented. All data should be made available for
      scientific analysis after protecting patient confidentiality.

PMID- 22093179
TI  - Low-level tacrolimus-based immunosuppression and polyomavirus BK surveillance in
      renal transplant patients.

PMID- 22093180
TI  - Emotional problems in preadolescents in Norway: the role of gender, ethnic
      minority status, and home- and school-related hassles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: "The gender gap" refers to a lifelong higher rate of emotional
      problems in girls, as compared to boys, that appears during adolescence. The
      gender gap is a well-replicated finding among older adolescents and is assumed to
      be a cross-cultural phenomenon. However, these cross-cultural studies have not
      investigated the gender gap in ethnic minorities but sampled ethnic majority
      adolescents in different countries. Some studies that investigated the gender gap
      across ethnic groups indirectly (by presenting emotional problem scores
      stratified by gender and ethnic group) indicate that the gender gap is less
      prominent or even absent among minorities. The aims of this study were to assess
      whether the gender gap is found in both majority and minority preadolescents, and
      to investigate whether a possible (gender and ethnic) group difference can be
      accounted for by differences in home or school hassles. METHODS: Participants
      were 902 preadolescent students (aged 10 to 12) from two cities in Norway. We
      collected self-report measures of emotional problems and home and school hassles.
      Using mediated moderation analysis we tested whether the interaction effect
      between gender and ethnic minority background on emotional problems was mediated
      by home or school hassles. RESULTS: The gender gap in emotional problems was
      restricted to ethnic majority preadolescents. School hassles but not home hassles
      accounted in part for this effect. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of the gender gap
      among minority as opposed to majority preadolescents may indicate that social
      circumstances may postpone or hamper the emergence and magnitude of the gender
      gap in ethnic minority preadolescents. In this study, school hassles partly
      accounted for the combined gender and ethnic group differences on emotional
      problems. This indicates that school hassles may play a role in the higher levels
      of emotional problems in preadolescent minority boys and consequently the absence
      of a gender gap found in our minority sample.

PMID- 22093181
TI  - Insulin augments tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated expression of vascular
      cell adhesion molecule-1 in vascular endothelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that is marked by
      increased presence of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFalpha), increased
      expression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1), increased presence of
      serum monocytes and activation of the canonical inflammatory molecule, Nuclear
      Factor Kappa-B (NFkappaB). Hyperinsulinemia is a hallmark of insulin resistance
      and may play a key role in this inflammatory process. METHODS: Using Western blot
      analysis, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and biochemical inhibitors, we
      measured changes in VCAM-1 protein expression and NFkappaB translocation in
      vascular endothelial cells in the presence of TNFalpha and/or hyperinsulinemia
      and in the absence or presence of kinase pathway inhibitors. RESULTS: We report
      that hyperinsulinemia augmented TNFalpha stimulated increases in VCAM-1 protein
      greater than seen with TNFalpha alone and decreased the time in which VCAM-1
      translocated to the cell surface. We also observed that in the presence of
      Wortmannin, a biochemical inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (a hallmark
      of insulin resistance), VCAM-1 expression was greater in the presence of TNFalpha
      plus insulin as compared to that seen with insulin or TNFalpha alone.
      Additionally, nuclear import of NFkappaB occurred sooner in the presence of
      insulin and TNFalpha together as compared to each alone, and in the presence of
      Wortmannin, nuclear import of NFkappaB was greater than that seen with insulin
      and TNFalpha alone. CONCLUSIONS: hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance appear
      to augment the inflammatory effects of TNFalpha on VCAM-1 expression and NFkappaB
      translocation, both of which are markers of inflammation in the vasculature.

PMID- 22093183
TI  - Production of 61Cu using natural cobalt target and its separation using ascorbic
      acid and common anion exchange resin.
AB  - (61)Cu was produced by (nat)Co(alpha, xn)(61)Cu reaction. (61)Cu production yield
      was 89.5 MBq/MUAh (2.42 mCi/MUAh) at the end of irradiation (EOI). A simple
      radiochemical separation method using anion exchange resin and ascorbic acid has
      been employed to separate the product radionuclide from inactive target material
      and co-produced non-isotopic impurities. The radiochemical separation yield was
      about 90%. Radiochemical purity of (61)Cu was >99% 1 h after EOI. Final product
      was suitable for making complex with N(2)S(2) type of ligands.

PMID- 22093182
TI  - The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB): clinical and cognitive
      correlates.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the cognitive and clinical correlates of
      the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) which was originally developed to
      be an endpoint for cognitive enhancement clinical trials. In a sample of 117
      people with schizophrenia and 77 healthy control participants we found the
      following: a) the MCCB was highly sensitive to the type and level of impairment
      typically observed in schizophrenia, b) the MCCB composite score was highly
      correlated with WASI Estimated Full Scale IQ score, c) that the MCCB domain
      scores were generally moderately-highly intercorrelated, d) that MCCB performance
      was minimally related to clinical symptom type and severity, and e) the MCCB is
      sensitive to employment status with better performance in employed vs. unemployed
      patients. These data support the validity of the MCCB as a sensitive measure of
      cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and suggest that MCCB performance is
      relevant for functional outcome. The data also suggest that the MCCB domain
      scores may offer limited resolution on discrete cognitive functions.

PMID- 22093184
TI  - Formation of repressor-inducer-operator ternary complex: negative cooperativity
      of d-camphor binding to CamR.
AB  - A repressor composed of homodimeric subunits, as is often found in bacteria,
      possesses two effector-binding sites per molecule, enabling sophisticated
      regulation by the cooperative binding of two effector molecules. Positive
      cooperativity generates a narrower region of effector concentration for
      switching, but little is known about the role of negative cooperativity. d
      camphor, an inducer for Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P450cam hydroxylase operon
      (camDCAB), binds to the homodimeric cam repressor (CamR). Here, we report solid
      evidence that the complex of CamR and an operator DNA is not dissociated by the
      first binding of d-camphor but, at a higher concentration, is dissociated by the
      second binding. d-camphor thus binds to the CamR in two steps with negative
      cooperativity, yielding two distinct dissociation constants of K(d1 ) =( ) 0.064
      +/- 0.030 and K(d2 ) =( ) 14 +/- 0.3 MUm, as well as the Hill coefficient of 0.56
      +/- 0.05 (<1). The first binding guarantees the high specificity of the inducer
      by the high affinity, although the second binding turns on the gene expression at
      a 200-fold higher concentration, a more suitable switching point for the
      catabolism of d-camphor.

PMID- 22093185
TI  - Autism-like behaviours with transient histone hyperacetylation in mice treated
      prenatally with valproic acid.
AB  - Maternal use of valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy has been implicated in the
      aetiology of autism spectrum disorders in children, and rodents prenatally
      exposed to VPA showed behavioural alterations similar to those observed in humans
      with autism. However, the exact mechanism for VPA-induced behavioural alterations
      is not known. To study this point, we examined the effects of prenatal exposure
      to VPA and valpromide, a VPA analog lacking histone deacetylase inhibition
      activity, on behaviours, cortical pathology and histone acetylation levels in
      mice. Mice exposed to VPA at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), but not at E9 and E14.5,
      displayed social interaction deficits, anxiety-like behaviour and memory deficits
      at age 4-8 wk. In contrast to male mice, the social interaction deficits (a
      decrease in sniffing behaviour) were not observed in female mice at age 8 wk. The
      exposure to VPA at E12.5 decreased the number of Nissl-positive cells in the
      middle and lower layers of the prefrontal cortex and in the lower layers of the
      somatosensory cortex at age 8 wk. Furthermore, VPA exposure caused a transient
      increase in acetylated histone levels in the embryonic brain, followed by an
      increase in apoptotic cell death in the neocortex and a decrease in cell
      proliferation in the ganglionic eminence. In contrast, prenatal exposure to
      valpromide at E12.5 did not affect the behavioural, biochemical and histological
      parameters. Furthermore, these findings suggest that VPA-induced histone
      hyperacetylation plays a key role in cortical pathology and abnormal autism-like
      behaviours in mice.

PMID- 22093186
TI  - Prediction of hospital acute myocardial infarction and heart failure 30-day
      mortality rates using publicly reported performance measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify an approach to summarizing publicly reported hospital
      performance data for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart failure (HF) that
      best predicts current year hospital mortality rates. SETTING: A total of 1,868
      U.S. hospitals reporting process and outcome measures for AMI and HF to the
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from July 2005 to June 2006
      (Year 0) and July 2006 to June 2007 (Year 1). DESIGN: Observational cohort study
      measuring the percentage variation in Year 1 hospital 30-day risk-adjusted
      mortality rate explained by denominator-based weighted composite scores
      summarizing hospital Year 0 performance. DATA COLLECTION: Data were prospectively
      collected from hospitalcompare.gov. RESULTS: Percentage variation in Year 1
      mortality was best explained by mortality rate alone in Year 0 over other
      composites including process performance. If only Year 0 mortality rates were
      reported, and consumers using hospitals in the highest decile of mortality
      instead chose hospitals in the lowest decile of mortality rate, the number of
      deaths at 30 days that potentially could have been avoided was 1.31 per 100
      patients for AMI and 2.12 for HF (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Public reports focused
      on 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rate may more directly address policymakers'
      goals of facilitating consumer identification of hospitals with better outcomes.

PMID- 22093187
TI  - Denosumab and bone-metastasis-free survival in men with castration-resistant
      prostate cancer: results of a phase 3, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone metastases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men
      with prostate cancer. Preclinical studies suggest that osteoclast inhibition
      might prevent bone metastases. We assessed denosumab, a fully human anti-RANKL
      monoclonal antibody, for prevention of bone metastasis or death in non-metastatic
      castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS: In this phase 3, double-blind,
      randomised, placebo-controlled study, men with non-metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer at high risk of bone metastasis (prostate-specific
      antigen [PSA] >=8.0 MUg/L or PSA doubling time <=10.0 months, or both) were
      enrolled at 319 centres from 30 countries. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1)
      via an interactive voice response system to receive subcutaneous denosumab 120 mg
      or subcutaneous placebo every 4 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by PSA
      eligibility criteria and previous or ongoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer.
      Patients, investigators, and all people involved in study conduct were masked to
      treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was bone-metastasis-free survival, a
      composite endpoint determined by time to first occurrence of bone metastasis
      (symptomatic or asymptomatic) or death from any cause. Efficacy analysis was by
      intention to treat. The masked treatment phase of the trial has been completed.
      This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00286091. FINDINGS:
      1432 patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups (716 denosumab, 716
      placebo). Denosumab significantly increased bone-metastasis-free survival by a
      median of 4.2 months compared with placebo (median 29.5 [95% CI 25.4-33.3] vs
      25.2 [22.2-29.5] months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.98, p=0.028).
      Denosumab also significantly delayed time to first bone metastasis (33.2 [95% CI
      29.5-38.0] vs 29.5 [22.4-33.1] months; HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.98, p=0.032).
      Overall survival did not differ between groups (denosumab, 43.9 [95% CI 40.1-not
      estimable] months vs placebo, 44.8 [40.1-not estimable] months; HR 1.01, 95% CI
      0.85-1.20, p=0.91). Rates of adverse events and serious adverse events were
      similar in both groups, except for osteonecrosis of the jaw and hypocalcaemia. 33
      (5%) patients on denosumab developed osteonecrosis of the jaw versus none on
      placebo. Hypocalcaemia occurred in 12 (2%) patients on denosumab and two (<1%) on
      placebo. INTERPRETATION: This large randomised study shows that targeting of the
      bone microenvironment can delay bone metastasis in men with prostate cancer.
      FUNDING: Amgen Inc.

PMID- 22093188
TI  - Treatment of prostate cancer metastases: more than semantics.

PMID- 22093189
TI  - Distribution and associations of [-2]proenzyme-prostate specific antigen in
      community dwelling black and white men.
AB  - PURPOSE: We provide cross-sectional normative data on [-2]proenzyme-prostate
      specific antigen from the Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health
      Status among Men, and the Flint Men's Health Study. We also describe associations
      with clinical urological measures and the risk of prostate cancer diagnosis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements of [-2]proenzyme-prostate specific antigen
      were obtained from 420 white men from Olmsted County, Minnesota, and 328 black
      men from Genesee County, Michigan. Cross-sectional associations between [
      2]proenzyme-prostate specific antigen and prostate enlargement/elevated prostate
      specific antigen were assessed. Cox proportional hazard models were used to
      assess associations between [-2]proenzyme-prostate specific antigen and the
      incident diagnosis of prostate cancer. RESULTS: Baseline [-2]proenzyme-prostate
      specific antigen was slightly higher in black men at a median of 6.3 pg/ml (25th,
      75th percentiles 4.1, 8.9) than in white men at a median of 5.6 pg/ml (25th, 75th
      percentiles 3.9, 7.7, respectively, p = 0.01). Baseline [-2]proenzyme-prostate
      specific antigen was highly predictive of biopsy confirmed prostate cancer in the
      Olmsted County Study cohort. Relative to men in the [-2]proenzyme-prostate
      specific antigen lower quartile those in the upper quartile were at almost
      eightfold increased risk for prostate cancer (HR 7.8, 95% CI 2.2-27.8) after
      adjusting for age and baseline prostate specific antigen. CONCLUSIONS: In these
      cohorts of community dwelling black and white men [-2]proenzyme-prostate specific
      antigen was much lower than in previous studies. These data suggest that [
      2]proenzyme-prostate specific antigen may help identify prostate cancer in men
      with serum prostate specific antigen in an indeterminate range, although the
      reference ranges for white and black men may differ slightly.

PMID- 22093190
TI  - Benign prostate specific antigen distribution and associations with urological
      outcomes in community dwelling black and white men.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe cross-sectional associations of benign prostate specific
      antigen with clinical urological measures and examined the risk of future
      urological outcomes in 2 population based cohorts of black and white men,
      respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two population based cohort studies were
      established to characterize the natural history of and risk factors for prostate
      disease progression in white and black male residents of Olmsted County,
      Minnesota, and Genesee County, Michigan, respectively. RESULTS: The benign
      prostate specific antigen distribution was similar in black men at a median of
      32.9 pg/ml (25th, 75th percentiles 17.3, 68.0) and white men at a median of 32.2
      pg/ml (25th, 75th percentiles 16.6, 68.9, respectively). However, it was much
      lower than in previous reports. For Olmsted County men in the upper quartile of
      benign prostate specific antigen there was a fifteenfold increased risk of
      prostate cancer (HR 14.6, 95% CI 3.1-68.6) and a twofold higher risk of treatment
      for benign prostatic hyperplasia (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2) after adjusting for
      age. After additional adjustment for baseline prostate specific antigen the
      association between benign prostate specific antigen and prostate cancer risk was
      attenuated but remained almost ninefold higher for men in the upper quartile of
      benign prostate specific antigen (HR 8.7, 95% CI 1.8-42.4). The twofold higher
      risk of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia also remained after adjusting
      for baseline prostate specific antigen for men in the upper benign prostate
      specific antigen quartile (HR 1.9, 95% CI 0.9-4.0). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest
      that increased benign prostate specific antigen may help identify men with
      prostate cancer and those at risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment.

PMID- 22093191
TI  - Time for a change: dynamic urban ecology.
AB  - Contemporary cities are expanding rapidly in a spatially complex, non-linear
      manner. However, this form of expansion is rarely taken into account in the way
      that urbanization is classically assessed in ecological studies. An explicit
      consideration of the temporal dynamics, although frequently missing, is crucial
      in order to understand the effects of urbanization on biodiversity and ecosystem
      functioning in rapidly urbanizing landscapes. In particular, a temporal
      perspective highlights the importance of land-use legacies and transient dynamics
      in the response of biodiversity to environmental change. Here, we outline the
      essential elements of an emerging framework for urban ecology that incorporates
      the characteristics of contemporary urbanization and thus empowers ecologists to
      understand and intervene in the planning and management of cities.

PMID- 22093192
TI  - A prospective study of pelvic floor dysfunctions related to delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and impact on quality of life of urinary
      incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) three months after first delivery;
      to identify risk factors involved in UI or AI; to evaluate possible changes in
      sexual behaviour and anatomical modifications of pelvic floor after childbirth.
      STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter prospective study, in six Italian Ob/Gyn departments,
      of nulliparous women who delivered at term (37-42 weeks of gestation) between
      April and September 2005. A structured questionnaire investigated several
      maternal and obstetric variables. UI and AI were assessed by administration of
      the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF)
      and according to Wexner's Continence Grading Scale, at 2-3 days post-partum and
      at 3 months after delivery. Changes in sexual behaviour, and pelvic floor
      condition after delivery, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included
      comparison of means (Mann-Whitney or Student's t-test) and proportions (Chi
      square test). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed including
      variables that were significant in univariate comparisons. RESULTS: Of 960
      enrolled women, 744 were evaluated 3 months after delivery and included in final
      analysis. The prevalences of UI and AI at that time were 21.6% and 16.3%,
      respectively. Onset of incontinence during pregnancy was an independent predictor
      for persistent UI (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.6, Confidence Interval (CI) 3.1-6.8,
      p<0.001) and AI (OR 3.6, CI 2.2-6.1, p<0.001). Family history of urinary or anal
      incontinence were respectively associated with UI (OR 2.6, CI 1.6-4.0, p<0.001)
      and AI (OR 2.4, CI 1.4-4.0, p<0.001) 3 months after delivery. Among obstetric
      factors, vaginal delivery was a strong risk factor for UI (OR 3.3, CI 2.0-5.3,
      p<0.001). The sexual score improved 3 months after delivery in 72.4% of women.
      Urogynaecological evaluation showed a significant association between grade 1-2
      anterior prolapse, urethral hypermobility and UI. CONCLUSION: New onset of UI or
      AI during pregnancy, positive family history and vaginal delivery are independent
      risk factors for the persistence of symptoms of UI and AI in the early postpartum
      period. Adequate counselling and the implementation of targeted strategies to
      prevent or early identify these conditions are therefore mandatory to improve the
      patient's quality of life.

PMID- 22093193
TI  - Heart failure and diabetes: time to pay attention.

PMID- 22093194
TI  - LV twisting and untwisting in HCM: ejection begets filling. Diastolic functional
      aspects of HCM.
AB  - Conventional and emerging concepts on mechanisms by which hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy (HCM) engenders diastolic dysfunction are surveyed. A shift from
      familiar left ventricular (LV) diastolic function approaches to large-scale
      (twist-untwist) and small-scale (titin unfolding-refolding, etc.) wall rebound
      models, incorporating interaction and dynamic distortions and rearrangements of
      myofiber sheets and ultrastructural constituents, is suggested. Such an emerging
      new paradigm of diastolic dynamics, emphasizing the relationship of myofiber
      sheet and ultraconstituent distortion to LV mechanics and end-systolic shape,
      might clarify intricate patterns of early diastolic rebound and suction, needed
      for LV filling in many of the polymorphic phenotypes of HCM.

PMID- 22093195
TI  - The fixed-dose combination drug for secondary cardiovascular prevention project:
      improving equitable access and adherence to secondary cardiovascular prevention
      with a fixed-dose combination drug. Study design and objectives.
AB  - In spite of advances in prevention and treatment, the burden of cardiovascular
      diseases is increasing. A fixed-dose combination (FDC) pill, or "polypill,"
      composed of evidence-based drugs has been proposed as a means of improving
      cardiovascular prevention by reducing cost and increasing patient adherence to
      treatment. The aim of the FOCUS project, funded by the 7th Framework Programme of
      the European Commission, is to characterize the factors that underlie inadequate
      secondary prevention and to test a new FDC. To achieve these goals, a 9-member
      consortium has been constituted, including institutions from Argentina, France,
      Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. FOCUS Phase-1 will examine factors potentially
      related to lack of adequate secondary prevention in 4,000 post-myocardial
      infarction (MI) patients and analyze the relationship between these factors and
      patient treatment adherence. Primary end points will be (1) the percentage of
      patients receiving aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins
      and (2) adherence to treatment measured by the Morisky-Green test. FOCUS Phase-2
      is a randomized trial that will compare adherence to treatment in 1,340 post
      myocardial infarction patients either receiving an FDC comprising aspirin (100
      mg), ramipril (2.5, 5, or 10 mg), and simvastatin (40 mg) or receiving the same 3
      drugs separately.

PMID- 22093196
TI  - The design and rationale of the saxagliptin assessment of vascular outcomes
      recorded in patients with diabetes mellitus-thrombolysis in myocardial infarction
      (SAVOR-TIMI) 53 study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Saxagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, improves glycemic
      control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by increasing endogenous
      active, intact glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic
      polypeptide in response to food, which augments insulin secretion and decreases
      glucagon release. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: SAVOR-TIMI 53 is a phase 4,
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 25 countries that
      is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of saxagliptin during long-term
      treatment of approximately 16,500 patients with T2DM. Eligible patients who are
      either treatment naive or on any background antidiabetic treatment (except
      incretin therapy) with history of established cardiovascular (CV) disease or
      multiple risk factors are randomized 1:1 to saxagliptin 5 mg QD (2.5 mg in
      subjects with moderate/severe renal impairment) or matching placebo, stratified
      by qualifying disease state. The primary end point is the composite of CV death,
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke. The trial will
      continue until approximately 1,040 primary end points accrue, providing 85% power
      to identify a 17% relative reduction of the primary end point with saxagliptin
      versus placebo and 98% power to test for noninferiority of saxagliptin versus
      placebo (reject the upper limit of 95% CI for a hazard ratio <1.3 at a 1-sided
      alpha of .025). CONCLUSION: SAVOR-TIMI 53 is testing the hypothesis that
      treatment with saxagliptin is safe and reduces CV events in high-risk patients
      with T2DM.

PMID- 22093197
TI  - Rationale and design of the MASS COMM trial: A randomized trial to compare
      percutaneous coronary intervention between MASSachusetts hospitals with cardiac
      surgery on-site and COMMunity hospitals without cardiac surgery on-site.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency surgery has become an increasingly rare event after
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There have been no randomized trials
      evaluating whether cardiac surgery services on-site are essential for patient
      safety and optimal outcomes during and after PCI. STUDY DESIGN: The MASS COMM
      trial (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT01116882) is a randomized trial comparing the
      safety and effectiveness of nonemergency PCI at hospitals without surgery on-site
      (SOS) (non-SOS hospitals) and hospitals with SOS (SOS hospitals). A total of
      3,690 subjects will be randomized in a 3:1 fashion to undergo PCI at non-SOS and
      SOS hospitals, with follow-up at hospital discharge, 30 days, and 12 months after
      PCI. The rate of major adverse cardiac events (all-cause mortality, myocardial
      infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke) will serve as the primary
      safety end point at 30 days and the primary effectiveness end point at 12 months.
      The design is a 1-way randomized trial with a statistical hypothesis of
      noninferiority of nonemergency PCI at non-SOS hospitals for both safety and
      effectiveness end points. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter, randomized trial will
      compare the relative safety and effectiveness of nonemergency PCI at sites with
      and without cardiac SOS.

PMID- 22093198
TI  - The first call from Dad.

PMID- 22093199
TI  - Should all patients be treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      after coronary artery bypass graft surgery? The impact of angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors, statins, and beta-blockers after coronary artery bypass graft
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the association between angiotensin-converting
      enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
      (CABG). METHODS: Postoperative outpatient utilization of ACE inhibitors, statins,
      and beta-blockers was assessed in a cohort of 3,718 patients after CABG 65 years
      and older. The primary outcome was freedom from a composite of all-cause
      mortality or hospital readmission for cardiac events or procedures. RESULTS: Use
      of all 3 medication classes increased significantly over the study period. Female
      patients and patients with a history of myocardial infarction, diabetes, and poor
      left ventricular function were independently associated with ACE inhibitor use on
      multivariate analysis (all P < .05). At a median follow-up of 3 years,
      postoperative therapy with an ACE inhibitor had no effect on death or
      rehospitalization for cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95%
      CI 0.96-1.30, P = .16). However, statins (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57-0.74, P < .0001)
      and beta-blockers (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93, P = .001) were associated with a
      significantly improved event-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients after
      CABG 65 years or older, ACE inhibitors had no independent effect on mortality or
      recurrent ischemic events in the midterm after CABG, although a benefit was
      observed for statins and beta-blockers.

PMID- 22093200
TI  - Treatment with adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitors-longitudinal assessment
      of treatment patterns and events after acute coronary syndrome (TRANSLATE-ACS)
      study design: expanding the paradigm of longitudinal observational research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet inhibition is critical in reducing both short- and long-term
      atherothrombotic risks after acute myocardial infarction (MI), especially among
      patients managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Currently
      available antiplatelet medications, including adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
      receptor inhibitors, have demonstrated variability in efficacy and safety in
      clinical trials, yet few studies have examined contemporary "real-world"
      approaches to platelet inhibition and associated outcomes. METHODS: TRANSLATE-ACS
      is a prospective observational study that will track up to 17,000 MI patients
      managed with PCI, from the inhospital to outpatient settings for up to 12 months
      postdischarge to provide a comprehensive picture of current treatment patterns
      and outcomes in routine clinical practice. TRANSLATE-ACS exemplifies a
      collaborative study design that efficiently builds upon a well-established PCI
      registry platform, and yet, through a systematic telephone interview follow-up
      process, provides important longitudinal clinical and economic follow-up capacity
      through 15 months after initial MI hospitalization. Furthermore, TRANSLATE-ACS
      incorporates a hospital-level, clustered, randomized substudy to investigate the
      impact of point-of-care platelet inhibition testing on subsequent patient
      management. Finally, TRANSLATE-ACS provides feedback through quarterly reports to
      participating sites on their care practices benchmarked to peer performance to
      support and promote longitudinal quality of cardiovascular care delivery.
      CONCLUSION: TRANSLATE-ACS not only addresses important clinical and scientific
      questions but also includes pioneering design features that will assist in the
      evolution of clinical registries.

PMID- 22093202
TI  - Cognitive impairment and outcomes in older adult survivors of acute myocardial
      infarction: findings from the translational research investigating underlying
      disparities in acute myocardial infarction patients' health status registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) and acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) are prevalent in older adults; however, the association of CIND
      with outcomes after AMI is unknown. METHODS: We used a multicenter registry to
      study 772 patients >=65 years with AMI, enrolled between April 2005 and December
      2008, who underwent cognitive function assessment with the Telephone Interview
      for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) 1 month after AMI. Patients were
      categorized by cognitive status to describe characteristics and in-hospital
      treatment, including quality of life and survival 1 year after AMI. RESULTS: Mean
      age was 73.2 +/- 6.3 years; 58.5% were men, and 78.2% were white. Normal
      cognitive function (TICS-m >22) was present in 44.4%; mild CIND (TICS-m 19-22) in
      29.8%; and moderate/severe CIND (TICS-m <19) in 25.8% of patients. Rates of
      hypertension (72.6%, 77.4%, and 81.9%), cerebrovascular accidents (3.5%, 7.0%,
      and 9.0%), and myocardial infarction (20.1%, 22.2%, and 29.6%) were higher in
      those with lower TICS-m scores (P < .05 for comparisons). AMI medications were
      similar by cognitive status; however, CIND was associated with lower cardiac
      catheterization rates (P = .002) and cardiac rehabilitation referrals (P < .001).
      Patients with moderate/severe CIND had higher risk-adjusted 1-year mortality that
      was nonstatistically significant (adjusted hazard ratio 1.97, 95% CI 0.99-3.94, P
      = .054; referent normal, TICS-m >22). Quality of life across cognitive status was
      similar at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Most older patients surviving AMI have measurable
      CIND. Cognitive impairment without dementia was associated with less invasive
      care, less referral and participation in cardiac rehabilitation, and worse risk
      adjusted 1-year survival in those with moderate/severe CIND, making it an
      important condition to consider in optimizing AMI care.

PMID- 22093203
TI  - Effect of esomeprazole versus famotidine on platelet inhibition by clopidogrel: a
      double-blind, randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that esomeprazole does not interfere
      significantly with the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. It is unknown
      whether famotidine, a histamine 2 receptor antagonist, interacts with
      clopidogrel. This double-blind, randomized study aimed to compare the influence
      of esomeprazole and famotidine on the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel.
      METHODS: Patients with acute coronary syndrome or elective percutaneous coronary
      interventions treated with aspirin and clopidogrel cotherapy were randomized to
      receive esomeprazole 20 mg daily or famotidine 40 mg daily. Platelet reactivity
      units (PRUs) were measured at baseline and on day 28. The primary analysis
      involved the PRU values on day 28. RESULTS: There were 44 patients in the
      esomeprazole group and 44 in the famotidine group. The baseline PRUs of the 2
      groups were comparable (esomeprazole vs famotidine, 229.1 +/- 85.6 vs 220.4 +/-
      83.0, P = .63). The PRUs on day 28 were 242.6 +/- 89.7 and 237.5 +/- 79.2 in the
      groups receiving esomeprazole and famotidine, respectively (mean difference 5.1,
      95% CI -30.8 to 41.0, P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: The platelet inhibitory effect of
      clopidogrel was not significantly different between patients receiving
      esomeprazole and those receiving famotidine. Neither esomeprazole nor famotidine
      reduced the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. (Clinicaltrial.gov
      Identifier NCT01062516).

PMID- 22093204
TI  - Predicting long-term mortality in older patients after non-ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction: the CRUSADE long-term mortality model and risk score.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a long-term mortality risk prediction model and
      a simplified risk score for use in older patients with non-ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding
      long-term mortality rates and concomitant risk predictors after acute myocardial
      infarction in contemporary community practice. METHODS: From the CRUSADE
      registry, a total of 43,239 (NSTEMI) patients aged >=65 years treated at 448
      hospitals in the United States from 2003 to 2006 were linked to Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services data to track longitudinal all-cause mortality
      (median follow-up 453 days). Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to
      determine baseline independent demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables
      associated with long-term mortality. A simplified long-term mortality risk score
      was subsequently developed from these results. RESULTS: The median age of this
      population was 77 years, and mortality rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 24.4%,
      33.2%, and 40.3%, respectively. We identified 22 variables independently
      associated with long-term mortality in a full model (c-statistic 0.754 in the
      derivation sample and 0.744 in the validation sample). The CRUSADE long-term
      mortality risk score was limited to the 13 most clinically and statistically
      significant variables from the full model yet retained comparable discrimination
      in the derivation and validation samples (c-statistics 0.734 and 0.727,
      respectively) and had good calibration across the risk spectra. CONCLUSIONS:
      Older patients face substantial long-term mortality risks after NSTEMI that can
      be accurately predicted from baseline characteristics. These prognostic estimates
      may support informed treatment decision-making and comparison of long-term
      provider outcomes.

PMID- 22093205
TI  - Safety and efficacy of adjusted-dose eptifibatide in patients with acute coronary
      syndromes and reduced renal function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dose adjustment of renally excreted antithrombotic drugs is
      recommended for patients with reduced renal function. We examined the influence
      of dose modification on bleeding and efficacy. METHODS: Based on initial study
      drug infusion rate, Early GP IIb/IIIa Inhibition in non-ST-segment elevation
      acute coronary syndromes (EARLY ACS) patients were categorized into groups:
      standard dose (2 MUg/kg/min; estimated creatinine clearance [eCrCl] >=50 ml/min),
      adjusted dose (1 MUg/kg/min; eCrCl <50 ml/min, per protocol), excess dose (2
      MUg/kg/min; eCrCl <50 ml/min). We explored relationships among initial dosing,
      randomized treatment assignment, and bleeding and ischemic end points (96-h
      composite of death, myocardial infarction [MI], recurrent ischemia requiring
      urgent revascularization or thrombotic bailout, and 30-d death or MI). RESULTS:
      Of 8,708 patients with eCrCl and dosing data, 19% had eCrCl <50 ml/min. Of these,
      13% received adjusted dose eptifibatide and 6% received an excess dose. Across
      all dosing groups, no significant reductions were found in ischemic end points
      between early versus delayed provisional eptifibatide (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.80-1.65;
      OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.81-1.56, respectively, for 96-h and 30-d composite end points).
      Bleeding risk was not significantly increased in the early versus delayed
      provisional treatment group in either the adjusted (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.95-2.39) or
      excess dose group (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.85-3.39). There were no significant
      interactions between dose group and treatment strategy on bleeding or efficacy.
      CONCLUSION: Similar to observations in practice, despite guidelines
      recommendations and protocol guidance, 34% of EARLY ACS patients with reduced
      renal function failed to receive an appropriately adjusted study drug infusion.
      Use of an appropriately adjusted eptifibatide infusion was not associated with
      expected reductions in bleeding among patients with renal insufficiency.

PMID- 22093206
TI  - Myeloperoxidase in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes: the importance of
      spectrum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is proposed for risk stratification in patients
      with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). We determined if MPO has
      diagnostic value in patients being evaluated for ACS. METHOD: MIDAS was an 18
      center prospective study enrolling suspected ACS emergency department patients
      who presented <8 hours after symptom onset and in whom serial cardiac markers and
      objective cardiac perfusion testing were planned. Blinded MPO (Biosite, Inc, San
      Diego, CA) and troponin I (Triage Cardio 3; Biosite, Inc) were drawn at arrival,
      and Troponin I (TnI) was measured at 90, 180, and 360 minutes. Final diagnoses
      were adjudicated by the local investigator blinded to study assay. RESULTS: Of
      1,018 patients, 54% were male, 26% black, with a mean age of 58 +/- 13 years.
      Diagnoses were ACS in 288 (23%) and noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) in 788 (77%). Of
      patients with ACS, 94 (9.2%) had a myocardial infarction (MI) at presentation (69
      non-ST-elevation MI, 25 ST-elevation MI), and 136 had unstable angina. Using a
      cutpoint of 210 ng/mL to provide 90% specificity, MPO had a sensitivity of 0.18;
      negative predictive value, 0.69; positive predictive value, 0.47; negative
      likelihood ratio, 0.91; and a positive likelihood ratio of 1.83 to differentiate
      ACS and NCCP. Because of the large overlap of quartiles, MPO was not clinically
      useful to predict serial TnI changes. The C statistics +/- 95% CI for MPO
      differentiating ACS from NCCP and for AMI versus NCCP were 0.629 +/- 0.04 and
      0.666 +/- 0.06, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Myeloperoxidase has insufficient
      accuracy for decision making in patients with suspected ACS.

PMID- 22093207
TI  - Days alive and out of hospital and the patient journey in patients with heart
      failure: Insights from the candesartan in heart failure: assessment of reduction
      in mortality and morbidity (CHARM) program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conventional composite outcomes in heart failure (HF) trials, for
      example, time to cardiovascular death or first HF hospitalization, have
      recognized limitations. We propose an alternative outcome, days alive and out of
      hospital (DAOH), which incorporates mortality and all hospitalizations into a
      single measure. A refinement, the patient journey, also uses functional status
      (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class) measured during follow-up. The CHARM
      program is used to illustrate the methodology. METHODS: CHARM randomized 7,599
      patients with symptomatic HF to placebo or candesartan, with median follow-up of
      38 months. We related DAOH and percent DAOH (ie, percentage of time spent alive
      and out of hospital) to treatment using linear regression adjusting for follow-up
      time. RESULTS: Mean increase in DAOH for patients on candesartan versus placebo
      was 24.1 days (95% CI 9.8-38.3 days, P < .001). The corresponding mean increase
      in percent DAOH was 2.0% (95% CI 0.8%-3.1%, P < .001). These findings were
      dominated by reduced mortality (23 days) but enhanced by reduced time in hospital
      (1 day). Percent time spent in hospital because of HF was reduced by 0.10% (95%
      CI 0.04%-0.14%, P < .001). The patient journey analysis showed that patients in
      the candesartan group spent more follow-up time in NYHA classes I and II and less
      in NYHA class IV. CONCLUSIONS: Days alive and out of hospital, especially percent
      DAOH, provide a valuable tool for summarizing the overall absolute treatment
      effect on mortality and morbidity. In future HF trials, percent DAOH can provide
      a useful alternative perspective on the effects of treatment.

PMID- 22093208
TI  - Long-term clinical outcome in patients with small vessel disease treated with
      drug-eluting versus bare-metal stenting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DES is superior to BMS in reducing restenosis and repeat
      revascularization. Available data are less convincing in small vessel disease.
      Aim of our study is to assess long-term clinical outcome of drug-eluting stents
      (DES) vs. bare-metal stents (BMS) in small coronary vessel disease. METHODS:
      Procedural and long-term clinical outcomes were assessed in consecutive patients
      (pts) treated with stenting of native small coronary arteries (reference vessel
      diameter and implanted stent < 3mm). RESULTS: Pts enrolled were 645: DES group (n
      = 277) presented more frequently diabetes (173 [62%] vs. 32 [9%], P < .0001),
      higher body mass index (27 +/- 5 vs. 26 +/- 4, P = .01) and with previous PCI
      (115 [42%] vs. 118 [32%], P = .01) as compared to BMS group (n=368). DES group
      presented more frequently with unstable angina (46 [17%] vs. 38 [10%], P = .02);
      BMS group presented more frequently with myocardial infarction (103 [28] vs. 43
      [15], P = .0002). Reference vessel (2.27 +/- 0.36 vs. 2.24 +/- 0.36, P = .29),
      minimal lumen (0.81 +/- 0.32 vs. 0.80 +/- 0.31, P = .84) and stent diameter (2.59
      +/- 0.17 vs. 2.60 +/- 0.15, P = .69) did not differ between the 2 groups. Lesion
      length was significantly higher in DES group (15.85 +/- 6.81 vs. 13.66 +/- 7.18,
      P = .01). At a median clinical follow-up of 3.0 years (IQR range 2.2-4.6), pts
      with DES showed significantly lower major adverse cardiac events (MACE, HR 0.51,
      95%CI 0.33-0.78) and target vessel revascularization (TVR, HR 0.44, 95%CI 0.25
      0.78). No differences were observed between the two groups as to death,
      myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: In small vessel disease,
      DES was more frequently implanted in pts at higher risk of restenosis, though it
      demonstrated to be more effective than BMS in reducing MACE and TVR at long-term
      follow-up.

PMID- 22093209
TI  - Mode of death after contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention: a report
      from the Evaluation of Drug Eluting Stents and Ischemic Events registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When selecting clinical trial end points, some investigators prefer
      cardiovascular death (CVD) while others believe that all-cause mortality is more
      relevant. However, the relative contribution of CVD to 1-year mortality after
      contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not known. METHODS: We
      evaluated the mode of death (MOD) in EVENT, a prospective PCI registry at 55 US
      hospitals. Vital status was assessed at 6 and 12 months as part of the study
      protocol, and MOD was independently reviewed in blinded fashion. RESULTS: Between
      2004 and 2007, EVENT enrolled 10,144 patients of whom 295 (2.9%) died within the
      first year: 51 (17%) <=30 days; and 244 (83%) between 31 and 365 days after index
      PCI. Overall, CVD accounted for 42% of deaths, and no clear cause could be
      identified in a substantial subgroup (25% of deaths). Among patients who died
      <=30 days, the MOD was more likely to be CVD (odds ratio 3.96, 95% CI 2.08-7.55),
      whereas the incidence of CVD and non-CVD was similar after 30 days. Findings were
      similar after a series of sensitivity analyses including reassignment of unknown
      MOD to the CVD category, using multiple imputation modeling, or when evaluating
      MOD in prespecified subgroups of patients with diabetes, acute coronary
      syndromes, or left ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Among unselected PCI
      patients, 1-year mortality is approximately 3%, and CVD is confirmed in <50% of
      all deaths. Regardless of analytic approach, CVD is the primary contributor to
      overall mortality during the first 30 days after PCI, whereas rates of CVD and
      non-CVD are remarkably similar after the first month after PCI.

PMID- 22093210
TI  - Long-term tissue coverage of a biodegradable polylactide polymer-coated biolimus
      eluting stent: comparative sequential assessment with optical coherence
      tomography until complete resorption of the polymer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biolimus-eluting stents (BESs) with a biodegradable polymer in
      abluminal coating achieve more complete coverage at 9 months compared with
      sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) with a durable polymer, as assessed by optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). Whether this advantage persists or augments after
      complete resorption of the polymer (>12 months) is unknown. METHODS: The LEADERS
      trial compared the performance of BES with that of SES. Patients were randomly
      allocated to a sequential angiographic follow-up, including OCT in selected
      sites, at 9 and 24 months. Struts coverage was compared using Bayesian
      hierarchical models as the primary outcome for the OCT substudy. RESULTS: Fifty
      six patients (26 BES, 30 SES) were enrolled in the OCT substudy. Twenty-one
      patients (10 BES, 11 SES) agreed to perform a second OCT follow-up at 24 months.
      Eleven lesions and 12 stents were analyzed sequentially in the BES group (2,455
      struts at 9 months, 2,131 struts at 24 months) and 11 lesions and 18 stents in
      the SES group (3,421 struts at 9 months, 4,170 struts at 24 months). The
      previously reported advantage of BES over SES in terms of better strut coverage
      at 9 months was followed by improvement in coverage of the SES, resulting in
      identical coverage in both BES and SES at 24 months: 1.5% versus 1.8% uncovered
      struts, difference -0.2%, 95% credibility interval, -3.2% to 2.6%, P = .84.
      CONCLUSIONS: More complete strut coverage of BES as compared with SES at 9 months
      was followed by improvement of coverage in SES between 9 and 24 months and a
      similar long-term coverage in both stent types at 24 months.

PMID- 22093211
TI  - Trends in the use of diagnostic coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary
      intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery across North Carolina.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although variation in use of invasive coronary procedures has been
      shown, the relationship between invasive diagnostic cardiac catheterization
      (Cath) and subsequent revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is not known. We evaluated the
      temporal trends and variation in invasive Cath, PCI, and CABG across hospital
      systems in North Carolina. METHODS: All Cath, PCI, and CABG procedures performed
      in North Carolina from 2003 to 2009 were identified using data reported in the
      annual North Carolina State Medical Facilities Plan. Rates and variation in
      procedure use, relative rates of PCI to Cath, CABG to Cath, and CABG to PCI were
      compared over the study period between hospitals that performed at least 25 Cath,
      25 PCI, and 25 CABG procedures. RESULTS: The rates of all invasive procedures per
      100,000 population declined: 24% for Cath, 16% for PCI, and 35% for CABG.
      However, the relative rate of PCI to Cath over the study period increased by 11%,
      whereas the relative rate of CABG to Cath decreased by 13%. Hospital level
      analysis showed significant variation in the relative rate of both PCI to Cath
      (10%-90%, P < .05) and CABG to Cath (5%-35%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      use of all invasive cardiac procedures declined, the relative rate of PCI to Cath
      increased over the study period. There was also significant variation in the mode
      of revascularization (CABG and PCI) across hospital systems in North Carolina.
      Further research is needed to understand drivers of coronary revascularization.

PMID- 22093201
TI  - Management of acute coronary syndromes in developing countries: acute coronary
      events-a multinational survey of current management strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of cardiovascular diseases is predicted to escalate in
      developing countries. We investigated the descriptive epidemiology, practice
      patterns, and outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes
      (ACS) in African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. METHODS: In this
      prospective observational registry, 12,068 adults hospitalized with a diagnosis
      of ACS were enrolled between January 2007 and January 2008 at 134 sites in 19
      countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Data on patient
      characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of
      11,731 patients with confirmed ACS were enrolled (46% with ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction [STEMI], 54% with non-ST elevation-ACS). During
      hospitalization, most patients received aspirin (93%) and a lipid-lowering
      medication (94%), 78% received a beta-blocker, and 68% received an angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor. Among patients with STEMI, 39% did not receive
      fibrinolysis or undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. All-cause death at 12
      months was 7.3% and was higher in patients with STEMI versus non-ST elevation-ACS
      (8.4% vs 6.3%, P < .0001). Clinical factors associated with higher risk of death
      at 12 months included cardiac arrest, antithrombin treatment, cardiogenic shock,
      and age >70 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study of patients with ACS,
      the use of evidence-based pharmacologic therapies for ACS was quite high, yet 39%
      of eligible patients with STEMI received no reperfusion therapy. These findings
      suggest opportunities to further reduce the risk of long-term ischemic events in
      patients with ACS in developing countries.

PMID- 22093212
TI  - Intensive glycemic control has no impact on the risk of heart failure in type 2
      diabetic patients: evidence from a 37,229 patient meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More intensive glycemic control reduces the risk of microvascular
      disease in patients with diabetes mellitus but has not been proven to reduce the
      risk of macrovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Poorer
      glycemic control, as indicated by glycated hemoglobin level concentration, is
      associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF), but it is not known
      whether improved glycemic control reduces this risk. We conducted a meta-analysis
      of randomized controlled trials comparing strategies of more versus less
      intensive glucose-lowering that reported HF events. METHODS: Two investigators
      independently searched PubMed, the Cochrane CENTRAL register of controlled
      trials, metaRegister, pre-MEDLINE, and CINAHL from January 1970 to October 2010
      for prospective controlled randomized trials comparing a more intensive glucose
      lowering regimen to a standard regimen. The outcome of interest was HF-related
      events (both fatal and nonfatal). Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated from
      published data from relevant trials and pooled with a random-effects meta
      analysis. RESULTS: A total of 37,229 patients from 8 randomized trials were
      included in the analysis. Follow-up ranged from 2.3 to 10.1 years, and the
      overall number of HF-related events was 1469 (55% in the intensive treatment
      arm). The mean difference in glycated hemoglobin level between patients given
      standard treatment and those allocated to a more intensive regimen was 0.9%.
      Overall, the risk of HF-related events did not differ significantly between
      intensive glycemic control and standard treatment (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.96-1.48),
      but the effect estimate was highly heterogeneous (I(2) = 69%). At subgroup
      analysis, intensive glycemic control achieved with high thiazolidinediones use
      significantly increased HF risk (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02-1.72). CONCLUSIONS: More
      intensive glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus did not
      reduce the occurrence of HF events. Furthermore, intensive glycemic control with
      thiazolidinediones increased the risk of HF. These findings question a direct
      mechanistic link between hyperglycemia and HF.

PMID- 22093213
TI  - Effect of controlled reduction of body iron stores on clinical outcomes in
      peripheral arterial disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published results from a controlled clinical trial in patients with
      peripheral arterial disease found improved outcomes with iron (ferritin)
      reduction among middle-aged subjects but not the entire cohort. The mechanism of
      the age-specific effect was explored. METHODS: Randomization to iron reduction
      (phlebotomy, n = 636) or control (n = 641) stratified by prognostic variables
      permitted analysis of effects of age and ferritin on primary (all-cause
      mortality) and secondary (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke)
      outcomes. RESULTS: Iron reduction improved outcomes in youngest age quartile
      patients (primary outcome hazard ratio [HR] 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.92, P = .028;
      secondary outcome HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19-0.61, P < .001). Mean follow-up ferritin
      levels (MFFL) declined with increasing entry age in controls. Older age (P =
      .035) and higher ferritin (P < .001) at entry predicted poorer compliance with
      phlebotomy and rising MFFL in iron-reduction patients. Intervention produced
      greater ferritin reduction in younger patients. Improved outcomes with lower MFFL
      were found in iron-reduction patients (primary outcome HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23,
      P = .028; secondary outcome HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.0-1.20, P = .044) and the entire
      cohort (primary outcome HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23, P = .037). Improved outcomes
      occurred with MFFL below versus above the median of the entire cohort means
      (primary outcome HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.14-1.92, P = .003; secondary outcome HR 1.22,
      95% CI 0.99-1.50, P = .067). CONCLUSIONS: Lower iron burden predicted improved
      outcomes overall and was enhanced by phlebotomy. Controlling iron burden may
      improve survival and prevent or delay nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke.

PMID- 22093214
TI  - Delayed arterial healing 5 years after implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents:
      no smoke without fire.

PMID- 22093216
TI  - Liposomes and other vesicular systems: structural characteristics, methods of
      preparation, and use in nanomedicine.
AB  - Vesicular systems, especially liposomes, have generated a great deal of interest
      as intelligent materials for the delivery of bioactive molecules since they can
      be used as sensitive containers that respond to external stimuli, such as
      pressure, pH, temperature, or concentration changes in the medium, triggering
      modifications in their supramolecular structure. The control of the nanostructure
      particle size and size distribution, membrane morphology, and supramolecular
      organization-of these self-assembled systems is of profound importance for their
      application in drug delivery and the discovery of new nanomedicines. This chapter
      will describe the chemical structure of vesicles and their pharmacological
      properties, conventional and new vesicle preparation methods and structural
      characterization, as well as their use in the rational design and fabrication of
      nanomedicines.

PMID- 22093215
TI  - Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is rare in renal transplant recipients receiving
      only one month of prophylaxis.
AB  - Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is recommended for at
      least 4-12 months after solid organ transplant. In our center, renal transplant
      recipients receive only 1 month of post-transplant trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
      which also may provide limited protection against Nocardia. We identified only 4
      PCP cases and 4 Nocardia cases in 1352 patients receiving renal and renal
      pancreas transplant from 2003 to 2009 at the University of Michigan Health
      System. Two PCP cases were identified <1 year after transplant, and 2 PCP cases
      were identified >1 year after transplant (gross attack rate 4/1352, 0.3%). Two
      Nocardia cases were identified <1 year after transplant, and 2 cases were
      identified >1 year after transplant. All identified cases received induction
      therapy (7 of 8 with anti-thymocyte globulin), whereas about one-half of all
      renal transplant patients received induction therapy at our institution. No
      patient was treated for rejection within 6 months of PCP; 2 of 4 patients with
      PCP had recent cytomegalovirus infection. All patients with PCP and 3 of 4
      patients with Nocardia survived. The benefits of prolonged PCP prophylaxis should
      be weighed against the adverse events associated with prolonged use of
      antimicrobials.

PMID- 22093217
TI  - Luminescent quantum dots, making invisibles visible in bioimaging.
AB  - Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), their size-dependent tunable absorption and
      emission in the visible and near-infrared regions, narrow emission and broad
      absorption bands, large one- and multiphoton absorption cross sections,
      brightness, and photostability make them powerful light sources in the nanoscale
      region that will help to advance biotechnologies. This chapter overviews the
      present status and prospects of QDs by focusing on bioconjugation of QDs, and
      applications of bioconjugated QDs to surface-cell as well as inside-cell labeling
      for imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In particular, it highlights the
      synthesis of biocompatible QDs, surface modification of QDs, conjugation of QDs
      with a variety of ligands and antibodies, potential targets of bioconjugated QDs
      in cells, nonspecific and specific surface-cell labeling, nonspecific and
      specific delivery of QDs in cells, and PDT based on QDs. Such information will be
      helpful for both applications of QDs for bioimaging and extension of QD
      technologies to other nanoparticles.

PMID- 22093218
TI  - Fabrication of dendrimers toward biological application.
AB  - Dendrimers consisting of inner core and peripheral shell are well-designed
      branching architectures with abundant terminal groups. Therefore, the high level
      of control over dendritic architectures makes dendrimers ideal carriers in
      biomedical application. In addition, the toxicity of dendrimers mainly comes from
      the high cationic charge density in the periphery, where charges interact with
      biological cell membrane and then result in membrane disruption. Two strategies
      have been utilized to minimize the toxicity of dendrimers: first, selecting
      neutral or anionic biocompatible dendrimers, and second, masking of peripheral
      charge by chemical modification. Then the focus of this chapter shifts to
      biomedical application of biocompatible dendrimers, including drug delivery
      systems of dendrimers, targeting delivery by dendrimers, and applications of
      dendrimers for therapy and as imaging agents for inspection.

PMID- 22093219
TI  - Carbohydrate-based nanoparticles for potential applications in medicine.
AB  - Although carbohydrates are essential for life, the development of medical tools
      based on these important biomolecules is significantly slower than those based on
      proteins or nucleic acids. This chapter deals with the applications of
      nanoparticles decorated with carbohydrates and discusses the perspectives of
      their use in the field of medicine. The review is divided into two sections:
      diagnosis and therapy. Within these topics, the focus will be on two main types
      of systems: carbohydrate-coated metallic nanoparticles in which the carbohydrate
      ligands are "covalently" linked to a nanosized metallic cluster and
      polysaccharide-encapsulated metallic cores. The former glyconanoparticles (GNPs)
      represent a powerful chemical tool in the field of glycobiology as a specific
      carbohydrate can be selected to exert a concrete biological function and profile
      carbohydrate-based interactions. Up to now, these GNPs have been mainly used as
      potential anti-adhesion agents against pathogens. The opportunity of inserting
      multifunctionality and changing the nucleus size/material is giving birth to new
      targeted systems for imaging and therapy. On the other hand, nonmetallic
      polysaccharide-based nanoparticles have been successfully used as drug delivery
      carriers in addition to molecular imaging.

PMID- 22093220
TI  - Carbon nanotubes: engineering biomedical applications.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylinder-shaped allotropic forms of carbon, most
      widely produced under chemical vapor deposition. They possess astounding
      chemical, electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. Being among the most
      promising materials in nanotechnology, they are also likely to revolutionize
      medicine. Among other biomedical applications, after proper functionalization
      carbon nanotubes can be transformed into sophisticated biosensing and
      biocompatible drug-delivery systems, for specific targeting and elimination of
      tumor cells. This chapter provides an introduction to the chemical and electronic
      structure and properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes, followed by a
      description of the main synthesis and post-synthesis methods. These sections
      allow the reader to become familiar with the specific characteristics of these
      materials and the manner in which these properties may be dependent on the
      specific synthesis and post-synthesis processes. The chapter ends with a review
      of the current biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes, highlighting
      successes and challenges.

PMID- 22093222
TI  - Polymer nanoparticles.
AB  - Over the past few decades, interest in designing and developing polymeric
      nanoparticles has undergone considerable explosion. Indeed, these
      nanoparticulated polymer-based systems provide potential solution to improve
      therapeutic efficacy and diagnosis sensitivity. In this chapter, general
      properties, production, and characterization of polymer nanoparticles are
      introduced. Specifically, the development and application of polyhydroxyalkanoate
      (PHA)-based nanoparticles are emphasized because of the good biocompatible,
      biodegradable properties, as well as their mechanical flexibility. These PHAs
      nanoparticles can serve as targeting drug delivery carriers and protein
      purification and immobilization matrices. The perspective outlook in the last
      section highlights the future application of polymer nanoparticles in
      translational science.

PMID- 22093221
TI  - Engineered biological entities for drug delivery and gene therapy protein
      nanoparticles.
AB  - The development of genetic engineering techniques has speeded up the growth of
      the biotechnological industry, resulting in a significant increase in the number
      of recombinant protein products on the market. The deep knowledge of protein
      function, structure, biological interactions, and the possibility to design new
      polypeptides with desired biological activities have been the main factors
      involved in the increase of intensive research and preclinical and clinical
      approaches. Consequently, new biological entities with added value for innovative
      medicines such as increased stability, improved targeting, and reduced toxicity,
      among others have been obtained. Proteins are complex nanoparticles with sizes
      ranging from a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers when complex
      supramolecular interactions occur, as for example, in viral capsids. However,
      even though protein production is a delicate process that imposes the use of
      sophisticated analytical methods and negative secondary effects have been
      detected in some cases as immune and inflammatory reactions, the great potential
      of biodegradable and tunable protein nanoparticles indicates that protein-based
      biotechnological products are expected to increase in the years to come.

PMID- 22093223
TI  - Nanobiotechnology and personalized medicine.
AB  - This chapter will start with a definition and scope of personalized medicine and
      describe how various nanobiotechnologies will contribute to its development.
      Nanodiagnostics and its combination with therapeutics as well as nanoparticle
      based drug delivery will play an important role. The most important applications
      of nanobiotechnology will be personalized management of cancer, neurological
      disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22093224
TI  - Tissue engineering using magnetite nanoparticles.
AB  - The major advantage of magnetic manipulation is "remote control." Magnetic
      labeling of cells with magnetic nanoparticles enables the manipulation of cells
      and also the control of cell functions by applying an external magnetic field.
      "Functional" magnetite nanoparticles were developed for cell manipulation using
      magnetic force, and the magnetite nanoparticles were applied to tissue
      engineering processes, which are designated as magnetic force-based tissue
      engineering (Mag-TE). This chapter reviews recent progress in Mag-TE techniques,
      and the principles and utilities of the applications are discussed. This review
      covers three topics of magnetic cell manipulation using magnetite nanoparticles,
      including a magnetic force-based gene transfer technique (magnetofection),
      magnetic cell patterning using functional magnetite nanoparticles and micro
      patterned magnetic field gradient concentrators, and finally applications for
      fabrication of tissue-like constructs in skin, liver, and muscle tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 22093225
TI  - Peptide nanoparticles for oligonucleotide delivery.
AB  - In the past two decades, different methods have emerged for intervention with
      gene expression, which can be generally referred to as gene therapy.
      Oligonucleotides (ONs) and their analogs form the basis of the molecules that can
      be used to modulate gene expression. Unfortunately, due to their physicochemical
      properties, these molecules require assistance in their intracellular delivery.
      Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are one class of nonviral delivery vectors that,
      because of their remarkable translocation properties, have been intensely
      utilized for the delivery of ON-based molecules, both in vitro and in vivo. This
      chapter concentrates on the applications of CPPs that directly form nanoparticles
      with different ONs and facilitate their intracellular delivery.

PMID- 22093226
TI  - Nanoparticles in molecular diagnostics.
AB  - The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the available and emerging
      molecular diagnostic methods that take advantage of the unique nanoscale
      properties of nanoparticles (NPs) to increase the sensitivity, detection
      capabilities, ease of operation, and portability of the biodetection assemblies.
      The focus will be on noble metal NPs, especially gold NPs, fluorescent NPs,
      especially quantum dots, and magnetic NPs, the three main players in the
      development of probes for biological sensing. The chapter is divided into four
      sections: a first section covering the unique physicochemical properties of NPs
      of relevance for their utilization in molecular diagnostics; the second section
      dedicated to applications of NPs in molecular diagnostics by nucleic acid
      detection; and the third section with major applications of NPs in the area of
      immunoassays. Finally, a concluding section highlights the most promising
      advances in the area and presents future perspectives.

PMID- 22093227
TI  - Nanoparticles in cancer chemotherapy.
AB  - Nanotechnology has evolved as an exciting platform in the field of anticancer
      research with promises to improve the pharmacology of current cancer
      therapeutics. Nanoparticles confer several advantages over that of free drugs,
      including their capability to carry high payloads of drugs, with prolonged half
      life and reduced toxicity of the drugs, and increased targeting efficiency. The
      wide variety of nanovectors, coupled with the different methods available to
      conjugate or encapsulate therapeutic and/or imaging agents within, provide us
      with opportunities to fine-tune the pharmacological properties of these agents
      and open up new vistas in anticancer research. Here, we will discuss the
      physicochemical properties of different nanoparticles, their impact on tumor
      targeting, and their current status in the clinics with respect to cancer
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 22093228
TI  - Nanoparticles in gene therapy principles, prospects, and challenges.
AB  - With the development of genomic technologies, the prospect for gene therapy has
      progressed rapidly. The major challenge of gene delivery is to improve the
      transfection efficiencies of the nonviral carriers. Among various nonviral gene
      vectors, nanoparticles (NPs) offer an ideal platform for the incorporation of all
      the desirable characteristics into a single gene delivery system. In this
      chapter, some of the most popularly used lipid- and polymer-based gene delivery
      vectors and their components are discussed in terms of their characteristics,
      advantages, and limitations. Although substantial progress has been made, further
      development of sophisticated delivery systems is foreseen for the nonviral
      vectors' application in gene therapy. Therefore, we have described several
      effective strategies to enhance the transfection efficiency of nonviral gene
      vectors. It is hoped that this review will provide an impetus to the expansion of
      this promising field of nanomedicine.

PMID- 22093230
TI  - The design, fabrication, and application of nano-objects.

PMID- 22093231
TI  - Late presentation of HIV infection among adults in New Zealand: 2005-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of HIV infection is important for the individual and
      for disease control. A consensus was recently reached among European countries on
      definitions of timing of presentation for care: 'Late presentation' refers to
      entering care with a CD4 count <350 cells/MUL or an AIDS-defining event,
      regardless of the CD4 count. Presentation with 'advanced HIV disease' is a subset
      having a CD4 count <200 cells/MUL and also includes all who have an AIDS-defining
      event regardless of CD4 count. This study examines timing of presentation in New
      Zealand from 2005 to 2010. METHODS: Since 2005, information on the initial CD4
      cell count has been requested on all people newly diagnosed with HIV infection
      through antibody testing in New Zealand. Excluded in this analysis were those
      previously diagnosed overseas or for an immigration medical. RESULTS: A CD4 cell
      count was provided for 606 (80.3%) of the 755 newly diagnosed adults. Overall,
      50.0% were 'late presenters' and 32.0% had 'advanced HIV disease'. Compared with
      men who have sex with men (MSM), people heterosexually infected were more likely
      to present late. 'Late presentation' and presentation with 'advanced HIV disease'
      were significantly more common among older MSM. Maori and Pacific MSM were more
      likely to present with 'advanced HIV disease'. Compared with European MSM, the
      age-adjusted relative risks for Maori and Pacific MSM were 2.1 [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.4-3.2] and 2.5 (95% CI 1.2-5.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      high proportion of people presenting late reflects inadequate levels of HIV
      testing. The lower proportion of late presentations among MSM compared with those
      heterosexually infected may be explained by a higher proportion of recent locally
      acquired infections together with different testing patterns.

PMID- 22093232
TI  - Ocular fundus pathology and chronic kidney disease in a Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous study indicated a high prevalence of ocular fundus pathology
      among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), while the relationship between
      them has never been explored in a Chinese Population. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study included 9 670 participants enrolled in a medical screening
      program. Ocular fundus examination was performed by ophthalmologists using
      ophthalmoscopes. The presence of eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and/or
      proteinuria was defined as CKD. RESULTS: Compared to participants without CKD,
      participants with CKD had higher prevalence of retinopathy (28.5% vs. 16.3%, P <
      0.001), glaucoma suspect (3.1% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.004), age-related macular
      degeneration (1.7% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.01) and overall eye pathology (32.0% vs.
      19.4%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratio of
      proteinuria for overall eye pathology and retinopathy was 1.29 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.07-1.55) and 1.37 (95% CI 1.12-1.67), respectively. The results
      were robust after excluding participants with hypertension or with diabetes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ocular fundus pathology is common among Chinese patients with CKD.
      Regular eye exam among persons with proteinuria is warranted.

PMID- 22093233
TI  - A randomized, single-blind, postmarketing study of multiple energy levels of high
      intensity focused ultrasound for noninvasive body sculpting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a nonsurgical,
      noninvasive body sculpting method. OBJECTIVE: To investigate preferences for
      treatment settings using a HIFU device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIFU was applied
      to the anterior abdomen in three passes of decreasing depth (1.6, 1.3, and 1.1
      cm) in patients randomized to HIFU energy levels (each of 3 passes [total]) of 47
      (141), 52 (156), or 59 (177) J/cm(2). The primary assessment was week 12 post
      treatment change from baseline waist circumference at the level of the iliac
      crest for all treatment groups combined. RESULTS: The primary assessment achieved
      statistical significance (least squares mean 2.51 cm, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] = -3.14 to -1.88; p < .001), with no significant differences between groups.
      At week 12, 69% to 86% of patients and 73% to 79% of investigators rated
      appearance as improved or much improved. The average worst pain (100-mm visual
      analog scale) experienced during treatment was mild (47 J/cm(2): 17.1 mm, 95% CI
      = 4.33-29.81 mm; 52 J/cm(2): 24.6 mm, 95% CI = 12.24-36.95 mm; 59 J/cm(2): 30.9
      mm, 95% CI = 18.71-43.17 mm). There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION:
      HIFU treatment at different energy levels and multiple tissue depths was well
      tolerated and effective in reducing waist circumference.

PMID- 22093229
TI  - Cell delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles.
AB  - Nanomedicine seeks to manufacture drugs and other biologically relevant molecules
      that are packaged into nanoscale systems for improved delivery. This includes
      known drugs, proteins, enzymes, and antibodies that have limited clinical
      efficacy based on delivery, circulating half-lives, or toxicity profiles. The
      <100 nm nanoscale physical properties afford them a unique biologic potential for
      biomedical applications. Hence they are attractive systems for treatment of
      cancer, heart and lung, blood, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Proposed
      clinical applications include tissue regeneration, cochlear and retinal implants,
      cartilage and joint repair, skin regeneration, antimicrobial therapy, correction
      of metabolic disorders, and targeted drug delivery to diseased sites including
      the central nervous system. The potential for cell and immune side effects has
      necessitated new methods for determining formulation toxicities. To realize the
      potential of nanomedicine from the bench to the patient bedside, our laboratories
      have embarked on developing cell-based carriage of drug nanoparticles to improve
      clinical outcomes in infectious and degenerative diseases. The past half decade
      has seen the development and use of cells of mononuclear phagocyte lineage,
      including dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, as Trojan horses for
      carriage of anti-inflammatory and anti-infective medicines. The promise of this
      new technology and the perils in translating it for clinical use are developed
      and discussed in this chapter.

PMID- 22093234
TI  - Ester-linked hen egg white lysozyme shows a compact fold in a molecular dynamics
      simulation - possible causes and sensitivity of experimentally observable
      quantities to structural changes maintaining this compact fold.
AB  - Prediction and understanding of the folding and stability of the 3D structure of
      proteins is still a challenge. The different atomic interactions, such as non
      polar contacts and hydrogen bonding, are known but their exact relative weights
      and roles when contributing to protein folding and stability are not identified.
      Initiated by a previous molecular dynamics simulation of fully ester-linked hen
      egg white lysozyme (HEWL), which showed a more compact fold of the ester-linked
      molecule compared to the native one, three variants of this protein are analyzed
      in the present study. These are 129-residue native HEWL, partly ester-linked
      HEWL, in which only 34 peptide linkages that are not involved in the helical or
      beta-strand parts of native HEWL were replaced by ester linkages, and fully (126
      residues) ester-linked HEWL. Native and partly ester-linked HEWL showed
      comparable behaviour, whereas fully ester-linked HEWL could not maintain the
      native secondary structure of HEWL in the simulation and adopted a more compact
      fold. The conformational changes were analyzed by comparing simulation averaged
      values of quantities that can be measured by NMR, such as (1)H-(15)N backbone
      order parameters, residual dipolar couplings, proton-proton NOE distances and
      (3)J-couplings with the corresponding values derived from experimental NMR data
      for native HEWL. The information content of the latter appeared to be
      insufficient to detect the local conformational rearrangements upon
      esterification of the loop regions of the protein. For fully ester-linked HEWL, a
      significantly reduced agreement was observed. Upon esterification, the backbone
      side chain and side chain-side chain hydrogen-bonding pattern of HEWL changes to
      maintain its compactness and thus the structural stability of the ester-linked
      lysozymes.

PMID- 22093235
TI  - Management of pilomatrix carcinoma: a case report of successful treatment with
      Mohs micrographic surgery and review of the literature.

PMID- 22093236
TI  - Attitudes towards different containment measures: a questionnaire survey in
      Finnish adolescent psychiatry.
AB  - Use of containment measures in the treatment of underage patients is
      controversial, and empirical evidence about which containment methods are
      preferred is lacking. This study aimed to investigate attitudes of staff towards
      various containment measures in the field of adolescent psychiatry. The sample
      comprised 128 Finnish nurses and doctors working in closed wards with 13- to 17
      year-old patients. The attitudes were studied using the Attitude to Containment
      Measures Questionnaire. The three methods with the most approval were as-needed
      medication, transfer to specialist locked wards and mechanical restraint. The
      method with the least approval was the net bed. Total approval scores for the
      various containment measures were very similar among nurses and doctors. The
      differences appeared in attitudes towards mechanical restraint and constant
      observation, doctors showing a more critical attitude. Women tended to be more
      critical than men, but only intramuscular medication and mechanical restraint
      reached statistical significance. The results emphasize the importance of wide
      ranging and in-depth training as well as the difficulty of changing practices in
      psychiatric wards while attitudes are so strongly pro-containment.

PMID- 22093237
TI  - Relationships between motor aspects of gait impairments and activity limitations
      in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.
AB  - Gait disorders are common in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) yet their
      associations with activity limitations remain poorly understood. The objective of
      this review is to investigate the relationships between gait impairments and
      activity limitations in people with idiopathic PD. Six electronic databases
      (MEDLINE ISI, CINAHL, Web of Science ISI, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Scopus) were
      systematically searched using relevant terms to source for English-language
      studies published between 1900 and January 2011. Only studies that reported
      associations between impairments and activity limitations were considered for the
      review. The methodological quality of eligible studies was evaluated using a
      customized checklist by two independent reviewers. Data on participant
      characteristics, disease severity and associations between variables were
      extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Correlation coefficients
      were transformed to standardized scores and pooled using the fixed or random
      effects models. 16 of the 1735 studies screened were included, comprising 1882
      participants. Large effect sizes were found between postural instability measured
      by the Berg Balance scale and activity limitation measured by the Unified
      Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Activities of Daily Living (UPDRS ADL) section (
      0.81; 95% CI, -0.99 to -0.63; p < 0.001). Gait hypokinesia measured by gait speed
      was significantly correlated with UPDRS ADL (-0.41; 95% CI, -0.56 to -0.26; p <
      0.001). Gait freezing measured by the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire was
      associated with reduction in ADL (0.45; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.54; p < 0.001).
      Knowledge of gait disturbances and their associations with disability may help to
      guide clinicians in assessing patients to optimize functional outcomes.

PMID- 22093238
TI  - Clinical and radiological features of respiratory syncytial virus in solid organ
      transplant recipients: a single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections range from upper
      respiratory illness to severe lower respiratory disease. There is no universally
      accepted treatment for RSV in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. METHODS:
      Retrospective review of adult SOT patients with RSV infections, between January
      2007 and December 2009, in a single transplant center was performed. RESULTS:
      During the 3-year period, a total of 24 adults developed RSV infection, including
      12 (50%) SOT recipients (5 kidneys, 4 livers, and 3 lungs). Most cases were seen
      in 2009 during the influenza H1N1 pandemic, likely as a result of increased
      testing. In 83% of the cases, the diagnosis was based on RSV antigen detection,
      which was also used to follow subsequent shedding (mean duration: 20.6 days).
      Most of the cases presented with lower respiratory disease and required
      hospitalization. All the patients were on at least two classes of
      immunosuppressive drugs. We observed a lower lymphocyte count in patients with
      lower respiratory tract infection. Computed tomography was superior to chest x
      ray in demonstrating pulmonary disease, with the most common findings being
      pulmonary nodules and ground-glass opacities. Novel radiographic findings were
      small cavities and pleural effusions. No co-infections were documented, and no
      mortality could be attributed to RSV. Inhaled or oral ribavirin was administered
      in 67% of the cases, with variations in the treatment regimens. CONCLUSION: SOT
      recipients accounted for half of all adult cases of RSV at our institution. Type
      and length of treatment varied widely, and we cannot conclude that outcomes
      differed between treatments with oral or inhaled ribavirin. Current therapeutic
      management of RSV in SOT is empiric, and can be rather expensive and difficult,
      without clear evidence of effectiveness.

PMID- 22093240
TI  - Multiple signal pathways in obesity-associated cancer.
AB  - Obesity is increasing worldwide and reaches to a large proportion of the
      population in developed countries. Thus, obesity-associated cancer has become a
      major health problem. Multiple cancer risk factors in obesity have been
      identified including insulin/insulin-like growth factor axis, adipokines and
      cytokines; and multiple intracellular signal pathways have been studied. However,
      the role of each signal pathway in obesity-associated cancer is controversial. In
      this review, the recent studies on signal pathways in obesity-associated cancer
      are summarized and a unified explanation is provided. Multiple risk factors could
      initially activate phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K/Akt), mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      (STAT3) pathways. With increased severity of obesity, mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR), which is down-stream of both PI3K/Akt and MAPK, is highly
      activated. Activated mTOR in turn inhibits the PI3K/Akt pathway and further
      activates the STAT3 pathway. This may explain the activation of the PI3K/Akt
      pathway at the early stage of obesity and its inhibition at the later stage. mTOR
      inhibition may be used for cancer therapy, but it may be necessary to be combined
      with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor as decreased mTOR activity will release its feedback
      inhibition on the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is under the influence of multiple
      cancer risk factors in obesity. Thus, dual inhibitors of PI3K and mTOR may
      provide a novel approach.

PMID- 22093239
TI  - Studies of the transmissibility of the agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      to the domestic chicken.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transmission of the prion disease bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      (BSE) occurred accidentally to cattle and several other mammalian species via
      feed supplemented with meat and bone meal contaminated with infected bovine
      tissue. Prior to United Kingdom controls in 1996 on the feeding of mammalian meat
      and bone meal to farmed animals, the domestic chicken was potentially exposed to
      feed contaminated with the causal agent of BSE. Although confirmed prion diseases
      are unrecorded in avian species a study was undertaken to transmit BSE to the
      domestic chicken by parenteral and oral inoculations. Transmissibility was
      assessed by clinical monitoring, histopathological examinations, detection of a
      putative disease form of an avian prion protein (PrP) in recipient tissues and by
      mouse bioassay of tissues. Occurrence of a progressive neurological syndrome in
      the primary transmission study was investigated by sub-passage experiments.
      RESULTS: No clinical, pathological or bioassay evidence of transmission of BSE to
      the chicken was obtained in the primary or sub-passage experiments. Survival data
      showed no significant differences between control and treatment groups.
      Neurological signs observed, not previously described in the domestic chicken,
      were not associated with significant pathology. The diagnostic techniques applied
      failed to detect a disease associated form of PrP. CONCLUSION: Important from a
      risk assessment perspective, the present study has established that the domestic
      chicken does not develop a prion disease after large parenteral exposures to the
      BSE agent or after oral exposures equivalent to previous exposures via commercial
      diets. Future investigations into the potential susceptibility of avian species
      to mammalian prion diseases require species-specific immunochemical techniques
      and more refined experimental models.

PMID- 22093241
TI  - Comparison of gene expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1
      between continuous and intermittent distraction osteogenesis: a quantitative
      study on rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis is a controlled surgical procedure that
      initiates a regenerative process and uses mechanical strain to enhance the
      biological responses of the injured tissues to create new bone. To explore the
      effect of high-frequency mechanical traction on the expression of tissue
      inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), we compared the gene expression
      of TIMP-1 between continuous and intermittent distraction osteogenesis using a
      rabbit model of mandibular lengthening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult New
      Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to the intermittent and continuous
      distraction groups. A unilateral mandibular osteotomy was performed and a custom
      designed manual-driven or auto-driven distractor was bridged over the osteotomy
      segments. Animals were sacrificed at day-6, day-10, day-14 and day-21 after
      osteotomy. Samples were examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
      RESULTS: Real-time PCR examination showed significantly higher mRNA levels of
      TIMP-1 under continuous distraction than that under intermittent distraction at
      day-6 and day-10. No significant differences were found at day-14 and day-21.
      CONCLUSION: High-frequency traction provides a good mechanical environment for
      accelerating bone formation by up-regulating TIMP-1.

PMID- 22093242
TI  - Influences of palatoplasty by the push-back procedure on craniofacial morphology
      and growth.
AB  - PURPOSE: For patients with a cleft palate, the push-back procedure which
      accompanies posterior shifting of palatal flap is thought to be most effective
      way of. achieving adequate velopharyngeal function. In this study, we aimed to
      evaluate the influences of the push-back procedure on the craniofacial morphology
      and its growth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using cephalometry we compared the
      craniofacial morphology and growth of three groups of Japanese children, living
      in the same region (Hokkaido, Japan). 1) 28 children (13 girls and 15 boys) with
      operated submucous cleft palates at the ages of 9 and 14 respectively. 2) 12 age
      matched children (7 girls and 5 boys) with unoperated submucous cleft palates. 3)
      60 age-matched non-cleft children (30 girls and 30 boys) with normal occlusion.
      None of them received dentofacial orthopaedic treatment. RESULTS: While the
      patients who had been operated on had significant differences in posterior upper
      facial height and inclination of the palatal plane when compared with non-cleft
      children or unoperated cleft children, they showed no statistically significant
      difference in anteroposterior positioning of anterior part of the maxilla,
      compared with the unoperated. CONCLUSIONS: The influences of palatoplasty by the
      push-back procedure with posterior positioning of the palatal flaps on
      craniofacial morphology are additional to the cleft palate, and of minor concern.

PMID- 22093243
TI  - Cranio-maxillofacial non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: clinical and histological
      presentation.
AB  - Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma represents about 5% of all malignant lesions of the head
      and neck. In this study we retrospectively evaluated clinical presentation,
      histological subtype and long-term prognosis of 42 patients with non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma involving the craniofacial area. The mean age at diagnosis was 64 years.
      More than half of the patients presented with disseminated disease at multiple
      sites (55%, n=23). In 62% (n=26) the first manifestation was extranodal. The most
      common affected region was the oral cavity (65%, n=17). Treatment consisted of
      local therapy, including surgical resection and radiation, as well as
      chemotherapy with or without local therapy. Recurrence occurred in 31% (n=13) of
      the treated patients. Mean survival after first diagnosis varied from 17 months
      in patients presenting with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), to 8.5 years
      in patients with follicular lymphoma. The most common histological subtype is
      DLBCL. Standard treatment for DLBCL consists of chemotherapy combined with CD 20
      monoclonal antibody, even after total resection of the tumour. There is high risk
      of systemic disease in patients presenting with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and high
      risk of post therapy recurrence.

PMID- 22093244
TI  - Ocular and periocular injuries associated with an isolated orbital fracture
      depending on a blunt cranial trauma: anatomical and surgical aspects.
AB  - The anatomical location of fractures following blunt cranio-orbital trauma is
      important for neurosurgeons and maxillofacial surgeons. In this study, 588 cranio
      orbital fractures following blunt trauma were evaluated retrospectively with
      regard to the anatomical site and surgical treatment. Orbital cranial nerve
      injuries and the outcomes of the medical and/or surgical treatment are described.
      Distribution of the zygomatic complex and orbital fractures were as follows:
      zygomatic complex fractures (n:304), isolated orbital fractures (n:58), complex
      comminuted fractures (n:226). In 58 cases, 69 orbit fractures were found (11
      bilateral and 47 unilateral fractures). The lateral wall was the most frequent
      fracture (n:63). The least frequent fracture was the roof of the orbit (n:11).
      The accompanying lesions were as follows: 89.65% of cases were associated with
      periorbital haematoma (n:52), 13.79% of cases with retrobulbar haemorrhage (n:8),
      96.55% cases with periorbital soft tissue oedema (n:56), 53.45% cases with
      pneumocephalus (n:31), 8.62% cases with intra-parenchymal contusion (n:5), 6.89%
      cases with enophthalmia (n:4), 5.17% of cases with rhinorrhoea (n: 3), 5.17%
      cases with optic bulb injury and adnexial trauma (n:3), 32.76% cases with intra
      orbital emphysema (n:19), and 20.69% with vision dysfunctions (n:12), of whom 2
      had no optic nerve injury.

PMID- 22093245
TI  - Critical review of the Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards
      Accreditation (SLIPTA): suggestions for harmonization, implementation and
      improvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical laboratories in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) need
      fundamental improvement because quality laboratory services are essential for the
      decision-making capacity of clinicians, health workers and public health
      authorities. To this end, a tiered accreditation scheme Stepwise Laboratory
      Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) was developed by WHO-AFRO, CDC
      and others for clinical laboratories in LMIC. One to five stars are accredited to
      laboratories based on the level of compliance with a checklist. Our aim was to
      evaluate the quality and applicability of this accreditation scheme compared with
      international quality standards. METHODS: We performed a critical review of this
      scheme to formulate recommendations for implementation, harmonization and
      improvement. Two analyses were performed: one assessing its coverage of the ISO
      15189:2007 standard and one to identify and evaluate priorities of the
      accreditation checklist. RESULTS: Although the content of the checklist covers
      all aspects of total quality management, it strongly prioritizes resource
      management activities. We recommend identifying critical requirements for each
      tier of accreditation to assure a certain level of quality for each tier or
      instead using a pass/fail approach towards accreditation. In addition, the
      checklist should include more questions for assessing proper management, ethics
      and continuous improvement to meet ISO 15189. CONCLUSION: Launching accreditation
      schemes for laboratories in LMIC should be encouraged. After further optimization
      of SLIPTA, clinical laboratories may certainly benefit, leading to more correctly
      diagnosed patients and less waste of resources.

PMID- 22093246
TI  - Newly diagnosed psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: health care demand prior to
      and following diagnosis at a first seizure clinic.
AB  - Patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are heavy users of
      emergency and nonemergency health care. We performed a 1-year prospective audit
      of use of a group of PNES-related health care items in patients with newly
      diagnosed (mean duration: 7.3 months) PNES from PNES onset to diagnosis and from
      diagnosis to 6 months postdiagnosis. Twenty-eight patients (20 women, age: 34+/
      16 years) were responsible for 14 general practitioner home visits, 31 ambulance
      calls, 34 emergency department visits, 21 hospital admissions (66 inpatient
      days), 8 MRI scans, 24 CT scans, 2 standard EEGs, 28 short video EEG recordings,
      and 5 ambulatory EEG recordings. In the 6 months following diagnosis, there were
      2 emergency department visits (94.1% reduction), no hospital admissions (100%
      reduction), 2 ambulance calls, no general practitioner visits, 1 MRI scan, and no
      CT scans or EEGs. The immediacy of this marked health care demand reduction
      suggests that the relationship between presentation of diagnosis and health care
      demand reduction is causal.

PMID- 22093247
TI  - What about dads? An exploratory analysis of depressive symptoms in paternal
      primary caregivers of children with epilepsy.

PMID- 22093248
TI  - Diagnosis of tuberculosis: the experience at a specialized diagnostic laboratory.
AB  - This work describes the experience at a tuberculosis clinical laboratory where
      relatively new TB diagnosis technologies; nucleic acid detection of two target
      strands, IS6110 and devR, by PCR and microscopic observation drug susceptibility
      (MODS) were used. The LJ culture was the gold standard. This evaluation was done
      from August 2007 to July 2009 on 463 sputum samples of tuberculosis suspects at a
      specialized tuberculosis clinic in Delhi, India.None of the tests we evaluated
      can accurately detect the presence or absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in
      all the samples and smear microscopy was found to be the most reliable assay in
      this study.The PCR assay could detect down to 2 pg of H37Rv DNA. Sensitivity,
      specificity was 0.40, 0.60 and 0.19, 0.81 for smear positive (n = 228) and
      negative samples (n = 235) respectively. In the MODS assay, sensitivity,
      specificity of 0.48, 0.52 and 0.38, 0.76 was observed for smear positive and
      negative samples. Sputum smear microscopy had sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity
      of 0.70.

PMID- 22093249
TI  - Human macrophages primed with angiogenic factors show dynamic plasticity,
      irrespective of extracellular matrix components.
AB  - Macrophages are important in inflammation as well as in tissue repair processes.
      They can be activated by various stimuli and classified into two major groups: M1
      (classically activated) or M2 (alternatively activated). Inflammation,
      angiogenesis and matrix remodeling play a major role in tissue repair. Here, we
      investigate the combined influence of a pro-angiogenic microenvironment and
      specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components or tissue culture polystyrene
      (TCPS) on the dynamics of human macrophage polarization. We established that
      human angiogenically primed macrophages cultured on different ECM components
      exhibit an M2-like polarization. These M2-like macrophages polarized to M1 and M2
      macrophages with classical (LPS and IFNgamma) stimuli and alternative (IL-4 and
      IL-13) stimuli respectively. Moreover, these M1 and M2 (primary) polarized
      macrophages rapidly underwent a secondary (re)polarization to M2 and M1 with
      conditioned media from M2 and M1 primary polarized macrophages respectively. In
      these initial priming and later (re)polarization processes the soluble factors
      had a dominant and orchestrating role, while the type of ECM (collagen I,
      fibronectin, versus tissue culture polystyrene) did not play a crucial role on
      the polarization of macrophages.

PMID- 22093250
TI  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) twenty years on.

PMID- 22093251
TI  - Two-year course of cognitive function and mood in adults with congestive heart
      failure and coronary artery disease: the Heart-Mind Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) has been associated with impaired
      cognitive function, but it is unclear if these changes are specific to CHF and if
      they get worse with time. We designed this study to determine if adults with CHF
      show evidence of cognitive decline compared with adults with and without coronary
      artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out of 77 adults
      with CHF (ejection fraction, EF < 0.4), 73 adults with a clinical history of CAD
      and EF > 0.6, and 81 controls with no history of CAD. The Cambridge Cognitive
      Examination of the Elderly (CAMCOG) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary
      measures included the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), digit coding and
      copying, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the short form health
      survey (SF36). Endpoints were collected at baseline and after 12 and 24 months.
      RESULTS: The adjusted CAMCOG scores of CHF participants declined 0.9 points over
      two years (p = 0.022) compared with controls without CAD. There were no
      differences between the groups on other cognitive measures. Participants with CHF
      and with CAD experienced similar changes in cognitive function over two years.
      Left ventricular EF and six-minute walk test results could not explain the
      observed associations. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in cognitive function and mood
      associated with CHF over two years are subtle and not specific to CHF.

PMID- 22093252
TI  - Delirium in elderly people: a study of a psychiatric liaison service in north
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very few studies from India have studied the phenomenology of
      delirium. The aim of the present study was to study the phenomenology as measured
      using the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R98), the associated etiologies
      and the outcome of delirium among the elderly participants seen by the
      consultation-liaison psychiatric service in India. In addition, an attempt was
      made to study the factor structure of symptoms using principal components
      analysis. METHODS: The case notes of 109 elderly patients referred to psychiatry
      liaison services were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 73.35
      years (SD: 7.44; range 65-95 years) and two-thirds of the sample had hospital
      emergent delirium. The mean DRS-R98 severity score was 18.77 and the DRS-R98
      total score was 24.81. In 15 patients the DRS-R98 scores were in the subsyndromal
      range. Among the various symptoms present, most patients had sleep-wake cycle
      disturbance, disturbance in orientation, attention and short-term memory
      impairments, fluctuation of symptoms, temporal onset of symptoms and a physical
      disorder. Principal components analysis identified three factors which explained
      43.5% of variance of symptomatology and it yielded a three-factor structure.
      Endocrine/metabolic disturbances were the commonest associated etiological
      category with delirium. The mean hospital stay after being referred to psychiatry
      referral services was 8.89 days, after which delirium improved in 58.7% of cases.
      The mortality rate during the inpatient stay was 16.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      suggest that the symptoms of delirium as assessed by DRS-R98 separate out into a
      three-factor structure. Delirium is commonly associated with metabolic endocrine
      disturbances and about one-sixth of the patients die during the short inpatient
      stay.

PMID- 22093255
TI  - Hypoxia and hypoxia mimetics inhibit TNF-dependent VCAM1 induction in the 5A32
      endothelial cell line via a hypoxia inducible factor dependent mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported that iron chelators inhibit TNFalpha-mediated
      induction of VCAM-1 in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. We
      hypothesized that iron chelators mediate inhibition of VCAM-1 via inhibition of
      iron-dependent enzymes such as those involved with oxygen sensing and that
      similar inhibition may be observed with agents which simulate hypoxia. OBJECTIVE:
      We proposed to examine whether non-metal binding hypoxia mimetics inhibit
      TNFalpha-mediated VCAM-1 induction and define the mechanisms by which they
      mediate their effects on VCAM-1 expression. METHODS: These studies were
      undertaken in vitro using immortalized dermal endothelial cells, Western blot
      analysis, ELISA, immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR, and
      chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: Hypoxia and the non-iron binding hypoxia
      mimetic dimethyl oxallyl glycine (DMOG) inhibited TNFalpha-mediated induction of
      VCAM-1. DMOG inhibition of VCAM-1 was dose-dependent, targeted VCAM-1 gene
      transcription independent of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, and blocked
      TNFalpha-mediated chromatin modifications of relevant elements of the VCAM-1
      promoter. Combined gene silencing of both HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha using siRNA
      led to a partial rescue of VCAM expression in hypoxia mimetic-treated cells.
      CONCLUSION: Iron chelators, non-metal binding hypoxia mimetics, and hypoxia all
      inhibit TNFalpha-mediated VCAM-1 expression. Inhibition is mediated independent
      of nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, appears to target TNFalpha-mediated
      chromatin modifications, and is at least partially dependent upon HIF expression.
      The absence of complete VCAM-1 expression rescue with HIF silencing implies an
      important regulatory role for an Fe(II)/alpha-ketoglutarate dioxygenase distinct
      from the prolyl and asparagyl hydroxylases that control HIF function.
      Identification of this dioxygenase may provide a valuable target for modulating
      inflammation in human tissues.

PMID- 22093256
TI  - Postnatal growth defect in mice upon persistent Hoxa2 expression in the
      chondrogenic cell lineage.
AB  - Hoxa2 is a homeotic transcription factor, which is downregulated once
      chondrogenic differentiation is initiated. We previously generated a transgenic
      mouse model, which turns Hoxa2 on in cells expressing Collagen II A1, i.e. in
      cells entering chondrogenesis. As a consequence, mice display a general embryonic
      delay of ossification and then a postnatal growth defect. Col2a1-Cre mice were
      crossed with an inducible beta-actin driven Hoxa2 transgene. Spines, vertebrae
      and limbs were measured and skeletal elements were studied by X-ray, microCT,
      pQCT, TEM, western-blotting, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. Mice
      expressing Hoxa2 in chondrogenic cells feature a proportionate short stature
      phenotype with a severe lordosis, which appeared significant from postnatal day
      4. Analysis of both cartilage and bone development in affected embryos and mice
      from birth till P35 did not reveal any major defect in histogenesis, except a
      reduced number of chondrocytes in the vertebral anlage at E13.5. In conclusion,
      the sustained expression of Hoxa2 in the chondrocyte lineage is characterized by
      a proportionate short stature resulting from skeletal growth defect. The indepth
      analysis of cartilage and bone histogenesis points towards an initial deficit in
      cell mobilization to enter chondrogenesis.

PMID- 22093257
TI  - Occurrence of selected estrogens in mangrove sediments.
AB  - This paper presents results related to the occurrence and distribution of
      estrogens along the Brazilian coast. Three mangrove areas were chosen to evaluate
      the presence of estrogens in surface sediments of mangrove forests. The presence
      of estrogens was observed in all studied sites. 17-alpha-Ethinylestradiol (EE2),
      a synthetic estrogen, was the most common and has been found in higher
      concentration (0.45-129.78 ng/g) compared to 17-beta-estradiol (E1) and estrone
      (E2) (both being natural estrogens). The concentrations of E1 and E2 ranged from
      0.02 to 49.27 ng/g and 0.03 to 39.77 ng/g, respectively. Theoretically, under
      anaerobic conditions EE2 can be reduced to E1 even in environments such as
      sediments of mangrove forests, which are essentially anaerobic. Even if the
      concentrations of estrogens seem to be insignificant in some samples, the effects
      remain uncertain.

PMID- 22093258
TI  - Time to reflect.

PMID- 22093259
TI  - International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) 29th Triennial Conference, Durban,
      South Africa, 19-23 June 2011.

PMID- 22093260
TI  - First ever Report on the State of the World's Midwifery launched at International
      Confederation of Midwives 29th Congress in Durban, South Africa, June 19-23,
      2011.

PMID- 22093261
TI  - Phylogenetic, chemical and morphological diversity of cyanobacteria from
      Portuguese temperate estuaries.
AB  - Cyanobacteria from estuarine habitats have been poorly studied regarding
      diversity and potential bioactive compounds production compared with their fresh
      and marine waters' congeners. In this work, 44 cyanobacteria isolates
      characterised from three Portuguese estuarine environments. Identification was
      performed based on diacritical morphological features of the isolates (e.g. cell
      shape, cell size, presence/absence of sheaths) and on 16S rRNA gene sequences
      phylogenetic analysis. Diversity of produced secondary metabolites was assessed
      by molecular and analytical tools. The isolates (mostly benthic forms) belonged
      to: (i) Chroococcales (Cyanobium, Synechocystis and Synechococcus), (ii)
      Oscillatoriales (Leptolyngbya, Microcoleus, Phormidium and Romeria) and (iii)
      Nostocales (Nostoc and Nodularia). 19 morphotypes were assigned at the species
      level, while phylogeny allowed us to distinguish 21 phylotypes spread amongst
      three distinct large clades. McyA and sxtI gene fragments were detected in some
      isolates, despite absence of toxins. Simultaneous presence of anabaenopeptins A
      and D was for the first time identified in Nostoc (LEGE06077). No correlation
      between morphological/phylogenetic relationships and the secondary-metabolite
      profile of the isolates was found. This is the first comprehensive study of
      estuarine cyanobacteria of Portuguese habitats revealing a diverse array of
      cyanobacteria that constitute an important source of potential bioactive
      compounds with ecological relevance and/or biomedical application.

PMID- 22093262
TI  - Quantitation of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA in a cord blood transplant
      recipient with chromosomal integration of HHV-6.
AB  - Chromosomal integration of the human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) genome (CIHHV-6) is an
      important consideration if HHV-6 DNA is detected during the course of
      transplantation. A 4-year-old girl with refractory anemia with excess blasts type
      2 was diagnosed with CIHHV-6 before a cord blood transplantation. HHV-6 DNA was
      serially quantitated by polymerase chain reaction assay in the transplant period.
      The possibility of HHV-6 reactivation in a transplant recipient with CIHHV-6 was
      suspected in our case.

PMID- 22093264
TI  - Intracoronary transluminal attenuation gradient in coronary CT angiography for
      determining coronary artery stenosis.
AB  - Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) assessment of calcified or complex
      coronary lesions is frequently challenging. Transluminal attenuation gradient
      (TAG), defined as the linear regression coefficient between luminal attenuation
      and axial distance, has a potential to evaluate the degree of coronary stenosis.
      We examined the value of TAG in determining the stenosis severity on 64-slice
      coronary CTA. The value of TAG of 370 major coronary arteries was measured from
      7,263 intervals of 5-mm length. Compared with coronary CTA and invasive coronary
      angiography, TAG decreased consistently and significantly with maximum stenosis
      severity on a per-vessel basis, from -1.91 +/- 4.25 Hounsfield units/10 mm for
      diameter stenosis of 0% to 49% to -13.37 +/- 9.81 Hounsfield units/10 mm for
      diameter stenosis of 100% (p < 0.0001). Adding TAG to the interpretation of
      coronary CTA improved diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.001), especially in vessels with
      calcified lesions (N = 127; net reclassification improvement 0.095; p = 0.046).
      TAG appears to be able to contribute to improved classification of coronary
      artery stenosis severity in coronary CTA, especially in severely calcified
      lesions.

PMID- 22093263
TI  - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG treatment potentiates intestinal hypoxia-inducible
      factor, promotes intestinal integrity and ameliorates alcohol-induced liver
      injury.
AB  - Gut-derived endotoxin is a critical factor in the development and progression of
      alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Probiotics can treat alcohol-induced liver injury
      associated with gut leakiness and endotoxemia in animal models, as well as in
      human ALD; however, the mechanism or mechanisms of their beneficial action are
      not well defined. We hypothesized that alcohol impairs the adaptive response
      induced hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and that probiotic supplementation could
      attenuate this impairment, restoring barrier function in a mouse model of ALD by
      increasing HIF-responsive proteins (eg, intestinal trefoil factor) and reversing
      established ALD. C57BJ/6N mice were fed the Lieber DeCarli diet containing 5%
      alcohol for 8 weeks. Animals received Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
      supplementation in the last 2 weeks. LGG supplementation significantly reduced
      alcohol-induced endotoxemia and hepatic steatosis and improved liver function.
      LGG restored alcohol-induced reduction of HIF-2alpha and intestinal trefoil
      factor levels. In vitro studies using the Caco-2 cell culture model showed that
      the addition of LGG supernatant prevented alcohol-induced epithelial monolayer
      barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, gene silencing of HIF-1alpha/2alpha abolished
      the LGG effects, indicating that the protective effect of LGG is HIF-dependent.
      The present study provides a mechanistic insight for utilization of probiotics
      for the treatment of ALD, and suggests a critical role for intestinal hypoxia and
      decreased trefoil factor in the development of ALD.

PMID- 22093265
TI  - Diagnostic optimization of coronary CT angiography.

PMID- 22093266
TI  - Flow acceleration time and ratio of acceleration time to ejection time for
      prosthetic aortic valve function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate whether ejection dynamics, particularly
      acceleration time (AT) and the ratio of AT to ejection time (ET), can
      differentiate prosthetic aortic valve (PAV) stenosis from controls and prosthesis
      patient mismatch (PPM). BACKGROUND: Diagnosing PAV stenosis, especially in
      mechanical valves, may be challenging and has significant clinical implications.
      METHODS: Doppler echocardiography was quantitated in 88 patients with PAV (44
      mechanical and 44 bioprosthetic; age 63 +/- 16 years; valve size range 18 to 25
      mm) of whom 22 patients had documented PAV stenosis, 22 had PPM, and 44 served as
      controls. Quantitative Doppler parameters included ejection dynamics (AT, ET, and
      AT/ET) and conventional PAV parameters. RESULTS: Patients with PAV stenosis had
      significantly lower effective orifice area (EOA) values and higher gradients
      compared with controls and PPM. Flow ejection parameters (AT and AT/ET) were
      significantly longer in the stenotic valves compared with PPM and controls
      (respective values for AT: 120 +/- 24 ms, 89 +/- 16 ms, and 71 +/- 15 ms; for
      AT/ET: 0.4, 0.32, and 0.3, p <= 0.001). Patients with PPM had gradients and
      ejection dynamics that were intermediate between normal and stenotic valves.
      Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that AT and AT/ET
      discriminated PAV stenosis from PPM and controls (area under ROC curve = 0.92 and
      0.88, respectively). Combining AT with the conventional Doppler velocity index
      gave the highest area under the curve of 0.98 but was not statistically different
      from that of AT alone (p = 0.12). A cutoff of AT = 100 ms had a sensitivity and
      specificity of 86% for identifying PAV stenosis; for an AT/ET = 0.37, the
      sensitivity and specificity were 96% and 82%, respectively. Analysis by valve
      type (mechanical and biological) revealed similar results; however, biological
      valves had slightly higher areas under the curve for all systolic time intervals.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ejection dynamics through PAV, particularly AT and AT/ET, are
      reliable angle-independent parameters that can help evaluate valve function and
      identify PAV stenosis.

PMID- 22093267
TI  - Acute adverse reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents in CMR: multicenter
      experience with 17,767 patients from the EuroCMR Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, manifestation,
      and severity of acute adverse reactions associated with administration of several
      gadolinium-based contrast agents to patients who underwent cardiac magnetic
      resonance (CMR) imaging in the EuroCMR (European Cardiovascular Magnetic
      Resonance) Registry multinational and multicenter setting. BACKGROUND: The
      frequency, manifestations, and severity of acute adverse reactions associated
      with gadolinium-based contrast agents in the specific setting of cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance have not been systematically evaluated yet. METHODS: This is a
      multicenter and multinational registry with consecutive enrollment of patients in
      45 European centers. During the current observation, 17,767 doses of gadolinium
      based contrast agent were administered to 17,767 patients. The mean dose was 25.6
      ml (range 5 to 80 ml), which is equivalent to 0.128 mmol/kg (range 0.012 to 0.3
      mmol/kg). RESULTS: Thirty acute adverse reactions due to contrast administration
      occurred (0.17%). All reactions were classified as mild according to the American
      College of Radiology definition. The most frequent complaints following contrast
      administration were rashes and hives (9 of 30), followed by nausea (7 of 30), and
      anxiety (6 of 30). The event rate ranged from 0.06% (linear nonionic agent
      gadodiamide) to 0.47% (linear ionic agent gadobenate dimeglumine). Interestingly,
      we also found different event rates between the three main indications for CMR
      imaging, ranging from 0.1% (risk stratification in suspected coronary artery
      disease) to 0.42% (viability in known coronary artery disease). CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence of acute adverse reactions after administration of gadolinium-based
      contrast in the "off-label" setting of CMR in our population was not different
      from the incidence in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved general
      radiology setting. Thus, the off-label use of gadolinium-based contrast in CMR
      should be regarded as safe concerning the frequency, manifestation, and severity
      of acute events.

PMID- 22093268
TI  - Acute adverse reactions to gadolinium in CMR: "gadol" news!

PMID- 22093269
TI  - Pericardial delayed hyperenhancement with CMR imaging in patients with
      constrictive pericarditis undergoing surgical pericardiectomy: a case series with
      histopathological correlation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and
      histopathologic correlates of pericardial delayed hyperenhancement (DHE) seen
      with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) among patients with constrictive
      pericarditis (CP) undergoing pericardiectomy. BACKGROUND: Constrictive
      pericarditis patients studied by CMR will occasionally demonstrate pericardial
      DHE following gadolinium contrast administration. METHODS: We identified 25 CP
      patients who underwent pericardiectomy following CMR-gadolinium study. We also
      assessed 10 control subjects with no evidence of pericardial disease referred for
      cardiac viability imaging. A novel 14-segment pericardial model was used to
      determine pericardial DHE score and thickness score. Histopathology of
      pericardial specimens was reviewed and evaluated semiquantitatively on a 4-point
      scale for the extent of calcification, fibrosis, inflammation, and
      neovascularization. RESULTS: DHE was present in 12 (48%) CP patients (DHE+
      group), and absent in 13 CP patients (DHE- group) and all control patients. The
      DHE+ group had greater fibroblastic proliferation and neovascularization, as well
      as more prominent chronic inflammation and granulation tissue. Fibroblastic
      proliferation and chronic inflammation correlated with DHE presence quantitated
      by DHE score (Spearman r = 0.578, p < 0.002, and r = 0.590, p < 0.002,
      respectively), but not with pericardial thickness. Segmental analysis
      demonstrated no significant difference in the percentage of patients with
      different pericardial segmental thickness; however, overall, in each segment, the
      DHE+ group tended to have greater pericardial thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The
      presence of pericardial DHE on CMR is common in patients with CP, and its
      presence is associated with histological features of organizing pericarditis,
      which may be a target for future focused pharmacological interventions. Patients
      with CP without pericardial DHE had more pericardial fibrosis and calcification,
      as well as lesser degrees of pericardial thickening.

PMID- 22093270
TI  - CMR imaging in constrictive pericarditis: is seeing believing?

PMID- 22093271
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of carotid vessel wall inflammation in coronary
      artery disease patients: FDG-PET and CT imaging study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the prevalence and clinical risk factors of carotid
      vessel wall inflammation by means of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography (FDG-PET) in a population consisting of coronary artery disease (CAD)
      patients. BACKGROUND: The atherosclerotic disease process is characterized by
      infiltration and retention of oxidized lipids in the artery wall, triggering a
      disproportionate inflammatory response. Efforts have been made to use noninvasive
      imaging to quantify this inflammatory response in the vessel wall. Recently,
      carotid FDG-PET has been shown to reflect the metabolic rate of glucose, a
      process known to be enhanced in inflamed tissue. METHODS: Carotid inflammation
      was quantified in 82 CAD patients (age 62 +/- 10 years) as the maximum target-to
      background ratio ((wholevessel)TBR(max)). Furthermore, we assessed the maximal
      standardized uptake value values ((wholevessel)SUV(max)), the single hottest
      segment (SHS), and the percent active segments (PAS) of the FDG uptake in the
      artery wall, measured by FDG-PET. RESULTS: Whole-vessel TBR(max) >1.8 was present
      in 67%, >2.0 in 39%, >2.2 in 23%, and >2.4 in 12% of the population. Multiple
      linear regression analysis with backward elimination revealed that body mass
      index (BMI) >=30 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), age >65 years (p = 0.01), smoking (p =
      0.02), and hypertension (p = 0.01) were associated with (wholevessel)TBR(max).
      The number of components of the metabolic syndrome was also associated with
      (wholevessel)TBR(max) (p = 0.02). In similar analyses, (wholevessel)SUV(max) was
      associated with BMI >=30 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), age >65 years (p = 0.004), male
      gender (p = 0.02), and hypertension (p = 0.04); SHS with BMI >=30 kg/m2 (p <
      0.0001), age >65 years (p = 0.02), smoking (p = 0.04), and hypertension (p =
      0.05); PAS with BMI >=30 kg/m2 (p = 0.001), smoking (p = 0.03), and hypertension
      (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid inflammation as revealed by FDG-PET is highly
      prevalent in the CAD population and is associated with obesity, age over 65
      years, history of hypertension, smoking, and male gender. Artery wall FDG uptake
      increased when components of the metabolic syndrome clustered.

PMID- 22093272
TI  - Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: review of 370 biopsy-confirmed cases.
AB  - Discovery of an association between gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and
      nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has led to less use of GBCA-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging in dialysis patients and patients with severe renal failure at
      risk of NSF, and the virtual elimination of new cases of NSF. But shifting
      patients with renal failure to alternative imaging methods may subject patients
      to other risks (e.g., ionizing radiation or iodinated contrast). This review
      paper examines 370 NSF cases reported in 98 articles to analyze NSF risk factors.
      Eliminating multiple risk factors by limiting GBCA dose to a maximum of 0.1
      mmol/kg, dialyzing patients undergoing dialysis quickly following GBCA
      administration, delaying GBCA in acute renal failure until after renal function
      returns or dialysis is initiated, and avoiding nonionic linear GBCA in patients
      with renal failure especially when there are proinflammatory conditions may
      substantially reduce the risk of NSF.

PMID- 22093273
TI  - Mechanisms of very late stent thrombosis after drug-eluting stent implantation:
      findings from coronary angioscopy and optical coherence tomography.

PMID- 22093274
TI  - Sunflower artifact in OCT.

PMID- 22093275
TI  - Evolution and clinical importance of fibrosis in HCM.

PMID- 22093276
TI  - How should infarct size be measured on LGE sequences? A call for a change in the
      guidelines.

PMID- 22093278
TI  - ACC Imaging Council evolves into a section: a new opportunity for imagers.

PMID- 22093279
TI  - Coronary CT angiography: from sensitivity to specificity.

PMID- 22093280
TI  - Duration of temporary catheter use for hemodialysis: an observational,
      prospective evaluation of renal units in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For chronic hemodialysis, the ideal permanent vascular access is the
      arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Temporary catheters should be reserved for acute
      dialysis needs. The AVF is associated with lower infection rates, better clinical
      results, and a higher quality of life and survival when compared to temporary
      catheters. In Brazil, the proportion of patients with temporary catheters for
      more than 3 months from the beginning of therapy is used as an evaluation of the
      quality of renal units. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated
      with the time between the beginning of hemodialysis with temporary catheters and
      the placement of the first arteriovenous fistula in Brazil. METHODS: This is an
      observational, prospective non-concurrent study using national administrative
      registries of all patients financed by the public health system who began renal
      replacement therapy (RRT) between 2000 and 2004 in Brazil. Incident patients were
      eligible who had hemodialysis for the first time. Patients were excluded who: had
      hemodialysis reportedly started after the date of death (inconsistent database);
      were younger than 18 years old; had HIV; had no record of the first dialysis
      unit; and were dialyzed in units with less than twenty patients. To evaluate
      individual and renal unit factors associated with the event of interest, the
      frailty model was used (N = 55,589). RESULTS: Among the 23,824 patients (42.9%)
      who underwent fistula placement in the period of the study, 18.2% maintained the
      temporary catheter for more than three months until the fistula creation. The
      analysis identified five statistically significant factors associated with longer
      time until first fistula: higher age (Hazard-risk - HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.00);
      having hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.9-0.98) as the
      cause of chronic renal disease; residing in capitals cities (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.9
      0.95) and certain regions in Brazil - South (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.8-0.87), Midwest
      (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94), Northeast (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.94), or North (HR
      0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94) and the type of renal unit (public or private).
      CONCLUSION: Monitoring the provision of arteriovenous fistulas in renal units
      could improve the care given to patients with end stage renal disease.

PMID- 22093281
TI  - Stigma experiences in bipolar patients: the impact upon functioning.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of self-rated stigma and
      functioning in patients with bipolar disorder in South Brazil. This is a cross
      sectional study. Sixty participants with bipolar disorder were recruited from an
      outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program. Experiences with and impact of perceived
      stigma were evaluated using the Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences. Functional
      impairment was assessed with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Higher
      scores of self-perceived stigma were correlated with higher FAST scores,
      indicating more disability. After linear correlation analysis, current depressive
      symptoms, age at onset of treatment, age at diagnosis and functioning were
      correlated with self-perceived stigma. The study demonstrated a correlation
      between stigma and poor functioning in bipolar disorder. Perceived stigma is
      really important to individuals with bipolar disorder, both to how they
      experience their illness and to its results on functioning. Potential
      consequences of such results for mental health care professionals are discussed.
      Differential clinical features, sociocultural factors and the sample size limit
      the generalization of the present findings.

PMID- 22093282
TI  - Crystal structure of guaiacol and phenol bound to a heme peroxidase.
AB  - Guaiacol is a universal substrate for all peroxidases, and its use in a simple
      colorimetric assay has wide applications. However, its exact binding location has
      never been defined. Here we report the crystal structures of guaiacol bound to
      cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP). A related structure with phenol bound is also
      presented. The CcP-guaiacol and CcP-phenol crystal structures show that both
      guaiacol and phenol bind at sites distinct from the cytochrome c binding site and
      from the delta-heme edge, which is known to be the binding site for other
      substrates. Although neither guaiacol nor phenol is seen bound at the delta-heme
      edge in the crystal structures, inhibition data and mutagenesis strongly suggest
      that the catalytic binding site for aromatic compounds is the delta-heme edge in
      CcP. The functional implications of these observations are discussed in terms of
      our existing understanding of substrate binding in peroxidases [Gumiero A et al.
      (2010) Arch Biochem Biophys 500, 13-20].

PMID- 22093283
TI  - Protective effect of triphlorethol-A against ultraviolet B-mediated damage of
      human keratinocytes.
AB  - Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on human skin induces pathophysiological processes
      such as oxidative stress and inflammation. In previous reports, the antioxidant
      effects of triphlorethol-A were shown to protect cells against hydrogen peroxide
      induced cell damage and gamma ray-induced oxidative stress. In this study, the
      role of triphlorethol-A in protecting human keratinocytes (HaCaT) against UVB
      induced cell damage was investigated. Triphlorethol-A-treated cells were
      irradiated with UVB (150 mJ/cm(2)). Triphlorethol-A decreased UVB-induced
      intracellular ROS and restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased by
      UVB radiation. Triphlorethol-A decreased UVB damage to cellular components, such
      as lipid membrane and DNA, restored cell viability and reduced UVB-induced
      apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondria-mediated caspase pathway. Triphlorethol
      A also reduced the UVB-induced loss of DeltaPsi(m) and the active forms of
      caspase 9 and caspase 3. The anti-apoptotic effect of triphlorethol-A was found
      to involve the inhibition of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, which was induced by
      UVB exposure. And triphlorethol-A showed an absorptive capacity at range of UVB.
      These results suggest that triphlorethol-A protects human keratinocytes against
      UVB by enhancing the activities of the antioxidant system, inhibiting cellular
      damage and absorbing the UVB.

PMID- 22093284
TI  - Characterization of clinical response in patients with vitiligo undergoing
      autologous epidermal punch grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Punch grafting is a well-established treatment for vitiligo, but
      predictive factors for outcomes are not well established. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      the characteristics of responses to punch grafting performed in patients with
      vitiligo. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective, single-center chart review.
      Response rates were assessed using photographs taken before and after grafting
      using a 1.5-mm punch instrument. Effectiveness of repigmentation was assessed
      using the following scale: worse, no improvement, 0% to 25% improvement, 25% to
      50% improvement, 50% to 75% improvement, and 75% to 100% improvement.
      Repigmentation rates were correlated with patient demographics. RESULTS: Thirty
      seven charts were reviewed, from which data were available from 30 patients. The
      total number grafts was 606 in 44 transplanted areas; 87% (530/606) of the
      transplants survived, and 26 of the 30 (87%) patients achieved some degree of
      repigmentation. Patients younger than 20 achieved the greatest average
      improvement in repigmentation (mean 61%), whereas those aged 60 and older showed
      the least improvement (mean 38%). Punch grafting of the neck and trunk achieved
      the greatest repigmentation, with 65% and 63% average improvement, respectively.
      Acral sites and skin overlying joints improved the least. CONCLUSION: Punch
      grafting is successful in most patients with vitiligo, with an 87% graft survival
      rate, but the rates of repigmentation vary depending on clinical characteristics.

PMID- 22093285
TI  - Allyl isothiocyanate induced stress response in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) from mustard is cytotoxic; however the
      mechanism of its toxicity is unknown. We examined the effects of AITC on heat
      shock protein (HSP) 70 expression in Caenorhabditis elegans. We also examined
      factors affecting the production of AITC from its precursor, sinigrin, a
      glucosinolate, in ground Brassica juncea cv. Vulcan seed as mustard has some
      potential as a biopesticide. FINDINGS: An assay to determine the concentration of
      AITC in ground mustard seed was improved to allow the measurement of AITC release
      in the first minutes after exposure of ground mustard seed to water. Using this
      assay, we determined that temperatures above 67 degrees C decreased sinigrin
      conversion to AITC in hydrated ground B. juncea seed. A pH near 6.0 was found to
      be necessary for AITC release. RT-qPCR revealed no significant change in HSP70A
      mRNA expression at low concentrations of AITC (< 0.1 MUM). However, treatment
      with higher concentrations (> 1.0 MUM) resulted in a four- to five-fold increase
      in expression. A HSP70 ELISA showed that AITC toxicity in C. elegans was
      ameliorated by the presence of ground seed from low sinigrin B. juncea cv. Arrid.
      CONCLUSIONS: * AITC induced toxicity in C. elegans, as measured by HSP70
      expression.* Conditions required for the conversion of sinigrin to AITC in ground
      B. juncea seed were determined.* The use of C. elegans as a bioassay to test AITC
      or mustard biopesticide efficacy is discussed.

PMID- 22093286
TI  - Synergistic effects of antibiotics and an N-acyl homoserine lactone analog on
      Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the effects of the combined application of an N-acyl
      homoserine lactone (HSL) analog and antibiotics on biofilms of Porphyromonas
      gingivalis, a major pathogen of periodontal disease. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Antibiotics used were cefuroxime, ofloxacin and minocycline. A flow-cell model
      was used for biofilm formation. Samples were divided into four groups: control,
      analog-treated, antibiotic-treated and combined application groups. Biofilm cell
      survival was determined using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence and
      confocal laser microscopy (CLSM). In the combined application group, the ATP
      count in biofilm cells was significantly decreased compared with the antibiotic
      treated group (Games-Howell test, P < 0.05). A combination of cefuroxime and the
      analog was most effective against the P. gingivalis biofilm. CLSM observations
      revealed that the proportion of dead cells was highest in the combined
      application group. CONCLUSIONS: The combined application of the N-acyl HSL analog
      and antibiotics was effective at reducing the viability of P. gingivalis cells in
      biofilms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The combined application of the N
      acyl HSL analog and antibiotics may be successful for eradicating infections
      involving bacterial biofilms, such as periodontitis.

PMID- 22093287
TI  - Hepatic acute phase proteins--regulation by IL-6- and IL-1-type cytokines
      involving STAT3 and its crosstalk with NF-kappaB-dependent signaling.
AB  - The function of the liver as an important constituent of the immune system
      involved in innate as well as adaptive immunity is warranted by different highly
      specialized cell populations. As the major source of acute phase proteins,
      including secreted pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), short pentraxins,
      components of the complement system or regulators of iron metabolism, hepatocytes
      are essential constituents of innate immunity and largely contribute to the
      control of a systemic inflammatory response. The production of acute phase
      proteins in hepatocytes is controlled by a variety of different cytokines
      released during the inflammatory process with IL-1- and IL-6-type cytokines as
      the leading regulators operating both as a cascade and as a network having
      additive, inhibitory, or synergistic regulatory effects on acute phase protein
      expression. Hence, IL-1beta substantially modifies IL-6-induced acute phase
      protein production as it almost completely abrogates production of acute phase
      proteins such as gamma-fibrinogen, alpha(2)-macroglobulin or alpha(1)
      antichymotrypsin, whereas production of for example hepcidin, C-reactive protein
      and serum amyloid A is strongly up-regulated. This switch-like regulation of IL-6
      induced acute phase protein production by IL-1beta is due to a complex processing
      of the intracellular signaling events activated in response to IL-6 and/or IL
      1beta, with the crosstalk between STAT3- and NF-kappaB-mediated signal
      transduction being of particular importance. Recent data suggest that in this
      context complex formation between STAT3 and the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB might be
      of key importance. The present review summarizes the regulation of acute phase
      protein production focusing on the role of the crosstalk of STAT3- and NF-kappaB
      driven pathways for transcriptional control of acute phase gene expression.

PMID- 22093288
TI  - Combination treatment using bipolar radiofrequency-based intense pulsed light,
      infrared light and diode laser enhanced clinical effectiveness and histological
      dermal remodeling in Asian photoaged skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined optical and bipolar radiofrequency (RF) devices have been
      effective for rejuvenation, but a single modality in one session cannot solve
      three-dimensional skin complaints, resulting in time-consuming visits. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-session triple treatment using
      bipolar RF-based optical (intense pulsed light [IPL], infrared light, and diode
      laser) combination devices for treatment of photoaged Asian skin. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In a split-face trial, 11 women received four treatments at 3-week
      intervals consisting of the combination of sequential IPL, infrared light, and
      diode laser, all with RF, in one session. Outcome assessments included
      photography, global evaluation by blinded investigators, patient assessment, and
      objective biophysical measurements of color and elasticity. Punch biopsies were
      obtained from both sides of the face 1 month after the last treatment session.
      RESULTS: All patients showed statistically significant reduction in photoaging
      global score. Objective biophysical measurements showed significant improvements
      in melanin index and elasticity (R5, R7), as well as increases in the levels of
      procollagen type I and III and elastin. CONCLUSION: A combination of three
      different energy sources, with bipolar RF, in one session is effective without
      further downtime for solving multiple problems including tone, texture, and
      laxity observed in photoaged Asian skin.

PMID- 22093289
TI  - Emergence of an HIV-1 cluster harbouring the major protease L90M mutation among
      treatment-naive patients in Tel Aviv, Israel.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Drug resistance-associated mutations (DRMs) among HIV-1 treatment
      naive patients have increased in recent years. Their incidence and prevalence in
      various exposure risk categories (ERCs) were evaluated. DESIGN: Plasma samples of
      HIV-1 treatment-naive patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 at the Tel Aviv
      Medical Center were screened for DRMs. METHODS: Samples obtained from patients
      following the HIV diagnosis were analysed retrospectively. Genotyping was carried
      out using the Trugene HIV-1 genotype kit (Siemens, Berkeley, CA, USA).
      Phylogenetic relationships among viral sequences were estimated using the maximum
      likelihood method. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of the 266 analysed sequences (14.3%)
      had DRMs, all occurring exclusively in the group of men who have sex with men
      (MSM). The rate of DRMs has constantly risen, reaching a peak of 21.9% in 2009.
      Notably, protease inhibitor (PI) DRMs became the most frequent DRMs in 2009.
      Phylogenetic analysis showed a tight cluster comprising 13 of 14 viruses
      harbouring the L90M major PI resistance mutation, suggesting a single infection
      source. CONCLUSION: There was an unexpectedly high rate of the major L90M PI
      resistance mutation in the MSM group. The clustered transmission of this mutation
      might be related to a high-risk sexual behaviour. Added to nonnucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitor and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance
      mutations, such a PI mutation may limit future therapeutic options for this
      particular patient population.

PMID- 22093290
TI  - Favorable outcome in a renal transplant recipient with donor-derived infection
      due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Most cases of donor-derived infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa reported in
      the literature are associated with vascular dehiscence, all of which resulted
      either in death or graft failure requiring graft removal. We report the
      successful treatment of donor-derived infection due to multidrug-resistant P.
      aeruginosa in a 64-year-old male who presented with bacteremia and peritransplant
      renal fluid collection after undergoing deceased-donor renal transplantation. As
      a result of the report of positive donor cultures by the host Organ Procurement
      Organization, the infection was promptly identified by blood cultures drawn
      before appearance of symptoms. Surveillance blood cultures in recipients are not
      usually recommended. However, they should be done if donor cultures turn
      positive. Therefore, it is crucial to perform cultures in donors and to closely
      follow them up for early identification and prompt treatment of donor-transmitted
      infections due to organisms like P. aeruginosa that can be graft and/or life
      threatening.

PMID- 22093291
TI  - Evolution of human tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      paleopathological evidence.
AB  - Tuberculosis is a re-emerging disease and is a major problem in both developing
      and developed countries today. An estimated one third of the world's population
      is infected and almost two million people die from the disease each year. Bone
      lesions occur in 3-5% of active tuberculosis cases and can be used to diagnose
      the disease in ancient skeletal remains. A meta-analysis was conducted on 531
      palaeopathological tuberculosis cases from 221 sites (7250 BCE to 1899) on all
      continents for the purpose of testing two hypotheses; (1) the frequency of bone
      lesions does not change through time and (2) the distribution of lesions
      throughout the skeleton does not change over time. The frequency of bone lesions
      was found to significantly decrease over time (P<0.05). The distribution of bone
      lesions was found to change from mainly spinal in earlier time periods to include
      more cases in other regions of the skeleton (long bones, joints, hands, feet) in
      later time periods. This difference in distribution was evaluated using a Chi
      squared test and found to be significant (P<0.01). These findings are an
      important addition to the current knowledge of the evolution of the disease and
      the Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PMID- 22093292
TI  - Goblet cell-targeting nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery and the influence
      of mucus on insulin transport.
AB  - The present study was to demonstrate the effects of goblet cell-targeting
      nanoparticles on the oral absorption of insulin in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo,
      and identify the targeting mechanism as well as the influence of mucus. The
      insulin loaded nanoparticles were prepared using trimethyl chitosan chloride
      (TMC) modified with a CSKSSDYQC (CSK) targeting peptide. Compared with unmodified
      nanoparticles, the CSK peptide modification could facilitate the uptake of
      nanoparticles in villi, enhance the permeation of drugs across the epithelium,
      meanwhile, induce a significantly higher internalization of drugs via clathrin
      and caveolae mediated endocytosis on goblet cell-like HT29-MTX cells. In
      transport studies across Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-cultured cell monolayer (simulating
      intestinal epithelium), the CSK peptide modification also showed enhanced
      transport ability, even if the targeting recognition was partially affected by
      mucus. Moreover, it was found the existence of mucus was propitious to the
      transport of insulin from both modified and unmodified nanoparticles. In the
      pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies in diabetic rats, the orally
      administrated CSK peptide modified nanoparticles produced a better hypoglycemic
      effect with a 1.5-fold higher relative bioavailability compared with unmodified
      ones. In conclusion, CSK peptide modified TMC nanoparticles showed sufficient
      effectiveness as goblet cell-targeting nanocarriers for oral delivery of insulin.

PMID- 22093294
TI  - Re: Firas Abdollah, Maxine Sun, Jan Schmitges, et al. Cancer-specific and other
      cause mortality after radical prostatectomy versus observation in patients with
      prostate cancer: competing-risks analysis of a large North American population
      based cohort. Eur Urol 2011;60:920-30.

PMID- 22093295
TI  - Prognosis of T1G3 bladder cancer: how well can we predict progression?

PMID- 22093296
TI  - The challenges of harnessing new technology.

PMID- 22093297
TI  - Automated digital microfluidic sample preparation for next-generation DNA
      sequencing.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is a promising tool for identifying
      and characterizing unknown pathogens, but its usefulness in time-critical
      biodefense and public health applications is currently limited by the lack of
      fast, efficient, and reliable automated DNA sample preparation methods. To
      address this limitation, we are developing a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform
      to function as a fluid distribution hub, enabling the integration of multiple
      subsystem modules into an automated NGS library sample preparation system. A
      novel capillary interface enables highly repeatable transfer of liquid between
      the DMF device and the external fluidic modules, allowing both continuous-flow
      and droplet-based sample manipulations to be performed in one integrated system.
      Here, we highlight the utility of the DMF hub platform and capillary interface
      for automating two key operations in the NGS sample preparation workflow. Using
      an in-line contactless conductivity detector in conjunction with the capillary
      interface, we demonstrate closed-loop automated fraction collection of target
      analytes from a continuous-flow sample stream into droplets on the DMF device.
      Buffer exchange and sample cleanup, the most repeated steps in NGS library
      preparation, are also demonstrated on the DMF platform using a magnetic bead
      assay and achieving an average DNA recovery efficiency of 80%+/-4.8%.

PMID- 22093298
TI  - Functional cardiotoxicity profiling and screening using the xCELLigence RTCA
      Cardio System.
AB  - Cardiac safety testing of lead drug candidates is an important part of the drug
      discovery and development process. All new chemical entities need to be subjected
      to extensive preclinical assessment for cardiac liability, especially for a
      potentially fatal form of ventricular arrhythmia referred to as Torsades de
      Pointes. We have developed an innovative label-free, real-time system, the
      xCELLigence RTCA Cardio System, which is designed to monitor contractility of
      cardiomyocytes based on impedance measurement. The assay is performed using
      specially designed microtiter plates that are integrated with gold
      microelectrodes. The system was validated using mouse embryonic stem cell-derived
      cardiomyocytes, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and
      rat neonatal primary cardiomyocytes by applying a variety of tool compounds and
      drugs with known mechanisms of action. Our data show that the time resolution in
      the assay can provide important information about compound action. Furthermore,
      the impedance-based beating profile in response to compound treatment can provide
      mechanistic toxicity information regarding the target being modulated and may be
      able to flag pro-arrhythmic compounds. We believe the real-time and kinetic
      aspect of this technology combined with beat-to-beat measurement of cardiomyocyte
      contraction would make this instrument an important part of preclinical cardiac
      safety assessment.

PMID- 22093299
TI  - Strategies for implementing hardware-assisted high-throughput cellular image
      analysis.
AB  - Recent advances in imaging technology for biomedicine, including high-speed
      microscopy, automated microscopy, and imaging flow cytometry are poised to have a
      large impact on clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, and biological research.
      Enhanced acquisition speed, resolution, and automation of sample handling are
      enabling researchers to probe biological phenomena at an increasing rate and
      achieve intuitive image-based results. However, the rich image sets produced by
      these tools are massive, possessing potentially millions of frames with
      tremendous depth and complexity. As a result, the tools introduce immense
      computational requirements, and, more importantly, the fact that image analysis
      operates at a much lower speed than image acquisition limits its ability to play
      a role in critical tasks in biomedicine such as real-time decision making. In
      this work, we present our strategy for high-throughput image analysis on a
      graphical processing unit platform. We scrutinized our original algorithm for
      detecting, tracking, and analyzing cell morphology in high-speed images and
      identified inefficiencies in image filtering and potential shortcut routines in
      the morphological analysis stage. Using our "grid method" for image enhancements
      resulted in an 8.54* reduction in total run time, whereas origin centering
      allowed using a look up table for coordinate transformation, which reduced the
      total run time by 55.64*. Optimization of parallelization and implementation of
      specialized image processing hardware will ultimately enable real-time analysis
      of high-throughput image streams and bring wider adoption of assays based on new
      imaging technologies.

PMID- 22093300
TI  - Tissue dynamics spectroscopy for three-dimensional tissue-based drug screening.
AB  - Tissue dynamics spectroscopy combines dynamic light scattering with short
      coherence digital holography to capture intracellular motion inside multicellular
      tumor spheroid tissue models. The cellular mechanical activity becomes an
      endogenous imaging contrast agent for motility contrast imaging. Fluctuation
      spectroscopy is performed on dynamic speckle from the proliferating shell and
      hypoxic core to generate drug-response spectrograms that are frequency versus
      time representations of the changes in spectral content induced by an applied
      compound or an environmental perturbation. A combination of 28 reference
      compounds and conditions applied to rat osteogenic UMR-106 spheroids generated
      spectrograms that were crosscorrelated in a similarity matrix used for
      unsupervised hierarchical clustering of similar compound responses. This work
      establishes the feasibility of tissue dynamics spectroscopy for three-dimensional
      tissue-based phenotypic profiling of drug response as a fully endogenous probe of
      the response of tissue to reference compounds.

PMID- 22093301
TI  - Emerging clinical applications of microchip-based acoustophoresis.
AB  - Acoustophoresis is currently in a state of transition from the academic
      laboratories, moving into the biomedical laboratories and industries. Clear areas
      of interest are seen in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics, where new
      approaches to cell handling and purification are emphasized as highly potent
      areas. This article outlines some of the basic unit operations of
      acoustophoresis, where applications as cell washing, binary separation, free-flow
      acoustophoresis, and affinity acoustophoresis are highlighted. The most recent
      steps to move acoustophoresis into clinical and preclinical applications are also
      presented.

PMID- 22093302
TI  - Shrink-induced single-cell plastic microwell array.
AB  - The ability to interrogate and track single cells over time in a high-throughput
      format would provide critical information for fundamental biological
      understanding of processes and for various applications, including drug screening
      and toxicology. We have developed an ultrarapid and simple method to create
      single-cell wells of controllable diameter and depth with commodity shrink-wrap
      film and tape. Using a programmable CO(2) laser, we cut hole arrays into the
      tape. The tape then serves as a shadow mask to selectively etch wells into
      commodity shrink-wrap film by O(2) plasma. When the shrink-wrap film retracts
      upon briefly heating, high-aspect plastic microwell arrays with diameters down to
      20 MUm are readily achieved. We calibrated the loading procedure with fluorescent
      microbeads. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the wells by loading
      fluorescently labeled single human embryonic stem cells into the wells.

PMID- 22093303
TI  - A high-throughput microchromatography platform for quantitative analytical scale
      protein sample preparation.
AB  - Protein analysis (using either specific protein quantitation by methods such as
      HPLC and immunoassays or structural analysis by methods such as LC-MS) usually
      requires significant sample preparation, including quantitative purification of
      the target protein from complex sample matrices and potentially enzymatic
      treatment or labeling. We have developed platform for high-throughput
      microchromatography, capable of running 96 or more small volume samples in
      parallel, producing from 10 pg to 100 MUg of purified protein from each sample.
      The platform is based on disposable cartridge devices with 5 MUL packed bed of
      resin. The cartridges may be operated as spin columns or run on a modified 96
      channel liquid handler with ultra-low dead volume syringes that directly connect
      to the cartridges, providing very precisely controlled positive-displacement flow
      control. A major application is quantitative purification of target proteins
      using affinity or physical chromatography. Using large diameter nonporous beads,
      standard microplate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reagents can be used to
      perform 30-min immunoassays. Enzymatic digestion methods have also been developed
      on the system for application in glycan profiling.

PMID- 22093304
TI  - Microfluidics enables small-scale tissue-based drug metabolism studies with
      scarce human tissue.
AB  - Early information on the metabolism and toxicity properties of new drug
      candidates is crucial for selecting the right candidates for further development.
      Preclinical trials rely on cell-based in vitro tests and animal studies to
      characterize the in vivo behavior of drug candidates, although neither are ideal
      predictors of drug behavior in humans. Improving in vitro systems for preclinical
      studies both from a technological and biological model standpoint thus remains a
      major challenge. This article describes how microfluidics can be exploited to
      come closer to this goal in combination with precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) as
      an improved organomimetic system. Recently, we developed a novel microfluidic
      based system incorporating a microchamber for slice perifusion to perform drug
      metabolism studies with mammalian PCLS under continuous flow. In the present
      study, the viability and metabolism of human PCLS were assessed by the
      measurement of the leakage of liver-specific enzymes and metabolism of four
      different substrates: lidocaine, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 7-ethoxycoumarin, and
      testosterone. All experiments were verified with well plates, an excellent
      benchmark for these experiments. Clearly, however, human tissue is not readily
      available, and it is worth considering how to perform a maximum number of
      informative experiments with small amounts of material. In one approach, the
      microfluidic system was coupled to an HPLC system to allow on-line monitoring and
      immediate detection of unstable metabolites, something that is generally not
      possible with conventional well-plate systems. This novel microfluidic system
      also enables the in vitro measurement of interorgan interactions by connecting
      microchambers containing different organ slices in series for sequential
      perfusion. This versatile experimental system has the potential to yield more
      information about the metabolic profiles of new drug candidates in human and
      animal tissues in an early stage of development compared with well plates alone.

PMID- 22093305
TI  - Let us remember and celebrate a very special person: James N. Little.

PMID- 22093306
TI  - A year of milestones.

PMID- 22093307
TI  - [Some thoughts about the modification of diagnostic criteria for acute
      respiratory distress syndrome].

PMID- 22093308
TI  - [Blocking the spray of contaminants from patients' exhalent using a tracheal
      detecting bulb during endotracheal intubation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a newly-developed tracheal detecting-bulb
      (TDB) in preventing the spray of contaminants in patients' exhalent during
      emergency endotracheal intubation procedure. METHODS: 62 emergency patients (male
      or female, age 21-73 years, weight 47-83 kg, with different levels of
      consciousness and spontaneous breathing) were randomly divided into two groups (n
      =31 each) to receive endotracheal intubation by an anesthesiologist with more
      than 17 years of experience, with (TDB group) or without (control group) a TDB
      connected to the tracheal tubing. Records were taken regarding the patient's
      coughing, expansion / contraction of the TDB, the operator's feeling of the
      patient's exhalent on his face / neck and the contamination of these areas by
      blood / secretions from the patients in the due course. RESULTS: In TDB group,
      expansion / contraction of TDB occurred in all cases, but the operator felt no
      exhalent in any of them. In 9 cases the patients coughed but the operator was
      contaminated only in 2 cases. While in control group, the patients' exhalent was
      felt in 16 cases. Coughing were recorded in 7 cases, and the operator was
      contaminated in 11 cases. In comparison with the control group, TDB group had
      significantly lower(both P < 0.05), incidence in feeling the exhalent (0 vs. 16),
      and contamination by blood or secretions (2 vs. 11) although the two groups had
      no significant difference in the incidence of coughing (9 vs. 7, P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: TDB can play an important role in blocking the spray of contaminants
      in patients' exhalent during endotracheal intubation.

PMID- 22093310
TI  - [The role of heme oxygenase 1 in hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis and
      mitochondrial trans membrane potential change in rat primary type II alveolar
      epithelium cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hydrogen peroxide
      [H(2)O(2)] induced apoptosis and mitochondrial trans-membrane potential (MTMP)
      change in primary alveolar epithelial cell type II(AEC II). METHODS: Primary AEC
      II collected from healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were cultured for 24 hours,
      then divided into four groups to be treated with: (1) saline; (2) H(2)O(2)  (0.5
      mmol/L); (3) H(2)O(2) +HO-1 (0.2 mmol/L); (4) H(2)O(2)  +zinc original porphyrin
      IX (HO-1 inhibitor, 20 MUmol/L). The morphology of cells in the cultures was
      examined by fluorescent microscopy 2.5 hours later, and the number of apoptotic
      cells / the MTMP determined by flow-cytometry 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 hours
      later. RESULTS: Large number of cells in with green (early apoptotic) or red
      (later apoptotic) fluorescence were observed by microscope in cultures treated
      with H(2)O(2) , and H(2)O(2) + HO-1 inhibitor, but such cells were obviously
      fewer in HO-1 treated cultures. Compared with saline treated cells, H(2)O(2) 
      treated cells had significantly higher apoptosis rate, that increased with time,
      reaching peak value 2.5 hours into the treatment [0.5 hour: (30.27 +/- 0.74)% vs.
      (3.76 +/- 0.81)%, 2.5 hours: (40.46 +/- 0.91)% vs. (22.74 +/- 0.60)%, both P <
      0.05], while the rate of MTMP depolarization was significantly lower (0.99 +/-
      0.21 vs. 1.91 +/- 0.16, P < 0.05) in these cells. Compared with H(2)O(2)  treated
      cells, the apoptosis rate in HO-1 treated cells was significantly lower [0.5
      hour: (5.99 +/- 0.60)% vs. (30.27 +/- 0.74)%, 2.5 hours: (22.69 +/- 1.69)% vs.
      (40.46 +/- 0.91)%, both P < 0.05], and their rate of MTMP depolarization higher
      (2.02 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.21, P < 0.05). Compared with HO-1 treated cells, HO
      1 inhibitor treated cells had significantly higher apoptosis rate which reached
      peak value 2.5 hours into the treatment [0.5 hour: (30.73 +/- 1.08)% vs. (5.99 +/
      0.60)%, 2.5 hours: (41.38 +/- 0.57)% vs. (22.69 +/- 1.69)%, both P < 0.05],
      while rate of MTMP depolarization in these cells was significantly lower (0.98 +/
      0.09 vs. 2.02 +/- 0.12, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HO-1 could maintain the integrity
      of AEC II and stabilize their mitochondria membrane potential, protecting the
      cells from H(2)O(2)  induced damage.

PMID- 22093309
TI  - [The effect of factor VII activating protease treatment on proliferation and
      collagen synthesis of cultured human pulmonary fibroblasts].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of factor VII-activating protease (FSAP)
      treatment on cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in human pulmonary
      fibroblasts (HPF). METHODS: Cultured HPF were treated with heparin (10 mg/L),
      platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB, 20 MUg/L), FSAP (12 mg/L), aprotinin
      (10 mg/L) separately and in different mixture. The proliferation of the HPF was
      determined by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) incorporation. The collagen III mRNA was
      determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and its protein
      expression, as well as the phosphorylation of p42 / p44 mitogen activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) were both determined using Western blotting. RESULTS: PDGF BB
      significantly (all P < 0.05) induced cell proliferation (1.23 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.01
      +/- 0.01 without heparin, 1.24 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.98 +/- 0.01 with heparin), collagen
      III mRNA transcription (1.79 +/- 0.02 vs. 1.00 +/- 0.00 without aprotinin, 1.57
      +/- 0.01 vs. 1.00 +/- 0.00 with aprotinin), and collagen III protein expression
      (0.54 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.17 +/- 0.05 without aprotinin, 0.59 +/- 0.31 vs. 0.24 +/-
      0.15 with aprotinin) in HPF. PDGF BB also significantly (both P < 0.05) induced
      p42 / p44 MAPK phosphorylation in HPF (0.89 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.51 +/- 0.17 without
      aprotinin, 0.97 +/- 0.41 vs. 0.37 +/- 0.05 with aprotinin). In the presence of
      heparin FSAP significantly (all P < 0.05) inhibited the PDGF BB induced HPF
      proliferation (0.92 +/- 0.23 vs 1.19 +/- 0.11); collagen III mRNA transcription
      (0.61 +/- 0.02 vs. 1.79 +/- 0.02) and collagen III protein expression (0.15 +/-
      0.12 vs. 0.54 +/- 0.26). FSAP also inhibited PDGF induced p42 / p44 MAPK
      phosphorylation in HPF (0.57 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.89 +/- 0.24) significantly (P <
      0.05). The presence of aprotinin lead to a reversal of the inhibitory effect of
      FSAP on collagen III mRNA transcription (2.37 +/- 0.21 vs.0.61 +/- 0.02),
      collagen III protein expression (0.55 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.12) and p42 / p44
      MAPK phosphorylation (0.86 +/- 0.41 vs. 0.57 +/- 0.16, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      FSAP could inhibit the PDGF-BB induced proliferation and collagen III synthesis
      in HPF in vitro through the suppression of p42 / p44 MAPK phosphorylation.

PMID- 22093311
TI  - [Enoxaparin for the prevention of post surgical pulmonary embolism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the administration of
      enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), in the prevention of post
      surgical deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: 1928
      patients hospitalized for general surgery were randomly divided into: (1) test
      group (n = 960) to receive enoxaparin (40 mg, s.c., 12 hours before and after
      surgery, then once daily for 7 consecutive days); (2) control group (n = 968)
      without intervention. The incidence of DVT,PE and bleeding were recorded for
      statistical analysis during hospitalization and a 2 months follow-up after
      discharge. RESULTS: (1) No significant difference was found between the two
      groups in age, sex, average body mass index, type of surgery, and DVT / PE risk
      factors (obesity, varicose veins, and history of: venous thrombosis, chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, and hormone therapy). The
      percentage of non-malignant / malignant tumor surgery were 36.5% / 63.5% (average
      operation time 2.3 hours) in control group and 35.6% / 64.4% (2.2 hours) in test
      group (both P > 0.05). (2) During the hospitalization period, 59 cases
      (incidence=6.1%) of DVT and 14 cases (incidence=1.4%) of PE (among them 6 were
      fetal, 42.8% of all PE cases) were found in the control group, while 28 cases of
      DVT (2.9%) and 3 cases (0.3%) of PE (1 fetal, 33.3% of all PE cases) were found
      in test group. The incidence of DVT, PE (total), and PE (fetal) were significant
      lower in test group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). During the follow up, 14 more cases
      of DVT (1.4%) and 1 more case (0.1%) of PE (a fetal) were found in the control
      group, and 2 more DVT cases (0.2%) in test group, with the DVT incidence in test
      group significantly lower (P < 0.01). (3) During the enoxaparin administration,
      30 cases (3.1%) minor bleeding and 8 cases (0.8%) major bleeding were found in
      the control group, while 33 cases (3.4%) minor bleeding events and 9 cases (0.9%)
      major bleeding events were found in the test group. THE RESULTS: in the two
      groups were not significantly different in either type of bleeding events (both P
      > 0.05). Also no significant difference was found in the bleeding events after
      the ending of enoxaparin administration and during the follow up. CONCLUSION:
      Enoxaparin may reduce the incidence of DVT and PE in patients undergoing general
      surgery without increased risk of bleeding.

PMID- 22093312
TI  - [Evaluation of the hemodynamic state of critically ill cancer patients with
      central venous to arterial carbon dioxide difference].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hemodynamic state of critically ill cancer patients
      using central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (Pcv-aCO(2)) and to
      direct the treatment. METHODS: Clinical data of 47 cancer critically ill patients
      with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score> 15 and
      unstable hemodynamic state were enrolled from intensive care unit of Tianjin
      Medical University Cancer Hospital from October 1st 2010 to May 31th 2011, were
      analyzed retrospectively. The patients were receiving the standard treatment
      according to the guidelines for 24 hours, the end-point of therapy was the
      standard of early goal direct therapy (EGDT). According to difference of
      sequential organ failure scores (DeltaSOFA) of that after treatment and before
      treatment, the patients were divided into two groups: DeltaSOFA<= 1 (n = 27) and
      DeltaSOFA> 1 (n = 20). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), urine output per hour,
      central venous pressure (CVP), oxygen saturation of central venous blood
      (ScvO(2)), the clearance of lactic acid, and Pcv-aCO(2) before treatment were
      compared with those after treatment, and their correlation with DeltaSOFA was
      analysed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in MAP (mm Hg, 1 mm Hg =
      0.133 kPa: 54.48 +/- 4.95 vs. 54.45 +/- 4.30), urine output per hour (ml:19.33 +/
      4.53 vs. 20.55 +/- 5.54), CVP(mm Hg: 3.48 +/- 1.81 vs. 3.25 +/- 1.16), ScvO(2)
      (0.571 +/- 0.042 vs. 0.578 +/- 0.047) of two groups before treatment (all P >
      0.05), but in the group DeltaSOFA<=1, the Pcv-aCO(2) (mm Hg: 7.80 +/- 2.20 vs.
      9.39 +/- 0.97) and SOFA scores (6.33 +/- 2.11 vs. 9.50 +/- 1.24) were
      significantly lower than those of the group DeltaSOFA>1 (all P < 0.01). There
      were no significant differences in MAP (mm Hg: 73.48 +/- 6.12 vs. 71.30 +/-
      7.30), CVP (mm Hg: 6.85 +/- 1.26 vs. 6.50 +/- 1.28), ScvO(2) (0.693 +/- 0.032 vs.
      0.684 +/- 0.039) between two groups after treatment (all P > 0.05), though their
      RESULTS: data were improved compared with that of before treatment. However,
      there were significant differences in Pcv-aCO(2) (mm Hg: 3.02 +/- 1.59 vs. 8.21
      +/- 2.23), urine output per hour (ml: 71.41 +/- 6.74 vs. 51.70 +/- 7.50), SOFA
      score (6.03 +/- 2.56 vs. 10.05 +/- 1.61), the clearance of lactic acid [(27.71 +/
      11.46)% vs. -(0.78 +/- 13.29)%, all P < 0.01]. There was significant correlation
      between urine output per hour, Pcv-aCO(2), clearance of lactic acid and DeltaSOFA
      (r values were -0.712, 0.745, -0.631, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pcv-aCO(2) could
      be used as an index of evaluating the cardiac index and the hemodynamic state,
      and it could be considered to be one of the indices of evaluating the therapeutic
      effect and prognosis.

PMID- 22093313
TI  - [The effect of changes in the level of sex hormone on prognosis of abdominal
      surgical systemic inflammatory response syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine if the serum level of 3 sex hormones early after admission
      are correlated with the prognosis in post-abdominal surgery patients with
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). METHODS: 39 patients admitted to
      our surgical intensive care unit (SICU) for abdominal surgery were divided,
      according to their serum level of estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), and
      testosterone (TT), into: (1) E2 elevation group (n = 20), (2) E2 normal group (n
      = 19), (3) PRL elevation group (n = 16), (4) PRL normal group (n = 23), (5) TT
      reduction group (n = 14), and (6) TT normal group (n = 25), for data collection
      of: acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II(APACHE II) scores, total
      hospitalization days, ICU stay, total hospitalization cost and 28 day outcomes.
      RESULTS: In comparison with corresponding normal group, E2 elevation group had
      lower (but not statistically significant) APACHE II score (11.6 +/- 7.8 vs. 15.2
      +/- 8.8, P > 0.05), significantly shorter ICU stay (days: 8.5 +/- 4.0 vs. 12.1 +/
      7.9, P < 0.05), and significantly lower 28 days mortality rate (10.0% vs. 35.7%,
      P < 0.05); PRL elevation group had significantly shorter ICU stay (days: 8.7 +/-
      3.1 vs. 12.9 +/- 2.1, P < 0.01), and significantly lower total hospitalization
      cost (thousand yuan: 6.70 +/- 3.50 vs. 13.20 +/- 8.20, P < 0.05); TT reduction
      group had significantly lower APACHE II score (10.4 +/- 5.4 vs. 15.2 +/- 9.4, P <
      0.05), significantly shorter ICU stay (days: 26.6 +/- 12.2 vs. 28.1 +/- 17.0, P <
      0.01), and significantly lower 28-day mortality rate (0 vs. 31.8%, P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The early serum levels of sex hormones may have significant influence
      on the prognosis in post-abdominal surgery patients with SIRS.

PMID- 22093314
TI  - [Changes in peripheral dendritic cells in serious burn patients and its clinical
      significance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes in peripheral dendritic cells (DCs) in serious
      burn patients and its relationship with the burn severity and pathogenesis of
      sepsis. METHODS: Twenty-two serious burn patients were divided into the burn
      group (n = 10) and the burn sepsis group (n = 12) according to diagnostic
      criteria of sepsis, they were stratified according to the total burn surface area
      (TBSA), into the TBSA I group (TBSA 30%-50%, n = 14) and the TBSA II group (TBSA
      51%-80%, n = 8). Peripheral blood of all patients was collected on 1, 3, 7 ,14
      ,20  day after burn. The number of two subtypes of peripheral DC i. e myeloid
      dendritic cells [mDC, Lineage1(-)HLA-DR(+)CD11c(+)] and plasmacytoid dendritic
      cells [pDC, Lineage1(-)HLA-DR(+)CD123(+)] were quantified by flow cytometer. Ten
      healthy volunteers served as normal controls at the same time. RESULTS: In the
      healthy control group, mDC in the peripheral blood was (0.450 +/- 0.150)% and pDC
      was (0.241 +/- 0.084)%. Compared  with the healthy control group, in the burn
      group both mDC [(0.257 +/- 0.116)%, (0.274 +/- 0.086)%, (0.317 +/- 0.056)%] and 
      pDC [(0.122 +/- 0.058)%, (0.165 +/- 0.051)%, (0.177 +/- 0.024)%] decreased
      significantly on 1, 3, 7 day after burn (all P < 0.05), and the number returned
      to the normal level on 14 day and 20 day. Compared with the burn group, the
      number of mDC [(0.230 +/- 0.090)%] and pDC [(0.114 +/- 0.071)%] in patients of
      the burn sepsis group were significantly lower (both P < 0.05) on 1 day after
      burn. Both cells [mDC (0.246 +/- 0.076)% vs. (0.412 +/- 0.097)% and pDC (0.097 +/
      0.032)% vs. (0.203 +/- 0.039)%] were still significantly lower (both P < 0.05)
      on 20 day. Both mDC [(0.266 +/- 0.062)%, (0.289 +/- 0.071)%, (0.351 +/- 0.054)%]
      and pDC [(0.131 +/- 0.025)%, (0.163 +/- 0.037)%, (0.178 +/- 0.038)%] in the
      patients in the TBSA I group decreased significantly on 1, 3, 7 day after burn as
      compared  with those of the healthy control group(all P < 0.05), and they
      returned to the normal level on 14 day and 20 day. Compared with the TBSA I
      group, mDC [(0.227 +/- 0.070)%] and pDC [(0.112 +/- 0.047)%] in patients of the
      TBSA II group decreased significantly(both P < 0.05)on 1 day after burn, and both
      cells [mDC (0.297 +/- 0.072)% vs. (0.423 +/- 0.046)% and pDC (0.107 +/- 0.061)%
      vs.(0.197 +/- 0.042)%] were still significantly lower (both P < 0.05) on 20 day.
      CONCLUSION: Both the number of mDC and pDC decrease in peripheral blood in early
      stage in serious burn patients, and those who have more serious burn have lower
      number of mDC or pDC. Deficiency in mDCs and pDC subsets may contribute to
      immunosuppression in burn victims, and those who suffered obvious loss of mDC and
      pDC are susceptible to sepsis following severe burn. It indicates that the
      percentage of mDC and pDC can be a predictive index of sepsis after burn.

PMID- 22093316
TI  - [Changes in pulmonary metalloprotein-9 level in rats during sepsis, and the
      effect of ulinastatin].

PMID- 22093315
TI  - [Device associated infection in medical surgical intensive care unit inpatients
      of an A level, tertiary class hospital in Beijing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the situation of the device-associated infection (DAI)
      in the medical-surgical intensive care unit(ICU)inpatients in an A-level tertiary
      class hospital in Beijing. METHODS: DAI date were collected through a
      surveillance on the medical-surgical ICU inpatients in an A-level tertiary class
      hospital in Beijing from January 2008 to December 2010. RESULTS: In 2279 patients
      admitted to the medical-surgical ICU (with a 15,332 days total hospitalization
      stay), 283 were found infected. The incidence for in-hospital infection was
      12.42%, and 2.452% for the incidence per patient-day. The device utilization
      ratios for ventilator, central venous catheter and urinary catheter were 56.76%,
      59.01% and 80.07% respectively while the incidence for ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and
      catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) were 1.632%, 0.409% and
      0.350% respectively. The predominant bacteria species found in these cases were
      Gram-negatives and the main stay of pathogenic species were A. baumannii, P.
      aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and C. albicans etc.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of DAI in the surveyed hospital is close to other
      hospitals in China and other developing countries but higher than hospitals in
      United States. More efforts should be made for its prevention / control by
      hospital stuff, with the cooperation from the patients.

PMID- 22093317
TI  - [The safety of bronchoscope guided implantation of 2 double-lumen balloon micro
      catheter in the treatment of pulmonary hemoptysis: the factors involved].

PMID- 22093318
TI  - [Clinical study of the incidence of sinusitis with tracheal intubation and its
      relation to duration of intubation].

PMID- 22093319
TI  - [The mechanisms for the lung tissue protective effects of hydrogen : recent
      progress in mice study].

PMID- 22093320
TI  - [Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and related genetic polymorphisms].

PMID- 22093321
TI  - Non-invasive diagnostic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma: the value of
      contrast washout at imaging and the death of alpha-fetoprotein.

PMID- 22093322
TI  - Dilemma of recurrence of hepatitis B infection after liver transplantation.

PMID- 22093323
TI  - Autoimmune hepatitis from the paediatric perspective.
AB  - Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an important entity within the broad spectrum of
      autoimmune hepatobiliary disease comprised of AIH, primary biliary cirrhosis
      (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Since the 1960s, AIH has been
      investigated with extensive clinical research aimed at effective therapeutic
      intervention. It was one of the first liver diseases where treatment was
      demonstrated to prolong survival. AIH occurs in children, as well as in adults.
      Its clinical manifestations in children may differ from classic adult AIH. These
      differences have elucidated certain aspects of AIH and hepatobiliary disease in
      general. There are two major patterns of AIH: type 1, with anti-smooth muscle
      antibodies and type 2, with anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibodies. The second
      type of AIH was first identified in children and is more common in younger
      patients. AIH often presents as acute disease in children and also in adults: the
      nomenclature has dropped the allusion to chronicity. Some children who have
      sclerosing cholangitis present with clinical disease closely resembling AIH; this
      AIH-like PSC, termed autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), is also found in
      adults. Children with AIH may have identifiable monogenic disorders of immune
      regulation such as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy
      (APECED). Like adults with AIH, children with AIH usually respond very favourably
      to immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids +/- azathioprine. True cures
      seem to be rare, although many children achieve a stable remission. Nonetheless
      children with AIH may develop cirrhosis and some require liver transplantation.
      Early diagnosis and improved treatment strategies may further improve the outlook
      for children with AIH.

PMID- 22093325
TI  - Previous overt hepatic encephalopathy rather than minimal hepatic encephalopathy
      impairs health-related quality of life in cirrhotic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been observed that overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is
      accompanied by a persistent cognitive defect, suggesting that HE may not be fully
      reversible. The health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) has been shown to be
      impaired by cirrhosis, and, according to some reports, influenced by minimal HE.
      Little is known about the effect of previous HE on HRQoL. AIM: To investigate the
      relative impact of previous HE and minimal HE on HRQoL in a group of
      consecutively hospitalized cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: Seventy five
      consecutive cirrhotic patients were evaluated using the Psychometric HE Score
      (PHES) and simplified Psychometric HE Score (SPHES) to detect the presence of
      minimal HE and using SF-36 to assess the HRQoL, both corrected for age and
      education. Eighteen of them had previous bouts of overt HE. RESULTS: Minimal HE
      was significantly more frequent in patients with previous HE than in those
      without (p < 0.001), independently on the method used for the diagnosis (PHES or
      SPHES). A deeper impairment in several domains of SF-36 was observed in patients
      with previous bouts of overt HE, in those with ascites, as well as in those with
      decompensated cirrhosis. At multivariate analysis, ascites, MELD score and
      previous HE were independently related to the mental-component-summary (MCS) of
      SF-36, whereas ascites was the only variable independently associated with the
      physical-component-summary (PCS) of SF-36. Minimal HE (independently on the
      method used for its diagnosis) impaired only one domain of SF-36. CONCLUSIONS:
      These data suggest that previous bouts of HE, despite their complete clinical
      resolution, play an independent role in producing a persistent impairment in
      HRQoL of cirrhotics.

PMID- 22093324
TI  - Antioxidants as therapeutic agents for liver disease.
AB  - Oxidative stress is commonly associated with a number of liver diseases and is
      thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C, alcoholic
      liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), haemochromatosis and
      Wilson's disease. Antioxidant therapy has thus been considered to have the
      possibility of beneficial effects in the management of these liver diseases.
      Despite this promise, antioxidants have produced mixed results in a number of
      clinical trials of efficacy. This review summarizes the results of clinical
      trials of antioxidants as sole or adjuvant therapy of chronic hepatitis C,
      alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Overall, the
      most promising results to date are for vitamin E therapy of NASH but some
      encouraging results have been obtained with antioxidant therapy of acute
      alcoholic hepatitis as well. Despite evidence for small reductions of serum
      alanine aminotransferase, there is as yet no convincing evidence that antioxidant
      therapy itself is beneficial to patients with chronic hepatitis C. Problems such
      as small sample size, short follow up duration, inadequate endpoints, failure to
      demonstrate tissue delivery and antioxidant efficacy, and heterogeneous nature of
      the 'antioxidant' compounds used have complicated interpretation of results of
      the clinical studies. These limitations and their implications for future trial
      design are discussed.

PMID- 22093326
TI  - Long-term virological follow up of patients with occult hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HCV-RNA in
      liver without detectable anti-HCV and serum HCV-RNA) may have viral RNA in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in serum after
      ultracentrifugation, and may present HCV-specific T-cell responses, but it is
      unknown whether these markers persist to be detectable over time. AIM: To perform
      a prospective virological long-term follow up of patients with occult HCV.
      METHODS: Viral markers were tested every 3-4 months during 55.7 +/- 20.3 months
      in 37 patients with occult HCV who were under ursodeoxycholic acid treatment.
      RESULTS: Viral RNA was detectable in PBMCs of 31 patients during the follow up.
      In 23 of them, viral RNA in PBMCs was detected intermittently and in the other
      eight patients HCV-RNA was positive in a single sample. After
      ultracentrifugation, serum HCV-RNA was detected in 33 patients, being the
      viraemia intermittently detectable in 28, whereas in the remaining five patients,
      serum HCV-RNA was positive only once. Only one patient tested always HCV-RNA
      negative in PBMCs and in ultracentrifuged serum during follow up. Specific Core,
      NS3, and/or NS4 T-cell responses were found in 31 of the patients. The patient
      who was always HCV-RNA negative in PBMCs and in ultracentrifuged serum had
      specific HCV-T-cell responses. CONCLUSIONS: Occult HCV infection persists over
      time with fluctuating viraemia levels that induce and maintain specific T-cell
      responses against viral proteins.

PMID- 22093327
TI  - Long-term adefovir plus lamivudine therapy does not decrease creatinine clearance
      in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: As there are concerns about potential nephrotoxicity of
      nucleotide analogues, we evaluated renal function parameters during long-term
      adefovir and lamivudine combination therapy. METHODS: Forty-six HBeAg-negative
      patients with lamivudine-resistance treated with adefovir and lamivudine for up
      to 90 months were included. Renal function was assessed by estimated creatinine
      clearance (eC(CR) ) and compared with a matched control group of untreated
      inactive hepatitis B virus carriers. RESULTS: Serum HBV DNA became undetectable
      in 39 (85%) patients after a mean of 37 +/- 21 months. Three (6.5%) patients
      developed virological breakthrough. Adefovir resistance was detected in two
      patients. At the end of follow up, there was a significant decrease in mean
      eC(CR) (95 +/- 31-83 +/- 30 ml/min, P = 0.003) in the treated patients with 16%
      presenting aeC(CR) decrease >30%. Similar changes in eC(CR) were observed in the
      control group (108 +/- 28-96 +/- 26 ml/min, P = 0.003). In multiple regression
      analysis, age and baseline eC(CR) were independent predictors of eC(CR)
      reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Adefovir and lamivudine combination therapy is not an
      independent factor for significant renal dysfunction in HBeAg-negative patients
      with lamivudine-resistance. Baseline age and creatinine clearance are the only
      independent predictors of worsening renal function.

PMID- 22093329
TI  - Cirrhosis and a metallic foreign body in the stomach.

PMID- 22093328
TI  - NADPH oxidase-mediated platelet isoprostane over-production in cirrhotic
      patients: implication for platelet activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with cirrhosis conflicting findings, inherent to platelet
      function and its clinical implication, are still matters of discussion. Cirrhosis
      is characterized by enhanced production of isoprostanes, index of oxidative
      stress in vivo, that is known to stem from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2)-generating oxidative stress and elicit
      platelet activation. AIM: To analyse the relationship between oxidative stress
      and platelet activation in cirrhosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including
      51 cirrhotic patients and sex- and age-matched control patients has been
      designed. Soluble NOX2-derived peptide (sNOX2-dp), a direct marker of NADPH
      oxidase activation, isoprostanes urinary excretion, platelet isoprostanes and two
      markers of in vivo platelet activation, i.e. soluble CD40 Ligand (sCD40L) and
      soluble P-selectin (sPs), were measured. RESULTS: Compared with controls,
      cirrhotic patients had higher levels of sPs (P = 0.034), sCD40L (P < 0.0001),
      sNOX2-dp (P = 0.0016), urinary excretion of isoprostanes (P < 0.0001) and
      arachidonic acid-induced platelet isoprostane formation (P < 0.0001). A
      significant correlation between sNOX2-dp and platelet (R(s) = 0.39, P = 0.0051)
      and urinary (R(s) = 0.67, P < 0.0001) isoprostanes was detected; also, sNOX2-dp
      and isoprostanes significantly correlated with sPs and sCD40L. A stepwise
      regression analysis revealed that sNOX2-dp was independently related to sCD40L
      plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that in cirrhosis,
      platelet isoprostanes are over-produced and could be implicated in platelet
      activation.

PMID- 22093330
TI  - Characterization of herpes simplex virus 1 strains as platforms for the
      development of oncolytic viruses against liver cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diverse oncolytic viruses (OV) are being designed for the treatment
      of cancer. The characteristics of the parental virus strains may influence the
      properties of these agents. AIMS: To characterize two herpes simplex virus 1
      strains (HSV-1 17syn(+) and HFEM) as platforms for virotherapy against liver
      cancer. METHODS: The luciferase reporter gene was introduced in the intergenic
      region 20 locus of both HSV-1 strains, giving rise to the Cgal-Luc and H6-Luc
      viruses. Their properties were studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in
      vitro. Biodistribution was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in athymic
      mice and immune-competent Balb/c mice. Immunogenicity was studied by MHC-tetramer
      staining, in vivo killing assays and determination of specific antibody
      production. Intratumoural transgene expression and oncolytic effect were studied
      in HuH-7 xenografts. RESULTS: The H6-Luc virus displayed a syncytial phenotype
      and showed higher cytolytic effect on some HCC cells. Upon intravenous or
      intrahepatic injection in mice, both viruses showed a transient transduction of
      the liver with rapid relocalization of bioluminescence in adrenal glands, spinal
      cord, uterus and ovaries. No significant differences were observed in the
      immunogenicity of these viruses. Local intratumoural administration caused
      progressive increase in transgene expression during the first 5 days and
      persisted for at least 2 weeks. H6-Luc achieved faster amplification of transgene
      expression and stronger inhibition of tumour growth than Cgal-Luc, although
      toxicity of these non-attenuated viruses should be reduced to obtain a
      therapeutic effect. CONCLUSIONS: The syncytial H6-Luc virus has a strong
      oncolytic potential on human HCC xenografts and could be the basis for potent OV.

PMID- 22093331
TI  - Aquaporin-1 associated with hepatic arterial capillary proliferation on hepatic
      sinusoid in human cirrhotic liver.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aquaporins (AQPs) are key regulators not only of water transport in
      the cytoplasm but also of angiogenesis. Although AQPs in the normal hepatobiliary
      system have been studied in mammals, little is known about the localization and
      changes of AQPs in the hepatic microvascular system including sinusoids in
      cirrhotic liver, which might contribute to portal hypertension. AIMS: We designed
      this study to examine the localization of AQP1 in human cirrhotic liver. METHODS:
      Surgical wedge biopsy specimens were obtained from non-cirrhotic portions of
      human livers (normal control) and from cirrhotic livers (LC) (Child A-LC and
      Child C-LC). Immunostaining, Western blotting, in situ hybridization (ISH) and
      laser-captured microdissection (LCM) were conducted. RESULTS: In control liver
      tissue, AQP1 was localized mainly in the portal venules, hepatic arterioles and
      bile ducts in the portal tract, although AQP1 was detected only slightly in the
      sinusoids. In cirrhotic liver tissue, AQP1 expression was evident, aberrantly
      observed on periportal sinusoidal endothelial cells corresponding to the
      capillarized sinusoids, on the proliferated arterial capillaries opening into the
      sinusoid in the generating hepatic nodule and on proliferated bile ductules at
      the peripheral edge of nodules and fibrotic septa. In cirrhotic liver,
      overexpression of AQP1 at protein and mRNA levels was demonstrated, respectively,
      using Western blot and ISH. AQP-1 of mRNA level in sinusoid was confirmed using
      LCM. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant expressions of AQP1 in periportal sinusoidal regions
      in human cirrhotic liver indicate the proliferation of arterial capillaries
      directly connected to the sinusoids, contributing to microvascular resistance in
      cirrhosis.

PMID- 22093332
TI  - Involvement of cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha signalling pathway in spontaneous
      and transforming growth factor-beta-induced activation of rat hepatic stellate
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are extracellular matrix-producing
      cells that play a pivotal role in liver fibrogenesis. During liver injury and
      when cells are placed in vitro, HSCs undergo phenotypic transition from quiescent
      retinoid-storing cells to activated retinoid-deficient myofibroblast-like cells.
      Although several mediators including reactive oxygen species, platelet derived
      growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were implicated in HSC activation, the cellular
      signalling pathways that regulate this process remain incompletely defined. AIMS:
      The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of cytosolic phospholipase
      A(2) alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      beta/delta (PPAR-beta/delta) in HSC activation. METHODS: Rat HSCs were isolated,
      purified, cultured and stimulated with TGF-beta1 in the presence or absence of
      the selective cPLA(2)alpha inhibitor, arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone
      (AACOCF(3)). The activation status of HSC was evaluated by immunofluorescent
      staining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and by measuring the expression
      of cPLA(2)alpha, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and PPAR-beta/delta using western blot
      analysis. RESULTS: Rapid and significant increase in cPLA(2)alpha expression was
      observed during activation of HSCs. These events preceded the elevation of PPAR
      beta/delta and the expression of alpha-SMA. Elevated expression of cPLA(2)alpha,
      but not COX-2, was also observed during TGF-beta-induced HSC activation. The TGF
      beta-induced alpha-SMA expression was blocked by AACOCF(3). Furthermore,
      transfection of a cPLA(2)alpha expression vector enhanced the transcription
      activity of PPAR-beta/delta and the expression of alpha-SMA in HSCs. CONCLUSION:
      cPLA(2)alpha-mediated induction of PPAR-beta/delta is a novel intracellular
      signalling pathway in spontaneous and TGF-beta induced activation of HSCs and
      could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

PMID- 22093333
TI  - Enhanced innate immune responsiveness and intolerance to intestinal endotoxins in
      human biliary epithelial cells contributes to chronic cholangitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) orchestrate the innate immune
      defence in human biliary epithelial cells (BECs). Tight control of PRR signalling
      provides tolerance to physiological amounts of intestinal endotoxins in human
      bile to avoid constant innate immune activation in BECs. AIMS: We wanted to
      determine whether inappropriate innate immune responses to intestinal endotoxins
      contribute to the development and perpetuation of chronic biliary inflammation.
      METHODS: We examined PRR-mediated innate immune responses and protective
      endotoxin tolerance in primary BECs isolated from patients with primary
      sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), alcoholic liver disease and patients without
      chronic liver disease. Expression studies comprised northern blots, RT-PCR,
      Western blots and immunocytochemistry. Functional studies comprised immuno
      precipitation Western blots, FACS for endotoxin uptake, and NF-kappaB activation
      assays and ELISA for secreted IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.
      RESULTS: Primary BECs from explanted PSC livers showed reversibly increased TLR
      and NOD protein expression and activation of the MyD88/IRAK signalling complex.
      Consecutively, PSC BECs exhibited inappropriate innate immune responses to
      endotoxins and did not develop immune tolerance after repeated endotoxin
      exposures. This endotoxin hyper-responsiveness was probably because of the
      stimulatory effect of abundantly expressed IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in PSC livers,
      which stimulated TLR4-mediated endotoxin signalling in BECs, leading to increased
      TLR4-mediated endotoxin incorporation and impaired inactivation of the TLR4
      signalling cascade. As TNF-alpha inhibition partly restored protective innate
      immune tolerance, endogenous TNF-alpha secretion probably contributed to
      inappropriate endotoxin responses in BECs. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate innate
      immune responses to intestinal endotoxins and subsequent endotoxin intolerance
      because of enhanced PRR signalling in BECs probably contribute to chronic
      cholangitis.

PMID- 22093334
TI  - Hepatic iron overload following liver transplantation of a C282y homozygous
      allograft: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Hereditary haemochromatosis is a common genetic disease associated with
      progressive iron overload and parenchymal organ damage including liver, pancreas
      and heart. We report a case of inadvertent transplantation of a liver from a
      haemochromatosis donor to a 56-year-old Asian female. Progressive iron overload
      occurred over a 2 year follow up as assessed by liver biopsy and iron studies in
      the absence of a secondary cause of iron overload, supporting a primary role of
      liver rather than small intestine in the regulation of iron homeostasis in
      hereditary haemochromatosis.

PMID- 22093335
TI  - A novel Y231del mutation of HFE in hereditary haemochromatosis provides in vivo
      evidence that the Huh-7 is a human haemochromatotic cell line.
AB  - Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH), which is mainly associated with a C282Y
      polymorphism in HFE, is common among Caucasians of north European descent, but is
      very rare among Asians. Herein, we report a 43-year-old Japanese man who was
      diagnosed as having HH. A laboratory examination revealed an elevated serum iron
      level (280 MUg/dl), hyperferritinemia (1698 ng/ml) and a low serum level of
      hepcidin-25 (4.0 ng/ml). Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings
      suggestive of iron accumulation in the liver and pancreas. HFE gene sequencing in
      the patient revealed a novel homozygous TAC nucleotide deletion (c. 691_693del)
      responsible for the loss of a tyrosine at position 231 (p. Y231del) of the HFE
      protein. This homozygous Y231del mutation was recently found in the Huh-7
      hepatoma cell line and was shown to prevent the translocation of HFE to the cell
      surface. This clinical case provides in vivo evidence suggesting that Huh-7 is
      undoubtedly a human haemochromatotic cell line and, as such, is a valuable tool
      for investigating the pathogenesis of HFE-related HH in humans.

PMID- 22093336
TI  - Validation of fatty liver index and lipid accumulation product for predicting
      fatty liver in Korean population.

PMID- 22093337
TI  - Prevalence of cognitive impairment in individuals aged over 65 in an urban area:
      DERIVA study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI)
      in Spain, and the existing information shows important variations depending on
      the geographical setting and the methodology employed. The aim of this study was
      to determine the prevalence of CI in individuals aged over 65 in an urban area,
      and to analyze its associated risk factors. METHODS:  DESIGN: A descriptive,
      cross-sectional, home questionnaire-based study; SETTING: Populational, urban
      setting. PARTICIPANTS: The reference population comprised over-65s living in the
      city of Salamanca (Spain) in 2009. Randomized sampling stratified according to
      health district was carried out, and a total of 480 people were selected. In all,
      327 patients were interviewed (68.10%), with a mean age of 76.35 years (SD:
      7.33). Women accounted for 64.5% of the total. MEASUREMENTS: A home health
      questionnaire was used to obtain the following data: age, sex, educational level,
      family structure, morbidity and functionality. All participants completed a
      neuropsychological test battery. The prevalence data were compared with those of
      the European population, with direct adjustment for age and sex. Diagnoses were
      divided into three general categories: normal cognitive function, cognitive
      impairment - no dementia (CIND), and dementia. RESULTS: The prevalence of CI
      among these over-65s was 19% (14.7% CIND and 4.3% dementia). The age-and sex
      adjusted global prevalence of CI was 14.9%. CI increased with age (p < 0.001) and
      decreased with increasing educational level (p < 0.001). Significant risk factors
      were found with the multivariate analyses: age (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.03-1.12),
      anxiety-depression (OR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.61-7.51) and diabetes (OR = 2.07, 95%CI:
      1.02-4.18). In turn, years of education was found to be a protective factor (OR =
      0.79, 95%CI: 0.70-0.90). Although CI was more frequent among women and in people
      living without a partner, these characteristics were not significantly associated
      with CI risk. CONCLUSIONS: The observed raw prevalence of CI was 19% (14.9% after
      adjusting for age and sex). Older age and the presence of diabetes and anxiety
      depression increased the risk of CI, while higher educational level reduced the
      risk.

PMID- 22093338
TI  - Microfluidics for the deposition of density gradients of immobilized
      oligonucleotide probes; developing surfaces that offer spatial control of the
      stringency of DNA hybridization.
AB  - A method for the development of continuous density gradients of immobilized
      oligonucleotide probes (20mer) along the length of microfluidic channels is
      demonstrated. The development of continuous density gradients was achieved using
      variable electrokinetic transport of probes in hybrid glass-polydimethylsiloxane
      microfluidic chips. The probes were terminated with an amine functional group,
      and were delivered by electrokinetic pumping to the flat glass channel wall after
      it had been densely coated with covalently immobilized aldehyde groups. This
      method provided probe immobilization densities ranging from 4.5(+/-0.8)*10(13) to
      2.5(+/-0.8)*10(11) molecules cm(-2), with longitudinal dilution and differential
      mass transport of the injected plug of probes being the primary factors
      responsible for the gradient of density. The utility of the resulting density
      gradient of immobilized probes to control the selectivity of hybridization was
      demonstrated at room temperature by discrimination between a fully complementary
      oligonucleotide target, and a target strand containing 3 base pair mismatches (3
      BPM) based on the spatial pattern of hybridization for sub-picomole quantities of
      targets. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination was possible when
      temperature control was implemented to improve resolution of the mismatch
      discrimination, allowing SNP discrimination at 35  degrees C with a contrast
      ratio of almost 5 to 1.

PMID- 22093339
TI  - Applicability of multisyringe chromatography coupled to cold-vapor atomic
      fluorescence spectrometry for mercury speciation analysis.
AB  - In this paper, a novel automatic approach for the speciation of inorganic mercury
      (Hg(2+)), methylmercury (MeHg(+)) and ethylmercury (EtHg(+)) using multisyringe
      chromatography (MSC) coupled to cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry
      (CV/AFS) was developed. For the first time, the separation of mercury species was
      accomplished on a RP C18 monolithic column using a multi-isocratic elution
      program. The elution protocol involved the use of 0.005% 2-mercapthoethanol in
      240 mM ammonium acetate (pH 6)-acetonitrile (99:1, v/v), followed by 0.005% 2
      mercapthoethanol in 240 mM ammonium acetate (pH 6)-acetonitrile (90:10, v/v). The
      eluted mercury species were then oxidized under post-column UV radiation and
      reduced using tin(II) chloride in an acidic medium. Subsequently, the generated
      mercury metal were separated from the reaction mixture and further atomized in
      the flame atomizer and detected by AFS. Under the optimized experimental
      conditions, the limits of detection (3sigma) were found to be 0.03, 0.11 and 0.09
      MUg L(-1) for MeHg(+), Hg(2+) and EtHg(+), respectively. The relative standard
      deviation (RSD, n=6) of the peak height for 3, 6 and 3 MUg L(-1) of MeHg(+),
      Hg(2+) and EtHg(+) (as Hg) ranged from 2.4 to 4.0%. Compared with the
      conventional HPLC-CV/AFS hyphenated systems, the proposed MSC-CV/AFS system
      permitted a higher sampling frequency and low instrumental and operational costs.
      The developed method was validated by the determination of a certified reference
      material DORM-2 (dogfish muscle), and was further applied for the determination
      of mercury species environmental and biological samples.

PMID- 22093341
TI  - Chemometric determination of the length distribution of single walled carbon
      nanotubes through optical spectroscopy.
AB  - Current synthesis methods for producing single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)
      do not ensure uniformity of the structure and properties, in particular the
      length, which is an important quality indicator of SWCNTs. As a result, sorting
      SWCNTs by length is an important post-synthesis processing step. For this
      purpose, convenient analysis methods are needed to characterize the length
      distribution rapidly and accurately. In this study, density gradient
      ultracentrifugation was applied to prepare length-sorted SWCNT suspensions
      containing individualized surfactant-wrapped SWCNTs. The length of sorted SWCNTs
      was first determined by atomic force microscope (AFM), and their absorbance was
      measured in ultraviolet-visible near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectroscopy.
      Chemometric methods are used to calibrate the spectra against the AFM-measured
      length distribution. The calibration model enables convenient analysis of the
      length distribution of SWCNTs through UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Various
      chemometric techniques are investigated, including pre-processing methods and non
      linear calibration models. Extended inverted signal correction, extended
      multiplicative signal correction and Gaussian process regression are found to
      provide good prediction of the length distribution of SWCNTs with satisfactory
      agreement with the AFM measurements. In summary, spectroscopy in conjunction with
      advanced chemometric techniques is a powerful analytical tool for carbon nanotube
      research.

PMID- 22093340
TI  - Quantitative trace analysis of benzene using an array of plasma-treated metal
      decorated carbon nanotubes and fuzzy adaptive resonant theory techniques.
AB  - The functionalization of carbon nanotube sidewalls with metal nanoparticles is
      exploited here to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of gas sensors operated
      at room temperature. An array of sensors using oxygen plasma treated multiwalled
      carbon nanotubes (bare and decorated with Pt, Pd or Rh nanoparticles) is shown to
      selectively detect traces of benzene (i.e., 100 ppb) in the presence of carbon
      monoxide, hydrogen sulfide or nitrogen dioxide at different humidity levels.
      Employing a quantitative fuzzy adaptive resonant theory (ART) network whose
      inputs are the responses of the sensor array, it is possible to accurately
      estimate benzene concentration in a changing background. The quantitative fuzzy
      ART is especially suited for compensating the nonlinear effects in sensor
      response caused by changes in ambient humidity, which explains why this method
      clearly outperforms partial least squares calibration models at estimating
      benzene concentration. These results open the way to design new affordable,
      wearable, sensitive and selective detectors aimed at the personal protection of
      workers subject to occupational exposure to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and
      xylenes.

PMID- 22093342
TI  - Electrochemical sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers grafted onto gold
      electrodes using click chemistry.
AB  - We have developed a three-step method to graft molecularly imprinted polymer
      (MIP) thin films onto Au electrodes. In the first step, propargyl acrylate is
      clicked onto an azidoundecanethiol (N(3)(CH(2))(11)SH)/decanethiol mixed self
      assembled monolayer (SAM). Then, by applying UV light (365 nm) in the presence of
      N,N'-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MAAM) and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the
      radical initiator, polymerization was carried out directly on the electrode
      surface in the presence of an electroactive template molecule, hydroquinone (HQ).
      Detection of HQ using the clicked-on MIP sensor was studied using
      chronoamperometry and its behavior was compared to that of a sensor prepared by
      drop-coating MIPs onto Au. The detection limit of the clicked-on MIP sensor for
      HQ was found to be 1.21+/-0.56 MUM, about four times lower than what was observed
      using the coated-on MIP sensor. In addition, the sensitivity of the clicked-on
      MIP sensor was found to be approximately three times greater than the coated-on
      MIP sensor. Apparent diffusion coefficients determined using chronoamperometry
      suggest that the improved performance is likely due to the favorable mass
      transfer characteristics of the clicked-on MIP sensing membrane.

PMID- 22093343
TI  - A sensitive enzymeless hydrogen-peroxide sensor based on epitaxially-grown Fe3O4
      thin film.
AB  - A novel and facile approach has been developed to synthesize thin films of
      magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) with epitaxial needle-like columnar grains on titanium
      nitride (TiN) buffered substrate using DC magnetron reactive sputtering. TiN
      buffer layer was first sputtered onto a substrate at 550  degrees C as a
      preferable substrate for growth following sputtering of epitaxial crystalline
      Fe(3)O(4) at 300  degrees C. The as-synthesized epitaxial Fe(3)O(4) was
      extensively characterized. The electrocatalytic activity of the epitaxial
      Fe(3)O(4) thin-film sensor against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) reduction was
      rapid with a response time less than 5 s. The sensor also exhibited an acceptable
      stability, a satisfying sensitivity of 432.2 MUA mM(-1) cm(-2), good specificity
      to the substrate, a dynamic working range of up to 0.7 mM and a low detection
      limit of 1.0 MUM. The sensor performance correlated well (R(2)=0.996) with
      results obtained using a commercial HPLC-UV device. The sensor performance was
      robust and accurate in measuring H(2)O(2) in some complex matrices. The
      advantages of relative simplicity and ease of mass production make the epitaxial
      Fe(3)O(4) thin film promising candidate for use in sensing applications.

PMID- 22093344
TI  - Optimization and evaluation of mixed-bed chemisorbents for extracting fission and
      activation products from marine and fresh waters.
AB  - Chemically selective chemisorbents are needed to monitor natural and engineered
      waters for anthropogenic releases of stable and radioactive contaminants. Here, a
      number of individual and mixtures of chemisorbents were investigated for their
      ability to extract select fission and activation product elements from marine and
      coastal waters, including Co, Zr, Ru, Ag, Te, Sb, Ba, Cs, Ce, Eu, Pa, Np, and Th.
      Conventional manganese oxide and cyanoferrate sorbents, including commercially
      available Anfezh and potassium hexacyanocobalt(II) ferrate(II) (KCFC), were
      tested along with novel nano-structured surfaces (known as Self Assembled
      Monolayers on Mesoporous Supports or SAMMS) functionalized with a variety of
      moieties including thiol, diphosphonic acid (DiPhos-), methyl-3,4
      hydroxypyridinone (HOPO-), and cyanoferrate. Extraction efficiencies were
      measured as a function of salinity, organic content, temperature, flow rate and
      sample size for both synthetic and natural fresh and saline waters under a range
      of environmentally relevant conditions. The effect of flow rate on extraction
      efficiency, from 1 to 70 mL min(-1), provided some insight on rate limitations of
      mechanisms affecting sorption processes. Optimized mixtures of sorbent-ligand
      chemistries afforded excellent retention of all target elements, except, Ba and
      Sb. Mixtures of tested chemisorbents, including MnO(2)/Anfezh and
      MnO(2)/KCFC/Thiol (1-3 mm)-SAMMS, extracted 8 of the 11 target elements studied
      to better than 80% efficiency, while a mixture of MnO(2)/Anfezh/Thiol (75-150
      MUm)-SAMMS mixture was able to extract 7 of the 11 target elements to better than
      90%. Results generated here indicate that flow rate should be less of a
      consideration for experimental design if sampling from fresh water containing
      variable amounts of DOM, rather than collecting samples from salt water
      environments. Relative to the capability of any single type of chemisorbent
      tested, optimized mixtures of several sorbents are able to increase the number of
      elements that can be efficiently and simultaneously extracted from natural
      waters.

PMID- 22093345
TI  - Graphene-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion for extraction of polybrominated
      diphenyl ethers and their methoxylated and hydroxylated analogs from
      environmental samples.
AB  - In this work, we developed a novel graphene-assisted matrix solid-phase
      dispersion (GA-MSPD) method for extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers
      (PBDEs) and their methoxylated (MeO-) and hydroxylated (OH-) analogs from
      environmental samples. We found that grinding the solid sample with chemically
      converted graphene (CCG) powder yielded a tight contact and sufficient dispersion
      of the sample matrix due to the large surface area and flexible nanosheet
      morphology of CCG. The resultant blend was eluted using a two-step elution
      strategy: PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs were eluted firstly by hexane/dichloromethane and
      analyzed by GC-ECD, and then OH-PBDEs were eluted by acetone and determined by LC
      ESI-MS/MS. The GA-MSPD conditions were optimized in detail. Better recoveries
      were obtained with GA-MSPD than with other sorbents (C18 silica, Florisil and
      carbon nanotubes) and other extraction techniques (Soxhlet and accelerated
      solvent extraction). Other advantages of GA-MSPD, including reduced consumption
      of sorbent and solvent, good selectivity and short extraction time, were also
      demonstrated. In analysis of soil samples, the method detection limits of five
      PBDEs, ten MeO-PBDEs and ten OH-PBDEs were in the range of 5.9-28.7, 14.3-46.6,
      and 5.3-212.6 pg g(-1) dry weight, respectively. The proposed method was
      successfully applied to the extraction of PBDEs, MeO-PBDEs and OH-PBDEs from
      different kinds of spiked environmental samples, including soil, tree bark and
      fish.

PMID- 22093346
TI  - Determination of trace impurities in cosmetic intermediates by ion mobility
      spectrometry.
AB  - The cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are continuously demanding fast,
      efficient, cost-effective analytical methods to monitor production processes and
      assure end-product quality. The presence of residual reagents or impurities
      formed during a synthetic process can have an adverse impact on product quality,
      assurance of which requires using increasingly sensitive analytical methods to
      facilitate the detection and/or determination of toxic compounds with potentially
      hazardous effects on consumer's health. In this work, we assessed the potential
      of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) for the detection and quantitation of
      dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) residues in stearamidopropyldimethylamine
      (SAPDA) production samples. The influence of instrumental variables including
      solvent, solution drying time, injected volume and volatilization temperature was
      examined. The ensuing analytical method takes less than 1 min per analysis and
      uses only a few microlitres of sample. The calibration curve was linear over the
      DMAPA concentration range 0.030-0.500 MUg mL(-1). The proposed method was
      validated for use in control processes. The complex plasmagram for amidoamines
      allows the origin of cosmetic oils to be easily, expeditiously identified. Based
      on the results, IMS holds great promise for the qualitative and quantitative
      determination of the studied amide and various others in cosmetic products.

PMID- 22093347
TI  - Nanoparticle assembled microcapsules for application as pH and ammonia sensor.
AB  - The encapsulation of molecular probes in a suitable nanostructured matrix can be
      exploited to alter their optical properties and robustness for fabricating
      efficient chemical sensors. Despite high sensitivity, simplicity, selectivity and
      cost effectiveness, the photo-destruction and photo-bleaching are the serious
      concerns while utilizing molecular probes. Herein we demonstrate that hydroxy
      pyrene trisulfonate (HPTS), a pH sensitive molecular probe, when encapsulated in
      a microcapsule structure prepared via the assembly of silica nanoparticles
      mediated by poly-L-lysine and trisodium citrate, provides a robust sensing
      material for pH sensing under the physiological conditions. The temporal
      evolution under continuous irradiation indicates that the fluorophore inside the
      silica microcapsule is extraordinarily photostable. The fluorescence intensity
      alternation at dual excitation facilitates for a ratiometic sensing of the pH,
      however, the fluorescence lifetime is insensitive to hydrogen ion concentration.
      The sensing scheme is found to be robust, fast and simple for the measurement of
      pH in the range 5.8-8.0, and can be successfully applied for the determination of
      ammonia in the concentration range 0-1.2 mM, which is important for aquatic life
      and the environment.

PMID- 22093348
TI  - Simple and fast fluorescence detection of benzoyl peroxide in wheat flour by N
      methoxy rhodamine-6G spirolactam based on consecutive chemical reactions.
AB  - Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as a brightener is often added to wheat flour, and
      excessive use of this food additive is receiving increasing concern. Herein, a
      simple and fast method for fluorescence detection of BPO is proposed based on
      consecutive chemical reactions. In this approach, BPO first oxidizes Fe(2+) into
      Fe(3+) and the resulting Fe(3+) then induces the opening of the spirolactam ring
      of a new rhodamine derivative, N-methoxy rhodamine-6G spirolactam, switching on
      fluorescence of the detection system. More importantly, the fluorescence response
      of the reaction system to BPO is rather rapid and sensitive, with a detection
      limit of 6 mg kg(-1) (k=3), which makes it to be of great potential use in food
      safety analysis. The applicability of the proposed method has been successfully
      demonstrated on the determination of BPO in wheat flour samples.

PMID- 22093349
TI  - Silver nanoparticle-treated filter paper as a highly sensitive surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for detection of tyrosine in aqueous solution.
AB  - Highly sensitive SERS substrates based on deposition of silver nanoparticles on
      commercially available filter paper were prepared in this work, and used to
      overcome problems found in analyses of aqueous samples. To prepare silver
      nanoparticle- (AgNP) doped filter substrates, a silver mirror reaction was used.
      The procedures for substrate preparation were systematically optimized.
      Pretreatment of filter paper, reaction time, temperature, and concentration of
      reagents for silver mirror reactions were studied. The morphologies of the
      resulting substrates were characterized by field-emission scanning electron
      microscopy (FE-SEM) and correlated with the SERS signals by probing with p
      nitrothiophenol (pNTP). Filter papers with different pretreatments were found to
      have different sizes and distributions of AgNPs. The best performance was found
      when filter paper was pre-treated with ammonia solution before growth of AgNPs.
      Based on the SEM images, the resulting AgNPs had roughly spherical shape with a
      high degree of uniformity. The silver-coated filter paper substrates provide much
      higher SERS signals compared to glass substrates and the reproducibility was
      improved significantly. Based on statistical analyses, the relative standard
      deviations for substrate-to-substrate and spot-to-spot were both were less than
      8% and the enhancement factors for the substrates were, in general, higher than
      107. The SERS substrates were used to selectively detect tyrosine in aqueous
      solution. Results indicate that filter-based SERS substrates are highly suited to
      detection of tyrosine. Compared to glass-based SERS substrates, 50 times more
      SERS signal was observed in detection of tyrosine. The linear range can be up to
      100 MUM with a detection limit of 625 nM (SN(-1)=3).

PMID- 22093350
TI  - Synthesis and characterisation of immunogens for the production of antibodies
      against small hydrophobic molecules with biosignature properties.
AB  - In the present study, five different classes of small hydrophobic molecular
      targets, atypical for antibody generation, were structurally modified in order to
      introduce suitable reactive functionalities and/or spacers which allow covalent
      coupling to a carrier protein resulting in a stable carrier-hapten complex. These
      targets were chosen to serve as markers of extant and/or extinct life in the
      context of the development of the Life Marker Chip (LMC), an antibody-based
      instrument, which is being developed by a UK-led international consortium for
      flight to Mars on board the joint ESA/NASA Mars exploration ExoMars mission. The
      hapten-protein conjugates were designed to be used as immunogens for antibody
      generation and immunoassay reagents in subsequent stages of the LMC development.
      The extent of protein modification due to covalent attachment of hapten was
      determined by two independent methods, i.e. trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBSA)
      titrations of remaining protein reactive groups and matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) of the resultant hapten
      protein conjugates. In a further quality validation step, the conjugates were
      presented to an animal's immune system and polyclonal antibody titres with
      moderate specificity were obtained. These results suggest that conjugates
      synthesized as described herein can successfully be used in the generation of
      antibodies targeting small hydrophobic molecules.

PMID- 22093352
TI  - Terbium hybrid particles with spherical shape as luminescent probe for detection
      of Cu2+ and Fe3+ in water.
AB  - A novel green emissive terbium inorganic-polymeric hybrid particle was designed
      and this material could detect cations in water. Polyvinyl alcohol as an
      amphiphilic surfactant rendered the powders dispersible in water with regular
      round shape (10-20 MUm). Interestingly, we noticed that not only Cu(2+)
      (detection limit 10(-4)M) but also Fe(3+) (detection limit 10(-4) M) can give
      rise to emission quenching to this target material in comparison with K(+),
      Na(+), Fe(2+), Mn(2+), Pd(2+), Cd(2+) and Co(2+) (10(-3) mol L(-1)). We regarded
      that the coordination interactions between ligand and metal ions resulted in
      these quenching processes. Additionally, it was found that the sensing material
      can be repeatedly used at least 5 cycles. More importantly, this novel material
      demonstrated higher thermal-stability in aqueous media than pure silica hybrid
      material.

PMID- 22093351
TI  - Selective recognition of monohydrogen phosphate by fluorescence enhancement of a
      new cerium complex.
AB  - Bis(8-hydroxy quinoline-5-solphonate) cerium(III) chloride (Ce(QS)(2)Cl) (L) was
      synthesized and then used as a novel fluorescent sensor for anion recognition.
      Preliminarily study showed that fluorescence of L enhanced selectively in the
      presence of HPO(4)(2-) ion. This enhancement is attributed to a 1:1 complex
      formation between L and HPO(4)(2-) anion. The association constant of 1:1 complex
      of L-HPO(4)(2-) was calculated as 3.0*10(6). Thus, L was utilized as a basis for
      a selective detection of HPO(4)(2-) anion in solution. The linear response range
      of the proposed fluorescent chemo-sensor covers a concentration range of HPO(4)(2
      ) from 3.3*10(-7) to 5.0*10(-6) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 2.5*10(-8)
      mol L(-1). L showed selective and sensitive fluorescence enhancement response
      toward HPO(4)(2-) ion in comparison with I(3)(-), NO(3)(-), CN(-), CO(3)(2-), Br(
      ), Cl(-), F(-), H(2)PO(4)(-) and SO(4)(2-) ions. It was probably attributed to
      the higher stability of the inorganic complex between HPO(4)(2-) ion and L. The
      method was successfully applied for analysis of phosphate ions in some
      fertilizers samples.

PMID- 22093353
TI  - Development of a highly sensitive and robust Cor a 9 specific enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay for the detection of hazelnut traces.
AB  - Allergy to tree nuts represents an acute health problem. Sensitized people can be
      inadvertently exposed to hidden allergens resulting from cross-contamination of
      foods. For this reason, reliable and highly sensitive analytical methods are
      needed to be developed for control and labeling of food ingredients and products.
      In the present paper we have proposed a new allergen specific sandwich-ELISA for
      hazelnut operated in optical and electrochemical modes. The ELISA was based on
      chicken egg yolk antibodies raised against a major hazelnut allergen, Cor a 9.
      The developed ELISA has a limit of detection in phosphate buffer of 4 ng mL(-1).
      No significant cross-reactivity with peanut, wheat or other food ingredients has
      been detected. Extracts of blank control cookies did not show any false positive
      response and the limit of detection in cookies was estimated to be 0.1 MUg of
      hazelnut protein per g of food (0.1 ppm). The ELISA protocol was successfully
      adapted to operate in electrochemical mode and it was applied for the detection
      of hazelnut traces in cookies.

PMID- 22093354
TI  - A simple, rapid and high-throughput fluorescence polarization immunoassay for
      simultaneous detection of organophosphorus pesticides in vegetable and
      environmental water samples.
AB  - A simple, rapid and high-throughput fluorescent polarization immunoassay (FPIA)
      for simultaneous determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) using a broad
      specificity monoclonal antibody was developed. The effects of tracer structure,
      tracer concentration, antibody dilution, methanol content and matrix effect on
      FPIA performance were studied. The FPIA can detect 5 OPs simultaneously with a
      limit of detection below 10 ng mL(-1). The time required for the equilibrium of
      antibody-antigen interaction was less than 10 min. The recovery from spiked
      vegetable and environmental samples ranged from 71.3% to 126.8%, with the
      coefficient of variations ranging from 3.5% to 14.5%. The developed FPIA was
      applied to samples, followed by confirmation with high-performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis. The developed FPIA
      demonstrated good accuracy and reproducibility, and is suitable for rapid and
      high-throughput screening for OP contamination with high-efficiency and low cost.

PMID- 22093355
TI  - A colorimetric probe for online analysis of sulfide based on the red shifts of
      longitudinal surface plasmon resonance absorption resulting from the stripping of
      gold nanorods.
AB  - A gold nanorods (GNRs) nonaggregation-based colorimetric probe has been developed
      for the detection of S(2-) based on that the longitudinal surface plasmon
      resonance absorption wavelength (LPAW) of GNRs red shifts (Deltalambda) and the
      color of the solution distinctly changes on account of the faster stripping of
      GNRs along longitudinal axis than transverse axis in the process of GNRs reacting
      with S(2-) ions to form Au(2)S complexes on the GNRs surfaces. The GNRs probe
      exhibits highly sensitive and selective response toward S(2-) with a wide linear
      range from 10.0 to 10000.0 MUM. The proposed colorimetric probe can be used to
      visibly detect S(2-) in water samples on line in 15 min with the results agreeing
      well with those of the optical sensor, showing its great practicality. Moreover,
      the detection mechanism of the probe is also discussed.

PMID- 22093356
TI  - Synthesis in aqueous solution and characterisation of a new cobalt-doped ZnS
      quantum dot as a hybrid ratiometric chemosensor.
AB  - In this paper, cobalt (Co(2+))-doped (CoD) ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are synthesised
      in aqueous solution and characterised for the first time. L-Cysteine (L-Cys)
      ligands on the surface of CoD ZnS QDs can bind 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) to
      form Meisenheimer complexes (MHCs) mainly through acid-base pairing interactions
      between TNT and L-Cys and the assistance of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic co
      interactions among L-Cys intermolecules. The aggregation of inter-dots induced by
      MHCs greatly influenced the light scattering property of the QDs in aqueous
      solution, and Rayleigh scattering (RS) enhancement at the defect-related emission
      wavelengths as well as its left side was observed with the excitation of CoD ZnS
      QDs by violet light. RS enhancement, combining with the quenching of the orange
      transition emission induced by TNT anions, resulted in a change in the
      ratiometric visualisation of the system being investigated. A novel CoD ZnS QD
      based hybrid ratiometric chemosensor has therefore been developed for simple and
      sensitive analysis of TNT in water. This ratiometric probe can assay down to 25
      nM TNT in solution without interference from a matrix of real water sample and
      other nitroaromatic compounds. Because of the excellent electron-accepting
      ability and strong affinity of TNT to L-Cys on the surface of CoD ZnS QDs, the
      CoD photoluminescent nanomaterials reported here are well suited for detecting
      ultra-trace TNT and for distinguishing different nitro-compounds in aqueous
      solution.

PMID- 22093357
TI  - Sensitivity evaluation of rhodamine B hydrazide towards nitric oxide and its
      application for macrophage cells imaging.
AB  - A colorless and non-fluorescent rhodamine derivative, rhodamine B hydrazide (RH),
      is applied to detect nitric oxide and form fluorescent rhodamine B (RB). The
      reaction mechanism of RH with NO is proposed in this study. The probe shows good
      stability over a broad pH range (pH>4). Furthermore, fluorescence intensity of RH
      displays an excellent linearity to the NO concentration and the detection limit
      is as low as 20 nM. A 1000-fold fluorescence turn-on from a dark background was
      observed. Moreover, the selectivity study indicated that the fluorescence
      intensity increasing in the presence of NO was significantly higher than those of
      other reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. In exogenously generated NO detection
      study, clear intracellular red fluorescence was observed in the presence of S
      nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP, a kind of NO releasing agent). In
      endogenously generated NO detection study, increasing incubation time of RH with
      lipopolysaccharied (LPS) pre-treated cells could obtain a highly fluorescent cell
      image. These cell imaging results demonstrated that RH can efficiently penetrate
      into Raw 264.7 cells and be used for detection of exogenously and endogenously
      generated nitric oxide.

PMID- 22093358
TI  - Development of a polymerase chain reaction and capillary gel electrophoresis
      method for the detection of chicken or turkey meat in heat-treated pork meat
      mixtures.
AB  - A polymerase chain reaction and capillary gel electrophoresis (PCR-CGE) method
      with ultraviolet (UV) or laser induced fluorescence detection (LIF) was
      established for the detection of chicken or turkey in heat-treated pork meat
      mixtures. Mitochondrial DNA samples extracted from heat treated meat were
      amplified with their corresponding specific primers yielding PCR products between
      200 and 300 bp. LIF detection was superior than UV detection in terms of
      precision and sensitivity for the study of DNA fragments. The CGE-LIF method was
      highly reproducible and accurate for determining DNA fragment size. The PCR-CGE
      LIF was sensitive since a significant fluorescent signal was obtained at the
      minimum admixture level employed of 1% in meat mixtures. Thus, the PCR-CGE-LIF
      method established was useful for the detection of chicken or turkey in heat
      treated meat mixtures and may prove to be useful for the detection of poultry
      meat in pork processed products.

PMID- 22093359
TI  - Determination of triazine herbicides in environmental water samples by high
      performance liquid chromatography using graphene-coated magnetic nanoparticles as
      adsorbent.
AB  - In this paper, a graphene-based Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles (G-Fe(3)O(4)
      MNPs) was used as the adsorbent for the magnetic solid-phase extraction of some
      triazine herbicides (atrazine, prometon, propazine and prometryn) in
      environmental water samples followed by high performance liquid chromatography
      diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). After the extraction, the adsorbent can be
      conveniently separated from the aqueous samples by an external magnet. The main
      factors influencing the extraction efficiency including the amount of the MNPs,
      the extraction time, the pH of sample solution, and desorption conditions were
      studied and optimized. Under the optimized experimental conditions, a good
      linearity was observed in the range of 0.1-50.0 ng mL(-1) for all the analytes,
      with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9996 to 0.9999. The limits
      of detection of the method ranged between 0.025 and 0.040 ng mL(-1). Good
      reproducibility was obtained with the relative standard deviations below 5.2%.
      The developed method was applied to the analysis of the triazine herbicides in
      different water samples (lake, river and reservoir). The recoveries of the method
      were in the range between 89.0% and 96.2%.

PMID- 22093360
TI  - Variance decomposition of protein profiles from antibody arrays using a
      longitudinal twin model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of affinity-based proteomics technologies for global
      protein profiling provides the prospect of finding new molecular biomarkers for
      common, multifactorial disorders. The molecular phenotypes obtained from studies
      on such platforms are driven by multiple sources, including genetic,
      environmental, and experimental components. In characterizing the contribution of
      different sources of variation to the measured phenotypes, the aim is to
      facilitate the design and interpretation of future biomedical studies employing
      exploratory and multiplexed technologies. Thus, biometrical genetic modelling of
      twin or other family data can be used to decompose the variation underlying a
      phenotype into biological and experimental components. RESULTS: Using antibody
      suspension bead arrays and antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas, we study
      unfractionated serum from a longitudinal study on 154 twins. In this study, we
      provide a detailed description of how the variation in a molecular phenotype in
      terms of protein profile can be decomposed into familial i.e. genetic and common
      environmental; individual environmental, short-term biological and experimental
      components. The results show that across 69 antibodies analyzed in the study, the
      median proportion of the total variation explained by familial sources is 12%
      (IQR 1-22%), and the median proportion of the total variation attributable to
      experimental sources is 63% (IQR 53-72%). CONCLUSION: The variability analysis of
      antibody arrays highlights the importance to consider variability components and
      their relative contributions when designing and evaluating studies for biomarker
      discoveries with exploratory, high-throughput and multiplexed methods.

PMID- 22093361
TI  - Effect of thermal expansion mismatch on the Y-TZP/veneer interfacial adhesion
      determined by strain energy release rate.
AB  - PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of differences in the
      thermal expansion behaviour of veneering ceramics on the adhesion to Y-TZP, using
      a fracture mechanics approach. METHODS: Seven veneering ceramics (VM7, VM9, VM13,
      Lava Ceram, Zirox, Triceram, Allux) and one Y-TZP ceramic were investigated.
      Thermal expansion coefficients and glass transition temperatures were determined
      to calculate residual stresses (sigma(R), MPa) between core and veneer.
      Subsequently, the veneering ceramics were fired onto rectangular shaped zirconia
      specimens, ground flat and notched on the veneering porcelain side. Then
      specimens were loaded in a four-point bending test and load-displacement curves
      were recorded. The critical load to induce stable crack extension at the adhesion
      interface was evaluated to calculate the strain energy release rate (G, J/m(2))
      for each system. RESULTS: Residual stresses ranged from -48.3+/-1.5MPa (VM7) to
      36.1+/-4.8MPa (VM13) with significant differences between all groups (p<0.05).
      The strain energy release rate of the Y-TZP/veneer specimens ranged from 8.2+/
      1.7J/m(2) (Lava Ceram) to 17.1+/-2.8J/m(2) (VM9). Values for G could not be
      obtained with the VM7, Allux and VM13 specimens, due to spontaneous debonding or
      unstable crack growth. Except for Triceram and Zirox specimens, strain energy
      release rate was significantly different between all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Thermal residual stresses and strain energy release rates were correlated. Slight
      compressive stresses in the region of -20MPa were beneficial for the Y-TZP/veneer
      interfacial adhesion. Stresses higher or lower than this value exhibited
      decreased adhesion.

PMID- 22093362
TI  - Effect of vertical misfit on strain within screw-retained implant titanium and
      zirconia frameworks.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the implication of vertical misfit on strain within implant
      frameworks manufactured in titanium or zirconia. METHODS: A master model was
      fabricated by inserting a Branemark implant in left side of a mandibular model in
      the area of the first premolar and the first molar. This model was used to
      fabricate identical frameworks, five in titanium and five in zirconia. A single
      strain gauge was mounted on the occlusal surface of each framework to assess
      strain development as a result of framework fitting. In addition, the peak-to
      peak strain amplitude was measured for each framework to determine the strain
      pattern fluctuation. The vertical gap of the framework-implant interface was
      measured using a measuring microscope, when only one screw was tightened (1-screw
      test) and when both screws were tightened (2-screw test). The vertical fit of the
      frameworks was altered by adding one to three layers of 30 MUm steel shims on one
      of the implants. RESULTS: For all fitting conditions, measurable amount of
      strains were recorded, however, as the vertical misfit was introduced, linear
      increase in framework strain was detected. The titanium and zirconia frameworks
      exhibited similar strain activities. A direct relationship was observed between
      the framework strain and vertical gap. CONCLUSIONS: Framework misfit clearly
      influenced the framework strain magnitude and pattern. The framework material did
      not affect the framework strain for a similar level of misfit.

PMID- 22093363
TI  - Multiple Trypanosoma infections are common amongst Glossina species in the new
      farming areas of Rufiji district, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis are among several factors that
      constrain livestock development in Tanzania. Over the years Rufiji District was
      excluded from livestock production owing to tsetse fly infestation, however, a
      few years ago there was an influx of livestock following evictions aimed at
      conserving the Usangu wetlands. METHODS: A study was conducted to determine the
      efficiency of available traps for catching tsetse flies, Glossina species
      infesting the area, their infection rates and Trypanosoma species circulating in
      the area. Trapping was conducted during the semi dry season for a total of 30
      days (ten days each month) during the onset of the dry season of May - July 2009.
      Harvested flies after every 24 hours were dissected and examined under a light
      microscope for trypanosome infections and whole fly DNA was extracted from 82
      flies and analyzed for trypanosomes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using
      different sets of primers. RESULTS: The proportions of total tsetse catches per
      trap were in the following decreasing order S3 (33%), H-Trap (27%), Pyramidal
      (19%), sticky panel (11%) and biconical trap (10%). Of the 1200 trapped flies,
      75.6% were identified as Glossina pallidipes, 11.7% as G. brevipalpis, 9.6% as G.
      austeni and 3.0% G. morsitans morsitans. Dissections revealed the overall
      infection rate of 6.6% (13/197). Whole DNA was extracted from 82 tsetse flies and
      the prevalence of trypanosomes circulating in the area in descending order was
      92.7% (76/82) for T. simiae; 70.7% (58/82) for T. brucei types; 48.8% (40/82) for
      the T. vivax types and 32.9% (27/82) for the T. congolense types as determined by
      PCR. All trypanosome types were found in all tsetse species analysed except for
      the T. congolense types, which were absent in G. m. morsitans. None of the T.
      brucei positive samples contained human infective trypanosomes by SRA - PCR test
      CONCLUSION: All tsetse species found in Rufiji are biologically important in the
      transmission of animal trypanosomiasis and the absence of T. congolense in G. m.
      morsitans could be a matter of chance only. Therefore, plans for control should
      consider all tsetse species.

PMID- 22093364
TI  - Identification and characterization of novel spliced variants of PRMT2 in breast
      carcinoma.
AB  - Protein N-arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) participate in a number of cellular
      processes, including cell growth, nuclear/cytoplasmic protein shuttling,
      differentiation, RNA splicing and post-transcriptional regulation. PRMT2 (also
      known as HRMT1L1) is clearly involved in lung function, the inflammatory
      response, apoptosis promotion, Wnt signaling and leptin signaling regulation
      through different mechanisms. In this study, we report the molecular and cell
      biological characterization of three novel PRMT2 splice variants isolated from
      breast cancer cells and referred to as PRMT2alpha, PRMT2beta and PRMT2gamma.
      Compared with the wild-type PRMT2, these variants lack different motifs and
      therefore generate distinct C-terminal domains. Confocal microscopy scanning
      revealed a distinct intracellular localization of PRMT2 variants, suggesting that
      the alternatively spliced C-terminus of PRMT2 can directly influence its
      subcellular localization. Our findings reveal that these variants are capable of
      binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) both in vitro and in vivo, and the N
      terminal regions of these variants contribute to ERalpha-PRMT2 interactions.
      Furthermore, these variants were proved to be able to enhance ERalpha-mediated
      transactivation activity. Luciferase reporter assays showed that PRMT2s could
      modulate promoter activities of the ERalpha-targeted genes of Snail and E
      cadherin. In addition, PRMT2 silencing could enhance 17beta-estradiol-induced
      proliferation by regulating E2F1 expression and E2F1-responsive genes in ERalpha
      positive breast cancer cells. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that
      overall PRMT2 expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and
      significantly associated with ERalpha positivity status both in breast cancer
      cell lines and breast cancer tissues. We speculate that PRMT2 and its splice
      variants may directly modulate ERalpha signaling and play a role in the
      progression of breast cancer.

PMID- 22093365
TI  - Diagnosis and demarcation of skin malignancy using elastic light single
      scattering spectroscopy: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elastic light single-scattering spectroscopy (ELSSS) is a noninvasive
      and real-time technique that has been used to differentiate tumors from
      surrounding nontumor tissue in animal models and humans. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate potential application of ELSSS as an adjunctive tool for noninvasive,
      in vivo, real-time differentiation of malignant and benign skin lesions and to
      detect positive surgical margins of excised biopsy samples. METHODS: In vivo
      spectroscopic measurements were performed on 28 lesions in 23 patients. The
      distribution of the lesions was as follows: nine basal cell carcinoma (BCC), four
      melanoma, two squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 13 benign lesions.
      Intraoperative margin assessments were performed on the 28 biopsy samples using
      ELSSS. RESULTS: The sign of the spectral slopes was positive for benign and
      negative for malignant tissues. It was used as a discrimination parameter between
      malignant and benign lesions with a sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 85%,
      respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the system in detecting positive
      surgical margins on 14 excised biopsy samples were 80% and 90%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: ELSSS has the potential for use as an adjunctive tool to reduce the
      number of negative biopsies and to detect positive surgical margins in real time.

PMID- 22093367
TI  - Folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 and their function in the maintenance of
      nuclear and mitochondrial genome integrity.
AB  - Folate plays a critical role in the prevention of uracil incorporation into DNA
      and hypomethylation of DNA. This activity is compromised when vitamin B12
      concentration is low because methionine synthase activity is reduced, lowering
      the concentration of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) which in turn may diminish DNA
      methylation and cause folate to become unavailable for the conversion of dUMP to
      dTMP. The most plausible explanation for the chromosome-breaking effect of low
      folate is excessive uracil misincorporation into DNA, a mutagenic lesion that
      leads to strand breaks in DNA during repair. Both in vitro and in vivo studies
      with human cells clearly show that folate deficiency causes expression of
      chromosomal fragile sites, chromosome breaks, excessive uracil in DNA,
      micronucleus formation, DNA hypomethylation and mitochondrial DNA deletions. In
      vivo studies show that folate and/or vitamin B12 deficiency and elevated plasma
      homocysteine (a metabolic indicator of folate deficiency) are significantly
      correlated with increased micronucleus formation and reduced telomere length
      respectively. In vitro experiments indicate that genomic instability in human
      cells is minimised when folic acid concentration in culture medium is greater
      than 100nmol/L. Intervention studies in humans show (a) that DNA hypomethylation,
      chromosome breaks, uracil incorporation and micronucleus formation are minimised
      when red cell folate concentration is greater than 700nmol/L and (b) micronucleus
      formation is minimised when plasma concentration of vitamin B12 is greater than
      300pmol/L and plasma homocysteine is less than 7.5MUmol/L. These concentrations
      are achievable at intake levels at or above current recommended dietary intakes
      of folate (i.e. >400MUg/day) and vitamin B12 (i.e. >2MUg/day) depending on an
      individual's capacity to absorb and metabolise these vitamins which may vary due
      to genetic and epigenetic differences.

PMID- 22093368
TI  - False-positive Aspergillus galactomannan assay in solid organ transplant
      recipients with histoplasmosis.
AB  - Post-transplantation histoplasmosis may be acquired via inhalation, may result
      from endogenous reactivation, or may be derived from the allograft. The
      Histoplasma and Aspergillus enzyme-linked immunoassays are increasingly being
      relied upon for rapid diagnosis of fungal infections, especially in
      immunocompromised patients. We describe 4 cases of solid organ transplant
      recipients who had histoplasmosis and a falsely positive Aspergillus
      galactomannan (GM) obtained from the serum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.
      We also report our experience, testing for Histoplasma antigen (Ag) in specimens
      positive for Aspergillus GM. From January 2007 through December 2010, of 2432
      unique patients who had positive Aspergillus GM tests, 514 (21%) were tested for
      Histoplasma Ag, and 27 were found to be positive. Most specimens that tested
      positive for both Aspergillus and Histoplasma were obtained by BAL. False
      positive tests for Aspergillus GM can occur in immunosuppressed patients who have
      histoplasmosis, and may obscure the correct diagnosis.

PMID- 22093369
TI  - Surface properties of bacteria sensitive and resistant to the class IIa
      carnobacteriocin Cbn BM1.
AB  - AIMS: Class IIa bacteriocins are small antimicrobial peptides synthesized by
      lactic acid bacteria. The proposed mechanisms of action for class IIa
      bacteriocins suggest that the physicochemical properties of the target bacterial
      surface govern the bacteriocin antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study is
      to decipher the relationship between both sensitivity and resistance to a class
      IIa bacteriocin, carnobacteriocin BM1 and physicochemical surface properties of
      bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was performed on 18 strains by a
      microbial adhesion to solvents process and with electrophoretic mobility
      measurements considering bacteria as soft particles. A large variation in
      bacterial surface properties is observed among the bacterial populations. Electro
      hydrodynamic parameters values appear to be more homogeneous for sensitive
      strains than for the resistant ones, which can exhibit more extreme values.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physicochemical surface properties of 18 strains determined show
      large variations between the strains. However, no direct link between these
      surface properties and the resistant/sensitive phenotypes of the strains can be
      stated. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The surface physicochemical
      properties tested have a low predictive power to discriminate sensitive or
      resistant strains when determined at the bacterial population scale.

PMID- 22093366
TI  - It all comes together at the ends: telomerase structure, function, and
      biogenesis.
AB  - Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase specialized in the addition of telomeric
      DNA repeats onto the ends of chromosomes. Telomere extension offsets the loss of
      telomeric repeats from the failure of DNA polymerases to fully replicate linear
      chromosome ends. Telomerase functions as a ribonucleoprotein, requiring an
      integral telomerase RNA (TR) component, in addition to the catalytic telomerase
      reverse transcriptase (TERT). Extensive studies have identified numerous
      structural and functional features within the TR and TERT essential for activity.
      A number of accessory proteins have also been identified with various functions
      in enzyme biogenesis, localization, and regulation. Understanding the molecular
      mechanism of telomerase function has significance for the development of
      therapies for telomere-mediated disorders and cancer. Here we review telomerase
      structural and functional features, and the techniques for assessing telomerase
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22093370
TI  - Biofortification for combating 'hidden hunger' for iron.
AB  - Micronutrient deficiencies are responsible for so-called 'hidden undernutrition'.
      In particular, iron (Fe) deficiency adversely affects growth, immune function and
      can cause anaemia. However, supplementation of iron can exacerbate infectious
      diseases and current policies of iron therapy carefully evaluate the risks and
      benefits of these interventions. Here we review the approaches of
      biofortification of valuable crops for reducing 'hidden undernutrition' of iron
      in the light of the latest nutritional and medical advances. The increase of iron
      and prebiotics in edible parts of plants is expected to improve health, whereas
      the reduction of phytic acid concentration, in crops valuable for human diet,
      might be less beneficial for the developed countries, or for the developing
      countries exposed to endemic infections.

PMID- 22093371
TI  - A structural phylogenetic map for chloroplast photosynthesis.
AB  - Chloroplasts are cytoplasmic organelles and the sites of photosynthesis in
      eukaryotic cells. Advances in structural biology and comparative genomics allow
      us to identify individual components of the photosynthetic apparatus precisely
      with respect to the subcellular location of their genes. Here we present outline
      maps of four energy-transducing thylakoid membranes. The maps for land plants and
      red and green algae distinguish protein subunits encoded in the nucleus from
      those encoded in the chloroplast. We find no defining structural feature that is
      common to all chloroplast gene products. Instead, conserved patterns of gene
      location are consistent with photosynthetic redox chemistry exerting gene
      regulatory control over its own rate-limiting steps. Chloroplast DNA carries
      genes whose expression is placed under this control.

PMID- 22093372
TI  - [Corneal sensitivity in patients treated medically for glaucoma or ocular
      hypertension].
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the corneal sensitivity in patients treated with intraocular
      pressure (IOP)-lowering medications. INTRODUCTION: Chronic administration of anti
      glaucoma drops is associated with numerous tissue changes on the ocular surface.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of these medications and
      their preservative, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), on corneal sensitivity. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients treated for glaucoma or ocular hypertension
      (OHT) and nine untreated patients were included in this study. Treated patients
      were divided into three groups according to the daily number of preserved
      eyedrops (0, 1 and >=2). Corneal sensitivity was assessed using the Cochet-Bonnet
      esthesiometer. All patients underwent a complete examination of the ocular
      surface including Schirmer testing, tear film breakup time (BUT) and corneal and
      conjunctival fluorescein staining. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)
      questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms. RESULTS: Corneal sensitivity was
      58.8+/-2.8mm, 56.2+/-5.2mm, 50.3+/-12.5mm and 44.3+/-13.6mm in untreated
      patients, in patients treated with none, one and two or more instillations of
      preserved eyedrops, respectively. Corneal sensitivity in patients treated with
      preserved eyedrops was significantly lower as compared to untreated patients
      (P<0.001) and patients treated with preservative-free eyedrops (P=0.012). Corneal
      sensitivity of patients treated with intraocular pressure-lowering medications
      was negatively correlated to the number of instillations of preserved eyedrops
      (r=-0.390 ; P<0.001) as well as to the duration of treatment (R=-0.357 ;
      P=0.001). BUT and fluorescein staining were significantly altered in treated
      patients compared to the untreated control group ; however, no significant
      difference was observed between the treated groups. There was no significant
      difference for OSDI or Schirmer testing between the various groups. CONCLUSION:
      Chronic administration of BAK-containing anti-glaucoma eyedrops appears to alter
      corneal sensitivity. These results could explain the absence of correlation
      between clinical signs and symptoms sometimes observed in patients treated for
      glaucoma or OHT.

PMID- 22093374
TI  - Eudragit E100 surface activity and lipid interactions.
AB  - Eudragit E100 (E100) is a cationic methacrylate polymer that interacts with viral
      and cell membranes. We studied the effect of pH, ionic strength and the presence
      of lipid monolayers on the surface activity of the polymer. E100 forms stable
      monolayers at the air-water interface, either by spreading or when added into the
      subphase. This behavior is highly influenced by the pH and saline concentration
      of the subphase. At pH 5 or higher, the adsorption of the polymer to the air
      water interface begins immediately after its injection into the subphase, while
      at pH below 5 E100 remains in the subphase with a particularly slow adsorption to
      the interface. In addition, low ionic strength (10 mM) in the subphase results in
      a fast adsorption of the polymer to the interface, even at pH under 5. On the
      other hand, in the presence of non-ionic (cholesterol) or anionic
      (monosialoganglioside) lipid monolayers, E100 shows a fast adsorption to the
      interface, [comma] reaching surface pressures of 25 and 36 mN m(-1),
      respectively. However, E100 barely interacts with monolayers of a zwitterionic
      lipid (hydrogenated soy lecithin) with a cut-off pressure of 11 mN m(-1). The
      interaction of E100 with GM1 micelles in the subphase reduces its surface
      activity. Altogether these results show that E100 can effectively penetrate into
      model membranes and that its amphipathic character is largely dependent on the
      chemical composition of the aqueous environment and the lipid composition of the
      membrane.

PMID- 22093373
TI  - Strong serological responses and HIV RNA increase following AS03-adjuvanted
      pandemic immunization in HIV-infected patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the antibody responses and effect on viral
      load of the AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine in HIV-infected patients.
      METHOD: A total of 121 HIV-infected patients and 138 healthy subjects were
      enrolled in a prospective, open-label study. Healthy subjects received one dose
      and HIV-infected patients two doses of the AS03-adjuvanted split influenza
      A/09/H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix(r); GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, United Kingdom.) at
      an interval of 3-4 weeks. The study was extended in 2010/2011 for 66 patients.
      Geometric mean titres (GMTs), seroprotection rates (post-vaccination titre >=
      1:40) and HIV-1 RNA levels were measured before and 4 weeks after immunization.
      RESULTS: After two immunizations, the seroprotection rate (94.2 vs. 87%,
      respectively) and GMT (376 vs. 340, respectively) in HIV-infected patients were
      as high as in healthy subjects after one dose, regardless of CD4 cell count. Four
      weeks after immunization, HIV RNA was detected in plasma samples from 40 of 68
      (58.0%) previously aviraemic patients [median 152 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL;
      interquartile range (IQR) 87-509 copies/mL]. Subsequent measures indicated that
      HIV RNA levels had again declined to <20 copies/mL in most patients (27 of 34;
      79.4%). Following (nonadjuvanted) influenza immunization in 2010/2011, HIV RNA
      levels only slightly increased (median final level 28 copies/mL) in three of 66
      (4.5%) previously aviraemic patients, including two of 25 (8%) patients in whom
      an increase had been elicited by AS03-adjuvanted vaccine the year before.
      CONCLUSION: Most HIV-infected patients developed seroprotection after two doses
      of AS03-adjuvanted pandemic vaccine. A transient effect on HIV RNA levels was
      observed in previously aviraemic patients. A booster dose of the nonadjuvanted
      influenza vaccine containing the A/09/H1N1 strain the following year did not
      reproduce this finding, indicating a non-antigen-specific adjuvant effect.

PMID- 22093375
TI  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of parotid gland treated with surgery and radiotherapy:
      long-term outcomes, QoL assessment and review of the literature.
AB  - To assess outcomes, toxicity and quality-of-life (QoL) of patients with parotid
      gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (PGACC) treated by surgery and postoperative
      radiotherapy. Between 1995 and 2010, 46 patients with PGACC were treated with
      parotidectomy+/-neck dissection followed by radiotherapy. Endpoints were loco
      regional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free (DMFS), disease-free (DFS), cause
      specific (CSS), and overall survival (OS), late toxicity, and QoL. After a median
      follow-up of 58 months (range 4-171), the 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of LRC,
      DMFS, DFS, CSS, and OS were 88%, 78%, 75%, 80%, and 67%, respectively and the 8
      year rates were 88%, 75%, 72%, 77%, and 64%, respectively. On multivariate
      analysis, T-stage, N-stage, tumor grade, and perineural invasion correlate
      significantly with DMFS and DFS. The overall 5-year cumulative incidence of grade
      >=2 late toxicity was 9%. QoL-scores deteriorate during and shortly after
      treatment but returned in all scales to almost baseline levels within 6 months.
      Excellent LRC rates were achieved in patients with PGACC treated by surgery and
      postoperative radiotherapy with low rate of late side-effects and preservation of
      good QoL. Despite the effective local therapy, 9 of 46 patients (20%) failed
      distantly. Because effective treatment strategies for this problem are lacking,
      prospective trials are needed to determine the role of adjuvant systemic or
      targeted therapy in patients at high risk of DM.

PMID- 22093376
TI  - Trends and inequalities in laryngeal cancer survival in men and women: England
      and Wales 1991-2006.
AB  - Laryngeal cancer in men is a relatively common malignancy, with a marked
      socioeconomic gradient in survival between affluent and deprived patients. Cancer
      of the larynx in women is rare. Survival tends to lower than for men, and little
      is known about the association between deprivation and survival in women with
      laryngeal cancer. This paper explores the trends and socio-economic inequalities
      in laryngeal cancer survival in women, with comparison to men. We examined
      relative survival among men and women diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in England
      and Wales during 1991-2006, followed up to 31 December 2007. We estimated the
      difference in survival between the most deprived and most affluent groups (the
      'deprivation gap') at one and five years after diagnosis, for each sex,
      anatomical subsite and calendar period. Five year survival for all laryngeal
      cancers combined was up to 8% lower in women than in men. This difference is only
      partially explained by the differential distribution of anatomical subsites in
      men and women. Disparities in survival between men and women were also present
      within specific subsites. In contrast to men, there was little evidence of a
      consistent deprivation gap in survival for women at any of the anatomical
      subsites. The stark socioeconomic inequalities in laryngeal cancer survival in
      men do not appear to be replicated in women. The origins of the socio-economic
      inequalities in survival among men, and the disparities in survival between men
      and women at specific tumour subsites remains unclear.

PMID- 22093377
TI  - Metabolic effects of sleeve gastrectomy in female rat model of diet-induced
      obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although women disproportionately undergo bariatric surgery, the
      rodent models investigating the mechanisms of bariatric surgery have been limited
      to males. Female rodent models can also potentially allow us to understand the
      effects of surgical intervention on future generations of offspring. Sleeve
      gastrectomy is an attractive weight loss procedure for reproductive-age female
      patients because it avoids the malabsorption associated with intestinal bypass.
      We sought to evaluate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on young female rats with
      diet-induced obesity at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen
      School of Medicine. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley female rats were fed a 60% high-fat
      diet. At 12 weeks of age, the rats underwent either sleeve gastrectomy or sham
      surgery. The rats were killed 4 weeks after surgery. A chemistry panel was
      performed, and the serum adipokines and gut hormones were assayed. The
      homeostasis model assessment score was calculated. The liver histologic findings
      were graded for steatosis. The 2-sample t test was used to compare the results
      between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Sleeve gastrectomy was associated with significant
      weight loss (5% +/- 6% versus -4% +/- 6%; P < .001), lower leptin levels (1.3 +/-
      1.2 versus 3.5 +/- 2.3 ng/mL; P < .01), and higher adiponectin levels (.43 +/-
      .19 versus .17 +/- .14 ng/mL; P < .004) compared with the sham-operated rats. No
      significant differences were found in the fasting ghrelin levels. Furthermore, we
      did not observe evidence of insulin resistance or steatohepatitis after 11 weeks
      of high-fat diet. Despite these limitations, additional gender-specific studies
      are warranted given that most bariatric surgeries are performed in women.
      CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy appears to result in weight loss and improvements
      in adiponectin and leptin by way of mechanisms independent of ghrelin levels in a
      female model of diet-induced obesity.

PMID- 22093378
TI  - Laparoscopic bariatric surgery for those with body mass index of 70-125 kg/m2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the extremely obese are
      limited. Technical difficulties, in addition to the patients' severe weight
      related co-morbidities, can compromise the safety of bariatric surgery in these
      patients. Our objectives were to assess the safety and feasibility of
      laparoscopic bariatric surgery in extremely obese patients and to compare the
      outcomes of different surgical approaches at a bariatric surgery center of
      excellence in an academic medical center. METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively
      collected database and identified all patients with a body mass index (BMI) of >=
      70 kg/m(2) who had undergone bariatric surgery. The data on patient demographics,
      baseline characteristics, and outcomes of bariatric surgery were retrieved.
      RESULTS: A total of 49 patients with a mean BMI of 80.7 kg/m(2) (range 70-125)
      underwent 61 bariatric procedures. Of the 49 patients, 26 underwent sleeve
      gastrectomy, 11 gastric bypass, and 12 underwent a 2-stage procedure (sleeve
      gastrectomy followed by gastric bypass). At a mean follow-up of 17.4 months, the
      average BMI had decreased to 60.9 kg/m(2) (36% excess weight loss). Overall, the
      patients who underwent a 2-stage procedure achieved greater percentage of excess
      weight loss (54.5%) than did those who underwent either single-stage sleeve
      gastrectomy or gastric bypass (25.4%, P = .002 and 43.8%, P = .519,
      respectively). Of the 61 cases, 60 (98.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The
      early complication rate was 16.4% overall; most were minor complications. The
      late complication rate was 14.8%. A single late mortality occurred in this
      series. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed safely on
      patients with a BMI of >= 70 kg/m(2). A staged approach might offer better weight
      loss results.

PMID- 22093379
TI  - Body weight at developmental age in siblings born to mothers before and after
      surgically induced weight loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To gain insight into the role of epigenetic factors in determining
      body weight in adolescence, we studied the body weight of siblings born to the
      same mother before and after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) for obesity. The
      study was performed in a university hospital during a 20-year period. METHODS:
      The siblings born before and after BPD were retrospectively rated by their mother
      as normal, overweight, or obese at 1, 6, and 12 years. RESULTS: At 1 and 6 years,
      the body weight was rated as similar in the subsets. However, at 12 years of age,
      a greater percentage of those born before BPD were considered overweight (42%
      versus 33%) and obese (22% versus 3%; P <.009) than their counterparts born after
      BPD. Considering only the subjects aged 21-25 years at the study period, the body
      weight and body mass index in subjects born before BPD were greater (P <.02 and P
      <.012, respectively) than in those born after BPD (79.5 +/- 16.5 kg versus 66.7
      +/- 11.8 kg, and 27.5 +/- 3.9 kg/m(2) versus 23.4 +/- 3.7 kg/m(2), respectively).
      CONCLUSION: The results of the present study, in which the influences of the
      genetic pattern and environmental and educational factors were minimized, show
      that adolescents born to post-BPD mothers weigh less than their siblings born to
      the same mother before BPD when she was still obese. An insulin-resistant milieu
      during pregnancy could account for the greater body weight later in adolescence.

PMID- 22093380
TI  - Restoration of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after
      bariatric surgery is associated with reduction in microparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microparticles bud from cellular elements during inflammation and are
      associated with the vascular dysfunction related to type 2 diabetes mellitus.
      Although weight loss is known to reduce inflammation, the metabolic effects of
      bariatric surgery on microparticle concentration and composition are not known.
      Our objectives were to determine the effect of bariatric surgery on the
      microparticle concentration and to correlate these changes with clinical
      parameters in a multispecialty group practice. METHODS: We studied 14 obese
      subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus 2 weeks before and 1 and 12 months after
      bariatric surgery. Of the 14 patients, 9 underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5
      gastric restrictive surgery. RESULTS: At 1 month after surgery, the body mass
      index had decreased by ~10%, glycemic control had improved dramatically (P <
      .01), and a >60% reduction in endothelial and platelet microparticles and C
      reactive protein levels (P < .05) had occurred. The tissue factor microparticles
      had decreased by 40% (P = .1). At 12 months after surgery, the body mass index
      had decreased by ~20%, glycemic control was maintained (P < .01), and a >50%
      reduction in monocyte microparticles compared with before surgery was found. The
      reduction in monocyte microparticles 1 month after surgery was strongly
      associated with the reduction in hemoglobin A1c (P < .05). The reduction in
      monocyte microparticles 12 months after surgery correlated strongly with the
      reduction in body mass index (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The reduction in
      microparticles after bariatric surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
      reflects an attenuation of inflammation, and this mechanism might contribute to
      normalization of glycemic control.

PMID- 22093382
TI  - Development of a quantitative donor risk index to predict short-term mortality in
      orthotopic heart transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No standard index based on donor factors exists for predicting
      mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). We utilized United
      Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data to develop a quantitative donor risk score
      for OHT. METHODS: We examined a prospectively collected open cohort of 22,252
      patients who underwent primary OHT (1996 to 2007). Of the 284 donor-specific
      variables, those associated with 1-year (year) mortality (exploratory p-value <
      0.2) were incorporated into a multivariate (MV) logistic regression model. The
      final model contained donor factors that improved the explanatory power (by
      pseudo-R2, area under the curve and likelihood ratio test). A quantitative donor
      risk score was created using odds ratios (ORs) from the final model. For external
      validity, a cross-validation strategy was employed whereby the score was
      generated using a randomly generated subset of cases (n = 17,788) and then
      independently validated on the remaining patients (n = 4,464). RESULTS: A 15
      point scoring system incorporated 4 variables: ischemic time; donor age; race
      mismatching; and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio. Derivation and
      validation cohort scores ranged from 1 to 15 and 1 to 12, respectively (mean 4.0
      +/- 2.1 for each). Each increase of 1 point increased the risk of 1-year death by
      9% (OR = 0.09 [1.07 to 0.12]) in the derivation cohort and 13% (OR = 0.13 [1.08
      to 0.18]) in the validation cohort (each p < 0.001). The odds of 1-year mortality
      by increments of 3 points were: 0 to 2 points (reference); 3 to 5 points (OR =
      0.25 [1.12 to 0.40], p < 0.001); 6 to 8 pts (OR = 0.77 [1.56 to 2.02], p <
      0.001); and 9 to 15 points (OR = 1.92 [1.54 to 2.39], p < 0.001). Donor risk
      score was predictive for 30-day mortality (OR = 0.11 [1.08 to 0.14], p < 0.001)
      and 5-year cumulative mortality (OR = 0.11 [1.09 to 0.13], p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: We present a novel donor risk index for OHT predicting short- and
      long-term mortality. This donor risk score may prove valuable for donor heart
      allocation and prognosis after OHT.

PMID- 22093381
TI  - Pro-inflammatory effector Th cells transmigrate through anti-inflammatory
      environments into the murine fetus.
AB  - The presence of maternal DNA or even maternal cells within the offspring
      (microchimerism) has been reported for many fetal tissues, including the liver,
      heart, and spleen. Microchimerism is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis
      of autoimmune diseases; however, the cellular origin of this phenomenon remains
      unknown. Here, we determined whether differentiated T lymphocytes could
      transmigrate through the immunosuppressive environment of the placenta to reach
      the fetus. In vitro-differentiated effector/memory Th1 and Th17 cells from OVA323
      339-specific TCR(tg) T cells of OT-II mice were adoptively transferred (i.v.)
      into the tail veins of pregnant Ly5.1 mice at d15 and d19 of gestation. Mice were
      then sacrificed 40 h after adoptive cell transfer. Using radioactive labeling of
      T cells with sodium chromate [Cr51] prior to adoptive transfer, we observed that
      homing of pro-inflammatory Th cells was equally efficient in both pregnant and
      non-pregnant mice. Transmigration of Th1- and Th17-like cells through the highly
      immunosuppressive environment of the placenta into the fetus was significantly
      enhanced in experimental mice compared to control mice (P < 0.0001). In addition,
      a substantial amount of effector Th cells accumulated in the placenta. Finally,
      we found that treatment with Pertussis Toxin resulted in a 3-fold increase in the
      transmigration of effector Th17 cells into the fetus (P < 0.0001). When pro
      inflammatory Th1-or Th17-like cells were injected into syngeneic mothers, almost
      all of the fetuses analyzed exhibited radioactivity, suggesting that
      transmigration of effector T cells occurs frequently. Our results suggest the
      possibility of novel roles for these maternal effector cells in the pathogenesis
      or reduction of disease.

PMID- 22093383
TI  - Low diversity and low frequency of participation in leisure activities compromise
      working memory efficiency in young adults.
AB  - People perform leisure activities (LA) every day; pursuits that entail applying
      cognitive, physical and social abilities. As in old age, doing LA during early
      and middle adulthood is related to a reduced risk of dementias, probably by
      generating a cognitive reserve. As it is possible that a relation between doing
      LA and working memory (WM) efficiency exists in young adults, we assessed whether
      the diversity and frequency of LA are related to WM efficiency in this
      population. Ninety-three healthy young subjects solved the n-back task at two
      levels of difficulty (2, 3), and answered an LA questionnaire on the activities
      in which they had participated in the month prior to the experiment. Subjects
      were classified separately on their scores for (1) diversity (high/low) and (2)
      frequency (high/low) in order to test the relation between each variable and WM
      efficiency. Though no differences were found, a subsequent analysis of the
      average of diversity and frequency ratios of LA performance taken together-the
      diversity/frequency index-showed that low diversity plus low frequency was
      significantly associated with reduced WM efficiency at this age; results that
      suggest that frequent participation in diverse LA during youth is related to WM
      efficiency.

PMID- 22093384
TI  - Evidence, patient preferences and patient-centred care.

PMID- 22093385
TI  - Effectiveness of strategies for the management and/or prevention of hypothermia
      within the adult perioperative environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inadvertent hypothermia is common in patients undergoing surgical
      procedures with a reported prevalence of perioperative hypothermia ranging from
      50% to 90%. Hypothermia within the perioperative environment may have many
      undesired physiological effects that are associated with postoperative morbidity.
      There are different options for treating and/or preventing hypothermia within the
      adult perioperative environment, which include active and passive warming
      methods. This systematic review was undertaken to provide comprehensive evidence
      on the most effective strategies for prevention and management of inadvertent
      hypothermia in the perioperative environment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      review was to identify the most effective methods for the treatment and/or
      preventions of hypothermia in intraoperative or postoperative patients. INCLUSION
      CRITERIA: Adult patients >= 18 years of age, who underwent any type of surgery
      were included in this review. Types of interventions included were any type of
      linen or cover, aluminium foil wraps, forced-air warming devices, radiant warming
      devices and fluid warming devices. This review considered all identified
      prospective studies that used a clearly described process for randomisation,
      and/or included a control group. The primary outcome of interest was change in
      core body temperature. REVIEW METHODS: Two independent reviewers assessed
      methodological validity of papers selected for retrieval and any disagreements
      were resolved through discussion. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with a combined 1451
      patients who underwent different surgical procedures were included in this
      review. Meta-analysis was not possible. Forced-air warming in pregnant women
      scheduled for caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia prevented maternal
      and foetal hypothermia. Intravenous and irrigating fluids warmed (38-40 degrees
      C) to a temperature higher than that of room temperature by different fluid
      warming devices (both dry and water heated) proved significantly beneficial to
      patients in terms of stable haemodynamic variables, and higher core temperature
      at the end of the surgery. Water garment warmer was significantly (P < 0.05)
      effective than forced-air warming in maintaining intraoperative normothermia in
      orthotopic liver transplantation patients. Extra warming with forced air compared
      to routine thermal care was effective in reducing the incidence of surgical wound
      infections and postoperative cardiac complications. Passive warming with
      reflective heating blankets or elastic bandages wrapped around the legs tightly
      were found to be ineffective in reducing the incidence or magnitude of
      hypothermia. CONCLUSION: There are significant benefits associated with forced
      air warming. Evidence supports commencement of active warming preoperatively and
      monitoring it throughout the intraoperative period. Single strategies such as
      forced-air warming were more effective than passive warming; however, combined
      strategies, including preoperative commencement, use of warmed fluids plus forced
      air warming as other active strategies were more effective in vulnerable groups
      (age or durations of surgeries).

PMID- 22093386
TI  - Effect of educational components and strategies associated with insulin pump
      therapy: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this review were to establish the effectiveness of
      approaches to the provision of education for adults with type 1 diabetes using or
      initiating insulin pump therapy (IPT), and identify the best available evidence
      on the association between intervals and duration of follow up and the stated
      outcome criteria. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review considered all studies and
      papers that involved adults (aged 16 years or over) with type 1 diabetes using
      IPT as their primary form of therapy who participated in education or training,
      with no restrictions placed on gender or comorbidities. All forms of education,
      including resources utilised during education were included in the review. SEARCH
      STRATEGY: The search strategy sought to find both published and unpublished
      studies and papers written in the English language. An initial limited search of
      MEDLINE and CINAHL databases was undertaken to identify optimal search terms. A
      second search using all identified key words and index terms was then undertaken
      based on key words specific to each database across all included databases from
      1998 to February 2008. Thirdly, the reference lists of all identified reports and
      articles were searched for additional studies. METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY: Two
      independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of retrieved papers
      using the corresponding checklist from the System for the Unified Management,
      Assessment and Review of Information (SUMARI) package. RESULTS: A total of 142
      studies were identified as potentially relevant to the review question in the
      first and second steps of the literature search. Based on the title and abstract,
      24 papers that were relevant to the review topic were retrieved for evaluation of
      methodological quality. Following this stage, 20 papers were excluded. Whilst
      searching the reference lists of the selected studies (n = 4), one paper met the
      inclusion criteria. Therefore, a total of five descriptive studies were included
      in the review. The included papers reported a variety of educational methods and
      different outcome measures. CONCLUSION: In general, it is difficult to draw a
      strong conclusion regarding the effectiveness of components and strategies
      associated with IPT because of a lack of high-quality comparative studies, small
      sample sizes and a variability of reported methods in the included studies.
      However, included descriptive studies explored a range of issues related to the
      effectiveness of IPT therapy, and the educative requirements of patients. It is
      clear that type 1 diabetes patients initiating and utilising IPT need a
      comprehensive range of advice, education and training. The mixture of group and
      individual teaching, multidisciplinary teams as educators, educational materials,
      long-term training with multiple sessions and a variety of educational contents
      may all be effective for delivering IPT education and training.

PMID- 22093387
TI  - A comprehensive systematic review of visitation models in adult critical care
      units within the context of patient- and family-centred care.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this review was to appraise and synthesise the best available
      evidence on visitation models used in adult intensive care units in acute care
      hospitals and to explicate their congruence with the core concepts of patient-
      and family-centred care (PFCC). METHODS: The review considered both quantitative
      and qualitative studies on visitation models developed within the PFCC model in
      adult intensive care units in acute care hospitals. The search strategy sought
      published and unpublished research papers limited to English for the years 1988
      through 2009. An initial search of the Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence-Based
      Nursing and Midwifery, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed's Clinical Inquiry/Find
      Systematic Review database was conducted, followed by an analysis of key words
      contained in the title, abstract and index terms. Following this, an extensive
      three-stage search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, HealthStar, ScienceDirect,
      Dissertation Abstracts International, DARE, PsycINFO, BioMedCentral, TRIP, Pre
      CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, ISI Current
      Contents, Science.gov, Web of Science/Web of Knowledge, Scirus.com website.
      Included was a hand search of reference lists of identified papers to capture all
      pertinent material as well as a search of relevant worldwide websites and search
      engines, such as Google Scholar and the Virginia Henderson Library of Sigma Theta
      Tau International. Each paper was assessed independently by two reviewers for
      methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using the appropriate
      critical appraisal instrument. RESULTS: Findings from the qualitative studies
      were extracted and a synthesis conducted using the QARI (Qualitative Assessment
      and Review Instrument) software developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. One
      synthesis revealed that visiting hours were seen as guidelines for the benefit of
      nurse and patient, rather than rules or policy. Due to the various types of
      designs in the available studies, it was not possible to pool quantitative
      research study results into a statistical meta-analysis. Because statistical
      pooling was not possible, the findings are presented in a narrative form.
      Following this, results are presented for their congruence with the principles of
      PFCC. CONCLUSION: Flexible visiting policies provide the ability to incorporate
      the concepts of PFCC into practice. However, nurses believe that while visiting
      is beneficial to patients, open and/or flexible visiting hours are an impediment
      to practice and increase their workload. Recommendations for best practice were
      formulated based on the outcomes and include visiting hours should be used as
      guidelines, not rules, that allow flexibility dependent upon individual
      patient/family situation. With regard to congruence with PFCC, patient and family
      requests for information emerged as an unmet need that needs to be addressed.

PMID- 22093388
TI  - Experiences of registered nurses as managers and leaders in residential aged care
      facilities: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of an ageing population is being experienced globally,
      as countries struggle to change and improve residential models of care and
      provide services to the elderly. The role of the registered nurse (RN) is
      considered crucial to the clinical governance and management of care given. To
      date, however, no systematic review has examined the RN's experience in
      leadership and management. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to
      critically appraise, synthesise and present best available evidence on the
      experiences of RNs as clinical leaders and managers in residential aged care
      facilities. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review considered qualitative research
      papers that addressed the experiences of RNs as clinical leaders and managers in
      residential aged care facilities. Participants of interest were RNs, nurse
      leaders, nurses holding registration and or regulation under a board of nursing,
      nurses working in residential aged care and long-term care facilities. The
      diversity and use of language to describe nurses' roles and models of care for
      the elderly care environment were considered in the review. SEARCH STRATEGY: The
      search strategy sought to find both published studies and papers, limited to the
      English language and published between January 1997 and February 2011. An initial
      limited search was done in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System
      Online (MEDLINE) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature
      databases to identify the key words contained in the title or abstract and index
      terms used to describe the relevant terms in the article. A second extensive
      search was undertaken and extended to other relevant databases using all
      identified keywords and index terms. The third step involved searching reference
      lists and bibliographies of chosen articles for additional studies.
      METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY: Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers for
      methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using an appropriate
      critical appraisal instrument from the System for the Unified Management,
      Assessment and Review of Information package. As both reviewers were in agreement
      on all studies included, a third reviewer was not required. RESULTS: A final
      total of eight papers, qualitative in nature, were included in the review. The
      majority of papers examined the experiences of nurses' leadership styles and the
      management characteristics within their organisations. The qualitative papers
      were analysed using The Joanna Briggs Institute-Qualitative Assessment and Review
      Instrument.The process of meta-synthesis embodied in this programme involves the
      aggregation or synthesis of findings or conclusions. Five syntheses were derived
      with key themes related to education, professional nursing development, positive
      attitudes to aged care and the need for a supportive environment. CONCLUSION:
      Nurses that work in the aged care environment show a strong motivation to work in
      care and provide the best outcomes in nursing the elderly. Geriatric nursing is
      considered a specialised and complex area of healthcare by the nursing
      profession. Nurses experience a lack of professional support and collaboration
      from allied health and medical colleagues. There is a lack of specific education
      that is focused in clinical leadership and health team management. There is no
      current structured pathway of learning and development for nursing careers in
      aged care. Nurses identify with their leadership role in residential aged care,
      and experience paradoxical feelings of being valued by the clients and devalued
      by the system at the same time. Organisational barriers are strong in preventing
      continuing education and skills development for nurse leaders in aged care
      environments. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Overall the themes presented in the
      review reported the negative experiences of nurses in residential aged care and
      geriatrics. Nurses will continue to be devalued if there is no professional
      identity and support for their roles and need to have a career pathway when
      making the decision to enter into aged and geriatric practice. Clinical
      leadership training is needed for nurses to transition through practice into
      specialised roles such as the RN team leader and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
      (GNP). Providing a career structure and choice in the industry for the nurse to
      become a clinical leader or a manager of health services will improve recruitment
      and retention. IMPLICATION FOR RESEARCH: More research is needed to identify the
      skills gaps experienced by nurses in aged care and geriatric care. This research
      could lead to the design and implementation of a skills audit to identify
      candidates for specialised courses so that clinical leadership and governance in
      aged care are improved. More research is needed for role construction and the
      professional development of the GNP. Organisations can benefit from research
      currently being conducted on the role of the RN in aged care and geriatrics, by
      mapping the skills mix of candidate RNs to the key performance indicators in the
      role. Organisations must change their perception and value of RNs as clinical
      leaders in care teams.

PMID- 22093389
TI  - Comprehensive systematic review of healthcare workers' perceptions of risk and
      use of coping strategies towards emerging respiratory infectious diseases.
AB  - AIM: To determine healthcare workers' perceptions of risk from exposure to
      emerging acute respiratory infectious diseases and the perceived effectiveness of
      strategies used to facilitate healthy coping in acute hospital and community
      healthcare settings. METHODS: Electronic databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing
      and Allied Health Literature, Ovid, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Wiley
      InterScience) were searched using a three-step search strategy to identify the
      relevant quantitative and qualitative studies published in English from 1997 to
      2009. The grey literature was not included in the review. The identified studies
      were evaluated using the Meta-Analysis of Statistics, Assessment and Review
      Instrument and the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument from the Joanna
      Briggs Institute. Fourteen quantitative studies were included and the findings
      included in a narrative summary. The findings from the two qualitative studies
      were categorised into a meta-synthesis that generated two synthesised findings.
      RESULTS: Findings indicated that healthcare workers perceived personal and
      familial health risks and stigmatisation from their exposure to emerging acute
      respiratory infectious diseases, but the majority were accepting of these risks.
      Organisational implementation of infection control measures, avoidance of
      patients and complying with personal protective equipment were identified as risk
      mitigating strategies. Demographic, individual and organisational factors were
      found to influence their risk perceptions and their adoption of strategies to
      mitigate the risk. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that healthcare workers' risk
      perceptions can influence their behaviour towards patients with emerging acute
      respiratory infectious diseases as well as their use of risk-mitigating
      strategies. Institutions need to ensure that appropriate infection control
      safeguards are in place to protect workers and their families. Institutions can
      also offer incentives to encourage healthcare workers to comply with the policies
      and procedures introduced to mitigate risk. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
      Institutions and government need to ensure that policies and procedures are
      communicated and adequate institutional measures (i.e. personal protective
      equipment; education and training; and personal support) are implemented to
      safeguard healthcare workers during and after pandemic outbreaks. IMPLICATIONS
      FOR RESEARCH: Future research needs to examine how perception of risk related to
      acute emerging respiratory infectious diseases, epidemic or pandemic, and the
      factors that would influence healthcare workers': decisions to stay within the
      workforce and provide care or resign from the workforce and compliance with
      institutional and government policies and procedures, as well as compliance to
      use of personal protective equipment.

PMID- 22093390
TI  - Prevalence of obesity among migrant Asian Indians: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to investigate the prevalence of
      obesity among migrant Asian Indians globally. The primary outcomes of interest
      included the incidence of obesity as measured objectively by body mass index
      (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body fat. METHODS: All
      published studies that investigated obesity rates in migrant Asian Indians were
      considered for inclusion in the review. Studies were included if they had more
      than 100 participants and reported objective measures of obesity. A literature
      search was performed using the following databases Medline (2000-10), Cumulative
      Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (2000-11), Excerpta Medica Database
      (2000-current) and the Cochrane Controlled Studies Register (Issue 1, 2011 of
      Cochrane Library). In addition, the reference lists of relevant studies and
      conference proceedings were also scrutinised. Two reviewers independently
      assessed the eligibility of the studies for inclusion in the review, the
      methodological quality and then extracted details of eligible studies. Data were
      analysed using the Review Manager software. RESULTS: Ten studies investigating
      the obesity indices in Asian Indians were eligible for this review. All ten
      trials that reported on BMI values demonstrated significantly higher BMI values
      among migrant Asian Indians when compared with other migrants and the native
      population (standardised mean difference 0.36; 95% confidence interval 0.30,
      0.41). A greater proportion of Asian Indians had BMIs greater than or equal to 30
      when compared with other ethnic groups. Up to 80% of the Asian Indian women had a
      waist circumference greater than the recommended value of 88 cm. CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on the available evidence, the obesity indices among migrant Asian Indians
      are significantly greater when compared with the native population and those
      living in India, particularly among women. This is likely to contribute to the
      high levels of diabetes and coronary heart disease in this population. Culturally
      appropriate strategies to reduce obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, in this
      ethnic group are urgently needed.

PMID- 22093391
TI  - Skin tear prevention and management among patients in the acute aged care and
      rehabilitation units in the Australian Capital Territory: a best practice
      implementation project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A skin tear is a traumatic wound that results from the separation of
      the skin layers due to shearing forces, friction or blunt trauma that affects all
      people. Numerous preventative measures aim to reduce the skin tears and minimise
      conditions that predispose the epidermis to injury. With the increasing elderly
      population in acute aged care, implementation of an evidence-based guideline is
      critical as changes to ageing skin integrity make this population more
      susceptible to skin tear. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this project was to ensure
      the practice of skin tear assessment, prevention and management among acute aged
      care causes and rehabilitation patients was performed according to best available
      evidence. METHODS: This project utilised a pre- and post-implementation audit
      design using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical
      Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice programs. The project was
      conducted from June to November 2010 with the audits conducted in the acute aged
      care and rehabilitation units of two public hospitals in the Australian Capital
      Territory involving a sample size of 96 patients at pre-audit and 95 patient at
      post-audit admitted during the audit period. A convenience sample of 20 nurses
      also consented to be observed. The audits were conducted after obtaining ethics
      approval and consent from patients and nurses. RESULTS: The results showed a
      significant change in compliance to the skin tear guidelines at post
      implementation audit. Staff education in particular had a dramatic increase from
      20% to 98% and the point prevalence rate of hospital-acquired skin tear decreased
      from 10% to 0.15%. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This project emphasised the importance
      of education of all personnel involved in patient care and that a simple
      assessment of skin integrity is critical in preventing and managing skin tear
      especially among the susceptible elderly population.

PMID- 22093392
TI  - Drinking speed using a valved Pat Saunders straw, wide bore straw and a narrow
      bore straw in school-age children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To understand the nature of straw drinking in relation to a group of
      children with specific eating and drinking difficulties, it is first necessary to
      ascertain the range of normal function. Straw drinking is often recommended as a
      method that can support children with eating and drinking difficulties. METHOD:
      This study looked at straw drinking performance in a normal population of 125
      children aged between 6 and 11 years of age. Three types of straws were used: a
      valved Pat Saunders straw, a wide bore straw and a narrow bore straw. Children
      drank 40 mL of water for each straw tested. RESULTS: Children increased their
      speed of intake significantly for all straw types as they matured. Drinking speed
      was quickest for the wide bore straw followed by the narrow bore and slowest for
      the valved Pat Saunders straw. This was supported by qualitative feedback from
      the children with most finding the wide bore straw the easiest one to use and the
      valved Pat Saunders straw the hardest. There were significant differences in
      speed of flow between the valved Pat Saunders straw and wide bore straw, between
      the valved Pat Saunders straw and the narrow bore straw and between the wide bore
      straw and the narrow bore straw. There were no significant differences between
      straw flow or straw type and gender. CONCLUSIONS: This normative data for straw
      drinking in a paediatric population can be used to develop baseline measures for
      clinical assessment.

PMID- 22093393
TI  - New anti-epileptic drugs: overcoming the limits of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - This commentary focuses on the designs of randomised controlled trials of new
      anti-epileptic drugs as treatment for focal epilepsy. Limits of these trials,
      with particular focus on placebo-controlled designs, are discussed and strategies
      to overcoming them proposed. To date there are only few head-to-head comparison
      trials between new anti-epileptic drugs. Ideally, direct head-to-head comparisons
      of new anti-epileptic drugs should be available in order to get the whole picture
      of each treatment, but usually randomised controlled trials have not such a
      direct-comparison design. Multiple-treatment meta-analysis may represent a
      promising way of overcoming this limit, providing information on ranking efficacy
      of new anti-epileptic drugs, thus allowing to answer several relevant questions
      regarding daily practice and decision-making. Although not free from concerns,
      also historical design trials might have several advantages in that all patients
      receive a promising anti-epileptic drug at dose(s) that are expected to be fully
      effective and eliminate the need for a parallel group on suboptimal treatment or
      placebo. All these strategies aimed to overcome the lack of head-to-head
      comparisons can't anyway be considered as a substitute for properly conducted
      direct-comparison randomised trials, which remain the most relevant source of
      data to inform clinical decisions.

PMID- 22093394
TI  - Comparison of the effects of using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool versus
      informal appraisal in assessing health research: a randomised trial.
AB  - In systematic reviews, evidence-based practice and journal clubs critical
      appraisal tools are used to rate research papers. However, little evidence exists
      on whether the critical appraisal tool, subject matter knowledge or research
      design knowledge affect the appraisal of research papers. A match paired
      randomised trial was conducted in August/September 2010 in the Faculty of
      Medicine, Health and Molecular Science, James Cook University, Australia. Ten
      participants in total were randomly assigned to two groups using either an
      informal appraisal of research (IA group) or the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool
      (CCAT group), a general critical appraisal tool. Participant independently
      appraised five research papers, where each paper had a different research design.
      The scores allocated to the papers by each group were analysed. The intraclass
      correlation coefficient for absolute agreement was 0.76 for the informal
      appraisal group and 0.88 for the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool group. The G study
      showed that in the informal appraisal group 24% of variance in scores was
      attributable to either the rater or paper * rater interactions, whereas this was
      12% in the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool group. Analysis of covariance showed
      that there were statistically significant results in the informal appraisal group
      for subject matter knowledge (F(1,18) = 7.03, P < 0.05 1 tailed, partial eta2 =
      0.28) and rater (F(4,18) = 4.57, P < 0.05 1 tailed, partial eta2 = 0.50).
      Kendall's tau correlation coefficient also showed a significant weak positive
      relationship (tau = 0.38, P = 0.03) between total score and subject matter
      knowledge for the informal appraisal group. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was
      more reliable than an informal appraisal of the research papers. In the informal
      appraisal group, there were significant effects for rater and subject matter
      knowledge, whereas the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool almost eliminated the rater
      effect, and no subject matter knowledge effect was apparent. There was no
      research design knowledge effect in either group. The Crowe Critical Appraisal
      Tool provided much better score reliability and should help readers with
      different levels and types of knowledge to reach similar conclusions about a
      research paper.

PMID- 22093395
TI  - Treatment of periodontal infection does not reduce the rates of poor pregnancy
      outcomes.

PMID- 22093402
TI  - The spiral flap for nasal alar reconstruction: our experience with 63 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe our patient selection, design, execution, and results with
      the spiral flap for distal nasal surgical defects after Mohs micrographic
      surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all
      spiral flaps performed over a 5-year period. Sixty-three patients were
      identified, and charts and photographs were examined. Surgical defects were
      classified according to alar location. All follow-up encounters were reviewed to
      assess for complications and need for revisionary procedures. Intraoperative
      photographs were taken of representative cases to describe the surgical
      technique. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients on whom the spiral flap was performed
      were identified over a 5-year period. The flap was used to successfully
      reconstruct alar defects ranging in size from 5 to 15 mm in diameter. No
      persistent complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The spiral flap is a
      reproducible, one-stage flap for small to medium-sized defects of the nasal ala
      and alar groove that consistently produces topographic restoration with minimal
      risk of aesthetic or functional complication.

PMID- 22093403
TI  - Multidrug and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections: Factors
      associated with mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyse factors related to mortality and influence
      of antibiotic treatment on outcome in patients with nosocomial infection due to
      multidrug and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-C AB). PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Observational and prospective study of a cohort of adult patients
      with MDR-C AB infection. Data collection from clinical records was done according
      to a standard protocol (January 2007 through June 2008). Patients with MDR-C AB
      infection were identified by review of results of microbiology cultures from the
      hospital microbiology laboratory. Epidemiological and clinical variables and
      predictors of mortality were analysed. RESULTS: 24 out of 101 cases were
      considered colonizations and 77 infections (27 bacteraemia); global mortality in
      infected patients was 49% (18 cases with bacteraemia and 20 with no bacteraemia).
      In the multivariate analysis, including the 77 cases of infection, the prognosis
      factors associated with mortality were age (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.2), McCabe 1
      (OR 33.98; 95% CI 4.33-266.85), bacteraemia (OR 9.89; 95% CI 1.13-86.13),
      inadequate empiric treatment (OR 16.7; 95% CI 2.15-129.79), and inadequate
      definitive treatment (OR 26.29; 95% CI 1.45-478.19). In the multivariate analysis
      including the 57 cases of infection with adequate definitive treatment, the
      prognosis factors associated with mortality were McCabe 1 (OR 24.08; 95% CI 3.67
      157.96) and monotherapy versus combined treatment (OR 7.11; 95% CI 1.63-30.99).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort of patients with MDR-C AB infection is characterised by a
      very high mortality (49%); the severity of patients and inadequate treatment or
      monotherapy are statistically associated with mortality.

PMID- 22093404
TI  - [Hereditary colorectal cancer].
AB  - Up to 5% of all diagnosed colorectal cancers has a hereditary cuase. Colon cancer
      arise in younger individuals, and extracolonic tumors are also frequent. A
      precise understanding of main syndromes will allow the proper management of these
      patients, including genetic counselling, screening and prophylactic surgery.

PMID- 22093405
TI  - [Carbohydrate antigen 125 serial measurements after an admission for acute heart
      failure and risk of early readmission].
AB  - FUNDAMENT AND OBJECTIVES: The early readmission after a hospitalization for acute
      heart failure (AHF) is frequent; however, factors associated are not clearly
      established. Plasma levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have shown to be
      associated with the presence of systemic congestion and increased risk of death
      in patients with AHF. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship
      between CA125 levels (during hospitalization, at the first outpatient visit or
      their changes) and readmission for AHF at 6 months follow up. PATIENTS AND
      METHOD: We analyzed 293 consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF in which CA125
      was determined during the index hospitalization (T1) and the first outpatient
      visit after discharge (T2) (median 31 days). We examined the relationship between
      CA125 levels, both isolated determinations as their serial changes (absolute,
      relative or categorical) and readmission for AHF by Cox regression analysis
      adjusted for competing events. The reclassification technique integrated
      discrimination improvement (IDI) index was used to assess the additional
      discriminative power of this biomarker over the final multivariate model.
      RESULTS: At 6 months follow up, we identified 32 (10.9%) and 54 (18.4%) deaths
      and readmissions for AHF, respectively. CA125 categorical changes [decrease and
      normalization (C1, n=153), decrease but no normalization at T2 (C2, n=72) and
      increase, with high levels at T2 (>35 U/ml) (C3, n=68)], followed by the isolated
      determination of CA125 at T2, showed the best discriminative accuracy. Thus, with
      respect to patients in the C1 category, patients in categories C2 and C3 showed a
      higher risk of readmission for AHF: C2 vs. C1: HR=3.48, 95% CI:1.84-6.59,
      p<0.001; C3 vs. C1: HR=3.18, 95% CI:1.62-6.21, p=0.001. On the other hand,
      patients with elevated levels of CA125 in T2 (>35 U/ml) (41%) tripled the risk of
      readmission for AHF at 6 months compared with those with normal levels of CA125
      at T2: HR=3.06, 95% CI:1.79-5.23, p<0.001. The addition of the categories of
      serial measurements of CA125 and the presence of elevated levels of CA125 at T2
      showed a significant increase in the discriminating power of 6.27% and 6.17% in
      the IDI index, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After an episode of AHF, the elevation
      of CA125 levels (>35 U/ml) after the first weeks of admission is associated with
      an increased risk of readmission for AHF.

PMID- 22093406
TI  - [Glycaemic management in type 1 and 2 diabetes patients undergoing interventional
      cardiology procedures. Heart and Diabetes Working Group. Sociedad Espan~ola de
      Cardiologi'a. Sociedad Espan~ola de Diabetes].
AB  - Despite the growing number of therapeutic alternatives available as well as
      general reviews and treatment guidelines for the treatment of diabetes,
      physicians are often left without a clear pathway of therapy to follow in
      specific clinical contexts such as interventional cardiology. The present
      document proposes a consensus treatment algorithm, based both on a critical
      appraisal of evidence from recent clinical trials and on value judgements
      supported by the authors' collective clinical knowledge and experience, in an
      attempt to guide practitioners when choosing the most appropriate alternatives in
      the context of glycemic management in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients scheduled to
      undergo interventional cardiology procedures in a haemodynamic laboratory.

PMID- 22093407
TI  - [Cutaneous involvement in systemic Chagas disease in immunocompromised patient].

PMID- 22093408
TI  - [Abdominal pain and wall distension as the onset form of neuroborreliosis].

PMID- 22093409
TI  - The development of LENTICULESTM as reference materials for noroviruses.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the potential for LENTICULESTM to act as reference materials
      (RMs) for noroviruses (NoV) [genogroups I (GI) and II (GII)] by determining their
      homogeneity and stability characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: NoV used in this
      study originated from human faecal material, screened for the absence of other
      faecally transmitted pathogens. The norovirus strains present in the faecal
      material were characterized by sequencing, and samples containing GI and GII
      strains representative of genotypes commonly circulating in the community were
      selected. RMs were produced utilizing modified lenticulating technology. A batch
      comprising 500 LENTICULESTM containing both norovirus genogroups was produced
      according to ISO Guide 34. The batch was tested and quantified using an ISO 17025
      accredited quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay. Sufficient homogeneity was
      established using procedures described by Fearn and Thompson (2010), while
      stability at less than -15 degrees C and ambient temperature (17-22 degrees C)
      was assessed over 52 weeks and 7 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lenticulation
      was shown to be an effective means of preservation of detectable NoV.
      LENTICULESTM were sufficiently homogeneous and stable throughout medium-term
      frozen and short-term storage at room temperature to serve as RMs. Virus
      LENTICULESTM have the advantages of being easy to manipulate, provide assigned
      values and do not require the manipulation of high titre clinical material.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of this study show that
      norovirus LENTICULESTM can be used as stable RMs for quantitative real-time RT
      PCR assays. They can be utilized as in-run positive extraction controls and
      potentially for method calibration and to enable more easy comparison of data
      generated by the variety of differing norovirus determination methods that have
      emerged in recent years. LENTICULESTM have the potential to provide essential
      elements of laboratory quality assurance systems for laboratories implementing
      these new methods for virus testing in foodstuffs and for those running routine
      analyses.

PMID- 22093410
TI  - IL28B: relevance extended to hepatitis B virus or limited to interferon-based
      therapies in hepatitis C virus?

PMID- 22093411
TI  - Steatotic liver: a suitable source for the isolation of hepatic progenitor cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alternative and/or complementary sources of cells such as hepatic
      progenitor cells (HPC) are under investigation for hepatic cell therapy purposes.
      Steatotic livers are those most commonly rejected for clinical transplantation
      and are also unsuitable for good quality hepatocyte isolation. AIM: Taken
      together these two facts, our aim was to investigate whether they could represent
      a suitable source for the isolation of progenitor cells. METHODS: Rats fed for 7
      weeks with methionine-choline deficient diets showing proved steatotic signs
      (i.e. increase in hepatic lipids; macrovesicular steatosis) and steatotic and
      normal human liver samples were used to study the expression of HPC markers and
      to isolate these cells. RESULTS: In the liver of the steatotic rats there was a
      significant increase in HPC (known as oval cells in rodents) markers such as Thy
      1, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and OV-6 (2-, 3- and 5-fold increase
      respectively). Additionally, there was an increase in the yield of isolated oval
      cells compared to control rats. Similarly, studies using human livers clearly
      confirmed an increase in the expression of HPC markers in the steatotic tissue
      and a significant rise in the number of isolated progenitor cells (EpCAM+, Thy
      1+, OV-6+) (10, 12 and 11.6 * 10(4)  cells/g of tissue respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that steatotic livers, discarded for orthotopic
      liver transplantation and hepatocyte isolation, could be a suitable source for
      large scale isolation of HPC which might be potential candidates in liver cell
      therapy.

PMID- 22093412
TI  - Fungal infection presenting as giant cell tubulointerstitial nephritis in kidney
      allograft.
AB  - Giant cell tubulointerstitial nephritis in the kidney allograft caused by
      infection is rare, and donor-transmitted infection in transplanted kidneys is
      also rare. In this case report, we describe an unusual histological manifestation
      of Candida albicans in the graft biopsy of a 53-year-old male kidney transplant
      recipient with decreased renal function 12 days post transplant. Several giant
      cells were present in the tubulointerstitial inflammation, as well as yeasts,
      with no evidence of rejection, and the histological diagnosis was confirmed by
      urine culture. Donor urine culture was positive for C. albicans, suggestive of a
      possible donor-transmitted infection. Prompt antifungal treatment eradicated the
      infection, and averted systemic spread. To our knowledge, there are no previous
      reports of Candida infection with giant cell tubulointerstitial nephritis in
      human renal allograft.

PMID- 22093414
TI  - [Importance of discipline construction in the development of key specialty].

PMID- 22093413
TI  - Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons to study the microbiota in the
      gastrointestinal tract of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).
AB  - The microbes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are of high importance for the
      health of the host. In this study, Roche 454 pyrosequencing was applied to a
      pooled set of different 16S rRNA gene amplicons obtained from GI content of
      common carp (Cyprinus carpio) to make an inventory of the diversity of the
      microbiota in the GI tract. Compared to other studies, our culture-independent
      investigation reveals an impressive diversity of the microbial flora of the carp
      GI tract. The major group of obtained sequences belonged to the phylum
      Fusobacteria. Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Gammaproteobacteria were other
      well represented groups of micro-organisms. Verrucomicrobiae, Clostridia and
      Bacilli (the latter two belonging to the phylum Firmicutes) had fewer
      representatives among the analyzed sequences. Many of these bacteria might be of
      high physiological relevance for carp as these groups have been implicated in
      vitamin production, nitrogen cycling and (cellulose) fermentation.

PMID- 22093415
TI  - [Challenge and tactical solution of off-label using antiepileptic drugs].

PMID- 22093416
TI  - [Paying close attention to the misdiagnosis problems of childhood epilepsies].

PMID- 22093417
TI  - [A multicenter controlled study on aripiprazole treatment for children with
      Tourette syndrome in China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in the treatment
      of children with Tourette syndrome. METHOD: A prospective, multi-center,
      controlled clinical trial was conducted in 195 children aged 5-17 years with
      Tourette syndrome. The patients were assigned to two groups: aripiprazole group
      (n=98) and tiapride group (n=97), with the treatment dosage of 5-25 mg/d and 100
      500 mg/d, respectively. After 12 weeks treatment, the clinical efficacy was
      assessed by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) score, and adverse
      reactions were observed by side effects symptoms scale, blood biochemical
      indexes, and electrocardiography. RESULT: Significant pre- and post-treatment
      differences were ascertained for motor tic, phonic tic, function damage and total
      scores of YGTSS in the both groups from the second week of treatment (P<0.0001).
      Compared with the tiapride group, the aripiprazole group showed a more
      significantly decreased function damage score of YGTSS by the second week of
      treatment (P<0.05). After 12 weeks treatment, total scores of YGTSS in the
      aripiprazole group decreased from 53.74+/-15.71 at baseline to 24.36+/-16.38,
      while in the tiapride group from 51.66+/-13.63 to 23.26+/-15.31. The mean
      reduction scores of YGTSS were 29.38 in the aripiprazole group and 28.40 in the
      tiapride group at the end of treatment, and the clinical response rates were
      60.21% and 63.92%, respectively. There were no significant differences between
      the 2 groups (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was similar in the
      aripiprazole and tiapride groups, with 29.6% and 27.8% respectively. There were
      no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions between
      aripiprazole and tiapride groups and no severe adverse events were found in
      either group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that aripiprazole showed similar
      therapeutic effect to tiapride in treatment of children with Tourette syndrome.
      Aripiprazole was safe and well tolerated in Chinese population, and can be
      considered as a new valid option for the treatment of tic disorders.

PMID- 22093418
TI  - [Electroclinical features of myoclonic-atonic epilepsy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the electroclinical characteristics of myoclonic atonic
      epilepsy (MAE) in children. METHOD: The clinical data, video electroencephalogram
      (EEG) and simultaneous electromyography (EMG) of MAE patients were analyzed. The
      treatment and its effects were followed up. RESULT: In 47 MAE patients, 25 had a
      history of febrile seizures (FS), 20 had a family history of FS or epilepsy. All
      patients had a normal development before the illness. The age of afebrile seizure
      onset was between 1.4 years to 5.8 years. The first seizure was generalized tonic
      clonic seizure (GTCS) in 41 patients (87.2%). All patients had multiple seizure
      types, including 47 GTCS (97.9%), 34 myoclonic atonic seizures (72.3%), 47
      myoclonic seizures (100%), 32 atonic seizures (68.1%), 36 atypical absences
      (76.6%) and 3 tonic seizures (6.4%). EEG backgrounds were slow or parietal theta
      rhythm, interictal EEG showed 1-4 Hz (predominant 2-3 Hz) generalized spike and
      wave or poly spike and wave discharges in all cases. Seizures were controlled by
      antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in 41 patients (87.2%). Valproate was used in 37.
      Lamotrigine was used in 26. Mild mental retardation was observed in 10 children
      after the onset of the illness. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of MAE included
      the following: the development was normal before the onset of the illness; the
      onset of seizure type was often GTCS. All patients had multiple generalized
      seizure types. Myoclonic atonic seizure was its characteristic seizure type. EEG
      showed generalized discharges. Early diagnosis and rational choice of AEDs are
      important for getting a better prognosis.

PMID- 22093419
TI  - [Follow-up study on the clinical characteristics and treatment effect of the
      different types of Guillain-Barre syndrome in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical characteristics and effects of immunoglobulin
      treatment in children with the different types of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).
      METHOD: Data of 108 patients hospitalized for GBS were retrospectively analyzed;
      75 cases in this group were given acute high dose of gamma globulin (IVIG) 400
      mg/(kg.d) intravenously for 5 d. Clinical and electrophysiological data and
      information on treatment and recovery of the children were collected during the
      follow-up and were analyzed. RESULT: According to the clinical and
      electrophysiologic findings, 32 patients manifested acute inflammatory
      demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), 34 had acute motor axonal neuropathy
      (AMAN), 3 had acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), 4 were
      inexcitable, 2 were unclassified. The clinical progress of the AMAN was faster
      than the AIDP group. Except for sensory nerve involvement, there was no
      significant difference in the clinical feature and severity. The mean time of the
      muscle strength began to recover was (5.59+/-3.63) days in the AIDP group and
      (7.21+/-4.68) days in the AMAN group after IVIG treatment. The time of the AIDP
      group was shorter than the AMAN group, but the difference was not statistically
      significant (t=-1.5702, P>0.05). The mean time of the muscle strength increased
      one grade was (8.88+/-4.39) days in the AIDP group and (12.67+/-8.35) days in the
      AMAN group. The difference was statistically significant (t=-2.3689, P<0.05). No
      patients in this group died. Follow-up data showed that the complete recovery
      time was not significantly different (t=0.2041, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical
      progress of the AMAN was faster than the AIDP group. Besides sensory nerve
      involvement, there was no significant difference in the clinical feature and
      severity. The AIDP group's clinical recovery was faster than AMAN's after the
      immunoglobulin treatment. The two groups were not significantly different in long
      term prognosis.

PMID- 22093420
TI  - [Adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs and their countermeasures in children].

PMID- 22093421
TI  - [Emergency management of seizure and convulsive status epilepticus in children].

PMID- 22093422
TI  - [The protocol of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia].

PMID- 22093423
TI  - [Impact of pharmacogenetics on the drug therapy of epilepsy].

PMID- 22093424
TI  - [Vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and its clinical strategy in severe
      sepsis].

PMID- 22093425
TI  - [Copy-number variations of SHANK3 and related clinical phenotypes in children
      with autism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore possible relationship between copy-number variations (CNVs)
      in 15q11-13, 16p11 and SHANK3 gene by using multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification (MLPA) and the phenotypes in children with autism and to further
      explore the clinical application of MLPA to make an etiological diagnosis of
      Autism. METHODS: The diagnosed of autism was made according to the criteria of
      the ICD-10 and DSM-IV, with typical cluster of symptoms comprise social
      disability, communication impairments and repetitious behaviors. MLPA KIT P343-C1
      AUTISM-1 was used to detect and describe the incidence of CNVs in these three
      domains. RESULTS: Among 109 cases collected from 102 autistic pedigrees, 2
      individuals had SHANK3 microdeletion, accounting for approximately 2% (2/109) of
      cases, suggesting the proportion of SHANK3 microdeletion might contribute to
      typical autism. The phenotypic traits of patients with SHANK3 microdeletions
      showed homogenicity in severe core symptoms and mental retardation. CONCLUSIONS:
      SHANK3 microdeletion is an important genetics component for autism, which may
      explain 2% typical autism cases. SHANK3 microdeletion might explain autistic core
      symptoms and mental retardation. MLPA is a sensitive and a high throughput
      technique to detect CNVs in specific DNA segments, which is beneficial for
      further investigation of etiology of autism.

PMID- 22093426
TI  - [Severe sepsis as an initial presentation in children with Wernicke' s
      encephalopathy: report of a case and literature review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome
      resulting from thiamine deficiency, which is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. The disorder is still greatly underdiagnosed in children
      because of either a relatively non-specific clinical presentation in some cases
      or unrecognized clinical setting. The aim of this literature review was to
      provide knowledge of pediatric WE in an effort to assist in early diagnosis,
      thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The clinical
      manifestations, characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnosis and
      treatment of one case and the other 35 cases reported in the last decade in
      children were summarized. RESULTS: Thirty-six cases (22 boys and 14 girls, 2
      month to 16-year-old) were analyzed. All the other 35 cases except for our case
      had underlying diseases: improper feeding in 25/35 cases, long-time vomiting in
      5/35 cases, immunosuppressive therapy in 4/35 cases, long-time total parenteral
      nutrition without multivitamin preparations supplementation in 3/35 cases and
      anorexia nervosa in 1/35 case. The classic triad (mental-status changes,
      nystagmus and ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia) was seen in 6/36 cases. The other
      clinical manifestations included consciousness disturbance in 24/36 cases,
      infection in 22/36 cases, pathological reflex and muscular tension changes in
      18/36 cases, convulsion in 17/36 cases, developmental delay in 4/36 cases and
      failure to thrive in 2/36 cases. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was performed in
      31/36 cases, and a slightly raised protein concentration was seen in 7/31 cases.
      The cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels were detected in 4/36 cases (all
      increased), serum lactic acid levels in 7/36 cases (6/7 cases increased), serum
      pyruvate in 4/36 cases (all increased), thiamine pyrophosphate effect (TPPE) in
      9/36 cases (all increased), and serum thiamine in 2/36 cases (increased in 1/2
      cases). The brain computed tomography (CT) scan was conducted in 20/36 cases and
      16/20 cases showed abnormal hypodensity in bilateral basal ganglia, one case
      revealed diffuse cortical atrophy. The brain MR scan was conducted in 13/36 cases
      and all the 13 cases revealed symmetrical abnormal signal in bilateral mamillary
      body and basal ganglia, and 7/13 cases showed abnormal signals in the tegmentum
      of midbrain, cerebral aqueduct and white matter around the third and fourth
      ventricles. The diagnosis of WE was confirmed by MR in 12 cases, triad combined
      with MR in 3 cases, autopsy in 1 case among the 13 cases who underwent MR scan.
      The diagnosis of WE was confirmed by the TPPE and/or lactate levels in 9/11
      cases. The initial thiamine was given by intravenous or intramuscular infusion in
      33/36 cases, unknown method in 1 case, orally in 1 case and no thiamine was used
      in 1 case. The dosage of thiamine was 100 mg daily in 29/35 cases, unknown in
      3/35 cases, 50 mg daily in 2/35 cases, 600 mg daily in 1/35 case. 34/35 patients'
      clinical symptoms improved during 24 hours to 1 week after initial treatment, and
      1 case died due to no response to thiamine. Nineteen patients were followed up
      for 2-2.5 months and 17 cases recovered completely. CONCLUSION: Wernicke's
      encephalopathy can be difficult to diagnose because of a relatively non-specific
      clinical presentation. The characteristic MRI findings and the dramatic response
      of neurological signs to parenteral thiamine will assist early clinical
      diagnosis. Early and timely thiamine supplementation could reverse the clinical
      features and improve the prognosis in most cases.

PMID- 22093427
TI  - [Expert's Comment].

PMID- 22093428
TI  - [Primary malignant airway neoplasms in 4 children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Primary airway neoplasms are extremely rare in the pediatric age
      group. This paper reports 4 children with primary airway neoplasms to explore the
      clinical manifestations, safety and efficacy of bronchoscopic interventions.
      METHOD: The data of pathology, photographic documentation and imaging studies
      were analyzed. RESULT: Of the 4 reported lesions, 2 were characterized by low
      grade (2 with mucoepidermoid carcinoma) and 2 by high grade malignant (spindle
      cell carcinoma and malignant lymphoma). Onset of clinical manifestations occurred
      at the ages of 7 months to 7 years. All of them were initially misdiagnosed as
      bronchitis, asthma or atelectasis. The lesions located in trachea in 2 patients,
      in left bronchus of 1 patient and in right middle bronchus of 1 case. Atelectases
      occurred in bilateral bronchus where the lesions obstructed almost the entire
      lumen at the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis of airway masses depends upon
      maintaining a high index of suspicion, complemented by imaging and timely
      diagnostic endoscopy. The lesions were completely removed in 3/4 patients except
      1 died during bronchoscopic procedures. CONCLUSION: The children with malignant
      airway neoplasms were presented with cough and wheezing without specific
      manifestations. Bronchoscopic interventions were effective in the treatment of
      non-operative cases. General anesthesia is strongly recommended for
      interventional bronchoscopy.

PMID- 22093429
TI  - [Clinical analysis of 18 cases with acute tumor lysis syndrome in children with B
      cell lymphoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors associated with acute tumor lysis syndrome
      (ATLS) in children with B-cell lymphoma and to explore feasible means for the
      prophylaxis and treatment. METHOD: Data from 18 children with ATLS in B-cell
      lymphoma were collected to assess their tumor burden at diagnosis and before
      chemotherapy. Evaluation was performed at the 8th day, 3 month, and the end of
      chemotherapy and follow up. The incidence of ATLS in B-cell lymphoma, and the
      relationship between the incidence of ATLS and whether the kidney was involved
      and large tumor burden were analyzed respectively. All patients received
      hydration, alkalinization and received allopurinol routinely. Urate oxidase and
      hemodialysis treatment were administered in some cases. RESULT: Of the 103
      children with B-cell lymphoma, 18 were diagnosed as having ATLS (17.5%). All the
      18 cases with ATLS were histopathologically confirmed as having Burkitt's
      lymphoma. All the patients were at stage III or IV and all had large tumor sizes,
      and 7 were found to have blasts in the bone marrow>25% (38.9%). Lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) levels>=1000 U/L were found in 11 (61.1%) cases. All patients
      had developed metabolic abnormalities, including hyperuricemia,
      hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and uremia. In terms of clinical features and
      prognosis, all cases had nausea, vomiting, anorexia, oliguria, and anuria at
      different levels. One had gastrointestinal bleeding, 7 patients experienced
      seizures. The etiology in five was hypocalcemia and two had reversible posterior
      encephalopathy syndrome and all responded well to treatment. Nine cases of ATLS
      responded to supportive care, 4 required hemodialysis, and the other 4 responded
      to urate oxidase. Ten cases survived and 8 died. The major cause of death was
      severe complications and treatment was given up in 5 cases and recurrence
      occurred in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: ATLS was commonly seen in Burkitt's subtype of B
      cell lymphoma. Higher LDH and large tumor sizes and kidney involvement were
      important risk factors for the development of ATLS in children with B-cell
      lymphoma. Treatments with hydration, alkalinization and allopurinol were safe and
      effective. Urate oxidase and hemodialytic treatments should be given timely.

PMID- 22093431
TI  - [No. 133: Persistent cough for 7 months].

PMID- 22093430
TI  - [Mutation of thyroid peroxidase gene in 35 patients with congenital
      hypothyroidism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene mutations in 35 patients
      with congenital hypothyroidism. METHOD: Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral
      blood samples of 35 patients with congenital hypothyroidism. All of the 17 exons
      and flanking introns of TPO gene were amplified by PCR, then the PCR products
      were sequenced bi-directionally and were analyzed by restriction endonucleases.
      RESULT: One patient had compound heterozygous mutations c.961A>G/c.2422delT, one
      was c.2268insT/c.1477G>A, and three was homozygous mutation c.2268insT. The TPO
      gene mutation c.961A>G [p. Thr321Ala] was one novel mutation. CONCLUSION: High
      frequency mutation in TPO gene was detected in patients with congenital
      hypothyroidism.

PMID- 22093432
TI  - [Gastric teratoma in infant: report of 3 cases].

PMID- 22093433
TI  - [A case of chronic hematogenously disseminated tuberculosis].

PMID- 22093434
TI  - [A severe case of avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus infection in human].

PMID- 22093435
TI  - System-level health disparities in California emergency departments: minorities
      and Medicaid patients are at higher risk of losing their emergency departments.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Emergency department (ED) closures threaten community access to
      emergency services, but few data exist to describe factors associated with
      closure. We evaluate factors associated with ED closure in California and seek to
      determine whether hospitals serving more vulnerable populations have a higher
      rate of ED closure. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of California
      hospital EDs between 1998 and 2008, using hospital- and patient-level data from
      the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), as
      well as OSHPD patient discharge data. We examined the effects of hospital and
      patient factors on the hospital's likelihood of ED closure by using Cox
      proportional hazards models. RESULTS: In 4,411 hospital-years of observation, 29
      of 401 (7.2%) EDs closed. In a model adjusted for total ED visits, hospital
      discharges, trauma center and teaching status, ownership, operating margin, and
      urbanicity, hospitals with more black patients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.41 per
      increase in proportion of blacks by 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16 to
      1.72) and Medi-Cal recipients (HR 1.17 per increase in proportion insured by Medi
      Cal by 0.1; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.34) had higher risk of ED closure, as did for-profit
      institutions (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.41). CONCLUSION: The population served by
      EDs and hospitals' profit model are associated with ED closure. Whether our
      findings are a manifestation of poorer reimbursement in at-risk EDs is unclear.

PMID- 22093436
TI  - Low back pain as the presenting sign in a patient with primary extradural
      melanoma of the thoracic spine--a metastatic disease 17 years after complete
      surgical resection.
AB  - Primary spinal melanomas are extremely rare lesions. In 1906, Hirschberg reported
      the first primary spinal melanoma, and since then only 40 new cases have been
      reported. A 47-year-old man was admitted suffering from low back pain, fatigue
      and loss of body weight persisting for three months. He had a 17-year-old history
      of an operated primary spinal melanoma from T7-T9, which had remained stable for
      these 17 years. Routine laboratory findings and clinical symptoms aroused
      suspicion of a metastatic disease. Multislice computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed stage-IV melanoma with thoracic, abdominal and
      skeletal metastases without the recurrence of the primary process. Transiliac
      crest core bone biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. It is
      important to know that in all cases of back ore skeletal pain and unexplained
      weight loss, malignancy must always be considered in the differential diagnosis,
      especially in the subjects with a positive medical history. Patients who have
      back, skeletal, or joint pain that is unresponsive to a few weeks of conservative
      treatment or have known risk factors with or without serious etiology, are
      candidates for imaging studies. The present case demonstrates that complete
      surgical resection alone may result in a favourable outcome, but regular medical
      follow-up for an extended period, with the purpose of an early detection of a
      metastatic disease, is highly recommended.

PMID- 22093437
TI  - Estrogen modulates inhibition of return in healthy human females.
AB  - Estrogen has a key role in explaining gender differences in dopaminergic
      functioning. To date, previous studies on estrogen have focused on inhibitory
      output control, such as the intentional suppression of overt pre-potent actions,
      but whether input control is also modulated is an open question. For the first
      time, this study compared the ability to perform a cued target-detection task
      that measured inhibition of return (IOR), a reflexive inhibitory mechanism that
      delays attention from returning to a previously attended location, in young women
      (n=21) across the three phases of their menstrual cycle (salivary estradiol and
      progesterone concentrations were assessed) and in young men (n=21). Women showed
      more pronounced IOR effect in their follicular phase, which is associated with
      both higher estradiol levels and higher dopamine turnover rates, than in their
      luteal or menstruation phase. This increase in women's IOR in their follicular
      phase was also greater than the effect found for men at any of the three phases.
      Our results are consistent with the idea that estrogen promotes IOR. Given that
      the mechanism underlying IOR biases the cognitive system towards the intake of
      novel information, our findings suggest that when the estrogen level is high,
      women are biased towards cognitive flexibility rather than cognitive stability.
      We conclude that gender differences in inhibitory input control are variable and
      state-dependent but not structural.

PMID- 22093438
TI  - The neural correlates of coloured music: a functional MRI investigation of
      auditory-visual synaesthesia.
AB  - In auditory-visual synaesthesia, all kinds of sound can induce additional visual
      experiences. To identify the brain regions mainly involved in this form of
      synaesthesia, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used during
      non-linguistic sound perception (chords and pure tones) in synaesthetes and non
      synaesthetes. Synaesthetes showed increased activation in the left inferior
      parietal cortex (IPC), an area involved in multimodal integration, feature
      binding and attention guidance. No significant group-differences could be
      detected in area V4, which is known to be related to colour vision and form
      processing. The results support the idea of the parietal cortex acting as sensory
      nexus area in auditory-visual synaesthesia, and as a common neural correlate for
      different types of synaesthesia.

PMID- 22093439
TI  - [HPV prophylactic vaccine coverage in France: Results of a survey among high
      school and university students in Marseilles' area].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess HPV prophylactic vaccine coverage among French high school
      and university students as well as their level of education about this vaccine.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted among 2500 high school
      and university students from the area of Marseilles, France, from December 2009
      to April 2010. RESULTS: A total of 2018 questionnaires were collected (80.7%
      participation rate). Mean age of participants was 20 years (range, 15-45 years).
      Only 671 (35.4%) participants reported having been vaccinated against HPV, of
      whom 510 (73.4%) had completed the three injections scheme. Practice of
      cytological cervical cancer screening was not significantly influenced by
      vaccination status. Thus, 578 (45.2%) participants who had not been vaccinated
      already had had a cervical cytology performed, versus 295 (43.3%) vaccinated ones
      (P=0.445). Among those not being vaccinated, 671 (49.8%) fulfilled criteria for a
      catch-up vaccination, of whom only 325 (48.4%) agreed for such a catch-up. Main
      reasons given for refusal for a catch-up vaccination were the lack of information
      about HPV vaccine and fear of side effects. In total, 1722 (90%) considered
      themselves as educated about the HPV vaccine. Source of education was attributed
      to doctors and media by 54.4% and 53.7% of participants, respectively.
      Educational role attributed to school and university was poor (3.4%). CONCLUSION:
      Despite apparent satisfactory level of education, HPV prophylactic vaccine
      coverage among high school and university students appears to be insufficient.

PMID- 22093440
TI  - [Role of embolization in the management of uterine fibroids].
AB  - Uterine artery embolization using non spherical PVA particles or calibrated
      trisacryl microspheres above 500 MUm is effective to treat menorrhagia, bulk
      related symptoms and pelvic pain in more than 90% of cases in the short-term. In
      the long-term, embolization is effective in 75% of cases at 5-7 years. At 6
      months, uterine volume reduction and dominant fibroid volume reduction varies
      between 30-60% and 50-80% respectively. During hospital stay, the complication
      rate is 3%. Secondary hysterectomy for complication is less than 2% at 3 months.
      Definitive amenorrhea is reported in less than 5% of cases in women of less than
      45 years of age. No significant impact of embolization on hormonal function has
      been reported in women less than 45 years with normal baseline function.
      Secondary hysterectomy for clinical failure or recurrence is reported in 14-28%
      of cases at 5 years. Non-spherical PVA particles are associated with more
      microcatheter occlusion than trisacryl microspheres. No difference between PVA
      particles and trisacryl microspheres was found in terms of post-embolization pain
      or analgesic doses. PVA microspheres (Contour SE et Bead Block) are associated
      with lower clinical success and lower fibroid devascularization using MRI than
      trisacryl microspheres. No difference between PVA particles and trisacryl
      microspheres was found in terms of clinical efficacy, uterine volume reduction
      and complication rate. Randomized studies comparing embolization to hysterectomy
      demonstrate that reinterventions are more frequently performed after
      embolization. Secondary hysterectomy is performed in 13 to 24% of cases at 2
      years and in up to 28% of cases at 5 years. Hospital stay, duration of recovery
      and time off work are shorter after embolization compared to hysterectomy.
      Embolization is cheaper than hysterectomy at 12 and 24 months even taking into
      consideration the additional costs of imaging and reinterventions. Randomized
      studies comparing embolization to myomectomy demonstrate that in the short- and
      mid-term there is no difference in terms of control of menorrhagia and bulk
      related symptoms. Uterine volume reduction and quality of life were not different
      at 6 months. Periprocedural and 30-day complication rates are not different. At 6
      months, the rate of complications is higher after myomectomy. Reinterventions are
      more frequent after embolization compared to myomectomy. Hospital stay, duration
      of recovery and time off work are shorter after embolization compared to
      myomectomy. Embolization should be considered with caution in pregnancy-seeking
      women since there is still a lack of good quality data available in the specific
      group of patients. FSH level is more frequently elevated after embolization
      compared to myomectomy. Pregnancy rate and term pregnancy rate are higher after
      myomectomy compared to embolization. Spontaneous abortion is more frequent after
      embolization than after myomectomy. There is no difference between embolization
      and myomectomy for the rates of pre-term delivery, cesarean section, post-partum
      hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia or intra-uterine growth retardation. Embolization
      performed before myomectomy (preoperative or combined procedures) can be
      discussed for an individual patient but there is not enough data to support its
      routine use.

PMID- 22093441
TI  - The ligamentum flavum at L4-5: relationship with anthropomorphic factors and
      clinical findings in older persons with and without spinal disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between ligamentum flavum thickness and
      clinical spinal stenosis. DESIGN: A validation study. SETTING: Clinical research
      laboratory. PATIENTS: A total of 119 subjects from the Michigan Spinal Stenosis
      Study (MSSS). METHODS: Two new measurement techniques were compared by use of
      magnetic resonance images of 4 asymptomatic subjects by 2 examiners. The
      technique with the best interrater reliability was then used to measure the
      ligamentum flavum at L4-L5 in 119 subjects in the MSSS who, on the basis of
      clinical examination without imaging, were thought to have lumbar stenosis,
      mechanical back pain, or no pain. These findings were related to other radiologic
      findings, demographics, clinical severity, and electrodiagnostic findings. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perpendicular on the inside of the spinal canal from the
      deepest point of concavity of the lamina to the edge of the ligament. RESULTS:
      The ligamentum flavum width measurement had high interrater (r = 0.774) and
      intrarater (r = 0.768) reliability. In 28 asymptomatic volunteers, ligamentum
      flavum width averaged 5.72 +/- 0.95 mm, with the left side significantly thinner
      than the right (t = 2.117, P = .044), and thicker ligaments with age (r = 0.653,
      P < .001). Asymptomatic persons whom radiologists thought had stenosis had
      thicker ligaments (t = 2.273, P = .032). Persons with clinical stenosis (n = 48)
      and mechanical pain (n = 43) had ligament thickness similar to that of
      asymptomatic volunteers. Among patients with clinical stenosis, ligamentum flavum
      thickness did not relate to symptom severity (pedometer and laboratory ambulation
      tests, Pain Disability Index, and visual analog scale for pain). Most
      neurophysiological findings had no relationship with ligamentum flavum width,
      except the presence of limb fibrillation potentials related to a thinner ligament
      (t = 2.915, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement technique is standardized for
      the ligamentum flavum for future use. Although the ligamentum flavum appears to
      get thicker with age, other factors, including clinical diagnosis, pain, and
      function, do not appear to relate to the ligamentum flavum width.

PMID- 22093442
TI  - Restraint of appetite and reduced regional brain volumes in anorexia nervosa: a
      voxel-based morphometric study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies of people with
      anorexia nervosa (AN) have shown differences in brain structure. This study aimed
      to provide preliminary extensions of this data by examining how different levels
      of appetitive restraint impact on brain volume. METHODS: Voxel based morphometry
      (VBM), corrected for total intracranial volume, age, BMI, years of education in
      14 women with AN (8 RAN and 6 BPAN) and 21 women (HC) was performed. Correlations
      between brain volume and dietary restraint were done using Statistical Package
      for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: Increased right dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex (DLPFC) and reduced right anterior insular cortex, bilateral
      parahippocampal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left cerebellum and right posterior
      cingulate volumes in AN compared to HC. RAN compared to BPAN had reduced left
      orbitofrontal cortex, right anterior insular cortex, bilateral parahippocampal
      gyrus and left cerebellum. Age negatively correlated with right DLPFC volume in
      HC but not in AN; dietary restraint and BMI predicted 57% of variance in right
      DLPFC volume in AN. CONCLUSIONS: In AN, brain volume differences were found in
      appetitive, somatosensory and top-down control brain regions. Differences in
      regional GMV may be linked to levels of appetitive restraint, but whether they
      are state or trait is unclear. Nevertheless, these discrete brain volume
      differences provide candidate brain regions for further structural and functional
      study in people with eating disorders.

PMID- 22093443
TI  - The relationship between prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen
      variability: data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and the Johns
      Hopkins Active Surveillance Program.
AB  - Study Type--Prognostic (cohort). Level of Evidence 2b. What's known on the
      subject? And what does the study add? Previous studies have attempted to
      characterize the normal biological variability in PSA among men without prostate
      cancer. These reports suggest that PSA variability is unrelated to age, but there
      are conflicting data on its association with the baseline PSA level. There are
      limited published data regarding the effects of prostate volume on PSA
      variability. A prior study assessing whether prostate volume changes would
      confound the use of PSA velocity in clinical practice reported that prostate
      volume changes were not significantly related to PSA changes. This study did not
      directly address the effect of baseline prostate volume on serial PSA
      variability. The objective of the current study was to further examine the
      relationship between prostate volume and PSA variability. Our hypothesis was that
      larger baseline prostate volume would be associated with increased PSA
      variability in men without known prostate cancer and in those with suspected
      small-volume disease. The results of the study suggest that baseline PSA, not
      prostate volume, is the primary driver of PSA variability in these populations.
      OBJECTIVE: * To clarify the relationship between serial prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) variability and prostate volume in both cancer-free participants from the
      Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and patients with low-risk prostate
      cancer from the Johns Hopkins Active Surveillance Program (AS). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: * In all, 287 men from the BLSA and 131 patients from the AS were
      included in the analysis, all with at least two PSA measurements and concurrent
      prostate volume measurements. * PSA variability was calculated in ng/mL per year,
      and a linear mixed-effects model was used to determine the relative effects of
      prostate volume, baseline PSA and age on PSA change over time. RESULTS: * In a
      model with prostate volume, age and baseline PSA, there was no significant
      relationship between prostate volume and PSA variability (BLSA, P= 0.57; AS, P=
      0.49). * Only baseline PSA showed a significant relationship to PSA yearly
      variability (PSAYV) (P < 0.001). Specifically, a one unit higher baseline PSA
      (ng/mL) corresponded on average to 0.09 and 0.06 ng/mL per year higher PSAYV in
      the BLSA and AS populations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: * The results of the
      present study suggest that the primary driver of PSA variability is the baseline
      PSA level, rather than prostate volume. * Clinicians might consider the baseline
      PSA level to help predict the expected variability in serial PSA measurements.

PMID- 22093444
TI  - Inhibition of the miR-143/145 cluster attenuated neutrophil differentiation of
      APL cells.
AB  - MicroRNAs can influence hematopoietic cell lineage commitment and aberrant
      expression of hematopoietic miRNAs contributes to AML pathology. We found that
      miR-143 and miR-145 expression is significantly repressed in primary AML patient
      samples as compared to neutrophils of healthy donors. Further analysis revealed
      impaired neutrophil differentiation of APL cells upon inhibition of miR-145
      expression. Lastly, we identified p73 as transcriptional regulator of miR-143/145
      during neutrophil differentiation of APL cells. Our data suggest that low miR-145
      levels in APL, possibly due to aberrant expression of p73 transcription factors,
      contribute to the differentiation block seen in this disease.

PMID- 22093445
TI  - Epidemiology of injuries due to tropical cyclones in Hong Kong: a retrospective
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tropical cyclones are huge circulating masses of wind which form over
      tropical and sub-tropical waters. They affect an average of 78 million people
      each year. Hong Kong is a large urban centre with a population of just over 7
      million which is frequently affected by tropical cyclones. We aimed to describe
      the numbers and types of injuries due to tropical cyclones in Hong Kong, as well
      as their relation to tropical cyclone characteristics. METHODS: The records of
      all patients presenting to Hong Kong's public hospital emergency departments from
      1st January 2004 to 31st December 2009 with tropical cyclone related injuries
      were reviewed and information regarding patient and injury characteristics was
      collected. Meteorological records for the relevant periods were examined and data
      on wind speed, rainfall and timing of landfall and warning signals was recorded
      and compared with the timing of tropical cyclone related injuries. RESULTS: A
      total of 460 tropical cyclone related injuries and one fatality across 15
      emergency departments were identified during the study period. The mean age of
      those injured was 48 years and 48% were female. 25.4% of injuries were work
      related. The head (33.5%) and upper limb (32.5%) were the most commonly injured
      regions, with contusions (48.6%) and lacerations (30.2%) being the most common
      injury types. Falls (42.6%) were the most common mechanism of injury, followed by
      being hit by a falling or flying object (22.0%). In univariable analysis the
      relative risk of injury increased with mean hourly wind speed and hourly maximum
      gust. Multivariable analysis, however, showed that relative risk of injury
      increased with maximum gust but not average wind speed, with relative risk of
      injury rising sharply above maximum gusts of greater than 20 m/s. Moderate wind
      speed with high gust (rather than high average and high gust) appears to be the
      most risky situation for injuries. Relative risk of injury was not associated
      with rainfall. The majority of injuries (56%) occurred in the 3h before and after
      a tropical cyclone's closest proximity to Hong Kong, with relative risk of injury
      being highest mid-morning. CONCLUSIONS: In tropical cyclone related injuries in
      Hong Kong the head and upper limb are the most commonly affected sites with falls
      and being hit by a falling or flying object being the most common mechanisms of
      injury. Hourly maximum gust appears to be more important that mean hourly wind
      speed in determining risk of injury. These findings have implications for injury
      prevention measures and emergency planning in Hong Kong and other regions
      effected by tropical cyclones.

PMID- 22093446
TI  - Out of control: an associative account of congruency effects in sequence
      learning.
AB  - The demonstration of a sequential congruency effect in sequence learning has been
      offered as evidence for control processes that act to inhibit automatic response
      tendencies (Jimenez, Lupianez, & Vaquero, 2009) via unconscious conflict
      monitoring. Here we propose an alternative interpretation of this effect based on
      the associative learning of chains of sequenced contingencies. This account is
      supported by simulations with a Simple Recurrent Network, an associative
      (connectionist) model of sequence learning. We argue that the control- and
      associative-based accounts differ in their predictions concerning the magnitude
      of the sequential congruency effect across training. These predictions are tested
      by reanalysing data from a study by Shanks, Wilkinson, and Channon (2003). The
      results support the associative learning account which explains the sequential
      congruency effect without appealing to control processes (either conscious or
      unconscious).

PMID- 22093447
TI  - Random KNN feature selection - a fast and stable alternative to Random Forests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Successfully modeling high-dimensional data involving thousands of
      variables is challenging. This is especially true for gene expression profiling
      experiments, given the large number of genes involved and the small number of
      samples available. Random Forests (RF) is a popular and widely used approach to
      feature selection for such "small n, large p problems." However, Random Forests
      suffers from instability, especially in the presence of noisy and/or unbalanced
      inputs. RESULTS: We present RKNN-FS, an innovative feature selection procedure
      for "small n, large p problems." RKNN-FS is based on Random KNN (RKNN), a novel
      generalization of traditional nearest-neighbor modeling. RKNN consists of an
      ensemble of base k-nearest neighbor models, each constructed from a random subset
      of the input variables. To rank the importance of the variables, we define a
      criterion on the RKNN framework, using the notion of support. A two-stage
      backward model selection method is then developed based on this criterion.
      Empirical results on microarray data sets with thousands of variables and
      relatively few samples show that RKNN-FS is an effective feature selection
      approach for high-dimensional data. RKNN is similar to Random Forests in terms of
      classification accuracy without feature selection. However, RKNN provides much
      better classification accuracy than RF when each method incorporates a feature
      selection step. Our results show that RKNN is significantly more stable and more
      robust than Random Forests for feature selection when the input data are noisy
      and/or unbalanced. Further, RKNN-FS is much faster than the Random Forests
      feature selection method (RF-FS), especially for large scale problems, involving
      thousands of variables and multiple classes. CONCLUSIONS: Given the superiority
      of Random KNN in classification performance when compared with Random Forests,
      RKNN-FS's simplicity and ease of implementation, and its superiority in speed and
      stability, we propose RKNN-FS as a faster and more stable alternative to Random
      Forests in classification problems involving feature selection for high
      dimensional datasets.

PMID- 22093448
TI  - Treatment of melasma using a novel 1,927-nm fractional thulium fiber laser: a
      pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 1,927-nm wavelength was recently added to the 1,550-nm erbium-doped
      fiber laser. This wavelength possesses a higher absorption coefficient for water
      than the 1,550-nm, conferring greater ability to target epidermal processes such
      as dyschromia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel 1,927-nm
      fractional thulium fiber laser in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: Fourteen
      patients underwent three to four laser treatments (at 4-week intervals) at pulse
      energies of 10 to 20 mJ and total densities of 252 to 784 microscopic treatment
      zones per cm(2) (6-8 passes) using a 1,927-nm thulium fiber laser. Three blinded
      assessors and the patients evaluated clinical improvement of treatment areas at 1
      , 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Side effects were assessed, and pain was scored
      using a visual analog scale (0-10). RESULTS: A statistically significant 51%
      reduction in MASI score was observed at 1-month post 3 to 4 laser treatments. A
      33% (p = .06) and 34% (p = .07) reduction in Melasma Area and Severity Index
      score was observed at the 3- and 6-month follow-up visits, respectively. Skin
      responses observed after treatment were moderate erythema and mild edema. No
      scarring or postinflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation was observed. CONCLUSION:
      The 1,927-nm fractional thulium fiber laser is a safe, effective treatment for
      melasma.

PMID- 22093449
TI  - Development of a novel technique for axenic isolation and culture of
      thraustochytrids from New Zealand marine environments.
AB  - AIMS: To maintain axenic cultures of commercially important thraustochytrids, a
      novel procedure was developed for the isolation of zoospores and sporangium from
      heterotrophic seawater samples and axenic culture on solid media. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Thraustochytrid cultures were isolated from Whangapoua Harbour in North
      East New Zealand and subjected to two antibiotic and antifungal treatment regimes
      designed to eliminate bacteria and fungi. Antibiotic trial 1 was designed to
      determine the appropriate combination of antibiotics (including
      streptomycin/penicillin, ampicillin, rifampicin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline,
      gentamicin and the antifungal agent nystatin). Antibiotic trial 2 determined the
      optimal dosing frequency and concentration of the antibiotics, and antifungal
      found to be the most promising in trial 1. Axenic cultures were then spread
      plated onto nutrient agar containing the optimal antibiotic cocktail, and pure
      thraustochytrid colonies were purified on solid media using standard
      microbiological techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of bacteria and fungi was best
      accomplished using a mixture of three antibiotics and one antifungal; rifampicin
      (300 mg l(-1)), streptomycin/penicillin (25 mg l(-1)) and nystatin (10 mg l(-1))
      were incorporated in seawater samples and incorporated into cultures every 24 h
      for a minimum of 2 days. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The axenic
      isolation and culture of marine thraustochytrids from a marine habitat in New
      Zealand have significant implications for the biotechnological development of
      these potentially valuable protists. This method has global significance as it is
      reasonable to assume it could be used throughout the world to obtain axenic
      thraustochytrid cultures.

PMID- 22093450
TI  - Glucagon like-peptide 1 receptor and the liver.

PMID- 22093451
TI  - Understanding the relationship between PNPLA3, NAFLD and insulin resistance: do
      ethnic differences bring more questions or more answers?

PMID- 22093452
TI  - Minimal cooperation between mutant Hras and c-myc or TGFalpha in the regulation
      of mouse hepatocyte growth or transformation in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver carcinogenesis is associated with multiple genetic changes in
      affected cells, including alterations in the Hras signalling pathway. AIM: To
      define the biological contributions of Hras to mouse hepatocarcinogenesis, we
      quantified in vivo interactions between mutant Hras and other genetic alterations
      frequently associated with liver cancer, including overexpression of the
      transcription factor c-myc and the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand
      transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha). METHODS: To accomplish this aim, we
      initiated expression of an activated Hras in hepatocytes of adult mice with or
      without simultaneous overexpression of either c-myc or TGFalpha. Potential
      interactions also were assessed through the use of the comparative hepatocyte
      growth assay, a hepatocyte transplantation assay that measures effects of altered
      gene expression on hepatocyte growth in vivo. RESULTS: Hras expression caused
      diffuse liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), and this phenotype was not changed by
      coexpression of c-myc or TGFalpha. Using the transplant system, we found that
      expression of mutant Hras alone was sufficient to induce hepatocyte focus growth
      in a quiescent liver. Paradoxically, adding expression of TGFalpha or c-myc
      reversed this Hras effect. Finally, the frequencies of transplant foci with the
      preneoplastic feature of extreme growth potential and of liver neoplasms were
      increased for Hras and both combinations when compared with control hepatocytes,
      but did not differ among oncogene-expressing groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hras-associated
      hepatocyte growth deregulation is not complemented by activation of c-myc or
      TGFalpha growth signalling pathways in mouse liver. This finding emphasizes the
      tissue-specific character of molecular growth regulation.

PMID- 22093453
TI  - Different sites of xenoantigen delivery lead to a virally induced late-onset
      hepatitis in mice through molecular mimicry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and laboratory evidences led to the hypothesis that
      molecular mimicry between viruses and self-proteins could be linked to the onset
      of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Hepatotropic viruses could be good candidates, as
      a pro-inflammatory environment may facilitate the development of AIH. AIMS: The
      aims of this study were to test a virus ability to induce an AIH through
      molecular mimicry and the influence of hepatic inflammation in this process.
      METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were injected i.v. or i.m. with recombinant adenoviral
      vectors (RecAdV) encoding for human type 2 AIH antigens to target xenoantigens
      expression in the liver and to create a transient hepatitis (i.v.) or for
      'peripheral' xenoantigens expression (i.m.). Liver injury and B-cell response
      were evaluated. RESULTS: Late-onset hepatitis was observed 8 months after i.v. or
      i.m. RecAdV injections, despite presence or absence of an initial transient
      hepatitis. Intensity of B-cell response was similar for both type of injections,
      but the Ig isotypes produced were different. B-cell autoimmune response spread to
      several liver proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Liver autoimmune response can be initiated
      using molecular mimicry over a long period of time, validating the hit-and-run
      hypothesis. Initial liver inflammatory injury is neither necessary, nor
      detrimental to the development of AIH. These results highlight the significance
      of initial events on the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver injury.

PMID- 22093454
TI  - Prevention of free fatty acid-induced hepatic lipotoxicity by carnitine via
      reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondria are the main sites for fatty acid oxidation and play a
      central role in lipotoxicity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. AIMS: We
      investigated whether carnitine prevents free fatty acid (FFA)-induced
      lipotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: HepG2 cells were incubated with FFA,
      along with carnitine and carnitine complexes. Mitochondrial beta-oxidation,
      transmembrane potential, intracellular ATP levels and changes in mitochondrial
      copy number and morphology were analysed. Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty and
      Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka rats were segregated into three experimental groups
      and fed for 8 weeks with (i) normal chow, (ii) a methionine choline-deficient
      (MCD) diet or (iii) an L-carnitine-supplemented MCD diet. RESULTS: Carnitine
      prevented FFA-induced apoptosis (16% vs. 3%, P < 0.05). FFA treatment resulted in
      swollen mitochondria with increased inner matrix density and loss of cristae.
      However, mitochondria co-treated with carnitine had normal ultrastructure. The
      mitochondrial DNA copy number was higher in the carnitine treatment group than in
      the palmitic acid treatment group (375 vs. 221 copies, P < 0.05). The carnitine
      group showed higher mitochondrial beta-oxidation than did the control and
      palmitic acid treatment groups (597 vs. 432 and 395 ccpm, P < 0.05). Carnitine
      treatment increased the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A and
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and carnitine-lipoic acid
      further augmented the mRNA expression. In the in vivo model, carnitine-treated
      rats showed lower alanine transaminase levels and lesser lobular inflammation
      than did the MCD-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: Carnitine and carnitine-lipoic acid
      prevent lipotoxicity by increasing mitochondrial beta-oxidation and reducing
      intracellular oxidative stress.

PMID- 22093455
TI  - Fecal calprotectin is a useful screening parameter for hepatic encephalopathy and
      spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bacterial translocation, causing intestinal inflammation, is one of
      the key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and
      spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) The presence of fecal calprotectin
      quantitatively relates to intestinal neutrophil migration and is therefore
      considered as a marker of intestinal inflammation. We aimed to assess the role of
      fecal calprotectin concentrations (FCCs) in diagnosing the onset and severity of
      HE and SBP. METHODS: Sixty-one cirrhotics were prospectively included. Forty-two
      subjects served as controls. Several complications of cirrhosis were diagnosed by
      reference methods. Stool samples were collected for measuring FCCs. Patients
      revealing other causes of abnormal calprotectin results, e.g. gastrointestinal
      bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Multivariate analysis of
      cirrhosis-associated complications and their relation to FCCs was performed.
      RESULTS: Fecal calprotectin concentrations were higher in cirrhotics compared
      with controls (P<0.001). Among cirrhotics, FCCs were elevated dependent on the
      severity of liver disease as assessed by Child- and model for end-stage liver
      disease-scores. The corresponding correlation co-efficients by Spearman's were
      0.577 (P<0.001) and 0.303 (P=0.018) respectively. A correlation emerged between
      elevated FCCs and HE grading as measured by West-Haven criteria and critical
      flicker frequency (both P<0.001; sensitivity=0.94 and 0.93, specificity=0.95 and
      0.89 respectively) and SBP (P<0.02; sensitivity=0.71, specificity=0.79). FCCs
      were higher in cirrhotic subjects with additional extra-intestinal inflammation
      (P<0.01; sensitivity=0.65, specificity=0.8). The Pearsons correlation
      coefficients were 0.190 and 0.164 revealing no influence (P=0.142 and P=0.207) of
      laboratory parameters of systemic inflammation on FCCs in cirrhotic subgroup.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fecal calprotectin concentrations serve as a screening tool for HE
      and SBP. Assessment of FCCs may faciliate grading of HE-severity.

PMID- 22093456
TI  - Hepatitis E virus: an underdiagnosed cause of chronic hepatitis in renal
      transplant recipients.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can evolve to chronic hepatitis in
      immunocompromised patients leading to rapidly progressive cirrhosis. Proper
      diagnosis is therefore important, as reducing immunosuppressive therapy can allow
      clearance of the virus. We report a case of chronic HEV infection in a renal
      transplant recipient that went undiagnosed for many years, discuss the
      therapeutic options, and review the current available literature.

PMID- 22093458
TI  - [History and current status of research and practices in the prevention and
      treatment of chronic diseases in China].

PMID- 22093457
TI  - Ultrasound in the evaluation of enthesitis: status and perspectives.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of studies have applied ultrasound to the
      evaluation of entheses in spondyloarthritis patients. However, no clear agreement
      exists on the definition of enthesitis, on the number and choice of entheses to
      examine and on ultrasound technique, which may all affect the results of the
      examination. The objectives of this study were to first determine the level of
      homogeneity in the ultrasound definitions for the principal lesions of enthesitis
      in the published literature and second, to evaluate the metric properties of
      ultrasound for detecting enthesitis according to the OMERACT filter. METHODS:
      Search was performed in PUBMED and EMBASE. Both grey-scale and Doppler
      definitions of enthesitis, including describing features of enthesitis, were
      collected and metrological qualities of studies were assessed. RESULTS: After
      selection, 48 articles were analyzed. The definition of ultrasound enthesitis and
      elementary features varied among authors. Grey-scale enthesitis was characterized
      by increasing thickness (94% of studies), hypoechogenicity (83%), enthesophytes
      (69%), erosions (67%), calcifications (52%), associated bursitis (46%) and
      cortical irregularities (29%). Only 46% of studies reported the use of Doppler.
      High discrepancies were observed on frequency, type of probe and Doppler mode
      used. Face and content validity were the most frequently evaluated criteria (43%)
      followed by reliability (29%) and responsiveness (19%). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound
      has evidence to support face, content validity and reliability for the evaluation
      of enthesitis, though there is a lack of well-reported methodology in most of the
      studies. Consensus on elementary lesions and standardization of exam is needed to
      determine the ultrasound definition of enthesitis in grey-scale and in Doppler
      for future applications.

PMID- 22093459
TI  - [A review of metabolic syndrome: to give up or carry on further research].

PMID- 22093460
TI  - [Research on the influencing factors of dietary behaviors among school students].

PMID- 22093461
TI  - [Epidemiological investigation and comparison of three different diagnostic
      criteria regarding metabolic syndrome among population age 30 - 80 in Xinjiang
      Uigur areas].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among
      Xinjiang Uigur population aged 30 - 80 and to compare the differences of the
      three diagnostic criteria used for MS. The three diagnostic criteria were
      developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP III), International
      Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Branch (CDS).
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2053 Xinjiang Uigur people aged
      30 - 80. The prevalence of MS and the degree of agreement were both calculated
      according to the three definitions. The results of MS components were also
      analyzed. RESULTS: (1) According to the three definitions (ATP III, IDF and CDS),
      the prevalence and adjusted prevalence rates of MS were 35.80% (29.64%), 39.41%
      (35.88%) and 23.72% (19.17%). (2) According to the three definitions (the ATP
      III, IDF and CDS), the prevalence rates of subjects who had at least 3 risk
      factors were 98.64%, 97.90% and 92.81%. (3) Among all the subjects with MS, the
      MS diagnostic criteria of ATP III and IDF were in good accordance with the Kappa
      index (0.7801), Youden index (0.7928) and the concordance rate (0.9026). CDS was
      in relatively weak agreement when comparing with other definitions (ATP III and
      IDF). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed big differences regarding the prevalence
      rates, the degree of agreement and the aggregation of risk components on MS among
      Xinjiang Uigur population. The detection rate of IDF criteria on MS and the
      highest while detection rate of ATP III criteria on subjects presented at least 3
      risk factors were the highest. The concordance of ATP III criteria and IDF seemed
      to be a better one.

PMID- 22093462
TI  - [Association between serum nitric oxide and hypertension among 1453 women in
      Suzhou].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between serum nitric oxide (NO) and
      hypertension among women in Suzhou. METHODS: Blood pressure, height, weight and
      waist circumference (WC) were measured and factors including smoking, alcohol
      intake, family history of hypertension were investigated and blood glucose, blood
      lipid, serum NO were tested among 1453 women aged >= 30 years who lived in
      Jinchang district of Suzhou. Association between serum NO and hypertension was
      analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: The mean levels of
      serum NO in hypertensive and normotensive persons were 28.17 (17.42 - 45.30)
      umol/L and 27.56 (17.19 - 44.42) umol/L, respectively, with no significant
      difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). RESULTS: from multivariable
      logistic regression analysis showed that low serum NO was not associated with
      hypertension, after adjustment for confounders (OR = 0.979, 95%CI: 0.747 -
      1.283). The mean levels of systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure were
      130.1/83.3, 128.5/82.7, 129.8/83.2 and 129.1/83.3 mm Hg for whose serum NO level
      were in the first, second, third and fourth quartile, respectively. The risk of
      hypertension did not change along with the elevated serum NO levels. Compared to
      the first quartile of serum NO, the risks of hypertension in the second, third
      and fourth quartile did not change after adjustment for confounders and OR were
      0.988 (0.709 - 1.377), 1.001 (0.720 - 1.390) and 1.077 (0.774 - 1.499),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The serum NO level was not associated with hypertension
      in women in Suzhou.

PMID- 22093463
TI  - [Estimation on the intangible cost and influencing factors for patients with
      hepatitis B-related diseases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the intangible cost and associated factors on patients
      with hepatitis B-related diseases, so as to explore the differences of the three
      elicitation techniques on the 'willingness to pay approach' (WTP). METHODS: Face
      to-Face interviews were conducted to collect health economics-related information
      by trained investigators, using a structured questionnaire. WTP was employed to
      estimate the intangible cost while an open-ended question format, together with
      iterative bidding game and payment card were respectively used to elicit WTP for
      the hypothetical cure of hepatitis B-related diseases. A Multiple linear stepwise
      regression model was determined to identify those factors potentially affecting
      the intangible cost. RESULTS: A total of 564 subjects from 641 patients with
      hepatitis B-related diseases were identified for the inclusion of this study. The
      average annual intangible cost of patient with hepatitis B-related diseases was
      54 320.4 Yuan (Ren Minbi). The intangible cost accounted for 53.0% of the total
      cost, which was much more than the proportions of the direct and indirect costs
      (38.5% and 8.5%, respectively). Among annual personal and the household income of
      the patient, proportions of intangible cost were 262.6% and 67.6% respectively,
      suggesting that the patients were under huge spiritual and psychological
      pressure. Response rate of the approach, combined open-ended questions with
      iterative bidding game, was the highest (76.6%) among the three elicitation
      formats. Considered the characteristics of data being gathered, the approach
      seemed to be more reasonable. Further studies were needed to examine the results
      yielded from other WTP elicitation formats. We also noticed that the progression
      of disease was associated with the increase of direct and indirect costs, but not
      with the intangible cost. Data from the multiple linear stepwise regression
      analysis indicated that the types of hospital and commercial medical insurance
      were significantly different in explaining the variation of the intangible cost.
      CONCLUSION: Measures should be taken to reduce the intangible cost of hepatitis B
      related diseases. The approach regarding the combination of open-ended questions
      with iterative bidding game should be recommended when carrying our further WTP
      studies of this kind.

PMID- 22093464
TI  - [A survey on the agricultural profession-related injuries among 11 902 rural
      residents in Shandong province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence and risk factors of agricultural
      activities related injuries among rural residents in Shandong province. METHODS:
      A retrospective investigation was conducted among agricultural profession-related
      workers in 20 villages with multistage cluster sampling method in Shandong
      province. Four times face-to-face interview were conducted by trained
      interviewers, including 32 students and local medical personnel under constructed
      questionnaires. Accidental injuries occurred in the activities or in the
      agricultural profession-related jobs were recorded, from May 1(st)2009 to April
      30(st) 2010. Data was input and analyzed by SPSS 13.0 statistical software.
      RESULTS: A total of 837 cases reported at least 1 job-related injury out of the
      11 902 people who had been surveyed in one year. The crude incidence rate was
      7.03% and the standardized incidence rate was 7.36%, higher in males (9.01%) than
      in females (4.10%), chi2 = 105.53, P = 0.000. Children and adolescents (<= 14
      aged) had the higher incidence rate (9.50%), chi2 = 9.70, P = 0.008. People
      working in the area of commercial service related to agricultural products had
      the highest incidence rate (12.94%). In particular, those occupations that
      related to agricultural construction or materials appeared to have had higher
      incidence rates as 16.80% and 15.59% respectively, than other kinds of jobs (chi2
      = 167.30, P = 0.000). There were higher proportion of injuries occurred in the
      roads (28.79%), in the fields (28.08%)during labor work (38.00%) transportation
      (27.97%), respectively. The seasonality of agricultural injures mostly occurred
      between June and August, accounted for 47.43%. Major external causes related to
      injuries were instruments or tools (31.42%) being used, transportation (24.13%)
      and falls (20.19%). Wounds on limbs took the majority (56.39%). The accidental
      self-inflicted injury occupied 76.82%, while accidents to passive injuries
      occupied 11.47%, other kinds accounted for 11.71%. Most of the accidents caused
      mild or moderate damage, accounted for 60.22% and 30.34% respectively. 7 cases
      died of injuries, with the fatality rate as 0.84% and the mortality rate was
      58.81 per one hundred thousand. 72 cases ended up in disability caused by
      injuries, with the morbidity rate as 6.05 per thousand. Answers to the major
      internal causes of injuries appeared to be: "did not know how to protect oneself"
      (29.87%) with females (45.41%) in particular, followed by"over fatigue" and
      "inappropriate treatment" which took the 2(nd) place in males. Major natural
      environmental factors of injuries would relate to "high air temperature and
      humidity but lower wind velocity" (14.93%), "unclear signs on the country road"
      (12.19%), "the sky was cloudy or dark" (10.87%), "slippery road caused by rain or
      snow" (10.51%), "kids were unintended" (10.27%) etc. Most of the wounded received
      treatment clinically (50.18%), with the percentile (P50) of medical cost as
      182.76 RMB (Yuan). The proportion of inpatient was 27.72% and with percentile of
      time as P(50) = 7.57 day and cost as P(50) = 2840.00 RMB Yuan. The wounded had a
      rest of P50 = 5.9 days, with an indirect cost as P(50) = 233.16 RMB Yuan.
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the incidence of
      agricultural profession-related injuries was high, with serious harm. Behavioral
      intervention and awareness of injuries should be enhanced, together with the
      improvement of environmental condition.

PMID- 22093465
TI  - [An epidemiological survey on the incidence of non-fatal injury and influencing
      factors among children under 5 years old in China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of non-fatal injuries and related
      influencing factors among children under 5 years old in China. METHODS: Data
      involving 10 819 children under 5 years old was from the Fourth National Health
      Service Survey of China. Injury-related indicators include: history of ever
      having had an injury, its frequency, cause, location and severity of the injury.
      A two-level Poisson regression was used to examine the significance of related
      socio-economic variables. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of nonfatal
      injuries among children under 5 years old was 16.0 per 1000 population in the
      prior 12 months. The first three leading causes of non-fatal injuries were falls,
      animal bite, fire/burn among children under 1 year old, with the rates as 3.9,
      1.8 and 1.8 per 1000 population, respectively. For children aged 1 to 4 years
      old, the first three leading causes were animal bite, fall, fire/burn with rates
      as 6.5, 6.0 and 2.9 per 1000 population, respectively. 83.0% and 69.0% of last
      injuries occurred at home for the above said two age groups. No disability was
      found among children younger than 1 year old who suffered from a nonfatal injury
      while for the 1 - 4 age group, the disability accounted for 1.0% of injury
      induced outcomes. After adjusting other variables, boys had 1.57 times the risk
      of injury compared with girls in the 1 - 4 age group (P < 0.05). The differences
      on the effects regarding ethnicity, per capita household income, and place were
      insignificant (P > 0.05). None of the socio-economic variables was found that
      significantly related to the non-fatal injury risk among children under 1 year
      old (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of nonfatal injuries among children
      under 5 years old was 16.0 per 1000 population in the prior 12 months. The three
      leading causes of injuries were animal bite, falls, fire/burn respectively. Home
      was the most common place that non-fatal injuries occurred. Boys had a higher
      risk of injury compared with girls among children aged 1 to 4 years old and the
      difference was significant.

PMID- 22093466
TI  - [Study on the status of unintentional injuries in children under age 7 in
      Guangzhou].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence and distribution of unintentional
      injuries in children under age 7 in Guangzhou. METHODS: Data was descriptively
      analyzed from the Guangzhou Unintentional Injuries Surveillance System among 470
      770 children under age 7 living scatter or collectively. RESULTS: The incidence
      rates of unintentional injuries among children in Guangzhou was 1.48%, among
      which the incidence rates were: living scatter as 1.11% living collectively as
      1.66%, living in urban areas as 1.36% in rural as 2.52%. In order, the proportion
      of main causes of children's unintentional injuries were as follows: falls
      (70.54%), animal injuries (8.48%), burn and scald (5.75%), blunt force injuries
      (3.92%), and road traffic injuries (RTIs) (3.48%). The main body parts being
      injured were head and face (60.00%), wrist and hand (15.48%), knee and leg
      (11.70%), elbow and forearm (4.54%), shoulder and arm (2.99%). The degrees of
      children's unintentional injuries were as follows: mild impairment (85.35%),
      moderate impairment (9.12%), and severe impairment (0.57%). Places that the
      patients went were as follows: hospital outpatient department or emergency room
      (49.66%), inpatient department or ICU (2.06%), home and kindergarten (43.34%).
      CONCLUSION: The overall incidence rate of children's unintentional injuries under
      age 7 in Guangzhou was 1.48%, with main causes as fall, animal injuries, burn and
      scald, blunt force injuries, and RTIs. There were considerable differences of
      characteristics and distributions on age and areas among the patients.

PMID- 22093467
TI  - [A cross-sectional study on health-related knowledge and skills and its
      influencing factors among the Chinese college students].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status on health-related knowledge and skills among
      the college students. METHODS: 5070 Chinese students from 28 universities or
      colleges were sampled, using the multiple-stage stratified, purposive and
      convenient mixed sampling method. A cross-sectional investigation on health
      literacy was conducted with self-designed questionnaire, and SPSS 13.0 was used
      to statistically analyze the data. RESULTS: The average scores on health-related
      related knowledge and skills among the subjects was 74.139 +/- 12.0223, with
      38.4% on basic health- related literacy (scores >= 80). The rate (1.1%) of
      passing the margin line set for the awareness on chronic disease prevention
      appeared to be the lowest. And there noticed significant differences (P < 0.05)
      in different regions, types, and genders on the basic health-related knowledge
      and skills as well as on the prevalence rates of total and each dimensional
      health-related literacy among universities and colleges. Regions and types of
      universities and colleges were the main influencing factors on the levels of
      health-related knowledge and skills among the college students. CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of basic health-related knowledge and skills was low and the
      prevalence rates of health-related knowledge and skills were differently
      distributed among student populations under study.

PMID- 22093468
TI  - [Acceptability and influencing factors of pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who
      have sex with men in Guangxi].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to
      prevent the transmission of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangxi,
      China. METHODS: Snow-balling methods were used to recruit 650 MSM in Guangxi.
      Questionnaires and interview were administrated to these 650 men, using a self
      designed questionnaire and face to face interviews to collect information on HIV
      related risk behaviors, knowledge and acceptability of PrEP. RESULTS: After an
      introduction on PrEP by interviewers, followed by as the statement-'If PrEP was
      effective, safe and free of charge', 597 (91.9%) of the 650 MSM claimed that they
      would accept it, with the main reason as the recognition of 'PrEP can decrease
      the risk of HIV infection'. For those who refused to use it, most of them said
      that were afraid of the side-effect and doubted on the effectiveness of PrEP.
      Data from logistic regression analysis showed that those who had found partners
      through friends (OR = 6.21, P = 0.020) and those who would advise his friend to
      use PrEP (OR = 39.32, P = 0.000) were more likely to accept PrEP. Those who
      thought they could protect themselves from HIV infection (OR = 0.32, P = 0.010)
      or not having sex with the ones who refused to use a condom (OR = 0.34, P =
      0.010) were less likely to accept PrEP. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness, safety and
      cost seemed to be the main influential factors related to the acceptability of
      PrEP. Peer education might improve the acceptability of PrEP.

PMID- 22093469
TI  - [Surveillance on Salmonella infection in Guangdong province, 2008 - 2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the infection of Salmonella (S.) in patients with
      diarrhea and outbreaks caused by Salmonella to identify the serotypes, resistance
      to antibiotics and PFGE types of the strains from the surveillance program in
      Guangdong province. METHODS: S. strains from patients with diarrhea were
      detected, and all the positive strains collected in routine and outbreak
      surveillance programs, were tested by serum agglutination, antibiotic
      susceptibility and PFGE. RESULTS: 71 S. strains were isolated from 1922 stool
      samples in 2008, with positive rate as 3.7%. 85 S. strains were isolated from
      2110 stool samples in 2009, with positive rate as 4.0%. All the 156 strains were
      divided into 37 serotypes, with S. serotype typhimurium and enteritidis as the
      most common serotypes. 10 incidents of food poisoning were detected, of which 4
      were caused by enteritidis and 3 by typhimurium. A suspected outbreak by
      enteritidis was discovered and under epidemiological investigation. The findings
      indicated that 2 of the 4 patients from this outbreak were infected with
      identical enteritidis isolates. 80% of the 229 isolates were found susceptible to
      cephalosporins and quinolone and 59.3% of them were multiresistant to the
      antibiotics. CONCLUSION: S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium were the most common
      serotypes that caused infectious diarrhoea and food poisoning in Guangdong
      province.

PMID- 22093470
TI  - [The spatial distribution and dynamics of human rabies cases at the county level
      in Henan province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the spatial distribution and dynamics of human rabies cases
      at the county level, in Henan province to provide scientific evidence for the
      development of control program on rabies. METHODS: Data of human rabies cases at
      the county level from 2004 to 2010 in Henan province were analyzed by Poisson
      distribution and negative binomial distribution. Data calculation was conducted
      manually. RESULTS: According to the level of alpha = 0.05 being set, there were
      three different results appeared:the first was fitted negative binomial
      distribution in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009; the second was prioritized negative
      binomial distribution, but the poisson distribution could not be excluded in 2008
      and 2010;the last one was fitted neither negative binomial distribution nor
      poisson distribution in 2006. By the clustering parameter k, the clustering
      degree at county level decreased from 2004 to 2008, then ascending in 2009 but
      descending again in 2010. The degree of clustering showed a positive correlation
      with the county mean cases in the prevalent counties (r = 0.807, P = 0.028).
      CONCLUSION: As a whole, the distribution of human rabies at county level in Henan
      from 2004 to 2010 showed negative binomial distribution and presented the spatial
      clustering. However, the degree of clustering decreased in recent years and
      showed that the infection resource was possibly scattered more evenly at the
      county level.

PMID- 22093471
TI  - [Burden of disease regarding paratyphoid fever A - based on the Syndromic
      Surveillance System on Fever].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the burden of paratyphoid fever A in Hongta district, Yuxi
      city, Yunnan province from May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 so as to provide
      information for the development of comprehensive intervention measures. METHODS:
      Based on the Fever Syndromic Surveillance System, information as attendance rate
      of patients with fever, rate of patients being sampled, laboratory testing rate,
      sensitivity on the detection of blood culture and the rate of case reporting etc.
      were calculated. According to the pyramid model of food-borne disease on disease
      burden, the local actual incidence of paratyphoid fever A was estimated and
      analyzed. RESULTS: Under the Fever Syndromic Surveillance System, there were 6642
      fever cases being detected, among whom 6570 cases were sampled and undergone
      testing, with the sampling rate as 98.92% and all the samples received laboratory
      testing. There were 354 positive cases of paratyphoid fever A reported, all from
      the Hongta district. Data showed that the attendance rate of the feverish
      patients was 73.53%, with the highest rate seen in whose under 10 years old
      (100%). Assumed that the sensitivity of paratyphoid fever blood culture was 70%,
      and the case reporting rate was 90%, we estimated that the annual incidence of
      paratyphoid fever A in Hongta was 220.33 (95%CI: 170.1 - 521.4) per 100 thousand,
      with 965 (95%CI: 745 - 2284) as new cases. Among all the age groups, the
      incidence in the age group from 15 to 44 years old was estimated to be at the
      highest (318.27 per 100 thousand). CONCLUSION: Hongta seemed to be an endemic
      region for paratyphoid fever A, with the highest incidence occurred in the age
      group of between 15 and 44 years old. These findings highlighted the urgent need
      to carry out further investigation on the risk factors and to implement targeted
      effective prevention and control measures.

PMID- 22093473
TI  - [Distribution of Staphylococcus aureus strains colonized in healthy community
      population and molecular epidemiological characteristics for MRSA strains].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nasal colonization of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus
      strains among medical university students in Shenyang and to study the molecular
      epidemiological characteristics of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
      strains. METHODS: Sterilized nasal swabs were used to collect nasal bacteria from
      both nares of the students. Nasal specimens were further identified as S. aureus
      strains, sensitive or resistant to methicillin through a series of tests.
      Molecular related methods including staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec
      (SCCmec) typing, pulsed- field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), coagulase isotyping
      and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination etc. were used to
      characterize the isolates. Prevalence of the panton-valentine leukocidin (pvl)
      genes (lukS and F-PV) among the isolates was also assessed. RESULTS:
      Staphylococci were found in 488 specimens from 977 participants through the
      surveillance program, conducted in 2009. Of the 488 specimens being tested, 364
      were identified as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and 124 as S. aureus.
      MRSA strain among the S. aureus isolates was accounted for 3.4%. In the
      surveillance program conducted in 2010, staphylococci grew in 310 specimens from
      657 participants. Of the 310 specimens tested, 195 were identified as CoNS and
      115 as S. aureus. The percentage of MRSA strains among the S. aureus isolates was
      7.7%. In total, 239 students carried S. aureus, and the percentage of MRSA
      carriers among the total specimens tested in this study was 5.1%. Most of the
      MRSA strains could be classified into one of the five types of SCCmec elements.
      Type IV a SCCmec strains were most frequent seen overall (10 isolates). A total
      of 11 pulsotype were identified among the MRSA strains and were classified into 7
      major groups (A to G) by the mutual correlations of their banding patterns. Ten
      MRSA strains were identified as pvl positive strains. CONCLUSION: An MRSA clone
      (IV a SCCmec pulsotype A) carrying pvl toxin gene was found to be prevalent in
      the nares of the healthy university students.

PMID- 22093472
TI  - [A norovirus-borne outbreak caused by contaminated bottled spring water in a
      school, Zhejiang province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study a local hospital reported acute gastroenteritis in a boarding
      school on its source of infection, mode of transmission and risk factors of the
      infection. METHODS: A suspected case was defined as who had developed diarrhea
      (>= 3 times/day) or vomiting among teachers or students of the school, during
      April 19 - 30, 2010. A confirmed case was from a probable case plus tested
      positive for norovirus in stool specimens by using RT-PCR. Stool specimens of
      cases and environmental specimens were collected for laboratory diagnosis. In a
      case-control study, we compared exposures to sources of bottled water,
      consumption of bottled water, and hygienic habits of 220 probable or confirmed
      cases from April 21 - 23 in the peak of the outbreak, together with another 220
      controls, with frequency-matched by school grade. RESULTS: 20.3% of the 1536
      students but none of the teachers developed the disease. 98.6% of the cases (n =
      217) and 85.5% (n = 188) of the controls had drunk bottled water in the classroom
      (OR(M-H) = 12.3, 95%CI: 3.7 - 40.9). 47.9% (n = 104) of the cases and 41.5% (n =
      78) of the controls had drunk unboiled bottled water in classroom (OR(M-H) = 3.8,
      95%CI: 1.5 - 9.6). 47.9% (n = 104) of the cases and 48.4% (n = 91) of the
      controls had drunk bottled mixed water (boiled and unboiled) in the classroom
      (OR(M-H) = 2.8, 95%CI: 1.1 - 7.0). Stool specimens from 3 cases and one bottle of
      uncovered bottled water in classroom showed positive of having norovirus genotype
      II. Coliforms was cultured much higher rates than standard deviations in the
      bottled water. The factory making the bottled water was not licensed or having
      strict disinfection facilities. CONCLUSION: Bottled spring water contaminated by
      norovirus was responsible for this outbreak.

PMID- 22093474
TI  - [Immunogenicity and safety of DTaP-IPV//PRP-T combined vaccine in infants in
      China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the immunogenicity and safety
      of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular, component), poliomyelitis
      (inactivated) vaccine (adsorbed) and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate
      vaccine (DTaP-IPV//PRP-T) combined vaccine compared with commercially available
      DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib),
      tetanus conjugate and IPV monovalent vaccine. METHODS: Subjects were randomly
      divided into three groups, Group A and Group B were DTaP-IPV//PRP-T combined
      vaccine (PENTAXIM(TM)) vaccinated at 2, 3, 4 months of age or 3, 4, 5 months of
      age respectively; Group C was commercially available DTaP. Hib tetanus conjugate
      (Act-HIB(TM)) and IPV (IMOVAX PolioTM(TM)) vaccines vaccinated at 3, 4, 5 months
      of age. All groups received booster dose at 18 to 20 months of age, with antibody
      titers tested. Non-inferiority analysis was demonstrated in terms of
      seroprotection/seroconversion rates between Group A, Group B respectively and
      Group C. Safety information was collected after each vaccination to assess the
      safety of investigational vaccines. RESULTS: The non-inferiority of DTaP-IPV//PRP
      T combined vaccine vaccinated at 2, 3, 4 or 3, 4, 5 months of age versus DTaP,
      Hib tetanus conjugate and IPV vaccine was demonstrated for all vaccine antigens
      in both primary and booster phases in terms of seroprotection/seroconversion
      rates. DTaP-IPV//PRP-T combined vaccine was well tolerated. The rate of
      solicited/unsolicited severe adverse reactions was very low and similar to the
      control vaccines. CONCLUSION: DTaP-IPV//PRP-T combined vaccine was highly
      immunogenic with good safety profile in Chinese infants, which was comparable to
      the commercially available control vaccines.

PMID- 22093475
TI  - [Risk factors on the recurrence of ischemic stroke and the establishment of a
      Cox's regression model].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors and establish the Cox's regression
      model on the recurrence of ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the Neurology Department of
      the Hebei United University Affiliated Hospital between January 1, 2008 and
      December 31, 2009. Cases had been followed since the onset of ischemic stroke.
      The follow-up program was finished in June 30, 2010. Kaplan-Meier methods were
      used to describe the recurrence rate. Monovariant and multivariate Cox's
      proportional hazard regression model were used to analyze the risk factors
      associated to the episodes of recurrence. And then, a recurrence model was set
      up. RESULTS: During the period of follow-up program, 79 cases were relapsed, with
      the recurrence rates as 12.75% in one year and 18.87% in two years. Monovariant
      and multivariate Cox's proportional hazard regression model showed that the
      independent risk factors that were associated with the recurrence appeared to be
      age (X1) (RR = 1.025, 95%CI: 1.003 - 1.048), history of hypertension (X2) (RR =
      1.976, 95%CI: 1.014 - 3.851), history of family strokes (X3) (RR = 2.647, 95%CI:
      1.175 - 5.961), total cholesterol amount (X4) (RR = 1.485, 95%CI: 1.214 - 1.817),
      ESRS total scores (X5) (RR = 1.327, 95%CI: 1.057 - 1.666) and progression of the
      disease (X6) (RR = 1.889, 95%CI: 1.123 - 3.178). Personal prognosis index (PI) of
      the recurrence model was as follows: PI = 0.025X1 + 0.681X2 + 0.973X3 + 0.395X4 +
      0.283X5 + 0.636X6. The smaller the personal prognosis index was, the lower the
      recurrence risk appeared, while the bigger the personal prognosis index was, the
      higher the recurrence risk appeared. CONCLUSION: Age, history of hypertension,
      total cholesterol amount, total scores of ESRS, together with the disease
      progression were the independent risk factors associated with the recurrence
      episodes of ischemic stroke. Both recurrence model and the personal prognosis
      index equation were successful constructed.

PMID- 22093476
TI  - [Occupational and residential exposure to electric and magnetic field and its
      relationship on acute myeloid leukemia in adults - A Meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies had suggested that risk of leukemia might be associated with
      occupational or residential exposures to electromagnetic fields and varied at
      distance to and level of the exposure or type of occupations. Through pooled
      analyses, etiologic insight on the associations between exposure and disease
      might be explained. METHODS: We carried out a Meta-analysis based on primary data
      (1980 - 2010) from 9 studies related to the electric and magnetic fields exposure
      and acute myeloid leukemia in adults to assess whether the combined results,
      adjusted for potential confounding, would indicate an association between them.
      RESULTS: In this study the overall estimated OR value was 1.24 (95%CI: 1.11 -
      1.37). The odds ratios for exposure categories of 0.1 - 0.2 uT, >= 0.2 uT,
      compared with < 0.1 uT, were 1.17 (95%CI: 0.98 - 1.39) and 1.51 (95%CI: 1.15 -
      1.98), respectively. CONCLUSION: Through employing the alternate cut points,
      stratification by level of exposure or distance and the relation on different
      ways of exposure, there appeared consistent evidence of increased risk between
      acute myeloid leukemia in adults and the extremely low frequency-electromagnetic
      to field exposure.

PMID- 22093477
TI  - [Comparison on the efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30 and premixed human
      insulin 30/70 through continuous glucose monitoring system].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the blood glucose levels and variability of premixed
      insulin aspart (BIAsp 30) with human insulin premix (BHI 30) used in a twice a
      day injection regimen in elderly type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: 52 cases of
      inadequate glycemia controlled by oral anti-diabetic drugs were randomly divided
      into two groups, treated on a twice-daily regimen with BIAsp 30 (n = 26) and BHI
      30 (n = 26) respectively. After achieving the target goal, a continuous glucose
      monitoring system (CGMS) was used to compare the blood glucose levels, blood
      glucose fluctuant coefficient (BGFC), postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE), and
      occurrence of hypoglycemia. RESULTS: BIAsp 30 was as effective as BHI 30 in
      control glycaemia. Detected by CGMS, there was no statistical differences in
      blood glucose levels among pre-three main meals, post-lunch and the mean blood
      glucose (MBG) (all P > 0.05). The BGFC levels were significantly lower in the
      BIAsp 30 group than in the BHI 30 group [(1.69 +/- 0.42) mmol/L vs. (2.07 +/-
      0.51) mmol/L, t = -3.013, P < 0.01]. The blood glucose increment over breakfast,
      dinner and the percentage of time at hyperglycaemia (BG > 11.1 mmol/L) were lower
      in the BIAsp 30 group than in the BHI 30 group [(2.89 +/- 1.32) mmol/L vs. (3.83
      +/- 1.18) mmol/L, t = -2.705, P < 0.01; (2.69 +/- 1.37) mmol/L vs. (3.55 +/-
      1.40) mmol/L, t = -2.232, P < 0.05; (6.21 +/- 6.04)% vs. (10.01 +/- 6.80)%, t = 
      2.132, P < 0.05]. The frequency of hypoglycemia was lower in the BIAsp 30 group
      than in the BHI 30 group, but there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Pre-meal injection of BIAsp 30 in a twice-daily regimen could
      significantly improve the control of postprandial glucose level and reduce the
      overall glucose excursions so as to lower the risk of hypoglycaemia when compared
      to BHI 30.

PMID- 22093478
TI  - [Application of Susceptible-Infected-Recovered model in dealing with an outbreak
      of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis on one school campus].
AB  - To simulate intervention measures in controlling an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic
      conjunctivitis on one school campus by using the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered
      (SIR) model, to provide evidence for preparedness and response to the epidemic.
      Classical SIR model was used to model the epidemic. Malthusian exponential
      decline method was employed to estimate the infective coefficient beta for
      interventions. The initial value of parameters was determined based on empirical
      data. The modeling was implemented using Matlab 7.1 software. Without
      interventions, the outbreak was expected to experience three phrases: (1) early
      stage (the first 5 days) in which the epidemic developed slowly and could be
      intervened easily; (2) rapid growing stage (6 - 15 days) in which the number of
      infected cases increased quickly and the epidemic could not be well controlled;
      and (3) medium and late stage (16 days and later) in which more than 90% of the
      susceptible persons were infected but the intervention measures failed to prevent
      the epidemic. With the implementation of interventions, the epidemic was
      predicted to be controlled in the early stage, under the SIR model. The
      simulation based on the SIR model kept an acceptable consistency with the actual
      development of epidemic after the implementation of intervention measures. The
      SIR model seemed effective in modeling interventions to the epidemic of acute
      hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in the schools.

PMID- 22093479
TI  - [Progress on using folic acid to prevent neural tube defects].

PMID- 22093480
TI  - In vitro effects of RU486 on proliferation and differentiation capabilities of
      human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - Although exogenous glucocorticoids (GC) play a role in the regulation of bone
      marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) proliferation and differentiation,
      the function of endogenous GC is not well understood. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate the effect of the blockage of endogenous GC using RU486, an
      antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, on the in vitro proliferation and
      differentiation capabilities of human MSCs. We quantitatively measured cell
      proliferation of human MSCs after treatment with increasing concentrations of
      RU486. We also evaluated multiple MSC differentiation capabilities, as well as
      the expression of stemness and senescence genes after proliferation of these
      human cells in vitro in the presence of RU486 at 10(-8)M. It was observed that
      RU486 treatment significantly increases the proliferation of human MSCs, although
      the optimal dose of RU486 for this increase in proliferation differs depending on
      the gender of the MSC donor. This improvement in MSC proliferation with RU486
      treatment was higher in MSCs from male donors than that from females. No effect
      of RU486 on MSC proliferation was observed in a steroid-free medium. RU486
      pretreatment significantly increased the expression of mRNA for alkaline
      phosphatase in human MSCs and the mRNA expression of osteocalcin of these cells
      up-regulated earlier after their exposure to osteogenic differentiation medium.
      Although no statistical significance in terms of chondrogenic differentiation
      markers was detected, mRNA expression for aggrecan and collagen type 2 were
      higher in a majority of the RU486-pretreated donor MSCs than their untreated
      controls. No significant difference in terms of MSC adipogenic differentiation
      capabilities were observed after RU486 treatment. RU486 treatment up-regulated
      the expressions of FGF-2 and Sox-11 in human MSCs. These results indicate that
      blockage of endogenous GCs may be developed as a novel approach to effectively
      improve the proliferation and osteochondral differentiation capabilities of human
      MSCs for potential clinical applications. Additional studies will be required to
      determine the potential long-term effects of RU486 treatment on these bone marrow
      cells.

PMID- 22093481
TI  - Non-classic androgen actions in Sertoli cell membrane in whole seminiferous
      tubules: effects of nandrolone decanoate and catechin.
AB  - Studies show a mechanism of action of testosterone, nandrolone and catechin as
      agonists of the membrane androgen receptor. The aim of this work is to
      investigate the non-classical effect of androgens and catechin in Sertoli cells
      from immature rats. The membrane potential of Sertoli cells in whole seminiferous
      tubules was recorded using a standard single microelectrode technique. It was
      performed a topical application of testosterone (1 MUM), nandrolone (0.1, 0.5 and
      1 MUM) and the flavonoid catechin (0.1, 0.5 and 1 MUM) alone and also after
      infusion with flutamide (1 MUM), diazoxide (100 MUM) or U73122 (1 MUM). The
      immature testes were incubated for 5 min in KRb with (45)Ca(2+), with or without
      nandrolone (1 MUM). The results were given as mean+/-SEM. The data were analyzed
      using ANOVA for repeated measures with Bonferroni post-test. Testosterone
      produces a depolarization in the membrane potential at 120 s after application.
      Catechin (1 MUM) and nandrolone (1 MUM) have shown a similar response to
      testosterone: depolarization at 120 s after the application. The same response of
      catechin and nandrolone was observed at different doses. The effects of
      testosterone, catechin and nandrolone were not affected after perfusion with
      flutamide. Perfusion with diazoxide and U73122 nullified the effect of nandrolone
      (1 MUM) and catechin (1 MUM). Nandrolone and testosterone increased (45)Ca(2+)
      uptake with or without flutamide within 5min. These results indicate that
      nandrolone and catechin act through a receptor on the plasmatic membrane, as well
      as testosterone, showing a non-classical pathway in Sertoli cells from immature
      rat testes.

PMID- 22093482
TI  - Estrogen receptor dependent gene expression by osteoblasts - direct, indirect,
      circumspect, and speculative effects.
AB  - Hormone activated estrogen receptors (ERs) have long been appreciated as potent
      mediators of gene expression in female reproductive tissues. These highly
      targeted responses likely evolved from more elemental roles in lower organisms,
      in agreement with their widespread effects in the cardiovascular, immunological,
      central nervous, and skeletal tissue systems. Still, despite intense
      investigation, the multiple and often perplexing roles of ERs retain significant
      attention. In the skeleton, this in part derives from apparently opposing effects
      by ER agonists on bone growth versus bone remodeling, and in younger versus older
      individuals. The complexity associated with ER activation can also derive from
      their interactions with other hormone and growth factor systems, and their direct
      and indirect effects on gene expression. We propose that part of this complexity
      results from essential interactions between ERs and other transcription factors,
      each with their own biochemical and molecular intricacies. Solving some of the
      many questions that persist may help to achieve better, or better directed, use
      of agents that can drive ER activation in focused and possibly tissue restricted
      ways.

PMID- 22093483
TI  - Rapid characterization and identification of steroidal alkaloids in Sarcococca
      coriacea using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization
      quadropole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - Rapid characterization of 23 pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids was studied using
      a positive ion electrospray ionization quadropole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS) hybrid instrument. ESI-QqTOF-MS (positive ion
      mode) showed the presence of the protonated molecules [M+H](+) which through low
      energy collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometric (CID-MS/MS)
      analysis showed the characteristic loss of dimethylamine moiety [M+H-45](+)
      followed by the sequential lossess of attached substituents. Steroidal alkaloids
      having tigloyl or senecioyl group at C-3 produced diagnostic fragment ions at m/z
      100 and 83. Our study also demonstrates the influence of unsaturation, and number
      and nature of substitutents on product ion abundance and fragment ions. Moreover,
      the generalization of the fragmentation pattern was linked with the structural
      features in steroidal skeleton. This strategy was successfully applied in LC-ESI
      QqTOF-MS/MS analysis of Sarcococca coriacea extract to investigate and
      characterize pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids in complex mixture.

PMID- 22093484
TI  - VDR dependent and independent effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on nitric oxide
      production by osteoblasts.
AB  - 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) strongly mediates bone mass.
      Mechanical stimulation also affects bone mass, partly via enhancing nitric oxide
      (NO) production by osteoblasts. We aimed to determine whether 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)
      affects NO production by osteoblasts in the presence or absence of mechanical
      stimulation. We hypothesised that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulates NO production via
      nuclear actions of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which requires hours of
      incubation with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) to occur. MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and long-bone
      osteoblasts of adult wildtype and VDR(-/-) mice were pre-incubated for 24h with
      or without 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (10(-13)-10(-9)M), followed by 30 min pulsating fluid
      flow (PFF; 0.7+/-0.3 Pa, 5 Hz) or static culture with or without 1,25(OH)(2)D(3).
      NO production and NO synthase (NOS) expression were quantified. 10(-11)M
      1,25(OH)(2)D(3) for 24h, but not 30 min, stimulated NO production by MC3T3-E1
      osteoblasts (eightfold). 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) for 24h increased inducible-NOS gene
      expression (twofold), suggesting that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulated NO production
      via activation of NOS gene transcription. PFF rapidly increased NO production by
      MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, wildtype osteoblasts, and VDR(-/-) osteoblasts. This PFF
      effect was abolished after incubation with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) for 24h, or during PFF
      only. Our results suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulates inducible-NOS
      expression and NO production by osteoblasts in the absence of mechanical
      stimulation, likely via genomic VDR action. In contrast, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may
      affect mechanical loading-induced NO production independent of genomic VDR
      action, since 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) diminished PFF-induced NO production in VDR(-/-)
      bone cells. In conclusion, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and mechanical loading interact at the
      level of mechanotransduction, whereby 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) seems to act independently
      of VDR genomic mechanism.

PMID- 22093485
TI  - Effect of intensive counselling on the quality of dietary fats in pregnant women
      at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - As part of a feasibility study to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), we
      evaluated the effect of an intensive dietary therapy on quality of diet, weight
      gain and birth weight in women at high risk of GDM. Women with risk factors for
      GDM (n 54) were randomly assigned from April 2005 to May 2006 to a lifestyle
      intervention group (n 27) including dietary advice six times during pregnancy or
      to a close follow-up group (n 27) in a community-based setting in Finland.
      Dietary intake was recorded three times during pregnancy using 4 d food records.
      The main outcome was the incidence of GDM. The secondary outcomes were the
      changes in nutrient intake, weight gain and birth weight. Overall, seventeen (65
      %) women in the intervention group and eighteen (69 %) women in the close follow
      up group returned all three food records. PUFA intake increased (P = 0.008)
      during pregnancy in the intervention as compared to the close follow-up group.
      There were no clear differences in the changes of saturated fat or fibre intake
      between the groups. Intensive dietary education resulted in a somewhat lower
      weight gain during pregnancy (P = 0.062) and higher birth weights of the infants
      (P = 0.047) without an effect on macrosomia as compared to the close follow-up
      group. Individualised counselling by a clinical nutritionist as part of a
      lifestyle intervention improved the quality of dietary fat intake in pregnant
      women at high risk of GDM.

PMID- 22093486
TI  - Effect of delaying surgery on radical prostatectomy outcomes: a contemporary
      analysis.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series). Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? For patients electing surgical treatment,
      the question of the effect of surgical delay on clinical outcomes in prostate
      cancer is controversial. In this study we examined the effect of delay from
      diagnosis to surgery on outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer and found
      no association between time to surgery and risk of biochemical recurrence, even
      for patients with longer delays and high-risk disease. Men with localized
      prostate cancer can be reassured that reasonable delays in treatment will not
      influence disease outcomes. OBJECTIVE: * To examine the effect of time from last
      positive biopsy to surgery on clinical outcomes in men with localized prostate
      cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: * We
      conducted a retrospective review of 2739 men who underwent RP between 1990 and
      2009 at our institution. * Clinical and pathological features were compared
      between men undergoing RP <= 60, 61-90 and >90 days from the time of prostate
      biopsy. * A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse the association
      between clinical features and surgical delay with biochemical progression.
      Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier
      method. RESULTS: * Of the 1568 men meeting the inclusion criteria, 1098 (70%),
      303 (19.3%) and 167 (10.7%) had a delay of <= 60, 61-90 and >90 days,
      respectively, between biopsy and RP. A delay of >60 days was not associated with
      adverse pathological findings at surgery. * The 5-year survival rate was similar
      among the three groups (78-85%, P= 0.11). * In a multivariate Cox model, men with
      higher PSA levels, clinical stages, Gleason sums, and those of African-American
      race were all at higher risk for developing BCR. * A delay to surgery of >60 days
      was not associated with worse biochemical outcomes in a univariate and
      multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS: * A delay of >60 days is not associated with
      adverse pathological outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer, nor does it
      correlate with worse BCR-free survival. * Patients can be assured that delaying
      treatment while considering therapeutic options will not adversely affect their
      outcomes.

PMID- 22093487
TI  - How plants cope with temperature stress.
AB  - A cold night can follow a hot day, and because they cannot move, plants subjected
      to such temperature fluctuations must acclimate on the basis mainly of pre
      existing proteins. Zhang et al. report in a paper in BMC Plant Biology, however,
      that heat-induced cell death results from transcriptional activation of a kinase
      related to disease resistance factors and leading to a localized hypersensitive
      response. This specialized response reflects the failure of adaptations that
      normally enable plants to survive over a remarkable temperature range, by
      mechanisms that are not fully understood.

PMID- 22093488
TI  - The impact of buprenorphine on treatment of opioid dependence in a Medicaid
      population: recent service utilization trends in the use of buprenorphine and
      methadone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Buprenorphine provides an important option for individuals with
      opioid dependence who are unwilling or unable to attend a licensed methadone
      opioid agonist treatment program to receive opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Little
      empirical information is available, however, about the extent to which
      buprenorphine has increased the percentage of opioid dependent individuals
      receiving OAT, nor to what extent buprenorphine is being used in office based
      settings. METHODS: Using administrative data from the largest Medicaid managed
      behavioral health organization in a large mid-Atlantic state, we used
      multivariate regression to examine rates and predictors of opioid agonist use and
      treatment setting for 14,386 new opioid dependence treatment episodes during 2007
      2009. RESULTS: Despite an increase in the use of buprenorphine, the percentage of
      new treatment episodes involving OAT is unchanged due to a decrease in the
      percentage of episodes involving methadone. Use of buprenorphine was
      significantly more common in rural communities, and 64% of buprenorphine use was
      in office-based settings. CONCLUSION: Buprenorphine use has increased in recent
      years, with the greatest use in rural communities and in office based settings.
      However, the percentage of new opioid dependence treatment episodes involving an
      opioid agonist is unchanged, suggesting the need for further efforts to increase
      buprenorphine use among urban populations.

PMID- 22093489
TI  - Demographic history, genetic structure and gene flow in a steppe-associated
      raptor species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Environmental preferences and past climatic changes may determine the
      length of time during which a species range has contracted or expanded from
      refugia, thereby influencing levels of genetic diversification. Connectivity
      among populations of steppe-associated taxa might have been maximal during the
      long glacial periods, and interrupted only during the shorter interglacial
      phases, potentially resulting in low levels of genetic differentiation among
      populations. We investigated this hypothesis by exploring patterns of genetic
      diversity, past demography and gene flow in a raptor species characteristic of
      steppes, the Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus), using mitochondrial DNA data
      from 13 breeding populations and two wintering populations. RESULTS: Consistent
      with our hypothesis, Montagu's harrier has relatively low genetic variation at
      the mitochondrial DNA. The highest levels of genetic diversity were found in
      coastal Spain, France and central Asia. These areas, which were open landscapes
      during the Holocene, may have acted as refugia when most of the European
      continent was covered by forests. We found significant genetic differentiation
      between two population groups, at the SW and NE parts of the species' range. Two
      events of past population growth were detected, and occurred ca. 7500-5500 and
      ca. 3500-1000 years BP in the SW and NE part of the range respectively. These
      events were likely associated with vegetation shifts caused by climate and human
      induced changes during the Holocene. CONCLUSIONS: The relative genetic
      homogeneity observed across populations of this steppe raptor may be explained by
      a short isolation time, relatively recent population expansions and a relaxed
      philopatry. We highlight the importance of considering the consequence of
      isolation and colonization processes in order to better understand the
      evolutionary history of steppe species.

PMID- 22093490
TI  - Endometriosis of the round ligament of the uterus.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the prevalence of endometriosis in the
      intrapelvic portion of the round ligaments of the uterus (RLUs) and to propose
      criteria for their excision. DESIGN: Retrospective case series analysis of women
      undergoing laparoscopy for the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis
      (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital.
      PATIENTS: We evaluated 174 patients who underwent laparoscopy for the treatment
      of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) between April 2006 and May 2009.
      INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent laparoscopy for the treatment of DIE and
      had their RLUs removed when there was shortening, deviation, or thickening. After
      removal, the RLUs were sent for histopathologic analysis to verify the presence
      or absence of endometriosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of
      endometriosis in the RLUs and the association between the macroscopic alterations
      and the anatomic pathology results were determined. After the identification of
      macroscopic alterations, 1 or both RLUs (for a total of 42) were removed from 27
      of the 174 patients who underwent laparoscopy. The positive predictive value
      (PPV) of the macroscopic criteria proposed for endometriosis of the RLU was 83.3%
      (95% confidence interval [CI] = 72.1%-94.5%), with 35 positive RLUs out of the 42
      that were excised. The prevalence of endometriosis of the RLU was 13.8% (95% CI =
      8.7%-18.9%), with 24 patients having a positive histopathologic examination
      result for endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of RLU endometriosis in
      patients with DIE was 13.8%, which emphasizes that a rigorous evaluation of this
      structure must be part of the routine surgical treatment of patients with
      endometriosis.

PMID- 22093491
TI  - Do schools differ in suicide risk? The influence of school and neighbourhood on
      attempted suicide, suicidal ideation and self-harm among secondary school pupils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rates of suicide and poor mental health are high in environments
      (neighbourhoods and institutions) where individuals have only weak social ties,
      feel socially disconnected and experience anomie - a mismatch between individual
      and community norms and values. Young people spend much of their time within the
      school environment, but the influence of school context (school connectedness,
      ethos and contextual factors such as school size or denomination) on suicide-risk
      is understudied. Our aim is to explore if school context is associated with rates
      of attempted suicide and suicide-risk at age 15 and self-harm at age 19,
      adjusting for confounders. METHODS: A longitudinal school-based survey of 1698
      young people surveyed when aged 11, (primary school), 15 (secondary school) and
      in early adulthood (age 19). Participants provided data about attempted suicide
      and suicide-risk at age 15 and deliberate self-harm at 19. In addition, data were
      collected about mental health at age 11, social background (gender, religion,
      etc.), and at age 15, perception of local area (e.g. neighbourhood cohesion,
      safety/civility and facilities), school connectedness (school engagement,
      involvement, etc.) and school context (size, denomination, etc.). A dummy
      variable was created indicating a religious 'mismatch', where pupils held a
      different faith from their school denomination. Data were analysed using
      multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, pupils
      attempted suicide, suicide-risk and self-harm were all more likely among pupils
      with low school engagement (15-18% increase in odds for each SD change in
      engagement). While holding Catholic religious beliefs was protective, attending a
      Catholic school was a risk factor for suicidal behaviours. This pattern was
      explained by religious 'mismatch': pupils of a different religion from their
      school were approximately 2-4 times more likely to attempt suicide, be a suicide
      risk or self-harm. CONCLUSIONS: With several caveats, we found support for the
      importance of school context for suicidality and self-harm. School policies
      promoting school connectedness are uncontroversial. Devising a policy to reduce
      risks to pupils holding a different faith from that of their school may be more
      problematic.

PMID- 22093493
TI  - Inhibin B for assessment of ovarian reserve after laparoscopic treatment of
      ovarian endometriomas.

PMID- 22093492
TI  - Severe fetal ischemic complications caused by second trimester amniotic fluid
      embolism.

PMID- 22093494
TI  - Hemoperitoneum assessment in ectopic pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify routine clinical, ultrasound, and biologic criteria to
      assess the volume of hemoperitoneum in women with ectopic pregnancy (EP).
      METHODS: Except for patients with hemodynamic shock, all women assigned to
      surgical laparoscopic treatment for confirmed EP at Poissy Saint Germain en Laye
      Hospital between January 2004 and December 2007 were included in the study. The
      patients underwent abdominal and digital pelvic examination, and standardized
      ultrasonography. Ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to select
      criteria associated with an increase in hemoperitoneum. The diagnostic accuracy
      of each variable was then calculated for different hemoperitoneum cut-off values.
      RESULTS: The study included 215 patients. Pelvic pain of 4 or above on a numeric
      rating scale (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-4.1),
      abdominal guarding or rebound tenderness (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 2.0-10.8), hemoglobin
      under 10 g/dL (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 4.2-35.8), presence of fluid at transvaginal
      ultrasound (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.4-9.2), and fluid in Morison pouch at abdominal
      ultrasound (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.0-15.9) were found to be independently associated
      with hemoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Both clinical examination and standardized
      ultrasonography were found to be useful for accurate evaluation of hemoperitoneum
      in patients presenting with EP.

PMID- 22093495
TI  - Fertility sparing therapy for metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease in
      young patients.

PMID- 22093496
TI  - Laparoscopic hysterectomy versus abdominal hysterectomy for severe pelvic
      endometriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH)
      versus abdominal hysterectomy (AH) in patients with severe pelvic endometriosis.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing hysterectomy for
      endometriosis was conducted between January 2002 and December 2007. A total of
      503 patients had severe pelvic endometriosis; of these, 115 patients underwent LH
      and 388 patients underwent AH. Surgical outcomes-including operative time, blood
      loss, length of hospital stay, and need for blood transfusion-were analyzed and
      compared between the 2 treatment groups. RESULTS: Operative time was
      significantly longer for LH than for AH (185.1 +/- 48.7 minutes and 139.9 +/-
      52.4 minutes, respectively; P<0.001). However, estimated volume of blood loss,
      length of hospital stay, and complication rates were significantly less for
      patients in the LH group than for those in the AH group (302.6 +/- 255.1 mL
      versus 760.9 +/- 633.2 mL [P<0.001]; 3.5 +/- 1.1 days versus 6.4 +/- 3.0 days
      [P<0.001]; and 18.3% versus 49.0% [P<0.001], respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared
      with AH, LH was associated with fewer complications. LH should, therefore, be the
      preferred surgical option for women with severe pelvic endometriosis who require
      a hysterectomy.

PMID- 22093497
TI  - The optimal cutoff serum level of human chorionic gonadotropin for efficacy of
      methotrexate treatment in women with extrauterine pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate treatment for extrauterine
      pregnancy and define criteria for prediction of success. METHODS: Of 829 patients
      with an ectopic pregnancy admitted to E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel,
      from January 1997 through December 2009, 238 had asymptomatic tubal pregnancies
      and increasing serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (betahCG) levels. These
      patients were treated with a single intramuscular injection of 50mg of
      methotrexate (MTX) per square meter of body surface. Success was defined as
      undetectable betahCG levels without the need for a surgical intervention.
      RESULTS: The groups of patients successfully treated (n=167 [70%]) and
      unsuccessfully treated (n=71 [30%]) were compared. They were similar regarding
      age and gravidity. The initial serum betahCG level was significantly higher in
      the latter group than in the former (3798 mIU/mL vs. 1601 mIU/mL, P<0.01). The
      success rate was 88% when initial betahCG levels were less than 1000 mIU/mL, 71%
      when they were between 1000 and 2000 mIU/mL, and only 59% when they were between
      2000 and 3000 mIU/mL. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate treatment is a safe and effective
      alternative to surgery. However, patients with initial betahCG levels higher than
      2000 mIU/mL should only be offered the surgical approach.

PMID- 22093498
TI  - Perinatal outcomes and congenital abnormalities in the newborns of women affected
      by the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Beijing, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pregnancy complications, perinatal outcomes, and
      congenital abnormalities (CAs) that occurred in Beijing, China, when pregnant
      women became infected with the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (H1N1 pdm).
      METHODS: Pregnancy complications, perinatal outcomes, and CAs were compared among
      3 groups of pregnant women. The 23 women in group 1 were confirmed to harbor
      viral RNA; the 23 in group 2 had serum levels of virus-specific antibodies
      against H1N1 pdm, meaning that they were suspected of being infected with the
      virus; and the 93 in group 3 had no detectable virus-specific antibodies.
      RESULTS: Perinatal outcomes and pregnancy complications were not significantly
      different in groups 1 and 3. Higher percentages of stillbirths (12.0%) and
      placental disorders (13.0%) were observed in group 2 than in group 3. Many women
      in group 2 (62.5%) experienced symptoms of having a cold during pregnancy and
      most took no medication. Two cases of CA occurred in group 1, in the offspring of
      women infected in the second trimester. CONCLUSION: When left untreated,
      infection with the 2009 H1N1 pdm virus during pregnancy appears to have increased
      fetal mortality and morbidity. Because CAs are traumatic for all concerned, their
      possible association with the virus should be further evaluated.

PMID- 22093499
TI  - Influence of HIV infection on women's resumption of sexual intercourse and use of
      contraception in the postpartum period in rural Uganda.

PMID- 22093500
TI  - Obstetrician-gynecologists' knowledge of and attitudes toward medical abortion in
      Guatemala.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the legal and clinical knowledge of Guatemalan
      obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) regarding medical abortion and to determine
      factors associated with approval of its use for specific indications. METHODS: A
      trained interviewer administered a multiple-choice survey to 172 private-practice
      OB/GYNs across Guatemala. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses
      characterized medical abortion opinion and knowledge, and logistic regression
      identified influential factors. RESULTS: 73% of OB/GYNs knew that abortion is
      legally permitted when the woman's life is at risk. Although 92% knew that
      misoprostol can be used to induce abortion, only 35% knew the WHO-recommended
      dosage. Only 25% knew of mifepristone. Compared with older OB/GYNs, those under
      40 years of age were 7 times more likely, and 40-49 year olds were twice as
      likely to approve of medical abortion for fetal death and severe eclampsia with
      fetal death, respectively. CONCLUSION: Current indications for abortion under
      Guatemalan law, as well as OB/GYN practices and beliefs regarding medical
      abortion, are hindering women's access to safe medical abortion and, therefore,
      potential reductions in maternal morbidity and mortality. Future research should
      aim to identify whether and why Guatemalan OB/GYNs are unfamiliar with these
      drugs, prefer to use other methods, or are completely against abortion.

PMID- 22093501
TI  - Safety and efficacy of antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy in acute coronary
      syndrome patients with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent and affects an ever-increasing
      proportion of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients
      with CKD have a higher risk of ACS and significantly higher mortality, and are
      also predisposed to increased bleeding complications. Antiplatelet and
      antithrombotic drugs form the bedrock of management of patients with ACS. Most
      randomized trials of these drugs exclude patients with CKD, and current
      guidelines for management of these patients are largely based on these trials. We
      aim to review the safety and efficacy of these drugs in patients with CKD
      presenting with ACS.

PMID- 22093503
TI  - Myocardial expression levels of micro-ribonucleic acids in patients with left
      ventricular assist devices signature of myocardial recovery, signature of reverse
      remodeling, or signature with no name?

PMID- 22093502
TI  - A micro-ribonucleic acid signature associated with recovery from assist device
      support in 2 groups of patients with severe heart failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that cardiac micro
      ribonucleic acid (miR) profiling in severe heart failure patients at the time of
      ventricular assist device (VAD) placement would differentiate those who remained
      VAD-dependent from those with subsequent left ventricular (LV) recovery.
      BACKGROUND: The relationship of myocardial miR expression to ventricular recovery
      is unknown. METHODS: We studied 28 patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy
      requiring VAD support consisting of test and validation cohorts from 2
      institutions: 14 with subsequent LV recovery and VAD removal and 14 clinically
      matched VAD-dependent patients. Apical core myocardium was studied for expression
      of 376 miRs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array and real-time-PCR methods.
      Samples from 7 nonfailing hearts were used in confirmatory studies. RESULTS: By
      PCR array, 10 miRs were differentially expressed between LV recovery and VAD
      dependent patients in the test cohort. The real-time PCR confirmed lower
      expression in LV recovery patients for 4 miRs (15b, -1.5-fold; 23a, -2.2-fold;
      26a, -1.4-fold; and 195, -1.8-fold; all p < 0.04 vs. VAD dependent). The
      validation cohort similarly showed lower miRs expression in LV recovery patients
      (23a, -1.8-fold; and 195, -1.5-fold; both p < 0.03). Furthermore, miR 23a and 195
      expression in nonfailing hearts was similar to LV recovery patients (both p <
      0.04 vs. VAD dependent). The LV recovery patients also had significantly smaller
      cardiomyocytes by quantitative histology in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Lower
      cardiac expression of miRs 23a and 195 and smaller cardiomyocyte size at the time
      of VAD placement were associated with subsequent LV functional recovery.
      Differential expression of miRs at VAD placement may provide markers to assess
      recovery potential.

PMID- 22093504
TI  - Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients who are upgraded and respond to
      cardiac resynchronization therapy have less ventricular arrhythmias compared with
      nonresponders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of upgrading
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy to cardiac resynchronization
      therapy (CRT) combined with defibrillator (CRT-D) on the occurrence of
      ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and appropriate ICD therapies. BACKGROUND: CRT has
      been shown to improve left ventricular (LV) systolic function and induce reverse
      LV remodeling. In addition, it has been hypothesized that CRT may reduce the
      incidence of VA. METHODS: Heart failure patients receiving an upgrade from ICD to
      CRT-D were evaluated. Patients were considered responders to CRT if LV end
      systolic volume reduced >=15% at 6 months of follow-up. Episodes of VA,
      triggering device therapy (anti-tachycardia pacing and shocks) were recorded
      before and after upgrade for the overall population. In addition, these outcomes
      were compared between CRT responders and nonresponders during the follow-up
      period after CRT response was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients (93
      males [81%], age 65 +/- 12 years) were evaluated during a mean follow-up of 54 +/
      34 months before CRT-D upgrade and 37 +/- 27 months after upgrade. In CRT
      responders (n = 70), the frequency of VA requiring appropriate device therapy
      demonstrated a trend toward a decrease from 0.51 +/- 0.79 to 0.30 +/- 0.59 per
      patient per year after CRT-D upgrade (p = 0.052). In CRT nonresponders (n = 45),
      the frequency of VA requiring appropriate device therapy significantly increased
      from 0.40 +/- 0.69 to 1.21 +/- 2.53 per patient per year after CRT-D upgrade (p =
      0.014). CONCLUSIONS: After upgrade from ICD to CRT-D, nonresponders to CRT showed
      a significant increase in VA burden requiring appropriate device therapy.

PMID- 22093505
TI  - New electrocardiographic criteria for discriminating between Brugada types 2 and
      3 patterns and incomplete right bundle branch block.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate new electrocardiographic (ECG)
      criteria for discriminating between incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB)
      and the Brugada types 2 and 3 ECG patterns. BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome can
      manifest as either type 2 or type 3 pattern. The latter should be distinguished
      from incomplete RBBB, present in 3% of the population. METHODS: Thirty-eight
      patients with either type 2 or type 3 Brugada pattern that were referred for an
      antiarrhythmic drug challenge (AAD) were included. Before AAD, 2 angles were
      measured from ECG leads V(1) and/or V(2) showing incomplete RBBB: 1) alpha, the
      angle between a vertical line and the downslope of the r'-wave, and 2) beta, the
      angle between the upslope of the S-wave and the downslope of the r'-wave.
      Baseline angle values, alone or combined with QRS duration, were compared between
      patients with negative and positive results on AAD. Receiver-operating
      characteristic curves were constructed to identify optimal discriminative cutoff
      values. RESULTS: The mean beta angle was significantly smaller in the 14 patients
      with negative results on AAD compared to the 24 patients with positive results on
      AAD (36 +/- 20 degrees  vs. 62 +/- 20 degrees , p < 0.01). Its optimal cutoff
      value was 58 degrees , which yielded a positive predictive value of 73% and a
      negative predictive value of 87% for conversion to type 1 pattern on AAD; alpha
      was slightly less sensitive and specific compared with beta. When the angles were
      combined with QRS duration, it tended to improve discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with suspected Brugada syndrome, simple ECG criteria can enable
      discrimination between incomplete RBBB and types 2 and 3 Brugada patterns.

PMID- 22093506
TI  - On the intriguing phenotypic manifestations of Brugada syndrome and the
      diagnostic value of the electrocardiogram.

PMID- 22093507
TI  - Temporal relationship and predictive value of urinary acute kidney injury
      biomarkers after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the temporal pattern and predictive value (alone and
      in combination) of 4 urinary biomarkers (neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin [NGAL], interleukin [IL]-18, liver fatty acid-binding protein [L-FABP],
      and kidney injury molecule [KIM]-1) for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney
      injury (AKI). BACKGROUND: Serum creatinine (S(Cr)) is a delayed marker for AKI
      after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Rapidly detectable AKI biomarkers could allow
      early intervention and improve outcomes. METHODS: Data from 220 pediatric
      patients were analyzed. Urine samples were obtained before and at intervals after
      CPB initiation. AKI was defined as a >=50% increase in S(Cr) from baseline within
      48 h after CPB. The temporal pattern of biomarker elevation was established, and
      biomarker elevations were correlated with AKI severity and clinical outcomes.
      Biomarker predictive abilities were evaluated by area under the curve (AUC), net
      reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. RESULTS:
      AKI occurred in 27% of patients. Urine NGAL significantly increased in AKI
      patients at 2 h after CPB initiation. IL-18 and L-FABP increased at 6 h, and KIM
      1 increased at 12 h. Biomarker elevations were correlated with AKI severity and
      clinical outcomes and improved AKI prediction above a clinical model. At 2 h,
      addition of NGAL increased the AUC from 0.74 to 0.85 (p < 0.0001). At 6 h, NGAL,
      IL-18, and L-FABP each improved the AUC from 0.72 to 0.91, 0.84, and 0.77,
      respectively (all p < 0.05). The added predictive ability of the biomarkers was
      supported by net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination
      improvement. Biomarker combinations further improved AKI prediction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Urine NGAL, IL-18, L-FABP, and KIM-1 are sequential predictive biomarkers for AKI
      and are correlated with disease severity and clinical outcomes after pediatric
      CPB. These biomarkers, particularly in combination, may help establish the timing
      of injury and allow earlier intervention in AKI.

PMID- 22093508
TI  - Can novel biomarkers complement best possible clinical assessment for early acute
      kidney injury diagnosis?

PMID- 22093509
TI  - Long-term survival in patients with resting obstructive hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy comparison of conservative versus invasive treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the survival of patients with
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and resting left ventricular outflow tract
      (LVOT) obstruction managed with an invasive versus a conservative strategy.
      BACKGROUND: In patients with resting obstructive HCM, clinical benefit can be
      achieved after invasive septal reduction therapy. However, it remains
      controversial whether invasive treatment improves long-term survival. METHODS: We
      studied a consecutive cohort of 649 patients with resting obstructive HCM. Total
      and HCM-related mortality were compared in 246 patients who were conservatively
      managed with 403 patients who were invasively managed by surgical myectomy,
      septal ethanol ablation, or dual-chamber pacing. RESULTS: Multivariable analyses
      (with invasive therapy treated as a time-dependent covariate) showed that an
      invasive intervention was a significant determinant of overall mortality (hazard
      ratio: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 0.97, p = 0.04). Overall survival
      rates were greater in the invasive (99.2% 1-year, 95.7% 5-year, and 87.8% 10-year
      survival) than in the conservative (97.3% 1-year, 91.1% 5-year, and 75.8% 10-year
      survival, p = 0.008) cohort. However, invasive therapy was not found to be a
      significant independent predictor of HCM-related mortality (hazard ratio: 0.7,
      95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 1.3, p = 0.3). The HCM-related survival was 99.5%
      (1 year), 96.3% (5 years), and 90.2% (10 years) in the invasive cohort, and 97.8%
      (1 year), 94.6% (5 years), and 86.9% (10 years) in the conservative cohort (p =
      0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated invasively have an overall survival advantage
      compared with conservatively treated patients, with the latter group more likely
      to die from noncardiac causes. The HCM-related mortality is similar, regardless
      of a conservative versus invasive strategy.

PMID- 22093510
TI  - Alcohol septal ablation for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy. A multicenter North American registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is to identify the predictors of clinical
      outcome (mortality and survival without repeat septal reduction procedures) of
      alcohol septal ablation for the treatment of patients with hypertrophic
      obstructive cardiomyopathy. BACKGROUND: Alcohol septal ablation is used for
      treatment of medically refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
      patients with severe outflow tract obstruction. The existing literature is
      limited to single-center results, and predictors of clinical outcome after
      ablation have not been determined. Registry results can add important data.
      METHODS: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients (N = 874) who underwent
      alcohol septal ablation were enrolled. The majority (64%) had severe obstruction
      at rest, and the remaining had provocable obstruction. Before ablation, patients
      had severe dyspnea (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class III or IV:
      78%) and/or severe angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class III or
      IV: 43%). RESULTS: Significant improvement (p < 0.01) occurred after ablation
      (~5% in NYHA functional classes III and IV, and 8 patients in Canadian
      Cardiovascular Society angina class III). There were 81 deaths, and survival
      estimates at 1, 5, and 9 years were 97%, 86%, and 74%, respectively. Left
      anterior descending artery dissections occurred in 8 patients and arrhythmias in
      133 patients. A lower ejection fraction at baseline, a smaller number of septal
      arteries injected with ethanol, a larger number of ablation procedures per
      patient, a higher septal thickness post-ablation, and the use beta-blockers post
      ablation predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Variables that predict mortality after
      ablation, include baseline ejection fraction and NYHA functional class, the
      number of septal arteries injected with ethanol, post-ablation septal thickness,
      beta-blocker use, and the number of ablation procedures.

PMID- 22093511
TI  - The role of alcohol septal ablation in the treatment of left ventricular outflow
      tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22093512
TI  - Inhibition of c-Src tyrosine kinase prevents angiotensin II-mediated connexin-43
      remodeling and sudden cardiac death.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test whether c-Src tyrosine kinase
      mediates connexin-43 (Cx43) reduction and sudden cardiac death in a transgenic
      mouse model of cardiac-restricted overexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme
      (ACE8/8 mice). BACKGROUND: Renin-angiotensin system activation is associated with
      an increased risk for arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, but the mechanism is
      not well understood. The up-regulation of c-Src by angiotensin II may result in
      the reduction of Cx43, which impairs gap junction function and provides a
      substrate for arrhythmia. METHODS: Wild-type and ACE8/8 mice with and without
      treatment with the c-Src inhibitor 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H
      pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (PP1) were studied. Telemetry monitoring, in
      vivo electrophysiologic studies, Western blot analyses for total and
      phosphorylated c-Src and Cx43, immunohistochemistry staining for Cx43, and
      functional assessment of Cx43 with fluorescent dye diffusion were performed.
      RESULTS: The majority of the arrhythmic deaths resulted from ventricular
      tachycardia degenerating to ventricular fibrillation (83%). Levels of total and
      phosphorylated c-Src were increased and Cx43 reduced in ACE8/8 mice. PP1 reduced
      total and phosphorylated c-Src levels, increased Cx43 level by 2.1-fold (p <
      0.005), increased Cx43 at the gap junctions (immunostaining), improved gap
      junctional communication (dye spread), and reduced ventricular tachycardia
      inducibility and sudden cardiac death. The survival rate increased from 11% to
      86% with 4 weeks of PP1 treatment (p < 0.005). Treatment with an inactive analog
      did not change survival or Cx43 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Renin-angiotensin system
      activation is associated with c-Src up-regulation, Cx43 loss, reduced myocyte
      coupling, and arrhythmic sudden death, which can be prevented by c-Src
      inhibition. This suggests that an increase in c-Src activity may help mediate
      renin-angiotensin system-induced arrhythmias and that c-Src inhibitors might
      exert antiarrhythmic activity.

PMID- 22093513
TI  - Is c-Src tyrosine kinase a new target for antiarrhythmic drug therapy?

PMID- 22093514
TI  - The year in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 22093515
TI  - Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia evaluated by cardiovascular magnetic
      resonance and gadolinium enhancement techniques.

PMID- 22093516
TI  - Thrombus entrapment by a novel mesh-covered stent in ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22093517
TI  - Murine typhus in the homeless.
AB  - Homeless populations are particularly exposed to many vector-borne diseases
      because of their poor living conditions. We tested sera from 299 homeless people
      recruited in 2010 and 2011 in Marseilles, France for antibodies to Rickettsia
      typhi by microimmunofluorescence using a titer of 1:25 as a cut-off titer, and we
      confirmed the results by Western blot and cross-adsorption studies. Sixty-three
      persons (22%) had antibodies against R. typhi. The murine typhus seroprevalence
      rates have significantly increased in homeless populations between the 2000-2003
      and 2010-2011 periods. These findings indicate that the homeless are increasingly
      exposed to flea-borne murine typhus in Marseilles. One might suggest that
      multiple strikes of sanitation workers resulting in the increase of waste and
      construction sites combined with the poor living conditions of the homeless
      expose this population to rodents and their fleas. Further annual studies are
      necessary to follow rodent-associated diseases among homeless people in
      Marseille.

PMID- 22093519
TI  - Russell Palmer: forgotten champion: how victory in Holland launched the British
      Columbia renal failure program.

PMID- 22093520
TI  - Reflections on Russell Palmer.

PMID- 22093521
TI  - Massive, painful tumoral calcinosis in a long-term hemodialysis patient.
AB  - In chronic dialysis patients, ectopic, extraosseous calcifications can cause
      significant morbidity. Uremic tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon and severe
      complication of dialysis therapy. It is defined as deposition of dense nodular
      calcium-containing masses surrounding the large joints of the body, generally
      associated with the presence of high serum calcium-and-phosphorus product. We
      describe a 69-year-old woman submitted to long-term chronic hemodialysis that
      developed painful, bilateral hip tumors. Radiographic investigation showed
      extensive periarticular calcifications, and a bone biopsy was suggestive of
      adynamic bone disease and contained substantial amounts of aluminum. The lesions
      were surgically excised, and the histological analysis demonstrated amorphous,
      calcified material associated with densely collagenized connective tissue.

PMID- 22093522
TI  - Theoretical study of carbazole-triphenylamine-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar
      cells.
AB  - Three carbazole-triphenylamine-based dyes (D1, D2, D3) are designed. The
      geometries, electronic structures, and electronic absorption spectra of these
      dyes are studied by DFT and TD-DFT. The calculated geometries indicate that these
      dyes are all noncoplanar, which can help to inhibit the close intermolecular pi
      pi aggregation effectively. The LUMO and HOMO energy levels of these dyes can be
      ensuring positive effect on the process of electron injection and dye
      regeneration. The trend of the calculated HOMO-LUMO gaps nicely compares with the
      spectral data. The calculated results of these dyes demonstrate that these dyes
      can be used as potential sensitizers for TiO(2) nanocrystalline solar cells.

PMID- 22093523
TI  - DNA binding, DNA cleavage and cytotoxicity studies of a new water soluble
      copper(II) complex: the effect of ligand shape on the mode of binding.
AB  - The interaction of native calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) with [Cu(ph(2)phen)(phen
      dione)Cl]Cl was studied at physiological pH by spectrophotometric,
      spectrofluorometric, circular dichroism, and viscometric techniques. Considerable
      hypochromicity and red shift are observed in the UV absorption band of the Cu
      complex. Binding constants (K(b)) of DNA with the complex were calculated at
      different temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy and entropy changes
      were calculated according to Van't Hoff equation, which indicated that reaction
      is predominantly enthalpically driven. All these results indicate that Cu(II)
      complex interacts with CT-DNA via intercalative mode. Also, this new complex
      induced cleavage in pUC18 plasmid DNA as indicated in gel electrophoresis and
      showed excellent antitumor activity against K562 (human chronic myeloid leukemia)
      and human T lymphocyte carcinoma-Jurkat cell lines.

PMID- 22093524
TI  - Cerebral abscesses in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: a clinical and
      microbiological evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare autosomal
      dominant disorder that can lead to neurological manifestations including strokes
      and cerebral abscesses. Our objectives were to describe clinical, radiological,
      bacteriological, and outcome characteristics of patients with cerebral abscess
      and HHT, and to concurrently compare this group with a control group with
      cerebral abscess, but without HHT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with HHT and
      cerebral abscess in 5 French medical centers were included. Their clinical,
      radiological, biological data and prognosis were compared to the data of
      unselected patients with cerebral abscesses but without HHT included during the
      same period of time. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (13 men and 13 women; 44.7+/
      17.2; range 12-79 years), with HHT and cerebral abscess were included. A
      pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was present in all cases. Cerebral
      abscesses were solitary, supratentorial, and mostly lobar. In all cases,
      pathogens were anaerobic or facultative anaerobic germs (particularly
      streptococcus). No death was observed, but various sequels were present in up to
      two-thirds of the patients. We observed a recurrence of the cerebral abscess in 4
      patients with a mean delay of 81 months. In comparison with the control group,
      cerebral abscesses were generally of later recurrence and significantly more
      often unique and less often due to staphylococcus. CONCLUSION: HHT cerebral
      abscesses are particularly linked to pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and
      anaerobic germs. Their clinical, radiological and bacteriological characteristics
      are quite different than in a control group with more solitary brain
      localizations, no staphylococcus infection and a significantly longer interval to
      recurrence.

PMID- 22093525
TI  - A multilayered polyurethane foam technique for skin graft immobilization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several techniques are applicable for skin graft immobilization.
      Although the sponge dressing is a popular technique, pressure failure near the
      center of the graft is a weakness of the technique that can result in engraftment
      failure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a new skin graft immobilization
      technique using multilayered polyurethane foam in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Twenty-six patients underwent a full-thickness skin graft. Multiple
      layers of a hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing were used for skin graft
      immobilization. In addition, we created an in vitro skin graft model that allowed
      us to estimate immobilization pressure at the center and edges of skin grafts of
      various sizes. RESULTS: Overall mean graft survival was 88.9%. In the head and
      neck region (19 patients), mean graft survival was 93.6%. Based on the in vitro
      outcomes, this technique supplies effective pressure (<30 mmHg) to the center
      region of the skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: This multilayered polyurethane foam
      dressing is simple, safe, and effective for skin graft immobilization.

PMID- 22093526
TI  - Digoxin - time for its rehabilitation?

PMID- 22093527
TI  - DNA methylation profiling: a promising tool and a long road ahead for clinical
      applications.

PMID- 22093528
TI  - Power and control: contracts and the patient-physician relationship.

PMID- 22093529
TI  - Medicine and user involvement within European healthcare: a typology for European
      comparative research.

PMID- 22093530
TI  - Direct-to-consumer testing: more risks than opportunities.
AB  - As a result of incessant genetic discoveries and remarkable technological
      advancements, the availability and the consequent consumer's request for genetic
      testing are growing exponentially, leading to the development of a 'parallel'
      market, i.e. the direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing, also known as 'direct access
      testing' (DAT). Analogous to the traditional laboratory diagnostics, drawbacks of
      DTC testing might arise from any step characterising the total testing process,
      and include poor control of both appropriateness and preanalytical requirements,
      potential operation outside national or international regulation for in vitro
      diagnostic testing, little evidence of quality as well as the risk of transfer of
      genetic materials from the companies to other entities. Another important issue
      is the test panels offered to consumers, which are often based on preliminary,
      speculative or unsupported scientific information. Finally, the potential of this
      type of testing to generate anxiety or false reassurance should also be carefully
      considered. Although DTC testing carries some theoretical advantages (e.g.
      greater consumer autonomy and empowerment), solid clinical studies and costs vs.
      benefit analyses are needed to definitely establish whether DTC testing might be
      effective for decreasing the burden of diseases, delay their onset or modify
      their progression and therefore the clinical outcome.

PMID- 22093531
TI  - Mortality and morbidity of heart failure treated with digoxin. A propensity
      matched study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of digoxin in the prognosis of patients with heart failure
      (HF) remains unclear. AIMS: To evaluate the relationship of commencing treatment
      with digoxin (CTDig) with the mortality and the morbidity of patients with HF.
      METHODS: Prospective study over 8 years on 4467 patients with HF. Main outcomes
      were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, hospitalisations and visits. We
      analyse the independent relationship of CTDig, with the mortality and the
      morbidity, stratifying patients for cardiovascular comorbidity, after propensity
      score-matching for potential confounders (1421 patients who CTDig vs. another
      1421 patients non-exposed to digoxin). RESULTS: During a median follow up of 46.1
      months, 1872 patients (65.9%) died, and 2203 (77.5%) were hospitalised. CTDig was
      associated with a lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.90 [95% CI, 0.84-0.97]), and
      cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.87 [0.81-0.96]), hospitalisation (HR = 0.91
      [0.86-0.97]), 30-day readmission for HF (HR = 0.88 [0.79-0.95]), and visits (HR =
      0.94 [0.90-0.98]) (p < 0.001 in all cases), after adjustment for the propensity
      to take digoxin, other medications, and other potential confounders. These
      effects of digoxin were independent of gender, or type of HF (systolic or non
      systolic). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that therapy with digoxin is associated
      with an improved mortality and morbidity of HF, including women and patients with
      non-systolic HF.

PMID- 22093532
TI  - Differences between South Asians and White Europeans in five year outcome
      following percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare rates of target lesion
      revascularisation (TLR) and total mortality between South Asians (SAs) and White
      Europeans (WEs) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We
      followed a cohort of 293 SAs and 865 WEs patients admitted for elective or urgent
      PCI to de novo lesions. For each patient, baseline cardiovascular risk factors
      and angiographic data were obtained. Patients had long-term follow-up for all
      cause mortality and TLR. RESULTS: Patients were followed up over a median period
      of 54 months (inter-quartile range: 47-65). SAs were younger (62 +/- 12 years vs.
      66 +/- 11 years; p < 0.0001), with a higher prevalence of diabetes, greater
      social deprivation [Carstairs score: 10.2 (IQR 6.5-12.1) vs. 3.3 (IQR 0.9-6.5); p
      < 0.0001] and presented more acutely (urgent PCI procedure). During the follow-up
      period, a total of 119 deaths and 111 TLR [94 repeat PCI and 17 coronary artery
      bypass grafting (CABG)] occurred. There was no significant difference in the rate
      of long-term all-cause mortality between SA and WE [31 (10.6%) vs. 107 (12.4%);
      OR: 0.84 (0.55-1.28); p = 0.47]. However, SA ethnicity was an independent
      predictor of long-term TLR, after adjusting for baseline clinical and procedural
      characteristics [54 (18.4%) vs. 57 (6.6%); OR: 2.83 (1.87-4.29); p < 0.0001].
      CONCLUSIONS: South Asian patients were more likely to require re-admission to
      treat clinical restenosis of the index lesion. There was no significant long-term
      difference in all-cause mortality between SA and WE patients.

PMID- 22093533
TI  - Coronary computed tomography angiography for the evaluation of patients with
      acute chest pain.
AB  - Acute chest pain is a common presenting complaint of patients attending emergency
      room departments. Despite this, it can often be challenging to completely exclude
      a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome following an initial standard clinical and
      biochemical evaluation. As a result of this, patients are often admitted to
      hospital until the treating clinician is satisfied that this diagnosis can be
      excluded. This process imparts a significant health economic burden by not only
      increasing hospital bed occupancy rates but also by the unnecessary layering of
      diagnostic investigations. With the rapid advances in coronary computed
      tomography angiography (CTA), there has been considerable interest in whether
      coronary CTA may be a viable alternative to this current standard care. We review
      the current literature and supporting evidence for utilising coronary CTA in the
      evaluation of patients presenting with acute chest pain in terms of its
      diagnostic accuracy, safety, cost-effectiveness and prognostic implications.

PMID- 22093534
TI  - Systolic heart failure in South Asians.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is a common condition leading to an unfavourable prognosis and
      impaired quality of life. In this review, we provide an overview of published
      literature on possible epidemiological and pathophysiological differences between
      patients with systolic HF of South Asian origin and those from other ethnic
      groups (mainly White). Systolic HF tends to manifest earlier among South Asians
      and with frequent hospital admissions. However, survival for such patients
      appears to be significantly better compared with the White group, which might be
      associated with different patterns of HF. For example, this could be attributed
      to a lower prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in South Asian
      subjects. Indeed, the high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among South
      Asians may predispose to diastolic HF with preserved systolic function. In
      addition, because of underrepresentation of South Asians in clinical trials,
      there are little data on optimal management of this ethnic group.

PMID- 22093535
TI  - 'Catching the spike and tracking the flow': Holter-temperature monitoring in
      patients admitted in a general internal medicine ward.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study if a 24-h continuous monitoring of temperature reveals
      information not accessible through conventional care. This included omitted fever
      peaks and circadian and complexity characteristics that may correlate with
      specific aetiologies. DESIGN: Ours was a prospective, observational study. A
      total of 62 patients, admitted to a general internal medicine ward, in whom a
      temperature > 38  degrees C had been observed the day before inclusion underwent
      a 24-h long continuous monitoring of both central and peripheral temperatures.
      The time series were recorded in a file, while they otherwise followed
      conventional care. Time series were analysed for standard statistics,
      chronobiological analysis (amplitude, mesor, acrophase, intra-daily variability)
      and complexity analysis (Approximate Entropy of both central and peripheral
      temperature, cross-ApEn). A month after discharge, the clinical reports were
      reviewed and a definitive diagnosis of the febrile syndrome was established.
      RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were initially included. In six cases, no time
      series could be obtained because of technical problems, leaving 56 patients
      accessible for analysis. In 10 cases, no definitive diagnosis was established.
      Continuous monitoring detected a mean of 0.7 (CI = 0.27-1.33) peaks of fever
      (central temperature > 38.0  degrees C) unobserved by conventional care per
      patient. A proportion of 16% (CI = 6-26) of patients considered afebrile by
      conventional care had at least one fever peak detected by continuous monitoring.
      Circadian rhythm persisted or was exacerbated in febrile patients. Circadian
      amplitude was increased in patients with tuberculosis. Complexity analysis did
      not differ among different diagnostic groups, although in subgroup analysis,
      viral infections had a higher complexity than other infectious diseases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Temperature Holter monitoring reveals fever peaks that pass
      otherwise unobserved. Furthermore, chronobiological and complexity analysis of
      the temperature profile may provide quick and easy 'hidden information', not
      available to conventional care.

PMID- 22093536
TI  - Pharmacological treatment and the prospect of pharmacogenetics in Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder marked by tremor,
      rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. Levodopa (l-dopa), usually
      combined with a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, has been proved to
      provide the best symptomatic benefit for PD. However, its long-term efficacy is
      limited because of motor complications and drug-induced dyskinesia. Dopamine
      agonists, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors and monoamine oxidase-B
      inhibitors are anti-parkinsonian (anti-PD) drugs that have been found to further
      improve the potency of l-dopa and prevent the onset of motor complications.
      However, as PD is a progressive disorder, all the drugs used for its therapy,
      manifest reduced efficacy and adverse effects with time. Research on the field of
      pharmacogenetics has pointed out that the genetic variability of each individual
      determines to a large extent the inter-individual variability in response to anti
      PD drugs. Clinicogenetic trials show that drug efficacy or toxicity or
      susceptibility to side effects are features governed by genetic principles. This
      article is a review of the present pharmacological treatment of PD and current
      pharmacogenetic data for PD.

PMID- 22093537
TI  - The association of antihypertensive medication use with risk of cognitive decline
      and dementia: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.
AB  - The association of antihypertensive medication use with cognitive decline
      (including mild cognitive impairment) or dementia (including Alzheimer's disease
      (AD), vascular dementia (VD) and any dementia) has still been an area of
      controversy. This study examined the association of antihypertensive medication
      use with cognitive decline or dementia using a quantitative meta-analysis of
      longitudinal studies. EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for articles published up
      to Feb 2011. All studies that examined the relationship between antihypertensive
      medication use and the incidence of dementia or cognitive decline were included.
      Pooled relative risk (RR) was calculated using fixed and random-effects models.
      Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. All subjects
      were without dementia or cognitive impairment at baseline. There were subjects
      with (32,658) and without (36,905) antihypertensive medication use. The
      quantitative meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in
      incidence of AD (RR: 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.03), cognitive
      decline (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.92-1.03) and cognitive impairment (RR: 0.97; 95% CI:
      0.92-1.03). The quantitative meta-analysis showed that the subjects with
      antihypertensive medication use were lower incidence of VD (RR: 0.67, 95% CI:
      0.52-0.87) and any dementia (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.96) than those without. The
      quantitative meta-analysis showed that antihypertensive medication use could
      decrease risk of the development of VD and any dementia, but could not decrease
      that of AD, cognitive decline and cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22093538
TI  - Rheumatic-musculoskeletal pain and disorders in a naive group of individuals 15
      months following a Chikungunya viral epidemic in south India: a population based
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prospective community data on arthropathy following Chikungunya
      (CHIKV), a self-limiting, arboviral infection, causing debilitating arthropathy
      are lacking. The clinical profile of chronic rheumatic-musculoskeletal (RMSK)
      pain and disorders, captured inadvertently about 15 months following a CHIKV
      epidemic is described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with RMSK pain following
      the CHIKV epidemic in 2007 were identified from a randomly selected population of
      5277 (Age > 15 years) in a village in south India, using a validated
      questionnaire-based house-to-house survey. Typical narration, records and
      serology were relied upon to classify CHIKV. Respondents who recorded active pain
      sites on a human mannequin were evaluated by Rheumatology physicians. RESULTS: A
      total of 1396 CHIKV infected individuals with painful MSKD were identified, of
      whom 437 patients (mean age: 48.37 +/- 13.62 years; 71.6% women) who were naive
      to RMSK pain prior to the epidemic were studied in detail. Incidence of RMSK pain
      and disorders in the naive group was 8.3% (437/5277). Knee was the commonest self
      reported pain site (83.3%). Majority of the patients (57%) had postviral non
      specific polyarthralgia. Soft tissue rheumatism was very common (27.7%).
      Rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthritis were observed in 6 and 11
      patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although a causal association could not be
      established, this study has unravelled a wide spectrum of unrecognised post-CHIKV
      chronic RMSK disorders. Aetiopathogenesis and risk factors of chronicity need to
      be studied further.

PMID- 22093539
TI  - Aberrant methylation of genes in stool samples as diagnostic biomarkers for
      colorectal cancer or adenomas: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing number of hypermethylated genes in stool samples have
      been reported as biomarkers for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) or
      adenomas. We aimed to comprehensively review and compare the evidence for
      feasibility of using these biomarkers for the detection of colorectal neoplasia.
      METHODS: We searched Medline, the Web of Science and OVID for studies that used
      hypermethylated genes as biomarkers for the detection of CRC or adenomas. A meta
      analysis was carried out using the random-effect model with diagnostic odd ratios
      (DOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as effect measurements. RESULTS: A total
      of 19 studies including 2,356 patients were eligible for final analysis. The
      sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio
      and DOR for the detection of CRC or adenomas were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.51-0.71), 0.89
      (95% CI: 0.86-0.92), 5.66 (95% CI: 4.68-6.83), 0.43 (95% CI: 0.34-0.55) and 13.15
      (95% CI: 9.82-17.60) respectively. Of these, the sensitivity and specificity for
      the detection of adenoma were 0.54 (95% CI: 0.39-0.68) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83
      0.92) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hypermethylated gene panels are not currently
      accurate enough to be used alone for colorectal neoplasia screening. The
      discovery and evaluation of additional biomarkers with improved sensitivity and
      specificity is necessary.

PMID- 22093540
TI  - Non-adherence to lipid-lowering therapies: a need for more studies to evaluate
      reasons for medication non-adherence.

PMID- 22093541
TI  - Adherence to lipid-lowering agents.

PMID- 22093542
TI  - [Systemic follicular lymphoma with cutaneous manifestations and exclusively
      cutaneous recurrence].

PMID- 22093543
TI  - [Methotrexate in psoriasis: do we need to give a test dose?].

PMID- 22093545
TI  - Angiotensin-degrading serine peptidase: a new chymotrypsin-like activity in the
      venom of Bothrops jararaca partially blocked by the commercial antivenom.
AB  - Snakebite envenomation is considered a highly relevant public health hazard in
      South America, having an impact in terms of mortality and morbidity. In Brazil,
      Bothrops (sensu latu) poisoning is responsible for 90% of the snakebites and in
      patients treated at the Vital Brazil Hospital (Butantan Institute) this index
      reaches 97.5%. The objective of the present study was to analyze more
      specifically the ability of the antibothropic antivenom, produced by the Butantan
      Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil, to neutralize metallo-and serine peptidases, known
      as the major toxins present in Bothrops jararaca venom. A set of Fret peptides
      (Free Ressonance Energy Transfer) was studied using the BjV (B. jararaca venom)
      and site-directed inhibitors PMSF, EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. Two substrates
      were reached to be used as specific tools for studies with metallo peptidases,
      Abz-FASSAQ-EDDnp, and the serine peptidases, Abz-RPPGFSPFRQ-EDDnp. In
      disagreement with the literature, the use of both substrates and the
      antibothropic serum showed a weak neutralization of the serine peptidases present
      in this venom and a strong neutralization of the metallo peptidases. In order to
      investigate possible mechanisms of action that have not yet been described for
      the serine peptidases from the BjV, the present study shows for the first time a
      new tyrosine-specific chymotrypsin-like and angiotensin-degrading serine
      peptidase activity, that was partially blocked by the antibothropic serum. In
      conclusion, the antivenom presented a good neutralization of metallo peptidases
      but not of serine peptidases, indicating that further studies about serine
      peptidases immunogenicity are necessary to improve the antibothropic serum.

PMID- 22093544
TI  - A systematic review on the effect of sweeteners on glycemic response and
      clinically relevant outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The major metabolic complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes may
      be prevented and managed with dietary modification. The use of sweeteners that
      provide little or no calories may help to achieve this objective. METHODS: We did
      a systematic review and network meta-analysis of the comparative effectiveness of
      sweetener additives using Bayesian techniques. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CAB
      Global were searched to January 2011. Randomized trials comparing sweeteners in
      obese, diabetic, and healthy populations were selected. Outcomes of interest
      included weight change, energy intake, lipids, glycated hemoglobin, markers of
      insulin resistance and glycemic response. Evidence-based items potentially
      indicating risk of bias were assessed. RESULTS: Of 3,666 citations, we identified
      53 eligible randomized controlled trials with 1,126 participants. In diabetic
      participants, fructose reduced 2-hour blood glucose concentrations by 4.81 mmol/L
      (95% CI 3.29, 6.34) compared to glucose. Two-hour blood glucose concentration
      data comparing hypocaloric sweeteners to sucrose or high fructose corn syrup were
      inconclusive. Based on two <=10-week trials, we found that non-caloric sweeteners
      reduced energy intake compared to the sucrose groups by approximately 250-500
      kcal/day (95% CI 153, 806). One trial found that participants in the non-caloric
      sweetener group had a decrease in body mass index compared to an increase in body
      mass index in the sucrose group (-0.40 vs 0.50 kg/m2, and -1.00 vs 1.60 kg/m2,
      respectively). No randomized controlled trials showed that high fructose corn
      syrup or fructose increased levels of cholesterol relative to other sweeteners.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering the public health importance of obesity and its
      consequences; the clearly relevant role of diet in the pathogenesis and
      maintenance of obesity; and the billions of dollars spent on non-caloric
      sweeteners, little high-quality clinical research has been done. Studies are
      needed to determine the role of hypocaloric sweeteners in a wider population
      health strategy to prevent, reduce and manage obesity and its consequences.

PMID- 22093546
TI  - Presumed cytomegalovirus-associated retrobulbar optic neuritis in a patient after
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - A case of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis
      (ON) following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo
      HSCT) is reported. Abrupt onset of bilateral decreased vision occurred in a 33
      year-old man 7 months after haplo-HSCT. His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      demonstrated pleocytosis with an absence of leukemic cells. CMV DNA was detected
      in his blood and CSF sample. Neither encephalopathy nor retinopathy was found in
      this patient. He was diagnosed with bilateral retrobulbar ON. Although he was
      given enough antiviral treatment against CMV and immunosuppression with high-dose
      methylprednisolone, the patient's vision showed no improvement, and he has almost
      total bilateral blindness. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of CMV
      associated bilateral retrobulbar ON in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 22093548
TI  - Dietary n-3 PUFA affect lipid metabolism and tissue function-related genes in
      bovine muscle.
AB  - Gene expression profiles of bovine longissimus muscle as affected by dietary n-3
      v. n-6 fatty acid (FA) intervention were analysed by microarray pre-screening of
      >3000 muscle biology/meat quality-related genes as well as subsequent
      quantitative RT-PCR gene expression validation of genes encoding lipogenesis
      related transcription factors (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta, sterol
      regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1), key-lipogenic enzymes (acetyl
      CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA), fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA
      desaturase (SCD)), lipid storage-associated proteins (adipose differentiation
      related protein (ADFP)) and muscle biology-related proteins (cholinergic
      receptor, nicotinic, alpha1, farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase 1, sema
      domain 3C (SEMA3C)). Down-regulation of ACACA (P = 0.00), FASN (P = 0.09) and SCD
      (P = 0.02) gene expression upon an n-3 FA intervention directly corresponded to
      reduced SFA, MUFA and total FA concentrations in longissimus muscle, whereas
      changes in ADFP (P = 0.00) and SEMA3C (P = 0.05) gene expression indicated
      improved muscle function via enhanced energy metabolism, vasculogenesis,
      innervation and mediator synthesis. The present study highlights the significance
      of dietary n-3 FA intervention on muscle development, maintenance and function,
      which are relevant for meat quality tailoring of bovine tissues and modulating
      animal production-relevant physiological processes.

PMID- 22093549
TI  - Gestational age dependent content, composition and intrauterine accretion rates
      of fatty acids in fetal white adipose tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the gestational age (GA) dependent content,
      composition and intrauterine accretion rates of fatty acids (FA) in fetal white
      adipose tissue (WAT). OBJECTIVE & DESIGN: To acquire this information, we
      collected abdominal subcutaneous WAT samples from 40 preterm and term fetuses.
      Their GA ranged from 22 to 43 weeks. FA were expressed as mg/g wet WAT and g/100g
      FA (g%). Intrauterine WAT FA accretion rates were estimated for appropriate (AGA)
      and large (LGA) for gestational age infants. RESULTS: From 25 to 40 weeks
      gestation, saturated-FA (SAFA) increased from 83 to 298 mg/g WAT and
      monounsaturated-FA (MUFA) from 83 to 226 mg/g WAT, while polyunsaturated-FA
      (PUFA) increased insignificantly from 18.0 to 23.2 mg/g WAT. As percentages of
      total FA, SAFA increased from 46 to 55 g%, MUFA decreased from 44 to 41 g%, and
      PUFA from 10.3 to 4.26 g%. Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA)
      accretion rates in WAT during the 3rd trimester for AGA infants were 88 and 193
      mg/week, respectively. Contemporaneous DHA and AA accretion rates for 4500 g LGA
      infants were 184 and 402 mg/week, respectively. Compared to the whole 3rd
      trimester, increment rates during the last 5 weeks of gestation were about 2-fold
      higher. CONCLUSION: FA accretion rates, notably those of DHA and AA, may be
      important for designing nutritional regiments for preterm infants. The current
      WAT-DHA and WAT-AA accretion rates are considerably lower than previously
      reported in the literature.

PMID- 22093550
TI  - [Furthering the standardized clinical study on gastroesophageal reflux disease].

PMID- 22093547
TI  - Inhibition of cathepsin B activity attenuates extracellular matrix degradation
      and inflammatory breast cancer invasion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive, metastatic and
      highly angiogenic form of locally advanced breast cancer with a relatively poor
      three-year survival rate. Breast cancer invasion has been linked to proteolytic
      activity at the tumor cell surface. Here we explored a role for active cathepsin
      B on the cell surface in the invasiveness of IBC. METHODS: We examined expression
      of the cysteine protease cathepsin B and the serine protease urokinase
      plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor uPAR and caveolin-1 in two IBC cell
      lines: SUM149 and SUM190. We utilized a live cell proteolysis assay to localize
      in real time the degradation of type IV collagen by IBC cells. IBC patient
      biopsies were examined for expression of cathepsin B and caveolin-1. RESULTS:
      Both cell lines expressed comparable levels of cathepsin B and uPA. In contrast,
      levels of caveolin-1 and uPAR were greater in SUM149 cells. We observed that uPA,
      uPAR and enzymatically active cathepsin B were colocalized in caveolae fractions
      isolated from SUM149 cells. Using a live-cell proteolysis assay, we demonstrated
      that both IBC cell lines degrade type IV collagen. The SUM149 cells exhibit
      predominantly pericellular proteolysis, consistent with localization of
      proteolytic pathway constitutents to caveolar membrane microdomains. A functional
      role for cathepsin B was confirmed by the ability of CA074, a cell impermeable
      and highly selective cathepsin B inhibitor, to significantly reduce pericellular
      proteolysis and invasion by SUM149 cells. A statistically significant co
      expression of cathepsin B and caveolin-1 was found in IBC patient biopsies, thus
      validating our in vitro data. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to show that the
      proteolytic activity of cathepsin B and its co-expression with caveolin-1
      contributes to the aggressiveness of IBC.

PMID- 22093551
TI  - [Design is determinative for success: experience and lessons from large
      international clinical trials].

PMID- 22093552
TI  - [Interpretation of new guidelines for adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation].

PMID- 22093553
TI  - [A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and mortality of
      gastrointestinal bleeding in 414 elderly patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical characteristics of patients with gastrointestinal
      bleeding (GIB) and the death-related risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis was conducted in 414 patients hospitalized for GIB during a 16-year
      period of 1994 to 2009. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of
      mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the 414 patients is 83.5 years old, ranging
      from 65 to 96 years old. The main causes of GIB were peptic ulcer (33.1%,
      137/414), gastroduodenal mucosal erosion (28.5%, 118/414) and tumor (21.0%,
      87/414). The main symptom was melena (71.0%, 294/414). Drugs that induced GIB
      were mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin (11.1%,
      46/414), acetaminophen (8.9%, 37/414) and indomethacin (1.9%, 8/414). 14% of
      patients (58/414) died of GIB in 30 days. The proportion of drug-induced GIB and
      gastroduodenal mucosal erosion caused GIB had increased significantly during the
      period of 2004 to 2009 (P < 0.05). Analysis of 30-day mortality risk showed
      advanced age, low diastolic blood pressure, high heart rate, low hemoglobin
      levels at presentation and hemorrhage volume in dead GIB elderly patients were
      significantly different compared with GIB elderly patients alive. Presence of
      severe comorbidity (heart failure and renal failure) and caused by cirrhosis and
      portal hypertension in GIB elderly patients were the only independent predictors
      of 30-day mortality (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Death of GIB patients occurred
      predominantly in elderly patients with severe comorbidities and systemic
      conditions at presentation.

PMID- 22093554
TI  - [The endoscopic and clinical features of Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic
      lesions of colonic mucosa].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By analysing the clinical features of Indigo Naturalis-associated
      ischemic lesion of colon mucosa to improve the precautionary and therapeutic
      level of the disease. METHODS: Thirteen patients diagnosed as Indigo Naturalis
      associated ischemic lesion of colon mucosa in Peking University Third Hospital
      from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed. The endoscopic and clinical features were
      analysed. RESULTS: The 13 patients with an average age of (60.6 +/- 14.1) years
      old were prescribed Chinese traditional medicine containing Indigo Naturalis for
      psoriasis or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The ratio of males to
      females was 1:1.6. The typical manifestations were abdominal pain and bloody
      stool with watering diarrhea before bloody stool in 61.5% patients. Endoscopic
      and pathological characteristics were coincident with ischemic lesion and more
      like a chronic index. Vasodilatic medicine was effective and the average
      hemostatic time was (1.7 +/- 0.8) days. The prognosis was well and no recurrence
      was found during 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients having psoriasis or
      ITP treated with Chinese traditional medicine containing Indigo Naturalis have an
      inclination to colon mucosa lesions, even ischemic lesion. Careful assessment and
      observation before prescribing are necessary in these patients.

PMID- 22093555
TI  - [An analysis of clinical characteristics of forty-six AIDS phobia patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical characteristics of AIDS phobia patients and
      establish the preliminary clinical diagnostic criteria. METHODS: The clinical
      information of 46 AIDS phobia patients was collected and summarized. General
      demographic data, clinical manifestations and laboratory results were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of AIDS phobia patients include: (1) With
      or without high-risk behavior of HIV-1 infection; (2) Patients repeatedly
      demanded HIV/AIDS related laboratory tests, suspected or believed in HIV-1
      infection with daily life affected; (3) The main complaints were non-specific
      including influenza-like symptoms (headache, sore throat and so on),
      fasciculation, formication, arthrodynia, fatigue and complaint of fever with
      normal body temperature; physical examination did not reveal any positive
      physical sign except white coated tongue; (4) Symptoms mainly appeared 0-3 months
      after the high-risk behavior while HIV-1 antibody kept negative; (5) T lymphocyte
      subsets test was carried out in 23 patients and showed 19 (82.6%) with CD(4)(+) T
      lymphocyte count > 500/ul, the remaining 4 were 300 - 500/ul, with the lowest
      count of 307/ul. Few patients had inversed CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) ratio but without
      excessive CD(8)(+)T lymphocyte activation. CONCLUSIONS: AIDS phobia is a
      complicated physical and mental disease, whose diagnosis and treatment still need
      further investigation.

PMID- 22093556
TI  - [Blood stream infections during agranulocytosis period after hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation in one single center].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiologic features of blood stream infection (BSI)
      during the period of agranulocytosis after hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) in our hospital, and provide the basis for the empirical
      therapy. METHODS: The consecutive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      recipients conducted between January 2008 and October 2010 were studied
      retrospectively, to identify the current incidence, etiology for BSI and
      associated mortality during the period of agranulocytosis. RESULTS: Totally 75
      patients were diagnosed as BSI. The incidence of BSI was 9.6% (75/784) in HSCT
      during the period of agranulocytosis, 17.0% (75/441) in febrile patients. The
      pathogen testing showed that 64.4% were G(-) bacteria, 30.1% were G(+) bacterial
      and 5.5% were fungi. All G(-) bacteria except one were sensitive to carbapenems;
      all G(+) bacteria except one were sensitive to vancomycin. Among the 75 patients,
      9 (12.0%) experienced septic shock and 5 (6.7%) died. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogens
      of the BSI in the cohort are G(-) bacteria, followed by G(+) bacteria and fungi.
      Carbapenems and vancomycin are the first drugs for the experiential therapy.

PMID- 22093557
TI  - [The relationship between hyperuricaemia and clinic pathology of IgA
      nephropathy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between the level of serum uric acid and
      the clinical and pathological features of IgA nephropathy. METHODS: Totally 148
      patients diagnosed as IgA nephropathy by renal biopsy in our hospital from
      January 2007 to December 2010 were divided into hyperuricaemic group (41 cases)
      and non-hyperuricaemic group (107 cases) according to the level of serum uric
      acid. The clinical parameters and renal pathology grade were compared. RESULTS:
      There were significant differences between hyperuricaemic group and non
      hyperuricaemic group in the incidences of hypertension (63.4% vs 38.3%), disease
      duration [(18.90 +/- 10.12) months vs (9.46 +/- 3.91) months] and body mass index
      [(22.81 +/- 3.60) kg/m(2) vs (15.32 +/- 2.54) kg/m(2)] (all P < 0.05), while no
      differences in age and sex (both P > 0.05). The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [(8.93
      +/- 4.28) mmol/L vs (5.21 +/- 2.18) mmol/L], creatinine (Cr) [(155.96 +/- 107.72)
      umol/L vs (79.52 +/- 40.01) umol/L], serum triglycerides [(2.11 +/- 1.06) mmol/L
      vs (1.86 +/- 1.20) mmol/L] and 24-hour urine protein amount [(4328.16 +/-
      1434.25) mg/24 h vs (2885.10 +/- 1388.15) mg/24 h] were significantly different
      between the two groups (all P < 0.05). The percentage of Lee's grade I + II in
      hyperuricaemic group was 12.2%, and IV + V grade was 39.0%, while percentage of
      Lee's grade I + II in non-hyperuricaemic group was 25.2%, and IV + V grade was
      16.9% (P < 0.05). Tubulointerstitial lesions (TIL) grade III + IV was more in
      hyperuricaemic group, which was 68.3%, while TIL grade II was more in non
      hyperuricaemic group, which was 76.6%. Renal artery damage grade II + III was
      more in hyperuricaemic group, which was 73.2%, while renal artery damage grade 0
      + I was more in non-hyperuricaemic group, which was 69.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The level
      of serum uric acid was related with 24-hour urine protein amount, blood pressure
      and kidney function in IgA nephropathy, and Lee's grade, TIL grade and renal
      artery damage grade were severe in hyperuricaemic group.

PMID- 22093559
TI  - [The significance of cough reflex sensitivity test in chronic cough].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preliminary study of the cough reflex sensitivity test in chronic
      cough patients with different gender, disease duration and causes to evaluate the
      clinical diagnostic significance of the test and further provide some information
      for the treatment of chronic cough. METHODS: Totally 108 chronic cough patients
      in our hospital were enrolled in the study with the final diagnosis of upper
      airway cough syndrome (UACS), cough variant asthma (CVA) and gastroesophageal
      reflux cough (GERC). They all went through the cough reflex sensitivity test and
      the retrospective analysis of the results was made. RESULTS: In 108 patients with
      chronic cough (76 UACS, 19 CVA and 13 GERC), lgC5 was significantly slower in the
      female (1.80) than the male (2.40, P < 0.05) and in the patients with cough
      duration over 12 months (1.80) than those with cough duration under 12 months
      (2.40, P < 0.05). Cough sensitivity in patients with different causes was
      significantly different (P < 0.05) with lower lgC5 in GERC patients (1.49) than
      CVA (2.40, P < 0.05) and UACS (2.40, P < 0.05) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cough
      sensitivity is different in chronic cough patients with different gender, disease
      duration and causes. Cough reflex sensitivity test is of great value in the
      etiology diagnosis of chronic cough.

PMID- 22093558
TI  - [The relationship between coagulation/anticoagulation imbalance and oxidative
      stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between coagulation/anticoagulation
      imbalance and oxidative stress in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease during acute exacerbation (AECOPD) before and after treatment. METHODS:
      Plasma tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) activity was
      detected by chromogenic assay in 28 AECOPD patients before and after treatment as
      well as in 30 healthy controls. The total antioxidative capacity (TAC),
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in plasma were measured
      in both groups. RESULTS: The levels of plasma TF and TFPI, and their ratio
      (TF/TFPI) in AECOPD patients before treatment were significantly higher than
      those after treatment (all P < 0.01), the latter were still higher than those in
      the healthy persons (all P < 0.01). The levels of the TAC and GSH-PX in plasma in
      AECOPD patients before treatment were significantly lower than those after
      treatment (all P < 0.01), the latter were still lower than those in the healthy
      persons (all P < 0.01). The plasma MDA in AECOPD patients before treatment was
      significantly higher than that after treatment (P < 0.01), which was still higher
      than that in the healthy persons (P < 0.05). There were negative correlations
      between TF/TFPI ratio and TAC (r = -0.518, P < 0.01), GSH-PX (r = -0.454, P <
      0.05), PaO2 (r = -0.511, P < 0.01) respectively and a positive correlation
      between TF/TFPI ratio and the percentage of neutrophils (r = 0.379, P < 0.05) in
      AECOPD patients before treatment. There still were negative correlations between
      TF/TFPI ratio and TAC (r = -0.420, P < 0.05), FEV(1)% to predicted (r = -0.480, P
      < 0.05) respectively, and a positive correlation between TF/TFPI ratio and MDA (r
      = 0.451, P < 0.05) in AECOPD patients after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There existed
      coagulation/anticoagulation imbalance and oxidation/antioxidation imbalance
      before and after treatment in AECOPD patients and their relationship was
      explored.

PMID- 22093560
TI  - [An analysis of factors for quality-of-life in patients with chronic cough].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To constitute a correlation with the subjective indicators by
      investigation of the causes and clinical features in patients with chronic cough.
      METHODS: Totally 100 patients with chronic cough were recruited followed a
      diagnostic program. Airway responsiveness [by methacholine challenge test (MCT)],
      Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), cough score,
      age, gender and disease duration were all recorded for analysis. RESULTS: The top
      five causes of chronic cough in these patients were variant asthma, post
      infectious cough, atopic cough, eosinophilic bronchitis and upper airway cough
      syndrome. LCQ total score was negatively correlated with age and the VAS score (r
      = -0.239 and -0.470 respectively, all P < 0.05), while no difference was found
      among patients with different causes of disease or gender (F = 1.233, t = 1.918,
      all P > 0.05) and no correlation was found with BMI (r = -0.029, P > 0.05). The
      physiological and psychological field score in female patients significantly
      reduced (t = 2.174, 1.990, P < 0.05), and LCQ total score of MCT positive
      patients obviously reduced than negative ones (t = -2.22, P < 0.05). After the
      treatment of two weeks, LCQ three component field and total score could be
      improved significantly (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Gender and age may have some
      impact on the quality of life in patients with chronic cough. LCQ, VAS and cough
      score should be used to assess cough severity and evaluate therapeutic effect in
      patients with chronic cough.

PMID- 22093561
TI  - [The relationship between left ventricular diastolic function and arterial
      stiffness in diabetic coronary heart disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: By measuring left ventricular diastolic function and arterial
      stiffness, this study aims to probe into the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on
      left ventricular diastolic function and arterial stiffness, and evaluate the
      correlation between left ventricular diastolic function and arterial stiffness.
      METHODS: Seventy-six inpatients were enrolled. According to their coronary
      angiography, OGTT test results and past history of DM, patients were divided into
      controlled, CHD (coronary heart disease with no DM), and CHD + DM groups. Through
      invasive hemodynamic monitoring during left ventricular angiography, left
      ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and tau index were collected. Carotid
      femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV), reflected wave augmentation index (AIx@75)
      and other data reflecting the degree of arterial stiffness were collected bedside
      with non-invasive means. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No
      significant difference was found between groups for LVEDP, tau index, and AIx@75.
      In terms of c-f PMV, The CHD + DM group (8.79 +/- 1.59) cm/s differed
      significantly from the CHD group (7.43 +/- 1.42) cm/s and the controlled group
      (6.83 +/- 1.14) cm/s. No correlations were found between c-f PMV and LVEDP or tau
      index. A positive correlation was found between AIx@75 and tau index.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the controlled group and CHD patients with no DM, CHD
      + DM patients show worse arterial stiffness with no difference in ventricular
      diastolic function. There is a positive correlation between arterial stiffness
      and diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 22093562
TI  - [The relationship between amount of cigarette smoked and insulin resistance in
      male patients with coronary artery disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between smoking and insulin resistance
      in non-obese male patients with CAD. METHODS: 414 consecutive non-obese male
      patients with angiographically-documented CAD (luminal diameter narrowing > 50%)
      were recruited, including 113 nonsmokers and 301 smokers. With 99 mild smokers (<
      400 packs/year), 95 medium smokers (400 - 799 packs/year) and 107 heavy smokers
      (>= 800 packs/year). Insulin resistance index (IRI) was expressed by homeostasis
      model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated by the formula of
      [fasting serum glucose (mmol/L) * fasting plasma insulin (mU/L)]/22.5. IRI >=
      2.69 was defined as insulin resistance, while IRI < 2.69 was insulin sensitive.
      Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and IRI were recorded and odds ratio for the
      incidence of insulin resistance was calculated. RESULTS: Fasting glucose was
      higher in heavy smokers (5.86 mmol/L) than that in nonsmokers (5.51 mmol/L, P =
      0.037) and mild smokers (5.33 mmol/L, P = 0.014). Fasting insulin and IRI were
      also significantly higher in heavy smokers (10.25 mU/L) than those in non-smokers
      (8.72 mU/L, P = 0.0231, respectively) and mild smokers (8.67 mU/L, P = 0.0231).
      Compared with nonsmokers, the odds ratio for the incidence of insulin resistance
      was 1.53 (95%CI 0.55 - 2.94; P = 0.027) in medium smokers and 1.89 (95%CI 0.49 -
      3.14; P = 0.018) in heavy smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between smoking
      and insulin resistance is highly dose dependent in non-obese male patients with
      CAD.

PMID- 22093563
TI  - [The cytogenetic characteristics of 178 acute myeloid leukemia patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the cytogenetic characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) patients. METHODS: The karyotype analysis was performed in 178 AML using
      the short-term culture of bone marrow cell and G-banding technique. RESULTS:
      Among the 178 patients, 171 had enough metaphases for analysis and 128 (74.9%)
      had clonal karyotypic abnormalities. Twenty-seven patients were secondary to
      myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS-AML), with 25 (92.6%) patients carrying clonal
      karyotypic abnormalities. Among the remaining 144 patients of de novo AML, 103
      (71.5%) had clonal karyotypic abnormalities. The rate of abnormal clonal
      karyotype was higher in MDS-AML than that of de novo AML (P = 0.021). Among the
      171 patients, 41 (24.0%) were in favorable risk group, 80(46.8%) in intermediate
      risk group and 50 (29.2%) in adverse risk group. t(15;17) was the most common
      chromosomal aberration. The majority intermediate risk chromosomal aberration was
      normal karyotype. The most common cytogenetic abnormality among adverse group was
      a complex karyotype. Adverse cytogenetic aberrations, such as -5/5q-, -7/7q-,
      frequently occurred in conjunction with one another as part of a complex
      karyotype. Totally 75 patients were 60 years or older, among them, 16.0% were in
      favorable risk group, 48.0% in intermediate risk group and 36.0% in adverse risk
      group. Among 96 younger patients, 30.2% were in favorable risk group, 45.8% in
      intermediate risk group and 24.0% in adverse risk group. The rate of favorable
      risk chromosomal aberration was lower in elder patients than in younger (P =
      0.031). The rate of adverse risk chromosomal aberration and the rate of monosomal
      karyotype were higher in MDS-AML than in de novo AML patients (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The most common favorable, intermediate and adverse chromosomal
      aberrations were t(15;17), normal karyotype and complex karyotype respectively.
      The karyotype was poor in MDS-AML and elder AML patients.

PMID- 22093564
TI  - [The clinical analysis of mercury poisoning in 92 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features of mercury poisoning diagnosed by
      blood and urine tests for improving the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
      METHODS: Poisoning causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and
      prognosis were retrospectively reviewed in 92 in-patients with mercury poisoning
      in our hospital from January 2000 to April 2010. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients, 37
      were male and 55 were female with an average age of 33.1 (2 - 65) years old. The
      mercury poisoning was caused by occupational exposure and non-occupational
      exposure, such as iatrogenic exposure, life exposure and wrong intake or suicidal
      intake of mercury-containing substances, mainly through respiratory tract,
      digestive tract and skin absorption. The most common clinical symptoms were as
      the followings: nervous system symptom, such as memory loss in 50 cases (54.3%),
      fatigue in 34 (37.0%), numb limb in 25 (27.2%), dizziness and headache in 22
      (23.9%), cacesthesia in 20 (21.7%), fine tremor (finger tip, tongue tip, eyelids)
      in 15 (16.3%), insomnia and more dreams in 12 (13.0%); gastrointestinal symptoms:
      nausea in 16 (17.4%), abdominal pain in 14 (15.2%), stomatitis in 5 (5.4%); joint
      and muscle symptoms: muscle pain in 16 (17.4%), joint pain in 5 (5.4%);
      cardiovascular system: chest tightness, heart palpitations in 6 (6.5%); urinary
      system: edema in 9 (9.8%); other system: hidrosis in 20 (21.7%). After the
      treatment with sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS), the symptoms were
      gradually alleviated. Their gastrointestinal, cardiovascular symptoms were
      alleviated within 2 weeks; neurological symptoms were alleviated within 3 months;
      kidney damage showed a slower recovery and could be completely alleviated within
      6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its diverse clinical symptoms, the mercury
      poisoning was easy to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis; therefore the awareness
      of the disease should be further enhanced. Leaving from the poisoning environment
      timely and giving appropriate treatment with DMPS will lead to a satisfactory
      prognosis.

PMID- 22093565
TI  - A method for simplifying the analysis of traffic accidents injury severity on two
      lane highways using Bayesian networks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study describes a method for reducing the number of variables
      frequently considered in modeling the severity of traffic accidents. The method's
      efficiency is assessed by constructing Bayesian networks (BN). METHOD: It is
      based on a two stage selection process. Several variable selection algorithms,
      commonly used in data mining, are applied in order to select subsets of
      variables. BNs are built using the selected subsets and their performance is
      compared with the original BN (with all the variables) using five indicators. The
      BNs that improve the indicators' values are further analyzed for identifying the
      most significant variables (accident type, age, atmospheric factors, gender,
      lighting, number of injured, and occupant involved). A new BN is built using
      these variables, where the results of the indicators indicate, in most of the
      cases, a statistically significant improvement with respect to the original BN.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to reduce the number of variables used to model
      traffic accidents injury severity through BNs without reducing the performance of
      the model. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: The study provides the safety analysts a
      methodology that could be used to minimize the number of variables used in order
      to determine efficiently the injury severity of traffic accidents without
      reducing the performance of the model.

PMID- 22093566
TI  - Injuries and risk-taking behaviours in Portuguese adolescents: Highlights from
      the health behaviour in school-aged children survey.
AB  - AIM: Injuries in adolescence are an important public health problem and a major
      cause of morbidity and mortality in this age group. This study aimed to determine
      the behaviour profile associated to risk of injury and the differences between
      genders, region and ethnic origin. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design of a
      nationally representative sample of 1581 adolescents of the Portuguese Health
      Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. RESULTS: An occurrence of one injury
      related event in the previous year was reported by 21.4% of the respondents and
      5.9% referred having more than one injury-related event. Boys reported higher
      frequency of those events when compared to girls, and non-Portuguese subjects
      referred higher frequency of events. Scoring higher in violence-related behaviour
      and psychosomatic complaints was associated to higher chances of referring more
      than one injury-related event. CONCLUSION: Gender, social background and
      behaviour profile are factors that seem to influence the risk of injuries. This
      information should guide those involved in the planning of injuries prevention
      programs in youth.

PMID- 22093567
TI  - A process mapping model for calculating indirect costs of workplace accidents.
AB  - This article follows an earlier one in which four criteria and four bases for the
      development of an indirect-cost calculation model adapted to the accuracy
      requirements and time constraints of workplace decision-makers were established.
      A two-level model for calculating indirect costs using process mapping of the
      organizational response to a workplace accident is presented. The model is based
      on data collected in interviews with those employees in charge of occupational
      health and safety in 10 companies of various sizes in different industry sectors.
      This model is the first to use process mapping to establish the indirect costs of
      workplace accidents. The approach allows easy identification of the duration and
      frequency of actions taken by stakeholders when a workplace accident occurs,
      facilitates the collection of the information needed to calculate indirect costs
      and yields a usable, precise result. A simple graphic representation of an
      organization's accident processes helps the user understand each accident's cost
      components, allowing the identification and reduction of inefficiencies in the
      overall process. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: By facilitating data collection and
      shortening the time needed to assess indirect costs of workplace accidents, this
      indirect cost calculation tool is better suited for workplace use than those
      currently available.

PMID- 22093568
TI  - What is the potential of trauma registry data to be used for road traffic injury
      surveillance and informing road safety policy?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Information from hospital trauma registries is increasingly being
      used to support injury surveillance efforts. This research examines the potential
      of using trauma registry data for road traffic injury surveillance for different
      types of road users in terms of both the information collected and how
      representative trauma data are compared to two population-based road traffic
      injury data collections. METHODS: The three data collections were assessed
      against recommended variables to be collected for injury surveillance purposes
      and the representativeness of the distribution of road traffic-related injury
      data from the trauma registry was compared to hospital admission and road traffic
      authority data collections. RESULTS: Data from the trauma registry was largely
      not representative of the distribution of age groups or activities compared to
      the two population-based collections, but was representative for gender for some
      road user groups to at least one population-based data collection. CONCLUSIONS:
      Trauma data could be used to supplement information from population-based data
      collections to inform road safety efforts. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Road safety policy
      makers should be aware of the potential and the limitations of using trauma
      registry data for road traffic injury surveillance.

PMID- 22093569
TI  - Enhancing older driver safety: A driving survey and evaluation of the CarFit
      program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CarFit, an educational program designed to promote optimal
      alignment of driver with vehicle. METHODS: A driving activity survey was sent to
      727 randomly selected participants living in retirement communities. Drivers
      (n=195) were assigned randomly to CarFit intervention (n=83, M age=78.1) or
      Comparison (n=112, M age=79.6) groups. After 6months, participants completed a
      post-test of driving activity and CarFit recommendations. RESULTS: Nonconsenting
      drivers were older and participated in fewer driving activities. CarFit
      participation was moderate (71%) with 86% of the participants receiving
      recommendations. 60% followed the recommendations at the 6-month re-evaluation).
      The CarFit (67.6%) and Comparison (59.3%) groups reported at least one type of
      self-regulation of driving activity at baseline. There was no significant change
      in the driving behaviors at the six-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: CarFit was able
      to detect addressable opportunities that may contribute to the safety of older
      drivers. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: CarFit recommendations may need stronger
      reinforcement in order to be enacted by a participant.

PMID- 22093570
TI  - Age and gender differences in conviction and crash occurrence subsequent to being
      directed to Iowa's driver improvement program.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper investigates potential gender and age differences in
      conviction and crash occurrence subsequent to being directed to attend Iowa's
      Driver Improvement Program (DIP). METHODS: Binary logit models were developed to
      investigate the factors that influence conviction occurrence after DIP by gender
      and age. Because of the low crash occurrence subsequent to DIP, association rules
      were applied to investigate the factors that influence crash occurrence
      subsequent to DIP, in lieu of econometric models. RESULTS: There were statistical
      significant differences by driver gender, age, and conviction history in the
      likelihood of subsequent convictions. However, this paper found no association
      between DIP outcome, crash history, and crash occurrence. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY:
      Evaluating the differences in conviction and crash occurrence subsequent to DIP
      between female and male drivers, and among different age groups can lead to
      improvements of the effectiveness of DIPs and help to identify low-cost
      intervention measures, customized based on drivers' gender and age, for improving
      driving behaviors.

PMID- 22093571
TI  - Acciphilia on the road: An analysis of severe collisions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although prior studies of road traffic accidents have found between
      group differences in risk, little attention has been given to the encounter
      between drivers involved in severe collisions. METHOD: The present study
      empirically evaluates two different possible causes of "social accidents," which
      are defined as collisions between two or more drivers where some faulty social
      interaction might be assumed, and which are the most prevalent cause of road
      injuries. The analyses use merged Israeli collision records from 1983 to 2004
      with data from two national censuses, thus providing an unprecedented empirical
      basis to study the social foundations of car accidents. The data are used to
      adjudicate between two alternative hypotheses: the heterogeneity hypothesis
      (socially different drivers tend to collide) versus the homogeneity hypothesis
      (socially similar drivers tend to collide). RESULTS: Multivariate analyses
      provide preliminary support for the latter hypothesis. Given an accident, there
      are more collisions among drivers from the same broad educational group, and the
      factors that influence this correlation are independent of geography. The paper
      thus leads to the idea that severe collisions reflect a sociological or
      ecological process that is akin to acciphilia. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: The
      preliminary findings suggest that variation between drivers may be preferable to
      similarity, since apparently there is a greater tendency toward collisions
      between similar drivers.

PMID- 22093572
TI  - Severity models of cross-median and rollover crashes on rural divided highways in
      Pennsylvania.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Crossover and rollover crashes in earth-divided, traversable
      medians on rural divided highways can lead to severe injury outcomes. This study
      estimated severity models of these two crash types. Vehicle, driver, roadway, and
      median cross-section design data were factors considered in the models. A unique
      aspect of the data used to estimate the models were the availability of median
      cross-slope data, which are not commonly included in roadway inventory data
      files. METHODS: A binary logit model of cross-median crash severity and a
      multinomial logit model of rollover crash severity were estimated using five
      years of data from rural divided highways in Pennsylvania. RESULTS: The highest
      probability of a fatal or major injury in cross-median and rollover crashes was
      found to occur in cases when a driver was not wearing a seatbelt. While flatter
      cross-slopes and narrower medians were associated with more severe cross-median
      crash outcomes, steeper cross-slopes and narrower medians significantly increased
      rollover crash severity outcomes. The presence of horizontal curves was
      associated with increased probabilities of high-severity outcomes in a median
      rollover crash. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Modeling results in this study confirmed that
      cross-median and median rollover crash severity outcomes are associated with
      median cross-section design characteristics. Based on the estimated models, it
      appears that flatter and narrower medians lead to more severe injury outcomes in
      cross-median crashes. Steeper median cross-slopes and narrower medians were
      associated with higher probabilities of more severe outcomes in median rollover
      crashes. The results presented in this study suggest that there is a trade-off
      between median cross-section design and cross-median and rollover crashes in
      earth-divided, traversable medians on rural divided highways. While the severity
      models can be included in a framework to develop design guidance in relation to
      this trade-off, models of crash frequency should also be considered.

PMID- 22093573
TI  - Analysis of precipitation-related motor vehicle collision and injury risk using
      insurance and police record information for Winnipeg, Canada.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Police records are the most common source of data used to estimate
      motor-vehicle collision risks, understand causal or contributing factors, and
      evaluate the efficacy of interventions. The literature notes concerns about this
      information citing discrepancies between police reports and other sources of
      injury occurrence and severity data. The primary objective of the analysis was to
      assess the adequacy of police reports for an examination of weather-related
      injury collision risk. METHOD: Analyses of relative risk were carried out using
      both police records and comprehensive insurance claim data for Winnipeg, Canada
      over the period 1999-2001. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both data sets yielded very
      similar results-precipitation substantially increases the risk of injury
      collision (police records: RR 1.76, CI 1.55-2.00; insurance: RR 1.80, CI 1.62
      1.99) and risk of injury (police records, RR 1.74, CI 1.55-1.96; insurance, RR
      1.69, CI 1.55-1.85) relative to corresponding dry weather control periods. Both
      rainfall and snowfall were associated with large increases in collisions and
      injuries. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: While relative risks are almost identical, over 64%
      more injury collisions and 74% more injuries were identified using the insurance
      data, which is an important difference for evaluating absolute risk and exposure.

PMID- 22093574
TI  - Occupational accidents with ladders in Spain: Risk factors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Occupational accidents suffered by workers in Spain when using
      ladders were analyzed over a six year period from 2003-2008, during which the
      total of notified ladder-related accidents amounted to 21,725. METHOD: Different
      accident-related factors were identified for the purpose of developing a pattern
      of those factors that had the greatest influence on the seriousness and the
      fatality of such accidents. Thus, a series of variables were examined such as age
      and length of service of the injured worker, firm size, the work sector, the
      injury suffered, and the part of the body that was injured. Since falls is the
      most frequent and most serious of ladder related occupational accidents, a
      special analysis of falls was performed. RESULTS: The findings showed that the
      seriousness of ladder-related accidents increased with the age of the injured
      worker. Likewise, accidents at places other than the usual workplace were more
      serious and registered higher fatalities than those that occurred at the usual
      place of work. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of falls from ladders established that
      accidents in smaller-sized firms were of greater seriousness and involved more
      fatalities than those in larger-sized firms. The investigation also underlined
      the need for stricter compliance with preliminary safety assessments when working
      with ladders.

PMID- 22093575
TI  - The roles and functions of safety professionals in Taiwan: Comparing the
      perceptions of safety professionals and safety educators.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The perspectives of both internal and external members have to be
      considered when developing safety curricula. This study discusses perceptional
      differences between safety educators (SEs) and safety professionals (SPs)
      regarding the function of SPs. The findings will serve as a reference framework
      for the establishment of core safety competencies and the development of safety
      curricula for SPs. METHOD: 248 respondents, including both SEs and SPs, completed
      self-administered questionnaires, which included the 45-item safety function
      scale (SFS). Nine factors were extracted from the scale using exploratory factor
      analysis (EFA), namely inspection and research, regulatory tasks, emergency
      procedures and settlement of damage, management and financial affairs, culture
      change, problem identification and analysis, developing and implementing
      solutions, knowledge management, and training and communications. RESULTS:
      Descriptive statistical results indicated that SPs and SEs hold differing views
      on the rank of the frequency of safety functions. MANOVA results indicated that
      SPs' perceptions of developing and implementing solutions, training and
      communications, inspection and research, and management and financial affairs
      were significantly higher than that of SEs. On the other hand, SE's perceptions
      regarding participation in regulatory tasks were significantly higher than those
      of SPs. Based on these results, the author suggests that a clear communication
      channel should be established between universities and industry to reduce the gap
      between the perceptions of SEs and SPs. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: The results of the
      study are statistically and practically significant. In addition to serving as a
      reference for the development of safety curricula, the results are also conducive
      to the establishment of SP roles and functions. Ultimately the development of
      more suitable safety curricula would open up employment competition for students
      who graduate from safety-related programs. SPs, on the other hand, can correctly
      recognize their roles and functions so as to realize the safety expectations
      invested in them by organizations.

PMID- 22093576
TI  - Disparities in the prevalence of smoke alarms in U.S. households: Conclusions
      drawn from published case studies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Deaths from fires and burns are a leading cause of fatal home
      injury in the United States. Smoke alarms are one of the most effective
      interventions to prevent residential fire deaths. Nationwide, more than 95% of
      homes are estimated to have at least one smoke alarm. There is evidence that
      homes at highest risk of fire deaths lag behind national averages in smoke alarm
      use and maintenance. METHOD: We compiled a comprehensive list of published
      studies that focus on smoke alarm prevalence in high-risk homes. Our findings
      show that there are substantial gaps in both smoke alarm presence and functional
      status between high-risk homes and national average estimates. CONCLUSIONS: To
      save more lives, improved efforts are needed to reduce the disparity in smoke
      alarm prevalence and functional use in the United States.

PMID- 22093577
TI  - The nursing contribution to chronic disease management: a case of public
      expectation? Qualitative findings from a multiple case study design in England
      and Wales.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global response to the rise in prevalence of chronic disease is a
      focus on the way services are managed and delivered, in which nurses are seen as
      central in shaping patient experience. However, there is relatively little known
      on how patients perceive the changes to service delivery envisaged by chronic
      care models. OBJECTIVES: The PEARLE project aimed to explore, identify and
      characterise the origins, processes and outcomes of effective chronic disease
      management models and the nursing contributions to the models. Design, settings
      and participants Case study design of seven sites in England and Wales ensuring a
      range of chronic disease management models. Participants included over ninety
      patients and family carers ranging in age from children to older people with
      conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, epilepsy, or coronary heart
      disease. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with patients and family carers.
      Focus groups were conducted with adolescents and children. A whole systems
      approach guided data collection and data were thematically analysed. RESULTS:
      Despite nurses' role and skill development and the shift away from the acute care
      model, the results suggested that patients had a persisting belief in the
      monopoly of expertise continuing to exist in the acute care setting. Patients
      were more satisfied if they saw the nurse as diagnostician, prescriber and
      medical manager of the condition. Patients were less satisfied when they had been
      transferred from an established doctor-led to nurse-led service. While nurses
      within the study were highly skilled, patient perception was guided by the
      familiar rather than most appropriate service delivery. Most patients saw chronic
      disease management as a medicalised approach and the nursing contribution was
      most valued when emulating it. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' preferences and
      expectations of chronic disease management were framed by a strongly biomedical
      discourse. Perceptions of nurse-led chronic disease management were often shaped
      by what was previously familiar to the patient. At a strategic level, autonomous
      nursing practice requires support and further promotion to wider society if there
      is to be a shift in societal expectation and trust in the nurse's role in chronic
      disease management.

PMID- 22093578
TI  - Evolutionary and functional insights into Leishmania META1: evidence for lateral
      gene transfer and a role for META1 in secretion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leishmania META1 has for long been a candidate molecule for
      involvement in virulence: META1 transcript and protein are up-regulated in
      metacyclic Leishmania. Yet, how META1 contributes to virulence remains unclear.
      We sought insights into the possible functions of META1 by studying its
      evolutionary origins. RESULTS: Using multiple criteria including sequence
      similarity, nucleotide composition, phylogenetic analysis and selection pressure
      on gene sequence, we present evidence that META1 originated in trypanosomatids as
      a result of a lateral gene transfer of a bacterial heat-inducible protein, HslJ.
      Furthermore, within the Leishmania genome, META1 sequence is under negative
      selection pressure against change/substitution. Using homology modeling of
      Leishmania META1 based on solved NMR structure of HslJ, we show that META1 and
      HslJ share a similar structural fold. The best hit for other proteins with
      similar fold is MxiM, a protein involved in the type III secretion system in
      Shigella. The striking structural similarity shared by META1, HslJ and MxiM
      suggests a possibility of shared functions. Upon structural superposition with
      MxiM, we have observed a putative hydrophobic cavity in META1. Mutagenesis of
      select hydrophobic residues in this cavity affects the secretion of the secreted
      acid phosphatase (SAP), indicating META1's involvement in secretory processes in
      Leishmania. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this work uses an evolutionary biology
      approach, 3D-modeling and site-directed mutagenesis to arrive at new insights
      into functions of Leishmania META1.

PMID- 22093579
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in a clinical setting that reflects
      Canadian standard of care for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): results
      from the CanACT study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This multicenter, open-label, prospective, single cohort study
      evaluated the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in a clinical setting
      reflecting the Canadian standard of care for the treatment of patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Patients >= 18 years of age with a history of
      active RA >= 3 months and fulfilling Canadian requirements for biological therapy
      received adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously every other week for 12 weeks. Pre-study
      DMARD treatment regimens, corticosteroids, or NSAIDs were allowed throughout the
      study. The primary effectiveness outcome measure was the mean change in 28-joint
      disease activity score (DAS28) from baseline to Week 12. Secondary measures
      included the proportion of patients achieving joint remission (DAS28 < 2.6) and
      low-disease activity (DAS28 < 3.2) at Week 12, and European League Against
      Rheumatism (EULAR: moderate and good) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR:
      ACR20, 50, and 70) responses, as well as responses in ACR core components at
      Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Subgroup analysis included a comparison of patients naive to
      biological DMARD (BDMARD) therapy versus BDMARD-experienced patients. Safety was
      assessed in terms of adverse and serious adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 879
      patients (mean disease duration > 12 years) were enrolled; 772 (87.9%) completed
      the 12-week period. Adalimumab treatment was associated with rapid and sustained
      improvements in the signs and symptoms of RA. Significant improvements in mean
      DAS28 score were observed as early as Week 4. After 12 weeks of adalimumab
      treatment, 15.3% and 28.9% of patients achieved clinical remission and low
      disease activity, respectively. Similarly, significant improvements in ACR core
      components were observed as early as Week 4, with continued improvements
      occurring through 12 weeks. Patients naive to BDMARD therapy demonstrated
      numerically greater clinical responses when compared with patients who had
      experienced prior BDMARD therapy, although both subgroups were associated with
      significant improvements from baseline. The rates and types of adverse events, as
      well as the results of laboratory measures, demonstrated that adalimumab was
      generally safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that,
      under conditions reflective of the normal clinical practice in Canada, adalimumab
      is an effective and safe treatment for patients with RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT00649545.

PMID- 22093580
TI  - Clinical implications of novel mutations in epigenetic modifiers in AML.
AB  - The studies highlighted in this article suggest that mutations in TET2 mutations
      may impart adverse outcome in patients with CN-AML, whereas mutations in DNMT3a
      may have adverse implications in a broader set of patients with AML. The data
      with IDH enzyme mutations are less clear, in that individual IDH1 and IDH2
      mutations may have different clinical effects and the data so far have not
      suggested a uniform effect on outcome. Despite the exciting data indicating that
      mutational testing for these alterations may be clinically useful, several
      challenges to understanding their clinical relevance remain. First, patients may
      simultaneously have mutations in multiple genes described in this article (FLT3,
      NPM1, CEBPa, DNMT3a, IDH1/2, or TET2), and in additional genes not mentioned
      earlier (Ras,47 PTEN,48 PHF6,49 ASXL1,15 and RUNX145). Furthermore, comprehensive
      sequencing studies of well-annotated, homogeneously treated patient cohorts are
      needed to understand the clinical implications of integrated mutational profiling
      in AML. An additional challenge to using mutational analysis for TET2 and DNMT3a
      in clinical use is identifying a means for rapid molecular testing of these
      mutations. This challenge may be met by the use of non-polymerase chain reaction
      based methods of target enrichment, such as hybrid capture, followed by next
      generation sequencing technologies. Moreover, clinical studies evaluating the
      biochemical consequences of mutations in some of these genes (eg, production of 2
      HG in bodily fluids from patients with IDH-mutant AML or increased
      hydroxymethylcytosine levels in pretreatment blast DNA in patients with TET2/IDH
      mutant AML) may also prove to be useful in identifying biomarkers. Alternatively,
      protein-based technologies such as immunohistochemistry or mass spectrometry may
      be used in the clinical setting to detect the mutant proteins or loss of
      expression of specific proteins in patients with mutations. An additional area of
      importance highlighted by these discoveries is the increasing realization that
      several of these genes encode enzymes or result in alterations in enzymatic
      activities, which may represent novel, tractable therapeutic targets for patients
      with AML. This finding may hopefully lead to the development of novel targeted
      therapeutics for patients with specific genetic alterations in AML. This
      development may be occurring now with the advent of DOT1L-targeted therapy for
      leukemic cells with translocations involving MLL1.50,51 Studies to identify
      whether the neomorphic enzymatic activity of IDH1/2 mutations may be targetable
      or if the downstream effects of TET2 mutations can be targeted are ongoing and
      may lead to the development of rational epigenetic therapies that improve
      outcomes for patients with AML.

PMID- 22093581
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic value of cytogenetics in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The last 4 decades have seen major advances in understanding the genetic basis of
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and substantial improvements in survival of
      children and young adults with the disease. A key step forward was the discovery
      that AML cells harbor recurring cytogenetic abnormalities. The identification of
      the genes involved in chromosomal rearrangements has provided insights into the
      regulation of normal hematopoiesis and how disruption of key transcription
      factors and epigenetic modulators promote leukemic transformation. Cytogenetics
      has been widely adopted to provide the framework for development of risk
      stratified treatment approaches to patient management.

PMID- 22093582
TI  - Prognostic factors in adult acute leukemia.
AB  - The prognostic factors in acute leukemia have undergone a major change over the
      past decade and are likely to be further refined in the coming years. While age
      is the single most important prognostic factor in both AML and in ALL, recurring
      cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular markers have become crucial for the
      prognosis of patients and for new directions in the development of targeted
      therapies. No less important is the development of a personalized approach for
      therapy as determined by the response to therapy using increasingly sensitive
      technologies. The assessment of MRD is rapidly superseding other prognostic
      factors in ALL and, somewhat lacking behind, coming into its own in AML. The next
      decade should see further refinement of response-driven prognostication, to
      include epigenetics as well as pharmacogenetics and pharmacodynamics of
      individual drugs used and the responses to them. It is hoped that these
      refinements and better predictors of response will also lead to a significantly
      improved overall outcome of patients with both AML and ALL.

PMID- 22093583
TI  - Induction and postremission strategies in acute myeloid leukemia: state of the
      art and future directions.
AB  - Although the past decade has brought improvements in the treatment of AML,
      particularly for younger individuals, most patients succumb to the disease. With
      current induction therapy, most patients achieve remission, but the optimal
      strategy for post-remission therapy is unclear. Refinements to risk
      classification systems that incorporate additional molecular markers may better
      guide physicians in recommendations for postremission therapy. The prognosis for
      older patients with AML remains uniformly poor, because only a minority can
      benefit from intensive chemotherapy and novel HCT strategies. Despite active
      investigation, no standard of care has emerged for patients who are not suitable
      candidates for standard induction therapy. The development of less toxic, more
      effective therapies for this population is sorely needed. Advances in molecular
      genetics, immunology, and the biology of normal and malignant hematopoiesis
      pathogenesis have led to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of AML and
      to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Until a greater proportion of
      individuals with AML attain long-term survival, patients should routinely be
      referred to cancer centers and enrolled in investigational studies.

PMID- 22093585
TI  - Oddballs: acute leukemias of mixed phenotype and ambiguous origin.
AB  - From the standpoint of the hematopathologist, attempts to dissect the
      immunophenotype and other lineage-defining characteristics of the puzzling group
      of acute leukemias of ambiguous origin have prompted considerable discussion and
      debate. For clinicians, however, such definitions, although academically
      interesting, as yet give relatively little insight into the most appropriate
      therapy, and patients with MPAL continue to do poorly compared with more typical
      AML or ALL cases. The most recent WHO 2008 MPAL definitions are provocative, but
      represent a major change from the previous EGIL BAL classification, and the
      clinical relevance of this change has yet to be established. Only further insight
      from the molecular biology laboratory can help define the true cell of origin and
      molecular drivers of ambiguous leukemias. New molecular information will allow
      clinicians and pathologists to refine classification of these challenging
      entities, and most importantly, should permit improved treatment for patients.

PMID- 22093584
TI  - Curing all patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia: are we there yet?
AB  - The introduction of all-trans retinoic acid to anthracycline-based chemotherapy
      has revolutionized the prognosis of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia
      (APL). The introduction of arsenic trioxide enabled the therapeutic approach of
      rationally targeted frontline protocols with minimal or no traditional cytotoxic
      chemotherapy and without compromise of previously established outstanding
      outcomes with anthracycline-based regimens. Although most of the current
      investigative efforts in APL are focused on developing potentially curative
      therapy without the exposure to toxicities and risks of DNA-disrupting agents,
      the cure rate can further be increased by implementing meticulous supportive care
      strategies that counter early coagulopathy-related deaths.

PMID- 22093586
TI  - Current therapeutic strategies in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Approximately half of all adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia now survive
      long term. This article summarizes the current approaches to treating acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia in adults, with a focus on a pragmatic approach to
      decision making. Coupled with a particularly punishing and often complex
      combination chemotherapy treatment regimen, treatment-related morbidity and
      mortality are frequent, and this article focuses on these situations. The field
      will change significantly over the next few years with many ongoing clinical
      studies and molecular insights which will be translated into providing prognostic
      information and novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22093588
TI  - Novel therapeutic approaches for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Therapy for ALL in adults remains a tremendous challenge for clinicians. The use
      of pediatric-intensive regimens in young and middle-aged adults shows promise in
      improving outcomes. The addition of monoclonal antibody therapy to chemotherapy
      appears to hold great promise in lessening relapse rates. The anti-CD20 antibody,
      rituximab, which has been of such benefit in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
      now seems poised to bring significant benefit to adults with ALL. Other
      monoclonal antibody approaches are in earlier stages of development, but will
      likely be of significant benefit. The BiTE antibody, blinatumomab, represents an
      exciting new approach in this arena. As new molecular abnormalities are
      identified in ALL, these will certainly become new targets for drug development.
      The increasing use of MRD testing by molecular or flow cytometric techniques will
      also be invaluable in further refining prognostication in ALL in helping with the
      selection of patients most likely to benefit from BMT. Several new small
      molecules and chemotherapeutic agents will, it is hoped, also find a niche in the
      therapy for ALL. Early examples including NOTCH1 inhibitors; hypomethylating
      agents such as decitabine, folic acid, antagonists, flavopiridol, bortezomib, and
      mTOR inhibitors will all hopefully find a role in the therapy for this
      challenging disorder. Although many challenges remain, there is hope that the
      therapy for adults with ALL can make significant progress in the next few years,
      in comparison with the relative plateau that has been experienced over the last
      several decades.

PMID- 22093587
TI  - Cellular therapies in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - ALL remains a difficult disease to treat. In the adult setting, most patients
      will ultimately die of their disease, whereas in the pediatric setting, relapsed
      and refractory disease remains a therapeutic challenge. Cellular therapy through
      allo-HSCT remains an option for these patients, and recent advances in
      alternative forms of allo-HSCT, including unrelated donor transplants, UCB
      transplants, and haploidentical transplants, have expanded the numbers of
      patients eligible for allo-HSCT but have not improved outcomes when compared with
      HLA-matched related allo-HSCTs. In light of this persistent failure, several
      novel adoptive cellular approaches are being investigated to treat patients with
      ALL. The use of enriched WT-1-specific donor T cells to treat patients with ALL
      is currently under investigation in phase I trials at several centers. Treatment
      of ALL with genetically modified T cells targeted to the CD19 antigen through the
      expression of a CD19-specific CAR also have entered phase I clinical trials at
      several centers. Similarly, a clinical trial treating patients with ALL with
      genetically modified NK cells targeted to the CD19 antigen has recently opened
      for accrual. Collectively, these ongoing and anticipated trials provide a
      promising role for adoptive cellular therapies in the treatment of ALL. What
      remains to be seen is whether this promise will either translate into improved
      outcomes for these patients or provide significant insights on which to design
      second-generation adoptive cell therapeutic clinical trials for ALL in the
      future.

PMID- 22093590
TI  - Acute leukemias.

PMID- 22093589
TI  - Novel transplant strategies in adults with acute leukemia.
AB  - Autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is regularly
      used as a curative treatment option for patients with various disorders,
      including acute leukemia in adults. The past decade has witnessed dramatic
      improvements in the reduction of treatment-related mortality (TRM), in part
      attributable to improved supportive care but also due to better graft selection
      and donor-to-recipient matching regimens, and the emergence of reduced-intensity
      conditioning in place of myeloablative conditioning. Despite these advances, HCT
      remains plagued by the risk of relapse or failure due to graft-versus-host
      disease, infectious complications, and TRM. This article reviews new approaches
      that may improve overall patient outcome.

PMID- 22093591
TI  - The evaluation of creatinine clearance, estimated glomerular filtration rate and
      serum creatinine in predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury among
      patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare creatinine clearance (CrCl),
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine (SCr) in
      predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), dialysis and death
      following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data
      were prospectively collected on 7759 consecutive patients within the Dartmouth
      Dynamic Registry undergoing PCI between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2006.
      Renal function was measured at baseline and within 48 h after PCI using three
      methods: CrCl using the Cockcroft-Gault equation, eGFR using the abbreviated
      Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation and SCr. We compared CrCl, eGFR
      and SCr in predicting CI-AKI, post-PCI dialysis-dependent renal failure and in
      hospital mortality. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC)
      were calculated using logistic regression and tested for equality. RESULTS: On
      univariable analysis, CrCl [ROC: 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.72]
      predicted CI-AKI better than eGFR (ROC: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.64-0.70) (P=.013) and SCr
      (ROC: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.61-0.67) (P<.001). Creatinine clearance (ROC: 0.73; 95% CI:
      0.69-0.77) and eGFR (ROC: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.65-0.74) outperformed SCr for
      predicting in-hospital mortality. On multivariable analysis, CrCl (ROC: 0.77; 95%
      CI: 0.75-0.80), SCr (ROC: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.76-0.80) and eGFR (ROC: 0.77; 95% CI:
      0.75-0.80) predicted CI-AKI well. Creatinine clearance (ROC: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85
      0.90) and eGFR (ROC: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.85-0.90) were strong independent predictors
      of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Creatinine clearance, eGFR and SCr predict
      CI-AKI equally well. Creatinine clearance and eGFR are strong independent
      predictors of in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 22093592
TI  - Management of acute left main obstruction after transcatheter aortic valve
      replacement: the "tunnel technique".
AB  - Two cases of acute left main (LM) obstruction complicating transcatheter aortic
      valve replacement (TAVR) and their management are reported. TAVR with a self
      expandable transcatheter aortic prosthesis was performed for treating severe
      aortic stenosis with small aortic root and severe aortic regurgitation of a
      degenerated stentless bioprosthesis, respectively. Left main coronary obstruction
      occurred at a different time from the index procedure. A novel stent-based
      angioplasty treatment, denominated "the tunnel technique," was successfully
      applied in both cases and herein described.

PMID- 22093593
TI  - Improving safety outcomes in the epilepsy monitoring unit.
AB  - Long term video electroencephalography (EEG) in epilepsy monitoring units (EMU)
      is used to diagnose and treat patients with epilepsy. Injury occurs in the EMU,
      including reports of death. No standardized patient safety protocols exist. Our
      objective is to determine the frequency and contributing factors to injury in the
      EMU. We reviewed medical records and video EEG of patients with epilepsy admitted
      to our EMU from December 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009. Data was collected on seizure
      type, onset, length, and frequency. Seizure related falls, injury, and adverse
      events were recorded. Data regarding the physical environment and treatment
      during seizures were analyzed too. 20 patients with 170 seizures were collected.
      Of the 170 total seizures captured, only 1 injury (0.6%) and 6 falls occurred
      (3.5%). 5 of the 6 falls were related to patients being ambulatory. No seizures
      resulted in prolonged stay. Of the 170 seizures captured, other adverse events
      included 1 status epilepticus (0.6%), 2 postictal aggression (1.2%), 4 objects in
      mouth (2.4%), 14 ambulatory at seizure onset (8.2%) and 5 postictal ambulation
      from bed (2.9%). Staff responded to 69 out of 170 seizures (40.6%). Of the 101
      seizures without staff response, 57 seizures were electrographic without seizure
      detection software or push button activation. Falls and adverse events that can
      lead to injury occur in the EMU, yet the degree of actual injury is minimal. To
      improve safety outcomes, standardized protocols with appropriate outlined nursing
      care and procedures for continuous monitoring of patients by staff need to be
      employed.

PMID- 22093594
TI  - Hemodialysis international.

PMID- 22093595
TI  - What is good about PD + HD combined therapy.
AB  - It is known that beta(2) -microglobulin (beta(2) -MG) concentration in peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) patients is inversely correlated to the residual renal function
      (RRF). With decreasing RRF, some PD patients may necessarily be treated with
      hemodialysis (HD) once a week, not only for removing excess water and small
      solutes, but also for removing much larger solutes such as beta(2) -MG. In this
      study, a kinetic model allowed us to show what is good about PD + HD combined
      therapy in long-term PD patients. A mathematical model was established based on a
      classic compartment theory for clinical use. Model validations were made by
      comparing calculated results with clinical data in order to specify what was good
      about PD + HD combined therapy (5-day PD + 1-HD/week). Time-averaged
      concentration (TAC) for urea and creatinine decreased by 20% on the average by
      introducing PD+HD combined therapy no matter which dialyzers were used. TAC for
      beta(2) -MG in PD+HD combined therapy, however, was strongly dependent upon the
      dialyzer clearance, and when a low flux dialyzer (clearance for beta(2) -MG = 10
      mL/min under Q(B)  = 200, Q(D)  = 500 mL/min) was used, pre-dialysis beta(2) -MG
      concentration may increase. Use of super high-flux dialyzers (clearance for
      beta(2) -MG = 60 mL/min under the same conditions) should greatly reduce the
      beta(2) -MG concentration from 30 to 8 mg/L in 4-hr treatment. Then, when PD+HD
      combined therapy is introduced to a PD patient with diminishing RRF, use of super
      high-flux dialyzers may be strongly recommended in order not to increase
      concentrations of pre-dialysis beta(2) -MG and/or even greater solutes. Use of
      super high-flux dialyzers is a key to the success of PD+HD combined therapy that
      could prevent concentrations of large solutes from increasing.

PMID- 22093596
TI  - Use of ionic dialysance to calculate Kt/V in pediatric hemodialysis.
AB  - Online clearance (OLC) monitor measures conductivity difference between dialysate
      entering and leaving the dialyser. Derived ionic dialysance (ID) represents
      effective urea clearance from which Kt/V is calculated, allowing Kt/V monitoring
      at every treatment without blood sampling. We tested ID accuracy in children and
      provide recommendations for its use. Using Fresenius machines 2008 K with built
      in OLC monitors, we studied 45 hemodialysis (HD) sessions and 168 calculated Kt/V
      results in 11 patients. Urea distribution volume (V), needed to calculate Kt/V
      from ID, was estimated using three methods: Mellits and Cheek (MC), KDOQI
      recommended total body water nomograms (TBWN) and OLC-derived independent from
      tested HD sessions. Reference spKt/V from pre- and post-HD BUN (Daugirdas) was
      compared with Kt/V calculated from ID using three different estimated V's. ID was
      accurate in calculating Kt/V in children when V derived from OLC was used (P =
      0.42), with absolute error 0.14 +/- 0.12. If TBWN-derived V was used, Kt/V was
      consistently underestimated by 0.32 +/- 0.22. TBWN-derived V can still be
      recommended for use with OLC for monitoring trend in Kt/V, if underestimation of
      spKt/V of average 0.3 is accounted for. MC-derived V results in even greater
      underestimation of spKt/V and therefore cannot be recommended for use with OLC.

PMID- 22093597
TI  - Sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death on dialysis: Epidemiology,
      evaluation, treatment, and prevention.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death in dialysis patients and
      is usually preceded by sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia or
      ventricular fibrillation. A variety of risk factors have been identified that
      predispose the sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in dialysis
      patients. Primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest in dialysis patients may be
      accomplished by avoiding the use of low potassium dialysate. Pharmacotherapy with
      beta-blockers angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor
      blockers and use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) may also
      prevent sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in high-risk dialysis
      patients. Secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death may be accomplished by
      similar pharmacotherapy and by the use of ICDs. Indications for ICD use in
      dialysis patients are similar to those for nondialysis patients; however,
      survival rates following ICD implantation in dialysis patients are substantially
      lower than in non-dialysis patients.

PMID- 22093598
TI  - Percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft in chronic
      kidney disease: Optimal treatment options.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is ubiquitous in the world and may eventually
      progress to end-stage renal disease. CKD is associated with a greater risk of
      coronary artery disease (CAD) which is the leading cause of mortality in this
      population. Current invasive treatment options include percutaneous coronary
      intervention or coronary artery bypass graft. We performed a PubMed search to
      ascertain the optimal treatment for coronary artery disease in CKD. Our review of
      the current literature supports the superiority of coronary artery bypass
      grafting which reduces repeat revascularizations, improves angina symptoms, and
      increases long-term survival.

PMID- 22093599
TI  - Using dialysis machine technology to reduce intradialytic hypotension.
AB  - Intradialytic hypotension remains the most frequent complication associated with
      routine outpatient hemodialysis. Although increasing dialysis frequency and also
      lengthening dialysis session duration can reduce the risk of intradialytic
      hypotension, in practice, these options are limited to a small minority of
      dialysis patients. To help reduce intradialytic hypotension, a number of
      technological developments have been incorporated into the hemodialysis machine,
      based around relative blood volume monitoring, an indirect assessment of plasma
      volume. Further developments based on so called "fuzzy" logic feedback systems
      designed to adjust either or both the ultrafiltration rate and dialyzate sodium
      concentration according to relative changes in plasma volume. In addition,
      cooling and dissipation of the heat generated during dialysis also reduces the
      risk of intradialytic hypotension, and this can be regulated by cooling of the
      dialyzate using thermal control systems. In addition, convective therapies, such
      as online hemodialfiltration, have also been reported to reduce the frequency of
      intradialytic hypotension; whether this effect is simply due to increased cooling
      remains to be determined. Although all these developments have been reported to
      reduce the frequency of serious intradialytic hypotensive episodes, they have not
      been able to totally abolish hypotension, as they can not alone compensate for
      excessive weight gains and consequent excessive ultrafiltration requirements.
      Thus, in addition to the advances in hemodialysis machine technology designed to
      reduce intradialytic hypotension, attention also needs to be focused on reducing
      interdialytic weight gains, so reducing ultrafiltration requirement.

PMID- 22093600
TI  - Optimization of heparin anticoagulation for hemodialysis.
AB  - Unfractionated heparin remains the most commonly used anticoagulant for
      extracorporeal therapies worldwide due to cost, years of clinical experience
      showing effectiveness and safety for outpatient hemodialysis. Most centers
      administer unfractionated heparin as an initial bolus followed by a constant
      infusion, which is then stopped prior to the end of the dialysis session.
      Although the anticoagulant effect of heparin can be monitored at the bedside,
      most centers take a pragmatic stance for routine outpatient hemodialysis, and
      adjust bolus doses and infusion rates based on visual inspection of the dialyzer
      header and venous air detector chamber for clots, and stop the heparin infusion
      based on the time taken for needle puncture sites to stop bleeding at the end of
      the hemodialysis session. Heparin is negatively charged and can bind to plasma
      proteins, leukocytes, and plastic. As such, it is important to achieve adequate
      mixing of heparin with blood to optimize anticoagulation within the
      extracorporeal circuit, by administering an intravenous bolus a few minutes prior
      to connecting the patient to the circuit and ensuring thorough mixing of the
      heparin infusion.

PMID- 22093601
TI  - Role of dialysis technology in the removal of uremic toxins.
AB  - Traditionally, the amount of hemodialysis prescribed for a patient has been based
      on urea clearance, as urea is not only retained in patients with chronic kidney
      disease, but also readily measurable, by reliable and inexpensive assays. More
      recently, other retained solutes, phosphate, beta2 microglobulin, and latterly p
      cresol have been reported to be associated with increased risk of mortality in
      hemodialysis patients. As such, developments in dialysis practice that would
      result in greater clearance of water-soluble middle-sized toxins and also protein
      bound and/or organic solutes are being studied. Although session time is a key
      factor, switching from low flux to dialyzers with larger pores, the addition of
      convective transport with hemodiafiltration can help increase phosphate and beta2
      microglobulin clearances. Adsorption techniques can increase the clearance of
      organic and protein bound toxins either directly or indirectly by regenerating
      dialysate and ultrafiltrates.

PMID- 22093602
TI  - Postprostatectomy seizures: A case report.
AB  - A 75-year-old Caucasian male presented with generalized seizures half-hour post
      transurethral resection of the prostate surgery. The intra-operative course was
      complicated by perforation of the posterior wall of the bladder neck during a
      difficult Foley catheter placement. This resulted in intraperitoneal
      extravasation of the glycine containing bladder irrigation fluid. An emergent
      laparotomy was performed, and 3.5-4 L of fluid was drained from the peritoneal
      cavity. Postoperative course was complicated by two seizures within a short
      interval. Patient developed profound hyponatremia (Na of 109 mEq/L). However,
      measured serum osmolality was normal (283 mOsm/kg). The serum osmolality remained
      relatively stable, indicating that the absorbed glycine and its metabolites
      remained osmotically active in the intravascular space (until they were dialyzed
      as mentioned later), making the hyponatremia less pernicious and an unlikely
      cause of patient's symptoms. The encephalopathy and seizures were ascribed to
      accumulation of toxic metabolites of glycine, especially ammonia (serum level 
      1261 mcmol/L). During a complicated postoperative period, patient developed oligo
      anuric renal failure, and was started on slow low-efficiency dialysis for 8 hours
      resulting in rapid lowering of serum ammonia levels and glycine with reversal of
      encephalopathy including seizures. There was no recurrence of encephalopathy,
      seizures, or metabolic acidosis. Although rare, glycine toxicity may be life
      threatening. The pathophysiology, need for early detection and the role of early
      use of renal replacement therapy in acute glycine toxicity is discussed below.

PMID- 22093603
TI  - A successful term pregnancy using in-center intensive quotidian hemodialysis.
AB  - A 30-year-old woman with stage V chronic kidney disease presented at 7 weeks
      gestation. She had no uremic symptoms; however, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was
      33.6 mg/dL. Because of the well-established negative relationship between BUN and
      fetal outcomes, dialysis was initiated with a nocturnal home hemodialysis (NHD)
      like prescription performed in-center for logistical reasons. She received 36
      hours per week of dialysis. Following the initiation of renal replacement
      therapy, the predialysis BUN was within the normal physiologic range. The patient
      had an uncomplicated pregnancy with delivery of a healthy 3000 g infant at 39
      weeks gestation. This case adds to the growing literature that supports more
      intensive dialysis in the pregnant women than was previously recommended. This
      dose of dialysis should be offered to women in an in-center setting if nocturnal
      home hemodialysis is not available or feasible.

PMID- 22093604
TI  - Medulloblastoma presenting as dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.
AB  - Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a central nervous system disorder that
      occurs during or after hemodialysis. This is caused by brain edema that manifests
      as neurological symptoms that include headache, emesis, nausea, blurring of
      vision, disturbed consciousness, tremors and seizures, and in severe cases,
      death. The incidence of DDS is very high among patients with preexisting
      neurological diseases. There has been much debate about the origin of DDS. We
      report a case of DDS, as presenting syndrome of a medulloblastoma in a child aged
      5 years, and discuss the pathogenesis and the possible role of DDS for an earlier
      detection of occult brain lesions in dialyzed patients.

PMID- 22093605
TI  - Metformin intoxication requiring dialysis.
AB  - Metformin (MTF) is one of the most common oral agents used to treat diabetes
      mellitus. Intoxication is associated with lactic acidosis and has significant
      clinical consequences. We report 12 cases requiring dialytic intervention. Twelve
      patients were analyzed from 2005 to 2010; 10 of these patients were treated with
      dialysis. Conventional hemodialysis (HD) and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis
      treatments with bicarbonate dialysis were used, and the results were presented as
      mean and standard deviation. The results are as follows: 33% of the patients were
      male, hospital stay was 9.3 (+/- 12) days, average MTF dose 1.7 g/day, mortality
      was 25%. Baseline glomerular filtration rate for these patients was 51.5 mL/min,
      with an average age of 64 (+/- 11) years. On presentation, all had acute kidney
      injury with blood urea nitrogen/creatinine 75 (+/- 30)/8.1 (+/- 3.7) mg/dL,
      lactic acid 12.4 (+/- 8.1) mmol/L, pH 7.04 (+/- 0.19), bicarbonate 7.2 (+/- 4.5)
      mmol/L. Metformin level was 25 (+/- 17) ug/mL; anion gap was 28 (+/- 9), and
      serum potassium was 5.4 (+/- 1.3) mEq/L. Seventy percent of patients were treated
      with conventional HD. Patients required 4 (+/- 5) dialysis treatments at blood
      flow QB 330 (+/- 53), dialysis flow QD 571 (+/- 111) for 305 (+/- 122) minutes.
      Postdialysis, the acidosis parameters improved: bicarbonate 19.2 (+/- 4.1)
      mmol/L, lactic acid 6 (+/- 4) mmol/L and MTF levels decreased 8.9 (+/- 5.7)
      ug/mL. Metformin percentage removal was calculated to be 60% (+/- 24). No
      difference was found between HD and continous veno-venous hemodialysis. The only
      difference between survivors was the age 53 (+/- 7) vs. 78 (+/- 10) (P < 0.05).
      Metformin toxicity is a serious clinical condition and causes severe lactic
      acidosis and significant mortality. Hemodialysis is an efficient method to treat
      MTF intoxication and correct the metabolic abnormalities.

PMID- 22093606
TI  - A simple method to estimate phosphorus mobilization in hemodialysis using only
      predialytic and postdialytic blood samples.
AB  - We have recently developed a pseudo one-compartment model to describe
      intradialytic and postdialytic rebound kinetics of plasma phosphorus. In this
      model, individual patient differences in phosphorus kinetics were characterized
      by a single parameter; the phosphorus mobilization clearance (K(M) ). In this
      work, we propose a simple method to estimate K(M)  from predialytic and
      postdialytic plasma phosphorus concentrations. Clinical data were collected from
      22 chronic hemodialysis patients that underwent a 4-hour treatment session. A
      simple algebraic equation was derived from the pseudo one-compartment model to
      determine K(M)  from predialytic and postdialytic plasma phosphorus
      concentrations. K(M)  values computed using this equation were compared with
      values obtained from nonlinear regression of the full kinetic model to frequent
      intradialytic and postdialytic measurements of plasma phosphorus concentrations.
      There was good agreement between K(M)  values (concordance correlation
      coefficient of 0.94) obtained from the simple method (105 +/- 52 mL/min, mean +/-
      SD) and from the full model (99 +/- 47 mL/min). The 95% confidence interval for
      the difference between estimated K(M)  values was -26 to 36 mL/min. The proposed
      simple method requires the use of only predialytic and postdialytic blood samples
      to estimate patient specific K(M) ; this approach may allow easy clinical
      evaluation of phosphorus kinetics in hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22093607
TI  - Genetic factors associated with the presence and progression of nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease: a narrative review.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease
      in the world. Whereas insulin resistance and obesity are considered major risk
      factors for the development and progression of NAFLD, the genetic underpinnings
      are unclear. Before 2008, candidate gene studies based on prior knowledge of
      pathophysiology of fatty liver yielded conflicting results. In 2008, Romeo et al.
      published the first genome wide association study and reported the strongest
      genetic signal for the presence of fatty liver (PNPLA3, patatin-like
      phospholipase domain containing 3; rs738409). Since then, two additional genome
      wide scans were published and identified 9 additional genetic variants. Whereas
      these results shed light into the understanding of the genetics of NAFLD, most of
      associations have not been replicated in independent samples and, therefore,
      remain undetermined the significance of these findings. This review aims to
      summarize the understanding of genetic epidemiology of NAFLD and highlights the
      gaps in knowledge.

PMID- 22093608
TI  - Glycoconjugates in New World species of Leishmania: polymorphisms in
      lipophosphoglycan and glycoinositolphospholipids and interaction with hosts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania cause a number of
      important diseases in humans and undergo a complex life cycle, alternating
      between a sand fly vector and vertebrate hosts. The parasites have a remarkable
      capacity to avoid destruction in which surface molecules are determinant for
      survival. Amongst the many surface molecules of Leishmania, the glycoconjugates
      are known to play a central role in host-parasite interactions and are the focus
      of this review. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: The most abundant and best studied
      glycoconjugates are the Lipophosphoglycans (LPGs) and glycoinositolphospholipids
      (GIPLs). This review summarizes the main studies on structure and biological
      functions of these molecules in New World Leishmania species. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS:
      LPG and GIPLs are complex molecules that display inter- and intraspecies
      polymorphisms. They are key elements for survival inside the vector and to
      modulate the vertebrate immune response during infection. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      Most of the studies on glycoconjugates focused on Old World Leishmania species.
      Here, it is reported some of the studies involving New World species and their
      biological significance on host-parasite interaction. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled Glycoproteomics.

PMID- 22093609
TI  - Kinetic approach of aflatoxin B1-acetylcholinesterase interaction: a tool for
      developing surface plasmon resonance biosensors.
AB  - This work presents a kinetic approach of the interaction between
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from electric eel and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or its
      protein conjugate (e.g., AFB1-HRP [horseradish peroxidase]) in order to develop a
      simple and sensitive detection method of these compounds. The dissociation
      constant K(d) of the AChE/AFB1-HRP interaction (0.4 MUM) obtained with the
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is very close to the inhibition
      constant reported in amperometric assay (K(i)=0.35 MUM), proving that the
      conjugation of AFB1 to a carrier protein does not significantly influence the
      affinity of AFB1 for AChE. Thus, the AChE/AFB1-HRP couple can be used as mimic
      system for the binding of AChE to other AFB1-protein adducts and further used for
      developing biosensors for AFB1 bound to plasma proteins. The immobilization
      protocol was designed to minimize the nonspecific adsorption on the self
      assembled monolayer (SAM) functionalized surface of the SPR chip without an
      additional hydrophilic linker, whereas the interaction protocol was designed to
      mark out the possible occurrence of mass transport limitation (MTL) effects. The
      detection limits (LODs) were 0.008 MUM for AFB1-HRP (2.5 ng ml-1 AFB1) and 0.94
      ng ml-1 for AFB1 itself, which is lower than recently reported values in
      spectrophotometric and amperometric assays.

PMID- 22093610
TI  - Glycolate and 2-phosphoglycolate content of tissues measured by ion
      chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.
AB  - Glycolate and 2-phosphoglycolate (PG) are 2-carbon monocarboxylic acids with ill
      defined metabolic roles. Their concentrations have not yet been described in
      tissues apart from body fluids and erythrocytes. We describe the use of ion
      chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (IC-MS) to quantify levels of
      glycolate and PG in tissue. Sample preparation and analysis can be performed
      within an hour. Low concentrations of glycolate (12-48 nmol/g) and PG (4-17
      nmol/g) were detected in all tissues. The availability of this IC-MS assay will
      facilitate investigations of the origin, function, and metabolism of glycolate
      and PG in tissues.

PMID- 22093611
TI  - Chromophore maturation and fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy of fluorescent
      proteins in a cell-free expression system.
AB  - Cell-free synthesis, a method for the rapid expression of proteins, is
      increasingly used to study interactions of complex biological systems. GFP and
      its variants have become indispensable for fluorescence studies in live cells and
      are equally attractive as reporters for cell-free systems. This work investigates
      the use of fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) as a tool for quantitative
      analysis of protein interactions in cell-free expression systems. We also explore
      chromophore maturation of fluorescent proteins, which is of crucial importance
      for fluorescence studies. A droplet sample protocol was developed that ensured
      sufficient oxygenation for chromophore maturation and ease of manipulation for
      titration studies. The kinetics of chromophore maturation of EGFP, EYFP, and
      mCherry were analyzed as a function of temperature. A strong increase in the rate
      from room temperature to 37 degrees C was observed. We further demonstrate that
      all EGFP proteins fully mature in the cell-free solution and that brightness is a
      robust parameter specifying stoichiometry. Finally, FFS is applied to study the
      stoichiometry of the nuclear transport factor 2 in a cell-free system over a
      broad concentration range. We conclude that combining cell-free expression and
      FFS provides a powerful technique for quick, quantitative study of chromophore
      maturation and protein-protein interaction.

PMID- 22093612
TI  - Effect of antibody modifications on its biomolecular binding as determined by
      surface plasmon resonance.
AB  - A surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based procedure was developed to determine the
      effect of antibody modifications on its biomolecular binding behavior. Mouse
      immunoglobulin G (IgG) was immobilized on a protein A-functionalized gold-coated
      SPR chip. Goat anti-mouse IgG and its various commercially available
      modifications (i.e., conjugated with atto 550, atto 647, tetramethylrhodamine
      isothiocyanate [TRITC], horseradish peroxidase [HRP], or biotin) were employed in
      exactly the same concentration for the detection of mouse IgG. The various
      modifications of goat anti-mouse IgG decreased its biomolecular binding to mouse
      IgG in the order of unmodified>HRP-labeled>atto 550-labeled>biotinylated>TRITC
      labeled>atto 647-labeled.

PMID- 22093613
TI  - Effect of pharmacological therapies for stroke prevention on major
      gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Various antiplatelet and anticoagulation options are available for stroke
      prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, it is unclear
      whether these agents differ in their propensity to cause major gastrointestinal
      bleeding (MGIB). To our knowledge, no systematic evaluation of MGIB rates from
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological stroke prevention in
      patients with AF has been conducted. Two independent investigators conducted
      systematic literature searches in MEDLINE and CENTRAL from the earliest possible
      date through November 2010. To be included, RCTs had to evaluate an adult
      population with AF or flutter and report data on the incidence of MGIB. Peto's
      odds ratios (ORs) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated
      for all possible pair-wise comparisons of pharmacological stroke prevention
      alternatives. A total of 16 unique trials (n = 42,983) met inclusion criteria.
      The reported incidence of MGIB in placebo or control arms of identified trials
      was as high as 1.5%. Upon pair-wise meta-analysis of different pharmacological
      strategies, adjusted-dose vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were found to be
      associated with a higher odds of MGIB compared with placebo/control (OR 3.21, 95%
      CI 1.32-7.82) and aspirin (or triflusal or indobufen) (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.08
      3.41). The addition of aspirin (or triflusal) to an adjusted-dose VKA resulted in
      greater odds of MGIB compared with aspirin alone (OR 4.72, 95% CI 1.35-16.49) and
      adjusted-dose VKA alone (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.05-6.74). While aspirin increased the
      odds of MBIG by 3.23-fold compared with placebo/control, this finding did not
      reach statistical significance. The combination of aspirin and clopidogrel
      increased patients' odds of MGIB compared with aspirin alone (OR 1.93, 95% CI
      1.46-2.56). Dabigatran was associated with a 30% increased odds of MGIB compared
      with adjusted-dose VKA (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.59); however, ximelagatran was
      not. Low-intensity VKA therapy, alone or in combination with aspirin, was not
      associated with increased odds of MGIB compared with any (active-) comparator.
      The MGIB is a concern for patients with AF receiving pharmacological stroke
      prevention. Current RCT data suggest that dabigatran and adjusted-dose VKA
      therapy are associated with the highest odds of MGIB. Aspirin was not found to
      increase patients' odds of MGIB; however, this finding may be the result of type
      2 error. Dual therapy resulting from the addition of an antiplatelet agent was
      typically associated with further increased odds of MGIB compared with
      monotherapy.

PMID- 22093614
TI  - Effect of hesperetin on tyrosinase: inhibition kinetics integrated computational
      simulation study.
AB  - Tyrosinase inhibitors have potential applications in medicine, cosmetics and
      agriculture to prevent hyperpigmentation or browning effects. Some of the
      flavonoids mostly found in herbal plants and fruits are revealed as tyrosinase
      inhibitors. We studied the inhibitory effects of one such flavonoid, hesperetin,
      on mushroom tyrosinase using inhibition kinetics and computational simulation.
      Hesperetin reversibly inhibited tyrosinase in a competitive manner with
      K(i)=4.03+/-0.26 mM. Measurements of ANS-binding fluorescence showed that
      hesperetin induced the hydrophobic disruption of tyrosinase. For further insight,
      we used the docking algorithms to simulate binding between tyrosinase and
      hesperetin. Simulation was successful (binding energies for Dock6.3: -34.41
      kcal/mol and for AutoDock4.2: -5.67 kcal/mol) and showed that a copper ion
      coordinating with 3 histidine residues (HIS61, HIS85, and HIS259) within the
      active site pocket was chelated via hesperetin binding. Our study provides
      insight into the inhibition of tyrosinase in response to flavonoids. A
      combination of inhibition kinetics and computational prediction may facilitate
      the identification of potential natural tyrosinase inhibitors such as flavonoids
      and the prediction of their inhibitory mechanisms.

PMID- 22093615
TI  - NIH-3T3 fibroblasts cultured with plasma from colorectal cancer patients generate
      poorly differentiated carcinomas in mice.
AB  - The ability of cells to undergo cellular transitions, in particular, to switch
      between epithelial and mesenchymal states, might be highly advantageous during
      the progression of carcinoma. Using histological and immunohistochemical
      techniques, we here show that the injection into mice of spontaneously
      transformed NIH-3T3 cells generated fusocellular sarcomas, whereas NIH-3T3 cells
      that had been transformed by culturing with plasma from colorectal cancer
      patients gave rise to tumors that phenotypically resembled the carcinomas of the
      original cancer patients. Thus, plasma from cancer patients is able to transform
      NIH-3T3 fibroblasts into malignant epithelial-like cells, suggesting that such
      cells might undergo mesenchymal to epithelial transition during plasma-induced
      transformation.

PMID- 22093616
TI  - A novel gain-of-function mutation of TGF-beta receptor II promotes cancer
      progression via delayed receptor internalization in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - We present a novel gain-of-function mutation of TGF-beta receptor II (TbetaRII)
      found in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Expression of E221V/N238I
      mutant TbetaRII enhanced TGF-beta signaling. Mutation of TbetaRII conferred cells
      higher migratory and invasive capabilities and MMP-2 activity. In mouse tumor
      model, mutant tumors exhibited poor differentiation and E-cadherin relocalization
      to the cytosol. Lipid-raft-dependent endocytosis of TbetaRII was attenuated in
      mutant TbetaRII, suggesting that enhancement of TGF-beta signaling by this
      mutation is due to delayed TbetaRII internalization. Taken together, our results
      show a novel gain-of-function TbetaRII mutation, which enhances TGF-beta
      signaling leading to more invasive phenotypic changes in human OSCC.

PMID- 22093617
TI  - Requirement of p38 MAPK for a cell-death pathway triggered by vorinostat in MDA
      MB-231 human breast cancer cells.
AB  - Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that effectively suppresses cancer
      cell proliferation by inducing cell-cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. We now show
      the involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the regulation
      of vorinostat-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.
      Vorinostat induced the hyperacetylation of histone H3, which correlated to
      apoptosis induction. Vorinostat-induced apoptosis occurred in parallel with the
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and the dephosphorylation of extracellular signal
      regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Knockdown of p38 MAPK prominently abrogated
      apoptosis induction and was accompanied by decreased caspase-3 cleavage. These
      findings support the notion that the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway followed
      by caspase-3 cleavage is responsible for vorinostat-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB
      231 cells.

PMID- 22093618
TI  - Re-expression of miR-199a suppresses renal cancer cell proliferation and survival
      by targeting GSK-3beta.
AB  - Recently, we have identified GSK-3 as a new therapeutic target in renal cell
      cancer (RCC). miR-199a could potentially downregulate GSK-3beta expression. Here,
      we found a decreased miR-199a expression in 59% (32 of 54) of RCCs and it was
      correlated with higher tumor stage (p < 0.05) and nuclear overexpression of GSK
      3beta (p < 0.05). We show that re-expression of miR-199a downregulates GSK-3beta
      and suppresses cancer cell growth. Our results demonstrate low miR-199a
      expression as a feature of advanced RCCs, identify miR-199a as a negative
      regulator of GSK-3beta, and suggest re-expression of pre-miR-199a as a new
      potential treatment of RCC.

PMID- 22093619
TI  - Conformational epitopes of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein are targets of
      potentially pathogenic antibody responses in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a putative autoantigen
      in multiple sclerosis (MS). Establishing the pathological relevance and validity
      of anti-MOG antibodies as biomarkers has yielded conflicting reports mainly due
      to different MOG isoforms used in different studies. Because epitope specificity
      may be a key factor determining anti-MOG reactivity we aimed at identifying a
      priori immunodominant MOG epitopes by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and at
      assessing clinical relevance of these epitopes in MS. METHODS: Sera of 325 MS
      patients, 69 patients with clinically isolated syndrome and 164 healthy controls
      were assayed by quantitative, high-throughput ELISA for reactivity to 3 different
      MOG isoforms, and quantitative titers correlated with clinical characteristics.
      mAbs defined unique immunodominant epitopes distinct to each of the isoforms.
      RESULTS: In the majority of human samples anti-MOG levels were skewed towards low
      titers. However, in 8.2% of samples high-titer anti-MOG antibodies were
      identified. In contrast to anti-MOG reactivity observed in a mouse model of MS,
      in patients with MS these never reacted with ubiquitously exposed epitopes.
      Moreover, in patients with relapsing-remitting MS high-titer anti-MOG IgG
      correlated with disability (EDSS; Spearman r = 0.574; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS:
      Thus high-titer reactivity likely represents high-affinity antibodies against
      pathologically relevant MOG epitopes, that are only present in a small proportion
      of patients with MS. Our study provides valuable information about requirements
      of anti-MOG reactivity for being regarded as a prognostic biomarker in a subtype
      of MS.

PMID- 22093620
TI  - Scedosporium apiospermum atrial mycetomas after lung transplantation for cystic
      fibrosis.
AB  - A 37-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis underwent double lung transplantation.
      She developed disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum infection 2 months after
      surgery. Along with multiple brain abscesses, lung infection, and
      chorioretinitis, a cardiac echo revealed 2 large intra-atrial mycetomas floating
      close to the right upper pulmonary vein orifice. The mycetomas were removed
      through a trans-atrial approach under cardiopulmonary by pass; histology and
      cultures confirmed the diagnosis. Despite intensive treatment, the patient
      succumbed from massive brain hemorrhage on the 10th postoperative day.

PMID- 22093621
TI  - [Epidemiological trend and control strategy of colorectal cancer in China].

PMID- 22093623
TI  - [Effects of Cdc42 overexpression on the estrogen-enhanced multidrug resistance in
      breast cancer cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of Cdc42 expression under estrogen
      stimulation, and to explore the signaling pathway of intracellular material
      transportation caused by estrogen. METHODS: MTT was used to test the drug
      sensitivity of cells. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the expression of Cdc42
      mRNA. The amount of ADM accumulated in MCF-7 cells was detected by flow
      cytometry. The protein levels of active-Cdc42 and Total-Cdc42 were measured by
      Western blot. RESULTS: IC(50) of ADM in MCF-7 cells was increased from (0.098 +/-
      0.011) ug/ml to (0.134 +/- 0.130) ug/ml (P < 0.05) after estrogen stimulation.
      The amount of ADM accumulated in MCF-7 cells was reduced from 7.253 +/- 0.310 to
      3.233 +/- 0.313 (P < 0.05). All of Cdc42 mRNA, active-Cdc42 protein and total
      Cdc42 protein were increased (P < 0.05). After the treatment with siRNA, the
      IC(50) of ADM in siRNA group was decreased to (0.057 +/- 0.017) ug/ml (P < 0.05)
      compared with that in the control group. The amount of accumulated ADM was
      significantly increased in the siRNA group, and all the expression levels of
      Cdc42 mRNA, active-Cdc42 protein and total-Cdc42 protein were decreased in the
      siRNA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen enhances the drug resistance in
      breast cancer cells. The mechanism of this effect may be via the enhancing Cdc42
      expression and decreasing the accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in the
      cancer cells.

PMID- 22093622
TI  - [Cisplatin enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through
      clustering death receptor 4 into lipid rafts].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer cells are insensitive to tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). To sensitize gastric cancer cells to TRAIL, we
      treated gastric cancer MGC803 cells with TRAIL and cisplatin. METHODS: Cell
      proliferation was measured using MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow
      cytometry. Expression of proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The distribution
      of lipid rafts and death receptors was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy.
      MGC803 cells were pretreated with 50 mg/L nystatin for 1 h, and followed by the
      treatment of cisplatin and TRAIL. RESULTS: 100 ug/L TRAIL resulted in (8.51 +/-
      3.45)% inhibition of cell proliferation and caused (3.26 +/- 0.89)% cell
      apoptosis in MGC803 cells. Compared with the treatment with cisplatin alone,
      treatment with TRAIL (100 ug/L) and cisplatin (8.49 mg/L, IC(50) dose of 24 h)
      led to a dramatic increase in both inhibition of cell proliferation [(52.58 +/-
      4.57)% vs. (76.43 +/- 5.35)%, P < 0.05] and cell apoptosis [(23.10 +/- 3.41)% vs.
      (42.56 +/- 4.11)%, P < 0.05]. Moreover, cleavage of caspase-8 and caspase-3 was
      detected. TRAIL (100 ug/L) did not induce obvious lipid rafts aggregation and
      death receptor 4 (DR4) clustering, while cisplatin (8.49 mg/L) significantly
      promoted the localization of DR4 in aggregated lipid rafts. Pretreatment with 50
      mg/L nystatin, a cholesterol-sequestering agent, triggered (3.66 +/- 0.52)% cell
      apoptosis after 24 h. Pretreatment with nystatin for 1 h before the addition of
      8.49 mg/L cisplatin for 24 h caused a decreased tendency to cell apoptosis
      [(25.74 +/- 3.28)% vs. (22.76 +/- 2.97)%]. While, pretreatment with nystatin
      before the addition of cisplatin and TRAIL, the proportion of apoptotic cells
      decreased from (43.16 +/- 4.26)% to (31.52 +/- 3.99)% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Cisplatin enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer MGC803 cells through
      clustering death receptors into lipid rafts.

PMID- 22093624
TI  - [Role of dysregulation of Bim in resistance of melanoma cells to endoplasmic
      reticulum stress-induced apoptosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a model of ER stress-induced apoptosis with tunicamycin
      and to examine whether Bim is dysregulated and its potential role in resistance
      of melanoma cells to apoptosis under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. METHODS:
      A model of ER stress-induced apoptosis was established with tunicamycin.
      Apoptotic cells were quantitated using the annexin V/propidium iodide method by
      flow cytometry. Hoechst staining was also used to confirm the apoptotic cell
      death. Western blotting was used to measure the activation of caspase-3 and -9,
      and the expression of Bim, GRP78, CHOP, and Foxo1 at the protein level. The
      expression of Bim, CHOP and Foxo1 at the mRNA level was quantitated by qPCR. The
      siRNA technique was used to inhibit the expression of Bim. RESULTS: Treatment of
      the melanoma cells with tunicamycin did not induce significant apoptosis and
      activation of caspase cascade, whereas it caused marked activation of caspase-3
      and -9, and apoptosis in HEK293 cells which were used as a control. With exposure
      to tunicamycin (3 umol/L) for 12, 24, 36 hours the Bim protein levels were not
      increased in Mel-RM and MM200 cells. Its mRNA levels were 0.37 +/- 0.05, 0.13 +/-
      0.02 and 0.02 +/- 0.01 in Mel-RM cells, while 0.41 +/- 0.06, 0.16 +/- 0.04 and
      0.21 +/- 0.03 in MM200 cells, respectively. The expression of Bim mRNA was
      significantly reduced compared with that in the control groups of the two cell
      lines (P < 0.01). siRNA knockdown of Bim protected HEK293 cells against
      activation of caspase-3. The cell apoptosis of Bim siRNA group was (5.69 +/-
      0.38)%, significantly lower than that of the siRNA control group (40.32 +/-
      1.64)% and blank control group (35.46 +/- 2.01)% (P < 0.01). In the melanoma
      cells after exposure to tunicamycin (3 umol/L) for 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours the
      transcription factor CHOP at mRNA level were significantly increased and the
      expressions at protein level were also up-regulated. The expressions of another
      transcription factor Foxo1 at mRNA level significantly decreased and the
      expressions at protein level were down-regulated, too. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of
      Bim up-regulation contributes to the resistance of melanoma cells to ER stress
      induced apoptosis and may be a mechanism by which melanoma cells adapt to ER
      stress conditions. Transcription factors CHOP and Foxo1 may be responsible for
      the dysregulation of Bim in melanoma cells upon ER stress.

PMID- 22093625
TI  - [Effect of tagalsin on p53 and Bcl-2 expression in hepatoma H(22) tumor-bearing
      mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of tagalsin on hepatoma cells.
      METHODS: The animal models were established by transplanting H(22) mouse hepatoma
      cells to mouse liver, and ten days later the mice were randomly divided into five
      groups: blank group, carmofur positive group and tagalsin groups, including low
      dose, middle-dose and high-dose groups. Then medicine or oil was given to the
      mice by gastric gavage in consecutive 5 days with a 2-days interval as a course
      of treatment, two courses in all. All mice were killed at 24 hours after
      medication, and the survival period, ascites conditions, aggressive conditions
      intra- or extra-liver, weight changes, tumor volume and spleen index of the tumor
      bearing mice were observed. Pathological changes of the tumors were examined.
      Apoptotic factors p53 and Bcl-2 protien and mRNA were detected by
      immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR). RESULTS: tagalsin inhibited the hepatoma growth effectively without
      influencing spleen index to some extent. The tumor inhibition rate of tagalsin
      low, middle and high dose groups were 17.9%, 63.1% and 71.8%, respectively.
      Immunohistochemical results showed that the p53 and Bcl-2 protein positive cell
      counts of the positive control and experimental groups were significantly lower
      than those of the blank group (P < 0.01). RT-PCR results showed that the p53 mRNA
      expression was significantly enhanced and Bcl-2 mRNA expression was decreased in
      the positive control groups and tagalsin treatment groups, especially in the high
      dose group, compared with those of the blank group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      tagalsin can inhibit the growth of mouse hepatoma cells significantly. The
      mechanism of its anti-tumor effect may work via up-regulating the wild type p53
      gene expression and down-regulating Bcl-2 gene expression and thus regulating
      tumor cell apoptosis.

PMID- 22093626
TI  - [Comparison of the biodistribution of four contrast agents in nude mice bearing
      NCI-H358 human lung cancer and evaluation of their value in diagnostic imaging].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the uptake of four contrast agents: (99)Tc(m)-RGD-4CK,
      (99)Tc(m)-N(NOET)(2), (99)Tc(m)-MIBI and (18)F-FDG in Bal B/c nude mice bearing
      human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H358 and evaluate their diagnostic value in
      low-metabolic lung cancer. METHODS: Human bronchioloalveolar carcinoma NCI-H358
      cells were subcutaneously inoculated in Bal B/c nude mice to establish mouse
      models bearing human lung cancer. Twenty tumor-bearing nude mice were given
      injection of the four contrast agent, respectively, 5 mice in each group. SPECT
      imaging and biodistribution of the 4 tracers in the tumor-bearing nude mice were
      performed. The ratios of tumor to non-tumor (T/NT) of the tracers were compared.
      RESULTS: The results from semi-quantification of the planar image and assessment
      of biodistribution showed that tumor to contralateral muscle activity ratios
      (T/NT) of the four tracers had statistically significant difference between each
      two of the four tracer groups of tumor-bearing mice (P < 0.001), with a highest
      value of T/NT ratio in the (99)Tc(m)-RGD-4CK group. CONCLUSIONS: NCI-H358 tumors
      show a higher uptake of (99)Tc(m)-RGD-4CK than (18)F-FDG. It suggests that when
      diagnosing a well-differentiated lung cancer such as bronchioloalveolar
      carcinoma, the contrast agent (99)Tc(m)-RGD-4CK may be more sensitive than (18)F
      FDG, and it may become a promising contrast agent in tumor imaging diagnosis.

PMID- 22093627
TI  - [EGFR gene copy number, ERCC1 and BRCA1 protein expression and their relationship
      in non-small cell lung cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      gene copy number and the expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 proteins in patients with
      non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the correlation between them. METHODS: The
      status of EGFR gene copy number was determined by in situ hybridization (FISH),
      and the expression of ERCC1 and BRCC1 proteins was examined by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship of EGFR gene copy number with the
      expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 and the clinical pathologic features were analyzed.
      RESULTS: FISH-positive EGFR expression was identified in 40 of 166 samples
      (24.1%). More FISH-positive EGFR in the female than male patients (31.9% vs.
      18.6%, P = 0.048), and non-smoker than smoker (32.8% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.045). FISH
      positive EGFR was not associated with age, pathological type, clinical stage and
      metestasis status (P > 0.05). The expression of ERCC1 protein was identified in
      60 of 132 samples (45.5%). The expression of ERCC1 protein varied significantly
      in tumors of different pathological types (P = 0.046), but not associated with
      age, gender, clinical stage, metestatic status and smoking status (P > 0.05). The
      expression of BRCA1 protein was identified in 46 of 131 samples (35.1%). The
      expression of BRCA1 was not associated with age gender, pathological type,
      clinical stage, metestatic ststus and smoking status (P > 0.05). There was a
      moderate correlation between the expressions of ERCC1 and BRCA1 (r = 0.449, P <
      0.001), but EGFR gene copy number was not correlated with the expression of ERCC1
      or BRCA1 protein. CONCLUSIONS: FISH-positive EGFR expression is associated with
      gender and smoking status, but not correlated with the expression of ERCC1 and
      BRCA1 proteins. There is a moderate correlation between the expressions of ERCC1
      and BRCA1.

PMID- 22093628
TI  - [Expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase and its correlation with prognosis in
      breast cancer patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in
      breast cancer and its correlation with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis.
      METHODS: The expression of IDO, CD31, CD105 proteins in 40 specimens of breast
      cancer were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The overexpression rate of
      IDO in breast cancer was 67.5% (27/40), and expression of IDO was closely
      associated with clinical stage and lymph nodes metastasis. The disease-free
      survival rate in patients with IDO overexpression was not significantly lower
      than that in patients with negative or low expression of IDO (P > 0.05).
      Moreover, the expression of IDO was positively correlated with CD105-labeled
      microvessel density (r = 0.659, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of IDO is
      associated with clinical stage and lymph nodes metastasis, and microvessel
      densitty. IDO expression may promote the growth and metastasis of breast cancer,
      probably via the increased agiogenesis. A larger sample study is needed to verify
      whether the prognosis of beast cancer is significantly correlated with IDO
      expression.

PMID- 22093629
TI  - [A randomized controlled trial of two chemotherapy regimens (paclitaxel liposome
      combined with platinum and paclitaxel combined with platinum) in concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy for cervical carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, side effects and influence of two
      chemotherapy regimens, paclitaxel liposome combined with platinum and paclitaxel
      combined with platinum, on the survival rate in patients with cervical carcinoma
      receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: One hundred and sixty two cases
      with primary cervical carcinoma diagnosed and treated in the Jiangxi Maternal and
      Children Hospital between January 2008 and November 2009 were enrolled in this
      randomized controlled trial. Seventy one cases were included in the paclitaxel
      group and 91 in the paclitaxel liposome group. The chemotherapy doses were as
      followings: paclitaxel liposome and paclitaxel 135 mg/m(2); cisplatin 80 mg/m(2)
      or carboplatin AUC 4 - 6, repeated every 21 days for two or three times. Radical
      radiotherapy was given to both groups at the same time. The efficacy was
      evaluated by the tumor regression and the patients were followed-up for six
      months. RESULTS: The overall response rates of paclitaxel group and paclitaxel
      liposome group were 90.1% and 89.0%, respectively (P > 0.05). The 1-year
      cumulative survival rate was 91.4% for the paclitaxel group and 89.2% for the
      paclitaxel liposom group (P > 0.05). The incidence rate of adverse effects such
      as rash, gastrointestinal toxicity, bone marrow suppression and muscle/joint pain
      in the paclitaxel liposome group was significantly lower than that in the
      paclitaxel group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference regarding
      the hair loss, liver damage, and peripheral neuritis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Paclitaxel liposome plus platinum is a safe and effective therapeutic regimen for
      stage IIa-IV cervical carcinoma. However, the long-term efficacy of this regimen
      should be further observed.

PMID- 22093630
TI  - [Effects of anastrozole on lipid metabolism in Chinese postmenopausal women with
      breast cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anastrozole, a new
      generation aromatase inhibitor, on the lipid metabolism in postmenopausal Chinese
      women with early breast cancer, and observe the adverse reactions as well.
      METHODS: Postmenopausal women with early breast cancer patients took anastrozole
      1 mg per day. The lipid profiles of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density
      lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein were assessed before taking the drug, 3
      months, 6 months after taking medication, and later once a year, until the end of
      medication or follow-up. Patients taking lipid-lowering drugs were excluded. The
      adverse reactions during the process of taking medication was followed-up by
      telephone. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-five postmenopausal breast cancer
      patients took part in the trial from Jan. 2003 to Jun. 2009. All patients had
      completed primary surgery and demonstrated a postmenopausal status. ER or PR
      positivity was confirmed by histopathology. Taking the medication from a minimum
      of one year to a maximum of 5 years, with a median time of 3.61 years. During the
      medication time, anastrozole significantly increased the levels of low density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol after 6 months of treatment, continuing to 5 years, from
      (3.08 +/- 0.90) mmol/L to (3.59 +/- 0.59) mmol/L, with a maximal increase of
      18.2% higher than that before medication. Anastrozole significantly increased the
      levels of total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol after 1
      years of treatment. Anastrozole significantly reduced the levels of triglycerides
      after 1 years of treatment. Anastrozole showed no significant effect on serum
      lipids in the patients with pre-existing hyperlipidemia. A more significant
      effect on blood lipids was observed in patients aged >= 60-years than that in
      patients less than 60 years of age. The rate of other adverse events were similar
      to that reported in foreign patients. CONCLUSIONS: For the postmenopausal
      patients with breast cancer, taking anastrozole may lead to an abnormal lipid
      metabolism. Anastrozole significantly increases the levels of low density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, and significantly reduces the level of triglycerides. The rate of
      other adverse events were similar to that reported in foreign patients. it is
      suggested that the blood lipid levels should be regularly assessed in patients
      with long-term anastrozole treatment. The rate of other adverse events similar to
      that reported with foreign patients, and patients tolerate this treatment well.

PMID- 22093631
TI  - [Dose escalation of domestic nedaplatin used in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for
      cervical cancer].

PMID- 22093632
TI  - [Correlation between VEGF-C expression in peripheral blood, lymph nodes and tumor
      tissues in patients with non-small cell lung cancer].

PMID- 22093633
TI  - [Therapeutic efficacy of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for
      patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment results of three-dimensional conformal
      radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and conventional radiotherapy (2D) for patients with
      locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Five hundred and
      twenty seven patients with stage III NSCLC treated between Jan 2000 and Dec 2006
      were included in this study. Among them, 253 cases were treated with 3D-CRT, and
      274 with conventional radiotherapy. In the 3D group, 159 (62.8%) patients
      received chemoradiotherapy, 77 with total radiotherapy dose of > 60 Gy, 49 with
      50 - 60 Gy. In the 2D group, 127 (46.4%) patients received chemoradiotherapy, 48
      with total radiotherapy dose of > 60 Gy, 75 with 50 - 60 Gy. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-,
      5-year overall survival rates (OS) and median survival time for patients treated
      with 3D-CRT were 73.3%, 26.1%, 14.4% and 20.1 months, respectively, and that of
      patients treated with 2D radiotherapy were 61.0%, 13.8%, 8.0% and 15.6 months,
      respectively (P = 0.002). The 1-, 3-, 5-year cause-specific survival rates (CSS)
      were 79.0%, 33.3%, and 20.8% for the 3D group and 65.1%, 16.7%, 11.2%,
      respectively, for the 2D group (P = 0.000). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year locoregional
      control rates were 71.6%, 34.3% and 31.0% for patients treated with 3D
      radiotherapy and 57.3%, 22.1% and 19.2%, respectively, for patients treated with
      2D treatment (P = 0.002). The results of multivariate analysis showed that 3D
      CRT, KPS, clinical tumor response and pretreatment hemoglobin level were
      independently associated with increased OS and CSS. No statistically significant
      differences were found between the radiation complications in the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study demonstrate that 3D-conformal radiotherapy
      improves the survival rate in patients with stage III NSCLC compared with that of
      2D radiation therapy.

PMID- 22093634
TI  - [Endovascular placement of iodine-125 seed strand and self-expandable stent
      combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular
      carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the main portal vein].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of endovascular placement of iodine
      125 seed strand and stent combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
      (TACE) to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus in the main
      portal vein (MPVTT). METHODS: Fifty patients with HCC complicated by MPVTT were
      enrolled into this study. There were 46 men and 4 women with a mean age of 53.9
      years. TACE was performed after the iodine-125 seed strand and self-expandable
      stent placement in the obstructed segment of the main portal vein (MPV). RESULTS:
      Technical success rate was 100% for placement of iodine-125 seed strand and stent
      in the target segment of MPV. No serious procedure-related complications
      occurred. The mean follow-up duration was 208.5 d. The mean and median survival
      time was 370.1 d and 223.0 d, respectively. The 90-, 180-, 360-day cumulative
      survival rates were 97.5%, 59.3%, and 38.4%, respectively. The mean and median
      patent time of stent was 524.2 d and 407.4 d, respectively. The 90-, 180-, 360
      day cumulative patency rates of stent were 94.9%, 75.2%, and 64.5%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Endovascular placement of iodine-125 seed strand and stent combined
      with TACE is an effective therapy for HCC with tumor thrombus in the main portal
      vein.

PMID- 22093635
TI  - [Diagnostic value of combining detection of human epididymis protein 4 and CA125
      in patients with malignant ovarian carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of combination of human epididymis
      protein 4 (HE4), CA125 and the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in
      diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: To detect the serum concentration of HE4
      using ELISA and CA125 using ECL in patients of ovarian carcinoma group (n = 119),
      borderline ovarian tumor group (n = 36), benign ovarian neoplasm group (n = 96)
      and female healthy control group (n = 53). The ROMA based on the serum level of
      CA125, HE4 and a woman's menopausal status was used to calculate the predicted
      probability (PP) and diagnostic results of ovarian cancers. RESULTS: The receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the cut-off value was 67.3 pmol/L
      (the AUC was 0.906, the sensitivity was 80.7% and specificity was 94.6%). The
      serum levels of HE4 and CA125 in the ovarian carcinoma group were significantly
      higher than that in the borderline ovarian tumor group, benign ovarian neoplasm
      group and female healthy control group (P < 0.01). The serum levels of CA125 and
      HE4 showed statistically no significant difference between the borderline ovarian
      tumor group and benign ovarian neoplasm group (P > 0.05). The levels of HE4 and
      CA125 were reduced significantly in ovarian patients after surgery therapy (P <
      0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of HE4 + CA125 combination was 92.7% and
      72.5%. The ROMA that can classify patients into high and low risk groups was
      established as 9.3% in premenopausal and 27.3% in postmenopausal women.
      CONCLUSIONS: HE4 is a helpful biomarker for ovarian carcinoma diagnosis.
      Biomarker combination of HE4 and CA125, and applying of the ROMA are helpful to
      improve the accuracy in diagnosis of ovarian cancers.

PMID- 22093636
TI  - [Predictive value of (99)Tc(m)-MIBI scintimammography in evaluation of the
      efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with operable breast cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile
      ((99)Tc(m)-MIBI) imaging in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      (NCT) and prognosis in patients with operable breast cancer. METHODS: Sixty five
      patients with breast cancer underwent (99)Tc(m)-MIBI scintimammography before
      NCT, and static planar images were taken at 10 min and 180 min after
      scintimammography. The clearance rate was calculated in each patient, correlation
      between the clearance rate and efficacy of NCT, and the disease free survival
      rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean clearance rate of 65 patients was (17.4 +/-
      6.8)%. The efficacy of NCT was 86.2% (CR 4 cases, PR 52 cases, SD 8 cases, and PD
      1 case), and the mean clearance rate of patients with good response or poor
      response of chemotherapy were (15.5 +/- 5.0)% and (29.2 +/- 3.2)%, respectively.
      There was a significant difference between the two groups. The average disease
      free survival rate in the group with low clearance rate was (75.8%, P = 0.046),
      significantly higher than that in the group with high clearance rate (53.1%).
      CONCLUSION: Scintimammography of (99)Tc(m)-MIBI may be used to evaluate the
      efficacy and prognosis of NCT for patients with operable breast cancer.

PMID- 22093637
TI  - [Surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumors in 63 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience in diagnosis and treatment of primary
      tracheal tumors, and to improve the life quality of patients. METHODS: Sixty
      three patients with primary tracheal tumors treated in the First Affiliated
      Hospital of China Medical University during the past 40 years were included in
      this study, among them, there were 42 cases of malignant tumors and 21 cases of
      benign tumors. The 61 patients underwent surgery including tracheal sleeve
      resection (22), carinal resection and reconstruction (6), semi-carinal resection
      and reconstruction (6), tracheal resection for tracheal tumors (17); tracheostomy
      (4), tracheal resection, partial resection of the thyroid (goiter) and
      esophagomyotomy (1), tracheal tumor resection and vertical hemilaryngectomy with
      reconstruction of laryngeal ventricle and trachea by sternocleidomastoid flap
      (2), cervical trachea and laryngeal resection (1), and carinal scrape (2).
      RESULTS: Fifty-five patients had an uneventful recovery. Eight patients suffered
      from postoperative complications, among them 3 patients died postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Primary tracheal tumors often present atypical symptoms, are easily
      misdiagnosed and with poor prognosis. The main aim of treatment remains to remove
      the airway obstruction.

PMID- 22093638
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of occult breast cancer in 44 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of occult
      breast cancer in 44 cases. METHODS: Clinicopathological data of 44 cases of
      occult breast cancer initially presenting axillary mass alone treated in our
      department during Jan 1997 to Dec 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS:
      The 44 patients with occult breast cancer accounted for 0.42% of all breast
      cancer patients admitted to our hospital and institute in the same period. The
      surgery included radical mastectomy in 16 cases, modified radical mastectomy in
      19 cases, axillary clearance in 1 case, and simple axillary node excision in 8
      cases. Follow-up, ranging from 12-132 months, was available in 38 cases. Among 32
      cases who underwent mastectomy or axillary clearance, 2 cases died of distant
      metastases and 3 cases were still alive with local recurrence at the time of
      analysis. In two out of six cases who refused further surgical treatment received
      mastectomy 16 months and 41 months after the primary diagnosis of occult breast
      cancer, respectively. Others were alive without evidence of recurrence or
      metastases at the time of analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Occult breast cancer should be
      taken into consideration in cases presenting with axillary metastasis of unknown
      primary origin. The treatment of occult breast cancer should include modified
      radical mastectomy/radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery combined with
      breast irradiation.

PMID- 22093639
TI  - [Clinical analysis of 79 gastrointestinal tract stromal tumor cases].

PMID- 22093640
TI  - [Pros and cons of total thyroidectomy].

PMID- 22093641
TI  - The pathoplasticity of dysphoric episodes: differential impact of stressful life
      events on the pattern of depressive symptom inter-correlations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that stressful life events (SLEs)
      influence the pattern of individual depressive symptoms. However, we do not know
      how these differences arise. Two theories about the nature of psychiatric
      disorders have different predictions about the source of these differences: (1)
      SLEs influence depressive symptoms and correlations between them indirectly, via
      an underlying acute liability to develop a dysphoric episode (DE; common cause
      hypothesis); and (2) SLEs influence depressive symptoms and correlations between
      them directly (network hypothesis). The present study investigates the
      predictions of these two theories. METHOD: We divided a population-based sample
      of 2096 Caucasian twins (49.9% female) who reported at least two aggregated
      depressive symptoms in the last year into four groups, based on the SLE they
      reported causing their symptoms. For these groups, we calculated tetrachoric
      correlations between the 14 disaggregated depressive symptoms and, subsequently,
      tested whether the resulting correlation patterns were significantly different
      and if those differences could be explained by underlying differences in a single
      acute liability to develop a DE. RESULTS: The four SLE groups had markedly
      different correlation patterns between the depressive symptoms. These differences
      were significant and could not be explained by underlying differences in the
      acute liability to develop a DE. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are not compatible with
      the common cause perspective but are consistent with the predictions of the
      network hypothesis. We elaborate on the implications of a conceptual shift to the
      network perspective for our diagnostic and philosophical approach to the concept
      of what constitutes a psychiatric disorder.

PMID- 22093642
TI  - Effects of computerized match-to-sample training on emergent fraction-decimal
      relations in individuals with fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Individuals diagnosed with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known form
      of inherited intellectual disability, are reported to exhibit considerable
      deficits in mathematical skills that are often attributed to brain-based
      abnormalities associated with the syndrome. We examined whether participants with
      FXS would display emergent fraction-decimal relations following brief, intensive
      match-to-sample training on baseline relations. The performance profiles on tests
      of symmetry and transitivity/equivalence of 11 participants with FXS, aged 10-23
      years, following baseline match-to-sample training were compared to those of 11
      age- and IQ-matched controls with idiopathic developmental disability. The
      results showed that both groups of participants showed significant improvements
      in the baseline (trained) relations, as expected. However, participants with FXS
      failed to show significant improvements in the (untrained) symmetry and
      transitivity/equivalence relations compared to those in the control group. A
      categorical analysis of the data indicated that five participants with FXS and
      eight controls showed at least "intermediate" emergence of symmetry relations,
      whereas one individual with FXS and three controls showed at least intermediate
      emergence of transitivity/equivalence relations. A correlation analysis of the
      data indicated that improvements in the symmetry relations were significantly
      associated with improvements in the transitivity/equivalence relations in the
      control group (r=.69, p=.018), but this was not the case in the FXS group (r=.34,
      p>.05). Participant IQ was significantly associated with improvements in the
      symmetry relations in individuals with FXS (r=.60, p=.049), but not in controls
      (r=.21, p>.05). Taken together, these results suggest that brief, computerized
      match-to-sample training may produce emergent mathematical relations for a subset
      of children with FXS and developmental disabilities. However, the ability of
      individuals with FXS to form transitivity/equivalence relations may be impaired
      relative to those with idiopathic developmental disabilities, which may be
      attributed to neurodevelopmental variables associated with the syndrome.

PMID- 22093643
TI  - Are French dyslexic children sensitive to consonant sonority in segmentation
      strategies? Preliminary evidence from a letter detection task.
AB  - This paper aims to investigate whether--and how--consonant sonority (obstruent
      vs. sonorant) and status (coda vs. onset) within syllable boundaries modulate the
      syllable-based segmentation strategies. Here, it is questioned whether French
      dyslexic children, who experience acoustic-phonetic (i.e., voicing) and
      phonological impairments, are sensitive to an optimal 'sonorant coda-obstruent
      onset' sonority profile as a cue for a syllable-based segmentation. To examine
      these questions, we used a modified version of the illusory conjunction paradigm
      with French dyslexic children compared with both chronological age-matched and
      reading level-matched controls. Our results first showed that the syllable-based
      segmentation is developmentally constrained in visual identification: in normally
      reading children, it appears to progressively increase as reading skills
      increase. However, surprisingly, our results also showed that dyslexic children
      were able to use syllable-sized units. Then, data highlighted that a syllable
      based segmentation in visual identification basically relies on an optimal
      'sonorant coda-obstruent onset' sonority profile rather than on phonological and
      orthographic statistical properties in normally reading children as well as,
      surprisingly, in dyslexic children. Our results are discussed to support a
      sonority-modulated prelexical role of syllable-sized units in visual
      identification in French, even in dyslexic children who exhibited a
      developmentally delayed profile. We argue that dyslexic children have deficits in
      online phonetic-phonological processing rather than degraded or underspecified
      phonetic-phonological representations.

PMID- 22093644
TI  - Psychiatric literacy and the conduct disorders.
AB  - Past research regarding mental health literacy has indicated that public
      knowledge is lamentably poor. This study aimed to examine the effect of
      demographics, experience and personality, as predictors for understanding conduct
      disorders. An opportunistic sample of 125 participants with a mean age of 24.29
      years completed an online questionnaire in which they were asked to describe and
      evaluate vignettes of 4 conduct disorders. They were asked for their view of what
      the diagnosis may be: "What is the main problem", confidence in their diagnosis,
      and how the person could be helped. The correct diagnosis was given by 42% of the
      participants in one case but only 8% in another. A content analysis suggested
      that five types of diagnosis were given: psychological/psychiatric, behavioural,
      parenting, socio-emotional and lifestyle. There were significant differences in
      what treatments were thought to be useful between the cases though psychotherapy
      was thought to be most useful. Limitations of this study are considered.

PMID- 22093645
TI  - Antipsychotic medication prescription patterns in adults with developmental
      disabilities who have experienced psychiatric crisis.
AB  - Antipsychotic medication rates are high in adults with developmental disability.
      This study considered rates of antipsychotic use in 743 adults with developmental
      disability who had experienced a psychiatric crisis. Nearly half (49%) of these
      adults were prescribed antipsychotics. Polypharmacy was common with 22% of those
      prescribed antipsychotics taking 2 or more antipsychotics at once. Predictors of
      multiple antipsychotic use included gender, residence, psychiatric diagnosis and
      previous hospitalizations. Implications of medication prescriptions to this
      vulnerable population are discussed.

PMID- 22093646
TI  - Assisting people with disabilities to actively improve their collaborative
      physical activities with Nintendo Wii Balance Boards by controlling environmental
      stimulation.
AB  - The latest researches have adopted software technology to modify the Nintendo Wii
      Balance Board functionality and used it to enable two people with developmental
      disabilities to actively perform physical activities. This study extended the
      latest research of the Wii Balance Board application to assess whether four
      people (two groups) with developmental disabilities would be able to actively
      improve their physical activities collaboration--walking to the designated
      location following simple instructions, by controlling their favorite
      environmental stimulation through using three Nintendo Wii Balance Boards. We
      employed an A-B-A-B design, with A represented the baseline and B represented
      intervention phases. Data showed that both groups of participants significantly
      increased their collaborative target response (collaboratively performing
      designated physical activities) by activating the control system to produce their
      preferred environmental stimulation during the intervention phases. Practical and
      developmental implications of the findings are discussed.

PMID- 22093647
TI  - Gaze behaviour during interception in children with spastic unilateral cerebral
      palsy.
AB  - Anticipatory gaze behaviour during interceptive movements was investigated in
      children with Spastic Unilateral Cerebral Palsy (SUCP), and related to the side
      of the intracerebral lesion. Five children with lesions of the right hemisphere
      (RHL) and five children with lesions of the left hemisphere (LHL) had to walk
      towards and intercept a ball that moved perpendicular to the walking path.
      Interception accuracy and gaze patterns were measured in a no-occlusion and
      occlusion condition, in which the ball was occluded from view for half of its
      trajectory. There was a clear support for a relationship between gaze behaviour
      and success in interception performance, with some evidence for the presence of
      anticipatory gaze behaviour. There were also differences in gaze behaviour
      between children with RHL and children with LHL that might be related to
      planning, but these did not affect interception accuracy. It is concluded that
      gaze behaviour during interceptive movements is anticipatory, and at least partly
      dependent on the lesional side.

PMID- 22093648
TI  - Self-perception of children and adolescents with Mobius sequence.
AB  - Mobius sequence is a rare congenital disorder usually defined as a combination of
      facial weakness with impairment of ocular abduction. Some studies suggest that
      psychosocial and psychiatric problems might be increased among affected persons.
      So far, there have been no studies on the self-perception of children and
      adolescents with the sequence. Seventeen participants with Mobius sequence (9
      male, 8 female) aged 9-15 (mean: 11.59) years were studied. None of the probands
      was mentally retarded or had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
      Participants filled out well standardized German questionnaires on depression
      (Depressionsinventar fur Kinder und Jugendliche [DIKJ]), anxiety (Angstfragebogen
      fur Schuler [AFS]) and personality aspects (Personlichkeitsfragebogen fur Kinder
      von 9-14 Jahren [PFK 9-14]). Additionally, their primary caregivers were asked to
      complete a special questionnaire to compile the probands' personal, somatic and
      psychosocial history as well as the German version of the Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire, Parent Form [SDQ-Deu]. According to the participants'
      self-perception only one girl scored clinical (t-score >= 63) for manifest
      anxiety [AFS] and depression [DIKJ] (5.9% vs. 10% in the general population).
      Moreover, the whole sample reported significantly lower test anxiety (p=0.000)
      and manifest anxiety (p=0.005) [AFS] whereas general anxiety as a personality
      aspect [PFK 9-14] did not differ from the normative sample. Compared to normative
      data, subjects expressed significantly less depression (p=0.023) and impulsivity
      (p=0.042). One out of 17 subjects was rated abnormal for total problems on the
      SDQ-Deu (5.9% vs. 10% of the normative sample), five participants scored abnormal
      for social problems (29.4%) and three for emotional problems (17.6%). Social
      problems correlated significantly with the probands' age (rho=0.707; p=0.002). As
      Mobius patients have severe difficulties with facial expression of feelings, and
      others might therefore falsely recognize them as serious or even depressed, the
      subjects' self-perception is crucial for assessment and diagnosis, especially if
      it differs considerably from that of the primary caregivers.

PMID- 22093650
TI  - A process evaluation of the Friendships and Dating Program for adults with
      developmental disabilities: measuring the fidelity of program delivery.
AB  - Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are frequently abused in
      dating and partnered relationships. The Friendships and Dating Program (FDP) was
      developed to prevent violence in dating and partnered relationships and to teach
      social skills needed to develop healthy, meaningful relationships among this
      population. A pilot study indicated the FDP resulted in a statistically
      significant increase in social network size and a significant decrease in
      instances of interpersonal violence. This study focused on utilizing a Process
      Evaluation Model (PEM) to document the level of treatment fidelity in the
      delivery of the 20 session FDP for adults with intellectual and developmental
      disabilities delivered by community agency personnel. The PEM also documented the
      amount of content delivered to the participants during each session. Results
      indicated that direct service personnel delivered the program with a high level
      of fidelity. Additionally, participants engaged at high rates over the course of
      the 10-week program. Further, the results indicated the FDP topics and methods of
      delivery were appropriate for adults with intellectual and developmental
      disabilities. Programs should use a Process Evaluation Model (PEM) and methods as
      a routine quality control mechanism to assess provision of salient participant
      procedures.

PMID- 22093649
TI  - On the difficulty of relational concepts among participants with Down syndrome.
AB  - The aim of the study was to compare the difficulty of relational concepts among
      participants with and without intellectual disability. The French versions of the
      Boehm Tests of Basic Concepts Third Edition (Preschool and Kindergarten to 2nd
      grade) were administered to three groups of 47 participants individually matched
      on their total raw score on the tests. The first group comprised participants
      with intellectual disability of undifferentiated etiology, the second,
      participants with Down syndrome and the third, typical children. Item analyses
      using the transformed item difficulties method to detect differential item
      functioning across groups showed that the groups' rank-orders of item difficulty
      were highly similar. It is concluded that, all things being equal, relational
      concepts are of comparable difficulty and follow a similar sequence of
      development whatever the cognitive and etiological status of participants.
      Methodological and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 22093651
TI  - Training with differential outcomes enhances discriminative learning and
      visuospatial recognition memory in children born prematurely.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that discriminative learning is facilitated
      when a particular outcome is associated with each relation to be learned. When
      this training procedure is applied (the differential outcome procedure; DOP),
      learning is faster and more accurate than when the more common non-differential
      outcome procedure is used. This enhancement of accuracy and acquisition has been
      called the differential outcome effect (DOE). Our primary purpose in the present
      study was to explore the DOE in children born with great prematurity performing a
      discriminative learning task (Experiment 1) or a delayed visuospatial recognition
      task (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, participants showed a faster learning and a
      better performance when differential outcomes were used. In Experiment 2, a
      significant DOE was also observed. That is, premature children performed the
      visuospatial recognition task better when they received differential outcomes
      following their correct responses. By contrast, the overall performance of full
      term children was similar in both differential and non-differential conditions.
      These results are first to show that the DOP can enhance learning of conditional
      discriminations and recognition memory in children born prematurely with very low
      birth-weight.

PMID- 22093652
TI  - Taekwondo training improves sensory organization and balance control in children
      with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have poorer postural
      control and are more susceptible to falls and injuries than their healthy
      counterparts. Sports training may improve sensory organization and balance
      ability in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three
      months of Taekwondo (TKD) training on the sensory organization and standing
      balance of children with DCD. It is a randomized controlled trial. Forty-four
      children with DCD (mean age: 7.6+/-1.3 years) and 18 typically developing
      children (mean age: 7.2+/-1.0 years) participated in the study. Twenty-one
      children with DCD were randomly selected to undergo daily TKD training for three
      months (1 h per day). Twenty-three children with DCD and 18 typically developing
      children received no training as controls. Sensory organization and standing
      balance were evaluated using a sensory organization test (SOT) and unilateral
      stance test (UST), respectively. Repeated measures MANCOVA showed a significant
      group by time interaction effect. Post hoc analysis demonstrated that
      improvements in the vestibular ratio (p=0.003) and UST sway velocity (p=0.007)
      were significantly greater in the DCD-TKD group than in the DCD-control group.
      There was no significant difference in the average vestibular ratio or UST sway
      velocity between the DCD-TKD and normal-control group after three months of TKD
      training (p>0.05). No change was found in the somatosensory ratio after TKD
      training (p>0.05). Significant improvements in visual ratios, vestibular ratios,
      SOT composite scores and UST sway velocities were also observed in the DCD-TKD
      group after training (p<=0.01). Three months of daily TKD training can improve
      sensory organization and standing balance for children with DCD. Clinicians can
      suggest TKD as a therapeutic leisure activity for this population.

PMID- 22093653
TI  - The influence of supports strategies, environmental factors, and client
      characteristics on quality of life-related personal outcomes.
AB  - The concept of quality of life (QOL) is increasingly being used as a support
      provision and outcomes evaluation framework in the field of intellectual
      disability (ID). The present study used a hierarchical multiple regression
      research design to determine the role that available supports strategies,
      environmental factors, and client characteristics play in assessed quality of
      life-related personal outcomes. Data were collected in Arduin Foundation in The
      Netherlands. Participants were 186 individuals with an intellectual disability.
      Results indicated that QOL-outcomes were significantly impacted by the
      availability of support strategies, living arrangement, status of employment and
      level of ID.

PMID- 22093654
TI  - Assessing client-caregiver relationships and the applicability of the 'student
      teacher relationship scale' for people with intellectual disabilities.
AB  - Improvements in client-caregiver relationships may lead to improvements in the
      quality of life of clients with intellectual disabilities (ID). For this reason,
      interventions aimed at influencing these relationships are important. To gain
      insight into the nature and intention of these relationships in the ID
      population, suitable measurement instruments are needed. This study examines the
      applicability of an existing relationship questionnaire designed for primary
      education, called the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS) on the basis of
      the following research questions: (1) What is the factor structure of the STRS?
      (2) Are there associations between STRS scales and other conceptually comparable
      instruments? (3) Is the STRS reliable? The participants in this study were 46
      caregivers, who assessed 350 client-caregiver relationships. Psychometric
      research was conducted into the factor structure (n=350), construct validity
      (n=146), internal consistency (n=350) and test-retest reliability (n=177) of the
      STRS and the reliability of the individual scores (n=350) among a study
      population of people with moderate and severe ID. The three-factor model of the
      STRS as used in primary education (1. closeness, 2. conflict, 3. dependency) was,
      despite minor deviations, also found in the ID population. Research into the
      construct validity of the STRS showed statistically significant correlations with
      other scales with which similarities could be expected. The internal consistency
      and test-retest reliability of the STRS in the population studied were very good.
      The 95% confidence intervals of the means were small, and these measurements can
      be regarded as reliable.

PMID- 22093655
TI  - Technology-based programs to promote walking fluency or improve foot-ground
      contact during walking: two case studies of adults with multiple disabilities.
AB  - These two case studies assessed technology-based programs for promoting walking
      fluency and improving foot-ground contact during walking with a man and a woman
      with multiple disabilities, respectively. The man showed breaks during walking
      and the woman presented with toe walking. The technology used in the studies
      included a microprocessor with specific software, an MP3 with the recordings of
      preferred stimulus items, and optic sensors. Both studies were carried out
      according to an ABAB design. In Study I, the optic sensors were activated when
      the man crossed small marks distributed along the travel routes. At each sensor's
      activation, the man received a brief period of preferred stimulation. In Study
      II, the woman received preferred stimulation when the sensors at the toe and the
      heel of her shoes were activated in close time proximity. The man walked
      virtually without breaks and improved his mood (with an increase in indices of
      happiness) during the intervention phases of the study. The woman largely
      increased her percentages of steps with adequate foot-ground contact, which
      reached a mean of about 80 during the second intervention phase. The results were
      discussed in terms of rehabilitation implications and technology demands.

PMID- 22093656
TI  - Vocabulary development in children with hearing loss: the role of child, family,
      and educational variables.
AB  - In the present study we examined the effect of hearing status on reading
      vocabulary development. More specifically, we examined the change of lexical
      competence in children with hearing loss over grade 4-7 and the predictors of
      this change. Therefore, we used a multi-factor longitudinal design with multiple
      outcomes, measuring the reading vocabulary knowledge in children with hearing
      loss from grades 4 and 5, and of children without hearing loss from grade 4, for
      3 years with two word tasks: a lexical decision task and a use decision task.
      With these tasks we measured word form recognition and (in)correct usage
      recognition, respectively. A GLM repeated measures procedure indicated that
      scores and growth rates on the two tasks were affected by hearing status.
      Moreover, with structural equation modeling we observed that the development of
      lexical competence in children with hearing loss is stable over time, and a
      child's lexical competence can be explained best by his or her lexical competence
      assessed on a previous measurement occasion. If you look back, differences in
      lexical competence among children with hearing loss stay unfortunately the same.
      Educational placement, use of sign language at home, intelligence, use of hearing
      devices, and onset of deafness can account for the differences among children
      with hearing loss.

PMID- 22093657
TI  - Stability and harmony of gait in children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the stability and harmony of
      gait in children with cerebral palsy. Seventeen children with spastic hemiplegia
      due to cerebral palsy (5.0+/-2.3 years old) who were able to walk autonomously
      and seventeen age-matched children with typical development (5.7+/-2.5 years old,
      p=0.391) performed a 10-m walking test with a wearable device fixed to their
      lower trunk and included a triaxial accelerometer and three gyroscopes. Three
      parameters related to gait stability and three related to gait harmony were
      computed; all of these yielded significant differences between children with
      cerebral palsy and those with typical development (p<0.020 for all the computed
      parameters). In the latter group of children, trunk accelerations were found to
      be negatively correlated with age (partial correlation controlled for walking
      speed: R(p)<-0.58, p>0.020). Conversely, in children with cerebral palsy, the
      upper body accelerations were proportionally correlated with their gait speed
      (R=0.548, p=0.023 in the antero-posterior direction) but not with their age
      (p>0.05). This finding can be related both to difficulties in managing the higher
      upper body accelerations involved in rapid walking and to compensation
      strategies.

PMID- 22093658
TI  - The assessment of the likelihood of mammography usage with relevant factors among
      women with disabilities.
AB  - Research that identifies the determinants of low mammography use among disabled
      people is scant. This study examines the determining factors related to the low
      usage of mammography among women with disabilities. To identify the barriers that
      prevent women with disabilities from participating in mammography screening can
      help authorities conceive feasibly useful strategies for avoiding worse
      suffering. With women aged between 50 and 69 as subjects, this study was
      conducted using the database of Ministry of the Interior, Taiwan, in 2008,
      coupled with information gathered between 2006 and 2008 on preventive health care
      and medical claim data from the Bureau of Health Promotion and the National
      Health Research Institutes, respectively. This study examined the factors
      determining the use of mammography with logistic regression analysis. Only 8.49%
      of the disabled women used mammographies. When women with disabilities were in
      higher income level, they were more likely to use mammography for breast cancer
      screening. Similar findings were found for education levels. Moreover, subjects
      with a more severe form of disability were less likely to use mammography with
      ORs of 0.84, 0.63, and 0.52. Disabled women with major organ malfunction, chronic
      mental illness, or mental retardation had a higher likelihood to use mammography
      services, whereas women with multiple disabilities had the lowest likelihood of
      usage. Those with experience using other preventive services showed 1.9 times to
      7.54 times (95% CI: 1.82-1.98, 7.15-7.95, respectively) increased likelihood of
      mammography usage. In summary, mammography usage is relatively different for
      disabled and nondisabled populations. To mitigate the disparities, we can use
      community healthcare institutions or public health nurses and social workers to
      provide related preventive health services through community events to implement
      integrated cancer screening services.

PMID- 22093659
TI  - Examining reports of mental health in adults with Williams syndrome.
AB  - Prior research suggests that individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) have a
      disposition towards anxiety. Information regarding this is typically derived from
      parents and carers. The perspectives of the individuals with WS are rarely
      included in research of this nature. We examined the mental health of 19 adults
      with WS using explicit (psychiatric interview) and implicit (modified Stroop
      task) measures and compared informant (parents/carers) and respondent (adults
      with WS) reports of psychiatric symptoms. Informants and respondents both
      reported more symptoms of anxiety (n=7-9) than depression (n=2). Strong positive
      correlations were found between informant and respondent reports of symptoms of
      mental health problems. Compared to informants, respondents reported
      significantly more symptoms overall and somewhat more symptoms of anxiety.
      Results from the Stroop task indicated that the adults with WS were more vigilant
      to anxiety-related words than to depression-related words. The adults with WS
      provided reliable information regarding their mental health, thus providing
      further evidence that anxiety is part of the behavioural phenotype of the
      syndrome.

PMID- 22093660
TI  - Sleep EEG fingerprints reveal accelerated thalamocortical oscillatory dynamics in
      Williams syndrome.
AB  - Sleep EEG alterations are emerging features of several developmental
      disabilities, but detailed quantitative EEG data on the sleep phenotype of
      patients with Williams syndrome (WS, 7q11.23 microdeletion) is still lacking.
      Based on laboratory (Study I) and home sleep records (Study II) here we report WS
      related features of the patterns of antero-posterior 8-16 Hz non-rapid-eye
      movement (NREM) sleep EEG power distributions. Participants in Study I were 9 WS
      and 9 typically developing (TD) controls matched for age (14-29 years) and sex,
      and sleeping for two consecutive nights in the laboratory. WS participants were
      characterized by region-independent decreases in 10.50-12.50 Hz and central
      increases in 14.75-15.75 Hz EEG power. Region-independent decreases and increases
      in z-scores of the spectra were observed in the 10.25-12.25 Hz and 14-16 Hz
      ranges, respectively. Moreover, in the EEG spectra of participants with WS a
      lower probability for the emergence of a frontally dominant peak was observed.
      Parietal fast sigma peaks and the antero-posterior shifts in power distributions
      were of higher frequencies in WS (~1 Hz difference). A 1 year follow-up of 9 WS
      and 3 TD participants, as well as their inclusion into larger samples (20 WS and
      20 TD, age: 6-29 years) of a two-night ambulatory home polysomnography study
      confirmed the WS-specific decrease in alpha/low sigma power (8-11.75 Hz) and the
      pattern of z-score differences (decreases: 8.50-11.25 Hz; increases: 13.5-14 Hz),
      including the antero-posterior shifts in power distribution (0.5 Hz) and some
      features of the spectral peaks. Altogether these data suggest a decrease in
      alpha/low sigma power, as well as a redistribution of NREM sleep 8-16 Hz EEG
      power toward the higher frequencies and/or a higher frequency of NREM sleep
      thalamocortical oscillations in WS.

PMID- 22093661
TI  - Movement skills of younger versus older adults with and without Down syndrome.
AB  - Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are often physically inactive, which may
      accelerate the onset of disease and aging symptoms. Eight older persons with DS
      (aged 54-61), and 10 younger persons with DS (aged 26-35) living in a residential
      care center were examined. Eighteen age- and gender-matched individuals without
      DS served as control groups. Sensory-motor tasks and Posture Scale Analyzer (PSA)
      were used to examine coordination and standing stability. The isokinetic muscle
      strength test was used for muscle strength investigation. The functional
      performance, coordination, and leg muscle strength of the older adults with DS
      were more impaired than both the younger DS and the control groups. The older DS
      group showed lower sway rate and more symmetrical weight-bearing distribution
      during quiet standing than both the younger DS and the control groups. Our
      observations may have significant implications for understanding movement
      dysfunction in older adults with DS.

PMID- 22093662
TI  - Language and communication skills in preschool children with autism spectrum
      disorders: contribution of cognition, severity of autism symptoms, and adaptive
      functioning to the variability.
AB  - This study examined the contribution of cognitive function, severity of autism,
      and adaptive functioning to the variability in language and communication skills
      in 129 preschool children (aged 24-63 months) with autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD). Participants were selected from a representative research cohort of 208
      preschool children on the basis of caregiver completion of the MacArthur-Bates
      Communicative Development Inventories (CDI). The children were classified into
      three cognitive groups: (a) Normal intelligence; (b) Developmental delay; and (c)
      Intellectual disability. Autism symptom severity was measured by the Autistic
      Behavior Checklist (ABC), and adaptive functioning by the Daily Living Skills
      (DLS) and Socialization (Soc) subscales from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior
      Scales. For each of five CDI variables (Phrases understood, Words understood,
      Words produced, Gestures and actions, and Language use), the contribution of
      cognition, severity of autism symptoms, and adaptive functioning to the
      variability was examined. Cognition and age explained about half or more of the
      variance in the four verbal language CDI variables, but only about one fourth of
      the variance in the non-verbal communication variable Gestures and actions.
      Severity of autism symptoms and the two adaptive measures (DLS and Soc) each only
      accounted for a few percent more of the variance in the four CDI language
      variables; however, for Gestures and actions, an additional 11-21% of the
      variance was accounted for. In conclusion, for children with ASD, receptive and
      expressive language is mainly related to cognitive level, whereas non-verbal
      communication skills seem to also be related to severity of autism symptoms and
      adaptive functioning.

PMID- 22093663
TI  - Effectiveness of functional progressive resistance exercise training on walking
      ability in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of functional
      progressive resistance exercise (PRE) training on walking ability in children
      with cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-one ambulant children with spastic CP (mean age
      10 years 5 months, 29 boys) were randomized to an intervention (n=26) or control
      group (n=25, receiving usual care). The intervention consisted of 12 weeks
      functional PRE circuit training, for 3 times a week. Main outcome measures were
      walking ability and participation. Secondary outcomes were muscle strength and
      anaerobic muscle power. Possible adverse outcomes were spasticity and passive
      range of motion (ROM). Muscle strength increased significantly in the training
      group compared to the control group, but walking ability, participation and
      anaerobic muscle power did not change. Spasticity and ROM remained unchanged,
      except for a significant decrease in rectus femoris length in the intervention
      group. It is concluded that twelve weeks of functional PRE-training does not
      improve walking ability, despite improved muscle strength.

PMID- 22093664
TI  - Using simultaneous prompting to teach independent living and leisure skills to
      adults with severe intellectual disabilities.
AB  - The acquisition of independent living and leisure skills enables adults to
      experience an enhanced quality of life by increasing competence, self-reliance,
      and the development of autonomy. This study examined the effectiveness of
      simultaneous prompting to teach behavior chains (i.e., independent living and
      leisure skills) to adults with SID individually in their home environments.
      Participants included two adults with SID receiving services from a not-for
      profit agency that provides community-based services and supports to persons with
      disabilities. The results of this study are the first to indicate the
      effectiveness of simultaneous prompting to teach independent living and leisure
      skills to adults with SID using a one-on-one format in their home environment.
      Both participants learned three different skills within 12-28 sessions and
      maintained each skill 1, 2, and 4 weeks after mastery.

PMID- 22093665
TI  - Differentiating children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct
      disorder, learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders by means of their
      motor behavior characteristics.
AB  - The study was designed to investigate the discriminant validity of the Motor
      Behavior Checklist (MBC) for distinguishing four group of children independently
      classified with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD; N=22), Conduct
      Disorder (CD; N=17), Learning Disabilities (LD; N=24) and Autistic Spectrum
      Disorders (ASD; N=20). Physical education teachers used the MBC for children to
      rate their pupils based on their motor related behaviors. A multivariate analysis
      revealed significant differences among the groups on different problem scales.
      The results indicated that the MBC for children may be effective in
      discriminating children with similar disruptive behaviors (e.g., ADHD, CD) and
      autistic disorders, based on their motor behavior characteristics, but not
      children with Learning Disabilities (LD), when used by physical education
      teachers in school settings.

PMID- 22093666
TI  - Determining factors for utilization of preventive health services among adults
      with disabilities in Taiwan.
AB  - Taiwan has provided free health checks for adults since 1995. However, very
      little previous research has explored the use of preventive health services by
      physically and mentally disabled adults. The present study aimed to understand
      this use of preventive health services and the factors that influence it.
      Research participants included disabled people registered in a Ministry of the
      Interior database in 2008 (a total of 785,746 adults who met the conditions for
      being physically or mentally disabled and using preventive health services).
      These data were merged with the Bureau of Health Promotion's 2006-2008 dataset on
      preventive health and the 2006-2008 health insurance database published by the
      National Health Research Institutes. In addition to descriptive and bivariate
      analysis, the study used logistic regression analysis to investigate the factors
      that influence the use of adult preventive health services. The results showed
      that 15.81% of physically and mentally disabled adults used preventive health
      services. The rate of use among females was significantly higher than the rate
      among males, and rates were higher among residents of relatively less urbanized
      areas. Usage rates were also universally higher among sufferers of chronic
      diseases. However, more serious disabilities had lower usage rates. From the
      logistic regression analysis, we ascertained that the factors that influenced the
      use of preventive health services were gender, age, level of urbanization,
      monthly salary, low-income household status, aboriginal status, catastrophic
      disease/injury status, chronic diseases, type of disability, and severity of the
      disability. The study's main conclusion is that although Taiwan's Department of
      Health has provided free preventive health services for more than 15 years, the
      usage rate of this care among the disabled remains low. Demographic features,
      health status, and type of disability are the main factors influencing the use of
      preventive healthcare services.

PMID- 22093667
TI  - Defining the active ingredients of interactive computer play interventions for
      children with neuromotor impairments: a scoping review.
AB  - Rehabilitation researchers who investigate complex interventions are challenged
      to describe the "active ingredients" of their interventions: the reason(s) why a
      treatment is expected to be effective. Interactive Computer Play (ICP) is an
      emerging complex intervention in rehabilitation practice and research. The
      purpose of this scoping review is to identify the active ingredients of ICP
      interventions that are designed to improve motor outcomes in children with
      neuromotor impairments. Eleven potential active ingredients were identified with
      the following foci: ICP system or game properties; intervention effects on the
      user; and therapist roles. However, few studies explicitly evaluate the impact of
      particular ingredients on outcomes. Identification of active ingredients in ICP
      interventions can inform trial design and clinical decision-making. Research and
      clinical practice will benefit from studies that utilize a framework such as
      motor learning theory to guide hypotheses and measurement of the active
      ingredients of complex interventions.

PMID- 22093668
TI  - College students' conceptualizations of deficits involved in mild intellectual
      disability.
AB  - Precedential rulings in recent capital murder trials may, in some cases, leave it
      up to a jury to determine whether or not an individual meets criteria for an
      intellectual disability (ID) and should be spared from the death penalty. Despite
      the potential for misconceptions about ID to bias decisions, few empirical
      studies have examined the public's conceptualizations of individuals with ID.
      This study sought to examine 890 college students' conceptualizations of the
      deficits involved in mild ID. Students were asked to respond to two online
      surveys about the cognitive and adaptive behavior deficits that people with mild
      ID may experience. While most students were correct about basic facts, such as ID
      is not contagious and not curable, there was no clear consensus regarding beliefs
      about individuals with ID getting married, having children, or engaging in other
      mainstream activities of adult living. Students' responses are examined in light
      of results of studies that identify and examine bona fide deficits and areas of
      successful mainstreaming among persons with ID. Implications of misconceptions
      are discussed.

PMID- 22093669
TI  - Effects of a Special Olympics Unified Sports soccer program on psycho-social
      attributes of youth with and without intellectual disability.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a Special Olympics
      (SO) Unified Sports (UNS) soccer program on psycho-social attributes of youth
      with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants were 76 male youth
      with (n=38) and without (n=38) ID. Participants with ID were randomly allocated
      into a SO athletes group (n=23, mean age=14.5; SD=1.2 years) and a control group
      (CG) (n=15, mean age=14.5; SD=.8 years). Twenty-three randomly selected youth
      without ID formed the partner group (mean age=14.1; SD=.9 years) and 15 youth
      without ID (mean age=13.8; SD=.5 years) formed the CG. Instruments included the
      Friendship Activity Scale (FAS) (Siperstein, 1980), the Adjective Checklist
      (Siperstein, 1980), and the Children Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991). The
      soccer training program lasted eight weeks, 1.5h per session, three times per
      week, in addition to school physical education (PE). The CG did not participate
      in any sports in addition to PE. The findings showed that the UNS program was
      effective in decreasing the problem behaviors of youth with ID and increasing
      their social competence and FAS scores. In addition, the program was found to be
      effective in improving the attitude of youth without disabilities toward
      participants with disabilities. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate
      the utility of a UNS program for both youth with and without disabilities.

PMID- 22093670
TI  - Bimanual behaviours in children aged 8-18 months: a literature review to select
      toys that elicit the use of two hands.
AB  - Toys that provoke the use of both hands are required to develop a test of
      bimanual performance in children 8-18 months with unilateral cerebral palsy (Mini
      AHA). To choose the toys, a conceptual model based on perception-action theory
      and object use was used to guide a literature review. Evidence was sought for
      three critical relationships identified in the model which help determine
      bimanual performance: (1) the child-toy relationship, (2) the child-task
      relationship, and (3) the toy-task relationship. Evidence for both typically
      developing children and children with unilateral CP in this age range was sought.
      Thirty-five papers provided information about one or more of the relationships in
      typically developing children. No evidence was found for children with unilateral
      CP. Synthesis of the evidence from these three relationships informed toy
      selection for this new assessment.

PMID- 22093671
TI  - Baroreflex sensitivity is reduced in adolescents with probable developmental
      coordination disorder.
AB  - Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition
      characterized by poor motor skills leading to a significant impairment in
      activities of daily living. Compared to typically developing children, those with
      DCD are less fit and physically active, and have increased body fat. This is an
      important consequence as both sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors
      for cardiovascular disease. One indicator of cardiovascular health is baroreflex
      sensitivity (BRS), which is a measure of short term blood pressure (BP)
      regulation and is partly accomplished through changes in heart rate. Diminished
      BRS is predictive of future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose
      of this study was to compare BRS in typically developing (TD) adolescents with
      probable DCD (pDCD) or suspect pDCD (spDCD) adolescents (13-14 years of age).
      Percentile scores on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition,
      assessed at two time points were averaged and used to classify participants into
      the following groups: pDCD <= 5th percentile, spDCD > 5th percentile and <=16th
      percentile and TD>16th percentile. Following 15 min of supine rest, 5 min of
      continuous beat-by-beat blood pressure (Finapres) and R-R interval were recorded
      (standard ECG). Spectral indices were computed using Fast Fourier Transform with
      transfer function analysis used to compute BRS in the low frequency region (0.04
      0.15 Hz). BRS was compared between groups with an ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni
      correction. BRS was reduced in the pDCD compared to the TD groups. In
      multivariate regression analyses predicting BRS, when pDCD and spDCD were entered
      as the only variables, pDCD was found to be a significant predictor of BRS (b=
      6.74, p=0.016). However, when sex, VO(2) peak, and percent body fat (PBF) were
      entered as covariates, pDCD was no longer a predictor, while PBF approached
      significance (-0.32, p=0.056). Therefore, in this sample, BRS was reduced in
      adolescents with pDCD principally due to increased PBF.

PMID- 22093672
TI  - The effects of diagnostic group and gender on challenging behaviors in infants
      and toddlers with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or seizures.
AB  - Challenging behaviors are frequently studied in individuals with various
      developmental disabilities, although specific conditions are rarely compared to
      one another. Such data would be informative to clinicians who assess and develop
      treatment plans for children with these disabilities. For that reason, the
      current study's aim was to analyze problem behavior deficits in infants and
      toddlers diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), Down syndrome (DS), and a history of
      seizures/seizure disorder. Seventy six children participated in this study and
      were administered the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part
      2 (BISCUIT-Part 2). Inspection of the Tantrum/Conduct Behavior subscale of this
      measure revealed that children with a history of seizures/seizure disorder
      exhibited significantly higher scores, indicating greater impairment, than those
      with CP or DS. Children with DS and those diagnosed with CP did not significantly
      differ from one another. Additionally, there was no significant main effect by
      gender. The CP and DS groups also had fewer endorsements on all 18 items of the
      subscale as compared to the seizures group. Implications of these results are
      discussed.

PMID- 22093673
TI  - Technology-aided pictorial cues to support the performance of daily activities by
      persons with moderate Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - We developed a technology-aided intervention strategy relying on pictorial cues
      alone or in combination with verbal instructions and assessed these two versions
      of the strategy with three persons with moderate Alzheimer's disease. In Section
      I of the study, the strategy version with pictorial cues plus verbal instructions
      was compared with an existing technology-based strategy with verbal instructions.
      Each strategy was used with one specific activity. In Section II of the study,
      the strategy version with pictorial cues alone was compared with the
      aforementioned strategy with verbal instructions. Again, each strategy was used
      with one activity. Both strategy versions were effective with all three
      participants. The percentages of correct activity performance observed with those
      versions increased to above 90, and were comparable with those obtained with the
      existing verbal instructions strategy. A social validation assessment of the
      version with pictorial cues alone and the existing strategy with verbal
      instructions (employing university psychology students as raters) showed
      differences in favor of the latter strategy in terms of practicality and in favor
      of the former in terms of respect of participants' dignity. The implications of
      the findings were discussed.

PMID- 22093674
TI  - Awareness of legal blood alcohol concentration limits amongst respondents of a
      national roadside survey for alcohol and traffic behaviours in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Brazil the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) allowed for driving
      was changed to zero in 2008. If the BAC found is above 0.6g/L, drivers may be
      arrested. However, there are limited data on drivers' awareness of such limits.
      METHODS: Drivers from 27 major metropolitan areas (n=3397) were randomly asked to
      participate in roadside survey from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
      They were breathalized by highway patrol officers, and after consent interviewers
      collected data on drinking behaviours, knowledge about the law, and breath tests
      results. RESULTS: The mean age was 37.3+/-11.3 years; 94.3% were male and 26.5%
      had some college education. When asked about the BAC that could result in arrest,
      34.5% of the subjects claimed to know it. However, only 23.5% (8.1% of the total
      sample) provided correct answers. Factors associated with the right answers were:
      male gender (p=0.04; OR=2.08; CI=1.01-4.27); higher education (p<0.0001);
      negative BAC or self-report of driving under the influence (DUI) (p=0.02); higher
      family income (p=0.01) and non-professional driving (p=0.041). Age was not
      statistically different between groups. After multivariate analysis, male gender
      (p=0.002), higher education (p<0.0001) and negative BAC or DUI (p=0.046) remained
      in the model. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge that BAC levels over 0.6g/L may result
      in arrest is sparse amongst Brazilian drivers, notably amongst women, the less
      educated and those who drink and drive. Educational programmes targeted at those
      specific groups may be necessary in order to increase awareness about the legal
      BAC limit and its consequences.

PMID- 22093675
TI  - One stop shopping - bringing services to drug users.

PMID- 22093676
TI  - Clients are central to any independent and rigorous evaluation of the services
      they use.

PMID- 22093677
TI  - Association of plasma epinephrine level with insulin sensitivity in metabolically
      healthy but obese individuals.
AB  - In the present study, we explored the association of catecholamines with insulin
      sensitivity in "metabolically healthy but obese" (MHO) individuals, by examining
      the metabolic characteristics and plasma catecholamine levels in 100 obese,
      sedentary postmenopausal women. Subjects were classified as MHO (n=25) or at-risk
      (n=25) based on the upper and lower quartiles of insulin sensitivity as measured
      by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. The MHO group presented a
      significantly higher range of plasma epinephrine levels (73 +/- 21 pg/mL) than
      the at-risk group (39 +/- 20 pg/mL) (P<0.05), though both within the normal basal
      range of plasma epinephrine (56 +/- 30 pg/mL). Multivariate regression analysis
      showed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasma epinephrine,
      triglycerides and lean body mass index were independent predictors of glucose
      disposal. The plasma epinephrine level was positively correlated with the glucose
      disposal rate, insulin sensitivity and the HDL-cholesterol level, and negatively
      correlated with the triglycerides level (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study for
      the first time demonstrates a positive association between plasma epinephrine
      level and insulin sensitivity in MHO individuals.

PMID- 22093678
TI  - Information sources used by the suicidal to inform choice of method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Choice of suicide method strongly influences the outcome of an
      attempt. Public knowledge of possible methods is an important but less frequently
      considered aspect of the accessibility of suicide. This qualitative study
      explored the sources of information shaping the near-fatal suicide attempts of 22
      individuals. METHODS: Respondents were recruited from nine hospitals in England.
      Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain detailed narratives of the
      planning of the suicide attempt. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, then
      subjected to thematic analysis utilising constant comparison techniques. RESULTS:
      Information sources discussed most frequently were television, news stories, the
      Internet, and previous self-harm. Others were professional resources, personal
      knowledge of others' attempts and information gleaned from healthcare
      professionals. Many respondents reported seeing media portrayals or reports of
      suicide, which had contributed to their awareness of suicide methods. Several
      provided examples of direct imitation. Some had deliberately sought information
      about methods when planning their attempt--mostly from the Internet. Past
      experience was used to identify 'best' methods and perfect implementation.
      LIMITATIONS: The frequency with which sources of information are 'used' by
      particular groups and their relative import cannot be inferred from a qualitative
      sample. Near-fatal cases may differ from completed suicides. CONCLUSIONS: The
      media is an important contributor to the cognitive availability of suicide in
      society and could be used for prevention through carefully crafted portrayals of
      suicide designed to generate negative social perceptions of popular methods.
      Understanding of how sources of information can influence perceptions of suicide
      could inform the content of clinical conversations with patients.

PMID- 22093679
TI  - Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde flexible
      nephrolithotripsy for the management of 2-4 cm stones: a matched-pair analysis.
AB  - Study Type--Therapy (case control). Level of Evidence 3b. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Recently European Association of Urology
      2011 guidelines on urolithiasis recommended retrograde intrarenal surgery as the
      second-line therapy for the treatment of kidney stones <10 mm in diameter. This
      study shows that retrograde intrarenal surgery may be an alternative therapy to
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with acceptable efficacy and low morbidity for 2-4
      cm stones. OBJECTIVE: * Currently, the indications for retrograde intrarenal
      surgery (RIRS) have been extended due to recent improvements in endoscopic
      technology. In this study, we compare the outcomes of percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and RIRS in the treatment of 2-4 cm kidney stones.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: * Between September 2008 and January 2011, 34 patients who
      had renal stones ranging from 2 to 4 cm in diameter were treated with RIRS. The
      outcomes of these patients were compared with patients who underwent PCNL using
      matched-pair analysis (1:1 scenario). * The matching parameters were the size,
      number and location of the stones as well as age, gender, body mass index,
      solitary kidney, degree of hydronephrosis, presence of previous shock wave
      lithotripsy and open surgery. * Data were analysed using Fisher's exact test,
      Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: * Stone-free rates after
      one session were 73.5% and 91.2% for RIRS and PCNL respectively (P= 0.05). Stone
      free rate in the RIRS group improved to 88.2% after the second procedure. * Mean
      operation duration was 58.2 (+/-) 13.4 min in the RIRS group but 38.7 (+/-) 11.6
      min in the PCNL group (P < 0.0001). Blood transfusions were required in two
      patients in the PCNL group. * Overall complication rates in the PCNL group were
      higher, but the differences were not statistically significant. Hospitalization
      time was significantly shorter in the RIRS group (30.0 + 37.4 vs 61.4 + 34.0 h,
      respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: * Satisfactory outcomes can be achieved
      with multi-session RIRS in the treatment of 2-4 cm renal stones. RIRS can be used
      as an alternative treatment to PCNL in selected cases with larger renal stones.

PMID- 22093680
TI  - Patch depletion, niche structuring and the evolution of co-operative foraging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many animals live in groups. One proposed reason is that grouping
      allows cooperative food finding. Group foraging models suggest that grouping
      could increase food finding rates, but that such group processes could be
      evolutionarily unstable. These models assume discrete food patches which are
      fully detectable. However, often animals may only be able to perceive local parts
      of larger-scale environmental patterns. We therefore use a spatial individual
      based model where food patches are aggregates of food items beyond the scale of
      individual perception. We then study the evolution of foraging and grouping
      behavior in environments with different resource distributions. RESULTS: Our
      results show that grouping can evolve to increase food intake rates. Two kinds of
      grouping evolve: traveling pairs and opportunistic grouping, where individuals
      only aggregate when feeding. Grouping evolves because it allows individuals to
      better sense and deplete patches. Such enhanced patch depletion is particularly
      apparent on fragmented and partially depleted patches, which are especially
      difficult for solitary foragers to deplete. Solitary foragers often leave a patch
      prematurely because a whole patch cannot be observed directly. In groups,
      individuals that are still eating allow other individuals that inadvertently
      leave the patch, to return and continue feeding. For this information sharing a
      grouping tendency is sufficient and observing whether a neighbor is eating is not
      necessary. Grouping therefore leads to a release from individual sensing
      constraints and a shift in niche specialization, allowing individuals to better
      exploit partially depleted patches. CONCLUSIONS: The evolved group foraging can
      be seen as cooperative in the sense that it leads to a mutually-beneficial
      synergy: together individuals can achieve more than on their own. This
      cooperation exists as a group-level process generated by the interaction between
      grouping and the environment. Thus we reveal how such a synergy can originate in
      evolution as a side-effect of grouping via multi-level selection. Here there is
      no cooperative dilemma as individuals cannot avoid producing information for
      their neighbors. This scenario may be a useful starting point for studying the
      evolution of further social and cooperative complexity.

PMID- 22093681
TI  - Divergence in wine characteristics produced by wild and domesticated strains of
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the primary species used by wine
      makers to convert sugar into alcohol during wine fermentation. Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae is found in vineyards, but is also found in association with oak trees
      and other natural sources. Although wild strains of S. cerevisiae as well as
      other Saccharomyces species are also capable of wine fermentation, a genetically
      distinct group of S. cerevisiae strains is primarily used to produce wine,
      consistent with the idea that wine making strains have been domesticated for wine
      production. In this study, we demonstrate that humans can distinguish between
      wines produced using wine strains and wild strains of S. cerevisiae as well as
      its sibling species, Saccharomyces paradoxus. Wine strains produced wine with
      fruity and floral characteristics, whereas wild strains produced wine with earthy
      and sulfurous characteristics. The differences that we observe between wine and
      wild strains provides further evidence that wine strains have evolved phenotypes
      that are distinct from their wild ancestors and relevant to their use in wine
      production.

PMID- 22093682
TI  - A multiplex set of species-specific primers for rapid identification of members
      of the genus Saccharomyces.
AB  - The Saccharomyces genus (previously Saccharomyces sensu stricto) formally
      comprises Saccharomyces arboricola, Saccharomyces bayanus, Saccharomyces
      cariocanus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces kudriavzevii, Saccharomyces
      mikatae, Saccharomyces paradoxus and Saccharomyces pastorianus. Species-specific
      primer pairs that produce a single band of known and different product size have
      been developed for each member of the clade with the exception of S. pastorianus,
      which is a polyphyletic allopolyploid hybrid only found in lager breweries, and
      for which signature sequences could not be reliably created. Saccharomyces
      cariocanus is now regarded as an American variant of S. paradoxus, and
      accordingly a single primer pair that recognizes both species was developed. A
      different orthologous and essential housekeeping gene was used to detect each
      species, potentially avoiding competition between PCR primers and overlap between
      amplicons. In multiplex format, two or more different species could be identified
      in a single reaction; double and triple hybrids could not always be correctly
      identified. Forty-two unidentified yeasts from sugar cane juice fermentations
      were correctly identified as S. cerevisiae. A colony PCR method was developed
      that is rapid, robust, inexpensive and capable of automation, requires no
      mycological expertise on the part of the user and is thus useful for large-scale
      preliminary screens.

PMID- 22093683
TI  - Assessment of the yeast species composition of cocoa bean fermentations in
      different cocoa-producing regions using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.
AB  - The yeast species composition of 12 cocoa bean fermentations carried out in
      Brazil, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Malaysia was investigated culture-independently.
      Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 26S rRNA gene fragments, obtained
      through polymerase chain reaction with universal eukaryotic primers, was carried
      out with two different commercial apparatus (the DCode and CBS systems). In
      general, this molecular method allowed a rapid monitoring of the yeast species
      prevailing during fermentation. Under similar and optimal denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis conditions, the CBS system allowed a better separated band
      pattern than the DCode system and an unambiguous detection of the prevailing
      species present in the fermentation samples. The most frequent yeast species were
      Hanseniaspora sp., followed by Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
      independent of the origin of the cocoa. This indicates a restricted yeast species
      composition of the cocoa bean fermentation process. Exceptionally, the Ivorian
      cocoa bean box fermentation samples showed a wider yeast species composition,
      with Hyphopichia burtonii and Meyerozyma caribbica among the main
      representatives. Yeasts were not detected in the samples when the temperature
      inside the fermenting cocoa pulp-bean mass reached values higher than 45  degrees
      C or under early acetic acid production conditions.

PMID- 22093684
TI  - Recombinant expression of ShPI-1A, a non-specific BPTI-Kunitz-type inhibitor, and
      its protection effect on proteolytic degradation of recombinant human
      miniproinsulin expressed in Pichia pastoris.
AB  - Pichia pastoris is a highly successful system for the large-scale expression of
      heterologous proteins, with the added capability of performing most eukaryotic
      post-translational modifications. However, this system has one significant
      disadvantage - frequent proteolytic degradation by P. pastoris proteases of
      heterologously expressed proteins. Several methods have been proposed to address
      this problem, but none has proven fully effective. We tested the effectiveness of
      a broad specificity protease inhibitor to control proteolysis. A recombinant
      variant of the BPTI-Kunitz protease inhibitor ShPI-1 isolated from the sea
      anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, was expressed in P. pastoris. The recombinant
      inhibitor (rShPI-1A), containing four additional amino acids (EAEA) at the N
      terminus, was folded similarly to the natural inhibitor, as assessed by circular
      dichroism. rShPI-1A had broad protease specificity, inhibiting serine, aspartic,
      and cysteine proteases similarly to the natural inhibitor. rShPI-1A protected a
      model protein, recombinant human miniproinsulin (rhMPI), from proteolytic
      degradation during expression in P. pastoris. The addition of purified rShPI-1A
      at the beginning of the induction phase significantly protected rhMPI from
      proteolysis in culture broth. The results suggest that a broad specificity
      protease inhibitor such as rShPI-1A can be used to improve the yield of
      recombinant proteins secreted from P. pastoris.

PMID- 22093685
TI  - Nature and distribution of large sequence polymorphisms in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - To obtain a better understanding of the genome-wide distribution and the nature
      of large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we hybridized
      genomic DNA of 88 haploid or homozygous diploid S. cerevisiae strains of diverse
      geographic origins and source substrates onto high-density tiling arrays. On the
      basis of loss of hybridization, we identified 384 LSPs larger than 500 bp that
      were located in 188 non-overlapping regions of the genome. Validation by
      polymerase chain reaction-amplification and/or DNA sequencing revealed that 39
      LSPs were due to deletions, whereas 74 LSPs involved sequences diverged far
      enough from the S288c reference genome sequence as to prevent hybridization to
      the microarray features. The LSP locations were biased toward the subtelomeric
      regions of chromosomes, where high genetic variation in genes involved in
      transport or fermentation is thought to facilitate rapid adaptation of S.
      cerevisiae to new environments. The diverged LSP sequences appear to have
      different allelic ancestries and were in many cases identified as Saccharomyces
      paradoxus introgressions.

PMID- 22093686
TI  - Auto-aggressive metallic mercury injection around the knee joint: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accidental or intentional subcutaneous and/or intramuscular injection
      of metallic mercury is an uncommon form of poisoning. Although it does not carry
      the same risk as mercury vapour inhalation, it may cause destructive early and
      late reactions. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we present the case of a 29-year-old
      male patient who developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder causing auto
      aggressive behaviour with injection of elemental mercury and several other
      foreign bodies into the soft tissues around the left knee about 15 years before
      initial presentation. For clinical examination X-rays and a CT-scan of the
      affected area were performed. Furthermore, blood was taken to determine the
      mercury concentration in the blood, which showed a concentration 17-fold higher
      than recommended. As a consequence, the mercury depots and several foreign bodies
      were resected marginally. CONCLUSION: Blood levels of mercury will decrease
      rapidly following surgery, especially in combination with chelating therapy. In
      case of subcutaneous and intramuscular injection of metallic mercury we recommend
      marginal or wide excision of all contaminated tissue to prevent migration of
      mercury and chronic inflammation. Nevertheless, prolonged clinical and
      biochemical monitoring should be performed for several years to screen for
      chronic intoxication.

PMID- 22093687
TI  - Pain and attention - friends or foes?

PMID- 22093688
TI  - Confusion and ethical issues surrounding the role of Japanese midwives in
      childbirth and abortion: a qualitative study.
AB  - This qualitative study describes midwives' experiences in providing care in both
      pregnancy termination and childbirth in Japan. Midwives working in the general
      hospital maternity unit assist in both, which is an ethical issue warranting
      further exploration. Eleven midwives working in a general hospital were
      interviewed using a semistructured interview, and responses were coded using
      thematic analysis. Two major themes emerged: the experience of midwives involved
      in childbirth and pregnancy termination (three subthemes: confusion about care of
      the baby and aborted fetus, inability to cater to different mothers' needs, and
      establishing emotional control) and professional awareness and attitude as a
      midwife (three subthemes: consistency with professional principles, suppression
      of feelings in relation to aborted fetus, and previous and current professional
      identities). We found that midwives are isolated in this important social moral
      issue and its accompanying professional confusion. Suppressing their feelings
      remains the most common way of dealing with the ambivalence of the roles they
      fulfill. Improved working conditions and enhanced training on aspects of
      professional ethics would assist in reducing professional confusion.

PMID- 22093689
TI  - Overweight and obesity in pediatric liver transplant recipients: prevalence and
      predictors before and after transplant, United Network for Organ Sharing Data,
      1987-2010.
AB  - Obesity is extremely common in adult liver transplant recipients and healthy U.S.
      children. Little is known about the prevalence or risk factors for post
      transplant obesity in pediatric liver transplant recipients. UNOS data on all
      U.S. liver transplants 1987-2010 in children 6 months-20 yr at transplant were
      analyzed. Subjects were categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or
      obese by CDC guidelines. Predictors of weight status at and after transplant were
      identified using multivariate logistic regression. Of 3043 children 6-24 months
      at transplant, 14% were overweight. Of 4658 subjects 2-20 yr at transplant, 16%
      were overweight and 13% obese. Children overweight/obese at transplant were more
      likely to be overweight/obese at one, two, and five yr after transplant in all
      age groups after adjusting for age, ethnicity, primary diagnosis, year of
      transplant, and transplant type. Weight status at transplant was not associated
      with overweight/obesity by 10 yr after transplant. The prevalence of post
      transplant obesity remained high in long-term follow-up, from 20% to 50%
      depending on age and weight status at transplant. Weight status at transplant is
      the strongest predictor of post-transplant overweight/obesity. To optimize long
      term outcomes in pediatric liver transplant recipients, monitoring for obesity
      and its comorbidities is important.

PMID- 22093690
TI  - Phenotypic characteristics of hybrid cells generated by transferring neuronal
      nuclei into bone marrow stromal cell cytoplasts.
AB  - Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are promising donor cells for transplantation
      therapies for a variety of diseases. However, there still lack efficient ways to
      induce directional differentiation of BMSCs to promote their practical use in
      transplantation therapy. In this study, we constructed hybrid cells by
      transferring neuronal nuclei into BMSC cytoplasts and investigated the
      proliferative capacity and phenotypic characteristics of the hybrid cells. The
      neuronal nuclei were labeled with Hoechst 33342 before the transfer process, and
      the cell membrane antigen CD71 was used as a marker of BMSC cytoplasts. The BMSC
      cytoplasts and neuronal karyoplasts were separated by Ficoll density gradient
      ultracentrifugation. The hybrid cells were generated by the polyethylene glycol
      mediated fusion of BMSC cytoplasts with neuronal karyoplasts. The hybrid cells
      exhibited Hoechst 33342 staining in their nuclei and CD71 staining on their
      cytomembranes, which confirmed the success of cell fusion. The hybrid cells were
      positive for BrdU immunostaining. Viability analysis of the cultured hybrid cells
      by the MTT assay demonstrated their proliferative ability. Immunocytochemical
      staining revealed the expression of the neuron-specific markers NeuN and MAP2 in
      the third passage hybrid cells, which indicated their neuronal phenotypic
      characteristics. The results demonstrated that the hybrid cells produced by
      fusing neuronal karyoplasts with BMSC cytoplasts had proliferative capability and
      expressed the neuron-specific markers. Further study is required to investigate
      the phenotype of the hybrid cells both structurally and functionally.

PMID- 22093691
TI  - Early manifestations of autism spectrum disorders. Experience of 393 cases in a
      paediatric neurology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorders are group of conditions characterised by
      qualitative impairments in social communication, interaction, and imagination,
      and by a restricted range of interests and typical repetitive behaviours.
      Frequently, there is a delay in the age of detection, and therefore in starting
      multidisciplinary evaluations and interventions, which may result in a poorer
      prognosis and reduced quality of life for both children and parents. The aim of
      our study was to describe clinical and epidemiological data including the age of
      detection and main initial complaints present in children with autism disorders
      referred to a paediatric neurology centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 393
      medical records of consecutive cases diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
      were reviewed. RESULTS: Autism was diagnosed in 82.1% of the cases, unspecified
      pervasive disorder in 9.9%, Asperger syndrome in 4.8%, and Rett syndrome in 3%.
      Sixty percent of autistic children presented with a language disorder as their
      main complaint. The average age of detection was 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      with other countries, age of detection is delayed. Primary care-based screening
      and surveillance are required in order to improve prognosis and quality of life
      of children with an autism spectrum disorder.

PMID- 22093692
TI  - Oxidation of synthetic phenolic antioxidants during water chlorination.
AB  - The degradation of seven phenolic antioxidants and metabolites during
      chlorination was investigated. Under strong chlorination conditions (10 mg L(-1)
      chlorine, 24h), five of the target compounds were significantly degraded, while
      only BHT-Q (2,6-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) and BHT-CHO (3,5-di
      tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) were stable. The effect of the presence of
      bromide to the sample was only significant for BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
      resulting in increased disappearance rate as it is increased. Moreover, the
      disappearance kinetics were investigated at different concentrations of chlorine
      and pH of sample using a factorial experimental design. It was observed that the
      pH of the sample was a significant factor for BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and
      BHA, and chlorine concentration was significant for BHT, resulting in increased
      disappearance kinetics as they are increased. The degradation of these compounds
      has revealed two main processes: hydroxylation and oxidation of the aromatic
      system. The hydroxylated derivatives in some cases (e.g. from BHT-OH (2,6-di-tert
      butyl-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenol) and BHT-COOH (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic
      acid)) are formed via the chlorinated and/or brominated intermediate. Moreover,
      the oxidation of the aromatic system leads to the quinone derivatives. The
      investigation of these by-products in real samples by solid-phase extraction-gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPE-GC-MS) showed that derivatives of BHT, BHT
      OH and/or BHT-COOH occurred in wastewater and drinking water samples analysed.

PMID- 22093693
TI  - Outcomes of surgical repair of double-chambered right ventricle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with surgical repair of double-chambered
      right ventricle and long-term outcome. METHODS: From November 1970 to February
      2008, repair of double-chambered right ventricle was performed in 61 patients (31
      males). The median age was 13 years (interquartile range, 2 months to 64 years);
      10 patients were infants (16%). Mean preoperative right ventricular outflow tract
      pressure gradient was 67+/-37 mm Hg. An associated ventricular septal defect was
      present in 50 patients (82%). RESULTS: There were 2 (3%) early deaths due to
      persistence of low cardiac output postoperatively, despite complete relief of the
      right ventricular gradient. The overall mean postoperative gradient was 2+/-4.5
      mm Hg. Late follow-up was complete in 92% (mean, 7.4+/-7.9 years; maximum, 37
      years). Late survival was 90% at 10 years. There were 3 late deaths due to heart
      failure in 2 patients and sudden death in 1 patient, all occurring before 1997.
      No patients required reoperation for residual or recurrent right ventricular
      obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction of double-chambered right ventricle
      results in excellent functional and hemodynamic long-term results, with complete
      relief of the right ventricular obstruction. The presence of a double-chambered
      right ventricle should be considered in anomalies with high or persistent right
      ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

PMID- 22093694
TI  - Moderate tricuspid regurgitation with left-sided degenerative heart valve
      disease: to repair or not to repair?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uncertainty about long-term effects of surgically unaddressed
      moderate (2+) secondary tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation (TR) accompanying left
      sided degenerative heart valve disease led us to identify reasons for and factors
      associated with TV repair, compare safety and clinical effectiveness of relieving
      TR, and identify factors associated with severe (3/4+) postoperative TR. METHODS:
      From 1997 to 2008, 1,724 patients with 2+ TR underwent 830 mitral, 703 aortic,
      and 191 double-valve procedures; 91 (5%) had concomitant TV repair. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with TV repair and
      for propensity-matched comparison of safety (in-hospital morbidity, mortality)
      and effectiveness of TV repair (longitudinal echocardiographic assessment of
      postoperative TR and New York Heart Association class, TV intervention,
      survival). RESULTS: Factors associated with TV repair of 2+ TR included larger
      right ventricles and left ventricles (p<0.001), greater TV tethering height
      (p=0.0002), and prior concurrent mitral valve procedures (p<=0.004). In-hospital
      complications, subsequent TV interventions, and intermediate-term survival were
      similar for matched patients. The TV repair patients had less 3/4+ TR at
      discharge (7% versus 15%), sustained out to 3 years. No TV repair (p=0.05),
      female sex (p<0.0001), and mitral valve replacement (p=0.008) were associated
      with 3/4+ TR. CONCLUSIONS: A TV repair for moderate TR concomitant with surgery
      for degenerative left-sided heart valve disease is reasonable to provide an
      opportunity to prevent its progression and development of right ventricle
      dysfunction, particularly for patients with important right ventricle remodeling
      and evidence of right ventricular failure, and for patients with advanced left
      sided disease requiring mitral valve replacement.

PMID- 22093695
TI  - Analysis of osteopontin levels for the identification of asymptomatic patients
      with calcific aortic valve disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common cause of
      acquired valve disease. Initial phases of CAVD include thickening of the cusps,
      whereas advanced stages are associated with biomineralization and reduction of
      the aortic valve area. These conditions are known as aortic valve sclerosis
      (AVSc) and aortic valve stenosis (AVS), respectively. Because of its asymptomatic
      presentation, little is known about the molecular determinants of AVSc. The aim
      of this study was to correlate plasma and tissue osteopontin (OPN) levels with
      echocardiographic evaluation for the identification of asymptomatic patients at
      risk for CAVD. In addition, our aim was to analyze the differential expression
      and biological function of OPN splicing variants as biomarkers of early and late
      stages of CAVD. METHODS: From January 2010 to February 2011, 310 patients were
      enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on
      transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) evaluation: controls (56 patients), AVSc
      (90 patients), and AVS (164 patients). Plasma and tissue OPN levels were measured
      by immunohistochemical evaluation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and
      real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: Patients with
      AVSc and AVS have higher OPN levels compared with controls. OPN levels are
      elevated in asymptomatic patients with AVSc with no appearance of calcification
      during TEE evaluation. OPN splicing variants OPN-a, OPN-b, and OPN-c are
      differentially expressed during CAVD progression and are able to inhibit
      biomineralization in a cell-based biomineralization assay. CONCLUSIONS: The
      analysis of the differential expression of OPN splicing variants during CAVD may
      help in developing diagnostic and risk stratification tools to follow the
      progression of asymptomatic aortic valve degeneration.

PMID- 22093696
TI  - Cloning, expression and antiviral activity of IFNgamma from the Australian fruit
      bat, Pteropus alecto.
AB  - Bats are natural reservoir hosts to a variety of viruses, many of which cause
      morbidity and mortality in other mammals. Currently there is a paucity of
      information regarding the nature of the immune response to viral infections in
      bats, partly due to a lack of appropriate bat specific reagents. IFNgamma plays a
      key role in controlling viral replication and coordinating a response for long
      term control of viral infection. Here we describe the cloning and expression of
      IFNgamma from the Australian flying fox, Pteropus alecto and the generation of
      mouse monoclonal and chicken egg yolk antibodies specific to bat IFNgamma. Our
      results demonstrate that P. alecto IFNgamma is conserved with IFNgamma from other
      species and is induced in bat splenocytes following stimulation with T cell
      mitogens. P. alecto IFNgamma has antiviral activity on Semliki forest virus in
      cell lines from P. alecto and the microbat, Tadarida brasiliensis. Additionally
      recombinant bat IFNgamma was able to mitigate Hendra virus infection in P. alecto
      cells. These results provide the first evidence for an antiviral role for bat
      IFNgammain vitro in addition to the application of important immunological
      reagents for further studies of bat antiviral immunity.

PMID- 22093699
TI  - Transactivation of ABCG2 through a novel cis-element in the distal promoter by
      constitutive androstane receptor but not pregnane X receptor in human
      hepatocytes.
AB  - A previous report demonstrated that treatment of human hepatocytes with
      phenobarbital, an activator of nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor
      (CAR), increases mRNA levels of an efflux transporter ABCG2, which is involved in
      the excretion of xenobiotics in liver and intestine. The results suggest that
      human CAR (hCAR) transactivates human ABCG2 (hABCG2) expression. In this study,
      we confirmed increase in ABCG2 mRNA levels in human hepatocytes after adenoviral
      expression of hCAR and treatment with its activator. Reporter assays suggested
      the existence of an hCAR-responsive element between -8000 and -7485 of hABCG2
      promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation
      assays identified a DR5 motif (direct repeat separated by five nucleotides)
      within the region as a binding motif of hCAR/human retinoid X receptor alpha
      heterodimer. The introduction of mutations into the DR5 motif resulted in the
      complete loss of the hCAR-mediated transactivation. Interestingly, human pregnane
      X receptor, belonging to the same NR1I subfamily as CAR, did not activate any
      reporter gene containing the DR5 motif. Taken together, our present findings
      suggest that hCAR transactivates hABCG2 through the DR5 motif located in its
      distal promoter in human hepatocytes and that the motif prefers hCAR to pregnane
      X receptor.

PMID- 22093698
TI  - New insights into the metabolism of organomercury compounds: mercury-containing
      cysteine S-conjugates are substrates of human glutamine transaminase K and potent
      inactivators of cystathionine gamma-lyase.
AB  - Anthropogenic practices and recycling in the environment through natural
      processes result in release of potentially harmful levels of mercury into the
      biosphere. Mercury, especially organic forms, accumulates in the food chain.
      Mercury reacts readily with sulfur-containing compounds and often exists as a
      thiol S-conjugate, such as the l-cysteine (Cys)-S-conjugate of methylmercury
      (CH(3)Hg-S-Cys) or inorganic mercury (Cys-S-Hg-S-Cys). These S-conjugates are
      structurally similar to l-methionine and l-cystine/l-cystathionine, respectively.
      Bovine and rat glutamine transaminase K (GTK) catalyze transamination of sulfur
      containing amino acids. Recombinant human GTK (rhGTK) has a relatively open
      catalytic active site, and we report here that this enzyme, like the rat and
      bovine enzymes, can also utilize sulfur-containing l-amino acids, including l
      methionine, l-cystine, and l-cystathionine as substrates. The current study
      extends this list to include mercuric S-conjugates, and shows that CH(3)Hg-S-Cys
      and Cys-S-Hg-S-Cys are substrates and reversible inhibitors of rhGTK. The
      homocysteine S-conjugates, Hcy-S-Hg-S-Hcy and CH(3)Hg-S-Hcy, are also inhibitors.
      Finally, we show that HgCl(2), CH(3)Hg-S-Cys and Cys-S-Hg-S-Cys are potent
      irreversible inhibitors of rat cystathionine gamma-lyase. The present study
      broadens our knowledge of the biochemistry of mercury compounds by showing that
      Cys S-conjugates of mercury interact with enzymes that catalyze transformations
      of biologically important sulfur-containing amino acids.

PMID- 22093700
TI  - [How are the hypothesis and the objectives established in a Radiology research
      project?].
AB  - Research is a systematic process designed to answer a question. This is the
      starting point of the whole project and specifically formulates a problem
      observed in the analysis of the reality. The answer to this attempts to clarify
      an uncertainty in our knowledge. The conceptual hypothesis is the theoretical
      answer to the question set out. The operational hypothesis is the particular form
      that which sets out to demonstrate the conceptual hypothesis. The objectives are
      the justification for conducting the research. They help to define what it
      attempts to obtain, and what answers it will give to the formulated questions. It
      must show a clear and consistent relationship with the description of the problem
      and, specifically, with the questions and/or hypothesis that are to be resolved.

PMID- 22093697
TI  - At the membrane frontier: a prospectus on the remarkable evolutionary
      conservation of polyprenols and polyprenyl-phosphates.
AB  - Long-chain polyprenols and polyprenyl-phosphates are ubiquitous and essential
      components of cellular membranes throughout all domains of life. Polyprenyl
      phosphates, which include undecaprenyl-phosphate in bacteria and the dolichyl
      phosphates in archaea and eukaryotes, serve as specific membrane-bound carriers
      in glycan biosynthetic pathways responsible for the production of cellular
      structures such as N-linked protein glycans and bacterial peptidoglycan.
      Polyprenyl-phosphates are the only form of polyprenols with a biochemically
      defined role; however, unmodified or esterified polyprenols often comprise
      significant percentages of the cellular polyprenol pool. The strong evolutionary
      conservation of unmodified polyprenols as membrane constituents and polyprenyl
      phosphates as preferred glycan carriers in biosynthetic pathways is poorly
      understood. This review surveys the available research to explore why unmodified
      polyprenols have been conserved in evolution and why polyprenyl-phosphates are
      universally and specifically utilized for membrane-bound glycan assembly.

PMID- 22093701
TI  - Homicide and bipolar I disorder: a 22-year study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-serious offenses in manic phase have been mainly studied in
      patients with bipolar disorder. However, some authors reported that depressive
      phase is related with the violent and homicidal manifestations of bipolar
      disorder. AIMS: We investigated the characteristics of homicide by the polarity
      of mood episode in patients with bipolar I disorder. METHODS: Among the offenders
      who were sentenced to undergo treatment at the National Institute of Forensic
      Psychiatry from October 1987 to January 2008, a total 219 offenders whose final
      diagnoses were bipolar I disorder based on DSM-III-R and DSM-IV were selected.
      Retrospective medical chart review was performed for characteristics of mood
      episodes. Descriptions of offenders were supplemented by review of the written
      records of the police or prosecutors. RESULTS: The general rate of total offense
      was higher in the manic phase than in the depressive phase (86.8% vs. 13.2%).
      However, the rate of homicide was higher in the depressive phase than in the
      manic phase. The victims of homicide were more likely to be family members of the
      patients in depressive phase than in manic phases (96.2% vs. 63.9%, p=0.001).
      However, parricide was committed only in manic phases. Altruistic motivation of
      homicide was significantly higher in depressive phase (34.6% vs. 0%, p<0.001)
      whereas impulsivity was the most common one in manic phases. CONCLUSIONS: The
      risk of offenses, particularly homicide for family members, should not be
      overlooked in the depressive phases of bipolar I disorder.

PMID- 22093702
TI  - A real-time PCR assay for the relative quantification of the
      tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase gene in herbal Cannabis samples.
AB  - In this study, we wanted to investigate whether or not the tetrahydrocannabinolic
      acid (THCA) synthase gene, which codes for the enzyme involved in the
      biosynthesis of THCA, influences the production and storage of
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a dose-dependent manner. THCA is actually
      decarboxylated to produce THC, the main psychoactive component in the Cannabis
      plant. Assuming as the research hypothesis a correlation between the gene copy
      number and the production of THC, gene quantification could be useful in
      forensics in order to complement or replace chemical analysis for the
      identification and classification of seized Cannabis samples, thus distinguishing
      the drug-type from the fibre-type varieties. A real-time PCR assay for the
      relative quantification of the THCA synthase gene was then validated on Cannabis
      samples; some were seized from the illegal drug market and others were derived
      from experimental cultivation. In order to determine the gene copy number to
      compare high vs. low potency plants, we chose the DeltaDeltaCt method for TaqMan
      reactions. The assay enabled single plants with zero, one, and two copies of the
      gene to be distinguished. As a result of this first part of the research on the
      THCA synthase gene (the second part will cover a study of gene expression), we
      found no correlation between THCA synthase gene copy number and the content of
      THC in the herbal Cannabis samples tested.

PMID- 22093703
TI  - Significantly increased detection rate of drugs of abuse in urine following the
      introduction of new German driving licence re-granting guidelines.
AB  - In this paper we present the first assessment of the new German driving licence
      re-granting medical and psychological assessment (MPA) guidelines by comparing
      over 3500 urine samples tested under the old MPA cut-offs to over 5000 samples
      tested under the new MPA cut-offs. Since the enzyme multiplied immunoassay
      technique (EMIT) technology used previously was not sensitive enough to screen
      for drugs at such low concentrations, as suggested by the new MPA guidelines,
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening kits were used to screen for
      the drugs of abuse at the new MPA cut-offs. The above comparison revealed
      significantly increased detection rates of drug use or exposure during the
      rehabilitation period as follows: 1.61, 2.33, 3.33, and 7 times higher for 11-nor
      delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH), morphine,
      benzoylecgonine and amphetamine respectively. The present MPA guidelines seem to
      be more effective to detect non-abstinence from drugs of abuse and hence to
      detecting drivers who do not yet fulfil the MPA requirements to regain their
      revoked driving licence.

PMID- 22093704
TI  - Pyrolysis of polyolefins for increasing the yield of monomers' recovery.
AB  - Pyrolysis of plastic waste is an alternative way of plastic recovery and could be
      a potential solution for the increasing stream of solid waste. The objective of
      this work was to increase the yield the gaseous olefins (monomers) as feedstock
      for polymerization process and to test the applicability of a commercial Ziegler
      Natta (Z-N): TiCl(4)/MgCl(2) for cracking a mixture of polyolefins consisted of
      46%wt. of low density polyethylene (LDPE), 30%wt. of high density polyethylene
      (HDPE) and 24%wt. of polypropylene (PP). Two sets of experiments have been
      carried out at 500 and 650 degrees C via catalytic pyrolysis (1% of Z-N catalyst)
      and at 650 and 730 degrees C via only-thermal pyrolysis. These experiments have
      been conducted in a lab-scale, fluidized quartz-bed reactor of a capacity of 1
      3kg/h at Hamburg University. The results revealed a strong influence of
      temperature and presence of catalyst on the product distribution. The ratios of
      gas/liquid/solid mass fractions via thermal pyrolysis were: 36.9/48.4/15.7%wt.
      and 42.4/44.7/13.9%wt. at 650 and 730 degrees C while via catalytic pyrolysis
      were: 6.5/89.0/4.5%wt. and 54.3/41.9/3.8%wt. at 500 and 650 degrees C,
      respectively. At 650 degrees C the monomer generation increased by 55% up to
      23.6%wt. of total pyrolysis products distribution while the catalyst was added.
      Obtained yields of olefins were compared with the naphtha steam cracking process
      and other potentially attractive processes for feedstock generation. The concept
      of closed cycle material flow for polyolefins has been discussed, showing the
      potential benefits of feedstock recycling in a plastic waste management.

PMID- 22093705
TI  - Eco-efficient waste glass recycling: Integrated waste management and green
      product development through LCA.
AB  - As part of the EU Life + NOVEDI project, a new eco-efficient recycling route has
      been implemented to maximise resources and energy recovery from post-consumer
      waste glass, through integrated waste management and industrial production. Life
      cycle assessment (LCA) has been used to identify engineering solutions to
      sustainability during the development of green building products. The new process
      and the related LCA are framed within a meaningful case of industrial symbiosis,
      where multiple waste streams are utilised in a multi-output industrial process.
      The input is a mix of rejected waste glass from conventional container glass
      recycling and waste special glass such as monitor glass, bulbs and glass fibres.
      The green building product is a recycled foam glass (RFG) to be used in high
      efficiency thermally insulating and lightweight concrete. The environmental gains
      have been contrasted against induced impacts and improvements have been proposed.
      Recovered co-products, such as glass fragments/powders, plastics and metals,
      correspond to environmental gains that are higher than those related to landfill
      avoidance, whereas the latter is cancelled due to increased transportation
      distances. In accordance to an eco-efficiency principle, it has been highlighted
      that recourse to highly energy intensive recycling should be limited to waste
      that cannot be closed-loop recycled.

PMID- 22093706
TI  - Co-gasification of municipal solid waste and material recovery in a large-scale
      gasification and melting system.
AB  - This study evaluates the effects of co-gasification of municipal solid waste with
      and without the municipal solid waste bottom ash using two large-scale commercial
      operation plants. From the viewpoint of operation data, there is no significant
      difference between municipal solid waste treatment with and without the bottom
      ash. The carbon conversion ratios are as high as 91.7% and 95.3%, respectively
      and this leads to significantly low PCDD/DFs yields via complete syngas
      combustion. The gross power generation efficiencies are 18.9% with the bottom ash
      and 23.0% without municipal solid waste bottom ash, respectively. The effects of
      the equivalence ratio are also evaluated. With the equivalence ratio increasing,
      carbon monoxide concentration is decreased, and carbon dioxide and the syngas
      temperature (top gas temperature) are increased. The carbon conversion ratio is
      also increased. These tendencies are seen in both modes. Co-gasification using
      the gasification and melting system (Direct Melting System) has a possibility to
      recover materials effectively. More than 90% of chlorine is distributed in fly
      ash. Low-boiling-point heavy metals, such as lead and zinc, are distributed in
      fly ash at rates of 95.2% and 92.0%, respectively. Most of high-boiling-point
      heavy metals, such as iron and copper, are distributed in metal. It is also
      clarified that slag is stable and contains few harmful heavy metals such as lead.
      Compared with the conventional waste management framework, 85% of the final
      landfill amount reduction is achieved by co-gasification of municipal solid waste
      with bottom ash and incombustible residues. These results indicate that the
      combined production of slag with co-gasification of municipal solid waste with
      the bottom ash constitutes an ideal approach to environmental conservation and
      resource recycling.

PMID- 22093707
TI  - Clinical features and risk factors of tuberculosis in living-donor liver
      transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of active tuberculosis (TB) among liver transplant
      recipients varies depending on the endemic area and various reported TB risk
      factors. Although living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is predominant in
      Japan, the TB incidence and risk factors among LDLT recipients are unknown.
      METHODS: Active TB episodes among 1222 LDLT recipient cases from 1990 to 2007
      were retrospectively reviewed. A matched case-control study was performed to
      identify risk factors for active TB infection. RESULTS: Nine patients (0.74%, 5
      males and 4 females, median age 48 years) developed active TB following LDLT. The
      incidence of TB in adults (over 18 years) and in the later cohort (2000-2007) was
      more than that of children and in the early cohort (1990-1999), respectively.
      Seven of 9 patients were diagnosed within 1 year after LDLT. No patient received
      isoniazid for latent TB infection treatment before transplantation. TB infection
      was controlled with anti-tuberculous drugs in all affected patients. However, 2
      patients died of graft failure. Univariate analyses identified severe Child-Pugh
      score (>= 11) (P = 0.006; odds ratio [OR], 10.0; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      1.9-51.5), requirement for plasma exchange or plasmapheresis (P = 0.009; OR,
      10.0; 95% CI, 1.9-53.4), and ABO-incompatible transplantation (P = 0.0003; OR,
      34.0; 95% CI, 4.7-248.3) as risk factors for onset of active TB infection.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients having an elevated Child-Pugh score, plasma exchange or
      plasmapheresis, and ABO-incompatible transplantation should be considered at
      greater risk for active TB infection, and treatment for latent TB infection
      before transplantation should be considered.

PMID- 22093709
TI  - Perspectives on steroid metabolism in marine organisms.

PMID- 22093708
TI  - Human HERC5 restricts an early stage of HIV-1 assembly by a mechanism correlating
      with the ISGylation of Gag.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification and characterization of several interferon (IFN)
      induced cellular HIV-1 restriction factors, defined as host cellular proteins or
      factors that restrict or inhibit the HIV-1 life cycle, have provided insight into
      the IFN response towards HIV-1 infection and identified new therapeutic targets
      for HIV-1 infection. To further characterize the mechanism underlying restriction
      of the late stages of HIV-1 replication, we assessed the ability of IFNbeta
      induced genes to restrict HIV-1 Gag particle production and have identified a
      potentially novel host factor called HECT domain and RCC1-like domain-containing
      protein 5 (HERC5) that blocks a unique late stage of the HIV-1 life cycle.
      RESULTS: HERC5 inhibited the replication of HIV-1 over multiple rounds of
      infection and was found to target a late stage of HIV-1 particle production. The
      E3 ligase activity of HERC5 was required for blocking HIV-1 Gag particle
      production and correlated with the post-translational modification of Gag with
      ISG15. HERC5 interacted with HIV-1 Gag and did not alter trafficking of HIV-1 Gag
      to the plasma membrane. Electron microscopy revealed that the assembly of HIV-1
      Gag particles was arrested at the plasma membrane, at an early stage of assembly.
      The mechanism of HERC5-induced restriction of HIV-1 particle production is
      distinct from the mechanism underlying HIV-1 restriction by the expression of
      ISG15 alone, which acts at a later step in particle release. Moreover, HERC5
      restricted murine leukemia virus (MLV) Gag particle production, showing that
      HERC5 is effective in restricting Gag particle production of an evolutionarily
      divergent retrovirus. CONCLUSIONS: HERC5 represents a potential new host factor
      that blocks an early stage of retroviral Gag particle assembly. With no apparent
      HIV-1 protein that directly counteracts it, HERC5 may represent a new candidate
      for HIV/AIDS therapy.

PMID- 22093710
TI  - Tributes to cardiac surgical pioneers.

PMID- 22093713
TI  - Mediastinoscopy: an obsolete procedure?

PMID- 22093712
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22093714
TI  - Esophageal submucosa: the watershed for esophageal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Submucosal esophageal cancers (pT1b) are considered superficial,
      implying good survival. However, some are advanced, metastasizing to regional
      lymph nodes. Interplay of cancer characteristics and lymphatic anatomy may create
      a watershed, demarcating low-risk from high-risk cancers. Therefore, we
      characterized submucosal cancers according to depth of invasion and identified
      those with high likelihood of lymph node metastases and poor survival. METHODS:
      From 1983 to 2010, 120 patients underwent esophagectomy for submucosal cancers at
      Cleveland Clinic. Correlations were sought among cancer characteristics
      (location, dimensions, histopathologic cell type, histologic grade, and
      lymphovascular invasion [LVI]), and their associations with lymph node metastasis
      were identified by logistic regression. Associations with mortality were
      identified by Cox regression. RESULTS: As submucosal invasion increased, cancer
      length (P < .001), width (P < .001), area (P < .001), LVI (P = .007), and grade
      (P = .05) increased. Invasion of the deep submucosa (P < .001) and LVI (P = .06)
      predicted lymph node metastases: 45% (23/51) of deep versus 10% (3/29) of middle
      third and 7.5% (3/40) of inner-third cancers had lymph node metastases, as did
      46% (12/26) with LVI versus 18% (17/94) without. Older age and lymph node
      metastases predicted worse 5-year survival: 94% for younger pN0 patients, 62% for
      older pN0 patients, and 36% for pN1-2 patients regardless of age. CONCLUSIONS:
      Submucosal cancer characteristics and lymphatic anatomy create a watershed for
      regional lymph node metastases in the deep submucosa. This previously
      unrecognized divide distinguishes superficial submucosal cancers with good
      survival from deep submucosal cancers with poor survival. Aggressive therapy of
      more superficial cancers is critical before submucosal invasion occurs.

PMID- 22093716
TI  - Femoral artery cannulation for thoracic aortic surgery: safe under
      transesophageal echocardiographic control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Choice of cannulation site (femoral, axillary) for cardiopulmonary
      bypass for thoracic aortic surgery is controversial. We review a single-center
      consecutive experience with femoral cannulation in the era of transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE). METHODS: Femoral artery cannulation is our preference for
      both aneurysms and dissections. If intraoperative TEE (or preoperative computed
      tomography) shows mobile atheroma, we avoid femoral cannulation and use the right
      axillary artery. Charts were reviewed to detect any cannulation- or perfusion
      related complications. RESULTS: Eight hundred eighty patients underwent
      cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass for thoracic aortic surgery: 767 femoral
      (87%) and 113 other (13%, 87 aortic, 22 axillary, 4 innominate). Among the
      femoral cases, 673 (87.7%) were elective and 94 (12.2%) urgent or emergency.
      Hospital survival was 723 of 767 (94%): 654 of 673 (97%) for elective cases and
      69 of 94 (73%) for urgent or emergency cases. Survivals were 549 of 572 (95%) for
      ascending and arch, 91 of 97 (93%) for descending, and 83 of 98 (84%) for
      thoracoabdominal. Stroke (fixed neurologic deficit) occurred in 14 of 767 cases
      (1.8%): 9 ascending or arch and 5 descending or thoracoabdominal. There were 5
      paraplegias in the descending or thoracoabdominal group. There was 1 instance of
      intraoperative descending dissection (well tolerated), no arterial ruptures, and
      6 instances (0.7%) of local femoral arterial narrowing requiring surgical
      correction (patch graft). One patient (0.1%) had postoperative ischemia of the
      cannulated limb, and 25 patients (3.2%) had local wound problems (infection 21,
      seroma 4) treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: This large experience in the TEE
      era strongly supports femoral cannulation for aortic surgery, with good survival,
      low stroke rate, minimal perfusion-related rupture or dissection, and minimal
      limb ischemia. If intraoperative TEE shows mobile atheroma, axillary cannulation
      is preferred.

PMID- 22093717
TI  - The hazard of comparing apples and oranges: the proper indication for the use of
      recombinant activated clotting factor VII in cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22093719
TI  - Cannulation sites and types for antegrade cerebral perfusion during arch surgery.

PMID- 22093722
TI  - Dabigatran etexilate in mechanical valve thromboprophylaxis.

PMID- 22093723
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy: a report of the American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22093726
TI  - [Development and challenge of neuroendoscopic surgery].

PMID- 22093724
TI  - Circulating angiogenic cell populations, vascular function, and arterial
      stiffness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several bone marrow-derived cell populations have been identified that
      may possess angiogenic activity and contribute to vascular homeostasis in
      experimental studies. We examined the extent to which lower quantities of these
      circulating angiogenic cell phenotypes may be related to impaired vascular
      function and greater arterial stiffness. METHODS: We studied 1948 Framingham
      Heart Study participants (mean age, 66+/-9 years; 54% women) who were phenotyped
      for circulating angiogenic cells: CD34+, CD34+/KDR+, and early outgrowth colony
      forming units (CFU). Participants underwent non-invasive assessments of vascular
      function including peripheral arterial tone (PAT), arterial tonometry, and
      brachial reactivity testing. RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, higher CD34+ and
      CD34+/KDR+ concentrations were modestly associated with lower PAT ratio (beta=
      0.052+/-0.011, P<0.001 and beta=-0.030+/-0.011, P=0.008, respectively) and with
      higher carotid-brachial pulse wave velocity (beta=0.144+/-0.043, P=0.001 and
      beta=0.112+/-0.043, P=0.009), but not with flow-mediated dilation; higher CD34+
      was also associated with lower carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (beta=-0.229+/
      0.094, P=0.015). However, only the association of lower CD34+ concentration with
      higher PAT ratio persisted in multivariable analyses that adjusted for standard
      cardiovascular risk factors. In all analyses, CFU was not associated with
      measures of vascular function or arterial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: In our large,
      community-based sample of men and women, circulating angiogenic cell phenotypes
      largely were not associated with measures of vascular function or arterial
      stiffness in analyses adjusting for traditional risk factors.

PMID- 22093725
TI  - News from the literature: focus on joint ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guidelines.

PMID- 22093727
TI  - [Neuroendoscopic treatment for 372 cases of intracranial lesions].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of neuroendoscopic treatment for
      intracranial lesions. METHODS: The clinic data of 372 patients with intracranial
      lesions, who underwent neuroendoscopic treatment at our department from May 1998
      to May 2010, were reviewed retrospectively. Representative endoscopic treatments
      included endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) (n = 198), ETV & endoscopic
      biopsy (n = 69), neuroendoscopic ostomy for septum pellucidum fenestration (n =
      55) (for septum pellucidum cysts, n = 37) and endoscopic cystoventriculostomy for
      ventricular cysts (n = 50). Their surgical indications and clinical outcomes were
      summarized for analysis. RESULTS: ETV was performed successfully in 369 cases.
      Among them, 2 failed cases underwent other operations and endoscopic biopsy
      failed in 1 case. Within a short post-operative period, the symptoms were
      resolved in 347 cases (93.3%), showed no improvement in 23 cases (6.2%) and 2
      died (0.5%). At Month 6 post-operation, a failure of ETV was detected in 22 cases
      (9.5%), a failure of neuroendoscopic ostomy for septum pellucidum cysts in 23
      (69.7%) and for ventricular cysts in 12 cases (26.7%). CONCLUSION: ETV is
      effective in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus, but its indication
      should be strictly controlled for children. Effective rate of neuroendoscopic
      treatment for intracranial septum pellucidum cysts remains unsatisfactory so that
      its operative indication should be strictly controlled.

PMID- 22093728
TI  - [Application of neuroendoscope in the treatment of skull base chordoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To further explore the application, approach, indication and prognosis
      of neuroendoscope treatment for skull base chordoma. METHODS: A total of 101
      patients of skull base chordoma were admitted at our hospital from May 2000 to
      April 2010. There were 59 males and 42 females. Their major clinical
      manifestations included headache, cranial nerve damage and dyspnea. They were
      classified according to the patterns of tumor growth: Type I (n = 13): tumor
      location at a single component of skull base, i. e. clivus or sphenoid sinus with
      intact cranial dura; Type II (n = 56): tumor involving more than two components
      of skull e. g clivus, sphenoid and nasal/oral cavity, etc. But there was no
      intracranial invasion; Type III (n = 32) : tumor extending widely and
      intradurally forming compression of brain stems and multiple cranial nerves.
      Based on the types of chordoma, different endoscopic approaches were employed,
      viz. transnasal, transoral, trans-subtemporal fossa and plus microsurgical
      craniotomy for staging in some complex cases. RESULTS: Among all patients, total
      resection was achieved (n = 19), subtotal (n = 58) and partial (n = 24). In
      partial resection cases, 16 cases were considered to be subtotal due to a second
      stage operation. Most cases had conspicuous clinical improvements. Self-care
      recovery within one week post-operation accounted for 58.4%, two weeks 30.7%, one
      month 6.9% and more than one month 1.9%. Postoperative complications occurred in
      13 cases (12.8%) and included CSF leakage (n = 4) cranial nerve palsy (n = 5),
      hemorrhagic nasal wounds (n = 3) and delayed intracranial hemorrhage (n = 1). All
      of these were cured or improved after an appropriate treatment. A follow-up of 6 
      60 months was conducted in 56 cases. CONCLUSION: Early detection and early
      treatment are crucial for achieving a better outcome in chordoma. Neuroendoscopic
      treatment plays an important role in managing those complicated cases. Precise
      endoscopic techniques plus different surgical approaches and staging procedures
      are required to improve the post-operative quality of life for patients.

PMID- 22093729
TI  - [Repairing front skull base and saddle bottom of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
      under endoscopy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods and techniques of repairing cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) rhinorrhea and reconstructing the defects of skull base under endoscopy.
      METHODS: The clinical data of 26 patients undergoing endoscopic repair of CSF
      rhinorrhea were analyzed retrospectively. There were 19 males and 7 females with
      an average age of 31.5 years old. Rhinorrhea was classified into 4 types:
      ethmoidal sinus type (n = 6), sphenoid sinus type (n = 14) and mixed type (n = 6)
      and frontal sinus type (n = 0). RESULTS: The causes of rhinorrhea were as
      follows: traumatic leakage (n = 17), post-operative breakage of saddle area (n =
      6), damage after endonasal surgery (n = 2) rhinorrhea after gamma-knife for
      pituitary (n = 1). All cases were successfully repaired via an endoscopic
      endonasal approach. Among them, 22 patients were repaired only once while 4
      patients with recurrent CSF rhinorrhea were repaired again. The follow-up period
      was from 6 months to 4 years. And satisfactory outcomes were achieved in all.
      CONCLUSION: Accurate localization of CSF leakage, reliable reconstruction of
      skull base, secure fixation of adhesive materials and continuous lumbar CSF
      drainage are keys surgical techniques. Endoscopic repair of front skull base and
      saddle bottom of CSF rhinorrhea is a reliable, effective and mini-invasive
      surgical approach worth further popularization.

PMID- 22093730
TI  - [Neuroendoscopic treatment of different types of quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid
      cysts].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the method, strategy and efficacy of treating different
      types of quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cysts (QCAC) with neuroendoscope.
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 12 QCAC patients with
      obstructive hydrocephalus. They were classified into 3 types and underwent
      neuroendoscopic operation at our hospital between November 2005 and November
      2009. Their surgical approaches, complications and efficacy were analyzed. The
      mean age of first diagnosis was 3.7 years old. There were 7 type II cases and 5
      type III cases with a varying level of symptoms. The follow-up period was 6 - 24
      months. Cine-MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) examination was performed both
      preoperatively and post-operatively. RESULTS: Among them, 12 patients recovered
      well without any occurrence of hemorrhage, paralysis, lower cranial nerve injury,
      cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infection or death. Subdural effusion occurred in 3
      cases, but disappeared within 6 months. Seven feverish cases recovered after a
      symptomatic treatment. The shapes of cysts and ventricles almost returned to a
      normal level in 8 cases. Three cases of arachnoid cyst had a slight change.
      CONCLUSION: In accordance with the QCAC patient types, different neuroendoscopic
      approaches can fully reconstruct the cerebrospinal fluid circulation. And the use
      of frameless navigation makes it more precise and safe.

PMID- 22093731
TI  - [Neuroendoscopic management of tethered spinal cord syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the methods and efficacy of neuroendoscopic operation
      in the treatment of tethered spinal cord syndrome (TSCS). METHODS: A total of 21
      cases were recruited. There were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of
      12.5 years old. TSCS was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They were
      operated under neuroendoscope. RESULTS: No complication was found during a follow
      up period of 0.5 - 3 years. The symptoms improved in 18 cases. Neither obvious
      improvement nor aggravation was found in 3 cases. The total effective rate was
      85.71%. CONCLUSION: Neuroendoscopic treatment of TSCS is both safe and effective.

PMID- 22093732
TI  - [Evaluation of risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of ROP (retinopathy of
      prematurity) through a prospective multicenter study. METHODS: Eleven children's
      or maternal & child hospitals participated in a collective network. All infants
      of birth weight < 2000 g, born in or transferred to one of the participating
      centers from January 1st 2005 to February 28th 2006 were recruited. Timely
      ophthalmologic examinations were performed. The relevant data at baseline and
      endpoints were collected at each unit. RESULTS: A total of 882 preterm infants
      fulfilled the screening criteria and 752 finished a followup. And 123 infants
      (16.4%) had some degree of ROP. Infants with ROP had a lower gestational age,
      birth weight and a longer duration of oxygen versus those without ROP [(30.82 +/-
      0.20) weeks vs (32.56 +/- 0.09) weeks, (1430 +/- 25) g vs (1636 +/-10) g, (11.6
      +/- 1.4) d vs (4.4 +/- 0.3) d]. Through a univariate analysis, birth weight,
      gestational age, asphyxia, oxygen duration > 5 days, apnea, surfactant usage,
      pneumonia, anemia, blood transfusion, acidosis and neonatal respiratory distress
      syndrome (NRDS) were associated with ROP (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis
      showed that birth weight (OR = 0.998), apnea (OR = 1.653) and blood transfusion
      (OR = 1.763) were independent risk factors for ROP. CONCLUSION: Asphyxia, oxygen
      duration > 5 days, surfactant usage, anemia, acidosis and NRDS, lower birth
      weight, apnea and blood transfusion may improve the risks of ROP.

PMID- 22093733
TI  - [Plasma homocysteine levels in ischemic stroke patients with obstructive sleep
      apnea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of plasma homocysteine and OSA
      (obstructive sleep apnea) syndrome in ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: A total of
      92 male IS patients were classified by apnea hypopnea index (AHI) into 2 groups:
      non-OSA group (AHI < 5/h) and OSA group (AHI > or = 5). All patients were tested
      for plasma homocysteine when polysomnography was finished at (14 +/- 2) d after
      the onset of IS. RESULTS: The mean level of homocysteine was significantly higher
      in the OSA group than that in the non-OSA group (17 +/- 5 vs 11 +/- 3 micromol/L,
      P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between
      the homocysteine level and the severity of AHI (r = 0.482, P < 0.01). Further
      multiple linear regression analysis showed that AHI and folate were independent
      predictors of homocysteine level (R2 = 0.553, P < 0.01, beta for AHI = 0.671,
      beta for folate = -0.256). CONCLUSION: The severity of OSA is significantly
      associated with an elevated level of homocysteine in IS patients. And this
      association is independent of other causative factors of an elevated level of
      homocysteine.

PMID- 22093734
TI  - [Analysis of etiological and related factors responsible for acute
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology, related factors and endoscopic
      characteristics of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage. METHODS: The data including
      age, gender, medical and medication history, and endoscopic characteristics of
      patients receiving emergency treatment for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage
      between February 2006 and February 2010 were collected to analyze the etiological
      profiles of this disorder. RESULTS: (1) A total of 1415 patients with a 2: 1 male
      to-female ratio visited our hospital for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the
      past 4 years. There was a higher mean age of disease onset in men than in women
      [(51 +/- 20) years old vs (61 +/- 17) years old, P = 0.000]. The numbers of
      patients were 399, 361, 242 and 413 for 4 respective quarters in order of
      sequence. (2) And 1030 patients received endoscopy. Among them, there were 897
      (87.1%) with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 133 (12.9%) with lower
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Significant differences existed in the mean age of
      two groups [(51 +/- 20) years old vs (57 +/- 18) years old, P = 0.000]. The male
      to-female ratio was 656: 241 and 65:68 for these 2 groups respectively (P =
      0.000). The percentage of patient with a history of NSAID (non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drug) treatment was 22.1% (n = 198) and 12.0% (n = 16) for these 2
      groups respectively (P < 0.01). (3) The most common causative diseases of upper
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage were peptic ulcer (n = 546, 60.8%), esophageal &
      gastric varices hemorrhage (n = 130, 14.5%) and gastric cancer (n = 40, 4.6%).
      When the patients were divided into 5 groups of < 12 h, 12-24 h, 24-48 h, 48-72 h
      and > or = 72 h per time window of gastroscopy, their percentages with
      endoscopically active hemorrhage were 24.1% (20/83), 14.9% (24/161), 9.6%
      (16/166), 7.5% (8/106) and 7.6% (29/381) for these groups respectively with
      statistically significant differences. When peptic ulcer was examined by the
      Forrest classification, the ratio of grade I a- II c decreased gradually while
      the ratio of grade III increased gradually among 5 groups (chi2 = 80.414, P =
      0.040). (4) The most common causative diseases of lower gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage were ischemic colitis (n = 44, 33.1%), small intestinal hemorrhage (n
      = 26, 19.5%) and colonic polyps (n = 18, 13.5%). (5) When the patients were
      divided into > 65 years old group (n = 277) and < or = 65 years old group (n =
      620), the ratio of gastric ulcer and cancer in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage
      was higher in the former than in the latter [23.5% (n = 65) vs 8.9% (n = 55) &
      9.7% (n = 27) vs 2.1% (n = 13), P < 0.01)]. While the ratio of duodenal ulcer was
      lower in the former than in the latter [22.4% (n = 62) vs 49.7% (n = 308), P <
      0.01]. The ratio of small intestinal hemorrhage in lower gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage was higher in the former than in the latter (all P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: At the lowest in the third quarter, the incidence rate of acute
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage is higher in males than that in females at a lower
      age of onset. More common than lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, upper
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage has a lower mean age of onset. Peptic ulcer is the
      most common disorder in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Ischemic colitis is
      the most common disorder in lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The rate of
      gastric ulcer and gastric cancer in the old age group is higher than that in the
      young group. Emergency gastroscopy is recommended.

PMID- 22093735
TI  - [Microbiological analysis of late infected hip arthroplasty in 62 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the type and number of pathogens and their antibiotic
      sensitivity in patients with late infected total joint replacement so as to offer
      guidance for the choice of antibiotics. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was
      conducted for 62 patients whose suspected specimens were obtained intra
      operatively during a total hip arthroplasty since January 2002 to August 2010 at
      our department. Their demographic data, bacterial species and antibiotic
      sensitivity profiles were recorded. RESULTS: Among 62 cases, the cultures were
      tested positive in 48 cases; the most common bacteria was Gram-positive bacteria
      (74%). And coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus accounted
      for 62.9% of all bacterial cultures. And the ratio of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus was 41.18%. CONCLUSION: The late infection of total hip
      arthroplasty is mainly caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Antibiotic treatment for
      late periprosthetic infection should be guided by the findings of drug
      susceptibility. Vancomycin may be used as a primary agent for the treatment of
      infected hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 22093736
TI  - [Diagnostic value of 64-slice spiral computed tomographic angiography in
      vertebral artery stenosis: a meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of 64-slice spiral computed
      tomographic angiography (CTA) in vertebral artery stenosis through a meta
      analysis of the relevant data. METHODS: A database search of Cochrane Library,
      PubMed, EBSCO, CBM-disc and CNKI was performed to identify the relevant English
      and Chinese language articles with such keywords as 64-slice computer tomography,
      angiography and vertebral artery stenosis. Quality evaluation, heterogeneity test
      and sensitivity and specificity to the qualified original data were conducted.
      Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve, the area under curve
      (AUC) and diagnostic odds ratio (DROC) were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of
      4 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Among them, 1 was graded as A and 3
      were graded as B. No heterogeneity was found based upon a fixed effect model. For
      vertebral artery stenosis > or = 50%, the pooled weighted sensitivity,
      specificity, DROC and SROC AUC was 0.98 (0.94 -1.00), 0.93 (0.89 -0.96), 526.33
      and 0.9899 respectively; while for vertebral artery stenosis > or = 50%, the
      parameters were 0.98 (0.91 - 1.00), 0.97 (0.94 -0.99), 838.40 and 0.9932
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 64-slice spiral CTA has such a high level of accuracy,
      sensitivity and specificity in the non-invasive diagnosis of vertebral artery
      stenosis.

PMID- 22093737
TI  - [Relationship between proliferation and apoptosis of parathyroid cell in rabbits
      with primary hyperparathyroidism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of proliferation and apoptosis of parathyroid
      cell in rabbits with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). METHODS: A total of 80
      adult Chinese rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (n = 40 each). The
      control group was fed with a normal diet (Ca: P, 1:0.7) while the experimental
      group a high phosphate diet (Ca: P,1:7) for 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-month intervals to
      establish the animal model of PHPT. The parathyroid was totally removed for
      pathological examination after all rabbits were sacrificed. The thyroparathyroid
      complex was removed en bloc, fixed in neutral formalin and prepared for
      histological examination. The number of parathyroid cell in PHPT was calculated.
      Proliferation was determined by immunohistochemistry of proliferation cell
      nuclear antigen (PCNA) while apoptosis assessed by in situ dUTP biotin nick-end
      labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: The number of parathyroid cell was 1.61 times in PHPT
      than that in the normal control (673 +/- 151, 418 +/- 25, t = - 12.112, P <
      0.01). Apoptotic index (AI) increased significantly more in PHPT than that in
      normal control (200.2 per thousand +/- 125.6 per thousand, 11.0 per thousand +/-
      3.0 per thousand, t = -10.193, P < 0.01). The rate of PCNA positive-cell
      increased significantly more in PHPT than that in control (50.5 per thousand +/-
      11.6 per thousand, 26.7 per thousand +/- 2.8 per thousand, t = -13.120, P <
      0.05). So did Bcl-2 (460 per thousand +/- 190 per thousand, 67 per thousand +/- 4
      per thousand, t = -14. 120, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between
      AI and PCNA (r = 0.861, P < 0.05). It was the same as between AI and Bcl-2 (r =
      0.871, P < 0.05). The value of bone mineral density decreased significantly more
      in PHPT than that in normal control (152 +/- 34, 189 +/- 12, t = 9.236, P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: PHPT may be mainly induced by an excessive proliferation of
      parathyroid cells and an acceleration of apoptotic process.

PMID- 22093738
TI  - [Effects of lymphatic drainage and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on
      intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lymphatic drainage and omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3PUFA) on high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1),
      inflammatory cytokines and endotoxin in rats with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion
      (I/R) injury. METHODS: A total of 72 SD rats were randomly divided into drainage
      alone group, I/R group, ischemia-reperfusion plus drainage (I/R + D) group (n = 8
      each) and 3 groups with 16 rats undergoing gastrostomy in each group: normal diet
      (N) group, enteral nutrition (EN) group and enteral nutrition & omega-3PUFA
      (PUFA) group. And they were further divided into 2 subgroups (n = 8). The rats in
      I/R and I/R + D groups were subjected to a 60-min ischemia follow by 120-min
      reperfusion injury of superior mesenteric artery. When the rats suffered I/R
      injury, intestinal lymph was drained for 180 min in the I/R + D group. The rats
      in the drainage-alone group received 180-min lymph drainage without I/R injury.
      After 5 days with different nutrition regimes, the models were established
      similarly. The rats in the I/R + D sub-groups were treated with intestinal lymph
      drainage for 180 min. The serum and lymph samples were collected post
      operatively. Endotoxin was detected by a Limulus kit. The inflammatory cytokines
      and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were analyzed by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Endotoxin, inflammatory cytokines and
      lymphatic HMGB1 of lymphatic in the I/R + D group were higher than those in the
      drainage-alone group [all P < 0.05, IL-6: (30 +/- 8) pg/ml vs (20 +/- 6) pg/ml,
      endotoxin: (0.029 +/- 0.011) U/ml vs (0.008 +/- 0.005) U/ml]. The serum levels of
      endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines in the I/R + D group were lower than those
      in the I/R group (P < 0.05). The lymphatic levels of TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha) and HMGB1 in the N and EN groups were higher than those in the PUFA
      group[ TNF-alpha: (46 +/- 17) pg/ml, (54 +/- 16) pg/ml vs (28 +/- 9) pg/ml,
      HMGB1: (4.8 +/- 1.6) ng/ml, (5.3 +/- 1.8) ng/ml, (3.0 +/- 1.0) ng/ml, all P <
      0.05)]. The serum levels of endotoxin, inflammatory cytokines and HMGB1 in the
      PUFA (I/R) group were lower than those in the N (I/R) group (P < 0.05). The
      levels of TNF-alpha and HMGB1 were lower in the PUFA (I/R + D) group than those
      in the N (I/R + D) group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lymphatic drainage may
      reduce the levels of endotoxin, inflammatory cytokines and HMGB1 so as to
      alleviate the intestinal I/R injury. The intervention of omega-3PUFA has some
      protective effect through relieving inflammation.

PMID- 22093739
TI  - [Effects of different cyclic mechanical stretching loads on human tenocytic
      cytoskeleton in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the human tenocyte cytoskeleton under different in
      vitro stretching conditions and analyze the relations between the changes of
      tenocytic cytoskeleton and different stretching loads. METHODS: Human tenocytes,
      cultivated for 5 -7 passages, were stretched under 4%, 8% and 12% cyclic
      mechanical stretching with a duration of 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours and a frequency of
      0.5 and 1.0 Hz. Laser scanning confocal microscope was used to examine the
      changes of F-actin and nucleus after immunofluorescent staining at different
      cyclic mechanical stretching loads on human tenocyte. The uni-cell average
      fluorescence intensity was measured with an image analysis system by the photos
      of human tenocyte cytoskeleton and analyzed by the single factor analysis of
      variance. RESULTS: After cyclic stretching under 4% stretching with a duration of
      2 hours at 0.5 Hz, the microfilament of human tenocyte had an irregular and dim
      alignment. F-actin was thicker and ruptured under 4% stretching with a duration
      of 4 hours. Under 8% stretching with a duration of 4 hours at 0.5 Hz, all actin
      microfilaments ruptured, but part of membrane microfilament remained intact.
      There was a rising trend of actin filament fracturing under 12% stretching with a
      duration of 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours at 1.0 Hz. And all actin filaments fractured at
      24 hours. In the control group, the fluorescent intensity of F-actin was at the
      highest and the filament remained intact. Under the same stretching frequency,
      the fluorescent intensity of F-actin had a declining trend and significant
      differences existed under different stretching loads with different durations (P
      < 0.05). The fluorescent intensity of F-actin increased in all experimental
      groups, but it was lower than that of the control group with a duration of 8
      hours. The expression of F-actin decreased with a longer duration and reached its
      lowest at 24 hours. The most obvious phenomenon of nuclear condensation and
      apoptotic body formation was observed under 4% stretching with a duration of 4
      hours at 0.5 Hz. CONCLUSION: Different cyclic mechanical stretching may cause the
      in vitro breakage and depolymerization of human tenocytic F-actin. Such an effect
      correlates with stretching force and its duration.

PMID- 22093740
TI  - [Neuroprotection of a neotype transactivating-brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      fusion protein with penetrating activity of blood-brain barrier].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the dural activities of neuroprotection and penetrating
      blood-brain barrier (BBB) for TAT-BDNF (transactivating-brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor) fusion protein to explore an alternative treatment for the
      injury of central nerve system (CNS). METHODS: With molecular cloning techniques,
      a recombinant vector termed pTAT-BDNF was constructed to encode both TAT protein
      transduction domain and human BDNF. Purified TAT-BDNF fusion protein was
      generated from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The injury model was established with
      in vitro cultured cortical neurons of neonatal rats. To observe the
      neuroprotective effects of TAT-BDNF fusion protein on glutamate-mediated
      excitotoxic insults, the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured by
      spectrophotometry. Immunofluorescence and Hoechst 33342 analyses were used to
      observe the morphological changes. Immunocytochemical and Nissl stain analysis of
      TAT-BDNF content in CNS tissue were performed after an intravenous injection of
      TAT-BDNF fusion protein in normal or spinal cord injured rats. RESULTS: During
      the study of glutamate-induced excitotoxic insults, as compared with the control
      group, TAT-BDNF could decrease the apoptotic ratio, reduce the leakage of LDH and
      enhance the survival of neurons (P < 0.05 ). As demonstrated by
      immunohistochemistry, TAT-BDNF fusion protein was efficiently delivered into rat
      brain and spinal cord tissues at 4 h post-injection. At Day 7 post-injury, Nissl
      stain show that the number and morphology of neurons in the TAT-BDNF group were
      better than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The synthetic neotype TAT
      BDNF possess the dual biological effects of neuroprotection and penetrating BBB.

PMID- 22093741
TI  - Snoring, mouth-breathing, and apnea trajectories in a population-based cohort
      followed from infancy to 81 months: a cluster analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize phenotypes of sleep
      disordered breathing (SDB) in early childhood that clinicians may find useful
      while monitoring symptom progression and associated SDB morbidity. METHODS: We
      performed a cluster analysis of SDB's primary symptoms: snoring, mouth-breathing,
      and apnea. Parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
      (ALSPAC) reported SDB symptoms by questionnaire for their child at 6, 18, 30, 42,
      57, 69, and 81 months of age. Participants were those from the original cohort
      exclusive of children with congental or other medical conditions predisposing
      growth aberrations or respiratory problems (i.e. cleft palate, heart surgery and
      associated conditions, genetic syndromes-primarily Down's, cancer or kidney
      conditions, celiac disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia), missing SDB measures
      for >= 2 timepoints, or missing birth length plus 2 subsequent height measures.
      RESULTS: Five clusters emerged from 10,441 children and were characterized
      according to patterns of mean severity of SDB symptoms over time. "Normals" (50%)
      were asymptomatic throughout. The "late snores and mouth-breathing" cluster (20%)
      remained asymptomatic until 4 years old. The "early snores" (10%) and "early
      apnea" (10%) clusters had peak symptoms at 6 and 18 months, respectively. In "all
      SDB after infancy" (10%), symptoms peaked from 30 to 42 months and remained
      elevated. Exploratory analyses found that "early snores" were significantly
      shorter than "normals." Associations with tonsillectomies and wheezing frequency
      supported external validation. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster analysis has elucidated the
      dynamic multi-symptom expression of SDB. The utility of cluster analysis will be
      evaluated in future analyses to predict growth, cognition and behavior outcomes.

PMID- 22093742
TI  - The otolaryngologic manifestations in children with eosinophilic esophagitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in
      the population of patients undergoing esophagoscopy with biopsy by a pediatric
      otolaryngology service. (2) To elucidate the demographics, presenting symptoms,
      and endoscopic findings in children with EoE. DESIGN: Case series.
      PATIENTS/METHODS: The reports of esophageal biopsy specimens taken over 5 years
      in 2429 patients were reviewed. Ninety-two patients who received their initial
      diagnosis of EoE by the pediatric otolaryngology service with specimens showing
      15 or greater eosinophils per high power field (HPF) were included.
      INTERVENTIONS: The demographic data, history, presenting symptoms, and endoscopic
      findings were reviewed retrospectively for the patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      The percentage of children diagnosed with EoE of all children undergoing
      esophageal biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 92 children were diagnosed with EoE (3.8%
      of total children biopsied). The mean age at biopsy was 4.4 years, much lower
      than previously reported in the literature (approximately 8 years); 73% were boys
      and 27% girls. The main presenting symptom was cough (46%) followed by
      hoarseness, throat clearing, burping/vomiting, and abdominal pain. Forty three
      percent had a history of asthma and 17% a history of GERD. Half of patients had
      esophageal edema, a third were normal, and only a quarter had mucosal furrowing
      on endoscopic examination. CONCLUSIONS: EoE is increasingly diagnosed as a
      clinical entity with a distinct symptom profile and etiology. Increased
      understanding of EoE and its predisposing factors requires a multidisciplinary
      approach to diagnosis and management involving the pediatric otolaryngologist.

PMID- 22093743
TI  - Novel mutations in ATP6V0A4 are associated with atypical progressive
      sensorineural hearing loss in a Chinese patient with distal renal tubular
      acidosis.
AB  - Mutations in ATP6V0A4 lead to distal renal acidosis (MIM 602722) with a highly
      variable range of hearing phenotype. We identified two novel ATP6V0A4 mutations
      in a Chinese patient with distal renal tubular acidosis and late onset hearing
      loss, and presented the first direct evidence of progressive hearing loss
      associated with ATP6V0A4 mutations by sequential audiological assessments. A
      unique audiometric profile of progressive hearing loss of the patient was
      described that may provide useful insights when studying the highly variable
      hearing phenotypes associated with the ATP6V0A4 mutations.

PMID- 22093744
TI  - Pathological stage distribution in patients treated with radical prostatectomy
      reflecting the need for protocol-based active surveillance: results from a
      contemporary European patient cohort.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series). Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Low-risk prostate cancer is frequently
      diagnosed in the context of PSA screening or during a routine check-up. For those
      patients, to avoid possible overtreatment AS is an increasingly chosen treatment
      option. However, the concept of AS could possibly misclassify potentially
      dangerous PCa as a low-risk disease resulting in inferior cancer control
      outcomes. In the present study, we could demonstrate that the histopathological
      results of patients treated by RP in course of AS are significantly better if the
      selection criteria for AS are entirely fulfilled. Our findings underline the
      importance of a strict and precise admittance procedure for patients with early
      prostate cancer who are willing to undergo an AS programme. OBJECTIVE: * To
      compare the histopathological outcomes of patients treated with radical
      prostatectomy (RP) after an initial active surveillance (AS) for localized, low
      risk prostate cancers (PCa) among men who fulfilled the Epstein criteria at
      diagnosis with those who did not. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * In all, 283 patients
      with localized PCa were initially managed at our institution with AS. * In all, ~
      50% originated from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate
      Cancer (ERSPC) participants from Switzerland: 75 (26.5%) patients underwent
      treatment during follow-up and 61 were treated with RP (21.6%). * These patients
      were stratified into those who did (n= 39) vs those who did not (n= 22) entirely
      fulfil AS inclusion criteria according to Epstein et al. at PCa diagnosis.
      RESULTS: * Patients who did completely fulfil the AS inclusion criteria had
      significantly lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-values (4.9 vs 7.8 ng/mL; P=
      0.02), a significantly lower PSA density at diagnosis (0.09 vs 0.2 ng/mL/ccm; P=
      0.007) and at RP, a higher proportion of organ-confined cancers (89.7% vs 59.1%,
      P= 0.02) and fewer positive surgical margins (25.6% vs 40.9%). * However, the
      rate of favourable histopathological outcome, defined as organ-confined disease
      with negative surgical margins, was statistically significantly higher in the
      group fulfilling AS criteria (69.2% vs 40.9%; P= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: * In our AS
      series, 26.5% of the patients underwent definitive therapy. * Most patients
      treated with RP had organ-confined disease in the majority of cases, especially
      when the Epstein criteria were rigorously fulfilled at PCa diagnosis. * This
      underlines the importance of a strict and precise per protocol AS for patients
      with early PCa, otherwise there is a risk of missing more significant disease.

PMID- 22093745
TI  - Cellular responses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at near-zero growth rates:
      transcriptome analysis of anaerobic retentostat cultures.
AB  - Extremely low specific growth rates (below 0.01 h(-1) ) represent a largely
      unexplored area of microbial physiology. In this study, anaerobic, glucose
      limited retentostats were used to analyse physiological and genome-wide
      transcriptional responses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to cultivation at near-zero
      specific growth rates. While quiescence is typically investigated as a result of
      carbon starvation, cells in retentostat are fed by small, but continuous carbon
      and energy supply. Yeast cells cultivated near-zero specific growth rates, while
      metabolically active, exhibited characteristics previously associated with
      quiescence, including accumulation of storage polymers and an increased
      expression of genes involved in exit from the cell cycle into G(0) .
      Unexpectedly, analysis of transcriptome data from retentostat and chemostat
      cultures showed, as specific growth rate was decreased, that quiescence-related
      transcriptional responses were already set in at specific growth rates above
      0.025 h(-1) . These observations stress the need for systematic dissection of
      physiological responses to slow growth, quiescence, ageing and starvation and
      indicate that controlled cultivation systems such as retentostats can contribute
      to this goal. Furthermore, cells in retentostat do not (or hardly) divide while
      remaining metabolically active, which emulates the physiological status of
      metazoan post-mitotic cells. We propose retentostat as a powerful cultivation
      tool to investigate chronological ageing-related processes.

PMID- 22093746
TI  - Functional characterization of the regulators of calcineurin in Candida glabrata.
AB  - The serine-threonine-specific protein phosphatase calcineurin is a key mediator
      of various stress responses in fungi. Herein, we characterized functions of the
      endogenous regulators of calcineurin (RCNs), Rcn1 and Rcn2, in the pathogenic
      fungus Candida glabrata. Rcn1 exerted both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on
      calcineurin signaling, but Rcn2 displayed only inhibitory activity. Phenotypic
      analyses of C. glabrata strains lacking either RCNs, calcineurin, or both
      revealed that calcineurin requires Rcn1, but not Rcn2, for antifungal tolerance
      in C. glabrata.

PMID- 22093748
TI  - Alcohol-based quorum sensing plays a role in adhesion and sliding motility of the
      yeast Debaryomyces hansenii.
AB  - The yeast Debaryomyces hansenii was investigated for its production of alcohol
      based quorum sensing (QS) molecules including the aromatic alcohols
      phenylethanol, tyrosol, tryptophol and the aliphatic alcohol farnesol.
      Debaryomyces hansenii produced phenylethanol and tyrosol, which were primarily
      detected from the end of exponential phase indicating that they are potential QS
      molecules in D. hansenii as previously shown for other yeast species. Yields of
      phenylethanol and tyrosol produced by D. hansenii were, however, lower than those
      produced by Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and varied with growth
      conditions such as the availability of aromatic amino acids, ammonium sulphate,
      NaCl, pH and temperature. Tryptophol was only produced in the presence of
      tryptophane, whereas farnesol in general was not detectable. Especially, the type
      strain of D. hansenii (CBS767) had good adhesion and sliding motility abilities,
      which seemed to be related to a higher hydrophobicity of the cell surface of D.
      hansenii (CBS767) rather than the ability to form pseudomycelium. Addition of
      phenylethanol, tyrosol, tryptophol and farnesol was found to influence both
      adhesion and sliding motility of D. hansenii.

PMID- 22093747
TI  - Subcellular distribution of glutathione and its dynamic changes under oxidative
      stress in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Glutathione is an important antioxidant in most prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It
      detoxifies reactive oxygen species and is also involved in the modulation of gene
      expression, in redox signaling, and in the regulation of enzymatic activities. In
      this study, the subcellular distribution of glutathione was studied in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae by quantitative immunoelectron microscopy. Highest
      glutathione contents were detected in mitochondria and subsequently in the
      cytosol, nuclei, cell walls, and vacuoles. The induction of oxidative stress by
      hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2) ) led to changes in glutathione-specific labeling.
      Three cell types were identified. Cell types I and II contained more glutathione
      than control cells. Cell type II differed from cell type I in showing a decrease
      in glutathione-specific labeling solely in mitochondria. Cell type III contained
      much less glutathione contents than the control and showed the strongest decrease
      in mitochondria, suggesting that high and stable levels of glutathione in
      mitochondria are important for the protection and survival of the cells during
      oxidative stress. Additionally, large amounts of glutathione were relocated and
      stored in vacuoles in cell type III, suggesting the importance of the
      sequestration of glutathione in vacuoles under oxidative stress.

PMID- 22093749
TI  - Versatile use of Schizosaccharomyces pombe plasmids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The two model yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe
      appear to have diverged 1000 million years ago. Here, we describe that S. pombe
      vectors can be propagated efficiently in S. cerevisiae as pUR19 derivatives, and
      the pREP and pJR vector series carrying the S. cerevisiae LEU2 or the S. pombe
      ura4(+)  selection marker are maintained in S. cerevisiae cells. In addition,
      genes transcribed from the S. pombe nmt1(+)  promoter and derivatives are
      expressed in budding yeast. Thus, S. pombe vectors can be used as shuttle vectors
      in S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. Our finding greatly facilitates the testing for
      functional orthologs of protein families and simplifies the cloning of new S.
      pombe plasmids by using the highly efficient in vivo homologous recombination
      activity of S. cerevisiae.

PMID- 22093750
TI  - Pkc1 and actin polymerisation activities play a role in ribosomal gene repression
      associated with secretion impairment caused by oxidative stress.
AB  - In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cell integrity pathway plays a role in the
      oxidative stress response. In this study, we show that the Pkc1 protein mediates
      oxidative signalling by helping to downregulate ribosomal gene expression when
      cells are exposed to hydrogen peroxide. An active actin cytoskeleton is required
      for this function, because the cells blocked in actin polymerisation were unable
      to repress ribosomal gene transcription. Following the invertase secretion
      pattern, we hypothesize that oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide could
      have affected the latter steps of secretion. This would explain why the Pkc1
      function was required to repress ribosomal biogenesis.

PMID- 22093751
TI  - Large outbreak of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infection in
      visitors to a petting farm in South East England, 2009.
AB  - In the summer of 2009, an outbreak of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157
      (VTEC O157) was identified in visitors to a large petting farm in South East
      England. The peak attack rate was 6/1000 visitors, and highest in those aged <2
      years (16/1000). We conducted a case-control study with associated
      microbiological investigations, on human, animal and environmental samples. We
      identified 93 cases; 65 primary, 13 secondary and 15 asymptomatic. Cases were
      more likely to have visited a specific barn, stayed for prolonged periods and be
      infrequent farm visitors. The causative organism was identified as VTEC O157
      PT21/28 with the same VNTR profile as that isolated in faecal specimens from farm
      animals and the physical environment, mostly in the same barn. Contact with farm
      livestock, especially ruminants, should be urgently reviewed at the earliest
      suspicion of a farm-related VTEC O157 outbreak and appropriate risk management
      procedures implemented without delay.

PMID- 22093752
TI  - Formation and characterization of pDNA-loaded alginate microspheres for oral
      administration in mice.
AB  - Alginate, a natural polysaccharide, was explored in this study as an oral
      delivery vehicle of a mammalian expression vector into the murine intestinal
      mucosa. Alginate microspheres were produced through water-in-oil (W/O)
      emulsification method. Average diameter sizes of microspheres were 46.88 MUm+/
      3.07 MUm with significant size reduction upon utilization of 1.0% Span80. Plasmid
      DNA (pDNA) carrying green fluorescent protein reporter gene (GFP), pVAX-GFP, was
      encapsulated within microspheres at efficiencies of 72.9 to 74.4%, carrying
      maximum load of 6 MUg pDNA. Alginate microspheres demonstrated shrinkage in pH
      1.2 and swelling in pH 9.0 with pDNA release about twice the amount released in
      acidic environment. Oral delivery of pVAX-GFP loaded-microspheres, at 50 MUg, 100
      MUg and 150 MUg dose, was performed on BALB/c mice. Tissue biodistribution,
      investigated through flow cytometric analysis, demonstrated GFP positive
      intestinal cells (<1.0%) with 1.3-fold higher levels for the 100 MUg dose;
      therefore suggesting feasibility of the approach for oral gene delivery and
      vaccination.

PMID- 22093753
TI  - Neuroprotective activity of galloylated cyanogenic glucosides and hydrolysable
      tannins isolated from leaves of Phyllagathis rotundifolia.
AB  - The galloylated cyanogenic glucosides based on prunasin (1-7), gallotannins (8
      14), ellagitannins (15-17), ellagic acid derivatives (18, 19) and gallic acid
      (20) isolated from the leaves of Phyllagathis rotundifolia (Melastomataceae) were
      investigated for their neuroprotective activity against hydrogen peroxide
      (H(2)O(2))-induced oxidative damage in NG108-15 hybridoma cell line. Among these
      compounds, the gallotannins and ellagitannins exhibited remarkable
      neuroprotective activities against oxidative damage in vitro as compared to
      galloylated cyanogenic glucosides and ellagic acid derivatives in a dose
      dependent manner. They could be explored further as potential natural
      neuroprotectors in various remedies of neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22093754
TI  - Rapid in vivo analysis of synthetic promoters for plant pathogen phytosensing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to engineer transgenic plants for the purpose of early
      detection of plant pathogen infection, which was accomplished by employing
      synthetic pathogen inducible promoters fused to reporter genes for altered
      phenotypes in response to the pathogen infection. Toward this end, a number of
      synthetic promoters consisting of inducible regulatory elements fused to a red
      fluorescent protein (RFP) reporter were constructed for use in phytosensing.
      RESULTS: For rapid analysis, an Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression assay
      was evaluated, then utilized to assess the inducibility of each synthetic
      promoter construct in vivo. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi) leaves were
      infiltrated with Agrobacterium harboring the individual synthetic promoter
      reporter constructs. The infiltrated tobacco leaves were re-infiltrated with
      biotic (bacterial pathogens) or abiotic (plant defense signal molecules salicylic
      acid, ethylene and methyl jasmonate) agents 24 and 48 hours after initial
      agroinfiltration, followed by RFP measurements at relevant time points after
      treatment. These analyses indicated that the synthetic promoter constructs were
      capable of conferring the inducibility of the RFP reporter in response to
      appropriate phytohormones and bacterial pathogens, accordingly. CONCLUSIONS:
      These observations demonstrate that the Agrobacterium-mediated transient
      expression is an efficient method for in vivo assays of promoter constructs in
      less than one week. Our results provide the opportunity to gain further insights
      into the versatility of the expression system as a potential tool for high
      throughput in planta expression screening prior to generating stably transgenic
      plants for pathogen phytosensing. This system could also be utilized for
      temporary phytosensing; e.g., not requiring stably transgenic plants.

PMID- 22093755
TI  - Complement-fixing donor-specific antibodies identified by a novel C1q assay are
      associated with allograft loss.
AB  - Long-term outcomes following renal transplantation remain disappointing.
      Recently, interest has focused on the antibody-mediated component of allograft
      injury and the deleterious effects of DSA. We applied a novel C1q solid-phase
      assay in parallel with the standard IgG SAB assay to identify DSA with the
      potential to activate complement by binding C1q. Among 193 consecutive renal
      transplants at our center, 19.2% developed de novo DSA following transplantation.
      Of the patients with DSA, 43% had antibodies that bound C1q in vitro [C1q+ DSA].
      Patients with C1q+ DSA were more likely to develop allograft loss than patients
      with DSA that did not bind C1q (46.7% vs. 15%; p = 0.04); patients with C1q+ DSA
      were nearly six times more likely to lose their transplant than those with C1q-
      DSA. Additionally, patients with C1q+ DSA who underwent allograft biopsy were
      more likely to demonstrate C4d deposition (50% vs. 8%; p = 0.03) and meet
      criteria for acute rejection (60% vs. 17%; p = 0.02) when compared with patients
      with DSA that did not bind C1q. These data suggest that DSA with the ability to
      activate complement, as determined by this novel C1q assay, are associated with
      greater risk of acute rejection and allograft loss.

PMID- 22093756
TI  - Perceived nursing service quality in a tertiary care hospital, Maldives.
AB  - The present study explored nurses' and patients' expectations of nursing service
      quality, their perception of performance of nursing service quality performed by
      nurses, and compared nursing service quality, as perceived by nurses and
      patients. The sample consisted of 162 nurses and 383 patients from 11 inpatient
      wards/units in a tertiary care hospital in the Maldives. Data were collected
      using the Service Quality scale, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and
      the Mann-Whitney U-test. The results indicated that the highest expected
      dimension and perceived dimension for nursing service quality was Reliability.
      The Responsiveness dimension was the least expected dimension and the lowest
      performing dimension for nursing service quality as perceived by nurses and
      patients. There was a statistically significant difference between nursing
      service quality perceived by nurses and patients. The study results could be used
      by nurse administrators to develop strategies for improving nursing service
      quality so that nursing service delivery process can be formulated in such a way
      as to reduce differences of perception between nurses and patients regarding
      nursing service quality.

PMID- 22093757
TI  - The effect of ionized species on microsomal binding.
AB  - The effect of neutral molecules on microsomal binding is known through studies by
      Austin and co-workers, but the effect of ionised species has hitherto not been
      elucidated. The present work sets out to determine the role of ionised species on
      microsomal binding. Data on microsomal binding obtained by Austin and co-workers
      have been analyzed by the method of Abraham and Acree that includes descriptors
      for neutral molecules, protonated base cations and carboxylate anions. An LFER
      has been obtained that includes neutral molecules, cations and anions in the same
      equation. It is shown that carboxylic acid anions bind to microsomes about 18
      times less than the corresponding neutral carboxylic acids, but that protonated
      bases bind as strongly as the corresponding neutral bases. We interpret the
      stronger binding than expected of protonated bases as due to interaction with the
      phosphate groups on the phospholipids in the microsomes. Comparison with
      partition into a cerasome membrane suggests that this interaction corresponds to
      about a ten to twenty-fold increase in binding to microsomes.

PMID- 22093758
TI  - Synthesis and biological activity of dihydroimidazole and 3,4
      dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazins.
AB  - Reaction of 2-guanidinobenzimidazole with halogenated active methylenes and
      ketones gave dihydroimidazole and 3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo [1,2
      a][1,3,5]triazin derivatives in very good yield. The anti-bacterial evaluation of
      the newly synthesized products against broad spectrum of bacteria was performed.
      Most of products showed high inhibitory effect. All compounds have been
      characterized based on IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and Mass spectra.

PMID- 22093759
TI  - Induction of cell cycle arrest by the carbazole alkaloid Clauszoline-I from
      Clausena vestita D. D. Tao via inhibition of the PKCdelta phosphorylation.
AB  - Sixteen carbazole alkaloids from Clausena vestita D. D. Tao were extracted, and
      their anti-tumor activities were evaluated. Among the extracts, Clauszoline-I
      exhibited an obvious growth inhibitory activity against several cancer cell lines
      through its ability to induce cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases. A
      dramatic morphologic change with decreased F-actin staining and RhoA activity was
      found in Clauszoline-I treated HepG2 cells, in which the phosphorylation of
      PKCdelta (Ser643) was inhibited. Our results indicated that induction cell cycle
      arrest by Clauszoline-I might be achieved by decreasing the RhoA activity via the
      inhibition of PKCdelta phosphorylation.

PMID- 22093760
TI  - Synthesis of osteotropic hydroxybisphosphonate derivatives of fluoroquinolone
      antibacterials.
AB  - 1-Hydroxybisphosphonate derivatives of ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin and
      moxifloxacin have been synthesized using Cu(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition reaction. The 1,2,3-triazol linked hydroxybisphosphonate derivative
      of ciprofloxacin exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to the parent
      antibiotic and all fluoroquinolone-bisphosphonates displayed osteotropic
      properties in a bone model.

PMID- 22093761
TI  - Synthesis and antitumor activity of conjugates of 5-Fluorouracil and emodin.
AB  - A series of conjugates of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and emodin were synthesized by
      coupling trimethyl emodin with N(1), N(3) dialkylated 5-FU. The 5-FU moiety
      contained various substituents at the N(3)-position were linked to the 2-position
      of trimethyl emodin via a methylene linkage. Their cytotoxicity against three
      cancer cell lines and one noncancerous cell were studied. The results revealed
      that some of conjugates exhibited better or comparable in vitro antitumor
      activity to 5-FU and emodin and low toxicity in the normal cell. The structure
      activity relationship study showed N(3)-aromatic substituent was important for
      their cytotoxic activity.

PMID- 22093762
TI  - Evolutionary maintenance of filovirus-like genes in bat genomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known of the biological significance and evolutionary
      maintenance of integrated non-retroviral RNA virus genes in eukaryotic host
      genomes. Here, we isolated novel filovirus-like genes from bat genomes and tested
      for evolutionary maintenance. We also estimated the age of filovirus VP35-like
      gene integrations and tested the phylogenetic hypotheses that there is a
      eutherian mammal clade and a marsupial/ebolavirus/Marburgvirus dichotomy for
      filoviruses. RESULTS: We detected homologous copies of VP35-like and NP-like gene
      integrations in both Old World and New World species of Myotis (bats). We also
      detected previously unknown VP35-like genes in rodents that are positionally
      homologous. Comprehensive phylogenetic estimates for filovirus NP-like and VP35
      like loci support two main clades with a marsupial and a rodent grouping within
      the ebolavirus/Lloviu virus/Marburgvirus clade. The concordance of VP35-like, NP
      like and mitochondrial gene trees with the expected species tree supports the
      notion that the copies we examined are orthologs that predate the global spread
      and radiation of the genus Myotis. Parametric simulations were consistent with
      selective maintenance for the open reading frame (ORF) of VP35-like genes in
      Myotis. The ORF of the filovirus-like VP35 gene has been maintained in bat
      genomes for an estimated 13. 4 MY. ORFs were disrupted for the NP-like genes in
      Myotis. Likelihood ratio tests revealed that a model that accommodates positive
      selection is a significantly better fit to the data than a model that does not
      allow for positive selection for VP35-like sequences. Moreover, site-by-site
      analysis of selection using two methods indicated at least 25 sites in the VP35
      like alignment are under positive selection in Myotis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that filovirus-like elements have significance beyond genomic imprints
      of prior infection. That is, there appears to be, or have been, functionally
      maintained copies of such genes in mammals. "Living fossils" of filoviruses
      appear to be selectively maintained in a diverse mammalian genus (Myotis).

PMID- 22093763
TI  - Adult urologic sarcoma: experience during 2 decades.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with long-term outcome and to report
      possibly meaningful clinical features in a unicentric sample of adult urologic
      sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients treated between 1992 and
      2011 were studied. Except for 3 patients, surgery was the initial treatment. The
      median follow-up in the surviving (censored) patients was 11.3 years. Kaplan
      Meier method and competing risk analysis were used to evaluate outcome. Disease
      recurrence, disease-specific mortality, and overall mortality were the study
      endpoints. Comparisons were made with the log rank and the Pepe-Mori tests. Cox
      proportional hazard models were used to identify independent predictors of
      disease recurrence. RESULTS: Only disease grade was significantly associated with
      all 3 study endpoints. The primary tumor site was significantly associated with
      disease-specific and recurrence-free survival but did not reach the significance
      level concerning overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, primary site and
      tumor grade were identified as predictors of disease recurrence. Whereas 10-year
      disease-specific survival was 100% in patients with low grade inguinoscrotal
      tumors, it was 0% in patients with high grade disease arising from other sites.
      CONCLUSIONS: Low grade and inguinoscrotal origin are factors associated with
      favorable outcome in urologic sarcomas. Repeat interventions to remove or to
      inactivate recurrent tumors or metastases seem to provide clinical benefit in
      individual cases.

PMID- 22093764
TI  - Adolescent threat-related interpretive bias and its modification: the moderating
      role of regulatory control.
AB  - Dual process models describe psychopathology as the consequence of an imbalance
      between a fast, impulsive system and a regulatory control system and have
      recently been applied to anxiety disorders. The aim of the current study was to
      specifically examine the role of a regulatory control system in regulating 1)
      threat-related interpretive bias and 2) the effectiveness of interpretive bias
      training in adolescents. In total, 67 adolescents participated and followed
      either a positive Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretation (CBM-I) training
      or a placebo-control condition. Results revealed that interpretive bias and the
      effectiveness of its modification depended on individual differences in
      regulatory control. That is, low levels of regulatory control in combination with
      high levels of state anxiety were associated with the strongest threat-related
      interpretive bias and those individuals benefited the most of the positive
      interpretation training. The current study provided empirical support for the
      role of dual processes in adolescent threat-related interpretive bias.

PMID- 22093765
TI  - Repeatable target localization for long-term in vivo imaging of mice with 2
      photon microscopy.
AB  - Repetitive in vivo imaging in mice has become an indispensable tool for studying
      dynamic changes in structure and function of the brain. We describe a head
      fixation system, which allows rapid re-localization of previously imaged regions
      of interest (ROIs) within the brain. Such ROIs can be automatically relocated and
      imaged over weeks to months with negligible rotational change and only minor
      translational errors. Previously stored imaging positions can be fully automated
      re-localized within a few seconds. This automated rapid and accurate relocation
      simplifies image acquisition and post-processing in longitudinal imaging
      experiments. Moreover, as the laser is only used for data acquisition and not for
      finding previously imaged ROIs, the risk of laser induced tissue damage and
      photobleaching is greatly reduced. Thus, here described head fixation device
      appears well suited for in vivo repetitive long-term imaging in rodent brain.

PMID- 22093766
TI  - [An update on focal infection of oral origin].
AB  - Focal infection of oral origin means that an oral infectious focus may have
      widespread effects. This concept remains controversial since it is difficult to
      prove the oral origin of germs responsible for an extra-oral infection.
      Experiments on animal models and clinical studies suggested several
      physiopathological mechanisms: bacteremia, toxinic and immunological mechanisms.
      Various operations induce the passage of bacterial flora (transcytosis) and its
      toxins into the bloodstream: oral care, chewing, or tooth brushing. Bacteremia is
      worsened by poor oral hygiene or an infection. The germs are usually destroyed by
      the host's reticuloendothelial system in a few minutes, but the presence of a
      valvular disease or a weak immune system favors focal infection. Besides
      infectious endocarditis, this may concern cardiovascular diseases, lung
      infections, prematurity and hypotrophy, diabetes, prosthetic infections, cerebral
      abscesses, etc. This update is based on literature review, selected according to
      its high level of scientific proof, as well as on a selected choice of consensus
      conferences. The current recommendation is to limit antibiotic prophylaxis to the
      high bacteremia risk procedures and to patients highly at risk of developing a
      focal infection.

PMID- 22093767
TI  - The consequences of tinnitus in long-standing Meniere's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceived consequences of tinnitus in patients with
      long-standing Meniere's disease (MD). METHOD: A questionnaire-based cross
      sectional investigation of 183 randomly selected members of the Finnish Meniere's
      Federation. It assessed general health related quality of life (EQ-5D), a
      participation restriction scale, self-listed consequences and a rating of effects
      of MD on life. RESULTS: When the effects of the other cardinal symptoms of
      Meniere's disease were partialled out, the main reported impacts of tinnitus
      related to anxiety, sleep and depression. It also contributed to some difficult
      listening situations and to interactions with significant others. Tinnitus
      explained a significant component of disease-specific quality of life (QoL), but
      did not relate significantly to the generic measures used. However, the measure
      'mood' in the QoL scale was significantly associated with severe tinnitus.
      CONCLUSION: The most important specific impacts of tinnitus in chronic Meniere's
      disease relate to broadly psychological factors and mood.

PMID- 22093768
TI  - A CMOS label-free DNA sensor using electrostatic induction of molecular charges.
AB  - This paper reports a label-free biosensor for the detection of DNA hybridization.
      The proposed biosensor measures the surface potential on oligonucleotide modified
      electrodes using a direct charge accumulation method. The sensor directly and
      repeatedly measures the charges induced in the working electrode, which
      correspond to intrinsic negative charges in immobilized molecules. The sensor
      achieves an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), through the oversampling effect
      of accumulation for charges and the differential architecture. The sensor also
      shows stable, robust, and reproducible measurement independent of slight changes
      in the reference voltage, unlike previous ion-sensitive field effect transistors
      (ISFETs), providing the benefits of choosing a wide variety of reference
      electrode materials. The proposed device is integrated with working electrodes, a
      reference electrode and readout circuits into one package via a 0.35 MUm
      complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The sensor achieves a
      detectable range of 88.3 dB and a detection limit of 36 MUV for surface
      potential. It is demonstrated that the sensor successfully achieves specific
      detection of oligonucleotide sequences derived from the H5N1 avian influenza
      virus. The experiments show a limit of detection of 100 pM and include a single
      base mismatch test in 18-mer oligonucleotides.

PMID- 22093769
TI  - Mechanical force-based probing of intracellular proteins from living cells using
      antibody-immobilized nanoneedles.
AB  - We developed a method combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) and antibody
      immobilized nanoneedles to discriminate living cells by probing intracellular
      cytoskeletal proteins without the need for cell labeling. The nanoneedles are
      ultra-thin AFM probes sharpened to 200 nm in diameter. While retracting a
      nanoneedle inserted into a cell, we measured the mechanical force needed to
      unbind the antibody-target protein complex. Using this method, the intermediate
      filament protein, nestin and neurofilament were successfully detected in mouse
      embryonic carcinoma P19 cells and rat primary hippocampal cells within a minute
      for a single cell and cell differentiation states could be determined.
      Additionally, the measured magnitude of the force detecting nestin was indicative
      of the malignancy of breast cancer cells. This method was shown to affect neither
      the doubling time of cells nor does it leave extrinsic antibodies within the
      examined cells, allowing to be used in subsequent analyses in their native state.

PMID- 22093770
TI  - Development of a multilayered polymeric DNA biosensor using radio frequency
      technology with gold and magnetic nanoparticles.
AB  - This study utilized the radio frequency (RF) technology to develop a multilayered
      polymeric DNA sensor with the help of gold and magnetic nanoparticles. The
      flexible polymeric materials, poly (p-xylylene) (Parylene) and polyethylene
      naphtholate (PEN), were used as substrates to replace the conventional rigid
      substrates such as glass and silicon wafers. The multilayered polymeric RF
      biosensor, including the two polymer layers and two copper transmission structure
      layers, was developed to reduce the total sensor size and further enhance the
      sensitivity of the biochip in the RF DNA detection. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was
      used on the surface of the proposed biochip to form a thiolate-modified sensing
      surface for DNA hybridization. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic
      nanoparticles (MNPs) were used to immobilize on the surface of the biosensor to
      enhance overall detection sensitivity. In addition to gold nanoparticles, the
      magnetic nanoparticles has been demonstrated the applicability for RF DNA
      detection. The performance of the proposed biosensor was evaluated by the shift
      of the center frequency of the RF biosensor because the electromagnetic
      characteristic of the biosensors can be altered by the immobilized multilayer
      nanoparticles on the biosensor. The experimental results show that the detection
      limit of the DNA concentration can reach as low as 10 pM, and the largest shift
      of the center frequency with triple-layer AuNPs and MNPs can approach 0.9 and 0.7
      GHz, respectively. Such the achievement implies that the developed biosensor can
      offer an alternative inexpensive, disposable, and highly sensitive option for
      application in biomedicine diagnostic systems because the price and size of each
      biochip can be effectively reduced by using fully polymeric materials and
      multilayer-detecting structures.

PMID- 22093771
TI  - Ultrasensitive and dual functional colorimetric sensors for mercury (II) ions and
      hydrogen peroxide based on catalytic reduction property of silver nanoparticles.
AB  - The method provides an innovative dual functional sensors for mercury (II) ions
      and hydrogen peroxide. The addition of H(2)O(2) to the mixture of silver
      nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Hg(2+) induced color changes of the solution within
      several seconds even at 2.0 nM Hg(2+). Other metallic ions could not induce color
      change even at 10 MUM. Of importance, this probe was not only successfully
      applied to detect Hg(2+), but also it could be used to sense H(2)O(2) at a
      concentration as low as 50 nM (by naked-eye). The outstanding sensitivity and
      selectivity property for Hg(2+) and H(2)O(2) resulted from the AgNPs mediated
      reduction of Hg(2+) to elementary Hg in the presence of H(2)O(2), causing the
      aggregation and colorimetric response of AgNPs. This sensitive and selective
      colorimetric assay opens up a fresh insight of development facile and fast
      detection methods for metal ions and biomolecules using the special catalytic
      reactivity of AgNPs.

PMID- 22093772
TI  - Stabilization and modulation of the phycobilisome by calcium in the calciphilic
      freshwater red alga Bangia atropurpurea.
AB  - The bangiophycean filamentous red alga Bangia atropurpurea is distributed in
      freshwater habitats such as littoral and splash zones of lakes or rapid currents
      distant from the sea. In these habitats, the distribution and growth of this alga
      appear to be related to hard water rich in calcium ions. To characterize the eco
      physiological properties of this calciphilic red alga, we examined the effects of
      long-term and short-term Ca(2+) depletion on photosynthetic growth of the thallus
      and on the phycobilisome. Long-term culture experiments suggested that higher
      Ca(2+) concentrations (>50mgL(-1)) were required to sustain thallus growth and
      pigmentation of cells. In short-term Ca(2+)-depletion treatments, fluorescence
      derived from phycoerythrin (PE) fluctuated, although the absorption spectra of
      the thalli did not change. After 30 min of Ca(2+) depletion, the fluorescence
      lifetime of PE became markedly longer, indicating that the energy transfer from
      PE to phycocyanin (PC) was suppressed. The fluorescence lifetime of PE returned
      to its original value within a short time after 4h of Ca(2+) depletion, however,
      energy transfer from PE to PC was still suppressed. This suggested that the
      excitation energy absorbed by PE was quenched during prolonged Ca(2+) depletion.
      The efficient energy transfer from PC and allophycocyanin were unchanged during
      these treatments.

PMID- 22093773
TI  - Disseminated Mycobacterium marinum infection in a hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant recipient.
AB  - Mycobacterium marinum is a photochromogenic mycobacterium that is ubiquitous in
      the aquatic environment. In the general population, exposure to aquaria is the
      most common cause of M. marinum infection. Known as "swimmer's granuloma" or
      "fish tank granuloma," M. marinum is an occupational hazard for aquarium cleaners
      and fishermen. There are several reports in the literature of M. marinum
      infection in immunocompromised hosts, including those with solid organ
      transplants, but none in patients who have received stem cell transplants (SCTs).
      To our knowledge, this is a first report of disseminated M. marinum infection in
      an SCT recipient who continued to develop new skin lesions even after months of
      targeted therapy. The implications are that elderly patients who receive T-cell
      depleted SCTs may be at prolonged risk for pathogens dependent on cellular
      immunity, and the presentation of illness with such pathogens may be more severe
      and widely disseminated than might otherwise be expected.

PMID- 22093774
TI  - Molecular characterization of China rabies virus vaccine strain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rabies virus (RV), the agent of rabies, can cause a severe
      encephalomyelitis in several species of mammals, including humans. As a human
      rabies vaccine strain employed in China, the genetic knowledge of the aG strain
      has not been fully studied. The main goal of the present study is to amplify the
      whole genome of aG strain, and genetic relationships between other vaccine
      strains and wild strains were analyzed. RESULTS: The entire genome of human
      rabies virus vaccine strain aG employed in China was sequenced; this is the
      second rabies virus vaccine strain from China to be fully characterized. The
      overall organization and the length of the genome were similar to that of other
      lyssaviruses. The length of aG strain was 11925nt, comprising a leader sequence
      of 58nt, nucleoprotein (N) gene of 1353nt, phosphoprotein (P) gene of 894 nt,
      matrix protein (M) gene of 609nt, glycoprotein (G) gene of 1575nt, RNA-dependent
      RNA polymerase (RdRp,L) gene of 6384nt, and a trailer region of 70 nt. There was
      TGAAAAAAA (TGA7) consensus sequence in the end of each gene, except AGA7 at the
      end of G gene. There was AACAYYYCT consensus start signal at the beginning of
      each gene. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, we analyzed the full genome of China
      human rabies vaccine strain aG. Our studies indicated that the genome of aG
      retained the basic characteristics of RV. At gene level, N was the most conserved
      among the five coding genes, indicating this gene is the most appropriate for
      quantitative genotype definition. The phylogenetic analysis of the N indicated
      the aG strain clustered most closely with Japanese and Russian rabies vaccine
      strains, suggesting that they may share the same ancestor; also, the aG strain
      did not share high homology with wild strains isolated from China, making it may
      not be the best vaccine strain, more research is needed to elucidate the genetic
      relationship among the RV circulating in China.

PMID- 22093775
TI  - New treatment paradigm for prostate cancer: abarelix initiation therapy for
      immediate testosterone suppression followed by a luteinizing hormone-releasing
      hormone agonist.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (prospective cohort). Level of Evidence 2a. What's known on
      the subject? and What does the study add? The sequential administration of a GnRH
      antagonist followed by an LHRH agonist in the management of prostate cancer
      patients has not been studied, but such a program would provide a more
      physiologic method of achieving testosterone suppression and avoid the obligatory
      testosterone surge and need for concomitant antiandrogens that accompany LHRH
      agonist therapy. The current study which uses abarelix initiation therapy for 12
      weeks followed by either leuprolide or goserelin demonstrates the ability to more
      rapidly achieve testosterone suppression, avoid the obligatory LHRH induced
      testosterone surge, avoid the necessity of antiandrogens, all of which were
      accomplished safely, without inducing either additional or novel safety issues.
      OBJECTIVE: * To demonstrate the safety and endocrinological and biochemical
      efficacy of initiating treatment with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
      antagonist, abarelix, followed by administration of an luteinizing hormone
      releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist in patients with advanced and metastatic
      prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * A multicentre, open-label design study
      was conducted at 22 centres in the US involving patients with: localized, locally
      advanced or metastatic disease; with a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
      after definitive local treatment; patients undergoing neoadjuvant hormonal
      therapy before local therapy (radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy or
      cryosurgery); and patients in whom intermittent therapy was the planned
      treatment. * All patients received abarelix for 12 weeks followed by an LHRH
      agonist (either leuprolide or goserelin) for 8 weeks * The primary efficacy
      endpoint was achievement and maintenance of castration defined as testosterone
      <50 ng/dL from day 29 through to day 141 and whether abarelix initiation therapy
      could eliminate the testosterone surge after two consecutive doses of LHRH
      agonist therapy. * PSA, LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were
      measured and adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: * A total of 176 patients
      were enrolled into the present study, the majority of whom had localized prostate
      cancer (82%) and a PSA level <10 ng/mL (62%). * At the end of the abarelix
      treatment period (day 85), 93.8% of patients achieved castrate levels; during the
      first week of switch over to the LHRH agonist therapy (days 85-92) the rate was
      86.5% and during the week after the second LHRH agonist injection (days 114-12)
      it was 93.3%. * A small, transient increase in testosterone occurred during the
      first injection of the LHRH agonist; mean (standard deviation [sd]) values
      increased from 17 (17.8) ng/dL at day 85 to 37.3 (51.07) ng/dL at day 86. * Mean
      (sd) PSA levels decreased from 20.5 (56.6) ng/mL at baseline to 3.7 (23.5) ng/mL
      on day 85 and remained stable throughout the LHRH agonist treatment phase. *
      Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 84% of patients overall; a similar
      incidence was reported during the two treatment phases. CONCLUSIONS: * Abarelix
      initiation therapy results in the desired effect of achieving rapid testosterone
      suppression; testosterone surges after subsequent LHRH agonist therapy are
      greatly abrogated or completely eliminated. * This treatment paradigm (abarelix
      initiation followed by agonist maintenance) obviates the need for an
      antiandrogen. * Abarelix was well tolerated and no clinically meaningful or novel
      adverse events were observed during abarelix treatment or in the transition to
      LHRH agonist maintenance therapy.

PMID- 22093776
TI  - [Reflections on development of endocrinology and metabolism in China].

PMID- 22093777
TI  - [Increased liver fat content triggers metabolic disorders].

PMID- 22093778
TI  - [Histone H3 acetylation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxygenase-2 in
      patients with type 2 diabetes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and evaluate the status of histone H3
      acetylation at TNF-alpha and COX-2 promoter in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) from type 2 diabetics. METHODS: The PBMCs from 12 type 2 diabetics and 12
      healthy controls were isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation.
      The differential expression of TNF-alpha and COX-2 mRNA was measured by real-time
      PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis was used
      to detect the status of H3 acetylation at TNF-alpha and COX-2 promoter region.
      RESULTS: TNF-alpha and COX-2 mRNA were overexpressed in PBMCs from Type 2
      diabetics as compared with normal controls (2.28 +/- 0.09 fold and 2.78 +/- 0.26
      fold).(P < 0.05). Compared with normal controls, H3 acetylation at the TNF-alpha
      (1.54 +/- 0.43 vs 0.97 +/- 0.39, P = 0.0094) and COX-2 (1.20 +/- 0.58 vs 0.64 +/-
      0.21, P = 0.0161) gene promoter region was elevated in PBMCs from Type 2 diabetic
      patients. CONCLUSION: Increased H3 acetylation at TNF-alpha and COX-2 promoter in
      PBMCs from type 2 diabetics may contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes
      through the elevated expressions of TNF-alpha and COX-2.

PMID- 22093779
TI  - [Effects of early insulin therapy on sterol regulatory element binding protein 1
      pathway and lipid accumulation in liver of type 2 diabetic rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of early insulin therapy on sterol regulatory
      element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) pathway and lipid accumulation in liver of
      type 2 diabetic rats (DM). METHODS: A high-fat diet plus a low-dose of
      streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to create a
      type 2 diabetic animal model. Then the rats were divided into 3 groups: normal
      control (NC), DM (untreated diabetic rats) and INS (a 3-week treatment of NPH
      insulin initiated from day 3 of STZ injection). Insulin was delivered daily by a
      3-week subcutaneous injection (6 - 8 U/day). Liver homogenate was prepared. The
      protein levels of ER stress marker immunoglobulin binding protein (Bip), oxygen
      regulated protein 150 (ORP150), insulin-induced gene 1 (Insig1), SREBP1 and
      nuclear SREBP1 (nSREBP1) were assayed by Western blot. Adipose tissue mass was
      measured. RESULTS: In the DM group, ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress marker Bip
      and ORP150 were up-regulated (0.67 +/- 0.02 vs 0.43 +/- 0.01 for Bip; 1.11 +/-
      0.04 vs 1.83 +/- 0.03 for ORP150, P < 0.05 for both) and Insig1 decreased (0.25
      +/- 0.02 vs 0.80 +/- 0.07, P < 0.05). And the expressions of SREBP1 and nSREBP1
      were elevated (1.03 +/- 0.14 vs 0.41 +/- 0.01 for SREBP1; 3.63 +/- 0.77 vs 0.96
      +/- 0.20 for nSREBP1, P < 0.05 for both) in comparison with the normal control
      rats. In the INS group, all aforementioned changes became attenuated or reversed
      (0.41 +/- 0.04 vs 0.67 +/- 0.02 for Bip; 1.83 +/- 0.03 vs 1.11 +/- 0.04 for
      ORP150; 0.43 +/- 0.02 vs 0.25 +/- 0.02 for Insig1; 0.46 +/- 0.01 vs 1.03 +/- 0.14
      for SREBP1; 1.65 +/- 0.18 vs 3.63 +/- 0.77 for nSREBP1, P < 0.05 for all).
      Furthermore, adipose tissue mass increased (22.4 g +/- 3.6 g vs 12.0 g +/- 2.6 g,
      P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The early insulin therapy induces a fat redistribution
      from liver to adipose tissue. The mechanism is probably through a reduction of ER
      stress and a down-regulated pathway of SREBP1 in liver of diabetic rats.

PMID- 22093780
TI  - [Combined utility of hemoglobin A1c and glycated albumin in diabetic screening].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of combined detection of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
      and glycated albumin (GA) in diabetic screening. METHODS: A total of 1480
      subjects at our out-patient department from March 2007 to December 2009. Those
      suspected of diabetes or at a high risk of diabetes were enrolled. The study
      population included 677 males and 803 females with a mean age of 52.7 years. All
      subjects received an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after a 10-hour fasting.
      Glycated albumin (GA) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured with liquid enzyme
      method and high pressure liquid chromatography respectively. RESULTS: (1)
      According to World Health Organization diabetes diagnosis criteria, there were
      562 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 411 subjects with impaired
      glucose regulation (IGR) and 507 subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus
      (DM). The level of HbA1c and GA had a rising tendency among NGT, IGR and DM
      groups (P < 0.01). (2) Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that HbA1c had a
      positive association with GA (r = 0.75, P < 0.01). (3) Using OGTT as golden
      standard of diabetic diagnosis, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve
      indicated that HbA1c and GA were strong predictors of diabetes. The area under
      curve (AUC) was 0.882 and 0.881 respectively with no significant difference (P >
      0.05). (4) The sensitivity of combined use of HbA1c and GA at optimal cut-off
      points of 6.1% and 17.1% was significantly higher than that of single use of
      HbA1c or GA in diabetic screening (94.7% vs 81.1%, 88.4%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      A combined detection of HbA1c and GA may improve the efficacy of diabetic
      screening. The subject with HbA1c >= 6.1% or GA >= 17.1% is recommended to
      undergo OGTT for confirming a diagnosis of diabetes.

PMID- 22093781
TI  - [Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in young Chinese women with
      breast cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and evaluate the
      prognosis in young Chinese women with breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 1538
      female patients with operable primary breast cancer (stage I-III) treated at our
      hospital from December 1994 to December 2003 were analyzed retrospectively. Among
      them, 1075 patients (<= 60 yrs) with the complete follow-up data were divided
      into two groups according to age: young breast cancer group (<= 40 yrs, n = 208)
      and control group (41 - 60 yrs, n = 867) to analyze the differences in their
      clinicopathologic characteristics and evaluate the prognosis of both groups.
      RESULTS: The patients with young breast cancer were more likely to have positive
      lymph nodes (P = 0.016), a negative expression of ER (estrogen receptor) (P =
      0.016) and a positive expression of HER2 (P = 0.001). The 5-year disease-free
      survival (DFS) rates of young breast cancer group and control group were 73.3%
      and 84.1% (P < 0.001) and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates 83.5% and 89.1%
      (P = 0.004) respectively. Moreover, the patients with young breast cancer had a
      worse DFS than control group in patients with stage I-II disease but not in those
      with stage III disease. And <= 40 years was an independent unfavorable prognostic
      factor of DFS (HR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.19 - 2.66, P = 0.005) and OS (HR = 1.71,
      95%CI: 1.01 - 2.90, P = 0.046) in the patients with stage I-II disease.
      CONCLUSION: Chinese women with young breast cancer have a worse prognosis,
      particularly in those with stage I-II disease.

PMID- 22093782
TI  - [Prevalence and risk factors of retinal arterial atherosclerosis in urban
      subjects participating in routine physical examinations].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of atherosclerotic
      lesions in retinal arteries of an urban population undergoing routine physical
      examinations. METHODS: Demographic and clinical information of subjects
      participating in annual routine physical examinations at Peking Union Medical
      Center from January to October of 2010 were collected and summarized. Univariate
      and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the
      demographic and clinical factors associated with retinal arterial
      atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Among a total of 17 886 non-diabetic adults evaluated
      during the study period, retinal arterial atherosclerosis was diagnosed in 1721
      (9.6%). There were predominantly grade 1 (88%) and grade 2 (11%) lesions.
      Prevalence of retinal arterial atherosclerosis increased with age. And
      traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases included overweight or
      obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and elevated fasting serum glucose. In a
      multivariate Logistic regression model, advanced age, male gender, obesity or
      overweight, hypertension and dyslipidemia were independently associated with a
      higher risk of retinal arterial atherosclerosis. Hypertension was prevalent in
      subjects above 40 years old while overweight or obesity had a high prevalence in
      all age groups. CONCLUSION: Retinal arterial atherosclerosis is common in this
      urban population. And aging, overweight/obesity and hypertension are the dominant
      risk factors. Routine physical examination is valuable for both the prevention
      and an early diagnosis of this disease.

PMID- 22093783
TI  - [Association of IL-8 gene polymorphisms with inflammatory bowel disease in
      Chinese patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of interleukin 8 (IL-8) gene
      polymorphisms with the risks of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-8 gene at -845 T/C, -738 T/A, -353 A/T, 
      251 T/A and +678 T/C were analyzed in 183 IBD patients. They included Crohn's
      disease (CD, n = 41), ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 142) and healthy controls (n =
      160). The methods of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers
      (PCR-SSP) were employed. RESULTS: No association was observed between any of
      these five SNPs in IL-8 gene with the occurrence of IBD. A specific haplotype AAT
      (-353 A/T, -251 T/A & +678 T/C) was over-represented in UC cases when compared
      with controls (31.0% vs 23.7%, P = 0.046). But the distributions of this
      haplotype did not show significant difference between CD cases and controls.
      CONCLUSION: Our data support a significant but modest association between the AAT
      haplotype of IL-8 gene and UC (OR = 1.441, 95%CI 1.007 - 2.063).

PMID- 22093784
TI  - [Influence of minor back trauma on surgical outcomes in patients with thoracic
      ossification of ligamentum flavum].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively explore the influences of minor back trauma on
      surgical outcomes in patients with thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum
      (TOLF) and preliminarily detect its possible causes. METHODS: A total of 94 TOLF
      patients were divided into two groups according to the absence or presence of
      minor back trauma: MT (minor trauma, n = 16) and NT (no trauma, n = 78). They
      were compared in terms of gender, age, duration of symptoms, levels of
      involvement, numbers of involved segments, ratio of intramedullary signal changes
      (IMSC), pre- & post-operative JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) score,
      recovery rate (RR) at the final follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was
      employed to elucidate the causes related with the surgical outcomes. The MT group
      was further divided into two subgroups according to the intervals between trauma
      and surgery to clarify the influences of surgical timing on the efficacies.
      RESULTS: The JOA scores were 4.0 +/- 1.4 and 8.4 +/- 1.7 respectively in MT and
      NT groups at the final follow-up. The neurological status of patients improved in
      both groups (MT: P = 0.009, NT: P = 0.000). The patients were younger in MT
      groups (50 +/- 11 years) than those in NT groups (58 +/- 8 years) (P = 0.046).
      The ratio of IMSC was higher in MT groups (75.0%) than that in NT groups (25.6%)
      (P = 0.000). The pre- & post-operative JOA scores were lower in MT groups than
      those in NT groups (both P = 0.000). Multiple regression analysis revealed that
      the postoperative JOA score at the final follow-up was positively related with
      the preoperative JOA score (r = 0.60, P = 0.000) and negatively with trauma and
      IMSC (r = -1.82 and r = -1.87, P = 0.000) while the final postoperative RR were
      negatively related with trauma and IMSC (r = -26.26 and r = -33.70, P = 0.000).
      The surgical timing after trauma did not influence the efficacies (P = 0.147).
      CONCLUSION: The TOLF patients with minor back trauma have a worse post-operative
      recovery. A minor trauma might be a risk factor of adverse surgical outcomes.

PMID- 22093785
TI  - [Short-term efficacy comparison of laparoscopic-assisted versus open distal
      gastrectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted verus open
      distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: The data of 29 patients with
      distal gastric cancer from January 2008 to October 2010 were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Twenty-eight underwent laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy while 1 was
      switched to open surgery. The operative duration was (253.1 +/- 32.6) min and the
      blood loss volume (268.5 +/- 101.4) ml. The postoperative recovery time of
      gastrointestinal peristalsis was (2.1 +/- 0.6) d. The length of incision was (5.6
      +/- 1.6) cm, the hospital stay duration (10.6 +/- 2.4) d and the number of
      dissected lymph nodes (34.5 +/- 5.2). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted distal
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer is both safe and feasible. And it offers many
      advantages of minimal invasion, less pain and shorter hospital stay.

PMID- 22093786
TI  - [Clinical comparative study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy outcome in locally
      advanced breast cancer: docetaxel versus paclitaxel plus pirarubicin
      hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of
      docetaxel with paclitaxel plus pirarubicin hydrochloride (THP) and
      cyclophosphamide (CTX) in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). METHODS: A total
      of 97 LABC cases were randomly divided into 2 groups: docetaxel group (n = 49,
      taxotere plus THP & CTX) and paclitaxel group (n = 48, paclitaxel plus THP &
      CTX). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy had four cycles of 21 days each. RESULTS: The
      clinical and pathological complete remission rates of docetaxel group was 28.6%
      and 26.5% respectively. They were significantly higher than those of paclitaxel
      group (10.4% and 8.3%). Furthermore the pathological negative rate of regional
      lymph node in docetaxel group was also significantly higher than that of
      paclitaxel group (40.6% vs. 12.9%). However, grade III-IV blood system toxic
      reaction was found in 71.4% cases, grade II-IV liver dysfunction in 53.1% cases
      and edema in 24.5% cases among docetaxel group. They were higher than those among
      paclitaxel group (46.9%, 27.1% & 4.2%). CONCLUSION: Compared with paclitaxel, the
      combined regimen of docetaxel plus THP and CTX offers better outcomes for locally
      advanced breast cancer.

PMID- 22093788
TI  - [An absence of donor TH17 differentiation ameliorates dermal tissue damage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the functions of TH17 cell in cutaneous graft-versus-host
      disease (GVHD). METHODS: A model of acute GVHD (aGVHD) was established with a
      major histocompatibility complex class I/II-disparate allogeneic bone marrow
      transplantation (BMT). Bone marrow monocytes and splenic T cells from donor
      C57/BL6 were enriched. The recipient BABL mice were irradiated ((60)Co source)
      with 7.5 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) and injected with 5 * 10(6) marrow
      monocytes and 5 * 10(5) T cells. The experimental mice were divided into 3
      groups: lethal total body irradiation (TBI); allogeneic bone marrow
      transplantation (BMT) and recipients of halofuginone (HF). The symptoms of aGVHD
      were observed daily and detailed histopathologic analyses of recipient skin were
      performed at Day 6 post-transplantation. And Tri-color flow cytometry (FCM) was
      performed at Day 6 post-transplantation to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)
      17, interferon (IFN)-gamma and TH1/TH17. RESULTS: Clinical GVHD symptoms were
      observed in recipient mice. The administration of HF to lethally irradiated
      recipients led to very modest GVHD-induced cutaneous changes manifested
      predominantly by fur loss. However, the experimental animals receiving only
      allogeneic BMT showed significant fur loss and pathologic skin conditions.
      Consistent with the clinical evaluations, the histopathologic results
      demonstrated significantly increased pathologic cutaneous lesions in recipients
      undergoing only BMT. The median ratios of TH1/TH17 cells were 17.57 and 5.31 in
      the HF and BMT groups respectively. The difference had statistical significance
      (P < 0.05). The serum levels of IL-17 were(1.47 +/- 0.18) and (2.81 +/- 0.19)
      pg/ml in the TBI and BMT groups respectively (P < 0.05). But IL-17 could not be
      detected in the HF group. The serum levels of IFN-gamma were (3.86 +/- 0.32),
      (42.97 +/- 0.42) and (9.89 +/- 0.51) pg/ml in the TBI, BMT and HF groups
      respectively. The inter-group differences had statistical significance (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: An absence of TH17 cell may alleviate the cutaneous GVHD but
      exacerbate the systemic GVHD.

PMID- 22093787
TI  - [Laparoendoscopic single-site retroperitoneal adrenalectomy:a report of 7 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize our preliminary clinical experiences of laparoendoscopic
      single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal adrenalectomy. METHODS: Since October 2009 to
      January 2011, the investigators have performed LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy
      for 7 patients with adrenal tumors. A waist axillary midline incision of around 2
      - 3 cm was made and a single incision for inserting a homemade port. Cambridge
      endo flexible laparoscopic instrument and other common laparoscopic accessories
      were used during the surgical procedures. RESULTS: LESS retroperitoneal
      adrenalectomies were technically successful in 6 cases with no extra skin
      incisions, no conversion into an open procedure or standard laparoscopy.
      Conversion to standard laparoscopy (3 ports) was inevitable in one case. The
      reason for conversion was due to tumor size (6 cm). No perioperative complication
      occurred. The mean operative duration was 139 min (95 - 200 min), the mean volume
      of blood loss 96 ml (30 - 350 ml) and the mean hospital stay 5 d (3 - 8 d).
      CONCLUSION: LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is technically feasible and safe
      for the treatment of small adrenal tumors.

PMID- 22093789
TI  - [Transplantation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells transfected with vascular
      endothelial growth factor gene for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in
      rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (MMSCs) transfected with vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) gene in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in rats. METHODS:
      MMSCs from the bone marrow of Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated, cultured and
      propagated in vitro. pIRES2-EGFP-VEGF165 was transfected into MMSC. The healthy
      male SD rats were divided randomly into 4 groups: normal control group, pulmonary
      hypertension model group, MMSCs transplantation group and transfer gene
      transplantation group. A single subcutaneous monocrotaline (50 mg/kg) was
      injected to induce the model of pulmonary hypertension. The normal control group
      received a single subcutaneous dose of L-DMEM (low glucose Dulbecco's modified
      Eagle's medium). All four groups of rats were fed similarly. At Day 21 post
      modeling, 5 * 10(6) MMSCs in l ml L-DMEM were injected into the MMSC group. 5 *
      10(5) MMSC transfected by pIRES2-EGFP-VEGF165 were injected into the gene
      transplantation group. A same volume L-DMEM solution was also injected into the
      pulmonary hypertension model group and normal control group. The parameters of
      right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy index,
      blood gas analysis and microstructure as well as pulmonary microvascular changes
      were observed after 30 days. RESULTS: At Day 30 post-transplantation of MMSCs,
      the outcomes were as follows: RVSP was (30.2 +/- 2.1) and (29.2 +/- 1.1) mm Hg (1
      mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) in the MMSCs transplantation and gene transplantation groups
      respectively. The right ventricular hypertrophy indices were (37.9 +/- 3.2)% and
      (27.2 +/- 3.4)% respectively. The media thickness of pulmonary artery (MT) was
      (21.3 +/- 3.4) and (14.3 +/- 2.8) um respectively. The ratios of vascular area to
      total arterial area (V/T) were (39.3 +/- 4.3)% and (43.0 +/- 1.5)% respectively.
      As compare with the pulmonary hypertension model group, the above parameters were
      of statistical significances (P < 0.01). A comparison of right ventricle
      hypertrophy index, MT and V/T was of statistical significance between MMSC and
      gene transplantation groups (P < 0.05). The blood gas analysis of the MMSCs
      transplantation and gene transplantation groups were better than the pulmonary
      hypertension mode group. Ultramicrostructure showed that neovascularization and
      small pulmonary arterial repair appeared in two transplantation groups.
      CONCLUSION: MMSCs transfected by pIRES2-EGFP-VEGF165 transplantation may improve
      and reverse the MCT-induced progress of pulmonary hypertension in rats. And it is
      better than the MMSC transplantation. The potential mechanism is through arterial
      repair and neovascularization.

PMID- 22093790
TI  - [Establishment and characterization of serial subpopulations with highly
      metastatic potential via different metastatic routes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the serial cell lines, derived from the same parental
      gallbladder cancer cell line GBC-SD, with highly metastatic potential via
      different routes and characterize their biological behaviors to understand the
      different metastasis mechanisms via lymph and blood. METHODS: The spleen-liver
      metastasis model and footpad-inguinal lymph node metastasis model were
      established. GBC-SD was injected into spleen or footpad of nude mice. Then the
      highly metastasized subpopulations via lymph and blood were isolated. Their
      differences in morphology, genetic background, proliferation, migration, invasion
      and adhesion were revealed by comparing the lymphatic-disseminating and
      hematogenous-disseminating subpopulations with parental cells. RESULTS: The
      lymphatic-disseminating and hematogenous-disseminating subpopulations were
      successfully isolated and designated as GBC-SD/HL and GBC-SD/M3 respectively.
      They demonstrated the identical genetic background with GBC-SD. In comparison
      with parental cells, the hematogenous-disseminating subpopulation was
      morphologically characterized with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while
      it was not shown in the lymphatic-disseminating subpopulation. Furthermore, the
      hematogenous-disseminating subpopulation showed the strongest migrating capacity
      but the lymphatic-disseminating subpopulation demonstrated a stronger invasive
      and adhesive ability. CONCLUSION: The whole parental cell GBC-SD, hematogenous
      metastasized subpopulation GBC-SD/M3 and lymphatic-disseminating subpopulation
      GBC-SD/HL is an ideal tool for metastatic mechanism study of gallbladder cancer.
      EMT plays an important role in hematogenous metastasis while lymphatic metastasis
      relies more on enhanced invasiveness and adhesion. It may be a target for
      interfering the lymphatic metastasis of gallbladder cancer.

PMID- 22093791
TI  - [Effects of simvastatin plus all-trans retinoic acid on WT1/hDMP1 gene expression
      profiles of human promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of simvastatin (SV) plus all-trans retinoic
      acid (ATRA) on the proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and WT1/hDMP1 gene
      expression profiles of human promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4. METHODS: The
      NB4 cell was incubated with simvastatin and ATRA alone or in combination. And the
      NB4 cell without any treatment was adopted as a normal control. The cells of
      different groups were collected at 24, 48 and 72 h post-incubation. Their
      morphological changes were observed after Wright staining. The method of MTT was
      employed to assay the growth inhibition rate and flow cytometry was used to
      detect the early-stage ratios of apoptosis and cell necrosis. Real-time
      quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to
      detect the WT1/hDMP1 gene expression levels. RESULTS: The cell inhibition rates
      increased gradually (F = 7.15, P = 0.000) at 15, 10 and 5 umol/L SV respectively.
      And so did the expression levels of CD11b (F = 3.41, P = 0.014) and Annexin-V (F
      = 43.38, P = 0.000). However the expression levels of WT1 decreased gradually (F
      = 5.35, P = 0.001) reversely with the elevated levels of hDMP1 (F = 22.61, P =
      0.000). Furthermore the NB4 cell exhibited the most significant changes at 15
      umol/L SV. After a 72-hour incubation, the expression levels of CD11b (89.46% +/-
      9.13%)and hDMP1 (626.9 +/- 56.9) in NB4 cells at 15 umol/L SV plus 0.5 umol/L
      ATRA were significantly higher than those with ATRA(71.27% +/- 7.27%, P = 0.000
      and 421.8 +/- 38.3, P = 0.003 in each) and SV alone(62.41% +/- 6.37%, P = 0.003
      and 241.4 +/- 21.9, P = 0.003 in each). A combination of 15 umol/L SV with 0.5
      umol/L ATRA displayed obvious interactions with the expressions of CD11b and
      hDMP1 (F = 4.09, P = 0.025 and F = 29.58, P = 0.000 in each). And there was no
      significant interaction for cell inhibition rates and Annexin-V expression.
      CONCLUSION: Simvastatin in vitro inhibits the proliferation of NB4 cell, induces
      its differentiation and promotes its apoptosis. And the lowered expression of WT1
      has a dose-dependent correlation with the elevated expression of hDMP1. It
      indicates that simvastatin has the synergistic in vitro anti-promyelocytic
      potency.

PMID- 22093792
TI  - [Pathogenic mechanism of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell and the effect of dexamethasone in
      asthmatic mouse].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore whether or not CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell play a pathogenic role
      in asthma and detect the effects of dexamethasone (DXM). METHODS: A total of 30
      mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: asthmatic group, DXM group and control
      group (n = 10 each). The asthmatic and DXM groups were sensitized twice and
      inhaled ovalbumin. The DXM Group received an intraperitoneal injection of DXM
      1mg/kg before inhaling ovalbumin. After successful modeling, 3 mice were selected
      randomly from each group to measure the airway responsiveness. Also a
      bronchoalveolar lavage cytological study was performed and lung tissue sections
      were prepared for histopathologic examination to evaluate the airway
      inflammation. The content of IgE in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was
      detected with a murine IgE ELISA kit. And the fractions of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of
      peripheral blood and BALF were tested by flow cytometry to analyze the
      correlation between IgE, eosinophils (EOS) of BALF and CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of
      blood. RESULTS: The airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic and DXM groups were
      significantly higher than that in the control group. The number of total cells
      and EOS of BALF in the asthmatic group [(5.56 +/- 4.06) * 10(2)/L; (3.29 +/-
      2.23) * 10(2)/L] were significantly higher than that in control group [(0.91 +/-
      0.65) * 10(2)/L, P = 0.003; (0.43 +/- 0.37) * 10(2)/L, P = 0.001] and DXM group
      [(2.59 +/- 1.69) * 10(2)/L, P = 0.044; (1.11 +/- 0.73) * 10(2)/L, P = 0.008];
      while the DXM group was insignificantly higher than the control group (P = 0.234,
      P = 0.363). There were significant differences in the contents of IgE of BALF for
      the asthmatic, DXM and control groups [(23.85 +/- 5.97) g/L, (13.15 +/- 2.22)
      g/L, (6.54 +/- 1.03) g/L, F = 38.558, P = 0.000]. The percentages of CD8(+)CD28(
      )T cell in peripheral blood in asthmatic and DXM groups [(18.68 +/- 4.12)% and
      (13.43 +/- 2.91)%] were significantly higher than those in control mice [(8.43 +/
      4.60)%, both P < 0.05]. The percentages of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of BALF in
      asthmatic group and DXM group [(1.25 +/- 0.40)% and (0.66 +/- 0.49)%] were also
      significantly higher than those in control mice [(0.21 +/- 0.19)%, both P <
      0.05]. The percentages of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of blood and BALF in the DXM mice
      were significantly lower than those in asthmatic group. The correlations between
      IgE (r = 0.864, P = 0.012), EOS (r = 0.804, P = 0.029) and CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell
      were significant. CONCLUSION: The fraction of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell is closely
      correlated with the inflammation of asthmatic airway. The airway
      hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthmatic mice may be relieved by DXM
      through its effect of inhibiting the expression of CD8(+)CD28(-) T cell.

PMID- 22093793
TI  - [Protection of penehyclidine hydrochloride on renal tissue injury induced by limb
      ischemia/reperfusion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protection of penehyclidine hydrochloric
      postconditioning on HIF-1alpha (hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha) in renal tissue
      injury induced by lower limb ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: A total of 72
      adult male Wistar rats weighing 230 - 250 g were randomly divided into 3 groups:
      control (group C), limb ischemia-reperfusion (group R/I) and penehyclidine
      hydrochloride postconditioning (group P). The animals were anesthetized by
      inhaling 2% isoflurane and blood flow of bilateral lower limbs was blocked with
      rubber bands for 3 h in groups P and R/I. In group P, penehyclidine hydrochloride
      0.15 mg/kg was injected via caudal vein at 3 min pre-reperfusion. After
      sacrificing, their kidneys were removed at 3 h of ischemia and 1, 3, 6 h of
      reperfusion respectively. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were
      detected by colorimetric method, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and HIF-1alpha of renal tissue by
      immunohistochemistry. Renal pathological changes were observed under light
      microscope. RESULTS: Compared with group C, the serum levels of BUN and Cr
      increased while TNF-alpha and HIF-1alpha were up-regulated in groups I/R and P (P
      < 0.05). As compared with group I/R, the serum levels of BUN, Cr and MDA
      decreased while TNF-alpha and HIF-1alpha were down-regulated in group P. [at T2:
      (15.10 +/- 1.88) mmol/L vs (19.46 +/- 2.76) mmol/L, (113 +/- 10) umol/L vs (143
      +/- 11) umol/L, (13.8 +/- 1.7) nmol/g vs (15.5 +/- 1.8) nmol/g, (53.1 +/- 3.1)
      ng/L vs (53.9 +/- 4.8) ng/L, 0.298 +/- 0.015 vs 0.471 +/- 0.032, all P < 0.05].
      CONCLUSION: Penehyclidine hydrochloride can down-regulate the expression of HIF
      1alpha and attenuate the renal injury induced by lower limb I/R. And the
      mechanisms may be through inhibiting the inflammatory reactions, reducing the
      release of oxygen free radicals and improving the conditions of hypoxia and
      ischemia.

PMID- 22093794
TI  - Automatic model-based roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) of total knee
      prostheses.
AB  - Conventional radiography is insensitive for early and accurate estimation of the
      mal-alignment and wear of knee prostheses. The two-staged (rough and fine)
      registration of the model-based RSA technique has recently been developed to in
      vivo estimate the prosthetic pose (i.e, location and orientation). In the
      literature, rough registration often uses template match or manual adjustment of
      the roentgen images. Additionally, possible error induced by the nonorthogonality
      of taking two roentgen images neither examined nor calibrated prior to fine
      registration. This study developed two RSA methods for automate the estimation of
      the prosthetic pose and decrease the nonorthogonality-induced error. The
      predicted results were validated by both simulative and experimental tests and
      compared with reported findings in the literature. The outcome revealed that the
      feature-recognized method automates pose estimation and significantly increases
      the execution efficiency up to about 50 times in comparison with the literature
      counterparts. Although the nonorthogonal images resulted in undesirable errors,
      the outline-optimized method can effectively compensate for the induced errors
      prior to fine registration. The superiority in automation, efficiency, and
      accuracy demonstrated the clinical practicability of the two proposed methods
      especially for the numerous fluoroscopic images of dynamic motion.

PMID- 22093795
TI  - Effects of tendon and muscle belly dissection on muscular force transmission
      following tendon transfer in the rat.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to quantify to what extent the scar tissue
      formation following the transfer of flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) to the distal
      tendon of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) affects the force transmission from
      transferred FCU in the rat. Five weeks after recovery from surgery (tendon
      transfer group) and in a control group, isometric length-force characteristics of
      FCU were assessed for progressive stages of dissection: (i) with minimally
      disrupted connective tissues, (ii) after full dissection of FCU distal tendon
      exclusively, and (iii) after additional partial dissection of FCU muscle belly.
      Total and passive length-force characteristics of transferred and control FCU
      changed significantly by progressive stages of dissection. In both groups, tendon
      dissection decreased passive FCU force exerted at the distal tendon, as well as
      the slope of the length-force curve. However, force and slope changes were more
      pronounced for transferred FCU compared to controls. No additional changes
      occurred after muscle belly dissection. In contrast, total force increased in
      transferred FCU following both tendon and muscle belly dissection at all lengths
      studied, while dissection decreased total force of control FCU. In addition,
      after tendon and muscle belly dissection, we found decreased muscle belly lengths
      at equal muscle-tendon complex lengths of transferred FCU. We conclude that scar
      tissue limits the force transmission from transferred FCU muscle via the tendon
      of insertion to the skeleton, but that some myofascial connectivity of the muscle
      should be classified as physiological.

PMID- 22093796
TI  - [Clopidogrel induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening
      disorder. Drug-induced TTP is uncommon and we report a TTP associated with the
      use of clopidogrel. CASE REPORT: We report a 50-year-old man who presented with
      acute myocardial infarction and received clopidogrel therapy. He developed acute
      TTP ten days after clopidogrel onset. Imputability of the drug was demonstrated
      during a reintroduction test. Deficiency of ADAMTS 13 was confirmed and
      autoantibodies against ADAMTS 13 were detected. Complete remission was obtained
      after 24 plasma exchange sessions and adjunction of corticosteroids. CONCLUSION:
      Drug-induced TTP are probably immunologic, as was demonstrated in our patient.
      Clinicians should be aware of this possible uncommon adverse effect of
      clopidogrel because prompt therapy is imperative for life saving.

PMID- 22093797
TI  - [Emotion perception in neurodegenerative disorders].

PMID- 22093798
TI  - [Central nervous system involvement in systemic sclerosis].
AB  - Systemic sclerosis is a connective disease usually known to spare the central
      nervous system. This has been much debated by recent imaging studies. We report a
      56-year-old woman followed-up for systemic sclerosis since 2005. Four years
      later, she presented with cerebellar and pyramidal syndrome. Magnetic resonance
      imaging showed signs of cerebral vasculitis. The patient was treated by
      corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide pulses followed by azathioprine for
      maintenance therapy. Clinical and radiological outcomes were favourable. In
      patients with systemic sclerosis and neurological symptoms, abnormalities in the
      cerebral magnetic resonance imaging may, in the absence of another obvious
      etiology, indicate a central nervous system involvement associated with this
      systemic disorder.

PMID- 22093800
TI  - Weaponry, color, and contest success in the jumping spider Lyssomanes viridis.
AB  - Weaponry and color badges are commonly theorized to function as visual signals of
      aggressiveness or fighting ability. However, few studies have supported a
      signaling function of weaponry, and the role of color in invertebrate competitive
      interactions remains virtually unexplored. Jumping spiders (Salticidae) make
      excellent invertebrate models for studying weaponry and color because males of
      many species are colorful and possess exaggerated chelicerae, which are used as
      weapons in escalated contests. To determine whether color or weaponry might
      function as visual signals in male-male competitions, we investigated
      relationships between contest success, cheliceral length, and red coloration in
      Lyssomanes viridis. Males having longer chelicerae than their opponents were
      significantly more likely to win (p=0.0008). Males who won, despite being smaller
      than their opponents, had significantly less red chelicerae than their opponents
      (p=0.01). Male and female cheliceral length, as well as foreleg length,
      correlated tightly with body size. Cheliceral and foreleg length showed
      significantly stronger positive allometry in males than in females. We conclude
      that male chelicerae and forelegs are under strong positive selection for their
      use in physical fights and/or as visual signals of fighting ability.

PMID- 22093799
TI  - Evolution and connectivity in the world-wide migration system of the mallard:
      inferences from mitochondrial DNA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Main waterfowl migration systems are well understood through ringing
      activities. However, in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) ringing studies suggest
      deviations from general migratory trends and traditions in waterfowl.
      Furthermore, surprisingly little is known about the population genetic structure
      of mallards, and studying it may yield insight into the spread of diseases such
      as Avian Influenza, and in management and conservation of wetlands. The study of
      evolution of genetic diversity and subsequent partitioning thereof during the
      last glaciation adds to ongoing discussions on the general evolution of waterfowl
      populations and flyway evolution. Hypothesised mallard flyways are tested
      explicitly by analysing mitochondrial mallard DNA from the whole northern
      hemisphere. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analyses confirm two mitochondrial mallard
      clades. Genetic differentiation within Eurasia and North-America is low, on a
      continental scale, but large differences occur between these two land masses
      (F(ST) = 0.51). Half the genetic variance lies within sampling locations, and a
      negligible portion between currently recognised waterfowl flyways, within Eurasia
      and North-America. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) at continent scale,
      incorporating sampling localities as smallest units, also shows the absence of
      population structure on the flyway level. Finally, demographic modelling by
      coalescence simulation proposes a split between Eurasia and North-America 43,000
      to 74,000 years ago and strong population growth (~100fold) since then and little
      migration (not statistically different from zero). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this
      first complete assessment of the mallard's world-wide population genetic
      structure we confirm that no more than two mtDNA clades exist. Clade A is
      characteristic for Eurasia, and clade B for North-America although some
      representatives of clade A are also found in North-America. We explain this
      pattern by evaluating competing hypotheses and conclude that a complex mix of
      historical, recent and anthropogenic factors shaped the current mallard
      populations. We refute population classification based on flyways proposed by
      ornithologists and managers, because they seem to have little biological meaning.
      Our results have implications for wetland management and conservation, with
      special regard to the release of farmed mallards for hunting, as well as for the
      possible transmission of Avian Influenza by mallards due to migration.

PMID- 22093801
TI  - Delayed fetal hemoglobin switching in subjects with KLF1 gene mutation.
AB  - Variations at the KLF1 gene have been associated with a series of human erythroid
      phenotypes including the In-(Lu) phenotype, hereditary persistence of fetal
      hemoglobin, congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, borderline HbA(2) and increased
      red blood cell protoporphyrin. Natural mutations have shown that KLF1 regulates
      gamma globin gene expression and its role in the switching from fetal to adult
      globin expression has been suggested by experimental studies. In this paper we
      report that subjects with S270X KLF1 mutations show a decrease of HbF levels with
      increasing age, supporting in vivo the role of KLF1 in hemoglobin switching in
      humans.

PMID- 22093802
TI  - Successful serology-based intervention to increase protection against vaccine
      preventable diseases in liver-transplanted children: a 19-yr review of the Swiss
      national reference center.
AB  - As children referred for OLT in Switzerland were not vaccinated optimally, new
      guidelines were developed and recommended to base catch-up immunization on serum
      antibody titers against vaccine-preventable diseases, before and after OLT. We
      measure the results of this serology-based intervention by comparing vaccine
      coverage and antibody titers in the pre- (1990-2002, P1) and post-intervention
      (2003-2008, P2) cohorts in a quality control project. Forty-four P1 and 30 P2
      children were evaluated. At pre-OLT visit, D, T, SPn, and MMR serologies were
      checked more frequently in P2 than P1 (p < 0.05). More P2 children were up-to
      date for DTaP and MMR (p < 0.05) or had received >=1 dose of HBV, HAV, SPn, and
      VZV vaccines (p < 0.05). One yr post-OLT, DT, SPn, MMR, and VZV serologies were
      more frequently checked (p < 0.05), and antibody titers were higher for DT and
      HAV (p < 0.05) in P2. Gender, age, or diagnosis did not explain these
      differences. Among P2 patients, pre- and post-OLT titers for D, T, Hib, HBV,
      SPn14, and SPn19 were correlated (p < 0.05 for all). Protection against vaccine
      preventable diseases of high-risk children like OLT patients can be significantly
      improved by serology-based intervention for vaccine-preventable diseases.

PMID- 22093803
TI  - Scaling and structure of dicotyledonous leaf venation networks.
AB  - There have been numerous attempts to derive general models for the structure and
      function of resource delivery networks in biology. Such theories typically
      predict the quantitative structure of vascular networks across scales. For
      example, fractal branching models of plant structure predict that the network
      dimensions within plant stems or leaves should be scale-free. However, very few
      empirical examples of such networks are available with which to evaluate such
      hypotheses. Here, we apply recently developed leaf network extraction software to
      a global leaf dataset. We find that leaf networks are neither entirely scale-free
      nor governed entirely by a characteristic scale. Indeed, we find many network
      properties, such as vein length distributions, which are governed by
      characteristic scales, and other network properties, notably vein diameter
      distributions, which are typified by power-law behaviour. Our findings suggest
      that theories of network structure will remain incomplete until they address the
      multiple constraints on network architecture.

PMID- 22093804
TI  - Seasonal influenza vaccination knowledge, risk perception, health beliefs and
      vaccination behaviours of nurses.
AB  - The relationship between knowledge, risk perceptions, health belief towards
      seasonal influenza and vaccination and the vaccination behaviours of nurses was
      explored. Qualified nurses attending continuing professional education courses at
      a large London university between 18 April and 18 October 2010 were surveyed
      (522/672; response rate 77.7%). Of these, 82.6% worked in hospitals; 37.0%
      reported receiving seasonal influenza vaccination in the previous season and
      44.9% reported never being vaccinated during the last 5 years. All respondents
      were categorized using two-step cluster analyses into never, occasionally, and
      continuously vaccinated groups. Nurses vaccinated the season before had higher
      scores of knowledge and risk perception compared to the unvaccinated (P<0.001).
      Nurses never vaccinated had the lowest scores of knowledge and risk perception
      compared to other groups (P<0.001). Nurses' seasonal influenza vaccination
      behaviours are complex. Knowledge and risk perception predict uptake of
      vaccination in nurses.

PMID- 22093805
TI  - [Focus on beta-blockers for vascular specialists in 2012].
AB  - Since they were launched on the market in 1964, cardiovascular indications for
      beta-blockers have been validated and accepted worldwide. Numerous studies and
      meta-analysis have confirmed their benefits. They reduce mortality in post
      infarction and acute coronary syndrome populations and also in people with stable
      coronary heart disease. Moreover, heart failure with systolic left ventricular
      dysfunction is a major indication for this therapeutic class, providing a 30%
      decrease in mortality. In patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, beta
      blockers are recommended for rate control. In hypertension patients, first-line
      drug treatment with beta-blockers is currently discussed. Indeed, several studies
      have shown that patients randomized in the beta-blocker arms experienced more
      coronary heart and cerebrovascular diseases than comparators. Their lesser effect
      on central blood pressure decrease could partially explain those results.
      Nevertheless, beta-blockers are still considered as first-line drugs for
      hypertension in the French and European guidelines. Long-term comparative studies
      focusing on central blood pressure are needed. Concerning the other indications
      for beta-blockers in vascular diseases, their use perioperatively to reduce
      surgical cardiovascular risk raised much hope, but the most recent results are
      disappointed and even suggest possible higher mortality. Finally, except for
      patients with critical ischemia of the lower limbs, presence of peripheral artery
      disease should probably be considered as a condition favoring their prescription.

PMID- 22093806
TI  - Chronic insomnia, quality-of-life, and utility scores: comparison with good
      sleepers in a cross-sectional international survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic insomnia has a recognized impact on health-related quality-of
      life (HRQoL) but data on utility scores across countries are lacking. The
      objective of the present study was to assess health related quality of life
      (HRQoL) and utility scores in individuals from three different countries (USA,
      France, and Japan), comparing sufferers of chronic insomnia to good sleepers.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (SLEEPI-i) of 4067 persons in the US (n=1298;
      478 good sleepers and 820 patients with insomnia), France (n=1858; 998 good
      sleepers and 860 patients with insomnia) and Japan (n=911; 506 good sleepers and
      405 patients with insomnia). Enrollment and data collection using consumer panels
      were web-based in the US and France, and gathered via a postal survey in Japan.
      People with chronic insomnia (>6 months) were selected based on Insomnia Severity
      Index scores (ISI). Severity of insomnia was assessed using the ISI score and
      HRQoL was assessed using the self-administered Short-Form SF-36 Health Survey.
      Utility scores were derived using the algorithm developed by Brazier et al.
      Multivariate analyses were used to adjust for potential confounding factors.
      RESULTS: In all countries, people with chronic insomnia (40% treated) reported
      lower SF-36 scores in each of eight domains compared with good sleepers
      (P<.0001). Chronic insomnia was associated with significantly lower utility
      scores compared with good sleepers (mean scores 0.63 versus 0.72 in the US, 0.57
      versus 0.67 in France, and 0.67 versus 0.77 in Japan, P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This
      survey suggests that chronic insomnia is associated with significant impairment
      of HRQoL and decreased utilities across the different geographical regions
      studied.

PMID- 22093807
TI  - A pro-inflammatory role for A20 and ABIN family proteins in human fibroblast-like
      synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Circuit of chronic inflammation in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts
      from the production of inflammatory cytokines by fibroblast-like synoviocytes
      (FLS) stimulated by TNFalpha produced by inflammatory cells mainly composed of
      macrophages. In this context, TNFalpha/NF-kappaB pathway plays an essential role
      for the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here we show that the
      kinetics of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes induced by TNFalpha in FLS from RA
      was synchronized with that of A20, ABIN1, and ABIN3 that have been thought as
      negative regulators for NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, based on this finding,
      we could tentatively categorize the RA-FLS into two groups; TNFalpha low
      responder and high-responder FLS. The high responders that have abundant mRNA
      levels of NF-kappaB inhibitory molecules were also accompanied with the marked
      induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines by the stimulation with TNFalpha. The
      low responders RA-FLS did not show this property, nor did FLS from
      osteoarthritis. Phosphorylation dependent degradation of IkappaBalpha as well as
      NF-kappaB activation upon stimulation with TNFalpha was significantly enhanced in
      the high-responder FLS lines. Surprisingly, single transfection of each NF-kappaB
      inhibitor was enough to facilitate the transcription of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines, suggesting that there is an unknown pro-inflammatory function for A20
      and ABIN family proteins in RA-FLS.

PMID- 22093808
TI  - Genetically modified sugarcane for bioenergy generation.
AB  - Sugarcane breeding has significantly progressed over the past 30 years, but
      attempts to further increase crop yield have been limited due to the complexity
      of the sugarcane genome. An alternative to boost the crop yield is the
      introduction of genes encoding desirable traits in the elite sugarcane cultivars.
      Genetically modified sugarcane with increased yield and pest and disease
      resistance has already proven its value not only by the increased sugar content
      but also for the improvement of the crop performance. However, transgene
      stability is still a challenge since transgene silencing seems to occur in a
      large proportion of genetically modified sugarcane plants. In addition,
      regulatory issues associated with the crop propagation model will also be a
      challenge to the commercial approval of genetically modified sugarcane.

PMID- 22093809
TI  - Fusion primer and nested integrated PCR (FPNI-PCR): a new high-efficiency
      strategy for rapid chromosome walking or flanking sequence cloning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of genomics-based technologies has revolutionized many
      fields of biological enquiry. However, chromosome walking or flanking sequence
      cloning is still a necessary and important procedure to determining gene
      structure. Such methods are used to identify T-DNA insertion sites and so are
      especially relevant for organisms where large T-DNA insertion libraries have been
      created, such as rice and Arabidopsis. The currently available methods for
      flanking sequence cloning, including the popular TAIL-PCR technique, are
      relatively laborious and slow. RESULTS: Here, we report a simple and effective
      fusion primer and nested integrated PCR method (FPNI-PCR) for the identification
      and cloning of unknown genomic regions flanked known sequences. In brief, a set
      of universal primers was designed that consisted of various 15-16 base arbitrary
      degenerate oligonucleotides. These arbitrary degenerate primers were fused to the
      3' end of an adaptor oligonucleotide which provided a known sequence without
      degenerate nucleotides, thereby forming the fusion primers (FPs). These fusion
      primers are employed in the first step of an integrated nested PCR strategy which
      defines the overall FPNI-PCR protocol. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of
      this novel strategy, we have successfully used it to isolate multiple genomic
      sequences namely, 21 orthologs of genes in various species of Rosaceace, 4 MYB
      genes of Rosa rugosa, 3 promoters of transcription factors of Petunia hybrida,
      and 4 flanking sequences of T-DNA insertion sites in transgenic tobacco lines and
      6 specific genes from sequenced genome of rice and Arabidopsis. CONCLUSIONS: The
      successful amplification of target products through FPNI-PCR verified that this
      novel strategy is an effective, low cost and simple procedure. Furthermore, FPNI
      PCR represents a more sensitive, rapid and accurate technique than the
      established TAIL-PCR and hiTAIL-PCR procedures.

PMID- 22093810
TI  - The interplay between sulphur and selenium metabolism influences the
      intracellular redox balance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Selenium (Se) is an essential element for most eukaryotic organisms, including
      humans. The balance between Se toxicity and its beneficial effects is very
      delicate. It has been demonstrated that a diet enriched with Se has cancer
      prevention potential in humans. The most popular commercial Se supplementation is
      selenized yeast, which is produced in a fermentation process using an inorganic
      source of Se. Here, we show that the uptake of Se, Se toxic effects and
      intracellular Se-metabolite profile are largely influenced by the level of
      sulphur source supplied during the fermentation. A Yap1-dependent oxidative
      stress response is active when yeast actively metabolizes Se, and this response
      is linked to the generation of intracellular redox imbalance. The redox imbalance
      derives from a disproportionate ratio between the reduced and oxidized forms of
      glutathione and also from the influence of Se metabolism on the central carbon
      metabolism. The observed increase in glycerol production rate, concomitant with
      the inhibition of ethanol formation in the presence of Se, can be ascribed to the
      occurrence of redox imbalance that triggers glycerol biosynthesis to replenish
      the pool of NAD(+) .

PMID- 22093811
TI  - Human African trypanosomiasis in Angola: clinical observations, treatment, and
      use of PCR for stage determination of early stage of the disease.
AB  - Biological and clinical observations are described for 224 patients infected by
      human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Angola in 2007 and 2008. Seven patients
      were initially classified in stage 1 (S1), 17 intermediate stage (IS) (WBC <20
      lymphocytes/MUl with absence of trypanosomes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and no
      neurological signs), and 200 in stage 2 (S2). Out of 224 patients, 165 (73.6%)
      presented one or more neurological signs. During treatment with eflornithine, six
      deaths of S2 patients occurred, five of which were because of an encephalopathy
      syndrome. Nine patients were diagnosed with a relapse or suspected treatment
      failure during the follow-up: eight patients after treatment with eflornithine
      (relapse rate 4.1%) and one patient after pentamidine (6.6%). The contribution of
      PCR for stage determination evaluated for S1 and IS confirms the difficulty of
      stage determination, as one S1 patient and two IS patients were carriers of
      trypanosomes detected a posteriori by PCR in CSF but were treated with
      pentamidine while follow-up did not confirm treatment efficacy. Since 2001 in
      Angola, either by passive or active mode detection, approximately 80% of the new
      cases every year were in S2, whereas the annual number of cases has regressed,
      probably because the transmission of HAT is decreasing. However, stage
      determination and treatment remain two major issues for the chronic form of
      sleeping sickness.

PMID- 22093812
TI  - Pilot assessment of supply chains for pharmaceuticals and medical commodities for
      malaria, tuberculosis and HIV infection in Ethiopia.
AB  - To obtain preliminary data on the drug supply management system in Ethiopia,
      selected facilities were assessed for the availability of essential drugs and
      commodities for malaria, TB and HIV. Of the 48 surveyed hospitals and health
      centers, 9 (19%), 9 (19%) and 10 (21%) did not have malaria, TB or HIV drugs,
      respectively. Similarly, of 27 health posts, 9 (33%) and 6 (22%) did not have
      rapid diagnostic tests and antimalarial drugs, respectively. The findings
      indicated an inadequate availability of essential drugs and commodities in the
      surveyed facilities as well as weaknesses in human resources and training.
      Assessments of commodity supply chains to ensure operational program success and
      impact are important.

PMID- 22093813
TI  - Differences in cytochrome P450 enzyme activities between fish and crustacea:
      relationship with the bioaccumulation patterns of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs).
AB  - Variations in cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYPs) distribution and function between
      animal groups could result in differential metabolism and elimination kinetics
      for certain contaminants. Although a number of studies have suggested that
      differences in polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) accumulation profiles between crustacea
      and fish might result from differential CYP patterns, the relationship between
      PCB bioaccumulation and CYP capacities has not been demonstrated in these
      organisms. In the present study we investigated the hepatic microsomal catalytic
      activities in three deep-sea fish species, Alepocephalus rostratus
      (Alepocephalidae), Coelorinchus mediterraneus (Macrouridae), and Lepidion
      lepidion (Moridae), and the decapod crustacean Aristeus antennatus (Decapoda),
      using six fluorescent CYP-mediated substrates, namely ER (7-ethoxyresorufin), PR
      (7-pentoxyresorufin), BR (7-benzyloxyresorufin), CEC (3-cyano-7-ethoxycoumarin),
      DBF (dibenzylfluorescein) and BFC (7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin).
      Furthermore, we related the metabolic activities to the accumulation patterns of
      41 PCB congeners in the muscle of these organisms. The results indicated a marked
      difference in the presence and activities of CYP isoforms between fish and the
      crustacean A. antennatus. Liver microsomes of the three selected fish species
      were capable of metabolizing all six CYP-mediated substrates and enzymes were
      identified as primarily belonging to CYP1A and CYP3A subfamilies. In contrast,
      hepatopancreas microsomes from A. antennatus only showed activity for PR and DBF
      substrates, generally related to mammalian CYP2-like enzymes. Furthermore, a
      direct relationship between metabolic activities and PCB accumulation profiles
      could be established. Results revealed that A. antennatus accumulated
      significantly higher proportions of PCBs 28, 52, 118, 138, 158 and 169 than fish,
      which is in accordance with the previously observed lack of CYP1A-like
      biotransformation capacities. Moreover, A. antennatus exhibited lower levels of
      PCBs 87, 149, 153, 170, 180, 183, 194 and 206 indicating that this crustacean is
      able to metabolize congeners considered mammalian CYP2B inducers. Hence, the
      present findings highlight the role of CYP-mediated metabolism in the congener
      specific accumulation of PCBs in aquatic organisms and stress the need to further
      investigate quantitative and qualitative differences in xenobiotic metabolism
      among animal groups.

PMID- 22093814
TI  - Leflunomide for cytomegalovirus: bench to bedside.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among
      transplant recipients, frequently engaging the clinician in a struggle to balance
      graft preservation with control of CMV disease. Leflunomide has been shown to
      have immunosuppressive activity in experimental allograft models together with
      antiviral activity inhibiting CMV both in vitro and in vivo. Data are emerging
      about its potential role in ganciclovir-sensitive and -resistant CMV, primarily
      by virtue of a unique mechanism inhibiting virion assembly, as opposed to
      inhibition of viral DNA synthesis by current agents. This review aims to put in
      perspective, the knowledge acquired in the last decade or so on leflunomide for
      CMV. Evidence suggests that it might have activity against human CMV with good
      oral bioavailability and, more importantly in the resource-poor setting, is
      economical. Although the data presented here are not from randomized trials,
      several relevant observations have been made that could influence future, more
      structured assessments of the drug. An immune suppressive compound with antiviral
      features and experimental activity in chronic rejection is an attractive
      combination for organ transplantation, and it appears that leflunomide may just
      fit that niche.

PMID- 22093815
TI  - Association of pain with behavioral and psychiatric symptoms among nursing home
      residents with cognitive impairment: results from the SHELTER study.
AB  - The etiology of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms is generally considered to be
      multifactorial, and these symptoms often indicate a need for care or assistance,
      which may include the presence of uncontrolled pain. The aim of this cross
      sectional study was to assess the association of pain with behavioral and
      psychiatric symptoms in a population of nursing home (NH) residents with
      cognitive impairment in Europe. Data are from the SHELTER project, which contains
      information on NH residents in 8 countries. Pain was defined as any type of
      physical pain or discomfort in any part of the body in the 3 days before the
      assessment. The mean age of 2822 cognitively impaired residents entering the
      study was 84.1 (standard deviation 9.1)years, and 2110 (74.8%) were women. Of the
      total sample, 538 residents (19.1%) presented with pain. After adjusting for
      potential confounders, pain was significantly and positively associated with
      socially inappropriate behavior (odds ratio [OR] 1.37; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.04-1.80), resistance to care (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.08-1.83), abnormal thought
      process (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.16-1.90), and delusions (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.07-2.03). A
      borderline inverse association was observed with wandering (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.55
      1.00). In conclusion, this cross-sectional study provides evidence from a large
      sample of frail elderly showing an association between pain and behavioral and
      psychiatric symptoms. Treatment models that put together assessment and treatment
      of pain and evaluate their effect on behavioral and psychiatric symptoms are
      needed.

PMID- 22093816
TI  - Pain-related avoidance versus endurance in primary care patients with subacute
      back pain: psychological characteristics and outcome at a 6-month follow-up.
AB  - Recent research has found individual differences in back pain patients due to
      behavioral avoidance vs persistence. However, there is a lack of prospective
      studies of nonspecific low back pain patients. The avoidance-endurance model
      (AEM) suggests at least 3 pathways leading to chronic pain: fear-avoidance
      response, distress-endurance response, and eustress-endurance response. We sought
      to compare these 3 maladaptive subgroups with an adaptive group using a
      classification tool that included the following scales: the thought suppression
      and behavioral endurance subscale of the Avoidance-Endurance Questionnaire and
      the Beck Depression Inventory. The psychological characteristics, and pain and
      disability of the AEM subgroups were investigated. We report results from 177
      patients with subacute nonspecific low back pain at the start of outpatient
      treatment and at follow-up after 6 months. At baseline, a multivariate analysis
      of variance found that the fear-avoidance patients scored higher in pain
      catastrophizing than the other groups. The distress-endurance patients displayed
      elevated anxiety/depression and helplessness/hopelessness accompanied with the
      highest scores in the classification variables thought suppression and
      persistence behavior. The eustress-endurance patients had the highest
      humor/distraction scores, pain persistence, and positive mood despite pain. All 3
      maladaptive groups revealed a higher pain intensity than the adaptive patients at
      follow-up after 6 months; however, disability at follow-up was elevated only in
      the fear-avoidance and distress-endurance patients. The study provides
      preliminary evidence for the construct and prospective validity of AEM-based
      subgroups of subacute, nonspecific back pain patients. The results suggest the
      need for individually targeted cognitive behavioral treatments in the maladaptive
      groups.

PMID- 22093817
TI  - Validity and generalizability of the Withdrawal Assessment Tool-1 (WAT-1) for
      monitoring iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome in pediatric patients.
AB  - Critically ill pediatric patients frequently receive prolonged analgesia and
      sedation to provide pain relief and facilitate intensive care therapies.
      Iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome occurs when these drugs are stopped abruptly or
      weaned too rapidly. We investigated the validity and generalizability of the
      Withdrawal Assessment Tool-1 (WAT-1) in children during weaning of analgesics and
      sedatives. Of 308 children initially supported on mechanical ventilation for
      acute respiratory failure, 126 (41%) from 21 centers (median age 1.6 years;
      interquartile range 0.6-7.7 years) were exposed to 5 or more days of opioids.
      Subjects were assessed for withdrawal symptoms with the WAT-1, an 11-item (12
      point) scale, from the first day of weaning from analgesia/sedation until 72 h
      after the last opioid dose. A total of 836 daily WAT-1 assessments were
      completed, with a median (interquartile range) WAT-1 score of 2 (0-4) over 6 (3
      9) days per subject. There were no significant differences in WAT-1 scores as a
      function of age. Factor analyses confirmed that motor-related symptoms and
      behavioral state accounted for the most variance in WAT-1 scores. Supporting
      construct validity, cumulative opioid exposures were greater [40.2 (19.7-83.4) vs
      17.6 (14.6-39.7) mg/kg, P=.004], length of opioid treatment before weaning was
      longer [7 (6-11) vs 5 (5-8)days, P=.004], and length of weaning from opioids was
      longer [10 (6-14) vs 6 (3-9)days, P=.008] in subjects with WAT-1 scores of >= 3
      compared to subjects with WAT-1 scores of <3. The WAT-1 shows good psychometric
      performance and generalizability when used to assess clinically important
      withdrawal symptoms in pediatric intensive care and general ward settings.

PMID- 22093818
TI  - A higher response of plasma neuropeptide Y, growth hormone, leptin levels and
      extracellular glycerol levels in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue to
      Acipimox during exercise in patients with bulimia nervosa: single-blind,
      randomized, microdialysis study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an important central orexigenic hormone
      predominantly produced by the hypothalamus, and recently found to be secreted in
      adipose tissue (AT). Acipimox (Aci) inhibits lipolysis in AT and reduces plasma
      glycerol and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Exercise and Aci are enhancers of
      growth hormone (GH) and NPY secretion and exercise may alter leptin levels. We
      expect to find abnormal neuropeptidergic response in plasma and AT in patients
      with bulimia nervosa (BN). We hypothesize that Aci influences these peptides via
      a FFA-independent mechanism and that Aci inhibits lipolysis through a cyclic
      adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent pathway. Dysregulations of the AT-brain
      axis peptides might be involved in binge eating as is the case in BN. METHODS:
      The objective of this study was to determine the responses of plasma NPY, GH,
      leptin, FFA and glycerol levels to exercise in BN patients and healthy women (C)
      given the anti-lipolytic drug Aci or placebo. The secondary objective of this
      study was to compare the responses of extracellular glycerol levels and plasma
      glycerol levels to exercise alone or together with Aci administration in BN
      patients and C women. Extracellular glycerol was measured in vivo in subcutaneous
      (sc) abdominal AT using microdialysis. Eight BN and eight C women were recruited
      for this single-blind, randomized study. Aci or placebo was given 1 hour before
      the exercise (45 min, 2 W/kg of lean body mass [LBM]). NPY, GH, leptin, FFA,
      glycerol plasma and AT glycerol levels were measured using commercial kits.
      RESULTS: The primary outcome of this study was that the exercise with Aci
      administration resulted in plasma NPY and GH increase (after a 45-minute
      exercise) and leptin (after a 90-minute post-exercise recovering phase) increased
      more in BN patients. The secondary outcomes of this study were that the exercise
      with Aci administration induced a higher decrease of extracellular glycerol in BN
      patients compared to the C group, while the exercise induced a higher increase of
      glycerol concentrations in sc abdominal AT of BN patients. Plasma glycerol levels
      decreased more in BN patients and plasma FFA levels were depressed in both groups
      after the exercise with Aci administration. The exercise induced similar
      increases in plasma NPY, GH, FFA and glycerol levels, and a similar decrease in
      the plasma leptin level in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the results of a
      single-blind, randomized, microdialysis study, i.e. that the Aci-induced
      elevation in plasma NPY and GH levels during the exercise is higher in BN
      patients and that Aci increased plasma leptin levels in the post-exercise
      recovering phase (90-minute) more in BN patients. The post-exercise rise (45
      minute) in AT glycerol is much more attenuated by acute Aci treatment in BN
      patients. Simultaneously, we found facilitated turnover of plasma glycerol after
      the exercise together with Aci administration in BN. Our results support the
      hypotheses that Aci exerts an effect on the FFA-independent and cAMP-dependent
      mechanism. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register
      (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000955910.

PMID- 22093819
TI  - Effects of a human plasma membrane-associated sialidase siRNA on prostate cancer
      invasion.
AB  - Human plasma membrane-associated sialidase (Neu3) is one of several sialidases
      that hydrolyze sialic acids in the terminal position of the carbohydrate groups
      of glycolipids and glycoproteins. Neu3 is mainly localized in plasma membranes
      and plays crucial roles in the regulation of cell surface functions. In this
      study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of Neu3 on cell
      invasion and migration in vivo and in vitro. Initially, we found that the levels
      of Neu3 expression were higher in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines than in
      normal prostate tissues based on RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. We then
      applied a Neu3 siRNA approach to block Neu3 signaling using PC-3M cells as model
      cells. Transwell invasion assays and wound assays showed significantly decreased
      invasion and migration potential in the Neu3 siRNA-transfected cells. RT-PCR and
      Western blotting analyses revealed that Neu3 knockdown decreased the expressions
      of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9. In vivo, mice injected with PC
      3M cell tumors were evaluated by SPECT/CT to determine the presence of bone
      metastases. Mice treated with attenuated Salmonella carrying the Neu3 siRNA
      developed fewer bone metastases than mice treated with attenuated Salmonella
      carrying a control Scramble siRNA, attenuated Salmonella alone or PBS. The
      results for bone metastasis detection by pathology were consistent with the data
      obtained by SPECT/CT. Tumor blocks were evaluated by histochemical, RT-PCR and
      Western blotting analyses. The results revealed decreased expressions of MMP-2
      and MMP-9 at the mRNA and protein levels. Taken together, the present findings
      suggest that Neu3 is a promising molecular target for the prevention of prostate
      cancer metastasis.

PMID- 22093820
TI  - Expression and characterization of recombinant kurtoxin, an inhibitor of T-type
      voltage-gated calcium channels.
AB  - Kurtoxin, a 63-amino acid peptide stabilized by four disulfide bonds, is the
      first reported peptide inhibitor of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels.
      Although T-type calcium channels have been implicated in a number of disease
      states, including epilepsy, chronic pain, hypertension and cancer, the lack of
      selective inhibitors has slowed progress in understanding their precise roles.
      Kurtoxin is a potentially valuable tool with which to study T-type calcium
      channels. However, because of the limited availability of the native protein,
      little is known about the structure and molecular mechanism of kurtoxin. Here we
      report the expression of kurtoxin in Escherichia coli and the structural and
      functional characterization of the recombinant protein. The disulfide bond
      pairings and secondary structure of recombinant kurtoxin were characterized
      through enzymatic cleavage, mass analysis and CD spectroscopy. Recombinant
      kurtoxin almost completely inhibited the T-type calcium channel in a manner
      identical to the native toxin. The availability of recombinant kurtoxin that is
      identical to the native toxin should help in the study of T-type calcium channels
      and enable development of new strategies for producing even more-selective T-type
      calcium channel inhibitors and for investigating the molecular basis of the toxin
      channel interactions.

PMID- 22093821
TI  - Use of human hepatocyte-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells as
      a model for hepatocytes in hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - Host tropism of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is limited to human and chimpanzee. HCV
      infection has never been fully understood because there are few conventional
      models for HCV infection. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte
      like (iPS-Hep) cells have been expected to use for drug discovery to predict
      therapeutic activities and side effects of compounds during the drug discovery
      process. However, the suitability of iPS-Hep cells as an experimental model for
      HCV research is not known. Here, we investigated the entry and genomic
      replication of HCV in iPS-Hep cells by using HCV pseudotype virus (HCVpv) and HCV
      subgenomic replicons, respectively. We showed that iPS-Hep cells, but not iPS
      cells, were susceptible to infection with HCVpv. The iPS-Hep cells expressed HCV
      receptors, including CD81, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), claudin-1,
      and occludin; in contrast, the iPS cells showed no expression of SR-BI or claudin
      1. HCV RNA genome replication occurred in the iPS-Hep cells. Anti-CD81 antibody,
      an inhibitor of HCV entry, and interferon, an inhibitor of HCV genomic
      replication, dose-dependently attenuated HCVpv entry and HCV subgenomic
      replication in iPS-Hep cells, respectively. These findings suggest that iPS-Hep
      cells are an appropriate model for HCV infection.

PMID- 22093822
TI  - Preparation and characterization of cobalt-substituted anthrax lethal factor.
AB  - Anthrax lethal factor (LF) is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase involved in the
      cleavage of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases near their N-termini. The
      current report concerns the preparation of cobalt-substituted LF (CoLF) and its
      characterization by electronic spectroscopy. Two strategies to produce CoLF were
      explored, including (i) a bio-assimilation approach involving the cultivation of
      LF-expressing Bacillus megaterium cells in the presence of CoCl(2), and (ii)
      direct exchange by treatment of zinc-LF with CoCl(2). Independent of the method
      employed, the protein was found to contain one Co(2+) per LF molecule, and was
      shown to be twice as active as its native zinc counterpart. The electronic
      spectrum of CoLF suggests the Co(2+) ion to be five-coordinate, an observation
      similar to that reported for other Co(2+)-substituted gluzincins, but distinct
      from that documented for the crystal structure of native LF. Furthermore,
      spectroscopic studies following the exposure of CoLF to thioglycolic acid (TGA)
      revealed a sequential mechanism of metal removal from LF, which likely involves
      the formation of an enzyme: Co(2+):TGA ternary complex prior to demetallation of
      the active site. CoLF reported herein constitutes the first spectroscopic probe
      of LF's active site, which may be utilized in future studies to gain further
      insight into the enzyme's mechanism and inhibitor interactions.

PMID- 22093823
TI  - Mode of ATM-dependent suppression of chromosome translocation.
AB  - It is well documented that deficiency in ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)
      protein leads to elevated frequency of chromosome translocation, however, it
      remains poorly understood how ATM suppresses translocation frequency. In the
      present study, we addressed the mechanism of ATM-dependent suppression of
      translocation frequency. To know frequency of translocation events in a whole
      genome at once, we performed centromere/telomere FISH and scored dicentric
      chromosomes, because dicentric and translocation occur with equal frequency and
      by identical mechanism. By centromere/telomere FISH analysis, we confirmed that
      chemical inhibition or RNAi-mediated knockdown of ATM causes 2 to 2.5-fold
      increase in dicentric frequency at first mitosis after 2 Gy of gamma-irradiation
      in G0/G1. The FISH analysis revealed that ATM/p53-dependent G1 checkpoint
      suppresses dicentric frequency, since RNAi-mediated knockdown of p53 elevated
      dicentric frequency by 1.5-fold. We found ATM also suppresses dicentric
      occurrence independently of its checkpoint role, as ATM inhibitor showed
      additional effect on dicentric frequency in the context of p53 depletion and
      Chk1/2 inactivation. Epistasis analysis using chemical inhibitors revealed that
      ATM kinase functions in the same pathway that requires kinase activity of DNA
      dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to suppress dicentric
      frequency. From the results in the present study, we conclude that ATM minimizes
      translocation frequency through its commitment to G1 checkpoint and DNA double
      strand break repair pathway that requires kinase activity of DNA-PKcs.

PMID- 22093824
TI  - 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates progesterone receptor
      transcriptional activity in breast cancer cells.
AB  - The steroid hormone progesterone is an essential regulator of the cellular
      processes that are required for the development and maintenance of reproductive
      function. The diverse effects of progesterone are mediated by the progesterone
      receptor (PR). The functions of the PR are regulated not only by ligands but also
      by modulators of various cell signaling pathways. However, it is not clear which
      energy state regulates PR activity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a
      serine/threonine protein kinase, is a key modulator of energy homeostasis. Once
      activated by an increasing cellular AMP:ATP ratio, AMPK switches off ATP
      consuming processes and switches on ATP-producing processes. We found that both 5
      aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and metformin,
      traditional pharmacological activators of AMPK, inhibited the PR pathway, as
      evidenced by progesterone response element (PRE)-driven luciferase activity and
      PR target gene expression. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, partly but
      significantly reversed the anti-PR effects of AICAR and metformin. The
      downregulation of endogenous AMPK by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) stimulated
      PR activity. AMPK activation by AICAR decreased the progesterone-induced
      phosphorylation of PR at serine 294 and inhibited the recruitment of PR to an
      endogenous PRE. Taken together, our data suggest that AMPK, an energy sensor, is
      involved in the regulation of PR signaling.

PMID- 22093825
TI  - Expression of the prion-like protein Shadoo in the developing mouse embryo.
AB  - The prion-like protein Shadoo has been suggested to compensate for the lack of
      PrP in Prnp-knockout mice, explaining their lack of extreme phenotype. In adult
      mice, both PrP and Shadoo have shown overlapping expression patterns and shared
      functions. Their expression in the mouse embryo has also been suggested to be
      complementary, as invalidation of both genes results in embryonic lethality. The
      developmental expression profile of PrP has been described from post-implantation
      stages up until birth. However the spatial expression pattern of Shadoo in the
      developing mouse embryo is not known. We previously described the expression
      profile of the prion-like protein Shadoo in adult mice using Sprn reporter mice
      (Sprn-GFP and Sprn-LacZ). Here we used these mice to describe the developmental
      expression of Shadoo between 10.5 and 14.5 dpc. The observed pattern in specific
      embryonic cell lineages and in extra-embryonic tissues is consistent with the
      previously reported phenotype resulting from its knockdown.

PMID- 22093826
TI  - Transgenic overexpression of bone morphogenetic protein 11 propeptide in skeleton
      enhances bone formation.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic protein 11 (BMP11) is a key regulatory protein in skeletal
      development. BMP11 propeptide has been shown to antagonize GDF11 activity in
      vitro. To explore the role of BMP11 propeptide in skeletal formation in vivo, we
      generated transgenic mice with skeleton-specific overexpression of BMP11
      propeptide cDNA. The mice showed a transformation of the seventh cervical
      vertebra into a thoracic vertebra in our previous report. Presently, further
      characterizations of the transgenic mice indicated that ossification in calvatia
      was dramatically enhanced in transgenic fetuses at 16.5 dpc in comparison with
      their wild-type littermates. At 10 weeks of age, bone mineral content and bone
      mineral density were significantly (P<0.05) higher in transgenic mice than that
      in their wild-type littermates based on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
      analysis. The relative trabecular bone volume measured by histological analysis
      was dramatically increased in transgenic mice compared with their wild-type
      littermates. The enhanced bone formations in the transgenic mice appear to result
      from increase osteoblast activities as the expressions of four osteoblast markers
      - alpha1 type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and phex were
      significantly higher in transgenic fetuses than that in their wild-type
      littermates. These results suggest that over-expression of BMP11 propeptide
      stimulates bone formation by increasing osteoblast cell functions.

PMID- 22093827
TI  - Involvement of leucine zipper transcription factor-like protein 1 (Lztfl1) in the
      attenuation of cognitive impairment by exercise training.
AB  - It is well known that exercise prevents and reduces cognitive impairment. In the
      present study, we focused on exercise training as a tool to prevent cognitive
      impairment, and searched for novel molecules that may relate to the prevention of
      cognitive impairment in the hippocampus. Two-month-old senescence-accelerated
      mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice were subjected to voluntary exercise training by
      running on a wheel for 4 months, and were then assigned a conditioned fear memory
      test. Moreover, various mRNA levels in the hippocampus were examined by DNA array
      analysis and real-time PCR. Contextual fear memory in SAMP8 control mice was
      significantly impaired compared with that in non-senescence mice. Exercise
      training definitely attenuated such cognitive impairment. The results of real
      time PCR analysis that was conducted following DNA array analysis in the
      hippocampus revealed that, compared with SAMR8 control mice, the expression
      levels of leucine zipper transcription factor-like protein 1 (Lztfl1) mRNA were
      significantly higher in SAMP8 mice subjected to exercise training. In addition,
      the overexpression of Lztfl1 promoted neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2a cells. These
      results suggest that exercise has a preventive effect on cognitive impairment in
      SAMP8 mice, and that exercise-induced increase in Lztfl1 induces neurite
      outgrowth.

PMID- 22093828
TI  - Characterisation and comparison of the chicken H1 RNA polymerase III promoter for
      short hairpin RNA expression.
AB  - The U6 and 7SK RNA polymerase III promoters are widely used in RNAi research for
      the expression of shRNAs. However, with their increasing use in vitro and in
      vivo, issues associated with cytotoxicity have become apparent with their use.
      Therefore, alternative promoters such as the weaker H1 promoter are becoming a
      popular choice. With interest in the chicken as a model organism, we aimed to
      identify and characterise the chicken H1 promoter for the expression of shRNAs
      for the purpose of RNAi. The chicken H1 promoter was isolated and sequence
      analysis identified conserved RNA polymerase III promoter elements. A shRNA
      expression cassette containing the chicken H1 promoter and shRNA targeting
      enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was developed. An RNAse protection
      assay confirmed activity of the promoter determined by the detection of expressed
      shRNAs. Comparison of the H1 promoter to the chicken RNA polymerase III 7SK and
      U6 promoters demonstrated that expressed shRNAs from the H1 promoter induced gene
      specific silencing, albeit to lower levels in comparison to both 7SK and U6
      promoters. Here we have identified a new tool for RNAi research with specific
      applications to the chicken. The availability of a RNA polymerase III promoter
      that drives shRNA expression to reduced levels will greatly benefit in ovo/in
      vivo applications where there are concerns of cytotoxicity resulting from
      overexpression of an shRNA.

PMID- 22093829
TI  - Crystal structure and thermostability of a putative alpha-glucosidase from
      Thermotoga neapolitana.
AB  - Glycoside hydrolase family 4 (GH4) represents an unusual group of glucosidases
      with a requirement for NAD(+), Mn(2+), and reducing conditions. We found a
      putative alpha-glucosidase belonging to GH4 in hyperthermophilic Gram-negative
      bacterium Thermotoga neapolitana. In this study, we recombinantly expressed the
      putative alpha-glycosidase from T. neapolitana, and determined the crystal
      structure of the protein at a resolution of 2.0A in the presence of Mn(2+) but in
      the absence of NAD(+). The structure showed the dimeric assembly and the Mn(2+)
      coordination that other GH4 enzymes share. In comparison, we observed structural
      changes in T. neapolitana alpha-glucosidase by the binding of NAD(+), which also
      increased the thermostability. Numerous arginine-mediated salt-bridges were
      observed in the structure, and we confirmed that the salt bridges correlated with
      the thermostability of the proteins. Disruption of the salt bridge that linked N
      terminal and C-terminal parts at the surface dramatically decreased the
      thermostability. A mutation that changed the internal salt bridge to a hydrogen
      bond also decreased the thermostability of the protein. This study will help us
      to understand the function of the putative glucosidase and the structural
      features that affect the thermostability of the protein.

PMID- 22093830
TI  - Gold nanoparticle-assisted delivery of small, highly structured RNA into the
      nuclei of human cells.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be
      used as a general platform for loading and delivering DNA oligonucleotides and
      short hairpin RNA to living systems. Here, we report the ability of
      functionalized AuNP to deliver RNA aptamers into the nuclei of human cells. An in
      vitro-synthesized RNA aptamer specific to the beta-catenin protein was delivered
      into the HepG2 human cell line more efficiently via functionalized AuNP than
      liposome-based delivery, and resulted in nearly complete inhibition of beta
      catenin binding to the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB in the nucleus. This inhibition
      led to repression of NF-kappaB p50-dependent transcription of CRP. Also, the beta
      catenin aptamer in the nucleus led to down-regulation of beta-catenin-mediated
      transcriptional activity through the TCF complex and resulted in decrease in the
      levels of cyclin D, and c-myc mRNA by ~47% and ~57%, respectively. In addition,
      we used functionalized AuNP to deliver another RNA aptamer targeted to the p50
      subunit of NF-kappaB into the A549 human cell line, and this was sufficient to
      induce apoptosis of the cells. Our findings demonstrate that AuNP GDS can be used
      to deliver small, highly structured RNA aptamers into the nucleus of human cells
      where they modulate the activity of transactivators by interacting with target
      proteins.

PMID- 22093831
TI  - Nkx3.2-induced suppression of Runx2 is a crucial mediator of hypoxia-dependent
      maintenance of chondrocyte phenotypes.
AB  - Hypoxia is a key factor in the maintenance of chondrocyte identity. However,
      crucial chondrogenic transcription factors in the Sox families are not activated
      in this phenomenon, indicating that other pathways are involved. Nkx3.2 is a well
      known chondrogenic transcription factor induced by Sonic hedgehog (Shh); it
      suppresses a key osteogenic transcriptional factor, Runt-related transcription
      factor 2 (Runx2), to maintain the chondrogenic phenotype in mesenchymal lineages.
      The purpose of this study was to examine the function of Nkx3.2 in hypoxia
      dependent maintenance of chondrocyte identity. C3H10T1/2 pluripotent mesenchymal
      cells were cultured with rh-BMP2 (300 ng/ml) to induce chondrogenesis under
      normoxic (20% O(2)) or hypoxic (5% O(2)) conditions. Immunohistological detection
      of Nkx3.2 in a micromass cell culture system revealed that hypoxia promoted
      expression of the Nkx3.2 protein. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that hypoxia
      promoted Nkx3.2 mRNA expression and suppressed Runx2 mRNA expression; however,
      Sox9 mRNA expression was not altered by oxygen conditions, as previously
      described. Over-expression of exogenous Nkx3.2 promoted glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
      production and inhibited Runx2 mRNA expression and, based on a dual luciferase
      assay, Runx2 promoter activity. Interestingly, downregulation of Nkx3.2 using
      RNAi abolished hypoxia-dependent GAG production and restored Runx2 mRNA
      expression and promoter activity. These results demonstrated that Nkx3.2
      dependent suppression of Runx2 was a crucial factor in hypoxia-dependent
      maintenance of chondrocyte identity.

PMID- 22093832
TI  - Triptolide inhibits COX-2 expression by regulating mRNA stability in TNF-alpha
      treated A549 cells.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) over-expression is frequently associated with human non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and involved in tumor proliferation, invasion,
      angiogenesis and resistance to apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of
      triptolide on COX-2 expression in A549 cells were investigated and triptolide was
      found to inhibit TNF-alpha-induced COX-2 expression. In our further studies, it
      was found that triptolide decreased the half-life of COX-2 mRNA dramatically and
      that it inhibited 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) fluorescence reporter gene
      activity. Meanwhile, triptolide inhibited the HuR shuttling from nucleus to
      cytoplasm. After triptolide treatment, decreased COX-2 mRNA in pull-down
      experiments with anti-HuR antibodies was observed, indicating that the decreased
      cytoplasmic HuR is responsible for the decreased COX-2 mRNA. Taken together, our
      results provided evidence for the first time that triptolide inhibited COX-2
      expression by COX-2 mRNA stability modulation and post-transcriptional
      regulation. These results provide a novel mechanism of action for triptolide
      which may be important in the treatment of lung cancer.

PMID- 22093833
TI  - Role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in lipid metabolism: analysis based on
      a phage-display human liver cDNA library.
AB  - Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is a likely mediator of feedback
      inhibition on the leptin receptor and may cause physiological leptin-resistance,
      leading to the development of obesity. The aim of this study was to identify
      potential peptides interacting with purified SOCS3 by using a phage-display human
      liver cDNA library. We developed a T7 select phage-display system with purified
      SOCS3 as bait to screen a human liver cDNA library. After 4 rounds of screening
      and sequencing analysis, we found that phage-presenting peptide RGGVVTSNPLGF show
      significant binding to SOCS3. The peptide sequence was similar to the sequence of
      amino acids 644-655 of C-terminal extra-polypeptide of very-long-chain acyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase (VLCAD), which is 1 of 4 flavoproteins that catalyzing the initial
      step of the mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation, implying a close
      relationship between SOCS3 and VLCAD. We identified VLCAD as a novel SOCS3
      interacting protein both in vitro and vivo, and found that SOCS3 mediates the
      ubiquitination pathway for proteasomal degradation of VLCAD C-terminal extra
      polypeptide via its SOCS-box. Animal experimentation demonstrated that VLCAD is
      functionally involved in SOCS3 binding and thus, SOCS3 play an important role in
      the regulation of fatty acid beta-oxidation. In conclusion, SOCS3 is an important
      factor for lipid metabolism and a potential drug-target for treatment of
      widespread obesity.

PMID- 22093834
TI  - miR-125b suppresses the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells through
      down-regulation of STAT3.
AB  - There is accumulating evidence that microRNAs are involved in multiple processes
      in development and tumor progression. Abnormally expressed miR-125b was found to
      play a fundamental role in several types of cancer; however, whether miR-125b
      participates in regulating the initiation and progress of osteosarcoma still
      remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that miR-125b is frequently down-regulated
      in osteosarcoma samples and human osteosarcoma cell lines. The ectopic
      restoration of miR-125b expression in human osteosarcoma cells suppresses
      proliferation and migration in vitro and inhibits tumor formation in vivo. We
      further identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as
      the direct and functional downstream target of miR-125b. Interestingly, we
      discovered that the expression of miR-125b is regulated by STAT3 at the level of
      transcription. STAT3 binds to the promoter region of miR-125b in vitro and serves
      as a transactivator. Taken together, our findings point to an important role in
      the molecular etiology of osteosarcoma and suggest that miR-125b is a potential
      target in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

PMID- 22093835
TI  - Evaluation of a UCMK/dCK fusion enzyme for gemcitabine-mediated cytotoxicity.
AB  - While gemcitabine (2'-2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine, dFdC) displays wide-ranging
      antineoplastic activity as a single agent, variable response rates and poor
      intracellular metabolism often limit its clinical efficacy. In an effort to
      enhance dFdC cytotoxicity and help normalize response rates, we created a
      bifunctional fusion enzyme that combines the enzymatic activities of
      deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and uridine/cytidine monophosphate kinase (UCMK) in a
      single polypeptide. Our goal was to evaluate whether the created fusion could
      induce beneficial, functional changes toward dFdC, expedite dFdC conversion to
      its active antimetabolites and consequently amplify cell dFdC sensitivity. While
      kinetic analyses revealed the UCMK/dCK fusion enzyme to possess both native
      activities, the fusion rendered cells sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of dFdC
      at the same level as dCK expression alone. These results suggest that increased
      wild-type UCMK expression does not provide a significant enhancement in dFdC
      mediated cytotoxicity and may warrant the implementation of studies aimed at
      engineering UCMK variants with improved activity toward gemcitabine
      monophosphate.

PMID- 22093836
TI  - A structural model of the HIV-1 Rev-integrase complex: the molecular basis of
      integrase regulation by Rev.
AB  - The HIV-1 Rev and integrase (IN) proteins control important functions in the
      viral life cycle. We have recently discovered that the interaction between these
      proteins results in inhibition of IN enzymatic activity. Peptides derived from
      the Rev and IN binding interfaces have a profound effect on IN catalytic
      activity: Peptides derived from Rev inhibit IN, while peptides derived from IN
      stimulate IN activity by inhibiting the Rev-IN interaction. This inhibition leads
      to multi integration, genomic instability and specific death of virus-infected
      cells. Here we used protein docking combined with refinement and energy function
      ranking to suggest a structural model for the Rev-IN complex. Our results
      indicate that a Rev monomer binds IN at two sites that match our experimental
      binding data: (1) IN residues 66-80 and 118-128; (2) IN residues 174-188.
      According to our model, IN binds Rev and its cellular cofactor, lens epithelium
      derived growth factor (LEDGF), through overlapping interfaces. This supports
      previous observations that IN is regulated by a tight interplay between Rev and
      LEDGF. Rev may bind either the IN dimer or tetramer. Accordingly, Rev is
      suggested to inhibit IN by two possible mechanisms: (i) shifting the
      oligomerization equilibrium of IN from an active dimer to an inactive tetramer;
      (ii) displacing LEDGF from IN, resulting in inhibition of IN binding to the viral
      DNA. Our model is expected to contribute to the development of lead compounds
      that inhibit the Rev-IN interaction and thus lead to multi-integration of viral
      cDNA and consequently to apoptosis of HIV-1 infected cells.

PMID- 22093837
TI  - Novel multi-component enzyme machinery in lactic acid bacteria catalyzing C=C
      double bond migration useful for conjugated fatty acid synthesis.
AB  - Linoleic acid isomerase was identified as a multi-component enzyme system that
      consists of three enzymes that exist in both the membrane and soluble fractions
      of Lactobacillus plantarum. One enzyme (CLA-HY) is present in the membrane
      fraction, while two enzymes (CLA-DH and CLA-DC) exist in the soluble fraction.
      Three Escherichia coli transformants expressing CLA-HY, CLA-DH, and CLA-DC were
      constructed. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and 10-hydroxy-12-octadecenoic acid
      were generated from linoleic acid only when all these three E. coli transformants
      were used as catalysts simultaneously. CLA-HY catalyzed the hydration reaction, a
      part of linoleic acid isomerization, to produce 10-hydroxy-12-octadecenoic acid.
      This multi-component enzyme system required oxidoreduction cofactors such as NADH
      and FAD. This is the first report to reveal enzymes genes and the elaborate
      machinery that synthesizes CLA, especially an important isomer of cis-9, trans-11
      CLA, in lactic acid bacteria.

PMID- 22093838
TI  - [Norepinephrine-new milestone for treatment of shock].

PMID- 22093839
TI  - [Effects of statins on mortality in patients with infection: a systematic
      review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the literatures regarding the effect of
      statins on mortality in patients with infection. METHODS: PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of
      Science and CNKI databases from 2000 to 2010 were searched. And the clinical
      trials on statins-related mortality in patients with infection were identified by
      electronic and manual searching. A systematic review of relevant data was
      conducted by the methods as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTS:
      Sixteen trials (11 retrospective and 5 prospective cohort studies) involving 8775
      cases in statins group and 46 539 in control group were included for analysis.
      The mortalities of infection were 5.2% (458/8775) and 18.6% (8637/46 539) in
      statins and control groups respectively. In comparison with control group,
      statins could reduce the mortality in patients with infection [OR = 0.51, (95%
      CI: 0.36 - 0.71); P < 0.000 01]. Prospective cohort studies observed 6774
      patients with infection whose survival were improved by statins [OR = 0.48, (95%
      CI: 0.24 - 0.94); P = 0.03]. It was consistent with the results of retrospective
      cohort studies [OR = 0.66, (95% CI: 0.58 - 0.75); P = 0.002] and large sample
      studies [OR = 0.56, (95% CI: 0.50 - 0.63); P = 0.02]. Statins lowered the short
      term mortality [OR = 0.47, (95% CI: 0.29 - 0.78); P = 0.004], but failed to
      improve the outcomes of severe septic patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) [OR =
      0.69, (95% CI: 0.32 - 1.48); P = 0.34]. CONCLUSION: Statins have favorable
      effects on the patients with infection, but there is no effect for severe septic
      patients in ICU. Further randomized controlled trials of a large sample size are
      warranted.

PMID- 22093840
TI  - [Impact of extended focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography protocol in
      septic shock patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of extended focus assessed transthoracic
      echocardiography (eFATE) in septic shock patients. METHODS: A total of 83 septic
      shock patients were recruited. And they were divided into the eFATE and routine
      groups. In the routine group, the patients were assessed by routine methods. And
      in the eFATE group, the following parameters of central venous pressure (CVP),
      mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI) and
      ScvO(2) (central venous oxygen saturation) were measured routinely. The PiCCO
      (pulse indicator continuous cardiac output) method was employed when needed. All
      parameters and the others [acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II
      (APACHEII) & lactate] were recorded every 6 h. At 6, 24, 72 h and 1 w, the fluid
      intake volumes were recorded. All values were analyzed by statistic methods. And
      the mortality rates of intensive care unit and Day 28 were recorded. RESULTS: In
      the eFATE group, the 24 h targeting rate was markedly higher than the routine
      group. Yet there was no effect on the 6 h targeting rate. In the eFATE group, the
      fluid intake volumes at 6, 24 h and 1 w were markedly lowered than those of the
      control group. And the myocardial inhibition occurred earlier versus the control
      group. There was no difference in mortality rate between two groups. CONCLUSION:
      eFATE plays an important role in the correct assessment of septic shock patients.
      But its prognostic impact remains to be further defined.

PMID- 22093841
TI  - [Effects of mechanical ventilation and positive end-expiratory on central venous
      pressure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mechanical ventilation and positive end
      expiratory pressure (PEEP) on central venous pressure (CVP). METHODS: Forty cases
      of respiratory failure with mechanical ventilation were enrolled. Catheter was
      inserted via subclavian vein in each. And then CVP was measured without
      mechanical ventilation and under different PEEP conditions of 0, 6 and 12 cm H2O.
      RESULTS: Mechanical ventilation could affect the levels of CVP, P(peak) ~
      PS+PEEP, followed PEEP, t = 3.364, P = 0.006. There was significant difference
      was found among the three groups, F = 15.293, P = 0.000. And CVP increased with a
      rising level of PEEP. CONCLUSION: Mechanical ventilation and PEEP affect the
      accuracy of CVP.

PMID- 22093842
TI  - [Psychiatric comorbidities in patients referred for irritable bowel syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients
      referred for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with questionnaires for mental
      disorders. METHODS: A total of 83 IBS patients at our hospital were enrolled and
      assessed with the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire for DSM-IV, version 4 (PDQ
      4) and Composite International Diagnostic Interview, version 3.0 and 2.1 (CIDI
      3.0 & CIDI-2.1) by trained interviewers. Such items as personality dysfunction,
      mental disorder and somatization disorder were examined. RESULTS: The male-female
      ratio was 1.08/1. Their mean age was (38 +/- 14) years old. Among them, 20
      patients (24.1%) were constipation-predominant, 31 (37.3%) diarrhea-predominant,
      15 (18.1%) mixed and 17 (20.5%) unclassified type. (1) Sixty-two (74.7%) patients
      scored positive for any personality dysfunction. There was no significant gender
      difference. The cluster C (anxious-fearful) personality disorder was most
      commonly found in IBS patients (n = 58, 69.9%). The prevalence of somatoform
      disorders plus personality dysfunction was 46.8% (29/62). It was significantly
      higher than those without personality dysfunction [19.0% (4/21), P = 0.025]. (2)
      Thirty-seven patients (44.6%) had a lifetime CIDI-3.0 diagnosis. It was
      significantly higher than that in the general population. There was no gender
      difference. Anxiety and mood disorders were the most common types of psychiatric
      comorbidities [n = 21 (25.3%) and n = 19 (22.9%) respectively]. The lifetime
      prevalence of alcohol or nicotine abuse and(or) dependence and intermittent
      explosive disorder were 10.8% (n = 9) and 8.4% (n = 7). Psychiatric comorbidities
      were most commonly found in diarrhea-predominant patients (58.1%). But there was
      no significant difference among the subgroups. (3) Thirty-three patients (39.8%)
      had somatoform disorders. Neither gender nor subgroup difference was observed.
      The IBS patients with anxiety disorders presented significantly more somatoform
      disorders than the remainders [61.9% (13/21) vs 32.3% (20/62), P = 0.016].
      CONCLUSION: Such psychiatric comorbidities as anxiety disorders and mood
      disorders are common in patients referred for IBS. The patients with personality
      dysfunction and(or) anxiety were more likely to suffer somatoform disorders. A
      gastroenterologist should grasp a thorough knowledge and make appropriate
      therapeutic recommendations for those patients.

PMID- 22093843
TI  - [Performance of current infection marker test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter
      pylori current infection: a multicenter clinical trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the ASSURE(TM) Helicobacter pylori (H.
      pylori) rapid test [current infection marker (CIM) kit, Genelabs Diagnostics] in
      detecting the current infection marker CIM for the diagnosis of H. pylori in
      adult patients. METHODS: For this multicenter and controlled clinical trial, a
      total of 300 patients with an average age of (41 +/- 16) years old were recruited
      from 7 participating hospitals. There were 128 men and 172 women, never received
      any H. pylori eradication therapy. Each subject received a (13)C-urea breath test
      ((13)C-UBT) and a CIM test. Such performance parameters as sensitivity,
      specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were determined
      by (13)C-UBT for the diagnosis of current H. pylori infection. RESULTS: According
      to the gold standard, there were 131 positive and 169 negative subjects. The
      accuracy rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values
      of CIM test were 89.0% (267/300), 87.8% (115/131), 89.9% (152/169), 87.1%
      (115/132) and 90.5% (152/168) respectively. CONCLUSION: As a simple, rapid,
      accurate and affordable assay, CIM test may be useful for a non-invasive
      diagnosis of H. pylori infection in cases without eradication therapy.

PMID- 22093844
TI  - [Value of peritoneoscopy via natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in
      the diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of peritoneoscopy via natural orifice
      transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in the diagnosis of patients with
      peritoneal carcinomatosis. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with peritoneal
      carcinomatosis were diagnosed by histological examination of biopsies at our
      hospital from April 2007 to October 2010. Their data of clinical manifestations,
      gastroscopy, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, abdominal computed
      tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ascitic cytology and transgastric
      peritoneoscopy via NOTES were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among them,
      gastrointestinal cancers were diagnosed by digestive endoscopy in 9 cases
      (28.1%). And ovarian lesions in 8 cases (25.0%), pancreatic cancer in 2 cases
      (6.3%), primary liver cancer in 2 cases (6.3%) and bile duct carcinoma in 1 case
      (3.1%) were suspected according to imaging examinations. No peritoneal
      carcinomatosis was found by digestive endoscopy or imaging examinations. Ascitic
      cytology was positive in 6 cases (18.8%). Peritoneal carcinomatosis was diagnosed
      by transgastric peritoneoscopy via NOTES with histological examination of
      biopsies in all patients. Their findings of transgastric peritoneoscopy via NOTES
      were divided into 5 types, i.e., mass type (n = 3, 9.4%), nodular type (n = 5,
      15.6%), ulcerative type (n = 1, 3.1%), omentum-embracing type (n = 1, 3.1%) and
      mixture type (n = 22, 68.8%). CONCLUSION: Transgastric peritoneoscopy via NOTES
      with histological examination of biopsies has important value in the pathologic
      diagnosis and the endoscopic typing of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

PMID- 22093845
TI  - [Age-related changes of normal adult inferior rectus muscle:analysis with dynamic
      contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the age-related changes of blood supply and extracellular
      space volume in normal adult inferior rectus muscle, evaluate the
      microcirculation in extraocular muscle and offer important information for the
      diagnosis and treatment of extraocular muscle disorders. METHODS: A total of 250
      patients undergoing nose-sinus dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging were studied. Five groups were divided according to age (20 - 30 yr old,
      30 - 40 yr old, 40 - 50 yr old, 50 - 60 yr old and over 60 yr old). The technique
      of 3DFSPGR (3-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-recalled) was used in dynamic
      contrast-enhanced imaging scanning 4 minutes and 59 seconds and acquiring 12
      phases. Time-intensity curves of orbital layer, global layer of inferior rectus
      muscle and temporal muscle ipsilaterally were drawn on post-process work station.
      From the curves, the values of SIpre, SImax and SIphase12 were obtained and then
      SIpeak (peak signal intensity), Tpeak (time of peak enhancement) and WR (washout
      ratio) computed. The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: SIpeak of orbital
      layer in all groups was as follows: 404.7 +/- 12.7, 395.1 +/- 15.9, 367.3 +/-
      5.1, 307.0 +/- 12.4 and 265.3 +/- 6.2 respectively. Tpeak: (85.2 +/- 1.0) s,
      (93.2 +/- 8.1) s, (106.8 +/- 4.6), (122.8 +/- 8.6) s and (133.0 +/- 0.8) s
      respectively. WR: (9.25 +/- 0.50)%, (8.25 +/- 0.50)%, (7.50 +/- 0.58)%, (4.75 +/-
      1.26)% and (3.50 +/- 1.73)% respectively. SIpeak of global layer in all groups
      was as follows:261.9 +/- 2.1, 256.6 +/- 1.1, 243.8 +/- 3.3, 225.4 +/- 4.9 and
      219.8 +/- 5.3 respectively. Tpeak: (157.8 +/- 1.7) s, (166.5 +/- 4.5) s, (173.2
      +/- 7.2) s, (192.8 +/- 9.1) s and (200.5 +/- 2.4) s respectively. WR: (7.25 +/-
      0.50)%, (6.27 +/- 0.00)%, (4.50 +/- 0.58)%, (3.75 +/- 0.50)% and (2.25 +/- 1.50)%
      respectively. SIpeak, Tpeak and WR of temporal muscle in all groups showed no
      statistical significance (P > 0.05). Tpeak increased while SIpeak and WR
      decreased with age. Furthermore the changes of Tpeak of orbital layer were more
      sensitive. CONCLUSION: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can
      non-invasively reflect the age-related changes of blood supply and extracellular
      space volume in normal adult inferior rectus muscle so as to offer important
      information for the diagnosis and treatment of extraocular muscle disorders.

PMID- 22093846
TI  - [A comparison study on cognitive function in patients with single subcortical
      lesion stroke of four different areas].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comparing the characteristics of cognitive impairment of patients with
      single subcortical lesion stroke of four different areas, we are to explore the
      cognitive function of the thalamus and basal ganglia and this is help for early
      identification of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). METHODS: 63 patients with
      single subcortical lesion stroke (including 14 left thalamic stoke group, 17 left
      basal ganglia stroke group, 15 right thalamic stroke group, 17 right basal
      ganglia stroke group) and 34 healthy subjects participated in the current study,
      whose age, sex and education were matched. A comprehensive neuropsychological
      battery was used for evaluation. RESULTS: Compared to the normal control group,
      there was an overall decline of cognitive functions in patients with single
      subcortical lesion stroke in memory, attention/executive function, language, and
      visuospatial ability (P < 0.05). The scores of the left thalamic stroke group
      were worse than the other three stroke groups in language (BNT16.6 +/- 2.6),
      auditory verbal learning test-immediate recall (12.8 +/- 4.4), auditory verbal
      learning test-delayed recall (2.4 +/- 2.3), listening recognition (19.1 +/- 3.1),
      structure delayed recall (9.1 +/- 4.7) and symbol digit modalities test-recall
      (0.9 +/- 1.1) (P < 0.05). However, the left basal ganglia stroke group did better
      in tests manipulated by the right hand [including Trial making test (part A)
      score (75 +/- 22), Trail making test (part B) score (204 +/- 81), Clock drawing
      test (23.5 +/- 4.6), Symbol digit modalities test (24 +/- 9)] than other three
      stroke group, as good as the normal group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Single
      subcortical stroke patients may have general, non-selective cognitive impairment.
      But, different stroke areas have their own characteristics. The scores of the
      left thalamic stroke group were worse than the other three stroke groups.

PMID- 22093847
TI  - [Evaluation of safety and anesthetic effect for ultrasound-guided cervical plexus
      block].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the influences upon the degree of diaphragmatic excursion
      during deep cervical plexus block at the third cervical vertebra (C3) and compare
      the safety and anesthetic effect of modified cervical plexus block by ultrasonic
      guidance and blocking of cervical plexus at one point. METHODS: Part I: 30
      patients of ASA (American society of anesthesiologists) I-II scheduled for
      thyroid surgery were selected for bilateral cervical plexus block at C3 and
      bilateral skin nerve branches via ultrasonic guidance. Diaphragmatic excursion
      was recorded. Part II: 80 patients of ASAI-II scheduled for thyroid surgery were
      randomly divided into 2 groups: experimental group (Group U) and control group
      (Group C). In Group U, modified cervical plexus block was used to fix both sides
      of C3 and skin nerve branches. The anesthetic mixture with 2% lidocaine and 0.75%
      ropivacaine was injected. And anesthetic effects and complications were detected.
      In control group, traditional one-point method for blocking cervical plexus was
      employed. RESULTS: High-frequency Doppler sonography could clearly visualize
      important neck structures and precisely guide the injection of mixture to the
      transverse process of C3. Diaphragmatic excursion decreased significantly at 15
      and 30 min post-blocking (P < 0.05). And no paralysis of diaphragmatic muscle
      occurred. Hoverer 3 cases had partial diaphragmatic paralysis. Both blood
      pressure and heart rate increased significantly post-blocking in both groups (P <
      0.05 or 0.01). In comparison with Group C, the range of blood pressure was
      notably lower at 10 and 20 min in Group U. And heart rate was notably lower at 5,
      10, 20 and 30 min (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Furthermore the onset time of skin nerve
      branches was significantly shorter in Group U (P < 0.01). And the anesthetic
      effect score was better than that in Group C (P < 0.01). The incidence of
      complications, such as hoarseness, was significantly lower in Group U (12 cases
      in Group C but none in Group U, P < 0.01) and Horner's syndrome (2 cases in Group
      C). The number of cases requiring hypotensor and heart rate control drug was
      significantly smaller in Group U than that in Group C (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      improving effect of ultrasound-guided cervical plexus block upon the degree of
      diaphragmatic movement is within the compensatory range of body. In comparison
      with the traditional one-point blocking of cervical plexus, the modified cervical
      plexus block with ultrasonic guidance offers better anesthetic effects, fewer
      complications and convenient anesthetic localization. Thus it may be clinically
      applicable.

PMID- 22093848
TI  - [Neuroendoscope-assisted surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous
      fistulas].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the utility of neuroendoscope-assisted surgery in the
      treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas. METHODS: From November 2008 to
      November 2010, 8 cases of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas underwent
      neuroendoscope-assisted surgical treatment by a hemilaminectomy approach.
      Retrospective analyses were performed for their clinical manifestations, imaging
      findings, surgical approaches, postoperative recovery and follow-up profiles.
      RESULTS: All were of single fistula. Under the assistance of neuroendoscope, the
      fistulas were found intra-operatively and the draining veins disconnected
      successfully. The results of post-operative angiography showed the disappearance
      of all draining veins. After a follow-up period of 3 - 35 months, 2 cases became
      asymptomatic, 5 cases improved obviously and 1 case had no change. CONCLUSION:
      Neuroendoscope-assisted surgery is mini-invasive, safe and effective in the
      treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

PMID- 22093849
TI  - [Value of bronchoalveolar lavage as a rescue measurement for systemic lupus
      erythematosus complicated with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of bronchoalveolar lavage as an emergency
      treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with concurrent diffuse
      alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). METHODS: A total of 21 SLE plus DAH patients were
      divided randomly into 2 groups. The patients in Group A received
      methylprednisolone 1000 mg/d for 3 days while those in Group B methylprednisolone
      1000 mg/d for 3 days in combination with a bronchoalveolar lavage. Partial
      pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygen
      saturation (SaO2) and Borg scale (BS) for quantitative evaluation of dyspnea were
      recorded before and after treatment. RESULTS: Except for PaCO2, all other
      parameters of blood gas analysis in all patients in Group A (P > 0.05) were
      better after treatment than before (all P < 0.05). After treatment, PaO2 and SaO2
      in Group B were higher than those in Group A (all P < 0.05), but PaCO2 was not
      markedly changed (P > 0.05). BS decreased significantly in both groups (both P <
      0.01). And more decrease was observed in Group B as compared with Group A after
      treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bronchoalveolar lavage plus a high-dose
      implosive therapy of methylprednisolone may alleviate hypoxemia and dyspnea in
      acute period of SLE complicated with DAH.

PMID- 22093850
TI  - [Prevention of peri-operative infection with sequential therapy of levofloxacin
      in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic assisted vaginal
      hysterectomy and transvaginal hysterectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and safety of sequential therapy of
      levofloxacin in the prevention of peri-operative infections among patients
      undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), laparoscopic assisted vaginal
      hysterectomy (LAVH) and transvaginal hysterectomy (TVH). METHODS: During 2009 -
      2010, a total of 50 patients with the indications for LH, LAVH or TVH at our
      hospital were recruited. Their age range was 18 - 65 years old. In fair general
      conditions, they had no severe infection of female reproductive system.
      Levofloxacin 500 mg was administered by an intravenous injection once daily and
      then orally once daily. RESULTS: The average duration of intravenous injection of
      levofloxacin was 4.3 days while and the duration of its oral administration 4.5
      days. No infection was seen in 48 patients with an efficient prevention rate of
      96.0%. Only 1 patient showed mild gastroenterological reactions. The side
      reaction rate was 2.0%. CONCLUSION: The sequential therapy of levofloxacin is
      both effective and safe in the prevention of peri-operative infections among
      patients undergoing LH, LAVH and TVH.

PMID- 22093851
TI  - [Evaluating radiation dose of 128-slice dual-source computed tomographic coronary
      angiography with different electrocardiogram pulsing models].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of heart rate frequency (HRF) and heart rate
      variability (HRV) on radiation exposure and image quality in a large cohort of
      patients undergoing DSCT (dual-source computed tomograph) coronary angiography
      with three different electrocardiogram (ECG) pulsing models, to prospectively
      investigate CT image quality parameters by using different protocols and to
      calculate the radiation dose estimates for noninvasive coronary angiography
      performed by DSCT. METHODS: Over a 1-month period, 253 consecutive patients were
      recruited and categorized into 3 groups: Group A:low HRF (<= 75 beats/min) with
      normal-minor heart rate variability (HRV) (mean interbeat difference (IBD), 0 -
      3), coronary CT angiography proceeding with prospective ECG-triggered flash
      spiral scan; Group B: intermediate-high HRF (> 75 beats/min) with normal-minor
      HRV (IBD, 0 - 4), with prospective ECG-triggered sequence scan; Group C:
      intermediate-high HRF (> 75 beats/min) with moderate-severe HRV (IBD >= 5) with
      retrospective ECG-gated spiral scan. RESULTS: CT coronary angiography yielded
      excellent image quality in 87.7% of patients (222/253). No significant
      differences were found among three groups with different HRF and HRV in image
      quality and diagnostic performance. Radiation exposure was significantly higher
      in patients with low versus high HRF and in patients with severe versus normal
      HRV. Significant difference (P < 0.001) was found among the effective doses of
      group A (mean +/- standard deviation, 0.602 +/- 0.363 mSv), group B (1.253 +/-
      0.804 mSv) and group C (9.039 +/- 5.657 mSv). CONCLUSION: The higher temporal
      resolution of dual-source spiral CT coronary angiography performed with adaptive
      ECG pulsing results in preserved diagnostic image quality and performance
      independent of HRF or HRV at the cost of limited dose reduction in arrhythmic
      patients.

PMID- 22093852
TI  - [Study on thoracoabdominal incision for thoracic esophageal carcinoma by rotation
      position].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical feasibility of thoracoabdominal incision for
      thoracic esophageal carcinoma by rotation position. METHODS: From January 2004 to
      December 2007, 126 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma performed
      operation by rotation position. There were 75 males and 51 females aged 46 to 78
      years. Tumor was located mid-esophagus in 74 patients, whereas sub-esophagus was
      present in 52 patients. All patients underwent esophagectomy by rotation position
      (thoracoabdominal incision). Thoracic and abdominal cavity were exposed well.
      RESULTS: All operations were completed successful. Anastomotic stoma was located
      right thorax. The mean number of tow-field lymph node dissection was 25.6. There
      was no mortality. Postoperative complication include pulmonary complication,
      incision infection, recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, arrhythmia. The operation
      time was significantly shortened by rotation position. The number of lymph node
      dissection was significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      demonstrated that thoracoabdominal incision for thoracic esophageal carcinoma by
      rotation position exposes the operation fields clearly and make radical
      lymphadenectomy thoroughly. Disease-free survival is significantly improved.

PMID- 22093853
TI  - [Diagnosis and surgical treatment for mediastinal hemangioma and lymphangioma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of the
      primary mediastinal hemangioma and lymphangioma. METHODS: We summarized the
      medical records of patients with primary mediastinal hemangioma or lymphangioma
      at our hospital from January 1998 to January 2009, then extracted relevant
      clinical data and carried out the retrospective analysis. RESULTS: There were 11
      patients in the whole group. The age range was 4 - 78 years old (average: 38.9).
      Six patients were symptom-free and most patients had not an accurate preoperative
      diagnosis. All patients underwent surgical procedures. The radical excision was
      accomplished in 10 cases and incomplete excision in 1 case. Two cases of
      surgically related complications were observed. All the cases were diagnosed by
      postoperative histopathological examination. There were hemangioma (n = 5),
      lymphangioma (n = 3) and hematolymphangioma (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: The operation
      should be performed once the diagnosis of hemangioma or lymphangioma is made.
      Radical excision should be performed to prevent a post-operative recurrence.

PMID- 22093855
TI  - Diabetes and insulin resistance in pediatric obesity.
AB  - Over the past 2 decades, the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) in children and adolescents has risen to epidemic proportions and
      disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities, who are at greater risk.
      The pathophysiology of T2DM is complex and involves insulin resistance,
      pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, and visceral adiposity. Current treatments of
      T2DM are limited to lifestyle intervention, metformin, and insulin therapy; use
      of these strategies in combination is often most effective. The role of research
      is to uncover simple biomarkers for insulin sensitivity and optimal and
      innovative treatment of insulin resistance and T2DM.

PMID- 22093854
TI  - Etiologies of obesity in children: nature and nurture.
AB  - Childhood obesity is a profoundly complex problem and serves as an example of a
      biospsychosocial issue. Scientific inquiry has provided incredible insight into
      the complex etiology of weight gain but must be viewed as an interaction between
      a human's propensity to conserve calories for survival in a world with an
      abundance of it. This article provides a brief overview divided between
      biological (nature) and psychosocial and behavioral (nurture) factors.

PMID- 22093857
TI  - Advances in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common cause of
      pediatric liver disease in the developed world. Children have a form of NAFLD
      that is pathologically distinct from adults. Although NAFLD remains a pathologic
      diagnosis, biomarkers and imaging studies hold promise as noninvasive means of
      both establishing the diagnosis and following the disease course. Significant
      advancements have recently been made in genetics, pathophysiology, and the
      treatment of NAFLD. The purpose of this article is to provide a clinically
      relevant review of pediatric NAFLD with an emphasis on recent developments in the
      field.

PMID- 22093856
TI  - Dyslipidemia and pediatric obesity.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States despite
      a reduction in mortality over the past 4 decades. Much of this success is
      attributed to public health efforts and more aggressive treatment of clinical
      disease. The rising rates of obesity and diabetes, especially among adolescents
      and young adults, raise concern for increases in mortality. National vital
      statistics have shown a leveling of cardiovascular disease death rates in the
      fifth decade of life. Public health efforts have begun to address childhood
      obesity. This article reviews the dyslipidemia associated with obesity in
      childhood and outlines a proposed approach to management.

PMID- 22093858
TI  - Psychological complications of pediatric obesity.
AB  - Psychological complications associated with pediatric obesity include low self
      esteem, depression, body dissatisfaction, loss-of-control eating, unhealthy and
      extreme weight control behaviors, impaired social relationships, obesity stigma,
      and decreased health-related quality of life. Bioecological models offer a
      framework for understanding the interaction between pediatric obesity and
      psychological complications and illustrate system-level approaches for prevention
      and intervention. As the medical setting is often the first point of contact for
      families, pediatricians are instrumental in the identification and referral of
      children with psychological complications. Motivational interviewing, patient
      talking points, brief screening measures, and referral resources are important
      tools in this process.

PMID- 22093860
TI  - Practical approaches to the treatment of severe pediatric obesity.
AB  - Pediatric obesity is a major public health threat. Obese children and adolescents
      are at increased risk for many medical and surgical conditions. These conditions
      may affect their quality of life and life expectancy. The rapidly progressive
      nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus within the first 5 years of obesity diagnosis
      is particularly concerning. Because health risk increases with degree of obesity,
      adolescents who may be eligible for more aggressive obesity treatment should be
      identified and counseled.

PMID- 22093859
TI  - Counseling and behavior change in pediatric obesity.
AB  - To effectively intervene with the overweight and obese youth, it is imperative
      that primary care providers and behavioral interventionists work in concert to
      help families implement healthy behaviors across socioenvironmental domains. In
      this article, the authors review current office-based counseling practices and
      provide evidence-based recommendations for addressing weight status and
      strategies for encouraging behavior change with children and families, primarily
      by increasing social support. By providing such collaborative targeted efforts,
      consistent health messages and support are delivered across children's everyday
      contexts, thereby helping the youth to achieve successful implementation of
      eating and activity behaviors and sustainable weight loss outcomes.

PMID- 22093861
TI  - Strategies for pediatric practitioners to increase fruit and vegetable
      consumption in children.
AB  - High intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) is associated with a decreased risk for
      many chronic diseases and may assist in weight management, but few children and
      adolescents consume the recommended amounts of FV. The pediatric practitioner can
      positively influence FV consumption of children through patient-level
      interventions (eg, counseling, connecting families to community resources),
      community-level interventions (eg, advocacy, community involvement), and health
      care facility-level interventions (eg, creating a healthy food environment in the
      clinical setting). This article reviews the importance of FV consumption,
      recommended intakes for children, and strategies by which pediatric practitioners
      can influence FV consumption of children.

PMID- 22093862
TI  - The role of added sugars in pediatric obesity.
AB  - This article provides an overview for pediatricians and other health care
      providers of the role of added sugars (caloric sweeteners) in the diets of US
      children and the recent evidence linking added sugar consumption to increased
      obesity and other chronic disease risk in children. The hypothesized biologic
      mechanisms for these associations are summarized, and evidence-based strategies
      are provided that may help children and their families to reduce their sugar
      consumption. Primary health care providers play an important role in assessing
      the added sugar intake of their patients and in providing nutrition and behavior
      change counselling to high-risk children and their families.

PMID- 22093863
TI  - Artificial sweetener use among children: epidemiology, recommendations, metabolic
      outcomes, and future directions.
AB  - This review summarizes the literature pertaining to the epidemiology and current
      recommendations for pediatric artificial sweetener use and presents the results
      of studies investigating metabolic responses to artificial sweeteners among
      children. An understanding of the research previously conducted and the gaps that
      remain will inform future clinical and translational research, to develop
      evidence-based recommendations for artificial sweetener use in the prevention and
      treatment of pediatric obesity.

PMID- 22093864
TI  - The role of physical activity in pediatric obesity.
AB  - This article provides an overview of the benefits of physical activity in
      children, including the effects on obesity, cognitive development, academic
      achievement and cognition, and health. The recommendations of health
      organizations are also outlined, and practical recommendations are provided for
      parents and educators.

PMID- 22093865
TI  - The fault, dear viewer, lies not in the screens, but in ourselves: relationships
      between screen media and childhood overweight/obesity.
AB  - This article summarizes recent findings about associations between electronic
      screen media and childhood overweight/obesity, hypothesized mechanisms, and
      mediators. Recommendations are made for parents and clinicians.

PMID- 22093866
TI  - Media, social networking, and pediatric obesity.
AB  - The 5 years leading up to 2011 witnessed unprecedented transformations in the
      technology and media available to American consumers. These changes have led to
      major paradigmatic shifts in the way people think about media, how they use it,
      and the role they expect it to play in their lives. This article discusses the
      new media landscape and summarizes the evidence regarding media influences on
      pediatric obesity. Various effects on pediatric obesity are discussed and some
      conclusions and implications are provided, including possibilities and future
      directions for clinical practice and research.

PMID- 22093867
TI  - Policies to support obesity prevention for children: a focus on of early
      childhood policies.
AB  - Policies at many levels may help to shape environments that promote healthy
      weight and prevent obesity. We present policies to support obesity prevention for
      young children. We highlight policy Sand environmental systems change examples in
      the areas of promoting breastfeeding and providing healthy affordable food and
      information about food in community and child care settings and promoting
      physical activity in child care and the community. We address the role of the
      health care system and health care professionals to shape and advocate for policy
      and environmental systems change and provide resources for pediatric health care
      professionals to engage in community-based advocacy.

PMID- 22093868
TI  - Update in childhood and adolescent obesity.

PMID- 22093869
TI  - Multiple end joining mechanisms repair a chromosomal DNA break in fission yeast.
AB  - Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is an important mechanism for repairing DNA
      double-strand breaks (DSBs). The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has a
      conserved set of NHEJ factors including Ku, DNA ligase IV, Xlf1, and Pol4. Their
      roles in chromosomal DSB repair have not been directly characterized before. Here
      we used HO endonuclease to create a specific chromosomal DSB in fission yeast and
      examined the imprecise end joining events allowing cells to survive the
      continuous expression of HO. Our analysis showed that cell survival was
      significantly reduced in mutants defective for Ku, ligase IV, or Xlf1. Using
      Sanger sequencing and Illumina sequencing, we have characterized in depth the
      repair junction sequences in HO survivors. In wild type cells the majority of
      repair events were one-nucleotide insertions dependent on Ku, ligase IV, and
      Pol4. Our data suggest that fission yeast Pol4 is important for gap filling
      during NHEJ repair and can extend primers in the absence of terminal base pairing
      with the templates. In Ku and ligase IV mutants, the survivors mainly resulted
      from two types of alternative end joining events: one used microhomology flanking
      the HO site to delete sequences of hundreds to thousands of base pairs, the other
      rejoined the break using the HO-generated overhangs but also introduced one- or
      two-nucleotide base substitutions. The chromosomal repair assay we describe here
      should provide a useful tool for further exploration of the end joining repair
      mechanisms in fission yeast.

PMID- 22093871
TI  - Superior performance of multilayered fluoropolymer films in low voltage
      electrowetting.
AB  - The requirement for low operational voltage in electrowetting devices, met using
      thin dielectrics, is usually connected with serious material failure issues.
      Dielectric breakdown (visible as electrolysis) is frequently evident slightly
      beyond the onset of the contact angle saturation. Here, plasma-enhanced chemical
      vapor deposition (PECVD) is used to deposit thin fluorocarbon films prior to the
      spin-coating of Teflon(r) amorphous fluoropolymer. The resulting multilayered
      hydrophobic top coating improves the electrowetting performance of the stack, by
      showing high resistance to dielectric breakdown at high applied voltages and for
      continuous long term application of DC and AC voltage. Leakage current
      measurements during electrowetting experiments with the proposed composite
      coating showed that current remains fairly constant at consecutive electrowetting
      tests in contrast to plain Teflon(r) coating in which material degradation is
      evident by a progressive increase in the leakage current after multiple
      electrowetting tests. Since the proposed composite coating demonstrates increased
      resistance to material failure and to dielectric breakdown even at thin
      configurations, its integration in electrowetting devices may impact their
      reliability, robustness, and lifetime.

PMID- 22093870
TI  - Androgen deprivation therapy before radical prostatectomy is associated with
      poorer postoperative erectile function outcomes.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Erectile dysfunction is a recognized
      complication of radical prostatectomy. Androgen deprivation therapy adversely
      impacts sexual function. Our study shows that the preoperative use of androgen
      deprivation therapy significantly reduces erectile function recovery after
      radical prostatectomy. The underneath pathophysiological mechanisms for this to
      occur are reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To define the impact of androgen deprivation
      therapy (ADT), undergone before radical prostatectomy (RP), on erectile function
      (EF) recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive patients
      presenting to a sexual medicine clinic after undergoing RP who had received ADT
      before RP (ADT+ group) were compared with a contemporary, age and comorbidity
      matched cohort of 94 patients who did not receive ADT (ADT- group) before
      undergoing RP. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, comorbidity
      profiles and duration of ADT exposure. All the patients underwent Doppler penile
      ultrasonography within 6 months of RP and were administered the International
      Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. All the patients underwent
      evaluation of EF recovery. We analysed the incidence of venous leak (VL), mean
      IIEF EF domain score and proportion of men with EF domain scores >= 24 at 18
      months after RP. RESULTS: The mean age, comorbidity profiles, median Gleason
      score, median pre-treatment PSA level, and mean time to evaluation after RP were
      similar between the two groups. The median duration of ADT exposure in the ADT+
      group was 3 months. The incidence of VL within 6 months of surgery was 60% for
      the ADT+ and 20% for the ADT- group (P < 0.001). Likewise, the IIEF EF domain
      scores and proportion of men with EF domain scores >= 24 at 18 months were
      significantly lower in the ADT+ group, even when controlled for nerve-sparing
      status. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that preoperative use of ADT adversely
      impacts EF outcomes and should therefore be avoided in the absence of robust data
      suggesting any oncological benefit.

PMID- 22093872
TI  - In situ kinetic study of zinc sulfide activation using a quartz crystal
      microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D).
AB  - We have studied the activation kinetics of zinc sulfide (ZnS) using silver as an
      activator by a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The zinc
      sulfide coating on QCM-D sensor was shown to have similar crystallographic
      structure, composition, and surface properties as nature sphalerite through the
      characterization of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS), and xanthate adsorption measurement using QCM-D. The activation of ZnS
      sensor by silver was confirmed by the mass increase in ZnS sensor coupled with
      subsequent xanthate adsorption during QCM-D measurement, the change of surface
      wettability, and the presence of Ag(2)S on the surface. Two distinct stages on
      the silver uptake vs. time curve were identified and fitted well by a logarithmic
      function for the initial stage and a parabolic law in the later stage, which
      agrees with the two-stage zinc-silver reaction kinetics reported previously.
      Argon sputtering followed by XPS measurement on the ZnS surface demonstrated the
      penetration of silver into the bulk ZnS after activation. The present study is
      the first of its kind to apply the QCM-D technique to investigate sphalerite
      activation, which introduces a new in situ approach to investigate surface
      adsorption and activation in many mineral processes and surface modifications.

PMID- 22093873
TI  - Synergistic effect of polycation and polyanion on silica polymerization.
AB  - Colloidal silica (SiO(2)) is perhaps the most undesirable inorganic deposit
      formed in industrial water treatment systems. SiO(2) can either be found in bulk
      or on surfaces, such as heat exchangers, pipelines, or membrane. Conventional
      mineral scale inhibitors cannot inhibit its formation. Chemical cleaning is
      difficult and not free from hazards. This paper reports the excellent inhibition
      efficiency of adipic acid/amine-terminated polyethers D230/diethylenetriamine
      copolymer (AA/AT/DE). However, a small amount of silica-AA/AT/DE white insoluble
      floc appears in the solution. To overcome this problem, polyepoxysuccinic acid
      (PESA) is introduced. PESA by itself cannot inhibit silica polymerization.
      However, the combination of PESA and AA/AT/DE cannot only prevent the white floc,
      but also improve the inhibition performance of AA/AT/DE. The underlying mechanism
      is investigated based on zeta potentials and atomic force microscopy topography.

PMID- 22093874
TI  - Evaluation of the NOD/SCID xenograft model for glucocorticoid-regulated gene
      expression in childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids such as prednisolone and dexamethasone are critical
      drugs used in multi-agent chemotherapy protocols used to treat acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and response to glucocorticoids is highly
      predictive of outcome. The NOD/SCID xenograft mouse model of ALL is a clinically
      relevant model in which the mice develop a systemic leukemia which retains the
      fundamental biological characteristics of the original disease. Here we report a
      study evaluating the NOD/SCID xenograft mouse model to investigate glucocorticoid
      induced gene expression. Cells from a glucocorticoid-sensitive xenograft derived
      from a child with B-cell precursor ALL were inoculated into NOD/SCID mice. When
      highly engrafted the mice were randomized into groups of 4 to receive
      dexamethasone 15 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection or vehicle control. Leukemia
      cells were harvested from mice spleens at 0, 8, 24 or 48 hours thereafter, and
      gene expression analyzed on Illumina WG-6_V3 chips, comparing all groups to time
      0 hours. RESULTS: The 8 hour dexamethasone-treated timepoint had the highest
      number of significantly differentially expressed genes, with fewer observed at
      the 24 and 48 hour timepoints, and with minimal changes seen across the time
      matched controls. When compared to publicly available datasets of glucocorticoid
      induced gene expression from an in vitro cell line study and from an in vivo
      study of patients with ALL, at the level of pathways, expression changes in the 8
      hour xenograft samples showed a similar response to patients treated with
      glucocorticoids. Replicate analysis revealed that at the 8 hour timepoint, a
      dataset with high signal and differential expression, using data from 3
      replicates instead of 4 resulted in excellent recovery scores of > 0.9. However
      at other timepoints with less signal very poor recovery scores were obtained with
      3 replicates. CONCLUSIONS: The NOD/SCID xenograft mouse model provides a
      reproducible experimental system in which to investigate clinically-relevant
      mechanisms of drug-induced gene regulation in ALL; the 8 hour timepoint provides
      the highest number of significantly differentially expressed genes; time-matched
      controls are redundant and excellent recovery scores can be obtained with 3
      replicates.

PMID- 22093875
TI  - Efficient transcription by RNA polymerase I using recombinant core factor.
AB  - Transcription of ribosomal DNA by RNA polymerase I is a central feature of
      eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis. Since ribosome synthesis is closely linked to
      cell proliferation, there is a need to define the molecular mechanisms that
      control transcription by RNA polymerase I. To fully define the factors that
      control RNA polymerase I activity, biochemical analyses using purified
      transcription factors are essential. Although such assays exist, one limitation
      is the low abundance and difficult purification strategies required for some of
      the essential transcription factors for RNA polymerase I. Here, we describe a new
      method for expression and purification of the three subunit core factor complex
      from Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that the recombinant material is more
      active than yeast-derived core factor in assays for RNA polymerase I
      transcription in vitro. Finally, we use recombinant core factor to differentiate
      between two opposing models for the role of the TATA-binding protein in
      transcription by RNA polymerase I.

PMID- 22093876
TI  - Distribution of a marker of germline methylation differs between major families
      of transposon-derived repeats in the human genome.
AB  - A potential relationship between transposon-derived repeats (TDR) and human
      germline methylation is of biological importance since many genes are flanked by
      TDR and methylation could affect the expression of nearby genes. Furthermore, DNA
      methylation has been suggested as a global defense mechanism against genome
      instability threatened by TDR. We studied the correlation between the density of
      HapMap methyl-associated SNPs (mSNPs), a marker of germline methylation, and
      proportion of TDR. After correcting for confounding variables, we found a
      negative correlation between proportion of Alu repeats and mSNP density for 125
      1000 kb windows. Similar results were found for the most active subgroup of
      repeats. In contrast, a negative correlation between proportion of L1 repeats and
      mSNP density was found only in the larger 1000 kb windows. Using methylation data
      on germ cells (sperm) from the Human Epigenome Project, we found a lower
      proportion of Alu repeats adjacent (3-15 kb) to hypermethylated amplicons. On the
      contrary, there was a higher proportion of L1 repeats in the 3-5 kb of sequence
      flanking hypermethylated amplicons but not in the 10-15 kb flanks. Our data
      indicate a differential response to the major repeat families and that DNA
      methylation is unlikely to be a uniform global defense system against all TDR. It
      appears to play a role for the L1 subgroup, with sequences adjacent to L1 repeats
      methylated in response to their proximity. In contrast, sequences adjacent to Alu
      repeats appear to be hypomethylated, arguing against a role of methylation in
      germline defense against those elements.

PMID- 22093877
TI  - Polymorphism of estrogen response element in TFF1 gene promoter is associated
      with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer.
AB  - TFF1 is a cysteine-rich protein that forms a characteristic trefoil domain
      through disulfide bonds, which render it resistant to vigorous conditions and it
      involves in maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa. Decreased expression
      of TFF1 gene plays a role in the development of gastric cancer. We examined the
      association between the promoter polymorphisms of the TFF1 gene and the risk of
      development of gastric cancer, in a case-control study including 199 controls and
      141 patients with gastric cancer. Assessment of single nucleotide polymorphisms
      in the promoter region of the TFF1 gene was performed by sequencing and
      polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism. We
      found a statistically significant increased risk of gastric cancer associated
      with -394 TT genotypes (OR=8.78, CI=2.85-27.05, p<0.001) and CT (OR=1.64, CI=1.04
      2.60, p=0.033). This single nucleotide polymorphism occurs naturally in an
      estrogen response element. According to induction of the TFF1 gene by estrogen,
      it is possible that the substitution of C to T results in a decreased estrogen
      receptor binding affinity to the estrogen response element and in turn it
      decreases the expression of the TFF1 gene that may be involved in development of
      gastric cancer over a lifetime.

PMID- 22093878
TI  - Expression of Escherichia coli cspA during early exponential growth at 37 
      degrees C.
AB  - CspA is a small (7.4 kDa) nucleic acid binding protein of Escherichia coli whose
      expression is stimulated after cold-stress but whose level is also
      extraordinarily high during the early phase of growth of non-stressed cells. In
      this study the relationship existing between cspA transcription/translation on
      the one hand and the acquisition of critical mass for cell division and
      chromosome replication, on the other, in stationary phase cells subjected to a
      nutritional up-shift at 37  degrees C has been analyzed. Measurements of optical
      density and viable counts, pulse-chase, real-time PCR and immunodetection
      experiments, as well as cytofluorimetric and DNA duplication analyses show that
      synthesis of new CspA molecules at 37  degrees C is not only restricted to the
      lag phase ensuing the nutritional up-shift, but continues also during the first
      stages of logarithmic growth, when cells have already started dividing; although
      the early synthesized molecules are diluted by the following cell divisions and
      new synthesis occurs at an extremely low level, cspA mRNA and CspA continue to be
      present. A possible explanation for the apparent paradox that cspA is activated
      not only following cold stress, but also under non-stress and other stress
      conditions which entail a down-regulation of bulk gene expression and protein
      synthesis is presented.

PMID- 22093879
TI  - Dynamics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak detection and investigation,
      Minnesota 2000-2008.
AB  - We determined characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis clusters that predict their being solved (i.e. that result in
      identification of a confirmed outbreak). Clusters were investigated by the
      Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) using a dynamic iterative model. During 2000
      2008, 19 (23%) of 84 clusters were solved. Clusters of >=3 isolates were more
      likely to be solved than clusters of two isolates. Clusters in which the first
      two case isolates were received at MDH on the same day were more likely to be
      solved than were clusters in which the first two case isolates were received over
      >=8 days. Investigation of clusters of >=3 E. coli O157:H7 cases increased the
      success of cluster investigations.

PMID- 22093880
TI  - Evaluation of the personal development portfolio in higher education: an
      explorative study.
AB  - Personal Development Profiles (PDPs) have been an important and necessary feature
      of United Kingdom (UK) Higher Education for more than a decade. There is
      significant agreement as to their core purpose and their key features are of
      relevance to higher education institutions internationally, irrespective of
      whether an equivalent formal system or process is in place. The aim of this
      exploratory study was to evaluate the use of PDPs within a Child Health Nursing
      Programme in a UK University, looking at the experiences of both teaching staff
      and of students coming to the end of their three year programme of study. A
      convenience sample of final year pre-registration Child Health Nursing students
      and their lecturers was used for the purposes of this study with mixed methods of
      collection used to generate the required data. A survey was conducted with
      questionnaires. Following the analysis of the questionnaires, a discussion group
      was undertaken with the students. A series of questions was developed to guide
      this discussion. The structure offered by the system of PDPs evaluated here was
      seen to offer much in the way of potential value. Staff saw it as offering
      direction, a tool for discussion and a clear time and reason for meeting their
      students. Students similarly appreciated the structure it provided, but did
      describe it as somewhat repetitive. These findings were clearly of use in terms
      of evaluating this ongoing work, but also offer the potential to inform the work
      of other educational institutions.

PMID- 22093881
TI  - Lecturers' experiences of facilitating guided group reflection with pre
      registration BSc Nursing students.
AB  - The development of reflective practitioners is integral to undergraduate nursing
      degree programmes. This study reports on lecturers' experiences of facilitating
      guided group reflection with pre-registration BSc Nursing students.The research
      purposively sampled lecturers (n=7) working in a department of nursing and
      midwifery at a third level institute in Ireland, all of whom were registered
      nurses. Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected through audio
      taped semi-structured individual interviews. The data were thematically analysed
      using guidelines developed by Braun and Clarke (2006). Tripartite researcher
      discussion and further analysis of these initial individual analyses led to
      consensus regarding the three themes arising from the study. These were: Being a
      facilitator; Facilitating reflective learning and Creating structure. The
      discussion centred on: having knowledge and experience to effectively facilitate
      guided group reflection; the influence of the facilitator's personal philosophy
      on reflection and adult learning on group facilitation; and finally concerns
      regarding professional responsibility in response to students' reflective
      practice accounts.

PMID- 22093882
TI  - Peer bullying in a pre-registration student nursing population.
AB  - Peer bullying is a major problem in schools and workplaces including the National
      Health Service. Although there are a few published studies exploring the
      incidence of peer bullying among university students, none is specific to pre
      registration nursing students. Nursing programmes are delivered across two
      campuses of the university however students registered at individual campuses do
      not mix which makes the experiences of each campus individual. The aim of this
      study was to explore the incidence and manifestation of peer bullying amongst pre
      registration nursing students in the university setting. The study describes the
      reported incidence of the three types of peer bullying behaviour: physical,
      verbal and non-verbal bullying. Participants in their final year of adult nurse
      education were asked to explore their perceptions of peer bullying, the frequency
      of witnessed or experienced behaviour and the location of where this behaviour
      occurred on the university campuses via a quantitative questionnaire. In total
      190 students were surveyed with 156 (82%) responding. Participants reported peer
      bullying is experienced by student nurses on university premises and that
      academic members of staff are sometimes present when this behaviour is
      demonstrated. Reported levels of bullying decreased during their 2nd and 3rd
      years of the course compared to the foundation year. This decrease may have been
      in response to the university's strong anti-bullying stance.

PMID- 22093883
TI  - Critical conversations: developing a methodology for service user involvement in
      mental health nursing.
AB  - AIM: Recent policy initiatives have identified that service user involvement in
      the education, design and delivery of mental health services should be more
      evident. This paper will discuss a methodology that was developed to do this.
      METHOD: A small study was designed and undertaken to explore the needs of service
      users and carers when becoming involved in mental health care. This paper will
      discuss the methodology that was developed for the study in order to make
      involvement practices more visible. FINDINGS: A critical conversation or
      narrative was developed that identified three main themes. Developing
      relationships with service users and carers that share universal goals whilst
      respecting diverse needs and encouraging recovery were found to be valued by the
      participants. CONCLUSION: The paper will conclude by showing how this methodology
      can be equally applied in a learning context, relevant for mental health nurse
      education.

PMID- 22093884
TI  - Liver transplantation for refractory severe pruritus related to widespread
      multifocal hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in a child: case report and
      review of literature.
AB  - FNH is a rare and benign tumor of the liver. It is not a conventional indication
      for liver transplantation, and no transplant for FNH in a child has been reported
      to date. Multifocal FNH growing in adolescent age to a widespread tumor invading
      the whole liver and associated with severe refractory pruritus was an unusual
      indication for transplantation in a 13-yr-old girl. The operation and the follow
      up were uneventful, allowing full recovery and disappearance of pruritus.

PMID- 22093885
TI  - Energetic and biomechanical constraints on animal migration distance.
AB  - Animal migration is one of the great wonders of nature, but the factors that
      determine how far migrants travel remain poorly understood. We present a new
      quantitative model of animal migration and use it to describe the maximum
      migration distance of walking, swimming and flying migrants. The model combines
      biomechanics and metabolic scaling to show how maximum migration distance is
      constrained by body size for each mode of travel. The model also indicates that
      the number of body lengths travelled by walking and swimming migrants should be
      approximately invariant of body size. Data from over 200 species of migratory
      birds, mammals, fish, and invertebrates support the central conclusion of the
      model - that body size drives variation in maximum migration distance among
      species through its effects on metabolism and the cost of locomotion. The model
      provides a new tool to enhance general understanding of the ecology and evolution
      of migration.

PMID- 22093886
TI  - [Accuracy of transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in the estimation of
      pulmonary artery systolic pressures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the qualitative accuracy of pulmonary artery systolic
      pressure (PASP) as estimated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TDE).
      METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 102 adult patients with
      idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension undergoing Doppler echocardiography
      within 72 hours prior to right heart catheterization. During this period, all
      patients were stable without any specific drug therapy. Compared with right heart
      catheterization, the accuracy of PASP as measured by TDE was evaluated. RESULTS:
      Among them, there were 38 males and 64 females with an average age of (31 +/- 11)
      years old (range: 18 - 59 years old). There was a moderate correlation between
      the measurements of PASP by TDE and right heart catheterization (r = 0.64, P <
      0.01). Through the analysis of Bland-Altman, the bias for the TDE estimates of
      PASP was 6.7 mm Hg with a 95% limit of agreement ranging from -47.6 to 34.3 mm
      Hg. There were 60 (58.8%) cases with absolute differences over 10 mm Hg between
      two methods. Overestimation and underestimation of PASP by TDE occurred in 15.7%
      (16/102) and 43.1% (44/102) respectively. The magnitude of pressure
      underestimation and overestimation was insignificant [(25 +/- 12) vs (26 +/- 16)
      mm Hg, P = 0.765]. The probability of underestimate was higher than that of
      overestimate. As to the corresponding diagnostic categories of severity that each
      subject would fall into for each technique, the diagnostic categories of 16
      overestimated patients were in accordance. Among 44 underestimated patients, 9
      (20.5%) had their pressure underestimated within one diagnostic category (minor
      error) while 2 (4.5%) were within two diagnostic categories (major error).
      CONCLUSION: Due to a frequent rate of inaccurate estimation of PASP, TDE can not
      replace right heart catheterization. TDE tends to underestimate PASP and results
      in a diagnostic misclassification of degree.

PMID- 22093887
TI  - [Relationship between plasma total homocysteine and mild cognitive impairment in
      senile patients with type 2 diabetes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between fasting plasma level of total
      homocysteine (tHcy) and mild cognitive impairment in senile patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 88 senile type 2 diabetics with mild
      cognitive impairment treated at our hospital from July 2008 to November 2010 were
      recruited into the MCI group while 52 senile type 2 diabetics into the DNC group.
      And the control group was composed of 36 healthy elders. The parameters of tHcy,
      total glyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C),
      high density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C), creatinine (Cr), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c),
      fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h plasma glucose (2 hPG), fasting insulin (FINS),
      homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), folic acid (FA) and vitamin
      B(12) (VitB(12)) were detected. RESULTS: The patients had a higher level of tHcy
      in the MCI group than those in the NCM and control groups [(11.3 +/- 1.8) vs (9.8
      +/- 1.5) and (8.1 +/- 1.1) umol/L; P < 0.01]. ROC curve showed that tHcy level
      had some value of predicting the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment in
      senile patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (AUC 0.825, 95%CI 0.758-0.893, P <
      0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that tHcy, SBP, HbA1c, 2 h PG, FINS,
      LDL-C, HOMA-IR, FA and VitB(12) [OR value: 3.64, 1.68, 1.10, 1.05, 0.81, 1.42,
      0.83, 0.74, 0.86 (P < 0.05 or 0.01)] were independent risk factors of mild
      cognitive impairment in senile diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: Such factors as
      tHcy, SBP, HbA1c, FPG, 2 hPG, FINS, LDL-C, HOMA-IR, FA and VitB(12) induce senile
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to suffer mild cognitive impairment. But
      tHcy level may play an important role in senile diabetic patients with mild
      cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22093888
TI  - [Application of sedation with a low dose of dexmedetomidine during intrathecal
      anesthesia in elderly patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and safety of sedation with a low dose of
      dexmedetomidine (DEX) during intrathecal anesthesia in the elderly patients.
      METHODS: Thirty elderly patients were randomly divided into the DEX group (n =
      15) and the control group (n = 15). There were 13 males and 17 females with a
      mean age of 77 years old (range: 65 - 89 years old). After an induction of
      intrathecal anesthesia, the patients in the DEX group received an infusion of 0.4
      ug*kg(-1)*h(-1) for 10 min. Then the infusion speed was adjusted between 0.2 and
      0.4 ug*kg(-1)*h(-1) to maintain the values of bispectral index (BIS) at around
      80. An equivalent volume of normal saline was administered in the control group.
      Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), end
      tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (P(ET)CO(2)) and BIS were recorded at the
      beginning of DEX infusion, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min after DEX infusion beginning and
      at the end of surgery. The observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S)
      scores and the clinical responses were also recorded. A statistical analysis was
      performed. RESULTS: All intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters
      were within the normal range in both groups. Compared with the beginning after
      infusion, blood pressure at the point of 10 min after infusion decreased about
      10% - 15% (P < 0.05) in the DEX group. But there was no such change in the
      control group. The values of BIS also decreased significantly at each time point
      after 10 min infusion versus the beginning of administration (P < 0.05); as
      compared with the control group, the values of BIS also decreased significantly
      at 30, 60 min and the end of infusion (P < 0.05). The 95%confidence interval (CI)
      of BIS values were 70 - 95 in the DEX group and 80 - 100 in the control group (P
      < 0.05). In the DEX group, the OAA/S scores were significantly lower at the
      points of 20, 30, 60 min and the end of infusion versus the beginning after
      infusion. And it was also lower in the DEX group than that in the control group
      (95%CI: 3 - 4 vs 4 - 5, P < 0.05). No bradycardia occurred in the DEX group. Two
      of three patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation were converted to sinus
      rhythm after the administration of DEX. Patients with severe lung diseases
      (pulmonary fibrosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) maintained
      normal cardiopulmonary functions in the DEX group. DEX showed a good sedation
      effect in 1 patient with mental diseases. CONCLUSION: Sedation with a small dose
      of DEX during intrathecal anesthesia in elderly patients is both feasible and
      efficacious. But studies of larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm its
      safety.

PMID- 22093889
TI  - [Surgical strategies on intravenous leiomyomatosis invading heart].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic features and therapeutic methods of
      intravenous leiomyomatosis with a potential of heart invasion. METHODS: Eight
      cases of cardiac involvement with intravenous leiomyomatosis treated at our
      hospital from November 2002 to August 2011 were analyzed and compared. RESULTS:
      Either imaging or surgery confirmed that in all 8 patients the pelvic lesions
      originated from the inferior vena cava and heart involvement without pulmonary
      embolism. In 3 cases, palpitations and chest tightness were noticed. Four cases
      showed lower extremity edema and abdominal distension while no obvious clinical
      symptom was found for 1 case. All 8 cases had a history of uterine fibroids and 6
      underwent previous hysterectomy. Among 8 patients, there were 5 cases of
      cardiopulmonary bypassing right heart, inferior vena cava tumor resection and
      pelvic involvement vein ligation and 2 cases of routine off-pumping of inferior
      vena cava with pelvic tumor resection. Palliative therapy was administered in 1
      case. Two patients were resection the right heart and inferior vena cava tumor in
      the cardiopulmonary bypass, 3 months later were resection gynecologic uterine,
      double-accessories and broad ligament and were not treated with hormone. After
      operation, another 5 surgery patients received high-dose hormone treatments. 2
      cases of recurrence in each group were found by ultrasound follow-ups from 15 -
      90 months. CONCLUSION: Invasion of the heart intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare
      case, which can be tackled with a good effect by completely surgical resection
      and a limited effect on hormone therapy to prevent recurrence.

PMID- 22093890
TI  - [A meta-analysis of early percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours of
      thrombolysis in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) within 24 hours of thrombolysis in acute ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction. METHODS: The databases of Medline, EMBASE, Elsevier,
      Cochrane library, Wanfang and CNKI were searched for randomized controlled
      trials. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed by two independent
      reviewers. Statistical analyses were conducted with Stata 10.0 and RevMan 5.0
      software. RESULTS: Eight studies (NORDI-STEMI, TRANSFER-AMI, WEST, CARESS-AMI,
      CAPITAL-AMI, GRACIA-I, SIAMI III & PRAGUE-I) involving a total of 3157 patients
      fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis results showed that, as compared
      with the control group, (1) the combined endpoint of 30 day mortality, re
      infarction and ischemia was significantly lower in early PCI within 24 h of
      thrombolysis group [relative risk (RR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 
      0.65, P < 0.001]; (2) 30-day re-infarction decreased in early PCI within 24 h of
      thrombolysis group (RR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.40 - 0.81, P = 0.002); (3) 30-day ischemia
      had a significant reduction in early PCI within 24 h of thrombolysis group (RR =
      0.27, 95%CI 0.14 - 0.52, P < 0.001); (4) 30-day major hemorrhage or mortality
      rates were not significantly different between two groups (RR = 1.07, 95%CI 0.78
      1.46, P = 0.69; RR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.62 - 1.20, P = 0.38 respectively). CONCLUSION:
      When primary PCI is not feasible, our meta-analysis favors early PCI within 24 h
      of thrombolysis for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Early PCI is
      associated with a lowered recurrence of major adverse cardiac events, ischemia
      and re-infarction. But there is no elevated risk of major hemorrhage and
      mortality.

PMID- 22093892
TI  - [Extramammary Paget's disease of the scrotum: an analysis of 26 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and therapeutics of
      extramammary Paget's disease. METHODS: A total of 26 cases of scrotal Paget's
      disease were included. According to Ray staging, 16, 7 and 3 cases had A1, A2 and
      B stages of Peget's diseases respectively. All cases underwent surgical resection
      of their diseased sites after a biopsy. The excision margin was 2 cm apart from
      the edge of lesion. And resection depth reached deep fascia. During operation,
      frozen sections of excised tissue specimens in 18 cases were pathologically
      examined. And the excision margins were involved by tumor cell in 3 cases
      (16.67%). Thus extended excision was performed immediately. Postoperatively,
      excision margin involvement was confirmed in 1 case and phase II operation
      performed. Three cases with inguinal lymph node metastasis underwent unilateral
      or bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection. RESULTS: Paget's disease was
      confirmed in all 26 cases. Tumor was localized in epidemics in 15 cases and skin
      invasion found in 11 cases. The lymph node was tumescent in 9 cases. Among them,
      3 had pathologically confirmed metastasis and 6 was diagnosed with lymphadenitis.
      All cases received a mean follow-up period of 5 years (range: 1 - 7 years). Five
      locally recurrent cases healed after a second operation. CONCLUSION: Chronic skin
      lesions of the scrotum should be biopsied as early as possible if extramammary
      Paget's disease is suspected. Radical resection of diseased skin is its preferred
      therapy. A second operation may be performed for recurrence. The prognosis of
      extramammary Paget's disease is excellent after radical surgery.

PMID- 22093891
TI  - [Autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the
      treatment of type 1 diabetic mellitus: a report of 16 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of autologous peripheral blood
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APBHST) in patients with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus. METHODS: Hematopoietic stem cells were mobilized with cyclophosphamide
      and granulocyte colony stimulating factor for 16 patients with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus who admitted to our department during November 2009 to August 2010. And
      then stem cells were collected from peripheral blood by leukapheresis and
      cryopreservation. The cells were infused intravenously after conditioning with
      cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin. To compare the daily dose of
      exogenous insulin requirements, the serum levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C
      peptide, islet cell function during the mixed meal tolerance test were measured
      before and at different times after APBHST. Blood glucose was monitored 7 times a
      day before and after APBHST. And the adverse effects were recorded during and
      after APBHST. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 28 weeks (range: 8 - 44 weeks).
      Twelve of 16 patients stayed free from insulin at 3 - 20 days post APBHST. And
      islet cell function greatly improved after APBHST. Four of 16 patients required
      exogenous insulin but the dosage decreased. And all 4 patients had a poor level
      of C-peptide before APBHSCT. There were no such severe adverse effects as
      myelosuppression. CONCLUSION: Very encouraging results have been obtained in the
      patients treated with APBHST. There is definite therapeutic effects and safety in
      a short term. But further follow-up is necessary to confirm the duration of
      insulin independence and the mechanisms of action.

PMID- 22093893
TI  - [Private hospital medical process of virtual team members impact on the analysis
      of differences].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the private hospital the individual characteristics of
      virtual team members to run the hospital medical process for the impact of the
      differences, the private hospital managers to develop management strategies for
      scientific and rational basis. METHODS: Four different regions of the empirical
      investigation of private hospitals, and the use of SPSS software for statistical
      analysis of survey data. RESULTS: The ages of staff in dealing with the original
      terms of team cohesion were significant differences; gender, education, job
      titles and other features of the nature and impact of medical procedures for the
      difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Older employees the
      minimum of the original team cohesion; women in trust and work among the members
      of the initiative are better than men; specialist qualifications of staff-level
      positive initiative, strongest work, job confidence among members of difference
      in performance prominent.

PMID- 22093894
TI  - [Evaluation of immune responses and related patho-inflammatory reactions of a
      candidate inactivated EV71 vaccine in neonatal monkeys].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of enterovirus type 71 (EV71) inactivated
      vaccine (human diploid derived) for infection prevention in an animal model by
      investigating the immune responses and related patho-inflammatory reactions.
      METHODS: In the neonatal monkey model for EV71 vaccine protection, vaccinated
      group (n = 4) and unvaccinated group (n = 4) were attacked with live virus at the
      same time, the parameters of clinical observations, antibodies and inflammatory
      factors in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected. And the
      pathological changes in major organs were used to determine the patho
      inflammatory reactions during the immune responses elicited by vaccination.
      RESULTS: The neutralizing antibodies of vaccine group reach to 1:32. There was no
      obvious changes of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood and CSF of monkeys
      challenged or unchallenged by live virus. In peripheral blood of unvaccinated
      group, the level of basophilic granulocyte higher 4 - 5 times than normal level
      and the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) showed obvious increase. Live virus infected
      after 7 days, the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IFN-gamma in peripheral blood of
      unvaccinated group (18.5, 12.7 pg/ml) were higher than vaccinated group (10.2,
      7.6 pg/ml). Furthermore, the IL-6 in CSF (102.0 pg/ml) had 4 - 5 times increased
      than vaccinated group (12.4 pg/ml) at 7 days after virus exposure. Meanwhile, the
      pathological analysis revealed that no obvious changes were detected in CNS and
      other organs of vaccinated monkeys challenged with live virus. However, the
      pathological damages induced by virus infection could be determined in the
      unvaccinated control monkeys, including neuronal damage, massive cellular
      infiltration associated with pulmonary edema/hemorrhage and pulmonary/bronchial
      damage due to an infiltration of inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: Capable of
      inducing an immune response, the EV71 inactivated vaccine offers protection to
      neonatal rhesus monkeys against the attacks of live virus. Based on the results
      of no patho-inflammatory reaction and pathological damage after viral infection
      in vaccinated animals, the excellent safety of this vaccine may be confirmed in
      neonatal monkey.

PMID- 22093895
TI  - [Therapeutic effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells over
      expressing Cx43 on heart failure in post-infarction rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of transplantation of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) over-expressing Cx43 on heart failure in post
      infarction rats. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided equally into 4
      groups: sham group, DMEM/F12 group injected with DMEM/F12, EGFP group with
      transplanted EGFP transfected BMSCs and Cx43 group with transplanted Cx43
      transfected BMSCs. Myocardial infarction model was established by ligating
      anterior descending branch and the cells were transplanted after 30 minutes. At
      Week 4 post-infarction, the heart functions of rats were evaluated by
      echocardiography. After the rats were sacrificed, their tissue samples were
      collected. The areas of myocardial infarction and the levels of collagen fiber
      content were measured. And the expressions of EGFR and Cx43 were observed under
      laser confocal microscopy. The level of Cx43 mRNA was measured by reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: As compared with the
      DMEM/F12 group, cardiac function was improved significantly, myocardial infarct
      area shrunk and collagen fiber content decreased significantly in the EGFP and
      group in Cx43 groups the. Survival of BMSCs and the formation of gap junction
      between BMSCs and the host myocardium could be observed under laser confocal
      microscopy both in EGFP group and Cx43 groups. And the post-infarction,
      expression of Cx43 mRNA in myocardial tissue decreased significantly in the group
      DMEM/F12, when compared with sham group (0.18 +/- 0.05 vs 0.78 +/- 0.14, P <
      0.01). There was no significant difference on expression of Cx43 mRNA between
      DMEM/F12 group and EGFP group (0.18 +/- 0.05 vs 0.20 +/- 0.09, P > 0.05). The
      lever of Cx43 mRNA was higher in group Cx43 than in group DMEM/F12 and group
      EGFP(0.39 +/- 0.14 vs 0.18 +/- 0.05, P < 0.01; 0.39 +/- 0.14 vs 0.20 +/- 0.09, P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transplantation of BMSCs attenuates ventricular remodeling
      and improves cardiac functions. It may result from the over-expression of Cx43
      gene through its effects of improving gap junction remodeling and increasing
      electro-mechanical coupling between myocardial cells in peri-infarct area.

PMID- 22093896
TI  - [Effects of soy isoflavones and major active component genistein on the
      expression of ovarian estrogen receptor-alpha in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of soy isoflavones (SI) on the expression
      of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) in senile rat ovaries and ovarian granulosa
      cell cultured in vitro treated with genistein, a major active component of SI.
      METHODS: The animal model of perimenopause rats was established by unforced
      aging. The animals were treated by intragastric administration (ig) with low (50
      mg/kg), middle (158 mg/kg) and high (500 mg/kg) dose of SI for 8 weeks. The
      expressions of ER-alpha mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry respectively. The
      granulosa cells of rat ovaries were isolated and administered with genistein (0,
      0.1, 1, 5, 10, 100 umol/L) for 48 h and the expression levels of ER-alpha mRNA
      detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The ER-alpha mRNA expression levels of the low,
      middle and high dose groups of SI (0.207 +/- 0.014, 0.316 +/- 0.073 and 0.402 +/-
      0.170 respectively) were higher than those of the model group (0.671 +/- 0.170)
      (all P < 0.01). The expression levels of ER-alpha protein for the low, middle and
      high dose groups of SI (7.35 +/- 4.90, 13.90 +/- 5.12 and 23.79 +/- 10.31
      respectively) were higher than those of the model group (2.74 +/- 0.09) (all P <
      0.01). The expression levels of ER-alpha mRNA in granulosa cells treated with 1,
      5, 10 umol/L genistein for 48 h were 0.927 +/- 0.232, 1.067 +/- 0.154, 1.118 +/-
      0.126 respectively (all P < 0.01). They were higher than those of the control
      group (0.671 +/- 0.170). But the expression levels of 100 umol/L genistein group
      were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Soy
      isoflavones can up-regulate the expressions of ER-alpha mRNA and protein in
      senile rat ovaries. As a major active component of soy isoflavones, genistein can
      regulate the expressions ER-alpha mRNA in granulosa cells of rat ovaries. Such an
      effect is concentration-dependent. And 1-10 umol/L genistein may up-regulate the
      expression of ER-alpha mRNA.

PMID- 22093897
TI  - [Regulating action of iron regulatory protein-2 in iron metabolism of lung
      cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss the regulating mechanism of iron regulatory protein-2
      (IRP2) in the iron metabolism of lung cancer. METHODS: The cultured A549 cells
      were divided into 3 groups: liposome group (including liposomes 20 mg/L), random
      oligonucleotide group (SCODN group) and antisense oligonucleotide group (ASODN
      group). And the liposome-mediated transfection was employed with the liposome and
      SCODN groups as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR) and Western blot were used to examine the mRNA and protein expressions of
      iron metabolism-related transferring (Tf), transferrin receptor (TfR) and
      ferritin (Fn) genes, etc. RESULTS: After a 48-hour transfection, the mRNA
      expression of Tf had no statistically significant difference among three groups
      (F = 2.18, P = 0.078); the mRNA expression of TfR in the ASODN group was
      significantly lower than that in the liposome and SCODN groups (P < 0.05). The
      expression of Fn mRNA in the ASODN group (0.56 +/- 0.06) was higher than that in
      the liposome (0.36 +/- 0.05) and SCODN groups (0.39 +/- 0.03) (P < 0.05). After a
      48-hour transfection, the IRP2 protein expression of the ASODN group was
      significantly lower than those of the liposome and SCODN groups (P < 0.05). The
      Tf protein expression was not statistically different in three groups (F = 2.67,
      P = 0.088). The TfR protein expression of the ASODN group was lower than those of
      the liposome and SCODN groups (P < 0.05). And the Fn protein expression of the
      ASODN group was higher than those of the liposome and SCODN groups (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: IRP2 may affect the expressions of TfR and Fn in lung adenocarcinoma
      A549 cells by changing the amount of protein and regulating the iron metabolism.

PMID- 22093898
TI  - [Mechanisms and dynamics of Th17 cells in mice with cigarette smoke-induced
      emphysema].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of Th17 cell in a cigarette smoke-induced
      mice model of emphysema and explore the probable mechanisms of its elevation.
      METHODS: Forty male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control
      group for 12 weeks (C12), control group for 24 weeks (C24), smoke-exposure group
      for 12 weeks (S12) and smoke-exposure group for 24 weeks (S24)(n = 10 each).
      Morphological changes were evaluated by mean linear intercepts (Lm) and
      destructive index (DI). The percentages of Th17, Th1, Th17/Th1, CD4(+)IL
      17(+)CCR6(+)T and CCR6(+)Th17 cells were determined by tetra-color flow cytometry
      while the levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-23, transforming growth
      factor (TGF)-beta, interferon (IFN)-gamma and CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-20
      assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The values of Lm
      [(39 +/- 4) um, (47 +/- 7) um] and DI [(39.1 +/- 1.6), (45.2 +/- 3.1)] were
      significantly higher in S12 and S24 than those in C12 [(33 +/- 3) um, (28.2 +/-
      1.6)] and C24 [(32 +/- 4) um, (28.9 +/- 2.1)], particularly in C24 (all P <
      0.05). The percentages of Th17 cell [(3.27 +/- 1.12), (7.19 +/- 2.24)], Th17/Th1
      cell [(0.61 +/- 0.30), (1.82 +/- 0.52)] and Th1 cell [(10.02 +/- 3.68), (26.21 +/
      6.04)] in the lungs of S12 and S24 significantly increased than those in C12
      [(1.80 +/- 0.75), (0.27 +/- 0.12), (3.75 +/- 1.72)] and C24 [(1.99 +/- 0.59),
      (0.28 +/- 0.11), (4.16 +/- 1.32)], particularly in C24 (all P < 0.01). The
      percentages of Th17, Th17/Th1 and Th1 cells in the lungs of S12 and S24 had a
      positive correlation with Lm and DI (all P < 0.01). The percentages of CD4(+)IL
      17(+)CCR-6(+)T cell [(0.69 +/- 0.34), (1.11 +/- 0.48)] and CCR6(+)Th17 cell
      [(12.23 +/- 2.13), (18.65 +/- 1.17)] were significantly elevated in S12 and S24
      compared to those in C12 [(0.22 +/- 0.18), (6.55 +/- 2.13)] and C24 [(0.25 +/-
      0.17), (7.29 +/- 1.57)], particularly in C24 (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, a
      positive correlation between CCR6(+)Th17 cell and emphysematous lesions was also
      found (all P < 0.05). The levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-23, TGF-beta, IFN-gamma
      and CCL20 significantly increased in S12 and S24 as compared with those of C12
      and C24 (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the percentage of Th17 cell had a positive
      correlation with IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-23, TGF-beta, IFN-gamma and CCL20.
      CONCLUSION: There is an up-regulated expression of Th17 in lungs of cigarette
      smoke-induced emphysema mice. The CCR6/CCL20 axis and the elevated levels of IL
      1beta, IL-6, IL-23, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma may be related with the above effect.

PMID- 22093899
TI  - [Effects and mechanisms of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on rats with
      overactive bladder].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and the possible mechanistic pathway of
      phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors on rats with overactive bladder.
      METHODS: A total of 24 adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were
      randomly divided into 3 groups: daily lavage group, discontinuous lavage group
      and blank group (n = 8 each). Daily vardenafil (10 mg*kg(-1)*d(-1)),
      discontinuous vardenafil (10 mg*kg(-1)*d(-1)) and daily normal saline were
      administered respectively to 3 groups by lavage. And 8 adult male SD rats were
      included into the control group. Bladder urodynamic examinations were conducted
      in each group 2 weeks later. Then bladder detrusor muscle strips isolated from
      each group were further divided into two parts. One part was first pre-contracted
      and then the relaxant effects of sodium nitroprusside and Y-27632 were observed.
      For another part, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure cyclic
      guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). RESULTS: As compared with the control group, the
      values of bladder inter contraction interval (ICI) and bladder capacity (BC) were
      significantly lower [(409 +/- 36) s vs (568 +/- 60) s, (284 +/- 25) ul vs (395 +/
      42) ul, P < 0.01] while the bladder non voiding contraction (NVC) was
      significantly higher in the blank group [(2.03 +/- 0.49) number/min vs(1.07 +/-
      0.30) number/min, P < 0.01]. Compared with the blank group, the values of ICI and
      BC were elevated. NVC decreased obviously in the discontinues and daily lavage
      groups [(486 +/- 53) s and (564 +/- 44) s; (337 +/- 37) ul and (392 +/- 30) ul;
      (1.82 +/- 0.32) number/min and (0.52 +/- 0.23) number/min, P < 0.05]. The effects
      were more significant in the daily lavage group (P < 0.01). The maximal relaxant
      effect of sodium nitroprusside was obviously enhanced in the discontinues and
      daily lavage groups [(50.6 +/- 2.1)% and (67.9 +/- 4.1)% vs(25.3 +/- 5.0)%, P <
      0.01]. However the sensitivity of Y-27632 decreased significantly [(35.8 +/-
      2.5)% and (20.2 +/- 2.3)% vs (71.6 +/- 2.8)%, P < 0.01], while the level of cGMP
      was significantly higher in the bladder detrusor muscle [(20.6 +/- 4.1) fmol/mg
      and (29.4 +/- 4.3) fmol/mg vs (12.9 +/- 2.1) fmol/mg, P < 0.01]. The effects of
      the daily lavage group were more pronounced (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      phenomenon of bladder overactivity is observed in the SHRs. The PDE5 inhibitors
      are effective in treating overactive bladder. And the effect of daily supplement
      is much better. In addition, the mechanism may operate through the cGMP-dependent
      protein kinase G-RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway.

PMID- 22093900
TI  - [Effects of combined enteral nutrition support on hemorrheologic parameters and
      the level of inflammatory factors in rabbits with severe acute pancreatitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of combined enteral nutrition (CEN) on the
      hemorheologic parameters and the changing levels of inflammatory factors in an
      animal model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The experimental
      animals were divided randomly into 3 groups, i.e. early enteral nutrition (EEN)
      group, CEN group and parenteral nutrition(PN)group (n = 20 each). Enteral
      nutrition was administered to the EEN and CEN group animals at 24 h and 72 h post
      modeling respectively. The PN group animals were supported by parenteral
      nutrition all time. Hemorrheologic indices of all experimental animals were
      examined on Days 1, 3 and 7 post-modeling. And the inflammatory factors were
      examined on Days 1 and 7. RESULTS: Compared with the EEN and PN groups, some
      hemorrheologic indices of the CEN group decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on Day
      7 post-modeling. They included blood sedimentation, hematocrit (HCT), whole blood
      high-cut reduction viscosity and whole blood low-cut reduction viscosity. As
      compared within the CEN group, each hemorrheologic index was lower on Day 7 than
      that on Day 1 (P < 0.05). Except for whole blood high-cut reduction viscosity and
      erythrocyte aggregation index in the EEN group after a 7-day nutrition support,
      there was no significant change for all hemorrheologic indices in the PN group.
      As to the level of inflammatory factors, the values of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the CEN group were lower than those in
      the PN group on Day 7 post-modeling (P < 0.05). The values of IL-8 and IL-6 in
      the CEN group were lower than those in the EEN group on the same day (P < 0.05).
      As compared within the CEN group, the values of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were lower on
      Day 7 than those on Day 1 post-modeling (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The modulatory
      mechanism of EN over SAP should be achieved by correcting hemorrheologic index
      change and lowering the level of inflammatory factors. A proper timing of EN is
      probably the most optimal nutrition support mode of SAP therapy.

PMID- 22093901
TI  - [Effects of cPKCbetaII/gamma membrane translocation ischemic/hypoxic tolerance
      induced by morphine postconditioning in hippocampal slices].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not morphine postconditioning can induce
      ischemic/hypoxic tolerance in neurons subjected to reperfusion injury after
      oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). METHODS: Hippocampal slices of 400 um thickness
      were prepared from healthy adult male BALB/c mice. The slices were incubated in
      oxygen-saturated ACSF without or with calcium, then were subjected to OGD for 20
      min. After recovery, the samples were immersed in oxygenated artificial fluid for
      2 hours in the presence or absence of morphine postconditioning at 3 umol/L
      during the first 5 - 60 min. The assessment of slices injury was performed by a
      determination of the intensity of slice stain incubated with TTC (2% 2, 3, 5
      triphenyltetrazolium chloride) and the leakage rate of LDH also evaluated. At the
      designated periods during incubation, some slices were immersed into liquid
      nitrogen for a later analysis of Western blot. The frozen slices were
      homogenized, sonicated and centrifuged to separate soluble and particulate
      proteins. 10% SDS-PAGE Western blot was used to identify the changes of membrane
      specific translocation of cPKCbetaII/gamma. RESULTS: After reperfusion, the cell
      survival significantly decreased with the elongation of OGD (51.4%). The release
      rate of LDH (184.05%) significantly increased simultaneously. In hippocampal
      slices postconditioned with morphine for 20 - 60 min, the release rate of LDH
      (136%, 142%, 144%) significantly decreased as compared with the group OGD. In the
      hippocampal slices postconditioned with morphine for 10 - 30 min, the cell
      survival rate (64.9%, 69.9%, 63.5%) significantly increased as compared with
      reperfusion alone. cPKCgamma of particulate fraction increased versus the
      control. And there was a corresponding decrease of cytosolic fraction. Morphine
      postconditioning significantly inhibited the cPKCgamma isoform-specific membrane
      translocation. It declined from 136% in the group OGD to 123%, 118%, 114% in the
      group morphine 20 - 60 min. cPKCbetaII membrane translocation had no change.
      CONCLUSION: Morphine postconditioning can induce ischemic tolerance in nerons.
      The protective mechanism may be through inhibiting the cPKCgamma isoform-specific
      membrane translocation.

PMID- 22093902
TI  - Exposure to repeated maternal aggression induces depressive-like behavior and
      increases startle in adult female rats.
AB  - The stress response is a multifaceted physiological reaction that engages a wide
      range of systems. Animal studies examining stress and the stress response employ
      diverse methods as stressors. While many of these stressors are capable of
      inducing a stress response in animals, a need exists for an ethologically
      relevant stressor for female rats. The purpose of the current study was to use an
      ethologically relevant social stressor to induce behavioral alterations in adult
      female rats. Adult (postnatal day 90) female Wistar rats were repeatedly exposed
      to lactating Long Evans female rats to simulate chronic stress. After six days of
      sessions, intruder females exposed to defeat were tested in the sucrose
      consumption test, the forced swim test, acoustic startle test, elevated plus
      maze, and open field test. At the conclusion of behavioral testing, animals were
      restrained for 30 min and trunk blood was collected for assessment of serum
      hormones. Female rats exposed to maternal aggression exhibited decreased sucrose
      consumption, and impaired coping behavior in the forced swim test. Additionally,
      female rats exposed to repeated maternal aggression exhibited an increased
      acoustic startle response. No changes were observed in female rats in the
      elevated plus maze or open field test. Serum hormones were unaltered due to
      repeated exposure to maternal aggression. These data indicate the importance of
      the social experience in the development of stress-related behaviors: an acerbic
      social experience in female rats precipitates the manifestation of depressive
      like behaviors and an enhanced startle response.

PMID- 22093903
TI  - Wastewater irrigation and environmental health: implications for water governance
      and public policy.
AB  - Climate change is a large-scale and emerging environmental risk. It challenges
      environmental health and the sustainability of global development. Wastewater
      irrigation can make a sterling contribution to reducing water demand, recycling
      nutrients, improving soil health and cutting the amount of pollutants discharged
      into the waterways. However, the resource must be carefully managed to protect
      the environment and public health. Actions promoting wastewater reuse are every
      where, yet the frameworks for the protection of human health and the environment
      are lacking in most developing countries. Global change drivers including climate
      change, population growth, urbanization, income growth, improvements in living
      standard, industrialization, and energy intensive lifestyle will all heighten
      water management challenges. Slowing productivity growth, falling investment in
      irrigation, loss of biodiversity, risks to public health, environmental health
      issues such as soil salinity, land degradation, land cover change and water
      quality issues add an additional layer of complexity. Against this backdrop, the
      potential for wastewater irrigation and its benefits and risks are examined.
      These include crop productivity, aquaculture, soil health, groundwater quality,
      environmental health, public health, infrastructure constraints, social concerns
      and risks, property values, social equity, and poverty reduction. It is argued
      that, wastewater reuse and nutrient capture can contribute towards climate change
      adaptation and mitigation. Benefits such as avoided freshwater pumping and energy
      savings, fertilizer savings, phosphorous capture and prevention of mineral
      fertilizer extraction from mines can reduce carbon footprint and earn carbon
      credits. Wastewater reuse in agriculture reduces the water footprint of food
      production on the environment; it also entails activities such as higher crop
      yields and changes in cropping patterns, which also reduce carbon footprint.
      However, there is a need to better integrate water reuse into core water
      governance frameworks in order to effectively address the challenges and harness
      the potential of this vital resource for environmental health protection. The
      paper also presents a blueprint for future water governance and public policies
      for the protection of environmental health.

PMID- 22093904
TI  - Intimate partner violence among women with HIV infection in rural Uganda:
      critical implications for policy and practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem in
      Africa and worldwide. HIV infected women face increased IPV risk. We assessed the
      prevalence and factors associated with IPV among HIV infected women attending HIV
      care in Kabale hospital, Uganda. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
      conducted among 317 HIV infected women attending Kabale regional hospital HIV
      treatment centre, from March to December 2010. Participants were interviewed
      using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was collected on socio
      demographic variables, social habits, and IPV (using the abuse assessment screen
      and the Severity of Violence against Women Scale to identify physical, sexual and
      psychological violence). Characteristics of the participants who reported IPV
      were compared with those who did not. Multivariate logistic-regression analysis
      was conducted to analyze factors that were independently associated with IPV.
      RESULTS: The mean age of 317 respondents was 29.7 years. Twenty two (6.9%) were
      adolescents and 233 (73.5%) were married or cohabiting. The mean age of the
      spouse was 33.0 years.One hundred and eleven (35.0%) were currently on
      antiretroviral therapy. Lifetime prevalence of IPV (physical or sexual) was
      36.6%. In the preceding 12 months, IPV (any type) was reported by 93 respondents
      (29.3%). This was physical for 55 (17.6%), and sexual /psychological for 38
      (12.1%). On multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, there was a
      significant but inverse association between education level and physical partner
      violence (adjusted relative risk (ARR) 0.50, confidence limits (95% CI) 0.31
      0.82, p-value = 0.007). There was a significant but inverse association between
      education level of respondent and sexual/psychological violence (ARR 0.47 95%CI
      (0.25-0.87), p-value = 0.017) Likewise, there was a significant inverse
      association between the education level of the spouse and psychological/sexual
      violence (ARR 0.57, 95% CI 0.25-0.90, p-value = 0.018). Use of antiretroviral
      therapy was associated with increased prevalence of any type of violence
      (physical, sexual or psychological) with ARR 3.04 (95%CI 1.15-8.45, p-value =
      0.032). CONCLUSION: Almost one in three women living with HIV had suffered
      intimate partner violence in the preceding 12 months. Nearly one in five HIV
      patients reported physical violence, and about one in every seven HIV patients
      reported sexual/psychological violence. Likewise, women who were taking
      antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment were more likely to report any type of
      intimate partner violence (physical, sexual or psychological). The implication of
      these findings is that women living with HIV especially those on antiretroviral
      drugs should be routinely screened for intimate partner violence.

PMID- 22093905
TI  - Expression of the human tumor suppressor p53 induces cell death in Pichia
      pastoris.
AB  - The human tumor suppressor p53 is known as guardian of genome because of its
      involvement in many signals related to cell life or death. In this work, we
      report that human p53 induces cell death in the yeast Pichia pastoris. We showed
      a growth inhibition effect, which increased with the p53 protein expression level
      in recombinant Mut(s)  (methanol utilization slow) strain of Pichia. However, no
      effect of p53 was observed in recombinant strain of Mut(+)  (methanol utilization
      plus) phenotype. Interestingly, human p53 induces cell death in recombinant
      strains Mut(s)  with characteristic markers of apoptosis such as DNA
      fragmentation, exposure of phosphatidylserine, and reactive oxygen species
      generation. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that human p53 is
      biologically active in this heterologous context. Thus, we propose that P.
      pastoris could be a useful tool to better understand the biological function of
      human p53.

PMID- 22093906
TI  - First evidence of previously undescribed trichomonad species in the intestine of
      pigs?
AB  - Three different parasites of the phylum Parabasala (Tritrichomonas foetus,
      Trichomitus rotunda and Tetratrichomonas buttreyi) have been described in pigs.
      In a previous study (Mostegl et al., 2011) approximately 47% of 91 paraffin wax
      embedded intestinal samples of pigs which were Trichomonas-positive by in situ
      hybridization using a probe with a broad reactivity spectrum contained other
      species than T. foetus. Out of these, intestinal trichomonads from three pigs
      (pigs 1-3) were further analyzed by gene sequencing of a part of the 18S
      ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene using primer walking. Subsequently, the partial
      sequences achieved by the different primer pairs were combined to a sequence of
      about 1000 bp for each trichomonad. In all three pigs unique sequences were
      acquired which showed only moderate similarities to sequences available in the
      GenBank. Alignments and the BLAST analysis showed a high degree of homology
      between sequences of trichomonads from pig 1 and pig 3 with only 1% difference.
      These sequences were found to be 92% similar to Hypotrichomonas acosta, a
      trichomonad isolated from squamate reptiles. The trichomonad sequence detected in
      the intestine of pig 2 showed about 10% nucleotide differences compared to pigs 1
      and 3. This sequence was 97% similar to two Trichomitus batrachorum (a frog
      symbiont) sequences. A phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining and
      maximum likelihood methods supported the data of the BLAST analysis. These
      results suggest the presence of at least two as yet undescribed trichomonad
      species in the intestinal contents of pigs.

PMID- 22093907
TI  - Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) HP88 for biological
      control of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae): the effect of different
      exposure times of engorged females to the nematodes.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different exposure times of
      engorged female the Rhipicephalus microplus to infective juveniles of
      Heterorhabditis bacteriophora isolate HP88. The engorged females were divided
      into seven groups (six treatments and one control) of 20 ticks each with
      statistically similar average weights (p>0.05) and exposed to concentrations of
      300 nematodes/tick for periods of 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. The following
      biological parameters were monitored: pre-oviposition period; egg mass weight;
      hatching percentage; and efficacy of treatment. There was no influence of the
      exposure time on the pre-oviposition period (p>0.05), while there were
      significant differences (p<0.05) between the groups exposed for 24, 48 and 72 h
      and the control group with respect to the egg mass weight, and 24h for hatching
      percentage. Treatment efficacy reached 100% after exposure for 48 and 72 h. These
      results demonstrate that infective juveniles of H. bacteriophora HP88, under
      laboratory conditions, interfere in the majority of the biological parameters of
      the non-parasitic phase of engorged R. microplus females when the exposure time
      is greater than or equal to 24h.

PMID- 22093908
TI  - Effect of infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta on milk production and
      composition in Assaf dairy sheep.
AB  - Infection by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in grazing sheep can negatively
      influence the growth of lambs and milk yield. In the current study we evaluated
      the effect of high and low levels of infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta on
      production parameters of lactating ewes. Two groups of ewes were infected with
      50,000 T. circumcincta third stage larvae (L3) 30 days before lambing. To obtain
      a high level of infection, Group HI was challenged with 30,000 L3 30 days post
      partum (pp) and again 90 days pp with the same dose. The low infection group (LI)
      was treated with an intraruminal controlled-release albendazole bolus one-month
      pp. We determined the effect of the differing parasite loads on milk yield, milk
      composition, weight gain, and body condition (BC). Throughout the trial the milk
      yield was higher in the LI group and, consequently, at the end of the lactation,
      this group produced 11.1% more milk than the HI group. In the final third of
      lactation there was an overall increase in milk fat, protein, and lactose
      although the factor most affected by infection level was the protein percentage,
      with an increment of 11.9% in the HI group. The somatic cell counts remained low
      during the experiment indicating the absence of udder infection. Regarding weight
      and BC, significant differences were found only in BC although LI ewes weighed 2%
      more than the HI group. In conclusion, a low level of GIN infection in sheep
      leads to a better BC and a higher milk production with high protein percentage.

PMID- 22093909
TI  - The inverse agonist effect of rimonabant on G protein activation is not mediated
      by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor: evidence from postmortem human brain.
AB  - Rimonabant (SR141716) was the first potent and selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor
      antagonist synthesized. Several data support that rimonabant behaves as an
      inverse agonist. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that this inverse agonism
      may be CB1 receptor-independent. The aim of the present study was to elucidate
      whether the effect of rimonabant over G protein activation in postmortem human
      brain is CB1 dependent or independent. [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assays and
      antibody-capture [(35)S]GTPgammaS scintillation proximity assays (SPA) were
      performed in human and mice brain. [(3)H]SR141716 binding characteristics were
      also studied. Rimonabant concentration-dependently decreased basal
      [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to human cortical membranes. This effect did not change
      in the presence of either the CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2, the CB1 receptor
      neutral antagonist O-2050, or the CB1 allosteric modulator Org 27569.
      [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assays performed in CB1 knockout mice brains revealed
      that rimonabant inhibited the [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in the same manner as it
      did in wild-type mice. The SPA combined with the use of specific antibody-capture
      of G(alpha) specific subunits showed that rimonabant produces its inverse agonist
      effect through G(i3), G(o) and G(z) subtypes. This effect was not inhibited by
      the CB1 receptor antagonist O-2050. Finally, [(3)H]SR141716 binding assays in
      human cortical membranes demonstrated that rimonabant recognizes an additional
      binding site other than the CB1 receptor orthosteric binding site recognized by O
      2050. This study provides new data demonstrating that at least the inverse
      agonist effect observed with >1MUM concentrations of rimonabant in
      [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assays is not mediated by the CB1 receptor in human
      brain.

PMID- 22093910
TI  - Towards a new treatment for equine acute laminitis: the importance of signalling
      pathways.

PMID- 22093911
TI  - The effect of radiological hip dysplasia and breed on survival in a prospective
      cohort study of four large dog breeds followed over a 10 year period.
AB  - The aim of the study was to measure the effect of radiological hip and elbow
      dysplasia status and breed on overall survival in a cohort of four large dog
      breeds in Norway. Privately owned dogs of the Newfoundland (NF), Labrador
      Retriever (LR), Leonberger (LEO), and Irish Wolfhound (IW) breeds were followed
      prospectively from birth to 10 years of age. The age of death/euthanasia was
      registered. A total of 501 dogs from 103 litters were enrolled. Kaplan-Meier
      survival curves were used to describe breed differences in survival times. The
      effects of radiological hip and elbow dysplasia status as well as breed were
      assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The variables 'sex' and 'living
      region' were explored as potential confounders. Among LRs, 60.2% of the dogs were
      still alive at 10 years of age, and the corresponding figures for NFs, LEOs, and
      IWs were 28.8%, 16.11%, and 6.4%, respectively. Radiological hip dysplasia status
      and breed were found to influence overall survival. Two different time-varying
      effects were observed in that with the IW the hazard of death increased linearly
      through time, while the effect of severe radiological hip dysplasia decreased
      logarithmically with time. Location influenced the death hazard and dogs living
      in suburban areas or cities had longer mean time to death and a lower hazard
      compared to dogs living in the countryside. Radiological elbow dysplasia status
      was not found to have an effect on overall survival.

PMID- 22093912
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of newer anticholinergic drugs for urinary
      incontinence vs oxybutynin and no treatment using data on persistence from the
      Swedish prescribed drug registry.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (cost effectiveness). Level of Evidence 2a. What's known on
      the subject? and What does the study add? Anticholinergic drugs are a common
      treatment alternative in urinary incontinence, which results in large costs for
      caregivers. So far, most cost-effectiveness analyses of anticholinergic drugs
      have focused on small putative differences between the newer anticholinergics.
      This study takes a novel approach by treating the clinical effects of the newer
      alternatives as similar and evaluating them as a group in relation to no
      treatment and oxybutynin (immediate release). It also uses registry data to
      account for persistence. OBJECTIVE: * To analyse the cost-effectiveness of newer
      anticholinergic drugs in relation to oxybutynin immediate release (IR) and no
      treatment for patients with urgency urinary incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: *
      A decision analytic model was constructed. * Results were collected from
      randomized trials and combined with registry data on persistence of medicine use
      and estimated number of severe adverse events. * The setting corresponds to
      Swedish clinical practice. * The costs and effects of the treatment options were
      analysed over a period of 1 year. Costs included drug costs, treatment costs and
      costs for pad use. Patients' utilities were based on treatment effect and the
      lack or presence of adverse events. RESULTS: * No treatment was the least costly
      treatment but also resulted in the fewest number of quality adjusted life years
      (QALYs). * Treatment with newer anticholinergic drug medications is the most
      costly option but also the most efficient treatment. Sensitivity analyses showed
      that the results were robust. * Treatment with newer anticholinergics resulted in
      a cost per QALY gained of ?21 045 compared with no treatment and no effect and
      ?65 435 compared with no treatment and placebo effect. Compared with oxybutynin
      IR, the cost per QALY gained was ?37 119. These calculations are based on
      relatively low pad costs, resulting in higher costs per QALY for the original
      drugs. CONCLUSIONS: * The newer anticholinergic medications are likely to be cost
      effective in relation to oxybutynin IR. * The cost-effectiveness of the newer
      anticholinergics compared with no treatment depends on assumptions of the effect
      of no treatment, the severity of the treated condition and the treated
      individual's risk of adverse events. * Treatment is less likely to be cost
      effective for elderly persons or for persons otherwise at higher risk for adverse
      events.

PMID- 22093913
TI  - Six-month incidence of bloodstream infections in intestinal transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal transplantation has emerged as an established treatment
      for life-threatening intestinal failure. The most common complication and cause
      of death is infection. Risk of infection is highest during the first 6 months, as
      a consequence of maximal immunosuppression, greater than that required for any
      other organ allograft. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all
      (56) adult and pediatric (<18 years) small bowel transplant patients at our
      institution between November 2003 and July 2007, and analyzed the 6-month post
      transplant incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs). We evaluated multiple risk
      factors, including inclusion of a colon or liver, total bilirubin >5, surgical
      complications, and acute rejection. RESULTS: A BSI developed in 34 of the 56
      patients, with a total of 85 BSI episodes. Of these BSI episodes, 65.9% were due
      to gram-positive organisms, 34.1% gram-negative organisms, and 2.4% due to fungi.
      The most common isolates were Enterococcus species, Enterobacter species,
      Klebsiella species, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Inclusion of the liver
      and/or a preoperative bilirubin >5 mg/dL appeared to increase the incidence of
      BSI (P = 0.0483 and 0.0005, respectively). Acute rejection and colonic inclusion
      did not appear to affect the incidence of BSI (P = 0.9419 and 0.8248,
      respectively). The BSI incidence was higher in children (P = 0.0058).
      CONCLUSIONS: BSIs are a common complication of intestinal transplantation. Risk
      factors include age <18, inclusion of the liver, and pre-transplant bilirubin >5.
      Acute rejection and colon inclusion do not appear to be associated with increased
      BSI risk.

PMID- 22093914
TI  - The effect of anemia and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on cognitive
      impairment in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
AB  - Anemia and subcortical ischemic change might be associated with increased risks
      for cognitive impairment among the elderly. This study examined the associations
      among anemia, WMH and cognitive function in patients with amnestic MCI. We
      recruited 278 subjects with amnestic MCI from the Clinical Research Center for
      Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS), a hospital-based cohort study. A standardized
      neuropsychological battery, containing tests of language, visuospatial function,
      verbal memory and executive function, was used for all patients. Anemia was
      defined as a hemoglobin concentration below 12 g/dl for women and below 13 g/dl
      for men. The severity of WMH was also examined using brain magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). After multivariable adjustments, anemia and WMH were associated
      with poorer performance on cognitive function tests (anemia: Stroop test, F=4.17,
      p=0.042; WMH: Stroop test, F=6.45, p=0.002; Rey-complex figure test-copy, F=4.08,
      p=0.018). Moreover, a significant interaction between anemia and the severity of
      WMH was observed in performance on the Go/no go test (F=4.50, p=0.012) and the
      Stroop test (F=3.36, p=0.037). In post hoc analysis, anemic patients with severe
      WMH had significantly worse scores on measure of executive function (Go/no go
      test, p=0.011; Stroop test, p=0.001). Anemia and WMH had interactive effects on
      executive function impairment among the elderly with amnestic MCI.

PMID- 22093915
TI  - The contribution of spinal glial cells to chronic pain behaviour in the
      monosodium iodoacetate model of osteoarthritic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical studies of osteoarthritis (OA) suggest central sensitization
      may contribute to the chronic pain experienced. This preclinical study used the
      monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) model of OA joint pain to investigate the potential
      contribution of spinal sensitization, in particular spinal glial cell activation,
      to pain behaviour in this model. Experimental OA was induced in the rat by the
      intra-articular injection of MIA and pain behaviour (change in weight bearing and
      distal allodynia) was assessed. Spinal cord microglia (Iba1 staining) and
      astrocyte (GFAP immunofluorescence) activation were measured at 7, 14 and 28 days
      post MIA-treatment. The effects of two known inhibitors of glial activation,
      nimesulide and minocycline, on pain behaviour and activation of microglia and
      astrocytes were assessed. RESULTS: Seven days following intra-articular injection
      of MIA, microglia in the ipsilateral spinal cord were activated (p < 0.05,
      compared to contralateral levels and compared to saline controls). Levels of
      activated microglia were significantly elevated at day 14 and 21 post MIA
      injection. At day 28, microglia activation was significantly correlated with
      distal allodynia (p < 0.05). Ipsilateral spinal GFAP immunofluorescence was
      significantly (p < 0.01) increased at day 28, but not at earlier timepoints, in
      the MIA model, compared to saline controls. Repeated oral dosing (days 14-20)
      with nimesulide attenuated pain behaviour and the activation of microglia in the
      ipsilateral spinal cord at day 21. This dosing regimen also significantly
      attenuated distal allodynia (p < 0.001) and numbers of activated microglia (p <
      0.05) and GFAP immunofluorescence (p < 0.001) one week later in MIA-treated rats,
      compared to vehicle-treated rats. Repeated administration of minocycline also
      significantly attenuated pain behaviour and reduced the number of activated
      microglia and decreased GFAP immunofluorescence in ipsilateral spinal cord of MIA
      treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: Here we provide evidence for a contribution of spinal
      glial cells to pain behaviour, in particular distal allodynia, in this model of
      osteoarthritic pain. Our data suggest there is a potential role of glial cells in
      the central sensitization associated with OA, which may provide a novel analgesic
      target for the treatment of OA pain.

PMID- 22093916
TI  - Protein composition of interband regions in polytene and cell line chromosomes of
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite many efforts, little is known about distribution and
      interactions of chromatin proteins which contribute to the specificity of
      chromomeric organization of interphase chromosomes. To address this issue, we
      used publicly available datasets from several recent Drosophila genome-wide
      mapping and annotation projects, in particular, those from modENCODE project, and
      compared molecular organization of 13 interband regions which were accurately
      mapped previously. RESULTS: Here we demonstrate that in interphase chromosomes of
      Drosophila cell lines, the interband regions are enriched for a specific set of
      proteins generally characteristic of the "open" chromatin (RNA polymerase II,
      CHRIZ (CHRO), BEAF-32, BRE1, dMI-2, GAF, NURF301, WDS and TRX). These regions
      also display reduced nucleosome density, histone H1 depletion and pronounced
      enrichment for ORC2, a pre-replication complex component. Within the 13 interband
      regions analyzed, most were around 3-4 kb long, particularly those where many of
      said protein features were present. We estimate there are about 3500 regions with
      similar properties in chromosomes of D. melanogaster cell lines, which fits quite
      well the number of cytologically observed interbands in salivary gland polytene
      chromosomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest strikingly similar
      organization of interband chromatin in polytene chromosomes and in chromosomes
      from cell lines thereby reflecting the existence of a universal principle of
      interphase chromosome organization.

PMID- 22093917
TI  - Comparison of endocrine-mediated effects of two bisphenol A related compounds,
      2,2-bis(4-cyanatophyenyl)propane and 4,4'-cyclohexylidenebisphenol, based on
      subacute oral toxicity studies using rats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare endocrine-mediated effects of bisphenol
      A related compounds, 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophyenyl)propane and 4,4'
      cyclohexylidenebisphenol with reference to OECD Test Guideline No. 407. Rats were
      orally gavaged with 0, 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg/day of 2,2-bis(4
      cyanatophyenyl)propane, and 0, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day of 4,4'
      cyclohexylidenebisphenol for at least 28 days beginning at 8 weeks of age.
      Endocrine-mediated effects were not observed in rats given 2,2-bis(4
      cyanatophyenyl)propane. Male accessory sex organ weights decreased in the 4,4'
      cyclohexylidenebisphenol 300 mg/kg group and serum T4 values increased in all
      male groups treated with this compound. Our results suggest that endocrine
      mediated changes caused by the present bisphenol related compound can be divided
      into estrogenic or thyroid hormonal effects, and estrogenic effects observed in
      the repeated-dose study were related to their estrogenic potency confirmed by
      uterotrophic assay.

PMID- 22093918
TI  - Hesperidin alleviates acetaminophen induced toxicity in Wistar rats by abrogation
      of oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, but at high
      dose it leads to undesirable side effects, such as hepatotoxicity and
      nephrotoxicity. The present study demonstrates the comparative hepatoprotective
      and nephroprotective activity of hesperidin (HD), a naturally occurring
      bioflavonoid against APAP induced toxicity. APAP induces hepatotoxicity and
      nephrotoxicity as was evident by abnormal deviation in the levels of antioxidant
      enzymes. Moreover, APAP induced renal damage by inducing apoptotic death and
      inflammation in renal tubular cells, manifested by an increase in the expression
      of caspase-3, caspase-9, NFkB, iNOS, Kim-1 and decrease in Bcl-2 expression.
      These results were further supported by the histopathological examination of
      kidney. All these features of APAP toxicity were reversed by the co
      administration of HD. Therefore, our study favors the view that HD may be a
      useful modulator in alleviating APAP induced oxidative stress and toxicity.

PMID- 22093919
TI  - When warm air is what we need.

PMID- 22093920
TI  - Thinking outside the box: Aboriginal people's suggestions for conducting health
      studies with Aboriginal communities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Aboriginal people are under-represented in epidemiological research,
      largely due to past failures to engage and recruit Aboriginal communities,
      research fatigue and the use of culturally inappropriate methods. A qualitative
      study was undertaken in rural and urban Aboriginal communities in north-eastern
      and south-western Ontario to identify culturally congruent public health research
      methodologies. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative participatory research study using
      focus group discussions. METHODS: This study employed a participatory research
      framework to elicit methodological suggestions for conducting public health
      research with Aboriginal communities during focus groups with healthcare
      providers from six diverse Aboriginal health organizations in Ontario, Canada.
      RESULTS: Continuing requests for participation in health research studies have
      led to community exhaustion. Discussions explored appropriate methods to obtain
      community approval and support for a study, the need for cultural sensitivity
      training for researchers, the value of conducting studies of interest and benefit
      to the community, advantages and disadvantages of qualitative and quantitative
      studies, the benefit of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal ethics reviews, the
      importance of safeguarding trusted information, types of incentives that may
      enhance study participation, suggestions to improve the collection of
      questionnaire information and biological specimens, how to resolve contentious
      issues and dissemination of study results. CONCLUSION: In order to successfully
      engage Aboriginal people in health studies, researchers need to build rapport
      with communities, have a community presence, be respectful and collaborative,
      utilize incentives, and employ flexible and adaptive methodologies of reasonable
      length. Oral interviews are preferred to self-completed information. The use of
      more mixed methods methodologies was suggested when quantitative data collection
      is necessary. Communities expect presentations about research findings.

PMID- 22093921
TI  - Successful liver transplantation following veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation in a child with fulminant Wilson disease and severe pulmonary
      hemorrhage: a case report.
AB  - Massive pulmonary hemorrhage and other serious cardiopulmonary diseases in
      patients with fulminant hepatitis result not only in graft failure but also
      mortality after LT. ECMO is used to treat children with cardiorespiratory failure
      refractory to conventional intensive care. We describe a five-yr-old girl with
      genetically confirmed fulminant Wilson disease and severe pulmonary hemorrhage
      who underwent successful primary LT following veno-arterial ECMO. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of successful primary LT in a patient using
      veno-arterial ECMO. The present case demonstrates that ECMO, as a bridging
      modality to LT, may be necessary to manage both massive pulmonary hemorrhage and
      possible graft loss because of hypoxemia.

PMID- 22093922
TI  - The development of verbal and visual working memory processes: a latent variable
      approach.
AB  - Working memory (WM) processing in children has been studied with different
      approaches, focusing on either the organizational structure of WM processing
      during development (factor analytic) or the influence of different task
      conditions on WM processing (experimental). The current study combined both
      approaches, aiming to distinguish verbal and visual processing in order to
      investigate WM development. We investigated recall performance under different
      task conditions in a sample of 5- to 13-year-olds, applying latent class
      regression analysis. In this analysis, we examined latent classes (subgroups)
      within the sample that differed in terms of processing type. The interpretations
      of the latent classes were validated internally using characteristics of the
      latent classes and externally using recall performance of words and figures. The
      results showed that children of different developmental stages used the same type
      of processing under the same conditions. However, due to developmental
      differences, their overall performances differed, showing groups of children who
      were successful in verbal or visual processing and groups of children who were
      not. This study shows and discusses the importance of disentangling the influence
      of task conditions from the influence of WM development when interpreting recall
      performance in children.

PMID- 22093923
TI  - Children's understanding of nonverbal expressions of pride.
AB  - To chart the developmental path of children's attribution of pride to others, we
      presented children (4 years 0 month to 11 years 11 months of age, N=108) with
      video clips of head-and-face, body posture, and multi-cue (both head-and-face and
      body posture simultaneously) expressions that adults consider to convey pride.
      Across age groups, 4- and 5-year-olds did not attribute pride to any expression
      presented, 6- and 7-year-olds attributed pride only to the multi-cue expression,
      and 8- to 11-year-olds attributed pride to both the head-and-face and multi-cue
      expressions. Children of all ages viewed the postural expression as anger rather
      than pride. Developmentally, pride is first attributed only when several cues are
      present and only later when a single cue (head-and-face) is present.

PMID- 22093925
TI  - [Bacteria against bacterium: the inhibitory effects of probiotics on Helicobacter
      pylori].

PMID- 22093924
TI  - Nicotinic stimulation induces Tristetraprolin over-production and attenuates
      inflammation in muscle.
AB  - Cholinergic signaling suppresses inflammation in blood and brain and attenuates
      apoptosis in other tissues, but whether it blocks inflammation in skeletal muscle
      under toxicant exposure, injuries and diseases remained unexplored. Here, we
      report nicotinic attenuation of inflammation and alteration of apoptotic protein
      expression pattern in murine muscle tissue and cultured myotubes, involving the
      RNA-binding protein, Tristetraprolin, and the anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl-1. In
      muscles and C2C12 myotubes, cholinergic excitation by exposure to nicotine or the
      organophosphorous pesticide, Paraoxon, induced Tristetraprolin overproduction
      while reducing pro-inflammatory transcripts such as IL-6, CXCL1 (KC) and CCL2
      (MCP-1). Furthermore, nicotinic excitation under exposure to the bacterial
      endotoxin LPS attenuated over-expression of the CCL2 and suppressed the
      transcriptional activity of NF-KB and AP-1. Tristetraprolin was essential for
      this anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine in basal conditions. However, its
      knockdown also impaired the pro-inflammatory response to LPS. Finally, in vivo
      administration of Paraoxon or recombinant Acetylcholinesterase, leading
      respectively to either gain or loss of cholinergic signaling, modified muscle
      expression of key mRNA processing factors and several of their apoptosis-related
      targets. Specifically, cholinergic imbalances enhanced the kinase activators of
      the Serine-Arginine splicing kinases, Clk1 and Clk3. Moreover, Paraoxon raised
      the levels of the anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl-1, through a previously
      unrecognized polyadenylation site selection mechanism, producing longer, less
      stable Mcl-1 mRNA transcripts. Together, our findings demonstrate that in
      addition to activating muscle function, acetylcholine regulates muscle
      inflammation and cell survival, and point to Tristetraprolin and the choice of
      Mcl-1 mRNA polyadenylation sites as potential key players in muscle reactions to
      insults.

PMID- 22093926
TI  - [Association analysis between dopamine D1 receptor gene and symptom quantitative
      trait of schizophrenia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between dopamine D1 receptor gene (DRD1)
      and symptom quantitative trait of schizophrenia. METHODS: Peripheral blood
      samples were collected from 211 schizophrenics and 247 healthy controls at our
      center. Five tag SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) (rs4532, rs5326,
      rs2168631, rs6882300 & rs267418) within DRD1 gene were genotyped by TaqMan SNP
      genotyping assay. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) was used to
      quantify the phenotypes of schizophrenia. RESULTS: No significant differences
      existed in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of DRD1 gene between the
      schizophrenics and normal controls (Ps > 0.05); strong linkage disequilibrium was
      observed between rs4532 and rs5326 (D' = 0.84); no significant difference of
      haplotypic distribution was identified between the patients and controls (Ps >
      0.05); the patients with rs4532G allele had a higher negative subscale score than
      those without G allele (20.3 +/- 3.3 vs 18.2 +/- 3.9, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      rs4532 within DRD1 gene may be associated with negative symptom quantitative
      trait in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22093927
TI  - [Clinical efficacy of transcatheter renal arterial embolization plus cryoablation
      for medium and advanced renal carcinomas].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of transcatheter renal arterial
      embolization (TRAE) plus cryoablation in the treatment of medium and advanced
      stage renal carcinomas. METHODS: The patients with medium and advanced stage
      renal carcinomas were randomized into 2 groups: TRAE group (A, n = 53) and TRAE
      plus cryoablation group (B, n = 51) undergoing cryoablation 2 - 3 weeks after
      TRAE. A total of 128 tumors (8.7 +/- 3.2) (4.0 - 19.8) cm in diameter were
      detected. And the largest tumor in a specific patient with multiple lesions was
      selected for observation. At pre- and post-treatment, their clinical symptoms,
      kidney function and tumor diameters (computed tomography or magnetic resonance
      imaging) were observed. And their post-treatment profiles of tumor necrosis and
      survival were assessed. RESULTS: There was no difference in gender, age, size and
      Robson stage between two groups. The tumor necrosis of Group B was significantly
      higher than that of Group A (61% vs 35%, t = 6.784, P < 0.01). The median
      survival duration of Group B was significantly longer than that of Group A (24 vs
      15 months, P < 0.05). There was no significant change of kidney function at pre-
      and post-treatment (P > 0.05). The quality-of-life scores improved at post
      treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: As compared with TRAE therapy alone, the
      combination of TRAE and cryoablation may improve the tumor necrosis rate and
      prolong the patient survival duration.

PMID- 22093928
TI  - [Correlation between severe preeclampsia and abnormal expression of long-chain
      fatty acid oxidative enzyme].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between severe preeclampsia and abnormal
      expression of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD). METHODS: Serum
      free trophoblast cells cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups under the
      stimulations of normal pregnancy serum (NP group), early onset severe
      preeclampsia serum (E-PE group), late onset severe preeclampsia serum (L-PE
      group) and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes & low platelets) syndrome
      serum (HELLP group) respectively. The expressions of mRNA and protein of LCHAD in
      trophoblast cells were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
      Western blot. RESULT: (1) Expression of LCHAD mRNA: the relative expressions of
      mRNA of LCHAD in NP, E-PE, L-PE and HELLP groups were 1.00 +/- 0.00, 3.08 +/-
      0.22, 1.62 +/- 0.23 and 3.36 +/- 0.18 respectively. The relative expressions of
      LCHAD mRNA were significantly reduced in the E-PE, L-PE and HELLP groups versus
      the NP group (P < 0.05). Compared with the L-PE group, the gene expressions of
      LCHAD significantly decreased in the E-PE and HELLP groups (P < 0.05) while no
      significant difference was found between the E-PE and HELLP groups (P > 0.05).
      (2) Expression of LCHAD protein: the relative expressions of LCHAD protein were
      4.94 +/- 0.02, 2.93 +/- 0.13, 4.14 +/- 0.06 and 2.80 +/- 0.09 in the NP, E-PE, L
      PE and HELLP groups respectively. The protein expressions of LCHAD were
      remarkably reduced in the E-PE, L-PE and HELLP groups versus the NP group (P <
      0.05). The expressions of LCHAD protein remarkably decreased in the E-PE and
      HELLP groups versus the L-PE group (P < 0.05) while no significant difference was
      found between the E-PE and HELLP groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long chain fatty
      acid oxidation is involved in the pathogenesis and development of preeclampsia.
      The expressions of LCHAD gene and protein are remarkably affected by early onset
      severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The interacting mechanism and influence
      between fatty acid oxidation and the development of preeclampsia are worth
      further exploring.

PMID- 22093929
TI  - [Prediction of chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian cancer by clinical factors].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features and prognosis among patients with
      different chemosensitivity and determine the specific clinical influencing
      factors of chemotherapeutic resistance. METHODS: In references to the 2010 NCCN
      clinical practice guidelines on ovarian cancer and in accordance with the length
      of disease-free interval, 244 patients were divided into 3 groups: platinum
      resistant, partially sensitive and platinum-sensitive. The differences of
      clinical features, treatment and prognosis were compared among these 3 groups.
      RESULTS: The resistant, partially sensitive, sensitive rates to platinum-based
      chemotherapy were 23.4%, 13.5% and 63.1% respectively. Such factors as age,
      pathological type, primary tumor size. intraperitoneal chemotherapy and venous
      chemotherapy regimen had no effect on the responses to the combination platinum
      based chemotherapy. The platinum-resistant percentage of advanced stage patients
      without optimal cytoreductive surgery was higher (P < 0.01). The poorly
      differentiated rate of partially sensitive patients was higher than that of
      platinum-sensitive ones (P < 0.05). The CA125 level and lymph node metastasis
      rate of platinum-resistant patients were higher than those of platinum-sensitive
      patients (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The 5-year survival rates of resistant, partially
      sensitive and sensitive patients were 9.5%, 38.4% and 81.9% respectively. There
      were statistics differences in overall survival and progression-free survival
      among the 3 groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Advanced ovarian cancer, poor
      differentiation, lymph node-positivity, CA125 rising above 1000 * 10(3) U/L and
      suboptimal cytoreductive surgery would lead to the occurrences of resistance or
      partially sensitivity. Clinical factors have some reference values for the
      prediction of resistance. But it is impossible to accurately determine
      chemoresistance.

PMID- 22093930
TI  - [A 2-year follow-up results of knee arthroscopic synovectomy plus disease
      modifying antirheumatic drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of knee arthroscopic synovectomy
      plus disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: A total of 97 RA patients were treated with
      knee arthroscopic synovectomy plus DMARD after arthroscopy. The control group
      received only DMARD. The patients were assessed at pre-treatment and 1, 6, 12, 24
      month post-treatment. Tender joint count, swollen joint count, morning stiffness,
      resting pain, patient global assessment, physician global assessment, erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and
      disease activity score (DAS) 28 were observed. RESULTS: Tender joint count,
      swollen joint count, morning stiffness, resting pain, patient global assessment,
      physician global assessment and DAS 28 score improved significantly at 1, 6 month
      post-treatment in the combined treatment group versus the control group. At 2
      years post-treatment, there was still significant difference in DAS28 between two
      groups. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of knee arthroscopic synovectomy and
      disease modifying antirheumatic drugs can control the disease activity of RA
      during an early period. And a long-term efficacy may be maintained.

PMID- 22093931
TI  - [Relationship between ROCK2 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics of
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and relationship of Rho-associated
      protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) and clinical characteristics in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to assay the
      expression of ROCK2 in tumor tissues and adjacent normal epithelium from 118 ESCC
      patients in tissue microarray. The relationship between ROCK2 level and
      clinicopathologic profiles such as age, gender, location, smoking,
      differentiation degree, T stage, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage were
      analyzed. RESULTS: The ROCK2 expression was up-regulated in 54 of 118 (45.76%)
      ESCC tissues. The up-regulated expression of ROCK2 was observed in 55.74% (34/61)
      ESCC tissues of patients under 61 years old. And it was significantly higher than
      that in 35.09% (20/57) of patients over 61 years old (chi(2) = 5.062, P = 0.024).
      In addition, the rate of up-regulation of ROCK2 was significantly higher in high
      grade differentiation group (58.70%, 27/46) than that in moderate-grade and low
      grade differentiation group (37.50%, 27/72) (chi(2) = 5.080, P = 0.024).
      CONCLUSION: The up-regulated expression of ROCK2 is correlated with patient age
      and differentiation grade of ESCC.

PMID- 22093932
TI  - [Pathological changes of rectal cancer after irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil or
      combined short-term radiotherapy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe and evaluate the pathologic changes and curative effects of
      irinotecan (CPT-11), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and combined short-term radiotherapy
      before low-set rectal cancer operation so as to provide a theoretic basis for
      formulating a new effective adjuvant therapeutic regimen. METHODS: A total of 41
      patients of low rectal cancer were treated with CPT-11, 5-FU therapy or CPT-11
      plus 5-FU combined short-term radiotherapy from April 2002 to April 2009. They
      were divided into 2 groups according to different treatment schemes, including
      irinotecan group (n = 18) and irinotecan combined short-term radiotherapy group
      (n = 23). The pathologic changes before and after treatment were observed and the
      differences of two treatment approaches compared. RESULTS: Tumor cells had
      different degrees of degeneration and necrosis under microscope in two groups.
      Compared with computed tomographic findings before therapy, tumor sizes of two
      groups were reduced by an average of 33.1% (13.5 mm vs 20.2 mm) and 34.4% (12.8
      mm vs 19.5 mm) respectively. Two groups were graded according to the RCRG (rectal
      cancer regression grade) score: RCRG1: 7 cases vs 18 cases, RCRG2: 4 cases vs 3
      cases and RCRG3: 7 cases vs 2 cases. According to the pathologic evaluation
      standard, 3-degree necrosis, cell interstitial fibrosis and intimal thickening in
      vessels were observed in two groups: 7 cases vs 17 cases, 6 cases vs 17 cases and
      3 cases vs 14 cases respectively (all P < 0.05). Five patients achieved complete
      pathological remission in the irinotecan combined short-term radiotherapy group.
      CONCLUSION: Based on the pathological changes and mitigation results after
      treatment, CPT-11 and 5-FU may be used as neoadjuvant drugs for rectal cancer. If
      the above two drugs can be used in combination with short-term radiation, the
      curative effect will be better.

PMID- 22093933
TI  - [Autologous bone grafting plus screw fixation for medial tibial defects in total
      knee arthroplasty].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of autologous bone grafting plus screw
      fixation to reconstruct the medial tibial defects in total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA). METHODS: From November 2001 to November 2004, 46 patients (50 knees) with
      medial tibial bone defects underwent TKA at our hospital. There were 16 males (16
      knees) and 30 females (34 knees). They included osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 35, 38
      knees) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 11, 12 knees). A total of 46 patients
      underwent three-dimensional CT (computed tomography) reconstruction to evaluate
      the tibial plateau defects after osteotomy. Single or double distal femoral
      osteotomic bone was used to reconstruct the bone defects with the hollow nail
      internal fixation. Another 80 TKA patients (86 knees) were randomly selected as
      the control group. The surgical outcome, lateral migration of tibial component
      and joint line elevation, etc. were analyzed and the follow-up knee society
      scores recorded. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 6 to 9 years. Two
      patients were lost to follow-up and 1 died of myocardial infarction at 5 years
      post-TKA in the test group. In the last follow-up, 1 case suffered deep
      infections and all others had no prosthetic loosening. One case (1 knee) had
      resorption of wedge-shaped bone graft after 8 years. The remaining graft healed
      and there was no screw displacement. Medial platform split fracture occurred in 3
      patients (3 knees) in the OA group. The quantity of distal femoral osteotomy,
      thickness of polyethylene insert, tibial implant size, joint line elevation and
      lateral migration of tibial base were greater than the other two groups (q test,
      P < 0.05). The pre- and post-operative KSS scores had significant differences in
      each group (F test, P < 0.05). But the same group showed no significant
      difference at 6, 9 years (q test, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: As an easy and effective
      way of reconstructing the medial tibial bone defects, autologous bone grafting
      plus screw fixation can restore knee mechanical axis and stability. But in OA
      patients with tibial sclerosis, the complications of tibial component lateral
      migration, joint line elevation and splitting tibia fractures should be avoided
      during the reconstruction.

PMID- 22093934
TI  - [Digital simulation of unipedicular thoracolumbar vertebroplasty puncture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure such operative parameters of unipedicular kyphoplasty as
      optimal entry point, angle and depth so as to provide rationales for its clinical
      management and formulate a standardized protocol for unipedicular vertebroplasty.
      METHODS: Ten dry thoracolumbar specimens were prepared for measurement. The entry
      and target points were defined according to the Roy-Camille method. A 3mm
      Kirschner wire was used to puncture and view in the anteroposterior and lateral
      aspects of radiography until a satisfying position. The outside oblique and
      upward oblique angles were measured on the radiographic pictures. After
      extraction, the depth of Kirschner wire was measured. The positions of entry
      point were changed and the largest upward oblique angle and largest declination
      angle measured on the radiographic pictures. RESULTS: For safe puncturing, as the
      outside oblique and upward oblique angles enlarged from T(11) to L(3), the length
      enlarged from T(11) to T(12) and L(1) to L(3). The accepted error was that the
      largest upward oblique angle and largest declination angle enlarged from T(11) to
      L(3). The alteration range for outside oblique angle was extremely narrow.
      CONCLUSION: The experimental results provide the guiding data for the operative
      management of unipedicular thoracolumbar vertebroplasty. If the pedicle is too
      small or the angle too narrow, the operative sophistication of vertebroplasty
      will be highly demanding.

PMID- 22093935
TI  - [Magnetic resonance imaging findings of lesions in limbic system related
      structures in general paresis of insane].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of lesions in
      the limbic system related structures in general paresis of insane (GPI) patients
      so as to explore its pathogenesis and provide a new MRI diagnostic method.
      METHODS: The clinical data and MRI findings of lesions in the limbic system
      related structures were retrospectively analyzed for a total of 31 GPI patients.
      The parameters were volume and signal abnormality. RESULTS: On MRI, structural
      abnormalities were found in amygdaloid body (n = 29), hippocampus (n = 28),
      insular lobe (n = 24), parahippocampal gyrus (n = 23), lenticular nucleus (n =
      23), corpus callosum (n = 20), caudate nucleus (n = 11), hypothalamus (n = 10),
      anterior nucleus of thalamus (n = 10), cingulate gyrus (n = 8) and thalamus (n =
      2). The frequent manifestations were atrophy, swelling, T2 hyperintensity in
      various structures and T2 hypointensity in lenticular nucleus. CONCLUSION: A
      frequent involvement of limbic system structures in GPI patients may be related
      with dementia and other psychiatric symptoms. Swelling and T2 hyperintensity of
      involved structures may be the characteristic MRI manifestations of GPI.

PMID- 22093936
TI  - [Relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T polymorphism
      and susceptibility of ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the methylenetetrahydrofolate
      reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of ischemic stroke
      among different ethnic populations. METHODS: The databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Cochrane Library and others were searched. And a total of 17 studies published in
      English between 2000 and October 2010 on the association of MTHFR gene C677T
      polymorphism with ischemic stroke were selected. A comprehensive quantitative
      analysis was performed by meta-analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the
      pooled OR values of ischemic stroke with TT and CC genotype were 1.30 (95%CI:
      1.11 to 1.52) and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.79 to 0.98) respectively. And when sub-grouped
      by ethnic populations, the Caucasians were more likely than other populations to
      suffer ischemic stroke. There was a low probability of publication bias.
      CONCLUSION: The presence of MTHFR TT gene is associated with an elevated risk of
      developing ischemic stroke, especially in Caucasians.

PMID- 22093937
TI  - [Effects of magnesium valproate on endocrine system and reproductive functions of
      female epileptics].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of valproate (VPA) on endocrine system in
      adolescent and reproductive female patients with epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 30
      adolescent and reproductive female patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy at our
      hospital during July 2009 to March 2010 were recruited. All cases with magnesium
      VPA alone were included. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),
      luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and
      testosterone (T) were detected respectively at pre-therapy and 3, 6 and 12 months
      post-therapy. And the changes of menstruation and ovaries were recorded. RESULTS:
      The serum concentration of PRL was lower at 3 and 6 months post-therapy than that
      at pre-therapy. There was significant difference (P = 0.010 and 0.014). The serum
      concentration of E2 significantly decreased after a 3-month therapy of valproate
      (P < 0.05). While comparing the parameter's level between the initial test and at
      a 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up, the level of P significantly decreased in the
      later groups than that of the former one while the level of T showed a marked
      increase. The levels of FSH and LH were not significantly different at pre- and
      post-therapy. And 6 (20%) of them presented with menstrual dysfunctions and 3
      (10%) polycystic ovary. CONCLUSION: The valproate therapy can not only cause the
      changes of endocrine system and hormonal levels, but also induce such endocrine
      dysfunction syndromes as menstrual suspension and polycystic ovary. It eventually
      causes polycystic ovary syndrome.

PMID- 22093938
TI  - [A study of microPET for assessing regional cerebral glucose metabolism and the
      expression of dopamine receptor type 2 in a rat model of Parkinson's disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To employ (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) and (3-N-[(11)C]
      methylspiperone)(11)C-NMSP microPET to assess the changes of regional cerebral
      glucose metabolism and the expression of dopamine receptor type 2 (DRD(2)) in a
      rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: A hemiparkinsonian model was
      established in rats by unilateral pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA).
      At 2 weeks after 6-OHDA insult, (18)F-FDG and (11)C-NMSP microPET scan were
      performed to compare the differences of regional cerebral glucose metabolism and
      the expression of DRD(2) between the PD and control groups respectively. The
      immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of tyrosine
      hydroxylase in two groups. RESULTS: In the PD model, the glucose metabolism rates
      were 88.2% +/- 2.2%, 94.5% +/- 4.5% and 96.2% +/- 5.8% respectively, in right
      striatum, hippocampus and sensorimotor cortex. And they were significantly lower
      than those in the control group [92.7% +/- 2.8% (P < 0.01), 98.9% +/- 3.9% (P <
      0.01) & 102.8% +/- 2.1% (P < 0.01)]. The expression of DRD(2) in right striatum
      was significantly higher in the PD group than that in the control group (112.9%
      +/- 9.0% vs 102.3% +/- 1.4%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In the PD rats, glucose
      metabolism decreases in injured side striatum, hippocampus and sensorimotor
      cortex while and the expression of DRD(2) increases in injured side
      striatum.(18)F-FDG and (11)C-NMSP microPET can effectively assess the regional
      cerebral glucose metabolism and the expression of DRD(2) in PD. They may serve as
      effective molecular imaging tools for an early diagnosis of PD.

PMID- 22093939
TI  - [Effects of PTHrP and Notch signaling on the proliferation of epiphysis stem
      cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the regulation of the proliferation of epiphysis stem cells
      by the PTHrP (parathyroid hormone related peptide) and Notch signaling systems.
      METHODS: An organ culture system of femurs of SD rat in 24 h after birth was
      employed. PTHrP (1 - 34) was used as the activator of the PTHrP signaling pathway
      and PTHrP (7 - 34) as the antagonist of PTH (parathyroid hormone)-receptor. For
      Notch signaling system, Jagged1/Fc was used as the activator and DAPT as its
      inhibitor. The femurs were cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's
      medium)/F12 medium while phosphate buffered saline was used for the control
      groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and bromodeoxyuridine analysis were used
      to analyze the length of the epiphysis stem cells zone and the proliferation of
      epiphysis stem cells. The expression of NICD (Notch intra-cellular domain) and
      Jagged1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The epiphysis stem cells were
      transfected with the lentiviral vectors with rat PTHrP gene overexpression or
      inhibition properties, the cells transfected with the PGC-GFP-lentivirus or NC
      GFP-lentivirus were used as control. Western blot was employed to detect the
      expression of NICD and Jagged1 genes. RESULTS: PTHrP (1 - 34) and Jagged1/Fc
      could dramatically elevate the rate of epiphysis stem cells zone by the whole
      growth plate length measurement while PTHrP (7 - 34) and DAPT could decrease the
      rate. Brdu analysis also showed that the number of proliferative epiphysis stem
      cells could be up-regulated by the PTHrP (1 - 34) or Jagged1/Fc signaling. By
      contrast, the treatment with PTHrP (7 - 34) or DAPT reduced the number of
      proliferative epiphysis stem cells. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed
      a significantly elevated expression of NICD and Jagged1 when PTHrP signaling was
      activated while a reductive expression of NICD and Jagged1 when PTHrP signaling
      was inactivated. CONCLUSION: Both of PTHrP and Notch signaling system could
      promote the proliferation of epiphysis stem cells. And the PTHrP signaling can
      stimulate Notch signaling to promote the proliferation of epiphysis stem cells.

PMID- 22093940
TI  - [Generation of antitumor response against hepatocellular carcinoma by in vitro
      transduction of dendritic cells with adeno-associated virus expressing alpha
      fetoprotein].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the generation of antitumor response against
      hepatocellular carcinoma by in vitro transduction of dendritic cells (DC) with
      recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing alpha-fetoprotein (rAAV-AFP).
      METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy
      volunteers. Adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells were transduced with AAV
      AFP and cultured in the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating
      factor and interleukin-4 to generate dendritic cells. MTS assay was used to
      measure the ability of DC transduced with AAV-AFP (AAV-AFP + DC) to stimulate the
      proliferation of T cell. The phenotype and AFP protein expression of DC and the
      secretion of IFN (interferon)-gamma and IL (interleukin)-4 by T cells were
      detected by flow cytometry. The killing efficacy of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)
      activated by AAV-AFP + DC against AFP positive hepatocellular carcinoma cell
      lines was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. RESULTS: AAV-AFP
      + DC expressed HLAI (97.12%), HLAII (97.32%), CD80 (38.94%), CD83 (60.84%) and
      CD86 (98.14%). AFP was secreted by 81.2% of AAV-AFP + DC. And it could stimulate
      effectively the proliferation of T cell. 19.84% of CD4(+)T cells and 18.65% of
      CD8(+)T cells activated by AAV-AFP + DC produced IFN-gamma but not IL-4 and
      showed distinct killing activities against AFP positive hepatocellular carcinoma
      cell lines HepG2 (56.45%) and BEL7402 (78.84%). CONCLUSION: AAV-AFP + DC can
      elicit distinct antitumor responses against AFP positive hepatocellular carcinoma
      cell lines so as to provide a basis for further researches on the clinical
      application of AAV-AFP + DC in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 22093941
TI  - Method comparison of dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity assays and their
      application in biological samples containing reversible inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV, DPP4) is a serine protease that
      releases N-terminal dipeptides. It is a validated drug target for type 2 diabetes
      and DPPIV inhibitors are currently evaluated for other therapeutic applications.
      Various assays are used for DPPIV activity measurements in biological samples.
      Highly sensitive methods are needed to measure also very low activities in
      inhibited samples. METHODS: Here, the three most extensively used substrates to
      quantify DPPIV activity are compared using in-house methods. A luminescent kit
      was also included. In addition, one of the in-house fluorometric assays was
      elaborated for use in biological samples containing reversible DPPIV inhibitors
      to estimate residual DPPIV activity which is usually underestimated due to sample
      dilution. RESULTS: The in-house methods showed a good precision, linearity and
      specificity. Both fluorometric substrates had a 10-fold higher sensitivity
      compared to the colorimetric assay. The luminescent kit was found to be the most
      sensitive. CONCLUSIONS: All three in-house methods can be used to measure DPPIV
      activity in non-inhibited biological samples. The more sensitive fluorometric
      assays are recommended when sample volumes are limited or when using inhibited
      samples. The elaborated fluorometric method can be used to estimate the residual
      in vivo DPPIV activity in inhibitor treated subjects.

PMID- 22093942
TI  - Corin in clinical laboratory diagnostics.
AB  - Corin is a transmembrane serine protease identified in the heart, where it
      converts natriuretic peptides from inactive precursors to mature active forms.
      Studies in animal models and patients with hypertension and heart disease
      demonstrate that corin is critical in maintaining normal blood pressure and
      cardiac function. Like many proteolytic enzymes, corin expression and activity
      are regulated. Cell biology experiments indicate that transcriptional control,
      intracellular protein trafficking, cell surface targeting, zymogen activation and
      ectodomain shedding are important mechanisms in regulating corin expression and
      activity in the heart. More recently, soluble corin was detected in human blood
      and its levels were found to be reduced in patients with heart failure (HF).
      These findings indicate that corin deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis
      of HF and suggest that soluble corin may be used as a biomarker for the disease.
      In this review, we describe the function and regulation of corin and discuss
      recent studies of soluble corin in human blood and its potential use as a
      biomarker for HF.

PMID- 22093943
TI  - Outcome, quality of life and cognitive function of patients with brain metastases
      from non-small cell lung cancer treated with whole brain radiotherapy combined
      with gefitinib or temozolomide. A randomised phase II trial of the Swiss Group
      for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK 70/03).
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with brain metastases (BM) rarely survive longer than 6months
      and are commonly excluded from clinical trials. We explored two combined modality
      regimens with novel agents with single agent activity and radiosensitizing
      properties. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomised phase II trial patients with
      BM from NSCLC were randomly assigned to 30Gy WBRT with either concomitant
      gefitinib (GFT) 250mg/day continuously or temozolomide (TMZ) 75mg/m(2) for
      21/28days. The primary end-point was overall survival, with quality of life and
      cognitive function as secondary end-points. RESULTS: We enrolled 59 patients (GFT
      16, TMZ 43), and 56 patients have died, mainly (80%) from disease progression.
      Four patients succumbed complications of the disease or corticosteroids
      (intestinal perforation (2), CNS haemorrhage and pulmonary emboli). Median
      overall survival in the gefitinib arm was 6.3months (95% CI 2.1-14.6), and
      4.9months (95% CI 2.3-5.6) in TMZ treated patients. Fatigue was the main
      complaint. CONCLUSIONS: No relevant toxicity with those therapeutic regimens was
      observed. Fatal outcome in three patients may have been related to
      corticosteroids. Cognitive function improved during treatment. However, median
      overall survival for all patients was only 4.9months (95% CI 2.3-5.7) and 1-year
      survival 25.4% (95% CI 15.4-37.0%).

PMID- 22093944
TI  - Treatment outcome after low intensity chemotherapy [CVP] in children and
      adolescents with early stage nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma -
      an Anglo-French collaborative report.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine whether three cycles of a low-intensity chemotherapy
      consisting of cyclophosphamide [500 mg/m(2) - day 1], vinblastine [6 mg/m(2) -
      days 1 and 8] and prednisolone [40 mg/m(2) - days 1-7] (CVP) is safe and
      therapeutically effective in children and adolescents with early stage nodular
      lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma [nLPHL]. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five
      children and adolescents with early stage nLPHL [median age 13 years, range 4-17
      years] diagnosed between June 2005 and October 2010 in the UK and France are the
      subjects of this report. Staging investigations included conventional cross
      sectional as well as 18 fluro-deoxyglucose [FDG] PET imaging. Histology was
      confirmed as nLPHL by an expert pathology panel. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients, who
      received CVP as first line treatment, 36 [80%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: (68;
      92)] either achieved a complete remission [CR] or CR unconfirmed [CRu], the
      remaining nine patients achieved a partial response. All nine subsequently
      achieved CR with salvage chemotherapy [n=7] or radiotherapy [n=2]. Ten patients
      received CVP at relapse after primary treatment that consisted of surgery alone
      and all achieved CR. To date, only three patients have relapsed after CVP
      chemotherapy and all had received CVP as first line treatment at initial
      diagnosis. The 40-month freedom from treatment failure and overall survival for
      the entire cohort were 75.4% (SE +/- 6%) and 100%, respectively. No significant
      early toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that CVP is an
      effective chemotherapy regimen in children and adolescents with early stage nLPHL
      that is well tolerated with minimal acute toxicity.

PMID- 22093945
TI  - How many deaths would be avoidable if socioeconomic inequalities in cancer
      survival in England were eliminated? A national population-based study, 1996
      2006.
AB  - AIM: Inequalities in survival between rich and poor have been reported for most
      adult cancers in England. This study aims to quantify the public health impact of
      these inequalities by estimating the number of cancer-related deaths that would
      be avoidable if all patients were to have the same cancer survival as the most
      affluent patients. METHODS: National Cancer Registry data for all adults
      diagnosed with one of 21 common cancers in England were used to estimate relative
      survival. We estimated the number of excess (cancer-related) deaths that would be
      avoidable within three years after diagnosis if relative survival for patients in
      all deprivation groups was as high as the most affluent group. RESULTS: For
      patients diagnosed during 2004-2006, 7122 of the 64,940 excess deaths a year
      (11%) would have been avoidable if three-year survival for all patients had been
      as high as in the most affluent group. The annual number of avoidable deaths fell
      from 8435 (13%) a year for patients diagnosed during 1996-2000. Over 60% of the
      total number of avoidable deaths occurred within six months after diagnosis and
      approximately 70% occurred in the two most deprived groups. CONCLUSION: The
      downward trend in the annual number of avoidable deaths reflects more an
      improvement in survival in England overall, rather than a narrowing of the
      deficit in cancer survival between poor and rich. The lack of any substantial
      change in the percentage of avoidable excess deaths highlights the persistent
      nature of the deficit in survival between affluent and deprived groups.

PMID- 22093946
TI  - Targeted agents: how to select the winners in preclinical and early clinical
      studies?
AB  - There has been a significant shift within oncology drug development away from
      empiric screening of cytotoxic compounds to the era of genomics and molecularly
      targeted agents. The drug development process is evolving with greater emphasis
      on proof-of-mechanism studies in both preclinical and early clinical development.
      The Methodology for the Development of Innovative Cancer Therapies (MDICT) Task
      Force, established as a forum for academic and pharmaceutical leaders to discuss
      methodological issues in targeted anticancer therapy development, met in March
      2010 to review what were the minimal data required to make appropriate decisions
      about moving new targeted cancer agents from late preclinical development into
      phase I and from phase I into phase II trials. A number of specific questions
      were posed, and responses to each developed through survey, literature review and
      discussion at the face to face meeting of the MDICT Task Force. Consensus emerged
      around the necessity to demonstrate proof-of-mechanism and obtain information on
      key pharmacokinetic aspects of drug behaviour in late preclinical and early
      clinical trials. However, controversy remains on the extent of in vivo anti
      tumour efficacy required to support clinical development of targeted agents. A
      systematic review of the data in this area would be informative. Further, while
      objective response in phase I trials may be a favourable signal about the
      potential activity of a new agent, debate exists around the weight that should be
      placed on the observation of stable disease or functional imaging changes in
      driving drug development decisions in the absence of observing either responses
      or convincing pharmacodynamic data in phase I. MDICT made a number of
      recommendations that may aid in future development of targeted agents.

PMID- 22093947
TI  - Baropodometry on women suffering from chronic pelvic pain--a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have associated chronic pelvic pain with a
      stereotyped pattern of movement and posture, lack of normal body sensations, a
      characteristic pain distribution. We aimed at evaluating if these postural
      changes are detectable in baropodometry results in patients with chronic pelvic
      pain. METHODS: We performed a prospective study in a university hospital. We
      selected 32 patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain (study group) and 30
      women without this pathology (regular gynecological work out--control group).
      Pain scores and baropodometric analysis were performed. RESULTS: As expected,
      study group presented higher pain scores than control group. Study and control
      groups presented similar averages for the maximum pressures to the left and right
      soles as well as soles supports in the forefeet and hind feet. Women suffering
      from chronic pelvic pain did not present differences in baropodometric analysis
      when compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: This data demonstrates that
      postural abnormalities resulting from CPP could not be demonstrated by
      baropodometric evaluation. Other postural measures should be addressed to
      evaluate pelvic pain patients.

PMID- 22093948
TI  - Androgen deprivation therapy before radical prostatectomy is associated with
      poorer postoperative erectile function outcomes.

PMID- 22093949
TI  - Incidental encoding of goal irrelevant information is associated with
      insufficient engagement of the dorsal frontal cortex and the inferior parietal
      cortex.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that goal-irrelevant distractors are incidentally
      encoded into long-term memory. Neuroimaging studies have suggested that the
      medial temporal and visual association regions are involved in incidental
      encoding of goal-irrelevant information. However, few studies have investigated
      prefrontal/parietal influence during the incidental encoding. The present study
      performed whole brain analysis to identify the brain regions involved in the
      incidental encoding of goal-irrelevant information. A face working memory (WM)
      task was administered with insertion of face distractors during the delay period.
      Following the WM task, a surprise recognition task was given in an MRI scanner.
      Recognition rate of distractors was higher than that of novel fillers.
      Recognition time was also faster in distractors than in novel fillers.
      Neuroimaging results showed less activation to distractors subsequently
      remembered than those forgotten in the middle and superior frontal regions and
      the lateral inferior parietal lobe including the angular gyrus and the
      temporoparietal regions. However, the left anterior hippocampus and the right
      fusiform gyrus showed greater activation to distractors subsequently remembered.
      Those findings suggest that insufficient engagement of the dorsal frontal cortex
      which regulates attentional control and the inferior parietal lobe which
      functions to reorient attention may allow goal-irrelevant information access to
      working memory and to be encoded into long-term memory.

PMID- 22093950
TI  - Pantoea clinical isolates cannot be accurately assigned to species based on
      metabolic profiling.

PMID- 22093951
TI  - Effect of dornase alfa on inflammation and lung function: potential role in the
      early treatment of cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Dornase alfa has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation and neutrophil
      associated metalloproteinases in cystic fibrosis (CF), suggesting a potential
      benefit from use of this therapy early in the disease. However, observational
      studies indicate that dornase alfa is often reserved for "sicker" patients. A 2
      year, early intervention study of dornase alfa in CF patients with early lung
      disease demonstrated significant improvements in lung function and risk of
      exacerbation compared to placebo. A more recent analysis, using the database of
      the large observational Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF), found that
      initiation of dornase alfa has the potential to alter the course of CF by
      decreasing the rate of lung function decline in children and adults. These
      encouraging results, possibly linked to indirect effects on inflammation, suggest
      a greater role for dornase alfa therapy in the early treatment of CF, where it
      may help preserve lung function and potentially extend survival.

PMID- 22093953
TI  - Hypertrophy hypothesis as an alternative explanation of the phenomenon of
      replicative aging of yeast.
AB  - This paper summarizes numerous arguments demonstrating that the hypothesis of
      accumulation of the senescence factor, which was the basis for introducing yeast
      to the group of model organisms of gerontology, finds no experimental support.
      Among several candidates for the role of the causative agents of replicative
      aging, only one - hypertrophy - always accompanies symptoms of aging, not only in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but also in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PMID- 22093952
TI  - Functional characterization and analgesic effects of mixed cannabinoid receptor/T
      type channel ligands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both T-type calcium channels and cannabinoid receptors modulate
      signalling in the primary afferent pain pathway. Here, we investigate the
      analgesics activities of a series of novel cannabinoid receptor ligands with T
      type calcium channel blocking activity. RESULTS: Novel compounds were
      characterized in radioligand binding assays and in vitro functional assays at
      human and rat CB1 and CB2 receptors. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on
      transient expressed human T-type calcium channels were examined in tsA-201 cells
      using standard whole-cell voltage clamp techniques, and their analgesic effects
      in response to various administration routes (intrathecally, intraplantarly,
      intraperitoneally) assessed in the formalin model. A series of compounds were
      synthesized and evaluated for channel and receptor activity. Compound NMP-7 acted
      as non-selective CB1/CB2 agonist while NMP4 was found to be a CB1 partial agonist
      and CB2 inverse agonist. Furthermore, NMP-144 behaved as a selective CB2 inverse
      agonist. All of these three compounds completely inhibited peak Cav3.2 currents
      with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. All compounds mediated analgesic
      effects in the formalin model, but depending on the route of administration,
      could differentially affect phase 1 and phase 2 of the formalin response.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that a set of novel cannabinioid receptor ligands
      potently inhibit T-type calcium channels and show analgesic effects in vivo. Our
      findings suggest possible novel means of mediating pain relief through mixed T
      type/cannabinoid receptor ligands.

PMID- 22093954
TI  - Gemcitabine and tamoxifen-loaded liposomes as multidrug carriers for the
      treatment of breast cancer diseases.
AB  - The effects of a lipid composition on the physico-chemical and technological
      properties of a multidrug carrier (MDC) containing both gemcitabine (GEM) and
      tamoxifen (TMX), as well as its in vitro antitumoral activity on different breast
      cancer cell lines, were investigated. In particular, the following three
      different liposomal formulations were prepared: DPPC/Chol/DSPE-mPEG2000 (6:3:1
      molar ratio, formulation A), DPPC/Chol/DOTAP (6:3:1 molar ratio, formulation B)
      and DPPC/Chol/DPPG (6:3:1 molar ratio, formulation C). The colloidal systems were
      obtained by the TLE technique and the extrusion process allowed us to obtain
      vesicles having mean sizes of 150-200 nm, while the surface charges varied
      between 50 mV and -30 mV. Formulation A showed the best encapsulation efficiency
      between the two compounds and the presence of TMX influenced the release profile
      of GEM (hydrophilic compound) as a consequence of its effect on the fluidity of
      the bilayer. An MDC of formulation A was used to effectuate the in vitro
      cytotoxicity experiments (MTT-test) on MCF-7 and T47D cells. The liposomal MDC
      provided the best results with respect to the single drug tested in the free form
      or entrapped in the same liposomal formulation. The CLSM experiments showed a
      great degree of cell interaction of liposomal MDC after just 6h.

PMID- 22093955
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of a novel gastric floating alginate/poloxamer inner
      porous beads using foam solution.
AB  - In the present study, a simple and rapid method was developed to prepare a novel
      kind of inner-porous floating beads. The beads were prepared by dripping the foam
      solution into CaCl(2) solution using disposable syringe needle, where the foam
      solution consisting numerous of microbubbles with poloxamer 188 as foaming
      agents, alginate as foaming stablizer. Foamability and foam stability of
      different polymer ratios were evaluated. The SEM cross-section pictures of the
      beads showed that the beads were inner-porous and composed of bubbles with very
      thin wall bubbles stacked together. The visual observation result and the
      resultant-weight method confirmed that the floating beads showed good buoyancy,
      most beads could float in the stomach for more than 6 h. The floating beads
      release behavior in vitro showed that drug release from the beads in a sustained
      release fashion for 10 h. Gamma scintigraphic images and pharmacokinetic studies
      in vivo showed that the beads can retained in the stomach for over 6 h and can
      improve the bioavailability of drug with narrow absorption window.

PMID- 22093956
TI  - Anti-tumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid-incorporated glycol chitosan
      nanoparticles against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate antitumor activity of all-trans retinoic
      acid (RA)-incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles. RA-incorporated GC
      nanoparticles were prepared by electrostatic interaction between RA and amine
      group of GC. RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles have spherical shape and their
      particle size was 317 +/- 34.5 nm. They were simply reconstituted into aqueous
      solution without changes of intrinsic properties. RA-incorporated GC
      nanoparticles were evidently inhibited the proliferation of HuCC-T1
      cholangiocarcinoma cells at higher than 20 MUg/ml of RA concentration while empty
      GC vegicles did not affect to the viablity of tumor cells. Apoptosis and necrosis
      analysis of tumor cells with treatment of RA or RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles
      also supported these results. Invasion test using Matrigel also showed that
      invasion of tumor cells was significantly inhibited at higher than 20 MUg/ml of
      RA concentration. Wound healing assay also showed that RA-incorporated GC
      nanoparticles were inhibited migration of tumor cells as similar to RA itself.
      Our results suggested that RA-incorporated GC nanoparticles is a promising
      vehicles for RA delivery to HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells.

PMID- 22093958
TI  - Evaluation of high frequency ultrasound methods and contrast agents for
      characterising tumor response to anti-angiogenic treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced high-frequency 3D Doppler
      ultrasound with contrast-enhanced 2D and 3D B-mode imaging for assessing tumor
      vascularity during antiangiogenic treatment using soft-shell and hard-shell
      microbubbles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiangiogenic therapy effects (SU11248) on
      vascularity of subcutaneous epidermoid-carcinoma xenografts (A431) in female CD1
      nude mice were investigated longitudinally using non-enhanced and contrast
      enhanced 3D Doppler at 25 MHz. Additionally, contrast-enhanced 2D and 3D B-mode
      scans were performed by injecting hard-shell (poly-butyl-cyanoacrylate-based) and
      soft-shell (phospholipid-based) microbubbles. Suitability of both contrast agents
      for high frequency imaging and the sensitivity of the different ultrasound
      methods to assess early antiangiogenic therapy effects were investigated.
      Ultrasound data were validated by immunohistology. RESULTS: Hard-shell
      microbubbles induced higher signal intensity changes in tumors than soft-shell
      microbubbles in 2D B-mode measurements (424 +/- 7 vs. 169 +/- 8 A.U.; p<0.01). In
      3D measurements, signals of soft-shell microbubbles were hardly above the
      background (5.48 +/- 4.57 vs. 3.86 +/- 2.92 A.U.), while signals from hard-shell
      microbubbles were sufficiently high (30.5 +/- 8.06 A.U). Using hard-shell
      microbubbles 2D and 3D B-mode imaging depicted a significant decrease in tumor
      vascularity during antiangiogenic therapy from day 1 on. Using soft-shell
      microbubbles significant therapy effects were observed at day 4 after therapy in
      2D B-mode imaging but could not be detected in the 3D mode. With non-enhanced and
      contrast-enhanced Doppler imaging significant differences between treated and
      untreated tumors were found from day 2 on. CONCLUSION: Hard-shell microbubble
      enhanced 2D and 3D B-mode ultrasound achieved highest sensitivity for assessing
      therapy effects on tumor vascularisation and were superior to B-mode ultrasound
      with soft-shell microbubbles and to Doppler imaging.

PMID- 22093957
TI  - Integration of a laterally acquired gene into a cell network important for growth
      in a strain of Vibrio rotiferianus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateral Gene Transfer (LGT) is a major contributor to bacterial
      evolution and up to 25% of a bacterium's genome may have been acquired by this
      process over evolutionary periods of time. Successful LGT requires both the
      physical transfer of DNA and its successful incorporation into the host cell. One
      system that contributes to this latter step by site-specific recombination is the
      integron. Integrons are found in many diverse bacterial Genera and is a genetic
      system ubiquitous in vibrios that captures mobile DNA at a dedicated site. The
      presence of integron-associated genes, contained within units of mobile DNA
      called gene cassettes makes up a substantial component of the vibrio genome (1
      3%). Little is known about the role of this system since the vast majority of
      genes in vibrio arrays are highly novel and functions cannot be ascribed. It is
      generally regarded that strain-specific mobile genes cannot be readily integrated
      into the cellular machinery since any perturbation of core metabolism is likely
      to result in a loss of fitness. RESULTS: In this study, at least one mobile gene
      contained within the Vibrio rotiferianus strain DAT722, but lacking close
      relatives elsewhere, is shown to greatly reduce host fitness when deleted and
      tested in growth assays. The precise role of the mobile gene product is unknown
      but impacts on the regulation of outermembrane porins. This demonstrates that
      strain specific laterally acquired mobile DNA can be integrated rapidly into
      bacterial networks such that it becomes advantageous for survival and adaptation
      in changing environments. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile genes that are highly strain
      specific are generally believed to act in isolation. This is because perturbation
      of existing cell machinery by the acquisition of a new gene by LGT is highly
      likely to lower fitness. In contrast, we show here that at least one mobile gene,
      apparently unique to a strain, encodes a product that has integrated into central
      cellular metabolic processes such that it greatly lowers fitness when lost under
      those conditions likely to be commonly encountered for the free living cell. This
      has ramifications for our understanding of the role mobile gene encoded products
      play in the cell from a systems biology perspective.

PMID- 22093960
TI  - Patch valvuloplasty in patients with posterior chordae rupture.

PMID- 22093959
TI  - Bone and mineral metabolism and fibroblast growth factor 23 levels after kidney
      donation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Living kidney donation offers a unique setting to study changes in
      phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis attributable to mild isolated decreases in
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
      SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 198 living kidney donors and 98 nondonor controls from 9
      transplant centers across 3 countries. For donors, median time after donation was
      5.3 years. At assessment, donors had a lower eGFR than controls (73 vs 98
      mL/min/1.73 m(2)). PREDICTOR: Living kidney donation (mildly decreased eGFR).
      OUTCOMES: Biochemical markers of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone
      disorder. MEASUREMENTS: Serum creatinine, total serum calcium, serum and urine
      inorganic phosphate, plasma intact parathyroid hormone, serum calcidiol and
      calcitriol, renal fractional excretion of inorganic phosphate, and intact serum
      fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). RESULTS: Serum FGF-23 levels were
      significantly higher in donors (38.1 vs 29.7 pg/mL; P < 0.001). For every 10
      mL/min/1.73 m(2) decrease in eGFR, FGF-23 level was higher by 3.2 (95% CI, 2.0
      4.4) pg/mL. Compared with controls, donors showed higher renal tubular fractional
      excretion of inorganic phosphate (17.8% vs 12.3%; P < 0.001), lower serum
      phosphate (0.97 vs 1.02 mmol/L; P = 0.03), and lower serum calcitriol values (63
      vs 77 pmol/L; P < 0.001). Serum calcium levels were not significantly different
      between the 2 groups. Plasma intact parathyroid hormone levels were significantly
      higher in donors (5.7 vs 5.0 pmol/L; P = 0.03), but were not correlated with FGF
      23 or calcitriol levels. LIMITATIONS: Enrollment of a small proportion of past
      donors at participating centers; assessment of only postdonation values; unable
      to assess seasonal variation or other temporal patterns in biochemical markers;
      assessment of kidney function was based on eGFR, not measured GFR. CONCLUSIONS:
      The FGF-23 pathway may be activated in living kidney donors who show early
      biochemical changes compatible with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone
      disorder. Whether these changes influence bone mineral density and fracture rates
      warrants consideration.

PMID- 22093961
TI  - Long-term outcome of sirolimus-eluting vs bare-metal stent in the setting of
      acute myocardial infarction: 5-year results of the SESAMI trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: few long-term randomized data on safety and effectiveness of
      sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) setting are available. The aim of the present investigation was to
      evaluate the 5-year clinical outcome of SES vs bare-metal stent (BMS)
      implantation in patients with STEMI. METHODS: 320 STEMI patients were randomized
      to receive SES or BMS. The primary end-point was the incidence of target vessel
      failure (TVF) at 5-year follow-up. The secondary end-points were the rate of
      target lesion revascularization (TLR), major adverse cardiovascular events
      (MACE), death or non-fatal MI and stent thrombosis (ST). Event rates from 1 to 5
      years in patients undergoing TLR and those TLR free at 1 year were also
      investigated. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate free from TVF and TLR was
      significantly higher in the SES than in the BMS group (85% vs 76% p=0.038; 92% vs
      85% p=0.045, respectively). The lower incidence of adverse events was achieved in
      the first year of follow-up. The cumulative incidence of MACE, death or non-fatal
      MI and ST was comparable in the 2 groups at 5-year follow-up. Moreover death or
      MI incidence was 5% in the patients who did not experience TLR within 1-year and
      16% in those who experience TLR in the same period (p=0.033). Predictors of death
      or MI during 5-year follow-up were TLR within 1 year (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.1;
      p=0.04) and small vessels treatment (OR 4.8 95% CI 1.7-13.0; p=0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical benefits of SES are maintained up to 5years without
      safety concerns.

PMID- 22093962
TI  - Transradial extra deep coronary intubation with a guide catheter for direct
      thromboaspiration in acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22093964
TI  - No evidence for an association of AB0 blood group and manifestation of thrombotic
      microangiopathies.

PMID- 22093963
TI  - Overexpression of cAMP-response element modulator causes abnormal growth and
      development of the atrial myocardium resulting in a substrate for sustained
      atrial fibrillation in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac
      arrhythmia in clinical practice. The substrate of AF is composed of a complex
      interplay between structural and functional changes of the atrial myocardium
      often preceding the occurrence of persistent AF. However, there are only few
      animal models reproducing the slow progression of the AF substrate to the
      spontaneous occurrence of the arrhythmia. Transgenic mice (TG) with cardiomyocyte
      directed expression of CREM-IbDeltaC-X, an isoform of transcription factor CREM,
      develop atrial dilatation and spontaneous-onset AF. Here we tested the hypothesis
      that TG mice develop an arrhythmogenic substrate preceding AF using physiological
      and biochemical techniques. RESULTS: Overexpression of CREM-IbDeltaC-X in young
      TG mice (<8weeks) led to atrial dilatation combined with distension of
      myocardium, elongated myocytes, little fibrosis, down-regulation of connexin 40,
      loss of excitability with a number of depolarized myocytes, atrial ectopies and
      inducibility of AF. These abnormalities continuously progressed with age
      resulting in interatrial conduction block, increased atrial conduction
      heterogeneity, leaky sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium stores and the spontaneous
      occurrence of paroxysmal and later persistent AF. This distinct atrial
      remodelling was associated with a pattern of non-regulated and up-regulated
      marker genes of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of
      CREM-IbDeltaC-X in TG hearts evokes abnormal growth and development of the atria
      preceding conduction abnormalities and altered calcium homeostasis and the
      development of spontaneous and persistent AF. We conclude that transcription
      factor CREM is an important regulator of atrial growth implicated in the
      development of an arrhythmogenic substrate in TG mice.

PMID- 22093965
TI  - Controversies surrounding the clinical potential of cinnamon for the management
      of diabetes.
AB  - Obesity levels have increased significantly in the past five decades and are
      predicted to continue rising, resulting in important health implications. In
      particular, this has translated to an increase in the occurrence of type II
      diabetes mellitus (T2D). To alleviate associated problems, certain nutraceuticals
      have been considered as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional
      prescription drugs. Cinnamon, a commonly consumed spice originating from South
      East Asia, is currently being investigated as a potential preventative supplement
      and treatment for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and T2D. Extensive in
      vitro evidence has shown that cinnamon may improve insulin resistance by
      preventing and reversing impairments in insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. In
      adipose tissue, it has been shown that cinnamon increases the expression of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors including, PPARgamma. This is
      comparable to the action of commonly used thiazolinediones, which are PPAR
      agonists. Studies have also shown that cinnamon has potent anti-inflammatory
      properties. However, numerous human clinical trials with cinnamon have been
      conducted with varying findings. While some studies have showed no beneficial
      effect, others have indicated improvements in cholesterol levels, systolic blood
      pressure, insulin sensitivity and postprandial glucose levels with cinnamon.
      However, the only measurement consistently improved by cinnamon consumption is
      fasting glucose levels. While it is still premature to suggest the use of
      cinnamon supplementation based on the evidence, further investigation into
      mechanisms of action is warranted. Apart from further characterization of genetic
      and epigenetic changes in model systems, systematic large-scale clinical trials
      are required. In this study, we discuss the mechanisms of action of cinnamon in
      the context of T2D and we highlight some of the associated controversies.

PMID- 22093966
TI  - Detection, localisation and characterisation of prostate cancer by prostate
      HistoScanning(TM).
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Prostate cancer is one
      of the few solid-organ cancers in which imaging is not used in the diagnostic
      process. Novel functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques offer promise but
      may not be cost-effective. Prostate HistoScanning(TM) (PHS) is an ultrasound
      based tissue characterisation technique that has previously shown encouraging
      results in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. The present
      study reports on the open 'unblinded' phase of a European multicentre study. The
      prospective 'blind' phase is currently in progress and will determine the value
      of PHS in a robust fashion overcoming many of the biases inherent in evaluating
      prostate imaging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of prostate
      HistoScanning(TM) (PHS) an ultrasound (US)-based tissue characterization
      application, to detect cancer foci by correlating results with detailed radical
      prostatectomy (RP) histology. PATIENT AND METHODS: In all, 31 patients with organ
      confined prostate cancer, diagnosed on transrectal biopsies taken using US
      guidance, and scheduled for RP were recruited from six European centres. Before
      RP three-dimensional (3D) US raw data for PHS analysis was obtained. Histology by
      Bostwick Laboratories (London) examined sections obtained from whole mounted
      glands cut every 3-4 mm. Location and volume estimation of cancer foci by PHS
      were undertaken using two methods; a manual method and an embedded software tool.
      In this report we evaluate data obtained from a planned open study phase. The
      second phase of the study is 'blinded', and currently in progress. RESULTS: 31
      patients were eligible for this phase. Three patients were excluded from analysis
      due to inadequate scan acquisition and pathology violations of the standard
      operating procedure. One patient withdrew from the study after 3D TRUS
      examination. PHS detected cancer >= 0.20 mL in 25/27 prostates (sensitivity 93%).
      In all, 23 patients had an index focus >= 0.5 mL at pathology, of which 21 were
      identified as >= 0.5 mL by PHS using the manual method (sensitivity 91%) and 19
      were correctly identified as >= 0.5 mL by the embedded tool (sensitivity 83%). In
      27 patients, histological analysis found 32 cancerous foci >= 0.2 mL, located in
      97 of 162 sextants. After sextant analysis, PHS showed a 90% sensitivity and 72%
      specificity for the localisation of lesions >= 0.2 mL within a sextant.
      CONCLUSIONS: PHS has the ability to identify and locate prostate cancer and
      consequently may aid in pre-treatment and pre-surgical planning. In men with a
      lesion identified, it has potential to enable improved targeting, allowing better
      risk stratification by obtaining more representative cores. However further
      verification from the results of the blinded phase of this study are awaited.

PMID- 22093967
TI  - The phylogeny of the BEP clade in grasses revisited: evidence from the whole
      genome sequences of chloroplasts.
AB  - Despite the considerable efforts to reconstruct the phylogeny of grasses, the
      relationships among the subfamilies Bambusoideae, Pooideae and Ehrhartoideae in
      the BEP clade remain unresolved. Here we completely sequenced three chloroplast
      genomes of representative species from Bambusoideae and Ehrhartoideae and
      obtained 19 additional chloroplast genome sequences of other grasses from
      GenBank. Using sequences of 76 chloroplast protein-coding genes from the 22 grass
      species, we fully resolved the phylogeny of the BEP clade. Our results strongly
      supported the (B,P)E hypothesis, i.e., Bambusoideae and Pooideae are more closely
      related than Ehrhartoideae. This result was not biased by systematic or sampling
      errors and was impervious to phylogenetic methods or model specification. The
      divergence time estimate suggests that the initial diversification of the BEP
      clade into three subfamilies happened within a short time period (~ 4 MY). The
      presence of these short internal branches may explain the inability of previous
      studies to achieve a confident resolution of the BEP clade. The combination of
      the sequences of the entire chloroplast genomes provided sufficient phylogenetic
      information to resolve the BEP phylogeny fully. These results provide a valuable
      evolutionary framework for comparative and functional genomic studies using the
      grass family as a model system.

PMID- 22093968
TI  - Performance evaluation of the Vitros anti-hepatitis C virus antibody assay for
      use in clinical laboratories.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the performance of Vitros anti-HCV assay. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Precision performance was assessed for 20 days. A total of 1011 sera
      were tested for anti-HCV with Vitros and Elecsys assays. Specimens positive for
      any of the two assays were retested with Architect assay. Discrepant results were
      evaluated with recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and HCV RNA quantification.
      RESULTS: Total imprecision of Vitros assay was 11.6% and 3.3% CV for negative and
      positive QC. Among the 1011 sera, 17 showed discrepant results between the three
      assays. Six were positive and three negative for RIBA. HCV RNA was not detected
      from all discrepant cases. Sensitivity and specificity were 99.5% and 99.5% for
      the Vitros, and 100.0% and 99.9% for the Elecsys assay. CONCLUSIONS:
      Sensitivities and specificities of the anti-HCV assays were sufficiently high for
      use in clinical laboratories, but retesting of weak positive results may be
      necessary.

PMID- 22093969
TI  - Betaine excretion correlates with plasma homocysteine when plasma lipids are
      elevated.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To reconcile observing a positive correlation of betaine excretion
      with homocysteine in lipid disorder patients but not other study groups. DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Correlations were estimated in subgroups of a control group and the
      lipid disorder patients. RESULTS: Plasma non high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL)
      cholesterol differed (p<0.0001) between the groups. The correlation increased
      with the median plasma non-HDL cholesterol in subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This
      correlation is associated with patients with elevated plasma lipids.

PMID- 22093970
TI  - Three-dimensional imaging of sulfides in silicate rocks at submicron resolution
      with multiphoton microscopy.
AB  - We report the first application of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to generate three
      dimensional (3D) images of natural minerals (micron-sized sulfides) in thick
      (~120 MUm) rock sections. First, reflection mode (RM) using confocal laser
      scanning microscopy (CLSM), combined with differential interference contrast
      (DIC), was tested on polished sections. Second, two-photon fluorescence (TPF) and
      second harmonic signal (SHG) images were generated using a femtosecond-laser on
      the same rock section without impregnation by a fluorescent dye. CSLM results
      show that the silicate matrix is revealed with DIC and RM, while sulfides can be
      imaged in 3D at low resolution by RM. Sulfides yield strong autofluorescence from
      392 to 715 nm with TPF, while SHG is only produced by the embedding medium.
      Simultaneous recording of TPF and SHG images enables efficient discrimination
      between different components of silicate rocks. Image stacks obtained with MPM
      enable complete reconstruction of the 3D structure of a rock slice and of sulfide
      morphology at submicron resolution, which has not been previously reported for 3D
      imaging of minerals. Our work suggests that MPM is a highly efficient tool for 3D
      studies of microstructures and morphologies of minerals in silicate rocks, which
      may find other applications in geosciences.

PMID- 22093971
TI  - [User satisfaction in the Virgen del Valle Geriatric Hospital, Toledo].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Knowing the degree of satisfaction of inpatients at a geriatric
      hospital METHODS: Observational and descriptive study. Period 23/12/2008 to
      02/24/2009. Scope Geriatric Hospital (acute unit and middle stay unit).
      Discharged patient population. SERVQUAL adapted questionnaire. Main outcomes
      (received attention, environment, attitude and care professionals, overall
      satisfaction) analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Comparison of variables
      with chi square. Suggestions section grouped by category, expressed as
      frequencies. RESULTS: 159 respondents surveyed. in 50.90% times the family
      answered. Care received was valued as good and very good in 92%. Environment
      rating good or very good 75.6%. Professional attitude always nearly always 82.9%.
      89.30% would recommend the hospital and overall satisfaction level of 52.20% very
      satisfied. Suggestions section was completed in 63 questionnaires, we found 20
      gratitudes. Respondents that expressed overall satisfaction quite satisfied and
      very pleased noted to feel trust and security nearly always and always (p
      =0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Overall satisfaction levels have been high. Most value
      good or very good to all professionals. Regarding attitude and care professionals
      most satisfied or very satisfied. We must improve infrastructure.

PMID- 22093972
TI  - Performance of sequencing batch biofilm reactors with different control systems
      in treating synthetic municipal wastewater.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the performances of sequencing batch biofilm
      reactors (SBBRs) in removing nitrogen and phosphorus from synthetic municipal
      wastewater with different carbon to total nitrogen (C/N) ratios. The effect of
      control systems, including an intelligent control system (ICS) and conventional
      timer control system (TCS) on the performance of SBBRs was also investigated.
      When C/N ratios were 10.0, 5.0 and 3.3, the average COD removal efficiencies in
      the ICS-SBBR reached 87.7%, 92.3% and 97.6%, while total phosphorous (TP)
      removals reached 95.0%, 97.0% and 97.2%. When the C/N ratio was 5.0, the TN
      removal efficiency was 81.0% under ICS and 65.4% under TCS. Moreover, compared
      with TCS-SBBR, both reaction time and aeration time were shortened by 180 min and
      157 min, respectively, in the ICS-SBBR. Therefore, the ICS-SBBR has potential in
      practical applications for significant nitrogen and phosphorus removal and energy
      savings.

PMID- 22093973
TI  - Bioconversion of crude glycerol feedstocks into ethanol by Pachysolen
      tannophilus.
AB  - Glycerol, the by-product of biodiesel production, is considered as a waste by
      biodiesel producers. This study demonstrated the potential of utilising the
      glycerol surplus through conversion to ethanol by the yeast Pachysolen
      tannophilus (CBS4044). This study demonstrates a robust bioprocess which was not
      sensitive to the batch variability in crude glycerol dependent on raw materials
      used for biodiesel production. The oxygen transfer rate (OTR) was a key factor
      for ethanol production, with lower OTR having a positive effect on ethanol
      production. The highest ethanol production was 17.5 g/L on 5% (v/v) crude
      glycerol, corresponding to 56% of the theoretical yield. A staged batch process
      achieved 28.1g/L ethanol, the maximum achieved so far for conversion of glycerol
      to ethanol in a microbial bioprocess. The fermentation physiology has been
      investigated as a means to designing a competitive bioethanol production process,
      potentially improving economics and reducing waste from industrial biodiesel
      production.

PMID- 22093974
TI  - Pre-treatment optimization of Scenedesmus obliquus microalga for bioethanol
      production.
AB  - The present work deals with the optimization of cellular disruption and sugar
      extraction from the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus (Sc) for bioethanol
      production. Among the physical and physicochemical methods tested, the best
      results were obtained with acid hydrolysis by H(2)SO(4) (2N), at 120  degrees C
      for 30 min and using dried biomass. The sugar extraction efficiency level reached
      was 95.6% when compared to the harsh quantitative acid hydrolysis. The influence
      of other parameters such as biomass loading and number of extraction cycles were
      also evaluated. The results obtained in the latter case showed that a unique
      hydrolysis step is sufficient.

PMID- 22093975
TI  - Relationship of cell-wall bound fatty acids and the demulsification efficiency of
      demulsifying bacteria Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1 cultured with vegetable oils.
AB  - Considering that the surface properties of demulsifying cells correlate with
      their demulsification efficiency, the demulsifying bacteria Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ
      1 with various surface properties were obtained using different vegetable oils as
      carbon sources. The results show that better performance was achieved with
      demulsifying bacteria S-XJ-1 possessing a relatively high cell surface
      hydrophobicity (CSH) and total unsaturated degree for the cell-wall bound fatty
      acids. There also appeared to be a correlation between the specific cell-wall
      bound fatty acid components of the bacteria, in terms of carbon chain length or
      degree of unsaturation, and either CSH or demulsification efficiency. The fatty
      acids attached to the cell wall were mainly composed of palmitic acid (C16:0),
      stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic
      acid (C18:3). C18:1 and C18:2 had a positive effect on the formation of CSH,
      while C18:0 and C18:3 had the opposite effect.

PMID- 22093976
TI  - Pretreatment of paddy straw with Trametes hirsuta for improved enzymatic
      saccharification.
AB  - Delignification of paddy straw with the white-rot fungus, Trametes hirsuta under
      solid state fermentation, for enhanced sugar recovery by enzymatic
      saccharification was studied. T. hirsuta MTCC136 showed high ligninase and low
      cellulase activities. Solid state fermentation of paddy straw with T. hirsuta
      enhanced carbohydrate content by 11.1% within 10 days of incubation. Alkali
      extracts of Trametes pretreated paddy straw showed high absorbance at 205 nm
      indicating high lignin break down. The amount of value-added lignin recovered
      from the Trametes pretreated paddy straw was much higher than controls. Enzymatic
      hydrolysis of the Trametes pretreated paddy straw yielded much higher sugars than
      controls and yields increased till 120 h of incubation. Saccharification
      efficiency of the biologically pretreated paddy straw with Accelerase(r)1500 was
      52.69% within 72 h and was higher than controls. Thus, the study brings out the
      delignification potential of T. hirsuta for pretreatment of lignocellulosic
      substrate and facilitating efficient enzymatic digestibility of cellulose.

PMID- 22093977
TI  - Efficient production of D-(-)-lactic acid from broken rice by Lactobacillus
      delbrueckii using Ca(OH)2 as a neutralizing agent.
AB  - Effects of Ca(OH)(2), NH(4)OH, and NaOH as neutralizing agents for efficient
      recovery of lactic acid was investigated. Lactic acid was produced from broken
      rice in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process with
      Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Consumption of glucose (from broken rice) by the cells
      and the cell growth were the best with Ca(OH)(2) among the three neutralizing
      agents used. Maximum productivities of lactic acid reached with Ca(OH)(2),
      NH(4)OH, and NaOH were 3.59 g l(-1) h(-1), 1.51 g 1(-1) h(-1), and 1.40 g l(-1)
      h(-1), respectively. Ca(OH)(2) reduced the lactate molarity of the fermentation
      broth, and thus resulted in the highest lactic acid productivity. Furthermore, it
      was apparently clear that divalent cation (Ca(2+)) was more effective in
      neutralizing the cultures compared to monovalent (Na(+) and NH(3)(+)) cations.

PMID- 22093978
TI  - Enzymatic routes for the production of mono- and di-glucosylated derivatives of
      hydroxytyrosol.
AB  - In this work, a new eco-friendly procedure for the synthesis of hydroxytyrosol
      and tyrosol alpha-glycosidic derivatives was proposed by using the marine alpha
      glucosidase from Aplysia fasciata, and a commercial tyrosinase from mushroom for
      the bioconversion of tyrosol glycosidic derivatives into the corresponding
      hydroxytyrosol products. New hydroxytyrosol mono- and di-saccharide derivatives
      were synthesized at final concentrations of 9.35 and 10.8 g/l of reaction,
      respectively, and their antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH test. The best
      antioxidant agent resulted the (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl-alpha-D
      glucopyranoside; it showed a radical scavenging activity similar to that of the
      hydroxytyrosol, together with an increased hydrosolubility. This molecule could
      be a good response to many food industry demands, always in search of cheap
      antioxidants with nutritional properties to improve the nutritional value and the
      quality of foods.

PMID- 22093980
TI  - [High altitude medicine in China: present aspects, progress and prospect].

PMID- 22093979
TI  - Phenol degradation activity and reusability of Corynebacterium glutamicum coated
      with NH(2)-functionalized silica-encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
AB  - In this study, a novel method to immobilize and separate Corynebacterium
      glutamicum for phenol degradation was developed using Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles
      (NPs). The Fe(3)O(4) NPs were encapsulated with silica and functionalized with
      NH(2) groups to enhance their capacity to adsorb on the cell surface. The results
      showed that the NH(2)-functionalized silica-encapsulated Fe(3)O(4) NPs strongly
      adsorbed on the cell surface of C. glutamicum during 32 d culture without any
      interruptions of their normal cell growth. The coated C. glutamicum were easily
      separated from the culture broth within 2 min by applying an external magnetic
      field Also, the coated C.glutamicum were able to completely degrade 50 ppm phenol
      in the culture broth after 8d culture at 30  degrees C. Concerning reusability,
      the coated cells could completely degrade phenol during the first 2 cycles, and
      retain ~60% activity of phenol degradation for the third and four cycles.

PMID- 22093981
TI  - [Association of single nucleotide polymorphism in human CYP8B1 gene with
      gallstone disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms of human CYP8B1gene
      and explore the association of some of these SNPs with gallstone disease in
      Chinese population. METHODS: The exon and part of promoter were sequenced by a
      fluorescent labeling automatic method to identify and characterize the SNPs in
      Chinese population. For SNPs with an allelic frequency of over 10%, a case
      control study was performed in patients and controls. RESULTS: Eleven SNPs were
      found within a 5119 bp region. Among them, 1 was in coding region, 5 in promoter
      and 5 in 3'-UTR. There were 3 novel SNPs and 12 SNPs in SNP database were not
      found. The allelic frequency of rs3732860 polymorphism showed a significant
      difference (P = 0.022) in the association study. The subjects with A allele had a
      significantly lower frequency of gallstone disease than those with G allele (OR =
      1.465, 95%CI 1.055 - 2.034, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: SNP rs3732860 of CYP8B1 gene
      is associated with gallstone disease in Chinese population. And A allele may play
      a protective role in the pathogenesis of gallstone.

PMID- 22093982
TI  - [Tone recognition of REZ-1 multi-channel unilateral cochlear implants for
      profoundly postlingual deaf adults].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the tone recognition of cochlear-implant subjects by a REZ-1
      device. METHODS: Speech recognition experiments were conducted to measure the
      tone recognition with standard assessment table and standard testing program. A
      total of 34 postlingual hearing-impaired adults who were native speakers of
      Mandarin undergoing operations from June to October, 2009 were tested and scored
      both preoperatively and postoperatively (1, 2, 3, 6, 12 months post-implantation)
      for speech recognition. RESULTS: All patient scores of speech recognition
      (initials, finals, monosyllabic words & tones) decreased gradually during the
      postoperative follow-up period. Preoperative speech recognition scores were all
      0. And after a 12-month training, their average scores were increased
      significantly [(70 +/- 8)% +/- (82 +/- 8)%]. Significant statistical differences
      existed between pre- and post-implantation in each test (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      REZ-1 cochlear implantation may improve the tone recognition of adults with
      severe-to-profound postlingual hearing loss in a quiet environment.

PMID- 22093983
TI  - [Anatomic variations and corresponding surgical techniques of total anomalous
      pulmonary venous connection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomic variations of total anomalous pulmonary
      venous connection (TAPVC) and its corresponding surgical techniques. METHODS: A
      total of 143 TAPVC subjects were hospitalized from April 1981 to July 2010. Those
      patients with other complex congenital heart diseases, such as transposition of
      great artery and single ventricle, were excluded. A pathological diagnosis was
      made by echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography,
      catheterization and intra-operative findings. The specific types of TAPVC were as
      follows:supra-cardiac (49.7%, 71/143), cardiac (40.6%, 58/143), infra-cardiac
      (4.2%, 6/143) and mixed (5.6%, 8/143). The subtypes were classified by the
      pathway of common confluence, distribution of pulmonary vein and their orifice
      site. The techniques of surgical repairs included modified Warden procedure and
      pulmonary vein transplantation. RESULTS: The patients with supra-cardiac type
      were further divided into 4 subtypes according to the course of vertical veins
      and their orifice site: right and left veins forming a common confluence, then
      draining into vertical and innominate veins (n = 65); common confluence of
      pulmonary vein drainage into superior vena cava through a short vertical vein at
      the right pulmonary hilus (n = 3); right and left pulmonary veins separately
      draining into superior vena cava (n = 2); common confluence draining into
      innominate vein through a right path beside trachea (n = 1). Cardiac types were
      further divided into 3 subtypes: coronary sinus (n = 20), right atrium (n = 37)
      and right atrium & sinus (n = 1). Infra-cardiac type had no subtype. Mixed type
      was more complex and it was further divided into 3 subtypes: bilateral &
      symmetrical connection (right 2 + left 2, n = 5); bilateral & asymmetrical
      connection (3 + 1, n = 3). Surgical repairs were performed on 135 patients. The
      surgical mortality of TAPVC was 5.9% (8/135). And there was no late death. The
      major causes of death were pulmonary infection and low cardiac output syndrome.
      CONCLUSION: A detailed classification of TAPVC is of great importance for
      surgical approaches and methodological designs. And an individualized surgical
      plan yields excellent patient outcomes.

PMID- 22093984
TI  - [Effects of ventricular demand and dual-chamber pacing models on the long-term
      clinical outcome and cardiac remodeling in patients with symptomatic
      bradycardia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of VVI (ventricular demand) and DDD (dual
      chamber) pacing models on cardiac remodeling and the long-term clinical outcome
      of patients with symptomatic bradycardia. METHODS: All patients with DDD and VVI
      pacing models at our hospital from January 1991 to January 2003 were
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: After a follow-up period of over 8 years in
      DDD and VVI groups (97 +/- 27, 107 +/- 44 months), left atrial diameter [(45 +/-
      12) mm vs (39 +/- 12) mm, P < 0.01] and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
      [(53 +/- 11) mm vs (50 +/- 9) mm, P = 0.01] in 57 patients with VVI pacing model
      were markedly enlarged than those at pre-implantation. And tricuspid
      regurgitation increased (42.4% vs 16.9%, P < 0.05). But in 59 patients with DDD
      pacing model, except for increased tricuspid regurgitation (42.1% vs 10.5%, P <
      0.01), left atrial diameter [(37 +/- 5) mm vs. (35 +/- 5) mm, P = 0.07] and left
      ventricular end-diastolic diameter [(47 +/- 7) mm vs (47 +/- 5) mm, P = 0.32]
      were not significantly different. Mitral regurgitation significantly increased
      only in the VVI group (P < 0.01). The increases of left ventricular end-diastolic
      diameter (P = 0.04), mitral valve (P = 0.02) and tricuspid regurgitation (P <
      0.01) were much more pronounced in the VVI group than those in the DDD group.
      Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) showed no difference with that at pre
      implantation (P = 0.11 in DDD group, P = 0.05 in VVI group). But the LVEF value
      was lower (P = 0.04) while the incidence of thrombosis was higher (P = 0.03) in
      the VVI group than those in the DDD group at post-implantation. However, the
      incidence of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.14), hospitalization (P = 0.08) and
      survival (P = 0.77) showed no significant difference between two groups.
      CONCLUSION: DDD pacing offers more benefits over VVI pacing through improving
      cardiac functions and arresting left ventricular remodeling. However, neither
      groups showed any difference in decreasing mortality rate and hospitalization.
      Moreover, both pacing modes fail to reverse cardiac electrical and anatomical
      remodeling. It is imperative to explore more physiological pacing site and
      rational atrioventricular (AV) interval to improve the prognosis of patients.

PMID- 22093985
TI  - [Association of visceral adiposity with urinary albumin excretion in type 2
      diabetics].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To decipher the association of visceral adiposity (VA) with 24-hour
      urinary albumin excretion (24 h-UAE) in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: We collected
      the clinical data, VA, subcutaneous adiposity (SA), 24 h-UAE, blood lipids,
      fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin and tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha of type 2 diabetic inpatients at our hospital. According to the
      quartile of VA, the subjects were divided into 4 groups. And their profiles were
      compared with regards to the level of 24 h-UAE and the incidence of heavy
      proteinuria. And their relative intensities and the linear relationship of VA and
      lg (24 h-UAE) were analyzed. RESULTS: lg (24 h-UAE) of groups C and D was larger
      than that of groups A and B. With the rising level of VA, the prevalence of heavy
      proteinuria increased. A moderate correlation existed between VA and lg (24 h
      UAE) (r = 0.51). lg (24 h-UAE) increased 0.26 units as VA expanded 100 cm(2),
      i.e. 0.15 units after relative factor adjusting. After gender and triglyceride
      adjusting, the odds ratio of heavy albuminuria in group C was 2.75 versus that in
      group A. And the OR was 3.87 in group D. CONCLUSION: Expansion of VA is a risk
      factor for an elevated risk of 24 h-UAE. With the expansion of VA, the prevalence
      of heavy albuminuria increases.

PMID- 22093986
TI  - [Diagnostic values of self-assessment tool for Asians for osteoporosis in aged
      men].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic values of osteoporosis self-assessment tool
      for Asians (OSTA) in aged men. METHODS: Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured
      by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 382 male outpatients. Their data
      were collected. After excluding such influencing factors of BMD as diseases or
      drugs, they were divided into 3 groups according to the WHO osteoporosis
      diagnosis value or age. The correlation between OSTA index and BMD was analyzed
      by Spearman correlation. The concordance of OSTA and BMD were calculated and
      analyzed by a four-fold table. RESULTS: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 9.42%
      and osteopenia 42.67%. Age increased gradually in the osteoporosis, osteopenia
      and normal bone mass groups. But OSTA index, BMD (including lumbar vertebrae L(1
      4), femoral neck, trochanter and hip) and weight decreased gradually in those
      groups. The percent of normal bone mass decreased with advancing age. And the
      percentages were 60.68%, 51.97% and 33.33% respectively. Osteoporosis increased
      in the older group (> 80 years old) and the percentage was 24.64% accounting for
      94.44% of all osteoporotic subjects. Judging by the OSTA index, the rate of low
      osteoporotic risk decreased with advancing age. But the rates of mid-risk and
      high-risk increased. The correlation coefficients of OSTA index and BMD in
      femoral neck, trochanter, hip and L(1-4) was 0.33, 0.28, 0.29 and 0.06
      respectively. And the correlation between OSTA index and BMD had statistical
      significance except for L(1-4). The sensitivity, specificity, coincidence and
      Youden index of OSTA index with a T score cutoff of -1 of BMD were 56.28%,
      64.48%, 60.21% and 0.21 respectively versus 86.11%, 57.80%, 60.47% and 0.44 with
      a T score cutoff of -2.5. CONCLUSION: Correlation exists between OSTA index and
      BMD. The sensitivity, specificity and coincidence of OSTA index are excellent
      based upon the standard of BMD by DXA. It is a useful and simple diagnostic tool
      of osteoporosis.

PMID- 22093987
TI  - [Impact of response of positive axillary nodes to neoadjuvant chemotherapy on
      breast cancer survival].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the distant disease-free survival between breast cancer
      patients with nodal pathological complete response (pCR) and those with nodal
      residual disease (RD) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: The clinical and
      pathological data of 376 needle biopsy proved node positive breast cancer
      patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed.
      RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 24 months (range: 5 - 100). The pCR rate
      of axillary lymph node was 30.9%. And the three-year distant disease-free
      survival (DDFS) rates were 91.7% and 78.8% in the patients with axillary lymph
      node pCR and RD respectively. According to the Log-rank test, there were
      significant differences in survival curves (P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis
      showed that the relative risk of DDFS for patients with RD was 2.14 folds of than
      that of the pCR group (P = 0.047). No significant difference existed between the
      disease-free survival (DFS) curve in two groups. DDFS had significant differences
      between the patients with the number of lymph node metastasis <= 3 and >= 4 in
      the RD group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The distant disease-free survival of node
      positive breast cancer is associated with the status of axillary lymph node after
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 22093988
TI  - [Serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein, imatinib concentration and efficacy in chronic
      myeloid leukemia patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein
      (AGP), disease progression, imatinib plasma trough concentration and efficacy in
      the patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). METHODS: A total of 112 CML
      patients were recruited from August 2008 to February 2010 in our hospital. There
      were 72 males and 40 females with a median age of 39 years old (range: 6 - 76
      years old). Among them, 102 patients were in chronic phase, 4 in accelerated
      phase and 6 in blastic phase. Ninety-nine patients were treated with imatinib
      while 13 patients received hydroxyurea. Twenty healthy blood donors were
      designated as the control group. The serum AGP levels of all patients were
      detected by immuno-turbidimetric assay. And the concentrations of AGP and
      imatinib were detected in 12 patients before and after 3 months of imatinib
      therapy respectively. For 84 CML patients, their plasma trough concentrations of
      imatinib were detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry simultaneously. All patients were divided into 5 groups by efficacy
      to evaluate the significance of serum AGP and its relationship with imatinib
      concentration. RESULTS: Serum AGP of no response (NR) group [(1.18 +/- 0.26) g/L]
      was significant higher than that of complete cytogenetic response (CCR), complete
      hematologic response (CHR) and control group [(0.60 +/- 0.21), (0.71 +/- 0.17),
      (0.52 +/- 0.15) g/L, all P < 0.05]. Serum AGP of accelerated/blastic phase group
      [(1.28 +/- 0.50) g/L] was significant higher than CCR or control group (P <
      0.05). Serum AGP of CHR group was higher than that of control group (P < 0.05).
      No significant difference existed between CCR, CHR or control group (P > 0.05).
      There were no significant differences between NR, relapse or accelerated/blastic
      phase group (P > 0.05). The serum AGP of 12 patients on a 3-month therapy of
      imatinib were lower than that of patients at pre-treatment [(0.54 +/- 0.17) g/L
      vs (0.83 +/- 0.31) g/L, P < 0.01]. The plasma trough concentration of imatinib
      was (1307 +/- 586) ug/L (range: 109 - 3400 ug/L) in 84 patients. And it was
      positively correlated with the serum level of AGP (r = 0.443, P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The serum level of AGP can reflect the in vivo loads of leukemic
      cells for CML patients. There is a positive correlation between the serum level
      of AGP and the plasma trough concentration of imatinib. Serum AGP can be used as
      a monitoring index of efficacy for CML patients.

PMID- 22093989
TI  - [Effects of Foxp3 knockdown on the functions of human regulatory T cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To employ the technology of interfering RNA (RNAi) to identify the
      role of Foxp3 in the in vitro suppressive effect of human regulatory T cell
      (Treg) on effector T cells. METHODS: Expanded human Treg were transfected with
      siRNA targeting Foxp3 genes. The transfection efficiency, the level of
      corresponding gene and its protein expression were measured by fluorescent
      microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), real-time PCR and Western
      blot respectively. The phenotypes of Treg were analyzed by FACS. The siRNA
      transfected Treg was then co-cultured with porcine PBMC or human PBMC-stimulated
      autologous CD4+CD25- T cells. Their proliferations were examined by WST-1. Treg
      and autologous CD4+CD25- T cell-related suppressive cytokines were assessed by
      ELISA. RESULTS: A 68% transfection efficiency in expanded Treg was achieved for
      Foxp3 siRNA. Real-time PCR revealed a 61.4% mRNA knockdown induced by siRNA
      targeting Foxp3 genes in Treg versus the control (P < 0.01). Some Treg-associated
      surface markers were significantly altered versus the control. And the production
      of suppressive cytokines was lowered. These changes were correlated with the
      diminished Treg activity in suppressing the proliferation of effector CD4+CD25- T
      cells. There was 83% suppression by non-transfected Treg vs 48% suppression by
      Foxp3 siRNA transfected Treg in xeno-immune response (P < 0.05); and 65%
      suppression by non-transfected Treg vs 48% suppression by Foxp3 siRNA transfected
      Treg in allo-immune response (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Foxp3 is a key intracellular
      marker for maintaining the phenotypes and functions of Treg.

PMID- 22093990
TI  - [STAT5 phosphorylation levels of erythropoietin and thrombopoietin receptors in
      CD34(+)CD59(-) and CD34(+)CD59(+) bone marrow cells of patients with paroxysmal
      nocturnal hemoglobinuria].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the STAT5 phosphorylation levels of erythropoietin receptor
      (EPOR) and thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR) in CD34(+)CD59(-) and CD34(+)CD59(+)
      bone marrow cells of the patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
      METHODS: The bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) were extracted from 23 PNH
      patients treated at our department from April 2010 to February 2011 and 11 normal
      controls. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of phosphorylated STAT5 (P-STAT5)
      in CD34(+)CD59(+) cells and CD34(+)CD59(-) cells with or without the stimulation
      of 10 U/ml EPO and 50 U/ml TPO were examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: (1)
      Without stimulation, the P-STAT5 MFI in CD34(+)CD59(-) cells of PNH patients was
      significantly lower than that of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells (31 +/- 15 vs 74 +/- 47, P
      < 0.01). And it was 59 +/- 23 in normal control CD34(+)CD59(+) cells (P < 0.05).
      No statistic difference existed between the CD34(+)CD59(+) cells of PNH patients
      and the normal control CD34(+)CD59(+) cells. (2) Under the stimulations of EPO
      and TPO, the P-STAT5 MFI was significantly lower in CD34(+)CD59(-) cells of PNH
      patients than that of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells (49 +/- 24 and 51 +/- 41 vs 120 +/- 82
      and 124 +/- 87, both P < 0.01). For the normal control CD34(+)CD59(+) cells, they
      were 79 +/- 47 and 98 +/- 53 respectively (P < 0.05). No statistic difference
      existed between the CD34(+)CD59(+) cells of PNH patients and the normal control
      CD34(+)CD59(+) cells. P-STAT5 MFI was elevated after the stimulations of EPO and
      TPO. The increments of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells in PNH patients were significantly
      higher than those of CD34(+)CD59(-) cells (49 +/- 11 and 54 +/- 43 vs 17 +/- 4
      and 16 +/- 6, both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Under the in vitro stimulations of EPO
      and TPO, the STAT5 phosphorylation levels of EPO and TPO receptors in normally
      cloned hematopoietic stem cells in PNH patients are obviously superior to those
      in abnormally cloned counterparts.

PMID- 22093991
TI  - [Oral controlled-release oxycodone for uterine cramping pain after cesarean
      section].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether combined oral oxycodone hydrochloride controlled
      release tablets plus paracetamol and tramadol hydrochloride tablets is better
      than epidural analgesia with respect to uterine cramping pain control and side
      effects after cesarean section. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients scheduled for
      cesarean section from April to May, 2010 were randomized to either patient
      controlled epidural analgesia with 0.1% ropivacaine, 0.1 ug/ml sufentanil (for
      postoperative 48 h) plus injected pethidine on demand (EDA group) or controlled
      release oxycodone (2 * 15 mg for 1st postoperative 24 h; 2 * 10 mg for 2nd
      postoperative 24 h), paracetamol & tramadol hydrochloride tablets (8 * 1 tablet
      for postoperative 48 h) orally plus pethidine injection on demand (OXY group).
      Two groups were compared with respects to uterine cramping pain control when the
      oxytocin infusion (20 U plus 500 ml 5% glucose solution, iv. gtt within 2 h) once
      per day for postoperative 3 days as determined by the means of a visual analogue
      scale (VAS), pethidine consumption, side effects and costs. RESULTS: The EDA
      group experienced significant more pain than the OXY group when the oxytocin
      infusion was administered (mm) [50.0 (15.0, 72.5) vs 25.0 (0, 40.0), 60.0 (47.5,
      72.5) vs 20.0 (0, 30.0), 35.0 (20.0, 50.0) vs 0 (0, 20.0)]. all P < 0.05).
      Pethidine was used for pain control in 2 patients (150 mg total) of EDA group
      during the oxytocin infusion whereas none of the OXY group received an injection
      of pethidine. There was a higher level of maternal satisfaction with a lower
      analgesic dose in the EDA group (80.9 +/- 9.3 vs 90.0 +/- 9.8, P < 0.01). The
      median duration of hospital stay was around 5 days in both groups. CONCLUSION:
      Postoperative pain control after cesarean section with the above combined regimen
      is superior to EDA in terms of a lower cost and a higher level of maternal
      satisfaction.

PMID- 22093992
TI  - [Effects of endothelial progenitor cells on spermatogenic functions in testicular
      detorsion in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of transplanted endothelial progenitor
      cells (EPCs) on the spermatogenic functions in testicular detorsion. METHODS:
      Bone-marrow-derived EPCs were obtained from rats and transfected by enhanced
      green fluorescent protein adenovirus (Ad-eGFP). The rats were divided into 3
      groups (n = 6 each). In the sham group, left testis was not twisted. In the
      ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) group, 1 ml saline was injected into the
      femoral vein of each rat after testicular detorsion. In the EPCs group, 1 ml EPCs
      suspension (1.0 * 10(6) EPCs) was injected into each rat after testicular
      detorsion. The Ad-eGFP transfected EPCs were injected into the 3 additional rats
      of testicular torsion-detorsion. At Day 5 post-transplantation, the
      characteristics of transplanted EPCs homing were detected. And the pathological
      changes and apoptotic cells/seminiferous tubules in left testis were examined.
      RESULTS: When the value of multiplication of infection (MOI) was at 50, the
      transfection rate of EPCs by Ad-eGFP exceeded 73.7%. At Day 5 post-treatment, the
      cells exhibiting green fluorescence were detected in left testis. The germ cells
      in rats of the sham group were normal. And the ratio of apoptotic cells to
      seminiferous tubules was 0.09 +/- 0.02. The germ cells in rats of the IRI group
      were much fewer. And the ratio of apoptotic cells to seminiferous tubules was
      2.82 +/- 0.81. As compared with the IRI group, seminiferous epithelium was
      thicker in the EPCs group. And the ratio of apoptotic cells to seminiferous
      tubules was 0.32 +/- 0.09 in the EPCs group. It was much smaller than that in the
      IRI group. There was significant difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      transplantation of EPCs is effective for treating the spermatogenic dysfunctions
      caused by testicular torsion so as to greatly enhance the spermatogenic
      functions.

PMID- 22093993
TI  - [Effects of Akt2-siRNA on chemotherapeutic sensitivity and drug resistance in
      human lung cancer cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of oncogene protein v-akt-siRNA on the
      sensitivity of human lung cancer cell line NCI-H446 to cisplatin and drug
      resistance proteins in human lung cancer cells. METHODS: The small interfering
      siRNA expression vector targeting Akt2 gene (siAkt2) was constructed. And the NCI
      H446 cells were transfected with negative control vector or siRNA vector. The
      expressions of Akt2-mRNA and lung resistance-related protein (LRP) and P
      glycoprotein (P-gp) were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction and immunocytochemistry respectively. NCI-H446 and transfected cells
      were treated by cisplatin for 24 h. The cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell apoptotic
      rate detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Akt2-mRNA decreased significantly in
      the transfected NCI-H446 cells versus the non-transfection group. And the
      expressions of LRP and P-gp proteins decreased significantly in the transfection
      group versus the control group (P < 0.01). The cell proliferation rate decreased
      from (60.2 +/- 2.8)% to (34.7 +/- 2.6)% (P < 0.01). The cell apoptotic rate
      increased from (19.3 +/- 1.6)% to (38.8 +/- 1.2)% after a therapy of cisplatin (P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The siRNA targeting Akt2 can decrease the Akt2 expression,
      increase the chemotherapeutic sensitivity to cisplatin and partially reverse the
      cisplatin resistance of NCI-H446. The mechanism may be through the lowered
      expressions of LRP and P-gp.

PMID- 22093994
TI  - [Protection of hyperoxia-induced lung injury by granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor via RAGE-NF-kappaB signaling pathway in newborn rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating
      factor (GMCSF) on hyperoxia exposure lung injury in newborn rats and elucidate
      its protective mechanism of operating via the signaling pathway of advanced
      glycation end products (RAGE)-NF-kappaB. METHODS: Twenty-four 3-day-old SD rats
      from 3 litters were randomly divided into 3 groups. They were hyperoxia exposure
      plus GMCSF group (group A), hyperoxia exposure group (group B) and air exposure
      group (group C). The rats from groups A and B were placed in a sealed Plexiglas
      chamber with a minimal in-and-outflow, providing 6 - 7 exchanges per hour of
      chamber volume and maintaining O(2) levels above 95%. While the rats in group C
      only were exposed to air simultaneously. The rats in group A received
      subcutaneous injections of recombinant murine GMCSF (9 ug/kg) during hyperoxia
      exposure at 24 h, 72 h and 120 h respectively. And the rats in groups B and C
      received subcutaneous injections of saline vehicle alone at the same time point.
      Seven days later, all were sacrificed and immunohistochemistry was employed to
      assess the expression of RAGE in lung tissue. The levels of tumor necrosis factor
      alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum samples were detected by
      ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The RAGE mRNA and NF-kappaB mRNA in
      tissue homogenates were detected by RT-PCR while RAGE and NF-kappaB by Western
      blot. Also the values of lung damage score were calculated with microscopic
      histology. RESULTS: The value of lung damage score in group C, B and A was 0.46
      +/- 0.20, 3.06 +/- 0.33 and 2.31 +/- 0.56 respectively, there was significantly
      difference among three groups (P = 0.000). The expression of RAGE mRNA and
      protein in three groups were 0.14 +/- 0.02, 0.34 +/- 0.06, 0.28 +/- 0.04 and 0.30
      +/- 0.04, 0.76 +/- 0.11, 0.55 +/- 0.08 respectively. There were both
      significantly differences among three groups (P = 0.000, P = 0.000). The
      expression of NF-kappaB mRNA and protein in three groups were 0.41 +/- 0.21, 0.90
      +/- 0.36, 0.69 +/- 0.30 and 0.41 +/- 0.26, 0.96 +/- 0.43, 0.77 +/- 0.33
      respectively, there were both significantly difference among three groups (P =
      0.000, P = 0.017). The level of TNF-alpha in BALF was 76 +/- 10, 224 +/- 42 and
      143 +/- 24 respectively, there was significantly difference among three groups (P
      = 0.000). All indicators above in group B and group A were significantly more
      than those in group C (all P < 0.05), while these indicators in group A were
      lower than those in group B. But there was no difference in the level of TNF
      alpha of serum among three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: GMCSF may protect
      hyperoxia-induced lung injury via down-regulating the signaling pathway of RAGE
      NF-kappaB.

PMID- 22093995
TI  - [Differentiation of polygene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into
      insulin-producing cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of insulin gene transcription regulators PDX
      1, NeuroD1 and MafA on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (mMSCs) into insulin-producing cells. METHODS: Murine mMSCs were isolated,
      cultured and expanded. The base sequences of transcription factors PDX-1, NeuroD1
      and MafA were obtained by total gene synthesis and the recombinant adenovirus
      vectors harboring target genes constructed and transfected into packaging cell
      line 293A. mMSCs were infected with adenovirus separately or together, and then
      differentiated in vitro into insulin-producing cells. Reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to detect insulin gene
      expression, immunofluorescence for identifying the presence of insulin protein
      and insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for evaluating the
      secretory volume of insulin. RESULTS: The differentiation extent of mMSCs into
      beta-cell was analyzed. The beta-cell-specific transcriptional regulators and
      insulin gene were expressed in mMSCs after transfection. Immunofluorescent
      analyses revealed the activated expression of insulin in the cytoplasm of
      differentiated cells. A significant content of insulin was released in these
      cells in response to a certain concentrations of glucose stimulation. The insulin
      content of mMSCs infected with a combination of three transcription factors was
      significantly higher than that of the control group [(112.84 +/- 9.67) mU/L vs
      (1.60 +/- 0.22) mU/L, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: After modification by
      transcriptional factors PDX-1, NeuroD1 and MafA, mMSCs can secrete insulin
      through starting endogenous insulin gene transcription.

PMID- 22093996
TI  - Analysis and clinical correlation of genetic variation in cytomegalovirus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) displays genetic polymorphisms in multiple
      genes, which may result in important virulence differences. Glycoprotein N (gN)
      and immediate early 1 (IE1) are key viral genes and immune targets. We aimed to
      characterize the molecular epidemiology of gN and IE1 genotypes in organ
      transplant patients with CMV disease in the context of clinical and virologic
      endpoints. METHODS: A total of 240 patients with CMV disease had genotyping
      analysis by nested polymerase chain reaction assays and sequencing using blood
      samples obtained at disease onset. Results were correlated with viral clearance
      kinetics and recurrence. RESULTS: Complex patterns of gN and IE1 genotypes were
      present with no clear genetic linkages. No single genotype of IE1 or gN was
      associated with poorer outcome. For example, different gN or IE1 genotypes had
      comparable baseline viral load, clearance half-lives, time to clearance, and
      rates of virologic recurrence. Mixed infection was present at IE1 in 15.8% and gN
      in 21.9%, but analysis of a single gene was insufficient to detect all mixed
      infections. Infections caused by multiple strains, as opposed to single strains,
      were associated with higher baseline viral loads (P = 0.011), delayed viral
      clearance (P = 0.033), and higher rates of virologic recurrence (P = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Genetic diversity in CMV is complex. Specific gN or IE subtypes do
      not seem to affect in vivo viral virulence patterns in single-strain infections.
      Mixed infections demonstrate associations with virologic outcomes that single
      strain infections do not.

PMID- 22093997
TI  - Enhancement of antimicrobial activities of whole and sub-fractionated white tea
      by addition of copper (II) sulphate and vitamin C against Staphylococcus aureus;
      a mechanistic approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enhancement of antimicrobial plant products e.g. pomegranate extract
      by copper (II) sulphate is known. Such combinations have applications in various
      settings, including the identification of novel compositions to study, treat and
      control infection. METHODS: A combination of white tea (WT) (made allowing 10
      minutes infusion time at 100 degrees C) was combined with 4.8 mM copper (II)
      sulphate and tested for antimicrobial effect on the viability of Staphylococcus
      aureus NCTC 06571. Comparisons were made with green (GT) and black (BT) teas. A
      WT sub-fraction (WTF < 1000 Da) was tested with copper (II) sulphate and 4.8 mM
      vitamin C. pH measurements of samples were taken for controls and to observe any
      changes due to tea/agent interaction. Catalase was used to investigate hydrogen
      peroxide release. UV-vis. was used to compare WT and WTF. RESULTS: A 30 minute
      incubation at room temperature of copper (II) sulphate alone and combined with WT
      reduced the viability of S. aureus NCTC 06571 by c.a 1 log10 cfu mL-1. GT and BT
      with copper (II) sulphate negated activity to buffer values. Combined with copper
      (II) sulphate, vitamin C, WTF and, vitamin C plus WTF all reduced the viability
      of S. aureus NCTC 06571 by c.a. 3.5 log10 cfu mL-1. Independent experiments
      showed the results were not due to pH effects. Adding WT or WTF to copper (II)
      sulphate resulted in increased acidity. Copper (II) sulphate alone and combined
      with WT required c.a 300 MUg mL-1 (final concentration) catalase to restore S.
      aureus viability, WTF with copper (II) sulphate and added vitamin C required c.a
      600 MUg mL-1. WT and WTF UV-visible spectra were similar. CONCLUSIONS: WT showed
      no efficacy in the combinations tested. WTF was enhanced with copper (II)
      sulphate and further with vitamin C. WT and WTF increased acidity of copper (II)
      sulphate possibly via the formation of chemical complexes. The difference in
      WT/WTF absorbance possibly represented substances less concentrated or absent in
      WTF. Investigations to establish which WTF component/s and in what proportions
      additives are most effective against target organisms are warranted.

PMID- 22093998
TI  - Natural biopolymer for preservation of microorganisms during sampling and
      storage.
AB  - Stability of microbial cultures during sampling and storage is a vital issue in
      various fields of medicine, biotechnology, food science, and forensics. We have
      developed a unique bacterial preservation process involving a non-toxic, water
      soluble acacia gum polymer that eliminates the need for refrigerated storage of
      samples. The main goal of this study is to characterize the efficacy of acacia
      gum polymer for preservation of pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus anthracis and
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-MRSA) on different materials, used
      for swabbing and filtration: cotton, wool, polyester, rayon, charcoal cloth, and
      Whatman paper. Acacia gum polymer used for preservation of two pathogens has been
      shown to significantly protect bacteria during dehydration and storage in all
      tested samples at the range of temperatures (5-45 degrees C for MRSA and 40-90
      degrees C for B. anthracis). Our results showed higher recovery as well as higher
      viability during the storage of both bacteria in all materials with acacia gum.
      Addition of acacia gum polymer to swabbing materials or filters will increase
      efficacy of sample collection and identification of pathogenic bacteria from
      locations such as hospitals or the environment. Proposed approach can also be
      used for long-term storage of culture collections, since acacia gum contributes
      to viability and stability of bacterial cultures.

PMID- 22093999
TI  - Molecular serogrouping of porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from
      Australia.
AB  - Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common etiological agent of
      neonatal, pre and post weaning diarrhoea in piglets. One of the most important
      steps in the diagnosis and epidemiological understanding of this organism is
      accurate serogrouping. In many instances, however, conventional serogrouping
      fails to produce accurate identification of serogroups. In this communication we
      report a modified and simplified molecular serogrouping method (rfb-RFLP) for the
      accurate identification of the most common porcine ETEC strains that cause
      neonatal, pre and post weaning diarrhoea in Australia.

PMID- 22094000
TI  - Flux patterns and membrane fouling propensity during desalination of seawater by
      forward osmosis.
AB  - The membrane fouling propensity of natural seawater during forward osmosis was
      studied. Seawater from the Red Sea was used as the feed in a forward osmosis
      process while a 2M sodium chloride solution was used as the draw solution. The
      process was conducted in a semi-batch mode under two crossflow velocities, 16.7
      cm/s and 4.2 cm/s. For the first time reported, silica scaling was found to be
      the dominant inorganic fouling (scaling) on the surface of membrane active layer
      during seawater forward osmosis. Polymerization of dissolved silica was the major
      mechanism for the formation of silica scaling. After ten batches of seawater
      forward osmosis, the membrane surface was covered by a fouling layer of assorted
      polymerized silica clusters and natural organic matter, especially biopolymers.
      Moreover, the absorbed biopolymers also provided bacterial attachment sites. The
      accumulated organic fouling could be partially removed by water flushing while
      the polymerized silica was difficult to remove. The rate of flux decline was
      about 53% with a crossflow velocity of 16.7 cm/s while reaching more than 70%
      with a crossflow velocity of 4.2 cm/s. Both concentration polarization and
      fouling played roles in the decrease of flux. The salt rejection was stable at
      about 98% during seawater forward osmosis. In addition, an almost complete
      rejection of natural organic matter was attained. The results from this study are
      valuable for the design and development of a successful protocol for a
      pretreatment process before seawater forward osmosis and a cleaning method for
      fouled membranes.

PMID- 22094001
TI  - In-pipe water quality monitoring in water supply systems under steady and
      unsteady state flow conditions: a quantitative assessment.
AB  - Monitoring the quality of drinking water from the treatment plant to the
      consumers tap is critical to ensure compliance with national standards and/or WHO
      guideline levels. There are a number of processes and factors affecting the water
      quality during transmission and distribution which are little understood. A
      significant obstacle for gaining a detailed knowledge of various physical and
      chemical processes and the effect of the hydraulic conditions on the water
      quality deterioration within water supply systems is the lack of reliable and low
      cost (both capital and O & M) water quality sensors for continuous monitoring.
      This paper has two objectives. The first one is to present a detailed evaluation
      of the performance of a novel in-pipe multi-parameter sensor probe for reagent-
      and membrane-free continuous water quality monitoring in water supply systems.
      The second objective is to describe the results from experimental research which
      was conducted to acquire continuous water quality and high-frequency hydraulic
      data for the quantitative assessment of the water quality changes occurring under
      steady and unsteady-state flow conditions. The laboratory and field evaluation of
      the multi-parameter sensor probe showed that the sensors have a rapid dynamic
      response, average repeatability and unreliable accuracy. The uncertainties in the
      sensor data present significant challenges for the analysis and interpretation of
      the acquired data and their use for water quality modelling, decision support and
      control in operational systems. Notwithstanding these uncertainties, the unique
      data sets acquired from transmission and distribution systems demonstrated the
      deleterious effect of unsteady state flow conditions on various water quality
      parameters. These studies demonstrate: (i) the significant impact of the unsteady
      state hydraulic conditions on the disinfectant residual, turbidity and colour
      caused by the re-suspension of sediments, scouring of biofilms and tubercles from
      the pipe and increased mixing, and the need for further experimental research to
      investigate these interactions; (ii) important advances in sensor technologies
      which provide unique opportunities to study both the dynamic hydraulic conditions
      and water quality changes in operational systems. The research in these two areas
      is critical to better understand and manage the water quality deterioration in
      ageing water transmission and distribution systems.

PMID- 22094002
TI  - Integration of anammox into the aerobic granular sludge process for main stream
      wastewater treatment at ambient temperatures.
AB  - Anaerobic ammonium oxidation, nitrification and removal of COD was studied at
      ambient temperature (18  degrees C +/- 3) in an anoxic/aerobic granular sludge
      reactor during 390 days. The reactor was operated in a sequencing fed batch mode
      and was fed with acetate and ammonium containing medium with a COD/N ratio of 0.5
      [g COD/gN]. During influent addition, the medium was mixed with recycled effluent
      which contained nitrate in order to allow acetate oxidation and nitrate reduction
      by anammox bacteria. In the remainder of the operational cycle the reactor was
      aerated and controlled at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 1.5 mg O(2)/l in
      order to establish simultaneous nitritation and Anammox. Fluorescent in-situ
      hybridization (FISH) revealed that the dominant Anammox bacterial population
      shifted toward Candidatus "Brocadia fulgida" which is known to be capable of
      organotrophic nitrate reduction. The reactor achieved stable volumetric removal
      rates of 900 [g N(2)-N/m(3)/day] and 600 [g COD/m(3)/day]. During the total
      experimental period Anammox bacteria remained dominant and the sludge production
      was 5 fold lower than what was expected by heterotrophic growth suggesting that
      consumed acetate was not used by heterotrophs. These observations show that
      Anammox bacteria can effectively compete for COD at ambient temperatures and can
      remove effectively nitrate with a limited amount of acetate. This study indicates
      a potential successful route toward application of Anammox in granular sludge
      reactors on municipal wastewater with a limited amount of COD.

PMID- 22094003
TI  - Defects in sensory organ morphogenesis and generation of cochlear hair cells in
      Gata3-deficient mouse embryos.
AB  - The development of the inner ear sensory epithelia involves a complex network of
      transcription factors and signaling pathways and the whole process is not yet
      entirely understood. GATA3 is a DNA-binding factor that is necessary for otic
      morphogenesis and without GATA3 variable defects have been observed already at
      early stages in mouse embryos. In the less severe phenotypes, one small oval
      shaped vesicle is formed whereas in the more severe cases, the otic epithelium
      becomes disrupted and the endolymphatic domain becomes separated from the rest of
      the otic epithelium. Despite these defects, the early sensory fate specification
      occurs in Gata3-/- otic epithelium. However, due to the early lethality of Gata3
      deficient embryos, the later morphogenesis and sensory development have remained
      unclear. To gain information of these later processes we produced drug-rescued
      Gata3-/- embryos that survived up to late gestation. In these older Gata3-/-
      embryos, a similar variability was observed as earlier. In the more severely
      affected ears, the development of the separate endolymphatic domain arrested
      completely whereas the remaining vesicle formed an empty cavity with variable
      forms, but without any distinguishable otic compartments or morphologically
      distinct sensory organs. However, the dorsal part of this vesicle was able to
      adopt a sensory fate and to produce some hair cells. In the less severe cases of
      Gata3-/- ears, distinct utricular, saccular and cochlear compartments were
      present and hair cells could be detected in the vestibular sensory epithelia.
      Although clear cristae and maculae formed, the morphology and size of these
      sensory areas were abnormal and they remained often un-separated. In contrast to
      the vestibule, the cochlear sensory compartment remained more immature and no
      hair or supporting cells could be detected. Our results suggest that GATA3 is
      critical for normal vestibular and cochlear morphogenesis and that it is
      especially important for cochlear sensory differentiation.

PMID- 22094005
TI  - Pitfalls in extrapolating adult data to rare paediatric diseases.

PMID- 22094004
TI  - Meningiomas in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis of individual patient
      data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemiological, prognostic, and therapeutic features of child
      and adolescent meningioma are poorly defined. Clinical knowledge has been drawn
      from small case series and extrapolation from adult studies. This study was done
      to pool and analyse the clinical evidence on child and adolescent meningioma.
      METHODS: Searches of PubMed, Medline, and Embase identified 35 case series of
      child and adolescent meningioma completed over the past 21 years. Individual
      patient data were obtained from 30 studies via direct communication with
      investigators. Primary outcomes were relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall
      survival. Prognostic variables were extent of initial surgery, use of upfront
      radiotherapy, age, sex, presence of neurofibromatosis, tumour location, and
      tumour grade. RFS and overall survival were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival
      curves and multivariable Cox regression models. FINDINGS: From a total of 677
      children and adolescents with meningioma, 518 were eligible for RFS analysis and
      547 for overall survival analysis. Multivariable analysis showed that patients
      who underwent initial gross-total resection had better RFS (hazard ratio 0.16,
      95% CI 0.10-0.25; p<0.0001) and overall survival (0.21, 0.11-0.39; p<0.0001) than
      those who had subtotal resection. No significant benefit was seen for upfront
      radiotherapy in terms of RFS (0.59, 0.30-1.16; p=0.128) or overall survival
      (1.10, 0.53-2.28; p=0.791). Patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) had
      worse RFS than those without neurofibromatosis (2.36, 1.23-4.51; p=0.010). There
      was a significant change in overall survival with time between patients with NF2
      compared with those without neurofibromatosis (1.45, 1.09-1.92; p=0.011);
      although overall survival was initially better for patients with NF2 than for
      those without neurofibromatosis, overall survival at 10 years was worse for
      patients with NF2. Patients with WHO grade III tumours had worse RFS than those
      with WHO grade I (3.90, 2.10-7.26; p<0.0001) and grade II tumours (2.49, 1.11
      5.56; p=0.027). INTERPRETATION: Extent of initial surgical resection is the
      strongest independent prognostic factor for child and adolescent meningioma. No
      benefit for upfront radiotherapy was noted. Hence, aggressive surgical
      management, to achieve gross-total resection, is the initial treatment of choice.
      In the event of a subtotal resection, repeat resection is recommended to achieve
      maximum extirpation. Close observation is warranted for patients who have a
      subtotal resection or who have WHO grade III tumours. Patients without
      neurofibromatosis should have a minimum 10-year follow-up, whereas patients with
      NF2 should be considered a special risk category, necessitating life-long follow
      up. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 22094006
TI  - Using In(III) as a promoter for glycosylation.
AB  - InCl(3), InBr(3), and In(OTf)(3) were tested as promoters in the preparation of
      glycosides from trichloroacetimidate precursors. A range of protecting groups and
      of alcohol acceptors were used to determine the versatility of these promoters.
      Disaccharide formation was demonstrated. In most cases, the In(III) compounds
      were shown to promote glycosylation better than the widely used promoter
      BF(3).OEt(2).

PMID- 22094007
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of new polyamino-cyclodextrin materials.
AB  - With the aim of the synthesis of chemically modified cyclodextrins bearing
      polyamine pendant groups, potentially useful as capping agents for the
      preparation of nanosized metal systems or as auxiliaries for gene transfection,
      the reaction between the heptakis-(6-iodo)-(6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin and
      various polyamines has been explored. This synthetic approach allows obtaining
      materials constituted by mixtures of cyclodextrins, having different degrees of
      substitution, which were satisfactorily characterized by means of various
      complementary techniques (ESI-MS, NMR, potentiometric titration). The products
      obtained were successfully subjected to preliminary tests for their binding
      abilities towards suitable organic guests and as capping agents for the
      preparation of stable silver nanoparticles.

PMID- 22094008
TI  - Determination of tranexamic acid concentration by solid phase microextraction and
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: first step to in vivo analysis.
AB  - A solid phase microextraction (SPME) method followed by LC-MS/MS analysis was
      developed to determine the concentration of tranexamic acid (TA) in plasma. The
      use of a new biocompatible C18 coating allowed the direct extraction from complex
      biological samples without prior sample preparation; no matrix effect was
      observed. The results revealed that SPME was suitable for the analysis of polar
      drugs such as TA; such an application was previously inaccessible because of the
      limited availability of SPME coatings that can extract polar molecules. The
      proposed method was validated according to the bioanalytical method validation
      guidelines. LOD and LLOQ were 0.5 and 1.5 MUg/ml, respectively. The recovery for
      the method was 0.19%, and the accuracy and precision of the method were <9 and
      <11%, respectively, with the exception of LLOQ, where the values were <16 and
      <13%, respectively. The performance of the proposed method was also compared
      against that of the standard techniques of protein precipitation and
      ultrafiltration. A statistical analysis indicated a clinically significant
      agreement among all assays. Another advantage of SPME over conventional
      techniques was the easy automation and feasibility of in vivo analysis; this
      advantage makes it possible to use the proposed method for an on-site analysis in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 22094009
TI  - Exploitation, vulnerability to tuberculosis and access to treatment among Uzbek
      labor migrants in Kazakhstan.
AB  - In recent years, Kazakhstan has become an important destination for primarily
      undocumented seasonal workers from Uzbekistan. In a context of high tuberculosis
      (TB) incidence, TB treatment is provided free for all residents in Kazakhstan,
      but migrants rarely access these services. This paper reports findings from a
      qualitative study conducted with migrants, TB patients and health care workers
      between July and September 2008 to understand the mechanisms that impede
      migrants' access to care. Findings describe three structural contexts--the
      employment, legal and health care contexts - which act in concert to render
      migrants vulnerable to exploitative work conditions and cause a series of
      barriers to health care. These conditions contribute to increased exposure to TB,
      heightened risk of reactivation due to weakened immunity, treatment-seeking
      delays, and increased severity of disease. Seasonal migration patterns also
      contribute to treatment interruption, which constitutes a risk for the creation
      of drug resistance. Using the theory of structural violence coupled with the
      concept of cumulative vulnerability, this paper analyzes how illegality interacts
      with exploitation and social marginalization to produce vulnerability to TB and
      restrict access to treatment.

PMID- 22094010
TI  - VAMP-2, SNAP-25A/B and syntaxin-1 in glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses of the
      rat cerebellar cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of key SNARE
      proteins in glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses of the adult rat cerebellar
      cortex using light microscopy immunohistochemical techniques. Analysis was made
      of co-localizations of vGluT-1 and vGluT-2, vesicular transporters of glutamate
      and markers of glutamatergic synapses, or GAD, the GABA synthetic enzyme and
      marker of GABAergic synapses, with VAMP-2, SNAP-25A/B and syntaxin-1. RESULTS:
      The examined SNARE proteins were found to be diffusely expressed in glutamatergic
      synapses, whereas they were rarely observed in GABAergic synapses. However, among
      glutamatergic synapses, subpopulations which did not contain VAMP-2, SNAP-25A/B
      and syntaxin-1 were detected. They included virtually all the synapses
      established by terminals of climbing fibres (immunoreactive for vGluT-2) and some
      synapses established by terminals of parallel and mossy fibres (immunoreactive
      for vGluT-1, and for vGluT-1 and 2, respectively). The only GABA synapses
      expressing the SNARE proteins studied were the synapses established by axon
      terminals of basket neurons. CONCLUSION: The present study supplies a detailed
      morphological description of VAMP-2, SNAP-25A/B and syntaxin-1 in the different
      types of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses of the rat cerebellar cortex. The
      examined SNARE proteins characterize most of glutamatergic synapses and only one
      type of GABAergic synapses. In the subpopulations of glutamatergic and GABAergic
      synapses lacking the SNARE protein isoforms examined, alternative mechanisms for
      regulating trafficking of synaptic vesicles may be hypothesized, possibly
      mediated by different isoforms or homologous proteins.

PMID- 22094011
TI  - Changes of microRNAs-192, 196a and 203 correlate with Barrett's esophagus
      diagnosis and its progression compared to normal healthy individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a disease with a rising prevalence in
      western countries probably due to the unhealthy lifestyle. In significant number
      of cases it develops to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Two decades ago, important
      gene regulators (microRNAs) were discovered and their attendance in the process
      of malignant transformation was demonstrated (e.g. miR-192, 196a, 203). Our aim
      was to select the patients with the increased risk of malignant transformation
      before the cancer develops. METHODS: 71 patients with BE disease were selected,
      slides from FFPE blocks were prepared, the lesions were microdissected and a qPCR
      relative expression analysis for selected microRNAs (generally known to be
      connected with malignant transformation process) was carried out. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated unequivocal statistically significant upregulation of two microRNAs
      (miR-192, 196a) and downregulation of miR-203 and positive miR-196a correlation
      with progression from intestinal metaplasia to adenocarcinoma compared to normal
      individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that there do exist changes of selected
      microRNAs which can undoubtedly distinguish the patients with BE from normal
      healthy individuals.

PMID- 22094012
TI  - Molecular and physiological aspects of alcohol dehydrogenases in the ethanol
      metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The physiological role and possible functional substitution of each of the five
      alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) isozymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were
      investigated in five quadruple deletion mutants designated strains Q1-Q5, with
      the number indicating the sole intact ADH gene. Their growth in aerobic batch
      cultures was characterised in terms of kinetic and stoichiometric parameters.
      Cultivation with glucose or ethanol as carbon substrate revealed that Adh1 was
      the only alcohol dehydrogenase capable of efficiently catalysing the reduction of
      acetaldehyde to ethanol. The oxidation of produced or added ethanol could also be
      attributed to Adh1. Growth of strains lacking the ADH1 gene resulted in the
      production of glycerol as a major fermentation product, concomitant with the
      production of a significant amount of acetaldehyde. Strains Q2 and Q3, expressing
      only ADH2 or ADH3, respectively, produced ethanol from glucose, albeit less than
      strain Q1, and were also able to oxidise added ethanol. Strains Q4 and Q5 grew
      poorly on glucose and produced ethanol, but were neither able to utilise the
      produced ethanol nor grow on added ethanol. Transcription profiles of the ADH4
      and ADH5 genes suggested that participation of these gene products in ethanol
      production from glucose was unlikely.

PMID- 22094013
TI  - The medical care costs of obesity: an instrumental variables approach.
AB  - This paper is the first to use the method of instrumental variables (IV) to
      estimate the impact of obesity on medical costs in order to address the
      endogeneity of weight and to reduce the bias from reporting error in weight.
      Models are estimated using restricted-use data from the Medical Expenditure Panel
      Survey for 2000-2005. The IV model, which exploits genetic variation in weight as
      a natural experiment, yields estimates of the impact of obesity on medical costs
      that are considerably higher than the estimates reported in the previous
      literature. For example, obesity is associated with $656 higher annual medical
      care costs, but the IV results indicate that obesity raises annual medical costs
      by $2741 (in 2005 dollars). These results imply that the previous literature has
      underestimated the medical costs of obesity, resulting in underestimates of the
      economic rationale for government intervention to reduce obesity-related
      externalities.

PMID- 22094014
TI  - Optimization and validation of liquid chromatography and headspace-gas
      chromatography based methods for the quantitative determination of capsaicinoids,
      salicylic acid, glycol monosalicylate, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate,
      camphor and l-menthol in a topical formulation.
AB  - Capsaicinoids, salicylic acid, methyl and ethyl salicylate, glycol
      monosalicylate, camphor and l-menthol are widely used in topical formulations to
      relieve local pain. For each separate compound or simple mixtures, quantitative
      analysis methods are reported. However, for a mixture containing all above
      mentioned active compounds, no assay methods were found. Due to the differing
      physicochemical characteristics, two methods were developed and optimized
      simultaneously. The non-volatile capsaicinoids, salicylic acid and glycol
      monosalicylate were analyzed with liquid chromatography following liquid-liquid
      extraction, whereas the volatile compounds were analyzed with static headspace
      gas chromatography. For the latter method, liquid paraffin was selected as
      compatible dilution solvent. The optimized methods were validated in terms of
      specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision in a range of 80% to 120% of the
      expected concentrations. For both methods, peaks were well separated without
      interference of other compounds. Linear relationships were demonstrated with R2
      values higher than 0.996 for all compounds. Accuracy was assessed by performing
      replicate recovery experiments with spiked blank samples. Mean recovery values
      were all between 98% and 102%. Precision was checked at three levels: system
      repeatability, method precision and intermediate precision. Both methods were
      found to be acceptably precise at all three levels. Finally, the method was
      successfully applied to the analysis of some real samples (cutaneous sticks).

PMID- 22094016
TI  - An assessment of burn injury hospitalisations of adolescents and young adults in
      Western Australia, 1983-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study presents a 26-year epidemiological assessment of burn
      injury hospitalisations for people 15-29 years of age in Western Australia.
      METHODS: Linked hospital morbidity and death data for all persons hospitalised
      with an index burn injury in Western Australia for the period 1983-2008 were
      analyzed. Annual age-specific incidence rates were estimated. Poisson regression
      analyses were used to estimate temporal trends in hospital admissions. RESULTS:
      There were 6404 burn hospital admissions of which 76% were male. Males had
      hospitalisation rates 3.0 times that of females (95%CI: 2.8-3.2) and Aboriginal
      people had rates 2.3 times (95%CI: 2.1-2.5) that of non-Aboriginal persons.
      Hospitalisations for burn injury declined by 42% (95%CI: 35-47) for males and 21%
      (95%CI: 6-33) for females. Hospitalisations declined by 53% (95%CI: 35-63) for
      Aboriginal people, and by 35% (95%CI: 29-41) for non-Aboriginal people.
      Significant reductions were observed for flame and electrical burn
      hospitalisations. The major causes of burns in males were exposure to controlled
      fires and ignition of inflammable materials, with scalds the predominant cause of
      burn in females. CONCLUSIONS: Downward trends in burn injury hospitalisations for
      both males and females 15-29 years of age were observed; however, males and
      Aboriginal persons have significantly elevated hospitalisation rates.

PMID- 22094017
TI  - Distinct phases of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling direct cardiomyocyte formation in
      zebrafish.
AB  - Normal heart formation requires reiterative phases of canonical Wnt/beta-catenin
      (Wnt) signaling. Understanding the mechanisms by which Wnt signaling directs
      cardiomyocyte (CM) formation in vivo is critical to being able to precisely
      direct differentiated CMs from stem cells in vitro. Here, we investigate the
      roles of Wnt signaling in zebrafish CM formation using heat-shock inducible
      transgenes that increase and decrease Wnt signaling. We find that there are three
      phases during which CM formation is sensitive to modulation of Wnt signaling
      through the first 24 h of development. In addition to the previously recognized
      roles for Wnt signaling during mesoderm specification and in the pre-cardiac
      mesoderm, we find a previously unrecognized role during CM differentiation where
      Wnt signaling is necessary and sufficient to promote the differentiation of
      additional atrial cells. We also extend the previous studies of the roles of Wnt
      signaling during mesoderm specification and in pre-cardiac mesoderm. Importantly,
      in pre-cardiac mesoderm we define a new mechanism where Wnt signaling is
      sufficient to prevent CM differentiation, in contrast to a proposed role in
      inhibiting cardiac progenitor (CP) specification. The inability of the CPs to
      differentiate appears to lead to cell death through a p53/Caspase-3 independent
      mechanism. Together with a report for an even later role for Wnt signaling in
      restricting proliferation of differentiated ventricular CMs, our results indicate
      that during the first 3days of development in zebrafish there are four distinct
      phases during which CMs are sensitive to Wnt signaling.

PMID- 22094018
TI  - Disruption of Eaat2b, a glutamate transporter, results in abnormal motor
      behaviors in developing zebrafish.
AB  - Analysis of zebrafish mutants that have defects in motor behavior can allow
      entree into the hindbrain and spinal cord networks that control locomotion. Here,
      we report that zebrafish techno trousers (tnt) locomotor mutants harbor a
      mutation in slc1a2b, which encodes Eaat2b, a plasma membrane glutamate
      transporter. We used tnt mutants to explore the effects of impaired glutamate
      transporter activity on locomotor network function. Wild-type larvae perform
      robust swimming behavior in response to touch stimuli at two and four days after
      fertilization. In contrast, tnt mutant larvae demonstrate aberrant, exaggerated
      body bends beginning two days after fertilization and they are almost paralyzed
      four days after fertilization. We show that slc1a2b is expressed in glial cells
      in a dynamic fashion across development, which may explain the abnormal sequence
      of motor behaviors demonstrated by tnt mutants. We also show that tnt larvae
      demonstrate enhanced excitation of neurons, consistent with the predicted effects
      of excessive glutamate. These findings illustrate the dynamic regulation and
      importance of glutamate transporters during development. Since glutamate toxicity
      caused by EAAT2 dysfunction is thought to promote several different neurological
      disorders in humans, including epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases, tnt
      mutants hold promise as a new tool to better understand these pathologies.

PMID- 22094020
TI  - [From image-guided radiotherapy to dose-guided radiotherapy].
AB  - PURPOSE: In case of tumour displacement, image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) based
      on the use of cone beam CT (tomographie conique) allows replacing the tumour
      under the accelerator by rigid registration. Anatomical deformations require
      however replanning, involving an estimation of the cumulative dose, session after
      session. This is the objective of this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two examples
      of arc-intensity modulated radiotherapy are presented: a case of prostate cancer
      (total dose=80 Gy) with tomographie conique (daily prostate registration) and one
      head and neck cancer (70 Gy). For the head and neck cancer, the patient had a
      weekly scanner allowing a dose distribution calculation. The cumulative dose was
      calculated per voxel on the planning CT after deformation of the dose
      distribution (with trilinear interpolation) following the transformation given by
      a non-rigid registration step (Demons registration method) from: either the
      tomographie conique (prostate), or the weekly CT. The cumulative dose was
      eventually compared with the planned dose. RESULTS: In cases of prostate
      irradiation, the "cumulative" dose corresponded to the planned dose to the
      prostate. At the last week of irradiation, it was above the planned dose for the
      rectum and bladder. The volume of rectal wall receiving more than 50 Gy (V50) was
      20% at the planning and 26% at the end of treatment, increasing the risk of
      rectal toxicity (NTCP) of 14%. For the bladder wall, V50 were 73% and 82%,
      respectively. In head and neck, the "cumulative" dose to the parotid exceeded the
      planned dose (mean dose increasing from 46 Gy to 54 Gy) from the 5th week of
      irradiation on, suggesting the need for replanning within the first 5 weeks of
      radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The deformable registration estimates the cumulative
      dose delivered in the different anatomical structures. Validation on digital and
      physical phantoms is however required before clinical evaluation.

PMID- 22094019
TI  - Conditional hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha induction in embryonic pulmonary
      epithelium impairs maturation and augments lymphangiogenesis.
AB  - Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1a, EPAS1 and NEPAS are expressed in the embryonic
      mouse lung and each isoform exhibits distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns
      throughout morphogenesis. To further assess the role of the HIF1a isoform in lung
      epithelial cell differentiation and homeostasis, we created transgenic mice that
      express a constitutively active isoform of human HIF-1a (HIF-1a three point
      mutant (TPM)), in a doxycycline-dependent manner. Expression of HIF1a TPM in the
      developing pulmonary epithelium resulted in lung hypoplasia characterized by
      defective branching morphogenesis, altered cellular energetics and impaired
      epithelial maturation, culminating in neonatal lethality at birth from severe
      respiratory distress. Histological and biochemical analyses revealed expanded
      glycogen pools in the pulmonary epithelial cells at E18.5, concomitant with
      decreased pulmonary surfactant, suggesting a delay or an arrest in maturation.
      Importantly, these defects occurred in the absence of apoptosis or necrosis. In
      addition, sub-pleural hemorrhaging was evident as early as E14.5 in HIF1a TPM
      lungs, despite normal patterning of the blood vasculature, consistent with
      defects in endothelial barrier function. Epithelial expression of HIF1a TPM also
      resulted in increased VEGFA and VEGFC production, an increase in the number of
      lymphatic vessels and indirect activation of the multiple Notch pathway
      components in endothelial precursor cells. Collectively, these data indicate that
      HIF-1a protein levels in the pulmonary epithelium must be tightly controlled for
      proper development of the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments.

PMID- 22094021
TI  - Image processing and lattice determination for three-dimensional nanocrystals.
AB  - Three-dimensional nanocrystals can be studied by electron diffraction using
      transmission cryo-electron microscopy. For molecular structure determination of
      proteins, such nanosized crystalline samples are out of reach for traditional
      single-crystal X-ray crystallography. For the study of materials that are not
      sensitive to the electron beam, software has been developed for determining the
      crystal lattice and orientation parameters. These methods require radiation-hard
      materials that survive careful orienting of the crystals and measuring
      diffraction of one and the same crystal from different, but known directions.
      However, as such methods can only deal with well-oriented crystalline samples, a
      problem exists for three-dimensional (3D) crystals of proteins and other
      radiation sensitive materials that do not survive careful rotational alignment in
      the electron microscope. Here, we discuss our newly released software AMP that
      can deal with nonoriented diffraction patterns, and we discuss the progress of
      our new preprocessing program that uses autocorrelation patterns of diffraction
      images for lattice determination and indexing of 3D nanocrystals.

PMID- 22094022
TI  - Factors predicting deviation from an enhanced recovery programme and delayed
      discharge after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
AB  - AIM: The study aimed to identify factors that predict postoperative deviation
      from an enhanced recovery programme (ERP) and/or delayed discharge following
      colorectal surgery. METHOD: Data were prospectively collected from all patients
      undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection between January 2006 and
      December 2009. They included Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the
      enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) variables, body mass index (BMI),
      sex, preoperative serum albumin, pathology, conversion from a laparoscopic to an
      open approach and postoperative length of hospital stay. RESULTS: There were 176
      patients (90 women) of mean age 68 years. Fifteen (9%) operations were converted
      from laparoscopic to open. The remainder were completed laparoscopically. Fifty
      five (31%) deviated from the ERP, with most failing multiple elements. The most
      common reason was failure to mobilize, which often occurred in conjunction with
      paralytic ileus or analgesic failure. Factors independently predicting ERP
      deviation on multivariate analysis were pathology and intra-operative
      complications. The median length of stay was 5 days. Sixty-four (36%) patients
      had a prolonged length of stay that was predicted by age, number of procedures
      and ERP deviation. CONCLUSION: Pathology and intra-operative complications are
      independent predictors of ERP deviation. Prolonged length of stay can be
      predicted by age, multiple procedures and ERP deviation. Failure to mobilize
      should be considered as a red flag sign prompting further investigation following
      colorectal resection.

PMID- 22094023
TI  - An indwelling urinary catheter for the 21st century.
AB  - What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? A vast literature has
      been published on the prevalence, morbidity and microbiology of catheter
      associated urinary tract infections. Research and development in recent years has
      focused on producing antibacterial coatings for the indwelling Foley catheter
      with insufficient attention to its design. This article provides a critical
      examination of the design of the indwelling Foley catheter. Design specifications
      are outlined for a urine collection device that should reduce the vulnerability
      of catheterised urinary tract to infection. The indwelling urinary catheter is
      the most common cause of infections in hospitals and other healthcare facilities
      [1]. As long ago as 1958, Paul Beeson [2] warned '... the decision to use this
      instrument should be made with the knowledge that it involves the risk of
      producing a serious disease which is often difficult to treat'. Since then,
      scientific studies have progressed revealing a greater understanding of the
      bladder's defence mechanisms against infection and how they are undermined by the
      Foley catheter [3-5]. In addition, the complications caused by the development of
      bacterial biofilms on catheters have been recognised and the ways in which these
      bacterial communities develop on catheters have become clear [5,6]. It is now
      obvious that fundamental problems with the basic design of the catheter, which
      has changed little since it was introduced into urological practice by Dr
      Fredricc Foley in 1937 [7], induce susceptibility to infection. These issues need
      to be addressed urgently if we are to produce a device suitable for use in the
      21st century.

PMID- 22094024
TI  - Primary sclerosing cholangitis and disease distribution in inflammatory bowel
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The relationship between site of intestinal inflammation and
      primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) development in inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD) has not been studied extensively, but may be important in understanding the
      pathogenesis of PSC. We aimed to determine patterns of disease distribution in
      IBD patients with and without PSC. METHODS: We performed a 2-part study involving
      the following: (1) 2754 IBD patients and (2) 82 separate PSC patients attending
      the Irish National Liver Transplant Unit. RESULTS: Fifty-nine of 2708 (2.2%) IBD
      patients had PSC. In ulcerative colitis patients, PSC incidence increased with
      increasing colonic involvement (P = .001) and was relatively rare in those
      without total colitis. Thirteen Crohn's disease patients had PSC, none with
      isolated small-bowel disease had PSC (P = .03). In study 2, the majority of
      ulcerative colitis patients with PSC had total colitis, whereas the remainder had
      disease extending at least to the left colon. In addition, all 10 PSC patients
      with Crohn's disease had colonic involvement. CONCLUSIONS: An inflamed colon, but
      not small bowel, is important in PSC development and it is possible that
      bacterial translocation and subsequent portal bacteremia is important in PSC
      development in IBD.

PMID- 22094025
TI  - Role of albumin treatment in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intravenous administration of albumin decreases the incidence
      of renal failure and mortality among patients with spontaneous bacterial
      peritonitis (SBP). However, it is unclear whether it should be given to all
      patients with SBP; we evaluated its efficacy. METHODS: We analyzed data from all
      episodes of SBP (n = 216) during a 7-year period that occurred in a nonselected
      series of 167 patients with cirrhosis. Low-risk episodes (urea <11 mmol/L and
      bilirubin <68 MUmol/L) were not treated with albumin, whereas high-risk episodes
      (urea >11 mmol/L and/or bilirubin >68 MUmol/L) were or were not given albumin at
      the discretion of the attending physician. RESULTS: Sixty-four episodes of SBP
      (29.6%) were low risk and not treated with albumin, whereas 152 (70.4%) were high
      risk; 73 of these (48%) were treated with albumin and 79 (52%) were not. Renal
      failure before SBP resolution was less frequent after low-risk episodes than high
      risk episodes (4.7% versus 25.6%; P = .001), in-hospital mortality was lower
      (3.1% versus 38.2%; P < .001), and the 3-month probability of survival was higher
      (93% versus 53%; P < .001). In an analysis of only the high-risk group, patients
      who received albumin had lower in-hospital mortality than those not treated with
      albumin (28.8% versus 46.8%; P = .02) and a greater 3-month probability of
      survival (62% versus 45%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Albumin therapy increases
      survival of patients who have high-risk episodes of SBP, although it does not
      seem to be necessary for patients with low risk of death.

PMID- 22094026
TI  - What to do with my ambulatory surgery center.

PMID- 22094027
TI  - Dirlotapide as a model substrate to refine structure-based drug design strategies
      on CYP3A4-catalyzed metabolism.
AB  - Multiple crystal structures of CYP3A4 bound with various substrates or inhibitors
      have been used as templates for docking of new chemical entities to predict sites
      of metabolism and molecular interactions for drug design. Herein, modeling
      studies with dirlotapide, a CYP3A4 substrate, indicated that a substantial
      conformational change of CYP3A4 was necessary to accommodate it within the active
      site cavity, which is in good agreement with a new published CYP3A4 ritonavir co
      crystal structure. Thus, the importance of considering the substrate-induced
      conformational change in CYP3A4, thermochemical properties of reaction centers,
      and essential in vitro experimental data support were analyzed for the refinement
      of computational models.

PMID- 22094028
TI  - Lead optimisation of pyrazoles as novel FPR1 antagonists.
AB  - Optimisation of a series of pyrazole inhibitors of the human FPR1 receptor has
      been achieved. The use of an in vitro media loss assay was utilised to identify
      sub-series with more robust DMPK profiles. These were subsequently improved to
      generate analogues with attractive overall profiles.

PMID- 22094029
TI  - [The surgical option of degenerative cervical spinal stenosis].

PMID- 22094030
TI  - [One-stage posterior approach spinal reconstruction for severe lumbar burst
      fracture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical therapeutic outcomes for severe burst
      fracture of lumbar vertebrae via a posterior approach for one-stage spinal "three
      column" reconstruction. METHODS: An retrospective analysis of data was performed
      for 21 patients with severe burst fracture of lumbar vertebrae undergoing a
      posterior approach for one-stage spinal "three-column" reconstruction from 2005
      to 2010. It was compared with previous 15 cases undergoing a staged
      anteroposterior approach. The operative duration, volume of blood loss, pre- and
      post-operative imaging measurements of kyphosis and vertebral height and nerve
      function recovery were evaluated. RESULTS: The values of operative duration and
      volume of blood loss in the one-stage posterior approach group were significantly
      less than those of the two-stage anteroposterior approach group [(263 +/- 72) min
      vs (439 +/- 75) min, t = -5.303, P < 0.01; (1143 +/- 296) ml vs (1471 +/- 399)
      ml, t = -2.169, P = 0.042)]. Statistical significance existed in postoperative
      kyphosis between two groups [(0.5 +/- 2.0) degrees  vs (3.9 +/- 2.6) degrees , t
      = -3.336, P = 0.003]. Vertebral height had no statistical significance pre- and
      post-operatively between two groups while restoration of vertebral height did
      [(0.47 +/- 0.19) mm vs (0.26 +/- 0.15) mm, t = 2.669, P = 0.015]. CONCLUSION:
      Posterior approach for one-stage vertebral resection, mesh implantation, pedicle
      screws and rod internal fixation for reconstructing spinal "three-column"
      structures offers excellent feasibility and safety. And it may avoid
      complications associated with an anteroposterior approach for two-stage
      procedures. The median length of hospital stay is also reduced.

PMID- 22094031
TI  - [Lateral position one-stage combined posteroanterior approaches for the treatment
      of lumbosacral tuberculous spondylitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a one-stage combined posteroanterior
      approaches for the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculous spondylitis with the
      patients lying in a lateral position. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      conducted for 15 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis undergoing one-stage
      combined posteroanterior approaches for radical lesion resection and
      reconstruction. All patients were observed and evaluated by clinical and imaging
      studies. RESULTS: Operative posture:11 cases for right side and 4 cases for left
      side. The mean operative duration was 280 min (range: 230 - 380 min) and the mean
      estimated volume of blood loss 1720 ml (range: 1100 - 3000 ml). Imaging results:
      No recurrence of tuberculose focus was found until the last follow-up. Upon image
      reviewing, it showed no loosening or displacement except for two cases of
      slightly collapsed titanium mesh. Preoperative and postoperative changes in the
      degree of lumbar lordosis were statistically significant [(20 +/- 5) degrees  vs
      (31 +/- 5) degrees , P < 0.05]. The Kirkaldy-Willis classification rating yielded
      satisfactory results for 13 cases. CONCLUSION: The patients with lumbosacral
      tuberculosis undergoing one-stage combined posteroanterior approaches may achieve
      radical lesion resection, posteroanterior collaboration and reconstruction. It
      avoids a 2-stage operation, eliminates the need of changing a patient's body
      position with secondary sterilization and shortens the operative duration.
      Lumbosacral surgery for tuberculosis combines the respective advantages of
      anterior, posterior and combined posteroanterior approaches and yet makes up for
      their deficiencies.

PMID- 22094032
TI  - [Treatment of combination atlantoaxial fractures with posterior fusion plus
      atlantoaxial pedicle screw].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical feasibility, approach, efficacy and
      indications of posterior fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of
      combination atlantoaxial fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was
      conducted for 26 cases of Jefferson and dens fracture treated with atlantoaxial
      pedicle screw from June 2008 to May 2010. RESULTS: The postoperative radiographs
      verified an excellent position of all screws with a satisfactory atlantoaxial
      reduction. Operative time was (126 +/- 26) min, and blood loss was (350 +/- 107)
      ml. During an average follow-up period of 14 months (range: 6 - 28), it showed no
      spine cord and vertebral artery injury or interfixation failure. Atlantoaxial
      alignment and stability were restored without any instrumentation-related
      complication. CONCLUSION: Posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw and rod fixation
      may provide immediate three-dimensional rigid fixation of atlantoaxial joint.
      This technique is more effective than other previously reported approaches.

PMID- 22094033
TI  - [Building an effective nonlinear three-dimensional finite-element model of human
      thoracolumbar spine].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To build an effective nonlinear three-dimensional finite-element (FE)
      model of T(11)-L(3) segments for a further biomechanical study of thoracolumbar
      spine. METHODS: The CT (computed tomography) scan images of healthy adult T(11)
      L(3) segments were imported into software Simpleware 2.0 to generate a triangular
      mesh model. Using software Geomagic 8 for model repair and optimization, a solid
      model was generated into the finite element software Abaqus 6.9. The reasonable
      element C3D8 was selected for bone structures. Created between bony endplates,
      the intervertebral disc was subdivided into nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus
      (44% nucleus, 56% annulus). The nucleus was filled with 5 layers of 8-node solid
      elements and annulus reinforced by 8 crisscross collagenous fiber layers. The
      nucleus and annulus were meshed by C3D8RH while the collagen fibers meshed by two
      node-truss elements. The anterior (ALL) and posterior (PLL) longitudinal
      ligaments, flavum (FL), supraspinous (SSL), interspinous (ISL) and
      intertransverse (ITL) ligaments were modeled with S4R shell elements while
      capsular ligament (CL) was modeled with 3-node shell element. All surrounding
      ligaments were represented by envelope of 1 mm uniform thickness. The discs and
      bone structures were modeled with hyper-elastic and elasto-plastic material laws
      respectively while the ligaments governed by visco-elastic material law. The
      nonlinear three-dimensional finite-element model of T(11)-L(3) segments was
      generated and its efficacy verified through validating the geometric similarity
      and disc load-displacement and stress distribution under the impact of violence.
      Using ABAQUS/ EXPLICIT 6.9 the explicit dynamic finite element solver, the impact
      test was simulated in vitro. RESULTS: In this study, a 3-dimensional, nonlinear
      FE model including 5 vertebrae, 4 intervertebral discs and 7 ligaments consisted
      of 78 887 elements and 71 939 nodes. The model had good geometric similarity
      under the same conditions. The results of FEM intervertebral disc load
      displacement curve were similar to those of in vitro test. The stress
      distribution results of vertebral cortical bone, posterior complex and cancellous
      bone were similar to those of other static experiments in a dynamic impact test
      under the observation of stress cloud. CONCLUSION: With the advantages of high
      geometric and mechanical similarity and complete thoracolumbar, hexahedral
      meshes, nonlinear finite element model may facilitate the impact loading test for
      a further dynamic analysis of injury mechanism for thoracolumbar burst fracture.

PMID- 22094034
TI  - [Altered expression of endogenous transforming growth factor beta1 and early
      calcification related genes in rat endplate].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between endogenous transforming growth
      factor (TGF)-beta1 and calcification-related genes through an in vitro
      degeneration model by propagating rat endplate chondrocytes during a natural
      degeneration process. METHODS: Endplate chondrocytes were extracted from rat
      lumbar vertebrae, isolated by enzyme digestion and P2 and P4 generations selected
      for a 6-day in vitro culture. The specimens were photographed microscopically to
      observe the cellular differences by alizarin red staining. Type II collagen
      marker gene, transcription factor SOX-9 gene and metabolism-related genes
      proteoglycan. matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, a disintegrin and
      metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5 were
      detected by RT-PCR to verify the degeneration model. Based on this model, the
      changes of growth factor TGF-beta1 and calcification-related genes ankyrin (ANK),
      ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase (ENPP), tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase
      (TNAP) were continuously tested. RESULTS: Compared with P2 cells, P4 cells tended
      to assume a spindle-shaped morphology. And alizarin red staining showed no change
      between them. The level of transcription factor SOX-9 of P4 cells (P4/P2 =
      0.0690, P = 0.0489) was significantly lower than that of P2 cells. Type II
      collagen (P4/P2 = 0.0535, P = 0.009) and proteoglycan (P4/P2 = 0.2672, P =
      0.0343) were also significantly lower than those of P2 cells. No significant
      changes were observed in other metabolism-related genes. TGF-beta1 (P4/P2 =
      0.5934, P = 0.0482) was significantly lower. The expressions of TNAP (P4/P2 =
      0.0385, P = 0.0139) and ANK (P4/P2 = 0.2121, P = 0.0009) were significantly
      lower. But ENPP showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: P4 endplate
      chondrocytes undergo natural degeneration in vitro with the rising passage
      number. Type II collagen, SOX-9 and proteoglycan are significantly reduced.
      Endogenous TGF-beta1 gene and calcification-related genes are down-regulated. The
      decrease of ANK gene may be caused by the down-regulation of endogenous TGF
      beta1. Modulating the expression of endogenous TGF-beta1 gene in endplate
      chondrocytes may become a new therapeutic approach for the degeneration of
      intervertebral disc.

PMID- 22094035
TI  - [Diffusion tensor imaging findings in first-episode and chronic schizophrenics].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the integrity of white matters in first-episode and
      chronic schizophrenics. METHODS: For this study, 39 first-episode and 38 chronic
      schizophrenics, 69 healthy controls (age, gender and years of received education
      no significantly different from those of the patients) underwent diffusion
      weighted images with a single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence aligned to
      the straight axial plane. The fractional anisotropy (FA) images of three groups
      underwent one-way ANOVA with the methods of voxel-based morphometric (VBM)
      analysis. RESULTS: (1) There were three brain regions where the FA values of
      white matter were different among three groups: right caudate nucleus (MNI: 20,
      12, 14; cluster = 432 voxels; FA value: 0.36 +/- 0.18 vs 0.35 +/- 0.24 vs 0.38 +/
      0.17), left insula (MNI: -32, 18, 2; cluster = 204 voxels; FA value: 0.35 +/-
      0.31 vs 0.33 +/- 0.24 vs 0.36 +/- 0.21) and right anterior cingulate (MNI: 16,
      36, 12; cluster = 132 voxels; FA value: 0.35 +/- 0.29 vs 0.34 +/- 0.31 vs 0.37 +/
      0.25). (2) The mean FA values of the three brain regions of two patients groups
      decreased versus those of healthy controls (P < 0.05). (3) The mean FA values of
      left insular region in chronic patients decreased versus those of the first
      episode patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The reduced integrity of white matter
      may play an etiological role in schizophrenia and the changes are probably
      progressive.

PMID- 22094036
TI  - [Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus percutaneous thermal ablation in
      large hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical observation of efficacy and predictors
      of prognostic factors].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the technical success rate, efficacy, overall survival,
      recurrence-free survival and prognostic factors of transcatheter arterial
      chemoembolization (TACE) plus thermal ablations of radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
      and microwave ablation (MWA) in the patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). METHODS: Forty-five cases with Child-pugh class A, B cirrhosis and large
      HCC with a maximum tumor between 5.0 cm to 10.0 cm underwent TACE and thermal
      ablation. Twenty-five patients received TACE plus RFA while the other 20 patients
      underwent TACE plus MWA. Their efficacy, long-term survival and prognostic
      factors were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: TACE plus thermal ablation were
      performed in 84 tumors with a successful rate of 100% (86/86) and a complete
      ablation rate of 94.0% (79/84). The major complication rate was 6.7% (3/45).
      Local and distant recurrence rates were 66.7% (30/45) and 71.1% (32/45)
      respectively. The 1 and 2-year recurrence-free survival rates were 26.7% (12/45)
      and 13.3% (6/45). And the 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates were 80.0% (36/45),
      33.3% (15/45) and 6.7% (3/45) respectively. Univariate and Cox regression
      analyses indicated that tumor size > 7.0 cm, multi-nodularity, incomplete
      necrosis and pretherapy alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >= 200 ug/L were 4 unfavorable
      prognostic factors for the long-term survival. CONCLUSION: The combined
      procedures of TACE and percutaneous thermal ablation are both safe and effective
      for the unresectable large HCC (> 5.0 cm). It represents an alleviate treatment
      for those patients with tumor size > 7.0 cm. Tumor size, tumor number,
      completeness of necrosis and AFP level are all significant prognostic factors.

PMID- 22094037
TI  - [Comparison of effects in puerpera and fetus with ephedrine and phenylephrine
      during a cesarean delivery].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the different effects in fetus and puerpera with an
      equivalent dose of ephedrine (E) and phenylephrine (Ph) for maintaining maternal
      blood pressure near baseline during spinal anesthesia for a cesarean delivery.
      METHODS: Ninety mature parturient women with single-embryo scheduled for an
      elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at our hospital during January
      June 2010 were randomly divided into 3 groups (E, E + Ph and Ph, n = 30 each).
      Group E received an infusion of ephedrine (ephedrine 4 g/L), Group E + Ph
      ephedrine plus phenylephrine (ephedrine 2 g/L + phenylephrine 25 mg/L) and Group
      Ph phenylephrine (phenylephrine 50 mg/L). The blood pressure was maintained near
      baseline by adjusting the infusion rate during anesthesia. The maternal blood
      pressure, heart rate and fetal heart rate were measured at the time points of 1,
      3, 5 and 10 min, skin incision and uterine incision after injecting anesthetic
      into subarachnoid space. Immediately after delivery, maternal arterial, umbilical
      arterial and umbilical venous blood samples were withdrawn for the measurements
      of blood gases and plasma concentrations of lactate and glucose. RESULTS: The
      fetal heart rate of groups E and E + Ph significantly increased after infusion [5
      min: (150 +/- 10) times/min vs (142 +/- 13) times/min, (146 +/- 10) times/min vs
      (142 +/- 9) times/min, both P < 0.05] while those of group Ph had no significant
      changes [5 min: (143 +/- 9) times/min vs(143 +/- 6) times/min, P > 0.05]. The
      incidence of fetal tachycardia in groups E and E + Ph was greater than that in
      group Ph. In group E, umbilical arterial and umbilical venous pH and base excess
      were lower than those in groups E + Ph and Ph [umbilical arterial: 7.20 +/- 0.10
      vs 7.27 +/- 0.05, 7.28 +/- 0.03, (-3.1 +/- 3.1) mmol/L vs (-0.9 +/- 1.7) mmol/L,
      (-0.3 +/- 1.7) mmol/L, umbilical venous:7.29 +/- 0.09 vs 7.34 +/- 0.03, 7.34 +/-
      0.03, (-3.3 +/- 2.9) mmol/L vs (-2.0 +/- 1.7) mmol/L, (-0.9 +/- 1.5) mmol/L, all
      P < 0.05]. Umbilical arterial PCO2 and plasma concentrations of lactate and
      glucose in group E were greater than those in group Ph (all P < 0.05). Umbilical
      arterial and umbilical venous plasma concentrations of lactate and glucose were
      greater in group E + Ph than those in group Ph (all P < 0.05). But base excess
      was lower (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Phenylephrine may be more ideal for treating
      the hypotension of spinal anesthesia for a cesarean delivery. It corrects
      hypotension following spinal anesthesia, improves fetal oxygen supply and demand
      balance but induces no metabolic excitation in fetus as compared with ephedrine.

PMID- 22094038
TI  - [Effects of incretion hormones on growth pituitary adenoma ectomy and evaluation
      of long-term therapeutic efficacy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of incretion hormones on growth pituitary
      adenoma ectomy patients and evaluate its long-term therapeutic efficacy. METHODS:
      A total of 38 growth pituitary adenoma patients were treated by adenoma ectomy
      between 2002 to 2009 at our hospital. The dynamic concentrations of serum
      prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), cortisone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone
      (ACTH) and thyroid function (T3, T4 & thyroid-stimulating hormone) were monitored
      before and after microsurgery. All cases had been followed up for over one year
      to evaluate the long-term therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: The level of GH
      decreased markedly within one week after ectomy [(2.49 +/- 0.22) ug/L vs (9.24 +/
      0.56) ug/L, P < 0.05] and remained stable afterwards. Among 22 cases of GH
      secreting pituitary adenoma with total removal, the post-operative level of GH
      dropped below 2.5 ug/L in 11 cases but the other 11 cases did not. And 3 cases
      were recurrent within 3 years post-operation. CONCLUSIONS: The GH level at Week 1
      post-operation is one of the major indicators for evaluating the efficacy of
      surgery. And the level of GH dropping below 2.5 ug/L at Week 1 post-operation may
      be used as a standard for clinical cure.

PMID- 22094039
TI  - [Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial very small aneurysms].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the technique of endovascular therapy for ruptured
      intracranial very small aneurysms and evaluate the feasibility and safety of
      endovascular treatment of such aneurysms. METHODS: Twenty-two intracranial very
      small aneurysms in 22 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing
      endovascular therapy were reviewed retrospectively. Their clinical, imaging,
      interventional and follow-up data were analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males
      and 9 females with a mean age of 54.5 years old. The Hunt-Hess grade was as
      follows: Grades I and II (n = 12) and Grades III and IV (n = 10). The locations
      of aneurysms were as follows: anterior communicating artery (n = 7), middle
      cerebral artery (n = 2), posterior communicating artery (n = 8) and internal
      carotid artery (n = 5). All aneurysms were embolized with coils. Among them, 7
      received stent assistance and 2 balloon remodeling. RESULTS: Among 22 coiled
      aneurysms, complete occlusion was achieved in 17 aneurysms, neck remnant occurred
      in 1 patient and aneurysm remnant in 4 patients. Two aneurysms ruptured during
      coiling and one patient died from it. One patient had transient hemiparesis. All
      patients received a follow-up of 3 - 36 months and there was no recurrent
      hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial very
      small aneurysms seems to be technically feasible, relatively safe and practically
      effective. An appropriate selection of interventional materials and use of
      sophisticated techniques yield an excellent outcome.

PMID- 22094040
TI  - [Clinical study of cryoablation in the salvage treatment of stage III non-small
      cell lung cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon-helium cryoablation as a
      salvage therapy for the failure cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after
      radiochemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 12 NSCLC patients (stage III) with a
      diagnosis of recurrence after radiochemotherapy received cryoablation. The
      endpoint objectives were overall response rate (RR), clinical benefit rate (CBR),
      1-year survival rate, quality of life (QOL) and safety profile. RESULTS: Among
      them, the overall response rate was 6/12 cases and the clinical benefit rate 7/12
      cases at 12 months post-cryoablation. The 1-year survival rate was 10/12 cases.
      No significant complications or adverse reactions occurred during the process of
      cryoablation. As shown by the QOL score, the quality of life was satisfactory.
      CONCLUSION: As a salvage treatment for the recurrence NSCLC cases after
      radiochemotherapy, cryoablation may achieve a high response rate, a favorable 1
      year survival rate and a high safety profile. It has excellent prospects for
      clinical applications.

PMID- 22094041
TI  - [Analysis of low-quality embryo transfer strategy in in vitro fertilization and
      embryo transfer cycle].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the transfer strategy of low-quality embryo in in vitro
      fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycle. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis was performed for the clinical data of 621 IVF-ET cycles under
      controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, including 574 fresh embryo transfer (ET)
      cycles (Group T1) and 47 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) as the first ET
      cycles (Group C1). Logistic regression was used to model the probability of
      clinical pregnancy rate based on the cycle-specific factors. RESULTS: The
      clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in Group C1 than Group T1 [38.3%
      (18/47) vs 22.1% (127/574), P < 0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
      revealed that patient age and ET method were significantly associated with the
      clinical pregnancy rate. After adjusting for patient age, the clinical pregnancy
      rate remained significantly higher in Group C1 than Group T1 (OR: 2.107, 95%CI:
      1.128 - 3.939, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of FET instead of fresh ET may
      improve the clinical pregnancy rate in low-quality embryo cycles.

PMID- 22094042
TI  - [Expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 in myocardialization of
      cardiac proximal outflow tract septum in connexin 43 knockout embryonic mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of myocardialization of proximal outflow
      tract septum and its effect on the conotruncal anomaly in mice. METHODS: The
      C(57)/BL(6) mice of embryonic day (E) 11.5 - 16.5 were selected. The phenotypes
      of connexin 43 (Cx43) homozygotes (Cx43(-/-)), heterozygotes (Cx43(+/-)) and wild
      types (Cx43(+/+)) were genetically typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bone
      morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (Bmpr2) and alpha-sarcomeric acti (alpha-SCA)
      were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The expression of alpha-SCA in
      the proximal outflow tract (OFT) septum was delayed obviously in Cx43(-/-)
      predominantly at E13.5 and E14.5. From E11.5 to E13.5, the expression of Bmpr2
      was detected in cardiac atrium and epicardium of Cx43(+/+) fetal heart. And Bmpr2
      was slightly expressed in ventricular muscle of Cx43(+/+) fetal heart. And it was
      expressed slightly only in cardiac atrium and epicardium of Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(-/
      ) fetal heart. From E14.5 to E16.5, its expression was detected obviously in
      cardiac atrium, epicardium, endocardium, trabeculum, ventricular muscle and OFT
      septum of Cx43(+/+) fetal heart. At E14.5, its expression was detected obviously
      in cardiac atrium, epicardium, endocardium and trabeculum of Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(
      /-) fetal heart while none in ventricular muscle and OFT septum. At E15.5 and
      E16.5, its expression was detected obviously in cardiac atrium, epicardium,
      endocardium, trabeculum, ventricular muscle and OFT septum of Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(
      /-) fetal heart. Its expression was also detected obviously in OFT septum of
      Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(-/-) fetal heart with incomplete myocardialization.
      CONCLUSION: Cx43KO embryonic mice exhibit delayed myocardialization. As compared
      with the Cx43(+/+), the expression of Bmpr2 in proximal OFT septum was delayed
      obviously in Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(-/-) mice. And the expression of Bmpr2 is
      abnormal in OFT septum of Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(-/-) fetal heart. Bmpr2 may be
      involved in the interaction between epicardium and myocardium. It may be a
      critical mechanism in the maturation process of cardiac muscles.

PMID- 22094043
TI  - [Autophagy of human vascular endothelial cells by oxidized low-density
      lipoprotein: involvement of oxidative stress but no oxidized low density
      lipoprotein-1].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our previous studies found that 100 ug/ml oxidized low-density
      lipoprotein (ox-LDL) could up-regulate the autophagic level in human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The present study was conducted to observe the
      roles of oxidative stress and lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein-1 (LOX
      1) in the ox-LDL-induced up-regulation of autophagy. METHODS: Prior to the ox-LDL
      exposure, LOX-1mAb, vitamin C and vitamin E were used to study the roles of LOX-1
      and oxidative stress in the activation of autophagy. The contents of total
      superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and MDA (malondialdehyde) in the culture medium were
      detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to
      detect the levels of autophagic marker microtubule-associated protein light chain
      3 (MAP1-LC3)-II/LC3-I, beclin1 and lysosome associated membrane protein 2a
      (lamp2a). RESULTS: After the ox-LDL exposure, the down-regulated level of T-SOD
      [0.5 h (32.73 +/- 1.09 vs 40.16 +/- 1.28) U/ml, P < 0.01; 6 h (29.32 +/- 1.56 vs
      40.16 +/- 1.28) U/ml, P < 0.01] and the up-regulated level of MDA [0.5 h (1.11 +/
      0.04 vs 0.57 +/- 0.05) nmol/ml, P < 0.01; 6 h (0.69 +/- 0.03 vs 0.57 +/- 0.05)
      nmol/ml, P < 0.05] in culture medium were also significant at 0.5 h and 6 h. The
      ox-LDL-induced increased ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I was reversed by the pretreatments
      of vitamin C and vitamin E (0.5 h, vitC: 3.11 +/- 0.02 vs 4.31 +/- 0.50, P <
      0.05; vitE: 3.46 +/- 0.19 vs 4.31 +/- 0.50, P < 0.05; 6 h, vitC: 1.44 +/- 0.05 vs
      2.31 +/- 0.16, P < 0.05), but not LOX-1mAb. LOX-1mAb decreased the ox-LDL-induced
      elevated level of lamp2a protein while vitamin C and vitamin E only inhibited the
      elevation of lamp2a at the timepoint of 6 h, but not 0.5 h. CONCLUSION: Oxidative
      stress, rather than LOX-1, plays an important role in the ox-LDL-induced up
      regulation of autophagy in HUVEC. The formation of autolysosomes is associated
      with the LOX-1-mediated endocytosis of ox-LDL. Oxidative stress only plays a
      minor role in the formation of autolysosomes induced by the engulfed ox-LDL.

PMID- 22094044
TI  - Conceptualization of category-oriented likelihood ratio: a useful tool for
      clinical diagnostic reasoning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the diagnostic reasoning process medical students and novice
      physicians need to be made aware of the diagnostic values of the clinical
      findings (including history, signs, and symptoms) to make an appropriate
      diagnostic decision. Diagnostic reasoning has been understood in light of two
      paradigms on clinical reasoning: problem solving and decision making. They
      advocate the reasoning strategies used by expert physicians and the statistical
      models of reasoning, respectively. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) applies decision
      theory to the clinical diagnosis, which can be a challenging topic in medical
      education.This theoretical article tries to compare evidence-based diagnosis with
      expert-based strategies in clinical diagnosis and also defines a novel concept of
      category-oriented likelihood ratio (LR) to propose a new model combining both
      aforementioned methods. DISCUSSION: Evidence-based medicine advocates the use of
      quantitative evidence to estimate the probability of diseases more accurately and
      objectively; however, the published evidence for a given diagnosis cannot
      practically be utilized in primary care, especially if the patient is complaining
      of a nonspecific problem such as abdominal pain that could have a long list of
      differential diagnoses. In this case, expert physicians examine the key clinical
      findings that could differentiate between broader categories of diseases such as
      organic and non-organic disease categories to shorten the list of differential
      diagnoses. To approach nonspecific problems, not only do the experts revise the
      probability estimate of specific diseases, but also they revise the probability
      estimate of the categories of diseases by using the available clinical findings.
      SUMMARY: To make this approach analytical and objective, we need to know how much
      more likely it is for a key clinical finding to be present in patients with one
      of the diseases of a specific category versus those with a disease not included
      in that category. In this paper, we call this value category-oriented LR.

PMID- 22094045
TI  - Alpha spindles as neurophysiological correlates indicating attentional shift in a
      simulated driving task.
AB  - The intention of this paper is to describe neurophysiological correlates of
      driver distraction with highly robust parameters in the EEG (i.e. alpha
      spindles). In a simulated driving task with two different secondary tasks (i.e.
      visuomotor, auditory), N=28 participants had to perform full stop brakes reacting
      to appearing stop signs and red traffic lights. Alpha spindle rate was
      significantly higher during an auditory secondary task and significantly lower
      during a visuomotor secondary task as compared to driving only. Alpha spindle
      duration was significantly shortened during a visuomotor secondary task. The
      results are consistent with the assumption that alpha spindles indicate active
      inhibition of visual information processing. Effects on the alpha spindles while
      performing secondary tasks on top of the driving task indicate attentional shift
      according to the task modality. As compared to alpha band power, both the
      measures of alpha spindle rate and alpha spindle duration were less vulnerable to
      artifacts and the effect sizes were larger, allowing for a more accurate
      description of the current driver state.

PMID- 22094048
TI  - Neutrophils in tuberculosis: friend or foe?
AB  - Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of mycobacterial infection, where they
      phagocytose bacilli. Whether neutrophils can kill mycobacteria in vivo probably
      depends on the tissue microenvironment, stage of infection, individual host, and
      infecting organism. The interaction of neutrophils with macrophages, as well as
      the downstream effects on T cell activity, could result in a range of outcomes
      from early clearance of infection to dissemination of viable bacteria together
      with an attenuated acquired immune response. In established disease, neutrophils
      accumulate in situations of high pathogen load or immunological dysfunction, and
      are likely to contribute to pathology. These activities may have clinical
      importance in terms of new treatments, targeted interventions and vaccine
      strategies.

PMID- 22094047
TI  - The effect of fast-food availability on fast-food consumption and obesity among
      rural residents: an analysis by race/ethnicity.
AB  - Rural areas of the United States tend to have higher obesity rates than urban
      areas, particularly in regions with high proportions of non-white residents. This
      paper analyzes the effect of fast-food availability on the level of fast-food
      consumption and obesity risk among both white and non-white residents of central
      Texas. Potential endogeneity of fast-food availability is addressed through
      instrumental variables regression using distance to the nearest major highway as
      an instrument. We find that non-whites tend to exhibit higher obesity rates,
      greater access to fast-food establishments and higher consumption of fast-food
      meals compared to their white counterparts. In addition, we found that whites and
      non-whites respond differently to the availability of fast-food in rural
      environments. Greater availability is not associated with either greater
      consumption of fast-food meals or a higher obesity risk among the sample of
      whites. In contrast, greater availability of fast-food is positively associated
      with both the number of meals consumed for non-white rural residents and their
      obesity. While our results are robust to specification, the effect of
      availability on weight outcomes is notably weaker when indirectly calculated from
      the implied relationship between consumption and caloric intake. This highlights
      the importance of directly examining the proposed mechanism through which an
      environmental factor influences weight outcomes.

PMID- 22094046
TI  - Effects of abiotic stress on plants: a systems biology perspective.
AB  - The natural environment for plants is composed of a complex set of abiotic
      stresses and biotic stresses. Plant responses to these stresses are equally
      complex. Systems biology approaches facilitate a multi-targeted approach by
      allowing one to identify regulatory hubs in complex networks. Systems biology
      takes the molecular parts (transcripts, proteins and metabolites) of an organism
      and attempts to fit them into functional networks or models designed to describe
      and predict the dynamic activities of that organism in different environments. In
      this review, research progress in plant responses to abiotic stresses is
      summarized from the physiological level to the molecular level. New insights
      obtained from the integration of omics datasets are highlighted. Gaps in our
      knowledge are identified, providing additional focus areas for crop improvement
      research in the future.

PMID- 22094049
TI  - Metal contamination of short-term snow cover near urban crossroads: correlation
      analysis of metal content and fine particles distribution.
AB  - Snow samples were collected near crossroads in Novi Sad, Serbia, during December
      2009 to assess metal concentrations (Ca, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Al, Pb and Na), fine
      particle distribution and pH value. The filtered samples of melted snow were
      analysed, with a focus on particles smaller than a few MUm. The most common
      values of the frequency number distribution curve were either in the range of
      0.05-0.07 MUm or one order of magnitude higher (0.2-0.5 MUm). At examined
      locations metal concentrations varied from 0.0004 mg L(-1) for Pb to 18.9 mg L(
      1) for Na. Besides Na, which mostly originated from de-icing salt, Ca is found to
      be the most abundant element in snow indicating the dominant influence of natural
      factors on snow chemistry. No significant difference was found in concentration
      of the elements at locations near crossroads with either low or high traffic
      volume, except for Na and Zn. To investigate how metals were related a
      correlation analysis was done for the concentrations of metals and with respect
      to the particle size distribution parameters and pH values. The major influence
      on the fine particle volume (mass) was concluded to be due to the elements from
      anthropogenic sources. This conclusion was based on the significant positive
      correlation between Fe, Zn and Al and the fine particle volume based distribution
      parameters.

PMID- 22094050
TI  - Reduction of U(VI) by the deep subsurface bacterium, Thermus scotoductus SA-01,
      and the involvement of the ABC transporter protein.
AB  - In this study we investigated the effect of uranium on the growth of the
      bacterium Thermus scotoductus strain SA-01 as well as the whole cell U(VI)
      reduction capabilities of the organism. Also, site-directed mutagenesis confirmed
      the identity of a protein capable of a possible alternative mechanism of U(VI)
      reduction. SA-01 can grow aerobically in up to 1.25 mM uranium and has the
      capability to reduce low levels of U(VI) in under 20 h. TEM analysis performed on
      cells exposed to uranium showed extracellular and membrane-bound accumulation of
      uranium. The reductase-like protein was surprisingly identified as a peptide ABC
      transporter, peptide-binding protein. This study showcases the concept of protein
      promiscuity, where this protein with a distinct function in situ can also have
      the unintended function of a reactant for the reduction of U(VI).

PMID- 22094051
TI  - Anaerobic degradation of microcrystalline cellulose: kinetics and micro-scale
      structure evolution.
AB  - The degradation kinetics and micro-scale structure change of microcrystalline
      cellulose during anaerobic biodegradation were investigated. A modified Logistic
      model was established to properly describe the kinetics, which showed good
      fitness and wide applicability for cellulose degradation. A maximum degradation
      rate of 0.14 g L(-1) h(-1) was achieved after cultivating for 51.5 h. This result
      was in good agreement with the scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction
      analysis. Channels of 400-500 nm size started to occur on the crystalline surface
      of cellulose at around the inflexion time. Accordingly, the crystallinity
      significantly decreased at this point, indicating a degradation of the
      crystalline structure zones by anaerobic bacteria. This study offers direct
      morphological evidence and quantitative analysis of the biodegradation process of
      cellulose, and is beneficial to a better understanding of the cellulose
      degradation mechanism.

PMID- 22094052
TI  - Partitioning of arsenic in soil-crop systems irrigated using groundwater: a case
      study of rice paddy soils in southwestern Taiwan.
AB  - The accumulation of As in rice due to groundwater irrigation in paddy fields
      represents a serious health hazard in South and Southeast Asia. In Taiwan, the
      fate of As in long-term irrigated paddy fields is poorly understood. Groundwater,
      surface soil, and rice samples were collected from a paddy field that was
      irrigated with As-containing groundwater in southwestern Taiwan. The purpose of
      this study is to elucidate the source and sink of As in the paddy field by
      comparing the As fractions in the soils that were obtained by a sequential
      extraction procedure (SEP) with the As uptake of rice. The risks associated with
      eating rice from the field can thus be better understood. The concentration of As
      in groundwater varied with time throughout the growing seasons of rice, but
      always exceeded the permitted maximum (10 MUg L(-1)) for drinking water by the
      WHO. The As concentration increased with the concentration of Fe in the
      groundwater, supporting the claim that a large amount of As was concentrated in
      the Fe flocs collected from the internal wall of the groundwater pump. The
      results of the SEP revealed that As bound with amorphous and crystalline hydrous
      oxides exhibited high availability in the soils. The root of rice accumulated the
      largest amount of As, followed by the straw, husk, and grain. Although the As
      concentration in the rice grain was less than 1.0 mg kg(-1), the estimated intake
      level was close to the maximum tolerable daily intake of As, as specified by the
      WHO.

PMID- 22094053
TI  - Experimental evaluation of PCDD/Fs and PCBs release and mass balance of a WTE
      plant.
AB  - The behaviour of waste incineration plants with respect to organic toxic trace
      contaminants such as PCDDs, PCDFs and, to a minor extent, PCBs, is still a matter
      of concern for the public opinion and the decision makers. It is therefore very
      important, first, to evaluate the release of these organic toxic trace
      contaminants in the environment during waste incineration, not only through the
      stack gas emission but also with the solid and liquid residues, and then to
      compare the total release with the input through the treated waste in order to
      assess the plant behaviour as a "sink" rather than a "source" of organic toxic
      trace contaminants. The experimental investigation carried out on an Italian full
      scale incineration plant has shown a total 17 PCDD/Fs and 12 dioxin-like PCBs
      release of 5.5-27 MUg WHO-TEQ per tonne of treated waste and an input flux of 1.6
      44 MUg WHO-TEQ per tonne of waste, with the difference between the input and the
      output fluxes rather small and the plant behaviour toward organic trace toxic
      contaminants in average neutral. Results are compared with similar evaluations
      conducted in the last decade on a number of waste-to-energy (WTE) plants
      operating in Italy.

PMID- 22094054
TI  - The culturable intestinal microbiota of triploid and diploid juvenile Atlantic
      salmon (Salmo salar) - a comparison of composition and drug resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the increased use of ploidy manipulation in aquaculture and
      fisheries management this investigation aimed to determine whether triploidy
      influences culturable intestinal microbiota composition and bacterial drug
      resistance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The results could provide answers to
      some of the physiological differences observed between triploid and diploid fish,
      especially in terms of fish health. RESULTS: No ploidy effect was observed in the
      bacterial species isolated, however, triploids were found to contain a
      significant increase in total gut microbiota levels, with increases in
      Pseudomonas spp., Pectobacterium carotovorum, Psychrobacter spp., Bacillus spp.,
      and Vibrio spp., (12, 42, 9, 10, and 11% more bacteria in triploids than
      diploids, respectively), whereas a decrease in Carnobacterium spp., within
      triploids compared to diploids was close to significant (8% more bacteria in
      diploids). With the exception of gentamicin, where no bacterial resistance was
      observed, bacterial isolates originating from triploid hosts displayed increased
      resistance to antibacterials, three of which were significant (tetracycline,
      trimethoprim, and sulphonamide). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that triploidy
      influences both the community and drug resistance of culturable intestinal
      microbiota in juvenile salmon. These results demonstrate differences that are
      likely to contribute to the health of triploid fish and have important
      ramifications on the use of antibacterial drugs within aquaculture.

PMID- 22094055
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of escin Ia and isoescin Ia
      after administration of escin and of pure escin Ia and isoescin Ia in rat.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Escin Ia and isoescin Ia have been traditionally
      used clinically as the chief active ingredients of escin, a major triterpene
      saponin isolated from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds for the
      treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, inflammation and edema.
      AIM OF THE STUDY: To establish a sensitive LC-MS/MS method and investigate the
      pharmacokinetic properties of escin Ia and isoescin Ia in rats and the
      pharmacokinetics difference of sodium escinate with pure escin Ia and isoescin
      Ia. The absolute bioavailability of escin Ia and isoescin Ia and the
      bidirectional interconversion of them in vivo were also scarcely reported.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wister rats were administrated an intravenous (i.v.) dose
      (1.7 mg/kg) of sodium escinate (corresponding to 0.5mg/kg of escin Ia and
      0.5mg/kg of isoescin Ia, respectively) and an i.v. dose (0.5mg/kg) or oral dose
      (4mg/kg) of pure escin Ia or isoescin Ia, respectively. At different time points,
      the concentrations of escin Ia and isoescin Ia in rat plasma were determined by
      LC-MS/MS method. Main pharmacokinetic parameters including t(1/2), MRT, CL, V(d),
      AUC and F were estimated by non-compartmental analysis using the TopFit 2.0
      software package (Thomae GmbH, Germany) and statistical analysis was performed
      using the Student's t-test with P<0.05 as the level of significance. RESULTS:
      After administration of sodium escinate, the t(1/2) and MRT values for both escin
      Ia and isoescin Ia were larger than corresponding values for the compounds given
      alone. Absorption of escin Ia and isoescin Ia was very low with F values both
      <0.25%. Escin Ia and isoescin Ia were found to form the other isomer in vivo with
      the conversion of escin Ia to isoescin Ia being much extensive than from isoescin
      Ia to escin Ia. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of escin Ia and
      isoescin Ia given alone and together in rat suggest that administration of herbal
      preparations of escin for clinical use may provide longer duration of action than
      administration of single isomers. The interconversion of escin Ia and isoescin Ia
      when given alone indicates that administration of one isomer leads to exposure to
      the other.

PMID- 22094057
TI  - Diverse interactions mediate asymmetric incompatibility by the het-6 supergene
      complex in Neurospora crassa.
AB  - Heterokaryon incompatibility (HI) in filamentous fungi is a form of nonself
      recognition that operates during the vegetative phase of the life cycle. One HI
      gene complex in Neurospora crassa, the het-6 locus, comprises two incompatibility
      genes, het-6 and un-24, each having two allelic variants, Oak Ridge (OR) and
      Panama (PA). The un-24 gene also encodes the large subunit of ribonucleotide
      reductase while het-6 appears to be a member of a repetitive gene family with no
      other known function aside from HI. These two genes are in severe linkage
      disequilibrium such that only un-24(OR)het-6(OR) and un-24(PA)het-6(PA)
      haplotypes occur in nature. In this study we unravel several genetic interactions
      that govern the HI functions of this gene complex. We use novel un-24(PA)het
      6(OR) strains and het-6 deletion strains to demonstrate that nonallelic
      interactions occur between un-24 and het-6 and reveal an allelic incompatibility
      interaction between the OR and PA forms of un-24 that is asymmetrically enhanced
      by the presence of het-6(OR) or het-6(PA). We also show how two allelic forms of
      vib-1, a suppressor of het-c- and mat-associated incompatibility, differentially
      act as recessive suppressors of HI associated with nonallelic interactions
      between un-24(PA) and het-6(OR). In contrast, vib-1 is a dominant suppressor of
      HI associated with allelic differences at un-24 and a dominant partial suppressor
      of the un-24(OR) and het-6(PA) nonallelic interaction. The range of suppressor
      activities is largely explained by an interesting differential effect on het
      6(OR) and het-6(PA) transcript levels by VIB-1.

PMID- 22094056
TI  - Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacokinetics of alkaloids from
      seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica after transdermal administration: effect of changes
      in alkaloid composition.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is grown
      extensively in southern Asian countries. The dried seed of this plant, nux
      vomica, has been clinically used in Chinese folk medicine for improving blood
      circulation, relieving rheumatic pain, reducing swelling and treating cancer. AIM
      OF THE STUDY: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of removing
      most strychnine from the total alkaloid fraction (TAF) extracted from nux vomica
      on analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacokinetics after
      transdermal administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Most strychnine was removed
      from TAF and the resulted modified total alkaloid fraction (MTAF) was obtained.
      The contents of strychnine and brucine in TAF and MTAF were determined. Then the
      analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of TAF, MTAF, brucine and strychnine
      dissolved in hydrogel was compared after transdermal administration. Furthermore,
      in vitro and in vivo transdermal absorption profiles of brucine after
      administration of TAF, MTAF and brucine dissolved in hydrogel were also compared.
      RESULTS: In contrast to TAF, most strychnine was removed from MTAF and the ratio
      of brucine to strychnine was adjusted from 1:1.8 to 2.7:1. MTAF showed
      significant analgesic activity in all the chemical-, thermal- and physical-
      induced nociception models, which indicated the presence of both centrally and
      peripherally mediated activities. MTAF also showed significant anti-inflammatory
      activity against xylene-induced ear edema. But TAF and strychnine demonstrated
      little activity in all those pharmacological tests. Brucine showed to be
      effective in acetic acid-induced writhing and xylene-induced ear edema test.
      Brucine in MTAF was absorbed more completely than it alone at the same dosage of
      brucine after transdermal administration. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the
      present study appeared to support the viewpoint that most strychnine should be
      removed from TAF to improve analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The
      relatively higher pharmacological activity of MTAF compared to brucine alone is
      partly due to the enhanced transdermal absorption of brucine.

PMID- 22094058
TI  - Alternative splicing directs dual localization of Candida albicans 6
      phosphogluconate dehydrogenase to cytosol and peroxisomes.
AB  - The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is the main source of NADPH in the cell and
      therefore essential for the maintenance of the redox balance and anabolic
      reactions. NADPH is produced by the two dehydrogenases in the oxidative branch of
      the PPP: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Zwf1) and 6-phosphogluconate
      dehydrogenase (Gnd1). We observed that in the commensal fungus Candida albicans
      these two enzymes contain putative peroxisomal targeting signals (PTSs): Zwf1 has
      a putative PTS1, while the annotated intron of GND1 encodes a PTS2. By
      subcellular fractionation and fluorescence microscopy, we show that both enzymes
      have a dual localization in which the majority is cytosolic, but a small fraction
      is peroxisome associated. Analysis of GND1 transcripts revealed that dual
      targeting of Gnd1 is directed by alternative splicing resulting in two Gnd1
      isoforms, one without targeting signals localized to the cytosol and one with an
      N-terminal PTS2 targeted to peroxisomes. To our knowledge, Gnd1 is the first
      example of dual targeting of a protein by alternative splicing in C. albicans. In
      silico analysis suggests that PTS-mediated peroxisomal targeting of Zwf1 and Gnd1
      is conserved across closely related Candida species. We discuss putative
      functions of the peroxisomal oxidative PPP in these organisms.

PMID- 22094059
TI  - The phantom spider and other myths.

PMID- 22094060
TI  - Hydrophobic statins induce autophagy and cell death in human rhabdomyosarcoma
      cells by depleting geranylgeranyl diphosphate.
AB  - Statins are the most common type of medicine used to treat hypercholesterolemia;
      however, they are associated with a low incidence of myotoxicity such as myopathy
      and rhabdomyolysis. The mechanisms for the adverse effects remain to be fully
      elucidated for safer chronic use and drug development. The results of our earlier
      work suggested that hydrophobic statins induce autophagy in cultured human
      rhabdomyosarcoma A204 cells. In this study, we first confirmed the statin-induced
      autophagy by assessing other criteria, including induced expression of the
      autophagy-related genes, enhanced protein degradation of autophagy marker protein
      p62 and electron microscopic observation of induced formation of autophagosome.
      We next demonstrated that the extent of inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase in the
      cell is parallel with the ability of a statin to induce autophagy. Thus, the
      primary activity of statins causes autophagy in A204 cells. Considering the
      mechanism for the induction, we showed that statins induce autophagy by depleting
      cellular levels of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) mostly through an unknown
      pathway that does not involve two major small G proteins, Rheb and Ras. Finally,
      we demonstrated that the ability of statins to induce autophagy parallels their
      toxicity to A204 cells and that both can be suppressed by GGPP.

PMID- 22094061
TI  - The role of extracellular-signal regulate kinase (ERK) in the regulation of
      airway tone in porcine isolated peripheral bronchioles.
AB  - Extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) is known to regulate vascular smooth
      muscle contraction. However, a role for ERK in airway smooth muscle contraction
      has yet to be demonstrated conclusively, although contractile agents increase ERK
      activity in airway smooth muscle. Rather than initiating contraction, ERK could
      regulate airway tone by interfering with relaxation. Therefore, the aim of this
      study was to determine whether ERK regulates contraction or relaxation of airway
      smooth muscle. Segments of porcine peripheral bronchioles were mounted in an
      isolated tissue bath in Krebs-Henseleit buffer and maintained at 37 degrees C.
      Cumulative concentration-response curves to histamine, endothelin-1, or the
      muscarinic agonist carbachol were then carried out in the absence or presence of
      the MEK inhibitor PD98059. In separate experiments, cumulative concentration
      response curves to the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline or the adenylyl
      cyclase activator forskolin were carried out in the absence or presence of the
      MEK inhibitors PD98059 or U0126. ERK activity was measured by Western blotting.
      All three contractile agents increased ERK activity, but the contractile
      responses were unaffected by PD98059. On the other hand, both PD98059 and U0126
      enhanced the relaxations to isoprenaline but not relaxations to the adenylyl
      cyclase activator forskolin. The enhancement of isoprenaline-induced relaxations
      with PD98059 was prevented by the K(+) channel blocker tetraethylammonium. These
      data suggest that ERK regulates airway smooth muscle tone by inhibiting beta
      adrenoceptor-mediated relaxations, rather than an initiation of contraction. The
      effect on beta-adrenoceptor-mediated responses appears to be through a cAMP
      independent mechanism, possibly through an interaction with K(+) channels.

PMID- 22094062
TI  - Protective effect of apocynin, a NADPH-oxidase inhibitor, against contrast
      induced nephropathy in the diabetic rats: a comparison with n-acetylcysteine.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apocynin, a NADPH
      (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)-oxidase inhibitor, in diabetic rats
      with nephropathy induced by contrast medium (CIN). Diabetes was induced in male
      Wistar rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.v.). Animals were then
      divided into the following groups: 1) control group (diabetic rats treated i.v.
      with saline solution); 2) iomeprol group (iomeprol at 10 ml/kg was injected i.v.
      30 min after saline administration); 3) apocynin group (identical to the iomeprol
      group, except for pre-treatment with apocynin 5mg/kg i.v., 30 min before iomeprol
      injection) and 4) N-acetylcysteine group (NAC) (same as iomeprol group, except
      for the treatment with NAC 20 mg/kg i.v. 30 min before iomeprol injection). CIN
      in animals were assessed 24h after administration of iomeprol. Apocynin
      significantly attenuates the impaired glomerular function, concentration of
      Na(+), K(+), alpha glutathione S-transferase levels in urine and neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in plasma caused by iomeprol. In kidney,
      immunohistochemical analysis of some inflammatory mediators, such as
      nitrotyrosine, poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha,
      interleukin-1beta as well as apoptosis (evaluated as terminal
      deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated UTP end labeling assay) revealed positive
      staining in tissue obtained from iomeprol group. These parameters were markedly
      reduced in animals treated with apocynin. Similarly, these parameters were also
      markedly modified by NAC pre-treatment. Here, we have shown that apocynin
      attenuates the degree of iomeprol-induced nephropathy in diabetic rats.

PMID- 22094063
TI  - Differential vasoactive effects of sildenafil and tadalafil on cerebral arteries.
AB  - Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is associated with migraine pathophysiology, stroke
      recovery and vasospasm treatment. The potential vascular interplay of PDE5
      inhibitors sildenafil, tadalafil and UK-114,542 was studied by intra- versus
      extra-luminal administration in rat middle cerebral arteries in vitro and on
      middle meningeal arteries in vivo. By Western blot PDE5 was detected in both
      cerebral and meningeal arteries, though with minor variations in band intensity
      between vascular beds. Rat middle cerebral artery diameter was investigated using
      pressurised arteriography, applying UK-114,542, sildenafil, and tadalafil intra-
      or extra-luminally. Effects on the dural middle meningeal artery were studied in
      the in vivo closed cranial window model. At high concentrations, abluminal
      sildenafil and UK-114,542, but not tadalafil, induced dilatation of the middle
      cerebral artery. Luminal application elicited a contraction of 4% (sildenafil,
      P=0.03) and 10% (tadalafil, P=0.02). In vivo, sildenafil, but not tadalafil, dose
      dependently dilated middle meningeal artery concomitant to blood pressure
      reduction (1-3mg/kg);1mg/kg sildenafil inducing 60 +/- 14% (P=0.04) and vehicle
      (DMSO) 13 +/- 6% dilatation. In conclusion, PDE5 inhibitors applied luminally had
      minor contractile effect, whereas abluminal sildenafil induced middle cerebral
      artery dilatation above therapeutic levels. In vivo, sildenafil dilated middle
      meningeal artery concomitant with a reduction in blood pressure. Tadalafil had no
      dilatory effects. PDE5 inhibitors show differential vascular activity in cerebral
      arteries from healthy animals; arterial dilatation is seen primarily above
      therapeutic levels. Such findings support clinical studies showing no vasodilator
      effects of sildenafil on cerebral arteries in healthy subjects.

PMID- 22094064
TI  - Effect of iridoid glucoside on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its role
      in regulating carbohydrate metabolic enzymes.
AB  - Vitex negundo is a medicinal plant used to treat many ailments. An active
      compound of iridoid glucoside was isolated from V. negundo leaves and its
      efficacy was investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats with special
      reference to carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. The optimum dose of iridoid
      glucoside was determined by oral glucose tolerance test. The effects of iridoid
      glucoside were compared with glibenclamide Administration of iridoid glucoside
      (50mg/kg body weight) to diabetic rats for 30 days resulted in significant
      reduction in the levels of plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and increase
      in the levels of insulin and hemoglobin. Administration of iridoid glucoside
      showed a significant increase in the levels of glycolytic enzymes and glycogen
      content and decrease in the levels of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver of
      diabetic treated rats. Further, iridoid glucoside showed antihyperlipidemic
      activity as evidenced by significant reduction in serum total cholesterol,
      triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein coupled
      together with elevation of high density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. A
      significant decrease was observed in the activities of aspartate
      aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and decrease in the levels of serum
      urea and creatinine in diabetic treated rats when compared to diabetic untreated
      rats. Treatment of iridoid glucoside alleviated body weight loss in diabetic
      rats. The effect produced by iridoid glucoside on various parameters was
      comparable to that of glibenclamide. These results indicate that iridoid
      glucoside possess antihyperlipidemic effect in addition to its antidiabetic
      effect.

PMID- 22094065
TI  - The noble gas argon modifies extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling
      in neurons and glial cells.
AB  - Recently, the noble gas argon has been identified as a potent neuroprotective
      agent, but little is known about its cellular effects. In this in vitro study, we
      investigated argon's influence on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)
      1/2, a ubiquitous enzyme with numerous functions in cell proliferation and
      survival. Primary neuronal and astroglial cell cultures and the microglial cell
      line BV-2 were exposed to 50 vol.% argon. Further possible effects were studied
      following stimulation of microglia with 50 ng/ml LPS. ERK 1/2 activation was
      assessed by phosphorylation state-specific western blotting, cytokine levels by
      real-time PCR and western blotting. Total phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity
      was examined with p-nitrophenylphosphate. After 30 min exposure, argon
      significantly activated ERK 1/2 signaling in microglia. Enhanced phosphorylation
      of ERK 1/2 was also found in astrocytes and neurons following argon exposure, but
      it lacked statistical significance. In microglia, argon did not substantially
      interfere with LPS-induced ERK1/2 activation and inflammatory cytokine induction.
      Addition of the MEK-Inhibitor U0126 abolished the induced ERK 1/2
      phosphorylation. Cellular phosphatase activity and the inactivation of
      phosphorylated ERK 1/2 were not altered by argon. In conclusion, argon enhanced
      ERK 1/2 activity in microglia via the upstream kinase MEK, probably through a
      direct mode of activation. ERK 1/2 signaling in astrocytes and neurons in vitro
      was also influenced, although not with statistical significance. Whether ERK 1/2
      activation by argon affects cellular functions like differentiation and survival
      in the brain in vivo will have to be determined in future experiments.

PMID- 22094066
TI  - A synthetic prostacyclin agonist with thromboxane synthase inhibitory activity,
      ONO-1301, protects myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury.
AB  - ONO-1301, a synthetic prostacyclin agonist with thromboxane synthase inhibitory
      activity, promotes the production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by various cell types. Here, we evaluated the
      therapeutic efficacy of ONO-1301 in rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury.
      Ligation of the left anterior descending arteries was performed in 10-week-old
      Wistar rats, and released 30 min later. A slow-release form of ONO-1301 was
      administered subcutaneously at 3h and 3 weeks after reperfusion injury.
      Hemodynamic parameters were significantly improved in the ONO-1301 group.
      Histological analysis revealed that ONO-1301 suppressed ischemic and fibrotic
      changes in the myocardium (ischemic area, control group: 58.6 +/- 8.7% vs. ONO
      1301 group: 44.4 +/- 5.8%, fibrotic area, 33.5 +/- 5.9% vs. 22.3 +/- 6.2%,
      P<0.05, respectively), and enhanced neovascularization in the border zone. HGF
      expression was up-regulated by ONO-1301. Double-immunostaining revealed that
      myofibroblasts in the border zone of ischemic myocardium mainly expressed HGF.
      Our findings suggest that ONO-1301 might have therapeutic potential in treating
      ischemic heart disease.

PMID- 22094067
TI  - Protective effects of ligustrazine on TNF-alpha-induced endothelial dysfunction.
AB  - To investigate the effects of Ligustrazine, a compound derived from chuanxiong,
      on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulated endothelial cells. Human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with TNF-alpha in
      vitro. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured as a standard of endothelial dysfunction.
      Two important indicators of autoimmunity, intracellular adhesion molecular-1
      (ICAM-1) and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), were selected to evaluate the
      influence of Ligustrazine on HUVECs. Ligustrazine (40 MUg/ml) significantly
      reversed the decrease in NO production induced by TNF-alpha (5 ng/ml) in HUVECs.
      The expressions of ICAM-1 and HSP60 were increased by TNF-alpha treatment, but
      dramatically inhibited by treatment with ligustrazine in TNF-alpha-stimulated
      cells. Ligustrazine increased the production of NO in HUVECs and had an
      immunomodulatory effect on HUVECs stimulated with TNF-alpha by down-regulating
      the expression of ICAM-1 and HSP60. These results suggest that ligustrazine
      protects the endothelium via inhibition of immunological reactions, preventing
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22094068
TI  - Functional antagonism of amphetamine versus ethanol on adrenergic
      neurotransmission in vas deferens of adolescent rats.
AB  - Because of the few studies that emphasize the in vivo use of amphetamine and
      ethanol, and their consequences on autonomic neurotransmission, we decided to
      study the effect of these drugs on peripheral noradrenergic neurotransmission of
      young animals. We used contractions of the vas deferens of adolescent rats as a
      model for the study of pre-treatment with both agents. The 30 to 40 day old
      adolescent rats were pre-treated with amphetamine, at doses of 3mg/kg, or ethanol
      at doses of 1.2 g/kg. Both agents were also used simultaneously to investigate
      possible interactions. The group treated with amphetamine showed a potentiation
      of the vas deferens contractions evoked by noradrenaline and barium (about 20%),
      as well as time-response contractions of calcium (about 20%). However, the
      response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) was not significantly changed, but
      the content of noradrenaline was reduced by about 50%. The group treated with
      ethanol showed a decrease in vas deferens contractility to noradrenaline,
      phenylephrine, and barium, by less than 20%. In this group, contraction by EFS
      was reduced by about 40% (Tonic, 2 Hz) and 20% (Phasic, 5 Hz), but the response
      to calcium was not changed. As after amphetamine, the content of noradrenaline
      was reduced by about 50%. In the group treated with amphetamine+ethanol all the
      changes described after the single treatments with amphetamine or ethanol were
      neutralized. It is concluded that a functional antagonism was shown between
      amphetamine and ethanol when administered simultaneously on peripheral
      sympathetic neurotransmission in vas deferens of adolescent animals.

PMID- 22094069
TI  - Screening for mutations in Spanish families with myotonia. Functional analysis of
      novel mutations in CLCN1 gene.
AB  - Myotonia congenita is an inherited muscle disorder caused by mutations in the
      CLCN1 gene, a voltage-gated chloride channel of skeletal muscle. We have studied
      48 families with myotonia, 32 out of them carrying mutations in CLCN1 gene and
      eight carry mutations in SCN4A gene. We have found 26 different mutations in
      CLCN1 gene, including 13 not reported previously. Among those 26 mutations,
      c.180+3A>T in intron 1 is present in nearly one half of the Spanish families in
      this series, the largest one analyzed in Spain so far. Although scarce data have
      been published on the frequency of mutation c.180+3A>T in other populations, our
      data suggest that this mutation is more frequent in Spain than in other European
      populations. In addition, expression in HEK293 cells of the new missense mutants
      Tyr137Asp, Gly230Val, Gly233Val, Tyr302His, Gly416Glu, Arg421Cys, Asn567Lys and
      Gln788Pro, demonstrated that these DNA variants are disease-causing mutations
      that abrogate chloride currents.

PMID- 22094070
TI  - [The Sertoli cell].
AB  - The Sertoli cell is essential for the formation and functioning of the testis.
      This is the first cell to differentiate into the initially bipotential genital
      ridge and is the only somatic cell present in seminiferous tubules. Maturation
      involves the loss of proliferative capacity, formation of intercellular tight
      junctions and the appearance of some specific markers. We can consider
      schematically two distinct roles associated with different features: a process of
      sexual differentiation with testicular formation and a role in spermatogenesis
      allowing the germ cells progression into sperm through close contact in the
      seminiferous tubules. These events, separated in time, are in fact intimately
      linked.

PMID- 22094071
TI  - Impulsive action and impulsive choice are mediated by distinct
      neuropharmacological substrates in rat.
AB  - Impulsivity is a heterogeneous construct according to clinical and preclinical
      behavioural measures and there is some preliminary evidence indicating distinct
      neurobiological substrates underlying the sub-components of impulsivity. Two
      preclinical assays, the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and the
      delayed discounting task (DDT), are hypothesized to provide measures of impulsive
      action (premature responding) and impulsive choice (percent choice for delayed
      reward), respectively. In the present studies, we show that the norepinephrine
      reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine attenuated premature responding in the 5-CSRTT,
      but was ineffective in the DDT. The mixed dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake
      inhibitor methylphenidate exhibited an opposite profile of effects. In addition,
      blockade of 5-HT2A/C receptors via ketanserin decreased premature responding but
      had no effects on percent choice for delayed reward; blockade of 5-HT2C receptors
      via SB 242084 had opposite effects. Follow-up studies provided some limited
      evidence of additive effects of 5-HT2A/C receptor blockade on the effects of
      atomoxetine on impulsive action. These studies demonstrate dissociable profiles
      of stimulant vs. non-stimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      medications and 5-HT subtype-selective ligands, in the 5-CSRTT and DDT assays.
      Thus, the present findings support the sub-categorization of impulsivity and
      suggest that 5-HT receptor subtype-selective antagonists may provide therapeutic
      targets for disorders characterized by different forms of impulsivity.

PMID- 22094072
TI  - The prognostic value of early repolarization with ST-segment elevation in African
      Americans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased prevalence of classic early repolarization, defined as ST
      segment elevation (STE) in the absence of acute myocardial injury, in African
      Americans is well established. The prognostic value of this pattern in different
      ethnicities remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: Measure association between early
      repolarization and cardiovascular mortality in African Americans. METHODS: The
      resting electrocardiograms of 45,829 patients were evaluated at the Palo Alto
      Veterans Affairs Hospital. Subjects with inpatient status or electrocardiographic
      evidence of acute myocardial infarction were excluded, leaving 29,281 subjects.
      ST-segment elevation, defined as an elevation of >0.1 mV at the end of the QRS,
      was electronically flagged and visually adjudicated by 3 observers blinded to
      outcomes. An association between ethnicity and early repolarization was measured
      by using multivariate logistic regression. We analyzed associations between early
      repolarization and cardiovascular mortality by using the Cox proportional hazards
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Subjects were 13% women and 13.3% African
      Americans, with an average age of 55 years and followed for an average of 7.6
      years, resulting in 1995 cardiovascular deaths. There were 479 subjects with
      lateral STE and 185 with inferior STE. After adjustment for age, sex, heart rate,
      and coronary artery disease, African American ethnicity was associated with
      lateral or inferior STE (odds ratio 3.1; P = .0001). While lateral or inferior
      STE in non-African Americans was independently associated with cardiovascular
      death (hazard ratio 1.6; P = .02), it was not associated with cardiovascular
      death in African Americans (hazard ratio 0.75; P = .50). CONCLUSIONS: Although
      early repolarization is more prevalent in African Americans, it is not predictive
      of cardiovascular death in this population and may represent a distinct
      electrophysiologic phenomenon.

PMID- 22094073
TI  - Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator longevity under clinical circumstances: an
      analysis according to device type, generation, and manufacturer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the major drawbacks of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
      (ICD) treatment is the limited device service life. Thus far, data concerning ICD
      longevity under clinical circumstances are scarce. In this study, the ICD service
      life was assessed in a large cohort of ICD recipients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      battery longevity of ICDs under clinical circumstances. METHODS: All patients
      receiving an ICD in the Leiden University Medical Center were included in the
      analysis. During prospectively recorded follow-up visits, reasons for ICD
      replacement were assessed and categorized as battery depletion and non-battery
      depletion. Device longevity and battery longevity were calculated. The impact of
      device type, generation, manufacturer, the percentage of pacing, the pacing
      output, and the number of shocks on the battery longevity was assessed. RESULTS:
      Since 1996, 4673 ICDs were implanted, of which 1479 ICDs (33%) were replaced.
      Mean device longevity was 5.0 +/- 0.1 years. A total of 1072 (72%) ICDs were
      replaced because of battery depletion. Mean battery longevity of an ICD was 5.5
      +/- 0.1 years. When divided into different types, mean battery longevity was 5.5
      +/- 0.2 years for single-chamber ICDs, 5.8 +/- 0.1 for dual-chamber ICDs, and 4.7
      +/- 0.1 years for cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (P <.001).
      Devices implanted after 2002 had a significantly better battery longevity as
      compared with devices implanted before 2002 (5.6 +/- 0.1 years vs 4.9 +/- 0.2
      years; P <.001). In addition, large differences in battery longevity between
      manufacturers were noted (overall log-rank test, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      majority of ICDs were replaced because of battery depletion. Large differences in
      longevity exist between different ICD types and manufacturers. Modern ICD
      generations demonstrated improved longevity.

PMID- 22094074
TI  - A fully automatic, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator algorithm to prevent
      inappropriate detection of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation due to T-wave
      oversensing in spontaneous rhythm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T-wave oversensing (TWOS) may cause inappropriate shocks in patients
      with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Programming options to prevent
      TWOS are usually implemented only after TWOS has occurred, and they may
      compromise sensing of ventricular fibrillation (VF). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an
      ICD algorithm that differentiates TWOS from ventricular tachycardia (VT) or VF to
      prevent inappropriate detection of VT/VF when TWOS occurs. METHODS: We developed
      a TWOS algorithm based on both the differential frequency content of R vs T waves
      and their alternating pattern. Algorithm parameters were developed from a
      database of stored electrograms. The algorithm was validated on a hardware system
      consisting of actual ICD circuitry by using an independent database of stored
      electrograms including inappropriate detections of both VT/VF caused by
      spontaneous TWOS and induced true VF to assess delays in detection. RESULTS: We
      tested 83 inappropriate detections of VF due to TWOS from 22 patients. All 22
      patients had at least 1 successful rejection of TWOS, and rejection was effective
      in 80 of the 83 episodes. After adjustment for multiple episodes per patient,
      specificity was 96.6% (95% confidence interval 90.3%-98.8%). In 166 episodes of
      true VF in 92 patients, the sensitivity for VF detection was 100% (95% confidence
      interval 98.2%-100%) at a nominal sensitivity of 0.3 mV; the new TWOS algorithm
      did not delay the detection of VF. CONCLUSION: A novel TWOS rejection algorithm
      is designed to operate in real time. The algorithm reduced inappropriate
      detections of VF in spontaneous TWOS episodes by 96.6% while maintaining 100%
      sensitivity for detecting true VF.

PMID- 22094075
TI  - Renin-angiotensin system blockers are associated with reduced mortality and heart
      failure hospitalization in patients paced for complete atrioventricular block.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right ventricular apical pacing can cause dyssynchronous activation
      of the ventricles, increase sympathetic activation, cause abnormalities in
      myocardial perfusion, worsen cardiac output and endothelial function, and may be
      associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. The use of rennin-angiotensin
      system blockers (RASBs) may be beneficial in counteracting these potentially
      harmful effects of right ventricular pacing. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of
      RASB use on the outcome in patients with right ventricular pacemakers implanted
      for complete atrioventricular (AV) block. METHODS: Patients implanted with right
      ventricular pacemakers for complete AV block between 1994 and 2009 were
      identified from the Tayside Pacing Registry. Cox proportional hazards model was
      used to assess differences in all-cause mortality and congestive heart failure
      hospitalizations for those receiving RASB during follow-up, adjusted for
      confounding variables. We also performed 2 sensitivity analyses--a propensity
      score-matched analysis and time-dependent analyses--to minimize bias. RESULTS:
      Eight hundred twenty patients (57% men; median age 73 years; range 22-103 years)
      received pacemakers for complete AV block between 1994 and 2008 (54% dual-chamber
      pacemaker and 46% ventricular demand pacemaker). Two hundred seventy-eight (34%)
      patients had received RASBs. Mean follow-up was 4.9 +/- 4.6 years, with 540 (65%)
      deaths. RASB use was independently associated with significantly reduced
      mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.94; P =
      .017) and reduced heart failure hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.42; 95%
      confidence interval 0.17-0.92; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
      RASBs may confer outcome benefits in patients with right ventricular pacemakers
      implanted for complete AV block.

PMID- 22094077
TI  - Regulation of foamy viral transcription and RNA export.
AB  - Foamy viruses (FVs) are distinct members of the retrovirus (RV) family. In this
      chapter, the molecular regulation of foamy viral transcription, splicing,
      polyadenylation, and RNA export will be compared in detail to the
      orthoretroviruses. Foamy viral transcription is regulated in early and late
      phases, which are separated by the usage of two promoters. The viral
      transactivator protein Tas activates both promoters. The nature of this early
      late switch and the molecular mechanism used by Tas are unique among RVs. RVs
      duplicate the long terminal repeats (LTRs) during reverse transcription. These
      LTRs carry both a promoter region and functional poly(A) sites. In order to
      express full-length transcripts, RVs have to silence the poly(A) signal in the 5'
      LTR and to activate it in the 3' LTR. FVs have a unique R-region within these
      LTRs with a major splice donor (MSD) at +51 followed by a poly(A) signal. FVs use
      a MSD-dependent mechanism to inactivate the polyadenylation. Most RVs express all
      their genes from a single primary transcript. In order to allow expression of
      more than one gene from this RNA, differential splicing is extensively used in
      complex RVs. The splicing pattern of FV is highly complex. In contrast to
      orthoretroviruses, FVs synthesize the Pol precursor protein from a specific and
      spliced transcript. The LTR and IP-derived primary transcripts are spliced into
      more than 15 different mRNA species. Since the RNA ratios have to be balanced, a
      tight regulation of splicing is required. Cellular quality control mechanisms
      retain and degrade unspliced or partially spliced RNAs in the nucleus. In this
      review, I compare the RNA export pathways used by orthoretroviruses with the
      distinct RNA export pathway used by FV. All these steps are highly regulated by
      host and viral factors and set FVs apart from all other RVs.

PMID- 22094076
TI  - Why caretakers bypass Primary Health Care facilities for child care - a case from
      rural Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on health care utilization in low income countries suggests
      that patients frequently bypass PHC facilities in favour of higher-level
      hospitals - despite substantial additional time and financial costs. There are
      limited number of studies focusing on user's experiences at such facilities and
      reasons for bypassing them. This study aimed to identify factors associated with
      bypassing PHC facilities among caretakers seeking care for their underfive
      children and to explore experiences at such facilities among those who utilize
      them. METHODS: The study employed a mixed-method approach consisting of an
      interviewer administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews among selected
      care-takers seeking care for their underfive children at Korogwe and Muheza
      district hospitals in north-eastern Tanzania. RESULTS: The questionnaire survey
      included 560 caretakers. Of these 30 in-depth interviews were conducted. Fifty
      nine percent (206/348) of caretakers had not utilized their nearer PHC facilities
      during the index child's sickness episode. The reasons given for bypassing PHC
      facilities were lack of possibilities for diagnostic facilities (42.2%), lack of
      drugs (15.5%), closed health facility (10.2%), poor services (9.7%) and lack of
      skilled health workers (3.4%). In a regression model, the frequency of bypassing
      a PHC facility for child care increased significantly with decreasing travel time
      to the district hospital, shorter duration of symptoms and low disease
      severity.Findings from the in-depth interviews revealed how the lack of quality
      services at PHC facilities caused delays in accessing appropriate care and how
      the experiences of inadequate care caused users to lose trust in them.
      CONCLUSION: The observation that people are willing to travel long distances to
      get better quality services calls for health policies that prioritize quality of
      care before quantity. In a situation with limited resources, utilizing available
      resources to improve quality of care at available facilities could be more
      appropriate for improving access to health care than increasing the number of
      facilities. This would also improve equity in health care access since the poor
      who can not afford travelling costs will then get access to quality services at
      their nearer PHC facilities.

PMID- 22094078
TI  - Diagnosis and control of cereal viruses in the Middle East.
AB  - Middle Eastern countries are major consumers of small grain cereals. Egypt is the
      biggest bread wheat producer with 7.4 million tons (MT) in 2007, but at the same
      time, it had to import 5.9 MT. Jordan and Israel import almost all the grains
      they consume. Viruses are the major pathogens that impair grain production in the
      Middle East, infecting in some years more than 80% of the crop. They are
      transmitted in nonpersistent, semipersistent, and persistent manners by insects
      (aphids, leafhoppers, and mites), and through soil and seeds. Hence, cereal
      viruses have to be controlled, not only in the field but also through the
      collaborative efforts of the plant quarantine services inland and at the borders,
      involving all the Middle Eastern countries. Diagnosis of cereal viruses may
      include symptom observation, immunological technologies such as ELISA using
      polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against virus coat protein expressed
      in bacteria, and molecular techniques such as PCR, microarrays, and deep
      sequencing. In this chapter, we explore the different diagnoses, typing, and
      detection techniques of cereal viruses available to the Middle Eastern countries.
      We highlight the plant quarantine service and the prevention methods. Finally, we
      review the breeding efforts for virus resistance, based on conventional selection
      and genetic engineering.

PMID- 22094079
TI  - The roles of host factors in tombusvirus RNA recombination.
AB  - RNA viruses are the champions of evolution due to high frequency mutations and
      genetic recombination occurring during virus replication. These genetic events
      are due to the error-prone nature of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp).
      Recently emerging models on viral RNA recombination, however, also include key
      roles for host and environmental factors. Accordingly, genome-wide screens and
      global proteomics approaches with Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) and yeast
      (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model host have identified 38 host proteins
      affecting viral RNA recombination. Follow-up studies have identified key host
      proteins and cellular pathways involved in TBSV RNA recombination. In addition,
      environmental factors, such as salt stress, have been shown to affect TBSV
      recombination via influencing key host or viral factors involved in the
      recombination process. These advances will help build more accurate models on
      viral recombination, evolution, and adaptation.

PMID- 22094080
TI  - Coronavirus pathogenesis.
AB  - Coronaviruses infect many species of animals including humans, causing acute and
      chronic diseases. This review focuses primarily on the pathogenesis of murine
      coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and severe acute respiratory coronavirus
      (SARS-CoV). MHV is a collection of strains, which provide models systems for the
      study of viral tropism and pathogenesis in several organs systems, including the
      central nervous system, the liver, and the lung, and has been cited as providing
      one of the few animal models for the study of chronic demyelinating diseases such
      as multiple sclerosis. SARS-CoV emerged in the human population in China in 2002,
      causing a worldwide epidemic with severe morbidity and high mortality rates,
      particularly in older individuals. We review the pathogenesis of both viruses and
      the several reverse genetics systems that made much of these studies possible. We
      also review the functions of coronavirus proteins, structural, enzymatic, and
      accessory, with an emphasis on roles in pathogenesis. Structural proteins in
      addition to their roles in virion structure and morphogenesis also contribute
      significantly to viral spread in vivo and in antagonizing host cell responses.
      Nonstructural proteins include the small accessory proteins that are not at all
      conserved between MHV and SARS-CoV and the 16 conserved proteins encoded in the
      replicase locus, many of which have enzymatic activities in RNA metabolism or
      protein processing in addition to functions in antagonizing host response.

PMID- 22094082
TI  - Mind as a nested operational architectonics of the brain: Comment on
      "Neuroontology, neurobiological naturalism, and consciousness: a challenge to
      scientific reduction and a solution" by Todd E. Feinberg.

PMID- 22094081
TI  - Human immunodeficiency virus viral protein R as an extracellular protein in
      neuropathogenesis.
AB  - Numerous studies published in the past two decades have identified the viral
      protein R (Vpr) as one of the most versatile proteins in the life cycle of human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In this regard, more than a thousand Vpr
      molecules are present in extracellular viral particles. Subsequent to viral
      entry, Vpr participates in early replicative events by assisting in viral genome
      nuclear import and, during the viral life cycle, by shuttling between the nucleus
      and the cytoplasm to accomplish its functions within the context of other
      replicative functions. Additionally, several studies have implicated Vpr as a
      proapoptotic protein because it promotes formation of permeability transition
      pores in mitochondria, which in turn affects transmembrane potential and
      adenosine triphosphate synthesis. Recent studies have identified Vpr as a virion
      free protein in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients infected with HIV-1
      whose plasma viremia directly correlates with the extracellular concentration of
      Vpr. These observations pointed to a new role for Vpr as an additional weapon in
      the HIV-1 arsenal, involving the use of an extracellular protein to target and
      possibly inhibit HIV-1-uninfected bystander cells to enable them to escape immune
      surveillance. In addition, extracellular Vpr decreases adenosine triphosphate
      levels and affects the intracellular redox balance in neurons, ultimately causing
      their apoptosis. Herein, we review the role of Vpr as an extracellular protein
      and its downstream effects on cellular metabolism, functionality, and survival,
      with particular emphasis on how extracellular Vpr-induced oxidative stress might
      aggravate HIV-1-induced symptoms, thus affecting pathogenesis and disease
      progression.

PMID- 22094084
TI  - [Preventive of complications after radical prostatectomy].

PMID- 22094083
TI  - Obesity is associated with castration-resistant disease and metastasis in men
      treated with androgen deprivation therapy after radical prostatectomy: results
      from the SEARCH database.
AB  - Study Type - Prognosis (cohort series). Level of Evidence 2a. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? The incidence and prevalence of obesity in
      the USA and Europe is increasing. Higher body mass index is associated with a
      lower risk of overall prostate cancer diagnosis but also with an increased risk
      of high grade prostate cancer. Obese men undergoing primary therapy with radical
      prostatectomy or external beam radiation are more likely to experience a
      biochemical recurrence after treatment compared with normal weight men. Finally,
      obesity is associated with increased prostate-cancer-specific mortality. We
      hypothesized that obese men on androgen deprivation therapy may be at increased
      risk for prostate cancer progression. Previous studies have shown that obese men
      have lower levels of testosterone compared with normal weight men. Additionally,
      one previous study found that obese men have higher levels of testosterone on
      androgen deprivation therapy. Men with higher levels of testosterone on androgen
      deprivation therapy are at increased risk of prostate cancer progression. We
      found that men with higher body mass index were at increased risk of progression
      to castration-resistant prostate cancer, development of metastases and prostate
      cancer-specific mortality. When we adjusted for various clinicopathological
      characteristics, obese men were at increased risk of progression to castration
      resistant prostate cancer and development of metastases. The results of our study
      help generate hypotheses for further study regarding the mechanisms between
      obesity and aggressive prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: * To investigate whether
      obesity predicts poor outcomes in men starting androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
      before metastasis, since previous studies found worse outcomes after surgery and
      radiation for obese men. METHODS: * A retrospective review was carried out of 287
      men in the SEARCH database treated with radical prostatectomy between 1988 and
      2009. * Body mass index (BMI) was categorized to <25, 25-29.9 and >= 30 kg/m2. *
      Proportional hazards models were used to test the association between BMI and
      time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC), metastases and PC-specific
      mortality adjusting for demographic and clinicopathological data. RESULTS: *
      During a median 73-month follow-up after radical prostatectomy, 403 men (14%)
      received early ADT. * Among 287 men with complete data, median BMI was 28.3
      kg/m2. * Median follow-up from the start of ADT was 52 months during which 44 men
      developed castration-resistant PC, 34 developed metastases and 24 died from PC. *
      In multivariate analysis, higher BMI was associated with a trend for greater risk
      of progression to castration-resistant PC (P= 0.063), a more than threefold
      increased risk of developing metastases (P= 0.027) and a trend toward worse PC
      specific mortality (P= 0.119). * Prognostic biomarkers did not differ between BMI
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: * Among men treated with early ADT, our results suggest that
      obese men may have increased risk of PC progression. * These data support the
      general hypothesis that obesity is associated with aggressive PC, although
      validation of these findings and further study of the mechanisms linking obesity
      and poor PC outcomes are required.

PMID- 22094085
TI  - [The suggestion of thrombolytic therapy for intermediate risk patients with acute
      pulmonary embolism].

PMID- 22094086
TI  - [Analysis of risk factors for urinary continence after radical prostatectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are many causative factors for the occurrence of post
      prostatectomy incontinence. Objective clinical characteristics, surgical
      techniques and pelvic floor muscle therapy are the most important ones. The
      present study was to identify the risk factors associated with urinary
      incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). METHODS: A total of
      263 patients were recruited for this multivariate analysis. After a close follow
      up, a series of pre-, peri- and post-operative factors were recorded and
      analyzed. RESULTS: Urinary continence after radical prostatectomy was 14.8% at 4
      weeks and 94.7% at 16 weeks. The most important recovery interval for urinary
      continence was 4 - 16 weeks post-operation. Multivariate analysis revealed that
      age (P = 0.015), blood transfusion (P = 0.017), previous TURP (transurethral
      resection of the prostate) (P = 0.006) and neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (P =
      0.005) were the important risk factors for urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION:
      During RRP, optimized preservation of urethral rhabdosphincter length, nerve
      sparing and early postoperative functional exercises can improve the recovery of
      urinary continence. Age, blood transfusion and previous TURP are the independent
      prognostic factors. Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy may improve urinary continence
      through increasing the preoperative length of membranous urethra.

PMID- 22094087
TI  - [Influences of erectile functions in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients by two
      micro (thulium) laser resection of prostate-tangerine technique].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the influences of erectile dysfunction (ED) by age,
      prostate size and lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) undergoing two micro
      (thulium) laser resection of prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT). METHODS: A
      total of 50 BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) patients underwent TmLRP-TT with a
      70 W laser power. The patient prostate volume, international prostatic
      symptomatic score (IPSS), maximal flow rate and international index of erectile
      function (IIEF-5) were assessed preoperatively. A retrospective assessment was
      made after surgery and at a 6-month follow-up. They were divided into 2 groups
      according to prostate volume <= 50 or > 50 ml, age <= 65 yrs or > 65 yrs, IIEF-5
      <= 20 or > 21 and IPSS <= 27 or > 27 respectively. The postoperative influences
      of erection by age, prostate size and LUTS were observed. RESULTS: Significant
      differences existed between pre-operation and 6 months post-operation in terms of
      IPSS (25.35 +/- 5.6 vs 9.52 +/- 3.1, P < 0.01) and maximal flow rate (6.51 +/-
      1.21 vs 13.4 +/- 2.7 ml/s, P < 0.01). There was no difference between pre
      operation and 6 months post-operation (34 vs 32 cases, chi(2) = 0.673, P =
      0.603). The patients with prostate volume >50 ml group had 9 additional ED cases
      while those with IPSS >27 group contained 11 fewer ED cases. There were
      significant differences between both groups (chi(2) = 5.255, P = 0.002; chi(2) =
      11.560, P = 0.001 respectively). BPH patients aged over 65 years old were more
      likely to suffer ED than those under 65 years old (chi(2) = 5.882, P = 0.015).
      However, there was no significant difference in age in terms of suffering
      postoperative ED (chi(2) = 3.125, P = 0.077). CONCLUSION: TmLRP-TT can
      significantly improve LUTS in BPH patients. The presence of large volume prostate
      is an independent risk factor for an increased number of ED patients after TmLRP
      TT. LUTS is an independent risk factor for ED. And TmLRP-TT may improve the ED
      patients with severe LUTS.

PMID- 22094088
TI  - [Clinical study of diethylstilbestrol in hormone refractory prostate cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical outcome and adverse events of estrogen
      therapy for hormone refractory prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 32 patients
      with hormone refractory prostate cancer received diethylstilbestrol (DES) 2 mg
      daily at our institute. The data of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) change, time
      to progression, overall survival rate, disease-specific survival rate and adverse
      events were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The data of 29 patients were
      complete. The mean duration of DES dosing was 8.6 +/- 0.9 months. Among them, 8
      (27.5%) patients achieved a PSA response with a 50% decrement of PSA or more.
      Seven (24.1%) patients had a stable level of PSA (50% < PSA < 125%) while 14 of
      29 (48.3%) maintained a PSA progression with a 25% increment of PSA or more. The
      overall median time to progression was 4 (1 - 12) months. And the median time to
      progression was 6 (5-12) months in the PSA response group. The overall survival
      rate was 48.3% and disease-specific survival rate 55.2%. The main adverse events
      were gynecomastia (10/29, 34.5%) and deep vein thrombosis (3/29, 10.3%).
      CONCLUSION: When used for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer,
      diethylstilbestrol at a daily dose of 2 mg can achieve a PSA response in 27.5%
      patients and a PSA stability in 24.1% patients. And the median time to
      progression is 4 months. Estrogen is efficacious for the patients with hormone
      refractory prostate cancer.

PMID- 22094089
TI  - [Differentially expressed urine protein of contrast induced acute kidney injury
      by two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the differentially expressed proteins of contrast-induced
      nephropathy through a comparison of urinary proteome so as to further elucidate
      the pathogenesis and discover the disease biomarker. METHODS: The urine samples
      of 12 patients were collected before and after coronary angiography. Two
      dimensional electrophoresis was performed after the urine samples were labeled by
      different dyes. The differences of urine proteome were analyzed by Decyder
      software and the differentially expressed spots identified by mass spectrometry.
      RESULTS: A total of 56 differentially expressed spots were detected. Among them,
      39 spots were up-regulated and 17 spots down-regulated. And mannose binding
      lectin and mannose binding lectin associated serine protease 2, key proteins in
      complement body activation, were both significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSION:
      Urine proteomic study methods are constructed based on 2D-DIGE and mass
      spectrometry. The lectin pathway of complement body may be associated with
      contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

PMID- 22094090
TI  - [Stratification therapy in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia after a
      complete remission by all-trans retinoic acid].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore an efficacious protocol for the patients with acute
      promyelocytic leukemia (APL) after a complete remission (CR) by all-trans
      retinoic acid (ATRA). METHODS: A total of 32 APL patients with an induction of CR
      by ATRA at our hospital from January 2000 to October 2007 received conventional
      standard chemotherapy as a consolidation regimen. Stratified according to age,
      those under 50 years old received an intermediate dose of cytarabine(IDAra-C)and
      over 50 years old non-IDAra-C regimen. Maintenance regimen: all patients received
      ATRA, arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) + methotrexate (MTX)
      alternately and sequentially for 3 years. The efficacy and side effects of these
      chemotherapies were observed. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 72 (40 - 124)
      months. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates of under 50 years old and
      over 50 years old were 94.7% and 92.3% respectively. The difference was
      statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). One patient relapsed after a
      consolidation therapy and so did another on a maintenance regimen. Thirty
      patients achieved a constant CR. And 16 of 30 patients completed chemotherapy
      beyond 5 years and survived disease-free. The 5-year DFS rate of 32 patients was
      93.8%. CONCLUSION: After the achievement of CR with ATRA, all APL patients have a
      higher rate of DFS after stratification. The side effects are generally mild.
      Thus a stratification therapy is both feasible and efficacious.

PMID- 22094091
TI  - [Clinical treatment of application of deep venous thrombosis by retrievable vena
      cava filter].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experiences of treating deep venous
      thrombosis (DVT) with retrievable vena cava filter. METHODS: A total of 180
      patients with DVT in unilateral lower extremity were recruited. There were 82
      males and 98 females with an average age of 46 years old. After the diagnosis of
      vascular color Doppler ultrasound, retrievable vena cava filter was implanted
      through contralateral femoral vein. Simultaneously another 114 patients underwent
      femoral vein embolectomy. All cases received the post-operative therapies of
      anticoagulation, thrombolysis and vasodilation. RESULTS: The implantation of
      retrievable vena cava filter was successful in all cases. Among 142 cases of
      attempted extraction, 116 filters were extracted successfully at Days 12 - 24.
      The success rate was 81.69%. Filters captured thrombosis in 34 cases (29.31%).
      CONCLUSION: As a safe and efficacious method, the implantation of retrievable
      vena cava filter prevents the occurrence of pulmonary embolism in the patients
      with DVT in unilateral lower extremity. Its timely extraction may avoid the long
      term complications.

PMID- 22094092
TI  - [Effects of different ventilation mode on pulmonary function during minor
      operation of general anesthesia with SLIPA laryngeal mask].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the effects of different ventilation modes
      on pulmonary function during minor operation of general anesthesia with
      streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA) laryngeal mask and assess its
      safety of spontaneous respiration during general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of
      76 adult patients (aged 28 - 44 years old, American Society of Anesthesiologists
      physical status I-II) scheduled for operations were randomly allocated into the
      mechanical ventilation and spontaneous respiration group (n = 38 each).
      Anesthetic induction was performed intravenously with propofol (2 mg/kg),
      sulfentanyl (0.5 ug/kg) and cisatracurium besylate (0.3 mg/kg) (in mechanical
      ventilation group). Anesthesia was maintained by sevoflurane at 0.7 minimum
      alveolar concentration (MAC), mixture of atmosphere and oxygen at 1:1 and a
      continuous infusion of propofol at the speed of 4 mg*kg(-1)h(-1). Neostigmine (2
      mg) and atropine (1 mg) were administered intravenously before the extraction of
      SLIPA laryngeal mask in order to antagonize the residual effects of muscle
      relaxation. The parameters including heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MAP)
      and end-tidal pressure of CO(2) (P(ET)CO(2)), blood gas analysis and the alveolar
      arterial oxygen gradient [P(A-a)DO(2)], respiratory index (RI) and dead
      volume/tidal volume (V(D)/V(T)) were calculated at Different time points.
      RESULTS: No significant differences were found in HR (spontaneous respiration
      group: 76 +/- 7, 78 +/- 6, 79 +/- 7/min; mechanical ventilation group: 77 +/- 6,
      80 +/- 5, 79 +/- 6/min), MAP (spontaneous respiration group: 91 +/- 10, 89 +/- 9,
      90 +/- 9mm Hg; mechanical ventilation group: 89 +/- 10, 88 +/- 9, 92 +/- 8) mm Hg
      at the monitored time points between two groups (P > 0.05). At the time of 30 min
      and 60 min after insertion, the pH value was significantly lower in spontaneous
      respiration group (7.351 +/- 0.028, 7.338 +/- 0.025) than those in mechanical
      ventilation group (7.391 +/- 0.031, 7.389 +/- 0.032). The values of PaCO(2) (42
      +/- 4, 46 +/- 6) mm Hg and P(ET)CO(2) (41 +/- 5, 45 +/- 3) mm Hg were higher than
      those in mechanical ventilation group (37 +/- 3, 35 +/- 5; 37 +/- 4, 36 +/- 4) mm
      Hg (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the P(A-a)DO(2), RI or
      V(D)/V(T) at the monitored time points between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Neither mechanical ventilation mode nor spontaneous respiration ventilation mode
      has any effect upon pulmonary function by during minor operation of general
      anesthesia with SLIPA laryngeal mask. Spontaneous respiration can offer a
      sufficient supply of oxygen but it carries the risk of CO(2) accumulation.

PMID- 22094093
TI  - [Sevoflurane postconditioning attenuates myocardial apoptosis in isolated rat
      hearts via a modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of sevoflurane postconditioning on
      ischemic/reperfused myocardial apoptosis. METHODS: Isolated perfused rat hearts
      were randomly assigned into 3 groups: sham-operation (sham), ischemia/reperfusion
      (I/R) and sevoflurane postconditioning (SPC). Except for the sham group, the
      hearts were subjected to 40 min global myocardial ischemia and 120 min
      reperfusion. Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular
      developed pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP),
      maximum increase rate of LVDP (+dp/dt), maximum decrease rate of LVDP (-dp/dt),
      heart rate (HR) and coronary flow (CF) were measured at baseline, R (reperfusion)
      30 min, R60 min, R90 min and R120 min. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured at 5 min and 10 min post-reperfusion. Infarct
      size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining at the end of
      reperfusion. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot.
      RESULTS: The values of LVSP, LVDP, +/- dp/dt and CF were higher while that of
      LVEDP was lower in the SPC group than the I/R group at all time points of
      reperfusion (P < 0.05). The releases of CK and LDH and infarct size were
      significantly reduced in the SPC group versus the I/R group (22.2% +/- 2.8% vs
      I/R: 44.9% +/- 6.6%, P < 0.05). The expression of Bcl-2 increased significantly
      while that of Bax decreased in the SPC group verus the I/R group. CONCLUSION:
      Sevoflurane postconditioning may improve myocardial functions, reduce infarct
      size and attenuate myocardial apoptosis. And the modulated expression of
      apoptotic proteins plays an important role in sevoflurane-induced myocardial
      protection.

PMID- 22094094
TI  - [Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on cardiac function and restenosis of injured
      artery after myocardial infarction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although earlier studies have shown that the transplantation of
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might improve cardiac functions after myocardial
      infraction, its role on vascular restenosis after percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effects of MSCs on the restenosis of injured artery following
      balloon angioplasty in a rabbit model with both myocardial infarction reperfusion
      and atherosclerotic stenosis carotid artery by balloon injury. METHODS: After the
      animal model was established for myocardial infraction reperfusion and
      atherosclerotic stenosis carotid artery by balloon injury, the rabbits received
      an intravenous transplantation of MSCs. And an equal volume of phosphate buffered
      solution was administered for the control group. The animal vascular tissue and
      myocardium tissue were excised at different time points post-transplantation and
      used to detect the homing of MSCs and the expressions of platelet-endothelial
      cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by
      immunohistochemical staining. Four weeks later, vascular restenosis was analyzed
      by angiography of bilateral carotid arteries and the vascular tissues were used
      for histological studies. RESULTS: At one week post-transplantation, the 4',6
      diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-labeled MSCs could be detected in myocardial
      infarction and injured intima. And the intimal expression of CD31 was observed at
      2 weeks in the MSCs transplantation group. Yet the expression of PCNA was
      significantly lower in the MSCs transplantation group than that in the control
      group (50.5% +/- 3.6% vs 23.4% +/- 2.8%, P < 0.05). At 4 week post
      transplantation, the neointimal area of injured vessels and the vascular
      restenosis were significantly lower in the MSCs transplantation group than those
      in the control group (0.092 +/- 0.009 vs 0.189 +/- 0.007, P < 0.05; 41.7 +/- 3.7
      vs 61.3 +/- 1.6, P < 0.05). Furthermore the MSCs transplantation group
      demonstrated improved cardiac functions, reduced myocardial infarct size (21.7%
      +/- 2.2% vs 34.3% +/- 1.8%, P < 0.05) and significantly increased capillary
      density around infarction foci (33.6% +/- 2.1% vs 20.8% +/- 2.6%, P < 0.05)
      versus the control group. CONCLUSION: The transplantation of MSCs plays
      significant roles in cardiac repairing in terms of improved cardiac functions,
      accelerated repair of injured vessels, suppression of neointimal hyperplasia and
      reduced restenosis of injured vessels.

PMID- 22094095
TI  - [Mechanisms of focal adhesion kinase in the proliferation of human pulmonary
      artery smooth cells under hypoxia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the
      proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) under
      hypoxia. METHODS: Cultured HPASMCs were passively transfected with FAK
      oligonucleotides (ODNS) and under normoxia or hypoxia condition. They were
      divided into four groups: normoxia without fibronectin (FN), normoxia with FN,
      hypoxia without FN, hypoxia with FN in vitro respectively. Cytoplasmic FAK, Grb2
      and paxillin were observed simultaneously by immunoprecipitation and Western
      blot. In addition, the expressions of cytoplasmic FAK, Grb2 and paxillin were
      detected by immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: Immunoprecipitation and Western
      blot demonstrated that cytoplasmic expressions of FAK, Grb2 and paxillin in
      HPASMCs increased in hypoxia with FN from 43.4 +/- 1.4, 69.7 +/- 1.9, 59.3 +/-
      1.6 to 35.7 +/- 1.2, 48.7 +/- 1.3, 33.2 +/- 1.8 at 1.5 h (all P < 0.05), from
      41.3 +/- 1.3, 71.3 +/- 1.5, 59.4 +/- 1.8 to 41.3 +/- 1.3, 50.2 +/- 1.7, 38.9 +/-
      1.9 at 24 h respectively (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Immunocytochemistry
      staining showed that the cytoplasmic expressions of FAK, Grb2 and paxillin were
      enhanced in hypoxia with FN versus normoxia with FN. There were significant
      differences. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia can induce the activation of cytoplasmic FAK,
      Grb2 and paxillin so as to regulate the migration, survival and proliferation of
      HPASMCs.

PMID- 22094096
TI  - [Inhibitory effects of zoledronic acid on cell proliferation and invasion in
      human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HNE1].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the in vitro anti-tumor effects of zoledronic acid on cell
      proliferation and invasion in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HNE1.
      METHODS: The cytotoxic effects of zoledronic acid on HNE1 cells were detected by
      MTT assay, invasion of HNE1 cells by Transwell assay, secretion of (vascular
      endothelial growth factor)VEGF by (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) ELISA and
      the activities of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) 2 and MMP9 by gelatine
      zymography. And the expressions of mRNA and proteins of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF were
      analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western
      blot respectively. RESULTS: After a treatment of zoledronic acid at 2.5, 5, 10,
      20 and 40 mol/L for 48 h or 72 h, the highest inhibition rate of proliferation at
      approximately 50% was observed in the 40 mol/L group after 72 h. The inhibitory
      effect was not in a dose/time-dependent manner. After a 24-hour treatment of
      zoledronic acid at different concentrations (0, 10, 20 and 40 mol/L), the numbers
      of membrane-invading cells were 75.8 +/- 2.6, 54.8 +/- 5.4, 44.6 +/- 6.4 and 38.6
      +/- 8.2 respectively (all P < 0.01). Gelatinase zymography demonstrated that the
      activities of MMP2 and MMP9 were inhibited significantly only in cells treated at
      0 umol/L. After a 24-hour exposure to zoledronic acid at 0, 10, 20 and 40 umol/L,
      the concentrations of VEGF in supernatant were (5264 +/- 89), (4626 +/- 30),
      (4155 +/- 40) and (1908 +/- 171) g/L respectively (all P < 0.01). The expressions
      of mRNA and protein of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF were down-regulated. CONCLUSION:
      Zoledronic acid can inhibit the in vitro proliferation and invasion of HNE1 cell
      through suppressing the secretion of VEGF, the activities of MMP2 and MMP9 and
      the expressions of VEGF, MMP2 and MMP9.

PMID- 22094097
TI  - [Protective effects of erythromycin on human bronchial epithelial cells impaired
      by interleukin-4].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects and mechanisms of erythromycin on
      human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells damaged by interleukin-4. METHODS: The
      growth curve of HBE cells was recorded by MTT. The cells were divided into the
      following groups: control (incubation for 24, 48 h); IL-4 (0.01 mg/L, incubation
      for 24, 48 h); erythromycin intervention group 1 (4 mg/L erythromycin co
      incubation for 24, 48 h after adding IL-4) and erythromycin intervention group 2
      (40 mg/L erythromycin co-incubation for 24, 48 h after adding IL-4). The mitotic
      cycle of HBE cell was determined by flow cytometry and its apoptosis examined by
      Hoechst dyeing. RESULTS: The viability of HBE cells was significantly enhanced
      after a 24/48-hour treatment of erythromycin as compared with IL-4 group (P <
      0.05, P < 0.01). In erythromycin intervention group 1, the cell ratios of
      G(0)/G(1) and S phases were (55.9 +/- 2.5)% and (34.7 +/- 3.4)% respectively
      while the rate of cell apoptosis was (9.5 +/- 0.9)%. There were significant
      differences as compared with IL-4 group (P < 0.05). In erythromycin intervention
      group 2, the cell ratios of G(0)/G(1) and S phases were (55.1 +/- 0.5)% and (36.2
      +/- 2.7)% respectively while the rate of cell apoptosis was (4.0 +/- 0.6)%. There
      were significant differences as compared with IL-4 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Erythromycin has protective effects on HBE cells damaged by IL-4. The mechanism
      is probably through influencing the mitotic cycle and inhibiting the apoptosis.

PMID- 22094098
TI  - [Effect of RAD001 or plus LBH589 on the proliferation, apoptosis and drug
      resistance in chemoresistant acute myeloid leukemic cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of everolimus (RAD001) or plus panobinostat
      (LBH589) on the proliferation, apoptosis and drug resistance in chemoresistant
      acute myeloid leukemic cells. METHODS: HL-60/ADM cells were treated with RAD001
      alone or with LBH589. Proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by 3-(4,5)
      dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, Hoechst33342
      and AnnexinV-FITC/PI stain. The altered expressions of multidrug resistance
      associated protein 1 (MRP1) and intercellular adriamycin accumulation were
      analyzed by flow cytometry. The change in protein level was analyzed by Western
      blot. RESULTS: Effective proliferative inhibition and apoptotic induction in
      HL60/ADM cells were observed in the treatment of 10 - 50 umol/L RAD001. The
      maximal effect was shown for the concentration of 30 umol/L RAD001 at 48 and 72
      hours. The inhibition ratio remained unchanged with the adjustment of drug doses
      (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was no synergistic effects in the treatment with
      different concentration of RAD001 and LBH589 (CI >= 1.0). A down-regulation of
      MRP1 (93.9% +/- 4.2% vs 79.10 +/- 3.28%) and an up-regulation of adriamycin (8.53
      +/- 0.68% vs 15.37% +/- 1.46%) were induced by the treatment with 10 umol/L
      RAD001 (both P < 0.01). RAD001 inhibited the p53-dependent expression of MRP1 via
      an inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
      CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of RAD001 and LBH589 has no synergistically
      inhibitory effect on HL60/ADM cells. But the sole treatment of RAD001 may inhibit
      proliferation, induce apoptosis and accumulate intercellular adriamycin through a
      down-regulated expression of MRP1 in HL60/ADM cells via an inhibition of
      PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

PMID- 22094099
TI  - [Genotyping for CYP2C19 with multiplex PCR point mutation screening technology].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a multiplex PCR point mutation screening technique for
      the genotyping of CYP2C19. METHODS: Deoxyinosine multiplex-polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) primers (DMPs) were designed to detect simultaneously
      CYP2C19*1,*2,*3 alleles in one PCR tube. RESULTS: The above technique could
      detect the genotypes of CYP2C19*1, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 successfully. And the
      results were completely consistent with those of DNA sequencing. CONCLUSION: A
      novel screening technique of multiplex PCR point mutation is successfully
      established. With the advantages of high specificity, convenient handling, fast
      completion and low cost, it provides a reasonable and reliable detection method
      for basic researches and personalized medicine.

PMID- 22094100
TI  - Retention of different-sized particles and derived gut fill estimate in tammar
      wallabies (Macropus eugenii): physiological and methodological considerations.
AB  - The capacity of the digestive tract is an important parameter in understanding
      digestive adaptations, particularly in herbivores. Measures of this capacity
      ('gut fill') are commonly performed in killed animals, which has ethical and
      logistical implications. Alternatively, dry matter gut contents (DMC) can be
      estimated in live animals from food intake, digesta retention and digestibility,
      based on physical principles (Holleman and White, Can. J. Zool. 67, 488-494,
      1989). Although this method has been used to some extent, it still awaits
      thorough validation. Here we estimated DMC in seven tammar wallabies during 5-day
      feeding trials and compared the results to those gained from dissections
      immediately after the trials. Calculated DMC exceeded that actually measured by
      29 +/- 22%. A closer inspection of the data suggested that this was partly due to
      the fact that DMC as measured by dissection is susceptible to short-term
      influences such as daily variation in food intake, whereas the calculated DMC
      represents an integrative measure over the whole period of the feeding trial.
      Correlations between both the measured digesta retention times, and the
      calculated DMC, with the measured wet contents mass suggest that it is
      particularly the DMC determined via dissection that needs to be measured with
      care. For a comparison of gut capacities, the calculated DMC therefore can be
      considered adequate, but should for a more widespread use be validated in further
      studies including more species and experimental regimes controlling food intake
      variation. Additionally, we tested whether very small (100-500 MUm) and small
      (500-1000 MUm) particles were retained differently in the tammar wallabies. There
      was no indication of such a difference. Whether the macropod forestomach
      selectively passes a certain particle fraction (that represents microbes) with
      the generally faster-passing fluids remains to be investigated with even smaller
      markers, e.g. labelled bacteria.

PMID- 22094101
TI  - Risk perception and social participation among women exposed to manganese in the
      mining district of the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the importance attributed to manganese (Mn) in the health
      disease-death process and possibilities for participation in risk management of
      women from two communities who live near the plant in the Molango mining
      district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative study based on 6 focus groups with
      women of different ages. Audio recordings were made of the sessions, after verbal
      informed consent, and were transcribed with a word processor. The analysis was
      conducted according to theme, taking into account the age group and community to
      which the women belonged, using the Atlas-ti (v.5.0) program. RESULTS: The
      youngest women from Chiconcoac attribute the cause of headaches and chest pain to
      manganese, while women from the Tolago community believe it exacerbates disease
      in general. Women between 31 and 40 years old from Chiconcoac attribute the cause
      of "brain" pain, burning eyes and coughs to manganese, and those in Tolago report
      that it causes memory problems. The oldest women in Tolago believe Mn causes
      learning difficulties and affects children's growth and development. The women of
      all ages in Tolago believe that Mn has decreased the production of fruit and
      vegetables in the region. Some of the obstacles to participation in risk
      management are: women are not allowed to attend meetings at which men discuss the
      Mn problem and they perceive the mine as a source of employment for the
      community. CONCLUSIONS: The women perceive Mn to have serious effects on health
      and the local environment and have fewer opportunities than men to participate in
      risk management. Some of the health consequences attributed to Mn are consistent
      with those reported by neurological studies, nevertheless, other risks are
      overestimated. Spaces for communication need to be created to listen to the
      women's interests and concerns and empower them to participate in the risk
      management plan.

PMID- 22094102
TI  - Protection against TNFalpha-dependent liver toxicity by intraperitoneal liposome
      delivered DsiRNA targeting TNFalpha in vivo.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) is a classic proinflammatory cytokine
      implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
      including viral encephalitis. Macrophages being major producers of TNFalpha are
      thus attractive targets for in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) mediated down
      regulation of TNFalpha. The application of RNAi technology to in vivo models
      however presents obstacles, including rapid degradation of RNA duplexes in
      plasma, insufficient delivery to the target cell population and toxicity
      associated with intravenous administration of synthetic RNAs and carrier
      compounds. We exploited the phagocytic ability of macrophages for delivery of
      Dicer-substrate small interfering RNAs (DsiRNAs) targeting TNFalpha (DsiTNFalpha)
      by intraperitoneal administration of lipid-DsiRNA complexes that were efficiently
      taken up by peritoneal macrophages and other phagocytic cells. We report that
      DsiTNFalpha-lipid complexes delivered intraperitoneally altered the disease
      outcome in an acute sepsis model. Down-regulation of TNFalpha in peritoneal
      CD11b+ monocytes reduced liver damage in C57BL/6 mice and significantly delayed
      acute mortality in mice treated with low dose LPS plus d-galactosamine (D-GalN).

PMID- 22094103
TI  - Polyethyleneimine-based core-shell nanogels: a promising siRNA carrier for
      argininosuccinate synthetase mRNA knockdown in HeLa cells.
AB  - RNA interference using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising biological
      strategy for treatment of diverse diseases; however, application of siRNA is
      severely hindered by its poor stability and low cellular uptake efficiency. We
      have recently demonstrated that polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based amphiphilic core
      shell particles have several distinguishing advantages over native PEI and its
      derivatives. This paper presents a novel type of PEI-based nanogels with a
      biodegradable gelatin core. The core-shell nanogels were synthesized via a two
      stage reaction: (1) preparation of highly uniform gelatin nanoparticles through
      appropriate treatment of gelatin solution; and (2) conjugation of branched PEI to
      the preformed gelatin nanoparticles, followed by repeated cycles of desolvation
      and drying of the gelatin-PEI nanogels in ethanol/water mixture. The resulting
      nanogels have a well-defined nanostructure that contains a gelatin core and a PEI
      shell. They have an average diameter of 200 +/- 40nm with high uniformity. The
      nanogel particles possess positive zeta-potential values of up to +40mV at
      neutral pH, indicating that they are highly positive and very stable in aqueous
      medium. The gelatin-PEI nanogels were able to completely condense siRNA at N/P
      ratios of as low as 5:1, and effectively protected siRNA against enzymatic
      degradation. Furthermore, the nanogels were four times less toxic than native
      PEI. Besides low toxicity, the nanogels were able to effectively deliver siRNA
      into HeLa cells. It was found that increasing the N/P ratio from 10 to 30
      significantly increased the intracellular uptake efficiency of siRNA from 41 to
      84%. Confocal laser scanning microscopic images confirmed that the nanogels were
      able to effectively deliver siRNA in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells. The delivered
      siRNA could inhibit 70% of human argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) gene
      expression. This gene silencing percentage is much higher than that of the
      commercial Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. Our studies demonstrate that gelatin-PEI core
      shell nanogels have promising potential to act as an effective siRNA carrier.

PMID- 22094104
TI  - State of the art in PEGylation: the great versatility achieved after forty years
      of research.
AB  - In the recent years, protein PEGylation has become an established and highly
      refined technology by moving forward from initial simple random coupling
      approaches based on conjugation at the level of lysine epsilon-amino group.
      Nevertheless, amino PEGylation is still yielding important conjugates, currently
      in clinical practice, where the degree of homogeneity was improved by optimizing
      the reaction conditions and implementing the purification processes. However, the
      current research is mainly focused on methods of site-selective PEGylation that
      allow the obtainment of a single isomer, thus highly increasing the degree of
      homogeneity and the preservation of bioactivity. Protein N-terminus and free
      cysteines were the first sites exploited for selective PEGylation but currently
      further positions can be addressed thanks to approaches like bridging PEGylation
      (disulphide bridges), enzymatic PEGylation (glutamines and C-terminus) and
      glycoPEGylation (sites of O- and N-glycosylation or the glycans of a
      glycoprotein). Furthermore, by combining the tools of genetic engineering with
      specific PEGylation approaches, the polymer can be basically coupled at any
      position on the protein surface, owing to the substitution of a properly chosen
      amino acid in the sequence with a natural or unnatural amino acid bearing an
      orthogonal reactive group. On the other hand, PEGylation has not achieved the
      same success in the delivery of small drugs, despite the large interest and
      several studies in this field. Targeted conjugates and PEGs for combination
      therapy might represent the promising answers for the so far unmet needs of PEG
      as carrier of small drugs. This review presents a thorough panorama of recent
      advances in the field of PEGylation.

PMID- 22094105
TI  - Complement system and the brain: selected pathologies and avenues toward
      engineering of neurological nanomedicines.
AB  - Several nanoparticle systems and supramolecular assemblies are under
      investigation as potential therapeutic entities for Alzheimer's disease and other
      neurological disorders through both brain-specific targeting and peripheral
      effects. However, activation of the complement system, a complex innate immune
      network of over 30 circulating and membrane-bound proteins, remains a serious
      concern related to the use of these prospective neurological nanomedicines. The
      role of complement in processes of neurodegeneration in the injured or aged and
      diseased central nervous system is well known. Nanoparticle-mediated complement
      activation cannot only induce adverse cardiopulmonary distress in sensitive
      subjects, but may further aggravate the already-compromised condition of
      neurological disorders and diseases. This minireview briefly examines the role of
      complement in neurological diseases and outlines the current status of the
      development of key neurological nanomedicines with respect to complement
      activation. Understanding of these topics is crucial for rational design and
      development of safe neurological nanomedicines.

PMID- 22094106
TI  - Albendazole sensitizes cancer cells to ionizing radiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain metastases afflict approximately half of patients with
      metastatic melanoma (MM) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and represent the
      direct cause of death in 60 to 70% of those affected. Standard of care remains
      ineffective in both types of cancer with the challenge of overcoming the blood
      brain barrier (BBB) exacerbating the clinical problem. Our purpose is to
      determine and characterize the potential of albendazole (ABZ) as a cytotoxic and
      radiosensitizing agent against MM and SCLC cells. METHODS: Here, ABZ's mechanism
      of action as a DNA damaging and microtubule disrupting agent is assessed through
      analysis of histone H2AX phosphorylation and cell cyle progression. The
      cytotoxicity of ABZ alone and in combination with radiation therapy is determined
      though clonogenic cell survival assays in a panel of MM and SCLC cell lines. We
      further establish ABZ's ability to act synergistically as a radio-sensitizer
      through combination index calculations and apoptotic measurements of poly (ADP
      ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. RESULTS: ABZ induces DNA damage as measured
      by increased H2AX phosphorylation. ABZ inhibits the growth of MM and SCLC at
      clinically achievable plasma concentrations. At these concentrations, ABZ arrests
      MM and SCLC cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle after 12 hours of
      treatment. Exploiting the notion that cells in the G2/M phase are the most
      sensitive to radiation therapy, we show that treatment of MM and SCLC cells
      treated with ABZ renders them more sensitive to radiation in a synergistic
      fashion. Additionally, MM and SCLC cells co-treated with ABZ and radiation
      exhibit increased apoptosis at 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the
      orally available antihelminthic ABZ acts as a potent radiosensitizer in MM and
      SCLC cell lines. Further evaluation of ABZ in combination with radiation as a
      potential treatment for MM and SCLC brain metastases is warranted.

PMID- 22094107
TI  - Curtains up! Using forum theatre to rehearse the art of communication in
      healthcare education.
AB  - Teaching students to develop high quality communication skills in healthcare
      education is vitally important if best practice is to be achieved. These skills
      have often been seen as challenging to successfully develop. Didactic approaches
      impart knowledge but not necessarily the opportunities to practice communication
      techniques. This paper shares the experiences of a group of University lecturers
      introducing the use of an experiential theatrical technique, forum theatre, to
      support students to develop their communication skills. Forum theatre aims to
      create a dynamic learning environment enabling students to try out different
      communication strategies within a safe setting. Academic staff perform short
      scripted scenes developed using their knowledge from practice along with the
      experience of carers and service users. The end result is always unsatisfactory
      for the service user. The scene is then re-run inviting the students to interact
      with the characters and to change the outcome to a positive one resulting in a
      collaborative experience.

PMID- 22094108
TI  - The use of skills inventories to assess and grade practice: Part 1--design and
      implementation.
AB  - Employers increasingly require evidence of competent practice and cost-effective
      education that is fit for purpose. Historically, universities providing nurse
      education have been more concerned with the testing and grading of theory at
      undergraduate level which ultimately defines degree classification. This may be
      at the expense of recognising excellence in clinical practice which should be the
      ultimate goal of any nurse education programme. This paper reviews the
      development and introduction of an assessment tool to grade clinical competence
      in higher education level 6 post-registration critical care courses using a
      skills-based assessment strategy. The knowledge and practice components for each
      skill are defined within a standardised template. A number of skills pertinent to
      the area of practice and academic module are then collected in a skills inventory
      for assessment and grading which contribute to degree classification.

PMID- 22094110
TI  - Longitudinal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis trait and state effects in
      recurrent depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis hyperactivity has been
      observed in (recurrent) major depressive disorder (MDD), although inconsistently
      and mainly cross-sectional. Longitudinal studies clarifying state-trait issues
      are lacking. We aimed to determine whether HPA-axis (hyper)activity in recurrent
      MDD is: (I) reflecting a persistent trait; (II) influenced by depressive state;
      (III) associated with stress or previous episodes; (IV) associated with
      recurrence; and (V) influenced by cognitive therapy. METHODS: We included 187
      remitted highly recurrent MDD-patients (mean number of previous episodes: 6.3),
      participating in a randomized-controlled-trial investigating the preventive
      effect of additional cognitive therapy on recurrence. In an add-on two-staged
      patient-control and prospective-cohort design, we first cross-sectionally
      compared patients' salivary morning and evening cortisol concentrations with 72
      age- and sex-matched controls, and subsequently longitudinally followed-up the
      patients with repeated measures after three months and two years. RESULTS:
      Patients had higher cortisol concentrations than controls (p<.001), which did not
      change by MDD-episodes during follow-up. HPA-axis activity had no relation with
      daily hassles or childhood life events. Cortisol concentrations were lower in
      patients with more previous episodes (p=.047), but not associated with
      recurrence(s) during follow-up. Finally, randomly assigned cognitive therapy at
      study-entry enhanced cortisol declines over the day throughout the two-year
      follow-up (p=.052). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that remitted recurrent MDD
      patients have a persistent trait of increased cortisol concentrations,
      irrespective of stress. In combination with our finding that patients' cortisol
      concentrations do not change during new MDD-episodes (and thus not represent
      epiphenomenal or state-effects), our results support that hypercortisolemia
      fulfills the state-independence criterion for an endophenotype for recurrent
      depression.

PMID- 22094109
TI  - Interprofessional education: innovation in action.

PMID- 22094111
TI  - Meal anticipation potentiates postprandial ghrelin suppression in humans.
AB  - Circulating concentrations of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin show a postprandial
      decrease in dependence on meal size and composition. Cognitive determinants of
      postprandial ghrelin suppression in humans are largely unexplored. We assessed
      the effects of cued meal anticipation on pre- and postprandial concentrations of
      total plasma ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide and leptin as well as on markers of
      glucose metabolism in healthy men. In a between-subject comparison, meal
      anticipation was induced in 14 fasted men at 08:00 h by the announcement and
      subsequent presentation of a breakfast buffet. Fifteen fasted control subjects
      were informed that they would remain fasted until noon. At 10:00 h, both groups
      were served a rich free-choice breakfast. At 12:00 h, all subjects underwent a
      snack test assessing casual cookie intake. Circulating concentrations of ghrelin,
      pancreatic polypeptide, glucose, insulin and leptin were frequently assessed.
      Preprandial endocrine parameters as well as breakfast intake (all p>0.23) and
      subsequent snack consumption (p>0.83) were comparable between groups. The
      postprandial suppression of ghrelin levels observed in both groups was markedly
      stronger in subjects who had anticipated breakfast intake (p<0.03) while
      pancreatic polypeptide concentrations did not differ between groups (p>0.56).
      Results indicate that meal anticipation is a critical determinant of postprandial
      ghrelin suppression that, as suggested by unaltered pancreatic polypeptide
      levels, appears to be mediated independent of vagal activation. Our findings
      highlight the role of subtle cognitive factors in the postprandial regulation of
      ghrelin secretion, suggesting that neurobehavioral approaches to improved food
      intake control should take into account meal anticipatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22094112
TI  - A novel proapoptotic gene PANO encodes a post-translational modulator of the
      tumor suppressor p14ARF.
AB  - The protein p14ARF is a known tumor suppressor protein controlling cell
      proliferation and survival, which mainly localizes in nucleoli. However, the
      regulatory mechanisms that govern its activity or expression remain unclear.
      Here, we report that a novel proapoptotic nucleolar protein, PANO, modulates the
      expression and activity of p14ARF in HeLa cells. Overexpression of PANO enhances
      the stability of p14ARF protein by protecting it from degradation, resulting in
      an increase in p14ARF expression levels. Overexpression of PANO also induces
      apoptosis under low serum conditions. This effect is dependent on the nucleolar
      localization of PANO and inhibited by knocking-down p14ARF. Alternatively, PANO
      siRNA treated cells exhibit a reduction in p14ARF protein levels. In addition,
      ectopic expression of PANO suppresses the tumorigenicity of HeLa cells in nude
      mice. These results indicate that PANO is a new apoptosis-inducing gene by
      modulating the tumor suppressor protein, p14ARF, and may itself be a new
      candidate tumor suppressor gene.

PMID- 22094113
TI  - Epigenetic and transcriptional control of the 15-lipoxygenase-1 gene in a Hodgkin
      lymphoma cell line.
AB  - Lipoxygenases oxidatively metabolize polyunsaturated fatty acids to a rich
      spectrum of biologically active metabolites. The present study aimed at
      delineating the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms leading to 15
      lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) expression in the Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cell line
      L1236. Examination of the 15-LOX-1 5' promoter region demonstrated three putative
      binding sites for signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT6) within
      the proximal 1200 base pairs relative to the start codon. Analysis by serial
      promoter deletions and STAT6 binding site mutations indicated that all three
      STAT6 binding sites are required for full activation of the 15-LOX-1 promoter.
      Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that these regions were occupied
      by STAT6 in L1236 (15-LOX-1 positive) but not in L428 (15-LOX-1 negative)
      cultured HL cells. Furthermore, DNA hypomethylation and histone hyperacetylation
      were detectable within the core promoter region of 15-LOX-1 only in L1236 cells
      but not L428 cells. Taken together, our data indicate that STAT6 activation and
      chromatin remodeling by DNA demethylation and histone acetylation are crucial for
      transcriptional activation of 15-LOX-1 in cultured HL cells. These prerequisites
      are fulfilled in the L1236 cell line, but not in the L428 cell line.

PMID- 22094114
TI  - Advances in Arachis genomics for peanut improvement.
AB  - Peanut genomics is very challenging due to its inherent problem of genetic
      architecture. Blockage of gene flow from diploid wild relatives to the
      tetraploid; cultivated peanut, recent polyploidization combined with self
      pollination, and the narrow genetic base of the primary genepool have resulted in
      low genetic diversity that has remained a major bottleneck for genetic
      improvement of peanut. Harnessing the rich source of wild relatives has been
      negligible due to differences in ploidy level as well as genetic drag and
      undesirable alleles for low yield. Lack of appropriate genomic resources has
      severely hampered molecular breeding activities, and this crop remains among the
      less-studied crops. The last five years, however, have witnessed accelerated
      development of genomic resources such as development of molecular markers,
      genetic and physical maps, generation of expressed sequenced tags (ESTs),
      development of mutant resources, and functional genomics platforms that
      facilitate the identification of QTLs and discovery of genes associated with
      tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses and agronomic traits.
      Molecular breeding has been initiated for several traits for development of
      superior genotypes. The genome or at least gene space sequence is expected to be
      available in near future and this will further accelerate use of biotechnological
      approaches for peanut improvement.

PMID- 22094115
TI  - "There's no kind of respect here" A qualitative study of racism and access to
      maternal health care among Romani women in the Balkans.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Roma, the largest minority group in Europe, face widespread racism
      and health disadvantage. Using qualitative data from Serbia and Macedonia, our
      objective was to develop a conceptual framework showing how three levels of
      racism--personal, internalized, and institutional--affect access to maternal
      health care among Romani women. METHODS: Eight focus groups of Romani women aged
      14-44 (n = 71), as well as in-depth semi-structured interviews with gynecologists
      (n = 8) and key informants from NGOs and state institutions (n = 11) were
      conducted on maternal health care seeking, experiences during care, and perceived
      health care discrimination. Transcripts were coded, and analyzed using a grounded
      theory approach. Themes were categorized into domains. RESULTS: Twenty-two
      emergent themes identified barriers that reflected how racism affects access to
      maternal health care. The domains into which the themes were classified were
      perceptions and interactions with health system, psychological factors, social
      environment and resources, lack of health system accountability, financial needs,
      and exclusion from education. CONCLUSIONS: The experiences of Romani women
      demonstrate psychosocial and structural pathways by which racism and
      discrimination affect access to prenatal and maternity care. Interventions to
      address maternal health inequalities should target barriers within all three
      levels of racism.

PMID- 22094116
TI  - Evaluation of the evidence on staging imaging for detection of asymptomatic
      distant metastases in newly diagnosed breast cancer.
AB  - While guidelines recommend against routine use of staging imaging to detect
      asymptomatic distant metastases (DM) in newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC),
      modern imaging technologies may have improved detection capability and may have a
      role in some cases. We performed a systematic review of studies (1995-2011)
      evaluating the prevalence of DM and the accuracy of staging imaging for detection
      of asymptomatic DM. Twenty-two studies reporting on 14,824 BC subjects (median
      age 53 years) undergoing staging imaging were eligible. Median prevalence of DM
      was 7.0% (range 1.2-48.8%); prevalence increased with increasing BC stage.
      Conventional imaging studies had lower DM prevalence than studies of PET(PET/CT).
      Imaging median sensitivity/specificity respectively were: combined conventional
      imaging 78.0%/91.4%; bone scintigraphy 98.0%/93.5%; chest X-ray 100%/97.9%; liver
      ultrasound 100%/96.7%; CT chest/abdomen 100%/93.1%; FDG-PET 100.0%/96.5%; FDG
      PET/CT 100%/98.1%. Low prevalence of DM was seen in Stage I-II BC with much
      higher prevalence in more advanced disease. Accuracy of PET modalities was very
      high however the high proportion of detected asymptomatic DM partly reflects
      selection bias.

PMID- 22094117
TI  - Polymorphisms of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and abdominal
      aortic aneurysm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has a multifactorial etiology and the
      relevance of genetic factors is getting increasing interest, in particular those
      related to the destructive remodeling of extracellular matrix. METHODS: We
      performed a candidate gene association study of polymorphisms in genes coding
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), and elastin
      (ELN) in AAA. DNA samples from 423 AAA patients and 423 controls were genotyped
      for 12 polymorphisms in 10 genes: MMP1 (-1607G/GG), MMP2 (-735C/T; -1306C/T; 
      1575 G/A), MMP3 (5A/6A), MMP9 (-1562C/T), MMP10 (A180G), MMP-12 (-82A/G), MMP-13
      (-77A/G), TIMP1 (C434T), TIMP3 (-1296T/C), and ELN (G1355A). RESULTS: Genotype
      distribution was significantly different between patients and controls for the
      following polymorphisms: -1306C/T MMP2; 5A/6A MMP3; -77A/G MMP-13; G1355A ELN;
      and C434T TIMP1. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for
      traditional cardiovascular risk factors and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, -1306C/T MMP2 (odds ratios [OR] = 0.55 [95% confidence interval, CI .34
      .85], P < .007) and G1355A ELN (OR = 0.64 ([95% CI .41-.99], P = .046)
      polymorphisms resulted in independent protective factors for abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA), whereas 5A/6A MMP3 (OR = 1.82 [95% CI 1.04-3.12], P = .034) and 
      77 A/G MMP-13 (OR = 2.14 [95% CI 1.18-3.86], P = .012) polymorphisms resulted in
      independent risk factors for AAA. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis
      adjusted for traditional cardiovascular factors and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, the prevalence of the contemporary presence of three or four genetic
      risk conditions was a strong and independent determinant of AAA disease (OR =
      2.96, 95% CI 1.67-5.24, P < .0001). For those polymorphisms independently
      associated with AAA in this study (-1306C/T MMP2, 5A/6A MMP3, -77A/G MMP-13, and
      G1355A ELN polymorphisms), we performed a meta-analysis of the available data
      (this paper and literature data). We found a significant association with an
      increased risk of AAA for MMP3 (AAA patients n = 1258, controls n = 1406: OR =
      1.48 [95% CI = 1.23-1.78], I(2) = 0%) and MMP-13 (AAA patients n = 800, controls
      n = 843: OR = 1.37 [95% CI = 1.04-1.82], I(2) = 25%) polymorphisms and a trend
      that did not reach the statistical significance, toward a decreased risk of AAA
      for MMP2 (AAA patients n = 1090, controls n = 1077: OR = 0.83 [95% CI = .60
      1.15], I(2) =7 1%) and ELN (AAA patients n = 904, controls n = 1069: OR = 0.79
      [95% CI = .53-1.18], I(2) = 72%) polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that polymorphisms in MMP2, MMP3, MMP-13, and ELN genes may independently
      contribute to the pathogenesis of AAA.

PMID- 22094119
TI  - Effect of increasing energy cost on arm coordination in elite sprint swimmers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in stroke parameters, motor
      organization and swimming efficiency with increasing energy cost in aquatic
      locomotion. Seven elite sprint swimmers performed a 6*300-m incremental swimming
      test. Stroke parameters (speed, stroke rate and stroke length), motor
      organization (arm stroke phases and arm coordination index), swimming efficiency
      (swimming speed squared and hand speed squared) and stroke index were calculated
      from aerial and underwater side-view cameras. The energy cost of locomotion was
      assessed by measuring oxygen consumption and blood lactate. Results showed that
      the increase in energy cost of locomotion was correlated to an increase in the
      index of coordination and stroke rate, and a decrease in stroke length (p<.05).
      Furthermore, indicators of swimming efficiency and stroke index did not change
      significantly with the speed increments (p<.05), indicating that swimmers did not
      decrease their efficiency despite the increase in energy cost. In parallel, an
      increase in the index of coordination IdC and stroke rate were observed, along
      with a decrease in stroke length, stroke index and hand speed squared with each
      increment, revealing an adaptation to the fatigue within the 300m.

PMID- 22094118
TI  - Motor abundance supports multitasking while standing.
AB  - Many activities require simultaneous performance of multiple tasks. Motor
      redundancy may provide a key mechanism for multitasking, ensuring minimal inter
      task interference. This study investigated the effect of performing two supra
      postural tasks on postural stability. The component of joint configuration
      variance (JCV) reflecting flexible joint combinations (V(UCM)) that stabilize the
      center of mass (CoM) position and the component of JCV leading to variability
      (V(ORT)) of the CoM were determined using the Uncontrolled Manifold (UCM)
      approach. Subjects executed a targeting task alone or in combination with a ball
      balancing task. UCM analysis revealed that the joints were coordinated such that
      their combined variance reflected primarily V(UCM), without a substantial effect
      on CoM position stability. Evidence for this flexible control strategy increased
      when the ball-balancing task was added to targeting, or when the index of
      difficulty of targeting increased, both without leading to substantial increases
      in V(ORT) or CoM position variance. The increase in joint variance when
      performing additional tasks without affecting adversely CoM position stability
      supports the hypothesis that the nervous system takes advantage of available
      motor redundancy for the successful performance of multiple tasks concurrently.
      Future work is needed to investigate the limits of this control scheme.

PMID- 22094120
TI  - Novel micelles based on amphiphilic branched PEG as carriers for fenretinide.
AB  - This study reports on the preparation and evaluation of amphiphilic
      macromolecules based on branched polyethylene glycol covalently linked with alkyl
      hydrocarbon chains. These macromolecules easily dissolved in an aqueous
      environment, with formation of micellar nanoaggregates endowed with hydrophobic
      inner cores capable of hosting fenretinide by complexation. The complexes
      increased fenretinide aqueous solubility, while hindering its release as a free
      drug in an aqueous environment. Particle size analysis indicated dimensional
      suitability of the complexes for intravenous administration. Neuroblastoma cell
      lines (SH-SY5Y and NGP) exhibited increased sensitivity to fenretinide in complex
      as compared to free drug, associated with higher intracellular concentrations of
      fenretinide observed after treatment with the complex. Transmission electronic
      microscopy images revealed endocytosis of the micellar complex. Moreover,
      fenretinide conversion to its metabolite 4-oxo-fenretinide was delayed in cells
      treated with the complex, further supporting the hypothesis that fenretinide may
      be absorbed by micellar transport and exposed to the cytoplasm for conversion to
      its metabolite only after micelle destabilization.

PMID- 22094121
TI  - New strategy of efficient inhibition of cancer cells by carborane carboxylic acid
      CdTe nanocomposites.
AB  - Nanoconjugates composed of drug molecules encapsulated in quantum dots (QDs)
      attract enormous attention due to their promising bioimaging and biomedical
      applications. Here, the anticancer efficiency of potential pharmacophore agents
      (o-carborane (Cb), o-carborane-C-carboxylic acid (Cbac1), and o-carborane
      C(1)C(2)-dicarboxylic acid (Cbac2) coupling with cadmium telluride QDs capped
      with cysteamine (CA-CdTe QDs)) have been explored. Compared with free CA-CdTe
      QDs, the composites consisting of Cbac1/Cbac2 and safe-dosage QDs can greatly
      improve the inhibition efficiency toward SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells
      with the aid of our real-time cell bioelectronic sensing system and the MTT
      assay. The enhanced cytotoxicity correlates with increased intracellular reactive
      oxygen species generation and cell apoptosis. Confocal laser scanning fluorescent
      microscopy shows improved cellular uptake and drug distribution of the
      Cbac1/Cbac2-CdTe QDs nanoconjugates. This work raises the possibility that the
      carborane pharmacophore in combination with QDs or other anticancer drugs may be
      viable for efficient cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.

PMID- 22094122
TI  - Mutagenic effects of gold nanoparticles induce aberrant phenotypes in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - The peculiar physical/chemical characteristics of engineered nanomaterials have
      led to a rapid increase of nanotechnology-based applications in many fields.
      However, before exploiting their huge and wide potential, it is necessary to
      assess their effects upon interaction with living systems. In this context, the
      screening of nanomaterials to evaluate their possible toxicity and understand the
      underlying mechanisms currently represents a crucial opportunity to prevent
      severe harmful effects in the next future. In this work we show the in vivo
      toxicity of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in Drosophila melanogaster, highlighting
      significant genotoxic effects and, thus, revealing an unsettling aspect of the
      long-term outcome of the exposure to this nanomaterial. After the treatment with
      Au NPs, we observed dramatic phenotypic modifications in the subsequent
      generations of Drosophila, demonstrating their capability to induce mutagenic
      effects that may be transmitted to the descendants. Noteworthy, we were able to
      obtain the first nanomaterial-mutated organism, named NM-mut. Although these
      results sound alarming, they underline the importance of systematic and reliable
      toxicology characterizations of nanomaterials and the necessity of significant
      efforts by the nanoscience community in designing and testing suitable nanoscale
      surface engineering/coating to develop biocompatible nanomaterials with no
      hazardous effects for human health and environment. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR:
      While the clinical application of nanomedicine is still in its infancy, the rapid
      evolution of this field will undoubtedly result in a growing number of clinical
      trials and eventually in human applications. The interactions of nanoparticles
      with living organisms determine their toxicity and long-term safety, which must
      be properly understood prior to large-scale applications are considered. The
      paper by Dr. Pompa's team is the first ever demonstration of mutagenesis
      resulting in clearly observable phenotypic alterations and the generation of nano
      mutants as a result of exposure to citrate-surfaced gold nanoparticles in
      drosophila. These groundbreaking results are alarming, but represent a true
      milestone in nanomedicine and serve as a a reminder and warning about the
      critical importance of "safety first" in biomedical science.

PMID- 22094123
TI  - Cancer cell response to nanoparticles: criticality and optimality.
AB  - A stochastic variation in size and electrical parameters is common in
      nanoparticles. Synthesizing gold nanoparticles with a varying range of size and
      zeta potential, we show that there is clustering at certain regions of
      hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potentials that can be classified using k
      clustering technique. A cluster boundary was observed around 50 nm, a size known
      for its optimal response to cells. However, neither size nor zeta potential alone
      determined the optimal cellular response (e.g., percentage cell survival) induced
      by such nanoparticles. A complex interplay prevails between size, zeta potential,
      nature of surface functionalization, and extent of adhesion of the cell to a
      solid matrix. However, it follows that the ratio of zeta potential to surface
      area, which scales as the electrical field (by Gaussian law), serves as an
      appropriate indicator for optimal cellular response. The phase plot spanned by
      fractional survival and effective electric field (charge density) indicates a
      positive correlation between mean cell survival and the magnitude of the electric
      field. The phase plot spanned by fractional survival and effective electric field
      (charge density) associated with the nanosurface shows a bifurcation behavior.
      Wide variation of cell survival response is observed at certain critical values
      of the surface charge density, whereas in other ranges the cellular response is
      well behaved and more predictable. Existence of phase points near the critical
      region corresponds to wide fluctuation of nanoparticle-induced response, for
      small changes in the nanosurface property. Smaller nanoparticles with low zeta
      potential (e.g., those conjugated with arginine) can have such an attribute
      (i.e., higher electrical field strength), and eventually they cause more cell
      death. The study may help in optimal design of nanodrugs.

PMID- 22094125
TI  - A united approach to European neurology.

PMID- 22094124
TI  - Human electrophysiological correlates of learned irrelevance: effects of the
      muscarinic M1 antagonist biperiden.
AB  - Learned irrelevance (LIrr) refers to a reduction in associative learning after
      pre-exposure of the conditioned and unconditioned stimulus in a non-contingent
      fashion. This paradigm might serve as a translational model for (pre)attentive
      information processing deficits in schizophrenia. This is the first study to
      investigate the event-related potentials (ERPs) of a within-subject LIrr paradigm
      in humans. Furthermore, the effects of the muscarinic M1 antagonist biperiden on
      LIrr were assessed. As expected, LIrr was found to be intact in young healthy
      volunteers after placebo. Furthermore, in the placebo condition P3b latency was
      decreased for target stimuli, which were pre-cued. This suggests that the
      predictability of the occurrence of these stimuli is mainly reflected by this ERP
      component. Biperiden had no effect on the behavioural LIrr measures, although
      prolonged reaction times were evident. Biperiden increased the N1 amplitude of
      the pre-exposed predictor letters, suggesting an effect of this drug on early
      perceptual processing. In conclusion, the within-subject paradigm used in the
      current study in combination with electroencephalography can reveal brain
      mechanisms involved in LIrr. M1 antagonism did not affect LIrr performance but
      seemed to influence early information processing.

PMID- 22094126
TI  - The virtual neurologist.

PMID- 22094127
TI  - Francesc Graus: solving paraneoplastic puzzles.

PMID- 22094129
TI  - Familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
AB  - Familial amyloid polyneuropathies (FAPs) are a group of life-threatening
      multisystem disorders transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. Nerve lesions
      are induced by deposits of amyloid fibrils, most commonly due to mutated
      transthyretin (TTR). Less often the precursor of amyloidosis is mutant
      apolipoprotein A-1 or gelsolin. The first identified cause of FAP-the TTR
      Val30Met mutation-is still the most common of more than 100 amyloidogenic point
      mutations identified worldwide. The penetrance and age at onset of FAP among
      people carrying the same mutation vary between countries. The symptomatology and
      clinical course of FAP can be highly variable. TTR FAP typically causes a nerve
      length-dependent polyneuropathy that starts in the feet with loss of temperature
      and pain sensations, along with life-threatening autonomic dysfunction leading to
      cachexia and death within 10 years on average. TTR is synthesised mainly in the
      liver, and liver transplantation seems to have a favourable effect on the course
      of neuropathy, but not on cardiac or eye lesions. Oral administration of
      tafamidis meglumine, which prevents misfolding and deposition of mutated TTR, is
      under evaluation in patients with TTR FAP. In future, patients with FAP might
      benefit from gene therapy; however, genetic counselling is recommended for the
      prevention of all types of FAP.

PMID- 22094130
TI  - Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: from clinical characteristics to therapeutic
      strategies.
AB  - Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease
      that has served as a model for autoimmunity and tumour immunology. In LEMS, the
      characteristic muscle weakness is thought to be caused by pathogenic
      autoantibodies directed against voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) present on
      the presynaptic nerve terminal. Half of patients with LEMS have an associated
      tumour, small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), which also expresses functional VGCC.
      Knowledge of this association led to the discovery of a wide range of
      paraneoplastic and non-tumour-related neurological disorders of the peripheral
      and central nervous systems. Detailed clinical studies have improved our
      diagnostic skills and knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms and
      association of LEMS with SCLC, and have helped with the development of a protocol
      for early tumour detection.

PMID- 22094131
TI  - Modelling of Parkinson's disease in mice.
AB  - Although progress has been made in the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's
      disease since the discovery of L-dopa in the 1960s, no neuroprotective therapy is
      yet available. Absence of adequate animal models of the disease that enable
      prediction of clinical success of potential treatments is often cited as a major
      impediment to progress and discourages researchers and pharmaceutical companies
      from investing resources to develop such treatments. Classic models are still
      widely used, but have been disappointing, and development of genetic models has
      given new hope. However, can a human disease be faithfully reproduced in a mouse?
      In this Review we summarise evidence that some genetic mouse models do reproduce
      key features of Parkinson's disease and show that much can be learned from even
      imperfect models. The hope is that this information could be used to advance the
      search for neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22094133
TI  - Ambient temperature affects thrombotic potential at rest and following exercise.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: During exercise, ischemic risk increases, possibly due to changes
      in coagulation and fibrinolytic activity. Previous research suggests ambient
      temperature affects resting thrombotic potential, but the effect of heat and cold
      on hemostasis during exercise is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess
      changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis during maximal exercise in hot and cold
      temperatures, and to compare those responses to exercise under temperate
      conditions. MATERIALS & METHODS: Fifteen healthy men completed maximal exercise
      tests in hot (30 degrees C), temperate (20 degrees C) and cold (5 degrees  - 8
      degrees C) temperatures. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after
      exercise and analyzed for concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT),
      active tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
      (PAI-1). Results were analyzed by ANOVA. RESULTS: A main effect of time was
      observed for TAT (temperate=1.71 +/- 0.82 - 2.61 +/- 0.43 ng/ml, hot=1.81 +/-
      0.73 - 2.62 +/- 0.67 ng/ml, cold=2.33 +/- 0.65 - 2.89 +/- 0.81 ng/ml, PRE to
      POST, respectively) and tPA activity (temperate=0.72 +/- 0.44 - 2.71 +/- 0.55
      IU/ml, hot=0.72 +/- 0.38 - 2.64 +/- 0.61 IU/ml, cold=0.86 +/- 0.45 - 2.65 +/-
      0.77 IU/ml, PRE to POST, respectively). A trend was observed for the PAI-1
      response to exercise (temperate=14.5 +/- 23.7 - 12.3 +/- 20.2I U/ml, hot=15.1 +/-
      26.5 - 10.0 +/- 15.1 IU/ml, cold=10.5 +/- 10.4 - 7.9 +/- 9.7 IU/ml, PRE to POST,
      respectively, p=0.08). TAT concentrations were significantly higher in cold
      compared to temperate and hot conditions. CONCLUSION: Coagulation potential is
      elevated during exposure to cold temperatures. These data suggest that risk of an
      ischemic event may be elevated in the cold.

PMID- 22094132
TI  - The pleiotropic effects of erythropoietin in infection and inflammation.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) is a multi-functional cytokine, which exerts erythropoietic
      effects but also carries anti-apoptotic and immune-modulatory activities upon
      binding to two distinct receptors which are expressed on erythroid, parenchymal
      and immune cells, respectively. Whereas EPO ameliorates hemolytic anemia in
      malaria or trypanosomiasis and improves the course of autoimmune diseases such as
      inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune encephalomyelitis, it deleteriously
      inhibits macrophage functions in Salmonella infection in animal models. Thus, the
      specific modulation of extra-erythropoietic EPO activity forms an attractive
      therapeutic target in infection and inflammation.

PMID- 22094134
TI  - How the immune response to vaccines is created, maintained and measured:
      addressing patient questions about vaccination.
AB  - This article gives an overview of the immune response to vaccines, including ways
      in which it is measured and/or augmented to enhance its effectiveness. A brief
      description is given of the immune response, adaptive immunity, immunologic
      memory, antibodies, and adjuvants. Given that many young parents and physicians
      have never witnessed the ravages of vaccine-preventable diseases, it is hoped
      this article will aid the many people involved in the prevention of infectious
      disease to understand better the concepts and practicalities of immunization and
      vaccine development.

PMID- 22094136
TI  - Adult vaccination.
AB  - Immunization has effectively decreased the burden of disease on society.
      Nevertheless, over 50,000 deaths occur annually in the United States from vaccine
      preventable disease, and nearly all of these occur in adults. It is essential for
      primary care physicians to be knowledgeable about the unique immunization-related
      needs of adults and to be aware of the factors that determine the need for
      vaccination.

PMID- 22094135
TI  - Routine pediatric immunization, special cases in pediatrics: prematurity, chronic
      disease, congenital heart disease: recent advancements/changes in pediatric
      vaccines.
AB  - Vaccination is a powerful and dynamic weapon in reducing the impact of infectious
      diseases in children. The field and schedules are constantly evolving, with
      significant changes resulting in new and exciting vaccines almost yearly. Special
      cases in pediatrics represent unique challenges and differences in vaccinations.
      Health care providers need to be knowledgable about the current vaccines and to
      remain up to date with the constant evolution, as well as be aware of the latest
      recommendations, warnings, and news about vaccines and their use. This article
      updates and discusses current but ever-changing routine pediatric vaccination
      programs.

PMID- 22094137
TI  - Vaccine-preventable diseases and foreign-born populations.
AB  - According to the most recent census data, foreign-born individuals account for
      more than 12% of the US population. Because many vaccine-preventable outbreaks in
      the United States have been correlated with disease importation, Congress has
      mandated vaccinations for numerous immigrant populations. It is essential for
      primary care physicians to be knowledgeable about the unique immunization-related
      needs of foreign-born individuals to recognize some of the cultural and
      linguistic challenges that immigrants have accessing health care and to remember
      to use each medical encounter as an opportunity to provide necessary
      vaccinations.

PMID- 22094138
TI  - Immunization in travel medicine.
AB  - The specialty of travel medicine encompasses a broad and dynamic practice. A
      thorough pretravel consultation provides an individual with a comprehensive,
      evidence-based, contextual discussion of the risk profile for specific itinerary
      based, travel-related illness and injury, allowing the traveler to use this
      information in conjunction with his or her personal health belief model, risk
      tolerance, and experience to decide on an informed management plan. This article
      focuses on the pretravel consultation with emphasis on the contribution of
      immunization to traveler's health.

PMID- 22094139
TI  - Passive immunization.
AB  - Passive immunization employs preformed antibodies provided to an individual that
      can prevent or treat infectious diseases. There are several situations in which
      passive immunization can be used: for persons with congenital or acquired
      immunodeficiency, prophylactic administration when there is a likelihood of
      exposure to a particular infection, or treatment of a disease state already
      acquired by the individual. Passive immunization is limited by short duration
      (typically weeks to months), variable response, and adverse reactions. This
      article focuses on specific immunoglobulins for preventing or treating infectious
      diseases, as these are the most likely scenarios one might encounter in primary
      care practice.

PMID- 22094140
TI  - The course and management of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza.
AB  - The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic provided a major test to the public health
      system in the United States and abroad. Although the virus was rapidly
      identified, it took longer than expected to bring an effective vaccine to market.
      During the interim the virus demonstrated a predilection for infecting younger
      persons, particularly those with medical conditions such as asthma or pregnancy,
      placing them at risk. Early treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors was found to
      be of some benefit. When the 2009 H1N1 influenza A vaccine became available,
      there were distribution issues in matching the number of doses to areas of need.

PMID- 22094141
TI  - Cancer vaccines.
AB  - The term cancer vaccines encompasses 2 different types of vaccines. Prophylactic
      vaccines block infection by viruses that can alter host DNA and result in cancer.
      The hepatitis B vaccine and the human papillomavirus vaccines are examples of
      prophylactic vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing. More recently,
      therapeutic vaccines have been developed and used as adjunctive therapy in
      patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer. Therapeutic vaccines
      stimulate the host's immune system to recognize cancer cells as foreign and to
      attack them. Most of the therapeutic vaccines being studied are used in
      combination with other forms of cancer therapy.

PMID- 22094142
TI  - Vaccination refusal: ethics, individual rights, and the common good.
AB  - Among the obstacles to the success of vaccination programs is the apparent recent
      increase in hesitancy and outright resistance to the recommended vaccination
      schedule by some parents and patients. This article reviews the spectrum of
      patient or parental attitudes that may be described as vaccine refusal, explores
      related ethical considerations in the context of the doctor-patient relationship
      and public health, and evaluates the possible responses of physicians when
      encountering resistance to vaccination recommendations. Health care providers
      should view individuals hesitant about or opposed to vaccines not as frustrations
      or threats to public health, but as opportunities to educate and inform.

PMID- 22094143
TI  - Office immunization.
AB  - Nothing has improved disease control as thoroughly as immunizations. In well
      immunized populations, there is no flaccid paralysis (polio), almost no
      epiglottitis or postmeningitis deafness (Haemophilus influenzae), and little
      postviral male sterility (mumps). Immunizations are not perfect; they may cause
      side effects, some of which have led to the discontinuation of the vaccine when
      side effects have outweighed the vaccine's protective effects. However,
      immunization works best not by the protection it provides the individual but by
      the protection provided to the population at risk. This article discusses the
      currently available vaccines along with recommendations for their use.

PMID- 22094144
TI  - Keeping up-to-date with immunization practices.
AB  - This article presents sources of information for those in practice,
      administration, or education to stay up-to-date in vaccine recommendations. Web
      based repositories predominate in the provision of information. Other sources
      include newsletters, conferences, journals, expert opinion, community
      organizations, and books. The promise of the electronic health record remains
      unfulfilled but improving.

PMID- 22094145
TI  - Q & A: patient to physician FAQs: answers to common patient questions about
      vaccinations.
AB  - This article outlines common questions about vaccinations that patients ask their
      physicians and provides answers to those questions.

PMID- 22094146
TI  - Immunizations as the nucleus of prevention.

PMID- 22094147
TI  - Vaccine science: a critical field in the control of diseases. Preface.

PMID- 22094148
TI  - [Effect of different propranolol doses on skeletal structural and mechanic
      efficiency in an animal model of growth retardation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess in a growth retardation (GR) model the impact of different
      propranolol (P) doses on anthropomorphometric and biomechanical variables of the
      appendicular skeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one day-old male Wistar rats
      were divided into the following groups: control (C), C+P3.5 (CP3.5); C+P7 (CP7);
      C+P10.5 (CP10.5); C+P14 (CP14); ED, ED+P3.5 (EDP3.5); ED+P7 (EDP7); ED+P10.5
      (EDP10.5), and ED+P14 (EDP14). Control animals with/without P were fed a rodent
      diet ad libitum. GR rats with/without P were given 80% of the same diet per 100g
      body weight for 4 weeks (T4). Propranolol 3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 mg/kg/day was
      intraperitoneally injected 5 days/week for 4 weeks to the CP3.5 and EDP3.5; CP7
      and EDP7; CP10.5 and EDP10.5, and CP14 and EDP14 groups respectively. RESULTS: At
      T4, energy restriction had negative effects upon overall growth, femur, and its
      mechanical competence. Propranolol improved bone rigidity in GR animals at doses
      of 7 and 10.5mg/kg/day, with a maximum response at 7 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSIONS:
      Propranolol 7 mg/kg/day would be the most effective dose for modeling
      incorporation of bone, as shown by the increased skeletal structural and mechanic
      efficiency in this animal model of growth retardation. Such effect may result
      from maintenance of mechanosensor viability, changes in its sensitivity, the
      biomechanical reference point and/or effector response in GR rats.

PMID- 22094149
TI  - [Glucocentricity or adipocentricity: a critical view of consensus and clinical
      guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - Eighty percent of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are overweight or
      obese, which in turn is associated with other cardiovascular risk factors and an
      increased risk of cancer. Large intervention studies focused on intensive
      glycemic control have failed to show a reduction of cardiovascular events in T2DM
      patients. The two major concerns in these studies were weight gain and severe
      hypoglycemia in the arms of intensive intervention, which could have mitigated
      the potential beneficial effect of glycemic control. On the contrary, weight loss
      in diabetic patients through changes in lifestyle, drugs and/or surgery
      simultaneously improves all cardiovascular risk factors including hyperglycemia.
      Bariatric surgery has shown an early resolution of T2DM in a large percentage of
      patients and a decrease of diabetes-specific mortality. Despite this, all
      consensus and recommendations for the treatment of T2DM focus their decisions on
      the glycated hemoglobin value. This article aims to open a debate on the need to
      replace the glucose-centered therapeutic strategy for a weight-centered strategy.

PMID- 22094150
TI  - Including the third dimension: a spatial analysis of TB cases in Houston Harris
      County.
AB  - To reach the tuberculosis (TB) elimination goals established by the Institute of
      Medicine (IOM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measures
      must be taken to speed the currently stagnant TB elimination rate and curtail a
      future peak in TB incidence. Increases in TB incidence have historically
      coincided with immigration, poverty, and joblessness; all situations that are
      currently occurring worldwide. Effective TB elimination strategies will require
      the geographical elucidation of areas within the U.S. that have endemic TB, and
      systematic surveillance of the locations and location-based risk factors
      associated with TB transmission. Surveillance data was used to assess the spatial
      distribution of cases, the yearly TB incidence by census tract, and the
      statistical significance of case clustering. The analysis revealed that there are
      neighborhoods within Houston/Harris County that had a heavy TB burden. The
      maximum yearly incidence varied from 245/100,000-754/100,000 and was not
      exclusively dependent of the number of cases reported. Geographically weighted
      regression identified risk factors associated with the spatial distribution of
      cases such as: poverty, age, Black race, and foreign birth. Public transportation
      was also associated with the spatial distribution of cases and census tracts
      identified as high incidence were found to be irregularly clustered within
      communities of varied SES.

PMID- 22094152
TI  - Current concepts review: carpal injuries - fractures, ligaments, dislocations.
AB  - An overview about current concepts in treating carpal injuries is presented.
      These injuries are more commonly seen in young, active individuals after a fall
      on an outstretched hand. Conventional radiographs and a thorough examination are
      important. The scaphoid is the most affected bone. Scaphoid fractures can be
      classified in accordance to OTA, AO, and other classification systems, but mostly
      to Herbert. It can be treated non-operatively if undisplaced, however a
      percutaneous internal fixation can be discussed to achieve earlier return to work
      and shorter time to union, but hazarding the consequences of an operation.
      Unstable, proximal pole, or delayed diagnosed scaphoid fractures should be
      treated surgically. Nonunion is seen in 5 - 40% of scaphoid fractures depending
      mainly on displacement and localization of the fracture. The gold standard in non
      osteoarthritic scaphoid nonunion is debridement of the nonunion site, bone
      grafting, realignment, stable fixation and rehabilitation. The treatment of
      scaphoid-nonunion advanced collapse is more complex. Proximal row carpectomy or
      arthrodesis (four-corner or complete wrist) can be mandatory. Other carpal bone
      fractures are rare. Perilunate dislocations are also uncommon but can be
      disabling. They usually originate in high-energy trauma. The Mayfield stages help
      to understand the injury pattern. Open reduction through both volar and dorsal
      approaches, repair of the volar capsule as well as volar and dorsal ligaments,
      and internal fixation is commonly the standard treatment. However osteoarthritis
      and carpal instability are often encountered.

PMID- 22094151
TI  - ChiZ levels modulate cell division process in mycobacteria.
AB  - We have previously shown that expression of chiZ (Rv2719c), encoding a cell wall
      hydrolase, is upregulated in response to DNA damaging agents and exposure to
      cephalexin. Furthermore, increased levels of ChiZ lead to decreased viability,
      loss of membrane integrity and defects in FtsZ-GFP localization and cell
      division. We now show that ChiZ N'-terminal 110 amino acid region, containing the
      cell wall hydrolase activity, is sufficient to modulate FtsZ-GFP localization.
      Further, we found that FtsZ-GFP rings are stabilized in a chiZ deletion strain
      indicating that ChiZ activity regulates FtsZ assembly. Overexpression of ftsZ did
      not reverse the reduction in viability caused by overproduction of ChiZ
      indicating that ChiZ neither interacts with nor directly influences FtsZ
      assembly. Bacterial two-hybrid assays revealed that ChiZ interacts with FtsI and
      FtsQ, two other septasomal proteins, but not with FtsZ. Finally, we show that
      ChiZ is not required for virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in murine
      macrophages and mice. Our data suggest that optimal levels and activity of the
      cell wall hydrolase ChiZ are required for regulated cell division in
      mycobacteria.

PMID- 22094153
TI  - Biomechanical comparison of an interspinous device and a rigid stabilization on
      lumbar adjacent segment range of motion.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Decompression surgery with or without fusion is the gold
      standard treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, but adjacent segment degeneration
      has been reported as a long-term complication after fusion. This led to the
      development of dynamic implants like the interspinous devices. They are supposed
      to limit extension and expand the spinal canal at the symptomatic level, but with
      reduced effect on the range of motion of the adjacent segments. The aim of the
      present study is the evaluation of the biomechanical effects on the range of
      motion (ROM) of adjacent lumbar segments after decompression and instrumentation
      with an interspinous device compared to a rigid posterior stabilization device.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight fresh frozen human cadaver lumbar spines (L2-L5)
      were tested in a spinal testing device with a moment of 7.5 Nm in
      flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation with and without a preload. The
      preload was applied as a follower load of 400N along the curvature of the spine.
      The range of motion (ROM) of the adjacent segments L2/L3 and L4/L5 was measured
      with the intact segment L3/L4, after decompression, consisting of resection of
      the interspinous ligament, flavectomy and bilateral medial facetecomy, and
      insertion of the Coflex(r) (Paradigm Spine, Wurmlingen) and after instrumentation
      with Click X(r) (Synthes, Umkirch) as well. RESULTS: The interspinous and the
      rigid device caused a significant increase of ROM at both adjacent segments
      during all directions of motion and under follower load, without significant
      difference between these devices. The ROM of L2/L3 tends to increase more than
      the ROM of L4/L5 after instrumentation without statistical significance.
      DISCUSSION: The "dynamic" Coflex device caused a significant increase of ROM at
      both adjacent lumbar segments comparable to the increase of ROM after
      instrumentation with the rigid Click X device. Other in vitro studies observed
      comparable biomechanical effects on the adjacent segments after fusion, but
      biomechanical spacer studies concentrated on the "noncompressible" X-Stop(r) and
      could not demonstrate a significant adjacent segment effect of this device.
      CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis, that an interspinous device would reduce the stress
      on adjacent segments compared to a rigid posterior stabilization device, could
      not be demonstrated with this biomechanical in vitro study. Therefore, the
      protection of adjacent segments after instrumentation with dynamic devices is
      still not completely achieved.

PMID- 22094154
TI  - Serum-cobalt levels with metal-on-metal bearings in the cement-free total hip
      arthroplasty results covering two years; prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Total hip arthroplasty increases the use of alternate
      bearings to prevent polyethylene wear as the number of younger and more active
      patients has drastically risen. We carried out a prospective randomized study, to
      assess and compare clinical results and radiological changes, serum-cobalt- and
      serum-aluminium-levels when metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings are
      applicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After giving informed consent 80 consecutive
      patients were included in this prospective randomized study. They were randomly
      assigned to receive either a metal-on-metal or a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing in
      their total hip replacement. Eligible were patients with a primary coxarthrosis
      or an avascular necrosis of the head of femur. Of the 80 patients 54 were females
      and 26 males. 42 patients were randomized to a metal-on-metal bearing and 38
      patients were randomized to a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing. The average patient-age
      was 65,8 years and the mean body mass index was 27,7 at the time of operation.
      Surgery was performed through a transgluteal approach in supine position under
      general or spinal anaesthesia. A forged conical threaded acetabular component
      made of titanium-aluminium-niobium alloy was used in all patients. The metal
      inlays and the 28 mm metal heads were made of Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy with a carbon
      content of 0,2%. The ceramic inlays and the 28 mm ceramic heads are Al2O3
      implants. We used as femoral component a conical rectangular stem of a titanium
      aluminium-niobium alloy. Cup and stem werde implanted cementfree. Clinical data
      werde obtained at a follow up at a minimum of two years after implantation.
      Patients were assessed with the Harris Hip Score and the University of California
      at Los Angeles activity scale. 72 of the 80 patients could be explored clinically
      and radiologically. RESULTS: The 2 year follow up check showed clinically and
      radiologically no difference between the two groups. The median Harris HipScore
      was above 90 points and the UCLA score was about 7 points. The medium serum
      cobalt level was in the metal-on-metal group about 1.2MUg/L and in the ceramic-on
      ceramic group below the detection limit. The medium serum aluminium level showed
      values of 1.2 respectively 1.3 MUg/L. The luminescencies in the metal-on-metal
      group were increased, but all components of the prosthesis could be regarded as
      stable. DISCUSSION: It was the goal of our prospective study to compare clinical
      and radiological results of hip arthroplasty in metal-on-metal and ceramic-on
      ceramic bearings and assess the serum-cobalt and the serum-aluminium levels. The
      socalled "biocorrosion" is still a high risk element for loosening of implants
      because of aseptic osteolysis. A higher release of polyethylene and metal
      particles is triggered, which leads to a slow but continuous process of
      inflammation. Apart from the debris also metal ions in a higher concentration are
      released, so that we could detect after some years in patients with artificial
      implants a higher level of metal in blood and urine. So far we did not recognize
      any carcinogenity or the appearance of renal disorders, or other mutagene effects
      in our patients. We could also not observe any fractures in ceramic implants. We
      are convinced that short time and intermediate reports are necessary, although
      final judgement can only be based on long term data. CONCLUSION: Our prospective
      randomized study showed after two years no difference clinically between the two
      groups of metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings with total
      endoprostheses of the hip. Although medium serum-cobalt level in the metal-on
      metal group with 1,2u/L is a significant higher value, whereas it lies in the
      ceramic-on-ceramic group below the detectable limit.

PMID- 22094155
TI  - [Cement-within-cement femoral stem reimplantation technique].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The reimplantation of a cemented femoral component at
      revision is always a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon, particularly when the
      cement mantle is intact. The aim of this study was to provide evidence that the
      recementing of a femoral stem into the original cement mantle can be included in
      routine surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 104 patients with
      femoral stem revision, followed-up for an average of 50.2 months, were
      retrospectively reviewed. The outcome evaluation was focused, in the first place,
      on survivorship of the femoral component, acetabular migration, and dislocation
      and infection after revision arthroplasty. Hip function evaluation was based on
      the Harris hip scores before surgery and at the latest follow-up. On radiographs
      Gruen zones were assessed pre-operatively and at the latest follow-up. The
      results were statistically evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis
      (Statistica 8.0). RESULTS: Of the 104 patients, only three (2.9 %) had stem re
      revision due to its loosening. Further 16 patients underwent revision for other
      post-operative complications. The success rate of reimplantation in our group
      including all post-operative complications was 81.7 %. The average Harris scores
      were 56 before surgery and 87 at the latest follow-up. Radiolucent lines in Gruen
      zones were on average 0.45 mm in width before revision and 0.15 mm at the latest
      follow-up. Fourteen patients had second revision within 20 months of the first
      and only five were revised after a long period. DISCUSSION: The cement-within
      cement exchange of a femoral component is a relatively frequent orthopaedic
      procedure. Despite this frequency, however, there have not been enough literature
      reports based on large patient groups to give support to its routine use. The aim
      of this study was to demonstrate on a large patient group that recementing a
      femoral stem into the original intact cement mantle can be considered an
      established operative technique. Our results suggest that the list of indications
      for this technique, as described by Lieberman and Nelson, can be extended by the
      following: broken stem with an intact distal cement mantle, replacement of a
      monoblock femoral component due to severe head damage, loosening of the femoral
      component without impairment of the distal cement mantle, conversion of a cervico
      capital to a total hip replacement and the need of removing all bone cement. No
      risk is associated with reimplantation of the original component if there is no
      need for a different implant to correct angle or length stability. A new implant
      is always used when any part of the femoral component has been damaged
      mechanically. If only the proximal stem requires recementing, the use of the
      original component is preferred because of absolute cement/stem cohesion. The
      number of our patients in which the technique failed was generally in agreement
      with the results of other authors. CONCLUSIONS: Utilisation of the original
      cement mantle of a femoral component is one of the options at revision
      arthroplasty. It requires rational considerations based on the type of surgery,
      state of the cement mantle, and type of material used for the femoral stem. The
      method is indicated preferably in the hips with an intact cement mantle treated
      for loosening of the acetabular component, recurrent dislocation or unequal leg
      length in monoblock femoral components. In such situations the removal of well
      fixed cement would also involve a considerable loss of bone tissue. The follow-up
      outcomes showed that the involvement of the cement-within-cement technique in
      routinely used surgical procedures is fully justified.

PMID- 22094156
TI  - [Total elbow replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Total elbow arthroplasty is associated with a higher
      occurrence of complications than is usual for large-joint replacements. Two kinds
      of prostheses, unconstrained and semi-constrained, are currently used and each
      has its supporters or opponents. In this study the results of the two techniques
      used in our patients are evaluated and compared. MATERIAL: Two groups of elbows
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated. One comprised 58 elbows
      treated by Souter-Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasty (S-S group). The mean age
      of the patients at the time of surgery was 53 years (range, 22 to 71) and the
      mean follow-up was 9.5 years (range, 0.7 to 16.7). The other group included 63
      elbows treated by Coonrad-Morrey elbow arthroplasty (C-M group). The mean age of
      the patients at the time of surgery was 54 years (range, 26 to 75) and the mean
      follow-up was 4.21 years (range, 0.28 to 7.87). METHODS: The Kaplan-Meier
      analysis was used to estimate implant survival in each group. Clinical assessment
      included range of motion and pain experience. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score
      (MEPS) was used as a clinical rating scale for the whole group. Radiographs were
      taken in two basic projections. The elbows with an implant removed or re
      implanted were excluded from the evaluation. The patients were studied
      prospectively. The results were statistically analysed, with the level of
      significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: All patients experienced pain relief after
      surgery. In the S-S group, 35 elbows were free from pain (77.7 %), in the C-M
      group this was 53 elbows (88.3 %). The range of motion improved after
      arthroplasty in both groups. Flexion more than 110 degrees  was achieved in twice
      as many elbows in the C-M group than in the S-S group. Flexion contracture in the
      S-S group did not improve significantly. MEPS values after surgery improved in
      both groups, with significantly better results in the C-M group. In the S-S
      group, four elbow arthroplasties (6.9 %) showed instability, which was treated by
      replacement with a semi-constrained implant in one case and managed by
      articulated external fixation of the elbow for 6 weeks in three cases.
      Radiolucent lines were detected in five replacements (11.1 %) along the whole
      ulnar component width, in 12 (26.6 %) in the olecranon region and in 14 (31.1 %)
      in the distal humeral component. In the C-M group no radiolucency was recorded
      around the component. In the S-S group, revision surgery was carried out in 13
      arthroplasties (22.4 %); of these, 10 (17.2%) were due to aseptic loosening, one
      (1.7 %) due to instability and one (1.7%) because of deep infection. In the C-M
      group, three elbows required revision (4.8 %), one for periprosthetic fracture
      (1.6 %) and two for deep infection (3.2 %). The results of survival analysis did
      not differ between the two groups. DISCUSSION: The weak point of Souter
      Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasty is the ulnar component whose impairment and
      subsequent wear are involved in all cases of aseptic loosening. An insufficient
      length of the humeral component is another risk factor. Even natural movements of
      the elbow joint produce concentration of stresses on a small surface; this
      gradually weakens component fixation in bone and results in aseptic loosening. A
      higher risk of failure in Coonrad-Morrey elbow arthroplasty is associated with
      polyethylene lining of the hinge mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: The Coonrad-Morrey total
      elbow replacement is at present considered the method of choice. It is easier to
      perform and provides better functional outcomes than the Souter-Strathclyde elbow
      implant.

PMID- 22094157
TI  - [Treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine by
      decompression and dynamic transpedicular stabilisation].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to present the effect and
      advantages of surgical decompression and dynamic transpedicular stabilisation in
      patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: This prospective study involved patients undergoing dynamic
      transpedicular stabilisation using Isolock or Isobar TTL (Scient X, France)
      systems. Between June 2003 and June 2009, 65 patients were treated and followed
      up. They were aged 35 to 75 years (average, 57.17 years), and there were 32 men
      and 33 women. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 6 years. Based on indications for
      surgery they fell into two groups. Group 1 included 52 patients with grade I or
      II degenerative spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis. Group 2 (control) consisted
      of 13 patients with degenerative disc disease or failed back surgery syndrome.
      The disorder had always been manifested by combined axial and radicular symptoms.
      Treatment included posterior decompression of nerve structures by laminectomy in
      conjunction with semi-rigid stabilisation, without fusion. Followup clinical
      (VAS, ODI), neurological and radiographic examinations were carried out at 6
      weeks, 6 months and 1 to 6 years after surgery. The VAS and ODI results of both
      groups were statistically analysed and compared. RESULTS: During follow-up the
      ODI values decreased by 54 % (from 58.4 % to 26.8 %) and VAS values by 62 % (from
      7.9 to 3.0) as compared with the pre-operative values, and this was statistically
      significant. When both groups were compared, the VAS values decreased
      significantly (by 5.61) in Group 1, as compared with Group 2 (decrease by 3.54).
      DISCUSSION: In the treatment of pseudospondylolisthesis, the semi-rigid
      stabilisation with spinal decompression, as presented here, is a convenient
      alternative to simple decompression without fixation or to various forms of
      instrumented or non-instrumented arthrodesis. A disadvantage associated with
      arthrodesis is a higher risk of ASD development; dynamic systems do not allow for
      reduction of spondylolisthesis and involve a change in sagittal spinal balance,
      and simple decompression carries the risk of slip progression and recurrent
      problems. CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrated that decompression combined with
      semi-rigid stabilisation had a very good effect on the clinical state of patients
      with degenerative spondylolisthesis (retrolisthesis) at medium-term follow-up.
      The procedure was less effective in other indications. Semi-rigid stabilisation
      with Isobar TTL or Isolock systems prevented the progression of anterolisthesis
      or retrolisthesis; none of the patients experienced instrumentation failure.
      Neither symptomatic restenosis nor disc herniation was found in the instrumented
      segment. Semi-rigid stabilisation can, if necessary, be converted to fusion or
      disc replacement.

PMID- 22094158
TI  - [Minimally invasive cervical elastic laminoplasty - principles and surgical
      technique].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To present a new technique of minimally invasive
      decompression of the cervical spinal canal using elastic and plastic deformation
      of the laminae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Short midline vertical incision provides an
      access to the superior aspect of the target spinous processes. Cranial edge of
      the lamina is located by a midline, muscle-sparing interspinous dissection. The
      spinous process is cut in mid-sagittal plane using a thin blade of an ultrasonic
      bone scalpel down to epidural space. The created sagittal cleavage of the spinous
      process is subjected to tension and elastic distraction by a custom-designed
      distractor (Aesculap, Germany). Gradual increase of the distraction force leads
      to a significant plastic deformation. This reduces the distraction force and
      allows for a wider exposure which, in turn, facilitates dural visualization,
      resection of the yellow ligament and undercutting of approximately a half of the
      adjacent intact laminae. After completion of decompression, the plastic arch
      expansion can be maintained either by interposed bone-graft or appropriately
      shaped cage secured by a circumferential suture to the spinous process. Soft
      tissue resection and permanent expansion of the laminae provide sufficient
      decompression of the cervical spinal cord. In multilevel stenosis, the desired
      laminae can be expanded using this technique. To achieve the same degree of canal
      expansion as that by a classic laminoplasty (C3-7), a skip technique can be
      utilized. This involves combining expansive laminoplasty of C4 and C6 with
      bilateral undercutting of C5 and partial undercutting of C3 and C7. This can be
      achieved through two short vertical incisions. Based on data and experience
      gained from testing on 11 cadavers, we applied this method in 7 patients
      requiring posterior cervical decompression. RESULTS: The spinous process or
      laminae fractured during expansion in the initial 4 patients and the procedure
      required conversion to a minimally invasive laminectomy. Further modification of
      the distractor and spinous process splitting technique resulted in elimination of
      this complication in subsequent cases. In all remaining patients, sufficient
      canal expansion was achieved by soft tissue resection and distraction of laminae,
      typically reaching 5 - 8 mm. Minimally-invasive muscle-sparing midline approach
      provided very positive functional results in terms of postoperative pain and
      range of motion allowing for immediate mobilization without external bracing.
      CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive, muscle sparing, expansive laminoplasty provides
      adequate spinal canal expansion. Use of this technique and its muscle-sparing
      nature potentially result in improvement of early functional outcomes when
      compared to standard laminoplasty techniques requiring lateral lamina-facet
      border exposure. However, the theoretical superiority of this technique will need
      to be clinically scrutinized in a well designed surgical outcome study.

PMID- 22094159
TI  - [Vertebral body augmentation using a vertebral body stent].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures can be treated by
      minimally invasive percutaneous vertebral augmentation with bone cement using
      vertebroplasty or balloon kyphoplasty. Transcutaneous reduction and vertebral
      body stenting has been the most recent principle. In contrast to balloon
      placement in kyphoplasty, the stent remains in the vertebral body and supports
      both the vertebral body and cement filling. In this retrospective study we
      present the essential information on the method and our first results. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: The method of vertebral body stent placement was used in 22 patients
      treated at 29 levels. Of these, 19 patients with 26 segments followed up for 3
      months were evaluated. The group included 12 women and seven men with an average
      age of 68.3 years (12 to 83). The patients assessed their subjective complaints
      on the visual analogue scale (VAS) before surgery, and then at 1, 6 and 12 weeks
      post-operatively. The value of vertebral body reduction was obtained by
      measurement of anterior, middle and posterior vertebral body heights (AVBH, MVBH
      and PVBH, respectively) and a change in the vertebral body kyphotic angle (VBKA).
      RESULTS: Twenty-four vertebrae were treated for osteoporotic fracture and two as
      preventive stenting in metastatic breast cancer. In 24 fractures, the stents
      extended fully in 20 vertebrae, i.e., 40 stents. These fractures evidently were
      not older than 3 months. In four segments, a total of eight stents did not extend
      at all or did only slightly. The 20 stabilised vertebral bodies had an average
      AVBH value of 19.41 mm pre-operatively and that of 22.775 mm post-operatively,
      which is an average increase by 3.365 mm in absolute numbers and by 17.34 %. The
      average pre- and post-operative MVBH values were 16.625 mm and 23.065 mm, which
      was improvement by 6.41 mm or by 38.56 %. The average PVBH values pre- and post
      operatively were 26.835 mm and 28.31 mm, which meant improvement by 1.475 mm or
      by 5.5 %. The average correction of the kyphotic angle was 4.58 degrees , i.e.,
      35.2 %, from a VBKA of 11.71 degrees  pre-operatively to 7.13 degrees  post
      operatively. There were five cases (22.7 %) of cement leakage, i.e., two of
      ventral leakage, one of lateral leakage, one of dorsal leakage through a canal
      left in the pedicle by cannula insertion, and a dorsal leakage in metastatic
      disease. No neurological findings were recorded. The average VAS scores were as
      follows: 81.4 before surgery, 30.6 at 1 week, 16.3 at 6 weeks and 15.4 at 12
      weeks after surgery. DISCUSSION: Two experimental and one clinical study on
      vertebral body stenting only have been available in the recent relevant
      literature. In comparison with their results as well as with those of previous
      reports on vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, our results showed high quality
      fracture reduction in all vertebrae. The rapid decrease in pain intensity in our
      group is comparable with all available groups treated by any method of vertebral
      body augmentation by cement injection; and cement leakage was recorded in even
      fewer cases. CONCLUSIONS: The novel method of vertebral body stenting with cement
      augmentation provides a rapid pain relief, gives stability to fracture reduction
      and has a low rate of cement leakage. However, care must be taken not to indicate
      cases with a damaged posterior corticalis of the vertebral body.

PMID- 22094160
TI  - [Reduction of radiation exposure by the use of fluoroscopic guidance in
      transpedicular instrumentation].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The variability in width, height, and orientation of spinal
      pedicles makes pedicle screw insertion a delicate operation. Fluoroscopic
      guidance often exposes the patient and especially surgeons to relatively high
      doses of ionising radiation. The use of pulsed fluoroscopy is safer, as compared
      to continuous fluoroscopy, because of reduced radiation exposure. There are
      increasing numbers of literature reports regarding the high doses of radiation to
      which orthopaedic and spine surgeons are exposed during surgical procedures.
      Spine surgery can be associated with significant radiation exposure to the
      surgical staff. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare a computer
      assisted navigation with a conventional procedure in order to assess if it is
      possible to reduce radiation exposure while preserving the accuracy of screw
      placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first "conventional" group consisted of 30
      patients, with an average of 1.9 segments of the lumbar spine stabilised. Screws
      were inserted transpedicularly under image intensifier guidance. In the second
      "navigated" group of 30 patients, stabilisation of 1,8 segments was performed on
      average. A CT-free fluoroscopic 2D spinal navigation system (VectorVision, Brain
      LAB, Germany) was used intra-operatively. It combines image-guided surgery with C
      arm fluoroscopy. For each surgery (navigated or not), the duration of irradiation
      was recorded. The irradiation duration was collected from the X-ray image
      intensifier. In both groups the screw positioning accuracy was controlled intra
      operatively according to Learch's, Acikbas's, and Whitecloud's methods from AP
      and lateral images and by meticulous pedicle palpation. RESULTS: The irradiation
      duration calculated to one vertebra (two screws) was significantly shorter in the
      second (navigated) group (3.4 s) than in the first (conventional) group (14.4 s).
      The mean duration of data registration was 6.0 minutes (range, 3 to 11 minutes).
      The mean ratio according to Acikbas's calculation method was 43.2 % (range, 32 %
      to 74 %) in the first (conventional) group and 44.1 % (range, 35 % to 76 %) in
      the second (navigated) group. DISCUSSION: During a conventional surgical
      procedure many X-ray images are made to control the accuracy of screw insertion.
      If the trajectory is not satisfying, it must be corrected or the pedicle is
      drilled again, always with a new fluoroscopic control. The process is repeated
      until satisfactory orientation is achieved. This is the explanation for a much
      longer duration of irradiation in conventional procedures. Navigation facilitates
      the surgical act, enabling us to acquire the right position of all screws, with
      only an AP image and a lateral image at the beginning of instrumentation for data
      registration; prolongation of the operative time is irrelevant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Navigation allows us to keep the same accuracy of pedicle screw placement while
      reducing radiation exposure of the surgeons and operating room staff by about one
      quarter. In multiple-level vertebral instrumentations this reduction is more
      pronounced. In centres where many procedures involving spine instrumentation are
      done every day, the "saved" exposure time can amount to hours.

PMID- 22094161
TI  - [Experiences and first outcome of posterior ankle arthroscopy].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Many hind foot problems can be treated by endoscopic
      procedures. It is essential to identify the best candidates for this treatment
      and also to assess the risk associated with these surgeries. Here we present our
      first experience with posterior ankle arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between
      September 2007 and September 2009, we performed 21 arthroscopic procedures on the
      posterior ankle (one-stage combined anterior and posterior surgery, 11x;
      posterior procedure, 7x; two-stage anterior and posterior surgery, 3x). The group
      included 21 patients, 18 men and three women, with an average age of 36 years (20
      to 64) at the time of surgery. The average follow-up was 27 months (16 to 38).
      Both posterolateral and posteromedial approaches were used, with major landmarks
      being the processus posterior tali, posterior talofibular ligament and long
      flexor tendon of the big toe. Surgery was performed by experienced specialists.
      Outcome evaluation was based on the AOFAS and Kitaoka clinical rating scales and
      the complication rate. RESULTS: In our group, the diagnoses treated by
      arthroscopic surgery were as follows: arthrofibrosis (16x; 76 %), hypertrophic
      processus posterior tali (13x; 62 %), and loose intra-articular bodies (8x; 38
      %). All patients reported improvement in clinical condition after surgery. The
      differences between the mean pre- and post-operative values were 24 points for
      the AOFAS score (58 versus 82; p<0.00015) and 23 points for the Kitaoka score (58
      versus 81; p < 0.00015). The most effective outcomes were achieved in the
      patients operated on for loose bodies or hypertrophic processus posterior tali.
      The worst result was found in the patient with advanced arthritis of the ankle
      that had to undergo arthrodesis 13 months following arthroscopic treatment. There
      were eight complications in five patients (24 %), including excessive bleeding in
      five cases, temporary loss of sensation in two, and a damaged tendon of the long
      flexor of the big toe. DISCUSSION: Arthroscopic surgery has recently been
      advocated by many authors. The majority of them have reported good results and an
      acceptable risk of complications. Almost all use either the posteromedial or the
      lateral approach, which are anatomically safe procedures. Surgery is followed by
      a thorough rehabilitation programme that allows most patients to resume their
      normal daily activities in 8 weeks. Our results were not so good because we
      mostly treated post-traumatic conditions, with advanced ankle arthritis in
      several patients. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy is an effective method for treating
      both intra- and extra-articular pathologies in the posterior ankle. The best
      effect of treatment was recorded in posterior tibiotalar impingement syndrome or
      after extraction of loose intra-articular bodies. In advanced ankle arthritis, on
      the other hand, the use of arthroscopic treatment should be carefully considered.
      The risk of complications is high and the procedure requires good knowledge of
      anatomy and high surgical skills.

PMID- 22094162
TI  - [Lumbo-pelvic stabilisation following subtotal sacrectomy due to a giant invasive
      schwannoma. Case report].
AB  - The case of a rare giant invasive schwannoma of the sacrum is presented. This is
      a slow-growing tumour reaching a large size because of non-specific symptoms.
      Even though it is benign in nature, it has characteristics markedly differing
      from commonly-known neurinomas; it invades and destroys bone, on MR examination
      it shows a heterogeneous structure reminiscent of a malignant process and its
      growth around the nerve roots makes nerve dissection in the cauda equina very
      complicated. At the time of diagnosis a major part of the sacral bone is usually
      destroyed and nerve root dissection is very difficult. In this case, because of
      removal of most of the tissue, an almost complete sacrectomy was necessary
      including the sacral roots with the exception of S1. At the second stage, lumbo
      pelvic stabilisation was carried out using the modified Galveston technique.
      Since only a very few similar cases have been reported, it is not possible to
      predict the post-operative outcome in terms of potential recurrence or residual
      progression. In our patient a small residuum was stable even at 37 months after
      surgery. She remained incontinent after surgery, but able to walk unaided.
      Radiographic examination showed the osteosynthetic material without signs of
      loosening and in a good position.

PMID- 22094163
TI  - [Solitary distal femoral osteosarcoma in 89-year-old woman. Case report].
AB  - The authors describe the case of an 89-year-old patient with a one-month history
      of pain in the right knee and a pathological fracture of the distal femur.
      Excisional biopsy showed a classical osteogenic sarcoma. The patient died after
      six months of palliative surgical and oncological therapy; her primary disease
      generalised and progressed with numerous metastases. The authors discuss the
      possibilities of histological diagnostics of osteogenic sarcoma and its
      differential diagnosis. They draw attention to a possible occurrence of this type
      of sarcoma also in elderly patients, and not only in adolescents.

PMID- 22094164
TI  - [C-sign and talocalcaneal coalition].
AB  - Talocalcaneal coalition is an abnormal bridge between talus and calcaneus,
      causing pain and restriction of subtalar movement; its incidence is less than 1
      %. The signs and symptoms usually become manifest in the second decade of life
      with ossification of the lesion. They involve flat foot, peroneal muscle spasm,
      tarsal tunnel syndrome, or valgus tilt of the heel. The sings need not be
      noticeable and may appear only as tiredness and vague pain in the hind foot after
      exercise or an easily twisted ankle. The authors describe the case of
      talocalcaneal coalition in a 20-year-old man, incidentally diagnosed at ankle
      fracture. The presence of C-sign led to CT examination and the exact diagnosis.
      Radiological demonstration of this abnormality may be difficult because plain X
      ray images in both projections may show normal findings. Literature data report,
      in addition to C-sign, further secondary signs of talocalcaneal coalition present
      on lateral radiographs of the ankle joint. Although these signs do not directly
      point to talocalcaneal coalition, they reveal abnormal anatomy or movement of the
      joint and may initiate more thorough examination by CT or MRI and the
      establishment of an exact diagnosis. Therefore, to know the secondary signs and
      pay attention to them is very useful.

PMID- 22094165
TI  - Stress fibers stabilize the position of intranuclear DNA through mechanical
      connection with the nucleus in vascular smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Actin stress fibers (SFs) running across the top surface of the nucleus in
      vascular smooth muscle cells were dissected using laser nano-dissection technique
      to release its pretension, and the dynamic behavior of SFs, nucleus, and
      intranuclear DNA were investigated. SFs shortened across the top surface of the
      nuclei after their dissection. The nuclei moved in the direction of SF
      retraction, and showed marked local deformation, indicating that SFs firmly
      connected to the nuclear surface. Intranuclear DNA located near and around the
      dissected SFs disappeared and their distribution changed markedly. These findings
      suggest that SFs stabilize the position of intranuclear chromatin through
      mechanical connection with the nucleus. The tension of SFs may be transmitted
      mechanically to the nucleus inducing conformational changes of intranuclear
      chromatin.

PMID- 22094166
TI  - Human immunodeficiency virus-1 Rev protein activates hepatitis C virus gene
      expression by directly targeting the HCV 5'-untranslated region.
AB  - Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) accelerates hepatitis C disease progression; however, the mechanism
      underlying this effect is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of HIV-1 in HCV
      gene expression and the mechanism involved in this regulation. We discovered that
      HIV-1 Rev protein activates HCV gene expression. We further revealed that Rev
      binds to the internal loop of the HCV 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) to
      stimulate HCV IRES-mediated translation.

PMID- 22094167
TI  - The chromophore structure of the long-lived intermediate of the C128T
      channelrhodopsin-2 variant.
AB  - The photocycle of the light-activated channel, channelrhodopsin-2 C128T, has been
      studied by resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy focussing on the intermediates P380
      and P353 that constitute a side pathway in the recovery of the parent state. The
      P353 species displays a UV-vis absorption spectrum with a fine-structure
      reminiscent of the reduced-retro form of bacteriorhodopsin, whereas the
      respective RR spectra differ substantially. Instead, the RR spectra of the
      P380/P353 intermediate couple are closely related to that of a free retinal in
      the all-trans configuration. These findings imply that the parent state recovery
      via P380/P353 involves the transient hydrolysis and re-formation of the retinal
      protein linkage.

PMID- 22094168
TI  - Parent, sibling and peer influences on smoking initiation, regular smoking and
      nicotine dependence. Results from a genetically informative design.
AB  - We sought to determine whether parenting, sibling and peer influences are
      associated with offspring ever smoking, regular smoking and nicotine dependence
      (ND) after controlling for familial factors. We used a twin-family design and
      data from structured diagnostic surveys of 1919 biological offspring (ages 12-32
      years), 1107 twin fathers, and 1023 mothers. Offspring were classified into one
      of four familial risk groups based on twin fathers' and their co-twins' history
      of DSM-III-R nicotine dependence. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression
      was used to model familial risk, paternal and maternal parenting behavior and
      substance use, sibling substance use, and friend and school peer smoking, alcohol
      and drug use. Ever smoking was associated with increasing offspring age, white
      race, high maternal pressure to succeed in school, sibling drug use, and friend
      smoking, alcohol and drug use. Offspring regular smoking was associated with
      these same factors with additional contribution from maternal ND. Offspring ND
      was associated with increasing offspring age, male gender, biological parents
      divorce, high genetic risk from father and mother ND, maternal problem drinking,
      maternal rule inconsistency and sibling drug use, and friend smoking, alcohol and
      drug use. Friend smoking had the largest magnitude of association with offspring
      smoking. This effect remains after accounting for familial liability and numerous
      parent and sibling level effects. Smoking interventions may have greatest impact
      by targeting smoking prevention among peer groups in adolescent and young adult
      populations.

PMID- 22094169
TI  - Do drinking motives mediate the association between sexual assault and problem
      drinking?
AB  - Sexual assault and problem drinking are both prevalent in college women and are
      interrelated. Findings from cross-sectional research indicate that motives to
      drink to decrease negative affect (coping motives) or to increase positive affect
      (enhancement motives) are partial mediators of the sexual assault-problem
      drinking relation. However, no published longitudinal studies have examined these
      relations. The current study tests a longitudinal model and examines coping and
      enhancement motives as potential mediators. Participants were 131 female
      undergraduates who completed baseline measures of self-reported sexual assault
      victimization and problem drinking. Coping and enhancement motives were measured
      at three-month follow up; problem drinking was measured at six-month follow-up.
      Analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated direct and indirect
      paths in the sexual assault-problem drinking relation. Zero-order correlations
      indicated significant, positive relations among drinking motives, sexual assault,
      and drinking variables. Longitudinally, mediation was evident for coping but not
      enhancement motives. Ultimately, findings were most consistent with self
      medication hypotheses about the sexual assault - problem drinking relation -
      i.e., drinking in order to gain relief from symptoms or problems.

PMID- 22094170
TI  - Cocaine and its metabolites in the placenta: a systematic review of the
      literature.
AB  - It is clear that cocaine and cocaine metabolites are present in the placenta and
      may harm the fetus. The results of the experimental manipulation of cocaine
      exposure are not reported in the literature in a consistent manner. We conducted
      a systematic review of selected articles that demonstrated the analytical
      detection of cocaine and its metabolites in the placenta and that were published
      from January 1, 1956-June 30, 2011 using Medline, Toxline and Scopus databases.
      The collected data confirm that the placenta does not act as a barrier to fetal
      exposure, that cocaine quickly crosses the placenta and that one of the essential
      roles of the placenta is to metabolize cocaine during pregnancy. Our systematic
      review summarized the results showing that cocaine, benzoylecgonine and
      norcocaine are stored in the myometrium and the placental membrane and maintain
      continuous drug delivery to the amniotic fluid (and to the fetus) probably via
      diffusion.

PMID- 22094171
TI  - Community and household socioeconomic factors associated with pesticide-using,
      small farm household members' health: a multi-level, longitudinal analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longitudinal studies using multi-level models to examine health
      inequalities in lower and middle income countries (LMICs) are rare. We explored
      socio-economic gradients in health among small farm members participating in a
      pesticide-related health and agriculture program in highland Ecuador. METHODS: We
      profiled 24 communities through key informant interviews, secondary data (percent
      of population with unsatisfied basic needs), and intervention implementation
      indicators. Pre (2005) and post (2007) surveys of the primary household and crop
      managers included common questions (education, age, and the health outcome -
      digit span scaled 0-10)) and pesticide-related practice questions specific to
      each. Household assets and pesticide use variables were shared across managers.
      We constructed multi-level models predicting 2007 digit span for each manager
      type, with staged introduction of predictor variables. RESULTS: 376 household
      managers (79% of 2005 participants) and 380 crop managers (76% of 2005
      participants) had complete data for analysis. The most important predictor of
      2007 digit span was 2005 digit span: beta (Standard Error) of 0.31(0.05) per unit
      for household and 0.17(0.04) for crop managers. Household asset score was next
      most important: 0.14(0.06) per unit for household and 0.14(0.05) for crop
      managers. Community percent with unsatisfied basic needs was associated with
      reductions in 2007 digit span: -0.04(0.01) per percent for household and 
      0.03(0.01) for crop managers. CONCLUSIONS: The important roles of life endowments
      and/or persistent neurotoxicity were exemplified by limited change in the health
      outcome. Gradients by household assets and community deprivation were indicative
      of ongoing, structural inequities within this LMIC.

PMID- 22094172
TI  - Virus-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome: epidemiology, management and
      outcome.
AB  - The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be induced by viral diseases,
      with two virus types being responsible: respiratory viruses that cause community
      acquired viral pneumonia and Herpesviridae that cause nosocomial viral pneumonia.
      Among the respiratory viruses that can affect the lung and cause ARDS, pandemic
      viruses head the list, with influenza viruses H5N1 and H1N1 2009 being the most
      recently identified. However, other viruses can cause severe ARDS. Notably, a
      novel coronavirus was responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome
      outbreak in 2003. Apart from these pandemic viruses, respiratory viruses are
      rarely responsible for viral pneumonia and ARDS. Other than antiviral drug
      (mainly oseltamivir) administration and avoidance of corticosteroids, management
      of ARDS due to these viruses does not differ from that for ARDS caused by other
      diseases. Among Herpesviridae, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus
      (CMV) are the two viruses causing nosocomial viral pneumonia that can evolve into
      ARDS. HSV is frequently recovered in the respiratory tract of mechanically
      ventilated patients and can sometimes be responsible for HSV bronchopneumonitis.
      Although not evaluated for this indication, acyclovir can be a therapeutic option
      for patients with HSV bronchopneumonitis and ARDS. CMV pneumonia can also occur
      in mechanically ventilated patients, but is difficult to diagnose because virus
      recovery does not necessarily mean viral disease. Ganciclovir can be considered
      for patients with ARDS and histology- or cytology-proven CMV pneumonia.

PMID- 22094173
TI  - [Publication of MD theses at Brest University Medical School: current situation
      and courses of action].

PMID- 22094174
TI  - Coordinated multidisciplinary care for ambulatory Huntington's disease patients.
      Evaluation of 18 months of implementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary outpatient department was set up in the northern
      part of the Netherlands because of a local lack of adequate treatment and care
      for Huntington's disease (HD)patients. Outreaching multidisciplinary care is a
      novel way to optimise functioning and quality of life of HD patients. The vast
      majority of patients want to stay home as long as possible. Huntington's disease
      is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder leading to complete disability and
      long term residence in a specialised institution. In this paper we outline this
      new type of treatment and give the results of 1.5 year, we also present the
      results of an inquiry on the appreciation of the working method. METHODS: In the
      first project half (1.5 yr) 28 patients were seen as had been anticipated. The
      multidisciplinary team consisting of an institutional physician, a psychologist,
      a speech and language therapist, a social worker, an occupational therapist and a
      case manager, assesses the stage of the disease and formulates, coordinates and
      implements the individual care and treatment plan in the home situation. After
      1.5 year a questionnaire on the appreciation of the department was sent to
      patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, the lay organisation and Dutch
      "experts in the field". RESULTS: For the 28 HD patients a total of 242 problems
      and actions were verbalised in the care plan, which was accepted by the majority
      of the patients. Especially informal caregivers, the lay organisation and the
      Dutch "experts in the field" were enthusiastic on the outreaching and
      multidisciplinary nature of the department. The verdict over the continuance of
      the clinic was positive and unanimous. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that
      coordinating outreaching multidisciplinary care from an outpatient clinic into
      the dwelling place of the patient is feasible and appreciated.

PMID- 22094175
TI  - [Neurotization of the deep branch of ulnar nerve with anterior interosseous
      nerve: anatomic study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The paralysis of the deep branch of ulnar nerve has major
      consequences on the motricity of the hand that will be felt as more handicapping
      by the patient than the sensory deficit. The current treatment of ulnar nerve
      lesions is suture or nerve graft in first intention and is essentially palliative
      in case of failure. We were interested in the anatomy of the anterior
      interosseous nerve and the deep branch of ulnar nerve to know if neurotization
      using direct suture of these two branches was possible in every case. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Our anatomical study was done on 15 upper limbs. We dissected the
      branch of the anterior interosseous nerve innervating the pronator quadratus
      muscle and performed an intraneural dissection of the deep branch of ulnar nerve.
      The distance between these two branches was then measured. RESULTS: The mean
      distance separating the deep branch of ulnar nerve and the anterior interosseous
      nerve is 2.5mm (-10-10). The direct suture of these two branches is possible in
      every case of this study. The macroscopic calibre of both branches is similar.
      DISCUSSION: Our study shows that the neurotization of the deep branch of ulnar
      nerve with the anterior interosseous nerve is possible in every case using direct
      suture, the wrist can be immobilised temporarily in flexion to reduce the
      tension. Ustun et al. as well as Wang and Zhu showed that their calibre and the
      number of axons is similar. We think that neurotization of the deep branch of
      ulnar nerve with the anterior interosseous nerve can be realized in first
      intention in case of high lesion of ulnar nerve. There is no major functional
      loss due to the paralysis of the pronator quadratus muscle. CONCLUSION:
      Neurotization of the deep branch of ulnar nerve with the anterior interosseous
      nerve has no major functional loss and gives possible recovery of all the
      intrinsic muscles innervated by the deep branch of ulnar nerve. This
      neurotisation can be considered as an alternative to the usual techniques of
      direct suture or nerve graft, in case of lesion above mid forearm.

PMID- 22094176
TI  - [A bilateral and symmetric anatomic variation of a lombrical muscle causing a
      trigger finger].
AB  - Trigger finger is a very common disease. The vast majority of trigger fingers are
      primary idiopathic trigger fingers. We report the case of a bilateral and
      symmetric triggering of the fifth finger secondary to an anatomical variation of
      the lumbrical muscle. This lumbrical muscle arose from the flexor digitorum
      superficialis instead of the flexor digitorum profundus as is usual. To our
      knowledge, this is the third published case of trigger finger caused by an
      anatomical abnormality of a lumbrical muscle.

PMID- 22094177
TI  - [Techniques of peripheral nerves repair: evolution of the literature from 1950 to
      2010].
AB  - The life expectancy of technological innovations is estimated at 50years. In
      medicine, these cycles were poorly studied. The purpose of this work was to study
      the time-evolution of publications concerning the techniques of repair of the
      peripheral nerves (TRPN). We listed the publications concerning TRPN since their
      appearance in the medical literature until nowadays, then studied their evolution
      in the time. We looked in "Medline((r))" for the publications on TRPN between
      1950 and 2010. The direct techniques were published 156 times. The sutures and
      the biological glue appear in 1966 and the laser in 1979. The indirect techniques
      were published 199 times. The nerve guides appear in 1956, the vein grafts in
      1965, the nerve grafts in 1977. In the decade 2000-2010, the literature produced
      as many publications on TRPN (181) as in the half-century from 1950 to 2000
      (174). Conversely, the global medical literature produced twice as few
      publications in the decade 2000-2010 (7000000) than in the half-century 1950-2000
      (13000000). Several hypotheses can be evoked: encouragement of scientific
      publication, the development of functional surgery, the augmentation of
      microsurgery education.

PMID- 22094178
TI  - The "peg test": a novel technique for dexterity evaluation in hand immobilized
      with a splint.
AB  - Manual dexterity tests are difficult to apply in the clinical practice. They are
      either destined for specific lesions, or are rather complicated and time
      consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new manual dexterity test for
      hand immobilized with a splint: the "peg test". Our series included 86 persons
      (without any hand trauma or disease) of mean age 42 years of which 77 were right
      handed. Materials included five pegs, splints immobilizing the DIP joint, a desk
      and a stopwatch. Each subject moved the pegs from a horizontal to a vertical
      position using the thumb-ring pinch grip. This was repeated three times without a
      splint, with a palmar splint, with a simple dorsal splint and with a dorsal
      splint glued to the nail, then once more without a splint. A time score was
      recorded for each trial. A point was deduced at each fall of a peg for result
      analysis. Results showed that a learning curve affected performance, but that
      dominance and age before learning had no effect. After learning performance
      diminished with these variables in the following order: without splint, then more
      so with a glued splint, even more with a simple dorsal splint and most with a
      palmar one. The peg test fulfills metrological requirements of dexterity tests:
      test-retest (intra-observer) reliability (reproducibility), inter-observer
      reliability (both measured by correlation coefficient), and validity of
      instrument of measurement. Simple, rapid and reliable, it is perfectly adapted to
      manual dexterity evaluation in hand immobilized with a splint.

PMID- 22094179
TI  - Use of a common laboratory glassware detergent improves recovery of
      Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis from lettuce, herbs and
      raspberries.
AB  - The success of any protocol designed to detect parasitic protozoa on produce must
      begin with an efficient initial wash step. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora
      cayetanensis oocysts were seeded onto herbs, lettuces and raspberries, eluted
      with one of four wash solutions and the recovered number of oocysts determined
      via fluorescent microscopy. Recovery rates for fluorescein thiosemicarbazide
      labeled C. parvum oocysts seeded onto spinach and raspberries and washed with de
      ionized water were 38.4 +/- 10.1% and 34.9 +/- 6.2%, respectively. Two
      alternative wash solutions viz. 1M glycine, pH 5.5 and a detachment solution were
      tested also using labeled C. parvum seeded spinach and raspberries. No
      statistically significant difference was noted in the recovery rates. However, a
      wash solution containing 0.1% Alconox, a laboratory glassware detergent, resulted
      in a significant improvement in oocyst recovery. 72.6 +/- 6.6% C. parvum oocysts
      were recovered from basil when washed with 0.1% Alconox compared to 47.9 +/- 5.8%
      using detachment solution. Also, C. cayetanensis oocysts were seeded onto
      lettuces, herbs and raspberries and the recovery using de-ionized water were
      compared to 0.1% Alconox wash: basil 17.5 +/- 5.0% to 76.1 +/- 14.0%, lollo rosso
      lettuce 38.3 +/- 5.5% to 72.5 +/- 8.1%, Tango leaf lettuce 45.9 +/- 5.4% to 71.1
      +/- 7.8% and spring mix (mesclun) 39.8 +/- 0.7% to 80.2 +/- 11.3%, respectively.
      These results suggest that the use of Alconox in a wash solution significantly
      improves recovery resulting in the detection of these parasitic protozoa on high
      risk foods.

PMID- 22094180
TI  - Diversity of the heterotrophic microbial populations for distinguishing natural
      mineral waters.
AB  - In the recent years the consumption of natural mineral waters has risen all over
      the world, becoming a usual alternative for tap water and other beverages.
      Natural mineral waters are complex environments containing a high diversity of
      autochthonous microbiota. The identification and characterization of this
      indigenous microbiota may help to detect changes occurring in the different steps
      of the bottling process and take preventive measures before the bottled water
      arrives to the consumer. The aims of this study were to describe the bacterial
      heterotrophic populations in natural mineral waters with a cultivation-dependent
      method and determine whether their autochthonous microbiota were specific enough
      to be clearly distinguished from that of other natural mineral waters with a
      phenotypic-based method. For this purpose, water from three independent Spanish
      springs was sampled in two seasons (winter and summer) and heterotrophic aerobic
      bacterial strains were isolated at two temperatures (22 +/- 2 degrees C and 36 +/
      2 degrees C) on R2A agar. Isolates were phenotyped biochemically with Php-48
      plates (Bactus AB, Sweden), and the indexes of diversity and similarity between
      populations were calculated. The 16S rRNA gene of the most representative strains
      of each biochemical cluster was sequenced for its identification. Finally, a ten
      fold cross-validation method was assayed for the identification of the origin of
      a natural mineral water when phenotyping a set of isolates. High levels of
      diversity were found at all sites. One of the sources was found to present less
      diversity due to a confirmed contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study
      of the similarities showed that growing temperatures and seasons caused
      significant differences in structures and composition at the sources. In
      addition, several bacterial species were isolated and identified, some of them
      rarely isolated in natural mineral waters, revealing the complexity and lack of
      knowledge of these ecosystems. Consequently, the applied phenotypic methodology
      was found to be feasible for differential identification of microbiota in these
      environments. Moreover, the experimental model assayed was strong enough to
      identify the origin of a natural mineral water. It may thus be possible to
      confirm that the evaluation of diversity of heterotrophic aerobic bacterial
      populations could be applied to identify bottled water sources.

PMID- 22094181
TI  - Virulence factors and genetic variability of Staphylococcus aureus strains
      isolated from raw sheep's milk cheese.
AB  - Contamination of dairy products with Staphylococcus aureus can be of animal or
      human origin. The host pathogen relationship is an important factor determining
      genetic polymorphism of the strains and their potential virulence. The aim of the
      present study was to carry out an extensive characterization of virulence factors
      and to study the genetic variability of S. aureus strains isolated from raw ewe's
      milk cheese. A total of 100 S. aureus strains isolated from cheese samples
      produced in 10 artisan cheese factories were analyzed for the presence of
      enterotoxins (sea-see) and enterotoxins-like genes (seh, sek, sel, sem, seo,
      sep), leukocidins, exfoliatins, haemolysins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST
      1) and the accessory gene regulator alleles (agr). Strains were also typed using
      pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). AMOVA analysis carried out on PFGE and
      PCR data showed that the major component explaining genetic distance between
      strains was the dairy of origin. Of the total isolates 81% had a pathogenicity
      profile ascribable to "animal" biovar while 16% could be related to "human"
      biovar. The biovar allowed to estimate the most likely origin of the
      contamination. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of nine antimicrobial
      agents and the presence of the corresponding genes coding for antibiotic
      resistance was also investigated. 18 strains carrying blaZ gene showed resistance
      to ampicillin and penicillin and 6 strains carrying tetM gene were resistant to
      tetracycline. The presence of mecA gene and methicillin resistance, typical of
      strains of human origin, was never detected. The results obtained in the present
      study confirm that S. aureus contamination in artisan cheese production is mainly
      of animal origin.

PMID- 22094182
TI  - Parental and child fruit consumption in the context of general parenting,
      parental education and ethnic background.
AB  - This study examines the association between parental and child fruit consumption
      in the context of general parenting, parental education and ethnic background. A
      cross-sectional study was performed among 1762 parent-child dyads. Mean age of
      the children was 8 years. One parent completed a questionnaire to measure their
      own and their child's fruit consumption, parenting style, education level and
      ethnicity. In mediation and moderation analyses, child fruit consumption was
      regressed on parental fruit consumption, parenting style, parental education and
      ethnicity. Participating children consumed on average 7.5 pieces of fruit per
      week. Fourteen percent met the recommended Dutch norm of two pieces of fruit per
      day. Parental and child fruit consumption were positively associated. The
      association was more pronounced under higher levels of psychological control and
      behavioural control, and among ethnic groups. Additionally, parental education
      and child fruit consumption were positively associated. Parental fruit
      consumption partially mediated this association. Interventions are needed to
      increase child fruit consumption. Interventions should focus on increasing
      parental fruit consumption and positive parental modelling, with particular focus
      on low-SES families. Additionally, interventions that combine positive modelling
      with positive general parenting skills (e.g. increasing behavioural control) may
      be more effective than interventions that focus on parental modelling alone.

PMID- 22094183
TI  - Pancreatic dual-source dual-energy CT: is it time to discard unenhanced imaging?
AB  - AIM: To compare pancreatic virtual unenhanced (VUE) and true unenhanced (TUE)
      images and to calculate the potential dose reduction by omitting the conventional
      unenhanced scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with known or
      suspected pancreatic masses underwent contrast-enhanced computed-tomography (CT)
      during unenhanced and portal venous phases acquired in single-energy (SE) mode,
      and pancreatic parenchymal phase acquired in dual-energy (DE) mode. The image
      quality (IQ) and image noise (IN) of TUE and VUE images were evaluated. The
      effective dose of a combined DE/SE dual-phase protocol was compared with that of
      a theoretical standard SE triple-phase protocol. The results were tested for
      statistical significance using the Cohen's k, the Wilcoxon's signed rank test,
      and the paired t-test; p-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.
      RESULTS: Mean TUE and VUE IQ were 1.5 +/- 0.6 and 1.6 +/- 0.6 (k = 0.891), with
      no significant difference (p > 0.05). Mean TUE and VUE IN were 12.3 +/- 1.6 and
      10.3 +/- 1.5 HU, and resulted significantly different (p < 0.001). Mean effective
      doses for a combined DE/SE dual-phase protocol and SE triple-phase protocol were
      8.9 +/- 2.4 mSv (range 4.8-16.2 mSv) and 12.1 +/- 3.1 mSv (range 6.4-21.1 mSv).
      The calculated mean dose reduction achievable by omitting the unenhanced scan was
      26.7 +/- 9.7% (range 10-46.1; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: VUE images are feasible for
      pancreatic abdominal CT. A combined DE/SE dual-phase protocol permits a
      significant reduction in dose exposure to patients.

PMID- 22094184
TI  - Extra-pulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis.
AB  - Although, the diagnosis and evaluation of sarcoidosis has traditionally remained
      confined to the chest, its multi-system nature has been widely recognized.
      Radiological features of pulmonary sarcoidosis are well known but extra-pulmonary
      manifestations can produce a plethora of non-specific imaging findings that can
      affect subcutaneous tissue, and the neurological, cardiac, gastrointestinal,
      urological, liver, spleen, and skeletal systems. In the literature, there are
      various case reports and specific system reviews but there are few reviews that
      encompass all the extra-pulmonary manifestations. In this paper, we
      comprehensively review the imaging features of extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis with
      characteristic features as well as atypical presentations. In addition, we
      discuss the emerging role of nuclear medicine in sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22094185
TI  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura triggered by influenza A virus subtype H1N1
      infection.
AB  - We report a case of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) triggered
      by influenza A virus subtype H1N1 infection. In December 2010, a 27-year-old man
      was diagnosed with pneumonia from influenza A virus infection at a local clinic.
      Two days later, he was admitted to our hospital because of a worsening condition
      and unexplained thrombocytopenia. The influenza A virus subtype H1N1 real-time
      polymerase chain reaction test was positive. The patient had typical clinical
      signs of TTP, thus he was diagnosed with TTP. He received treatment with
      oseltamivir and high dose methylprednisolone. Plasma exchange therapy was started
      daily at a 1.5 dose volume of his whole blood. After the 17th plasma exchange
      therapy, the symptoms and abnormal laboratory results had recovered to normal.
      Finally, 47 days after admission, the patient had recovered completely and was
      discharged. This case suggests that the influenza A virus subtype H1N1 infection
      may have triggered acquired TTP.

PMID- 22094186
TI  - Myostatin inhibits brown adipocyte differentiation via regulation of Smad3
      mediated beta-catenin stabilization.
AB  - Brown adipocytes play an important role in regulating energy balance, and there
      is a good correlation between obesity and the amount of brown adipose tissue.
      Although the molecular mechanism of white adipocyte differentiation has been well
      characterized, brown adipogenesis has not been studied extensively. Moreover,
      extracellular factors that regulate brown adipogenic differentiation are not
      fully understood. Here, we assessed the mechanism of the regulatory action of
      myostatin in brown adipogenic differentiation using primary brown preadipocytes.
      Our results clearly showed that differentiation of brown adipocytes was
      significantly inhibited by myostatin treatment. In addition, myostatin-induced
      suppression of brown adipogenesis was observed during the early phase of
      differentiation. Myostatin induced the phosphorylation of Smad3, which led to
      increased beta-catenin stabilization. These effects were blocked by treatment
      with a Smad3 inhibitor. Expression of brown adipocyte-related genes, such as PPAR
      gamma, UCP-1, PGC-1alpha, and PRDM16, were dramatically down-regulated by
      treatment with myostatin, and further down-regulated by co-treatment with a beta
      catenin activator. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that myostatin
      is a potent negative regulator of brown adipogenic differentiation by modulation
      of Smad3-induced beta-catenin stabilization. Our findings suggest that myostatin
      could be used as an extracellular factor in the control of brown adipocyte
      differentiation.

PMID- 22094187
TI  - A comparison of glycine- and ivermectin-mediated conformational changes in the
      glycine receptor ligand-binding domain.
AB  - Glycine receptor chloride channels are Cys-loop receptor proteins that isomerize
      between a low affinity closed state and a high affinity ion-conducting state.
      There is currently much interest in understanding the mechanisms that link
      affinity changes with conductance changes. This essentially involves an agonist
      binding in the glycine receptor ligand-binding site initiating local
      conformational changes that propagate in a wave towards the channel gate.
      However, it has proved difficult to convincingly distinguish those agonist
      induced domain movements that are critical for triggering activation from those
      that are simply local deformations to accommodate ligands in the site. We
      employed voltage-clamp fluorometry to compare conformational changes in the
      ligand-binding site in response to activation by glycine, which binds locally,
      and ivermectin, which binds in the transmembrane domain. We reasoned that
      ivermectin-mediated activation should initiate a conformational wave that
      propagates from the pore-lining domain towards the ligand-binding domain,
      eliciting conformational changes in those extracellular domains that are
      allosterically linked to the gate. We found that ivermectin indeed elicited
      conformational changes in ligand-binding domain loops C, D and F. This implies
      that conformational changes in these domains are important for activation. This
      result also provides a mechanism to explain how ivermectin potentiates glycine
      induced channel activation.

PMID- 22094188
TI  - Four-and-a-half-LIM protein 1 down-regulates estrogen receptor alpha activity
      through repression of AKT phosphorylation in human breast cancer cell.
AB  - The Four-and-a-half LIM protein 1 (FHL-1) is a member of LIM-only protein family.
      It plays important roles in proliferation and apoptosis regulation of certain
      hepatocellular carcinoma and human breast cancer. Estrogen receptor alpha
      (ERalpha) is involved in the development and progression of human breast cancer.
      IGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway also plays certain roles in the program and
      regulation of human breast cancer and ovary cancer. However, the biological
      function of FHL-1 in regulation of human breast cancer and in the cross-talk of
      estrogen and IGF signaling pathway remains largely unknown. In this paper, we
      show that FHL-1 protein interacts with ERalpha and AKT. FHL-1 represses the
      translation and transcription of estrogen receptor-responsive genes through down
      regulating AKT activation. In addition, FHL-1 is not only an ERalpha-interacting
      co-regulation protein, but also decreases the phosphorylation of AKT and ERalpha.
      Depression of endogenous FHL-1 by FHL-1 targeted small interfering RNA enhances
      the expression of these proteins and phosphorylation of AKT and ERalpha. These
      data suggest that FHL-1 may regulate ER signaling function through regulation of
      AKT activation besides the physical and functional interaction with ERalpha. By
      establishing a linkage role of the FHL-1 between the estrogen ERalpha signaling
      pathway and IGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, this study identifies that FHL-1
      proteins may be a useful molecular target for human breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 22094189
TI  - Chronic widespread pain or fibromyalgia? That is the question.

PMID- 22094190
TI  - Chronic widespread pain: from peripheral to central evolution.
AB  - Chronic pain can be classified as localised, regional or widespread, and its high
      prevalence in the general population seems to increase with age. The majority of
      cases present with musculoskeletal pain. The conditions associated with chronic
      widespread pain (CWP) are highly burdensome as their characteristic symptoms may
      include multifocal pain, fatigue, insomnia, memory difficulties and a higher rate
      of concomitant mood disorders. After many years of debate, it is still unclear
      whether CWP (central sensitisation) is an entirely explainable neurotransmitter
      related process or is partially or totally due to individual cognitive
      experiences and evaluations. The two models (neurochemical and biopsychosocial)
      also affect our ability to find therapeutic answers.

PMID- 22094191
TI  - Central pain mechanisms in chronic pain states--maybe it is all in their head.
AB  - Mechanisms underlying chronic pain differ from those underlying acute pain. In
      chronic pain states, central nervous system (CNS) factors appear to play
      particularly prominent roles. In the absence of anatomical causes of persistent
      pain, medical sub-specialities have historically applied wide-ranging labels
      (e.g., fibromyalgia (FM), irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and
      somatisation) for what now is emerging as a single common set of CNS processes.
      The hallmark of these 'centrally driven' pain conditions is a diffuse
      hyperalgesic state identifiable using experimental sensory testing, and
      corroborated by functional neuroimaging. The characteristic symptoms of these
      central pain conditions include multifocal pain, fatigue, insomnia, memory
      difficulties and a higher rate of co-morbid mood disorders. In contrast to acute
      and peripheral pain states that are responsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, central pain conditions respond best to CNS
      neuromodulating agents, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
      (SNRIs) and anticonvulsants.

PMID- 22094193
TI  - Chronic widespread pain in the spectrum of rheumatological diseases.
AB  - Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic disease characterised by musculoskeletal pain,
      chronic diffuse tension and/or stiffness in joints and muscles, fatigue, sleep
      and emotional disturbances and pressure pain sensitivity in at least 11 of 18
      tender points. There are currently no instrumental tests or specific diagnostic
      markers, and the characteristic symptoms of the disease overlap those of many
      other conditions classified in a different manner. FM is often associated with
      other diseases that act as confounding and aggravating factors, including primary
      Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). It has been reported to coexist in 25% of patients with RA, 30%
      of patients with SLE and 50% of patients with pSS. Its clinical diagnosis is not
      easy because FM-like symptoms are frequent, and its differential diagnosis with
      other causes of chronic diffuse pain is difficult. This is even more true in the
      case of patients who are positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) because,
      although sensitive, ANA positivity is not specific for SLE or connective tissue
      diseases, and can also be found in 10-15% of FM patients. Furthermore, composite
      indices such as the disease activity score (DAS)-28, which are widely used in
      everyday clinical practice and clinical trials, may be insufficient to evaluate
      real inflammatory activity in patients with RA associated with chronic pain
      syndromes such as FM, and can lead to an overestimate of disease activity in RA.
      The presence of diffuse pain in autoimmune rheumatic diseases compromises the
      quality of life of the patients, although overall mortality is not increased. A
      misdiagnosis harms the patients and the community. Rheumatologists should be able
      to recognise and distinguish primary and secondary FM, and need new guidelines
      and instruments to avoid making mistakes.

PMID- 22094192
TI  - Peripheral pain mechanisms in chronic widespread pain.
AB  - Clinical symptoms of chronic widespread pain (CWP) conditions like fibromyalgia
      (FM), include pain, stiffness, subjective weakness, and muscle fatigue. Muscle
      pain in CWP is usually described as fluctuating and often associated with local
      or generalised tenderness (hyperalgesia and/or allodynia). This tenderness
      related to muscle pain depends on increased peripheral and/or central nervous
      system responsiveness to peripheral stimuli, which can be either noxious
      (hyperalgesia) or non-noxious (allodynia). For example, patients with muscle
      hyperalgesia will rate painful muscle stimuli higher than normal controls,
      whereas patients with allodynia may perceive light touch as painful, something
      that a 'normal' individual will never describe as painful. The pathogenesis of
      such peripheral and/or central nervous system changes in CWP is unclear, but
      peripheral soft tissue changes have been implicated. Indirect evidence from
      interventions that attenuate tonic peripheral nociceptive impulses in patients
      with CWP syndromes like FM suggest that overall FM pain is dependent on
      peripheral input. More importantly, allodynia and hyperalgesia can be improved or
      abolished by removal of peripheral impulse input. Another potential mechanism for
      CWP pain is central disinhibition. However, this pain mechanism also depends on
      tonic impulse input, even if only inadequately inhibited. Thus, a promising
      approach to understanding CWP is to determine whether abnormal activity of
      receptors in deep tissues is fundamental to the development and maintenance of
      this chronic pain disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Most CWP patients present with focal
      tissue abnormalities including myofascial trigger points, ligamentous trigger
      points or osteoarthritis of the joints and spine. While not predictive for the
      development of CWP, these changes nevertheless represent important pain
      generators that may initiate or perpetuate chronic pain. Local chemical
      mediators, including lactic acid, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cytokines,
      seem to play an important role in sensitising deep tissue nociceptors of CWP
      patients. Thus, the combination of peripheral impulse input and increased central
      pain sensitivity may be responsible for widespread chronic pain disorders
      including FM.

PMID- 22094194
TI  - Epidemiology of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
AB  - Chronic widespread pain (CWP) due to musculoskeletal conditions is a major social
      burden. The case definition of CWP relies on pain, chronicity (more than 3
      months' duration) and widespread distribution (both sides of the body including
      the axial skeleton). Health Interview Survey (HIS) and Health Examination Survey
      (HES) have been used to assess the frequency of CWP in the general population.
      Unfortunately, both techniques are poorly standardised, which hampers comparison
      of data pertaining to different populations and countries. A major effort in the
      European Union (EU) is the development of common strategies to investigate
      musculoskeletal pain through HIS. Issues to be addressed include: (1) loss of
      daily life functions due to pain; (2) pain duration and rhythm; (3) affected
      sites; and (4) type of pain. We know that musculoskeletal pain affects between
      13.5% and 47% of the general population, with CWP prevalence varying between
      11.4% and 24%. Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain include age, gender,
      smoking, low education, low physical activity, poor social interaction, low
      family income, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, as well as performing
      manual work, being a recent immigrant, non-Caucasian and widowed, separated or
      divorced.

PMID- 22094195
TI  - Myofascial pain syndromes and their evaluation.
AB  - This article reviews the available published knowledge about the diagnosis,
      pathophysiology and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes from trigger points.
      Furthermore, epidemiologic data and clinical characteristics of these syndromes
      are described, including a detailed account of sensory changes that occur at both
      painful and nonpainful sites and their utility for diagnosis and differential
      diagnosis; the identification/diagnostic criteria available so far are critically
      reviewed. The key role played by myofascial trigger points as activating factors
      of pain symptoms in other algogenic conditions--headache, fibromyalgia and
      visceral disease--is also addressed. Current hypotheses on the pathophysiology of
      myofascial pain syndromes are presented, including mechanisms of formation and
      persistence of primary and secondary trigger points as well as mechanisms beyond
      referred pain and hyperalgesia from trigger points. Conventional and most recent
      therapeutic options for these syndromes are described, and their validity is
      discussed on the basis of results from clinical controlled studies.

PMID- 22094196
TI  - Trauma and work-related pain syndromes: risk factors, clinical picture, insurance
      and law interventions.
AB  - In the past decade, major progress has been made in our understanding of
      fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Various triggers have been implicated as
      contributing to symptom development in FMS when genetically susceptible
      individuals are challenged. A substantial amount of data points towards the
      association between trauma and chronic widespread pain/fibromyalgia syndrome
      (CWP/FMS). There is abundant data suggesting that the pathogenesis of CWP/FMS
      might be related to cervical spine injury. Furthermore, several persistent local
      pain conditions may progress to CWP/FMS. These conditions may share a common
      pathogenic mechanism namely, central sensitisation. Physical trauma and emotional
      trauma co-exist in many traumatic events and may interact in the pathogenesis of
      CWP/FMS.

PMID- 22094197
TI  - Translational musculoskeletal pain research.
AB  - Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal pain is a major clinical challenge.
      Fundamental knowledge of nociception from deep somatic structures and related
      mechanisms of sensitisation have been characterised in animals but the
      translation into clinical sciences is still lacking. Development and refinement
      of mechanism-based quantitative sensory testing in healthy volunteers and pain
      patients have provided new opportunities to assess pain and hyperalgesic
      reactions. The current technologies can provide information about, for example,
      peripheral and central sensitisation, descending pain control, central
      integration and structure specific sensitisation. Such a mechanistic approach can
      be used for differentiated diagnosis and for target validating new and existing
      analgesics. Mechanistic pain assessment of new compounds under development
      provides opportunities for target validation in proof-of-concept studies, which
      generate information to be used for selecting the most optimal patients for later
      clinical trials. New safe and efficient compounds are highly needed in the area
      of musculoskeletal pain management.

PMID- 22094198
TI  - Fibromyalgia and sleep.
AB  - Chronic pain in fibromyalgia patients, together with its associated symptoms and
      co-morbidities, is now considered a result of dysregulated mechanisms in the
      central nervous system (CNS). As fibromyalgia patients often report sleep
      problems, the physiological processes that normally regulate sleep may be
      disturbed and overlap with other CNS dysfunctions. Although the mechanisms
      potentially linking chronic widespread pain, sleep alterations and mood disorders
      have not yet been proven, polysomnography findings in patients with fibromyalgia
      and non-restorative sleep and their relationships with clinical symptoms support
      the hypothesis of a conceptual common mechanism called 'central sensitisation'.
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for the treatment of
      fibromyalgia may benefit sleep, but their label does not include the treatment of
      fibromyalgia-associated sleep disorders. Non-pharmacological therapies (including
      a thorough sleep assessment) can be considered in the first-line treatment of non
      restorative sleep, although they have not yet been fully investigated in patients
      with fibromyalgia. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments should
      be used cautiously in patients with fibromyalgia, bearing in mind the patients'
      underlying disorders and the potential interactions of the therapies.

PMID- 22094199
TI  - Fatigue and fibromyalgia syndrome: clinical and neurophysiologic pattern.
AB  - The concept of 'fatigue' is strictly related to parameters of the setting in
      which fatigue is measured. Therefore, it is mandatory to provide a definition of
      fatigue and the modalities of its use. This is of pivotal importance with regard
      to the fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome, where fatigue is the most invalidating symptom
      and where, paradoxically, no clear and widely accepted definition of fatigue is
      available in the literature as yet. In the clinical setting, fatigue can be
      measured by different methods of various complexity. The simplest technique to
      assess fatigue involves the use of a visual analogue scale (VAS); however, a
      number of scales with differing levels of complexity are available for use. It
      is, often, difficult to detach the term 'fatigue' from tiredness and task
      failure, which correspond to two completely distinguished forms of fatigue: one
      with central origin (tiredness) and another which is localised within the muscle
      (peripheral muscle fatigue). The former is related to changes in motor-unit
      recruitment strategies, whereas the latter is attributed to changes in membrane
      properties. To extensively assess fatigue and, partially, to avoid confusion
      among the types of fatigue described above, a number of laboratory tests have
      been developed; among these, there are multichannel surface electromyography
      (EMG) recordings. Using this type of an approach, it is possible the estimation
      of motor unit location within the muscle, the decomposition of the surface EMG
      (sEMG) interference signal into constituent trains of motor unit action
      potentials (MUAPs) and the analysis of single unit properties.

PMID- 22094200
TI  - Clinimetric evaluations of patients with chronic widespread pain.
AB  - Assessing chronic widespread pain (CWP) and its impact on physical, emotional and
      social function requires multidimensional qualitative and health-related quality
      of life (HRQL) instruments. The recommendations of the Initiative on Methods,
      Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) concerning outcome
      measurements for pain trials are useful for making routine assessments, the most
      significant of which include pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep, physical
      functioning, emotional functioning, patient global ratings of satisfaction and
      HRQL. However, despite the growing spread of instruments and theoretical
      publications devoted to measuring the various aspects of chronic pain, there is
      little widespread agreement, and no unified approach has yet been devised. There
      is therefore still considerable scope for the development of consensus around a
      core set of measures and response criteria, as well as for the development and
      refinement of the related instruments, standardised assessor training, the cross
      cultural adaptation of health status questionnaires, electronic data capture and
      the introduction of valid, reliable and responsive standardised quantitative
      measurements into routine clinical care. Clinicians need to be aware of the
      psychometric properties of the instruments used, including their levels of
      imprecision and minimum clinically important differences (those indicating a
      meaningful change in clinical status). This article reviews a selection of the
      instruments used to assess CWP patients, including validated newly developed and
      well-established screening instruments, and discusses their advantages and
      limitations.

PMID- 22094201
TI  - Neuroimaging of fibromyalgia.
AB  - The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. This symptom is
      accompanied by secondary symptoms, such as cognitive difficulties and sensitivity
      to painful stimulation, and by numerous co-morbidities. The first neuroimaging
      studies addressed the primary symptom by examining differences between patients
      and controls using single-photon-emission-computed tomography (SPECT). Subsequent
      studies focussed on the secondary symptom of increased sensitivity to painful
      stimulation. Functional MRI (fMRI) studies using the blood-oxygen-level-dependent
      (BOLD) method to assess brain activation demonstrated augmented sensitivity to
      painful pressure and the association of this augmentation with variables such as
      depression and catastrophising. These studies have also assessed brain processes
      associated with cognitive dysfunction. Neuroimaging studies of fibromyalgia have
      now come full circle, using new techniques to provide information about
      differences that may relate to underlying mechanisms and the primary symptom of
      widespread pain. Using a wide array of techniques, these studies have found
      differences in opioid receptor binding, concentration of metabolites associated
      with neural processing in pain-related regions and differences in functional
      brain networks and in regional brain volume and in white-matter tracks. This
      array of neuroimaging techniques continues to provide increasing information
      about supraspinal mechanisms associated with fibromyalgia that will aid in
      diagnosis, including identification of diagnostic subgroups, the development of
      new efficacious treatments that address both causes and symptoms and the matching
      of patients to treatments.

PMID- 22094202
TI  - Pharmacotherapy of fibromyalgia.
AB  - There have been substantial advances in the pharmacotherapy of fibromyalgia (FM),
      which have occurred in parallel with advances in our understanding of the
      pathophysiology of FM in the past several years. Consortia of researchers have
      established a core set of symptom domains, which constitute the condition of FM,
      including pain, fatigue, sleep and mood disturbance and cognitive dysfunction,
      which significantly impact a patient's overall well-being and ability to
      function. Outcome measures, which assess these domains, both singly and in
      composite format, are showing increasing reliability to discriminate between the
      treatment and placebo arms in clinical trials of emerging therapies, which are
      targeting the pathophysiologic mechanisms of FM. Several different medications,
      including the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, duloxetine and
      milnacipran, and the alpha(2)delta modulator, pregabalin, have been approved by
      the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of FM, based on their
      clinically meaningful and durable effect on pain in monotherapy trials. They also
      have been shown to beneficially effect patient global impression of change,
      function and variably other key symptom domains, such as fatigue, sleep
      disturbance and cognition. Other medicines, although they have not gone through
      the formal approval process, have also shown efficacy in multiple domains of FM.
      Although combination trials have generally not yet been performed, the combined
      use of medicines with complementary mechanisms of action is rational, and, when
      done with appropriate caution, will likely be shown to be safe and well
      tolerated. Adjunctive therapy with medicines targeted at specific symptom
      domains, such as sleep, as well as treatments aimed at common co-morbid
      conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or disease states, such as
      rheumatoid arthritis, should be considered for the purpose of reducing the
      patient's overall symptom burden. Current therapies neither completely treat FM
      symptoms nor benefit all patients; thus, further research on new therapies with
      different mechanisms and side-effect profiles is needed.

PMID- 22094203
TI  - Non-pharmacological treatment of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain.
AB  - Individuals with chronic widespread pain, including those with fibromyalgia, pose
      a particular challenge to treatment, given the modest effectiveness of
      pharmacological agents for this condition. The growing consensus indicates that
      the best approach to treatment involves the combination of pharmacological and
      non-pharmacological interventions. Several non-pharmacological interventions,
      particularly exercise and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), have garnered good
      evidence of effectiveness as stand-alone, adjunctive treatments for patients with
      chronic pain. In this article, evidenced-based, non-pharmacological management
      techniques for chronic widespread pain are described by using two broad
      categories, exercise and CBT. The evidence for decreasing pain, improving
      functioning and changing secondary symptoms is highlighted. Lastly, the methods
      by which exercise and CBT can be combined for a multi-component approach, which
      is consistent with the current evidence-based guidelines of several American and
      European medical societies, are addressed.

PMID- 22094204
TI  - Multidisciplinary approach to fibromyalgia: what is the teaching?
AB  - Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic disease that is characterised by chronic
      musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, sleep and mood disorder. FM patients
      demonstrate dysregulation of pain neurotransmitter function and experience a
      neurohormone-mediated association with sleep irregularities. There are currently
      no instrumental tests or specific diagnostic markers for FM, and many of the
      existing indicators are only significant for research purposes. Anti-depressants,
      non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opioids, sedatives, muscle
      relaxants and antiepileptics have all been used to treat FM with varying results.
      It has been shown that interdisciplinary treatment programmes lead to greater
      improvements in subjective pain and function than monotherapies. Physical
      exercise and multimodal cognitive behavioural therapy are the most widely
      accepted and beneficial forms of non-pharmacological therapy.

PMID- 22094205
TI  - Future perspectives in generalised musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
AB  - This article describes contemporary controversies regarding two categories of
      soft-tissue pain (STP)--chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia syndrome. The
      tone is more editorial than review didactic. It draws upon history to explain
      current trends that project possible future implications. It begins with an
      orientation to classification of STP pain conditions and contrasts two ways to
      make the fibromyalgia diagnosis. Epidemiological data will be placed in
      perspective. The article ends with the voice of a non-physician patient advocate.
      STP classification divides relevant painful conditions into three subgroups,
      depending on the extent of body involvement (localised, regional and
      generalised). Fibromyalgia syndrome, in the generalised STP category, is
      distinguished from other types of chronic widespread pain by virtue of its
      greater severity. During the past 20 years, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia was
      based on a research classification (1990 American College of Rheumatology
      Research Classification Criteria (1990 ACR RCC)) that requires a history of
      chronic widespread pain and the examination finding of widespread mechanical
      allodynia. A new approach (2010 American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia
      Diagnostic Criteria (2010 ACR FDC)), validated for clinical use, still requires a
      history of chronic widespread pain, but the examination is replaced by a
      historical assessment of co-morbid symptom severity. The populations identified
      by the two criteria are similar but not identical. Misuse of the new criteria
      could expand fibromyalgia from 2 to 10% of the general population. Avoidance of
      the term 'fibromyalgia' could return it to the obscurity from whence it came,
      leaving a much larger problem in its stead.

PMID- 22094206
TI  - A qualitative examination of body image threats using Social Self-Preservation
      Theory.
AB  - This study sought to identify and describe comfortable and uncomfortable body
      related situations of young women, as well as describe their responses to such
      situations and strategies they used to cope with body-related threats, using
      Social Self-Preservation Theory (SSPT) as a guiding framework. Interviews were
      conducted with college women (N=23). A theoretical thematic analysis approach was
      taken to identify, code, and report themes. In general, participants found it
      difficult to identify specific comfortable situations and responses in those
      situations. Comfortable situations were characterized by the presence of
      supportive others and feelings of general calmness and lowered body awareness or
      self-presentational concerns. Findings regarding uncomfortable body-related
      situations indicated that the context (e.g., presence of others, body exposure),
      responses (e.g., embarrassment, inadequacy, awareness of others' evaluations,
      faster heart rate), and coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, concealing behaviors)
      described by participants were consistent with SSPT.

PMID- 22094207
TI  - Dopamine control of LH release in the tench (Tinca tinca).
AB  - Tench (Tinca tinca) is apparently the only known member of the Cyprinidae in
      which ovulation is stimulated following administration of a low dose of GnRH
      analogue (GnRHa) without a dopamine inhibitor. This study evaluated LH release
      effectiveness of the most commonly used GnRHa and clarified whether LH secretion
      followed by ovulation is subject to inhibitory dopaminergic control in tench.
      Fish were intraperitoneally injected with three types of GnRHa, GnRHa with
      dopamine inhibitor metoclopramide (combined treatment), or the dopamine inhibitor
      metoclopramide alone. LH concentrations at five sampling times (0, 6, 12, 24, and
      33 h) together with ovulation success and fecundity index were recorded. The
      combined treatment triggered an almost immediate LH release peak with a gradual
      decline, and resulted in a high ovulation rate. In contrast to the combined
      treatment, an application of GnRHa alone at 10 MUg kg(-1) induced gradual
      increase of LH concentrations with peaks close to ovulation time, and with high
      ovulation success. Significant differences in LH concentrations at 6 and 12h and
      no differences in ovulation success were found between the combined and the GnRHa
      alone treatments. Metoclopramide alone induced a small increase in LH with no
      ovulation. The study presents clear evidence of dopaminergic control of LH
      release in tench, with a high ovulation rate obtained after application of GnRHa
      alone or in combination with dopamine inhibitor.

PMID- 22094208
TI  - The role of growth hormone in growth, lipid homeostasis, energy utilization and
      partitioning in rainbow trout: interactions with leptin, ghrelin and insulin-like
      growth factor I.
AB  - The growth-promoting effects of in vivo growth hormone (GH) treatment were
      studied in relation to size and lipid content of energy stores including liver,
      mesentery, white muscle and belly flap in rainbow trout. In order to elucidate
      endocrine interactions and links to regulation of growth, adiposity and energy
      metabolism, plasma levels of GH, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), leptin
      (Lep) and ghrelin, were assessed and correlated to growth and energy status. In
      addition tissue-specific expression of lepa1 mRNA was examined. Juvenile rainbow
      trout were implanted with sustained-release bovine GH implants and terminally sub
      sampled at 1, 3 and 6 weeks. GH increased specific growth rate, reduced condition
      factor (CF) and increased feed conversion efficiency resulting in a
      redistribution of energy stores. Thus, GH decreased mesenteric (MSI) and liver
      somatic index (LSI). Lipid content of the belly flap increased following GH
      treatment while liver and muscle lipid content decreased. Independent of GH
      substantial growth was accompanied by an increase in muscle lipids and a decrease
      in belly flap lipids. The data suggest that the belly flap may function as an
      energy buffering tissue during episodes of feeding and lean growth. Liver and
      muscle lipids were positively correlated to body weight, indicating a size
      dependent change in adiposity. Hepatic lepa1 mRNA positively correlated to MSI
      and CF and its expression decreased following GH treatment, coinciding with
      decreased hepatic lipid content. Plasma Lep was positively correlated to MSI and
      belly flap lipid content, suggesting that Lep may communicate energy status. In
      summary, the observed GH tissue-specific effects on lipid metabolism in rainbow
      trout highlight the complex physiology of the energy reserves and their endocrine
      control.

PMID- 22094209
TI  - Is the new ICRP eye dose limit justified?

PMID- 22094210
TI  - Hpn protein as a mediator between Helicobacter pylori infection and Alzheimer's
      disease in sub-populations worldwide.

PMID- 22094212
TI  - [A drink can harm the baby in the womb].

PMID- 22094211
TI  - Potential role of TNF alpha blockers in delaying the progression of hepato-renal
      syndrome.
AB  - Hepatorenal syndrome occurs in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and is
      associated with functional renal impairment and poor prognosis. These patients
      present a challenge to physicians and management strategies. Although various
      pharmacological therapies are available, large randomized controlled trials are
      required to determine which treatment modality is most effective to improve
      survival rates along with its dose and duration of treatment. The overproduction
      of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been postulated to play a role in
      progression of this disease, being associated with hyperdynamic circulation and
      inflammatory process. Moreover, increasing the levels of TNF-alpha during the
      course of hospitalization is suggested to be associated with increased mortality.
      Hence the role of TNF-alpha inhibitors, such as pentoxifylline, may prove to be
      become a new clinical pathway. Various randomized clinical trials have
      demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality in patients receiving
      pentoxifylline, in comparison to the control group. This survival rate benefit
      was associated with decrease in the incidence of hepatorenal syndrome in these
      patients. We propose a double-blinded trial to test the hypothesis, in which
      patients with advanced liver disease without evidence of hepatorenal syndrome are
      recruited. The control group receives the standard management while the case
      group receives standard management along with TNF-alpha blockers. If the cases
      develop hepatorenal syndrome at a significant duration later in comparison to the
      control group, our hypothesis will be confirmed. Our methodology is limited due
      to costs of TNF-alpha inhibitors in a developing country setup, hence it has only
      been proposed as a hypothesis. If the recommended trial confirms our hypothesis,
      we might see favorable outcomes and improved survival rates in patients with
      decompensated liver diseases.

PMID- 22094213
TI  - [Reduced synthesis of coenzyme Q10 may cause statin related myopathy].
AB  - Statin treatment can cause muscular side effects. It has been suggested that the
      mechanism is reduced synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) and a subsequent
      dysfunction of the respiratory chain. A literature review resulted in
      insufficient evidence supporting this theory. It is uncertain whether
      intramuscular levels of coQ10 and mitochondrial function are affected by statin
      therapy and whether the symptoms of myopathy can be alleviated with coQ10
      supplementation. Nevertheless, due to a favourable safety profile, coQ10 can be
      tested in patients whose muscular symptoms cannot be managed otherwise.

PMID- 22094214
TI  - [Audience response-systems enhance the learning environment].
AB  - The purpose of this article was to describe the possibilities gained by using an
      electronic voting system (EVS), the existing evidence to determine whether an EVS
      affects learning proceeds, challenges in EVS and perspectives for EVS in Danish
      medical training. Audience Response-Systems (ARS) seem suited to enhance
      participants' activity and attention. The technology as such holds the potential
      to enhance learning outcome, but changes in the pedagogical method are needed.
      More studies examining the use of new wireless, mobile voting systems are
      required.

PMID- 22094215
TI  - [Lichen sclerosus--a neglected disease].
AB  - We present a small review of lichen sclerosus in women and an update on the
      newest knowledge, e.g. on calcineurin inhibitors as a choice of treatment. The
      goal is to put more focus on the disease in Denmark because it is so often
      diagnosed only with a great delay. We further emphasize the importance of follow
      up on these patients, due to the risk of cancer, the great influence of the
      disease on quality of life and the risk of structural changes in the vulva
      region.

PMID- 22094216
TI  - [Primary autoimmune neutropenia in children].
AB  - Primary autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) is characterised by severe neutropenia and
      the presence of granulocyte reactive autoantibodies. The pathogenesis of the
      disease remains unknown and the disease is believed to be underdiagnosed. AIN
      occurs predominantly at the age of 6-24 months and despite severe neutropenia the
      symptomatology covers mainly benign infections. Serious bacterial infections
      might occur and some patients thus may benefit from treatment with prophylactic
      antibiotics or granulocyte growth factor. Spontaneous remission usually occurs
      within 30 months from the time of diagnosis.

PMID- 22094217
TI  - [Autoimmune neutropenia in children].
AB  - Case reports of three children with autoimmune neutropenia are presented. The
      children had a number of infections, which required antibiotic treatment, mostly
      respiratory tract infections, but one child had a septic coxitis. During a follow
      up period of 1-3 years, only one patient showed complete remission after 15
      months of neutropenia. One child was treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor without effect, whereas two children received prophylactic antibiotics
      with clinical benefit. In view of the frequent infections and benefit of
      prophylactic measures, children with neutropenia or an inappropriately low
      neutrophil count during bacterial infections should be evaluated for autoimmune
      neutropenia.

PMID- 22094218
TI  - [Early stage of Acanthamoeba keratitis].
AB  - We present a case of early detected Acanthamoeba keratitis. The patient was a 31
      year-old female with keratitis who was referred to our clinic. Upon arrival the
      patient presented with subepithelial corneal infiltrates and radiating neuritis.
      In vivo confocal microscopy showed Acanthamoeba cysts and treatment was
      initiated. Polymerase chain reaction analysis later confirmed the diagnosis and
      after three months symptoms had abated and vision was 1.0 (6/6). We confirm that
      an early diagnosis af Acanthamoeba keratitis is pivotal.

PMID- 22094219
TI  - [Treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia without blood transfusion in a member of
      Jehovah's Witnesses].
AB  - We present a case in which a young woman was diagnosed with acute myeloid
      leukaemia, FAB-classification type M2. As a member of Jehovah's Witnesses she
      refused to accept any treatment involving blood transfusions. A modified
      induction and consolidation chemotherapy regimen was applied, tailored to reduce
      prolonged myelosuppression. Despite severe anaemia, she survived to achieve
      complete remission. She is currently under treatment-free observation after two
      courses of consolidation treatment.

PMID- 22094220
TI  - [Traumatic duodenal perforation in a 16 month-old girl].
AB  - Duodenal injury following a blunt abdominal trauma is a rare condition. It poses
      a diagnostic challenge since symptoms are often subtle in the beginning and the
      trauma may initially remain undisclosed. We present a case of a 16 month-old
      girl, who was admitted to hospital due to critical illness after a tumble the day
      before. An explorative laparotomy revealed a perforation of the duodenum. This
      case demonstrates the importance of thoroughly evaluating anamnesis information
      and emphasises the need of considering a variety of potential diagnoses when
      assessing the critically ill child.

PMID- 22094221
TI  - [Picture of the month: Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli].

PMID- 22094222
TI  - Hyperpolarization-activated cation current contributes to spontaneous network
      activity in developing neocortical cultures.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying spontaneous burst activity (SBA), appearing in networks
      of embryonic cortical neurons at the end of the first week in vitro, remain
      elusive. Here we investigated the contribution of the hyperpolarization-activated
      cation current (I(h)) to SBA in cortical cultures of GAD67-GFP mice. I(h) current
      could be detected in GFP-positive large GABAergic interneurons (L-INs) and
      glutamatergic principal neurons (PNs) as early as DIV 5. Under current-clamp
      conditions, blockers of I(h) current, ZD7288 and Cs+, abolished the voltage sag
      and rebound depolarization. ZD7288 induced a hyperpolarization concomitant with
      an increase in the membrane input resistance in L-INs and PNs. Voltage-clamp
      recordings revealed I(h) as slowly activating inward current with a reversal
      potential close to -50 mV and a mid-activation point around -90 mV. Both, ZD7288
      (1-10 MUM) and Cs+ (1-2 mM) reduced SBA, spontaneous activity-driven Ca2+
      transients, and frequency as well as amplitude of miniature GABAergic
      postsynaptic currents. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot demonstrated that
      HCN1 and HCN2 were the prevalent isoforms of HCN channels expressed in L-INs and
      PNs. These results suggest an important contribution of HCN channels to the
      maintenance of SBA in embryonic cortical cultures.

PMID- 22094223
TI  - Superoxide dismutase 1 encoding mutations linked to ALS adopts a spectrum of
      misfolded states.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), which are one cause of
      familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), induce misfolding and aggregation
      of the protein. Misfolding can be detected by the binding of antibodies raised
      against peptide epitopes that are normally buried in the native conformation,
      shifts in solubility in non-ionic detergents, and the formation of macromolecular
      inclusions. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between
      detergent-insoluble and sedimentable forms of mutant SOD1, forms of mutant SOD1
      with aberrantly accessible epitopes, and mutant protein in inclusions with the
      goal of defining the spectrum of misfolded states that mutant SOD1 can adopt.
      RESULTS: Using combined approaches in cultured cell models, we demonstrate that a
      substantial fraction of mutant SOD1 adopts a non-native conformation that remains
      soluble and freely mobile. We also show that mutant SOD1 can produce multimeric
      assemblies of which some are insoluble in detergent and large enough to sediment
      by ultracentrifugation and some are large enough to detect visually. Three
      conformationally restricted antibodies were found to be useful in discriminating
      mal-folded forms of mutant SOD1. An antibody termed C4F6 displays properties
      consistent with recognition of soluble, freely mobile, mal-folded mutant SOD1. An
      antibody termed SEDI, which recognizes C-terminal residues, detects larger
      inclusion structures as well as soluble misfolded entities. An antibody termed
      hSOD1, which recognizes aa 24-36, detects an epitope shared by soluble non
      natively folded WT and mutant SOD1. This epitope becomes inaccessible in
      aggregates of mutant SOD1. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate how different
      methods of detecting misfolding and aggregation of mutant SOD1 reveal different
      forms of aberrantly folded protein. Immunological and biochemical methods can be
      used in combination to detect soluble and insoluble misfolded forms of mutant
      SOD1. Our findings support the view that mutant SOD1 can adopt multiple misfolded
      conformations with the potential that different structural variants mediate
      different aspects of fALS.

PMID- 22094224
TI  - Resveratrol enhances the therapeutic effect of temozolomide against malignant
      glioma in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting autophagy.
AB  - The alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the major chemotherapeutic drug used
      clinically in the treatment of malignant gliomas. This study investigated the
      mechanism behind TMZ-induced cell death and the possibility that resveratrol
      might increase TMZ efficacy. TMZ induced both apoptotic cell death and
      cytoprotective autophagy through a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, which was suppressed by
      resveratrol, resulting in a decrease in autophagy and an increase in apoptosis,
      suggesting that the ROS/ERK pathway plays a crucial role in the fate of cells
      after TMZ treatment. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combination of
      TMZ and resveratrol has a synergistic effect. Moreover, an in vivo mouse
      xenograft study also showed that coadministration of resveratrol and TMZ reduced
      tumor volumes by suppressing ROS/ERK-mediated autophagy and subsequently inducing
      apoptosis. Taken together, our data indicate that TMZ-induced ROS/ERK-mediated
      autophagy protected glioma cells from apoptosis, and the combination of
      resveratrol with TMZ could improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for brain tumors.

PMID- 22094226
TI  - A quantitative method for evaluating inferior glenohumeral joint stiffness using
      ultrasonography.
AB  - Subluxation of the affected shoulder in post-stroke patients is associated with
      nerve disorders and muscle fatigue. Clinicians must be able to accurately and
      reliably measure inferior glenohumeral subluxation in patients to provide
      appropriate treatment. However, quantitative methods for evaluating the laxity
      and stiffness of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) are still being developed. The aim
      of this study was to develop a new protocol for evaluating the laxity and
      stiffness of the inferior GHJ using ultrasonography under optimal testing
      conditions and to investigate changes in the GHJ from a commercially available
      humerus brace and shoulder brace. Multistage inferior displacement forces were
      applied to create a glide between the most cephalad point on the visible
      anterosuperior surface of the humeral head and coracoid process in seven healthy
      volunteers. GHJ stiffness was defined as the slope of the linear regression line
      between the glides and different testing loads. The testing conditions were
      defined by different test loading mechanisms (n=2), shoulder constraining
      conditions (n=2), and loading modes (n=4). The optimal testing condition was
      defined as the condition with the least residual variance of measured laxity to
      the calculated stiffness under different testing loads. A paired t-test was used
      to compare the laxity and stiffness of the inferior GHJ using different braces.
      No significant difference was identified between the two test loading mechanisms
      (t=0.218, p=0.831) and two shoulder constraining conditions (t=-0.235, p=0.818).
      We concluded that ultrasonographic laxity measurements performed using a pulley
      set loading mechanism was as reliable as direct loading. Additionally,
      constraining the unloaded shoulder was proposed due to the lower mean residual
      variance value. Moreover, pulling the elbow downward with loading on the upper
      arm was suggested, as pulling the elbow downward with the elbow flexed and
      loading on the forearm may overestimate stiffness and pain in the inferior GHJ at
      the loading point due to friction between the wide belt and skin. Furthermore,
      subjects wearing a humerus brace with a belt, which creates the effect of lifting
      the humerus toward the acromion, had greater GHJ stiffness compared to subjects
      wearing a shoulder brace without a belt to lift the humerus under the proposed
      testing conditions. This study provides experimental evidence that shoulder
      braces may reduce GHJ laxity under an external load, implying that the use of a
      humeral brace can prevent subluxation in post-stroke patients. The resulting
      optimal testing conditions for measuring the laxity and stiffness of the GHJ is
      to constrain the unloaded shoulder and bend the loaded arm at the elbow with
      loading on the upper arm using a pulley system.

PMID- 22094227
TI  - Telling the story of XX sex reversal in the goat: highlighting the sex-crossroad
      in domestic mammals.
AB  - The conditions for sex reversal in vertebrate species have been studied
      extensively and have highlighted numerous key factors involved in sex
      differentiation. We review here the history of the development of knowledge,
      referring to one example of complete female-to-male XX sex reversal associated
      with a polled phenotype in the goat. The results and hypotheses concerning this
      polled intersex syndrome (PIS) are then presented, firstly with respect to the
      transcriptional regulatory effects of the PIS mutation, and secondly regarding
      the role of the main ovarian-differentiating factor in this PIS locus, the FOXL2
      gene.

PMID- 22094225
TI  - Rotenone activates phagocyte NADPH oxidase by binding to its membrane subunit
      gp91phox.
AB  - Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, reproduces parkinsonism in rodents and
      associates with increased risk for Parkinson disease. We previously reported that
      rotenone increased superoxide production by stimulating the microglial phagocyte
      NADPH oxidase (PHOX). This study identified a novel mechanism by which rotenone
      activates PHOX. Ligand-binding assay revealed that rotenone directly bound to
      membrane gp91(phox), the catalytic subunit of PHOX; such binding was inhibited by
      diphenyleneiodonium, a PHOX inhibitor with a binding site on gp91(phox).
      Functional studies showed that both membrane and cytosolic subunits were required
      for rotenone-induced superoxide production in cell-free systems, intact
      phagocytes, and COS7 cells transfected with membrane subunits
      (gp91(phox)/p22(phox)) and cytosolic subunits (p67(phox) and p47(phox)). Rotenone
      elicited extracellular superoxide release in p47(phox)-deficient macrophages
      suggested that rotenone enabled activation of PHOX through a p47(phox)
      independent mechanism. Increased membrane translocation of p67(phox), elevated
      binding of p67(phox) to rotenone-treated membrane fractions, and
      coimmunoprecipitation of p67(phox) and gp91(phox) in rotenone-treated wild-type
      and p47(phox)-deficient macrophages indicated that p67(phox) played a critical
      role in rotenone-induced PHOX activation via its direct interaction with
      gp91(phox). Rac1, a Rho-like small GTPase, enhanced p67(phox)-gp91(phox)
      interaction; Rac1 inhibition decreased rotenone-elicited superoxide release. In
      conclusion, rotenone directly interacted with gp91(phox); such an interaction
      triggered membrane translocation of p67(phox), leading to PHOX activation and
      superoxide production.

PMID- 22094228
TI  - Interventions for coordination of walking following stroke: systematic review.
AB  - Impairments in gait coordination may be a factor in falls and mobility
      limitations after stroke. Therefore, rehabilitation targeting gait coordination
      may be an effective way to improve walking post-stroke. This review sought to
      examine current treatments that target impairments of gait coordination, the
      theoretical basis on which they are derived and the effects of such
      interventions. Few high quality RCTs with a low risk of bias specifically
      targeting and measuring restoration of coordinated gait were found. Consequently,
      we took a pragmatic approach to describing and quantifying the available evidence
      and included non-randomised study designs and limited the influence of
      heterogeneity in experimental design and control comparators by restricting meta
      analyses to pre- and post-test comparisons of experimental interventions only.
      Results show that physiotherapy interventions significantly improved gait
      function and coordination. Interventions involving repetitive task-specific
      practice and/or auditory cueing appeared to be the most promising approaches to
      restore gait coordination. The fact that overall improvements in gait
      coordination coincided with increased walking speed lends support to the
      hypothesis that targeting gait coordination gait may be a way of improving
      overall walking ability post-stroke. However, establishing the mechanism for
      improved locomotor control requires a better understanding of the nature of both
      neuroplasticity and coordination deficits in functional tasks after stroke.
      Future research requires the measurement of impairment, activity and cortical
      activation in an effort to establish the mechanism by which functional gains are
      achieved.

PMID- 22094229
TI  - Influence of BDNF variants on diagnosis and response to treatment in patients
      with major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
AB  - AIM: The present study aimed to explore whether some single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene could be associated with major
      depression (MD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia, and whether they could
      predict clinical outcomes in Korean inpatients treated with antidepressants, mood
      stabilizers and antipsychotics, respectively. METHODS: One hundred and forty-five
      patients with MD, 132 patients with BD, 221 patients with schizophrenia and 170
      psychiatrically healthy controls were genotyped for 5 BDNF SNPs (rs2030324,
      rs7103873, rs10835210, rs11030101 and rs6265). Baseline and final clinical
      measures--including the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania
      Rating Scale and Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale for patients with MD, BD
      and schizophrenia, respectively--were recorded. RESULTS: rs10835210 CA and
      rs11030101 AT genotype frequencies were higher in BD and schizophrenia patients
      than in healthy and MD subjects. No significant association was found with
      clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Our findings provide evidence of an association
      between BDNF and BD and schizophrenia. However, taking into account the several
      limitations of our study, including the moderately small sample size, further
      research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.

PMID- 22094230
TI  - The effects of huwentoxin-I on the voltage-gated sodium channels of rat
      hippocampal and cockroach dorsal unpaired median neurons.
AB  - Huwentoxin-I (HWTX-I) is a 33-residue peptide isolated from the venom of
      Ornithoctonus huwena and could inhibit TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium
      channels and N-type calcium channels in mammalian dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
      neurons. However, the effects of HWTX-I on mammalian central neuronal and insect
      sodium channel subtypes remain unknown. In this study, we found that HWTX-I
      potently inhibited sodium channels in rat hippocampal and cockroach dorsal
      unpaired median (DUM) neurons with the IC(50) values of 66.1+/-5.2 and 4.80+/
      0.58nM, respectively. Taken together with our previous work on DRG neurons
      (IC(50)~55nM), the order of sodium channel sensitivity to HWTX-I inhibition was
      insect central DUM?mammalian peripheral>mammalian central neurons. HWTX-I
      exhibited no effect on the steady-state activation and inactivation of sodium
      channels in rat hippocampal and cockroach DUM neurons.

PMID- 22094231
TI  - Expression patterns of the immunosuppressive proteins PD-1/CD279 and PD-L1/CD274
      at different stages of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/mycosis fungoides.

PMID- 22094232
TI  - Levamisole-induced vasculopathy:  a report of 2 cases and a novel histopathologic
      finding.
AB  - Although cocaine-induced pseudovasculitis and urticarial vasculitis have been
      reported in the past, levamisole-induced vasculopathy with ecchymosis and
      necrosis, termed here LIVEN, has only recently been described in association with
      cocaine use. Levamisole, a veterinary antihelminthic agent used previously as an
      immunomodulating agent, is present as a "cutting agent" in approximately two
      thirds of the cocaine currently entering the United States. Levamisole is
      believed to potentiate the effects of cocaine and may also be used as a
      "signature" for tracing its market distribution. Herein, we report 2 cases of
      LIVEN in patients with histories of chronic cocaine use. In both the cases, a
      temporal association with neutropenia preceding the eruption was noted. A novel
      histopathologic finding present only in the second case was the presence of
      extensive interstitial and perivascular neovascularization. Our 2 cases reaffirm
      that neutropenia may precede the cutaneous eruption of LIVEN. Case 2 extends the
      spectrum of histopathologic findings to include the novel phenomenon of
      neovascularization-hitherto unreported in this entity.

PMID- 22094233
TI  - Lack of correlation between immunohistochemical expression of CKIT and KIT
      mutations in atypical acral nevi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the correlation between KIT mutations and immunohistochemical
      expression of CKIT in acral melanoma, our aim was to confirm the utility of CKIT
      detection as a screening tool for KIT genotyping in atypical acral nevi and to
      ascertain the frequency of KIT mutations in the same. DESIGN: Immunohistochemical
      staining for CKIT was performed and staining criteria were the following:
      negative = <10%, 1 = 11%-49%, and 2 = >50% of cells. Intensity grading was as
      follows: negative = 0, weak = 1, moderate = 2, and strong = 3. Genomic
      amplification was performed on KIT exons commonly mutated in acral melanomas (11,
      13, and 17) from atypical acral nevi (23) ranging in severity from mild (9),
      moderate (10), and severe (4). The control group included acral nevi without
      atypia (19). For purposes of statistical analyses, cases with 11% or more
      staining of cells were compared with negative cases and cases with a staining
      intensity of 1 or higher were compared with the negatives. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the following: positive staining with an
      intensity 1 or more in 18 of 22 (82%) of cases with atypia (5 mild; 9 moderate
      and 4 severe) and in 13 of 17 (76%) nevi without atypia with no statistically
      significant differences between both groups. Genomic analyses of exon regions
      revealed no abnormalities in "hotspots" frequently associated with point
      mutations in acral melanomas. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a lack of
      correlation between immunohistochemical expression of CKIT and KIT mutations in
      atypical acral nevi. Atypical acral nevi do not exhibit genetic alterations in
      KIT associated with acral melanomas.

PMID- 22094234
TI  - Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a monovalent inactivated 2009 influenza A
      vaccine in adolescents: with special reference to pre-existing antibody.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a monovalent 2009
      pandemic influenza vaccine in Japanese adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 111
      junior high school and high school students aged 13 to 18 years participated.
      Subjects received two doses of a monovalent inactivated unadjuvanted 2009
      influenza A vaccine. Immunogenicity of the vaccine was evaluated according to the
      international criteria. We also asked subjects to report adverse reactions.
      RESULTS: After the first dose of vaccine, the seroprotection rate was 91% (95%
      CI, 85%-96%), the seroconversion rate was 78% (70%-86%), and the geometric mean
      titer ratio was 11.9 in all subjects. Antibody titers achieved did not differ
      significantly after the first and the second doses. With multivariate analysis,
      an independent negative effect of a prevaccination titer of >=1:40 on >=4 fold
      antibody increase was indicated. No serious adverse reaction was reported.
      CONCLUSION: The monovalent pandemic vaccine generally was safe, and a single dose
      of the vaccine given to adolescents induced sufficient immunity. Pre-existing
      antibody showed substantial effect on antibody response. The effect of pre
      existing titer should be considered when evaluating the immunogenicity of
      influenza vaccines, especially in studies conducted during pandemic waves.

PMID- 22094235
TI  - The modern staged repair of classic bladder exstrophy: a detailed postoperative
      management strategy for primary bladder closure.
AB  - PURPOSE: Successful primary bladder closure of classic bladder exstrophy sets the
      stage for development of adequate bladder capacity and eventual voided
      continence. The postoperative pathway following primary bladder closure at the
      authors' institution is quantitatively and qualitatively detailed. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive newborns (47 male) undergoing primary closure of
      classic bladder exstrophy were identified and data were extracted relating to
      immediate postoperative care. Overall success rate was utilized to validate the
      pathway. RESULTS: Mean age at time of primary closure was 4.6 days and mean
      hospital stay was 35.8 days. Osteotomy was performed in 19 patients (mean age 8.8
      days), and was not required in 39 infants (mean age 2.9 days). All patients were
      immobilized for 4 weeks. Tunneled epidural analgesia was employed in 61/65
      patients. All patients had ureteral catheters and a suprapubic tube, along with a
      comprehensive antibiotic regimen. Postoperative total parenteral nutrition was
      commonly administered, and enteral feedings started around day 4.6. Our success
      rate of primary closure was 95.4%. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed and regimented plan
      for bladder drainage, immobilization, pain control, nutrition, antimicrobial
      prophylaxis, and adequate healing time is a cornerstone for the postoperative
      management of the primary closure of bladder exstrophy.

PMID- 22094236
TI  - Multidetector computed tomography detection of a very unusual double coronary
      fistula from left anterior descending coronary artery to pulmonary artery and
      descending aorta.

PMID- 22094237
TI  - The role of echocardiography in quantification of left ventricular dyssynchrony:
      state of the art and future directions.
AB  - This article discusses how echocardiography can be applied to quantify
      dyssynchrony in patients who are evaluated for cardiac resynchronization therapy
      (CRT). A number of echocardiographic indices have been proposed as markers of
      success of CRT. However, when tested against QRS width in prospective clinical
      trials, none of the echocardiographic indices are proven to give clinical
      benefit. One important message in this review is that future studies should focus
      on approaches which can differentiate between electrical and non-electrical
      aetiologies of dyssynchrony, since only electrical dyssynchrony is likely to
      respond to CRT. Just measuring velocity indices does not identify the aetiology.
      Myocardial strain appears more promising, but one should be aware that timing of
      peak systolic strain is determined not only by electrical conduction. It is
      proposed to use onset septal shortening during pre-ejection for timing of
      earliest left ventricular (LV) electrical activation. One should take into
      account potential ischaemia, scarring, and other structural changes as
      contributors to dyssynchrony. As a method to identify electrical dyssynchrony,
      the authors propose to use time of active force generation as defined by LV
      pressure-strain loops. A non-invasive method to measure segmental pressure-strain
      loops is also proposed as a means to quantify the impact of dyssynchrony on
      distribution of myocardial work. Furthermore, it is important to be aware that LV
      dyssynchrony may have a combination of aetiologies, not all amenable for CRT.

PMID- 22094238
TI  - Non-invasive imaging in acute chest pain syndromes.
AB  - This review has the purpose of informing the reader about the current use of
      imaging techniques in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency
      department. We will focus on three aspects of managing the patient with acute
      chest pain: Imaging to increase the number of correct diagnoses in the acute
      situation; Imaging to rule out other than coronary causes of chest pain; Use of
      imaging for risk stratification once myocardial infarction has been ruled out in
      the CPU. Special emphasis is given to how these management aspects are discussed
      in current guidelines on the management of patients with acute chest pain or
      acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 22094239
TI  - Cardiac hybrid imaging.
AB  - Cardiac hybrid imaging combines different imaging modalities in a way where both
      modalities equally contribute to image information. The most common and best
      studied approach is to combine computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA)
      and myocardial perfusion imaging either with single-photon emission computed
      tomography or with positron emission tomography (PET). This combination is a
      promising tool for evaluation of coronary artery disease since it allows
      visualization of coronary atherosclerotic lesions and their haemodynamic
      consequences in a single study and it appears to offer superior diagnostic
      accuracy when compared with stand-alone imaging. More recent applications are a
      combination of CTCA and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging by using software
      image fusion and utilization of commercially available hybrid PET/MRI scanners
      for cardiac applications. Currently, these methods have been reported only as
      case reports, but several potential applications also in cardiology can be
      anticipated. The development of new molecular imaging probes will also open
      completely new possibilities for guidance and monitoring of advanced therapies.
      This review will focus on the concepts and currently available clinical
      experiences from cardiac hybrid imaging as well as discuss the potential future
      applications.

PMID- 22094240
TI  - Relationships between intramuscular fat content, selected carcass traits, and
      fatty acid profile in bulls using a F2-population.
AB  - The quality and nutritional value of beef is related to the amount of
      intramuscular fat (IMF) as well as to its fatty acid composition. In this study
      the relations between the IMF content and the total fatty acid composition, the
      fatty acids (FA) of triacylglycerols (TG) and the FA of phospholipids (PL) in
      longissimus muscle of F(2) Charolais*German Holstein crossbred bulls have been
      analysed. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, C18:2n-6; C18:3n-3) and stearic acid
      (C18:0) are strongly positively correlated to IMF in longissimus muscle at the
      quantitative level (mg/100g fresh tissue), but there are negative correlation
      coefficients for the relative proportion of these fatty acids to IMF. The
      relationships between IMF and the fatty acid profile of the subfractions TG and
      PL are lower compared to total muscle fat. Selected carcass fat traits are
      positively correlated to most of the fatty acids.

PMID- 22094241
TI  - Isolation and characterization of T cells from semen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The male genital tract is of major importance in the transmission and
      acquisition of HIV-1. Studying cellular immunity in the male genital tract is
      important in development of HIV-1 vaccines protective at mucosal sites. Semen is
      the primary HIV-1 containing fluid released from the male genital tract and
      reducing virus levels in semen would also reduce HIV-1 spread. Characterizing
      lymphocytes from semen requires the isolation of viable T cells that can be
      analyzed by downstream applications such as flow cytometry. The aims of this
      study were to investigate the influence of various parameters on CD3(+) T cell
      yields from semen and to compare isolation methods to maximize CD3(+) T cell
      yields for the purpose of functional characterization by flow cytometry. METHODS:
      The influence of abstinence, storage temperature and time till processing on
      semen CD3(+) T cell yields was investigated. Seminal CD3(+) T cell yields were
      evaluated by comparing gradient separation, enzymatic digestion, filtration and
      magnetic bead capture. The function and viability of seminal CD4(+) and CD8(+) T
      cells were assayed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: We found that the use of pronase
      and cell strainers resulted in significantly higher CD3(+) T cell yields when
      compared to gradient separation alone. Positive selection of CD3(+) cells using
      magnetic bead purification resulted in significantly higher yields and improved
      resolution of lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Processing of samples should
      occur as expediently as possible to maximize CD3(+) T cell yields. However, if
      this is not possible, loss of CD3(+) T cells can be minimized by storing samples
      at 37 degrees C for up to one day post ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a
      simple method for the isolation of functional T cells from semen. Developing
      standardized methods for processing samples and measuring immunity in the male
      genital tract may be important in clinical trials of not only candidate HIV-1
      vaccines, but in better understanding cellular immunity to a range of sexually
      transmitted infections of global significance.

PMID- 22094242
TI  - Diverse roles of the scaffolding protein RanBPM.
AB  - Ran-binding protein microtubule-organizing center (RanBPM) appears to function as
      a scaffolding protein in several signal transduction pathways. RanBPM is a
      crucial component of multiprotein complexes that regulate the cellular function
      by modulating and/or assembling with a wide range of proteins in different
      intracellular regions and thereby mediate diverse cellular functions. This
      suggests a role for RanBPM as a scaffolding protein. In this article, we have
      summarized the diverse functions of RanBPM and its interacting partners that have
      been investigated to date. Also, we have categorized the role of RanBPM into four
      divisions: RanBPM as a modulator/protein stabilizer, regulator of transcription
      activity, cell cycle and neurological functions.

PMID- 22094243
TI  - MRI as a tool for evaluation of oral controlled release dosage forms.
AB  - The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of controlled-release (CR) dosage
      forms can be roughly divided into two groups. The first comprises studies
      performed in static conditions (small solvent volumes and ambient temperature).
      Such studies have provided insight into molecular phenomena in hydrating
      polymeric matrices. The second group covers research performed in dynamic
      conditions (medium flow or stirring) related to drug dissolution. An important
      issue is supplementation of the MRI results with data obtained by complementary
      techniques, such as X-ray microtomography (MUCT). As we discuss here, an
      understanding of the mechanism underlying the release of the drug from the dosage
      form will lead to the development of detailed, molecularly defined, CR dosage
      forms.

PMID- 22094244
TI  - Determinants for successful marketing authorisation of orphan medicinal products
      in the EU.
AB  - In 2010, the European Regulation for Orphan Medicinal Products (OMPs) was in
      force for ten years. In this study we assessed possible determinants of
      applications for OMPs in the EU since 2000 that are associated with a successful
      marketing authorisation. Our analysis shows that clinical trial characteristics
      such as demonstrating convincing evidence of a beneficial effect on the primary
      endpoint, the selection of a clinically relevant endpoint, providing RCT data as
      pivotal study evidence and the submission of sound dose finding data are critical
      success factors. In addition, high medical need seems to counterweigh
      uncertainties about the scientific evidence in the benefit-risk assessment of
      OMPs.

PMID- 22094246
TI  - Is there a clinical future for polymeric nanoparticles as brain-targeting drug
      delivery agents?
AB  - Injectable nanosized carriers (5-250 nm) are actively studied as anticancer drug
      delivery agents for targeted drug delivery to the brain. Among these, polymeric
      nanoparticles (Np) have been studied since 1995, but only five of them recently
      started Phase I clinical trials, and none of these targets brain pathologies. To
      date, clinical trials for brain drug delivery have started for macromolecular-
      and nanocarrier-based systems in the treatment of brain tumors. This review, on
      the basis of the results obtained so far from preclinical studies, will
      critically consider the possibilities that polymeric Np have to reach the clinic
      as drug delivery agents for the brain, in comparison with other platforms.

PMID- 22094247
TI  - Collaboration between PcG proteins and MLL fusions in Leukemogenesis: an emerging
      paradigm.
AB  - PcG and TrxG proteins mostly with opposite transcriptional activities play key
      roles in normal and malignant development. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Tan et
      al. report an unexpected collaboration between CBX8 and MLL-AF9 in leukemia,
      revealing a far more complicated functional crosstalk between these master
      epigenetic regulators in oncogenesis.

PMID- 22094245
TI  - Biomimetic tissues on a chip for drug discovery.
AB  - Developing biologically relevant models of human tissues and organs is an
      important enabling step for disease modeling and drug discovery. Recent advances
      in tissue engineering, biomaterials and microfluidics have led to the development
      of microscale functional units of such models also referred to as 'organs on a
      chip'. In this review, we provide an overview of key enabling technologies and
      highlight the wealth of recent work regarding on-chip tissue models. In addition,
      we discuss the current challenges and future directions of organ-on-chip
      development.

PMID- 22094248
TI  - Platelets alter tumor cell attributes to propel metastasis: programming in
      transit.
AB  - Metastasis of epithelial tumors critically depends on acquisition of a
      disseminating phenotype that allows tumor cells to colonize distant organs. In
      this issue of Cancer Cell, Labelle et al. demonstrate that an epithelial
      mesenchymal-like transition can be induced by interaction between platelets and
      tumor cells.

PMID- 22094249
TI  - Power cut: inhibiting mitochondrial translation to target leukemia.
AB  - In this issue of Cancer Cell, Skrtic et al. demonstrate that inhibition of
      mitochondrial ribosomes with tigecycline, a known antimicrobial, selectively
      kills leukemia cells. This finding highlights the metabolic susceptibility of
      leukemia cells to mitochondrial translational inhibition and identifies a
      compound with significant efficacy in an in vivo preclinical model.

PMID- 22094250
TI  - The Two Faces of NF-kappaB Signaling in Cancer Development and Therapy.
AB  - Constitutive activation of NF-kappaB signaling can promote oncogenesis, providing
      a rationale for anticancer strategies that inhibit NF-kappaB signaling. Two
      recent publications in Genes & Development provide evidence that, in contexts
      where prosurvival signals derive from other oncogenes, NF-kappaB activity instead
      enhances sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy, thereby exerting a tumor
      suppressor function.

PMID- 22094251
TI  - Discovery of a secreted tumor suppressor provides a promising therapeutic
      strategy for follicular lymphoma.
AB  - In a recent paper in Cell, Oricchio et al. identify EPHA7 as a tumor suppressor
      gene residing in the 6q-deleted region in follicular lymphoma. A truncated
      EPHA7(TR) isoform is secreted by normal B cells, inhibits EPHA2 signaling, and,
      as a secreted tumor suppressor protein, has potential as a targeted therapeutic
      polypeptide.

PMID- 22094252
TI  - CBX8, a polycomb group protein, is essential for MLL-AF9-induced leukemogenesis.
AB  - Chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene lead
      to the development of acute leukemias. Constitutive HOX gene activation by MLL
      fusion proteins is required for MLL-mediated leukemogenesis; however, the
      underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that chromobox homolog 8
      (CBX8), a Polycomb Group protein that interacts with MLL-AF9 and TIP60, is
      required for MLL-AF9-induced transcriptional activation and leukemogenesis.
      Conversely, both CBX8 ablation and specific disruption of the CBX8 interaction by
      point mutations in MLL-AF9 abrogate HOX gene upregulation and abolish MLL-AF9
      leukemic transformation. Surprisingly, Cbx8-deficient mice are viable and display
      no apparent hematopoietic defects. Together, our findings demonstrate that CBX8
      plays an essential role in MLL-AF9 transcriptional regulation and leukemogenesis.

PMID- 22094253
TI  - Direct signaling between platelets and cancer cells induces an epithelial
      mesenchymal-like transition and promotes metastasis.
AB  - Interactions of cancer cells with the primary tumor microenvironment are
      important determinants of cancer progression toward metastasis but it is unknown
      whether additional prometastatic signals are provided during the intravascular
      transit to the site of metastasis. Here, we show that platelet-tumor cell
      interactions are sufficient to prime tumor cells for subsequent metastasis.
      Platelet-derived TGFbeta and direct platelet-tumor cell contacts synergistically
      activate the TGFbeta/Smad and NF-kappaB pathways in cancer cells, resulting in
      their transition to an invasive mesenchymal-like phenotype and enhanced
      metastasis in vivo. Inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling in cancer cells or ablation
      of TGFbeta1 expression solely in platelets protects against lung metastasis in
      vivo. Thus, cancer cells rely on platelet-derived signals outside of the primary
      tumor for efficient metastasis.

PMID- 22094254
TI  - Altered hematopoietic cell gene expression precedes development of therapy
      related myelodysplasia/acute myeloid leukemia and identifies patients at risk.
AB  - Therapy-related myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/AML) is a major
      complication of cancer treatment. We compared gene expression in CD34+ cells from
      patients who developed t-MDS/AML after autologous hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (aHCT) for lymphoma with controls who did not develop t-MDS/AML.
      We observed altered gene expression related to mitochondrial function,
      metabolism, and hematopoietic regulation in pre-aHCT samples from patients who
      subsequently developed t-MDS/AML. Progression to overt t-MDS/AML was associated
      with additional alterations in cell-cycle regulatory genes. An optimal 38-gene
      PBSC classifier accurately distinguished patients who did or did not develop t
      MDS/AML in an independent group of patients. We conclude that genetic programs
      associated with t-MDS/AML are perturbed long before disease onset, and accurately
      identify patients at risk for this complication.

PMID- 22094255
TI  - Oxidative damage targets complexes containing DNA methyltransferases, SIRT1, and
      polycomb members to promoter CpG Islands.
AB  - Cancer cells simultaneously harbor global losses and gains in DNA methylation. We
      demonstrate that inducing cellular oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide
      treatment recruits DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) to damaged chromatin. DNMT1
      becomes part of a complex(es) containing DNMT3B and members of the polycomb
      repressive complex 4. Hydrogen peroxide treatment causes relocalization of these
      proteins from non-GC-rich to GC-rich areas. Key components are similarly enriched
      at gene promoters in an in vivo colitis model. Although high-expression genes
      enriched for members of the complex have histone mark and nascent transcription
      changes, CpG island-containing low-expression genes gain promoter DNA
      methylation. Thus, oxidative damage induces formation and relocalization of a
      silencing complex that may explain cancer-specific aberrant DNA methylation and
      transcriptional silencing.

PMID- 22094256
TI  - A systematic screen for CDK4/6 substrates links FOXM1 phosphorylation to
      senescence suppression in cancer cells.
AB  - Cyclin D-dependent kinases (CDK4 and CDK6) are positive regulators of cell cycle
      entry and they are overactive in the majority of human cancers. However, it is
      currently not completely understood by which cellular mechanisms CDK4/6 promote
      tumorigenesis, largely due to the limited number of identified substrates. Here
      we performed a systematic screen for substrates of cyclin D1-CDK4 and cyclin D3
      CDK6. We identified the Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor as a common
      critical phosphorylation target. CDK4/6 stabilize and activate FOXM1, thereby
      maintain expression of G1/S phase genes, suppress the levels of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), and protect cancer cells from senescence. Melanoma cells, unlike
      melanocytes, are highly reliant on CDK4/6-mediated senescence suppression, which
      makes them particularly susceptible to CDK4/6 inhibition.

PMID- 22094257
TI  - Targeting of the tumor suppressor GRHL3 by a miR-21-dependent proto-oncogenic
      network results in PTEN loss and tumorigenesis.
AB  - Despite its prevalence, the molecular basis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
      remains poorly understood. Here, we identify the developmental transcription
      factor Grhl3 as a potent tumor suppressor of SCC in mice, and demonstrate that
      targeting of Grhl3 by a miR-21-dependent proto-oncogenic network underpins SCC in
      humans. Deletion of Grhl3 in adult epidermis evokes loss of expression of PTEN, a
      direct GRHL3 target, resulting in aggressive SCC induced by activation of
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Restoration of Pten expression completely abrogates SCC
      formation. Reduced levels of GRHL3 and PTEN are evident in human skin, and head
      and neck SCC, associated with increased expression of miR-21, which targets both
      tumor suppressors. Our data define the GRHL3-PTEN axis as a critical tumor
      suppressor pathway in SCC.

PMID- 22094258
TI  - The NOD-like receptor NLRP12 attenuates colon inflammation and tumorigenesis.
AB  - NLRP12 is a member of the intracellular Nod-like receptor (NLR) family that has
      been suggested to downregulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, but its
      physiological role in regulating inflammation has not been characterized. We
      analyzed mice deficient in Nlrp12 to study its role in inflammatory diseases such
      as colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis. We show that Nlrp12-deficient mice are
      highly susceptible to colon inflammation and tumorigenesis, which is associated
      with increased production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and tumorigenic
      factors. Enhanced colon inflammation and colorectal tumor development in Nlrp12
      deficient mice are due to a failure to dampen NF-kappaB and ERK activation in
      macrophages. These results reveal a critical role for NLRP12 in maintaining
      intestinal homeostasis and providing protection against colorectal tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22094259
TI  - IL-6 controls leukemic multipotent progenitor cell fate and contributes to
      chronic myelogenous leukemia development.
AB  - Using a mouse model recapitulating the main features of human chronic myelogenous
      leukemia (CML), we uncover the hierarchy of leukemic stem and progenitor cells
      contributing to disease pathogenesis. We refine the characterization of CML
      leukemic stem cells (LSCs) to the most immature long-term hematopoietic stem
      cells (LT-HSCs) and identify some important molecular deregulations underlying
      their aberrant behavior. We find that CML multipotent progenitors (MPPs) exhibit
      an aberrant B-lymphoid potential but are redirected toward the myeloid lineage by
      the action of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. We show that BCR/ABL activity
      controls Il-6 expression thereby establishing a paracrine feedback loop that
      sustains CML development. These results describe how proinflammatory tumor
      environment affects leukemic progenitor cell fate and contributes to CML
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 22094261
TI  - A pilot study of preemptive morphine analgesia in preterm neonates: effects on
      head circumference, social behavior, and response latencies in early childhood.
AB  - Use of preemptive analgesia in Neonatal Intensive Care Units is recommended for
      severe and/or invasive procedures. However, the potential long-term consequences
      of such analgesia, which may be prolonged, are only beginning to be studied. In
      this pilot study, a subset of subjects previously enrolled in the Neurological
      Outcomes and Preemptive Analgesia in Neonates (NEOPAIN) trial was assessed at
      early childhood. These ex-preterm infants (born at 23-32 weeks of gestational
      age) required intubation within 72 h postpartum and were randomized to receive
      either preemptive morphine analgesia (maximum of 14 days) or placebo within 8h
      post-intubation. At 5-7 years of age, neuropsychological outcomes, morphometrics,
      adaptive behavior, parent-rated behavior, motivation, and short-term memory were
      measured. Although overall IQ and academic achievement did not differ between the
      morphine treated (n=14) and placebo (n=5) groups, preemptive morphine analgesia
      was associated with distinct differences in other outcome variables. Head
      circumference of morphine treated children was approximately 7% smaller
      (Cohen'sd: 2.83, effect size large) and body weight was approximately 4% less
      (Cohen'sd: 0.81, effect size large); however, height did not differ. In the short
      term memory task (delayed matching to sample), morphine treated children
      exhibited significantly longer choice response latencies than placebo children
      (3.86+/-0.33 and 2.71+/-0.24 s, respectively) (p<0.03) and completed
      approximately 27% less of the task than placebo children (Cohen'sd: 0.96, effect
      size large). Parents described morphine treated children as having more social
      problems, an effect specific to creating and maintaining friendships (Cohen'sd: 
      0.83, effect size large). Despite the small sample size and the preliminary
      nature of this study, these results are strongly suggestive of long-lasting
      effects of preemptive morphine analgesia. A larger investigation with more
      comprehensive assessments of some of these key features will enable a more
      complete understanding of the relationship between preemptive morphine treatment
      and long-term neurocognitive, behavioral, and adaptive outcomes.

PMID- 22094260
TI  - Inhibition of mitochondrial translation as a therapeutic strategy for human acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - To identify FDA-approved agents targeting leukemic cells, we performed a chemical
      screen on two human leukemic cell lines and identified the antimicrobial
      tigecycline. A genome-wide screen in yeast identified mitochondrial translation
      inhibition as the mechanism of tigecycline-mediated lethality. Tigecycline
      selectively killed leukemia stem and progenitor cells compared to their normal
      counterparts and also showed antileukemic activity in mouse models of human
      leukemia. ShRNA-mediated knockdown of EF-Tu mitochondrial translation factor in
      leukemic cells reproduced the antileukemia activity of tigecycline. These effects
      were derivative of mitochondrial biogenesis that, together with an increased
      basal oxygen consumption, proved to be enhanced in AML versus normal
      hematopoietic cells and were also important for their difference in tigecycline
      sensitivity.

PMID- 22094262
TI  - Non-invasive prenatal genetic testing: a study of public attitudes.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Non-invasive prenatal genetic diagnostic (NIPD) tests are
      being developed using cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal circulation. NIPD tests
      avoid or reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures for conditions like
      Down syndrome. Discussion of ethical and social implications of these techniques
      is increasing. We report findings from a study of public attitudes relevant to
      the introduction of NIPD. A key aim was to examine the range of attitudes
      relevant to NIPD within a diverse sample. METHODS: Qualitative analysis of
      written free text 'first responses' to a written neutral description of NIPD as
      part of a Q-methodology study conducted with a purposive sample of the UK
      population (n = 71). RESULTS: The majority (63%) of respondents described their
      first response as positive. However, respondents displayed ambivalence,
      expressing positive views of individual/medical rationale for NIPD and unease
      concerning public health rationale and societal implications. Unease related to
      eugenic reasoning underlying existing prenatal testing, 'too much control' in
      reproduction, commercial provision, information and support requirements for
      expanded testing, and limiting the use of testing. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that regulating and monitoring commercial provision of NIPD services, and
      monitoring introduction and clinical use, are a public preference.

PMID- 22094263
TI  - Disorders of sexual development in poultry.
AB  - Sex in birds is determined genetically, as in mammals. However, in birds, female
      is the heterogametic sex (ZW), while the male is homogametic (ZZ). Although the
      exact mechanism of avian sex determination is still unclear, genes on one or both
      of the sex chromosomes must control sexual differentiation of the embryonic
      gonads into testes or ovaries, and eventually all other sexually dimorphic
      features. In this review of disorders of sexual development in poultry, we focus
      upon the gonads and external dimorphisms. Abnormalities of sexual development in
      poultry can be broadly divided into 2 types: those due to disturbances in sex
      hormone production by the gonads, and those due to abnormal inheritance of sex
      chromosomes. Recent studies on gynandromorphic chickens (half male, half female)
      point to the importance of genetic over hormonal factors in controlling sexual
      development in fowl.

PMID- 22094264
TI  - Common fragile sites: mechanisms of instability revisited.
AB  - Common fragile sites (CFSs) are large chromosomal regions prone to breakage upon
      replication stress that are considered a driving force of oncogenesis. CFSs were
      long believed to contain sequences blocking fork progression, thus impeding
      replication completion and leading to DNA breaks upon chromosome condensation.
      However, recent studies show that delayed completion of DNA replication instead
      depends on a regional paucity in initiation events. Because the distribution and
      the timing of these events are cell type dependent, different chromosomal regions
      can be committed to fragility in different cell types. These new data reveal the
      epigenetic nature of CFSs and open the way to a reevaluation of the role played
      by these sites in the formation of chromosome rearrangements found in tumors from
      different tissues.

PMID- 22094265
TI  - Characterizing complex structural variation in germline and somatic genomes.
AB  - Genome structural variation (SV) is a major source of genetic diversity in
      mammals and a hallmark of cancer. Although SV is typically defined by its
      canonical forms (duplication, deletion, insertion, inversion and translocation),
      recent breakpoint mapping studies have revealed a surprising number of 'complex'
      variants that evade simple classification. Complex SVs are defined by clustered
      breakpoints that arose through a single mutation but cannot be explained by one
      simple end-joining or recombination event. Some complex variants exhibit
      profoundly complicated rearrangements between distinct loci from multiple
      chromosomes, whereas others involve more subtle alterations at a single locus.
      These diverse and unpredictable features present a challenge for SV mapping
      experiments. Here, we review current knowledge of complex SV in mammals, and
      outline techniques for identifying and characterizing complex variants using next
      generation DNA sequencing.

PMID- 22094268
TI  - Effects of acute stress-induced immunomodulation on TH1/TH2 cytokine and
      catecholamine receptor expression in human peripheral blood cells.
AB  - AIMS: There is evidence that psychological stress can modulate immune functions.
      It has been hypothesized that acute stressors can affect both immune balance
      (including Th1 and Th2 cytokines) and expression of stress hormone receptors.
      This study investigated the impact of an acute stressor on gene expressions of
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) in
      leukocytes. The effect on T regulatory cells (Treg), regulatory cytokines IL-10
      and TGF-beta, Th1 and Th2 cytokines and their receptors IFN-gammaR and IL-4R was
      also studied. METHOD: Fourteen normal volunteers completed an acute laboratory
      stressor, and blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 1, 2, 6
      and 24 h after completion of the tasks. Cytokine production and Treg were
      determined by flow cytometry. Gene expressions of receptors were analyzed by real
      time PCR. RESULTS: IFN-gamma was increased immediately and 1 h after stressor
      (p<0.05, respectively) and upregulation of IFN-gammaR mRNA was noted at 2, 6 and
      24 h (p<0.01, respectively). IL-10 was decreased at 2 h (p<0.01). There were no
      significant changes in post-task IL-4R, Treg, or TGF-beta. beta2AR mRNA was
      increased at 2, 6 and 24 h (p<0.01, respectively). On the other hand, no
      significant alterations were observed in GR expression. CONCLUSION: An acute
      stressor increased Th1 cytokine production and its receptor expression. beta2AR
      but not GR was significantly increased after an acute stressor, which supports
      the hypothesis that catecholamine-mediated signal pathways in communication with
      the central nervous and immune systems play a fundamental role in acute stress
      mediated immune alterations.

PMID- 22094269
TI  - p24 proteins are required for secretion of Wnt ligands.
AB  - During development and disease, the exocytosis of signalling molecules, such as
      Wnt ligands, is essential to orchestrate cellular programs in multicellular
      organisms. However, it remains a largely unresolved question whether signalling
      molecules follow specialized transport routes through the exocytic pathway. Here
      we identify several Drosophila p24 proteins that are required for Wnt signalling.
      We demonstrate that one of these p24 proteins, namely Opossum, shuttles in the
      early secretory pathway, and that the Drosophila Wnt proteins are retained in the
      absence of p24 proteins. Our results indicate that Wnt secretion relies on a
      specialized anterograde secretion route with p24 proteins functioning as
      conserved cargo receptors.

PMID- 22094270
TI  - The ubiquity of consciousness.

PMID- 22094271
TI  - Algorithms and surrogate markers in translational research.

PMID- 22094272
TI  - Wnts need a p(assport)24 to leave the ER.

PMID- 22094273
TI  - Protein phosphatases, from molecules to networks.
AB  - The third EMBO-sponsored 'Europhosphatases' meeting brought together 180
      participants with a wide range of backgrounds and research interests to discuss
      the current status of research on phosphatases. It became clear at this meeting
      that the field is very active, and just as diverse as its members. This report
      highlights some of the transformative research presented at the meeting.

PMID- 22094274
TI  - Pol II caught speeding by single gene imaging.

PMID- 22094275
TI  - Will we wake up to biodiversity?

PMID- 22094276
TI  - Dilated cardiomyopathy: an unexpected complication of rapidly conducted atrial
      flutter in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
AB  - This report describes a 34-year-old male with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
      who presented with the unusual finding of a tachyarrhythmia-induced
      cardiomyopathy secondary to atrial flutter with 1:1 conduction through a left
      lateral accessory pathway. Catheter ablation of the accessory connection resulted
      in complete normalization of cardiac function.

PMID- 22094277
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of 5-alkoxycarbonyl-4-hydroxymethyl-5-alkyl
      pyrroline N-oxide derivatives.
AB  - The syntheses, analytical properties, and spin trapping behavior of four novel
      EMPO derivatives, namely 5-ethoxycarbonyl-4-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-pyrroline N
      oxide (EHMPO), 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-ethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-pyrroline N-oxide
      (EEHPO), 4-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-5-propoxycarbonyl-pyrroline N-oxide (HMPPO),
      and 4-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-5-iso-propoxycarbonyl-pyrroline N-oxide (HMiPPO),
      towards different oxygen- and carbon-centered radicals are described.

PMID- 22094278
TI  - Development of ligands at gamma-aminobutyrric acid type A (GABAA) receptor
      subtype as new agents for pain relief.
AB  - The identification of compounds with selective anxiolytic-like effects, exerted
      through the benzodiazepine site on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A))
      receptors, and that show pronounced antihyperalgesia in several pain models, has
      oriented research towards the development of new agents for the relief of pain.
      Starting from our previously reported ligands at the benzodiazepine site on
      GABA(A) receptors showing selective anxiolytic-like effects, we have designed new
      compounds with the aim of identifying those devoid of the typical side effects of
      the classical benzodiazepines. Our preliminary results indicate that compounds 4,
      10(+/-) and 11 have a very promising antihyperalgesic profile in different animal
      pain models (peripheral mono-neuropathy, STZ-induced hyperalgesia). In particular
      11 exhibits high potency since it exerted its protective effect starting from the
      dose of 3mg/kg po, after single injection.

PMID- 22094279
TI  - Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 4-phenylpyrrole derivatives as
      novel androgen receptor antagonists.
AB  - A series of 4-phenylpyrrole derivatives D were designed, synthesized, and
      evaluated for their potential as novel orally available androgen receptor
      antagonists therapeutically effective against castration-resistant prostate
      cancers. 4-Phenylpyrrole compound 1 exhibited androgen receptor (AR) antagonistic
      activity against T877A and W741C mutant-type ARs as well as wild-type AR. An
      arylmethyl group incorporated into compound 1 contributed to enhancement of
      antagonistic activity. Compound 4n, 1-{[6-chloro-5-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-3
      yl]methyl}-4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile exhibited
      inhibitory effects on tumor cell growth against the bicalutamide-resistant LNCaP
      cxD2 cell line as well as the androgen receptor-dependent JDCaP cell line in a
      mouse xenograft model. These results demonstrate that this series of pyrrole
      compounds are novel androgen receptor antagonists with efficacy against prostate
      cancer cells, including castration-resistant prostate cancers such as
      bicalutamide-resistant prostate cancer.

PMID- 22094280
TI  - Arylcyanoacrylamides as inhibitors of the Dengue and West Nile virus proteases.
AB  - The 3-aryl-2-cyanoacrylamide scaffold was designed as core pharmacophore for
      inhibitors of the Dengue and West Nile virus serine proteases (NS2B-NS3). A total
      of 86 analogs was prepared to study the structure-activity relationships in
      detail. Thereby, it turned out that the electron density of the aryl moiety and
      the central double bond have a crucial influence on the activity of the
      compounds, whereas the influence of substituents of the amide residue is less
      relevant. The para-hydroxy substituted analog was found to be the most potent
      inhibitor in this series with a K(i)-value of 35.7 MUM at the Dengue and 44.6 MUM
      at the West Nile virus protease. The aprotinin competition assay demonstrates a
      direct interaction of the inhibitor molecule with active centre of the Dengue
      virus protease. The target selectivity was studied in a counterscreen with
      thrombin and found to be 2.8:1 in favor of DEN protease and 2.3:1 in favor of WNV
      protease, respectively.

PMID- 22094281
TI  - Vaccine shortages and suspect online pharmacy sellers.
AB  - Vaccines represent half the products on the FDA Biologics Product Shortages list.
      As a result, providers and patients may purchase them online, a process rife with
      patient safety risks. We examined vaccine online availability by assessing up to
      5 identified online sellers. We determined if sites were accredited by the
      National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) VIPPS program, listed as US or
      international, employed social media linking to suspect online pharmacies, and if
      they were on the NABP Not Recommended list. All vaccines were advertised by
      online pharmacies and through data aggregation and social media sites, none were
      VIPPS-accredited, and most were on the NABP Not Recommended list. We found some
      online sellers advertising vaccines as over-the-counter. We extended our analysis
      to WHO Essential Medicines List vaccines and found all are also available online
      from suspect, non-VIPPS accredited sellers. Stakeholders should be aware of these
      online patient safety dangers.

PMID- 22094282
TI  - Pertussis vaccination in infancy lowers the incidence of pertussis disease and
      the rate of hospitalisation after one and two doses: analyses of 10 years of
      pertussis surveillance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Shortly after pertussis vaccination was reintroduced in Sweden in
      1996, an intensified pertussis disease surveillance programme was set up. In this
      study, we report on in-depth analyses of age-dose-number-specific incidences and
      the rate of pertussis hospitalisation for children with no, 1 or 2 doses of an
      acellular pertussis vaccine before pertussis disease. Vaccine coverage, the
      timeliness of childhood vaccination and the effect of later than scheduled
      pertussis vaccination(s) are also examined. STUDY DESIGN: Children with notified
      laboratory-confirmed (culture or PCR) pertussis disease were evaluated among the
      surveillance population of about 1 million infants, born between 1996 and 2007
      and followed for pertussis disease from October 1997 to December 2007, for nearly
      6 million person-years. Birth and vaccination dates of the diseased children are
      known from the surveillance programme. To estimate denominators of the age-dose
      number-specific pertussis incidences, we used birth and vaccination dates from a
      vaccine trial with more than 72,000 infants combined with national pertussis
      vaccine coverage data for children in the surveillance population. RESULTS: For
      infants from 3 to <5 months of age, the incidence of pertussis disease with at
      least 14 days of cough decreased from 264/100,000 for unvaccinated infants to
      155/100,000 for infants with one dose of a pertussis vaccine prior to onset of
      the disease. In the age range 5 to <12 months, the age-dose specific incidences
      were 526, 95, and 24/100,000 for infants with no, 1 and 2 doses, respectively.
      The rate of hospitalisation for infants with 1 dose of a pertussis vaccine prior
      to onset of the disease was significantly lower than for unvaccinated infants of
      the same age. For many infants, there is a delay in administration of the vaccine
      doses according to the regular 3-5-12 month schedule (which has been the case for
      many years). Hypothetically, if all infants had been vaccinated exactly on
      schedule, we would expect about 28% fewer pertussis cases with at least 14 days
      of cough and 38% fewer hospitalisations due to pertussis, of cases possible to
      influence by vaccinations on schedule. CONCLUSION: Pertussis vaccination had a
      significant effect among infants already after the first dose. This is
      particularly important for premature infants and infants with severe respiratory
      and cardiac diseases. A moderate decrease in the incidence of pertussis disease
      in infants and rate of hospitalisation could be expected if primary vaccinations
      were carried out closer to the scheduled time than is currently the practice in
      Sweden.

PMID- 22094283
TI  - Pneumococcal sequence type replacement among American Indian children: a
      comparison of pre- and routine-PCV7 eras.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of pneumococcal isolates collected
      during an efficacy trial of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7)
      among Navajo and White Mountain Apache children from 1998 to 2000 showed a non
      differential expansion of pre-existing sequence types (STs) and only one capsule
      switching event in the PCV7-randomized communities. PCV7 was introduced as a
      routine infant vaccine in October 2000. We assessed variability in PCV7
      effectiveness and mechanisms of ST replacement after prolonged routine PCV7 use.
      METHODS: We applied MLST to 267 non-vaccine type pneumococcal carriage and
      invasive disease isolates from Navajo and White Mountain Apache children from
      2006 to 2008, and compared them to those from 1998 to 2000. Microarray was used
      to confirm capsule switching events. RESULTS: The primary mechanism of ST
      replacement among Navajo and White Mountain Apache children was expansion of
      existing STs, although introduction of new STs was an important secondary
      mechanism. ST199, a majority being serotype 19A, was the most common ST in both
      eras. Only ST193 (serotype 21) was preferentially expanding in the PCV7 era.
      Three examples of capsule switching were identified. No variability in vaccine
      effectiveness by ST was observed. CONCLUSION: We did not observe an influence of
      ST on PCV7 serotype-specific effectiveness, although some STs may be favored in
      replacement.

PMID- 22094284
TI  - Aberrant expression of serum miRNAs in schizophrenia.
AB  - The circulating miRNAs are sufficiently stable and detectable to serve as
      clinical biomarkers as recent studies have revealed that the aberrant expression
      of circulating miRNAs can directly reflect disease status. Based on the analysis
      of the data (using miRanda software, TargetScan software and SOLID high
      throughput sequencing) obtained from the literature, Schizophrenia Gene database,
      NCBI database, the quantification of the nine miRNAs in the serum samples of 115
      patients suffering from schizophrenia and 40 healthy individuals using qRT-PCR
      and semi-nested qRT-PCR was conducted. The results suggested that the miR-181b,
      miR-219-2-3p, miR-346, miR-195, miR-1308, miR-92a, miR-17, miR-103 and let-7g are
      the key players to reflect the schizophrenia illnesses status and may serve as
      candidate biomarkers for diagnosis of schizophrenia. In addition, we also found
      that the risperidone improved the serum miR-346 level of schizophrenia
      significantly, and therefore may not be an effective drug in regulating serum miR
      346 level of schizophrenia. Furthermore, the expression level of serum miRNAs
      levels and schizophrenia patients were regardless of family history subtypes,
      ages, and gender. Collectively, these findings suggested that the serum miRNAs
      have strong potential to reflect schizophrenia disease status. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the analysis of the circulating
      miRNAs in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22094285
TI  - Clinicopathological correlation of Kruppel-like factor 5 and matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 expression and cartilage degeneration in human
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - The present study was designed to investigate the clinicopathological correlation
      between the expression of KLF5 and MMP-9, which are associated with extracellular
      matrix degradation and cartilage degeneration in human knee osteoarthritis (OA).
      Tibiofemoral joint samples from 20 patients with OA, treated with surgery alone,
      were divided into two groups: 0=no change (NC, n=17), and severe changes with a
      higher mean score (>= 3) (SC, n=29). The latter group contains samples with
      severe damages in cartilages and subchondral bones at medial tibial plateaux. The
      expression of the proteins was detected by immunofluorescence and quantitative RT
      PCR, respectively. Neurovascular invasion was evaluated by protein gene product
      (PGP) 9.5 and CD34-positive staining and scanning electron microscopy,
      respectively. Safranin O staining showed that the sections from the SC group had
      increased cartilage degeneration. The number of vascular invasions in the SC
      group (16/29, 55.2%) was higher than that in NC controls (2/17, 11.7%, P<0.05).
      The expression of KLF5 and MMP-9 increased, and was co-localized in the same
      cells of SC cartilages. The severity of cartilage degeneration and vascular
      invasion was associated with upregulation of the two protein expressions and was
      significantly different between SC and NC samples (P<0.05). Taken together, the
      expression of KLF5 and MMP-9 may be involved in cartilage degeneration,
      contributing to human OA.

PMID- 22094286
TI  - Destiny in your own hands--does a positive family history matter in the
      prevention of type 2 diabetes?

PMID- 22094287
TI  - Amorphous silica nanoparticles do not induce cytotoxicity, cell transformation or
      genotoxicity in Balb/3T3 mouse fibroblasts.
AB  - Although amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSiO(2)NPs) are believed to be non-toxic
      and are currently used in several industrial and biomedical applications
      including cosmetics, food additives and drug delivery systems, there is still no
      conclusive information on their cytotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic potential.
      For this reason, this work has investigated the effects of aSiO(2)NPs on Balb/3T3
      mouse fibroblasts, focusing on cytotoxicity, cell transformation and
      genotoxicity. Results obtained using aSiO(2)NPs, with diameters between 15 nm and
      300 nm and exposure times up to 72 h, have not shown any cytotoxic effect on
      Balb/3T3 cells as measured by the MTT test and the Colony Forming Efficiency
      (CFE) assay. Furthermore, aSiO(2)NPs have induced no morphological transformation
      in Balb/3T3 cells and have not resulted in genotoxicity, as shown by Cell
      Transformation Assay (CTA) and Micronucleus (MN) assay, respectively. To
      understand whether the absence of any toxic effect could result from a lack of
      internalization of the aSiO(2)NPs by Balb/3T3 cells, we have investigated the
      uptake and the intracellular distribution following exposure to 85 nm
      fluorescently-labelled aSiO(2)NPs. Using fluorescence microscopy, it was observed
      that fluorescent aSiO(2)NPs are internalized and located exclusively in the
      cytoplasmic region. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that although aSiO(2)NPs
      are internalized in vitro by Balb/3T3 mouse fibroblasts, they do not trigger any
      cytotoxic or genotoxic effect and do not induce morphological transformation,
      suggesting that they might be a useful component in industrial applications.

PMID- 22094288
TI  - Genotoxicity of inhaled nanosized TiO(2) in mice.
AB  - In vitro studies have suggested that nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is
      genotoxic. The significance of these findings with respect to in vivo effects is
      unclear, as few in vivo studies on TiO(2) genotoxicity exist. Recently, nanosized
      TiO(2) administered in drinking water was reported to increase, e.g., micronuclei
      (MN) in peripheral blood polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) and DNA damage in
      leukocytes. Induction of micronuclei in mouse PCEs was earlier also described for
      pigment-grade TiO(2) administered intraperitoneally. The apparent systemic
      genotoxic effects have been suggested to reflect secondary genotoxicity of TiO(2)
      due to inflammation. However, a recent study suggested that induction of DNA
      damage in mouse bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells after intratracheal
      instillation of nanosized or fine TiO(2) is independent of inflammation. We
      examined here, if inhalation of freshly generated nanosized TiO(2) (74% anatase,
      26% brookite; 5 days, 4 h/day) at 0.8, 7.2, and (the highest concentration
      allowing stable aerosol production) 28.5 mg/m(3) could induce genotoxic effects
      in C57BL/6J mice locally in the lungs or systematically in peripheral PCEs. DNA
      damage was assessed by the comet assay in lung epithelial alveolar type II and
      Clara cells sampled immediately following the exposure. MN were analyzed by
      acridine orange staining in blood PCEs collected 48 h after the last exposure. A
      dose-dependent deposition of Ti in lung tissue was seen. Although the highest
      exposure level produced a clear increase in neutrophils in BAL fluid, indicating
      an inflammatory effect, no significant effect on the level of DNA damage in lung
      epithelial cells or micronuclei in PCEs was observed, suggesting no genotoxic
      effects by the 5-day inhalation exposure to nanosized TiO(2) anatase. Our
      inhalation exposure resulted in much lower systemic TiO(2) doses than the
      previous oral and intraperitoneal treatments, and lung epithelial cells probably
      received considerably less TiO(2) than BAL cells in the earlier intratracheal
      study.

PMID- 22094289
TI  - Mequindox induced cellular DNA damage via generation of reactive oxygen species.
AB  - Mequindox, a quinoxaline-N-dioxide derivative that possesses antibacterial
      properties, has been widely used as a feed additive in the stockbreeding industry
      in China. While recent pharmacological studies have uncovered potential hazardous
      effects of mequindox, exactly how mequindox induces pathological changes and the
      cellular responses associated with its consumption remain largely unexplored. In
      this study, we investigated the cellular responses associated with mequindox
      treatment. We report here that mequindox inhibits cell proliferation by arresting
      cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Interestingly, this mequindox
      associated deleterious effect on cell proliferation was observed in human, pig as
      well as chicken cells, suggesting that mequindox acts on evolutionarily conserved
      target(s). To further understand the mequindox-host interaction and the mechanism
      underlying mequindox-induced cell cycle arrest, we measured the cellular content
      of DNA damage, which is known to perturb cell proliferation and compromise cell
      survival. Accordingly, using gamma-H2AX as a surrogate marker for DNA damage, we
      found that mequindox treatment induced cellular DNA damage, which paralleled the
      chemical-induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Importantly,
      expression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase partially alleviated these
      mequindox-associated effects. Taken together, our results suggest that mequindox
      cytotoxicity is attributable, in part, to its role as a potent inducer of DNA
      damage via ROS.

PMID- 22094290
TI  - Assessing the genotoxic potentials of roxarsone in V79 cells using the alkaline
      Comet assay and micronucleus test.
AB  - Until recently, knowledge about the genotoxicity of roxarsone in vitro or in vivo
      was limited. This study assessed the genotoxicity of roxarsone in an in vitro
      system. Roxarsone was tested for potential genotoxicity on V79 cells by a Comet
      assay and a micronucleus (MN) test, exposing the cells to roxarsone (1-500 MUM)
      and to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2, 20 MUM) solutions for 3-48 h. Roxarsone was found
      to be cytotoxic when assessed with a commercial cell counting kit (CCK-8) used to
      evaluate cell viability, and moderately genotoxic in the Comet assay and
      micronucleus test used to assess DNA damage. The Comet metrics (percentages TDNA,
      TL, TM) increased significantly in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in
      roxarsone-treated samples compared with PBS controls (P<0.05), while the data
      from samples treated with 20 MUM NaAsO2 were comparable to those from 500 MUM
      roxarsone-treated samples. The MN frequency of V79 cells treated with roxarsone
      was higher than that in the negative control but lower than the frequency in
      cells treated with 20 MUM NaAsO2. A dose- and time-dependent response in MN
      induction was observed at 10, 50, 100 and 500 MUM doses of roxarsone after 12-48
      h exposure time. The DNA damage in V79 cells treated with 500 MUM roxarsone was
      similar to cells exposed to 20 MUM NaAsO2. The uptake of cells was correlated
      with the DNA damage caused by roxarsone. This investigation depicts the genotoxic
      potentials of roxarsone to V79 cells, which could lead to further advanced
      studies on the genotoxicity of roxarsone.

PMID- 22094291
TI  - Additive and interactive effects of nutrient classes on longevity, reproduction,
      and diet consumption in the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni).
AB  - Insect lifespan is often closely linked to diet, and diet manipulations have been
      central to studies of ageing. Recent research has found that lifespan for some
      flies is maximised on a very low yeast diet, but once all yeast is removed,
      lifespan drops precipitously. Although effects of yeast availability on lifespan
      are commonly interpreted in terms of protein, yeast is a complex mix of nutrients
      and provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals and sterols. Elucidating which
      components of yeast are involved in this lifespan drop provides insights into
      more specific nutritional requirements and also provides a test for the
      commonplace interpretation of yeast in terms of protein. To this end, we fed
      Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni) one of eight experimental diets that
      differed in the nutrient group(s) found in yeast that were added to sucrose:
      none, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, cholesterol, vitamin+mineral+cholesterol
      (VMC), vitamin+mineral+cholesterol+amino acids (VMCA), and yeast. We measured
      survival rates and egg production in single sex and mixed sex cages, as well as
      nutrient intake of individual flies. We found that the addition of minerals
      increased lifespan of both male and female flies housed in single sex cages by
      decreasing baseline mortality. The addition of just amino acids decreased
      lifespan in female flies; however, when combined with other nutrient groups found
      in yeast, amino acids increased lifespan by decreasing both baseline mortality
      and age-specific mortality. Flies on the yeast and VMCA diets were the only ones
      to show significant egg production. We conclude that the drop in lifespan
      observed when all yeast is removed is explained by missing micronutrients
      (vitamins, minerals and cholesterol) as well as the absence of protein in
      females, whereas minerals alone can explain the pattern for males. These results
      indicate a need for caution when interpreting effects of dietary yeast as effects
      of protein.

PMID- 22094292
TI  - A method to evaluate profilometric tooth wear measurements.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the accuracy of measurements of tooth wear using a non
      contacting laser profilometer (NCLP) and surface matching software. METHODS: The
      accuracy and repeatability of the NCLP and software in measuring length was
      assessed by repeatedly scanning a calibrated 25 mm engineering steel gage block.
      Volumetric measurements were assessed after scanning commercially pure titanium
      frustums of varying volume. The accuracy and repeatability of the systems in
      measuring step height and volume after surface matching were assessed using a
      custom built model with cemented engineering slip gages and cemented onlays of
      super-plastically formed titanium. The overall effect on the uncertainty of
      measurement of repeated superimpositions of the same cast, repeated impressions
      of the same patient and using step-over distances smaller than the laser spot
      size were also quantified. RESULTS: The accuracy and repeatability were 1.3 MUm
      and 1.6 MUm in measuring length. The system was accurate for volumetric
      measurement with coefficients of variation <5%. Measurements using the model with
      cemented engineering slip gages and cemented super-plastically formed titanium
      onlays varied slightly (23.07 MUm and 1.6 mm(3)). Scanning and superimposing the
      same model introduced mean error of 2.7 MUm (SD=0.7). Scanning and superimposing
      separate casts from repeated impressions of a patient introduced mean error of
      14.8 MUm (SD=2.8). Decreasing step-over distances reduced measurement error
      (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The methodologies described here served to assess sources
      of error in tribology studies using surface mapping and surface matching
      technologies. The results optimized data interpretation. Study supported by Guy's
      and St. Thomas' Charity and the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

PMID- 22094293
TI  - The different impact of a high fat diet on dystrophic mdx and control C57Bl/10
      mice.
AB  - The absence of functional dystrophin protein in patients with Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy (DMD) and dystrophic mdx mice leads to fragile myofibre membranes and
      cycles of myofibre necrosis and regeneration. It is proposed that both DMD
      patients and mdx mice have an altered metabolism and impaired energy status and
      that nutritional supplementation may reduce the severity of dystropathology. This
      research compares the in vivo responses of dystrophic mdx and normal control
      C57Bl/10 mice to a high protein (50%) or a high fat (16%) diet. Consumption of a
      high protein diet had minimal effects on the body composition or muscle
      morphology in both strains of mice. In contrast, differences between the strains
      were seen in response to the high fat diet; this response also varied between mdx
      mice aged <24 weeks, and mdx mice aged 24 - 40 weeks. C57Bl/10 mice demonstrated
      many negative side effects after consuming the high fat diet, including weight
      gain, increased body fat, and elevated inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, after
      consuming the high fat diet for 16 weeks the mdx mice (< 24 weeks) remained lean
      with minimal fat deposition and were resistant to changes in body composition.
      These results support the proposal that energy metabolism in dystrophic mdx mice
      is altered compared to normal C57Bl/10 mice and this enables the mdx mice to
      better metabolise the high fat diet and avoid fat deposition. However, older mdx
      mice (24 - 40-week-old), with increased energy intake, exhibited some mild
      adverse effects of a high fat diet but to a far lesser extent than age-matched
      C57Bl/10 mice. Benefits of the high fat diet on dystrophic muscles of young mice
      were demonstrated by the significantly increased running ability (km) of
      voluntarily exercised mdx mice and significantly reduced myofibre necrosis in 24
      week-old sedentary mdx mice. These novel data clearly identify an 'altered'
      response to a high fat diet in dystrophic mdx compared to normal C57Bl/10 mice.
      Our data indicate that the high fat diet may better meet the energy needs of mdx
      mice to reduce muscle damage and improve muscle function.

PMID- 22094294
TI  - Increased risk of asthma and atopic dermatitis in perinatally HIV-infected
      children and adolescents.
AB  - The incidence of asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) was evaluated in HIV-infected
      (n = 451) compared to HIV-exposed (n = 227) but uninfected (HEU) children and
      adolescents by abstraction from clinical charts. Asthma was more common in HIV
      infected compared to HEU children by clinical diagnosis (25% vs. 20%, p = 0.101),
      by asthma medication use, (31% vs. 22%, p = 0.012), and by clinical diagnosis
      and/or medication use, (34% vs. 25%, p = 0.012). HIV-infected children had a
      greater risk of asthma compared to HEU children (HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01 to
      1.86). AD was more common in HIV-infected than HEU children (20% vs. 12%, p =
      0.009)) and children with AD were more likely to have asthma in both cohorts (41%
      vs. 29%, p = 0.010). HIV-infected children and adolescents in this study had an
      increased incidence of asthma and AD, a finding critical for millions of HIV
      infected children worldwide.

PMID- 22094295
TI  - A rare case of recurrent fetal goiter.
AB  - We report the case of fetal goiter which occurred in two consecutive pregnancies
      in the same patients. The first one, due to too late diagnosis and no
      intrauterine treatment, contributed to the immediate postnatal death of the
      newborn; the second one was properly diagnosed at 19 weeks and then effectively
      treated prenatally which allowed to avoid the fatal complications for the fetus
      and the newborn.

PMID- 22094296
TI  - Ketorolac therapy for the prevention of acute pseudophakic cystoid macular edema:
      a systematic review.
AB  - To assess the effectiveness of ketorolac vs control for prevention of acute
      pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME). The following databases were searched:
      Medline (1950-June 11, 2011), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2011), and the TRIP
      Database (up to 11 June 2011), using no language or other limits. Randomized
      controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included that consisted of patients with
      acute pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, those comparing ketorolac with control,
      and those having at least a minimum follow-up of 28 days. In the four RCTs
      evaluating ketorolac vs control, treatment with ketorolac significantly reduced
      the risk of CME development at the end of treatment (~ 4 weeks) compared to
      control (P=0.008; 95% confidence interval (0.03-0.58)). When analyzed
      individually, each individual study was statistically nonsignificant in its
      findings with the exception of one study. When the pooled relative risk was
      calculated, the large sample size of this systematic review led to overall
      statistical significance, which is attributable to the review's large sample size
      and not to the individual studies themselves. In this systematic review of four
      RCTs, two of which compared ketorolac with no treatment and two of which
      evaluated ketorolac vs placebo drops, treatment with ketorolac significantly
      reduced the risk of developing CME at the end of ~ 4 weeks of treatment compared
      with controls. These results, however, should be interpreted with caution
      considering the paucity of large randomized clinical trials in the literature.

PMID- 22094297
TI  - The incidence and distribution of iatrogenic retinal tears in 20-gauge and 23
      gauge vitrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The development of 23-gauge vitrectomy surgery has many benefits
      including a reduction in surgical time and faster postoperative rehabilitation;
      however, some have suggested that the complication rate is higher. To assess this
      we compared the incidence and distribution of iatrogenic retinal tears in 20- and
      23-gauge surgery. METHODS: Fifty consecutive 23-gauge and 50 consecutive 20-gauge
      vitrectomy cases were selected; eyes with a history of previous vitreoretinal
      surgery were excluded. All surgery was performed by two surgeons (JL and RN).
      Entry-site breaks (ESB) were defined as any new vitreoretinal abnormality
      occurring within 1 clock hour of an entry site for which treatment with
      cryotherapy was deemed necessary. Data were collected by retrospective case note
      review. Statistical analysis was carried out using Fisher's exact and chi(2)
      tests. RESULTS: ESB occurred in 24% (12/50) of cases in the 20-gauge group
      compared with 8% (4/50) in the 23-gauge group (P = 0.03); 88% (14/16) occurred
      superiorly on the same side as the surgeons' dominant hand. Iatrogenic breaks
      recorded elsewhere indicated an increased incidence in the 20-gauge group (9/50
      compared with 6/50 in 23-gauge) but this did not achieve significance; the most
      common position was at 6 o'clock. CONCLUSIONS: 23-Gauge vitrectomy is associated
      with significantly fewer ESB when compared with conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy.
      The incidence of other iatrogenic breaks did not appear to be significantly
      different between the two groups.

PMID- 22094298
TI  - The willingness of patients presenting with advanced glaucoma to participate in a
      trial comparing primary medical vs primary surgical treatment.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of patients, who presented
      with advanced glaucoma in at least one eye, to participation in a randomised
      prospective trial comparing primary medical treatment with primary surgical
      treatment for advanced glaucoma. METHODS: Patients who had presented with
      advanced glaucoma (>15 dB loss mean deviation on Humphrey visual field testing)
      in at least one eye were asked to participate. Five focus groups comprising of 4
      8 patients and consisting of 29 patients in total were undertaken. The group
      interviews were conducted by two experienced qualitative researchers, an
      ophthalmic clinician was present to clarify technical issues. The focus group
      discussions were taped and transcribed in full, and analysed through a process of
      familiarisation, open (inductive) coding, theme generation, theme refinement, and
      thematic mapping. RESULTS: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) the
      extent of patients' knowledge, (2) anxieties about surgery, and (3) concerns
      about compromised care due to trial involvement; these themes were further
      classified into eight sub-themes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' willingness to
      participate in randomised clinical studies is significantly connected to their
      level of comprehension and insight about the medical condition, its treatment,
      and the research process; misunderstandings about any of these aspects may act as
      a significant barrier to trial recruitment. Recruitment rates for future
      randomised trials may be enhanced by ensuring that patients have full and
      accurate information about the treatment alternatives, and that uncertainty
      exists for best patient outcomes between treatment options, and reassuring
      potential participants that the research process, in particular randomisation,
      will not compromise clinical care.

PMID- 22094299
TI  - Diagnosis of infectious diseases of the eye.
AB  - Specific therapy of ocular infections often requires etiological diagnosis that
      is a combined effect of observation of characteristic clinical features and
      microbiological investigations. Clinical impression is central to guiding the
      laboratory investigation, and the aim of laboratory investigation is to confirm
      or rule out the clinical diagnosis. However, clinical features may vary
      considerably, and no one clinical feature may be pathognomonic of a particular
      pathogen. In addition, there may be a racial, geographical, and climatic
      difference in the distribution and type of causative agents associated with
      infections. Ophthalmologists have at their disposal in vivo and in vitro methods
      of diagnosis of ocular infections. The expertise of the clinician and the
      microbiologist along with the facilities available, determine the success with
      accurate diagnosis. A wide range of conventional and molecular techniques are
      available that not only provide rapid diagnosis for known common infections but
      have the potential to bring to the fore unknown organisms that may be associated
      with ocular infections.

PMID- 22094300
TI  - Humphrey visual field findings in hydroxychloroquine toxicity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze Humphrey visual field (HVF) findings in hydroxychloroquine
      (HCQ) retinal toxicity. METHODS: HVF tests were interpreted retrospectively in
      this observational case series of 15 patients with HCQ toxicity. Patients seen at
      Lahey Clinic were identified by diagnosis coding search. Patients with age
      related macular degeneration or glaucoma with visual field loss were excluded.
      HVFs done before the diagnosis were analyzed to see if earlier diagnosis could
      have been possible. RESULTS: A total of 66 HVFs were reviewed and categorized.
      Some abnormalities were subtle. Paracentral defects were seen on 10-2 tests
      whereas 24-2 tests, due to their compressed scale, showed central changes. The
      abnormalities were often more obvious on pattern deviation rather than the gray
      scale. Of those patients with prior HVFs available for review, 50% showed HVF
      abnormalities typical of HCQ toxicity present several months or years before
      diagnosis. HVF changes preceded fundus changes in nine patients. CONCLUSION: HVF
      abnormalities indicating HCQ toxicity vary depending on the specific HVF test
      performed. Clinicians need to be aware of the subtle nature of HVF changes in
      early toxicity.

PMID- 22094301
TI  - Contact lens disinfecting solutions antibacterial efficacy: comparison between
      clinical isolates and the standard ISO ATCC strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the disinfectant properties of the three multipurpose
      contact lens disinfecting solutions available in Iran, against clinical isolates
      and the standard ISO ATCC strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus
      aureus, based on the international organization for standardization (ISO) 14729
      guidelines. METHODS: Three multipurpose solutions that were tested were ReNu
      Multiplus, Solo Care Aqua and All-Clean Soft. The test solutions were challenged
      with clinical isolates and the standard strains of P. aeruginosa(ATCC 9027) and
      S. aureus(ATCC 6538), based on the ISO Stand-alone procedure for disinfecting
      products. Solutions were sampled for surviving microorganisms at manufacturer's
      minimum recommended disinfection time. The number of viable organisms was
      determined and log reductions calculated. RESULTS: All of the three test
      solutions in this study provided a reduction greater than the required mean 3.0
      logarithmic reduction against the recommended standard ATCC strains of P.
      aeruginosa and S. aureus. Antibacterial effectiveness of Solo Care Aqua and All
      Clean Soft against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were
      acceptable based on ISO 14729 Stand-alone test. ReNu MultiPlus showed a minimum
      acceptable efficacy against the clinical isolate of S. aureus, but did not reduce
      the clinical isolate by the same amount. CONCLUSIONS: Although the contact lens
      disinfecting solutions meet/exceed the ISO 14729 Stand-alone primary acceptance
      criteria for standard strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, their efficacy may
      be insufficient against clinical isolates of these organisms.

PMID- 22094302
TI  - Ophthalmic features of Friedreich ataxia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe ocular abnormalities in patients with Friedreich ataxia
      (FRDA). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with FRDA by genetic analysis were invited to
      participate in a prospective cohort. The patients included underwent an extensive
      ophthalmologic examination, including low-contrast Sloan letter charts test and
      retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness analysis by optical coherence
      tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients agreed to participate. In all,
      19 patients (83%) had a visual acuity of at least 0.8 in both eyes. Fundus
      examination showed diffuse optic nerve pallor in four patients. However, OCT
      showed a decreased mean peripapillary RNFL thickness in all but three adult cases
      and one teenager. The RNFL thickness was found to have a positive correlation
      with visual acuity (P=0.001) and contrast sensitivity (P=0.001) and a negative
      correlation with time elapsed from diagnosis (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OCT and low
      contrast test sensitivity show that the visual pathway is affected in FRDA.
      However, in most patients there is no significant visual impairment. In a small
      proportion of patients visual acuity declines with disease progression. This
      study provides a better understanding of the ophthalmic features of FRDA.

PMID- 22094303
TI  - Individualised patient care as an adjunct to standard care for promoting
      adherence to ocular hypotensive therapy: an exploratory randomised controlled
      trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of individualised patient care, as an adjunct to
      standard care, on adherence to ocular hypotensive therapy. METHODS: A two-arm,
      single-masked exploratory randomised controlled trial recruited patients newly
      prescribed ocular hypotensive therapy. The intervention involved an individual
      assessment of health-care needs and beliefs and a 1-year follow-up period
      according to need. The primary outcome was refill adherence, measured by
      collating prescription and dispensing data for 12 months. Secondary outcomes
      included self-reported adherence, glaucoma knowledge, beliefs about illness and
      medicines, quality of care, intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation, and changes
      in clinical management assessed at 12 months. The strength of the intervention
      was measured following withdrawal by reviewing clinical outcomes for a further 12
      months. RESULTS: In all, 127 patients were recruited (91% response rate).
      Intervention-arm patients collected significantly more prescriptions than control
      arm patients. Self-report adherence was significantly better in the intervention
      arm for patients who forgot drops and those who intentionally missed drops. The
      intervention group demonstrated significantly more glaucoma knowledge, expressed
      a significantly stronger belief in the necessity of eye drops and believed that
      they had more personal control over managing their condition. Control-arm
      patients had more IOP fluctuation and changes in clinical management. However,
      this finding only reached significance at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Modelling
      patient care according to health-care needs and beliefs about illness and
      medicines can have a significant impact on improving adherence to therapy for
      this patient group, with the potential benefit of improving clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22094305
TI  - Predicting death in massive hemoptysis.

PMID- 22094304
TI  - Total protein concentration and T-cell suppression activity of aqueous humour
      before and after penetrating keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: We wished to determine whether immune privilege parameters assayed in
      aqueous humour (AqH) are relevant to the fate of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in
      humans. METHODS: AqH was collected in 28 patients before PK (prospective cohort),
      in 6 patients with no history of graft rejection undergoing cataract surgery
      after PK (acceptors), in another 6 patients undergoing treatment of an acute
      endothelial immune reaction (rejectors), and in 65 controls undergoing
      uncomplicated cataract extraction. AqH was tested for total protein concentration
      and the ability to suppress T-cell activation. RESULTS: AqH protein
      concentrations of acceptors and rejectors post-PK were elevated (2.7 +/- 0.8 and
      2.7 +/- 0.7 mg/ml, respectively) compared with pre-PK AqH level and cataract
      controls (1.0 +/- 0.1 mg/ml, P = 0.01). All AqH samples suppressed T-cell
      activation, irrespective of source and timing of AqH removal. CONCLUSION: Assays
      of immune privilege markers in AqH suggest that PK surgery may result in a
      sustained loss of integrity of the blood-aqueous barrier. Although trends were
      evident, values of immune privilege markers determined pre- and post-PK were not
      statistically significantly different between the study groups. However, further
      prospective studies determining additional immune privilege markers have to be
      conducted in order to find out whether these markers might serve as predictive
      parameters for immune reactions following PK.

PMID- 22094306
TI  - Efficacy, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycosides, mathematically
      modelled for modelling-supported therapeutic drug monitoring.
AB  - Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of aminoglycosides has been a topic during the
      last thirty years. There is a tendency that - because of the once-daily regimen -
      TDM is considered not necessary anymore. Although once daily dosing has the
      potential for decreased toxicity, long-term usage can cause severe nephro- and
      ototoxicity. Furthermore, inadequate plasma concentrations can lead to treatment
      failure. This work is devoted to the development and application of the first
      mathematical model of aminoglycosides, which simulates in relation to the
      pharmacokinetics both their effects on bacteria as well as their nephrotoxicity
      and cochleotoxicity. Our software system is suitable for TDM. Based on
      theoretical considerations, a multi-compartment mathematical model in a numerical
      program in Matlab is derived that incorporates the antimicrobial effects of
      aminoglycosides, the saturable and active uptake into kidney cells, the
      reversible nephrotoxicity and the irreversible cochleotoxicity. Using fictitious
      person data, and an assumed pharmacokinetic and dynamic parameter set obtained
      from the literature, we simulated the drug concentrations, antibacterial effects,
      and toxicity over time in virtual patients to illustrate the benefits of
      optimized, efficacious dosage regimens that minimize (acceptable) nephro- and
      auditory ototoxicity. Our model confirms that extended-interval dosing seems the
      most appropriate to achieve this goal. By this manner, the present mathematical
      model contributes to an increase in our knowledge of how to obtain an optimized
      dosing strategy for individual patients. With the developed program, we are able
      to demonstrate that optimal aminoglycoside dosing still needs a sophisticated
      system of TDM.

PMID- 22094307
TI  - Effects of early postnatal allopregnanolone administration on elevated plus maze
      anxiety scores in adult male Wistar rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent findings suggest that neurosteroids are involved in brain
      development. The present study focused on the long-term effects of
      developmentally altered allopregnanolone (AlloP) levels on anxiety-like behavior
      in adulthood. METHOD: We administered AlloP (10 mg/kg) to rat pups once a day
      from the 5th to the 9th day after birth. A dose-response study on midazolam in
      the elevated plus maze test was carried out in adulthood (experiment 1) in order
      to screen GABAA-benzodiazepine function alterations. Given that the anxiety-like
      responses were not affected by AlloP, we doubled the initial AlloP dose
      (experiment 2). One group of pups was left undisturbed with their dams in order
      to control the effects of daily handling. Only males were behaviorally tested.
      RESULTS: Neonatal AlloP administration (10 mg/kg) did not alter the behavioral
      response to midazolam in adulthood at the doses tested. Neonatal AlloP
      administration at the higher dose (20 mg/kg) induced an anxiolytic-like profile
      in adulthood (increased entries into and time spent in the open arms), without
      affecting motor activity. The behavioral effects of neonatal AlloP administration
      were both selective and independent of daily handling. CONCLUSION: Alterations in
      AlloP levels during maturation could partly explain the interindividual
      differences shown by adult subjects in response to environmental stress.

PMID- 22094308
TI  - A computerized method for automated identification of erect posteroanterior and
      supine anteroposterior chest radiographs.
AB  - A computerized scheme was developed for automated identification of erect
      posteroanterior (PA) and supine anteroposterior (AP) chest radiographs. The
      method was based on three features, the tilt angle of the scapula superior
      border, the tilt angle of the clavicle and the extent of radiolucence in lung
      fields, to identify the view of a chest radiograph. The three indices A(scapula),
      A(clavicle) and C(lung) were determined from a chest image for the three
      features. Linear discriminant analysis was used to classify PA and AP chest
      images based on the three indices. The performance of the method was evaluated by
      receiver operating characteristic analysis. The proposed method was evaluated
      using a database of 600 PA and 600 AP chest radiographs. The discriminant
      performances Az of A(scapula), A(clavicle) and C(lung) were 0.878 +/- 0.010,
      0.683 +/- 0.015 and 0.962 +/- 0.006, respectively. The combination of the three
      indices obtained an Az value of 0.979 +/- 0.004. The results indicate that the
      combination of the three indices could yield high discriminant performance. The
      proposed method could provide radiologists with information about the view of
      chest radiographs for interpretation or could be used as a preprocessing step for
      analyzing chest images.

PMID- 22094309
TI  - [The potential of new and old biomarkers for risk stratification in pulmonary
      embolism].

PMID- 22094310
TI  - Antithrombotic therapy in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a narrative review.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important and potentially modifiable cause of
      stroke. It has been known since 1989 that oral anticoagulant drugs, such as
      warfarin, lead to a dramatic decrease in stroke associated with AF. The best risk
      benefit ratio is obtained with intensity of oral anticoagulant treatment for an
      INR of 2-3, even in the elderly. Given the risks of anticoagulant therapy,
      including bleeding, individual thromboembolic risk must be assessed in patients
      with AF. In 2009, dabigatran was shown to be a reasonable alternative to vitamin
      K antagonists, establishing itself as a major alternative to warfarin in AF
      patients. Rivaroxaban and apixaban have subsequently also been shown to be
      alternatives to warfarin. When there are contraindications to vitamin K
      antagonists, antiplatelet agents can produce a therapeutic effect, although much
      less than oral anticoagulants. Apixaban may be a better alternative to aspirin in
      this setting. Patients with low-risk atrial fibrillation (no risk factors) have
      not been the subjects of specific clinical trials. It is unclear what would be
      the best therapeutic choice for these patients.

PMID- 22094311
TI  - [Sequential double vessel myocardial infarction].
AB  - Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) involving acute transmural ischemia of two
      vascular territories at the same time, which is known as double or combined
      infarction, is a well described phenomenon but rarely reported in most series of
      patients admitted for AMI. This may be related to the fact that AMI with multiple
      vessel obstruction often causes extensive myocardial injury and death before the
      patient arrives at the hospital. It is speculated that double infarction results
      from the overall prothrombotic and inflammatory conditions associated with AMI.

PMID- 22094312
TI  - Determination of the optimal mean arterial pressure for postbleeding
      resuscitation after hemorrhagic shock in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors previously found that 50-60 mmHg mean arterial blood
      pressure (MAP) was an optimal target resuscitation pressure for hemorrhagic shock
      before bleeding was controlled in rats. However, the optimal target resuscitation
      pressure for hemorrhagic shock after bleeding has been controlled has not been
      determined. METHODS: A model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock was initiated in
      anesthetized Wistar rats. After 1-h hypotensive resuscitation and bleeding was
      stopped, rats received fluid resuscitation to different target MAPs (50, 70, or
      90 mmHg) with lactated Ringer's solution (LR), 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES),
      LR+HES (2:1) or LR+whole blood (2:1) for 2 h. Animal survival, hemodynamic
      parameters, and vital organ functions were observed. RESULTS: After bleeding had
      been controlled, mildly hypotensive resuscitation at a target MAP of 70 mmHg
      increased the survival time and survival rate compared with a target MAP of 50
      mmHg and 90 mmHg (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Hemodynamic parameters, cardiac output,
      oxygen delivery, and vital organ function (including mitochondrial function) in
      70 mmHg target MAP groups were better than in other two-target pressure groups (P
      < 0.05 or 0.01). Among the fluids tested, LR+whole blood (2:1) or LR+HES130 (2:1)
      had better effects than LR or HES alone at each level of target blood pressure.
      CONCLUSION: Mildly hypotensive resuscitation is also needed for hemorrhagic shock
      after bleeding has been controlled, irrespective of whether crystalloids or
      colloids are used. The optimal target pressure was 70 mmHg in our rat model. A
      resuscitation pressure that is too low or too high cannot produce a good
      resuscitative effect.

PMID- 22094313
TI  - POU1F1-mediated activation of hGH-N by deoxyribonuclease I hypersensitive site II
      of the human growth hormone locus control region.
AB  - The human growth hormone gene (hGH-N) is regulated by a distal locus control
      region (LCR) composed of five deoxyribonuclease I hypersensitive sites (HSs). The
      region encompassing HSI and HSII contains the predominant pituitary somatotrope
      specific hGH-N activation function of the LCR. This activity was attributed
      primarily to POU1F1 (Pit-1) elements at HSI, as linkage to HSI was sufficient for
      properly regulated hGH-N expression in transgenic mice, while HSII alone had no
      activity. However, the presence of HSII in conjunction with HSI further enhanced
      hGH-N transgene expression, indicating additional determinants of pituitary hGH-N
      activation in the HSII region, but limitations of transgenic models and previous
      ex vivo systems have prevented the characterization of HSII. In the present
      study, we employ a novel minichromosome model of the hGH-N regulatory domain and
      show that HSII confers robust POU1F1-dependent activation of hGH-N in this
      system. This effect was accompanied by POU1F1-dependent histone acetylation and
      methylation throughout the minichromosome LCR/hGH-N domain. A series of in vitro
      DNA binding experiments revealed that POU1F1 binds to multiple sites at HSII,
      consistent with a direct role in HSII function. Remarkably, POU1F1 binding was
      localized in part to the 3' untranslated region of a primate-specific LINE-1
      (long interspersed nuclear element 1) retrotransposon, suggesting that its
      insertion during primate evolution may have conferred function to the HSII region
      in the context of pituitary GH gene regulation. These observations clarify the
      function of HSII, expanding the role of POU1F1 in hGH LCR activity, and provide
      insight on the molecular evolution of the LCR.

PMID- 22094314
TI  - Molecular basis for the activation of a catalytic asparagine residue in a self
      cleaving bacterial autotransporter.
AB  - Autotransporters are secreted proteins produced by pathogenic Gram-negative
      bacteria. They consist of a membrane-embedded beta-domain and an extracellular
      passenger domain that is sometimes cleaved and released from the cell surface. We
      solved the structures of three noncleavable mutants of the autotransporter EspP
      to examine how it promotes asparagine cyclization to cleave its passenger. We
      found that cyclization is facilitated by multiple factors. The active-site
      asparagine is sterically constrained to conformations favorable for cyclization,
      while electrostatic interactions correctly orient the carboxamide group for
      nucleophilic attack. During molecular dynamics simulations, water molecules were
      observed to enter the active site and to form hydrogen bonds favorable for
      increasing the nucleophilicity of the active-site asparagine. When the activated
      asparagine attacks its main-chain carbonyl carbon, the resulting oxyanion is
      stabilized by a protonated glutamate. Upon cleavage, this proton could be
      transferred to the leaving amine group, helping overcome a significant energy
      barrier. Together, these findings provide insight into factors important for
      asparagine cyclization, a mechanism broadly used for protein cleavage.

PMID- 22094315
TI  - Bound for observation.

PMID- 22094317
TI  - Intravenous rehydration in paediatric gastroenteritis.

PMID- 22094318
TI  - Violence and poor mental health and functional outcomes.

PMID- 22094316
TI  - Rapid versus standard intravenous rehydration in paediatric gastroenteritis:
      pragmatic blinded randomised clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if rapid rather than standard intravenous rehydration
      results in improved hydration and clinical outcomes when administered to children
      with gastroenteritis. DESIGN: Single centre, two arm, parallel randomised
      pragmatic controlled trial. Blocked randomisation stratified by site.
      Participants, caregivers, outcome assessors, investigators, and statisticians
      were blinded to the treatment assignment. SETTING: Paediatric emergency
      department in a tertiary care centre in Toronto, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 226
      children aged 3 months to 11 years; complete follow-up was obtained on 223 (99%).
      Eligible children were aged over 90 days, had a diagnosis of dehydration
      secondary to gastroenteritis, had not responded to oral rehydration, and had been
      prescribed intravenous rehydration. Children were excluded if they weighed less
      than 5 kg or more than 33 kg, required fluid restriction, had a suspected
      surgical condition, or had an insurmountable language barrier. Children were also
      excluded if they had a history of a chronic systemic disease, abdominal surgery,
      bilious or bloody vomit, hypotension, or hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia.
      INTERVENTIONS: Rapid (60 mL/kg) or standard (20 mL/kg) rehydration with 0.9%
      saline over an hour; subsequent fluids administered according to protocol. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES:  PRIMARY OUTCOME: clinical rehydration, assessed with a
      validated scale, two hours after the start of treatment. SECONDARY OUTCOMES:
      prolonged treatment, mean clinical dehydration scores over the four hour study
      period, time to discharge, repeat visits to emergency department, adequate oral
      intake, and physician's comfort with discharge. Data from all randomised patients
      were included in an intention to treat analysis. RESULTS: 114 patients were
      randomised to rapid rehydration and 112 to standard. One child was withdrawn
      because of severe hyponatraemia at baseline. There was no evidence of a
      difference between the rapid and standard rehydration groups in the proportions
      of participants who were rehydrated at two hours (41/114 (36%) v 33/112 (30%);
      difference 6.5% (95% confidence interval -5.7% to 18.7%; P=0.32). The results did
      not change after adjustment for weight, baseline dehydration score, and baseline
      pH (odds ratio 1.8, 0.90 to 3.5; P=0.10). The rates of prolonged treatment were
      similar (52% rapid v 43% standard; difference 8.9%, 21% to -5%; P=0.19). Although
      dehydration scores were similar throughout the study period (P=0.96), the median
      time to discharge was longer in the rapid group (6.3 v 5.0 hours; P=0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: There are no relevant clinical benefits from the administration of
      rapid rather than standard intravenous rehydration to haemodynamically stable
      children deemed to require intravenous rehydration. Trail registration Clinical
      Trials NCT00392145.

PMID- 22094319
TI  - A 41 year old man with an itchy rash.

PMID- 22094320
TI  - You can stop the bleeding.

PMID- 22094321
TI  - New education body will tackle variable quality of doctor training.

PMID- 22094322
TI  - Micro-Raman spectroscopic analysis of the degree of conversion of composite
      resins containing different initiators cured by polywave or monowave LED units.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the degree of conversion (DC) over 48 h post-curing of
      resin mixtures containing trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO)
      initiator cured by a polywave or a monowave LED light-curing unit (LCU). METHODS:
      In resin mixtures based on equal weight percent (wt%) of BisGMA and TEGDMA the
      following initiators were added: 0.2 wt% camphorquinone (CQ)+0.8 wt% ethyl-4
      dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB) (Group 1); 1 wt% TPO (Group 2) and 0.1 wt% CQ+0.4
      wt% EDMAB+0.5 wt% TPO (Group 3). Half of the samples in each group (n=5) were
      cured using a polywave (bluephase((r)) G2, Ivoclar Vivadent) or a monowave LED
      LCU (bluephase((r)), Ivoclar Vivadent). The DC was measured using micro-Raman
      spectroscopy within 5 min and then 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h post-irradiation. The
      data were analysed using general linear model and two-way ANOVA for the factors
      'time', 'material', 'surface' and 'LCU' at alpha=0.05. RESULTS: The initial DC
      values obtained upon light curing remained similar over a 48 h period.
      bluephase((r)) G2 produced the highest DC in Group 2 followed by Group 3, and
      Group 1. bluephase((r)) resulted in the highest DC in Group 1, followed by Group
      2 and Group 3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Unfilled resin materials containing both TPO
      and CQ-amine initiators are effectively cured using bluephase((r)) G2. Resin
      mixture with the same wt% of initiators is better cured when TPO is the only
      initiator, compared to CQ-amine only or combined TPO and CQ-amine system. After
      initial light cure, no additional conversion of uncured monomers was detected in
      an unfilled resin material over 48 h at 37 degrees C.

PMID- 22094323
TI  - From prevention to therapy: minimal intervention with sealants and resin
      restorative materials.
AB  - The breakthrough discovery of the acid-etch procedure by Buonocore in the mid
      1950s laid the groundwork for the development of pit and fissure sealant as the
      best preventive agent for use against the development and progression of pit and
      fissure caries. The acid-etch technique is also the foundational technology
      behind the ability for clinical dentistry to adapt to a more conservative,
      minimally invasive, approach to restorative dentistry. The 1970s saw the acid
      etch technique developed the first foray into minimally invasive operative
      approaches, which was termed the Preventive Resin Restoration. With the
      development of the etching of porcelain, additional uses of the acid-etch
      technique (not discussed here) have led to other conservative procedures such as
      the porcelain veneer technique and the restorative uses of bonded, etched
      porcelain, and bonded fixed partial dentures.

PMID- 22094324
TI  - Diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy of the breast: a brief outline of
      history and perspectives.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in industrialized countries.
      At present, X-ray mammography is the gold standard for breast imaging, but has
      limitations, especially when dense breasts are imaged, as typically occurs in
      young women. Optical imaging can non-invasively provide information on tissue
      composition, structure and physiology that can be beneficially exploited for
      breast lesion detection and identification. In the last few decades optical
      breast imaging has been investigated, using different geometries (projection
      imaging and tomography) and measurement techniques (continuous wave, frequency
      resolved and time resolved approaches). Also, data analysis and display varies
      significantly, ranging from intensity images to maps of the optical properties
      (absorption and scattering), tissue composition, and physiological parameters
      (typically blood volume and oxygenation). This paper outlines the historical
      evolution of optical imaging and spectroscopy of the breast, highlighting
      potentialities and limitations, and presents an overview of the main applications
      and perspectives of the field.

PMID- 22094325
TI  - Advances in the understanding and management of haematological disorders
      associated with pregnancy.

PMID- 22094326
TI  - Variants of the MTHFR gene and susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in
      children: a synthesis of genetic association studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a complex disease with genetic
      background. The genetic association studies (GAS) that investigated the
      association between ALL and the MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene variants have
      produced contradictory or inconclusive results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order
      to decrease the uncertainty of estimated genetic risk effects, a meticulous meta
      analysis of published GAS related the variants in the MTFHR gene with
      susceptibility to ALL was conducted. The risk effects were estimated based on the
      odds ratio (OR) of the allele contrast and the generalized odds ratio (OR(G)).
      Cumulative and recursive cumulative meta-analyses were also performed. RESULTS:
      The analysis showed marginal significant association for the C677T variant,
      overall [OR=0.91 (0.82-1.00) and OR(G)=0.89 (0.79-1.01)], and in Whites [OR=0.88
      (0.77-0.99) and OR(G)=0.85 (0.73-0.99)]. The A1298C variant produced non
      significant results. For both variants, the cumulative meta-analysis did not show
      a trend of association as evidence accumulates and the recursive cumulative meta
      analysis indicated lack of sufficient evidence for denying or claiming an
      association. CONCLUSION: The current evidence is not sufficient to draw definite
      conclusions regarding the association of MTHFR variants and development of ALL.

PMID- 22094327
TI  - The importance of an exponential prostate-specific antigen decline after external
      beam radiotherapy for intermediate risk prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To study the influence of an exponential prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) decline on biochemical failure after external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT).
      METHODS: We analyzed 114 patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer
      (Gleason<=6 and PSA 10-20 or Gleason 7 and PSA <10). Patients were randomized
      between EBRT doses of either 70.2 Gy or 79.2 Gy (1.8 Gy per day). All patients
      had a follow up of at least six PSA measurements post-EBRT. Exponential decline
      and PSA half life were included in a Cox regression analysis for factors
      associated with biochemical failure. RESULTS: A total of 80/114 (70.2%) patterns
      were classified as having an exponential PSA decline. Both exponential decline
      (HR 0.115, 95%CI 0.03-0.44, p=0.0016) and PSA half life ratio were statistically
      significant predictors (HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01-1.06)) of biochemical failure. In
      the model predicting for exponential decline, none of the factors were
      significant. CONCLUSION: Patients with an exponential PSA decline show a better
      biochemical outcome in the long term.

PMID- 22094328
TI  - Near infrared spectroscopy combined with least squares support vector machines
      and fuzzy rule-building expert system applied to diagnosis of endometrial
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of early diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma was
      studied by least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM) and fuzzy rule-building
      expert system (FuRES) that classified near infrared (NIR) spectra of tissues.
      METHODS: NIR spectra of 77 specimens of endometrium were collected. The spectra
      were pretreated by principal component orthogonal signal correction (PC-OSC) and
      direct orthogonal signal correction (DOSC) methods to improve the signal-to-noise
      ratio (SNR) and remove the influences of background and baseline. The effects of
      modeling parameters were investigated using bootstrapped Latin-partition methods.
      RESULTS: The optimal LS-SVM model of the PC-OSC pretreatment method successfully
      classified the samples with prediction accuracies of 96.8+/-1.4%. CONCLUSIONS:
      The proposed procedure proved to be rapid and convenient, which is suitable to be
      developed as a non-invasive diagnosis method for cancer tissue.

PMID- 22094330
TI  - Posttranslational modifications control FoxO3 activity during denervation.
AB  - Loss of muscle mass occurs in a variety of diseases including cancer, chronic
      heart failure, AIDS, diabetes, and renal failure, often aggravating pathological
      progression. The atrophy process is controlled by a transcriptional program that
      regulates the expression of a subset of genes named atrophy-related genes. The
      Forkhead Box O (FoxO) family of transcription factors plays a critical role in
      the atrophy program being sufficient and necessary for the expression of rate
      limiting enzymes of ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome systems.
      Therefore, a fine regulation of FoxOs is critical to avoid excessive proteolysis
      and cachexia. FoxO activity can be modulated by different mechanisms including
      phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation. Here we show
      that FoxO3 is progressively acetylated during denervation and concomitantly
      atrogin-1, the bona fide FoxO3 target, is downregulated. FoxO3 interacts with the
      histone acetyl-transferase p300, and its acetylation causes cytosolic
      relocalization and degradation. Several lysine residues of FoxOs are known to be
      acetylated. To identify which lysines are critical for FoxO3 activity we have
      generated different FoxO3 mutants that either mimic or prevent lysine
      acetylation. We found that FoxO3 mutants that mimic acetylation show a decrease
      of transcriptional activity and cytosolic localization. Importantly, acetylation
      induces FoxO3 degradation via proteasome system. Between the different lysines,
      lysine 262 is critical for translocation of FoxO3. In conclusion, we provide
      evidence that FoxO3 activity is negatively modulated by acetylation and
      ubiquitination in a time-dependent and coordinated manner. This fine-tuning
      mechanism of FoxO3 regulation may be important to prevent excessive muscle loss
      and can be used as a therapeutic approach to counteract muscle wasting.

PMID- 22094329
TI  - CDK5 interacts with Slo and affects its surface expression and kinetics through
      direct phosphorylation.
AB  - Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are ubiquitous and
      play an important role in a number of diseases. In hair cells of the ear, they
      play a critical role in electrical tuning, a mechanism of frequency
      discrimination. These channels show variable kinetics and expression along the
      tonotopic axis. Although the molecular underpinnings to its function in hair
      cells are poorly understood, it is established that BK channels consist of a pore
      forming alpha-subunit (Slo) and a number of accessory subunits. Here we identify
      CDK5, a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family, as an interacting partner
      of Slo. We show CDK5 to be present in hair cells and expressed in high
      concentrations in the cuticular plate and in the circumferential zone. In human
      embryonic kidney cells, we show that CDK5 inhibits surface expression of Slo by
      direct phosphorylation of Slo. Similarly, we note that CDK5 affects Slo voltage
      activation and deactivation kinetics, by a direct phosphorylation of T847. Taken
      together with its increasing expression along the tonotopic axis, these data
      suggest that CDK5 likely plays a critical role in electrical tuning and surface
      expression of Slo in hair cells.

PMID- 22094331
TI  - H-Ras isoform modulates extracellular matrix synthesis, proliferation, and
      migration in fibroblasts.
AB  - Ras GTPases are ubiquitous plasma membrane transducers of extracellular stimuli.
      In addition to their role as oncogenes, Ras GTPases are key regulators of cell
      function. Each of the Ras isoforms exhibits specific modulatory activity on
      different cellular pathways. This has prompted researchers to determine the
      pathophysiological roles of each isoform. There is a proven relationship between
      the signaling pathways of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and Ras
      GTPases. To assess the individual role of H-Ras oncogene in basal and TGF-beta1
      mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, proliferation, and migration in
      fibroblasts, we analyzed these processes in embryonic fibroblasts obtained from H
      Ras knockout mice (H-ras(-/-)). We found that H-ras(-/-) fibroblasts exhibited a
      higher basal phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation than wild-type
      (WT) fibroblasts, whereas MEK/ERK 1/2 activation was similar in both types of
      cells. Fibronectin and collagen synthesis were higher in H-ras(-/-) fibroblasts
      and proliferation was lower in H-ras(-/-) than in WT fibroblasts. Moreover, H-Ras
      appeared indispensable to maintain normal fibroblast motility, which was highly
      restricted in H-ras(-/-) cells. These results suggest that H-Ras (through
      downregulation of PI3K/Akt activation) could modulate fibroblast activity by
      reducing ECM synthesis and upregulating both proliferation and migration. TGF
      beta1 strongly increased ERK and Akt activation in WT but not in H-ras(-/-)
      fibroblasts, suggesting that H-Ras is necessary to increase ERK 1/2 activation
      and to maintain PI3K downregulation in TGF-beta1-stimulated fibroblasts. TGF
      beta1 stimulated ECM synthesis and proliferation, although ECM synthesis was
      higher and proliferation lower in H-ras(-/-) than in WT fibroblasts. Hence, H-Ras
      activation seems to play a key role in the regulation of these effects.

PMID- 22094332
TI  - Potential role of insulin signaling on vascular smooth muscle cell migration,
      proliferation, and inflammation pathways.
AB  - To investigate the role of insulin signaling pathways in migration,
      proliferation, and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we
      examined the expression of active components of the phosphatidyl inositol 3 (PI
      3) kinase (p-Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (p-Erk) in primary
      cultures of VSMCs from human coronary arteries. VSMCs were treated in a dose
      response manner with insulin (0, 1, 10, and 100 nM) for 20 min, and Akt and Erk
      phosphorylation were measured by Western blot analysis. In separate experiments,
      we evaluated the effect of 200 MUM palmitate, in the presence and absence of 8
      MUM pioglitazone, on insulin-stimulated (100 nM for 20 min) Akt and Erk
      phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of Akt and Erk in VSMCs exhibited a dose
      dependency with a three- to fourfold increase, respectively, at the highest dose
      (100 nM). In the presence of palmitate, insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation was
      completely abolished, and there was a threefold increase in p-Erk. With addition
      of pioglitazone, the phosphorylation of Akt by insulin remained unchanged,
      whereas insulin-stimulated Erk phosphorylation was reduced by pioglitazone. These
      data in VSMCs indicate that high palmitate decreases insulin-stimulated Akt
      phosphorylation and stimulates MAPK, whereas preexposure peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-gamma agonist pioglitazone preserves Akt phosphorylation and
      simultaneously attenuates MAPK signaling. Our results suggest that metabolic and
      mitogenic insulin signals have different sensitivity, are independently
      regulated, and may play a role in arterial smooth muscle cells migration,
      proliferation, and inflammation in conditions of acute hyperinsulinemia.

PMID- 22094333
TI  - A non-cross-bridge, static tension is present in permeabilized skeletal muscle
      fibers after active force inhibition or actin extraction.
AB  - When activated muscle fibers are stretched, there is a long-lasting increase in
      the force. This phenomenon, referred to as "residual force enhancement," has
      characteristics similar to those of the "static tension," a long-lasting increase
      in force observed when muscles are stretched in the presence of Ca(2+) but in the
      absence of myosin-actin interaction. Independent studies have suggested that
      these two phenomena have a common mechanism and are caused either by 1) a Ca(2+)
      induced stiffening of titin or by 2) promoting titin binding to actin. In this
      study, we performed two sets of experiments in which activated fibers (pCa(2+)
      4.5) treated with the myosin inhibitor blebbistatin were stretched from 2.7 to
      2.8 MUm at a speed of 40 L(o)/s, first, after partial extraction of TnC, which
      inhibits myosin-actin interactions, or, second, after treatment with gelsolin,
      which leads to the depletion of thin (actin) filaments. We observed that the
      static tension, directly related with the residual force enhancement, was not
      changed after treatments that inhibit myosin-actin interactions or that deplete
      fibers from troponin C and actin filaments. The results suggest that the residual
      force enhancement is caused by a stiffening of titin upon muscle activation but
      not with titin binding to actin. This finding indicates the existence of a Ca(2+)
      regulated, titin-based stiffness in skeletal muscles.

PMID- 22094334
TI  - Age-related changes in afferent responses in sensory neurons to mechanical
      stimulation of osteoblasts in coculture system.
AB  - Bone homeostasis is regulated by mechanical stimulation (MS). The sensory
      mechanism of bone tissue for MS remains unknown in the maintenance of bone
      homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the sensory mechanism from osteoblasts to
      sensory neurons in a coculture system by MS of osteoblasts. Primary sensory
      neurons isolated from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of neonatal, juvenile, and adult
      mice and osteoblasts isolated from calvaria of neonatal mice were cocultured for
      24 h. The responses in DRG neurons elicited by MS of osteoblasts with a glass
      micropipette were detected by increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration
      ([Ca(2+)](i)) with fluo 3-AM. In all developmental stages mice, [Ca(2+)](i)
      increasing responses in osteoblasts were promptly elicited by MS. After a short
      delay, [Ca(2+)](i)-increasing responses were observed in neurites of DRG neurons.
      The osteoblastic response to second MS was largely attenuated by a stretch
      activated Ca(2+) channel blocker, gadolinium. The increases of [Ca(2+)](i) in DRG
      neurons were abolished by a P2 receptor antagonist; suramin, a P2X receptor
      antagonist, pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate; and an ATP
      hydrolyzing enzyme, apyrase. Satellite cells were found around DRG neurons in
      cocultured cells of only neonatal and juvenile mice. After satellite cells were
      removed, excessive abnormal responses to MS of osteoblasts were observed in
      neonatal neurites with unchanged osteoblast responses. The present study
      indicated that MS of bone tissue elicited afferent P2X receptor-mediated
      purinergic transmission to sensory neurons in all stages mice. This transmission
      is modulated by satellite cells, which may have protective actions on sensory
      neurons.

PMID- 22094335
TI  - Orai1 and Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 are required for store-operated Icat
      SOC current, Ca2+ entry, and proliferation of primary vascular smooth muscle
      cells.
AB  - Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) is important for multiple functions of
      vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), which, depending of their phenotype, can
      resemble excitable and nonexcitable cells. Similar to nonexcitable cells, Orai1
      was found to mediate Ca(2+)-selective (CRAC-like) current and SOCE in
      dedifferentiated cultured SMC and smooth muscle-derived cell lines. However, the
      role of Orai1 in cation-selective store-operated channels (cat-SOC), which are
      responsible for SOCE in primary SMC, remains unclear. Here we focus on primary
      SMC, and assess the role of Orai1 and Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A(2)
      (iPLA(2)beta, or PLA2G6) in activation of cat-SOC current (I(cat-SOC)), SOCE, and
      SMC proliferation. Using molecular, electrophysiological, imaging, and functional
      approaches, we demonstrate that molecular knockdown of either Orai1 or
      iPLA(2)beta leads to similar inhibition of the whole cell cat-SOC current and
      SOCE in primary aortic SMC and results in significant reduction in DNA synthesis
      and impairment of SMC proliferation. This is the first demonstration that Orai1
      and iPLA(2)beta are equally important for cat-SOC, SOCE, and proliferation of
      primary aortic SMC.

PMID- 22094336
TI  - Comparing three basic models for seasonal influenza.
AB  - In this paper we report the use of the open source Spatiotemporal Epidemiological
      Modeler (STEM, www.eclipse.org/stem) to compare three basic models for seasonal
      influenza transmission. The models are designed to test for possible differences
      between the seasonal transmission of influenza A and B. Model 1 assumes that the
      seasonality and magnitude of transmission do not vary between influenza A and B.
      Model 2 assumes that the magnitude of seasonal forcing (i.e., the maximum
      transmissibility), but not the background transmission or flu season length,
      differs between influenza A and B. Model 3 assumes that the magnitude of seasonal
      forcing, the background transmission, and flu season length all differ between
      strains. The models are all optimized using 10 years of surveillance data from 49
      of 50 administrative divisions in Israel. Using a cross-validation technique, we
      compare the relative accuracy of the models and discuss the potential for
      prediction. We find that accounting for variation in transmission amplitude
      increases the predictive ability compared to the base. However, little
      improvement is obtained by allowing for further variation in the shape of the
      seasonal forcing function.

PMID- 22094337
TI  - What types of contacts are important for the spread of infections?: using contact
      survey data to explore European mixing patterns.
AB  - Knowledge of the determinants of infectious disease transmission is a public
      health priority as it allows the design of optimal control strategies for endemic
      or emerging infections. We analyse a detailed dataset on contact patterns across
      five European countries and use available serological profiles for varicella and
      parvovirus B19 infections to identify the types of contact that may be most
      relevant for transmission. We show that models informed by contact data fit well
      the observed serological profiles of both infections. We find that intimate types
      of contacts explain the pattern of acquisition of serological markers by age
      better than other types of social contacts. We observe similar patterns in each
      of the countries analysed, suggesting that there are consistent biological
      mechanisms at work.

PMID- 22094338
TI  - Incorporating population dynamics into household models of infectious disease
      transmission.
AB  - Most household models of disease transmission assume static household
      distributions. Although this is a reasonable simplification for assessing
      vaccination strategies at a single point in time or over the course of an
      outbreak, it has considerable drawbacks for assessing long term vaccination
      policies or for predicting future changes in immunity. We demonstrate that
      household models that include births, deaths and movement between households can
      show dramatically different patterns of infection and immunity to static
      population models. When immunity is assumed to be life-long, the pattern of
      births by household size is the key driver of infection, suggesting that the
      influx of susceptibles has most impact on infection risk in the household. In a
      comparison of 12 countries, we show that both the crude birth rate and the mean
      household size affect the risk of infection in households.

PMID- 22094339
TI  - Evolution of diversity in epidemics revealed by analysis of the human bacterial
      pathogen group A Streptococcus.
AB  - Advancements in high-throughput, high-volume data generating techniques
      increasingly present us with opportunities to probe new areas of biology. In this
      work we assessed the extent to which four closely related and genetically
      representative strains of group A Streptococcus causing epidemic disease have
      differentiated from one another. Comparative genome sequencing, expression
      microarray analysis, and proteomic studies were used in parallel to assess strain
      variation. The extent of phenotypic differentiation was unexpectedly large. We
      found significant associations between genetic polymorphisms and alterations in
      gene expression allowing us to estimate the frequency with which specific types
      of polymorphisms alter gene transcription. We identified polymorphisms in the
      gene (ropB) encoding the RopB regulator that associate with altered transcription
      of speB and production of the SpeB protein, a critical secreted protease
      virulence factor. Although these four epidemic strains are closely related, a key
      discovery is that accumulation of modest genetic changes has rapidly resulted in
      significant strain phenotypic differentiation, including the extracellular
      proteome that contains multiple virulence factors. These data provide enhanced
      understanding of genetic events resulting in strain variation in bacterial
      epidemics.

PMID- 22094340
TI  - Modelling management strategies for a disease including undetected sub-clinical
      infection: bacterial kidney disease in Scottish salmon and trout farms.
AB  - Disease is a major constraint on animal production and welfare in agriculture and
      aquaculture. Movement of animals between farms is one of the most significant
      routes of disease transmission and is particularly hard to control for pathogens
      with subclinical infection. Renibacterium salmoninarum causes bacterial kidney
      disease (BKD) in salmonid fish, but infection is often sub-clinical and may go
      undetected with major potential implications for disease control programmes. A
      Susceptible-Infected model of R. salmoninarum in Scottish aquaculture has been
      developed that subdivides the infected phase between known and undetected sub
      clinically infected farms and diseased farms whose status is assumed to be known.
      Farms officially known to be infected are subject to movement controls
      restricting spread of infection. Model results are sensitive to prevalence of
      undetected infection, which is unknown. However, the modelling suggests that
      controls that reduce BKD prevalence include improve biosecurity on farms,
      including those not known to be infected, and improved detection of infection.
      Culling appears of little value for BKD control. BKD prevalence for rainbow trout
      farms is less sensitive to controls than it is for Atlantic salmon farms and so
      different management strategies may be required for the sectors.

PMID- 22094341
TI  - The decline and resurgence of pertussis in the US.
AB  - Although the resurgence of pertussis in nations with long-standing vaccination
      programs has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of current
      immunization policy, the epidemiology of resurgence remains poorly understood. We
      analyzed pertussis notifications in US states obtained from the National
      Notifiable Disease Surveillance System from 1951 to 2010 to explore the timing,
      spatial pattern and consistency of resurgence across the country. Here we show
      that resurgence occurred at different times in different states, spread out over
      a transition period of roughly three decades. Further, despite this spatial
      variation, broad patterns in pertussis epidemiology can be described by two
      dominant phases: (1) a period of decline ending in the mid-1970s, followed by (2)
      nationwide resurgence. Together, these patterns explain 89.7% of the variation in
      US case notifications between 1951 and 2005. This resurgence was interrupted,
      however, by a synchronized downturn in 2005 that continues to the present in many
      large states. The causes of these two transitions in pertussis epidemiology
      remain hotly debated, though our findings suggest that evolution of the
      Bordetella pertussis bacterium, loss of immunity and persistent transmission
      among adults, and demographic drivers are more probable explanations than changes
      in reporting or the introduction of acellular vaccines.

PMID- 22094342
TI  - Sphagnum mosses harbour highly specific bacterial diversity during their whole
      lifecycle.
AB  - Knowledge about Sphagnum-associated microbial communities, their structure and
      their origin is important to understand and maintain climate-relevant Sphagnum
      dominated bog ecosystems. We studied bacterial communities of two cosmopolitan
      Sphagnum species, which are well adapted to different abiotic parameters
      (Sphagnum magellanicum, which are strongly acidic and ombrotrophic, and Sphagnum
      fallax, which are weakly acidic and mesotrophic), in three Alpine bogs in Austria
      by a multifaceted approach. Great differences between bacterial fingerprints of
      both Sphagna were found independently from the site. This remarkable specificity
      was confirmed by a cloning and a deep sequencing approach. Besides the common
      Alphaproteobacteria, we found a discriminative spectrum of bacteria; although
      Gammaproteobacteria dominated S. magellanicum, S. fallax was mainly colonised by
      Verrucomicrobia and Planctomycetes. Using this information for fluorescent in
      situ hybridisation analyses, corresponding colonisation patterns for
      Alphaproteobacteria and Planctomycetes were detected. Bacterial colonies were
      found in high abundances inside the dead big hyalocytes, but they were always
      connected with the living chlorocytes. Using multivariate statistical analysis,
      the abiotic factors nutrient richness and pH were identified to modulate the
      composition of Sphagnum-specific bacterial communities. Interestingly, we found
      that the immense bacterial diversity was transferred via the sporophyte to the
      gametophyte, which can explain the high specificity of Sphagnum-associated
      bacteria over long distances. In contrast to higher plants, which acquire their
      bacteria mainly from the environment, mosses as the phylogenetically oldest land
      plants maintain their bacterial diversity within the whole lifecycle.

PMID- 22094343
TI  - Resource partitioning in relation to cohabitation of Lactobacillus species in the
      mouse forestomach.
AB  - Phylogenetic analysis of gut communities of vertebrates is advanced, but the
      relationships, especially at the trophic level, between commensals that share gut
      habitats of monogastric animals have not been investigated to any extent.
      Lactobacillus reuteri strain 100-23 and Lactobacillus johnsonii strain 100-33
      cohabit in the forestomach of mice. According to the niche exclusion principle,
      this should not be possible because both strains can utilise the two main
      fermentable carbohydrates present in the stomach digesta: glucose and maltose. We
      show, based on gene transcription analysis, in vitro physiological assays, and in
      vivo experiments that the two strains can co-exist in the forestomach habitat
      because 100-23 grows more rapidly using maltose, whereas 100-33 preferentially
      utilises glucose. Mutation of the maltose phosphorylase gene (malA) of strain 100
      23 prevented its growth on maltose-containing culture medium, and resulted in the
      numerical dominance of 100-33 in the forestomach. The fundamental niche of L.
      reuteri 100-23 in the mouse forestomach can be defined in terms of 'glucose and
      maltose trophism'. However, its realised niche when L. johnsonii 100-33 is
      present is 'maltose trophism'. Hence, nutritional adaptations provide niche
      differentiation that assists cohabitation by the two strains through resource
      partitioning in the mouse forestomach. This real life, trophic phenomenon
      conforms to a mathematical model based on in vitro bacterial doubling times, in
      vitro transport rates, and concentrations of maltose and glucose in mouse stomach
      digesta.

PMID- 22094344
TI  - The activity level of a microbial community function can be predicted from its
      metatranscriptome.
AB  - The objective of this work was to improve our understanding of the quantitative
      predictive capabilities of metatranscriptomics. To meet this objective, we
      investigated whether we can predict the activity level of a specific biochemical
      function based on the abundance of the corresponding gene transcript within
      measured community metatranscriptomes. In addition, we investigated the lower
      limit of a microorganism's abundance that still allows detection of its
      transcripts within a metatranscriptome and prediction of the activity levels of
      the enzyme encoded by the transcript. To do this, we amended an undefined
      microbial community with varying fractions of an Escherichia coli strain that can
      catalyze a specific transformation reaction for the herbicide atrazine. We
      observed a linear and proportional relationship between the activity level of the
      transformation reaction and the abundance of its associated encoding transcript
      down to an E. coli cell density of 0.05% of the population.

PMID- 22094346
TI  - Anaerobic oxidation of methane at different temperature regimes in Guaymas Basin
      hydrothermal sediments.
AB  - Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) was investigated in hydrothermal sediments
      of Guaymas Basin based on delta(13)C signatures of CH(4), dissolved inorganic
      carbon and porewater concentration profiles of CH(4) and sulfate. Cool, warm and
      hot in-situ temperature regimes (15-20  degrees C, 30-35  degrees C and 70-95 
      degrees C) were selected from hydrothermal locations in Guaymas Basin to compare
      AOM geochemistry and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), mcrA and dsrAB genes of the
      microbial communities. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries from the cool and hot AOM
      cores yielded similar archaeal types such as Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotal Group,
      Thermoproteales and anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME)-1; some of the
      ANME-1 archaea formed a separate 16S rRNA lineage that at present seems to be
      limited to Guaymas Basin. Congruent results were obtained by mcrA gene analysis.
      The warm AOM core, chemically distinct by lower porewater sulfide concentrations,
      hosted a different archaeal community dominated by the two deep subsurface
      archaeal lineages Marine Benthic Group D and Marine Benthic Group B, and by
      members of the Methanosarcinales including ANME-2 archaea. This distinct
      composition of the methane-cycling archaeal community in the warm AOM core was
      confirmed by mcrA gene analysis. Functional genes of sulfate-reducing bacteria
      and archaea, dsrAB, showed more overlap between all cores, regardless of the core
      temperature. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries with Euryarchaeota-specific primers
      detected members of the Archaeoglobus clade in the cool and hot cores. A V6-tag
      high-throughput sequencing survey generally supported the clone library results
      while providing high-resolution detail on archaeal and bacterial community
      structure. These results indicate that AOM and the responsible archaeal
      communities persist over a wide temperature range.

PMID- 22094345
TI  - Contrasting recombination patterns and demographic histories of the plant
      pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum inferred from MLSA.
AB  - We used multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) on a worldwide collection of the
      plant pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum (Betaproteobacteria) to retrace its
      complex evolutionary history. Using genetic imprints left during R. solanacearum
      evolution, we were able to delineate distinct evolutionary complex displaying
      contrasting dynamics. Among the phylotypes already described (I, IIA, IIB, III,
      IV), eight groups of strains with distinct evolutionary patterns, named clades,
      were identified. From our recombination analysis, we identified 21 recombination
      events that occurred within and across these lineages. Although appearing the
      most divergent and ancestral phylotype, phylotype IV was inferred as a gene donor
      for the majority of the recombination events that we detected. Whereas this
      phylotype apparently fuelled the species diversity, ongoing diversification was
      mainly detected within phylotype I, IIA and III. These three groups presented a
      recent expanding population structure, a high level of homologous recombination
      and evidences of long-distance migrations. Factors such as adaptation to a
      specific host or intense trading of infected crops may have promoted this
      diversification. Whether R. solanacearum lineages will eventually evolve in
      distinct species remains an open question. The intensification of cropping and
      increase of geographical dispersion may favour situations of phylotype sympatry
      and promote higher exchange of key factors for host adaptation from their common
      genetic pool.

PMID- 22094347
TI  - Magnitude and regulation of bacterioplankton respiratory quotient across
      freshwater environmental gradients.
AB  - Bacterioplankton respiration (BR) may represent the largest single sink of
      organic carbon in the biosphere and constitutes an important driver of
      atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO(2)) emissions from freshwaters. Complete
      understanding of BR is precluded by the fact that most studies need to assume a
      respiratory quotient (RQ; mole of CO(2) produced per mole of O(2) consumed) to
      calculate rates of BR. Many studies have, without clear support, assumed a fixed
      RQ around 1. Here we present 72 direct measurements of bacterioplankton RQ that
      we carried out in epilimnetic samples of 52 freshwater sites in Quebec (Canada),
      using O(2) and CO(2) optic sensors. The RQs tended to converge around 1.2, but
      showed large variability (s.d.=0.45) and significant correlations with major
      gradients of ecosystem-level, substrate-level and bacterial community-level
      characteristics. Experiments with natural bacterioplankton using different single
      substrates suggested that RQ is intimately linked to the elemental composition of
      the respired compounds. RQs were on average low in net autotrophic systems, where
      bacteria likely were utilizing mainly reduced substrates, whereas we found
      evidence that the dominance of highly oxidized substrates, for example, organic
      acids formed by photo-chemical processes, led to high RQ in the more
      heterotrophic systems. Further, we suggest that BR contributes to a substantially
      larger share of freshwater CO(2) emissions than presently believed based on the
      assumption that RQ is ~1. Our study demonstrates that bacterioplankton RQ is not
      only a practical aspect of BR determination, but also a major ecosystem state
      variable that provides unique information about aquatic ecosystem functioning.

PMID- 22094348
TI  - Analogous nutrient limitations in unicellular diazotrophs and Prochlorococcus in
      the South Pacific Ocean.
AB  - Growth limitation of phytoplankton and unicellular nitrogen (N(2)) fixers
      (diazotrophs) were investigated in the oligotrophic Western South Pacific Ocean.
      Based on change in abundances of nifH or 23S rRNA gene copies during nutrient
      enrichment experiments, the factors limiting net growth of the unicellular
      diazotrophs UCYN-A (Group A), Crocosphaera watsonii, gamma-Proteobacterium
      24774A11, and the non-diazotrophic picocyanobacterium Prochlorococcus, varied
      within the region. At the westernmost stations, numbers were enhanced by organic
      carbon added as simple sugars, a combination of iron and an organic chelator, or
      iron added with phosphate. At stations nearest the equator, the nutrient-limiting
      growth was not apparent. Maximum net growth rates for UCYN-A, C. watsonii and
      gamma-24774A11 were 0.19, 0.61 and 0.52 d(-1), respectively, which are the first
      known empirical growth rates reported for the uncultivated UCYN-A and the gamma
      24774A11. The addition of N enhanced total phytoplankton biomass up to 5-fold,
      and the non-N(2)-fixing Synechococcus was among the groups that responded
      favorably to N addition. Nitrogen was the major nutrient-limiting phytoplankton
      biomass in the Western South Pacific Ocean, while availability of organic carbon
      or iron and organic chelator appear to limit abundances of unicellular
      diazotrophs. Lack of phytoplankton response to nutrient additions in the Pacific
      warm pool waters suggests diazotroph growth in this area is controlled by
      different factors than in the higher latitudes, which may partially explain
      previously observed variability in community composition in the region.

PMID- 22094350
TI  - Microbes in thawing permafrost: the unknown variable in the climate change
      equation.

PMID- 22094349
TI  - Ecological determinants of the occurrence and dynamics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
      in offshore areas.
AB  - The life cycle of Vibrio parahaemolyticus has been conventionally associated with
      estuarine areas characterized by moderate salinity and warm seawater
      temperatures. Recent evidence suggests that the distribution and population
      dynamics of V. parahaemolyticus may be shaped by the existence of an oceanic
      transport of communities of this organism mediated by zooplankton. To evaluate
      this possibility, the presence of V. parahaemolyticus in the water column of
      offshore areas of Galicia was investigated by PCR monthly over an 18-month
      period. Analysis of zooplankton and seawater showed that the occurrence of V.
      parahaemolyticus in offshore areas was almost exclusively associated with
      zooplankton and was present in 80% of the samples. The influence of environmental
      factors assessed by generalized additive models revealed that the abundance and
      seasonality of V. parahaemolyticus in zooplankton was favoured by the concurrence
      of downwelling periods that promoted the zooplankton patchiness. These results
      confirm that offshore waters may be common habitats for V. parahaemolyticus,
      including strains with virulent traits. Additionally, genetically related
      populations were found in offshore zooplankton and in estuaries dispersed along
      1500 km. This finding suggests that zooplankton may operate as a vehicle for
      oceanic dispersal of V. parahaemolyticus populations, connecting distant regions
      and habitats, and thereby producing impacts on the local community demography and
      the spread of Vibrio-related diseases.

PMID- 22094351
TI  - Phenotyping of tianma-stimulated differentiated rat neuronal b104 cells by
      quantitative proteomics.
AB  - Gastrodia elata blume (tianma) is a traditional Chinese herb often used in the
      treatment of convulsions, headaches, and hypertension. Although interest in
      neuronal-related actions of tianma is increasing, minimal studies have been
      conducted to determine its specific effects on neuronal cells. This study was
      designed to examine the effects of tianma on the metabolism in differentiated
      neuroblastoma cells using the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation
      (iTRAQ) technology. Stimulation of these cells with tianma caused changes in the
      expression of 38 proteins that were subsequently classified according to their
      physiological functions and association with neurodegenerative diseases. We
      identified six proteins with altered functional activities in neurodegenerative
      disease states that were modulated by tianma: triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi1),
      peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A (Ppia), neural cell adhesion molecule 1
      (Ncam1), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (Uchl1), septin-2
      (Sept2) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90aa1). We postulate that tianma mediates
      its neuroprotective effects via upregulation of Ncam1, Hsp90aa1, Tpi1 and Ppia
      while downregulating Sept2 and Uchl1. These changes in protein expression aid in
      the restoration of the intracellular environment to a metabolically balanced
      state, promoting cell survival. Based on these observed data, we conclude that
      tianma has therapeutic potential, especially for neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22094352
TI  - Acute tryptophan depletion effects on the vertex and late positive potentials to
      emotional faces in individuals with a family history of depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression, which is associated with dysfunctional serotonin (5-HT)
      activity, may be characterized by impaired emotional information processing. This
      study assessed the effects of acute tryptophan depletion (TRP-), which
      transiently lowers CNS 5-HT, on the emotion-sensitive vertex positive potential
      (VPP) and late positive potential (LPP) event-related potentials (ERPs) and mood
      in individuals with a family history of depression. The VPP and LPP are thought
      to index the early and later stages of motivated attentional processing,
      respectively. METHOD: Within a double-blind balanced design, ERPs were acquired
      in 18 individuals with a family history of depression (12 females) after TRP- and
      TRP+ (balanced) treatment while participants were presented with facial
      expressions (neutral, as well as sad, joy and surprise at 50 and 100% intensity)
      and responded to surprised faces. RESULTS: TRP- increased total mood disturbance
      and maintained depression scores. The VPP and LPP were larger to intense versus
      mild expressions. Enhanced processing of emotional versus neutral faces, as
      indexed by the VPP, was primarily evident with TRP-. Speeded and enhanced
      processing of intensely joyful versus mildly sad faces was found with TRP- (VPP
      indexed). Compared with TRP+, TRP also increased the VPP to mildly joyful faces.
      CONCLUSION: Transient 5-HT decreases in individuals with a family history of
      depression induce subtle changes in early stages of motivated emotional
      processing, though not in later ones.

PMID- 22094353
TI  - Atorvastatin and hormone therapy effects on APOE mRNA expression in
      hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.
AB  - Menopause is associated with changes in lipid levels resulting in increased risk
      of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Hormone therapy (HT) and
      atorvastatin have been used to improve lipid profile in postmenopausal women.
      Effects of HT, atorvastatin and APOE polymorphisms on serum lipids and APOE and
      LXRA expression were evaluated in 87 hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women,
      randomly selected for treatment with atorvastatin (AT, n=17), estrogen or
      estrogen plus progestagen (HT, n=34) and estrogen or estrogen plus progestagen
      associated with atorvastatin (HT+AT, n=36). RNA was extracted from peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and mRNA expression was measured by TaqMan((r))
      PCR. APOE E2/E3/E4 genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP. Total cholesterol
      (TC), LDL-c and apoB were reduced after each treatment (p<0.001). Triglycerides,
      VLDL-c and apoAI were reduced only after atorvastatin (p<0.05), whereas
      triglycerides and VLDL-c were increased after HT (p=0.01). HT women had lower
      reduction on TC, LDL-c and apoB than AT and HT+AT groups (p<0.05). APOE mRNA
      expression was reduced after atorvastatin treatment (p=0.03). Although LXRA gene
      expression was not modified by atorvastatin, it was correlated with APOE mRNA
      before and after treatments. Basal APOE mRNA expression was not influenced by
      gene polymorphisms, however the reduction on APOE expression was more pronounced
      in E3E3 than in E3E4 carriers. Atorvastatin down-regulates APOE mRNA expression
      and it is modified by APOE genotypes in PBMC from postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22094354
TI  - Dasatinib overrides imatinib resistance mediated by the F359I residue mutation in
      two patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Despite the beneficial effects of imatinib mesylate, some patients may either not
      respond or respond suboptimally. Here, we report two chronic myelogenous leukemia
      patients; one had a suboptimal response according to European LeukemiaNet
      criteria (a major molecular response was not achieved after 18 months of standard
      dose imatinib therapy) and the other had failure with a standard dose of
      imatinib. At the time of the suboptimal response in patient 1 and the failure in
      patient 2, we were able to detect the F359I mutation in the BCR-ABL tyrosine
      kinase domain using DNA sequencing in both patients. Therefore, it was decided to
      change the therapeutic regimen to dasatinib at a dose of 100 mg once daily in
      both patients. This change resulted in the achievement of complete cytogenetic
      remission in patient 1 after 4 months and a major molecular response within 2 and
      3 months in both patients. Detection of the F359I mutation in our two cases
      likely explains the suboptimal response to imatinib in case 1 and the failure in
      case 2. This implies that in such cases dasatinib should be considered to
      effectively suppress the mutated clones.

PMID- 22094355
TI  - Bridging gaps in handoffs: a continuity of care based approach.
AB  - Handoff among healthcare providers has been recognized as a major source of
      medical errors. Most prior research has often focused on the communication
      aspects of handoff, with limited emphasis on the overall handoff process,
      especially from a clinician workflow perspective. Such a workflow perspective
      that is based on the continuity of care model provides a framework required to
      identify and support an interconnected trajectory of care events affecting
      handoff communication. To this end, we propose a new methodology, referred to as
      the clinician-centered approach that allows us to investigate and represent the
      entire clinician workflow prior to, during and, after handoff communication. This
      representation of clinician activities supports a comprehensive analysis of the
      interdependencies in the handoff process across the care continuum, as opposed to
      a single discrete, information sharing activity. The clinician-centered approach
      is supported by multifaceted methods for data collection such as observations,
      shadowing of clinicians, audio recording of handoff communication, semi
      structured interviews and artifact identification and collection. The analysis
      followed a two-stage mixed inductive-deductive method. The iterative development
      of clinician-centered approach was realized using a multi-faceted study conducted
      in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of an academic hospital. Using the
      clinician-centered approach, we (a) identify the nature, inherent characteristics
      and the interdependencies between three phases of the handoff process and (b)
      develop a descriptive framework of handoff communication in critical care that
      captures the non-linear, recursive and interactive nature of collaboration and
      decision-making. The results reported in this paper serve as a "proof of concept"
      of our approach, emphasizing the importance of capturing a coordinated and
      uninterrupted succession of clinician information management and transfer
      activities in relation to patient care events.

PMID- 22094356
TI  - Summary of Product Characteristics content extraction for a safe drugs usage.
AB  - The use of medications has a central role in health care provision, yet on
      occasion, it may injure the person taking them as result of adverse drug events.
      A correct drug choice must be modulated to acknowledge both patients' status and
      drug-specific information. However, this information is locked in free-text and,
      as such, cannot be actively accessed and elaborated by computerized applications.
      The goal of this work lies in extracting content (active ingredient, interaction
      effects, etc.) from the Summary of Product Characteristics, focusing mainly on
      drug-related interactions, following a machine learning based approach. We
      compare two state of the art classifiers: conditional random fields with support
      vector machines. To this end, we introduce a corpus of 100 interaction sections,
      hand annotated with 13 labels that have been derived from a previously developed
      conceptual model. The results of our empirical analysis demonstrate that the two
      models perform well. They exhibit similar overall performance, with an overall
      accuracy of about 91%.

PMID- 22094357
TI  - The link between tissue elasticity and thermal dose in vivo.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate in vivo the relationship between
      stiffness and thermal dose. For this purpose, shear wave elastography (SWE)--a
      novel ultrasound-based technique for real-time mapping of the stiffness of
      biological soft tissues--is performed in temperature-controlled experiments.
      Experiments were conducted on nine anesthetized rats. Their right leg was put in
      a thermo-regulated waterbath. The right leg of each animal was heated at one
      particular temperature between 38  degrees C and 48.5  degrees C for 15 min to 3
      h. Shear waves were generated in the muscle using the acoustic radiation force
      induced by a linear ultrasonic probe. The shear wave propagation was imaged in
      real time by the probe using an ultrafast scanner prototype (10,000 frames s-1).
      The local tissue stiffness was derived from the shear wave speed. Two optical
      fiber sensors were inserted into the muscle to measure in situ the temperature.
      Stiffness was found to increase strongly during the experiments. When expressed
      as a function of the thermal dose, the stiffness curves were found to be the same
      for all experiments. A thermal dose threshold was found at 202 min for an
      eightfold stiffness increase. Finally, the time-temperature relationship was
      established for different stiffness ratios. The slope of the time-temperature
      relationship based on stiffness measurements was found identical to the one
      obtained for cell death in the seminal paper on the thermal dose by Sapareto and
      Dewey in 1984 (Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 10 787-800). The present
      results highlight the stiffness increase as a good indicator of thermal necrosis.
      SWE imaging can be used in vivo for necrosis threshold determination in thermal
      therapy.

PMID- 22094358
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of lithium treatment following hypoxic-ischemic brain
      injury in neonatal rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Increasing evidence indicates that lithium is a neuroprotective agent
      against transient focal and global ischemic injury in the adult animal. In the
      developing brain, lithium has shown protective effects against neuroapoptosis
      induced by drugs. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective
      effects of lithium on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the neonatal rat. METHODS:
      Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats underwent hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII) induced
      by ligation of the common carotid artery followed by exposure to ~2.5 h of
      hypoxia (~7% oxygen). After HII, rat pups were randomly assigned into two groups:
      a control group (n = 21), which received a daily subcutaneous injection of 0.9%
      normal saline for 14 days following HII; and a lithium group (n = 32), treated
      with daily injection of lithium chloride. N-acetylaspartate/creatinine,
      choline/creatinine, lipid/creatinine ratios at 1.3 ppm (Lip(1.3)/Cr) and 0.9 ppm
      (Lip(0.9)/Cr) lipid peaks were evaluated by proton magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy on the day of HII and on days 7 and 14 after HII. Infarct ratios
      based on magnetic resonance images were also determined at the same time points.
      RESULTS: Seven days after HII, the Lip(1.3)/Cr and Lip(0.9)/Cr ratios as well as
      the infarct ratio were significantly lower in the lithium group than in the
      control group. The Lip(1.3)/Cr and Lip(0.9)/Cr ratios were significantly
      correlated with infarct ratio. CONCLUSION: This study showed that post-HII
      treatment with lithium may have a neuroprotective effect in the immature brain.
      Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of neuroprotective
      properties of lithium against HII-induced neonatal brain damage.

PMID- 22094360
TI  - Case of pituicytoma in childhood.

PMID- 22094361
TI  - Modeling morphogen gradient formation from arbitrary realistically shaped
      sources.
AB  - Much of the analytical modeling of morphogen profiles is based on simplistic
      scenarios, where the source is abstracted to be point-like and fixed in time, and
      where only the steady state solution of the morphogen gradient in one dimension
      is considered. Here we develop a general formalism allowing to model diffusive
      gradient formation from an arbitrary source. This mathematical framework, based
      on the Green's function method, applies to various diffusion problems. In this
      paper, we illustrate our theory with the explicit example of the Bicoid gradient
      establishment in Drosophila embryos. The gradient formation arises by protein
      translation from a mRNA distribution followed by morphogen diffusion with linear
      degradation. We investigate quantitatively the influence of spatial extension and
      time evolution of the source on the morphogen profile. For different biologically
      meaningful cases, we obtain explicit analytical expressions for both the steady
      state and time-dependent 1D problems. We show that extended sources, whether of
      finite size or normally distributed, give rise to more realistic gradients
      compared to a single point-source at the origin. Furthermore, the steady state
      solutions are fully compatible with a decreasing exponential behavior of the
      profile. We also consider the case of a dynamic source (e.g. bicoid mRNA
      diffusion) for which a protein profile similar to the ones obtained from static
      sources can be achieved.

PMID- 22094362
TI  - A letter to the editor about the article "A model for environmental sex reversal
      in fish".

PMID- 22094364
TI  - Model-independent plot of dynamic PET data facilitates data interpretation and
      model selection.
AB  - When testing new PET radiotracers or new applications of existing tracers, the
      blood-tissue exchange and the metabolism need to be examined. However,
      conventional plots of measured time-activity curves from dynamic PET do not
      reveal the inherent kinetic information. A novel model-independent volume-influx
      plot (vi-plot) was developed and validated. The new vi-plot shows the time course
      of the instantaneous distribution volume and the instantaneous influx rate. The
      vi-plot visualises physiological information that facilitates model selection and
      it reveals when a quasi-steady state is reached, which is a prerequisite for the
      use of the graphical analyses by Logan and Gjedde-Patlak. Both axes of the vi
      plot have direct physiological interpretation, and the plot shows kinetic
      parameter in close agreement with estimates obtained by non-linear kinetic
      modelling. The vi-plot is equally useful for analyses of PET data based on a
      plasma input function or a reference region input function. The vi-plot is a
      model-independent and informative plot for data exploration that facilitates the
      selection of an appropriate method for data analysis.

PMID- 22094363
TI  - Confinement of gene drive systems to local populations: a comparative analysis.
AB  - Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever pose a major health
      problem through much of the world. One approach to disease prevention involves
      the use of selfish genetic elements to drive disease-refractory genes into wild
      mosquito populations. Recently engineered synthetic drive systems have provided
      encouragement for this strategy; but at the same time have been greeted with
      caution over the concern that transgenes may spread into countries and
      communities without their consent. Consequently, there is also interest in gene
      drive systems that, while strong enough to bring about local population
      replacement, are unable to establish themselves beyond a partially isolated
      release site, at least during the testing phase. Here, we develop simple
      deterministic and stochastic models to compare the confinement properties of a
      variety of gene drive systems. Our results highlight several systems with
      desirable features for confinement-a high migration rate required to become
      established in neighboring populations, and low-frequency persistence in
      neighboring populations for moderate migration rates. Single-allele
      underdominance and single-locus engineered underdominance have the strongest
      confinement properties, but are difficult to engineer and require a high
      introduction frequency, respectively. Toxin-antidote systems such as Semele,
      Merea and two-locus engineered underdominance show promising confinement
      properties and require lower introduction frequencies. Killer-rescue is self
      limiting in time, but is able to disperse to significant levels in neighboring
      populations. We discuss the significance of these results in the context of a
      phased release of transgenic mosquitoes, and the need for characterization of
      local ecology prior to a release.

PMID- 22094365
TI  - Outstanding circulation research by Japanese scientists.

PMID- 22094366
TI  - The developmental history of the gadolinium chelates as intravenous contrast
      media for magnetic resonance.
AB  - The developmental history of the gadolinium chelates, which spans 30 years, is
      described, focusing, in part, on the seminal work with each of the major agents
      in use today. By examining this history, insight is gained into important issues
      of efficacy and safety, with valuable lessons to be learned from the mistakes
      made during this period. An overview of physicochemical characteristics and
      chemical structures is also provided. The review concludes with a discussion of
      current research directions involving this field, which is that of the
      intravenous contrast media for magnetic resonance, in the past 5 years.

PMID- 22094367
TI  - Variability in core areas of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) in a tropical dry
      forest in Costa Rica.
AB  - Core areas are highly used parts of the home range on which the survival of
      solitary or group-living animals depends. We investigated the home range and core
      area size and area fidelity of a spider monkey community in a tropical dry forest
      over a 4-year period. Home ranges overlapped extensively across years, subgroup
      sizes, and seasons. In contrast, spider monkeys used core areas that varied in
      size and location across the study years, subgroup sizes, and seasons. These
      shifts in core areas suggest that the understanding of core areas, and thus the
      spatial requirements, of a species in a particular habitat may be limited if
      based on short-term studies. In this respect, our findings emphasize the
      importance of long-term studies of the spatial ecology of any species in a
      particular habitat. Our study also shows that the yearly home range basically
      includes all the core areas from different years, seasons, and subgroup sizes
      (i.e., the super-core area). This is conceptually important for territorial
      species, such as spider monkeys, which defend a stable home range as it contains
      not only the current, but also the future core areas.

PMID- 22094368
TI  - Revision of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: success or failure?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and
      frequently performed bariatric procedure. Unfortunately, re-operations are often
      necessary. Reports on the success of revisional procedures are scarce and show
      variable results, either supporting or declining the idea of revising LAGB. This
      study describes a large cohort of re-operations after failed LAGB to determine
      the success of revision. METHODS: By use of a prospective cohort, all LAGB
      revisions performed between 1996 and 2008 were identified. From 301 primary LAGB
      procedures in our centre, 43 patients (14.3%) required a band revision. In
      addition, 51 patients were referred from other centres. Our analysis included in
      total 94 patients with a mean follow-up period of 38 months after revision.
      RESULTS: Revision was mainly necessary due to anterior slippage (46%) and
      symmetrical pouch dilatation (36%), which could be resolved by replacing (70%) or
      refixating the band (27%). Weight loss significantly increased after revision
      (excess BMI loss (EBMIL), 37.2 +/- 36.3% versus 47.5 +/- 30.4%, P < 0.05). After
      revision, 23 patients (24%) needed a second re-operation. Patients converted to
      other procedures (16%) during the second re-operation showed larger weight loss
      than the revised group (EBMIL, 64.3 +/- 28.1% versus 44.3 +/- 28.7%, P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: We report on a large cohort of LAGB revisions with 38 months of
      follow-up. Revision of failed LAGB by either refixation or replacement of the
      band is successful and further increases weight loss.

PMID- 22094369
TI  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a possible surgically reversible intestinal
      dysfunction.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health problem often
      associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery is effective for treating serious
      obesity, and techniques involving intestinal bypass have metabolic benefits, such
      as complete and early remission of T2DM. We present a literature review of the
      possible mechanisms of early normalization of glycemic homeostasis after
      bariatric surgery, including intestinal gluconeogenesis, increased
      antidiabetogenic signals from L cells located in the distal small intestine, and
      impaired secretion of diabetogenic signals in the upper part of the small
      intestine. Adding to these potential mechanisms, unknown factors that regulate
      insulin sensitivity may be involved and altered by bariatric surgery. This review
      discusses the various hypotheses about the mechanisms of glycemic control after
      bariatric surgery involving intestinal bypass. Further research is essential to
      better understand these mechanisms and to identify potential new mechanisms that
      might help in developing less invasive and safer alternatives for the treatment
      of T2DM and reveal novel pharmaceutical targets for glycemic control.

PMID- 22094370
TI  - Cardiovascular dysautonomia in Parkinson disease: from pathophysiology to
      pathogenesis.
AB  - Signs or symptoms of impaired autonomic regulation of circulation often attend
      Parkinson disease (PD). This review covers biomarkers and mechanisms of autonomic
      cardiovascular abnormalities in PD and related alpha-synucleinopathies. The
      clearest clinical laboratory correlate of dysautonomia in PD is loss of
      myocardial noradrenergic innervation, detected by cardiac sympathetic
      neuroimaging. About 30-40% of PD patients have orthostatic hypotension (OH),
      defined as a persistent, consistent fall in systolic blood pressure of at least
      20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 min of change in
      position from supine to standing. Neuroimaging evidence of cardiac sympathetic
      denervation is universal in PD with OH (PD+OH). In PD without OH about half the
      patients have diffuse left ventricular myocardial sympathetic denervation, a
      substantial minority have partial denervation confined to the inferolateral or
      apical walls, and a small number have normal innervation. Among patients with
      partial denervation the neuronal loss invariably progresses over time, and in
      those with normal innervation at least some loss eventually becomes evident.
      Thus, cardiac sympathetic denervation in PD occurs independently of the movement
      disorder. PD+OH also entails extra-cardiac noradrenergic denervation, but this is
      not as severe as in pure autonomic failure. PD+OH patients have failure of both
      the parasympathetic and sympathetic components of the arterial baroreflex. OH in
      PD therefore seems to reflect a "triple whammy" of cardiac and extra-cardiac
      noradrenergic denervation and baroreflex failure. In contrast, most patients with
      multiple system atrophy, which can resemble PD+OH clinically, do not have
      evidence for cardiac or extra-cardiac noradrenergic denervation. Catecholamines
      in the neuronal cytoplasm are potentially toxic, via spontaneous and enzyme
      catalyzed oxidation. Normally cytoplasmic catecholamines are efficiently taken up
      into vesicles via the vesicular monoamine transporter. The recent finding of
      decreased vesicular uptake in Lewy body diseases therefore suggests a
      pathogenetic mechanism for loss of catecholaminergic neurons in the periphery and
      brain. Parkinson disease (PD) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative
      diseases of the elderly, and it is likely that as populations age PD will become
      even more prevalent and more of a public health burden. Severe depletion of
      dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system characterizes and likely
      produces the movement disorder (rest tremor, slowness of movement, rigid muscle
      tone, and postural instability) in PD. Over the past two decades, compelling
      evidence has accrued that PD also involves loss of noradrenergic neurons in the
      heart. This finding supports the view that loss of catecholaminergic neurons,
      both in the nigrostriatal system and the heart, is fundamental in PD. By the time
      PD manifests clinically, most of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons are
      already lost. Identifying laboratory measures-biomarkers-of the disease process
      is therefore crucial for advances in treatment and prevention. Deposition of the
      protein, alpha-synuclein, in the form of Lewy bodies in catecholaminergic neurons
      is a pathologic hallmark of PD. Alpha-synucleinopathy in autonomic neurons may
      occur early in the pathogenetic process. The timing of cardiac noradrenergic
      denervation in PD is therefore a key issue. This review updates the field of
      autonomic cardiovascular abnormalities in PD and related disorders, with emphasis
      on relationships among striatal dopamine depletion, sympathetic noradrenergic
      denervation, and alpha-synucleinopathy.

PMID- 22094372
TI  - Interlaboratory round robin on cantilever calibration for AFM force spectroscopy.
AB  - Single-molecule force spectroscopy studies performed by Atomic Force Microscopes
      (AFMs) strongly rely on accurately determined cantilever spring constants. Hence,
      to calibrate cantilevers, a reliable calibration protocol is essential. Although
      the thermal noise method and the direct Sader method are frequently used for
      cantilever calibration, there is no consensus on the optimal calibration of soft
      and V-shaped cantilevers, especially those used in force spectroscopy. Therefore,
      in this study we aimed at establishing a commonly accepted approach to accurately
      calibrate compliant and V-shaped cantilevers. In a round robin experiment
      involving eight different laboratories we compared the thermal noise and the
      Sader method on ten commercial and custom-built AFMs. We found that spring
      constants of both rectangular and V-shaped cantilevers can accurately be
      determined with both methods, although the Sader method proved to be superior.
      Furthermore, we observed that simultaneous application of both methods on an AFM
      proved an accurate consistency check of the instrument and thus provides optimal
      and highly reproducible calibration. To illustrate the importance of optimal
      calibration, we show that for biological force spectroscopy studies, an
      erroneously calibrated cantilever can significantly affect the derived
      (bio)physical parameters. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that with the
      pre-established protocol described reliable spring constants can be obtained for
      different types of cantilevers.

PMID- 22094373
TI  - Elemental mapping of multilayered structures: a method to reconstruct 2D chemical
      maps from a set of 1D line scans.
AB  - We introduce a method to characterize the chemical distribution in nanostructures
      using STEM and affiliated spectroscopy techniques. The method is applicable to
      any nanostructure where the continuous layers of arbitrary geometry and
      dimensions can be identified. The key feature of the suggested approach is
      digital warping of the original STEM image into the quasi-1D image. The chemical
      profiles of high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio can be extracted from
      the minimal set of the STEM spectroscopy data while minimizing material damage
      during acquisitions. Finally, the 2D chemical maps of the area of interest are
      reconstructed.

PMID- 22094374
TI  - Grain detection from 2d and 3d EBSD data--specification of the MTEX algorithm.
AB  - We present a fast and versatile algorithm for the reconstruction of the grain
      structure from 2d and 3d Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD) data. The
      algorithm is rigorously derived from the modeling assumption that grain
      boundaries are located at the bisectors of adjacent measurement locations. This
      modeling assumption immediately implies that grains are composed of Voronoi cells
      corresponding to the measurement locations. Thus our algorithm is based on the
      Voronoi decomposition of the 2d or 3d measurement domain. It applies to any
      geometrical configuration of measurement locations and allows for missing data
      due to measurement errors. The definition of grains as compositions of Voronoi
      cells implies another fundamental feature of the proposed algorithm--its
      invariance with respect to spatial displacements, i.e., rotations or shifts of
      the specimen. This paper also serves as a reference paper for the texture
      analysis software MTEX, which is a comprehensive and versatile, freely available
      MATLAB toolbox that covers a wide range of problems in quantitative texture
      analysis, including the analysis of EBSD data.

PMID- 22094375
TI  - Pathways of electron transfer photosensitized by thiacyanine dimers.
AB  - Pathways of electron transfer reaction between p-nitroacetophenone (p-NAP) and
      ascorbic acid (AA) photosensitized by dimers of 3,3'-disulfopropyl-5,5'
      dichlorothiacyanine triethylammonium (TC) and 3,3'-disulfopropyl-5,5'-dichloro
      9,11-[betabeta-dimethyltrimethylene]thiadicarbocyanine triethylammonium (TDC) are
      considered. In aqueous solution the dyes are present as an equilibrated mixture
      of monomers (M(-)) and dimers (M(2)(2-)). In contrast to monomers, the dimers of
      TC are characterized by a noticeable yield of intersystem crossing, whereas for
      TDC the triplet-triplet absorption of both monomers and dimers is easily observed
      upon ns-laser pulse. In the presence of p-NAP and AA the triplet state of the
      dimers of both dyes is mostly quenched by p-NAP yielding the radical pair [M(2)(
      )p-NAP(-)] with subsequent dissociation of M(2)(-) into M(-) and M followed by
      one-electron reduction of M by AA. These steps constitute a pathway of
      photosensitization by the dimers. For TDC an additional pathway of
      photosensitization was found to occur. The primary step consists of electron
      transfer in the excited singlet state of the dimer resulting in the formation of
      the radicals M and M(2-). The next steps involve one-electron reduction of M by
      AA and one-electron oxidation of M(2-) by p-NAP which results in the formation of
      M(-) followed by dimerization.

PMID- 22094376
TI  - Attack rates of seasonal epidemics.
AB  - We study the attack rate, that is the total fraction of the population infected
      each year, for a disease with seasonally varying transmission rate. The attack
      rate is shown to be governed by both the reproductive number, reflecting the
      transmissibility of the disease, and the birth rate, which provides a source of
      new susceptibles. For the case of epidemics which have an annual period (like the
      seasonality), we prove inequalities which show that the attack rate is close to
      that of the non-seasonal model, so that it is nearly independent of the strength
      of the forcing, despite the fact that the shape of the epidemic curve depends
      strongly on the degree of seasonality of the forcing. Numerical simulations show
      that this holds to an even stronger extent than is implied by our rigorous
      results. When the system has subharmonic or chaotic solutions, we show that
      similar results hold when the attack rate is replaced by the average attack rate
      over several years. Consequences of these findings for analyzing the effect of
      vaccination in seasonally-forced models are noted.

PMID- 22094377
TI  - Functional -1149 g/t polymorphism of the prolactin gene in schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolactin in schizophrenia is considered in the context of
      antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia. However, the European First
      Episode Schizophrenia Trial showed that hyperprolacti nemia occurred in a
      significant proportion of drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients, which
      shows that it may also be caused by other factors, including genetic
      predisposition. Therefore, we investigated the functional polymorphism of the
      prolactin gene in schizophrenic patients compared with control subjects. METHOD:
      The experimental group consisted of 403 patients with schizophrenia: 202 females
      and 201 males. The control group consisted of 653 subjects: 377 females and 276
      males. The functional polymorphism -1149 G/T (rs1341239) of the prolactin gene
      was genotyped using the TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism allelic
      discrimination method. RESULTS: The distribution of genotypes in schizophrenic
      patients was significantly different from those of the control subjects
      (p=0.031). After breaking down by gender, for male patients, the difference
      versus control males was significant for both genotypes and alleles (p=0.031 and
      p=0.002, respectively), with allele G being observed more frequently in
      schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSION: The results may suggest a possible
      abnormality of the functional -1149 G/T polymorphism of the prolactin gene in
      schizophrenia, especially in male patients, similar to that found in autoimmune
      diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. This
      could also correspond with an autoimmune pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

PMID- 22094378
TI  - High-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia with early differentiation syndrome: a
      therapeutic dilemma.

PMID- 22094379
TI  - Bladder perivascular epithelioid cell tumor: a novel rare neoplasm.
AB  - Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) have recently been defined as a
      group of neoplasms that have in common the co-expression of melanocytic and
      smooth muscle markers. We report a novel case of a rare bladder PEComa and we
      review the relevant literature.

PMID- 22094380
TI  - Protective effects of urate against 6-OHDA-induced cell injury in PC12 cells
      through antioxidant action.
AB  - There is evidence to support that oxidative stress is increased in Parkinson's
      disease (PD) and contributes to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Recent
      research has shown that higher blood urate concentrations have now been linked to
      decreased risks and progression rates of PD. However, the mechanisms about urate
      to protect dopaminergic neurons are less clear. Our study investigated the effect
      of urate on oxidative stress induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in neuronal
      differentiated PC12 cells. We found that urate significantly reduced 6-OHDA
      induced lactate dehydrogenas (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy
      deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) generation but increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      activity and glutathione (GSH) levels in the PC12 cells. These results suggested
      that urate can prevent PC12 cells from oxidative injury induced by 6-OHDA, which
      may play an important role in the mechanisms underlying the association of high
      plasma levels of urate with reduced risk and slower progression of PD. Urate
      treatment could be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.

PMID- 22094381
TI  - The trapezius muscle uniquely lacks adaptive process in response to a repeated
      moderate cognitive stressor.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the adaptive process of muscular responses
      in healthy subjects over two repeated exposures to the same moderate cognitive
      stressor. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the flexor pollicis brevis,
      biceps brachii, triceps brachii, trapezius, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles was
      recorded in 35 males during video-recorded Stroop color-word interference tests.
      The results showed lower EMG activity in all muscles during the second exposure
      to the stressful task, but not in the trapezius muscle. These findings could help
      to the understanding of the role of stressful situations in the development of
      musculoskeletal disorders.

PMID- 22094382
TI  - Olfactory priming leads to faster sound localization.
AB  - Cross-modal interactions between vision, audition and touch have been extensively
      studied in the last decade. However, our understanding of how the chemical senses
      interact with other sensory modalities remains relatively scarce. We performed a
      cued auditory localization paradigm in healthy young adults by measuring reaction
      times to monaural auditory stimuli after subjects had been cued by unilateral
      olfactory stimuli, mixed olfactory/trigeminal stimuli or somatosensory stimuli.
      As expected, all cuing conditions led to enhanced performances in auditory
      localization. Further, both odors led to significantly shorter reaction times
      when compared to the somatosensory stimuli. We did not observe any effect of side
      congruency between the cues and the targets. These results suggest facilitative
      effects of odorous cues independent of a possible trigeminal component in the
      interaction between olfaction and audition.

PMID- 22094383
TI  - The effects of the D2 dopamine receptor antagonist, eticlopride, on attention
      following bilateral vestibular deafferentation in the rat.
AB  - Loss of vestibular function has been associated with cognitive impairment,
      including attentional problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effects of the D(2) dopamine receptor antagonist, eticlopride (0.02, 0.04 and
      0.06 mg/kg; s.c.), on attention and impulsivity in rats at 2 months following
      bilateral vestibular deafferentation (BVD), using a 5 choice serial reaction time
      task (5CSRTT). The levels of the D(2) receptor protein in the frontal cortex were
      measured at 1 and 6 months post-BVD using western blotting. Eticlopride caused a
      dose-dependent decrease in response in the 5CSRTT, which was greater for sham
      than for BVD rats in terms of the percentage of correct responses and the number
      of perseverative responses. There were no changes in the amount of the D(2)
      receptor in the frontal cortex at 1 or 6 months post-BVD; however, D(2) receptor
      levels were significantly higher on the right side than the left in both sham and
      BVD animals. These results suggest that BVD causes an increase in perseverative
      behaviour that D(2) receptor blockade does not eliminate, but that D(2) receptors
      in the frontal cortex are unchanged.

PMID- 22094384
TI  - Influence of GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4 polymorphisms on diagnosis and response to
      antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - The present study is aimed at exploring whether some single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) within GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4 could be associated with
      schizophrenia and whether they could predict clinical outcomes in Korean in
      patients treated with antipsychotics. One hundred forty five patients with MD,
      221 in-patients with schizophrenia and 170 psychiatrically healthy controls were
      genotyped for 17 SNPs within GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4. Baseline and final clinical
      measures, including the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), were
      recorded. No significant association was found with the diagnosis of
      schizophrenia. We observed an association between rs3813296 genotype and
      improvement on PANSS negative scores. Our findings provide no evidence for an
      association between SNPs within GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4 under investigation and
      schizophrenia susceptibility, although rs3813296 (GRIA2) could be associated with
      improvement on PANSS negative scores. However, taking into account the several
      limitations of our study, further research is needed to draw more definitive
      conclusions.

PMID- 22094385
TI  - Dizocilpine and cycloheximide prevent inhibition of c-Fos gene expression by
      delta sleep-inducing peptide in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
      in rats with different resistance to emotional stress.
AB  - The effects of the non-competitive NMDA-receptor blocker MK-801 (dizocilpine) and
      the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide on the delta sleep-inducing peptide
      (DSIP) inhibition of c-Fos immediate early gene expression were studied in the
      parvocellular subdivision of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (pPVN) of
      male Wistar rats with either high or low resistance to emotional stress,
      predicted from differences in their open-field behaviour. The experiments show
      that intraperitoneal (i.p.) DSIP injection (60 nmol/kg) decreased the number of
      Fos-immunoreactive (Fos-IR) cells in the pPVN, activated by immobilization. The
      NMDA-receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) (90 nmol i.c.v.) prevented the
      inhibition of c-Fos expression by DSIP in the pPVN of rats predisposed to
      emotional stress. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (210 nmol i.c.v.)
      prevented the inhibition of c-Fos expression by DSIP in the pPVN of rats that
      were resistant to emotional stress. The experiments indicate that the DSIP effect
      on c-Fos gene expression might be mediated by NMDA-receptors. DSIP may induce
      production of some protein transcription factors, transmitting a signal from
      membrane NMDA-receptors to the nucleus.

PMID- 22094386
TI  - Olfactory deficits induce neurofilament hyperphosphorylation.
AB  - Olfactory dysfunction, including structural abnormalities of the olfactory
      epithelium, the olfactory bulb and the central olfactory cortices is recognized
      as an early feature of Alzheimer disease (AD), the most prevalent
      neurodegenerative disease in aged population characterized by intracellular
      neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). How olfactory deficits are linked with AD-like
      neuropathological changes is still unknown. Here, by using two anosmia animal
      models, bilateral olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) rats and Cnga2(-/Y) mice, which lack
      intact olfactory CNG channels, we found the immunoreactivity of phosphorylated
      neurofilament (NF) are highly increased in the neurites at both the hippocampus
      and the cortex. As hyperphosphorylated NF is one of the main components of NFTs,
      our study strongly suggested the underlying correlation of olfactory deficits
      with AD-like pathological impairments.

PMID- 22094387
TI  - Rigid cervical collar treatment for geriatric type II odontoid fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate fracture healing, functional outcomes, complications, and
      mortality associated with rigid cervical collars. METHODS: Thirty-four patients
      with <50% odontoid displacement were treated with a rigid cervical collar for 12
      weeks (Average age = 84 years). Outcome scores were compared with a group of 40
      age-matched control subjects (Average age 79.3). RESULTS: At average 14.9-month
      follow-up, only 6% demonstrated radiographic evidence of fracture healing and 70%
      had mobile odontoid nonunion. NDI scores indicated only mild disability, pain
      scores were low, and neither differed significantly from age-matched controls.
      Mobile odontoid nonunion was not associated with higher levels of disability or
      neck pain. Mortality rate was 11.8%. Treatment complications occurred in 6% of
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Odontoid nonunion and instability are high in geriatric
      patients treated with a rigid cervical collar. Fracture healing and stability did
      not correlate with improved outcomes. Outcomes did not differ significantly from
      age-matched cohorts.

PMID- 22094388
TI  - Heritability of scoliosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To estimate the heritability of scoliosis in the Swedish Twin Registry.
      METHODS: Self-reported data on scoliosis from 64,578 twins in the Swedish Twin
      Registry were analysed. Prevalence, pair- and probandwise concordances and
      tetrachoric correlations in mono- and dizygotic same-sex twins were calculated.
      The relative importance of genetic variance, i.e. the heritability, and unique
      and shared environmental variance was estimated using structural equation
      modelling in Mx software. In addition, all twins in the twin registry were
      matched against the Swedish Inpatient Register on the primary diagnosis
      idiopathic scoliosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of scoliosis was 4%. Pair- and
      probandwise concordance was 0.11/0.17 for mono- and 0.04/0.08 for same-sex
      dizygotic twins. The tetrachoric correlation (95% CI) was 0.41 (0.33-0.49) in
      mono- and 0.18 (0.09-0.29) in dizygotic twins. The most favourable model in the
      Mx analyses estimated the additive genetic effects (95% CI) to 0.38 (0.18-0.46)
      and the unique environmental effects to 0.62 (0.54-0.70). Shared environmental
      effects were not significant. The pairwise/probandwise concordance for idiopathic
      scoliosis in the Swedish Inpatient Register was 0.08/0.15 for monozygotic and
      zero/zero for same-sex dizygotic twins. CONCLUSION: Using self-reported data on
      scoliosis from the Swedish Twin Registry, we estimate that 38% of the variance in
      the liability to develop scoliosis is due to additive genetic effects and 62% to
      unique environmental effects. This is the first study of sufficient size to make
      heritability estimates of scoliosis.

PMID- 22094389
TI  - Chondromyxoid fibroma of the lumbar spine: case report and literature review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a benign tumour of the bone that
      typically occurs in long bone metaphysis. Spinal involvement is uncommon, but
      more frequent in the cervical and thoracic segments. Lumbar involvement is
      extremely rare. We report the ninth case of lumbar CMF and the first one
      involving the articular process of the vertebra. A review of the literature is
      also intended making special emphasis on the differential diagnosis with other
      benign spinal tumours of the bone. METHODS: A 21-year-old Caucasian male
      suffering from low back pain that increased with sports and interrupted sleep was
      diagnosed with a tumoural lesion in the right inferior articular process of L5.
      RESULTS: Complete surgical excision of the tumour was accomplished. Histological
      diagnosis confirmed a CMF. The patient remains asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Despite the low incidence of CMF in the lumbar spine, differential
      diagnosis must include this subtype of lesion among other benign tumours of the
      bone and cartilage. Histological diagnosis is essential in order to provide the
      patient with an accurate management of the pathology. Recurrence rate is to be
      considered even in the case of complete surgical excision. Radiotherapy
      administration is controversial due to suspicion of malignant transformation of
      the tumour.

PMID- 22094391
TI  - Novel dual-phase membranes for CO2 capture via an oxyfuel route.
AB  - Ceria-based dual-phase membranes showing high oxygen permeation fluxes and
      stability under a CO(2) environment are promising materials for CO(2) capture via
      an oxyfuel route. The high oxygen permeation fluxes compared with other dual
      phase membranes are derived from the mixed conducting properties of the
      perovskite oxides used in the dual-phase membranes.

PMID- 22094392
TI  - A Monte Carlo model of the Varian IGRT couch top for RapidArc QA.
AB  - The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of couch attenuation on
      quality assurance (QA) results and to present a couch top model for Monte Carlo
      (MC) dose calculation for RapidArc treatments. The IGRT couch top is modelled in
      Eclipse as a thin skin of higher density material with a homogeneous fill of foam
      of lower density and attenuation. The IGRT couch structure consists of two
      longitudinal sections referred to as thick and thin. The Hounsfield Unit (HU)
      characterization of the couch structure was determined using a cylindrical
      phantom by comparing ion chamber measurements with the dose predicted by the
      treatment planning system (TPS). The optimal set of HU for the inside of the
      couch and the surface shell was found to be respectively -960 and -700 HU in
      agreement with Vanetti et al (2009 Phys. Med. Biol. 54 N157-66). For each plan,
      the final dose calculation was performed with the thin, thick and without the
      couch top. Dose differences up to 2.6% were observed with TPS calculated doses
      not including the couch and up to 3.4% with MC not including the couch and were
      found to be treatment specific. A MC couch top model was created based on the TPS
      geometrical model. The carbon fibre couch top skin was modelled using carbon
      graphite; the density was adjusted until good agreement with experimental data
      was observed, while the density of the foam inside was kept constant. The
      accuracy of the couch top model was evaluated by comparison with ion chamber
      measurements and TPS calculated dose combined with a 3D gamma analysis. Similar
      to the TPS case, a single graphite density can be used for both the thin and
      thick MC couch top models. Results showed good agreement with ion chamber
      measurements (within 1.2%) and with TPS (within 1%). For each plan, over 95% of
      the points passed the 3D gamma test.

PMID- 22094390
TI  - Female farmworkers' perceptions of pesticide exposure and pregnancy health.
AB  - Occupational pesticide exposure may be hazardous to pregnant farmworkers, yet few
      studies have focused on the health of female farmworkers distinct from their male
      counterparts or on the impact of agricultural work tasks on pregnancy outcomes.
      In the current community-based participatory research study, researchers
      conducted five focus groups with female nursery and fernery workers in Central
      Florida to enhance knowledge of attitudes about occupational risks and pregnancy
      health and to gather qualitative data to help form a survey instrument. This
      article presents the results from questions focused on pesticide exposure and its
      impact on general, reproductive, pregnancy, and fetal health. Workers reported a
      belief that pesticide exposure could be hazardous to pregnancy health;
      descriptions of symptoms and health concerns believed to be related to farmwork
      and to pesticide exposure; and descriptions of barriers preventing them from
      practicing safer occupational behaviors.

PMID- 22094393
TI  - Trans-tragal incision for improved exposure of diacapitular and condylar neck
      fractures.
AB  - The authors present a modification of the preauricular approach that improves the
      exposure of the condyle whilst reducing diacapitular and condylar neck fractures.
      The incision is a combination of the hockey-stick and endaural incisions. Its
      inferior part runs within the ear on the posterior face of the tragus; the tragal
      cartilage is transected together with the retrotragal skin and included in the
      anterior skin flap. Between May 2009 and December 2010, 16 patients with
      diacapitular or condylar neck fractures were treated with this approach. All
      patients showed good occlusion postoperatively and satisfactory aesthetic
      results. No infection or cartilage necrosis was observed in this series. This
      approach improves the exposure of the condylar head during the reduction of
      diacapitular and condylar neck fractures, ensuring easier internal fixation and
      good cosmetic results.

PMID- 22094394
TI  - Fronto-facial monobloc distraction in syndromic craniosynostosis. Three
      dimensional evaluation of treatment outcome and facial growth.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate the treatment effect and
      stability of fronto-facial monobloc distraction osteogenesis. Five consecutive
      patients who underwent monobloc distraction were included (aged 4.8-18.4 years).
      Three patients had Crouzon syndrome, one had Apert syndrome, and one had Pfeiffer
      syndrome. The evaluation included clinical records, serial cephalograms for at
      least 1-year follow up (average 24.6 months). The treatment and post-treatment
      changes were measured. The intracranial volume, upper airway volume and globe
      protrusion were calculated from CT before and after treatment. After distraction,
      the supraorbital region was advanced 15.3mm forward, the midface demonstrated
      forward advancement of 17.7 mm, 22.1mm and 23.1mm at orbitale, anterior nasal
      spine and A point, respectively. The downward movement was 2-3mm at maxillary
      level. The intracranial volume increased 11%; the upper airway volume increased
      85% on average. Globe protrusion reduced 3.7 mm on average, which was 20% of
      underlying skeletal movement. Facial growth demonstrated forward remodelling of
      the supraorbital region, mild downward but no further forward growth of the
      midface. Monobloc distraction is effective for relieving related symptoms and
      signs through differential external distraction at different vertical levels of
      the face.

PMID- 22094395
TI  - Fibrillar structures in food.
AB  - Assembly of proteins or peptides into fibrils is an important subject of study in
      various research fields. In the field of food research, the protein fibrils are
      interesting candidates as functional ingredients. It is essential to understand
      the formation and properties of the fibrils for successful application of the
      fibrils in food products. This paper describes the impact of recent research on
      the general view of the process of fibril formation from beta-lg and the
      properties of the fibrils that are formed, leading to better control of
      applications for the fibrils. There is a need for a better understanding of the
      behavior of fibrils in more complex food systems.

PMID- 22094396
TI  - Most cited articles: ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity, anticarcinogenic effects of
      polyphenolic compounds in tea, dose-response modeling, novel roles of epoxide
      hydrolases and arsenic-induced suicidal erythrocyte death.

PMID- 22094398
TI  - Milestones in melanocytes/melanogenesis.

PMID- 22094397
TI  - Measurements of transmission spectrums and estimation of retinal blue-light
      irradiance values of currently available clear and yellow-tinted intraocular
      lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the spectral transmission characteristics of currently
      available, foldable, clear and yellow-tinted intraocular lenses (IOLs), and
      evaluate the protective effects they provide against retinal damage by sunlight.
      METHODS: We measured the spectral transmittance in the wavelength range of 300
      800 nm using a spectrophotometer for 63 IOLs including three clear IOLs (N4-18B,
      Nidek; X-60, Santen; KS-3Ai, Staar Japan) and four yellow-tinted IOLs (N4-18YG,
      Nidek; NX-60, Santen; KS-AiN, Staar Japan; NM-1, Hoya) with three different lens
      powers. The blue-light irradiance (BLI) values through the IOLs were calculated
      as the retinal hazard index for sungazing. The data from three clear IOLs
      (SA60AT, Alcon Japan; VA-60BBR, Hoya; AU6K, Kowa) and three yellow-tinted IOLs
      (SN60AT, Alcon Japan; YA-60BBR, Hoya; AU6N, Kowa) reported previously were also
      discussed. RESULTS: Except for the X-60, the clear IOLs completely absorbed
      ultraviolet (UV) light and nearly completely transmitted visible light at
      wavelengths longer than 440 nm. Yellow-tinted IOLs absorbed more in the blue
      light range (400-500 nm) than clear IOLs. All IOLs had lower BLI values than
      aphakic eyes, and all yellow-tinted IOLs had lower BLI values than phakic eyes.
      The BLI values of the NX-60, KS-AiN, NM-1, SN60AT and YA-60BBR IOLs decreased
      with the increase in lens power. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to aphakic eyes, currently
      available UV-blocking clear and yellow-tinted IOLs reduce the BLI values by 43
      82%. However, the data presented in this study are not directly applicable to
      humans implanted with IOLs or for the use of IOLs in a clinical situation, since
      in those cases the balance between photoprotection and photoreception must be
      taken into account.

PMID- 22094399
TI  - The genetics of human pigmentary disorders.

PMID- 22094400
TI  - Molecular aspects of tanning.

PMID- 22094401
TI  - The genetics of vitiligo.

PMID- 22094402
TI  - Key discoveries in melanocyte development.

PMID- 22094403
TI  - Unpacking human evolution to find the genetic determinants of human skin
      pigmentation.

PMID- 22094404
TI  - Determination of melanin synthetic pathways.

PMID- 22094406
TI  - Differential diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in outpatients with non-specific
      cardiopulmonary symptoms.
AB  - Most cardiopulmonary diseases share at least one symptom with pulmonary embolism
      (PE). The aim of this study was to identify the most common acute causes of
      dyspnea, chest pain, fainting or palpitations, which diagnostic procedures were
      performed and whether clinicians investigate them appropriately. An Italian
      multicenter collaboration gathered 17,497 Emergency Department (ED) records of
      patients admitted from January 2007 to June 2007 in six hospitals. A block random
      sampling procedure was applied to select 800 hospitalised patients. Results of
      the overall 17,497 patients were obtained by weighting sampled cases according to
      the probability of the randomisation block variables in the whole population. The
      case-mix of enrolled patients was assessed in terms of cardiopulmonary symptoms,
      and the prevalence of acute disorders. The actual performance of procedures was
      compared with a measure of their accuracy as expected in the most common clinical
      presentations. PE occurred in less than 4% of patients with cardiopulmonary
      symptoms. Acute heart failure, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease exacerbation were the most likely diagnoses in patients with dyspnea.
      Acute myocardial infarction was present in roughly 10% of patients with chest
      pain. Atrial fibrillation was the prevalent diagnosis in patients with
      palpitations. Echocardiography, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography,
      perfusion lung scan, D-dimer test and B-type natriuretic peptide were performed
      less than expected from their accuracy. Diagnostic strategies, starting from non
      specific symptoms and coping with the eventuality of PE, are likely to benefit
      from an increased awareness of the examination's accuracy in discriminating among
      several competing hypotheses, rather than in testing the single PE suspicion. 

PMID- 22094407
TI  - The predictive value of physical examination findings in patients with suspected
      acute heart failure syndrome.
AB  - It can be difficult to differentiate acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) from
      other causes of acute dyspnea, especially when patients present in extremis. The
      objective of the study was to determine the predictive value of physical
      examination findings for pulmonary edema and elevated B-type natriuretic peptide
      (BNP) levels in patients with suspected AHFS. This was a secondary analysis of a
      previously reported prospective study of jugular vein ultrasonography in patients
      with suspected AHFS. Charts were reviewed for physical examination findings,
      which were then compared to pulmonary edema on chest radiography (CXR) read by
      radiologists blinded to clinical information and BNP levels measured at
      presentation. The predictive value of every sign and combination of signs for
      pulmonary edema on CXR or an elevated BNP was poor. Since physical examination
      findings alone are not predictive of pulmonary edema or an elevated BNP,
      clinicians should have a low threshold for using CXR or BNP in clinical
      evaluation. This brief research report suggests that no physical examination
      finding or constellation of findings can be used to reliably predict pulmonary
      edema or an elevated BNP in patients with suspected AHFS.

PMID- 22094408
TI  - Timing of the initiation of parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults.

PMID- 22094409
TI  - One in 12 teenagers self harm but most stop spontaneously.

PMID- 22094410
TI  - Doctors' leaders call for "bold" step to ban smoking in private cars.

PMID- 22094411
TI  - Production, purification and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies
      against human mitochondrial transcription termination factor 2 (MTERF2).
AB  - Human mitochondrial transcription termination factor 2 (MTERF2) is a member of
      the mitochondrial transcription termination factors (MTERFs) family and a cell
      growth inhibitor. To create a specific mouse monoclonal antibody against human
      MTERF2, the full-length His-tag MTERF2 protein (1-385 aa) was expressed in
      Escherichia coli, and purified recombinant protein was injected into three BALB/c
      mice to perform an immunization procedure. Eight stable positive monoclonal cell
      lines were screened and established. ELISA results demonstrated that all antibody
      light chains were kappa, while the heavy chains displayed three subtypes IgG1,
      IgG2a, and IgG2b respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the monoclonal
      antibodies against human MTERF2 were determined using immunoblotting,
      immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses. Furthermore, serum
      regulation of human MTERF2 protein expression levels in human glioma U251 cells
      was examined with these monoclonal antibodies and the results demonstrated that
      the expression level of MTERF2 protein was dramatically inhibited by the addition
      of serum to serum-starved cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate the
      functionality of these mouse anti-human MTERF2 monoclonal antibodies, which may
      provide a useful tool to elucidate the role of MTERF2 in human mitochondrial
      transcription as well as other potential activities. To our knowledge, this is
      the first report on the preparation and characterization of mouse monoclonal
      antibodies against human MTERF2.

PMID- 22094412
TI  - Conference report : The 40th European Muscle Conference, September 14-18, 2011,
      Berlin, Germany.

PMID- 22094413
TI  - Overcoming challenges in the study of nitrided microalloyed steels using atom
      probe.
AB  - Nitrided steels are widely used in the engineering field due to their superior
      hardness and other attractive properties. Atom probe tomography (APT) was
      employed to study two Nb-microalloyed CASTRIP steels with different N contents. A
      major challenge of using APT to study this group of materials is the presence of
      tails after Fe peaks in the mass spectra, which overestimates the composition for
      alloying elements such as Nb and Cu in the steels. One important factor that
      contributes to the tails is believed to be delayed field evaporation from Fe2+.
      This artefact of the mass spectrum was observed to be the most severe when
      voltage pulsing was used. The application of laser pulses with energy ranging
      from 0.2 to 1.2 nJ successfully reduced the tails and lead to better
      compositional measurement accuracy. Spatial resolution in the z-direction (along
      the tip direction) was observed to be less affected by changing laser energy but
      deteriorates in x-y direction with increasing laser energy. This investigation
      suggests that pulsed-laser atom probe with ~0.4 nJ laser energy can be used to
      study this group of materials with improved mass resolution while still
      maintaining high spatial resolution.

PMID- 22094414
TI  - ELNES for boron, carbon, and nitrogen K-edges with different chemical
      environments in layered materials studied by density functional theory.
AB  - Electron energy-loss near-edge fine structures (ELNES) were calculated for
      graphene, doped graphene, a hexagonal BN monolayer, and a hexagonal BC2N layer
      using an ab initio pseudopotential plane wave method including the core-hole
      effect. Spectral features that can be used to distinguish different chemical
      environments are identified. The spectral features are closely related to the
      atomic species and arrangement. The connection between chemical environments and
      fine structures is discussed.

PMID- 22094415
TI  - Introduction.
AB  - Aging in yeast is now a well researched area with hundreds of new research and
      review papers appearing every year. The chapters following in this book written
      by some of the leading experts in the field will give an overview of the most
      relevant areas of yeast aging. The purpose of this chapter is to give the
      newcomer an introduction to the field including some basic technical questions.

PMID- 22094416
TI  - Oxidative stresses and ageing.
AB  - Oxidative damage to cellular constituents has frequently been associated with
      aging in a wide range of organisms. The power of yeast genetics and biochemistry
      has provided the opportunity to analyse in some detail how reactive oxygen and
      nitrogen species arise in cells, how cells respond to the damage that these
      reactive species cause, and to begin to dissect how these species may be involved
      in the ageing process. This chapter reviews the major sources of reactive oxygen
      species that occur in yeast cells, the damage they cause and how cells sense and
      respond to this damage.

PMID- 22094417
TI  - The role of mitochondria in the aging processes of yeast.
AB  - This chapter reviews the role of mitochondria and of mitochondrial metabolism in
      the aging processes of yeast and the existing evidence for the "mitochondrial
      theory of aging mitochondrial theory of aging ". Mitochondria are the major
      source of ATP in the eukaryotic cell but are also a major source of reactive
      oxygen species reactive oxygen species (ROS) and play an important role in the
      process of apoptosis and aging. We are discussing the mitochondrial theory of
      aging mitochondrial theory of aging (TOA), its origin, similarity with other
      TOAs, and its ramifications which developed in recent decades. The emphasis is on
      mother cell-specific aging mother cell-specific aging and the RLS (replicative
      lifespan) with only a short treatment of CLS (chronological lifespan). Both of
      these aging processes may be relevant to understand also the aging of higher
      organisms, but they are biochemically very different, as shown by the fact the
      replicative aging occurs on rich media and is a defect in the replicative
      capacity of mother cells, while chronological aging occurs in postmitotic cells
      that are under starvation conditions in stationary phase leading to loss of
      viability, as discussed elsewhere in this book. In so doing we also give an
      overview of the similarities and dissimilarities of the various aging processes
      of the most often used model organisms for aging research with respect to the
      mitochondrial theory of aging mitochondrial theory of aging.

PMID- 22094418
TI  - The retrograde response retrograde response and other pathways of interorganelle
      communication interorganelle communication in yeast replicative aging.
AB  - A form of mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling is
      known to play a role in determining replicative life span in yeast. This
      retrograde response is triggered by experimentally-induced mitochondrial
      dysfunction mitochondrial dysfunction, but it also is activated during the course
      of normal replicative aging, allowing yeast to have as long a replicative life
      span as they do. The components of the retrograde signaling pathway participate
      in diverse cellular processes such as mitophagy, which appear to be involved in
      mitochondrial quality control mitochondrial quality control. This plethora of
      mitochondrial surveillance mitochondrial surveillance mechanisms points to the
      central importance of this organelle organelle in yeast replicative aging.
      Additional pathways pathways that monitor mitochondrial status mitochondrial
      status that do not apparently involve the retrograde response machinery also play
      a role. A unifying theme is the involvement of the target of rapamycin target of
      rapamycin (TOR) in both these additional pathways and in the retrograde response.
      The involvement of TOR brings another large family of signaling events into
      juxtaposition. Ceramide synthesis is regulated by TOR opening up the potential
      for coordination of mitochondrial status with a wide array of additional cellular
      processes. The retrograde response lies at the nexus of metabolic regulation
      metabolic regulation, stress resistance stress resistance, chromatin-dependent
      gene regulation chromatin-dependent gene regulation, and genome stability genome
      stability. In its metabolic outputs, it is related to calorie restriction,calorie
      restriction, which may be the result of the involvement of TOR. Retrograde
      response-like processes have been identified in systems other than yeast,
      including mammalian cells mammalian cells. The retrograde response is a
      prototypical pathway of interorganelle communication. Other such phenomena are
      emerging, such as the cross-talk cross-talk between mitochondria mitochondria and
      the vacuole vacuole, which involves components of the retrograde signaling
      pathway. The impact of these varied physiological responses on yeast replicative
      aging remains to be assessed.

PMID- 22094420
TI  - Aging and the survival of quiescent and non-quiescent cells in yeast stationary
      phase cultures.
AB  - In this chapter, we argue that with careful attention to cell types in stationary
      phase cultures of the yeast, S. cerevisiae provide an excellent model system for
      aging studies and hold much promise in pinpointing the set of causal genes and
      mechanisms driving aging. Importantly, a more detailed understanding of aging in
      this single celled organism will also shed light on aging in tissue-complex model
      organisms such as C. elegans and D. melanogaster. We feel strongly that the
      relationship between aging in yeast and tissue-complex organisms has been
      obscured by failure to notice the heterogeneity of stationary-phase cultures and
      the processes by which distinct cell types arise in these cultures. Although
      several studies have used yeast stationary-phase cultures for chronological
      aging, the majority of these studies have assumed that cultures in stationary
      phase are homogeneously composed of a single cell type. However, genome-scale
      analyses of yeast stationary-phase cultures have identified two major cell
      fractions: quiescent and non-quiescent, which we discuss in detail in this
      chapter. We review evidence that cell populations isolated from these cultures
      exhibit population-specific phenotypes spanning a range of metabolic and
      physiological processes including reproductive capacity, apoptosis, differences
      in metabolic activities, genetic hyper-mutability, and stress responses. The
      identification, in S. cerevisiae, of multiple sub-populations having
      differentiated physiological attributes relevant to aging offers an unprecedented
      opportunity. This opportunity to deeply understand yeast cellular (and
      population) aging programs will, also, give insight into genomic and metabolic
      processes in tissue-complex organism, as well as stem cell biology and the
      origins of differentiation.

PMID- 22094419
TI  - Chronological aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The two paradigms to study aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the
      chronological life span (CLS) and the replicative life span (RLS). The
      chronological life span is a measure of the mean and maximum survival time of non
      dividing yeast populations while the replicative life span is based on the mean
      and maximum number of daughter cells generated by an individual mother cell
      before cell division stops irreversibly. Here we review the principal discoveries
      associated with yeast chronological aging and how they are contributing to the
      understanding of the aging process and of the molecular mechanisms that may lead
      to healthy aging in mammals. We will focus on the mechanisms of life span
      regulation by the Tor/Sch9 and the Ras/adenylate Ras/adenylate cyclase/PKA
      pathways with particular emphasis on those implicating age-dependent oxidative
      oxidative stress stress and DNA damage/repair.

PMID- 22094421
TI  - Maximising the yeast chronological lifespan.
AB  - When investigating aging it is important to focus on the factors that are needed
      to attain, and which can be manipulated to extend, the longest lifespans. This
      has long been appreciated by those workers who use Drosophila or Caenorhabditis
      elegans as model experimental systems to study aging. Often though it seems it is
      not a consideration in many studies of yeast chronological aging. In this chapter
      I summarise how recent work has revealed the preconditioning that is needed for
      yeast to survive for long periods in stationary phase, therefore for it to
      exhibit a long chronological life span (CLS). Of critical importance in this
      regard is the nature of the nutrient limitation that, during the earlier growth
      phase, had forced the cells to undergo growth arrest. I have attempted to
      highlight those studies that have focussed on the longest CLSs, as this helps to
      identify investigations that may be addressing - not just factors that can
      influence chronological longevity - but those factors that are correlated with
      the authentic processes of chronological aging. Attempting to maximize long-term
      stationary survival in yeast should also enhance the potential relevance of this
      organism as an aging model to those who wrestle with the problems of aging in
      more complex systems. Finally I also give a personal perspective of how studies
      on the yeast CLS may still yet provide some important new insights into events
      that are correlated with aging.

PMID- 22094423
TI  - DNA damage and DNA replication stress in yeast models of aging.
AB  - DNA damage DNA damage is an important factor in aging in all eukaryotes. Although
      connections between DNA damage DNA damage and aging have been extensively
      investigated in complex organisms, only a relatively few studies have
      investigated DNA damage DNA damage as an aging factor in the model organism S.
      cerevisiae. Several of these studies point to DNA replication stress DNA
      replication stress as a cause of age-dependent DNA damage DNA damage in the
      replicative model of aging, which measures how many times budding yeast cells
      divide before they senesce and die. Even fewer studies have investigated how DNA
      damage DNA damage contributes to aging in the chronological aging chronological
      aging model, which measures how long cells in stationary phase cultures retain
      reproductive capacity. DNA replication stress DNA replication stress also has
      been implicated as a factor in chronological aging chronological aging . Since
      cells in stationary phase are generally considered to be "post-mitotic" and to
      reside in a quiescent G0/G1 state, the notion that defects in DNA replication
      might contribute to chronological aging chronological aging appears to be
      somewhat paradoxical. However, the results of recent studies suggest that a
      significant fraction of cells in stationary phase cultures are not quiescent,
      especially in experiments that employ defined medium, which is frequently
      employed to assess chronological lifespan. Most cells that fail to achieve
      quiescence remain in a viable, but non-dividing state until they eventually die,
      similar to the senescent state in mammalian cells. In this chapter we discuss the
      role of DNA damage DNA damage and DNA replication stress DNA replication stress
      in both replicative and chronological aging chronological aging in S. cerevisiae.
      We also discuss the relevance of these findings to the emerging view that DNA
      damage DNA damage and DNA replication stress DNA replication stress are important
      components of the senescent state that occurs at early stages of cancer.

PMID- 22094424
TI  - Yeast aging and apoptosis.
AB  - A concerted balance between proliferation and apoptosis is essential to the
      survival of multicellular organisms. Thus, apoptosis per se, although it is a
      destructive process leading to the death of single cells, also serves as a pro
      survival mechanism pro-survival mechanism that ensures healthy organismal
      development and acts as a life-prolonging or anti-aging anti-aging program. The
      discovery that yeast also possess a functional and, in many cases, highly
      conserved apoptotic machinery has made it possible to study the relationships
      between aging and apoptosis in depth using a well-established genetic system and
      the powerful tools available to yeast researchers for investigating complex
      physiological and cytological interactions. The aging process of yeast, be it
      replicative replicative or chronological chronological aging, is closely related
      to apoptosis, although it remains unclear whether apoptosis is a causal feature
      of the aging process or vice versa. Nevertheless, experimental results obtained
      during the past several years clearly demonstrate that yeast serve as a powerful
      and versatile experimental system for understanding the interconnections between
      these two fundamentally important cellular and physiological pathways.

PMID- 22094422
TI  - Amino acid homeostasis and chronological longevity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Understanding how non-dividing cells remain viable over long periods of time,
      which may be decades in humans, is of central importance in understanding
      mechanisms of aging and longevity. The long-term viability of non-dividing cells,
      known as chronological longevity, relies on cellular processes that degrade old
      components and replace them with new ones. Key among these processes is amino
      acid homeostasis. Amino acid homeostasis requires three principal functions:
      amino acid uptake, de novo synthesis, and recycling. Autophagy plays a key role
      in recycling amino acids and other metabolic building blocks, while at the same
      time removing damaged cellular components such as mitochondria and other
      organelles. Regulation of amino acid homeostasis and autophagy is accomplished by
      a complex web of pathways that interact because of the functional overlap at the
      level of recycling. It is becoming increasingly clear that amino acid homeostasis
      and autophagy play important roles in chronological longevity in yeast and higher
      organisms. Our goal in this chapter is to focus on mechanisms and pathways that
      link amino acid homeostasis, autophagy, and chronological longevity in yeast, and
      explore their relevance to aging and longevity in higher eukaryotes.

PMID- 22094425
TI  - Cellular homeostasis in fungi: impact on the aging process.
AB  - Cellular quality control pathways are needed for maintaining the biological
      function of organisms. If these pathways become compromised, the results are
      usually highly detrimental. Functional impairments of cell components can lead to
      diseases and in extreme cases to organismal death. Dysfunction of cells can be
      induced by a number of toxic by-products that are formed during metabolic
      activity, like reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, for example. A key source of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the organelles of oxidative phosphorylation,
      mitochondria. Therefore mitochondrial function is also directly affected by ROS,
      especially if there is a compromised ROS-scavenging capacity. Biological systems
      therefore depend on several lines of defence to counteract the toxic effects of
      ROS and other damaging agents. The first level is active at the molecular level
      and consists of various proteases that bind and degrade abnormally modified and /
      or aggregated mitochondrial proteins. The second level is concerned with
      maintaining the quality of whole mitochondria. Among the pathways of this level
      are mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy (mitophagy). Mitochondrial dynamics
      describes the time-dependent fusion and fission of mitochondria. It is argued
      that this kind of organellar dynamics has the power to restore the function of
      impaired organelles by content mixing with intact organelles. If the first and
      second lines of defence against damage fail and mitochondria become damaged too
      severely, there is the option to remove affected cells before they can elicit
      more damage to their surrounding environment by apoptosis. This form of
      programmed cell death is strictly regulated by a complex network of interacting
      components and can be divided into mitochondria-dependent and mitochondria
      independent modes of action. In this review we give an overview on various
      biological quality control systems in fungi (yeasts and filamentous fungi) with
      an emphasis on autophagy (mitophagy) and apoptosis and how these pathways allow
      fungal organisms to maintain a balanced cellular homeostasis.

PMID- 22094426
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of yeast aging.
AB  - In the past several decades the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has
      emerged as a prominent model for aging research. The creation of a single-gene
      deletion collection covering the majority of open reading frames in the yeast
      genome and advances in genomic technologies have opened yeast research to genome
      scale screens for a variety of phenotypes. A number of screens have been
      performed looking for genes that modify secondary age-associated phenotypes such
      as stress resistance or growth rate. More recently, moderate-throughput methods
      for measuring replicative life span and high-throughput methods for measuring
      chronological life span have allowed for the first unbiased screens aimed at
      directly identifying genes involved in determining yeast longevity. In this
      chapter we discuss large-scale life span studies performed in yeast and their
      implications for research related to the basic biology of aging.

PMID- 22094427
TI  - Genetic approaches to aging in budding and fission yeasts: new connections and
      new opportunities.
AB  - Yeasts are powerful model systems to examine the evolutionarily conserved aspects
      of eukaryotic aging because they maintain many of the same core cellular
      signaling pathways and essential organelles as human cells. We constructed a
      strain of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that could monitor the
      distribution of proteins involved in heterochromatic silencing and aging, and
      isolated mutants that alter this distribution. The largest class of such mutants
      cause defects in mitochondrial function, and appear to cause changes in nuclear
      silencing separate from the well-known Rtg2p-dependent pathway that alters
      nuclear transcription in response to the loss of the mitochondrial genome.
      Mutants that inactivate the ATP2 gene, which encodes the ATPase subunit of the
      mitochondrial F(1)F(0)-ATPase, were isolated twice in our screen and identify a
      lifespan extending pathway in a gene that is conserved in both prokaryotes and
      eukaryotes. The budding yeast S. cerevisiae S. cerevisiae has been used with
      great success to identify other lifespan-extending pathways in screens using
      surrogate phenotypes such as stress resistance or silencing to identify random
      mutants, or in high throughput screens that utilize the deletion strain set
      resource. However, the direct selection of long-lived mutants from a pool of
      random mutants is more challenging. We have established a new chronological aging
      assay for the evolutionarily distant fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe that
      recapitulates aspects of aging conserved in all eukaryotes. We have constructed a
      novel S. pombe S. pombe DNA insertion mutant bank, and used it to show that we
      can directly select for a long-lived mutant. The use of both the budding and
      fission yeast systems should continue to facilitate the identification and
      validation of lifespan extending pathways that are conserved in humans.

PMID- 22094428
TI  - Evolution of asymmetric damage segregation : a modelling approach.
AB  - Mother cell-specific ageing is a well-known phenomenon in budding yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Asymmetric segregation of damage and its accumulation
      in the mother cell has been proposed as one important mechanism. There are,
      however, unicellular organisms such as the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces
      pombe, which replicates with almost no asymmetry of segregation of damage and the
      pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, which falls around the middle of the
      segregation spectrum far from both complete symmetry and complete asymmetry. The
      ultimate evolutionary cause that determines the way damage segregates in a given
      organism is not known. Here we develop a mathematical model to examine the
      selective forces that drive the evolution of asymmetry and discover the
      conditions in which symmetry is the optimal strategy. Three main processes are
      included in the model: protein synthesis (growth), protein damage, and
      degradation of damage. We consider, for the first time, the costs to the cell
      that might accompany the evolution of asymmetry and incorporate them into the
      model along with known trade-offs between reproductive and maintenance
      investments and their energy requirements. The model provides insight into the
      relationship between ecology and cellular trade-off physiology in the context of
      unicellular ageing, and applications of the model may extend to multicellular
      organisms.

PMID- 22094429
TI  - Cellular ageing and the actin cytoskeleton.
AB  - For some time the view that the actin cytoskeleton acts primarily as a scaffold,
      to be assembled in response to a signaling cascade as an end point in the
      pathway, has prevailed. However, it is now clear that the dynamic nature of the
      cytoskeleton is linked to downstream signaling events that further modulate
      cellular activity, and which can determine cell fate. Examples of this lie within
      the regulation of programmed cell death, the maintenance of homeostasis and the
      process of cellular ageing. In yeast the actin cytoskeleton has been shown to
      interact directly with signaling pathways known to be important in the regulation
      of both ageing and cell death. For example it has been discovered that the level
      of damage sustained by the actin cytoskeleton under conditions of oxidative
      stressoxidative stress is directly linked to apoptosis. Further evidence comes
      from the finding that actin based propulsion mechanisms are required for the
      inheritance of mitochondria and anti-ageing factors into newly formed cells. In
      addition to this actin is known to directly influence the formation of protein
      aggregations. In this chapter we will discuss these points and postulate as to
      their significance with respect to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

PMID- 22094430
TI  - Use of interactive telephone technology for longitudinal data collection in a
      large trial.
AB  - We report here on the use of interactive telephone technology for collecting
      longitudinal data in a large randomized non-blinded parallel trial. Data were
      primarily collected via an automated interactive telephone system which enabled
      data to be downloaded by researchers periodically via a secure website.
      Alternative methods were used by some participants to provide data; here we
      analyze the demographic profiles of groups by preferred data provision, and
      consider the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of such a system. The automated
      telephone system was used to provide the majority of data obtained (75.7%),
      however the group preferring to use this system to provide the majority of their
      data was on the whole older, more likely to be married, university educated,
      higher income and white compared to participants preferring to submit their data
      via personal phone call or post. We conclude that interactive telephone
      technology provides a means by which large quantities of longitudinal data may be
      collected efficiently. Depending on the target population, however, considerable
      staff time may be required to manage attrition and consequent data loss, and
      alternative strategies should be considered to minimize this.

PMID- 22094431
TI  - Sample sizes for time-to-event endpoints: should you insure against chance
      variations in accrual?
AB  - This note addresses the questions of whether one should safeguard against a
      potential loss of power due to random variations of the accrual time, how this
      "insurance" can be formulated, and how much the sample size needs to be increased
      to obtain it.

PMID- 22094433
TI  - Interview with Paul Raithby.

PMID- 22094432
TI  - Perception of a naturalistic stressor interacts with 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotype
      and gender to impact reward responsiveness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stressful life experiences frequently precede the onset of major
      depression; however, the mechanisms that underlie this link are poorly
      understood. Importantly, some individuals are more susceptible to the
      depressogenic effects of stress than others. Carriers of the S or LG allele of
      the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphisms (S' participants) have been found to be more
      prone to developing depression under stress relative to L or LA homozygotes (L'
      participants). Moreover, emerging evidence indicates that stress-induced
      anhedonia may be a mechanism underlying links between stress and depression.
      Given these findings, we hypothesized that exposure to a naturalistic stressor
      (school final examinations) would disrupt reward responsiveness (a key behavioral
      component of anhedonia), and that this effect would be strongest in S'
      participants. METHODS: To objectively assess reward responsiveness, we
      administered a probabilistic reward task to 70 Bulgarian high school students
      over two sessions in the 6-month period preceding school finals. For each
      participant, the two sessions were designated as the 'stress' and 'control'
      conditions based on self-reported perceived stress. RESULTS: A genotype*condition
      interaction emerged in males, with S' participants showing larger stress-related
      reduction in reward responsiveness relative to L' participants. CONCLUSION: While
      in need of replication in a larger sample, our results indicate that stress
      associated with a real-life event is linked to reduced reward responsiveness, the
      susceptibility to which is modulated by 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotype. Although
      preliminary, these findings identify anhedonia as a promising mechanism linking 5
      HTTLPR/rs25531 genotype and stress to depression.

PMID- 22094434
TI  - Levator-sphincter reinforcement after ultralow anterior resection in patients
      with low rectal cancer: the surgical method and evaluation of anorectal
      physiology.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether ultralow anterior resection with levator-sphincter
      reinforcement (uLAR-LSR), which is first introduced in the current study, offers
      functional preservation in patients with low rectal cancer. METHODS: We assessed
      the functional outcomes in 56 of 61 consecutively enrolled patients who underwent
      uLAR-LSR. After rectal resection, levator-sphincter reinforcement (LSR) was
      performed by approximation of the dissected muscles. The functional outcomes were
      assessed preoperatively, and then 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS:
      There were no significant differences in the sphincter or high-pressure zone
      length between the preoperative and postoperative periods in the uLAR-LSR group
      (P = 0.298-0.981), which indicated functional preservation by the LSR. The
      percentage of patients with moderate to severe incontinence (>10 using the Wexner
      score) was significantly decreased at 24 months as compared to 3 months
      postoperatively (15.7 vs, 39.6%, P < 0.001). At the limited mean follow-up of 41
      months, local recurrence had been detected in one patient (1.8%). CONCLUSION: The
      uLAR-LSR method is a novel technical option, which maintains the anorectal
      function as well as accomplishing oncological safety during a short-term
      evaluation.

PMID- 22094435
TI  - Systemic inflammatory response syndrome as a predictor of anastomotic leakage
      after esophagectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Esophageal anastomotic leakage is still a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality after esophagectomy. We conducted this study to elucidate how
      anastomotic leakage affects the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
      criteria. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 61 patients who
      underwent esophagectomy. We evaluated their preoperative status, the surgical
      procedures, and postoperative systemic response, including white blood cell
      count, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and laboratory data up to
      postoperative day (POD) 4. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage developed in nine
      patients (14.8%) and was found on POD 7 on average. These patients had a
      significantly longer hospital stay than those without leakage. Although no
      difference was observed in postoperative changes of any of the SIRS criteria, the
      postoperative incidence of SIRS was significantly higher in the patients with
      anastomotic leakage on POD 4. The number of positive criteria for SIRS was also
      significantly higher in patients with anastomotic leakage than in those without
      leakage on PODs 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: The SIRS scoring system is valuable for
      evaluating the severity of systemic inflammatory response caused by anastomosis
      leakage, and may serve as an indicator for prompt management.

PMID- 22094436
TI  - Stent strut penetration during thoracic endovascular aortic repair: report of a
      case.
AB  - We experienced a serious complication of proximal stent strut penetration (PSSP)
      during thoracic endovascular aortic repair in a 74-year-old man who underwent two
      stage hybrid treatment for a distal arch thoracic aortic aneurysm. First, a
      debranching right common carotid-left common carotid-left subclavian artery
      bypass was performed. Second, a TALENT Thoracic Stent Graft (Medtronic, Tokyo,
      Japan) was inserted at Zone 1 (Ishimaru). At deployment, a proximal bare strut
      accidentally everted and penetrated the aortic wall vertically. Postoperative
      computed tomography revealed that one crown of the proximal strut had penetrated
      the aortic wall vertically and had produced an intramural hematoma around the
      strut. The patient was observed carefully and discharged from the hospital
      without any sequelae. Seven months after the procedure, there was no remarkable
      change and his aneurysm was well excluded. PSSP can cause retrograde type-A
      aortic dissections. A bare strut tends to cause proximal strut penetration more
      frequently than a covered strut. More caution should be taken in the deployment
      of a stent graft with a bare strut.

PMID- 22094437
TI  - A modified liver-hanging maneuver focusing on the ligamentum venosum for left
      hepatic lobectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The liver-hanging maneuver (LHM) is a useful technique in major
      hepatectomy. We made modifications to this technique with special reference to
      the ligamentum venosum for performing a left hepatectomy (LH). The aim of this
      study was to clarify the usefulness of our new technique. METHODS: Between August
      2007 and May 2009, five patients underwent LH using our modified LHM and 12
      patients underwent LH using a conventional procedure. The two groups were
      compared in terms of the patient characteristics, preoperative hepatic functions,
      surgical records, and outcomes. RESULTS: The characteristics and preoperative
      hepatic function tests were similar between the modified LHM and non-LHM groups.
      Intraoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in the modified LHM group
      compared with the non-LHM group (193 +/- 133 vs. 375 +/- 167 ml, P < 0.05). The
      lengths of the operations and time required to perform a parenchymal transection
      did not differ significantly between the two groups (duration of operations 273
      +/- 37 vs. 337 +/- 70 min; transection times 29 +/- 10 vs. 28 +/- 13 min). The
      postoperative complications and hospital stays did not differ significantly
      between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our modified LHM can reduce the
      intraoperative blood loss during LH, and our results have shown the usefulness of
      this modified technique for LH.

PMID- 22094438
TI  - Clinical application of an extracellular phosphate-buffered solution (EP-TU) for
      lung preservation: preliminary results of a Japanese series.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of an extracellular phosphate-buffered lung
      preservation solution (EP-TU solution) on acute postoperative graft function and
      recipient survival in a Japanese series of cadaveric lung transplantation.
      METHODS: The subjects were ten patients who received lung grafts preserved with
      EP-TU solution at three of four designated lung transplant centers between 2000
      and 2005. Three of the patients underwent single lung transplantation and seven
      underwent bilateral lung transplantation. Postoperative graft function was
      evaluated by primary graft dysfunction (PGD) grade (0-3), arterial oxygen
      tension/inspired oxygen fraction (PaO(2)/FiO(2)) ratio, and the previously
      reported chest roentgenogram score (CRS, 0-4) during the first 48 h after
      intensive care unit admission. Survival rates were also calculated. RESULTS: The
      average graft ischemic times for the first and second grafts were 431 and 571
      min, respectively. The average PGD grade ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 and the average
      PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio ranged from 350 to 400 Torr during the 48 h. The average CRS
      was always under 1.0. Survival rates at 30 days and 5 years were 90 and 80%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EP-TU solution promoted excellent postoperative lung
      graft function and enhanced recipient survival rates, despite a long average
      preservation time.

PMID- 22094439
TI  - Different incidence of synchronous liver metastasis between proximal and distal
      colon cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The clinicopathological features of colon cancer differ between proximal
      and distal sites; however, the influence of tumor location on liver metastasis
      has not been fully examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      differences in the features of liver metastasis between proximal and distal colon
      cancer. METHODS: The clinicopathological data from 931 colon cancer patients who
      were treated surgically were examined retrospectively using a multivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of synchronous liver metastasis was 7.1%
      (31/438) in proximal colon patients and 11.6% (57/493) in distal colon patients.
      Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed distal colon cancer to be a risk
      factor for synchronous liver metastasis. CONCLUSION: The incidence of synchronous
      liver metastasis differs between proximal and distal colon cancer.

PMID- 22094440
TI  - Inhibitory effects of garcinol and pterostilbene on cell proliferation and
      adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the effects of garcinol and pterostilbene on
      cell proliferation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. The results showed that
      garcinol and pterostilbene decreased the cell population growth and caused cell
      cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. During adipocyte
      differentiation, both garcinol and pterostilbene had inhibitory effects on fat
      droplet formation and triacylglycerol accumulation. The data indicated that
      garcinol and pterostilbene could inhibit the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
      (GPDH) activity by 97.8 and 61.5%, respectively, as compared to the control. Both
      garcinol and pterostilbene significantly attenuated the protein expressions of
      PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Moreover,
      garcinol and pterostilbene caused an inhibition of lipid accumulation in the 3T3
      L1 adipocyte differentiation phase. Garcinol and pterostilbene also significantly
      up-regulated the gene expression of adiponectin as well as down-regulated the
      gene expressions of leptin, resistin, and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in 3T3-L1
      adipocyte differentiation. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, garcinol significantly down
      regulated the protein expressions of PPARgamma and FAS as well as up-regulated
      the protein expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and adiponectin.
      Garcinol also significantly up-regulated the gene expression of adiponectin as
      well as down-regulated the gene expressions of leptin and FAS. These results
      suggest that garcinol and pterostilbene have anti-adipogenic effects on
      preadipocytes and adipocytes.

PMID- 22094443
TI  - Development of hydrophilic photolabile hydroxyl protecting groups.
AB  - Hydrophilic photolabile protecting groups (PPGs) for hydroxyl protection have
      been developed. The new PPGs are derived from 3-(dimethylamino)trityl (DMATr) by
      replacing the two methyl groups with two hydrophilic butyryl groups. The new PPG
      reagents can be readily prepared and installed. They are stable in the dark but
      can be removed cleanly and efficiently in aqueous environments upon irradiation
      with a UV lamp or sunlight.

PMID- 22094441
TI  - Changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma on crushed rat
      sciatic nerves and differentiated primary Schwann cells.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) has been found to
      play an essential role in cell proliferation, but whether it was involved in
      Schwann cells differentiation has never been studied. We have found in sciatic
      nerve injury that expression of PPAR-gamma decreases mainly in Schwann cells, and
      it was also increased in differentiated Schwann cells. Further, activated PPAR
      gamma by the endogenous ligand 15 d-PGJ(2) increased expressions of PPAR-gamma
      level and Schwann cell differentiation, and this effect may be protected by its
      antagonist GDW9662. These results indicate that PPAR-gamma could promote Schwann
      cell differentiation, which plays an important role in peripheral nerve injury
      and regeneration.

PMID- 22094444
TI  - A self-reference PRF-shift MR thermometry method utilizing the phase gradient.
AB  - In magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the most widely used and accurate method for
      measuring temperature is based on the shift in proton resonance frequency (PRF).
      However, inter-scan motion and bulk magnetic field shifts can lead to inaccurate
      temperature measurements in the PRF-shift MR thermometry method. The self
      reference PRF-shift MR thermometry method was introduced to overcome such
      problems by deriving a reference image from the heated or treated image, and
      approximates the reference phase map with low-order polynomial functions. In this
      note, a new approach is presented to calculate the baseline phase map in self
      reference PRF-shift MR thermometry. The proposed method utilizes the phase
      gradient to remove the phase unwrapping step inherent to other self-reference PRF
      shift MR thermometry methods. The performance of the proposed method was
      evaluated using numerical simulations with temperature distributions following a
      two-dimensional Gaussian function as well as phantom and in vivo experimental
      data sets. The results from both the numerical simulations and experimental data
      show that the proposed method is a promising technique for measuring temperature.

PMID- 22094446
TI  - Seizure probability in animal models of acquired epilepsy: a perspective on the
      concept of the preictal state.
AB  - The concept of a preictal state is based on the belief that it may be possible to
      predict seizures before they occur. The preictal state is viewed as a time period
      when a seizure is practically inevitable, or at least a period of greatly
      increased seizure probability. Changes in seizure frequency may provide insight
      into how seizure probability increases after brain injury. Here, time-dependent
      changes in the frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures after brain injury are
      summarized from published, nearly continuous, electrographic (EEG) recordings of
      kainate-treated rats and neonatal rats subjected to hypoxia-ischemia. For these
      animal models, seizure frequency - and thus seizure probability - was a sigmoid
      function of time after the brain injury. This observation differs from the
      traditional view, where the development of epilepsy after brain injury is a step
      function of time, and the latent period is the time between a brain injury and
      the first spontaneous seizure. Based on backward extrapolation of the plots of
      seizure frequency versus time, these data suggest that seizure probability
      increases continuously during the latent period. Also, spontaneous recurrent
      seizures frequently occurred in clusters, suggesting that the intra-cluster
      seizure intervals are periods of high seizure probability. Thus, seizure
      probability progressively increases as a function of time after an epileptogenic
      brain injury, and is particularly high between seizures within a cluster, as
      compared to the time between clusters. These data suggest that the detectors of
      the preictal state need to be accurate (and tested) over a very wide range of
      seizure probabilities, and that studies on the physiological events that occur
      during seizure clusters may provide insight on the properties of the preictal
      state.

PMID- 22094445
TI  - Multidimensional predictors of fatigue among octogenarians and centenarians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common and frequently observed complaint among older
      adults. However, knowledge about the nature and correlates of fatigue in old age
      is very limited. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship of functional
      indicators, psychological and situational factors and fatigue for 210
      octogenarians and centenarians from the Georgia Centenarian Study. METHODS: Three
      indicators of functional capacity (self-rated health, instrumental activities of
      daily living, physical activities of daily living), two indicators of
      psychological well-being (positive and negative affect), two indicators of
      situational factors (social network and social support), and a multidimensional
      fatigue scale were used. Blocked multiple regression analyses were computed to
      examine significant factors related to fatigue. In addition, multi-group analysis
      in structural equation modeling was used to investigate residential differences
      (i.e., long-term care facilities vs. private homes) in the relationship between
      significant factors and fatigue. RESULTS: Blocked multiple regression analyses
      indicated that two indicators of functional capacity, self-rated health and
      instrumental activities of daily living, both positive and negative affect, and
      social support were significant predictors of fatigue among oldest-old adults.
      The multiple group analysis in structural equation modeling revealed a
      significant difference among oldest-old adults based on residential status.
      CONCLUSION: The results suggest that we should not consider fatigue as merely an
      unpleasant physical symptom, but rather adopt a perspective that different
      factors such as psychosocial aspects can influence fatigue in advanced later
      life.

PMID- 22094447
TI  - Introduction--Epilepsy Research UK Workshop 2010 on "Preictal Phenomena".

PMID- 22094448
TI  - Living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 22094449
TI  - Efficacy of diaphragmatic breathing in patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of diaphragmatic breathing (DB) on
      ventilation and breathing pattern, seeking to identify predictors of its efficacy
      in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-nine
      patients with moderate and severe COPD were monitored using respiratory
      inductance plethysmography and metabolic gas analysis. After 4 minutes of natural
      breathing, subjects completed 2 minutes of DB followed by 4 minutes of natural
      breathing. Dyspnea was measured using a visual analogue scale. Diaphragmatic
      mobility was assessed using chest radiography. DB was associated with a
      significant increase in tidal volume and reduction in breathing frequency,
      leading to higher ventilation and oxygen saturation, with a reduction in dead
      space ventilation and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide. A total of 10
      subjects with moderate (5) and severe (5) COPD performed DB with asynchronous
      thoracoabdominal motion, worsening the dyspnea, and decreasing the gain of tidal
      volume. Diaphragmatic mobility, inspiratory muscular strength, lower scores for
      dyspnea and hypoxemia as well as coordinated thoracoabdominal motion are
      associated with effective DB. In patients with COPD, DB can improve breathing
      pattern and ventilatory efficiency without causing dyspnea in patients whose
      respiratory muscular system is preserved.

PMID- 22094450
TI  - Developing the model of pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic heart failure.
AB  - Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart
      failure (CHF) commonly suffer from exertional symptoms of breathlessness and
      fatigue. The similar systemic manifestations of the conditions, including
      skeletal muscle dysfunction, are a major contributing factor to the limitation in
      exercise capacity. A period of exercise training has been shown to improve
      exercise performance and health-related quality of life for both conditions.
      Exercise training is a key component of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) which is
      now a standard of care for patients with COPD and is symptom based. Although it
      may be assumed that patients with CHF could be incorporated into cardiac
      rehabilitation, this is predominantly a secondary prevention programme for
      patients who are largely asymptomatic. It has been shown that patients with CHF
      can be successfully trained together with patients with COPD by the same
      therapists within PR. There are comparable outcome measures that can be used for
      both COPD and CHF. Many patients with CHF still do not have access to an exercise
      rehabilitation programme and incorporating them into the PR model of care could
      be one solution. This article reviews the (1) similar symptoms, mechanisms and
      consequences between COPD and CHF, (2) rationale and evidence for exercise
      training in CHF, (3) model of PR, (4) safety of exercise training in CHF, (5)
      evidence for combined exercise rehabilitation for CHF and COPD, (6) adaptations
      necessary to include patients with CHF into PR, (7) the chronic care model and
      (8) summary.

PMID- 22094451
TI  - Impact of pulmonary vein anatomy assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
      on endoscopic pulmonary vein isolation in consecutive patients.
AB  - AIMS: Recently, the novel endoscopic ablation system (EAS) was introduced and
      proved its potential for successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients
      suffering from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The current study will
      investigate the impact of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy assessed by pre
      interventional cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) on endoscopic PVI.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (23 females, age 57 +/- 9 years) with a
      long history (5 +/- 5 years) of drug-refractory PAF were included into our
      analysis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients before
      ablation. Each CMRI was evaluated for the number of PVs, for separate or common
      insertion of ipsilateral PVs, for the PV diameter and PV shape (round vs. oval),
      for the level of first PV branching, and for the level of insertion of the right
      inferior PV (RIPV) into the left atrium (LA), respectively. Pulmonary vein
      isolation was performed using exclusively the novel EAS. The CMRI findings were
      correlated with the ablation results. A total of 195 PVs were identified and
      targeted. In 192 of 195 (98%) PVs successful isolation was achieved using the
      novel EAS irrespective of the PV diameter, the PV shape, the level of PV
      branching, or the type of insertion of the PV into the LA. There was no
      statistical significance when correlating the CMRI findings with acute isolation
      success of the respective PVs or the number of laser applications needed until
      PVI (P> 0.05). A low level of insertion of the RIPV into the LA was not
      associated with PVI failure or a higher number of laser applications (P> 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PVs could have been targeted and successfully
      isolated using exclusively the novel EAS irrespective of their anatomy assessed
      by pre-interventional CMRI. Considering the economical impact of CMRI and its
      minor influence on ablation strategy, success, and safety it is not an essential
      pre-requisite for subsequent successful EAS-based PVI.

PMID- 22094452
TI  - Phrenic nerve stimulation with the quadripolar left ventricular lead not overcome
      by 'electronic repositioning'.
AB  - Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) is a frequent occurrence in patients implanted
      with a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. The quadripolar left
      ventricular offers 10 pacing configurations which can overcome PNS in most cases.
      We report a rare case of significant PNS following upgrade to a CRT which was
      present with all 10 pacing configurations one day following implantation which
      required lead repositioning.

PMID- 22094453
TI  - Risk perception and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

PMID- 22094454
TI  - The relation of ventricular arrhythmia electrophysiological characteristics to
      cardiac phenotype and circadian patterns in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The triggers of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) leading to sudden
      cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are ill defined. We sought to
      examine the electrophysiological characteristics of VAs in HCM and study their
      relation to cardiac phenotype and circadian patterns using stored intracardiac
      electrocardiograms from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). METHODS
      AND RESULTS: A single centre, observational cohort study of 230 consecutively
      evaluated ICD recipients with HCM [median age 42 years, 97% primary prevention,
      51% with anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP)]. Fifty-six non-clustered VAs (39
      initially treated with ATP and 17 with shocks) from 29 patients were analysed.
      Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was the culprit arrhythmia in 86% of cases,
      ventricular fibrillation/flutter in 9%, and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
      in 5%. Prior to the onset of VA the rhythm was sinus in 67%, atrial
      fibrillation/flutter in 19%, and 15% were paced ventricularly; tachycardia (cycle
      length <600 ms) was present in 25%. Ventricular arrhythmias were triggered by
      premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in 72%, which were late-coupled (84%).
      Short-long-short initiation was seen in 2% and 26% of VAs were sudden-onset
      without preceding PVCs. Ventricular arrhythmia peaked at midday (with 20%
      occurring between 2300 and 0700), on Sundays and in May. The cardiac phenotype
      and time of the day did not predict the mode of initiation. Age at ICD
      implantation was the only independent predictor of VA cycle length (linear
      regression coefficient 0.67, 95% CI 0.02-1.32, P= 0.04). Anti-tachycardia pacing
      terminated 67% of VAs, but patients with ATP therapy had a similar incidence of
      appropriate shocks (log-rank test P= 0.25) and syncope (log rank P= 0.23) to
      patients with shock as initial therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Most VAs are monomorphic
      ventricular tachycardias triggered by late-coupled PVCs. They are frequently
      terminated by ATP, but ATP does not reduce the frequency of ICD shocks. Younger
      HCM patients have more rapid VAs, which may explain the peak of sudden cardiac
      death in early adulthood. The circadian periodicity is different from that
      observed in ischaemic heart disease, and is likely to relate to the distinct
      character of the arrhythmogenic substrate in HCM and its modulators.

PMID- 22094455
TI  - A selective Akt inhibitor produces hypotension and bradycardia in conscious rats
      due to inhibition of the autonomic nervous system.
AB  - Akt is a serine-threonine kinase that is amplified in a variety of human cancers,
      and as with other anticancer agents, some Akt inhibitors have produced functional
      cardiovascular effects such as marked hypotension that may limit their clinical
      benefit. Although identified in preclinical studies, the mechanism(s) responsible
      for these effects are often not fully characterized; potential targets include
      Akt signaling disruption in cardiac tissue, vascular smooth muscle, and/or
      autonomic system signaling. A selective Akt inhibitor was found to produce a
      rapid and marked hypotension and bradycardia in conscious rats. Isolated right
      atrial tissue and isolated thoracic aortic rings were used to examine direct
      effects of Akt inhibition on cardiac and vascular tissues, respectively. In
      addition, rats surgically prepared with telemetry units for monitoring blood
      pressure and heart rate were used to investigate potential effects on the
      autonomic nervous system (ANS). Whereas this Akt inhibitor did not produce any
      significant effect on atrial tissue, it did cause vasorelaxation of aortic rings.
      More significantly, in conscious rats, the Akt inhibitor inhibited the neural
      pressor response to the known nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR) agonist
      dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP). In fact, the response observed was comparable
      to the response observed with the known ganglionic blocker hexamethonium. Thus,
      the hypotension and bradycardia produced by the Akt inhibitor is primarily due to
      blockade of nAchRs in autonomic ganglia. This finding highlights the importance
      of evaluating the ANS for cardiovascular effects associated with new chemical
      entities as well as suggesting a novel direct effect of an Akt inhibitor on
      nAchRs.

PMID- 22094456
TI  - Early growth response factor-1 limits biliary fibrosis in a model of xenobiotic
      induced cholestasis in mice.
AB  - Hepatic expression of the transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is
      increased in livers of patients with cholestatic liver disease. Bile acid
      induction of inflammatory genes in hepatocytes is Egr-1 dependent, and Egr-1
      expression is increased in livers of mice after bile duct ligation. Of
      importance, Egr-1 deficiency reduces liver inflammation and injury in that model.
      However, it is not known whether Egr-1 promotes inflammation in other models of
      cholestasis. We tested the hypothesis that Egr-1 contributes to liver
      inflammation in mice exposed chronically to the bile duct epithelial cell (BDEC)
      toxicant alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT). Egr-1-knockout (Egr-1(-/-)) mice
      and wild-type mice were fed a diet containing 0.025% ANIT for 2 weeks. Expression
      of Egr-1 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in livers of mice fed ANIT
      diet. Egr-1 deficiency did not significantly affect ANIT diet-induced
      hepatocellular injury, inflammatory gene induction, BDEC hyperplasia, or hepatic
      neutrophil accumulation. In contrast, the deposition of Type 1 collagen was
      significantly increased in livers of Egr-1(-/-) mice fed ANIT diet compared with
      wild-type mice fed ANIT diet. Interestingly, this increase in liver fibrosis
      occurred in association with elevated expression of the beta6 integrin (Itgb6)
      gene, suggesting the potential for increased local activation of transforming
      growth factor beta. Taken together, the results indicate that Egr-1 does not
      contribute to liver injury or inflammation in mice fed a diet containing ANIT.
      Rather, these studies indicate that Egr-1 deficiency worsens liver fibrosis in
      conjunction with enhanced expression of the profibrogenic Itgb6 gene.

PMID- 22094457
TI  - 2-Amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) promotes mouse hepatocarcinogenesis
      by activating transforming growth factor-beta and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      pathways.
AB  - The purposes of the present study were to investigate the modifying effects of 2
      amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), a genotoxic carcinogen produced
      during cooking of protein-rich foods, and elucidate underlying mechanisms in a
      two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis mice model. Six-week-old B6C3F1 mice were
      subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy at the beginning of the study,
      followed by an intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine on day 1. Starting
      1 week later, they were fed diets containing IQ at doses of 30, 100, or 300 ppm
      for 39 weeks. A dose-dependent trend for increase in eosinophilic altered foci as
      well as eosinophilic hepatocellular adenomas was observed, along with significant
      elevation in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in the 100- and 300-ppm
      IQ groups as compared with initiation control group. Furthermore, IQ elevated the
      protein expression levels of Wnt1, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta),
      TGF-beta receptors 1 and 2 (TbetaR1 and TbetaR2), and phosphorylated c-Jun (p-c
      Jun), while suppressing those of E-cadherin and p21(WAF1/Cip1). Moreover,
      translocation of beta-catenin to the nuclei as well as upregulated nuclear
      expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, which are downstream targets of beta-catenin
      and p-c-Jun, were detected at 100 and 300 ppm. These findings suggest that IQ
      exerts dose-dependent promoting effects on mice hepatocarcinogenesis by
      activating TGF-beta and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways and inhibiting cell
      adhesion.

PMID- 22094458
TI  - An NF-kappaB-independent and Erk1/2-dependent mechanism controls CXCL8/IL-8
      responses of airway epithelial cells to cadmium.
AB  - Airway epithelial cells in the lung are the first line of defense against
      pathogens and environmental pollutants. Inhalation of the environmental pollutant
      cadmium has been linked to the development of lung cancer and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, which are diseases characterized by chronic inflammation. To
      address the role of airway epithelial cells in cadmium-induced lung inflammation,
      we investigated how cadmium regulates secretion of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by airway
      epithelial cells. We show that exposure of human airway epithelial cells to
      subtoxic doses of cadmium in vitro promotes a characteristic inflammatory
      cytokine response consisting of IL-8, but not IL-1beta or tumor necrosis factor
      alpha. We also found that intranasal delivery of cadmium increases lung levels of
      the murine IL-8 homologs macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and keracinocyte
      derived chemokine and results in an influx of Gr1+ cells into the lung. We
      determined that inhibition of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway had
      no effect on cadmium-induced IL-8 secretion by human airway epithelial cells,
      suggesting that IL-8 production was mediated through an NF-kappaB-independent
      pathway. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are often involved in
      proinflammatory signaling. Cadmium could activate the main MAPKs (i.e., p38, JNK,
      and Erk1/2) in human airway epithelial cells. However, only pharmacological
      inhibition of Erk1/2 pathway or knockdown of the expression of Erk1 and Erk2
      using small interfering RNAs suppressed secretion of IL-8 induced by cadmium. Our
      findings identify cadmium as a potent activator of the proinflammatory cytokine
      IL-8 in lung epithelial cells and reveal for the first time the role of an NF
      kappaB-independent but Erk1/2-dependent pathway in cadmium-induced lung
      inflammation.

PMID- 22094459
TI  - Subchronic polychlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 1254) exposure produces oxidative
      damage and neuronal death of ventral midbrain dopaminergic systems.
AB  - Recent epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a link between organochlorine and
      pesticide exposure to an enhanced risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as
      Parkinson's disease (PD). A common biological phenomenon underlying cell injury
      associated with both polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and dopaminergic
      neurodegeneration during aging is oxidative stress (OS). In this study, we tested
      the hypothesis that oral PCB exposure, via food ingestion, impairs dopamine
      systems in the adult murine brain. We determined whether PCB exposure was
      associated with OS in dopaminergic neurons, a population of cells that
      selectively degenerate in PD. After 4 weeks of oral exposure to the PCB mixture
      Aroclor 1254, several congeners, mostly ortho substituted, accumulated throughout
      the brain. Significant increases in locomotor activity were observed within 2
      weeks, which persisted after cessation of PCB exposure. Stereologic analyses
      revealed a significant loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra
      and ventral tegmental area. However, striatal dopamine levels were elevated,
      suggesting that compensatory mechanisms exist to maintain dopamine homeostasis,
      which could contribute to the observed increases in locomotor activity following
      PCB exposure. Biochemical experiments revealed alterations in OS markers,
      including increases in SOD and HO-1 levels and the presence of oxidatively
      modified lipids and proteins. These findings were accompanied by elevated iron
      levels within the striatal and midbrain regions, perhaps due to the observed
      dysregulation of transferrin receptors and ferritin levels following PCB
      exposure. In this study, we suggest that both OS and the uncoupling of iron
      regulation contribute to dopamine neuron degeneration and hyperactivity following
      PCB exposure.

PMID- 22094460
TI  - The C terminus of formin FMNL3 accelerates actin polymerization and contains a
      WH2 domain-like sequence that binds both monomers and filament barbed ends.
AB  - Formin proteins are actin assembly factors that accelerate filament nucleation
      then remain on the elongating barbed end and modulate filament elongation. The
      formin homology 2 (FH2) domain is central to these activities, but recent work
      has suggested that additional sequences enhance FH2 domain function. Here we show
      that the C-terminal 76 amino acids of the formin FMNL3 have a dramatic effect on
      the ability of the FH2 domain to accelerate actin assembly. This C-terminal
      region contains a WASp homology 2 (WH2)-like sequence that binds actin monomers
      in a manner that is competitive with other WH2 domains and with profilin. In
      addition, the C terminus binds filament barbed ends. As a monomer, the FMNL3 C
      terminus inhibits actin polymerization and slows barbed end elongation with
      moderate affinity. As a dimer, the C terminus accelerates actin polymerization
      from monomers and displays high affinity inhibition of barbed end elongation.
      These properties are not common to all formin C termini, as those of mDia1 and
      INF2 do not behave similarly. Interestingly, mutation of two aliphatic residues,
      which blocks high affinity actin binding by the WH2-like sequence, has no effect
      on the ability of the C terminus to enhance FH2-mediated polymerization. However,
      mutation of three successive basic residues at the C terminus of the WH2-like
      sequence compromises polymerization enhancement. These results illustrate that
      the C termini of formins are highly diverse in their interactions with actin.

PMID- 22094461
TI  - Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) shortens the time required for myeloid leukemic cell
      differentiation: mechanism of action.
AB  - Cell differentiation is compromised in acute leukemias. We report that mammalian
      target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 kinase (S6K) are highly expressed in the
      undifferentiated promyelomonocytic leukemic HL-60 cell line, whereas PLD2
      expression is minimal. The expression ratio of PLD2 to mTOR (or to S6K) is
      gradually inverted upon in vitro induction of differentiation toward the
      neutrophilic phenotype. We present three ways that profoundly affect the kinetics
      of differentiation as follows: (i) simultaneous overexpression of mTOR (or S6K),
      (ii) silencing of mTOR via dsRNA-mediated interference or inhibition with
      rapamycin, and (iii) PLD2 overexpression. The last two methods shortened the time
      required for differentiation. By determining how PLD2 participates in cell
      differentiation, we found that PLD2 interacts with and activates the oncogene
      Fes/Fps, a protein-tyrosine kinase known to be involved in myeloid cell
      development. Fes activity is elevated with PLD2 overexpression, phosphatidic acid
      or phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. Co-immunoprecipitation indicates a close
      PLD2-Fes physical interaction that is negated by a Fes-R483K mutant that
      incapacitates its Src homology 2 domain. All these suggest for the first time the
      following mechanism: mTOR/S6K down-regulation->PLD2 overexpression->PLD2/Fes
      association->phosphatidic acid-led activation of Fes kinase->granulocytic
      differentiation. Differentiation shortening could have a clinical impact on
      reducing the time of return to normalcy of the white cell counts after
      chemotherapy in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

PMID- 22094462
TI  - Negative cross-talk between calcium-sensing receptor and beta-catenin signaling
      systems in colonic epithelium.
AB  - Here, we examined the role of the extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaSR) in
      the control of colonic epithelial cell proliferation in vivo and changes in beta
      catenin triggered by CaSR stimulation in human colonic epithelial cells in vitro.
      The in vivo studies, using a novel Casr intestinal-specific knock-out mouse,
      indicate that the genetic ablation of the Casr leads to hyperproliferation of
      colonic epithelial cells, expansion of the proliferative zone, changes in crypt
      structure, and enhanced beta-catenin nuclear localization. The in vitro results
      indicate that stimulation of the CaSR, by Ca(2+) or by the calcimimetic R-568,
      produced a striking and time-dependent decrease in the phosphorylation of beta
      catenin at Ser-552 and Ser-675, two amino acid residues that promote beta-catenin
      transcriptional activity. The reduced phosphorylation of beta-catenin coincided
      with a decline in its nuclear localization and a marked redistribution to the
      plasma membrane. Furthermore, CaSR stimulation promoted a down-regulation of beta
      catenin-mediated transcriptional activation. These studies demonstrate that
      signaling pathways emanating from the CaSR control colonic epithelial cell
      proliferation in vivo and suggest that the mechanism involves regulation of beta
      catenin phosphorylation.

PMID- 22094463
TI  - Conserved YjgF protein family deaminates reactive enamine/imine intermediates of
      pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme reactions.
AB  - The YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family of proteins is conserved in all domains of life,
      suggesting that the role of these proteins arose early and was maintained
      throughout evolution. Metabolic consequences of lacking this protein in
      Salmonella enterica and other organisms have been described, but the biochemical
      function of YjgF remained unknown. This work provides the first description of a
      conserved biochemical activity for the YjgF protein family. Our data support the
      conclusion that YjgF proteins have enamine/imine deaminase activity and
      accelerate the release of ammonia from reactive enamine/imine intermediates of
      the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent threonine dehydratase (IlvA). Results from
      structure-guided mutagenesis experiments suggest that YjgF lacks a catalytic
      residue and that it facilitates ammonia release by positioning a critical water
      molecule in the active site. YjgF is renamed RidA (reactive intermediate/imine
      deaminase A) to reflect the conserved activity of the protein family described
      here. This study, combined with previous physiological studies on yjgF mutants,
      suggests that intermediates of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-mediated reactions may have
      metabolic consequences in vivo that were previously unappreciated. The
      conservation of the RidA/YjgF family suggests that reactive enamine/imine
      metabolites are of concern to all organisms.

PMID- 22094464
TI  - Reduction of glucose uptake through inhibition of hexose transporters and
      enhancement of their endocytosis by methylglyoxal in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is characterized by an impairment of glucose uptake even though
      blood glucose levels are increased. Methylglyoxal is derived from glycolysis and
      has been implicated in the development of diabetes mellitus, because
      methylglyoxal levels in blood and tissues are higher in diabetic patients than in
      healthy individuals. However, it remains to be elucidated whether such factors
      are a cause, or consequence, of diabetes. Here, we show that methylglyoxal
      inhibits the activity of mammalian glucose transporters using recombinant
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells genetically lacking all hexose transporters but
      carrying cDNA for human GLUT1 or rat GLUT4. We found that methylglyoxal inhibits
      yeast hexose transporters also. Glucose uptake was reduced in a stepwise manner
      following treatment with methylglyoxal, i.e. a rapid reduction within 5 min,
      followed by a slow and gradual reduction. The rapid reduction was due to the
      inhibitory effect of methylglyoxal on hexose transporters, whereas the slow and
      gradual reduction seemed due to endocytosis, which leads to a decrease in the
      amount of hexose transporters on the plasma membrane. We found that Rsp5, a HECT
      type ubiquitin ligase, is responsible for the ubiquitination of hexose
      transporters. Intriguingly, Plc1 (phospholipase C) negatively regulated the
      endocytosis of hexose transporters in an Rsp5-dependent manner, although the
      methylglyoxal-induced endocytosis of hexose transporters occurred irrespective of
      Plc1. Meanwhile, the internalization of hexose transporters following treatment
      with methylglyoxal was delayed in a mutant defective in protein kinase C.

PMID- 22094465
TI  - Functional analysis of DNA replication fork reversal catalyzed by Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis RuvAB proteins.
AB  - Initially discovered in Escherichia coli, RuvAB proteins are ubiquitous in
      bacteria and play a dual role as molecular motor proteins responsible for branch
      migration of the Holliday junction(s) and reversal of stalled replication forks.
      Despite mounting genetic evidence for a crucial role of RuvA and RuvB proteins in
      reversal of stalled replication forks, the mechanistic aspects of this process
      are still not fully understood. Here, we elucidate the ability of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis RuvAB (MtRuvAB) complex to catalyze the reversal of replication
      forks using a range of DNA replication fork substrates. Our studies show that
      MtRuvAB, unlike E. coli RuvAB, is able to drive replication fork reversal via the
      formation of Holliday junction intermediates, suggesting that RuvAB-catalyzed
      fork reversal involves concerted unwinding and annealing of nascent leading and
      lagging strands. We also demonstrate the reversal of replication forks carrying
      hemi-replicated DNA, indicating that MtRuvAB complex-catalyzed fork reversal is
      independent of symmetry at the fork junction. The fork reversal reaction
      catalyzed by MtRuvAB is coupled to ATP hydrolysis, is processive, and culminates
      in the formation of an extended reverse DNA arm. Notably, we found that sequence
      heterology failed to impede the fork reversal activity of MtRuvAB. We discuss the
      implications of these results in the context of recognition and processing of
      varied types of replication fork structures by RuvAB proteins.

PMID- 22094466
TI  - HAMP domain-mediated signal transduction probed with a mycobacterial adenylyl
      cyclase as a reporter.
AB  - HAMP domains, ~55 amino acid motifs first identified in histidine kinases,
      adenylyl cyclases, methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, and phosphatases,
      operate as signal mediators in two-component signal transduction proteins. A
      bioinformatics study identified a coevolving signal-accepting network of 10 amino
      acids in membrane-delimited HAMP proteins. To probe the functionality of this
      network we used a HAMP containing mycobacterial adenylyl cyclase, Rv3645, as a
      reporter enzyme in which the membrane anchor was substituted by the Escherichia
      coli chemotaxis receptor for serine (Tsr receptor) and the HAMP domain
      alternately with that from the protein Af1503 of the archaeon Archaeoglobus
      fulgidus or the Tsr receptor. In a construct with the Tsr-HAMP, cyclase activity
      was inhibited by serine, whereas in a construct with the HAMP domain from A.
      fulgidus, enzyme activity was not responsive to serine. Amino acids of the signal
      accepting network were mutually swapped between both HAMP domains, and serine
      signaling was examined. The data biochemically tentatively established the
      functionality of the signal-accepting network. Based on a two-state gearbox model
      of rotation in HAMP domain-mediated signal propagation, we characterized the
      interaction between permanent and transient core residues in a coiled coil HAMP
      structure. The data are compatible with HAMP rotation in signal propagation but
      do not exclude alternative models for HAMP signaling. Finally, we present data
      indicating that the connector, which links the alpha-helices of HAMP domains,
      plays an important structural role in HAMP function.

PMID- 22094467
TI  - Chondroitin sulfate "wobble motifs" modulate maintenance and differentiation of
      neural stem cells and their progeny.
AB  - Chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans, major components of
      the central nervous system, have the potential to interact with a wide range of
      growth factors and neurotrophic factors that influence neuronal migration, axon
      guidance pathways, and neurite outgrowth. Recent studies have also revealed the
      role of CS/DS chains in the orchestration of the neural stem/progenitor cell
      micromilieu. Individual functional proteins recognize a set of multiple
      overlapping oligosaccharide sequences decorated to give different sulfation
      patterns, which are termed here "wobble CS/DS oligosaccharide motifs," and induce
      signaling pathways essential for the proliferation, self-renewal, and cell
      lineage commitment of neural stem/progenitor cells.

PMID- 22094468
TI  - Activation of Aurora-A kinase by protein partner binding and phosphorylation are
      independent and synergistic.
AB  - Protein kinases are activated by phosphorylation and by the binding of activator
      proteins. The interplay of these two factors is incompletely understood. We
      applied energetic analysis to this question and characterized the activation
      process of the serine/threonine kinase Aurora-A by phosphorylation and by its
      protein partner, targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2). We
      discovered that these two activators act synergistically and without a predefined
      order: each can individually increase the activity of Aurora-A, and the effect of
      both bound together is the exact sum of their individual contributions to
      catalysis. Unexpectedly, the unphosphorylated enzyme has catalytic activity that
      is increased 15-fold by the binding of TPX2 alone. The energetic contribution of
      phosphorylation to catalysis is 2-fold greater than that of TPX2 binding, which
      is independent of the phosphorylation state of the enzyme. Based on this
      analysis, we propose a revised, fluid model of Aurora-A activation in which the
      first step is a reduction in the mobility of the activation loop by either TPX2
      binding or phosphorylation. Furthermore, our results suggest that
      unphosphorylated Aurora-A bound to the mitotic spindle by TPX2 is catalytically
      active and that the phosphorylation state of Aurora-A is an inaccurate surrogate
      for its activity. Extending this form of analysis will allow us to compare
      quantitatively the effects of the whole network of kinase-activating partners.
      Comparison with other kinases showed that kinetic characterization detects those
      kinases whose activation loops undergo a rearrangement upon phosphorylation and
      thus whose unphosphorylated state offers a distinct target for the development of
      Type II inhibitors.

PMID- 22094469
TI  - Acute activation of central GLP-1 receptors enhances hepatic insulin action and
      insulin secretion in high-fat-fed, insulin resistant mice.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor knockout (Glp1r(-/-)) mice exhibit
      impaired hepatic insulin action. High fat (HF)-fed Glp1r(-/-) mice exhibit
      improved, rather than the expected impaired, hepatic insulin action. This is due
      to decreased lipogenic gene expression and triglyceride accumulation. The present
      studies overcome these secondary adaptations by acutely modulating GLP-1R action
      in HF-fed wild-type mice. The central GLP-1R was targeted given its role as a
      regulator of hepatic insulin action. We hypothesized that acute inhibition of the
      central GLP-1R impairs hepatic insulin action beyond the effects of HF feeding.
      We further hypothesized that activation of the central GLP-1R improves hepatic
      insulin action in HF-fed mice. Insulin action was assessed in conscious,
      unrestrained mice using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Mice received
      intracerebroventricular (icv) infusions of artificial cerebrospinal fluid, GLP-1,
      or the GLP-1R antagonist exendin-9 (Ex-9) during the clamp.
      Intracerebroventricular Ex-9 impaired the suppression of hepatic glucose
      production by insulin, whereas icv GLP-1 improved it. Neither treatment affected
      tissue glucose uptake. Intracerebroventricular GLP-1 enhanced activation of
      hepatic Akt and suppressed hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase. Central GLP
      1R activation resulted in lower hepatic triglyceride levels but did not affect
      muscle, white adipose tissue, or plasma triglyceride levels during
      hyperinsulinemia. In response to oral but not intravenous glucose challenges,
      activation of the central GLP-1R improved glucose tolerance. This was associated
      with higher insulin levels. Inhibition of the central GLP-1R had no effect on
      oral or intravenous glucose tolerance. These results show that inhibition of the
      central GLP-1R deteriorates hepatic insulin action in HF-fed mice but does not
      affect whole body glucose homeostasis. Contrasting this, activation of the
      central GLP-1R improves glucose homeostasis in HF-fed mice by increasing insulin
      levels and enhancing hepatic insulin action.

PMID- 22094470
TI  - Prolactin receptor antagonism in mouse anterior pituitary: effects on cell
      turnover and prolactin receptor expression.
AB  - Since anterior pituitary expresses prolactin receptors, prolactin secreted by
      lactotropes could exert autocrine or paracrine actions on anterior pituitary
      cells. In fact, it has been observed that prolactin inhibits its own expression
      by lactotropes. Our hypothesis is that prolactin participates in the control of
      anterior pituitary cell turnover. In the present study, we explored the action of
      prolactin on proliferation and apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells and its
      effect on the expression of the prolactin receptor. To determine the activity of
      endogenous prolactin, we evaluated the effect of the competitive prolactin
      receptor antagonist Delta1-9-G129R-hPRL in vivo, using transgenic mice that
      constitutively and systemically express this antagonist. The weight of the
      pituitary gland and the anterior pituitary proliferation index, determined by
      BrdU incorporation, were higher in transgenic mice expressing the antagonist than
      in wild-type littermates. In addition, blockade of prolactin receptor in vitro by
      Delta1-9-G129R-hPRL increased proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of
      somatolactotrope GH3 cells and of primary cultures of male rat anterior pituitary
      cells, including lactotropes. These results suggest that prolactin acts as an
      autocrine/paracrine antiproliferative and proapoptotic factor in the anterior
      pituitary gland. In addition, anterior pituitary expression of the long isoform
      of the prolactin receptor, measured by real-time PCR, increased about 10-fold in
      transgenic mice expressing the prolactin receptor antagonist, whereas only a
      modest increase in the S3 short-isoform expression was observed. These results
      suggest that endogenous prolactin may regulate its own biological actions in the
      anterior pituitary by inhibiting the expression of the long isoform of the
      prolactin receptor. In conclusion, our observations suggest that prolactin is
      involved in the maintenance of physiological cell renewal in the anterior
      pituitary. Alterations in this physiological role of prolactin could contribute
      to pituitary tumor development.

PMID- 22094471
TI  - Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows lower intramyocellular lipid
      accumulation in middle-aged subjects predisposed to familial longevity.
AB  - Families predisposed to longevity show enhanced glucose tolerance and skeletal
      muscle insulin sensitivity compared with controls, independent of body
      composition and physical activity. Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) accumulation in
      skeletal muscle has been associated with insulin resistance. Here, we assessed
      whether subjects enriched for familial longevity have lower IMCL levels. We
      determined IMCL levels in 48 subjects from the Leiden Longevity Study, comprising
      24 offspring of nonagenarian siblings and 24 partners thereof as control
      subjects. IMCL levels were assessed noninvasively using short echo time proton
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) of the tibialis anterior muscle with a
      7 Tesla human MR scanner. IMCL levels were calculated relative to the total
      creatine (tCr) CH3 signal. Physical activity was assessed using the International
      Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After correction for age, sex, BMI, and
      physical activity, offspring of long-lived nonagenarian siblings tended to show
      lower IMCL levels compared with controls (IMCL/tCr: 3.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 4.5 +/- 0.5,
      respectively, P = 0.051). In a pairwise comparison, this difference reached
      statistical significance (P = 0.038). We conclude that offspring of nonagenarian
      siblings predisposed to longevity show lower IMCL levels compared with
      environmentally matched control subjects. Future research should focus on
      assessing what mechanisms may explain the lower IMCL levels in familial
      longevity.

PMID- 22094472
TI  - Effects of moderate exercise on VLDL1 and Intralipid kinetics in overweight/obese
      middle-aged men.
AB  - Prior moderate exercise reduces plasma triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoprotein
      concentrations, mainly in the large very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL1)
      fraction, but the mechanism responsible is unclear. We investigated the effects
      of brisk walking on TG-rich lipoprotein kinetics using a novel method. Twelve
      overweight/obese middle-aged men underwent two kinetic studies, involving
      infusion of Intralipid to block VLDL1 catabolism, in random order. On the
      afternoon prior to infusion, subjects either walked on a treadmill for 2 h at
      ~50% maximal oxygen uptake or performed no exercise. Multiple blood samples were
      taken during and after infusion for separation of Intralipid (S(f) 400) and VLDL1
      (S(f) 60-400). VLDL1-TG and -apoB production rates were calculated from their
      linear rises during infusion; fractional catabolic rates (FCR) were calculated by
      dividing linear rises by fasting concentrations. Intralipid-TG FCR was determined
      from the postinfusion exponential decay. Exercise reduced fasting VLDL1-TG
      concentration by 30% (P = 0.007) and increased TG enrichment of VLDL1 particles
      [30% decrease in cholesteryl ester (CE)/TG ratio (P = 0.007); 26% increase in
      TG/apoB ratio (P = 0.059)]. Exercise also increased VLDL1-TG, VLDL1-apoB, and
      Intralipid-TG FCRs by 82, 146, and 43%, respectively (all P < 0.05), but had no
      significant effect on VLDL1-TG or -apoB production rates. The exercise-induced
      increase in VLDL1-apoB FCR correlated strongly with the exercise-induced changes
      in VLDL1 CE/TG (r = -0.659, r = 0.020) and TG/apoB (r = 0.785, P = 0.002) ratios.
      Thus, exercise-induced reductions in VLDL1 concentrations are mediated by
      increased catabolism, rather than reduced production, which may be facilitated by
      compositional changes to VLDL1 particles that increase their affinity for
      clearance from the circulation.

PMID- 22094473
TI  - Oil composition of high-fat diet affects metabolic inflammation differently in
      connection with endotoxin receptors in mice.
AB  - Low-grade inflammation observed in obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular
      disease. Recent studies revealed that this would be linked to gut-derived
      endotoxemia during fat digestion in high-fat diets, but nothing is known about
      the effect of lipid composition. The study was designed to test the impact of oil
      composition of high-fat diets on endotoxin metabolism and inflammation in mice.
      C57/Bl6 mice were fed for 8 wk with chow or isocaloric isolipidic diets enriched
      with oils differing in fatty acid composition: milk fat, palm oil, rapeseed oil,
      or sunflower oil. In vitro, adipocytes (3T3-L1) were stimulated or not with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS; endotoxin) and incubated with different fatty acids. In
      mice, the palm group presented the highest level of IL-6 in plasma (P < 0.01)
      together with the highest expression in adipose tissue of IL-1beta and of LPS
      sensing TLR4 and CD14 (P < 0.05). The higher inflammation in the palm group was
      correlated with a greater ratio of LPS-binding protein (LBP)/sCD14 in plasma (P <
      0.05). The rapeseed group resulted in higher sCD14 than the palm group, which was
      associated with lower inflammation in both plasma and adipose tissue despite
      higher plasma endotoxemia. Taken together, our results reveal that the palm oil
      based diet resulted in the most active transport of LPS toward tissues via high
      LBP and low sCD14 and the greatest inflammatory outcomes. In contrast, a rapeseed
      oil-based diet seemed to result in an endotoxin metabolism driven toward less
      inflammatory pathways. This shows that dietary fat composition can contribute to
      modulate the onset of low-grade inflammation through the quality of endotoxin
      receptors.

PMID- 22094474
TI  - Evaluation of safety monitoring guidelines based on MRI lesion activity in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluate variants of a commonly used data safety monitoring
      guideline in clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) that flags patients who,
      at a follow-up visit, have 5 or more contrast-enhancing lesions (CELs) above
      their baseline count. METHODS: We apply the guideline to a relapsing cohort and a
      secondary progressive cohort. We assess the number of patients that meet the
      guideline and describe the characteristics of these patients; we also examine the
      value of the guideline in predicting relapse occurrence in the 28 days following
      that MRI. These analyses were repeated for thresholds varying from 1 to 10 CELs
      above baseline. RESULTS: Between 4% and 6% of patients met the threshold of 5 in
      both cohorts; patients with higher baseline counts and higher T2 lesion burden
      were more apt to meet the threshold. After adjustment for other covariates, the
      odds ratio (OR) of relapse associated with meeting the threshold is significant
      (p < 0.05) or near significant (0.05 <= p < 0.10) for thresholds between 5 and 8
      for the relapsing cohort, but not for the secondary progressive cohort. Across
      thresholds, the adjusted OR is consistently greater than 1, and there is an
      increasing trend as the threshold increases from 1 to 7. CONCLUSIONS: A guideline
      based on crossing a threshold CEL count above baseline may be valuable in
      monitoring patient safety. Further study should be conducted using different
      datasets to assess the generalizability of these results.

PMID- 22094475
TI  - Natural history of MELAS associated with mitochondrial DNA m.3243A>G genotype.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the natural history of clinical and laboratory features
      associated with the m.3243A>G mitochondrial DNA point mutation. Natural history
      data are needed to obtain prognostic information and for clinical trial planning.
      METHODS: We included 85 matrilineal relatives from 35 families with at least 2
      visits in this prospective cohort study. Thirty-one were fully symptomatic with
      mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes
      (MELAS), and 54 were carrier relatives. Evaluations included standardized
      questionnaires (medical history and daily living functioning), physical
      examination, neuropsychological testing, and a battery of imaging and laboratory
      tests. We evaluated changes in clinical and laboratory features over time and
      survival. Outcomes are reported over a follow-up period of up to 10.6 years (mean
      3.8 +/- 2.2 years for patients and 5.5 +/- 3.0 for carrier relatives). RESULTS:
      Neurologic examination, neuropsychological testing, and daily living scores
      significantly declined in all patients with MELAS, whereas no significant
      deterioration occurred in carrier relatives. Cerebral MRI scores declined
      significantly in patients with MELAS. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy estimates
      of lactate in the lateral ventricles increased over time, and high lactate was
      associated with increased mortality. Symptom onset in childhood often was
      associated with worse outcome. Patients with MELAS had a greater death rate than
      carrier relatives. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MELAS carrying the m.3243A>G
      mutation show a measurable decline in clinical and imaging outcomes. It is hoped
      that these data will be helpful in anticipating the disease course and in
      planning clinical trials for MELAS.

PMID- 22094476
TI  - Evaluating patients with TIA: to hospitalize or not to hospitalize?

PMID- 22094477
TI  - Should TIA patients be hospitalized or referred to a same-day clinic?: a decision
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: For patients presenting with TIA, a previous study concluded that
      hospitalization is cost-effective compared to discharge without treatment from
      the emergency department. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of
      hospitalization vs urgent clinic evaluation following TIA. METHODS: Among a
      cohort of TIA patients, we created a decision tree model to compare the decision
      to hospitalize or refer to urgent-access specialty clinic. We estimated
      probabilities, utilities, and direct costs from the available literature and
      calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). We assumed equal access
      to standard medical treatments between the 2 approaches; however, we estimated
      higher tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) utilization among hospitalized
      patients. We performed sensitivity analyses to assess all assumptions in our
      model. RESULTS: In patients with TIA aged 65-74 years, hospitalization yielded
      additional 0.00026 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at 1 year, but at an
      additional cost of $5,573 per patient compared to urgent clinic evaluation (ICER
      = $21,434,615/QALY). Over 30 years, the ICER was $3,473,125/QALY. These results
      were not sensitive to varying 48-hour stroke risk, length of stay, tPA
      utilization rate, QALYs saved per tPA treatment, and hospitalization and clinic
      costs, and cost saved per tPA treatment. CONCLUSION: Despite increased access to
      tPA in the hospital, we found that hospitalization is not cost-effective compared
      to same-day clinic evaluation following TIA. A very small fraction of patients
      benefits from hospitalization if urgent-access TIA clinics are available. The
      widespread development of urgent-access TIA clinics is warranted.

PMID- 22094478
TI  - Does one guideline fit all?

PMID- 22094479
TI  - Thrombolysis outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with prior stroke and
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) and prior stroke
      (PS) were excluded from European approval of alteplase in stroke. We examined the
      influence of DM and PS on the outcomes of patients who received thrombolytic
      therapy (T; data from Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-International
      Stroke Thrombolysis Register) compared to nonthrombolyzed controls (C; data from
      Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive). METHODS: We selected ischemic
      stroke patients on whom we held data on age, baseline NIH Stroke Scale score
      (NIHSS), and 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (mRS). We compared the
      distribution of mRS between T and C by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test and
      proportional odds logistic regression, after adjustment for age and baseline
      NIHSS, in patients with and without DM, PS, or the combination. We report odds
      ratios (OR) for improved distribution of mRS with 95% confidence interval (CI)
      and CMH p value. RESULTS: Data were available for 29,500 patients: 5,411 (18.5%)
      had DM, 5,019 had PS (17.1%), and 1,141 (5.5%) had both. Adjusted mRS outcomes
      were better for T vs C among patients with DM (OR 1.45 [1.30-1.62], n = 5,354),
      PS (OR 1.55 [1.40-1.72], n = 4,986), or concomitant DM and PS (OR 1.23 [0.996
      1.52], p = 0.05, n = 1,136), all CMH p < 0.0001. These are comparable to outcomes
      between T and C among patients with neither DM nor PS: OR = 1.53 (1.42-1.63), p <
      0.0001, n = 19,339. There was no interaction on outcome between DM and PS with
      alteplase treatment (tissue plasminogen activator * DM * PS, p = 0.5). Age <=80
      years or >80 years did not influence our findings. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes from
      thrombolysis are better than the controls among patients with DM, PS, or both. We
      find no statistical justification for the exclusion of these patients from
      receiving thrombolytic therapy.

PMID- 22094480
TI  - Long-term association between seizure outcome and depression after resective
      epilepsy surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explored the association between long-term epilepsy surgery
      outcome and changes in depressive symptoms. METHODS: Adults were enrolled between
      1996 and 2001 in a multicenter prospective study to evaluate outcomes of
      resective epilepsy surgery. The extent of depressive symptoms and depression case
      status (none, mild, or moderate/severe) were assessed using the Beck Depression
      Inventory (BDI) preoperatively and 3, 12, 24, 48, and 60 months postoperatively.
      A mixed-model repeated-measures analysis was performed, adjusting for covariates
      of seizure location, gender, age, race, education, and seizure control. RESULTS:
      Of the total 373 subjects, 256 were evaluated at baseline and 5 years after
      surgery. At baseline, 164 (64.1%) were not depressed, 34 (13.3%) were mildly
      depressed, and 58 (22.7%) had moderate to severe depression. After 5 years, 198
      (77.3%) were not depressed, 20 (7.8%) were mildly depressed, and 38 (14.8%) were
      moderately to severely depressed. Five years after surgery, the reduction in mean
      change from baseline in BDI score was greater in subjects with excellent seizure
      control than in the fair and poor seizure control groups (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.02
      respectively). Those with good seizure control had a greater reduction in BDI
      score than the poor seizure control group (p = 0.02) and borderline significant
      reduction compared with the fair seizure control group (p = 0.055). CONCLUSION:
      Although study participants had initial improvement in depressive symptoms, on
      average, after resective surgery, only patients with good or excellent seizure
      control had sustained long-term improvement in mood.

PMID- 22094482
TI  - An autopsy case of SOD1-related ALS with TDP-43 positive inclusions.

PMID- 22094481
TI  - Voxel-level comparison of arterial spin-labeled perfusion MRI and FDG-PET in
      Alzheimer disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compared the ability of arterial spin labeling (ASL), an MRI method
      that measures cerebral blood flow (CBF), to that of FDG-PET in distinguishing
      patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) from healthy, age-matched controls. METHODS:
      Fifteen patients with AD (mean age 72 +/- 6 years, Mini-Mental State Examination
      score [MMSE] 20 +/- 6) and 19 age-matched controls (mean age 68 +/- 6 years, MMSE
      29 +/- 1) underwent structural MRI. Participants were injected with 5 mCi of FDG
      during pseudocontinuous ASL scan, which was followed by PET scanning. Statistical
      parametric mapping and regions of interest (ROI) analysis were used to compare
      the ability of the 2 modalities in distinguishing patients from controls.
      Similarity between the 2 modalities was further assessed with linear correlation
      maps of CBF and metabolism to neuropsychological test scores. RESULTS: Good
      agreement between hypoperfusion and hypometabolism patterns was observed, with
      overlap primarily in bilateral angular gyri and posterior cingulate. ROI results
      showed similar scales of functional deficit between patients and controls in both
      modalities. Both ASL and FDG-PET were able to distinguish neural networks
      associated with different neuropsychological tests with good overlap between
      modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Our voxel-wise results indicated that ASL-MRI provides
      largely overlapping information with FDG-PET. ROI analysis demonstrated that both
      modalities detected similar degrees of functional deficits in affected areas.
      Given its ease of acquisition and noninvasiveness, ASL-MRI may be an appealing
      alternative for AD studies.

PMID- 22094483
TI  - Reducing bodies and myofibrillar myopathy features in FHL1 muscular dystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Some pathologic features of the FHL1 myopathies and the myofibrillar
      myopathies (MFMs) overlap; we therefore searched for mutations in FHL1 in our
      cohort of 50 patients with genetically undiagnosed MFM. METHODS: Mutations in
      FHL1 were identified by direct sequencing. Polymorphisms were excluded by using
      allele-specific PCR in 200 control subjects. Structural changes in muscle were
      analyzed by histochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and electron microscopy.
      RESULTS: We detected 2 novel and 1 previously identified missense mutation in 5
      patients. Patients 1-4 presented before age 30, display menadione-nitro blue
      tetrazolium-positive reducing bodies, and harbor mutations in the FHL1 LIM2
      domain. Patient 5 presented at age 75 and has no reducing bodies, and his
      mutation is not in a LIM domain. The clinical features include progressive muscle
      weakness, hypertrophied muscles, rigid spine, and joint contractures, and 1
      patient also has peripheral neuropathy. High-resolution electron microscopy
      reveals the reducing bodies composed of 13-nm tubulofilaments initially emanating
      from Z-disks. At a more advanced stage, abundant reducing bodies appear in the
      cytoplasm and nuclei with concomitant myofibrillar disintegration, accumulation
      of cytoplasmic degradation products, and aggregation of endoplasmic reticulum and
      sarcotubular profiles. CONCLUSIONS: FHL1 dystrophies can be associated with MFM
      pathology. Mutations in the LIM2 domain are associated with reducing bodies
      composed of distinct tubulofilaments. A mutation extraneous to LIM domains
      resulted in a mild late-onset phenotype with MFM pathology but no reducing
      bodies.

PMID- 22094484
TI  - Acetazolamide efficacy in hypokalemic periodic paralysis and the predictive role
      of genotype.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acetazolamide has been the most commonly used treatment for
      hypokalemic periodic paralysis since 1968. However, its mechanism of efficacy is
      not fully understood, and it is not known whether therapy response relates to
      genotype. We undertook a clinical and genetic study to evaluate the response rate
      of patients treated with acetazolamide and to investigate possible correlations
      between response and genotype. METHODS: We identified a total of 74 genotyped
      patients for this study. These included patients who were referred over a 15-year
      period to the only U.K. referral center or to a Chinese center and who underwent
      extensive clinical evaluation. For all genotyped patients, the response to
      acetazolamide therapy in terms of attack frequency and severity was documented.
      Direct DNA sequencing of CACNA1S and SCN4A was performed. RESULTS: Only 46% of
      the total patient cohort (34 of 74) reported benefit from acetazolamide. There
      was a greater chance of benefit in patients with mutations in CACNA1S (31
      responded of 55 total) than in those with mutations in SCN4A (3 responded of 19
      total). Patients with mutations that resulted in amino acids being substituted by
      glycine in either gene were the least likely to report benefit. CONCLUSIONS: This
      retrospective study indicates that only approximately 50% of genotyped patients
      with hypokalemic periodic paralysis respond to acetazolamide. We found evidence
      supporting a relationship between genotype and treatment response. Prospective
      randomized controlled trials are required to further evaluate this relationship.
      Development of alternative therapies is required.

PMID- 22094485
TI  - Challenging the validity of imposing contraindications to thrombolysis for acute
      ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22094486
TI  - Caval flow reflects Fontan hemodynamics: quantification by magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Failing Fontan circulation is a multifactorial problem without
      clear predictors and with uncertain onset. We sought to investigate the
      correlations between systemic venous flow return and the clinical condition of
      Fontan patients. METHODS: Flow measurements using phase contrast magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in the superior and inferior vena cava
      (SVC, IVC) in 61 Fontan patients. Median postoperative follow-up time was 6.7
      (0.6-14.1) years; median age at MRI was 11.6 (4.0-44.6) years. Eight patients
      were identified clinically as a subgroup with suboptimal hemodynamics. The
      effective forward flow of combined SVC and IVC flow volume was defined as the
      venous cardiac index (vCI, l/min/m(2)). SVC flow ratio was defined as SVC flow in
      relation to vCI. The vCI and flow distribution between the SVC and IVC were
      investigated in relation to the hemodynamics and patients' age at MRI. RESULTS:
      Venous flow return through the SVC was 1.1 (0.6-3.4) l/min/m(2) and through the
      IVC 1.8 (0.6-3.2) l/min/m(2); total vCI was 3 l/min/m(2) (1.2-5.1). Patients with
      suboptimal Fontan hemodynamics showed significantly lower IVC flow return (median
      of 1.5 vs. 1.9 l/min/m(2), p = 0.027) and increased SVC flow ratio (0.56 vs.
      0.35, p = 0.005) in comparison to those with good clinical condition. The total
      vCI decrease was correlated with older patient age (r = 0.575, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Altered systemic venous flow return is associated with suboptimal
      Fontan hemodynamics and seems to progress with patients' age and long-term follow
      up after Fontan operation. Thus, MRI flow volume measurements might help in
      monitoring Fontan patients before the onset of clinical signs of suboptimal
      hemodynamics.

PMID- 22094487
TI  - Soy protein preserves basement membrane integrity through a synergistic effect on
      nephrin, matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Soy protein improves renal function and prevents albuminuria in
      diabetic rats. This study investigates whether the renoprotective effect of soy
      protein is related to sustenance of basement membrane integrity. METHODS: Adult
      male albino rats were randomized into four groups and fed one of the following
      semi-synthetic diets consisting of corn starch (60%) and casein (20%; CCD),
      fructose (60%) and casein (20%; FCD), fructose (60%) and soy protein (20%; FSD),
      or corn starch (60%) and soy protein (20%; CSD). Plasma chemistry and renal
      changes were analyzed after 60 days. RESULTS: FCD rats displayed metabolic
      derangements and renal ultrastructural changes. FSD rats showed reduction in type
      IV collagen, tissue inhibitor for matrix metallo-proteinase-2, vascular
      endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression and improved
      matrix metallo-proteinase expression. Renal architecture was preserved in these
      rats. CONCLUSION: Soy protein supplementation not only improved insulin
      sensitivity but also markedly attenuated renal basement membrane changes in
      fructose diet-fed rats. These findings provide evidence in support of the use of
      dietary soy protein in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

PMID- 22094488
TI  - A comparison of two-fingers technique and two-thumbs encircling hands technique
      of chest compression in neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the proportion of correct placements (POCP) between 'two
      fingers' and 'two-thumbs' techniques of chest compression among neonates of
      various gestations. STUDY DESIGN: Two-fingers and two-thumbs spans of 32 adult
      rescuers were individually compared with the inter-nipple line to sterno-xiphoid
      junction distance of 39 neonates. 'Correct placement' was defined if two
      fingers/two-thumbs span was equal to or less than the inter-nipple line to sterno
      xiphoid junction distance. The POCPs was compared between two-fingers and two
      thumbs methods of chest compression by the McNemar test among neonates and their
      various subgroups. RESULT: There were a total of 1248 comparisons. The POCPs with
      two-fingers and two-thumbs techniques were 6.7 and 77% in all neonates, 10.6 and
      89.5% in full term and 1.2 and 59% in preterm neonates, respectively (P<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Two-thumbs technique achieved higher POCPs and should be preferred
      over two-fingers technique among neonates.

PMID- 22094489
TI  - Decreased survival in necrotizing enterocolitis is significantly associated with
      neonatal and maternal blood group: the AB isoagglutinin hypothesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of neonatal and maternal blood group on the
      mortality risk from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      chart review of all neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit over 24
      years. Data on birth date, gestational age, maternal/neonatal blood group, number
      of transfusions, and survival time (defined as date of birth to date of
      death/discharge) were collected on those with NEC. RESULT: 276 neonates with Bell
      stage II-III NEC were analyzed. AB neonates had a significantly higher risk of
      mortality from NEC compared with other blood groups (HR 2.87; 95% CI 1.40 to
      5.89; P=0.003). Multivariate analysis showed AB blood group to be an independent
      risk factor for mortality from NEC. CONCLUSION: Neonatal and maternal blood
      groups are significantly associated with a neonate's survival from NEC. The
      increased mortality of AB neonates may be related to factors such as neonatal
      blood group antigens and/or transplacental transfer of isoagglutinins.

PMID- 22094490
TI  - Cardiovascular instability after patent ductus arteriosus ligation in preterm
      infants: the role of hydrocortisone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Following patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation, preterm infants may
      develop profound hypotension and respiratory failure. Prophylactic stress
      hydrocortisone (HC) has emerged as a therapy to prevent complications,
      postulating these infants do not synthesize steroids because of an immature
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The purpose of this study was to compare
      outcomes in infants who received stress HC before their PDA ligations to those
      who did not. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed of infants
      who underwent PDA ligations at our institution's neonatal intensive care unit.
      Data were collected on treatment with HC, and respiratory and cardiovascular
      support. RESULT: Gestational age (GA) and birth weight were lower in the HC group
      (24 vs 25 weeks, 632 vs 790 g), but age at time of surgery was similar (26 vs 21
      days). Cardiorespiratory support was comparable between the groups pre- and post
      operatively. In regression models that adjusted for GA, HC treatment was not
      independently related to respiratory support postoperatively, but was associated
      with a decrease in postoperative dopamine (2.2 mcg kg(-1)  min(-1); P=0.03).
      Respiratory support postoperatively was predicted by preoperative respiratory
      support. GA and age at surgery were not independently associated with outcome.
      CONCLUSION: Preoperative stress HC was not associated with improved
      cardiorespiratory stability, regardless of GA. Further investigation is needed to
      identify infants who may benefit from this therapy.

PMID- 22094491
TI  - Four wishes for Aubrey.
AB  - In the critical care environment, what begins as cure-oriented and life-extending
      treatment may become unsuccessful in overcoming the patient's increasingly
      complex pathophysiology. A case from the neonatal intensive care unit is
      presented and used to elaborate upon care transitions toward palliative and
      supportive care that can be rendered in the hospital, at home or in a hospice
      facility. Successful transitions may rest upon anticipatory guidance by the
      primary physician and team, or a consultant, to facilitate and enable parents and
      team members alike in addressing the hard realities that cure, or even successful
      ICU discharge, is unlikely. A simple mechanism of addressing and accommodating a
      family's wishes is provided.

PMID- 22094492
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate in women at risk of preterm
      delivery-neonatal cardiovascular effects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Use of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) may reduce cerebral palsy
      in infants born very preterm. Low systemic blood flow in the first day in very
      preterm infants has been associated with cerebral injury and adverse motor
      outcome. The aim was to determine the effect of MgSO(4) on systemic blood flow in
      preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized trial of MgSO(4) versus saline placebo
      given to mothers at risk of delivery before 30 weeks gestation. Echocardiographic
      monitoring performed at 3 to 5, 10 to 12 and 24 h. RESULT: A total of 48 infants
      were exposed to MgSO(4) and 39 to placebo. Infants exposed to MgSO(4) were
      significantly more likely to receive volume expansion (42% versus 21%). Inotrope
      use did not differ significantly (40% versus 26%). There was no significant
      difference in mean lowest superior vena cava (SVC) flow or right ventricular
      output (RVO), or incidence of low SVC flow or RVO in the first 24 h. Infants
      exposed to MgSO(4) had a significantly higher heart rate and were more likely to
      have low SVC flow at 10 to 12 h but not other times. CONCLUSION: Antenatal
      MgSO(4) produced no consistent cardiovascular effects in the infant in the first
      24 h. There is no evidence from this study to suggest the mechanism by which
      antenatal MgSO(4) prevents cerebral palsy is through a cardiovascular effect in
      the newborn.

PMID- 22094493
TI  - Predischarge non-invasive risk assessment for prediction of significant
      hyperbilirubinemia in term and late preterm neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of predischarge transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB)
      measurement and clinical risk assessment in predicting hyperbilirubinemia needing
      treatment. STUDY DESIGN: A diagnostic test was performed in a prospective cohort
      study conducted at a teaching hospital in North India. Subjects included healthy
      neonates with a gestation period of >=35 weeks or birth weight >=2000 g.
      Maternal, neonatal and delivery risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia were
      prospectively collected. TcB was measured in all enrolled neonates at 24+/-6, 72
      to 96 and 96 to 144 h of postnatal age and when indicated clinically. Neonates
      were followed up during hospital stay and after discharge till completion of the
      7th postnatal day. The key outcome was significant hyperbilirubinemia defined as
      need of phototherapy on the basis of modified American Academy of Pediatrics
      guidelines. In neonates born at >=38 weeks of gestation and in neonates born at
      <=37 completed weeks of gestation, middle line and lower line of phototherapy
      thresholds were used to initiate phototherapy, respectively. Variables observed
      to be significantly associated with significant hyperbilirubinemia on
      multivariate analysis were used for construction of a clinical risk assessment
      tool. Predictive ability of the risk assessment tool was assessed by calculating
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive
      value, by plotting receiver-operating characteristics curve and calculating c
      statistic. RESULT: A total of 997 neonates (birth weight: 2627+/-536 g,
      gestation: 37.8+/-1.5 weeks) were enrolled in the study, of which 931 completed
      follow-up. Among enrolled neonates, 344 (34.5%) were low birth weight. Overall, a
      total of 199 (20%) neonates developed significant hyperbilirubinemia. On stepwise
      logistic regression analysis, predischarge TcB percentile and gestation were
      significantly found to be associated with significant hyperbilirubinemia. A risk
      assessment graph was constructed to predict subsequent development of significant
      hyperbilirubinemia. Area under curve for this risk assessment strategy was 0.75.
      CONCLUSION: A risk assessment graphical tool consisting of TcB and gestation
      accurately predicted subsequent need of phototherapy. Further studies are needed
      to validate performance of this risk assessment tool.

PMID- 22094494
TI  - Umbilical cord milking in term infants delivered by cesarean section: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study's objective was to compare hematocrit (Hct) levels at 36 to
      48 h of age in term infants delivered by cesarean section exposed to immediate
      cord clamping or umbilical cord milking (UCM). STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized
      controlled trial, 24 women scheduled for elective cesarean section were
      randomized to either immediate clamping (<10 s) or UCM (milked * 5 by the
      obstetrical provider) at birth. RESULT: All subjects received their allocated
      intervention. The milking group had a smaller placental residual blood volume
      (13.2+/-5.6 vs 19.2+/-5.4 ml kg(-1), P=0.01) and higher Hct levels at 36 to 48 h
      (57.5+/-6.6 vs 50.0+/-6.4 %, P=0.01). Five infants (42%) in the immediate group
      had a Hct of <=47%, indicative of anemia. CONCLUSION: UCM results in placental
      transfusion in term infants at the time of elective cesarean section with higher
      Hct levels at 36 to 48 h of age.

PMID- 22094495
TI  - Circulating CD133: a promising biomarker, but what are we measuring?

PMID- 22094496
TI  - Right paraesophageal lymph node dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to identify the patients with papillary
      thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who would benefit from RPELN dissection. SUMMARY
      BACKGROUND DATA: The value of the right paraesophageal lymph nodes (RPELNs),
      which are located posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, may be
      underestimated. Although the RPELNs are common sites of nodal recurrence, few
      related studies have been reported. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      medical records of 369 patients (286 female, 83 male) who underwent total
      thyroidectomy (327 patients) or right lobectomy (42 patients) with therapeutic or
      prophylactic central lymph node dissection for primary PTC between August 2008
      and January 2010 at the Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center. RESULTS:
      Central lymph node (CLN) metastases were present in 51.2% (189 of 369) of the
      patients, and RPELN metastases were present in 12.2% (45 of 369) of the patients.
      The rate of RPELN metastasis was 19.6% (37 of 189) in patients with CLN
      metastases, but only 4.4% (8 of 180) in patients with no CLN metastases (P <
      .001). A univariate analysis revealed that RPELN metastasis was significantly
      correlated with the size of the tumor, the perithyroidal extent (capsular
      invasion), CLN metastasis, and lateral lymph node metastases. There were no
      significant differences in terms of gender, mean age, or number of tumors between
      groups. A multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (>1 cm) and number of
      CLN metastases (>= 3) were significantly correlated with RPELN metastasis.
      CONCLUSIONS: RPELN dissection should be considered in patients with right thyroid
      cancer, tumors larger than 1 cm, or multiple CLN metastases.

PMID- 22094497
TI  - The impact of comorbid [corrected] conditions on critical illness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the current knowledge of common comorbidities in the
      intensive care unit, including diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, cancer, end-stage renal disease, end-stage liver disease, HIV infection,
      and obesity, with specific attention to epidemiology, contribution to diseases
      and outcomes, and the impact on treatments in these patients. DATA SOURCE: Review
      of the relevant medical literature for specific common comorbidities in the
      critically ill. RESULTS: Critically ill patients are admitted to the intensive
      care unit for various reasons, and often the admission diagnosis is accompanied
      by a chronic comorbidity. Chronic comorbid conditions commonly seen in critically
      ill patients may influence the decision to provide intensive care unit care,
      decisions regarding types and intensity of intensive care unit treatment options,
      and outcomes. The presence of comorbid conditions may predispose patients to
      specific complications or forms of organ dysfunction. The impact of specific
      comorbidities varies among critically ill medical, surgical, and other
      populations, and outcomes associated with certain comorbidities have changed over
      time. Specifically, outcomes for patients with cancer and HIV have improved,
      likely related to advances in therapy. Overall, the negative impact of chronic
      comorbidity on survival in critical illness may be primarily influenced by the
      degree of organ dysfunction or the cumulative severity of multiple comorbidities.
      CONCLUSION: Chronic comorbid conditions are common in critically ill patients.
      Both the acute illness and the chronic conditions influence prognosis and optimal
      care delivery for these patients, particularly for adverse outcomes and
      complications influenced by comorbidities. Further work is needed to fully
      determine the individual and combined impact of chronic comorbidities on
      intensive care unit outcomes.

PMID- 22094498
TI  - Sedation for critically ill adults with severe traumatic brain injury: a
      systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To summarize randomized controlled trials on the effects of sedative
      agents on neurologic outcome, mortality, intracranial pressure, cerebral
      perfusion pressure, and adverse drug events in critically ill adults with severe
      traumatic brain injury. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane
      Database, Google Scholar, two clinical trials registries, personal files, and
      reference lists of included articles. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled
      trials of propofol, ketamine, etomidate, and agents from the opioid,
      benzodiazepine, alpha-2 agonist, and antipsychotic drug classes for management of
      adult intensive care unit patients with severe traumatic brain injury. DATA
      EXTRACTION: In duplicate and independently, two investigators extracted data and
      evaluated methodologic quality and results. DATA SYNTHESIS: Among 1,892
      citations, 13 randomized controlled trials enrolling 380 patients met inclusion
      criteria. Long-term sedation (>=24 hrs) was addressed in six studies, whereas a
      bolus dose, short infusion, or doubling of plasma drug concentration was
      investigated in remaining trials. Most trials did not describe baseline traumatic
      brain injury prognostic factors or important cointerventions. Eight trials
      possibly or definitely concealed allocation and six were blinded. Insufficient
      data exist regarding the effects of sedative agents on neurologic outcome or
      mortality. Although their effects are likely transient, bolus doses of opioids
      may increase intracranial pressure and decrease cerebral perfusion pressure. In
      one study, a long-term infusion of propofol vs. morphine was associated with a
      reduced requirement for intracranial pressure-lowering cointerventions and a
      lower intracranial pressure on the third day. Trials of propofol vs. midazolam
      and ketamine vs. sufentanil found no difference between agents in intracranial
      pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review
      found no convincing evidence that one sedative agent is more efficacious than
      another for improvement of patient-centered outcomes, intracranial pressure, or
      cerebral perfusion pressure in critically ill adults with severe traumatic brain
      injury. High bolus doses of opioids, however, have potentially deleterious
      effects on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. Adequately
      powered, high-quality, randomized controlled trials are urgently warranted.

PMID- 22094499
TI  - Walk this way.

PMID- 22094500
TI  - Airway pressure release ventilation: a mode of ventilation to consider in
      children with congenital heart disease.

PMID- 22094501
TI  - Go team go: recognizing the importance of team training in critical care.

PMID- 22094502
TI  - Away from the precipice.

PMID- 22094503
TI  - Nutritional support in critically ill patients: can we have the cake and the
      topping too?

PMID- 22094504
TI  - Ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragmatic function.

PMID- 22094505
TI  - High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in adult patients with acute respiratory
      distress syndrome: where do we stand and where should we go?

PMID- 22094506
TI  - More randomized controlled trials in acute lung injury? Not so fast, my friend.

PMID- 22094507
TI  - Defining acute kidney injury: further steps in the right direction but can
      detente be maintained?

PMID- 22094508
TI  - Timing of fluid administration in critically ill patients with acute kidney
      injury: every good thing has an end.

PMID- 22094509
TI  - Sepsis and hypotension: enter kynurenine, move over nitric oxide.

PMID- 22094510
TI  - Can we reliably predict the development of hospital acquired infections after
      septic shock?

PMID- 22094511
TI  - Supplemental parenteral nutrition in the critically ill: "different strokes for
      different folks".

PMID- 22094512
TI  - Is there a role for soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators in acute pulmonary
      embolism?

PMID- 22094514
TI  - Central role of oxidative stress and its signaling pathways in causing and
      preventing acute lung injury.

PMID- 22094513
TI  - Sodium nitroprusside-enhanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation: are we out of the
      box yet?

PMID- 22094515
TI  - World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grade V ... rationed care or rational
      care?

PMID- 22094516
TI  - To count for--mortality on intensive care unit and the allocation of ventilator
      associated pneumonia.

PMID- 22094517
TI  - Sedating the injured brain: searching for the "ideal" pharmacological recipe.

PMID- 22094518
TI  - Mass critical care for children: implications for adult critical care.

PMID- 22094519
TI  - Advocacy to extend the use of continuous noninvasive hemoglobin measurement.

PMID- 22094521
TI  - Selective digestive decontamination reduces bacteremia following eradication of
      gut overgrowth.

PMID- 22094523
TI  - The importance of source identification in septic patients.

PMID- 22094525
TI  - Respiratory dialysis is not extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PMID- 22094528
TI  - Confusion between gamma-linolenic acid and gamma-linoleic acid.

PMID- 22094530
TI  - Psychiatric long-term complications of intensive care unit survivors.

PMID- 22094532
TI  - Comment on: "Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on
      anxiety-related responses in mice" (Magnani P, Conforti A, Zanolin E, Marzotto M
      and Bellavite P, Psychopharmacology, 2010).

PMID- 22094531
TI  - The effects of acute tryptophan depletion on costly information sampling:
      impulsivity or aversive processing?
AB  - RATIONALE: The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in both
      aversive processing and impulsivity. Reconciling these accounts, recent studies
      have demonstrated that 5-HT is important for punishment-induced behavioural
      inhibition. These studies focused on situations where actions lead directly to
      punishments. However, decision-making often involves making tradeoffs between
      small 'local' costs and larger 'global' losses. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      distinguish whether 5-HT promotes avoidance of local losses, global losses, or
      both, in contrast to an overall effect on reflection impulsivity. We further
      examined the influence of individual differences in sub-clinical depression,
      anxiety and impulsivity on global and local loss avoidance. METHODS: Healthy
      volunteers (N = 21) underwent an acute tryptophan depletion procedure in a double
      blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. We measured global and local loss
      avoidance in a decision-making task where subjects could sample information at a
      small cost to avoid making incorrect decisions, which resulted in large losses.
      RESULTS: Tryptophan depletion removed the suppressive effects of small local
      costs on information sampling behaviour. Sub-clinical depressive symptoms
      produced effects on information sampling similar to (but independent from) those
      of tryptophan depletion. Dispositional anxiety was related to global loss
      avoidance. However, trait impulsivity was unrelated to information sampling.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current findings are consistent with recent theoretical work
      that characterises 5-HT as pruning a tree of potential decisions, eliminating
      options expected to lead to aversive outcomes. Our results extend this account by
      proposing that 5-HT promotes reflexive avoidance of relatively immediate aversive
      outcomes, potentially at the expense of more globally construed future losses.

PMID- 22094533
TI  - Marginal hazard regression for correlated failure time data with auxiliary
      covariates.
AB  - In many biomedical studies, it is common that due to budget constraints, the
      primary covariate is only collected in a randomly selected subset from the full
      study cohort. Often, there is an inexpensive auxiliary covariate for the primary
      exposure variable that is readily available for all the cohort subjects. Valid
      statistical methods that make use of the auxiliary information to improve study
      efficiency need to be developed. To this end, we develop an estimated partial
      likelihood approach for correlated failure time data with auxiliary information.
      We assume a marginal hazard model with common baseline hazard function. The
      asymptotic properties for the proposed estimators are developed. The proof of the
      asymptotic results for the proposed estimators is nontrivial since the moments
      used in estimating equation are not martingale-based and the classical martingale
      theory is not sufficient. Instead, our proofs rely on modern empirical process
      theory. The proposed estimator is evaluated through simulation studies and is
      shown to have increased efficiency compared to existing methods. The proposed
      method is illustrated with a data set from the Framingham study.

PMID- 22094535
TI  - Connecting MU-fluidics to electron microscopy.
AB  - A versatile methodology for electron microscopy (EM) grid preparation enabling
      total content sample analysis is presented. A microfluidic-dialysis conditioning
      module to desalt or mix samples with negative stain solution is used, combined
      with a robotic writing table to micro-pattern the EM grids. The method allows
      heterogeneous samples of minute volumes to be processed at physiological pH for
      structure and mass analysis, and allows the preparation characteristics to be
      finely tuned.

PMID- 22094534
TI  - Isotonic estimation of survival under a misattribution of cause of death.
AB  - Several authors have indicated that incorrectly classified cause of death for
      prostate cancer survivors may have played a role in the observed recent peak and
      decline of prostate cancer mortality. Motivated by the suggestion we studied a
      competing risks model where other cause of death may be misattributed as a death
      of interest. We first consider a naive approach using unconstrained nonparametric
      maximum likelihood estimation (NPMLE), and then present the constrained NPMLE
      where the survival function is forced to be monotonic. Surprising observations
      were made as we studied their small-sample and asymptotic properties in
      continuous and discrete situations. Contrary to the common belief that the non
      monotonicity of a survival function NPMLE is a small-sample problem, the
      constrained NPMLE is asymptotically biased in the continuous setting. Other
      isotonic approaches, the supremum (SUP) method and the Pooled-Adjacent-Violators
      (PAV) algorithm, and the EM algorithm are also considered. We found that the EM
      algorithm is equivalent to the constrained NPMLE. Both SUP method and PAV
      algorithm deliver consistent and asymptotically unbiased estimator. All methods
      behave well asymptotically in the discrete time setting. Data from the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database are used to illustrate
      the proposed estimators.

PMID- 22094536
TI  - "Asymmetric scalloping of the regenerate": a radiological sign of pseudoaneurysm
      in distraction osteogenesis.
AB  - Pseudoaneurysm formation is an uncommon but well-recognised and important
      complication in limb reconstruction surgery. Postoperative diagnosis is usually
      clinical or an incidental finding. We present an 11-year-old girl, who underwent
      two-stage limb lengthening with a circular fixator, for a previously treated
      pseudoarthrosis of the tibia. During the lengthening plan, a concave defect was
      noted on one side of the regenerate, which was found to be due to extrinsic
      compression by a pseudoaneurysm. Normal regenerate formation was seen after
      selective embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm. This concave appearance on one side
      of the regenerate has previously been described secondary to a difference in
      stability on the two sides of the osteotomy, when a monolateral fixator is used,
      but not due to extrinsic compression by a pseudoaneurysm. The authors propose
      that this radiographic appearance of "asymmetrical scalloping" on one side of the
      regenerate may represent a radiological sign of a pseudoaneurysm formation and
      should provoke investigation for the same.

PMID- 22094538
TI  - The nature and course of sensory changes following spinal cord injury: predictive
      properties and implications on the mechanism of central pain.
AB  - Central pain below the injury level after spinal cord injury is excruciating,
      chronic and resistive to treatment. Animal studies suggest that pretreatment may
      prevent central pain, but to date there are no measures to predict its
      development. Our aim was to monitor changes in the sensory profile below the
      lesion prior to the development of below-level central pain in order to search
      for a parameter that could predict its risk and to further explore its
      pathophysiology. Thirty patients with spinal cord injury and 27 healthy controls
      underwent measurement of warm, cold, heat-pain and touch thresholds as well as
      graphaesthesia, allodynia, hyperpathia and wind-up pain in intact region and in
      the shin and feet (below level). Patients were tested at 2-4 weeks, 1-2.5 months
      and 2.5-6 months after the injury or until central pain had developed. At the end
      of the follow-up, 46% of patients developed below-level central pain. During the
      testing periods, individuals who eventually developed central pain had higher
      thermal thresholds than those who did not and displayed high rates of abnormal
      sensations (allodynia and hyperpathia), which gradually increased with time until
      central pain developed. Logistic regressions revealed that the best predictor for
      the risk of below-level central pain was allodynia in the foot in the second
      testing session with a 77% probability (90.9% confidence). The results suggest
      that neuronal hyperexcitability, which may develop consequent to damage to
      spinothalamic tracts, precedes central pain. Furthermore, it appears that below
      level central pain develops after a substantial build-up of hyperexcitability. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic report establishing that
      neuronal hyperexcitability precedes central pain. Predicting the risk for central
      pain can be utilized to initiate early treatment in order to prevent its
      development.

PMID- 22094537
TI  - Colony-stimulating factor-1 mediates macrophage-related neural damage in a model
      for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1X.
AB  - Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that in models for three distinct
      forms of the inherited and incurable nerve disorder, Charcot-Marie-Tooth
      neuropathy, low-grade inflammation implicating phagocytosing macrophages mediates
      demyelination and perturbation of axons. In the present study, we focus on colony
      stimulating factor-1, a cytokine implicated in macrophage differentiation,
      activation and proliferation and fostering neural damage in a model for Charcot
      Marie-Tooth neuropathy 1B. By crossbreeding a model for the X-linked form of
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy with osteopetrotic mice, a spontaneous null mutant
      for colony-stimulating factor-1, we demonstrate a robust and persistent
      amelioration of demyelination and axon perturbation. Furthermore, functionally
      important domains of the peripheral nervous system, such as juxtaparanodes and
      presynaptic terminals, were preserved in the absence of colony-stimulating factor
      1-dependent macrophage activation. As opposed to other Schwann cell-derived
      cytokines, colony-stimulating factor-1 is expressed by endoneurial fibroblasts,
      as revealed by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and detection of beta
      galactosidase expression driven by the colony-stimulating factor-1 promoter. By
      both light and electron microscopic studies, we detected extended cell-cell
      contacts between the colony-stimulating factor-1-expressing fibroblasts and
      endoneurial macrophages as a putative prerequisite for the effective and constant
      activation of macrophages by fibroblasts in the chronically diseased nerve.
      Interestingly, in human biopsies from patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1,
      we also found frequent cell-cell contacts between macrophages and endoneurial
      fibroblasts and identified the latter as main source for colony-stimulating
      factor-1. Therefore, our study provides strong evidence for a similarly
      pathogenic role of colony-stimulating factor-1 in genetically mediated
      demyelination in mice and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 disease in humans. Thus,
      colony-stimulating factor-1 or its cognate receptor are promising target
      molecules for treating the detrimental, low-grade inflammation of several
      inherited neuropathies in humans.

PMID- 22094539
TI  - Clinical significance of the pallidoreticular pathway in patients with carbon
      monoxide intoxication.
AB  - Whereas globus pallidus lesions resulting from carbon monoxide intoxication have
      been extensively described in the literature, the clinical significance of
      pallidoreticular lesions has rarely been mentioned. This study incorporated
      information from functional and structural imaging to explore the correlations of
      pallidoreticular lesions with parkinsonian features and neurobehavioural
      performance. Twenty-five patients (11 males) with globus pallidus lesions after
      carbon monoxide intoxication and 25 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled
      for detailed neurological examinations, cognitive testing, susceptibility
      weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and 99mTc-TRODAT-1 single photon
      emission computed tomography. The post-processing analysis of the neuroimaging
      included voxel-based morphometry to assess the regional atrophy, tract-based
      spatial statistics related to white matter involvement, tractography to
      investigate the rostral and caudal projections from the midbrain level and
      specific uptake ratios of 99mTc-TRODAT-1 for presynaptic dopaminergic transporter
      activity. In susceptibility weighted imaging, low-intensity pallidoreticular
      lesions were detected from the minimal-intensity projections, which were visible
      in only 7.7% of the T(1)-weighted images and 15.4% of the T(2)-weighted images,
      whereas inhomogeneous intensities were detected in the globus pallidus. The
      patients were further divided into two subgroups based on the presence (n = 13)
      or absence (n = 12) of pallidoreticular lesions. The patients with
      pallidoreticular lesions showed increased parkinsonian features, poorer
      performances on the neuropsychiatric tests, lower 99mTc-TRODAT-1 availability in
      both the caudate and the putamen and greater atrophy of the thalamus, posterior
      corpus callosum, cerebral peduncle and white matter surrounding the globus
      pallidus compared to those without pallidoreticular lesions. The tractography
      results obtained with seed regions of interest in the substantia nigra showed
      rostral projections to the supplementary motor cortex and anterior cingulate
      cortex via the globus pallidus; the two pathways were distinct but ran in
      parallel, caudal to the level of the globus pallidus. In conclusion, the presence
      of pallidoreticular lesions after carbon monoxide intoxication indicates a poorer
      cognitive state, which is associated with extensive grey and white matter damage
      in addition to the damage to the nigra-striatal neuronal networks. The presence
      of parkinsonian features may be related to pallidal and presynaptic dopaminergic
      dysfunction. The sensitivity for detecting pallidoreticular lesions can be
      greatly improved by using susceptibility weighted imaging compared with
      conventional imaging.

PMID- 22094540
TI  - A multicenter phase II randomized trial of docetaxel/gemcitabine versus
      docetaxel/capecitabine as first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer: a
      Gruppo Oncologico Italia Meridionale study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate two docetaxel-based regimens as first-line treatment in
      advanced breast cancer patients. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to
      docetaxel/gemcitabine (arm A: docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) on day 1, gemcitabine 1,000
      mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8) or docetaxel/capecitabine (arm B: docetaxel 75 mg/m(2)
      on day 1, capecitabine 1,250 mg/m(2) twice daily on days 1-14); both chemotherapy
      regimens were repeated every 21 days. The primary objective of the study was to
      evaluate the response rate. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were enrolled (36 each
      in arms A and B). Responses according to intention-to-treat analysis were as
      follows: arm A, 41.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 25.6-57.8]; arm B, 38.9% (95%
      CI 23-54.8). Median progression-free survival was 10.9 months (95% CI 8.1-13.7)
      in arm A and 10 months (95% CI 8.8-11.2) in arm B. Overall survival was 26 months
      (95% CI 22.0-30.0) in arm A and 28 months (95% CI 23.4-32.6) in arm B. Both
      treatments were well tolerated; myelosuppression was the dose-limiting toxicity,
      with grade 3-4 neutropenia in 13.8 and 19.4% of the patients in arms A and B,
      respectively. No relevant differences in other toxicities were observed in the
      two arms, except for diarrhea (13.9%) and hand-foot syndrome (11.1%), which
      occurred only in arm B. CONCLUSIONS: Both regimens were active and well tolerated
      in advanced breast cancer.

PMID- 22094541
TI  - Evaluation of CD4+/CD8+ T-cell expression and IFN-gamma, perforin secretion for B
      T constructs of F1 and V antigens of Yersinia pestis.
AB  - Yersinia pestis is a facultative bacterium that can survive and proliferate
      inside host macrophages and cause bubonic, pneumonic and systemic infection.
      Understanding the immune response generated by epitopes recognized by CD4+ and
      CD8+ T cells is important for the development of safe and effective vaccines
      designed to promote protective cellular immunity. Apart from humoral response,
      CD4+ T cells have shown to have a major role in combating the pneumonic form of
      the disease. In the present study, the secretion of IFN-gamma and IL-4 by
      splenocytes, stimulated by different constructs of B and T cell epitopes of F1
      and V antigens, was measured by ELISpot assay. We also measured perforin and IFN
      gamma expression as a function of cell mediated immunity by flow cytometry. Three
      B-T constructs of F1 and seven B-T constructs of V antigens produced a high
      number of IFN-gamma secreting cells as compared to native antigen and a low
      number of IL-4 secreting cells. B-T conjugates of F1 and V antigens showed
      significantly high (p<0.001) percentage of CD4+ IFN-gamma(+) cells as compared to
      CD8+ IFN-gamma(+) cells. Thus, the study highlights the importance of Th1
      cytokine and existence of high proportion of CD4+ T cells probably contributing
      protection in the host. This study proposes a new perspective for the development
      of vaccination strategies for Y. pestis that trigger T cell immune response.

PMID- 22094542
TI  - Molecular properties of lysozyme-microbubbles: towards the protein and nucleic
      acid delivery.
AB  - Microbubbles (MBs) have specific acoustic properties that make them useful as
      contrast agents in ultrasound imaging. The use of the MBs in clinical practice
      led to the development of more sensitive imaging techniques both in cardiology
      and radiology. Protein-MBs are typically obtained by dispersing a gas phase in
      the protein solution and the protein deposited/cross-linked on the gas-liquid
      interface stabilizes the gas core. Innovative applications of protein-MBs prompt
      the investigation on the properties of MBs obtained using different proteins that
      are able to confer them specific properties and functionality. Recently, we have
      synthesized stable air-filled lysozyme-MBs (LysMBs) using high-intensity
      ultrasound-induced emulsification of a partly reduced lysozyme in aqueous
      solutions. The stability of LysMBs suspension allows for post-synthetic
      modification of MBs surface. In the present work, the protein folded state and
      the biodegradability property of LysMBs were investigated by limited proteolysis.
      Moreover, LysMBs were coated and functionalized with a number of
      biomacromolecules (proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids). Remarkably, LysMBs
      show a high DNA-binding ability and protective effects of the nucleic acids from
      nucleases and, further, the ability to transform the bacteria cells. These
      results highlight on the possibility of using LysMBs for delivery of proteins and
      nucleic acids in prophylactic and therapeutic applications.

PMID- 22094543
TI  - Non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation of supercooled glacial acetic acid.
AB  - Non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation (NPLIN) of glacial acetic acid (GAA)
      is demonstrated. The fraction of samples nucleated depends linearly on peak laser
      power density at low powers (<100 MW cm(-2)) with a threshold of (9.0 +/- 4.2) MW
      cm(-2); at higher laser powers the fraction reaches a plateau of 0.75 +/- 0.24
      (2sigma uncertainties). A simple model based on polarizability of pre-nucleating
      clusters gives a value of the solid-liquid interfacial tension gamma(SL) = 15.5
      mJ m(-2). It is hoped that the results will stimulate new developments in
      experimental and theoretical studies of cluster structure and nucleation in
      liquids.

PMID- 22094544
TI  - Imitation of drug metabolism in human liver and cytotoxicity assay using a
      microfluidic device coupled to mass spectrometric detection.
AB  - In this work, we developed a microfluidic device for the imitation of drug
      metabolism in human liver and its cytotoxicity on cells. The integrated
      microfluidic device consists of three sections: (1) bioreactors containing
      poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) hydrogel encapsulated human liver microsomes (HLMs);
      (2) cell culture chambers for cytotoxicity assay; and (3) integrated micro solid
      phase extraction (SPE) columns to desalt and concentrate the products of
      enzymatic reaction. To verify the feasibility of the integrated microchip, we
      studied uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) metabolism of
      acetaminophen (AP) and the cytotoxicity of products on HepG2 cells. The products
      of the reaction in one region of the device were injected into the cell culture
      chamber for cytotoxicity assay, while those in another region were directly
      detected online with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometer (ESI-Q-TOF MS) after micro-SPE pre-treatment. Semiquantitative
      analysis achieved in the experiments could be related to the drug-induced HepG2
      cell cytotoxicity. Total analysis time for one product was about 30 min and only
      less than 4 MUg HLM protein was required for one reaction region. The results
      demonstrated that the established platform could be used to imitate drug
      metabolism occurring in the human liver, thereby replacing animal experiments in
      the near future. In addition, the integrated microchip will be a useful tool for
      drug metabolism studies and cytotoxicity assays, which are pivotal in drug
      development.

PMID- 22094545
TI  - Evaluation of the Veterans Health Administration traumatic brain injury screening
      program in the upper Midwest.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Veterans Health Administration's traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) screening program in terms of predictors of screening and positive
      screen follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective administrative data study. Multiple
      logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of TBI screening at a
      given appointment and among those screening positive, follow-up in a
      TBI/polytrauma specialty clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 15,973 Iraq and
      Afghanistan war veterans treated at a Veterans Affairs medical center in the
      upper Midwest during the first 18 months of the TBI screening program. RESULTS:
      Almost 90% of Iraq and Afghanistan veteran patients were offered TBI screening
      and 17% screened positive. Screening rates increased over time and varied by
      facility. Appointment type predicted screening with increased likelihood of
      screening during primary care and TBI/polytrauma clinic appointments. Younger,
      male, and army veterans without psychiatric diagnoses were more likely to be
      screened. Fifty-two percent of positive TBI screens had subsequent appointments
      in a TBI/polytrauma specialty clinic during the study period. Rates of follow-up
      in the clinic increased over time and varied by facility and patient
      characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Within the upper Midwest, Veterans Health
      Administration has had greater success implementing TBI screening than ensuring
      follow-up of positive screens in a specialty clinic. Research is needed on
      barriers to follow-up of positive screens and the outcomes of TBI screening and
      subsequent specialty care.

PMID- 22094546
TI  - Can the Glittre ADL test differentiate the functional capacity of COPD patients
      from that of healthy subjects?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Glittre ADL (TGlittre) test is a specifically designed to assess
      functional limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
      However, it is not known if it can differentiate the performance of these
      patients from healthy subjects. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the Glittre
      ADL test is able to differentiate the functional capacity of COPD patients from
      that of healthy subjects and to compare the cardiorespiratory response between
      Glittre ADL and the six-minute walk test (6MWT). METHODS: The study included 10
      patients with COPD (GOLD 2 to 4) and 10 healthy subjects matched by age who
      performed the following: spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilator, a Glittre ADL
      test and two 6MWT on two consecutive days. RESULTS: The performance of COPD
      (FEV1%pred= 38.1+/-11.8, age=64+/-10 years, BMI=23.7+/-5.2 kg/ m2) was worse than
      the control group on TGlittre (5.26+/-2.9 min, 3.3+/-0.3 min, p<0.05) and 6MWT
      (434.97+/-105.18 m vs. 593.25+/-87.36 m, p<0.05). TGlittre correlated with the
      physical activity domain of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL)
      scale (r=0.67, p<0.05) and with 6MWT when the total sample was analyzed (r=-0.64,
      p<0.05). The COPD group had a statistically higher (p<0.05) increase in dyspnea
      (Borg scale) than the control group for both TGlittre and 6MWT, with a similar
      heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation variation in both groups (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The performance of COPD patients is worse than that of healthy
      subjects on the Glittre ADL test, with a greater increase in dyspnea and similar
      heart rates.

PMID- 22094547
TI  - Objective structured clinical evaluation as an assessment method for
      undergraduate chest physical therapy students: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) has been
      considered a reliable method for the evaluation of students' clinical skills in
      health sciences, but it has been rarely applied in the teaching of physical
      therapy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of the OSCE as a tool to evaluate the
      abilities of undergraduate chest physical therapy students and to verify the
      internal consistency of the OSCE exam. METHODS: Forty-seven students were
      evaluated using two types of exams: the traditional exam and the OSCE.
      Independent educators elaborated the exams. Each question (traditional) or
      station (OSCE) was given a score ranging from 0.0 to 2.0; being 10.0 the highest
      possible score of both exams. The relationship between the total score that were
      obtained from both exams was analyzed using Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson's
      correlation coefficient. The internal consistency of the OSCE stations was
      evaluated by four experienced chest physical therapists and it was tested using
      Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The students' average score on the OSCE ranged from
      4.4 to 9.6. The internal consistency of the OSCE stations was considered good
      (0.7). The agreement between exams was analyzed, and it was determined that the
      exams are not comparable. Examiners also observed a low agreement between the two
      exams (r=-0.1; p=0.9). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that OSCE and traditional
      exams are not interchangeable. The OSCE exam had good internal consistency and is
      able to evaluate aspects that the traditional exam fails to evaluate.

PMID- 22094549
TI  - Neutrophil activation in severe, early-onset COPD patients versus healthy non
      smoker subjects in vitro: effects of antioxidant therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neutrophils and oxidative stress have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of COPD. Severe, early-onset COPD is characterized by a rapid
      decline in the lung function at an early age; however, nothing is known about
      neutrophil activation in COPD patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate peripheral blood neutrophil activation in severe, early-onset COPD
      patients versus healthy non-smokers and the effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)
      on neutrophil activation in vitro. METHODS: Neutrophils were isolated from 15
      severe, early-onset COPD patients and 15 age-matched healthy subjects and
      stimulated with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) in the presence or absence of NAC (10
      MUM to 10 mM). Neutrophil chemotaxis, elastase release, reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), intracellular thiols and apoptosis were measured by Boyden chamber,
      spectrofluorometry, CMFDA and H2DCF-DA dyes and by annexin V-FITC, respectively.
      RESULTS: Chemotaxis of peripheral blood neutrophils from COPD patients in
      response to fMLP was 30% more increased than that observed in healthy subjects.
      Elastase release in response to fMLP was 2-fold higher in neutrophils from COPD
      patients versus healthy subjects. Intracellular thiol levels were 30% lower in
      COPD and ROS was approximately 30% higher in COPD versus healthy neutrophils.
      Spontaneous apoptosis showed no differences in both groups of patients and fMLP
      induced apoptosis was higher in COPD. Pre-treatment with the antioxidant NAC
      effectively attenuated neutrophil chemotaxis, elastase release and ROS as well as
      effectively increased thiol levels in COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils in severe,
      early-onset COPD patients are highly activated and this is alleviated by NAC in
      vitro.

PMID- 22094550
TI  - An instrumented timed up and go: the added value of an accelerometer for
      identifying fall risk in idiopathic fallers.
AB  - The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a widely used measure of mobility and fall risk
      among older adults that is typically scored using a stopwatch. We tested the
      hypothesis that a body-fixed accelerometer can enhance the ability of the TUG to
      identify community-living older adults with a relatively high fall risk of
      unknown origin. Twenty-three community-living elderly fallers (76.0 +/- 3.9
      years) and 18 healthy controls (68.3 +/- 9.1 years) performed the TUG while
      wearing a 3D-accelerometer on the lower back. Acceleration-derived parameters
      included Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit times, amplitude range (Range), and slopes
      (Jerk). Average step duration, number of steps, average step length, gait speed,
      acceleration-median, and standard-deviation were also calculated. While the
      stopwatch-based TUG duration was not significantly different between the groups,
      acceleration-derived TUG duration was significantly higher (p = 0.007) among the
      fallers. Fallers generally exhibited lower Range and Jerk (p < 0.01). While TUG
      stopwatch duration successfully identified 63% of the subjects, an accelerometer
      derived three-measure-combination correctly classified 87% of the subjects.
      Accelerometer-derived measures were generally not correlated with TUG duration.
      These findings demonstrate that fallers have difficulty with specific TUG aspects
      that can be quantified using an accelerometer. Without compromising simplicity of
      testing, an accelerometer can apparently be combined with TUG duration to provide
      complementary, objective measures that allow for a more complete, sensitive TUG
      based fall risk assessment.

PMID- 22094551
TI  - New trends in diagnosis and control strategies for implant infections.
AB  - In implant infections, a quick and reliable identification of the etiological
      agent is crucial to realizing efficacious therapies. Among molecular methods,
      automated ribotyping has proven to be an accurate and rapid technique. More
      recently, MALDI-TOF/MS and PCR-electrospray ionization (ESI)/MS have been applied
      successfully to microbiological diagnosis. In implant infections, biofilm is
      still the major problem for bacterial persistence and recalcitrance to antibiotic
      therapy. Among biofilm-disrupting agents, enzymes promise the greatest
      therapeutic possibilities. DNase I degrades biofilm extracellular DNA and has
      been shown to sensitize biofilm to various biocides and anionic detergents, while
      dispersin B acts on biofilm exopolysaccharide and, combined with antiseptic,
      gives a broad-spectrum antibiofilm and antimicrobial activity. The novel
      antimicrobial approach based on photodynamic treatment (PDT) applies, in
      combination with antibiotics, to the implant or medical devices reachable by
      optical fibers. Better progress could be gained by the development of infection
      resistant biomaterials able to both inhibit bacterial adhesion and promote tissue
      integration. New knowledge regarding the fibronectin-mediated internalization of
      Staphylococcus aureus by osteoblasts, and on its role in the pathogenesis of
      implant-related osteomyelitis, paves the way for the development of vaccines
      against staphylococcal adhesins, to prevent both adhesion on biomaterials and
      bacterial invasion of bone cells.

PMID- 22094552
TI  - Antibiotic-induced biofilm formation.
AB  - Surface-attached colonies of bacteria known as biofilms play a major role in the
      pathogenesis of device-related infections. Biofilm colonies are notorious for
      their resistance to suprainhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Numerous
      studies have shown that subminimal inhibitory concentrations of some antibiotics
      can act as agonists of bacterial biofilm formation in vitro, a process that may
      have clinical relevance. This article reviews studies demonstrating that low-dose
      antibiotics induce bacterial biofilm formation. These studies have provided
      important information about the regulation of biofilm formation and the signaling
      pathways involved in global gene regulation in response to cell stressors. It is
      still unclear whether antibiotic-induced biofilm formation contributes to the
      inconsistent success of antimicrobial therapy for device infections.

PMID- 22094554
TI  - Influence of Co-Cr particles and Co-Cr ions on the growth of staphylococcal
      biofilms.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the last decades, hip prostheses with a metal-on-metal (MOM) bearing
      have been implanted by orthopedic surgeons worldwide. However, concerns are now
      raised towards the metal particles and degradation products released by MOM
      bearings into surrounding tissue, although effects of Co-Cr wear on infection are
      also unknown. Therefore, we here determine the viable volumes of staphylococcal
      biofilms formed on polystyrene in the absence and presence of Co-Cr particles and
      Co-Cr ions. METHODS: Three clinically derived and two commercially available
      staphylococcal strains were grown in the presence of 2 mg/mL Co-Cr particles or
      1000/500 ug/L Co-Cr ions derived from Co-Cr salts or from particle supernatant,
      under static and dynamic growth conditions. A dynamic model simulates the
      conditions that apply for biofilm formation in the human body, as synovial fluid
      in mobile patients with hip prostheses is in constant motion with accompanying
      shear rates. Images of 24 h old biofilms were made with confocal laser scanning
      microscopy and analyzed with the mathematical computer program COMSTAT, yielding
      the biovolume of a biofilm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed on the
      particles to study their elemental surface composition. RESULTS: Most isolates
      showed a tendency of reduced biofilm growth in the presence of Co-Cr particles
      compared to growth during exposure to metal ions, but this was only significant
      in one strain under the dynamic growth condition (Staphylococcus aureus 7388).
      Characterization of the outer surface of the particles revealed a Co-Cr oxide
      layer enriched by Mo relative to the bulk concentration. CONCLUSIONS: MOM
      bearings produce metal particles which were found to possess antibacterial
      characteristics under dynamic growth conditions. Further research is needed
      towards the clinical relevance of this finding.

PMID- 22094553
TI  - Role of antibiofilm-antimicrobial agents in controlling device-related
      infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on organism viability
      in planktonic and biofilm phases, biofilm thickness, and extracellular
      polysaccharide content. METHODS: We performed time-kill curves and broth
      macrodilution assays of bacterial and fungal clinical isolates with varying
      concentrations of NAC. We also created in vitro bacterial biofilms, incubated
      them with NAC or control, and then stained with propidium iodide and FITC-labeled
      concanavalin A. We measured biofilm thickness, number of non-viable cells, and
      fluorescent intensity as a marker of extracellular matrix via a confocal laser
      scanning microscope. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. Tested
      organisms included methicillin-sensitive and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MSSA, MRSA), S. epidermidis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE),
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida
      albicans and C. krusei. RESULTS: NAC 80 mg/ml was uniformly bactericidal (>99.9%
      reduction) against all tested bacteria with no recoverable organisms after 30
      minutes of incubation, but was fungistatic against candida species. Minimum
      inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of NAC ranged from 5-10 mg/ml. Biofilm
      thickness was significantly decreased in NAC-treated biofilms for all organisms
      except VRE. The number of non-viable cells in NAC-treated Gram-positive biofilms
      was increased (p<0.05 for MRSA and VRE). NAC-treated Gram-negative biofilms had
      scant cellularity and lacked complex 3-dimensional structures that were
      characteristic of controls. Fluorescent intensity was similar in the experimental
      and control arms. CONCLUSIONS: NAC is bactericidal against clinically relevant
      and drug-resistant bacteria and also leads to biofilm disruption. NAC has the
      potential for use as a novel agent for prevention or treatment of biofilm-related
      infections.

PMID- 22094555
TI  - Effect of amphotericin B alone or in combination with rifampicin or
      clarithromycin against Candida species biofilms.
AB  - Effectiveness of amphotericin B alone or in combination with rifampicin or
      clarithromycin on the killing of Candida species biofilms was investigated in
      vitro. Amphotericin B was assayed at 0.005 to 10 mg/ml. Rifampin and
      clarithromycin were assayed at 10 mg/ml. We studied 7 Candida albicans, 3 Candida
      parapsilosis, 3 Candida glabrata, 3 Candida krusei and 2 Candida tropicalis
      strains. Biofilms were developed in 96-well, flat-bottomed microtiter plates for
      48 hours. A synergistic effect between amphotericin B and clarithromycin was
      demonstrated against 66.6% of C. parapsilosis, 66.6% of C. glabrata, and 42.8% of
      C. albicans biofilms. A synergistic effect between amphotericin B and rifampin
      was demonstrated against 66.6% of C. parapsilosis, 42.8% of C. albicans, and
      33.3% of C. glabrata biofilms. No synergistic effect was observed against C.
      krusei or C. tropicalis biofilms with any of the combinations. Rifampin or
      clarithromycin alone did not exert any effect on Candida species biofilms.
      Rifampin or clarithromycin combinations with amphotericin B might be of interest
      in the treatment of Candida biofilm-related infections.

PMID- 22094556
TI  - Concise survey of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors that promote adhesion
      and damage to peri-implant tissues.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of infection in orthopedic implants
      and of osteomyelitis consequent to it. Here we focus on the wide array of
      virulence factors that endow S. aureus with its abilities to colonize peri
      prosthesis tissues and to attack and damage them. Following an infective strategy
      orchestrated by agr locus, Staphylococcus aureus first deploys virulence factors
      for adhesion to the prosthesis and peri-prosthesis tissues and then launches its
      attack by delivering destructive factors.

PMID- 22094557
TI  - Emerging pathogenetic mechanisms of the implant-related osteomyelitis by
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Implant-related osteomyelitis is a severe and deep infection of bone that arises
      and develops all around an implant. Staphylococcus aureus is the first cause of
      osteomyelitis, whether implant-related or not. Bone is an optimal substratum for
      S. aureus, since this bacterium expresses various adhesins by which can adhere to
      bone proteins and to the biomaterial surfaces coated with the proteins of the
      host extracellular matrix. S. aureus is able not only to colonize bone tissues,
      but also to invade and disrupt them by entering bone cells and inducing cell
      death and osteolysis. Here we illustrate the pathogenetic mechanisms that can
      explain how the osteomyelitis sets in and develops around an implant.

PMID- 22094558
TI  - Internalization by osteoblasts of two Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates
      differing in their adhesin gene pattern.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is the leading etiologic agent of implant orthopedic
      infections. Until recently S. aureus was considered a mere extracellular
      pathogen; it then turned out to be able to invade eukaryotic cells. Adhesion of
      S. aureus to peri-prosthesis tissues represents the starting of the infection
      pathogenesis and the first step of the subsequent internalization of S. aureus by
      host cells. In the present work the experimental observations on two epidemic
      clinical strains differing in their adhesin pattern demonstrate the crucial role
      of the fibronectin-binding protein A in the internalization process and suggest
      that CNA and Bbp adhesins can play a synergistic role by acting in the initial
      adhesion of S. aureus to osteoblasts, thus favoring the subsequent FnBPA-mediated
      internalization.

PMID- 22094559
TI  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in innate immune defense against Staphylococcus
      aureus.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most important class of innate pattern
      recognition receptors (PRRs) by which host immune and non-immune cells are able
      to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Most mammalian
      species have 10 to 15 types of TLRs. TLRs are believed to function as homo- or
      hetero-dimers. TLR2, which plays a crucial role in recognizing PAMPs from
      Staphylococcus aureus, forms heterodimers with TLR1 or TLR6 and each dimer has a
      different ligand specificity. Staphylococcal lipoproteins, Panton-Valentine toxin
      and Phenol Soluble Modulins have been identified as potent TLR2 ligands.
      Conversely, the ligand function attributed to peptidoglycan and LTA remains
      controversial. TLR2 uses a MyD88-dependent signaling pathway that results in NF
      kB translocation into the nucleus and activation of the expression of pro
      inflammatory cytokine genes. Recognition rouses both an inflammatory response,
      culminating in the phagocytosis of bacteria, and an adaptive immune response,
      with the presentation of resulting bacterial compounds to T cells. Here, recent
      advances on the recognition of S. aureus by TLRs are presented and discussed, as
      well as the new therapeutic opportunities deriving from this new knowledge.

PMID- 22094560
TI  - Biofilm growth on implants: bacteria prefer plasma coats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bacterial biofilm formation on prostheses or devices used for
      osteosynthesis is increasingly recognized as cause of persistent infections, an
      entity known as implant-associated posttraumatic osteomyelitis. Biofilm formation
      is a very complex, multistep process with adhesion as the first and decisive
      step. The most prevalent pathogens found are staphylococci species, especially S.
      aureus, presumably due to a preference to non-biological materials, such as
      metal. Adherence is influenced by several factors, including the
      microenvironment, in which blood proteins from serum or plasma might influence
      adhesion and maybe biofilm formation. The aim of the present study was to test
      and to compare adherence of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa to different biological
      and non-biological surfaces in vitro. The question was addressed if coating of
      the surface by plasma or serum proteins influences bacterial adherence. METHODS:
      Adherence of radiolabeled bacteria to different surfaces in the presence or
      absence or serum/plasma proteins was measured over time. RESULTS: When testing
      adherence of S. aureus to plastic, titanium or to monolayers of epithelial cells
      (A549) or fibroblasts (Colo800) a clear-cut preference for non-biological
      surfaces, especially for titanium was seen. Using P. aeruginosa species a similar
      pattern without a significant difference was revealed. When mimicking the in vivo
      situation by pre-coating of titanium with human serum or plasma adherence was
      increased, especially when titanium was coated ("opsonized") by plasma.
      CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial adherence to surfaces is determined by a variety of
      factors such as temperature, the presence of nutrients, the absence of host
      defense systems and the configuration of the covered surface. In vivo, adherence
      to non-biological surfaces is also influenced by the microenvironment, especially
      plasma proteins, promoting biofilm formation.

PMID- 22094561
TI  - Biofilm formation of Candida spp. isolates from patients at a cardiothoracic
      intensive care unit.
AB  - Invasive Candida infections in seriously ill patients are rare but associated
      with high mortality, while Candida colonization of the mucocuteneous surfaces is
      common in patients admitted to intensive care units. To investigate biofilm
      formation as a possible virulence factor, we analyzed the biofilm formation of
      128 non-invasive isolates from long-term ICU patients and that of 106 invasive
      bloodstream isolates. Candida biofilms were quantified by the percent
      transmittance (%Tbloc) method. Crystal Violet (CV) staining was used as marker of
      biofilm thickness, and XTT assay was used as a marker of the metabolic activity
      of Candida cells. The ability of biofilm formation was 99.2% in the non-invasive
      isolates versus 96.2% in the bloodstream isolates (%Tbloc vs.%Tbloc not
      significant). However, high biofilm production (%Tbloc, >=35) was more frequent
      among the non-invasive isolates compared to the bloodstream isolates (78.1 vs.
      72.5, p<0.001).

PMID- 22094562
TI  - Extracellular DNA in biofilms.
AB  - Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is an important biofilm component that was recently
      discovered. Its presence has been initially observed in biofilms of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus mutans, then Enterococcus
      faecalis and staphylococci. Autolysis is the common mechanism by which eDNA is
      released. In P. aeruginosa eDNA is generated by lysis of a bacterial
      subpopulation, under control of quorum sensing system. In E. faecalis autolysis
      proceeds in a fratricide mode, resulting from a process similar to necrosis of
      eukaryotic cells. In Staphylococcus aureus autolysis originates by an altruistic
      suicide, i.e., a programmed cell death similar to apoptosis of eukaryotic cells.
      In S. aureus autolysis is mediated by murein hydrolase, while in S. epidermidis
      by the autolysin protein AtlE. In P. aeruginosa eDNA is located primarily in the
      stalks of mushroom-shaped multicellular structures. In S. aureus the crucial role
      of eDNA in stabilizing biofilm is highlighted by the disgregating effect of DNase
      I. eDNA represents an important mechanism for horizontal gene transfer in
      bacteria. eDNA and other microbial structural motifs are recognized by the innate
      immune system via the TLR family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs).

PMID- 22094563
TI  - Exopolysaccharide production by Staphylococcus epidermidis and its relationship
      with biofilm extracellular DNA.
AB  - Implant-related infections are difficult to treat because they are very often
      associated with biofilm-forming micro-organisms capable of resisting host immune
      defenses and surviving conventional antibiotic treatments. In Staphylococcus
      epidermidis biofilm-forming strains, the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin
      (PIA), whose expression is encoded by the icaADBC operon, is recognized as a main
      staphylococcal accumulation mechanism. Nevertheless, various observations have
      shown that PIA expression is dispensable and a variety of additional/alternative
      accumulation mechanisms, including extracellular DNA (eDNA) and several other
      factors of proteic nature, can compensate for icaADBC low expression or even for
      its absence. A suggestive hypothesis points to the possibility that changes in
      biofilm extracellular matrix composition can be induced in different
      environmental niches. In this study we aimed at investigating the relationship
      between the exopolysaccharide and eDNA biofilm components, screening 55 S.
      epidermidis clinical isolates by means of a simple fluorescence-based microtiter
      plate assay. Our findings indicate the existence of a certain degree of
      correlation, although not a strict one, between eDNA and the exopolysaccharide
      component. The presence of exopolysaccharide greatly varied even in strains
      belonging to the same strain type determined by automated riboprinting.

PMID- 22094564
TI  - Biofilm extracellular-DNA in 55 Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates from
      implant infections.
AB  - Biofilm formation is broadly recognized as an important virulence factor in many
      bacterial species implicated in implant-related opportunistic infections. In
      spite of a long history of research and many investigative efforts aimed at
      elucidating their chemical composition, structure, and function, the nature of
      bacterial biofilms still remains only partly revealed. Over the years, different
      extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have been described that contribute
      functionally and structurally to the organization of biofilms. Recently
      extracellular DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a quantitatively conspicuous and
      potentially relevant structural component of microbial biofilms of many microbial
      species, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis among them. The present study
      aims at comparatively investigating the amount of eDNA present in the biofilm of
      55 clinical isolates of S. epidermidis from postsurgical and biomaterial-related
      orthopedic infections. Quantification of eDNA was performed by a non-destructive
      method directly on bacterial biofilms formed under static conditions on the
      plastic surface of 96-well plates.

PMID- 22094565
TI  - Molecular diagnostics in periprosthetic joint infection.
AB  - Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant and costly challenge to the
      orthopedic community. The lack of a gold standard for diagnosis remains the
      biggest obstacle in the detection and subsequent treatment of PJI. Molecular
      markers in the serum and joint fluid aspirate hold immense promise to enhance the
      development of a firm diagnostic criterion. The primary goal is one marker with
      high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we review our current research efforts in
      the field of molecular markers: C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate, white blood cells, and leukocyte esterase. Each marker has been studied to
      determine its sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive
      values in diagnosing PJI.

PMID- 22094566
TI  - Bacterial DNA from orthopedic implants after routine removal.
AB  - Bacterial 16S rDNA was monitored and identified from orthopedic metallic implants
      after routine or septic removal from patients in a German hospital. From March to
      June 2009, 28 metallic implants, 10 human biopsies, and 6 foam dressings from 28
      patients were investigated. After analysis of this first collective, the methods
      were optimized to enhance sensitivity and to reduce interference with human DNA.
      Then a second collective consisting of 21 metallic implants from 21 patients was
      investigated from June 2009 to January 2010. In the first collective, 71% of the
      metallic implants were negative for eubacterial DNA. Pathogens such as
      Staphylococcus aureus and opportunists such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus were
      identified in 11% of the samples, whereas the residual 18% positive results were
      classified as from skin sources or could not be confirmed. Tissue, secretion, and
      bone samples as well as foam dressings from the same collective also contained
      pathogens and opportunists. After the optimization of the methods, a considerable
      increase of positive samples was seen: in the second collective 19 of the 21
      metallic implants proved to be positive for eubacterial 16S rDNA. Bacterial DNA
      from environmental sources was detected in 13 samples, and in 20 specimens,
      predominantly mostly the skin. Opportunistic pathogens were detected in 19
      samples. Interestingly, septic complications did not occur despite the presence
      of bacterial DNA. The results obtained up to now encourage us not only to
      continue a directed monitoring of bacterial DNA on orthopedic implants in
      practice but also to look intensely for possible sources of bacterial
      contamination during and after insertion or during removal of such implants.

PMID- 22094567
TI  - Efficacy of debridement in hematogenous and early post-surgical prosthetic joint
      infections.
AB  - PURPOSES: To review patients with a hematogenous and early post-surgical
      prosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to S. aureus treated with debridement and
      retention of the implant and to compare their clinical characteristics and
      outcome. METHODS: From January 2000 all patients with a prosthetic joint
      infection treated in a single-center were prospectively registered and followed
      up. All potentially variables associated with outcome were recorded. For the
      present study, cases with a hematogenous or early post-surgical PJI due to S.
      aureus treated with debridement and at least 2 years of follow-up were reviewed.
      Cox regression model to identify factors associated with outcome were applied.
      RESULTS: 12 hematogenous and 53 early post-surgical PJI due to S. aureus were
      included. Number of patients presenting with fever, leucocyte count, C-reactive
      protein concentration, and the number of bacteremic patients were significantly
      higher in hematogenous infections while the number of polymicrobial infections
      was lower in hematogenous than in early post-surgical infections. The global
      failure rate in hematogenous and early post-surgical PJI was 58.7% and 24.5%,
      respectively (p=0.02). The Cox regression model identified hematogenous
      infections (OR: 2.57, CI95%: 1.02-6.51, p=0.04) and the need of a second
      debridement (OR: 4.61, CI95%: 1.86-11.4, p=0.001) as independent predictors of
      failure. CONCLUSION: Hematogenous infections were monomicrobial and had more
      severe symptoms and signs of infection than early post-surgical PJI. Hematogenous
      PJI due to S. aureus, using debridement with implant retention, had a worse
      outcome than early post-surgical infections.

PMID- 22094568
TI  - Relationship between intraoperative cultures during hip arthroplasty, obesity,
      and the risk of early prosthetic joint infection: a prospective study of 428
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between intraoperative cultures during hip
      arthroplasty, the different patient characteristics, and the risk of developing a
      prosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: A prospective observational study was
      performed. Patients who underwent elective THA from March 2007 to March of 2011
      were included. Three samples were taken just after arthrotomy: synovial fluid
      inoculated into blood culture flasks (SF), a tissue sample (TS), and a swab of
      peri- prosthetic tissue (S). Patients received standard antibiotic prophylaxis.
      The PJI rate within the first 3 months after arthroplasty was recorded. RESULTS:
      402 prostheses were included in the study. Contamination rate of synovial fluid
      was 10.2%. The most frequent isolated microorganism was coagulase-negative
      staphylococci (CoNS) (32 out of 41). Body mass index (BMI) was the only host
      characteristic associated with positive intraoperative culture (p=0.009). The PJI
      rate was 3.7%. Variables associated with PJI in the univariate and multivariate
      analysis were: age =67 years (p=0.012 OR: 5.35 (1.45-19.81); CI95%) and a BMI =35
      (p=0.002, OR: 7.7 (2.12-27.85) CI95%). PJI rate among patients with BMI<35 with
      negative and positive intraoperative cultures was 3% and 2.7%, respectively,
      however, the rate among patients with BMI = 35 was 15% and 25%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: A BMI =35 was associated with a higher risk of positive
      intraoperative culture during hip arthroplasty. In addition, a BMI >=35 was
      independently associated with a high risk of PJI and the highest rate was
      documented among obese patients with positive intraoperative cultures.

PMID- 22094569
TI  - Preoperative nutritional status and post-operative infection in total knee
      replacements: a prospective study of 213 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the potential relationship between preoperative nutritional
      status, including anthropometric parameters, and infection following total knee
      replacement surgery. METHODS: A total of 213 patients undergoing total knee
      replacement between December 2007 and May 2008 were prospectively studied.
      Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. For each patient we pre
      operatively checked biochemical and anthropometric parameters of nutrition
      information about co-morbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure, ASA
      score, age, and gender. Information about early infections, both superficial and
      deep, was collected. A descriptive statistical analysis and
      univariate/multivariate logistic regression model for risk factors were
      performed. RESULTS: Eleven patients (5.16%) had an infection, 5 deep and 6
      superficial. Neither co-morbidities nor preoperatively biochemical parameters
      were associated with infection. However, in the univariate logistic regression
      model there was an inversely proportional relationship between triceps skinfold
      (TSF) and infection. After adjusting for age, ASA score and gender (multivariate
      logistic regression), TSF remained significantly associated with infection.
      CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant association between TSF and
      post-operative infection risk after TKR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I (Prospective
      prognostic study).

PMID- 22094570
TI  - Copper and silver ion implantation of aluminium oxide-blasted titanium surfaces:
      proliferative response of osteoblasts and antibacterial effects.
AB  - Implant infection still represents a major clinical problem in orthopedic
      surgery. We therefore tested the in vitro biocompatibility and antibacterial
      effects of copper (Cu)- and silver (Ag)-ion implantation. Discs of a commonly
      used titanium alloy (Ti6AlV4) with an aluminium oxide-blasted surface were
      treated by Cu- or Ag-ion implantation with different dosage regimen (ranging from
      1e15-17 ions cm(-2) at energies of 2-20 keV). The samples were seeded with
      primary human osteoblasts and cell attachment and proliferation was analyzed by
      an MTT-assay. In comparison to the reference titanium alloy there was no
      difference in the number of attached viable cells after two days. After seven
      days the number of viable cells was increased for Cu with 1e17 ions cm(-2) at 2
      and 5 keV, and for Ag with 1e16 ions cm(-2) at 5 keV while it was reduced for the
      highest amount of Ag deposition (1e17 ions cm(-2) at 20 keV). Antibacterial
      effects on S.aureus and E.coli were marginal for the studied dosages of Cu but
      clearly present for Ag with 1e16 ions cm(-2) at 2 and 5 keV and 1e17 ions cm(-2)
      at 20 keV. These results indicate that Ag-ion implantation may be a promising
      methodological approach for antibacterial functionalization of titanium implants.

PMID- 22094571
TI  - Photoactivated disinfection (PAD) in endodontics: an in vitro microbiological
      evaluation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was the in vitro evaluation by MTT
      test of the antimicrobial effect of photoactivated disinfection (PAD) and,
      comparatively, of a conventional 5.25% NaOCl irrigating solution. METHODS:
      Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis strains
      were selected for the test. Freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth were
      endodontically treated, inoculated with bacterial strains and then divided into
      different groups, each of them treated with PAD, with PAD plus 0.5% NaOCl
      solution, with TBO, with PAD for longer time and with 5% NaOCl solution (positive
      control). RESULTS: The results were significantly different among the various
      groups, and for Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus
      sanguis. PAD applied for a longer time (in respect to manufacturer's
      instructions) or PAD associated to 5% NaOCl showed the significantly higher
      antibacterial effects.

PMID- 22094572
TI  - Poly(ethylene glycol) and hydroxy functionalized alkane phosphate self-assembled
      monolayers reduce bacterial adhesion and support osteoblast proliferation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Presently there is interest today in designing improved titanium
      surfaces capable of high bioactivity in order to promote strong anchorage of the
      bone surrounding implants while at the same time discouraging bioadhesion.
      Poly(ethylene glycol)-modified (PEG) alkane phosphate and OH-terminated alkane
      phosphates have been demonstrated to be spontaneously adsorbed onto titanium
      oxide surfaces and produce surfaces with different protein resistance in relation
      to the PEG surface density. This study aims to evaluate caries-associated
      Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) adhesion and osteoblast proliferation while
      varying the PEG surface density of titanium surfaces. METHODS: Bacterial adhesion
      was quantified by fluorescence microscopy and SAOS-2 human osteoblast
      proliferation was evaluated up to 7 days of culture in vitro. Metabolic activity
      of osteoblasts was measured by MTT test and the secretion of extracellular matrix
      proteins (osteopontin, osteocalcin and type I collagen) in culture medium was
      determined by immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: As the PEG surface density
      increased, the bacterial adhesion considerably decreased when compared to
      uncoated titanium surfaces. The monomolecular coatings proved to be capable of
      supporting osteoblast proliferation with the greatest levels of metabolic
      activity at the highest PEG surface concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      are extremely promising for potential clinical application in implant uses where
      both reduction of bacteria adhesion and stimulation of bone formation are highly
      desirable.

PMID- 22094573
TI  - Antibacterial effects of six endodontic sealers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to perform an in vitro evaluation of the
      antibacterial properties of 6 endodontic sealers (Endomethasone C, Argoseal,
      Bioseal Normal, Acroseal, AH Plus, Sicura Seal). METHODS: The agar diffusion test
      (well and paper disc methods) with Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus
      and Streptococcus mutans was used. For the well method, Petri dishes were
      inoculated with bacterial suspensions. Each well was completely filled with
      freshly mixed endodontic sealer. For the paper disc method, sterile paper discs
      were immersed in freshly mixed sealers and put on agar plates. Diameters of halos
      formed around the sealers were measured after 24 h and 48 h. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: The effects of well method and of paper disc method were analyzed by 1
      way ANOVA. RESULTS: Endomethasone C, Argoseal and Bioseal showed the largest
      inhibition halos for all the tested microorganisms, while Sicura Seal and AH Plus
      showed low antibacterial effects. Moreover, the comparison of well method and
      paper disc methods showed significant statistical differences (P<0,01) for all
      sealers and indicated a dose-dependent antimicrobial effect.

PMID- 22094574
TI  - In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of endodontic irrigants.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare in vitro, by MTT assay, the
      antimicrobial efficacy of Niclor 5 (5% NaOCl solution), Cloreximid (0.2%
      chlorhexidine and 0.2% cetrimide solution), 3% hydrogen peroxide and 17% EDTA
      against two microorganisms associated with primary endodontic infections.
      METHODS: Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans strains were selected for
      this test. Freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth were endodontically
      treated, inoculated with bacterial strains and then divided into different
      groups, each of them rinsed with Niclor 5 (5% NaOCl solution), Cloreximid (0.2%
      chlorhexidine and 0.2% cetrimide solution), 3% hydrogen peroxide,17% EDTA and
      with 5% NaOCl solution (positive control). RESULTS: Even though all the tested
      irrigating solutions demonstrated antibacterial effects against E. faecalis and
      S. mutans, the results were significantly different between the various groups.
      The greatest antimicrobial effects were observed in groups treated with 5% NaOCl
      and 17% EDTA. Interestingly, the effectiveness of EDTA could be ascribed to its
      capability of detaching biofilm from canal walls.

PMID- 22094575
TI  - Bone reconstruction: Au nanocomposite bioglasses with antibacterial properties.
AB  - Bioglasses are of wide interest since they spontaneously bond and integrate with
      living bone in the body. By varying the glass chemistry and/or by adding some
      dopants, it is possible to improve their clinical applications. Gold
      nanoparticles (Au NPs) are a well-known antibacterial agent, as well as a unique
      probe for sensing and imaging applications. We report on the synthesis of a 58S
      bioglass doped with Au NPs at two doping levels: 0.1% wt. and 1% wt.
      Antibacterial properties were observed on the Gram-positive Staphylococcus
      aureus, whereas no significant effects were found on the Gram-negative
      Escherichia coli. A possible mechanism of action of Au NPs towards bacteria has
      been described.

PMID- 22094576
TI  - Titanium oxide antibacterial surfaces in biomedical devices.
AB  - Titanium oxide is a heterogeneous catalyst whose efficient photoinduced activity,
      related to some of its allotropic forms, paved the way for its widespread
      technological use. Here, we offer a comparative analysis of the use of titanium
      oxide as coating for materials in biomedical devices. First, we introduce the
      photoinduced catalytic mechanisms of TiO2 and their action on biological
      environment and bacteria. Second, we overview the main physical and chemical
      technologies for structuring suitable TiO2 coatings on biomedical devices. We
      then present the approaches for in vitro characterization of these surfaces.
      Finally, we discuss the main aspects of TiO2 photoactivated antimicrobial
      activity on medical devices and limitations for these types of applications.

PMID- 22094577
TI  - Challenges in periprosthetic knee-joint infection.
AB  - The number of knee arthroplasty procedures is growing and projected to further
      increase. The risk for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is estimated to be
      low (<1%). However, considering the increasing number of total knee arthroplasty,
      the increasing number of patients with multiple comorbidities, and the lifelong
      risk for acquiring hematogenous infection, the total number of PJI will further
      increase. Despite existing treatment concepts for PJI of the knee, there are
      still questions to solve, such as type of debridement surgery in case of implant
      retention, the role of a spacer from a microbiological perspective, and the
      optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy. In this REVIEW, these questions will
      be analyzed according to the available literature and the experience of the
      authors. Moreover, we REVIEW the most recent data on infection, risk factors, and
      microbiology of PJI.

PMID- 22094578
TI  - Sensitivity of ring growth and carbon allocation to climatic variation vary
      within ponderosa pine trees.
AB  - Most dendrochronological studies focus on cores sampled from standard positions
      (main stem, breast height), yet vertical gradients in hydraulic constraints and
      priorities for carbon allocation may contribute to different growth sensitivities
      with position. Using cores taken from five positions (coarse roots, breast
      height, base of live crown, mid-crown branch and treetop), we investigated how
      radial growth sensitivity to climate over the period of 1895-2008 varies by
      position within 36 large ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) in northern
      Arizona. The climate parameters investigated were Palmer Drought Severity Index,
      water year and monsoon precipitation, maximum annual temperature, minimum annual
      temperature and average annual temperature. For each study tree, we generated
      Pearson correlation coefficients between ring width indices from each position
      and six climate parameters. We also investigated whether the number of missing
      rings differed among positions and bole heights. We found that tree density did
      not significantly influence climatic sensitivity to any of the climate parameters
      investigated at any of the sample positions. Results from three types of analyses
      suggest that climatic sensitivity of tree growth varied with position height: (i)
      correlations of radial growth and climate variables consistently increased with
      height; (ii) model strength based on Akaike's information criterion increased
      with height, where treetop growth consistently had the highest sensitivity and
      coarse roots the lowest sensitivity to each climatic parameter; and (iii) the
      correlation between bole ring width indices decreased with distance between
      positions. We speculate that increased sensitivity to climate at higher positions
      is related to hydraulic limitation because higher positions experience greater
      xylem tensions due to gravitational effects that render these positions more
      sensitive to climatic stresses. The low sensitivity of root growth to all
      climatic variables measured suggests that tree carbon allocation to coarse roots
      is independent of annual climate variability. The greater number of missing rings
      in branches highlights the fact that canopy development is a low priority for
      carbon allocation during poor growing conditions.

PMID- 22094579
TI  - Trends in skin cancer knowledge, sun protection practices and behaviours in the
      Northern Ireland population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sun exposure increases risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma,
      incidence of which continues to rise. Reported skin cancer knowledge and trends
      in sun care behaviours are documented in a UK region where there has been 20
      years of sun-related health promotion campaigns. METHODS: In 2000, 2004 and 2008,
      a 'care in the sun' module was included in the Northern Ireland (NI) Omnibus
      survey. Randomly selected subjects were asked to complete a sun-related
      questionnaire and proportions of respondents analysed by demographic and socio
      economic factors, with differences tested using z-tests and the chi-squared test.
      RESULTS: Around 3623 persons responded. Skin cancer knowledge was high (97%). Sun
      avoidance decreased with time and was lowest among younger age groups and males.
      Sunscreen use was high (70%), unchanged over 8 years, and more likely among
      younger age groups, females, those in paid employment, and those with tertiary
      level education. Use of sunscreen with minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 (a
      campaign message) increased from 45% to 70% (P < 0.01). Skin self-examination was
      infrequent (8%), less common among those aged >=65 years, males and those with
      only primary or secondary level education. CONCLUSIONS: Messages on sunscreen use
      have penetrated the population well, but lower use among the unemployed suggests
      cost as an issue. Lack of sun avoidance in young people, especially men, poses a
      risk for further skin cancer increases. Low levels of reported skin self
      examination in older people, men and those with lower educational attainment
      identify areas for further action.

PMID- 22094580
TI  - Alpha-lipoic acid preserves the structural and functional integrity of red blood
      cells by adjusting the redox disturbance and decreasing O-GlcNAc modifications of
      antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins in diabetic rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the daily
      administration of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) during 4 weeks prevents the redox
      disturbance in red blood cells (RBC) described in diabetes METHODS: Multiple low
      dose streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes was induced in rats by the administration of
      40 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 5 consecutive days. LA was applied at a
      dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. for 4 weeks, starting from the last day of STZ
      administration. RESULTS: The LA-treated diabetic rats exhibited a general
      systemic improvement, revealed as the near restoration of body weight and of
      essential biochemical parameters. The latter was displayed as decreased
      hyperglycemia, lower triglyceride levels and lower serum activities of alanine
      aminotransferases and aspartate aminotransferases that point to a general
      improvement of diabetes-linked organ "lesions". The LA-treated diabetic rats also
      exhibited significant alleviation of oxidative stress, manifested as decreased
      lipid peroxidation and lower glycation levels of serum proteins and hemoglobin,
      while the RBC exhibited increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and elevated
      levels of reduced glutathione. In RBC, this was accompanied by decreased post
      translational glycosylation by O-bound beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) of the
      antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase and of heat shock proteins
      HSP70 and HSP90. CONCLUSION: LA through its powerful antioxidant activity
      preserves the structural and functional integrity of RBC in diabetes. The RBC can
      then assume a more efficient role as the first line of systemic defense against
      diabetic complications arising from oxidative stress-induced damage of other
      tissues and organs.

PMID- 22094581
TI  - Soy intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese Singaporeans [corrected].
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the association between soy products and their components,
      isoflavones and protein, and incident type 2 diabetes in a population with varied
      soy intake and high rates of diabetes. METHODS: We used data from the Singapore
      Chinese Health Study, including 43,176 Chinese men and women aged 45-74 years,
      free of chronic disease at baseline (1993-1998) and followed through 2004. Intake
      of individual soy items, total unsweetened soy, and soy components was assessed
      by food-frequency questionnaire and examined with type 2 diabetes risk using Cox
      regression. RESULTS: During an average follow-up of 5.7 years, 2,252 of the
      43,176 participants included in the current analyses developed diabetes. After
      adjustment for potential confounders and BMI, consumption of unsweetened soy was
      inversely associated with diabetes risk. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI for
      diabetes across unsweetened soy intake categories (none, 1-4/month, 1-2/week, 3
      4/week, >= 5/week) were: 1 (referent), 0.81 (0.67-0.97), 0.76 (0.63-0.91), 0.76
      (0.63-0.92), and 0.72 (0.59-0.89), respectively (P (trend) = 0.015). Conversely,
      in multivariate models, consuming sweetened soybean drink was positively
      associated with diabetes risk. HRs for diabetes across soybean drink intake
      categories (none, 1-3/month, 1/week, >= 2/week) were: 1 (referent), 1.07 (0.95
      1.20), 1.12 (1.00-1.26), and 1.13 (1.00-1.28), respectively (P (trend) = 0.03).
      Furthermore, after full adjustment, including adjustment for sweetened soy items,
      we observed a marginally significant inverse association between isoflavone
      intake and diabetes (HR for the fifth compared to the first quintile: 0.76; 95%
      CI: 0.58-1.00; P (trend) = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings support a
      protective role for unsweetened soy foods and isoflavones on risk of type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 22094583
TI  - Dll1/Notch activation accelerates multiple myeloma disease development by
      promoting CD138+ MM-cell proliferation.

PMID- 22094584
TI  - Whole-exome sequencing of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common malignant disorder in
      childhood, is typically associated with numerical chromosomal aberrations, fusion
      genes or small focal deletions, thought to represent important pathogenetic
      events in the development of the leukemia. Mutations, such as single nucleotide
      changes, have also been reported in childhood ALL, but these have only been
      studied by sequencing a small number of candidate genes. Herein, we report the
      first unbiased sequencing of the whole exome of two cases of pediatric ALL
      carrying the ETV6/RUNX1 (TEL/AML1) fusion gene (the most common genetic subtype)
      and corresponding normal samples. A total of 14 somatic mutations were
      identified, including four and seven protein-altering nucleotide substitutions in
      each ALL. Twelve mutations (86%) occurred in genes previously described to be
      mutated in other types of cancer, but none was found to be recurrent in an
      extended series of 29 ETV6/RUNX1-positive ALLs. The number of single nucleotide
      mutations was similar to the number of copy number alterations as detected by
      single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Although the true pathogenetic
      significance of the mutations must await future functional evaluations, this
      study provides a first estimate of the mutational burden at the genetic level of
      t(12;21)-positive childhood ALL.

PMID- 22094586
TI  - NKL homeobox genes in leukemia.
AB  - NK-like (NKL) homeobox genes code for transcription factors, which can act as key
      regulators in fundamental cellular processes. NKL genes have been implicated in
      divergent types of cancer. In this review, we summarize the involvement of NKL
      genes in cancer and leukemia in particular. NKL genes can act as tumor-suppressor
      genes and as oncogenes, depending on tissue type. Aberrant expression of NKL
      genes is especially common in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). In T
      ALL, 8 NKL genes have been reported to be highly expressed in specific T-ALL
      subgroups, and in ~30% of cases, high expression is caused by chromosomal
      rearrangement of 1 of 5 NKL genes. Most of these NKL genes are normally not
      expressed in T-cell development. We hypothesize that the NKL genes might share a
      similar downstream effect that promotes leukemogenesis, possibly due to mimicking
      a NKL gene that has a physiological role in early hematopoietic development, such
      as HHEX. All eight NKL genes posses a conserved Eh1 repressor motif, which has an
      important role in regulating downstream targets in hematopoiesis and possibly in
      leukemogenesis as well. Identification of a potential common leukemogenic NKL
      downstream pathway will provide a promising subject for future studies.

PMID- 22094585
TI  - Blockade of JAK2-mediated extrinsic survival signals restores sensitivity of CML
      cells to ABL inhibitors.

PMID- 22094587
TI  - Silencing of ETV6/RUNX1 abrogates PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and impairs
      reconstitution of leukemia in xenografts.
AB  - The ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) gene fusion is generated by the t(12;21) and found in
      approximately 25% of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In
      contrast to the overwhelming evidence that E/R is critical for the initiation of
      leukemia, its relevance for the maintenance of overt disease is less clear. To
      investigate this issue, we suppressed the endogenous E/R fusion protein with
      lentivirally transduced short hairpin RNA in the leukemia cell lines REH and AT
      2, and found a distinct reduction of proliferation and cell survival. In line
      with the observed concurrent inactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, pharmacological
      inhibition diminished the phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6, and
      significantly increased the apoptosis rate in E/R-positive leukemias. Moreover,
      PI3K/mTOR inhibitors sensitized glucocorticoid-resistant REH cells to
      prednisolone, an observation of potential relevance for improving treatment of
      drug-resistant relapses. Of note, knockdown of the E/R fusion gene also severely
      impaired the repopulation capacity of REH cells in non-obese deficient/severe
      combined immunodeficient mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the E/R
      fusion protein activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and is indispensible for
      disease maintenance. Importantly, these results provide a first rationale and
      justification for targeting the fusion gene and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
      therapeutically.

PMID- 22094588
TI  - Toward relational empowerment.
AB  - Psychological empowerment has been theorized as a construct with emotional,
      behavioral and cognitive components. Yet, many studies have stressed that
      empowerment processes are contingent on interpersonal relationships. Moreover,
      theory suggests that power is developed and exercised through relationships. This
      article makes the case that expanding our conceptions of psychological
      empowerment through the addition of a relational component can enhance our
      understanding of psychological empowerment and the effectiveness of empowerment
      oriented community practice. Previous research on empowerment is reviewed for
      relational content, and additional insights into the relational context of
      empowerment processes are marshaled from other concepts in community research
      including social capital, sense of community, social networks, social support,
      and citizen participation. A new iteration of the nomological network for
      psychological empowerment is presented, including the elements of a relational
      component.

PMID- 22094589
TI  - Two C-type lectins from shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei that might be involved in
      immune response against bacteria and virus.
AB  - C-type lectins play crucial roles in innate immunity to recognize and eliminate
      pathogens efficiently. In the present study, two C-type lectins from shrimp
      Litopenaeus vannamei (designated as LvLectin-1 and LvLectin-2) were identified,
      and their expression patterns, both in tissues and toward pathogen stimulation,
      were then characterized. The full-length cDNA of LvLectin-1 and LvLectin-2 was
      567 and 625 bp, containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 471 and 489 bp,
      respectively, and deduced amino acid sequences showed high similarity to other
      members of C-type lectin superfamily. Both two C-type lectins encoded a single
      carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD). The motif of Ca(2+) binding site 2 in CRD,
      which determined carbohydrate-binding specificity, was QPN (Gln(122)-Pro(123)
      Asn(124)) in LvLectin-1, but QPD (Gln(128)-Pro(129)-Asp(130)) in LvLectin-2. Two
      C-type lectins exhibited similar tissue expression pattern, for their mRNA were
      both constitutively expressed in all tested tissues, including hepatopancreas,
      muscle, gill, hemocytes, gonad and heart, furthermore they were both mostly
      expressed in hepatopancreas, though the expression level of LvLectin-2 was much
      higher than LvLectin-1. The expression level of two C-type lectins mRNA in
      hemocytes varied greatly after the challenge of Listonella anguillarum or WSSV.
      After L. anguillarum challenge, the expression of both C-type lectins were
      significantly (P<0.01) up-regulated compared with blank group, and LvLectin-1
      exhibited higher level than LvLectin-2; while after the stimulation of WSSV, the
      expression of LvLectin-2 was significantly up-regulated at 6 h (P<0.01) and 12 h
      (P<0.05), but the expression level of LvLectin-1 down-regulated significantly
      (P<0.01) to 0.4-fold at 6 and 12 h post-stimulation. The results indicated that
      the two C-type lectins might be involved in immune response toward pathogen
      infection, and they might perform different recognition specificity toward
      bacteria or virus.

PMID- 22094590
TI  - Spectroscopic methods in gas hydrate research.
AB  - Gas hydrates are crystalline structures comprising a guest molecule surrounded by
      a water cage, and are particularly relevant due to their natural occurrence in
      the deep sea and in permafrost areas. Low molecular weight molecules such as
      methane and carbon dioxide can be sequestered into that cage at suitable
      temperatures and pressures, facilitating the transition to the solid phase. While
      the composition and structure of gas hydrates appear to be well understood, their
      formation and dissociation mechanisms, along with the dynamics and kinetics
      associated with those processes, remain ambiguous. In order to take advantage of
      gas hydrates as an energy resource (e.g., methane hydrate), as a sequestration
      matrix in (for example) CO(2) storage, or for chemical energy
      conservation/storage, a more detailed molecular level understanding of their
      formation and dissociation processes, as well as the chemical, physical, and
      biological parameters that affect these processes, is required. Spectroscopic
      techniques appear to be most suitable for analyzing the structures of gas
      hydrates (sometimes in situ), thus providing access to such information across
      the electromagnetic spectrum. A variety of spectroscopic methods are currently
      used in gas hydrate research to determine the composition, structure, cage
      occupancy, guest molecule position, and binding/formation/dissociation mechanisms
      of the hydrate. To date, the most commonly applied techniques are Raman
      spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
      Diffraction methods such as neutron and X-ray diffraction are used to determine
      gas hydrate structures, and to study lattice expansions. Furthermore, UV-vis
      spectroscopic techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have assisted in
      structural studies of gas hydrates. Most recently, waveguide-coupled mid-infrared
      spectroscopy in the 3-20 MUm spectral range has demonstrated its value for in
      situ studies on the formation and dissociation of gas hydrates. This
      comprehensive review summarizes the importance of spectroscopic analytical
      techniques to our understanding of the structure and dynamics of gas hydrate
      systems, and highlights selected examples that illustrate the utility of these
      individual methods.

PMID- 22094591
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of methylated purines in DNA by isotope dilution LC
      MS/MS coupled with automated solid-phase extraction.
AB  - Since methylation at the N-7 and O(6) positions of guanine and the N-3 position
      of adenine in DNA are the predominant reaction sites, N(7)-methylguanine (N(7)
      MeG), O(6)-methylguanine (O(6)-MeG), and N(3)-methyladenine (N(3)-MeA) have been
      suggested as good biomarkers for assessing exposure to methylating agents. Here,
      we report the development of a sensitive and selective assay based on liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously measure N(7)
      MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA in DNA hydrolysates. With the use of isotope internal
      standards ((15)N(5)-N(7)-MeG, d(3)-O(6)-MeG, and d(3)-N(3)-MeA) and online solid
      phase extraction, DNA hydrolysates can be directly analyzed within 12 min without
      prior sample purification. The limits of detection were 0.02, 0.002, and 0.01
      ng/mL on-column (6.1, 0.6, and 3.4 fmol) for N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA,
      respectively. Inter- and intraday imprecision (CV) were 3.6-9.6% and 2.7-13.6%,
      respectively. Mean recoveries were 96-109%. This method was then applied to
      quantitate the amounts of methylated purines in calf thymus DNA treated with
      methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). The levels of N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA in
      calf thymus DNA increase with MMS concentration and incubation time. The ratio of
      relative yields of N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA in MMS-treated DNA was found
      to be 1.00:0.0032:0.119, respectively. This LC-MS/MS assay provides the
      sensitivity and high throughput required to evaluate the extent of methylated
      lesions in DNA induced by methylating agents.

PMID- 22094592
TI  - New mothers and media use: associations between blogging, social networking, and
      maternal well-being.
AB  - Drawing on Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and prior empirical research, the
      current study examines the way that blogging and social networking may impact
      feelings of connection and social support, which in turn could impact maternal
      well-being (e.g., marital functioning, parenting stress, and depression). One
      hundred and fifty-seven new mothers reported on their media use and various well
      being variables. On average, mothers were 27 years old (SD = 5.15) and infants
      were 7.90 months old (SD = 5.21). All mothers had access to the Internet in their
      home. New mothers spent approximately 3 hours on the computer each day, with most
      of this time spent on the Internet. Findings suggested that frequency of blogging
      predicted feelings of connection to extended family and friends which then
      predicted perceptions of social support. This in turn predicted maternal well
      being, as measured by marital satisfaction, couple conflict, parenting stress,
      and depression. In sum, blogging may improve new mothers' well-being, as they
      feel more connected to the world outside their home through the Internet.

PMID- 22094593
TI  - Early work patterns for gynaecological cancer survivors in the USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the balance between work demands and treatment
      plans for >4.3 million working-age cancer survivors in the USA. AIMS: To describe
      changes in work status for gynaecological cancer survivors during the first 6
      months following diagnosis and their experience with their employers' programmes
      and policies. METHODS: One hundred and ten gynaecological cancer survivors who
      were working at the time of their cancer diagnosis completed a survey. Case
      record reviews documented their clinical characteristics and treatment details.
      RESULTS: Ninety-five women (86%) had surgery; 81 (74%) received chemotherapy,
      radiotherapy or both in addition to surgery. Nine per cent of women said that
      they changed their treatment plan because of their jobs; in contrast, 62% of
      women said that they changed their work situation to accommodate their treatment
      plan. Overall, the most common month for women to stop working was Month 1 (41%),
      to decrease hours was Month 2 (32%) and to increase hours was Month 6 (8%).
      Twenty-eight per cent of women were aware of employer policies that assisted the
      return to work process; 70% of women were familiar with the Family and Medical
      Leave Act (FMLA) and 56% with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only 26%
      completed a formal request for work accommodations. After 6 months, 56 of 83
      women (67%) remained working or had returned to work. CONCLUSIONS: Work patterns
      varied for these gynaecological cancer survivors over the first 6 months
      following diagnosis. Opportunities exist to improve communication about work and
      treatment expectations between cancer survivors, occupational health
      professionals, employers and treating clinicians.

PMID- 22094595
TI  - Clinical and cellular consequences of the mutation m.12300G>A in the
      mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(CUN)) gene.
AB  - We report, for the first time, a patient with an overlap MERRF-NARP syndrome who
      carries the mutation m.12300G>A in the mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(CUN)) gene. The
      mutation was heteroplamic and more abundant in her muscle and fibroblast than in
      blood from her oligosymptomatic mother. Single muscle fiber analysis revealed
      that the proportion of mutant mtDNA in ragged red fibers was higher than that in
      normal fibers. Combined defects of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes were
      detected in muscle, fibroblasts and transmitochondrial hybrid cells. Significant
      reduction of total ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential and an increased
      production of reactive oxygen species were observed.

PMID- 22094594
TI  - A retrospective comparison of docetaxel and paclitaxel for patients with advanced
      or recurrent esophageal cancer who previously received platinum-based
      chemotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare docetaxel (DTX) with paclitaxel (PTX) with
      regard to efficacy and safety in advanced or recurrent esophageal cancer patients
      who previously received platinum-based chemotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed 124 advanced or recurrent esophageal cancer patients who had received
      platinum-based chemotherapy and then received DTX or PTX from April 2006 to
      November 2010. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients (69.4%) received DTX and 38 patients
      (30.6%) received PTX monotherapy. Due to toxicity, dose reduction was needed in
      36.0 and 27.8% of patients and treatment was discontinued in 10.5 and 2.6% of
      patients receiving DTX and PTX, respectively. The objective response (25.7 vs.
      10.3%, p = 0.03) and disease control rates (60.0 vs. 34.6%, p = 0.01) were higher
      in the PTX group than in the DTX group, respectively. There were no significant
      differences in median progression-free survival (2.1 vs. 3.5 months) and overall
      survival (6.1 vs. 7.2 months) between the DTX and PTX groups, respectively. Grade
      3-4 neutropenia (48.8 vs. 21.1%, p = 0.003) and febrile neutropenia (20.9 vs.
      5.3%, p = 0.029) were more frequent in the DTX patients than in the PTX patients,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the efficacy of DTX and PTX for advanced or
      recurrent esophageal cancer patients after platinum-based chemotherapy was not
      significantly different in terms of survival, PTX was a more feasible treatment.
      PTX provided similar efficacy to DTX with less febrile neutropenia.

PMID- 22094596
TI  - Validation of the portuguese version of the antisocial process screening device
      self-report with a focus on delinquent behavior and behavior problems.
AB  - The main objectives of the present study were to validate a Portuguese version of
      the Antisocial Process Screening Device-Self-Report and to evaluate the
      predictive importance of some constructs in discriminating between inmate
      delinquent youth and community youth. With a total of 760 participants, male (n =
      543) and female (n = 217), divided in an inmate forensic sample (n = 250) and a
      community sample (n = 510), the authors were able to demonstrate psychometric
      properties that justify its use with the Portuguese juvenile population, in terms
      of factor structure, internal consistency, temporal stability, convergent
      validity, divergent validity, concurrent validity, and cutoff score. The
      predictive importance of psychopathic traits, self-reported delinquent behavior,
      and behavior problems on the prediction of sample membership (forensic vs.
      community) was established by binary logistic regression.

PMID- 22094597
TI  - Informal social support among returning young offenders: a metasynthesis of the
      literature.
AB  - Informal social support has long been touted as a key to success for young
      offenders, but little empirical work has concretized these benefits. This article
      explores the dynamics of informal social support for returning young offenders
      (ages 14-24), particularly in the context of peers and family members. The
      authors use a metasynthesis methodology to examine 13 qualitative articles and
      dissertations published in the United States from 1998 through 2010. Analysis of
      these texts found two major themes related to informal support from peers and
      family members. Young offenders "walked a fine line" with their peers, who
      provided not only a sense of belonging and possibly a route to material
      assistance but also temptations and opportunities to reengage with criminal
      activity. Family members provided the supports and comforts of "the ties that
      bind" but with potentially unrealistic expectations and reenactment of old roles
      and negative dynamics. Through this metasynthesis, the authors forge an
      understanding of informal social support that complicates its presumed benefits
      for the reentry of young offenders.

PMID- 22094598
TI  - The practice of positive criminology: a Vipassana course in prison.
AB  - Positive criminology is a new term for a perspective associated with theories and
      models that relate to socially inclusive, positively experienced influences that
      assist individuals in desisting or refraining from criminal and deviant behavior.
      A qualitative phenomenological study of prisoners who were in recovery from
      substance dependency and who participated in a Vipassana course in a
      rehabilitative prison introduces features of positive criminology. A total of 22
      male prisoners participated in a 10-day Vipassana course run by volunteers in
      prison. Deep interviews were conducted with participants before, immediately
      after, and 3 to 4 months after the course. The findings describe components of
      positive criminology that had meaningful impact on the prisoners in
      rehabilitation: perceived goodness, positive relationship with the prison staff,
      positive social atmosphere, and overcoming an ordeal. Implications for practice
      and further research are outlined.

PMID- 22094599
TI  - Evaluating the relation between psychopathy and affective empathy: two
      preliminary studies.
AB  - It is widely believed that impairment in an ability to experience affective
      empathy for others is a central feature of psychopathy. The authors tested this
      assumption by covertly manipulating and measuring state experiences of emotional
      contagion and empathic concern in college undergraduates and male forensic
      inpatients. Surprisingly, they found little evidence of a negative association
      between psychopathy and affective empathy in either sample. In those instances in
      which associations were found, they tended to indicate that higher psychopathy
      was associated with increased affective empathy. Follow-up analyses also revealed
      that psychopathy was positively associated with pervasive experiences of sadness,
      anger, and fear, and negatively associated with pervasive experiences of
      happiness among nonforensic individuals. This research raises questions about
      existing conceptualizations of interpersonal affect in psychopathy and offers
      suggestions for advancing future understanding of the role-played by emotional
      processes in psychopathy.

PMID- 22094600
TI  - Metabolic development in the liver and the implications of the n-3 fatty acid
      supply.
AB  - The n-3 fatty acids contribute to regulation of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and
      synthesis in adults and accumulate in fetal and infant liver in variable amounts
      depending on the maternal diet fat composition. Using 2D gel proteomics and
      matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, we
      recently identified altered abundance of proteins associated with glucose and
      amino acid metabolism in neonatal rat liver with increased n-3 fatty acids. Here,
      we extend studies on n-3 fatty acids in hepatic metabolic development to targeted
      gene and metabolite analyses and map the results into metabolic pathways to
      consider the role of n-3 fatty acids in glucose, fatty acid, and amino
      metabolism. Feeding rats 1.5% compared with <0.1% energy 18:3n-3 during gestation
      led to higher 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in 3-day-old offspring liver, higher serine
      hydroxymethyltransferase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase, and acyl CoA oxidase
      and lower pyruvate kinase and stearoyl CoA desaturase gene expression, with
      higher cholesterol, NADPH and glutathione, and lower glycine (P < 0.05).
      Integration of the results suggests that the n-3 fatty acids may be important in
      facilitating hepatic metabolic adaptation from in utero nutrition to the
      postnatal high-fat milk diet, by increasing fatty acid oxidation and directing
      glucose and amino acids to anabolic pathways.

PMID- 22094602
TI  - Current and emerging approaches to define intestinal epithelium-specific
      transcriptional networks.
AB  - Upon developmental or environmental cues, the composition of transcription
      factors in a transcriptional regulatory network is deeply implicated in
      controlling the signature of the gene expression and thereby specifies the cell
      or tissue type. Novel methods including ChIP-chip and ChIP-Seq have been applied
      to analyze known transcription factors and their interacting regulatory DNA
      elements in the intestine. The intestine is an example of a dynamic tissue where
      stem cells in the crypt proliferate and undergo a differentiation process toward
      the villus. During this differentiation process, specific regulatory networks of
      transcription factors are activated to target specific genes, which determine the
      intestinal cell fate. The expanding genomewide mapping of transcription factor
      binding sites and construction of transcriptional regulatory networks provide new
      insight into how intestinal differentiation occurs. This review summarizes the
      current overview of the transcriptional regulatory networks driving epithelial
      differentiation in adult intestine. The novel technologies that have been implied
      to study these networks are presented and their prospects for implications in
      future research are also addressed.

PMID- 22094601
TI  - Mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 deficiency protects steatotic mouse
      hepatocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation.
AB  - Steatotic livers are sensitive to ischemic events and associated ATP depletion.
      Hepatocellular necrosis following these events may result from mitochondrial
      uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) expression. To test this hypothesis, we developed a
      model of in vitro steatosis using primary hepatocytes from wild-type (WT) and
      UCP2 knockout (KO) mice and subjected them to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Using
      cultured hepatocytes treated with emulsified fatty acids for 24 h, generating a
      steatotic phenotype (i.e., microvesicular and broad-spectrum fatty acid
      accumulation), we found that the phenotype of the WT and UCP2 KO were the same;
      however, cellular viability was increased in the steatotic KO hepatocytes
      following 4 h of hypoxia and 24 h of reoxygenation; Hepatocellular ATP levels
      decreased during hypoxia and recovered after reoxygenation in the control and
      UCP2 KO steatotic hepatocytes but not in the WT steatotic hepatocytes;
      mitochondrial membrane potential in WT and UCP2 KO steatotic groups was less than
      control groups but higher than UCP2 KO hepatocytes. Following reoxygenation,
      lipid peroxidation, as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,
      increased in all groups but to a greater extent in the steatotic hepatocytes,
      regardless of UCP2 expression. These results demonstrate that UCP2 sensitizes
      steatotic hepatocytes to H/R through mitochondrial depolarization and ATP
      depletion but not lipid peroxidation.

PMID- 22094603
TI  - Enteral bile acid treatment improves parenteral nutrition-related liver disease
      and intestinal mucosal atrophy in neonatal pigs.
AB  - Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is essential for patients with impaired gut
      function but leads to parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD). TPN
      disrupts the normal enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, and we hypothesized
      that it would decrease intestinal expression of the newly described metabolic
      hormone fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19) and also glucagon-like peptides-1 and
      -2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2). We tested the effects of restoring bile acids by treating a
      neonatal piglet PNALD model with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). Neonatal pigs
      received enteral feeding (EN), TPN, or TPN + CDCA for 14 days, and responses were
      assessed by serum markers, histology, and levels of key regulatory peptides.
      Cholestasis and steatosis were demonstrated in the TPN group relative to EN
      controls by elevated levels of serum total and direct bilirubin and also bile
      acids and liver triglyceride (TG) content. CDCA treatment improved direct
      bilirubin levels by almost fourfold compared with the TPN group and also
      normalized serum bile acids and liver TG. FGF19, GLP-1, and GLP-2 were decreased
      in plasma of the TPN group compared with the EN group but were all induced by
      CDCA treatment. Intestinal mucosal growth marked by weight and villus/crypt ratio
      was significantly reduced in the TPN group compared with the EN group, and CDCA
      treatment increased both parameters. These results suggest that decreased
      circulating FGF19 during TPN may contribute to PNALD. Moreover, we show that
      enteral CDCA not only resolves PNALD but acts as a potent intestinal trophic
      agent and secretagogue for GLP-2.

PMID- 22094604
TI  - Pelvic support osteotomy for unstable hips using hybrid external fixator: case
      series and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Instability of the hip joint is a source of great discomfort to the
      patient due to pain, limp and leg-length discrepancy. Pelvic support osteotomy
      with Ilizarov hip reconstruction, along with its various modifications, has
      emerged as a standard treatment modality for this difficult problem. We present a
      series of patients with unstable hips treated with a modification of the
      monolateral fixator-the hybrid external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective review of a series of 23 patients (38 hips) with unstable hips
      treated at our institute with the hybrid external fixator was performed. The mean
      age of the patients was 19.1 years (range 7-49 years). The outcomes were
      evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Harris hip score. RESULTS:
      After a mean follow-up period of 30.5 months (range 10-91 months), the range of
      motion of the hip had improved, pain had decreased, and the Harris hip score had
      improved from 63.43 to 75.17, which was statistically significant. The pre
      operative knee range of motion was achieved in all patients by the last follow
      up. Trendelenburg gait disappeared in all patients except for 3, limb length
      discrepancy improved from a pre-operative mean of 43 mm to a post-operative mean
      of 5 mm at final follow-up, and the mechanical axis was regained in all patients.
      Pin-tract infections were the commonest complications, occurring in 12 patients
      (52%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that pelvic support osteotomy using the new
      hybrid external fixator, which combines the versatility and modularity of the
      Ilizarov frame with the compactness of the monolateral fixator, is a useful
      treatment modality in individuals with unstable hips.

PMID- 22094605
TI  - Use of cementless acetabular component with a hook and iliac flanges in revision
      arthroplasty for massive acetabular defect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Revision hip arthroplasty of massive acetabular defect, severe
      combined defect, or pelvic discontinuity is challenging. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the midterm outcome and survivorship of a new revision
      technique using cementless acetabular cup supplemented with a hook and three
      iliac flanges in massive acetabular defects. MATERIALS: From January 2000 to June
      2004, we revised 17 severe acetabular defects, 14 combined defects and three
      pelvic discontinuities according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
      (AAOS) classifications, in which bone stock at the dome was not available to
      provide support for the cup. These revisions were performed using a cementless
      porous-coated hemispherical cup with a hook and flanges. RESULTS: One patient
      (one hip) underwent resection arthroplasty due to infection 1 year after the
      revision. The remaining 16 hips were evaluated at a mean of 6.8 (range 5-9) years
      postoperatively. Thirteen acetabular components (81%) showed no migration and
      were stable with bone ingrowth. Three hips showed progressive medial and upward
      migration during the 18-24 months after the index revision, after which migration
      was not progressive. The Merle d'Aubigne hip score was 14.5 (range 12-18) points
      at the latest follow-up evaluation. Survival rate was 94.4% when revision for any
      reason was considered as the end point [95% confidence interval (CI) 83.9-100%]
      and 82.0% (95% CI 62.8-100%) when loosening of the cup was considered as the end
      point. CONCLUSION: Results of this type of revision were superior to previously
      reported results of acetabular revisions with the use of various techniques and
      devices.

PMID- 22094606
TI  - Changes in pennation angle in rotator cuff muscles with torn tendons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several authors have reported on the pennation angles of
      intact rotator cuff muscles, the relationship between their alteration and
      rotator cuff tears has not been fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to
      measure the pennation angles of human cadaveric rotator cuff muscles with torn
      tendons. METHODS: Twenty embalmed cadaveric shoulders were studied. Ten shoulders
      with various types of rotator cuff tears (tear group) were compared with ten
      shoulders that had intact rotator cuff tendons (control group). In seven
      shoulders with full-thickness tears, the area of the tear was determined by
      multiplying its length and width. After removing the muscles from the scapula,
      the superficial muscle fibers of each muscle were removed layer by layer until
      the entire intramuscular tendon was exposed. Photographs were taken and the
      pennation angles were then measured on digital images. The correlation between
      the size of the tear and the pennation angles of the supraspinatus and the
      infraspinatus muscles were determined statistically. RESULTS: The pennation
      angles of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles in the tear group were
      significantly greater than those in the control group (P = 0.027 and 0.007,
      respectively). In seven shoulders with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, a
      positive correlation was found between the pennation angle of the supraspinatus
      muscle and the tear length (r = 0.854, P = 0.014). Moreover, a positive
      correlation was found between the pennation angle of the infraspinatus muscle and
      the tear area (r = 0.759, P = 0.048). On the other hand, the pennation angle was
      not affected by the presence of the partial-thickness tears in the remaining
      three shoulders. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In rotator cuff tears, the pennation
      angles of the involved rotator cuff muscles increased with increasing size of the
      tear.

PMID- 22094607
TI  - Characteristics of neck and shoulder pain (called katakori in Japanese) among
      members of the nursing staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The characteristics of neck and shoulder pain (NSP), called katakori
      in Japanese, have not been well documented to date. The aim of this study was to
      clarify the characteristics of NSP through a questionnaire survey of members of
      the nursing staff. METHODS: The study population consisted of 484 nursing staff
      members of Gunma University Hospital in Japan. The questionnaire involved
      information on age, body mass index (BMI), gender, psychological stress at work,
      musculoskeletal pain at other anatomic sites (elbow/wrist, lumbar and knee),
      smoking history, and hypertension. If subjects had NSP, they were asked about any
      coexisting symptoms, the utilization of health services, and the precise location
      of NSP. RESULTS: The total study population included 393 persons after 91 persons
      were excluded for various reasons. The point prevalence of NSP was 68.1% (268 of
      393). Age, BMI, smoking history, and hypertension showed no significant trend for
      the prevalence of NSP in the univariate analyses. The occurrence of NSP was
      significantly higher in subjects with psychological stress, elbow/wrist pain,
      lumbar pain, and knee pain, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression
      analysis showed that gender, psychological stress, elbow/wrist pain, and lumbar
      pain were significantly associated with the occurrence of NSP. One hundred fifty
      eight of those with NSP (58.9%) reported coexisting symptoms, and the most common
      was headache. Fifty-seven (21.2%) of the subjects with NSP had consulted medical
      or health practitioners, and bone setting was the most common service provider.
      The most common area of NSP was the superior part of the trapezius. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study confirmed that NSP, katakori in Japanese, is a prevalent problem in a
      nursing staff, and several factors associated with NSP were identified.

PMID- 22094608
TI  - Formation of Pt-TiO2-rGO 3-phase junctions with significantly enhanced electro
      activity for methanol oxidation.
AB  - TiO(2) nanoparticles-decorated graphene nanosheets have been prepared by a facile
      hydrothermal method. After depositing Pt nanoparticles exclusively around the
      interface between TiO(2) and rGO, the obtained Pt/TiO(2)@rGO electrocatalyst
      exhibits remarkably enhanced electrocatalytic performance, which could be
      attributed to the unique structure and some possible synergetic effect from the 3
      phase Pt-TiO(2)-rGO junctions.

PMID- 22094609
TI  - Integrated separation of blood plasma from whole blood for microfluidic paper
      based analytical devices.
AB  - Many diagnostic tests in a conventional clinical laboratory are performed on
      blood plasma because changes in its composition often reflect the current status
      of pathological processes throughout the body. Recently, a significant research
      effort has been invested into the development of microfluidic paper-based
      analytical devices (MUPADs) implementing these conventional laboratory tests for
      point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings. This paper describes the
      use of red blood cell (RBC) agglutination for separating plasma from finger-prick
      volumes of whole blood directly in paper, and demonstrates the utility of this
      approach by integrating plasma separation and a colorimetric assay in a single
      MUPAD. The MUPAD was fabricated by printing its pattern onto chromatography paper
      with a solid ink (wax) printer and melting the ink to create hydrophobic barriers
      spanning through the entire thickness of the paper substrate. The MUPAD was
      functionalized by spotting agglutinating antibodies onto the plasma separation
      zone in the center and the reagents of the colorimetric assay onto the test
      readout zones on the periphery of the device. To operate the MUPAD, a drop of
      whole blood was placed directly onto the plasma separation zone of the device.
      RBCs in the whole blood sample agglutinated and remained in the central zone,
      while separated plasma wicked through the paper substrate into the test readout
      zones where analyte in plasma reacted with the reagents of the colorimetric assay
      to produce a visible color change. The color change was digitized with a portable
      scanner and converted to concentration values using a calibration curve. The
      purity and yield of separated plasma was sufficient for successful operation of
      the MUPAD. This approach to plasma separation based on RBC agglutination will be
      particularly useful for designing fully integrated MUPADs operating directly on
      small samples of whole blood.

PMID- 22094610
TI  - Brainstorming for breakthrough thinking.
AB  - This department highlights change management strategies that may be used in
      strategically planning and executing organizational change initiatives. With the
      goal of presenting practical approaches helpful to nurse leaders advancing
      organizational change, content includes evidence-based projects, tools, and
      resources that mobilize and sustain organizational change initiatives. In this
      article, the author discusses brainstorming as a viable innovation technique and
      goal-based change intervention.

PMID- 22094611
TI  - Transformational leadership.
AB  - This month, the director of the Magnet Recognition Program(r) takes an in-depth
      look at the Magnet(r) model component transformational leadership. The author
      examines the expectations for Magnet organizations around this component. What
      are the qualities that make a nursing leader truly transformational, and what is
      the best approach to successfully lead a healthcare organization through today's
      volatile healthcare environment?

PMID- 22094612
TI  - Patient-centered healthcare design.
AB  - Patient-centered care focuses on the patient's and family's experience in the
      hospital, and the design of the healthcare environment should support the patient
      centered care concept. The purpose of this facility design department is to
      expand nurse leaders' knowledge and competencies in health facility design and
      enable them to take leadership roles in design efforts. This article focuses on
      healthcare design guiding principles and features to support organizational
      cultural initiatives such as patient- and family-centered care and Planetree.

PMID- 22094613
TI  - Clinical intelligence.
AB  - Clinical intelligence is an emerging field in healthcare that will change nursing
      practice, driving clinical outcomes and operational efficiencies. Clinical
      intelligence is essential to healthcare organizations in fully realizing the
      value of the growing amount of data being generated through electronic health
      records and other clinical information systems. This article discusses the asset
      of clinical data, the multiple roles of nurses in maximizing the value of this
      asset, and a vision for nursing's future in regards to clinical intelligence.

PMID- 22094614
TI  - Unraveling care omissions.
AB  - Evidence points to the omission of required nursing care as a pervasive problem
      in acute care hospitals. Labor and material resource constraints, increasing
      patient complexity, ineffective delegation, and poor communication have been
      identified as contributing factors. Nurse executives should examine the degree
      and causes of missed care in their organizations. Action plans should be
      developed based on identification of issues contributing to this serious concern,
      thus promoting safe patient care.

PMID- 22094615
TI  - Guiding implementation: frameworks and resources for evidence translation.
AB  - In this department, Dr Newhouse highlights hot topics in nursing outcomes,
      research, and evidence-based practice relevant to the nurse administrator. The
      goal is to discuss practical implications for nurse leaders in diverse healthcare
      settings. Content includes evidence-based projects and decision making,
      identifying measurement tools for quality improvement and safety projects, using
      outcome measures to evaluate quality, practice implications of administrative
      research, and exemplars of projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to
      organizational problems. In this article, the authors discuss the need for
      knowledge translation to leverage improvements in healthcare quality and describe
      3 frameworks that can be used to plan and implement translation of evidence to
      practice.

PMID- 22094616
TI  - Comparison of patient outcomes in Magnet(r) and non-Magnet hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : This study compared patient outcomes and staffing in Magnet(r) and
      non-Magnet hospitals. BACKGROUND: : The pursuit of Magnet designation is a highly
      regarded program for improving staff and patient outcomes. Research has confirmed
      that Magnet hospitals provide positive work environments for nurses. Research
      related to patient outcomes in Magnet hospitals is scarce, and results vary.
      METHODS: : The University Health Systems Consortium provided the clinical and
      operational databases for the study. Using bivariate and multivariate analyses, a
      comparison of patient outcomes and nurse staffing in general units and ICUs of
      Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals was studied. OUTCOMES: : Non-Magnet hospitals had
      better patient outcomes than Magnet hospitals. Magnet hospitals had slightly
      better outcomes for pressure ulcers, but infections, postoperative sepsis, and
      postoperative metabolic derangement outcomes were worse in Magnet hospitals.
      Magnet hospitals also had lower staffing numbers. CONCLUSIONS: : Magnet hospitals
      in this study had less total staff and a lower RN skill mix compared with non
      Magnet hospitals, which contributed to the outcomes.

PMID- 22094617
TI  - The case for training Veterans Administration frontline nurses in crew resource
      management.
AB  - Using cultural analysis, the authors present a rationale for a nursing-focused
      crew resource management (CRM) program in the Veterans Health Administration.
      Although the value of CRM in aviation is well documented and CRM has been
      successfully applied in healthcare settings to improve communication and
      teamwork, there is little evidence outlining the implementation of CRM on nursing
      units with nursing as the primary focus. This article describes the preproject
      data supporting a nursing-focused CRM program called nursing CRM. This is the
      first in a series of 2 articles highlighting this program.

PMID- 22094618
TI  - Strategies for retaining midcareer nurses.
AB  - One method of reducing predicted shortages because of the aging nursing workforce
      is to increase retention. Few studies have examined the unique needs of midcareer
      nurses. A mixed-method approach including surveys and focus groups was used to
      identify key retention strategies and desires for midcareer nurses. Salary,
      benefits, positive working relationships, flexible scheduling, and the
      opportunity for continued education were identified as key retention strategies
      from this study. Registered nurses in this study reported higher perceptions of
      their work and work environment than licensed practical nurses did. Differences
      in work outcomes were evident across sectors, with community nurses reporting
      higher levels of job satisfaction and perceptions of work quality than nurses in
      acute and long-term care. Findings suggest that recruitment opportunities may
      exist with midcareer nurses seeking employment to return to work after time off
      to have a family. Proactive retention policies that focus on the needs of
      midcareer nurses would demonstrate a commitment and interest in keeping them in
      their work positions and in the profession.

PMID- 22094619
TI  - Breaking the fall.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : The Helping Hands program is a nurse-directed falls prevention
      program designed to support a hospital-wide culture of safety and reduce harm
      from falls. BACKGROUND: : Patient falls and the associated morbidity and
      mortality represent a significant risk for patients and healthcare facilities.
      Age-adjusted fatalities from falls increased significantly from 1993 to 2003. By
      2020, the annual cost of injuries from falls is expected to exceed $40 billion.
      METHODS: : Components of the Helping Hands falls prevention program worked
      synergistically to support the development of a culture of safety at Robert Wood
      Johnson University Hospital. The program consisted of nursing assessment of fall
      risk with the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool; reviews of fall risk and
      intervention efficacy; creation of communication mechanisms, reporting processes,
      and change champion roles; engagement of patients and families in falls
      prevention; increased public awareness of fall risk through signage; nursing
      interventions; and utilization of nursing performance improvement analysts.
      RESULTS: : Over 3 years, 65% (N = 7,900) of more than 12,000 patients assessed
      were at risk of falling. Most falls caused no or little harm, and at 3 years of
      follow-up, total falls decreased by 16.6 %, and severe falls accounted for 0.009
      % (n = 2) of all falls. CONCLUSIONS: : The data offer a hopeful perspective on
      the role of nursing engagement in developing a hospital-wide culture of safety
      and protecting patients from permanent harm caused by fall events.

PMID- 22094620
TI  - Nursing works: the application of lean thinking to nursing processes.
AB  - This article describes the Nursing Works program at Flinders Medical Centre,
      South Australia. Program goals were to use lean principles to increase the time
      direct care nurses spent at the bedside, improve patient outcomes, and make
      nursing work more efficient and satisfying for staff. Steps incorporating lean
      methodology are described. Outcomes indicate that lean thinking is an effective
      improvement methodology and a framework for change management of nursing work.

PMID- 22094621
TI  - Teaching quality improvement to the next generation of nurses: what nurse
      managers can do to help.
AB  - Engaging staff in performance improvement and patient safety initiatives is no
      easy task. It is not just time that is involved but there is also a definite
      repertoire of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required. This article describes a
      win-win venture that assists healthcare agencies in improving current quality
      improvement activities while actively teaching and vetting students in the
      process. Nursing students enter the workforce with an appreciation and working
      knowledge of quality improvement, and agencies gain assistance with their
      programs and outcomes.

PMID- 22094622
TI  - Advancing nursing administration through research.

PMID- 22094623
TI  - Clinical, physiological and anti-inflammatory effect of montelukast in patients
      with cough variant asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a phenotype of asthma presenting solely
      with coughing, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic
      inflammation and a cough response to bronchodilators. Leukotriene receptor
      antagonists (LTRAs) are antiasthma medications with anti-inflammatory and
      bronchodilatory properties. Although LTRAs exert antitussive effects in CVA, the
      mechanisms involved are unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the
      antitussive mechanisms of LTRAs in CVA patients. METHODS: We prospectively
      observed the effect of montelukast (10 mg) daily for 4 weeks in 23 consecutive
      nonsmoking adults with anti-inflammatory treatment-naive CVA. We evaluated,
      before and after treatment, the cough visual analogue scale (VAS), pulmonary
      function (spirometry and impulse oscillation), methacholine airway
      responsiveness, cough receptor sensitivity, expressed by the concentration of
      capsaicin inducing 2 or more (C2) and 5 or more (C5) coughs, sputum eosinophil
      counts and levels of inflammatory mediators, including cysteinyl leukotrienes,
      leukotriene B(4), prostaglandin (PG) D(2), PGE(2), PGF(2)(alpha) and thromboxane
      B(2). We compared the baseline characteristics of the patients based on the
      symptomatic response to montelukast, defined as a decrease in the cough VAS of
      >25% (n = 15) or <=25% (n = 8). RESULTS: Montelukast significantly decreased the
      cough VAS (p = 0.0008), sputum eosinophil count (p = 0.013) and cough sensitivity
      (C2: p = 0.007; C5: p = 0.039), whereas pulmonary function, airway responsiveness
      and sputum mediator levels remained unchanged. Multivariate analysis showed that
      a better response to montelukast was associated solely with younger age (p =
      0.032). CONCLUSION: The antitussive effect of montelukast in CVA may be
      attributed to the attenuation of eosinophilic inflammation rather than its
      bronchodilatory properties.

PMID- 22094624
TI  - Extension of non-invasive EEG into the kHz range for evoked thalamocortical
      activity by means of very low noise amplifiers.
AB  - Ultrafast electroencephalographic signals, having frequencies above 500 Hz, can
      be observed in somatosensory evoked potential measurements. Usually, these
      recordings have a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) because weak signals are
      overlaid by intrinsic noise of much higher amplitude like that generated by
      biological sources and the amplifier. As an example, recordings at the scalp
      taken during electrical stimulation of the median nerve show a 600 Hz burst with
      submicro-volt amplitudes which can be extracted from noise by the use of massive
      averaging and digital signal processing only. We have investigated this signal by
      means of a very low noise amplifier made in-house (minimal voltage noise 2.7 nV
      Hz(-1/2), FET inputs). We examined how the SNR of the data is altered by the
      bandwidth and the use of amplifiers with different intrinsic amplifier noise
      levels of 12 and 4.8 nV Hz(-1/2), respectively. By analyzing different frequency
      contributions of the signal, we found an extremely weak 1 kHz component
      superimposed onto the well-known 600 Hz burst. Previously such high-frequency
      electroencephalogram responses around 1 kHz have only been observed by deep brain
      electrodes implanted for tremor therapy of Parkinson patients. For the non
      invasive measurement of such signals, we recommend that amplifier noise should
      not exceed 4 nV Hz(-1/2).

PMID- 22094625
TI  - Idiopathic short stature: decision making in growth hormone use.
AB  - Short stature is a common concern in pediatrics. Several ambiguities and
      controversies persist, especially with regard to criteria, cost, medical
      necessity and outcomes of growth hormone (GH) therapy for idiopathic short
      stature (ISS). Due to these ambiguities and controversies, a series of decisions
      by primary care physicians (whether to refer the short child to a pediatric
      endocrinologist), pediatric endocrinologist (whether to recommend GH treatment),
      families (whether to raise concern about short stature and whether to agree to
      undertake treatment), and third party payers (whether to cover the costs of GH
      therapy) influence which individual short children will receive GH in the US.
      Together, these decisions determine overall GH use. Apart from child's growth
      characteristics, several non-physiological factors drive the critical decisions
      of these stakeholders. This article focuses on current ambiguities and
      controversies regarding GH therapy in ISS, discusses the decision-makers involved
      in GH therapy, and explores the factors influencing their decisions.

PMID- 22094626
TI  - Management of a Cryptosporidium hominis outbreak in a day-care center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium outbreaks in day-care centers (DCCs) occur commonly.
      However, controlling spread of infection in these settings is difficult, and data
      about effectiveness of different control strategies are sparse. In this study, a
      Cryptosporidium outbreak in a large DCC located in Brussels is described with
      evaluation of hygienic and therapeutic interventions. METHODS: During a 3-week
      period, 43 of 130 children attending the DCC developed enteric symptoms. Stools
      from 122 children were examined for microbial pathogens. Of them, 38 (31%) were
      diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, 29 of them being symptomatic (76%) and 9 (24%)
      asymptomatic. Diagnosis was performed by microscopy, antigen tests, and real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. Strict infection control measures were implemented
      during the first week after the start of outbreak. After 4 weeks, 27/38 children
      (71%) were still symptomatic and Cryptosporidium positive. Because of persisting
      symptoms and fear of further spread of infection, all 27 children were treated
      with paromomycin. Two weeks later, 18 of 27 children were asymptomatic and were
      parasitologically negative. The remaining 9 children, still symptomatic and
      Cryptosporidium positive, were treated with nitazoxanide. Three weeks later, week
      9 after the start of outbreak, all 38 children involved in the outbreak were
      asymptomatic and Cryptosporidium negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our study underscores the
      need to rule out Cryptosporidium etiology in a diarrheal outbreak in a DCC. Rapid
      implementation of infection control measures can most likely halt the spread of
      infection. The role of nitazoxanide to limit duration of shedding of oocysts
      deserves more attention for its use in outbreaks.

PMID- 22094627
TI  - Risk factors for systemic Candida infections in pediatric small bowel transplant
      recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fungal infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality
      after small bowel transplantation (SBT). Little information about risk factors
      for Candida infections in pediatric SBT is available. METHODS: We performed a 1:1
      matched retrospective case-control study including 23 Candida culture-positive
      patients (cases) and 23 culture-negative patients (controls), matched based on
      age and time of transplantation. Patients' characteristics were compared using
      Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi, or Fisher exact tests. McNemar test was used to assess
      discordance between pretransplant and posttransplant fungemia. Univariate and
      multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to identify
      risk factors. RESULTS: The median age of the group was 1.87 years (range, 0.87
      17.60); 59% patients were male. Within 1 month before transplant, 8.7% cases had
      fungemia and within 1-6 months before transplant, 30.4% cases had fungemia,
      compared with 69.6% within the 12 months after transplantation (P = 0.0001 and P
      = 0.02). By univariate analysis, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (odds ratio
      [OR], 17.0 [95% confidence interval: 2.12, 2198]; P = 0.003) and antibiotic
      administration (OR, 18.99 [2.42, 2449]; P = 0.002) were risk factors for fungal
      infections. By multivariable analysis, both remained independent risk factors
      (TPN: OR, 10.86 [1.23, 1425], P = 0.03; antibiotic administration: OR, 12.83
      [1.52, 1672], P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Fungemia was significantly more frequent
      after SBT than before transplantation. Patients receiving TPN and antibiotic
      treatment had, respectively, 11 and 13 times higher risk of developing Candida
      infections after SBT.

PMID- 22094628
TI  - Comparative coverage of supplementary and universally recommended immunizations
      in children at 24 months of age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of pneumococcal and meningococcal group C conjugate
      vaccinations as supplementary (a new category in Swiss immunization
      recommendations) to universally recommended vaccinations in 2006 prompted this
      study to investigate their acceptance. METHODS: The study was performed in 24
      month-old healthy children born in the Geneva or Basel areas in Switzerland
      between January and April 2007. After informed consent had been obtained from
      caregivers (for this particular study in Basel and in general for providing
      immunization data in Geneva on an ongoing basis), all universally recommended and
      supplementary vaccinations administered by <=24 months of age were analyzed for
      completeness and timeliness according to set definitions. Sample size
      calculations and standard statistical tests were applied for comparative data
      analyses. RESULTS: Of 592 children at the age of 12 months, 94% and 73% had
      received complete diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis component combination and
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations, respectively. At the age of 24 months,
      coverage rates for complete booster doses were 77% and 70%, respectively. Rates
      for MMR doses 1 and 2 at 24 months were 92% and 72%, respectively, and the rate
      for meningococcal conjugate vaccine (single dose) was 62%. On an average,
      coverage rates were similar in the 2 study regions except those for pneumococcal
      conjugate and second dose of MMR, which were approximately 10% higher in Geneva.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with supplementary vaccinations was lower than that with
      universally recommended vaccinations. This can be explained by the recent
      introduction of supplementary vaccinations or by the public perception that they
      are less important than universal vaccinations.

PMID- 22094629
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid gram stain in children with suspected
      bacterial meningitis.
AB  - This cross-sectional study included 1938 children undergoing lumbar puncture; 21
      (1.1%) cases were classified as definite (n = 17) or probable (n = 4) bacterial
      meningitis. Gram stain sensitivity was 94.1% (95% confidence interval, 71.3%
      99.9%) for those with definite meningitis; the positive predictive value was
      47.1% (95% confidence interval, 29.8%-64.9%). The sensitivity was 95.2% for those
      with definite or probable meningitis. Antibiotic pretreatment did not affect
      results.

PMID- 22094630
TI  - Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor encephalitis mimics viral encephalitis.
AB  - We describe the clinical courses of 3 children with a psychochoreiform
      encephalitis associated with anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor autoantibodies.
      These cases, including the most severely medically complicated survivor to date,
      illustrate the challenges of diagnosis, supportive care, and immune-modulating
      therapy. Clinical and laboratory features are similar to those of viral
      encephalitis, and the condition is often reversible with appropriate diagnosis
      and treatment.

PMID- 22094631
TI  - Pediatric tuberculosis in Stockholm: a mirror to the world.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing international migration has changed the epidemiology of
      tuberculosis (TB) in Europe. Little is published on clinical manifestations and
      epidemiology in children in this new era. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data
      on all children with TB in Stockholm between 2000 and 2009 were entered into a
      database and retrospectively completed with information from case records.
      Population data, including parents' country of birth, were obtained from
      Statistics Sweden. RESULTS: TB was diagnosed in 147 children <18 years of age (78
      confirmed, 12 probable, 57 possible). Fifty-six children (38%) presented
      clinically, and 91 were identified by screening procedures. Ninety children (61%)
      were born in high-endemic countries and 38 in Sweden to parents from such
      countries. The incidence was 451/100,000 person years among children born in
      Somalia, 44 among those born in other high-endemic countries, and 13 among
      Swedish-born children with parents from high-endemic countries. All but 1 of the
      19 Swedish-born children with Swedish parents belonged to a single outbreak.
      Median age was 12 years. Severe, adult-type TB was predominantly observed in
      adolescents, whereas young children presented mild, primary disease that was
      diagnosed at the time of screening. The 78 positive cultures were traced back to
      67 strains. Resistance to any first-line drug was present in 25% of the strains,
      of which 4 were multidrug resistant. CONCLUSIONS: Active TB in Stockholm is
      common in children born in high-endemic countries, especially Somalia. The most
      severe cases are seen in adolescents. The high prevalence of antimicrobial
      resistance is a cause for concern.

PMID- 22094632
TI  - Influenza vaccine safety in children less than 5 years old: the 2010 and 2011
      experience in Australia.
AB  - In August 2010, the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
      recommended that the 2010-2011 CSL seasonal vaccine (Afluria) not be administered
      to children 6 months to 8 years of age because of the risk of febrile convulsion
      after immunization. This study reports a low rate (6%-7%) of fever after
      immunization with 2 non-CSL brands of 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine in
      Australian children <5 years of age. These data are reassuring for parents and
      healthcare workers regarding 2011 influenza vaccination in the northern
      hemisphere.

PMID- 22094633
TI  - Monitoring of antibiotic resistance rates of Helicobacter pylori in Austrian
      children, 2002-2009.
AB  - We retrospectively studied antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori and their
      temporal changes in children. Resistance rates were 21.6% for both clarithromycin
      and metronidazole. There was no overall difference between children with or
      without migrational background. Resistance rates increased over time, and
      patients without migrational background showed a significant increase in
      metronidazole resistance. Our study emphasizes antibiotic resistance monitoring
      of H. pylori in children.

PMID- 22094635
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of a novel quadrivalent meningococcal CRM-conjugate
      vaccine given concomitantly with routine vaccinations in infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In phase II studies, MenACWY-CRM elicited robust immunologic
      responses in young infants. We now present results from our pivotal phase III
      infant immunogenicity/safety study. METHODS: In this open-label phase III study,
      we randomized full-term 2-month-old infants to 4 doses of MenACWY-CRM
      coadministered with routine vaccines at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age or with
      routine vaccines alone. We monitored for local and systemic reactions and serious
      adverse events among all study participants and evaluated for sufficiency of the
      immune responses to MenACWY-CRM through serum bactericidal activity assay with
      human complement. RESULTS: Bactericidal antibodies were present in 94% to 100% of
      subjects against each of the serogroups in MenACWY-CRM after the 4-dose series
      and were 67% to 97% after the first 3 doses. Geometric mean titers were higher
      after the fourth dose of MenACWY-CRM compared with a single dose of MenACWY-CRM
      at 12 months of age for all serogroups (range of ratios, 4.5-38). Responses to 3
      doses of routine vaccines coadministered with MenACWY-CRM were noninferior to
      routine vaccinations alone, except for small differences in pneumococcal serotype
      6B responses after dose 3 but not dose 4 and pertactin after dose 3. Inclusion of
      MenACWY-CRM did not affect the safety or reactogenicity profiles of the routine
      infant vaccine series. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-dose series of MenACWY-CRM was highly
      immunogenic and well tolerated in young infants, and it can be coadministered
      with routine infant vaccines. Substantial immunity was conferred after the first
      3 doses administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

PMID- 22094636
TI  - A randomized trial to assess safety and immunogenicity of alternative
      formulations of a quadrivalent meningococcal (A, C, Y, and W-135) tetanus protein
      conjugate vaccine in toddlers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of meningitis and
      septicemia globally. Recent shifts in serogroup dominance in some settings
      highlight the desirability of polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines with broader
      meningococcal coverage than serogroup C vaccines in widespread use. METHODS: We
      assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a single dose of meningococcal
      quadrivalent (A, C, W-135, Y) tetanus conjugate vaccine (TetraMen-T),
      administered at 1 year of age. A total of 378 children were randomized to 1 of 6
      groups--5 received alternative formulations of TetraMen-T, the sixth licensed
      adjuvanted serogroup C conjugate vaccine (Neisvac-C). Solicited adverse event
      reports were collected from day 0 to 7 after vaccination and unsolicited and
      serious adverse event reports throughout study participation. Immunogenicity was
      assessed by serum bactericidal assays containing either a human (hSBA) or baby
      rabbit (rSBA) complement source before and 1 month after immunization. RESULTS:
      All vaccine formulations were safe and well tolerated. Using the various measures
      of immunogenicity, no consistent relationships were observed between the dose of
      either polysaccharide or carrier and serogroup-specific response for any one
      antigen. The highest-dose vaccine provided optimal coverage for all 4 serogroups,
      with the percentage of recipients achieving hSBA titers >= 8 against each as
      follows: A, 92%; C, 96%; W-135, 71%; Y, 82% (corresponding proportions with rSBAs
      titers >8 all exceeded 90%). The investigational vaccines were less immunogenic
      against the serogroup C capsular polysaccharide than the licensed comparator.
      CONCLUSIONS: Studies are ongoing that will help to identify optimal scheduling of
      quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines, to facilitate their inclusion into
      national immunization programs seeking extended serogroup coverage against
      meningococci.

PMID- 22094638
TI  - Proving etiologic relationships to disease: the particular problem of human
      coronaviruses.

PMID- 22094637
TI  - Human coronavirus in young children hospitalized for acute respiratory illness
      and asymptomatic controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been detected in children with upper
      and lower respiratory symptoms, but little is known about their relationship with
      severe respiratory illness. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of HCoV species
      among children hospitalized for acute respiratory illness and/or fever
      (ARI/fever) with that among asymptomatic controls and to assess the severity of
      outcomes among hospitalized children with HCoV infection compared with other
      respiratory viruses. METHODS: From December 2003 to April 2004 and October 2004
      to April 2005, we conducted prospective, population-based surveillance of
      children <5 years of age hospitalized for ARI/fever in 3 US counties.
      Asymptomatic outpatient controls were enrolled concurrently. Nasal/throat swabs
      were tested for HCoV species HKU1, NL63, 229E, and OC43 by real-time reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction. Specimens from hospitalized children
      were also tested for other common respiratory viruses. Demographic and medical
      data were collected by parent/guardian interview and medical chart review.
      RESULTS: Overall, HCoV was detected in 113 (7.6%) of 1481 hospitalized children
      (83 [5.7%] after excluding 30 cases coinfected with other viruses) and 53 (7.1%)
      of 742 controls. The prevalence of HCoV or individual species was not
      significantly higher among hospitalized children than controls. Hospitalized
      children testing positive for HCoV alone tended to be less ill than those
      infected with other viruses, whereas those coinfected with HCoV and other viruses
      were clinically similar to those infected with other viruses alone. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this study of children hospitalized for ARI/fever, HCoV infection was not
      associated with hospitalization or with increased severity of illness.

PMID- 22094639
TI  - Diagnostic features associated with culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among
      young children in a vaccine trial setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify diagnostic features associated with culture of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the standard for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis,
      to inform clinical end point definitions for new TB vaccine trials. METHODS:
      Children <2 years of age (n = 1445) were screened and investigated for TB during
      a Bacille Calmette Guerin vaccine trial in South Africa. Standardized clinical,
      radiologic, and microbiologic data were collected, including paired gastric
      lavage and induced sputum for MTB liquid culture. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs)
      were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Adjusted
      odds of positive MTB culture increased by 90% with history of wheezing (AOR, 1.9)
      and by 4% with each 1-mm increase in Mantoux diameter (AOR, 1.04). Odds of
      positive MTB culture doubled if the chest radiograph was suggestive of pulmonary
      TB (AOR, 2.16) and more than tripled if lower chest retraction was observed
      clinically (AOR, 3.37). Fever, night sweats, and presence of lymphadenopathy were
      negatively associated with MTB culture (AOR: 0.5, 0.62, and 0.2, respectively).
      Persistent cough, weight loss, and failure to thrive were not significantly
      associated with MTB culture in this study population. CONCLUSIONS: Wheezing and
      lower chest retraction, consistent with intrathoracic airway obstruction; chest
      radiography suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis; and Mantoux diameter were
      predictive of positive MTB culture. These variables should be considered for
      inclusion in composite clinical end point definitions for infant TB vaccine
      trials. Several clinical features, commonly used for TB diagnosis in older
      children, were not associated with positive MTB culture among children younger
      than 2 years.

PMID- 22094640
TI  - High prevalence of acute respiratory tract infections among Warao Amerindian
      children in Venezuela in relation to low immunization coverage and chronic
      malnutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher prevalence rates of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs)
      have been described in Australian and Canadian indigenous populations than in
      nonindigenous age-matched counterparts. Few studies on ARTIs in South American
      indigenous populations have been published. We performed a cross-sectional survey
      to describe the prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections and acute lower
      respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) and associations with malnutrition and
      immunization status. METHODS: From December 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010, 487 Warao
      Amerindian children 0 to 59 months of age living in the Delta Amacuro in
      Venezuela were included in a cross-sectional survey. Data were obtained through
      parent questionnaires, vaccination cards, and physical examinations including
      anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Of the 487 children, 47% presented with an
      ARTI. Of these, 60% had upper respiratory tract infections and 40% were ALRTI.
      Immunization coverage was low, with only 27% of all children presenting a
      vaccination card being fully immunized. The prevalence of malnutrition was high
      (52%), with stunting (height-for-age <-2 standard deviations) being the most
      frequent presentation affecting 45% of children. ARTI and ALRTI prevalence
      diminished with increasing age (odds ratio for ALRTI in children 25-59 months of
      age vs. children younger than 12 months, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.26
      0.93). Furthermore, significant differences in ARTI prevalence were seen between
      villages. No significant associations between immunization status or malnutrition
      and ARTI or ALRTI prevalence were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of
      ARTIs and chronic malnutrition in combination with a low immunization status
      highlights the need for an integrated approach to improve the health status of
      indigenous Venezuelan children.

PMID- 22094641
TI  - Levels of kinesin light chain and dynein intermediate chain are reduced in the
      frontal cortex in Alzheimer's disease: implications for axoplasmic transport.
AB  - Fast anterograde and retrograde axoplasmic transports in neurons rely on the
      activity of molecular motors and are critical for maintenance of neuronal and
      synaptic functions. Disturbances of axoplasmic transport have been identified in
      Alzheimer's disease and in animal models of this disease, but their mechanisms
      are not well understood. In this study we have investigated the distribution and
      the level of expression of kinesin light chains (KLCs) (responsible for binding
      of cargos during anterograde transport) and of dynein intermediate chain (DIC) (a
      component of the dynein complex during retrograde transport) in frontal cortex
      and cerebellar cortex of control subjects and Alzheimer's disease patients. By
      immunoblotting, we found a significant decrease in the levels of expression of
      KLC1 and 2 and DIC in the frontal cortex, but not in the cerebellar cortex, of
      Alzheimer's disease patients. A significant decrease in the levels of
      synaptophysin and of tubulin-beta3 proteins, two neuronal markers, was also
      observed. KLC1 and DIC immunoreactivities did not co-localize with
      neurofibrillary tangles. The mean mRNA levels of KLC1, 2 and DIC were not
      significantly different between controls and AD patients. In SH-SY5Y neural
      cells, GSK-3beta phosphorylated KLC1, a change associated to decreased
      association of KLC1 with its cargoes. Increased levels of active GSK-3beta and of
      phosphorylated KLC1 were also observed in AD frontal cortex. We suggest that
      reduction of KLCs and DIC proteins in AD cortex results from both reduced
      expression and neuronal loss, and that these reductions and GSK-3beta-mediated
      phosphorylation of KLC1 contribute to disturbances of axoplasmic flows and
      synaptic integrity in Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22094643
TI  - Effects of network resolution on topological properties of human neocortex.
AB  - Graph theoretical analyses applied to neuroimaging datasets have provided
      valuable insights into the large-scale anatomical organization of the human
      neocortex. Most of these studies were performed with different cortical scales
      leading to cortical networks with different levels of small-world organization.
      The present study investigates how resolution of thickness-based cortical scales
      impacts on topological properties of human anatomical cortical networks. To this
      end, we designed a novel approach aimed at determining the best trade-off between
      small-world attributes of anatomical cortical networks and the number of cortical
      regions included in the scale. Results revealed that schemes comprising 540-599
      regions (surface areas spanning between 250 and 275 mm(2)) at sparsities below
      10% showed a superior balance between small-world organization and the size of
      the cortical scale employed. Furthermore, we found that the cortical scale
      representing the best trade-off (599 regions) was more resilient to targeted
      attacks than atlas-based schemes (Desikan-Killiany atlas, 66 regions) and, most
      importantly, it did not differ that much from the finest cortical scale tested in
      the present study (1494 regions). In summary, our study confirms that topological
      organization of anatomical cortical networks varies with both sparsity and
      resolution of cortical scale, and it further provides a novel methodological
      framework aimed at identifying cortical schemes that maximize small-worldness
      with the lowest scale resolution possible.

PMID- 22094642
TI  - Diagnostic neuroimaging across diseases.
AB  - Fully automated classification algorithms have been successfully applied to
      diagnose a wide range of neurological and psychiatric diseases. They are
      sufficiently robust to handle data from different scanners for many applications
      and in specific cases outperform radiologists. This article provides an overview
      of current applications taking structural imaging in Alzheimer's disease and
      schizophrenia as well as functional imaging to diagnose depression as examples.
      In this context, we also report studies aiming to predict the future course of
      the disease and the response to treatment for the individual. This has obvious
      clinical relevance but is also important for the design of treatment studies that
      may aim to include a cohort with a predicted fast disease progression to be more
      sensitive to detect treatment effects. In the second part, we present our own
      opinions on i) the role these classification methods can play in the clinical
      setting; ii) where their limitations are at the moment and iii) how those can be
      overcome. Specifically, we discuss strategies to deal with disease heterogeneity,
      diagnostic uncertainties, a probabilistic framework for classification and multi
      class classification approaches.

PMID- 22094645
TI  - Simultaneous segmentation and grading of anatomical structures for patient's
      classification: application to Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - In this paper, we propose an innovative approach to robustly and accurately
      detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on the distinction of specific atrophic
      patterns of anatomical structures such as hippocampus (HC) and entorhinal cortex
      (EC). The proposed method simultaneously performs segmentation and grading of
      structures to efficiently capture the anatomical alterations caused by AD. Known
      as SNIPE (Scoring by Non-local Image Patch Estimator), the novel proposed grading
      measure is based on a nonlocal patch-based frame-work and estimates the
      similarity of the patch surrounding the voxel under study with all the patches
      present in different training populations. In this study, the training library
      was composed of two populations: 50 cognitively normal subjects (CN) and 50
      patients with AD, randomly selected from the ADNI database. During our
      experiments, the classification accuracy of patients (CN vs. AD) using several
      biomarkers was compared: HC and EC volumes, the grade of these structures and
      finally the combination of their volume and their grade. Tests were completed in
      a leave-one-out framework using discriminant analysis. First, we showed that
      biomarkers based on HC provide better classification accuracy than biomarkers
      based on EC. Second, we demonstrated that structure grading is a more powerful
      measure than structure volume to distinguish both populations with a
      classification accuracy of 90%. Finally, by adding the ages of subjects in order
      to better separate age-related structural changes from disease-related anatomical
      alterations, SNIPE obtained a classification accuracy of 93%.

PMID- 22094646
TI  - Conditions for highly efficient and reproducible round-window stimulation in
      humans.
AB  - Round-window stimulation is a new clinical approach for the application of active
      middle-ear implants. To investigate factors influencing the efficiency of round
      window stimulation, experiments in 6 human temporal bones were performed with
      different actuator geometries and coupling conditions. The experiments show that
      the amplitude ratio between stapes and round-window actuator vibration is most
      efficient when using a 1.0-mm diameter rod with a 30 degrees  inclined tip
      geometry and an attached silicone pad. In this case, the amplitude ratio is 0.34
      for frequencies up to 1.5 kHz and 0.27 for frequencies up to 20 kHz, with a
      standard deviation of only 4-6 dB at most frequencies. The analysis of data
      presented here and in a companion paper suggests that control of proper round
      window membrane pretension as well as the inclined tip geometry are the major
      requirements for maximal performance.

PMID- 22094644
TI  - Along-tract statistics allow for enhanced tractography analysis.
AB  - Diffusion imaging tractography is a valuable tool for neuroscience researchers
      because it allows the generation of individualized virtual dissections of major
      white matter tracts in the human brain. It facilitates between-subject
      statistical analyses tailored to the specific anatomy of each participant. There
      is prominent variation in diffusion imaging metrics (e.g., fractional anisotropy,
      FA) within tracts, but most tractography studies use a "tract-averaged" approach
      to analysis by averaging the scalar values from the many streamline vertices in a
      tract dissection into a single point-spread estimate for each tract. Here we
      describe a complete workflow needed to conduct an along-tract analysis of white
      matter streamline tract groups. This consists of 1) A flexible MATLAB toolkit for
      generating along-tract data based on B-spline resampling and compilation of
      scalar data at different collections of vertices along the curving tract spines,
      and 2) Statistical analysis and rich data visualization by leveraging tools
      available through the R platform for statistical computing. We demonstrate the
      effectiveness of such an along-tract approach over the tract-averaged approach in
      an example analysis of 10 major white matter tracts in a single subject. We also
      show that these techniques easily extend to between-group analyses typically used
      in neuroscience applications, by conducting an along-tract analysis of
      differences in FA between 9 individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
      (FASDs) and 11 typically-developing controls. This analysis reveals localized
      differences between FASD and control groups that were not apparent using a tract
      averaged method. Finally, to validate our approach and highlight the strength of
      this extensible software framework, we implement 2 other methods from the
      literature and leverage the existing workflow tools to conduct a comparison
      study.

PMID- 22094647
TI  - Pharmacotherapeutic implications of the association between genomic instability
      at chromosome 15q13.3 and autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - Recurrent microdeletions of chromosome 15q13.3 are causally associated with
      autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that haploinsufficiency of CHRNA7,
      the gene that codes for the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7
      nAChR) subunit, is an etiological mechanism. Independent of these genetic data,
      given the location of alpha7 nAChRs on gamma-aminobutyric acid-inhibitory neurons
      and their role in maintaining central inhibitory tone, a compelling
      pharmacological rationale exists for therapeutically targeting the alpha7 nAChR
      in persons with ASDs. Given the availability of positive allosteric modulators of
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and selective agonists for the alpha7 nAChR
      (eg, choline derived from dietary administration of cytidine 5'diphosphocholine
      and anabasine derivatives), it is possible to conduct "proof of concept" clinical
      trials, exploring the effects of alpha7 nAChR agonist interventional strategies
      on domains of psychopathology, such as attention, cognition, and memory, in
      persons with ASDs.

PMID- 22094648
TI  - Complexity of motor response to different doses of duodenal levodopa infusion in
      Parkinson disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to elaborately describe individual pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic profiles in patients with difficult-to-treat dyskinesias treated
      with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion. METHODS: A nonrandomized, partly
      blinded, investigator-initiated trial was conducted in 5 patients with idiopathic
      Parkinson disease who were difficult to keep in "on" state without dyskinesia.
      Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (Duodopa) doses of 80% to 120% of individually
      and clinically optimized dosage were infused during five 4-hour periods.
      Pharmacokinetic profiling, blinded assessment of video recordings, and objective
      movement analysis were applied every 20 to 30 minutes. RESULTS: Individual
      correlations between plasma levodopa concentrations and corresponding motor
      scores 20 to 30 minutes after the sampling time were significant in all patients
      (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). Motor scores were generally stable during the 4-hour
      periods. The objective test revealed that motor performance was faster the more
      dyskinetic the patients were. Mean individual Treatment Response Scale scores
      were positive in 24 of the 25 steady-state periods. Dystonia was always combined
      with choreic dyskinesias. CONCLUSIONS: Motor response from different doses of
      levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel is in a broad sense predictable even in
      dyskinetic patients although major interindividual differences in dose
      requirement, plasma levels, and motor response are found. That motor performance
      was faster the more dyskinetic the patients were implies that motor performance
      may be better with moderate dyskinesia than with mild dyskinesia. This may
      explain why patients with persistent dyskinesias choose to keep their doses above
      the dyskinesia threshold. There is no ideal therapeutic window in such patients,
      but levodopa infusion offers stable motor response.

PMID- 22094649
TI  - Desirable partners.

PMID- 22094650
TI  - Climate change.

PMID- 22094651
TI  - Ex factor.

PMID- 22094652
TI  - Time to stop celebrating the polluters.

PMID- 22094663
TI  - Russia gets the red planet blues.

PMID- 22094664
TI  - China forges ahead in space.

PMID- 22094665
TI  - Gulf ecology hit by coastal development.

PMID- 22094666
TI  - Depression drug disappoints.

PMID- 22094667
TI  - Summit urged to clean up farming.

PMID- 22094669
TI  - Iran's nuclear plan revealed.

PMID- 22094668
TI  - Targeted treatment tested as potential cancer cure.

PMID- 22094670
TI  - Research at Janelia: life on the farm.

PMID- 22094671
TI  - Dark days of the Triassic: lost world.

PMID- 22094672
TI  - Climate policy: letting go of Kyoto.

PMID- 22094673
TI  - Environmental science: good governance for geoengineering.

PMID- 22094679
TI  - Antarctica: fishery threatens protected ocean.

PMID- 22094681
TI  - Agriculture: risk assessment for Brazil's GM bean.

PMID- 22094683
TI  - Herbert Hauptman (1917-2011).

PMID- 22094684
TI  - Ageing: generations of longevity.

PMID- 22094685
TI  - Quantum physics: shaking photons out of the vacuum.

PMID- 22094686
TI  - Geophysics: earth's longest fossil rift-valley system.

PMID- 22094687
TI  - Neuroscience: chemical ecology of pain.

PMID- 22094688
TI  - Quantum information: the conundrum of secure positioning.

PMID- 22094689
TI  - Silicon electronics and beyond.

PMID- 22094690
TI  - Multigate transistors as the future of classical metal-oxide-semiconductor field
      effect transistors.
AB  - For more than four decades, transistors have been shrinking exponentially in
      size, and therefore the number of transistors in a single microelectronic chip
      has been increasing exponentially. Such an increase in packing density was made
      possible by continually shrinking the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect
      transistor (MOSFET). In the current generation of transistors, the transistor
      dimensions have shrunk to such an extent that the electrical characteristics of
      the device can be markedly degraded, making it unlikely that the exponential
      decrease in transistor size can continue. Recently, however, a new generation of
      MOSFETs, called multigate transistors, has emerged, and this multigate geometry
      will allow the continuing enhancement of computer performance into the next
      decade.

PMID- 22094691
TI  - Nanometre-scale electronics with III-V compound semiconductors.
AB  - For 50 years the exponential rise in the power of electronics has been fuelled by
      an increase in the density of silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor
      (CMOS) transistors and improvements to their logic performance. But silicon
      transistor scaling is now reaching its limits, threatening to end the
      microelectronics revolution. Attention is turning to a family of materials that
      is well placed to address this problem: group III-V compound semiconductors. The
      outstanding electron transport properties of these materials might be central to
      the development of the first nanometre-scale logic transistors.

PMID- 22094692
TI  - Academic and industry research progress in germanium nanodevices.
AB  - Silicon has enabled the rise of the semiconductor electronics industry, but it
      was not the first material used in such devices. During the 1950s, just after the
      birth of the transistor, solid-state devices were almost exclusively manufactured
      from germanium. Today, one of the key ways to improve transistor performance is
      to increase charge-carrier mobility within the device channel. Motivated by this,
      the solid-state device research community is returning to investigating the high
      mobility material germanium. Germanium-based transistors have the potential to
      operate at high speeds with low power requirements and might therefore be used in
      non-silicon-based semiconductor technology in the future.

PMID- 22094693
TI  - Tunnel field-effect transistors as energy-efficient electronic switches.
AB  - Power dissipation is a fundamental problem for nanoelectronic circuits. Scaling
      the supply voltage reduces the energy needed for switching, but the field-effect
      transistors (FETs) in today's integrated circuits require at least 60 mV of gate
      voltage to increase the current by one order of magnitude at room temperature.
      Tunnel FETs avoid this limit by using quantum-mechanical band-to-band tunnelling,
      rather than thermal injection, to inject charge carriers into the device channel.
      Tunnel FETs based on ultrathin semiconducting films or nanowires could achieve a
      100-fold power reduction over complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)
      transistors, so integrating tunnel FETs with CMOS technology could improve low
      power integrated circuits.

PMID- 22094694
TI  - A role for graphene in silicon-based semiconductor devices.
AB  - As silicon-based electronics approach the limit of improvements to performance
      and capacity through dimensional scaling, attention in the semiconductor field
      has turned to graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb
      lattice. Its high mobility of charge carriers (electrons and holes) could lead to
      its use in the next generation of high-performance devices. Graphene is unlikely
      to replace silicon completely, however, because of the poor on/off current ratio
      resulting from its zero bandgap. But it could be used to improve silicon-based
      devices, in particular in high-speed electronics and optical modulators.

PMID- 22094695
TI  - Embracing the quantum limit in silicon computing.
AB  - Quantum computers hold the promise of massive performance enhancements across a
      range of applications, from cryptography and databases to revolutionary
      scientific simulation tools. Such computers would make use of the same quantum
      mechanical phenomena that pose limitations on the continued shrinking of
      conventional information processing devices. Many of the key requirements for
      quantum computing differ markedly from those of conventional computers. However,
      silicon, which plays a central part in conventional information processing, has
      many properties that make it a superb platform around which to build a quantum
      computer.

PMID- 22094696
TI  - Environmental effects of information and communications technologies.
AB  - The digital revolution affects the environment on several levels. Most directly,
      information and communications technology (ICT) has environmental impacts through
      the manufacturing, operation and disposal of devices and network equipment, but
      it also provides ways to mitigate energy use, for example through smart buildings
      and teleworking. At a broader system level, ICTs influence economic growth and
      bring about technological and societal change. Managing the direct impacts of
      ICTs is more complex than just producing efficient devices, owing to the
      energetically expensive manufacturing process, and the increasing proliferation
      of devices needs to be taken into account.

PMID- 22094697
TI  - Observation of the dynamical Casimir effect in a superconducting circuit.
AB  - One of the most surprising predictions of modern quantum theory is that the
      vacuum of space is not empty. In fact, quantum theory predicts that it teems with
      virtual particles flitting in and out of existence. Although initially a
      curiosity, it was quickly realized that these vacuum fluctuations had measurable
      consequences--for instance, producing the Lamb shift of atomic spectra and
      modifying the magnetic moment of the electron. This type of renormalization due
      to vacuum fluctuations is now central to our understanding of nature. However,
      these effects provide indirect evidence for the existence of vacuum fluctuations.
      From early on, it was discussed whether it might be possible to more directly
      observe the virtual particles that compose the quantum vacuum. Forty years ago,
      it was suggested that a mirror undergoing relativistic motion could convert
      virtual photons into directly observable real photons. The phenomenon, later
      termed the dynamical Casimir effect, has not been demonstrated previously. Here
      we observe the dynamical Casimir effect in a superconducting circuit consisting
      of a coplanar transmission line with a tunable electrical length. The rate of
      change of the electrical length can be made very fast (a substantial fraction of
      the speed of light) by modulating the inductance of a superconducting quantum
      interference device at high frequencies (>10 gigahertz). In addition to observing
      the creation of real photons, we detect two-mode squeezing in the emitted
      radiation, which is a signature of the quantum character of the generation
      process.

PMID- 22094698
TI  - Atom-resolved imaging of ordered defect superstructures at individual grain
      boundaries.
AB  - The ability to resolve spatially and identify chemically atoms in defects would
      greatly advance our understanding of the correlation between structure and
      property in materials. This is particularly important in polycrystalline
      materials, in which the grain boundaries have profound implications for the
      properties and applications of the final material. However, such atomic
      resolution is still extremely difficult to achieve, partly because grain
      boundaries are effective sinks for atomic defects and impurities, which may drive
      structural transformation of grain boundaries and consequently modify material
      properties. Regardless of the origin of these sinks, the interplay between
      defects and grain boundaries complicates our efforts to pinpoint the exact sites
      and chemistries of the entities present in the defective regions, thereby
      limiting our understanding of how specific defects mediate property changes. Here
      we show that the combination of advanced electron microscopy, spectroscopy and
      first-principles calculations can provide three-dimensional images of complex,
      multicomponent grain boundaries with both atomic resolution and chemical
      sensitivity. The high resolution of these techniques allows us to demonstrate
      that even for magnesium oxide, which has a simple rock-salt structure, grain
      boundaries can accommodate complex ordered defect superstructures that induce
      significant electron trapping in the bandgap of the oxide. These results offer
      insights into interactions between defects and grain boundaries in ceramics and
      demonstrate that atomic-scale analysis of complex multicomponent structures in
      materials is now becoming possible.

PMID- 22094700
TI  - East Antarctic rifting triggers uplift of the Gamburtsev Mountains.
AB  - The Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains are the least understood tectonic feature on
      Earth, because they are completely hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
      Their high elevation and youthful Alpine topography, combined with their location
      on the East Antarctic craton, creates a paradox that has puzzled researchers
      since the mountains were discovered in 1958. The preservation of Alpine
      topography in the Gamburtsevs may reflect extremely low long-term erosion rates
      beneath the ice sheet, but the mountains' origin remains problematic. Here we
      present the first comprehensive view of the crustal architecture and uplift
      mechanisms for the Gamburtsevs, derived from radar, gravity and magnetic data.
      The geophysical data define a 2,500-km-long rift system in East Antarctica
      surrounding the Gamburtsevs, and a thick crustal root beneath the range. We
      propose that the root formed during the Proterozoic assembly of interior East
      Antarctica (possibly about 1 Gyr ago), was preserved as in some old orogens and
      was rejuvenated during much later Permian (roughly 250 Myr ago) and Cretaceous
      (roughly 100 Myr ago) rifting. Much like East Africa, the interior of East
      Antarctica is a mosaic of Precambrian provinces affected by rifting processes.
      Our models show that the combination of rift-flank uplift, root buoyancy and the
      isostatic response to fluvial and glacial erosion explains the high elevation and
      relief of the Gamburtsevs. The evolution of the Gamburtsevs demonstrates that
      rifting and preserved orogenic roots can produce broad regions of high topography
      in continental interiors without significantly modifying the underlying
      Precambrian lithosphere.

PMID- 22094699
TI  - Observed increase in local cooling effect of deforestation at higher latitudes.
AB  - Deforestation in mid- to high latitudes is hypothesized to have the potential to
      cool the Earth's surface by altering biophysical processes. In climate models of
      continental-scale land clearing, the cooling is triggered by increases in surface
      albedo and is reinforced by a land albedo-sea ice feedback. This feedback is
      crucial in the model predictions; without it other biophysical processes may
      overwhelm the albedo effect to generate warming instead. Ongoing land-use
      activities, such as land management for climate mitigation, are occurring at
      local scales (hectares) presumably too small to generate the feedback, and it is
      not known whether the intrinsic biophysical mechanism on its own can change the
      surface temperature in a consistent manner. Nor has the effect of deforestation
      on climate been demonstrated over large areas from direct observations. Here we
      show that surface air temperature is lower in open land than in nearby forested
      land. The effect is 0.85 +/- 0.44 K (mean +/- one standard deviation) northwards
      of 45 degrees  N and 0.21 +/- 0.53 K southwards. Below 35 degrees  N there is
      weak evidence that deforestation leads to warming. Results are based on
      comparisons of temperature at forested eddy covariance towers in the USA and
      Canada and, as a proxy for small areas of cleared land, nearby surface weather
      stations. Night-time temperature changes unrelated to changes in surface albedo
      are an important contributor to the overall cooling effect. The observed
      latitudinal dependence is consistent with theoretical expectation of changes in
      energy loss from convection and radiation across latitudes in both the daytime
      and night-time phase of the diurnal cycle, the latter of which remains uncertain
      in climate models.

PMID- 22094701
TI  - Spalt mediates an evolutionarily conserved switch to fibrillar muscle fate in
      insects.
AB  - Flying insects oscillate their wings at high frequencies of up to 1,000 Hz and
      produce large mechanical forces of 80 W per kilogram of muscle. They utilize a
      pair of perpendicularly oriented indirect flight muscles that contain fibrillar,
      stretch-activated myofibres. In contrast, all other, more slowly contracting,
      insect body muscles have a tubular muscle morphology. Here we identify the
      transcription factor Spalt major (Salm) as a master regulator of fibrillar flight
      muscle fate in Drosophila. salm is necessary and sufficient to induce fibrillar
      muscle fate. salm switches the entire transcriptional program from tubular to
      fibrillar fate by regulating the expression and splicing of key sarcomeric
      components specific to each muscle type. Spalt function is conserved in insects
      evolutionarily separated by 280 million years. We propose that Spalt proteins
      switch myofibres from tubular to fibrillar fate during development, a function
      potentially conserved in the vertebrate heart--a stretch-activated muscle sharing
      features with insect flight muscle.

PMID- 22094704
TI  - Mapping of Chagas disease research: analysis of publications in the period
      between 1940 and 2009.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Publications are often used as a measure of success in research
      work. Chagas disease occurs in Central and Southern America. However, during the
      past years, the disease has been occurring outside Latin America due to migration
      from endemic zones. This article describes a bibliometric review of the
      literature on Chagas disease research indexed in PubMed during a 70-year period.
      METHODS: Medline was used via the PubMed online service of the U.S. National
      Library of Medicine from 1940 to 2009. The search strategy was: Chagas disease
      [MeSH] OR Trypanosoma cruzi [MeSH]. RESULTS: A total of 13,989 references were
      retrieved. The number of publications increased steadily over time from 1,361
      (1940-1969) to 5,430 (2000-2009) (coefficient of determination for linear fit,
      R2=0.910). Eight journals contained 25% of the Chagas disease literature. Of the
      publications, 64.2% came from endemic countries. Brazil was the predominant
      country (37%), followed by the United States (17.6%) and Argentina (14%). The
      ranking in production changed when the number of publications was normalized by
      estimated cases of Chagas disease (Panama and Uruguay), population (Argentina and
      Uruguay), and gross domestic product (Bolivia and Brazil). CONCLUSIONS: Several
      Latin American countries, where the prevalence of T. cruzi infection was not very
      high, were the main producers of the Chagas disease literature, after adjusting
      for economic and population indexes. The countries with more estimated cases of
      Chagas disease produced less research on Chagas disease than some developed
      countries.

PMID- 22094705
TI  - Risk factors for Leishmania chagasi infection in an endemic area in Raposa, State
      of Maranhao, Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infection with Leishmania chagasi is the most common clinical
      presentation for visceral leishmaniaisis in endemic areas. The municipality of
      Raposa is an endemic area in State of Maranhao, Brazil, and have had registration
      cases of visceral leishmaniasis disease. For this reason, a cross-sectional study
      was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for infection with L. chagasi detected
      by Montenegro skin test. METHODS: The sample comprised 96% of the inhabitants of
      the villages of Maresia, Pantoja, and Marisol located in the municipality of
      Raposa, corresponding to 1,359 subjects. Data were collected using a
      questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were
      applied to evaluate the association between the variables studied and infection
      of L. chagasi. RESULTS: The variables associated with infection upon nonadjusted
      analysis were a straw roof, mud walls, floors of beaten earth, presence of sand
      flies inside or outside of the dwelling, and bathing outdoors. Adjusted analysis
      showed that the presence of sand flies inside/outside the dwelling was a risk
      factor, and age younger than 10 years was a protective factor against
      asymptomatic infection. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the extent to which
      precarious living conditions of the population strengthen the epidemiological
      chain of visceral leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22094706
TI  - Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi Mexican strains and their
      behavior in the mouse experimental model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For a long time, the importance of Chagas disease in Mexico, where
      many regarded it as an exotic malady, was questioned. Considering the great
      genetic diversity among isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi, the importance of this
      biological characterization, and the paucity of information on the clinical and
      biological aspects of Chagas disease in Mexico, this study aimed to identify the
      molecular and biological characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi isolates from
      different endemic areas of this country, especially of the State of Jalisco.
      METHODS: Eight Mexican Trypanosoma cruzi strains were biologically and
      genetically characterized (PCR specific for Trypanosoma cruzi, multiplex-PCR,
      amplification of space no transcript of the genes of the mini-exon, amplification
      of polymorphic regions of the mini-exon, classification by amplification of
      intergenic regions of the spliced leader genes, RAPD (random amplified
      polymorphic DNA). RESULTS: Two profiles of parasitaemia were observed, patent
      (peak parasitaemia of 4.6*10(6) to 10(7) parasites/mL) and subpatent. In
      addition, all isolates were able to infect 100% of the animals. The isolates
      mainly displayed tropism for striated (cardiac and skeletal) muscle. PCR
      amplification of the mini-exon gene classified the eight strains as TcI. The RAPD
      technique revealed intraspecies variation among isolates, distinguishing strains
      isolated from humans and triatomines and according to geographic origin.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Mexican T. cruzi strains are myotrophic and belong to group TcI.

PMID- 22094702
TI  - A heteromeric Texas coral snake toxin targets acid-sensing ion channels to
      produce pain.
AB  - Natural products that elicit discomfort or pain represent invaluable tools for
      probing molecular mechanisms underlying pain sensation. Plant-derived irritants
      have predominated in this regard, but animal venoms have also evolved to avert
      predators by targeting neurons and receptors whose activation produces noxious
      sensations. As such, venoms provide a rich and varied source of small molecule
      and protein pharmacophores that can be exploited to characterize and manipulate
      key components of the pain-signalling pathway. With this in mind, here we perform
      an unbiased in vitro screen to identify snake venoms capable of activating
      somatosensory neurons. Venom from the Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener tener),
      whose bite produces intense and unremitting pain, excites a large cohort of
      sensory neurons. The purified active species (MitTx) consists of a heteromeric
      complex between Kunitz- and phospholipase-A2-like proteins that together function
      as a potent, persistent and selective agonist for acid-sensing ion channels
      (ASICs), showing equal or greater efficacy compared with acidic pH. MitTx is
      highly selective for the ASIC1 subtype at neutral pH; under more acidic
      conditions (pH < 6.5), MitTx massively potentiates (>100-fold) proton-evoked
      activation of ASIC2a channels. These observations raise the possibility that ASIC
      channels function as coincidence detectors for extracellular protons and other,
      as yet unidentified, endogenous factors. Purified MitTx elicits robust pain
      related behaviour in mice by activation of ASIC1 channels on capsaicin-sensitive
      nerve fibres. These findings reveal a mechanism whereby snake venoms produce
      pain, and highlight an unexpected contribution of ASIC1 channels to nociception.

PMID- 22094707
TI  - Enteric parasites in HIV-1/AIDS-infected patients from a Northwestern Sao Paulo
      reference unit in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We describe the epidemiology of intestinal parasites in patients
      from an AIDS reference service in Northeastern Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS:
      Retrospective evaluation was done for all HIV-1/AIDS-positive patients whose
      Hospital de Base/Sao Jose do Rio Preto laboratorial analysis was positive for
      enteroparasites after diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, from January 1998 to December
      2008. Statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software version
      2.4.1. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The most frequent
      protozoan was Isospora belli (4.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (3.5%),
      Entamoeba coli (2.8%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (0.3%). Ancylostoma duodenale
      (1.4%) was the most frequently detected helminth, while Taenia saginata and
      Strongiloides stercoralis were found in 0.7% of the samples. The results showed
      that diarrhea was significantly associated with giardiasis and isosporiasis.
      However, no association was observed between CD4+ cell counts, viral load, and
      the characteristics of any particular parasite. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may be
      useful for further comparisons with other Brazilian regions and other developing
      countries. The data may also provide important clues toward improving the
      understanding, prevention, and control of enteric parasites around the world.

PMID- 22094708
TI  - Molecular analysis and dimorphism of azole-susceptible and resistant Candida
      albicans isolates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans is responsible for superficial or systemic
      infections known as candidiasis, which may be found in infected tissue as
      unicellular budding yeasts, hyphae, or pseudohyphae. In this study, the effects
      of both fluconazole and itraconazole antifungal agents on the hyphal formation
      and genotypic characterization of C. albicans isolates classified as either
      susceptible or resistant were investigated. METHODS: The hyphal production of
      five C. albicans isolates under the action of antifungal agents was investigated
      by culturing yeast on growth medium and on hyphal induction medium. The genotypic
      characterization was carried out for 13 isolates of C. albicans using the random
      amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) method. RESULTS:
      The dimorphism analysis showed that the hyphal formation was higher in resistant
      than in the susceptible isolates to both azoles. The RAPD-PCR method identified
      the formation of two different groups. In group A, four resistant and two
      susceptible isolates were clustered, and in group B, one resistant and six
      susceptible isolates were clustered. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that hyphal
      formation was higher in resistant isolates in the presence of azole drugs, we
      confirmed that the hyphal production is closely related to susceptibility to
      azoles. These drugs may affect the morphogenesis of C. albicans depending on
      their susceptibility to these drugs. In relation to RAPD-PCR, most resistant
      isolates classified in group A and susceptible isolates in group B demonstrated
      that this method presented a similar standard between the two groups, suggesting
      that by this technique, a strong correlation between genotypes and fluconazole
      resistant samples may be found.

PMID- 22094709
TI  - Diversity and distribution of the bioactive actinobacterial genus Salinispora
      from sponges along the Great Barrier Reef.
AB  - Isolates from the marine actinobacterial genus Salinispora were cultured from
      marine sponges collected from along the length of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR),
      Queensland, Australia. Strains of two species of Salinispora, Salinispora
      arenicola and "Salinispora pacifica", were isolated from GBR sponges Dercitus
      xanthus, Cinachyrella australiensis and Hyattella intestinalis. Phylogenetic
      analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of representative strains, selected via
      BOX-PCR screening, identified previously unreported phylotypes of the species "S.
      pacifica". The classification of these microdiverse 16S rRNA groups was further
      confirmed by analysis of the ribonuclease P RNA (RNase P RNA) gene through both
      phylogenetic and secondary structure analysis. The use of RNase P RNA sequences
      combined with 16S rRNA sequences allowed distinction of six new intraspecies
      phylotypes of "S. pacifica" within the geographical area of the GBR alone. One of
      these new phylotypes possessed a localised regional distribution within the GBR.

PMID- 22094710
TI  - Macrophage folate receptor-beta (FR-beta) expression in auto-immune inflammatory
      rheumatic diseases: a forthcoming marker for cardiovascular risk?
AB  - In patients with systemic auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD)
      like rheumatoid arthritis the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is
      increased. In the pathogenesis of AIIRD and atherosclerosis many similarities can
      be found in the process underlying CVD. Accumulation of inflammatory cells, in
      particular macrophages at the site of inflammation producing inflammatory
      mediators serve as a prominent feature in both systemic inflammation and
      atherosclerosis. Two different subtypes of macrophages have been described in
      recent literature namely classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively
      activated macrophages (M2). Alternatively activated macrophages are characterized
      by low CD14 and high CD163 expression. Macrophages expressing CD14 (M1) have been
      identified within atherosclerotic plaques, whereas CD14 low macrophages are
      abundant in vessels without atherosclerosis. Depending on the environment and
      responses to different stimuli, macrophages in plaques can express diverse pro
      and anti-atherogenic functions. The balance of these different activation
      profiles influences atheroma evolution and outcome. Nowadays, influx of
      macrophages is recognized as a very important feature of the pathogenesis of
      plaque formation. Activated macrophages accumulate at the sites of inflammation
      and can therefore be exploited to better visualize inflammatory responses in
      atherosclerosis. Furthermore, activated (but not resting) macrophages possess a
      functionally active receptor for folate (FR-beta), but it is not completely clear
      which subtype of this activated macrophages expresses this receptor and whether
      the expression of FR-beta is restricted to only one of the macrophage subsets.
      Although future research needs to be done to investigate FR-beta expression and
      function within inflamed tissues, the expression of functional FR-beta on tissue
      macrophages likely occurs during activation. Therefore, expression of FR-beta on
      activated macrophages holds a promising potential for early diagnosis and better
      analysis of optimal treatment regiments of vascular diseases in association with
      systemic diseases.

PMID- 22094711
TI  - Impact of FDA guidance for developing diabetes drugs on trial design: from policy
      to practice.
AB  - In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance requiring
      robust assessment of cardiovascular safety for all antidiabetic drugs to be
      licensed in the future. Here, we review the circumstances giving rise to the FDA
      guidance and describe the characteristics of clinical trials registered on
      ClinicalTrials.gov in the 36 months before and after the guidance was issued. We
      noted a doubling in the number of cardiovascular outcome trials registered and a
      sixfold increase in the median number of patients included in cardiovascular
      outcome trials in the latter 36 months. As the size and duration of follow-up for
      these trials increases, the clinical trials industry will need to adapt. The
      present review summarizes current attempts to streamline trial design and
      management to meet the requirements efficiently while adhering to the highest
      scientific standards.

PMID- 22094712
TI  - Histological presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the trabeculum and iris
      of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the role of Helicobacter pylori in primary open-angle
      glaucoma (POAG) pathophysiology by detecting its presence in eye biopsies of POAG
      patients during trabeculectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive
      patients who underwent trabeculectomy for POAG not responsive to antiglaucoma
      therapy, and 35 consecutive anemic controls were examined for H. pylori presence
      mainly by gastric mucosa histology. In POAG patients, eye biopsies were also
      obtained and stained for H. pylori presence in situ. RESULTS: Forty-three of 51
      (84.3%) POAG patients and 17 of 35 (48.6%) controls were tested H. pylori
      positive (p = 0.0004). In 5 H. pylori-positive POAG patients, H. pylori bacteria
      were identified in the trabeculum and iris specimens. CONCLUSION: For the first
      time, H. pylori bacteria have been detected histologically in eye biopsies of
      POAG patients.

PMID- 22094713
TI  - Upregulated miR-29b promotes neuronal cell death by inhibiting Bcl2L2 after
      ischemic brain injury.
AB  - It is increasingly clear that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in
      controlling cell survival. However, the functional significance of miRNAs in
      ischemic brain injury remains poorly understood. In the present study, we assayed
      the expression levels of miR-29b after ischemic brain injury, and defined the
      target genes and biological functions of miR-29b. We found that the miR-29b
      levels were significantly increased in rat brain after transient middle cerebral
      artery occlusion and neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Moreover, ectopic
      expression of miR-29b promoted neuronal cell death, whereas its repression
      decreased cell death. Furthermore, we verified that miR-29b directly targeted and
      inhibited Bcl2L2 gene expression, and then increased neuronal cell death.
      Importantly, Bcl2L2 overexpression rescued neuronal cell death induced by miR
      29b. These results suggest an important role of miR-29b in regulating neuronal
      cell death, thus offering a new target for the development of therapeutic agents
      against ischemic brain injury.

PMID- 22094714
TI  - Role of APP for dendritic spine formation and stability.
AB  - The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is transported in high amounts to the
      presynaptic endings where its function is still unknown. Several studies indicate
      that lack of APP or its overexpression affects the number of dendritic spines,
      the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses. Since synapse loss has been
      identified as one of the most important structural correlates of cognitive
      decline in Alzheimer's diseases (AD), the physiological function of APP at
      synapses, specifically at dendritic spines, has come into focus in AD research.
      This review intends to give an overview of the very controversial results on APP
      expression on dendritic spine number in the mouse brain.

PMID- 22094715
TI  - Eccentric exercise and delayed onset muscle soreness of the quadriceps induce
      adjustments in agonist-antagonist activity, which are dependent on the motor
      task.
AB  - This study investigates the effects of eccentric exercise and delayed onset
      muscle soreness (DOMS) of the quadriceps on agonist-antagonist activity during a
      range of motor tasks. Ten healthy volunteers (age, mean +/- SD, 24.9 +/- 3.2
      years) performed maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) and explosive isometric
      contractions of the knee extensors followed by isometric contractions at 2.5, 5,
      10, 15, 20, and 30% MVC at baseline, immediately after and 24 h after eccentric
      exercise of the quadriceps. During each task, force of the knee extensors and
      surface EMG of the vasti and hamstrings muscles were recorded concurrently. Rate
      of force development (RFD) was computed from the explosive isometric contraction,
      and the coefficient of variation of the force (CoV) signal was estimated from the
      submaximal contractions. Twenty-four hours after exercise, the subjects rated
      their perceived pain intensity as 4.1 +/- 1.2 (score out of 10). The maximum RFD
      and MVC of the knee extensors was reduced immediately post- and 24 h after
      eccentric exercise compared to baseline (average across both time points: 19.1 +/
      17.1% and 11.9 +/- 9.8% lower, respectively, P < 0.05). The CoV for force during
      the submaximal contractions was greater immediately after eccentric exercise (up
      to 66% higher than baseline, P < 0.001) and remained higher 24 h post-exercise
      during the presence of DOMS (P < 0.01). For the explosive and MVC tasks, the EMG
      amplitude of the vasti muscles decreased immediately after exercise and was
      accompanied by increased antagonist EMG for the explosive contraction only. On
      the contrary, reduced force steadiness was accompanied by a general increase in
      EMG amplitude of the vasti muscles and was accompanied by increased antagonist
      activity, but only at higher force levels (>15% MVC). This study shows that
      eccentric exercise and subsequent DOMS of the quadriceps reduce the maximal
      force, rate of force development and force steadiness of the knee extensors, and
      is accompanied by different adjustments of agonist and antagonist muscle
      activities.

PMID- 22094716
TI  - Emerging techniques in the minimally invasive treatment and management of
      thoracic spine tumors.
AB  - Over the past decade, the development and refinement of minimally invasive spine
      surgery techniques has lead to procedures with the potential to minimize
      iatrogenic and post-operative sequelae that may occur during the surgical
      treatment of various pathologies. In a similar manner, parallel advances in other
      current treatment technologies have led to the development of other minimally
      invasive treatments of spinal malignancies. These advances include percutaneous
      techniques for vertebral reconstruction, including vertebroplasty and
      kyphoplasty, the development of safe and effective spinal radiosurgery, and
      minimal-access spinal surgical procedures that allow surgeons to safely
      decompress and reconstruct the anterior spinal column. The advent of these new
      techniques has given modern practitioners treatment options in situations where
      they previously were limited by the potentially significant morbidities of the
      available techniques. Here, the authors discuss the application of current
      minimally invasive technologies in the treatment of malignancies of the thoracic
      spine, focusing on vertebral kyphoplasty, spinal radiosurgery, and minimally
      invasive spinal decompression techniques. The author's describe how these
      emerging treatment options are significantly expanding the options open to
      clinicians in the treatment of thoracic spinal column malignancies. Specific
      illustrative case examples are provided. The development of these techniques has
      the potential to improve clinical outcomes, limit surgical morbidity, and also
      improve the safety and efficiency of treatment pathways.

PMID- 22094717
TI  - A method to estimate the chronic health impact of air pollutants in U.S.
      residences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indoor air pollutants (IAPs) cause multiple health impacts.
      Prioritizing mitigation options that differentially affect individual pollutants
      and comparing IAPs with other environmental health hazards require a common
      metric of harm. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to demonstrate a methodology to
      quantify and compare health impacts from IAPs. The methodology is needed to
      assess population health impacts of large-scale initiatives-including energy
      efficiency upgrades and ventilation standards-that affect indoor air quality
      (IAQ). METHODS: Available disease incidence and disease impact models for
      specific pollutant-disease combinations were synthesized with data on measured
      concentrations to estimate the chronic heath impact, in disability-adjusted life
      years (DALYs) lost, due to inhalation of a subset of IAPs in U.S. residences.
      Model results were compared with independent estimates of DALYs lost due to
      disease. RESULTS: Particulate matter <= 2.5 MUm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5),
      acrolein, and formaldehyde accounted for the vast majority of DALY losses caused
      by IAPs considered in this analysis, with impacts on par or greater than
      estimates for secondhand tobacco smoke and radon. Confidence intervals of DALYs
      lost derived from epidemiology-based response functions are tighter than those
      derived from toxicology-based, interspecies extrapolations. Statistics on disease
      incidence in the United States indicate that the upper-bound confidence interval
      for aggregate IAP harm is implausibly high. CONCLUSIONS: The approach
      demonstrated in this study may be used to assess regional and national
      initiatives that affect IAQ at the population level. Cumulative health impacts
      from inhalation in U.S. residences of the IAPs assessed in this study are
      estimated at 400-1,100 DALYs lost annually per 100,000 persons.

PMID- 22094718
TI  - Rescue of bilirubin-induced neonatal lethality in a mouse model of Crigler-Najjar
      syndrome type I by AAV9-mediated gene transfer.
AB  - Crigler-Najjar type I (CNI) syndrome is a recessively inherited disorder
      characterized by severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by uridine
      diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) deficiency. The disease is lethal
      due to bilirubin-induced neurological damage unless phototherapy is applied from
      birth. However, treatment becomes less effective during growth, and liver
      transplantation is required. To investigate the pathophysiology of the disease
      and therapeutic approaches in mice, we generated a mouse model by introducing a
      premature stop codon in the UGT1a1 gene, which results in an inactive enzyme.
      Homozygous mutant mice developed severe jaundice soon after birth and died within
      11 d, showing significant cerebellar alterations. To rescue neonatal lethality,
      newborns were injected with a single dose of adeno-associated viral vector 9
      (AAV9) expressing the human UGT1A1. Gene therapy treatment completely rescued all
      AAV-treated mutant mice, accompanied by lower plasma bilirubin levels and normal
      brain histology and motor coordination. Our mouse model of CNI reproduces genetic
      and phenotypic features of the human disease. We have shown, for the first time,
      the full recovery of the lethal effects of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We
      believe that, besides gene-addition-based therapies, our mice could represent a
      very useful model to develop and test novel technologies based on gene correction
      by homologous recombination.

PMID- 22094719
TI  - Single- and two-phase flow in microfluidic porous media analogs based on Voronoi
      tessellation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to create a microfluidic model of complex porous
      media for studying single and multiphase flows. Most experimental porous media
      models consist of periodic geometries that lend themselves to comparison with
      well-developed theoretical predictions. However, many real porous media such as
      geological formations and biological tissues contain a degree of randomness and
      complexity at certain length scales that is not adequately represented in
      periodic geometries. To design an experimental tool to study these complex
      geometries, we created microfluidic models of random homogeneous and
      heterogeneous networks based on Voronoi tessellations. These networks consisted
      of approximately 600 grains separated by a highly connected network of channels
      with an overall porosity of 0.11-0.20. We found that introducing heterogeneities
      in the form of large cavities within the network changed the permeability in a
      way that cannot be predicted by the classical porosity-permeability relationship
      known as the Kozeny equation. The values of permeability found in experiments
      were in excellent agreement with those calculated from three-dimensional lattice
      Boltzmann simulations. In two-phase flow experiments of oil displacement with
      water we found that the wettability of channel walls determined the pattern of
      water invasion, while the network topology determined the residual oil
      saturation. The presence of cavities increased the microscopic sweeping
      efficiency in water-oil displacement. These results suggest that complex network
      topologies lead to fluid flow behavior that is difficult to predict based solely
      on porosity. The novelty of this approach is a unique geometry generation
      algorithm coupled with microfabrication techniques to produce pore scale models
      of stochastic homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media. The ability to perform
      and visualize multiphase flow experiments within these geometries will be useful
      in measuring the mechanism(s) of displacement within micro- and nanoscale pores.

PMID- 22094721
TI  - Successful demonstration of an efficient I(-)/(SeCN)2 redox mediator for dye
      sensitized solar cells.
AB  - A new I(-)/(SeCN)(2) redox mediator has favorable properties for dye-sensitized
      solar cells (DSCs) such as less visible light absorption, higher ionic
      conductivity, and downward shift of redox potential than I(-)/I(3)(-). It was
      then applied for DSCs towards increasing energy conversion efficiency, giving a
      new potential for improving performance.

PMID- 22094720
TI  - Comorbidity of conduct disorder symptoms and internalising problems in children:
      investigating a community and a clinical sample.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that many children with conduct problems (CP)
      also show internalising psychopathology (IP). However, it remains unclear whether
      the presence of IP serves as a protective or risk factor for the severity and
      development of CP. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and
      associations of comorbid IP in children with CP in a community and a clinical
      sample. Data from boys as well as girls with CP in the clinical range were
      obtained from a community sample (n = 1,160) and a clinical sample diagnosed with
      disruptive behaviour disorder (n = 193) from two European countries. In the
      community sample, information was obtained using the strengths and difficulties
      questionnaire, whereas in the clinical sample, the child behaviour checklist was
      used. Internalising disorders, according to ICD-10, were also assessed in the
      clinical sample. For both samples, age, gender, and impact of comorbid IP in the
      clinical range (above 90th percentile) for CP were explored. Results revealed
      that in both samples, participants with CP showed a high rate of comorbid IP
      (community sample: 35%; clinical sample: 78%). Participants with comorbid IP were
      more likely to experience social problems with peers. In the clinical sample,
      comorbid IP rated by the parents was more prevalent than internalising disorders
      according to ICD-10. Boys with CP and comorbid IP demonstrated a higher severity
      of externalising behaviour than boys without comorbid IP in the clinical sample.
      We concluded that in both samples, we found a high co-occurrence of CP and IP.
      Based on the idea that the co-occurrence of IP and CP in children and adolescents
      may potentially lead to increased antisocial behaviour, internalising
      psychopathology should be carefully investigated. Effective strategies and
      specific risk factors must be evaluated to treat comorbidity as early as possible
      in children with CP and IP.

PMID- 22094722
TI  - General condition of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal) in Japan:
      psychiatric diagnosis and outcome in mental health welfare centres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The issue of hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal) among Japanese
      youth has attracted attention from international experts. In previous research,
      the unique cultural and social factors of Japanese society have been the focus;
      however, in order to resolve the problem of hikikomori, individual mental health
      problems must be included. AIM: We examined the psychiatric background of
      individuals with hikikomori. METHODS: We recruited 337 individuals with
      hikikomori; 183 subjects who utilized the centres were designated as the help
      seeking group. We examined the multi-axial psychiatric diagnosis based on the DSM
      IV-TR, treatment policies and treatment outcomes. We also examined 154 subjects
      who did not utilize the centers (non-help-seeking group). RESULTS: Most of the
      subjects in the utilization group were classified into one of the diagnostic
      categories. Forty-nine (33.3%) subjects were diagnosed with schizophrenia, mood
      disorders or anxiety disorders, and this group needed pharmacotherapy. Other
      subjects were diagnosed with personality disorders or pervasive developmental
      disorders, and they mainly needed psycho-social support. The Global Assessment of
      Functioning (GAF) scores of the non-help-seeking group were significantly lower
      than the GAF scores of those who used treatments. CONCLUSION: Most hikikomori
      cases can be diagnosed using current diagnostic criteria. Individuals with
      hikikomori are much worse if they do not seek help.

PMID- 22094723
TI  - The best places for miniscrews.

PMID- 22094724
TI  - Anatomical guidelines for miniscrew insertion: palatal sites.

PMID- 22094725
TI  - The insignia system of customized orthodontics.

PMID- 22094726
TI  - A modified dental probe for orthodontic use.

PMID- 22094727
TI  - Adjusting force vectors during maxillary retraction with miniscrew anchorage.

PMID- 22094728
TI  - Bonding a lingual retainer to denture crowns.

PMID- 22094729
TI  - The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device as a fixed functional appliance.

PMID- 22094730
TI  - Vertebrate neural stem cell segmentation, tracking and lineaging with validation
      and editing.
AB  - This protocol and the accompanying software program called LEVER (lineage editing
      and validation) enable quantitative automated analysis of phase-contrast time
      lapse images of cultured neural stem cells. Images are captured at 5-min
      intervals over a period of 5-15 d as the cells proliferate and differentiate.
      LEVER automatically segments, tracks and generates lineage trees of the stem
      cells from the image sequence. In addition to generating lineage trees capturing
      the population dynamics of clonal development, LEVER extracts quantitative
      phenotypic measurements of cell location, shape, movement and size. When
      available, the system can include biomolecular markers imaged using fluorescence.
      It then displays the results to the user for highly efficient inspection and
      editing to correct any errors in the segmentation, tracking or lineaging. To
      enable high-throughput inspection, LEVER incorporates features for rapid
      identification of errors and for learning from user-supplied corrections to
      automatically identify and correct related errors.

PMID- 22094731
TI  - Determining the number of specific proteins in cellular compartments by
      quantitative microscopy.
AB  - This protocol describes a method for determining both the average number and
      variance of proteins, in the few to tens of copies, in isolated cellular
      compartments such as organelles and protein complexes. Other currently available
      protein quantification techniques either provide an average number, but lack
      information on the variance, or they are not suitable for reliably counting
      proteins present in the few to tens of copies. This protocol entails labeling of
      the cellular compartment with fluorescent primary-secondary antibody complexes,
      total internal reflection fluorescence microscopic imaging of the cellular
      compartment, digital image analysis and deconvolution of the fluorescence
      intensity data. A minimum of 2.5 d is required to complete the labeling, imaging
      and analysis of a set of samples. As an illustrative example, we describe in
      detail the procedure used to determine the copy number of proteins in synaptic
      vesicles. The same procedure can be applied to other organelles or signaling
      complexes.

PMID- 22094732
TI  - Identifying microbial fitness determinants by insertion sequencing using genome
      wide transposon mutant libraries.
AB  - Insertion sequencing (INSeq) is a method for determining the insertion site and
      relative abundance of large numbers of transposon mutants in a mixed population
      of isogenic mutants of a sequenced microbial species. INSeq is based on a
      modified mariner transposon containing MmeI sites at its ends, allowing cleavage
      at chromosomal sites 16-17 bp from the inserted transposon. Genomic regions
      adjacent to the transposons are amplified by linear PCR with a biotinylated
      primer. Products are bound to magnetic beads, digested with MmeI and barcoded
      with sample-specific linkers appended to each restriction fragment. After limited
      PCR amplification, fragments are sequenced using a high-throughput instrument.
      The sequence of each read can be used to map the location of a transposon in the
      genome. Read count measures the relative abundance of that mutant in the
      population. Solid-phase library preparation makes this protocol rapid (18 h),
      easy to scale up, amenable to automation and useful for a variety of samples. A
      protocol for characterizing libraries of transposon mutant strains clonally
      arrayed in a multiwell format is provided.

PMID- 22094733
TI  - Prospective isolation of adult neural stem cells from the mouse subependymal
      zone.
AB  - Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the remarkable capacity to self-renew and the
      lifelong ability to generate neurons in the adult mammalian brain. However, the
      molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to these behaviors are still not
      understood. Now that prospective isolation of the NSCs has become feasible, these
      mechanisms can be studied. Here we describe a protocol for the efficient
      isolation of adult NSCs, by the application of a dual-labeling strategy on the
      basis of their glial identity and ciliated nature. The cells are isolated from
      the lateral ventricular subependymal zone (SEZ) of adult hGFAP-eGFP (human glial
      fibrillary acidic protein-enhanced green fluorescent protein) transgenic mice by
      fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Staining against prominin1 (CD133) allows
      the isolation of the NSCs (hGFAP-eGFP(+)/prominin1(+)), which can be further
      subdivided by labeling with the fluorescent epidermal growth factor. This
      protocol, which can be completed in 7 h, allows the assessment of quantitative
      changes in SEZ NSCs and the examination of their molecular and functional
      characteristics.

PMID- 22094734
TI  - Backbone chemical shifts assignments, secondary structure, and ligand binding of
      a family GH-19 chitinase from moss, Bryum coronatum.
AB  - Family GH19 chitinases have been recognized as important in the plant defense
      against fungal pathogens. However, their substrate-recognition mechanism is still
      unknown. We report here the first resonance assignment of NMR spectrum of a GH19
      chitinase from moss, Bryum coronatum (BcChi-A). The backbone signals were nearly
      completely assigned, and the secondary structure was estimated based on the
      chemical shift values. The addition of the chitin dimer to the enzyme solution
      perturbed the chemical shifts of HSQC resonances of the amino acid residues
      forming the putative substrate-binding cleft. Further NMR analysis of the ligand
      binding to BcChi-A will improve understanding of the substrate-recognition
      mechanism of GH-19 enzymes.

PMID- 22094735
TI  - Acellular dermis-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction:  a systematic and
      critical review of efficacy and associated morbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of acellular dermal matrix to assist in two-stage
      expander/implant breast reconstruction has increased over recent years. However,
      there are questions regarding the potential for increased morbidity when using
      these techniques relative to standard submuscular coverage techniques. This
      systematic review combines published data comparing the techniques, to compare
      morbidity and advantages of acellular dermal matrix relative to standard
      submuscular coverage techniques. METHODS: An English language literature search
      was performed to find articles reporting outcomes of two-stage expander/implant
      reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix. The outcome categories analyzed
      were patient/treatment demographics, tissue expander characteristics, and
      complications. RESULTS: Nine articles met inclusion criteria for this analysis.
      Six of these were matched cohort studies comparing outcomes of acellular dermal
      matrix techniques to standard submuscular techniques. The remaining three were
      case series of acellular dermal matrix techniques. The only difference found in
      complications was a higher rate of seroma for the acellular dermal matrix group
      (4.3 percent versus 8.4 percent, p = 0.03). Despite this, both groups illustrated
      similar rates of infection leading to explantation (3.2 percent for submuscular
      and 3.4 percent for acellular dermal matrix, p = 0.18). In addition, acellular
      dermal matrix techniques illustrated greater intraoperative fill volumes and
      consistently fewer fills required to reach expander capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of acellular dermal matrix in two-stage expander/implant reconstruction
      offers a safety profile similar to that of standard submuscular techniques. Both
      techniques have shown similar rates of infection ultimately requiring
      explantation. In addition, acellular dermal matrix offers the advantage of a more
      rapid reconstruction with less need for manipulation of the prosthetic through
      filling. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 22094736
TI  - Retrospective review of 331 consecutive immediate single-stage implant
      reconstructions with acellular dermal matrix:  indications, complications,
      trends, and costs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immediate single-stage direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with
      acellular dermal matrix optimizes aesthetics by preserving the mastectomy skin
      envelope. The authors report trends, early complications, and costs. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of three surgeons' experience was performed for immediate
      single-stage implant reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix and tissue
      expander reconstruction without it at Massachusetts General Hospital. RESULTS:
      Two hundred eleven patients had 331 direct-to-implant reconstructions using
      AlloDerm following nipple-sparing (n = 66) or skin-sparing (n = 265) mastectomy
      for cancer (n = 216) or prophylaxis (n = 115). The number of single-stage implant
      reconstructions increased from seven in 2006 to 116 in 2009. The percentage
      performed for prophylaxis increased from 29 percent to 41 percent. Fifty-one
      patients underwent preoperative (n = 33) or postoperative (n = 18) irradiation.
      Total complications included 10 infections (3.0 percent), five seromas (1.5
      percent), four hematomas (1.2 percent), and 30 reconstructions (9.1 percent),
      with skin necrosis leading to five implant losses (1.5 percent). Tissue expander
      reconstruction without AlloDerm had a similar total complication rate (158
      reconstructions) (p = 0.18), including nine infections (5.7 percent), three
      seromas (1.9 percent), three hematomas (1.9 percent), and 16 reconstructions
      (10.1 percent), with skin necrosis leading to 11 implant losses (7.0 percent). A
      higher complication rate occurred in the surgeons' combined first year performing
      single-stage implant reconstruction (21.4 percent) compared with subsequent years
      (10.9 percent) (p < 0.02) and in one- or two-stage reconstruction patients
      undergoing irradiation (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in total
      overall costs (p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate single-stage implant
      reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix offers a cost-effective
      reconstruction with a low complication rate. This may be the procedure of choice
      in select patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 22094737
TI  - Increasing age impairs outcomes in breast reduction surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although multiple breast reduction outcomes studies have been
      performed, none has specifically identified the impact of advanced age. The
      authors aimed to study the impact of age on breast reduction outcome. METHODS:
      Medical records for all patients billed for Current Procedural Terminology code
      19318 over the past 10 years (1999 to 2009) at a large academic institution were
      analyzed under an institutional review board-approved protocol. A total of 1192
      consecutive patients underwent 2156 reduction mammaplasties performed by 17
      plastic surgeons over a 10-year period. Breast reduction techniques included
      inferior pedicle/Wise pattern in 1250 patients (58.9 percent), medial
      pedicle/Wise pattern in 360 (16.9 percent), superior pedicle/nipple graft in 305
      (14.4 percent), superior pedicle/vertical pattern in 206 (9.7 percent), and
      liposuction in three (0.14 percent). The average patient age was 36 years. Age
      groups were divided into younger than 40 years, 40 to 50 years, and older than 50
      years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify
      significant relationships. RESULTS: Women older than 50 years more likely
      experienced infection (odds ratio, 2.7; p = 0.003), with trends toward wound
      healing problems (odds ratio, 1.6; p = 0.09) and reoperative wound debridement
      (odds ratio, 5.1; p = 0.07). There was a trend toward infection in women aged 40
      to 50 years (odds ratio, 1.7; p = 0.08). Advanced age did not exacerbate fat
      necrosis or seroma development. CONCLUSIONS: Age older than 50 years impairs
      breast reduction outcomes, particularly infection, and may negatively impact
      wound healing. Hormonal deficiency may partially account for this finding.
      CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, IV.

PMID- 22094738
TI  - Discussion:  increasing age impairs outcomes in breast reduction surgery.

PMID- 22094739
TI  - Tissue-engineered breast reconstruction: bridging the gap toward large-volume
      tissue engineering in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of autologous tissue is ideal in breast reconstruction; however,
      insufficient donor tissue and surgical and donor-site morbidity all limit its
      use. Tissue engineering could provide replacement tissue, but only if
      vascularization of large tissue volumes is achievable. The authors sought to
      upscale their small-animal adipose tissue-engineering models to produce large
      volumes of tissue in a large animal (i.e., pig). METHODS: Bilateral large-volume
      (78.5 ml) chambers were inserted subcutaneously in the groin enclosing a fat flap
      (5 ml) based on the superficial circumflex iliac pedicle for 6 (n = 4), 12 (n =
      1), and 22 weeks (n = 2). Right chambers included a poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)
      sponge. Other pedicle configurations, including a vascular pedicle alone (n = 2)
      or in combination with muscle (n = 2) or a free fat graft (n = 2), were
      investigated in preliminary studies. Serial assessment of tissue growth and
      vascularization by magnetic resonance imaging was undertaken during growth and
      correlated with quantitative histomorphometry at chamber removal. RESULTS: All
      chambers filled with new tissue by 6 weeks, vascularized by the arteriovenous
      pedicle. In the fat flap chambers, the initial 5 ml of fat expanded to 25.9 +/-
      2.4, 39.4 +/- 3.9, and 56.5 ml (by magnetic resonance imaging) at 6, 12, and 22
      weeks, respectively. Adipose tissue volume was maintained up to 22 weeks after
      chamber removal (n = 2), including one where the specimen was transferred on its
      pedicle to an adjacent submammary pocket. CONCLUSION: The first clinically
      relevant volumes of tissue for in situ and remote breast reconstruction have been
      formed with implications for scaling of existing tissue-engineering models into
      human trials.

PMID- 22094740
TI  - Dental implant outcome after primary implantation into double-barreled fibula
      osteoseptocutaneous free flap-reconstructed mandible.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional and aesthetic mandibular reconstruction can be achieved in
      a single operation by means of a double-barreled fibula osteoseptocutaneous free
      flap with dental implants loaded simultaneously into the upper barrel. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the quality and result of such reconstruction.
      METHODS: From 2005 to 2007, 10 patients underwent segmental mandibular defect
      reconstructions with double-barreled fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps and
      simultaneous dental implantations. Implant marginal bone loss, clinical mucosal
      changes, marginal plaque indices, bleeding on probing, and pocket probe depth
      were evaluated at an average of 22.2 months after implant functional loading.
      RESULTS: Ten patients with a total of 25 osseointegrated implants were evaluated.
      The mean implant marginal bone loss was 0.18 +/- 0.18 mm (range, 0 to 0.6 mm) at
      the mesial surfaces and 0.25 +/- 0.2 mm (range, 0 to 0.6 mm) at the distal
      surfaces. Probing pocket depth was shallower for implants protected by palatal
      mucosal grafts (2.56 +/- 0.54 mm) than by skin flaps (3.50 +/- 0.90 mm) (p <
      0.05). There was a significant difference in marginal bone loss between palatal
      mucosal grafts (0.11 +/- 0.09 mm) and skin flaps (0.29 +/- 0.23 mm) (p < 0.05).
      Bleeding on probing was more prominent when pocket depth exceeded 5 mm and
      occurred more frequently in skin flap-protected than in keratinized mucosa graft
      protected implants. CONCLUSIONS: The one-stage combined surgical method is safe
      and reliable. Both oral function and mandible contour were good. Firmly attached
      gingiva-like palatal mucosal grafts prevent periimplant soft-tissue inflammation
      and facilitate maintenance of oral hygiene. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 22094741
TI  - The incidence of venous thromboembolism in postoperative plastic and
      reconstructive surgery patients with chronic spinal cord injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of
      postoperative venous thromboembolism in chronic spinal cord injury patients
      undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery. Previous studies show a venous
      thromboembolism incidence of 9.3 percent; however, based on anecdotal evidence,
      the authors hypothesize that the incidence is actually much lower. As
      postoperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is becoming mandated by the
      Surgical Care Improvement Project, more data are necessary so that
      recommendations for chronic spinal cord injury patients can be given. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was undertaken using electronic medical records from a
      Veterans Affairs hospital from 2004 through 2009 in which the perioperative
      course of the chronic spinal cord injury cohort was evaluated for the primary
      endpoint of venous thromboembolism evolution. The Pearson correlation was used
      for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 415 operative cases evaluated, 155
      cases were excluded secondary to operative time under 1 hour, use of mechanical
      or chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, unknown operative time, or
      unknown prophylaxis use. Of the 260 cases evaluated without venous
      thromboembolism prophylaxis, there were no cases where venous thromboembolism
      developed within a 2-month postoperative time period. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative
      venous thromboembolism is a common surgical complication with significant
      morbidity and mortality. This study demonstrates that in the chronic spinal cord
      injury patient cohort, the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism
      evolution is extremely low and that a benefit from perioperative mechanical or
      chemical prophylaxis is not evidence based. Further prospective studies are
      required to fully elucidate the true venous thromboembolism incidence in these
      patients and give recommendations on this issue. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 22094742
TI  - Panniculectomy in preparation for renal transplantation:  a new indication for an
      old procedure to reduce renal transplantation-associated wound complications.
AB  - End-stage renal disease patients who have lost a significant amount of weight are
      increasingly being evaluated for kidney transplantation. An abdominal panniculus,
      almost uniformly observed, creates an area predisposed to wound complications.
      Consequently, a panniculus may limit a patient's candidacy for transplantation.
      The authors describe their preliminary experience utilizing panniculectomy as a
      prophylactic procedure to reduce wound complications following kidney
      transplantation in patients whose panniculus would exclude them from renal
      transplantion. A single-institution chart review was conducted of nine patients
      with end-stage renal disease who underwent a panniculectomy in preparation for
      transplantation. Clinical outcomes and complications were reviewed. The nine
      patients included three men and six women with a mean age of 54.5 years and a
      mean body mass index of 28.3 kg/m. Four patients had diabetes. All patients
      underwent an uncomplicated panniculectomy, with a mean resected weight of 3.0 kg,
      and a mean length of hospital stay of 1.75 days. No one required blood
      transfusions. All patients were followed postoperatively for 3 months.
      Complications included an abscess and a skin dehiscence treated with local wound
      care. After recovery, patients were referred to the transplant center for re
      evaluation for kidney transplantation. Thus far, four of these nine patients have
      undergone transplantation. This case series suggests that panniculectomy can be
      performed safely in patients with end-stage renal disease. Furthermore,
      panniculectomy gives these otherwise unsuitable kidney transplant candidates
      access to a life-saving operation.

PMID- 22094743
TI  - Efficient design of split anterolateral thigh flap in extremity reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Irregularly shaped and three-dimensional soft-tissue defects in the
      extremities are difficult to cover precisely and efficiently. One strategy is to
      use the anterolateral thigh flap with two perforators and split the flap into two
      subunits based on separate perforators. The subunits can be rearranged into
      various geometric configurations to cover defects with nonelliptical shapes. Such
      a strategy emphasizes harvesting an elliptical anterolateral thigh flap with a
      narrower width to allow for primary closure in most cases. This avoids the need
      for skin grafting and reduces donor-site morbidity. METHODS: From 2002 to 2010,
      15 patients with upper and lower limb defects were treated with split
      anterolateral thigh flaps. There were nine male patients and six female patients.
      The mean age of the patients was 40.6 years (range, 18 to 64 years). The shape of
      each defect was classified as arrow-shape, hourglass-shape, triangular, or three
      dimensional. RESULTS: All split flaps (n = 31) survived without vascular
      problems. Two split flaps demonstrated margin necrosis without critical structure
      exposure. Only one donor site needed skin grafting. All other donor sites were
      closed primarily. CONCLUSIONS: The split anterolateral thigh flap is an effective
      strategy for covering irregular and three-dimensional defects in the extremities.
      It allows efficient use of the harvested flap and minimizes trimming and
      discarding unused flap parts. This decreases the area of skin graft needed for
      donor-site coverage and may even be able to achieve primary closure. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 22094744
TI  - Dupuytren's disease in the Hispanic population: a 10-year retrospective review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's disease is a common benign fibroproliferative disorder of
      the hand. Epidemiologic studies have reported significant variation in disease
      prevalence among races, focusing primarily on those of northern European descent.
      In contrast, Dupuytren's disease in the Hispanic population has received little
      attention. Thus, in this study, the authors aimed to determine the prevalence and
      operative rate of Dupuytren's disease in the Hispanic, black, white, Asian,
      Native American, and other races and to characterize the disease presentation in
      Hispanics who required surgical treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      conducted to identify the racial distribution of Dupuytren's disease patients
      seen at Bellevue Hospital between July of 2000 and August of 2010. In Hispanic
      patients requiring surgical treatment for their disease, data were collected on
      the following parameters: age, sex, ethnicity, hand dominance, hand affected, and
      digits operated on. Epidemiologic factors including smoking, alcoholism, diabetes
      mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, epilepsy, and hypertension were also evaluated.
      RESULTS: Dupuytren's disease prevalence was found to be 533 per 100,000 in
      Hispanics. Of these patients, 1.8 percent required surgical treatment, and this
      group was characterized by the following comorbidities: smoking (57.1 percent),
      hypertension (57.1 percent), alcoholism (52.4 percent), diabetes mellitus (47.6
      percent), and hypercholesterolemia (19.0 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The authors'
      results indicate that Dupuytren's disease is more prevalent in the Hispanic
      population than previously reported. Although the epidemiologic factors
      identified in Hispanics with Dupuytren's disease are similar to those in other
      races investigated, there are important differences with respect to clinical
      presentation and surgical treatment.

PMID- 22094745
TI  - Anatomical relationship of Roos' type 3 band and the T1 nerve root.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common clinical presentation of thoracic outlet syndrome
      stems from compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus or ulnar nerve.
      A plethora of anatomical variations have been implicated in the cause of thoracic
      outlet syndrome. Roos' identification and classification of scalene muscle and
      fibrous bands have added an additional dimension to understanding its cause and
      subsequent treatment. Understanding the anatomy and relationship of this band
      with the lower trunk of the brachial plexus is of paramount importance. METHODS:
      As part of the authors' long-term study of the type 3 band in relation to the
      brachial plexus, 70 embalmed cadavers were dissected to yield 100 first thoracic
      ribs. Fibrous bands, when present, were studied in relation to the brachial
      plexus. RESULTS: A fibrous band consistent with Roos' type 3 was identified and
      found to occur in 35 percent of first ribs and 41 percent of cadavers. The mean
      size was 3.45 * 0.27 cm. Origins and insertions are described. Contrary to Roos'
      own description, however, the authors observed that Roos' type 3 band was
      anterior to the T1 nerve root, creating a tunnel through which the T1 nerve root
      must pass before joining the C8 nerve root. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that
      the type 3 band, when present, can create a tunnel that compresses the T1 nerve
      root against the first rib, potentially predisposing susceptible individuals to
      thoracic outlet syndrome. Clinical studies are needed to determine whether
      correlations between type 3 bands and thoracic outlet syndrome exist.

PMID- 22094746
TI  - Limited reduction cranioplasty for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalic macrocephaly, occurring despite adequate cerebrospinal
      fluid shunting, is rare, and most publications advocate near-total cranial vault
      reduction procedures. The authors reviewed our series of limited reductions
      (designed to minimize complications while still providing functional benefits) to
      evaluate outcomes. METHODS: All patients undergoing posterior reduction
      cranioplasties were retrospectively reviewed for outcomes, including operative
      data, length of stay, preoperative and postoperative anthropometrics, and
      complications. In addition, preoperative and postoperative motor function was
      assessed using a novel scale. These data were then compared with published
      series. RESULTS: Ten patients (five male, five female) underwent reduction
      cranioplasties for macrocephaly at an average age of 17.9 months (range, 6 to 53
      months) and were followed for an average of 41.5 months. The mean operative time
      was 4.9 hours (range, 4.3 to 6.5 hours), estimated blood loss was 530 ml (range,
      200 to 1500 ml), and 78 percent received blood transfusions. The average length
      of hospitalization was 2.6 days. Three patients experienced complications,
      including one shunt revision. The mean functional assessment scores increased
      from 2.3 to 3.9 (p = 0.022), with all patients able to support their heads
      postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a limited cranioplasty technique was
      associated with a hospitalization that was over 7 days shorter than has been
      reported in the literature for total cranial vault reductions and with a much
      lower shunt revision rate. Measurable improvements in motor function and
      subjective benefits in appearance were noted, despite a more limited reduction.
      Surgeons faced with this unusual condition may wish to consider performing this
      smaller procedure.

PMID- 22094747
TI  - A retrospective photometric study of 82 published reports of mastopexy and breast
      reduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous publications claim to improve breast projection and upper
      pole fullness after mastopexy or breast reduction. Fascial sutures and
      "autoaugmentation" with local flaps are advocated. However, there is no objective
      evidence that these efforts are effective. The author has proposed a measuring
      system to quantitate results. Not only is this system useful for assessing one's
      own results, but it may also be used to assess and compare results in published
      studies. METHODS: Eighty-two international publications on mastopexies and breast
      reductions were analyzed. The studies were grouped by technique: inverted-T
      (superior/medial, central, and inferior pedicles), vertical, periareolar,
      inframammary, lateral, and "other." Measurements were made using the definitions
      and terminology reported separately and included breast projection, upper pole
      projection, lower pole level, nipple level, breast convexity, breast parenchymal
      ratio, and lower pole ratio. Areola shape was assessed. RESULTS: Breast
      projection and upper pole projection were not increased significantly by any of
      the mastopexy/reduction procedures or by the use of fascial sutures or
      autoaugmentation techniques. Nipple overelevation was common (41.9 percent). The
      incidence of the teardrop areola deformity (53.8 percent) was significantly
      higher (p < 0.001) in patients treated with the open technique of nipple
      placement. There was no significant difference in results when compared by follow
      up times, resection weights, year of publication, or geographic region.
      CONCLUSIONS: Existing mastopexy/reduction techniques do not significantly
      increase breast projection or upper pole projection. Fascial sutures and
      autoaugmentation techniques are ineffective. Nipple overelevation and the
      teardrop areola deformity are common problems and should be avoided.

PMID- 22094748
TI  - So you want to be like Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo? Which one are you?

PMID- 22094749
TI  - How the evidence has changed my practice.

PMID- 22094755
TI  - Perfusion-related complications are similar for DIEP and muscle-sparing free TRAM
      flaps harvested on medial or lateral deep inferior epigastric Artery branch
      perforators for breast reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anatomical studies suggest that the deep inferior epigastric artery
      (DIEA) medial branch perfuses more tissue across the midline than the lateral
      branch. The authors hypothesized that unilateral deep inferior epigastric
      perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis
      musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps based on medial branch perforators would have fewer
      perfusion-related complications. METHODS: The authors evaluated consecutive DIEP
      or muscle-sparing TRAM free flaps definitively harvested from a single DIEA
      branch. Flaps were grouped by tissue volume (hemiflaps, cross-midline flaps, or
      total flaps). Primary outcome measures were fat necrosis and partial flap
      necrosis. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between
      patient and reconstruction characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 228
      patients, with 120 medial (52.6 percent) and 108 lateral (47.4 percent) branch
      flaps. Mean follow-up was 33.2 months. Cross-midline flaps (79.8 percent) were
      the most common design. Medial and lateral branch flaps had similar rates of fat
      necrosis (8.3 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively; p = 0.26) and partial flap
      necrosis (3.3 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively; p = 1.0). There was no
      difference in the incidence of fat necrosis between DIEP and muscle-sparing free
      TRAM flaps (10.2 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively; p = 0.81) or in partial
      necrosis (3.2 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively; p = 1.0). Medial and lateral
      branch flap perfusion-related complications were also similar among the flap
      volume classifications. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that surgeons base their
      decisions regarding DIEA branch harvest on the clinical assessment of perforator
      perfusion quality rather than relying on the theoretical benefit of medial branch
      perforator harvest. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 22094756
TI  - Discussion: perfusion-related complications are similar for DIEP and muscle
      sparing free TRAM flaps harvested on medial or lateral deep inferior epigastric
      artery branch perforators for breast reconstruction.

PMID- 22094757
TI  - Simultaneous scarless contralateral breast augmentation during unilateral breast
      reconstruction using bilateral differentially split DIEP flaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Simultaneous contralateral augmentation is performed with
      unilateral breast reconstruction to achieve pleasing and symmetric breast mounds.
      This prospective study investigated the outcome of simultaneous scarless
      contralateral augmentation with unilateral breast reconstruction using bilateral
      differentially split deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. METHODS: :
      Between August of 2009 and May of 2010, six patients with a mean age of 46.2 +/-
      7 years underwent unilateral breast reconstruction and simultaneous contralateral
      augmentation using bilateral differentially split DIEP flaps. The ipsilateral
      internal mammary vessels served as the recipient vessels for the reconstruction
      split flap. The pedicle of the augmentation split flap was anastomosed to that of
      the reconstruction split flap in a flow-through manner. The augmentation split
      flap was inset through the midline with endoscopic assistance. The Modified
      BREAST-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at the 1- and 3-month
      follow-up visits. RESULTS: : All flaps survived, giving a success rate of 100
      percent. One reconstruction split flap required reexploration and was salvaged
      successfully. Mean flap weights used for reconstruction and augmentation were 410
      +/- 145 and 192 +/- 58 g, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 12.7 +/- 3.6
      months, all patients were satisfied with the outcome of both reconstructed and
      augmented breast mounds. There were statistical improvements in breast
      satisfaction (p = 0.004), psychosocial function (p = 0.000), and sexual well
      being (p = 0.004) postoperatively, as assessed by the Modified BREAST-Q.
      CONCLUSION: : Simultaneous scarless contralateral breast augmentation can be
      performed safely during unilateral breast reconstruction using bilateral
      differentially split DIEP flaps with satisfactory outcome. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 22094758
TI  - Discussion: simultaneous scarless contralateral breast augmentation during
      unilateral breast reconstruction using bilateral differentially split DIEP flaps.

PMID- 22094759
TI  - Transverse upper gracilis flap as an alternative to abdominal tissue breast
      reconstruction:  technique and modifications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The inner thigh skin and fat based on the transverse upper gracilis
      musculocutaneous flap blood supply provide an autologous donor area with
      qualities favorable to microvascular breast reconstruction. The flap can be
      shaped to mimic a mastectomy specimen, providing excellent contour and
      projection, and has a consistent blood supply. The characteristics and skin color
      of the flap allow for immediate nipple-areola complex reconstruction in skin
      sparing mastectomy. METHODS: From 2004 to 2007, the authors performed 32 free
      inner thigh flap microvascular breast reconstructions after mastectomy for breast
      cancer in 20 patients, in both delayed and immediate settings. RESULTS: All flaps
      survived without any soft-tissue loss or fat necrosis. Complications were a
      single take-back for venous thrombosis with salvage, donor-site skin breakdown in
      eight flaps, and five seromas. There was no functional loss at the donor site,
      and all patients resumed normal activity. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse upper gracilis
      musculocutaneous flap microvascular breast reconstruction is an excellent option
      for patients who desire autologous reconstruction and who do not have adequate
      abdominal donor tissue or who do not desire abdominal scarring. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 22094760
TI  - Trials and tribulations with the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap in
      autologous breast reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perforator free flaps from the buttock serve as an alternative to
      abdominally based flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. Microsurgeons often
      opt to harvest tissue from the gluteal donor site because of a lack of abdominal
      volume and/or quality. The authors examined the experience of a single surgeon
      with the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap and provide a
      quantitative outcomes comparison with the deep inferior epigastric perforator
      (DIEP) flap. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who
      underwent IGAP flap surgery for autologous breast reconstruction from August of
      2005 to October of 2010 performed by a single surgeon (J.M.S.). RESULTS: Thirty
      one inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps were performed on 24 patients. Mean
      follow-up time was 24.4 months (range, 6 to 65 months). The total flap loss rate
      was 6.5 percent, and the take-back rate was 13 percent (salvage rate, 75
      percent). Vascular complication rates were as follows: intraoperative arterial
      thrombosis, 13 percent; intraoperative venous thrombosis, 3 percent; delayed
      arterial thrombosis, 3 percent; and delayed venous thrombosis, 13 percent.
      Nineteen percent of patients had sensory complaints at the donor site that
      persisted beyond 3 months postoperatively. In comparison to the DIEP flap, IGAP
      flaps had a higher rate of intraoperative arterial thrombosis (13 percent versus
      2.6 percent, p = 0.024) and delayed venous thrombosis (13 percent versus 1.5
      percent, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Review of the IGAP flap reveals some
      shortcomings of this flap even in the hands of an experienced microsurgeon.
      Surgeons should be aware of the difficulties and limitations when choosing this
      flap for reconstruction.

PMID- 22094761
TI  - Discussion:  trials and tribulations with the inferior gluteal artery perforator
      flap in autologous breast reconstruction.

PMID- 22094762
TI  - The lateral chest wall:  a separate aesthetic unit in breast surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lateral chest wall is an aesthetic unit often overlooked in
      breast surgery. Abnormalities are often seen in candidates for aesthetic and
      reconstructive breast surgery and in the massive weight loss population.
      Preoperative evaluation of the lateral chest wall is necessary to address this
      area properly. These deformities are intimately associated with the final outcome
      of any breast operation. METHODS: To better define deformities of the lateral
      chest wall, a series of 522 patients who had aesthetic or reconstructive breast
      surgery was reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative
      photographs were evaluated by two surgeons independently. Any surgical approaches
      used to correct lateral chest wall deformities were documented. RESULTS: In
      evaluating the lateral chest wall, the authors identified three subunit areas
      that need to be addressed to maximize aesthetic result: the axilla, the lateral
      breast, and the chest wall. Deficiency and excess of skin and fat contribute to
      any deformities in this region; deficiency or excess was found in 39 percent of
      patients. These deformities, when identified, were surgically addressed in 40
      percent of patients, as management strategies included transfer of autologous
      tissue, fat injection, liposuction, or direct excision. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral
      chest wall deformities are often found among breast surgery candidates and can
      affect the final outcome. This area should be treated as a separate aesthetic
      unit from the breast. Patients with deficiency or excess should be counseled
      appropriately, as proper treatment may require procedures in addition to the
      primary breast procedure. The classification system presented can serve as a
      guideline for management of deformities in this region.

PMID- 22094763
TI  - Discussion:  the lateral chest wall:  a separate aesthetic unit in breast
      surgery.

PMID- 22094764
TI  - The significance of latissimus dorsi flap innervation in delayed breast
      reconstruction:  a prospective randomized study-magnetic resonance imaging and
      histologic findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether surgical denervation of the thoracodorsal
      nerve should be performed in breast reconstruction with a myocutaneous latissimus
      dorsi flap. Denervation may prevent discomforting symptoms caused by muscle
      contraction, but the flap may also lose significant volume. The authors
      prospectively evaluated the influence of latissimus dorsi flap innervation on the
      latissimus dorsi muscle structure in delayed breast reconstruction. METHODS:
      Between 2007 and 2008, 28 breast reconstructions were performed and divided
      randomly into the denervation group (surgical denervation by excision of 1 cm of
      thoracodorsal nerve, n = 14) and the intact group (thoracodorsal nerve saved
      intact, n = 14). Muscle biopsy specimens were taken during the operation and 6
      months after reconstruction. Histologic (hematoxylin and eosin),
      immunohistochemical (human developmental, neonatal, slow, and fast myosin heavy
      chains), and morphometric analyses were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging of
      the breasts was performed 1 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: There was a
      significant decrease in type I and type II myofiber diameters from 0 to 6 months
      in both groups. Denervation caused more significant atrophy than disuse alone.
      However, there was no significant difference in flap thickness between groups
      that can be explained by more pronounced fatty tissue infiltration in the
      denervation group. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' data suggest that the volume and
      consistency of the flap remain more or less the same, regardless of whether the
      thoracodorsal nerve is cut or not. Thus, in their practice, the authors do not
      cut the nerve to save surgical time. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, II.

PMID- 22094765
TI  - Discussion:  the significance of latissimus dorsi flap innervation in delayed
      breast reconstruction:  a prospective randomized study-magnetic resonance imaging
      and histologic findings.

PMID- 22094766
TI  - Mast cells are required in the proliferation and remodeling phases of
      microdeformational wound therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mast cells are important in numerous inflammatory processes. They are
      also mechanosensitive and likely play an important role in wound healing. The
      authors hypothesized that mechanical alteration of the wound environment with a
      distributed suction device could link mast cells to the healing cascade. METHODS:
      Controlled uniform full-thickness wound surface microdeformations were induced by
      suction combined with an open-pore polyurethane foam (microdeformational wound
      therapy) in mast cell-deficient WWv mice and their mast cell-sufficient
      littermates. Wound healing parameters were assessed in the inflammatory,
      proliferative, and remodeling phases of healing. RESULTS: Wound tissue
      granulation, cell proliferation, blood vessel sprouting, and collagen maturation
      were found to be mast cell-dependent throughout the proliferating and remodeling
      stages of healing. CONCLUSION: Mast cells are critical in the robust granulation
      tissue response seen in microdeformational wound therapy and in the modulation of
      the remodeling phase of wound healing.

PMID- 22094767
TI  - Discussion:  mast cells are required in the proliferation and remodeling phases
      of microdeformational wound therapy.

PMID- 22094768
TI  - Modulation of immune response and T-cell regulation by donor adipose-derived stem
      cells in a rodent hind-limb allotransplant model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the authors investigated whether donor adipose-derived
      stem cells have immunomodulatory effects, such as regulation of T cells,
      modulation of related cytokines, and prolongation of composite tissue
      allotransplantation survival, in a rodent hind-limb model. METHODS: Adipose
      derived stem cells were obtained from donor adipose tissue and co-cultured with
      CD3 T cells from allogenic splenocytes for in vitro studies. Orthotopic hind-limb
      allotransplants were performed from Brown Norway to Lewis rats (day 0). Group 1
      (control group) did not receive any treatment. Group 2 received cyclosporin A on
      days 0 to 20. Group 3 received antilymphocyte serum (day -4 and day 1) and
      cyclosporin A (days 0 to 20). Group 4 received cyclosporin A (days 0 to 20),
      antilymphocyte serum (day -4 and day 1), and adipose-derived stem cells (2 * 10
      cells/time administered intravenously on days 7, 14, and 21). RESULTS: Adipose
      derived stem cells exert immunomodulatory effects including suppressing T-cell
      proliferation and increasing CD4/CD25/Foxp3 regulatory T cells in vitro. The in
      vivo study revealed that, compared with untreated control, rats administered
      adipose-derived stem cells along with transient antilymphocyte serum and
      cyclosporin A treatment had significantly prolonged allotransplant survival (p <
      0.001), decreased allotissue rejection, significantly elevated donor cell
      chimerism, and increased CD4/CD25/Foxp3 regulatory T cells in peripheral blood
      and alloskin tissue with up-regulation of transforming growth factor-beta and
      interleukin-10 levels. CONCLUSIONS: In combination with transient
      immunosuppression, adipose-derived stem cells modulate the immune system and
      significantly prolong allotransplant survival. The underlying mechanisms include
      changes in antiinflammatory cytokine expression and T-cell functions.

PMID- 22094769
TI  - Lack of FGF-7 further delays cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors have previously demonstrated that normal mice lacking
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-7 can heal cutaneous wounds normally, likely as a
      result of various compensatory mechanisms. In this study, the authors explored
      the role of FGF-7 on wound healing in diabetic mice. METHODS: Full-thickness
      excisional dorsal wounds were created in FGF-7-null diabetic (FGF-7 Lepr,
      experimental group, n = 8), FGF-7-null (FGF-7 Lepr, FGF-7-null group, n = 8),
      diabetic (FGF-7 Lepr, diabetic group, n = 11), and wild-type (FGF-7 Lepr, wild
      type group, n = 11) mice. Wound closure was followed by digital planimetry. Wound
      tissues were harvested on day 7 for immunohistochemical staining of cell
      proliferation (Ki67) and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: As
      expected, the experimental and diabetic groups had significantly slower wound
      healing than the FGF-7-null or wild-type group. The absence of FGF-7, however,
      further delayed wound healing in diabetic mice. Curiously, the contraction rate
      in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the diabetic
      group, whereas the epithelialization rate in experimental mice was comparable to
      that in the diabetic group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction expression of
      growth factors, including transforming growth factor-beta1, basic fibroblast
      growth factor, and epidermal growth factor in experimental mice, was also
      generally lower than that in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Although the lack of FGF
      7 did not appear to affect reepithelialization of cutaneous wounds even in
      diabetic mice, it significantly reduced the wound contraction rate of healing by
      further altering the dermal components in diabetic mice. Given the specifically
      targeted effects of FGF-7 on epithelial cells, the authors' findings suggest that
      further FGF-7-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal interaction exists that may be
      important in diabetic wound healing.

PMID- 22094770
TI  - Update on ischemia-reperfusion injury for the plastic surgeon:  2011.
AB  - Ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs when tissue is reperfused following a
      prolonged period of ischemia. It is a subject of interest to plastic surgeons
      involved in replantation, free tissue transfer, and composite tissue
      allotransplantation, as it can have a significant impact on the overall success
      of these procedures. The purpose of this article is to review the recent progress
      in the investigation of ischemia-reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle and skin
      and to highlight the potential clinical implications of therapeutic interventions
      aimed at reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PMID- 22094771
TI  - Discussion:  treatment of facial paralysis:  dynamic reanimation of spontaneous
      facial expression-apropos of 655 patients.

PMID- 22094772
TI  - An update on facial transplantation cases performed between 2005 and 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2005, 13 facial allotransplantation cases have been performed
      worldwide. The major indications for these facial allotransplantations were
      neurofibromatosis and trauma injuries, including animal bites, burns, falls, and
      shotgun blasts. METHODS: An analysis of 13 facial transplantation cases was
      performed by reviewing the anatomical details, microsurgical techniques, and
      functional outcomes according to the follow-up information based on the
      literature, meeting presentations, and media reports. RESULTS: The male-to-female
      ratio was 11:2. Two male patients died at 2 months and 2 years, respectively,
      after transplantation because of transplant- and infection-related problems.
      Eleven face transplant recipients are alive. The composite tissue allotransplants
      included cutaneous, myocutaneous, and osteomyocutaneous components. Most of these
      facial allotransplants were partial, one was nearly total, and two were announced
      as total face transplantations. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides a useful
      overview of the technical aspects of face transplantation; however, the reports
      on long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes will help to define the future of
      face transplantation.

PMID- 22094773
TI  - Use of desmopressin for unremitting epistaxis following septorhinoplasty and
      turbinectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cauterization, nasal packing, and topical and/or injection of
      intranasal vasoconstrictors have been the mainstay of treatment for epistaxis
      following outpatient nasal surgery. In this study, the authors report the
      clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients with postoperative epistaxis managed
      with a single dose of intravenous desmopressin. METHODS: A retrospective chart
      review of 268 consecutive nasal operations (rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and/or
      turbinectomy for cosmetic and/or functional purposes) was conducted. Information
      on demographics, perioperative blood pressure, postoperative management, and
      effectiveness of the measures used was assessed. The primary outcome variable was
      cessation of bleeding. RESULTS: Nine patients were identified who experienced
      excessive postoperative bleeding following discharge from the surgical facility.
      Each patient received 0.3 MUg/kg of intravenous desmopressin over 30 minutes
      under the supervision of the local emergency room physician with verbal
      instructions from the treating plastic surgeon. After administration of
      desmopressin, bleeding either stopped completely (eight patients) or slowed down
      significantly to allow discharge (one patient). No significant adverse side
      effects of desmopressin were observed. No patient was known to be taking
      medication negatively affecting coagulation perioperatively. Preoperatively, two
      patients were documented to have von Willebrand disease and thus received
      desmopressin preoperatively. Average blood pressure was 116/71 mmHg
      intraoperatively (range, 109 to 126/66 to 83 mmHg) and 118/74 mmHg
      postoperatively (range, 105 to 129/65 to 85 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Unremitting
      postoperative epistaxis following outpatient nasal surgery can be successfully
      controlled by a protocol using intravenous desmopressin without the need for
      alternative maneuvers.

PMID- 22094774
TI  - Abdominal musculoaponeuretic system: magnetic resonance imaging evaluation before
      and after vertical plication of rectus muscle diastasis in conjunction with
      lipoabdominoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to compare preoperative magnetic
      resonance imaging and intraoperative measurements of rectus diastasis and to
      evaluate the long-term durability of the plication of the anterior rectus fascia.
      METHODS: Twenty consecutive cases of middle-aged female subjects undergoing
      lipoabdominoplasty and rectus plication were studied by magnetic resonance
      imaging preoperatively and between 6 months and 25 months postoperatively. Images
      were obtained in the T1 axial, T2 axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Rectus
      diastasis was measured at the maximum. Rectus muscle thickness and width were
      measured, and abdominal circumferences were measured in the anteroposterior and
      transverse planes at the midpoint from the xiphisternum to the umbilicus and the
      midpoint from the umbilicus to the symphysis pubis corresponding approximately to
      the lumbar-2 and sacral-3 vertebral bodies. RESULTS: The absence of diastasis can
      be precisely measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative diastasis was
      not seen in any of the cases followed up to 25 months. The preoperative magnetic
      resonance imaging diastasis values were consistently less than the intraoperatve
      measurements; however, this was attributed to muscle relaxation at surgery due to
      muscle relaxants during general anesthesia. There was a significant reduction in
      waistlines in both the anteroposterior and transverse dimensions measured by
      magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of rectus muscle
      diastasis is a durable procedure, and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up is an
      excellent way to see the durability of the procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging
      is not operator-dependent and has no interobserver variations. It has the
      advantage of being a safe, radiation-free procedure with repeatability and
      dependability.

PMID- 22094775
TI  - Establishing a multidisciplinary academic cosmetic center.
AB  - The demand for cosmetic services has risen rapidly in recent years, but has
      slowed down with the current economic downturn. Managed care organizations and
      Medicare have been steadily reducing their reimbursements for physician services.
      The payment for reconstructive surgical procedures has been decreasing and is
      likely to worsen with healthcare reform, and many plastic surgery residency
      programs are facing fiscal challenges. An adequate volume of patients needing
      cosmetic services is necessary to recruit and train the best candidates to the
      residency programs. Self-pay patients will help ensure the fiscal viability of
      plastic surgery residency programs. Attracting patients to an academic healthcare
      center will become more difficult in a recession without the appropriate
      facilities, programs, and pricing strategies. Setting up a modern cosmetic
      services program at an academic center has some unique challenges, including
      funding, academic politics, and turf. The authors opened a free-standing academic
      multidisciplinary center at their medical school 3 years ago. The center is an
      off-site, 13,000-sq ft facility that includes faculty from plastic surgery, ear,
      nose, and throat, dermatology, and vascular surgery. In this article, the authors
      discuss the process of developing and executing a plan for starting an aesthetic
      services center in an academic setting. The financing of the center and factors
      in pricing services are discussed. The authors show the impact of the center on
      their cosmetic surgery patient volumes, resident education, and finances. They
      expect that their experience will be helpful to other plastic surgery programs at
      academic medical centers.

PMID- 22094776
TI  - Face lift.
AB  - LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article, the participant should be able
      to: 1. Identify and describe the anatomy of and changes to the aging face,
      including changes in bone mass and structure and changes to the skin, tissue, and
      muscles. 2. Assess each individual's unique anatomy before embarking on face-lift
      surgery and incorporate various surgical techniques, including fat grafting and
      other corrective procedures in addition to shifting existing fat to a higher
      position on the face, into discussions with patients. 3. Identify risk factors
      and potential complications in prospective patients. 4. Describe the benefits and
      risks of various techniques. SUMMARY: The ability to surgically rejuvenate the
      aging face has progressed in parallel with plastic surgeons' understanding of
      facial anatomy. In turn, a more clear explanation now exists for the visible
      changes seen in the aging face. This article and its associated video content
      review the current understanding of facial anatomy as it relates to facial aging.
      The standard face-lift techniques are explained and their various features, both
      good and bad, are reviewed. The objective is for surgeons to make a better
      aesthetic diagnosis before embarking on face-lift surgery, and to have the
      ability to use the appropriate technique depending on the clinical situation.

PMID- 22094777
TI  - Wendell L. Hughes' life and contributions to plastic surgery.
AB  - Wendell L. Hughes was a pioneer in ophthalmic plastic surgery and best known for
      the "Hughes flap," a tarsoconjunctival flap used for lower eyelid reconstruction.
      In 1937, Wendell L. Hughes sought to achieve the criterion standard of replacing
      "like with like" in his development of the tarsoconjunctival flap for lower lid
      reconstruction. This work was published in his ground-breaking thesis,
      Reconstructive Surgery of the Eyelids, the most comprehensive book on ophthalmic
      plastic surgery of its time. Although this flap has undergone many modifications,
      it has stood the test of time and is still used today. In addition, Dr. Hughes
      was heavily involved in surgical education, a founding member of the American
      Board of Plastic Surgery, and a leader in the development of sutures and
      microneedles. More importantly, he was a gracious humanitarian and inspiring
      mentor loved by peers and patients alike. Other authors have reviewed the
      intricacies of the Hughes flap; however, little attention has been given to the
      contributions of its creator.

PMID- 22094778
TI  - Septal cartilage graft for posttraumatic ear reconstruction.

PMID- 22094780
TI  - What about the informed consent for breast implantation?

PMID- 22094781
TI  - Alternative method for volume improvement in autologous breast reconstruction.

PMID- 22094783
TI  - Clinical analyses of clustered microcalcifications after autologous fat injection
      for breast augmentation.

PMID- 22094785
TI  - Discussion:  macrolane for breast enhancement:  12-month follow-up.

PMID- 22094786
TI  - Malrotation of the McGhan style 510 prosthesis.

PMID- 22094788
TI  - Complications in postbariatric body contouring based on different weight loss
      methods.

PMID- 22094790
TI  - Alternative materials in vacuum-assisted closure.

PMID- 22094792
TI  - Major pedicles of the sartorius muscle.

PMID- 22094794
TI  - The skin irritation of common suture materials.

PMID- 22094795
TI  - Plastic surgeons' satisfaction with work-life balance:  results from a national
      survey.

PMID- 22094797
TI  - Ribosome display: a perspective.
AB  - Ribosome display is an in vitro evolution technology for proteins. It is based on
      in vitro translation, but prevents the newly synthesized protein and the mRNA
      encoding it from leaving the ribosome. It thereby couples phenotype and genotype.
      Since no cells need to be transformed, very large libraries can be used directly
      in selections, and the in vitro amplification provides a very convenient
      integration of random mutagenesis that can be incorporated into the procedure.
      This review highlights concepts, mechanisms, and different variations of ribosome
      display and compares it to related methods. Applications of ribosome display are
      summarized, e.g., the directed evolution of proteins for higher binding affinity,
      for higher stability or other improved biophysical parameters and enzymatic
      properties. Ribosome display has developed into a robust technology used in
      academia and industry alike, and it has made the cell-free Darwinian evolution of
      proteins over multiple generations a reality.

PMID- 22094796
TI  - Survivorship of second-generation metal-on-metal primary total hip replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second generation metal-on-metal total hip replacements (THR) were
      introduced in the late 1980s and various studies reported conflicting data on
      their outcome. METHODS: Implant survival of 1,270 second-generation 28 mm metal
      on-metal primary THR in 1,121 patients followed prospectively at a mean of 6.8
      years postoperatively was evaluated retrospectively. The probability of survival
      at 10 years was estimated using the method of Kaplan and Meier, and relative risk
      factors including age, gender, BMI, type of implant fixation and component size
      were calculated using the Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: Sixty-three
      (5%) THRs were revised, these being 28 hips for aseptic loosening and 35 for
      reasons other than aseptic loosening. The probability of survival at 10 years,
      with revision for any reason as the endpoint, was 0.90 (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.86-0.94) for the THR as a whole, 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.95) for the cup, and
      0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.98) for the stem. No demographic factors or covariates were
      found to significantly affect the implant survivorship. DISCUSSION: As there was
      no superior probability of survival, and there have been concerns on putative
      local and systemic toxicity of metal debris, the use of second-generation metal
      on-metal articulations for primary THR remains moot.

PMID- 22094798
TI  - Preparation and testing of E. coli S30 in vitro transcription translation
      extracts.
AB  - Crude cell-free extracts are useful tools for investigating biochemical phenomena
      and exploiting complex enzymatic processes such as protein synthesis. Extracts
      derived from E. coli have been used for over 50 years to study the mechanism of
      protein synthesis. In addition, these S30 extracts are commonly used as a
      laboratory tool for protein production. The preparation of S30 extract has been
      streamlined over the years and now it is a relatively simple process. The
      procedure described here includes some suggestions for extracts to be used for
      ribosome display.

PMID- 22094799
TI  - Eukaryotic ribosome display selection using rabbit reticulocyte lysate.
AB  - Ribosome display is a powerful in vitro technology for the selection and directed
      evolution of proteins. Cell-free translation is central to the ribosome display
      process and is performed in such a way that the ribosome provides the link
      between genotype and phenotype that allows genes encoding proteins with desired
      properties to be identified by selection. Prokaryotic cell-free translation
      reagents, based initially on E. coli cell extracts and more recently containing
      purified and recombinant factors, have dominated the ribosome display literature.
      Eukaryotic cell extracts are also suitable for ribosome display; however,
      protocols for prokaryotic ribosome display are not directly transferable to the
      use of eukaryotic cell extracts. This chapter describes an optimised methodology
      for the use of rabbit reticulocyte lysate for ribosome display selections.

PMID- 22094800
TI  - Stabilized ribosome display for in vitro selection.
AB  - Ribosome display is a very effective and powerful technology for screening
      functional peptides or polypeptides in vitro. In ribosome display, each peptide
      or polypeptide (phenotype) links with its corresponding mRNA (genotype) through a
      ribosome. This link can be achieved by the absence of a stop codon in the mRNA,
      therefore stalling the ribosome at the end of translation with the nascent random
      sequence peptide extended by a spacer outside of the ribosome tunnel. In this
      chapter, we describe a method for the use of a further stabilized peptide
      ribosome-mRNA complex for ribosome display.

PMID- 22094801
TI  - Eukaryotic ribosome display with in situ DNA recovery.
AB  - Ribosome display is a cell-free display technology for in vitro selection and
      optimisation of proteins from large diversified libraries. It operates through
      the formation of stable protein-ribosome-mRNA (PRM) complexes and selection of
      ligand-binding proteins, followed by DNA recovery from the selected genetic
      information. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosome display systems have been
      developed. In this chapter, we describe the eukaryotic rabbit reticulocyte method
      in which a distinct in situ single-primer RT-PCR procedure is used to recover DNA
      from the selected PRM complexes without the need for prior disruption of the
      ribosome.

PMID- 22094802
TI  - mRNA display using covalent coupling of mRNA to translated proteins.
AB  - mRNA display is a powerful technique that allows for covalent coupling of a
      translated protein with its coding mRNA. The resulting conjugation between
      genotype and phenotype can be used for the efficient selection and identification
      of peptides or proteins with desired properties from an mRNA-displayed peptide or
      protein library with high diversity. This protocol outlines the principle of mRNA
      display and the detailed procedures for the synthesis of mRNA-protein fusions.
      Some special considerations for library construction, generation, and
      purification are discussed.

PMID- 22094803
TI  - SNAP display: in vitro protein evolution in microdroplets.
AB  - SNAP display is based on the covalent reaction of the DNA repair protein AGT
      (O(6)-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase, the "SNAP-tag") with its substrate
      benzylguanine (BG). Linear, BG-labelled template DNA is encapsulated in water-in
      oil emulsion droplets with a diameter of a few micrometres (i.e. 1 mL of emulsion
      contains ~10(10) compartments). Each droplet contains only a single DNA copy,
      which is transcribed and translated in vitro. The expressed AGT fusion proteins
      attach to their coding DNA via the BG label inside the droplet, which ensures
      that a specific genotype-phenotype linkage is established. Subsequently, the
      emulsion is broken and protein-DNA conjugates, which constitute a DNA-tagged
      protein library, selected via affinity panning. This method will prove a useful
      addition to the array of in vitro display systems, distinguished by the stability
      of DNA as the coding nucleic acid and the covalent link between gene and protein.

PMID- 22094805
TI  - Optimisation of antibody affinity by ribosome display using error-prone or site
      directed mutagenesis.
AB  - Affinity optimisation of antibodies can be achieved with great success by using
      directed evolution approaches, that is, the creation of and selection from
      diverse libraries. Here, we describe in detail methods to optimise antibody
      affinity for an antigen through directed evolution using ribosome display.
      Diversification of antibody single chain variable (scFv) domains is carried out
      by error-prone PCR and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis to generate random
      and targeted libraries respectively. Subsequent libraries are converted to
      ribosome display format and taken through cycles of transcription, translation,
      and selection. Since the starting point and the recovered product are linear DNA,
      this can easily be manipulated further to allow accumulation of beneficial
      mutations through iterative cycles of selection.

PMID- 22094804
TI  - cDNA display: rapid stabilization of mRNA display.
AB  - The cDNA display method is a robust in vitro display technology that converts an
      unstable mRNA-protein fusion (mRNA display) to a stable mRNA/cDNA-protein fusion
      (cDNA display) whose cDNA is covalently linked to its encoded protein using a
      well-designed puromycin linker. We provide technical details for preparing cDNA
      display molecules and for the synthesis of the puromycin linker for the purpose
      of screening the functional proteins and peptides.

PMID- 22094806
TI  - Affinity maturation of phage display antibody populations using ribosome display.
AB  - Ribsosome display is a PCR-based in vitro display technology that it well suited
      for the selection and evolution of high-affinity antibodies. In particular,
      ribosome display lends itself to the evolution of functional characteristics,
      such as potency, and thereby facilitates the production of therapeutic antibodies
      from lead candidates. In this chapter, we describe how to mature large phage
      display antibody populations (>10(7)) by performing increasingly stringent
      selections with decreasing antigen concentration. This process takes advantage of
      ribosome display's intrinsic ability to evolve sequence during selection.
      Ribosome display can also be used as a complementary tool to phage display for
      isolating high-affinity antibodies from naive libraries. Ultimately, maturation
      of large antibody populations by ribosome display will help to speed up the
      process of generating antibody therapeutics.

PMID- 22094807
TI  - Evolution of protein stability using ribosome display.
AB  - The opportunity to enhance protein stability has a number of potential benefits
      for biological therapeutics - for example extending in vivo half-life, enabling a
      longer shelf life, reducing the propensity to aggregate, or enabling soluble
      expression. Engineering protein stability has been attempted empirically,
      rationally, and using directed evolution based on phage display. Ribosome display
      is a powerful in vitro technology for the selection and directed evolution of
      proteins. Ribosome display is typically used for the generation of high-affinity
      proteins and peptides. This method extends the utility of ribosome display to
      selecting for stability, defined as the propensity of a molecule to exist in its
      folded and active state.

PMID- 22094808
TI  - Selection of lead antibodies from naive ribosome display antibody libraries.
AB  - A large antibody fragment library (>10(12)) has been generated in ribosome
      display format. The library was constructed in a two-step process. First,
      variable (V) genes were isolated from human B cells from a panel of 14 donors and
      cloned into designated ribosome display vectors to create a gene bank. Second, RD
      VH and RD-VL genes from individual immunoglobulin families were combined in vitro
      resulting in 112 scFv ribosome display sub-libraries. These were subsequently
      pooled to form a master library.This library was used to isolate a panel of
      antibodies to the IL4 receptor by three rounds of selections on a soluble target.

PMID- 22094809
TI  - Evolution of disulfide-rich peptide aptamers using cDNA display.
AB  - Protein scaffolds containing some disulfide bonds (e.g., Knottin, Kunitz domain,
      etc.) are promising candidates for molecular recognition. cDNA display has been
      developed to screen functional disulfide-rich peptide aptamers from a vast
      library by promoting disulfide bond shuffling after the synthesis of peptides in
      a cell-free translation system. Here we present a detailed protocol for the
      selection of disulfide-rich peptide aptamers against interleukin 6 receptor (IL
      6R) from a 35-amino acid peptide library containing 32 amino acids in the random
      region, which is linked to its genotype by cDNA display.

PMID- 22094810
TI  - Peptide screening using PURE ribosome display.
AB  - To demonstrate directed protein evolution or selection of functional
      polypeptides, ribosome display is one of the most ideal technologies of
      evolutionary engineering. Intrinsic components, such as nucleases in the cell
      extract-based cell-free protein synthesis systems, reduce the stability of the
      messenger RNA-ribosome-polypeptide ternary complex, thereby preventing the
      attainment of reliable results. To overcome this problem, we have developed an
      effective and highly controllable ribosome display system using the protein
      synthesizing using recombinant elements (PURE) system. Since the activities of
      nucleases and other inhibitory factors are very low in the PURE system, the
      ternary complex is highly stable and the selected mRNA can be reliably recovered.
      Using this system, we were able to select peptides that specifically bind to
      monoclonal antibodies from random peptide libraries. The advantages of the
      modified PURE system for ribosome display strongly substantiate its usability.

PMID- 22094811
TI  - Rapid selection of high-affinity binders using ribosome display.
AB  - Ribosome display has proven to be a powerful in vitro selection and evolution
      method for generating high-affinity binders from libraries of folded proteins. It
      has been successfully applied to single-chain Fv fragments of antibodies and
      alternative scaffolds, such as Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins (DARPins). High
      affinity binders with new target specificity can be obtained from highly diverse
      DARPin libraries in only a few selection rounds. In this protocol, the selection
      from the library and the process of affinity maturation and off-rate selection
      are explained in detail.

PMID- 22094812
TI  - mRNA display-based selections using synthetic peptide and natural protein
      libraries.
AB  - mRNA display is a powerful in vitro selection technique that can be applied
      toward the identification of peptides or proteins with desired properties. The
      physical conjugation between a protein and its own RNA presents unique challenges
      in manipulating the displayed proteins in an RNase-free environment. This
      protocol outlines the generation of synthetic peptide and natural proteome
      libraries as well as the steps required for generation of mRNA-protein fusion
      libraries, in vitro selection, and regeneration of the selected sequences. The
      selection procedures for the identification of Ca(2+)-dependent, calmodulin
      binding proteins from synthetic peptide and natural proteome libraries are
      presented.

PMID- 22094813
TI  - Identification of candidate vaccine genes using ribosome display.
AB  - In vitro protein selection methods that are not biased by the context of living
      organisms allow the screening of genomic expression libraries against a large
      number of different ligands. As such, ribosome display is a powerful technology
      for the in vitro selection of proteins or peptides from large PCR-derived
      libraries. Libraries can be generated from the genomic fragments of pathogens,
      thus allowing potential vaccine genes and the immunologically relevant proteins
      of pathogens to be identified and mapped using ribosome display. This chapter
      describes a methodology for the use of ribosome display for the identification of
      potential vaccine genes for the bacterial pathogen APP-5.

PMID- 22094814
TI  - Ribosome display for the selection of Sac7d scaffolds.
AB  - Combinatorial libraries of Sac7d have proved to be a valuable source of proteins
      with favorable biophysical properties and novel ligand specificities, so-called
      Nanofitins. Thus, Sac7d represents a promising scaffold alternative to antibodies
      for biotechnological and potentially clinical applications. We describe here the
      methodology for the construction of a library of Sac7d and its use for selection
      by ribosome display.

PMID- 22094815
TI  - Charging of tRNAs using ribozymes and selection of cyclic peptides containing
      thioethers.
AB  - In vitro selection methods represent a powerful approach toward identifying high
      affinity peptide ligands from highly diverse peptide libraries against a desired
      target. We herein describe a method for the display and selection of cyclic
      thioether peptide libraries. Reprogramming the initiation event from fMet to an N
      chloroacetyl-amino acid by utilizing flexizyme to rapidly and efficiently prepare
      the aa-tRNA can be effectively used to initiate translation, upon which the thiol
      group of an inserted cysteine at the C terminus of the designed library
      spontaneously reacts to yield a nonreducible cyclic thioether peptide readily
      compatible with any in vitro display methods. Thus, cyclic peptides already in a
      nonreducible stable form can be selected directly against the target of interest.

PMID- 22094816
TI  - Update on pure translation display with unnatural amino acid incorporation.
AB  - The identification of peptide and protein ligands by directed evolution in vitro
      has been of enormous utility in molecular biology and biotechnology. However, the
      translation step in almost all polypeptide selection methods is performed in vivo
      or in crude extracts, restricting applications. These restrictions include a
      limited library size due to transformation efficiency, unwanted competing
      reactions in translation, and an inability to incorporate multiple unnatural
      amino acids (AAs) with high fidelity and efficiency. These restrictions can be
      addressed by "pure translation display" where the translation step is performed
      in a purified system. To date, all pure translation display selections have
      coupled genotype to phenotype in a ribosome display format, though other formats
      also should be practical. Here, we detail the original, proof-of-principle, pure
      translation-display method because this version should be the most suitable for
      encoding multiple unnatural AAs per peptide product toward the goal of
      "peptidomimetic evolution." Challenges and progress toward this ultimate goal are
      discussed and are mainly associated with improving the efficiency of ribosomal
      polymerization of multiple unnatural AAs.

PMID- 22094817
TI  - In vitro selection of unnatural cyclic peptide libraries via mRNA display.
AB  - The ribosomal synthesis of drug-like peptides containing unnatural amino acids is
      possible due to the broad substrate specificity of the ribosome. In this
      protocol, a reconstituted Escherichia coli ribosomal translation system (PURE) is
      adapted to incorporate unnatural amino acids into mRNA-displayed peptide
      libraries, which are used in in vitro selection.

PMID- 22094818
TI  - Optimization of CAT-354, a therapeutic antibody directed against interleukin-13,
      using ribosome display.
AB  - In this case study, we describe the use of in vitro protein evolution with
      ribosome display to improve the potency of a human interleukin-13-neutralising
      antibody by a factor of over 200-fold and derive a therapeutic candidate, CAT
      354, for the treatment of asthma. A combination of directed and random
      mutagenesis enabled the identification of highly potent neutralising antibodies
      and highlighted the advantage of the ribosome display protein evolution approach
      in identifying beneficial mutations across the entire sequence space. This
      chapter describes in detail the process followed to achieve a successful in vitro
      affinity maturation outcome using ribosome display technology.

PMID- 22094819
TI  - Affinity maturation and functional dissection of a humanised anti-RAGE monoclonal
      antibody by ribosome display.
AB  - The pursuit of more potent, safe, and cost-effective drugs has placed a greater
      emphasis on antibody optimisation within the drug discovery process. Technologies
      to rapidly improve antibody drug performance, such as phage display, ribosome
      display, and yeast display, are playing a key role in this effort. Among these
      ribosome display is a particularly powerful technology and has recently been
      applied to the affinity optimisation of a humanised anti-receptor for advanced
      glycation end products (anti-RAGE) antibody (Finlay et al., J Mol Biol 388:541
      558, 2009). By using a combination of error-prone PCR with ribosome display each
      amino acid position within this humanised antibody was scanned for both its
      functional importance and its capacity to increase affinity resulting in both
      affinity-matured antibody variants and a functional map of the antibody paratope.

PMID- 22094820
TI  - Crystallographic relationships in the crossed lamellar microstructure of the
      shell of the gastropod Conus marmoreus.
AB  - The crossed lamellar microstructure of mollusk shells shows a very complex
      hierarchical architecture constituted of long rod-shaped aragonite crystals
      stacked parallel to each other inside each first order lamella, which are almost
      perpendicular to the ones contained in parallel neighboring lamellae. To better
      understand the construction and properties of the crossed lamellar microstructure
      we have performed a detailed study to determine the crystallographic
      characteristics and their evolution during shell growth using scanning electron
      microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction texture
      analysis. The arrangement of crystals is rationalized by a set of twin law
      relationships between aragonite crystals. Specifically, the aragonite rods, or
      third order lamellae within each first order lamella, internally consist of
      polysynthetic twins bounded by {110} mirror planes. In turn, the
      polysynthetically twinned aragonite crystals also show a constant
      crystallographic orientation with respect to aragonite crystals in adjacent first
      order lamellae. It can be seen as another twin law in which crystals from
      adjacent lamellae are bounded by (110) planes but with their c-axes rotated
      within this plane by 30 degrees . Thus there are two sets of twin laws that
      relate crystal units at lower (third order lamellae) and higher (first order
      lamellae) length scales. These hierarchical relationships play a crucial role in
      the construction, organization and properties of this complex microstructure. The
      later orientational relationships have never been described in geological
      aragonite and are only found in biogenic materials with a crossed lamellar
      microstructure. Their occurrence is probably determined by the presence of shell
      organic components which regulate crystal growth and may favor unusual
      crystallographic relationships.

PMID- 22094822
TI  - A digital microfluidic platform for primary cell culture and analysis.
AB  - Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a technology that facilitates electrostatic
      manipulation of discrete nano- and micro-litre droplets across an array of
      electrodes, which provides the advantages of single sample addressability,
      automation, and parallelization. There has been considerable interest in recent
      years in using DMF for cell culture and analysis, but previous studies have used
      immortalized cell lines. We report here the first digital microfluidic method for
      primary cell culture and analysis. A new mode of "upside-down" cell culture was
      implemented by patterning the top plate of a device using a fluorocarbon liftoff
      technique. This method was useful for culturing three different primary cell
      types for up to one week, as well as implementing a fixation, permeabilization,
      and staining procedure for F-actin and nuclei. A multistep assay for monocyte
      adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) was performed to evaluate functionality in
      DMF-cultured primary cells and to demonstrate co-culture using a DMF platform.
      Monocytes were observed to adhere in significantly greater numbers to ECs exposed
      to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha than those that were not, confirming that
      ECs cultured in this format maintain in vivo-like properties. The ability to
      manipulate, maintain, and assay primary cells demonstrates a useful application
      for DMF in studies involving precious samples of cells from small animals or
      human patients.

PMID- 22094823
TI  - Selectively bonded polymeric glaucoma drainage device for reliable regulation of
      intraocular pressure.
AB  - A novel glaucoma drainage device (GDD) using a polymeric micro check valve with
      no reverse flow is presented for the effective regulation of intraocular pressure
      (IOP). A significant functional improvement was achieved by reducing the possible
      incidence of hypotony, as the proposed GDD only drains aqueous humor at a certain
      cracking pressure or higher. The device consists of three biocompatible polymer
      layers: a top layer (cover), an intermediate layer (membrane), and a bottom layer
      (base plate with a cannula). All three layers, made of soft polydimethylsiloxane
      (PDMS), were bonded together to realize the thin GDDs. The bottom layer was
      selectively coated with chromium (Cr)/gold (Au) to prevent stiction between the
      valve seat and the valve orifice so that the device could show enhanced
      reliability in operation and high yield in production. Two types of polymeric
      devices were fabricated; one was a glaucoma drainage device for humans (GDDH) and
      the other was a glaucoma drainage device for animals (GDDA). From subsequent in
      vitro tests, the cracking pressures were 18.33 +/- 0.66 mmHg (mean +/- standard
      deviation) for GDDH and 12.42 mmHg for GDDA, both of which were very close to the
      corresponding normal IOPs. From in vivo tests of GDDA, the IOP of all implanted
      devices was properly regulated within the target pressure (10-15 mmHg). The
      experimental results showed that the proposed polymeric GDD has high potential
      for use in the treatment of glaucoma disease in terms of its repeatability of the
      cracking pressure and patients' relief from post-operative discomfort.

PMID- 22094821
TI  - Combinatorial insulin secretion dynamics of recombinant hepatic and
      enteroendocrine cells.
AB  - One of the most promising cell-based therapies for combating insulin-dependent
      diabetes entails the use of genetically engineered non-beta cells that secrete
      insulin in response to physiologic stimuli. A normal pancreatic beta cell
      secretes insulin in a biphasic manner in response to glucose. The first phase is
      characterized by a transient stimulation of insulin to rapidly lower the blood
      glucose levels, which is followed by a second phase of insulin secretion to
      sustain the lowered blood glucose levels over a longer period of time. Previous
      studies have demonstrated hepatic and enteroendocrine cells to be appropriate
      hosts for recombinant insulin expression. Due to different insulin secretion
      kinetics from these cells, we hypothesized that a combination of the two cell
      types would mimic the biphasic insulin secretion of normal beta cells with higher
      fidelity than either cell type alone. In this study, insulin secretion
      experiments were conducted with two hepatic cell lines (HepG2 and H4IIE)
      transduced with 1 of 3 adenoviruses expressing the insulin transgene and with a
      stably transfected recombinant intestinal cell line (GLUTag-INS). Insulin
      secretion was stimulated by exposing the cells to glucose only (hepatic cells),
      meat hydrolysate only (GLUTag-INS), or to a cocktail of the two secretagogues. It
      was found experimentally that the recombinant hepatic cells secreted insulin in a
      more sustained manner, whereas the recombinant intestinal cell line exhibited
      rapid insulin secretion kinetics upon stimulation. The insulin secretion profiles
      were computationally combined at different cell ratios to arrive at the
      combinatorial kinetics. Results indicate that combinations of these two cell
      types allow for tuning the first and second phase of insulin secretion better
      than either cell type alone. This work provides the basic framework in
      understanding the secretion kinetics of the combined system and advances it
      towards preclinical studies.

PMID- 22094824
TI  - Integration of nanoparticle cell lysis and microchip PCR for one-step rapid
      detection of bacteria.
AB  - This paper describes an integrated microchip system as an efficient and cost
      effective solution involving Nanotechnology and Lab-on-a-Chip technology for the
      rapid detection of bacteria. The system is based on using surface-modified gold
      nanoparticles for efficient cell lysis followed by microchip PCR without having
      to remove the nanoparticles from the PCR solution. Poly(quaternary ammonium)
      modified gold nanoparticles are used to provide a novel and efficient cell lysis
      method without the need to go through time-consuming, expensive and complicated
      microfabrication processes as most of current cell lysis methods for Lab-on-a
      Chip applications do. It also facilitates the integration of cell lysis and PCR
      by sharing the same reaction chamber as PCR uses. It is integrated with a
      prototype microchip PCR system consisting of a physical microchip PCR device and
      an automated temperature control mechanism. The research work explores solutions
      for the problem of PCR inhibition caused by gold nanoparticles as well as for the
      problem of non-specific PCR amplification in the integrated microchip system. It
      also explores the possibility of greatly reducing PCR cycling time to achieve the
      same result compared to the protocol for a regular PCR machine. The simplicity of
      the setup makes it easy to be integrated with other Lab-on-a-Chip functional
      modules to create customized solutions for target applications.

PMID- 22094825
TI  - Improvements in speech perception after the upgrade from the TEMPO+ to the OPUS 2
      audio processor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess if speech perception improves after the upgrade from the
      TEMPO+ to the OPUS 2 processor. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 45 subjects
      (54 ears) implanted with a cochlear implant were upgraded from the TEMPO+
      (continuous interleaved sampling + coding strategy) to the OPUS 2 processor (fine
      structure processing). Before the upgrade, patients were tested with the Freiburg
      monosyllable (FM) and the Hochmair-Schulz-Moser (HSM) sentence test in quiet and
      in noise. Four weeks after the upgrade, subjects were again assessed with the
      same tests. RESULTS: In quiet, mean FM results improved from 62.0% (+/-21.3%) to
      77.8% (+/-15.2%) and HSM sentences from 69.9% (+/-26.1%) to 77.9% (+/-22.1%). In
      noise, mean FM results improved from 27.3% (+/-17.1%) to 52.1% (+/-18.6%) and HSM
      sentences from 40.4% (+/-29.1%) to 58.0% (+/-26.1%). The upgrade to the OPUS 2
      was statistically very significant for all speech perception tests (p < 0.001).
      Additionally, subjects stated that the OPUS 2 initially sounded 'awkward' but
      that quality and speech perception improved after a certain adaptation time.
      CONCLUSION: Speech understanding in quiet and noise significantly improved with
      the OPUS 2 in all speech perception tests.

PMID- 22094827
TI  - Differential diagnosis in a primary care population with presumed airway
      obstruction: a real-life study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have major
      symptoms in common. However, the mode of the underlying chronic airway
      inflammation is different. There is still no single diagnostic test that can be
      considered a gold standard to distinguish asthma from COPD. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the diagnostic accuracy for asthma and COPD of a series of diagnostic
      steps in a population older than 40 years with probable obstructive airway
      disease (OAD) in primary care. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study,
      patients without a certain diagnosis underwent a work-up, including office
      spirometry by their general practitioner (GP). They were then referred to a
      pulmonologist, and they had control visits with their GP. The diagnostic gain of
      subsequent steps was calculated for 2 endpoints, namely the specialist's opinion
      and the GP's final opinion. RESULTS: Up to 60% of the patients failed to consult
      with the pulmonologist. For this subgroup, the office spirometry induced
      significantly more diagnostic congruency than any other diagnostic step. The
      specialists rejected 44.5% of the diagnoses made by the GPs, including
      spirometry. High values of diagnostic gain were found after the office spirometry
      and after the specialist's advice. Up to 25% of the population taking
      bronchodilators were judged not to suffer from OAD. CONCLUSIONS: Office
      spirometry added significantly more to the diagnostic certainty of the GPs than
      questionnaires, history and clinical examination. A pulmonologist's advice
      contributed more to diagnostic certainty than any other diagnostic step.
      Nevertheless, 26% of the diagnoses made by the chest physicians were reconsidered
      by the GPs.

PMID- 22094828
TI  - Lung function changes in non-asthmatic allergic rhinitis patients: a case series.

PMID- 22094826
TI  - Care of the infant of the diabetic mother.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) from all causes of diabetes is the most
      common medical complication of pregnancy and is increasing in incidence,
      particularly as type 2 diabetes continues to increase worldwide. Despite advances
      in perinatal care, infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) remain at risk for a
      multitude of physiologic, metabolic, and congenital complications such as preterm
      birth, macrosomia, asphyxia, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia,
      hyperbilirubinemia, polycythemia and hyperviscosity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
      and congenital anomalies, particularly of the central nervous system. Overt type
      1 diabetes around conception produces marked risk of embryopathy (neural tube
      defects, cardiac defects, caudal regression syndrome), whereas later in
      gestation, severe and unstable type 1 maternal diabetes carries a higher risk of
      intrauterine growth restriction, asphyxia, and fetal death. IDMs born to mothers
      with type 2 diabetes are more commonly obese (macrosomic) with milder conditions
      of the common problems found in IDMs. IDMs from all causes of GDM also are
      predisposed to later-life risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
      Care of the IDM neonate needs to focus on ensuring adequate cardiorespiratory
      adaptation at birth, possible birth injuries, maintenance of normal glucose
      metabolism, and close observation for polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and
      feeding intolerance.

PMID- 22094829
TI  - Complementation of Sulfolobus solfataricus PBL2025 with an alpha-mannosidase:
      effects on surface attachment and biofilm formation.
AB  - Compared to Sulfolobus solfataricus P2, the S. solfataricus mutant PBL2025 misses
      50 genes (SSO3004-3050), including genes coding for a multitude of enzymes
      possibly involved in sugar degradation or metabolism. We complemented PBL2025
      with two of the missing proteins, the alpha-mannosidase (SSO3006, Ssalpha-man)
      and the beta-galactosidase LacS (SSO3019), and performed comparative fluorescence
      microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy to analyze the recombinant
      strains. We demonstrated that the Ssalpha-man complemented strain resembled the
      S. solfataricus P2 behavior with respect to attachment of cells to glass and
      growth of cells in static biofilms. During expression of the Ssalpha-man, but not
      LacS, glucose and mannose-containing extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)
      levels changed in the recombinant strain during surface attachment and biofilm
      formation. These results suggest that the Ssalpha-man might be involved in the
      modulation of the EPS composition and/or in the de-mannosylation of the glycan
      tree, which is attached to extracellular glycosylated proteins in S.
      solfataricus. On the other hand, LacS expression in PBL2025 reduced the
      carbohydrate content of the isolated total EPS implying a role in the modulation
      of the produced EPS during static biofilm formation. These are the first enzymes
      identified as playing a role in archaeal EPS formation.

PMID- 22094833
TI  - Iodine excess or not: analysis on the necessity of reducing the iodine content in
      edible salt based on the national monitoring results.
AB  - Using national monitoring data collected between 1995 and 2009, this paper
      describes the change in trend with regard to the coverage of qualified iodized
      household salt and iodine status of the population in China since the
      implementation of universal salt iodization. The review indicates that the iodine
      content in edible salt increased from 16.2 mg/kg in 1995 to 42.3 mg/kg in 1999,
      then declined to 30.8 mg/kg in 2005 and has retained this level through the most
      recent data collection cycle, which is considered sufficient to achieve optimal
      iodine status. However, the median urinary iodine excretion level for children
      aged 8-10 at the national level has been consistently classified as "excessive
      iodine intake" since 1997, suggesting that although three adjustments on the
      standard of iodine content in edible salt have been made, the current content of
      salt iodization is still on the high side. The iodine content in edible salt
      could be lowered, and possibly adapted to local specific conditions such as water
      iodine content and the average daily intake of salt among the population in order
      to achieve a balance between preventing deficiency and reducing the risk of
      excessive intake.

PMID- 22094831
TI  - Tungsten-induced denaturation and aggregation of epoetin alfa during primary
      packaging as a cause of immunogenicity.
AB  - PURPOSE: Following two cases of neutralizing antibodies to epoetin alfa in an
      investigational clinical study, a small number of individual syringes of two drug
      product batches were found to contain unusually high levels of aggregation at the
      end of the clinical trial. METHODS: We undertook an extensive analytical approach
      to determine the root-cause of the increased aggregation in the affected batches.
      RESULTS: Soluble tungsten was found in the syringes, most likely derived from the
      pins used to manufacture the syringes. Spiking of epoetin alfa with sodium
      polytungstate or an extract of tungsten pins used to manufacture the syringes
      induced the formation of aggregates, both dimers that appeared to be covalently
      linked by disulphide bonds as well as higher-order aggregates. Sodium
      polytungstate had also a strong denaturing effect on the protein. CONCLUSIONS: We
      propose tungsten-mediated unfolding and aggregation of epoetin alfa in pre-filled
      syringes as a potential root cause for increased immunogenicity. This finding may
      be more broadly applicable to this and other classes of therapeutic proteins.

PMID- 22094834
TI  - Association between 24 hour urinary alpha-tocopherol catabolite, 2,5,7,8
      tetramethyl-2(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (alpha-CEHC) and alpha-tocopherol
      intake in intervention and cross-sectional studies.
AB  - The objective is to determine the association between the 24 hour urinary alpha
      tocopherol catabolite, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman
      (alpha-CEHC) and alpha-tocopherol intake in an intervention and a cross-sectional
      studies. In the 4-weeks intervention study, Japanese men (n = 10) consumed the
      test diet in week 1, and the test diet plus varying amounts of alpha-tocopherol
      in the three subsequent weeks: 21 MUmol/d alpha-tocopherol in week 2, 63 MUmol/d
      in week 3, and 125 MUmol/d in week 4. A significant association between alpha
      tocopherol intake and urinary alpha-CEHC was observed in this strictly controlled
      experiment (r = 0.99, p<0.001). In the cross-sectional study, all foods consumed
      over 4 consecutive days were recorded in 76 free-living young subjects (18-33
      years). The association was weak, but a significant relationship was observed (r
      = 0.29, p<0.05) even in the cross-sectional study. In the cross-sectional study
      adults, mean estimated alpha-tocopherol intake calculated by urinary alpha-CEHC
      and the excretory ratio was 91% of their mean intake over the 4 days. The results
      show that urinary alpha-CEHC level reflected recent alpha-tocopherol intake in
      free-living young Japanese adults, and could be used as a measure of intake
      during the previous few days, both for group means and for individual rankings
      within a group.

PMID- 22094835
TI  - Moderate NaFeEDTA and ferrous sulfate supplementation can improve both
      hematologic status and oxidative stress in anemic pregnant women.
AB  - Iron is important general well being, to prevent or treat anemia, and is a
      cofactor of many enzymes in the anti-oxidant process. Effect of sodium iron
      ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) and ferrous sulfate on iron
      bioavailability and oxidative stress in anemic pregnant women was evaluated. A 2
      month randomized controlled trial was conducted on 153 anemic pregnant women,
      with 80 <= Hb <110 g/L. They were randomly allocated to three groups: group C
      (n=51) was the placebo control group, group I (n=51) was supplemented daily with
      60 mg iron as ferrous sulfate, and group IE (n=51) with 60 mg iron as NaFeEDTA.
      Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention for
      measurements of hematological indices and oxidative stress parameters.
      Considerable increases of hematologic indicators were observed: 20.5 and 21.8 g/L
      for Hb (both p values <0.001); 4.81 and 7.19 MUmol/L for plasma iron (both p
      values <0.001), 2.63 and 8.99 MUg /L for ferritin (both p values <0.05) in I and
      IE groups, respectively, compared with the control group. Glutathione peroxidase
      (GSH-Px) activities increased by 32.6 and 75.3 IU/ml, and malondialdehyde (MDA)
      levels decreased by 0.70 and 1.12 MUmol/L in I and IE groups, compared with the C
      group (p values <0.05). Moreover, differences of plasma iron, ferritin and GSH-Px
      activity were 2.38 MUmol/L, 6.36 MUg /L and 42.7 IU/ml were also significantly
      greater in the IE group than in the I group. Moderate iron supplementation may be
      beneficial to improving iron deficiency and oxidative stress, and NaFeEDTA is
      better than ferrous sulfate.

PMID- 22094836
TI  - Impact of treatment with oral calcitriol on glucose indices in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem. Recent
      epidemiological evidence also points to a potential association of vitamin D
      insufficiency with adverse metabolic risks, including that for type 2 diabetes.
      SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was
      carried out. Seventy subjects with type 2 diabetes, age 30-75 years old, were
      randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to two groups. One group received two
      capsules of calcitriol (0.25 MUg 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol per each capsule)
      per day. The second group received placebo tablets. At the beginning, middle and
      the end of the 12 week supplementation trial, serum glucose, insulin, calcium and
      phosphorous, HbA1c and 25(OH) vitamin D were measured. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference between two groups at baseline. At the end of the study,
      fasting plasma glucose increased in the control group (p=0.038), while it
      remained unchanged in calcitriol group. Level of insulin and HbA1c increased
      significantly in both groups (p=0.013 and 0.0004 in treatment and control group).
      Regarding insulin resistance indices, there was a significant change in HOMA-IR
      and QUICKI in both groups (p=0.023 and 0.002 in treatment and 0.001 and <0.001 in
      control group respectively). Insulin secretion as assessed by HOMA-%beta,
      remained relatively unchanged in the control group, while it increased
      significantly in the treatment group at the end of study (p=0.009). CONCLUSION:
      Vitamin D supplementation attenuated the increase in glycemia, and increased
      insulin secretion, but had no effect on insulin resistance.

PMID- 22094837
TI  - Acute effect of a soy protein-rich meal-replacement application on renal
      parameters in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soy protein is used for meal replacement therapy in obesity, however
      the influence on renal function parameters is not adequately investigated. This
      study evaluates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) in
      patients with the metabolic syndrome and healthy controls after ingestion of
      different amounts of soy protein. METHODS: 10 patients with the metabolic
      syndrome but no signs of kidney disease and 10 healthy controls ingested 1 g
      protein/kg body weight of a commercial soy-yoghurt-honeypreparation. The patient
      group was also given a protein challenge of 0.3 g/kg body weight. RESULTS:
      Baseline GFR and RPF both were significantly higher in the patient group (147 +/-
      34.8 vs. 116 +/- 21.1 ml/min, p=0.01 and 848 +/- 217 vs. 637 +/- 121 ml/min,
      p=0.02) and were strongly correlated with body weight. Use of different
      algorithms to estimate GFR resulted in underestimation of GFR, particularly in
      the patients with the metabolic syndrome. The challenge with an acute protein
      load of 1g protein per kilogram body weight induced a significant increase in GFR
      and RPF in healthy controls (GFR: +12.6 +/- 11.0 % (p=0.01), RPF: +13.6 +/- 15.6
      % (p=0.04)) and even more in patients with the metabolic syndrome (GFR: +31.5 +/-
      32.2 % (p=0.01); RPF: +19.4 +/- 22.7 % (p=0.02)). The ingestion of 0.3 g protein/
      kg body weight did not induce significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Basic renal
      function is changed in patients with the metabolic syndrome, even without
      microalbuminuria. In addition, there is an elevated susceptibility for protein
      load. However, the protein amount recommended for use in soy-protein based meal
      replacement therapy induced no significant changes.

PMID- 22094838
TI  - Fortified juice drink improved iron and zinc status of schoolchildren.
AB  - Energy and micronutrient deficiency remain prevalent among Filipino children.
      Juice drinks are commonly consumed and could be a viable vehicle for
      fortification to supplement the nutrient gap. This study determined the effects
      of a newly developed non-carbonated fortified juice drink on the iron, zinc and
      nutritional status of schoolchildren. One hundred randomly selected anemic
      children were randomly allocated into two groups in a doubly-masked placebo
      controlled manner: Group 1 received the fortified juice, Group 2 received the non
      fortified juice for 100 days, five days a week under strict supervision. The
      juice drink was fortified with vitamin A, zinc, iron, vitamin C and lysine. The
      non-fortified juice was fortified only with vitamin C. All children were dewormed
      prior to the intervention. Hemoglobin, plasma ferritin and plasma zinc, weight
      and height were assessed using standard methods before and after intervention. A
      two-day 24-hour food recall was also collected. The basal prevalence of anemia
      was significantly reduced in both the fortified group (100% to 13%) and the non
      fortified group (100% to 40%) at endline. The mean plasma ferritin levels were
      similar in both groups at baseline and endline. At endline, mean plasma zinc in
      the fortified group has significantly increased by 20 MUg/dL from a baseline
      value of 83.9 MUg/dL to 103.9 MUg/dL, while the non-fortified group remained at
      similar levels with baseline. Basal weight and height significantly increased
      among all children at endline. The fortified juice drink was effective in
      reducing the prevalence of anemia and improved the zinc status of children.

PMID- 22094839
TI  - Malnutrition in hospitalized people living with HIV/AIDS: evidence from a cross
      sectional study from Chengdu, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nutrition support has long been ignored in China's HIV/AIDS treatment
      and care. The objectives of this project were to evaluate the prevalence of
      malnutrition among Chengdu urban HIV positive patients, and to provide evidence
      for further nutritional intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIV-infected adults
      admitted to an infectious diseases inpatient unit were eligible for this study.
      Nutritional status was evaluated using Subject Global Assessment (SGA),
      Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), body mass index (BMI), food
      frequency questionnaire and dietary records. RESULTS: 94 hospitalized HIV
      positive patients were enrolled from April 2009 to May 2010. The median CD4 T
      cell count was 44.0/mm3. The prevalence of malnutrition is measured by three
      tools and ranged from 37.2% (by BMI) to 77.2% (by SGA class B/C or MUST scores >=
      2). Chi-square test showed significant relationship between opportunistic
      infections and MUST score (OR=5.67, p<0.005, 95% CI=1.96-16.4). Of patients,
      59.6% had insufficient total energy intake; while 54.3% had insufficient protein
      intake. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is highly prevalent among Chengdu urban
      HIV/AIDS patients who underwent inpatient treatment. Calorie and protein
      deficiency should be given more attention in HIV/AIDS care programs. Nutrition
      evaluation and support should be considered an integral parts of national and
      community HIV/AIDS treatment and care guidelines.

PMID- 22094840
TI  - Anthropometric equation for estimation of appendicular skeletal muscle mass in
      Chinese adults.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate anthropometric
      equations for the estimation of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in
      Chinese adults. A total of 763 adults aged 18-69 years (345 men and 418 women)
      were recruited from residents living in four regions (Jinan, Guangzhou, Xi'an and
      Chengdu) in China. ASM were measured by fan-beam dual energy x-ray
      absorptiometry. Participants' body weight, height, limb circumferences (upper
      arm, thigh, and calf), waist circumference, and skinfold thicknesses (triceps,
      thigh, and calf) were measured by trained testers. The participants were randomly
      assigned to two groups: a model-development group (MD group) and a cross
      validation group (CV group). Prediction models were established using the data
      from the MD group, and cross-validated with the data of the CV group. The results
      suggested that the developed equations had satisfactory prediction qualities, and
      could be applied as a practical method of quantifying ASM in Chinese adults.

PMID- 22094841
TI  - Waist circumference as an indicator of high blood pressure in preschool obese
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between waist circumference and blood
      pressure (BP) to determine if waist circumference was an indicator of BP in
      preschool children. METHODS: Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip
      circumference, and blood pressure of 939 3-6-year-old preschool children were
      collected. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP) in obese children were significantly higher than that in normal weight
      children in both sexes (p<0.001). Overweight children had significantly higher
      SBP and DBP than normal weight boys (p<0.01). Age- and sex-adjusted Body mass
      index (BMI) correlated significantly with SBP and DBP. In children aged 3-6
      years, age-, sex-and BMI-adjusted waist circumference correlated significantly
      with SBP, but not with DBP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed
      a significant ability of BMI, WC and waist-to-height ratio (WtHr) to discriminate
      high blood pressure in children of both sexes. Multiple linear stepwise
      regression analysis using SBP as the dependent variable showed that BMI and WC
      were significant independent factors that influence high blood pressure adjusted
      for age, WtHr and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHr) in boys. When using DBP
      as the dependent variable, BMI was the only significant independent factor that
      influenced high blood pressure adjusted for age, WtHr and WHr, in both sex-es.
      CONCLUSION: Waist circumference was independently associated with high blood
      pressure in boys aged 3-6 years. In addition to BMI, increased waist
      circumference was found to be an indicator of high blood pressure in the
      preschool children, especially in boys.

PMID- 22094842
TI  - Interactive effects of main genotype, caloric intakes, and smoking status on risk
      of obesity.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the strong candidate genes increasing
      susceptibility to obesity among previously reported obesity-related genes in
      Korean subjects and evaluate gene-environmental interactions in susceptibility to
      obesity. The study population comprised of 163 adolescents (95 boys and 68 girls)
      and their parents (97 men and 96 women).We used  multivariable-adjusted logistic
      regression analysis, and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis
      incorporating both the genetic (ADRB2 R16G genotype) and environmental
      (overeating, smoking status, and parent's obese status) variables. The
      polymorphisms were genotyped with SNP-ITTM assays using the SNPstream 25KTM
      System (Orchid Biosciences, New Jersey, USA). Arg16 allele of ADRB2 R16G, smoking
      and overeating were linked to an increased risk of obesity in adults. CART
      analysis showed that smoking parents who overate and carried the Arg allele,
      ADRB2 R16G, had an odds ratio (OR) of 11.7 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.13
      64.04) for obesity compared to non-smoking parents who had none of these factors.
      Among children, the highest risk group for obesity was the overeater with obese
      parents (OR, 5.20; 95% CI, 1.86-14.53). The results of the study indicate that
      beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphism may contribute to the development of obesity
      through gene-environmental interactions. Further replication studies with larger
      sample size would be needed to confirm our study results.

PMID- 22094843
TI  - Contribution of complementary food nutrients to estimated total nutrient intakes
      for urban Guatemalan infants in the second semester of life.
AB  - Complementary foods (CF) are introduced earlier or later than appropriate in
      developing societies. They often contribute poorly to overall adequate
      micronutrient intake during the critical period for growth and development, which
      constitutes the period from 6 to 12 months of life. The objective of this study
      was to determine the contribution of the CF nutrients to the total estimated
      nutrient intake in infants in the second semester of life. Three non-consecutive
      24-hour recalls interviews were conducted with mothers of 64 infants, aged 6-12
      months on enrolment, from a convenience sample in a marginal urban settlement in
      Guatemala City. Retrospective recording of early introduction of pre- and post
      lacteal feeding and introduction of first foods and beverages was included. Human
      milk intakes were estimated by a model based on assumptions that human milk plus
      CF exactly satisfied the infant's daily energy needs. The WHO/FAO Recommended
      Nutrient Intakes (RNI) were the standards for adequate nutrient consumption.
      Instances of exclusive breast feeding to 6 months were rare, with the
      introduction of CF earlier than recommended. Baby food in jars was mentioned most
      frequently as the first food offered. The contribution of CF increased with age
      through the second semester of life. CF contributed more of a nutrient than human
      milk in all instances. However,CF nutrient density for Ca, Fe, and Zn fell below
      international standard. Fortified sugar contributed excessive amounts of Vitamin
      A to the diets. We conclude that for most nutrients, intakes reached or exceeded
      recommendation levels, unusual within the CF experience in scientific literature.

PMID- 22094844
TI  - Undernutrition status of children under 5 years in Chinese rural areas - data
      from the National Rural Children Growth Standard Survey, 2006.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the nutritional status among rural children under five years
      in China relative to WHO Child Growth Standards 2006, and to explore risk factors
      for undernutrition. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of rural areas in 10 provinces
      of China. A total of 84,009 children under five recruited through multi-level
      sampling. MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 17.92% of children have at least one form of
      undernutrition. The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting, were 14.59%,
      7.19% and 3.07%, respectively. The corresponding mean z-score in height-for-age,
      weight-for-age, and weight-for-height were -0.732, -0.410 and -0.001. An upward
      trend with age in stunting and underweight was observed, and higher risks noticed
      among older children in contrast with children under 6 months in terms of
      stunning and underweight. The inter-provincial variation of undernutrition
      remains very large. Low birth weight, multi parity, preterm birth, multiple
      birth, maternal illiteracy, low provincial GDP, and low household income are
      identified as significant factors associated with stunting. Parity shows no
      corresponding significant relationship with underweight, and wasting was not
      found to be associated with either preterm or multiple births. CONCLUSION: The
      nutritional status among children under five in rural areas of China, although
      greatly improved in the past decades, still lags behind the WHO Child Growth
      Standards. Stunting and underweight occur mostly before two years of age.
      Intervention strategies and programs should be developed to target the
      preventable risk factors.

PMID- 22094845
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of soy products consumption in patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Clinical trials have reported the lipid-lowering effect of consuming soy
      products, and epidemiological studies have shown that soy intake is associated
      with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this meta
      analysis was to systematically review the effects of soy products consumption on
      serum lipid profiles and glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Potential papers
      were initially searched from PubMed (1966 to 2010) and Cochrane Library (1984 to
      2010) without language limitations. All randomized controlled trials were
      included in which soy products supplementation was the only intervention in
      subjects with type 2 diabetes. Weighted mean effect size was calculated for net
      changes in serum lipids and fasting glucose concentrations using fixed-effect or
      random-effect models. Previously defined subgroup analyses were performed to
      identify the source of heterogeneity. Eight studies were included according to
      the criteria. The intake of soy products was associated with a significant
      reduction in serum total cholesterol (by 0.42 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval
      (CI): -0.70, -0.14; p<0.001), triacylglycerol (by 0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.38, 
      0.07; p<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (by 0.30 mmol/L; 95% CI: 
      0.60, -0.00; p<0.001), and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.06;  p=0.89).  There were no
      significant effects on fasting glucose, insulin and glycated hemoglobin. It can
      be concluded that intake of soy and soy products has beneficial effects in T2DM
      patients in relation to serum lipids.

PMID- 22094846
TI  - Red meat intake may increase the risk of colon cancer in Japanese, a population
      with relatively low red meat consumption.
AB  - Asian populations have changed from traditional to Westernized diets, with
      increased red meat intake. They are suggested to be particularly susceptible to
      the adverse effects of red meat on the development of colorectal cancers,
      however, few prospective studies of this putative link have been conducted. We
      examined associations between the consumption of red and processed meat and the
      risk of subsite-specific colorectal cancer by gender in a large Japanese cohort.
      During 1995-1998, a validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to
      80,658 men and women aged 45-74 years. During 758,116 person-years of follow-up
      until the end of 2006, 1,145 cases of colorectal cancer were identified. Higher
      consumption of red meat was significantly associated with a higher risk of colon
      cancer among women [multivariate hazard ratios (95%CIs) for the highest versus
      lowest quintiles (HR): 1.48 (1.01, 2.17; trend p=0.03)], as was higher
      consumption of total meat among men [HR=1.44 (1.06, 1.98; trend p=0.07)]. By
      site, these positive associations were found for the risk of proximal colon
      cancer among women and for distal colon cancer among men. No association was
      found between the consumption of processed meat and risk of either colon or
      rectal cancer. In conclusion, red meat intake may modestly increase the risk of
      colon cancer in middle-aged Japanese, although the highest quintile of red meat
      consumption could be considered moderate by Western standards.

PMID- 22094847
TI  - Prevalence, influencing factors and control of food insecurity: a model in the
      northwest of Iran.
AB  - Food insecurity is frequent in both developed and developing countries, affecting
      from 5% to 25% of the general population. The aim of this study was to assess
      food insecurity, its influencing factors and control measures in the northwest of
      Iran. A total population of 15,070 (2,911 households) were studied. A short
      questionnaire was used for the screening of food insecurity and energy intake in
      this study. After the screening programme, those families identified as having
      food insecurity were recruited for the second part of the study which was a
      community trial. We organized small training campaigns (through peer education)
      for target households. Six months later, the same techniques were applied again
      to assess the impact of educational intervention in reducing the rate of food
      insecurity. Total prevalence of food insecurity in the study population was 59.3
      percent (95% confidence interval: 57.4-61.3). Logistic regression showed that
      apart from the mother's age and smoking status of the head of the family, there
      was a significant association between household food insecurity and other
      variables in the model (mainly economic factors). The prevalence of food
      insecurity reduced by 7.3 percent after the intervention (p>0.10). The high
      prevalence of food insecurity in this study indicates that there is an urgent
      need for a close collaboration between governmental, international and local
      leadership to identify and implement the key interventional programmes to
      overcome this ever increasing health problem. According to our findings, a
      special attention should be paid on the economic improvement in the region.

PMID- 22094848
TI  - Paternal smoking is associated with greater food insecurity among poor families
      in rural Indonesia.
AB  - Food insecurity is common in developing countries and related to the physical
      well being of families. Household food insecurity is intended to reflect a
      household's access, availability, and utilization of food. The relationship
      between paternal smoking and household food insecurity has not been well
      characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of
      paternal smoking with household food insecurity among poor families in rural
      Indonesia. In a cross-sectional study of 26,380 rural households in the
      Indonesian Nutrition Surveillance System in 2003, we examined the relationship
      between paternal smoking and household food insecurity score, as measured using a
      9-item food security questionnaire. The prevalence of paternal smoking was 72.9%.
      In families with and without a father who smoked, the mean (standard error)
      household food insecurity score was 1.83 (0.01) and 1.48 (0.02), respectively
      (p<0.0001). Paternal smoking was associated with greater household food
      insecurity score (p<0.0001) in a multivariable linear regression model, adjusting
      for maternal age, maternal education, weekly household expenditure per capita,
      and province. Among poor families in rural Indonesia, households with a father
      who smokes are at greater risk of household food insecurity.

PMID- 22094849
TI  - Comparison of dietary habits between migrant and local adolescents in Shenzhen,
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is estimated that the number of migrant adolescents in Chinese
      cities may have reached 25 million. However, little research has been conducted
      on their dietary habits. The objective of this study was to compare dietary
      habits between migrant and local adolescents in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: A
      school based cross-sectional study was conducted in 3368 adolescents (aged 11-18
      years; 52.5% boys). A self-administered questionnaire completed by adolescents
      was designed to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics, meal
      location, food pattern and intake. RESULTS: Of the 3368 adolescents, 58.2% were
      migrants. Compared with locals, migrant adolescents showed significantly higher
      percentage of having three meals away-from home. Nearly half of the subjects
      (45.6 %) skipped breakfast, with a higher proportion among migrant students (48.5
      vs 41.5%). Migrant students consumed street food more frequently (12.2 vs 8.5%),
      while the difference was opposite in Western fast food intake (27.3 vs 32.5%). No
      significant difference was found in snacks intake between these two groups.
      Migrant students exhibited lower percentage of vegetables (57.3 vs 63.7%), fruits
      (27.7 vs 38.3%), meats (37.0 vs 44.3%), soybean (11.6 vs 17.5%) and dairy
      products (28.4 vs 42.5%) intake daily. After adjusted for socio-demographic
      confounders, the difference mentioned above still remained except Western fast
      food. CONCLUSION: Dietary habits among adolescents showed pronounced household
      variation. Migrant adolescents are more likely to exhibit unhealthy dietary
      behavior. Schools and families should collaborate to improve the dietary
      environment for adolescents, especially those from migrant families.

PMID- 22094850
TI  - Nutrition risk: cultural aspects of assessment.
AB  - AIM: To assess a nutrition risk screening tool amongst Maori and non-Maori of
      advanced age. METHOD: A cross sectional feasibility study was conducted in three
      North Island locations. One hundred and eight community-living residents aged 75-
      85 years were assessed for nutrition risk using 'the validated questionnaire
      'Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition', Version II
      (SCREENII) and level of physical activity using the 'Physical Activity Scale for
      the Elderly' (PASE). Physical assessments included height and weight. RESULTS:
      Fifty-two percent of participants were assessed to be at high nutrition risk
      (SCREENII score <50; range 29-58; out of maximum score 64). Nutrition risk
      factors amongst Maori and non-Maori respectively differed for weight change in
      the previous six months (45.2% and 18.7%, p=0.005), skipping meals (54.8% and
      13.3%, p<0.001), fruit and vegetable intake (77.4% and 18.7%, p<0.001) and the
      use of meal replacements (28.1% and 9.3%, p=0.013). Process evaluation showed
      that Maori took different meaning from the individual question items in SCREENII.
      Level of physical activity (PASE score) was higher for Maori, median (IQR): 125
      (74) than non-Maori, 72 (74) (p<0.001) especially for leisure-time and household
      related activity. BMI was higher for Maori median (IQR): 31.5 kg/m2 (6.8)
      compared to non-Maori 24.7 kg/m2 (5.4) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The nutrition risk
      tool suggested that Maori were at high risk for malnutrition despite higher BMI
      and higher levels of activity. Several items of the screening tool were
      interpreted differently among Maori compared to non-Maori. Further development is
      needed to ensure accurate assessment.

PMID- 22094851
TI  - Validation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary cholesterol, total
      fat and different types of fat intakes among Malay adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death in Malaysia.
      Evidence shows that dietary fat intake is one of the important risk factors for
      cardiovascular disease. However, studies assessing the association of fatty acids
      and risk of cardiovascular diseases in Malaysia are scarce. Therefore, this study
      aimed to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing
      total fat and different types of fat among Malay adults in Malaysia. METHODS: A
      100 food item FFQ focused on dietary cholesterol, total fat, saturated fat,
      monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat intake for the past one month was
      developed and validated against 3-day dietary record (DR) among 151 Malay
      participants. Validity was assessed through the reliability and agreement of two
      methods. Intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients were used to assess
      reliability; while regression analysis and classification into categories were
      used to assess agreement of the two methods. RESULTS: The mean nutrient intakes
      tended to be higher in FFQ compared to DR. The developed FFQ showed excellent
      reliability with ICC coefficients ranging from 0.92-0.98. Regression analysis
      demonstrated an acceptable agreement between FFQ and DR for total fat and
      different types of fat intakes. There were a relatively high proportion of
      subjects being correctly classified (into same or adjacent category) and only a
      small number of grossly misclassification for total energy, fat, dietary
      cholesterol, saturated fat and unsaturated fat occurred. CONCLUSION: This FFQ is
      valid in assessing absolute total energy, total fat and types of fat intakes
      among Malay adults.

PMID- 22094852
TI  - Validity of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure among Iranian
      women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a sample of Iranian
      women, and to evaluate the validity of predictive equations for estimating RMR in
      normal and obese subjects. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a
      total of 187 healthy women aged 18-45 years. Anthropometric data were collected
      and subjects' RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry for 15 minutes following
      an overnight fast. RMR was also predicted using various types of formulas based
      on subjects' height, age, weight or fat-free mass. Body composition was estimated
      by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). RESULTS: Measured RMR (mean +/- SD) was
      found to be 1473 +/- 296 kcal/day. The abbreviation formula overestimated RMR,
      while other formulas underestimated it. Harris-Benedict formula was valid among
      all BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, obese and morbidly obese). Two
      Schofield formulas were valid in normal weight, overweight and morbidly obese
      subjects; and Cunningham formula was valid only among overweight and obese women.
      Overweight and obese Iranian women had higher RMR in comparison with normal
      weight subjects (p<0.01); although after age and weight adjustment, the
      differences were not significant in any of the BMI categories. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Harris-Benedict for mula provides a valid estimation of RMR at the group level in
      a range of normal-weight to morbidly obese Iranians. However, at the individual
      level, errors might be so high that using a measured value has to be preferred
      over an estimated value.

PMID- 22094853
TI  - Development of a borondipyrromethene-based Zn2+ fluorescent probe: solvent
      effects on modulation sensing ability.
AB  - A borondipyrromethene-based Zn(2+) fluorescent probe BODPAQ was designed and
      synthesized. The chelators in BODPAQ, 2,2'-dipicolylamine (DPA) and 8
      aminoquinoline (AQ), coordinate to Zn(2+) in a synergic manner. As a result,
      BODPAQ displays high Zn(2+) selectivity with a dramatic enhanced emission
      accompanied by a notable hypsochromic shift due to the binary inhibition effect
      of PET and ICT mechanisms, enabling the detection of Zn(2+) by both ratiometric
      and normal turn-on fluorescence methods in acetonitrile. Interestingly, the
      sensitivity of BODPAQ towards Zn(2+) changes upon varying the compositions of
      buffer solutions. In 3-morpholinopropanesulfonic acid (MOPS) buffer aqueous
      solution (50% CH(3)CN), BODPAQ displays the highest sensitivity for Zn(2+), while
      in citrate-phosphate buffer, BODPAQ shows no response to Zn(2+).

PMID- 22094854
TI  - Hearing profile of gold miners with and without tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the hearing of gold miners with and without tuberculosis
      (TB) to determine the effect of TB and its associated risk profile on hearing.
      METHODS: Audiological and medical surveillance data of 2698 South African gold
      miners for 2001-2009 were analysed in a retrospective cohort design. Hearing
      thresholds for the air conduction frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 kHz) in both
      ears were analysed together with biographical and occupational data. Subjects
      were divided into two experimental (single TB treatment, n=911 and multiple TB
      treatment, n=376) and one control group (n=1411). Comparisons between groups
      included (1) change from baseline to most recent audiogram, (2) most recent
      hearing thresholds and (3) most recent thresholds in a subset of noise exposed
      and unexposed groups. RESULTS: Hearing thresholds for the TB groups were
      significantly (p<0.01) elevated compared to the control group, after correcting
      for time between baseline and most recent audiogram, threshold at baseline and
      age at test. Pair-wise comparisons demonstrated the largest threshold differences
      between the control and multiple TB group. Changes in mean thresholds across TB
      treatment groups were independent of noise exposure. Hearing thresholds over time
      also deteriorated significantly more (p<0.01) in workers with TB (single and
      multiple treatment) than in workers without TB. CONCLUSION: Gold miners with TB,
      especially with more than one episode of TB, demonstrate significantly poorer
      hearing thresholds and more pronounced decline in hearing over time independent
      of noise exposure. The exact cause is likely a complex interaction between TB,
      including treatment, and its associated risk profile.

PMID- 22094855
TI  - Immediate ozone effects on heart rate and repolarisation parameters in
      potentially susceptible individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Elevated ozone levels have been associated with cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality. We investigated the effects of ozone on heart rate (HR)
      and repolarisation parameters in potentially susceptible populations. METHODS:
      Between March 2007 and December 2008, 363 ECG recordings including >2000 1 h
      intervals were measured in 64 individuals with type 2 diabetes or impaired
      glucose tolerance and in 46 healthy individuals with a potential genetic
      predisposition on the detoxification pathways from Augsburg, Germany.
      Associations between 1 h averages of ozone and HR, Bazett-corrected QT-interval
      (QTc), T-wave amplitude and T-wave complexity were analysed using additive mixed
      models. A variable indicating season and participants' location during the 1 h
      ECG recordings (summer and outdoors vs winter or indoors) was used as a potential
      ozone effect modifier. RESULTS: We observed concurrent and 1-4 h lagged increases
      in HR of 0.5-0.7% for each 20 MUg/m(3) increase in ozone. These effects were
      stronger (1.0-1.2%) when participants were outdoors during the summer. We
      detected in all participants a concurrent (-1.31%; 95% CI -2.19% to -0.42%) and 1
      h lagged (-1.32%; -2.19% to -0.45%) T-wave flattening. Elevated ozone levels were
      associated with 1 h (2.12%; 0.81 to 3.52) and 2 h lagged (1.89%; 0.55% to 3.26%)
      increases in T-wave complexity. However, no effects were seen for QTc. Ozone
      effects were generally more pronounced in individuals with metabolic disorders
      than a potential genetic predisposition. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in repolarisation
      might contribute to underlying pathophysiological changes associated with the
      link between elevated ozone levels and reported adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID- 22094856
TI  - Association of the HLA-DRB1 epitope LA(67, 74)  with rheumatoid arthritis and
      citrullinated vimentin binding.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has long been associated with an
      HLA-DRB1 shared epitope, a systematic search for other epitopes has never been
      conducted. In addition, the relationship between these epitopes and the binding
      of citrullinated autoantigens has not been investigated. We developed a program
      that can analyze HLA data for all possible epitopes of up to 5 amino acids and
      used this program to assess the shared epitope hypothesis in RA. METHODS: We
      analyzed high-resolution data from the International Histocompatibility Working
      Group, which included a group of 488 patients with RA and a group of 448 racially
      and ethnically balanced control subjects, for all combinations of up to 5 amino
      acids among polymorphic HLA-DRB1 positions 8-93. Statistical significance was
      determined by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with a false discovery rate
      correction. RESULTS: Three residues (V(11), H(13), and L(67)) were found to have
      the highest degree of association with RA susceptibility (P < 10(-11)), and D(70)
      was found to correlate best with RA resistance (P = 2 * 10(-11)). Of >2 million
      epitopes examined, LA(67, 74) exhibited the highest correlation with RA
      susceptibility (P = 2 * 10(-20); odds ratio 4.07 [95% confidence interval 3.07
      5.39]). HLA alleles containing the LA(67, 74) epitope exhibited significantly
      greater binding to citrullinated vimentin(65-77) than did alleles containing
      D(70). Only 1 allele (DRB1*16:02) contained both LA(67, 74) and D(70); it bound
      citrullinated vimentin weakly and was not associated with RA. CONCLUSION: The
      findings of these studies confirm the importance of HLA-DRB1 amino acids in
      pocket 4 for the binding of citrullinated autoantigens and susceptibility to RA.

PMID- 22094857
TI  - Isolating metamemory deficits in the self-regulated learning of adults with ADHD.
AB  - ADHD in adulthood is associated with chronic academic impairments and problems
      with strategic memory encoding on standardized memory assessments, but little is
      known about self-regulated learning that might guide intervention. OBJECTIVE:
      Examine the contribution of metamemory judgment accuracy and use of learning
      strategies to self-regulated learning in adults with ADHD, focusing on the use of
      self-testing. METHOD: A total of 34 adults with ADHD and 34 matched controls
      predicted their memory performance and regulated their learning of paired
      associates. RESULTS: Adults with ADHD were as accurate as controls at predicting
      memory performance, despite remembering fewer words. By observation and self
      report, they were less likely to use self-testing to learn the pairs. CONCLUSION:
      Across groups, self-testing was associated with significantly better recall and
      largely accounted for differences between diagnostic groups. Adults with ADHD
      often failed to employ a strategy that was associated with improved memory,
      identifying an intervention target that may improve self-regulated learning.

PMID- 22094858
TI  - Factor analysis of five adult ADHD self-report measures: are they all the same?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the assumption in the research and assessment of ADHD symptoms
      that self-report scales measure the same underlying cognitive construct and that
      there is convergent validity among the scales. The present study specifically
      tested this assumption by analyzing the scores of 616 individuals on five ADHD
      self-rating scales using principal components analysis. METHOD: Participants
      completed five self-report scales widely used in the clinical and research
      communities: the CSS, the BADDS, the CAARS, the AADDES, and the WURS. RESULTS:
      Results show that while all scales were highly correlated and loaded onto a
      single factor solution, the WURS was differentiated from the other four scales
      best seen through a two factor solution. Therefore, the WURS may also measure
      other mental and emotional constructs independent from ADHD. Furthermore,
      participants that reported a previous diagnosis of ADHD scored significantly
      higher on all measures than those who did not. CONCLUSION: Since these scales are
      in strong agreement with one another in diagnosing ADHD, assessment becomes an
      issue of which scale is the least time-consuming and most pragmatic for the
      evaluator to use.

PMID- 22094859
TI  - Genome economization in the endosymbiont of the wood roach Cryptocercus
      punctulatus due to drastic loss of amino acid synthesis capabilities.
AB  - Cockroaches (Blattaria: Dictyoptera) harbor the endosymbiont Blattabacterium sp.
      in their abdominal fat body. This endosymbiont is involved in nitrogen recycling
      and amino acid provision to its host. In this study, the genome of
      Blattabacterium sp. of Cryptocercus punctulatus (BCpu) was sequenced and compared
      with those of the symbionts of Blattella germanica and Periplaneta americana,
      BBge and BPam, respectively. The BCpu genome consists of a chromosome of 605.7 kb
      and a plasmid of 3.8 kb and is therefore approximately 31 kb smaller than the
      other two aforementioned genomes. The size reduction is due to the loss of 55
      genes, 23 of which belong to biosynthetic pathways for amino acids. The pathways
      for the production of tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine/threonine/valine,
      methionine, and cysteine have been completely lost. Additionally, the genes for
      the enzymes catalyzing the last steps of arginine and lysine biosynthesis, argH
      and lysA, were found to be missing and pseudogenized, respectively. These gene
      losses render BCpu auxotrophic for nine amino acids more than those corresponding
      to BBge and BPam. BCpu has also lost capacities for sulfate reduction, production
      of heme groups, as well as genes for several other unlinked metabolic processes,
      and genes present in BBge and BPam in duplicates. Amino acids and cofactors that
      are not synthesized by BCpu are either produced in abundance by hindgut
      microbiota or are provisioned via a copious diet of dampwood colonized by
      putrefying microbiota, supplying host and Blattabacterium symbiont with the
      necessary nutrients and thus permitting genome economization of BCpu.

PMID- 22094860
TI  - Random Addition Concatenation Analysis: a novel approach to the exploration of
      phylogenomic signal reveals strong agreement between core and shell genomic
      partitions in the cyanobacteria.
AB  - Recent whole-genome approaches to microbial phylogeny have emphasized
      partitioning genes into functional classes, often focusing on differences between
      a stable core of genes and a variable shell. To rigorously address the effects of
      partitioning and combining genes in genome-level analyses, we developed a novel
      technique called Random Addition Concatenation Analysis (RADICAL). RADICAL
      operates by sequentially concatenating randomly chosen gene partitions starting
      with a single-gene partition and ending with the entire genomic data set. A
      phylogenetic tree is built for every successive addition, and the entire process
      is repeated creating multiple random concatenation paths. The result is a library
      of trees representing a large variety of differently sized random gene
      partitions. This library can then be mined to identify unique topologies, assess
      overall agreement, and measure support for different trees. To evaluate RADICAL,
      we used 682 orthologous genes across 13 cyanobacterial genomes. Despite previous
      assertions of substantial differences between a core and a shell set of genes for
      this data set, RADICAL reveals the two partitions contain congruent phylogenetic
      signal. Substantial disagreement within the data set is limited to a few nodes
      and genes involved in metabolism, a functional group that is distributed evenly
      between the core and the shell partitions. We highlight numerous examples where
      RADICAL reveals aspects of phylogenetic behavior not evident by examining
      individual gene trees or a "'total evidence" tree. Our method also demonstrates
      that most emergent phylogenetic signal appears early in the concatenation
      process. The software is freely available at http://desalle.amnh.org.

PMID- 22094862
TI  - The orthodontist and sleep apnea.

PMID- 22094863
TI  - Lingual straightwire treatment with the Orapix system.

PMID- 22094861
TI  - Genome-wide detection of gene extinction in early mammalian evolution.
AB  - Detecting gene losses is a novel aspect of evolutionary genomics that has been
      made feasible by whole-genome sequencing. However, research to date has
      concentrated on elucidating evolutionary patterns of genomic components shared
      between species, rather than identifying disparities between genomes. In this
      study, we searched for gene losses in the lineage leading to eutherian mammals.
      First, as a pilot analysis, we selected five gene families (Wnt, Fgf, Tbx,
      TGFbeta, and Frizzled) for molecular phylogenetic analyses, and identified
      mammalian lineage-specific losses of Wnt11b, Tbx6L/VegT/tbx16, Nodal-related,
      ADMP1, ADMP2, Sizzled, and Crescent. Second, automated genome-wide phylogenetic
      screening was implemented based on this pilot analysis. As a result, we detected
      147 chicken genes without eutherian orthologs, which resulted from 141 gene loss
      events. Our inventory contained a group of regulatory genes governing early
      embryonic axis formation, such as Noggins, and multiple members of the opsin and
      prolactin-releasing hormone receptor ("PRLHR") gene families. Our findings
      highlight the potential of genome-wide gene phylogeny ("phylome") analysis in
      detecting possible rearrangement of gene networks and the importance of
      identifying losses of ancestral genomic components in analyzing the molecular
      basis underlying phenotypic evolution.

PMID- 22094864
TI  - Early treatment of scissor bite.

PMID- 22094865
TI  - Surgical-orthodontic management of severe sleep apnea.

PMID- 22094866
TI  - Twisting ligature wires for lingual retainers.

PMID- 22094867
TI  - A microsensor for monitoring removable-appliance wear.

PMID- 22094869
TI  - Cardiovascular disorders: microRNA modulation elevates HDL.

PMID- 22094868
TI  - Exploring HCN channels as novel drug targets.
AB  - Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have a key
      role in the control of heart rate and neuronal excitability. Ivabradine is the
      first compound acting on HCN channels to be clinically approved for the treatment
      of angina pectoris. HCN channels may offer excellent opportunities for the
      development of novel anticonvulsant, anaesthetic and analgesic drugs. In support
      of this idea, some well-established drugs that act on the central nervous system 
      including lamotrigine, gabapentin and propofol - have been found to modulate HCN
      channel function. This Review gives an up-to-date summary of compounds acting on
      HCN channels, and discusses strategies to further explore the potential of these
      channels for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22094870
TI  - Neurodegenerative diseases: An alternative path to reduce neuroinflammation.

PMID- 22094871
TI  - Analgesia: Unravelling epigenetic mechanisms of chronic pain.

PMID- 22094872
TI  - P27/SKP-2 histochemical profile is relevant to malignant salivary gland tumors
      (MST) histogenesis and tumor grade.
AB  - Malignant salivary gland tumors (MST) represent over more than 24 distinct
      morphological subtypes. Most high grade tumors arise from the excretory duct
      portion of the salivary gland apparatus; the remainder from the intercalated duct
      portion. Altered p27/skp-2 expression has been associated with tumor
      aggressiveness and histologic differentiation. In our study, we analyzed p27/skp
      2 expression proteins on series of malignant salivary gland tumors in order to
      assess their value as a histogenetic marker, which is relevant to tumor grade. 61
      MST cases were segregated by proposed histogenesis and immunohistochemistry was
      performed using antibodies directed against p27 and skp-2. MST of proposed
      intercalated duct origin (n=27) showed strong p27 expression (n=25/27; 93%) in
      the vast majority of cases and all cases weakly expressed skp-2. MST of proposed
      excretory duct origin (n=32) showed strong p27 expression (n=18/32; 56%) and
      moderately strong/strong skp-2 expression (n=18/32; 56%), respectively, in over
      half the cases. MST of intercalated duct origin showed evident p27/skp-2 inverse
      correlation. Differences in p27/skp-2 expression among the MST subtypes
      correlated with histogenesis and tumor grade, which reinforces the notion that
      tumor behavior is relevant to the portion of the salivary gland unit from which
      they arise. MST of proposed intercalated duct origin strongly expressed p27, and
      not skp-2, unlike MST of proposed excretory duct origin. The immunohistochemical
      profile of high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma was distinct from its
      low/intermediate grade counterparts, suggesting a separate identity. These
      results may influence future decision making when formulating workable MST
      categorization schemes. Further studies on a larger series of MST are warranted
      in order to support the value of our findings.

PMID- 22094873
TI  - Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (Nora's Lesion) of the
      mandible. a rare bony lesion.
AB  - Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) also eponymically
      called "Nora's lesion", is a rare benign reactive bone lesion first reported in
      1983. BPOP occurs classically on the bones of the hands and feet and long bones.
      This lesion can easily be confused, both clinically and microscopically, with
      other benign and malignant lesions of bone, including osteochondroma, parosteal
      osteosarcoma, myositis ossificans and reactive periostitis. BPOP has been
      reported to have a high rate of recurrence. Only 3 cases of BPOP of the head and
      neck have been reported in the literature, of which one involved the maxilla. We
      present a rare case of BPOP involving the mandible in a 10 year old African
      American male. Microscopically, a fibro-cartilaginous cap giving rise to a
      proliferation of variably mineralized osteophytic finger-like projections of bone
      was seen. Multiple trabeculae of "blue bone" were noted as well as numerous
      atypical appearing chondrocytes. The lesion recurred within 4 months following
      the initial excision but has not recurred to date after the second local
      excision. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BPOP arising
      in the mandible. In addition, we discuss the clinical and microscopic features,
      differential diagnosis, and prognosis of this rare entity. We present a case of
      BPOP of the mandible and believe this is the first report of such a case in the
      mandible.

PMID- 22094874
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cell mutations and wound healing contribute to the etiology
      of desmoid tumors.
AB  - Desmoid tumors are nonmalignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin that mainly
      contain fibroblast lineage cells. These tumors often occur in patients with
      familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) coli who have germ line mutations in the APC
      gene. Given emerging data that has implicated multipotent mesencyhmal stromal
      cells (MSC) in the origin of mesenchymal tumors, we hypothesized that desmoid
      tumors may arise in patients with FAP after MSCs acquire somatic mutations during
      the proliferative phase of wound healing. To test this idea, we examined 16
      desmoid tumors from FAP-associated and sporadic cases, finding that all 16 of 16
      tumors expressed stem cell markers, whereas matching normal stromal tissues were
      uniformly negative. Desmoid tumors also contained a subclass of fibrocytes linked
      to wound healing, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Using an MSC cell line derived from
      an FAP-associated desmoid tumor, we confirmed an expected loss in the expression
      of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and the transcriptional repressor BMI-1 while
      documenting the coexpression of markers for chondrocytes, adipocytes, and
      osteocytes. Together, our findings argue that desmoid tumors result from the
      growth of MSCs in a wound healing setting that is associated with deregulated Wnt
      signaling due to APC loss. The differentiation potential of these MSCs combined
      with expression of BMI-1, a transcriptional repressor downstream of Hedgehog and
      Notch signaling, suggests that desmoid tumors may respond to therapies targeting
      these pathways.

PMID- 22094875
TI  - ATM-mediated DNA damage signals mediate immune escape through integrin
      alphavbeta3-dependent mechanisms.
AB  - Although the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor progression
      and metastasis, the relationship between chemotherapy resistance and modulation
      of the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. Here, we report a novel mechanism
      showing how constitutive DNA damage signals in therapy-resistant tumor cells
      suppress antitumor immunity in an integrin-alphavbeta3-dependent manner. Integrin
      alphavbeta3 was upregulated on various therapy-resistant tumor cells through
      chronic activation of ATM/Chk2-and NFkappaB-mediated pathways. Inhibiting tumor
      specific expression of integrin-alphavbeta3 improved therapeutic responses to
      anticancer drugs by stimulating endogenous host immune systems. Mechanistic
      investigations revealed that tumor-specific integrin-alphavbeta3 expression
      targeted dendritic cells, facilitating their ability to phagocytose viable
      therapy-resistant tumor cells and thereby impaired their ability to cross-prime
      antigen-specific T lymphocytes. Together, our results clarify the detrimental
      effects of constitutive DNA damage signals to chemosensitivity and antitumor
      immunity. Furthermore, these findings suggest that integrin-alphavbeta3 targeting
      may benefit patients' refractory to current anticancer regimens by defeating DNA
      damage signaling-induced immune escape.

PMID- 22094878
TI  - Angiographic uterine artery chemoembolization followed by vacuum aspiration: an
      efficient and safe treatment for managing complicated cesarean scar pregnancy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate uterine artery chemoembolization (UAEC) followed by vacuum
      aspiration as a conservative treatment for complicated cesarean scar pregnancy.
      METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of women presenting with cesarean
      scar pregnancy between January 2002 and December 2008. The medical record was
      evaluated to determine the method of treatment. RESULTS: During the time period
      studied, 13 women were identified who underwent UAEC followed by vacuum
      aspiration. 12 women successfully had bilateral UAEC followed by vacuum
      aspiration alone, one woman had unilateral UAEC followed by vacuum aspiration but
      subsequently required laparotomy. All 13 women were successfully cured and
      retained uterus, there was no case with severe complicating disease. With the
      follow-up period, two women who were planning future pregnancy conceived, and
      spontaneous abortion occurred in one of them during the first trimester, another
      had an elective cesarean delivery at term. CONCLUSIONS: UAEC combined with vacuum
      aspiration is technically feasible and may help avoid laparotomy in women with
      cesarean scar pregnancy.

PMID- 22094876
TI  - Integrative genomic analyses of sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma define
      disease subtypes and potential new therapeutic targets.
AB  - Sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common type of adult
      kidney cancer, is often associated with genomic copy number aberrations on
      chromosomes 3p and 5q. Aberrations on chromosome 3p are associated with
      inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene von-Hippel Lindau (VHL), which
      activates the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF1alpha and HIF2alpha. In contrast,
      ccRCC genes on chromosome 5q remain to be defined. In this study, we conducted an
      integrated analysis of high-density copy number and gene expression data for 54
      sporadic ccRCC tumors that identified the secreted glycoprotein STC2
      (stanniocalcin 2) and the proteoglycan VCAN (versican) as potential 5q oncogenes
      in ccRCCs. In functional assays, STC2 and VCAN each promoted tumorigenesis by
      inhibiting cell death. Using the same approach, we also investigated the two VHL
      deficient subtypes of ccRCC, which express both HIF1alpha and HIF2alpha (H1H2) or
      only HIF2alpha (H2). This analysis revealed a distinct pattern of genomic
      aberrations in each group, with the H1H2 group displaying, on average, a more
      aberrant genome than the H2 group. Together our findings provide a significant
      advance in understanding ccRCCs by offering a molecular definition of two
      subtypes with distinct characteristics as well as two potential chromosome 5q
      oncogenes, the overexpression of which is sufficient to promote tumorigenesis by
      limiting cell death.

PMID- 22094880
TI  - Neurocircuitry involved in the development of alcohol addiction: the dopamine
      system and its access points.
AB  - The brain reward system, and especially the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, plays a
      major role in drug reinforcement and is most likely involved in the development
      of drug addiction. All major drugs of abuse, including ethanol, acutely activate
      the mesolimbic dopamine system. Both this acute drug-induced dopamine elevation,
      the dopamine elevations observed after presentations of drug-associated stimuli
      and alterations of dopamine function induced by chronic drug administration are
      of importance. Whereas the mechanisms of actions for central stimulants, opioids
      and nicotine in their dopamine activating effects are fairly well established,
      the corresponding mechanisms with respect to ethanol have been elusive. Here we
      review the actions of ethanol in the mesolimbic dopamine system, focusing on
      ethanol's interaction with ligand-gated ion-channel receptors, opiate receptors,
      the ghrelin system and the possible involvement of acetaldehyde. Preclinical
      studies have provided the opportunity to dissect these interactions in some
      detail and although we do not fully comprehend the actions of ethanol there have
      been some great advances resulting in increased knowledge of the complexity of
      ethanol's mechanism of action in this system.

PMID- 22094879
TI  - Investigating the deep supercooling ability of an Alaskan beetle, Cucujus
      clavipes puniceus, via high throughput proteomics.
AB  - Cucujus clavipes puniceus is a freeze avoiding beetle capable of surviving the
      long, extremely cold winters of the Interior of Alaska. Previous studies showed
      that some individuals typically supercool to mean values of approximately -40 
      degrees C, with some individuals supercooling to as low as -58  degrees C, but
      these non-deep supercooling (NDSC) individuals eventually freeze if temperatures
      drop below this. However, other larvae, especially if exposed to very cold
      temperatures, supercool even further. These deep supercooling (DSC) individuals
      do not freeze even if cooled to -100  degrees C. In addition, the body water of
      the DSC larvae vitrifies (turns to a glass) at glass transition temperatures of 
      58 to -70  degrees C. This study examines the proteomes of DSC and NDSC larvae to
      assess proteins that may contribute to or inhibit the DSC trait. Using high
      throughput proteomics, we identified 138 proteins and 513 Gene Ontology
      categories in the DSC group and 104 proteins and 573 GO categories in the NDSC
      group. GO categories enriched in DSC include alcohol metabolic process, cellular
      component morphogenesis, monosaccharide metabolic process, regulation of
      biological quality, extracellular region, structural molecule activity, and
      antioxidant activity. Proteins unique to DSC include alpha casein precursor,
      alpha-actinin, vimentin, tropomyosin, beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins,
      tubulin, cuticle proteins and endothelins.

PMID- 22094881
TI  - Structural, functional and spectroscopic MRI studies of methamphetamine
      addiction.
AB  - This chapter reviews selected neuroimaging findings related to long-term
      amphetamine and methamphetamine (MA) use. An overview of structural and
      functional (fMRI) MR studies, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Magnetic Resonance
      Spectroscopy (MRS) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies conducted in
      long-term MA abusers is presented. The focus of this chapter is to present the
      relevant studies as tools to understand brain changes following drug abstinence
      and recovery from addiction. The behavioral relevance of these neuroimaging
      studies is discussed as they relate to clinical symptoms and treatment. Within
      each imaging section this chapter includes a discussion of the relevant imaging
      studies as they relate to patterns of drug use (i.e., duration of MA use,
      cumulative lifetime dose and time MA abstinent) as well as an overview of studies
      that link the imaging findings to cognitive measures. In our conclusion we
      discuss some of the future directions of neuroimaging as it relates to the
      pathophysiology of addiction.

PMID- 22094883
TI  - Using FTIR spectroscopy to model alkaline pretreatment and enzymatic
      saccharification of six lignocellulosic biomasses.
AB  - Fourier transform infrared, attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy,
      combined with partial least squares (PLS) regression, accurately predicted
      solubilization of plant cell wall constituents and NaOH consumption through
      pretreatment, and overall sugar productions from combined pretreatment and
      enzymatic hydrolysis. PLS regression models were constructed by correlating FTIR
      spectra of six raw biomasses (two switchgrass cultivars, big bluestem grass, a
      low-impact, high-diversity mixture of prairie biomasses, mixed hardwood, and corn
      stover), plus alkali loading in pretreatment, to nine dependent variables:
      glucose, xylose, lignin, and total solids solubilized in pretreatment; NaOH
      consumed in pretreatment; and overall glucose and xylose conversions and yields
      from combined pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. PLS models predicted the
      dependent variables with the following values of coefficient of determination for
      cross-validation (Q2): 0.86 for glucose, 0.90 for xylose, 0.79 for lignin, and
      0.85 for total solids solubilized in pretreatment; 0.83 for alkali consumption;
      0.93 for glucose conversion, 0.94 for xylose conversion, and 0.88 for glucose and
      xylose yields. The sugar yield models are noteworthy for their ability to predict
      overall saccharification through combined pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis
      per mass dry untreated solids without a priori knowledge of the composition of
      solids. All wavenumbers with significant variable-important-for-projection (VIP)
      scores have been attributed to chemical features of lignocellulose, demonstrating
      the models were based on real chemical information. These models suggest that PLS
      regression can be applied to FTIR-ATR spectra of raw biomasses to rapidly predict
      effects of pretreatment on solids and on subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis.

PMID- 22094884
TI  - Giant tumorous lesions (correction of legions) surrounding the right coronary
      artery associated with immunoglobulin-G4-related systemic disease.
AB  - Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related systemic disease was first recognized as a
      clinicopathological entity about 10 years ago, and since then, it has attracted
      growing attention. It is an autoimmune disease which affects multiple organs
      including the pancreas, bile duct, salivary glands and retroperitoneum. Further,
      it was recently reported that it can be manifested as periarteritis, often as
      inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm. We describe the case of a 75-year-old man
      with autoimmune pancreatitis and parotitis who presented with angina. The serum
      concentration of IgG4 was significantly increased at 2,510 mg/dl. Coronary
      angiography showed multiple stenotic lesions and pronounced dilatation of the
      right coronary artery. Cardiac computed tomography disclosed increased wall
      thickness of the coronary arteries and focal tumorous lesions surrounding the
      right coronary artery. Treatment with steroids proved only marginally effective
      and he underwent surgical resection of the aneurysm and coronary artery bypass
      grafting. The diagnosis of IgG4-related systemic disease was confirmed by
      histological examination of the resected mass, which showed a massive
      infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells. This case emphasizes the importance
      of considering the diagnosis in any patient with abnormally increased wall
      thickness or ectatic lesions in the coronary arteries.

PMID- 22094885
TI  - Fetal and neonatal diagnosis of interrupted aortic arch: associations and
      outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare but serious anomaly. Prenatal
      diagnosis is challenging and published data are limited. The aim of the study was
      to review the data of fetuses and neonates diagnosed with IAA during a 16-year
      period at Children's Hospital Giessen. METHODS: Retrospective ascertainment of 8
      fetuses and 20 neonates with a confirmed diagnosis of IAA from 1994 to 2010 by
      reviewing the hospital database of the cardiovascular program of the prenatal and
      pediatric cardiology clinics at the University Hospital Giessen. RESULTS:
      Eighteen cases with IAA type B and 10 cases with IAA type A were found. After
      2005, prenatal diagnosis was achieved in 8 cases and postnatal imaging confirmed
      IAA in all 8 neonates. Twenty-nine percent of individuals had a chromosomal
      anomaly, with microdeletion 22q11.2 being the most common abnormality (n = 6,
      21%). In 46% (13/28) other complex cardiac anomalies were present. Mortality
      after surgery was 18%. Long-term morbidity and mortality was due to neurological
      impairment in the presence of microdeletion 22q11.2 and the need of surgical or
      catheter re-intervention. CONCLUSION: Despite the difficulties and challenges in
      diagnosis, the prenatal detection rate of IAA is increasing. Associated complex
      cardiac and chromosomal abnormalities influence the outcome of patients with IAA
      and are important issues of parental counseling.

PMID- 22094886
TI  - Reliability of acute pancreatitis diagnosis coding in a National Patient
      Register: a validation study in Sweden.
AB  - AIM: National patient registers are powerful tools in epidemiological research
      and healthcare administration. As the level of reliability of diagnoses that are
      partly based on clinical signs, such as acute pancreatitis, may be low, the
      reliability of discharge diagnoses in these registers needs to be validated. The
      main aim of this study was to validate the diagnosis coding for acute
      pancreatitis in the Swedish National Patient Register. METHOD: We randomly
      sampled 650 admissions of all patients registered in the Swedish National Patient
      Register with acute pancreatitis or other nonmalignant pancreatic disorders as
      the main diagnosis in 2007 and 1998, and as the secondary diagnosis in 2007. The
      medical records for these admissions were reviewed. We analyzed the concordance
      between the coding of acute pancreatitis in the Swedish National Patient Register
      and criteria based on internationally accepted diagnostic standards. RESULTS: We
      received 603 medical records for manual review. Among the 530 patients with a
      diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in the Swedish National Patient Register, 442
      (83%) were, after review, defined as definitive acute pancreatitis, 80 (15%) as
      probable acute pancreatitis, and 8 (2%) as no acute pancreatitis. There were no
      significant differences in the reliability of the diagnosis with regard to sex,
      age, time period or whether the patient had been treated at a county or
      university hospital. Among the 73 patients registered with a non-malignant
      pancreatic disorder other than acute pancreatitis, the number of false-negative
      cases of acute pancreatitis was 23 (32%). They were mainly found among patients
      registered with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: The Swedish
      National Patient Register is highly reliable as regards correct coding of acute
      pancreatitis. However, there seems to be a non-negligible share of false-negative
      cases of acute pancreatitis among patients registered with a diagnosis of chronic
      pancreatitis.

PMID- 22094888
TI  - OEP80, an essential protein paralogous to the chloroplast protein translocation
      channel Toc75, exists as a 70-kD protein in the Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast
      outer envelope.
AB  - Toc75 and OEP80 are paralogous proteins found in the Viridiplantae lineages, and
      appear to have evolved from a protein in the outer membrane of an ancient
      cyanobacterium. Toc75 is known to act as a protein translocation channel at the
      outer membrane of the chloroplast envelope, whereas the exact function of OEP80
      is not understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, each protein is encoded by a single
      gene, and both are essential for plant viability from embryonic stages onward.
      Sequence annotation and immunoblotting data with an antibody against its internal
      sequence (alphaOEP80(325-337)) indicated that the molecular weight of OEP80 is
      ca. 80 kD. Here we present multiple data to show that the size of A. thaliana
      OEP80 is smaller than previously estimated. First, we prepared the antibody
      against a recombinant protein consisting of annotated full-length A. thaliana
      OEP80 with an N-terminal hexahistidine tag (alphaOEP80(1-732)). This antibody
      recognized a 70-kD protein in the A. thaliana chloroplast membrane fraction which
      migrated faster than the His-tagged antigen and the protein recognized by the
      alphaOEP80(325-337) antibody on SDS-PAGE. Immunoprecipitation followed by LC
      MS/MS analysis confirmed that the 70-kD protein was encoded by the OEP80 cDNA.
      Next, we performed a genetic complementation assay using embryo-lethal oep80-null
      plants and constructs encoding OEP80 and its variants. The results revealed that
      the nucleotide sequence encoding the 52 N-terminal amino acids was not required
      for functional expression of OEP80 and accumulation of the 70-kD protein. The
      data also indicated that an additional C-terminal T7 tag remained intact without
      disrupting the functionality of OEP80, and was not exposed to the cytoplasmic
      surface of the chloroplast envelope. Finally, OEP80-T7 and Toc75 showed distinct
      migration patterns on blue native-PAGE. This study provides molecular tools to
      investigate the function of OEP80, and also calls for caution in using an anti
      peptide antibody.

PMID- 22094887
TI  - The lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells is
      attenuated by an unsaturated fatty acid-bovine serum albumin complex and enhanced
      by a saturated fatty acid-bovine serum albumin complex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A 1:1 ratio of fatty acid (FA)-albumin complex was chosen to mimic
      physiological conditions, and the effects of FA-bovine serum albumin (BSA)
      complexes were tested in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage
      cells. METHODS: Nitric oxide (NO) and various proteins/factors in RAW264.7 cells
      were quantified as follows: NO by the Griess assay; prostaglandin (PG) E(2),
      interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by ELISA; inducible
      nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 by Western blotting; and
      NF-kappaB and CD14/TLR4 by Western blotting or flow cytometry. RESULTS: BSA- or
      FA-BSA-treated RAW264.7 cells without LPS stimulation did not show any
      significant changes in NO or the tested proteins/factors and thus did not have
      any pro-inflammatory responses. Pre-treatment with unsaturated FA-BSA complexes
      significantly decreased the production of LPS-induced NO, PGE(2), IL-6 and TNF
      alpha, the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and CD14, IkappaB degradation and NF-kappaB
      translocation. On the contrary, pre-treatment with saturated FA-BSA complexes
      enhanced these LPS-induced pro-inflammatory factors and the subsequent responses.
      CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that unsaturated FA-BSA complexes, but not saturated FA
      BSA complexes, exert an inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory
      response and that this effect may be partially mediated through suppression of
      the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. We suggest that an increase of unsaturated FA
      BSA complexes may enhance the host's defense against bacterial infection.

PMID- 22094889
TI  - Farnesoid x receptor agonists: what they are and how they might be used in
      treating liver disease.
AB  - The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor expressed in the liver,
      small intestine, kidneys, and adrenals. In mouse liver, FXR is bound to thousands
      of genomic DNA binding sites. Conformational changes induced by bile acid binding
      to pre-bound FXR leads to increased expression of a variety of genes. These
      changes lead to decreased intracellular bile acid concentrations through multiple
      mechanisms including decreased bile acid synthesis from cholesterol, decreased
      hepatocellular uptake and increased secretion into bile. Activated FXR also
      modulates the expression of genes responsible for lipid and glucose metabolism.
      One of the other genes induced by activated FXR is a small heterodimeric partner
      (SHP), a protein that represses expression of specific genes. The effects of
      pharmacologically modulating FXR activation in humans is only beginning to be
      explored with the hopes of favorably altering lipid and glucose metabolism to
      address the vascular and metabolic complications of obesity and diabetes.

PMID- 22094891
TI  - A framework for characterizing eHealth literacy demands and barriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumer eHealth interventions are of a growing importance in the
      individual management of health and health behaviors. However, a range of access,
      resources, and skills barriers prevent health care consumers from fully engaging
      in and benefiting from the spectrum of eHealth interventions. Consumers may
      engage in a range of eHealth tasks, such as participating in health discussion
      forums and entering information into a personal health record. eHealth literacy
      names a set of skills and knowledge that are essential for productive
      interactions with technology-based health tools, such as proficiency in
      information retrieval strategies, and communicating health concepts effectively.
      OBJECTIVE: We propose a theoretical and methodological framework for
      characterizing complexity of eHealth tasks, which can be used to diagnose and
      describe literacy barriers and inform the development of solution strategies.
      METHODS: We adapted and integrated two existing theoretical models relevant to
      the analysis of eHealth literacy into a single framework to systematically
      categorize and describe task demands and user performance on tasks needed by
      health care consumers in the information age. The method derived from the
      framework is applied to (1) code task demands using a cognitive task analysis,
      and (2) code user performance on tasks. The framework and method are applied to
      the analysis of a Web-based consumer eHealth task with information-seeking and
      decision-making demands. We present the results from the in-depth analysis of the
      task performance of a single user as well as of 20 users on the same task to
      illustrate both the detailed analysis and the aggregate measures obtained and
      potential analyses that can be performed using this method. RESULTS: The analysis
      shows that the framework can be used to classify task demands as well as the
      barriers encountered in user performance of the tasks. Our approach can be used
      to (1) characterize the challenges confronted by participants in performing the
      tasks, (2) determine the extent to which application of the framework to the
      cognitive task analysis can predict and explain the problems encountered by
      participants, and (3) inform revisions to the framework to increase accuracy of
      predictions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this illustrative application suggest
      that the framework is useful for characterizing task complexity and for
      diagnosing and explaining barriers encountered in task completion. The framework
      and analytic approach can be a potentially powerful generative research platform
      to inform development of rigorous eHealth examination and design instruments,
      such as to assess eHealth competence, to design and evaluate consumer eHealth
      tools, and to develop an eHealth curriculum.

PMID- 22094892
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and structural transformation of a discrete
      tetragonal metalloprism.
AB  - A novel M(2)L(4) tetragonal metalloprism, [(NO(3)(-))?{Cu(2)(MU
      Hdpma)(4)}(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(5) (1), was prepared from the self-assembly reaction
      of Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O and flexible clip-like organic ligand di(3
      pyridylmethyl)amine (dpma) under acidic conditions. The cationic prismatic hollow
      structure of 1 hosts one nitrate anion via both metal-ligand dative bonds and
      electrostatic interactions. Metalloprism 1 can dissolve in water and its
      prismatic structure remains intact as supported by ESI-MS data. When metalloprism
      1 was treated with sodium thiocyanate and sodium azide in aqueous solutions, two
      polymeric coordination architectures, [Cu(MU-Hdpma)(2)(NCS)(2)](NO(3))(2) (2) and
      [Cu(MU-dpma)(2)(MU-1,1-N(3))(MU-1,3-N(3))] (3), formed at room temperature,
      respectively. Polymer 2 has a two-dimensional sheet structure showing a simple
      rhombic 4(4)-sql topology in network connectivity, whereas polymer 3 gives a
      three-dimensional uninodal pcu net. The conformation of the flexible ditopic
      ligand is varied from a trans-trans-syn conformer in 1 to a trans-trans-anti
      conformer in 2 and to a trans-gauche-anti conformer in 3. The observations imply
      the occurrence of structural transformation from a discrete metalloprism into
      polymeric coordination architectures via a decoordination/rearrangement process.
      Magnetic studies of metalloprism 1 suggest that the two Cu(II) centers are weakly
      antiferromagnetically coupled. The spins communicate via the nitrate template
      while the Cu...O(nitrate) interactions are weak. For polymer 3, a
      ferromagnetically coupled system (J(2) = +17.6 cm(-1)) is operative between two
      Cu(II) centers bridged by end-on azidos and an antiferromagnetic coupling (J(1) =
      -7.7 cm(-1)) between two Cu(II) centers with end-to-end azidos. In contrast to
      relatively large coupling values of the reported examples, the weak ferromagnetic
      interaction results from insufficient spin delocalization between two Cu(II)
      centers.

PMID- 22094890
TI  - Genome-wide comparative analysis of pogo-like transposable elements in different
      Fusarium species.
AB  - The recent availability of genome sequences of four different Fusarium species
      offers the opportunity to perform extensive comparative analyses, in particular
      of repeated sequences. In a recent work, the overall content of such sequences in
      the genomes of three phylogenetically related Fusarium species, F. graminearum,
      F. verticillioides, and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici has been estimated. In
      this study, we present an exhaustive characterization of pogo-like elements,
      named Fots, in four Fusarium genomes. Overall 10 Fot and two Fot-related
      miniature inverted-repeat transposable element families were identified,
      revealing a diversification of multiple lineages of pogo-like elements, some of
      which accompanied by a gain of introns. This analysis also showed that such
      elements are present in an unusual high proportion in the genomes of F. oxysporum
      f. sp. lycopersici and Nectria haematococca (anamorph F. solani f. sp. pisi) in
      contrast with most other fungal genomes in which retroelements are the most
      represented. Interestingly, our analysis showed that the most numerous Fot
      families all contain potentially active or mobilisable copies, thus conferring a
      mutagenic potential of these transposable elements and consequently a role in
      strain adaptation and genome evolution. This role is strongly reinforced when
      examining their genomic distribution which is clearly biased with a high
      proportion (more than 80%) located on strain- or species-specific regions
      enriched in genes involved in pathogenicity and/or adaptation. Finally, the
      different reproductive characteristics of the four Fusarium species allowed us to
      investigate the impact of the process of repeat-induced point mutations on the
      expansion and diversification of Fot elements.

PMID- 22094893
TI  - Contribution of the intestinal microbiota to human health: from birth to 100
      years of age.
AB  - Our intestinal tract is colonized since birth by multiple microbial species that
      show a characteristic succession in time. Notably the establishment of the
      microbiota in early life is important as it appears to impact later health. While
      apparently stable in healthy adults, the intestinal microbiota is changing
      significantly during aging. After 100 years of symbiosis marked changes have been
      observed that may relate to an increased level of intestinal inflammation. There
      is considerable interest in the microbiota in health and disease as it may
      provide functional biomarkers, the possibility to differentiate subjects, and
      avenues for interventions. This chapter reviews the present state of the art on
      the research to investigate the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to
      human health. Specific attention will be given to the healthy microbiota and
      aberrations due to disturbances such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome,
      inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease.

PMID- 22094894
TI  - Genetic prevalence and characteristics in children with recurrent pancreatitis.
AB  - AIMS: The causes of chronic (CP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) in
      children include anatomic abnormalities and hereditary, metabolic, and autoimmune
      disorders, with a significant proportion of cases being labeled as idiopathic.
      Genetic pancreatitis (GP) is associated with mutations of cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductor regulator gene (CFTR), cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene,
      and serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1). There literature is sparse
      regarding the clinical profile of GP in children. The aim of the present study
      was to estimate the prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics and
      outcome of genetic pancreatitis. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of children ages
      18 years or younger with RAP or CP diagnosed from 2000 to 2009 at the Children's
      Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Twenty-nine patients with RAP or CP were
      identified, of whom 23 (79%) were positive for mutations in >=1 of the above
      mentioned genes, and were included for review. RESULTS: The median age of symptom
      onset was 5 years (range 9 months-15 years) with diagnosis at 6.5 years (range 1
      16 years). Twenty-one were white; 14 were girls. The most common presenting
      symptoms were abdominal pain and vomiting. Patients with RAP had 2 to 8 episodes
      of pancreatitis during 3.6-year average follow-up. Family history was positive in
      5 of 29 of gene-tested patients. CFTR, SPINK1, or PRSS1 mutations were seen in 14
      (48%), 8 (27%), and 7 (24%) patients, respectively. Two patients were homozygous
      for CFTR mutations, 6 heterozygote and 4 patients had 5 T variants. Two other
      patients had double heterozygous mutations in F508 del/2789 + 5G > A and F508
      del/5T variant. Six patients with CP had a combination of CFTR and SPINK1 or
      PRSS1 mutations. Eleven of 29 (38%) patients met radiological criteria for CP.
      All of the heterozygote patients with a combination of CFTR and SPINK1 or PRSS1
      mutations had CP. Eight patients developed a chronic pain syndrome and 2
      developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found a high prevalence of genetic mutations in patients without anatomic or
      metabolic abnormalities known to be associated with pancreatitis. Studies are
      needed to ascertain the genetic causes of RAP and CP and examine the relation
      between single CFTR mutations and single mutations in the PRSS1 and SPINK1 genes.

PMID- 22094895
TI  - Bone health in children with celiac disease assessed by dual x-ray
      absorptiometry: effect of gluten-free diet and predictive value of serum
      biochemical indices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aimed to assess bone status and the effect
      of gluten-free diet (GFD) in children with celiac disease (CD), and to evaluate
      the predictive value of standard serum biochemical indices in the diagnosis of
      bone mineral density (BMD) disturbances. METHODS: Forty-five children at the time
      of diagnosis of CD (group A, 77.8% girls) and 36 children receiving GFD for >2
      years (group B, 75% girls) were included. Sixteen children in group A were
      reexamined 12 months after initiation of GFD. Serum measurements of biochemical
      bone health indices and BMD, assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry, were
      obtained. RESULTS: Patients after 1 year of receiving GFD had higher BMD z scores
      compared with baseline (-1.45 +/- 0.28 vs -0.61 +/- 0.25, respectively, P =
      0.004). BMD z scores were significantly lower than expected for the normal
      population, after 1 (P = 0.03) or at least 2 (P < 0.001) years of receiving GFD.
      In group B, BMD z score was positively correlated with 25-hydroxy vitamin D
      levels (P = 0.009). In the repeated measurements group, 25-hydroxy vitamin D
      differed between pre- and post-GFD (P = 0.018). No biochemical index was capable
      of predicting an abnormal BMD z score (receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis, all of the areas under the curve <0.66). CONCLUSIONS: GFD has a
      beneficial effect on bone health. Two years receiving diet do not ensure
      normalization. Biochemical markers are not indicative of BMD disturbances. Dual x
      ray absorptiometry should be included in the standard management of children with
      CD.

PMID- 22094896
TI  - Nonbiopsy diagnosis of celiac disease:  are we nearly there yet?

PMID- 22094898
TI  - Zinc and copper deficiency in the microvillus inclusion disease.

PMID- 22094899
TI  - Factors contributing to adherence to dietary treatment of eosinophilic
      gastrointestinal diseases.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to identify barriers to dietary adherence
      found in the treatment of children with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases
      (EGIDs) and food allergy. A prospective study using a self-administered survey to
      parents of children with EGIDs at a national advocacy meeting was completed.
      Responses from 45 participants describing children ages 1 to 18 years (69% boys)
      identified that 63% were adherent to food restrictions. Physicians provided
      dietary instructions more often than dietitians. Nonadherence was associated with
      lack of school support (P < 0.027). Access to a dietitian may improve the care of
      children with EGIDs.

PMID- 22094897
TI  - Human milk adiponectin affects infant weight trajectory during the second year of
      life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum adiponectin (APN) is associated with lower childhood obesity,
      and APN concentration in human milk is associated with slower growth during
      active breast-feeding. We examined infant weight gain in the second year of life
      after exposure to high or low levels of mother's milk APN. METHODS: Breast
      feeding mother-infant pairs were recruited in Mexico City and studied for 2
      years; 192 infants with at least 12 months' follow-up were analyzed. Monthly milk
      samples were assayed for APN; mothers were classified as producing high or low
      levels of milk APN. Infant and maternal serum APN were assessed during year 1.
      Infant anthropometry was measured monthly (year 1) or bimonthly (year 2), and
      World Health Organization z scores were calculated. Longitudinal adjusted models
      assessed weight-for-age and weight-for-length z score trajectories from 1 to 2
      years. RESULTS: Maternal serum APN modestly correlated with milk APN (r=0.37,
      P<0.0001) and infant serum APN (r=0.29, P=0.01). Infants exposed to high milk APN
      experienced increasing weight-for-age and weight-for-length z scores between age
      1 and 2 years in contrast to low milk APN exposure (P for group * time=0.02 and
      0.054, respectively), adjusting for growth in the first 6 months and other
      covariates. In contrast, infant serum APN in year 1 was not associated with the
      rate of weight gain in year 2. CONCLUSIONS: High human milk APN exposure was
      associated with accelerated weight trajectory during the second year of life,
      suggesting its role in catch-up growth after slower weight gain during the first
      year of life.

PMID- 22094900
TI  - Health-related quality of life in pediatric patients with long-standing
      pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There are limited data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in
      pediatric patients with long-standing pancreatitis (including acute relapsing and
      chronic pancreatitis) using age-appropriate measurement instruments. METHODS: We
      evaluated HRQOL in children with long-standing pancreatitis using the PedsQL 4.0
      Generic Core Scales by patient self-report as well as parent proxy report.
      Additionally, patient self-reports and parent proxy reports were completed for
      the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. RESULTS: Across all of the dimensions,
      significantly impaired HRQOL and higher fatigue were noted for both pediatric
      patient self-report and parent proxy report in comparison with the matched
      healthy children samples. Higher fatigue was associated with lower HRQOL. There
      was moderate to good agreement between patient self-reports and parent proxy
      reports. CONCLUSIONS: Given the impaired HRQOL and fatigue documented in the
      present study, future studies are needed to determine whether specific factors
      can modify HRQOL and fatigue in this patient population.

PMID- 22094901
TI  - Utility of the new ESPGHAN criteria for the diagnosis of celiac disease in at
      risk groups.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Demonstration of small-bowel mucosal damage has been the basis of
      celiac disease diagnosis, but the diagnostic approach is undergoing changes. The
      European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
      recently stated that in a subgroup of children, high positive transglutaminase 2
      antibody (TG2ab) values may be sufficient for the diagnosis. The utility of these
      new criteria was evaluated by applying the human red blood cell TG2 antibody test
      (RBC-TG2ab) to a large cohort of children and adults belonging to at-risk groups.
      METHODS: RBC-TG2ab and endomysial antibodies (EmA) were measured in 3031 family
      members or other relatives of patients with celiac disease. The RBC-TG2ab values
      were classified as weak (20-29 U), moderate (30-99 U), and strong (>=100 U)
      positive. Seropositive subjects were further tested by human recombinant TG2ab
      (Hr-TG2ab) and for the presence of celiac disease-associated human leukocyte
      antigen-DQ alleles. Gastroscopy was recommended for all with positive RBC-TG2ab,
      EmA, or Hr-TG2ab, or weak positive RBC-TG2ab and symptoms. RESULTS: Strong
      positive RBC-TG2ab has good correlation with EmA and Hr-TG2ab and positivity of
      DQ2/8, and the diagnosis was established in 94% of both children and adults. In
      contrast, moderately positive (>=30 U) RBC-TG2ab showed poor correlation with the
      other tests, and celiac disease was diagnosed in 69% of children and 86% of
      adults. Most participants with weak positive RBC-TG2ab were negative for EmA and
      Hr-TG2ab. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with the new European Society for Pediatric
      Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition criteria, strong positive RBC-TG2ab
      showed good accuracy and excellent correlation with the other antibodies and
      celiac-type human leukocyte antigen. In contrast, low or moderately positive RBC
      TG2ab values were of unsatisfactory prognostic value for a subsequent diagnosis.

PMID- 22094902
TI  - Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the presenting symptoms,
      endoscopic and histologic findings, and clinical courses of pediatric patients
      diagnosed with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). METHODS: We describe 15
      cases of SRUS diagnosed at our institution during a 13-year period. Cases were
      identified by review of a pathology database and chart review and confirmed by
      review of biopsies. Data were collected by retrospective chart review. RESULTS:
      Presenting symptoms were consistent but nonspecific, most commonly including
      blood in stools, diarrhea alternating with constipation, and abdominal/perianal
      pain. Fourteen of 15 patients had normal hemoglobin/hematocrit, erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate, and albumin at diagnosis. Endoscopic findings, all limited to
      the distal rectum, ranged from erythema to ulceration and polypoid lesions.
      Histology revealed characteristic findings. Stool softeners and mesalamine
      suppositories improved symptoms, but relapse was common. CONCLUSIONS: SRUS in
      children presents with nonspecific symptoms and endoscopic findings. Clinical
      suspicion is required, and diagnosis requires histologic confirmation. Response
      to present treatments is variable.

PMID- 22094903
TI  - An overlooked entity in children with rectal bleeding:  solitary rectal ulcer.

PMID- 22094904
TI  - Treatment of early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head with autologous
      implantation of bone marrow-derived and cultured mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH)
      with autologous implantation of iliac crest bone marrow-derived mononuclear
      cells, which contain tens of thousands of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (BMMSCs), recently achieved a promising outcome. METHODS: One hundred patients
      with early-stage ONFH were recruited and randomly assigned to BMMSC treatment or
      core decompression (CD) treatment. Each BMMSC-treated hip received femoral head
      (FH) implantation of 2*10(6) autologous subtrochanteric bone marrow-derived and
      ex vivo expanded BMMSCs. The radiographic stage of ONFH according to the
      Association Research Circulation Osseous classification, Harris hip score (HHS),
      and the volume of the necrotic lesion or the low signal intensity zone (LowSIZ)
      in the FH were assessed before and 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after the initial
      operation. RESULTS: Sixty months after the operation, only 2 of the 53 BMMSC
      treated hips progressed and underwent vascularized bone grafting. In CD group, 7
      hips lost follow-up, and 10 of the rest 44 hips progressed and underwent
      vascularized bone grafting (5 hips) or total hip replacement (5 hips). Compared
      with the CD group, BMMSC treatment significantly improved the HHS as well as
      decreased the volume of femoral head LowSIZ of the hips preoperatively classified
      at stage IC, IIB, and IIC (P<0.05, respectively; stage IIA, P=0.06,
      respectively). No complication was observed in both treatment groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo expansion of autologous BMMSCs can reliably provide a
      greater number of BMMSCs for FH implantation. This intervention is safe and
      effective in delaying or avoiding FH collapse, which may necessitate total hip
      replacement.

PMID- 22094905
TI  - Dysregulated expression of both the costimulatory CD28 and inhibitory CTLA-4
      molecules in PB T cells of advanced cervical cancer patients suggests systemic
      immunosuppression related to disease progression.
AB  - Cervical cancer (CC) occurs more frequently in women who are immunosuppressed,
      suggesting that both local and systemic immune abnormalities may be involved in
      the evolution of the disease. Costimulatory CD28 and inhibitory CTLA-4 molecules
      expressed in T cells play a key role in the balanced immune responses. There has
      been demonstrated a relation between CD28, CTLA-4, and IFN genes in
      susceptibility to CC, suggesting their importance in CC development. Therefore,
      we assessed the pattern of CD28 and CTLA-4 expression in T cells from PB of CC
      patients with advanced CC (stages III and IV according to FIGO) compared to
      controls. We also examined the ability of PBMCs to secrete IFN-gamma. We found
      lower frequencies of freshly isolated and ex vivo stimulated CD4 + CD28+ and CD8
      + CD28+ T cells in CC patients than in controls. Loss of CD28 expression was more
      pronounced in the CD8+ T subset. Markedly increased proportions of CTLA-4+ T
      cells in CC patients before and after culture compared to controls were also
      observed. In addition, patients' T cells exhibited abnormal kinetics of surface
      CTLA-4 expression, with the peak at 24 h of stimulation, which was in contrast to
      corresponding normal T cells, revealing maximum CTLA-4 expression at 72 h of
      stimulation. Of note, markedly higher IFN-gamma concentrations were shown in
      supernatants of stimulated PBMCs from CC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our report shows
      the dysregulated CD28 and CTLA-4 expression in PB T cells of CC patients, which
      may lead to impaired function of these lymphocytes and systemic immunosuppression
      related to disease progression.

PMID- 22094906
TI  - Oncological outcome after free jejunal flap reconstruction for carcinoma of the
      hypopharynx.
AB  - It has been a common practice among the oncologist to reduce the dosage of
      adjuvant radiotherapy for patients after free jejunal flap reconstruction. The
      current aims to study potential risk of radiation to the visceral flap and the
      subsequent oncological outcome. Between 1996 and 2010, consecutive patients with
      carcinoma of the hypopharynx requiring laryngectomy, circumferential
      pharyngectomy and post-operative irradiation were recruited. Ninety-six patients
      were recruited. TNM tumor staging at presentation was: stage II (40.6%), stage
      III (34.4%) and stage IV (25.0%). Median follow-up period after surgery was 68
      months. After tumor ablation, reconstruction was performed using free jejunal
      flap (60.4%), pectoralis major myocutaneous (PM) flap (31.3%) and free
      anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (8.3%). All patients underwent adjuvant
      radiotherapy within 6.4 weeks after surgery. The mean total dose of radiation
      given to those receiving cutaneous and jejunal flap reconstruction was 62.2 Gy
      and 54.8 Gy, respectively. There was no secondary ischaemia or necrosis of the
      flaps after radiotherapy. The 5-year actuarial loco-regional tumor control for
      the cutaneous flap and jejunal flap group was: stage II (61 vs. 69%, p = 0.9),
      stage III (36 vs. 46%, p = 0.2) and stage IV (32 vs. 14%, p = 0.04),
      respectively. Reduction of radiation dosage in free jejunal group adversely
      affects the oncological control in stage IV hypopharyngeal carcinoma. In such
      circumstances, tubed cutaneous flaps are the preferred reconstructive option, so
      that full-dose radiotherapy can be given.

PMID- 22094907
TI  - Usefulness of urinary biomarkers in early detection of acute kidney injury after
      cardiac surgery in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac
      surgery. Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) reflects the
      presence of renal tubular injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate
      the utility of urinary L-FABP compared with other urinary biomarkers for the
      early detection of postoperative AKI among adult patients undergoing cardiac
      surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were divided into the AKI (n=48) and non
      AKI groups (n=37) according to whether they developed postoperative AKI within
      48h after surgery. Changes in various biomarkers were evaluated. Urine and serum
      samples were obtained from each patient at the following time points: before the
      operation, immediately after the operation, and 3, 6, 18, 24, and 48h
      postoperatively. The urinary L-FABP level was significantly higher in the AKI
      group than in the non-AKI group at every time point, while other biomarkers did
      not show such a tendency. The biomarker with the largest area under the curve at
      every time point for predicting the onset of AKI was urinary L-FABP. On multiple
      logistic regression analysis, the urinary L-FABP level before operation and
      within the first 6h after cardiac surgery was significantly associated with the
      onset of AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary L-FABP is a useful biomarker for early
      detection of AKI and is a good early predictor of the onset of AKI.

PMID- 22094908
TI  - Abnormal end-tidal PO(2) and PCO(2) at the anaerobic threshold correlate well
      with impaired exercise gas exchange in patients with left ventricular
      dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the end-tidal O(2)
      pressure (PETO(2)) to end-tidal CO(2) pressure (PETCO(2)) in cardiac patients
      during rest and during 2 states of exercise: at anaerobic threshold (AT) and at
      peak. The purpose was to see which metabolic state, PETO(2) or PETCO(2), best
      correlated with exercise limitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients
      with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <40% underwent cardiopulmonary
      exercise testing (CPX). PETO(2) and PETCO(2) were measured during CPX, along with
      peak O(2) uptake (VO(2)), AT, slope of the increase in ventilation (VE) relative
      to the increase in CO(2) output (VCO(2)) (VE vs. VCO(2) slope), and the ratio of
      the increase in VO(2) to the increase in work rate (DeltaVO(2)/DeltaWR). Both
      PETO(2) and PETCO(2) measured at AT were best correlated with peakVO(2), AT,
      DeltaVO(2)/DeltaWR and VE vs. VCO(2) slope. PETO(2) at AT correlated with reduced
      peak VO(2) (r=-0.60), reduced AT (r=-0.52), reduced DeltaVO(2)/DeltaWR (r=-0.55)
      and increased VE vs. VCO(2) slope (r=0.74). PETCO(2) at AT correlated with
      reduced peak VO(2) (r=0.67), reduced AT (r=0.61), reduced DeltaVO(2)/DeltaWR
      (r=0.58) and increased VE vs. VCO(2) slope (r=-0.80). CONCLUSIONS: PETCO(2) and
      PETO(2) at AT correlated with peak VO(2), AT and DeltaVO(2)/DeltaWR, but best
      correlated with increased VE vs. VCO(2) slope. PETO(2) and PETCO(2) at AT can be
      used as a prime index of impaired cardiopulmonary function during exercise in
      patients with LV failure.

PMID- 22094909
TI  - Impact of body mass index on clinical outcome in patients hospitalized with
      congestive heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity has recently been shown to have a favorable effect on the
      prognosis of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), but only a few such
      studies are available in Japan. The purpose of the present study was to
      investigate whether the obesity paradox is still present after adjusting for CHF
      characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 219 patients hospitalized with
      CHF were reviewed, and the impact of body mass index (BMI) on prognosis was
      examined. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to BMI quartiles. The
      endpoint was defined as all-cause death or unplanned CHF hospitalization.
      According to univariate analysis, a higher BMI was associated with better
      outcomes. High-BMI patients were younger, likely to be male, and had a higher
      prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. The plasma B-type natriuretic peptide
      (BNP) levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were lower, while the serum
      hemoglobin and sodium levels were higher in high-BMI patients. The prevalence of
      atrial fibrillation was lower in high-BMI patients. Predictors for all-cause
      death or CHF hospitalization based on univariate analysis were age, prior CHF
      hospitalization, estimated glomerular filtration rate, plasma BNP levels, BUN
      levels, and serum hemoglobin and sodium levels. According to multivariate
      analysis, a high BMI was still associated with better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: High
      BMI was associated with better clinical outcomes in Japanese CHF patients.

PMID- 22094910
TI  - Clinical outcomes and hemodynamics of the 19-mm Perimount Magna bioprosthesis in
      an aortic position: comparison with the 19-mm Medtronic Mosaic Ultra Valve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When aortic valve replacement is performed in patients with a small
      aortic annulus, prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is of concern because it can
      affect postoperative clinical outcomes. Although larger bioprosthetic valves have
      been well studied, the hemodynamics of 19-mm bioprostheses have been reported in
      only a small number of patients. The effectiveness as well as the impact of PPM
      on outcomes are thus still unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Postoperative clinical
      and hemodynamic variables were compared in 67 patients with a 19-mm Carpentier
      Edwards Perimount Magna bioprosthesis and in 10 patients with a 19-mm Medtronic
      Mosaic Ultra valve. Mean follow-up time was 13 months. There was no in-hospital
      mortality. Echocardiography 6.5+/-4.0 months after surgery showed significant
      decreases in the mean left ventricular (LV)-aortic pressure gradient, and
      decreases in the mean LV mass index. Reduction in LV mass index did not differ
      between the valve groups, despite a higher pressure gradient in the Mosaic group.
      Although PPM was detected in 21 patients in the Magna group, it did not affect
      regression of the LV mass index during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Use of
      the 19-mm Magna bioprosthesis appears to provide satisfactory clinical results.
      LV-aortic pressure gradient was lower in the Magna group. The present data
      suggest that PPM is not related to reduction in the LV mass index.

PMID- 22094912
TI  - Predicting long-term mortality after first coronary revascularization: - the
      Kyoto model -.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We explored the determinants of mortality in order to develop and
      validate the Kyoto model, which predicts outcomes after percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A total of 9,393 patients who underwent their first coronary
      revascularization without concomitant valvular, left ventricular, or major
      vascular surgery were followed over a median follow-up of 3.5 years in the CREDO
      Kyoto Registry. We fitted separate Cox regression to mortality after PCI and
      CABG. The best-fitting model was internally validated by 10-fold cross
      validation. The Cox regression identified the following predictors: age, sex,
      body mass index, ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus,
      hyperlipidemia, current smoker, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease, malignancy, kidney disease, anemia, liver
      cirrhosis, diseased vessel, left main disease, proximal left anterior descending
      artery disease, and total occlusion. This model simulated that the 3-year
      mortality for a hypothetical 70-year-old man with 2-vessel disease is 2.0% after
      PCI and 2.6% after CABG, or 4.2% and 5.1% if he has diabetes and chronic kidney
      disease. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed no significant deviations between the
      observed and predicted events. The C statistics were greater than 0.78.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Kyoto model can assist clinicians and patients in adherence to
      medication and lifestyle changes after revascularization and in individualized
      decision making. A web application is available at
      http://www.biostatistics.jp/prediction/kyoto-model.

PMID- 22094911
TI  - Effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapy with rosuvastatin on progression of
      carotid intima-media thickness in Japanese patients: Justification for
      Atherosclerosis Regression Treatment (JART) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent trial in Western countries has shown that rosuvastatin slows
      progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with modest
      carotid IMT thickening and elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-C). We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint
      trial to determine whether rosuvastatin is more effective than pravastatin in
      slowing progression of carotid IMT in Japanese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Adult patients with hypercholesterolemia who had a maximum IMT >=1.1mm were
      randomly assigned to receive rosuvastatin or pravastatin. The primary endpoint
      was the percent change in the mean-IMT, which was measured by a single observer
      who was blinded to the treatment assignments. The trial was stopped on April 2011
      according to the recommendation by the data and safety monitoring committee. A
      total of 348 patients (173 rosuvastatin; 175 pravastatin) were enrolled and 314
      (159 rosuvastatin; 155 pravastatin) were included in the primary analysis. Mean
      (SD) percentage changes in the mean-IMT at 12 months were 1.91% (10.9) in the
      rosuvastatin group and 5.8% (12.0) in the pravastatin group, with a difference of
      3.89% (11.5) between the groups (P=0.004). At 12 months, 85 patients (59.4%) in
      the rosuvastatin group achieved a LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      ratio <=1.5 compared with 24 patients (16.4%) in the pravastatin group
      (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Rosuvastatin significantly slowed progression of carotid
      IMT at 12 months compared with pravastatin.

PMID- 22094913
TI  - Selective sinoatrial node optical mapping and the mechanism of sinus rate
      acceleration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies using isolated sinoatrial node (SAN) cells indicate that
      rhythmic spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release (Ca clock) plays an
      important role in SAN automaticity. In the intact SAN, cross-contamination of
      optical signals from the SAN and the right atrium (RA) prevent the definitive
      testing of Ca clock hypothesis. The aim of this study was to use a novel approach
      to selectively mapping the intact SAN to examine the Ca clock mechanism. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We simultaneously mapped intracellular Ca (Ca(i)) and membrane
      potential (V(m)) in 10 isolated, Langendorff-perfused normal canine RAs. The
      excitability of the RA was suppressed with high-potassium Tyrode's solution,
      allowing selective optical mapping of V(m) and Ca(i) of the SAN. Isoproterenol
      (ISO, 0.03 umol/L) decreased the cycle length of the sinus beats, and shifted the
      leading pacemaker site from the middle or inferior SAN to the superior SAN in all
      RAs. The Ca(i) upstroke preceded the V(m) in the leading pacemaker site by up to
      18 +/- 2 ms. ISO-induced changes to SAN were inhibited by ryanodine (3 umol/L),
      but not ZD7288 (3 umol/L), a selective I(f) blocker. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude
      that, in the isolated canine RA, a high extracellular potassium concentration can
      suppress atrial excitability thus leading to SAN-RA conduction block, allowing
      selective optical mapping of the intact SAN. Acceleration of Ca cycling in the
      superior SAN underlies the mechanism of sinus tachycardia during sympathetic
      stimulation.

PMID- 22094914
TI  - Multifocal intraparenchymal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis concomitant with an
      arachnoid cyst in a child: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is a disease usually found in children and
      characterized by idiopathic proliferation of histiocytes in the
      reticuloendothelial system. Intracranial Langerhans' cell histiocytosis
      presenting as multifocal intraparenchymal lesions is very rare. In this article,
      the authors report on a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with multifocal intraparenchymal
      Langerhans' cell histiocytosis concomitant with an arachnoid cyst. After a series
      of laboratory examinations, the right frontal mass was surgically excised.
      Histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of intracranial Langerhans'
      cell histiocytosis. The patient's intracranial hypertension symptoms were
      alleviated, and the remaining foci were treated by Langerhans' cell histiocytosis
      directed standard chemotherapy. At the 8-month follow-up visit, no recurrence of
      the excised lesion was found, and no change in the size of other lesions was
      seen. Supratentorial intracerebral lesions with mass effect and enhancement have
      rarely been described; in this report, the histological features of and
      therapeutic options for such a case are discussed.

PMID- 22094915
TI  - Oligonephropathy of prematurity.
AB  - With improved health care, the number of premature babies who survive to
      adulthood is expected to increase. The objective of this review is to determine
      whether premature infants have an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
      A literature review was performed by searching PubMed (U.S. National Library of
      Medicine) and the Cochrane Library, using the keywords "prematurity," "kidney,"
      "nephrogenesis," "oligonephropathy," and "kidney impairment." Articles published
      in English since 1990 were reviewed. Increasing evidence suggests that
      prematurity causes oligonephropathy independently of, and coexisting with,
      intrauterine growth restriction. Animal studies show that nephrogenesis continues
      for up to 3 weeks in extrauterine life, but with up to 18% abnormal glomeruli.
      Nephrogenesis is further impaired in preterm infants who develop renal impairment
      in the early postnatal period, which is estimated to be 8 to 24%. Premature
      infants are at risk for CKD. A larger longitudinal study is needed that follows
      up premature infants to determine the exact incidence of CKD. Until then, renal
      assessment in premature infants should be incorporated into follow-up guidelines,
      in addition to the current assessment of growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
      The cost implications to a comprehensive program, impact of early identification,
      and strategies to improve outcomes in this population are needed.

PMID- 22094916
TI  - Midtrimester intra-amniotic sludge and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
AB  - We examined the association between midtrimester intra-amniotic sludge and
      spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in asymptomatic women undergoing amniocentesis.
      We performed a prospective cohort study of women having an amniocentesis for
      fetal karyotyping between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation. Cervical length and the
      presence of amniotic sludge were assessed by transvaginal ultrasound. Amniotic
      fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-8, glucose and lactate were
      measured. Early (<32 weeks) and late (32 to 36 weeks) preterm premature rupture
      of membranes (PPROM) and spontaneous PTB constituted primary outcomes.
      Nonparametric analyses were conducted. Three hundred ten women, including 94
      (30%) with free-floating echogenic particles and 16 (5%) with dense amniotic
      sludge, were recruited. Dense amniotic sludge was linked with early (13%) but not
      with late (0%) primary outcome ( P < 0.01). Two women with combined dense
      amniotic sludge and short cervix delivered 4 and 10 weeks later (at 20 and 25
      weeks, respectively) and had a higher median amniotic lactate concentration than
      controls ( P < 0.05). A third woman with dense amniotic sludge at 15 weeks was
      diagnosed with a short cervix and an intra-amniotic infection at 22 weeks that
      was eradicated with intravenous antibiotics. Midtrimester dense amniotic sludge
      is associated with early PPROM and spontaneous PTB.

PMID- 22094917
TI  - Human milk versus formula feeding among preterm infants: short-term outcomes.
AB  - We evaluated short-term neonatal outcomes among preterm infants according to type
      of feeding administered (human milk or formula). Retrospective data were
      collected on 400 preterm infants at gestational age <=32 weeks. Groups were
      chosen and compared according to feeding type. The premature infants who were fed
      human milk had lower gestational age and birth weight than those who were formula
      fed. Lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were detected in the group of
      infants fed human milk (p = 0.044). Lower rates of retinopathy of prematurity
      (ROP) were detected in a subgroup of breast-fed infants born at 24 to 28 weeks'
      gestational age, but the results did not reach statistical significance using
      univariate analysis (p = 0.06). Using multivariate analysis, however, ROP stage
      III among this subgroup was significantly lower (p = 0.022). No differences were
      recorded for other neonatal complications such as infections or for growth
      parameters. The advantage of human milk feeding, found mainly among preterm
      infants with respect to rates of NEC and ROP, supports efforts to encourage
      mothers to feed their infants human milk.

PMID- 22094918
TI  - Continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic women following antenatal
      corticosteroid therapy: a pilot study.
AB  - To compare the timing, duration, and severity of corticosteroid-associated
      hyperglycemia in pregnant women with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). An
      observational study was conducted of pregnant women with DM and controls who
      received corticosteroids. Median glucose levels were calculated over 4-hour
      intervals after the first dose of corticosteroid with a continuous glucose
      monitor. A glucose level increase of at least 15% above baseline was considered
      significant. Nine pregnant women participated in this study (six with DM and
      three without DM). Elevations of glucose levels occurred at hour 20, 44, and 68
      in both groups and lasted for up to 4 hours. In those with DM, glucose levels
      increased 33 to 48%, whereas in those without DM, glucose levels rose 16 to 33%.
      Several, relatively short episodes of glucose elevation occur in response to
      corticosteroids, and are more pronounced in diabetic women.

PMID- 22094919
TI  - Preclosure fluid resuscitation influences outcome in gastroschisis.
AB  - Optimal preclosure fluid resuscitation in gastroschisis (GS) is unknown. The
      purpose of our study was to evaluate effects of preclosure intravenous fluid
      resuscitation on GS outcome. Cases were accrued from a national GS database. Risk
      variables analyzed included gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), neonatal
      illness severity score, and bolus fluid administration within 6 hours of neonatal
      intensive care unit admission. Outcomes analyzed included closure success, days
      of ventilation/total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and bacteremic episodes. Linear
      and logistic regression analyses were performed. Four hundred seven live-born GS
      cases were identified (362 with complete resuscitative fluids data). Mean BW, GA,
      and Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II score were 2562 +/- 539 g, 36.17 +/-
      1.95 weeks, and 9.97 +/- 12.65, respectively. One hundred sixty-two patients
      received no supplemental fluid, and 200 patients received a mean of 21.49 (0.81
      to 134.81) mL/kg of intravenous fluid. Multivariate outcomes analyses
      demonstrated a significant, direct relationship between resuscitative volume and
      days of postclosure ventilation, TPN, length of hospital stay, and bacteremic
      episodes; specifically, every 17 mL/kg of fluid predicted one additional
      ventilation day (p = 0.002), TPN day (p = 0.01), and hospital day (p = 0.01) and
      0.02 odds increase of an episode of bacteremia (p = 0.03). Judicious, preclosure
      fluid resuscitation is essential in early GS management. Excessive fluid is
      associated with several adverse survival outcomes.

PMID- 22094920
TI  - Single pass tangential flow filtration to debottleneck downstream processing for
      therapeutic antibody production.
AB  - As the therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) market continues to grow, optimizing
      production processes is becoming more critical in improving efficiencies and
      reducing cost-of-goods in large-scale production. With the recent trends of
      increasing cell culture titers from upstream process improvements, downstream
      capacity has become the bottleneck in many existing manufacturing facilities.
      Single Pass Tangential Flow Filtration (SPTFF) is an emerging technology, which
      is potentially useful in debottlenecking downstream capacity, especially when the
      pool tank size is a limiting factor. It can be integrated as part of an existing
      purification process, after a column chromatography step or a filtration step,
      without introducing a new unit operation. In this study, SPTFF technology was
      systematically evaluated for reducing process intermediate volumes from 2* to 10*
      with multiple mAbs and the impact of SPTFF on product quality, and process yield
      was analyzed. Finally, the potential fit into the typical 3-column industry
      platform antibody purification process and its implementation in a commercial
      scale manufacturing facility were also evaluated. Our data indicate that using
      SPTFF to concentrate protein pools is a simple, flexible, and robust operation,
      which can be implemented at various scales to improve antibody purification
      process capacity.

PMID- 22094922
TI  - Effects of exercise training in heart transplant recipients: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Muscle wasting and exercise intolerance are common in heart
      transplant recipients. Most studies on the effects of exercise training have used
      relatively small sample sizes and are heterogeneous in nature. The purpose of
      this meta-analysis was to systematically review the relevant studies and
      investigate the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity and muscle
      strength in heart transplant recipients. METHODS: A systematic search was adopted
      from electronic databases and relevant references, using medical subject heading
      key words related to heart transplantation and exercise. Only randomized
      controlled trials with exercise intervention versus usual care were included. The
      data were expressed as the weighted mean differences with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Altogether 6 studies were included. Peak oxygen
      consumption (VO(2)) was reported in 4 trials (117 patients), and muscle strength
      was reported in 3 trials (67 patients). Peak VO(2) was significantly increased by
      2.34 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.63-4.05). One-repetition maxima of the chest press
      (23.28 kg, 95% CI 0.64-45.91) and leg press (28.84 kg, 95% CI 5.70-51.98) were
      significantly improved by exercise training. CONCLUSION: Exercise training is
      recommended for heart transplant recipients to improve peak VO(2) and muscle
      strength despite the small number of trials included in this meta-analysis.

PMID- 22094921
TI  - Prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging-defined atrophic and hypertrophic
      phenotypes of knee osteoarthritis in a population-based cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of osteophytes with concomitant cartilage
      damage, assessed using semiquantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to
      describe the prevalence of atrophic and hypertrophic phenotypes of tibiofemoral
      knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a population-based cohort. METHODS: Participants of
      the Framingham Knee Osteoarthritis Study were examined with a 1.5T MRI system
      using triplanar intermediate-weighted fat-suppressed sequences. Cartilage and
      osteophytes were assessed using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score
      (WORMS). Overall prevalence of knees with severe cartilage damage and concomitant
      osteophyte status were described. Odds ratios for the likelihood of having severe
      cartilage damage according to osteophyte size were estimated using a logistic
      regression model. An additional analysis assessed knees according to phenotype in
      relation to radiographic OA status, with the atrophic phenotype being defined as
      knees with absent or only tiny osteophytes (WORMS grade <=2 on a 0-7 scale) in
      all 10 tibiofemoral subregions but exhibiting severe cartilage damage, and the
      hypertrophic phenotype being defined as knees with large osteophytes (WORMS grade
      >=5 on a 0-7 scale) but lacking substantial cartilage damage. RESULTS: In this
      study, 1,597 knees of 1,248 subjects were included. Of the 67 knees with large
      osteophytes, 54 (80.6%) exhibited severe cartilage damage. The risk of severe
      cartilage damage increased markedly with increasing osteophyte size. Twenty-one
      knees (1.3%) showed an atrophic phenotype. Only 3 knees (0.2%) exhibited a
      hypertrophic phenotype. CONCLUSION: The majority of knees with severe
      tibiofemoral cartilage damage exhibited moderate to large osteophytes. The larger
      the osteophyte, the more likely was the presence of severe cartilage damage. A
      minority of knees exhibited the atrophic phenotype, which also included knees
      without radiographic OA. The hypertrophic phenotype was extremely rare.

PMID- 22094923
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive detection of fetal trisomy 21 in maternal
      blood: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both pregnant women and providers of obstetric care are aware of the
      rapid advances in noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of fetal trisomies, and
      appear to look forward to its clinical introduction. OBJECTIVES: To review and
      critically assess the published literature on diagnostic accuracy of NIPD using
      cell-free fetal DNA or RNA in maternal blood to detect fetal trisomy 21. METHOD:
      An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library
      (1997 to April 2011). Of a total of 201 citations, 9 studies were eligible for
      full-text analysis by 2 independent reviewers, using the QUADAS tool. RESULTS:
      Two of the 9 analyzed studies complied with the criteria of the QUADAS tool.
      Combining the selected 2 studies, with a total of 681 pregnancies included,
      overall sensitivity was 125/125 (100%, 95% CI 97.5-100%) and specificity 552/556
      (99.3%, 95% CI 98.7-99.3%). CONCLUSIONS: NIPD of fetal trisomy 21, using fetal
      nucleic acids in maternal plasma, appears to have a high diagnostic accuracy.
      Large-scale prospective studies are awaited before implementation in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22094925
TI  - Exploring the microbial metalloproteome using MIRAGE.
AB  - The microbial metalloproteome has been largely unexplored. Using the
      metalloproteomics approach MIRAGE (Metal Isotope native RadioAutography in Gel
      Electrophoresis) we have been able to explore the soluble Fe and Zn
      metalloproteome of Escherichia coli. The protein identification by MS/MS
      typically resulted in several overlapping proteins for each metal containing
      spot. Using the E. coli genome annotation the proteins relevant to the iron and
      zinc proteome were selected. Superoxide dismutase (SodB) was found to be the
      major iron protein after cultivation with a normal iron concentration of 6 MUM.
      Upon an elevated iron concentration of 40 MUM, ferritin (FtnA) became dominant.
      Under both conditions 90% of the iron was associated with just three different
      proteins: superoxide dismutase (SodB), ferritin (FtnA) and bacterioferritin
      (Bfr). The uncharacterized proteins YgfK and XdhD were found to be significant
      iron containing proteins under elevated iron conditions. The zinc proteome of E.
      coli experiencing zinc stress was dominated by ZraP, a putative zinc storage
      protein.

PMID- 22094924
TI  - Research advances in gene therapy approaches for the treatment of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease of
      motor neurons that causes progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, and premature
      death. No effective therapy is available. Research in the motor neuron field
      continues to grow, and recent breakthroughs have demonstrated the possibility of
      completely achieving rescue in animal models of spinal muscular atrophy, a
      genetic motor neuron disease. With adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, gene
      transfer can be achieved with systemic non-invasive injection and minimal
      toxicity. In the context of this success, we review gene therapy approaches for
      ALS, considering what has been done and the possible future directions for
      effective application of the latest generation of vectors for clinical
      translation. We focus on recent developments in the areas of RNA/antisense
      mediated silencing of specific ALS causative genes like superoxide dismutase-1
      and other molecular pathogenetic targets, as well as the administration of
      neuroprotective factors with viral vectors. We argue that gene therapy offers new
      opportunities to open the path for clinical progress in treating ALS.

PMID- 22094926
TI  - Understanding UV-driven metabolism in the hypersaline ciliate Fabrea salina.
AB  - By using NMR spectroscopy, a non-invasive investigation technique, we performed
      in vivo experiments aimed at uncovering the metabolic pathways involved in the
      early response of Fabrea salina cells to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This
      hypersaline ciliate was chosen as a model organism because of its well-known high
      resistance to UV radiation. Identical cell samples were exposed to visible
      radiation only (control samples, CS) and to UV-B + UV-A + visible radiation
      (treated samples, TS), and NMR spectra of in vivo cells were collected at
      different exposure times. Resonances were identified through one- and two
      dimensional experiments. To compare experiments performed at variable irradiation
      times on different culture batches, metabolite signals affected by the UV
      exposure were normalized to corresponding intensity at tau = 0, the zero exposure
      time. The most affected metabolites are all osmoprotectants, namely, choline,
      glycine-betaine, betaines, ectoine, proline, alpha-trehalose and sucrose. The
      time course of these signals presents qualitative differences between CS and TS,
      and most of these osmoprotectants tend to accumulate significantly in TS in a UV
      dose-dependent manner. A picture of the immediate stress response of F. salina
      against UV radiation in terms of osmoprotection, water retention and salting-out
      prevention is described.

PMID- 22094927
TI  - Population-level response shift: novel implications for research.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Response shift is a change in perceived HRQL that occurs as a result
      of recalibration, reprioritization, or reconceptualization of an individual
      respondent's internal standards, values, or conceptualization of HRQL.  In this
      commentary, we suggest that response shift may also occur at the population
      level, triggered by causes that affect the distribution of individual-level risk.
      METHODS: We illustrated the nature and consequences of potential population-level
      response shift with two examples: the September 11 terror attacks, and the recent
      denormalization of smoking. RESULTS: Response shift may occur at the population
      level, when a large proportion of the population experiences the shift
      simultaneously, as a unit, and when the cause of the response shift is a socially
      significant event or trend. Such catalysts are of a qualitatively different
      nature than the causes leading to health status changes among individuals, and
      speak to the determinants affecting the underlying distribution of risk in the
      population. CONCLUSIONS: We do not know if population-level causes have actually
      resulted in response shifts. Nonetheless, response shifts at the population-level
      may be worthwhile to investigate further, both to assess the validity of research
      evidence based on the measurement of HRQL in large populations, and as a
      desirable intermediate outcome in evaluations of population health programs.

PMID- 22094928
TI  - Association of the 463G-A myeloperoxidase gene polymorphism with gastric cancer
      risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To explore the association between polymorphism of
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene and the susceptibility to gastric cancer. METHODOLOGY:
      A case control study of 117 gastric cancer patients and 105 controls was
      conducted to investigate the polymorphism of MPO gene 463G-A using the polymerase
      chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The
      association between polymorphism and the risk of gastric cancer was examined by a
      multivariate analysis. Stratification analysis by age, gender, smoking status, H.
      pylori (Hp) infection and family history of gastric cancer was performed.
      RESULTS: In gastric cancer group the frequencies of the cases caring genotype
      G/G, G/A, A/A were 70.94%, 25.64% and 3.42%, respectively. In healthy control
      group, the frequency of genotype G/G, G/A, A/A was 51.43%, 37.14% and 11.43%,
      respectively. The frequency of genotype G/A and A/A in cancer group was found
      significantly higher than that in healthy control group (p<0.05). Compared with
      the MPO-463 G/G genotype, individuals with GA/AA genotype had a significantly
      decreased risk of gastric cancer (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.28-0.90). In the
      stratification analysis, patients younger than 60 years old, male, Hp-IgG
      negative and with no family history of gastric cancer with genotype GA/AA had
      lower risk than those with genotype G/G. CONCLUSIONS: MPO gene polymorphism is
      associated with susceptibility of gastric cancer. It is conceivable that carriers
      of the A allele may be at reduced risk of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22094929
TI  - Urinary complications in rectal cancer patients are related to the dissection
      tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the incidence and risk of urinary complications after
      anterior rectal cancer resection with regard to the surgical device used for
      total mesorectal excision (TME). METHODOLOGY: During the years 2004-2009 we
      operated 374 rectal cancer patients with TME and the intent of autonomic nerves
      sparing intent. Seventeen patients underwent mesorectal dissection with
      ultrasound scalpel (US). They were compared to the control series of 35 cases
      selected from the patients for whom electrocautery was used. Selection was done
      in the manner to eliminate any other significant differences between groups.
      RESULTS: Intraoperative complications, postoperative mortality, anastomotic
      leakage and infectious complications did not occur. Urinary bladder disturbances
      developed in US group in 1 patient (6%) while in 12 patients (34%) in EC group
      (p<0.05). In US group the character of complication was transient stress
      incontinence with symptoms being significantly reduced during six postoperative
      months. In EC group two patients had dysuria, two nycturia, one had both. Stress
      incontinence occurred in six patients, complete incontinence requiring
      catheterization in one. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to EC, TME with US is related
      to lower risk of urinary complications and facilitates autonomic nerve
      preservation due to minimized thermal lateral tissue damage.

PMID- 22094930
TI  - Partial pancreatic resection for pancreatic malignancy is associated with
      sustained pancreatic exocrine failure and reduced quality of life: a prospective
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic resection for cancer may produce pancreatic exocrine
      insufficiency (PEI), which is poorly understood. This study examined the
      coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), symptoms, quality of life (QoL) and the
      accuracy of faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) measurement to predict PEI. METHODS: Forty
      patients were analysed following resection for pancreatic malignancy. The primary
      endpoint was PEI diagnosis defined by CFA <93%; secondary endpoints were PEI
      diagnosis using FE-1 <200 MUg/g, body mass index (BMI), and symptom and QoL
      analysis. Interventions were 3-day stool collection, EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 1)
      questionnaire and patient's diary, at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months after
      surgery. RESULTS: CFA <93% was present in 67% of patients at 6 weeks and in 55%
      at 12 months. PEI using FE-1 was present in 77 and 83% of patients, respectively.
      No significant changes between time-points were observed. Sensitivity,
      specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for FE-1 in detecting CFA <93% were 91, 35,
      70, 71 and 70%, respectively. CFA and FE-1 levels were uncorrelated. Overall, QoL
      increased at 6 (p = 0.0212) and 12 (p < 0.0001) months after surgery, mainly
      driven by physical, role and social functioning, and by appetite. Importantly,
      however, BMI and symptoms were unaffected by PEI, which suggests a subclinical
      presentation; such patients had attributes indicating poorer QoL (notably
      insomnia, p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: PEI was common and sustained following
      resection and not associated with significant symptoms. These patients had a
      tendency toward poorer QoL. FE-1 is a poor surrogate for diagnosing impaired fat
      absorption. Postoperative pancreatic enzyme replacement should be considered more
      routinely. and IAP.

PMID- 22094931
TI  - Prediction of persistent gestational trophobalstic neoplasia: the role of hCG
      level and ratio in 2 weeks after evacuation of complete mole.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the serum human
      chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level and ratio during 2 weeks after evacuation is
      predictive of persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in patients
      with complete molar pregnancies. METHODS: Between January 2000 and June 2010, a
      total of 467 patients with complete molar pregnancies were diagnosed. Seventeen
      patients, who had prophylactic chemotherapy and in whom insufficient data were
      available, were excluded. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to
      determine the most useful predictive factor for persistent GTN and multivariate
      logistic regression was used for analyses. RESULTS: Persistent GTN was diagnosed
      in 109 of the 450 patients (24.2%) on the basis of the 2000 FIGO criteria. The
      optimal cut-off point for hCG 1 and 2 weeks after evacuation was 6400 mIU/mL
      (sensitivity, 54.1%; specificity, 65.1%) and 2400 mIU/mL (sensitivity, 64.2%;
      specificity, 78.3%), respectively. The optimal cut-off point for the ratio of pre
      evacuation hCG to hCG 2 weeks after evacuation was 30 (sensitivity, 63.3%;
      specificity, 86.5%). Based on multivariate analysis, this ratio<30 was an
      independent predictive factor for persistent GTN (odds ratio=6.885; 95%
      confidence interval, 4.006-11.832; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The decline ratio in
      hCG level 2 weeks after evacuation in patients with complete molar pregnancies is
      the most reliable predictor of persistent GTN. Our analysis may allow clinicians
      to stratify risk in patients with complete molar pregnancies and to provide more
      accurate counseling based on the hCG levels obtained 2 weeks after evacuation.

PMID- 22094932
TI  - Cognitive function and quality of life in ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As advances in treatment have prolonged survival for many patients
      with ovarian cancer, there has been growing interest in assessing the adverse
      effects of disease and treatment. The aim of this study was to review the
      literature on cognitive function and quality of life (QOL) in this population.
      METHODS: A review of published studies including formal assessment of
      neurocognitive functions and self-reported domains of quality of life, with an
      emphasis on cognitive function, was performed. RESULTS: The small number of
      studies including formal evaluations of neurocognitive function suggests that
      many ovarian cancer patients experience cognitive difficulties associated with
      their disease and treatment. Several studies described declines in self-reported
      cognitive function that may impact QOL, but the results were not consistent
      across studies. CONCLUSIONS: Adequately powered longitudinal studies including
      formal neurocognitive and QOL assessments are needed to advance our understanding
      of the incidence of cognitive dysfunction and its impact on functional ability
      and QOL in ovarian cancer patients. These research efforts may ultimately
      contribute to treatment decision-making through the identification of vulnerable
      patients, and to the development of appropriate intervention strategies to
      improve cognitive function and QOL.

PMID- 22094933
TI  - Whither the PET scan? The role of PET imaging in the staging and treatment of
      breast cancer.
AB  - Metabolic imaging may contribute to a better knowledge of the biology of breast
      cancer and to new drugs development. Positron emission tomography (PET) with the
      radiolabeled glucose analogue 2- [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) allows
      quantitative assessment of glucose utilization in tumor tissue. This technique
      utilizes a class of radioisotopes that decay by emitting a positron. The positron
      travels a short distance (1 mm) before interacting with an electron in what is
      called an annihilation reaction. This results in the creation of two high-energy
      photons that are emitted in opposite directions. The PET scanner detects such
      annihilation radiations and produces a three-dimensional picture of the
      distribution of the radiolabeled tracer. 18F-FDG PET has currently a limited role
      in breast cancer, due to its low sensitivity that makes it not recommended in
      most of the cases, especially in early disease. Potentially, the most useful
      application of PET/CT is monitoring the changes in 18F-FDG uptake during
      chemotherapy in order to detect an early response to treatment. In fact, while
      morphological changes due to effective chemotherapy are not detectable until late
      in the course of treatment, metabolic changes generally occur earlier. In this
      paper, we summarize the current and future applications of PET in the management
      of breast cancer.

PMID- 22094934
TI  - Phase II trial of preoperative paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and trastuzumab
      combination therapy in HER2 positive stage II/III breast cancer: the Korean
      Cancer Study Group BR 07-01.
AB  - An addition of trastuzumab preoperatively to chemotherapy for human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer improved relapse-free
      survival (RFS). This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      preoperative paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and trastuzumab (PGH) combination for HER2
      positive breast caner. Pathologically, proven node positive stage II/III breast
      cancer patients with adequate organ function and no history of anti-cancer
      therapy were eligible. Patients received weekly trastuzumab with paclitaxel 80
      mg/m(2) and gemcitabine 1,200 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks for 6
      cycles. Postoperatively, patients completed trastuzumab for 1 year and hormone
      therapy for 5 years if indicated. All patients received postoperative radiation
      therapy. Of 53 enrolled patients with a median tumor of 5.3 (range, 2.0 to >12)
      cm; 43.4%, T3/T4; 75.4%, N2/N3; and 45.3%, positive hormone receptors. The
      pathologic complete response (pCR) rate was 58.5% in both tumor and lymph nodes.
      Grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (32%), febrile neutropenia (0.6%), and
      transient elevation of AST/ALT (1.6%) during a total of 318 cycles. All patients
      maintained normal cardiac function. With a median follow-up of 40 months, 3-year
      RFS rate was 84% with 91.7% distant metastasis-free survival rates. Remarkable
      pCR rate was obtained with non-anthracycline-based PGH therapy for HER2-positive
      stage II/III breast cancer. Adverse events were mild with few incidences of
      febrile neutropenia.

PMID- 22094935
TI  - A comparative biomarker study of 514 matched cases of male and female breast
      cancer reveals gender-specific biological differences.
AB  - Male breast cancer remains understudied despite evidence of rising incidence.
      Using a co-ordinated multi-centre approach, we present the first large scale
      biomarker study to define and compare hormone receptor profiles and survival
      between male and female invasive breast cancer. We defined and compared hormone
      receptor profiles and survival between 251 male and 263 female breast cancers
      matched for grade, age, and lymph node status. Tissue microarrays were
      immunostained for ERalpha, ERbeta1, -2, -5, PR, PRA, PRB and AR, augmented by
      HER2, CK5/6, 14, 18 and 19 to assist typing. Hierarchical clustering determined
      differential nature of influences between genders. Luminal A was the most common
      phenotype in both sexes. Luminal B and HER2 were not seen in males. Basal
      phenotype was infrequent in both. No differences in overall survival at 5 or 10
      years were observed between genders. Notably, AR-positive luminal A male breast
      cancer had improved overall survival over female breast cancer at 5 (P = 0.01, HR
      = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.26-0.87) but not 10 years (P = 0.29, HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.46
      1.26) and both 5 (P = 0.04, HR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.07-0.97) and 10 years (P =
      0.04, HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.12-0.97) in the unselected group. Hierarchical
      clustering revealed common clusters between genders including total PR-PRA-PRB
      and ERbeta1/2 clusters. A striking feature was the occurrence of ERalpha on
      distinct clusters between genders. In female breast cancer, ERalpha clustered
      with PR and its isoforms; in male breast cancer, ERalpha clustered with ERbeta
      isoforms and AR. Our data supports the hypothesis that breast cancer is
      biologically different in males and females suggesting implications for clinical
      management. With the incidence of male breast cancer increasing this provides
      impetus for further study.

PMID- 22094936
TI  - High miR-26a and low CDC2 levels associate with decreased EZH2 expression and
      with favorable outcome on tamoxifen in metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - For patients with metastatic breast cancer, we previously described that
      increased EZH2 expression levels were associated with an adverse outcome to
      tamoxifen therapy. Main objective of the present study is to investigate miR-26a
      and miR-101 levels, which both target EZH2, for their association with molecular
      pathways and with efficacy of tamoxifen as first-line monotherapy for metastatic
      breast cancer. Expression levels were measured using quantitative Real-Time
      Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) in primary breast cancer specimens of 235
      estrogen receptor-alpha (ER)-positive patients. Pathway analysis was performed on
      microarray data available for 65 of these tumors. Logistic regression and Cox uni
      and multivariate analysis were performed to relate expression levels with
      clinical benefit and time to progression (TTP). Increasing levels of miR-26a were
      significantly (P < 0.005) associated with both clinical benefit and prolonged
      TTP, whereas miR-101 was not. Cell cycle regulation and CCNE1 and CDC2 were the
      only significant overlapping pathway and genes differentially expressed between
      tumors with high and low levels of miR-26a and EZH2, respectively. In addition,
      increasing mRNA levels of CCNE1 (P < 0.05) and CDC2 (P < 0.001) were related to
      poor outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed miR-26a and CDC2 as an optimal set
      of markers associated with outcome on tamoxifen therapy, independently of
      traditional predictive factors. To summarize, only miR-26a levels are related
      with treatment outcome. Cell cycle regulation is the only overlapping pathway
      linked to miR-26a and EZH2 levels. Low mRNA levels of EZH2, CCNE1, and CDC2, and
      high levels of miR-26a are associated with favorable outcome on tamoxifen.

PMID- 22094937
TI  - Individually tailored treatment with epirubicin and paclitaxel with or without
      capecitabine as first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer: a randomized
      multicenter trial.
AB  - Anthracyclines and taxanes are active cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of early
      metastatic breast cancer. It is yet unclear whether addition of capecitabine to
      the combination of these drugs improves the treatment outcome. Patients with
      advanced breast cancer were randomized to first-line chemotherapy with a
      combination of epirubicin (Farmorubicin((r))) and paclitaxel (Taxol((r))) alone
      (ET) or in combination with capecitabine (Xeloda((r)), TEX). Starting doses for
      ET were epirubicin 75 mg/m(2) plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2), and for TEX epirubicin
      75 mg/m(2), paclitaxel 155 mg/m(2), and capecitabine 825 mg/m(2) BID for 14 days.
      Subsequently, doses were tailored related to side effects. Primary endpoint was
      progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS),
      time to treatment failure (TTF), objective response (OR), safety and quality of
      life (QoL). 287 patients were randomized, 143 to ET and 144 to TEX. Median PFS
      was 10.8 months for patients treated with ET, and 12.4 months for those treated
      with TEX (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65-1.07, P = 0.16); median OS was 26.0 months for
      women in the ET versus 29.7 months in the TEX arm (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.63-1.11, P =
      0.22). OR was achieved in 44.8% (ET) and 54.2% (TEX), respectively (chi(2) 3.66,
      P = 0.16). TTF was significantly longer for patients treated with TEX, 6.0
      months, versus 5.2 months following ET (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.93, P = 0.009).
      Severe hematological side effects related to epirubicin and paclitaxel were
      evenly distributed between the treatment arms, mucositis, diarrhea, and Hand-Foot
      syndrome were significantly more frequent in the TEX arm. Toxicity-adjusted
      treatment with ET and TEX showed similar efficacy in terms of PFS, OS, and OR. In
      this trial with limited power, the addition of capecitabine to epirubicin and
      paclitaxel as first-line treatment did not translate into clinically relevant
      improvement of the outcome.

PMID- 22094938
TI  - Serum enterolactone levels and mortality outcome in women with early breast
      cancer: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that high serum enterolactone levels are associated
      with a reduced incidence of breast cancer in healthy women. The present study was
      aimed at investigating whether a similar association might be found between serum
      enterolactone levels and the mortality of women with early breast cancer. The
      levels of enterolactone in cryopreserved serum aliquots obtained from 300
      patients, operated on for breast cancer, were measured using a time-resolved
      fluoro-immunoassay. Levels were analyzed in respect to the risk of mortality
      following surgery. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to check
      for prognostic features, to estimate hazard ratios for group comparisons and to
      test for the interaction on mortality hazards between the variables and
      enterolactone concentrations. The Fine and Gray competing risk proportional
      hazard regression model was used to predict the probabilities of breast cancer
      related and breast cancer-unrelated mortalities. At a median follow-up time of 23
      years (range 0.6-26.1), 180 patients died, 112 of whom died due to breast cancer
      related events. An association between a decreased mortality risk and
      enterolactone levels >= 10 nmol/l was found in respect to both all-cause and
      breast cancer-specific mortality. The difference in mortality hazards was
      statistically significant, but it appeared to decrease and to lose significance
      after the first 10 years, though competing risk analysis showed that breast
      cancer-related mortality risk remained constantly lower in those patients with
      higher enterolactone levels. Our findings are consistent with those of most
      recent literature and provide further evidence that mammalian lignans might play
      an important role in reducing all-cause and cancer-specific mortality of the
      patients operated on for breast cancer.

PMID- 22094941
TI  - Molecular evolution: dealing with nonsense.

PMID- 22094943
TI  - Microbiomes: getting down to mechanism.

PMID- 22094948
TI  - Evolution of microRNA diversity and regulation in animals.
AB  - In the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been uncovered as key regulators of
      gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The ancient origin of miRNAs,
      their dramatic expansion in bilaterian animals and their function in providing
      robustness to transcriptional programmes suggest that miRNAs are instrumental in
      the evolution of organismal complexity. Advances in understanding miRNA biology,
      combined with the increasing availability of diverse sequenced genomes, have
      begun to reveal the molecular mechanisms that underlie the evolution of miRNAs
      and their targets. Insights are also emerging into how the evolution of miRNA
      containing regulatory networks has contributed to organismal complexity.

PMID- 22094950
TI  - Error prevention and mitigation as forces in the evolution of genes and genomes.
AB  - Why are short introns rarely a multiple of three nucleotides long? Why do
      essential genes cluster? Why are genes in operons often lined up in the order in
      which they are needed in the encoded pathway? In this Opinion article, we argue
      that these and many other - ostensibly disparate - observations are all pieces of
      an emerging picture in which multiple aspects of gene anatomy and genome
      architecture have evolved in response to error-prone gene expression.

PMID- 22094952
TI  - Gene-by-environment experiments: a new approach to finding the missing
      heritability.

PMID- 22094949
TI  - Non-coding RNAs in human disease.
AB  - The relevance of the non-coding genome to human disease has mainly been studied
      in the context of the widespread disruption of microRNA (miRNA) expression and
      function that is seen in human cancer. However, we are only beginning to
      understand the nature and extent of the involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)
      in disease. Other ncRNAs, such as PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small nucleolar
      RNAs (snoRNAs), transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) and large intergenic
      non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are emerging as key elements of cellular homeostasis.
      Along with microRNAs, dysregulation of these ncRNAs is being found to have
      relevance not only to tumorigenesis, but also to neurological, cardiovascular,
      developmental and other diseases. There is great interest in therapeutic
      strategies to counteract these perturbations of ncRNAs.

PMID- 22094954
TI  - Valganciclovir prophylaxis versus preemptive therapy in cytomegalovirus-positive
      renal allograft recipients: 1-year results of a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention can be achieved by prophylaxis or
      preemptive therapy. We performed a prospective randomized trial to determine
      whether renal transplant recipients with a positive CMV serostatus (R+) had a
      higher rate of CMV infection and disease after transplantation when treated
      preemptively for CMV infection, compared with primary valganciclovir prophylaxis.
      METHODS: Prophylaxis was 2 * 450 mg oral valganciclovir/day for 100 days;
      preemptive patients were monitored by CMV-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and
      after a positive PCR test received 2 * 900 mg valganciclovir/day for at least 14
      days followed by secondary prophylaxis. Valganciclovir dosage was adjusted
      according to renal function. Patients are followed up for 5 years and initial 12
      month data are presented. Two hundred and ninety-six recipients were analyzed
      (168 donor/recipient seropositive [D+/R+], 128 donor seronegative/recipient
      seropositive [D-/R+]; 146 receiving prophylaxis and 150 preemptive therapy).
      RESULTS: Overall, CMV infection (asymptomatic CMV viral load >= 400 CMV DNA
      copies/mL proven by CMV-PCR) was significantly higher in recipients under
      preemptive therapy (38.7% vs. 11.0%, P<0.0001), with the highest incidence in
      D+/R+ preemptive patients (53.8% vs. 15.6%, P<0.0001). D+/R+ recipients with
      preemptive therapy also had the highest rate of CMV disease (CMV syndrome and
      tissue-invasive disease that was clinically diagnosed and biopsy proven) (19.2%
      vs. 4.4%, P=0.003). Renal function assessed by creatinine clearance was similar
      for both groups. Graft loss occurred in 7 vs. 4 patients on preemptive versus
      prophylactic therapy (P>0.05). Tolerability was similar for both treatment
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral valganciclovir prophylaxis significantly reduces CMV
      infection and disease, particularly for D+/R+ patients. Hence, our study supports
      routine prophylaxis for all D+/R+ recipients.

PMID- 22094955
TI  - Splenectomy does not offer immunological benefits in ABO-incompatible liver
      transplantation with a preoperative rituximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preformed anti-ABO antibodies are primarily responsible for antibody
      mediated rejection (AMR) after ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) liver transplantation
      (LT) resulting in lethal hepatic necrosis and biliary complications. Splenectomy,
      an integral part of protocol for ABO-I LT, decreases anti-ABO antibodies. With
      the preoperative rituximab prophylaxis, role of the splenectomy for ABO-I LT is
      now under debate. We investigated the necessity of splenectomy by retrospective
      analyses of the short-term anti-ABO antibody response and long-term outcomes of
      ABO-I LT. METHODS: Thirty-seven ABO-I LTs performed from May 2006 through July
      2009, at Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan, were retrospectively analyzed.
      Twenty-seven patients who underwent splenectomy (splenectomy group) received
      329.6 +/- 35.8 mg rituximab 17.7 +/- 11.9 days before living donor LT. Ten
      patients without splenectomy (nonsplenectomy group) received 320.0 +/- 10.3 mg
      rituximab 26.6 +/- 21.3 days before transplantation. All patients received a
      posttransplant hepatic artery infusion with prostaglandin E1 and
      methylprednisolone. Perioperative anti-ABO immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G
      antibody titers, rejections, biliary complications, infections, and survival
      results were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative rituximab with plasma exchange
      effectively reduced anti-ABO antibodies in both patient groups at the time of LT.
      There was no statistically significant difference observed in anti-ABO
      immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibody titers between the "splenectomy"
      and "nonsplenectomy" groups during the initial 8 weeks. The clinical outcomes,
      including AMR, biliary complications, infections, and survival, were similar in
      both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative rituximab effectively decreased the
      anti-ABO antibodies sufficiently to prevent the AMR irrespective of splenectomy.
      Splenectomy does not offer any immunological benefit in ABO-I LT with
      preoperative rituximab.

PMID- 22094953
TI  - Associations of ABCB1 3435C>T and IL-10-1082G>A polymorphisms with long-term
      sirolimus dose requirements in renal transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Sirolimus (SRL) absorption and metabolism are affected by p
      glycoprotein-mediated transport and CYP3A enzyme activity, which are further
      under the influences of cytokine concentrations. This retrospective study
      determined the associations of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, subfamily
      B, member 1 (ABCB1) 1236C>T, 2677 G>T/A, and 3435C>T, cytochrome P450, family 3,
      subfamily A, polypeptide 4 (CYP3A4) -392A>G, cytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily
      A, polypeptide 5 (CYP3A5) 6986A>G and 14690G>A, interleukin (IL)-10 -1082G>A, and
      tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -308G>A polymorphisms with SRL dose-adjusted, weight
      normalized trough concentrations (C/D) at 7 days, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months
      after initiation of SRL. METHODS: Genotypes for 86 renal transplant patients who
      received SRL-based maintenance immunosuppressive therapy were determined using
      polymerase chain reaction followed by chip-based mass spectrometry. The changes
      of log-transformed C/D over the days posttransplantation were analyzed using a
      linear mixed-effects model, with adjustments for body mass index and weight
      normalized doses of tacrolimus, prednisone, clotrimazole, and statins. RESULTS:
      ABCB1 3435C>T and IL-10 -1082G>A were significantly associated with log C/D
      (P=0.0016 and 0.0394, respectively). Mean SRL C/D was 48% higher in patients with
      ABCB1 3435CT/TT genotype than those with 3435CC genotype, and was 24% higher in
      IL-10 -1082GG compared with -1082AG/AA. CONCLUSIONS: ABCB1 3435C>T and IL-10 
      1082G>A were significantly associated with long-term SRL dose requirements.
      Genetics can play a significant role in SRL dosing and may be useful in
      therapeutic monitoring of SRL in renal transplantation. Future replication
      studies are needed to confirm these associations.

PMID- 22094956
TI  - How to increase organ donation:  does opting out have a role?
AB  - Every country needs to increase the number of deceased organ donors and the
      potential impact of a change to opting-out legislation remains unproven, despite
      the apparent association between opting out and higher donor rates. However, the
      Spanish model--so successful in Spain and many other countries--is not based on a
      requirement for opting out, and, in the UK, deceased organ donation has increased
      by 25% in 3 years through implementation of a series of recommendations that have
      transformed the infrastructure of donation. A major review of opting out
      concluded that it is not appropriate for the UK at this time.

PMID- 22094957
TI  - Early subclinical rejection as a risk factor for late chronic humoral rejection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subclinical rejection and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
      (IF/TA) in protocol biopsies are associated with outcome. We study the
      relationship between histologic lesions in early protocol biopsies and histologic
      diagnoses in late biopsies for cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal transplants
      with a protocol biopsy performed within the first 6 months posttransplant between
      1988 and 2006 were reviewed. Biopsies were evaluated according to Banff criteria,
      and C4d staining was available in biopsies for cause. RESULTS: Of the 517 renal
      transplants with a protocol biopsy, 109 had a subsequent biopsy for cause which
      showed the following histological diagnoses: chronic humoral rejection (CHR)
      (n=44), IF/TA (n=42), recurrence of the primary disease (n=11), de novo
      glomerulonephritis (n=7), T-cell-mediated rejection (n=4), and polyoma virus
      nephropathy (n=1). The proportion of retransplants (15.9% vs. 2.3%, P=0.058) and
      the prevalence of subclinical rejection were higher in patients with CHR than in
      patients with IF/TA (52.3% vs. 28.6%, P=0.0253). Demographic donor and recipient
      characteristics and clinical data at the time of protocol biopsy were not
      different between groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that subclinical
      rejection (relative risk, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.3; P=0.047) but
      not retransplantation (relative risk, 6.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-58.8;
      P=0.085) was associated with CHR. CONCLUSION: Subclinical rejection in early
      protocol biopsies is associated with late appearance of CHR.

PMID- 22094958
TI  - What is the significance of subclinical inflammation in human renal allografts?
      It depends!

PMID- 22094959
TI  - A polyoxometalate-based single-molecule magnet with an S = 21/2 ground state.
AB  - Ligand modification transforms a polyoxometalate-anchored cubane-type
      [Mn(III)(3)Mn(IV)O(4)] core into a centrosymmetric [Mn(III)(6)Mn(IV)O(8)] di
      cubane cluster, and restores the slow magnetization relaxation characteristics
      typical for [Mn(4)O(4)] cubane-based single-molecule magnets.

PMID- 22094961
TI  - Advanced topography-guided (OcuLink) treatment of irregular astigmatism after
      epikeratophakia in keratoconus with the WaveLight excimer laser.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and predictability of treatment for
      high irregular astigmatism with advanced topography-guided laser epithelial
      keratomileusis in symptomatic eyes after epikeratophakia (EP) for keratoconus.
      METHODS: In a prospective case series, 10 consecutive eyes (10 patients) with
      high irregular astigmatism after epikeratophakia for keratoconus received OcuLink
      laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) using the Allegretto Wave
      excimer laser. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual
      acuity (BSCVA), manifestation and refraction, corneal topographic examination
      with asphericity, and regularity were evaluated. All patients could not tolerate
      contact lens wear and had subjective symptoms. RESULTS: The UCVA improved from
      0.61 +/- 0.27 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (range, 0.3
      1.0 logMAR) to 0.27 +/- 0.07 logMAR (range, 0.2-0.4 logMAR), and the BSCVA
      improved from 0.25 +/- 0.14 to 0.15 +/- 0.09 logMAR (range, 0-0.3 logMAR) at 6
      months after surgery. One patient had reduced UCVA (1 line), but no patients had
      reduced BSCVA. The refractive cylinder improved from -3.82 +/- 2.43 diopters (D)
      (range, -0.75 to -7.75 D) to -1.43 +/- 0.95 D (range, -0.25 to -2.50 D). The
      index of surface variance (an indicator of corneal surface irregularity) reduced
      from 115.1 +/- 21.1 (range, 90-153) to 68.4 +/- 18.2 (range, 39-95). Subjective
      symptoms, such as glare, halos, ghost images, starbursts, and monocular diplopia,
      were either not present or obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced topography
      guided (OcuLink) LASEK can significantly reduce irregular astigmatism and
      increase the UCVA and BSCVA.

PMID- 22094960
TI  - Initial risk assessment for pulmonary hypertension in patients with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a comorbidity associated with
      increased mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. It
      is not known which clinical markers are predictive of PH in COPD. The goal of
      this study was to develop a clinical tool to identify patients who should be sent
      for initial screening with echocardiography. METHODS: Of 127 patients screened,
      94 primary-care patients with COPD were enrolled. All underwent full pulmonary
      function testing, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), exercise oximetry, Saint
      George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and transthoracic echocardiography. Eighty
      six patients had measurable pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) on echocardiography.
      Elevated PAP was defined as a systolic PAP > 35 mmHg. RESULTS: Pre- and post
      bronchodilator FEV(1) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively), exercise
      oxyhemoglobin desaturation (P = 0.003), and 6MWD (P = 0.004) were associated with
      elevated PAP on univariate analysis. Diffusion capacity was lower but did not
      reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). In multivariate analysis,
      statistically significant independent variables were >3% decrease in exercise
      oxyhemoglobin saturation and decline in prebronchodilator FEV(1) (P = 0.01 and P
      = 0.04, respectively). A composite prediction model was developed that assigned
      one point for each of the following: age > 55 years, oxyhemoglobin desaturation >
      3%, prebronchodilator FEV(1) < 50% predicted, and 6MWD < 1175 ft. Prevalence
      rates of elevated PAP were 32% for a score of 0-1 (low risk), 68% for a score of
      2 (moderate risk), and 78% for a score of 3-4 (high risk). The composite score
      exhibited a strong trend with elevated PAP prevalence (Cochrane-Armitage trend
      statistic P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A simple prediction tool using routine office
      based parameters can be used to identify COPD patients at high risk for elevated
      PAP and initiate the first step in screening for PH with echocardiography. It is
      important that right heart catheterization be performed to confirm the diagnosis
      and guide treatment decisions.

PMID- 22094962
TI  - Multigene expression in vivo: supremacy of large versus small terminators for T7
      RNA polymerase.
AB  - Designing and building multigene constructs is commonplace in synthetic biology.
      Yet functional successes at first attempts are rare because the genetic parts are
      not fully modular. In order to improve the modularity of transcription, we
      previously showed that transcription termination in vitro by bacteriophage T7 RNA
      polymerase could be made more efficient by substituting the standard, single,
      TPhi large (class I) terminator with adjacent copies of the vesicular stomatitis
      virus (VSV) small (class II) terminator. However, in vitro termination at the
      downstream VSV terminator was less efficient than at the upstream VSV terminator,
      and multigene overexpression in vivo was complicated by unexpectedly inefficient
      VSV termination within Escherichia coli cells. Here, we address hypotheses raised
      in that study by showing that VSV or preproparathyroid hormone (PTH) small
      terminators spaced further apart can work independently (i.e., more efficiently)
      in vitro, and that VSV and PTH terminations are severely inhibited in vivo.
      Surprisingly, the difference between class II terminator function in vivo versus
      in vitro is not due to differences in plasmid supercoiling, as supercoiling had a
      minimal effect on termination in vitro. We therefore turned to TPhi terminators
      for "BioBrick" synthesis of a pentameric gene construct suitable for
      overexpression in vivo. This indeed enabled coordinated overexpression and
      copurification of five His-tagged proteins using the first construct attempted,
      indicating that this strategy is more modular than other strategies. An
      application of this multigene overexpression and protein copurification method is
      demonstrated by supplying five of the six E. coli translation factors required
      for reconstitution of translation from a single cell line via copurification,
      greatly simplifying the reconstitution.

PMID- 22094963
TI  - Immature muscle precursors are a source of interferon-beta in myositis: role of
      Toll-like receptor 3 activation and contribution to HLA class I up-regulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the production of type I interferon (IFN) by myoblasts
      and to identify its cell source and the link to Toll-like receptor (TLR) and C
      type lectin receptor (CLR) expression and function in myositis biopsy sections.
      METHODS: Production of IFNbeta was assessed in cultured myoblasts after
      stimulation with the TLR-3 agonist poly(I-C) or with cytokines involved in Th1
      and Th17 differentiation. Expression of HLA class I molecules by myoblasts was
      analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting after activation of TLR-3 and
      IFNbeta neutralization. In muscle biopsy samples from patients with polymyositis
      or dermatomyositis, expression of IFNbeta, CD56 (a marker of immature muscle
      precursors), and HLA class I was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.
      Inflammatory infiltrates were characterized for the expression of myeloid
      dendritic cells (DCs), their associated CLRs, and the products of activated DCs,
      interleukin-12 (IL-12), and IL-23. RESULTS: In cultured myoblasts, stimulation of
      TLR-3 induced the production of IFNbeta when combined with IFNgamma and up
      regulated the expression of HLA class I molecules, which was decreased after
      IFNbeta blockade. In myositis biopsy tissues, immature muscle precursors
      overexpressing HLA class I were identified as a source of IFNbeta. CLRs
      associated with myeloid DCs were broadly expressed in inflammatory infiltrates,
      in association with IL-12 and IL-23, and with immature muscle precursors.
      CONCLUSION: Immature muscle precursors may represent a local source of IFNbeta
      and the target of an immune response involving activated DCs associated with the
      expression of CLRs and of IL-12 and IL-23, which are implicated in T cell
      polarization. In turn, such local production of IFNbeta after TLR-3 activation in
      the presence of the Th1 cytokine IFNgamma may explain HLA class I overexpression
      in myositis.

PMID- 22094964
TI  - The influence of reversible trianionic pincer OCO(3-)MU-oxo Cr(IV) dimer
      formation ([Cr(IV)]2(MU-O)) and donor ligands in oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT).
AB  - The oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) from [(t)BuOCO]Cr(V)(O)(THF) (2) (where (t)BuOCO =
      [2,6-C(6)H(3)(6-(t)BuC(6)H(3)O)(2)](3-), THF = tetrahydrofuran) to
      triphenylphosphine (PPh(3)) in THF produces [(t)BuOCO]Cr(III)(THF)(3) (1) and
      triphenylphosphine oxide (OPPh(3)) at a rate of 69.5(+/-1.9) M(-1) s(-1) (22 
      degrees C). Identical rate constants were attained when acetonitrile (MeCN) and
      dichloromethane/THF (CH(2)Cl(2)/THF) were used as solvents. Electron paramagnetic
      resonance (EPR) data shows that the six-coordinate complex,
      [(t)BuOCO]Cr(V)(O)(THF)(2) (2a) forms upon addition of THF to 2, suggesting 2a as
      the active OAT species in THF. Similarly, addition of OPPh(3) has no influence on
      the rate of OAT, but the addition of triphenylphosphorus ylide (CH(2)PPh(3)) to
      form [(t)BuOCO]Cr(V)(O)(CH(2)PPh(3)) (4) prevents OAT to PPh(3). In CH(2)Cl(2), a
      [Cr(IV)](2)(MU-O) intermediate forms during the OAT from 2 to PPh(3). The OAT
      from {[(t)BuOCO]Cr(IV)(THF)}(2)(MU-O) (3) to PPh(3) reveals a zero-order
      dependence in PPh(3) indicating the dimer must first dissociate prior to OAT. The
      decay of 3versus time does not follow first-order kinetics due to the formation
      of a [(t)BuOCO]Cr(III)(THF) species (5) that inhibits the dissociation of 3. The
      change in concentration of 3versus time during OAT was simulated to obtain
      approximate rate constants.

PMID- 22094965
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes in adult survivors with single-ventricle physiology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Data on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with single
      ventricle physiology (SVP) are scarce. We sought (1) to describe the perceived
      health status, quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and sense of
      coherence in adult survivors with SVP, (2) to compare PROs across functional
      classes, and (3) to compare PROs between patients and controls. METHODS: A case
      control study in two adult congenital heart programmes with 62 adult survivors
      with SVP were matched to 172 healthy controls. A wide range of PROs were measured
      using validated questionnaires. The treating physician classified patients
      according to the Ability Index. RESULTS: Patients with SVP have a good functional
      status. Patients in Ability Index class I consistently reported the best scores,
      similar to those of healthy controls. Negative associations were found between
      functional class and outcomes of perceived health and quality of life. For
      patients in Ability Index class II and III, PROs were poorer. CONCLUSIONS: PROs
      in patients with SVP are generally good.

PMID- 22094966
TI  - Calcium effects on superoxide dismutase and catalase of the rabbit urinary
      bladder muscle and mucosa.
AB  - PURPOSE: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase are two important antioxidant
      mechanisms that work together to reduce free radical damage. Intracellular free
      calcium in smooth muscle can change rapidly and many enzymes can be affected. The
      sensitivity of SOD and catalase activity to calcium was determined in both rabbit
      bladder smooth muscle and mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Calcium sensitivity was
      analyzed by determining SOD and catalase activity in muscle and mucosa at the
      following calcium concentrations: 0 (in the presence of 1 mM EGTA), 1 and 5 mM
      CaCl(2). RESULTS: SOD: EGTA resulted in increased SOD activity of bladder smooth
      muscle, whereas both 1 and 5 mM calcium significantly decreased SOD activity.
      EGTA had no effect on SOD activity of the mucosa whereas 1 and 5 mM calcium
      decreased SOD activity of the muscle. Catalase: 1 mM calcium resulted in
      decreased catalase activity of the muscle and no change in the activity of the
      mucosa, whereas 5 mM calcium resulted in increased catalase activity of the
      mucosa but no change in the activity of the muscle. DISCUSSION: Mucosa showed
      more SOD and catalase activity than the muscle. Both SOD and catalase showed
      differing sensitivities to EGTA and calcium.

PMID- 22094967
TI  - [Older emergency patients benefit from geriatric assessment].

PMID- 22094968
TI  - [Cancer, thromboembolia and antithrombotic therapy: is there an anticoagulant of
      choice?].

PMID- 22094969
TI  - [Validation of patients' knowledge after informed consent prior to coronary 
      angiography].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The informed consent of the patient is required before
      any medical intervention can be done. The impact of the provided information on
      the subsequent knowledge of the patient is regularly questioned. In the present
      investigation we aimed to determine the knowledge of the patients about invasive
      coronary angiography (CA) after they had been optimally vs. standard vs. not at
      all informed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 300 consecutive patients who were admitted
      for planned CA were included. Of these, 150 in-patients were informed by
      especially trained physicians one day before CA and 50 out-patients were informed
      by their general practitioner or cardiologist several days before admission. 100
      in-patients were included before they were informed. In a standardized interview
      the predefined knowledge of the patients was assessed by an independent physician
      before CA in previously informed patients and after hospital admission in non
      informed patients. RESULTS: The differences in knowledge between informed in- and
      out-patients were low. Especially their knowledge about potential complications
      was not different. Generally, patients could remember less serious complications
      better than life-threatening ones. Two previously informed patients (1 %)
      affirmed that they were not informed. The knowledge of non-informed patients was
      much lower than the knowledge of patients who had been informed. CONCLUSION: The
      knowledge and remembrance of patients after having detailed information about
      medical interventions is limited. Optimization of the informative interview did
      not really improve this knowledge. In contrast to non-informed patients the
      provided information did, however, increase the knowledge.

PMID- 22094971
TI  - [74 year-old man with hypertension and angina pectoris. Single coronary artery].

PMID- 22094970
TI  - [The Dunbar's syndrome: renaissance of a controversial disease pattern].
AB  - HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 79-year-old woman (BMI 23) presented with
      postprandial, occasionally epigastric, occasionally diffuse abdominal pain.
      INVESTIGATIONS: No pathologic findings in the physical examination and in the
      chemical analysis.Continuative examinations: Gastroscopy revealed a mild,
      nonreactive gastritis which was alleged not to be the cause of the symptoms. In
      ultrasonography arteriosclerotic lesions were seen, which led to the differential
      diagnosis of compensated angina abdominalis. On that assumption a CT-angiography
      was performed, which revealed a typical focal narrowing of the celiac axis about
      1,5 cm distal of its origin in combination with hypertrophic collaterals between
      the celiac axis and the upper mesenteric artery. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE:
      In view of all findings, the diagnosis of Dunbar's syndrome was established.
      Since the symptoms were moderate, no further therapy was carried out. CONCLUSION:
      Dunbar's syndrome is caused by deep crossing of the median arcuate ligament
      resulting in compression of the proximal celiac axis resulting in a
      characteristic hooked appearance. Since a good collateralisation between the
      celiac axis and the superior mesenteric artery can be found, only about one
      percent of patients display symptoms (postprandial pain, sometimes weight loss).
      Typical patients are 20-40 year-old women. Although the diagnosis can be
      difficult and symptoms are rare, the Dunbar's syndrome, if typical morphologic
      findings an epigastric postprandial pain are present, is a relevant differential
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22094972
TI  - [Augmented reality: merge of reality and virtuality in medicine].

PMID- 22094973
TI  - [Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: extended recommendations
      considering safety improvements of pulmonary vein isolation with a cryoballoon-
      Case 11/2011].
AB  - HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 71-year-old, male patient was referred to our
      clinic for paroxysmal palpitations with dyspnoe and fatigue since four years
      despite pharmacological treatment with flecainide and bisoprolol. INVESTIGATIONS:
      A paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was documented in a 24-hour Holter recording. A
      bicycle ergometry showed a hypertensive reaction during exercise without any sign
      of coronary insufficiency. Intracardiac thrombi could by excluded by
      transesophageal echocardiography. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: The diagnosos
      of a drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was made and cryoballoon
      pulmonary vein isolation was performed. A follow-up 3 months after the ablation
      disclosed a freedom from atrial fibrillation documented in 7-day Holter
      recording. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to pharmacological rhythm control,
      interventional treatment has been established as more effective therapy for
      paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, patients should be referred to the
      ablation early enough to avoid structural atrial remodeling and thus transition
      into persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. New technical developments e.g.
      cryoballoon catheter-system simplifies the procedure and has been reported to be
      effective and safe to use for circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. Should
      the very promising preclinical data on efficacy and safety of cryothermal energy
      ablation be confirmed by results of ongoing, controlled trials, the catheter
      ablation may become the fist-line treatment for all patients with paroxysmal
      atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22094974
TI  - Pharmacoinvasive therapy for ST elevation myocardial infarction in China: a pilot
      study.
AB  - Most patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cannot
      receive timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of lack
      of facilities or delays in patient transfer or catheterization team mobilization.
      In these patients, early routine post-thrombolysis PCI might be a reasonable,
      useful strategy. This study investigated feasibility and safety of early PCI
      after successful half-dose alteplase reperfusion in a Chinese population.
      Patients with STEMI received half-dose alteplase if expected time delay to PCI
      was >=90 min. Patients who reached clinical criteria of successful thrombolysis
      reperfusion were recommended to undergo diagnostic angiography within 3-24 h
      after thrombolysis. Patients with residual stenosis >=70% in the infarct-related
      artery underwent PCI, regardless of flow or patency status. Epicardial arterial
      flow was assessed using thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade
      and TIMI frame count (CTFC). Myocardial perfusion was assessed using myocardial
      blush grade (MBG) and TIMI myocardial perfusion frame count (TMPFC). Forty-nine
      patients were enrolled and underwent diagnostic angiography 3-11.3 h (median 6.5
      h) after thrombolysis. Forty-six patients underwent PCI. No procedure-related
      complications occurred, except two patients who had no reflow after PCI. Twenty
      two (47.8%) patients had TIMI grade 3 flow before PCI and 33 (71.7%) after PCI.
      CTFC was significantly improved after PCI (48.5 +/- 32.1 vs. 37.9 +/- 25.6, P =
      0.01). MBG and TMPFC exhibited a similar improving trend after PCI, and the best
      myocardial perfusion tended to be achieved 3-12 h after lysis. During the 30-day
      follow-up, there were two deaths. The composite end point of death, cardiogenic
      shock, heart failure, reinfarction, and recurrent ischemia occurred in four
      patients. TIMI minor bleeding occurred in four patients. No TIMI major bleeding
      and stroke occurred. Early routine PCI after half-dose alteplase thrombolysis in
      Chinese population appears feasible. A larger clinical trial should be designed
      to further elucidate its efficacy and safety. Early PCI after thrombolysis in
      STEMI: The EARLY-PCI pilot feasibility study, ChiCTR-TNC-11001363.

PMID- 22094976
TI  - Corynebacterium glutamicum as a potent biocatalyst for the bioconversion of
      pentose sugars to value-added products.
AB  - Corynebacterium glutamicum, the industrial microbe traditionally used for the
      production of amino acids, proved its value for the fermentative production of
      diverse products through genetic/metabolic engineering. A successful
      demonstration of the heterologous expression of arabinose and xylose utilization
      genes made them interesting biocatalysts for pentose fermentation, which are the
      main components in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Its ability to withstand
      substantial amount of general growth inhibitors like furfurals, hydroxyl methyl
      furfurals and organic acids generated from the acid/alkali hydrolysis of
      lignocellulosics in growth arrested conditions and its ability to produce amino
      acids like glutamate and lysine in acid hydrolysates of rice straw and wheat
      bran, indicate the future prospective of this bacterium as a potent biocatalyst
      in fermentation biotechnology. However, the efforts so far on these lines have
      not yet been reviewed, and hence an attempt is made to look into the efficacy and
      prospects of C. glutamicum to utilize the normally non-fermentable pentose sugars
      from lignocellulosic biomass for the production of commodity chemicals.

PMID- 22094977
TI  - Biosynthesis and function of gliotoxin in Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - Gliotoxin (GT) is the prototype of the epidithiodioxopiperazine (ETP)-type fungal
      toxins. GT plays a critical role in the pathobiology of Aspergillus fumigatus. It
      modulates the immune response and induces apoptosis in different cell types. The
      toxicity has been attributed to the unusual intramolecular disulfide bridge,
      which is the functional motif of all ETPs. Because of the extraordinary structure
      and activity of GT, this fungal metabolite has been the subject of many
      investigations. The biosynthesis of GT involves unprecedented reactions catalysed
      by recently discovered enzymes. Here, we summarize the recent progress in
      elucidating the GT biosynthetic pathway and its role in virulence.

PMID- 22094978
TI  - Achieving nitrite accumulation in a continuous system treating low-strength
      domestic wastewater: switchover from batch start-up to continuous operation with
      process control.
AB  - Although biological nitrogen removal via nitrite is recognized as one of the cost
      effective and sustainable biological nitrogen removal processes, nitrite
      accumulation has proven difficult to achieve in continuous processes treating low
      strength nitrogenous wastewater. Partial nitrification to nitrite was achieved
      and maintained in a lab-scale completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) treating
      real domestic wastewater. During the start-up period, sludge with ammonia
      oxidizing bacteria (AOB) but no nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was obtained by
      batch operation with aeration time control. The nitrifying sludge with the
      dominance of AOB was then directly switched into continuous operation. It was
      demonstrated that partial nitrification to nitrite in the continuous system could
      be repeatedly and reliably achieved using this start-up strategy. The ratio of
      dissolved oxygen to ammonium loading rate (DO/ALR) was critical to maintain high
      ammonium removal efficiency and nitrite accumulation ratio. Over 85% of nitrite
      accumulation ratio and more than 95% of ammonium removal efficiency were achieved
      at DO/ALR ratios in an optimal range of 4.0-6.0 mg O(2)/g N d, even under the
      disturbances of ammonium loading rate. Microbial population shift was
      investigated, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis indicated that AOB
      were the dominant nitrifying bacteria over NOB when stable partial nitrification
      was established.

PMID- 22094979
TI  - Applications of microbial fermentations for production of gluten-free products
      and perspectives.
AB  - A gluten-free (GF) diet is recognised as being the only accepted treatment for
      celiac disease-a permanent autoimmune enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of
      gluten-containing cereals. The bakery products available in today's gluten-free
      market are characterised by lower palatability than their conventional
      counterparts and may lead to nutritional deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and
      fibre. Thus, the production of high-quality gluten-free products has become a
      very important socioeconomical issue. Microbial fermentation by means of lactic
      acid bacteria and yeast is one of the most ecological/economical methods of
      producing and preserving food. In this review, the role of a fermentation process
      for improving the quality of GF products and for developing a new concept of GF
      products with nutraceutical and health-promoting characteristics will be
      examined.

PMID- 22094980
TI  - Biotransformation of BMOV in the presence of blood serum proteins.
AB  - The interaction of the potent anti-diabetic agent bis(maltolato)oxidovanadium(IV)
      (BMOV) with some proteins of blood serum was studied by EPR spectroscopy, pH
      potentiometry and DFT calculations. The formation of cis-VO(ma)(2)(hTf), cis
      VO(ma)(2)(HSA) and cis-VO(ma)(2)(IgG), their role in the biotransformation in
      vivo and the mechanism of transport of BMOV in blood are discussed.

PMID- 22094981
TI  - Asthma and suicide: current knowledge and future directions.
AB  - The prevalence of asthma has risen dramatically, especially among youth, in
      recent years, and asthma is now among the most common chronic conditions. Recent
      studies suggest a relationship between asthma and suicidal ideation, suicide
      attempt, and death by suicide. This paper reviews the literature, summarizes the
      weight of evidence, and discusses the clinical implications and future directions
      for research.

PMID- 22094982
TI  - A review of the association between depression and insulin resistance: pitfalls
      of secondary analyses or a promising new approach to prevention of type 2
      diabetes?
AB  - We review the validity of the evidence for an association between depression and
      the risk of insulin resistance (IR). We describe the potentially plausible
      biological and behavioral mechanisms that explain how depression increases the
      risk of IR and consequent overt diabetes. We have identified gaps in the
      literature to guide future research. Evidence for bidirectional associations
      between depression and IR is inconsistent. Results showing positive associations
      between depression and IR are derived from cross-sectional studies, whereas
      negative findings are typically reported in cohort studies. On the other hand,
      tentative trial evidence suggests that the effective treatment of depression can
      improve IR, and that lifestyle programs improve IR and reduce depressive
      symptoms. These emerging themes could lead to potential new multidisciplinary
      approaches to preventing diabetes.

PMID- 22094983
TI  - Effects of continuous haemofiltration on serum enzyme concentrations,
      endotoxemia, homeostasis and survival in dogs with severe heat stroke.
AB  - AIM: To examine the effectiveness of continuous haemofiltration as a treatment
      for severe heat stroke in dogs. METHODS: Dogs were randomly allocated to a
      control or continuous haemofiltration group (both n=8). Heat stroke was induced
      by placing anaesthetised dogs in a high temperature cabin simulator. Upon
      confirmation of heat stroke (rectal temperature>42  degrees C, mean arterial
      pressure (MAP) decrease>25 mmHg), dogs were removed from the chamber and
      continuous haemofiltration was initiated and continued for 3h for dogs in the
      continuous haemofiltration group. Dogs in the control group were observed at room
      temperature. RESULTS: Rectal temperature, haemodynamics, pH, blood gases and
      electrolyte concentrations rapidly returned to baseline in the continuous
      haemofiltration group, but not the control group. After 3h, rectal temperature
      was 36.68+/-0.51  degrees C in the continuous haemofiltration group and 39.83+/
      1.10  degrees C in the control group (P<0.05). Continuous haemofiltration
      prevented endotoxin and all serum enzyme concentrations from increasing and
      caused malondialdehyde concentrations to decrease. After 3h, endotoxin
      concentrations were 0.14+/-0.02 EU ml(-1) in the continuous haemofiltration group
      and 0.23+/-0.05 EU ml(-1) in the control group (P=0.003), while malondialdehyde
      concentrations were 4.86+/-0.61 mmol l(-1) in the continuous haemofiltration
      group and 8.63+/-0.66 mmol l(-1) in the control group (P<0.001). Five dogs died
      in the control group within 3h, whereas no dogs died in the continuous
      haemofiltration group. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous haemofiltration rapidly reduced
      body temperature, normalised haemodynamics and electrolytes, improved serum
      enzyme concentrations and increased survival in dogs with heat stroke. Continuous
      haemofiltration may be an effective treatment for heat stroke.

PMID- 22094984
TI  - Hands-on defibrillation: theoretical and practical aspects of patient and rescuer
      safety.
AB  - Defibrillators are used to treat many thousands of people each year using very
      high voltages, but, despite this, reported injuries to rescuers are rare.
      Although even a small number of reported injuries is not ideal, the safety record
      of the defibrillator using the current protocol is widely regarded as being
      acceptable. There is increasing evidence that clinical outcome is significantly
      improved with continuous chest compressions, but defibrillation is a common cause
      of interruptions; even short interruptions, such as those associated with
      defibrillation, may detrimentally affect the outcome. This has led to discussions
      regarding the possibility of continuing chest compressions during defibrillation;
      a process involving a rescuer working in close proximity to voltages of up to
      5000 V. Not only do voltages of this magnitude have significant implications for
      the rescuer performing chest compressions, but there are also risks to other
      rescuers in the proximity, the patient and other bystanders. Clearly any
      deviation from accepted practice should only be undertaken following careful
      consideration of the risks and benefits to the patient, rescuers and others. This
      review summarises the physical principles of electrical risk and identifies ways
      in which these could be managed. In doing so, it is hoped that in future it may
      be possible to deliver continuous and safe manual chest compressions during
      defibrillator discharge in order to improve patient outcome.

PMID- 22094986
TI  - Cytokines: IL-17C joins the family firm.

PMID- 22094987
TI  - Dendritic cells: Choosing the right presentation.

PMID- 22094985
TI  - TLR-dependent T cell activation in autoimmunity.
AB  - Autoimmune disease can develop as a result of a breakdown in immunological
      tolerance, leading to the activation of self-reactive T cells. There is an
      established link between infection and human autoimmune diseases. Furthermore,
      experimental autoimmune diseases can be induced by autoantigens that are
      administered together with complete Freund's adjuvant, which contains killed
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis; in some cases, these bacteria can be replaced by
      individual pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Exogenous PAMPs and
      endogenous danger signals from necrotic cells bind to pattern recognition
      receptors (including Toll-like receptors) and activate signalling pathways in
      innate immune cells and in T cells. This leads to pro-inflammatory cytokine
      production and T cell activation, which are now considered to be major factors in
      the development of autoimmunity.

PMID- 22094990
TI  - Deformity of talus and calcaneous in congenital clubfoot:  an anatomical study.
AB  - Clubfoot is a complex congenital deformity. Midtarsal joint is a key point to
      understand the deformity in clubfoot as a consequence of the malalignment of the
      osseous columns. Talar and calcaneal deformities affecting the normal alignment
      of the medial and lateral osseous columns in the foot can be the factors that
      determine the difficulty in the management of clubfoot. We report observations of
      two clubfeet of one stillborn. Our observations in the head of the talus report
      two different articular areas: the histological section of medial area facing the
      navicular shows active articular cartilage and the lateral area shows an atrophic
      articular cartilage suggesting a difference between the anatomical declination
      angles of the talus from a functional declination angle. Observing the
      calcaneous, we report a twisting rotational deformity along the longitudinal axis
      of the calcaneous. These observations may contribute to a better understanding of
      the clubfoot relapse, and also the treatment of complicated cases of clubfeet.

PMID- 22094988
TI  - Strategies to discover regulatory circuits of the mammalian immune system.
AB  - Recent advances in technologies for genome- and proteome-scale measurements and
      perturbations promise to accelerate discovery in every aspect of biology and
      medicine. Although such rapid technological progress provides a tremendous
      opportunity, it also demands that we learn how to use these tools effectively.
      One application with great potential to enhance our understanding of biological
      systems is the unbiased reconstruction of genetic and molecular networks. Cells
      of the immune system provide a particularly useful model for developing and
      applying such approaches. Here, we review approaches for the reconstruction of
      signalling and transcriptional networks, with a focus on applications in the
      mammalian innate immune system.

PMID- 22094989
TI  - Throwing transcription for a loop: expression of the genome in the 3D nucleus.
AB  - The functional output of the genome is closely dependent on its organization
      within the nucleus, which ranges from the 10-nm chromatin fiber to the three
      dimensional arrangement of this fiber in the nuclear space. Recent observations
      suggest that intra- and inter-chromosomal interactions between distant sequences
      underlie several aspects of transcription regulatory processes. These contacts
      can bring enhancers close to their target genes or prevent inappropriate
      interactions between regulatory sequences via insulators. In addition, intra- and
      inter-chromosomal interactions can bring co-activated or co-repressed genes to
      the same nuclear location. Recent technological advances have made it possible to
      map long-range cis and trans interactions at relatively high resolution. This
      information is being used to develop three-dimensional maps of the arrangement of
      the genome in the nucleus and to understand causal relationships between nuclear
      structure and function.

PMID- 22094991
TI  - Ewing sarcoma of the tibia mimicking fibrous dysplasia.
AB  - Ewing sarcoma (ES) family of tumors is the second most common primary bone
      malignancy in children. It usually presents as an aggressive looking lesion often
      located in the meta-diaphyseal region of long bones, with bone destruction,
      permeation, cortical thinning and/or destruction, periosteal reaction, and large
      soft-tissue mass. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the occurrence of a
      fibrous dysplasia (FD)-appearing ES of the tibia. These cases underscore the
      potential difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of ES. In this study, we
      performed a retrospective review of children who presented with an otherwise
      benign-appearing lesion of the tibia, suggestive of FD, which proved to be ES
      after biopsy. As a result, all patients presented with a history of indolent
      lower extremity pain of several months of duration, without significant swelling
      or constitutional symptoms. Plain films revealed an otherwise benign-appearing/FD
      like lesion without bone destruction and mild cortical thinning, little or no
      periosteal reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the intramedullary
      extension of the lesion without significant cortical or periosteal involvement
      and no soft tissue mass. Lesions were hypointense on T1-weighted imaging and
      hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging. All patients underwent open incisional
      biopsy and after cytogenetic and molecular studies, the diagnosis of ES was
      confirmed. We conclude that ES is a deadly malignant tumor if left untreated or
      if mismanaged. Although it usually presents as an aggressive-looking lesion, at
      times it may mimic FD and has a benign-looking appearance, making the diagnosis
      unlikely and challenging. Summation of these cases demonstrates that the
      potential reasons for misdiagnoses include a low level of suspicion, an atypical
      site occurrence, a benign radiographic appearance, and a lack of or insufficient
      histologic specimens.

PMID- 22094992
TI  - Risk of esophageal cancer in diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of observational
      studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inconsistent findings from observational studies have prolonged the
      controversy over the effects of history of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the risk of
      esophageal cancer (EC). We conducted a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies to
      evaluate the association of a history of DM with the risk of EC. METHODS: We
      identified studies by a literature search of MEDLINE (from 1 January 1966) and
      EMBASE (from 1 January 1974), through 28 Feburary 2011, and by searching the
      reference lists of pertinent articles. Summary relative risks (SRRs) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model. All
      statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies (6 case-control
      studies and 11 cohort studies) fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
      Compared with non-diabetic individuals, diabetic individuals had a modestly
      increased risk of EC (SRRs 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12-1.50), with significant
      heterogeneity among studies (p = 0.042). In stratified analysis, the SRRs of EC
      were 1.28 (1.10-1.49) for diabetic men and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.71-1.62) for diabetic
      women, respectively. In addition, DM was associated with an increased risk of
      esophageal adenocarcinoma (SRR 2.12, 95% CI 1.01-4.46). There was no significant
      publication bias (p = 0.127 for Begg's adjusted rank correlation test and p =
      0.629 for Egger's regression test). CONCLUSION: These findings support the
      hypothesis that men with diabetes may have a modestly increased risk of EC, while
      diabetic women were not the case.

PMID- 22094993
TI  - Clinical use of PET/CT in peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer has been
      associated with poor survival but new approaches and postoperative chemotherapy
      have improved survival. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical
      utility of imaging in cases of PC from colorectal cancer. METHODOLOGY: This is a
      retrospective single-institution study which examined 23 patients with colorectal
      cancer who underwent positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT)
      and received a final diagnosis PC in our institute between 2005 and 2010.
      RESULTS: PET/CT detected PC in 19 of 23 cases (82.6%), whereas CT detected PC in
      6 of 20 cases (30%). Four cases of PC were FDG-negative, all with maximal size
      <10mm, representing smaller tumors. FDG-negative PC was diffuse in 3 cases and
      nodular in 1. The distributed spotty uptake of FDG-negative PC was harder to
      detect. Diagnostic detection of PC was only achieved in 3 of 23 cases (13%). In
      the remaining cases, clinical diagnosis was metastasis to lymph nodes,
      recurrence, or normal FDG uptake by intestine. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT offers
      efficient detection of PC and has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis
      when coupled with an understanding of the pathways of flow for ascitic fluid and
      peritoneal seeding.

PMID- 22094994
TI  - Risk factors of SFSS in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using
      the right liver: a single-center analysis of 217 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small-for-size Syndrome (SFSS) in adult-adult living right lobe
      liver transplantation (A-ALRLT) remains the greatest limiting factor for the
      expansion of using segmental liver transplantation and the major cause of worse
      short-term prognoses after LDLT. The causes of SFSS are not clear, so in this
      study we approached the risk factors of the SFSS. METHODOLOGY: The study included
      217 consecutive adult recipients that underwent living right lobe liver
      transplantation at our center. Cases were divided into two groups: 45 cases were
      determined as SFSS and 172 cases without SFSS within one month after
      transplantation. Preoperative factors like donor and recipient characteristics,
      operational data and postoperative factors were compared between the two groups.
      Factors possibly related to postoperative SFSS were also analyzed using logistic
      regression. RESULTS: After comparing the two groups, there was no significant
      difference in donor and recipient background characteristics and no differences
      were found between the two groups, except for portal inflow volume and MELD score
      which were much higher and GRWR and outflow volume were much lower in G1.
      Logistic regression analysis revealed four independent factors associated with
      SFSS development in right lobe graft: GRWR, MELD score, portal inflow volume and
      outflow capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Small GRWR, high MELD score, high portal inflow
      volume and low outflow capacity are four risk factors in A-ALRLT.

PMID- 22094995
TI  - Correlation between p16 expression and malignant risk of gastrointestinal stromal
      tumor: evidence from nine studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The published data about p16 expression and its potential value
      in malignant risk of GIST patients seems inconclusive. To derive a more precise
      estimation of this relationship a meta-analysis was performed. METHODOLOGY:
      Studies were identified using PubMed and Embase. Inclusive criteria were GIST
      patients, evaluation of p16 expression and malignant risk. The odds ratios for
      positive rate of p16 in NIH very low risk group vs. NIH low risk group, for
      positive rate of p16 in NIH low risk group vs. NIH intermediate risk group, for
      positive rate of p16 in NIH intermediate risk group vs. NIH high risk group, and
      for positive rate of p16 in NIH very low risk/low risk group vs. NIH intermediate
      risk/high risk group, were calculated with 95% CI for each study as an estimation
      of potential value of p16 in malignant risk of GIST. RESULTS: A total of 9
      studies including 817 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. The meta
      analyses of positive rate of p16 among NIH VL group vs. NIH L group vs. NIH I
      group vs. NIH H group did not attain significant differences, but the overall OR
      for positive rate of p16 in NIH VL+L group vs. NIH I+H group revealed that
      significantly elevated risks of positive p16 in NIH VL+L group were achieved.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate p16 loss correlates with the increase of
      malignant risk for GIST and has a close relationship within the NIH I risk group
      and NIH H risk group.

PMID- 22094996
TI  - Novel biopsy forceps for diagnosis of biliary tract diseases during endoscopic
      retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prospective comparative study with 90
      degrees  adjustable and conventional biopsy forceps.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, controllable biopsy forceps (MTW, D degrees sseldorf,
      Germany) have been developed. This biopsy forceps were 90 degrees  adjustable. In
      the present study, the feasibility and efficacy of the controllable biopsy
      forceps were compared with those of conventional biopsy forceps in patients with
      biliary tract disease. METHODOLOGY: A total of 27 patients with biliary tract
      lesions were enrolled. We evaluated the procedure time, the sample tissue size
      and the diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the physicians performing the procedure
      rated their impressions about operability into 3 classes: excellent, fair and
      poor. RESULTS: The sensitivity in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions
      was 71.4% (15/21) for the 90 degrees  adjustable type and 66.7% (14/21) for the
      conventional type. The accuracy rate was 77.8% (21/27) for the 90 degrees 
      adjustable type and 74.0% (20/27) for the conventional type. In terms of
      operability as rated by each physician, the 'excellent' rate was given more
      frequently to the 90 degrees  adjustable type 25.9% than for the conventional
      type 11.1% (p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study showed that
      controllable biopsy forceps compared to conventional type biopsy forceps, despite
      a larger diameter, enables biopsy in a similar procedure time and its ease of use
      was rated better.

PMID- 22094997
TI  - Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 is an early marker of pancreatic necrosis in
      patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study the ability of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) to
      predict pancreatic necrosis (PN) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
      (SAP). METHODOLOGY: From July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 patients diagnosed
      with SAP were included (n=35). Serum MMP-9, CRP and IL-6 were analyzed on days 1,
      3, 5 and 7 of hospitalization to determine if they could predict the development
      of pancreatic necrosis. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients included, 12 (34.3%) had
      evidence of PN. Admission MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher in
      patients with PN compared to subjects without PN (13.1+/-4.0 vs. 7.5+/-3.8,
      p<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves for PN revealed an area under
      the curve of 0.832 for admission MMP-9 (95% confidence interval 0.696-0.967,
      p=0.001). Elevated concentrations of MMP-9 on admission for pancreatic necrosis
      =9.35mg/L yielded a positive predictive value of 90.9% with a sensitivity of
      91.7% and a specificity of 69.6%. Binary logistic regression indicated that MMP-9
      was significantly associated with pancreatic necrosis (Odds ratios 25.1, 95%
      confidence interval 2.7-234.2; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: An elevation in serum MMP-9
      within the first 24 hours of disease is strongly associated with the development
      of pancreatic necrosis. This finding may have important clinical implications and
      requires further investigation.

PMID- 22094998
TI  - What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Guiding principles for the use
      of financial incentives in health behaviour change.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of financial incentives or pay-for-performance programs for
      health care providers has triggered emerging interest in the use of financial
      incentives for encouraging health behaviour change. PURPOSE: This paper aims to
      identify key conditions under which the use of financial incentives for
      improvements in public health outcomes is most likely to be effective and
      appropriate. METHODS: We review recent systematic reviews on their effectiveness
      in changing health behaviour and identify existing moral concerns concerning
      personal financial incentives. RESULTS: Current evidence indicates that
      incentives can be effective in driving health behaviour change under certain
      provisos, while a number of misgivings continue to be deliberated on. We outline
      a number of key principles for consideration in decisions about the potential use
      of incentives in leading to public health improvements. CONCLUSION: These key
      principles can assist policy makers in making decisions on the use of financial
      incentives directed at achieving improvements in public health.

PMID- 22094999
TI  - Hyperbolic correlation between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion fades
      away in lean subjects with superb glucose regulation.
AB  - The relationship between insulin sensitivity (Si) and insulin secretion (beta)
      was analyzed in 533 health examinees. The subjects underwent a 75 g oral glucose
      tolerance test, with plasma glucose (PG) and immunoreactive insulin (IRI)
      determined at fasting, 30 min and 120 min, and were classified according to the
      current criteria as normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n=328), non-diabetic
      hyperglycemia (NDH, n=113) including impaired fasting glucose and impaired
      glucose tolerance, and diabetes mellitus (DM, n=72). NGT was subdivided by
      fasting PG (FPG) tertile, <=4.9, 5.0-5.4 and 5.5-6.0 mM, into NGT(FPG1),
      NGT(FPG2) and NGT(FPG3), or by body mass index (BMI) tertile, <=21.8, 21.9-24.4
      and >=24.5 kg/m2, into NGT(BMI1), NGT(BMI2) and NGT(BMI3). As an index of Si and
      beta, Matsuda index=10,000/sqrt[FPG.FIRI.2hPG.2hIRI] and deltaIRI0-30/deltaPG0
      30, were employed respectively: FIRI, 2hPG and 2hIRI denote fasting IRI, 2h-post
      glucose PG and IRI, respectively. Correlation between Si and beta was evaluated
      by Spearman's rank correlation and the parameters for [beta]=a.[Si](b) were
      obtained by standardized major axis (SMA) regression. Si-beta correlation was
      strongest in NDH (Spearman's rho=-0.546, SMA regression r2=0.277), intermediate
      in DM (rho=-0.432, r2=0.193) and weakest in NGT (rho=-0.201, r2=0.039).
      Spearman's rho for the Si-beta correlation was significantly lower in NGT than in
      NDH (p=0.003). Si-beta correlation was significant in NGT(FPG3), NGT(FPG2) and
      NGT(BMI3), but not in NGT(FPG1), NGT(BMI2) and NGT(BMI1). The slope, b, was 
      1.184~-1.530 without significant differences between any groups. In conclusion,
      the hyperbolic Si-beta correlation was weaker in NGT than in NDH and absent in
      NGT subjects belonging to the lowest FPG or BMI tertile.

PMID- 22095000
TI  - One in five subjects with normal thyroid ultrasonography has altered thyroid
      tests.
AB  - The relation between thyroid ultrasonography and laboratory, and the relationship
      of thyroid volume with clinical and anthropometric parameters, are not well
      clarified. Aim of the study was to investigate normal and hypoechoic
      inhomogeneous not nodular thyroid gland in predicting thyroid tests, and to
      assess the correlation of thyroid volume with several clinical parameters. The
      series included 434 subjects (244 with normal thyroid ultrasonography, and 190
      with hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid) at their first evaluation. Subjects with
      normal ultrasonography and skewed tests were re-evaluated after one year. All
      subjects with normal ultrasound showed normal free-T4, while TSH was elevated in
      9.8% of cases and thyroid antibodies were positive in another 9.8%. In patients
      with hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid, free-T4 was low in 33.2%, TSH was elevated
      in 78.4% and thyroid antibodies were positive in 76.3%. Normal ultrasonography
      matched with normal tests in 81.1% of cases while hypoechoic-inhomogeneous
      thyroid in 9.5% (p<0.001). The re-evaluation of tests showed no significant
      difference. In subjects with both normal ultrasonography and tests, thyroid
      volume was correlated with age (p=0.001), weight (p=0.003), BMI (p=0.04), body
      surface area (p=0.002). Thyroid laboratory assessment was different between
      subjects with ultrasonographically normal or hypoechoic-inhomogeneous thyroid.
      Thyroid volume of thyroid diseases-free subjects was correlated with age, weight,
      BMI and body surface area, and this should be of interest to investigate the
      references of normality of thyroid size.

PMID- 22095001
TI  - Prediction of late (24-hour) radioactive iodine uptake using early (3-hour)
      uptake values in Japanese patients with Graves' disease.
AB  - Measurement of 24-hour radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU), which is commonly used
      to calculate the dose of radioiodine (RI) therapy, cannot be accomplished in a
      single day. The purpose of this study was to predict 24-hour RAIU from 3-hour
      RAIU in Japanese patients with Graves' disease, and to investigate other factors
      that could be used to predict 24-hour RAIU. A total of 66 Japanese patients (14
      men and 52 women; age, 17-83 years) with Graves' disease who had undergone both 3
      hour and 24-hour 123I RAIU measurements between January 2006 and September 2011
      were included in this study. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed
      in order to identify factors that could be used to predict 24-hour RAIU. The
      investigated factors were gender, age, thyroid volume, TSH, free thyroxine (FT4),
      free triiodothyronine (FT3), serum creatinine, second generation assay TSH
      receptor antibody (TRAb2), antithyroid drugs discontinuation period (ADP), iodine
      restriction period and 3-hour RAIU. The ADP was converted to an ordinal scale ADP
      score (ADPS) for multiple regression analyses. Multiple regression analyses
      showed that 3-hour RAIU (P < 0.001), FT3 (P < 0.001) and ADPS (P < 0.001) were
      statistically significant predictive factors of 24-hour RAIU. The relationship
      between 24-hour RAIU (LU) and 3-hour RAIU (EU), FT3 and ADPS was: LU = 11.5 +
      29.1 * log10 EU + 23.0 * log10 FT3 - 2.7 * ADPS (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). The
      present results indicate that prediction of LU from EU, FT3 and ADPS is feasible
      in Japanese patients with Graves' disease.

PMID- 22095002
TI  - Prolonged conversion of n-butyrate to n-butanol with Clostridium
      saccharoperbutylacetonicum in a two-stage continuous culture with in-situ product
      removal.
AB  - n-Butanol was produced continuously in a two-stage fermentor system with
      integrated product removal from a co-feed of n-butyric acid and glucose. Glucose
      was always required as a source of ATP and electrons for the conversion of n
      butyrate to n-butanol and for biomass growth; for the latter it also served as a
      carbon source. The first stage generated metabolically active planktonic cells of
      Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum strain N1-4 that were continuously fed
      into the second (production) stage; the volumetric ratio of the two fermentors
      was 1:10. n-Butanol was removed continuously from the second stage via gas
      stripping. Implementing a two-stage process was observed to dramatically dampen
      metabolic oscillations (i.e., periodical changes of solventogenic activity).
      Culture degeneration (i.e., an irreversible loss of solventogenic activity) was
      avoided by periodical heat shocking and re-inoculating stage 1 and by maintaining
      the concentration of undissociated n-butyric acid in stage 2 at 3.4 mM with a pH
      auxostat. The system was successfully operated for 42 days during which 93% of
      the fed n-butyrate was converted to n-butanol at a production rate of 0.39 g/(L *
      h). The molar yields Y(n-butanol/n-butyrate) and Y(n-butanol/glucose) were 2.0,
      and 0.718, respectively. For the same run, the molar ratio of n-butyrate to
      glucose consumed was 0.358. The molar yield of carbon in n-butanol produced from
      carbon in n-butyrate and glucose consumed (Y(n-butanol/carbon) ) was 0.386. These
      data illustrate that conversion of n-butyrate into n-butanol by solventogenic
      Clostridium species is feasible and that this can be performed in a continuous
      system operating for longer than a month. However, our data also demonstrate that
      a relatively large amount of glucose is required to supply electrons and ATP for
      this conversion and for cell growth in a continuous culture.

PMID- 22095003
TI  - Exploring the provision of hospital trauma care for road traffic injury victims
      in Iran: a qualitative approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying factors affecting the provision of trauma care is
      essential for improving the quality of care for road traffic injury (RTI)
      victims. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of trauma
      care among injured patients and health professionals to identify factors
      influencing an effective trauma care delivery at emergency departments (EDs) in
      Iran. METHODS: The study was conducted with a grounded theory approach. The study
      participants consisted of 15 health professionals and 20 injured patients. The
      data were collected via semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using
      constant comparative analysis method. RESULTS: Lack of a systematic approach to
      providing trauma care at EDs emerged as the core category. The leading factors in
      the development of the core category were unclear national policies and poor
      organization of care at the ED. Other major factors were contextual factors in
      the environment of the hospitals such as inappropriate structure and unsupportive
      environment and also factors specific to the context of Iran such as a rapid
      increase in the number of traumas. Professionals reacted to the prevailing
      conditions in ways that contributed to an ineffective trauma care, even though
      strategies employed by Emergency Medicine Physicians (EMPs) improved the quality
      of trauma care locally. CONCLUSIONS: Building a national trauma system, using
      available professional resources especially EMPs, and implementing low cost and
      evidence-based improvements such as establishing trauma teams and trauma training
      for staff working at the EDs on a regular basis is necessary in order to improve
      delivery of trauma care at the hospitals.

PMID- 22095004
TI  - Migration challenges among Zimbabwean refugees before, during and post arrival in
      South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zimbabweans are immigrating to South Africa with a commonly cited
      reason being economic opportunities. Prospects of finding employment may be a
      significant reason to leave behind family, friends, and community, sources that
      buffer and offer social support against life's challenges. Currently, there is a
      dearth of research examining the motivators for Zimbabweans immigrating and the
      experiences encountered along the way and after arrival in South Africa. Such
      research is essential as large numbers of Zimbabweans may be at risk for
      emotional and physical trauma during this process. METHODS: Two gender specific
      focus group discussions, each lasting 90-minutes and consisting of homeless
      Zimbabwean refugees, were conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A
      semi-structured interview assessed for experiences in and reasons for leaving
      Zimbabwe, as well as experiences en-route and within South Africa. Discussions
      were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using consensual qualitative
      research and a constant comparison qualitative method. RESULTS: Three temporal
      themes were identified and included challenges and trauma experienced in Zimbabwe
      (pre-migration), during the immigration journey (mid-migration), and upon arrival
      in South Africa (post-migration). While there were some experiential differences,
      Zimbabwean men and women shared numerous traumatic commonalities. In addition to
      the themes, three subthemes contributing to reasons for leaving Zimbabwe, two
      subthemes of negative and traumatic experiences incurred mid-migration, and two
      post-migration subthemes of challenges were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the
      difficulties encountered in their homeland, newly arrived Zimbabweans in South
      Africa may be exchanging old struggles for a new array of foreign and traumatic
      challenges. Reasons to immigrate and the psychological and physical toll of
      migration exacted at the individual and community levels are discussed.
      Recommendations advocating for culturally congruent mental health research, the
      training of culturally competent researchers and clinicians, and the development
      of policies that could influence the quality of life of Zimbabwean refugees are
      provided.

PMID- 22095005
TI  - The remote assessment of melanocytic skin lesions: a viable alternative to face
      to-face consultation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma continues to rise in the Western world,
      prompting health care professionals to search for novel tools that may increase
      rates of early detection. Here we focus on one such tool: remote specialist
      diagnosis of melanocytic lesions utilising mobile-phone camera patient-generated
      clinical images. OBJECTIVE: We aim to test the hypothesis that patient-generated
      clinical images utilising mobile phones are of acceptable quality, and that
      digital image diagnostic outcomes are comparable with face-to-face (FTF)
      diagnostic outcomes. METHODS: Study participants were asked to photograph, using
      their mobile-phone camera any number of their own melanocytic naevi, and then
      upload these clinical images to a central server. Diagnostic accuracy of the
      management decision based on assessing these digital images was tested by
      comparing results from digital image assessment with results from FTF
      assessments. RESULTS: We provide evidence that suggests potential patients are
      capable of uploading good quality clinical images of melanocytic lesions for
      diagnostic purposes, and we show that good concordance rates can be achieved with
      respect to digital image and FTF diagnostic outcomes. With respect to the latter,
      exact agreement was found in 116 of 167 assessable lesions (69%). CONCLUSIONS:
      This work suggests that specialist remote diagnosis of patient-generated clinical
      images of melanocytic lesions utilising mobile-phone cameras may be a viable
      alternative to traditional FTF assessments.

PMID- 22095006
TI  - Recidivism rates among mentally ill inmates: impact of the Connecticut Offender
      Reentry Program.
AB  - This study compares data from the Connecticut Offender Reentry Program (CORP) and
      retrospective data for inmates who received standard treatment planning services
      from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services (DMHAS).
      Analysis of DMHAS data investigated characteristics (demographic, psychiatric,
      and prison classification scores) and recidivism rates of 883 individuals. A
      program evaluation was later completed on a separate cohort of 88 individuals who
      participated in CORP. Comparison of the study results found that 14.1% of the
      CORP participants were rearrested within 6 months of discharge compared to 28.3%
      of the DMHAS group. This study concluded that younger age and having a co
      occurring substance use disorder appear to be predictors of recidivism. A
      distinctly smaller percentage of CORP participants were recidivistic, indicating
      support for specialized reentry programs.

PMID- 22095007
TI  - Nonviolent communication training and empathy in male parolees.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a behavioral
      intervention, nonviolent communication (NVC), on the development of empathic
      coping and communication skills in a sample of male parolees enrolled in
      substance abuse treatment (SAT; N = 30). At the end of the 8-week intervention,
      results revealed a significant increase (p = .01) in participants' empathy
      levels. Findings also revealed the acceptability and utility of NVC training to
      men on parole. Results suggest that NVC training may (a) be a useful addition to
      substance abuse treatment programs for parolees, (b) be effective in addressing
      problematic coping and communication styles resulting from incarceration and
      criminal behavior, and (c) assist paroled individuals in building and sustaining
      positive social support networks.

PMID- 22095008
TI  - Historical impact to drive research in peptic ulcer disease.
AB  - The story of gastric acid secretion began with early ideas on gastric secretion
      (Spallanzani and de Reaumur, 17th century) and with first descriptions of food
      digestion (Dupuytren and Bichat, Beaumont, early 18th century), followed by proof
      that gastric juice contained acid (Prout, early 18th century). The research
      continued with first descriptions of gastric glands as the source of gastric acid
      and its changes upon digestive stimulus (Purkinje and Golgi, mid and late 19th
      century). The theory of 'nervism' - the neuro-reflex stimulation of gastric
      secretion by vagal nerve (Pavlov, early 20th century) was contrasted by a
      histamine-mediated concept of gastric secretion (Popielski and Code, mid 20th
      century). Thus, gastric acid and pepsin (Schwann, early 19th century) were found
      to be essential for food digestion and studies also pointed to histamine, being
      the most potent final common chemostimulator of oxyntic cells. The discoveries in
      etiopathogenesis of mucosal injury were marked by the famous dictum: 'No acid, no
      ulcer' ('Ohne saueren Magensaft kein peptisches Geschwur', Schwarz, 1910) that
      later induced the term of 'mucosal defense' and the notion that the breaking of
      'gastric mucosal barrier' represents the initial step in the process of mucosal
      injury (Davenport, Code and Scholer, mid 20th century). The prostaglandins were
      shown to influence all major components of gastric mucosal barrier, described
      with the term 'cytoprotection' (Vane, Robert and Jacobson, 1970s). Beginning in
      the latter half of 19th century, the studies on gastric bacteriology that
      followed enabled the discovery of association between Campylobacter
      (Helicobacter) pylori and peptic ulcers (Warren and Marshall, 1980s) that led to
      worldwide major interventions in treating peptic ulcer disease. The surgical
      approach to peptic ulcer had been outlined by resection procedures (Billroth,
      Pean, Moynihan, late 19 century) and vagotomy, with or without drainage
      procedures (Jaboulay, Latarjet, Dragstedt, mid 20th century). Antacids,
      protective agents, anticholinergics, and later gastrin antagonists and
      prostaglandins were used for decades in the treatment of peptic ulcer, with
      differing effects. The advent of the concept of H(2)-receptor antagonists (Black,
      1970s) and the discovery of acid (proton) pumps in parietal cells (Ganser, Forte
      and Sachs, late 1970s) paved the way for potent (H(2) antagonists) and profound
      acid inhibition (proton pump inhibitors) that revolutionized the treatment of
      acid-related disorders, including peptic ulcer disease. Worldwide, peptic ulcer
      and its complications remain the cause of significant morbidity, especially in
      older age groups, representing a major burden for ambulatory and hospital
      healthcare resources.

PMID- 22095009
TI  - Etiopathogenetic principles and peptic ulcer disease classification.
AB  - Ulceration corresponds to tissue loss, breaching the muscularis mucosae. When
      ulcers develop in the acid-peptic environment of the gastroduodenum, they are
      traditionally called peptic ulcer (PUD). Ulcers never develop spontaneously in a
      healthy gastroduodenal mucosa. Ulceration is the ultimate consequence of a
      disequilibrium between aggressive injurious factors and defensive mucosa
      protective factors. The dominant aggressors are strong acid and high proteolytic
      (pepsin) activity in gastric secretions. The dominant defensors are the
      phospholipid surfactant layer, covering the mucus bicarbonate gel, the mucus
      bicarbonate layer covering the epithelium, the tight junctional structures
      between the epithelial cells, restricting proton permeability, and the epithelial
      trefoil peptides, contributing to healing after injury. Initially, acid-peptic
      aggression was considered the overwhelming cause of PUD, supported by the
      pioneering work of Schwartz, launching the dictum 'no acid, no ulcer'. This led
      to the universal therapy directed against intragastric acidity, also interfering
      with peptic activity when the pH was >4. The therapeutic sequence went from large
      doses of antacids to H(2)-receptor antagonists and finally to proton pump
      inhibitors (PPIs). The longer the intragastric pH was >3, the quicker ulcer
      healing was seen. Unfortunately, ulcers often recurred after stopping therapy,
      demanding maintenance therapy to keep the ulcers healed and to prevent the need
      for surgery (vagotomy, partial gastric resection). Later on, the emphasis
      gradually shifted to weakening/failing of the defensive factors, raising the
      vulnerability of the gastroduodenal mucosa to luminal secretions. Leading
      injurious mechanisms jeopardizing the mucosal integrity are numerous: infections,
      especially Helicobacter pylori, drug-induced injury, particularly acetylsalicylic
      acid (ASA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physicochemical
      and caustic injury, vascular disorders, interfering with perfusion, etc.
      Currently the leading cause of PUD is H. pylori infection. Standard triple
      eradication therapy is losing interest in favor of quadruple therapy (PPI,
      bismuth, tetracycline, metronidazole). H. pylori-induced PPI is rapidly
      disappearing in the Western world, in contrast to drug-induced ulcer disease and
      what is called idiopathic PUD. Partial prophylaxis of ASA/NSAID-induced
      ulceration is possible with PPI maintenance therapy, but novel ways to strengthen
      the mucosal defense are urgently awaited.

PMID- 22095010
TI  - The intriguing relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection and acid secretion
      in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infection induces chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa
      and thus profoundly affects gastric physiology. In the acute phase of infection,
      gastric acid secretion is transiently impaired. The morphological damage of the
      gastric mucosa, changes in gastric hormone release, and disruption of neural
      pathways all contribute to influence gastric acid secretion in a distinct manner.
      Changes in gastric acid secretion, whether impaired or increased, are intimately
      related with the topographic phenotypes of gastritis and the presence of atrophy
      or absence of corpus atrophy. The interplay of gastritis phenotype and acid
      secretion are key determinants in disease outcomes. Corpus-predominant gastritis
      and corpus atrophy are accompanied by hypochlorhydria and carry the highest risk
      for gastric cancer, whereas antrum-predominant gastritis with little involvement
      of the corpus-fundic mucosa is associated with hyperchlorhydria and predisposes
      to duodenal ulcer disease.

PMID- 22095011
TI  - Acid-NSAID/aspirin interaction in peptic ulcer disease.
AB  - The presence of gastric acid plays a critical role in the mechanisms of
      NSAIDs/aspirin-associated gastric and duodenal mucosal injury and ulceration. The
      role of gastric acid and its relationship to NSAIDs/aspirin in mucosal damage,
      ulcer and ulcer complications continues to be an important concern because of the
      increasing worldwide use of NSAIDs and aspirin. Acid suppression continues to be
      an important prevention strategy for NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcer
      and ulcer complications. While a coxib or an NSAID and PPI in combination are
      considered to have comparable safety profiles, the evidence from direct
      comparisons in high-risk patients is limited, and the cardiovascular safety of
      coxibs and NSAIDs remains a concern especially in patients with a high risk of
      cardiovascular disease. An evaluation of individual gastrointestinal and
      cardiovascular risks and benefits, selection of the most appropriate NSAID and
      dose for each particular patient should always be emphasized. Twice daily PPI is
      more appropriate to protect a patient who is taking NSAIDs twice daily. PPI co
      therapy is still recommended in patients receiving dual antiplatelet treatment,
      although conflicting results have been reported about adverse drug interactions
      between PPIs and clopidogrel.

PMID- 22095012
TI  - Pharmaceutical principles of acid inhibitors: unmet needs.
AB  - Despite the well-established benefits of currently approved delayed-release
      proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the treatment of acid-related diseases, the
      unmet needs are still present and although often frustrating, they challenge
      clinicians. The unmet needs relate to the lack of complete control of acid
      secretion with oral PPI administration in the management of patients with
      gastroesophageal symptoms. These substantial groups of patients, who do not
      respond completely to standard doses of PPIs, are nonresponders, and their lack
      of response should be considered as PPI failure. Several mechanisms could explain
      PPI failure: differences in pharmacokinetics, PPI formulation, dosing time and
      diet, noncompliance, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, esophageal
      hypersensitivity, and nocturnal acid breakthrough. To increase the quality of
      life of these patients and avoid multiple medical consultations and unnecessary
      investigations, we have to go one step forward and use combined therapy or look
      towards new treatments beyond acid suppression.

PMID- 22095013
TI  - Long-term acid inhibition: benefits and harms.
AB  - Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the drugs of choice in the therapy of acid
      related disorders. PPIs are as a class remarkably safe. Serious adverse events
      such as acute interstitial nephritis are extremely rare. Some reports in recent
      years have placed some concern on the long-term use of PPIs. Long-term therapy
      with PPIs can cause hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia and has interactions on
      hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes which might increase the risk of infectious
      complications, nutritional deficiencies and drug-drug interactions. The vast
      majority of data came from retrospective case-control or cohort studies which are
      prone to confounders. At the moment we cannot conclude that long-term PPI use
      causes anemia, osteoporosis and bone fractures, increases the risk for pulmonary
      or enteric infections, has an effect on GUT mucosa, polyp or tumor formation, or
      that PPI use increases the risk of cardiovascular events in patients on PPIs and
      clopidogrel. We need prospective randomized trials to be able to definitely
      answer the questions raised in epidemiologic studies. Maintenance therapy with
      PPIs should be started only if strict indications for that therapy are fulfilled.

PMID- 22095014
TI  - Acid inhibition and the acid rebound effect.
AB  - Acid secretion from gastric parietal cells is a result of a complex interaction
      between different stimulatory and inhibitory mediators. One of the most important
      mediators is gastrin, which stimulates gastric acid secretion from parietal cells
      mostly indirectly, by the release of histamine from enterochromaffin-like (ECL)
      cells. Therapy with antisecretory agents leads to hypergastrinemia, mucosal
      hyperplasia and increased ECL cell mass, which results in increase of gastric
      acid secretion capacity. This increased secretion capacity has been shown to
      manifest itself after antisecretory therapy withdrawal as rebound acid
      hypersecretion (RAH). Various studies have quantified acid hypersecretion after
      the cessation of therapy with H(2) antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).
      While most of those studies had small patient numbers, the findings generally
      demonstrate that RAH after H(2) antagonist therapy is of low magnitude, short
      duration, and has questionable clinical significance. On the contrary, acid
      hypersecretion after PPI therapy is more pronounced, lasts longer, and could
      possibly be the cause of acid-related symptoms. Potential for causing symptoms
      has recently been confirmed in two randomized placebo-controlled studies, and
      while we witness the increasing use of PPIs, RAH could become a proven cause of
      failure to withdraw therapy in a proportion of patients with reflux or dyspeptic
      symptoms.

PMID- 22095015
TI  - Acid secretion and gastric surgery.
AB  - It was long believed that there were major differences in the pathophysiology
      between the three major categories of peptic ulcers. The unifying feature was
      that all peptic ulcers occurred in a mucosal compartment exposed to acid-pepsin
      secretions. All ulcers tended to heal more rapidly when acid secretion was more
      readily neutralized or inhibited. Decreased local resistance was considered to be
      present in primarily acute and chronic gastric ulcer. Surgery for peptic ulcer
      intended to reduce acid secretion, which also resulted in a diminished pepsin
      enzyme activity. The corresponding reduction could be accomplished either by
      gastric resection, different vagotomies or a combination of resections and
      vagotomies. Most of the procedures were basically abandoned at the time of
      introduction of modern medical therapeutic strategies. For duodenal ulcer and
      prepyloric ulcer diseases, various vagotomies were generally recommended or
      combined with antrectomy. Partial gastrectomy or antrectomy with
      gastroduodenostomy was the standard procedure for treatment of type 1 gastric
      ulcer. The great caveat associated with surgical procedures for elective
      treatment of uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease is confined to operative
      mortality, postoperative morbidity, and late postoperative metabolic sequelae.
      The only remaining indication today of remedial gastric surgery for peptic ulcer
      disease is when there is a defined risk for gastric cancer in an unhealed gastric
      ulcer and very seldom in a case with recurrent or therapy-resistant peripyloric
      ulcer.

PMID- 22095016
TI  - Complications of peptic ulcer disease.
AB  - There are four major complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD): bleeding,
      perforation, penetration, and obstruction. Complications can occur in patients
      with peptic ulcer of any etiology. Despite improvements in the medical management
      and the lower overall incidence of PUD, there are conflicting data about the
      incidence of potentially life-threatening ulcer complications. There are
      important time trends embedded within this stable overall rate of complications:
      the dramatic decline in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (comparing the
      cohort born from 1900 to 1920 to cohorts born after 1940); an increased use of
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and an increased rate of ulcer
      complications related to such drug use, especially in the elderly. As a result of
      these trends, ulcer complications are on the rise in older patients but on the
      decline in younger individuals. Hemorrhage is the most frequent PUD complication
      and its incidence is increasing in comparison to perforation and stenosis.
      Therapeutic endoscopy is considered the treatment of choice for bleeding ulcers,
      reducing the need for emergent surgical procedures to 10-20% of the cases. In
      recent years, besides the success of angiographic embolization, the containment
      of massive hemorrhage must also be taken into account. Transcatheter arterial
      embolization is also an effective and safe treatment in patients with duodenal
      ulcers re-bleeding after therapeutic endoscopy or surgery.

PMID- 22095017
TI  - Acid inhibition and peptic ulcer bleeding.
AB  - Peptic ulcer bleeding is one of the most common emergency situations in medicine.
      Combined pharmacological and endoscopic therapy together with emerging
      interventional radiological procedures are successfully treating peptic ulcer
      disease, reserving surgical procedures for only a small portion of patients
      unresponsive to 'conventional' therapy. Technological advancement has seen a
      great improvement in the field of endoscopic treatment in the form of various
      methods of hemostasis. However, pharmacological therapy with proton pump
      inhibitors still plays the central role in the peptic ulcer bleeding treatment
      algorithm.

PMID- 22095018
TI  - Role of acid suppression in the development and progression of dysplasia in
      patients with Barrett's esophagus.
AB  - Barrett's esophagus (BE) usually develops in patients with gastroesophageal
      reflux disease and therefore it has been suggested that esophageal acid exposure
      plays an import role in the initiation of BE and its progression towards
      esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The mechanisms whereby acid exposure causes BE
      are not completely revealed and the potential role of esophageal acid exposure in
      carcinogenesis is unclear as well. Since acid exposure is thought to play an
      important role in the progression of BE, therapies aimed at preventing the
      development of EAC have primarily focused on pharmacological and surgical acid
      suppression. In clinical practice, acid suppression is effective in relieving
      reflux symptoms and decreases esophageal acid exposure in most patients. However,
      in some individuals, pathological acid exposure persists and these patients
      continue to be at risk for developing dysplasia or EAC. To date, published trials
      suggest that acid suppression is able to prevent the development and progression
      of dysplasia in patients with BE, but definite and compelling proof is still
      lacking. This article reviews the mechanisms of acid-induced carcinogenesis in BE
      and the role of acid suppression in the prevention of neoplastic progression.

PMID- 22095019
TI  - No acid, no ulcer: Dragutin (Carl) Schwarz (1868-1917), the man ahead of his
      time.
AB  - Dragutin (Carl) Schwarz (1868-1917) was born in VaraZdin (part of the Austro
      Hungarian Monarchy then, northwestern part of Croatia today). As many Croats of
      the period he enrolled in the Vienna School of Medicine and graduated in 1891.
      After spending some time in a few clinics of the Monarchy, he returned to his
      homeland in 1895. Named the primary physician of the surgical department of
      Charity Brothers' Hospital in Zagreb, he motivated lively activities there and
      became the prominent member of the medical community. Apart from his impressive
      surgical work, Carl Schwarz is primarily remembered for his dictum 'No acid, no
      ulcer' (1910) which was proven to be true in the decades that followed. This
      short editorial aims at recalling those visionary observations ever inviting and
      challenging further investigations.

PMID- 22095020
TI  - Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a child due to thoracic Hodgkin's disease.

PMID- 22095021
TI  - [The effects of multimodal intervention for the primary prevention of
      cardiovascular diseases on depression, anxiety, and Type-D pattern: initial
      results of the randomized controlled PreFord trial].
AB  - Depression, anxiety, and Type-D pattern are associated with the earlier
      development and faster progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of
      the randomized controlled PreFord trial was to improve multiple biological and
      psychosocial risk factors in the primary prevention of CVD. A total of 447 women
      and men with an ESC risk score >5% were randomly assigned to either multimodal or
      routine care groups. Somatic and psychosocial variables (HADS, DS-14) were
      assessed before and after the intervention, and annually for 2 years thereafter.
      The intervention showed no significant effects on the symptoms of depression,
      anxiety, and type D personality, either in the whole sample or in those with
      elevated scores at baseline. Thus, our study did not provide evidence that
      symptoms of depression, anxiety, or Type D personality can be effectively treated
      by multimodal behavioral interventions for the primary prevention of CVD.

PMID- 22095022
TI  - [Long-term echocardiographic and clinical follow-up after mitral valve surgery in
      patients with extensive calcified mitral annulus].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the analysis of long-term results in patients
      with hemodynamically significant mitral valve disease due to extensive calcified
      mitral annulus who underwent decalcification and patch reconstruction. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2008 a total of 109 patients underwent surgery in
      the presence of extensive calcification, severe mitral insufficiency and mitral
      stenosis. The mean age of patients (65 women, 44 men) was 66.4+/-13.8 years.
      Mitral valve repair was performed in 53 patients (49%), while the remaining 56
      patients (51%) received a mitral valve replacement. In all, 64 patients (59%)
      required concomitant surgery. The mean follow-up time was 96+/-48 months.
      RESULTS: Inpatient and late mortality rates were 8.3% (nine patients) and 25.6%
      (28 patients), respectively. The actuarial survival rates at 5, 8 and 12 years
      were 88.1%, 76.2% and 66.1%. Echocardiographic follow-up demonstrated mitral
      insufficiency III in four patients (6%). No patients had mitral insufficiency IV.
      We observed a significant reduction in left atrium diameter, LVEDD as well as
      mean transvalvular gradient. Freedom from reoperation at 5 and 8 years was 96.4%
      and 91.8%, respectively. We found systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, age
      above 65 years, concomitant aortic valve replacement, concomitant procedures,
      chronic renal insufficiency and cardiac decompensation in the medical history as
      predictors for significantly increased early or late mortality. CONCLUSION: The
      long-term results strongly suggest that en bloc decalcification and patch
      reconstruction of the mitral annulus can be safely undertaken in high-risk
      patients.

PMID- 22095023
TI  - A dedicated cardioversion unit for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Reducing
      costs by optimizing processes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia seen in man.
      Many patients are admitted to the hospital to undergo transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE) for thrombus exclusion and subsequent electrical
      cardioversion (ECV) under deep sedation to restore sinus rhythm. The present
      study investigated prospectively how workflow optimization can contribute to
      reducing time and costs in AF patients scheduled for ECV in an outpatient
      setting. METHODS: A cardioversion unit (CU) was established and equipped to
      perform all ECV-associated procedures. Between November 2007 and January 2009,
      ECV was performed in 115 patients in an outpatient setting. Three different
      settings were tested for ECV: (1) usual care (n = 19): preparation/follow-up in
      the outpatient clinic, blood testing in the central hospital laboratory (CHL),
      TEE in the echocardiography laboratory, and ECV in the intensive care unit; (2)
      optimized process 1 (n = 41): preparation/follow-up, TEE + ECV during one
      sedation in the CU, blood testing in the CHL; (3) optimized process 2 (n = 55):
      preparation/follow-up, TEE + ECV and point of care (POC) blood testing in the CU.
      All procedure-related costs were listed and classified according to material,
      human resources, and infrastructure. RESULTS: From setting 1 to 3, there was a
      significant decrease in procedural time from 480 +/- 105 min to 205 +/- 85 min (p
      < 0.001). Likewise, ECV-associated costs could be reduced from 683 +/- 104 <euro>
      to 299 +/- 63 <euro> (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Establishing a CU for AF enables a
      more than 50% reduction in procedural time and costs. A combination of TEE and
      ECV in one sedation and POC testing in the CU were the major contributors to this
      time and cost reduction.

PMID- 22095024
TI  - Interaction of the main components from the traditional Chinese drug pair Chaihu
      Shaoyao based on rat intestinal absorption.
AB  - The Chaihu-Shaoyao drug pair (Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba) which is a
      traditional Chinese drug pair, has been widely used for anti-inflammatory
      purposes. Saikosaponin a (SSA), saikosaponin d (SSD) and paeoniflorin are
      identified as the main components in the pair. The present study focused on the
      interaction of the main components based on investigating their intestinal
      absorption using a four-site perfused rat intestinal model in order to clarify
      the mechanism of the compatibility of Chaihu-Shaoyao. The concentrations of SSA,
      SSD and paeoniflorin in the intestinal perfusate were determined by LC/MS or UPLC
      (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography) methods, followed by P*(eff) (effective
      permeability) and 10% ABS (the percent absorption of 10 cm of intestine)
      calculations. The results showed that all of the three main components displayed
      very low permeabilities (P*(eff) < 0.4), which implied their poor absorption in
      the rat intestine. The absorption levels of SSA and SSD were similar in intestine
      and higher in ileum than those in other intestinal regions in the decreasing
      order: colon, jejunum and duodenum. However, there is no significant difference
      in the absorption of paeoniflorin in the four segments (P < 0.05). The P*(eff)
      values of paeoniflorin exhibited an almost 2.11-fold or 1.90-fold increase in
      ileum when it was co-administrated with SSA and SSD, as well as 2.42-, 2.18-fold
      increase in colon, respectively, whereas the absorptions of SSA and SSD were not
      influenced by paeoniflorin. In conclusion, SSA and SSD could promote the
      absorption of paeoniflorin. To some extent this might explain the nature of the
      compatibility mechanisms of composite formulae in TCMs.

PMID- 22095025
TI  - Structure and properties of nano-confined poly(3-hexylthiophene) in nano
      array/polymer hybrid ordered-bulk heterojunction solar cells.
AB  - The ordered-bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic device comprising a
      semiconducting donor polymer incorporated into pristine/unmodified vertically
      aligned arrays of metal oxide acceptor nanotubes/nanorods is widely perceived as
      being structurally ideal for energy conversion but the power conversion
      efficiencies of such devices remain relatively low (in the order of eta = 0.6%)
      when compared with bilayer or non-ordered bulk heterojunction systems. We explain
      the incongruity by investigating the morphology and microstructure of regio
      regular poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) infiltrated and confined within the
      cavities of TiO(2) nanotube arrays. A series of TiO(2) nanotube arrays with
      different nanotube diameters and inter-nanotube spacings are fabricated by the
      liquid-phase atomic layer deposition (LALD) technique, and P3HT is infiltrated
      into the array cavities via a vacuum-annealing technique. X-Ray diffraction
      studies reveal that the P3HT chains in both nano-confined and non-confined (i.e.
      planar film) environments are well-aligned and oriented edge-on with respect to
      the underlying substrate. Up to 2.5-fold improvement in the incident-photon-to
      converted-electron efficiency (IPCE) is observed in ordered-BHJ structures over
      benchmark planar devices which we attribute to the increase in interfacial area
      resulting from the use of the nanostructures. However, the large effective
      surface area conferred by the nano-arrays (up to 9.5 times that of the planar
      system) suggests that much higher efficiencies could be harnessed. Our study
      shows that the morphology and orientation of the infiltrated polymer play a
      critical role in the charge transport of the device, and suggests that better
      understanding and control of polymer morphology under nano-confinement in the
      nano-array will be the key to fully reaping the promised benefit of ordered-BHJ
      devices.

PMID- 22095026
TI  - Thiacalix[4]arene based fluorescent probe for sensing and imaging of Fe3+ ions.
AB  - A thiacalix[4]arene based fluorescent chemosensor 3 in the cone conformation has
      been synthesized and its recognition behaviour is evaluated toward various metal
      ions in mixed aqueous media. The chemosensor 3 showed high selectivity towards
      Fe(3+) ions by fluorescence quenching of excimer emission. Further, evaluation of
      the 3.Fe(3+) complex prepared in situ demonstrated great promise for the
      detection of the Fe(3+) ion in the presence of amino acids, blood serum and
      bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution. The compound 3 has suitable permeability
      into the PC3 cells and can be utilized as a Fe(3+) selective sensor in living
      cells (PC3 cells).

PMID- 22095028
TI  - [Aspects of drug safety in the German code of social security].

PMID- 22095027
TI  - [New approaches to the monitoring of hospital hygiene: assessment of hygiene
      skills of staff members by structured interviews and observation].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increasing demands on hygiene in hospitals require improved methods
      of systematic monitoring by the Public Health Service. METHODS: The hygiene
      skills of at least 20% of the hospital physicians and nurses were evaluated by
      structured interviews and observation. The results were presented to the
      hospitals. RESULTS: In total, 184 persons were reviewed in 5 hospitals. On
      average, 7 out of 10 questions on hygiene knowledge were answered correctly, 74%
      of the persons asked demonstrated proper hand hygiene and 66% of them were not
      wearing any jewellery on their hands. There were no significant differences
      between physicians and nurses. The slight differences between the 5 hospitals
      were transferred into a ranking. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the method
      provides additional information on hygiene in hospitals and allows a comparison
      of the hygiene skills of their staff members. The results form the basis for a
      dialogue between hospital and Public Health Service.

PMID- 22095030
TI  - Regulation of p53 by ING family members in suppression of tumor initiation and
      progression.
AB  - The INhibitor of Growth (ING) family is an evolutionarily conserved set of
      proteins, implicated in suppression of initiation and progression of cancers in
      various tissues. They promote cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence and
      apoptosis, participate in stress responses, regulate DNA replication and DNA
      damage responses, and inhibit cancer cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis
      of the tumors. At the molecular level, ING proteins are believed to participate
      in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation of their target genes.
      However, the best known function of ING proteins is their cooperation with p53
      tumor suppressor protein in tumor suppression. All major isoforms of ING family
      members can promote the transactivition of p53 and the majority of them are shown
      to directly interact with p53. In addition, ING proteins are thought to interact
      with and modulate the function of auxiliary members of p53 pathway, such as MDM2,
      ARF , p300, and p21, indicating their widespread involvement in the regulation
      and function of this prominent tumor suppressor pathway. It seems that p53
      pathway is the main mechanism by which ING proteins exert their functions.
      Nevertheless, regulation of other pathways which are not relevant to p53, yet
      important for tumorigenesis such as TGF-beta and NF-kappaB, by ING proteins is
      also observed. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mutual
      interactions and cooperation between different members of ING family with p53
      pathway and implications of this cooperation in the suppression of cancer
      initiation and progression.

PMID- 22095029
TI  - Newcastle disease virus induces apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant human lung
      adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Cisplatin (DDP) is widely used in lung cancer chemotherapy. However, cisplatin
      resistance represents a major obstacle in effective clinical treatment. This
      study aims to investigate whether Newcastle disease virus (NDV) exhibits an
      oncolytic effect on cisplatin-resistant A549 lung cancer cells. We found that NDV
      induced A549/DDP cell apoptosis via the caspase pathway, particularly involving
      caspase-9, while the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt pathways
      also contributed to apoptotic induction. Furthermore, NDV displayed oncolytic
      effects in a mouse A549/DDP lung cancer model. Collectively, our data indicate
      that NDV could overcome the cisplatin resistance in lung cancer cells in vitro
      and in vivo.

PMID- 22095031
TI  - Molecular characterization of intercellular adhesion gene in Staphylococcus
      aureus isolated from bovine mastitic milk.
AB  - Biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus is considered an important virulence
      factor in bovine mastitis. Intercellular adhesion gene A (icaA) is a significant
      genetic determinant that contributes in biofilm formation. The aim of the present
      study was to determine the presence of the icaA gene in S. aureus isolated from
      bovine mastitis from seven states of India. A total of 88 out of 150
      Staphylococcus aureus strains were found to be positive for biofilm marker icaA
      gene by PCR. The icaA gene was confirmed by dot blot hybridization in 41 of 150
      S. aureus strains tested. Results obtained with dot blot hybridization were
      comparable to those obtained with PCR. Partial sequences of the icaA gene of the
      two S. aureus isolates showed deletion of some bases in different positions that
      might reduce/stop transcription leading to no biofilm formation. PCR was found to
      be a rapid test but dot blot hybridization was more accurate than PCR for
      detection of icaA genes. This study showed that detection of biofilm marker the
      icaA gene in S. aureus would allow the detection of virulence factors present in
      mastitis and early application of corrective measures.

PMID- 22095032
TI  - Potential use of coronary artery calcium progression to guide the management of
      patients at risk for coronary artery disease events.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) is widespread and
      under-diagnosed. Preventive efforts are required to reduce the burden of this
      disease and its complications. Imaging of coronary artery calcium (CAC) with
      cardiac computed tomography is highly specific for the diagnosis of subclinical
      CAD and can also facilitate treatment decisions in preventive cardiology. Indeed,
      CAC testing has been recommended by the American Heart Association for
      asymptomatic patients at intermediate risk for future cardiac events (as defined
      by clinical risk factors) to refine existing risk estimates. However, the optimal
      follow-up of those patients who have already undergone CAC testing remains
      unclear, particularly with regards to repeat CAC testing. The existing literature
      points to two major considerations for the use of CAC progression in the
      management of subclinical CAD. On one hand, CAC progression has been used as a
      surrogate marker to test the efficacy of cardiac preventive medications in
      halting or regressing CAD. To date, study results have been mostly disappointing
      and CAC progression appears resistant to medications such as statins. On the
      other hand, however, CAC progression has potential as a clinical indicator of
      underlying CAD activity. This may facilitate optimization or up-titration of
      preventive medications by using CAC progression as a marker of subclinical
      disease activity. We believe that the data, thus far, argues against the use of a
      CAC progression as a clinical surrogate marker of preventive therapy efficacy.
      Further studies with non-statin medications and with concomitant outcome data are
      needed. However, CAC progression has potential for monitoring subclinical CAD in
      some patients and may facilitate treatment decisions. In this review we will
      provide recommendations for repeat CAC testing and discuss when repeat CAC
      testing may be helpful to assess coronary artery disease progression.

PMID- 22095033
TI  - Emerging perspectives on transforming the healthcare system: developing a
      research agenda.

PMID- 22095034
TI  - Emerging perspectives on transforming the healthcare system: redesign strategies
      and a call for needed research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: U.S. healthcare requires major redesign of its delivery systems,
      finances, and incentives. Healthcare operations, leadership, and payors are
      increasingly recognizing the need for community-business-research partnerships to
      transform healthcare. New models of continuous learning, research, and
      development should help focus and sustain redesign efforts. PURPOSE: This study
      summarizes suggested strategies for transformational change in healthcare and
      identifies needed areas for research to inform, spread, and sustain
      transformational change. METHODS: We developed these recommendations based on a
      series of review papers, invited expert discussion, and a subsequent review in
      the context of a health system transformation research conference (The
      Regenstrief Biennial Research Conference). The multidisciplinary audience
      included health systems researchers, clinicians, informaticians, social and
      engineering scientists, and operational and business leaders. FINDINGS:
      Conference participants and literature reviews identified key strategies for
      system redesign with the following themes: using the framework of complex
      adaptive systems; fostering organizational redesign; developing appropriate
      performance measures and incentives; creating continuous learning organizations;
      and integrating health information, technology, and communication into practice.
      Sustained investment in research and development in these areas is crucial.
      CONCLUSIONS: Multiple issues influence the likelihood that healthcare leaders
      will make transformational changes in their healthcare systems. Healthcare
      leaders, clinicians, researchers, journals, and academic institutions, in
      partnership with payors, government and multiple other stakeholders, should apply
      the recommendations relevant to their own setting to redesign healthcare
      delivery, improve cognitive support, and sustain transformation. Fostering
      further research investments in these areas will increase the impact of
      transformation on the health and healthcare of the public.

PMID- 22095035
TI  - Quality improvement implementation and disparities: the case of the health
      disparities collaboratives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Health Disparities Collaboratives (HDCs), a quality improvement
      (QI) collaborative incorporating rapid QI, a chronic care model, and learning
      sessions, have been implemented in over 900 community health centers across the
      country. OBJECTIVES: To determine the HDC's effect on clinical processes and
      outcomes, their financial impact, and factors important for successful
      implementation. RESEARCH DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature. RESULTS:
      The HDCs improve clinical processes of care over short-term period of 1 to 2
      years, and clinical processes and outcomes over longer period of 2 to 4 years.
      Most participants perceive that the HDCs are successful and worth the effort.
      Analysis of the Diabetes Collaborative reveals that it is societally cost
      effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $33,386 per quality
      adjusted life year, but that consistent revenue streams for the initiative do not
      exist. Common barriers to improvement include lack of resources, time, and staff
      burnout. Highest ranked priorities for more funding are money for direct patient
      services, data entry, and staff time for QI. Other common requests for more
      assistance are help with patient self-management, information systems, and
      getting providers to follow guidelines. Relatively low-cost ways to increase
      staff morale and prevent burnout include personal recognition, skills development
      opportunities, and fair distribution of work. CONCLUSIONS: The HDCs have
      successfully improved quality of care, and the Diabetes Collaborative is
      societally cost-effective, but policy reforms are necessary to create a
      sustainable business case for these health centers that serve many uninsured and
      underinsured populations.

PMID- 22095036
TI  - Independent replication of STAT3 association with multiple sclerosis risk in a
      large German case-control sample.
AB  - Recent genome-wide association studies have implicated the "signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3" gene (STAT3) as a putative new multiple sclerosis
      (MS) susceptibility locus. However, independent validation studies are sparse.
      Therefore, we performed a genetic association study of two STAT3 polymorphisms
      (rs744166 and rs2293152) in a large and independent German case-control sample of
      5,904 subjects. We observed a nominally significant, albeit weak association
      between rs744166 and MS susceptibility (odds ratio = 1.09, P = 0.012) in our
      sample. This study supports the association between STAT3 and an increase in MS
      risk. Taking into account the functional role of STAT3, our results favour an
      involvement of T(h)17 lymphocytes in MS.

PMID- 22095037
TI  - Identification and role of muscarinic receptor subtypes expressed in rat adrenal
      medullary cells.
AB  - The muscarinic receptor is known to be involved in the acetylcholine (ACh)
      induced secretion of catecholamines in the adrenal medullary (AM) cells of
      various mammals. The muscarinic receptor subtype involved and its physiological
      role, however, have not been elucidated yet. Thus, we investigated these issues
      in acutely isolated rat AM cells and perfused rat adrenal medulla. The RT-PCR
      analysis revealed the presence of M(2), M(3), M(4), and M(5) mRNAs.
      Immunocytochemistry with specific antibodies showed that M(5)-like
      immunoreactivities (IRs) were detected at half the cell membrane area, which was
      much larger than that with M(3)- or M(4)-like IRs. Muscarine produced inward
      currents in a dose-dependent manner. Pilocarpine, McN-A-343, and oxotremorine
      were less efficient than muscarine; and RS-86, which has no action on the M(5)
      receptor, produced no current. Electrical stimulation of nerve fibers produced a
      frequency-dependent increase in the Ca(2+) signal in perfused adrenal medullae.
      Muscarinic receptors were found to be involved in neuronal transmission in AM
      cells in the presence of a cholinesterase inhibitor, which suppresses ACh
      degradation. We concluded that the M(5) receptor is the major muscarinic receptor
      subtype in rat AM cells and may be involved in neuronal transmission under
      conditions where ACh spills over the synapse.

PMID- 22095038
TI  - Determinants of blood uric acid levels in a dyslipidemic Arab population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore the relationships between
      circulating uric acid and lipid levels and components of the metabolic syndrome
      (MetS) in Arab dyslipidemic patients, a group already at high coronary artery
      disease risk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 1,229 subjects (632
      men, 597 women) referred for treatment of dyslipidemia and followed up for at
      least 12 months were reviewed. Serum levels of uric acid and lipids (total
      cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein)
      and other variables in the National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III
      criteria definition of MetS were assessed at initial presentation and every 4- 6
      months, under specific lipid-lowering treatment (statins and/or fibrates), in
      each of the subjects. Their respective associations were explored by appropriate
      logistic regression techniques with control for confounding risk factors,
      including age, gender and body mass index. RESULTS: 306 subjects (24.9%) of the
      study population were hyperuricemic; they were more likely to be men, obese and
      diabetic. Also the serum uric acid level (mean +/- SD) was greater in men with
      MetS compared with men without (377.0 +/- 98.0 vs. 361.6 +/- 83.1 MUmol/l, p <
      0.05), an observation not reproduced in women. Uric acid levels had significant
      associations with the presence of fasting hyperglycemia, hypertension and large
      waist circumference (WC) in men, but only with large WC in women. With statin
      treatment, uric acid levels decreased by 10% within 1 year of treatment; with
      fibrates, uric acid levels remained unchanged or slightly increased. CONCLUSION:
      The data showed that hyperuricemia is common in dyslipidemic patients in Kuwait,
      where its important determinants are male sex, obesity, diabetes and statin
      treatment.

PMID- 22095039
TI  - The effect of biofilm permeability on bio-clogging of porous media.
AB  - A 3D Biofilm model, appropriate for complex porous media support structures, is
      successfully modified such that non-zero permeability of biofilms structures is
      enabled. A systematic study is then conducted into the influence of biofilm
      permeability on overall biomass growth rate. This reveals a significant influence
      at large biofilm concentrations; even when the permeability of the biomass is
      1.25% of that of the free pore space, biomass accumulation increased by a factor
      of ~3 over 40 h. The effect is shown to be retained when allowing for biomass
      detachment or erosion as a consequence of adjacent velocity shear. We conclude
      that biofilm permeability should be included in biofilm models and that further
      experimental work is required to better describe the link between biofilm
      permeability and local microstructure.

PMID- 22095040
TI  - Early and presenting symptoms of dementia with lewy bodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To explore the presenting and early symptoms of dementia with
      Lewy bodies (DLB). METHOD: Patients with mild dementia fulfilling diagnostic
      criteria for DLB (n = 61) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 109) were recruited
      from outpatient dementia clinics in western Norway. At diagnosis, caregivers were
      asked which symptom had been the presenting symptom of dementia. RESULTS:
      Caregivers reported that memory impairment was the most common presenting symptom
      in DLB (57%), followed by visual hallucinations (44%), depression (34%), problem
      solving difficulties (33%), gait problems (28%), and tremor/stiffness (25%). In
      contrast, 99% of AD carers reported impaired memory as a presenting symptom,
      whereas visual hallucinations were a presenting symptom in 3% of the AD cases.
      CONCLUSION: DLB should be suspected in predementia cases with visual
      hallucinations.

PMID- 22095041
TI  - The pulvinar sign in Fabry patients: the first report in female patients.

PMID- 22095042
TI  - Low depressive symptoms in acute spinal cord injury compared to other
      neurological disorders.
AB  - The aim of the study was to reveal the incidence and time course of depressive
      symptoms following acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in relation to clinical
      outcomes for comparison to other neurological disorders with severe impairment.
      In patients with acute traumatic SCI (n = 130), combined follow up assessments of
      neurological and functional outcomes, pain and patient-rated affective factors
      (e.g. mood, anxiety) were prospectively (1, 3, 6, 12 months after injury)
      collected during rehabilitation and follow up in out-patient clinics. We related
      these to the severity of depressive symptoms (no, mild, moderate and severe)
      based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. The mean 65% of patients
      showed no depressive symptoms and 30% mild depressive symptoms, while less than
      5% presented moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The group findings and
      symptoms in individual patients remained stable over 1 year though patients
      revealed significant clinical recovery. Although two-thirds of the patients
      experienced pain, BDI scores were not related to pain intensity. BDI mean scores
      were only slightly higher than in control populations, but rather low compared to
      patients with other neurological disorders (e.g. stroke and multiple sclerosis)
      that are also associated with severe functional impairment. The prevalence of
      depressive symptoms following acute SCI is rather low and remains stable within
      the first year after injury despite the severe neurological impairment and loss
      of independency. In comparison to other neurological disorders that also involve
      brain function SCI patients seem to be less challenged by depressive symptoms
      that constitute additional burdens to respond to the severe functional
      impairments.

PMID- 22095043
TI  - The SigB sigma factor regulates multiple salt acclimation responses of the
      cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - Changing of principal sigma factor in RNA polymerase holoenzyme to a group 2
      sigma factor redirects transcription when cyanobacteria acclimate to suboptimal
      environmental conditions. The group 2 sigma factor SigB was found to be important
      for the growth of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in high-salt (0.7
      m NaCl) stress but not in mild heat stress at 43 degrees C although the
      expression of the sigB gene was similarly highly, but only transiently up
      regulated at both conditions. The SigB factor was found to regulate many salt
      acclimation processes. The amount of glucosylglycerol-phosphate synthase, a key
      enzyme in the production of the compatible solute glucosylglycerol, was lower in
      the inactivation strain DeltasigB than in the control strain. Addition of the
      compatible solute trehalose almost completely restored the growth of the
      DeltasigB strain at 0.7 m NaCl. High-salt conditions lowered the chlorophyll and
      phycobilin contents of the cells while protective carotenoid pigments, especially
      zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll, were up-regulated in the control strain. These
      carotenoids were up-regulated in the DeltasigCDE strain (SigB is the only
      functional group 2 sigma factor) and down-regulated in the DeltasigB strain under
      standard conditions. In addition, the HspA heat shock protein was less abundant
      and more abundant in the DeltasigB and DeltasigCDE strains, respectively, than in
      the control strain in high-salt conditions. Some cellular responses are common to
      heat and salt stresses, but pretreatment with mild heat did not protect cells
      against salt shock although protection against heat shock was evident.

PMID- 22095045
TI  - Chromosome organization and dynamics during interphase, mitosis, and meiosis in
      plants.

PMID- 22095044
TI  - CO(2)-cAMP-responsive cis-elements targeted by a transcription factor with
      CREB/ATF-like basic zipper domain in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.
AB  - Expression controls of the carbon acquisition system in marine diatoms in
      response to environmental factors are an essential issue to understand the
      changes in marine primary productivity. A pyrenoidal beta-carbonic anhydrase,
      PtCA1, is one of the most important candidates to investigate the control
      mechanisms of the CO(2) acquisition system in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum
      tricornutum. A detailed functional assay was carried out on the putative core
      regulatory region of the ptca1 promoter using a beta-glucuronidase reporter in P.
      tricornutum cells under changing CO(2) conditions. A set of loss-of-function
      assays led to the identification of three CO(2)-responsive elements, TGACGT,
      ACGTCA, and TGACGC, at a region -86 to -42 relative to the transcription start
      site. Treatment with a cyclic (c)AMP analog, dibutyryl cAMP, revealed these three
      elements to be under the control of cAMP; thus, we designated them, from 5' to
      3', as CO(2)-cAMP-Responsive Element1 (CCRE1), CCRE2, and CCRE3. Because the
      sequence TGACGT is known to be a typical target of human Activating Transcription
      Factor6 (ATF6), we searched for genes containing a basic zipper (bZIP) region
      homologous to that of ATF6 in the genome of P. tricornutum. Gel-shift assays
      using CCRE pentamers as labeled probes showed that at least one candidate of bZIP
      proteins, PtbZIP11, bound specifically to CCREs. A series of gain-of-function
      assays with CCREs fused to a minimal promoter strongly suggested that the
      alternative combination of CCRE1/2 or CCRE2/3 at proper distances from the
      minimal promoter is required as a potential target of PtbZIP11 for an effective
      CO(2) response of the ptca1 gene.

PMID- 22095046
TI  - Drought and salt stress tolerance of an Arabidopsis glutathione S-transferase U17
      knockout mutant are attributed to the combined effect of glutathione and abscisic
      acid.
AB  - Although glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are thought to play major roles in
      oxidative stress metabolism, little is known about the regulatory functions of
      GSTs. We have reported that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) GLUTATHIONE S
      TRANSFERASE U17 (AtGSTU17; At1g10370) participates in light signaling and might
      modulate various aspects of development by affecting glutathione (GSH) pools via
      a coordinated regulation with phytochrome A. Here, we provide further evidence to
      support a negative role of AtGSTU17 in drought and salt stress tolerance. When
      AtGSTU17 was mutated, plants were more tolerant to drought and salt stresses
      compared with wild-type plants. In addition, atgstu17 accumulated higher levels
      of GSH and abscisic acid (ABA) and exhibited hyposensitivity to ABA during seed
      germination, smaller stomatal apertures, a lower transpiration rate, better
      development of primary and lateral root systems, and longer vegetative growth. To
      explore how atgstu17 accumulated higher ABA content, we grew wild-type plants in
      the solution containing GSH and found that they accumulated ABA to a higher
      extent than plants grown in the absence of GSH, and they also exhibited the
      atgstu17 phenotypes. Wild-type plants treated with GSH also demonstrated more
      tolerance to drought and salt stresses. Furthermore, the effect of GSH on root
      patterning and drought tolerance was confirmed by growing the atgstu17 in
      solution containing l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine, a specific inhibitor of GSH
      biosynthesis. In conclusion, the atgstu17 phenotype can be explained by the
      combined effect of GSH and ABA. We propose a role of AtGSTU17 in adaptive
      responses to drought and salt stresses by functioning as a negative component of
      stress-mediated signal transduction pathways.

PMID- 22095047
TI  - Arabidopsis RGLG2, functioning as a RING E3 ligase, interacts with AtERF53 and
      negatively regulates the plant drought stress response.
AB  - Transcriptional activities of plants play important roles in responses to
      environmental stresses. ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR53 (AtERF53) is a drought-induced
      transcription factor that belongs to the AP2/ERF superfamily and has a highly
      conserved AP2 domain. It can regulate drought-responsive gene expression by
      binding to the GCC box and/or the dehydration-responsive element in the promoter
      of downstream genes. Overexpression of AtERF53 driven by the cauliflower mosaic
      virus 35S promoter resulted in an unstable drought-tolerant phenotype in T2
      transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. Using a yeast two-hybrid
      screen, we identified a RING domain ubiquitin E3 ligase, RGLG2, which interacts
      with AtERF53 in the nucleus. The copine domain of RGLG2 exhibited the strongest
      interacting activity. We also demonstrated that RGLG2 could move from the plasma
      membrane to the nucleus under stress treatment. Using an in vitro ubiquitination
      assay, RGLG2 and its closest sequelog, RGLG1, were shown to have E3 ligase
      activity and mediated AtERF53 ubiquitination for proteasome degradation. The
      rglg1rglg2 double mutant but not the rglg2 or rglg1 single mutant exhibited a
      drought-tolerant phenotype when compared with wild-type plants. AtERF53-green
      fluorescent proteins expressed in the rglg1rglg2 double mutants were stable. The
      35S:AtERF53-green fluorescent protein/rglg1rglg2 showed enhanced AtERF53
      regulated gene expression and had greater tolerance to drought stress than the
      rglg1rglg2 double mutant. In conclusion, RGLG2 negatively regulates the drought
      stress response by mediating AtERF53 transcriptional activity in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 22095048
TI  - [Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer].
AB  - Within recent years, the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has become
      increasingly heterogeneous and complex. New cytotoxic agents and drugs against
      molecular targets have been developed. Moreover, new indications for therapy such
      as maintenance therapy have been explored. In addition, by assessing defined
      molecular markers, it is possible to identify patients who may likely respond to
      a given treatment. This approach will continue in the future; thus, it will be
      possible to characterize patient into subgroups based on molecular, histological,
      or clinical markers. This review will summarize the current state of the art in
      the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 22095049
TI  - [Treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. New substances and new interventions].
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive lung disease with poor
      prognosis. The IFIGENIA trial showed that antioxidative therapy with N
      acetylcysteine versus placebo for patients under treatment with prednisone plus
      azathioprine significantly slowed the deterioration of pulmonary function after
      12 months. A number of other drugs have recently been evaluated in large
      multicenter placebo-controlled trials. Etanercept, interferon-gamma, bosentan,
      ambrisentan, imatinib, and sildenafil did not show efficacy. The antifibrotic
      active ingredient pirfenidone is the first drug approved for the treatment of
      adult patients with mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the
      European Union. Approval was based on the results of 4 randomized, placebo
      controlled clinical trials including more than 1,100 patients. Pirfenidone slowed
      the decline in lung function and reduced the risk of disease progression. Side
      effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, skin reactions, including
      photosensitivity, and rarely increased liver enzymes.

PMID- 22095050
TI  - Predictive value of dopamine transporter SPECT imaging with [123I]PE2I in
      patients with subtle parkinsonian symptoms.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of dopamine
      transporter SPECT imaging with a highly dopamine transporter selective
      radioligand. The study included consecutively enrolled, drug-naive patients with
      an average short history of parkinsonian motor symptoms, referred for diagnostic
      scanning. METHODS: The study group comprised 288 patients naive to antiparkinson
      treatment who were enrolled as they were admitted for a diagnostic SPECT scan
      with the radioligand [(123)I]-N-(3-iodoprop-2E-enyl)-2-beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4
      methylphenyl)nortropane ((123)I-PE2I). After the diagnostic scanning, patients
      were followed clinically with an average follow-up of 19.7 +/- 12.5 months.
      RESULTS: A diagnosis could be clinically settled in 189 patients and among these
      patients, a dopamine transporter scan had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity
      of 91% for discrimination between patients with and without striatal
      neurodegeneration. In cognitively impaired patients (Mini Mental State
      Examination <27) the specificity was 75% and the sensitivity 95%. A striatal
      anterior-posterior ratio (APR) of >2 differentiated between idiopathic
      Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian syndromes with a specificity of 84%
      and a sensitivity of 63%. CONCLUSION: In drug-naive patients with subtle clinical
      parkinsonian motor symptoms, dopamine transporter scan using (123)I-PE21 has a
      high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between patients with and
      without striatal neurodegeneration. The specificity is lower in patients who are
      also cognitively impaired. Calculation of the striatal APR can assist in
      differentiating between idiopathic Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian
      syndromes.

PMID- 22095051
TI  - Adsorption and properties of aromatic amino acids on single-walled carbon
      nanotubes.
AB  - We investigated the adsorption of three aromatic amino acids-phenylalanine,
      tyrosine, and tryptophan-on the sidewalls of a number of representative single
      walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using density-functional tight-binding
      calculations, complemented by an empirical dispersion correction. The armchair
      (n, n) SWNTs (n = 3-12) and zigzag (n, 0) SWNTs (n = 4-12) were thoroughly
      examined. We found that the most stable amino acid/SWNT complexes for different
      SWNTs have similar local structures, and that the distance between the amino acid
      and SWNT is about 3 A. Owing to the pi-pi and H-pi stacking interactions, the
      benzene and indole rings are not exactly parallel to the SWNTs but instead lie at
      a small angle. We also investigated the diameter and chirality dependences of
      binding energies and found that SWNT (5, 0) has an especially large binding
      energy that can be used for SWNT identification or selection.

PMID- 22095052
TI  - Bacterial delivery of large intact genomic-DNA-containing BACs into mammalian
      cells.
AB  - Efficient delivery of large intact vectors into mammalian cells remains
      problematical. Here we evaluate delivery by bacterial invasion of two large BACs
      of more than 150 kb in size into various cells. First, we determined the effect
      of several drugs on bacterial delivery of a small plasmid into different cell
      lines. Most drugs tested resulted in a marginal increase of the overall
      efficiency of delivery in only some cell lines, except the lysosomotropic drug
      chloroquine, which was found to increase the efficiency of delivery by 6-fold in
      B16F10 cells. Bacterial invasion was found to be significantly advantageous
      compared with lipofection in delivering large intact BACs into mouse cells,
      resulting in 100% of clones containing intact DNA. Furthermore, evaluation of
      expression of the human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene from
      its genomic locus, which was present in one of the BACs, showed that single copy
      integrations of the HPRT-containing BAC had occurred in mouse B16F10 cells and
      that expression of HPRT from each human copy was 0.33 times as much as from each
      endogenous mouse copy. These data provide new evidence that bacterial delivery is
      a convenient and efficient method to transfer large intact therapeutic genes into
      mammalian cells.

PMID- 22095053
TI  - Probiogenomics as a tool to obtain genetic insights into adaptation of probiotic
      bacteria to the human gut.
AB  - Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are widely exploited as health-promoting bacteria
      in many functional foods. However, the molecular mechanisms as to how these
      bacteria positively impact on host health are far from completely understood. For
      this reason these microorganisms represent a growing area of interest with
      respect to their genomics, molecular biology and genetics. Recent genome
      sequencing of a large number of strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli has
      allowed access to the complete genetic makeup of representative members of these
      bacteria. Here, we will discuss how the analysis of genomic data has helped us to
      understand the mechanisms by which these bacteria adapt to the specific
      environment of the gastrointestinal tract, while also revealing genetic functions
      that mediate specific host-microbe interactions.

PMID- 22095054
TI  - Artificially designed promoters: understanding the role of spatial features and
      canonical binding sites in transcription.
AB  - The promoter is a key element in gene transcription and regulation. We previously
      reported that artificial sequences rich in the dinucleotide CpG are sufficient to
      drive expression in vitro in mammalian cell lines, without requiring canonical
      binding sites for transcription factor proteins. Here, we report that introducing
      a promoter organization that alternates in CpGs and regions rich in A and T
      further increases expression strength, as well as how insertion of specific
      binding sites makes such sequences respond to induced levels of the transcription
      factor NFkappaB. Our findings further contribute to the mechanistic understanding
      of promoters, as well as how these sequences might be shaped by evolutionary
      pressure in living organisms.

PMID- 22095055
TI  - Proteins: form and function.
AB  - An overwhelming array of structural variants has evolved from a comparatively
      small number of protein structural domains; which has in turn facilitated an
      expanse of functional derivatives. Herein, I review the primary mechanisms which
      have contributed to the vastness of our existing, and expanding, protein
      repertoires. Protein function prediction strategies, both sequence and structure
      based, are also discussed and their associated strengths and weaknesses assessed.

PMID- 22095056
TI  - [Perioperative coagulation management in microsurgery: report of the consensus
      workshops in the course of the 31st and 32nd Annual Meeting of the German
      language Working Group for microsurgery of the peripheral nerves and vessels
      (DAM) November 2009 in Erlangen and November 2010 in Basel].
AB  - Microsurgery is a very relevant component of reconstructive surgery. In this
      context anticoagulation plays an increasing role. At the moment there are no
      unanimously accepted prospective studies or generally accepted regimes available
      that could serve as evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of thrombosis in
      microsurgery. With regard to this problem the aim of a series of workshops during
      the annual meetings of the German-speaking group for microsurgery in 2009 and
      2010 was to establish a first possible consensus. This article reflects the main
      aspects of the ongoing development of a generally acceptable guideline for
      anticoagulation in microsurgery as interim report of these consensus workshops.
      Basically there are 3 main agents in thromboprophylaxis available: antiplatelet
      drugs, dextran and heparin. In the course of the workshops no general use of
      aspirin or dextran for anticoagulation in microsurgery was recommended. The use
      of heparin as anticoagulation agent is advisable for different indications. Low
      molecular heparins (LMH) have certain advantages in comparison to unfractionated
      heparins (UFH) and are therefore preferred by most participants. Indications for
      UFH are still complex microsurgical revisions, renal failure and some specific
      constellations in patients undergoing reconstruction of the lower extremity,
      where the continuous administration of heparin is recommended. At the moment of
      clamp release a single-shot of UFH is still given by many microsurgeons, despite
      a lack of scientific evidence. Future prospective clinical trials and the
      establishment of a generally accepted evidence-based guideline regarding
      anticoagulation treatment in microsurgery are deemed necessary.

PMID- 22095057
TI  - Psychological features and outcomes of the Back School treatment in patients with
      chronic non-specific low back pain. A randomized controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a worldwide health problem, affecting up to 80% of
      adult population. Psychological factors are involved in its development and
      maintenance. Many clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of different
      interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain. In this field, Back School
      program has been demonstrated effective for people with chronic non-specific low
      back. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the effects of the Back School
      treatment and psychological features measured by MMPI-II of patients with chronic
      non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial with three and
      six-month follow-up. SETTING: Ambulatory rehabilitative university centre.
      POPULATION: Fifty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain out of 77
      screened patients. METHODS: Patients were randomly placed in a 3:2 form and were
      allocated into two groups (Treatment versus Control). The Treatment Group
      participated to an intensive multidisciplinary Back School program (BSG, N.=29),
      while the Control Group received medical assistance (CG, N.=21). Medication was
      the same in both groups. Then, patients were subgrouped in those with at least an
      elevation in one scale of MMPI-II, and those without it. The Short Form 36 Health
      Status Survey for the assessment of quality of life (primary outcome measure),
      pain Visual Analogue Scale, Waddel Index and Oswestry Disability Index were
      collected at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at the three and six-month
      follow-up. RESULTS: Only the two treated subgroups showed a significant
      improvements in terms of quality of life, disability and pain. Among treated
      subjects, only those with at least one scale elevation in MMPI-II showed also a
      significant improvement in terms of Short Form 36 mental composite score and
      relevant subscores. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Back School program
      has positive effects, even in terms of mental components of quality of life in
      patients with scale elevations of MMPI-II. Probably these findings are due to its
      educational and cognitive-behavioural characteristics. CLINICAL REHABILITATION
      IMPACT: Because of its educational purposes, the Back School treatment can have
      positive effects also on the mental status of patients with low back pain when it
      affects their psychological features.

PMID- 22095058
TI  - Experimenting with engagement : commentary on: Taking our own medicine: on an
      experiment in science communication.
AB  - Social scientists can explore questions about what counts as knowledge and how
      researchers-including social science researchers-can produce that knowledge. An
      art/space installation examining issues of public participation in science
      demonstrates the process of co-creation of knowledge about public participation,
      not simply the co-creation of the meaning of the installation itself.

PMID- 22095059
TI  - A national collaboration process: Finnish engineering education for the benefit
      of people and environment.
AB  - The key stakeholders of the Finnish engineering education collaborated during
      2006-09 to reform the system of education, to face the challenges of the changing
      business environment and to create a national strategy for the Finnish
      engineering education. The work process was carried out using participatory work
      methods. Impacts of sustainable development (SD) on engineering education were
      analysed in one of the subprojects. In addition to participatory workshops, the
      core part of the work on SD consisted of a research with more than 60 interviews
      and an extensive literature survey. This paper discusses the results of the
      research and the work process of the Collaboration Group in the subproject of SD.
      It is suggested that enhancing systematic dialogue among key stakeholders using
      participatory work methods is crucial in increasing motivation and commitment in
      incorporating SD in engineering education. Development of the context of learning
      is essential for improving skills of engineering graduates in some of the key
      abilities related to SD: systemic- and life-cycle thinking, ethical
      understanding, collaborative learning and critical reflection skills. This
      requires changing of the educational paradigm from teacher-centred to learner
      centred applying problem- and project-oriented active learning methods. 

PMID- 22095060
TI  - Ru(x)Pt(y)Sn(z) cluster-derived nanoparticle catalysts: spectroscopic
      investigation into the nature of active multinuclear single sites.
AB  - Cluster-derived Ru(x)Pt(y)Sn(z) nanoparticles are active catalysts in the
      hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. The nature of the active sites has been elucidated
      by FTIR spectroscopy using CO and NO as probe molecules. A new metal carbonyl
      cluster precursor, Pt(2)Ru(2)(SnBu(t)(3))(2)(CO)(9)(MU-H)(2), has been
      synthesized to obtain a Ru(2)Pt(2)Sn(2)/SiO(2) catalyst, that displayed
      remarkably high levels of conversion and selectivities compared to other bi-and
      monometallic analogues. Spectroscopic comparisons with Ru(5)PtSn/SiO(2) indicate
      that both the nature and the stoichiometry of the metals play a key role in
      modulating the catalytic activities and selectivities. A multinuclear single-site
      containing Pt centers, which facilitate the hydrogen activation, coupled with a
      highly reactive Ru site, possibly involved in the nitrobenzene activation, can be
      hypothesized. The oxophilicity of tin helps with the anchoring of the
      nanoparticles, aids the dispersion of the other metals, and can play an important
      role in influencing the selectivity to aniline.

PMID- 22095062
TI  - Hot flashes and cardiac vagal control during women's daily lives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The physiology of menopausal hot flashes is not well understood. The
      autonomic nervous system may play a role in hot flashes, but the current
      understanding is limited. We previously demonstrated in the laboratory that
      decreases in high-frequency heart rate variability, an index of cardiac vagal
      control, occur during hot flashes relative to preceding and following periods. In
      the present study, we tested whether we would observe a similar phenomenon in the
      ambulatory setting. We additionally considered respiratory rate in these
      associations. METHODS: Twenty-one perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40
      to 60 years reporting daily hot flashes were monitored both for physiologic and
      reported hot flashes and heart rate variability during a 24-hour period as they
      went about their daily lives. Heart rate variability estimates were derived using
      the band-limited variance method. The interval during the hot flash was compared
      with two nonflash periods before and after the hot flash via mixed-effects
      models. RESULTS: Heart rate variability significantly decreased during hot
      flashes relative to periods preceding (B = 0.31, SE = 0.03; P < 0.0001) and
      following (B = 0.30, SE = 0.03; P < 0.0001) physiologic hot flashes (covariates:
      age, race, education, menopause status, physical activity, body mass index, and
      anxiety). The findings were comparable considering self-reported hot flashes.
      They additionally persisted when controlling for respiratory rate. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant decreases in cardiac vagal control occurred during hot flashes
      assessed during women's daily lives. These findings extend our work in the
      laboratory to the ambulatory setting, further shedding light on the physiology of
      hot flashes and underscoring a potential role of parasympathetic function in hot
      flashes.

PMID- 22095063
TI  - Gene expression: the dynamics of the brain transcriptome revealed.

PMID- 22095065
TI  - Brains on video games.
AB  - The popular press is replete with stories about the effects of video and computer
      games on the brain. Sensationalist headlines claiming that video games 'damage
      the brain' or 'boost brain power' do not do justice to the complexities and
      limitations of the studies involved, and create a confusing overall picture about
      the effects of gaming on the brain. Here, six experts in the field shed light on
      our current understanding of the positive and negative ways in which playing
      video games can affect cognition and behaviour, and explain how this knowledge
      can be harnessed for educational and rehabilitation purposes. As research in this
      area is still in its early days, the contributors of this Viewpoint also discuss
      several issues and challenges that should be addressed to move the field forward.

PMID- 22095067
TI  - Engaging, not excluding: a response to Walsh et al.

PMID- 22095064
TI  - Linking neurodevelopmental and synaptic theories of mental illness through DISC1.
AB  - Recent advances in our understanding of the underlying genetic architecture of
      psychiatric disorders has blown away the diagnostic boundaries that are defined
      by currently used diagnostic manuals. The disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1)
      gene was originally discovered at the breakpoint of an inherited chromosomal
      translocation, which segregates with major mental illnesses. In addition, many
      biological studies have indicated a role for DISC1 in early neurodevelopment and
      synaptic regulation. Given that DISC1 is thought to drive a range of
      endophenotypes that underlie major mental conditions, elucidating the biology of
      DISC1 may enable the construction of new diagnostic categories for mental
      illnesses with a more meaningful biological foundation.

PMID- 22095069
TI  - An X-ray microtomographic study of natural white-spot enamel lesions.
AB  - White-spot enamel lesions are an early presentation of dental caries and are
      ideally managed by non-invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to
      characterize white-spot enamel lesions by x-ray microtomography. In particular,
      mineral content across the lesion from the surface to the base of the lesion was
      measured and surface layers defined. Molars with long buccal white-spot enamel
      lesions were collected, photographed, and each sectioned to produce 3 500-um
      thick sections. The sections were mounted and imaged by quantitative x-ray
      microtomography at a 15-um voxel size. We analyzed line profiles through the
      middle of each 3D image to determine mineral content and depth. The surface layer
      thickness of the lesions ranged from 35 to 130 um, with the maximum mineral
      content in this layer being 74% to 100% of that of sound enamel. The average
      mineral content across the lesions ranged from 1.73 to 2.48 g/cm(3). No
      significant differences could be found between lesions clinically categorized as
      active and those categorized as inactive. However, for depth-matched active and
      inactive lesions, the active lesions exhibited a more porous surface layer than
      the inactive lesions. White-spot enamel lesions are highly variable, with surface
      layers of considerable thickness.

PMID- 22095068
TI  - Synergistic effects of bone mesenchymal stem cells and chondroitinase ABC on
      nerve regeneration after acellular nerve allograft in rats.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate whether combination therapy of bone marrow stromal
      cells (BMSCs) transplantation and chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) treatment further
      enhances axonal regeneration and functional recovery after acellular nerve
      allograft repair of the sciatic nerve gap in rats. Eight Sprague-Dawley rats were
      used as nerve donors, and 32 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups:
      Group I: acellular rat sciatic nerve (ARSN) group; Group II: ChABC treatment;
      Group III: BMSCs transplantation; and Group IV: ChABC treatment and BMSCs
      transplantation. The results showed that compared with ARSN control group, BMSC
      transplantation promoted axonal regeneration, the secretion of neural trophic
      factors NGF, BDNF and axon angiogenesis in nerve graft. ChABC treatment degraded
      chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in ARSN in vitro and in vivo and improved BMSCs
      survival in ARSN. The combination therapy caused much better beneficial effects
      evidenced by increasing sciatic function index, nerve conduction velocity,
      restoration rate of tibialis anterior wet muscle weight, and myelinated nerve
      number, but did not further boost the therapeutic effects on neurotrophic factor
      production, axon angiogenesis, and sensory functional recovery by BMSC
      transplantation. Taken together, for the first time, we demonstrate the
      synergistic effects of BMSC transplantation and BMSCs treatment on peripheral
      nerve regeneration, and our findings may help establish novel strategies for cell
      transplantation therapy for peripheral nerve injury.

PMID- 22095072
TI  - Tocotrienol as a potential anticancer agent.
AB  - Vitamin E is composed of two structurally similar compounds: tocopherols (TPs)
      and tocotrienols (T3). Despite being overshadowed by TP over the past few
      decades, T3 is now considered to be a promising anticancer agent due to its
      potent effects against a wide range of cancers. A growing body of evidence
      suggests that in addition to its antioxidative and pro-apoptotic functions, T3
      possesses a number of anticancer properties that make it superior to TP. These
      include the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, the suppression
      of vascular endothelial growth factor tumor angiogenic pathway and the induction
      of antitumor immunity. More recently, T3, but not TP, has been shown to have
      chemosensitization and anti-cancer stem cell effects, further demonstrating the
      potential of T3 as an effective anticancer therapeutic agent. With most of the
      previous clinical studies on TP producing disappointing results, research has now
      focused on testing T3 as the next generation vitamin E for chemoprevention and
      cancer treatment. This review will summarize recent developments in the
      understanding of the anticancer effects of T3. We will also discuss current
      progress in clinical trials involving T3 as an adjuvant to conventional cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22095071
TI  - Upregulation of CD9 in ovarian cancer is related to the induction of TNF-alpha
      gene expression and constitutive NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is a gynecological cancer with a high death rate. We utilized
      global gene expression profiles of ovarian carcinomas obtained by complementary
      DNA (cDNA) microarray to identify ovarian cancer-specific proteins. CD9 was
      upregulated in ovarian carcinomas, and overexpression of the CD9 protein was
      detected in ovarian carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. CD9 was also
      overexpressed in several cancer cell lines, including ovarian cancer cells. In
      order to elucidate the biological significance of highly expressed CD9 in cancer
      cells, functional studies of CD9 were performed by ectopic expression, knockdown
      of CD9 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and blockage of CD9 activity using the
      CD9-specific monoclonal antibody ALB6. Ectopic CD9 induced cell survival. In
      order to identify signaling pathways related to CD9, the gene expressions of
      CD9/SKOV3 cells were analyzed by cDNA microarray. Among the many upregulated
      genes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was induced in CD9/SKOV3 cells. The
      effect of overexpressed CD9 on the downstream signaling events of TNF-alpha was
      further investigated. In CD9/SKOV3 cells, the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      signaling pathway was constitutively activated. Knockdown of CD9 by siRNA and
      blockage of CD9 activity by ALB6 in ovarian cancer cells demonstrated that
      constitutive activation of NF-kappaB is CD9 dependent and that CD9 is involved in
      anti-apoptosis. A CD9 functional study was performed in an ovarian cancer
      xenograft mouse by injecting ALB6 into the peritoneum. ALB6 resulted in reduced
      tumor weight compared with that of control IgG(1). Collectively, these results
      demonstrate that CD9 functions as an oncogene and represents a target for the
      development of cancer-specific therapeutics.

PMID- 22095070
TI  - Viral gene transfer to developing mouse salivary glands.
AB  - Branching morphogenesis is essential for the formation of salivary glands,
      kidneys, lungs, and many other organs during development, but the mechanisms
      underlying this process are not adequately understood. Microarray and other gene
      expression methods have been powerful approaches for identifying candidate genes
      that potentially regulate branching morphogenesis. However, functional validation
      of the proposed roles for these genes has been severely hampered by the absence
      of efficient techniques to genetically manipulate cells within embryonic organs.
      Using ex vivo cultured embryonic mouse submandibular glands (SMGs) as models to
      study branching morphogenesis, we have identified new vectors for viral gene
      transfer with high efficiency and cell-type specificity to developing SMGs. We
      screened adenovirus, lentivirus, and 11 types of adeno-associated viruses (AAV)
      for their ability to transduce embryonic day 12 or 13 SMGs. We identified two AAV
      types, AAV2 and bovine AAV (BAAV), that are selective in targeting expression
      differentially to SMG epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations, respectively.
      Transduction of SMG epithelia with self-complementary (sc) AAV2 expressing
      fibroblast growth factor 7 (Fgf7) supported gland survival and enhanced SMG
      branching morphogenesis. Our findings represent, to our knowledge, the first
      successful selective gene targeting to epithelial vs. mesenchymal cells in an
      organ undergoing branching morphogenesis.

PMID- 22095073
TI  - Myofibroblast-induced tumorigenicity of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells is
      L1CAM dependent.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and chronic pancreatitis, representing
      one risk factor for PDAC, are characterized by a marked desmoplasia enriched of
      pancreatic myofibroblasts (PMFs). Thus, PMFs are thought to essentially promote
      pancreatic tumorigenesis. We recently demonstrated that the adhesion molecule
      L1CAM is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of PMF-cocultured H6c7
      human ductal epithelial cells and that L1CAM is expressed already in ductal
      structures of chronic pancreatitis with even higher elevation in primary tumors
      and metastases of PDAC patients. This study aimed at investigating whether PMFs
      and L1CAM drive malignant transformation of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells by
      enhancing their tumorigenic potential. Cell culture experiments demonstrated that
      in the presence of PMFs, H6c7 cells exhibit a profound resistance against death
      ligand-induced apoptosis. This apoptosis protection was similarly observed in
      H6c7 cells stably overexpressing L1CAM. Intrapancreatic inoculation of H6c7 cells
      together with PMFs (H6c7co) resulted in tumor formation in 7/8 and liver
      metastases in 6/8 severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, whereas no tumors
      and metastases were detectable after inoculation of H6c7 cells alone. Likewise,
      tumor outgrowth and metastases resulted from inoculation of L1CAM-overexpressing
      H6c7 cells in 5/7 and 3/7 SCID mice, respectively, but not from inoculation of
      mock-transfected H6c7 cells. Treatment of H6c7co tumor-bearing mice with the
      L1CAM antibody L1-9.3/2a inhibited tumor formation and liver metastasis in 100
      and 50%, respectively, of the treated animals. Overall, these data provide new
      insights into the mechanisms of how PMFs and L1CAM contribute to malignant
      transformation of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in early stages of
      pancreatic tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22095074
TI  - Guggulsterone induces heme oxygenase-1 expression through activation of Nrf2 in
      human mammary epithelial cells: PTEN as a putative target.
AB  - Guggulsterone (GS) [4,17(20)-pregnadiene-3,16-dione] is a phytosterol found in
      the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul. GS exists naturally in two stereoisomers:
      E-GS (cis-GS) and Z-GS (trans-GS). In this study, the effects of both isomers on
      expression of the cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were evaluated in
      human mammary epithelial (MCF10A) cells. NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is
      considered a master regulator in activating antioxidant response element (ARE)
      driven expression of HO-1 and many other antioxidant/cytoprotective proteins. cis
      GS upregulated the transcription and protein expression of HO-1 to a greater
      extent than did trans-GS. cis-GS treatment enhanced nuclear translocation and ARE
      binding activity of Nrf2. MCF10A cells transfected with an ARE luciferase
      construct exhibited significantly elevated Nrf2 transcriptional activity upon cis
      GS treatment compared with cells transfected with the control vector. In
      addition, silencing of the Nrf2 gene abrogated cis-GS-induced expression of HO-1.
      Incubation of MCF10A cells with cis-GS increased phosphorylation of Akt. The
      pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), an upstream
      kinase responsible for Akt phosphorylation, abrogated cis-GS-induced Nrf2 nuclear
      translocation. Pretreatment with the thiol-reducing agents attenuated Akt
      phosphorylation, Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression, suggesting that cis-GS may
      cause thiol modification of an upstream signaling modulator. Phosphatase and
      Tensin Homologue Deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a negative regulator of the
      PI3K-Akt axis. The mutation in cysteine 124 present in the catalytic domain of
      PTEN abolished cis-GS-induced HO-1 expression as well as Akt phosphorylation.
      Whether this cysteine is a 'bona fide' target of cis-GS in its activation of Nrf2
      needs additional investigation.

PMID- 22095075
TI  - [PSI+] Prion transmission barriers protect Saccharomyces cerevisiae from
      infection: intraspecies 'species barriers'.
AB  - [PSI+] is a prion of Sup35p, an essential translation termination and mRNA
      turnover factor. The existence of lethal [PSI+] variants, the absence of [PSI+]
      in wild strains, the mRNA turnover function of the Sup35p prion domain, and the
      stress reaction to prion infection suggest that [PSI+] is a disease. Nonetheless,
      others have proposed that [PSI+] and other yeast prions benefit their hosts. We
      find that wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains are polymorphic for the sequence
      of the prion domain and particularly in the adjacent M domain. Here we establish
      that these variations within the species produce barriers to prion transmission.
      The barriers are partially asymmetric in some cases, and evidence for variant
      specificity in barriers is presented. We propose that, as the PrP 129M/V
      polymorphism protects people from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the Sup35p
      polymorphisms were selected to protect yeast cells from prion infection. In one
      prion incompatibility group, the barrier is due to N109S in the Sup35 prion
      domain and several changes in the middle (M) domain, with either the single N109S
      mutation or the group of M changes (without the N109S) producing a barrier. In
      another, the barrier is due to a large deletion in the repeat domain. All are
      outside the region previously believed to determine transmission compatibility.
      [SWI+], a prion of the chromatin remodeling factor Swi1p, was also proposed to
      benefit its host. We find that none of 70 wild strains carry this prion,
      suggesting that it is not beneficial.

PMID- 22095076
TI  - Inferring the history of interchromosomal gene transposition in Drosophila using
      n-dimensional parsimony.
AB  - Gene transposition puts a new gene copy in a novel genomic environment. Moreover,
      genes moving between the autosomes and the X chromosome experience change in
      several evolutionary parameters. Previous studies of gene transposition have not
      utilized the phylogenetic framework that becomes possible with the availability
      of whole genomes from multiple species. Here we used parsimonious reconstruction
      on the genomic distribution of gene families to analyze interchromosomal gene
      transposition in Drosophila. We identified 782 genes that have moved chromosomes
      within the phylogeny of 10 Drosophila species, including 87 gene families with
      multiple independent movements on different branches of the phylogeny. Using this
      large catalog of transposed genes, we detected accelerated sequence evolution in
      duplicated genes that transposed when compared to the parental copy at the
      original locus. We also observed a more refined picture of the biased movement of
      genes from the X chromosome to the autosomes. The bias of X-to-autosome movement
      was significantly stronger for RNA-based movements than for DNA-based movements,
      and among DNA-based movements there was an excess of genes moving onto the X
      chromosome as well. Genes involved in female-specific functions moved onto the X
      chromosome while genes with male-specific functions moved off the X. There was a
      significant overrepresentation of proteins involving chromosomal function among
      transposed genes, suggesting that genetic conflict between sexes and among
      chromosomes may be a driving force behind gene transposition in Drosophila.

PMID- 22095077
TI  - Multiple roles of the Cox20 chaperone in assembly of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      cytochrome c oxidase.
AB  - The Cox2 subunit of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome c oxidase is synthesized
      in the mitochondrial matrix as a precursor whose leader peptide is rapidly
      processed by the inner membrane protease following translocation to the
      intermembrane space. Processing is chaperoned by Cox20, an integral inner
      membrane protein whose hydrophilic domains are located in the intermembrane
      space, and Cox20 remains associated with mature, unassembled Cox2. The Cox2 C
      tail domain is exported post-translationally by the highly conserved translocase
      Cox18 and associated proteins. We have found that Cox20 is required for efficient
      export of the Cox2 C-tail. Furthermore, Cox20 interacts by co-immune
      precipitation with Cox18, and this interaction requires the presence of Cox2. We
      therefore propose that Cox20 binding to Cox2 on the trans side of the inner
      membrane accelerates dissociation of newly exported Cox2 from the Cox18
      translocase, promoting efficient cycling of the translocase. The requirement for
      Cox20 in cytochrome c oxidase assembly and respiratory growth is partially
      bypassed by yme1, mgr1 or mgr3 mutations, each of which reduce i-AAA protease
      activity in the intermembrane space. Thus, Cox20 also appears to stabilize
      unassembled Cox2 against degradation by the i-AAA protease. Pre-Cox2 leader
      peptide processing by Imp1 occurs in the absence of Cox20 and i-AAA protease
      activity, but is greatly reduced in efficiency. Under these conditions some
      mature Cox2 is assembled into cytochrome c oxidase allowing weak respiratory
      growth. Thus, the Cox20 chaperone has important roles in leader peptide
      processing, C-tail export, and stabilization of Cox2.

PMID- 22095078
TI  - Fine-scale estimation of location of birth from genome-wide single-nucleotide
      polymorphism data.
AB  - Systematic nonrandom mating in populations results in genetic stratification and
      is predominantly caused by geographic separation, providing the opportunity to
      infer individuals' birthplace from genetic data. Such inference has been
      demonstrated for individuals' country of birth, but here we use data from the
      Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) to investigate the characteristics
      of genetic structure within a population and subsequently develop a method for
      inferring location to a finer scale. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows
      that while the first PCs are particularly informative for location, there is also
      location information in the higher-order PCs, but it cannot be captured by a
      linear model. We introduce a new method, pcLOCATE, which is able to exploit this
      information to improve the accuracy of location inference. pcLOCATE uses
      individuals' PC values to estimate the probability of birth in each town and then
      averages over all towns to give an estimated longitude and latitude of birth
      using a fully Bayesian model. We apply pcLOCATE to the NFBC1966 data to estimate
      parental birthplace, testing with successively more PCs and finding the model
      with the top 23 PCs most accurate, with a median distance of 23 km between the
      estimated and the true location. pcLOCATE predicts the most recent residence of
      NFBC1966 individuals to a median distance of 47 km. We also apply pcLOCATE to
      Indian individuals from the London Life Sciences Prospective Population Study
      (LOLIPOP) data, and find that birthplace is predicated to a median distance of 54
      km from the true location. A method with such accuracy is potentially valuable in
      population genetics and forensics.

PMID- 22095080
TI  - Fixation probability in a two-locus model by the ancestral recombination
      selection graph.
AB  - We use the ancestral influence graph (AIG) for a two-locus, two-allele selection
      model in the limit of a large population size to obtain an analytic approximation
      for the probability of ultimate fixation of a single mutant allele A. We assume
      that this new mutant is introduced at a given locus into a finite population in
      which a previous mutant allele B is already segregating with a wild type at
      another linked locus. We deduce that the fixation probability increases as the
      recombination rate increases if allele A is either in positive epistatic
      interaction with B and allele B is beneficial or in no epistatic interaction with
      B and then allele A itself is beneficial. This holds at least as long as the
      recombination fraction and the selection intensity are small enough and the
      population size is large enough. In particular this confirms the Hill-Robertson
      effect, which predicts that recombination renders more likely the ultimate
      fixation of beneficial mutants at different loci in a population in the presence
      of random genetic drift even in the absence of epistasis. More importantly, we
      show that this is true from weak negative epistasis to positive epistasis, at
      least under weak selection. In the case of deleterious mutants, the fixation
      probability decreases as the recombination rate increases. This supports Muller's
      ratchet mechanism to explain the accumulation of deleterious mutants in a
      population lacking recombination.

PMID- 22095081
TI  - Frameshift mutagenesis: the roles of primer-template misalignment and the
      nonhomologous end-joining pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Small insertions or deletions that alter the reading frame of a gene typically
      occur in simple repeats such as mononucleotide runs and are thought to reflect
      spontaneous primer-template misalignment during DNA replication. The resulting
      extrahelical repeat is efficiently recognized by the mismatch repair machinery,
      which specifically replaces the newly replicated strand to restore the original
      sequence. Frameshift mutagenesis is most easily studied using reversion assays,
      and previous studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggested that the length
      threshold for polymerase slippage in mononucleotide runs is 4N. Because the
      probability of slippage is strongly correlated with run length, however, it was
      not clear whether shorter runs were unable to support slippage or whether the
      resulting frameshifts were obscured by the presence of longer runs. To address
      this issue, we removed all mononucleotide runs >3N from the yeast lys2DeltaBgl
      and lys2DeltaA746 frameshift reversion assays, which detect net 1-bp deletions
      and insertions, respectively. Analyses demonstrate that 2N and 3N runs can
      support primer-template misalignment, but there is striking run-specific
      variation in the frequency of slippage, in the accumulation of +1 vs. -1
      frameshifts and in the apparent efficiency of mismatch repair. We suggest that
      some of this variation reflects the role of flanking sequence in initiating
      primer-template misalignment and that some reflects replication-independent
      frameshifts generated by the nonhomologous end-joining pathway. Finally, we
      demonstrate that nonhomologous end joining is uniquely required for the de novo
      creation of tandem duplications from noniterated sequence.

PMID- 22095079
TI  - The double-bromodomain proteins Bdf1 and Bdf2 modulate chromatin structure to
      regulate S-phase stress response in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - Bromodomain proteins bind acetylated histones to regulate transcription. Emerging
      evidence suggests that histone acetylation plays an important role in DNA
      replication and repair, although its precise mechanisms are not well understood.
      Here we report studies of two double bromodomain-containing proteins, Bdf1 and
      Bdf2, in fission yeast. Loss of Bdf1 or Bdf2 led to a reduction in the level of
      histone H4 acetylation. Both bdf1Delta and bdf2Delta cells showed sensitivity to
      DNA damaging agents, including camptothecin, that cause replication fork
      breakage. Consistently, Bdf1 and Bdf2 were important for recovery of broken
      replication forks and suppression of DNA damage. Surprisingly, deletion of bdf1
      or bdf2 partially suppressed sensitivity of various checkpoint mutants including
      swi1Delta, mrc1Delta, cds1Delta, crb2Delta, chk1Delta, and rad3Delta, to
      hydroxyurea, a compound that stalls replication forks and activates the Cds1
      dependent S-phase checkpoint. This suppression was not due to reactivation of
      Cds1. Instead, we found that bdf2 deletion alleviates DNA damage accumulation
      caused by defects in the DNA replication checkpoint. We also show that
      hydroxyurea sensitivity of mrc1Delta and swi1Delta was suppressed by mutations in
      histone H4 acetyltransferase subunits or histone H4. These results suggest that
      the double bromodomain-containing proteins modulate chromatin structure to
      coordinate DNA replication and S-phase stress response.

PMID- 22095082
TI  - A conserved transcriptional regulator governs fungal morphology in widely
      diverged species.
AB  - Fungi exhibit a large variety of morphological forms. Here, we examine the
      functions of a deeply conserved regulator of morphology in three fungal species:
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, and Histoplasma capsulatum. We show
      that, despite an estimated 600 million years since those species diverged from a
      common ancestor, Wor1 in C. albicans, Ryp1 in H. capsulatum, and Mit1 in S.
      cerevisiae are transcriptional regulators that recognize the same DNA sequence.
      Previous work established that Wor1 regulates white-opaque switching in C.
      albicans and that its ortholog Ryp1 regulates the yeast to mycelial transition in
      H. capsulatum. Here we show that the ortholog Mit1 in S. cerevisiae is also a
      master regulator of a morphological transition, in this case pseudohyphal growth.
      Full-genome chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show that Mit1 binds to the
      control regions of the previously known regulators of pseudohyphal growth as well
      as those of many additional genes. Through a comparison of binding sites for Mit1
      in S. cerevisiae, Wor1 in C. albicans, and Wor1 ectopically expressed in S.
      cerevisiae, we conclude that the genes controlled by the orthologous regulators
      overlap only slightly between these two species despite the fact that the DNA
      binding specificity of the regulators has remained largely unchanged. We suggest
      that the ancestral Wor1/Mit1/Ryp1 protein controlled aspects of cell morphology
      and that movement of genes in and out of the Wor1/Mit1/Ryp1 regulon is
      responsible, in part, for the differences of morphological forms among these
      species.

PMID- 22095084
TI  - Stickbreaking: a novel fitness landscape model that harbors epistasis and is
      consistent with commonly observed patterns of adaptive evolution.
AB  - In relating genotypes to fitness, models of adaptation need to both be
      computationally tractable and qualitatively match observed data. One reason that
      tractability is not a trivial problem comes from a combinatoric problem whereby
      no matter in what order a set of mutations occurs, it must yield the same
      fitness. We refer to this as the bookkeeping problem. Because of their
      commutative property, the simple additive and multiplicative models naturally
      solve the bookkeeping problem. However, the fitness trajectories and epistatic
      patterns they predict are inconsistent with the patterns commonly observed in
      experimental evolution. This motivates us to propose a new and equally simple
      model that we call stickbreaking. Under the stickbreaking model, the intrinsic
      fitness effects of mutations scale by the distance of the current background to a
      hypothesized boundary. We use simulations and theoretical analyses to explore the
      basic properties of the stickbreaking model such as fitness trajectories, the
      distribution of fitness achieved, and epistasis. Stickbreaking is compared to the
      additive and multiplicative models. We conclude that the stickbreaking model is
      qualitatively consistent with several commonly observed patterns of adaptive
      evolution.

PMID- 22095083
TI  - A screen for X-linked mutations affecting Drosophila photoreceptor
      differentiation identifies Casein kinase 1alpha as an essential negative
      regulator of wingless signaling.
AB  - The Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways are essential for normal development and
      are misregulated in cancer. The casein kinase family of serine/threonine kinases
      regulates both pathways at multiple levels. However, it has been difficult to
      determine whether individual members of this family have distinct functions in
      vivo, due to their overlapping substrate specificities. In Drosophila
      melanogaster, photoreceptor differentiation is induced by Hedgehog and inhibited
      by Wingless, providing a sensitive system in which to identify regulators of each
      pathway. We used a mosaic genetic screen in the Drosophila eye to identify
      mutations in genes on the X chromosome required for signal transduction. We
      recovered mutations affecting the transcriptional regulator CREB binding protein,
      the small GTPase dynamin, the cytoskeletal regulator Actin-related protein 2, and
      the protein kinase Casein kinase 1alpha. Consistent with its reported function in
      the beta-Catenin degradation complex, Casein Kinase 1alpha mutant cells
      accumulate beta-Catenin and ectopically induce Wingless target genes. In contrast
      to previous studies based on RNA interference, we could not detect any effect of
      the same Casein Kinase 1alpha mutation on Hedgehog signaling. We thus propose
      that Casein kinase 1alpha is essential to allow beta-Catenin degradation and
      prevent inappropriate Wingless signaling, but its effects on the Hedgehog pathway
      are redundant with other Casein kinase 1 family members.

PMID- 22095085
TI  - MicroRNA transgene overexpression complements deficiency-based modifier screens
      in Drosophila.
AB  - Dosage-sensitive modifier screening is a powerful tool for linking genes to
      biological processes. Use of chromosomal deletions permits sampling the effects
      of removing groups of genes related by position on the chromosome. Here, we
      explore the use of inducible microRNA transgenes as a complement to deficiency
      based modifier screens. miRNAs are predicted to have hundreds of targets. miRNA
      overexpression provides an efficient means to reduces expression of large gene
      sets. A collection of transgenes was prepared to allow overexpression of 89
      miRNAs or miRNA clusters. These transgenes and a set of genomic deficiencies were
      screened for their ability to modify the bristle phenotype of the cell-cycle
      regulator minus. Sixteen miRNAs were identified as dominant suppressors, while
      the deficiency screen uncovered four genomic regions that contain a dominant
      suppressor. Comparing the genes uncovered by the deletions with predicted miRNA
      targets uncovered a small set of candidate suppressors. Two candidates were
      identified as suppressors of the minus phenotype, Cullin-4 and CG5199/Cut8.
      Additionally, we show that Cullin-4 acts through its substrate receptor Cdt2 to
      suppress the minus phenotype. We suggest that inducible microRNA transgenes are a
      useful complement to deficiency-based modifier screens.

PMID- 22095088
TI  - Effects of proteasome inhibitors on the nucleolar size of porcine oocytes.
AB  - During the final stage of oocyte growth, the morphology of the oocyte nucleoli
      changes into a compact structure. The objective of this study was to determine
      the involvement of the proteasome, which is a large protein complex responsible
      for degrading intracellular proteins, in the nucleolar compaction. The mean
      nucleolar diameter of growing porcine oocytes (about 100 um in diameter) was
      larger than that of fully grown (120 um) oocytes (15.5 +/- 0.3 vs. 13.2 +/- 0.1
      um, P<0.05). When fully grown oocytes were treated with proteasome inhibitors,
      MG132 (10 and 20 uM) and lactacystin (100 and 200 uM), the nucleolar diameter
      significantly increased from 12.9 um to 14.9-16.1 um. In contrast, transcription
      inhibitors, actinomycin D (0.8-8 uM) and alpha-amanitin (10-100 uM) reduced the
      nucleolar diameter of growing oocytes to 9.4-12.4 um. MG132 partially prevented
      this reduction in nucleolar diameter. These results suggest that the proteasome
      regulates the nucleolar size in porcine oocytes perhaps through the degradation
      of nucleolar proteins.

PMID- 22095087
TI  - High-resolution structure of shikimate dehydrogenase from Thermotoga maritima
      reveals a tightly closed conformation.
AB  - Shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH), which catalyses the NADPH-dependent reduction of 3
      dehydroshikimate to shikimate in the shikimate pathway, is an attractive target
      for the development of herbicides and antimicrobial agents. Structural analysis
      of a SDH from Thermotoga maritima encoded by the Tm0346 gene was performed to
      facilitate further structural comparisons between the various shikimate
      dehydrogenases. The crystal structure of SDH from T. maritima was determined at
      1.45 SDH from T. maritima showed a monomeric architecture. The overall structure
      of SDH from T. maritima comprises the N-terminal alpha/beta sandwich domain for
      substrate binding and the C-terminal domain for NADP binding. When the T.
      maritima SDH structure was compared with those of the SDHs from other species,
      the SDH from T. maritima was in a tightly closed conformation, which should be
      open for catalysis. Notably, alpha7 moves toward the active site (~5 A), which
      forces the SDH of T. maritima in a more closed form. Four ammonium sulfate (AMS)
      ions were identified in the structure. They were located in the active site and
      appeared to mimic the role of the substrate in terms of the enzyme activity and
      stability. The new high resolution structural information reported in this study,
      including the AMS binding sites as a potent inhibitor binding site of SDHs, is
      expected to supplement the existing structural data and will be useful for
      structure-based antibacterial discovery against SDHs.

PMID- 22095086
TI  - Huntingtin aggregation kinetics and their pathological role in a Drosophila
      Huntington's disease model.
AB  - Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from expansion of
      a polyglutamine tract in the Huntingtin protein. Mutant Huntingtin forms
      intracellular aggregates within neurons, although it is unclear whether
      aggregates or more soluble forms of the protein represent the pathogenic species.
      To examine the link between aggregation and neurodegeneration, we generated
      Drosophila melanogaster transgenic strains expressing fluorescently tagged human
      huntingtin encoding pathogenic (Q138) or nonpathogenic (Q15) proteins, allowing
      in vivo imaging of Huntingtin expression and aggregation in live animals.
      Neuronal expression of pathogenic Huntingtin leads to pharate adult lethality,
      accompanied by formation of large aggregates within the cytoplasm of neuronal
      cell bodies and neurites. Live imaging and Fluorescence Recovery After
      Photobleaching (FRAP) analysis of pathogenic Huntingtin demonstrated that new
      aggregates can form in neurons within 12 hr, while preexisting aggregates rapidly
      accumulate new Huntingtin protein within minutes. To examine the role of
      aggregates in pathology, we conducted haplo-insufficiency suppressor screens for
      Huntingtin-Q138 aggregation or Huntingtin-Q138-induced lethality, using
      deficiencies covering ~80% of the Drosophila genome. We identified two classes of
      interacting suppressors in our screen: those that rescue viability while
      decreasing Huntingtin expression and aggregation and those that rescue viability
      without disrupting Huntingtin aggregation. The most robust suppressors reduced
      both soluble and aggregated Huntingtin levels, suggesting toxicity is likely to
      be associated with both forms of the mutant protein in Huntington's disease.

PMID- 22095089
TI  - Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Satureja hortensis seed
      essential oil, hydroalcoholic and polyphenolic extracts in animal models.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and
      analgesic effects of Satureja hortensis seed extracts and to analyze their
      essential oil constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroalcoholic and
      polyphenolic extracts and essential oil of S. hortensis seeds were prepared using
      standard methods. Analgesic activity was assessed in male mice (25-35 g) using
      standard methods (acetic acid and formalin tests). For the evaluation of anti
      inflammatory activity, the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test was used. The
      mice were pretreated with 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p., hydroalcoholic or
      polyphenolic extracts or 100 or 200 MUl/kg, p.o. RESULTS: Hydrodistillation of
      the seeds of S. hortensis afforded a pale yellowish oil in a yield of 0.05%
      (v/w). Pretreatment of mice with hydroalcoholic or polyphenolic extracts or
      essential oil significantly (p < 0.001) reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal
      twitches. Hydroalcoholic extracts also significantly reduced pain responses in
      early and late phases of the formalin test whereas the polyphenolic extract and
      essential oil were only effective in the late phase of the formalin test. All
      three fractions were found to reduce paw edema in the carrageenan test.
      CONCLUSION: These results clearly demonstrate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory
      activity of S. hortensis seeds and since the hydroalcoholic extract relieved pain
      in the first phase of the formalin test, it seems that at least part of its
      analgesic activity may be mediated centrally. The results of this study
      substantiated the traditional use of S. hortensis plant seeds in painful and
      inflammatory ailments.

PMID- 22095090
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of Salidroside and its analogue tyrosol galactoside
      against focal cerebral ischemia in vivo and H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in vitro.
AB  - Salidroside (Sal) is a natural antioxidant extracted from the root of Rhodiola
      rosea L. that elicits neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. Tyrosol
      galactoside (Tyr), an analog of Sal, was recently synthesized in our laboratory.
      The purpose of the current study was to investigate and compare the
      neuroprotective effects of Sal and Tyr against focal cerebral ischemia in vivo
      and H(2)O(2)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. Sal and Tyr significantly prevented
      a cerebral ischemic injury induced by a 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion and
      a 24 h reperfusion in rats in vivo. Furthermore, the oxidative insult was
      markedly attenuated by treatments of Sal and Tyr in the cultured rat cortical
      neurons after a 30 min exposure to 50 MUM of H(2)O(2). Western blot analysis
      revealed that Sal and Tyr decreased the expression of Bax and restored the
      balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. The neuroprotective effects of these
      two analogues show that Tyr has a better antioxidative action compared with Sal
      both in vivo and in vitro, and suggest that the antioxidant activity of Sal and
      Tyr may be partly due to their different substituents in their glycosyl groups.
      This gives a new insight into the development of therapeutic natural antioxidants
      against oxidative stress.

PMID- 22095092
TI  - CAF05: cationic liposomes that incorporate synthetic cord factor and poly(I:C)
      induce CTL immunity and reduce tumor burden in mice.
AB  - Considerable effort has been put into targeting tumors through therapeutic
      vaccination using dendritic cell-, DNA-, protein-, or peptide-based vaccines.
      Purified peptides and proteins are generally not immunogenic and need to be
      administered with an adjuvant that will trigger an appropriate immune response.
      Safe adjuvants that favor induction of tumor reactive CD8(+) T cells with the
      capacity to directly kill tumor cells are therefore a high priority. We have
      previously reported on the effect and mechanism of a cationic adjuvant
      formulation, CAF01, which incorporates synthetic mycobacterial cord factor and
      primes protective Th1, Th17, and antibody responses in animal models of
      bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The CAF01 adjuvant is currently in
      clinical trial. Using CAF01 as a backbone, we recently demonstrated that
      incorporating the TLR3 ligand polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] primes
      CD8(+) T cells specific to the SIINFEKL epitope of the model antigen ovalbumin.
      In the present study, we demonstrate that CAF01/poly(I:C), termed cationic
      adjuvant formulation 05 or CAF05, can induce CD8(+) T cells that efficiently lyse
      target cells and significantly reduce tumor growth in two different mouse tumor
      models: lung B16-OVA melanoma expressing ovalbumin and the self-antigen TRP2, and
      subcutaneous TC-1 tumors expressing the human papillomavirus-16 protein E7.

PMID- 22095094
TI  - Tick-borne encephalitis virus: reference strain Sofjin and problem of its
      authenticity.
AB  - The Sofjin strain is one of the first isolates of tick-borne encephalitis virus
      and, due to its wide distribution in virus collections, it has become the
      reference strain. Until now, GenBank has recorded several sequences associated
      with the Sofjin strain that have significant differences between each other. We
      have sequenced the complete genome of the Sofjin strain from a virus collection
      and a genome fragment of the two vaccine Sofjin strains. According to
      phylogenetic analysis, we concluded that the GenBank sequences belong to three
      independent groups of Sofjin strains of the Far Eastern subtype. Their genetic
      differences are not a result of microevolution associated with numerous passages.
      Retrospective analysis of the peculiarities of origin and distribution for each
      of these groups showed the authenticity of one of them. For the first time, we
      have determined a complete genome sequence of the authentic reference TBEV strain
      Sofjin. Two other groups of strains named Sofjin were probably the result of
      cross-contamination or laboratory error. The high probability of contamination
      requires the introduction of a new standard for virological laboratories, the key
      point of which is the obligatory genetic identification of all collection
      strains.

PMID- 22095093
TI  - Retinal sensitivity after resolution of the macular edema associated with retinal
      vein occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the correlation of retinal sensitivity with both morphologic
      changes in the macula and status of retinal capillary perfusion, after resolution
      of the macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS:
      Retinal sensitivity in the macular area was examined with the Micro Perimeter 1
      in 24 eyes after resolution of the macular edema associated with RVO. Using
      spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, 6 mm * 6 mm areas of macula were
      examined with 256 sequential horizontal scans. Condition of the photoreceptor
      layer was evaluated depending upon detection of the junctions between inner and
      outer segments of the photoreceptors (IS/OS). Fluorescein angiography was
      performed in 19 eyes. RESULTS: Mean retinal sensitivity on the affected side of
      the retina was significantly decreased (p < 0.001). On the affected side, the
      mean retinal sensitivity within the area of deteriorated IS/OS was significantly
      less (3.8 +/- 4.8 dB) than that within areas with complete IS/OS (10.1 +/- 6.4
      dB, p < 0.001). Mean retinal sensitivity within nonperfused areas was extremely
      low (0.3 +/- 1.3 dB), compared with that in perfused retina (10.9 +/- 5.9 dB, p <
      0.001). In eyes with a broken foveal capillary ring (FCR), the marked decline in
      retinal sensitivity was seen within the area where the FCR was broken; this was
      not seen in eyes with an intact FCR. CONCLUSION: Retinal function was decreased
      markedly in areas with a damaged photoreceptor layer due to RVO, and was lethally
      decreased within nonperfused areas. Due to the various limitations of the current
      study, including implementation of fluorescein angiography in limited number of
      eyes, wide range of follow-up, and heterogeneity of pretreatments, further
      prospective studies are necessary to confirm the current findings.

PMID- 22095091
TI  - Zinc and the ERK kinases in the developing brain.
AB  - This article reviews evidence in support of the hypothesis that impaired
      activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) contributes to
      the disruptions in neurodevelopment associated with zinc deficiency. These
      kinases are implicated in major events of brain development, including
      proliferation of progenitor cells, neuronal migration, differentiation, and
      apoptotic cell death. In humans, mutations in ERK1/2 genes have been associated
      with neuro-cardio-facial-cutaneous syndromes. ERK1/2 deficits in mice have
      revealed impaired neurogenesis, altered cellularity, and behavioral
      abnormalities. Zinc is an important modulator of ERK1/2 signaling. Conditions of
      both zinc deficiency and excess affect ERK1/2 phosphorylation in fetal and adult
      brains. Hypophosphorylation of ERK1/2, associated with decreased zinc
      availability in cell cultures, is accompanied by decreased proliferation and an
      arrest of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Zinc and ERK1/2 have both been shown
      to modulate neural progenitor cell proliferation and cell death in the brain.
      Furthermore, behavioral deficits resulting from developmental zinc deficiency are
      similar to those observed in mice with decreased ERK1/2 signaling. For example,
      impaired performance on behavioral tests of learning and memory; such as the
      Morris water maze, fear conditioning, and the radial arm maze; has been reported
      in both animals exposed to developmental zinc deficiency and transgenic mice with
      decreased ERK signaling. Future study should clarify the mechanisms through which
      a dysregulation of ERK1/2 may contribute to altered brain development associated
      with dietary zinc deficiency and with conditions that limit zinc availability.

PMID- 22095097
TI  - [100] Directed Cu-doped h-CoO nanorods: elucidation of the growth mechanism and
      application to lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - Thermal decomposition of Co(acac)(3) and Cu(acac)(2) in benzylamine leads to the
      formation of [100] directed Cu-doped h-CoO nanorods, which are very stable in an
      aqueous solution. The formation mechanism of the [100] directed Cu-doped h-CoO
      nanorods is fully elucidated by using first-principles calculations,
      demonstrating that Cu-doping not only changes the growth direction but also
      enhances the stability of the nanorods significantly. Evaluation of the
      electrochemical performance of Cu-doped h-CoO nanorods shows high initial
      Coulombic efficiency and ultrahigh capacity with excellent cycling performance,
      indicating their suitability as an anode material for next generation lithium-ion
      batteries.

PMID- 22095096
TI  - Controlled release of IGF-I from a biodegradable matrix improves functional
      recovery of skeletal muscle from ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a considerable insult to skeletal muscle,
      often resulting in prolonged functional deficits. The purpose of the current
      study was to evaluate the controlled release of the pro-regenerative growth
      factor, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), from a biodegradable polyethylene
      glycol (PEG)ylated fibrin gel matrix and the subsequent recovery of skeletal
      muscle from I/R. To accomplish this, the hind limbs of male Sprague-Dawley rats
      were subjected to 2-h tourniquet-induced I/R then treated with saline, bolus IGF
      I (bIGF), PEGylated fibrin gel (PEG-Fib), or IGF-I conjugated PEGylated fibrin
      gel (PEG-Fib-IGF). Functional and histological evaluations were performed
      following 14 days of reperfusion, and muscles from 4-day reperfusion animals were
      analyzed by Western blotting and histological assessments. There was no
      difference in functional recovery between saline, bIGF, or PEG-Fib groups.
      However, PEG-Fib-IGF treatment resulted in significant improvement of muscle
      function and structure, as observed histologically. Activation of the PI3K/Akt
      pathway was significantly elevated in PEG-Fib-IGF muscles, compared to PEG-Fib
      treatment, at 4 days of reperfusion, suggesting involvement of the pathway
      PI3K/Akt as a mediator of the improved function. Surprisingly, myoblast activity
      was not evident as a result of PEG-Fib-IGF treatment. Taken together, these data
      give evidence for a protective role for the delivered IGF. These results indicate
      that PEG-Fib-IGF is a viable therapeutic technique in the treatment of skeletal
      muscle I/R injury.

PMID- 22095098
TI  - Association of cognitive function and risk for elder abuse in a community
      dwelling population.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between
      cognitive function and elder abuse. METHODS: The Chicago Health and Aging Project
      (CHAP) is a population-based study conducted in a geographically defined
      community (n = 8,932). We identified 238 CHAP participants who had elder abuse
      reported to a social services agency. Cognitive function was assessed using the
      Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test
      (perceptual speed), and both immediate and delayed recall of the East Boston
      Memory Test (episodic memory). An index of global cognitive function scores was
      derived by averaging the z-scores of all tests. Logistic regression models were
      used to assess the association of cognitive function domains and risk of elder
      abuse. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders, lowest tertiles of global
      cognition (odd's ratio, OR 4.18, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 2.44-7.15), MMSE
      (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.93-4.57), episodic memory (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49-3.43) and
      perceptual speed (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.51-3.73) were associated with increased risk
      of elder abuse. The lowest levels of global cognitive function were associated
      with an increased risk of physical abuse (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.08-11.67), emotional
      abuse (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.41-6.44), caregiver neglect (OR 6.24, 95% CI 2.68
      14.54), and financial exploitation (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.88-7.32). CONCLUSION: Lower
      levels of global cognitive function, MMSE, episodic memory and perceptual speed
      are associated with an increased risk of elder abuse.

PMID- 22095099
TI  - Aldosterone and the heart: from basic research to clinical evidence.
AB  - Recent views suggest that long-term exposure to elevated aldosterone
      concentrations might result in cardiac, vascular, renal, and metabolic sequelae
      that occur independent of the blood pressure level. Indirect evidence of the
      untoward effects of aldosterone on the heart has been clearly established in
      clinical studies that have tested the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor
      antagonists in the treatment of systolic heart failure. As it has become clear in
      recent years, the interaction between aldosterone and the heart has to deal with
      additional actions of the hormone on specific cell types, cellular mechanisms,
      and molecules that are involved in regulation of tissue responses, leading to
      hypertrophy, remodeling, and fibrosis. The majority of these effects are mediated
      by activation of the mineralocorticoid receptors that are expressed in
      cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, and mediate the genomic effects of the
      hormone. Evidence of interactions between aldosterone and the heart that occur
      independent of the renal effects of aldosterone, however, is not limited to the
      context of systolic heart failure and observations obtained in other disease
      states have led, together with findings of animal studies, to a better
      understanding of the potential benefits of aldosterone antagonists. In this
      narrative overview, we highlight the most recent findings that have been obtained
      in experimental animal models and in clinical conditions that include, in
      addition to systolic heart failure, primary aldosteronism, essential
      hypertension, diastolic heart failure, and arrhythmia.

PMID- 22095100
TI  - Salivary transcriptomic biomarkers for detection of ovarian cancer: for serous
      papillary adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer due to lack of clear
      symptom and reliable screening biomarker in the early stage. The capability to
      detect the initiation of malignancy with a sensitive and effective approach is
      one of the most desirable goals for ovarian cancer therapy. In this study, we
      spearheaded noninvasive detection of ovarian cancer by salivary transcriptomic
      biomarkers, and evaluated the clinical utilities of discovered biomarkers using a
      clinical case-control study. To find salivary mRNA biomarkers, salivary
      transcriptomes in 11 ovarian cancer patients and 11 matched controls were
      profiled by Affymetrix HG-U133-Plus-2.0 array. The biomarker candidates selected
      from the microarray results were then subjected to clinical validation by RT-qPCR
      using an independent sample cohort including 21 ovarian cancer patients and 35
      healthy controls. Seven downregulated mRNA biomarkers were validated. The
      logistic regression model revealed the combination of five validated biomarkers
      (AGPAT1, B2M, BASP2, IER3, and IL1B) can significantly discriminate ovarian
      cancer patients (n = 21) from the healthy controls (n = 35), yielding a receiver
      operating characteristic plot, area under the curve value of 0.909 with 85.7%
      sensitivity and 91.4% specificity. In summary, we have demonstrated that the RNA
      signatures in saliva could serve as biomarkers for detection of ovarian cancer
      with high sensitivity and specificity. This emerging approach with high
      throughput, noninvasive, and effective advantages provides a feasible means for
      detection of systemic cancer, and opens a new avenue for early disease detection.

PMID- 22095101
TI  - Comparative kinome analysis to identify putative colon tumor biomarkers.
AB  - Kinase domains are the type of protein domain most commonly found in genes
      associated with tumorigenesis. Because of this, the human kinome (the protein
      kinase component of the genome) represents a promising source of cancer
      biomarkers and potential targets for novel anti-cancer therapies. Alterations in
      the human colon kinome during the progression from normal colon (NC) through
      adenoma (AD) to adenocarcinoma (AC) were investigated using integrated
      transcriptomic and proteomic datasets. Two hundred thirty kinase genes and 42
      kinase proteins showed differential expression patterns (fold change >= 1.5) in
      at least one tissue pair-wise comparison (AD vs. NC, AC vs. NC, and/or AC vs.
      AD). Kinases that exhibited similar trends in expression at both the mRNA and
      protein levels were further analyzed in individual samples of NC (n = 20), AD (n
      = 39), and AC (n = 24) by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Individual
      samples of NC and tumor tissue were distinguishable based on the mRNA levels of a
      set of 20 kinases. Altered expression of several of these kinases, including
      chaperone activity of bc1 complex-like (CABC1) kinase, bromodomain adjacent to
      zinc finger domain protein 1B (BAZ1B) kinase, calcium/calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase type II subunit delta (CAMK2D), serine/threonine-protein kinase 24
      (STK24), vaccinia-related kinase 3 (VRK3), and TAO kinase 3 (TAOK3), has not been
      previously reported in tumor tissue. These findings may have diagnostic potential
      and may lead to the development of novel targeted therapeutic interventions for
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22095103
TI  - Preventive non-invasive ventilation is indicated for neuromuscular disease
      patients after extubation.

PMID- 22095102
TI  - Comparison of newer scoring systems with the conventional scoring systems in
      general intensive care population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV, Simplified Acute Physiology
      Score (SAPS) III, and Mortality Probability Model (MPM) III0 and compare these
      systems to more widely validated prognosis prediction tools like APACHE II, III,
      SAPS II, MPM II0 and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. METHODS:
      The study provided a retrospective analysis of data for all consecutive patients
      admitted to a medical ICU over a 15-month period. Data related to patient
      demographics, and that necessary to compute various scores were recorded.
      Calibration was assessed by calculating Lemeshow-Hosmer goodness-of-fit test.
      Discrimination was evaluated by calculating the area under curves (AUC). Primary
      outcome measure was Intensive Care Unit mortality. RESULTS: Mortality predicted
      by APACHE IV score was closest to that of actual mortality with a SMR of 0.868
      followed by that of MPM III0 (0.794) and SAPS III (0.763) scores. APACHE III
      (chi2=3.674), with P=0.885 had the best calibration followed by APACHE II
      (chi2=7.959; P=0.438) and SOFA scores (chi2=8.369; P=0.301). All scores had good
      efficacy and even though there was no significant difference between AUCs of
      various scores, MPM III0 (0.947) performed the best followed by APACHE IV (0.928)
      and MPM II0 (0.928). CONCLUSION: Overall, the newer scoring systems performed
      better than their older counterparts and were more accurate. Nevertheless, the
      difference in efficacy was not statistically significant and the choice of
      scoring system may depend on the ease of use and local preferences.

PMID- 22095104
TI  - Gravity may be the law, but it does not impact critical illness related carriage
      in overgrowth.

PMID- 22095105
TI  - Lactate: a friendly fuel for the injured brain?

PMID- 22095106
TI  - Acute and chronic pain: where we are and where we have to go.
AB  - In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on the treatment of acute
      and chronic pain with a considerable number of publications about it.
      Nevertheless all the attention focused on it, the evidence of pain treatments is
      still unfolding, and occasionally conflicting. Hence it is still necessary that
      we point out our research efforts in trying to obtain a better understand of
      pathophysiology of pain and of real efficacy and safety of acute and chronic pain
      treatments. Our goal with this review is to summarize the latest research trends
      and the most advanced therapeutic standards for pain syndromes described in the
      literature, the discussion will be divided in four main topics, as these topics
      were treated during the SIMPAR (Study In Multidisciplinary PAin Research)
      meeting, held on December 2010 in Pavia: pathophysiology of pain, acute
      postoperative pain, opioids and pain, and chronic pain (Failed Back Surgery
      Syndrome). In the chapter of pathophysiology of pain we analyzed how to obtain a
      more personalized treatment through the study of the genetic and
      neurophysiological characteristics of patients and how to select the right local
      anesthetic according to anatomic and metabolizing patterns of patients. In acute
      postoperative pain we focalized our attention on the evidence supporting the use
      of continuous peripheral nerve blocks in the treatment of postoperative pain and
      in the prevention of chronic persistent post-operative pain, with a special
      attention in preventing side effects of regional anesthesia. We also reviewed the
      current evidence about the use of new very interesting modality to control
      postoperative pain after laparoscopy: pre-emptive nebulization of local
      anesthetic in abdominal cavity. As opioids are currently widely used to control
      chronic oncologic and non-oncologic pain, in this review we analyzed the level of
      evidence for their use, how to manage them better and psychological factors that
      can affect their success and/or determine addiction. Finally, we summarized the
      current evidence about Failed Back Surgery Syndrome focalizing our attention both
      in diagnosing it correctly and treating this syndrome with specific knowledge of
      the anatomic space that we have to approach and applying the possible treatments
      depending on pain pathophysiology and patient characteristics. In conclusion, it
      is important to try to personalize even better the therapy of patients with acute
      and chronic pain through a more accurate knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology of
      pain, pharmacokinetic of pain drugs and of new device/therapies available.

PMID- 22095107
TI  - Ventilatory assist: if it gets going, how to know when to stop it?

PMID- 22095109
TI  - The Bonfils fiberscope: a clinical evaluation of its learning curve and efficacy
      in difficult airway management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the use of the Bonfils fiberscope by analyzing
      its learning curve, efficacy and safety during airway management. METHODS: This
      was a prospective observational study where five anesthetists, with differing
      levels of experience, were asked to use the Bonfils rigid fiberscope (Karl Storz)
      for a six-month period. They used the scope when performing endotracheal
      intubations in patients undergoing general anesthesia. The patients were excluded
      if various clinical indicators predicted that they might be difficult to
      intubate. The patient's head was kept in the neutral position to simulate the
      intubation of a trauma patient. Direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade was
      performed to assign a Cormack and Lehane grade prior to attempting laryngoscopy
      with the Bonfils fiberscope. After intubating the patient with the Bonfils
      fiberscope, intubation time and any complications or failures noted after the
      procedure were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 216 patients, three of which
      were failed intubations. No complications occurred during the study period. The
      median intubation time was 21.4 s. The learning curve improved significantly
      after 20 intubations (P<0.05) and was affected by the operator's experience and
      aptitude with endoscopic viewing. Seventeen patients were deemed to have
      "unpredicted" difficult airways: 15 subjects with a Cormack grade 3 (6.9%) and
      two subjects with a Cormack 4 (0.9%). Median time to intubation in subjects with
      a Cormack <3 was 16 s (95% CI=10-29 s), and in subjects with a Cormack >=3, it
      was 15 s (CI 95%=15-18 s) with P=0.703. CONCLUSION: The Bonfils fiberscope is an
      efficient, easy to use and safe device for endotracheal intubation.

PMID- 22095108
TI  - Inhibition of somatosensory evoked potentials during spinal cord stimulation and
      its possible role in the comprehension of antalgic mechanisms of neurostimulation
      for neuropathic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been widely used for pain relief of
      patients with neuropathic chronic pain, frequently with only partial efficacy.
      Further advancements probably need a better understanding of SCS mechanisms, yet
      largely unknown. Aims of this paper were to answer the question if the lumbar SCS
      inhibits the tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and to discuss
      the role of lemniscal afferents modulation in the antalgic mechanism of SCS.
      METHODS: Ten consecutive patients successfully treated with implanted SCS devices
      for chronic pain in the lower limbs (four males, six females, age range 42-72
      years) were enrolled. All the patients had an implanted system with an epidural
      lead connected to a pulse generator. The vertebral level ranged from T9 to T12.
      The cortical SEPs complex P39-N50-P60 was recorded at the basal (T0) evaluation,
      during the stimulation (T1) and immediately after the stimulation (T2). RESULTS:
      In two of ten patients (20%) the complex P39-N50-P60 became unrelievable at the
      T1 control (stimulator on). In the remaining eight patients statistical analysis
      showed a significant reduction of the P39/N50 amplitude at T1 recording. In all
      patients considered, T0 and T2 recordings were not significantly different,
      suggesting a fast recovery of the SCS effect on SEPs. CONCLUSION: The results
      obtained in the present study show an inhibitory effect of SCS on SEPs and
      support the hypothesis that in some forms of neuropathic pain the antalgic effect
      of SCS could be attributed to the collision of action potentials travelling in
      opposite direction on peripheral large diameter fibres.

PMID- 22095110
TI  - Review of postpartum contraceptive practices at Chiang Mai University Hospital:
      implications for improving quality of service.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptance rate and patterns of contraceptive use
      among postpartum women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The records of 1,009 postpartum
      women attending the Family Planning Clinic at Chiang Mai University Hospital,
      Thailand, during January to December 2009 were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age was
      28.2 +/- 5.7 years (range 15-48). Almost all 920 women (91.2%) practiced
      breastfeeding. The acceptance rate of contraception was 97.6%. The types of
      contraceptive used were: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, 387 (38.4%);
      progestin-only pills, 262 (26.0%); tubal resection, 201 (19.9%); male condom, 78
      (7.7%); oral combined pills, 49 (4.9%); intrauterine device, 5 (0.5%); implant, 3
      (0.3%). Among women undergoing tubal resection, 29 (14.4%) were <=24 years of
      age. Significant independent predictors for using long-acting reversible
      contraception were young age and little or no formal education. CONCLUSION: The
      acceptance rate of contraception in this study was high. However, the following
      issues need to be evaluated: compliance of women using progestin-only pills,
      awareness of long-acting reversible contraception as an alternative option in
      women considering sterilization, and interventions to promote the use of
      intrauterine devices and implants.

PMID- 22095111
TI  - 1,2-Distanna-closo-dodecaborate--a rare example of a 1,2-distannylene ligand in
      transition metal chemistry.
AB  - The coordination chemistry of the novel bidentate tin ligand 1,2-distanna-closo
      dodecaborate is illustrated for the first time by reactions with molybdenum,
      platinum and gold metal complexes. Up to three clusters coordinate two metal
      centers in close proximity. For all these metal complexes the typical MU-bridging
      coordination mode was observed exclusively. Furthermore, two cluster anions react
      with dichloromethane via substitution of the chloride ions. The carbon
      functionalized tin cluster [Et(4)N](2)[CH(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))(2)] and the
      coordination complexes [Et(3)NMe](6)[Mo(2)(CO)(6)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))(3)],
      [Et(3)NMe](2)[{HPt(PEt(3))(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))}(2)],
      [Et(4)N](2)[{HPt(PPh(3))(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))}(2)] and
      [{(TP)Au}(2)(Sn(2)B(10)H(10))] (TP = PhP(o-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4))(2)) are fully
      characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and crystal
      structure analyses.

PMID- 22095112
TI  - Concordance of the recently published body adiposity index with measured body fat
      percent in European-American adults.
AB  - The body adiposity index (BAI; hip circumference (cm)/height (m)(1.5) - 18) has
      recently been shown to demonstrate a stronger correlation with percentage body
      fat (%fat) than that between the BMI and %fat in Mexican-American adults. Here,
      we compare the concordance between %fat from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
      (DXA) and BAI, and between %fat and BMI, in European-American adults (n = 623).
      Agreement between BAI, BMI, and %fat was assessed using Lin's concordance
      coefficients (rho(c)), where values <0.90 are considered poor. In the sample as a
      whole, the agreement between BAI and %fat (rho(c) = 0.752) was far better than
      that between BMI and %fat (rho(c) = 0.445) but was nonetheless relatively poor.
      There were large mean differences in %fat between the BAI and DXA %fat,
      particularly at lower levels of adiposity (<20%), and further the BAI
      overestimated %fat in males and underestimated %fat in females. Optimizing the
      BAI formula for our sample only marginally improved performance. Results of the
      present study show that BAI provides a better indicator of adiposity in European
      American adults than does BMI, but does not provide valid estimates of %fat,
      particularly at lower levels of body fatness. Further research is warranted to
      investigate the predictive ability of BAI for various health outcomes.

PMID- 22095113
TI  - A new method for body fat evaluation, body adiposity index, is useful in women
      with familial partial lipodystrophy.
AB  - BMI is a widely used method to evaluate adiposity. However, it has several
      limitations, particularly an inability to differentiate lean from fat mass. A new
      method, body adiposity index (BAI), has been recently proposed as a new
      measurement capable to determine fat excess better than BMI. The aim of this
      study was to investigate BAI as a mean to evaluate adiposity in a group of women
      with familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) and compare it with BMI. Thirteen
      women with FLPD Dunnigan type (FPLD2) and 13 healthy volunteers matched by age
      and BMI were studied. Body fat content and distribution were analyzed by dual X
      ray absorptiometry (DXA). Plasma leptin was also measured. BAI was significantly
      lower in FPLD2 in comparison to control group (24.6 +/- 1.5 vs. 30.4 +/- 4.3; P <
      0.001) and presented a more significant correlation with total fat (%) (r = 0.71;
      P < 0.001) and fat Mass (g) (r = 0.80; P < 0.001) than BMI (r = 0.27; P = 0.17
      for total fat and r = 0.52; P = 0.006 for fat mass). There was a correlation
      between leptin and BAI (r = 0.57; P = 0.01), [corrected] but not between leptin
      and BMI. In conclusion, BAI was able to catch differences in adiposity in a
      sample of FPLD2 patients. It also correlated better with leptin levels than BMI.
      Therefore, we provide further evidence that BAI may become a more reliable
      indicator of fat mass content than the currently available measurements.

PMID- 22095114
TI  - SDCCAG8 obesity alleles and reduced weight loss after a lifestyle intervention in
      overweight children and adolescents.
AB  - Genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) contributed to the detection of a number
      of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity. However,
      little is known about the impact of the obesity-risk alleles on weight loss
      related phenotypes after lifestyle interventions. A recent meta-analysis of GWAS
      reported five genomic loci near or in the genes FTO, MC4R, TMEM18, SDCCAG8,
      TNKS/MSRA that were associated with obesity in children and adolescents. Here, we
      analyzed the effect of the 10 SNPs representative of the five loci on measures of
      weight loss and cardiometabolic risk after a 1-year lifestyle intervention in 401
      children and adolescents (mean age 10.74 years; 55.4% female; mean BMI 27.42
      kg/m(2), mean BMI-standard deviation score (SDS) 2.37). For confirmation of one
      locus genotyping of three intronic SNPs in SDCCAG8 was performed in 626 obese
      adults who completed the 10-week hypoenergetic diet program. Intronic variants of
      SDCCAG8, which are associated with early onset obesity, are associated with
      reduced weight loss after a 1-year lifestyle intervention in overweight children
      and adolescents even after adjusting for age, sex, baseline measurement, or
      multiple testing (all P < 10(-6)). However, our results could not be confirmed in
      626 obese adults undertaking a hypoenergetic diet intervention.

PMID- 22095115
TI  - Viscous dietary fiber reduces adiposity and plasma leptin and increases muscle
      expression of fat oxidation genes in rats.
AB  - Dietary interventions that reduce accumulation of body fat are of great interest.
      Consumption of viscous dietary fibers cause well-known positive metabolic
      effects, such as reductions in the postprandial glucose and insulin
      concentrations. However, their effect on body composition and fuel utilization
      has not been previously studied. To examine this, rats were fed a viscous
      nonfermentable dietary fiber, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), for 6 weeks.
      Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and fat
      pad weight. Plasma adipokines, AMP kinase activation, and enzyme and mRNA
      analysis of key regulators of energetics in liver and soleus muscle were
      measured. The HPMC diet significantly lowered percent body fat mass and increased
      percent lean body mass, compared to a cellulose-containing diet (no viscosity).
      Fasting leptin was reduced 42% and resistin 28% in the HPMC group compared to the
      cellulose group. Rats fed HPMC had greater activation of AMP kinase in liver and
      muscle and lower phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression in liver.
      mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was significantly increased for carnitine
      palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT-1B), PPARgamma coactivator 1alpha, PPARdelta and
      uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), as was citrate synthase (CS) activity, in the HPMC
      group relative to the cellulose group. These results indicate that viscous
      dietary fiber preserves lean body mass and reduces adiposity, possibly by
      increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle,
      and thus represents a metabolic effect of viscous fiber not previously described.
      Thus, viscous dietary fiber may be a useful dietary component to assist in
      reduction of body fat.

PMID- 22095116
TI  - Mode of consumption plays a role in alleviating hunger and thirst.
AB  - While studying the effect of structure on satiety, effects of mode of
      consumption, additional water to drink, and thirst have been neglected. The
      objective was to assess effects of structure, mode of consumption of food, and
      additional drinking of water on fullness and thirst. In study 1, 20 subjects (BMI
      22.5 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2); age 21.4 +/- 3 years) underwent consumption conditions;
      SEW: solids to eat + 750 ml water to drink; LEW: liquefied soup to eat including
      500 ml water + 250 ml water separately to drink; LDW: the same as LEW but served
      as drinks; SE, LE, and LD: the same as previous but without water to drink. In
      study 2, a subset of subjects underwent consumption conditions: solid
      carbohydrate, solid protein, solid fat: the same as SEW, but for each
      macronutrient separately; liquefied carbohydrate, liquefied protein, liquefied
      fat: the same as LEW, but for each macronutrient separately. Appetite, insulin
      concentration, glucose concentration, and ghrelin concentration were measured.
      Eating, independent of structure, suppressed desire to eat more than drinking (P
      < 0.01). Drinking water separately vs. water consumption in the food suppressed
      thirst more (P < 0.001). Regarding protein, satiety was higher in the solid vs.
      liquefied condition, while blood parameters were not significantly different.
      Only after drinking a meal most subjects (80%) wanted to consume more of the same
      meal, in order to alleviate hunger (63%) or quench thirst (37%). We conclude that
      mode of consumption plays a role in alleviating hunger and thirst. Subjects
      required further consumption after drinking the meal, motivated by hunger or
      thirst, showing that drinking a meal causes confusion that may imply a risk of
      overconsumption.

PMID- 22095118
TI  - The structure of soluble fibrin oligomers.

PMID- 22095117
TI  - Serum iron and iron stores in non-anemic patients with fibromyalgia.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess iron serum levels and markers of iron stores
      in non-anemic fibromyalgia (FM) patients and to evaluate their impact on the
      prevalence and clinical manifestations of FM patients. Eighty-four patients with
      primary FM and 87 controls were investigated. Demographic and clinical data were
      collected from all participants. All patients completed the fibromyalgia impact
      questionnaire (FIQ). Patients evaluated the effect of the disease on their daily
      activity (DA) and judged the severity (DS) of the disease on a 0-10 scale. Venous
      blood was tested for serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, and soluble transferrin
      receptors (sTfR). Iron deficiency was defined if any of the following were
      present: serum iron <40 MUg/dL, serum ferritin levels <10 ng/mL, or sTfR levels
      >28.1 nmol/L. Analysis at a cutoff level of serum ferritin levels <=30 ng/mL and
      sTfR/ferritin ratio was also performed. Hemoglobin, iron, transferrin, sTfR,
      ferritin levels, and sTfR/ferritin ratios did not differ between the groups. The
      mean FIQ score was 57.13 +/- 20.21 and the DA and DS scores were 6.79 +/- 2.97
      and 6.74 +/- 3.09, respectively. No correlations were found between the
      parameters studied and the FIQ or its ten individual items. Thirty-eight controls
      (43.7%) and 23 FM patients (27.4%) had ferritin levels of <=30 (p < 0.04). Within
      the FM group, lower levels were associated with lower total FIQ score and FIQ
      subscale scores. Patients with FM do not have reduced serum levels of iron or
      surrogate markers of iron stores. At present, there is no evidence to support
      iron supplementation in the treatment of FM.

PMID- 22095119
TI  - Salicylic acid differently regulates the transcription intensity of the
      mitochondrial genes of Lupinus luteus L.

PMID- 22095120
TI  - Tris-2(hydroxyethyl) ammonium 2-methylphenoxyacetate as an activator of aorta
      intima acid lipase.

PMID- 22095122
TI  - Intranasal administration of insulin eliminates the deficit of long-term spatial
      memory in rats with neonatal diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22095121
TI  - Mechanisms of interaction of electron transport proteins in photosynthetic
      membranes of cyanobacteria.

PMID- 22095123
TI  - Tris-2(hydroxyethyl) ammonium 2-methylphenoxyacetate as an inhibitor of synthesis
      of liver phospholipase A1.

PMID- 22095124
TI  - Identification and primary characterization of novel cytochrome CYP74B1 of flax
      (Linum usitatissimum).

PMID- 22095125
TI  - Novel protein haponin regulates cellular response to oxidative stress.

PMID- 22095126
TI  - Biocomposite scaffolds containing regenerated silk fibroin and nanohydroxyapatite
      for bone tissue regeneration.

PMID- 22095128
TI  - Temperature independence of the primary electron transfer reaction rate constants
      in photosynthetic bacterial reaction centers.

PMID- 22095127
TI  - Fluorescent nanodiamond bioconjugates on the base of barnase:barstar module.

PMID- 22095129
TI  - Pre-steady-state kinetics of interaction of wild-type and multiple drug-resistant
      HIV protease with first and second generation inhibitory drugs.

PMID- 22095130
TI  - Allogenic serum improves cold preservation of osteochondral allografts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several types of culture medium have been used for
      preservation of osteochondral allografts, the viability of chondrocytes decreases
      with increasing storage duration. We previously showed the University of
      Wisconsin solution is more suitable for graft preservation than culture medium.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined whether the addition of allogenic serum to
      University of Wisconsin solution increases chondrocyte survival during prolonged
      storage of osteochondral allografts. METHODS: Osteochondral tissue samples
      harvested from the distal femora of rats were preserved in University of
      Wisconsin solution supplemented with 0%, 1%, 10%, and 50% allogenic serum at 4 
      degrees C for 14 days. Cell viability and chondrocyte degenerative changes of the
      samples then were assessed using a tetrazolium assay and histologic methods. We
      also evaluated time-dependent changes in cell viability and histologic findings
      of samples preserved for 7, 14, and 21 days in University of Wisconsin solution
      supplemented with or without 10% allogenic serum. RESULTS: After 14 days of
      preservation, osteochondral tissue samples maintained in University of Wisconsin
      solution containing 10% or greater allogenic serum exhibited the highest cell
      viability and lowest degenerative changes in chondrocytes. In the evaluation of
      time-dependent changes, we found the chondrocyte degenerative changes were
      greater in cartilage preserved in University of Wisconsin solution alone than in
      University of Wisconsin solution containing 10% allogenic serum after day 7 or
      later. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the addition of 10% allogenic serum to
      University of Wisconsin solution enhances viability of osteochondral tissue
      samples. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of allogenic serum-supplemented University
      of Wisconsin solution is expected to prolong the duration of osteochondral
      allograft storage and result in higher-quality grafts.

PMID- 22095131
TI  - Intraarticular abnormalities in overhead athletes are variable.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the overhead athlete
      can be variable. Several studies illustrate the wide variety of lesions seen at
      the time of arthroscopy in overhead athletes who require surgery but it is
      unclear whether these differ by sport. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We examined overhead
      athletes with shoulder dysfunction to determine (1) the range of arthroscopically
      visualized shoulder abnormalities with specific attention to the posterosuperior
      glenohumeral joint and the rotator cuff; and (2) the relationship of sport type
      to these abnormalities. METHODS: We reviewed our institution's database for
      professional and collegiate athletes in overhead sports who, from 1996 through
      2010, had diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy for insidious, nontraumatic, persistent
      pain and inability to participate in their sport. A descriptive analysis of the
      arthroscopic findings from 51 consecutive patients (33 males, 18 females; mean
      age, 25 years; range, 15-59 years) was done. We analyzed the arthroscopic
      findings with respect to sport using analysis of variance and Fisher's exact
      test. RESULTS: There was a wide range of superior labrum, posterosuperior
      glenoid, and rotator cuff abnormalities. Overall, the most frequent abnormalities
      were posterosuperior glenohumeral joint changes. Swimmers had fewer
      intraarticular abnormalities than baseball players. CONCLUSIONS: We found a wide
      spectrum of intraarticular abnormalities in the shoulder of overhead athletes
      with shoulder pain requiring surgery. Additional study is needed to determine
      whether these abnormalities or combinations relate to specific athletic
      movements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series. See Guidelines
      for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22095133
TI  - Sorafenib increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in concert with vorinostat.

PMID- 22095132
TI  - ATP binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) is an intracellular sterol
      transporter.
AB  - Four members of the mammalian ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter G subfamily
      are thought to be involved in transmembrane (TM) transport of sterols. The
      residues responsible for this transport are unknown. The mechanism of action of
      ABCG1 is controversial and it has been proposed to act at the plasma membrane to
      facilitate the efflux of cellular sterols to exogenous high-density lipoprotein
      (HDL). Here we show that ABCG1 function is dependent on localization to
      intracellular endosomes. Importantly, localization to the endosome pathway
      distinguishes ABCG1 and/or ABCG4 from all other mammalian members of this
      superfamily, including other sterol transporters. We have identified critical
      residues within the TM domains of ABCG1 that are both essential for sterol
      transport and conserved in some other members of the ABCG subfamily and/or the
      insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG-2). Our conclusions are based on studies in which
      (i) biotinylation of peritoneal macrophages showed that endogenous ABCG1 is
      intracellular and undetectable at the cell surface, (ii) a chimeric protein
      containing the TM of ABCG1 and the cytoplasmic domains of the nonsterol
      transporter ABCG2 is both targeted to endosomes and functional, and (iii) ABCG1
      colocalizes with multiple proteins that mark late endosomes and recycling
      endosomes. Mutagenesis studies identify critical residues in the TM domains that
      are important for ABCG1 to alter sterol efflux, induce sterol regulatory element
      binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) processing, and selectively attenuate the oxysterol
      mediated repression of SREBP-2 processing. Our data demonstrate that ABCG1 is an
      intracellular sterol transporter that localizes to endocytic vesicles to
      facilitate the redistribution of specific intracellular sterols away from the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

PMID- 22095134
TI  - Antibiotic resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in isolated bacteria
      from seawater of Algiers beaches (Algeria).
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate bacterial antibiotic resistance in seawater
      from four beaches in Algiers. The most significant resistance rates were observed
      for amoxicillin and ticarcillin, whereas they were relatively low for
      ceftazidime, cefotaxime and imipenem. According to sampling sites, the highest
      resistance rates were recorded for 2 sites subjected to chemical and
      microbiological inputs (amoxicillin, 43% and 52%; ticarcillin, 19.6% and 47.7%),
      and for 2 sites relatively preserved from anthropogenic influence, resistance
      rates were lowest (amoxicillin, 1.5% and 16%; ticarcillin, 0.8% and 2.6%). Thirty
      four bacteria resistant to imipenem (n=14) or cefotaxime (n=20) were identified
      as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=15), Pseudomonas fluorescens (7), Stenotrophomonas
      maltophilia (4), Burkholderia cepacia (2), Bordetella sp. (1), Pantoea sp. (1),
      Acinetobacter baumannii (1), Chryseomonas luteola (1), Ochrobactrum anthropi (1)
      and Escherichia coli (1). Screening for extended spectrum beta-lactamase showed
      the presence of CTX-M-15 beta-lactamase in the E. coli isolate, and the encoding
      gene was transferable in association with the IncI1 plasmid of about 50 kbp.
      Insertion sequence ISEcp1B was located upstream of the CTX-M-15 gene. This work
      showed a significant level of resistance to antibiotics, mainly among
      environmental saprophytic bacteria. Transmissible CTX-M-15 was detected in E.
      coli; this may mean that contamination of the environment by resistant bacteria
      may cause the spread of resistance genes.

PMID- 22095135
TI  - AKT signaling pathway activated by HIN-1 methylation in non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to determine the epigenetic changes and function of
      High in Normal-1 (HIN-1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). HIN-1 expression
      was examined by semiquantitative RT-PCR before and after 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine
      (5-aza) treatment in NSCLC cell lines. Promoter methylation status of HIN-1 was
      tested by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Effect of forced expression of HIN-1 on
      different key molecules of AKT signaling pathway was tested by Western Blot
      analysis in H157 and H23 cell lines. Promoter methylations are inversely
      correlated with expression of HIN-1 in eight (H23, H157, 95D, H1299, H358, H1752,
      H460, A549) of ten NSCLC cell lines and re-expression was observed by 5-aza
      treatment. We then tested promoter methylation of HIN-1 in primary NSCLC tissues.
      Methylation was detected in 73 out of 152 (48%) NSCLC cases. Forced expression of
      HIN-1 in NSCLC cell lines inhibited colony formation and induce apoptosis.
      Furthermore, overexpression of HIN-1 reduces the expression of phosphorated-AKT
      (p-AKT), c-myc, Bcl-2 and cyclinD1 while Bax was increased. Our data suggest that
      HIN-1 is a potential tumor suppressor gene in NSCLC, silenced by promoter
      hypermethylation and negatively regulate AKT signaling pathway.

PMID- 22095136
TI  - Thromboprophylaxis in patients older than 75 years or with moderate renal
      impairment undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery [corrected].
AB  - PURPOSE: Prospective, double-blind studies in orthopaedic patients have been
      conducted using the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate (hereafter
      referred to as dabigatran), with two doses investigated and approved for adults
      (220 mg and 150 mg once daily) to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). The
      European Medicines Agency decided that in major joint orthopaedic surgery, the
      lower dose should be used in elderly patients (aged over 75 years) and those with
      reduced renal function (creatinine clearance between 30 and 50 ml/min). Our
      objective was to understand the efficacy and bleeding data for the lower dose in
      this subpopulation. METHODS: We extracted and analysed data from the elderly or
      from moderately renally impaired patients (n 632 of = 5,539) from the orthopaedic
      clinical development programme of dabigatran. RESULTS: Dabigatran 150 mg once
      daily was as effective as the standard European enoxaparin regimen, with
      numerically fewer major bleeding events. Rates of major VTE were 4.3% vs 6.4% of
      patients, respectively. Major bleeding events occurred in four (1.3%) vs 11
      (3.3%), which shows a trend towards lower bleeding with dabigatran 150 mg [odds
      ratio (OR) 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-1.25; p = 0.110]. Mean volume
      of blood loss was 395 vs 417 ml, and transfused units were 2.4 vs 2.5,
      respectively. Other safety parameters, including the incidence of wound
      infections and complications, were similar for 150 mg once daily dabigatran and
      enoxaparin. CONCLUSION: For patients at higher risk of bleeding, dabigatran 150
      mg once daily is as effective as enoxaparin following major orthopaedic surgery
      and is associated with a favourable bleeding rate.

PMID- 22095137
TI  - Geometrical values of the normal and arthritic hip and knee detected with the EOS
      imaging system.
AB  - PURPOSE: EOS 2D/3D is an integrated, low-dose orthopedic digital radioimaging
      solution, which, due to its groundbreaking properties, has recently shown an
      increasing application in scoliosis surgery. Its integrated sterEOS 3D software
      allows creation of patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) lower limb models, and
      can produce geometrical parameters in 3D. Currently there are a limited number of
      reports on EOS for lower limb applications. METHODS: Three-dimensional
      reconstructions of 256 hip and knee joints of 128 healthy subjects, as well as 53
      hips and 46 knees of 69 patients with hip or knee arthritis, were evaluated based
      on orthogonal EOS two-dimensional (2D) images. Measurements for hips included
      femur and tibia length, total length of the extremity, femoral antetorsion and
      offset, femoral neck length, neck-shaft and hip-knee-shaft (HKS) angles. Lower
      limb alignment in both frontal and sagittal planes were determined in normal and
      arthritic knees. Values were compared with those obtained by standard methods
      published by others. RESULTS: Normal hip and knee geometrical parameters were
      found in our healthy subjects. In osteoarthritic cases, values for neck-shaft
      angle, femoral antetorsion, femur length and total length of the extremity were
      shown to decrease non-significantly. Evaluation of lower limb alignment in
      healthy and arthritic knees showed normal values in healthy subjects apart from
      three cases with an average six degrees varus. Arthritic knees were most
      frequently found to have a varus angulation, with the exception of 11 cases with
      normal or valgus alignment. CONCLUSION: EOS 2D/3D with its sterEOS 3D
      reconstruction is useful for a comprehensive 3D examination of the lower limb. In
      the near future it may be suitable for daily routine diagnostics of orthopedic
      lower limb deformities as a primary examination method.

PMID- 22095138
TI  - Hyaluronan receptors in the human ocular surface: a descriptive and comparative
      study of RHAMM and CD44 in tissues, cell lines and freshly collected samples.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the presence of the receptor for
      hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) in human conjunctival epithelium and in two
      widely used cell lines from human corneal (HCE) and conjunctival (IOBA-NHC)
      epithelia. We compared the distribution of RHAMM proteins and mRNAs in human
      ocular surface tissues (corneal, limbal and conjunctival), HCE and IOBA-NHC cell
      lines, and corneal and conjunctival epithelia primary samples from healthy donors
      with the previously identified hyaluronan receptor CD44. We also aimed to
      determine if soluble CD44 (sCD44) was present in human tears, as it could have a
      role in the interaction of the tear fluid with hyaluronan. Protein expression was
      evaluated by Western blots and immunofluorescence microscopy. mRNA expression was
      evaluated by RT-PCR and Q-PCR. sCD44 was analyzed by ELISA in culture
      supernatants and in human tears. We describe the expression of RHAMM in human
      healthy conjunctiva and in HCE and IOBA-NHC cells at both protein and mRNA
      levels, and the presence of sCD44 in human tears. Furthermore, we detected CD44
      and sCD44 expression variations in in vitro inflammatory conditions. This study
      also focused on the necessary caution with which the conclusions extracted from
      cell lines should be made, and in the great value of using primary samples as
      often as possible.

PMID- 22095139
TI  - Adhesions after laparoscopic and open ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery for
      ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that a laparoscopic approach to colorectal
      procedures generates fewer adhesions. Even though laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal
      anastomosis (IPAA) is a lengthy procedure, the prospect of fewer adhesions may
      justify this approach. The aim of this study was to assess abdominal and adnexal
      adhesion formation following laparoscopic versus open IPAA in patients with
      ulcerative colitis. METHODS: A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed at time of
      ileostomy closure. All abdominal quadrants and the pelvis were video recorded
      systematically and graded offline. The incisional adhesion score (IAS; range 0-6)
      and total abdominal adhesion score (TAS; range 0-10) were calculated, based on
      the grade and extent of adhesions. Adnexal adhesions were classified by the
      American Fertility Society (AFS) adhesion score. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients
      consented to participate, of whom 40 could be included in the study (laparoscopic
      28, open 12). Median age was 38 (range 20-61) years. There was no difference in
      age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and time
      to ileostomy closure between groups. The IAS was significantly lower after
      laparoscopic IPAA than following an open procedure: median (range) 0 (0-5) versus
      4 (2-6) respectively (P = 0.004). The TAS was also significantly lower in the
      laparoscopic group: 2 (0-6) versus 8 (2-10) (P = 0.002). Applying the AFS score,
      women undergoing laparoscopic IPAA had a significantly lower mean(s.d.)
      prognostic classification score than those in the open group: 5.2(3.7) versus
      20.0(5.6) (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic IPAA was associated with
      significantly fewer incisional, abdominal and adnexal adhesions in comparison
      with open IPAA.

PMID- 22095140
TI  - In situ synthesis of porous silica nanoparticles for covalent immobilization of
      enzymes.
AB  - A simple method is used to covalently encapsulate enzymes in silica
      nanoparticles. The encapsulation is highlighted by the high enzyme loading and
      porous channels that provide efficient diffusion for small substrate and product
      molecules while preventing protease degradation.

PMID- 22095143
TI  - Alcohol consumption and prostate cancer risk:  a meta-analysis of the dose-risk
      relation.
AB  - Inconsistent results on the relationship between alcohol drinking and prostate
      cancer have been found. In order to provide a definite quantification of the dose
      risk relation, we investigated the risk of prostate cancer at different levels of
      alcohol consumption, by conducting a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. We
      performed a literature search using PubMed of all case-control and cohort studies
      published as original articles in English up to December 2010. We identified 50
      case-control and 22 cohort studies, including a total of 52 899 prostate cancer
      cases. We derived pooled meta-analytic estimates using random-effects models,
      taking into account the correlation between estimates. We performed a dose-risk
      analysis using nonlinear random-effects meta-regression models. The overall
      relative risk for any alcohol drinking compared with non/occasional drinking was
      1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.10]. The relative risks were 1.05 (95%
      CI, 1.02-1.08), 1.06 (95% CI, 1.01-1.11), and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.97-1.20) for light
      (<=1 drink/day), moderate (>1 to <4 drinks/day), and heavy alcohol drinking (>=4
      drinks/day), respectively. This comprehensive meta-analysis provided no evidence
      of a material association between alcohol drinking and prostate cancer, even at
      high doses.

PMID- 22095142
TI  - Impact of cannabis treatment on the quality of life, weight and clinical disease
      activity in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a pilot prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients suffer from
      significant morbidity and diminished life quality. The plant cannabis is
      beneficial in various gastrointestinal diseases, stimulating appetite and causing
      weight gain. Our aims were to assess whether treatment with inhaled cannabis
      improves quality of life, disease activity and promotes weight gain in these
      patients. METHODS: Patients with long-standing IBD who were prescribed cannabis
      treatment were included. Two quality of life questionnaires and disease activity
      indexes were performed, and patient's body weight was measured before cannabis
      initiation and after 3 months' treatment. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were
      included. After 3 months' treatment, patients reported improvement in general
      health perception (p = 0.001), social functioning (p = 0.0002), ability to work
      (p = 0.0005), physical pain (p = 0.004) and depression (p = 0.007). A schematic
      scale of health perception showed an improved score from 4.1 +/- 1.43 to 7 +/-
      1.42 (p = 0.0002). Patients had a weight gain of 4.3 +/- 2 kg during treatment
      (range 2-8; p = 0.0002) and an average rise in BMI of 1.4 +/- 0.61 (range 0.8
      2.7; p = 0.002). The average Harvey-Bradshaw index was reduced from 11.36 +/-
      3.17 to 5.72 +/- 2.68 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Three months' treatment with
      inhaled cannabis improves quality of life measurements, disease activity index,
      and causes weight gain and rise in BMI in long-standing IBD patients.

PMID- 22095146
TI  - Space-time decoupling in the branching process in the mutant etoile of the
      filamentous brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus.
AB  - Ectocarpus siliculosus is being developed as a model organism for brown algal
      genetics and genomics. Brown algae are phylogenetically distant from the other
      multicellular phyla (green lineage, red algae, fungi and metazoan) and therefore
      might offer the opportunity to study novel and alternative developmental
      processes that lead to the establishment of multicellularity. E. siliculosus
      develops as uniseriate filaments, thereby displaying one of the simplest
      architectures among multicellular organisms. The young sporophyte grows as a
      primary filament and then branching occurs, preferentially at the center of the
      filament. We recently described the first morphogenetic mutant etoile (etl) in a
      brown alga, produced by UVB mutagenesis in E. siliculosus. We showed that a
      single recessive mutation was responsible for a defect in both cell
      differentiation and the very early branching pattern (first and second branch
      emergences). Here, we supplement this study by reporting the branching defects
      observed subsequently, i.e. for the later stages corresponding to the emergence
      of up to the first six secondary filaments, and we show that the branching
      process is composed of at least two distinct components: time and position.

PMID- 22095147
TI  - Trichomes as dangerous lollipops: do lizards also use caterpillar body and frass
      odor to optimize their foraging?
AB  - When attacked by herbivores, plants produce toxic secondary metabolites that
      function as direct defenses, as well as indirect defenses that attract and reward
      predators of the offending herbivores. These indirect defenses include both
      nutritive rewards such as extra floral nectar, as well as informational rewards,
      such as the production and release of volatile compounds that betray the location
      of feeding herbivores to predators. Herbivory of Nicotiana attenuata by the
      tobacco hornworm (Manduca larvae) alters the volatile profiles of both the plant
      and larval headspace. Herbivory-elicited specific changes in the volatile
      profiles are detected by arthropod predators of Manduca larvae. The known
      predators that perceive volatile cues induced by Manduca herbivory of N.
      attenuata are insects that target Manduca at early developmental stages, when the
      larvae are still small; large, late-instar larvae may have outgrown these
      predation risks. However, here we offer evidence that branched chain aliphatic
      acids derived from the digestion of plant O-acyl sugars from trichomes may betray
      Manduca larvae to lizard predators during late developmental stages as well.

PMID- 22095148
TI  - Abscisic acid perception and signaling transduction in strawberry: a model for
      non-climacteric fruit ripening.
AB  - On basis of fruit differential respiration and ethylene effects, climacteric and
      non-climacteric fruits have been classically defined. Over the past decades, the
      molecular mechanisms of climacteric fruit ripening were abundantly described and
      found to focus on ethylene perception and signaling transduction. In contrast,
      until our most recent breakthroughs, much progress has been made toward
      understanding the signaling perception and transduction mechanisms for abscisic
      acid (ABA) in strawberry, a model for non-climacteric fruit ripening. Our reports
      not only have provided several lines of strong evidences for ABA-regulated
      ripening of strawberry fruit, but also have demonstrated that homology proteins
      of Arabidopsis ABA receptors, including PYR/PYL/RCAR and ABAR/CHLH, act as
      positive regulators of ripening in response to ABA. These receptors also trigger
      a set of ABA downstream signaling components, and determine significant changes
      in the expression levels of both sugar and pigment metabolism-related genes that
      are closely associated with ripening. Soluble sugars, especially sucrose, may act
      as a signal molecular to trigger ABA accumulation through an enzymatic action of
      9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (FaNCED1). This mini-review offers an
      overview of these processes and also outlines the possible, molecular mechanisms
      for ABA in the regulation of strawberry fruit ripening through the ABA receptors.

PMID- 22095149
TI  - Optimal web investment in sub-optimal foraging conditions.
AB  - Orb web spiders sit at the centre of their approximately circular webs when
      waiting for prey and so face many of the same challenges as central-place
      foragers. Prey value decreases with distance from the hub as a function of prey
      escape time. The further from the hub that prey are intercepted, the longer it
      takes a spider to reach them and the greater chance they have of escaping.
      Several species of orb web spiders build vertically elongated ladder-like orb
      webs against tree trunks, rather than circular orb webs in the open. As ladder
      web spiders invest disproportionately more web area further from the hub, it is
      expected they will experience reduced prey gain per unit area of web investment
      compared to spiders that build circular webs. We developed a model to investigate
      how building webs in the space-limited microhabitat on tree trunks influences the
      optimal size, shape and net prey gain of arboricolous ladder webs. The model
      suggests that as horizontal space becomes more limited, optimal web shape becomes
      more elongated, and optimal web area decreases. This change in web geometry
      results in decreased net prey gain compared to webs built without space
      constraints. However, when space is limited, spiders can achieve higher net prey
      gain compared to building typical circular webs in the same limited space. Our
      model shows how spiders optimise web investment in sub-optimal conditions and can
      be used to understand foraging investment trade-offs in other central-place
      foragers faced with constrained foraging arenas.

PMID- 22095150
TI  - [MR microscopy of the human eye].
AB  - Ultra-high-field MR microscopy is a novel, non-invasive imaging technique to
      explore the strcutures of the human eye without optical distorsions. This review
      aims to provide an insight into the technique of the method. The normal MR
      microscopic anatomy of the human eye with correlations to histology is
      demonstrated. The use of MR microscopy in ther experimental ophthalmological
      setting is discussed.

PMID- 22095151
TI  - [Long-term outcome after penetrating keratoplasty for bullous keratopathy -
      influence of preoperative visual acuity on final outcome].
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term functional results of
      penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophacic bullous keratopathy and Fuchs
      endothelial dystrophy and to analyse the potential influence of the preoperative
      visual acuity on the final outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective
      study describes the postoperative results of 413 patients. 154 of them with
      bullous keratopathy and 259 patients with Fuchs dystrophy. All received
      penetrating excimer laser keratoplasty (PK).The results include the examination
      of the patients 1 / 3 / 5 / 8 / > 9 years postoperatively. For analysis the
      patients were divided in two groups: group I includes patients with a visual
      acuity <= 0.1 and group II with a visual acuity > 0.1. The trephination was
      performed using a 193 nm excimer laser. The transplanted cornea was fixed by
      using a double running cross-stitch suture. The outcome measures included best
      corrected visual acuity (CCV), keratometric equivalent (KEQ), keratometric
      astigmatism (AST), spherical equivalent (SEQ), refractive cylinder (CYL), best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surface regularity index (SRI), surface asymmetry
      index (SAI), potential visual acuity (PVA), pachymetry (PAC), endothelial cell
      count (ECC), intraocular tension (TEN), topographic equivalent (T-EQ) and
      topographic astigmatism (T-AST). RESULTS: 5 / 8 years postoperatively CCV was
      0.55 / 0.58; KEQ was 43.75 / 45.64 D; SEQ - 0.88 /- 1.88 D; AST was 3.91 / 4.41
      D; CYL was 3.09 / 3.40 D; ECC was 1230 / 1080 cells/mm (2); TEN was 13.61 / 14.36
      mmHg; PAC was 593.21 / 579.50 um; SRI was 1.08 / 0.89; SAI was 1.31 / 1.10; PVA
      was 0.77 / 0.83; T-EQ was 44.78 / 44.92 D and T-AST was 4.85 / 3.92 D. The
      outcome of patients with a preoperative visual acuity of <= 0.1 was significantly
      worse than the group with the visual acuity of > 0.1. CONCLUSION: This study
      shows that the long-term results after penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophacic
      bullous keratopathy and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy are good. Patients with
      preoperative visual acuity of <= 0.1 had worse final results.

PMID- 22095152
TI  - Clinical management of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae: the insidious role of
      fluoroquinolones.
AB  - During a review of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae in our Hospital, a huge number of inadequate antimicrobial
      therapies emerged. The aim of this study is to assess the factors related to such
      inadequacy. This retrospective analysis was performed on isolates reported by the
      microbiology laboratory. Medical records were analyzed to assess adequate
      treatment; inadequacy was evaluated as overall therapy, antibiotic choice, dosage
      and length of treatment. Linear regression and multivariate analysis were
      performed to assess any association. One hundred and fifty isolates were
      analyzed. They were more commonly isolated from urinary samples and from patients
      admitted to the Internal Medicine Department; E. coli was the most commonly
      isolated pathogen. The rate of inadequacy was 60.67%. Fluoroquinolones seem to be
      the main class responsible. Ceftriaxone, teicoplanin, tigecycline and amoxicillin
      clavulanate are other antibiotics inadequately prescribed. Clinical management of
      these infections should be better tailored: the knowledge of pathogens should be
      implemented and the use of diagnostic tools, such as microbiology results, must
      be optimized. In particular, the prescription of each antibiotic course (and
      above all of regimens containing fluoroquinolones) should be performed not on a
      routine basis, but after careful assessment of each case.

PMID- 22095153
TI  - Sputum induction for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Sputum induction (SI) has been proposed as the optimal sample collection method
      for patients with paucibacillary tuberculosis (TB). Studies reporting the culture
      of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from SI were reviewed. A random-effects meta
      analysis of diagnostic yield (numerator M. tuberculosis SI culture-positive
      cases; denominator all culture-positive cases) was conducted. Diagnostic yields
      (95% confidence intervals, CIs) were displayed as Forest plots. Heterogeneity was
      evaluated using Chi-squared and I-squared tests and meta-regression analysis.
      Ninety publications were screened, 28 full-text papers reviewed, and 17 analyzed.
      Collectively, n=627 SI culture-positive cases among n=975 culture-confirmed TB
      cases were reported. The diagnostic yield of SI ranged from 35 to 95%. The pooled
      diagnostic yield was 74% (CI 65-81%), with significant heterogeneity (p<0.0001,
      I2=86%). There were no statistically significant differences in the yield between
      sub-groups defined by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence or age.
      Univariate analysis demonstrated that the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) as
      the comparator method was associated with a 22% reduction (CI 2-42%) in the
      diagnostic yield of SI. However, after adjustment for confounding, the meta
      regression analysis showed that FOB usage (p=0.21) and saline concentration
      (p=0.31) were not independently associated with the diagnostic yield. SI will
      detect approximately three-quarters of M. tuberculosis culture-positive cases
      under study conditions. Significant heterogeneity in the diagnostic yield was not
      explained by HIV prevalence, age, or the use of FOB as the comparator method. The
      use of a particular nebulized saline concentration for SI cannot be recommended
      on the basis of this meta-regression analysis.

PMID- 22095154
TI  - Antiproliferative effect of SOCS-1 through the suppression of STAT3 and p38 MAPK
      activation in gastric cancer cells.
AB  - Inflammation is a crucial driving force in the development of gastric cancers
      (GCs). Accordingly, persistent activation of STAT3, a transcription factor
      pivotal in regulating both inflammation and oncogenesis, is often detected in GC,
      although its mechanism remains elusive. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS
      1) is a negative regulator of proinflammatory cytokine signaling and SOCS-1 gene
      methylation is frequently detected in various cancers including GC. However, the
      significance of SOCS-1 methylation in GC cells remains unexplored. Our study is
      undertaken to evaluate the role of SOCS-1 in GC cell proliferation and its effect
      on signaling pathways in GC cells. Among five GC cell lines, SOCS-1 gene was
      methylated in all cell lines and constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation with elevated
      endogenous IL-6 production was detected in two cell lines (NUGC-3 and AGS).
      Unexpectedly, anti-IL-6R antibody inhibited neither cell proliferation nor STAT3
      phosphorylation in NUGC-3 and AGS. In contrast, enforced SOCS-1 expression by
      adenoviral vector (AdSOCS-1) markedly suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation and
      proliferation of NUGC-3 and AGS cells in vitro. Interestingly, the
      antiproliferative effect of SOCS-1 was attributable not only to the inhibition of
      STAT3 but also to that of p38 MAPK activity, and chemical inhibitors of JAK/STAT
      and p38 MAPK signaling effectively suppressed proliferation of these GC cells.
      Furthermore, treatment with AdSOCS-1 in vivo significantly suppressed GC
      proliferation in a xenograft model. These results suggest that SOCS-1 gene
      methylation is a critical step in the development of GC, and enforced expression
      of SOCS-1 may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of GC.

PMID- 22095155
TI  - Illness perception and knowledge with regard to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: 
      a pilot study of emergency department patients and staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore emergency department (ED) patients', doctors',
      and nurses' knowledge and illness perception with regard to prediabetes and type
      2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to determine whether patients' diabetes risk was
      associated with illness perception. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of adult ED
      patients and clinicians was undertaken. Patients and clinicians were administered
      the 72-item Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, five researcher-generated
      questions with regard to the awareness of T2DM, and seven items with regard to
      the efficacy of lifestyle interventions. Patients were also administered the
      eight-item Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. RESULTS: Of 127 patients and 29 ED
      clinicians recruited, only 30 (38/127) and 72% (21/29), respectively, reported
      having heard of prediabetes. Thirty-six percent of patients had an intermediate
      high risk of developing T2DM according to the Diabetes Risk Test. The risk of
      developing T2DM was weakly correlated (r<0.19) with all Illness Perception
      Questionnaire subscales. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of prediabetes is poor among ED
      patients and many are unaware that T2DM may be asymptomatic. Patients and
      clinicians perceived lifestyle factors to be causative for T2DM, but both
      perceived patients as having little control over the condition. The capacity of
      lifestyle modifications to alter the course of T2DM should be emphasized in
      future education programs.

PMID- 22095156
TI  - Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis with thyroid papillary cancer in multinodular
      goiter: case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT)
      concomitant with thyroid cancer in multinodular goiter (MNG). CLINICAL
      PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 61-year-old man treated with amiodarone for 5
      years presented with mild sweating. He was found to have AIT simultaneously with
      thyroid papillary cancer and MNG. Administration of amiodarone was stopped, and
      he was treated with methimazole for AIT. Five weeks after the initial treatment,
      thyroid function normalized. Total thyroidectomy was considered to enable use of
      amiodarone again. CONCLUSION: This case showed that thyrotoxicosis, MNG and
      amiodarone may contribute to thyroid carcinogenesis. Amiodarone should be
      carefully commenced in cases with MNG.

PMID- 22095159
TI  - A novel MOF with mesoporous cages for kinetic trapping of hydrogen.
AB  - A stable MOF, assigned PCN-105, with two types of mesoporous cages, has been
      prepared by using a new multidentate flexible ligand with amine functional
      groups, and PCN-105 exhibits a marked N(2), O(2), Ar and H(2) hysteretic
      behaviour.

PMID- 22095157
TI  - In pursuit of P2X3 antagonists: novel therapeutics for chronic pain and afferent
      sensitization.
AB  - Treating pain by inhibiting ATP activation of P2X3-containing receptors heralds
      an exciting new approach to pain management, and Afferent's program marks the
      vanguard in a new class of drugs poised to explore this approach to meet the
      significant unmet needs in pain management. P2X3 receptor subunits are expressed
      predominately and selectively in so-called C- and Adelta-fiber primary afferent
      neurons in most tissues and organ systems, including skin, joints, and hollow
      organs, suggesting a high degree of specificity to the pain sensing system in the
      human body. P2X3 antagonists block the activation of these fibers by ATP and
      stand to offer an alternative approach to the management of pain and discomfort.
      In addition, P2X3 is expressed pre-synaptically at central terminals of C-fiber
      afferent neurons, where ATP further sensitizes transmission of painful signals.
      As a result of the selectivity of the expression of P2X3, there is a lower
      likelihood of adverse effects in the brain, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular
      tissues, effects which remain limiting factors for many existing pain
      therapeutics. In the periphery, ATP (the factor that triggers P2X3 receptor
      activation) can be released from various cells as a result of tissue
      inflammation, injury or stress, as well as visceral organ distension, and
      stimulate these local nociceptors. The P2X3 receptor rationale has aroused a
      formidable level of investigation producing many reports that clarify the
      potential role of ATP as a pain mediator, in chronic sensitized states in
      particular, and has piqued the interest of pharmaceutical companies. P2X receptor
      mediated afferent activation has been implicated in inflammatory, visceral, and
      neuropathic pain states, as well as in airways hyperreactivity, migraine, itch,
      and cancer pain. It is well appreciated that oftentimes new mechanisms translate
      poorly from models into clinical efficacy and effectiveness; however, the breadth
      of activity seen from P2X3 inhibition in models offers a realistic chance that
      this novel mechanism to inhibit afferent nerve sensitization may find its place
      in the sun and bring some merciful relief to the torment of persistent discomfort
      and pain. The development philosophy at Afferent is to conduct proof of concept
      patient studies and best identify target patient groups that may benefit from
      this new intervention.

PMID- 22095158
TI  - Measurement of purine release with microelectrode biosensors.
AB  - Purinergic signalling departs from traditional paradigms of neurotransmission in
      the variety of release mechanisms and routes of production of extracellular ATP
      and adenosine. Direct real-time measurements of these purinergic agents have been
      of great value in understanding the functional roles of this signalling system in
      a number of diverse contexts. Here, we review the methods for measuring purine
      release, introduce the concept of microelectrode biosensors for ATP and adenosine
      and explain how these have been used to provide new mechanistic insight in
      respiratory chemoreception, synaptic physiology, eye development and purine
      salvage. We finish by considering the association of purine release with
      pathological conditions and examine the possibilities that biosensors for purines
      may one day be a standard part of the clinical diagnostic tool chest.

PMID- 22095160
TI  - Inter-population comparisons of copper resistance and accumulation in the red
      seaweed, Gracilariopsis longissima.
AB  - Copper (Cu) resistance and accumulation of five populations of the red seaweed
      Gracilariopsis longissima collected from sites in south west England (Fal
      Estuary, Helford Estuary and Chesil Fleet) that differ in their degree of Cu
      contamination was assessed under controlled laboratory conditions, on two
      separate occasions (April and October). The effects of a range of Cu
      concentrations (0-250 MUg l(-1)) on relative growth rates was the same for all
      populations with reductions observable at concentrations as low as 12 MUg l(-1)
      and cessation of growth at 250 MUg l(-1). There was no significant difference in
      the calculated EC(50) values for the April and October samples, with means of
      31.1 and 25.8 MUg l(-1), respectively. Over the range of concentrations used in
      this study, copper content increased linearly and the pattern of accumulation was
      the same for all populations at both time periods. From the linear regressions of
      the pooled data a concentration factor of 2.25 * 10(3) was calculated. These
      results imply that G. longissima has an innate tolerance to Cu and that
      populations have not evolved copper-tolerant ecotypes. In laboratory studies,
      accumulated Cu was released when transferred to 'clean' seawater with
      approximately 80% being lost after 8 days, with no significant difference between
      populations in their response. The results from a 30 days in situ transplantation
      experiment using two populations from the Fal Estuary provided further evidence
      for dynamic changes in Cu content in response to changes in Cu bioavailability.
      The findings in this study are discussed in the context of implications for
      seaweed biomonitoring.

PMID- 22095161
TI  - Response to "Traits and stress: keys to identify community effects of low levels
      of toxicants in test systems" by Liess and Beketov (2011).

PMID- 22095163
TI  - Protonolysis of [((i)PrO)TiMo5O18]3-: access to a family of TiMo5 Lindqvist type
      polyoxometalates.
AB  - The tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) salts of [((i)PrO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) 1 and
      [((i)BuO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) 2 were prepared by hydrolysis of mixtures of
      (TBA)(2)[Mo(2)O(7)], (TBA)(4)alpha-[Mo(8)O(26)] and Ti(OR)(4) (R = (i)Pr or
      (i)Bu) in acetonitrile. Treatment of (TBA)(3)1 with alcohols ROH afforded primary
      and tertiary alkoxide derivatives [(RO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) (R = Me 3, (t)Bu 4),
      whilst aryloxides [(ArO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) were prepared by reacting 1 with
      phenols ArOH (Ar = C(6)H(4)Me-4 5, and C(6)H(4)CHO-2 6). Oxo-bridged [(MU
      O)(TiMo(5)O(18))(2)](6-)7 rather than the hydroxo derivative [(HO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3
      ) was obtained upon hydrolysis of 1. X-Ray crystal structures of TBA salts of
      anions 3-7 show that titanium is six-coordinate in all cases, although titanium
      sites are disordered over two trans positions in 3. Mo-O bond length alternation
      is observed in the Mo(4)O(4) planes of 4 and 7 and in one of the two independent
      anions in the structure of 3. In solution, (17)O NMR spectra are consistent with
      the higher anionic charge compared to [Mo(6)O(19)](2-) and reveal an order of
      basicity for the anions [LM'Mo(5)O(18)](3-) associated with the ability of
      {LM'}(3+) to donate/withdraw electron density from {Mo(5)O(18)}(6-). Protonolysis
      reactions of 1 and 3 were slower than for tungstate analogues and the possibility
      of initial protonation at TiOM (M = Mo) rather than TiOR (M = W) in a proton
      assisted S(N)1 mechanism for ligand exchange in [(RO)TiM(5)O(18)](3-) is
      discussed.

PMID- 22095162
TI  - Physiological responses of Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-843 (cyanobacterium) under
      the stress of chitosan modified kaolinite (CMK) loading.
AB  - Flocculation with clays is a promising and environmentally friendly way to remove
      algal blooms. Physiological responses of Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-843 under
      the stress of chitosan modified kaolinite (CMK) loading were first reported in
      this paper. Compared with the control, the contents of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and
      carotenoids showed no significant difference at a CMK loading of 40 mg/l, but the
      phycocyanin content was significant lower than the control at this loading level.
      The contents of Chl a, carotenoids, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were all
      significantly lower than the control at 80 and 160 mg/l CMK, and the leakage of
      phycobilins occurred at these two loading levels suggesting that flocculation
      with CMK could cause the damage of cellular membranes. The activities of
      extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity (E-APA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      and catalase (CAT) were all dramatically boosted under the stress of CMK loading.
      The changes of cellular dehydrogenase activity exhibited the same trends as of
      Chl a and carotenoids, and it decreased to the levels of lower than detectable
      limits on 12 and 8th day at a CMK loading of 80 and 160 mg/l, respectively. These
      results indicated that flocculation with CMK could cause cell mortality of M.
      aeruginosa.

PMID- 22095164
TI  - Laterality of spinocerebellar neurons in the chicken spinal cord.
AB  - The aim in this study is to elucidate the laterality of chicken spinocerebellar
      (SC) neurons that originate from the caudal cervical to caudal lumbosacral spinal
      cord. SC neurons in the spinal segment (SS) 17-20 consisted of a mixture of
      crossed and uncrossed axons. SC neurons in the more cranial and caudal SS than SS
      17-20 (transitional zone) were generally uncrossed and crossed, respectively. In
      the transitional zone, SC neurons in spinal border cells and ventral border cells
      of the ventral horn changed dramatically from an uncrossed to a crossed type
      between SS 17 and SS 18. Chicken SC neurons are markedly different in laterality
      from mammalian SC neurons.

PMID- 22095165
TI  - Occurrence of C-terminal residue exclusion in peptide fragmentation by ESI and
      MALDI tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - By screening a data set of 392 synthetic peptides MS/MS spectra, we found that a
      known C-terminal rearrangement was unexpectedly frequently occurring from
      monoprotonated molecular ions in both ESI and MALDI tandem mass spectrometry upon
      low and high energy collision activated dissociations with QqTOF and TOF/TOF mass
      analyzer configuration, respectively. Any residue localized at the C-terminal
      carboxylic acid end, even a basic one, was lost, provided that a basic amino acid
      such arginine and to a lesser extent histidine and lysine was present in the
      sequence leading to a fragment ion, usually depicted as (b(n-1) + H(2)O) ion,
      corresponding to a shortened non-scrambled peptide chain. Far from being an
      epiphenomenon, such a residue exclusion from the peptide chain C-terminal
      extremity gave a fragment ion that was the base peak of the MS/MS spectrum in
      certain cases. Within the frame of the mobile proton model, the ionizing proton
      being sequestered onto the basic amino acid side chain, it is known that the
      charge directed fragmentation mechanism involved the C-terminal carboxylic acid
      function forming an anhydride intermediate structure. The same mechanism was also
      demonstrated from cationized peptides. To confirm such assessment, we have
      prepared some of the peptides that displayed such C-terminal residue exclusion as
      a C-terminal backbone amide. As expected in this peptide amide series, the
      production of truncated chains was completely suppressed. Besides, multiply
      charged molecular ions of all peptides recorded in ESI mass spectrometry did not
      undergo such fragmentation validating that any mobile ionizing proton will
      prevent such a competitive C-terminal backbone rearrangement. Among all well
      known nondirect sequence fragment ions issued from non specific loss of neutral
      molecules (mainly H(2)O and NH(3)) and multiple backbone amide ruptures (b-type
      internal ions), the described C-terminal residue exclusion is highly identifiable
      giving raise to a single fragment ion in the high mass range of the MS/MS
      spectra. The mass difference between this signal and the protonated molecular ion
      corresponds to the mass of the C-terminal residue. It allowed a straightforward
      identification of the amino acid positioned at this extremity. It must be
      emphasized that a neutral residue loss can be misattributed to the formation of a
      y(m-1) ion, i.e., to the loss of the N-terminal residue following the a(1)-y(m-1)
      fragmentation channel. Extreme caution must be adopted when reading the direct
      sequence ion on the positive ion MS/MS spectra of singly charged peptides not to
      mix up the attribution of the N- and C-terminal amino acids. Although such
      peculiar fragmentation behavior is of obvious interest for de novo peptide
      sequencing, it can also be exploited in proteomics, especially for studies
      involving digestion protocols carried out with proteolytic enzymes other than
      trypsin (Lys-N, Glu-C, and Asp-N) that produce arginine-containing peptides.

PMID- 22095166
TI  - Differentiation of the stereochemistry and anomeric configuration for 1-3 linked
      disaccharides via tandem mass spectrometry and 18O-labeling.
AB  - Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of deprotonated hexose-containing
      disaccharides (m/z 341) with 1-2, 1-4, and 1-6 linkages yields product ions at
      m/z 221, which have been identified as glycosyl-glycolaldehyde anions. From
      disaccharides with these linkages, CID of m/z 221 ions produces distinct
      fragmentation patterns that enable the stereochemistries and anomeric
      configurations of the non-reducing sugar units to be determined. However, only
      trace quantities of m/z 221 ions can be generated for 1-3 linkages in Paul or
      linear ion traps, preventing further CID analysis. Here we demonstrate that high
      intensities of m/z 221 ions can be built up in the linear ion trap (Q3) from beam
      type CID of a series of 1-3 linked disaccharides conducted on a triple
      quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer. (18)O-labeling at the carbonyl
      position of the reducing sugar allowed mass-discrimination of the "sidedness" of
      dissociation events to either side of the glycosidic linkage. Under relatively
      low energy beam-type CID and ion trap CID, an m/z 223 product ion containing
      (18)O predominated. It was a structural isomer that fragmented quite differently
      than the glycosyl-glycolaldehydes and did not provide structural information
      about the non-reducing sugar. Under higher collision energy beam-type CID
      conditions, the formation of m/z 221 ions, which have the glycosyl-glycolaldehyde
      structures, were favored. Characteristic fragmentation patterns were observed for
      each m/z 221 ion from higher energy beam-type CID of 1-3 linked disaccharides and
      the stereochemistry of the non-reducing sugar, together with the anomeric
      configuration, were successfully identified both with and without (18)O-labeling
      of the reducing sugar carbonyl group.

PMID- 22095167
TI  - New evidence of the role of the hypoxia-regulated pathway in nucleus pulposus
      cell survival: comment on the article by Hiyama et al.

PMID- 22095168
TI  - Lessons from an incidental diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.

PMID- 22095169
TI  - Detection of SET-NUP214 rearrangement using multiplex reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in acute leukemias: a case report and
      literature review on a Korean case series.

PMID- 22095170
TI  - Complete disappearance of hemichorea-hemiballism due to hyperglycemia following
      acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22095171
TI  - SiO2 nanoparticles biocompatibility and their potential for gene delivery and
      silencing.
AB  - Despite the extensive use of silica nanoparticles (SiO(2)NPs) in many fields, the
      results about their potential toxicity are still controversial. In this work, we
      have performed a systematic in vitro study to assess the biological impact of
      SiO(2)NPs, by investigating 3 different sizes (25, 60 and 115 nm) and 2 surface
      charges (positive and negative) of the nanoparticles in 5 cell lines (3 in
      adherence and 2 in suspension). We analyzed the cellular uptake and distribution
      of the NPs along with their possible effects on cell viability, membrane
      integrity and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Experimental results
      show that all the investigated SiO(2)NPs do not induce detectable cytotoxic
      effects (up to 2.5 nM concentration) in all cell lines, and that cellular uptake
      is mediated by an endocytic process strongly dependent on the particle size and
      independent of its original surface charge, due to protein corona effects. Once
      having assessed the biocompatibility of SiO(2)NPs, we have evaluated their
      potential in gene delivery, showing their ability to silence specific protein
      expression. The results of this work indicate that monodisperse and stable
      SiO(2)NPs are not toxic, revealing their promising potential in various
      biomedical applications.

PMID- 22095172
TI  - Stationarity stopping criterion for matching pursuit-framework and
      encephalographic illustration.
AB  - We present a new stopping criterion for the matching pursuit (MP) algorithm,
      based on evaluating stationarity of the residua of the consecutive MP iterations.
      The new stopping criterion is based on a model of a nonstationary signal, which
      assumes that the part of the signal that is of interest is nonstationary and
      contaminated by a weakly stationary noise. Mean- and variance-stationarity of the
      residua obtained from each step of MP is evaluated by means of dedicated
      statistical tests-the Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) test and the White
      test, respectively. We illustrate the proposed concept by an example in which we
      analyse magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data.

PMID- 22095173
TI  - Application of modern tests for stationarity to single-trial MEG data:
      transferring powerful statistical tools from econometrics to neuroscience.
AB  - Stationarity is a crucial yet rarely questioned assumption in the analysis of
      time series of magneto- (MEG) or electroencephalography (EEG). One key drawback
      of the commonly used tests for stationarity of encephalographic time series is
      the fact that conclusions on stationarity are only indirectly inferred either
      from the Gaussianity (e.g. the Shapiro-Wilk test or Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) or
      the randomness of the time series and the absence of trend using very simple time
      series models (e.g. the sign and trend tests by Bendat and Piersol). We present a
      novel approach to the analysis of the stationarity of MEG and EEG time series by
      applying modern statistical methods which were specifically developed in
      econometrics to verify the hypothesis that a time series is stationary. We report
      our findings of the application of three different tests of stationarity--the
      Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Schin (KPSS) test for trend or mean stationarity,
      the Phillips-Perron (PP) test for the presence of a unit root and the White test
      for homoscedasticity--on an illustrative set of MEG data. For five stimulation
      sessions, we found already for short epochs of duration of 250 and 500 ms that,
      although the majority of the studied epochs of single MEG trials were usually
      mean-stationary (KPSS test and PP test), they were classified as nonstationary
      due to their heteroscedasticity (White test). We also observed that the presence
      of external auditory stimulation did not significantly affect the findings
      regarding the stationarity of the data. We conclude that the combination of these
      tests allows a refined analysis of the stationarity of MEG and EEG time series.

PMID- 22095175
TI  - PDT in squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
AB  - Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been demonstrated to be an effective and
      safe treatment option for pre-malignancies such as actinic keratoses (AK) and
      Bowen's disease (BD), with an increasing amount of evidence indicating good long
      term outcomes. Studies comparing PDT to other options such as cryotherapy and 5
      fluorouracil generally demonstrate that PDT is equal to or better than these
      therapies with respect to patient satisfaction, cosmesis, and efficacy for AK and
      BD. While there are studies using squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells to
      elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PDT, this therapy is currently
      not indicated for treating SCC and surgery is still the first line of therapy.
      There has been special interest in using PDT to prevent warts, basal cell
      carcinoma, AK, and BD in solid organ transplant recipients, as these skin lesions
      are more common in immunosuppressed patients, and trials have been somewhat
      successful and very promising. Pain remains an obstacle for some patients and
      techniques such as nerve blocks, cooling packs, and hydration have been attempted
      to mitigate pain with an overall reduction in pain scores. Optimizing PDT is
      still a priority and the delivery of pro-drug as well as induction of cellular
      differentiation are being explored as ways to improve the efficacy of PDT.
      Perhaps the most interesting use of PDT in treating SCC is the potential for a
      tumor-specific vaccine, which is currently being developed.

PMID- 22095174
TI  - Simultaneous care and melanoma: preliminary report about the psychoncological
      approach.
AB  - AIM: The main aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a "take-in-
      charge" model of advanced stage melanoma patients by a multidisciplinary team and
      highlight the psychological patterns of the disease. METHODS: The study sample
      involved 44 patients, 27 females and 17 males, who were given a "Questionnaire on
      Health Status SF-12" which provides two synthetic indexes, one related to
      physical health PCS-12, and the other to mental health MCS-12. The statistical
      data was collected through a preliminary analysis of principal components P.C.
      A., carried out with SPSS software. RESULTS: Comparing the scores obtained by the
      PCS and MCS indexes, the mean score is low: 6.52 out of 10 for PCS and 3.23 out
      of 10 for MCS. At first consultation, there is evidence which supports patients'
      need for psycho-oncological support. By dividing the sample patients into two
      subgroups, cutaneous melanoma and visceral melanoma, it should be noted that the
      first group obtained a mean of 4.75 for PCS and 3.77 for MCS and the second group
      7.53 for PCS and 2.92 for MCS respectively. Therefore, the results show, at first
      consultation, a more complex situation for patients with cutaneous melanoma.
      CONCLUSION: The results of the study highlight the need to supply some form of
      psycho-oncological support to help patients while they adapt to the disease.
      Furthermore, different problems and different coping styles also emerged
      depending on whether the patient has cutaneous or visceral melanoma. The study
      therefore demonstrates the need to take into account such variables when devising
      a personal care system centered on the patient.

PMID- 22095177
TI  - Photodynamic therapy and plaque phase mycosis fungoides.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been applied in the last years for the treatment
      of plaque mycosis fungoides (MF) with promising results. PDT is very useful in
      the management of patients with few plaques of MF unresponsive to other topical
      treatments or in patients with plaques in difficult to treat areas in which
      cosmetic outcome is important. PDT achieves similar results to other treatments
      and it is safe and well tolerated. Despite the simplicity of the technique
      optimal treatment parameters have not yet been defined. This article is a review
      of the literature of PDT and MF.

PMID- 22095176
TI  - Treatment of acne with photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with aminolevuninic acid (ALA) and
      methylaminolevulinate (MAL) can improve acne vulgaris. Topical application of
      these molecules results in significant build-up of porphyrins in sebaceous glands
      and the efficacy of PDT in acne is believed to be related in part to a decrease
      in sebaceous gland activity following light activation of the photosensitizer.
      Clinical development of photodynamic therapy with ALA or MAL for the treatment of
      acne has been limited by complexity of the PDT procedure, the pain caused during
      light exposure and by the intense phototoxic reaction observed in the days
      following treatment. These side effects can be significantly decreased by using a
      shorter incubation time, avoiding occlusion or using a lower light fluence but
      several studies have suggested that when milder PDT conditions are used the
      efficacy is not as good and is mostly driven by the effect of light alone. Using
      current knowledge many physicians are offering PDT as an alternative to their
      patients with acne. However more research is needed to determine the optimal
      treatment parameters and to design strategies to improve treatment tolerability.

PMID- 22095178
TI  - Is photodynamic therapy a solution for keloid?
AB  - Keloid is a common skin condition, especially in people of Asian and African
      decent. The treatment of keloid is still unsatisfactory. Photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) is a novel treatment for this condition, but is widely used in treating
      certain skin pre-malignant and malignant lesions due to its high efficiency and
      safety. Another aspect of PDT is its scarless (or minimal scarring) wound healing
      after treatment despite the fact that it causes skin inflammation. There are a
      few independent reports that indicate 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or
      methylaminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT may be effective in keloid and hypertrophic
      scars. The mechanism is largely unknown. PDT may exert these effects by acting on
      keratinocytes and fibroblasts or directly on collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM)
      in keloid tissues, by inducing keloid fibroblast apoptosis/necrosis, modulating
      growth factor and cytokine expression, reducing collagen/ECM synthesis and
      causing degeneration of formed collagen/ECM. These potential mechanisms and the
      scope for topical PDT of keloids are considered in this article.

PMID- 22095179
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for photorejuvenation and non-oncologic indications:
      overview and update.
AB  - Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown to be effective in the treatment and
      prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer. PDT is also established as treatment
      modality for several non-oncologic indications. The aesthetic effects of PDT for
      photoaged skin are well documented. An improvement of lentigines, skin roughness,
      sallow complexion and fine wrinkles was demonstrated. A reduction of histological
      signs of photoaging as a decrease of elastotic material and expression of p53
      together with induction of neocollagenesis was shown. The possible
      contemporaneous treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer renders PDT a novel and
      effective technique for skin rejuvenation. Controlled studies also demonstrated
      the efficacy of PDT in the treatment of acne vulgaris and HPV-induced skin
      diseases as verrucae vulgares and condylomata acuminata. In addition, there is
      evidence that certain sclerosing, inflammatory, granulomatous and infectious skin
      diseases may profit from PDT. In contrast to PDT of tumours, where cellular
      destruction is the main goal of the therapy, in PDT of inflammatory skin
      conditions it is probably the modulation of cellular functions that plays the
      main role.

PMID- 22095180
TI  - Recurrent skin eruption in patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and
      lymphocytic infiltrates of the dermis resembling Sweet's syndrome.
AB  - Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile dermatosis) is characterized by fever, peripheral
      neutrophil leukocytosis, acute onset of tender erythematous skin lesions
      (papules, nodules or plaques), and histological findings of a dense infiltrate
      consisting predominantly of mature neutrophils. Malignancy-associated Sweet's
      syndrome constitutes approximately 21% of patients, the majority of whom suffer
      from hematologic disorder. We report the case of patient with chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia with recurrent eruptions of tender, pseudovesiculated nodules and
      plaques with good response to corticosteroid therapy, resembling Sweet's
      syndrome. However, histological examination revealed lymphocytic infiltrate in
      the dermis, which made impossible to establish diagnosis of acute febrile
      dermatosis according to diagnostic criteria. Association of the skin eruptions
      with leukemia was implied by improvement of skin lesions after chemotherapy. We
      present review of the literature reporting cases with atypical histopathological
      presentations which preceded classical histological appearances, that were mainly
      associated with hematological malignancies and discuss them in the context of our
      patient.

PMID- 22095181
TI  - A case of bullous pemphigoid in infancy treated with local corticosteroids.
AB  - Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an immune-mediated subepidermal vesiculobullous
      eruption, whose true incidence is unknown, but it is considered extremely rare in
      children, with a usually indolent course and rare relapses. Diagnosis is often
      belated, because of the invasive assessment with biopsy for typical immune
      pathologic findings to differentiate it from Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Linear
      IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD), more common in children. A 4-year-old girl
      presented with one year history of erythematous-edematous and erythematous
      bullous eruptions on the genitalia, periocular regions, dorsal and palmo-plantar
      surfaces. At onset erosions of the month and lips where considered a primary
      herpes simplex infection from the pediatrician, but repeated courses of systemic
      antivirals were completely ineffective, while application of a antibiotic
      steroidal cream was of partial benefit. Histopathology showed a dermo-epidermal
      blistering, with a marked eosinophilic infiltrate. Direct immunofluorescence
      showed a characteristic positive linear IgG and C3 band at the basement membrane
      zone (BMZ). Complete hematic-chemical and instrumental examinations gave normal
      results, excluding associated pathologies. Due to paucity of lesions and good
      response to local treatment with moderate potency cortisones, in agreement with
      the parents, no systemic therapy was started. No recurrence occurred in the 2
      year follow-up after complete remission. The case is reported for the rarity of
      the childhood form, and the importance of the differential diagnosis for
      management and treatment. Good response to topical treatment is stressed,
      avoiding the risks of long-term systemic drug administration.

PMID- 22095182
TI  - Lyell syndrome due to ticlopidine.
AB  - The antiplatelets drug ticlopidine is widely used in patients suffering from
      cardiomyopathies, coronary cardiopathies and thromboembolic pathologies. The
      potential and frequently seen side effects are diarrhoea, hematological
      dyscrasias and rashes. We describe a case in which the use of ticlopidine in the
      treatment and prophylaxis of transit ischemic attacks triggered the unusual and
      rare complication of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). We will then go on to
      analyse the clinical-pathological aspects and therapies through the use of i.v.
      immunoglobulins at high dosages that led to a full recovery of the patient.

PMID- 22095183
TI  - Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas: report of two cases.

PMID- 22095184
TI  - Etanercept induced hidradenitis suppurativa.

PMID- 22095185
TI  - Papular mycosis fungoides: a new case expanding the spectrum of phenotypic and
      clinical findings.

PMID- 22095186
TI  - New successful treatment of genital AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma resistant to
      systemic therapy with 595-nm pulsed dye laser.

PMID- 22095187
TI  - Hepatoblastoma in the Nordic countries.
AB  - Little is known about the etiology of hepatoblastoma. Because of the young age at
      diagnosis, several studies have looked at various birth characteristics. The
      purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of hepatoblastoma in the
      Nordic countries and the association between selected birth characteristics and
      hepatoblastoma. Data from national cancer registries and birth registries in
      Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland 1985-2006 was used. Overall, 155 children
      with hepatoblastoma aged 0-14 years were included and individually matched to
      five controls drawn randomly from national population registries. The incidence
      rate of hepatoblastoma was 1.7 per million person-years with a predominance of
      boys (1.5:1). Incidence rate was highest before the age of 1 year (8.3 per
      million person-years). A higher risk of hepatoblastoma was found in children with
      birth weight <1,500 g [odds ratio (OR) = 9.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3
      38.2], born preterm in week 22-32 (OR = 4.5; CI: 1.8-11.5) and Apgar scores <7
      after 1 min (OR = 3.1; CI: 1.3-7.1) and 5 min (OR = 7.5; CI: 1.8-32.4). A
      doubling in risk was found in children who were large for gestational age (OR =
      2.3; CI: 1.0-5.3). No associations were found with birth order, maternal age or
      maternal smoking. Our study indicates that intrauterine and/or neonatal factors
      are associated with increased risk of hepatoblastoma. These may include low birth
      weight and asphyxia leading to neonatal intensive care. Alternatively, the
      factors may be a consequence of hepatoblastoma developing in utero.

PMID- 22095188
TI  - Detection of neuroblastoma cells during clinical follow up: advanced flow
      cytometry and rt-PCR for tyrosine hydroxylase using both conventional and real
      time PCR.
AB  - PURPOSE: Real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) or conventional RT-PCR (RT
      cPCR) detection of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is increasingly used to detect
      neuroblastoma (NB) cells in clinical samples. However, TH expression in normal
      tissues can limit its usefulness and make additional diagnostic strategies
      necessary. METHODS: We analysed TH in 857 tumour, bone marrow aspirate and
      peripheral blood stem cell samples from 65 NB patients using RT-cPCR, and
      compared results from 666 samples analysed by RT-qPCR. TH was investigated in 84
      samples from patients with other diagnoses and 354 samples from healthy donors as
      controls, and 132 samples from the entire collection were evaluated for NB cells
      using 5-colour flow cytometry (FC). RESULTS: Cohen's kappa coefficient
      demonstrated a substantial agreement between RT-cPCR and RT-qPCR as well as RT
      cPCR and FC and a moderate agreement between RT-qPCR and FC. TH expression was
      also detected in samples from individual patients with Ewing sarcoma,
      nephroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, but not from healthy donors. FC panels were
      an effective complementary strategy, detecting as few as 0.002% NB cells,
      characterised as CD45negCD9+CD81+CD56+ch14:18+GD2+ cells with occasional
      CD57+CD138+CD166+ expression. CONCLUSION: TH RT-qPCR alone is limited for
      detection of NB cells because of "false positives" in samples from patients with
      other diseases. Advanced FC may serve as a complementary method to detect
      residual NB, but needs further confirmation in larger patient cohorts.

PMID- 22095189
TI  - [Symptomatic foot shortening with subacute soft tissue swelling of the right
      tibia].
AB  - A 13-year-old girl presented with load-dependent pain of the medial part of the
      right foot. The medical history revealed no trauma and no sports-related injury.
      X-ray examinations of the foot and lower leg showed subcortical increased
      sclerosis at the medial part of the tibia, the medial tarsal bones and of a
      bunion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed corresponding findings with localized
      edema of the bone marrow within the increased subcortical sclerosis but no
      indications of subcutaneous fibrosis. The constellation is indicative of
      melorheostosis, a rare benign sclerosis of bones and soft tissue. Subcutaneous
      fibrosis and limb shortening are also common.

PMID- 22095190
TI  - Effects of the combination of low-level laser irradiation and recombinant human
      bone morphogenetic protein-2 in bone repair.
AB  - Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic
      protein type 2 (rhBMP-2) have been used to stimulate bone formation. LLLI
      stimulates proliferation of osteoblast precursor cells and cell differentiation
      and rhBMP-2 recruits osteoprogenitor cells to the bone healing area. This in vivo
      study evaluated the effects of LLLI and rhBMP-2 on the bone healing process in
      rats. Critical bone defects were created in the parietal bone in 42 animals, and
      the animals were divided into six treatment groups: (1) laser, (2) 7 MUg of rhBMP
      2, (3) laser and 7 MUg of rhBMP-2, (4) 7 MUg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, (5) laser
      and 7 MUg rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, and (6) critical bone defect controls. A gallium
      aluminum-arsenide diode laser was used (wavelength 780 nm, output power 60 mW,
      beam area 0.04 cm(2), irradiation time 80 s, energy density 120 J/cm(2),
      irradiance 1.5 W/cm(2)). After 15 days, the calvarial tissues were removed for
      histomorphometric analysis. Group 3 defects showed higher amounts of newly formed
      bone (37.89%) than the defects of all the other groups (P < 0.05). The amounts of
      new bone in defects of groups 1 and 4 were not significantly different from each
      other (24.00% and 24.75%, respectively), but were significantly different from
      the amounts in the other groups (P < 0.05). The amounts of new bone in the
      defects of groups 2 and 5 were not significantly different from each other
      (31.42% and 31.96%, respectively), but were significantly different from the
      amounts in the other groups (P < 0.05). Group 6 defects had 14.10% new bone
      formation, and this was significantly different from the amounts in the other
      groups (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that LLLI administered during surgery
      effectively accelerated healing of critical bone defects filled with pure rhBMP
      2, achieving a better result than LLLI alone or the use of rhBMP-2 alone.

PMID- 22095191
TI  - Endometrial epithelial cell response to semen from HIV-infected men during
      different stages of infection is distinct and can drive HIV-1-long terminal
      repeat.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although more than 60% of HIV transmission occurs via semen, little
      is known about the immune impact of seminal plasma on HIV susceptibility. Here,
      we examined the level of selected immunomodulatory factors in seminal plasma from
      HIV-uninfected and therapy-naive, HIV-infected men in acute and chronic stages;
      the cytokine response elicited by seminal plasma in genital epithelial cells
      (GECs); and whether any GEC response to seminal plasma could drive HIV
      replication in infected T cells. METHODS: A panel of nine cytokines and
      chemokines was measured in seminal plasma from HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected
      men and in primary GEC cultures following seminal plasma exposure. HIV-long
      terminal repeat (LTR) activation was measured in 1G5 T cells exposed to
      supernatants from seminal plasma-treated GECs. RESULTS: Pro-inflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines were present at significantly higher levels in seminal
      plasma from acute men, whereas transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 was
      significantly higher in seminal plasma from chronic men. Pro-inflammatory
      cytokine production by GECs was significantly decreased following incubation with
      seminal plasma from chronic men. Blocking the TGF-beta1 receptor in GECs prior to
      seminal plasma exposure enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Exposure
      to seminal plasma activated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in GECs and blocking it
      significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. GEC responses to
      seminal plasma, especially from acute men, significantly activated HIV-LTR
      activation in 1G5 T cells. CONCLUSION: Immunomodulatory factors in seminal plasma
      vary, depending on presence and stage of HIV infection. Exposure to seminal
      plasma leads to NF-kappaB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production,
      whereas TGF-beta in seminal plasma may suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine
      production by GECs. GEC responses to seminal plasma can activate HIV-LTR in
      infected CD4(+) T cells.

PMID- 22095193
TI  - Bacterial vaginosis, HIV serostatus and T-cell subset distribution in a cohort of
      East African commercial sex workers:  retrospective analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although bacterial vaginosis is a known correlate of HIV infection, no
      previous studies have investigated whether women defined as HIV-exposed
      seronegative (HESN) are less likely to have bacterial vaginosis. Little is known
      about the effects of bacterial vaginosis on systemic immune activation associated
      with HIV+ serostatus. DESIGN: Cohort-based retrospective analysis of bacterial
      vaginosis in relation to HESN status, HIV+ serostatus and peripheral T-helper
      cells, with cross-sectional analysis of bacterial vaginosis in relation to
      peripheral T-regulatory cells (Tregs). METHODS: Bacterial vaginosis diagnosis by
      Gram stain and determination of systemic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-helper cell
      frequency by flow cytometry for 3504 vaginal samples from 988 commercial sex
      workers over 4 years. Treg phenotyping by FoxP3 staining and multiparameter flow
      cytometry in peripheral blood of 97 women at a single time-point. RESULTS: No
      differences in bacterial vaginosis diagnosis were observed between HESN and other
      HIV-negative (HIV-N) controls; however, HIV+ women were more likely to be
      diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis compared to all HIV-negative women (HESN/HIV-N
      combined). HIV+ women with bacterial vaginosis had significantly higher
      CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-helper cell counts and a lower CD4/CD8 ratio, as well as fewer
      Tregs as a proportion of total T-helper cells, compared to bacterial vaginosis
      negative women. The number of bacterial vaginosis diagnoses in this cohort has
      decreased significantly over time. CONCLUSION: Bacterial vaginosis is associated
      with HIV serostatus and shifts in distribution of T-cell subsets. A concomitant
      reduction in bacterial vaginosis and HIV infections over time suggests that the
      elucidation of bacterial vaginosis-HIV interactions will be critical to further
      understanding of HIV pathogenesis and prevention in this high-risk group.

PMID- 22095194
TI  - Mortality and loss to follow-up in the first year of ART:  Malawi national ART
      programme.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse mortality, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and retention on
      antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the first year of ART across all age groups in
      the Malawi national ART programme. DESIGN: Cohort study including all patients
      who started ART in Malawi's public sector clinics between 2004 and 2007. METHODS:
      ART registers were photographed, information entered into a database and merged
      with data from clinics with electronic records. Rates per 100 patient-years and
      cumulative incidence of retention were calculated. Subhazard ratios (sHRs) of
      outcomes adjusted for patient and clinic-level characteristics were calculated in
      multivariable analysis, applying competing risk models. RESULTS: A total of
      117,945 patients contributed 85,246 person-years: 1.0% were infants below 2
      years, 7.4% children 2-14, 7.5% young people 15-24, and 84.2% adults 25 years and
      above. Sixty percent of patients were female: women outnumbered men from age 14
      to 35 years. Mortality and LTFU were higher in men from age 20 years. Infants and
      young people had the highest rates per 100 person-years for mortality (23.0 and
      19.4) and LTFU (24.7 and 19.3), and the highest adjusted relative risks compared
      to age group 25-34 years: sHRs were 1.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-1.60]
      and 1.17 (95% CI 1.10-1.25) for death and 1.37 (95% CI 1.18-1.59) and 1.27 (95%
      CI 1.19-1.35) for LTFU, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this country-wide study
      patients aged 0-1 and 15-24 years had the highest risk of death and LTFU, and
      from age 20 men were at higher risk than women. Interventions to improve outcomes
      in these patient groups are required.

PMID- 22095195
TI  - Incidence of low and high-energy fractures in persons with and without HIV
      infection:  a Danish population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare fracture risk in persons with and without HIV infection and
      to examine the influence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      initiation on risk of fracture. DESIGN: Population-based nationwide cohort study
      using Danish registries. METHODS: Outcome measures were time to first fracture at
      any site, time to first low-energy and high-energy fracture in HIV-infected
      patients (n = 5306) compared with a general population control cohort (n = 26
      530) matched by sex and age during the study period 1995-2009. Cox regression
      analyses were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs). RESULTS: HIV
      infected patients had increased risk of fracture [IRR 1.5, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.4-1.7] compared with population controls. The relative risk was
      lower in HIV-monoinfected patients (IRR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4) than in
      HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients (IRR 2.9, 95% CI 2.5-3.4).Both
      HIV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had increased risk of low-energy
      fracture, IRR of 1.6 (95% CI 1.4-1.8) and 3.8 (95% CI 3.0-4.9). However, only
      HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had increased risk of high-energy fracture, IRR of
      2.4 (95% CI 2.0-2.9). Among HIV-monoinfected patients the risk of low-energy
      fracture was only significantly increased after HAART exposure, IRR of 1.8 (95%
      CI 1.5-2.1). The increased risk in HAART-exposed patients was not associated with
      CD4 cell count, prior AIDS, tenofovir or efavirenz exposure, but with comorbidity
      and smoking. CONCLUSION: HIV-infected patients had increased risk of fracture
      compared with population controls. Among HIV-monoinfected patients the increased
      risk was observed for low-energy but not for high-energy fractures, and the
      increased risk of low-energy fracture was only observed in HAART-exposed
      patients.

PMID- 22095197
TI  - Periodic presumptive treatment of curable sexually transmitted infections among
      sex workers:  a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unprotected sex work remains a major driver of HIV/sexually
      transmitted infection (STI) epidemics in many countries. STI treatment can lower
      disease burden, complications and prevalence of HIV cofactors. Periodic
      presumptive treatment (PPT) has been used with sex workers to reduce their high
      burden of largely asymptomatic STIs. The objective of this review is to assess
      benefits and harms of PPT among female sex workers. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE
      for studies related to sex work and STIs during 1990-2010, extracted data from
      eligible studies in duplicate and conducted meta-analysis by study design using
      random effects models. RESULTS: Two thousand, three hundred and fifteen articles
      were screened, 18 studies met inclusion criteria and 14 were included in meta
      analyses. One published randomized controlled trial (RCT) reported significant
      reductions of gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) [rate ratio (RR) 0.46, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.68] and chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) (RR
      0.38, 95%CI 0.26-0.57), but no effect on serologic syphilis (RR 1.02, 95%CI 0.54
      1.95). Similar results were seen for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in pooled
      analyses, including data from one unpublished RCT and across study designs, and
      correlated with initial prevalence (R(2) = 0.155). One observational study
      reported genital ulcer disease (GUD) declines in sex workers, and two reported
      impact among male client populations for N. gonorrhoeae [odds ratio (OR) 0.60,
      95% CI 0.38-0.94], C. trachomatis (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.71) and GUD (OR 0.21,
      95% CI 0.11-0.42). No studies reported evidence of risk compensation or
      antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: PPT can reduce prevalence of gonorrhoea,
      chlamydia and ulcerative STIs among sex workers in whom prevalence is high.
      Sustained STI reductions can be achieved when PPT is implemented together with
      peer interventions and condom promotion. Additional benefits may include impact
      on STI and HIV transmission at population level.

PMID- 22095196
TI  - Myeloid dendritic cells isolated from tissues of SIV-infected Rhesus macaques
      promote the induction of regulatory T cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the ability of primary myeloid dendritic cells
      (mDCs) to induce regulatory T cells (Treg) is affected by chronic simian
      immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. DESIGN: Modulation of dendritic cell
      activity with the aim of influencing Treg frequency may lead to new treatment
      options for HIV and strategies for vaccine development. METHODS: Eleven
      chronically infected SIV(+) Rhesus macaques were compared with four uninfected
      animals. Immature and mature mDCs were isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes and
      spleen by cell sorting and cultured with purified autologous non-Treg
      (CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells). CD25 and FOXP3 up-regulation was used to assess Treg
      induction. RESULTS: The frequency of splenic mDC and plasmacytoid dendritic cell
      was lower in infected animals than in uninfected animals; their frequency in the
      mesenteric lymph nodes was not significantly altered, but the percentage of
      mature mDCs was increased in the mesenteric lymph nodes of infected animals.
      Mature splenic or mesenteric mDCs from infected animals were significantly more
      efficient at inducing Treg than mDCs from uninfected animals. Mature mDCs from
      infected macaques induced more conversion than immature mDCs. Splenic mDCs were
      as efficient as mesenteric mDCs in this context and CD103 expression by mDCs did
      not appear to influence the level of conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue mDCs from
      SIV-infected animals exhibit an enhanced capability to induce Treg and may
      contribute to the accumulation of Treg in lymphoid tissues during progressive
      infection. The activation status of dendritic cell impacts this process but the
      capacity to induce Treg was not restricted to mucosal dendritic cells in infected
      animals.

PMID- 22095198
TI  - Prime-boost regimens with adjuvanted synthetic long peptides elicit T cells and
      antibodies to conserved regions of HIV-1 in macaques.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Administration of synthetic long peptides (SLPs) derived from human
      papillomavirus to cervical cancer patients resulted in clinical benefit
      correlated with expansions of tumour-specific T cells. Because vaginal mucosa is
      an important port of entry for HIV-1, we have explored SLP for HIV-1 vaccination.
      Using immunogen HIVconsv derived from the conserved regions of HIV-1, we
      previously showed in rhesus macaques that SLP.HIVconsv delivered as a boost
      increased the breath of T-cell specificities elicited by single-gene vaccines.
      Here, we compared and characterized the use of electroporated pSG2.HIVconsv DNA
      (D) and imiquimod/montanide-adjuvanted SLP.HIVconsv (S) as priming vaccines for
      boosting with attenuated chimpanzee adenovirus ChAdV63.HIVconsv (C) and modified
      vaccinia virus Ankara MVA.HIVconsv (M). DESIGN: Prime-boost regimens of DDDCMS,
      DSSCMS and SSSCMS in rhesus macaques. METHODS: Animals' blood was analysed
      regularly throughout the vaccination for HIV-1-specific T-cell and antibody
      responses. RESULTS: We found that electroporation spares DNA dose, both
      SLP.HIVconsv and pSG2.HIVconsv DNA primed weakly HIVconsv-specific T cells,
      regimen DDDCM induced the highest frequencies of oligofunctional, proliferating
      CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and a subsequent SLP.HIVconsv boost expanded primarily
      CD4(+) cells. DSS was the most efficient regimen inducing antibodies binding to
      regions of trimeric HIV-1 Env, which are highly conserved among the four major
      global clades, although no unequivocal neutralizing activity was detected.
      CONCLUSION: The present results encourage evaluation of the SLP.HIVconsv vaccine
      modality in human volunteers along the currently trialled pSG2.HIVconsv DNA,
      ChAdV63.HIVconsv and MVA.HIVconsv vaccines. These results are discussed in the
      context of the RV144 trial outcome.

PMID- 22095199
TI  - Fine and ultrafine particles emitted from laser printers as indoor air
      contaminants in German offices.
AB  - PURPOSE: Various publications indicate that the operation of laser printers and
      photocopiers may be associated with health effects due to the release of gaseous
      components and fine and ultrafine particles (UFP). However, only sparse studies
      are available that evaluate the possible exposure of office workers to printer
      emissions under real conditions. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess
      the exposure of office workers to particulate matter released from laser printers
      and photocopiers. METHODS: Concentrations of fine particles and UFP were measured
      before, during, and after the operation of laser printing devices in 63 office
      rooms throughout Germany. Additionally, the particles were characterized by
      electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: A
      significant increase of fine particles and UFP was identified in ambient
      workplace air during and after the printing processes. Particle fractions between
      0.23 and 20 MUm emitted by the office machines significantly affect particle mass
      concentrations while printing 500 pages, i.e., during the printing process,
      PM(0.23-20), PM(2.5), and PM(10) concentrations increased in 43 out of the
      evaluated 62 office rooms investigated. Additionally, a significant increase was
      observed in submicrometer particles, with median particle number concentrations
      of 6,503 particles/cm(3) before and 18,060 particles/cm(3) during the printing
      process. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that laser printers and photocopiers
      could be a relevant source of fine particles and particularly UFP in office
      rooms.

PMID- 22095200
TI  - A tiered ecological risk assessment of three chlorophenols in Chinese surface
      waters.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The ecological risks posed by three chlorophenols (CPs), 2,4
      dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), and
      pentachlorophenol (PCP) in Chinese surface waters were assessed. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This was achieved by applying a tiered ecological risk assessment (ERA)
      approach ranging from deterministic methods to probabilistic options to measured
      concentrations of CPs in surface water of seven major watersheds and three
      drainage regions in China and the chronic toxicity data for indigenous Chinese
      species. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results show that the risks of three
      chlorophenols are ranked PCP>2,4-DCP~2,4,6-TCP. PCP posed little ecological risk
      while 2,4-DCP and 2,4,6-TCP posed negligible or de minimis risk in Chinese
      surface water. However, the risks varied with different river basins, for
      example, PCP posed some ecological risk in the Yangtze, Huaihe, and Pearl Rivers.
      The magnitude of 2,4-DCP and 2,4,6-TCP pollution in North China was more serious
      than that in South China. CONCLUSION: The probabilistic risk assessment approach,
      which can provide more information for risk managers and decision makers, was
      favored over the screening-level single-value estimate method. However, the
      results from all tiers of the ERA methods in the framework were consistent with
      each other.

PMID- 22095201
TI  - Dipyridylketone as a versatile ligand precursor for new cationic heteroleptic
      cyclometalated iridium complexes.
AB  - Three new bis-cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes, of general formula [Ir(2
      phenylpyridine)(2)(L)](+), are reported. The compounds contain a dipyridine-type
      ligand (L) derived from di-2-pyridylketone (dipyridin-2-ylmethanol, 2,2'
      (hydrazonomethylene)dipyridine and 3-hydroxy-3,3-di(pyridine-2-yl)propanenitrile)
      and were synthesized through two different reaction pathways. The alternative
      synthetic pathway herein proposed, namely the direct reactions on the complex
      [Ir(2-phenylpyridine)(2)(2,2'-dipyridylketone)](+), overcame the inconveniences
      encountered with the standard reaction between the dimeric precursor [Ir(2
      phenylpyridine)(2)(MU-Cl)](2) and the ancillary ligands (L). The photophysical
      characterization of the iridium complexes reveals that modifications on the
      ancillary ligand introduce large changes in the photophysical behaviour of the
      complexes. High emission quantum yield is associated with the presence of a
      saturated carbon between the two pyridyl moieties: [Ir(2-phenylpyridine)(2)(2,2'
      dipyridylketone)](+) and [Ir(2-phenylpyridine)(2)(2,2'
      (hydrazonomethylene)dipyridine)](+) are extremely low emissive, while [Ir(2
      phenylpyridine)(2)(dipyridin-2-ylmethanol)](+) and [Ir(2-phenylpyridine)(2)(3
      hydroxy-3,3-di(pyridine-2-yl)propanenitrile)](+) are good photoemitters. DFT and
      TD-DFT calculations confirmed the mixed LC/MLCT character of the excited states
      involved in the absorption and emission processes and highlighted the role of the
      pi-conjugation between the two subunits of the ancillary ligand in determining
      the nature of the LUMO.

PMID- 22095202
TI  - Disorders of sexual development in the domestic horse, Equus caballus.
AB  - Abnormalities of sexual development causing infertility in horses have been
      investigated since the early 1970's. Conventional cytogenetic analysis by
      karyotyping has been the primary tool used to investigate these horses.
      Abnormalities have a broad range, from a phenotypically normal mare with gonadal
      dysgenesis to a horse with ambiguous external genitalia and internal male and
      female organs. Cytogenetic analysis can determine genetic sex but cannot identify
      mutations or deletions of genes involved in the sex determination pathway.
      Molecular technologies have been developed to confirm cytogenetic results and to
      aid in identifying the genetic causes of abnormal sex determination in horses. In
      this paper, we review the historical development of methods used to understand
      abnormal sexual development in the horse as well as summarize cases reported over
      the last 40-50 years.

PMID- 22095203
TI  - Evaluation of urban sprawl and urban landscape pattern in a rapidly developing
      region.
AB  - Urban sprawl is a worldwide phenomenon happening particularly in rapidly
      developing regions. A study on the spatiotemporal characteristics of urban sprawl
      and urban pattern is useful for the sustainable management of land management and
      urban land planning. The present research explores the spatiotemporal dynamics of
      urban sprawl in the context of a rapid urbanization process in a booming economic
      region of southern China from 1979 to 2005. Three urban sprawl types are
      distinguished by analyzing overlaid urban area maps of two adjacent study years
      which originated from the interpretation of remote sensed images and vector land
      use maps. Landscape metrics are used to analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of
      urban sprawl for each study period. Study results show that urban areas have
      expanded dramatically, and the spatiotemporal landscape pattern configured by the
      three sprawl types changed obviously. The different sprawl type patterns in five
      study periods have transformed significantly, with their proportions altered both
      in terms of quantity and of location. The present research proves that urban
      sprawl quantification and pattern analysis can provide a clear perspective of the
      urbanization process during a long time period. Particularly, the present study
      on urban sprawl and sprawl patterns can be used by land use and urban planners.

PMID- 22095204
TI  - Physician-patient communication regarding colorectal cancer screening is lacking.

PMID- 22095206
TI  - [Effects of the great East Japan earthquake on industries and laborers in
      Fukushima prefecture].

PMID- 22095205
TI  - [Comparison of lifestyle, mental stress, and medical check-up results between
      Tanshin-funin workers and workers living with their families].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We conducted a comparative analysis of lifestyle, mental stress, and
      medical check-up results between tanshin-funin workers and workers living with
      their families. METHODS: Study participants were 3,026 married men, aged 40-59
      yr, who worked at a large financial firm in Japan. Tanshin-funin was defined as
      married men separated from their families due to workplace assignments, as
      determined by a self-administered questionnaire in 2004. Participants' lifestyle
      factors, including exercise, alcohol and smoking consumption, and dietary habits,
      and mental stress, including lack of vigor, irritability, fatigue, anxiety,
      depressed mood, and physical complaints, were examined using a self-administered
      questionnaire. Medical check-ups conducted in 2004 included measurements of BMI,
      SBP, DBP, FBS, GOT, GPT, gamma-GTP, TC, TG, HDL, RBC, and WBC. RESULTS: An
      analysis of lifestyle factors, using the chi(2) test, indicated that fewer
      tanshin-funin workers exercise, and that they had fewer regularly-scheduled
      meals. Tanshin-funin workers smoked more and consumed more alcohol, but ate fewer
      green and yellow vegetables. Tanshin-funin workers had fewer commuting hours and
      took fewer days off. Tanshin-funin workers also suffered more frequently from
      irritability and anxiety. A regression analysis, adjusted for age and smoking
      status, indicated that levels of TC, TG, and WBC for tanshin-funin workers were
      higher than workers living with their families. CONCLUSIONS: The lifestyle habits
      of tanshin-funin workers, such as dietary habits, were worse than those of
      workers living with their families, and tanshin-funin workers suffered from more
      irritability and anxiety. Clinical markers, such as dyslipidemia, were worse
      among tanshin-funin workers than among workers living with their families.

PMID- 22095207
TI  - Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength
      after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recovery of quadriceps muscle force and function after total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) is suboptimal, which predisposes patients to disability with
      increasing age. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the
      efficacy of quadriceps muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES),
      initiated 48 hours after TKA, as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation. DESIGN:
      This was a prospective, longitudinal randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty
      six patients, aged 50 to 85 years and planning a primary unilateral TKA, were
      randomly assigned to receive either standard rehabilitation (control) or standard
      rehabilitation plus NMES applied to the quadriceps muscle (initiated 48 hours
      after surgery). The NMES was applied twice per day at the maximum tolerable
      intensity for 15 contractions. Data for muscle strength, functional performance,
      and self-report measures were obtained before surgery and 3.5, 6.5, 13, 26, and
      52 weeks after TKA. RESULTS: At 3.5 weeks after TKA, significant improvements
      with NMES were found for quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, functional
      performance, and knee extension active range of motion. At 52 weeks, the
      differences between groups were attenuated, but improvements with NMES were still
      significant for quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, functional performance,
      and some self-report measures. LIMITATIONS: Treatment volume was not matched for
      both study arms; NMES was added to the standard of care treatment. Furthermore,
      testers were not blinded during testing, but used standardized scripts to avoid
      bias. Finally, some patients reached the maximum stimulator output during at
      least one treatment session and may have tolerated more stimulation. CONCLUSIONS:
      The early addition of NMES effectively attenuated loss of quadriceps muscle
      strength and improved functional performance following TKA. The effects were most
      pronounced and clinically meaningful within the first month after surgery, but
      persisted through 1 year after surgery.

PMID- 22095208
TI  - Physical fitness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: comparison with
      population controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although flexibility traditionally has been the main focus for
      physical therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), there is now
      evidence for an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in this group.
      OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were: (1) to compare physical fitness
      (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular capacity, flexibility, and balance) in
      patients with AS and controls and (2) to explore associations between physical
      fitness and disease activity in the patient group. DESIGN: This was a cross
      sectional study. METHODS: The physical fitness variables were cardiorespiratory
      fitness (treadmill test for estimation of peak oxygen uptake [V(O(2))peak]),
      muscular capacity (push-ups test), balance (30-second single-leg stand and
      walking in a figure-of-eight pattern), and flexibility (Bath Ankylosing
      Spondylitis Metrology Index [BASMI]). The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity
      Score (ASDAS) was used to assess disease activity. Group differences and
      associations were tested with the chi-square test for categorical variables, the
      Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables, and analysis of covariance for
      continuous variables. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine of 250 of the invited
      patients with AS and 133 of 329 of the invited controls were included in the
      study. The mean ASDAS score of the patient group was 2.3 (range=0.5-4.7), and the
      median disease duration was 23 years (range=7-55). The patient group had
      significantly lower V(O(2)) peak values, with a mean difference of -2.7 mL.kg(
      1).min(-1) (95% confidence interval=-4.3, -1.1), and higher BASMI scores, with a
      mean difference of 1.6 (95% confidence interval=1.5, 1.8), compared with the
      control group. No group differences were found in balance or muscular capacity.
      In the patient group, significant inverse associations were found between ASDAS
      scores and V(O(2))peak and muscular capacity. LIMITATIONS: The response rate was
      lower in the control group (40.4%) than in the patient group (59.6%). CONCLUSION:
      The lower cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced flexibility in the AS group
      indicate that physical therapy programs should include cardiorespiratory fitness
      exercises as a basic component to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22095209
TI  - Complex versus simple ankle movement training in stroke using telerehabilitation:
      a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation allows rehabilitative training to continue
      remotely after discharge from acute care and can include complex tasks known to
      create rich conditions for neural change. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study
      were: (1) to explore the feasibility of using telerehabilitation to improve ankle
      dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait in people with stroke and (2) to
      compare complex versus simple movements of the ankle in promoting behavioral
      change and brain reorganization. DESIGN: This study was a pilot randomized
      controlled trial. SETTING: Training was done in the participant's home. Testing
      was done in separate research labs involving functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) and multi-camera gait analysis. PATIENTS: Sixteen participants
      with chronic stroke and impaired ankle dorsiflexion were assigned randomly to
      receive 4 weeks of telerehabilitation of the paretic ankle. INTERVENTION:
      Participants received either computerized complex movement training (track group)
      or simple movement training (move group). MEASUREMENTS: Behavioral changes were
      measured with the 10-m walk test and gait analysis using a motion capture system.
      Brain reorganization was measured with ankle tracking during fMRI. RESULTS:
      Dorsiflexion during gait was significantly larger in the track group compared
      with the move group. For fMRI, although the volume, percent volume, and intensity
      of cortical activation failed to show significant changes, the frequency count of
      the number of participants showing an increase versus a decrease in these values
      from pretest to posttest measurements was significantly different between the 2
      groups, with the track group decreasing and the move group increasing.
      LIMITATIONS: Limitations of this study were that no follow-up test was conducted
      and that a small sample size was used. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that
      telerehabilitation, emphasizing complex task training with the paretic limb, is
      feasible and can be effective in promoting further dorsiflexion in people with
      chronic stroke.

PMID- 22095210
TI  - White matter hyperintensity as a factor associated with delayed mood disorders in
      patients with acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mood disorder is a frequent complication of stroke. Comorbid
      depressive and anxiety disorders are very common, indicating that it is advisable
      to assess both disorders at the same time. The aim of the present study was to
      examine the prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD) and poststroke anxiety
      (PSA) at baseline and to evaluate factors related to delayed PSD and PSA at 3
      months after stroke onset. METHODS: This was a prospectively registered and
      retrospectively analyzed study of patients with acute ischemic stroke between
      January 2009 and March 2010. Patients included in this study were interviewed in
      order to evaluate their Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. In
      this study, each depression and anxiety score was dichotomized into
      'nondepressive and nonanxious' (HADS-D and HADS-A <=7) and 'depressive and
      anxious' (HADS-D and HADS-A >7). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used
      to evaluate the independent factors of depressive and anxious symptoms 3 months
      after stroke onset. RESULTS: Of the 133 patients, 47.4% were 'depressive' and
      56.4% were 'anxious' at baseline. The depressive and anxious groups had a
      significantly higher frequency of severe white matter hyperintensity (WMH) than
      the nondepressive and nonanxious groups (p < 0.05). The independent factors of
      PSD and PSA at 3 months were deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) and
      modified Rankin scale 0 to 1 at 3 months. CONCLUSION: In conclusions, the results
      of our study demonstrated that delayed depression and anxiety after ischemic
      stroke were related to the severity of DWMH and unfavorable outcomes at 3 months,
      regardless of anti-anxiety treatment. Our results suggested that WMH might be
      associated with pathomechanism of delayed depression and anxiety.

PMID- 22095211
TI  - Exfoliation of copper hydroxysalt in water and the conversion of the exfoliated
      layers to cupric and cuprous oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - P-aminobenzoate-intercalated copper hydroxysalt was prepared by coprecipitation
      at high pH (~12). As the pH was reduced to ~7 on washing with water, the
      development of partial positive charge on the amine end of the intercalated anion
      caused repulsion between the layers leading to delamination and colloidal
      dispersion of monolayers of copper hydroxysalt in water. The dispersed copper
      hydroxysalt monolayers were used as precursors for the synthesis of
      copper(I)/(II) oxide nanoparticles at room temperature. While the hydroxysalt
      layers yielded spindle-shaped CuO particles when left to stand, they formed
      hollow spherical nanoparticles of Cu(2)O when treated with an alkaline solution
      of ascorbic acid.

PMID- 22095213
TI  - Impaired visual search in rats reveals cholinergic contributions to feature
      binding in visuospatial attention.
AB  - The visual search task established the feature integration theory of attention in
      humans and measures visuospatial attentional contributions to feature binding. We
      recently demonstrated that the neuromodulator acetylcholine (ACh), from the
      nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM), supports the attentional processes
      required for feature binding using a rat digging-based task. Additional research
      has demonstrated cholinergic contributions from the NBM to visuospatial attention
      in rats. Here, we combined these lines of evidence and employed visual search in
      rats to examine whether cortical cholinergic input supports visuospatial
      attention specifically for feature binding. We trained 18 male Long-Evans rats to
      perform visual search using touch screen-equipped operant chambers. Sessions
      comprised Feature Search (no feature binding required) and Conjunctive Search
      (feature binding required) trials using multiple stimulus set sizes. Following
      acquisition of visual search, 8 rats received bilateral NBM lesions using 192 IgG
      saporin to selectively reduce cholinergic afferentation of the neocortex, which
      we hypothesized would selectively disrupt the visuospatial attentional processes
      needed for efficient conjunctive visual search. As expected, relative to sham
      lesioned rats, ACh-NBM-lesioned rats took significantly longer to locate the
      target stimulus on Conjunctive Search, but not Feature Search trials, thus
      demonstrating that cholinergic contributions to visuospatial attention are
      important for feature binding in rats.

PMID- 22095212
TI  - Subventricular zone-derived neuroblasts use vasculature as a scaffold to migrate
      radially to the cortex in neonatal mice.
AB  - Neurons continue to be generated in the subventricular zone (SVZ) throughout
      postnatal development and adulthood in rodents. Whereas in adults, virtually all
      neuroblasts migrate tangentially to the olfactory bulb via the rostral migratory
      stream (RMS), in neonates, a substantial fraction migrate radially through the
      corpus callosum (CC) to the cortex. Mechanisms of radial cortical migration have
      remained unknown. We investigated this by taking recourse to enhanced green
      fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labeled neuroblasts in the CC and deep cortical layers
      of neonatal mice and found that they are frequently located adjacent to
      vasculature. Using time-lapse 2-photon microscopy in acute brain slices, we
      demonstrate that EGFP-labeled neuroblasts migrate along blood vessels. Although
      in close proximity to blood vessels, migrating neuroblasts are separated from
      endothelial cells by 1-2 layers of astrocytic processes, as revealed by electron
      microscopal studies of retrovirally labeled postnatally born cells. We propose
      that 2 factors could contribute to the decline of radial migration to the cortex
      during postnatal development, namely the establishment of a glial sheath
      delineating the RMS and a gradual decrease in the density of blood vessels in the
      CC. Together, our data provide evidence for a new mode of radial cortical
      migration of SVZ-generated neurons involving vasculature and astrocytes.

PMID- 22095214
TI  - Wnt signaling has opposing roles in the developing and the adult brain that are
      modulated by Hipk1.
AB  - The canonical Wnt/Wingless pathway is implicated in regulating cell proliferation
      and cell differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells. Depending on the
      context, beta-Catenin, a key mediator of the Wnt signaling pathway, may regulate
      either cell proliferation or differentiation. Here, we show that beta-Catenin
      signaling regulates the differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in the
      presence of the beta-Catenin interactor Homeodomain interacting protein kinase-1
      gene (Hipk1). On one hand, Hipk1 is expressed at low levels during the entire
      embryonic forebrain development, allowing beta-Catenin to foster proliferation
      and to inhibit differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells. On the other
      hand, Hipk1 expression dramatically increases in neural stem/progenitor cells,
      residing within the subventricular zone (SVZ), at the time when the canonical Wnt
      signaling induces cell differentiation. Analysis of mouse brains electroporated
      with Hipk1, and the active form of beta-Catenin reveals that coexpression of both
      genes induces proliferating neural stem/progenitor cells to escape the cell
      cycle. Moreover, in SVZ derive neurospheres cultures, the overexpression of both
      genes increases the expression of the cell-cycle inhibitor P16Ink4. Therefore,
      our data confirm that the beta-Catenin signaling plays a dual role in controlling
      cell proliferation/differentiation in the brain and indicate that Hipk1 is the
      crucial interactor able to revert the outcome of beta-Catenin signaling in neural
      stem/progenitor cells of adult germinal niches.

PMID- 22095215
TI  - Occipital cortical thickness predicts performance on pitch and musical tasks in
      blind individuals.
AB  - The behavioral and neurofunctional consequences of blindness often include
      performance enhancements and recruitment of occipital regions for nonvisual
      tasks. How the neuroanatomical changes resulting from this sensory loss relate to
      these functional changes is, however, less clear. Previous studies using cortical
      thickness (CT) measures have shown thicker occipital cortex in early-blind (EB)
      individuals compared with sighted controls. We hypothesized that this finding
      reflects the crossmodal plasticity often observed in blind individuals and thus
      could reflect behavioral adaptations. To address this issue, CT measures in blind
      (early and late) and sighted subjects were obtained along with several auditory
      behavioral measures in an attempt to relate behavioral and neuroanatomical
      changes. Group contrasts confirmed previous results in showing thicker occipital
      cortex in the EB. Regression analyses between CT measures across the whole brain
      of all blind individuals with the behavioral scores from 2 tasks in which EB
      subjects were superior (pitch and melody discrimination) showed that CT of
      occipital areas was directly related to behavioral enhancements. These findings
      constitute a compelling demonstration that anatomical changes in occipital areas
      are directly related to heightened behavioral abilities in the blind and hence
      support the idea that these anatomical features reflect adaptive compensatory
      plasticity.

PMID- 22095217
TI  - A polymorphism at the miR-502 binding site in the 3'-untranslated region of the
      histone methyltransferase SET8 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma
      outcome.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can bind to the 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of messenger
      RNAs, where they interfere with translation and thereby regulate cell
      differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Genetic polymorphisms in the 3'
      UTRs targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that
      affects the behavior of individual miRNAs. The histone methyltransferase SET8 has
      been reported to methylate TP53 and regulate genomic stability. We analyzed a
      single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs16917496) within the miR-502 miRNA seed region
      for the 3'-UTR of SET8 in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      The SET8 CC genotype was independently associated with longer postoperative
      survival in patients with HCC by multivariate analysis (relative risk, 0.175; 95%
      CI = 0.053-0.577; p = 0.004). The SET8 CC genotype was associated with reduced
      SET8 protein levels based on the immunostaining of 51 HCC tissue samples. We also
      found that the low SET8 levels were associated with longer HCC survival. Our data
      suggest that SET8 modifies HCC outcome by altering its expression, which depends,
      at least in part, on its binding affinity with miR-502. The analysis of genetic
      polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites can help to identify patient subgroups that
      are at high risk for poor disease outcomes.

PMID- 22095216
TI  - Dissociation between verbal response initiation and suppression after prefrontal
      lesions.
AB  - Some of the most striking symptoms after prefrontal damage are reduction of
      behavioral initiation and inability to suppress automatic behaviors. However, the
      relation between these 2 symptoms and the location of the lesions that cause them
      are not well understood. This study investigates the cerebral correlates of
      initiation and suppression abilities assessed by the Hayling Sentence Completion
      Test, using the human lesion approach. Forty-five patients with focal brain
      lesions and 110 healthy matched controls were examined. We combined a classical
      group approach with 2 voxel-based lesion methods. The results show several
      critical prefrontal regions to Hayling Test performance, associated with either
      common or differential impairment in "initiation" and "suppression" conditions. A
      crucial role for medial rostral prefrontal cortex (BA 10) in the initiation
      condition was shown by both group and lesion-mapping methods. A posterior
      inferolateral lesion provoked both initiation and suppression slowness, although
      to different degrees. An orbitoventral region was associated with errors in the
      suppression condition. These findings are important for clinical practice since
      they indicate that the brain regions required to perform a widely used and
      sensitive neuropsychological test but also shed light on the regions crucial for
      distinct components of adaptative behaviors, in particular, rostral prefrontal
      cortex.

PMID- 22095218
TI  - Long-Term Assessment of Asenapine vs. Olanzapine in Patients with Schizophrenia
      or Schizoaffective Disorder.

PMID- 22095219
TI  - Sensory neurons of the human brachial plexus:  a quantitative study employing
      optical fractionation and in vivo volumetric magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extensive neuron death following peripheral nerve trauma is
      implicated in poor sensory recovery. Translational research for experimentally
      proven neuroprotective drugs requires knowledge of the numbers and distribution
      of sensory neurons in the human upper limb and a novel noninvasive clinical
      measure of neuron loss. OBJECTIVE: To compare optical fractionation and
      volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in
      histological quantification and objective clinical assessment of human brachial
      plexus sensory neurons. METHODS: Bilateral C5-T1 DRG were harvested from 5 human
      cadavers for stereological volume measurement and sensory neuron counts (optical
      fractionator). MRI scans were obtained from 14 healthy volunteers for volumetric
      analysis of C5-T1 DRG. RESULTS: The brachial plexus is innervated by 425,409
      (standard deviation 15,596) sensory neurons with a significant difference in
      neuron counts and DRG volume between segmental levels (P < .001), with C7
      ganglion containing the most. DRG volume correlated with neuron counts (r = 0.75,
      P < .001). Vertebral artery pulsation hindered C5 and 6 imaging, yet high
      resolution MRI of C7, C8, and T1 DRG permitted unbiased volume measurement. In
      accord with histological analysis, MRI confirmed a significant difference between
      C7, C8, and T1 DRG volume (P < .001), interindividual variability (CV = 15.3%),
      and sex differences (P = .04). Slight right-left sided disparity in neuron counts
      (2.5%, P = .04) was possibly related to hand dominance, but no significant volume
      disparity existed. CONCLUSION: Neuron counts for the human brachial plexus are
      presented. These correlate with histological DRG volumes and concur with
      volumetric MRI results in human volunteers. Volumetric MRI of C7-T1 DRG is a
      legitimate noninvasive proxy measure of sensory neurons for clinical study.

PMID- 22095220
TI  - Barrier-limited multimodality closure for reconstruction of wide sellar openings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obtaining a watertight reconstruction with a fat graft with wide
      sellar exposures can be challenging, including the risk of reinstating mass
      effect with the fat graft. The alternative, a vascularized pedicle nasoseptal
      flap, may require several days to heal and still has a > 5% cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) leak rate. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a barrier-limited
      multimodality (BLMM) closure, consisting of an autograft fat-based watertight
      seal and limited by a membrane barrier, together with the vascularized nasoseptal
      flap. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 27 consecutive patients
      undergoing endonasal cranial base surgery limited to the sellar-parasellar region
      at the UCLA Medical Center who experienced an intraoperative CSF leak that was
      repaired with the BLMM technique. The results of 43 prior case-controlled
      reconstructions using a nasoseptal flap, without the full BLMM technique, were
      analyzed as a comparison group. RESULTS: There were no postoperative CSF leaks in
      the patients reconstructed with the BLMM closure technique. The CSF leak rate for
      the comparison group receiving nasoseptal flaps was 19%. CONCLUSION: A BLMM
      closure may further decrease the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks compared
      with predominant reliance on a nasoseptal flap. The novel membrane barrier allows
      a watertight inner closure by preventing herniation of the fat autograft into the
      resection cavity. An outer-layer nasoseptal flap provides a living barrier for
      optimal long-term defense.

PMID- 22095221
TI  - Long-term clinical and angiographic results of Neuroform stent-assisted coil
      embolization in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization facilitates the
      endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. However, the safety
      and efficacy of its long-term use have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To
      retrospectively examine the long-term results of Neuroform stent usage in
      conjunction with coil embolization in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.
      METHODS: Between November 2002 and December 2010, 79 patients harboring wide
      necked intracranial aneurysms were treated with use of the Neuroform stent. The
      stenting procedure failed in 2 patients. Therefore, 77 patients harboring 79
      intracranial aneurysms were included for analysis. Patient and aneurysm
      characteristics, progression of aneurysm occlusion, and occurrence of
      complications were analyzed. Follow-up imaging included digital subtraction
      angiography (DSA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Kaplan-Meier analysis,
      as well as univariate analysis were performed to determine the progression of
      aneurysm occlusion and to examine the predictive factors for complete aneurysm
      occlusion, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, complete aneurysm occlusion was
      observed in 42.4% of the cases immediately after treatment and progressed to
      96.5% at 7-year follow-up. The mean angiographic follow-up time was 25.8 months
      (range, 0-84 months). Eleven aneurysms (14%) were re-treated. Sixty-eight
      patients (88.3%) had favorable clinical outcome with a modified Rankin Scale
      (mRS) <= 1, 3 patients (3.9%) had an mRS of 2, and 5 patients (6.5%) did not have
      a clinical follow-up. The mean clinical follow-up time was 45.4 months (range, 3
      92 months). One patient (1.3%) died of a procedure-related hemorrhage.
      CONCLUSION: Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked
      intracranial aneurysms prevents hemorrhage and provides a high rate of aneurysm
      occlusion at long-term follow-up.

PMID- 22095222
TI  - PTEN and PIK3CA gene copy numbers and poor outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer
      patients with gefitinib therapy.
AB  - METHODS: Fluorescent in situ hybridisation analyses of PTEN, PIK3CA, EGFR and
      CEN7 were performed on tumour specimens from patients treated on the expanded
      access gefitinib trial. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      were correlated with outcomes in all patients and EGFR wild-type patients.
      RESULTS: Progression-free survival (hazard ratio=2.54, P<0.001) and OS (hazard
      ratio=4.04, P<0.001) were significantly shorter in patients whose tumours had all
      of the following molecular patterns: CEN7 <4 copies per cell, PTEN loss (<2
      copies in at least 20% of cells), and PIK3CA gain (>2 copies in at least 40% of
      cells) both in all and EGFR wild-type only patients. CONCLUSION: The combination
      of low CEN7 copy number, PTEN loss, and PI3KCA gain may be useful for identifying
      NSCLC patients unlikely to benefit from treatment with EGFR (TKIs), specifically
      in wild-type EGFR cases.

PMID- 22095223
TI  - Cancer risk by combined levels of YKL-40 and C-reactive protein in the general
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: YKL-40 and C-reactive protein (CRP) are biomarkers that may reflect
      cancer-related subclinical inflammation. We assessed elevated YKL-40 and CRP
      levels as combined risk predictors for cancer. METHODS: We measured plasma YKL-40
      and CRP at baseline in 8706 individuals from the Danish general population.
      RESULTS: Hazard ratio (HR) of gastrointestinal cancer for a doubling of YKL-40
      levels was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.17-1.61) and indifferent to adjustment for CRP levels.
      Hazard ratio of lung cancer for a doubling of CRP levels was 1.35 (1.17-1.56) and
      indifferent to adjustment for YKL-40 levels. Compared to individuals with both
      low CRP (<1.7 mg l(-1)) and YKL-40 (<154 MUg l(-1)), individuals with high YKL-40
      but low CRP had an HR of gastrointestinal cancer of 3.36 (1.70-6.64), whereas
      individuals with high CRP but low YKL-40 had an HR of lung cancer of 2.19 (1.24
      3.87). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.68
      for the ability of YKL-40 to predict gastrointestinal cancer and 0.67 for the
      ability of CRP to predict lung cancer. CONCLUSION: Elevated YKL-40 levels are
      associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer, independently of CRP
      levels, whereas elevated CRP levels are associated with increased risk of lung
      cancer, independently of YKL-40 levels.

PMID- 22095224
TI  - Dissecting the expression of EEF1A1/2 genes in human prostate cancer cells: the
      potential of EEF1A2 as a hallmark for prostate transformation and progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In prostate adenocarcinoma, the dissection of the expression
      behaviour of the eukaryotic elongation factors (eEF1A1/2) has not yet fully
      elucidated. METHODS: The EEF1A1/A2 expressions were investigated by real-time
      PCR, western blotting (cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal/nuclear-enriched fractions)
      and immunofluorescence in the androgen-responsive LNCaP and the non-responsive DU
      145 and PC-3 cells, displaying a low, moderate and high aggressive phenotype,
      respectively. Targeted experiments were also conducted in the androgen-responsive
      22Rv1, a cell line marking the progression towards androgen-refractory tumour.
      The non-tumourigenic prostate PZHPV-7 cell line was the control. RESULTS:
      Compared with PZHPV-7, cancer cells showed no major variations in EEF1A1 mRNA;
      eEF1A1 protein increased only in cytoskeletal/nuclear fraction. On the contrary,
      a significant rise of EEF1A2 mRNA and protein were found, with the highest levels
      detected in LNCaP. Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A2 immunostaining confirmed the
      western blotting results. Pilot evaluation in archive prostate tissues showed the
      presence of EEF1A2 mRNA in near all neoplastic and perineoplastic but not in
      normal samples or in benign adenoma; in contrast, EEF1A1 mRNA was everywhere
      detectable. CONCLUSION: Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A2 switch-on, observed in
      cultured tumour prostate cells and in human prostate tumour samples, may
      represent a feature of prostate cancer; in contrast, a minor involvement is
      assigned to EEF1A1. These observations suggest to consider EEF1A2 as a marker for
      prostate cell transformation and/or possibly as a hallmark of cancer progression.

PMID- 22095225
TI  - Expression of Y-box-binding protein YB-1 allows stratification into long- and
      short-term survivors of head and neck cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histology-based classifications and clinical parameters of head and
      neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited in their clinical capacity to
      provide information on prognosis and treatment choice of HNSCC. The primary aim
      of this study was to analyse Y-box-binding protein-1 (YB-1) protein expression in
      different grading groups of HNSCC patients, and to correlate these findings with
      the disease-specific survival (DSS). METHODS: We investigated the expression and
      cellular localisation of the oncogenic transcription/translation factor YB-1 by
      immunohistochemistry on tissue micro arrays in a total of 365 HNSCC specimens and
      correlated expression data with clinico-pathological parameters including DSS.
      RESULTS: Compared with control tissue from healthy individuals, a significantly
      (P<0.01) increased YB-1 protein expression was observed in high-grade HNSCC
      patients. By univariate survival data analysis, HNSCC patients with elevated YB-1
      protein expression had a significantly (P<0.01) decreased DSS. By multivariate
      Cox regression analysis, high YB-1 expression and nuclear localisation retained
      its significance as a statistically independent (P<0.002) prognostic marker for
      DSS. Within grade 2 group of HNSCC patients, a subgroup defined by high nuclear
      and cytoplasmic YB-1 levels (co-expression pattern) in the cells of the tumour
      invasion front had a significantly poorer 5-year DSS rate of only 38% compared
      with overall 55% for grade 2 patients. Vice versa, the DSS rate was markedly
      increased to 74% for grade 2 cancer patients with low YB-1 protein expression at
      the same localisation. CONCLUSION: Our findings point to the fact that YB-1
      expression in combination with histological classification in a double
      stratification strategy is superior to classical grading in the prediction of
      tumour progression in HNSCC.

PMID- 22095226
TI  - Distinct association between aberrant methylation of Wnt inhibitors and genetic
      alterations in acute myeloid leukaemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aberrant activation of Wnt signalling through hypermethylation of Wnt
      inhibitor genes is involved in several human malignancies, including acute
      myeloid leukaemia (AML). It remains unclear whether hypermethylation of Wnt
      inhibitors is associated with molecular gene mutations in the development of AML.
      METHODS: We investigated the association of the promoter hypermethylation of six
      Wnt inhibitors (Wif-1, SFRP1, SFRR2, SFRP4, SFRP5, and DKK1) with gene
      aberrations in the leukaemogenesis of 269 AML patients. RESULTS: In total, 166
      patients (61.7%) had hypermethylation of at least one Wnt inhibitor. The majority
      (68.5%) of patients with Wnt inhibitor hypermethylation had concurrent Class II
      gene mutations that affect transcription factors or cofactors. There was a close
      association of Wif-1 hypermethylation with t(15;17) (P=0.0005) and CEBPA mutation
      (P<0.0001), DKK1 hypermethylation with t(8;21) (P<0.0001) and ASXL1 mutation
      (P=0.0078), SFRP-1 hypermethylation with t(8;21) (P<0.0001), SFRP-2
      hypermethylation with AML1/RUNX1 mutation (P=0.0012), and SFRP-5 hypermethylation
      with MLL/PTD (P=0.0505). On the other side, hypermethylation of Wnt inhibitors
      was always negatively associated with NPM1 mutation and FLT3/ITD. CONCLUSION:
      There was distinct association between hypermethylation of individual Wnt
      inhibitors and specific gene aberrations, especially Class II mutations. The Wnt
      inhibitor hypermethylation might interact with genetic alterations in the
      leukaemogenesis.

PMID- 22095227
TI  - Potential responders to FOLFOX therapy for colorectal cancer by Random Forests
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular characterisation using gene-expression profiling will
      undoubtedly improve the prediction of treatment responses, and ultimately, the
      clinical outcome of cancer patients. METHODS: To establish the procedures to
      identify responders to FOLFOX therapy, 83 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients
      including 42 responders and 41 non-responders were divided into training (54
      patients) and test (29 patients) sets. Using Random Forests (RF) algorithm in the
      training set, predictor genes for FOLFOX therapy were identified, which were
      applied to test samples and sensitivity, specificity, and out-of-bag
      classification accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: In the training set, 22 of 27
      responders (81.4% sensitivity) and 23 of 27 non-responders (85.1% specificity)
      were correctly classified. To improve the prediction model, we removed the
      outliers determined by RF, and the model could correctly classify 21 of 23
      responders (91.3%) and 22 of 23 non-responders (95.6%) in the training set, and
      80.0% sensitivity and 92.8% specificity, with an accuracy of 69.2% in 29
      independent test samples. CONCLUSION: Random Forests on gene-expression data for
      CRC patients was effectively able to stratify responders to FOLFOX therapy with
      high accuracy, and use of pharmacogenomics in anticancer therapy is the first
      step in planning personalised therapy.

PMID- 22095228
TI  - Severe clinical toxicities are correlated with survival in patients with advanced
      renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib and sorafenib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), sunitinib and sorafenib
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are associated with several clinical side
      effects, with no definitive established data concerning their clinical impact.
      METHODS: From June 2006 to June 2008, main clinical TKI-induced toxicities,
      including digestive, cardiac, dermatologic and asthenia were retrospectively
      collected using the NCI-CTC version 3.0 in patients treated with TKI for an RCC.
      RESULTS: The median overall survival was significantly improved in patients with
      grade 3-4 clinical toxicities (36 vs 12 months, P=0.009). In multivariate
      analysis, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center risk groups (good vs
      intermediate or poor) and clinical toxicities (grade 3-4 vs 1-2) were identified
      as independent prognostic factors of better survival (P=0.002 and P=0.02,
      respectively). The Charlson comorbidity index score (>7 vs <7) was identified as
      independent predictive factor of severe clinical TKI-induced toxicities (P=0.02).
      CONCLUSION: In this unselected patients of RCC, clinical TKI-related severe
      toxicities were more frequent in patients with comorbidities and were associated
      with better survival.

PMID- 22095229
TI  - Correlates of anti-EBV EBNA1 IgA positivity among unaffected relatives from
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma multiplex families.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine whether non-viral nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk
      factors might be associated with (and mediated through) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      serological responses linked to NPC risk, we evaluated predictors of risk of anti
      EBNA1 IgA seropositivity and other markers among unaffected relatives from a
      large NPC family study in Taiwan. METHODS: Multivariate logistic regression
      conditioned on family was used to examine the associations between
      sociodemographic, dietary, lifestyle, and occupational variables and risk of anti
      EBV EBNA1 IgA positivity, anti-VCA IgA, and anti-DNase positivity. RESULTS: Among
      2393 unaffected relatives from 319 multiplex families, 1180 (49.3%) were anti-EBV
      EBNA1 IgA seropositive. None of the associations with anti-EBNA1 IgA were
      statistically significant, except for being 31-50 years of age (vs <30, adjusted
      ORs 0.51-0.57). For one or more EBV serological markers, there were suggestive
      associations for older age, GuangDong firm salted fish, betel use, current
      alcohol use, and male gender. CONCLUSION: Overall, we found little evidence to
      suggest that non-viral NPC risk factors significantly alter EBV serological
      patterns, suggesting that non-viral NPC risk factors act through pathways
      independent of EBV serological responses.

PMID- 22095230
TI  - High basal NF-kappaB activity in nonpigmented melanoma cells is associated with
      an enhanced sensitivity to vitamin D3 derivatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanoma is highly resistant to current modalities of therapy, with
      the extent of pigmentation playing an important role in therapeutic resistance.
      Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is constitutively activated in melanoma and can
      serve as a molecular target for cancer therapy and steroid/secosteroid action.
      METHODS: Cultured melanoma cells were used for mechanistic studies on NF-kappaB
      activity, utilising immunofluorescence, western blotting, EMSA, ELISA, gene
      reporter, and estimated DNA synthesis assays. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded
      specimens from melanoma patients were used for immunocytochemical analysis of NF
      kappaB activity in situ. RESULTS: Novel 20-hydroxyvitamin (20(OH)D(3)) and
      classical 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) secosteroids
      inhibited melanoma cell proliferation. Active forms of vitamin D were found to
      inhibit NF-kappaB activity in nonpigmented cells, while having no effect on
      pigmented cells. Treatment of nonpigmented cells with vitamin D3 derivatives
      inhibited NF-kappaB DNA binding and NF-kappaB-dependent reporter assays, as well
      as inhibited the nuclear translocation of the p65 NF-kappaB subunit and its
      accumulation in the cytoplasm. Moreover, analysis of biopsies of melanoma
      patients showed that nonpigmented and slightly pigmented melanomas displayed
      higher nuclear NF-kappaB p65 expression than highly pigmented melanomas.
      CONCLUSION: Classical 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and novel 20(OH)D(3) hydroxyderivatives of
      vitamin D3 can target NF-kappaB and regulate melanoma progression in nonpigmented
      melanoma cells. Melanin pigmentation is associated with the resistance of
      melanomas to 20(OH)D(3) and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment.

PMID- 22095231
TI  - PET imaging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer employing an EGF receptor
      targeting drug as tracer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously developed (11)C-erlotinib as a new positron
      emission tomography (PET) tracer and shown that it accumulates in epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive lung cancer xenografts in mice. Here, we
      present a study in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) investigating
      the feasibility of (11)C-erlotinib PET as a potential method for the
      identification of lung tumours accumulating erlotinib. METHODS: Thirteen patients
      with NSCLC destined for erlotinib treatment were examined by contrast-enhanced
      computed tomography (CT), (11)C-erlotinib PET/low-dose CT and (18)F-fluoro-2
      deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) PET/low-dose CT before start of the erlotinib
      treatment. After 12 weeks treatment, they were examined by (18)F-FDG PET/contrast
      enhanced CT for the assessment of clinical response. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients
      included, 4 accumulated (11)C-erlotinib in one or more of their lung tumours or
      lymph-node metastases. Moreover, (11)C-erlotinib PET/CT identified lesions that
      were not visible on (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Of the four patients with accumulation of
      (11)C-erlotinib, one died before follow-up, whereas the other three showed a
      positive response to erlotinib treatment. Three of the nine patients with no
      accumulation died before follow-up, four showed progressive disease while two had
      stable disease after 12 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data show a potential
      for (11)C-erlotinib PET/CT for visualizing NSCLC lung tumours, including lymph
      nodes not identified by (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Large clinical studies are now needed
      to explore to which extent pre-treatment (11)C-erlotinib PET/CT can predict
      erlotinib treatment response.

PMID- 22095232
TI  - Disease stage predicts post-diagnosis anxiety and depression only in some types
      of cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We hypothesised that patients with advanced disease or a cancer type
      that has a poor prognosis may be more likely to report anxiety and depressive
      symptoms after diagnosis; younger age and female gender may moderate these
      effects. METHODS: Patients (n=3850) were consecutively assessed with PSSCAN, a
      standardised, validated tool, at two large cancer centres between 2004 and 2009.
      RESULTS: Female patients reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms (P=0.003
      to P<0.001) compared with men and a healthy comparison group. Older age was
      associated with fewer anxiety (P=0.033 to P<0.001) and fewer depressive symptoms
      (P<0.001), but this was not true for lung cancer. Presence of metastases was
      associated with more anxiety symptoms in patients with gastrointestinal (P=0.044;
      R(2)Delta=0.001), lung (P=0.011; R(2)Delta=0.016), and prostate (P=0.032;
      R(2)Delta=0.008) cancer, but this was not true for breast cancer. Furthermore,
      early disease stage was associated with fewer depressive symptoms among older
      prostate cancer patients (P=0.021; R(2)Delta=0.008). Men with early lung cancer
      reported fewer anxiety (P=0.020; R(2)Delta=0.013) and depressive (P=0.017;
      R(2)Delta=0.016) symptoms than men with advanced disease or women. CONCLUSION: As
      hypothesised, disease stage was directly associated with emotional distress,
      except for patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, age and gender moderated
      some of these effects.

PMID- 22095233
TI  - Expression of p16INK4a, alone or combined with p53, is predictive of better
      prognosis in colorectal adenocarcinoma in Tunisian patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Alterations in different signaling pathways are involved in
      initiation and progression of colorectal carcinoma, such as those related to p53,
      MLH1, p16INK4a, Kras, etc. AIM: This study was conducted with the aim to
      investigate the expression of p16INK4a and p53 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and
      evaluated their correlation with major clinicopathologic features and patients'
      survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of p16INK4a and p53 were analyzed
      by immunohistochemistry on 70 paraffin specimens of CRC. RESULTS: Positive
      immunostaining for p16INK4a and p53 was observed in 27 (38.6%) and 53 (80%)
      cases, respectively. Significant correlation between loss of p16INK4a expression
      and tumor size was found (P=0.008), whereas overexpression of p16INK4a correlated
      with favorable prognosis parameters, such as absence of lymph node metastasis
      (P=0.029) and early stage of CRC (P=0.027). Furthermore, p53 overexpression
      significantly correlated with distal tumor location (P=0.022) and was related to
      a better overall survival in the group of patients with distal colon carcinomas
      (P=0.002). Patients with p16INK4a-positive tumors had a significant longer
      overall survival time than patients with p16INK4a-negative carcinomas (P=0.033).
      In addition, Cox regression model showed that overexpression of p16INK4a is an
      independent factor for prognosis with depth of invasion, p53 accumulation, and
      coincident abnormal expression of p16INK4a or p53. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest
      that the assessment of both p53 and p16INK4a expression might be helpful in
      predicting prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22095234
TI  - Early insulin therapy prevents beta cell loss in a mouse model for permanent
      neonatal diabetes (Munich Ins2(C95S)).
AB  - AIMS: Heterozygous male Munich Ins2(C95S) mutant mice, a model for permanent
      neonatal diabetes mellitus, demonstrate a progressive diabetic phenotype with
      severe loss of functional beta cell mass. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the influence of early insulin treatment on glucose homeostasis and
      beta cell destruction in male Munich Ins2(C95S) mutants. METHODS: One group of
      male Ins2(C95S) mutants was treated with subcutaneous insulin pellets, as soon as
      blood glucose levels began to rise; placebo-treated mutants and wild-type mice
      served as controls. An additional group of mutant mice received a sodium
      dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor (AVE2268) via rodent chow.
      RESULTS: Insulin treatment normalised blood glucose concentrations, improved oral
      glucose tolerance, preserved insulin sensitivity and inhibited oxidative stress
      of Munich Ins2(C95S) mutant mice. Pancreatic C-peptide content, as well as total
      beta cell and isolated beta cell volumes, of insulin-treated mutant mice were
      higher than those of placebo-treated mutants. In addition, alpha cell dysfunction
      and hyperplasia of non-beta cells were completely normalised in insulin-treated
      mutant mice. Treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor lowered blood glucose, improved
      glucose tolerance and normalised insulin sensitivity as well as oxidative stress
      of Ins2(C95S) mutants. The abundance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      markers binding Ig protein (BiP) and phosphorylated eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor 2 alpha (P-eIF2alpha) was significantly increased in the islets
      of mutants, before onset of hyperglycaemia, vs wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that early insulin treatment protects Munich Ins2(C95S) mutant mice from
      insulin resistance, alpha cell hyperfunction, beta cell loss and hyperplasia of
      non-beta cells, some well-known features of human diabetes mellitus. Therefore,
      insulin treatment may be considered early for human patients harbouring INS
      mutations.

PMID- 22095235
TI  - Arctigenin, a natural compound, activates AMP-activated protein kinase via
      inhibition of mitochondria complex I and ameliorates metabolic disorders in ob/ob
      mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Arctigenin is a natural compound that had never been previously
      demonstrated to have a glucose-lowering effect. Here it was found to activate AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the mechanism by which this occurred, as
      well as the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated. METHODS: 2
      Deoxyglucose uptake and AMPK phosphorylation were examined in L6 myotubes and
      isolated skeletal muscle. Gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis were evaluated in
      rat primary hepatocytes. The acute and chronic effects of arctigenin on metabolic
      abnormalities were observed in C57BL/6J and ob/ob mice. Changes in mitochondrial
      membrane potential were measured using the J-aggregate-forming dye, JC-1.
      Analysis of respiration of L6 myotubes or isolated mitochondria was conducted in
      a channel oxygen system. RESULTS: Arctigenin increased AMPK phosphorylation and
      stimulated glucose uptake in L6 myotubes and isolated skeletal muscles. In
      primary hepatocytes, it decreased gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis. The
      enhancement of glucose uptake and suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis and
      lipid synthesis by arctigenin were prevented by blockade of AMPK activation. The
      respiration of L6 myotubes or isolated mitochondria was inhibited by arctigenin
      with a specific effect on respiratory complex I. A single oral dose of arctigenin
      reduced gluconeogenesis in C57BL/6J mice. Chronic oral administration of
      arctigenin lowered blood glucose and improved lipid metabolism in ob/ob mice.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: This study demonstrates a new role for arctigenin as
      a potent indirect activator of AMPK via inhibition of respiratory complex I, with
      beneficial effects on metabolic disorders in ob/ob mice. This highlights the
      potential value of arctigenin as a possible treatment of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22095236
TI  - Elevated levels of renal and circulating Nop-7-associated 2 (NSA2) in rat and
      mouse models of diabetes, in mesangial cells in vitro and in patients with
      diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We previously found that Nop-7-associated 2 (NSA2), which is
      involved in ribosomal biogenesis in yeast and is a putative cell cycle regulator
      in mammalian cells, is elevated in the kidney of Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a
      spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes. Here we tested the hypothesis that elevated
      NSA2 is involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: We examined Nsa2/NSA2
      expression and NSA2 production in two rodent models of diabetes, in cultured
      renal glomerular cells, and in diabetic patients with and without nephropathy.
      Patients with nephropathy who had a history of albuminuria were further divided
      as responders (DN-NA; DN patients normoalbuminuric at the time of this study with
      a history of albuminuria) and non-responders (DN-A; diabetic nephropathy patients
      with albuminuria) to current treatment for albuminuria. RESULTS: Renal Nsa2/NSA2
      mRNA increased in tandem with hyperglycaemia in GK rats, in a streptozotocin
      induced mouse model of diabetes, and in human mesangial cells (HMCs) grown in
      high glucose (p < 0.05). In the mouse model of diabetes, hyperglycaemia resulted
      in increased Nsa2 expression and NSA2 levels in tubular and glomerular cells and
      in circulating cells; this increase was normalised by diabetes treatment.
      Circulating NSA2 mRNA levels were elevated in patients with DN independently of
      body weight (BMI), glycaemic (HbA(1c)) and haemodynamic (blood pressure) control,
      and showed an inverse correlation with renal function (GFR, p < 0.05). NSA2
      levels were the only variable that showed a significant difference between
      patients with albuminuria (DN-A) compared with non-albuminuric patients (DN-NA)
      and diabetic controls (p < 0.05), this increase being independent of all other
      variables, including GFR. CONCLUSION: We show for the first time that renal and
      circulating NSA2/NSA2 levels are increased in hyperglycaemia in experimental
      models of diabetes, and that circulating NSA2 is elevated in DN patients with
      albuminuria. Further studies will be required to assess whether NSA2 plays a role
      in the pathogenesis of DN.

PMID- 22095238
TI  - An important minority of prediabetic first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetic
      patients derives from seroconversion to persistent autoantibody positivity after
      10 years of age.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The appearance of autoantibodies (Abs) before diabetes onset has
      mainly been studied in young children. However, most patients develop type 1
      diabetes after the age of 15 years. In first-degree relatives aged under 40
      years, we investigated the frequency of seroconversion to (persistent) Ab
      positivity, progression to diabetes and baseline characteristics of
      seroconverters according to age. METHODS: Abs against insulin (IAA), glutamate
      decarboxylase (GADA), insulinoma-associated protein 2 (IA-2A) and zinc
      transporter 8 (ZnT8A) were measured during follow-up of 7,170 first-degree
      relatives. RESULTS: We identified 379 (5.3%) relatives with positivity for IAA,
      GADA, IA-2A and/or ZnT8A (Ab(+)) at first sampling and 224 (3.1%) at a later time
      point. Most seroconversions occurred after the age of 10 years (63%). During
      follow-up, Abs persisted more often in relatives initially Ab(+) (76%) than in
      seroconverters (53%; p < 0.001). In both groups diabetes developed at a similar
      pace and almost exclusively with Ab persistence (136 of 139 prediabetic
      individuals). For both groups, progression was more rapid if Abs appeared before
      the age of 10 years. Baseline characteristics at seroconversion did not vary
      significantly according to age. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Seroconversion to
      (persistent) Ab(+) occurs regardless of age. Although the progression rate to
      diabetes is higher under age 10 years, later seroconverters (up to age 40 years)
      have similar characteristics when compared with age-matched initially Ab(+)
      relatives and generate an important minority of prediabetic relatives, warranting
      their identification and, eventually, enrolment in prevention trials.

PMID- 22095239
TI  - Common variation in oxidative phosphorylation genes is not a major cause of
      insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: There is substantial evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is
      linked to insulin resistance and is present in several tissues relevant to the
      pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Here, we examined whether common variation in
      genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) contributes to type 2
      diabetes susceptibility or influences diabetes-related metabolic traits. METHODS:
      OxPhos gene variants (n = 10) that had been nominally associated (p < 0.01) with
      type 2 diabetes in a recent genome-wide meta-analysis (n = 10,108) were selected
      for follow-up in 3,599 type 2 diabetic and 4,956 glucose-tolerant Danish
      individuals. A meta-analysis of these variants was performed in 11,729 type 2
      diabetic patients and 43,943 non-diabetic individuals. The impact on OGTT-derived
      metabolic traits was evaluated in 5,869 treatment-naive individuals from the
      Danish Inter99 study. RESULTS: The minor alleles of COX10 rs9915302 (p = 0.02)
      and COX5B rs1466100 (p = 0.005) showed nominal association with type 2 diabetes
      in our Danish cohort. However, in the meta-analysis, none of the investigated
      variants showed a robust association with type 2 diabetes after correction for
      multiple testing. Among the alleles potentially associated with type 2 diabetes,
      none negatively influenced surrogate markers of insulin sensitivity in non
      diabetic participants, while the minor alleles of UQCRC1 rs2228561 and COX10
      rs10521253 showed a weak (p < 0.01 to p < 0.05) negative influence on indices of
      glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We cannot rule
      out the possibility that common variants in or near OxPhos genes may influence
      beta cell function in non-diabetic individuals. However, our quantitative trait
      studies and a sufficiently large meta-analysis indicate that common variation in
      proximity to the examined OxPhos genes is not a major cause of insulin resistance
      or type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22095241
TI  - Sucrose phosphate phosphatase in the green alga Klebsormidium flaccidum
      (Streptophyta) lacks an extensive C-terminal domain and differs from that of land
      plants.
AB  - Previously, it was reported that like land plants, the green alga Klebsormidium
      flaccidum (Streptophyta) accumulates sucrose during cold acclimation (Nagao et
      al. Plant Cell Environ 31:872-885, 2008), suggesting that synthesis of sucrose
      could enhance the freezing tolerance of this alga. Because sucrose phosphate
      phosphatase (SPP; EC 3.1.3.24) is a key enzyme in the sucrose synthesis pathway
      in plants, we analyzed the SPP gene in K. flaccidum (KfSPP, GenBank accession
      number AB669024) to clarify its role in sucrose accumulation. As determined from
      its deduced amino acid sequence, KfSPP contains the N-terminal domain that is
      characteristic of the L-2-haloacid-dehalogenase family of phosphatases/hydrolases
      (the HAD phosphatase domain). However, it lacks the extensive C-terminal domain
      found in SPPs of land plants. Database searches revealed that the SPPs in
      cyanobacteria also lack the C-terminal domain. In addition, the green alga
      Coccomyxa (Chlorophyta) and K. flaccidum, which are closely related to land
      plants, have cyanobacterial-type SPPs, while Chlorella (Chlorophyta) has a land
      plant-type SPP. These results demonstrate that even K. flaccidum (Streptophyta),
      as a recent ancestor of land plants, has the cyanobacterial-type SPP lacking the
      C-terminal domain. Because SPP and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) catalyze
      sequential reactions in sucrose synthesis in green plant cells and the lack of
      the C-terminal domain in KfSPP is predicted to decrease its activity, the
      interaction between decreased KfSPP activity and SPS activity may alter sucrose
      synthesis during cold acclimation in K. flaccidum.

PMID- 22095243
TI  - A kinetics and mechanistic study on the role of the structural rigidity of the
      linker on the substitution reactions of chelated dinuclear Pt(II) complexes.
AB  - Substitution reactions of platinum complexes bearing cyclohexylamine/diamine
      moieties viz., [Pt(H(2)O)(N,N-bis(2
      pyridylmethyl)cyclohexylamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(2), bpcHna; [{Pt(H(2)O)}(2)(N,N,N',N'
      tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-trans-1,4-cyclohexyldiamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), cHn and
      [{Pt(H(2)O)}(2)(N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-4,4'
      dicyclohexylmethanediamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), dcHnm and phenylamine/diamine
      moieties viz., ([Pt(H(2)O)N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)phenylamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(2),
      bpPha; [{Pt(H(2)O)}(2)(N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3
      phenyldiamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), mPh; [{Pt(H(2)O)}(2)(N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2
      pyridylmethyl)-1,4-phenyldiamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(4), pPh and
      [{Pt(H(2)O)}(2)(N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-4,4'
      diphenylmethanediamine)](CF(3)SO(3))(4)), dPhm with thiourea nucleophiles were
      studied in acidified 0.01 M LiCF(3)SO(3) aqueous medium under pseudo-first-order
      conditions using stopped-flow and UV-visible spectrophotometric techniques. The
      rate of substitution follows a similar trend in the two sets of complexes and
      decreases in the order: bpcHna > dcHnm > cHn and bpPha > dPhm ~ pPh ~ mPh),
      respectively. The result of this study has shown that the rigidity and/or the
      planarity of a diamine bridge linking the two (2-pyridylmethyl)amine-chelated
      Pt(II) centres, influences the reactivity of the metal centres by protracting
      similar symmetry elements within the complexes, which determines the amount of
      steric influences felt on the coordination square-plane. Hence, the order of
      reactivity is controlled by both the steric hindrance and the magnitude of the
      trans sigma-inductive effect originating from the linker towards the metal
      centre. These two factors also impact on the acidity of the complexes. The high
      negative entropies and low positive enthalpies support an associative mode of
      activation.

PMID- 22095242
TI  - Heparin inhibits the interaction of DNA topoisomerase I/anti-topoisomerase I
      immune complexes with heparan sulfate on dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated that the systemic sclerosis (SSc)
      associated autoantigen DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) binds specifically to the
      surface of fibroblasts when released in the extracellular environment and
      recruits anti-topo I autoantibodies, which subsequently leads to the adhesion and
      activation of monocytes. This study aimed to characterize the molecular
      interactions of topo I with fibroblast surfaces in order to elucidate the
      pathogenic role of topo I/anti-topo I immune complexes (ICs) in SSc. METHODS:
      Topo I directly coupled to fluorochromes was used to follow its binding to
      fibroblast surfaces by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Purified IgG
      from normal subjects or SSc patients was added with topo I to the cells;
      unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were used to
      determine their effects on the binding of topo I and topo I/anti-topo I IC to
      fibroblast surfaces. RESULTS: Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans on fibroblast
      surfaces were found to act as coreceptors for topo I binding. The addition of
      anti-topo I autoantibodies from SSc sera led to the amplification of topo I
      binding to HS chains. UFH and LMWH were shown to inhibit topo I and topo I/anti
      topo I IC binding to HS chains. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to show that
      topo I binds specifically to HS proteoglycans on fibroblast surfaces and that
      anti-topo I autoantibodies from SSc patients amplify topo I binding to HS chains.
      The accumulation of topo I on cell surfaces by anti-topo I autoantibodies could
      contribute to the initiation of an inflammatory cascade stimulating the fibrosis.
      UFH and LMWH inhibited the binding of topo I/anti-topo I IC to fibroblasts,
      suggesting a potential therapeutic role in SSc-associated fibrosis.

PMID- 22095240
TI  - Molecular basis of Staphylococcus epidermidis infections.
AB  - Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most important member of the coagulase-negative
      staphylococci and one of the most abundant colonizers of human skin. While for a
      long time regarded as innocuous, it has been identified as the most frequent
      cause of device-related infections occurring in the hospital setting and is
      therefore now recognized as an important opportunistic pathogen. S. epidermidis
      produces a series of molecules that provide protection from host defenses.
      Specifically, many proteins and exopolymers, such as the exopolysaccharide PIA,
      contribute to biofilm formation and inhibit phagocytosis and the activity of
      human antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, recent research has identified a
      family of pro-inflammatory peptides in S. epidermidis, the phenol-soluble
      modulins (PSMs), which have multiple functions in immune evasion and biofilm
      development, and may be cytolytic. However, in accordance with the relatively
      benign relationship that S. epidermidis has with its host, production of
      aggressive members of the PSM family is kept at a low level. Interestingly, in
      contrast to S. aureus with its large arsenal of toxins developed for causing
      infection in the human host, most if not all "virulence factors" of S.
      epidermidis appear to have original functions in the commensal lifestyle of this
      bacterium.

PMID- 22095244
TI  - Third-line sunitinib following sequential use of cytokine therapy and sorafenib
      in Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of sunitinib as third
      line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). METHODS: This study
      included a total of 35 consecutive Japanese patients with mRCC who were treated
      with third-line sunitinib after sequential use of cytokine therapy (interferon
      alpha and/or interleukin-2) and sorafenib between September 2008 and December
      2010. The clinical outcomes of third-line sunitinib in these patients were
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 3 (8.6%), 28 (80.0%) and 4
      (11.4%) were judged to have a partial response, stable disease and progressive
      disease, respectively, as the best response to sunitinib. The median progression
      free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of these patients following the
      introduction of sunitinib were 10.9 and 14.2 months, respectively. Of several
      factors examined, response to sorafenib and performance status appeared to be
      independently associated with PFS and OS, respectively, on multivariate analyses.
      The common grade 3-4 adverse events related to third-line sunitinib were
      thrombocytopenia (51.4%), neutropenia (42.9%) and hypertension (14.3%).
      CONCLUSION: Despite the low response rate, third-line sunitinib is well tolerated
      and could provide comparatively favorable prognostic outcomes in Japanese
      patients with mRCC after first-line cytokine therapy and second-line sorafenib;
      therefore, treatment with sunitinib could be one on the therapeutic options for
      patients with mRCC even after the failure of sequentially performed systemic
      therapies, such as cytokine therapy and sorafenib.

PMID- 22095247
TI  - Cervical stromal involvement can predict survival in advanced endometrial
      carcinoma: a review of 67 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess clinical, surgical and pathologic variables in survival of
      advanced endometrial cancer. METHODS: Sixty-seven advanced-stage (stages III and
      IV according to FIGO 2009) endometrial cancer cases were evaluated
      retrospectively. The effects on survival of age, histologic subtype, stage,
      grade, myometrial invasion, optimal cytoreduction, parity and cervical
      involvement were analyzed. RESULTS: Cervical involvement (P = 0.033) and
      nulliparity (P = 0.042) were worsening features in terms of survival. In 56 cases
      (83.5%) optimal cytoreduction could be achieved and survival was significantly
      longer in this group than the group who were not optimally cytoreduced (mean 30.4
      vs. 9.6 months) (P < 0.01). Depth of myometrial invasion, histologic type of
      tumor, stage, grade, and age younger or older than 60 years were not found to be
      related to survival. Neither adjuvant therapy type nor their combination were
      superior to each other for improving survival. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical stromal
      involvement is a poor prognostic factor in cases of advanced endometrial
      carcinoma. Further studies are required to describe the effect of different
      surgical approaches such as radical hysterectomy on survival in the presence of
      cervical stromal invasion.

PMID- 22095246
TI  - Could salvage surgery after chemotherapy have clinical impact on cancer survival
      of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of salvage surgery after chemotherapy on cancer
      survival of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma is controversial. We
      aimed to verify the clinical role of salvage surgery by analyzing the long-term
      outcome in patients with urothelial carcinoma treated by chemotherapy. METHODS:
      Between 2003 and 2010 at a single institution, 31 of 47 patients (66%) with
      metastatic urothelial carcinoma showed objective responses (CR in 4, PR in 27)
      after multiple courses of cisplatin/gemcitabine/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy,
      and a cohort of patients with partial response (PR) were retrospectively
      enrolled. Twelve (10 male and 2 female, median age 64.0 years) of 27 patients
      with PR underwent salvage surgeries after the chemotherapy: metastatectomy of
      residual lesions (10 retroperitoneal lymph nodes, 2 lung), and 6 radical
      surgeries for primary lesions as well. Progression-free survival and overall
      patient survival rates were analyzed retrospectively and compared with those of
      patients without salvage surgery. RESULTS: All 12 patients achieved surgical CR.
      Pathological findings of metastatic lesions showed viable cancer cells in 3
      patients. In univariate analysis, sole salvage surgery affected overall survival
      in 27 patients with PR to the chemotherapy (P = 0.0037). Progression-free
      survival and overall survival rates in patients with salvage surgery were better
      than those in 15 PR patients without the surgery (39.8 vs. 0%, and 71.6 vs. 12.1%
      at 3 years, P = 0.01032 and 0.01048; log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Salvage surgery
      for patients with residual tumor who achieve partial response to chemotherapy
      could have a possible impact on cancer survival.

PMID- 22095248
TI  - Visual spectral sensitivity of photopic juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus
      orientalis).
AB  - Although Pacific bluefin tuna is a species that relies on vision, its photopic
      visual function is not well known; we therefore recorded electroretinograms to
      investigate photopic spectral sensitivity in juveniles of this species (49-81
      days post-hatch; standard length 74-223 mm). The peak spectral sensitivity
      wavelength was 505 nm. We estimated that two (lambda(max) = 512-515 nm and 423
      436 nm) or three (lambda(max) = 512-515 nm, 423-436 nm, and 473 nm) types of cone
      visual pigments contribute to photopic vision; these spectral sensitivities are
      adapted to surface water habitats in clear ocean and coastal water.

PMID- 22095245
TI  - Pharmacoethnicity of docetaxel-induced severe neutropenia: integrated analysis of
      published phase II and III trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethnic differences in drug susceptibility and toxicity are a major
      concern, not only in drug development but also in the clinical setting. We review
      the toxicity profiles of docetaxel according to dose and ethnicity. METHODS: We
      analyzed phase II and III clinical trials that included a once-every-3-weeks
      single-agent docetaxel arm. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify
      the significant variables affecting the reported incidence of docetaxel-induced
      severe neutropenia. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified
      studies conducted in Asia [odds ratio (OR) 19.0; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)
      3.64-99.0] and docetaxel dose (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.13) as independent
      variables for the incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      significant difference in the incidence of docetaxel-induced severe neutropenia
      between Asian and non-Asian clinical studies. Physicians and pharmacists should
      consider ethnic diversity in docetaxel toxicity when interpreting the results of
      clinical trials.

PMID- 22095250
TI  - GTG mutation in the start codon of the androgen receptor gene in a family of
      horses with 64,XY disorder of sex development.
AB  - Genetic sex in mammals is determined by the sex chromosomal composition of the
      zygote. The X and Y chromosomes are responsible for numerous factors that must
      work in close concert for the proper development of a healthy sexual phenotype.
      The role of androgens in case of XY chromosomal constitution is crucial for
      normal male sex differentiation. The intracellular androgenic action is mediated
      by the androgen receptor (AR), and its impaired function leads to a myriad of
      syndromes with severe clinical consequences, most notably androgen insensitivity
      syndrome and prostate cancer. In this paper, we investigated the possibility that
      an alteration of the equine AR gene explains a recently described familial XY,
      SRY + disorder of sex development. We uncovered a transition in the first
      nucleotide of the AR start codon (c.1A>G). To our knowledge, this represents the
      first causative AR mutation described in domestic animals. It is also a rarely
      observed mutation in eukaryotes and is unique among the >750 entries of the human
      androgen receptor mutation database. In addition, we found another quiet missense
      mutation in exon 1 (c.322C>T). Transcription of AR was confirmed by RT-PCR
      amplification of several exons. Translation of the full-length AR protein from
      the initiating GTG start codon was confirmed by Western blot using N- and C
      terminal-specific antibodies. Two smaller peptides (25 and 14 amino acids long)
      were identified from the middle of exon 1 and across exons 5 and 6 by mass
      spectrometry. Based upon our experimental data and the supporting literature, it
      appears that the AR is expressed as a full-length protein and in a functional
      form, and the observed phenotype is the result of reduced AR protein expression
      levels.

PMID- 22095249
TI  - Laboratory exposure of Oreochromis niloticus to crude microcystins (containing
      microcystin-LR) extracted from Egyptian locally isolated strain (Microcystis
      aeruginosa Kutzing): biological and biochemical studies.
AB  - Cyanobacterial blooms exert negative impacts on fisheries and water management
      authorities. Recently, it has gained global attention, as elevated earth warming
      and environmental pollution are accelerating algal growth. Oreochromis niloticus
      (O. niloticus) is a worldwide and the most commonly cultured fish in Egypt. The
      biological interaction of the living organisms to the surrounding environment
      must continuously be assessed to predict future effects of the ongoing hazards on
      fish. The study was designed to examine the possible biological and biochemical
      response of O. niloticus exposed to different concentrations of microcystins
      crude extract (containing microcystin-LR). Three equal groups of O. niloticus
      were assigned for intraperitoneal injection of three different doses: 100, 200,
      and 400 MUg m(-1) dried aqueous microcystins extract, for 10 days. Clinical,
      condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (HIS) were estimated. Biochemical
      alterations were evaluated via lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation assay and
      electrophoretic analysis of fragmented DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis. The
      results showed that there were discernible behavioral and clinical alterations.
      Significant differences in K and HIS were observed between treatments. Also,
      significant elevations were observed in lipid peroxidation level and in the DNA
      fragmentation percentage in the exposed fish to the doses of 200 and 400 MUg m(
      1) of microcystins crude extract. The current study addresses the possible toxic
      effects of microcystins crude extract to O. niloticus. The results cleared that
      microcystins crude extract (containing MC-LR) is toxic to O. niloticus in time-
      and dose-dependent manners.

PMID- 22095252
TI  - Pulmonary artery banding for neonates and early infants with low body weight.
AB  - Open heart surgery for infants with low body weight (BW) remains still a
      challenge.  Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) is a useful surgical palliation for
      small neonates and early infants with excessive pulmonary blood flow who are
      unable to withstand a heart surgery.  This study retrospectively reviewed
      neonates and infants who underwent PAB to assess the surgical results and the
      validity of our PAB.  We selected 38 acyanotic infants and neonates and divided
      them into 2 groups: low BW (< 2.5 kg, n = 15, group L) and normal or high BW (>=
      2.5 kg, n = 23, group NH).  The average BW at the time of PAB was 2.8 +/- 1.1 kg
      (range, 1.2-5.8 kg), and the average age at the time of PAB was 41.8 +/- 44.8
      days (range, 2-151 days).  Using a 3-mm-wide polyester tape, we tightened the
      main pulmonary artery to obtain the circumference of (19 mm + 1 mm for each kg of
      BW).  There was no early death but one late death in each group.  Postoperative
      BW continuously increased 1 month after PAB in both groups, although BW was
      significantly lower in group L than in group NH.  Intracardiac repair (ICR) was
      accomplished in 31 patients (13 in group L and 18 in group NH) at average ages of
      1.5 years, while the remaining 5 patients are awaiting ICR.  In conclusion, PAB
      using our formula for the infants even weighing < 2.5 kg has low mortality and is
      effective as a bridge to ICR.

PMID- 22095253
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of citrin deficiency in a Chinese family with a fatal proband.
AB  - Citrin deficiency (CD) is an autosomal recessive disorder with SLC25A13 as
      causative gene that encodes citrin, the liver-type aspartate/glutamate carrier
      isoform 2 (AGC2).  Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency
      (NICCD), the major CD phenotype at pediatric age, has been previously reported as
      a self-limiting condition with clinical presentations resolving between 6 months
      and 1 year of life.  We report the prenatal diagnosis of CD in a family with a
      fatal NICCD proband.  The proband was a 10-month-old male presenting cough for 8
      days and jaundiced skin 1 day.  Physical examination revealed fever, dark
      jaundiced sclera and skin, hoarse breathing sounds, and hepatosplenomegaly. 
      Laboratory tests uncovered elevated cholestatic indices, increased ammonia, and
      prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, and reduced
      fibrinogen.  Sonography showed the features of liver cirrhosis.  Metabolome
      analysis uncovered large quantity of 4-hydroxyphenyllactate and dicarboxylates in
      urine and increased citrulline and methionine in blood.  The patient passed away
      due to liver failure at his age of 13.5 months.  Mutation analysis revealed him a
      homozygote of 851del4, a four-base deletion in exon 9 of SLC25A13 gene.  On
      request of the parents who had a second fetus, prenatal diagnosis of CD was
      performed by PCR-electrophoresis following amniocentesis and amniocyte culture,
      and demonstrated the fetus a carrier of the same mutation.  The fatal proband in
      the present report has provided clinical evidence challenging the traditional
      concept on NICCD prognosis.  Moreover, as the first trial on CD prenatal
      diagnosis, this study might open a novel area for clinical management of CD.

PMID- 22095254
TI  - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with paralysis of the unilateral vocal cord and soft
      palate.
AB  - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a progressive disease that is characterized by
      the accumulation of abnormal prion-like proteins in the central nervous system. 
      The cerebral cortex is primarily affected in CJD, leading to spongiform changes
      and dementia.  To date, there have been no reported cases of CJD, with local
      neuroparalysis discovered at an early stage of the disease.  Here, we describe a
      patient who presented unilateral vocal cord and soft palate paralysis before the
      progression of CJD.  After developing forgetfulness 6 months ago, a 76-year-old
      woman was presented at department of Otorhinolaryngology in a general hospital
      for recently developed hoarseness and dysphagia.  In the oral and laryngeal
      endoscopic findings, unilateral paralysis of the vocal cord and soft palate was
      noted.  On videofluorography, the larynx failed to elevate straight on
      swallowing.  The right tongue pharyngeal wall was lax, and some contrast agent
      was retained in the lower right piriform sinus.  The paralysis was thought to be
      due to the glossopharyngeal nerve or vagal nerve damage, which was caused by
      peripheral nerve injury or infranuclear palsy.  Diffusion-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) revealed high signals in the cerebral cortical area (a
      signature feature of CJD).  The patient died 2.5 years after the onset of
      illness.  The patient was diagnosed as probable sporadic CJD.  Since we could not
      detect any peripheral organic findings that could cause the paralysis, we suspect
      that CJD is responsible for the paralysis.  In treating CJD patients with
      neurological signs, exclusive investigation is required to obtain a more detailed
      picture of the disease.

PMID- 22095251
TI  - Personalizing medicine with clinical pharmacogenetics.
AB  - Clinical genetic testing has grown substantially over the past 30 years as the
      causative mutations for Mendelian diseases have been identified, particularly
      aided in part by the recent advances in molecular-based technologies.
      Importantly, the adoption of new tests and testing strategies (e.g., diagnostic
      confirmation, prenatal testing, and population-based carrier screening) has often
      been met with caution and careful consideration before clinical implementation,
      which facilitates the appropriate use of new genetic tests. Although the field of
      pharmacogenetics was established in the 1950s, clinical testing for
      constitutional pharmacogenetic variants implicated in interindividual drug
      response variability has only recently become available to help clinicians guide
      pharmacotherapy, in part due to US Food and Drug Administration-mediated product
      insert revisions that include pharmacogenetic information for selected drugs.
      However, despite pharmacogenetic associations with adverse outcomes, physician
      uptake of clinical pharmacogenetic testing has been slow. Compared with testing
      for Mendelian diseases, pharmacogenetic testing for certain indications can have
      a lower positive predictive value, which is one reason for underutilization. A
      number of other barriers remain with implementing clinical pharmacogenetics,
      including clinical utility, professional education, and regulatory and
      reimbursement issues, among others. This review presents some of the current
      opportunities and challenges with implementing clinical pharmacogenetic testing.

PMID- 22095255
TI  - Oxaliplatin in the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer.

PMID- 22095256
TI  - Inhibitory guidance in visual search: the case of movement-form conjunctions.
AB  - We used a probe-dot procedure to examine the roles of excitatory attentional
      guidance and distractor suppression in search for movement-form conjunctions.
      Participants in Experiment 1 completed a conjunction (moving X amongst moving Os
      and static Xs) and two single-feature (moving X amongst moving Os, and static X
      amongst static Os) conditions. "Active" participants searched for the target,
      whereas "passive" participants viewed the displays without responding.
      Subsequently, both groups located (left or right) a probe dot appearing in either
      an occupied or an unoccupied location. In the conjunction condition, the active
      group located probes presented on static distractors more slowly than probes
      presented on moving distractors, reversing the direction of the difference found
      within the passive group. This disadvantage for probes on static items was much
      stronger in conjunction than in single-feature search. The same pattern of
      results was replicated in Experiment 2, which used a go/no-go procedure.
      Experiment 3 extended the go/no-go procedure to the case of search for a static
      target and revealed increased probe localisation times as a consequence of active
      search, primarily for probes on moving distractor items. The results demonstrated
      attentional guidance by inhibition of distractors in conjunction search.

PMID- 22095257
TI  - Impact of tongue reduction on overall speech intelligibility, articulation and
      oromyofunctional behavior in 4 children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of partial
      glossectomy (using the keyhole technique) on speech intelligibility,
      articulation, resonance and oromyofunctional behavior. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      partial glossectomy was performed in 4 children with Beckwith- Wiedemann syndrome
      between the ages of 0.5 and 3.1 years. An ENT assessment, a phonetic inventory, a
      phonemic and phonological analysis and a consensus perceptual evaluation of
      speech intelligibility, resonance and oromyofunctional behavior were performed.
      RESULTS: It was not possible in this study to separate the effects of the surgery
      from the typical developmental progress of speech sound mastery. Improved speech
      intelligibility, a more complete phonetic inventory, an increase in phonological
      skills, normal resonance and increased motor-oriented oral behavior were found in
      the postsurgical condition. The presence of phonetic distortions, lip
      incompetence and interdental tongue position were still present in the
      postsurgical condition. CONCLUSION: Speech therapy should be focused on correct
      phonetic placement and a motor-oriented approach to increase lip competence, and
      on functional tongue exercises and tongue lifting during the production of
      alveolars. Detailed analyses in a larger number of subjects with and without
      Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome may help further illustrate the long-term impact of
      partial glossectomy.

PMID- 22095258
TI  - Self-assembled 3D architectures of Bi2TiO4F2 as a new durable visible-light
      photocatalyst.
AB  - A new hierarchical visible-light-driven photocatalyst Bi(2)TiO(4)F(2) was
      synthesized by a solvothermal method for the first time. The photocatalyst was
      characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron
      microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N(2) adsorption
      desorption (BET), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Such
      hierarchical Bi(2)TiO(4)F(2) microspheres assembled by nanosheets were fabricated
      via an Ostwald ripening process in the absence of soft templates (surfactants).
      The as-prepared samples' bimodal pore-size distributions in the mesoporous region
      consisted of smaller intra-aggregated pores with peak pore diameter of ca. 4.6 nm
      and larger inter-aggregated pores with peak pore diameter of ca. 17.0 nm. The
      band gap of the obtained Bi(2)TiO(4)F(2) was estimated to be about 2.71-3.06 eV
      for various solvothermal treatment time. Owing to the hierarchical structure with
      bimodal pores, low band gaps and high crystallinity, the Bi(2)TiO(4)F(2)
      microspheres exhibited high photocatalytic performance and durability for the
      degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light (> 420 nm). It was proved
      that the photo-generated holes and OH radicals played an essential role for the
      oxidation of RhB.

PMID- 22095259
TI  - Genetic diversity contributes to abnormalities in pain behaviors between young
      and old rats.
AB  - Aging has profound yet unpredictable effects on pain perception and incidence of
      anxiety disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying age-related pathologies are
      confounded by contradictory observations in rodent models. Therefore, the goal of
      our study was to test the hypothesis that genetic variability contributes to age
      related pain behaviors and susceptibility to anxiety. To address this hypothesis,
      we examined pain and anxiety-like behavior in young or old Brown Norway (BN),
      Fisher 344, and BN/F344 (F1), three rat strains used in studies to evaluate the
      effect of aging. Mechanosensitive thresholds were assessed using the Von Frey
      assay, and visceral pain sensitivity was measured via the visceromotor response
      to colorectal distension. Anxiety-like behavior and exploration was quantified in
      the elevated plus maze. In the BN strain, old rats exhibited increased
      mechanosensitive thresholds compared to young rats; however, age did not affect
      visceral sensitivity in this strain. In F344-BN rats, the number of abdominal
      contractions induced by the highest colonic distension pressure was significantly
      lower in old rats. However, following colonic sensitization, a difference was no
      longer apparent. In the F-344 strain, visceral hypersensitivity following
      afferent sensitization was evident in young rats at all distension pressures but
      was not observed in older animals at 20 mmHg. Aging significantly reduced maze
      exploration across all strains. Our data demonstrate that age- and strain-related
      alterations exist in pain behavior and highlight the effects of aging on
      exploratory behavior. These findings suggest that strain differences contribute
      to the controversial data on the effects of aging on pain perception.

PMID- 22095260
TI  - Thymic function failure and C-reactive protein levels are independent predictors
      of all-cause mortality in healthy elderly humans.
AB  - Relationship between thymic function and elderly survival has been suspected,
      despite the fact that formal proof is elusive due to technical limitations of
      thymic function-related markers. The newly described sj/beta-TREC ratio allows
      now, by overcoming these limitations, an accurate measurement of thymic output in
      elderly humans. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of thymic
      function and inflammatory markers on healthy elderly human survival. Healthy
      volunteers (n = 151), aged over 65, were asked to participate (CARRERITAS
      cohort). Subjects were excluded if diagnosed of dementia or, during the last 6
      months, had clinical data of infection, hospital admission, antitumor therapy, or
      any treatment that could influence the immune status. Thymic function (sj/beta
      TREC ratio), CD4:CD8 T cell ratio, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and
      neutrophilia were determined from basal samples. All basal variables and age were
      associated with 2-year all-cause mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that
      only thymic function and C-reactive protein were independently associated with
      time to death. In conclusion, we show, for the first time, the direct role of
      thymic function in human survival. C-reactive protein raise is also a marker of
      mortality in the healthy elderly, in a thymic-independent way.

PMID- 22095261
TI  - Fo shou san, an ancient herbal decoction prepared from angelicae sinensis radix
      and chuanxiong rhizoma, induces erythropoietin expression: a signaling mediated
      by the reduced degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor in cultured liver cells.
AB  - Fo Shou San (FSS) is an ancient herbal decoction composed of Angelicae Sinensis
      Radix (ASR; Danggui) and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR; Chuanxiong) in a ratio of 3:2.
      FSS is mainly prescribed for patients having a deficiency of blood supply, and it
      indeed has been shown to stimulate the production of erythropoietin (EPO) in
      cultured cells. In order to reveal the mechanism of this FSS-induced EPO gene
      expression, the upstream regulatory cascade, via hypoxia-induced signaling, was
      revealed here in cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep3B. The induction
      of EPO gene expression, triggered by FSS, was revealed in cultured hepatocytes
      by: (i) the increase of EPO mRNA; and (ii) the activation of the hypoxia response
      element (HRE), an upstream regulator of the EPO gene. The FSS-induced EPO gene
      expression was triggered by an increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1
      alpha (HIF-1 alpha) protein; however, the mRNA expression of HIF-1 alpha was not
      altered by the treatment of FSS. The increased HIF-1 alpha was a result of
      reduced protein degradation after the FSS treatment. The current results
      therefore provide one of the molecular mechanisms of this ancient herbal
      decoction for its hematopoietic function.

PMID- 22095262
TI  - Antimalarial efficacy of a quantified extract of Nauclea pobeguinii stem bark in
      human adult volunteers with diagnosed uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Part 1: a
      clinical phase IIA trial.
AB  - The aim of this phase IIA clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of an 80 %
      ethanolic quantified extract (containing 5.6 % strictosamide as the putative
      active constituent) from Nauclea pobeguinii stem bark denoted as PR 259 CT1 in a
      small group of adult patients diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
      Results obtained from a phase I clinical trial on healthy male volunteers
      indicated that the oral administration during meals of two 500 mg capsules three
      times daily (each eight hours) during seven days was well tolerated and showed
      only mild and self-resolving adverse effects. This PR 259 CT1 drug regimen was
      obtained by mathematical conversion of animal doses obtained in several in vivo
      studies in mice to human equivalent doses as in falciparum malaria patients. The
      phase IIA study was an open cohort study in eleven appraisable adult patients
      suffering from proven Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The study was specifically
      designed to assess the efficacy of PR 259 CT1 administered with a dose regimen of
      two 500 mg capsules three times daily for three days, followed by outpatient
      treatment of one 500 mg capsule three times daily for the next four days, in
      order to prove that this therapeutic dose, which was calculated from animal
      doses, was effective to treat adult malaria patients and consequently useful for
      a future Phase IIB clinical trial. This study would then substitute a dose
      escalating trial, which in general is used to find the appropriate dose for
      clinical studies. The phase IIA clinical trial was carried out according to the
      WHO 2003 14-day test, and the results revealed that all eleven patients were
      completely cleared of parasitemia and fever on days 3, 7, and 14 except for one
      patient, who experienced a recurrence of parasitemia at days 7 until 14. Besides
      this adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR), this trial also
      demonstrated that PR 259 CT1 was well tolerated with only mild and self-resolving
      adverse effects including fatigue and headache, which were in accordance with
      those found in the phase I clinical trial. Moreover, all symptoms progressively
      disappeared, and no symptoms were observed on day 14. Although the number of
      patients included in this study was rather limited, the statistical analysis
      nevertheless suggested the efficacy and tolerability of PR 259 CT1, which
      indicated that this herbal medicinal product might be considered as a putative
      candidate for a large scale clinical trial.

PMID- 22095263
TI  - A sensitive method for determination of platycodin d in rat plasma using liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic
      study.
AB  - Platycodin D (PD), a major component isolated from the root of Platycodon
      grandiflorum, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. A sensitive rapid
      analytical method was established and validated to determine the PD in rat
      plasma. This method was further applied to assess the pharmacokinetics of PD in
      rats following administration of a single dose. Liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) was used in
      the method, and tubeimoside I was used as the internal standard (IS). A simple
      protein precipitation based on methanol (MeOH) was employed. The combination of a
      simple sample cleanup and short chromatographic running time (4 min) increased
      the throughput of the method substantially. The method was validated over the
      range of 0.5-1000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient > 0.99. The lower limit of
      quantification was 0.5 ng/mL for PD in plasma. Intra- and inter-day accuracies
      for PD were 90-115 % and 96-108 %, respectively, and the inter-day precision was
      less than 15 %. After a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg of PD, its mean peak plasma
      concentration ( CMAX) was 13.7 +/- 4.5 ng/mL at 0.5 h. The area under the plasma
      concentration-time curve ( AUC0-24 H) was 35.4 +/- 16.1 h.ng/mL, and the
      elimination half-life ( T1/2) was 1.48 +/- 0.13 h. In case of intravenous
      administration of PD at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg, the area under the plasma
      concentration-time curve ( AUC0-24 H) was 2203 +/- 258 h . ng/mL, and the
      elimination half-life (T1/2) was 6.57 +/- 0.70 h. Based on the results, the oral
      bioavailability of PD in rats at 10 mg/kg is 0.079 %.

PMID- 22095265
TI  - Recognizing syphilis in an HIV-infected patient.

PMID- 22095266
TI  - Minimizing tracheobronchial aspiration in the tube-fed patient part 1.

PMID- 22095267
TI  - Hyper-IgE syndrome: diagnosis of a 3-year-old with 10-year follow-up.

PMID- 22095268
TI  - Do ankle injuries always require an X-ray?

PMID- 22095272
TI  - Primary care management of food allergy and food intolerance.
AB  - The incidence of food allergies is steadily increasing. Due to potentially life
      threatening complications, it is important that primary care providers recognize
      and appropriately manage these disorders. This article includes a discussion of
      the current evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, screening, and
      management of food allergies.

PMID- 22095273
TI  - A close up view of pneumococcal disease.
AB  - Pneumococcal disease remains a threat despite an available vaccine. Primary care
      nurse practitioners must be prepared to prevent as well as treat pneumococcal
      infections.

PMID- 22095274
TI  - Safe prescribing for the elderly.
AB  - Prescribing for older adults is a complex and high-risk process. Age-related
      changes produce differences in the way lderly patients respond to and process
      medication. This article discusses age-related changes, common problems that
      increase risk for older adults, strategies for improving adherence, and models
      for safe and effective prescribing.

PMID- 22095277
TI  - Mutant p53 protein, master regulator of human malignancies: a report on the Fifth
      Mutant p53 Workshop.

PMID- 22095276
TI  - Human embryonic stem cell derived astrocytes mediate non-cell-autonomous
      neuroprotection through endogenous and drug-induced mechanisms.
AB  - The glial environment is an important determinant of neuronal health in
      experimental models of neurodegeneration. Specifically, astrocytes have been
      shown, dependent on context, to be both injurious and protective. Human
      pluripotent stem cells offer a powerful new system to improve our understanding
      of the mechanisms underlying astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection. Here, we
      describe a human embryonic stem cell (HESC)-based system to assess the scope and
      mechanism of human astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection. We first report the
      generation of enriched and functional HESC-derived astrocytes, by combining BMP
      mediated Smad and LIF-mediated JAK-STAT signalling. These astrocytes promote the
      protection of HESC-derived neurons against oxidative insults. Moreover, their
      neuroprotective capacity can be greatly enhanced by treatment with the nuclear
      factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-activating triterpenoid 1[2-Cyano-3,12
      dioxool-eana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl] trifluoroethylamide (CDDO(TFEA)). Activation of
      the transcription factor Nrf2 in human astrocytes by CDDO(TFEA) treatment induced
      expression of the glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) catalytic subunit, leading to
      enhanced GCL activity and glutathione production, and strong neuroprotection
      against H(2)O(2). This enhanced neuroprotection was found to be dependent on
      astrocytic GCL activity, unlike the basal neuroprotection afforded by untreated
      astrocytes. Direct treatment of HESC-derived neurons with CDDO(TFEA) elicited no
      induction of Nrf2 target genes, nor any neuroprotection. Thus, human astrocytes
      can mediate neuroprotection through glutathione-dependent and glutathione
      independent mechanisms, and represent a therapeutic target for human disorders
      associated with neuronal oxidative stress.

PMID- 22095278
TI  - RP58/ZNF238 directly modulates proneurogenic gene levels and is required for
      neuronal differentiation and brain expansion.
AB  - Although neurogenic pathways have been described in the developing neocortex,
      less is known about mechanisms ensuring correct neuronal differentiation thus
      also preventing tumor growth. We have shown that RP58 (aka zfp238 or znf238) is
      highly expressed in differentiating neurons, that its expression is lost or
      diminished in brain tumors, and that its reintroduction blocks their
      proliferation. Mice with loss of RP58 die at birth with neocortical defects.
      Using a novel conditional RP58 allele here we show that its CNS-specific loss
      yields a novel postnatal phenotype: microencephaly, agenesis of the corpus
      callosum and cerebellar hypoplasia that resembles the chr1qter deletion
      microcephaly syndrome in human. RP58 mutant brains maintain precursor pools but
      have reduced neuronal and increased glial differentiation. Well-timed
      downregulation of pax6, ngn2 and neuroD1 depends on RP58 mediated transcriptional
      repression, ngn2 and neuroD1 being direct targets. Thus, RP58 may act to favor
      neuronal differentiation and brain growth by coherently repressing multiple
      proneurogenic genes in a timely manner.

PMID- 22095279
TI  - ICDS 2011 meeting 'Signaling in cell death survival, proliferation and
      degeneration'.

PMID- 22095280
TI  - In mouse embryonic fibroblasts, neither caspase-8 nor cellular FLICE-inhibitory
      protein (FLIP) is necessary for TNF to activate NF-kappaB, but caspase-8 is
      required for TNF to cause cell death, and induction of FLIP by NF-kappaB is
      required to prevent it.
AB  - Binding of TNF to TNF receptor-1 can give a pro-survival signal through
      activation of p65/RelA NF-kappaB, but also signals cell death. To determine the
      roles of FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP) and caspase-8 in TNF-induced activation
      of NF-kappaB and apoptosis, we used mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from FLIP
      and caspase-8 gene-deleted mice, and treated them with TNF and a smac-mimetic
      compound that causes degradation of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins
      (cIAPs). In cells treated with smac mimetic, TNF and Fas Ligand caused wild-type
      and FLIP(-/-) MEFs to die, whereas caspase-8(-/-) MEFs survived, indicating that
      caspase-8 is necessary for death of MEFs triggered by these ligands when IAPs are
      degraded. By contrast, neither caspase-8 nor FLIP was required for TNF to
      activate p65/RelA NF-kappaB, because IkappaB was degraded, p65 translocated to
      the nucleus, and an NF-kappaB reporter gene activated normally in caspase-8(-/-)
      or FLIP(-/-) MEFs. Reconstitution of FLIP(-/-) MEFs with the FLIP isoforms FLIP
      L, FLIP-R, or FLIP-p43 protected these cells from dying when treated with TNF or
      FasL, whether or not cIAPs were depleted. These results show that in MEFs,
      caspase-8 is necessary for TNF- and FasL-induced death, and FLIP is needed to
      prevent it, but neither caspase-8 nor FLIP is required for TNF to activate NF
      kappaB.

PMID- 22095281
TI  - IAPs: guardians of RIPK1.
AB  - Deregulation of innate immune signalling and cell death form the basis of most
      human disease pathogenesis. Inhibitor of APoptosis (IAP) protein-family members
      are frequently overexpressed in cancer and contribute to tumour cell survival,
      chemo-resistance, disease progression and poor prognosis. Although best known for
      their ability to regulate caspases, IAPs also influence ubiquitin-dependent
      pathways that modulate innate immune signalling by activation of NF-kappaB.
      Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which
      IAPs influence cell death and innate immune responses have provided new insights
      into novel strategies for treatment of cancer. In this review we discuss our
      current understanding of IAP-mediated NF-kappaB signalling, as well as elaborate
      on unexpected insights into the involvement of IAPs in regulating the
      'Ripoptosome', a novel intrinsic cell death-inducing platform. We propose an
      evolutionarily conserved concept whereby IAPs function as guardians of killer
      platforms such as the apoptosome in Drosophila and the Ripoptosome in mammals.

PMID- 22095282
TI  - Arginine methylation-dependent regulation of ASK1 signaling by PRMT1.
AB  - Protein arginine methylation, catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases
      (PRMTs), is implicated in modulation of cellular processes including gene
      transcription. The role of PRMTs in the regulation of intracellular signaling
      pathways has remained obscure, however. We now show that PRMT1 methylates
      apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) at arginine residues 78 and 80 and
      thereby negatively regulates ASK1 signaling. PRMT1-mediated ASK1 methylation
      attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced stimulation of ASK1, with this inhibitory effect
      of PRMT1 being abolished by replacement of arginines 78 and 80 of ASK1 with
      lysine. Furthermore, depletion of PRMT1 expression by RNA interference
      potentiated H(2)O(2)-induced stimulation of ASK1. PRMT1-mediated ASK1 methylation
      promoted the interaction between ASK1 and its negative regulator thioredoxin,
      whereas it abrogated the association of ASK1 with its positive regulator TRAF2.
      Moreover, PRMT1 depletion potentiated paclitaxel-induced ASK1 activation and
      apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. Together, our results indicate that
      arginine methylation of ASK1 by PRMT1 contributes to the regulation of stress
      induced signaling that controls a variety of cellular events including apoptosis.

PMID- 22095283
TI  - Granzymes, cytotoxic granules and cell death: the early work of Dr. Jurg Tschopp.
AB  - Within the powerful legacy left by Jurg Tschopp, we should not forget his early
      work that helped to elucidate the molecular pathways responsible for the
      clearance of virus-infected and transformed cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes
      (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells. Jurg's skilful biochemical approach formed a
      firm platform upon which the work of so many other biochemists, cell biologists
      and immunologists would come to rely. Jurg coined the shorthand term 'granzyme'
      to denote the individual members of a family of serine proteases sequestered in
      and secreted from the cytotoxic granules of CTL/NK cells. He was also one of the
      first to describe the lytic properties of purified perforin and to postulate the
      synergy of perforin and granzymes, which we now know to underpin target cell
      apoptosis. Jurg was a major protagonist in the debate that raged throughout the
      1980's and early 1990's on the physiological relevance of the 'granule
      exocytosis' pathway. Ultimately, resolving this issue led Jurg and his colleagues
      to even greater and impactful discoveries in the broader field of apoptosis
      research. Jurg Tschopp ranks with other pioneers, particularly Gideon Berke,
      Chris Bleackley, Pierre Golstein, Pierre Henkart and Eckhard Podack for making
      seminal discoveries on our understanding of how the immune system eliminates
      dangerous cells.

PMID- 22095284
TI  - Overlapping functions of microRNAs in control of apoptosis during Drosophila
      embryogenesis.
AB  - Regulation of apoptosis is crucial for tissue homeostasis under normal
      development and environmental stress. In Drosophila, cell death occurs in
      different developmental processes including embryogenesis. Here, we report that
      two members of the miR-2 seed family of microRNAs, miR-6 and miR-11, function
      together to limit the level of apoptosis during Drosophila embryonic development.
      Mutants lacking both miR-6 and miR-11 show embryonic lethality and defects in the
      central nervous system (CNS). We provide evidence that miR-6/11 functions through
      regulation of the proapoptotic genes, reaper (rpr), head involution defective
      (hid), grim and sickle (skl). Upregulation of these proapoptotic genes is
      responsible for the elevated apoptosis and the CNS defects in the mutants. These
      findings demonstrate that the activity of the proapoptotic genes is kept in check
      by miR-6/11 to ensure normal development.

PMID- 22095285
TI  - Mutation of ATF4 mediates resistance of neuronal cell lines against oxidative
      stress by inducing xCT expression.
AB  - Selecting neuronal cell lines for resistance against oxidative stress might
      recapitulate some adaptive processes in neurodegenerative diseases where
      oxidative stress is involved like Parkinson's disease. We recently reported that
      in hippocampal HT22 cells selected for resistance against oxidative glutamate
      toxicity, the cystine/glutamate antiporter system x(c)(-), which imports cystine
      for synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione, and its specific subunit, xCT, are
      upregulated. (Lewerenz et al., J Neurochem 98(3):916-25). Here, we show that in
      these glutamate-resistant HT22 cells upregulation of xCT mediates glutamate
      resistance, and xCT expression is induced by upregulation of the transcription
      factor ATF4. The mechanism of ATF4 upregulation consists of a 13 bp deletion in
      the upstream open reading frame (uORF2) overlapping the ATF4 open reading frame.
      The resulting uORF2-ATF4 fusion protein is efficiently translated even at a low
      phosphorylation levels of the translation initiation factor eIF2alpha, a
      condition under which ATF4 translation is normally suppressed. A similar ATF4
      mutation associated with prominent upregulation of xCT expression was identified
      in PC12 cells selected for resistance against amyloid beta-peptide. Our data
      indicate that ATF4 has a central role in regulating xCT expression and resistance
      against oxidative stress. ATF4 mutations might have broader significance as
      upregulation of xCT is found in tumor cells and associated with anticancer drug
      resistance.

PMID- 22095286
TI  - The PIDDosome, DNA-damage-induced apoptosis and beyond.
AB  - P53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD) was cloned as a death domain (DD)
      containing protein whose expression is induced by p53. It was later described as
      the core of a molecular platform-activating caspase-2, named the PIDDosome. These
      first results pointed towards a role for PIDD in apoptosis, in response to DNA
      damage. Identification of new PIDDosome complexes involved in DNA repair and
      nuclear factor-kappaB signaling challenged this early concept. PIDD functions are
      growing as new complexes and new interaction partners are being discovered, and
      as additional functions are being revealed. A fascinating feature of PIDD lies
      within its complex and tight regulation mechanisms, which allow the molecule to
      fine-tune its different functions: from transcriptional regulation to the
      expression of different isoforms, and from the interaction with regulatory
      proteins to an ingenious post-translational cleavage mechanism generating various
      active fragments with specific functions. Further studies still need to be
      carried out to provide answers to many unresolved issues and to reconcile
      conflicting results. This review aims at providing an overview of the current
      PIDD knowledge status.

PMID- 22095287
TI  - Necdin enhances muscle reconstitution of dystrophic muscle by vessel-associated
      progenitors, by promoting cell survival and myogenic differentiation.
AB  - Improving stem cell therapy is a major goal for the treatment of muscle diseases,
      where physiological muscle regeneration is progressively exhausted. Vessel
      associated stem cells, such as mesoangioblasts (MABs), appear to be the most
      promising cell type for the cell therapy for muscular dystrophies and have been
      shown to significantly contribute to restoration of muscle structure and function
      in different muscular dystrophy models. Here, we report that melanoma antigen
      encoding gene (MAGE) protein necdin enhances muscle differentiation and
      regeneration by MABs. When necdin is constitutively overexpressed, it accelerates
      their differentiation and fusion in vitro and it increases their efficacy in
      reconstituting regenerating myofibres in the alpha-sarcoglycan dystrophic mouse.
      Moreover, necdin enhances survival when MABs are exposed to cytotoxic stimuli
      that mimic the inflammatory dystrophic environment. Taken together, these data
      demonstrate that overexpression of necdin may be a crucial tool to boost
      therapeutic applications of MABs in dystrophic muscle.

PMID- 22095288
TI  - PKD is a kinase of Vps34 that mediates ROS-induced autophagy downstream of DAPk.
AB  - Autophagy, a process in which cellular components are engulfed and degraded
      within double-membrane vesicles termed autophagosomes, has an important role in
      the response to oxidative damage. Here we identify a novel cascade of
      phosphorylation events, involving a network of protein and lipid kinases, as
      crucial components of the signaling pathways that regulate the induction of
      autophagy under oxidative stress. Our findings show that both the tumor
      suppressor death-associated protein kinase (DAPk) and protein kinase D (PKD),
      which we previously showed to be phosphorylated and consequently activated by
      DAPk, mediate the induction of autophagy in response to oxidative damage.
      Furthermore, we map the position of PKD within the autophagic network to Vps34, a
      lipid kinase whose function is indispensable for autophagy, and demonstrate that
      PKD is found in the same molecular complex with Vps34. PKD phosphorylates Vps34,
      leading to activation of Vps34, phosphatydilinositol-3-phosphate (PI(3)P)
      formation, and autophagosome formation. Consistent with its identification as a
      novel inducer of the autophagic machinery, we show that PKD is recruited to LC3
      positive autophagosomes, where it localizes specifically to the autophagosomal
      membranes. Taken together, our results describe PKD as a novel Vps34 kinase that
      functions as an effecter of autophagy under oxidative stress.

PMID- 22095289
TI  - Sensitization of ovarian carcinoma cells with zoledronate restores the cytotoxic
      capacity of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells impaired by the prostaglandin E2
      immunosuppressive factor: implications for immunotherapy.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) usually spreads into the peritoneal cavity,
      thereby providing an opportunity for intraperitoneal adoptive immunotherapy with
      Vgamma9Vdelta2 T lymphocytes, a T cell subpopulation endowed with high lytic
      properties against tumor cells. However, previous studies have reported that
      Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells fail to expand from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in
      one-third of patients with cancer. Here, from a cohort of 37 patients with EOC, a
      multiple correspondence analysis identified three populations, one of which was
      not suitable for Vgamma9Vdelta2 T-cell adoptive therapy. Interestingly, the
      ineligible patients were identified based on the frequency of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T
      cells in their peripheral blood and the patients' age. The average time to tumor
      recurrence was also found to be significantly different between the three
      populations, suggesting that the innate immune response is involved in EOC
      prognosis. A dramatic decrease in the lytic properties of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells
      occurred following incubation with ascitic supernatant and was found to be
      associated with reduced perforin/granzyme degranulation. Prostaglandin E2, but
      not IL-6, IL-10, VEGF or TGF-beta, showed immunosuppressive effects in
      Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells. Interestingly, our results emphasize that pretreating
      ovarian tumor cells with zoledronate partially reverses the immunosuppressive
      effects of ovarian cancer-associated ascites and restores a high level of lytic
      activity. These data sustain that optimal Vgamma9Vdelta2 T-cell adoptive
      immunotherapy previously requires counteracting the tumor immunosuppressive
      microenvironment. Altogether, our findings provide a rationale for clinically
      evaluating Vgamma9Vdelta2 T-cell adoptive immunotherapy with intraperitoneal
      carcinomatosis presensitization by zoledronate in patients with EOC.

PMID- 22095290
TI  - Fatty lesions in intra-articular loose bodies: a histopathological study of non
      primary synovial chondromatosis cases.
AB  - Intra-articular loose bodies (ILBs) are not uncommon conditions in patients with
      various joint diseases. Their morphological alterations have been investigated in
      detail, but little attention has been paid to their fatty lesions. In this study,
      we examined fatty bone marrow, fat cells without bone marrow structures
      (extramedullary fat cells), and their necrotic changes in 55 ILBs surgically
      removed from 42 patients, excluding primary synovial chondromatosis cases. The
      presence of viable re-vascularized vessels with or without enchondral
      ossification could discriminate 19 re-attached ILBs from 36 true free ILBs. Fatty
      bone marrow was found in 25 ILBs, and its necrosis was recognized in 11 (44.0%)
      of them. Extramedullary fat cells, characterized by single or clustered fat cells
      focally or multifocally distributed in fibrous or cartilaginous stroma, were
      identified in seven true free ILBs (7of 55, 12.7%), and all of them were focally
      necrotic. Unique lipomembranous changes were detected in 7 (12.7%) of 55 ILBs;
      they were found in 4 (36.4%) of 11 ILBs of necrotic bone marrow and were
      associated with 3 (42.9%) of 7 necrotic extramedullary fatty lesions. These
      changes were highlighted by periodic-acid Schiff and Masson's trichrome stain
      more clearly. We concluded that extramedullary fat cells represent lipometaplasia
      in ILBs with no blood supply. We considered that lipomembranous changes in ILBs
      can be a useful hallmark for necrotic bone marrow or necrosis of extramedullary
      lipometaplastic lesions.

PMID- 22095291
TI  - Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) epiphyseal proteins counteract arsenic-induced
      oxidative stress in brain, heart, and liver of female rats.
AB  - Arsenic (As) toxicity through induction of oxidative stress is a well-known
      mechanism of organ toxicity. To address this problem, buffalo epiphyseal proteins
      (BEP, at 100 MUg/kg BW, i.p. for 28 days) were administered intraperitoneally to
      female Wistar rats exposed to As (100 ppm sodium arsenite via drinking water for
      28 days). Arsenic exposure resulted in marked elevation in lipid peroxidation in
      brain, cardiac, and hepatic tissues, whereas significant (p < 0.05) adverse
      change in catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione
      peroxidase, and reduced glutathione level were observed in cardiac, hepatic, and
      brain tissues of As-administered animals. BEP significantly (p < 0.05)
      counteracted all the adverse changes in antioxidant defense system brought about
      by As administration. Based on these results, we consider BEP as a potent
      antioxidant to be used for protection from arsenic-induced oxidative stress
      related damage of vital organs.

PMID- 22095292
TI  - Protective effect of cerium ion against ultraviolet B radiation-induced water
      stress in soybean seedlings.
AB  - Effects of cerium ion (Ce(III)) on water relations of soybean seedlings (Glycine
      max L.) under ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B, 280-320 nm) stress were investigated
      under laboratory conditions. UV-B radiation not only affected the contents of two
      osmolytes (proline, soluble sugar) in soybean seedlings, but also inhibited the
      transpiration in soybean seedlings by decreasing the stomatal density and
      conductance. The two effects caused the inhibition in the osmotic and metabolic
      absorption of water, which decreased the water content and the free water/bound
      water ratio. Obviously, UV-B radiation led to water stress, causing the decrease
      in the photosynthesis in soybean seedlings. The pretreatment with 20 mg L(-1)
      Ce(III) could alleviate UV-B-induced water stress by regulating the osmotic and
      metabolic absorption of water in soybean seedlings. The alleviated effect caused
      the increase in the photosynthesis and the growth of soybean seedlings. It is one
      of the protective effect mechanisms of Ce(III) against the UV-B radiation-induced
      damage to plants.

PMID- 22095293
TI  - A delay equation model for oviposition habitat selection by mosquitoes.
AB  - We propose a patch type model for mosquitoes that have aquatic larvae inhabiting
      ponds. Partial differential equations (PDEs) model the larvae on each of several
      disconnected patches representing the ponds, with conditions varying in each
      patch, coupled via the adults in the air. From the PDEs a scalar delay
      differential equation, with multiple delays, for the total adult mosquito
      population is derived. The various delays represent the larval development times
      in the patches. The coefficients contain all the relevant information about the
      sizes and geometry of the individual patches inhabited by the larvae, the
      boundary conditions applicable to those patches and the diffusivity of the larvae
      in each patch. For patches of general shapes and sizes, and without the need to
      specify the criteria by which an adult mosquito selects an oviposition patch, the
      modern theory of monotone dynamical systems and persistence theory enables a
      complete determination of the conditions for the mosquito population to go
      extinct or to persist. More detailed biological insights are obtained for the
      case when the patches are squares of various sizes, which allows a detailed
      discussion of the effects of scale, and for two particular criteria by which
      mosquitoes might select patches for oviposition, being (i) selection based solely
      on patch area, and (ii) selection based both on area and expected larval survival
      probability for each patch. In some parameter regimes, counterintuitive phenomena
      are predicted.

PMID- 22095294
TI  - Comparison of averaging techniques for the calculation of the 'European average
      exposure indicator' for particulate matter.
AB  - A comparison of various averaging techniques to calculate the Average Exposure
      Indicator (AEI) specified in European Directive 2008/50/EC for particulate matter
      in ambient air has been performed. This was done for data from seventeen sites
      around the UK for which PM(10) mass concentration data is available for the years
      1998-2000 and 2008-2010 inclusive. The results have shown that use of the
      geometric mean produces significantly lower AEI values within the required three
      year averaging periods and slightly lower changes in the AEI value between the
      three year averaging periods than the use of the arithmetic mean. The use of
      weighted means in the calculation, using the data capture at each site as the
      weighting parameter, has also been tested and this is proposed as a useful way of
      taking account of the confidence of each data set.

PMID- 22095295
TI  - Controlled delivery of basal level of insulin from chitosan-zinc-insulin-complex
      loaded thermosensitive copolymer.
AB  - Present study was aimed at developing a delivery system for controlled release of
      insulin, based on chitosan-zinc-insulin complex incorporated into poly(lactic
      acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (4500 Da) thermosensitive polymer.
      In vitro release of insulin from the delivery system was studied in phosphate
      buffered saline (pH 7.4). The effect of zinc and chitosan on the stability of
      insulin in the delivery systems during release and storage at 4 degrees C and 37
      degrees C was investigated. Circular dichroism, calorimetry, polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (PAGE), high-performance liquid chromatography, and matrix
      assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used
      to determine the stability of insulin released and extracted from the gel. A
      significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the initial burst was observed from the
      formulation containing chitosan-zinc-insulin complex, compared with all other
      formulations. The formulations containing chitosan-zinc-insulin complex showed a
      long-term controlled release (~ 84 days) of insulin. Insulin released and
      extracted from the gel was conformationally and structurally stable. Bands at 12
      kDa were observed in native PAGE, but sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE indicated
      noncovalent nature of insulin aggregates. Thus, the chitosan-zinc-insulin complex
      significantly reduced the initial burst release and prolonged the release of
      insulin. It also improved the stability of insulin in the delivery system and
      protected insulin from aggregation during the entire release period and storage.

PMID- 22095296
TI  - Low levels of X-inactive specific transcript in somatic cell nuclear transfer
      embryos derived from female bovine freemartin donor cells.
AB  - The present study compared developmental potential, telomerase activity and
      transcript levels of X-linked genes (HPRT, MECP2, RPS4X, SLC25A6, XIAP, XIST and
      ZFX) in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos reconstructed with
      cells derived from a freemartin (female with a male co-twin) or from normal
      female cattle (control). The rates of cleavage, development to blastocyst and
      hatched blastocyst stage, and the mean numbers of total and inner cell mass cells
      in the freemartin SCNT embryos were not significantly different from those of
      control SCNT embryos (p > 0.05). The levels of telomerase activity analyzed by RQ
      TRAP in the freemartin SCNT embryos were also similar to those of the normal SCNT
      embryos. Transcript levels of HPRT, MECP2, RPS4X and XIAP, measured by
      quantitative real-time RT-PCR, were not significantly different between the
      control and freemartin SCNT embryos (p > 0.05). However, the transcript levels of
      SLC25A6, XIST and ZFX were significantly decreased in the freemartin SCNT embryos
      compared to control SCNT embryos (p < 0.05). Transfer of 71 freemartin SCNT
      embryos to 22 recipient cows resulted in 4 (18%) pregnancies, which were lost
      between days 28 and 90 of gestation. Taken together, the present study
      demonstrates that the transcript levels of several X-linked genes, especially
      XIST, showed an aberrant pattern in the freemartin SCNT embryos, suggesting
      aberrant X inactivation in freemartin clones which may affect embryo survival.

PMID- 22095298
TI  - The 4th Colorectal Meeting in Tianjin, China.

PMID- 22095297
TI  - Age-related cardiovascular disease and the beneficial effects of calorie
      restriction.
AB  - Aging is a well-recognized risk factor in the development of cardiovascular
      disease, which is the primary cause of death and disability in the elderly
      population. The normal process of aging is associated with progressive
      deterioration in structure and function of the heart and vasculature. These age
      related changes likely act as both a catalyst and accelerator in the development
      of cardiovascular disease. Since the aging population is one of the fastest
      growing segments of the population, it is of vital importance that we have a
      thorough understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging that
      contribute to the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in this population.
      This insight will allow for the development of more targeted therapies that can
      prevent and treat these conditions. One such anti-aging strategy that has
      received considerable attention as of late is calorie restriction. Calorie
      restriction has emerged as one of the most effective and reproducible
      interventions for extending lifespan, as well as protecting against obesity,
      metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Herein, we review the multiple
      beneficial effects that calorie restriction and resveratrol exert on the
      cardiovascular system with a particular focus on aging. Although calorie
      restriction and resveratrol have proven to be very effective in preventing and
      treating the development of cardiovascular disease in animal models, studies
      continue as to whether these profound beneficial effects can translate to humans
      to improve cardiovascular health.

PMID- 22095299
TI  - D. Geisler and T. Garrett: Single incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a
      single surgeon experience of 102 consecutive cases.

PMID- 22095300
TI  - Resection of recurrent rectal cancer with encasement of external iliac vessels.

PMID- 22095306
TI  - High negative valence does not protect emotional event-related potentials from
      spatial inattention and perceptual load.
AB  - Previous research suggests that intense, emotional pictures at fixation elicit an
      early posterior negativity (EPN) and a late positive potential (LPP) despite
      manipulations of spatial inattention and perceptual load. However, if high
      emotional intensity protects against such manipulations, then these manipulations
      should reduce emotional effects on EPN and LPP more strongly for medium than for
      intense emotional pictures. To test this prediction, pictures that were high
      negative, medium negative, or neutral were shown at fixation, and a small letter
      string was superimposed on the picture center. When participants attended the
      pictures, there were clear emotional effects on EPN and LPP. When participants
      attended the letter string, the emotional effects on LPP decreased; this decrease
      was smaller for medium than for high negative pictures. Thus, opposite of
      predictions, spatial inattention reduced the emotional effects more strongly for
      high than for medium negative pictures. As a manipulation of perceptual load,
      participants performed the letter task with one, three, or six relevant letters.
      Irrespective of load, EPN and LPP were similar for high and medium negative
      pictures. Our findings suggest that high negative valence does not protect EPN
      and LPP more strongly from effects of spatial inattention and perceptual load
      than does medium negative valence.

PMID- 22095307
TI  - High prevalence detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction
      in endocervical samples of infertile women attending university hospital in
      Manaus-Amazonas, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We established for the first time the prevalence of Chlamydia
      trachomatis infection among infertile women in Manaus Amazonas Brazil using the
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. METHODS: 106 women were studied at a
      public university hospital fertility clinic for infertility problems correlated
      with chlamydia infection. Social-economic and clinical information was obtained
      before medical examination to obtain samples for the amplification of C.
      trachomatis DNA plasmid. RESULTS: The prevalence of chlamydial infection among
      infertile women was 52.8, and 51.8% of the positive participants were older than
      30 years of age (p = 0.8697). Of the 56 women positive for C. trachomatis, 31
      (55.4%) had never given birth, while 9 (16%) had a pregnancy resulting in fetal
      death. Our findings also revealed that these patients had a low socio-economic
      status and high unemployment (p = 0.0274), and a significant association of 5% (p
      < 0.05) of chlamydial infection with family income. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high
      prevalence of C. trachomatis, concerns about effects on reproductive health and
      fertility are undertaken. Therefore, we believe it is extremely necessary to
      implement large-scale PCR-based screening as part of routine clinical detection
      programs concerning preventive effects of chlamydial infection among this
      population.

PMID- 22095308
TI  - Pilot study: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of
      pancrealipase for the treatment of postprandial irritable bowel syndrome
      diarrhoea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pancrealipase (PEZ) compared with placebo
      in the reduction of postprandial irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhoea (IBS-D). 
      DESIGN: An intention to treat, double blind, randomised, crossover trial
      comparing PEZ to placebo for reduction of postprandial IBS-D. Patients had to
      recognise at least two different triggering foods, be willing to consume six
      baseline 'trigger meals' and again blinded with PEZ and placebo. Patients then
      chose which drug they preferred for another 25 meals.  SETTING: Outpatient
      internal medicine practice clinic.  PATIENTS: 255 patients were screened; 83 met
      the criteria, including 5 years of symptoms, recognised 'food triggers', no other
      identifiable cause for the symptoms, either a normal colonoscopy or barium enema
      while symptomatic and able to discontinue all anticholinergic medications. 69
      patients were enrolled, 20 withdrew before randomisation, leaving 49 patients: 14
      men, 35 women, mean age 52 years (SD 15.3). Over 60% had experienced symptoms for
      11-30 years and 16% for more than 40 years.  INTERVENTIONS: After completing six
      baseline meals, patients were randomised in blocks of four to receive either
      identical PEZ or a placebo for another six meals, and after a washout period of
      time received the alternative drug.  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary analysis
      was number of patients who chose PEZ over placebo for the extended use.  RESULTS:
      Overall, 30/49 (61%) would have chosen PEZ (p=0.078), with first drug preference
      for PEZ at 0.002. Among the PEZ subgroup, PEZ use compared with placebo,
      demonstrated improvement in all symptoms (p<=0.001) for cramping, bloating,
      borborygami, urge to defecate, global pain and decrease stooling with increase in
      stool firmness.  CONCLUSIONS: PEZ was found in a small group of patients to
      reduce postprandial IBS-D symptoms and deserves further evaluation.

PMID- 22095309
TI  - Endoscopic sinus surgery checklist.
AB  - Over 250,000 endoscopic sinus surgeries are performed yearly in the United States
      alone. Although overall complication rates are low, errors can lead to
      significant morbidity due to the close proximity of the sinuses to the orbit and
      skull base and the resultant potential for blindness, cerebrospinal fluid leak,
      and catastrophic bleeding. Surgical checklists are endorsed by the World Health
      Organization and have been incorporated into most U.S. operating rooms as a
      measure to minimize avoidable errors. Standardized surgical checklists were
      developed with general and/or orthopedic procedures in mind, but in many
      instances they fail to incorporate concerns specific to endoscopic sinus surgery
      (ESS). In response to this clinical problem, we sought to develop and institute
      an ESS surgical checklist. This checklist can serve as a template for physicians
      who perform ESS and wish to prevent avoidable adverse events.

PMID- 22095310
TI  - Synthesis of the complete series of mono acetates of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid.
AB  - The short syntheses of each of the mono-acetates of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid
      are reported. These are important molecules for studying the mechanism and
      function of enzymes which utilise Neu5Ac as a substrate. However, until now these
      molecules were not available as pure compounds and instead had to be studied as
      mixtures. Neu4,5Ac(2) and Neu5,8Ac(2) were synthesised from a common precursor in
      2 and 4 steps respectively, while Neu2,4Ac(2) and Neu5,7Ac(2) were synthesised in
      3 and 4 steps respectively from another common precursor. Both precursors could
      be easily prepared in 3 steps from Neu5Ac itself. Importantly, no scrambling of
      the anomeric stereochemistry was detected throughout the course of these
      syntheses.

PMID- 22095311
TI  - Convenient photooxidation of alcohols using dye sensitised zinc oxide in
      combination with silver nitrate and TEMPO.
AB  - A novel photooxidative system using dye sensitised zinc oxide in combination with
      silver nitrate and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) in an
      aqueous solution is described. Under visible light irradiation the selective
      oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes and ketones was effected
      in good to excellent yields.

PMID- 22095312
TI  - Sleep-disordered breathing is a risk factor for community-acquired alveolar
      pneumonia in early childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data are scarce with regard to risk factors for acute community
      acquired alveolar pneumonia (CAAP) in children, but it is known that children
      with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) experience more respiratory infections. We
      aimed to assess whether SDB is a risk factor for CAAP in early childhood.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective, nested, case-control study assessing
      children < 5 years old who had been given a diagnosis of CAAP based on World
      Health Organization radiographic criteria. Demographic and clinical data were
      collected. SDB symptoms were documented using a structured questionnaire. CAAP
      study and retrospective sleep laboratory databases were compared. SDB presence
      and severity were determined by questionnaire and polysomnography (PSG). RESULTS:
      A total of 14,913 children underwent chest radiography during the study period;
      1,546 children with radiographically proven CAAP (58% boys) and 441 control
      subjects (54% boys) were prospectively enrolled. Frequent snoring was reported in
      18.6% vs 2.9% subjects with CAAP and control subjects, respectively (P < .001).
      The respective figures for subjects with CAAP and control subjects for restless
      sleep, nocturnal breathing problems, abnormal behavior, and chronic rhinorrhea
      were 21.6% vs 5.3%, 5% vs 1.4%, 6.4% vs 0.2%, and 12.9% vs 1.8%, (P < .001 for
      each). Fifty children (3.3%) with CAAP vs three control subjects (0.7%) underwent
      adenoidectomy (P < .001). PSG diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea had been
      established previously in 79 patients (5%) with CAAP vs six (1.3%) of the control
      subjects (OR, 3.7 [95% CI, 1.6-10.0]; P < .001), with higher severity in patients
      with CAAP than in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: SDB is common in children with
      CAAP and is possibly a predisposing risk factor for CAAP in children < 5 years
      old. We recommend considering SDB in young children who are given a diagnosis of
      CAAP.

PMID- 22095313
TI  - Prevalence of diagnosed sleep apnea among patients with type 2 diabetes in
      primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although up to 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
      have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the rate at which primary care providers
      diagnose OSA in patients with diabetes has not been assessed. METHODS: A
      retrospective, population-based, multiclinic study was performed to determine the
      proportion of patients with T2DM managed in primary care clinics who were given a
      diagnosis of OSA and to identify factors associated with an OSA diagnosis.
      Electronic health records of adult patients with a diagnosis of T2DM were
      reviewed for a coexisting diagnosis of OSA, and the diagnostic prevalence of OSA
      was compared with the expected prevalence. RESULTS: A total of 16,066 patients
      with diabetes with one or more primary care office visits in 27 primary care
      ambulatory practices during an 18-month period from 2009 to 2010 were identified.
      Analysis revealed that 18% of the study population received an OSA diagnosis,
      which is less than the 54% to 94% prevalence reported previously. The 23%
      prevalence of OSA among obese study patients was lower than the expected 87%
      prevalence. In a logistic model, male sex, BMI, several chronic conditions, and
      lower low-density lipoprotein levels and hemoglobin A1c identified patients more
      likely to carry an OSA diagnosis (likelihood ratio, chi(2) = 1,713; P < .0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Primary care providers underdiagnose OSA in patients with T2DM.
      Obese men with comorbid chronic health conditions are more likely to receive a
      diagnosis of OSA. Efforts to improve awareness of the association of OSA with
      T2DM and to implement OSA screening tools should target primary care physicians.

PMID- 22095314
TI  - Informatics in radiology: Hesse rendering for computer-aided visualization and
      analysis of anomalies at chest CT and breast MR imaging.
AB  - A volume-rendering (VR) technique known as Hesse rendering applies image
      enhancement filters to three-dimensional imaging volumes and depicts the filter
      responses in a color-coded fashion. Unlike direct VR, which makes use of
      intensities, Hesse rendering operates on the basis of shape properties, such that
      nodular structures in the resulting renderings have different colors than do
      tubular structures and thus are easily visualized. The renderings are mouse-click
      sensitive and can be used to navigate to locations of possible anomalies in the
      original images. Hesse rendering is meant to complement rather than replace
      conventional section-by-section viewing or VR. Although it is a pure
      visualization technique that involves no internal segmentation or explicit object
      detection, Hesse rendering, like computer-aided detection, may be effective for
      quickly calling attention to points of interest in large stacks of images and for
      helping radiologists to avoid oversights.

PMID- 22095315
TI  - Quality initiatives: Establishing an interventional radiology patient radiation
      safety program.
AB  - The Interventional Radiology Patient Radiation Safety Program was created to
      better educate patients who are scheduled to undergo high-dose interventional
      radiologic procedures about the risks of radiation, better monitor the delivered
      doses, and reduce the risk for deterministic effects. The program combines
      preprocedure evaluation and counseling, intraprocedure monitoring, and
      postprocedure documentation and counseling with the guidelines of the National
      Cancer Institute and the Society of Interventional Radiology. Between July 2009,
      when the program was implemented, and September 2010, over 3500 interventional
      radiologic procedures were monitored and documented, and 63 procedures with an
      adjusted cumulative dose of more than 3 Gy were identified and further analyzed;
      four procedures were found to be outside the control limits. Additional review of
      these four procedures resulted in practice modifications. Anecdotal feedback from
      physician assistants and attending physicians indicated that the program had
      another positive effect: Patients who required postprocedure counseling about the
      potential for radiation-induced skin injuries were no longer surprised by this
      information. Implementation of this program is straightforward, requires little
      infrastructure and few resources, and may be applied in most interventional
      radiology practices. Supplemental material available at
      http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.321115002/-/DC1.

PMID- 22095316
TI  - Comparison of four mathematical models to analyze indicator-dilution curves in
      the coronary circulation.
AB  - While several models have proven to result in accurate estimations when measuring
      cardiac output using indicator dilution, the mono-exponential model has primarily
      been chosen for deriving coronary blood/plasma volume. In this study, we compared
      four models to derive coronary plasma volume using indicator dilution; the mono
      exponential, power-law, gamma-variate, and local density random walk (LDRW)
      model. In anesthetized goats (N = 14), we determined the distribution volume of
      high molecular weight (2,000 kDa) dextrans. A bolus injection (1.0 ml, 0.65
      mg/ml) was given intracoronary and coronary venous blood samples were taken every
      0.5-1.0 s; outflow curves were analyzed using the four aforementioned models.
      Measurements were done at baseline and during adenosine infusion. Absolute
      coronary plasma volume estimates varied by ~25% between models, while the
      relative volume increase during adenosine infusion was similar for all models.
      The gamma-variate, LDRW, and mono-exponential model resulted in volumes
      corresponding with literature, whereas the power-model seemed to overestimate the
      coronary plasma volume. The gamma-variate and LDRW model appear to be suitable
      alternative models to the mono-exponential model to analyze coronary indicator
      dilution curves, particularly since these models are minimally influenced by
      outliers and do not depend on data of the descending slope of the curve only.

PMID- 22095317
TI  - The Nightingale Prize 2011 for best MBEC paper in 2010.

PMID- 22095318
TI  - Comparison of early and late images on 123I-iomazenil SPECT with cerebral blood
      flow and oxygen extraction fraction images on PET in the cerebral cortex of
      patients with chronic unilateral major cerebral artery occlusive disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether early and
      late/early images on 123I-iomazenil (IMZ) single-photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT) correlate with cerebral blood flow (CBF) images and oxygen
      extraction fraction (OEF) images on PET, respectively, in the cerebral cortex of
      patients with chronic unilateral middle cerebral artery or internal carotid
      artery occlusive disease. METHODS: In 20 normal individuals and in 68 patients,
      CBF and OEF were assessed using 15O-PET, and brain SPECT scans were initiated
      immediately after (early images) and 180 min after (late images) the
      administration of 123I-IMZ. A region of interest was automatically placed in the
      middle cerebral artery territory in both cerebral hemispheres using a three
      dimensional stereotaxic region of interest template, and the ratio of the value
      in the affected side to that in the contralateral side was calculated in each
      image. RESULTS: Among patients, a significant positive correlation was observed
      between PET-CBF ratios and the SPECT-early IMZ ratios (r=0.797, P<0.0001) as well
      as between the PET-OEF ratios and the SPECT-late/early IMZ ratios (r=0.679,
      P<0.0001). When an abnormally elevated PET-OEF ratio was defined as a value
      greater than the mean+2 SD obtained in normal participants, the SPECT-late/early
      IMZ ratios yielded 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity, with 76% positive
      predictive and 100% negative-predictive values for detecting abnormally elevated
      PET-OEF ratios. CONCLUSION: Early and late/early images on 123I-IMZ SPECT
      correlate with CBF images and OEF images on PET, respectively, in the cerebral
      cortex of patients with chronic unilateral major cerebral artery occlusive
      disease.

PMID- 22095319
TI  - Comparing the Finapres and Caretaker systems for measuring pulse transit time
      before and after exercise.
AB  - We aimed to compare the Finapres system, which is designed for accurate intra
      arterial amplitude measurement, to the Caretaker system, which is designed for
      temporal accuracy of intra-arterial measurement, in regard to measurement of
      pulse transit time (PTT) at baseline and following an endurance exercise session.
      Pulse transit time was evaluated between the R-wave of the ECG and the foot of
      the arterial waveform using either the Finapres (fpPTT) or Caretaker (ctPTT). 23
      participants were measured before and after completion of endurance exercise.
      When comparing PTT values before and after an exercise intervention within
      devices, ctPTT was significantly different following exercise (P=0.03); however,
      the Finapres obtained values did not differ significantly. Before exercise, there
      was no significant relationship between devices, however, after exercise a
      significant moderate correlation was observed (r=0.45, P=0.02). Significant
      differences existed between ctPTT and fpPTT (P< 0.001). The Caretaker system
      appears to be more accurate at detecting changes in PTT occurring as a result of
      a single aerobic exercise session. This may be due to the servo-controller
      feedback loop in the waveform contour predicting algorithm within the Finapres
      system, which is not present in the Caretaker unit. The Finapres system also
      appears to have an inherent delay in pulse contour reporting.

PMID- 22095320
TI  - Is EMG of the lower leg dependent on weekly running mileage?
AB  - Neuromuscular activity of the lower leg is dependent on the task performed, speed
      of movement and gender. Whether training volume influences neuromuscular activity
      is not known. The EMG of physically active persons differing in running mileage
      was analysed to investigate this. 55 volunteers were allocated to a low (LM: < 30
      km), intermediate (IM: > 30 km & < 45 km) or high mileage (HM: > 45 km) group
      according to their weekly running volume. Neuromuscular activity of the lower leg
      was measured during running (3.33 m.s - 1). Mean amplitude values for
      preactivation, weight acceptance and push-off were calculated and normalised to
      the mean activity of the entire gait cycle.Higher activity in the gastrocnemius
      group was observed in weight acceptance in LM compared to IM (+30%) and HM (+25%)
      but lower activity was present in the push-off for LM compared to IM and HM. For
      the peroneal muscle, differences were present in the push-off where HM showed
      increased activity compared to IM (+24%) and LM (+60%). The tibial muscle
      revealed slightly lower activity during preactivation for the high mileage
      runners. Neuromuscular activity differs during stance between the high and
      intermediate group compared to low mileage runners. Slight adaptations in
      neuromuscular activation indicate a more target-oriented activation strategy
      possibly due to repetitive training in runners with higher weekly mileage.

PMID- 22095321
TI  - Sport and oxidative stress in oncological patients.
AB  - Oxidative stress is thought to be an important factor in the onset, progression
      and recurrence of cancer. In order to investigate how it is influenced by
      physical activity, we measured oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity (aoC)
      in 12 women with breast cancer and 6 men with prostate cancer, before and after
      long hiking trips. Before the hike, the men had a ROS-concentration of 1.8+/-0.6
      mM H2O2 and an aoC of 0.7+/-0.6 mM Trolox-equivalent (Tro), while the women had a
      ROS-concentration of 3.1+/-0.7 mM H2O2 and an aoC of 1.2+/-0.2 mM Tro. After the
      hike, women showed no significant change in ROS and a significant increase in aoC
      (1.3+/-0.2 mM Tro), while the ROS concentration in men increased significantly
      (2.1+/-0.3 mM H2O2) and their aoC decreased (0.25+/-0.1 mM Tro). After a
      regenerative phase, the ROS concentration of the men decreased to 1.7+/-0.4 mM
      H2O2 and their aoC recovered significantly (1.2+/-0.4 mM Tro), while the women
      presented no significant change in the concentration of H2O2 but showed an
      ulterior increase in antioxidant capacity (2.05+/-0.43 mM Tro). From this data we
      conclude that physical training programs as for example long distance hiking
      trips can improve the aoC in the blood of oncological patients.

PMID- 22095323
TI  - ENT function in a 14-days guinness scuba dive.
AB  - Scuba diving is known to affect the rhino-pharyngo-tubaric district (RPT unit).
      The aim of the study was to document function modifications of the RPT unit in 6
      Italian divers (3 men and 3 women) who lived for 14 days consecutively at a depth
      of 8-10 m, breathing air (21% oxygen) at a pressure ranging between 1.8 and 2
      ATA. RPT and inner ear assessment were carried out before the dive (TIME 0) and
      24 h (TIME 1) after resurfacing, in order to investigate diving-related RPT and
      inner ear alterations. Physical examination after resurfacing revealed: fungal
      external otitis, otoscopic findings consistent with middle ear barotraumas and
      rhinosinusitis. Rhino-manometry showed a remarkable increase in inspiratory nasal
      flow and a substantial decrease in nasal resistance. No epithelial cell
      disruption was retrieved comparing pre and post resurfacing samples. Post-diving
      tubaric dysfunction was found. Pure tone audiometry revealed a bilateral 40 dB HL
      hearing loss at 4 kHz in 1 diver. Relevant PTA functions did not seem to be
      affected by the experiment, no remarkable changes were found at the Sensory
      Organisation Test and at the Motor Control Test. The 14-day underwater period had
      a positive effect on nasal flows and resistances.

PMID- 22095322
TI  - Exercise training improves vasoreactivity in the knee artery.
AB  - Physical activity has been shown to enhance endothelial function of central and
      peripheral vascular beds. The primary purpose of the present study was to test
      the hypothesis that a short-term exercise training program would result in
      enhanced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of a major artery supplying blood
      flow to the knee joint, the middle genicular artery. Female Yucatan miniature
      swine were randomly assigned into exercise trained (n=7) or sedentary (n=7)
      groups. Exercise trained pigs underwent a daily exercise training program on
      treadmills for 7 days. In vitro assessment of vasorelaxation was determined in a
      dose response manner by administrating increasing doses of 3 different dilators;
      adenosine diphosphate, bradykinin, and sodium nitroprusside. The role of nitric
      oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase pathways in vasomotor responses was evaluated
      with specific inhibitors using nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and indomethacin
      incubation, respectively. The results of this investigation indicate that
      adenosine and bradykinin-induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation were
      significantly enhanced in middle genicular artery from exercise trained pigs
      (p<0.05). Endothelium-independent vasorelaxation was not altered with exercise
      training as determined by the response to sodium nitroprusside. The findings of
      the present investigation indicate that short-term exercise training enhances
      endothelial function of middle genicular artery through adaptations in the nitric
      oxide synthase and by non-nitric oxide synthase, non-cyclooxygenase pathways.

PMID- 22095324
TI  - Reliability of a high-intensity endurance cycling test.
AB  - This study assessed the reproducibility of performance and selected metabolic
      variables during a variable high-intensity endurance cycling test. 8 trained male
      cyclists (age: 35.9 +/- 7.7 years, maximal oxygen uptake: 54.3 +/- 3.9 mL.kg -
      1.min - 1) completed 4 high-intensity cycling tests, performed in consecutive
      weeks. The protocol comprised: 20 min of progressive incremental exercise, where
      the power output was increased by 5% maximal workload (Wmax) every 5 min from 70%
      Wmax to 85% Wmax; ten 90 s bouts at 90% Wmax, separated by 180 s at 55% Wmax; 90%
      Wmax until volitional exhaustion. Blood samples were drawn and heart rate was
      monitored throughout the protocol. There was no significant order effect between
      trials for time to exhaustion (mean: 4 113.0 +/- 60.8 s) or total distance
      covered (mean: 4 6126.2 +/- 1 968.7 m). Total time to exhaustion and total
      distance covered showed very high reliability with a mean coefficient of
      variation (CV) of 1.6% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 0.0 +/- 124.3 s) and CV of
      2.2% (95% CI 0.0 +/- 1904.9 m), respectively. Variability in plasma glucose
      concentrations across the time points was very small (CV 0.46-4.3%, mean 95% CI
      0.0 +/- 0.33 to 0.0 +/- 0.94 mmol.L - 1). Plasma lactate concentrations showed no
      test order effect. The reliability of performance and metabolic variables makes
      this protocol a valid test to evaluate nutritional interventions in endurance
      cycling.

PMID- 22095325
TI  - MMP(-2) expression in skeletal muscle after strength training.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effects of resistance training on ladders
      (RTL) on MMP(-2) expression and blood lactate concentration [La-]. 30 male (3
      months of age), albino rats were divided into 3 groups: sedentary control (SC,
      n=10), low resistance exercise training (Low-IntRT, n=10) and high-intensive
      exercise training (High-IntRT, n=10). Animals of High-IntRT were submitted to a
      progressively increasing overload in relation to body weight until exhaustion,
      while the Low-IntRT group performed the same exercise regimen with no external
      load. The program had a frequency of 3 times per week over 8 weeks. MMP(-2)
      expression of tibialis anterior muscle and [La-] were measured. While there was a
      significant increase of MMP(-2) (pro-form) in both groups, only High-IntRT
      significantly increased MMP(-2) in active-form (p<0.05). Both trained groups
      exhibited an increase in [La-] when compared to controls, however, the increase
      in [La-] was significantly higher in the High-IntRT compared to Low-IntRT
      (p<0.05). Strong correlation was found between MMP(-2) (active form) and [La-] in
      High-IntRT (r=0.91). RTL in using low and high-intensity exercise can serve as a
      model to demonstrate different responses of MMP(-2) expression in an animal
      model. It appears active form expression of MMP(-2) is modulated by exercise
      intensity.

PMID- 22095326
TI  - Influence of acute eccentric exercise on the H:Q ratio.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an acute bout of
      eccentric exercise on maximal isokinetic concentric peak torque (PT) of the leg
      flexors and extensors and the hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio.
      Sixteen male (mean+/-SD: age=20.9+/-2 years; stature=177.0+/-4.4 cm; mass=76.8+/
      10.0 kg) volunteers performed maximal, concentric isokinetic leg extension and
      flexion muscle actions at 60 degrees .sec - 1 before and after (24-72 h) a bout
      of eccentric exercise. The eccentric exercise protocol consisted of 4 sets of 10
      repetitions for the leg press, leg extension, and leg curl exercises at 120% of
      the concentric one repetition maximum (1-RM). The results indicated that the
      acute eccentric exercise protocol resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in
      isokinetic leg flexion (13-19%) and leg extension (11-16%) PT 24-72 h post
      exercise. However, the H:Q ratios were unaltered by the eccentric exercise
      protocol. These findings suggest that an acute bout of eccentric exercise
      utilizing both multi - and single - joint dynamic constant external resistance
      (DCER) exercises results in similar decreases in maximal isokinetic strength of
      the leg flexors and extensors, but does not alter the H:Q ratio.

PMID- 22095327
TI  - Hypogonadism and anemia in an athlete.
AB  - We report the case of a highly trained endurance athlete (22-year-old) who
      developed anemia (Hb 9.5 mg/dl) over a period of 6 months. Iron deficient or
      haemolytic anemia, as well as chronic loss of blood, were excluded. Further,
      laboratory analyses revealed that this athlete exhibited very low levels of
      testosterone due to a partial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Following
      testosterone supplementation, red blood cell indices improved. Although
      hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is well known to be associated with reduced
      hematopoesis, it rarely causes anemia in athletes. This should be considered as a
      possible cause for anemia. Extreme training, unbalanced nutrition or the
      combination of both, have been shown to be causally involved in the development
      of secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

PMID- 22095328
TI  - Movement demands and match performance in professional Australian football.
AB  - This study examined the relationship between coaches' perception of match
      performance and movement demands in Australian Football. Movement demands were
      collected from 21 professional players over 12 matches during one Australian
      Football League season, with 69 player files collected. Additionally, match
      events relative to playing time and distance covered, along with player physical
      characteristics were collected. Based on coaches subjective rating of match
      performance (out of 20), relatively high calibre (HC) players (>= 15/20) were
      compared with relatively low calibre (LC) players (<= 9/20) for all variables.
      The HC players were older (+17%, p=0.011), spent a greater percentage of time
      performing low-speed running (+2%, p=0.039), had more kicks (38%, p=0.001) and
      disposals (35%, p=0.001) per min and covered less distance per kick (- 50%,
      p=0.001) and disposal (- 44%, p=0.001) than the LC group, with the effect sizes
      also supporting this trend. Further, HC players covered less distance (- 14%,
      p=0.037), spent less percentage of time (- 17%, p=0.037) and performed fewer (-
      9%, p=0.026) efforts per min high-speed running than LC players, which was
      further confirmed by the effect sizes. Movement demands and match events are
      related to coaches' perception of match performance in professional Australian
      Football. Further, high levels of involvement with the football appeared to be
      more important to performance than high exercise speed.

PMID- 22095329
TI  - Haemophilia and exercise.
AB  - One of the most important objectives of intervention programs for persons with
      haemophilia (PWH) is to improve their quality of life. Regular physical activity
      has been recommended as an adjunct to conventional treatment, with positive
      results in the prevention of joint problems and bleeding, in addition to the
      improvement in cardiovascular function, muscle strength, and body composition.
      The objective of the present review was to present the benefits of aerobic and
      resistance training programs in PWH, as well to discuss the best exercise dose
      response in the different levels of disease severity. We considered randomized
      controlled trials, study cases and literature reviews from MEDLINE and Highwire
      databases. After a detailed analysis of the studies involving exercise for PWH,
      it can be concluded that this intervention elicits some benefits for physical
      fitness and blood coagulation mechanisms, suggesting the application of physical
      training as a non pharmacological treatment in association with conventional
      treatment. Adequate and periodized resistance training considering the disease
      severity, accompanied by physical education professionals could improve muscle
      strength, balance and proprioception. In addition, aerobic training could reduce
      the risks of obesity and several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Exercise
      can improve several outcomes of quality in PWH.

PMID- 22095330
TI  - Global alcohol producers, science, and policy: the case of the International
      Center for Alcohol Policies.
AB  - In this article, I document strategies used by alcohol producers to influence
      national and global science and policy.  Their strategies include producing
      scholarly publications with incomplete, distorted views of the science underlying
      alcohol policies; pressuring national and international governmental
      institutions; and encouraging collaboration of public health researchers with
      alcohol industry-funded organizations and researchers.  I conclude with a call
      for an enhanced research agenda drawing on sources seldom used by public health
      research, more focused resourcing of global public health bodies such as the
      World Health Organization to counterbalance industry initiatives, development of
      technical assistance and other materials to assist countries with effective
      alcohol-control strategies, and further development of an ethical stance
      regarding collaboration with industries that profit from unhealthy consumption of
      their products.

PMID- 22095331
TI  - Inventing conflicts of interest: a history of tobacco industry tactics.
AB  - Confronted by compelling peer-reviewed scientific evidence of the harms of
      smoking, the tobacco industry, beginning in the 1950s, used sophisticated public
      relations approaches to undermine and distort the emerging science.  The industry
      campaign worked to create a scientific controversy through a program that
      depended on the creation of industry-academic conflicts of interest. This
      strategy of producing scientific uncertainty undercut public health efforts and
      regulatory interventions designed to reduce the harms of smoking.  A number of
      industries have subsequently followed this approach to disrupting normative
      science. Claims of scientific uncertainty and lack of proof also lead to the
      assertion of individual responsibility for industrially produced health risks.

PMID- 22095332
TI  - Changing perceptions: of pandemic influenza and public health responses.
AB  - According to the latest World Bank estimates, over the past decade some US $4.3
      billion has been pledged by governments to combat the threat of pandemic
      influenza. Presidents, prime ministers, and even dictators the world over have
      been keen to demonstrate their commitment to tackling this disease, but this has
      not always been the case. Indeed, government-led intervention in responding to
      the threat of pandemic influenza is a relatively recent phenomenon. I explore how
      human understandings of influenza have altered over the past 500 years and how
      public policy responses have shifted accordingly. I trace the progress in human
      understanding of causation from meteorological conditions to the microscopic, and
      how this has prompted changes in public policy to mitigate the disease's impact.
      I also examine the latest trend of viewing pandemic influenza as a security
      threat and how this has changed contemporary governance structures and power
      dynamics.

PMID- 22095333
TI  - Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) would
      improve the diets of households in Brazil. METHODS: We used household food
      consumption data that the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics
      collected in 2002-2003 from a nationally representative sample of 48,470
      Brazilian households. The consumption of SSBs is expressed as the total SSB
      calories consumed and as the SSB percentage of the total calories purchased. We
      investigated price elasticity with regression models, controlling for demographic
      variables, income, and prices of all other foods and drinks. RESULTS: Increases
      in the price of SSBs led to reductions in consumption. A 1.00% increase in the
      price of SSBs led to a 0.85% reduction of SSB calories consumed (1.03% reduction
      for the poor and 0.63% for the nonpoor). Increased income had a positive effect
      on SSB consumption, but the effect was less than half the size of the price
      elasticity (0.41% increase in SSB calories consumed for every 1.00% increase in
      income). CONCLUSIONS: High SSB price elasticity in Brazil indicates that a tax on
      purchased weight or volume would lead to reductions in SSB consumption.

PMID- 22095334
TI  - Consequences of industry relationships for public health and medicine.

PMID- 22095335
TI  - Promoting transparency in pharmaceutical industry-sponsored research.
AB  - Strong, evidence-based practice requires that objective, unbiased research be
      available to inform individual clinical decisions, systematic reviews, meta
      analyses, and expert guideline recommendations.  Industry has used seeding
      trials, publication planning, messaging, ghostwriting, and selective publication
      and reporting of trial outcomes to distort the medical literature and undermine
      clinical trial research by obscuring information relevant to patients and
      physicians.  Policies that promote transparency in the clinical trial research
      process, through improved and expanded disclosure of investigator contributions
      and funding, comprehensive publicly available trial registration, and independent
      analysis of clinical trial data analysis may address these subversive practices
      by improving accountability among industry and investigators. Minimizing
      marketing's impact on clinical trial research and strengthening the science will
      protect medical literature's integrity and the public's health.

PMID- 22095337
TI  - Sexual satisfaction and health are positively associated with penile-vaginal
      intercourse but not other sexual activities.

PMID- 22095336
TI  - Social gradients in the health of Indigenous Australians.
AB  - The pattern of association between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes has
      primarily depicted better health for those who are higher in the social
      hierarchy. Although this is a ubiquitous finding in the health literature, little
      is known about the interplay between these factors among indigenous populations.
      We begin to bridge this knowledge gap by assessing evidence on social gradients
      in indigenous health in Australia. We reveal a less universal and less consistent
      socioeconomic status patterning in health among Indigenous Australians, and
      discuss the plausibility of unique historical circumstances and social and
      cultural characteristics in explaining these patterns. A more robust evidence
      base in this field is fundamental to processes that aim to reduce the pervasive
      disparities between indigenous and nonindigenous population health.

PMID- 22095338
TI  - Ethical justification for conducting public health surveillance without patient
      consent.
AB  - Public health surveillance by necessity occurs without explicit patient consent. 
      There is strong legal and scientific support for maintaining name-based reporting
      of infectious diseases and other types of public health surveillance.  We present
      conditions under which surveillance without explicit patient consent is ethically
      justifiable using principles of contemporary clinical and public health ethics.
      Overriding individual autonomy must be justified in terms of the obligation of
      public health to improve population health, reduce inequities, attend to the
      health of vulnerable and systematically disadvantaged persons, and prevent harm.
      In addition, data elements collected without consent must represent the minimal
      necessary interference, lead to effective public health action, and be maintained
      securely.

PMID- 22095339
TI  - Joe Camel in a bottle: Diageo, the Smirnoff brand, and the transformation of the
      youth alcohol market.
AB  - I have documented the shift in youth alcoholic beverage preference from beer to
      distilled spirits between 2001 and 2009.  I have assessed the role of distilled
      spirits industry marketing strategies to promote this shift using the Smirnoff
      brand marketing campaign as a case example.  I conclude with a discussion of the
      similarities in corporate tactics across consumer products with adverse public
      health impacts, the importance of studying corporate marketing and public
      relations practices, and the implications of those practices for public health.

PMID- 22095340
TI  - Operationalization of community-based participatory research principles:
      assessment of the national cancer institute's community network programs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined how National Cancer Institute-funded Community Network
      Programs (CNPs) operationalized principles of community-based participatory
      research (CBPR). METHODS: We reviewed the literature and extant CBPR measurement
      tools. On the basis of that review, we developed a 27-item questionnaire for CNPs
      to self-assess their operationalization of 9 CBPR principles. Our team comprised
      representatives of 9 of the National Cancer Institute's 25 CNPs. RESULTS: Of the
      25 CNPs, 22 (88%) completed the questionnaire. Most scored well on CBPR
      principles of recognizing community as a unit of identity, building on community
      strengths, facilitating colearning, embracing iterative processes in developing
      community capacity, and achieving a balance between data generation and
      intervention. CNPs varied in the extent to which they employed CBPR principles of
      addressing determinants of health, sharing power among partners, engaging the
      community in research dissemination, and striving for sustainability.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the development of assessment tools in this field is in its
      infancy, our findings suggest that fidelity to CBPR processes can be assessed in
      a variety of settings.

PMID- 22095341
TI  - Changes in fluoroquinolone use for gonorrhea following publication of revised
      treatment guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the impact of revised national treatment recommendations
      on fluoroquinolone use for gonorrhea in selected states. METHODS: We evaluated
      gonorrhea cases reported through the Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance
      Network as treated between July 1, 2006 and May 31, 2008, using interrupted time
      series analysis. Outcomes were fluoroquinolone treatment overall, by area, and by
      practice setting. RESULTS: Of 16,126 cases with treatment dates in this period,
      15,669 noted the medication used. After revised recommendations were released,
      fluoroquinolone use decreased abruptly overall (21.5%; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] = 15.9%, 27.2%), in most geographic areas evaluated, and in sexually
      transmitted disease clinics (28.5%; 95% CI = 19.0%, 37.9%). More gradual
      decreases were seen in primary care (8.6%; 95% CI = 2.6%, 14.6%), and in
      emergency departments, urgent care, and hospitals (2.7%; 95% CI = 1.7%, 3.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroquinolone use decreased after the publication of revised
      national guidelines, particularly in sexually transmitted disease clinics.
      Additional mechanisms are needed to increase the speed and magnitude of changes
      in prescribing in primary care, emergency departments, urgent care, and
      hospitals.

PMID- 22095342
TI  - Core competencies for doctoral education in public health.
AB  - The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) released the Doctor of Public
      Health (DrPH) Core Competency Model in 2009. Between 2007 and 2009, a national
      expert panel with members of the academic and practice communities guided by the
      ASPH Education Committee developed its 7 performance domains, including 54
      competencies.  We provide an overview and analysis of the challenges and issues
      associated with the variability in DrPH degree offerings, reflect on the model
      development process and related outcomes, and discuss the significance of the
      model, future applications, and challenges for integration across educational
      settings.  With the model, ASPH aims to stimulate national discussion on the
      competencies needed by DrPH graduates with the new challenges of 21st-century
      public health practice and to better define the DrPH degree.

PMID- 22095343
TI  - Cyberbullying, school bullying, and psychological distress: a regional census of
      high school students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Using data from a regional census of high school students, we have
      documented the prevalence of cyberbullying and school bullying victimization and
      their associations with psychological distress. METHODS: In the fall of 2008,
      20,406 ninth- through twelfth-grade students in MetroWest Massachusetts completed
      surveys assessing their bullying victimization and psychological distress,
      including depressive symptoms, self-injury, and suicidality. RESULTS: A total of
      15.8% of students reported cyberbullying and 25.9% reported school bullying in
      the past 12 months. A majority (59.7%) of cyberbullying victims were also school
      bullying victims; 36.3% of school bullying victims were also cyberbullying
      victims. Victimization was higher among nonheterosexually identified youths.
      Victims report lower school performance and school attachment. Controlled
      analyses indicated that distress was highest among victims of both cyberbullying
      and school bullying (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] were from 4.38 for depressive
      symptoms to 5.35 for suicide attempts requiring medical treatment). Victims of
      either form of bullying alone also reported elevated levels of distress.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the need for prevention efforts that address
      both forms of bullying and their relation to school performance and mental
      health.

PMID- 22095344
TI  - Temporal and regional trends in the prevalence of healthy lifestyle
      characteristics: United States, 1994-2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined temporal and regional trends in the prevalence of health
      lifestyles in the United States. METHODS: We used 1994 to 2007 data from the
      Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to assess 4 healthy lifestyle
      characteristics: having a healthy weight, not smoking, consuming fruits and
      vegetables, and engaging in physical activity. The concurrent presence of all 4
      characteristics was defined as a healthy overall lifestyle. We used logistic
      regression to assess temporal and regional trends. RESULTS: The percentages of
      individuals who did not smoke (4% increase) and had a healthy weight (10%
      decrease) showed the strongest temporal changes from 1994 to 2007. There was
      little change in fruit and vegetable consumption or physical activity. The
      prevalence of healthy lifestyles increased minimally over time and varied
      modestly across regions; in 2007, percentages were higher in the Northeast (6%)
      and West (6%) than in the South (4%) and Midwest (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Because of
      the large increases in overweight and the declines in smoking, there was little
      net change in the prevalence of healthy lifestyles. Despite regional differences,
      the prevalence of healthy lifestyles across the United States remains very low.

PMID- 22095345
TI  - Against the very idea of the politicization of public health policy.
AB  - I criticize the concern over the politicization of public health policy as a
      justification for preferring a narrow to a broad model of public health.  My
      critique proceeds along 2 lines. First, the fact that administrative structures
      and actors are primary sources of public health policy demonstrates its
      inescapably political and politicized nature. Second, historical evidence shows
      that public health in Great Britain and the United States has from its very
      inception been political and politicized.  I conclude by noting legitimate
      ethical concerns regarding the political nature of public health policy and argue
      that open deliberation in a democratic social order is best served by
      acknowledging the constraints of the inescapably politicized process of public
      health policymaking.

PMID- 22095346
TI  - Wellness incentives, equity, and the 5 groups problem.
AB  - Wellness incentives are an increasingly popular means of encouraging
      participation in prevention programs, but they may not benefit all groups
      equally.  To assist those planning, conducting, and evaluating incentive
      programs, I describe the impact of incentives on 5 groups: the "lucky ones," the
      "yes-I-can" group, the "I'll-do-it-tomorrow" group, the "unlucky ones," and the
      "leave-me-alone" group. The 5 groups problem concerns the question of when
      disparities in the capacity to use incentive programs constitute unfairness and
      how policymakers ought to respond.  I outline 4 policy options: to continue to
      offer incentives universally, to offer them universally but with modifications,
      to offer targeted rather than universal programs, and to abandon incentive
      programs altogether.

PMID- 22095347
TI  - Is social clustering of obesity due to social contagion or genetic transmission?

PMID- 22095348
TI  - Hispanic lesbians and bisexual women at heightened risk for [corrected] health
      disparities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether elevated risks of health disparities exist in
      Hispanic lesbians and bisexual women aged 18 years and older compared with non
      Hispanic White lesbians and bisexual women and Hispanic heterosexual women.
      METHODS: We analyzed population-based data from the Washington State Behavioral
      Risk Factor Surveillance System (2003-2009) using adjusted logistic regressions.
      RESULTS: Hispanic lesbians and bisexual women, compared with Hispanic
      heterosexual women, were at elevated risk for disparities in smoking, asthma, and
      disability. Hispanic bisexual women also showed higher odds of arthritis, acute
      drinking, poor general health, and frequent mental distress compared with
      Hispanic heterosexual women. In addition, Hispanic bisexual women were more
      likely to report frequent mental distress than were non-Hispanic White bisexual
      women. Hispanic lesbians were more likely to report asthma than were non-Hispanic
      White lesbians. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated risk of health disparities in Hispanic
      lesbians and bisexual women are primarily associated with sexual orientation.
      Yet, the elevated prevalence of mental distress for Hispanic bisexual women and
      asthma for Hispanic lesbians appears to result from the cumulative risk of doubly
      disadvantaged statuses. Efforts are needed to address unique health concerns of
      diverse lesbians and bisexual women.

PMID- 22095349
TI  - Who will deliver on the promise?
AB  - The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Core Competency Model aspires to rigorously
      train future leaders of public health practice to direct and advance societal
      efforts that address socially rooted causes of health and illness.  Although
      there is no proven formula for success, 3 principles derived from practice may
      guide the way forward: (1) institutionalize mutual learning and reciprocity
      between schools of public health and public health agencies and organizations,
      (2) capitalize on the full resources of the larger university to enrich the
      educational experiences of DrPH candidates and public health leaders, and (3)
      globalize the search for model DrPH programs that may be adapted for US schools. 
      Schools of public health must ensure that DrPH programs gain the status and
      resources needed to fulfill their societal mandate.

PMID- 22095351
TI  - Evaluating the safety effects of bicycle lanes in New York City.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of on-street bicycle lanes installed prior
      to 2007 on different categories of crashes (total crashes, bicyclist crashes,
      pedestrian crashes, multiple-vehicle crashes, and injurious or fatal crashes)
      occurring on roadway segments and at intersections in New York City. METHODS: We
      used generalized estimating equation methodology to compare changes in police
      reported crashes in a treatment group and a comparison group before and after
      installation of bicycle lanes. Our study approach allowed us to control
      confounding factors, such as built environment characteristics, that cannot
      typically be controlled when a comparison group is used. RESULTS: Installation of
      bicycle lanes did not lead to an increase in crashes, despite the probable
      increase in the number of bicyclists. The most likely explanations for the lack
      of increase in crashes are reduced vehicular speeds and fewer conflicts between
      vehicles and bicyclists after installation of these lanes. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results indicate that characteristics of the built environment have a direct
      impact on crashes and that they should thus be controlled in studies evaluating
      traffic countermeasures such as bicycle lanes. To prevent crashes at
      intersections, we recommend installation of "bike boxes" and markings that
      indicate the path of bicycle lanes across intersections.

PMID- 22095350
TI  - Position-specific HIV risk in a large network of homeless youths.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined interconnections among runaway and homeless youths (RHYs)
      and how aggregated network structure position was associated with HIV risk in
      this population. METHODS: We collected individual and social network data from
      136 RHYs. On the basis of these data, we generated a sociomatrix, accomplished
      network visualization with a "spring embedder," and examined k-cores. We used
      multivariate logistic regression models to assess associations between peripheral
      and nonperipheral network position and recent unprotected sexual intercourse.
      RESULTS: Small numbers of nominations at the individual level aggregated into a
      large social network with a visible core, periphery, and small clusters. Female
      youths were more likely to be in the core, as were youths who had been homeless
      for 2 years or more. Youths at the periphery were less likely to report
      unprotected intercourse and had been homeless for a shorter duration.
      CONCLUSIONS: HIV risk was a function of risk-taking youths' connections with one
      another and was associated with position in the overall network structure. Social
      network-based prevention programs, young women's housing and health programs, and
      housing-first programs for peripheral youths could be effective strategies for
      preventing HIV among this population.

PMID- 22095352
TI  - Beyond base pairs to bedside: a population perspective on how genomics can
      improve health.
AB  - A decade after the sequencing of the human genome, the National Human Genome
      Research Institute announced a strategic plan for genomic medicine. It calls for
      evaluating the structure and biology of genomes, understanding the biology of
      disease, advancing the science of medicine, and improving the effectiveness of
      health care.  Fulfilling the promise of genomics urgently requires a population
      perspective to complement the bench-to-bedside model of translation.  A
      population approach should assess the contribution of genomics to health in the
      context of social and environmental determinants of disease; evaluate genomic
      applications that may improve health care; design strategies for integrating
      genomics into practice; address ethical, legal, and social issues; and measure
      the population health impact of new technologies.

PMID- 22095353
TI  - The impact of workplace policies and other social factors on self-reported
      influenza-like illness incidence during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of social determinants of potential exposure
      to H1N1--which are unequally distributed by race/ethnicity in the United States-
      on incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
      METHODS: In January 2010 we surveyed a nationally representative sample (n =
      2079) of US adults from the Knowledge Networks online research panel, with
      Hispanic and African American oversamples. The completion rate was 56%. RESULTS:
      Path analysis examining ILI incidence, race, and social determinants of potential
      exposure to H1N1 demonstrated that higher ILI incidence was related to workplace
      policies, such as lack of access to sick leave, and structural factors, such as
      number of children in the household. Hispanic ethnicity was related to a greater
      risk of ILI attributable to these social determinants, even after we controlled
      for income and education. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of certain workplace policies,
      such as paid sick leave, confers a population-attributable risk of 5 million
      additional cases of ILI in the general population and 1.2 million cases among
      Hispanics. Federal mandates for sick leave could have significant health impacts
      by reducing morbidity from ILI, especially in Hispanics.

PMID- 22095354
TI  - Transgender health in Massachusetts: results from a household probability sample
      of adults.
AB  - Despite higher rates of unemployment and poverty among transgender adults (n =
      131; 0.5% weighted) than among nontransgender adults (n = 28,045) in our
      population-based Massachusetts household sample, few health differences were
      observed between transgender and nontransgender adults. Transgender adults who
      are stably housed and participated in a telephone health survey may represent the
      healthiest segment of the transgender population. Our findings demonstrate a need
      for diverse sampling approaches to monitor transgender health, including adding
      transgender measures to population-based surveys, and further highlight economic
      inequities that warrant intervention.

PMID- 22095355
TI  - A decade of spore-forming bacterial infections among European injecting drug
      users: pronounced regional variation.
AB  - The recent anthrax outbreak among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Europe has
      highlighted an ongoing problem with severe illness resulting from spore-forming
      bacteria in IDUs. We collated the numbers of cases of 4 bacterial illnesses
      (botulism, tetanus, Clostridium novyi, and anthrax) in European IDUs for 2000 to
      2009 and calculated population rates. Six countries reported 367 cases; rates
      varied from 0.03 to 7.54 per million people. Most cases (92%) were reported from
      3 neighboring countries: Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. This geographic
      variation needs investigation.

PMID- 22095356
TI  - Disability among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults: disparities in prevalence and
      risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We used population-based data to comprehensively examine disability
      among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. METHODS: We estimated prevalence of
      disability and its covariates and compared by sexual orientation by utilizing
      data from the Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n =
      82,531) collected in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009. We used multivariate logistic
      regression to examine the relationship between disability and sexual orientation,
      after we controlled for covariates of disability. RESULTS: Findings indicated
      that the prevalence of disability is higher among lesbian, gay, and bisexual
      adults compared with their heterosexual counterparts; lesbian, gay, and bisexual
      adults with disabilities are significantly younger than heterosexual adults with
      disabilities. Higher disability prevalence among lesbians and among bisexual
      women and men remained significant after we controlled for covariates of
      disability. CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of disability among lesbian, gay, and
      bisexual adults are of major concern. Efforts are needed to prevent, delay, and
      reduce disabilities as well as to improve the quality of life for lesbian, gay,
      and bisexual adults with disabilities. Future prevention and intervention efforts
      need to address the unique concerns of these groups.

PMID- 22095357
TI  - The future of public health ethics.

PMID- 22095358
TI  - Sexual compulsivity, co-occurring psychosocial health problems, and HIV risk
      among gay and bisexual men: further evidence of a syndemic.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated whether sexual compulsivity fits into a syndemic
      framework, in which sexual compulsivity is one of a number of co-occurring
      psychosocial health problems that increase HIV risk among men who have sex with
      men (MSM). METHODS: In 2003 and 2004, we conducted an anonymous cross-sectional
      survey of MSM in New York City (n = 669) by approaching attendees at gay,
      lesbian, and bisexual community events. We analyzed data by bivariate and
      multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: We found strong positive
      interrelationships among syndemic factors including sexual compulsivity,
      depression, childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and polydrug use.
      In bivariate analyses, all syndemic health problems except for childhood sexual
      abuse were positively related to HIV seropositivity and high-risk sexual
      behavior. Our multivariate models revealed an array of interrelationships among
      psychosocial health problems. We found amplified effects of these problems on HIV
      seropositivity and on the likelihood of engaging in high-risk sexual behavior.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the conclusion that sexual compulsivity is a
      component of a syndemic framework for HIV risk among MSM. HIV prevention
      interventions should consider the overlapping and compounding effects of
      psychosocial problems, including sexual compulsivity.

PMID- 22095359
TI  - Health reform and Healthy People initiative.
AB  - The passage of the Affordable Care Act builds on and strengthens the foundation
      for prevention and wellness that Healthy People--the nation's health promotion
      and disease prevention aspirations for a healthier nation--established. The
      Affordable Care Act reaffirms the themes of Healthy People by promoting
      population-based prevention and sets the stage for Healthy People 2020. The heart
      of Healthy People 2010 lies in its leading health indicators, reflecting high
      priority health issues for the nation. National progress requires broad
      application of the ecological health model. We reviewed the status of each
      Healthy People 2010 indicator and noted how the Affordable Care Act drives future
      positive health outcomes using the ecological model of health as a prism for
      viewing health improvement.

PMID- 22095360
TI  - Household food insufficiency, financial strain, work-family spillover, and
      depressive symptoms in the working class: the Work, Family, and Health Network
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the association of household-level stressors with
      depressive symptoms among low-wage nursing home employees. METHODS: Data were
      collected in 2006 and 2007 from 452 multiethnic primary and nonprimary wage
      earners in 4 facilities in Massachusetts. We used logistic regression to estimate
      the association of depressive symptoms with household financial strain, food
      insufficiency, and work-family spillover (preoccupation with work-related
      concerns while at home and vice versa). RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were
      significantly associated with household financial strain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82;
      95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03, 3.21) and food insufficiency (OR = 2.10; 95%
      CI = 1.10, 4.18). Among primary earners, stratified analyses showed that food
      insufficiency was associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 3.60; 95% CI = 1.42,
      9.11) but financial strain was not. Among nonprimary wage earners, depressive
      symptoms correlated with financial strain (OR = 3.65; 95% CI = 1.48, 9.01) and
      work-family spillover (OR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.11, 9.35). CONCLUSIONS: Household
      financial strain, food insufficiency, and work-family spillover are pervasive
      problems for working populations, but associations vary by primary wage earner
      status. The prevalence of food insufficiency among full-time employees was
      striking and might have a detrimental influence on depressive symptoms and the
      health of working-class families.

PMID- 22095361
TI  - Hemoglobin A1c as a diagnostic tool: public health implications from an actor
      network perspective.
AB  - Public health arguments for collecting hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data, particularly
      in clinical settings, should be reframed to place more emphasis on nonmedical
      determinants of population health. We compare individual- with population-level
      interpretations of HbA1c titers. This comparison reveals that public health
      researchers need to pay close attention to diagnostic tests and their uses,
      including rhetorical uses. We also synthesize historical and current evidence to
      map out 2 possible scenarios for the future. In the first scenario, prevention
      efforts emphasize primary care and focus almost entirely downstream. The second
      scenario anticipates downstream interventions but also upstream interventions
      targeting environments. Our analysis adapts actor-network theory to strategic
      planning and forecasting in public health.

PMID- 22095362
TI  - The effects of Arkansas master settlement spending on disparities in smoking.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effect of Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) spending
      on smoking disparities in Arkansas, which distinguished itself from other states
      by investing all of its MSA funds in health-related programs. METHODS: In 1996
      2009 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we specified
      multivariate logistic models to examine gender and racial/ethnic disparities in
      smoking rates within Arkansas (a pre-post analysis) and between Arkansas and its
      6 neighboring states. RESULTS: Before the MSA programs started in 2001, male
      Arkansans smoked more than did female Arkansans (P < .05). After the programs,
      smoking declined significantly among men (but not women), eliminating the gender
      disparity by 2009. Smoking among men in Arkansas also declined more than it did
      in neighboring states (P < .05). Hispanics showed a greater decline in smoking
      than did non-Hispanic Whites in Arkansas (but not in neighboring states). In
      2001, Hispanic Arkansans smoked more than did non-Hispanic Whites (P < .05); by
      2009, Hispanic Arkansans smoked significantly less than did non-Hispanic Whites
      (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: MSA-funded programs were more effective in some segments
      of the Arkansas population than in others. Policymakers should consider targeting
      future MSA tobacco control programs to populations most resistant to change.

PMID- 22095363
TI  - The disabling effect of diseases: a study on trends in diseases, activity
      limitations, and their interrelationships.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Data from the Netherlands indicate a recent increase in prevalence of
      chronic diseases and a stable prevalence of disability, suggesting that diseases
      have become less disabling. We studied the association between chronic diseases
      and activity limitations in the Netherlands from 1990 to 2008. METHODS: Five
      surveys among noninstitutionalized persons aged 55 to 84 years (n = 54,847)
      obtained self-reported data on chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease,
      peripheral arterial disease, stroke, lung disease, joint disease, back problems,
      and cancer) and activity limitations (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
      Development [OECD] long-term disability questionnaire or 36-item Short Form
      Health Survey [SF-36]). RESULTS: Prevalence rates of chronic diseases increased
      over time, whereas prevalence rates of activity limitations were stable (OECD) or
      slightly decreased (SF-36). Associations between chronic diseases and activity
      limitations were also stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Surveys varied
      widely with regard to disease and limitation prevalence rates and the
      associations between them. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that diseases became less
      disabling from 1990 to 2008 was only supported by results based on activity
      limitation data as assessed with the SF-36. Further research on how diseases and
      disability are associated over time is needed.

PMID- 22095364
TI  - Repeat syphilis among men who have sex with men in California, 2002-2006:
      implications for syphilis elimination efforts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined rates of and risk factors for repeat syphilis infection
      among men who have sex with men (MSM) in California. METHODS: We analyzed 2002 to
      2006 California syphilis surveillance system data. RESULTS: During the study
      period, a mean of 5.9% (range: 4.9%-7.1% per year) of MSM had a repeat primary or
      secondary (PS) syphilis infection within 2 years of an initial infection. There
      was no significant increase in the annual proportion of MSM with a repeat
      syphilis infection (P = .42). In a multivariable model, factors associated with
      repeat syphilis infection were HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.14, 2.37), Black race (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.12,
      3.04), and 10 or more recent sex partners (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.12, 3.50).
      CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 6% of MSM in California have a repeat PS syphilis
      infection within 2 years of an initial infection. HIV infection, Black race, and
      having multiple sex partners are associated with increased odds of repeat
      infection. Syphilis elimination efforts should include messages about the risk
      for repeat infection and the importance of follow-up testing. Public health
      attention to individuals repeatedly infected with syphilis may help reduce local
      disease burdens.

PMID- 22095365
TI  - Using art to amplify youth voices on housing insecurity.

PMID- 22095366
TI  - The brain-to-brain loop concept for laboratory testing 40 years after its
      introduction.
AB  - Forty years ago, Lundberg introduced the concept of the brain-to-brain loop for
      laboratory testing. In this concept, in the brain of the physician caring for the
      patient, the first step involves the selection of laboratory tests and the final
      step is the transmission of the test result to the ordering physician. There are
      many intermediary steps, some of which are preanalytic, ie, before performance of
      the test; some are analytic and relate to the actual performance of the test; and
      others are postanalytic and involve transmission of test results into the medical
      record. The introduction of this concept led to a system to identify and classify
      errors associated with laboratory test performance. Errors have since been
      considered as preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic. During the past 4 decades,
      changes in medical practice have significantly altered the brain-to-brain loop
      for laboratory testing. This review describes the changes and their implications
      for analysis of errors associated with laboratory testing.

PMID- 22095367
TI  - Critical values in the coagulation laboratory: results of a survey of the North
      American Specialized Coagulation Laboratory Association.
AB  - Critical values are vital to safe clinical and laboratory practice. To address
      the lack of information on critical values in coagulation, pattern-of-practice
      surveys were distributed to members of the North American Specialized Coagulation
      Laboratory Association. More than 70% of respondents had critical values for
      commonly performed tests. Median values were as follows: prothrombin time, more
      than 37 seconds; international normalized ratio, more than 5; activated partial
      thromboplastin time, more than 100 seconds; and fibrinogen level, less than 100
      mg/dL. Critical value reporting generated a significant workload, with up to 15%
      of these tests yielding critical results. The median time to report critical
      values was 7 minutes for inpatients. Despite the lack of guidelines surrounding
      critical values in coagulation, this survey confirms that laboratories have
      reasonable and uniform practices. It also provides critical value medians and
      ranges for a wide range of tests. Laboratories without critical values or in the
      process of reviewing their values may find this survey of their peers useful.

PMID- 22095368
TI  - A well-designed online transfusion reaction reporting system improves the
      estimation of transfusion reaction incidence and quality of care in transfusion
      practice.
AB  - Recognizing and reporting a transfusion reaction is important in transfusion
      practice. However, the actual incidence of transfusion reactions is frequently
      underestimated. We designed an online transfusion reaction reporting system for
      nurses who take care of transfusion recipients. The common management before and
      after transfusion and the 18 most common transfusion reactions were itemized as
      tick boxes. We found the overall documented incidence of transfusion reaction
      increased dramatically, from 0.21% to 0.61% per unit of blood, after we started
      using an online reporting system. Overall, 94% (30/32) of nurses took only 1 week
      to become familiar with the new system, and 88% (28/32) considered the new system
      helpful in improving the quality of clinical transfusion care. By using an
      intranet connection, blood bank physicians can also identify patients who are
      having a reaction and provide appropriate recommendations immediately. A well
      designed online reporting system may improve the ability to estimate the
      incidence of transfusion reactions and the quality of transfusion care.

PMID- 22095369
TI  - Effect of telavancin (Vibativ) on routine coagulation test results.
AB  - Telavancin (Vibativ, Astellas Pharma US, Deerfield, IL) is a lipoglycopeptide
      antibiotic that has activity against gram-positive microorganisms, but also has
      the ability to bind to artificial phospholipids found in coagulation reagents.
      Normal pooled plasma was spiked with telavancin to obtain concentrations of 0,
      12.5, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 MUg/mL of drug. Samples were tested using 3
      different prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (INR) and activated
      partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reagent systems, as well as for fibrinogen
      level, thrombin time, D-dimer level, dilute Russell viper venom time (DRVVT),
      protein C activity, and protein S activity. There was no effect of telavancin
      seen with non-phospholipid-dependent assays: fibrinogen level, thrombin time, and
      D-dimer testing. All INR and aPTT systems demonstrated concentration-dependent
      increases in clotting times, with Innovin (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics,
      Deerfield, IL) INRs the most dramatic. False-positive DRVVT ratios started at
      12.5 MUg/mL of telavancin, with no effect on protein C or protein S levels until
      the telavancin level reached more than 100 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22095370
TI  - Pulmonary histologic changes in Marfan syndrome: a case series and literature
      review.
AB  - Marfan syndrome is one of the most common connective tissue diseases and may
      manifest with a range of symptoms and pathologic changes. We present a
      retrospective series of 5 cases of patients with Marfan syndrome and pulmonary
      pathology. Patients were young to middle-aged adults with absent or minimal
      smoking histories and absent to severe clinical pulmonary symptoms. Tissue
      specimens were obtained from the surgical pathology and autopsy services.
      Histologic examination revealed a consistent pattern of distal acinar emphysema
      in all patients. Comparisons are made with other cystic-type diseases of the lung
      that may histologically mimic this pattern. This is the largest contemporary
      series of histologic pulmonary involvement of Marfan syndrome and the first to
      describe this pattern of pulmonary changes in this patient population.

PMID- 22095371
TI  - Frequency of HER2 heterogeneity by fluorescence in situ hybridization according
      to CAP expert panel recommendations: time for a new look at how to report
      heterogeneity.
AB  - In 2009, a College of American Pathologists expert panel published supplemental
      HER2 testing recommendations suggesting that cases with between 5% and 50%
      individual cells amplified by fluorescence in situ hybridization be reported as
      "heterogeneous for HER2 gene amplification." We examined the implications of
      applying these recommendations to clinical practice in 1,329 consecutive breast
      cancer cases. By ratio criteria, 23.2% of cases met the proposed criteria for
      heterogeneity, of which 81.6% were not amplified and 15.5% were equivocal by
      standard criteria. In contrast, the proposed criteria based on HER2 signals per
      cell classified only 6.5% of cases as heterogeneous, of which only 8% (7/87) were
      not amplified and 79% (69/87) were equivocal by standard criteria. These results
      show that the 2 proposed criteria sets are not equivalent and that the ratio
      based definition results in large numbers of nonamplified cases being classified
      as heterogeneous. Further definition of optimal criteria with clinical relevance
      is needed before HER2 heterogeneity reporting is adopted in routine practice.

PMID- 22095372
TI  - The vanishing testis: a histomorphologic and clinical assessment.
AB  - Of patients with cryptorchidism, 5% have no palpable gonad. Physical examination
      or scrotal exploration demonstrates tissue nubbins or small nodules that
      constitute the vanishing testis syndrome. At the University of Chicago Hospitals
      (Chicago, IL; 2004-2008), 30 surgical pathology specimens from 29 patients with
      this clinical diagnosis underwent scrotal exploration. Histologic and
      immunohistochemical comparison was done with 7 fetal testes, 8 surgically removed
      nonneoplastic testes, and 2 cryptorchid testes. Routine histologic studies showed
      no seminiferous tubules in 18 cases (60%), fibrosis in all (100%), calcifications
      in 16 (53%), and hemosiderin deposits in 9 (30%). In 12 cases with seminiferous
      tubules (40%), there were Sertoli cells only. Scrotal exploration in such cases
      is clinically driven and results in the removal of any tissue present. Although
      published studies suggest the risk for future tumor development is low, possibly
      absent, the definitive removal of a testicle is established by an awareness of
      the histologic spectrum exhibited by testicular remnants.

PMID- 22095373
TI  - Different HER2 protein expression profiles aid in the histologic differential
      diagnosis between urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) and non-CIS conditions
      (dysplasia and reactive atypia) of the urinary bladder mucosa.
AB  - We evaluated HER2 expression profiles in 32 carcinoma in situ (CIS) and 31 non
      CIS conditions (5 dysplasia and 26 reactive atypia) of the urinary bladder mucosa
      by applying breast cancer scoring rules. In situ hybridization was performed on
      tissue microarrays to assess HER2 gene amplification status. Our immunoprofiling
      data disclosed moderate to strong HER2 expression in CIS, including the basal
      layer of the urothelium, and absent to weak HER2 expression in non-CIS
      conditions. From the histologic differential diagnostic standpoint,
      immunostaining for HER2 protein represents a useful adjunct to aid in the
      delineation between CIS and non-CIS conditions of the bladder mucosa.
      Pathogenically, aberrant HER2 protein expression in CIS seems to be more commonly
      associated with polysomy than with gene amplification. From a therapeutic
      viewpoint, prospective clinical studies should investigate the potential benefit
      of HER2-targeted therapies in CIS, particularly in cases unresponsive to
      conventional therapeutic regimens.

PMID- 22095375
TI  - Eliminating the "Atypia of Undetermined Significance/Follicular Lesion of
      Undetermined Significance" category from the Bethesda System for Reporting
      Thyroid Cytopathology.
AB  - The "Atypia of Undetermined Significance/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined
      Significance (AUS/FLUS)" category in the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid
      Cytology is heterogeneous and includes both specimens with borderline
      cellularity/compromised quality and those with genuine atypia. We have used a
      reporting scheme that is similar to the Bethesda System but does not include an
      AUS/FLUS category. We retrospectively reviewed all reports on thyroid FNA and
      thyroidectomy specimens submitted to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
      from January 2006 to December 2008. The positive predictive values for various
      categories and subcategories in this scheme demonstrate that the AUS/FLUS
      category can be eliminated to provide information for the most appropriate
      management of patients with thyroid nodules.

PMID- 22095374
TI  - Lossless compression of JPEG2000 whole slide images is not required for
      diagnostic virtual microscopy.
AB  - The use of lossy compression in medical imaging is controversial, although it is
      inevitable to reduce large data amounts. In contrast with lossy compression,
      lossless compression does not impair image quality. In addition to our previous
      studies, we evaluated virtual 3-dimensional microscopy using JPEG2000 whole slide
      images of gastric biopsy specimens with or without Helicobacter pylori gastritis
      using lossless compression (1:1) or lossy compression with different compression
      levels: 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1. The virtual slides were diagnosed in a blinded
      manner by 3 pathologists using the updated Sydney classification. The results
      showed no significant differences in the diagnosis of H pylori between the
      different levels of compression in virtual microscopy. We assume that lossless
      compression is not required for diagnostic virtual microscopy. The limits of
      lossy compression in virtual microscopy without a loss of diagnostic quality
      still need to be determined. Analogous to the processes in radiology,
      recommendations for the use of lossy compression in diagnostic virtual microscopy
      have to be worked out by pathology societies.

PMID- 22095376
TI  - Susac syndrome: an organ-specific autoimmune endotheliopathy syndrome associated
      with anti-endothelial cell antibodies.
AB  - Susac syndrome (SS) is the triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery
      occlusions (BRAOs), and hearing loss. Migraines may herald and accompany
      encephalopathy. Little is known about pathogenesis. Based on light microscopic
      findings in brain biopsy material analogous to anti-endothelial cell antibody
      (AECA)-mediated microvascular injury, we postulated that SS microangiopathy was
      attributable to AECAs. We examined serum samples from 11 patients with SS for
      AECAs; 9 were positive by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blot studies. A
      highly distinctive band on Western blots corresponding to a 50-kDa protein was
      observed in 8 positive SS samples; the other positive case exhibited specific
      reactivity with a protein band at 40 kDa. Of the 2 negative cases, 1 had been
      inactive since 1988; the other was an abortive variant characterized solely by
      BRAOs. There was enhanced surface binding of SS serum using live endothelial cell
      substrates compared with samples from healthy subjects. Additional serum samples
      from apparently healthy patients, 2 with atypical migraines, and patients with
      other forms of autoinflammatory disease did not show the distinctive band of
      immunoreactivity. SS is a distinct autoimmune endotheliopathy syndrome associated
      with AECAs; the antibody target seems specific in many cases and may be a disease
      biomarker. The exact role of AECAs in disease propagation remains unanswered.

PMID- 22095377
TI  - A new PCR-based mass spectrometry system for high-risk HPV, part I: methods.
AB  - Infection with high-risk (HR) human papillomaviruses (HPVs) has been confirmed as
      the necessary cause of cervical cancer. There are many studies that have
      established and confirmed the relationship of specific HPV types and the risk of
      invasive cervical cancer. We have developed a novel genotyping method for
      detecting 14 HR-HPV genotypes simultaneously with MassARRAY (Sequenom, San Diego,
      CA) technique based on the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of
      flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). All 14 HPVs showed high specificities
      and high sensitivities in the plasmid test; lower detection limits for each
      genotype were from 10 to 100 copies. Furthermore, the MS system has high
      throughput capacities, capable of processing, with type-specific output, 4,500
      samples in 24 hours. The MS HPV assay is a sensitive and useful tool for HPV
      genotyping. It has the potential to be suitable for large-scale epidemiologic
      studies and routine diagnostic clinical applications owing to its high-throughput
      capacity, high sensitivity, and low cost per case.

PMID- 22095378
TI  - A new PCR-based mass spectrometry system for high-risk HPV, part II: clinical
      trial.
AB  - This was a population-based clinical trial of a polymerase chain reaction-based
      multiplex high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) assay using mass spectrometry
      (MassARRAY [Sequenom, San Diego, CA] matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry system [MALDI-TOF]). Participants were 10,000
      women between the ages of 25 and 59 years in Guangdong Province, China (SHENCCAST
      II Study). All women collected a self-sample (tested with Cervista [Hologic,
      Marlborough, MA] and MALDI-TOF) followed by a clinician-collected cervical sample
      (for cytology, Hybrid Capture 2 [HC2; Qiagen, Gaithersburg, MD], Cervista, and
      MALDI-TOF). Patients with any abnormal result were asked to return for colposcopy
      and biopsies. This analysis included the data for 8,556 women. The sensitivity
      values for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or worse for a direct
      cervical sample were 97.9%, 95.1%, and 94.3 for HC2, Cervista, and MALDI-TOF,
      respectively (P > .05). The sensitivity for CIN 3 or worse for a self-collected
      sample tested with MALDI-TOF was also 94.3%, which was similar to a clinician
      obtained endocervical sample assayed with the 3 HR-HPV assays. MALDI-TOF combined
      with a self-collected sample provides a highly sensitive, high-throughput, low
      cost-per-case assay for mass screening.

PMID- 22095379
TI  - Clinical verification of the performance of the pathwork tissue of origin test:
      utility and limitations.
AB  - Gene expression-based assays have been introduced into the clinical arena to
      assist in the diagnosis of poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors. The
      US Food and Drug Administration has cleared the microarray-based Pathwork Tissue
      of Origin (TOO) Test (Pathwork Diagnostics, Sunnyvale, CA) for the molecular
      characterization of such challenging specimens. We aimed at verifying the
      analytic and clinical performance of this test on 43 poorly differentiated and
      undifferentiated tumor samples, including 6 off-panel cases and 7 cancers of
      unknown primary (CUP). Our results showed 97% (95% confidence interval, 80.4%
      99.8%) agreement between the Pathwork TOO Test result and the complete diagnosis,
      which included clinical correlations and immunohistochemical staining, after the
      original diagnosis. We concluded that for off-panel and CUP samples, the tissue
      type and the cell type may be confounded by the Pathwork TOO Test and that
      careful clinicopathologic assessment is needed when interpreting results from
      this helpful ancillary tool for pathologists.

PMID- 22095380
TI  - Comparison of immunocytochemical sensitivity between formalin-fixed and alcohol
      fixed specimens reveals the diagnostic value of alcohol-fixed cytocentrifuged
      preparations in malignant effusion cytology.
AB  - The most commonly used fixative in effusion cytology is formalin. In the present
      study, the immunocytochemical properties of formalin-fixed and alcohol-fixed
      specimens were compared to evaluate the usefulness of alcohol-fixed
      cytocentrifuged preparations for routine cytologic diagnosis. A total of 269
      effusion samples and 17 primary antibodies were used. The sensitivity of
      immunocytochemical studies in alcohol-fixed specimens was similar and correlated
      to that of formalin-fixed specimens, suggesting that alcohol-fixed
      cytocentrifuged preparations are useful in effusion cytology. Pretreatment with
      or without heat-induced antigen retrieval revealed that antigen retrieval was
      unnecessary for immunocytochemical studies with most primary antibodies in
      alcohol-fixed cytocentrifuged preparations. The present study describes the use
      of immunocytochemical studies with alcohol-fixed cytocentrifuged preparations for
      diagnosis in routine effusion cytology.

PMID- 22095381
TI  - Simplified flow cytometric assessment in mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.
AB  - By using flow cytometry with markers for CD3, CD4, CD26, and CD7, we examined the
      blood samples of 109 patients for abnormal T cells: 69 patients with mycosis
      fungoides (MF)/Sezary syndrome (SS), 31 hospitalized control subjects, and 9
      patients with inflammatory skin disease. T cells were identified as
      quantitatively abnormal (>15% CD26- or CD7- T cells) or phenotypically abnormal
      (CD26- or CD7- T cells with bright or dim CD3 or CD4 or bright CD7). Patients
      were followed for a median of 82 months, and abnormal T cells were correlated
      with diagnosis, clinical outcome, and other laboratory parameters. Abnormal T
      cell populations were identified in 46% of patients with MF/SS (32/69) and
      correlated with disease extent. Quantitative abnormalities were more frequent
      than phenotypic abnormalities, and CD4+/CD26- T cells were more frequent than
      CD4+/CD7- T cells. CD26- T cells correlated better with disease extent than did
      CD7 -. Increasing numbers of abnormal T cells were associated with worsening
      disease. Flow cytometry provides valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis,
      and therapeutic efficacy in MF/SS.

PMID- 22095382
TI  - Flow cytometric analysis of surface light chain expression patterns in B-cell
      lymphomas using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
AB  - Light chain (LC) expression by flow cytometry (FC) in B cell non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas (B-NHLs) can occasionally be detected with one anti-LC antibody but not
      with another. We retrospectively analyzed 564 four-color FC files from B-NHLs,
      assessing LC staining with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibodies
      (pAbs). Discrepancies in LC expression between mAbs and pAbs were present in 9.2%
      of cases, mainly in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
      (CLL/SLL; 11.1%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; 10.2%), follicular
      lymphoma (9.5%), and mantle cell lymphoma (11.1%) and most frequently in body
      fluids. Equal proportions of cases were LC+ only with pAbs (4.8%) or mAbs (4.4%).
      Negative LC expression with both antibodies was present in 7.5% of cases, most
      frequently in DLBCL (21.6%) and body fluids (27.6%). Evaluation with both mAbs
      and pAbs increases the sensitivity for LC detection, with no single reagent
      outperforming the other, although CLL/SLL preferentially showed LC expression
      with pAbs.

PMID- 22095383
TI  - Multiparametric flow cytometry for identification and fluorescence activated cell
      sorting of five distinct B-cell subpopulations in normal tonsil tissue.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to establish a procedure capable of isolating
      distinct B-cell subpopulations from human tonsils as a basis for subsequent
      molecular analyses. Overall, 5 distinct B-cell subpopulations were purified from
      fresh tonsils based on their fluorescence surface marker expression: naive B
      cells, centroblasts, centrocytes, memory B cells, and plasmablasts. The
      immunophenotypic identity of the subpopulations was verified by quantitative real
      time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using the proliferation
      marker MKI-67 and 6 B-cell-associated differentiation markers (BACH2, BCL6, PAX5,
      IRF4, PRDM1, and XBP1). Furthermore, within the centroblast compartment, large
      and small centroblasts could be distinguished and large centroblasts were shown
      to proliferate with a morphologic appearance of a "centroblast"-like cell but
      with lower gene expression of the germinal center markers BCL6 and BACH2 vs small
      centroblasts. This study has established a detailed and fast procedure for
      simultaneous sorting of up to 5 distinct maturation-associated B-cell
      subpopulations from human tonsils.

PMID- 22095384
TI  - Accounting for artifactually elevated HbA2 in cases of Hb hope when measured by
      capillary electrophoresis.

PMID- 22095385
TI  - Macrophage metalloelastase (MME) as adjuvant for intra-tumoral injection of
      oncolytic adenovirus and its influence on metastases development.
AB  - Oncolytic adenoviruses are a promising treatment alternative for many advanced
      cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, clinical trials have demonstrated
      that single-agent therapy in advanced tumor masses is rarely curative. Poor
      spreading of the virus through tumor tissue is one of the major issues limiting
      efficacy. As oncolytic viruses kill preferentially cancer cells, high
      extracellular matrix (ECM) content constitutes potential barriers for viral
      penetration within tumors. In this study, the ECM-degrading proteases relaxin,
      hyaluronidase, elastase and macrophage metalloelastase (MME) were tested for
      their antitumor efficacy alone and in combination with oncolytic adenovirus. MME
      improved the overall antitumor efficacy of oncolytic adenovirus in subcutaneous
      HCT116 xenografts. In a liver metastatic colorectal cancer model, intra-tumoral
      treatment of primary tumors from HT29 cells with MME monotherapy or with
      oncolytic adenovirus inhibited tumor growth. Combination therapy showed no
      increased mortality in comparison with either monotherapy alone. Contradictory
      results of effects of MME on tumorigenesis and metastasis formation have been
      reported in the literature. This study demonstrates for the first time in a
      metastatic animal model that MME, as a monotherapy or in combination with
      oncolytic virus, does not increase tumor invasiveness. Co-administration of MME
      and oncolytic adenovirus may be a suitable approach for further optimization
      aiming at clinical applications for metastatic colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22095386
TI  - Sonoporation-mediated anti-angiogenic gene transfer into muscle effectively
      regresses distant orthotopic tumors.
AB  - Ultrasound (US) is an effective tool for local delivery of genes into target
      tumors or organs. In combination with microbubbles, US can temporarily change the
      permeability of cell membranes by cavitation and facilitate entry of plasmid DNA
      into cells. Here, we demonstrate that repeated US-mediated delivery of anti
      angiogenic genes, endostatin or calreticulin, into muscle significantly inhibits
      the growth of orthotopic tumors in the liver, brain or lung. US-mediated anti
      angiogenic gene therapy also seems to function as an adjuvant therapy that
      significantly enhances the antitumor effects of the chemotherapeutic drug
      doxorubicin and adenovirus-mediated cytokine gene therapy. Significantly higher
      levels of tumor apoptosis or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were observed after
      combined therapy consisting of either anti-angiogenic therapy and chemotherapy,
      or anti-angiogenic therapy and immunotherapy. Taken together, our experiments
      demonstrate that intramuscular delivery of anti-angiogenic genes by US exposure
      can effectively treat distant orthotopic tumors, and thus has great therapeutic
      potential in terms of clinical treatment.

PMID- 22095387
TI  - Human papillomavirus in vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.
AB  - There are limited data on the prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus
      (HPV) genotypes in vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). We sought to clarify
      this issue in a series of 450 VAIN cases with a confirmed diagnosis between 1990
      and 2006. HPV genotyping was performed using paraffin-embedded specimens and
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Multiple HPV types were validated
      by E6 type-specific PCR and direct sequencing. The HPV genotypes of the vaginal
      and cervical neoplasms were compared for those with incident VAIN and a history
      of previous/concomitant cervical neoplasms. Ki-67 was performed for supporting
      diagnosis of VAIN. Of these 450 VAIN cases (median age, 59 years; range, 19-93),
      two with missing paraffin blocks and 54 with poor DNA quality were excluded. HPV
      was detected in 273/394 (69.3%) VAIN, and multiple infections were found in 17.9%
      of HPV-positive samples. The leading types were HPV16 (35.5%), HPV58 (9.9%),
      HPV52 (9.9%), HPV39 (8.4%), HPV33 (7.3%) and HPV53 (7.0%). Among the 156 cases
      with a history of previous cervical neoplasia, 29.0% had concordant HPV
      genotypes, while synchronous VAIN samples (n = 49) were more likely to harbor
      concordant genotypes (58.7%) with the concomitant cervical neoplasm (p = 0.0003).
      Whether those HPV types in the incident VAIN lesions had existed in the vaginal
      epithelium at the time of the previous cervical neoplasia or a new acquisition
      needs to be clarified in prospective follow-up studies.

PMID- 22095388
TI  - The expression and pharmacological characterization of nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor subunits in HBE16 airway epithelial cells.
AB  - This study characterizes the expression and the biological effects of the
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) on human airway epithelial cells.
      Cultured HBE16 airway epithelial cells were incubated with either nicotine or
      cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The nAChR gene and protein expression in cells
      were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real
      time PCR, and western blot. The protein expression of the nAChR subunits, alpha1,
      alpha5, and alpha7, were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Cells were
      subsequently transfected with alpha1-, alpha5-, and alpha7-specific siRNAs, and
      the effects of nicotine on the production of the pro-inflammatory factors, TNF
      alpha, IL-8, and IL-6 in transfected cells were analyzed using an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay and real-time PCR. We detected alpha1, alpha5, alpha7, and
      beta2 subunits in untreated HBE16 cells, and their expression was elevated after
      nicotinic incubation. Importantly, the most significant increase in expression
      was observed in the alpha5 and alpha7 subunits. However, CSE did not cause a
      significant enhancement in the expression of these genes and proteins. Cells
      pretreated with nicotine prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation exhibited
      a lower production of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and IL-6 compared to LPS-treated (only)
      cells. Cells that were transfected with alpha7 siRNA and subsequently incubated
      with nicotine and LPS, exhibited a higher expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and IL-6
      compared with non-transfected cells or alpha1 and alpha5 siRNA-transfected cells.
      In alpha1- and alpha5-siRNA-transfected cells, the expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8,
      and IL-6 showed no significant difference compared with non-transfected cells.
      Therefore, we concluded that alpha1, alpha5, alpha7, and beta2 nAChR subunits are
      highly expressed in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE16) after nicotinic
      incubation and that the alpha7 subunit is involved in the nicotine-induced
      inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory factors. Moreover, alpha1,
      alpha5, and beta2 subunits did not play an important role in this process.

PMID- 22095389
TI  - Characterization of Escherichia coli [NiFe]-hydrogenase distribution during
      fermentative growth at different pHs.
AB  - The contribution made by each of the three active [NiFe]-hydrogenases (Hyd) of
      Escherichia coli during fermentation of glucose or glycerol in peptone-based
      medium at different pHs was analysed. The activities of the hydrogen-oxidizing
      Hyd-1 and Hyd-2 enzymes showed a reciprocal dependence on the pH of the medium
      while Hyd-3, a key component of the hydrogen-evolving formate hydrogenlyase
      complex, was mainly active at pH 6.5. Our findings identify the conditions during
      fermentation of glucose or glycerol under which each [NiFe]-hydrogenase is
      optimally active and demonstrate a previously unrecognized dependence on Hyd-1
      activity at low pH.

PMID- 22095390
TI  - The effects of garlic-derived sulfur compounds on cell proliferation, caspase 3
      activity, thiol levels and anaerobic sulfur metabolism in human hepatoblastoma
      HepG2 cells.
AB  - The aim of the present studies was to determine whether the mechanism of
      biological action of garlic-derived sulfur compounds in human hepatoma (HepG2)
      cells can be dependent on the presence of labile sulfane sulfur in their
      molecules. We investigated the effect of allyl sulfides from garlic: monosulfide,
      disulfide and trisulfide on cell proliferation and viability, caspase 3 activity
      and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production in HepG2 cells. In parallel, we also
      examined the influence of the previously mentioned compounds on the levels of
      thiols, glutathione, cysteine and cysteinyl-glycine, and on the level of sulfane
      sulfur and the activity of its metabolic enzymes: rhodanese, 3-mercaptopyruvate
      sulfurtransferase and cystathionase. Among the compounds under study, diallyl
      trisulfide (DATS), a sulfane sulfur-containing compound, showed the highest
      biological activity in HepG2 cells. This compound increased the H(2)O(2)
      formation, lowered the thiol level and produced the strongest inhibition of cell
      proliferation and the greatest induction of caspase 3 activity in HepG2 cells.
      DATS did not affect the activity of sulfurtransferases and lowered sulfane sulfur
      level in HepG2 cells. It appears that sulfane sulfur containing DATS can be
      bioreduced in cancer cells to hydroperthiol that leads to H(2)O(2) generation,
      thereby influencing transmission of signals regulating cell proliferation and
      apoptosis.

PMID- 22095391
TI  - Ultrasound-guided closed muscle biopsy: a useful tool for rheumatologists : case
      report: recurrent focal myositis of the gastrocnemius muscle.

PMID- 22095392
TI  - Vertebral osteomyelitis: eight years' experience of 100 cases.
AB  - To evaluate the etiology and characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis cases in
      our country, patients with vertebral osteomyelitis between January 2000 and
      December 2007 were included in this study. Clinical and laboratory data of the
      patients were collected from the medical records retrospectively. Of these 100
      patients, 44 had pyogenic, 24 had brucellar, and 32 had tuberculous
      spondylodiscitis. The age of the patients ranged from 13 to 82 years, with a mean
      of (SD+/-) 55 +/- 15.6 years. Within the pyogenic group, 10 (22.7%) patients had
      a spinal surgery history, and in 18 patients of the pyogenic group, an
      etiological agent was isolated. Ten (56%) of these 18 were methicillin-sensitive
      Staphylococcus aureus. While all of the patients included in this study suffered
      from pain, 49 of these had fever. Sixty-nine percent of the patients had lumbar
      involvement. The etiological distribution may differ according to geographical
      areas. Although brucella and tuberculosis (TB) are endemic in our country,
      pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis was more frequent. The most common involved area
      in our patients was the lumbar vertebrae. Although thoracic involvement may be
      more predominant in tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis, it does not strongly
      suggest TB. Magnetic resonance imaging may exclude some disorders mimicking
      vertebral osteomyelitis and may delineate the degree of the involvement.
      Microbiological and/or histopathological examination of computerized tomography
      guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies are the mainstays for the diagnosis.
      Suspicion and early diagnosis seem critical for preventing sequelae development.

PMID- 22095393
TI  - Detection of latent tuberculosis infection in rheumatologic diseases before anti
      TNFalpha therapy: tuberculin skin test versus IFN-gamma assay.
AB  - We aimed to evaluate tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)
      test results for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with
      rheumatologic diseases prior to anti-TNFalpha therapy. Ninety patients were
      evaluated in the study at the Departments of Chest Diseases and Rheumatology for
      anti-TNFalpha therapy for their rheumatologic diseases. Tuberculin skin test was
      performed (Mantoux method) and peripheral blood samples were collected for IFN
      gamma assay (QuantiFeron TB-Gold In Tube) before the anti-TNFalpha therapy. Of 90
      patients, TST positivity was detected in 56 (62.2%) patients, while IFN-gamma
      positivity was detected in 34 (37.8%) patients. Among 56 TST positive patients,
      IFN-gamma positivity was detected in 24 (42.9%) patients, and among 34 TST
      negative patients, IFN-gamma positivity was detected in 10 (29.4%) patients.
      There was no significant agreement between TST and IFN-gamma assay results (Kappa
      = 0.12, P = 0.2). Forty-three (47.8%) patients were using immunosuppressive drugs
      owing to their rheumatologic diseases. In this group, TST and IFN-gamma
      positivity is significantly lower than in those who did not receive
      immunosuppressive treatment (P < 0.05). We conclude that the IFN-gamma assay may
      not be preferred to TST as a diagnostic test in patients with rheumatologic
      diseases prior to anti-TNFalpha treatment.

PMID- 22095394
TI  - Recurrent uveitis due to sildenafil usage in a patient with Behcet's disease.
AB  - Behcet's disease (BD) may cause uveitis and retinal vasculitis in nearly half of
      the patients. Uveitis is one of the most serious complications that can lead to
      blindness. Sildenafil (Viagra(R)) and the other phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
      inhibitors are the first-line options for the treatment of erectile dysfunction,
      but transient visual symptoms and serious ocular side effects have been reported
      in PDE5 inhibitor users. Herein, we report a case with BD who applied to our
      outpatient unit with recurrent uveitis after sildenafil therapy.

PMID- 22095395
TI  - Relationship between body mass index, fat mass and lean mass with SF-36 quality
      of life scores in a group of fibromyalgia patients.
AB  - Patients suffering from fibromyalgia (FM) had widespread musculoskeletal pain and
      stiffness, fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment and other symptoms,
      which seriously affects their quality of life (QoL), making it difficult to
      perform normal activities. Moreover, FM has been associated with a higher
      prevalence of overweight and obesity than in the general population. Weight
      reduction has been beneficial in both FM and other rheumatic patients. Obesity
      and overweight have been pointed as playing a relevant role in FM symptoms;
      however, it is necessary to find out more about this relationship. The objective
      of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), fat
      mass (fM) and lean mass (lM) with quality of life in a group of FM patients. 103
      women, with a mean age of 53.74 +/- 7.81, and members of different FM patient
      associations from Spain participated in our study. Some anthropometric measures
      were taken like weight, height, BMI, body fat mass and lean mass. FM patients QoL
      was assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey, SF-36 questionnaire. Statistical
      reports were based on mean, standard deviation and correlation, but significance
      was tested by nonparametric methods. BMI, fM and lM correlated differently with
      the specific SF-36 scores. BMI had a high negative correlation with emotional
      role, fM with bodily pain and lM almost with all scores but specially with
      emotional role, vitality and physical role. The outcome of this study reveals
      some interesting relationships, which need to be further investigated to improve
      the management of FM patients.

PMID- 22095396
TI  - Do true preretinal (subhyaloid) hemorrhages occur in infants?

PMID- 22095397
TI  - Dry powder inhaler device influence on carrier particle performance.
AB  - Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are distinguished from one another by their unique
      device geometries, reflecting their distinct drug detachment mechanisms, which
      can be broadly classified into either aerodynamic or mechanical-based detachment
      forces. Accordingly, powder particles experience different aerodynamic and
      mechanical forces depending on the inhaler. However, the influence of carrier
      particle physical properties on the performance of DPIs with different dispersion
      mechanisms remains largely unexplored. Carrier particle trajectories through two
      commercial DPIs were modeled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the
      results were compared with in vitro aerosol studies to assess the role of carrier
      particle size and shape on inhaler performance. Two percent (w/w) binary blends
      of budesonide with anhydrous and granulated lactose carriers ranging up to 300
      MUm were dispersed from both an Aerolizer(r) and Handihaler(r) through a cascade
      impactor at 60 L min(-1). For the simulations, carrier particles were modeled as
      spherical monodisperse populations with small (32 MUm), medium (108 MUm), and
      large (275 MUm) particle diameters. CFD simulations revealed the average number
      of carrier particle-inhaler collisions increased with carrier particle size (2.3
      4.0) in the Aerolizer(r), reflecting the improved performance observed in vitro.
      Collisions within the Handihaler(r), in contrast, were less frequent and
      generally independent of carrier particle size. The results demonstrate that the
      aerodynamic behavior of carrier particles varies markedly with both their
      physical properties and the inhalation device, significantly influencing the
      performance of a dry powder inhaler formulation.

PMID- 22095399
TI  - The SuBliMinaL Toolbox: automating steps in the reconstruction of metabolic
      networks.
AB  - The generation and use of metabolic network reconstructions has increased over
      recent years. The development of such reconstructions has typically involved a
      time-consuming, manual process. Recent work has shown that steps undertaken in
      reconstructing such metabolic networks are amenable to automation.     The
      SuBliMinaL Toolbox (http://www.mcisb.org/subliminal/) facilitates the
      reconstruction process by providing a number of independent modules to perform
      common tasks, such as generating draft reconstructions, determining metabolite
      protonation state, mass and charge balancing reactions, suggesting intracellular
      compartmentalisation, adding transport reactions and a biomass function, and
      formatting the reconstruction to be used in third-party analysis packages. The
      individual modules manipulate reconstructions encoded in Systems Biology Markup
      Language (SBML), and can be chained to generate a reconstruction pipeline, or
      used individually during a manual curation process.    This work describes the
      individual modules themselves, and a study in which the modules were used to
      develop a metabolic reconstruction of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the existing
      data resources KEGG and MetaCyc. The automatically generated reconstruction is
      analysed for blocked reactions, and suggestions for future improvements to the
      toolbox are discussed.

PMID- 22095398
TI  - Hepatitis C viral kinetics with the nucleoside polymerase inhibitor mericitabine
      (RG7128).
AB  - Mericitabine (RG7128) is a nucleoside polymerase inhibitor (NPI), which requires
      intracellular uptake and phosphorylation to two active triphosphates.
      Mathematical modeling has provided important insights for characterizing
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA decline and estimating in vivo effectiveness of
      antiviral agents; however, it has not been used to characterize viral kinetics
      with NPIs. HCV RNA was frequently measured in 32 treatment-experienced patients
      infected with HCV genotype 1 during and after mericitabine monotherapy for 14
      days with 750 mg or 1500 mg administered once (qd) or twice daily (bid). The
      initial decline of HCV RNA was typically slower than with interferon-alpha or
      protease inhibitors, and 12 patients presented a novel pattern of HCV RNA
      kinetics characterized by a monophasic viral decline. Viral kinetics could be
      well fitted by assuming that the effectiveness in blocking viral production
      gradually increased over time to reach its final value, epsilon(2), consistent
      with previous accumulation time estimates of intracellular triphosphates.
      epsilon(2) was high with bid dosing (mean 750 mg and 1500 mg: 98.0% and 99.8%,
      respectively; P = 0.018) and significantly higher than in patients treated qd
      (mean qd versus bid: 90% versus 99%, P < 10(-7)). Virus rebounded rapidly upon
      drug discontinuation, which was attributed to the elimination of active drug and
      the subsequent decline of drug effectiveness, with mean t(1/2) = 13.9 hours in
      the bid regimens. CONCLUSION: The observed slower initial decline likely
      represents the time needed to accumulate intracellular triphosphates and is
      consistent with in vitro data. When administered bid, mericitabine reached a
      high, dose-dependent, final effectiveness in blocking viral production that
      rapidly dropped upon treatment cessation. Understanding HCV RNA kinetics with
      mericitabine could provide valuable insights for combining it with other direct
      acting antiviral agents.

PMID- 22095400
TI  - The attachment of intrinsic and extrinsic, mobilized and immobilized adhesion
      cells to collagen and fibronectin.
AB  - This study investigated the attachment of intrinsic and extrinsic, mobilized and
      immobilized adhesion cells to the extracellular matrix. Five New Zealand White
      rabbit forepaws were dissected to isolate the flexor tendon core, tendon surface
      and synovial sheath, which were explanted separately. A further 10 animals were
      subjected to flexor tendon injuries, randomized to either mobilization or
      immobilization, and adhesions were explanted at 2 weeks. Cell groups were tested
      for attachment to collagen type-I or fibronectin and morphometric analysis was
      made. The attachment of intrinsic tendon cells and adhesion cells from mobilized
      tendons to both matrix proteins was statistically significantly greater than that
      of extrinsic tendon cells and adhesion cells from immobilized tendons. Adhesion
      cells from mobilized tendons were statistically significantly more elongated,
      which may correlate with the deposition of a more organized matrix. Because the
      synovial sheath cells were least attached to matrix proteins, selective
      treatments that reduce cell attachment may be used to exclude them, without
      inhibiting intrinsic tendon healing.

PMID- 22095401
TI  - Avascular osteonecrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease) in a 13-year-old boy
      treated with vascularized bone graft.

PMID- 22095402
TI  - Wrist extension strength required for power grip: a study using a radial nerve
      block model.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of wrist extension
      strength (WES) and grip strength (GS) using a radial nerve block, and to
      determine the WES required to prevent the "wrist flexion phenomenon"
      (antagonistic WES) when making a fist. We tested 14 arms in seven healthy males.
      WES and GS were measured before blocking as standard WES and standard GS. All
      participants then had radial nerve blocks with mepivacaine hydrochloride. During
      the recovery process from radial nerve blockade, WES and GS were recorded every 5
      minutes. There was a very strong correlation between WES and GS (p < 0.0001). The
      mean antagonistic WES was 51% of standard WES, and the mean GS, recorded at the
      same time, was 66% of standard GS.

PMID- 22095403
TI  - In de Quervain's with a separate EPB compartment, ultrasound-guided steroid
      injection is more effective than a clinical injection technique: a prospective
      open-label study.
AB  - We compared ultrasonography (US)-guided injection, targeting the extensor
      pollicis brevis (EPB) in de Quervain's disease (dQD) with septation, to clinical
      injection. Forty-four wrists were randomly allocated to US-guided or manual (non
      US-guided) injection. At 4 weeks, pain was significantly reduced in both groups.
      Pain on the 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) for the US group was 80.3 (SD
      19.6) mm at baseline and 25.6 (SD 15.1) mm at 4 weeks after injection (p =
      0.004). Values for the manual group were 78.0 (SD 18.5) mm at baseline and 58.2
      (SD 21.9) mm at 4 weeks after injection (p = 0.04). Pain on the VAS showed a more
      significant decrease in the US-guided than in the manual injection group (p =
      0.0007) from baseline to 4 weeks after injection. The results of this study
      suggest US-guided injection targeting the EPB in dQD patients with septation is
      more effective than manual injection.

PMID- 22095405
TI  - Morphea associated with the use of adalimumab: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Therapy with TNF blockers may induce cutaneous adverse events, but the
      development of morphea, a localized scleroderma lesion, is extremely infrequent.
      We describe a 37-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab
      who developed morphea lesions in the lower limbs after 12 months of treatment.
      Adalimumab was discontinued, which resulted in progressive improvement in the
      skin lesions, with only mild hyperpigmentation remaining. We also review reports
      of morphea and other adverse cutaneous events related to anti-TNF treatment.

PMID- 22095406
TI  - Extraction of lignins from aqueous-ionic liquid mixtures by organic solvents.
AB  - The commercial development of ionic liquids (ILs) to pretreat lignocellulose by
      dissolution of whole biomass and cellulose precipitation by addition of water is
      hindered by the absence of an effective technique to recover the lignin content
      of the biomass from the IL. Three organic solvents [ethyl acetate, 1,4-dioxane,
      and tetrahydrofuran (THF)] were studied for their ability to form a two-liquid
      phase system with water and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C(2)mim][OAc]),
      and for partitioning model lignins and lignin monomers between the two liquid
      phases. Ternary diagrams were obtained for three [C(2)mim][OAc]/organic
      solvent/water systems at 22 degrees C. Partition coefficients were measured for
      several types of lignin in these three systems. Partition coefficients increase
      with rising water content in the IL phase, and depend strongly on the type of
      lignin and on the organic solvent. Partition coefficients rise as the pH of the
      ionic-liquid-rich phase falls. Small molecule model lignin monomer compounds
      (guaiacol, syringaldehyde) are also readily extracted from the IL/water system by
      THF.

PMID- 22095404
TI  - ER stress, p66shc, and p-Akt/Akt mediate adjuvant-induced inflammation, which is
      blunted by argirein, a supermolecule and rhein in rats.
AB  - We investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of argirein and rhein on
      inflammatory edema in rat paw which was caused by complete adjuvant, compared
      with ibuprofen. We hypothesized that the adjuvant-induced inflammation is
      attributed to upregulation of activating transcript factor 6 (ATF6; a chaperone
      for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress), p66Shc (an adaptive protein modulating
      oxidative stress), and NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox and gp91phox in the
      inflamed tissues. Biomarkers were measured in the rat paw in association with
      monitoring swellings. The primary inflammatory edema of the injected paw occurred
      rapidly and sustained over a couple of days, and the secondary inflammation
      developed 2 weeks later. The inflammatory edema was accompanied by upregulation
      of cytokines including ATF6, p66Shc, p22phox, gp91phox, and MMP-2 and an increase
      in ratio of p-Akt/Akt in the afflicted paw. These were suppressed by either
      argirein and rhein or ibuprofen. These findings indicate that ER stress,
      upregulated p66Shc, and phosphorylated Akt are actively implicated in the
      inflammatory zone caused by adjuvant injection. These biomarkers were causal
      factors responsible for inflammation of the afflicted paw and were suppressed by
      a supermolecule argirein and rhein, and the anti-inflammatory activities of the
      two compounds were comparable to that of ibuprofen.

PMID- 22095407
TI  - Click synthesis of ubiquitin dimer analogs to interrogate linkage-specific UBA
      domain binding.
AB  - A new route to the synthesis of triazole-linked ubiquitin dimers (diUbs) as
      structural analogs of the seven diUbs is reported. Binding studies with the Lys48
      specific UBA domain of the Mud1 protein suggest that they represent functionally
      suitable surrogates of their native counterparts linked by an isopeptide bond.

PMID- 22095408
TI  - Effects of pesticide formulations and active ingredients on the coelenterate
      Hydra attenuata (Pallas, 1766).
AB  - Lethal effects of active ingredients and formulations of widely used soybean
      pesticides were assessed with the Hydra attenuata toxicity test. Studied
      pesticides were insecticides chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin, and herbicide
      glyphosate. Results indicate the following toxicity trend: chlorpyrifos >
      cypermethrin > glyphosate. Tested active ingredients of insecticides and
      respective formulations did not significantly differ between them. Glyphosate
      formulation exhibited higher toxicity at low concentrations (LC(1-10)) respect to
      active ingredient, reversing this behavior at higher concentrations (LC(50-90)).
      Comparing H. attenuata sensitivity with existent toxicity data for aquatic
      organisms indicates that this species is poorly sensitive to tested insecticides
      and highly sensitive to the herbicide.

PMID- 22095409
TI  - Interrater reliability of endoscopic parameters following sinus surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the interrater reliability of a set of
      postoperative endoscopic scoring parameters in patients with chronic
      rhinosinusitis who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort with retrospective review. METHODS: One hundred twenty video
      endoscopic evaluations in 20 subjects recorded at 14, 30, and 45 days after ESS
      were scored in real time by the clinical investigators who performed the
      endoscopies and recorded the videos and retrospectively by an independent panel
      of four sinus surgeons who were blinded to all information. The scoring
      parameters included categoric grading for adhesion formation and middle turbinate
      position and continuous grading (visual analog scale) for degree of inflammation
      and crusting. Interrater reliability of the panel members was assessed using the
      Fleiss kappa test, bias index and prevalence index for categoric data, and the
      Shrout-Fleiss test for continuous data. The level of agreement between the panel
      and the real-time clinical investigator was also assessed. RESULTS: For categoric
      variables, strong agreement between raters on the panel was found for both middle
      turbinate position (kappa=0.499, prevalence index=0.925) and adhesions
      (kappa=0.364, prevalence index=0.829). For continuous data, good agreement
      between raters was found for both inflammation (reliability coefficient=0.554)
      and crusting (reliability coefficient=0.620). Real-time investigator scoring and
      panel scoring showed strong agreement. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that
      the endoscopic scoring parameters assessed (middle turbinate position, adhesions,
      inflammation, and crusting) have acceptable interexaminer reproducibility and are
      suitable for evaluating ESS outcomes in the postsurgical period.

PMID- 22095410
TI  - [Non-operative treatment for severe forms of infantile idiopathic scoliosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) is a rare orthopaedic
      condition. Braces and casts are popular options in the treatment of IIS but there
      is a paucity of studies commenting on the outcome of non-operative treatment. The
      purpose of this study was to analyse failure and success after non-operative
      treatment for severe forms of IIS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data
      of all children who had been treated for IIS between 2003 and 2009 at a single
      institution. After calculating the failure and success rates, we additionally
      performed a risk factor analysis for patients who failed non-operative treatment.
      Chi (2) and T tests were used for statistical analysis with significance set at p
      < 0.05. RESULTS: 25 children with an average age of 11 months and an Cobb angle
      of 46 degrees at presentation were analysed. Seven (28 %) patients were
      considered as having failed non-operative treatment after an average follow-up of
      28 months. The pretreatment Cobb angle was identified as single significant risk
      factor for failure (55 versus 42) while neither age, gender, nor RVAD seem to
      influence the outcome. In children who were considered as successfully treated,
      the Cobb angle decreased from 42 to 18 degrees. CONCLUSION: Non-operative
      treatment for IIS is successful in 3 out of 4 patients.

PMID- 22095411
TI  - Synthesis and configuration determination of all enantiopure stereoisomers of the
      melatonin receptor ligand 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin using an expedient
      optical resolution of 4-phenyl-2-tetralone.
AB  - An efficient and practical approach for the synthesis of all four stereoisomers
      of the MT(2) melatonin receptor ligand 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4-P
      PDOT), each in enantiomerically pure form (ee > 99.9%), was developed. The
      strategy involved an optical resolution procedure of the key precursor (+/-)-4
      phenyl-2-tetralone with the unusual resolving agent (S)-mandelamide, through the
      formation of four dihydronaphtalene-spiro-oxazolidin-4-one diastereomers.
      Interestingly, NMR experimental observations in combination with geometric
      calculations, provided unambiguous configuration assignments of all stereocenters
      of the key spiro stereoisomers. Cleavage of each single spiro diastereomer under
      acidic conditions gave enantiopure (R)- or (S)-4-phenyl-2-tetralone, which were
      then converted to each 4-P-PDOT single enantiomer by using stereoselective
      reactions.

PMID- 22095412
TI  - Central nervous system tuberculosis in non-HIV-positive children: a single
      center, 6 year experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to describe the imaging features of central
      nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) studies in non-HIV-positive children. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective descriptive evaluation was conducted on imaging studies
      obtained from ten children admitted to our hospital over a 6-year period who
      fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis. Data were collected with
      regard to patients' clinical, laboratory and demographic characteristics, as well
      as results of radiological investigation. RESULTS: We studied ten children, of
      whom five were boys and five were girls and whose mean age was 4 (range 7 months
      to 16) years. Neuroradiological findings on the first imaging study were basal
      meningeal enhancement (100%), hydrocephalus (70%), infarcts (90%), tuberculomas
      (40%) and cranial nerve involvement (20%). Follow-up studies revealed basal
      meningeal enhancement, hydrocephalus, and infarcts in all patients, tuberculomas
      in 70% and cranial nerve involvement in 50%. Only one patient showed a pattern of
      miliary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: CNS tuberculosis is still an important cause
      of childhood morbidity and mortality even in nonimmunosuppressed children.
      Because prompt diagnosis results in earlier treatment, it is crucial to be aware
      of tuberculous meningitis and its complications at imaging, especially because of
      the impact on patients' prognosis.

PMID- 22095413
TI  - Classification of noncalcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque components on CT
      coronary angiography: impact of vascular attenuation and density thresholds.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors assessed the effect of vascular attenuation and density
      thresholds on the classification of noncalcified plaque by computed tomography
      coronary angiography (CTCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (men 25; age
      59 +/- 8 years) with stable angina underwent arterial and delayed CTCA. At sites
      of atherosclerotic plaque, attenuation values (HU) were measured within the
      coronary lumen, noncalcified and calcified plaque material and the surrounding
      epicardial fat. Based on the measured CT attenuation values, coronary plaques
      were classified as lipid rich (attenuation value below the threshold) or fibrous
      (attenuation value above the threshold) using 30-HU, 50-HU and 70-HU density
      thresholds. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven plaques (117 mixed and 50
      noncalcified) were detected and assessed. The attenuation values of mixed plaques
      were higher than those of exclusively noncalcified plaques in both the arterial
      (148.3 +/- 73.1 HU vs. 106.2 +/- 57.9 HU) and delayed (111.4 +/- 50.5 HU vs. 64.4
      +/- 43.4 HU) phases (p<0.01). Using a 50-HU threshold, 12 (7.2%) plaques would be
      classified as lipid rich on arterial scan compared with 28 (17%) on the delayed
      phase scan. Reclassification of these 16 (9.6%) plaques from fibrous to lipid
      rich involved 4/30 (13%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Classification of coronary
      plaques as lipid rich or fibrous based on absolute CT attenuation values is
      significantly affected by vascular attenuation and density thresholds used for
      the definition.

PMID- 22095414
TI  - Image-guided microwave ablation of hepatic tumours: preliminary experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Microwave thermal ablation (MWA) opens up a new scenario in the field of
      image-guided tumour ablation thanks to its potential advantages over validated
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In this pilot study, we assessed the technical
      success, safety and efficacy of MWA in treating hepatic malignancies. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: After obtaining informed consent, we enrolled 15 inoperable
      patients, for a total of 19 lesions (ten metastases, nine hepatocellular
      carcinoma) with a mean diameter of 47 mm (range 14-78 mm). Mean follow-up was 8
      (range 1-14) months. RESULTS: Technical success reached 100%. Complications (one
      major and one minor) occurred in two cases. Complete ablation, obtained in 68.4%
      of cases, showed no significant correlation with either cancer histological type
      or with lesion diameter. At follow-up, treatment failures occurred in 60% of
      cases; lesion diameter was the only prognostic factor for maintaining complete
      ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results should encourage further trials of
      this technique. MWA proved to be feasible and safe in treating advanced-stage
      liver tumours and represented an additional therapeutic attempt to be validated
      in further and larger efficacy studies.

PMID- 22095415
TI  - The role of imaging in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of posterior
      occipito-cervical fusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Occipitocervical fusion is required when the occipitoatlantal joint is
      unstable. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of imaging in the pre-
      and postoperative evaluation of posterior occipitocervical fusion (POCF),
      focusing on contoured loop fixation by Hartshill and Songer instrumentation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 21 patients (eight males, 12 females; age range
      6-70 years; mean age 32.6 years) with craniocervical instability who underwent
      POCF with Hartshill U-shaped rod and Songer sublaminar wires. Pre- and
      postoperative radiographic, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR)
      imaging examinations were performed in all patients. A 3- to 6-month period of
      external orthosis with halo vest, sterno-occipitalmandibular immobiliser (SOMI)
      brace or Philadelphia collar followed surgery. Follow-up was 12-96 (mean 53.1)
      months. RESULTS: Clinical assessment using the Frankel scale revealed improvement
      or deterioration arrest in all but two patients: one with C3 failure and halo
      destabilisation; the other, who had exhibited myelopathy signs on preoperative MR
      imaging and persistent basilar impression, showed increasing and progressive
      neurological deficits despite successful POCF. CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and
      postoperative imaging is extremely useful in patients scheduled to undergo POCF.
      Preoperative MR screening of basilar impression associated with possible spinal
      cord lesions appears mandatory to predict possible deterioration and prevent
      undesired failure of the operation and it may suggest the need for an alternative
      surgical approach, such as the transoral approach.

PMID- 22095416
TI  - MDCT in diagnosing acute aortic syndromes: reviewing common and less common CT
      findings.
AB  - Nontraumatic acute thoracic aortic syndromes (AAS) describe a spectrum of life
      threatening aortic pathologies with significant implications on diagnosis,
      therapy and management. In this context, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)
      is the gold standard due to its intrinsic diagnostic value; its performance
      approaches 100% sensitivity and specificity, and it is accepted as a first-line
      modality for suspected acute aortic disease. MDCT allows early recognition and
      characterisation of acute aortic syndromes as well as the presence of any
      associated complications - findings that are essential for optimising treatment
      and improving clinical outcomes. Although classic CT findings have long been
      known, other unusual signs are continually reported in the medical literature. We
      reviewed the classic and less common CT findings, correlating them with
      pathophysiology, timing and management options, to achieve a definite and timely
      diagnostic and therapeutic definition.

PMID- 22095417
TI  - Effect of two sitting postures on lumbar sagittal alignment and intervertebral
      discs in runners.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated in vivo changes in lumbar lordosis and intervertebral discs
      in runners and assessed the relationship between these changes and degenerative
      disc disease in runners with and without a history of low back pain. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Using open upright magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we prospectively
      studied changes in lumbar lordosis and intervertebral discs of 25 elite long
      distance runners in two sitting postures (neutral and extended) before and after
      1 h of running and compared the results with disc height and
      dehydration/degeneration. Seventeen of the 25 runners had a history of low back
      pain. RESULTS: After 1 h of running, mean lordosis in neutral posture reduced by
      4 degrees ; reduction was significant in runners with a history of low back pain.
      A significant reduction in mean lordosis in extension was not observed. Mean disc
      height significantly reduced in both postures, without, however, any statistical
      significance between runners with and without a history low back pain in any
      posture. Variable degrees of disc dehydration/degeneration were observed in 23
      runners (57 discs), more commonly at L5-S1. A significant difference of disc
      dehydration/degeneration between runners with and without a history of low back
      pain was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intervertebral discs undergo significant
      strain after 1 h of running that in the long term may lead to low back pain and
      degenerative disc disease. Runners, especially those with low back pain and
      degenerative disc disease, should be evaluated after training to preserve the
      normal lumbar lordosis.

PMID- 22095418
TI  - Sonography of the small bowel after oral administration of fluid: an assessment
      of the diagnostic value of the technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the feasibility and possible
      advantages of bowel sonography after fluid filling of intestinal loops compared
      with conventional sonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five consecutive
      patients with known or suspected coeliac disease (35 females, ten males; age
      range 11-65 years) prospectively underwent sonography before and after ingestion
      of 750 ml of an aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol. Results before and after
      fluid distension were compared to assess whether luminal filling improved small
      bowel visualisation. RESULTS: Luminal filling improved visualisation of
      intestinal features (luminal diameter, mucosal folds, parietal layers) in 77.6%
      of cases (marked, moderate or mild improvement in 2, 16 and 17 patients; 4.4%,
      35.5% and 37.7%), respectively, and showed no change or worsening in 20% and 2.2%
      nine and one patient), respectively. Baseline examination showed abnormal
      features in 13/25 celiac patients (dilated fluid-filled loops, increased
      peristalsis, transient intussusception, mesenteric lymph nodes, intraperitoneal
      fluid). Reexamination after luminal filling showed additional abnormalities in
      six of the previous 13 and in three further coeliac patients. There were no false
      positive signs due to fluid administration. CONCLUSIONS: Luminal filling can
      improve visualisation of bowel walls and fold pattern and may be helpful in
      selected cases.

PMID- 22095419
TI  - Aortic-neck dilation after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR):
      can it be predicted?
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate whether dynamic computed tomography
      (CT) can provide functional vessel information predicting outcomes of aortic neck
      in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with and 20 without AAA
      were enrolled. Electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated data sets were acquired with
      a 64-slice CT scanner. Axial pulsatility measurements were taken at three levels:
      2 cm above the highest renal artery; immediately below the lowest renal artery; 1
      cm below the lowest renal artery. Three independent readers performed the
      measurements. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in the
      brachial artery to calculate arterial-wall distensibility expressed as pressure
      strain elastic modulus (Ep). Cross-sectional area change, wall distensibility and
      Ep value were statistically compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were
      found in terms of Ep values in the suprarenal and juxtarenal level. In the AAA
      group, a significantly higher value was obtained at the infrarenal level. A
      subgroup of patients with AAA (45%) had a significantly higher Ep value at the
      infrarenal level. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic CT provided insight into the abdominal
      aorta pathophysiology. Identifying patients with higher infrarenal distensibility
      could change selection of graft size to improve proximal fixation.

PMID- 22095420
TI  - Congenital aural atresia treated with floating mass transducer on the round
      window: 5 years of imaging experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to illustrate imaging features of patients
      affected by congenital aural atresia (CAA) before and after treatment with a
      Vibrant SoundBridge (VSB) device implanted on the round window. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ten patients (5 males and 5 females; mean age 22.1 years) with CAA
      underwent preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to estimate the
      degree of involvement of the middle- and inner-ear structures and highlight
      radiological landmarks useful for surgical planning. RESULTS: Bilateral CAA,
      mostly of the mixed type, was present in 7 patients and ossicular chain
      abnormalities in 16 ears (94% of cases). The round window region was normal in
      all patients, whereas facial-nerve course and/or caliber abnormalities were
      present in 6 ears (35.3%). The tympanic cavity was small in 13 ears (76.5%),
      whereas the mastoid was well pneumatized in 8/17 (47%). CONCLUSIONS: HRCT
      provides accurate information about anatomy and malformations of the middle and
      inner ear and can thus assist the surgeon in planning the procedure.

PMID- 22095421
TI  - Incidence of new foci of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation:
      role of multidetector CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors sought to assess the incidence of new foci of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients
      treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two readers
      retrospectively reviewed by consensus the follow-up MDCT studies of 125 patients
      (88 men and 37 women; mean age 68 years) with 141 HCCs (size 1-5.2 cm; mean 2.2
      cm) treated with RFA. MDCT follow-up was performed at 1 and 3 months and every 6
      12 months thereafter. Reviewers assessed: (1) the presence of new HCC foci in the
      same liver segment or in a different segment; (2) complete or incomplete tumour
      ablation; (3) tumour progression. RESULTS: A total of 113 new HCCs (size 0.7-4.8
      cm; mean 1.7 cm) were detected in 69/125 (55.2%) patients (mean follow-up 30.38+/
      19.14 months). Of these, 86 (76.1%) new HCCs were multiple (p<0.0001), and 92
      (81.4%) occurred in a different segment from that of the treated HCC (p<0.0001).
      New HCCs were observed in the first 12 months, between 12 and 24 months and after
      24 months in 31/69 (44.9%), 24/69 (34.8%) and 14/69 (20.3%) patients,
      respectively (p=0.175). Mean diseasefree interval was 16.1+/-16.31 (range 1-52)
      months. Complete tumour ablation was achieved in 132/141 (93.6%) treated HCCs,
      and tumour progression occurred in 29/141 (20.6%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: In patients
      with RFA-treated HCCs, MDCT follow-up revealed a high incidence of new HCCs, even
      after 1 year of follow-up. The new foci tended to be multiple and located in a
      liver segment different from that of the previously treated nodules.

PMID- 22095422
TI  - Tumours of the atlas and axis: a 37-year experience with diagnosis and
      management.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper presents a single institution's longterm experience regarding
      the incidence and management of tumours of the atlas and axis and discusses
      clinical and imaging findings and treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      searched the registry of the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli for patients admitted
      and treated for tumours of the upper cervical spine. We identified 62 patients
      over 37 years, from July 1973 to October 2010. There were 39 male and 23 female
      patients, with a mean age of 39.5 (range 5-77) years. For each patient, we
      collected data on clinical presentation, imaging and treatment. Mean follow-up
      was 10 years. RESULTS: Benign bone tumours were diagnosed in 24 (39%) and
      malignant tumours in 38 (61%) patients. The most common tumours were bone
      metastases, followed by osteoid osteomas and chordomas. The atlas was involved in
      six and the axis in 52 patients; in four patients, both the atlas and axis were
      involved. The most common clinical presentation was pain, torticollis, dysphagia
      and neurological deficits. Surgical treatment was performed in 35 patients and
      conservative treatment, including intralesional methylprednisolone injections and
      halo-vest immobilisation with or without radiation therapy, chemotherapy or
      embolisation, in the remaining patients. One patient with osteoblastoma of the
      atlas had local recurrence. All patients with metastatic bone disease had local
      recurrence; four of the eight patients with plasmacytoma progressed to multiple
      myeloma within 1-4 years. All patients with chordomas had two to four local
      recurrences. Patients with osteosarcomas and chondrosarcoma died owing to local
      and distant disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Bone tumours of the cervical spine
      are rare. However, they should be kept in mind when examining patients with neck
      pain or neurological symptoms at the extremities. In most cases, only
      intralesional surgery can be administered. Combined radiation therapy and
      chemotherapy is indicated for certain tumour histologies.

PMID- 22095423
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of second-generation dual-source computed tomography coronary
      angiography with iterative reconstructions: a real-world experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of second-generation dual
      source (DSCT) computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) with iterative
      reconstructions for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2010 and February 2011, we enrolled 160
      patients (85 men; mean age 61.2+/-11.6 years) with suspected CAD. All patients
      underwent CTCA and conventional coronary angiography (CCA). For the CTCA scan
      (Definition Flash, Siemens), we use prospective tube current modulation and 70
      100 ml of iodinated contrast material (Iomeprol 400 mgI/ ml, Bracco). Data sets
      were reconstructed with iterative reconstruction algorithm (IRIS, Siemens). CTCA
      and CCA reports were used to evaluate accuracy using the threshold for
      significant stenosis at >=50% and >=70%, respectively. RESULTS: No patient was
      excluded from the analysis. Heart rate was 64.3+/-11.9 bpm and radiation dose was
      7.2+/-2.1 mSv. Disease prevalence was 30% (48/160). Sensitivity, specificity and
      positive and negative predictive values of CTCA in detecting significant stenosis
      were 90.1%, 93.3%, 53.2% and 99.1% (per segment), 97.5%, 91.2%, 61.4% and 99.6%
      (per vessel) and 100%, 83%, 71.6% and 100% (per patient), respectively. Positive
      and negative likelihood ratios at the per-patient level were 5.89 and 0.0,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CTCA with second-generation DSCT in the real clinical
      world shows a diagnostic performance comparable with previously reported
      validation studies. The excellent negative predictive value and likelihood ratio
      make CTCA a first-line noninvasive method for diagnosing obstructive CAD.

PMID- 22095424
TI  - A benchmark study on 883 nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated in two Italian
      centres from 1977 to 2000. Part I: Evolving technical choices and survival.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors sought to define treatment results according to the
      different accrual periods and clinical-therapeutic features in a large series of
      nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients treated in two Italian centres over more
      than two decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 883 patients consecutively
      treated with radiotherapy between 1977 and 2000 at the Florence (FLO) and Brescia
      (IRA) Radiation Oncology centres were studied. Five-year overall (OS) and disease
      specific (DSS) actuarial survival rates in the different pathological, clinical
      and therapeutic subgroups were calculated, along with the actuarial local
      regional control (LRC) probability. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, survival and
      local control rates were significantly better in the more recent accrual periods
      and in the more favourable disease presentations; treatment-related parameters
      mainly affect LRC. At multivariate analysis, patient- and disease-related factors
      had a more evident prognostic effect than did therapeutic factors, although dose
      to the nasopharynx and treatment technique had a marginally significant impact on
      DSS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this benchmark study may be useful for
      understanding the development of new radio-therapy techniques for NPC, such as
      three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and particularly intensity
      modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

PMID- 22095425
TI  - A benchmark study on 883 nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated in two Italian
      centres from 1977 to 2000. Part II: Evolving technical choices and toxicity
      patterns.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors sought to define toxicity patterns according to the
      different accrual periods and clinical-therapeutic features in a large series of
      nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients treated in two Italian centres over more
      than two decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 883 patients consecutively
      treated with radiotherapy from 1977 to 2000 at the Florence (FLO) and Brescia
      (IRA) radiation oncology centres were studied. The crude incidence of late
      treatment toxicity in the different subgroups of patients was calculated and
      compared. RESULTS: Higher total and fractional doses and the "older" treatment
      techniques were related with an increased incidence of the main late effects of
      treatment. More recently treated patients experienced less treatment-related
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this benchmark study may have implications
      for understanding and developing new radiotherapy techniques, such as three
      dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and, in particular, intensity
      modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for NPC patients.

PMID- 22095426
TI  - Metabolite detection of pancreatic carcinoma by in vivo proton MR spectroscopy at
      3T: initial results.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors sought to identify metabolic features of pancreatic
      carcinoma by in vivo proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy at 3 Tesla.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty healthy volunteers and 40 patients with pancreatic
      carcinoma confirmed by histopathology underwent T2-weighted imaging for
      localisation of the single voxel. Respiration-triggered (1)H MR spectroscopy was
      used to detect metabolites in normal pancreas and cancerous tissue. All spectral
      data were processed with SAGE software. Unsuppressed water at 4.7 ppm was used as
      an internal reference to determine metabolite concentrations. Each ratio among
      the different peak areas was statistically evaluated between normal pancreas and
      pancreatic carcinoma. RESULTS: The following five groups of spectra were
      detected: unsaturated fatty acids (-CH = CH-) at 5.4 ppm; residual water at 4.7
      ppm; choline metabolites at 3.2 ppm; unsaturated fatty acids (-CH2-CH = CH-) or a
      combination of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG),
      glutamine, glutamate, macromolecules and unsaturated fatty acids (-CH2-CH = CH-)
      at 2.0 ppm and lipids at 1.3 ppm. Ratio of lipids to unsuppressed water in normal
      pancreas was statistically greater than that in pancreatic cancer (p=0.004).
      Ratio of choline to unsuppressed water in normal pancreas was statistically
      greater than that in pancreatic cancer (p=0.0001). Ratio of fatty acids (-CH = CH
      ) to lipids in normal pancreas was statistically lower than that in pancreatic
      cancer (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with normal pancreas, pancreatic
      carcinoma has a higher ratio of fatty acids (-CH = CH-) to lipids and lower
      ratios of lipids to unsuppressed water and choline to unsuppressed water at 3T.

PMID- 22095427
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinoma in patients with a solitary
      kidney: a retrospective analysis of our experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the feasibility and safety of
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in patients with
      solitary kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients (two men, five women; age
      range 52-70 years; mean age 59.7 years) were treated under computed tomography
      (CT) and ultrasound (US) guidance. Three patients had single lesions, and the
      remaining four had multiple lesions. Seventeen lesions (4 cortical, 13 exophytic,
      maximum diameter range 12-40 mm, mean 21.0 mm) not located close to the renal
      pelvis were treated. CT or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging follow-up studies were
      obtained for all patients at the end of the procedure and at 1, 3, 6 and 12
      months; serum creatinine was also monitored. RESULTS: Ten ablation sessions were
      performed. In two patients, a perinephric haematoma was detected, and one of
      these patients had two episodes of self-limiting haematuria. Contrast-enhanced CT
      and MR imaging at the end of the procedure and at 1 month demonstrated 100%
      technical success; these results were confirmed at 3, 6 and 12 month. Fisher's
      test comparing serum creatinine obtained 1 day before and 1 day after the
      procedure showed no case of acute renal failure (mean serum creatinine 24 h
      before the procedure 1.02 mg/dl; mean serum creatinine 24 h after the procedure
      0.95 mg/dl; p=0.114; not significant). Serum creatinine at follow-up was always
      within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation in the solitary
      kidney is a safe and effective procedure for treating RCC.

PMID- 22095428
TI  - Phytotoxkit: a critical look at a rapid assessment tool.
AB  - Terrestrial plant toxicity testing contributes critical information to many site
      risk assessments, but standardized tests can be labor-intensive, use large
      amounts of soil, and employ long test durations. The Phytotoxkit (MicroBioTests,
      Environmental Bio-Detection Products) minimizes the time and cost associated with
      terrestrial plant testing with a unique test setup, a shorter test duration, and
      less soil. However, the sensitivity of the test remains an open question. In this
      research, the Phytotoxkit and the standardized Environment Canada terrestrial
      plant toxicity test (definitive test) are compared using a parallel testing
      approach. Three different scenarios were examined: a multiconcentration test, in
      which an inhibiting concentration (ICp) was derived from chemically amended
      soils; a soil remediation test, in which plant growth in a remediated soil was
      compared to the original contaminated soil; and a site soil test, in which plant
      growth in a contaminated soil was compared to a reference soil. The contaminants
      tested were boric acid, Cr(VI) with cyclodextrin as a remediation agent, and
      petroleum hydrocarbons. Trifolium pratense (red clover) was used in the first and
      second scenarios, and six different plant species were used in the third
      scenario. In the first scenario, the Phytotoxkit results compared well with the
      definitive test results after 5 and 7 d of exposure. In the second scenario, the
      Phytotoxkit results agreed with the definitive test when evaluating the
      effectiveness of remediation. In the third scenario, the Phytotoxkit results were
      often not in agreement with the results from the definitive test. The reduced
      sensitivity of the Phytotoxkit in the third scenario may be driven by test unit
      design, as plant roots are separated from soil by filter paper.

PMID- 22095429
TI  - Endothelial progenitor cells: current issues on characterization and challenging
      clinical applications.
AB  - Since their discovery about a decade ago, endothelial precursor cells (EPC) have
      been subjected to intensive investigation. The vision to stimulate respectively
      suppress a key player of vasculogenesis opened a plethora of clinical
      applications. However, as research opened deeper insights into EPC biology, the
      enthusiasm of the pioneer era has been damped in favour of a more critical view.
      Recent research is focused on three major questions: The fact that the number of
      EPC in peripheral blood is exceedingly low has consistently raised suspicion
      whether these cells can plausibly have an impact on physiological or
      pathophysiological processes. Secondly, whereas the key role of EPC in
      tumourigenesis has been strongly emphasized by various groups in the past, recent
      publications are challenging this hypothesis. Thirdly, the lack of consensus on
      EPC-defining markers and standardized protocols for their detection have
      repeatedly led to difficulties concerning comparability between papers. In this
      current review, an overview on recent findings on EPC biology is given, their
      challenging clinical implications are discussed and the perplexity underlying the
      current controversial debate is illustrated.

PMID- 22095436
TI  - Intestinal bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis is related to
      compromised Paneth cell antimicrobial host defense.
AB  - Liver cirrhosis is associated with bacterial translocation (BT) and endotoxemia.
      Most translocating bacteria belong to the common intestinal microbiota,
      suggesting a breakdown of intestinal barrier function. We hypothesized that
      diminished mucosal antimicrobial host defense could predispose to BT. Two rodent
      models of portal hypertension with increased BT were used, CCl(4)-induced ascitic
      cirrhosis and 2-day portal vein-ligated (PVL) animals. BT was assessed by
      standard microbiological techniques on mesenteric lymph nodes. Total RNA was
      isolated systematically throughout the intestinal tract, and expression of Paneth
      cell alpha-cryptdins and beta-defensins was determined by real-time quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). To determine functional consequences, mucosal
      antimicrobial activity was assessed with a fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      assay. BT was detectable in 40% of rats with cirrhosis. Compared with the group
      without BT, these animals exhibited diminished intestinal Paneth cell alpha
      cryptdin 5 and 7 expression. In contrast, PVL was associated with BT in all
      animals but did not affect antimicrobial peptides. The decrease in Paneth cell
      antimicrobials was most pronounced in the ileum and the coecum. Other
      antimicrobials showed no changes or even an induction in the case of BT at
      different sites. Antimicrobial activity toward different commensal strains was
      reduced, especially in the distal ileum and the cecum in experimental cirrhosis
      with BT (excluding PVL). CONCLUSION: Compromised Paneth cell antimicrobial host
      defense seems to predispose to BT in experimental cirrhosis. Understanding this
      liver-gut axis including the underlying mechanisms could help us to find new
      treatment avenues.

PMID- 22095437
TI  - Meta-analysis of phase III trials of docetaxel alone or in combination with
      chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Whether combination chemotherapy offers an advantage over sequential
      therapy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is still an unsettled issue.
      Polychemotherapy regimens containing taxanes has been shown to increase overall
      survival (OS), time to tumor progression (TTP), and overall response rate (ORR)
      when compared with regimens that did not contain a taxanes, while taxane-based
      doublets have a statistically significant benefit over single-agent taxane only
      for progression-free survival. However, the term "taxanes" generally includes
      both paclitaxel and docetaxel, drugs with different clinical activity. Aim of
      this work is to compare OS, TTP, and ORR in patients with MBC receiving docetaxel
      alone or in combination with chemotherapy using a formal meta-analysis. METHODS:
      We performed a systematic review of all published trials comparing docetaxel
      alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in MBC. RESULTS: Three
      randomized clinical trials including 1,313 patients were retrieved. A significant
      reduction of risk ratio was found in TTP (P <= 0.0001) but not in OS (P = 0.48)
      or ORR (P = 0.10) for patients treated with a chemotherapy agent plus docetaxel
      compared with docetaxel alone. Treatment with docetaxel alone is associated with
      a lower incidence of grade 3 diarrhea and stomatitis (diarrhea, P = 0.011;
      stomatitis, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Combination chemotherapy regimens with
      docetaxel show a statistically significant advantage for TTP, but not for OS and
      ORR in MBC. This review confirms that it is unlikely that any single agent or
      combination chemotherapy regimen will emerge as superior in MBC, due to its
      heterogeneous nature.

PMID- 22095438
TI  - Effectiveness of semi-quantitative multiphase dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI as a
      predictor of malignancy in complex adnexal masses: radiological and pathological
      correlation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether threshold criteria using semi-quantitative
      multiphase-dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE- MRI) can
      improve prediction of malignancy in complex adnexal masses. METHODS: MRI features
      of 70 complex adnexal masses with enhancing components in 63 patients were
      reviewed and correlated with histopathology (n = 67) or radiological follow-up (n
      = 3). Masses were categorised as benign (n = 34) or borderline/invasive malignant
      (n = 36). Borderline lesions (n = 6) were also analysed separately. Using the
      semi-quantitative breast analysis software, regions of interest were drawn around
      the most avidly enhancing component of each lesion. Maximum absolute enhancement
      of signal intensities (SI(max)), maximum relative enhancement (SI(rel)) and wash
      in rate (WIR) were recorded. Optimal threshold criteria were established to
      predict borderline/invasive malignancy. RESULTS: There was a significant
      difference in mean SI(max) (P < 0.05), SI(rel) (P < 0.01) and WIR (P < 0.001)
      between benign and borderline/invasive malignant groups. A cut-off WIR >= 9.5 l/s
      had a specificity of 88% and positive predictive value of 86% for predicting
      malignancy, significantly better than conventional MRI (62%, P < 0.01). WIR <8.2
      l/s had a negative predictive value of 94%. CONCLUSION: Threshold criteria using
      semi-quantitative multiphase DCE-MRI improves specificity in the prediction of
      malignancy in complex adnexal masses with enhancing components and is
      complementary to standard qualitative assessment. KEY POINTS: Semi-quantitative
      DCE-MRI threshold criteria are effective for predicting ovarian malignancy. The
      surgical approach may be altered depending on DCE-MRI threshold criteria
      analysis. Borderline tumours demonstrate significant overlap with benign lesions
      using DCE-MRI threshold criteria.

PMID- 22095439
TI  - Benefits of the quality assured double and arbitration reading of mammograms in
      the early diagnosis of breast cancer in symptomatic women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To address the benefits of double and arbitration reading regarding
      tumour detection rates, percentage of in situ tumours, and number (of patients)
      needed to send for expert reading (number needed to treat; NNT) for one
      additional tumour finding. METHODS: QuaMaDi is a quality assured breast cancer
      diagnosis programme; with two-view mammography (craniocaudal, mediolateral
      oblique) and, in case of breast density ACR 3 or 4, routine ultrasound imaging;
      and with independent double reading of all images. A consecutive sample of
      symptomatic women, i.e. women at risk for breast cancer, women aged 70 and above,
      and/or women with preceding BI-RADS III findings, was analysed. RESULTS: 28,558
      mammograms were performed (mean age of women: 57.3 [standard deviation: 12.3]
      years). Discordant findings were present in 3,837 double readings and were sent
      for arbitration reading. After histopathological assessment, 52 carcinomas were
      found (thereof 32% in situ). These carcinomas accounted for 1.8 tumours per 1,000
      examinations in the total cohort and increased the tumour detection rate up to
      16.4/1,000. The NNT in discordant cases was 74. CONCLUSION: Double and
      arbitration reading appears to be a useful tool to ensure the quality of early
      detection of breast lesions in symptomatic women during indication-based,
      standardised mammography. KEY POINTS: * Quality assured breast cancer diagnosis
      is feasible outside organised screening structures. * Double and arbitration
      reading is beneficial for populations ineligible for screening. * Double and
      arbitration reading increases the tumour detection rate. * Double and arbitration
      reading increases the percentage of in situ cancers.

PMID- 22095440
TI  - The quality of life trajectory of resected gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies describe quality of life (QoL) outcomes following
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer using a validated instrument. The gastric cancer
      module for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy system of QoL measurement
      tools (FACT-Ga) was utilized to determine the changes in QoL following
      gastrectomy, and during the disease course. METHODS: In 43 patients undergoing
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer, outcome such as complications, recurrence, and
      survival were annotated. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and QoL were
      determined preoperatively and at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Nineteen (44%)
      patients and 24 (56%) patients underwent partial gastrectomy (PG) and total
      gastrectomy (TG), respectively. Complications occurred in 30%, and one mortality
      (2.3%) occurred. Median survival was 23 months. KPS, FACT-G, and FACT-Ga scores
      all decreased after surgery, and normalized by 6 months. There was no significant
      difference in QoL in patients who had a PG or TG, although the type of
      gastrectomy did affect KPS. QoL dropped on average 4.4 +/- 3.6 months prior to
      death. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery adversely affects QoL for up to 6 months. Thereafter,
      QoL mirrors changes in disease status. More studies are required to document the
      QoL cost-benefit ratio in gastric cancer, which often is accompanied by short
      survival benefits.

PMID- 22095441
TI  - ARID2: a new tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide,
      however, genetic-environmental interactions and mechanisms associated with the
      development of HCC remains largely unclear. Our recent work described novel
      inactivating mutations of ARID2 (AT-rich interactive domain 2) in four major
      subtypes of HCC through exomic sequencing of ten HCV-associated HCCs and
      subsequent evaluation of the tumors from additional affected individuals. Here,
      we summarize the current knowledge about the relevance of ARID2 in HCC and the
      implication in future patient care.

PMID- 22095442
TI  - Dietary supplementation with methylseleninic acid, but not selenomethionine,
      reduces spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice.
AB  - The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with
      methylseleninic acid (MSeA), in comparison with selenomethionine (SeMet), on
      spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in male C57BL/6 mice using
      intramuscular and subcutaneous injection models. Mice were fed AIN93G control
      diet or that diet supplemented with MSeA or SeMet at 2.5 mg selenium/kg for 4
      weeks at which time they were injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously with 2.5
      * 10(5)  viable LLC cells. Experiments were terminated 2 weeks later for mice
      injected intramuscularly or 2 weeks after surgical removal of primary tumors from
      mice subcutaneously injected with cancer cells. Dietary supplementation with MSeA
      significantly reduced pulmonary metastatic yield when compared with the controls
      (p < 0.05) in both models; however, SeMet did not have such an effect.
      Supplementation with MSeA significantly decreased plasma concentrations of
      urokinase-type plasminogen activator (p < 0.05) and plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, MSeA significantly reduced plasma
      concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05), fibroblast
      growth factor basic (p < 0.05) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (p < 0.05)
      when compared with the controls. Selenomethionine did not affect any of the
      aforementioned measurements. These results demonstrate that MSeA reduces
      spontaneous metastasis of LLC in mice, perhaps through inhibition of the
      urokinase plasminogen activator system and reducing angiogenesis.

PMID- 22095443
TI  - Evaluation of the energy efficiency of enzyme fermentation by mechanistic
      modeling.
AB  - Modeling biotechnological processes is key to obtaining increased productivity
      and efficiency. Particularly crucial to successful modeling of such systems is
      the coupling of the physical transport phenomena and the biological activity in
      one model. We have applied a model for the expression of cellulosic enzymes by
      the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei and found excellent agreement with
      experimental data. The most influential factor was demonstrated to be viscosity
      and its influence on mass transfer. Not surprisingly, the biological model is
      also shown to have high influence on the model prediction. At different rates of
      agitation and aeration as well as headspace pressure, we can predict the energy
      efficiency of oxygen transfer, a key process parameter for economical production
      of industrial enzymes. An inverse relationship between the productivity and
      energy efficiency of the process was found. This modeling approach can be used by
      manufacturers to evaluate the enzyme fermentation process for a range of
      different process conditions with regard to energy efficiency.

PMID- 22095444
TI  - The influence of social deprivation on length of hospitalisation.
AB  - The implementation of activity-based payment system named T2A-tarification a
      l'activite-in 2004 profoundly modified the financing of French hospitals.
      Presently applied to activities concerning medicine, surgery and obstetrics, the
      pricing for these activities was developed using the National Costs Study. The
      considerable differences observed between costs in the private sector and those
      in the public sector are in part justified, by the latter, by caring for patients
      with social deprivation. The goal of this study is to measure the influence of
      social deprivation on the length of hospitalisation. A survey on inpatient social
      deprivation was carried out from November to December 2008 by the French Ministry
      of Health (Department of Research, Study, Evaluation and Statistics-DREES, and
      technical agency of Hospital information-ATIH). Four dimensions of social
      deprivation were taken into consideration after a previous qualitative study:
      social isolation, quality of housing, level of income and access to rights. The
      sample is based on 27 hospitals, including public and private (for-profit and not
      for-profit), representing 57,175 stays, 6,800 of which were patients with social
      deprivation. After multivariate analyses adjusted for age, severity of illness
      and DRG, we found that there was a longer length of stay for inpatients with
      social deprivation (+16%), and in particular for patients living in social
      isolation (+17%) and for patients with inadequate housing (+17%). The impact of
      low income on the length of stay is less important. However, low income
      associated with inadequate housing significantly increases lengths of stay
      (+24%).

PMID- 22095445
TI  - Endothelial paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) play a critical role in
      neutrophil transmigration.
AB  - During an inflammatory response, endothelial cells undergo morphological changes
      to allow for the passage of neutrophils from the blood vessel to the site of
      injury or infection. Although endothelial cell junctions and the cytoskeleton
      undergo reorganization during inflammation, little is known about another class
      of cellular structures, the focal adhesions. In this study, we examined several
      focal adhesion proteins during an inflammatory response. We found that there was
      selective loss of paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) from focal adhesions
      in proximity to transmigrating neutrophils; in contrast the levels of the focal
      adhesion proteins beta1-integrin and vinculin were unaffected. Paxillin was lost
      from focal adhesions during neutrophil transmigration both under static and flow
      conditions. Down-regulating endothelial paxillin with siRNA blocked neutrophil
      transmigration while having no effect on rolling or adhesion. As paxillin
      dynamics are regulated partly by FAK, the role of FAK in neutrophil
      transmigration was examined using two complementary methods. siRNA was used to
      down-regulate total FAK protein while dominant-negative, kinase-deficient FAK was
      expressed to block FAK signaling. Disruption of the FAK protein or FAK signaling
      decreased neutrophil transmigration. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel
      role for endothelial focal adhesion proteins paxillin and FAK in regulating
      neutrophil transmigration.

PMID- 22095446
TI  - Preparation and properties of a drug release membrane of mitomycin C with N
      succinyl-hydroxyethyl chitosan.
AB  - A novel drug loaded membrane made of N-succinyl-hydroxyethyl chitosan and
      mitomycin C was used as an implant for glaucoma filtering surgery. The
      characteristics of the membrane, such as FTIR, equilibrium water content,
      swelling ratio, permeability, and drug release in vitro were determined. The L929
      fibroblast inhibition of drug loaded membranes was compared to hydroxyethyl
      chitosan film and blank control, detecting by MTT. The biodegradability and
      biocompatibility were evaluated by implanting membranes into the subcutaneous
      tissue and muscle of rats. FTIR indicated mitomycin C was introduced. The
      experimental results indicated the drug loaded membrane was effective on the
      swelling property, permeability, and drug release in vitro. Cell culture
      experimental results demonstrated that the destination membrane inhibited
      fibroblast proliferation. In vivo, the membranes showed bioabsorption and
      biocompatibility. The experimental results provide a theoretical basis for the
      future development of the drug loaded membrane as an implant for increasing the
      success rate of filtering surgery.

PMID- 22095447
TI  - Engineering of erythrocyte-based drug carriers: control of protein release and
      bioactivity.
AB  - This work reports the fabrication of layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte coated
      erythrocyte carriers that provide a simple means for controlling the burst and
      subsequent release of lysozyme. Erythrocytes were loaded with RITC-lysozyme as
      model compound via the hypotonic dialysis method. An encapsulation efficiency of
      41.6% and a loading amount of 12.7 pg/cell was achieved. It is demonstrated that
      these carriers maintain their shape and integrity similar to natural erythrocytes
      after the encapsulation procedures, and achieve a uniform distribution of the
      encapsulated lysozyme. The erythrocyte carriers were fixed with glutaraldehyde
      and then successfully coated with biocompatible polyelectrolytes, poly-L: -lysine
      hydrobromide and dextran sulfate, using the LbL method. It is demonstrated that
      the release profile of the encapsulated macromolecule can be regulated by
      adjusting the number of polyelectrolyte layers. Furthermore by adjusting the
      concentrations of the cross linking agent the activity of the encapsulated
      lysozyme can be well preserved. These core-shell microcapsules, consisting of
      erythrocytes loaded with bioactive substances and coated with a polyelectrolyte
      multilayer shell, hold promise for a new type of biocompatible and biodegradable
      drug delivery system.

PMID- 22095448
TI  - Prolonged release from PLGA/HAp scaffolds containing drug-loaded PLGA/gelatin
      composite microspheres.
AB  - Porous scaffolds that can prolong the release of bioactive factors are urgently
      required in bone tissue engineering. In this study, PLGA/gelatin composite
      microspheres (PGMs) were carefully designed and prepared by entrapping poly(L: 
      lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres (PMs) in gelatin matrix. By mixing PGMs
      with PLGA solution directly, drug-loaded PLGA/carbonated hydroxyapatite
      (HAp)/PGMs composite scaffolds were successfully fabricated. In vitro release of
      fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD70S) as a model drug from the scaffolds as
      well as PMs and PGMs was studied by immersing samples in phosphate buffered
      saline (pH = 7.4) at 37 degrees C for 32 days. Compared with PMs, PGMs and
      PLGA/HAp/PGMs scaffolds exhibited slow and steady release behavior with constant
      release rate and insignificantly original burst release. The swelling of PGMs,
      diffusion of drugs, and degradation of polymer dominated the release behaviors
      synergistically. The PLGA/HAp/PGMs scaffold offers a novel option for sequential
      or simultaneous release of several drugs in terms of bone regeneration.

PMID- 22095449
TI  - Directly created electrostatic micro-domains on hydroxyapatite: probing with a
      Kelvin Force probe and a protein.
AB  - Micro-domains of modified surface potential (SP) were created on hydroxyapatite
      films by direct patterning by mid-energy focused electron beam, typically
      available as a microprobe of Scanning Electron Microscopes. The SP distribution
      of these patterns has been studied on sub-micrometer scale by the Kelvin Probe
      Force Microscopy method as well as lysozyme adsorption. Since the lysozyme is
      positively charged at physiological pH, it allows us to track positively and
      negatively charged areas of the SP patterns. Distribution of the adsorbed
      proteins over the domains was in good agreement with the observed SP patterns.

PMID- 22095450
TI  - Development, characterization, and applications of a novel estrogen receptor beta
      monoclonal antibody.
AB  - The role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in breast cancer has been studied
      extensively, and its protein expression is prognostic and a primary determinant
      of endocrine sensitivity. However, much less is known about the role of ERbeta
      and its relevance remains unclear due to the publication of conflicting reports.
      Here, we provide evidence that much of this controversy may be explained by
      variability in antibody sensitivity and specificity and describe the development,
      characterization, and potential applications of a novel monoclonal antibody
      targeting full-length human ERbeta and its splice variant forms. Specifically, we
      demonstrate that a number of commercially available ERbeta antibodies are
      insensitive for ERbeta and exhibit significant cross-reaction with ERalpha.
      However, our newly developed MC10 ERbeta antibody is shown to be highly specific
      and sensitive for detection of full-length ERbeta and its variant forms. Strong
      and variable staining patterns for endogenous levels of ERbeta protein were
      detected in normal human tissues and breast tumors using the MC10 antibody.
      Importantly, ERbeta was shown to be expressed in a limited cohort of both ERalpha
      positive and ERalpha negative breast tumors. Taken together, these data
      demonstrate that the use of poorly validated ERbeta antibodies is likely to
      explain much of the controversy in the field with regard to the biological
      relevance of ERbeta in breast cancer. The use of the MC10 antibody, in
      combination with highly specific antibodies targeting only full-length ERbeta, is
      likely to provide additional discriminatory features in breast cancers that may
      be useful in predicting response to therapy.

PMID- 22095451
TI  - Comment on "Visual layout modulates Fitts's law: the importance of first and last
      positions".
AB  - Pratt, Adam, and Fischer (2007) investigated the effect of surrounding targets on
      the time it took to move to an individual target and found that the movement time
      to a central target was above the Fitts's law line related to the first and last
      targets. They explained their results in terms of a "visuomotor hypothesis."
      Here, an alternative explanation is given in terms of a previously validated
      model of the "available target width" that is determined by the size of the
      target and the width of the finger pad that is being used to hit the target.

PMID- 22095452
TI  - The association between insulin levels and cortical bone: findings from a cross
      sectional analysis of pQCT parameters in adolescents.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at
      increased risk of fracture, possibly because hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor
      for low bone mineral density, which may in turn be a consequence of a lipotoxic
      effect of visceral and/or intramuscular fat on bone. In the current study, we
      investigated whether insulin plays a role in cortical bone development by
      performing a cross-sectional study based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of
      Parents and Children (ALSPAC), where we examined associations between fasting
      insulin levels and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) parameters
      as assessed at the mid-tibia in 2784 boys and girls with a mean age 15.5 years.
      In particular, we wished to examine whether associations that we observed were
      independent of body composition, including intramuscular fat. We found that
      insulin was inversely related to cortical bone mineral density (BMD(C)) after
      adjustment for age and after further adjustment for height, muscle cross
      sectional area (MCSA), subcutaneous fat (SAT), and muscle density (MD), which is
      inversely related to intramuscular fat (-0.018, 95% confidence interval [CI] 
      0.030, -0.006, p < 0.0001). Insulin was positively related to periosteal
      circumference (PC) after adjusting for age (0.015, 95% CI 0.003, 0.027, p =
      0.015; beta = change per 50% increase in insulin), but this changed to an inverse
      association after additional adjustment for height and body composition (-0.013,
      95% CI -0.022, -0.003, p = 0.008). Path analyses revealed inverse associations
      between insulin and PC via a direct pathway (-0.012, 95% CI -0.022, -0.003, p =
      0.01) and via MD (-0.002, 95% CI -0.004, -0.001, p = 0.0004), and positive
      associations between insulin and PC via SAT (0.013, 95% CI 0.009, 0.016, p <
      0.0001) and MCSA (0.015, 95% CI 0.010, 0.020, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we
      found an inverse relationship between insulin and PC via intramuscular fat,
      suggesting a lipotoxic effect on bone. However, an inverse association between
      insulin and both PC and BMD(C) persisted after adjusting for all body composition
      variables, suggesting insulin also acts to inhibit bone development via
      additional pathways yet to be elucidated.

PMID- 22095453
TI  - An integrated simulator for endolaryngeal surgery.
AB  - The acquisition and maintenance of skills in transoral microlaryngeal surgery
      requires extended practice. Effective mentoring of such single-operator
      procedures is not possible, making it important for trainee surgeons to acquire
      basic skills outside of the operating room before participating in procedures on
      patients. Currently available training simulators use either synthetic materials
      or human tissue, both of which have limitations. We have designed a hybrid
      simulator that incorporates a porcine larynx in to an airway training manikin,
      providing both accurate airway anatomy and natural tissue handling
      characteristics. This model allows training in the skills required for suspension
      laryngoscopy and the resection of laryngeal lesions. Further applications could
      include development of surgical techniques and instruments, and use in
      accreditation of training and revalidation of trained surgeons.

PMID- 22095455
TI  - Structure of the DNA-bound T-box domain of human TBX1, a transcription factor
      associated with the DiGeorge syndrome.

PMID- 22095454
TI  - Molecular mimicry as a mechanism of autoimmune disease.
AB  - A variety of mechanisms have been suggested as the means by which infections can
      initiate and/or exacerbate autoimmune diseases. One mechanism is molecular
      mimicry, where a foreign antigen shares sequence or structural similarities with
      self-antigens. Molecular mimicry has typically been characterized on an antibody
      or T cell level. However, structural relatedness between pathogen and self does
      not account for T cell activation in a number of autoimmune diseases. A proposed
      mechanism that could have been misinterpreted for molecular mimicry is the
      expression of dual T cell receptors (TCR) on a single T cell. These T cells have
      dual reactivity to both foreign and self-antigens leaving the host vulnerable to
      foreign insults capable of triggering an autoimmune response. In this review, we
      briefly discuss what is known about molecular mimicry followed by a discussion of
      the current understanding of dual TCRs. Finally, we discuss three mechanisms,
      including molecular mimicry, dual TCRs, and chimeric TCRs, by which dual
      reactivity of the T cell may play a role in autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22095456
TI  - Signalling plasticity and energy saving in a tropical bushcricket.
AB  - Males of the tropical bushcricket Mecopoda elongata synchronize their acoustic
      advertisement signals (chirps) in interactions with other males. However,
      synchrony is not perfect and distinct leader and follower roles are often
      maintained. In entrainment experiments in which conspecific signals were
      presented at various rates, chirps displayed as follower showed notable signal
      plasticity. Follower chirps were shortened by reducing the number and duration of
      syllables, especially those of low and medium amplitude. The degree of shortening
      depended on the time delay between leader and follower signals and the sound
      level of the entraining stimulus. The same signal plasticity was evident in male
      duets, with the effect that the last syllables of highest amplitude overlapped
      more strongly. Respiratory measurements showed that solo singing males producing
      higher chirp rates suffered from higher metabolic costs compared to males singing
      at lower rates. In contrast, respiratory rate was rather constant during a
      synchronous entrainment to a conspecific signal repeated at various rates. This
      allowed males to maintain a steady duty cycle, associated with a constant
      metabolic rate. Results are discussed with respect to the preference for leader
      signals in females and the possible benefits males may gain by overlapping their
      follower signals in a chorus.

PMID- 22095457
TI  - [Principles and new concepts in computer-navigated total hip arthroplasty].
AB  - Combined component placement of cup and stem is closely correlated to stability,
      functionality and wear in total hip replacement (THA). Computer-navigated
      orthopedic surgery offers a reliable control method for a complex three
      dimensional situation. Imageless navigation systems without the need of
      preoperative or intraoperative image acquisition and exposure to radiation have
      been proven to increase the accuracy of positioning the acetabular component and
      measure intraoperative leg length and offset changes precisely. A new development
      in this field is the noninvasive external femoral reference marker array system
      in conjunction with an imageless measurement technique. The future generation of
      imageless navigation systems will switch from simple measurement tasks to an
      integral part of the surgical process in navigated THA. The aim will be to find
      an optimized complementary component orientation with improved postoperative
      functionality and optimized range of motion without impingement.

PMID- 22095458
TI  - [Minimally invasive surgery in total hip arthroplasty :  Surgical technique of
      the future?].
AB  - AIM: A selective analysis of the latest literature was carried out including
      prospective clinical controlled studies on the comparison between minimally
      invasive total hip arthroplasty (MIS) and the conventional technique. METHODS: An
      online data base search for controlled study designs within the last 3 years
      (2009-2011) which compared MIS with standard procedures was performed. Data such
      as operation time, blood loss, Harris hip score, complications and implant
      positioning were compared. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies which compared the
      results of 387 MISs and 264 operations on hips with the standard technique were
      analyzed. In the majority of the studies reduced levels of creatine kinase and
      myoglobin as well as reduced intraoperative blood loss were reported. In the
      early postoperative period up to postoperative week 6 significant advantages in
      the Harris hip score were reported for the MIS patients. Postoperative
      complications and implant positioning were comparable in both groups. The
      operation time was significantly longer in the MIS group for some studies.
      CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive techniques in total hip arthroplasty are nowadays
      no longer seen as just cosmetically attractive but rather as a real improvement
      for the clinical outcome. In this respect prospective clinically controlled
      studies within the last 3 years showed advantages in the early postoperative
      period.

PMID- 22095459
TI  - [Is shorter really better? :  Philosophy of short stem prosthesis designs].
AB  - The presently available short hip stem designs show significant differences and
      can be differentiated into those containing the neck, those partially containing
      the neck and neck resection designs. In this article the currently available
      designs will be presented. Except for the Mayo stem there are no long-term
      results available. There are significant differences between the the systems
      especially with respect to reproducibility of the individual anatomy of patients
      therefore DEXA and DSA studies are needed in order to identify problematic stem
      designs early before clinical failures are produced in a large number of
      patients.

PMID- 22095460
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen G polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of
      invasive cancer of the uterine cervix.
AB  - Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G acts as negative regulator of the immune
      responses and its expression in tumor cells may enable them to escape
      immunosurveillance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of
      HLA-G polymorphism on risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HG
      CIN) and cervical cancer in a Canadian population. The authors have analyzed
      1,372 women from participants recruited between 2001 and 2009 in the ongoing
      Biomarkers of Cervical Cancer Risk case-control study. A total of 539 women with
      histologically confirmed HG-CIN and invasive cancer formed the case series, and
      833 women with normal cytology served as controls. Cervical specimens were tested
      for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA using the MY09/11 PCR protocol and HLA-G
      alleles where determined using a direct DNA sequencing procedures. HLA-G
      polymorphisms were not associated with HG-CIN or HPV infection. However, the risk
      for invasive cancer was significantly increased with the homozygous genotypes HLA
      G*01:01:02 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-8.61, p =
      0.006], -G*01:06 (OR = 19.1, 95% CI: 2.29-159, p = 0.005) and -G* 3'UTR 14-bp
      insertion (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.10-4.27, p = 0.020), whereas, the heterozygotic
      form of the G*01:01:01 wild-type allele was significantly associated with a
      reduced risk of invasive cancer (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.59, p < 0.0001) after
      adjusting for age, HPV infection and ethnicity. These associations were also
      observed with progression of disease from HG-CIN to invasive cancer among HPV
      positive women. These results suggest that HLA-G polymorphism is an independent
      risk factor for the development of invasive cervical cancer.

PMID- 22095461
TI  - Establishment of an experimental method for detecting circulating miRNAs in BDL
      mice.
AB  - Despite its great potency in self-rehabilitation, liver is the most vulnerable
      organ, and an early minor liver injury is unfortunately undetectable by the
      traditional assay of aminotransferases; hence, more sensitive and specific
      biomarkers of minor liver injury have attracted much attention. A number of
      studies have suggested that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are accessible and
      attractive parameters of early tissue injury. A recent study has found that
      plasma microRNA-122 is a disease severity-dependent biomarker, and there is an
      elevated level of microRNA-122 prior to the alteration of aminotransferases in
      viral, alcohol, and chemical-related hepatic injuries. Since bile duct-ligated
      (BDL) mice have been well adapted as an effective model of cholestatic hepatic
      injury, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and their relevant complications, we
      hypothesized that detection of circulating miRNAs will probably find its unique
      utility in BDL model and thus exploited an effective and reliable experimental
      method of studying serum-based miRNAs in BDL mice.

PMID- 22095462
TI  - Understanding and Treating Unwanted Trauma Memories in Posttraumatic Stress
      Disorder.

PMID- 22095463
TI  - Myocardial tissue engineering: toward a bioartificial pump.
AB  - Regenerative therapies, including cell injection and bioengineered tissue
      transplantation, have the potential to treat severe heart failure. Direct
      implantation of isolated skeletal myoblasts and bone-marrow-derived cells has
      already been clinically performed and research on fabricating three-dimensional
      (3-D) cardiac grafts using tissue engineering technologies has also now been
      initiated. In contrast to conventional scaffold-based methods, we have proposed
      cell sheet-based tissue engineering, which involves stacking confluently cultured
      cell sheets to construct 3-D cell-dense tissues. Upon layering, individual
      cardiac cell sheets integrate to form a single, continuous, cell-dense tissue
      that resembles native cardiac tissue. The transplantation of layered cardiac cell
      sheets is able to repair damaged hearts. As the next step, we have attempted to
      promote neovascularization within bioengineered myocardial tissues to overcome
      the longstanding limitations of engineered tissue thickness. Finally, as a
      possible advanced therapy, we are now trying to fabricate functional myocardial
      tubes that may have a potential for circulatory support. Cell sheet-based tissue
      engineering technologies therefore show an enormous promise as a novel approach
      in the field of myocardial tissue engineering.

PMID- 22095464
TI  - A study of UbcH10 expression and its association with recurrence of meningiomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: UbcH10 is an important regulator for the mitotic spindle assembly
      checkpoint pathway that regulates cell-cycle progression. Overexpression of
      UbcH10 significantly correlated with advanced tumor grade and high cell
      proliferation. METHODS: The expression of UbcH10 and Ki-67 in meningioma tissues
      were evaluated immunohistochemically in 47 patients with meningiomas. The
      correlation of UbcH10 immunoreactivity with clinicopathological features and the
      prognostic value of UbcH10 in patients were also analyzed. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemistry showed an increase in UbcH10 labeling index in atypical and
      anaplastic meningiomas versus classical meningiomas (10.53 +/- 5.79% vs. 4.23 +/-
      2.85%, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between UbcH10 and Ki-67
      immunoreactivity (Spearman r = 0.77, P < 0.001). Clinicopathological evaluation
      suggested that UbcH10 expression was associated with tumor grade and recurrence
      (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox multivariate analysis revealed
      a significant correlation between high levels of UbcH10 immunoreactivity and high
      rates of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: We conclude that UbcH10 may play important
      roles in the development of meningioma, high UbcH10 labeling index indicates
      higher grade of meningioma, and UbcH10 may be a useful molecular marker for
      predicting the prognosis of meningioma.

PMID- 22095465
TI  - FACT in Cell Differentiation and Carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22095467
TI  - Detection of biological uranium reduction using magnetic resonance.
AB  - The conversion of soluble uranyl ions (UO22+) by bacterial reduction to sparingly
      soluble uraninite (UO2(s)) is being studied as a way of immobilizing subsurface
      uranium contamination. Under anaerobic conditions, several known types of
      bacteria including iron and sulfate reducing bacteria have been shown to reduce U
      (VI) to U (IV). Experiments using a suspension of uraninite (UO2(s)) particles
      produced by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 bacteria show a dependence of both
      longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) magnetic resonance (MR) relaxation times on
      the oxidation state and solubility of the uranium. Gradient echo and spin echo MR
      images were compared to quantify the effect caused by the magnetic field
      fluctuations (T*2) of the uraninite particles and soluble uranyl ions. Since the
      precipitate studied was suspended in liquid water, the effects of concentration
      and particle aggregation were explored. A suspension of uraninite particles was
      injected into a polysaccharide gel, which simulates the precipitation environment
      of uraninite in the extracellular biofilm matrix. A reduction in the T2 of the
      gel surrounding the particles was observed. Tests done in situ using three
      bioreactors under different mixing conditions, continuously stirred,
      intermittently stirred, and not stirred, showed a quantifiable T2 magnetic
      relaxation effect over the extent of the reaction.

PMID- 22095466
TI  - Rapid generation of mature hepatocyte-like cells from human induced pluripotent
      stem cells by an efficient three-step protocol.
AB  - Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for end-stage cirrhosis
      and fulminant liver failure, but the lack of available donor livers is a major
      obstacle to liver transplantation. Recently, induced pluripotent stem cells
      (iPSCs) derived from the reprogramming of somatic fibroblasts, have been shown to
      resemble embryonic stem (ES) cells in that they have pluripotent properties and
      the potential to differentiate into all cell lineages in vitro, including
      hepatocytes. Thus, iPSCs could serve as a favorable cell source for a wide range
      of applications, including drug toxicity testing, cell transplantation, and
      patient-specific disease modeling. Here, we describe an efficient and rapid three
      step protocol that is able to rapidly generate hepatocyte-like cells from human
      iPSCs. This occurs because the endodermal induction step allows for more
      efficient and definitive endoderm cell formation. We show that hepatocyte growth
      factor (HGF), which synergizes with activin A and Wnt3a, elevates the expression
      of the endodermal marker Foxa2 (forkhead box a2) by 39.3% compared to when HGF is
      absent (14.2%) during the endodermal induction step. In addition, iPSC-derived
      hepatocytes had a similar gene expression profile to mature hepatocytes.
      Importantly, the hepatocyte-like cells exhibited cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)
      enzyme activity, secreted urea, uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and
      possessed the ability to store glycogen. Moreover, the hepatocyte-like cells
      rescued lethal fulminant hepatic failure in a nonobese diabetic severe combined
      immunodeficient mouse model. CONCLUSION: We have established a rapid and
      efficient differentiation protocol that is able to generate functional hepatocyte
      like cells from human iPSCs. This may offer an alternative option for treatment
      of liver diseases.

PMID- 22095468
TI  - Determination and pharmacokinetics of [6]-gingerol in mouse plasma by liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - This study describes the development of a rapid and sensitive high-performance
      liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      assay for the quantification of [6]-gingerol in mouse plasma and application to a
      pharmacokinetic study after dose ranging in mice. The assay involved a protein
      precipitation step with acetonitrile and an isocratic elution using a mobile
      phase consisting of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid (80:20
      v/v). The multiple reaction monitoring was based on the transition of m/z = 277.2
      -> 177.1 for [6]-gingerol and 294.2 -> 137.1 for nonivamide (internal standard).
      The assay was validated to demonstrate the specificity, linearity, recovery,
      accuracy, precision and stability. The calibration curves were linear over the
      wide concentration range of 10-10,000 ng/mL (r >= 0.9988). The lower limit of
      quantification was 10 ng/mL using a small volume of mouse plasma (20 MUL). The
      method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice after
      intravenous injection of [6]-gingerol at 1.5, 3 and 6 mg/kg doses. The
      pharmacokinetics of [6]-gingerol were linear over the dose range studied as
      demonstrated by the linear increase in area under the concentration-time curve
      (AUC(inf)) with no significant change in the systemic clearance (Cl(s)), volume
      of distribution (V(ss)) and elimination half-life (t(1/2)) as a function of dose.

PMID- 22095469
TI  - Chemical synthesis of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide partial structures
      and their selective proinflammatory responses.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of gastroduodenal inflammatory diseases
      such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers and also an important factor in
      gastric carcinogenesis. Recent reports have demonstrated that bacterial
      inflammatory processes, such as stimulation with H. pylori lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS), initiate atherosclerosis. To establish the structures responsible for the
      inflammatory response of H. pylori LPS, we synthesized various kinds of lipid A
      structures (i.e., triacylated lipid A and Kdo-lipid A compounds), with or without
      the ethanolamine group at the 1-phosphate moiety, by a new divergent synthetic
      route. Stereoselective alpha-glycosylation of Kdo N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidate
      was achieved by use of microfluidic methods. None of the lipid A and Kdo-lipid A
      compounds were a strong inducer of IL-1beta, IL-6, or IL-8, suggesting that H.
      pylori LPS is unable to induce acute inflammation. In fact, the lipid A and Kdo
      lipid A compounds showed antagonistic activity against cytokine induction by E.
      coli LPS, except for the lipid A compound with the ethanolamine group, which
      showed very weak agonistic activity. On the other hand, these H. pylori LPS
      partial structures showed potent IL-18- and IL-12-inducing activities. IL-18 has
      been shown to correlate with chronic inflammation, so H. pylori LPS might be
      implicated in the chronic inflammatory responses induced by H. pylori. These
      results also indicated that H. pylori LPS can modulate the immune response: NF
      kappaB activation through hTLR4/MD-2 was suppressed, whereas production of IL-18
      and IL-12 was promoted.

PMID- 22095470
TI  - 1alpha,25(OH)2D3-dependent modulation of Akt in proliferating and differentiating
      C2C12 skeletal muscle cells.
AB  - We previously reported that 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3)
      [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] induces non-transcriptional rapid responses through
      activation of Src and MAPKs in the skeletal muscle cell line C2C12. In the
      present study we investigated the modulation of Akt by the secosteroid hormone in
      C2C12 cells at proliferative stage (myoblasts) and at early differentiation
      stage. In proliferating cells, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) activates Akt by
      phosphorylation in Ser473 in a time-dependent manner (5-60 min). When these cells
      were pretreated with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin to disrupt caveolae microdomains,
      hormone-induced activation of Akt was suppressed. Similar results were obtained
      by siRNA silencing of caveolin-1 expression, further indicating that hormone
      effects on cell membrane caveolae are required for downstream signaling. PI3K and
      p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2, participate in 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) activation of Akt
      in myoblasts. The involvement of p38 MAPK in Akt phosphorylation by the hormone
      probably occurs through MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2), which is activated
      by the steroid. In addition, the participation of Src in Akt phosphorylation by
      1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) was demonstrated using the inhibitor PP2 and antisense
      oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress Src expression. We also observed that PI3K
      participates in hormone-induced proliferation. During the early phase of C2C12
      cell differentiation 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) also increases Akt phosphorylation and
      activates Src. Of relevance, Src and PI3K are involved in Akt activation and in
      MHC and myogenin increased expression by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). Altogether, these
      data suggest that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) upregulates Akt through Src, PI(3)K, and
      p38 MAPK to stimulate myogenesis in C2C12 cells.

PMID- 22095471
TI  - Bad habits die hard: the NOEC's persistence reflects poorly on ecotoxicology.

PMID- 22095472
TI  - MC1R genotypes and risk of melanoma before age 40 years: a population-based case
      control-family study.
AB  - The contribution of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene variants to the
      development of early-onset melanoma is unknown. Using an Australian population
      based, case-control-family study, we sequenced MC1R for 565 cases with invasive
      cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between ages 18 and 39 years, 409 unrelated controls
      and 518 sibling controls. Variants were classified a priori into "R" variants
      (D84E, R142H, R151C, I155T, R160W, D294H) and "r" variants (all other
      nonsynonymous variants). We estimated odds ratios (OR) for melanoma using
      unconditional (unrelated controls) and conditional (sibling controls) logistic
      regression. The prevalence of having at least one R or r variant was 86% for
      cases, 73% for unrelated controls and 81% for sibling controls. R151C conferred
      the highest risk (per allele OR 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.86-3.56 for the
      case-unrelated-control analysis and 1.70 (1.12-2.60) for the case-sibling-control
      analysis). When mutually adjusted, the ORs per R allele were 2.23 (1.77-2.80) and
      2.06 (1.47-2.88), respectively, from the two types of analysis, and the ORs per r
      allele were 1.69 (1.33-2.13) and 1.25 (0.88-1.79), respectively. The associations
      were stronger for men and those with none or few nevi or with high childhood sun
      exposure. Adjustment for phenotype, nevi and sun exposure attenuated the overall
      log OR for R variants by approximately 18% but had lesser influence on r variant
      risk estimates. MC1R variants explained about 21% of the familial aggregation of
      melanoma. Some MC1R variants are important determinants of early-onset melanoma.
      The strength of association with melanoma differs according to the type and
      number of variants.

PMID- 22095473
TI  - Diagnosis of a female urethral diverticulum using transvaginal contrast-enhanced
      sonourethrography.
AB  - The diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum is difficult due to its nonspecific
      symptoms, and invasive diagnostic procedures are often necessary. We report a
      case in which the diagnosis was made with contrast-enhanced transvaginal
      sonourethrography. The microbubble contrast agent could be seen filling the
      diverticular cavity via its opening.

PMID- 22095474
TI  - Identification of single  nucleotide polymorphisms in the CCNA2 gene and its
      association with wool  density in Rex rabbits.
AB  - The Rex  rabbit is a typical fur breed. Wool density, hair length, wool fineness,
      and  hide area are the main indices of fur quality. We previously found that the 
      CCNA2 gene plays an important role in hair follicle initiation and development, 
      and it is involved in the distinctive wool density of the Rex rabbit. It is an 
      important candidate gene for wool density selection through marker-assisted 
      selection. We conducted an association study to identify single nucleotide 
      polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CCNA2 gene and their ligands associated with 
      wool density. Using PCR-RFLP technology, we discovered two SNPs (129G>A and 
      1140G>C) of the CCNA2 gene. Allele frequencies of these two SNPs were 
      investigated and evaluated by the chi(2) test in  100 Rex rabbits. The two SNPs
      were both in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We also  looked for a potential
      association of these SNPs with fur traits in 100 Rex  rabbits. Rex rabbits with
      the GG genotype had significantly higher wool density  (P < 0.01) than those with
      other genotypes; the other three fur traits did  not differ significantly among
      the genotypes. In conclusion, the two SNPs of  the CCNA2 gene affect wool density
      in the Rex rabbit.

PMID- 22095476
TI  - Genes involved in glucose repression and oxidative  stress response in the
      fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - We looked for changes in gene expression and novel  genes that could be involved
      in the interaction between glucose repression and  oxidative stress response in
      the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe,  using a constitutive invertase
      mutant, ird11, which is resistant to  glucose. BLAST analysis was made of the S.
      pombe genome database of  cDNAs whose expression ratios differentially decreased
      or increased upon  exposure to mild oxidative stress in this mutant compared to
      the wild type.  Genes with this type of activity were identified as rpl302,
      encoding 60S  ribosomal protein L3, and mpg1, encoding mannose-1-phosphate 
      guanyltransferase; their expression patterns were measured using quantitative 
      real-time PCR. We found that the expression levels of rpl302 and mpg1 genes in
      ird11 under unstressed conditions were increased compared  to those of the wild
      type. Under stress conditions, the expression levels of  the rpl302 gene were
      decreased in both strains, while mpg1 expression  levels remained unchanged.
      These results suggest that these genes play a role  in the response to oxidative
      stress in this mutant strain.

PMID- 22095477
TI  - Serum microRNA expression in pregnancies with  preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia continues to be a mortal disease of pregnant  women throughout the
      world. Recently, geneticists, allied with obstetricians,  have opened new
      frontiers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are members of a class of small,  noncoding RNA
      molecules. They are critical posttranscriptional regulators of  gene expression.
      We extracted circulating miRNA from maternal plasma and  quantified mir-152 and
      mir-210. We found up-regulated miR-210 levels as well as  down-regulated mir-152
      levels in preeclampsia patients.We propose that  detection of increased mir-210
      levels in maternal serum could be used to  improve prediction methods for
      noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of preeclampsia.

PMID- 22095478
TI  - Evaluation of genetic dissimilarity in a segregating  wine grape population.
AB  - This study examined the genetic diversity present in a  population obtained by
      crossing two very distinctive varieties of wine grapes  (142 progeny from a
      Riesling x Cabernet Sauvignon cross, including both  parents, created at the
      University of California). The following list of  morphological characters were
      evaluated and found to segregate in this  population: cluster weight, cluster
      length, presence or absence of cluster  wings, cluster wing length, number of
      berries, cluster density (CD), and berry  weight. The following juice parameters
      were also measured:  degrees Brix, pH, total  phenolics, and titratable acidity.
      Genetic diversity within this population was  estimated through multivariate
      methods that utilized the Gower index of  dissimilarity and UPGMA clustering. The
      correlations between traits and  relative contribution of each variable were also
      compared. Eleven groups of  progeny were distinguished into categories with low,
      intermediate and high  values for cluster weight and cluster density, and low and
      high values for  total phenolics. An inverse correlation was detected between the
      variables  related to production and those related to the quality of the fruit.
      Principal  components analysis demonstrated that all variables examined in this
      study are  important for the correct discrimination of optimal genotypes in this 
      population. These statistical tools can be used to select individuals with the 
      greatest potential for producing high-quality wines.

PMID- 22095479
TI  - Single primer-based DNA amplification as a suitable  and low-cost tool for
      assessing genetic diversity in mangrove crabs.
AB  - We used single primer-based DNA markers to assess  genetic variability of the
      mangrove crab, Ucides cordatus, collected  from four different localities from
      Para to Santa Catarina States in Brazil  (almost 5000 km distant). Five primers
      were chosen based on the consistency of  the amplified bands and the polymorphism
      of each locus. A total of 78 loci were  amplified in 76 samples; high
      polymorphism rates were detected in the entire  sample (80.8%) and within each
      locality (73.5-79.5%). Analysis of molecular  variance demonstrates significant
      differences between localities (P <  0.001); however, the Phi(ST) value (0.078)
      indicates a low level of genetic  differentiation, which suggests that U.
      cordatus larvae can spread over  large distances. The variation was distributed
      among the samples, and most of  it was attributed to differences among
      individuals within localities. Cluster  analysis, based on the Jaccard similarity
      coefficient, and the Mantel test gave  similar results to the analysis of
      molecular variance data. Despite the low  level of population structuring, these
      markers could be used for studying U.  cordatus diversity, due to the high level
      of polymorphism.

PMID- 22095480
TI  - Molecular cloning of a new  wheat calreticulin gene TaCRT1 and expression
      analysis in plant defense  responses and abiotic stress resistance.
AB  - Calreticulin  proteins play essential roles in regulating various metabolic
      processes and in  molecular signal transduction in animals and plants. Using
      homologous PCR, we  screened a cDNA library of the wheat resistance gene Yr5 from
      a near-isogenic  line in the susceptible common wheat variety Taichung 29, which
      was inoculated  with an incompatible race CYR32 of Puccinia striiformis. We
      isolated a novel  full-length cDNA encoding calreticulin protein, which we named
      TaCRT1. Sequence  analyses indicated that TaCRT1 contains an open reading frame
      of 1287 bp in  length; it was deduced to encode 428 amino acids. Clustering
      analysis showed  that TaCRT1 belongs to group III of the calreticulin protein
      family.  Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze expression profiles of the 
      isolated gene under biotic and abiotic stresses. Expression of TaCRT1 was 
      suppressed by exogenous application of phytohormones, such as abscisic acid and 
      methyl jasmonate, and by dehydration; but it was induced by CYR32 infection and 
      cold treatment. Based on the expression patterns, we propose that TaCRT1
      participates  in regulatory processes involved in defense responses and stress
      resistance in  wheat.

PMID- 22095481
TI  - Establishing references for gene  expression  analyses by RT-qPCR in Theobroma
      cacao tissues.
AB  - Lack of  continuous progress in Theobroma cacao (Malvaceae) breeding, especially 
      associated with seed quality traits, requires more efficient selection methods 
      based on genomic information. Reverse transcript quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) has 
      become the method of choice for gene expression analysis, but relative 
      expression analysis requires various reference genes, which must be stable 
      across various biological conditions. We sought suitable reference genes for 
      various tissues of cacao, especially developing seeds. Ten potential reference 
      genes were analyzed for stability at various stages of embryo development, 
      leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and pod epicarp; seven of them were also 
      evaluated in shoot tips treated either with hormones (salicylate; ethefon; 
      methyl-jasmonate) or after inoculation with the fungus Moniliophthora  perniciosa
      (Marasmiaceae sensu lato). For developing embryos, the  three most stable genes
      were actin (ACT), polyubiquitin (PUB), and ribosomal  protein L35 (Rpl35). In the
      analyses of various tissues, the most stable genes  were malate dehydrogenase
      (MDH), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase  (GAPDH), and acyl-carrier
      protein B (ACP B). GAPDH, MDH and tubulin (TUB) were  the most appropriate for
      normalization when shoot apexes were treated with  hormones, while ACT, TUB and
      Rpl35 were the most appropriate after inoculation  with M. perniciosa. We
      conclude that for each plant system and  biological or ontogenetical condition,
      there is a need to define suitable  reference genes. This is the first report to
      define reference genes for  expression studies in cacao.

PMID- 22095475
TI  - Expressed sequenced tags profiling of resistant and  susceptible Gyr x Holstein
      cattle infested with the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.
AB  - Tick resistance in cattle is mainly found in zebu (Bos  indicus) animals,
      although it is also present in some taurine (B. taurus)  breeds. In order to
      characterize functional genes involved in tick  resistance/susceptibility in
      cattle, two cDNA libraries were generated using  skin tissues of selected
      Holstein x Gyr animals. A total of 2700 high-quality  reads from both resistant
      and susceptible cDNA were assembled into 458  sequences (contigs) and 834
      singletons, with a mean size of 447.7 nucleotides.  Assignment of homologous
      proteins by BLASTX revealed 790 (61.1%) and 300  (23.2%) hits in resistant and
      susceptible cDNA, respectively; 121 of these hits  matched bovine proteins. A
      total of 502 (38.9%) unique sequences were found to  have no significant homology
      with known sequences and were classified as novel  sequences. In general, the
      most abundant sequences consisted of those coding  for hypothetical proteins
      whose function had not yet been determined, in  addition to ribosomal proteins,
      binding proteins and structural proteins, such  as keratin and collagen. The most
      abundant protein found was collagen type III  alpha, although ribosomal proteins
      accounted for half of the 40 most frequent  hits. In addition, five matches
      within the top 40 best hits corresponded to  immune response proteins. These
      sequences could be used for future studies on  functional genomics of cattle tick
      resistance as well as for genomic sequencing  projects.

PMID- 22095482
TI  - High degree of genetic diversity among genotypes of  the forage grass Brachiaria
      ruziziensis (Poaceae) detected with ISSR  markers.
AB  - The grasses of the genus Brachiaria account for  80% of the cultivated pastures
      in Brazil. Despite its importance for livestock  production, little information
      is available for breeding purposes. Embrapa has  a population of B. ruziziensis
      from different regions of Brazil,  representing most of existing variability.
      This population was used to initiate  an improvement program based on recurrent
      selection. In order to assist the  genetic improvement program, we estimated the
      molecular variability among 93  genotypes of Embrapa's collection using ISSR
      (inter-simple sequence repeat)  markers. DNA was extracted from the leaves.
      Twelve ISSR primers generated 89  polymorphic bands in the 93 genotypes. The
      number of bands identified by each  primer ranged from two to 13, with a mean of
      7.41. Cluster analysis revealed a  clearly distinct group, containing most of the
      B. ruziziensis genotypes  apart from the outgroup genotypes. Genetic similarity
      coefficients ranged from  0.0 to 0.95, with a mean of 0.50 and analysis of
      molecular variance indicated  higher variation within (73.43%) than among species
      (26.57%). We conclude that  there is a high genetic diversity among these B.
      ruziziensis genotypes,  which could be explored by breeding programs.

PMID- 22095483
TI  - Successful preimplantation  genetic aneuploidy screening in Turkish patients.
AB  - Preimplantation  genetic diagnosis is a preventive approach for identifying
      genetic  abnormalities in early stages of reproduction. We used preimplantation
      genetic  aneuploidy screening in 230 cycles of patients with indications of
      advanced  maternal age, recurrent implantation failure, recurrent spontaneous
      abortions,  or severe male factor. Biopsied blastomeres from embryos with six to
      eight  blastomeres on day 3 were fixed and fluorescence in situ hybridization 
      was utilized on chromosomes 13, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, and Y. Among 945 
      morphologically normal embryos, 314 were diagnosed as chromosomally normal. 
      Trisomy and monosomy were observed in 36% of the cases (18% each). Embryo 
      transfer was used in 144 cycles, resulting in 41 pregnancies. Thirty-seven 
      healthy babies were delivered, with a take-home baby rate of 24.2% and an 
      implantation rate of 22%. We recommend preimplantation genetic aneuploidy 
      screening as a valuable technique to select normal chromosome embryos in order 
      to avoid multiple pregnancies due to the multiple embryo transfers that are 
      normally necessary to ensure pregnancy in poor prognosis in vitro fertilization 
      patients.

PMID- 22095484
TI  - TransLateral ACL reconstruction: a technique for anatomic anterior cruciate
      ligament reconstruction.
AB  - Anatomic placement of the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction confers biomechanical advantages over the traditional tunnel
      position. The anteromedial portal technique for anatomic ACL reconstruction has
      many well-described technical challenges. This paper describes the TransLateral
      technique. The technique produces anatomic femoral tunnel placement using direct
      measurement of the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle and out to in
      drilling. All work is carried out through the lateral portal with all viewing via
      the medial portal. There is no need for an accessory medial portal or
      hyperflexion of the knee. Level of evidence Expert opinion, Level V.

PMID- 22095485
TI  - MRI but not arthroscopy accurately diagnoses femoral MPFL injury in first-time
      patellar dislocations.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the femoral part of
      the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and its injury can be accurately
      assessed by standard knee arthroscopy in first-time patellar dislocations or
      whether preoperative MRI is required to determine injury location in patients
      where primary MPFL repair is attempted. METHODS: Twelve patients with acute first
      time dislocations and MRI-based injury of the femoral MPFL and ten patients with
      recurrent patellar dislocations underwent knee arthroscopy with the use of a 30
      degree optic and standard antero-medial and antero-lateral portals. The femoral
      origin was marked with a cannula under lateral fluoroscopy. Arthroscopic findings
      of the location of the native femoral MPFL and its injury were compared to the
      results of MRI and mini-open exploration. RESULTS: In acute cases, the average
      time from primary patellar dislocation to MRI evaluation was 3 days (1-9 days),
      and the average time from MRI to surgery was 8 days (3-20 days). The native
      femoral origin of the MPFL was not visible in any of the chronic cases during
      arthroscopy. In addition, in all acute cases, arthroscopy failed to directly
      visualize injury of the femoral MPFL (0 of 12), but mini-open exploration
      confirmed injury in 11 of 12 patients. This means that arthroscopy was less
      accurate than MRI for the diagnosis of femoral MPFL injury (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate the limitations of knee
      arthroscopy in identifying the femoral disruption of the MPFL, a crucial injury
      that occurs in patellar dislocations. Thus, if a primary MPFL repair is planned,
      determination of the site of repair should be based on the preoperative MRI.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study of non-consecutive patients, Level III.

PMID- 22095487
TI  - MR perfusion imaging using the arterial spin labeling technique for breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of perfusion imaging using an arterial
      spin labeling (ASL) technique for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen
      female patients with primary breast cancers were included in this study. All
      examinations were performed on 1.5 Tesla MRI systems. Visual evaluations of the
      colored perfusion map and MRI perfusion values were assessed. MRI and computed
      tomography (CT) perfusion values were compared. RESULTS: Thirteen of 14 tumor
      lesions could be visualized on the colored perfusion map. CT perfusion
      examinations were performed in eight breasts, and the relationship between the
      blood flow values of CT perfusion and of MR perfusion showed a significant
      correlation. CONCLUSION: Nonenhanced MR imaging by an ASL technique is valid for
      depicting breast cancer, and the MR perfusion value is thought to be helpful for
      quantitative diagnosis of breast cancer.

PMID- 22095486
TI  - Cell-free collagen type I matrix for repair of cartilage defects-clinical and
      magnetic resonance imaging results.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several well-described techniques are available for the treatment of
      chondral and osteochondral defects. The aim of the study was to assess the
      efficacy of a single-stage procedure incorporating a new cell-free collagen type
      I gel for the treatment of small chondral and osteochondral defects in the knee
      evaluated at 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with a cell
      free collagen type I gel matrix of 11 mm diameter. The grafts were implanted in
      the debrided cartilage defect and fixed by press-fit only. The clinical outcome
      was assessed preoperatively and at 6 weeks, and 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery
      using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner
      activity scale and visual analogue scale (VAS). Graft attachment rate was
      assessed 6 weeks postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      Cartilage regeneration was evaluated using the Magnetic Observation of Cartilage
      Repair Tissue (MOCART) score at 6, 12 and 24 months after implantation. Clinical
      results were correlated with MRI findings. RESULTS: Six male and nine female
      patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 26 (range: 19-40). No
      complications were reported. The mean VAS values after 6 weeks and the mean IKDC
      patient values after 6 months were significantly improved from the preoperative
      values (P = 0.005 and P = 0.009, respectively). This improvement remained up to
      the latest follow-up. There were no significant differences between the median
      preoperative and postoperative Tegner values (n.s.). Significant improvement of
      the mean MOCART score was observed after 12 months and remained by 24 months (P <
      0.001). MR images showed that in 14 of the 15 patients, the graft was completely
      attached by 6 weeks postoperatively. At 24 months after implantation, MRI
      demonstrated complete filling in all cases with a mainly smooth surface, complete
      integration of the border zone, homogenous structure of the repaired tissue and
      nearly normal signal intensity. No correlation between any variables of the
      MOCART score and the clinical scores was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      reveals that the new method produces both good clinical and magnetic resonance
      imaging results. Use of press-fit only implanted grafts of a smaller diameter
      leads to a high attachment rate at 24-month follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22095488
TI  - Early protective effect of mitofusion 2 overexpression in STZ-induced diabetic
      rat kidney.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes with a poorly
      defined etiology and limited treatment options. Early intervention is key to
      preventing the progression of DN. Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) regulates mitochondrial
      morphology and signaling, and is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous
      diseases. Furthermore, Mfn2 is also closely associated with the development of
      diabetes, but its functional roles in the diabetic kidney remain unknown. This
      study investigated the effect of Mfn2 at an early stage of DN. Mfn2 was
      overexpressed by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in streptozotocin-induced
      diabetic rats. Clinical parameters (proteinuria, albumin/creatinine ratio),
      pathological changes, ultra-microstructural changes in nephrons, expression of
      collagen IV and phosph-p38, ROS production, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis
      were evaluated and compared with diabetic rats expressing control levels of Mfn2.
      Endogenous Mfn2 expression decreased with time in DN. Compared to the blank
      transfection control group, overexpression of Mfn2 decreased kidney weight
      relative to body weight, reduced proteinuria and ACR, and improved pathological
      changes typical of the diabetic kidney, like enlargement of glomeruli,
      accumulation of ECM, and thickening of the basement membrane. In addition, Mfn2
      overexpression inhibited activation of p38, and the accumulation of ROS;
      prevented mitochondrial dysfunction; and reduced the synthesis of collagen IV,
      but did not affect apoptosis of kidney cells. This study demonstrates that Mfn2
      overexpression can attenuate pathological changes in the kidneys of diabetic
      rats. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism of this
      protective function. Mfn2 might be a potential therapeutic target for the
      treatment of early stage DN.

PMID- 22095489
TI  - A rare S33C mutation of CTNNB1 encoding beta-catenin in a parathyroid adenoma
      found in an Italian primary hyperparathyroid cohort.

PMID- 22095490
TI  - Relationship of age to bone microstructure independent of areal bone mineral
      density.
AB  - Previous studies using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have demonstrated
      that age is a major predictor of bone fragility and fracture risk independent of
      areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Although this aBMD-independent effect of age
      has been attributed to poor bone "quality," the structural basis for this remains
      unclear. Because high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography
      (HRpQCT) can assess bone microarchitecture, we matched younger and older subjects
      for aBMD at the ultradistal radius and assessed for possible differences in
      trabecular or cortical microstructure by HRpQCT. From an age-stratified, random
      sample of community adults, 44 women aged <50 years (mean age 41.0 years) were
      matched to 44 women aged >=50 years (mean age 62.7 years) by ultradistal radius
      aBMD (mean +/- SEM, younger and older aBMD 0.475 +/- 0.011 and 0.472 +/- 0.011
      g/cm2, respectively), and 57 men aged <50 years (mean age 41.3 years) were
      matched to 57 men aged >=50 years (mean age 68.1 years; younger and older aBMD
      both 0.571 +/- 0.008 g/cm2). In these matched subjects, there were no sex
      specific differences in trabecular microstructural parameters. However,
      significant differences were noted in cortical microstructure (all p < 0.05):
      Older women and men had increased cortical porosity (by 91% and 56%,
      respectively), total cortical pore volume (by 77% and 61%, respectively), and
      mean cortical pore diameter (by 9% and 8%, respectively) compared with younger
      subjects. These findings indicate that younger and older women and men matched
      for DXA aBMD have similar trabecular microarchitecture but clearly different
      cortical microstructure, at least at an appendicular site represented by the
      radius. Further studies are needed to define the extent to which this
      deterioration in cortical microstructure contributes to the aBMD-independent
      effect of age on bone fragility and fracture risk at the distal radius and other
      sites of osteoporotic fractures.

PMID- 22095492
TI  - Precision profiling and identification of human serum peptides using Fourier
      transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.
AB  - Many biomarker discovery studies are based on matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionisation (MALDI) peptide profiles. In this study, 96 human serum
      samples were analysed on a Bruker solariX(TM) MALDI Fourier transform ion
      cyclotron resonance (FTICR) system equipped with a 15 tesla magnet. Isotopically
      resolved peptides were observed in ultrahigh resolution FTICR profiles up to m/z
      6500 with mass measurement errors (MMEs) of previously identified peptides at a
      sub-ppm level. For comparison with our previous platform for peptide profile mass
      analysis (i.e. Ultraflex II) the corresponding time-of-flight (TOF) spectra were
      obtained with isotopically resolved peptides up to m/z 3500. The FTICR and TOF
      systems performed rather similar with respect to the repeatability of the signal
      intensities. However, the mass measurement precision improved at least 10-fold in
      ultrahigh resolution data and thus simplified spectral alignment necessary for
      robust and quantitatively precise comparisons of profiles in large-scale clinical
      studies. From each single MALDI-FTICR spectrum an m/z-list was obtained with sub
      ppm precision for all different species, which is beneficial for identification
      purposes and interlaboratory comparisons. Furthermore, the FTICR system allowed
      new peptide identifications from collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra
      using direct infusion of reversed-phase (RP) C(18)-fractionated serum samples on
      an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source.

PMID- 22095493
TI  - Thermodynamic study of gaseous vanadium phosphates by high-temperature mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Knowledge of the structures of gaseous oxyacid salts of the M(m) XO(n) type is of
      interest for understanding the nature of chemical bonds. Gaseous VPO(2) and
      VPO(3) have been identified by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry during the
      vaporization of mixtures of V(2)O(3) and alkali earth phosphates from molybdenum
      and tungsten effusion cells. The structures and molecular parameters of the
      gaseous vanadium phosphates under study were determined using quantum chemical
      calculations. On the basis of equilibrium constants measured for gas-phase
      reactions, the standard formation enthalpies were determined to be -273 +/- 17
      and -615 +/- 16 kJ.mol(-1) for VPO(2) and VPO(3), respectively.

PMID- 22095494
TI  - Measurements of water vapor isotope ratios with wavelength-scanned cavity ring
      down spectroscopy technology: new insights and important caveats for deuterium
      excess measurements in tropical areas in comparison with isotope-ratio mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The new infrared laser spectroscopic techniques enable us to measure the isotopic
      composition (delta(18)O and delta(2)H) of atmospheric water vapor. With the
      objective of monitoring the isotopic composition of tropical water vapor (West
      Africa, South America), and to discuss deuterium excess variability (d=delta(2)H 
      8delta(18)O) with an accuracy similar to measurements arising from isotope-ratio
      mass spectrometry (IRMS), we have conducted a number of tests and calibrations
      using a wavelength-scanned cavity ring-down spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) technique. We
      focus in this paper on four main aspects regarding (1) the tubing material, (2)
      the humidity calibration of the instrument, (3) the water vapor concentration
      effects on delta, and (4) the isotopic calibration of the instrument. First, we
      show that Synflex tubing strongly affects delta(2)H measurements and thus leads
      to unusable d values. Second, we show that the mixing ratio as measured by WS
      CRDS has to be calibrated versus atmospheric mixing ratio measurements and we
      also suggest possible non-linear effects over the whole mixing ratio range (~2 to
      20 g/kg). Third, we show that significant non-linear effects are induced by water
      vapor concentration variations on delta measurements, especially for mixing
      ratios lower than ~5 g/kg. This effect induces a 5 to 100/00 error in deuterium
      excess and is instrument-dependent. Finally, we show that an isotopic calibration
      (comparison between measured and true values of isotopic water standards) is
      needed to avoid errors on deuterium excess that can attain ~100/00.

PMID- 22095495
TI  - Development of a simultaneous liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric
      method for the determination of type B trichothecenes, their derivatives, and
      precursors in wheat.
AB  - A method coupling liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)
      was developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of trichothecenes,
      nivalenol, deoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside, fusarenon-X, 3
      acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, isotrichodermin, calonectrin, 3
      deacetylcalonectrin, 15-deacetylcalonectrin, 3,15-diacetylnivalenol, 4,15
      diacetylnivalenol, 3,15-diacetyldeoxynivalenol, and 3,4,15-triacetylnivalenol.
      The analytical parameters of trichothecenes and their derivatives were optimized
      to enable their highly sensitive detection. Evaluation of clean-up procedures
      using Multisep #226 and #227 indicated that Multisep #227 was more suitable for
      their simultaneous detection in wheat. In performance validation studies using
      the LC/MS/MS method with Multisep #227 cleanup, good recoveries ranging from 84%
      to 115% with relative standard deviations from 0.4% to 7.2% were measured. The
      limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.03 to 1.4 ng.g(-1) and from
      0.1 to 4.7 ng.g(-1) , respectively. The effect of matrices using matrix-matched
      calibration was estimated to range from 80% to 117% after Multisep #227 cleanup.
      Multisep #227 clean-up procedure with matrix-free standard calibration achieved
      accurate quantification without having a considerable effect on matrix compounds.
      Using the developed method, several trichothecene derivatives and precursors were
      detected in fungally inoculated wheat samples. The developed LC/MS/MS method is a
      practical technique that can be used for the quantification of trichothecenes in
      wheat. This study is the first report of an analytical method used for the
      simultaneous quantification of major trichothecenes, their derivatives and
      precursors.

PMID- 22095496
TI  - Estimating lean mass over a wide range of body composition: a calibration of
      deuterium dilution in the arctic ground squirrel.
AB  - Calculating body water through isotope dilution has become a useful way to
      nondestructively estimate body composition in many species. The most accurate
      estimates using this method require calibration against proximate chemical
      analysis of body composition for individual species, but no studies to our
      knowledge have calibrated this method on a hibernating mammal that seasonally
      undergoes dramatic changes in body composition. We use deuterium oxide to
      estimate total body water in captive arctic ground squirrels, Urocitellus
      parryii, and compare two approaches of calculating lean mass from total body
      water, both calibrated against lean mass based on proximate analysis. The first
      method uses a single tissue hydration constant to calculate lean mass from total
      body water; the second method uses a predictive equation to calculate lean mass
      from total body water and body mass. We found that the predictive equation
      performs better over the large range of body composition common to this species.
      Distillation of blood samples did not affect lean mass estimates from either
      calculation method. These findings indicate that isotope dilution using a
      predictive equation should work well as an alternative to destructive methods in
      other small mammals that undergo radical changes in body composition across their
      annual cycle.

PMID- 22095497
TI  - Product ion mobility as a promising tool for assignment of positional isomers of
      drug metabolites.
AB  - Travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry - mass spectrometry (TWIMS-MS) was
      evaluated as a tool for structural identification of metabolites of small
      molecule drugs in cases where the exact position of the biotransformation could
      not be identified by conventional tandem mass spectrometry. Test sets of
      compounds containing biotransformations at aromatic positions were analyzed.
      These present a problem for traditional MS methods since an atomic level
      localization of the biotransformation cannot normally be determined from MS(n)
      spectra. In addition to ion mobility measurements of the intact metabolite ions,
      ion mobility measurements of product ions were also made and the results compared
      with calculated values. This approach reduces the complexity of the problem,
      making theoretical calculations easier and more predictable when a modeled
      collision cross section (CCS) is required. A good relative correspondence between
      theoretical and measured CCSs was obtained allowing the identification of the
      exact position of the biotransformation. It was also demonstrated that authentic
      standards with substructures identical to those in the unknown can be used to
      assign the exact position of the biotransformation. In this approach the
      identification was based on the comparison of the drift times or CCSs for product
      ions of the standard, with those of the same product ions in the unknown.

PMID- 22095498
TI  - Formation of tungstate-containing cluster ions by polyoxotungstate anions under
      matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization conditions in the gas phase.
AB  - The gas-phase studies of transition-metal oxides continue to attract interest as
      such oxides are being used as catalysts in various oxidation processes. In this
      paper, singly negatively charged heteropolyoxotungstate and isopolyoxotungstate
      ion clusters were produced from Keggin-type polyoxotungstates by matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR MS). It was found that the ion series
      [(PO(3))(WO(3))(n)](-), [(WO(3))(n)](-) and [(OH)(WO(3))(n)](-) were the main
      fragment ions in the mass spectra and the matrix greatly influenced the resulting
      cluster ion abundances. [(PO(3))(WO(3))(3)](-), [(WO(3))(3)](-) and
      [(OH)(WO(3))(4)](-) were the most intense ions in each series when 2-(4
      hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid was the matrix, whereas [(PO(3))(WO(3))(4)](-),
      [(WO(3))(6)](-) and [(OH)(WO(3))(4)](-) were the most intense when dithranol
      (DIT) was the matrix. In addition, a new kind of hybrid ion [W(2)C(14)H(7)O(8)](
      ) was produced through the reaction of DIT and [(OH)(WO(3))](-) in the plume of
      the gas phase. These results highlight the utility of the MALDI-FT method for
      obtaining novel ion clusters and also show the stability of these clusters.

PMID- 22095499
TI  - Space-charge effects with mass-selective axial ejection from a linear quadrupole
      ion trap.
AB  - Methods to reduce mass shifts caused by space charge with mass-selective axial
      ejection from a linear quadrupole ion trap are investigated. For axial ejection,
      dipole excitation is applied to excite ions at q ~ 0.85. The trapping
      radiofrequency (rf) voltage is scanned to bring ions of different m/z values into
      resonance for excitation. In the fringing field at the quadrupole exit, excited
      ions gain axial kinetic energy, overcoming the trapping potential, and are
      ejected from the trap. Space charge causes the frequencies of ion oscillation to
      decrease. Thus, greater rf voltages are required to bring ions into resonance for
      excitation and ejection, and the ions shift to higher apparent masses in a mass
      spectrum. At the same time, the peaks broaden, lowering resolution. The effects
      of injection q value, ejection q value, excitation amplitude, quadrupole dc
      voltages applied to the electrodes, applying an rf voltage to the exit lens, and
      scan speed, on mass shifts have been studied experimentally. Most experiments
      were done with only ions of protonated reserpine (m/z 609.3 and its isotopic
      peaks) in the trap. Some experiments were done with ions of protonated reserpine
      and ions of m/z 622 in the trap. In general, the mass shifts are reduced with
      higher ejection q values, higher excitation amplitudes, with quadrupole dc
      applied, and at higher scan speeds. The application of quadrupole dc appears to
      increase the ion cloud temperature, which lowers mass shifts. Thus, a proper
      choice of operating conditions can reduce, but not eliminate, mass shifts caused
      by space charge.

PMID- 22095500
TI  - Direct antigen detection from immunoprecipitated beads using matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry; a new method for
      immunobeads-mass spectrometry (iMS).
AB  - One-step detection of biological molecules is one of the principal techniques for
      clinical diagnosis, and the potential of mass spectrometry for biomarker
      detection has been a promising new approach in the field of medical sciences. We
      demonstrate here a new and high-sensitivity method that we termed immunobeads
      mass spectrometry (iMS), which combines conventional immunoprecipitation and
      matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF MS). The key feature of iMS is the MS-compatible condition of
      immunoprecipitation using detergents with a monosaccaride-C8 alkyl chain or a
      disaccharide-C10 alkyl chain, and the minimized number of steps required for high
      sensitivity detection of target peptides in serum or biological fluid. This was
      achieved by optimizing the wash buffer and subjecting the immunobeads directly to
      MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Using this method, we showed that 1 fmol of amyloid beta
      peptide spiked in serum was readily detectable, demonstrating the powerful tool
      of iMS as a biomarker detection method.

PMID- 22095502
TI  - Can collision-induced negative-ion fragmentations of [M-H](-) anions be used to
      identify phosphorylation sites in peptides?
AB  - A joint experimental and theoretical investigation of the fragmentation behaviour
      of energised [M-H](-) anions from selected phosphorylated peptides has confirmed
      some of the most complex rearrangement processes yet to be reported for peptide
      negative ions. In particular: pSer and pThr (like pTyr) may transfer phosphate
      groups to C-terminal carboxyl anions and to the carboxyl anion side chains of Asp
      and Glu, and characteristic nucleophilic/cleavage reactions accompany or follow
      these rearrangements. pTyr may transfer phosphate to the side chains of Ser and
      Thr. The reverse reaction, namely transfer of a phosphate group from pSer or pThr
      to Tyr, is energetically unfavourable in comparison. pSer can transfer phosphate
      to a non-phosphorylated Ser. The non-rearranged [M-H](-) species yields more
      abundant product anions than its rearranged counterpart. If a peptide containing
      any or all of Ser, Thr and Tyr is not completely phosphorylated, negative-ion
      cleavages can determine the number of phosphated residues, and normally the
      positions of Ser, Thr and Tyr, but not which specific residues are
      phosphorylated. This is in accord with comments made earlier by Lehmann and
      coworkers.

PMID- 22095501
TI  - Global optimization of the infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray
      ionization (IR MALDESI) source for mass spectrometry using statistical design of
      experiments.
AB  - Design of experiments (DOE) is a systematic and cost-effective approach to system
      optimization by which the effects of multiple parameters and parameter
      interactions on a given response can be measured in few experiments. Herein, we
      describe the use of statistical DOE to improve a few of the analytical figures of
      merit of the infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization
      (IR-MALDESI) source for mass spectrometry. In a typical experiment, bovine
      cytochrome c was ionized via electrospray, and equine cytochrome c was desorbed
      and ionized by IR-MALDESI such that the ratio of equine:bovine was used as a
      measure of the ionization efficiency of IR-MALDESI. This response was used to
      rank the importance of seven source parameters including flow rate, laser
      fluence, laser repetition rate, ESI emitter to mass spectrometer inlet distance,
      sample stage height, sample plate voltage, and the sample to mass spectrometer
      inlet distance. A screening fractional factorial DOE was conducted to designate
      which of the seven parameters induced the greatest amount of change in the
      response. These important parameters (flow rate, stage height, sample to mass
      spectrometer inlet distance, and laser fluence) were then studied at higher
      resolution using a full factorial DOE to obtain the globally optimized
      combination of parameter settings. The optimum combination of settings was then
      compared with our previously determined settings to quantify the degree of
      improvement in detection limit. The limit of detection for the optimized
      conditions was approximately 10 attomoles compared with 100 femtomoles for the
      previous settings, which corresponds to a four orders of magnitude improvement in
      the detection limit of equine cytochrome c.

PMID- 22095503
TI  - Continuous-flow step gradient mass spectrometry based method for the
      determination of kinetic parameters of immobilized mushroom tyrosinase in
      equilibrating conditions: comparison with free enzyme.
AB  - A mass spectrometry (MS)-based methodology for enzymatic assay in equilibrium
      conditions was designed and evaluated. This on-line assay involves the
      introduction of a continuous-flow step gradient (CFSG) of a substrate solution in
      the column containing immobilized enzyme and the simultaneous tracking of the
      product formation. We showed that the constant concentration of substrate in the
      entire bioreactor for an appropriate duration ensures the equilibration of the
      studied enzyme (mushroom tyrosinase). Under these conditions, it was demonstrated
      also that the kinetic and enzymatic parameters (Michaelis-Menten constant, K(M) ,
      the maximal specific activity, SA(max)) are independent of the flow rate of the
      mobile phase. The feasibility of the mentioned approach for inhibitory tests was
      also investigated. The coupling of the mass spectrometer to the bio-reactor
      allows the selective monitoring of the enzymatic reaction products and increases
      their detection level. Very high sensitivity, 500 pmol/min/column, and selective
      monitoring of the products of the enzymatic reaction are allowed by MS detection.
      The methodology developed here constitutes a sensitive analytical tool to study
      enzymes requiring long equilibration times.

PMID- 22095505
TI  - Systematic fragmentation patterns of archaeal intact polar lipids by high
      performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion-trap mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Archaea are ubiquitous and abundant microorganisms on Earth that mediate key
      global biogeochemical cycles. The headgroup attached to the sn-1 position of the
      glycerol backbone and the ether-linked isoprenoid lipids are among the diagnostic
      traits that distinguish Archaea from Bacteria and Eukarya. Over the last 30
      years, numerous archaeal lipids have been purified and described in pure
      cultures. Coupled high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) ion-trap mass
      spectrometry (ITMS) now enables the detection and rapid identification of intact
      polar lipids in relatively small and complex samples, revealing a wide range of
      archaeal lipids in natural environments. Although major structural groups have
      been identified, the lack of a systematic evaluation of MS/MS fragmentation
      patterns has hindered the characterization of several atypical components that
      are therefore considered as unknowns. Here, we examined mass spectra resulting
      from lipid analysis of natural microbial communities using HPLC/electrospray
      ionization (ESI)-ITMS(n), and depicted the systematics in MS(2) fragmentation of
      intact archaeal lipids. This report will be particularly useful for environmental
      scientists interested in a rapid and straightforward characterization of intact
      archaeal membrane lipids.

PMID- 22095504
TI  - Mammalian DNA delta15N exhibits 400/00 intramolecular variation and is
      unresponsive to dietary protein level.
AB  - We report the first high-precision characterization of molecular and
      intramolecular delta(15)N of nucleosides derived from mammalian DNA. The
      influence of dietary protein level on brain amino acids and deoxyribonucleosides
      was determined to investigate whether high protein turnover would alter amino
      acid (15)N or (13)C values. Pregnant guinea pig dams were fed control diets, or
      high or low levels of dietary protein throughout gestation, and all pups were fed
      control diets. The cerebellar DNA of offspring was extracted at 2 and 120 days of
      life, nucleosides isolated and delta(15)N and delta(13)C values characterized.
      Mean diet delta(15)N was 0.45 +/- 0.330/00, compared with cerebellar whole tissue
      and DNA delta(15) N= +4.1 +/- 0.70/00 and -4.5 +/- 0.40/00, respectively.
      Cerebellar deoxythymidine (dT), deoxycytidine (dC), deoxyadenosine (dA), and
      deoxyguanosine (dG) delta(15)N were +1.4 +/- 0.4, -2.1 +/- 0.9, -7.2 +/- 0.3, and
      -10.4 +/- 0.50/00, respectively. There were no changes in amino acid or
      deoxyribonucleoside delta(15) N values due to dietary protein level. Using known
      metabolic relationships, we developed equations to calculate the intramolecular
      delta(15)N values originating from aspartate (asp) in purines (pur) or
      pyrimidines (pyr), glutamine (glu), and glycine (gly) to be delta(15)N(ASP-PUR),
      delta(15)N(ASP-PYR), delta(15) N(GLN), and delta(15) N(GLY) +11.9 +/- 2.30/00,
      +7.0 +/- 2.00/00, -9.1 +/- 2.40/00, and -31.8 +/- 8.90/00, respectively. A subset
      of twelve amino acids from food and brain had mean delta(15) N values of 4.3 +/-
      3.20/00 and 13.8 +/- 3.10/00, respectively, and delta(15)N values for gly and asp
      were 12.6 +/- 2.20/00 and 15.2 +/- 0.80/00, respectively. A separate isotope
      tracer study detected no significant turnover of cerebellar DNA in the first six
      months of life. The large negative delta(15)N difference between gly and
      cerebellar purine N at the gly (7) position implies either that there is a major
      isotope effect during DNA synthesis, or that in utero gly has a different isotope
      ratio during rapid growth and metabolism from that in adult life. Our data show
      that cerebellar nucleoside intramolecular delta(15)N values vary over more than
      400/00 and are not influenced by dietary protein level or age.

PMID- 22095506
TI  - Evaluation of direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry for onsite
      monitoring of batch slurry reactions.
AB  - Batch slurry reactions are widely used in the industrial manufacturing of
      chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and polymers. However, onsite
      monitoring of batch slurry reactions is still not feasible in production plants
      due to the challenge in analyzing heterogeneous samples without complicated
      sample preparation procedures. In this study, direct analysis in real time mass
      spectrometry (DART-MS) has been evaluated for the onsite monitoring of a model
      batch slurry reaction. The results suggested that automation of the sampling
      process of DART-MS is important to achieve quantitative results. With a sampling
      technique of manual sample deposition on melting point capillaries followed by
      automatic sample introduction across the helium beam, relative standard deviation
      (RSD) of the protonated molecule signals from the reaction product of the model
      batch slurry reaction ranged from 6 to 30%. This RSD range is improved greatly
      over a sampling technique of manual sample deposition followed by manual sample
      introduction where the RSDs are up to 110%. Furthermore, with the semi-automated
      sampling approach, semi-quantitative analysis of slurry samples has been
      achieved. Better quantification is expected with a fully automated sampling
      approach.

PMID- 22095507
TI  - Characterization of diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donors (NONOates) by
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
AB  - Diazeniumdiolates (also called NONOates) have been analyzed by electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The samples used are commercially
      available and included Diethylamine NONOate, DETA NONOate, Spermine NONOate,
      MAHMA NONOate, PROLI NONOate, Dipropylenetriamine NONOate, PAPA NONOate, and
      Sulpho NONOate. These compounds have been found to ionize upon ESI by
      protonation, deprotonation and sodiation. The MS(n) experiments provided strong
      evidence that such ions release NO, HNO, N(2)O, NO(2), N(2)O(2), N(3)O(3),
      N(4)O(3) and N(4)O(4) when collisionally activated. Thus, the facile donation of
      NO units is a property of such compounds. Negative-mode mass spectrometry has
      been particularly useful for the analysis of most of the NONOates studied here.
      The experiments have demonstrated the capabilities of mass spectrometry, along
      with CAD (MS/MS), to detect and characterize such compounds.

PMID- 22095508
TI  - Liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry (LESA-MS) as a novel
      profiling tool for drug distribution and metabolism analysis: the terfenadine
      example.
AB  - Liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry (LESA-MS) is a novel surface
      profiling technique that combines micro-liquid extraction from a solid surface
      with nano-electrospray mass spectrometry. One potential application is the
      examination of the distribution of drugs and their metabolites by analyzing ex
      vivo tissue sections, an area where quantitative whole body autoradiography
      (QWBA) is traditionally employed. However, QWBA relies on the use of radiolabeled
      drugs and is limited to total radioactivity measured whereas LESA-MS can provide
      drug- and metabolite-specific distribution information. Here, we evaluate LESA
      MS, examining the distribution and biotransformation of unlabeled terfenadine in
      mice and compare our findings to QWBA, whole tissue LC/MS/MS and MALDI-MSI. The
      spatial resolution of LESA-MS can be optimized to ca. 1 mm on tissues such as
      brain, liver and kidney, also enabling drug profiling within a single organ. LESA
      MS can readily identify the biotransformation of terfenadine to its major, active
      metabolite fexofenadine. Relative quantification can confirm the rapid absorption
      of terfendine after oral dosage, its extensive first pass metabolism and the
      distribution of both compounds into systemic tissues such as muscle, spleen and
      kidney. The elimination appears to be consistent with biliary excretion and only
      trace levels of fexofenadine could be confirmed in brain. We found LESA-MS to be
      more informative in terms of drug distribution than a comparable MALDI-MS imaging
      study, likely due to its favorable overall sensitivity due to the larger surface
      area sampled. LESA-MS appears to be a useful new profiling tool for examining the
      distribution of drugs and their metabolites in tissue sections.

PMID- 22095509
TI  - Peptide polarity and the position of arginine as sources of selectivity during
      positive electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry.
AB  - Electrospray ionisation (ESI) is a selective process and, for similar sized
      analytes, the intrinsic properties of the molecules affect the ionisation process
      and their response. This research sets out to determine the effect of some of
      these properties in peptides: peptide polarity and the presence of arginine at
      positions 1 and 4 in the amino acid sequence on the ESI response. Six peptides;
      molecular mass ranges 1.3-1.6 kDa; substance P (SP) and glutamate fibrinopeptide
      (GFP) and 3.2-3.7 kDa; calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive
      intestinal peptide (VIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and defensin human
      neutropeptide 2 (DHNP2), were investigated. We have demonstrated that in positive
      ESI, for similar sized peptides and the same charge state, the responsiveness is
      in the order: Peptides with N or C terminal arginine > most non-polar peptides >
      least non-polar peptides. Therefore, arginine at the terminal position is a
      source of selectivity. Data from matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation
      (MALDI) analysis supports that of the ESI experiments: Peptides with a terminal
      arginine residue generated higher signal intensities. Our observations extend our
      understanding of the ESI process and provide a rational approach to optimising
      sensitivity of electrospray conditions where a narrow mass range of peptides are
      poorly chromatographically resolved. This information will provide for a more
      effective method development process, especially during label-free quantitative
      determination of peptides extracted in solution.

PMID- 22095510
TI  - Removal of 3'-phosphate group by bacterial alkaline phosphatase improves
      oligonucleotide sequence coverage of RNase digestion products analyzed by
      collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry.
AB  - RNase mapping by nucleobase-specific endonucleases combined with liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is a powerful analytical
      method for characterizing ribonucleic acids (RNAs). Endonuclease digestion of RNA
      yields products that contain a 3'-terminal phosphate group. MS/MS via collision
      induced dissociation (CID) of these digestion products on a linear ion trap
      generates fragmentation pathways that include the loss of phosphoric acid (
      H(3)PO(4); -98 u), which does not provide information about the sequence of the
      digestion products and can reduce ion abundance from other pathways that provide
      sequence information. Here we investigate the use of bacterial alkaline
      phosphatase (BAP) after RNase digestion to remove the 3'-terminal phosphate from
      all RNase digestion products prior to LC/MS/MS analysis. RNase digestion products
      lacking the 3'-phosphate were found to produce CID spectra with more consistent,
      high-abundance c- and y-type fragment ions as well as significantly more a-Base
      and w-type ions than digestion products retaining the 3'-phosphate. In this
      manner, RNase mapping with LC/MS/MS can provide more complete RNA sequence
      information from fragment ions of higher abundance that are easier to interpret
      and identify.

PMID- 22095511
TI  - An algorithm for identifying multiply modified endogenous proteins using both
      full-scan and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometric data.
AB  - Mass spectrometry based proteomic experiments have advanced considerably over the
      past decade with high-resolution and mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry
      (MS/MS) capabilities now allowing routine interrogation of large peptides and
      proteins. Often a major bottleneck to 'top-down' proteomics, however, is the
      ability to identify and characterize the complex peptides or proteins based on
      the acquired high-resolution MS/MS spectra. For biological samples containing
      proteins with multiple unpredicted processing events, unsupervised
      identifications can be particularly challenging. Described here is a newly
      created search algorithm (MAR) designed for the identification of experimentally
      detected peptides or proteins. This algorithm relies only on predefined list of
      'differential' modifications (e.g. phosphorylation) and a FASTA-formatted protein
      database, and is not constrained to full-length proteins for identification. The
      algorithm is further powered by the ability to leverage identified mass
      differences between chromatographically separated ions within full-scan MS
      spectra to automatically generate a list of likely 'differential' modifications
      to be searched. The utility of the algorithm is demonstrated with the
      identification of 54 unique polypeptides from human apolipoprotein enriched from
      the high-density lipoprotein particle (HDL), and searching time benchmarks
      demonstrate scalability (12 high-resolution MS/MS scans searched per minute with
      modifications considered). This parallelizable algorithm provides an additional
      solution for converting high-quality MS/MS data of multiply processed proteins
      into reliable identifications.

PMID- 22095512
TI  - Preliminary study for rapid determination of phycotoxins in microalgae whole
      cells using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Rapid and sensitive methods for identification of several phycotoxins produced by
      microalgae species such as yessotoxins (YTXs) for Protoceratium reticulatum,
      okadaic acid (OA) and pectenotoxins (PTXs) for Prorocentrum spp. and Dinophysis
      spp., Palytoxins (PLTXs) for Ostreopsis spp., ciguatoxins (CTXs) for
      Gambierdiscus spp. or domoic acid (DA) for Pseudo-nitzschia spp. are of great
      importance to the shellfish and fish industry. In this study, matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was
      used to detect several phycotoxins in whole cells of some microalgae which are
      known as toxin producers. To achieve an appropriate MALDI matrix and a sample
      preparation method, several matrices and solvent mixtures were tested. The most
      appropriate matrix system for toxin detection was obtained with 10 ug MUL(-1) of
      DHB in 0.1% TFA/ACN (3:7, v/v) by mixing the intact cells with the matrix
      solution directly on the MALDI target (dried-droplet technique). Toxin detection
      by this procedure is much faster than current procedures based on solvent
      extraction and chromatographic separation. This method allowed the rapid
      detection of main phycotoxins in some dinoflagellate cells of genus Ostreopsis,
      Prorocentrum, Protoceratium, Gambierdiscus, Dinophysis and diatoms from Pseudo
      nitzschia genus.

PMID- 22095513
TI  - The effects of freeze/thaw periods and drying methods on isotopic and elemental
      carbon and nitrogen in marine organisms, raising questions on sample preparation.
AB  - Stable isotopes are an increasingly important tool in trophic linkage ecological
      studies. In studies of large marine animals, isotopic sampling is often given
      secondary priority to sampling for diversity and biomass aspects. Consequently,
      isotopic samples are frequently collected subsequent to repeated freezing and
      thawing of animals, and the results of these studies are often based on the
      assumption that this pre-treatment does not affect the isotopic values. Our study
      tested this assumption and examined the difference between oven- and freeze
      drying on isotopic values and elemental carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios. The
      values for delta(15)N and delta(13)C, percentage nitrogen and carbon, and the C:N
      ratios were determined from the tissues of six marine species, including
      invertebrates and fish, as (1) fresh samples, (2) samples thawed once, and (3)
      samples thawed twice. The drying method, thawing treatment and their interaction
      did significantly affect the delta(15)N and delta(13)C isotope values for all
      species. Oven-dried samples had slightly higher delta(13)C and delta(15)N values
      than freeze-dried samples, although not significant in most instances. For most
      species, oven-drying produced lower carbon and nitrogen percentage than freeze
      drying for samples that had been thawed once, but the C:N ratio was unaffected by
      the drying method. Repeated freezing and thawing did not affect the isotope
      values, but it did decrease the percentage carbon and nitrogen for both
      desiccation methods. We recommend drying samples from fresh wherever possible,
      and careful choice of desiccation method in light of the fact that most lipid
      models are based on oven-dried samples and oven-drying could cause enrichment of
      (15)N or (13)C through evaporation of volatile compounds richer in lighter
      isotopes such as some lipids. Finally, we recommend that further studies on the
      specific effects of freezing and desiccation on elasmobranchs is needed. Overall
      we recommend the use of freeze-drying when possible and to use the samples from
      freshly caught organisms.

PMID- 22095514
TI  - Structural determination of an unknown degradation product in posaconazole drug
      product using CASI technology in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass
      spectrometer.

PMID- 22095515
TI  - Venom alkaloid and cuticular hydrocarbon profiles are associated with social
      organization, queen fertility status, and queen genotype in the fire ant
      Solenopsis invicta.
AB  - Queens in social insect colonies advertise their presence in the colony to: a)
      attract workers' attention and care; b) gain acceptance by workers as replacement
      or supplemental reproductives; c) prevent reproductive development in nestmates.
      We analyzed the chemical content of whole body surface extracts of adult queens
      of different developmental and reproductive stages, and of adult workers from
      monogyne (single colony queen) and polygyne (multiple colony queens) forms of the
      fire ant Solenopsis invicta. We found that the composition of the most abundant
      components, venom alkaloids, differed between queens and workers, as well as
      between reproductive and non-reproductive queens. Additionally, workers of the
      two forms could be distinguished by alkaloid composition. Finally, sexually
      mature, non-reproductive queens from polygyne colonies differed in their
      proportions of cis-piperidine alkaloids, depending on their Gp-9 genotype,
      although the difference disappeared once they became functional reproductives.
      Among the unsaturated cuticular hydrocarbons characteristic of queens, there were
      differences in amounts of alkenes/alkadienes between non-reproductive polygyne
      queens of different Gp-9 genotypes, between non-reproductive and reproductive
      queens, and between polygyne and monogyne reproductive queens, with the amounts
      increasing at a relatively higher rate through reproductive ontogeny in queens
      bearing the Gp-9 b allele. Given that the genotype-specific piperidine
      differences reflect differences in rates of reproductive maturation between
      queens, we speculate that these abundant and unique compounds have been co-opted
      to serve in fertility signaling, while the cuticular hydrocarbons now play a
      complementary role in regulation of social organization by signaling queen Gp-9
      genotype.

PMID- 22095516
TI  - Clinical relevance of detectable but not quantifiable hepatitis C virus RNA
      during boceprevir or telaprevir treatment.
AB  - Boceprevir- and telaprevir-based treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infection use specific response-guided therapy (RGT) guidelines. Eligibility for
      shortened treatment duration is based on achieving undetectable HCV RNA early
      during treatment. It is unclear whether a detected HCV RNA level that is below
      the assay lower limit of quantitation (detectable/BLOQ) is comparable to an
      undetectable HCV RNA level for RGT decision making. We analyzed data from
      boceprevir and telaprevir clinical trials to obtain a comprehensive understanding
      of the frequency and clinical relevance of detectable/BLOQ HCV RNA measurements.
      In Phase 3 trials P05216 (boceprevir), C216 (telaprevir), and 108 (telaprevir),
      detectable/BLOQ levels were reported for approximately 10%-20% of all on
      treatment HCV RNA measurements. In P05216 and C216, subjects with detectable/BLOQ
      HCV RNA, on average, had a reduced sustained virologic response (SVR) rate
      compared with subjects with undetectable HCV RNA at the same on-treatment
      timepoint. At key RGT timepoints (week 8 for boceprevir, week 4 for telaprevir),
      subjects with detectable/BLOQ HCV RNA had an approximately 20% lower SVR rate
      compared with subjects with undetectable HCV RNA, and this difference widened for
      later on-treatment timepoints. A similar trend was observed for Study 108, but
      the differences in SVR rates were modest, potentially explained by a higher
      frequency of reported detectable/BLOQ results. Analyses of Phase 2 boceprevir and
      telaprevir trials indicated subjects with detectable/BLOQ HCV RNA at RGT
      timepoints benefited from extended treatment duration. CONCLUSION: During
      boceprevir- and telaprevir-based treatment, subjects with detectable/BLOQ HCV RNA
      had a reduced virologic response compared with subjects with undetectable HCV
      RNA. Eligibility for shortened treatment duration should be based on achieving
      undetectable HCV RNA (i.e., HCV RNA not detected) at RGT decision timepoints.

PMID- 22095517
TI  - Hexim-1 modulates androgen receptor and the TGF-beta signaling during the
      progression of prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgen and TGF-beta signaling are important components during the
      progression of prostate cancer. However, whether common molecular events
      participate in the activation of these signaling pathways are less understood.
      METHOD: Hexim 1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry of human tissue
      microarrays and TRAMP mouse models. The in vivo significance of Hexim-1 was
      established by crossing the TRAMP mouse model of prostate cancer with Hexim-1
      heterozygous mice. TRAMP C2 cell line was also modified to delete one copy of
      Hexim-1 gene to generate TRAMP-C2-Hexim-1+/- cell lines. RESULTS: In this report,
      we observed that Hexim-1 protein expression is absent in normal prostate but
      highly expressed in adenocarcinoma of the prostate and a characteristic sub
      cellular distribution among normal, benign hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma of the
      prostate. Heterozygosity of the Hexim-1 gene in the prostate cancer mice model
      and the TRAMP-C2 cell line, leads to increased Cdk9-dependent serine
      phosphorylation on protein targets such as the androgen receptor (AR) and the TGF
      beta-dependent downstream transcription factors, such as the SMAD proteins.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that changes in the Hexim-1 protein expression
      and cellular distribution significantly influences the AR activation and the TGF
      beta signaling. Thus, Hexim-1 is likely to play a significant role in prostate
      cancer progression.

PMID- 22095518
TI  - HIV-1 integrase inhibitors: a review of their chemical development.
AB  - Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly decreases plasma viral
      load, increases CD4+ T-cell counts in HIV-1-infected patients and has reduced
      progression to AIDS in developed countries. However, adverse side effects, and
      emergence of drug resistance, mean there is still a demand for new anti-HIV
      agents. The HIV integrase (IN) is a target that has been the focus of rational
      drug design over the past decade. In 2007, raltegravir was the first IN inhibitor
      approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for antiretroviral combination
      therapy, while another IN inhibitor, elvitegravir, is currently in Phase III
      clinical trials. This article reviews the development and resistance profiling of
      small molecule HIV-1 IN inhibitors.

PMID- 22095519
TI  - Mechanism of interaction of novel indolylarylsulfone derivatives with K103N and
      Y181I mutant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in complex with its substrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Novel indolylarylsulfones (IASs), designed through rational structure
      based molecular modelling and docking approaches, have been recently
      characterized as effective inhibitors of the wild-type and drug-resistant mutant
      HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). METHODS: Here, we studied the interaction of
      selected halo- and nitro-substituted IAS derivatives, with the RT enzyme carrying
      the single resistance mutations K103N and Y181I through steady-state kinetic
      experiments. RESULTS: The studied compounds exhibited high selectivity to the
      mutant RT in complex with its substrates, behaving as uncompetitive inhibitors.
      The presence of the K103N mutation, and to a lesser extent the Y181I, stabilized
      the drug interactions with the viral RT, when both its substrates were bound.
      CONCLUSIONS: The characterization of these mutation-specific effects on inhibitor
      binding might be relevant to the design of more effective new generation non
      nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, with better resilience towards drug
      resistant mutants.

PMID- 22095520
TI  - Inhibition of influenza virus replication by constrained peptides targeting
      nucleoprotein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of high mutation rates, new drug-resistant viruses are
      rapidly evolving, thus making the necessary control of influenza virus infection
      difficult. METHODS: We screened a constrained cysteine-rich peptide library
      mimicking MU-conotoxins from Conus geographus and a proline-rich peptide library
      mimicking lebocin 1 and 2 from Bombyx mori by using influenza virus RNA
      polymerase (PB1, PB2 and PA) and nucleoprotein (NP) as baits. RESULTS: Among the
      22 peptides selected from the libraries, we found that the NP-binding proline
      rich peptide, PPWCCCSPMKRASPPPAQSDLPATPKCPP, inhibited influenza replicon
      activity to mean+/-sd 40.7%+/-15.8% when expressed as a GFP fusion peptide in
      replicon cells. Moreover, when the GFP fusion peptide was transduced into cells
      by an HIV-TAT protein transduction domain sequence, the replication of influenza
      virus A/WSN/33 (WSN) at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01 was inhibited to 20%
      and 69% at 12 and 24 h post-infection, respectively. In addition, the TAT-GFP
      fusion peptide was able to slightly protect Balb/c mice from WSN infection when
      administrated prior to the infection. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the
      potential of this peptide as the seed of an anti-influenza drug and reveal the
      usefulness of the constrained peptide strategy for generating inhibitors of
      influenza infection. The results also suggest that influenza NP, which is
      conserved among the influenza A viruses, is a good target for influenza
      inhibition, despite being the most abundant protein in infected cells.

PMID- 22095521
TI  - Efficacy of orally administered low dose N-methanocarbathymidine against lethal
      herpes simplex virus type-2 infections of mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N-methanocarbathymidine (N-MCT) has previously been shown to be
      effective against lethal orthopoxvirus and herpes simplex virus type-1 infections
      in mice. In this investigation, the antiviral activity of N-MCT was assessed
      against herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) in BALB/c mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice
      were infected intranasally with a lethal challenge dose of HSV-2. N-MCT was
      administered orally twice daily to mice using doses of 0.01 to 100 mg/kg to
      determine effects on survival and on viral replication in organ and central
      nervous system (CNS) samples. RESULTS: N-MCT provided significant protection from
      mortality even when treatments were delayed until 3 days after viral infection.
      Viral replication in organ and CNS samples from N-MCT-treated mice was reduced
      below the limit of detection after 4 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results indicated that low dose N-MCT treatment was more effective than acyclovir
      therapy. N-MCT may be effective against HSV disease in humans and is currently
      undergoing preclinical evaluation. In particular, its potential use as a
      combination therapy for HSV, with its differing metabolism from acyclovir, make
      it a promising compound to develop for human use.

PMID- 22095522
TI  - Clinical significance of Zinc finger E-box Binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in human
      gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Zinc finger E-box Binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) encodes a
      transcription factor and is one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      inducible genes that play a key role in tumor progression in various cancers. The
      aim of this study is to clarify the clinical significance of ZEB1 expression in
      gastric cancer patients. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients who underwent
      surgery for gastric cancer were evaluated. We analyzed ZEB1 mRNA levels by real
      time reverse transcription PCR in gastric cancer tissue and adjacent normal
      mucosa. ZEB1 protein expression in primary cancer and in peritoneal dissemination
      samples was measured using immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Expression of
      the ZEB1 gene was significantly higher in cancerous tissue than in adjacent
      normal mucosa. Increased ZEB1 expression was significantly associated with
      peritoneal dissemination, and was an independent prognostic factor. Logistic
      regression analysis revealed that increased ZEB1 expression was an independent
      risk factor for peritoneal dissemination. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated
      that ZEB1 was intensely expressed in both primary cancer and peritoneal
      dissemination samples. CONCLUSIONS: ZEB1 is an independent factor for peritoneal
      dissemination in patients with gastric cancer, and may therefore play a key role
      in the progression to peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer patients.

PMID- 22095523
TI  - High survival during hibernation affects onset and timing of reproduction.
AB  - The timing of reproduction is one of the most crucial life history traits, with
      enormous consequences for the fitness of an individual. We investigated the
      effects of season and timing of birth on local survival probability in a small
      mammalian hibernator, the common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius). Local
      monthly survival probability was lowest in the early active season (May-August,
      phi(adult) = 0.75-0.88, phi(juvenile) = 0.61-0.68), increased during the late
      active season (August-October), and highest during hibernation (October-May,
      phi(adult) = 0.96-0.98, phi(juvenile) = 0.81-0.94). Consequently, dormice had an
      extremely high winter survival probability. We observed two peaks in the timing
      of reproduction (June and August/September, respectively), with the majority of
      juveniles born late in the active season. Although early investment in
      reproduction seems the better life history tactic [survival probability until
      onset of reproduction: phi(born early) = 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28
      0.64; phi(born late) = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.09-0.28], only females with a good body
      condition (significantly higher body mass) invest in reproduction early in the
      year. We suggest the high over-winter survival in dormice allows for a unique
      life history pattern (i.e., combining slow and fast life history tactics), which
      leads to a bimodal seasonal birth pattern: (1) give birth as early as possible to
      allow even the young to breed before hibernating, and/or (2) give birth as late
      as possible (leaving just enough time for these young to fatten) and enter
      directly into a period associated with the highest survival rates (hibernation)
      until maturity.

PMID- 22095524
TI  - Surgical resection versus local ablation for HCC on cirrhosis: results from a
      propensity case-matched study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) had great improvements in
      the last decades with low morbidity and mortality and good long-term results.
      Percutaneous local ablative therapies (LAT) such as radiofrequency ablation and
      ethanol injection (PEI) for HCC gained consent for their efficacy and safety. In
      retrospective studies, patients submitted to resection (LR) or LAT frequently
      have important selection bias. Propensity case-matched analysis proved to reduce
      selection bias of retrospective studies and allow comparison between different
      therapies. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate survival comparing LR and
      LAT in two groups of cirrhotic patients with HCC matched with propensity score
      methods. METHODS: Four hundred and seventy-eight cirrhotic patients with HCC
      treated with LR or LAT with curative intent between January 1995 and December
      2009 were included in the study. One hundred and eighty-one patients underwent
      LR, and 297 patients were treated with LAT. Tumor stage and liver function were
      evaluated in all patients. To balance the covariates in the two groups, a one-to
      one propensity case-matched analysis was used. A multivariable logistic model
      based on age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class, number of nodules,
      maximum diameter of nodules, and serum alpha-fetoprotein level was used to
      estimate propensity score. One-to-one caliper matching of LR and LAT groups was
      performed, generating a matched sample of 176 patients with 88 patients in each
      group. RESULTS: Median survival was 65.1 months (95% CI = 48.5-81.7) after LR and
      37.3 months (95% CI = 29.3-45.3) after LAT (p = 0.008). For patients in Child
      Pugh class A with single HCC and maximum diameter <5 cm, median survival was 65.0
      months (95% CI = 58.4-71.6) for the LR group and 63.7 months (95% CI = 31.8-95.7)
      for the LAT group (p = 0.730). For patients in Child-Pugh class A with single HCC
      and diameter >=5 cm, median survival was 79.9 months (95% CI = 40.1-119.8) for
      the LR group and 21.5 months (95% CI = 10.8-32.1) for the LAT group (p = 0.023).
      For patients in Child-Pugh class A with two to three nodules and maximum diameter
      <=3 cm, mean survival was 69.3 months (95% CI 48.7-89.9) for the LR group and
      45.7 months (95% CI = 22.8-68.7) for the LAT group (p = 0.168). For patients in
      Child-Pugh class A with two to three nodules and diameter >3 cm, median survival
      was 82.9 months (95% CI = 52.0-113.7) for the LR group and 18.9 months (95% CI =
      6.3-31.4) for the LAT group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our propensity case-matched
      study confirmed that survival is similar after LR and LAT for single HCC smaller
      than 5 cm and for oligofocal HCC (up to three nodules) smaller than 3 cm;
      instead, for HCC larger than 5 cm or oligofocal HCC (up to three nodules) larger
      than 3 cm, surgical resection improves significantly long-term survival.

PMID- 22095525
TI  - Intraluminal pH and goblet cell density in Barrett's esophagus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Goblet cells in Barrett's esophagus (BE) vary in their density
      within the Barrett's segment. Exposure of Barrett's epithelium to bile acids is a
      major stimulant for goblet cell formation. The dissociation of bile acids into
      forms that penetrate Barrett's epithelium is known to be pH dependent. We
      hypothesized that variations in the esophageal luminal pH environment explains
      the variability in goblet cell density. The aim of this study was to correlate
      esophageal luminal pH with goblet cell density in patients with BE. METHODS: A
      customized six-sensor pH catheter was positioned with the most distal sensor in
      the stomach and the remaining sensors located 1 cm below and 1, 3, 5, and 8 cm
      above the upper border of the lower esophageal sphincter in five normal subjects
      and six patients with long-segment BE. The luminal pH was measured by each sensor
      for 24-h and expressed as median pH. Patients with BE had four quadrant biopsies
      at levels corresponding to the location of the pH sensors. Goblet cell density
      was graded from 0 to 3 based on the number per high-power field. RESULTS: In
      normal subjects, the median pH values recorded in the sensors within the lower
      esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal body were all above 5. In patients with
      BE, the median pH recorded by the sensor within the LES was 2.8 and increased
      progressively to 4.7 in the sensor at 8 cm above the LES. Goblet cell density was
      significantly lower in the distal Barrett's segment exposed to a median pH of 2.2
      and increased in the proximal Barrett's segment exposed to a median pH of 4.4 (p
      = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Patients with BE have a goblet cell gradient that
      correlates directly with an esophageal luminal pH gradient. This suggests that
      goblet cell differentiation is pH dependent and likely due to the effect of pH on
      bile acid dissociation.

PMID- 22095526
TI  - The challenge of enzyme cost in the production of lignocellulosic biofuels.
AB  - With the aim of understanding the contribution of enzymes to the cost of
      lignocellulosic biofuels, we constructed a techno-economic model for the
      production of fungal cellulases. We found that the cost of producing enzymes was
      much higher than that commonly assumed in the literature. For example, the cost
      contribution of enzymes to ethanol produced by the conversion of corn stover was
      found to be $0.68/gal if the sugars in the biomass could be converted at maximum
      theoretical yields, and $1.47/gal if the yields were based on saccharification
      and fermentation yields that have been previously reported in the scientific
      literature. We performed a sensitivity analysis to study the effect of feedstock
      prices and fermentation times on the cost contribution of enzymes to ethanol
      price. We conclude that a significant effort is still required to lower the
      contribution of enzymes to biofuel production costs.

PMID- 22095527
TI  - Neutral nickel oligo- and polymerization catalysts: the importance of alkyl
      phosphine intermediates in chain termination.
AB  - An unconventional chain termination reaction has been explored for the SHOP
      (Shell higher olefin process)-type, anilinotropone, and salicylaldiminato nickel
      based oligo- and polymerization catalysts by using density functional theory
      (DFT). Starting from the tetracoordinate alkyl phosphine complex, the termination
      reaction was found to involve a rearrangement of the alkyl chain to form a
      pentacoordinate beta-agostic complex, beta-hydride elimination, and olefinic
      chain dissociation and to compete with propagation at sufficiently high phosphine
      concentration and/or basicity. It provides the first complete and convincing
      mechanistic rationale for the decreasing chain lengths observed upon increasing
      phosphine concentration and basicity. The unconventional reaction was found to be
      a major termination pathway for the SHOP-type catalyst and is very unlikely to
      lead to branching and olefin isomerization, which is critical for explaining why
      the SHOP catalyst, in contrast to the anilinotropone and salicylaldiminato
      catalysts, tends to lead to the oligomerization of ethylene to form linear alpha
      olefins. Based on our results we have proposed a new and extended catalytic cycle
      for the SHOP-type ethylene oligomerization catalyst. Finally, the importance of
      the new termination reaction for the SHOP-type catalyst suggests that this
      reaction may also operate with other ethylene oligomerization nickel catalysts.
      This prediction was confirmed for a pyrazolonatophosphine catalyst, for which the
      new termination route was found to be even more facile, which explains the short
      oligomers produced by this catalyst.

PMID- 22095528
TI  - Hypothalamic action of glutamate leads to body mass reduction through a mechanism
      partially dependent on JAK2.
AB  - Glutamate acts in the hypothalamus promoting region-, and cell-dependent effects
      on feeding. Part of these effects are mediated by NMDA receptors, which are up
      regulated in conditions known to promote increased food intake and thermogenesis,
      such as exposure to cold and consumption of highly caloric diets. Here, we
      hypothesized that at least part of the effect of glutamate on hypothalamic
      control of energy homeostasis would depend on the control of neurotransmitter
      expression and JAK2 signaling. The expression of NMDA receptors was co-localized
      to NPY/AgRP, POMC, CRH, and MCH but not to TRH and orexin neurons of the
      hypothalamus. The acute intracerebroventricular injection of glutamate promoted a
      dose-dependent increase in JAK2 tyrosine phosphorylation. In obese rats, 5 days
      intracerebroventricular treatment with glutamate resulted in the reduction of
      food intake, accompanied by a reduction of spontaneous motility and reduction of
      body mass, without affecting oxygen consumption. The reduction of food intake and
      body mass were partially restrained by the inhibition of JAK2. In addition,
      glutamate produced an increased hypothalamic expression of NPY, POMC, CART, MCH,
      orexin, CRH, and TRH, and the reduction of AgRP. All these effects on
      neurotransmitters were hindered by the inhibition of JAK2. Thus, the
      intracerebroventricular injection of glutamate results in the reduction of body
      mass through a mechanism, at least in part, dependent on JAK2, and on the broad
      regulation of neurotransmitter expression. These effects are not impaired by
      obesity, which suggest that glutamate actions in the hypothalamus may be
      pharmacologically explored to treat this disease.

PMID- 22095529
TI  - Resveratrol acts as a topoisomerase II poison in human glioma cells.
AB  - Recently, we demonstrated that Resveratrol (RSV), a well known natural stilbene,
      is able to induce a delay in S progression with a concomitant increase in
      gammaH2AX expression in U87 glioma cells. Furthermore, we showed that it inhibits
      the ability of recombinant human topoisomerase IIalpha to decatenate kDNA in
      vitro. Because proliferating tumor cells express topoisomerases at high levels
      and these enzymes are important targets of some of the most successful anticancer
      drugs, we tested whether RSV is able to poison topoisomerase IIalpha in glioma
      cells. Then, we monitored the increase of micronuclei in RSV treated U87 cells as
      a consequence of the conversion of TOPOII/DNA cleavable complexes to permanent
      DNA damage. Finally, we assayed the ability of RSV in modulating the expression
      of target proteins involved in DNA damage signalling, namely ATR, ATM, Chk1, Chk2
      and gammaH2AX. Through a molecular modelling here we show that RSV binds at the
      TOPOII/DNA interface thus establishing several hydrogen bonds. Moreover, we show
      that RSV poisons TOPOIIalpha so inducing DNA damage; ATM, Chk2 and gammaH2AX are
      involved in the DNA damage signalling after RSV treatment.

PMID- 22095530
TI  - Baseline characteristics and statistical implications for the OECD 210 fish early
      life stage chronic toxicity test.
AB  - The fish toxicity assay most commonly used to establish chronic effects is the
      Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 210, fish early
      life stage test. However, the authors are not aware of any systematic analysis of
      the experimental design or statistical characteristics of the test since the test
      guideline was adopted nearly 20 years ago. Here, the authors report the results
      of an analysis of data compiled from OECD 210 tests conducted by industry labs.
      The distribution of responses observed in control treatments was analyzed, with
      the goal of understanding the implication of this variability on the sensitivity
      of the OECD 210 test guideline and providing recommendations on revised
      experimental design requirements of the test. Studies were confined to fathead
      minnows, rainbow trout, and zebrafish. Dichotomous endpoints (hatching success
      and posthatch survival) were examined for indications of overdispersion to
      evaluate whether significant chamber-to-chamber variability was present.
      Dichotomous and continuous (length, wet wt, dry wt) measurement endpoints were
      analyzed to determine minimum sample size requirements to detect differences from
      control responses with specified power. Results of the analysis indicated that
      sensitivity of the test could be improved by maximizing the number of replicate
      chambers per treatment concentration, increasing the acceptable level of control
      hatching success and larval survival compared to current levels, using wet weight
      measurements rather than dry weight, and focusing test efforts on species that
      demonstrate less variability in outcome measures. From these analyses, the
      authors provide evidence of the impact of expected levels of variability on the
      sensitivity of traditional OECD 210 studies and the implications for defining a
      target for future animal alternative methods for chronic toxicity testing in
      fish.

PMID- 22095531
TI  - Mutations in the planar cell polarity genes CELSR1 and SCRIB are associated with
      the severe neural tube defect craniorachischisis.
AB  - Craniorachischisis (CRN) is a severe neural tube defect (NTD) resulting from
      failure to initiate closure, leaving the hindbrain and spinal neural tube
      entirely open. Clues to the genetic basis of this condition come from several
      mouse models, which harbor mutations in core members of the planar cell polarity
      (PCP) signaling pathway. Previous studies of humans with CRN failed to identify
      mutations in the core PCP genes, VANGL1 and VANGL2. Here, we analyzed other key
      PCP genes: CELSR1, PRICKLE1, PTK7, and SCRIB, with the finding of eight
      potentially causative mutations in both CELSR1 and SCRIB. Functional effects of
      these unique or rare human variants were evaluated using known protein-protein
      interactions as well as subcellular protein localization. While protein
      interactions were not affected, variants from five of the 36 patients exhibited a
      profound alteration in subcellular protein localization, with diminution or
      abolition of trafficking to the plasma membrane. Comparable effects were seen in
      the crash and spin cycle mouse Celsr1 mutants, and the line-90 mouse Scrib
      mutant. We conclude that missense variants in CELSR1 and SCRIB may represent a
      cause of CRN in humans, as in mice, with defective PCP protein trafficking to the
      plasma membrane a likely pathogenic mechanism.

PMID- 22095532
TI  - Viral kinetics during the first weeks of pegylated interferon and ribavirin
      treatment can identify patients at risk of relapse after its discontinuation: new
      strategies for such patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is the most effective
      treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatitis, but the rate of
      sustained virological response (SVR) remains approximately 50%, and 15-20% of all
      treated patients have a virological relapse after completing the treatment.
      Studies on the SVR have failed to discriminate between non-responders and
      relapsers. AIMS: To identify the risk factors for relapse among patients with an
      end-of-treatment response (ETR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 281
      patients consecutively treated with PEG-IFN and ribavirin with a follow-up period
      of at least 24 weeks. The baseline details collected on each patient included
      demographic data, histological features, and biochemical profiles. RESULTS: Forty
      six patients (16.4%) relapsed during the first 6 months of follow-up after
      discontinuing the therapy. Relapser patients were significantly older, had more
      steatosis, fibrosis, and showed significantly lower rapid virological response
      (RVR) rates compared with SVR patients. By logistic regression analysis, only the
      absence of RVR was found to be significantly associated with relapses in both
      subgroups of patients with genotypes 1 and 4 (p < 0.004) and those with genotypes
      2 and 3 (p < 0.006). Severe fibrosis was also predictive of relapsing disease,
      but only for genotypes 2 and 3 patients (p < 0.003). During the treatment, serum
      HCV-RNA decreased more rapidly in patients with SVR compared to non-responder and
      relapser patients (p < 0.001). Interestingly, relapser patients exhibited an
      intermediate serum HCV-RNA decay during the first 4 weeks of therapy. CONCLUSION:
      Among HCV patients treated with PEG-IFN and ribavirin, the absence of RVR was the
      most important independent predictor of relapse, independent of the HCV genotype.
      In the subgroup of genotypes 2 and 3 patients, the severity of fibrosis was also
      an important factor associated with the relapse rate.

PMID- 22095533
TI  - Prevalence and impact of hepatitis B and C virus co-infections in antiretroviral
      treatment naive patients with HIV infection at a major treatment center in Ghana.
AB  - Data on the effects of the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) in patients co-infected with these viruses and HIV in West Africa are
      conflicting and little information is available in Ghana. A cohort of 138
      treatment naive individuals infected with HIV was screened for HBV and HCV
      serologic markers; HBsAg positive patients were tested for HBeAg, anti-HBe, and
      anti-HBc IgM. The viral load of HIV-1 in the plasma was determined in 81
      patients. Eighteen of the 138 patients (13%) and 5 (3.6%) had HBsAg and anti-HCV,
      respectively. None of the patients had anti-HBc IgM, but 10 (55.6%) and 8 (44.4%)
      of the 18 patients who were HBsAg positive had HBeAg and anti-HBe, respectively.
      In patients with measurement of CD4(+) undertaken within 1 month (n = 83), CD4(+)
      count was significantly lower in patients with HBeAg (median [IQR], 81 [22-144])
      as compared to those with anti-HBe (median [IQR], 210 [197-222]) (P = 0.002, CI: 
      96.46 to 51.21). However, those with HIV mono-infection had similar CD4(+) counts
      (median [IQR], 57 [14-159]) compared to those with HBeAg (P = 1.0, CI: -71.75 to
      73.66). Similar results were obtained if CD4(+) count was measured within 2
      months prior to initiation of HAART (n = 119). Generally, HBV and anti-HCV did
      not affect CD4(+) and viral loads of HIV-1 in plasma but patients with HIV and
      HBV co-infection who had HBeAg had more severe immune suppression as compared to
      those with anti-HBe. This may have implication for initiating HAART in HBV
      endemic areas.

PMID- 22095534
TI  - Mutations within enhancer II and BCP regions of hepatitis B virus in relation to
      advanced liver diseases in patients infected with subgenotype B3 in Indonesia.
AB  - Studies on the characteristics of mutations within the hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      genome, their roles in the pathogenesis of advanced liver diseases, and the
      involvement of host properties of HBV-infected individuals have not been
      conducted in subgenotype B3-infected populations. For addressing this issue, 40
      cases with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive advanced liver diseases,
      including advanced liver cancer and cirrhosis (male 31, female 9, age 54.4 +/-
      11.6-year-old), were collected and compared with 109 cases with chronic hepatitis
      B (male 71, female 38, age 38.0 +/- 13.4-year-old). Mutations in enhancer II (Enh
      II) and basal core promoter (BCP)/precore regions were analyzed by PCR-direct
      sequencing method. HBV viral load was examined by real-time PCR. For all examined
      regions, the prevalence of mutation was significantly higher in cases with
      advanced liver diseases. Multivariate analysis showed that, in patients older
      than 45 years, C1638T and T1753V mutations constituted independent risk factors
      for the advancement of liver diseases. The presence of C1638T and T1753V
      mutations may serve as predictive markers for the progression of liver diseases
      in Indonesia and other countries, where subgenotype B3 infection is prevalent.

PMID- 22095535
TI  - Human platelet antigen genotype is associated with progression of fibrosis in
      chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - Although progression of fibrosis in the chronic hepatitis C depends on
      environmental, viral, and host factors, genetic polymorphisms have been
      associated recently with this progression, including the expression of integrins,
      adhesion proteins. Some integrins expressed on the platelet membrane show
      polymorphic antigenic determinants called human platelet antigens (HPA), where
      the major ones are HPA-1, -3, -5. The association between HCV infection and HPA
      5b has been demonstrated. Similarly, the HPA profile could determine if HPA is
      related to progression of fibrosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the
      association between the frequencies of HPA-1, -3, and -5 and degree of fibrosis
      in HCV-infected patients. Genomic DNA from 143 HCV-infected patients was used as
      the source for HPA genotyping by PCR-SSP or PCR-RFLP. Progression of fibrosis was
      evaluated using the METAVIR scoring system, and the patients were grouped
      according to degree of fibrosis into G1 (n = 81, with F1, portal fibrosis without
      septa or F2, few septa) and G2 (n = 62, with F3, numerous septa, or F4,
      cirrhosis). Statistical analysis was performed using the proportional odds model.
      The genotypic frequency of HPA-1a/1b was significantly higher in the patients in
      G2. To evaluate the influence of the time of infection to the development of
      fibrosis and its effect on the genetic factor HPA-1, 96 patients from 143 studied
      were evaluated considering the time of HCV infection, and these results suggest
      that the HPA-1a/1b genotype promotes the development of fibrosis in HCV infection
      with time.

PMID- 22095536
TI  - Predictive value of early viral dynamics during peginterferon and ribavirin
      combination therapy based on genetic polymorphisms near the IL28B gene in
      patients infected with HCV genotype 1b.
AB  - A study was carried out to determine whether early viral dynamics retain
      prediction of the outcome of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin combination
      therapy based on different genetic polymorphisms near the IL28B gene, the
      strongest baseline predictor of response to this therapy. A total of 272 patients
      infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b were grouped according to
      genetic polymorphisms near the IL28B gene (rs8099917). The ability of reduced HCV
      RNA levels at 4 and 12 weeks after starting therapy to predict a sustained
      virologic response was evaluated based on these genotypes. Among patients with
      the TT genotype for rs8099917 (associated with a favorable response), the rates
      of sustained virologic response were higher in patients with a >=3 log(10)
      reduction in serum HCV RNA levels at 4 weeks after starting therapy (P < 0.0001).
      In contrast, among patients with the TG/GG genotype (associated with an
      unfavorable response), there were no differences in this rate based on the
      reduction in HCV RNA levels at 4 weeks. Early viral dynamics at 4 weeks after
      starting therapy retains its predictive value for sustained virologic response in
      patients with the TT genotype for rs8099917, but not in patients with the TG/GG
      genotype. Patients who are likely to achieve sustained virologic response despite
      unfavorable TG/GG genotype cannot be identified based on early viral dynamics
      during therapy. In contrast, lack of early virologic response at 12 weeks retains
      a strong predictive value for the failure of sustained virologic response
      regardless of IL28B polymorphisms, which remains useful as a factor to stop
      therapy.

PMID- 22095537
TI  - Prevalence of specific antibody to hepatitis E virus in the general population of
      the community of Madrid, Spain.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an infectious agent causing hepatitis among humans.
      Although hepatitis E has been reported from many European countries, its
      incidence in Europe is largely unknown, and the prevalence of the HEV infection
      is also unknown for most countries of the region. Antibody to HEV (anti-HEV) was
      tested on 2,305 serum samples from the general population of the Community of
      Madrid (Spain) collected in the year 2008 among people aged 2-60 years. Total
      anti-HEV was tested by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA), and reactive samples were
      retested separately for anti-HEV IgG and IgM by recombinant immunoblot test
      (RIBT). Fifty samples (2.17%) displayed reactivity for total anti-HEV after EIA
      testing, and anti-HEV IgG was confirmed by RIBT in 25 (1.08%). The frequency of
      RIBT-confirmed anti-HEV ranged from 0.97% among the youngest to 3.61% among the
      oldest, and displayed a statistically significant trend to increasing with age.
      The rate of RIBT confirmation was also significantly higher among the individuals
      aged above 20 years old than among those younger of 21 years. HEV infection would
      be less frequent in the Community of Madrid than in Catalonia or the United
      Kingdom, and contact with HEV would be very uncommon among children and
      adolescents of the region. Confirmation of EIA-reactive samples by RIBT reduced
      the final numbers of anti-HEV testing as much as 50%, and some findings of this
      study suggest that such testing protocol would reflect better the real prevalence
      of anti-HEV in settings of low endemicity than the single testing by EIA.

PMID- 22095538
TI  - Induction of protective immunity in a Syrian hamster model against a
      cytopathogenic strain of Andes virus.
AB  - Andes virus (ANDV) is responsible for the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome cases in
      Argentina and neighboring countries, with moderate to high case-fatality rates.
      ANDV has some particular features, which make it unique among other members of
      the Hantavirus genus such as person-to-person transmission and causing a disease
      similar to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the hamster as an animal model. The
      kinetics of replication in Vero E6 cells of an ANDV strain isolated in Argentina,
      called Andes/ARG, was studied. Cytopathic effect and the formation of clear
      plaques were observed and therefore Andes/ARG could be quantified by classic
      plaque assay. The Andes/ARG strain was found to be highly lethal in Syrian
      hamsters allowing experiments to demonstrate the protective potential of
      vaccines. A recombinant nucleocapsid protein of ANDV induced a long lasting
      antibody response and protective immunity against a homologous challenge, but to
      a lower extent against heterologous challenge by the Seoul virus.

PMID- 22095539
TI  - Case report: cytomegalovirus-induced thrombosis in an immunocompetent patient.
AB  - Thrombotic manifestations of cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompetent
      individuals are rare. However, it has been postulated that cytomegalovirus
      infection can be both directly cytopathic and capable of inducing
      antiphospholipid antibodies due to shared "molecular mimicry" between
      cytomegalovirus virus antigens and antiphospholipid antibodies. The case of a
      previously well 30-year-old woman with primary cytomegalovirus infection
      complicated by splenic infarction and massive pulmonary embolus is described. The
      patient is unusual given the development of thromboses affecting both the
      arterial and venous circulation, associated with both transient anticardiolipin
      antibodies and persistently positive anti-beta(2) glycoprotein I antibodies. The
      temporal relationship between the primary infection and thrombosis was suggestive
      of a pathogenic role for cytomegalovirus.

PMID- 22095540
TI  - Longitudinal analysis of frequency and reactivity of Epstein-Barr virus-specific
      T lymphocytes and their association with intermittent viral reactivation.
AB  - Persistent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is controlled tightly by virus
      specific T cells. EBV infection is reactivated intermittently over time, even in
      apparently healthy carriers. Changes in frequency and reactivity of memory T
      cells, particularly of CD8(+) origin, have not been assessed in this context. It
      is hypothesized that viral reactivation is facilitated by diminished EBV-specific
      T-cell immunity. To this end, blood samples from 14 healthy donors were collected
      at irregular time intervals for a period of about 1 year. Samples were screened
      for both EBV plasma viremia and increases in viral load in PBMCs as parameters of
      EBV reactivation. PBMCs were subject to IFN-gamma ELISPOT analysis using the
      autologous EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (EBV-LCL) or appropriate HLA
      class I-restricted EBV peptides as stimulators. Frequencies of epitope-specific
      CD8(+) T cells were monitored further using HLA tetramers and flow cytometry.
      Twelve of 14 donors exhibited signs of asymptomatic EBV reactivation. Viral
      reactivation was accompanied by either substantially decreased IFN-gamma
      responses against autologous EBV-LCL (eight of 12 study participants) and/or
      increased responses against particular EBV peptides (six of 12 donors). In seven
      persons with HLA-A2 and/or -B8 alleles numbers of HLA tetramer-positive CD8(+) T
      cells also varied over time, but showed no correlation to episodes of detectable
      viral activity. In summary, IFN-gamma reactivity of EBV-specific T cells is not
      constant. Viral reactivation is detected preferably at times of diminished EBV
      LCL-specific cellular immunity. However, increased reactivity of single
      immunodominant CD8(+) EBV-specific T-cell clones may occur in response to virus
      replication.

PMID- 22095541
TI  - Evaluation of mutagenicity and co-mutagenicity of strong static magnetic fields
      up to 13 Tesla in Escherichia coli deficient in superoxide dismutase.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the biological effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) up
      to 13 Tesla (T), with respect to superoxide behavior, by determining the effect
      on mutagenicity in superoxide dismutase (SOD)-deficient Escherichia coli strain
      QC774, and its parental strain GC4468. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental
      strains were exposed to a 5, 10, or 13T SMF for 24 h at 37 degrees C in Luria
      Bertani medium. To evaluate mutagenicity after SMF exposure, the mutation
      frequency in thymine synthesis genes was determined. The effect of exposure to a
      5 or 13T SMF on mutagenicity induced by plumbagin was also investigated. RESULTS:
      No statistically significant differences in the mutation frequency in thymine
      synthesis genes were observed between SMF-exposed cells and unexposed cells at
      any of the applied magnetic flux densities. Furthermore, exposure to SMFs up to
      13T did not affect mutagenicity induced by plumbagin. CONCLUSION: Exposure to
      SMFs up to 13T caused neither mutagenicity nor co-mutagenicity in the SOD
      deficient E. coli strain QC774 or in its parental strain GC4468, suggesting that
      exposure to strong SMFs does not affect the behavior of superoxides in these
      microorganisms.

PMID- 22095542
TI  - Age determines longitudinal changes in body composition better than menopausal
      and bone status: the OFELY study.
AB  - Long-term body composition (BC) changes and their determinants have been rarely
      explored. We aimed to evaluate BC changes in French women from the Os des Femmes
      de Lyon (OFELY) cohort and to explore several determinants of those changes. At
      baseline, premenopausal (PreM) women (n = 145) had lower fat body mass (FM) and
      greater lean body mass (LM), relative skeletal muscle mass index (RASM), and
      total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) compared with untreated postmenopausal
      (PostM) women (n = 412). During a 6-year follow-up, LM and RASM did not change,
      whereas a significant increase of FM and a decrease of TBBMC were observed in
      PreM (n = 88) and PeriM women (n = 44; women who became PostM during the follow
      up). In untreated PostM women, FM increased, whereas LM, RASM, and TBBMC
      decreased (p < 0.0001). Age was a significant determinant of the changes in BC.
      After controlling for age, menopausal status was still a significant determinant
      only for changes in TBBMC. FM, LM, RASM, and TBBMC were higher in women with
      normal bone mineral density (BMD) compared with women with osteopenia or
      osteoporosis (p < 0.0001), but after adjusting for age, changes of BC were not
      significantly different according to the bone status. After controlling for age
      and menopausal status, levels of P1NP in the highest quartile were associated
      with a greater decrease of LM and RASM compared with lower levels. In conclusion,
      BC changes in French women over a 6-year follow-up showed a high interindividual
      variability. Aging may be the most important determinant of changes in body
      composition, rather than menopausal and bone status.

PMID- 22095543
TI  - Bowman-Birk Inhibitor attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by
      delaying infiltration of inflammatory cells into the CNS.
AB  - Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (BBI), a serine protease inhibitor derived from soybeans,
      has anti-inflammatory properties and is able to suppress the development of
      central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity in animal models. Experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely used animal model of multiple
      sclerosis (MS), is characterized by breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and
      infiltration of inflammatory cells into the CNS, resulting in pathology. In this
      study, we observed that BBI-treated mice showed delayed onset of EAE and reduced
      disease severity compared to control mice. BBI-treated mice had fewer
      inflammatory cells in the CNS including significantly reduced numbers of Th1 and
      Th17 cells. In the periphery, BBI treatment suppressed the development of
      encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 responses early on [day 7 post-immunization
      (p.i.)], while after disease onset (day 14 p.i.) BBI-treated mice had stronger Th
      responses, as determined by antigen-specific proliferation and cytokine
      production. These results demonstrate that BBI treatment temporarily suppressed
      the development of encephalitogenic responses, but these responses eventually
      attained normal magnitude. Given that BBI-treated mice exhibited stronger
      encephalitogenic responses in the periphery during clinically manifesting EAE,
      delayed disease onset, and reduced numbers of CNS-infiltrating cells, it appears
      likely that BBI impedes the exit of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells from lymphoid
      organs, thereby delaying their migration into the CNS.

PMID- 22095544
TI  - Evolution of immunity: no development without risk.
AB  - Signal transduction by cell surface receptors in the context of heterogeneous and
      variable cellular environments plays a pivotal role in regulating many biological
      processes, including development, activation, and homeostasis of the immune
      system. In some receptors, extracellular ligand-binding and intracellular
      signaling domains are located on the same protein chain (single-chain receptors),
      while in the so-called multichain immune recognition receptors (MIRRs),
      recognition and signaling functions are separated between different protein
      chains. Why did nature separate recognition and signaling functions for MIRRs,
      thereby increasing the risk of malfunction and potential attack by pathogens? The
      risk is real: in order to escape the immune response, viruses are able to disrupt
      functional coupling between recognition and signaling aspects of MIRR machinery.
      Intrinsic disorder of intracellular signal-generating regions of MIRRs adds
      further intrigue to the story. Why did nature select protein disorder for MIRRs
      to translate recognition of distinct antigens into appropriate activation signals
      that would induce specific functional outcomes? Here, I suggest that nature takes
      the risks associated with intrareceptor separation of functions as well as with
      the chaos and indeterminacy of protein disorder in exchange for providing
      diversity and variability of signal transduction. Not only does this phenomenon
      serve as the molecular basis for the development and evolution of the immune and
      other complex biological systems, but it fits closely to Darwinian evolutionary
      biology.

PMID- 22095545
TI  - Fosfomycin/tobramycin for inhalation in patients with cystic fibrosis with
      pseudomonas airway infection.
AB  - RATIONALE: Fosfomycin/tobramycin for inhalation (FTI), a unique, broad-spectrum
      antibiotic combination, may have therapeutic potential for patients with cystic
      fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety and efficacy of FTI (160/40 mg or
      80/20 mg), administered twice daily for 28 days versus placebo, in patients
      greater than or equal to 18 years of age, with CF, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      (PA) airway infection, and FEV(1) greater than or equal to 25% and less than or
      equal to 75% predicted. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      multicenter study assessed whether FTI/placebo maintained FEV(1) % predicted
      improvements achieved following a 28-day, open-label, run-in course of aztreonam
      for inhalation solution (AZLI). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 119
      patients were randomized to FTI (160/40 mg: n = 41; 80/20 mg: n = 38) or placebo
      (n = 40). Mean age was 32 years and mean FEV(1) was 49% predicted at screening.
      Relative improvements in FEV(1) % predicted achieved by the AZLI run-in were
      maintained in FTI groups compared with placebo (160/40 mg vs. placebo: 6.2%
      treatment difference favoring FTI, P = 0.002 [primary endpoint]; 80/20 mg vs.
      placebo: 7.5% treatment difference favoring FTI, P < 0.001). The treatment effect
      on mean PA sputum density was statistically significant for the FTI 80/20 mg
      group versus placebo (-1.04 log(10) PA colony-forming units/g sputum difference,
      favoring FTI; P = 0.01). Adverse events, primarily cough, were consistent with CF
      disease. Respiratory events, including dyspnea and wheezing, were less common
      with FTI 80/20 mg than FTI 160/40 mg. No clinically significant differences
      between groups were reported for laboratory values. CONCLUSIONS: FTI maintained
      the substantial improvements in FEV(1) % predicted achieved during the AZLI run
      in and was well tolerated. FTI is a promising antipseudomonal therapy for
      patients with CF.

PMID- 22095546
TI  - Regulation of transforming growth factor-beta1-driven lung fibrosis by galectin
      3.
AB  - RATIONALE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic dysregulated response
      to alveolar epithelial injury with differentiation of epithelial cells and
      fibroblasts into matrix-secreting myofibroblasts resulting in lung scaring. The
      prognosis is poor and there are no effective therapies or reliable biomarkers.
      Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside binding lectin that is highly expressed in
      fibrotic tissue of diverse etiologies. OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of
      galectin-3 in pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: We used genetic deletion and
      pharmacologic inhibition in well-characterized murine models of lung fibrosis.
      Further mechanistic studies were performed in vitro and on samples from patients
      with IPF. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta
      and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis was dramatically reduced in mice deficient in
      galectin-3, manifest by reduced TGF-beta1-induced EMT and myofibroblast
      activation and collagen production. Galectin-3 reduced phosphorylation and
      nuclear translocation of beta-catenin but had no effect on Smad2/3
      phosphorylation. A novel inhibitor of galectin-3, TD139, blocked TGF-beta-induced
      beta-catenin activation in vitro and in vivo and attenuated the late-stage
      progression of lung fibrosis after bleomycin. There was increased expression of
      galectin-3 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum from patients with
      stable IPF compared with nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis and controls, which
      rose sharply during an acute exacerbation suggesting that galectin-3 may be a
      marker of active fibrosis in IPF and that strategies that block galectin-3 may be
      effective in treating acute fibrotic exacerbations of IPF. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study identifies galectin-3 as an important regulator of lung fibrosis and
      provides a proof of principle for galectin-3 inhibition as a potential novel
      therapeutic strategy for IPF.

PMID- 22095548
TI  - The Parker B. Francis Fellowship Program: analysis of 31 years of career
      development support.
AB  - RATIONALE: The Parker B. Francis (PBF) Fellowship Program has supported more than
      750 M.D., M.D./Ph.D., and Ph.D. fellows since 1976, but there is little
      information about the effectiveness of the program in fostering successful
      careers and producing important research. OBJECTIVES: To survey all past PBF
      Fellows to obtain information about their productivity and career pathways.
      METHODS: We obtained e-mail addresses for 526 (74%) of the 712 PBF awardees from
      1976 to 2006, then sent an e-mail survey to the 526 past fellows and received 365
      replies (69% response rate, 49% overall). Survey questions addressed time in
      research, areas of research, current position and responsibilities, and research
      funding. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Seventy percent of the 365 respondents
      spend 25% or greater effort in research and 56% report 50% or more effort in
      research. Respondents have published an average of 2.7 peer-reviewed publications
      per year, totaling more than 15,678 peer-reviewed publications, of which 1,875
      appeared in high-impact journals. Respondents have received more than $1.8
      billion in direct research funding since their PBF Fellowships began. Ph.D.
      awardees spend more time in research than M.D. awardees, and current research
      effort did not differ by gender. PBF awardees have become prominent leaders in
      universities, the National Institutes of Health, health care, and industry.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PBF Program has been highly successful in producing a large
      number of scientific and clinical leaders in pulmonary and critical care
      medicine. The results provide comprehensive data about the success of this career
      development program and provide a model for programs designed to build the
      workforce in pulmonary and critical care medicine.

PMID- 22095547
TI  - Severe asthma: lessons learned from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
      Severe Asthma Research Program.
AB  - The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Severe Asthma Research Program
      (SARP) has characterized over the past 10 years 1,644 patients with asthma,
      including 583 individuals with severe asthma. SARP collaboration has led to a
      rapid recruitment of subjects and efficient sharing of samples among
      participating sites to conduct independent mechanistic investigations of severe
      asthma. Enrolled SARP subjects underwent detailed clinical, physiologic, genomic,
      and radiological evaluations. In addition, SARP investigators developed safe
      procedures for bronchoscopy in participants with asthma, including those with
      severe disease. SARP studies revealed that severe asthma is a heterogeneous
      disease with varying molecular, biochemical, and cellular inflammatory features
      and unique structure-function abnormalities. Priorities for future studies
      include recruitment of a larger number of subjects with severe asthma, including
      children, to allow further characterization of anatomic, physiologic,
      biochemical, and genetic factors related to severe disease in a longitudinal
      assessment to identify factors that modulate the natural history of severe asthma
      and provide mechanistic rationale for management strategies.

PMID- 22095550
TI  - Long-term subjective results of tension-free vaginal tape operation for female
      urinary stress incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the subjective
      outcome between 1 and 5 years after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation and
      the need for follow-up. METHODS: A prospective questionnaire study was performed
      including questions about incontinence, urinary tract infection, emptying
      problems, the wish for a clinical control and the International Consultation on
      Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). RESULTS: One hundred seventy
      three patients were included. There were more patients with subjective recurrent
      stress incontinence over the years, but ICIQ-SF was unchanged. There was no rise
      in patients reporting urge incontinence over the years. Only 11.4% of the
      patients wished for a clinical control at some time. CONCLUSION: The TVT
      operation showed a slight degree of subjective deterioration between 1 and 5
      years after the operation; however, the ICIQ-SF was unchanged. There seems to be
      no need for long-term follow-up at the operating department.

PMID- 22095549
TI  - Metabolic syndrome biomarkers predict lung function impairment: a nested case
      control study.
AB  - RATIONALE: Cross-sectional studies demonstrate an association between metabolic
      syndrome and impaired lung function. OBJECTIVES: To define if metabolic syndrome
      biomarkers are risk factors for loss of lung function after irritant exposure.
      METHODS: A nested case-control study of Fire Department of New York personnel
      with normal pre-September 11th FEV(1) and who presented for subspecialty
      pulmonary evaluation before March 10, 2008. We correlated metabolic syndrome
      biomarkers obtained within 6 months of World Trade Center dust exposure with
      subsequent FEV(1). FEV(1) at subspecialty pulmonary evaluation within 6.5 years
      defined disease status; cases had FEV(1) less than lower limit of normal, whereas
      control subjects had FEV(1) greater than or equal to lower limit of normal.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinical data and serum sampled at the first
      monitoring examination within 6 months of September 11, 2001, assessed body mass
      index, heart rate, serum glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein
      (HDL), leptin, pancreatic polypeptide, and amylin. Cases and control subjects had
      significant differences in HDL less than 40 mg/dl with triglycerides greater than
      or equal to 150 mg/dl, heart rate greater than or equal to 66 bpm, and leptin
      greater than or equal to 10,300 pg/ml. Each increased the odds of abnormal FEV(1)
      at pulmonary evaluation by more than twofold, whereas amylin greater than or
      equal to 116 pg/ml decreased the odds by 84%, in a multibiomarker model adjusting
      for age, race, body mass index, and World Trade Center arrival time. This model
      had a sensitivity of 41%, a specificity of 86%, and a receiver operating
      characteristic area under the curve of 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal triglycerides
      and HDL and elevated heart rate and leptin are independent risk factors of
      greater susceptibility to lung function impairment after September 11, 2001,
      whereas elevated amylin is protective. Metabolic biomarkers are predictors of
      lung disease, and may be useful for assessing risk of impaired lung function in
      response to particulate inhalation.

PMID- 22095551
TI  - Predicting anal sphincter defects: the value of clinical examination and
      manometry.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aims of this study were, firstly, to determine
      the diagnostic accuracy of an anal incontinence score, clinical examination and
      anal manometry in identifying anal sphincter defects and, secondly, to establish
      manometric cut-off values associated with sphincter defects. METHODS: One hundred
      fifty-nine women were evaluated by clinical examination, anal manometry and
      endoanal ultrasound (EAU). Accuracy measures were calculated, using EAU as the
      gold standard. RESULTS: Perineal body length (p = 0.84) and pelvic floor muscle
      strength (p = 0.10) were not associated with anal sphincter defects. Anal
      inspection was associated with anal sphincter defects (p < 0.001), although its
      sensitivity was low at 26%. The sensitivity of digital rectal examination was 67%
      and the specificity 55%. Cut-off values of manometric findings were set to
      maximise sensitivity at 30 mm anal length, 54 mm Hg maximum resting pressure, 95
      mm Hg maximum squeeze pressure and 53 mm Hg squeeze increment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinical assessment has a poor sensitivity for detecting anal sphincter defects.
      The proposed manometric cut-off values can be used to either reassure or identify
      women who may need further assessment by EAU.

PMID- 22095552
TI  - TLC bioautographic method for detecting lipase inhibitors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bioautographic assays using TLC play an important role in the
      search for active compounds from plants. A TLC bioautographic assay has
      previously been established for the detection of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
      but not for lipases. OBJECTIVE: Development of a TLC bioautographic method for
      detecting lipase inhibitors in plant extracts. METHODOLOGY: After migration of
      the plant extracts, the TLC plate was sprayed with alpha-naphtyl acetate and
      enzyme solutions before incubation at 37 degrees C for 20 min. Finally, the
      solution of Fast Blue B salt was sprayed onto the TLC plate giving a purple
      background colouration. RESULTS: Lipase inhibitors were visualised as white spots
      on the TLC plates. Orlistat (a known lipase inhibitor) inhibited lipase down to
      0.01 ug. Methanolic extracts of Camellia sinensis (L.) kuntz and Rosmarinus
      officinalis L after migration on TLC gave enzymatic inhibition when applied in
      amounts of 82 and 56 ug, respectively. On the other hand the methanolic extract
      of Morus alba leaves did not exhibit any lipase inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION:
      The screening test was able to detect lipase inhibition by pure reference
      substances and by compounds present in complex matrices, such as plant extracts.

PMID- 22095553
TI  - RhoC and guanine nucleotide exchange factor Net1 in androgen-unresponsive mouse
      mammary carcinoma SC-4 cells and human prostate cancer after short-term endocrine
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endocrine resistance is a critical issue in managing patients with
      prostate cancer. This study is undertaken to search for a potential molecular
      target connected with this process using a model system of androgen-dependent and
      androgen-unresponsive SC-3 and SC-4 cells. METHODS: Expression profiles, actin
      stress fiber organization, and the levels of activated Rho GTPases were compared
      between SC-4 and SC-3 cells using an oligonucleotide microarray, phalloidin
      staining, and a Rho activation assay. The cell viability was analyzed with a Rho
      inhibitor or by stable transfection with either a dominant-negative (DN) form of
      RhoC or a mutant form of NET1 (mutNET1). The expressions of RhoC, NET1, and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were immunohistochemically
      analyzed in human prostate cancer specimens after short-term endocrine therapy
      and in an untreated condition. RESULTS: SC-4 cells exhibited mesenchymal
      phenotypes with activation of Rho signals. Treatment with a Rho inhibitor
      suppressed the cell viability in SC-4 cells, but not in SC-3 cells. The cell
      viability of SC-4 cells stably expressing DN-RhoC and mutNET1 was also
      attenuated. In the immunohistochemical analysis, NET1 and the EMT marker of N
      cadherin were expressed at higher levels in prostate cancers after short-term
      endocrine therapy than in untreated tumors, and RhoC expression was maintained
      after short-term endocrine therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Rho signaling is involved in the
      cell survival of SC-4 cells. The higher expressions of RhoC and NET1 in human
      prostate cancers after short-term endocrine therapy suggest that RhoC and NET1
      may become therapeutic targets during endocrine therapy.

PMID- 22095554
TI  - Development of thermostable Candida antarctica lipase B through novel in silico
      design of disulfide bridge.
AB  - Lipase B from Candida antarctica (CalB) is a versatile biocatalyst for various
      bioconversions. In this study, the thermostability of CalB was improved through
      the introduction of a new disulfide bridge. Analysis of the B-factors of residue
      pairs in CalB wild type (CalB-WT) followed by simple flexibility analysis of
      residues in CalB-WT and its designated mutants using FIRST server were newly
      proposed to enhance the selective power of two computational tools (MODIP and DbD
      v1.20) to predict the possible disulfide bonds in proteins for the enhancement of
      thermostability. Five residue pairs (A162-K308, N169-F304, Q156(-) L163, S50
      A273, and S239C-D252C) were chosen and the respective amino acid residues were
      mutated to cysteine. In the results, CalB A162C-K308C showed greatly improved
      thermostability while maintaining its catalytic efficiency compared to that of
      CalB-WT. Remarkably, the temperature at which 50% of its activity remained after
      60-min incubation (T6050) of CalB A162C_K308C was increased by 8.5 degrees C
      compared to that of CalB-WT (55 and 46.5 degrees C, respectively). Additionally,
      the half-life at 50 degrees C of CalB A162C-K308C was 4.5-fold higher than that
      of CalB-WT (220 and 49 min, respectively). The improvement of thermostability of
      CalB A162C-K308C was elucidated at the molecular level by molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulation.

PMID- 22095555
TI  - Rosmarinic acid and baicalin epigenetically derepress peroxisomal proliferator
      activated receptor gamma in hepatic stellate cells for their antifibrotic effect.
AB  - Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo myofibroblastic transdifferentiation
      (activation) to participate in liver fibrosis and identification of molecular
      targets for this cell fate regulation is essential for development of efficacious
      therapeutic modalities for the disease. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is required for differentiation of HSCs and its
      epigenetic repression underlies HSC activation. The herbal prescription Yang-Gan
      Wan (YGW) prevents liver fibrosis, but its active ingredients and molecular
      mechanisms are unknown. Here we demonstrate YGW prevents and reverses HSC
      activation by way of epigenetic derepression of Ppargamma involving reductions in
      MeCP2 expression and its recruitment to Ppargamma promoter, suppressed expression
      of PRC2 methyltransferase EZH2, and consequent reduction of H2K27di-methylation
      at the 3' exon. High-performance liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry
      (HPLC/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses identify polyphenolic
      rosmarinic acid (RA) and baicalin (BC) as active phytocompounds. RA and BC
      suppress the expression and signaling by canonical Wnts, which are implicated in
      the aforementioned Ppargamma epigenetic repression. RA treatment in mice with
      existing cholestatic liver fibrosis inhibits HSC activation and progression of
      liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate a therapeutic potential of
      YGW and its active component RA and BC for liver fibrosis by way of Ppargamma
      derepression mediated by suppression of canonical Wnt signaling in HSCs.

PMID- 22095557
TI  - One-dimensional gratings evolving through high-temperature annealing: sine
      generated solutions.
AB  - Sine-generated curves (i.e. curves in which the curvature is a sine function of
      the arc-length parameter) have been used in the past to describe river meanders.
      Here we show how these curves spontaneously appear during the decay of high
      aspect-ratio surfaces mediated by surface diffusion. We obtained analytical
      results for the kinetic evolution of such processes relevant to a wide class of
      initial geometries. Our theoretical results were satisfactorily compared with
      numerical simulations and with results from previous approaches to the same
      problem, and they can be useful for interpreting and designing experiments
      related to the technologically important process of high-temperature annealing on
      nano/micro-structured samples.

PMID- 22095556
TI  - Spectroscopic elucidation of a new heme/copper dioxygen structure type:
      implications for O...O bond rupture in cytochrome c oxidase.

PMID- 22095558
TI  - Bilateral neck metastases in upper aero-digestive tract cancer: emphasis on the
      distribution of lymphatic metastases and prognostic implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bilateral neck metastases (BNM) in patients with upper aero-digestive
      tract cancer (UADTC) indicate a poor prognosis. However, the prognostic
      significance of involved neck node levels has not been determined clearly. In
      this study, the distribution of neck nodal metastasis and its impact on prognosis
      were investigated. METHODS: Eighty-two previously untreated UADTC patients with
      BNM from 2000 to 2007 were included in these analyses. The pathology was mainly
      squamous cell carcinomas, including nasopharynx undifferentiated carcinoma and
      excluding salivary and thyroid carcinomas. The distribution and pattern of neck
      metastases and their prognostic significance were assessed, along with other
      clinical variables. RESULTS: BNM confined to the upper neck level (I-III) showed
      a lower rate of distant metastasis compared to BNM beyond I-III levels (13.6% vs.
      47.4%, P = 0.001). There was a significant reduction in survival among patients
      with bilateral lower neck (IV-V) metastases on multivariate analysis (HR: 5.95,
      95%CI: 1.51-23.43). However, multi-level involvement itself did not correlate
      with survival. Subgroup analysis (according to nasopharynx and non-nasopharynx
      cancer) also confirmed the strong trends of lower neck nodal involvement for
      poorer survival in both groups. CONCLUSION: BNM at lower neck nodes can be a
      significant prognostic factor for early systemic dissemination and worse
      prognosis in UADTC patients.

PMID- 22095559
TI  - Analysis of the effects of HIV-1 Tat on the survival and differentiation of
      vessel wall-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - HIV infection is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis development and
      cardiovascular damage. As vessel wall mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are involved
      in the regulation of vessel structure homeostasis, we investigated the role of
      Tat, a key factor in HIV replication and pathogenesis, in MSC survival and
      differentiation. The survival of subconfluent MSCs was impaired when Tat was
      added at high concentrations (200-1,000 ng/ml), whereas lower Tat concentrations
      (1-100 ng/ml) did not promote apoptosis. Tat enhanced the differentiation of MSC
      toward adipogenesis by the transcription and activity upregulation of PPARgamma.
      This Tat-related modulation of adipogenesis was tackled by treatment with
      antagonists of Tat-specific receptors such as SU5416 and RGD Fc. In contrast, Tat
      inhibited the differentiation of MSCs to endothelial cells by downregulating the
      expression of VEGF-induced endothelial markers such as Flt-1, KDR, and vWF. The
      treatment of MSCs with Tat-derived peptides corresponding to the cysteine-rich,
      basic, and RGD domains indicated that these Tat regions are involved in the
      inhibition of endothelial marker expression. The Tat-related impairment of MSC
      survival and differentiation might play an important role in vessel damage and
      formation of the atherosclerotic lesions observed in HIV-infected patients.

PMID- 22095560
TI  - Selective adsorption of proteins on single-wall carbon nanotubes by using a
      protective surfactant.
AB  - The dispersion of highly hydrophobic carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes in
      biological media is a challenging issue. Indeed, the nonspecific adsorption of
      proteins occurs readily when the nanotubes are introduced in biological media;
      therefore, a methodology to control adsorption is in high demand. To address this
      issue, we developed a bifunctional linker derived from pyrene that selectively
      enables or prevents the adsorption of proteins on single-wall carbon nanotubes
      (SWNTs). We demonstrated that it is possible to decrease or completely suppress
      the adsorption of proteins on the nanotube sidewall by using proper
      functionalization (either covalent or noncovalent). By subsequently activating
      the functional groups on the nanotube derivatives, protein adsorption can be
      recovered and, therefore, controlled. Our approach is simple, straightforward,
      and potentially suitable for other biomolecules that contain thio or amino groups
      available for coupling.

PMID- 22095561
TI  - Myriophyllum aquaticum versus Lemna minor: sensitivity and recovery potential
      after exposure to atrazine.
AB  - The relative sensitivity and recovery potential of two aquatic macrophyte
      species, Lemna minor and Myriophyllum aquaticum, exposed to atrazine
      (concentration ranges 80-1,280 ug/L and 40-640 ug/L, respectively) were evaluated
      using slightly adapted standard protocol for Lemna spp.: relative growth rates
      (RGR) and yield of both plants were measured in 3-d-long intervals during the
      exposure and recovery phase. Myriophyllum aquaticum was also exposed to atrazine
      spiked sediment (0.1-3.7 ug/g) in a water-free system. The results of M.
      aquaticum sediment contact tests showed that root- and shoot-based growth
      parameters are equally sensitive endpoints. In the water (sediment-free) test
      system, L. minor recovered after short (3 d) and longer exposure (7 d) to all
      atrazine concentrations after only a 5- to 6-d-long recovery phase. The recovery
      of M. aquaticum after short exposure was slower and less efficient: after 12 d of
      recovery phase the final biomass of plants exposed to 380 and 640 ug/L was below
      the initial values. The last interval RGR provides a good indication of plant
      recovery potential regardless of species growth strategy. If compared to L.
      minor, the difference in growth rate, sensitivity, lag phase, recovery potential
      from water-column substances, and also suitability for studies investigating the
      effect of sediment-bound pollutants advocates the use of M. aquaticum as an
      additional macrophyte species in risk assessment.

PMID- 22095562
TI  - LiNi(0.5)Mn(1.5)O4 hollow structures as high-performance cathodes for lithium-ion
      batteries.

PMID- 22095563
TI  - Super folds, networks, and barriers.
AB  - Exhaustive enumeration of sequences and folds is conducted for a simple lattice
      model of conformations, sequences, and energies. Examination of all foldable
      sequences and their nearest connected neighbors (sequences that differ by no more
      than a point mutation) illustrates the following: (i) There exist unusually large
      number of sequences that fold into a few structures (super-folds). The same
      observation was made experimentally and computationally using stochastic sampling
      and exhaustive enumeration of related models. (ii) There exist only a few large
      networks of connected sequences that are not restricted to one fold. These
      networks cover a significant fraction of fold spaces (super-networks). (iii)
      There exist barriers in sequence space that prevent foldable sequences of the
      same structure to "connect" through a series of single point mutations (super
      barrier), even in the presence of the sequence connection between folds. While
      there is ample experimental evidence for the existence of super-folds, evidence
      for a super-network is just starting to emerge. The prediction of a sequence
      barrier is an intriguing characteristic of sequence space, suggesting that the
      overall sequence space may be disconnected. The implications and limitations of
      these observations for evolution of protein structures are discussed.

PMID- 22095564
TI  - Pathogenic orphan transduction created by a nonreference LINE-1 retrotransposon.
AB  - Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) retrotransposons comprise 17% of the human
      genome, and move by a potentially mutagenic "copy and paste" mechanism via an RNA
      intermediate. Recently, the retrotransposition-mediated insertion of a new
      transcript was described as a novel cause of genetic disease, Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy, in a Japanese male. The inserted sequence was presumed to derive from
      a single-copy, noncoding RNA transcribed from chromosome 11q22.3 that
      retrotransposed into the dystrophin gene. Here, we demonstrate that a
      nonreference full-length LINE-1 is situated in the proband and maternal genome at
      chromosome 11q22.3, directly upstream of the sequence, whose copy was inserted
      into the dystrophin gene. This LINE-1 is highly active in a cell culture assay.
      LINE-1 insertions are often associated with 3' transduction of adjacent genomic
      sequences. Thus, the likely explanation for the mutagenic insertion is a LINE-1
      mediated 3' transduction with severe 5' truncation. This is the first example of
      LINE-1-induced human disease caused by an "orphan" 3' transduction.

PMID- 22095565
TI  - Person-to-person transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
      bunyavirus through blood contact.
AB  - Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus is a newly discovered
      bunyavirus with high pathogenicity to human. The transmission model has been
      largely uncharacterized. Investigation on a cluster of severe fever with
      thrombocytopenia syndrome cases provided evidence of person-to-person
      transmission through blood contact to the index patient with high serum virus
      load.

PMID- 22095566
TI  - Bronchiectasis is associated with human T-lymphotropic virus 1 infection in an
      Indigenous Australian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that infection with human T-lymphotropic virus
      1 (HTLV-1) might be associated with bronchiectasis among Indigenous Australians.
      The present study compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of
      bronchiectasis in this population, according to HTLV-1 serologic status. METHODS:
      We performed a retrospective cohort study of Indigenous adults with
      bronchiectasis and known HTLV-1 serologic status admitted to Alice Springs
      Hospital, central Australia, from January 2000 through December 2006. RESULTS:
      Among 89 Indigenous adults whose HTLV-1 serologic status was confirmed, 52
      (58.4%) were HTLV-1 seropositive. Differences between HTLV-1-seropositive and
      HTLV-1-seronegative groups were apparent in childhood presentations and adult
      outcomes. Among adults, an increasing number of bronchiectatic lobes (univariable
      odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.03-2.20; P = .033) and the
      presence of ground-glass opacities at chest high-resolution computed tomography
      (univariable OR, 8.54; 95% CI, 1.04-70.03; P = .046) predicted HTLV-1 infection.
      Cor pumonale (HTLV-1-positive group, 10/52; HTLV-1-negative group, 1/37; P =
      .023) was more frequent among HTLV-1-seropositive adults, who also experienced a
      higher disease-specific mortality (univariable OR, 5.78; 95% CI, 1.17-26.75; P =
      .028). Only HTLV-1-seropositive patients were admitted specifically for the
      treatment of infected skin lesions, and this finding predicted death
      (multivariable OR, 6.77; 95% CI, 1.46-31.34; P = .014). Overall mortality was
      high; 34.2% of the cohort died at a median age of 42.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: HTLV-1
      infection contributes to the risk of developing bronchiectasis and worsens
      outcomes among Indigenous Australians.

PMID- 22095567
TI  - Magnitude of potential biases in a simulated case-control study of the
      effectiveness of influenza vaccination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates have been made using
      case-control methods. Although several forms of bias may distort estimates of
      vaccine effectiveness derived from case-control studies, there have been few
      attempts to quantify the magnitude of these biases. METHODS: We estimated the
      magnitude of potential biases in influenza vaccine effectiveness values derived
      from case-control studies from several factors, including bias from differential
      use of diagnostic testing based on influenza vaccine status, imperfect diagnostic
      test characteristics, and confounding. A decision tree model was used to simulate
      an influenza vaccine effectiveness case-control study in children. Using
      probability distributions, we varied the value of factors that influence vaccine
      effectiveness estimates, including diagnostic test characteristics, vaccine
      coverage, likelihood of receiving a diagnostic test for influenza, likelihood
      that a child hospitalized with acute respiratory infection had influenza, and
      others. Bias was measured as the difference between the effectiveness observed in
      the simulated case-control study and a true underlying effectiveness value.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found an average difference between observed and true
      vaccine effectiveness of -11.9%. Observed vaccine effectiveness underestimated
      the true effectiveness in 88% of model iterations. Diagnostic test specificity
      exhibited the strongest association with observed vaccine effectiveness, followed
      by the likelihood of receiving a diagnostic test based on vaccination status and
      the likelihood that a child hospitalized with acute respiratory infection had
      influenza. Our findings suggest that the potential biases in case-control studies
      that we examined tend to result in underestimates of true influenza vaccine
      effects.

PMID- 22095568
TI  - Paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV-infected patients
      treated with combination antiretroviral therapy after AIDS-defining opportunistic
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
      when antiretroviral therapy (ART) is initiated after an AIDS-defining
      opportunistic infection (OI) is uncertain and understudied for the most common
      OIs. METHODS: We examined patients in the University of Washington Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus Cohort initiating potent ART subsequent to an AIDS
      defining OI. IRIS was determined through retrospective medical record review and
      adjudication using a standardized data collection process and clinical case
      definition. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics, and immunologic
      changes in patients with and without IRIS. RESULTS: Among 196 patients with 260
      OIs, 21 (11%; 95% confidence interval, 7%-16%) developed paradoxical IRIS in the
      first year on ART. The 3 most common OIs among study patients were Pneumocystis
      pneumonia (PCP, 28%), Candida esophagitis (23%), and Kaposi sarcoma (KS, 16%).
      Cumulative 1-year incidence of IRIS was 29% (12/41) for KS, 16% (4/25) for
      tuberculosis, 14% (1/7) for Cryptococcus, 10% (1/10) for Mycobacterium avium
      complex, and 4% (3/72) for PCP. Morbidity and mortality were highest in those
      with visceral KS-IRIS compared with other types of IRIS (100% [6/6] vs 7% [1/15],
      P < .01). Patients with mucocutaneous KS and tuberculosis-IRIS experienced
      greater median increase in CD4(+) cell count during the first 6 months of ART
      compared with those without IRIS (+158 vs +53 cells/MUL, P = .04, mucocutaneous
      KS; +261 vs +113, P = .04, tuberculosis). CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative incidence and
      features of IRIS varied depending on the OI. IRIS occurred in >10% of patients
      with KS, tuberculosis, or Cryptococcus. Visceral KS-IRIS led to considerable
      morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22095569
TI  - Ribosomal RNA evidence of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection following 3
      annual mass azithromycin distributions in communities with highly prevalent
      trachoma.
AB  - Twelve trachoma-hyperendemic communities were treated with 3 annual mass
      azithromycin distributions. Children aged 0-9 years were monitored 1 year
      following the third treatment. An RNA-based test detected ocular chlamydial
      infection in more children than did a DNA-based test (6.9% vs 4.2%), and in a
      larger number of communities (8 vs 7).

PMID- 22095570
TI  - Adverse outcome analyses of observational data: assessing cardiovascular risk in
      HIV disease.
AB  - Clinical decisions are ideally based on randomized trials but must often rely on
      observational data analyses, which are less straightforward and more influenced
      by methodology. The authors, from a series of expert roundtables convened by the
      Forum for Collaborative HIV Research on the use of observational studies to
      assess cardiovascular disease risk in human immunodeficiency virus infection,
      recommend that clinicians who review or interpret epidemiological publications
      consider 7 key statistical issues: (1) clear explanation of confounding and
      adjustment; (2) handling and impact of missing data; (3) consistency and clinical
      relevance of outcome measurements and covariate risk factors; (4) multivariate
      modeling techniques including time-dependent variables; (5) how multiple testing
      is addressed; (6) distinction between statistical and clinical significance; and
      (7) need for confirmation from independent databases. Recommendations to permit
      better understanding of potential methodological limitations include both
      responsible public access to de-identified source data, where permitted, and
      exploration of novel statistical methods.

PMID- 22095571
TI  - Performance of health literacy tests among older adults with diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowing a patient's health literacy can help clinicians and
      researchers anticipate a patient's ability to understand complex health regimens
      and deliver better patient-centered instructions and information. Poor health
      literacy has been linked with lower ability to function adequately in health care
      systems. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated and compared three measures of health literacy
      and performance among older patients with diabetes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study
      utilizing in-person interviews conducted in participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: A
      tri-ethnic sample (n = 563) of African American, American Indian, and white older
      adults with diabetes from eight counties in south-central North Carolina. MAIN
      MEASURE: Participants completed interviews and health literacy assessments using
      the Short-Form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA), the Rapid
      Estimates of Adult Literacy in Medicine Short-Form (REALM-SF), or the Newest
      Vital Signs (NVS). Scores for reading comprehension and numeracy were calculated.
      RESULTS: Over 90% completed the S-TOFHLA numeracy and approximately 85% completed
      the S-TOFHLA reading and REALM-SF. Only 73% completed the NVS. The correlation of
      S-TOFHLA total scores with REALM-SF and NVS were 0.48 and 0.54, respectively.
      Age, gender, ethnic, educational and income differences in health literacy
      emerged for several instruments, but the pattern of results across the
      instruments was highly variable. CONCLUSIONS: A large segment of older adults is
      unable to complete short-form assessments of health literacy. Among those who
      were able to complete assessments, the REALM-SF and NVS performed comparably, but
      their relatively low convergence with the S-TOFHLA raises questions about
      instrument selection when studying health literacy of older adults.

PMID- 22095572
TI  - Impact of comorbidity on mortality among older persons with advanced heart
      failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Care for patients with advanced heart failure (HF) has traditionally
      focused on managing HF alone; however, little is known about the prevalence and
      contribution of comorbidity to mortality among this population. We compared the
      impact of comorbidity on mortality in older adults with HF with high mortality
      risk and those with lower mortality risk, as defined by presence or absence of a
      prior hospitalization for HF, respectively. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cohort study (2002-2006) of 18,322 age-matched and gender-matched Medicare
      beneficiaries. We used the baseline year of 2002 to ascertain HF hospitalization
      history, in order to identify beneficiaries at either high or low risk of future
      HF mortality. We calculated the prevalence of 19 comorbidities and overall
      comorbidity burden, defined as a count of conditions, among both high and low
      risk beneficiaries, in 2002. Proportional hazards regressions were used to
      determine the effect of individual comorbidity and comorbidity burden on
      mortality between 2002 and 2006 among both groups. RESULTS: Most comorbidities
      were significantly more prevalent among hospitalized versus non-hospitalized
      beneficiaries; myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, kidney disease (CKD),
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hip fracture were more than
      twice as prevalent in the hospitalized group. Among hospitalized beneficiaries,
      myocardial infarction, diabetes, COPD, CKD, dementia, depression, hip fracture,
      stroke, colorectal cancer and lung cancer were each significantly associated with
      increased hazard of dying (hazard ratios [HRs]: 1.16-1.93), adjusting for age,
      gender and race. The mortality risk associated with most comorbidities was higher
      among non-hospitalized beneficiaries (HRs: 1.32-3.78). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity
      confers a significantly increased mortality risk even among older adults with an
      overall high mortality risk due to HF. Clinicians who routinely care for this
      population should consider the impact of comorbidity on outcomes in their overall
      management of HF. Such information may also be useful when considering the risks
      and benefits of aggressive, high-intensity life-prolonging interventions.

PMID- 22095574
TI  - Overexpression of factor inhibiting HIF-1 enhances vessel maturation and tumor
      growth via platelet-derived growth factor-C.
AB  - Recent studies have revealed that the maturation state of vessels in tumors, in
      addition to vascularity, is a critical determinant of tumor growth. The role of
      oxygen-dependent signaling pathways in hypoxia-stimulated angiogenesis is well
      established, however, little is known about their impact on vessel maturation in
      tumors. Here, we have studied the function of the cellular oxygen sensor, factor
      inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH), which controls the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor
      1. FIH silencing in mouse LM8 osteosarcoma stimulated angiogenesis but did not
      influence tumor growth. In contrast, FIH overexpression led to increased pericyte
      coverage of the tumor vasculature, reduced vessel leakiness and enhanced tumor
      growth. Vessel maturation was paralleled by up-regulation of platelet-derived
      growth factor (PDGF)-C in tumors and expression of PDGF receptor-alpha on
      pericytes. Ablation of PDGF-C in FIH-overexpressing tumor cells reduced pericyte
      coverage and tumor growth. Our data suggest that FIH-mediated PDGF-C induction in
      LM8 osteosarcoma stimulates the recruitment of PDGFR-alpha positive pericytes to
      the tumor vasculature, leading to vessel maturation and enhanced tumor growth.

PMID- 22095573
TI  - Factors associated with pneumonia outcomes: a nationwide population-based study
      over the 1997-2008 period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the most common infectious cause of death worldwide.
      Over the last decade, patient characteristics and health care factors have
      changed. However, little information is available regarding systematically and
      simultaneously exploring effects of these changes on pneumonia outcomes.
      OBJECTIVES: We used nationwide longitudinal population-based data to examine
      which patient characteristics and health care factors were associated with
      changes in 30-day mortality rates for pneumonia patients. DESIGN: Trend analysis
      using multilevel techniques. SETTING: General acute care hospitals throughout
      Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 788,011 pneumonia admissions. MEASUREMENTS:
      Thirty-day mortality rates. Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims data from
      1997 to 2008 were used to identify the effects of patient characteristics and
      health care factors on 30-day mortality rates. RESULTS: Male, older, or severely
      ill patients, patients with more comorbidities, weekend admissions, larger
      reimbursement cuts and lower physician volume were associated with increased 30
      day mortality rates. Moreover, there were interactions between patient age and
      trend on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Male, older or severely ill patients with
      pneumonia have higher 30-day mortality rates. However, mortality gaps between
      elderly and young patients narrowed over time; namely, the decline rate of
      mortality among elderly patients was faster than that among young patients.
      Pneumonia patients admitted on weekends also have higher mortality rates than
      those admitted on weekdays. The mortality of pneumonia patients rises under
      increased financial strain from cuts in reimbursement such as the Balanced Budget
      Act in the United States or global budgeting. Higher physician volume is
      associated with lower mortality rates.

PMID- 22095575
TI  - Targeting treatment-resistant depression.
AB  - Only 50% of depressed patients achieve remission of symptoms after 2 trials of
      antidepressants. Therefore one half of patients are considered treatment
      resistant. Studies have shown that with each failed antidepressant, chances of
      remission continue to decline. Untreated depressive symptoms lead to impaired
      social and occupational function, decline of physical health, suicidal thoughts,
      and increased health care utilization. Clinicians recognize there is an urgent
      need to find an efficacious treatment, but it becomes more difficult to decide on
      an appropriate therapy once a patient has failed 2 to 3 trials of
      antidepressants. An evidence-based review was performed to assess the efficacy
      and safety of several different antidepressant strategies to help the clinician
      decide which may be beneficial for specific patients.

PMID- 22095576
TI  - Atypical antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) patients often develop psychotic symptoms that severely
      affect quality of life and limit the use of medications to ameliorate motor
      symptoms. Psychotic symptoms are a major cause for nursing home placement. While
      these symptoms do not always require treatment, they often do but antipsychotic
      drugs all share the common pharmacological mechanism of blocking dopamine D2
      receptors which may worsen motor problems in this very vulnerable population.
      Double blind, placebo controlled trials (DBPCT) have shown that clozapine is
      effective at controlling the psychotic symptoms at doses far below those used in
      schizophrenia, without worsening motor function, even improving tremor. DBPCT
      have demonstrated that olanzapine worsens motor function without improving
      psychosis. Quetiapine has been shown in DBPCT to be free of motor side effects in
      PD patients but not effective, whereas many open label studies have indicated
      that quetiapine is effective. The other atypical have been the subjects of
      conflicting open label reports. The effects of the atypicals in PD psychosis is
      reviewed.

PMID- 22095578
TI  - Pharmacist-managed antimicrobial stewardship program for patients discharged from
      the emergency department.
AB  - Positive outcomes of antimicrobial stewardship programs in the inpatient setting
      are well documented, but the benefits for patients not admitted to the hospital
      remain less clear. This report describes a retrospective case-control study of
      patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) with subsequent positive
      cultures conducted to determine whether integrating antimicrobial stewardship
      responsibilities into practice of the emergency medicine clinical pharmacist
      (EPh) decreased times to positive culture follow-up, patient or primary care
      provider (PCP) notification, and appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy. Pre-
      and post-implementation groups of an EPh-managed antimicrobial stewardship
      program were compared. Positive cultures were identified in 177 patients, 104 and
      73 in pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. Median time to culture
      review in the pre-implementation group was 3 days (range 1-15) and 2 days (range
      0-4) in the post-implementation group (P = .0001). There were 74 (71.2%) and 36
      (49.3%) positive cultures that required notification in the pre- and post
      implementation groups, respectively, and the median time to patient or PCP
      notification was 3 days (range 1-9) and 2 days (range 0-4) in the 2 groups (P =
      .01). No difference was seen in the appropriateness of therapy. In conclusion,
      EPh involvement reduced time to positive culture review and time to patient or
      PCP notification when indicated.

PMID- 22095577
TI  - Misuse of prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD and associated patterns of
      substance use: preliminary analysis among college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the prevalence and characteristics associated with college
      students who misuse their prescribed stimulants for attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and examine diversion and substance use behaviors
      as a function of misuse. METHODS: Cohort of 55 past-year prescribed stimulant
      users was identified from a random sample (n = 1738) at a large Midwestern
      research university following the self-administration of a web-based survey. An
      index was created to assess misuse of prescribed stimulants (i.e., Misuse Index).
      RESULTS: Of 55 college students who reported past-year use of prescribed
      stimulants for ADHD, 22 (40%) endorsed at least one item on the misuse index. The
      most frequently endorsed misuse items were used too much (36%), self-reported
      misuse (19%), and intentionally used with alcohol or other drugs (19%). Misusers
      of prescribed stimulant medication were more likely to report cigarette smoking
      (p = 0.022), binge drinking (p = 0.022), illicit use of cocaine (p = 0.032), and
      screen positive on the Drug Abuse Screening test (DAST-10) criteria (p = 0.002).
      The bivariate odds ratio for the DAST-10 findings was 8.4 (95% CI: 2.0-34.6).
      Diversion of prescribed stimulants was common (36%) and occurred more frequently
      among stimulant misusers (57%; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: There is a strong
      relationship between misuse of prescribed stimulants for ADHD and substance use
      behaviors, as well as other deleterious behaviors such as diversion. These
      findings suggest the need for close screening, assessment, and therapeutic
      monitoring of medication use in the college population.

PMID- 22095579
TI  - Treatments for methamphetamine abuse: a literature review for the clinician.
AB  - Methamphetamine (METH) use and dependence is a serious public health concern with
      implications across multiple areas from societal impact to burden on psychiatric
      and medical resources. An estimated 8% of admissions to substance abuse treatment
      programs are related to stimulants with METH/amphetamine abuse. To date,
      effective pharmacotherapy options to enhance abstinence have not been identified.
      The objective of this article is to critically review the literature of METH
      treatment options. Preclinical research and human research with compounds not yet
      available commercially in the United States will not be included. A literature
      review was conducted for research on pharmacological treatments for METH use and
      addiction. Trial information on the use of sertraline, bupropion, mirtazapine,
      modafinil, dextroamphetamine, ondansetron, risperidone, aripiprazole, baclofen,
      and gabapentin was reviewed. Aripiprazole trials appeared in the reviewed
      literature more frequently than the other medications. Based on the findings of
      this review, no single medication demonstrated consistent efficacy and each trial
      contained a variety of methodological limitations.

PMID- 22095580
TI  - Valproic acid in dementia: does an optimal dose exist?
AB  - Valproic acid is widely used in the treatment of behavioral disturbances in
      patients with dementia; however, there is uncertainty about its dosing and
      studies have reported mixed findings. The current article examines published
      trials of valproic acid in the treatment of patients with dementia to identify
      whether an optimal dosing strategy exists. Secondarily, valproic acid dosing from
      published studies is compared with a real-world 5-year sample of valproic acid
      prescribing. Twenty studies met selection criteria and were included in the
      review. Based primarily on uncontrolled trials and the current retrospective
      study, valproic acid serum levels between 40 and 60 mcg/mL and relatively low
      doses (ie, 7-12 mg/kg per d) are associated with improvements in agitation in
      some patients with dementia. At the same time, similar valproic acid levels
      produced no significant behavioral improvements in most placebo-controlled
      studies and led to substantial side effects in some patients. Considerable trial
      design differences exist between controlled and uncontrolled trials. Overall,
      valproic acid appears to have limited efficacy as monotherapy in many patients
      with dementia. Its optimal role may be in combination with other psychotropics as
      a treatment of agitation associated with dementia.

PMID- 22095581
TI  - Low bone mass and high material bone density in two patients with Loeys-Dietz
      syndrome caused by transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 mutations.
AB  - Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare autosomal-dominant connective tissue
      disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the genes encoding transforming
      growth factor beta receptor 1 or 2 (TGFBR1 or TGFBR2). Although an association
      between LDS and osteoporosis has been reported, the skeletal phenotype regarding
      bone mass is not well characterized. Here, we report on two LDS patients with
      mutations in TGFBR2. Patient 1 was a 24-year-old man who had a total of three
      fractures involving the left radius, the left metacarpal, and the right femur. At
      the age of 14 years, lumbar spine areal bone mineral density Z-score was -4.0 and
      iliac bone histomorphometry showed elevated bone turnover (bone formation rate
      per bone surface: 91 um3/um2/year; age-matched control values 37 [10], mean [SD])
      and mildly low trabecular bone volume per tissue volume (17.2%; age-matched
      control values 25.7 [5.3]). Bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) in
      trabecular bone was increased (Ca(Peak) 22.70 wt% Ca; age-matched control values
      21.66 [0.52]). Patient 2, a 17-year-old girl, suffered from diffuse bone pain but
      had not sustained fractures. At 14 years of age, her lumbar spine areal bone
      mineral density Z-score was -3.4. Iliac bone histomorphometry at that age
      confirmed low bone mass (bone volume to tissue volume 10.1%, same control values
      as above) and high bone turnover (bone formation rate per bone surface 70
      um3/um2/year). BMDD in trabecular bone was significantly shifted toward increased
      mineralization (Ca(Peak) 22.36 wt% Ca). Thus, it appears that LDS can be
      associated with low bone mass and high bone turnover but increased matrix
      mineralization of trabecular bone.

PMID- 22095582
TI  - Heuristic linear mapping of physiological parameters in dynamic contrast-enhanced
      MRI without T1 measurement and contrast agent concentration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a novel heuristic linear mapping method to individually
      estimate physiological parameters for Tofts model without T(1) measurement and
      contrast agent concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A linear relationship was
      used for k(ep) mapping through a heuristic time intensity curve (TIC) shape
      factor (TSF). K(trans) maps were subsequently estimated using k(ep) maps and
      another approximate linear model derived from the Tofts model. Twenty-seven
      patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma received dynamic contrast
      enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Physiological parameters maps were
      obtained using this heuristic linear mapping method and compared to the maps
      obtained by the normal nonlinear least-square fitting with T(1) measurement.
      RESULTS: High linearity (R(2) >0.95) between k(ep) and TSF was found in all
      patients for k(ep) <5/min. This linearity is robust for TSF timepoint selection.
      The k(ep) maps generated by this linear fitting were highly consistent with those
      by the normal nonlinear approach (P > 0.05). The K(trans) maps were consistent
      with the normally derived maps in pattern distribution but the absolute value
      might be scaled due to the assumption of the reference K(trans) value.
      CONCLUSION: This novel method generates reliable and consistent physiological
      parameter maps with significantly lower computation complexity than the
      multiparameter nonlinear fitting. The DCE-MRI scan time can be greatly shortened
      without T(1) mapping.

PMID- 22095583
TI  - A general and expedient synthesis of 5- and 6-membered cyclic carbonates by
      palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of 1,2- and 1,3-diols.
AB  - We present a general, practical, and efficient approach to 5- and 6-membered
      organic carbonates by palladium-catalyzed direct oxidative carbonylation of 1,2-
      and 1,3-diols, respectively. Reactions were carried out at 100  degrees C in N,N
      dimethylacetamide as the solvent under 20 atm (at 25  degrees C; 1 atm=101.3 kPa)
      of a 4:1 v/v CO/air mixture in the presence of 0.5-2 mol % of PdI(2) and KI
      (KI/PdI(2) molar ratio=10). Excess dehydrating agent, such as trimethyl
      orthoacetate, was necessary in several cases to obtain appreciable results. The
      method could also be applied to the synthesis of a high-value-added glycerol
      carbonate from glycerol, a readily available raw material. When applied to alpha
      D-glucose, a double carbonylation process took place, with direct formation of
      alpha-D-glucofuranose 1,2:5,6-dicarbonate.

PMID- 22095584
TI  - Silica-modified oligonucleotide-gold nanoparticle conjugate enables closed-tube
      colorimetric polymerase chain reaction.
AB  - A facile silica coating significantly enhances the thermal stability and
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) compatibility of oligonucleotide-gold
      nanoparticle conjugates, thus enabling colorimetric detection of PCR results in a
      closed-tube format. This method is specific, sensitive, and generally applicable.
      Its simplicity, visual readout, and carryover contamination-free features hold
      promise for point-of-care or on-site DNA testing. 

PMID- 22095585
TI  - Simultaneous determination of four sesquiterpenoids in Atractylodes Macrocephala
      Rhizoma by GC-FID: optimisation of an ultrasound-assisted extraction by central
      composite design.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizoma (AMR) is a traditional Chinese
      medicine containing several sesquiterpenoids with a series of effects. These
      bioactive compounds may be used as chemical markers for the quality control of
      AMR. It is necessary to optimise the extraction method and conditions in order to
      improve extraction productivity. OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple and effective
      method for the extraction of sesquiterpenoids from AMR and then to simultaneously
      determine four sesquiterpenoids, selina-4 (14), 7(11)-dien-8-one (SA),
      atractylenolide II (AII), atractylenolide III (AIII) and atractylenolide VII
      (AVII), in AMR. METHODOLOGY: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was optimised
      by central composite design (CCD) to obtain the maximum efficiency. The gas
      chromatography method was validated and applied for the quantification of four
      sesquiterpenoids. RESULTS: The optimum values of factors were: particle size (120
      mesh), extraction time (26 min), extraction temperature (39 degrees C) and 31 mL
      of chloroform. The selectivity, linear range, limits of detection (LOD) and
      quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision and repeatability of the method
      developed indicated its validity. The application of the method showed that the
      contents of four sesquiterpenoids in AMR were rather variable. CONCLUSION: The
      results indicated that the described GC method could be used for the quality
      control of AMR and its related preparations. Meanwhile, this research revealed
      that UAE under optimum conditions could be considered as a powerful tool for the
      extraction of phytochemicals from plants.

PMID- 22095586
TI  - Cross-talk between endothelial and breast cancer cells regulates reciprocal
      expression of angiogenic factors in vitro.
AB  - Reciprocal growth factor exchange between endothelial and malignant cells within
      the tumor microenvironment may directly stimulate neovascularization; however,
      the role of host vasculature in regulating tumor cell activity is not well
      understood. While previous studies have examined the angiogenic response of
      endothelial cells to tumor-secreted factors, few have explored tumor response to
      endothelial cells. Using an in vitro co-culture system, we investigated the
      influence of endothelial cells on the angiogenic phenotype of breast cancer
      cells. Specifically, VEGF, ANG1, and ANG2 gene and protein expression were
      assessed. When co-cultured with microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), breast
      cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) significantly increased expression of ANG2 mRNA (20
      fold relative to MDA-MB-231 monoculture). Moreover, MDA-MB-231/HMEC-1 co-cultures
      produced significantly increased levels of ANG2 (up to 580 pg/ml) and VEGF
      protein (up to 38,400 pg/ml) while ANG1 protein expression was decreased relative
      to MDA-MB-231 monocultures. Thus, the ratio of ANG1:ANG2 protein, a critical
      indicator of neovascularization, shifted in favor of ANG2, a phenomenon known to
      correlate with vessel destabilization and sprouting in vivo. This angiogenic
      response was not observed in nonmalignant breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A),
      where absolute protein levels of MCF-10A/HMEC-1 co-cultures were an order of
      magnitude less than that of the MDA-MB-231/HMEC-1 co-cultures. Results were
      further verified with a functional angiogenesis assay demonstrating well-defined
      microvascular endothelial cell (TIME) tube formation when cultured in media
      collected from MDA-MB-231/HMEC-1 co-cultures. This study demonstrates that the
      angiogenic activity of malignant mammary epithelial cells is significantly
      enhanced by the presence of endothelial cells.

PMID- 22095587
TI  - Photoemission and LEED study of the Sn/Rh(111) surface--early oxidation steps and
      thermal stability.
AB  - We have deposited two monolayers of Sn onto Rh(111) single crystal. After the
      deposition, no ordered structure was revealed by low energy electron diffraction
      (LEED). We oxidized the obtained system in a low-pressure oxygen atmosphere at
      420 K. The oxidized sample was then gradually heated to study the thermal
      stability of the oxide layer. We characterized the system by synchrotron
      radiation stimulated photoelectron spectroscopy and LEED. Valence band and core
      level photoelectron spectra of rhodium, tin and oxygen were used to study the
      oxidation of the Sn-Rh(111) surface and its behaviour upon annealing. A low
      stoichiometric oxide of Sn was created on the surface. The oxidation process did
      not continue towards creation of SnO(2) with higher oxygen dose. The annealing at
      970 K caused decomposition of the surface oxide of Sn and creation of an ordered
      (?3 * ?3)R30 degrees  Sn-Rh(111) surface alloy.

PMID- 22095589
TI  - [16]Cloverphene: a clover-shaped cata-condensed nanographene with sixteen fused
      benzene rings.

PMID- 22095588
TI  - Glucokinase links Kruppel-like factor 6 to the regulation of hepatic insulin
      sensitivity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - The polymorphism, KLF6-IVS1-27A, in the Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6)
      transcription factor gene enhances its splicing into antagonistic isoforms and is
      associated with delayed histological progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD). To explore a potential role for KLF6 in the development of
      insulin resistance, central to NAFLD pathogenesis, we genotyped KLF6-IVS1-27 in
      healthy subjects and assayed fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin
      sensitivities. Furthermore, we quantified messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of KLF6
      and glucokinase (GCK), as an important mediator of insulin sensitivity, in human
      livers and in liver tissues derived from a murine Klf6 knockdown model
      (DeltaKlf6). Klf6 overexpression studies in a mouse hepatocyte line were utilized
      to mechanistically link KLF6 with Gck promoter activity. KLF6-IVS1-27Gwt (i.e.,
      less KLF6 splicing) was associated with stepwise increases in FPG and insulin and
      reduced hepatic insulin sensitivity. KLF6 binds to the liver-specific Gck
      promoter and activates a GCK promoter-reporter, identifying GCK as a KLF6 direct
      transcriptional target. Accordingly, in DeltaKlf6 hepatocytes Gck expression was
      reduced and stable transfection of Klf6 led to up-regulation of Gck. GCK and KLF6
      mRNAs correlate directly in human NAFLD tissues and immunohistochemistry studies
      confirm falling levels of both KLF6 and GCK in fat-laden hepatocytes. In contrast
      to full-length KLF6, splice variant KLF6-SV1 increases in NAFLD hepatocytes and
      inversely correlates with glucokinase regulatory protein, which negatively
      regulates GCK activity. CONCLUSION: KLF6 regulation of GCK contributes to the
      development of hepatic insulin resistance. The KLF6-IVS1-27A polymorphism, which
      generates more KLF6-SV1, combats this, lowering hepatic insulin resistance and
      blood glucose.

PMID- 22095591
TI  - Biodegradation of the ultraviolet filter benzophenone-3 under different redox
      conditions.
AB  - Biodegradation of the ultraviolet (UV) filter benzophenone-3 (BP-3) was
      investigated in the laboratory to understand its behavior and fate under oxic and
      anoxic (nitrate, sulfate, and Fe [III]-reducing) conditions. Biodegradation
      experiments were conducted in microcosms with 10% of activated sludge and
      digested sludge under oxic and anoxic conditions, respectively. Benzophenone-3
      was well degraded by microorganisms under each redox condition. Under the redox
      conditions studied, the biodegradation half-life for BP-3 had the following
      order: oxic (10.7 d) > nitrate-reducing (8.7 d) > Fe (III)-reducing (5.1 d) >
      sulfate-reducing (4.3 d) >= anoxic unamended (4.2 d). The results suggest that
      anaerobic biodegradation is a more favorable attenuation mechanism for BP-3.
      Biodegradation of BP-3 produced two products, 4-cresol and 2,4
      dihydroxybenzophenone, under oxic and anoxic conditions. Biotransformation of BP
      3 to 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone by way of demethylation of the methoxy substituent
      (O-demethylation) occurred in cultures under each redox condition. The further
      biotransformation of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone to 4-cresol was inhibited under
      oxic, nitrate-reducing, and sulfate-reducing conditions.

PMID- 22095592
TI  - Tissue engineering of cartilage using a mechanobioreactor exerting simultaneous
      mechanical shear and compression to simulate the rolling action of articular
      joints.
AB  - The effect of dynamic mechanical shear and compression on the synthesis of human
      tissue-engineered cartilage was investigated using a mechanobioreactor capable of
      simulating the rolling action of articular joints in a mixed fluid environment.
      Human chondrocytes seeded into polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh or PGA-alginate
      scaffolds were precultured in shaking T-flasks or recirculation perfusion
      bioreactors for 2.5 or 4 weeks prior to mechanical stimulation in the
      mechanobioreactor. Constructs were subjected to intermittent unconfined shear and
      compressive loading at a frequency of 0.05 Hz using a peak-to-peak compressive
      strain amplitude of 2.2% superimposed on a static axial compressive strain of
      6.5%. The mechanical treatment was carried out for up to 2.5 weeks using a
      loading regime of 10 min duration each day with the direction of the shear forces
      reversed after 5 min and release of all loading at the end of the daily treatment
      period. Compared with shaking T-flasks and mechanobioreactor control cultures
      without loading, mechanical treatment improved the amount and quality of
      cartilage produced. On a per cell basis, synthesis of both major structural
      components of cartilage, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II, was
      enhanced substantially by up to 5.3- and 10-fold, respectively, depending on the
      scaffold type and seeding cell density. Levels of collagen type II as a
      percentage of total collagen were also increased after mechanical treatment by up
      to 3.4-fold in PGA constructs. Mechanical treatment had a less pronounced effect
      on the composition of constructs precultured in perfusion bioreactors compared
      with perfusion culture controls. This work demonstrates that the quality of
      tissue-engineered cartilage can be enhanced significantly by application of
      simultaneous dynamic mechanical shear and compression, with the greatest benefits
      evident for synthesis of collagen type II.

PMID- 22095593
TI  - Supramolecular inclusion complexes of two cyclic zinc bisporphyrins with C60 and
      C70: structural, thermodynamic, and photophysical characterization.
AB  - The formation of thermodynamically stable inclusion complexes between two cyclic
      zinc bisporphyrins, differing in the saturation degree of the hydrocarbon linkers
      that connect their porphyrin units, and the fullerenes C(60)  and C(70)  is
      described. Binding and photophysical studies were performed in two solvents of
      very different polarity: toluene and dichloromethane. UV/Vis and fluorescence
      titration experiments showed pi-pi interactions between the cyclic zinc
      bisporphyrins and the fullerenes. Solid-state structures were determined by X-ray
      diffraction analysis and gave valuable insight into the different complexation
      behaviors of the two macrocyclic systems towards the fullerenes. NMR titrations
      were also helpful in understanding the geometry of the complexes in solution.
      Upon fullerene complexation, the two macrocyclic bisporphyrins adopt very
      distinct conformations. Charge-transfer absorption bands point to ground-state
      interactions, and quenching of the porphyrin component luminescence indicates
      fast reactivity in the excited states. Energy transfer plus HOMO-HOMO and LUMO
      LUMO electron-transfer processes occur within the complexes. Charge-separated
      states characterized by a reduced fullerene and an oxidized porphyrin radical,
      with lifetimes in the order of several hundred picoseconds, are detected.

PMID- 22095595
TI  - Environmental and genetic  factors affecting the weaning-estrus interval in sows.
AB  - We examined  the effects of environmental and genetic factors on the weaning-to
      estrus  interval (WEI) in sows. In order to perform the analyses of the
      environmental  factors, 8104 observations of the 1st to the 6th WEI were carried
      out, while  6548 observations of the 1st to the 3rd WEI were carried out for the
      analyses  of genetic factors. The environmental model included as fixed effects,
      herd,  genetic line, year and season of birth, as well as the covariates, age of
      sow  at farrowing, litter size at birth and lactation length. Genetic analysis
      was  performed by repeatability and multitrait models. The mean and coefficient
      of  variation for WEI were 7.02 days and 100.6%, respectively. The linear effect
      of  lactation length and the quadratic effect of the age of sow at farrowing 
      affected the WEI. Herd, year and season of farrowing were significant sources  of
      variation for WEI, and there was no influence of genetic line or of litter  size
      at birth. Heritability estimated by the repeatability model was 0.04,  while
      heritabilities obtained by the multitrait model were 0.07, 0.02 and 0.07  for the
      first three WEI, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlations among  the
      different WEI were of moderate to low magnitude. It was concluded that 
      environmental factors, such as year and season of farrowing, lactation length, 
      age of sow at farrowing and herd, should be considered in the model for best 
      estimation of genetic parameters for this trait. Although with only a small 
      possible genetic gain, selection can be made based on the first WEI.

PMID- 22095594
TI  - The dual role of fragments in fragment-assembly methods for de novo protein
      structure prediction.
AB  - In fragment-assembly techniques for protein structure prediction, models of
      protein structure are assembled from fragments of known protein structures. This
      process is typically guided by a knowledge-based energy function and uses a
      heuristic optimization method. The fragments play two important roles in this
      process: they define the set of structural parameters available, and they also
      assume the role of the main variation operators that are used by the optimiser.
      Previous analysis has typically focused on the first of these roles. In
      particular, the relationship between local amino acid sequence and local protein
      structure has been studied by a range of authors. The correlation between the two
      has been shown to vary with the window length considered, and the results of
      these analyses have informed directly the choice of fragment length in state-of
      the-art prediction techniques. Here, we focus on the second role of fragments and
      aim to determine the effect of fragment length from an optimization perspective.
      We use theoretical analyses to reveal how the size and structure of the search
      space changes as a function of insertion length. Furthermore, empirical analyses
      are used to explore additional ways in which the size of the fragment insertion
      influences the search both in a simulation model and for the fragment-assembly
      technique, Rosetta.

PMID- 22095597
TI  - Clonal monosomy of chromosome 21 in a case of  myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - This study reports on a cytogenetic finding in a bone  marrow examination of a 47
      year-old male patient treated in the Hematology and  Blood Transfusion Service of
      the Hospital de Base in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao  Paulo State, Brazil. The only
      alteration found at diagnosis of myelodysplastic  syndrome (MDS) subtype
      refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB-2) was clonal  monosomy of chromosome
      21. The patient evolved to acute myeloid leukemia type  M2 and died nine months
      after diagnosis. Clonal monosomy of chromosome 21, as  the only cytogenetic
      abnormality in MDS, has only been reported three times  previously. This uncommon
      cytogenetic abnormality in MDS has been associated  with a poor clinical course,
      although more data will be needed to determine if  this prognosis is invariable.

PMID- 22095596
TI  - Lactic acid bacteria dynamics  during spontaneous fermentation of cocoa beans
      verified by culture-independent  denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.
AB  - Cocoa  is naturally fermented in the field before the cocoa seeds are removed for
      processing. We assessed the dynamics of lactic acid bacteria during cocoa 
      fermentation in Bahia, Brazil. During five days of fermentation, temperature  and
      pH were measured and beans were collected for genomic DNA extraction every  12 h.
      The DNA was used as a template for amplification with Lac1-Lac2 and  Lac3-Lac2
      for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses. pH values  ranged from 3.34
      to 4.98, while the temperature varied from 23 degrees  to 50 degrees C.  Lac1
      Lac2 primers permitted detection of 11 operational taxonomic units.  Twenty-eight
      operational taxonomic units were obtained with the primer pair  Lac3-Lac2. It was
      observed that there were variations between the numbers of  operational taxonomic
      units throughout the process, probably because of changes  in pH and temperature.
      The greatest similarity in amplified samples was  obtained with the primers Lac3
      Lac2.

PMID- 22095598
TI  - A novel polymorphism of the  myogenin gene is associated with body measurement
      traits in native Chinese breeds.
AB  - Using  PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing technology, we examined the association of
      single  nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bovine MyoG gene with body 
      measurement traits in 779 individuals of six native Chinese cattle breeds, 
      namely Luxi, Luxi * Simmental crossbred, Nanyang, Xia'nan, Jiaxian red, and 
      Qinchuan. A novel SNP, T314C, was detected. Allelic frequencies of MyoG-T/C  in
      the six breeds were 0.8308/0.1692, 0.8774/0.1226, 0.8021/0.1979,  0.8209/0.1791,
      0.8630/0.1370, 0.8044/0.1956, respectively. Least squares  analysis revealed a
      significant (P < 0.05) association of the MyoG SNP  with rump length in four
      breeds (Luxi, Xia'nan, Jiaxian red, and Qinchuan),  with hucklebone width in
      three breeds (Luxi * Simmental crossbred, Nanyang and  Xia'nan), with waist
      height in two breeds (Luxi * Simmental crossbred and  Nanyang) and with body
      length in the Luxi breed. We conclude that the MyoG SNP  has potential as a
      genetic marker for economically relevant body measurement  traits in native
      Chinese cattle breeds.

PMID- 22095599
TI  - Assessing molecular and morpho-agronomical diversity and identification  of ISSR
      markers associated with fruit traits in quince  (Cydonia  oblonga).
AB  - Quince is a deciduous tree known to the countries  around the Mediterranean since
      antiquity. Nowadays, quince is used as an  ornamental plant, and as a rootstock
      for pear trees, with its fruit being  appreciated mainly for production of jam
      and sweets rather than for raw  consumption. Quince leaves contain compounds with
      antioxidant, antimicrobial  and anticancerous properties that have been the focus
      of recent research on  pharmaceutical and medical uses as well as for food
      preservatives. An orchard  has been established in Greece, composed of quince
      varieties (Cydonia  oblonga, N = 49) collected from different sites of the
      country (mainly from  home gardens), constituting a unique quince gene bank
      collection for southeast  Europe. We made a phenotypic analysis using 26
      morphological plus seven  agronomical descriptors coupled with molecular
      techniques in order to examine  the genetic diversity within the collection.
      Principal component analysis using  the 33 descriptors identified 10 components
      explaining the existence of more  than 70% of the total variation. Subsequent
      cluster analysis classified most of  the previously identified productive
      varieties of the quince orchard in the  same clade of a dendrogram. Molecular
      analysis generated by 13 inter-simple  sequence repeat primers amplified 139
      bands, including 109 polymorphic bands,  indicating a level of polymorphism of
      79%; mean gene diversity was calculated  to be 0.309. Using stepwise multiple
      regression analysis, a number of markers  significantly associated with fire
      blight susceptibility, yield, mean fruit weight,  citric acid content, soluble
      solid content, and fruit drop were identified.  Hence, data extracted by multiple
      regression analysis could be useful in  marker-assisted breeding programs,
      especially when no previous genetic  information is available.

PMID- 22095600
TI  - AGPAT6 polymorphism and  its association with milk traits of dairy goats.
AB  - As one  of the eight members in the 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate-O-acyltransferase
      (AGPATs)  family, AGPAT6 is a crucial enzyme for the biosynthesis of
      glycerolipids  and triacylglycerol in eukaryotes, as well as catalyzing the
      conversion from  lysophosphatidic acid to phosphatidic acid. AGPAT6 can be
      considered as  a candidate gene for regulating milk composition. DNA sequencing
      and PCR-RFLP  methods were applied to detect genetic variation in the AGPAT6 gene
      in  549 Chinese dairy goats. Four polymorphisms (NC_007328.3:g.152G>C,  8124G>A,
      9263C>G, 16436G>A) were detected in 5'UTR, intron 2, exon 4,  and 3'UTR,
      respectively. For the KpnIota locus, the frequencies of the AGPAT6-G allele  were
      0.955 and 0.936 for SN (Xinong Sannen) and GZ (Guanzhong) dairy goat  breeds,
      respectively. In the PCR-RFLP analysis for KpnIota, EcoRII, NcoIota, and BglIota,
      the frequencies of the G allele  of AGPAT6 were 0.955 and 0.936, 0.694 and 0.819,
      0.206 and 0.254, 0.729  and 0.623 for SN and GZ dairy goat breeds, respectively.
      The 9263C>G  mutation revealed a synonymous genetic code of Thr (threonine).
      Associations  between the four mutations and milk traits were analyzed in two
      dairy goat  breeds. At the 9263C>G locus, genotype GG and CG individuals showed 
      significantly better milk performance than genotype CC individuals (P <  0.05).
      Therefore, the G allele is suggested to be a molecular marker for milk 
      production in dairy goats.

PMID- 22095601
TI  - Genomic DNA extraction from medicinal plants available in Malaysia using a
      TriOmic(TM) improved extraction kit.
AB  - DNA extraction  was carried out on 32 medicinal plant samples available in
      Malaysia using the  TriOmic(TM) extraction kit. Amounts of 0.1 g  flowers or
      young leaves were ground with liquid nitrogen, lysed at 65 degrees C in RY1(plus)
      buffer  and followed by RNAse treatment. Then, RY2 buffer was added to the
      samples and  mixed completely by vortexing before removal of cell debris by
      centrifugation.  Supernatants were transferred to fresh microcentrifuge tubes and
      0.1 volume RY3  buffer was added to each of the transferred supernatant. The
      mixtures were  applied to spin columns followed by a centrifugation step to
      remove buffers and  other residues. Washing step was carried out twice by
      applying 70% ethanol to  the spin columns. Genomic DNA of the samples was
      recovered by applying 50 MUL TE buffer to the membrane of each  spin column,
      followed by a centrifugation step at room temperature. A  modification of the
      TriOmic(TM) extraction  procedure was carried out by adding chloroform:isoamyl
      alcohol (24:1) steps in  the extraction procedure. The genomic DNA extracted from
      most of the 32 samples  showed an increase of total yield when chloroform:isoamyl
      alcohol (24:1) steps  were applied in the TriOmicTM extraction  procedure. This
      preliminary study is very important for molecular studies of  medicinal plants
      available in Malaysia since the DNA extraction can be  completed in a shorter
      period of time (within 1 h) compared to manual  extraction, which entails
      applying phenol, chloroform and ethanol  precipitation, and requires 1-2 days to
      complete.

PMID- 22095602
TI  - Lack of an association between -308G>A polymorphism of the TNF-alpha gene and
      liver cirrhosis risk based on a meta-analysis.
AB  - TNF-alpha is a potential proinflammatory cytokine that plays an  important role
      in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. We investigated a  possible association
      between TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism and liver cirrhosis risk by  conducting a
      meta-analysis. Publications addressing the association between  TNF-alpha -308G>A
      and liver cirrhosis risk were  selected from the Pubmed and Embase databases.
      Data were extracted from the  studies by two independent reviewers; odds ratio
      (OR) with a 95% confidence  interval (CI) was calculated from these data. The
      meta-analysis was performed  by Review Manager Version 5.0.24 and STATA Version
      9.2. Eleven studies were  retrieved, reporting a total of 1796 liver cirrhosis
      cases and 2113 healthy controls.  A meta-analysis of these 11 studies identified
      no significant association  between TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism and liver 
      cirrhosis risk in all comparisons of G vs A allele; GG vs GA +  AA; GG + GA vs
      AA; GG vs AA; GG vs GA (OR = 1.14, 95%CI =  0.85-1.55, P = 0.38; OR = 1.24, 95%CI
      = 0.87- 1.77, P = 0.24; OR = 0.90, 95%CI  = 0.62-1.30, P = 0.57; OR = 1.03, 95%CI
      = 0.56-1.89, P = 0.92; OR = 1.30, 95%CI  = 0.90-1.88, P = 0.17; respectively). In
      conclusion, we found no association  between TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism and
      liver  cirrhosis risk, both in Caucasian and Asian populations.

PMID- 22095603
TI  - Population structure and  demographic inferences concerning the endangered
      onychophoran species Epiperipatus  acacioi (Onychophora: Peripatidae).
AB  - Epiperipatus  acacioi (Onychophora: Peripatidae) is an endemic species of  the
      Atlantic rainforest in southeastern Brazil, with a restricted known 
      distribution, found only in two nearby areas (Tripui and Itacolomi).
      Mitochondrial  gene COI sequences of 93 specimens collected across the known
      range of E.  acacioi were used to assess the extant genetic diversity and
      patterns of  genetic structure, as well as to infer the demographic history of
      this species.  We found considerable variability within the populations, even
      though there has  been recent environmental disturbance in these habitats. The
      samples from the  two areas where this species is found showed significantly
      different COI  sequences and constitute two distinct populations [exact test of
      sample  differentiation (P = 0.0008) and pairwise F(ST) analyses  (F(ST) = 0.214,
      P < 0.00001)]. However,  there was little genetic differentiation among samples
      from different sampling  sites within populations, suggesting that the potential
      for dispersal of E.  acacioi greater than would have been expected, based on
      their cryptic  behavior and reduced vagility. Mismatch analyses and neutrality
      tests revealed  evidence of recent population expansion processes for both
      populations,  possibly related to variations in the past distribution of this
      species.

PMID- 22095604
TI  - Molecular differentiation of  species of the genus Zungaro (Siluriformes,
      Pimelodidae) from the Amazon  and Parana-Paraguay River basins in Brazil.
AB  - Fish  species of the Zungaro genus (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) are amongst the 
      largest migratory fish in Latin America and have considerable economic 
      importance for commercial fishing in Brazil. However, natural populations of this
      large catfish are experiencing a severe decline. There are significant 
      taxonomical inconsistencies for this fish. Two geographically separated species 
      of the fish were initially described, one endemic in the Amazon and another in 
      the Parana-Paraguay River basins. A taxonomic review had recently proposed that 
      there is only one Zungaro species in Brazil, based on morphological  data. We
      made a molecular study of Zungaro populations in an attempt to  solve taxonomical
      inconsistencies and to analyze genetic diversity in natural  populations of this
      genus. We analyzed two regions of the mitochondrial DNA  (the control region and
      the ATPase 6 gene region) of individuals sampled from  the Parana-Paraguay River
      and Amazon River basins. Analyses based on p-distances  and maximum likelihood
      phylogenetic models showed a genetic difference between  populations
      corresponding to different species. Genetic differentiation between Zungaro
      populations was at the same level as that observed between other  Siluriformes
      species, using the same DNA sequences. We conclude that Zungaro species of the
      Parana-Paraguay River basin do not belong to the same  species found in the
      Amazon basin. This finding has a significant implication  for conservation of
      this fish, given that populations are disappearing at a  high rate in the Parana
      Paraguay River basin, mainly due to impoundments.

PMID- 22095605
TI  - Molecular authentication of the medicinal herb Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae)  and an
      adulterant   using nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers.
AB  - Dried parts of different plant species often look  alike, especially in powdered
      form, making them very difficult to identify. Ruta  graveolens, sold as a dried
      medicinal herb, can be adulterated with Euphorbia  dracunculoides. The genomic
      DNA was isolated from the leaf powder (100 mg  each) using the modified CTAB
      method. Internal transcribed spacer sequences of  nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA
      ITS), and chloroplast spacer sequences (rpoB and rpoC1) are regarded as potential
      genes for plant DNA barcoding. We  amplified and sequenced these spacer sequences
      and confirmed the sequences with  a BLAST search. Sequence alignment was
      performed using ClustalX to look for  differences in the sequences. A DNA marker
      was developed based on rpoB and rpoC1 of the nrDNA-ITS for the identification of
      the adulterant E.  dracunculoides in samples of R. graveolens that are sold in
      local  herbal markets. Sequence-characterized amplified region markers of 289 and
      264  bp for R. graveolens and 424 bp for E. dracunculoides were  developed from
      dissimilar sequences of this nrDNA-ITS to speed up the  authentication process.
      This marker successfully distinguished these species in  extracted samples with
      as little as 5 ng DNA/MUL extract.

PMID- 22095606
TI  - Aluminum triggers broad changes in microRNA expression  in rice roots.
AB  - MicroRNAs are small 21-nucleotide RNA molecules with  regulatory roles in
      development and in response to stress. Expression of some  plant miRNAs has been
      specifically associated with responses to abiotic  stresses caused by cold,
      light, iron, and copper ions. In acid soils, aluminum  solubility increases,
      thereby causing severe damage to plants. Although  physiological aspects of
      aluminum toxicity in plants have been well  characterized, the molecular
      mediators are not fully elucidated. There have been  no reports about miRNA
      responses to aluminum stress. Modulation of miRNA  expression may constitute a
      key element to explain the mechanisms implicated in  aluminum toxicity and
      tolerance. We examined the expression of at least one  miRNA member from each
      miRNA family in rice roots of Oryza sativa spp indica cv. Embrapa Taim and Oryza
      sativa spp japonica cv. Nipponbare  under high concentrations of aluminum. Forty
      six miRNA families were  effectively detected by quantitative PCR. Among these,
      13 were down-regulated  and six were up-regulated in roots of the Nipponbare
      cultivar after 8 h of  aluminum treatment. In roots of the Embrapa Taim cultivar,
      five miRNAs were  down-regulated and three were up-regulated. Analyses of their
      putative targets  suggest that these rice miRNAs are involved in the regulation
      of various metabolic  pathways in response to high concentrations of aluminum.

PMID- 22095607
TI  - Association between a single  nucleotide  polymorphism in the bovine chemerin
      gene and carcass  traits in Qinchuan cattle.
AB  - Qinchuan  is a red or yellow draft and beef breed in China. In order to identify
      a  predictor of carcass traits on the basis of associations between carcass
      traits  and gene polymorphism, variation in the bovine chemerin gene was
      investigated  using PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism and DNA
      sequencing. An SNP  of A868G located in exon 2 of the Bos taurus chemerin gene
      was detected  in 716 samples of six breeds (Jiaxian red, Luxi, Nan yang,
      Qinchuan, Simmental  and Luxi crossbred steers, and Xia'nan), all in China, and
      three genotypes (AA,  AG and GG) were found. Based on the chi(2) test,  the
      AA/AG/GG genotype frequencies of all six breeds were found to be in  Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium. A possible association of A868G with some carcass  traits
      was investigated in 106 Qinchuan cattle. Animals with the AG genotype  were found
      to have significantly lower mean loin eye area and meat tenderness  compared to
      those with the AA and GG genotypes. However, there was no  significant
      association between any individual haplotype and backfat thickness,  water
      holding capacity or marbling score. We suggest that A868G could be used  as a
      molecular marker in marker-assisted selection for carcass traits.

PMID- 22095608
TI  - Lack of association between RANTES-28, SDF-1 gene polymorphisms and systemic 
      lupus erythematosus in the Malaysian  population.
AB  - Regulated  on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and
      stromal  cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) are members of the CC- and CXC-chemokine 
      families, respectively. Both genes have been postulated to be involved in the 
      pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We analyzed position 28 of
      the RANTES gene promoter region, as well as the SNP observed in the 3' UTR  of
      the SDF-1 gene at position 801, in 130 patients presenting SLE at the  Malaya
      University Medical Centre. Screening of 130 healthy volunteer controls  using
      RFLP was also performed. RANTES-28 polymorphism analysis showed no  significant
      (P = 0.3520) relationship, even though homozygous C/C was more  frequent in SLE
      patients (OR = 1.4183) and heterozygous C/G was more frequent  in healthy
      controls (OR = 0.7051). There were no significant (P = 0.2650)  associations
      between A/A (OR = 0.783), G/G (OR = 1.5914) and G/A (OR = 0.8289)  genotypes in
      the SDF-1 gene polymorphism with SLE. We conclude that  there is no significant
      association of RANTES-28 and SDF-1 gene  polymorphisms and occurrence of SLE in
      Malaysia.

PMID- 22095609
TI  - Multiple displacement amplification for preimplantation genetic diagnosis of 
      fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has become an  assisted reproductive
      technique for couples that have genetic risks. Despite  the many advantages
      provided by PGD, there are several problems, including  amplification failure,
      allele drop-out and amplification inefficiency. We  evaluated multiple
      displacement amplification (MDA) for PGD of the fragile X  syndrome. Whole genome
      amplification was performed using MDA. MDA products were  subjected to
      fluorescent PCR of fragile X mental retardation-1 (FMR1)  CGG repeats, amelogenin
      and two polymorphic markers. In the pre-clinical  tests, the amplification rates
      of the FMR1 CGG repeat, DXS1215 and  FRAXAC1 were 84.2, 87.5 and 75.0%,
      respectively, while the allele dropout rates  were 31.3, 57.1 and 50.0%,
      respectively. In two PGD treatment cycles, 20  embryos among 30 embryos were
      successfully diagnosed as 10 normal embryos, four  mutated embryos and six
      heterozygous carriers. Three healthy embryos were  transferred to the uterus;
      however, no clinical pregnancy was achieved. Our  data indicate that MDA and
      fluorescent PCR with four loci can be successfully  applied to PGD for fragile X
      syndrome. Advanced methods for amplification of  minuscule amounts of DNA could
      improve the sensitivity and reliability of PGD  for complicated single gene
      disorders.

PMID- 22095610
TI  - Evaluation of a hydrogel based breast biopsy marker (HydroMARK(r)) as an
      alternative to wire and radioactive seed localization for non-palpable breast
      lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: HydroMARK(r) is a newly available biopsy marker for
      image-guided needle biopsies of non-palpable breast lesions. Objective was to
      determine if the marker could be utilized independently for lesion localization
      using intra-operative ultrasound alone. METHODS: A single institution
      retrospective review identified patients who underwent surgical excision of
      breast lesions after placement of the HydroMARK(r). Endpoints included intra
      operative visualization of the marker, successful excision of the lesion, and
      presence of the marker on specimen radiograph. RESULTS: The study included 31
      lesions in 25 patients. Twenty-nine (93.6%) HydroMARKSs(r) were adequately
      visualized by intra-operative ultrasound. Intra-operative ultrasound without pre
      operative placement of a localizing device was successful for localization in six
      cases (19.4%). Intra-operative difficulties were encountered in 16 of 31 (51.6%)
      procedures. This included either extrusion of the marker when the biopsy tract
      was transected in 14 (45.2%) cases or migration of the marker prior to the
      procedure in two (6.4%) cases. The marker was visualized on specimen radiograph
      in 15 (48.4%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: While intraoperative sonographic visibility was
      excellent, a large number of excisions were associated with extrusion of the
      marker. Modifications are needed to improve acceptability of this marker for
      intra-operative localization independent of pre-operative wire or seed
      localization.

PMID- 22095611
TI  - PlexinA2 mediates osteoblast differentiation via regulation of Runx2.
AB  - The imbalance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts
      often leads to bone destructive diseases such as osteoporosis. In contrast to the
      development of several antiresorptive agents for osteoporosis therapy, discovery
      of anabolic drugs has been difficult because of an insufficient understanding of
      the complex mechanism of bone formation. In a microarray analysis with mouse
      preosteoblast cells, we found that PlexinA2 (PlxnA2), a molecule previously known
      to mediate axon guidance in neural development, was upregulated by the osteogenic
      factor BMP2. PlxnA2-specific siRNA decreased Runx2 expression, osteoblast
      differentiation, and mineralization. Runx2 overexpression restored osteoblastic
      differentiation of PlxnA2-knockdown cells. PlxnA2 was associated with both type 1
      and 2 BMP receptors, and BMP2 increased the interaction between PlxnA2 and type 1
      receptors. PlxnA2 also affected Smad and Akt signaling pathways downstream of
      BMP2. Taken together, the results of our study reveal that PlxnA2 has a pro
      osteogenic function by modulating BMP2 signaling. Therefore, PlxnA2 may be a
      useful target for development of bone anabolic therapeutics.

PMID- 22095612
TI  - Sex differences in repetitive stereotyped behaviors in autism: implications for
      genetic liability.
AB  - The implications of the well known sex differences in the prevalence of autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well understood. The aim of this paper was to
      investigate whether these differences might be associated with differences in
      genetic liability. Individuals with ASD (970 families, 2,028 individuals) were
      recruited as part of the Autism Genome Project (AGP). The families were
      differentiated into families containing a female (either female-female or male
      female) and those with only males. If the sex with the lower prevalence is
      associated with a greater genetic liability necessary to cross sex-specific
      thresholds, the males from female containing families should be more severely
      affected than males from male only families. Affected subjects from the different
      types of families with ASD were sampled and compared on the social reciprocity
      and repetitive behavior scores from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI
      R). In general, females had lower repetitive behavior scores than males. More
      importantly, males from female containing families had higher repetitive behavior
      scores than males from male-male families. No such differences were apparent on
      the social reciprocity scores. These results support the hypothesis of a multiple
      threshold model of genetic liability of ASD with females having a higher
      liability for affectation status, at least on the repetitive behavior dimension
      of the disorder. These data also support the dissociation of the different
      phenotypic dimensions of ASD in terms of its genetic architecture. The
      implications of these results for linkage and association studies are discussed.

PMID- 22095613
TI  - 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the breast at 3.0-T: comparison of results
      obtained before and after administration of gadolinium-based contrast agent.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effects of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) on (1) H
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the breast at 3.0-T. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients (n = 98) with breast cancer (98 lesions) underwent MRS (point
      resolved spectroscopy sequence [PRESS]; TR/TE, 2000/100 msec; voxel size, 15 * 15
      * 15 mm) before the administration of GBCA. In 52 of those patients, MRS was also
      performed after the administration of GBCA. The voxel-of-interest (VOI) was
      placed by referring to the noncontrast-enhanced MRI (diffusion-weighted images
      combined with fat-suppressed T2-weighted images). We reviewed and graded the
      appropriateness of VOI location compared to the correlating enhancement lesions.
      Integral values of the choline peak at a frequency of 3.2 ppm on MRS were
      compared before and after the administration of GBCA. RESULTS: The VOI was placed
      correctly in 64 lesions (65%), although the VOI was placed outside the targeted
      lesion in 34 lesions (35%). The integral value of the choline peak on MRS
      decreased significantly after the administration of GBCA (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Accumulation of GBCA in breast cancer could affect the choline peak on MRS. MRS
      of breast cancer at 3.0-T can be recommended to be acquired before contrast
      enhanced study; however, some problems remain in VOI placement with reference to
      the noncontrast-enhanced study.

PMID- 22095614
TI  - Development of the human corpus striatum and the presence of nNOS and 5-HT2A
      receptors.
AB  - This study focussed on the development of the corpus striatum in the fetus, using
      silver impregnation and immunohistochemistry. For the latter, we looked for nNOS
      positive cells and 5-HT(2A) receptors positive cells in the corpus striatum
      during development. During the initial formation of the corpus striatum, there
      was migration cells of the ganglionic eminence toward the putamen by 15-17 weeks
      of gestation. Process formation in the neurons started by week 17 and became very
      complex before term (31/32 weeks of gestation). By 25-27 gestational weeks, the
      globus pallidus already had two parts and the corpus striatum was similar to the
      adult in configuration. The nNOS positive cells appeared early (21-23 weeks in
      gestation) while 5-HT(2A) receptors positive cells were not observed until 31/32
      weeks gestation. The number of positive cells in both groups was relatively
      small. It is anticipated that further developmental changes would occur in the
      postnatal/neonatal phases.

PMID- 22095615
TI  - Lipid nanoparticle siRNA systems for silencing the androgen receptor in human
      prostate cancer in vivo.
AB  - The androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in the progression of prostate
      cancer. Silencing this protein using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) has been
      correlated with tumor growth inhibition and decreases in serum prostate specific
      antigen (PSA). In our study, we have investigated the ability of lipid
      nanoparticle (LNP) formulations of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence AR in
      human prostate tumor cell lines in vitro and in LNCaP xenograft tumors following
      intravenous (i.v.) injection. In vitro screening studies using a panel of
      cationic lipids showed that LNPs containing the ionizable cationic lipid 2,2
      dilinoleyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA) exhibited the
      most potent AR silencing effects in LNCaP cells. This is attributed to an
      optimized ability of DLin-KC2-DMA-containing LNP to be taken up into cells and to
      release the siRNA into the cell cytoplasm following endocytotic uptake. DLin-KC2
      DMA LNPs were also effective in silencing the AR in a wild-type AR expressing
      cell line, LAPC-4, and a variant AR expressing cell line, CWR22Rv1. Importantly,
      it is demonstrated that LNP AR-siRNA systems containing DLin-KC2-DMA can silence
      AR gene expression in distal LNCaP xenograft tumors and decrease serum PSA levels
      following i.v. injection. To our knowledge, this is the first report
      demonstrating the feasibility of LNP delivery of siRNA for silencing AR gene
      expression in vivo.

PMID- 22095616
TI  - Predictors of clinical efficacy of 'Ablate and Pace' therapy in patients with
      permanent atrial fibrillation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 2-year clinical improvement after 'Ablate and Pace'
      therapy and to identify the variables able to influence the efficacy of this
      therapy in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Design Prospective
      multicentre observational study. Setting Cardiology departments of 19 general
      hospitals in Italy, Spain and Greece. PATIENTS: 171 patients with drug-refractory
      severely symptomatic permanent AF considered for AV junction ablation.
      Interventions Patients underwent AV junction ablation, received a right
      ventricular (RV) pacing or echo-guided cardiac resynchronisation (CRT) pacing and
      were followed-up to 24 months. Main outcome measures Non-responders to Ablate and
      Pace therapy were defined those patients who, during the follow-up period had
      clinical failure (defined as death or hospitalisation due to heart failure, or
      worsening heart failure) or showed no improvement in their clinical condition.
      RESULTS: Responders were 63% of RV-paced patients and 83% of CRT-paced patients.
      Another 27% showed no clinical improvement (7%) or worsened (20%) (non-responders
      group). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, CRT mode and echo-optimised CRT
      were the only independent protective factors against non-response (HR=0.24, 95%
      CI 0.10-0.58, p=0.001 and HR=0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.77, p=0.018 respectively). On
      comparing freedom from non-response, a trend in favour of echo-optimised CRT
      versus simultaneous biventricular pacing (p=0.077) was seen. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients affected by severely symptomatic permanent AF, Ablate and Pace therapy
      yielded a clinical benefit in 63% of RV-paced patients and 83% of CRT-paced
      patients. CRT pacing and echo-optimised CRT were the only independent predictor
      of clinical benefit.

PMID- 22095617
TI  - Improvements in risk stratification for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease
      by imaging subclinical atherosclerosis: a systematic review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis on top of conventional risk
      factor assessment may improve risk prediction for the occurrence of
      cardiovascular disease events in asymptomatic individuals. OBJECTIVE: To
      systematically review the available evidence on this issue. DATA SOURCES: PubMed
      MEDLINE was systematically searched on 7 September 2011. STUDY SELECTION: Studies
      were included that evaluated the added value of flow mediated dilation (FMD),
      carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), carotid plaques and/or coronary artery
      calcification (CAC) scoring in the prediction of risk for developing fatal or non
      fatal cardiovascular events. DATA EXTRACTION: Data on general study
      characteristics and the added predictive performance of imaging markers in terms
      of discrimination, calibration and (re)classification were extracted. RESULTS: 25
      studies were selected that provided information on added predictive value of FMD
      (n=2), CIMT (n=12), carotid plaques (n=6) and/or CAC (n=9). Heterogeneity existed
      across studies in the conventional risk models that were used and in the
      measurements of the imaging marker. The added predictive value, quantified by the
      difference in c-index, of FMD, CIMT, carotid plaques or CAC ranged from 0.00 to
      0.01 for FMD, from 0.00 to 0.03 for CIMT, from 0.01 to 0.05 for carotid plaque
      and from 0.05 to 0.13 for CAC. The reported net reclassification improvement
      (NRI) by the imaging markers ranged from -1.4% to 12% for CIMT, 8% to 11% for
      carotid plaques, 14% to 25% for CAC and 29% for FMD). Although the definition of
      intermediate cardiovascular risk varied across studies, the NRI was the highest
      in those at intermediate cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS: Published evidence on
      the added value of atherosclerosis imaging varies across the different markers,
      with limited evidence for FMD and considerable evidence for CIMT, carotid plaque
      and CAC. The added predictive value of additional screening may be primarily
      found in asymptomatic individuals at intermediate cardiovascular risk. Additional
      research in asymptomatic individuals is needed to quantify the cost effectiveness
      and impact of imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis on cardiovascular risk
      factor management and patient outcomes.

PMID- 22095618
TI  - Efficacy and safety of a routine invasive strategy in non-ST segment elevation
      acute coronary syndromes according to age: an illustration of the difficulty in
      using combined endpoints with different clinical significance.

PMID- 22095619
TI  - Family history of liver cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Familial clustering of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been frequently
      reported in eastern Asiatic countries, where hepatitis B infection is common.
      Little is known about the relationship between family history of liver cancer and
      HCC in Western populations. We carried out a case-control study in Italy,
      involving 229 HCC cases and 431 hospital controls. Data on family history were
      summarized through a binary indicator (yes/no) and a family history score
      (FHscore), considering selected family characteristics. Odds ratios (ORs) and the
      corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained from unconditional
      multiple logistic regression models, including terms for age, sex, study center,
      education, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, hepatitis B surface antigen, and/or
      anti-hepatitis C virus positivity. We also performed a meta-analysis on family
      history of liver cancer and liver cancer updated to April 2011 using random
      effects models. After adjustment for chronic infection with hepatitis B/C
      viruses, family history of liver cancer was associated with HCC risk, when using
      both the binary indicator (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.01-5.58) and the FHscore, with
      increasing ORs for successive score categories. Compared to subjects without
      family history and no chronic infection with hepatitis B/C viruses, the OR for
      those exposed to both risk factors was 72.48 (95% CI, 21.92-239.73). In the meta
      analysis, based on nine case-control and four cohort studies, for a total of
      approximately 3,600 liver cancer cases, the pooled relative risk for family
      history of liver cancer was 2.50 (95% CI, 2.06-3.03). CONCLUSION: A family
      history of liver cancer increases HCC risk, independently of hepatitis. The
      combination of family history of liver cancer and hepatitis B/C serum markers is
      associated with an over 70-fold elevated HCC risk.

PMID- 22095620
TI  - Mutagenesis studies of the beta I domain metal ion binding sites on integrin
      alphaVbeta3 ligand binding affinity.
AB  - Three divalent cation binding sites in the integrin beta I domain have been shown
      to regulate ligand binding and adhesion. However, the degree of ligand binding
      and adhesion varies among integrins. The alphaLbeta2 and alpha4beta7 integrins
      show an increase in ligand binding affinity and adhesion when one of their
      ADMIDAS (adjacent to MIDAS, or the metal ion-dependent adhesion site) residues is
      mutated. By contrast, the alpha2beta1, alpha5beta1, and alphaIIbbeta3 integrins
      show a decrease in binding affinity and adhesion when their ADMIDAS is mutated.
      Our study here indicated that integrin alphaVbeta3 had lower affinity when the
      ADMIDAS was mutated. By comparing the primary sequences of these integrin
      subunits, we propose that one residue associated with the MIDAS (beta3 Ala(252))
      may account for these differences. In the beta1 integrin subunit, the
      corresponding residue is also Ala, whereas in both beta2 and beta7 integrin
      subunits, it is Asp. We mutated the beta3 residue Ala(252) to Asp and combined
      this mutant with mutations of one or two ADMIDAS residues. The mutant A252D
      showed reduced ligand binding affinity and adhesion. The ligand binding affinity
      and adhesion were increased when this A252D mutant was paired with mutations of
      one ADMIDAS residue. But when paired with mutations of two ADMIDAS residues the
      mutant nearly abolished ligand-binding ability, which was restored by the
      activating glycosylation mutation. Our study suggests that the variation of this
      residue contributes to the different ligand binding affinities and adhesion
      abilities among different integrin families.

PMID- 22095621
TI  - An efficient palladium catalyst system for the oxidative carbonylation of
      glycerol to glycerol carbonate.
AB  - Glycerol carbonate can be readily synthesized from the oxidative carbonylation of
      glycerol catalyzed by PdCl(2)(phen) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) with the aid of
      CuI. High conversion (95 %) and selectivity (98 %) are achieved and the turnover
      frequency (TOF) reaches 455 h(-1). Furthermore, a new zeolite-Y-confined Pd
      catalyst, PdCl(2)(phen)@Y, has been successfully prepared by a ''flexible
      ligand'' method. The structure and composition of the heterogeneous catalyst have
      been characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy, elemental analysis, N(2)
      sorption, XRD, FTIR, solid-state NMR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This
      catalyst exhibits a comparable activity to its homogeneous counterpart and could
      be reused five times without significant decrease in activity. This is the most
      efficient heterogeneous system for synthesizing glycerol carbonate by the
      oxidative carbonylation of glycerol to date.

PMID- 22095622
TI  - A validated method for the simultaneous quantitation of bioactive alkaloid
      markers in the leaf ethanolic extract of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl.: a
      phenological variation study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The leaf hydroalcoholic extract of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl.
      (Menispermaceae) has shown promising activity in different animal models of
      asthma. Several alkaloids have been identified in the extract, including
      warifteine and methylwarifteine (bisbenzylisoquinoline), as well as milonine
      (morphinandienone). OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an analytical method for
      the simultaneous quantitation of the bioactive markers of C. sympodialis
      hydroalcoholic leaf extract and to apply the method to a seasonal (phenological)
      study of the concentration of the alkaloid markers. METHODOLOGY: The method used
      reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and
      calibration by standard addition. Separation was achieved using a C18-column (250
      * 4.6 mm, 5 um) and a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 0.05% aqueous
      (Et)3NH2 (A):MeOH(B) in gradient mode at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. RESULTS: The
      method proved to be linear in the concentration range tested (2-100 ug/mL, r2 >
      0,99), precise (RSD <= 15%), accurate (85-115%), selective and robust. Detection
      limits for warifteine, methyl-warifteine and milonine were 0.39, 1.10 and 1.77
      ug/mL respectively. The highest concentration of total alkaloids (determined as
      the sum of the three alkaloids) in the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves was
      2.9 +/- 0.2 mg/g extract (n = 3), prior to fruit development. Both warifteine and
      methylwarifteine were detected in the total alkaloid fraction of the ripened
      fruits. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that significant variations in the
      concentration of the biomarkers occurred throughout the vegetative cycle. The
      lowest concentration of the alkaloids in the leaves coincided with their
      appearance in the ripened fruits.

PMID- 22095623
TI  - Time-resolved NMR spectroscopic studies of DNA i-motif folding reveal kinetic
      partitioning.

PMID- 22095624
TI  - Transplacental transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl
      ethers in arctic beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).
AB  - This study found that arctic beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) transferred,
      on average, 11.4% (7.5 mg) and 11.1% (0.1 mg) of their polychlorinated biphenyl
      (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) blubber burden to their near-term
      fetuses. A single physicochemical parameter, log K(OW), largely explained this
      transplacental transfer for PCBs (r(2) =0.79, p < 0.00001) and PBDEs (r(2) =
      0.37, p = 0.007), with congeners having a log K(OW) < 6.5 preferentially
      transferred to the fetus. Blubber concentrations of 257 ng/g lipid weight (lw)
      PCBs and 3.8 ng/g (lw) PBDEs in beluga fetuses highlights the exposure to
      endocrine-disrupting compounds during a critical developmental stage. The
      implications of detecting these levels of legacy PCBs and the flame retardant
      PBDEs in unborn arctic beluga are unclear.

PMID- 22095625
TI  - Mechanism selection for regiocontrol in base-assisted, palladium-catalysed direct
      C-H coupling with halides: first approach for oxazole- and thiazole-4
      carboxylates.
AB  - Both base-assisted non-concerted metallation-deprotonation (nCMD) and concerted
      metallation-deprotonation (CMD) have been identified as two potent operating
      mechanisms in palladium-catalysed direct C-H coupling of oxazole and thiazole-4
      carboxylate esters with halides through base- and solvent-effect experiments.
      Novel C2- and C5-selective CMD direct arylation procedures in oxazole- and
      thiazole-4-carboxylate series were then designed by controlling the balance
      between electronic and steric factors. Notably, charge interactions between the
      palladium catalyst and substrate were identified as a parameter for controlling
      selectivity and reducing the impact of steric factors in the CMD reaction.

PMID- 22095626
TI  - Structural and binding studies of the C-terminal domains of yeast TFIIF subunits
      Tfg1 and Tfg2.
AB  - The general transcription factor TFIIF plays essential roles at several steps
      during eukaryotic transcription. While several studies have offered insights into
      the structure/function relationship in human TFIIF, much less is known about the
      yeast system. Here, we describe the first NMR structural and binding studies of
      the C-terminal domains (CTDs) of Tfg1 and Tfg2 subunits of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae TFIIF. We used the program CS-ROSETTA to determine the three
      dimensional folds of these domains in solution, and performed binding studies
      with DNA and protein targets. CS-ROSETTA models indicate that the Tfg1 and Tfg2 C
      terminal domains have winged-helix architectures, similar to the human homologs.
      We showed that both Tfg1 and Tfg2 CTDs interact with double-stranded DNA
      oligonucleotides, and mapped the DNA binding interfaces using solution NMR. Tfg1
      CTD, but not Tfg2-CTD, also binds to yeast FCP1, an RNA polymerase II-specific
      phosphatase, and we delineated the interaction surface with the CTD of FCP1. Our
      results provide insights into the structural basis of yeast TFIIF function and
      the differential roles of Tfg1 and Tfg2 subunits during transcription.

PMID- 22095628
TI  - Adiponectin pathway attenuates malignant mesothelioma cell growth.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is caused by exposure to asbestos. Because MM has a
      latency period, short survival time, and has a poor response to current
      therapeutic regimes, long-term preventive strategies are required to suppress the
      advance of pathological states after asbestos exposure. Accumulating evidence
      suggests that adiponectin plays a crucial role in the regulation of energy
      metabolism by increasing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Several
      studies have indicated that the activation of AMPK decreases cyclooxygenase (COX)
      2 expression. Because high COX-2 levels correlated with a worse prognosis and
      survival rate in MM, we examined whether the adiponectin pathway suppresses MM
      cell growth through the AMPK/COX-2 pathway. In vivo, dietary fish oil (a
      potential promoter of adiponectin) decreased the growth rate of MM, which was
      accompanied by an increase in adiponectin and phospho-AMPK levels, and a decrease
      in COX-2 level. In vitro, adiponectin significantly impaired the cell
      proliferation rate of MM cell lines. These effects partly involved induction of
      growth arrest and apoptosis to MM cells. MM cells expressed both adiponectin
      receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and -R2) at mRNA and proteins levels. These receptors
      were functional, because adiponectin activated AMPK. Adiponectin treatment also
      significantly down-regulated protein levels of COX-2 and its downstream
      prostaglandin E(2). Finally, inhibitory analysis of AdipoR1/R2 by small
      interfering RNA knockdown suggests that adiponectin enhances AMPK activity and
      impairs the cell proliferation rate of MM cells, mainly via AdipoR1. These
      findings suggest that the induction or supplementation of adiponectin is an
      important tactic for developing therapeutic strategies against MM.

PMID- 22095627
TI  - Hyperoxia-induced LC3B interacts with the Fas apoptotic pathway in epithelial
      cell death.
AB  - Epithelial cell death plays a critical role in hyperoxia-induced lung injury. We
      investigated the involvement of the autophagic marker microtubule-associated
      protein-1 light chain-3B (LC3B) in epithelial cell apoptosis after hyperoxia.
      Prolonged hyperoxia (>95% O(2)), which causes characteristic lung injury in mice,
      activated morphological and biochemical markers of autophagy. Hyperoxia induced
      the time-dependent expression and conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II in mouse lung
      in vivo and in cultured epithelial cells (Beas-2B, human bronchial epithelial
      cells) in vitro. Hyperoxia increased autophagosome formation in Beas-2B cells, as
      evidenced by electron microscopy and increased GFP-LC3 puncta. The augmented LC3B
      level after hyperoxia was transcriptionally regulated and dependent in part on
      the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. We hypothesized that LC3B plays a regulatory
      role in hyperoxia-induced epithelial apoptosis. LC3B siRNA promoted hyperoxia
      induced cell death in epithelial cells, whereas overexpression of LC3B conferred
      cytoprotection after hyperoxia. The autophagic protein LC3B cross-regulated the
      Fas apoptotic pathway by physically interacting with the components of death
      inducing signaling complex. This interaction was mediated by caveolin-1 tyrosine
      14, which is a known target of phosphorylation induced by hyperoxia. Taken
      together, hyperoxia-induced LC3B activation regulates the Fas apoptotic pathway
      and thus confers cytoprotection in lung epithelial cells. The interaction of LC3B
      and Fas pathways requires cav-1.

PMID- 22095629
TI  - Six common errors cause dangerous mistakes in interpretation of electron
      micrographs.
AB  - The highly complex techniques of electron microscopy made it bound to the
      sensitive and critical micrograph analysis. The accurately interpreted
      micrographs are of paramount values in basic investigations. Interpretation
      skills and quality of the micrographs are the two fundamental keys in
      accomplishment of these goals but there are many mistakes and errors that can
      happen during the sample preparation, sectioning, EM operation, and photo
      publishing. The mentioned mistakes and errors effect directly in the final result
      which is a micrograph and can lead the analyzer who can be a pathologist to an
      interpretation followed by serious danger for patient. Artifacts caused by any
      given stimuli expected to be bothersome for investigators. Even best qualified
      equipments can be regarded as source of artifact generation. In this article,
      seven serious errors in electron micrographs which usually occur in transmission
      electron microscopy are addressed.

PMID- 22095630
TI  - Fluorescence detection of single-nucleotide polymorphism with single-strand
      triplex-forming DNA probes.
AB  - Triple-helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) are widespread in the genome and
      have been found in regulatory regions, especially in promoter zones and
      recombination hotspots of DNA. To specifically detect these polypurine sequences,
      we designed and synthesized two dual pyrene-labeled single-strand oligonucleotide
      probes (TFO-FPs) consisting of recognition, linker, and detection sequences. The
      hybridization processes of TFO-FPs with target polypurine oligonucleotides
      involve both Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base-pairings. Through double sensing of
      oligonucleotide sequences, single mutations of target oligonucleotides are
      detected by monitoring changes in pyrene fluorescence. The high specificities of
      the probes are maintained over a wide temperature range without sacrifice of
      hybridization kinetics.

PMID- 22095632
TI  - Reconsideration of the autonomic cranial ganglia: an immunohistochemical study of
      mid-term human fetuses.
AB  - The cranial parasympathetic ganglia have been reported to paradoxically contain
      the sympathetic nerve marker, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in addition to neurons
      expressing parasympathetic markers such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)
      and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). However, the distribution of these
      molecules in the cranial ganglia of human fetuses has not yet been examined.
      Using paraffin sections from 10 mid-term human fetuses (12-15 weeks), we
      performed immunohistochemistry for TH, VIP, and nNOS in the parasympathetic
      ciliary, pterygopalatine, otic, and submandibular ganglia, and for comparison,
      the sensory inferior vagal ganglion. The ciliary and submandibular ganglia
      contained abundant TH-positive neurons. In the former, TH-positive neurons were
      much more numerous than nNOS-positive neurons, whereas in the latter, nNOS
      immunoreactivity was extremely strong. No or a few cells in the pterygopalatine,
      otic, and inferior vagal ganglia expressed TH. Ciliary TH neurons appeared to
      compensate for classically described sympathetic fibers arising from the superior
      cervical ganglion, whereas in the submandibular ganglion, nNOS-positive neurons
      as well as TH neurons might innervate the lingual artery in addition to the
      salivary glands. Significant individual variations in the density of all these
      markers suggested differences in sensitivity to medicine affecting autonomic
      nerve function. Consequently, in the human cranial autonomic ganglia, it appears
      that there is no simple dichotomy between sympathetic and parasympathetic
      function.

PMID- 22095631
TI  - Relationship between bone mineral density changes with denosumab treatment and
      risk reduction for vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.
AB  - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric bone mineral density (DXA BMD) is a strong
      predictor of fracture risk in untreated patients. However, previous patient-level
      studies suggest that BMD changes explain little of the fracture risk reduction
      observed with osteoporosis treatment. We investigated the relevance of DXA BMD
      changes as a predictor for fracture risk reduction using data from the FREEDOM
      trial, which randomly assigned placebo or denosumab 60 mg every 6 months to 7808
      women aged 60 to 90 years with a spine or total hip BMD T-score < -2.5 and not < 
      4.0. We took a standard approach to estimate the percent of treatment effect
      explained using percent changes in BMD at a single visit (months 12, 24, or 36).
      We also applied a novel approach using estimated percent changes in BMD from
      baseline at the time of fracture occurrence (time-dependent models). Denosumab
      significantly increased total hip BMD by 3.2%, 4.4%, and 5.0% at 12, 24, and 36
      months, respectively. Denosumab decreased the risk of new vertebral fractures by
      68% (p < 0.0001) and nonvertebral fracture by 20% (p = 0.01) over 36 months.
      Regardless of the method used, the change in total hip BMD explained a
      considerable proportion of the effect of denosumab in reducing new or worsening
      vertebral fracture risk (35% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20%-61%] and 51% [95%
      CI: 39%-66%] accounted for by percent change at month 36 and change in time
      dependent BMD, respectively) and explained a considerable amount of the reduction
      in nonvertebral fracture risk (87% [95% CI: 35% - >100%] and 72% [95% CI: 24% -
      >100%], respectively). Previous patient-level studies may have underestimated the
      strength of the relationship between BMD change and the effect of treatment on
      fracture risk or this relationship may be unique to denosumab.

PMID- 22095633
TI  - Decreased expression of V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 1 (VSIG1) is
      associated with poor prognosis in primary gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, the significance of altered expression of V-set and
      immunoglobulin domain containing 1 (VSIG1) in gastric cancer has not yet been
      elucidated. METHODS: We examined VSIG1 expression in 30 paired gastric cancer
      tissues and noncancerous gastric mucosa as well as in 5 gastric cancer cell lines
      by real-time PCR and Western blotting. In addition, we analyzed VSIG1 expression
      in 232 gastric adenocarcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: VSIG1
      expression was significantly reduced at both the mRNA and protein levels in
      gastric cancer tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed that VSIG1 expression was
      completely lost in 126 out of the 232 (54.3%) patient samples and remarkably
      reduced in another 106 (45.7%) patients. Negative VSIG1 expression was
      significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.007), T (P = 0.023), and M stage
      (P = 0.037). Importantly, loss of VSIG1 expression was significantly correlated
      with poor overall survival (OS, P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS, P =
      0.006) in gastric cancer patients. Cox regression analyses showed that VSIG1
      expression was an independent predictor of OS (P = 0.002) and DFS (P = 0.039).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that silencing VSIG1 may play an important role
      in gastric carcinogenesis and that VSIG1 may serve as a prognostic marker as well
      as a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

PMID- 22095634
TI  - Statistical process control in nursing research.
AB  - In intervention studies in which randomization to groups is not possible,
      researchers typically use quasi-experimental designs. Time series designs are
      strong quasi-experimental designs but are seldom used, perhaps because of
      technical and analytic hurdles. Statistical process control (SPC) is an
      alternative analytic approach to testing hypotheses about intervention effects
      using data collected over time. SPC, like traditional statistical methods, is a
      tool for understanding variation and involves the construction of control charts
      that distinguish between normal, random fluctuations (common cause variation),
      and statistically significant special cause variation that can result from an
      innovation. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of SPC and to
      illustrate its use in a study of a nursing practice improvement intervention.

PMID- 22095635
TI  - Aortic flow patterns in patients with Marfan syndrome assessed by flow-sensitive
      four-dimensional MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To apply time-resolved three-dimensional (3D) phase contrast MRI with
      three-directional velocity encoding (flow-sensitive 4D MRI) for the
      characterization of flow pattern changes in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS)
      compared with normal controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flow-sensitive 4D MRI of
      the thoracic aorta (temporal resolution ~45 ms, spatial resolution ~2.4 * 2.1 *
      2.8 mm(3) ) was performed in 24 MFS patients and 10 volunteers. Aortic flow
      patterns were visualized by 3D particle traces and streamlines. Global (affecting
      the complete lumen) and local (parts of the vessel lumen) helix and vortex flow
      in the ascending aorta (AAo), aortic arch, and descending aorta (DAo) were graded
      in 3 categories (blinded reading, two observers): none = 0, moderate = 1,
      pronounced = 2. RESULTS: Flow grading revealed similar global helix and vortex
      flow in the AAo and arch for MFS patients and controls. Local helix flow in the
      AAo was significantly (P = 0.011) increased in patients and was associated with
      aortic sinus dilatation. The incidence of global helix and vortex flow in the DAo
      was increased in patients (77% and 50% of subjects) compared with controls (none
      and 10%). CONCLUSION: The 4D flow analysis revealed marked differences of the
      aortic flow patterns between Marfan patients and controls: Local helix flow in
      the patients' AAo may be associated with the increased incidence of aortic root
      dilatation. The flow alterations in the proximal DAo could explain the occurrence
      of Type-B dissection originating from this site.

PMID- 22095637
TI  - Myoinhibitory peptides in the brain of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae and
      colocalization with pigment-dispersing factor in circadian pacemaker cells.
AB  - Myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs) are a family of insect W(X(6))Wamides with
      inhibitory effects on visceral muscles and juvenile hormone synthesis. Although
      MIPs are widely distributed within the nervous system, a detailed analysis of
      their distribution and function in insect brains is still missing. We analyzed
      the distribution of MIPs in the brain of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae. We
      focused on the accessory medulla (AMe), a small neuropil near the medulla that
      acts as the master circadian clock. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and Nano-LC electrospray ionization (ESI) mass
      spectrometry revealed five Lem-MIPs in preparations of the AMe and corpora
      cardiaca. The complete sequences of two of these peptides were identified.
      Immunocytochemistry revealed wide distribution of MIP-related peptides in the
      cockroach brain. The superior median protocerebrum, parts of the central complex,
      and the tritocerebrum showed particularly dense immunostaining. In contrast, only
      a few local interneurons were stained in the antennal lobe and a few extrinsic
      neurons in the mushroom body, including a giant neuron innervating the calyces.
      The noduli of the AMe showed dense immunostaining, and neurons in all AMe cell
      groups except the anterior neurons were labeled. Pigment-dispersing factor- (PDF)
      and MIP immunostaining was colocalized in two neurons of the AMe. No
      colocalization of MIP- and PDF immunostaining was detected in the anterior optic
      commissure, but two small PDF-immunoreactive commissural fibers near the
      posterior optic commissure showed colocalized MIP immunostaining. The results
      suggest that several MIPs participate in different functional circuits of the
      circadian system and are involved in multiple brain circuits of the Madeira
      cockroach.

PMID- 22095636
TI  - Murine double minute 2 regulates Hu antigen R stability in human liver and colon
      cancer through NEDDylation.
AB  - Hu antigen R (HuR) is a central RNA-binding protein regulating cell
      dedifferentiation, proliferation, and survival, which are well-established
      hallmarks of cancer. HuR is frequently overexpressed in tumors correlating with
      tumor malignancy, which is in line with a role for HuR in tumorigenesis. However,
      the precise mechanism leading to changes in HuR expression remains unclear. In
      the liver, HuR plays a crucial role in hepatocyte proliferation, differentiation,
      and transformation. Here, we unraveled a novel mean of regulation of HuR
      expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colon cancer. HuR levels
      correlate with the abundance of the oncogene, murine double minute 2 (Mdm2), in
      human HCC and colon cancer metastases. HuR is stabilized by Mdm2-mediated
      NEDDylation in at least three lysine residues, ensuring its nuclear localization
      and protection from degradation. CONCLUSION: This novel Mdm2/NEDD8/HuR regulatory
      framework is essential for the malignant transformation of tumor cells, which, in
      turn, unveils a novel signaling paradigm that is pharmacologically amenable for
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 22095638
TI  - Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in adults with congenital heart
      disease: who is at risk of shocks?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in adults
      with congenital heart disease (CHD) is unknown. We investigated the long-term
      outcome after ICD implantation and developed a simple risk stratification score
      for ICD therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 136 adults with CHD and ICD
      (mean age+/-SD, 41+/-13 years; 67% male) were identified from 10 tertiary
      referral centers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The indication for ICD
      implantation was primary prevention in 50% of patients. Diagnoses included
      tetralogy of Fallot (51%), septal defects (20%), (congenitally corrected)
      transposition of the great arteries (13%), and other (16%). Thirty-nine patients
      (29%) received appropriate ICD shocks during a median follow-up of 4.6 years.
      Secondary prevention indication (hazard ratio [HR], 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-9.5;
      P=0.009), coronary artery disease (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-7.2; P=0.042), and
      symptomatic nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT; HR, 9.1; 95% CI, 2.8
      29.2; P=0.001) were associated with appropriate ICD shocks. A risk score was
      developed to evaluate the likelihood of appropriate ICD shocks. The 8-year
      survival curve to first appropriate shocks was 94%, 57%, and 26% for low-,
      intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. In primary prevention,
      symptomatic NSVTs (HR, 8.0; 95% CI, 2.3-27.1; P=0.001) and subpulmonary
      ventricular dysfunction (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-12.6; P=0.02) were associated with
      appropriate shocks in univariable analysis. Inappropriate shocks occurred in 41
      patients (30%). In addition, 40 patients (29%) experienced 45 implantation
      related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with CHD and ICDs receive high rates
      of appropriate and effective shocks. Patients with secondary prevention
      indication, coronary artery disease, and symptomatic NSVT are at highest risk of
      receiving appropriate ICD shocks. ICD implantation is accompanied by considerable
      morbidity, including inappropriate shocks and procedure- related complications.

PMID- 22095639
TI  - The acute effects of changes to AV delay on BP and stroke volume: potential
      implications for design of pacemaker optimization protocols.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The AV delay optimization of biventricular pacemakers (cardiac
      resynchronization therapy) may maximize hemodynamic benefit but consumes
      specialist time to conduct echocardiographically. Noninvasive BP monitoring is a
      potentially automatable alternative, but it is unknown whether it gives the same
      information and similar precision (signal/noise ratio). Moreover, the immediate
      BP increment on optimization has been reported to decay away: it is unclear
      whether this is the result of an (undesirable) decrease in stroke volume or a
      (desirable) compensatory relief of peripheral vasoconstriction. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: To discriminate between these alternative mechanisms, we measured
      simultaneous beat-to-beat stroke volume (flow) using Doppler echocardiography,
      and BP using finger photoplethysmography, during and after AV delay changes from
      40 to 120 ms in 19 subjects with cardiac pacemakers. BP and stroke volume both
      increased immediately (P<0.001, within 1 heartbeat). BP showed a clear decline a
      few seconds later (average rate, -0.65 mm Hg/beat; r=0.95 [95% CI, 0.86-0.98]);
      in contrast, stroke volume did not decline (P=0.87). The immediate BP increment
      correlated strongly with the stroke volume increment (r=0.74, P<0.001). The
      signal/noise ratio was 3-fold better for BP than stroke volume (6.8+/-3.5 versus
      2.3+/-1.4; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Improving AV delay immediately increases BP,
      but the effect begins to decay within a few seconds. Reassuringly, this is
      because of compensatory vasodilatation rather than reduction in cardiac function.
      Pacemaker optimization will never be reliable unless there is an adequate
      signal/noise ratio. Using BP rather than Doppler minimizes noise. The early phase
      (before vascular compensation) has the richest signal lode.

PMID- 22095640
TI  - The cox-maze procedure for lone atrial fibrillation: a single-center experience
      over 2 decades.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Cox-Maze procedure (CMP) has achieved high success rates in the
      therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) while becoming progressively less invasive.
      This report evaluates our experience with the CMP in the treatment of lone AF
      over 2 decades and compares the original cut-and-sew CMP-III to the ablation
      assisted CMP-IV, which uses bipolar radiofrequency and cryoenergy to create the
      original lesion pattern. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were collected prospectively
      on 212 consecutive patients (mean age, 53.5+/-10.4 years; 78% male) who underwent
      a stand-alone CMP from 1992 through 2010. The median duration of preoperative AF
      was 6 (interquartile range, 2.9-11.5) years, with 48% paroxysmal and 52%
      persistent or long-standing persistent AF. Univariate analysis with preoperative
      and perioperative variables used as covariates for the CMP-III (n=112) and the
      CMP-IV (n=100) was performed. Overall, 30-day mortality was 1.4%, with no
      intraoperative deaths. Freedom from AF was 93%, and freedom from AF off
      antiarrhythmics was 82%, at a mean follow-up time of 3.6+/-3.1 years. Freedom
      from symptomatic AF at 10 years was 85%. Only 1 late stroke occurred, with 80% of
      patients not receiving anticoagulation therapy. The less invasive CMP-IV had
      significantly shorter cross-clamp times (41+/-13 versus 92+/-26 minutes; P<0.001)
      while achieving high success rates, with 90% freedom from AF and 84% freedom from
      AF off antiarrhythmics at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The CMP, although simplified and
      shortened by alternative energy sources, has excellent results, even with
      improved follow-up and stricter definition of failure.

PMID- 22095641
TI  - Association of SNPs linked to increased expression of SLC1A1 with schizophrenia.
AB  - Glutamate is one of the key molecules involved in signal transduction in the
      brain, and dysfunction of glutamate signaling could be linked to schizophrenia.
      The SLC1A1 gene located at 9p24 encodes the glutamate transporter EAAT3/EAAC1. To
      investigate the association between the SLC1A1 gene and schizophrenia in the
      Japanese population, we genotyped 19 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (tagSNPs) in the SLC1A1 gene in 576 unrelated individuals with schizophrenia and
      576 control subjects followed by replication in an independent case-control study
      of 1,344 individuals with schizophrenia and 1,344 control subjects. In addition,
      we determined the boundaries of the copy number variation (CNV) region in the
      first intron (Database of Genomic Variants, chr9:4516796-4520549) and directly
      genotyped the CNV because of significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium. The CNV was not associated with schizophrenia. Four SNPs showed a
      possible association with schizophrenia in the screening subjects and the
      associations were replicated in the same direction (nominal allelic P < 0.05),
      and, among them, an association with rs7022369 was replicated even after
      Bonferroni correction (allelic nominal P = 5 * 10(-5) , allelic corrected P = 2.5
      * 10(-4) , allelic odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14-1.47 in the combined subjects).
      Expression analysis quantified by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of 43 Japanese individuals with
      schizophrenia and 11 Japanese control subjects revealed increased SLC1A1
      expression levels in individuals homozygous for the rs7022369 risk allele (P =
      0.003). Our findings suggest the involvement of SLC1A1 in the pathogenesis of
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22095642
TI  - Assembling nanostructures for effective catalysis: supported palladium
      nanoparticle multicores coated by a hollow and nanoporous zirconia shell.
AB  - We report the synthesis and catalytic activities of highly stable, hollow
      nanoreactors, called SiO(2)/Pd/h-ZrO(2), which consist of silica microsphere
      (SiO(2))-supported Pd nanoparticle multicores (Pd) that are encapsulated with a
      hollow and nanoporous ZrO(2) shell (h-ZrO(2)). The SiO(2)/Pd/h-ZrO(2)
      nanoreactors are fabricated by first synthesizing SiO(2)/Pd/SiO(2)/ZrO(2)
      microspheres, and then etching the inner SiO(2) shell with dilute NaOH solution.
      The hollow and nanoporous ZrO(2) shell of the nanoreactors serves two important
      functions: 1) it provides reactants direct access to the Pd nanoparticle
      multicores inside the SiO(2)/Pd/h-ZrO(2) nanoreactors during catalysis, and 2) it
      stabilizes the Pd nanoparticles or protects them from aggregation/sintering. The
      fabrication of such structures capable of protecting the Pd nanoparticles from
      aggregation/sintering is of particular interest considering the fact that Pd
      nanoparticles generally have a high tendency to aggregate because of their high
      surface energies. Furthermore, the structures are interesting because the Pd
      nanoparticles are designed and synthesized here to have 'naked' surfaces or no
      organic surface-passivating ligands-that are often necessary to stabilize
      metallic nanoparticles-in order to increase their catalytic efficiency. The
      resulting SiO(2)/Pd/h-ZrO(2) nanoreactors show excellent catalytic activity, as
      shown in the hydrogenation of olefins and nitro groups, even at room temperature
      under moderate hydrogen pressure. This stems from the SiO(2)/Pd/h-ZrO(2)
      microspheres' high surface area and their small, stable, and bare Pd
      nanoparticles. Furthermore, the SiO(2)/Pd/h-ZrO(2) nanoreactor catalysts remain
      fairly stable after reaction and can be recycled multiple times without losing
      their high catalytic activities.

PMID- 22095643
TI  - Apigenin attenuates neointima formation via suppression of vascular smooth muscle
      cell phenotypic transformation.
AB  - Abnormal proliferation, migration, and phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical factors in neointima formation during
      restenosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and possible
      cell signaling mechanisms of apigenin in VSMC activation induced by platelet
      derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and injury-induced neointima formation. Our data
      revealed a dose-dependent apigenin inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced proliferation of
      VSMCs by arresting cells in G0/G1-phase of the cell cycle as determined using 5
      bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation and flow cytometry. This was associated with
      the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4,6 expression and an increase in
      p27Kip1 levels in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, apigenin was also found to
      regulate PDGF-induced migration and expression of smooth-muscle-specific
      contractile markers. Mechanistically, the PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of PDGF
      receptor beta (PDGF-Rbeta), Akt/glycogen synthase kinase(GSK)3beta, extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducers and activators of
      transcription 3 (STAT3) is negatively modulated by apigenin. For the in vivo
      studies using a mouse carotid arterial injury model, the administration of
      apigenin resulted in a significant inhibition of the neointima/media ratio and
      proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells. These results
      demonstrate that apigenin can suppress PDGF-induced VSMC activation and neointima
      hyperplasia after vascular injury; these beneficial effects are probably the
      result of the blockade of PDGF-Rbeta phosphorylation and its downstream signal
      transduction, including the Akt/GSK-3beta, ERK1/2, and STAT3 pathways. The
      results suggest that apigenin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the
      prevention of restenosis.

PMID- 22095644
TI  - Anthrax toxin protective antigen--insights into molecular switching from prepore
      to pore.
AB  - The protective antigen is a key component of the anthrax toxin, as it allows
      entry of the enzymatic components edema factor and lethal factor into the host
      cell, through the formation of a membrane spanning pore. This event is absolutely
      critical for the pathogenesis of anthrax, and although we have yet to understand
      the mechanism of pore formation, recent developments have provided key insights
      into how this process may occur. Based on the available data, a model is proposed
      for the kinetic steps for protective antigen conversion from prepore to pore. In
      this model, the driving force for pore formation is the formation of the phi
      (phi)-clamp, a region that forms a leak-free seal around the translocating
      polypeptide. Formation of the phi-clamp elicits movements within the prepore that
      provide steric freedom for the subsequent conformational changes required to form
      the membrane spanning pore.

PMID- 22095645
TI  - High-throughput screening for inhibitors of sialyl- and fucosyltransferases.
AB  - Sweet screens: A high-throughput screening platform for identification of
      inhibitors of sialyl- and fucosyltransferases based on fluorescence polarization
      (FP) has been developed. An analogue of the natural donor substrate carrying a
      fluorescent label (green star) is transferred to a glycoprotein acceptor, which
      results in robust FP. The screening of 16,000 compounds against different
      glycosyltransferases has identified various interesting inhibitors.

PMID- 22095646
TI  - Remarkably selective recognition of iodobenzene derivatives by a macrocyclic bis
      Pt(II) metallohost.
AB  - We designed and synthesized self-assembled bis-Pt(II) dimer 1?4 BF(4) with
      quino[8,7-b][1,10]phenanthroline as an extended pi-face contact area, which acts
      as the first artificial receptor with high affinity toward iodinated aromatic
      compounds significantly based on noncovalent iodine???aromatic-plane interactions
      in a "side-on" fashion. Despite their structural similarity to a previously
      reported metallohost 2(4+) that bears 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine units, a dramatic
      change in selectivity toward substituted benzene derivatives was observed for
      1(4+). (1)H NMR spectroscopic titration revealed a high affinity of 1(4+) towards
      haloarenes, with exceptionally large association constants for 2-iodophenol (K(a)
      = 16,000  M(-1)) and 1,2-diiodobenzene (K(a) = 21,000  M(-1)), which are 93- and
      140-fold higher, respectively, than the values obtained for 2(4+). In addition,
      1(4+) showed a remarkably high affinity and selectivity toward 2,6-diiodophenol
      (K(a) = 35,000  M(-1)), which is an important substructure of the thyroid hormone
      T(4). X-ray crystallography and theoretical calculations strongly suggest that
      "side-on" iodine???aromatic-plane interactions and pi-pi stacking contribute to
      the strong 1,2-diiodobenzene and 2,6-diiodophenol binding. The results obtained
      here give unique and valuable insight into the nature of halogen atom
      interactions in their "side-on" region with an electropositive aromatic plane,
      which may provide useful guidance for designing artificial receptors for
      iodinated biomolecules.

PMID- 22095647
TI  - A randomized and controlled study comparing immunoadsorption and plasma exchange
      in myasthenic crisis.
AB  - Myasthenic crisis is the most serious life-threatening event in Myasthenia gravis
      patients, affecting up to 27% within the first two years after onset of disease.
      Extracorporeal removal of circulating autoantibodies against the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor (AChRAb) by methods of therapeutic apheresis, e.g. plasma
      exchange (PE) and immunoadsorption (IA) had been demonstrated as effective
      treatment especially in acute situations of myasthenic crisis. However,
      controlled data comparing clinical safety and efficacy of both methods in a
      clinical study were not available. Here the results of a prospective randomized
      controlled clinical trial are presented, investigating 19 patients with
      myasthenic crisis, who were randomized to receive either PE (n = 10) or IA (n =
      9) in addition to combined drug treatment. Patients received 3 to 5 (mean 3.5 for
      PE, and 3.4 for IA) treatments over a period of 7 days with a predefined
      treatment volume of 1.5 l plasma (i.e., 20-25 ml/kg plasma representing 0.5-0.6
      patients' plasma volumes). Clinical courses were monitored using disease specific
      clinical scores. After initiation of IA or PE the mean value of Myasthenia scores
      decreased equally until Day 14 of the post-treatment phase. Patients from both
      treatment groups improved to a stable clinical status of Oosterhuis Classes 1 and
      2. Substantial reduction of AChRAb was documented after each session of PE or IA.
      In the treatment period 16 adverse effects (seven serious adverse events, SAE) in
      the PE and 10 (1 SAE) in the IA group were observed. In conclusion, IA proved to
      be equally effective compared with PE treatment in patients with myasthenic
      crisis. Three to five treatment sessions using low plasma volume dosage of 20-25
      ml/kg were adequate to improve clinically relevant symptoms significantly in most
      patients.

PMID- 22095649
TI  - To feed or what to feed in cirrhosis?

PMID- 22095648
TI  - Ensemble modeling of protein disordered states: experimental restraint
      contributions and validation.
AB  - Disordered states of proteins include the biologically functional intrinsically
      disordered proteins and the unfolded states of normally folded proteins. In
      recent years, ensemble-modeling strategies using various experimental
      measurements as restraints have emerged as powerful means for structurally
      characterizing disordered states. However, these methods are still in their
      infancy compared with the structural determination of folded proteins. Here, we
      have addressed several issues important to ensemble modeling using our ENSEMBLE
      methodology. First, we assessed how calculating ensembles containing different
      numbers of conformers affects their structural properties. We find that larger
      ensembles have very similar properties to smaller ensembles fit to the same
      experimental restraints, thus allowing a considerable speed improvement in our
      calculations. In addition, we analyzed the contributions of different
      experimental restraints to the structural properties of calculated ensembles,
      enabling us to make recommendations about the experimental measurements that
      should be made for optimal ensemble modeling. The effects of different
      restraints, most significantly from chemical shifts, paramagnetic relaxation
      enhancements and small-angle X-ray scattering, but also from other data,
      underscore the importance of utilizing multiple sources of experimental data.
      Finally, we validate our ENSEMBLE methodology using both cross-validation and
      synthetic experimental restraints calculated from simulated ensembles. Our
      results suggest that secondary structure and molecular size distribution can
      generally be modeled very accurately, whereas the accuracy of calculated tertiary
      structure is dependent on the number of distance restraints used.

PMID- 22095650
TI  - Real-time gene delivery vector tracking in the endo-lysosomal pathway of live
      cells.
AB  - Using live-cell confocal microscopy and particle tracking technology, the
      simultaneous transport of intracellular vesicles of the endo-lysosomal pathway
      and nonviral polyethylenimine (PEI)/DNA nanocomplexes was investigated. Due to
      potential problems associated with the use of acid-sensitive probes in
      combination with a gene vector that is hypothesized to buffer the pH of
      intracellular vesicles, the biological location of PEI/DNA gene vectors was
      revealed by probing their trafficking in cells expressing fluorescent versions of
      either early endosome antigen 1, a protein that localizes to early endosomes, or
      Niemann Pick C1, a protein that localizes to late endosomes and lysosomes.
      Studies directly show that PEI/DNA nanoparticles are actively transported within
      both early and late endosomes, and display similar overall transport rates in
      each. Additionally, gene vector transfer between endosomes is observed. Over time
      post-transfection, gene vectors accumulate in late endosomes/lysosomes; however,
      real-time escape of vectors from membrane-bound vesicles is not observed.

PMID- 22095651
TI  - Zeranol: doping offence or mycotoxin? A case-related study.
AB  - Zeranol ((7R,11S)-7,15,17-trihydroxy-11-methyl-12-oxabicyclo[12.4.0]octadeca
      1(14),15,17-trien-13-one, also referred to as 7alpha-zearalanol, Ralone(r),
      Frideron(r), Ralgro(r), etc.) is a semi-synthetic estrogenic veterinary drug with
      growth-promoting properties. Its use regarding animal husbandry has been
      prohibited in the European Union since 1981 and, due to its anabolic effects, it
      is further recognized as a banned substance in sport. Numerous studies were
      conducted concerning the identification of the illicit application of zeranol to
      domestic livestock. These studies also considered the natural occurrence of
      zeranol as a metabolite of the mycotoxin zearalenone and the issue of
      differentiating both scenarios, i.e. illegal use or unintended contamination.
      Human sports drug testing authorities are facing comparable challenges since the
      deliberate misuse of the (for human application non-approved) drug should be
      discriminated from adverse analytical findings resulting from the
      biotransformation of the mycotoxin zearalenone possibly ingested with
      contaminated food. The active drug (zeranol), its major human metabolites
      (zearalanone, 7beta-zearalanol) and the mycotoxin (zearalenone) plus its major
      and unique metabolic products (alpha-zearalenol, beta-zearalenol) have been
      monitored in routine doping controls by means of validated gas chromatography
      (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC-(MS/)MS) methods since 1996, and between 2005 and
      2010 four samples providing suspicious signals were detected. In agreement with
      literature data, in vitro metabolism studies demonstrated the metabolic pathway
      from zearalenone towards zeranol (and common metabolites). In contrast, an
      administration study urine sample (collected after oral application of 20 mg of
      zeranol) yielded only ultra-trace amounts of zearalenone and its characteristic
      metabolites, which supported the assumption that a mycotoxin contamination caused
      the finding of zeranol in the doping control specimens rather than a misuse of
      the anabolic agent.

PMID- 22095652
TI  - High resolution three-dimensional cine phase contrast MRI of small intracranial
      aneurysms using a stack of stars k-space trajectory.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a method for targeted volumetric, three directional cine
      phase contrast (PC) imaging with high spatial resolution in clinically feasible
      scan times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hybrid radial-Cartesian k-space trajectory
      is used for cardiac gated, volumetric imaging with three directional velocity
      encoding. Imaging times are reduced by radial undersampling and temporal
      viewsharing. Phase contrast angiograms are displayed in a new approach that
      addresses the concern of signal drop out in regions of slow flow. The feasibility
      of the PC stack of stars (SOS) trajectory was demonstrated with an in vivo study
      capturing 14 small intracranial aneurysms (2-10 mm). Aneurysm measures from six
      aneurysms also imaged with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were compared
      with linear regression with those from the PC SOS images. RESULTS: All aneurysms
      were identified on the phase contrast angiograms. The geometric measures from PC
      SOS and DSA were in good agreement (linear regression: slope = 0.89, intercept =
      0.35, R?2 = 0.88). CONCLUSION: PC SOS is a promising method for obtaining
      volumetric angiograms and cine phase contrast velocity measurements in three
      dimensions. Acquired spatial resolutions of 0.4 * 0.4 * (0.7-1.0) mm make this
      method especially promising for studying flow in small intracranial aneurysms.

PMID- 22095653
TI  - Lack of association between p.Ser167Asn variant of Parkin and Parkinson's
      disease: a meta-analysis of 15 studies involving 2,280 cases and 2,459 controls.
AB  - Previous clinical trials have evaluated the association between Parkin
      p.Ser167Asn (c.601G>A) variant and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. However, the
      results remain conflicting rather than conclusive. Therefore, we performed this
      meta-analysis to assess whether pooled results show the association. We performed
      structured literature searches for studies addressing the association between the
      Parkin p.Ser167Asn variant and PD risk. We conducted analyses of study
      characteristics, heterogeneity, and funnel plot asymmetry in analyses analogous
      to additive, dominant, recessive, and general genetic models with the odds ratio
      (OR) as the measure of association. When 15 eligible studies (n = 4,739 subjects)
      were pooled into the meta-analysis, there was no evidence for significant
      association in additive genetic model between Parkin p. Ser167Asn variant and PD
      risk (OR = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83-1.25; P = 0.866). The OR for
      the dominant model was 1.06 (95% CI = 0.80-1.41) while the OR for the recessive
      model was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.71-1.14). The OR for the heterozygous was 1.07 (95% CI
      = 0.80-1.43) while the OR for the homozygotes was 1.19 (95% CI = 0.81-1.74). In
      the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association was found in any
      genetic model. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's test provided visual and
      statistical evidences for funnel plot symmetry, suggesting no presence of
      publication bias. In summary, the meta-analysis strongly suggests that Parkin p.
      Ser167Asn variant is not associated with PD risk.

PMID- 22095654
TI  - Overtures to takotsubo's cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22095655
TI  - American Society for Preventive Cardiology Annual Debate: coronary heart disease
      in men and women--does one size fit all?

PMID- 22095656
TI  - Primary prevention of coronary heart disease in men and women: does 1 size fit
      all? Yes!
AB  - Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in both women and
      men in the industrialized nations. Coronary heart disease (CHD) accounts for the
      single largest share of this toll in both sexes. Although it had long been known
      that the number 1 cause of death in men is CHD, it was determined only relatively
      recently that this was also true in women. Identification of the traditional risk
      factors (RFs) for CHD by the Framingham Heart Study and other investigations
      during the last 5 decades has provided the basis of preventive cardiology. These
      RFs can be considered as fixed or modifiable. Numerous epidemiologic and clinical
      studies have demonstrated that, with few exceptions, the major RFs that increase
      the hazard for CHD are the same for both men and women, whether fixed (age, sex,
      family history) or modified (lipids, blood pressure, smoking). A number of other
      RFs are under investigation and await confirmation in rigorous prospective
      studies. Even those conditions unique to women, which can predispose patients to
      CHD, such as polycystic ovaries and complications of pregnancy, act through
      provocation of the traditional RFs. Thus, the large body of evidence that
      supports the similarity of RFs for CHD in men and women provides a rational
      foundation for similar strategies of prevention in the 2 sexes.

PMID- 22095657
TI  - Coronary heart disease in men and women: does 1 size fit all? No!

PMID- 22095658
TI  - Mortality trends for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in
      the United States from 1988 to 2004.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is one of the major
      causes of hospital admissions. Mortality trend in patients with NSTEMI over the
      years has not been studied well. The goal of this study is to explore age
      adjusted long-term mortality trends from NSTEMI in the United States using a very
      large database. METHODS: We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, a
      component of the Health Care Cost and Utilization (HCUP) project, for this study.
      International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      (ICD-9-CM) codes were used to identify NSTEMI cases in patients >40 years old.
      Age-adjusted mortality rates for NSTEMI cases were calculated by multiplying the
      age-specific mortality rates of NSTEMI by age-specific weights. RESULTS: A total
      of 1,400,234 patients above the age of 40 years were identified. The mean age of
      this cohort was 77.1+/-10.7 years, with a total of 179,361 deaths being reported
      over this 16-year period. Among patients who died, 51.2% were men and 48.8% were
      women. The age-adjusted mortality from NSTEMI declined from 1988 (727 per
      100,000) to 2004 (305 per 100,000) until the middle of the decade when mortality
      from NSTEMI started leveling off. Total mortality decreased from 29.6% in 1988 to
      11.3% in 2004. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed a significant reduction in the
      age-adjusted and total mortality for NSTEMI over the years studied. The cause of
      this trend is not known but most likely reflects advancement in the treatment of
      patients with acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 22095659
TI  - Clinical impact of off-label cardiac resynchronization therapy in end-stage heart
      failure patients on continuous intravenous inotrope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potential benefits of off-label cardiac resynchronization therapy
      (CRT) in end-stage heart failure (EHF) patients have not been fully investigated.
      HYPOTHESIS: Some EHF patients who are dependent on intravenous inotropes can
      benefit from CRT. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 14 EHF patients who were
      dependent on intravenous inotropes at the time of CRT implantation. Mean duration
      of inotropic support was 51 +/- 47 days before CRT device implantation. To
      identify the efficacy of CRT, we assessed the successful withdrawal rate from
      inotropic support and survival estimates after device implantation. We also tried
      to identify possible predictors for withdrawal by comparing patient demographics
      between successful withdrawal (SW) and nonwithdrawal (NW) groups. RESULTS:
      Successful withdrawal was achieved in 9 (64%) of 14 patients 46 +/- 33 days after
      CRT device implantation. Event-free survival was longer in the SW group than in
      the NW group (810 +/- 169 days vs 114 +/- 34 days; P = 0.007). In addition,
      patients in the SW group showed a higher previous surgery rate (89% vs 20%; P =
      0.010) and a lower grade of mitral regurgitation (median, 0 vs 2; P = 0.010) than
      those in the NW group. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective data showed potential
      benefits of CRT among EHFpatients. Treatment of mitral regurgitation might be an
      essential qualification for managing EHF patients with CRT.

PMID- 22095661
TI  - Effect of reconstituted discoidal high-density lipoproteins on lipid mobilization
      in RAW 264.7 and CHOK1 cells.
AB  - Reconstituted discoidal high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) resemble nascent HDL,
      which are formed at the early reverse cholesterol transport steps, and constitute
      the initial cholesterol (Chol) acceptors from cell membranes. We have used
      different sized rHDL containing or not Chol, to test their abilities to promote
      cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from two different cell lines: Raw 264.7
      macrophages and CHOK1 cells. All rHDL and lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)
      were found to be bound to CHO and RAW cells. In RAW cells, a positive correlation
      between cellular binding and Chol removal was found for 78 and 96 A rHDL. Chol
      free rHDL were more effective than Chol-containing ones in binding to RAW cells
      and promoting Chol removal. These results were more evident in the 96 A rHDL. On
      the other hand, rHDL binding to CHO cells was relatively independent of disc size
      and Chol content. In spite of the fact that apoA-I and rHDL promoted Chol efflux
      from both cellular lines, only in CHOK1 cells this result was also associated to
      decrease Chol esterification. Among choline-containing phospholipids, only
      phosphatidylcholine (PC) (but not sphingomyelin) was detected to be effuxed from
      both cellular lines. With the only exception of Chol-free 96 A discs, the other
      rHDL as well as apoA-I promoted PC efflux from RAW cells. Chol-containing rHDL
      were more active than Chol-free ones of comparable size to promote PC efflux from
      RAW macrophages. Regarding CHO cells, only apoA-I and Chol-free 78 A rHDL were
      active enough to remove PC.

PMID- 22095660
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor/c-met signaling is required for stem-cell-mediated liver
      regeneration in mice.
AB  - Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met supports a pleiotrophic signal transduction
      pathway that controls stem cell homeostasis. Here, we directly addressed the role
      of c-Met in stem-cell-mediated liver regeneration by utilizing mice harboring c
      met floxed alleles and Alb-Cre or Mx1-Cre transgenes. To activate oval cells, the
      hepatic stem cell (HSC) progeny, we used a model of liver injury induced by diet
      containing the porphyrinogenic agent, 3,5-diethocarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine
      (DDC). Deletion of c-met in oval cells was confirmed in both models by polymerase
      chain reaction analysis of fluorescence-activated cell-sorted epithelial cell
      adhesion molecule (EpCam)-positive cells. Loss of c-Met receptor decreased the
      sphere-forming capacity of oval cells in vitro as well as reduced oval cell pool,
      impaired migration, and decreased hepatocytic differentiation in vivo, as
      demonstrated by double immunofluorescence using oval- (A6 and EpCam) and
      hepatocyte-specific (i.e. hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha) antibodies.
      Furthermore, lack of c-Met had a profound effect on tissue remodeling and overall
      composition of HSC niche, which was associated with greatly reduced matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)9 activity and decreased expression of stromal-cell
      derived factor 1. Using a combination of double immunofluorescence of cell-type
      specific markers with MMP9 and gelatin zymography on the isolated cell
      populations, we identified macrophages as a major source of MMP9 in DDC-treated
      livers. The Mx1-Cre-driven c-met deletion caused the greatest phenotypic impact
      on HSCs response, as compared to the selective inactivation in the epithelial
      cell lineages achieved in c-Met(fl/fl); Alb-Cre(+/-) mice. However, in both
      models, genetic loss of c-met triggered a similar cascade of events, leading to
      the failure of HSC mobilization and death of the mice. CONCLUSION: These results
      establish a direct contribution of c-Met in the regulation of HSC response and
      support a unique role for HGF/c-Met as an essential growth-factor-signaling
      pathway for regeneration of diseased liver.

PMID- 22095662
TI  - The astrocytic lineage marker calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein 1
      (Camsap1): phenotypic heterogeneity of newly born Camsap1-expressing cells in
      injured mouse brain.
AB  - Calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein 1 (Camsap1) has been recognized
      as a new marker for astrocytic lineage cells and is expressed on mature
      astrocytes in the adult brain (Yamamoto et al. [2009] J. Neurosci. Res. 87:503
      513). In the present study, we found that newly born Camsap1-expressing cells
      exhibited regional heterogeneity in an early phase after stab injury of the mouse
      brain. In the surrounding area of the lesion site, Camsap1 was expressed on
      quiescent astrocytes. At 3 days after injury, Camsap1 immunoreactivity was
      upregulated on glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive (GFAP-ir)
      astrocytes. Some of these astrocytes incorporated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)
      together with re-expression of the embryonic cytoskeleton protein nestin. In the
      neighboring region of the lesion cavity, Camsap1 was expressed on GFAP-negative
      cells. At 3 days after injury, GFAP-ir astrocytes were absent around the lesion
      cavity. At this stage, NG2-ir cells immunopositive for Camsap1 and immunonegative
      for GFAP were distributed in border of the lesion cavity. By 10 days, Camsap1
      immunoreactivity was exclusively detected on GFAP-ir reactive astrocytes devoid
      of NG2 immunoreactivity. BrdU pulse-chase labeling assay suggested the
      differentiation of Camsap1+/NG2+ cells into Camsap1+/GFAP+ astrocytes. In the
      subependymal zone of the lateral ventricle, Camsap1-ir cells increased after
      injury. Camsap1 immunoreactivity was distributed on ependymal and subependymal
      cells bearing various astrocyte markers, and BrdU incorporation was enhanced on
      such Camsap1-ir cells after injury. These results suggest that newly born
      reactive astrocytes are derived from heterogeneous Camsap1-expressing cells in
      the injured brain.

PMID- 22095663
TI  - Exploitation of a novel polysaccharide nanogel cross-linking membrane for guided
      bone regeneration (GBR).
AB  - Cholesterol-bearing pullulan (CHP) nanogel is a synthetic degradable biomaterial
      for drug delivery with high biocompatibility. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a
      bone augmentation technique in which a membrane is used to create and keep a
      secluded regenerative space. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the
      effects of the novel CHP nanogel membrane in GBR. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats
      were used and bilaterally symmetrical full-thickness parietal bone defects of 5
      mm diameter were created with a bone trephine burr. Each defect was covered with
      the collagen membrane or the CHP nanogel membrane or untreated without any
      membrane. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks and analysed
      radiologically and histologically. Furthermore, after incubating human serum with
      CHP nanogel or collagen, the amount of PDGF in the serum was measured using
      ELISA. New bone formation in terms of bone volume was higher in the nanogel group
      than in the control or collagen groups at 2 and 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, both
      membrane groups showed higher bone volumes than the control group. Notably, the
      newly-formed bone in the bone defect in the nanogel group was uniform and
      histologically indistinguishable from the original bone, whereas in the collagen
      group the new bone showed an irregular structure that was completely different
      from the original bone. After incubating with CHP nanogel, the amount of PDGF in
      the serum decreased significantly. CHP nanogel GBR membrane favourably stimulated
      bone regeneration, in which a unique characteristic of CHP nanogel, the storage
      of endogenous growth factors, was likely implicated.

PMID- 22095664
TI  - Bromomaleimide-linked bioconjugates are cleavable in mammalian cells.

PMID- 22095665
TI  - Anthraquinone as a redox label for DNA: synthesis, enzymatic incorporation, and
      electrochemistry of anthraquinone-modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and DNA.
AB  - Modified 2'-deoxynucleosides and deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) bearing
      anthraquinone (AQ) attached through an acetylene or propargylcarbamoyl linker at
      the 5-position of pyrimidine (C) or at the 7-position of 7-deazaadenine were
      prepared by Sonogashira cross-coupling of halogenated dNTPs with 2
      ethynylanthraquinone or 2-(2-propynylcarbamoyl)anthraquinone. Polymerase
      incorporations of the AQ-labeled dNTPs into DNA by primer extension with KOD XL
      polymerase have been successfully developed. The electrochemical properties of
      the AQ-labeled nucleosides, nucleotides, and DNA were studied by cyclic and
      square-wave voltammetry, which show a distinct reversible couple of peaks around 
      0.4 V that make the AQ a suitable redox label for DNA.

PMID- 22095666
TI  - Ribonuclease A suggests how proteins self-chaperone against amyloid fiber
      formation.
AB  - Genomic analyses have identified segments with high fiber-forming propensity in
      many proteins not known to form amyloid. Proteins are often protected from
      entering the amyloid state by molecular chaperones that permit them to fold in
      isolation from identical molecules; but, how do proteins self-chaperone their
      folding in the absence of chaperones? Here, we explore this question with the
      stable protein ribonuclease A (RNase A). We previously identified fiber-forming
      segments of amyloid-related proteins and demonstrated that insertion of these
      segments into the C-terminal hinge loop of nonfiber-forming RNase A can convert
      RNase A into the amyloid state through three-dimensional domain-swapping, where
      the inserted fiber-forming segments interact to create a steric zipper spine. In
      this study, we convert RNase A into amyloid-like fibers by increasing the loop
      length and hence conformational freedom of an endogenous fiber-forming segment,
      SSTSAASS, in the N-terminal hinge loop. This is accomplished by sandwiching
      SSTSAASS between inserted Gly residues. With these inserts, SSTSAASS is now able
      to form the steric zipper spine, allowing RNase A to form amyloid-like fibers. We
      show that these fibers contain RNase A molecules retaining their enzymatic
      activity and therefore native-like structure. Thus, RNase A appears to prevent
      fiber formation by limiting the conformational freedom of this fiber-forming
      segment from entering a steric zipper. Our observations suggest that proteins
      have evolved to self-chaperone by using similar protective mechanisms.

PMID- 22095667
TI  - Decreased expression of Beclin 1 correlates with a metastatic phenotypic feature
      and adverse prognosis of gastric carcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Beclin 1 plays a critical role in the regulation of
      autophagy, apoptosis, differentiation and the development and progression of
      cancer. The clinicopathological significance of Beclin 1 expression in patients
      with gastric carcinoma (GC) has not been yet elucidated. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to investigate the Beclin 1 expression
      in GCs and normal mucosal tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis, spearman's rank correlation, Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional
      hazards regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The highly
      expressed Beclin 1 was observed in 90/155 (58.1%) of GCs, in 24/60 (40.0%)
      adjacent mucosal tissues and in 13/30 (43.3%) of normal gastric mucosa tissues (P
      = 0.036). Decreased expression of Beclin 1 in cancer cells was significantly
      correlated with poor differentiation, nodal and distant metastasis, advanced TNM
      stage, and tumor relapse. More importantly, Decreased expression of Beclin 1 was
      associated with shorter survival as evidenced by univariate and multivariate
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide a basis for the concept that
      decreased expression of Beclin 1 in GC may be important in the acquisition of a
      metastatic phenotype, suggesting that decreased Beclin 1 expression, as examined
      by IHC, is an independent biomarker for poor prognosis of patients with GC.

PMID- 22095668
TI  - Measuring the quality of therapeutic apheresis care in the pediatric intensive
      care unit.
AB  - Our goal was to measure the quality of care provided in the Pediatric Intensive
      Care Unit (PICU) during Therapeutic Apheresis (TA). We described the care as a
      step by step process. We designed a flow chart to carefully document each step of
      the process. We then defined each step with a unique clinical indictor (CI) that
      represented the exact task we felt provided quality care. These CIs were studied
      and modified for 1 year. We measured our performance in this process by the
      number of times we accomplished the CI vs. the total number of CIs that were to
      be performed. The degree of compliance, with these clinical indicators, was
      analyzed and used as a metric for quality by calculating how close the process is
      running exactly as planned or "in control." The Apheresis Process was in control
      (compliance) for 47% of the indicators, as measured in the aggregate for the
      first observational year. We then applied the theory of Total Quality Management
      (TQM) through our Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) model.
      We were able to improve the process and bring it into control by increasing the
      compliance to > 99.74%, in the aggregate, for the third and fourth quarter of the
      second year. We have implemented TQM to increase compliance, thus control, of a
      highly complex and multidisciplinary Pediatric Intensive Care therapy. We have
      shown a reproducible and scalable measure of quality for a complex clinical
      process in the PICU, without additional capital expenditure.

PMID- 22095669
TI  - Color tuning by local sputtering metal nanolayer on microstructured porous
      alumina.
AB  - This article reports a novel color tuning method by local sputtering nanolayers
      on microstructured porous alumina (PA) templates with different pore depths. With
      the aid of scanning electron microscopy observation, physical models of the
      original and sputtered PA templates are set up, and the details of the color
      tuning method are further proposed. Two series of colors covering the whole
      visible range are first obtained by respectively sputtering Cr and Ag nanolayers
      on two groups of PA templates with pore-depths ranging from 230 to 490 nm. A
      vivid colorful pattern of "Butterfly wings" is then prepared by local sputtering
      such Cr and Ag nanolayers on the surface of a PA with 310 nm pore-depth. The
      scanning electron microscopy images of Cr and Ag sputtered PA surfaces show
      different microstructures, which is in agreement with different color exhibiting.
      This method is expected to have a potential of being widely applied in the fields
      of micro-optics, microstructures, advanced materials, and micro/nanotechnology.

PMID- 22095670
TI  - Novel function of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 as a negative regulator of Niemann-Pick
      C2 protein.
AB  - The hepatic expression of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1), which is a key
      molecule in intestinal cholesterol absorption, is high in humans. In addition to
      NPC1L1, Niemann-Pick C2 (NPC2), a secretory cholesterol-binding protein involved
      in intracellular cholesterol trafficking and the stimulation of biliary
      cholesterol secretion, is also expressed in the liver. In this study, we examined
      the molecular interaction and functional association between NPC1L1 and NPC2. In
      vitro studies with adenovirus-based or plasmid-mediated gene transfer systems
      revealed that NPC1L1 negatively regulated the protein expression and secretion of
      NPC2 without affecting the level of NPC2 messenger RNA. Experiments with small
      interfering RNA against NPC1L1 confirmed the endogenous association of these
      proteins. In addition, endocytosed NPC2 could compensate for the reduction of
      NPC2 in NPC1L1-overexpressing cells, and this demonstrated that the
      posttranscriptional regulation of NPC2 was dependent on a novel ability of NPC1L1
      to inhibit the maturation of NPC2 and accelerate the degradation of NPC2 during
      its maturation. Furthermore, to confirm the physiological relevance of NPC1L1
      mediated regulation, we analyzed human liver specimens and found a negative
      correlation between the protein levels of hepatic NPC1L1 and hepatic NPC2.
      CONCLUSION: NPC1L1 down-regulates the expression and secretion of NPC2 by
      inhibiting its maturation and accelerating its degradation. NPC2 functions as a
      regulator of intracellular cholesterol trafficking and biliary cholesterol
      secretion; therefore, in addition to its role in cholesterol re-uptake from the
      bile by hepatocytes, hepatic NPC1L1 may control cholesterol homeostasis via the
      down-regulation of NPC2.

PMID- 22095671
TI  - Multiple drugs and multiple targets: an analysis of the electrostatic
      determinants of binding between non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors and variants of HIV-1 RT.
AB  - We present a systematic, computational analysis of the electrostatic component of
      binding of three HIV-1 RT inhibitors-nevirapine (NVP), efavirenz (EFV), and the
      recently approved rilpivirine (RPV)-to wild-type (WT) and mutant variants of RT.
      Electrostatic charge optimization was applied to determine how suited each
      molecule's charge distribution is for binding WT and individual mutants of HIV-1
      RT. Although the charge distributions of NVP and EFV are rather far from being
      optimal for tight binding, RPVs charge distribution is close to the theoretical,
      optimal charge distribution for binding WT HIV-1 RT, although slight changes in
      charge can dramatically impact binding energetics. Moreover, toward the
      L100I/K103N double mutant, RPVs charge distribution is quite far from optimal. We
      also determine the contributions of chemical moieties on each molecule toward the
      electrostatic component of binding and show that different regions of a drug
      molecule may be used for recognition by different RT variants. The electrostatic
      contributions of certain RT residues toward drug binding are also computed to
      highlight critical residues for each interaction. Finally, the charge
      distribution of RPV is optimized to promiscuously bind to three RT variants
      rather than to each one in turn, with the resulting charge distribution being a
      compromise between the optimal charge distributions to each individual variant.
      Taken together, this work demonstrates that even in a binding site considered
      quite hydrophobic, electrostatics play a subtle yet varying role that must be
      considered in designing next-generation molecules that recognize rapidly mutating
      targets.

PMID- 22095672
TI  - Inversion-recovery-prepared dixon bSSFP: initial clinical experience with a novel
      pulse sequence for renal MRA within a breathhold.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the capability of a new breathhold non-contrast-enhanced MRA
      method (Non-contrast Outer Radial Inner Square k-space Scheme, NORISKS) to
      visualize renal arteries by comparing the method with a routine clinical but
      significantly longer non-contrast-enhanced (non-CE) MRA technique. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eighteen subjects referred for abdominal MRI were examined with NORISKS
      and a routine non-contrast-enhanced MRA technique. Two versions of NORISKS were
      evaluated: with and without ECG gating. The images were then scored independently
      and in blinded manner by two radiologists on 5-point scales for visualization of
      the proximal and distal renal arteries and quality of fat suppression. RESULTS:
      No statistically significant difference was detected between NORISKS and routine
      clinical non-CE MRA in all categories except for visualization of the distal
      renal arteries where ungated NORISKS performed poorer than the routine non-CE MRA
      (P < 10(-4) ). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated a promising non-CE MRA method for
      acquiring renal angiograms within a breathhold without any compromise in spatial
      resolution or coverage. ECG-gated NORISKS is able to acquire renal angiograms
      that are comparable to a routine clinical non-CE MRA method (Inhance IFIR, GE
      Healthcare), which requires approximately seven times the scan time of NORISKS.

PMID- 22095673
TI  - Proteomic analysis of berry-sizing effect of GA3 on seedless Vitis vinifera L.
AB  - Gibberellin (GA) is widely used in the table grape and raisin industries to
      enlarge the berries of seedless varieties. However, the mechanism underlying its
      berry-sizing effect is poorly understood. In this study, clusters of Centennial
      Seedless (Vitis vinifera L.) were treated with 30 ppm GA3 on day 12 after
      flowering, and berries were sampled at development stages I, II and III for
      proteomic analysis. Among the 1479 proteins detected on 2-DE maps, 19, 70 and 69
      spots in stages I, II and III, respectively, showed an at least twofold
      difference in volume between treatments and controls. Of these, 125 proteins were
      successfully identified and assigned to eight functional groups, chief among them
      are metabolism and energy, stress response, expression regulation and
      cytoskeleton proteins. Stress-response proteins were predominantly down-regulated
      in GA3-treated berries in stages I and II, and significantly up-regulated in
      stage III. Up-regulation of cytoskeleton, cell-wall modification and other
      important proteins was found in the two latter stages of berry development. Our
      proteomic results and subsequent validation revealed, for the first time, the
      role of redox homeostasis in GA3-induced berry enlargement and markedly remodeled
      cellular protein expression in treated berries.

PMID- 22095674
TI  - Accuracy and sensitivity of residual DNA detection by QPCR is not predicted by
      target copy number.
AB  - A major issue in the use of mammalian cell culture in biopharmaceutical
      manufacturing is the removal of process related impurities, such as residual host
      cell DNA, during the product purification process. To ensure that sufficient DNA
      removal is achieved during purification, it is essential to have an accurate and
      sensitive assay for host cell DNA. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (QPCR) is widely used for this purpose; however, the extent to which the choice
      of QPCR gene target can have an impact on final results requires further
      understanding. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the
      genomic copy number of eight different Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) gene targets
      and the sensitivity and accuracy afforded by those targets in a residual host
      cell DNA QPCR assay. We also evaluated the use of each gene target for accurate
      measurement of residual DNA clearance using in-process purification samples from
      two CHO production cell lines. Our results revealed a correlation between gene
      target abundance and the potential sensitivity for use in a QPCR assay. However,
      we found that higher copy number gene targets do not provide the highest
      measurement or reveal the largest clearance of residual host cell DNA from
      purification samples. These findings suggest that different DNA sequences may
      clear or degrade at differential rates and highlight unexpected considerations
      that must be made in the choice of QPCR gene target when designing QPCR assays.

PMID- 22095675
TI  - Adoption of electronic health records by medical specialty societies.

PMID- 22095676
TI  - Are eating disorders a significant clinical issue in urban India? A survey among
      psychiatrists in Bangalore.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is believed that cultural changes such as urbanization and
      westernization can lead to increasing rates of eating disorders (EDs). A survey
      was conducted among psychiatrists in Bangalore, India to assess whether they were
      seeing more cases of ED in the last year. METHOD: Contact details of all
      psychiatrists in urban Bangalore were obtained from the directory of the local
      psychiatric society. These psychiatrists were contacted by telephone, email, or
      in person. A brief proforma was used to record information about the number and
      nature of eating disorders they had seen in their practice in the last one year.
      RESULTS: Sixty-six psychiatrists took part in the study. Thirty-eight (56%) were
      in private practice and 28 (42%) in teaching hospitals. 45 (67%), reported having
      seen patients with eating disorders in the last year. The total number of cases
      seen was 74. Of these, 32 were diagnosed as anorexia nervosa (AN), 12 as bulimia
      nervosa (BN), and 30 as eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Sixteen
      (23.5%) respondents were of the opinion that EDs were increasing in Bangalore, 18
      (26.5%) felt the rates were stable and 28 (42%) were not sure. DISCUSSION: Two
      thirds of psychiatrists reported seeing at least one case of ED indicating that
      EDs are not uncommon in urban India. Epidemiological studies of EDs in India are
      needed to provide better estimates of their prevalence.

PMID- 22095677
TI  - Advancing nasal reconstructive surgery: the application of tissue engineering
      technology.
AB  - Cartilage tissue engineering is a rapidly progressing area of regenerative
      medicine with advances in cell biology and scaffold engineering constantly being
      investigated. Many groups are now capable of making neocartilage constructs with
      some level of morphological, biochemical, and histological likeness to native
      human cartilage tissues. The application of this useful technology in articular
      cartilage repair is well described in the literature; however, few studies have
      evaluated its application in head and neck reconstruction. Although there are
      many studies on auricular cartilage tissue engineering, there are few studies
      regarding cartilage tissue engineering for complex nasal reconstruction. This
      study therefore highlighted the challenges involved with nasal reconstruction,
      with special focus on nasal cartilage tissue, and examined how advancements made
      in cartilage tissue engineering research could be applied to improve the clinical
      outcomes of total nasal reconstructive surgery.

PMID- 22095679
TI  - Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of cyclopentenones: intermolecular pseudo
      Pauson-Khand cyclization.

PMID- 22095680
TI  - Theoretical study of the photochemistry of a reversible three-state bis
      thiaxanthylidene molecular switch.
AB  - The ground- and the lowest singlet excited-state potential energy surfaces of the
      bis-thiaxanthylidene (3) molecular switch are investigated using a density
      functional method specifically designed to treat molecular systems typified by
      strong non-dynamic electron correlation. The results of the theoretical
      calculations suggest that the unique ability of substituted bis-thiaxanthylidenes
      to switch between three states of luminescence-non-fluorescent state, blue
      fluorescent state, and red fluorescent state-can be explained by specific
      features on the excited state potential energy surface: the potential barrier
      around the Franck-Condon point of the anti-folded conformer and the existence of
      conical intersection in the vicinity of the syn-folded conformer. It is suggested
      that the twisted conformer, if made more stable via chemical modification, should
      fluoresce in the near-infrared region (lambda~740-760 nm), thus offering a
      possibility for a four-state switching of luminescence in a single-component
      molecular system.

PMID- 22095678
TI  - Homeobox genes in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a
      familial neuropsychiatric condition, progress aimed at identifying genetic
      determinants of the disorder has been slow. The OCD Collaborative Genetics Study
      (OCGS) has identified several OCD susceptibility loci through linkage analysis.
      METHODS: In this study we investigate two regions on chromosomes 15q and 1q by
      first refining the linkage region using additional short tandem repeat
      polymorphic (STRP) markers. We then performed association analysis on single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyped (markers placed every 2-4 kb) in the
      linkage regions in the OCGS sample of 376 rigorously phenotyped affected
      families. RESULTS: Three SNPs are most strongly associated with OCD: rs11854486
      (P = 0.00005 [0.046 after adjustment for multiple tests]; genetic relative risk
      (GRR) = 11.1 homozygous and 1.6 heterozygous) and rs4625687 [P = 0.00007 (after
      adjustment = 0.06); GRR = 2.4] on 15q; and rs4387163 (P = 0.0002 (after
      adjustment = 0.08); GRR = 1.97) on 1q. The first SNP is adjacent to NANOGP8, the
      second SNP is in MEIS2, and the third is 150 kb between PBX1 and LMX1A.
      CONCLUSIONS: All the genes implicated by association signals are homeobox genes
      and are intimately involved in neurodevelopment. PBX1 and MEIS2 exert their
      effects by the formation of a heterodimeric complex, which is involved in
      development of the striatum, a brain region involved in the pathophysiology of
      OCD. NANOGP8 is a retrogene of NANOG, a homeobox transcription factor known to be
      involved in regulation of neuronal development. These findings need replication;
      but support the hypothesis that genes involved in striatal development are
      implicated in the pathogenesis of OCD.

PMID- 22095681
TI  - Colour evaluation of a phycobiliprotein-rich extract obtained from Nostoc PCC9205
      in acidic solutions and yogurt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phycobiliproteins are coloured proteins produced by cyanobacteria,
      which have several applications because of their colour properties. However,
      there is no available information about the colour stability of phycobiliproteins
      from Nostoc sp. in food systems. The aim of this work was to study the colour
      stability of a purple-coloured phycobiliprotein-rich extract from the
      cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC9205 in acidic solutions and yogurt. RESULTS: Variations
      of pH for Nostoc PCC9205 extract have shown stability for the L* (lightness) and
      a* (redness) indexes in the range 1.0-7.0. The b* index (blueness), however,
      increased at pH values below 4.0, indicating loss of the blue colour. The Nostoc
      PCC9205 extract was used as colorant in yogurt (pH 4.17) stored for 60 days.
      Instrumental colour analysis showed no changes for the L* and a* indexes during
      storage, whereas the b* index changed after 20 days of storage. A multiple
      comparison test showed colour instability after 20 days of storage. A hedonic
      scale test performed on the 60th day of storage showed acceptability of the
      product. CONCLUSIONS: The red component of the phycobiliprotein-rich extract from
      Nostoc PCC9205 presented an improved stability in acidic media and yogurt
      compared with the blue component of this extract.

PMID- 22095682
TI  - Proper calibration of ultrasonic power enabled the quantitative analysis of the
      ultrasonication-induced amyloid formation process.
AB  - To elucidate the mechanisms of ultrasonication on the amyloid fibril formation,
      we quantitatively determined the ultrasonic power using both calorimetry and
      potassium iodide (KI) oxidation, and under the properly calibrated ultrasonic
      power, we investigated the ultasonication-induced amyloid formation process of
      the mouse prion protein (mPrP(23-231)). These methods revealed that the
      ultrasonic power in our system ranged from 0.3 to 2.7 W but entirely dependent on
      the positions of the ultrasonic stage. Intriguingly, the nucleation time of the
      amyloid fibrils was found to be shortened almost proportionally to the ultrasonic
      power, indicating that the probability of the occurrence of nucleus formation
      increases proportionally to the ultrasonic power. Moreover, mPrP(23-231) formed
      two types of aggregates: rigid fibrils and short fibrils with disordered
      aggregates, depending on the ultrasonic power. The nucleation of rigid fibrils
      required an ultrasonic power larger than 1.5 W. While at the strong ultrasonic
      power larger than 2.6 W, amyloid fibrils were formed early, but simultaneously
      fine fragmentation of fibrils occurred. Thus, an ultrasonic power of
      approximately 2.0 W would be suitable for the formation of rigid mPrP(23-231)
      fibrils under the conditions utilized (ultrasonication applied for 30 s every 9
      min). As ultrasonication has been widely used to amplify the scrapie form of the
      prion protein, or other amyloids in vitro, the calorimetry and KI oxidation
      methods proposed here might help determining the adequate ultrasonic powers
      necessary to amplify them efficiently.

PMID- 22095683
TI  - Upregulation of recepteur d'origine nantais tyrosine kinase and cell invasiveness
      via early growth response-1 in gastric cancer cells.
AB  - Abnormal accumulation and activation of the recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) has
      been implicated in carcinogenesis of epithelial tumors. RON expression was
      induced by the tumor promoter, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), in gastric
      adenocarcinoma AGS cells. Studies with deleted and site-directed mutagenesis of
      Egr-1 promoter and with expression vectors encoding Egr-1 confirmed that Egr-1 is
      essential for RON expression. In addition, AGS cells pretreated with PMA showed
      remarkably enhanced invasiveness, which was partially abrogated by siRNA-targeted
      RON and Egr-1. These results suggest that tumor promoter induces RON expression
      via Egr-1, which, in turn, stimulates cell invasiveness in AGS cells.

PMID- 22095684
TI  - Boceprevir.

PMID- 22095685
TI  - Temperature-dependent study reveals that dynamics of hydrophobic residues plays
      an important functional role in the mitochondrial Tim9-Tim10 complex.
AB  - Protein-protein interaction is a fundamental process in all major biological
      processes. The hexameric Tim9-Tim10 (translocase of inner membrane) complex of
      the mitochondrial intermembrane space plays an essential chaperone-like role
      during import of mitochondrial membrane proteins. However, little is known about
      the functional mechanism of the complex because the interaction is weak and
      transient. This study investigates how electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions
      affect the conformation and function of the complex at physiological
      temperatures, using both experimental and computational methods. The results
      suggest that, first, different complex conformational states exist at
      equilibrium, and the major difference between these states is the degree of
      hydrophobic interactions. Second, the conformational change mimics the biological
      activity of the complex as measured by substrate binding at the same
      temperatures. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation and detailed energy
      decomposition analysis provided supporting evidence at the atomic level for the
      presence of an excited state of the complex, the formation of which is largely
      driven by the disruption of hydrophobic interactions. Taken together, this study
      indicates that the dynamics of the hydrophobic residues plays an important role
      in regulating the function of the Tim9-Tim10 complex.

PMID- 22095686
TI  - Protein lipidation catalyzed by microbial transglutaminase.

PMID- 22095687
TI  - The A3 adenosine receptor as multifaceted therapeutic target: pharmacology,
      medicinal chemistry, and in silico approaches.
AB  - Adenosine is an ubiquitous local modulator that regulates various physiological
      and pathological functions by stimulating four membrane receptors, namely A(1),
      A(2A), A(2B), and A(3). Among these G protein-coupled receptors, the A(3) subtype
      is found mainly in the lung, liver, heart, eyes, and brain in our body. It has
      been associated with cerebroprotection and cardioprotection, as well as
      modulation of cellular growth upon its selective activation. On the other hand,
      its inhibition by selective antagonists has been reported to be potentially
      useful in the treatment of pathological conditions including glaucoma,
      inflammatory diseases, and cancer. In this review, we focused on the pharmacology
      and the therapeutic implications of the human (h)A(3) adenosine receptor (AR),
      together with an overview on the progress of hA(3) AR agonists, antagonists,
      allosteric modulators, and radioligands, as well as on the recent advances
      pertaining to the computational approaches (e.g., quantitative structure-activity
      relationships, homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics
      simulations) applied to the modeling of hA(3) AR and drug design. 

PMID- 22095688
TI  - Transcriptional gene silencing of kallikrein 5 and kallikrein 7 using siRNA
      prevents epithelial cell detachment induced by alkaline shock in an in vitro
      model of eczema.
AB  - Eczema is widely considered to be an exacerbation of alkaline stress to the skin.
      Epidermal barrier dysfunction is a feature of eczema pathology, which predisposes
      affected individuals to distressing morbid symptoms. At least two serine
      proteases, stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme (kallikrein 7 [KLK7]) and stratum
      corneum tryptic enzyme (kallikrien 5 [KLK5]), have increased activity levels in
      eczematous lesions and both have been implicated in the destruction of
      corneodesomosomes, which are crucial to epidermal integrity. The present in vitro
      study investigated whether transcriptional gene silencing after siRNA
      transfection could influence the activity of these signature enzymes in an in
      vitro model of eczema induced by alkaline shock. HaCaT epithelial cells were
      subjected to alkaline stress by the addition of 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl guanidine
      "superbase" (TMG) to the culture media. The culture media were subsequently
      tested for chymotryspin, trypsin, plasmin, and urokinase activity using
      colorimetric peptide assays and for reactive oxygen species using WST1 cell
      viability reagent. Cells that had been transfected with small interfering
      ribonucleic acid (siRNA) against KLK5 and KLK7 for 24 h before alkaline shock did
      not exhibit the increase in serine protease levels observed in untreated
      controls. Moreover, an endpoint MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) confirmed that detachment of cells from the culture
      substrate observed in alkaline-stressed cells did not occur in siRNA-treated
      cells. This in vitro study has established the proof-of-principle that siRNA
      therapy appears to mitigate the consequences of alkaline shock to the serine
      protease-associated fragility of epithelial cells that is characteristic of
      eczema.

PMID- 22095689
TI  - Display of functionally active PHB depolymerase on Escherichia coli cell surface.
AB  - The display of PHB depolymerase (PhaZ(RpiT1) ) from R. pickettii T1 on the
      surface of E. coli JM109 cells is realized using OprI of P. aeruginosa as the
      anchoring motif. The fusion protein is stably expressed and its surface
      localization is verified by immunofluorescence microscopy. The displayed
      PhaZ(RpiT1)  retains its cleaving ability for soluble substrates as well as its
      ability to adsorb to the PHB surface, and also remains catalycically active in
      the degradation of insoluble polyester materials, in spite of the possible
      suppression of the enzyme movement on the polymer surface. The results
      demonstrate that PhaZ(RpiT1) -displaying E. coli shows potential for use as a
      whole-cell biocatalyst for the production of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate monomers from
      insoluble PHB materials.

PMID- 22095691
TI  - C/EBPbeta and RUNX2 cooperate to degrade cartilage with MMP-13 as the target and
      HIF-2alpha as the inducer in chondrocytes.
AB  - To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the endochondral ossification
      process during the skeletal growth and osteoarthritis (OA) development, we
      examined the signal network around CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta
      (C/EBPbeta, encoded by CEBPB), a potent regulator of this process. Computational
      predictions and a C/EBP motif-reporter assay identified RUNX2 as the most potent
      transcriptional partner of C/EBPbeta in chondrocytes. C/EBPbeta and RUNX2 were
      induced and co-localized in highly differentiated chondrocytes during the
      skeletal growth and OA development of mice and humans. The compound knockout of
      Cebpb and Runx2 in mice caused growth retardation and resistance to OA with
      decreases in cartilage degradation and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (Mmp-13)
      expression. C/EBPbeta and RUNX2 cooperatively enhanced promoter activity of MMP13
      through specific binding to a C/EBP-binding motif and an osteoblast-specific cis
      acting element 2 motif as a protein complex. Human genetic studies failed to show
      the association of human CEBPB gene polymorphisms with knee OA, nor was there a
      genetic variation around the identified responsive region in the human MMP13
      promoter. However, hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha (HIF-2alpha), a functional and
      genetic regulator of knee OA through promoting endochondral ossification, was
      identified as a potent and functional inducer of C/EBPbeta expression in
      chondrocytes by the CEBPB promoter assay. Hence, C/EBPbeta and RUNX2, with MMP-13
      as the target and HIF-2alpha as the inducer, control cartilage degradation. This
      molecular network in chondrocytes may represent a therapeutic target for OA.

PMID- 22095690
TI  - Functional genomic analysis unravels a metabolic-inflammatory interplay in
      adrenoleukodystrophy.
AB  - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disorder characterized by
      axonopathy and demyelination in the central nervous system and adrenal
      insufficiency. Main X-ALD phenotypes are: (i) an adult adrenomyeloneuropathy
      (AMN) with axonopathy in spinal cords, (ii) cerebral AMN with brain demyelination
      (cAMN) and (iii) a childhood variant, cALD, characterized by severe cerebral
      demyelination. Loss of function of the ABCD1 peroxisomal fatty acid transporter
      and subsequent accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are the
      common culprits to all forms of X-ALD, an aberrant microglial activation accounts
      for the cerebral forms, whereas inflammation allegedly plays no role in AMN. How
      VLCFA accumulation leads to neurodegeneration and what factors account for the
      dissimilar clinical outcomes and prognosis of X-ALD variants remain elusive. To
      gain insights into these questions, we undertook a transcriptomic approach
      followed by a functional-enrichment analysis in spinal cords of the animal model
      of AMN, the Abcd1(-) null mice, and in normal-appearing white matter of cAMN and
      cALD patients. We report that the mouse model shares with cAMN and cALD a common
      signature comprising dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, adipocytokine
      and insulin signaling pathways, and protein synthesis. Functional validation by
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blots and assays in spinal cord
      organotypic cultures confirmed the interplay of these pathways through IkB
      kinase, being VLCFA in excess a causal, upstream trigger promoting the altered
      signature. We conclude that X-ALD is, in all its variants, a
      metabolic/inflammatory syndrome, which may offer new targets in X-ALD
      therapeutics.

PMID- 22095693
TI  - Rate of change in early Huntington's disease: a clinicometric analysis.
AB  - Sensitive outcome measures for patients with Huntington's disease (HD) are
      required for future clinical trials. Longitudinal data were collected from a 3
      year study of 379 patients suffering from early HD who were not treated by
      antipsychotics. Progression of UHDRS item scores was evaluated by linear
      regression and slope, whereas correlation coefficient, standard error, and P
      values were estimated on the basis of the data of eight evaluations from
      screening to study end (36 months). For the functional assessment dimension, the
      proportion of "no" responses at baseline and at study end was determined. Linear
      progression was observed for the motor score and for all three functional
      measures (i.e., functional assessment score, independence assessment score, and
      total functional capacity score). In contrast, there was little evidence for
      progression of the behavioral assessment score over the study period, whereas the
      cognitive assessment score was intermediate. Twenty-two motor-score items showed
      linear progression, with a slope of >0.003. These included all chorea items,
      finger tapping and pronation/supination (left and right), gait, tongue
      protrusion, and tandem walking. Different symptom domains and individual items
      evolved at different rates in this group of patients suffering from early HD. It
      may be possible to select sensitive items to create a simplified version of the
      UHDRS, which would be more efficient and more sensitive for the assessment of
      disease progression in clinical trials and natural history studies.

PMID- 22095692
TI  - Pharmacologic activation of mitochondrial biogenesis exerts widespread beneficial
      effects in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - There is substantial evidence that impairment of peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma-coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) levels and
      activity play an important role in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. We
      tested whether pharmacologic treatment with the pan-PPAR agonist bezafibrate
      would correct a deficiency of PGC-1alpha and exert beneficial effects in a
      transgenic mouse model of HD. We found that administration of bezafibrate in the
      diet restored levels of PGC-1alpha, PPARs and downstream genes to levels which
      occur in wild-type mice. There were significant improvements in phenotype and
      survival. In the striatum, astrogliosis and neuronal atrophy were attenuated and
      numbers of mitochondria were increased. Bezafibrate treatment prevented
      conversion of type I oxidative to type II glycolytic muscle fibers and increased
      the numbers of muscle mitochondria. Finally, bezafibrate rescued lipid
      accumulation and apparent vacuolization of brown adipose tissue in the HD mice.
      These findings provide strong evidence that treatment with bezafibrate exerts
      neuroprotective effects which may be beneficial in the treatment of HD.

PMID- 22095695
TI  - Arterial spin labeling measurement of cerebral perfusion in children with sickle
      cell disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the applicability of arterial spin labeling (ASL) cerebral
      blood flow (CBF) measurements in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 12 patients and five controls. Conventional
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T2, fluid attenuated inversion recovery
      [FLAIR], and MR angiography) was performed to diagnose silent infarcts,
      vasculopathy, or leukoencephalopathy. Pseudo-continuous ASL was performed to
      measure CBF using two postlabeling delays to identify transit-time effects.
      Perfusion estimates were corrected for hematocrit and blood velocity in the
      labeling plane and compared to phase-contrast MR. CBF asymmetries between the
      flow maps of the left and right internal carotid arteries were tested for
      significance using paired t-tests. Significant asymmetries were expressed in
      terms of an asymmetry ratio (AR = absolute difference/mean). An AR >10% was
      considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: Mean CBF was higher in patients than in
      controls. Agreement between CBF and flow improved after applying hematocrit and
      velocity corrections. At a 2100 msec postlabeling delay one patient had a
      clinically relevant asymmetry. No association was observed between CBF
      asymmetries and silent infarcts. CONCLUSION: Care must be taken in the
      interpretation of ASL-CBF measurements in SCD patients. A long postlabeling delay
      with blood velocity correction anticipates overestimation of CBF asymmetries.

PMID- 22095694
TI  - Evidence for involvement of GNB1L in autism.
AB  - Structural variations in the chromosome 22q11.2 region mediated by nonallelic
      homologous recombination result in 22q11.2 deletion (del22q11.2) and 22q11.2
      duplication (dup22q11.2) syndromes. The majority of del22q11.2 cases have facial
      and cardiac malformations, immunologic impairments, specific cognitive profile
      and increased risk for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The
      phenotype of dup22q11.2 is frequently without physical features but includes the
      spectrum of neurocognitive abnormalities. Although there is substantial evidence
      that haploinsufficiency for TBX1 plays a role in the physical features of
      del22q11.2, it is not known which gene(s) in the critical 1.5 Mb region are
      responsible for the observed spectrum of behavioral phenotypes. We identified an
      individual with a balanced translocation 46,XY,t(1;22)(p36.1;q11.2) and a
      behavioral phenotype characterized by cognitive impairment, autism, and
      schizophrenia in the absence of congenital malformations. Using somatic cell
      hybrids and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) we mapped the chromosome-22
      breakpoint within intron 7 of the GNB1L gene. Copy number evaluations and direct
      DNA sequencing of GNB1L in 271 schizophrenia and 513 autism cases revealed
      dup22q11.2 in two families with autism and private GNB1L missense variants in
      conserved residues in three families (P = 0.036). The identified missense
      variants affect residues in the WD40 repeat domains and are predicted to have
      deleterious effects on the protein. Prior studies provided evidence that GNB1L
      may have a role in schizophrenia. Our findings support involvement of GNB1L in
      ASDs as well.

PMID- 22095696
TI  - Preparation and structural characterization of amorphous spray-dried dispersions
      of tenoxicam with enhanced dissolution.
AB  - Tenoxicam is a poorly soluble nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In this work,
      the solubility of tenoxicam is enhanced using amorphous spray-dried dispersions
      (SDDs) prepared using two molar equivalents of l-arginine and optionally with 10%
      50% (w/w) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). When added to the dispersions, PVP is shown
      to improve physical properties and also assists in maintaining supersaturation in
      solution. The dispersions provide a twofold increase over equilibrium solubility
      at the same pH. The dispersions are characterized using electron microscopy,
      vibrational spectroscopy, diffuse-reflectance visible spectroscopy, and X-ray
      powder diffraction. The structures of the dispersions are probed using solid
      state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) experiments applied to the (1) H, (13)
      C, and (15) N nuclei, including two-dimensional dipolar correlation experiments
      that detect molecular association and the formation of a glass solution between
      tenoxicam, l-arginine, and PVP. Other aspects of the amorphous structure,
      including hydrogen-bonding interactions and the ionization state of tenoxicam and
      l-arginine, are also explored using SSNMR methods. These methods are used to show
      that the SDDs contain an amorphous l-arginine salt of tenoxicam in a glass
      solution that also includes PVP when present. Finally, the dispersions show only
      a minor decrease in chemical stability during accelerated stability studies
      relative to a crystalline form of tenoxicam.

PMID- 22095697
TI  - A synthetic approach to a peptide alpha-thioester from an unprotected peptide
      through cleavage and activation of a specific peptide bond by N-acetylguanidine.

PMID- 22095698
TI  - Broadband dielectric spectroscopic, calorimetric, and FTIR-ATR investigations of
      D-arabinose aqueous solutions.
AB  - The dielectric relaxation behavior of D-arabinose aqueous solutions at different
      water concentrations is examined by broadband dielectric spectroscopy in the
      frequency range of 10(-2) -10(7) Hz and in the temperature range of 120-300 K.
      Differential scanning calorimetry is also performed to find the glass transition
      temperatures (T(g)). In addition, the same solutions are analyzed by Fourier
      transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy using the attenuated total reflectance
      (ATR) method at the same temperature interval and in the frequency range of 3800
      2800 cm(-1). The temperature dependence of the relaxation times is examined for
      the different weight fractions (x(w)) of water along with the temperature
      dependence of dielectric strength. Two relaxation processes are observed in the
      aqueous solutions for all concentrations of water. The slower process, the so
      called primary relaxation process (process-I), is responsible for the T(g)
      whereas the faster one (designated as process-II) is due to the reorientational
      motion of the water molecules. As for other hydrophilic water solutions,
      dielectric data for process-II indicate the existence of a critical water
      concentration above which water mobility is less restricted. Accordingly, FTIR
      ATR measurements on aqueous solutions show an increment in the intensity (area)
      of the O-H stretching sub-band close to 3200 cm(-1) as the water concentration
      increases.

PMID- 22095699
TI  - Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances matrix assembly during
      chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein/thrombospondin-5 (COMP/TSP5) is an abundant
      cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that interacts with major cartilage
      ECM components, including aggrecan and collagens. To test our hypothesis that
      COMP/TSP5 functions in the assembly of the ECM during cartilage morphogenesis, we
      have employed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis in vitro as a model to
      examine the effects of COMP over-expression on neo-cartilage formation. Human
      bone marrow-derived MSCs were transfected with either full-length COMP cDNA or
      control plasmid, followed by chondrogenic induction in three-dimensional pellet
      or alginate hydrogel culture. MSC chondrogenesis and ECM production was estimated
      based on quantitation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) accumulation,
      immunohistochemistry of the presence and distribution of cartilage ECM proteins,
      and real-time RT-PCR analyis of mRNA expression of cartilage markers. Our results
      showed that COMP over-expression resulted in increased total sGAG content during
      the early phase of MSC chondrogenesis, and increased immuno-detectable levels of
      aggrecan and collagen type II in the ECM of COMP-transfected pellet and alginate
      cultures, indicating more abundant cartilaginous matrix. COMP transfection did
      not significantly increase the transcript levels of the early chondrogenic
      marker, Sox9, or aggrecan, suggesting that enhancement of MSC cartilage ECM was
      effected at post-transcriptional levels. These findings strongly suggest that
      COMP functions in mesenchymal chondrogenesis by enhancing cartilage ECM
      organization and assembly. The action of COMP is most likely mediated not via
      direct changes in cartilage matrix gene expression but via interactions of COMP
      with other cartilage ECM proteins, such as aggrecan and collagens, that result in
      enhanced assembly and retention.

PMID- 22095700
TI  - Extracellular matrix enhances differentiation of adipose stem cells from
      infrapatellar fat pad toward chondrogenesis.
AB  - The objective was to improve proliferation and chondrogenic potential of adipose
      stem cells (ASCs) by expansion on extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by either
      ASCs or synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs). ASCs isolated from porcine
      infrapatellar fat pad were separately expanded on conventional plastic flasks,
      ASC-deposited ECM and SDSC-deposited ECM. ASCs were centrifuged to form pellets
      and cultured in a serum-free chondrogenic medium with either TGFbeta3 or TGFbeta3
      combined with BMP-6. Cell number yielded on ECM expansion did not show a
      significant difference in deposition between ASCs and SDSCs but was 6-10 times
      that grown on non-coated flasks. ECM-expanded ASCs exhibited a lower level of
      intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to those grown on non-coated
      flasks. Typical chondrogenic markers, including type II collagen and
      glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), were intensively distributed in the pellets from ECM
      expanded ASCs instead of those from flask-grown cells. ASCs expanded on ECM,
      either from ASCs or SDSCs, exhibited a similar chondrogenic index (GAG:DNA),
      which was significantly higher than that from ASCs grown on non-coated flasks.
      The combination of TGFbeta3 and BMP-6 increased 36% more in ASC chondrogenic
      index than the treatment with TGFbeta3 alone. Interestingly, ECM pretreatment
      also decreased expanded ASC hypertrophic marker genes. ECM deposited by either
      ASCs or SDSCs did not exhibit enhanced adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. Our
      study indicates that the sequential application of ECM for cell expansion and
      combined TGFbeta3 with BMP-6 for chondrogenic differentiation may be a promising
      approach for ASC-based cartilage tissue engineering and regeneration.

PMID- 22095701
TI  - Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy plus pharmacotherapy in inpatient
      treatment of depressive disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses show benefits for patients from a combination of
      medication and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy. However, it is still unclear
      whether or not additional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) also produces a
      better treatment outcome in a naturalistic psychiatric setting. METHODS: Two
      hundred six consecutively registered acute psychiatric inpatients with a unipolar
      depressive disorder were treated with additional CBT. This combined therapy was
      then compared with psychiatric primary care in an inpatient setting (clinical
      management). In addition to pharmacological treatment, 105 of the 206 patients
      also received symptom-focused CBT after hospitalization. Seventeen-item Hamilton
      Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD, primary outcome criterion), Beck Depression
      Inventory (BDI), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, Clinical Global Impression Scale
      and the Global Assessment of Functioning were performed with all patients.
      RESULTS: Patients who were treated with additional CBT revealed a considerably
      greater reduction of depressive symptoms than in patients who received inpatient
      primary care only (HAMD: -22.21 versus -19.86, p = 0.027; BDI: 14.99 versus
      11.36, p = 0.031). Moreover, remission rates were significantly higher (HAMD: 72%
      to 51%, p = 0.045; BDI: 58.8% versus 43.1%, p = 0.044) in the combined treatment
      group than in the primary care only group. LIMITATION: The naturalistic design
      and the inconsistent pharmacological treatment are design flaws. CONCLUSION: The
      results show that additional cognitive-behavioural treatment of depressive
      disorders notably improves outcome over standard procedure in acute psychiatric
      treatment. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: There is a need for treatment strategies to
      accompany medication. In the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve
      Depression trial (STAR*D), only 33% of the patients reached remission criteria
      after the first antidepressant treatment step and only 50% after the second step.
      The strict inclusion criteria of randomized controlled trials often render their
      patient populations unrepresented. For an accurate view of treatment
      effectiveness, their results need to be complemented with results gained from
      trials in clinical practice. Additional cognitive-behavioural treatment notably
      improves treatment outcomes compared with standard treatments in the acute
      psychiatric treatment of depressive disorders. The results of this study under
      naturalistic conditions are an important addition to findings from randomized and
      controlled studies.

PMID- 22095702
TI  - Inward facing conformations of the MetNI methionine ABC transporter: Implications
      for the mechanism of transinhibition.
AB  - Two new crystal structures of the Escherichia coli high affinity methionine
      uptake ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter MetNI, purified in the detergents
      cyclohexyl-pentyl-beta-D-maltoside (CY5) and n-decyl-beta-D-maltopyranoside (DM),
      have been solved in inward facing conformations to resolutions of 2.9 and 4.0 A,
      respectively. Compared to the previously reported 3.7 A resolution structure of
      MetNI purified in n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltopyranoside (DDM), the higher resolution
      of the CY5 data enabled significant improvements to the structural model in
      several regions, including corrections to the sequence registry, and
      identification of ADP in the nucleotide binding site. CY5 crystals soaked with
      selenomethionine established details of the methionine binding site in the C2
      regulatory domain of the ABC subunit, including the displacement of the side
      chain of MetN residue methionine 301 by the exogenous ligand. When compared to
      the CY5 or DDM structures, the DM structure exhibits a significant repositioning
      of the dimeric C2 domains, including an unexpected register shift in the
      intermolecular beta-sheet hydrogen bonding between monomers, and a narrowing of
      the nucleotide binding space. The immediate proximity of the exogenous methionine
      binding site to the conformationally variable dimeric interface provides an
      indication of how methionine binding to the regulatory domains might mediate the
      phenomenon of transinhibition.

PMID- 22095703
TI  - Conformationally constrained sequence designs to bias monomer-dimer equilibriums
      in TASP systems.
AB  - We have designed template-assembled synthetic proteins (TASPs) with the intent of
      controlling their oligomeric state by stabilizing specific helical tertiary
      structures via histidine metal ion chelation or disulfide incorporation. In
      solution, cavitein Q4 was previously determined to interconvert between a four
      helix bundle monomer and an eight-helix bundle dimer. In this paper, we show that
      judicious mutation of cavitein Q4 can stabilize either the monomeric parallel
      four-helix bundle or the dimeric antiparallel eight-helix bundle structure.
      Cavitein Q4-E3H, designed to be dimeric, is indeed biased toward dimerization as
      a result of incorporation of histidines. Moreover, the addition of nickel was
      found to further increase the association constant of dimerization. Similarly, a
      cavitein designed to stabilize the monomeric structure via histidine metal ion
      chelation (Q4-H) was found to favor a monomer in solution upon addition of
      nickel. Lastly, a cavitein intended to stabilize a monomeric structure via
      disulfide incorporation (Q4-C2) is reported. Surprisingly, this disulfide
      cavitein yielded two products upon oxidation suggesting disulfide formation both
      above the cavitand template and below may be possible. Nevertheless, the two
      disulfide caviteins were shown to exist as monomers as per their design.

PMID- 22095704
TI  - alpha-Amylase inhibitors from an Indonesian medicinal herb, Phyllanthus urinaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and associated diseases are an increasing problem
      around the world. One of the hyperglycemic remedies is glucose absorption
      reduction by suppressing carbohydrate digestion due to utilization of alpha
      amylase inhibitors. RESULTS: Prospective herbs were analyzed by in vitro enzyme
      assay to evaluate their inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic amylase
      (PPA), and it was found that Phyllanthus urinaria and three other herbs to showed
      a potent inhibitory activity. A 50% aqueous methanol-soluble extract of the
      leaves of P. urinaria was chromatographed using a silica gel column. The active
      fractions were further purified by preparative high-performance liquid
      chromatography to isolate active principles against PPA. Structural determination
      revealed that these isolated compounds were gallic acid, corilagin, and
      macatannin B, and showed mild activity against PPA (activity in 1 mmol L-1
      concentration: 23%, 21%, 33%, respectively). CONCLUSION: P. urinaria extracts
      show inhibitory activity against PPA. This activity, together with the
      information on isolated compounds, may benefit further exploration of P. urinaria
      utilization in the management of borderline diabetes patients.

PMID- 22095705
TI  - A magnetic resonance imaging study of 100 cases of arthroscopic acromioplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A hooked-type acromion has been suspected to correlate with higher
      rotator cuff tear or impingement syndrome. However, correlation of acromial shape
      after acromioplasty with the rotator cuff retears and clinical results has not
      been studied before. PURPOSE: To assess the shape of the acromion after
      arthroscopic acromioplasty and to see if there is any relation with the rotator
      cuff retears and clinical results. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence,
      4. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients who underwent acromioplasty using a
      posterior cutting block technique accompanied by rotator cuff repair were
      included in this study. The decision was made to perform acromioplasty
      intraoperatively after confirmation of external impingement. Postoperative
      acromial shape was evaluated according to whether the acromion was flat, curved,
      or hooked on coronal and sagittal planes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a
      mean 13.4 months after surgery. Retear rates and clinical scores were compared
      between the hooked acromion and the others on postoperative MRI. RESULTS:
      Preoperatively, only 29 patients had a hooked acromion on either coronal or
      sagittal plane MRI. After acromioplasty of those 100 patients, 23 still showed a
      hooked acromion. Twenty-six of 29 preoperatively hooked acromions were changed to
      nonhooked acromions, and 20 of 23 postoperatively hooked acromions had been
      nonhooked acromions preoperatively. No difference was found in the retear rate
      with respect to the postoperative acromial shape. Clinically, the American
      Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was not different between the hooked
      acromion and the other group (82 vs 85, P = .099). However, the Constant score of
      the hooked acromion group was lower than that of the other group (74 vs 85, P =
      .036). Ninety-four of 100 patients were contacted again for the evaluation of the
      ASES score at a mean 36.5 months (range, 29-45 months) and showed no difference
      between the hooked acromion and the other group (87 vs 87, P = .903). CONCLUSION:
      Even with a standard posterior cutting block technique during acromioplasty, 23%
      of patients still showed a hooked acromion after arthroscopic acromioplasty.
      Using the signs of coracoacromial ligament impingement as an indication for
      acromioplasty might lead to hooked acromions postoperatively, which were
      nonhooked acromions preoperatively. However, the retear rate showed no difference
      according to the postoperative acromial shape.

PMID- 22095707
TI  - Should we change the priority for liver allocation for patients with the highest
      MELD score?

PMID- 22095706
TI  - Predictors of pain and function in patients with symptomatic, atraumatic full
      thickness rotator cuff tears: a time-zero analysis of a prospective patient
      cohort enrolled in a structured physical therapy program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears
      increases with age, many patients are asymptomatic and may not require surgical
      repair. The factors associated with pain and loss of function in patients with
      rotator cuff tears are not well defined. PURPOSE: To determine which factors
      correlate with pain and loss of function in patients with symptomatic, atraumatic
      full-thickness rotator cuff tears who are enrolled in a structured physical
      therapy program. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.
      METHODS: A multicenter group enrolled patients with symptomatic, atraumatic
      rotator cuff tears in a prospective, nonrandomized cohort study evaluating the
      effects of a structured physical therapy program. Time-zero patient data were
      reviewed to test which factors correlated with Western Ontario Rotator Cuff
      (WORC) index and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. RESULTS: A
      total of 389 patients were enrolled. Mean ASES score was 53.9; mean WORC score
      was 46.9. The following variables were associated with higher WORC and ASES
      scores: female sex (P = .001), education level (higher education, higher score; P
      < .001), active abduction (degrees; P = .021), and strength in forward elevation
      (P = .002) and abduction (P = .007). The following variables were associated with
      lower WORC and ASES scores: male sex (P = .001), atrophy of the supraspinatus (P
      = .04) and infraspinatus (P = .003), and presence of scapulothoracic dyskinesia
      (P < .001). Tear size was not a significant predictor (WORC) unless comparing
      isolated supraspinatus tears to supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis
      tears (P = .004). Age, tear retraction, duration of symptoms, and humeral head
      migration were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Nonsurgically
      modifiable factors, such as scapulothoracic dyskinesia, active abduction, and
      strength in forward elevation and abduction, were identified that could be
      addressed nonoperatively with therapy. Therefore, physical therapy for patients
      with symptomatic rotator cuff tears should target these modifiable factors
      associated with pain and loss of function.

PMID- 22095708
TI  - Assessing the degradation profile of functional aliphatic polyesters with precise
      control of the degradation products.
AB  - The pre-polymer poly(but-2-ene-1,4-diyl malonate) (PBM) and a series of PBM-based
      materials are shown to be degradable under physiological conditions in vitro and
      they are therefore presented as potential materials for biomedical applications.
      Four different PBM-based materials are synthesized: a PBM homopolymer,
      crosslinked PBM with and without spacer, and a triblock copolymer of PBM and PLLA
      with the PBM as an amorphous middle block. The polymers are subjected to
      hydrolytic degradation in phosphate-buffered saline at pH = 7.4 and 37  degrees
      C. The results show that all the PBM-based materials degrade without a rapid
      release of acidic degradation products or any substantial lowering of the pH that
      might jeopardize their biocompatibility.

PMID- 22095709
TI  - Mutation screening of the HDC gene in Chinese Han patients with Tourette
      syndrome.
AB  - Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by
      vocal and motor tics. While environmental causes have been proposed to play a
      role, genetic factors are believed to be the main determinants of the disorder
      and its clinical manifestations. Recently, a heterozygous W317X mutation in the
      histidine decarboxylase gene (HDC) was reported to be responsible for TS in a two
      generation pedigree. To investigate whether the HDC gene play a role in TS in
      Chinese Han population, we performed genetic analysis of the coding region of the
      HDC gene in 100 Chinese Han patients with TS. Three variants were found including
      a C > T transition (IVS1 + 52C > T), a novel C > A transition (c.426C > A) in
      exon 4, and a novel G > A transition (c.1743G > A) in exon 12, both predicted
      with no amino acid change. Extended analysis was conducted in a total of 120 TS
      patients and 240 sex, age, and ethnicity matched healthy controls. No significant
      differences in genotypic and allele distribution between patients and controls
      for these three variants (P = 0.274, P = 1.000 and P = 0.632 for genotypic
      distribution, respectively; P = 0.143, P = 1.000 and P = 0.582 for allele
      distribution, respectively) were observed, suggesting variants in the HDC gene
      may play little or no role in TS susceptibility in Chinese Han population.

PMID- 22095712
TI  - The tumor suppressor ARF regulates innate immune responses in mice.
AB  - The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading organisms,
      and TLRs are the main sensors of microbial components, initiating signaling
      pathways that induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs.
      An antiviral action for the tumor suppressor alternative reading frame (ARF) has
      been reported; however, the precise role of ARF in innate immunity is unknown. In
      this study, we show that ARF plays an important role in regulation of
      inflammatory responses. In peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow-derived
      macrophages from ARF-deficient animals, the induction of proinflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines by TLR ligands was severely impaired. The altered
      responses of ARF(-/-) cells to TLR ligands result from aberrant activation of
      intracellular signaling molecules including MAPKs, IkappaBalpha degradation, and
      NF-kappaB activation. Additionally, animals lacking ARF were resistant to LPS
      induced endotoxic shock. This impaired activation of inflammation in ARF(-/-)
      mice was not restricted to TLRs, as it was also shown in response to non-TLR
      signaling pathways. Thus, ARF(-/-) mice were also unable to trigger a proper
      inflammatory response in experimental peritonitis or in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol
      13-acetate-induced edema. Overexpression of ARF, but not its downstream target
      p53, rescued the ARF-deficient phenotype, increasing TLR4 levels and restoring
      inflammatory reaction. An increase in the E2F1 protein levels observed in ARF(-/
      ) macrophages at basal condition and after LPS stimulation may be involved in the
      impaired response in this system, as E2F1 has been described as an inflammatory
      suppressor. These results indicate that tumor suppressor ARF is a new regulator
      of inflammatory cell signaling.

PMID- 22095711
TI  - Guanylate binding protein 4 negatively regulates virus-induced type I IFN and
      antiviral response by targeting IFN regulatory factor 7.
AB  - IRF7 is known as the master regulator in virus-triggered induction of type I IFNs
      (IFN-I). In this study, we identify GBP4 virus-induced protein interacting with
      IRF7 as a negative regulator for IFN-I response. Overexpression of GBP4 inhibits
      virus-triggered activation of IRF7-dependent signaling, but has no effect on NF
      kappaB signaling, whereas the knockdown of GBP4 has opposite effects.
      Furthermore, the supernatant from Sendai virus-infected cells in which GBP4 have
      been silenced inhibits the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus more
      efficiently. Competitive coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that
      overexpression of GBP4 disrupts the interactions between TRAF6 and IRF7,
      resulting in impaired TRAF6-mediated IRF7 ubiquitination. Our results suggest
      that GBP4 is a negative regulator of virus-triggered IFN-I production, and it is
      identified as a novel protein targeting IRF7 and inhibiting its function.

PMID- 22095713
TI  - Redox remodeling by dendritic cells protects antigen-specific T cells against
      oxidative stress.
AB  - Microorganisms and microbial products induce the release of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) from monocytes and other myeloid cells, which may trigger
      dysfunction and apoptosis of adjacent lymphocytes. Therefore, T cell-mediated
      immunity is likely to comprise mechanisms of T cell protection against ROS
      inflicted toxicity. The present study aimed to clarify the dynamics of reduced
      sulfhydryl groups (thiols) in human T cells after presentation of viral and
      bacterial Ags by dendritic cells (DCs) or B cells. DCs, but not B cells,
      efficiently triggered intra- and extracellular thiol expression in T cells with
      corresponding Ag specificity. After interaction with DCs, the Ag-specific T cells
      acquired the capacity to neutralize exogenous oxygen radicals and resisted ROS
      induced apoptosis. Our results imply that DCs provide Ag-specific T cells with
      antioxidative thiols during Ag presentation, which suggests a novel aspect of
      DC/T cell cross-talk of relevance to the maintenance of specific immunity in
      inflamed or infected tissue.

PMID- 22095710
TI  - The proteoglycan biglycan enhances antigen-specific T cell activation potentially
      via MyD88 and TRIF pathways and triggers autoimmune perimyocarditis.
AB  - Biglycan is a proteoglycan ubiquitously present in extracellular matrix of a
      variety of organs, including heart, and it was reported to be overexpressed in
      myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction may be complicated by
      perimyocarditis through unknown mechanisms. Our aim was to investigate the
      capacity of TLR2/TLR4 ligand biglycan to enhance the presentation of specific Ags
      released upon cardiomyocyte necrosis. In vitro, OVA-pulsed bone marrow-derived
      dendritic cells from wild-type (WT; C57BL/6) and TLR2-, TLR4-, MyD88-, or TRIF
      deficient mice were cotreated with LPS, biglycan, or vehicle and incubated with
      OVA-recognizing MHC I- or MHC II-restricted T cells. Biglycan enhanced OVA
      specific cross-priming by >80% to MHC I-restricted T cells in both TLR2- and TLR4
      pathway-dependent manners. Accordingly, biglycan-induced cross-priming by both
      MyD88- and TRIF-deficient dendritic cells (DCs) was strongly diminished. OVA
      specific activation of MHC II-restricted T cells was predominantly TLR4
      dependent. Our first in vivo correlate was a model of experimental autoimmune
      perimyocarditis triggered by injection of cardiac Ag-pulsed DCs (BALB/c).
      Biglycan-treated DCs triggered perimyocarditis to a comparable extent and
      intensity as LPS-treated DCs (mean scores 1.3 +/- 0.3 and 1.5 +/- 0.4,
      respectively). Substitution with TLR4-deficient DCs abolished this effect. In a
      second in vivo approach, WT and biglycan-deficient mice were followed 2 wk after
      induction of myocardial infarction. WT mice demonstrated significantly greater
      myocardial T lymphocyte infiltration in comparison with biglycan-deficient
      animals. We concluded that the TLR2/4 ligand biglycan, a component of the
      myocardial matrix, may enhance Ag-specific T cell priming, potentially via MyD88
      and TRIF, and stimulate autoimmune perimyocarditis.

PMID- 22095714
TI  - Cathelicidin LL-37 increases lung epithelial cell stiffness, decreases
      transepithelial permeability, and prevents epithelial invasion by Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa.
AB  - In addition to its antibacterial activity, the cathelicidin-derived LL-37 peptide
      induces multiple immunomodulatory effects on host cells. Atomic force microscopy,
      F-actin staining with phalloidin, passage of FITC-conjugated dextran through a
      monolayer of lung epithelial cells, and assessment of bacterial outgrowth from
      cells subjected to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were used to determine LL
      37's effect on epithelial cell mechanical properties, permeability, and bacteria
      uptake. A concentration-dependent increase in stiffness and F-actin content in
      the cortical region of A549 cells and primary human lung epithelial cells was
      observed after treatment with LL-37 (0.5-5 MUM), sphingosine 1-phosphate (1 MUM),
      or LPS (1 MUg/ml) or infection with PAO1 bacteria. Other cationic peptides, such
      as RK-31, KR-20, or WLBU2, and the antibacterial cationic steroid CSA-13 did not
      reproduce the effect of LL-37. A549 cell pretreatment with WRW4, an antagonist of
      the transmembrane formyl peptide receptor-like 1 protein attenuated LL-37's
      ability to increase cell stiffness. The LL-37-mediated increase in cell stiffness
      was accompanied by a decrease in permeability and P. aeruginosa uptake by a
      confluent monolayer of polarized normal human bronchial epithelial cells. These
      results suggested that the antibacterial effect of LL-37 involves an LL-37
      dependent increase in cell stiffness that prevents epithelial invasion by
      bacteria.

PMID- 22095715
TI  - Stable coordination of the inhibitory Ca2+ ion at the metal ion-dependent
      adhesion site in integrin CD11b/CD18 by an antibody-derived ligand aspartate:
      implications for integrin regulation and structure-based drug design.
AB  - A central feature of integrin interaction with physiologic ligands is the
      monodentate binding of a ligand carboxylate to a Mg(2+) ion hexacoordinated at
      the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) in the integrin A domain. This
      interaction stabilizes the A domain in the high-affinity state, which is
      distinguished from the default low-affinity state by tertiary changes in the
      domain that culminate in cell adhesion. Small molecule ligand-mimetic integrin
      antagonists act as partial agonists, eliciting similar activating conformational
      changes in the A domain, which has contributed to paradoxical adhesion and
      increased patient mortality in large clinical trials. As with other ligand
      mimetic integrin antagonists, the function-blocking mAb 107 binds MIDAS of
      integrin CD11b/CD18 A domain (CD11bA), but in contrast, it favors the inhibitory
      Ca(2+) ion over the Mg(2+) ion at MIDAS. We determined the crystal structures of
      the Fab fragment of mAb 107 complexed to the low- and high-affinity states of
      CD11bA. Favored binding of the Ca(2+) ion at MIDAS is caused by the unusual
      symmetric bidentate ligation of a Fab-derived ligand Asp to a heptacoordinated
      MIDAS Ca(2+) ion. Binding of the Fab fragment of mAb 107 to CD11bA did not
      trigger the activating tertiary changes in the domain or in the full-length
      integrin. These data show that the denticity of the ligand Asp/Glu can modify the
      divalent cation selectivity at MIDAS and hence integrin function. Stabilizing the
      Ca(2+) ion at MIDAS by bidentate ligation to a ligand Asp/Glu may provide one
      approach for designing pure integrin antagonists.

PMID- 22095716
TI  - Induction of endoplasmic reticulum-endosome fusion for antigen cross-presentation
      induced by poly (gamma-glutamic acid) nanoparticles.
AB  - We previously reported that poly (gamma-glutamic acid)-based nanoparticles (gamma
      PGA NPs) are excellent vaccine carriers for inducing efficient cross-presentation
      in dendritic cells, thereby producing strong antitumor immunity in vivo.
      Analyzing the mechanism of cross-presentation induced by gamma-PGA NPs will be
      useful toward designing novel vaccine carriers. In this study, we show an
      intracellular mechanism of efficient cross-presentation induced by OVA-loaded
      gamma-PGA NPs. Cross-presentation induced by gamma-PGA NPs depended on
      cytoplasmic proteasomes and TAP, similar to the classical MHC class I
      presentation pathway for endogenous Ags. Intracellular behavior analyzed by
      confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that encapsulated OVA and gamma-PGA
      accumulated in both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and endosome compartments
      within 2 h. At the same time, electron microscopy analysis clearly showed that
      intracellular gamma-PGA NPs and encapsulated Au NPs were enveloped in endosome
      like vesicles, not in the ER. These findings strongly suggest that gamma-PGA NPs
      enhance ER-endosome fusion for cross-presentation. Moreover, inhibition of ER
      translocon sec61 significantly decreased the gamma-PGA NP/OVA-mediated cross
      presentation efficiency, indicating that sec61 is important for transporting Ags
      from the fused ER-endosome to the cytoplasm. These findings imply that the ER
      endosome complex is key for the efficient cross-presentation of Ags encapsulated
      in gamma-PGA NPs.

PMID- 22095717
TI  - Micrometer-sized titanium particles can induce potent Th2-type responses through
      TLR4-independent pathways.
AB  - Wear debris in joint replacements has been suggested as a cause of associated
      tissue-damaging inflammation. In this study, we examined whether solid titanium
      microparticles (mTi) of sufficient size to accumulate as wear debris could
      stimulate innate or adaptive immunity in vivo. mTi, administered in conjunction
      with OVA, promoted total and Ag-specific elevations in serum IgE and IgG1.
      Analysis of transferred transgenic OVA-specific naive T cells further showed that
      mTi acted as an adjuvant to drive Ag-specific Th2 cell differentiation in vivo.
      Assessment of the innate response indicated that mTi induced rapid recruitment
      and differentiation of alternatively activated macrophages in vivo, through IL-4-
      and TLR4-independent pathways. These studies suggest that solid microparticles
      alone can act as adjuvants to induce potent innate and adaptive Th2-type immune
      responses and further suggest that wear debris in joint replacements may have Th2
      type inflammatory properties.

PMID- 22095720
TI  - Simultaneous detection and analysis of protein aggregation and protein unfolding
      by size exclusion chromatography with post column addition of the fluorescent dye
      BisANS.
AB  - For development and optimization of protein formulation sensitive analytical
      tools are required to follow both aggregation and changes in protein structure.
      The latter can be seen as the beginning of physical instability leading to
      aggregation. The focus of this work laid on the development of a novel analysis
      simultaneously detecting changes in protein conformation and the formation of
      oligomers. By adding the extrinsic fluorescent dye 4,4'-dianilino-1,1'-binaphthyl
      5,5'-disulfonic acid dipotassium salt (BisANS) after size exclusion
      chromatography (SEC) and UV detection, it was possible to separate protein
      monomer and oligomers by size, analyze the amount of formed oligomers
      quantitatively using UV detection, and observe changes in protein structure of
      different protein species by fluorescence detection. This enabled us to
      distinguish between native-like and denatured oligomers and monomers formed under
      different stress conditions. Correspondingly, increased fluorescence reflecting
      partial unfolding was assigned specifically to monomer, oligomer, or both. The
      unfolding of monomer is not traceable by commonly used detection methods, but its
      monitoring may provide important information about activity and long-term
      stability. By adding the dye after SEC and UV detection, interferences with prior
      detectors are precluded, excipients are separated avoiding interferences with the
      protein-dye interaction and, in addition, the dye-protein interaction cannot
      impact the aggregation formation, as added after the separation of monomer and
      aggregates.

PMID- 22095719
TI  - Comparison of alternative models for linking drug exposure with adverse effects.
AB  - Pharmacoepidemiology investigates associations between time-varying medication
      use/dose and risk of adverse events. Applied research typically relies on a
      priori chosen simple conventional models, such as current dose or any use in the
      past 3 months. However, different models imply different risk predictions, and
      only one model can be etiologically correct in any specific applications. We
      first formally defined several candidate models mapping the time vector of past
      drug doses (X (t), t  =  1, ... ,u) into the value of a time-varying exposure
      metric M(u) at current time u. In addition to conventional one-parameter models,
      we considered two-parameter models accounting for recent dose increase or
      withdrawal and a flexible spline-based weighted cumulative exposure (WCE) model
      that defines M(u) as the weighted sum of past doses. In simulations, we generated
      event times assuming one of the models was correct and then analyzed the data
      with all candidate models. We demonstrated that the minimum AIC criterion is able
      to identify the correct model as the best-fitting model or one of the equivalent
      (within 4 AIC points of the minimum) models in a vast majority of simulated
      samples, especially with 500 or more events. We also showed how relying on an
      incorrect a priori chosen model may largely reduce the power to test for an
      association. Finally, we demonstrated how the flexible WCE estimates may help
      with model diagnostics even if the correct model is not WCE. We illustrated the
      practical advantages of AIC-based a posteriori model selection and WCE modeling
      in a real-life pharmacoepidemiology example.

PMID- 22095718
TI  - Blocking IL-1 signaling rescues cognition, attenuates tau pathology, and restores
      neuronal beta-catenin pathway function in an Alzheimer's disease model.
AB  - Inflammation is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although
      its impact on disease progression and neurodegeneration remains an area of active
      investigation. Among numerous inflammatory cytokines associated with AD, IL-1beta
      in particular has been implicated in playing a pathogenic role. In this study, we
      sought to investigate whether inhibition of IL-1beta signaling provides disease
      modifying benefits in an AD mouse model and, if so, by what molecular mechanisms.
      We report that chronic dosing of 3xTg-AD mice with an IL-1R blocking Ab
      significantly alters brain inflammatory responses, alleviates cognitive deficits,
      markedly attenuates tau pathology, and partly reduces certain fibrillar and
      oligomeric forms of amyloid-beta. Alterations in inflammatory responses
      correspond to reduced NF-kappaB activity. Furthermore, inhibition of IL-1
      signaling reduces the activity of several tau kinases in the brain, including
      cdk5/p25, GSK-3beta, and p38-MAPK, and also reduces phosphorylated tau levels. We
      also detected a reduction in the astrocyte-derived cytokine, S100B, and in the
      extent of neuronal Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in 3xTg-AD brains, and provided in
      vitro evidence that these changes may, in part, provide a mechanistic link
      between IL-1 signaling and GSK-3beta activation. Taken together, our results
      suggest that the IL-1 signaling cascade may be involved in one of the key disease
      mechanisms for AD.

PMID- 22095721
TI  - A collagen network phase improves cell seeding of open-pore structure scaffolds
      under perfusion.
AB  - Scaffolds with open-pore morphologies offer several advantages in cell-based
      tissue engineering, but their use is limited by a low cell-seeding efficiency. We
      hypothesized that inclusion of a collagen network as filling material within the
      open-pore architecture of polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP)
      scaffolds increases human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) seeding efficiency
      under perfusion and in vivo osteogenic capacity of the resulting constructs. PCL
      TCP scaffolds, rapid prototyped with a honeycomb-like architecture, were filled
      with a collagen gel and subsequently lyophilized, with or without final
      crosslinking. Collagen-free scaffolds were used as controls. The seeding
      efficiency was assessed after overnight perfusion of expanded hBMSCs directly
      through the scaffold pores using a bioreactor system. By seeding and culturing
      freshly harvested hBMSCs under perfusion for 3 weeks, the osteogenic capacity of
      generated constructs was tested by ectopic implantation in nude mice. The
      presence of the collagen network, independently of the crosslinking process,
      significantly increased the cell seeding efficiency (2.5-fold), and reduced the
      loss of clonogenic cells in the supernatant. Although no implant generated frank
      bone tissue, possibly due to the mineral distribution within the scaffold polymer
      phase, the presence of a non-crosslinked collagen phase led to in vivo formation
      of scattered structures of dense osteoids. Our findings verify that the inclusion
      of a collagen network within open morphology porous scaffolds improves cell
      retention under perfusion seeding. In the context of cell-based therapies,
      collagen-filled porous scaffolds are expected to yield superior cell utilization,
      and could be combined with perfusion-based bioreactor devices to streamline graft
      manufacture.

PMID- 22095722
TI  - Chiral iridium catalysts bearing spiro pyridine-aminophosphine ligands enable
      highly efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of beta-aryl beta-ketoesters.

PMID- 22095724
TI  - Fluid pressure induces osteoclast differentiation comparably to titanium
      particles but through a molecular pathway only partly involving TNFalpha.
AB  - In contrast to the well-understood inflammatory pathway driven by TNFalpha, by
      which implant-derived particles induce bone resorption, little is known about the
      process in which loosening is generated as a result of force-induced mechanical
      stimulus at the bone-implant interface. Specifically, there is no knowledge as to
      what cells or signaling pathways couple mechanical stimuli to bone resorption in
      context of loosening. We hypothesized that different stimuli, i.e., fluid flow
      versus wear particles, act through different cytokine networks for activation and
      localization of osteoclasts. By using an animal model in which osteoclasts and
      bone resorption were induced by fluid pressure or particles, we were able to
      detect distinct differences in osteoclast localization and inflammatory gene
      expression between fluid pressure and titanium particles. Fluid pressure recruits
      and activates osteoclasts with bone marrow contact away from the fluid pressure
      exposure zone, whereas titanium particles recruit and activate osteoclasts in
      areas in direct contact to particles. Fluid pressure induced weaker expression of
      the selected inflammatory related genes, although the eventual degree of
      osteoclast induction was similar in both models. Using TNFalphaRa (4 mg/kg)
      (Enbrel) and dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) as specific and more general suppressors of
      inflammation we showed that the TNFalphaRa failed to generate statistically
      impaired osteoclast generation while dexamethasone was much more potent. These
      results demonstrate that fluid pressure induces osteoclasts at a different
      localization than titanium particles by a molecular pathway less associated with
      TNFalpha and the innate system, which open up for other pathways controlling
      pressure induced osteoclastogenesis.

PMID- 22095723
TI  - Comparison of a 28-channel receive array coil and quadrature volume coil for
      morphologic imaging and T2 mapping of knee cartilage at 7T.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare a new birdcage-transmit, 28-channel receive array (28-Ch)
      coil and a quadrature volume coil for 7T morphologic MRI and T2 mapping of knee
      cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right knees of 10 healthy subjects were
      imaged on a 7T whole body magnetic resonance (MR) scanner using both coils. 3D
      fast low-angle shot (3D-FLASH) and multiecho spin-echo (MESE) sequences were
      implemented. Cartilage signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio
      (CNR), thickness, and T2 values were assessed. RESULTS: SNR/CNR was 17%-400%
      greater for the 28-Ch compared to the quadrature coil (P <= 0.005). Bland-Altman
      plots show mean differences between measurements of tibial/femoral cartilage
      thickness and T2 values obtained with each coil to be small (-0.002 +/- 0.009 cm
      / 0.003 +/- 0.011 cm) and large (-6.8 +/- 6.7 msec/-8.2 +/- 9.7 msec),
      respectively. For the 28-Ch coil, when parallel imaging with acceleration factors
      (AF) 2, 3, and 4 was performed SNR retained was: 62%-69%, 51%-55%, and 39%-45%.
      CONCLUSION: A 28-Ch knee coil provides increased SNR/CNR for 7T cartilage
      morphologic imaging and T2 mapping. Coils should be switched with caution during
      clinical studies because T2 values may differ. The greater SNR of the 28-Ch coil
      could be used to perform parallel imaging with AF2 and obtain similar SNR as the
      quadrature coil.

PMID- 22095725
TI  - Revisiting the folding kinetics of bacteriorhodopsin.
AB  - The elucidation of the physical principles that govern the folding and stability
      of membrane proteins is one of the greatest challenges in protein science.
      Several insights into the folding of alpha-helical membrane proteins have come
      from the investigation of the conformational equilibrium of H. halobium
      bacteriorhodopsin (bR) in mixed micelles using SDS as a denaturant. In an effort
      to confirm that folded bR and SDS-denatured bR reach the same conformational
      equilibrium, we found that bR folding is significantly slower than has been
      previously known. Interrogation of the effect of the experimental variables on
      folding kinetics reveals that the rate of folding is dependent not only on the
      mole fraction of SDS but also on the molar concentrations of mixed micelle
      components, a variable that was not controlled in the previous study of bR
      folding kinetics. Moreover, when the molar concentrations of mixed micelle
      components are fixed at the concentrations commonly employed for bR equilibrium
      studies, conformational relaxation in the transition zone is slower than
      hydrolysis of the retinal Schiff base. As a result, the conformational
      equilibrium between folded bR and SDS-denatured bR cannot be achieved under the
      conventional condition. Our finding suggests that the molar concentrations of
      mixed micelle components are important experimental variables in the
      investigation of the kinetics and thermodynamics of bR folding and should be
      accounted for to ensure the accurate assessment of the conformational equilibrium
      of bR without the interference of retinal hydrolysis.

PMID- 22095726
TI  - Pressure-overload-induced subcellular relocalization/oxidation of soluble
      guanylyl cyclase in the heart modulates enzyme stimulation.
AB  - RATIONALE: Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) generates cyclic guanosine monophophate
      (cGMP) upon activation by nitric oxide (NO). Cardiac NO-sGC-cGMP signaling blunts
      cardiac stress responses, including pressure-overload-induced hypertrophy. The
      latter itself depresses signaling through this pathway by reducing NO generation
      and enhancing cGMP hydrolysis. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that the sGC
      response to NO also declines with pressure-overload stress and assessed the role
      of heme-oxidation and altered intracellular compartmentation of sGC as potential
      mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6 mice subjected to transverse aortic
      constriction (TAC) developed cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. NO-stimulated
      sGC activity was markedly depressed, whereas NO- and heme-independent sGC
      activation by BAY 60-2770 was preserved. Total sGCalpha(1) and beta(1) expression
      were unchanged by TAC; however, sGCbeta(1) subunits shifted out of caveolin
      enriched microdomains. NO-stimulated sGC activity was 2- to 3-fold greater in
      Cav3-containing lipid raft versus nonlipid raft domains in control and 6-fold
      greater after TAC. In contrast, BAY 60-2770 responses were >10 fold higher in non
      Cav3 domains with and without TAC, declining about 60% after TAC within each
      compartment. Mice genetically lacking Cav3 had reduced NO- and BAY-stimulated sGC
      activity in microdomains containing Cav3 for controls but no change within non
      Cav3-enriched domains. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure overload depresses NO/heme-dependent
      sGC activation in the heart, consistent with enhanced oxidation. The data reveal
      a novel additional mechanism for reduced NO-coupled sGC activity related to
      dynamic shifts in membrane microdomain localization, with Cav3-microdomains
      protecting sGC from heme-oxidation and facilitating NO responsiveness.
      Translocation of sGC out of this domain favors sGC oxidation and contributes to
      depressed NO-stimulated sGC activity.

PMID- 22095727
TI  - Circadian dependence of infarct size and left ventricular function after ST
      elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - RATIONALE: In rodents, infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion exhibits a
      circadian dependence on the time of coronary occlusion. It is not known if a
      similar circadian dependence of infarct size occurs in humans. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine if humans exhibit a circadian dependence of infarct size in the setting
      of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      retrospective analysis of 1031 patients with STEMI referred for primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention with known ischemic times between 1 and 6
      hours identified 165 patients with occluded arteries on presentation without
      evidence of preinfarction angina or collateral blood flow. Both ischemic duration
      and angiographic area at risk were not dependent on time of infarct onset. We
      observed that the extent of infarct size measured by creatine kinase release was
      significantly associated with time of day onset of infarction (P<0.0001). The
      greatest myocardial injury occurred at 1:00 am onset of ischemia and 5:00 am
      onset of reperfusion, with the peak creatine kinase measured at the peak of the
      curve being 82% higher than that recorded at the trough. Similarly, left
      ventricular ejection fraction measured within 2 days of infarction was also
      dependent on time of onset of STEMI with the absolute left ventricular ejection
      fraction at peak >7% higher than at trough (43% vs 51%; P<0.03). These findings
      were supported by a subgroup of patients (n = 45) who underwent cardiac MRI
      measurements of infarct size and area-at-risk measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study demonstrate for the first time in humans that myocardial
      infarct size and left ventricular function after STEMI have a circadian
      dependence on the time of day onset of ischemia.

PMID- 22095728
TI  - Acidosis dilates brain parenchymal arterioles by conversion of calcium waves to
      sparks to activate BK channels.
AB  - RATIONALE: Acidosis is a powerful vasodilator signal in the brain circulation.
      However, the mechanisms by which this response occurs are not well understood,
      particularly in the cerebral microcirculation. One important mechanism to dilate
      cerebral (pial) arteries is by activation of large-conductance, calcium-sensitive
      potassium (BK(Ca)) channels by local Ca(2+) signals (Ca(2+) sparks) through
      ryanodine receptors (RyRs). However, the role of this pathway in the brain
      microcirculation is not known. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to
      determine the mechanism by which acidosis dilates brain parenchymal arterioles
      (PAs) and to elucidate the roles of RyRs and BK(Ca) channels in this response.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Internal diameter and vascular smooth muscle cell Ca(2+)
      signals were measured in isolated pressurized murine PAs, using imaging
      techniques. In physiological pH (7.4), vascular smooth muscle cells exhibited
      primarily RyR-dependent Ca(2+) waves. Reducing external pH from 7.4 to 7.0 in
      both normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions decreased Ca(2+) wave activity, and
      dramatically increased Ca(2+) spark activity. Acidic pH caused a dilation of PAs
      which was inhibited by about 60% by BK(Ca) channel or RyR blockers, in a
      nonadditive manner. Similarly, dilator responses to acidosis were reduced by
      nearly 60% in arterioles from BK(Ca) channel knockout mice. Dilations induced by
      acidic pH were unaltered by inhibitors of K(ATP) channels or nitric oxide
      synthase. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the novel concept that
      acidification, by converting Ca(2+) waves to sparks, leads to the activation of
      BK(Ca) channels to induce dilation of cerebral PAs.

PMID- 22095730
TI  - Dominant-negative control of cAMP-dependent IKs upregulation in human long-QT
      syndrome type 1.
AB  - RATIONALE: The mutation A341V in the S6 transmembrane segment of KCNQ1, the alpha
      subunit of the slowly activating delayed-rectifier K(+) (I(Ks)) channel,
      predisposes to a severe long-QT1 syndrome with sympathetic-triggered ventricular
      tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. OBJECTIVE: Several genetic risk
      modifiers have been identified in A341V patients, but the molecular mechanisms
      underlying the pronounced repolarization phenotype, particularly during beta
      adrenergic receptor stimulation, remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate these
      mechanisms and provide new insights into control of cAMP-dependent modulation of
      I(Ks). METHODS AND RESULTS: We characterized the effects of A341V on the I(Ks)
      macromolecular channel complex in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and
      found a dominant-negative suppression of cAMP-dependent Yotiao-mediated I(Ks)
      upregulation on top of a dominant-negative reduction in basal current.
      Phosphomimetic substitution of the N-terminal position S27 with aspartic acid
      rescued this loss of upregulation. Western blot analysis showed reduced
      phosphorylation of KCNQ1 at S27, even for heterozygous A341V, suggesting that
      phosphorylation defects in some (mutant) KCNQ1 subunits can completely suppress
      I(Ks) upregulation. Functional analyses of heterozygous KCNQ1 WT:G589D and
      heterozygous KCNQ1 WT:S27A, a phosphorylation-inert substitution, also showed
      such suppression. Immunoprecipitation of Yotiao with KCNQ1-A341V (in the presence
      of KCNE1) was not different from wild-type. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate the
      involvement of the KCNQ1-S6 region at/or around A341 in cAMP-dependent
      stimulation of I(Ks), a process that is under strong dominant-negative control,
      suggesting that tetrameric KCNQ1 phosphorylation is required. Specific long-QT1
      mutations, including heterozygous A341V, disable this regulation.

PMID- 22095729
TI  - Induction of vascular progenitor cells from endothelial cells stimulates coronary
      collateral growth.
AB  - RATIONALE: A well-developed coronary collateral circulation improves the
      morbidity and mortality of patients following an acute coronary occlusion.
      Although regenerative medicine has great potential in stimulating vascular growth
      in the heart, to date there have been mixed results, and the ideal cell type for
      this therapy has not been resolved. OBJECTIVE: To generate induced vascular
      progenitor cells (iVPCs) from endothelial cells, which can differentiate into
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) or endothelial cells (ECs), and test their
      capability to stimulate coronary collateral growth. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      reprogrammed rat ECs with the transcription factors Oct4, Klf4, Sox2, and c-Myc.
      A population of reprogrammed cells was derived that expressed pluripotent markers
      Oct4, SSEA-1, Rex1, and AP and hemangioblast markers CD133, Flk1, and c-kit.
      These cells were designated iVPCs because they remained committed to vascular
      lineage and could differentiate into vascular ECs and VSMCs in vitro. The iVPCs
      demonstrated better in vitro angiogenic potential (tube network on 2-dimensional
      culture, tube formation in growth factor reduced Matrigel) than native ECs. The
      risk of teratoma formation in iVPCs is also reduced in comparison with fully
      reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). When iVPCs were implanted
      into myocardium, they engrafted into blood vessels and increased coronary
      collateral flow (microspheres) and improved cardiac function (echocardiography)
      better than iPSCs, mesenchymal stem cells, native ECs, and sham treatments.
      CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that iVPCs, generated by partially reprogramming ECs,
      are an ideal cell type for cell-based therapy designed to stimulate coronary
      collateral growth.

PMID- 22095731
TI  - Comparison of common lignin methods and modifications on forage and
      lignocellulosic biomass materials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A variety of methods have been developed for estimating lignin
      concentration within plant materials. The objective of this study was to compare
      the lignin concentrations produced by six methods on a diverse population of
      forage and biomass materials and to examine the relationship between these
      concentrations and the portions of these materials that are available for
      utilisation by livestock or for ethanol conversion. RESULTS: Several methods
      produced lignin concentrations that were highly correlated with the digestibility
      of the forages, but there were few relationships between these methods and the
      available carbohydrate of the biomass materials. The use of Na2SO3 during
      preparation of residues for hydrolysis resulted in reduced lignin concentrations
      and decreased correlation with digestibility of forage materials, particularly
      the warm-season grasses. CONCLUSION: There were several methods that were well
      suited for predicting the digestible portion of forage materials, with the acid
      detergent lignin and Klason lignin method giving the highest correlation across
      the three types of forage. The continued use of Na2SO3 during preparation of Van
      Soest fibres needs to be evaluated owing to its ability to reduce lignin
      concentrations and effectiveness in predicting the utilisation of feedstuffs and
      feedstocks. Because there was little correlation between the lignin concentration
      and the biomass materials, there is a need to examine alternative or develop new
      methods to estimate lignin concentrations that may be used to predict the
      availability of carbohydrates for ethanol conversion.

PMID- 22095732
TI  - The reaction mechanism of Cytochrome P450 NO reductase: a detailed quantum
      mechanics/molecular mechanics study.
AB  - A detailed QM/MM study on the reaction mechanism of Cytochrome P450 NO reductase
      is reported. Two reaction pathways connecting the two well-characterized
      intermediates as well as two putative intermediates that represent the unknown
      third intermediate are explored, with emphasis on the unusual direct reduction of
      the enzymatic active site by the cofactor NADH. Activation barriers and kinetic
      isotope effect are calculated and reveal that reduction of the NO-bound species
      occurs in form of a hydride ion transfer. Furthermore, the impact of different
      hydrogen bonds in the active site to binding and reactivity of NADH is explored.
      The calculated kinetic and thermodynamic properties for both modelled pathways
      are used for the kinetic simulation of the entire reaction course. It is thus
      shown that the unknown key intermediate is the singlet diradical Fe(III)-NHOH(?).
      It is also found that the mechanism of the N-N bond formation is spin-recoupling,
      which is only possible due to the diradical character of the key intermediate.

PMID- 22095733
TI  - Predicting outcome of inpatient CBT for adolescents with anxious-depressed school
      absenteeism.
AB  - Predictors of outcome of inpatient treatment based on manualized cognitive
      behavioural therapy (CBT) were examined for 147 adolescents with anxious
      depressed school absenteeism assessed at discharge and at 2 months after the end
      of treatment. Outcome measures were regular school attendance and a wide variety
      of mental health problems rated by adolescents and parents. Socio-demographic
      data, clinical ratings/diagnosis and adolescent-reported and parent-reported
      mental health problems were examined as predictors. Regression analyses indicated
      that none of the variables were able to predict regular school attendance in a
      clinically relevant way. Adolescent-reported and parent-reported mental health
      problems at intake predicted these symptoms at both discharge and follow-up (R(2)
      between 0.31 and 0.61).

PMID- 22095734
TI  - Cyclo[4]naphthobipyrroles: naphthobipyrrole-derived cyclo[8]pyrroles with strong
      near-infrared absorptions.

PMID- 22095737
TI  - BMP-7 stimulates early diaphyseal fracture healing in estrogen deficient rats.
AB  - Estrogen deficiency causes postmenopausal osteoporosis. The relationship between
      estrogen deficiency and the high failure rate after osteoporotic fracture
      treatment is unclear, as is the effect of possible interventions, either with
      anti-resorptive agents or with anabolic agents such as bone morphogenetic
      proteins (BMPs). To investigate the influence of estrogen deficiency as well as
      the effect of early intervention, forty female wistar rats underwent ovarectomy
      (OVX) followed by low calcium diet. Ten rats underwent sham operations, followed
      by normal diet. After 6 weeks, a closed midshaft femoral fracture was induced.
      Ten animals received a systemic bisphosphonate injection, 10 injection of BMP-7
      in the fracture, and 10 a combination. All then received a normal diet. After 2
      weeks healing was evaluated using radiographs, CT, biomechanical testing, and
      histology. Radiography showed significant increase of bridging in groups treated
      with BMP-7. Callus volume was higher in these groups. Bending stiffness and
      strength were similar between OVX and sham, and not influenced by
      bisphosphonates. Significant increase was seen in groups treated with BMP-7.
      Histology was in accordance with other endpoints. Early fracture healing was not
      affected by estrogen deficiency. While no beneficiary effect of bisphosphonate
      treatment was found, injection of BMP-7 stimulated healing in ovarectomized rats.

PMID- 22095736
TI  - Regeneration of the heart.
AB  - The death of cardiac myocytes diminishes the heart's pump function and is a major
      cause of heart failure, one of the dominant causes of death worldwide. Other than
      transplantation, there are no therapies that directly address the loss of cardiac
      myocytes, which explains the current excitement in cardiac regeneration. The
      field is evolving in two important directions. First, although endogenous
      mammalian cardiac regeneration clearly seems to decline rapidly after birth, it
      may still persist in adulthood. The careful elucidation of the cellular and
      molecular mechanisms of endogenous heart regeneration may therefore provide an
      opportunity for developing therapeutic interventions that amplify this process.
      Second, recent breakthroughs have enabled reprogramming of cells that were
      apparently terminally differentiated, either by dedifferentiation into
      pluripotent stem cells or by transdifferentiation into cardiac myocytes. These
      achievements challenge our conceptions of what is possible in terms of heart
      regeneration. In this review, we discuss the current status of research on
      cardiac regeneration, with a focus on the challenges that hold back therapeutic
      development.

PMID- 22095738
TI  - Breathing instability in Joubert syndrome.

PMID- 22095739
TI  - Cofactor-binding sites in proteins of deviating sequence: comparative analysis
      and clustering in torsion angle, cavity, and fold space.
AB  - Small molecules are recognized in protein-binding pockets through surface-exposed
      physicochemical properties. To optimize binding, they have to adopt a
      conformation corresponding to a local energy minimum within the formed protein
      ligand complex. However, their conformational flexibility makes them competent to
      bind not only to homologous proteins of the same family but also to proteins of
      remote similarity with respect to the shape of the binding pockets and folding
      pattern. Considering drug action, such observations can give rise to unexpected
      and undesired cross reactivity. In this study, datasets of six different
      cofactors (ADP, ATP, NAD(P)(H), FAD, and acetyl CoA, sharing an adenosine
      diphosphate moiety as common substructure), observed in multiple crystal
      structures of protein-cofactor complexes exhibiting sequence identity below 25%,
      have been analyzed for the conformational properties of the bound ligands, the
      distribution of physicochemical properties in the accommodating protein-binding
      pockets, and the local folding patterns next to the cofactor-binding site. State
      of-the-art clustering techniques have been applied to group the different protein
      cofactor complexes in the different spaces. Interestingly, clustering in cavity
      (Cavbase) and fold space (DALI) reveals virtually the same data structuring.
      Remarkable relationships can be found among the different spaces. They provide
      information on how conformations are conserved across the host proteins and which
      distinct local cavity and fold motifs recognize the different portions of the
      cofactors. In those cases, where different cofactors are found to be accommodated
      in a similar fashion to the same fold motifs, only a commonly shared substructure
      of the cofactors is used for the recognition process.

PMID- 22095740
TI  - Analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles demonstrates improved Madin
      Darby canine kidney cell function in a renal microfluidic biochip.
AB  - We have evaluated the influence of the microfluidic environment on renal cell
      functionality. For that purpose, we performed a time lapse transcriptomic and
      proteomic analysis in which we compared gene and protein expressions of Madin
      Darby canine kidney cells after 24 h and 96 h of culture in both microfluidic
      biochips and plates. The transcriptomic and proteomic integration revealed that
      the ion transporters involved in calcium, phosphate, and sodium homoeostasis and
      several genes involved in H(+) transporters and pH regulation were up-regulated
      in microfluidic biochips. Concerning drug metabolism, we found Phase I (CYP
      P450), Phase II enzymes (GST), various multidrug resistance genes (MRP), and
      Phase III transporters (SLC) were also up-regulated in the biochips. Furthermore,
      the study shows that those inductions were correlated with the induction of the
      Ahr and Nrf-2 dependent pathways, which results in a global cytoprotective
      response induced by the microenvironment. However, there was no apoptosis
      situation or cell death in the biochips. Microfluidic biochips may thus provide
      an important insight into exploring xenobiotic injury and transport modifications
      in this type of bioartificial microfluidic kidney. Finally, the investigation
      demonstrated that combining the transcriptomic and proteomic analyses obtained
      from a cell "on chip" culture would provide a pertinent new tool in the
      mechanistic interpretation of cellular mechanisms for predicting kidney cell
      toxicity and renal clearance in vitro.

PMID- 22095741
TI  - Use of enzyme inhibitors to evaluate the conversion pathways of ester and amide
      prodrugs: a case study example with the prodrug ceftobiprole medocaril.
AB  - An approach was developed that uses enzyme inhibitors to support the assessment
      of the pathways that are responsible for the conversion of intravenously
      administered ester and amide prodrugs in different biological matrices. The
      methodology was applied to ceftobiprole medocaril (BAL5788), the prodrug of the
      cephalosporin antibiotic, ceftobiprole. The prodrug was incubated in plasma,
      postmitochondrial supernatant fractions from human liver (impaired and
      nonimpaired), kidney, and intestine as well as erythrocytes, in the presence and
      absence of different enzyme inhibitors (acetylcholinesterase,
      pseudocholinesterase, retinyl palmitoyl hydrolase, serine esterases, amidases,
      and cholinesterase). Hydrolysis was rapid, extensive, and not dependent on the
      presence of beta-nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) in
      all matrices tested, suggesting the involvement of carboxylesterases but not P450
      enzymes. Hydrolysis in healthy human plasma was rapid and complete and only
      partially inhibited in the presence of paraoxonase inhibitors or in liver from
      hepatic impaired patients, suggesting involvement of nonparaoxonase pathways. The
      results demonstrate the utility of this approach in confirming the presence of
      multiple conversion pathways of intravenously administered prodrugs and in the
      case of BAL5788 demonstrated that this prodrug is unlikely to be affected by
      genetic polymorphisms, drug interactions, or other environmental factors that
      might inhibit or induce the enzymes involved in its conversion.

PMID- 22095742
TI  - MiR-17-92 cluster regulates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis by
      targeting TGFB pathway in mouse palatal mesenchymal cells.
AB  - Elongation and elevation of palatal shelves, mainly caused by proliferation and
      extra-cellular matrix synthesis of palatal mesenchymal cells (PMCs), are
      essential for normal palatal development. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFB)
      pathway could induce proliferation inhibition and collagen synthesis in PMCs.
      Recent studies found that miRNA-17-92 (miR-17-92) cluster, including miR-17, miR
      18a, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-19b, and miR-92a, expressed in the 1st bronchial arch
      of mouse embryos during the period of palatal shelf elongation and elevation, and
      directly targeted TGFB pathway in cancer cell lines. Whether miR-17-92 cluster
      expresses and targets TGFB pathway in PMCs has not yet been studied. Using
      quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we found that miR-17-92 expressed in PMCs and
      decreased from embryonic day (E) 12 to E14 in palatal shelves. MTT assay and
      Western blot showed that miR-17-92 inhibited TGFB1 induced proliferation
      inhibition and collagen synthesis in PMCs by decreasing TGFBR2, SMAD2, and SMAD4
      protein level. Further luciferase assay showed that miR-17 and miR-20a directly
      targeted 3'UTR of TGFBR2, and that miR-18a directly targeted 3'UTR of SMAD2 and
      SMAD4. We thus conclude that miR-17-92 cluster could inhibit TGFB pathway induced
      proliferation inhibition and collagen synthesis in PMCs by directly targeting
      TGFBR2, SMAD2, and SMAD4.

PMID- 22095743
TI  - Modeling large regions in proteins: applications to loops, termini, and folding.
AB  - Template-based methods for predicting protein structure provide models for a
      significant portion of the protein but often contain insertions or chain ends
      (InsEnds) of indeterminate conformation. The local structure prediction "problem"
      entails modeling the InsEnds onto the rest of the protein. A well-known limit
      involves predicting loops of <=12 residues in crystal structures. However,
      InsEnds may contain as many as ~50 amino acids, and the template-based model of
      the protein itself may be imperfect. To address these challenges, we present a
      free modeling method for predicting the local structure of loops and large
      InsEnds in both crystal structures and template-based models. The approach uses
      single amino acid torsional angle "pivot" moves of the protein backbone with a
      C(beta) level representation. Nevertheless, our accuracy for loops is comparable
      to existing methods. We also apply a more stringent test, the blind structure
      prediction and refinement categories of the CASP9 tournament, where we improve
      the quality of several homology based models by modeling InsEnds as long as 45
      amino acids, sizes generally inaccessible to existing loop prediction methods.
      Our approach ranks as one of the best in the CASP9 refinement category that
      involves improving template-based models so that they can function as molecular
      replacement models to solve the phase problem for crystallographic structure
      determination.

PMID- 22095744
TI  - Modulation of human mesenchymal stem cell function in a three-dimensional matrix
      promotes attenuation of adverse remodelling after myocardial infarction.
AB  - The application of tissue engineering (TE) practices for cell delivery offers a
      unique approach to cellular cardiomyoplasty. We hypothesized that human
      mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) applied to the heart in a collagen matrix would
      outperform the same cells grown in a monolayer and directly injected for cardiac
      cell replacement after myocardial infarction in a rat model. When hMSC patches
      were transplanted to infarcted hearts, several measures for left ventricle (LV)
      remodelling and function were improved, including fractional area change, wall
      thickness, -dP/dt and LV end-diastolic pressure. Neovessel formation throughout
      the LV infarct wall after hMSC patch treatment increased by 37% when compared to
      direct injection of hMSCs. This observation was correlated with increased
      secretion of angiogenic factors, with accompanying evidence that these factors
      enhanced vessel formation (30% increase) and endothelial cell growth (48%
      increase) in vitro. These observations may explain the in vivo observations of
      increased vessel formation and improved cardiac function with patch-mediated cell
      delivery. Although culture of hMSC in collagen patches enhanced angiogenic
      responses, there was no effect on cell potency or viability. Therefore, hMSCs
      delivered as a cardiac patch showed benefits above those derived from monolayers
      and directly injected. hMSCs cultured and delivered within TE constructs may
      represent a good option to maximize the effects of cellular cardiomyoplasty.

PMID- 22095745
TI  - Body composition analysis of obesity and hepatic steatosis in mice by relaxation
      compensated fat fraction (RCFF) MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and validate a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      methodology for phenotyping animal models of obesity and fatty liver disease on
      7T small animal MRI scanners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new MRI acquisition and
      image analysis technique, relaxation-compensated fat fraction (RCFF), was
      developed and validated by both magnetic resonance spectroscopy and histology.
      This new RCFF technique was then used to assess lipid biodistribution in two
      groups of mice on either a high-fat (HFD) or low-fat (LFD) diet. RESULTS: RCFF
      demonstrated excellent correlation in phantom studies (R(2) = 0.99) and in vivo
      compared to histological evaluation of hepatic triglycerides (R(2) = 0.90). RCFF
      images provided robust fat fraction maps with consistent adipose tissue values
      (82% +/- 3%). HFD mice exhibited significant increases in peritoneal and
      subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes in comparison to LFD controls (peritoneal:
      6.4 +/- 0.4 cm(3) vs. 0.7 +/- 0.2, P < 0.001; subcutaneous: 14.7 +/- 2.0 cm(3)
      vs. 1.2 +/- 0.3 cm(3) , P < 0.001). Hepatic fat fractions were also significantly
      different between HFD and LFD mice (3.1% +/- 1.7% LFD vs. 27.2% +/- 5.4% HFD, P =
      0.002). CONCLUSION: RCFF can be used to quantitatively assess adipose tissue
      volumes and hepatic fat fractions in rodent models at 7T.

PMID- 22095746
TI  - Late effects of high-dose adjuvant chemotherapy on white and gray matter in
      breast cancer survivors: converging results from multimodal magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - The neural substrate underlying cognitive impairments after chemotherapy is
      largely unknown. Here, we investigated very late (>9 years) effects of adjuvant
      high-dose chemotherapy on brain white and gray matter in primary breast cancer
      survivors (n = 17) with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A group of
      breast cancer survivors who did not receive chemotherapy was scanned for
      comparison (n = 15). Neuropsychological tests demonstrated cognitive impairments
      in the chemotherapy group. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with tract-based
      spatial statistics showed that chemotherapy was associated with focal changes in
      DTI values indicative for reduced white matter integrity. Single voxel proton MR
      spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in the left centrum semiovale (white matter) showed a
      reduction of N-acetylasparate/creatine indicative of axonal injury. Voxel-based
      morphometry demonstrated a reduction of gray matter volume that overlapped with
      fMRI hypoactivation (as reported in a previous publication) in posterior parietal
      areas and colocalized with DTI abnormalities. Also, DTI correlated with 1H-MRS
      only in the chemotherapy group. These results converge to suggest that high-dose
      adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with long-term injury to
      white matter, presumably reflecting a combination of axonal degeneration and
      demyelination, and damage to gray matter with associated functional deficits.
      Hormonal treatment with tamoxifen may also have contributed to the observed
      effects, although results from other studies indicate that it is unlikely that
      tamoxifen is solely or largely responsible. Using this multimodality approach we
      provide for the first time insight into the neural substrate underlying cognitive
      impairments following systemic administration of cytotoxic agents many years
      after treatment.

PMID- 22095747
TI  - MQD--multiplex-quadrature detection in multi-dimensional NMR.
AB  - With multiplex-quadrature detection (MQD) the tasks of coherence selection and
      quadrature separation in N-dimensional heteronuclear NMR experiments are merged.
      Thus the number of acquisitions required to achieve a desired resolution in the
      indirect dimensions is significantly reduced. The minimum number of transients
      per indirect data point, which have to be combined to give pure-phase spectra, is
      thus decreased by a factor (3/4)(N-1). This reduction is achieved without
      adjustable parameters. We demonstrate the advantage by MQD 3D HNCO and HCCH-TOCSY
      spectra affording the same resolution and the same per-scan sensitivity as
      standard phase-cycled ones, but obtained in only 56 % of the usual time and by
      resolution improvements achieved in the same amount of time.

PMID- 22095748
TI  - Nutritional composition of Zizyphus lotus L. seeds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zizyphus lotus seeds are an unutilized source of vegetable oil and
      protein and nothing has been reported on their physicochemical characteristics
      which would indicate the potential uses of these seeds. RESULTS: The percentage
      composition of the Zizyphus lotus seeds is (on a dry-weight basis): ash 1.05%,
      oil 32.92%, protein 19.11%, total carbohydrate 40.87% and moisture 6.05%.
      Calcium, potassium and magnesium constitute the major minerals of Zizyphus lotus
      seeds. The seed proteins are rich in threonine, glutamic acid, leucine, arginine
      and aspartic acid (26.73%, 17.28%, 13.11%, 9.47% and 7.76%, respectively). The
      main fatty acids of the oil are oleic (61.93%), linoleic (18.31%) and palmitic
      (9.14%) acids. Glycerol trioleate (OOO; O: oleic acid) was the most abundant
      triacylglycerol, representing 26.48% of the total triacyglycerols. beta
      Tocopherol was the major tocopherol (130.47 mg 100 g(-1) ). This oil was rich in
      Delta7-campestrol and beta-sitosterol (147.82 and 82.10 mg 100 g(-1) oil),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Zizyphus lotus seeds are rich in fat and protein which
      are of potential industrial significance. In addition, Zizyphus lotus L. seed oil
      contained many bioactive compounds. This fact is of great economic interest owing
      to several applications of Zizyphus lotus L. seeds in the food, cosmetics and
      medicinal industries.

PMID- 22095749
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation of carboxylic acid derivatives: N
      acyloxazolinones as ester enolate equivalents.

PMID- 22095750
TI  - Use of UpToDate and outcomes in US hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computerized clinical knowledge mana-gement systems hold enormous
      potential for improving quality and efficiency. However, their impact on clinical
      practice is not well known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of UpToDate on
      outcomes of care. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: National sample of US
      inpatient hospitals. PATIENTS: Fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries.
      INTERVENTION: Adoption of UpToDate in US hospitals. MEASUREMENT: Risk-adjusted
      lengths of stay, mortality rates, and quality performance. RESULTS: We found that
      patients admitted to hospitals using UpToDate had shorter lengths of stay than
      patients admitted to non-UpToDate hospitals overall (5.6 days vs 5.7 days; P <
      0.001) and among 6 prespecified conditions (range, -0.1 to -0.3 days; P < 0.001
      for each). Further, patients admitted to UpToDate hospitals had lower risk
      adjusted mortality rate for 3 of the 6 conditions (range, -0.1% to -0.6%
      mortality reduction; P < 0.05). Finally, hospitals with UpToDate had better
      quality performance for every condition on the Hospital Quality Alliance metrics.
      In subgroup analyses, we found that it was the smaller hospitals and the non
      teaching hospitals where the benefits of the UpToDate seemed most pronounced,
      compared to the larger, teaching institutions where the benefits of UpToDate
      seemed small or nonexistent. CONCLUSIONS: We found a very small but consistent
      association between use of UpToDate and reduced length of stay, lower risk
      adjusted mortality rates, and better quality performance, at least in the
      smaller, non-teaching institutions. These findings may suggest that computerized
      tools such as UpToDate could be helpful in improving care.

PMID- 22095751
TI  - An experimental glenoid rim strain analysis for an improved reverse anatomy
      shoulder implant fixation.
AB  - Loosening of glenoid components in TSA is a main cause of failure. In reverse
      anatomy TSA designs used for unstable joints, fixation is particularly demanding.
      Strains developed around the glenoid rim of biomechanical sawbone scapulae
      implanted with (a) the original fixed-fulcrum Bayley-Walker glenoid prosthesis in
      current clinical use, and (b) a revised version with conical cross-section, were
      compared. The conical shape of the revised design was hypothesized to produce
      greater strains in the glenoid rim than the original tapered screw design. The 2D
      strain field at three accessible locations around the rim of each scapula was
      measured with three-element rosette strain gauges for two types of simulated
      cancellous bone fill under applied physiologically relevant loads. The average
      strain energy densities around the rim for the conical design were greater than
      for the original design by a factor of 1.55-2.25 for all loading conditions.
      Results indicate that a significantly greater proportion of load was directed
      toward cortical bone in the conical design, thus promoting cortical bone loading.

PMID- 22095753
TI  - Re: indeterminate 1-2 cm nodules found on hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance:
      biopsy for all, some, or none?

PMID- 22095752
TI  - AKAP2 anchors PKA with aquaporin-0 to support ocular lens transparency.
AB  - A decline in ocular lens transparency known as cataract afflicts 90% of
      individuals by the age 70. Chronic deterioration of lens tissue occurs as a
      pathophysiological consequence of defective water and nutrient circulation
      through channel and transporter proteins. A key component is the aquaporin-0
      (AQP0) water channel whose permeability is tightly regulated in healthy lenses.
      Using a variety of cellular and biochemical approaches we have discovered that
      products of the A-kinase anchoring protein 2 gene (AKAP2/AKAP-KL) form a stable
      complex with AQP0 to sequester protein kinase A (PKA) with the channel. This
      permits PKA phosphorylation of serine 235 within a calmodulin (CaM)-binding
      domain of AQP0. The additional negative charge introduced by phosphoserine 235
      perturbs electrostatic interactions between AQP0 and CaM to favour water influx
      through the channel. In isolated mouse lenses, displacement of PKA from the AKAP2
      AQP0 channel complex promotes cortical cataracts as characterized by severe
      opacities and cellular damage. Thus, anchored PKA modulation of AQP0 is a
      homeostatic mechanism that must be physically intact to preserve lens
      transparency.

PMID- 22095754
TI  - A highly alpha-stereoselective synthesis of oligosaccharide fragments of the Vi
      antigen from Salmonella typhi and their antigenic activities.
AB  - In this paper, a convenient approach to the synthesis of the repeating alpha-(1
      >4)-linked N-acetyl galactosaminuronic acid units from the capsular
      polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi is reported. The exclusively alpha
      stereoselective glycosylation reactions were achieved by using oxazolidinone
      protected glycosides as building blocks based on a pre-activation protocol. Di-,
      tri-, and tetrasaccharides were prepared by this short and efficient approach in
      high yields. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments show that our
      synthetic tri- and tetrasaccharide had much higher antigenic activities than
      previously reported ones in the inhibition of antibody binding by the native
      polysaccharide. The results demonstrate that the antigenic activities of
      saccharides can be strengthened greatly by increasing the number of acetyl groups
      present.

PMID- 22095755
TI  - Environmental tobacco smoke and Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is inversely associated with cigarette smoking,
      but its relation with passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke exposure is
      rarely examined. METHODS: Within a case-control study, we assessed the
      association between Parkinson's disease and living or working with active
      smokers. Cases were newly diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (n = 154)
      from western Washington State in 2002-2008. Age- and sex-matched controls (n =
      173) were neurologically normal and unrelated to cases. RESULTS: Compared with
      never active or passive tobacco smokers, we observed reduced Parkinson's disease
      risks for ever passive only smokers (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.73), similar to
      those for ever active smokers (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.73). Among persons whose
      only tobacco smoke exposure was passive smoking at home, risk was inversely
      associated with years exposed. CONCLUSIONS: These observations parallel those
      well established for active smoking. However, it remains unresolved whether a
      true protective effect of tobacco smoke, generally detrimental to health,
      underlies these associations.

PMID- 22095757
TI  - Nanocluster budesonide formulations enhance drug delivery through endotracheal
      tubes.
AB  - The pulmonary system is an attractive route for drug delivery because the lungs
      have a large accessible surface area for treatment. For ventilated patients, an
      endotracheal tube is required for delivering drugs into the lungs. Such tubes are
      generally poor conduits for delivering traditional aerosol formulations. Both the
      formulation and the properties of the endotracheal tube are important effectors
      of delivery efficiency. In this study, agglomerates of budesonide nanoparticles
      (NanoClusters) were formulated with or without l-leucine or lactose. Teflon
      tubing was compared with commercial endotracheal tubes as a conduit for
      delivering budesonide powders into a cascade impactor. The effects of volumetric
      flow rate, tube size, and humidity were also investigated. NanoCluster budesonide
      (NC-Bud) formulations had a considerably higher emitted dose and fine particle
      fraction compared with stock budesonide and the commercial Flexhaler powder when
      applied through endotracheal tubes. Tubing material did not significantly affect
      powder performance, but decreasing tubing diameter or increasing volumetric flow
      rates yielded a smaller mass median aerodynamic diameter for NC-Bud. Engineered
      NC-Bud powders may dramatically improve drug delivery through endotracheal tubes
      when using proper ventilator settings.

PMID- 22095756
TI  - Mitochondrial and liver oxidative stress alterations induced by N-butyl-N-(4
      hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine: relevance for hepatotoxicity.
AB  - The most significant toxicological effect of nitrosamines like N-butyl-N-(4
      hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) is their carcinogenic activity, which may result
      from exposure to a single large dose or from chronic exposure to relatively small
      doses. However, its effects on mitochondrial liver bioenergetics were never
      investigated. Liver is the principal organ responsible for BBN metabolic
      activation, and mitochondria have a central function in cellular energy
      production, participating in multiple metabolic pathways. Therefore any negative
      effect on mitochondrial function may affect cell viability. In the present work,
      ICR male mice were given 0.05% of BBN in drinking water for a period of 12 weeks
      and were sacrificed one week later. Mitochondrial physiology was characterized in
      BBN- and control-treated mice. Transmembrane electric potential developed by
      mitochondria was significantly affected when pyruvate-malate was used, with an
      increase in state 4 respiration observed for pyruvate-malate (46%) and succinate
      (38%). A decrease in the contents of one subunit of mitochondrial complex I and
      in one subunit of mitochondrial complex IV was also observed. In addition, the
      activity of both complexes I and II was also decreased by BBN treatment. The
      treatment with BBN increases the susceptibility of liver mitochondria to the
      opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This susceptibility
      could be related with the increase in the production of H2 O2 by mitochondria and
      increased oxidative stress confirmed by augmented susceptibility to lipid
      peroxidation. These results lead to the conclusion that hepatic mitochondria are
      one primary target for BBN toxic action during liver metabolism.

PMID- 22095758
TI  - Polymeric photoresist nanoparticles: light-induced degradation of hydrophobic
      polymers in aqueous dispersion.
AB  - Nanoparticles consisting of a photoreactive polymer able to radically switch its
      hydrophobicity are successfully prepared by miniemulsion polymerization.
      Irradiation with UV light causes degradation of the particles where at complete
      dissolution is achieved by changing the initial hydrophobic photoresist polymer
      into hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid). Incorporation of the fluorescence
      sensitive Nile red serves as a solvatochromic probe to study the particle
      degradation. Diffusion of either Nile red out from or water into the former hard
      spherical nanoparticles is studied and not only renders the described material an
      ideal system for applications, where in situ dissolution of nanoparticles may be
      needed, but also bears the additional advantage of performing controlled burst
      release.

PMID- 22095759
TI  - Assessing agreement with repeated measures for random observers.
AB  - Agreement studies are often concerned with assessing whether different observers
      for measuring responses on the same subject or sample can produce similar
      results. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) is a popular index for
      assessing the closeness among observers for quantitative measurements. Usually,
      the CCC is used for data without and with replications based on subject and
      observer effects only. However, we cannot use this methodology if repeated
      measurements rather than replications are collected. Although there exist some
      CCC-type indices for assessing agreement with repeated measurements, there is no
      CCC for random observers and random time points. In this paper, we propose a new
      CCC for repeated measures where both observers and time points are treated as
      random effects. A simulation study demonstrates our proposed methodology, and we
      use vertebral body data and image data for illustrations.

PMID- 22095760
TI  - Disproportionality analysis for signal detection of implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator-related adverse events in the Food and Drug Administration Medical
      Device Reporting System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) became aware of lead fracture
      and inappropriate shock events related to Sprint Fidelis leads in January 2007.
      The manufacturer announced a voluntary market withdrawal in October 2007. AIM:
      Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate this safety signal using
      disproportionality analysis to estimate whether disproportionality analysis could
      have detected this particular safety signal earlier than actually occurred.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience
      (MAUDE) database contains reports on device-related adverse events, of which, FDA
      receives several hundred thousand every year. For each manufacturer, a list of
      the top lead brand names was ranked by frequency of reports. We used the Multi
      item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS) method for analysis. We isolated 11 top
      reported implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead brand names. Using
      MGPS methodology, we calculated the one-sided 95% lower confidence bound EB05 on
      the empirical Bayes geometric mean of the reporting ratio. RESULTS: We performed
      individual MGPS analysis for each of the top reported adverse events in 2006 for
      ICD leads. Fidelis had the highest EB05 scores for lead fractures and
      inappropriate shock. DISCUSSION: Through disproportionality analysis of the MAUDE
      database, we were able to identify known safety signals associated with the
      Medtronic Sprint Fidelis lead. CONCLUSION: If utilized at the time, this
      disproportionality analysis would have identified signals earlier for lead
      fractures, oversensing, high impedance, and inappropriate shock.

PMID- 22095761
TI  - A one-pot three-segment ligation strategy for protein chemical synthesis.

PMID- 22095762
TI  - Efficacy of ozone as a fungicidal and detoxifying agent of aflatoxins in peanuts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peanut contamination by fungi is a concern of processors and
      consumers owing to the association of these micro-organisms with quality
      deterioration and aflatoxin production. In this study the fungicidal and
      detoxifying effects of ozone on aflatoxins in peanuts was investigated. Peanut
      kernels were ozonated at concentrations of 13 and 21 mg L-1 for periods of 0, 24,
      48, 72 and 96 h. RESULTS: Ozone was effective in controlling total fungi and
      potentially aflatoxigenic species in peanuts, with a reduction in colony-forming
      units per gram greater than 3 log cycles at the concentration of 21 mg L-1 after
      96 h of exposure. A reduction in the percentage of peanuts with internal fungal
      populations was also observed, particularly after exposure to ozone at 21 mg L-1.
      A reduction in the concentrations of total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1 of
      approximately 30 and 25% respectively was observed for kernels exposed to ozone
      at 21 mg L-1 for 96 h. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that ozone is an important
      alternative for peanut detoxification because it is effective in controlling
      potentially aflatoxigenic fungi and also acts in the reduction of aflatoxin
      levels in kernels.

PMID- 22095763
TI  - Magnetite nanocrystal clusters with ultra-high sensitivity in magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - Magnetic iron oxide particles are widely used as contrast agents to improve the
      sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Their efficiency in MRI is
      usually quantified by transverse relaxivity (r(2)) in solution. Herein, we
      synthesized a series of magnetite nanocrystal clusters (MNCs) with ultra-high
      transverse relaxivity by a polyol process and studied the relationship between
      r(2) and size of the MNCs. The sizes of MNCs can be tuned over a wide range from
      13 to 179 nm. The r(2) of MNC suspensions as a function of the size of the
      cluster was analyzed and compared with a theoretical model. We found that MNCs of
      64 nm had an r(2) value of 650 mM(-1)  s(-1), which was more than three times
      that of the commercial contrast agent and was among the highest reported for iron
      oxide materials. Compared with the theoretical model, the r(2) value of the MNC
      suspension is approximately 0.93 of the theoretical prediction. Imaging of the
      MNC suspensions was performed in a clinical 1.5 T MRI instrument and a comparison
      was made between MNCs and commercial contrast agents. MRI indicated that the
      decrease of signal intensity induced by MNCs was in proportion to the r(2) value,
      which was in accordance with theoretical predictions. These results demonstrate
      that MNCs with ultra-high transverse relaxivity and tunable size are promising
      candidates for molecular imaging and clinical diagnosis in MRI.

PMID- 22095764
TI  - The role of RNA in mammalian prion protein conversion.
AB  - Prion diseases remain a challenge to modern science in the 21st century because
      of their capacity for transmission without an encoding nucleic acid. PrP(Sc), the
      infectious and alternatively folded form of the PrP prion protein, is capable of
      self-replication, using PrP(C), the properly folded form of PrP, as a template.
      This process is associated with neuronal death and the clinical manifestation of
      prion-based diseases. Unfortunately, little is known about the mechanisms that
      drive this process. Over the last decade, the theory that a nucleic acid, such as
      an RNA molecule, might be involved in the process of prion structural conversion
      has become more widely accepted; such a nucleic acid would act as a catalyst
      rather than encoding genetic information. Significant amounts of data regarding
      the interactions of PrP with nucleic acids have created a new foundation for
      understanding prion conversion and the transmission of prion diseases. Our
      knowledge has been enhanced by the characterization of a large group of RNA
      molecules known as non-coding RNAs, which execute a series of important cellular
      functions, from transcriptional regulation to the modulation of neuroplasticity.
      The RNA-binding properties of PrP along with the competition with other
      polyanions, such as glycosaminoglycans and nucleic acid aptamers, open new
      avenues for therapy.

PMID- 22095765
TI  - Joint effects of Epstein-Barr virus and polymorphisms in interleukin-10 and
      interferon-gamma on breast cancer risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and breast cancer
      (BC) is controversial. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)
      are believed to play a critical role in the host's responses to EBV infection,
      and their genetic variations may modify the association of EBV with BC risk.
      METHODS: We examined serum levels of EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA)
      immunoglobulin A (IgA) and nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgA along with the
      polymorphisms of IL-10 rs1800871 and IFN-gamma rs2069705 in 354 incident BC cases
      and 504 age-matched controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: VCA IgA
      and EBNA-1 IgA levels were positively associated with BC risk. IL-10 rs1800871
      (TC/CC) was associated with a reduced BC risk (OR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.55-1.00]) but
      had no interaction with EBV infection on BC risk. IFN-gamma rs2069705 was not
      directly associated with BC risk but interacted with EBNA-1 IgA on BC risk. Among
      women with the CC genotype, EBNA-1 IgA seropositivity significantly increased the
      risk of BC compared to EBNA-1 IgA seronegativity (OR, 5.14 [95% CI, 1.76-14.98]).
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EBV may contribute to the risk of BC and
      that this contribution may be modified by genetic variations in IFN-gamma.

PMID- 22095766
TI  - Serum hepatitis B virus-DNA levels correlate with long-term adverse outcomes in
      spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen seroconverters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status and serum hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) DNA levels are major factors affecting the prognosis of adult HBV carriers;
      however, the impact of viral load on long-term outcomes after spontaneous HBeAg
      seroconversion remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 390 spontaneous HBeAg
      seroconverters with a long-term follow-up were enrolled. Serum HBV-DNA levels at
      1 year after HBeAg seroconversion were determined, and their correlation with
      long-term adverse outcomes was explored. RESULTS: In a mean follow-up of 6.8
      years, the average annual incidence rates were 4.4% and 1.9% for HBeAg-negative
      hepatitis and hepatitis flare, respectively. Compared with patients with HBV-DNA
      levels <200 IU/mL, the adjusted hazard ratios of HBeAg-negative hepatitis were
      2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.4), 3.6 (1.8-7.2), and 5.3 (2.8-10.0),
      respectively, for serum HBV-DNA level of 2000 -2 * 10(4), 2 * 10(4) -2 * 10(5),
      and >=2 * 10(5) IU/mL. In addition, serum HBV-DNA levels were independently
      associated with HBeAg-negative hepatitis flare, which confirmed their impact on
      the immune active hepatitis after HBeAg seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS: HBeAg
      seroconversion may not always confer favorable outcomes. Serum HBV-DNA levels
      >=2000 IU/mL at 1 year post HBeAg seroconversion correlate with increased risk of
      HBeAg-negative hepatitis and hepatitis flare.

PMID- 22095767
TI  - Management of chronic hepatitis B e antigen-negative disease: another step
      forward.

PMID- 22095768
TI  - Rapid full-brain fMRI with an accelerated multi shot 3D EPI sequence using both
      UNFOLD and GRAPPA.
AB  - The desire to understand complex mental processes using functional MRI drives
      development of imaging techniques that scan the whole human brain at a high
      spatial and temporal resolution. In this work, an accelerated multishot three
      dimensional echo-planar imaging sequence is proposed to increase the temporal
      resolution of these studies. A combination of two modern acceleration techniques,
      UNFOLD and GRAPPA is used in the secondary phase encoding direction to reduce the
      scan time effectively. The sequence (repetition time of 1.02 s) was compared with
      standard two-dimensional echo-planar imaging (3 s) and multishot three
      dimensional echo-planar imaging (3 s) sequences with both block design and event
      related functional MRI paradigms. With the same experimental setup and imaging
      time, the temporal resolution improvement with our sequence yields similar
      activation regions in the block design functional MRI paradigm with slightly
      increased t-scores. Moreover, additional information on the timing of rapid
      dynamic changes was extracted from accelerated images for the case of the event
      related complex mental paradigm.

PMID- 22095769
TI  - The normal parkin sequence.

PMID- 22095770
TI  - Dunnett-type inference in the frailty Cox model with covariates.
AB  - A frequent objective in medical research is the investigation of differences in
      patient survival between several experimental treatments and one standard
      treatment. In order to assess these differences statistically, we have to apply
      adjustments for multiple comparisons to prevent an increased number of false
      positive findings. The most prominent procedure of this type is the Bonferroni
      correction, which maintains the error level but leads to conservative results. On
      the basis of a general statistical framework for simultaneous inference, we
      propose a new statistical procedure for many-to-one comparisons of treatments
      with adjustment for covariates for clustered survival data modeled by a frailty
      Cox model. In contrast to the Bonferroni method, dependencies between estimated
      effects are taken into account. The resulting simultaneous confidence intervals
      for the hazard ratios of the experimental treatments compared with a control can
      be interpreted in terms of both statistical significance and clinical importance.
      The quality of the new procedure is judged by the coverage probability for the
      simultaneous confidence intervals. Simulation results show an acceptable
      performance in balanced and various unbalanced designs. The practical merits are
      demonstrated by a reanalysis of a chronic myelogeneous leukemia clinical trial.
      The procedure presented here works well for multiple comparisons with a control
      with adjustment for covariates for survival data from multicenter clinical
      trials.

PMID- 22095771
TI  - Formic acid catalyzed gas-phase reaction of H2O with SO3 and the reverse
      reaction: a theoretical study.
AB  - The formic acid catalyzed gas-phase reaction between H(2)O and SO(3) and its
      reverse reaction are respectively investigated by means of quantum chemical
      calculations at the CCSD(T)//B3LYP/cc-pv(T+d)z and CCSD(T)//MP2/aug-cc-pv(T+d)z
      levels of theory. Remarkably, the activation energy relative to the reactants for
      the reaction of H(2)O with SO(3) is lowered through formic acid catalysis from
      15.97 kcal  mol(-1) to -15.12 and -14.83 kcal  mol(-1) for the formed
      H(2)O???SO(3) complex plus HCOOH and the formed H(2)O???HCOOH complex plus SO(3),
      respectively, at the CCSD(T)//MP2/aug-cc-pv(T+d)z level. For the reverse
      reaction, the energy barrier for decomposition of sulfuric acid is reduced to 
      3.07 kcal  mol(-1) from 35.82 kcal  mol(-1) with the aid of formic acid. The
      results show that formic acid plays a strong catalytic role in facilitating the
      formation and decomposition of sulfuric acid. The rate constant of the
      SO(3)+H(2)O reaction with formic acid is 10(5) times greater than that of the
      corresponding reaction with water dimer. The calculated rate constant for the
      HCOOH+H(2)SO(4) reaction is about 10(-13) cm(3)  molecule(-1)  s(-1) in the
      temperature range 200-280 K. The results of the present investigation show that
      formic acid plays a crucial role in the cycle between SO(3) and H(2)SO(4) in
      atmospheric chemistry.

PMID- 22095772
TI  - Immunosuppressive small molecule discovered by structure-based virtual screening
      for inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.

PMID- 22095773
TI  - Social constraints, genetic vulnerability, and mental health following collective
      stress.
AB  - A repeat-length polymorphism of the serotonin promoter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been
      associated with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma
      exposed individuals reporting unsupportive social environments. We examine the
      contributions of the triallelic 5-HTTLPR genotype and social constraints to
      posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in a national sample following the September
      11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Saliva was collected by mail from 711
      respondents (European American subsample n = 463) of a large national probability
      sample of 2,729 adults. Respondents completed web-based assessments of pre-9/11
      mental and physical health, acute stress 9 to 23 days post-9/11, PTS symptoms,
      and social constraints on disclosure regarding fears of future terrorist attacks
      2-3 years post-9/11. Social constraints were positively associated with PTS
      symptoms 2-3 years post-9/11. The triallelic 5-HTTLPR genotype was not directly
      associated with PTS symptoms, but it interacted with social constraints to
      predict PTS symptoms 2-3 years post-9/11: Social constraints were more strongly
      associated with PTS symptoms for individuals with any s/lg allele than for
      homozygous la/la individuals. Constraints on disclosing fears about future
      terrorism moderate the 5-HTTLPR genotype-PTS symptom association even when
      indirectly exposed to collective stress.

PMID- 22095774
TI  - The longitudinal course of PTSD among disaster workers deployed to the World
      Trade Center following the attacks of September 11th.
AB  - This study examined the long-term mental health outcomes of 2,960 nonrescue
      disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center site in New York City
      following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Semistructured
      interviews and standardized self-report measures were used to assess the
      prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychopathology 4
      and 6 years after the attacks. Clinician-measured rates of PTSD and partial PTSD
      4-years posttrauma were 8.4% and 8.9%, respectively, in a subsample of 727
      individuals. Rates decreased to 5.8% and 7.7% for full and partial PTSD 6 years
      posttrauma. For the larger sample, self-report scores revealed probable PTSD and
      partial PTSD prevalence to be 4.8% and 3.6% at 4 years, and 2.4% and 1.8% at 6
      years. Approximately 70% of workers never met criteria for PTSD. Although PTSD
      rates decreased significantly over time, many workers remained symptomatic, with
      others showing delayed-onset PTSD. The strongest predictors of ongoing PTSD 6
      years following 9/11 were trauma history (odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) [1.06, 4.85]); the presence of major depressive disorder 1-2 years
      following the trauma (OR = 2.80, 95% CI [1.17, 6.71]); and extent of occupational
      exposure (OR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.13, 1.51]). The implications of the findings for
      both screening and treatment of disaster workers are discussed.

PMID- 22095775
TI  - Cognitive and emotional contributors to intimate partner violence perpetration
      following trauma.
AB  - Exposure to potentially traumatic events often leads to a wide range of
      interpersonal difficulties, including the perpetration of intimate partner
      violence. Maladaptive, threat-relevant thoughts and beliefs regarding the trauma
      or its sequelae can play an important role in a person's emotional and behavioral
      responses. Among 185 trauma-exposed study participants who were currently in an
      intimate relationship, levels of maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions were
      associated with the perpetration of psychological aggression and physical
      violence in their current relationships. These links were mediated by
      misappraisal of anger in auditory emotion stimuli and emotion-regulation
      deficits. Results support a cognitive model of posttraumatic pathology, with
      implications for clinical intervention and a broad conceptualization of the
      effects of trauma.

PMID- 22095776
TI  - Reactions to trauma research among women recently exposed to a campus shooting.
AB  - Subjective and objective reactions to writing and reading a narrative of their
      experiences after having been recently exposed to a campus shooting were examined
      in 58 women. Posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety symptoms, and physical
      exposure to the shooting were considered in relation to laboratory indices. The
      latter used a multimethod approach to index distress; these included subjective
      (self-report) and objective (heart rate, skin conductance, and cortisol)
      components. Consistent with prior research, reports of symptoms were
      significantly positively correlated with subjective distress (r ranged from .35
      to .45), but only posttraumatic stress symptoms uniquely predicted subjective
      distress in regression analyses (partial r = .33). Objective distress, however,
      was not significantly related to any participant measure. Finally, a clear
      majority (85%) of participants reported they would participate in the study
      again. Points of convergence and divergence with prior studies are discussed.

PMID- 22095777
TI  - Predictors of suicidal ideation in veterans with PTSD related to military sexual
      trauma.
AB  - Predictors of suicidal ideation (SI) were examined in a sample of veterans (N =
      128) diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to military
      sexual trauma. Suicidal ideation was predicted by both depressive symptom
      severity and posttraumatic symptom severity in separate correlation analyses.
      When controlling for the effects of depressive and posttraumatic symptom severity
      on one another in the prediction of SI in a single multiple regression model,
      however, only depressive symptoms independently predicted SI. These analyses
      suggest that the contribution of PTSD symptom severity to the prediction of SI is
      reduced by adding depressive symptoms. Hyperarousal symptom severity, however,
      was found in a separate multiple regression model to contribute independently to
      the prediction of SI controlling for depressive symptom severity.

PMID- 22095778
TI  - Toxicokinetic study of melamine in the presence and absence of cyanuric acid in
      rats.
AB  - Several lines of evidence show that the nephrotoxic effect of melamine (MEL) in
      animals is consistent with combined ingestion of MEL and cyanuric acid (CYA). The
      aim of the present study was to compare the toxicokinetics of MEL in the presence
      and absence of CYA, and to elucidate the correlation between toxicity and kinetic
      properties of MEL. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single oral dose of
      MEL (100 mg kg(-1) ) with or without CYA (100 mg kg(-1) ). Plasma and tissue
      samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC
      MS/MS) assay. Significant changes in toxicokinetic parameters of MEL such as
      lower maximum concentration (7.4 +/- 3.5 vs 78.0 +/- 11.0 ug ml(-1) ) and area
      under curve (94.9 +/- 53.5 vs 295.1 +/- 93.7 ug h ml(-1) ), higher plasma
      elimination half-life (7.0 +/- 3.3 vs 2.5 +/- 0.3 h) and volume of distribution
      (11 505.5 +/- 5030.3 vs 1312.7 +/- 337.7 ml kg(-1) ), as well as significantly
      higher concentration of MEL in rat kidney (2.96-274.15 vs < 1 ug g(-1) ) were
      detected in the CYA co-administration group when compared with MEL alone group (P
      < 0.05). The differences in kinetic parameters between the two groups meant that
      CYA co-administration could lower absorption, slow excretion and induce tissue
      accumulation of MEL, which correlated well with the generation and development of
      renal toxicity. In conclusion, co-administration with CYA leads to the alteration
      of the kinetic characteristics of MEL, which provides an additional explanation
      for renal toxicity.

PMID- 22095779
TI  - Rapid determination of lycopene and beta-carotene in tomato by liquid
      chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tomato fruit is a dietary source of carotenoids, bioactive
      antioxidant compounds that play an important role in the prevention of
      degenerative diseases. Several extraction and detection techniques regarding
      carotenoids in tomatoes can be found in the literature, mainly based on high
      performance liquid chromatography separation and ultraviolet-visible detection.
      RESULTS: The best extraction conditions and tandem mass spectrometry (MS)
      analysis were evaluated: lycopene and beta-carotene were extracted in a
      cyclohexane/ethyl acetate mixture without the addition of antioxidants, next
      separated by liquid chromatography on a C(18) column and then determined through
      electrospray tandem MS. Ionic suppression by the matrix in negative ionisation
      mode did not allow the analysis of extracts, hence the positive ionisation mode
      was chosen. Validation parameters demonstrated the suitability for purpose of the
      analytical method: accuracy, precision, linearity and detection limits were
      adequate. The method was finally applied to different tomato samples, and
      differences could be easily highlighted. CONCLUSION: The method was simple, fast
      and appropriate for the purpose of analysing lycopene and beta-carotene in
      tomatoes.

PMID- 22095780
TI  - Homozygosity mapping identifies a bile acid biosynthetic defect in an adult with
      cirrhosis of unknown etiology.
AB  - The most common inborn error of bile acid metabolism is 3beta-hydroxy-Delta(5)
      C(27)-steroid oxidoreductase (3beta-HSD) deficiency, a disorder that usually
      presents in early childhood with hepatic dysfunction. Timely diagnosis of this
      disorder is crucial because it can be effectively treated with primary bile acid
      replacement. Here we describe a 24-year-old woman from Iran with cirrhosis of
      unknown etiology. Her sister and a first cousin died of cirrhosis (ages 19 and 6
      years) and another 32-year-old first cousin had a self-limited liver disorder in
      childhood that resolved at age 9 years. The family history suggested that the
      affected family members were homozygous for a mutant allele inherited identical
      by-descent. A genome-wide analysis of 2.4 million single nucleotide polymorphisms
      was performed to identify regions of homozygosity that were present in the
      proband and the 32-year-old first cousin, but not in a healthy relative. One of
      these regions contained the gene encoding 3beta-HSD (HSD3B7). Sequence analysis
      of HSD3B7 revealed that the proband and her 32-year-old cousin were homozygous
      for a frameshift mutation (c.45_46del AG, p.T15Tfsx27) in exon 1. The diagnosis
      of 3beta-HSD deficiency was confirmed by documenting high levels of 3beta-hydroxy
      Delta(5) bile acids in the serum of the proband and the 32-year-old first cousin
      using mass spectrometry. To our knowledge, the 32-year-old relative in this
      family represents the oldest asymptomatic patient with this disorder. CONCLUSION:
      This study highlights the clinical utility of homozygosity mapping in diagnosing
      autosomal recessive metabolic disorders. This family illustrates the wide
      variation in expressivity that occurs in 3beta-HSD deficiency and underscores the
      need to consider a bile acid synthetic defect as a possible cause of liver
      disease in adults.

PMID- 22095781
TI  - Molecular alterations in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by dietary methyl
      deficiency.
AB  - A chronic deficiency of major dietary methyl group donors--methionine, choline,
      folic acid, and vitamin B12--can induce the development of liver cancer in
      rodents. Feeding methyl-deficient diets causes several molecular alterations,
      including altered lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, deregulated one-carbon
      metabolism, and a number of epigenetic abnormalities that result in progressive
      liver injury culminating in the development of primary liver tumors. Importantly,
      this methyl-deficient model of endogenous hepatocarcinogenesis is one of the most
      relevant models of human liver carcinogenesis that allows studying liver cancer
      pathogenesis by substantially complementing many shortcomings of humans-only
      studies. In this review, we describe molecular changes and their role in
      pathogenesis of liver carcinogenesis induced by methyl deficiency.

PMID- 22095782
TI  - Design and characterization of a dynamic vibrational culture system.
AB  - To engineer a functional vocal fold tissue, the mechanical environment of the
      native tissue needs to be emulated in vitro. We have created a dynamic culture
      system capable of generating vibratory stimulations at human phonation
      frequencies. The novel device is composed of a function generator, a power
      amplifier, an enclosed loudspeaker and a circumferentially-anchored silicone
      membrane. The vibration signals are translated to the membrane aerodynamically by
      the oscillating air pressure underneath. The vibration profiles detected on the
      membrane were symmetrical relative to the centre of the membrane as well as the
      resting position over the range of frequencies (60-300 Hz) and amplitudes tested
      (1-30 um). The oscillatory motion of the membrane gave rise to two orthogonal, in
      plane strain components that are similar in magnitude (0.47%) and are strong
      functions of membrane thickness. Neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (NFFs) attached to
      the membrane were subjected to a 1 h vibration at 60, 110 and 300 Hz, with the
      displacement at the centre of the membrane varying in the range 1-30 um, followed
      by a 6 h rest. These regimens did not cause morphological changes to the cells.
      An increase in cell proliferation was detected when NFFs were driven into
      oscillation at 110 Hz with a normal displacement of 30 um. qPCR results showed
      that the expression of genes encoding some extracellular matrix proteins was
      altered in response to changes in vibratory frequency and amplitude. The dynamic
      culture device provides a potentially useful in vitro platform for evaluating
      cellular responses to vibration.

PMID- 22095783
TI  - Cryo-electron microscopy of ribosomal complexes in cotranslational folding,
      targeting, and translocation.
AB  - Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) became a well-established
      method to study the structure and function of large macromolecular assemblies in
      a close to physiological environment. Cryo-EM reconstructions of ribosomal
      complexes trapped at different stages during translation, cotranslational
      targeting, and translocation provide new insights on a molecular level into these
      processes, which are vital for the correct localization and folding of all
      proteins in the cell. The EM structures in combination with biochemical
      experiments and available high-resolution crystal or nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR) structures of individual factors and of the ribosome allow for
      interpretation in quasi-atomic detail of the molecular mechanism of ribosomal
      complexes, their conformational changes and dynamic interactions with factors
      like the signal recognition particle, SRP receptor, the translocon, and the
      chaperone trigger factor. The snapshots obtained by single-particle EM
      reconstructions enable us to follow the path of a nascent protein from the
      peptidyl-transferase center, through the ribosomal tunnel, to and across the
      translocon in the membrane. With new developments in image processing techniques
      it is possible to sort a biological homogenous sample into different
      conformational states and to reach subnanometer resolution such that folding of
      the nascent chain into secondary structure elements can be directly visualized.
      With improved cryo-electron tomography and correlative light microscopy and EM,
      it will be possible to visualize ribosomal complexes in their cellular context.

PMID- 22095784
TI  - Continuous flow system with a polymer-supported dirhodium(II) catalyst:
      application to enantioselective carbonyl ylide cycloaddition reactions.

PMID- 22095785
TI  - Functional polyolefins: poly(ethylene)-graft-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) via atom
      transfer radical polymerization from a polybrominated alkane.
AB  - Poly(cis-cyclooctene) is synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization
      in the presence of a chain-transfer agent and quantitatively hydrobrominated.
      Subsequent graft polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) via Cu-catalyzed
      atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from the non-activated secondary
      alkyl bromide moieties finally results in PE-g-PtBA copolymer brushes. By varying
      the reaction conditions, a series of well-defined graft copolymers with different
      graft densities and graft lengths are prepared. The maximum extent of grafting in
      terms of bromoalkyl groups involved is approximately 80 mol%. DSC measurements on
      the obtained graft copolymers reveal a decrease in T(m)  with increasing grafting
      density.

PMID- 22095786
TI  - African American men significantly underestimate their risk of having prostate
      cancer at the time of biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidelines for prostate cancer (PCa) screening recommend physicians
      to have an informational discussion with patients. At the time of biopsy,
      patients should be informed of their heightened PCa risk, particularly African
      Americans (AA) who have significantly higher diagnostic and mortality risk. We
      tested predictors of patients' estimation of their likelihood of having PCa at
      the time of biopsy. METHODS: A convenience sample of AA (n = 207) and white (n =
      271) biopsy patients was surveyed at the time of prostate biopsy. Participants
      gave likelihood estimations of having PCa and data on their socio-demographics,
      health, clinical status, and general and PCa-specific anxiety. Binary logistic
      regressions tested for predictors of the patients' estimations and biopsy
      results. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of AA men answered that they had a '0%'
      likelihood of having PCa versus 19% of whites, whereas 57% of AA men had abnormal
      biopsies compared with 42% of whites. In logistic regressions, predictors of
      patient answers of 0% chance of PCa were AA ethnicity (OR = 4.50; p < 0.001),
      lower cancer-specific anxiety (OR = 0.93; p < 0.01), less education (OR = 2.38; p
      < 0.05), and less urinary disturbance (OR = 0.70; p < .05). In a second
      regression, AA patients trended towards higher positive biopsy rates (OR = 1.43;
      p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: At biopsy, AA more often estimated their likelihood of
      PCa as 0%, despite higher risks. Reasons for these low estimates and their
      potential contribution to poor treatment outcomes of AA patients require further
      investigation.

PMID- 22095787
TI  - P2Y6 receptor contributes to neutrophil recruitment to inflamed intestinal mucosa
      by increasing CXC chemokine ligand 8 expression in an AP-1-dependent manner in
      epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by the presence of
      CXCL8 at the site of lesions resulting in neutrophil recruitment and loss of
      tissue functions. We report that P2Y(6) receptor activation stimulates CXCL8
      expression and release by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In this context, we
      investigated if uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) enemas stimulate neutrophil
      recruitment to the mucosa of mice suffering from colitis-like disease and we
      characterized the signaling events linking P2Y(6) to CXCL8 expression in IEC.
      METHODS: Neutrophil recruitment was monitored by immunofluorescence and FACS
      analysis. Expression of Cxcl1, a mouse functional homolog of CXCL8, was
      determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
      Pharmacological inhibitors and interfering RNAs were used to characterize the
      signaling pathway. The outcomes of these treatments on protein phosphorylation
      and on CXCL8 expression were characterized by western blots, qPCR, luciferase,
      and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. RESULTS: Mutation of the AP-1
      site in the CXCL8 core promoter abolished the UDP-stimulating effect. The c-fos/c
      jun dimer was identified as the AP-1 complex regulating CXCL8 in response to UDP
      stimulation. Regulation of CXCL8 expression by P2Y(6) required PKCdelta
      activation upstream of the signaling pathway composed of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and c-fos.
      UDP administration to mice suffering from colitis-like disease increased the
      number of neutrophil infiltrating the mucosa, correlating with Cxcl1 increased
      expression in IEC and the severity of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: This study not
      only describes the P2Y(6) signaling mechanism regulating CXCL8 expression in IEC,
      but it also illustrates the potential of targeting P2Y(6) to reduce intestinal
      inflammation.

PMID- 22095788
TI  - Human testis-derived embryonic stem cell-like cells are not pluripotent, but
      possess potential of mesenchymal progenitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous in vitro transition of undifferentiated spermatogonia
      into the pluripotent cell state has been achieved using neonatal and adult mouse
      testis tissue. In an effort to establish an analogous source of human patient
      specific pluripotent stem cells, several research groups have described the
      derivation of embryonic stem cell-like cells from primary cultures of human
      testis. These cells are characterized in all studies as growing in compact
      colonies, expressing pluripotency-associated markers and possessing multilineage
      differentiation capabilities in vitro, but only one study claimed their ability
      to induce teratomas. This controversy initiated a debate about the pluripotent
      state and origin of human testis-derived ES-like cells (htES-like cells).
      METHODS: htES-like cell colonies were obtained from primary testicular cultures
      of three individuals and selectively expanded using culture conditions known to
      support the propagation of blastocyst-derived human embryonic stem cells (ESCs),
      mouse epiblast stem cells and 'naive' human ESCs. The stem cell properties of
      htES-like cells were subsequently assessed by testing the expression of ESC
      specific markers, differentiation abilities in vitro and in vivo, and microarray
      profiling. RESULTS: The expression of pluripotency-associated markers in htES
      like cells and their differentiation abilities differed significantly from those
      of ESCs. Gene expression microarray analysis revealed that htES-like cells
      possess a transcriptome distinct from human ESCs and fibroblasts, but closely
      resembling the transcriptome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The similarity to
      MSCs was confirmed by detection of SSEA4/CD146 expressing cells within htES-like
      colonies and efficient in vitro differentiation toward three mesodermal lineages
      (adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these
      results indicate that htES-like cells, in contrast to pluripotent stem cells
      derived from adult mouse testis, are not pluripotent and most likely not of germ
      cell but of mesenchymal origin.

PMID- 22095790
TI  - Delaying mandatory folic acid fortification policy perpetuates health
      inequalities: results from a retrospective study of postpartum New Zealand women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internationally, poor periconceptional folic acid uptake has been
      associated with lower socioeconomic status, minority ethnicity status and
      unintentional pregnancy. The aim of this study was to describe the extent to
      which a proposed bread fortification mandate would modify these associations.
      METHODS: A retrospective survey of postpartum women in hospitals and birthing
      centres across New Zealand was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.
      Details on supplement use and bread intake in the periconceptional period, and
      maternal socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were obtained. Criteria
      for the adequate intake of folic acid through proposed mandatory fortification
      were the habitual consumption of three or more slices of bread/day (118-150 MUg
      folic acid/day) in the month prior to conception, and during the first trimester
      of pregnancy. RESULTS: Of the 968 women approached, 758 (78%) agreed to
      participate. Thirty-three percent of women reported having used folic acid
      supplements as recommended during the periconceptional period. The proportion of
      women who would have achieved adequate folic acid intake increased to 59% with
      mandatory fortification. Socio-demographic predictors of poor folic acid intake
      from supplements, including younger maternal age, increasing parity, minority
      ethnicity status, lower education and less income, were rendered either non
      significant or appreciably attenuated when mandatory fortification was modelled.
      Notably, the fully adjusted odds ratio for pregnancy planning was reduced from
      17.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.13-36.55] to 2.61 (95% CI: 1.73-3.93; both
      P< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Few women comply with periconceptional folic acid
      recommendations and thus the maximal prevention of neural tube defects is still
      far from being attained. Data from this retrospective study demonstrate that
      mandatory fortification benefits segments of the population less likely to use
      supplements. This finding has compelling policy implications in countries yet to
      mandate the folic acid fortification of a staple food.

PMID- 22095789
TI  - A maternally inherited autosomal point mutation in human phospholipase C zeta
      (PLCzeta) leads to male infertility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Male factor and idiopathic infertility contribute significantly to
      global infertility, with abnormal testicular gene expression considered to be a
      major cause. Certain types of male infertility are caused by failure of the sperm
      to activate the oocyte, a process normally regulated by calcium oscillations,
      thought to be induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C, PLCzeta (PLCzeta).
      Previously, we identified a point mutation in an infertile male resulting in the
      substitution of histidine for proline at position 398 of the protein sequence
      (PLCzeta(H398P)), leading to abnormal PLCzeta function and infertility. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Here, using a combination of direct-sequencing and mini-sequencing
      of the PLCzeta gene from the patient and his family, we report the identification
      of a second PLCzeta mutation in the same patient resulting in a histidine to
      leucine substitution at position 233 (PLCzeta(H233L)), which is predicted to
      disrupt local protein interactions in a manner similar to PLCzeta(H398P) and was
      shown to exhibit abnormal calcium oscillatory ability following predictive 3D
      modelling and cRNA injection in mouse oocytes respectively. We show that
      PLCzeta(H233L) and PLCzeta(H398P) exist on distinct parental chromosomes, the
      former inherited from the patient's mother and the latter from his father.
      Neither mutation was detected utilizing custom-made single-nucleotide
      polymorphism assays in 100 fertile males and females, or 8 infertile males with
      characterized oocyte activation deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our
      findings provide further evidence regarding the importance of PLCzeta at oocyte
      activation and forms of male infertility where this is deficient. Additionally,
      we show that the inheritance patterns underlying male infertility are more
      complex than previously thought and may involve maternal mechanisms.

PMID- 22095791
TI  - Cold-shock domain family member YB-1 expression in endometrium and endometriosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Y-box-binding protein (YB-1) is described as a potential oncogene
      highly expressed in tumors and associated with increased cell survival,
      proliferation, migration and anti-apoptotic signaling. The aim of our study was
      to examine the expression and role of YB-1 in human endometriosis (Eo) and its
      association with cell survival, proliferation and invasion. METHODS: We analyzed
      the gene and protein expression levels of YB-1 by quantitative real-time RT-PCR
      and immunoassays, respectively, in peritoneal macrophages, ovarian endometrioma
      and eutopic endometrial tissues/cells derived from women with (n= 120) and
      without (n= 91) Eo. We also evaluated the functional consequences of YB-1
      knockdown in the Z12 Eo cell line by measuring cell proliferation [3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromid cell proliferation assay],
      invasion (Matrigel invasion assay) and spontaneous and tumour necrosis factor
      (TNFalpha)-induced RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and
      secreted chemokine) expression and apoptosis (ELISA-based assay). RESULTS: YB-1
      gene and protein expression was statistically significantly higher in ovarian
      lesions, eutopic endometrium and peritoneal macrophages of patients with Eo in
      comparison with the control group. Interestingly, the strongest YB-1 expression
      was observed in the epithelial compartment of endometrial tissues. In the Z12
      cell line, YB-1 knockdown resulted in significant cell growth inhibitory effects
      including reduced cell proliferation and increased rates of spontaneous and
      TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. Significantly, higher RANTES expression and decreased
      cell invasion in vitro were also associated with YB-1 inactivation. CONCLUSION:
      High YB-1 expression could have an impact on the development and progression of
      Eo. This study suggests the role of YB-1 as a potential therapeutic target for Eo
      patients.

PMID- 22095792
TI  - The effect of recombinant LH on embryo quality: a randomized controlled trial in
      women with poor ovarian reserve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor ovarian response is a common clinical problem, affecting up to
      26% of IVF cycles. For these women, addition of recombinant luteinizing hormone
      (rLH) to ovarian hyperstimulation with recombinant FSH has a beneficial effect on
      ongoing pregnancy rates, but its effect on the yield of top-quality embryos is
      unknown. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in women expected to
      respond poorly under ovarian hyperstimulation during their first IVF cycle [all
      women aged 35-41 and women with FSH > 12 IU/ml and antral follicle count (AFC) <=
      5]. Women were randomly allocated to rFSH and rLH (2:1 ratio) or rFSH alone
      (control group) after down-regulation with a GnRH agonist. The primary outcome
      was the proportion of top-quality embryos per woman on the day of transfer.
      Secondary outcomes were the number of stimulation days, the number of follicles
      >=17 mm, the number of oocytes, the fertilization rate, the number of embryos,
      the number of women with >=1 top-quality embryo, the biochemical, clinical and
      ongoing pregnancy rates and the miscarriage rate. RESULTS: There were 116 women
      allocated to the rLH group and 128 allocated to the control group. The proportion
      of top-quality embryos per woman was 17% in the rLH group and 11% in the control
      group [mean difference 0.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.01-0.14]. In the rLH
      and control groups respectively, 47 (41%) and 41 (32%) women had at least one top
      quality embryo on the day of transfer (relative risk: 1.3, 95% CI 0.91-1.77). The
      ongoing pregnancy rate was 13 versus 12% (relative risk: 1.1; 95% CI 0.57-2.16)
      for the rLH group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study found
      no significant difference in embryo quality after the addition of rLH to rFSH for
      ovarian stimulation in women with poor ovarian reserve. CLINICAL TRIALS
      IDENTIFIER: NTR1457.

PMID- 22095793
TI  - Preliminary findings on the use of metadoxine for the treatment of alcohol
      dependence and alcoholic liver disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Metadoxine is approved in Europe for alcohol intoxication and is also
      indicated for alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This study aims to investigate the
      use of metadoxine as a potential pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence (AD).
      METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 94 outpatients with AD, who received
      metadoxine for alcohol intoxication and were assessed for alcohol consumption,
      craving [Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] and liver-related and alcohol-related
      biomarkers [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT),
      gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, mean corpuscular volume]. RESULTS: Range of
      metadoxine dose was 500-2000 mg/day, with a mean dose of 1277(s.d.290) mg/day,
      and for a period of 2-42 days, with a mean period of 8.9(s.d.7.0) days. Follow-up
      data were available for 52 patients (55.3%); 35(67.3%) patients were completely
      abstinent. There was a significant decrease in drinks per week, even after
      substituting baseline drinking as follow-up data for dropouts (p < 0.001) and
      examining drinking pre-treatment and post-treatment for those who did not achieve
      abstinence (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the VAS (p < 0.001)
      and a significant improvement in the AST/ALT ratio (p = 0.03). DISCUSSION:
      Despite important limitations, this study represents a further preliminary
      observation suggesting metadoxine as a novel alcohol pharmacotherapy, including
      in alcohol-dependent patients with ALD.

PMID- 22095794
TI  - DOSY-NMR analysis of ring-closing metathesis (RCM) products from beta-lactam
      precursors.
AB  - The discrimination between cyclomonomers and various oligomers formed during a
      ring-closing metathesis (RCM) process is not an easy task. Their (1)H NMR
      patterns are often very similar, and the use of mass spectrometry techniques is
      usually recommended. Here, we show that the DOSY-NMR method is a reliable tool to
      help in the identification of cyclomonomers versus cyclodimers by comparing the
      translational diffusion coefficient of the compounds issued from RCM reactions
      with the diffusion coefficient of their respective precursors.

PMID- 22095795
TI  - Enriched designs for assessing discriminatory performance--analysis of bias and
      variance.
AB  - In evaluating discriminatory performance of a new modality in a screening
      setting, a logistical constraint is that the prevalence of the disease of
      interest is typically very low. This implies that under a standard study design
      large numbers of subjects have to be evaluated using the new modality. However,
      if a predicate modality exists in clinical practice, one can base inclusion into
      the study of the new modality on the clinical results from the predicate to
      'enrich' the population of diseased subjects in the study. If this enrichment is
      not accounted for when estimating sensitivity, specificity, and area under the
      ROC curve, these 'naive' estimates may be substantially biased compared with
      expected performance in the intended use population. We derive expressions for
      the magnitude of this bias in terms of correlations of modality scores. When such
      estimates are 'corrected' for the sampling weights using inverse probability
      weighting, the variances of the estimates of the above quantities are affected.
      We derive here analytic expressions for these variances. For a fixed number of
      diseased subjects, differential sampling increases the variance of the
      (corrected) estimates, all other things being equal. However, differential
      sampling also increases the number with disease for fixed total study size, which
      decreases the variance of the sensitivity and area under the ROC curve estimates,
      all other things being equal. The balance of these two effects determines the
      gain in efficiency when using enrichment and corrected estimates. These
      principles are illustrated with a simulation study motivated by the Digital
      Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial study, a trial of digital versus screen film
      mammography.

PMID- 22095796
TI  - Selective host-guest binding of anions without auxiliary hydrogen bonds: entropy
      as an aid to design.

PMID- 22095797
TI  - Inhibited phenol ionization in reverse micelles: confinement effect at the
      nanometer scale.
AB  - We found that the absorption spectra of 2-acetylphenol (2-HAP), 4-acetylphenol (4
      HAP), and p-nitrophenol (p-NPh) in water/sodium 1,4-bis(2
      ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT)/n-heptane reverse micelles (RMs) at various W(0)
      (W(0) = [H(2)O]/[surfactant]) values studied changed with time if (-)OH ions were
      present in the RM water pool. There is an evolution of ionized phenol (phenolate)
      bands to nonionized phenol absorption bands with time and this process is faster
      at low W(0) values and with phenols with higher bulk water pK(a) values. That is,
      in bulk water and at the hydroxide anion concentration used, only phenolate
      species are observed, whereas in AOT RMs at this fixed hydroxide anion
      concentration, ionized phenols convert into nonionized phenol species over time.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that, independent of the (-)OH concentration used to
      prepare the AOT RMs, the nonionized phenols are the more stable species in the RM
      media. We explain our results by considering that strong hydrogen-bonding
      interactions between phenols and the AOT polar head groups result in the
      existence of only nonionized phenols at the AOT RM interface. The situation is
      quite different when the phenols are dissolved in cationic benzyl-n
      hexadecyldimethylammonium chloride RMs. Therein, only phenolates species are
      present at the (-)OH concentrations used. The results clearly demonstrate that
      the classical definition of pH does not apply in a confined environment, such as
      in the interior of RMs and challenge the general idea that pH can be determined
      inside RMs.

PMID- 22095798
TI  - Patterns of radiocarpal joint articular cartilage wear in cadavers.
AB  - The radiocarpal joint transmits about 80% of the compression forces crossing the
      wrist. However, primary osteoarthritis of this joint is surprisingly uncommon,
      suggesting that articular cartilage wear is not sufficient to produce arthritic
      symptoms. By examining the distal radius, scaphoid, and lunate in aged cadavers,
      wear patterns were charted and measured, allowing assessment of radiocarpal joint
      wear and mechanics. Bilateral radiocarpal joints of 16 females and 14 males (age
      77.7 +/- 14.4, N = 30) were exposed and measurements of the wear recorded
      microscopically. Wear locations were mapped, and X-Y loci and wear areas
      calculated. Gender right and sides compared. Over 95% of distal radius wear
      showed distinct radial-scaphoid and radial-lunate wear areas. These bilateral
      areas were in the palmar half of the distal radius. One main central wear area
      was seen in 95% of the scaphoid, and 97% of the lunate articular surfaces that
      were examined. Articular wear showed a circular pattern and was minimal in 95.7%
      of the surfaces, and the lunate showed the largest wear area. Wear patterns in
      males and females support the literature that for most ADLs the wrist is in
      slight extension and ulnar deviation. There are gender differences, but wear
      areas between sides were similar. Female wear indicates their wrist is positioned
      more often in a more extended and ulnarly deviated position than males. The wear
      patterns suggest rotational movements of the scaphoid and lunate during wrist
      motion and that the wrist is most often used in neutral flexion/extension to
      slight extension.

PMID- 22095799
TI  - Hepatic ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine predicts
      survival after partial hepatectomy in mice.
AB  - A major predictor of failed liver resection and transplantation is nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is linked to a wide spectrum of diseases
      including obesity and diabetes that are increasingly prevalent in Western
      populations. Thus, it is important to develop therapies aimed at improving
      posthepatectomy outcomes in patients with NAFLD, as well as to improve the
      evaluation of patients slated for hepatic surgery. Decreased hepatic
      phosphatidylcholine (PC) content and decreased ratio of hepatic PC to
      phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) have previously been linked to NAFLD. To determine
      if decreased hepatic PC/PE could predict survival after hepatectomy, we used
      mouse models lacking key enzymes in PC biosynthesis, namely,
      phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and hepatic-specific
      CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase alpha. These mice were fed a high-fat
      diet to induce NAFLD. We then performed a 70% partial hepatectomy and monitored
      postoperative survival. We identified hepatic PC/PE to be inversely correlated
      with the development of steatosis and inflammation in the progression of NAFLD.
      Decreased hepatic PC/PE before surgery was also strongly associated with
      decreased rates of survival after partial hepatectomy. Choline supplementation to
      the diet increased hepatic PC/PE in Pemt(-/-) mice with NAFLD, decreased
      inflammation, and increased the survival rate after partial hepatectomy.
      CONCLUSION: Decreased hepatic PC/PE is a predictor of NAFLD and survival
      following partial hepatectomy. Choline supplementation may serve as a potential
      therapy to prevent the progression of NAFLD and to improve postoperative outcome
      after liver surgery.

PMID- 22095800
TI  - Clobazam approved for seizure disorder.

PMID- 22095801
TI  - White House addresses drug shortages.

PMID- 22095802
TI  - CMS seeks pharmacists' engagement in new care models.

PMID- 22095803
TI  - Health system's readmission prevention plan relies on pharmacists.

PMID- 22095804
TI  - Forum discusses biosimilars, better biologicals.

PMID- 22095805
TI  - Duty hours for pharmacy residents.

PMID- 22095806
TI  - Enhancing faculty-student communication about residencies.

PMID- 22095807
TI  - Better letter of intent for pharmacy residency applications.

PMID- 22095808
TI  - Obtaining early clinical exposure as a pharmacy student.

PMID- 22095809
TI  - Implementation of a pharmacy-driven program to improve nasal mupirocin use.

PMID- 22095810
TI  - Assessing students' motivation during advanced pharmacy practice experiences.

PMID- 22095811
TI  - A major stride in the advancement of emergency medicine pharmacy.

PMID- 22095812
TI  - Pharmacokinetic considerations in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pharmacokinetic considerations in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass (RYGB) are explored. SUMMARY: The prevalence of obesity,
      especially morbid obesity, has dramatically increased in recent years. In
      response, the number of bariatric surgeries performed has risen sharply, as this
      surgery is the technique demonstrated as being the most effective for sustained
      treatment of morbid obesity. RYGB, the most popular technique in the United
      States, combines the principle of restriction (dramatically decreasing stomach
      size) with malabsorption (bypassing the entire duodenum). It stands to reason
      that a decrease in gastric and intestinal absorptive surface area may
      considerably affect oral bioavailability of some drugs. Drugs that require a more
      acidic environment for absorption, uncoating, or activation and drugs that rely
      on intestinal transporters located in the duodenum for proper absorption would be
      most affected. Practitioners looking for guidance in tailoring pharmacotherapy to
      the RYGB patient will find little help in the primary literature at this time.
      Until more pharmacokinetic studies are available, practitioners may apply and log
      P of individual the principles of pK(a) drugs in the attempt to predict the
      potential impact of the RYGB on a drug's absorption. Likewise, if a drug relies
      on certain transporters located with highest frequency in the duodenum,
      alternative therapies can be selected that do not rely on such transport
      mechanisms for absorption. CONCLUSION: The pK(a), log P, and intestinal transport
      mechanisms should be considered when determining which drugs may have altered
      pharmacokinetics in patients who have undergone RYGB.

PMID- 22095813
TI  - Combination of ketamine and propofol versus either agent alone for procedural
      sedation in the emergency department.
AB  - PURPOSE: The safety of using ketamine-propofol combinations as an alternative to
      using either agent alone for procedural sedation is discussed. SUMMARY: A total
      of 10 trials comparing the combination of ketamine and propofol with either agent
      alone for procedural sedation in the emergency department were examined. The
      evidence reviewed suggests that combining these agents may help to minimize
      adverse effects such as hypotension and respiratory depression. Ketamine is not
      commonly used as a single agent in adults because of the risk for emergence
      reactions; however, when combined with propofol, no significant increase in this
      adverse effect was found compared with propofol monotherapy. Administering
      ketamine and propofol can be accomplished by using a two-syringe technique or
      combining both medications into a single syringe. When two syringes are used, a
      ketamine 0.3-0.5-mg/kg i.v. bolus dose is administered, followed by a propofol
      0.4-1-mg/kg i.v. bolus dose. Sedation is maintained with intermittent i.v.
      boluses of propofol 0.1-0.5 mg/kg. A 1:1 ratio of ketamine and propofol can also
      be combined into a single syringe by using the same concentration (10 mg/mL) and
      equal volumes of each drug, yielding a final concentration of 5 mg/mL for each
      component. CONCLUSION: The combined use of ketamine and propofol is a reasonable
      alternative to propofol alone for procedural sedation in patients at higher risk
      for respiratory depression or hypotension. Use of the combination requires the
      development of standardized protocols for drug preparation and dosage to minimize
      the potential for errors.

PMID- 22095815
TI  - Professional policy as a catalyst to pharmacy's transformation.

PMID- 22095814
TI  - Probable acyclovir-induced angioedema in a patient with HIV infection and
      suspected varicella-zoster virus encephalitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: A probable acyclovir-associated hypersensitivity reaction resulting in
      severe facial angioedema and respiratory distress is reported. SUMMARY: A 51-year
      old woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and end-stage renal
      disease arrived at the emergency department (ED) with a diffuse rash on the chest
      and back; she was diagnosed with varicella-zoster virus infection, received one
      dose of i.v. acyclovir, and was discharged home with a prescription for
      valacyclovir. After taking one dose of the drug, she became confused and
      agitated. The next day the patient returned to the ED; she was confused and
      unresponsive, with signs and symptoms suggesting viral encephalitis. After a
      workup including lumbar puncture fluid, she was treated empirically with i.v.
      acyclovir for viral encephalitis. Within one hour of receiving the acyclovir
      infusion, the patient developed angioedema of the lips, tongue, and periorbital
      areas requiring intubation and transfer to the intensive care unit. Further
      acyclovir therapy was withheld, and foscarnet therapy was initiated for the
      presumptive treatment of viral encephalitis. Over the next few days, the
      patient's angioedema completely resolved; her mental status gradually improved
      while she completed a 14-day course of foscarnet therapy. The application of the
      Naranjo scale indicated a probable adverse reaction to acyclovir, likely mediated
      by acyclovir-specific immunoglobulin E, highlighting the need to consider
      alternative antiviral agents without cross-reactivity to acyclovir in patients
      with confirmed or suspected viral encephalitis. CONCLUSION: A 51-year-old woman
      with HIV infection developed probable acyclovir-induced angioedema after
      receiving i.v. acyclovir therapy for suspected viral encephalitis.

PMID- 22095816
TI  - Physical compatibility of telavancin hydrochloride with select i.v. drugs during
      simulated Y-site administration.
AB  - PURPOSE: The physical compatibility of telavancin with select i.v. drugs during
      simulated Y-site administration was evaluated. METHODS: Telavancin for injection
      was reconstituted according to manufacturer's recommendations and diluted with
      0.9% sodium chloride injection, 5% dextrose injection, or lactated Ringer's
      injection to a concentration of 7.5 mg/mL. A Y site was simulated in culture
      tubes by mixing 5 mL of telavancin solution with 5 mL of a tested drug solution
      and then switching the order of drug mixing. All mixtures were prepared in
      duplicate and stored at room temperature. Solutions were inspected for visual,
      turbidity, and pH changes immediately after preparation and 15, 60, and 120
      minutes after preparation. RESULTS: Of the 52 drugs tested, telavancin was
      physically compatible with 39 drugs in all test solutions. Telavancin was
      incompatible with amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B, digoxin,
      esomeprazole sodium, furosemide, levofloxacin, and micafungin sodium in all
      diluents. Colistimethate sodium, cyclosporine, heparin sodium, imipenem
      cilastatin sodium, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, and propofol were
      incompatible with telavancin in specific diluents. Incompatibilities included
      precipitation, positive Tyndall beam test, and increases in turbidity. There were
      no substantial changes in pH over the 120-minute study period. CONCLUSION:
      Telavancin 7.5 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 5% dextrose injection,
      and lactated Ringer's injection was found to be physically compatible for 120
      minutes at room temperature with 39 of the 52 drugs tested during simulated Y
      site administration. Seven drugs were incompatible in all diluents, and 6 were
      incompatible in at least one diluent.

PMID- 22095817
TI  - Evaluating and classifying pharmacists' quality interventions in the emergency
      department.
AB  - PURPOSE: The results of an evaluation of the impact of pharmacists' medication
      related interventions on quality of care in the emergency department (ED) setting
      are reported. METHODS: Using data from a previously published observational study
      of medication errors intercepted by ED pharmacists at four academic medical
      centers, trained reviewers retrospectively analyzed 130 additional pharmacist
      interventions (those not categorized as medication errors in the primary study)
      over a specified four-month period to identify "quality interventions" (QIs),
      defined as those that (1) prevented misuse, underuse, or overuse of medications
      or (2) improved adherence to quality standards or evidence-based medicine (EBM)
      standards. The study included an evaluation of the medication classes associated
      with QIs and the acceptance of pharmacist-recommended QIs. RESULTS: The reviewers
      identified a total of 91 pharmacist QIs at the four sites during the study period
      (2.3 QIs per 100 patients or about 1 QI per 100 medication orders). About 45% of
      the identified QIs improved adherence with EBM or national quality standards;
      other QIs prevented medication underuse (34%), misuse (14%), or overuse (6%).
      Pharmacists' QIs most often pertained to antiinfective agents (39%),
      cardiovascular agents (13%), and anticoagulants and thrombolytics (12%). The
      overall rate of acceptance of pharmacists' QIs was 93.4%. CONCLUSION: A secondary
      analysis of data from a previously published study at four medical centers
      indicated that ED pharmacists often recommend interventions that improve the
      quality of medication use and adherence to EBM and national quality standards.

PMID- 22095818
TI  - Clinical and economic analysis of short-course versus standard-course
      antithymocyte globulin (rabbit) induction therapy in deceased-donor renal
      transplant recipients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The immunosuppressive effects of and costs associated with short-course
      antithymocyte globulin rabbit (ATG [rabbit]) therapy versus standard-course ATG
      (rabbit) therapy in deceased-donor renal transplant recipients were evaluated.
      METHODS: The records of 84 consecutive patients who received a deceased-donor
      renal transplant at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation in 2008
      were retrospectively reviewed. Donor and recipient characteristics, including
      rates of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection, serum creatinine (SCr) levels, and
      frequency of complications, and drug costs were collected. Patients were excluded
      if they had donor-specific antibodies identified before transplantation or
      hepatitis-C-positive serology or were under 18 years of age. RESULTS: A total of
      60 patients were included in the study, with 28 receiving short-course ATG
      (rabbit) therapy and 32 receiving standard-course ATG (rabbit) therapy. Baseline
      patient demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Six months after
      transplantation, biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes did not significantly
      differ between the short-course ATG (rabbit) and standard-course ATG (rabbit)
      groups (17.8% versus 12.5%, respectively), nor did SCr concentrations (1.56 mg/dL
      versus 1.85 mg/dL). The frequency of therapy-related leukopenia was greater in
      patients receiving standard-course ATG (rabbit). Patients treated with short
      course ATG (rabbit) received a total mean dose of 4.6 mg/kg, compared with 7.3
      mg/kg for patients in the standard-course ATG (rabbit) group, resulting in a mean
      cost saving of $2548 per patient. CONCLUSION: After six months, there were no
      significant differences in biopsy- confirmed acute rejection episodes or SCr
      levels between deceased-donor renal transplant recipients receiving short-course
      versus standard-course ATG (rabbit) induction therapy. The mean cost saving
      associated with short-course therapy was $2548 per patient.

PMID- 22095819
TI  - An advanced teaching certificate program for postgraduate year 2 residents.
AB  - PURPOSE: The rationale, structure, and elements of a teaching certificate program
      for second-year pharmacy residents are described. SUMMARY: Evidence suggests that
      postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residents generally have limited options for
      the continued development of their teaching skills after the completion of a
      postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) teaching certificate program. To expand those options,
      the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy developed a program (implemented
      during the 2005-06 residency year and formalized during the 2010-11 residency
      year) of advanced teaching-skills development that allows PGY2 residents to build
      on the foundational skills acquired in its PGY1 teaching certificate program; the
      new program also has been adapted to meet the needs of incoming PGY2 residents
      who earned PGY1-level teaching certificates at other institutions. The teaching
      certificate program comprises eight modules of instruction in advanced topic
      areas (e.g., course coordination, grading, active learning, teaching with
      technology) designed to prepare PGY2 residents for future faculty and preceptor
      positions. Among other required and optional activities, residents in the PGY2
      certificate program receive hands-on instruction in course-coordination duties
      through a shadowing experience, serve as preceptors to fourth-year pharmacy
      students under the guidance of the residency director, and redeliver refined
      versions of lectures originally presented as PGY1 residents. CONCLUSION: A
      teaching certificate program specifically designed for PGY2 residents has allowed
      participants to continue to develop and refine their teaching skills through
      learning activities beyond those provided in the PGY1 program.

PMID- 22095820
TI  - Implementing an electronic medical record with computerized prescriber order
      entry at a critical access hospital.

PMID- 22095821
TI  - ASHP guidelines on emergency medicine pharmacist services.

PMID- 22095822
TI  - Mrp2 is involved in the efflux and disposition of fosinopril.
AB  - The multidrug-resistance-associated proteins 1 and 2 (MRP1/MRP2) are transporters
      responsible for the efflux of drugs and endogenous compounds. Madin Darby canine
      kidney (MDCK) cells transfected with the human MRP1 or MRP2 genes were used to
      assess whether several widely used pharmaceuticals are potential substrates by
      examining their differential toxicity, accumulation and efflux. Loratadine, an
      antihistamine, was 1.4-fold less toxic to MRP1 cells and its retention was 1.3
      fold lower than that from MDCK control cells. Fosinopril, an angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor, was 2.4-fold less toxic and its retention was 4.5
      fold lower in MRP2-transfected cells compared with control cells. To determine
      whether fosinopril contributed to a drug-drug interaction, fosinopril efflux was
      examined in vitro in combination with other known or suspected MRP2 substrates
      over a period of 20 min. When fosinopril was coincubated with desloratadine,
      loratadine or methotrexate, its retention was increased by 2-, 4.7- and 2-fold,
      respectively, which likely indicates that a drug-drug interaction is occurring.
      In vivo studies were conducted, in which FVB wild-type and FVB/Mrp2(-/-) mice
      were dosed with fosinopril and the known MRP2 substrate methotrexate, and tissues
      collected after 1 h. In mice lacking Mrp2, drug levels were reduced in the
      intestine by 1.5-fold, but increased in the liver, serum and kidneys, by 2.1-,
      2.9- and 3-fold, respectively. These data suggest that, in the absence of Mrp2,
      fosinopril alters the retention of a second drug. These findings will help
      increase our understanding of the role that MRP2 plays in altering the retention
      and disposition of coadministered pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 22095824
TI  - Metabolic syndrome: evidences for a personalized nutrition.
AB  - Both insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia are determined by genetic and
      environmental factors. Depending on their expression and their function, gene
      variants may influence either insulin action or other metabolic traits. Nutrition
      also plays an important role in the development and progression of these
      conditions. Genetic background may interact with habitual dietary fat
      composition, affecting predisposition to insulin resistance syndrome and
      individual responsiveness to changes in dietary fat intake. In this context,
      nutrigenetics has emerged as a multidisciplinary field focusing on studying the
      interactions between nutritional and genetic factors and health outcomes. Due to
      the complex nature of gene-environment interactions, however, dietary therapy may
      require a "personalized" nutrition approach in the future. Although the results
      have not always been consistent, gene variants that affect primary insulin
      action, and particularly their interaction with the environment, are important
      modulators of glucose metabolism. The purpose of this review is to present some
      evidence of studies that have already demonstrated the significance of gene
      nutrient interactions (adiponectin gene, Calpain-10, glucokinase regulatory
      protein, transcription factor 7-like 2, leptin receptor, scavenger receptor class
      B type I etc.) that influence insulin resistance in subjects with metabolic
      syndrome.

PMID- 22095823
TI  - Genetic variation of pre-mRNA alternative splicing in human populations.
AB  - The precise splicing outcome of a transcribed gene is controlled by complex
      interactions between cis regulatory splicing signals and trans-acting regulators.
      In higher eukaryotes, alternative splicing is a prevalent mechanism for
      generating transcriptome and proteome diversity. Alternative splicing can
      modulate gene function, affect organismal phenotype and cause disease. Common
      genetic variation that affects splicing regulation can lead to differences in
      alternative splicing between human individuals and consequently impact expression
      level or protein function. In several well-documented examples, such natural
      variation of alternative splicing has indeed been shown to influence disease
      susceptibility and drug response. With new microarray and sequencing-based
      genomic technologies that can analyze eukaryotic transcriptomes at the exon or
      nucleotide level, it has become possible to globally compare the alternative
      splicing profiles across human individuals in any tissue or cell type of
      interest. Recent large-scale transcriptome studies using high-density splicing
      sensitive microarray and deep RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) have revealed widespread
      genetic variation of alternative splicing in humans. In the future, an extensive
      catalog of alternative splicing variation in human populations will help
      elucidate the molecular underpinnings of complex traits and human diseases, and
      shed light on the mechanisms of splicing regulation in human cells.

PMID- 22095825
TI  - Reciprocal actions of ATF5 and Shh in proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron
      progenitor cells.
AB  - Precise regulation of neuroprogenitor cell proliferation and differentiation is
      required for successful brain development, but the factors that contribute to
      this are only incompletely understood. The transcription factor ATF5 promotes
      proliferation of cerebral cortical neuroprogenitor cells and its down regulation
      permits their differentiation. Here, we examine the expression and regulation of
      ATF5 in cerebellar granule neuron progenitor cells (CGNPs) as well as the role of
      ATF5 in the transition of CGNPs to postmitotic cerebellar granule neurons (GCNs).
      We find that ATF5 is expressed by proliferating CGNPs in both the embryonic and
      postnatal cerebellar external granule layer (EGL) and in the rhombic lip, the
      embryonic structure from which the EGL arises. In contrast, ATF5 is undetectable
      in postmitotic GCNs. In highly enriched dissociated cultures of CGNPs and CGNs,
      ATF5 is expressed only in CGNPs. Constitutive ATF5 expression in CGNPs does not
      affect their proliferation or exit from the cell cycle. In contrast, in presence
      of sonic hedgehog (Shh), a mitogen for CGNPs, constitutively expressed ATF5
      promotes CGNP proliferation and delays their cell cycle exit and differentiation.
      Conversely, ATF5 loss-of-function conferred by a dominant-negative form of ATF5
      significantly diminishes Shh-stimulated CGNP proliferation and promotes
      differentiation. In parallel with its stimulation of CGNP proliferation, Shh
      enhances ATF5 expression by what appeared to be a posttranscriptional mechanism
      involving protein stabilization. These findings indicate a reciprocal interaction
      between ATF5 and Shh in which Shh stimulates ATF5 expression and in which ATF5
      contributes to Shh-stimulated CGNP expansion.

PMID- 22095826
TI  - Status of cardiovascular health in US adults: prevalence estimates from the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association's 2020 Strategic Impact Goals define a
      new concept, cardiovascular (CV) health; however, current prevalence estimates of
      the status of CV health in US adults according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity
      have not been published. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 14 515 adults (>=20
      years of age) from the 2003 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Surveys. Participants were stratified by young (20-39 years), middle (40-64
      years), and older (>=65 years) ages. CV health behaviors (diet, physical
      activity, body mass index, smoking) and CV health factors (blood pressure, total
      cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, smoking) were defined as poor, intermediate,
      or ideal. Fewer than 1% of adults exhibited ideal CV health for all 7 metrics.
      For CV health behaviors, nonsmoking was most prevalent (range, 60.2%-90.4%),
      whereas ideal Healthy Diet Score was least prevalent (range, 0.2%-2.6%) across
      groups. Prevalences of ideal body mass index (range, 36.5%-45.3%) and ideal
      physical activity levels (range, 50.2%-58.8%) were higher in young adults
      compared with middle or older ages. Ideal total cholesterol (range, 23.7%-36.2%),
      blood pressure (range, 11.9%-16.3%), and fasting blood glucose (range, 31.2%
      42.9%) were lower in older adults compared with young and middle-aged adults.
      Prevalence of poor CV health factors was lowest in young age but higher at middle
      and older ages. Prevalence estimates by age and sex were consistent across
      race/ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: These prevalence estimates of CV health
      represent a starting point from which effectiveness of efforts to promote CV
      health and prevent CV disease can be monitored and compared in US adult
      populations.

PMID- 22095827
TI  - Niacin inhibits vascular inflammation via the induction of heme oxygenase-1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective protein whose expression
      is consistently associated with therapeutic benefits in a number of pathological
      conditions such as atherosclerotic vascular disease and inflammation. Niacin is a
      pleiotropic drug that slows the progression of coronary artery disease and
      increases serum levels of the HO-1 enzymatic product bilirubin. This study asks
      if the cardioprotective properties of niacin involve the induction of HO-1.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: New Zealand White rabbits received chow or chow supplemented
      with 0.6% (wt/wt) niacin for 2 weeks. Acute vascular inflammation was induced in
      the animals by placing a nonocclusive silastic collar around the left common
      carotid artery. At 24 hours after collar implantation, serum bilirubin and
      vascular, liver, and spleen HO-1 messenger RNA levels were significantly
      increased. Vascular inflammation was decreased in the niacin-supplemented animals
      compared with control. Treatment of the animals with tin protoporphyrin-IX, a
      global HO inhibitor, or HO-1 small interfering RNA to knock down carotid artery
      HO-1 attenuated the ability of niacin to inhibit vascular inflammation. Treatment
      of cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells with niacin increased HO-1
      expression by activating the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2/p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase signaling pathway and inhibiting tumor necrosis factor
      alpha-induced endothelial inflammation. The antiinflammatory effects of niacin in
      human coronary artery endothelial cells were mimicked by bilirubin and abolished
      by incubation with tin protoporphyrin-IX and knock down of nuclear factor-E2
      related factor 2. CONCLUSIONS: Niacin activates HO-1 in vivo and in vitro.
      Induction of HO-1 may be partly responsible for the vascular protective
      properties of niacin.

PMID- 22095828
TI  - Physician procedure volume and complications of cardioverter-defibrillator
      implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcomes of procedures are often better when they are performed
      by more experienced physicians. We assessed whether the rate of complications
      after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement varied with the
      volume of procedures a physician performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 356
      515 initial ICD implantations in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry-ICD
      Registry, performed by 4011 physicians in 1463 hospitals. We examined the
      relationship between physician annual ICD implantation volume and in-hospital
      complications, using hierarchical logistic regression to adjust for patient
      characteristics, implanting physician certification, hospital characteristics,
      hospital annual procedure volume, and the clustering of patients within hospitals
      and by physician. We repeated this analysis for ICD subtypes: single chamber,
      dual chamber, and biventricular. There were 10 994 patients (3.1%) with a
      complication after ICD implantation, and 1375 died (0.39%). The complication rate
      decreased with increasing physician procedure volume from 4.6% in the lowest
      quartile to 2.9% in the highest quartile (P<0.0001), and the mortality rate
      decreased from 0.72% to 0.36% (P<0.0001). The inverse relationship between
      physician procedure volume and complications remained significant after adjusting
      for patient, physician, and hospital characteristics (OR 1.55 for complications
      in lowest-volume quartile compared with highest; 95% confidence interval, 1.34
      1.79; P<0.0001). This inverse relationship was independent of physician specialty
      and of hospital volume, was consistent across ICD subtypes, and was also evident
      for in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Physicians who implant more ICDs have
      lower rates of procedural complications and in-hospital mortality, independent of
      hospital procedure volume, physician specialty, and ICD type.

PMID- 22095829
TI  - Multipotent vasculogenic pericytes from human pluripotent stem cells promote
      recovery of murine ischemic limb.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pericytes represent a unique subtype of microvessel-residing
      perivascular cells with diverse angiogenic functions and multilineage
      developmental features of mesenchymal stem cells. Although various protocols for
      derivation of endothelial and/or smooth muscle cells from human pluripotent stem
      cells (hPSC, either embryonic or induced) have been described, the emergence of
      pericytes in the course of hPSC maturation has not yet been elucidated. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We found that during hPSC development, spontaneously differentiating
      embryoid bodies give rise to CD105(+)CD90(+)CD73(+)CD31(-) multipotent clonogenic
      mesodermal precursors, which can be isolated and efficiently expanded. Isolated
      and propagated cells expressed characteristic pericytic markers, including CD146,
      NG2, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta, but not the smooth muscle
      cell marker alpha-smooth muscle actin. Coimplantation of hPSC-derived endothelial
      cells with pericytes resulted in functional and rapid anastomosis to the murine
      vasculature. Administration of pericytes into immunodeficient mice with limb
      ischemia promoted significant vascular and muscle regeneration. At day 21 after
      transplantation, recruited hPSC pericytes were found incorporated into recovered
      muscle and vasculature. CONCLUSIONS: Derivation of vasculogenic and multipotent
      pericytes from hPSC can be used for the development of vasculogenic models using
      multiple vasculogenic cell types for basic research and drug screening and can
      contribute to angiogenic regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22095830
TI  - Are mural cells guardians of stemness?: From pluri- to multipotency via vascular
      pericytes.

PMID- 22095831
TI  - DHA and EPA reverse cystic fibrosis-related FA abnormalities by suppressing FA
      desaturase expression and activity.
AB  - Patients and models of cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit consistent abnormalities of
      polyunsaturated fatty acid composition, including decreased linoleate (LA) and
      docosahexaenoate (DHA) and variably increased arachidonate (AA), related in part
      to increased expression and activity of fatty acid desaturases. These
      abnormalities and the consequent CF-related pathologic manifestations can be
      reversed in CF mouse models by dietary supplementation with DHA. However, the
      mechanism is unknown. This study investigates this mechanism by measuring the
      effect of exogenous DHA and eicosapentaenoate (EPA) supplementation on fatty acid
      composition and metabolism, as well as on metabolic enzyme expression, in a cell
      culture model of CF. We found that both DHA and EPA suppress the expression and
      activity of Delta5- and Delta6-desaturases, leading to decreased flux through the
      n-3 and n-6 PUFA metabolic pathways and decreased production of AA. The findings
      also uncover other metabolic abnormalities, including increased fatty acid uptake
      and markedly increased retroconversion of DHA to EPA, in CF cells. These results
      indicate that the fatty acid abnormalities of CF are related to intrinsic
      alterations of PUFA metabolism and that they may be reversed by supplementation
      with DHA and EPA.

PMID- 22095833
TI  - Critical evaluation of the microwave effect on radical (co)polymerizations.
AB  - Critical evaluations of the microwave effect on initiation, propagation, and
      termination during conventional radical polymerizations (RPs) of methyl
      methacrylate (MMA) and random copolymerization of styrene (St) with
      (meth)acrylates are examined by comparing microwave heating (MWH) and
      conventional heating (CH). Poly(methyl methacrylate) with similar $ ?overline
      M_{?rm n} $, $ ?overline M_{?rm w} $/$ ?overline M_{?rm n} $, and conversion are
      obtained under precisely controlled temperature, indicating very small changes of
      propagation rate constant. Rate enhancement in the absence of precise temperature
      control is mostly due to the higher reaction temperature of the reaction mixture
      than the apparent value indicated on display. Rates of initiator decomposition
      under well-controlled temperature are essentially the same for MWH and CH.

PMID- 22095832
TI  - Primary fatty acid amide metabolism: conversion of fatty acids and an
      ethanolamine in N18TG2 and SCP cells.
AB  - Primary fatty acid amides (PFAM) are important signaling molecules in the
      mammalian nervous system, binding to many drug receptors and demonstrating
      control over sleep, locomotion, angiogenesis, and many other processes. Oleamide
      is the best-studied of the primary fatty acid amides, whereas the other known
      PFAMs are significantly less studied. Herein, quantitative assays were used to
      examine the endogenous amounts of a panel of PFAMs, as well as the amounts
      produced after incubation of mouse neuroblastoma N(18)TG(2) and sheep choroid
      plexus (SCP) cells with the corresponding fatty acids or N
      tridecanoylethanolamine. Although five endogenous primary amides were discovered
      in the N(18)TG(2) and SCP cells, a different pattern of relative amounts were
      found between the two cell lines. Higher amounts of primary amides were found in
      SCP cells, and the conversion of N-tridecanoylethanolamine to tridecanamide was
      observed in the two cell lines. The data reported here show that the N(18)TG(2)
      and SCP cells are excellent model systems for the study of PFAM metabolism.
      Furthermore, the data support a role for the N-acylethanolamines as precursors
      for the PFAMs and provide valuable new kinetic results useful in modeling the
      metabolic flux through the pathways for PFAM biosynthesis and degradation.

PMID- 22095834
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed allylic sulfinylation and the Mislow-Braverman-Evans
      rearrangement.

PMID- 22095835
TI  - Sensitivity improvement of 1H-15N cross-polarization at high MAS frequency
      applied to NMR structural characterization of organic solids.
AB  - (15)N CP/MAS solid state NMR should be a method of choice to obtain essential
      structural information on organic materials containing nitrogen atoms. However,
      the technique is generally not selected for the characterization of non-labelled
      chemical compounds, which represents the most common situation encountered by
      chemists. Actually, due to the poor sensitivity of (15)N the method is time
      consuming and a very fine calibration is often a prerequisite to reach a
      sufficient signal/noise. The main drawback comes from the weakness of (15)N-(1)H
      dipolar couplings which leads to a splitting of the static Hartman Hahn condition
      into very narrow sideband conditions under MAS. Practically, it is more difficult
      to obtain a high enough CP transfer level on (15)N for the entire spectrum than
      on other more conventional nuclei like (13)C. An experimental investigation of
      the CP efficiency using the ramp and adiabatic CP transfer experiments is here
      proposed. Preliminary adjustments of experimental settings were first made on an
      (15)N-labeled substituted heterocyclic model system, and then applied to several
      other organic compounds. Particular attention was paid to the detection of non
      protonated nitrogen atoms with a significant chemical shift anisotropy, which
      represented the least favourable case. It was experimentally demonstrated that,
      for these atoms, the adiabatic passage provided a much higher transfer level than
      the more conventional ramp sequence leading to an enhancement factor of up to 3.5
      at a MAS frequency of 30 kHz. The resulting sensitivity rendered possible the
      detection of non-protonated nitrogen atoms at natural abundance with 2.5-mm
      rotors at 9.4 T.

PMID- 22095836
TI  - The effect of multivitamin supplementation on mood and stress in healthy older
      men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is a demonstrated association between poor mood and deficiency
      in several micronutrients. Multivitamin supplements contain a wide range of
      nutrients, suggesting that they may be effective in improving mood; however, few
      studies have investigated this potential in randomized, controlled trials. This
      study investigates the effects of a multivitamin, mineral, and herbal supplement
      on mood and stress in a group of healthy, older male volunteers. METHODS: In this
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, fifty men, aged 50-69 years,
      supplemented for a period of 8 weeks with a multivitamin formulation that
      contained vitamins (at levels above recommended daily intakes), minerals,
      antioxidants, and herbal extracts, or a placebo. They completed a series of mood
      and stress questionnaires at baseline and post-supplementation. RESULTS: Compared
      with placebo, there was a significant reduction in the overall score on a
      depression anxiety and stress scale and an improvement in alertness and general
      daily functioning in the multivitamin group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a
      multivitamin, mineral and herbal formulation may be useful in improving alertness
      and reducing negative mood symptoms and may also improve feelings of general day
      to-day well-being.

PMID- 22095837
TI  - Enrolling in deep brain stimulation research for depression: influences on
      potential subjects' decision making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethical concerns regarding early-phase clinical trials of DBS for
      treatment-resistant depression (TRD) include the possibility that participants'
      decisions to enroll might be motivated by unrealistic expectations of personal
      benefit or minimization of risks. METHODS: Thematic analyses were conducted on a
      sample of 26 adults considering participation in two DBS trials. Influences on
      the decision making of these potential DBS trial participants were derived from
      responses to questions posed in the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for
      Clinical Research (MacCAT-CR), a semi-structured interview designed to evaluate
      decisional capacity to consent to research. RESULTS: Participants cited numerous
      factors as influential in their enrollment decisions, including perceived lack of
      other treatment options, desire to take initiative, beliefs about DBS as a novel
      treatment, possibility of DBS efficacy, hoped-for improvements, potential risks
      and disadvantages of DBS or clinical trial participation, and altruism. No
      individual expressed a set of motivations or influencing factors that suggested
      compromised decision-making capacity or diminished voluntariness of decision
      making. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that individuals make the decision to
      enroll in early-phase trials of DBS for TRD based on a number of complex and
      sometimes idiosyncratic considerations, and that the trials that were studied
      utilized sufficiently robust informed consent processes. These findings offer
      evidence that the emerging research area of DBS can be advanced in an ethically
      sound manner, provided that safeguards and processes for discussing trials with
      participants are carefully and proactively enacted.

PMID- 22095838
TI  - Laparoscopic myomectomy focusing on the myoma pseudocapsule: technical and
      outcome reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aim was to assess surgical complaints and reproductive outcomes
      of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomies by a prospective observational study
      run in University affiliated hospitals. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2010, 235 women
      underwent subserous and intramural laparoscopic myomectomy of fibroids (4-10 cm
      in diameter) for indications of pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, a large growing
      myoma or infertility. The main outcome measures were post-surgical parameters,
      including complications, the need for subsequent surgery or symptomatic relief,
      resumption of normal life and reproductive outcome. RESULTS: Pelvic pain occurred
      in 27%, menorrhagia or metorrhagia in 21%, a large growing myoma in 10% and
      infertility in 42% of women. Single fibroids occurred in 51.9% of patients while
      48.1% had multiple myomas. Of all patients, 58.2% had subserosal and 41.8% had
      intramural myomas. No laparoscopies were converted to laparotomy. In 3 years,
      1.2% of patients had a second laparoscopic myomectomy for recurrent fibroids. The
      mean total operative laparoscopic time was 84 min (range 25-126 min), with mean
      blood loss of 118 +/- 27.9 ml. By 48 h after surgery, 86.3% were discharged with
      no major post-operative complications. No late complications, such as bleeding,
      urinary tract infections or bowel lesions, occurred. Of the women who underwent
      myomectomy for infertility, 74% finally conceived. At term, 32.9% of patients
      underwent Caesarean section, 24.8% delivered by vacuum extractor and 42.2% had
      spontaneous deliveries. No case of uterine rupture occurred. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intracapsular subserous and intramural myomectomy saving the fibroid
      pseudocapsule showed few early and no late surgical complications, enhanced
      healing by preserving myometrial integrity and allowed a good fertility rate and
      delivery outcome. In young patients suffering fibroids, laparoscopic
      intracapsular myomectomy is a potential recommended surgical treatment.

PMID- 22095839
TI  - Endoscopic anterior cricoid split with balloon dilation in infants with failed
      extubation.
AB  - Subglottic injury (SGI) is a known complication of prolonged intubation in
      neonates and infants and can lead to failed extubation. SGI is a spectrum that
      includes mucosal edema, ulceration, granulation perichondritis, and mature scar
      formation. Although medical management aimed at treating mucosal edema and
      extraesophageal reflux is successful in treating a majority of patients, some
      require surgical intervention to successfully achieve extubation. The surgical
      options for these patients include tracheostomy, open anterior cricoid split
      (ACS), and laryngotracheal reconstruction with cartilage grafting. Open ACS is
      performed through an external incision requiring placement of a drain for a few
      days. Extubation success rates in the 70% to 80% range have been widely reported.
      In this article we describe an endoscopic technique for ACS, in which after an
      endoscopic airway assessment confirms isolated SGI, the cricoid cartilage is
      divided transluminally with cold steel. Balloon dilation (BD) is then performed
      with an appropriately sized angiography balloon. We describe preliminary results
      in which two of three patients were successfully extubated after endoscopic ACS
      with BD. We believe that this novel technique is a promising alternative to open
      ACS with similar indications. In addition to the avoidance of a skin incision,
      endoscopic ACS with BD may enable extubation with comparably shorter lengths of
      postprocedure intubation than open ACS. Larger series will be required to further
      establish outcomes of this procedure, including success and complication rates.

PMID- 22095840
TI  - Domain-specific folding kinetics of staphylococcal nuclease observed through
      single-molecule FRET in a microfluidic mixer.

PMID- 22095842
TI  - A universal representation of the states of chemical matter including metastable
      configurations in phase diagrams.

PMID- 22095843
TI  - Effects of dietary exposure of mink (Mustela vison) to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo
      p-dioxin, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran
      on reproduction and offspring viability and growth.
AB  - This study assessed the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD),
      2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran
      (TCDF) on the reproductive performance of female mink (Mustela vison) and the
      viability and growth of their offspring. Nine adult female mink were randomly
      assigned to one of 13 dietary treatments (one control and four doses each of
      TCDD, PeCDF, and TCDF [2.1-8.4, 4.0-15 and 5.2-25 ng TCDD toxic equivalents
      (TEQ)/kg body wt/d]). Diets were fed from two months prior to breeding through
      weaning of offspring at six weeks of age. At least nine kits per treatment group
      were maintained on their diets through 27 weeks of age. There were no effects on
      litter size or viability of offspring. No consistent effects were observed on
      body mass or relative organ masses of animals at any age. 2,3,7,8
      Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and PeCDF accumulated in the liver and adipose
      tissue, but TCDF cleared rapidly. The lack of significant effects on reproduction
      and offspring viability contrasts with effects reported for mink exposed to
      environmentally derived PCB mixtures with equivalent TCDD potencies. This
      suggests that it may be inappropriate to apply toxicity reference values
      associated with PCB mixtures to animals also exposed to TCDD, PeCDF, or TCDF, and
      the World Health Organization TCDD toxic equivalency factors for some congeners
      may not be appropriate for mink.

PMID- 22095841
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum-tethered transcription factor cAMP responsive element
      binding protein, hepatocyte specific, regulates hepatic lipogenesis, fatty acid
      oxidation, and lipolysis upon metabolic stress in mice.
AB  - cAMP responsive element-binding protein, hepatocyte specific (CREBH), is a liver
      specific transcription factor localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      membrane. Our previous work demonstrated that CREBH is activated by ER stress or
      inflammatory stimuli to induce an acute-phase hepatic inflammation. Here, we
      demonstrate that CREBH is a key metabolic regulator of hepatic lipogenesis, fatty
      acid (FA) oxidation, and lipolysis under metabolic stress. Saturated FA, insulin
      signals, or an atherogenic high-fat diet can induce CREBH activation in the
      liver. Under the normal chow diet, CrebH knockout mice display a modest decrease
      in hepatic lipid contents, but an increase in plasma triglycerides (TGs). After
      having been fed an atherogenic high-fat (AHF) diet, massive accumulation of
      hepatic lipid metabolites and significant increase in plasma TG levels were
      observed in the CrebH knockout mice. Along with the hypertriglyceridemia
      phenotype, the CrebH null mice displayed significantly reduced body-weight gain,
      diminished abdominal fat, and increased nonalcoholic steatohepatitis activities
      under the AHF diet. Gene-expression analysis and chromatin-immunoprecipitation
      assay indicated that CREBH is required to activate the expression of the genes
      encoding functions involved in de novo lipogenesis, TG and cholesterol
      biosynthesis, FA elongation and oxidation, lipolysis, and lipid transport.
      Supporting the role of CREBH in lipogenesis and lipolysis, forced expression of
      an activated form of CREBH protein in the liver significantly increases
      accumulation of hepatic lipids, but reduces plasma TG levels in mice. CONCLUSION:
      All together, our study shows that CREBH plays a key role in maintaining lipid
      homeostasis by regulating the expression of the genes involved in hepatic
      lipogenesis, FA oxidation, and lipolysis under metabolic stress. The
      identification of CREBH as a stress-inducible metabolic regulator has important
      implications in the understanding and treatment of metabolic disease.

PMID- 22095844
TI  - Quality control in tRNA charging.
AB  - Faithful translation of the genetic code during protein synthesis is fundamental
      to the growth, development, and function of living organisms. Aminoacyl-tRNA
      synthetases (AARSs), which define the genetic code by correctly pairing amino
      acids with their cognate tRNAs, are responsible for 'quality control' in the flow
      of information from a gene to a protein. When differences in binding energies of
      amino acids to an AARS are inadequate, editing is used to achieve high
      selectivity. Editing occurs at the synthetic active site by hydrolysis of
      noncognate aminoacyl-adenylates (pretransfer editing) and at a dedicated editing
      site located in a separate domain by deacylation of mischarged aminoacyl-tRNA
      (posttransfer editing). Access of nonprotein amino acids, such as homocysteine or
      ornithine, to the genetic code is prevented by the editing function of AARSs,
      which functionally partitions amino acids present in living cells into protein
      and nonprotein amino acids. Continuous editing is part of the tRNA aminoacylation
      process in living organisms from bacteria to human beings. Preventing
      mistranslation by the clearance of misactivated amino acids is crucial to
      cellular homeostasis and has a role in etiology of disease. Although there is a
      strong selective pressure to minimize mistranslation, some organisms possess
      error-prone AARSs that cause mistranslation. Elevated levels of mistranslation
      and the synthesis of statistical proteins can be beneficial for pathogens by
      increasing phenotypic variation essential for the evasion of host defenses.

PMID- 22095845
TI  - Synergistic control of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation by nanoscale surface
      geometry and immobilized growth factors on TiO2 nanotubes.
AB  - The aim of this study is to elucidate whether combined environmental signals
      provided by nanoscale topography and by growth factors control cell behavior of
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a synergistic or simply additive manner.
      Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs is studied on vertically
      aligned TiO(2)  nanotubes of size 15 and 100 nm with and without immobilized bone
      morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Although BMP-2 coating stimulates both
      chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, the response strongly
      depends on the surface nanoscale geometry of the BMP-2-coated nanotubes.
      Chondrogenic differentiation is strongly supported on 100 nm BMP-2-coated
      nanotubes, but not on 15 nm nanotubes, which induce spreading and de
      differentiation of chondrocytes. A similar response is observed with primary
      chondrocytes, which maintain their chondrogenic phenotype on BMP-2-coated 100 nm
      nanotubes, but de-differentiate on 15 nm nanotubes. In contrast, osteogenic
      differentiation is greatly enhanced on 15 nm but not on 100 nm BMP-2-coated
      nanotubes as shown previously. Furthermore, covalent immobilization of BMP-2
      rescues MSCs from apoptosis occurring on uncoated 100 nm TiO(2)  nanotube
      surfaces. Thus, combined signals provided by BMP-2 immobilized to a defined
      lateral nanoscale spacing geometry seem to contain environmental cues that are
      able to modulate a lineage-specific decision of MSC differentiation and cell
      survival in a synergistic manner.

PMID- 22095846
TI  - Hypothesis: prolactin is tumorigenic to human breast: dispelling the myth that
      prolactin-induced mammary tumors are rodent-specific.
AB  - The commonly held assumption that rodent mammary tumors resulting from elevated
      prolactin are species-specific, or not biologically relevant to humans, is
      incorrect. Substantial epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence now
      exists confirming the role of prolactin in human breast cancer. This evidence is
      evaluated and the argument presented that the tumorigenic risk from prolactin is
      therefore not species-specific to rodents but directly applies to humans.
      Further, as the mechanisms of prolactin-induced mammary tumor promotion and
      development appear analogous between rodents and humans, mammary tumorigenic
      findings in rodent carcinogenicity bioassays are both predictive and biologically
      relevant to the human response. Toxicologists and regulators need to consider
      this in carcinogenicity risk assessments.

PMID- 22095847
TI  - Life in the slow lane: the effect of reduced mobility on tadpole limb
      development.
AB  - Movement is thought to be a primary agent eliciting basic responses in the
      vertebrate body, such as the proper development of the musculoskeletal system.
      Embryos do not passively await hatching or birth but rather begin active movement
      very early on in their development. Most studies dealing with embryonic responses
      to changes in mobility have been performed in chickens or mammals. Herein, we
      investigate for the first time whether the embryos of organisms that are free
      living during development demonstrate the same morphological responses to reduced
      mobility as embryos that undergo development in controlled environments such as
      in utero or in a shelled egg. We changed the viscosity of the environment in
      which free-living anuran tadpoles grow by rearing them in an agar medium. We thus
      increased the viscosity of the growth medium resulting in a decrease in larval
      movement. We predicted that a substantial increase in viscosity of the medium in
      which the larvae were reared would have at least two consequences: (1) a
      reduction of tadpole mobility and (2) a delayed onset of skeletogenesis thus
      producing shorter long bones. Our predictions were upheld and tadpoles reared in
      an agar medium remain immobile longer and showed a delayed onset of
      skeletogenesis compared with controls. We propose that the developmental
      responses to the same stimulus are similar throughout tetrapods, regardless of
      their developmental context (i.e., intrauterine, within an egg, or free-living).

PMID- 22095848
TI  - The marriage of organocatalysis with metal catalysis: access to multisubstituted
      chiral 2,5-dihydropyrroles by cascade iminium/enamine-metal cooperative
      catalysis.

PMID- 22095851
TI  - From fertilization to cancer: a lifelong pursuit into how cells use oxygen. Otto
      Heinrich Warburg (October 8, 1883-August 1, 1970).

PMID- 22095849
TI  - Updating risk prediction tools: a case study in prostate cancer.
AB  - Online risk prediction tools for common cancers are now easily accessible and
      widely used by patients and doctors for informed decision-making concerning
      screening and diagnosis. A practical problem is as cancer research moves forward
      and new biomarkers and risk factors are discovered, there is a need to update the
      risk algorithms to include them. Typically, the new markers and risk factors
      cannot be retrospectively measured on the same study participants used to develop
      the original prediction tool, necessitating the merging of a separate study of
      different participants, which may be much smaller in sample size and of a
      different design. Validation of the updated tool on a third independent data set
      is warranted before the updated tool can go online. This article reports on the
      application of Bayes rule for updating risk prediction tools to include a set of
      biomarkers measured in an external study to the original study used to develop
      the risk prediction tool. The procedure is illustrated in the context of updating
      the online Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Risk Calculator to incorporate the
      new markers %freePSA and [-2]proPSA measured on an external case-control study
      performed in Texas, U.S.. Recent state-of-the art methods in validation of risk
      prediction tools and evaluation of the improvement of updated to original tools
      are implemented using an external validation set provided by the U.S. Early
      Detection Research Network.

PMID- 22095853
TI  - 1hJFH coupling in 2-fluorophenol revisited: is intramolecular hydrogen bond
      responsible for this long-range coupling?
AB  - The present study shows that a hydrogen bond between the OH group and the
      fluorine atom is not involved in the (1h)J(FH) spin-spin coupling transmission
      either for 4-bromo-2-fluorophenol or 2-fluorophenol. In fact, according to a
      quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis, no bond critical point is found
      between O-H and F moieties. The nature of the transmission mechanism of the Fermi
      contact term of the (1h)J(FH) spin-spin coupling is studied by analyzing
      canonical molecular orbitals (see J. Phys. Chem. A 2010, 114, 1044), and it is
      observed that virtual orbitals play only a quite minor role in its transmission.
      This is typical of a Fermi contact term transmitted mainly through exchange
      interactions owing to the overlap of proximate electronic clouds; therefore, it
      is suggested to identify them as (nTS)J(FH) coupling where n stands for the
      number of formal bonds separating the coupling nuclei. In the cases studied in
      this work is n = 4. Results presented in this work could provide an interesting
      rationalization for different experimental signs known in the current literature
      for proximate J(FH) couplings.

PMID- 22095854
TI  - Calculation of rate spectra from noisy time series data.
AB  - As the resolution of experiments to measure folding kinetics continues to
      improve, it has become imperative to avoid bias that may come with fitting data
      to a predetermined mechanistic model. Toward this end, we present a rate spectrum
      approach to analyze timescales present in kinetic data. Computing rate spectra of
      noisy time series data via numerical discrete inverse Laplace transform is an ill
      conditioned inverse problem, so a regularization procedure must be used to
      perform the calculation. Here, we show the results of different regularization
      procedures applied to noisy multiexponential and stretched exponential time
      series, as well as data from time-resolved folding kinetics experiments. In each
      case, the rate spectrum method recapitulates the relevant distribution of
      timescales present in the data, with different priors on the rate amplitudes
      naturally corresponding to common biases toward simple phenomenological models.
      These results suggest an attractive alternative to the "Occam's razor" philosophy
      of simply choosing models with the fewest number of relaxation rates.

PMID- 22095855
TI  - Protease-activated receptor 2 promotes experimental liver fibrosis in mice and
      activates human hepatic stellate cells.
AB  - Protease-activated receptor (PAR) 2 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is
      activated after proteolytic cleavage by serine proteases, including mast cell
      tryptase and activated coagulation factors. PAR-2 activation augments
      inflammatory and profibrotic pathways through the induction of genes encoding
      proinflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins. Thus, PAR-2
      represents an important interface linking coagulation and inflammation. PAR-2 is
      widely expressed in cells of the gastrointestinal tract, including hepatic
      stellate cells (HSCs), endothelial cells, and hepatic macrophages; however, its
      role in liver fibrosis has not been previously examined. We studied the
      development of CCl(4) -induced liver fibrosis in PAR-2 knockout mice, and showed
      that PAR-2 deficiency reduced the progression of liver fibrosis, hepatic collagen
      gene expression, and hydroxyproline content. Reduced fibrosis was associated with
      decreased transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) gene and protein expression
      and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of matrix
      metalloproteinase 1 gene expression. In addition, PAR-2 stimulated activation,
      proliferation, collagen production, and TGFbeta protein production by human
      stellate cells, indicating that hepatic PAR-2 activation increases profibrogenic
      cytokines and collagen production both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings demonstrate the capacity of PAR-2 activation to augment TGFbeta
      production and promote hepatic fibrosis in mice and to induce a profibrogenic
      phenotype in human HSCs. PAR-2 antagonists have recently been developed and may
      represent a novel therapeutic approach in preventing fibrosis in patients with
      chronic liver disease.

PMID- 22095856
TI  - On a heuristic point of view concerning the expression of numerous genes during
      the cell cycle.
AB  - The current model of the eukaryotic cell cycle proposes that numerous genes are
      expressed at different times during the cell cycle. The existence of myriad
      control points for gene expression leads to theoretical and logical problems for
      cell cycle control. Each expressed gene requires a control element to appear in a
      cell-cycle specific manner; this control element requires another control element
      and so on, ad infinitum. There are also experimental problems with the current
      model based on ineffective synchronization methods and problems with microarray
      measurements of mRNA. Equally important, the efficacy of mRNA variation in
      affecting changes in protein content is negligible. An alternative view of the
      cell cycle proposes cycle-independent, invariant accumulation of mRNA during the
      cell cycle with decreases of specific proteins occurring only during the mitotic
      period of the cell cycle.

PMID- 22095857
TI  - Spectroscopic investigation on the interaction of Cr(VI) with bovine serum
      albumin.
AB  - The interaction of potassium dichromate (Cr(VI)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA)
      was investigated by fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, resonance light
      scattering (RLS), ultraviolet-visible absorption, and circular dichroism (CD)
      spectroscopies under simulated physiological conditions. The experimental results
      showed that Cr(VI) could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA following a
      static quenching process, which indicates the formation of a Cr(VI)-BSA complex.
      The binding constant (KA) and binding site (n) were measured at different
      temperatures. The spectroscopic results also revealed that the binding of Cr(VI)
      to BSA can lead to the loosening of the protein conformation and can change the
      microenvironment and skeleton of BSA.

PMID- 22095858
TI  - A FlAsH-based cross-linker to study protein interactions in living cells.
AB  - As you like it: xCrAsH, a dimeric derivative of the arsenical compound FlAsH,
      enables the highly specific, covalent cross-linking of two proteins containing a
      12 amino acid peptide tag. This inducible and (by addition of dithiols)
      reversible system can be used to detect and manipulate protein-protein
      interactions both in vitro and in living cells (see picture).

PMID- 22095859
TI  - Contribution of taxane biosynthetic pathway gene expression to observed
      variability in paclitaxel accumulation in Taxus suspension cultures.
AB  - Variability in product accumulation is one of the major obstacles limiting the
      widespread commercialization of plant cell culture technology to supply natural
      product pharmaceuticals. Despite extensive process engineering efforts, which
      have led to increased yields, plant cells exhibit variability in productivity
      that is poorly understood. Elicitation of Taxus cultures with methyl jasmonate
      (MeJA) induces paclitaxel accumulation, but to varying extents in different
      cultures. In the current study, cultures with different aggregation profiles were
      established to create predictable differences in paclitaxel accumulation upon
      MeJA elicitation. Expression of known paclitaxel biosynthetic genes in MeJA
      elicited cultures exhibiting both substantial (15-fold) and moderate (2-fold)
      differences in paclitaxel accumulation was analyzed using quantitative reverse
      transcriptase PCR. Each population exhibited the characteristic large increase in
      paclitaxel pathway gene expression following MeJA elicitation; however,
      differences in expression between populations were minor, and only observed for
      the cultures with the 15-fold variation in paclitaxel content. These data suggest
      that although upregulation of biosynthetic pathway gene expression contributes to
      observed increases in paclitaxel synthesis upon elicitation with MeJA, there are
      additional factors that need to be uncovered before paclitaxel productivity can
      be fully optimized.

PMID- 22095861
TI  - Materials science in Madrid.

PMID- 22095860
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2, Flk-1/KDR) protects HEK293
      cells against CoCl(2) -induced hypoxic toxicity.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelium-specific mitogen and
      a promising inducer of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The VEGF receptors on
      endothelial cell membrane include the tyrosine kinases VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2
      (Flk-1/KDR) and VEGFR-3 (Flt-4). KDR is a major mediator of mitogenic, angiogenic
      and permeability-enhancing effects of VEGF. KDR is upregulated in response to
      hypoxia, a major inducer of VEGF gene transcription. A HEK293 cell line
      overexpressing KDR was established under cell hypoxic stress to explore the
      function of KDR. A hypoxia-inducing agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) was applied
      to detect whether KDR was able to prevent against chemical hypoxic toxicity. The
      results indicate that KDR attenuated CoCl(2)-induced cell injury in HEK293 cells.
      Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms may be explained by the increased
      expression of Bcl-2, AKT1 and phosphorylated AKT, key members of cell survival
      pathway, and decreased expression of pro-apoptosis protein Bax.

PMID- 22095862
TI  - Co-tunneling enhancement of the electrical response of nanoparticle networks.
AB  - A co-tunneling charge-transfer process dominates the electrical properties of a
      nanometer-sized "slice" in a nanoparticle network, which results in universal
      scaling of the conductance with temperature and bias voltage, as well as enhanced
      spintronics properties. By designing two large (10 MUm) electrodes with short (60
      nm) separation, access is obtained to transport dominated by charge transfer
      involving "nanoslices" made of three nanoparticles only. Magnetic iron oxide
      nanoparticle networks exhibit a magnetoresistance ratio that is not reachable by
      tunneling or hopping processes, thereby illustrating how such a size-matched
      planar device with dominant co-tunneling charge-transfer process is optimal for
      realizing multifunctional devices with enhanced change of conductance under
      external stimulus.

PMID- 22095863
TI  - Silanol as a removable directing group for the Pd(II)-catalyzed direct
      olefination of arenes.
AB  - Need some direction? Silanol was developed as a directing group for the Pd(II)
      catalyzed oxidative Heck-type reaction of arenes. A one-pot C-H
      activation/desilylation process of benzyldiisopropylsilanol was also
      demonstrated, providing a powerful approach for the synthesis of ortho-alkenyl
      substituted alkylarenes. Considering the easily attachable and readily removable
      properties of the silanol group, this reaction will find broad synthetic
      applications.

PMID- 22095864
TI  - Speech processing: from peripheral to hemispheric asymmetry of the auditory
      system.
AB  - Language processing from the cochlea to auditory association cortices shows side
      dependent specificities with an apparent left hemispheric dominance. The aim of
      this article was to propose to nonspeech specialists a didactic review of two
      complementary theories about hemispheric asymmetry in speech processing. Starting
      from anatomico-physiological and clinical observations of auditory asymmetry and
      interhemispheric connections, this review then exposes behavioral (dichotic
      listening paradigm) as well as functional (functional magnetic resonance imaging
      and positron emission tomography) experiments that assessed hemispheric
      specialization for speech processing. Even though speech at an early phonological
      level is regarded as being processed bilaterally, a left-hemispheric dominance
      exists for higher-level processing. This asymmetry may arise from a segregation
      of the speech signal, broken apart within nonprimary auditory areas in two
      distinct temporal integration windows--a fast one on the left and a slower one on
      the right--modeled through the asymmetric sampling in time theory or a spectro
      temporal trade-off, with a higher temporal resolution in the left hemisphere and
      a higher spectral resolution in the right hemisphere, modeled through the
      spectral/temporal resolution trade-off theory. Both theories deal with the
      concept that lower-order tuning principles for acoustic signal might drive higher
      order organization for speech processing. However, the precise nature,
      mechanisms, and origin of speech processing asymmetry are still being debated.
      Finally, an example of hemispheric asymmetry alteration, which has direct
      clinical implications, is given through the case of auditory aging that mixes
      peripheral disorder and modifications of central processing.

PMID- 22095865
TI  - Hepatic retinoid levels in seven fish species (teleosts) from a tropical coastal
      lagoon receiving effluents from iron-ore mining and processing.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible effects of Fe and
      trace element exposure on hepatic levels of retinoids in seven fish species.
      Concentrations of retinoids were measured in fish collected from a coastal lagoon
      in Brazil that receives effluents from an iron-ore mining and processing plant.
      Fish from nearby coastal lagoons were also included to assess possible
      differences related to chemical exposure. Results indicated considerable
      differences in hepatic retinoid composition among the various species
      investigated. The most striking differences were in retinol and derivative
      specific profiles and in didehydro retinol and derivative-specific profiles. The
      Perciformes species Geophagus brasiliensis, Tilapia rendalli, Mugil liza, and
      Cichla ocellaris and the Characiforme Hoplias malabaricus were characterized as
      retinol and derivative-specific, while the Siluriformes species Hoplosternum
      littorale and Rhamdia quelen were didehydro retinol and derivative-specific fish
      species. A negative association was observed between Al, Pb, As, and Cd and
      hepatic didehydro retinoid levels. Fish with higher levels of hepatic Fe, Cu, and
      Zn showed unexpectedly significant positive correlations with increased hepatic
      retinol levels. This finding, associated with the positive relationships between
      retinol and retinyl palmitate with lipid peroxidation, may suggest that vitamin A
      is mobilized from other tissues to increase hepatic antioxidant levels for
      protection against oxidative damage. These data show significant but dissimilar
      associations between trace element exposure and hepatic retinoid levels in fish
      species exposed to iron-ore mining and processing effluents, without apparent
      major impacts on fish health and condition.

PMID- 22095866
TI  - Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to measure mRNA: use,
      limitations, and presentation of results.

PMID- 22095867
TI  - Shine a light on jellyfish Cytaeis uchidae.

PMID- 22095870
TI  - Y does it work this way? Nettie Maria Stevens (July 7, 1861 - May 4, 1912).

PMID- 22095868
TI  - Caffeine alleviates the deterioration of Ca(2+)  release mechanisms and
      fragmentation of in vitro-aged mouse eggs.
AB  - The developmental competence of mammalian eggs is compromised by postovulatory
      aging. We and others have found that in these eggs, the intracellular calcium
      ([Ca(2+)](i)) responses required for egg activation and initiation of development
      are altered. Nevertheless, the mechanism(s) underlying this defective Ca(2+)
      release is not well known. Here, we investigated if the function of IP(3)R1, the
      major Ca(2+) release channel at fertilization, was undermined in in vitro-aged
      mouse eggs. We found that in aged eggs, IP(3)R1 displayed reduced function as
      many of the changes acquired during maturation that enhance IP(3)R1 Ca(2+)
      conductivity, such as phosphorylation, receptor reorganization and increased
      Ca(2+) store content ([Ca(2+)](ER)), were lost with increasing postovulatory
      time. IP(3)R1 fragmentation, possibly associated with the activation of caspase
      3, was also observed in these eggs. Many of these changes were prevented when the
      postovulatory aging of eggs was carried out in the presence of caffeine, which
      minimized the decline in IP(3)R(1) function and maintained [Ca(2+)](ER) content.
      Caffeine also maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, as measured by JC-1
      fluorescence. We therefore conclude that [Ca(2+)](i) responses in aged eggs are
      undermined by reduced IP(3)R1 sensitivity, decreased [Ca(2+)](ER) , and
      compromised mitochondrial function, and that addition of caffeine ameliorates
      most of these aging-associated changes. Understanding the molecular basis of the
      protective effects of caffeine will be useful in elucidating, and possibly
      reversing, the signaling pathway(s) compromised by in vitro culture of eggs.

PMID- 22095872
TI  - Prediction of protein secondary structure from circular dichroism using
      theoretically derived spectra.
AB  - Circular dichroism (CD) is a spectroscopic technique commonly used to investigate
      the structure of proteins. Major secondary structure types, alpha-helices and
      beta-strands, produce distinctive CD spectra. Thus, by comparing the CD spectrum
      of a protein of interest to a reference set consisting of CD spectra of proteins
      of known structure, predictive methods can estimate the secondary structure of
      the protein. Currently available methods, including K2D2, use such experimental
      CD reference sets, which are very small in size when compared to the number of
      tertiary structures available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Conversely, given a
      PDB structure, it is possible to predict a theoretical CD spectrum from it. The
      methodological framework for this calculation was established long ago but only
      recently a convenient implementation called DichroCalc has been developed. In
      this study, we set to determine whether theoretically derived spectra could be
      used as reference set for accurate CD based predictions of secondary structure.
      We used DichroCalc to calculate the theoretical CD spectra of a nonredundant set
      of structures representing most proteins in the PDB, and applied a
      straightforward approach for predicting protein secondary structure content using
      these theoretical CD spectra as reference set. We show that this method improves
      the predictions, particularly for the wavelength interval between 200 and 240 nm
      and for beta-strand content. We have implemented this method, called K2D3, in a
      publicly accessible web server at http://www. ogic.ca/projects/k2d3.

PMID- 22095873
TI  - Synthesis and testing of a p-H2 hyperpolarized 13C probe based on the
      pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidineacetamide DPA-713, an MRI vector to target the
      peripheral benzodiazepine receptors.
AB  - DPA-713 is the lead compound of a recently developed 2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5
      a]pyrimidineacetamide series that has been shown to display a good targeting
      capability toward peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, recently renamed
      translocator protein (18 kDa) or in short TSPO. On the basis of this structure, a
      novel derivative bearing a [(13)C]butynoate moiety has been designed and
      synthesized (three steps-42% overall yield) providing, upon rapid and
      quantitative para-hydrogenation, the corresponding hyperpolarized [(13)C]alkene.
      Para-hydrogen-induced polarization effects have been detected in both (1)H and
      (13)C-NMR spectra. Upon applying a field cycling procedure, the spin order of
      para-H(2) added hydrogens is transferred on the (13)C carboxylate moiety yielding
      a signal enhancement of approximately 4500 times. T(1) of the carboxylate carbon
      atom is approximately 21.9 s (at 9.37 T). A (13)C-MR image has been acquired by
      using the (13)C RARE (Rapid Acquisition by Relaxation Enhancement) acquisition
      protocol on a 10-mM solution. The main limitation to the in vivo use of this
      novel para-hydrogenated [(13)C]derivative is its relatively low solubility in
      aqueous systems.

PMID- 22095874
TI  - Contribution of individual PKC isoforms to breast cancer progression.
AB  - The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases has been
      intensively studied in cancer since their discovery as major receptors for the
      tumor-promoting phorbol esters. The contribution of each individual PKC isozyme
      to malignant transformation is only partially understood, but it is clear that
      each PKC plays different role in cancer progression. PKC deregulation is a common
      phenomenon observed in breast cancer, and PKC expression and localization are
      usually dynamically regulated during mammary gland differentiation and
      involution. In fact, the overexpression of several PKCs has been reported in
      malignant human breast tissue and breast cancer cell lines. In this review, we
      summarize the knowledge available on the specific roles of PKC isoforms in the
      development, progression, and metastatic dissemination of mammary cancer. We also
      discuss the role of PKC isoforms as therapeutic targets, and their potential as
      markers for prognosis or treatment response.

PMID- 22095875
TI  - Lysine acetylation induced by chronic ethanol consumption impairs dynamin
      mediated clathrin-coated vesicle release.
AB  - The liver is the major site of ethanol metabolism and thus sustains the most
      injury from chronic alcohol consumption. Ethanol metabolism by the hepatocyte
      leads to the generation of reactive metabolites and oxygen radicals that can
      readily adduct DNA, lipids, and proteins. More recently, it has become apparent
      that ethanol consumption also leads to increased post-translational modifications
      of the natural repertoire, including lysine hyperacetylation. Previously, we
      determined that alcohol consumption selectively impairs clathrin-mediated
      internalization in polarized hepatocytes. However, neither the step at which the
      block occurs nor the mechanism responsible for the defect have been identified.
      To identify the specific step at which clathrin-mediated internalization is
      impaired, we examined the distributions, levels, and assembly of selected
      components of the clathrin machinery in control and ethanol-treated cells. To
      determine whether the impairment is caused by ethanol-induced lysine acetylation,
      we also examined the same coat components in cells treated with trichostatin A
      (TSA), a deacetylase inhibitor that leads to protein hyperacetylation in the
      absence of ethanol. CONCLUSION: We determined that both ethanol and TSA impair
      internalization at a late stage before vesicle fission. We further determined
      that this defect is likely the result of decreased dynamin recruitment to the
      necks of clathrin-coated invaginations resulting in impaired vesicle budding.
      These results also raise the exciting possibility that agents that promote lysine
      deacetylation may be effective therapeutics for the treatment of alcoholic liver
      disease.

PMID- 22095876
TI  - Hydrogen production coupled to hydrocarbon oxygenation from photocatalytic water
      splitting.

PMID- 22095877
TI  - Optimization of endothelial cell growth in a murine in vitro blood-brain barrier
      model.
AB  - In vitro cell culture models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are important tools
      used to study cellular physiology and brain disease therapeutics. Although the
      number of model configurations is expanding across neuroscience laboratories, it
      is not clear that any have been effectively optimized. A sequential screening
      study to identify optimal primary mouse endothelial cell parameter set points,
      grown alone and in combination with common model enhancements, including co
      culturing with primary mouse or rat astrocytes and addition of biochemical agents
      in the media, was performed. A range of endothelial cell-seeding densities (1-8 *
      10(5)  cells/cm(2) ) and astrocyte-seeding densities (2-8 * 10(4)  cells/cm(2) )
      were studied over seven days in the system, and three distinct media-feeding
      strategies were compared to optimize biochemical agent exposure time.
      Implementation of all optimal set points increased transendothelial electrical
      resistance by over 200% compared to an initial model and established a suitable
      in vitro model for brain disease application studies. These results demonstrate
      the importance of optimizing cell culture growth, which is the most important
      parameter in creating an in vitro BBB model as it directly relates the model to
      the in vivo arrangement.

PMID- 22095878
TI  - Chiral nanoporous metal-organic frameworks with high porosity as materials for
      drug delivery.
AB  - A chiral nanoporous metal-organic framework (MOF) with high porosity is obtained
      based on nontoxic zinc and achiral hexadentate ligand. It shows high drug loading
      and slow release of the proportion of the loaded drug with a complete delivery
      time of about one week when used as a material for adsorption and delivery of
      anticancer 5-fluorouracil.

PMID- 22095879
TI  - Off-target immune cell toxicity caused by AG-012986, a pan-CDK inhibitor, is
      associated with inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation.
AB  - AG-012986 is a pan-CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitor that has in vitro and
      in vivo antitumor properties but was stopped in development due in part to rapid
      bone-marrow-independent white blood cell toxicity in preclinical studies and the
      potential for acute and delayed immunosuppression in humans. Because peripheral
      lymphocytes are largely nonproliferating, it was hypothesized the toxicity of AG
      012986 was due to an off-target mechanism and not driven by the intended
      pharmacology. We show the toxicity mechanism in primary human immune cells is
      caspase driven. T-cells treated with AG-012986 and acutely stimulated through the
      T-cell receptor exhibited decreased toxicity while still maintaining cell
      division inhibition. This indicated that the pharmacology of AG-012986 functioned
      as expected but the toxicity had now been decoupled through activation. Induced
      phosphorylation of p38 and IL-2 production was impaired with AG-012986. Thus, AG
      012986 could cause apoptosis of T-cells by targeting upstream kinases in the p38
      Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and impairing cellular survival.

PMID- 22095880
TI  - Otolaryngology fantastica: the ear, nose, and throat manifestations of
      Munchausen's syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Munchausen's syndrome (MS) is a form of severe, chronic,
      factitious disorder with physical symptoms. Some essential features define MS,
      such as recurrent, feigned, or simulated illness; peregrination (traveling or
      wandering); pseudologia fantastica; and drug abuse. Munchausen's syndrome by
      proxy (MSBP) classically involves a parent or other caregiver who inflicts injury
      or induces illness in a child. The aim of the present study was to summarize and
      study the main ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations of MS and MSBP. STUDY
      DESIGN: A systematic literature review carried out in a tertiary university
      referral center. METHODS: An appropriate string was run on PubMed to retrieve
      articles dealing with ENT manifestations of MS and MSBP. A double cross-check was
      performed on citations and full-text articles found using selected inclusion and
      exclusion criteria. RESULTS: In total, 24 articles were finally included in the
      study, describing 30 cases of MS or MSBP involving the ENT region; 15/30 (50%)
      cases involved the face, most often presenting as facial pain or facial swelling;
      and 7/30 (23.3%) cases presented with symptoms involving the ear. Six cases out
      of 30 (20%) were MSBP. CONCLUSIONS: MS and MSBP may present with symptoms
      involving the head and neck area, particularly the face and external ear canal.
      The ENT specialist should suspect MS in patients with strange and long-lasting
      symptoms, so as to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments that waste time
      and money in the healthcare sector.

PMID- 22095881
TI  - Effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression of
      cyclin B1 and c-Myc in esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells.
AB  - 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is an endogenous metabolite of 17beta-estradiol. In
      this study, we determined the antitumour activities of 2-ME on the well
      differentiated EC9706 esophageal carcinoma cells in vitro. 2-ME had a strong
      antiproliferative effect on EC9706 cells and caused an increase in the population
      of apoptotic cells, detected by flow cytometry. A significant number of cells
      were blocked in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. 2-ME-treated cells
      demonstrated an increase in cyclin B1 and c-Myc protein levels, as well as an
      increase in the percentage of G(2)/M phase. Their up-regulation may be involved
      in 2-ME-induced apoptosis and G(2)/M cell cycle arrest of the EC9706 cells, and
      it precedes the onset of apoptosis.

PMID- 22095882
TI  - Delayed photoelectron transfer in Pt-decorated CdS nanorods under hydrogen
      generation conditions.
AB  - Noble-metal-decorated colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are currently
      receiving significant attention for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. A
      detailed knowledge of the charge-carrier dynamics in these hybrid systems under
      hydrogen generation conditions is crucial for improving their performance. Here,
      a transient absorption spectroscopy study is conducted on colloidal, Pt-decorated
      CdS nanorods addressing this issue. Surprisingly, under hydrogen generation
      conditions (i.e., in the presence of the hole-scavenger sodium sulfite),
      photoelectron transfer to the catalytically active Pt is slower than without the
      hole scavenger, where no significant hydrogen generation occurs. This unexpected
      behavior can be explained by different degrees of localization of the electron
      wavefunction in the presence and absence of holes on the nanorods, which modify
      the electron transfer rates to the Pt. The results show that solely optimizing
      charge transfer rates in photocatalytic nanosystems is no guarantee of improved
      performance. Instead, the collective Coulomb interaction-mediated electron-hole
      dynamics need to be considered. 

PMID- 22095883
TI  - The pharmacological mechanism of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by
      green tea, Rooibos and enalaprilat - a study on enzyme kinetics.
AB  - Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) and Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis Dahlg.) inhibit
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro and in vivo. The ACE inhibitor
      enalaprilat has been described previously as a competitive inhibitor and
      sometimes as a non-competitive inhibitor. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the pharmacological mechanism of ACE inhibition of green tea and
      Rooibos by enzyme kinetics, and to compare this with enalaprilat. A Michaelis
      Menten kinetics and Lineweaver-Burk graph showed mean values of V(max)  = 3.73 uM
      and K(m)  = 0.71 uM for green tea, of V(max)  = 6.76 uM and K(m)  = 0.78 uM for
      Rooibos, of V(max)  = 12.54 uM and K(m)  = 2.77 uM for enalaprilat, and of V(max)
      = 51.33 uM and K(m)  = 9.22 uM for the PBS control. Incubating serum with green
      tea or Rooibos saturated with zinc chloride did not change the inhibitory effect.
      Enalaprilat preincubated with zinc chloride showed a decrease in the inhibitory
      effect. In conclusion, green tea, Rooibos and enalaprilat seem to inhibit ACE
      activity using a mixed inhibitor mechanism.

PMID- 22095884
TI  - Mutations in the Notch pathway alter the patterning of multifidus.
AB  - Clinical studies have suggested that defects in the epaxial muscles, particularly
      multifidus, may contribute to the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. While the
      epaxial muscles and the vertebrae derive from the same embryonic segmentation
      process, the mechanisms that pattern the multisegmental back muscles are still
      unclear. The process of segmentation is regulated by the Notch signaling pathway,
      and mutations in the modulators delta-like 3 (Dll3) and lunatic fringe (Lfng) are
      genetic models for spinal disorders such as scoliosis. Osteological defects have
      been characterized in these genetic models, but myological phenotypes have not
      previously been studied. We analyzed the multifidus muscle in the mouse (Mus
      musculus) and observed intriguing changes in the cranio-caudal borders of
      multifidus in Dll3 and Lfng models. Statistical analysis did not find a
      significant association between the majority of the multifidus anomalies and the
      vertebral defects, suggesting a previously unappreciated role for Notch signaling
      in patterning epaxial muscle groups. These findings indicate an additional
      mechanism by which DLL3 and LFNG may play a role in the etiology of human
      idiopathic scoliosis.

PMID- 22095885
TI  - Detection of retinoic acid receptor agonistic activity and identification of
      causative compounds in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Japan.
AB  - Retinoic acid (RA) receptor (RAR) agonists are potential toxicants that can cause
      teratogenesis in vertebrates. To determine the occurrence of RAR agonists in
      municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), we examined the RARalpha agonistic
      activities of influent and effluent samples from several municipal WWTPs in
      Osaka, Japan, using a yeast two-hybrid assay. Significant RARalpha agonistic
      activity was detected in all the influent samples investigated, suggesting that
      municipal wastewater consistently contains RAR agonists. Fractionations using
      high-performance liquid chromatography, directed by the bioassay, found several
      bioactive peaks from influent samples. The RAR agonists, all-trans RA (atRA), 13
      cis RA (13cRA), 4-oxo-atRA, and 4-oxo-13cRA, possibly arising from human urine,
      were identified by liquid chromatography ion trap time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry. Quantification of the identified compounds in municipal WWTPs
      confirmed that they were responsible for the majority of RARalpha agonistic
      activity in WWTP influents, and also revealed they were readily removed from
      wastewater by activated sludge treatment. Simultaneous measurement of the
      RARalpha agonistic activity revealed that although total activity typically
      declined concomitant with the reduction of the four identified compounds, it
      remained high after the decline of RAs and 4-oxo-RAs in one WWTP, suggesting the
      occurrence of unidentified RAR agonists during the activated sludge treatment.

PMID- 22095886
TI  - Observer variation in the histopathologic assessment of extranodal tumor spread
      in lymph node metastases in the neck.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extranodal spread (ENS) of tumors is widely used as a prognosticator
      for patients with head and neck cancer and is used as an indicator for
      postoperative treatment. However, the histopathologic agreement among
      pathologists on the assessment of the presence or absence of this criterion has
      never been studied. METHODS: The interobserver and intraobserver agreement among
      10 pathologists on the diagnosis of ENS in 41 tumor-positive lymph nodes was
      evaluated. RESULTS: The kappa value of the interobserver agreement among
      pathologists varied between 0.14 and 0.75, the overall kappa value was 0.42 and
      0.49 in the 2 scoring sessions. The intraobserver kappa value varied between 0.49
      and 0.95. CONCLUSION: The intraobserver and interobserver agreement among
      pathologists in the assessment of the presence of ENS was low in metastatic lymph
      nodes in the neck. Because of the widely accepted prognostic significance and
      therapeutic consequences of ENS, there is a need for internationally accepted
      reproducible criterion for the histopathologic assessment of ENS in metastatic
      lymph nodes in the neck.

PMID- 22095887
TI  - Discrepancies in glomerular and tubulointerstitial/vascular immune complex IgG
      subclasses in lupus nephritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lupus nephritis is characterized by glomerular and
      extraglomerular immune complex deposition in the kidney. It is unclear whether
      the same circulating immune complexes deposit in the glomeruli and in
      extraglomerular structures, or whether they are pathogenetically different.
      Differences in the IgG subclass composition may point towards different pathways
      in the formation of glomerular and extraglomerular immune complexes. Therefore we
      investigated IgG subclass distribution in the immune complex deposits at these
      anatomic sites. DESIGN: A total of 84 biopsies diagnosed as lupus nephritis and
      classified according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology
      Society (ISN/RPS) 2003 classification, were examined by direct immunofluorescence
      staining for IgG subclasses. The IgG subclass composition in the glomerular,
      tubular basement membrane (TBM) and vascular wall deposits was compared. We also
      correlated the presence/absence of interstitial inflammation and IgG subclasses
      in the TBM and vascular deposits. Lastly, we looked for correlation between
      staining for IgG subclasses and complement C1q and C3 staining. RESULTS: IgG
      staining was present in the TBM in 52/84 biopsies, and in the vascular walls in
      40/84 biopsies. IgG subclass distribution was discrepant between glomerular and
      TBM deposits in 36/52 biopsies, and between glomerular and vascular deposits in
      27/40 biopsies. Interstitial inflammation did not correlate with the presence of
      IgG staining or distribution of IgG subclasses in the TBM. Interstitial
      inflammation was more common in biopsies of African-American patients than
      Caucasian patients. The IgG subclass staining correlated with C1q staining in all
      the three compartments. CONCLUSIONS: The antibody composition of the glomerular
      and extraglomerular immune complex deposits appear to differ from each other.
      They may not represent the same preformed immune complexes from the circulation.
      It is likely that their pathogenesis and site of formation are different.

PMID- 22095888
TI  - Role of reactive intermediates in the immunopathogenesis of the pristane-induced
      Balb/c model of lupus.
AB  - Pristane-induced lupus in Balb/c mice represents an environmentally induced lupus
      model which is widely used for unravelling the mystery of the pathogenesis of the
      disease. An intraperitoneal innate immune reaction to pristane is primarily
      accountable for the development of the systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease
      in the model. In this study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO)
      levels were assessed (as a measure of chronic inflammation) in the peritoneum of
      the Balb/c model of SLE-like disease 6 months after a single intraperitoneal
      injection of pristane. Levels of ROS in peritoneal macrophages were significantly
      enhanced (mean fluorescence value  +/-  SD: 648  +/-  100.9) in pristane-treated
      mice (PT) as compared with control mice (mean fluorescence value  +/-  SD: 79  +/
      7.8) treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBST). An immunofluorescence study
      reveal the localization of ROS within nuclei, suggesting oxidative damage.
      Similarly, levels of NO were also markedly raised in PT mice (34.71 umol/l  +/- 
      8.48) as compared with PBST mice (1.36 nmol/l  +/-  0.14). These new findings
      lead to speculation about the role of reactive intermediates in the development
      of disease. This study proposes that the sustained production of reactive
      intermediates during chronic intraperitoneal inflammation might reduce
      antioxidant defences and lead to a condition of oxidative stress, which might
      further be responsible for this autoimmune condition.

PMID- 22095889
TI  - The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) group - it was 20
      years ago today.
AB  - The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) group is 20 years
      old this year (2011). This brief review traces the origins of the group focussing
      on its more recent history and reviewing some of its major contributions to lupus
      research during the past two decades.

PMID- 22095891
TI  - Topology-selective chromatography reveals plasmid supercoiling shifts during
      fermentation and allows rapid and efficient preparation of topoisomers.

PMID- 22095892
TI  - Development and status of health insurance systems in China.
AB  - Health insurance programs have changed rapidly over time in China. Among rural
      populations, insurance coverage shifted from nearly universal levels in the 1970s
      to 7% in 1999; it stands at 94% of counties in 2009. This large increase is the
      result of a series of health reforms that aim to achieve universal access to
      healthcare and better risk protection, largely through the rollout of the health
      insurance programs and the gradual increase in subsidies and benefits over time.
      In this paper, we present the development of the rural and urban health insurance
      programs, their modes of financing and operation and the benefits and
      reimbursement schemes at the end of 2009. We discuss some of the problems with
      the rural and urban residents' schemes including reliance on local government
      capacity, reimbursement ceilings and rates, and incentives for unnecessary care
      and waste in the design of the programs. Recommendations include increasing
      financial support and deepening the benefits packages. Strategies to control cost
      and improve quality include developing mixed provider payment mechanisms,
      implementing essential medicines policies and strengthening the quality of
      primary-care provision.

PMID- 22095893
TI  - Albumin infusion in patients undergoing large-volume paracentesis: a meta
      analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - Albumin infusion reduces the incidence of postparacentesis circulatory
      dysfunction among patients with cirrhosis and tense ascites, as compared with no
      treatment. Treatment alternatives to albumin, such as artificial colloids and
      vasoconstrictors, have been widely investigated. The aim of this meta-analysis
      was to determine whether morbidity and mortality differ between patients
      receiving albumin versus alternative treatments. The meta-analysis included
      randomized trials evaluating albumin infusion in patients with tense ascites.
      Primary endpoints were postparacentesis circulatory dysfunction, hyponatremia,
      and mortality. Eligible trials were sought by multiple methods, including
      computer searches of bibliographic and abstract databases and the Cochrane
      Library. Results were quantitatively combined under a fixed-effects model.
      Seventeen trials with 1,225 total patients were included. There was no evidence
      of heterogeneity or publication bias. Compared with alternative treatments,
      albumin reduced the incidence of postparacentesis circulatory dysfunction (odds
      ratio [OR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.55). Significant
      reductions in that complication by albumin were also shown in subgroup analyses
      versus each of the other volume expanders tested (e.g., dextran, gelatin,
      hydroxyethyl starch, and hypertonic saline). The occurrence of hyponatremia was
      also decreased by albumin, compared with alternative treatments (OR, 0.58; 95%
      CI, 0.39-0.87). In addition, mortality was lower in patients receiving albumin
      than alternative treatments (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: This meta
      analysis provides evidence that albumin reduces morbidity and mortality among
      patients with tense ascites undergoing large-volume paracentesis, as compared
      with alternative treatments investigated thus far.

PMID- 22095894
TI  - Exploring frataxin function.
AB  - Frataxin is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein highly conserved in
      prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Its deficiency was initially described as the
      phenotype of Friedreich's ataxia, an autosomal recessive disease in humans.
      Although several functions have been described for frataxin, that is, involvement
      in Fe-S cluster and heme synthesis, energy conversion and oxidative
      phosphorylation, iron handling and response to oxidative damage, its precise
      function remains unclear. Although there is a general consensus on the
      participation of frataxin in the maintenance of cellular iron homeostasis and in
      iron metabolism, this protein may have other specific functions in different
      tissues and organisms.

PMID- 22095895
TI  - Morphology-driven modulation of charge transport in radical/ion-containing, self
      assembled block copolymer platform.
AB  - A TEMPO-substituted ionic liquid was selectively incorporated into well-defined,
      self-assembled block copolymer templates, which served as an active layer for
      organic nonvolatile memory. Phase structures (sphere, cylinder, and lamellae) and
      their orientation modulated the resistive switching behavior, which demonstrated
      the unprecedented, morphology-driven charge transport in the organic electronic
      devices.

PMID- 22095896
TI  - Identification of 1,3-diiminoisoindoline carbohydrazides as potential
      antimalarial candidates.
AB  - A series of inhibitors of plant enzymes of the non-mevalonate pathway from
      herbicide research efforts at BASF were screened for antimalarial activity in a
      cell-based assay. A 1,3-diiminoisoindoline carbohydrazide was found to inhibit
      the growth of Plasmodium falciparum with an IC(50) value <100 nM. Synthesis of a
      variety of derivatives allowed an improvement of the initial antimalarial
      activity down to IC(50) =18 nM for the most potent compound, the establishment of
      a structure-activity relationship, and the evaluation of the cytotoxic profile of
      the diiminoisoindolines. Furthermore, interesting configurational and
      conformational aspects for this class of compounds were studied by computational
      and X-ray crystal structure analysis. Some of the compounds can act as tridentate
      ligands, forming 2:1 ligand-iron(III) complexes, which also display antimalarial
      activity in the nanomolar IC(50) range, paired with low cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22095897
TI  - Passive sampling provides evidence for Newark Bay as a source of polychlorinated
      dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans to the New York/New Jersey, USA, atmosphere.
AB  - Freely dissolved and gas phase polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and
      polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were measured in the water column and
      atmosphere at five locations within Newark Bay (New Jersey, USA) from May 2008 to
      August 2009 with polyethylene (PE) passive samplers. Mono- to octa-CDDs and mono-
      to hepta-CDFs were detected in bottom and surface waters at <= 20 pg/L with no
      clear gradient between sampling locations, suggesting freely dissolved PCDD/Fs
      are well mixed in Newark Bay. The most concentrated, freely dissolved gas phase
      congener was 2,7/2,8-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,7/2,8-DiCDD), likely originating
      from photochemical conversion of triclosan in Newark Bay. Air-surface water
      gradients strongly favored net volatilization of PCDD/PCDFs from Newark Bay.
      Water-to-air fluxes of 2,7/2,8-DiCDD and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
      (2,3,7,8-TCDD), the most concentrated and the most toxic PCDD/PCDFs,
      respectively, were approximately 60 ng/m(2) per month and 14 to 51 pg/m(2) per
      month. Significant decreases in freely dissolved 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations with
      increasing freshwater near the Passaic River and conservative behavior during the
      summer of 2009 suggested Passaic sediments as a likely source of 2,3,7,8-TCDD to
      Newark Bay. Mass balance calculations implied that almost 50% of freely dissolved
      2,3,7,8-TCDD delivered to Newark Bay from the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers was
      lost to volatilization in the summer of 2009.

PMID- 22095899
TI  - New triblock copolymer templates, PEO-PB-PEO, for the synthesis of titania films
      with controlled mesopore size, wall thickness, and bimodal porosity.
AB  - The synthesis and properties of a series of new structure-directing triblock
      copolymers with PEO-PB-PEO structure (PEO = poly(ethylene oxide) and PB =
      polybutadiene) and their application as superior pore-templates for the
      preparation of mesoporous titania coatings are reported. Starting from either
      TiCl4 or from preformed TiO2 nanocrystalline building blocks, mesoporous
      crystalline titanium oxide films with a significant degree of mesoscopic ordered
      pores are derived, and the pore size can be controlled by the molecular mass of
      the template polymer. Moreover, the triblock copolymers form stable micelles
      already at very low concentration, i.e., prior to solvent evaporation during the
      evaporation-induced self-assembly process (EISA). Consequently, the thickness of
      pore walls can be controlled independently of pore size by changing the polymer
      to-precursor ratio. Thus, unprecedented control of wall thickness in the
      structure of mesoporous oxide coatings is achieved. In addition, the micelle
      formation of the new template polymers is sufficiently distinct from that of
      typical commercial PPO-PEO-PPO polymers (Pluronics; PPO = poly(propylene oxide)),
      so that a combination of both polymers facilitates bimodal porosity via dual
      micelle templating. 

PMID- 22095898
TI  - RGD peptide-modified adenovirus expressing hepatocyte growth factor and X-linked
      inhibitor of apoptosis improves islet transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Islet transplantation has the potential for treating type I diabetes;
      however, its widespread clinical application is limited by the massive apoptotic
      cell death and poor revascularization of transplanted islet grafts. METHODS: We
      constructed a surface-modified adenoviral vector with RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequences
      encoding human X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis and hepatocyte growth factor (RGD
      Adv-hHGF-hXIAP). In vitro transgene expression in human islets was determined by
      enzyme-liniked immunosorbent assay. RGD-Adv-hHGF-hXIAP-transduced human islets
      were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      NOD/SCID mice. The blood glucose levels of mice were measured weekly. The kidneys
      bearing islets were isolated at the end of the experiment and subjected to
      immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: The transduction efficiency on human islets
      was significantly improved using RGD-modified adenovirus. HGF and XIAP gene
      expressions were dose-dependent after viral transduction. When exposed to a
      cocktail of inflammatory cytokines, RGD-Adv-hHGF-hXIAP-transduced human islets
      showed decreased caspase 3 activity and reduced apoptotic cell death. Prolonged
      normoglycemic control could be achieved by transplanting RGD-Adv-hHGF-hXIAP
      transduced human islets. Immunofluorescence staining of kidney sections bearing
      RGD-Adv-hHGF-hXIAP-transduced islets was positive for insulin and von Willebrand
      factor (vWF) at 200 days after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicated that ex vivo transduction of islets with RGD-Adv-hHGF-hXIAP decreased
      apoptotic islet cell death and improved islet revascularization, and eventually
      might improve the outcome of human islet transplantation.

PMID- 22095900
TI  - Video laryngoscopy-assisted secondary tracheoesophageal puncture placement for
      the patient with severely limited neck extension.
AB  - Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) placement in patients with severe
      limitations in neck extension is challenging. Visualization of the hypopharynx
      with traditional rigid endoscopy may not be possible. We report using the C-MAC
      (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) video laryngoscope to successfully place a
      secondary TEP in patient with severe radiation fibrosis at a tertiary referral
      center. A 59-year-old male with severe radiation fibrosis of the neck underwent
      total laryngectomy for a nonfunctioning larynx. His primary TEP dislodged in the
      early postoperative period and the patient requested secondary TEP and voice
      prosthesis. The result was a successful, properly positioned, placement of a
      secondary TEP. Videolaryngoscopy should be included in the surgeon's
      armamentarium of techniques to effectively and safely perform secondary TEP in
      anatomically difficult patients.

PMID- 22095901
TI  - Induction of apoptosis by type Ibeta protein kinase G in the human breast cancer
      cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468.
AB  - Activation of protein kinase G (PKG) by cyclic guanosine 3,5-monophosphate (cGMP)
      has become of considerable interest as a novel molecular approach for the
      induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. This study was conducted to investigate
      the role of PKG isoforms in the regulation of cell growth in human breast cancer
      cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB468. The expression levels of PKG isoforms were also
      examined using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. No
      differences in the gene expression of PKG isoforms were observed between MCF-7
      and MDA-MB-468 cells. To investigate the effects of PKG isoforms on the
      regulation of cell growth, the cGMP analogues 8-APT-cGMP (PKGIalpha activator), 8
      Br-PET-cGMP (PKGIbeta activator) and 8-pCPT-cGMP (PKGII activator) were employed.
      Apoptosis was assessed with the Annexin-V-propidium iodide (PI) staining, cell
      cycle analysis and caspase-3/9 activity assay. Treatment of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468
      cells with 8-Br-PET-cGMP resulted in a concentration-dependent cell growth
      inhibition and apoptosis, whereas neither PKGIalpha nor PKGII activators had any
      effect on the cell growth. The role of PKGIbeta in the inhibition of cell growth
      was confirmed using PKGI and PKGII inhibitors. The present study is the first to
      demonstrate the involvement of PKGIbeta in the inhibition of cell growth and
      induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

PMID- 22095903
TI  - Effects of precaudal elongation on visceral topography in a basal clade of ray
      finned fishes.
AB  - Elongate body forms have evolved numerous times independently within Vertebrata.
      Such body forms have evolved in large part via changes to the vertebral column,
      either through addition or lengthening of vertebrae. Previous studies have shown
      that body elongation in fishes has evolved most frequently through the addition
      of caudal vertebrae. In contrast, however, body elongation in Polypteriformes, a
      basal clade of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), has evolved through the
      addition of precaudal vertebrae; one genus, Erpetoichthys, has approximately
      twice as many precaudal vertebrae as do members of its sister genus, Polypterus.
      Thus, polypteriform fishes provide an excellent opportunity to study the effects
      of precaudal elongation on the gross morphology and organization of visceral
      organs contained within the body cavity. In this study, we document the
      anteroposterior positions of most major visceral organs in representative species
      of both genera (E. calabaricus and P. palmas), relative to both vertebral number
      and percent pre-anal length. We found that, whereas the positions of the anterior
      and posterior borders of the visceral organs relative to percent pre-anal length
      were generally similar between the two species, most visceral organs were
      positioned further posteriorly in E. calabaricus than in P. palmas with respect
      to vertebral number. Based on previous determinations of the molecular control of
      anteroposterior patterning of the visceral organs, we discuss which possible
      changes in gene expression may have led to the anatomical modifications seen in
      the visceral morphology of Erpetoichthys.

PMID- 22095902
TI  - Biological activities of Indian celery, Seseli diffusum (Roxb. ex Sm.) Sant. &
      Wagh.
AB  - In continuation of our work on Indian celery (Seseli diffusum (Roxb. ex Sm.)
      Santapau & Wagh; Umbelliferae), the fractionation of the 80% MeOH-H(2) O extract
      of the seeds was performed to identify the principles responsible for its folk
      use as an antispasmodic and diuretic. Several compounds were isolated as active
      components: seselin (1) and anthriscinol methyl ether (4) showed a selective
      cytotoxicity to some yeast strains. Compound 1 also showed spasmolytic activity.
      On the other hand, isopimpinellin (3) and isorutarin (5) exhibited a spasmogenic
      effect on the smooth muscle preparations. Compound 5 was also found to have
      antioxidant activity. Among them, compound 4 was isolated for the first time from
      this plant.

PMID- 22095905
TI  - Covalent capture of nitrous oxide by N-heterocyclic carbenes.

PMID- 22095904
TI  - EGRI and FOSB gene expressions in cancer stroma are independent prognostic
      indicators for epithelial ovarian cancer receiving standard therapy.
AB  - Stromal components interact with cancer cells to promote growth and metastasis.
      The purpose of this study was to identify genes expressed in stroma, which could
      provide prognostic information in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Seventy-four
      patients were included. We performed gene expression profiling and confirmed
      array data using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. By microarray analysis, 52
      candidate genes associated with progression free survival (PFS) were identified
      (P < 0.005). Expression of the early growth response 1 (EGR1) and FBJ murine
      osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) genes was further analyzed. Array
      data were confirmed by RT-PCR and multivariate analysis demonstrated that both
      EGR1 and FOSB expression in cancer stroma, and EGR1 expression in cancer are
      independent prognostic factors in EOC. Immunohistochemically, EGR1 protein is
      localized in cancer cells and alpha-smooth muscle actin positive stromal
      fibroblasts. The EGR1 and FOSB expression in stromal cells and EGR1 expression in
      cancer cells are prognostic indicators in EOC.

PMID- 22095907
TI  - Antibacterial components of honey.
AB  - The antibacterial activity of honey has been known since the 19th century.
      Recently, the potent activity of honey against antibiotic-resistant bacteria has
      further increased the interest for application of honey, but incomplete knowledge
      of the antibacterial activity is a major obstacle for clinical applicability. The
      high sugar concentration, hydrogen peroxide, and the low pH are well-known
      antibacterial factors in honey and more recently, methylglyoxal and the
      antimicrobial peptide bee defensin-1 were identified as important antibacterial
      compounds in honey. The antibacterial activity of honey is highly complex due to
      the involvement of multiple compounds and due to the large variation in the
      concentrations of these compounds among honeys. The current review will elaborate
      on the antibacterial compounds in honey. We discuss the activity of the
      individual compounds, their contribution to the complex antibacterial activity of
      honey, a novel approach to identify additional honey antibacterial compounds, and
      the implications of the novel developments for standardization of honey for
      medical applications.

PMID- 22095908
TI  - PS-b-P3HT copolymers as P3HT/PCBM interfacial compatibilizers for high efficiency
      photovoltaics.
AB  - A conducting diblock copolymer of PS-b-P3HT was added to serve as a
      compatibilizer in a P3HT/PCBM blend, which improved the power-conversion
      efficiency from 3.3% to 4.1% due to the enhanced crystallinity, morphology,
      interface interaction, and depth profile of PCBM.

PMID- 22095906
TI  - STITCHER: Dynamic assembly of likely amyloid and prion beta-structures from
      secondary structure predictions.
AB  - The supersecondary structure of amyloids and prions, proteins of intense clinical
      and biological interest, are difficult to determine by standard experimental or
      computational means. In addition, significant conformational heterogeneity is
      known or suspected to exist in many amyloid fibrils. Previous work has
      demonstrated that probability-based prediction of discrete beta-strand pairs can
      offer insight into these structures. Here, we devise a system of energetic rules
      that can be used to dynamically assemble these discrete beta-strand pairs into
      complete amyloid beta-structures. The STITCHER algorithm progressively 'stitches'
      strand-pairs into full beta-sheets based on a novel free-energy model,
      incorporating experimentally observed amino-acid side-chain stacking
      contributions, entropic estimates, and steric restrictions for amyloidal parallel
      beta-sheet construction. A dynamic program computes the top 50 structures and
      returns both the highest scoring structure and a consensus structure taken by
      polling this list for common discrete elements. Putative structural heterogeneity
      can be inferred from sequence regions that compose poorly. Predictions show
      agreement with experimental models of Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide and the
      Podospora anserina Het-s prion. Predictions of the HET-s homolog HET-S also
      reflect experimental observations of poor amyloid formation. We put forward
      predicted structures for the yeast prion Sup35, suggesting N-terminal structural
      stability enabled by tyrosine ladders, and C-terminal heterogeneity. Predictions
      for the Rnq1 prion and alpha-synuclein are also given, identifying a similar mix
      of homogenous and heterogeneous secondary structure elements. STITCHER provides
      novel insight into the energetic basis of amyloid structure, provides accurate
      structure predictions, and can help guide future experimental studies.

PMID- 22095909
TI  - Serum ferritin levels are associated with a distinct phenotype of chronic
      hepatitis C poorly responding to pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin
      therapy.
AB  - Elevated serum ferritin levels may reflect a systemic inflammatory state as well
      as increased iron storage, both of which may contribute to an unfavorable outcome
      of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of
      the role of serum ferritin and its genetic determinants in the pathogenesis and
      treatment of CHC. To this end, serum ferritin levels at baseline of therapy with
      pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin or before biopsy were correlated with
      clinical and histological features of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection,
      including necroinflammatory activity (N = 970), fibrosis (N = 980), steatosis (N
      = 886), and response to treatment (N = 876). The association between high serum
      ferritin levels (> median) and the endpoints was assessed by logistic regression.
      Moreover, a candidate gene as well as a genome-wide association study of serum
      ferritin were performed. We found that serum ferritin >= the sex-specific median
      was one of the strongest pretreatment predictors of treatment failure (univariate
      P < 0.0001, odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34-0.60).
      This association remained highly significant in a multivariate analysis (P =
      0.0002, OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.20-0.61), with an OR comparable to that of
      interleukin (IL)28B genotype. When patients with the unfavorable IL28B genotypes
      were stratified according to high versus low ferritin levels, SVR rates differed
      by > 30% in both HCV genotype 1- and genotype 3-infected patients (P < 0.001).
      Serum ferritin levels were also independently associated with severe liver
      fibrosis (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.68-4.25) and steatosis (P = 0.002, OR
      = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.35-3.91), but not with necroinflammatory activity (P = 0.3).
      Genetic variations had only a limited impact on serum ferritin levels.
      CONCLUSION: In patients with CHC, elevated serum ferritin levels are
      independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis, hepatic steatosis, and
      poor response to interferon-alpha-based therapy.

PMID- 22095910
TI  - VAX1 mutation associated with microphthalmia, corpus callosum agenesis, and
      orofacial clefting: the first description of a VAX1 phenotype in humans.
AB  - Vax1 and Vax2 have been implicated in eye development and the closure of the
      choroid fissure in mice and zebrafish. We sequenced the coding exons of VAX1 and
      VAX2 in 70 patients with anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M). In VAX1, we observed
      homozygosity for two successive nucleotide substitutions c.453G>A and c.454C>A,
      predicting p.Arg152Ser, in a proband of Egyptian origin with microphthalmia,
      small optic nerves, cleft lip/palate, and corpus callosum agenesis. This mutation
      affects an invariant residue in the homeodomain of VAX1 and was absent from 96
      Egyptian controls. It is likely that the mutation results in a loss of function,
      as the mutation results in a phenotype similar to the Vax1 homozygous null mouse.
      We did not identify any mutations in VAX2. This is the first description of a
      phenotype associated with a VAX1 mutation in humans and establishes VAX1 as a new
      causative gene for A/M.

PMID- 22095911
TI  - The association between fracture and obesity is site-dependent: a population
      based study in postmenopausal women.
AB  - The association between obesity and fracture is controversial. We investigated
      the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and fracture at different skeletal
      sites in women aged >=50 years using data from the Sistema d' Informacio per al
      Desenvolupament de la Investigacio en Atencio Primaria (SIDIAP) database. SIDIAP
      contains the computerized medical records of >3400 general practitioners in
      Catalonia (northeastern Spain), with information on a representative 80% of the
      population (>5 million people). In 2009, 1,039,878 women aged >=50 years were
      eligible, of whom 832,775 (80.1%) had a BMI measurement. These were categorized
      into underweight/normal (302,414 women), overweight (266,798), and obese
      (263,563). Fractures were ascertained using the International Classification of
      Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. Multivariate Poisson regression models
      were fitted to adjust for age, smoking, high alcohol intake, type 2 diabetes, and
      oral corticosteroid use. Hip fractures were significantly less common in
      overweight and obese women than in normal/underweight women (rate ratio [RR] 0.77
      [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 0.88], RR 0.63 [95% CI 0.64 to 0.79], p <
      0.001, respectively). Pelvis fracture rates were lower in the overweight (RR 0.78
      [95% CI 0.63 to 0.96], p = 0.017) and obese (RR 0.58 [95% CI 0.47 to 0.73], p <
      0.001) groups. Conversely, obese women were at significantly higher risk of
      proximal humerus fracture than the normal/underweight group (RR 1.28 [95% CI 1.04
      to 1.58], p = 0.018). Clinical spine, wrist, tibial, and multiple rib fracture
      rates were not significantly different between groups. An age-related increase in
      incidence was seen for all BMI groups at all fracture sites; obese women with
      hip, clinical spine, and pelvis fracture were significantly younger at the time
      of fracture than normal/underweight women, whereas those with wrist fracture were
      significantly older. The association between obesity and fracture in
      postmenopausal women is site-dependent, obesity being protective against hip and
      pelvis fractures but associated with an almost 30% increase in risk for proximal
      humerus fractures when compared with normal/underweight women. The reasons for
      these site-specific variations are unknown but may be related to different
      patterns of falls and attenuation of their impact by adipose tissue.

PMID- 22095912
TI  - Green nanochemistry: metal oxide nanoparticles and porous thin films from bare
      metal powders.
AB  - A universal, simple, robust, widely applicable and cost-effective aqueous process
      is described for a controlled oxidative dissolution process of micrometer-sized
      metal powders to form high-purity aqueous dispersions of colloidally stable 3-8
      nm metal oxide nanoparticles. Their utilization for making single and multilayer
      optically transparent high-surface-area nanoporous films is demonstrated. This
      facile synthesis is anticipated to find numerous applications in materials
      science, engineering, and nanomedicine.

PMID- 22095913
TI  - Detection of evolving injury to the brachial plexus during transaxillary robotic
      thyroidectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of
      transcranial electric motor evoked potentials (tceMEPs) and somatosensory evoked
      potentials (SSEPs) has gained universal acceptance as an efficacious method for
      detecting emerging positional brachial plexopathy or peripheral nerve compression
      during spinal and shoulder surgery. This has implications for transaxillary
      thyroid surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case report with literature review. METHODS: The
      patient underwent robotic transaxillary thyroid surgery with continuous tceMEP
      and SSEP monitoring of brachial plexus function. We present detailed IONM data
      depicting the emergence of positional brachial plexopathy. RESULTS: Significant
      amplitude loss of both IONM modalities were identified during an evolving
      positional plexopathy, which resolved upon upper extremity repositioning and
      conversion to an open procedure. No permanent nerve injury or deficit was noted
      following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Given the potential for brachial plexus injury
      during robotic transaxillary thyroid surgery secondary to arm positioning, we
      recommend that continuous tceMEP and SSEP monitoring be considered during such
      procedures.

PMID- 22095915
TI  - DeltaE1 and high-capacity adenoviral vectors expressing full-length codon
      optimized merozoite surface protein 1 for vaccination against Plasmodium
      falciparum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The merozoite surface protein (MSP)-1 of Plasmodium falciparum, the
      causative agent of malaria tropica, is considered to be a promising vaccine
      candidate. Although its stable cloning and expression has been difficult in the
      past, adenoviral vectors expressing the complex protein are described in the
      present study. METHODS: Codon-optimized msp-1 was used to construct a set of
      first generation (DeltaE1Ad) and high-capacity adenovirus (HC-Ad) vectors, and
      cellular and humoral immune responses induced by the vectors were characterized
      in detail in mice. RESULTS: Generation of stable DeltaE1Ad and HC-Ad vectors
      expressing full-length MSP-1 and their production to high vector titers was found
      to be feasible. Epitope identification and analysis of frequencies of specific
      CD8 T-cells revealed that MSP-1 expressing HC-Ad vectors induced higher
      frequencies of interferon-gamma + CD8 T-cells than DeltaE1 vectors. Irrespective
      of the vector format, higher titers of MSP-1 specific antibodies were generated
      by Ad vectors expressing MSP-1 from a chicken beta-actin (CAG) promoter
      comprising the cytomegalovirus early enhancer element and the chicken beta-actin
      promoter. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that Ad vectors
      expressing full-length codon-optimized MSP-1 are promising candidate vaccines
      against P. falciparum infections. Use of the HC-Ad vector type for delivery, as
      well as the CAG promoter to control MSP-1 expression, may further increase the
      efficacy of this vaccine candidate.

PMID- 22095914
TI  - The giant danio (D. aequipinnatus) as a model of cardiac remodeling and
      regeneration.
AB  - The paucity of mammalian adult cardiac myocytes (CM) proliferation following
      myocardial infarction (MI) and the remodeling of the necrotic tissue that ensues,
      result in non-regenerative repair. In contrast, zebrafish (ZF) can regenerate
      after an apical resection or cryoinjury of the heart. There is considerable
      interest in models where regeneration proceeds in the presence of necrotic
      tissue. We have developed and characterized a cautery injury model in the giant
      danio (GD), a species closely related to ZF, where necrotic tissue remains part
      of the ventricle, yet regeneration occurs. By light and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), we have documented four temporally overlapping processes: (1) a
      robust inflammatory response analogous to that observed in MI, (2) concomitant
      proliferation of epicardial cells leading to wound closure, (3) resorption of
      necrotic tissue and its replacement by granulation tissue, and (4) regeneration
      of the myocardial tissue driven by 5-EDU and [(3) H]thymidine incorporating CMs.
      In conclusion, our data suggest that the GD possesses robust repair mechanisms in
      the ventricle and can serve as an important model of cardiac inflammation,
      remodeling and regeneration.

PMID- 22095916
TI  - Bioactivity-guided isolation of antiproliferative diterpenoids from Euphorbia
      kansui.
AB  - Cytotoxic assay guided multistep separation on the dichloromethane extract of the
      roots of Euphorbia kansui resulted in the isolation of 10 ingenol-type
      diterpenoids (1-4 and 7-12), of which, 5-O-(2'E,4'E-decadienoyl)-20-O
      acetylingenol (1) is a new compound, and two are jatrophane-type diterpenoids (13
      14). Interconversion of two pairs of positional ester isomers (1-4) in aqueous
      alcoholic solution was observed, the transesterification mechanism of which was
      speculated and confirmed by acylation of 3 and 4 to 6 and 5, respectively. All
      the isolates and the two acyl derivatives (5 and 6) were evaluated in vitro for
      their cytotoxicities in Bel-7402, Bel-7402/5FU, BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cell lines.
      The 12 ingenol-type diterpenoids exhibited weak to moderate cytotoxicities,
      whereas the two jatrophane-type diterpenoids displayed no antiproliferative
      effects, which, however, may increase the antitumour efficacy of those ingenol
      type diterpenoids. The structure--activity relationships were investigated by
      principal component analysis (PCA) of the pIC50 (-logIC50) values of the
      compounds tested and their calculated molecular descriptors. The pIC50 values
      were highly correlated with most descriptors, especially the highest occupied
      molecular orbital energy (E(HOMO)), absolute hardness (eta) and positively
      charged solvent accessible surface areas (P-ASA). As the values of E(HOMO)
      increase, eta and P-ASA decrease, and the antiproliferative effects of these
      compounds increase.

PMID- 22095917
TI  - Project VALOR: design and methods of a longitudinal registry of post-traumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD) in combat-exposed veterans in the Afghanistan and Iraqi
      military theaters of operations.
AB  - Few studies have investigated the natural history of post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD). Project VALOR (Veterans' After-discharge Longitudinal Registry)
      was designed as a longitudinal patient registry assessing the course of combat
      related PTSD among 1600 male and female Veterans who served in Operation Enduring
      Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Aims of the study
      include investigating patterns and predictors of progression or remission of PTSD
      and treatment utilization. The study design was based on recommendations from the
      Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research for longitudinal disease registries
      and used a pre-specified theoretical model to select the measurement domains for
      data collection and interpretation of forthcoming results. The registry will
      include 1200 male and female Veterans with a recent diagnosis of PTSD in the
      Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) electronic medical record and a comparison
      group of 400 Veterans without a medical record-based PTSD diagnosis, to also
      allow for case-control analyses. Data are collected from administrative
      databases, electronic medical records, a self-administered questionnaire, and a
      semi-structured diagnostic telephone interview. Project VALOR is a unique and
      timely registry study that will evaluate the clinical course of PTSD,
      psychosocial correlates, and health outcomes in a carefully selected cohort of
      returning OEF/OIF Veterans.

PMID- 22095919
TI  - Identifying continuous pores in protein structures with PROPORES by computational
      repositioning of gating residues.
AB  - Proteins containing concavities such as pockets, cavities, and tunnels or pores
      perform important functions in ligand-induced signal transduction, enzymatic
      catalysis, and in facilitating the permeation of small molecules through
      membranes. Computational algorithms for identifying such shapes are therefore of
      great use for studying the mechanisms of these reactions. We developed the novel
      toolkit PROPORES for pore identification and applied our program to the systems
      aquaporin, tryptophan synthase, leucine transporter, and acetylcholinesterase. As
      a novel feature, the program checks whether access to occluded ligand binding
      pockets or blocked channels can be achieved by systematically rotating side
      chains of the gating residues. In this way, we obtain a more flexible view of the
      putative structural adaptability of protein structures. For the four systems
      mentioned, the new method was able to identify connections between pores that are
      separated in the X-ray structures or to connect internal pores with the protein
      surrounding. The software is available from http://gepard.bioinformatik.uni
      saarland.de/software/propores/.

PMID- 22095920
TI  - Environmental control of reproductive phenology and the effect of pollen
      supplementation on resource allocation in the cleistogamous weed, Ruellia
      nudiflora (Acanthaceae).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mixed reproductive strategies may have evolved as a response
      of plants to cope with environmental variation. One example of a mixed
      reproductive strategy is dimorphic cleistogamy, where a single plant produces
      closed, obligately self-pollinated (CL) flowers and open, potentially outcrossed
      (CH) flowers. Frequently, optimal environmental conditions favour production of
      more costly CH structures whilst economical and reliable CL structures are
      produced under less favourable conditions. In this study we explore (1) the
      effect of light and water on the reproductive phenology and (2) the effect of
      pollen supplementation on resource allocation to seeds in the cleistogamous weed
      Ruellia nudiflora. METHODS: Split-plot field experiments were carried out to
      assess the effect of shade (two levels: ambient light vs. a reduction of 50 %)
      and watering (two levels: non-watered vs. watered) on the onset, end and duration
      of the production of three reproductive structures: CH flowers, CH fruit and CL
      fruit. We also looked at the effect of these environmental factors on biomass
      allocation to seeds (seed weight) from obligately self-pollinated flowers (CL),
      open-pollinated CH flowers and pollen-supplemented CH flowers. KEY RESULTS: CH
      structures were produced for a briefer period and ended earlier under shaded
      conditions. These conditions also resulted in an earlier production of CL fruit.
      Shaded conditions also produced greater biomass allocation to CH seeds receiving
      extra pollen. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-optimal (shaded) conditions resulted in a briefer
      production period of CH structures whilst these same conditions resulted in an
      earlier production of CL structures. However, under sub-optimal conditions,
      plants also allocated more resources to seeds sired from CH flowers receiving
      large pollen loads. Earlier production of reproductive structures and relatively
      larger seed might improve subsequent success of CL and pollen-supplemented CH
      seeds, respectively.

PMID- 22095921
TI  - Hippocampal subregions are differentially affected in the progression to
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Atrophy within the hippocampus (HP) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) is a promising biomarker for the progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      Subregions of the HP along the longitudinal axis have been found to demonstrate
      unique function, as well as undergo differential changes in the progression to
      AD. Little is known of relationships between such HP subregions and other
      potential biomarkers, such as neuropsychological (NP), genetic, and cerebral
      spinal fluid (CSF) beta amyloid and tau measures. The purpose of this study was
      to subdivide the hippocampus to determine how the head, body, and tail were
      affected in normal control, mild cognitively impaired, and AD subjects, and
      investigate relationships with HP subregions and other potential biomarkers. MRI
      scans of 120 participants of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were
      processed using FreeSurfer, and the HP was subdivided using 3D Slicer. Each
      subregion was compared among groups, and correlations were used to determine
      relationships with NP, genetic, and CSF measures. Results suggest that HP
      subregions are undergoing differential atrophy in AD, and demonstrate unique
      relationships with NP and CSF data. Discriminant function analyses revealed that
      these regions, when combined with NP and CSF measures, were able to classify by
      diagnostic group, and classify MCI subjects who would and would not progress to
      AD within 12 months.

PMID- 22095923
TI  - Contact resistance and megahertz operation of aggressively scaled organic
      transistors.
AB  - Bottom-gate, top-contact organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) with excellent
      static characteristics (on/off ratio: 10(7) ; intrinsic mobility: 3 cm(2)  (V s)(
      1) ) and fast unipolar ring oscillators (signal delay as short as 230 ns per
      stage) are fabricated. The significant contribution of the transfer length to the
      relation between channel length, contact length, contact resistance, effective
      mobility, and cutoff frequency of the TFTs is theoretically and experimentally
      analyzed.

PMID- 22095922
TI  - Direct writing by way of melt electrospinning.
AB  - Melt electrospun fibers of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) are accurately deposited
      using an automated stage as the collector. Matching the translation speed of the
      collector to the speed of the melt electrospinning jet establishes control over
      the location of fiber deposition. In this sense, melt electrospinning writing can
      be seen to bridge the gap between solution electrospinning and direct writing
      additive manufacturing processes.

PMID- 22095924
TI  - Rescue of sarcoglycan mutations by inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum quality
      control is associated with minimal structural modifications.
AB  - Sarcoglycanopathies (SGP) are a group of autosomal recessive muscle disorders
      caused by primary mutations in one of the four sarcoglycan genes. The
      sarcoglycans (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-sarcoglycan) form a tetrameric
      complex at the muscle membrane that is part of the dystrophin-glycoprotein
      complex and plays an essential role for membrane integrity during muscle
      contractions. We previously showed that the most frequent missense mutation in
      alpha-sarcoglycan (p.R77C) leads to the absence of the protein at the cell
      membrane due to its blockade by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control.
      Moreover, we demonstrated that inhibition of the ER alpha-mannosidase I activity
      using kifunensine could rescue the mutant protein localization at the cell
      membrane. Here, we investigate 25 additional disease-causing missense mutations
      in the sarcoglycan genes with respect to intracellular fate and localization
      rescue of the mutated proteins by kifunensine. Our studies demonstrate that,
      similarly to p.R77C, 22 of 25 of the selected mutations lead to defective
      intracellular trafficking of the SGs proteins. Six of these were saved from ER
      retention upon kifunensine treatment. The trafficking of SGs mutants rescued by
      kifunensine was associated with mutations that have moderate structural impact on
      the protein.

PMID- 22095925
TI  - High-capacity adenoviral vectors circumvent the limitations of DeltaE1 and
      DeltaE1/DeltaE3 adenovirus vectors to induce multispecific transgene product
      directed CD8 T-cell responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses that are
      multispecific is considered to comprise an essential feature for an efficacious
      genetic vaccine against many pathogens including HIV and hepatitis C virus.
      DeltaE1Ad vectors are promising vectored vaccines but have been shown to induce
      antigen-specific CTLs with only limited multispecificity. In the present study,
      we investigated the applicability of gene-deleted high-capacity adenovirus (HC
      Ad) vectors and focused on the induction of multispecific CTL responses. METHODS:
      We generated Delta E1 and HC-Ad vectors expressing hepatitis B virus small
      surface antigen (HBsAg). We comparatively analyzed the CTL profiles against
      various transgene product- and vector-derived epitopes in several mouse strains
      and HBsAg- and vector-directed antibody responses. RESULTS: HC-Ad vectors
      efficiently induced multispecific HBsAg-directed CTLs. By contrast, DeltaE1Ad
      vectors mainly primed CTLs against one immunodominant epitope of HBsAg. This
      absence of multispecific CTL responses correlated with the induction of CTLs
      against viral epitopes generated by de novo expression of Ad genes from the
      DeltaE1Ad vector. However, Ad-specific CTLs induced in trans did not impair HC
      AdS-induced multispecific CTL responses against HBsAg. Finally, HC-Ad vectors
      also induced higher HBsAg antibody titers compared to DeltaE1Ad vectors.
      CONCLUSIONS: De novo expression of viral genes from DeltaE1Ad vector genomes
      restricts the multispecificity of transgene product-specific CTLs by
      immunodominance effects. HC-Ad vectors devoid of Ad genes are favorable for the
      induction of both multispecific CD8 T-cell responses and high antibody responses.
      Our results suggest the deletion of Ad genes as an important means for developing
      potent Ad-based vectored vaccines.

PMID- 22095926
TI  - Crystal structure of methylornithine synthase (PylB): insights into the
      pyrrolysine biosynthesis.

PMID- 22095927
TI  - Antidiabetic effect of the total polyphenolic acids fraction from Salvia
      miltiorrhiza Bunge in diabetic rats.
AB  - An investigation was made to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the total
      polyphenolic acids fraction (PAF) from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge in the type 2
      diabetes mellitus rats model with an oral dose of 187 mg/kg for 28 days. The
      results showed that PAF induced a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose
      (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG)
      and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and an obvious increase in insulin sensitivity
      index (ISI) in diabetic rats induced by a high fat diet and a low dose of
      streptozocin (STZ). These results suggested that PAF has antidiabetic potential
      in vivo.

PMID- 22095928
TI  - The basics of retinoblastoma: back to school.

PMID- 22095929
TI  - Quality of health in survivors of childhood acute myeloid leukemia treated with
      chemotherapy only: a NOPHO-AML study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 60% of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) become
      long-term survivors, and approximately 50% are cured with chemotherapy only.
      Limited data exist about their long-term morbidity and social outcomes. The aim
      of the study was to compare the self-reported use of health care services, health
      experience, social outcomes, and lifestyle behavior of AML survivors with that of
      their sibling controls. METHODS: This population-based study included 138
      children treated for AML according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology
      and Oncology (NOPHO)-AML-84, -88, and -93 trials, and alive by June 30, 2007.
      Patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or relapse
      were not included. Altogether, 102 (74%) survivors and 91% of their siblings
      completed a questionnaire. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 11 (range 4-25)
      years after diagnosis. AML survivors had no increased rate of hospitalization
      compared with sibling controls, but were more often receiving prescription drugs,
      especially for asthma (23% vs. 9%, P = 0.03). Self-reported health experience was
      excellent or very good in 77% and comparable with that of siblings. Educational
      achievement, employment, and marital status were comparable in the two groups.
      Among surviving AML patients, 23% were current smokers and 24% of their siblings
      were current smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The self-reported health of children treated
      on NOPHO-AML protocols without HSCT was good, and their use of health care
      services was limited. Reported health and social outcomes were comparable to
      those of their siblings. Many survivors were smoking which may increase the risk
      of late effects.

PMID- 22095930
TI  - Differential expression and regulation of angiopoietin-2 in mouse uterus during
      preimplantation period.
AB  - Angiogenesis is crucial to successful implantation and decidualization, however,
      as an important angiogenic growth factor, the effect of Ang-2 in the process of
      implantation and decidualization is still unknown. This study is to investigate
      the differential expression of Ang-2 in mouse uterus during early pregnancy and
      its regulation by steroid hormones using in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. There
      is no detectable Ang-2 mRNA signal on days 1-5 of pregnancy by in situ
      hybridization. On days 6-8, Ang-2 mRNA is mainly expressed in the primary decidua
      of mesometrial side, and the expression gradually increases. By RT-PCR, a
      significantly higher level of Ang-2 expression is observed on day 8 of pregnancy,
      although Ang-2 expression can be found through days 1-8. Similarly, Ang-2 is
      highly expressed in decidualized cells under artificial decidualization. In the
      ovariectomized mouse uterus, Ang-2 expression gradually increases after estrogen
      injection and with peak levels at 12 hr, while progesterone injection can cause a
      decline in uterine Ang-2 mRNA level, which reaches a nadir at 12 hr. These
      results suggest that Ang-2 may play a key role in the process of mouse
      decidualization. Estrogen can induce the expression of Ang-2 while progesterone
      can inhibit its expression in the ovariectomized mouse uterus.

PMID- 22095931
TI  - In vivo NIR fluorescence imaging, biodistribution, and toxicology of
      photoluminescent carbon dots produced from carbon nanotubes and graphite.
AB  - Oxidization of carbon nanotubes by a mixed acid has been utilized as a standard
      method to functionalize carbon nanomaterials for years. Here, the products
      obtained from carbon nanotubes and graphite after a mixed-acid treatment are
      carefully studied. Nearly identical carbon dot (Cdot) products with diameters of
      3-4 nm are produced using this approach from a variety of carbon starting
      materials, including single-walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes, and graphite. These Cdots exhibit strong yellow fluorescence under UV
      irradiation and shifted emission peaks as the excitation wavelength is changed.
      In vivo fluorescence imaging with Cdots is then demonstrated in mouse
      experiments, by using varied excitation wavelengths including some in the near
      infrared (NIR) region. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution and toxicology of
      those Cdots in mice over different periods of time are studied; no noticeable
      signs of toxicity for Cdots to the treated animals are discovered. This work
      provides a facile method to synthesize Cdots as safe non-heavy-metal-containing
      fluorescent nanoprobes, promising for applications in biomedical imaging. 

PMID- 22095932
TI  - Magnetic nanocarriers with tunable pH dependence for controlled loading and
      release of cationic and anionic payloads.
AB  - Superparamagnetic nanocarriers with tunable pH dependence of the surface charge
      are designed by a simple co-precipitation method. By exploiting electrostatic
      interactions, cationic or anionic payloads can be adsorbed and desorbed depending
      on the pH. On three different resulting nanocarrier systems, experiments of
      loading and release of gold nanoparticles as well as effective siRNA loading and
      in vitro delivery on human cells are performed.

PMID- 22095933
TI  - Detection of liver metastases using gadoxetic-enhanced dynamic and 10- and 20
      minute delayed phase MR imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the incremental value of hepatobiliary phase images in
      gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to compare
      diagnostic accuracy and lesion conspicuity on 10- and 20-minute delayed images
      for preoperative detection of hepatic metastases with subgroup analysis according
      to size and history of chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients
      with 107 metastases who underwent surgery after gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI
      were evaluated. Four observers independently interpreted three sets: dynamic set
      comprising precontrast T1-, T2-weighted, and dynamic images; 10-minute set
      comprising dynamic set and 10-minute delayed; 20-minute set comprising 10-minute
      set and 20-minute delayed. Diagnostic accuracy was compared with subgroup
      analysis. Liver-to-lesion signal ratio (SR) was calculated using the region of
      interest method and compared. RESULTS: Mean A(z) and sensitivities were
      significantly higher for 10- (A(z) = 0.894, sensitivity = 95.6%) and 20-minute
      (0.910, 97.2%) than dynamic set (0.813, 79.9%) (P < 0.001), with no significant
      difference between 10- and 20-minute sets (P = 0.140). In patients with small
      (<=1 cm) metastases and a history of chemotherapy, sensitivities were
      significantly higher with 10- (88.2%) and 20-minute (91.6%) sets than dynamic set
      (48.6%) (P < 0.001). SR was significantly higher for 10- and 20-minute delayed
      than precontrast and dynamic, with significantly higher SR on 20- than 10-minute
      delayed. CONCLUSION: Regardless of size or prior chemotherapy, detection of
      hepatic metastases was significantly improved by adding hepatobiliary phase
      images without significant differences between 10- and 20-minute delayed.

PMID- 22095934
TI  - The future of physiotherapy education: towards a translational model of learning
      complex skills.

PMID- 22095935
TI  - Genetic variation in APOB, PCSK9, and ANGPTL3 in carriers of pathogenic autosomal
      dominant hypercholesterolemic mutations with unexpected low LDL-Cl Levels.
AB  - Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia (ADH) is caused by LDLR and APOB
      mutations. However, genetically diagnosed ADH patients do not always exhibit the
      expected hypercholesterolemic phenotype. Of 4,669 genetically diagnosed ADH
      patients, identified through the national identification screening program for
      ADH, 75 patients (1.6%) had LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels below the 50th
      percentile for age and gender prior to lipid-lowering therapy. The genes encoding
      APOB, PCSK9, and ANGPTL3 were sequenced in these subjects to address whether
      monogenic dominant loss-of-function mutations underlie this paradoxical
      phenotype. APOB mutations, resulting in truncated APOB, were found in five (6.7%)
      probands, reducing LDL-C by 56%. Rare variants in PCSK9, and ANGPTL3 completely
      correcting the hypercholesterolemic phenotype were not found. The common variants
      p.N902N, c.3842+82T>A, p.D2312D, and p.E4181K in APOB, and c.1863+94A>G in PCSK9
      were significantly more prevalent in our cohort compared to the general European
      population. Interestingly, 40% of our probands carried at least one minor allele
      for all four common APOB variants compared to 1.5% in the general European
      population. While we found a low prevalence of rare variants in our cohort, our
      data suggest that regions in proximity of the analyzed loci, and linked to
      specific common haplotypes, might harbor additional variants that correct an ADH
      phenotype.

PMID- 22095936
TI  - Convex polyhedral Au@Pd core-shell nanocrystals with high-index facets.

PMID- 22095937
TI  - A review of the efficacy and safety of banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) and
      corosolic acid.
AB  - Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) extracts have been used for many years in folk
      medicine to treat diabetes, with the first published research study being
      reported in 1940. This review summarizes the current literature regarding banaba
      and its constituents. The hypoglycemic effects of banaba have been attributed to
      both corosolic acid as well as ellagitannins. Studies have been conducted in
      various animal models, human subjects and in vitro systems using water soluble
      banaba leaf extracts, corosolic acid-standardized extracts, and purified
      corosolic acid and ellagitannins. Pure corosolic acid has been reported to
      decrease blood sugar levels within 60 min in human subjects. Corosolic acid also
      exhibits antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antifungal,
      antiviral, antineoplastic and osteoblastic activities. The beneficial effects of
      banaba and corosolic acid with respect to various aspects of glucose and lipid
      metabolism appear to involve multiple mechanisms, including enhanced cellular
      uptake of glucose, impaired hydrolysis of sucrose and starches, decreased
      gluconeogenesis and the regulation of lipid metabolism. These effects may be
      mediated by PPAR, MAP K, NF-kappaB and other signal transduction factors. No
      adverse effects have been observed or reported in animal studies or controlled
      human clinical trials. Banaba extract, corosolic acid and other constituents may
      be beneficial in addressing the symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome, as
      well as offering other health benefits.

PMID- 22095938
TI  - Histology-based morphology of the neurocentral synchondrosis in Alligator
      mississippiensis (Archosauria, Crocodylia).
AB  - Morphology of the neurocentral synchondroses--thin cartilaginous layers between
      centra and neural arches--are documented in the extant crocodilian, Alligator
      mississippiensis (Archosauria, Crocodylia). Examination of dry skeletons
      demonstrates that neurocentral suture closure occurs in very late postnatal
      ontogeny (after reaching sexual maturity and/or body size ca. 40% from the upper
      range). Before sexual maturity (body length (BL) >= ca. 1.80 m), completely fused
      centra and neural arches are restricted to the caudal vertebral series. In
      contrast, the presacral vertebrae often remain unfused throughout postnatal
      ontogeny, retaining open sutures in very mature individuals (BL >= 2.80 m). These
      unfused centra and neural arches are structurally supported by the relatively
      large surface area of the neurocentral junctions, which results from primarily
      horizontal (mediolateral) increases with strong positive allometry. Cleared and
      stained specimens show that the cartilaginous neurocentral synchondrosis starts
      to form after approximately 40 embryonic days. Histological examination of the
      neurocentral junction in dorsal and anterior caudal vertebrae of six individuals
      (BL = 0.28-3.12 m) shows : (1) neurocentral fusion is the result of endochondral
      ossification of the neurocentral synchondrosis, (2) the neurocentral
      synchondrosis exhibits bipolar organization of three types of cartilaginous
      cells, and (3) complex neurocentral sutures (i.e., curved, zigzagged, and/or
      interdigitated boundaries) come from clumping of bone cells of the neural arches
      and centra into the neurocentral synchondrosis. The last two morphological
      features can be advantageous for delaying neurocentral fusion, which seems to be
      unique in crocodilians and possibly their close relatives, including nonavian
      dinosaurs and other Mesozoic archosaurs.

PMID- 22095939
TI  - Electrical probing of submicroliter liquid using graphene strip transistors built
      on a nanopipette.
AB  - Graphene sheets made by chemical vapor deposition are transferred onto a glass
      nanopipette to form graphene strips. Two strips are connected at the nanopipette
      tip end to form a transistor channel. This graphene-based transistor can be
      operated in a liquid-gating condition, thereby allowing the electrical detection
      of the pH value of a droplet with submicroliter volume.

PMID- 22095940
TI  - Organic mixed-valence compounds: a playground for electrons and holes.
AB  - Mixed-valence (MV) compounds are excellent model systems for the investigation of
      basic electron-transfer (ET) or charge-transfer (CT) phenomena. These issues are
      important in complex biophysical processes such as photosynthesis as well as in
      artificial electronic devices that are based on organic conjugated materials.
      Organic MV compounds are effective hole-transporting materials in organic light
      emitting diodes (OLEDs), solar cells, and photochromic windows. However, the
      importance of organic mixed-valence chemistry should not be seen in terms of the
      direct applicability of these species but the wealth of knowledge about ET
      phenomena that has been gained through their study. The great variety of organic
      redox centers and spacer moieties that may be combined in MV systems as well as
      the ongoing refinement of ET theories and methods of investigation prompted
      enormous interest in organic MV compounds in the last decades and show the huge
      potential of this class of compounds. The goal of this Review is to give an
      overview of the last decade in organic mixed valence chemistry and to elucidate
      its impact on modern functional materials chemistry.

PMID- 22095941
TI  - Impact of parainfluenza virus infection in pediatric cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory virus (RV) infection can cause significant morbidity and
      mortality in pediatric cancer patients. Parainfluenza virus (PIV) is a common
      pathogen in childhood among the respiratory viruses. The objective of this study
      is to evaluate the impact of parainfluenza virus infection in pediatric cancer
      patients. PROCEDURE: A retrospective review of medical records of 1,554 children
      diagnosed with cancer from January 2000 through July 2008 was analyzed at Samsung
      Medical Center. RESULTS: A total of 6.4% (137/1,554) had respiratory virus
      infection and 54% (74/137) of patients with RV infection had PIV infection. PIV
      type 3 was the predominant subtype. Among patients with PIV infection, 59
      children (79.7%) had upper respiratory tract infection (URI) whereas 15 children
      (20.3%) had lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) at initial presentation.
      Among patients with URI, 12 (20.3%) progressed to pneumonia with the median
      interval of 4 days from URI to LRI. Mortality associated with PIV infection was
      18.5% (5/27) in patients with LRI. Among patients with PIV infection, 80% (59/74)
      had nosocomial infection, which shows the difficulty and importance of infection
      control at pediatric cancer ward. CONCLUSIONS: PIV infection was most commonly
      diagnosed among pediatric cancer patients with RV infection and PIV infection led
      to significant pulmonary complications and direct mortality in immunocompromised
      children. Since there are no effective antiviral agents for PIV infection,
      precautionary infection control and early diagnosis are the only methods
      available to prevent the infection spread.

PMID- 22095942
TI  - Spectrum of mutations in the renin-angiotensin system genes in autosomal
      recessive renal tubular dysgenesis.
AB  - Autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis (RTD) is a severe disorder of renal
      tubular development characterized by early onset and persistent fetal anuria
      leading to oligohydramnios and the Potter sequence, associated with skull
      ossification defects. Early death occurs in most cases from anuria, pulmonary
      hypoplasia, and refractory arterial hypotension. The disease is linked to
      mutations in the genes encoding several components of the renin-angiotensin
      system (RAS): AGT (angiotensinogen), REN (renin), ACE (angiotensin-converting
      enzyme), and AGTR1 (angiotensin II receptor type 1). Here, we review the series
      of 54 distinct mutations identified in 48 unrelated families. Most of them are
      novel and ACE mutations are the most frequent, observed in two-thirds of families
      (64.6%). The severity of the clinical course was similar whatever the mutated
      gene, which underlines the importance of a functional RAS in the maintenance of
      blood pressure and renal blood flow during the life of a human fetus. Renal
      hypoperfusion, whether genetic or secondary to a variety of diseases, precludes
      the normal development/ differentiation of proximal tubules. The identification
      of the disease on the basis of precise clinical and histological analyses and the
      characterization of the genetic defects allow genetic counseling and early
      prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 22095943
TI  - Urinary FSP1 is a biomarker of crescentic GN.
AB  - Fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1)-expressing cells accumulate in damaged
      kidneys, but whether urinary FSP1 could serve as a biomarker of active renal
      injury is unknown. We measured urinary FSP1 in 147 patients with various types of
      glomerular disease using ELISA. Patients with crescentic GN, with or without
      antinuclear cytoplasmic antibody-associated GN, exhibited elevated levels of
      urinary FSP1. This assay had a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 90.2%
      for crescentic GN in this sample of patients. Moreover, we found that urinary
      FSP1 became undetectable after successful treatment, suggesting the possible use
      of FSP1 levels to monitor disease activity over time. Urinary FSP1 levels
      correlated positively with the number of FSP1-positive glomerular cells,
      predominantly podocytes and cellular crescents, the likely source of urinary
      FSP1. Even in patients without crescent formation, patients with high levels of
      urinary FSP1 had large numbers of FSP1-positive podocytes. Taken together, these
      data suggest the potential use of urinary FSP1 to screen for active and ongoing
      glomerular damage, such as the formation of cellular crescents.

PMID- 22095944
TI  - Suppression of microRNA-29 expression by TGF-beta1 promotes collagen expression
      and renal fibrosis.
AB  - Synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the glomerulus and
      interstitium characterizes renal fibrosis, but the mechanisms underlying this
      process are incompletely understood. The profibrotic cytokine TGF-beta1 modulates
      the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs), suggesting that miRNAs may have a
      role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Here, we exposed proximal tubular
      cells, primary mesangial cells, and podocytes to TGF-beta1 to examine its effect
      on miRNAs and subsequent collagen synthesis. TGF-beta1 reduced expression of the
      miR-29a/b/c/family, which targets collagen gene expression, and increased
      expression of ECM proteins. In both resting and TGF-beta1-treated cells, ectopic
      expression of miR-29 repressed the expression of collagens I and IV at both the
      mRNA and protein levels by targeting the 3'untranslated region of these genes.
      Furthermore, we observed low levels of miR-29 in three models of renal fibrosis
      representing early and advanced stages of disease. Administration of the Rho
      associated kinase inhibitor fasudil prevented renal fibrosis and restored
      expression of miR-29. Taken together, these data suggest that TGF-beta1 inhibits
      expression of the miR-29 family, thereby promoting expression of ECM components.
      Pharmacologic modulation of these miRNAs may have therapeutic potential for
      progressive renal fibrosis.

PMID- 22095945
TI  - Tubular lesions predict renal outcome in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
      associated glomerulonephritis after rituximab therapy.
AB  - Histopathological features in renal biopsies of patients with antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis have predictive value for renal
      outcome in patients who receive standard treatment with cyclophosphamide and
      corticosteroids; however, whether the same holds true for rituximab-treated
      patients is unknown. We describe associations between renal histopathology and
      outcomes among patients treated with a rituximab-based regimen in the Randomized
      Trial of Rituximab versus Cyclophosphamide in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis trial.
      Two pathologists, blinded to clinical data, reviewed biopsies from 30 patients
      according to a standardized protocol that included assessment of T cell, B cell,
      and plasma cell infiltration, as well as scoring for tubulitis, interstitial
      inflammation, and glomerulitis. We did not observe associations between
      immunohistology scores and age, sex, estimated GFR at entry, or requirement for
      dialysis. However, tubulointerstitial inflammation was more severe among patients
      who had a positive test for the myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic
      antibody. In a multiple linear regression model, both CD3(+) T cell tubulitis and
      tubular atrophy independently associated with estimated GFR at 12 months. Tubular
      atrophy remained an independent predictor at 24 months (P<0.01). These results
      suggest that in addition to anti-B cell therapy, therapy directed at T cells may
      improve renal outcomes in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated
      vasculitis.

PMID- 22095946
TI  - Mannose receptor 2 attenuates renal fibrosis.
AB  - Mannose receptor 2 (Mrc2) expresses an extracellular fibronectin type II domain
      that binds to and internalizes collagen, suggesting that it may play a role in
      modulating renal fibrosis. Here, we found that Mrc2 levels were very low in
      normal kidneys but subsets of interstitial myofibroblasts and macrophages
      upregulated Mrc2 after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Renal fibrosis and
      renal parenchymal damage were significantly worse in Mrc2-deficient mice.
      Similarly, Mrc2-deficient Col4alpha3(-/-) mice with hereditary nephritis had
      significantly higher levels of total kidney collagen, serum BUN, and urinary
      protein than Mrc2-sufficient Col4alpha3(-/-) mice. The more severe phenotype
      seemed to be the result of reduced collagen turnover, because procollagen III
      (alpha1) mRNA levels and fractional collagen synthesis in the wild-type and Mrc2
      deficient kidneys were similar after UUO. Although Mrc2 associates with the
      urokinase receptor, differences in renal urokinase activity did not account for
      the increased fibrosis in the Mrc2-deficient mice. Treating wild-type mice with a
      cathepsin inhibitor, which blocks proteases implicated in Mrc2-mediated collagen
      degradation, worsened UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Cathepsin mRNA profiles were
      similar in Mrc2-positive fibroblasts and macrophages, and Mrc2 genotype did not
      alter relative cathepsin mRNA levels. Taken together, these data establish an
      important fibrosis-attenuating role for Mrc2-expressing renal interstitial cells
      and suggest the involvement of a lysosomal collagen turnover pathway.

PMID- 22095947
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase-7 as a surrogate marker predicts renal Wnt/beta-catenin
      activity in CKD.
AB  - A variety of chronic kidney diseases exhibit reactivation of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling. In some tissues, beta-catenin transcriptionally regulates matrix
      metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), but the association between MMP-7 and Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling in chronic kidney disease is unknown. Here, in mouse models of
      both obstructive nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (adriamycin
      nephropathy), we observed upregulation of MMP-7 mRNA and protein in a time
      dependent manner. The pattern and extent of MMP-7 induction were positively
      associated with Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in these models. Activation of beta
      catenin through ectopic expression of Wnt1 promoted MMP-7 expression in vivo,
      whereas delivery of the gene encoding the endogenous Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1
      abolished its induction. Levels of MMP-7 protein detected in the urine correlated
      with renal Wnt/beta-catenin activity. Pharmacologic blockade of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling by paricalcitol inhibited MMP-7 expression in diseased kidneys and
      reduced the levels detected in the urine. In vitro, beta-catenin activation
      induced the expression and secretion of MMP-7 and promoted the binding of T cell
      factor to the MMP-7 promoter in kidney epithelial cells. We also observed higher
      levels of MMP-7 expression, which correlated with beta-catenin, in kidney tissue
      from patients with various nephropathies. In summary, levels of renal MMP-7
      correlate with Wnt/beta-catenin activity, and urinary MMP-7 may be a noninvasive
      biomarker of this profibrotic signaling in the kidney.

PMID- 22095948
TI  - Test characteristics of urinary biomarkers depend on quantitation method in acute
      kidney injury.
AB  - The concentration of urine influences the concentration of urinary biomarkers of
      AKI. Whether normalization to urinary creatinine concentration, as commonly
      performed to quantitate albuminuria, is the best method to account for variations
      in urinary biomarker concentration among patients in the intensive care unit is
      unknown. Here, we compared the diagnostic and prognostic performance of three
      methods of biomarker quantitation: absolute concentration, biomarker normalized
      to urinary creatinine concentration, and biomarker excretion rate. We measured
      urinary concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,
      cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1,
      and IL-18 in 528 patients on admission and after 12 and 24 hours. Absolute
      concentration best diagnosed AKI on admission, but normalized concentrations best
      predicted death, dialysis, or subsequent development of AKI. Excretion rate on
      admission did not diagnose or predict outcomes better than either absolute or
      normalized concentration. Estimated 24-hour biomarker excretion associated with
      AKI severity, and for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C,
      with poorer survival. In summary, normalization to urinary creatinine
      concentration improves the prediction of incipient AKI and outcome but provides
      no advantage in diagnosing established AKI. The ideal method for quantitating
      biomarkers of urinary AKI depends on the outcome of interest.

PMID- 22095949
TI  - EGFR signaling promotes TGFbeta-dependent renal fibrosis.
AB  - The mechanisms by which angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes renal fibrosis remain
      incompletely understood. Ang II both stimulates TGFbeta signaling and activates
      the EGF receptor (EGFR), but the relative contribution of these pathways to renal
      fibrogenesis is unknown. Using a murine model with EGFR-deficient proximal
      tubules, we demonstrate that upstream activation of EGFR-dependent ERK signaling
      is critical for mediating sustained TGFbeta expression in renal fibrosis.
      Persistent activation of the Ang II receptor stimulated ROS-dependent
      phosphorylation of Src, leading to sustained EGFR-dependent signaling for TGFbeta
      expression. Either genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of EGFR significantly
      decreased TGFbeta-mediated fibrogenesis. We conclude that TGFbeta-mediated tissue
      fibrosis relies on a persistent feed-forward mechanism of EGFR/ERK activation
      through an unexpected signaling pathway, highlighting EGFR as a potential
      therapeutic target for modulating tissue fibrogenesis.

PMID- 22095951
TI  - Embryonic liver morphology and morphometry by magnetic resonance microscopic
      imaging.
AB  - Embryonic liver has a unique external morphology and quantitative morphometry,
      based on magnetic resonance imaging data of human embryos from the Kyoto
      Collection of Human Embryos. Liver morphogenesis is strongly affected by the
      adjacent organs and tissues. The left ventricle develops to the left medial
      caudal side, which results in the formation of a depression at left medial region
      and a prominence bilaterally at the cranial surface of the liver between Carnegie
      Stage (CS)17 and CS19. An imprint of the stomach that formed at the dorsal left
      medial region of the liver became more marked with development until CS23. A
      depression induced by the umbilicus formed at the ventral region of the liver
      between CS16 and CS19. An indentation caused by the right adrenal gland formed at
      the dorsal-caudal region of the liver surface from CS20. Morphometric analysis
      revealed that the volume of the liver increased exponentially from CS14 through
      CS23. The liver developed preferentially along the dorsoventral axis and
      right/left axis until CS17, along the craniocaudal axis between CS17 and CS19,
      and then in all directions after CS19. Several important developmental phenomena,
      such as differentiation of the diaphragm, the extension of the body axis of the
      embryo, and the physiologic herniation of the intestine into the umbilical cord,
      may affect morphometric data. These data contribute to a better understanding of
      liver development as well as the morphogenesis of adjacent organs, both
      temporally and spatially, and serve as a useful reference for fetal medicine and
      prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 22095950
TI  - Inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 protects against renal ischemia
      reperfusion injury.
AB  - Activation of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P(1)R) protects against
      renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and inflammation, but the role of other
      members of this receptor family in modulating renal IR injury is unknown. We
      found that a selective S1P(2)R antagonist protected against renal IR injury in a
      dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this observation, both S1P(2)R-deficient
      mice and wild-type mice treated with S1P(2)R small interfering RNA had reduced
      renal injury after IR. In contrast, a selective S1P(2)R agonist exacerbated renal
      IR injury. The S1P(2)R antagonist increased sphingosine kinase-1 (SK1) expression
      via Rho kinase signaling in renal proximal tubules; the S1P(2)R agonist decreased
      SK1. S1P(2)R antagonism failed to protect the kidneys of SK1-deficient mice or
      wild-type mice pretreated with an SK1 inhibitor or an S1P(1)R antagonist,
      suggesting that the renoprotection conferred by S1P(2)R antagonism results from
      pathways involving activation of S1P(1)R by SK1. In cultured human proximal
      tubule (HK-2) cells, the S1P(2)R antagonist selectively upregulated SK1 and
      attenuated both H(2)O(2)-induced necrosis and TNF-alpha/cycloheximide-induced
      apoptosis; the S1P(2)R agonist had the opposite effects. In addition, increased
      nuclear hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha was critical in mediating the
      renoprotective effects of S1P(2)R inhibition. Finally, induction of SK1 and
      S1P(2)R in response to renal IR and S1P(2)R antagonism occurred selectively in
      renal proximal tubule cells but not in renal endothelial cells. Taken together,
      these data suggest that S1P(2)R may be a therapeutic target to attenuate the
      effects of renal IR injury.

PMID- 22095952
TI  - The otolaryngologist's cost in treating facial trauma: American Academy of
      Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To define practice patterns and perceptions of junior
      otolaryngologists treating maxillofacial/neck trauma. (2) To identify manners in
      which the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) can
      meet future trauma needs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Academic
      and private otolaryngology practices. METHODS: A 26-question survey was designed
      to identify demographics, practice patterns, perceptions, and areas for
      improvement in maxillofacial/neck trauma care. It was distributed anonymously to
      AAO-HNS members completing residency from 2005 to 2009. Analysis included
      descriptive statistics and chi(2) comparisons. RESULTS: Of 1343
      otolaryngologists, 444 (33%) responded. A total of 85% of responding physicians
      treat maxillofacial/neck trauma, and 64% identify trauma as an ideal part of
      their practice. Sense of duty (54%), institutional requirements (33%), and
      enjoyment (32%) are the most common reasons for treating trauma. Major deterrents
      include patient noncompliance (60%) and lifestyle limitations (47%). Five
      respondents (3.1%) have been involved in a trauma-related lawsuit. While
      insufficient reimbursement is a major deterrent to treating trauma (52%), only
      36% would increase their volume if reimbursement improved. Increased educational
      opportunities represent the most common request to the AAO-HNS (59%), followed by
      AAO-HNS focus on improved reimbursement and tort reform (28%). CONCLUSION: Most
      junior otolaryngologists treat maxillofacial/neck trauma on a monthly basis. A
      total of 64% identify trauma as a component of their ideal practice. They report
      being well to very well trained in all facets of trauma, with the exception of
      vascular and laryngotracheal injuries; but they desire additional education, such
      as courses and panels. Universal concerns include inadequate reimbursement,
      limited pool of treating physicians, and lack of practice guidelines.

PMID- 22095953
TI  - Myxoid neurothekeoma of the caudal nasal septum and tip.

PMID- 22095954
TI  - Polysomnography before tonsillectomy in children: who and when?
AB  - The diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing in children has centered around
      polysomnography (PSG). While PSG is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of
      obstructive sleep apnea in children, the need for PSG before adenotonsillectomy
      is widely debated. An evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the use of
      PSG in children before tonsillectomy has recently been published. The
      recommendations contained in this guideline are discussed, emphasizing the
      appropriate indications for PSG as well as the limitations of existing evidence
      for the use of PSG and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing in children. 

PMID- 22095955
TI  - Aspirin analogues as dual cyclooxygenase-2/5-lipoxygenase inhibitors: synthesis,
      nitric oxide release, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation as anti
      inflammatory agents.
AB  - Analogues of aspirin were synthesized through an efficient one-step reaction in
      which the carboxyl group was replaced by an ethyl ester, and/or the acetoxy group
      was replaced by an N-substituted sulfonamide (SO(2)NHOR(2):R(2) =H, Me, CH(2)Ph)
      pharmacophore. These analogues were designed for evaluation as dual
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors. In vitro COX
      1/COX-2 isozyme inhibition studies identified compounds 11 (CO(2) H, SO(2)NHOH),
      12 (CO(2)H, SO(2)NHOCH(2)Ph), and 16 (CO(2)Et, SO(2)NHOH) as highly potent and
      selective COX-2 inhibitors (IC(50) range: 0.07-0.7 MUM), which exhibited
      appreciable in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (ED(50) range: 23.1-31.4 mg kg(
      1)). Moreover, compounds 11 (IC(50) =0.2 MUM) and 16 (IC(50) =0.3 MUM), with a
      sulfohydroxamic acid (SO(2)NHOH) moiety showed potent 5-LOX inhibitory activity.
      Furthermore, the SO(2)NHOH moiety present in compounds 11 and 16 was found to be
      a good nitric oxide (NO) donor upon incubation in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4.
      Molecular docking studies in the active binding site of COX-2 and 5-LOX provided
      complementary theoretical support for the experimental biological structure
      activity data acquired.

PMID- 22095956
TI  - Remarkable stability and cytostatic effect of a quercetin conjugate, 3,7-bis-O
      pivaloxymethyl (POM) quercetin.

PMID- 22095957
TI  - Effect of the WISH-type hip brace on functional mobility in patients with
      osteoarthritis of the hip: evaluation using the Timed Up & Go Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The WISH-type S-form brace, is considered to improve hip function and
      gait in patients presenting with painful hip osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the effects of the brace on functional mobility. STUDY DESIGN: Cross
      sectional survey. METHODS: The Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) was performed with right
      and left turns separately in each subject. RESULTS: In the patients with the
      bilateral hip brace, the average time to complete the TUG (8.3 +/- 1.7 seconds)
      was significantly shorter than in those without the brace (9.4 +/- 2.9 seconds).
      On the other hand, for the patients with unilateral hip OA, the improvement of
      TUG with the hip brace was significant in turning the unbraced leg inside (7.4 +/
      1.1 vs. 7.6 +/- 1.2 seconds), while not turning the braced leg inside (7.5 +/-
      1.1 vs. 7.6 +/- 1.2 seconds). Furthermore, significant improvement of TUG was
      found at three-month follow-up and maintained until the 12-month follow-up
      assessment. This improvement was independent of the application of the brace at
      the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The direct effect of the hip brace may be related to
      the hip function in the turning phase of TUG. In addition, mechanical
      improvements due to daily exercise may provide an indirect, but essential, effect
      of the brace on TUG performance.

PMID- 22095958
TI  - PET imaging of glutaminolysis in tumors by 18F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine.
AB  - Changes in gene expression, metabolism, and energy requirements are hallmarks of
      cancer growth and self-sufficiency. Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTor pathway in
      tumor cells has been shown to stimulate aerobic glycolysis, which has enabled
      (18)F-FDG PET tumor imaging. However, of the millions of (18)F-FDG PET scans
      conducted per year, a significant number of malignant tumors are (18)F-FDG PET
      negative. Recent studies suggest that several tumors may use glutamine as the key
      nutrient for survival. As an alternative metabolic tracer for tumors, (18)F
      (2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine was developed as a PET tracer for mapping glutaminolytic
      tumors. METHODS: A series of in vitro cell uptake and in vivo animal studies were
      performed to demonstrate tumor cell addiction to glutamine. Cell uptake studies
      of this tracer were performed in SF188 and 9L glioblastoma tumor cells. Dynamic
      small-animal PET studies of (18)F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine were conducted in 2
      animal models: xenografts produced in F344 rats by subcutaneous injection of 9L
      tumor cells and transgenic mice with M/tomND spontaneous mammary gland tumors.
      RESULTS: In vitro studies showed that both transformed 9L and SF188 tumor cells
      displayed a high rate of glutamine uptake (maximum uptake, ~ 16% dose/100 MUg of
      protein). The cell uptake of (18)F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine by SF188 cells is
      comparable to that of (3)H-L-glutamine but higher than that of (18)F-FDG. The
      tumor cell uptake can be selectively blocked. Biodistribution and PET studies
      showed that (18)F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine localized in tumors with a higher
      uptake than in surrounding muscle and liver tissues. Data suggest that certain
      tumor cells may use glutamine for energy production. CONCLUSION: The results
      support that (18)F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine is selectively taken up and trapped
      by tumor cells. It may be useful as a novel metabolic tracer for tumor imaging.

PMID- 22095959
TI  - Synthesis of self-threading bithiophenes and their structure-property
      relationships regarding cyclic side-chains with atomic precision.
AB  - We have recently reported a self-threading polythiophene as a new family of
      insulated molecular wires. Herein, we focused on the structure-property
      relationships of the unique three-dimensional architecture of the monomer. We
      have synthesized nine self-threading bithiophene monomers that have cyclic side
      chains of different size and flexibility: i.e., 21-, 22-, 23-, 24-, 26-, and 30
      membered rings composed of paraffinic, olefinic, or alkynic chains. To
      investigate their structure-property relationships, (1) H NMR spectroscopy, UV
      absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were conducted. We found
      that cyclic side-chains define the movable range of the dihedral angle of the
      bithiophene backbone, thereby affecting its photophysical properties. Therefore,
      the ability to design a structure with atomic precision as described herein would
      lead to the fine-tuning of the electronic properties of insulated molecular
      wires.

PMID- 22095960
TI  - Is the Wingspan stent more dangerous than natural history in intracranial
      stenosis?

PMID- 22095962
TI  - Significant volume reduction and shape abnormalities of the basal ganglia in
      cases of chronic liver cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic liver disease frequently includes cognitive and
      movement disorders, suggesting an alteration of the striatum. With the exception
      of hyperintensities evident on T1-weighted images indicative of Mn deposition,
      radiographic findings of the BG are nonspecific. Volumetric and morphometric
      analysis of DGM is limited. Whether DGM undergoes degeneration and whether this
      change is associated with pallidal hyperintensity and cognitive performance are
      currently unknown in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DGM
      volumes of 28 patients with chronic cirrhosis and 28 control patients were
      compared. Using 3D high-resolution MR images, the volume and shape of each
      structure were automatically analyzed by the FSL. Correlations between the DGM
      volume and other clinical variables, including the pallidal signal intensity,
      were assessed by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients with Child B and
      Child C liver disease had significantly smaller bilateral putaminal volumes than
      control patients, and patients with Child C also demonstrated smaller left
      caudate nucleus and left amygdala volumes than control patients. Pallidal
      hyperintensity correlated with smaller striatum volume, which was linearly
      related to worse cognitive performance. The nonuniform distributed shape
      abnormalities in the striatum further support the ascending spiral
      interconnecting theory of the striatum. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly
      suggest lower DGM volume develops according to the severity of the liver
      cirrhosis. The Mn deposition might contribute the striatum deficit. These
      findings support the value of additional psychomotor research associated with
      liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 22095961
TI  - Correlations between perfusion MR imaging cerebral blood volume, microvessel
      quantification, and clinical outcome using stereotactic analysis in recurrent
      high-grade glioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Quantifying MVA rather than MVD provides better
      correlation with survival in HGG. This is attributed to a specific "glomeruloid"
      vascular pattern, which is better characterized by vessel area than number.
      Despite its prognostic value, MVA quantification is laborious and clinically
      impractical. The DSC-MR imaging measure of rCBV offers the advantages of speed
      and convenience to overcome these limitations; however, clinical use of this
      technique depends on establishing accurate correlations between rCBV, MVA, and
      MVD, particularly in the setting of heterogeneous vascular size inherent to human
      HGG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained preoperative 3T DSC-MR imaging in
      patients with HGG before stereotactic surgery. We histologically quantified MVA,
      MVD, and vascular size heterogeneity from CD34-stained 10-MUm sections of
      stereotactic biopsies, and we coregistered biopsy locations with localized rCBV
      measurements. We statistically correlated rCBV, MVA, and MVD under conditions of
      high and low vascular-size heterogeneity and among tumor grades. We correlated
      all parameters with OS by using Cox regression. RESULTS: We analyzed 38 biopsies
      from 24 subjects. rCBV correlated strongly with MVA (r = 0.83, P < .0001) but
      weakly with MVD (r = 0.32, P = .05), due to microvessel size heterogeneity. Among
      samples with more homogeneous vessel size, rCBV correlation with MVD improved (r
      = 0.56, P = .01). OS correlated with both rCBV (P = .02) and MVA (P = .01) but
      not with MVD (P = .17). CONCLUSIONS: rCBV provides a reliable estimation of tumor
      MVA as a biomarker of glioma outcome. rCBV poorly estimates MVD in the presence
      of vessel size heterogeneity inherent to human HGG.

PMID- 22095963
TI  - Comparison of brain MR images at 1.5T using BLADE and rectilinear techniques for
      patients who move during data acquisition.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging of moving patients can be challenging and
      motion correction techniques have been proposed though some have associated new
      artifacts. The objective of this study was to semiquantitatively compare brain MR
      images of moving patients obtained at 1.5T by using partially radial and
      rectilinear acquisition techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FLAIR, T2-, T1-, and
      contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image sets of 25 patients (14-94 years) obtained by
      using BLADE (like PROPELLER, a partially radial acquisition) and rectilinear
      techniques in the same imaging session were compared by 2 neuroradiologists in
      terms of extent of the motion artifact, image quality, and lesion visibility. ICC
      between opinions of the evaluators was calculated. RESULTS: Of the total of 70
      image sets, the motion artifact was small in the partially radial images in 43
      and in the rectilinear images in 13, and the opinions of the evaluators were
      discordant in the remaining 14 sets (ICC = 0.63, P < .05). The quality of
      partially radial images was higher for 36 sets versus 9 rectilinear sets, with
      disagreement between the 2 evaluators in the remaining 25 (ICC = 0.15, P < .05).
      Pathologic lesions were better characterized on 37 sets of partially radial
      images versus 13 sets of rectilinear images, and opinions of the evaluators
      differed in 20 sets (ICC = 0.90, P < .05). The neuroradiologists deemed 4 sets of
      rectilinear images nondiagnostic compared with only 1 set of radial images.
      CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that our application of BLADE sequences reduces
      the extent of motion artifacts in brain images of moving patients, improving
      image quality and lesion characterization.

PMID- 22095964
TI  - The use of in utero MR imaging to delineate developmental brain abnormalities in
      multifetal pregnancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: iuMR has been shown to increase the detection rate of
      developmental abnormalities of the CNS, though most reports are limited to
      singleton pregnancies. The hypothesis tested in this study was that iuMR
      performed in multifetal pregnancies will show additional information about fetal
      CNS abnormalities in a similar proportion of cases when compared with singleton
      pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty women with multifetal pregnancies were
      recruited consecutively carrying at least 1 fetus with a suspected developmental
      fetal CNS abnormality on sonography. All had iuMR at the same center by using the
      same MR imaging protocol. When the sonography and MR imaging reports were
      discrepant, 1 fetomaternal expert assessed the reports independently to predict
      in what percentage a change in prognosis/counseling would have occurred if iuMR
      was included in the diagnostic pathway. RESULTS: There was agreement between the
      sonography and iuMR reports in 66% and disagreement in 34% of cases. The major
      cause for discrepancy was the presence or absence of the corpus callosum, which
      accounted for 10/17 of the disagreements. In 12/17 of the discrepant cases, the
      effect on management was judged to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that
      iuMR has a similar rate of discrepancy to sonography in multifetal pregnancies
      compared with the published data concerning singleton pregnancies. Our analysis
      of the effect on management shows that changes in the decision to consider
      termination of pregnancy would have occurred in 12/17 of the discrepant cases
      (ie, in 24% of our cases overall).

PMID- 22095965
TI  - The new standard for performance of intracranial angioplasty and stent placement
      after Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial
      Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) Trial.

PMID- 22095966
TI  - Physician Quality Reporting System.
AB  - A brief review of the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) is presented
      highlighting the program's legislative history, eligibility requirements and
      incentive payment plan. Specifically, PQRS measures applicable to neuroradiology
      practice are discussed. Several steps are suggested for individual physicians or
      group practices to start participation in the program. Resources are also
      provided for further information on the program requirements and PQRS measures.

PMID- 22095967
TI  - The predictive value of 3D time-of-flight MR angiography in assessment of brain
      arteriovenous malformation obliteration after radiosurgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of radiosurgery of bAVMs is complete
      angiographic obliteration of its nidus. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of
      1.5T T2-weighted MR imaging and TOF-MRA images for detecting nidus obliteration
      after radiosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pre- and postradiosurgery MR
      images and DSA images from 120 patients who were radiosurgically treated for a
      bAVM were re-evaluated by 2 observers for patency of the nidus (preradiosurgery)
      and obliteration (postradiosurgery: final follow-up MR imaging), by using a 3
      point scale of confidence. Consensus reading of the DSA after radiosurgery was
      considered the criterion standard for obliteration. Sensitivity, specificity,
      PPVs, and NPVs, and overall diagnostic performance by using ROC were determined.
      RESULTS: Mean bAVM volume during radiosurgery was 3.4 mL (95% CI, 2.6-4.3 mL).
      Sixty-six patients (55%) had undergone previous endovascular embolization. The
      mean intervals between radiosurgery and follow-up MR imaging and for DSA,
      respectively, were 35.6 months (95% CI, 32.3-38.9 months) and 42.1 months (95%
      CI, 40.3-44.0 months). With ROC, an area under curve of 0.81-0.83 was found. PPVs
      of final follow-up MR-imaging for definitive obliteration varied between 0.89
      [corrected] and 0.95. NPV was 0.52 [corrected] . An average false-positive rate,
      meaning overestimation of nidus obliteration of 0.10 [corrected] and an average
      false-negative rate, meaning underestimation of nidus obliteration of 0.42
      [corrected] were found. CONCLUSIONS: MRA is insufficient to diagnose obliteration
      in the follow-up of bAVMs after radiosurgery. A remaining nidus diameter <10 mm
      seems to be the major limiting factor for reliable assessment of obliteration. We
      highly recommend follow-up DSA for definitive diagnosis of complete obliteration.

PMID- 22095968
TI  - Warning: side effects may include a decrease in invasive procedures.

PMID- 22095969
TI  - Reperfusion by combined thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke:
      effect of collateralization, mismatch, and time to and grade of recanalization on
      clinical and tissue outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our research focuses on interventional neuroradiology
      (stroke treatment including imaging methods) and general neuroimaging with an
      emphasis on functional MR imaging. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of
      revascularization (TIMI) of middle cerebral and/or carotid artery occlusion by
      means of mechanical recanalization techniques and to evaluate the impact of
      collateralization, mismatch in perfusion CT, time to revascularization, grade of
      revascularization on tissue, and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic
      stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with MCA and/or ICA occlusion
      were included. Ischemic stroke was diagnosed by NECT, CTA, and volume PCT for
      grading collateralization and mismatch. Time to recanalization was measured from
      the onset of stroke to the time point of DSA-proved mechanical recanalization.
      Tissue outcome was calculated by segmentation of infarct size between pre- and
      postinterventional CT and percentage mismatch lost. Clinical outcome was
      determined by the  mRS. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 31 patients (61.8%) presented with
      MCA and 10/31 patients (38.2%), with distal ICA occlusions. Sufficient
      recanalization (TIMI 2 and 3) was achieved in 23/31 (75%). Clinical evaluation
      revealed an mRS score of <=2 in 25.5%. Age (r = 0.439, P = .038) and TIMI (r =
      0.544, P = .002) showed the strongest correlation with clinical outcome. Time to
      recanalization, TIMI score, and mismatch were associated with a good tissue
      outcome in  ANOVA. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable outcome after mechanical recanalization
      of acute MCA and ICA occlusion depends on time to and grade of recanalization,
      mismatch, and collateralization. These results indicate that multimodal stroke
      imaging is helpful to guide therapy decisions and to indicate patients amenable
      for mechanical  recanalization.

PMID- 22095970
TI  - Forniceal involvement in Wernicke encephalopathy.

PMID- 22095971
TI  - Selective, cytotoxic organoruthenium(II) full-sandwich complexes: a structural,
      computational and in vitro biological study.
AB  - A structurally diverse range of lipophilic, cationic eta(6)-arene eta(5)
      cyclopentadienyl (eta(5)-Cp*) full-sandwich complexes of ruthenium(II) have been
      prepared and structurally characterized by Fourier-transform IR and NMR
      spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, and elemental microanalyses.
      Computational experiments incorporating the Hartree-Fock theory and the second
      order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory predict each complex to possess a
      uniform delta+ electrostatic potential, with the cationic charge of the
      [RuCp*](+) moiety completely delocalizing throughout the molecular structure of
      each metallocene. In vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrate these delocalized
      lipophilic cations to be potent growth inhibitors of eleven unique tumorigenic
      cell lines, while exhibiting significantly lower levels of toxicity towards both
      a normal human fibroblast and a mouse macrophage cell line. Single-crystal X-ray
      structural determinations are additionally reported for five complexes,
      [Ru(eta(6)-C(6)H(5)(CH(2))(2)CH(3))(eta(5)-C(5)(CH(3))(5))]BPh(4), [Ru(eta(6)
      C(6)H(5)CO(2)CH(2)CH(3))(eta(5)-C(5)(CH(3))(5))]BF(4), [Ru(eta(6)
      C(10)H(8))(eta(5)-(5) (CH(3))(5))]BPh(4), [Ru(eta(6)-C(14)H(10))(eta(5)
      C(5)(CH(3))(5))]BPh(4), and [Ru(eta(6)-C(16)H(10))(eta(5)-C(5)(CH(3))(5))]BPh(4).

PMID- 22095972
TI  - Delayed offset detection on figures relative to backgrounds.
AB  - Recent research suggests that perceptual processing begins earlier for figures
      than for background regions (B. D. Lester, L. N. Hecht, & S. P. Vecera, 2009).
      This "prior entry" effect begins to account for reported figural benefits.
      However, another difference in perceptual processing may also contribute to these
      observed reports: Figures may also be afforded additional perceptual processing.
      The current experiments examined this claim and provide evidence that targets
      presented on figures are perceived as offsetting later than targets appearing on
      grounds, suggesting extended processing of figures relative to background
      regions.

PMID- 22095973
TI  - Increased sensory evidence reverses nonconscious priming during crowding.
AB  - Sensory adaptation reflects the fact that the responsiveness of a perceptual
      system changes after the processing of a specific stimulus. Two manifestations of
      this property have been used in order to infer the mechanisms underlying vision:
      priming, in which the processing of a target is facilitated by prior exposure to
      a related adaptor, and habituation, in which this processing is hurt by
      overexposure to an adaptor. In the present study, we investigated the link
      between priming and habituation by measuring how sensory evidence (short vs. long
      adaptor exposure) and perceptual awareness (discriminable vs. undiscriminable
      adaptor stimulus) affects the adaptive response on a related target. Relying on
      gaze-contingent crowding, we manipulated independently adaptor discriminability
      and adaptor duration and inferred sensory adaptation from reaction times on the
      discrimination of a subsequent oriented target. When adaptor orientation was
      undiscriminable, we found that increasing its duration reversed priming into
      habituation. When adaptor orientation was discriminable, priming effects were
      larger after short exposure, but increasing adaptor duration led to a decrease of
      priming instead of a reverse into habituation. We discuss our results as
      reflecting changes in the temporal dynamics of angular orientation processing,
      depending on the mechanisms associated with perceptual awareness and attentional
      amplification.

PMID- 22095974
TI  - Selective attention warps spatial representation: parallel but opposing effects
      on attended versus inhibited objects.
AB  - Selective attention not only influences which objects in a display are perceived,
      but also directly changes the character of how they are perceived--for example,
      making attended objects appear larger or sharper. In studies of multiple-object
      tracking and probe detection, we explored the influence of sustained selective
      attention on where objects are seen to be in relation to each other in dynamic
      multi-object displays. Surprisingly, we found that sustained attention can warp
      the representation of space in a way that is object-specific: In immediate recall
      of the positions of objects that have just disappeared, space between targets is
      compressed, whereas space between distractors is expanded. These effects suggest
      that sustained attention can warp spatial representation in unexpected ways.

PMID- 22095975
TI  - If they were to vote, they would vote for us.
AB  - In two field studies, we examined whether voters overestimate support for their
      political party among nonvoters. In Study 1, voters estimated the percentage of
      votes their party would receive in an upcoming election, and this percentage
      increased when voters estimated the percentage of votes their party would receive
      if nonvoters also were to vote. In Study 2, participants overestimated support
      for their party even when we made them explicitly aware of current levels of this
      support by presenting them with poll-based forecasts of election results.
      Furthermore, Study 2 demonstrated that commitment to vote for a specific party
      predicted the degree of overestimation. Our results imply that highly committed
      voters are particularly likely to project support for their party onto nonvoters.
      Implications for the literature on social projection and social identity are
      discussed.

PMID- 22095976
TI  - What do infants remember when they forget? Location and identity in 6-month-olds'
      memory for objects.
AB  - What does an infant remember about a forgotten object? Although at age 6 months,
      infants can keep track of up to three hidden objects, they can remember the
      featural identity of only one. When infants forget the identity of an object, do
      they forget the object entirely, or do they retain an inkling of it? In a looking
      time study, we familiarized 6-month-olds with a disk and a triangle placed on
      opposite sides of a stage. During test trials, we hid the objects one at a time
      behind different screens, and after hiding the second object, we removed the
      screen where the first object had been hidden. Infants then saw the expected
      object, the unexpected other object, or the empty stage. Bayes factor analysis
      showed that although the infants did not notice when the object changed shape,
      they were surprised when it vanished. This finding indicates that infants can
      represent an object without its features.

PMID- 22095977
TI  - G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 attenuates atherosclerosis by regulating
      receptor tyrosine kinases and 7-transmembrane receptors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5) is a widely expressed
      Ser/Thr kinase that regulates several atherogenic receptors and may activate or
      inhibit nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). This study sought to determine whether
      and by what mechanisms GRK5 affects atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Grk5(-/
      )/Apoe(-/-) mice developed 50% greater aortic atherosclerosis than Apoe(-/-) mice
      and demonstrated greater proliferation of macrophages and smooth muscle cells
      (SMCs) in atherosclerotic lesions. In Apoe(-/-) mice, carotid interposition
      grafts from Grk5(-/-) mice demonstrated greater upregulation of cell adhesion
      molecules than grafts from wild-type mice and, subsequently, more
      atherosclerosis. By comparing Grk5(-/-) with wild-type cells, we found that GRK5
      desensitized 2 key atherogenic receptor tyrosine kinases: the platelet-derived
      growth factor receptor-beta in SMCs, by augmenting ubiquitination/degradation;
      and the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) in macrophages, by reducing
      CSF-1-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation. GRK5 activity in monocytes also reduced
      migration promoted by the 7-transmembrane receptor for monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1 CC chemokine receptor-2. Whereas GRK5 diminished NF-kappaB-dependent
      gene expression in SMCs and endothelial cells, it had no effect on NF-kappaB
      activity in macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: GRK5 attenuates atherosclerosis through
      multiple cell type-specific mechanisms, including reduction of SMC and
      endothelial cell NF-kappaB activity and desensitization of receptor-specific
      signaling through the monocyte CC chemokine receptor-2, macrophage CSF-1R, and
      the SMC platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta.

PMID- 22095978
TI  - Arteriolar function in visceral adipose tissue is impaired in human obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between
      adipose tissue phenotype and depot-specific microvascular function in fat.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In 30 obese subjects (age 42+/-11 years, body mass index
      46+/-11 kg/m(2)) undergoing bariatric surgery, we intraoperatively collected
      visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and characterized depot-specific adipose
      phenotypes. We assessed vasomotor function of the adipose microvasculature using
      videomicroscopy of small arterioles (75-250 MUm) isolated from different fat
      compartments. Endothelium-dependent, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation was
      severely impaired in visceral arterioles, compared to the subcutaneous depot
      (P<0.001 by ANOVA). Nonendothelium dependent responses to papaverine and
      nitroprusside were similar. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition with
      N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester reduced subcutaneous vasodilation but had
      no effect on severely blunted visceral arteriolar responses. Visceral fat
      exhibited greater expression of proinflammatory, oxidative stress-related,
      hypoxia-induced, and proangiogenic genes; increased activated macrophage
      populations; and had a higher capacity for cytokine production ex vivo.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide clinical evidence that the visceral
      microenvironment may be intrinsically toxic to arterial health providing a
      potential mechanism by which visceral adiposity burden is linked to
      atherosclerotic vascular disease. Our findings also support the evolving concept
      that both adipose tissue quality and quantity may play significant roles in
      shaping cardiovascular phenotypes in human obesity.

PMID- 22095979
TI  - Calpains contribute to vascular repair in rapidly progressive form of
      glomerulonephritis: potential role of their externalization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Calpains, calcium-activated proteases, mediate the angiogenic signals
      of vascular endothelial growth factor. However, their involvement in vascular
      repair has not been investigated and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully
      elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: A rapidly progressive form of glomerulonephritis
      in wild type and transgenic mice expressing high levels of calpastatin, a calpain
      specific inhibitor, was studied. Calpastatin transgene expression prevented the
      repair of peritubular capillaries and the recovery of renal function, limiting
      mouse survival. In vitro analysis detected a significant reduction of both
      intracellular and extracellular calpain activities in transgene expressing cells,
      whereas Western blotting revealed that proangiogenic factors vascular endothelial
      growth factor and norepinephrine increased calpain exteriorization. In vitro,
      extracellular calpains increased endothelial cell proliferation, migration and
      capillary tube formation. In vivo, delivery of nonpermeable extracellular
      calpastatin was sufficient to blunt angiogenesis and vascular repair. Endothelial
      cell response to extracellular calpains was associated with fibronectin cleavage,
      generating fibronectin fragments with proangiogenic capacity. In vivo,
      fibronectin cleavage was limited in the kidney of calpastatin transgenic mice
      with nephritis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that externalized calpains
      participate in angiogenesis and vascular repair, partly by promoting fibronectin
      cleavage and thereby amplifying vascular endothelial growth factor efficiency.
      Thus, manipulation of calpain externalization may have therapeutic implications
      to control angiogenesis.

PMID- 22095980
TI  - S100A8 and S100A9 in cardiovascular biology and disease.
AB  - There is recent and widespread interest in the damage-associated molecular
      pattern molecules S100A8 and S100A9 in cardiovascular science. These proteins
      have a number of interesting features and functions. For example, S100A8 and
      S100A9 (S100A8/A9) have both intracellular and extracellular actions, they are
      abundantly expressed in inflammatory and autoimmune states, primarily by myeloid
      cells but also by other vascular cells, and they modulate inflammatory processes,
      in part through Toll-like receptor 4 and the receptor for advanced glycation end
      products. S100A8/A9 also have anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory actions.
      Furthermore, increased plasma levels of S100A8/A9 predict cardiovascular events
      in humans, and deletion of these proteins partly protects Apoe(-)(/)(-) mice from
      atherosclerosis. Understanding the roles of S100A8 and S100A9 in vascular cell
      types and the mechanisms whereby these proteins mediate their biological effects
      may offer new therapeutic strategies to prevent, treat, and predict
      cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22095981
TI  - Inhibition of microRNA-29 enhances elastin levels in cells haploinsufficient for
      elastin and in bioengineered vessels--brief report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine whether antagonizing microRNA
      (miR)-29 enhances elastin (ELN) levels in cells and tissues lacking ELN. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: miR-29 mimics reduced ELN levels in fibroblasts and smooth muscle
      cells, whereas miR-29 inhibition increased ELN levels. Antagonism of miR-29 also
      increased ELN levels in cells from patients haploinsufficient for ELN and in
      bioengineered human vessels. CONCLUSION: miR-29 antagonism may promote increased
      ELN levels during conditions of ELN deficiencies.

PMID- 22095982
TI  - Pharmacological suppression of hepcidin increases macrophage cholesterol efflux
      and reduces foam cell formation and atherosclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We recently reported that lowering of macrophage free intracellular
      iron increases expression of cholesterol efflux transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 by
      reducing generation of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we explored
      whether reducing macrophage intracellular iron levels via pharmacological
      suppression of hepcidin can increase macrophage-specific expression of
      cholesterol efflux transporters and reduce atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      To suppress hepcidin, increase expression of the iron exporter ferroportin, and
      reduce macrophage intracellular iron, we used a small molecule inhibitor of bone
      morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, LDN 193189 (LDN). LDN (10 mg/kg IP b.i.d.)
      was administered to mice, and its effects on atherosclerosis, intracellular iron,
      oxidative stress, lipid efflux, and foam cell formation were measured in plaques
      and peritoneal macrophages. Long-term LDN administration to apolipoprotein E-/-
      mice increased ABCA1 immunoreactivity within intraplaque macrophages by 3.7-fold
      (n=8; P=0.03), reduced Oil Red O-positive lipid area by 50% (n=8; P=0.02), and
      decreased total plaque area by 43% (n=8; P=0.001). LDN suppressed liver hepcidin
      transcription and increased macrophage ferroportin, lowering intracellular iron
      and hydrogen peroxide production. LDN treatment increased macrophage ABCA1 and
      ABCG1 expression, significantly raised cholesterol efflux to ApoA-1, and
      decreased foam cell formation. All preceding LDN-induced effects on cholesterol
      efflux were reversed by exogenous hepcidin administration, suggesting modulation
      of intracellular iron levels within macrophages as the mechanism by which LDN
      triggers these effects. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that pharmacological
      manipulation of iron homeostasis may be a promising target to increase macrophage
      reverse cholesterol transport and limit atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22095983
TI  - Xanthine oxidoreductase is involved in macrophage foam cell formation and
      atherosclerosis development.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperuricemia is common in patients with metabolic syndrome. We
      investigated the role of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) in atherosclerosis
      development, and the effects of the XOR inhibitor allopurinol on this process.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of allopurinol to ApoE knockout mice
      markedly ameliorated lipid accumulation and calcification in the aorta and aortic
      root. In addition, allopurinol treatment or siRNA-mediated gene knockdown of XOR
      suppressed transformation of J774.1 murine macrophage cells, treated with
      acetylated LDL or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) into foam cells. This
      inhibitory effect of allopurinol was also observed in primary cultured human
      macrophages. In contrast, overexpression of XOR promoted transformation of J774.1
      cells into foam cells. Interestingly, SR-A1, SR-B1, SR-B II, and VLDL receptors
      in J774.1 cells were reduced by XOR knockdown, and increased by XOR
      overexpression. Conversely, expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were increased by XOR
      knockdown and suppressed by XOR overexpression. Finally, productions of
      inflammatory cytokines accompanied by foam cell formation were also reduced by
      allopurinol administration. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly suggest XOR
      activity and/or its expression level to contribute to macrophage foam cell
      formation. Thus, XOR inhibitors may be useful for preventing atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22095984
TI  - Association of testosterone levels with endothelial function in men: results from
      a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Because population-based data are lacking, we assessed the cross
      sectional association between serum testosterone levels and endothelial function,
      as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation
      (NMD) of the brachial artery, in men from the population-based Study of Health in
      Pomerania. METHODS AND RESULTS: Personal characteristics, including major
      cardiovascular confounders, were collected in 722 men, aged 25 to 85 years. Serum
      total testosterone and sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were
      determined by chemiluminescence immunoassays. Free testosterone levels were
      calculated according to the law of mass action. FMD and NMD measurements were
      performed using standardized ultrasound techniques. FMD and NMD values below the
      20th percentile were considered decreased. Multivariable logistic regression
      analyses revealed an association for each decrement of total testosterone
      standard deviation (6.0 nmol/L) with decreased FMD after adjustment for potential
      confounders (odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.63; P=0.023).
      Multiple adjusted findings for free testosterone were similar (odds ratio 1.37,
      95% confidence interval 1.06-1.76; P=0.016). There was no such association of
      SHBG levels with decreased FMD. Neither testosterone nor SHBG levels were
      significantly associated with decreased NMD. CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum total and
      free testosterone levels are associated with impaired endothelial function in
      this population-based sample of men.

PMID- 22095985
TI  - Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma by angiotensin II
      via transforming growth factor-beta1-activated p38 mitogen-activated protein
      kinase in aortic smooth muscle cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) ligands
      attenuate angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced atherosclerosis through interactions
      with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific PPARgamma in
      hypercholesterolemic mice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine
      the mechanism of Ang II-mediated intracellular regulation of PPARgamma in VSMCs.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Incubation of cultured mouse aortic VSMCs with Ang II for 24
      hours reduced abundance of PPARgamma protein, mRNA, and transcriptional activity
      (P<0.001). This effect was attenuated by an angiotensin type 1 receptor
      antagonist, losartan. Ang II-induced PPARgamma reduction was dependent on
      stimulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 as demonstrated using
      either a neutralizing antibody or small interfering RNA (siRNA). Ang II-induced
      TGF-beta1 secretion was dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor kinase
      activation through reactive oxygen species production. Inhibition of p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase by SB203580 or siRNA inhibited both Ang II- and TGF
      beta1-induced PPARgamma reduction. Blockade of TGF-beta1 decreased p38
      phosphorylation induced by Ang II. siRNA-mediated inhibition of histone
      deacetylase 3 attenuated p38-mediated reductions in PPARgamma abundance.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Ang II decreases PPARgamma abundance in
      cultured VSMCs via an angiotensin type 1 receptor-dependent secretion of TGF
      beta1 via phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and histone
      deacetylase 3.

PMID- 22095986
TI  - NADPH oxidase 4 mediates monocyte priming and accelerated chemotaxis induced by
      metabolic stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Metabolic disorders increase monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP
      1)-induced monocyte chemotaxis in mice. The goal of this study was to determine
      the molecular mechanisms responsible for the enhanced responsiveness of monocytes
      to chemoattractants induced by metabolic stress. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chronic
      exposure of monocytes to diabetic conditions induced by human LDL plus high D
      glucose concentrations (LDL+HG) promoted NADPH Oxidase 4 (Nox4) expression,
      increased intracellular H(2)O(2) formation, stimulated protein S
      glutathionylation, and increased chemotaxis in response to MCP-1, platelet
      derived growth factor B, and RANTES. Both H(2)O(2) added exogenously and
      overexpression of Nox4 mimicked LDL+HG-induced monocyte priming, whereas Nox4
      knockdown protected monocytes against metabolic stress-induced priming and
      accelerated chemotaxis. Exposure of monocytes to LDL+HG promoted the S
      glutathionylation of actin, decreased the F-actin/G-actin ratio, and increased
      actin remodeling in response to MCP-1. Preventing LDL+HG-induced protein S
      glutathionylation by overexpressing glutaredoxin 1 prevented monocyte priming and
      normalized monocyte chemotaxis in response to MCP-1. Induction of
      hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in C57BL/6 mice promoted Nox4 expression
      and protein S-glutathionylation in macrophages, and increased macrophage
      recruitment into MCP-1-loaded Matrigel plugs implanted subcutaneous in these
      mice. CONCLUSIONS: By increasing actin-S-glutathionylation and remodeling,
      metabolic stress primes monocytes for chemoattractant-induced transmigration and
      recruitment to sites of vascular injury. This Nox4-dependent process provides a
      novel mechanism through which metabolic disorders promote atherogenesis.

PMID- 22095988
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition is
      partly mediated by microRNA-21.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs are a class of small ribonucleotides regulating gene/protein
      targets by transcript degradation or translational inhibition. Transforming
      growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is involved in cardiac fibrosis partly by
      stimulation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Here, we
      investigated whether microRNA (miR)-21, a microRNA enriched in fibroblasts and
      involved in general fibrosis, has a role in cardiac EndMT. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      TGF-beta treatment of endothelial cells significantly increased miR-21 expression
      and induced EndMT characterized by suppression of endothelial and increase of
      fibroblast markers. Overexpression of miR-21 alone also stimulated EndMT.
      Importantly, miR-21 blockade by transfection of specific microRNA inhibitors
      partly prevented TGF-beta-induced EndMT. Mechanistically, miR-21 silenced
      phosphatase and tensin homolog in endothelial cells, resulting in activation of
      the Akt-pathway. Akt inhibition partly restored TGF-beta-mediated loss of
      endothelial markers during EndMT. In vivo, pressure overload of the left
      ventricle led to increased expression of miR-21 in sorted cardiac endothelial
      cells, which displayed molecular and phenotypic signs of EndMT. This was
      attenuated by treatment of mice subjected to left ventricular pressure overload
      with an antagomir against miR-21. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta-mediated EndMT is
      regulated at least in part by miR-21 via the phosphatase and tensin homolog/Akt
      pathway. In vivo, antifibrotic effects of miR-21 antagonism are partly mediated
      by blocking EndMT under stress conditions.

PMID- 22095987
TI  - Apolipoprotein B-100-containing lipoprotein metabolism in subjects with
      lipoprotein lipase gene mutations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene mutations
      on apolipoprotein B (apoB)-100 metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 3
      subjects with familial LPL deficiency; 14 subjects heterozygous for the LPL gene
      mutations Gly188Glu, Trp64Stop, and Ile194Thr; and 10 control subjects. Very-low
      density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and low
      density lipoprotein (LDL)-apoB-100 kinetics were determined in the fed state
      using stable isotope methods and compartmental modeling. Compared with controls,
      familial LPL deficiency had markedly elevated plasma triglycerides and lower VLDL
      apoB-100 fractional catabolic rate (FCR), IDL-apoB-100 FCR, VLDL-to-IDL
      conversion, and VLDL-apoB-100 production rate (P<0.01). Compared with controls,
      Gly188Glu had higher plasma triglyceride and VLDL- and IDL-apoB-100
      concentrations and lower VLDL- and IDL-apoB-100 FCR (P<0.05). Plasma
      triglycerides were not different, but IDL-apoB-100 concentration and production
      rate and VLDL-to-IDL conversion were lower in Trp64Stop compared with controls
      (P<0.05). No differences between controls and Ile194Thr were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that hypertriglyceridemia is a key feature of
      familial LPL deficiency. This is due to impaired VLDL- and IDL-apoB-100
      catabolism and VLDL-to-IDL conversion. Single-allele mutations of the LPL gene
      result in modest to elevated plasma triglycerides. The changes in plasma
      triglycerides and apoB-100 kinetics are attributable to the effects of the LPL
      genotype.

PMID- 22095989
TI  - Science to practice: Which approaches to combination interventional oncologic
      therapy hold the greatest promise of obtaining maximal clinical benefit?
AB  - Soundararajan et al (1) were able to demonstrate that combination therapy of
      radiofrequency (RF) ablation with rhenium 186 (186Re)--labeled liposomal
      doxorubicin resulted in better drug uptake and reduced tumor growth compared with
      other therapies tested in a rodent head and neck tumor model. In essence, this
      "triple" combination therapy of chemotherapy, radiation, and thermal ablation
      induced significantly smaller viable tumor volume compared with the therapies
      tested alone at histopathologic examination.

PMID- 22095990
TI  - Uncertainties in the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis.

PMID- 22095991
TI  - Functional coronary imaging with magnetic resonance: a "renaissance"?

PMID- 22095992
TI  - Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the story goes on.

PMID- 22095993
TI  - A framework for assessing the value of diagnostic imaging in the era of
      comparative effectiveness research.
AB  - In June 2009, the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness
      Research submitted a report to the President and Congress in which the Council
      described the purpose of comparative effectiveness research (CER) as developing
      evidence-based information for interventions and determining under what
      circumstances an intervention is effective (1). With the enactment of the Patient
      Protection and Affordable Care Act, a Patient-centered Outcomes Research
      Institute (PCORI) was established to assist decision makers in making evidence
      based health decisions through synthesis and dissemination of clinical CER of
      health interventions (2). Its founding has underscored a heightened need for
      health policy makers to consider the impact of health care technologies on final
      outcomes of interest--for example, functional status, quality of life,
      disability, major clinical events, and mortality (3-5).

PMID- 22095994
TI  - Whole-body diffusion-weighted MR imaging in cancer: current status and research
      directions.
AB  - Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is emerging as a powerful
      clinical tool for directing the care of patients with cancer. Whole-body DW
      imaging is almost at the stage where it can enter widespread clinical
      investigations, because the technology is stable and protocols can be implemented
      for the majority of modern MR imaging systems. There is a continued need for
      further improvements in data acquisition and analysis and in display
      technologies. Priority areas for clinical research include clarification of
      histologic relationships between tissues of interest and DW MR imaging biomarkers
      at diagnosis and during therapy response. Because whole-body DW imaging excels at
      bone marrow assessments at diagnosis and for therapy response, it can potentially
      address a number of unmet clinical and pharmaceutical requirements. There are
      compelling needs to document and understand how common and novel treatments
      affect whole-body DW imaging results and to establish response criteria that can
      be tested in prospective clinical studies that incorporate measures of patient
      benefit.

PMID- 22095995
TI  - Computer-aided diagnosis: how to move from the laboratory to the clinic.
AB  - Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), encompassing computer-aided detection and
      quantification, is an established and rapidly growing field of research. In daily
      practice, however, most radiologists do not yet use CAD routinely. This article
      discusses how to move CAD from the laboratory to the clinic. The authors review
      the principles of CAD for lesion detection and for quantification and illustrate
      the state-of-the-art with various examples. The requirements that radiologists
      have for CAD are discussed: sufficient performance, no increase in reading time,
      seamless workflow integration, regulatory approval, and cost efficiency.
      Performance is still the major bottleneck for many CAD systems. Novel ways of
      using CAD, extending the traditional paradigm of displaying markers for a second
      look, may be the key to using the technology effectively. The most promising
      strategy to improve CAD is the creation of publicly available databases for
      training and validation. This can identify the most fruitful new research
      directions, and provide a platform to combine multiple approaches for a single
      task to create superior algorithms.

PMID- 22095996
TI  - Renal perfusion 3-T MR imaging: a comparative study of arterial spin labeling and
      dynamic contrast-enhanced techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of and correlation between arterial spin
      labeling (ASL) and dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) 3-T magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging in the measurement of renal blood flow (RBF). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The review board approved this study. Nineteen healthy volunteers
      (seven women, 12 men; age range, 25-68 years) were recruited, and each provided
      written informed consent. MR imaging was performed with a 3-T whole-body system.
      Each subject underwent back-to-back ASL and DCE MR imaging. Ten runs of ASL
      imaging were performed by using the pseudocontinuous tagging scheme, and each run
      required an 18-second breath hold. For DCE imaging, a gadopentetate dimeglumine
      bolus (0.0125 mmol per kilogram of body weight) was administrated intravenously
      in all subjects except two; in the latter subjects, a 0.025 mmol/kg gadopentetate
      dimeglumine bolus was administered to evaluate the T1 saturation effect. RBF was
      quantified with both techniques and in both the cortex and the medulla. Agreement
      was evaluated for RBF measurements obtained with ASL imaging and those obtained
      with DCE imaging by using correlation analysis. RESULTS: RBF was apparently
      overestimated with 0.025 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine, which is a
      concentration that is commonly adopted for 1.5-T DCE. RBF was 227 mL/100 mL/min
      +/- 30 (standard deviation) in the cortex and 101 mL/100 mL/min +/- 21 in the
      medulla, as measured with ASL imaging, and 272 mL/100 mL/min +/- 60 in the cortex
      and 122 mL/100 mL/min +/- 30 in the medulla, as measured with DCE imaging. In the
      cortex, measurements obtained with ASL and DCE imaging exhibited a linear
      correlation (r = 0.66; statistical power, 0.8 at the 5% significance level) and
      fair agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.41). CONCLUSION: ASL and
      DCE 3-T MR imaging are feasible in the quantification of cortical renal
      perfusion, yielding measurements that are correlated but not entirely comparable.
      Intermodality differences have yet to be solved.

PMID- 22095998
TI  - Case 176: Neuro-sweet syndrome.

PMID- 22095999
TI  - Accurate definition of superficial and deep fascia.

PMID- 22096000
TI  - A few considerations on "sonoelastography of the plantar fascia".

PMID- 22096001
TI  - Honorary authorship: a hawk hovers over the lower-rank academic.

PMID- 22096002
TI  - Biliary atresia in neonates and infants.

PMID- 22096003
TI  - CTDIvol, DLP, and effective dose are excellent measures for use in CT quality
      improvement.

PMID- 22096004
TI  - Satisfaction of search in radiographic modalities.

PMID- 22096005
TI  - Transient hepatic echogenicity differences at contrast-enhanced US.

PMID- 22096008
TI  - The frequency of metabolic syndrome is higher among PCOS Brazilian women with
      menstrual irregularity plus hyperandrogenism.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a heterogeneous phenotypic distribution that
      can potentially lead to variations in metabolic repercussions. A cross-sectional
      study was conducted with 372 women of reproductive age (146 of whom were
      ovulatory and 226 with PCOS) divided into groups according to PCOS phenotype: (i)
      complete phenotype involving menstrual irregularity (MI), hyperandrogenism (H),
      and ultrasound (US) findings of polycystic ovaries (132 patients); (ii) MI + H
      (18 patients); (iii) MI + US (51 patients); and (iv) H + US (25 patients). The
      frequencies of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were 45.4%, 38.9%, 33.3%, 36%, and 8.2%
      for the MI + H + US, MI + H, MI + US, H + US, and control groups (P < .01),
      respectively. In logistic regression, body mass index ([BMI] odds ratio [OR]:
      1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.2) and the association of the complete
      phenotype with MI + H (OR: 5.8 CI95% [2.2-15.8) were independent predictors of
      the occurrence of MetS. The defining characteristics of MetS were more frequently
      found in women with PCOS than in controls, regardless of the phenotype (P < .01
      for each variable). In conclusion, the frequency of MetS is similar for various
      PCOS phenotypes among young Brazilian women from the Southeast region of the
      country, although only BMI and the presence of MI + H, regardless of the presence
      of US findings, were more predictive of the development of MetS.

PMID- 22096007
TI  - Adipocytes enhance the proliferation of human leiomyoma cells via TNF-alpha
      proinflammatory cytokine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a well-documented risk factor for uterine leiomyoma with a
      major impact on women health and health care system of the nation. Obesity is
      associated with increased secretion of adipokines that significantly influence
      growth and proliferation of tumor stroma and malignant cells. Adipokines, such as
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), are produced in the adipose tissue with
      concomitant expression in other organs and tissues. Increased and sustained
      cytokine production is associated with alterations in cell growth and
      differentiation. We, therefore, explored the influence of human adipocytes (SW872
      cells)-mediated biological humoral factors on human uterine leiomyoma (HuLM)
      cells. METHODS: We measured cell proliferation and expression of cell
      proliferating proteins (proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], cyclin D1, and
      B-cell lymphoma 2 [BCL-2]) in human leiomyoma cells cocultured with SW872 cells.
      SW872-conditioned media was neutralized for TNF-alpha and proliferation of HuLM
      cells was observed along with antiapoptotic marker, BCL-2, using Western
      immunoblot. RESULTS: We found that both SW872-conditioned media and coculture
      with SW872 cells increased HuLM cell proliferation significantly (P < .05). We
      determined that this effect was associated with the upregulation of specific
      markers for proliferation, such as PCNA, cyclin D1, and BCL-2 (P < .05).
      Furthermore, the addition of neutralizing antibodies, anti-TNF-alpha, to SW872
      conditioned media reversed the proliferation of leiomyoma cells and induced
      apoptosis as indicated by the reduced expression of antiapoptotic marker BCL-2.
      CONCLUSIONS: SW872 cells secrete TNF-alpha, which is associated with a
      proliferative gene profile in HuLM cells and may play a role in initiation and/or
      progression of uterine leiomyoma.

PMID- 22096009
TI  - A combination of illness invalidation from the work environment and helplessness
      is associated with embitterment in patients with FM.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study in employed people with FM was to test the
      hypothesis that embitterment is a function of the joint experience of
      invalidation from the work environment and helplessness regarding one's illness.
      METHODS: Sixty-four full-time (36%) or part-time (64%) employed patients with FM
      (60 females, mean age 45 years) completed the Illness Invalidation Inventory
      (3*I) to assess work-related discounting and lack of understanding, the Illness
      Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ) to assess helplessness and the Bern Embitterment
      Inventory (BEI) to assess embitterment. Hierarchical regression analysis was
      performed. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of the participants experienced embitterment
      levels in the clinical range. The interaction or combination of discounting and
      helplessness (P = 0.02) and the combination of lack of understanding and
      helplessness (P = 0.04) were associated with greater embitterment. CONCLUSIONS:
      The construct of embitterment has substantial face validity and may result from a
      combination of invalidation and helplessness. Whereas helplessness is a common
      target of cognitive-behavioural therapy, evidence-based interventions to redress
      invalidation and embitterment are needed. It is possible, however, to target
      invalidation by educating people in the work environment about the consequences
      of FM and patients' valid needs for work that is manageable, given each patient's
      specific health-related limitations.

PMID- 22096010
TI  - Necrotizing fasciitis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with tocilizumab.

PMID- 22096011
TI  - Sustained clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and prognostic
      factors in an inception cohort of patients treated with conventional DMARDS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical remission is now a realistic goal in managing RA following
      the introduction of biologic agents. As there are limited data on sustained
      remission in conventionally treated RA, this study examines prevalence and
      predictive factors of sustained remission in a pre-biologic inception cohort of
      RA. METHODS: Patients with recent onset RA and before use of DMARDs were
      recruited from nine centres. Standard clinical and radiological assessments were
      recorded at baseline and yearly. Point remission was defined by DAS of <1.6, and
      sustained remission if DAS was <1.6 at all 3-, 4- and 5-year follow-ups.
      Sustained remission was compared with baseline features, with mortality and with
      radiological and functional progression in 704 patients. RESULTS: Point remission
      at 3, 4 and 5 years was 25, 26 and 22%, respectively. Eleven per cent (n = 78)
      had sustained remission. Male sex, short duration of symptoms and less tender
      joints at baseline were independent predictors of sustained remission. These
      patients had fewer DMARD therapies and less radiographic progression by 5 years.
      Mean HAQ decreased from 0.79 to 0.13 (P < 0.001) in sustained remission, compared
      with an increase from 0.92 to 1.1 (P < 0.001) in the non-remission group.
      CONCLUSION: Sustained clinical remission by 5 years with conventional DMARDs was
      11%, half as likely as point remission. Prognostic factors were similar to
      comparable studies and simple to measure. Patients in sustained clinical
      remission showed less structural damage and better functional outcomes.

PMID- 22096012
TI  - Factors associated with foot pain severity and foot-related disability in
      individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint OA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether participant characteristics and localized
      structural factors are associated with foot pain and foot-related disability in
      patients with symptomatic first MTP joint OA. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one
      participants (56 women and 95 men) aged 22-81 [mean age 54.5 (11.2)] years with
      symptomatic first MTP joint OA underwent a standardized clinical interview and
      assessment. Participant characteristics [age, gender, height, weight, BMI,
      duration of symptoms and total years of formal education (education attainment)]
      and localized factors (first MTP joint dorsiflexion range of motion, severity of
      radiographic OA, foot posture and plantarflexion strength of the hallux) were
      determined as potentially associated variables. Outcome variables were foot pain
      and foot-related disability, determined using the Foot Health Status
      Questionnaire. Univariate analyses were performed between potentially associated
      variables and outcome variables. Variables with significant univariate
      associations were then entered into multivariate linear regression models to
      identify independently associated variables. RESULTS: Education attainment and
      BMI were both significantly and independently associated with foot pain severity
      and foot-related disability. However, these variables only explained ~10-12% of
      the variance in foot pain and foot-related disability. CONCLUSIONS: People with
      symptomatic first MTP joint OA that have an increased BMI and/or lower level of
      education attainment experience more foot pain and have greater foot-related
      disability. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and
      identify other factors associated with foot pain and foot-related disability in
      people with symptomatic first MTP joint OA.

PMID- 22096013
TI  - Childhood-onset disease carries a higher risk of low bone mineral density in an
      adult population of systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the BMD of patients with SLE according to the age of disease
      onset. METHODS: Consecutive SLE patients were screened for BMD at the hip, lumbar
      spine and whole body by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Comparison
      was made between patients who had disease onset in childhood (<18 years) and
      adulthood (>=18 years). Factors associated with low BMD were studied by linear
      regression. RESULTS: A total of 395 SLE patients were studied (94% women; 11%
      childhood-onset disease). Osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and the hip/femoral
      neck was present in 20 and 10% of the patients, respectively. Childhood-onset SLE
      patients were less likely to be post-menopausal, but had significantly lower BMI,
      longer SLE duration and a higher frequency of ever use of high-dose CSs, CYC and
      AZA. Despite a significantly younger age, the BMD of the hip, femoral neck and
      lumbar spine was significantly lower in childhood- than adult-onset SLE patients.
      In linear regression models, childhood-onset disease was an independent factor
      for lower BMD at the lumbar spine (beta = -0.18; P = 0.002), hip (beta = -0.20; P
      = 0.001) and femoral neck (beta = -0.16; P = 0.01) after adjustment for age, sex,
      BMI, smoking, menopause, SLE duration and damage index, duration and current dose
      of prednisolone treatment and the ever use of high-dose glucocorticoids, other
      immunosuppressive agents, calcium, vitamin D and the bisphosphonates.
      CONCLUSIONS: In adult SLE patients, childhood-onset disease carries a higher risk
      of osteoporosis, which may possibly be related to a higher cumulative dose of
      glucocorticoids used for more active disease and failure to achieve a normal peak
      bone mass during puberty.

PMID- 22096014
TI  - The incidence of permanent work disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      in Sweden 1990-2010: before and after introduction of biologic agents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence of disability pension (DP) due to RA as an
      estimation of permanent work disability before and after introduction of biologic
      drugs. METHODS: The annual incidence of DP was derived from the Swedish National
      Social Insurance Register and rates of DP due to RA were compared with the total
      amount of new DPs. RESULTS: The incidence of DP due to RA has decreased over
      recent years, coinciding with earlier and more aggressive treatment with DMARDs
      and biologics. A similar declining incidence of DP was simultaneously seen in
      patients with all diagnoses in the general population. The decrease in DPs was,
      however, larger for RA and was evident even before introduction of biologics. In
      1990, the proportion of DPs caused by RA was 1.9% out of total amount of DPs,
      decreasing to 1.5% in 2000 and to 1% in 2009. This may reflect effects of
      treatment, but may also be due to changing political policies as well as changes
      in age structure, increasing educational level and less physically demanding
      jobs. CONCLUSION: The decrease in DPs due to RA coincides with new treatment
      strategies as well as with decreasing levels of DPs in patients with all
      diagnoses. Prevailing political and economic conditions have a large impact on
      permanent work disability and may affect patients with various diagnoses in
      different ways. To determine if the decline is a true effect of better treatment,
      there is a need for further investigations, taking possible confounding factors
      into account.

PMID- 22096015
TI  - Early treatment with rituximab in newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus
      patients: a steroid-sparing regimen.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of B-cell depletion therapy (BCDT) as a
      steroid-sparing treatment in newly diagnosed SLE patients. METHODS: Eight female
      SLE patients were treated with BCDT using a rituximab/CYC-based regimen aiming to
      avoid the routine use of oral steroids. Post-treatment, patients were given AZA.
      The BILAG disease activity index was used for clinical assessment. Serum anti
      dsDNA, complement (C3), ESR, circulating B lymphocytes (CD19(+)) and protein :
      creatinine ratio were tested at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Disease
      activity and steroid requirement over the first 6 months of treatment were
      compared with three SLE patients treated conventionally, each carefully matched
      for ethnicity, sex, age at disease onset and disease duration at diagnosis.
      RESULTS: All patients achieved B-cell depletion (CD19 count <0.005 * 10(9)/l).
      The mean decrease in global BILAG at 6 months for the BCDT patients was -12.0 vs
      13.22 for the controls. Post-BCDT, no patient developed any significant
      deterioration, mean ESR fell from 70.12 to 17.14 mm/h at 6 months, mean serum
      anti-dsDNA antibody levels fell by >70% at 1 month and serum C3 level normalized
      in two patients by 6 months. There were no adverse events. The mean cumulative
      prednisolone dose at 6 months for the BCDT patients was 1287.3 mg (range 250
      4501.8 mg) vs 2834.6 mg (range 0-6802.5 mg) for the controls. CONCLUSION: Early
      treatment of SLE patients with BCDT is safe and effective and enables a reduction
      in the overall steroid burden.

PMID- 22096016
TI  - Turning points for perpetrators of intimate partner violence.
AB  - Understanding why and how perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) change
      their behavior is an important goal for both policy development and clinical
      practice. In this study, the authors investigated the concept of "turning points"
      for perpetrators of IPV by conducting a systematic review of qualitative studies
      that investigated the factors, situations, and attitudes that facilitated
      perpetrators' decisions to change their abusive behavior. Two literature
      databases were searched and six studies were found that met the inclusion
      criteria for the systematic review. Most included participants from batterer
      intervention programs (BIPs). The data indicate that community, group, and
      individual processes all contribute to perpetrators' turning points and
      behavioral change. These include identifying key incidents that precede change,
      taking responsibility for past behavior, learning new skills, and developing
      relationships within and outside of the BIP. By using a qualitative systematic
      review, the authors were able to generate a more complete understanding of the
      catalysts for and process of change in these individuals. Further research,
      combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, will be helpful in the
      modification of existing BIPs and the development of new interventions to reduce
      IPV.

PMID- 22096017
TI  - When can I help? A conceptual framework for the prevention of sexual violence
      through bystander intervention.
AB  - The bystander intervention approach is gaining popularity as a means for engaging
      communities in sexual assault prevention, especially on college campuses. Many
      bystander programs are teaching community members how to intervene without first
      assisting them to identify the full range of opportunities when they can
      intervene. In this article, the authors review the literature on sexual violence
      bystander intervention and present a conceptual framework that lays out a
      continuum of bystander opportunities ranging from reactive situations after an
      assault has occurred, to situations before an assault has occurred (posing high
      to low risk to victims), as well as proactive situations where no risk to the
      victim is present. The implications of this typology are discussed in the context
      of program development, evaluation, and further research.

PMID- 22096018
TI  - Production of artificial piRNAs in flies and mice.
AB  - In animals a discrete class of small RNAs, the piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs),
      guard germ cell genomes against the activity of mobile genetic elements. piRNAs
      are generated, via an unknown mechanism, from apparently single-stranded
      precursors that arise from discrete genomic loci, termed piRNA clusters.
      Presently, little is known about the signals that distinguish a locus as a source
      of piRNAs. It is also unknown how individual piRNAs are selected from long
      precursor transcripts. To address these questions, we inserted new artificial
      sequence information into piRNA clusters and introduced these marked clusters as
      transgenes into heterologous genomic positions in mice and flies. Profiling of
      piRNA from transgenic animals demonstrated that artificial sequences were
      incorporated into the piRNA repertoire. Transgenic piRNA clusters are functional
      in non-native genomic contexts in both mice and flies, indicating that the
      signals that define piRNA generative loci must lie within the clusters themselves
      rather than being implicit in their genomic position. Comparison of transgenic
      animals that carry insertions of the same artificial sequence into different
      ectopic piRNA-generating loci showed that both local and long-range sequence
      environments inform the generation of individual piRNAs from precursor
      transcripts.

PMID- 22096019
TI  - What color is the skin of a mouse?

PMID- 22096021
TI  - Current parathyroid hormone immunoassays do not adequately meet the needs of
      patients with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are significant differences in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      results obtained by current immunoassay methods. However, many clinical
      guidelines relevant to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that recommend
      PTH target values do not take account of these differences. This raises major
      questions about the validity of the evidence underpinning current use of PTH
      measurements in the management of CKD as well as of published relevant audit
      data. METHODS: PTH was measured in plasma from patients with CKD in six
      commercially available immunoassays. The initial pilot study included 19 patients
      while 98 patients were included in a second extended study. Data from the second
      study were analysed by regression analysis to obtain assay-specific targets for
      each immunoassay. RESULTS: Although similar PTH reference intervals are provided
      by most manufacturers, both studies confirmed substantial between-method
      differences in observed PTH for all patients, with results varying by as much as
      4.2-fold between the lowest and highest reading methods. These differences were
      sufficient to have treatment implications for 79% of the patients in the pilot
      study. Applying the assay-specific targets derived here to results from the
      extended study decreased treatment misclassifications from 53% to 12%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Existing between-method differences in PTH measurements clearly have
      treatment implications. International initiatives to address these differences
      are in progress and will require support and input from all stakeholders.
      Adoption of assay-specific target values such as those reported here provides a
      convenient and practical interim solution that should lead to significant
      improvement in patient management, while also enabling meaningful audit.

PMID- 22096022
TI  - Cell phone is best emergency link with GPs.

PMID- 22096024
TI  - Lymphatic invasion is independently prognostic of metastasis in primary cutaneous
      melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lymphatic invasion (LI) in primary cutaneous melanomas was recently
      found to be common. In this study, we evaluated LI as an independent prognostic
      factor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This study included 251 patients with vertical
      growth phase (VGP) primary cutaneous melanomas who had paraffin-fixed lesional
      tissue and were in a prospective cohort seen between 1972 and 1991, had no
      clinical evidence of regional nodal disease at diagnosis, and had at least ten
      years of follow-up. Dual immunohistochemical staining was used to detect
      lymphatic endothelium (podoplanin) and melanoma cells (S-100). Multivariate
      logistic regression for ten-year metastasis was used to define independent
      prognostic factors, and a prognostic tree was developed to characterize and
      discriminate risk groups. Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival curves for those
      with and without LI within current American Joint Committee on Cancer stages were
      compared using the log-rank statistic. RESULTS: LI was observed in 43% (108 of
      251) of the study melanomas. The multivariate model for ten-year metastasis
      identified four independent prognostic factors: tumor thickness, mitotic rate,
      LI, and anatomic site. The prognostic tree identified a group of patients with
      thin (<=1 mm thick) melanomas and poor prognosis: stage IB melanomas with LI.
      Survival curves for time to first metastasis showed significantly poorer
      prognosis for patients with LI compared with those without it for both stages IB
      and IIA. CONCLUSIONS: LI is common across the range of tumor thicknesses in
      primary VGP melanomas. It is an independent prognostic factor and significantly
      increases the risk of metastasis in patients in clinical stages IB and IIA.

PMID- 22096023
TI  - Prognostic significance of plasma osteopontin in patients with locoregionally
      advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated on TROG 02.02 phase III
      trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: High plasma osteopontin (OPN) levels have been reported to be an adverse
      prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), correlate
      with tumor hypoxia, and be predictive of benefit from hypoxia-targeted therapy.
      We sought to confirm the prognostic and predictive significance of OPN in
      patients treated on a large international trial. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients
      with stage III/IV HNSCC were randomized to receive definitive radiotherapy
      concurrently with cisplatin or cisplatin plus the hypoxic cell cytotoxin,
      tirapazamine (TPZ). Eligibility criteria for this prospective substudy included
      plasma sample availability for OPN assay by ELISA and absence of major radiation
      therapy deviations (N = 578). OPN concentrations were analyzed for overall
      survival (OS) and time to locoregional failure (TTLRF), adjusting for known
      prognostic factors. Additional analysis was carried out in patients with
      available tumor p16(INK4A) staining status. RESULTS: The median OPN level was 544
      ng/mL (range: 7-2,640). High OPN levels were not associated with worse OS
      (relative HR, 1.03 for highest tertile) or TTLRF (relative HR 0.91 for highest
      tertile). There was no interaction between OPN and treatment arm for OS or TTLRF
      (P = 0.93 for OS; P = 0.87 for TTLRF). For the highest tertile the 2-year OS was
      66% on control arm and 67% on TPZ arm (HR = 1.11, P = 0.67). Similarly for
      p16(INK4A) negative patients in the highest tertile, the 2-year OS was 61% on
      control arm and 63% on TPZ arm (HR = 1.05, P = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: We found no
      evidence that high plasma OPN levels were associated with an adverse prognosis in
      HNSCC, or were predictive of benefit with hypoxia targeting therapy.

PMID- 22096025
TI  - Skin tumors induced by sorafenib; paradoxic RAS-RAF pathway activation and
      oncogenic mutations of HRAS, TP53, and TGFBR1.
AB  - PURPOSE: The emergence of skin tumors in patients treated with sorafenib or with
      more recent BRAF inhibitors is an intriguing and potentially serious event. We
      carried out a clinical, pathologic, and molecular study of skin lesions occurring
      in patients receiving sorafenib. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Thirty-one skin lesions
      from patients receiving sorafenib were characterized clinically and
      pathologically. DNA extracted from the lesions was screened for mutation hot
      spots of HRAS, NRAS, KiRAS, TP53, EGFR, BRAF, AKT1, PI3KCA, TGFBR1, and PTEN.
      Biological effect of sorafenib was studied in vivo in normal skin specimen and in
      vitro on cultured keratinocytes. RESULTS: We observed a continuous spectrum of
      lesions: from benign to more inflammatory and proliferative lesions, all
      seemingly initiated in the hair follicles. Eight oncogenic HRAS, TGFBR1, and TP53
      mutations were found in 2 benign lesions, 3 keratoacanthomas (KA) and 3 KA-like
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Six of them correspond to the typical UV
      signature. Treatment with sorafenib led to an increased keratinocyte
      proliferation and a tendency toward increased mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) pathway activation in normal skin. Sorafenib induced BRAF-CRAF
      dimerization in cultured keratinocytes and activated CRAF with a dose-dependent
      effect on MAP-kinase pathway activation and on keratinocyte proliferation.
      CONCLUSION: Sorafenib induces keratinocyte proliferation in vivo and a time- and
      dose-dependent activation of the MAP kinase pathway in vitro. It is associated
      with a spectrum of lesions ranging from benign follicular cystic lesions to KA
      like SCC. Additional and potentially preexisting somatic genetic events, like UV
      induced mutations, might influence the evolution of benign lesions to more
      proliferative and malignant tumors.

PMID- 22096026
TI  - EpCAM/CD3-Bispecific T-cell engaging antibody MT110 eliminates primary human
      pancreatic cancer stem cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tumor-initiating cells with stem-like properties, also termed cancer
      stem cells (CSC), have been shown to sustain tumor growth as well as metastasis
      and are highly resistant to chemotherapy. Because pancreatic CSCs have been
      isolated on the basis of EpCAM expression, we investigated whether a targeted
      immunotherapy to EpCAM using the bispecific T-cell-engaging antibody MT110 is
      capable of eradicating CSCs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We studied in vitro and in vivo
      the effects of MT110 on CSCs using both established cell lines as well as primary
      cells of human pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: Although established cell lines were
      more responsive to MT110-engaged T cells, also primary cells showed a time- and
      dose-dependent response to treatment with the bispecific antibody. In addition,
      the population of highly tumorigenic CSCs was efficiently targeted by the
      EpCAM/CD3-bispecific antibody MT110 in vitro and in vivo using a mouse model of
      established primary pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer cells derived from
      metastases were slightly more resistant to MT110 treatment on the basis of in
      vivo tumorigenicity studies. This appeared to be related to a higher frequency of
      an EpCAM-negative subpopulation of CSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Cytotoxic T cells can be
      effectively redirected against primary human pancreatic cancer cells by T-cell
      engaging BiTE antibody MT110 including a subpopulation of highly tumorigenic
      CSCs.

PMID- 22096029
TI  - Control of glycolysis through regulation of PFK1: old friends and recent
      additions.
AB  - Regulation of glucose metabolism is a crucial aspect of cell physiology in normal
      and disease conditions. Many regulatory events are involved in determining the
      metabolic fate of glucose and the pathways into which it is directed. The first
      reaction that commits glucose to the glycolytic pathway is catalyzed by the
      enzyme phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) and is tightly regulated. One of the most
      potent activators of PFK-1 is fructose 2,6 bisphosphate (F2,6BP) and its cellular
      levels are correlated with glycolytic flux. F2,6BP is synthesized and degraded by
      a family of bifunctional enzymes-the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6
      bisphosphatases (PFKFB). The interplay among F2,6BP levels, the enzymes that
      generate and degrade it, and PFK-1 activity has important consequences for
      several different aspects of cell metabolism as well as for systemic metabolic
      conditions. TIGAR, a recently identified F2,6 bisphosphatase (F2,6BPase), could
      also contribute to this complexity and participate in shaping the metabolic
      profile of the cell.

PMID- 22096028
TI  - Transcriptional control of cardiac fuel metabolism and mitochondrial function.
AB  - As a persistent pump, the mammalian heart demands a high-capacity mitochondrial
      system. Significant progress has been made in delineating the gene regulatory
      networks that control mitochondrial biogenesis and function in striated muscle.
      The PPARgamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) coactivators serve as inducible boosters of
      downstream transcription factors that control the expression of genes involved in
      mitochondrial energy transduction, ATP synthesis, and biogenesis. PGC-1 gain-of
      function and loss-of-function studies targeting two PGC-1 family members, PGC
      1alpha and PGC-1beta, have provided solid evidence that these factors are both
      necessary and sufficient for perinatal mitochondrial biogenesis and maintenance
      of high-capacity mitochondrial function in postnatal heart. In humans, during the
      development of heart failure owing to hypertension or obesity-related diabetes,
      the activity of the PGC-1 coactivators, and several downstream target
      transcription factors, is altered. Gene targeting studies in mice have
      demonstrated that loss of PGC-1alpha and PGC-1beta in heart leads to heart
      failure. Interestingly, the pattern of dysregulation within the PGC-1
      transcriptional regulatory circuit distinguishes the heart disease caused by
      hypertension from that caused by diabetes. This transcriptional regulatory
      cascade and downstream metabolic pathways should be considered as targets for
      novel etiology-specific therapeutics aimed at the early stages of heart failure.

PMID- 22096027
TI  - A noncanonical Flt3ITD/NF-kappaB signaling pathway represses DAPK1 in acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), a tumor suppressor, is a rate
      limiting effector in an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent apoptotic
      pathway. Its expression is epigenetically suppressed in several tumors. A
      mechanistic basis for epigenetic/transcriptional repression of DAPK1 was
      investigated in certain forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with poor
      prognosis, which lacked ER stress-induced apoptosis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
      Heterogeneous primary AMLs were screened to identify a subgroup with Flt3ITD in
      which repression of DAPK1, among NF-kappaB-and c-Jun-responsive genes, was
      studied. RNA interference knockdown studies were carried out in an Flt3ITD(+)
      cell line, MV-4-11, to establish genetic epistasis in the pathway Flt3ITD-TAK1
      DAPK1 repression, and chromatin immunoprecipitations were carried out to identify
      proximate effector proteins, including TAK1-activated p52NF-kappaB, at the DAPK1
      locus. RESULTS: AMLs characterized by normal karyotype with Flt3ITD were found to
      have 10- to 100-fold lower DAPK1 transcripts normalized to the expression of c
      Jun, a transcriptional activator of DAPK1, as compared with a heterogeneous
      cytogenetic category. In addition, Meis1, a c-Jun-responsive adverse AML
      prognostic gene signature was measured as control. These Flt3ITD(+) AMLs
      overexpress relB, a transcriptional repressor, which forms active heterodimers
      with p52NF-kappaB. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified p52NF-kappaB
      binding to the DAPK1 promoter together with histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and
      HDAC6 in the Flt3ITD(+) human AML cell line MV-4-11. Knockdown of p52NF-kappaB or
      its upstream regulator, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK), de-repressed DAPK1.
      DAPK1-repressed primary Flt3ITD(+) AMLs had selective nuclear activation of p52NF
      kappaB. CONCLUSIONS: Flt3ITD promotes a noncanonical pathway via TAK1 and p52NF
      kappaB to suppress DAPK1 in association with HDACs, which explains DAPK1
      repression in Flt3ITD(+) AML.

PMID- 22096030
TI  - Regulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis by acetylation of PKM and PEPCK.
AB  - Glycolysis is a catabolic process of glucose hydrolysis needed for energy and
      biosynthetic intermediates, whereas gluconeogenesis is a glucose production
      process important for maintaining blood glucose levels during starvation.
      Although they share many enzymes, these two processes are not simply the reverse
      of each other and are instead reciprocally regulated. Two key enzymes that
      regulate irreversible steps in these two processes are pyruvate kinase (PK) and
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK), which catalyze the last and first
      step of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, respectively, and are both regulated by
      lysine acetylation. Acetylation at Lys305 of the PKM (muscle form of PK)
      decreases its activity and also targets it for chaperone-mediated autophagy and
      subsequent lysosome degradation. Acetylation of PEPCK, on the other hand, targets
      it for ubiquitylation by the HECT E3 ligase, UBR5/EDD1, and subsequent
      proteasomal degradation. These studies established a model in which acetylation
      regulates metabolic enzymes via different mechanisms and also revealed cross talk
      between acetylation and ubiquitination. Given that most metabolic enzymes are
      acetylated, we propose that acetylation is a major posttranslational modifier
      that regulates cellular metabolism.

PMID- 22096032
TI  - The challenges and concerns companies face pertaining to the US Food and Drug
      Administration 510(k) process for cardiac biomarkers.

PMID- 22096033
TI  - Assessment of carotid plaque stability based on the dynamic enhancement pattern
      in plaque components with multidetector CT angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent studies have investigated plaque morphology to
      determine patients who are at high risk of carotid atherosclerosis. In this
      study, we investigated whether a difference in dynamic enhancement pattern in
      plaque components could be useful to assess plaque stability with multidetector
      CT angiography. METHODS: Fifty-nine lesions with moderate to severe carotid
      atherosclerosis in 51 patients (33 symptomatic, 18 asymptomatic) were
      consecutively included. Early- and delayed-phase images were obtained in 3
      equivalent axial slices with multidetector CT angiography. Hounsfield units (HU)
      in the early phase were subtracted from those in the delayed phase in plaques
      (DeltaHU) and compared with clinical features, MRI-based plaque characteristics,
      and histological findings with 20 surgical specimens acquired from carotid
      endarterectomy. RESULTS: The DeltaHU was significantly higher in asymptomatic
      than that in symptomatic presentation (P=0.02). With MRI, a higher DeltaHU was
      negatively correlated with signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging (r=-0.56,
      P<0.0001). Histology confirmed that DeltaHU was positively correlated with
      fibrous tissue (r=0.67, P=0.001) and negatively correlated with a lipid-rich
      necrotic core with hemorrhage (r=-0.70, P<0.001). Moreover, less
      neovascularization and inflammation was found in plaques with a higher DeltaHU.
      CONCLUSIONS: Delayed-phase images provide information regarding the dynamic
      change in contrast media from the early arterial phase. An increase in HU from
      the early phase on multidetector CT angiography indicates plaque stability with
      more fibrous tissue and a less lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage,
      and neovascularization.

PMID- 22096031
TI  - Role of ST2 in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome in the MERLIN-TIMI 36
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prognostic performance of ST2 with respect to
      cardiovascular death (CVD) and heart failure (HF) in patients with non-ST
      elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) in a large multinational trial.
      BACKGROUND: Myocytes that are subjected to mechanical stress secrete ST2, a
      soluble interleukin-1 receptor family member that is associated with HF after STE
      ACS. METHODS: We measured ST2 with a high-sensitivity assay in all available
      baseline samples (N=4426) in patients enrolled in the Metabolic Efficiency With
      Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in the Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
      Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 36 (MERLIN-TIMI 36), a placebo-controlled
      trial of ranolazine in NSTE-ACS. All events, including cardiovascular death and
      new or worsening HF, were adjudicated by an independent events committee.
      RESULTS: Patients with ST2 concentrations in the top quartile (>35 MUg/L) were
      more likely to be older and male and have diabetes and renal dysfunction. ST2 was
      only weakly correlated with troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide. High ST2 was
      associated with increased risk for CVD/HF at 30 days (6.6% vs 1.6%, P<0.0001) and
      1 year (12.2% vs 5.2%, P<0.0001). The risk associated with ST2 was significant
      after adjustment for clinical covariates and biomarkers (adjusted hazard ratio
      CVD/HF 1.90, 95% CI 1.15-3.13 at 30 days, P=0.012; 1.51, 95% CI 1.15-1.98 at 1
      year, P=0.003), with a significant integrated discrimination improvement
      (P<0.0001). No significant interaction was found between ST2 and ranolazine
      (Pinteraction=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: ST2 correlates weakly with biomarkers of acute
      injury and hemodynamic stress but is strongly associated with the risk of HF
      after NSTE-ACS. This biomarker and related pathway merit further investigation as
      potential therapeutic targets for patients with ACS at risk for cardiac
      remodeling.

PMID- 22096034
TI  - Levodopa treatment improves functional recovery after experimental stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed treatment of patients with stroke with
      levodopa/benserazide contributes to enhanced functional recovery, but the
      mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The present study was designed to
      investigate if levodopa/benserazide treatment improves recovery of lost
      neurological function and contributes to tissue reorganization in the rat brain
      after stroke. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to transient occlusion of
      the middle cerebral artery (120 minutes) and treated with levodopa (1, 5, and 20
      mg/kg)/benserazide (15 mg/kg) or saline for 12 consecutive days starting on Day 2
      after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Infarct volume was
      determined and sensorimotor function was assessed using the rotating pole test, a
      28-point neuroscore, and a cylinder test on Days 2, 7, and 14 after transient
      occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of
      dopamine-1 and dopamine-2 receptors and the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated neuronal
      phosphoprotein in reactive astrocytes were analyzed in the ischemic hemisphere as
      well as in cultured astrocytes. RESULTS: Treatment with levodopa/benserazide
      significantly improved the recovery of sensorimotor function after transient
      occlusion of the middle cerebral artery without affecting the infarct volume. In
      addition, we found that different subpopulations of glial fibrillary acidic
      protein-positive astrocytes in the peri-infarct area express dopamine-1 receptors
      and dopamine-2 receptors as well as dopamine- and cAMP-regulated neuronal
      phosphoprotein. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly corroborate the concept of
      recovery enhancing actions of levodopa treatment after stroke. Also, astrocytes
      in the peri-infarct area may contribute to the dopamine enhanced recovery
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22096035
TI  - Sulcal effacement on fluid attenuation inversion recovery magnetic resonance
      imaging in hyperacute stroke: association with collateral flow and clinical
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The clinical significance of sulcal effacement has been
      widely investigated in CT studies, but the results are controversial. In this
      study, we evaluated the presence of perisylvian sulcal effacement (PSE) on fluid
      attenuation inversion recovery MRI and hypothesized that PSE may be related to
      collateral flow status together with hyperintense vessels on fluid attenuation
      inversion recovery in hyperacute stroke. In addition, we investigated whether an
      association between PSE and clinical outcome could be found in these patients.
      METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute middle cerebral artery infarcts within 6
      hours of symptom onset were included. All patients had internal carotid artery or
      middle cerebral artery occlusion and underwent MRI including FLAIR. The presence
      of PSE and hyperintense vessels on fluid attenuation inversion recovery and the
      collateral status and occurrence of early recanalization (ER) on conventional
      angiography were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 139 patients, 79 (56.8%) had PSE.
      Multivariate testing revealed PSE was independently associated with collateral
      status. The association between hyperintense vessels and collaterals was
      different depending on PSE. Compared to PSE-positive and ER-negative patients,
      PSE-negative and ER-negative patients (odds ratio, 4.11; 95% confidence interval,
      1.12-15.17) and PSE-negative and ER-positive patients (odds ratio, 34.62; 95%
      confidence interval, 5.75-208.60), but not PSE-positive and ER-positive patients,
      were more likely to experience favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale
      score <= 2 at 3 months). CONCLUSIONS: PSE is independently associated with
      collateral status in patients with acute middle cerebral artery stroke. Moreover,
      PSE in conjunction with recanalization status can predict clinical outcomes in
      these patients.

PMID- 22096036
TI  - Atrophy of spared gray matter tissue predicts poorer motor recovery and
      rehabilitation response in chronic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the motor deficit after stroke is clearly due to
      the structural brain damage that has been sustained, this relationship is
      attenuated from the acute to chronic phases. We investigated the possibility that
      motor impairment and response to constraint-induced movement therapy in patients
      with chronic stroke may relate more strongly to the structural integrity of brain
      structures remote from the lesion than to measures of overt tissue damage.
      METHODS: Voxel-based morphometry analysis was performed on MRI scans from 80
      patients with chronic stroke to investigate whether variations in gray matter
      density were correlated with extent of residual motor impairment or with
      constraint-induced movement therapy-induced motor recovery. RESULTS: Decreased
      gray matter density in noninfarcted motor regions was significantly correlated
      with magnitude of residual motor deficit. In addition, reduced gray matter
      density in multiple remote brain regions predicted a lesser extent of motor
      improvement from constraint-induced movement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Atrophy in
      seemingly healthy parts of the brain that are distant from the infarct accounts
      for at least a portion of the sustained motor deficit in chronic stroke.

PMID- 22096038
TI  - Traditional urinary biomarkers in the assessment of hospital-acquired AKI.
AB  - Traditional biomarkers, such as urine chemistries and urine microscopic elements,
      are used in the diagnosis and care of patients with AKI. Urine chemistries, such
      as fractional excretion of sodium and fractional excretion of urea, are useful
      for differentiating prerenal AKI from acute tubular necrosis only in select
      patients. Urine microscopy using a quantitative evaluation of the urine sediment
      for renal tubular epithelial cells, renal tubular epithelial cell casts, and
      granular casts has recently been shown to differentiate prerenal AKI from acute
      tubular necrosis and also provide prognostic information. Urine microscopy has
      also been noted to compare favorably with new urine biomarkers for diagnosis and
      prognosis of AKI. Thus, current information on urine diagnostics suggests that
      urine chemistries have a limited role in differential diagnosis of AKI, whereas
      urine microscopy and new urine biomarkers may be used together to differentiate
      prerenal AKI from acute tubular necrosis and predict such outcomes as worsened
      AKI, acute dialysis, and death.

PMID- 22096037
TI  - Timing and determinants of erythropoietin deficiency in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anemia in patients with CKD is highly related to
      impaired erythropoietin (EPO) response, the timing and determinants of which
      remain unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This study
      measured EPO levels and studied their relation to GFR measured by 51Cr-EDTA renal
      clearance (mGFR) in 336 all-stage CKD patients not receiving any erythropoiesis
      stimulating agent. RESULTS: In patients with anemia defined by World Health
      Organization criteria (hemoglobin [Hb] <13 g/dl in men and 12 g/dl in women), EPO
      response to Hb level varied by mGFR level. EPO and Hb levels were negatively
      correlated (r=-0.22, P=0.04) when mGFR was >30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), whereas they
      were not correlated when mGFR was <30 (r=0.09, P=0.3; P for interaction=0.01). In
      patients with anemia, the ratio of observed EPO to the level predicted by the
      equation for their Hb level decreased from 0.72 (interquartile range, 0.57-0.95)
      for mGFR >=60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) to 0.36 (interquartile range, 0.16-0.69) for
      mGFR <15. Obesity, diabetes with nephropathy other than diabetic glomerulopathy,
      absolute iron deficiency, and high C-reactive protein concentrations were
      associated with increased EPO levels, independent of Hb and mGFR. CONCLUSIONS:
      Anemia in CKD is marked by an early relative EPO deficiency, but several factors
      besides Hb may persistently stimulate EPO synthesis. Although EPO deficiency is
      likely the main determinant of anemia in patients with advanced CKD, the presence
      of anemia in those with mGFR >30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) calls for other explanatory
      factors.

PMID- 22096039
TI  - AKI associated with macroscopic glomerular hematuria: clinical and
      pathophysiologic consequences.
AB  - Hematuria is a common finding in various glomerular diseases. This article
      reviews the clinical data on glomerular hematuria and kidney injury, as well as
      the pathophysiology of hematuria-associated renal damage. Although glomerular
      hematuria has been considered a clinical manifestation of glomerular diseases
      without real consequences on renal function and long-term prognosis, many studies
      performed have shown a relationship between macroscopic glomerular hematuria and
      AKI and have suggested that macroscopic hematuria-associated AKI is related to
      adverse long-term outcomes. Thus, up to 25% of patients with macroscopic
      hematuria-associated AKI do not recover baseline renal function. Oral
      anticoagulation has been associated with glomerular macrohematuria-related kidney
      injury. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms may account for the tubular injury
      found on renal biopsy specimens. Mechanical obstruction by red blood cell casts
      was thought to play a role. More recent evidence points to cytotoxic effects of
      oxidative stress induced by hemoglobin, heme, or iron released from red blood
      cells. These mechanisms of injury may be shared with hemoglobinuria or
      myoglobinuria-induced AKI. Heme oxygenase catalyzes the conversion of heme to
      biliverdin and is protective in animal models of heme toxicity. CD163, the
      recently identified scavenger receptor for extracellular hemoglobin, promotes the
      activation of anti-inflammatory pathways, opening the gates for novel therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 22096040
TI  - The effect of high-flux hemodialysis on hemoglobin concentrations in patients
      with CKD: results of the MINOXIS study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemodialysis treatment induces markers of inflammation
      and oxidative stress, which could affect hemoglobin levels and the response to
      erythropoietin use. This study sought to determine whether high-flux dialysis
      would help improve markers of renal anemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress
      compared with low-flux dialysis. DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS:
      In a prospective, controlled study, 221 patients undergoing maintenance
      hemodialysis and receiving darbepoetin-alfa treatment (mean age, 66 years; 55%
      male) from 19 centers were screened in a 20-week run-in period of low-flux
      hemodialysis with a synthetic dialysis membrane. Thereafter, 166 patients were
      enrolled and randomly assigned to receive a synthetic high-flux membrane or to
      continue on low-flux dialysis for 52 weeks. Data on myeloperoxidase, oxidized
      LDL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and the Malnutrition Inflammation Score
      were collected at baseline and after 52 weeks; routine laboratory data, such as
      hemoglobin, ferritin, and albumin, and the use of darbepoetin-alfa, were also
      measured in the run-in period. Results After 52 weeks, the low-flux and the high
      flux groups did not differ with respect to hemoglobin (mean +/- SD, 11.7+/-0.9
      g/dl versus 11.7+/-1.1 g/dl; P=0.62) or use of darbepoetin-alfa (mean dosage +/-
      SD, 29.8+/-24.8 MUg/wk versus 26.0+/-31.1 MUg/wk; P=0.85). Markers of
      inflammation, oxidative stress, or nutritional status also did not differ between
      groups. CONCLUSION: Over 1 year, high-flux dialysis had no superior effects on
      hemoglobin levels or markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutritional
      status. These data do not support the hypothesis that enhanced convective toxin
      removal would improve patient outcome.

PMID- 22096041
TI  - Seasonal variations in mortality, clinical, and laboratory parameters in
      hemodialysis patients: a 5-year cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mortality varies seasonally in the general population,
      but it is unknown whether this phenomenon is also present in hemodialysis
      patients with known higher background mortality and emphasis on cardiovascular
      causes of death. This study aimed to assess seasonal variations in mortality, in
      relation to clinical and laboratory variables in a large cohort of chronic
      hemodialysis patients over a 5-year period. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, &
      MEASUREMENTS: This study included 15,056 patients of 51 Renal Research Institute
      clinics from six states of varying climates in the United States. Seasonal
      differences were assessed by chi-squared tests and univariate and multivariate
      cosinor analyses. RESULTS: Mortality, both all-cause and cardiovascular, was
      significantly higher during winter compared with other seasons (14.2 deaths per
      100 patient-years in winter, 13.1 in spring, 12.3 in autumn, and 11.9 in summer).
      The increase in mortality in winter was more pronounced in younger patients, as
      well as in whites and in men. Seasonal variations were similar across
      climatologically different regions. Seasonal variations were also observed in
      neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and serum calcium, potassium, and platelet values.
      Differences in mortality disappeared when adjusted for seasonally variable
      clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of dialysis patients,
      significant seasonal variations in overall and cardiovascular mortality were
      observed, which were consistent over different climatic regions. Other
      physiologic and laboratory parameters were also seasonally different. Results
      showed that mortality differences were related to seasonality of physiologic and
      laboratory parameters. Seasonal variations should be taken into account when
      designing and interpreting longitudinal studies in dialysis patients.

PMID- 22096042
TI  - Fosfomycin: evaluation of the published evidence on the emergence of
      antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative pathogens.
AB  - Fosfomycin has attracted renewed interest for the treatment of lower urinary
      tract and even systemic infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens with
      resistance to traditionally used agents. The main concern regarding the clinical
      utility of fosfomycin refers to the potential for the emergence of resistance
      during therapy. In this review, we evaluate the available published evidence
      regarding the mechanisms and the frequency of in vitro mutational resistance to
      fosfomycin in Gram-negative pathogens. We also review data regarding the
      emergence of resistance in clinical studies of fosfomycin therapy in various
      infectious syndromes and data from studies that evaluate the evolution of
      fosfomycin resistance over time. There appears to be discordance between the high
      frequency of mutational resistance to fosfomycin in vitro and the lower extent of
      this phenomenon in clinical studies. This discordance could at least partly be
      attributed to a biological cost associated with common mutations that confer
      resistance to fosfomycin, including decreased growth rate and low adherence to
      epithelial cells for the resistant mutants. The development of resistance appears
      to be more frequent both in vitro and in clinical studies for Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa in comparison with Escherichia coli, whereas relevant data for other
      Enterobacteriaceae are relatively scarce. The urinary tract seems to provide a
      favourable environment for the use of fosfomycin with a low associated likelihood
      for the emergence of resistance, owing to high drug concentrations and acidic pH.
      Additional data are needed to further clarify the optimal use of fosfomycin for
      different infectious syndromes caused by contemporary multidrug-resistant
      pathogens.

PMID- 22096043
TI  - A novel phenicol exporter gene, fexB, found in enterococci of animal origin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate two porcine Enterococcus isolates for the genetic
      basis of phenicol resistance and to determine the location and the genetic
      environment of the novel resistance gene. METHODS: A total of 391 isolates with
      reduced florfenicol susceptibility (MIC >= 16 mg/L), obtained from 557 nasal
      swabs of individual pigs, were screened by PCR for the known florfenicol
      resistance genes. Isolates that were negative in these PCRs were analysed for
      their species assignment and antimicrobial susceptibility. Plasmids were
      extracted and subjected to transformation and conjugation assays. Restriction
      fragments of the phenicol resistance plasmids were cloned and sequenced. The
      sequences obtained were analysed and compared with sequences deposited in the
      databases. RESULTS: The two isolates, Enterococcus faecium EFM-1 and Enterococcus
      hirae EH-1, exhibited MICs of chloramphenicol and florfenicol of 64 mg/L and
      carried a new phenicol resistance gene, designated fexB. This gene codes for a
      phenicol exporter of 469 amino acids organized in 14 transmembrane domains. The
      fexB gene was located on the 35 kb pEFM-1 from E. faecium and on the 25.3 kb pEH
      1 from E. hirae, respectively. Both plasmids were non-conjugative. The fexB gene
      was found to be embedded in virtually the same genetic environment of 14.8 kb in
      both plasmids. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report
      of the new florfenicol exporter gene fexB. Based on its plasmid location,
      horizontal transfer from the enterococci to other bacteria is possible.

PMID- 22096044
TI  - Emerging HIV-1 resistance to tipranavir and darunavir in patients with
      virological failure to first-generation protease inhibitors in Taiwan.
AB  - Ritonavir-boosted tipranavir (TPV/r) and darunavir (DRV/r) have been approved in
      patients with virological resistance to multiple protease inhibitors (PIs).
      Whether the HIV-1 from these patients with virological failure to first
      generation PIs remains susceptible to TPV/r or DRV/r is questionable. The
      susceptibilities of HIV-1 isolates to second-generation PIs in patients who
      experienced virological failure in three time periods were analysed: 9-2006 to 4
      2007 (period 1), 5-2007 to 12-2007 (period 2) and 1-2008 to 8-2008 (period 3). A
      total of 53 subjects were enrolled, and 51 subject isolates (96.2%) were
      resistant to >=1 PIs. The mutation scores for TPV and DRV, and the percentage of
      isolates with resistance to TPV or DRV, increased significantly from period 1 to
      period 3. Our data revealed a significant increase in the levels of genotypic
      resistance to TPV and DRV over the past two years in patients with virological
      failure to first-generation PIs.

PMID- 22096045
TI  - Enrolment and programmatic trends and predictors of antiretroviral therapy
      initiation from president's emergency plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported
      public HIV care and treatment sites in rural Mozambique.
AB  - Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have made antiretroviral therapy (ART)
      available in urban settings, but the progress of treatment expansion into rural
      Africa has been slower. We analysed routine data for patients enrolled in a rural
      HIV treatment programme in Zambezia Province, Mozambique (1 June 2006 through 30
      March 2009). There were 12,218 patients who were >=15 years old enrolled (69%
      women). Median age was 25 years for women and 31 years for men. Older age and
      higher level of education were strongly predictive of ART initiation (P < 0.001).
      Patients with a CD4+ count of 350 cells/MUL versus 50 cells/MUL were less likely
      to begin ART (odds ratio [OR]: 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.23). In
      rural sub-Saharan Africa, HIV testing, linkage to care, logistics for ART
      initiation and fears among some patients to take ART require specialized planning
      to maximize successes. Sustainability will require improved health manpower,
      infrastructure, stable funding, continuous drug supplies, patient record systems
      and, most importantly, community engagement.

PMID- 22096046
TI  - A prognostic scoring tool for identification of patients at high and low risk of
      death from HIV-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.
AB  - A prognostic scoring tool (PST) was created to aid prediction of outcome from HIV
      associated Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) using data obtained from 577
      episodes of PCP among 540 patients presenting to a specialist HIV treatment
      centre in London, UK. It used risk factors identifiable at/soon after
      hospitalization, previously identified as being associated with mortality: repeat
      episode of PCP, patient's age, haemoglobin (Hb) and oxygen partial pressure
      (PaO(2)) on admission, presence of medical co-morbidity (Comorb) and of pulmonary
      Kaposi sarcoma (PKS). The derived PST was 25.5+(age in years/10) + 2 (if a repeat
      episode of PCP) + 3 (if Comorb present) + 4 (if PKS detected) - PaO(2) (kPa) - Hb
      (g/dL), and produced scores that ranged between 0 and 19. Patients were divided
      into five groups according to their prognostic score: 0-3.9 = group 1 (0%
      mortality), 4-7.9 = group 2 (3% mortality), 8-10.9 = group 3 (9% mortality), 11
      14.9 = group 4 (29% mortality) and >= 15 = group 5 (52% mortality). This PST
      facilitates rapid identification of patients early in their hospitalization who
      have mild or severe HIV-associated PCP and who are at high and low risk of in
      hospital death from PCP. The PST may aid assessment of severity of illness and in
      directing treatment strategies, but requires validation in patient cohorts from
      other health-care institutions.

PMID- 22096047
TI  - Young adults' preferred options for receiving chlamydia screening test results: a
      cross-sectional survey of 6085 young adults.
AB  - We investigated how young adults aged 18-29 years would like to be notified of
      chlamydia screening test results, and, when they test positive, their willingness
      and preferred mechanism for informing their partners. We conducted a cross
      sectional survey of 6085 young adults and found that a call to their mobile phone
      was their preferred way of receiving positive test results (selected by 50%),
      followed by email. Text messages (short message service [SMS]) and calls to
      landline phones were unpopular options, selected by between 5 and 10%. Over 75%
      of respondents stated they would inform their current partner of a positive
      chlamydia diagnosis, and 50% would inform their previous partners. Most were
      willing to receive yearly reminders to go for a chlamydia test. Young adults
      preference for being informed of chlamydia test results by mobile phone call,
      rather than by email or SMS text, especially if they test positive, suggests they
      place high value on the security of the communication mechanism. Offering a range
      of mechanisms for receipt of test results may increase the acceptability and
      coverage of sexually transmitted infection (STI) control strategies.

PMID- 22096048
TI  - Factors associated with repeat visits among clients attending a clinic for
      sexually transmitted infections in Kisumu, Kenya.
AB  - To identify factors associated with repeat visits among patients attending a
      clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Kisumu, Kenya, we examined
      records of clinic visits from March 2009 to May 2010. Multivariable logistic
      regression identified factors associated with repeat visits occurring >30 days
      after the initial visit. Among 1473 clients (1296 single-visit individuals versus
      177 individuals with repeat visits), the median age was 24 years, 67% were men
      and 8.6% self-reported being HIV-positive. In adjusted analyses, men with repeat
      visits were more likely to report >= 2 recent sexual partners (adjusted odds
      ratio [aOR] = 1.60) and being HIV-positive (aOR = 2.35). They were less likely to
      have been referred from other health facilities (aOR = 0.14) and more likely to
      have urethral discharge at their initial visit (aOR = 2.46). Among women, repeat
      visits were associated with vaginal discharge (aOR = 2.22), but attending the
      clinic with a partner was protective (aOR = 0.38). The association between sexual
      risk, HIV positivity and repeat visits among male clients highlights the need to
      focus intervention efforts on this group. For women, attending with a partner may
      reflect a decreased risk of re-infection if both partners are treated and
      counselled together.

PMID- 22096050
TI  - Particular clinical presentations of psoriasis in HIV patients.
AB  - Patients with HIV infection have a higher propensity for infectious,
      inflammatory, neoplastic and metabolic disorders. The link with psoriasis
      vulgaris is explained by well-known pathophysiological phenomena and can be
      observed at any stage of infection. The aim of our study was to characterize the
      clinical spectrum of psoriasis in a group of 50 patients with HIV. Our findings
      showed particular clinical presentations of psoriasis in those patients,
      suggesting a predilection for scalp lesions, palmoplantar keratoderma and
      flexural involvement, as well as a trend towards severe immunodeficiency.
      Psoriasis, a frequent reason for consultation, allows earlier suspicion and
      diagnosis of HIV in the presence of these particular patterns.

PMID- 22096049
TI  - Impact of international laboratory partnerships on the performance of
      HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing in five resource-constrained
      countries.
AB  - To review a quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) model established to
      ensure the validity and reliability of collection, storage and analysis of
      biological outcome data, and to promote good laboratory practices (GLPs) and
      sustained operational improvements in international clinical laboratories, we
      conducted a two-arm randomized community-level HIV behavioural intervention trial
      in five countries: China, India, Peru, Russia and Zimbabwe. The trial was based
      on diffusion theory utilizing a Community Popular Opinion Leaders (CPOLs)
      intervention model with behavioural and biological outcomes. The QC/QA model was
      established by the Biological Outcome Workgroup, which collaborated with the Data
      Coordinating Center and John Hopkins University Reference Laboratory. Five
      international laboratories conducted chlamydia/gonorrhoea polymerase chain
      reaction (PRC)-based assays, herpes simplex virus type 2 enzyme immunoassay
      (EIA), syphilis serology (rapid plasma regain and Treponema pallidum particle
      agglutination assay, HIV serology (EIA/Western blot) and Trichomonas vaginalis
      culture. Data were collected at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Laboratory
      performance and infrastructure improved throughout the trial. Recommendations for
      improvement were consistently followed. Quality laboratories in resource-poor
      settings can be established, operating standards can be improved and
      certification can be obtained with consistent training, monitoring and technical
      support. Building collaborative partnership relations can establish a sustainable
      network for clinical trials, and can lead to accreditation and international
      laboratory development.

PMID- 22096051
TI  - Oral sex practices, oral human papillomavirus and correlations between oral and
      cervical human papillomavirus prevalence among female sex workers in Lima, Peru.
AB  - Few data exist on oral human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in female sex
      workers (FSWs). Information regarding oral sex practices of 185 Peruvian FSWs, 18
      26 years of age, was obtained via survey and compared with HPV testing results of
      oral rinse samples. Oral HPV prevalence was 14/185 (7.6%); four (28.9%) HPV
      genotypes were carcinogenic. One hundred and eighty-two participants reported
      having had oral sex; 95% reported condom use during oral sex with clients and
      9.5% with partners. Women who had oral sex more than three times with their
      partners in the past month were more likely to have oral HPV than women who had
      oral sex three times or less (P = 0.06). Ten (71.4%) women with oral HPV were HPV
      positive at the cervix; conversely 8.3% of women with cervical HPV were HPV
      positive in the oral cavity. The prevalence of oral HPV was relatively low,
      considering the high rates of oral sex practiced by these women.

PMID- 22096052
TI  - Factors associated with HIV-1 virological failure in an outpatient clinic for HIV
      infected people in Haiphong, Vietnam.
AB  - The objective of our study was to investigate factors associated with virological
      failure in 100 consecutive HIV-1 infected Vietnamese adults who initiated
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) from June 2007 to June 2008. Data were collected
      from medical records, and a structured questionnaire was used in individual
      interviews to investigate factors associated with adherence to ART. Plasma HIV
      viral load was measured at the time of the interview. The median age was 35
      years, 35% were women and heterosexual intercourse was the most common mode of
      HIV transmission (61%). After a median of 14 months since starting ART, 23% had
      detectable HIV-1 viral load (>= 400 copies/mL). Patients who had developed a
      World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage 4 condition at the time of
      initiation of ART were more likely to experience virological failure than those
      in stages 1-3, odds ratio (OR): 5.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-20.11), P
      = 0.017. Patients who reported that their health status was evaluated by a
      physician at each visit were less likely to experience virological failure, OR:
      0.02 (95% CI 0.00-0.24), P = 0.002.

PMID- 22096053
TI  - Predictors of poor clinical outcome of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected
      patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify baseline prognostic factors for poor
      clinical outcome of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. We conducted a trial
      in Thailand and the USA comparing low- and high-dose concomitant use of
      amphotericin B and fluconazole for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis to
      amphotericin B followed by fluconazole. Subjects who were either alive and
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture-positive or dead were considered to have a poor
      outcome. At day 14, baseline characteristics associated with poor outcome
      included: low weight, high CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titre and low CSF
      white blood cell (WBC) count. At day 70, the associated baseline characteristics
      included: CSF CrAg titre >1:1024 and low Karnofsky performance status. Overall,
      consistent with published findings, low weight, high CSF CrAg titre and low CSF
      WBC counts at baseline were predictors for poor clinical outcome. In addition, we
      found that low Karnofsky performance status was predictive of poor outcome.
      Prompt management with appropriate antifungal therapy for this particular group
      of patients may improve the outcomes.

PMID- 22096054
TI  - An evaluation of the early effects of a combination antiretroviral therapy
      programme on the management of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in KwaZulu-Natal,
      South Africa.
AB  - Roll-out of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in South Africa should
      impact on AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Government provision began in
      2003, with 23% coverage for World Health Organization (WHO) stage IV AIDS in
      2006. To assess the effect of cART availability on KS management, we evaluated
      records from 701 KS patients seen at a tertiary oncology centre in KwaZulu-Natal,
      South Africa, from 1995 to 2006. Associations between cART use and measures of KS
      care were evaluated. cART availability was 0% prior to 2001, 9.6% (2001-2003) and
      44% (2004-2006). Documentation of HIV status increased incrementally from 65% to
      92%. cART was associated with chemotherapy administration: 56% on cART versus 17%
      not on cART (P < 0.001); and less loss to follow-up, 13% on cART versus 38% not
      on cART (P < 0.001). cART availability improves the care of AIDS-associated KS.
      Further increases in cART availability for this population are needed in South
      Africa.

PMID- 22096055
TI  - The influence of male circumcision for HIV prevention on sexual behaviour among
      traditionally circumcised men in Cape Town, South Africa.
AB  - We examined the relationship between HIV prevention beliefs related to male
      circumcision and sexual behaviour/sexually transmitted infection (STI)
      acquisition among traditionally circumcised men in Cape Town, South Africa. HIV
      negative men (n = 304), circumcised for cultural/religious reasons, attending a
      health clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, completed cross-sectional surveys.
      Generalized linear models were used to analyse the relationships between
      unprotected vaginal sex acts, number of female sexual partners, STI diagnoses and
      male circumcision-related beliefs and risk perceptions. Men who were aware that
      circumcision offers protection against HIV (relative risk [RR] = 1.19, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.32, P < 0.01), endorsed risk compensation
      related to male circumcision (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11-1.12, P < 0.01) and
      perceived lower risk of HIV infection when circumcised (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04
      1.12, P < 0.01) were more likely to report unprotected vaginal sex acts. Similar
      patterns were also identified when predicting number of female sexual partners.
      Men who were more likely to endorse risk compensation related to male
      circumcision were also more likely to be diagnosed with a chronic STI (odds ratio
      [OR] = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.06-2.53, P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that we must not
      overlook the effects of beliefs towards male circumcision for HIV prevention
      among men traditionally circumcised; doing so may undermine current efforts to
      reduce HIV transmission through male circumcision.

PMID- 22096056
TI  - Microscopy for symptomatic men: not all symptoms are born equal.
AB  - We reviewed microscopy results for symptomatic male patients in order to identify
      clinical correlates of urethritis as diagnosed by same-day microscopy. Higher
      polymorph counts were found in patients presenting with discharge, or discharge
      together with dysuria, but dysuria without discharge was strongly associated with
      negative urethral microscopy. Symptoms were strongly linked to microscopy outcome
      but partnerships were not linked to either symptoms or outcome.

PMID- 22096057
TI  - Screening for alcohol use disorders in a genitourinary medicine setting.
AB  - The new National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance
      cites genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics as one setting where screening for
      alcohol-use disorders should be part of routine clinical practice. Northumberland
      GU medicine service has routinely used the Fast Alcohol Screening Tool (FAST)
      since June 2009. An audit of all first attendees to the service in April 2010 (n
      = 256) was carried out. This audit found that the FAST questionnaire was
      acceptable to both patients and staff (uptake of 95.7%). Statistically
      significant associations between excessive alcohol and higher rates of
      unprotected sex (P < 0.01), an increased number of sexual partners (P < 0.01) and
      higher rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis (P < 0.05) were
      also demonstrated.

PMID- 22096058
TI  - Audit of receptionists' records of symptoms and concurrence with clinician
      consultation: data collected for the Department of Health.
AB  - Audit of reliability of data collected by genitourinary (GU) medicine reception
      staff in north Cumbria for Department of Health mandatory returns suggests that
      receptionist-logged presence or absence of symptoms does not concur well with
      subsequent symptom disclosure to clinicians during consultations, even after the
      use of patient-completed symptom-specific questionnaires. Triage or fast-tracking
      based upon symptoms in order to select those at risk of sexually transmitted
      infection (STI) is likely to fail for a significant proportion of patients.
      Department of Health symptoms data need to be interpreted with caution.

PMID- 22096059
TI  - Sexual health of transgender sex workers attending an inner-city genitourinary
      medicine clinic.
AB  - Previous studies have reported high HIV prevalence among transgender sex workers
      (TSWs). We performed a retrospective case-note review of known TSWs attending our
      unit. In all, 16/24 (66.7%) of patients were diagnosed with at least one sexually
      transmitted infection (STI) and 7/24 (29.2%) reported intentional unprotected
      anal or vaginal intercourse, which may explain the high prevalence of HIV in our
      cohort (37.5%). TSWs disclosed high rates of substance misuse, violence and
      sexual assault, which may also contribute to the increased prevalence of STI in
      this group.

PMID- 22096060
TI  - Acute hepatitis B: the limits of maintaining patient confidentiality.
AB  - Household contacts of hepatitis B (HBV) are at risk of infection, and guidelines
      advise vaccination of these contacts in addition to sexual partners (along with
      traditional high-risk groups). We present a case of intrafamilial transmission of
      acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) following failure to self-disclose status to family
      members. Complex confidentiality issues can arise following a diagnosis of HBV
      infection.

PMID- 22096061
TI  - HIV-1 clade A infection and viral control: an immunological perspective on a case
      of underquantification.
AB  - Although a vast majority of HIV-1-positive patients in the UK are infected with
      clade B virus, a large number of newly diagnosed cases of heterosexually
      transmitted HIV-1 are acquired abroad, in countries where non-B clade HIV-1
      predominates. Since the development of the viral load assay in 1988, assessment
      of HIV-1 plasma viraemia has become an integral part of HIV clinical care;
      however, the contemporary viral load assay was developed and optimized for clade
      B HIV-1. Here we report the underquantification of viraemia in an individual
      infected with clade A virus, and the consequent initial classification of the
      patient as an HIV controller (HIC). Immunological investigations of interferon
      (IFN)-gamma and lymphoproliferative responses to HIV-1 clade B antigens and
      peptides, in parallel with mitogenic stimulation, were performed. Subsequent
      comparison with responses observed within clade B-infected HIC led to viral
      sequencing, confirmation of infecting clade and recommendation of antiretroviral
      therapy initiation. We emphasize the growing need for awareness of possible
      limitations of the commonly used viral load assays, which cannot be relied upon
      unreservedly in a clinical setting. Furthermore, this case highlights the
      increasing need for more detailed investigation into both viral genetics and
      fitness when defining patients as HIC.

PMID- 22096062
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient penicillin
      use in Europe (1997-2009).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on 13 years (1997-2009) of outpatient penicillin use were
      collected from 33 European countries within the European Surveillance of
      Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) project and analysed in detail. METHODS: For the
      period 1997-2009, data on outpatient use of systemic penicillins aggregated at
      the level of the active substance were collected using the Anatomical Therapeutic
      Chemical (ATC)/defined daily dose (DDD) method (WHO, version 2011) and expressed
      in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). For detailed analysis of trends over
      time, seasonal variation and composition of outpatient penicillin use in 33
      European countries, we distinguished between narrow-spectrum penicillins (NSP),
      broad-spectrum penicillins (BSP), penicillinase-resistant penicillins (PRP) and
      combinations with beta-lactamase inhibitors (COP). RESULTS: Total outpatient
      penicillin (ATC group J01C) use in 2009 varied by a factor of 3.8 between the
      countries with the highest (16.08 DID in France) and lowest (4.23 DID in the
      Russian Federation) use. COP represented 45.8%, BSP 40.7%, NSP 10.8% and PRP 2.6%
      of total European outpatient penicillin use. Total outpatient penicillin use
      significantly increased over time by 1.53 (SD 0.71) DID between 1997 and 2009.
      COP (mainly co-amoxiclav) increased by 2.17 (SD 0.40) DID, which was the result
      of its absolute increase as well as the observed shift from NSP and BSP towards
      COP. This increase exceeded 10% in 20 countries, where it coincided with a
      similar decrease in either BSP (15 countries) or NSP (5 countries). CONCLUSIONS:
      Penicillins represented the most widely used antibiotic subgroup in all 33
      participating countries, albeit with considerable variation in their use
      patterns. For Europe, a continuous increase in overall penicillin use and of COP
      use was observed during the period 1997-2009.

PMID- 22096063
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient
      cephalosporin use in Europe (1997-2009).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on 13 years of outpatient cephalosporin use were collected from
      33 European countries within the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial
      Consumption (ESAC) project, funded by the European Centre for Disease Prevention
      and Control (ECDC), and analysed in detail. METHODS: For the period 1997-2009,
      data on outpatient use of systemic cephalosporins aggregated at the level of the
      active substance were collected using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical
      (ATC)/defined daily dose (DDD) method (WHO, version 2011) and expressed in DDD
      per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). For detailed analysis of trends over time,
      seasonal variation and composition of outpatient cephalosporin use in 33 European
      countries, we distinguished between first-generation (J01DB), second-generation
      (J01DC), third-generation (J01DD) and fourth-generation (J01DE) cephalosporins.
      RESULTS: Total outpatient cephalosporin use in 2009 varied from 8.7 DID in Greece
      to 0.03 DID in Denmark. In general, use was higher in Southern and Eastern
      European countries than in Northern European countries. Total outpatient
      cephalosporin use increased over time by 0.364 (SD 0.473) DID between 1997 and
      2009. Cephalosporin use increased for half of the countries. Low-consuming
      Northern European countries and the UK further decreased their use. Second
      generation cephalosporins increased by >20% in seven countries (mainly
      cefuroxime), coinciding with a decrease in first-generation cephalosporins.
      Substantial parenteral use of third-generation substances (mainly ceftriaxone)
      was observed in France, Italy and the Russian Federation. CONCLUSIONS: Since
      1997, the use of the older (narrow-spectrum) cephalosporins decreased in favour
      of the newer (i.e. broad-spectrum) cephalosporins in most countries. Extreme
      variations between European countries in cephalosporin use over time suggest that
      they are to a large extent inappropriately used.

PMID- 22096064
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient antibiotic
      use in Europe (1997-2009).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe total outpatient systemic antibiotic use in Europe from
      1997 to 2009 and to analyse statistically trends of total use and composition of
      use over time. METHODS: For the period 1997-2009, data on outpatient use of
      systemic antibiotics aggregated at the level of the active substance were
      collected and expressed in defined daily doses (WHO, version 2011) and packages
      per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID and PID, respectively). Outpatient antibiotic
      (ATC J01) use in DID in the 33 European countries able to deliver valid data was
      analysed using longitudinal and compositional data analyses. RESULTS: Total
      outpatient antibiotic use in 2009 varied by a factor of 3.8 between the countries
      with the highest (38.6 DID in Greece) and lowest (10.2 DID in Romania) use. For
      Europe, a significant increase was found in total outpatient antibiotic use, as
      well as a significant seasonal variation, which decreased over time from 1997 to
      2009. Relative use of penicillins and quinolones significantly increased over
      time with respect to sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and relative use of
      quinolones increased with respect to macrolide/lincosamide/streptogramin as well.
      More detailed analyses of these major antibiotic subgroups will be described in
      separate papers. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient antibiotic use in Europe measured as DID
      has increased since 1997, whereas seasonal variation has decreased over time.
      European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) data on outpatient
      antibiotic use in Europe enable countries to audit their antibiotic use.
      Complemented by longitudinal and compositional data analyses, these data provide
      a tool for assessing public health strategies aimed at reducing antibiotic
      resistance and optimizing antibiotic prescribing.

PMID- 22096065
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient macrolide,
      lincosamide and streptogramin (MLS) use in Europe (1997-2009).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on more than a decade of outpatient macrolide, lincosamide and
      streptogramin (MLS) use in Europe were collected from 33 countries within the
      European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) project, funded by the
      European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), using the WHO
      Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/defined daily dose (DDD) methodology.
      METHODS: For the period 1997-2009, data on outpatient use of systemic MLS
      aggregated at the level of the active substance were collected and expressed in
      DDD (WHO, version 2011) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). Using a
      classification based on mean plasma elimination half-life, macrolide use was
      analysed for trends over time, seasonal variation and composition. RESULTS: Total
      outpatient MLS use in 2009 varied by a factor of 18 between the countries with
      highest (11.5 DID in Greece) and lowest (0.6 DID in Sweden) use. MLS use showed
      high seasonal variation. Short-, intermediate- and long-acting macrolides were
      the most commonly used agents in 2, 25 and 5 countries, respectively (mainly
      erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin, respectively). In Sweden, mainly
      lincosamides (clindamycin) were used. Lincosamide use was observed in all
      countries, while substantial use of a streptogramin was only seen in France
      (pristinamycin). For Europe, a significant increase in outpatient MLS use was
      found, as well as a significant seasonal variation, which increased over time
      from 1997 to 2009. Relative use of long-acting macrolides and lincosamides
      significantly increased over time with respect to intermediate-acting macrolides,
      and relative use of the latter increased with respect to short-acting macrolides.
      CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences between European countries in the levels of
      MLS use and the extreme seasonal variations in their use suggest that this
      subgroup of antibiotics is still prescribed inappropriately in many countries.

PMID- 22096066
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient quinolone
      use in Europe (1997-2009).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on more than a decade of outpatient quinolone use were collected
      from 33 European countries within the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial
      Consumption (ESAC) project, funded by the European Centre for Disease Prevention
      and Control (ECDC). METHODS: For the period 1997-2009, data on outpatient use of
      systemic quinolones aggregated at the level of the active substance were
      collected using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/defined daily dose
      (DDD) method (WHO, version 2011), and expressed in DDD and packages per 1000
      inhabitants per day (DID and PID, respectively). Using a classification based on
      pharmacokinetic and in vitro potency profiles, quinolone use was analysed with
      regard to trends over time, seasonal variation and composition. RESULTS: Total
      outpatient quinolone use in 2009 varied by a factor of 7.5 between the country
      with the highest (Italy, 3.61 DID) and the country with the lowest (the UK, 0.48
      DID) quinolone use. The second-generation quinolones accounted for >50% of
      quinolone use (mainly ciprofloxacin), except for Croatia, where first-generation
      quinolones (mainly norfloxacin) were mostly used. A significant increase in
      outpatient quinolone use was found for Europe, as well as a large seasonal
      variation, which increased significantly over time from 1997 to 2009. Relative
      use of third-generation quinolones significantly increased over time with respect
      to the use of second-generation quinolones, while the relative use of both
      significantly increased with respect to the first-generation quinolones.
      Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin (respiratory quinolones) represented >10% of
      quinolone outpatient use in 17 countries, with extreme seasonal variation in all
      countries. CONCLUSIONS: There was a substantial increase and change in the
      pattern of quinolone use between 1997 and 2009, a period during which quinolones
      that are effective for the treatment of respiratory tract infections were
      introduced. These quinolones are not the first-line antibiotics for this
      indication and their use should generally be limited, and quinolones should
      ideally show no substantial seasonal variation in terms of their use.

PMID- 22096069
TI  - Application of mixed-effects models to study the country-specific outpatient
      antibiotic use in Europe: a tutorial on longitudinal data analysis.
AB  - Resistance to antibiotics is a major public health problem and antibiotic use is
      being increasingly recognized as the main selective pressure driving this
      resistance. Yearly and quarterly data on outpatient antibiotic use were collected
      by the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) project for the
      period 1997-2009 from 33 and 27 European countries, respectively, and expressed
      in defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day. Since repeated measures were
      taken for the countries, correlation has to be taken into account when analysing
      the data. This paper illustrates the application of mixed-effects models to the
      study of country-specific outpatient antibiotic use in Europe. Mixed models are
      useful in a wide variety of disciplines in the biomedical, physical and social
      sciences. In this application for outpatient antibiotic use, the linear mixed
      model is extended to a non-linear mixed model, allowing analysis of seasonal
      variation on top of a global trend, with country-specific effects for global mean
      use and amplitude, and trends over time in use and in amplitude.

PMID- 22096068
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): quality appraisal of
      antibiotic use in Europe.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess quality of outpatient antibiotic use in Europe in 2009
      based on the 12 European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) drug
      specific quality indicators and to evaluate changes in quality between 2004 and
      2009. METHODS: Quality of outpatient antibiotic use in 2009 was compared between
      32 countries by calculating the indicator values for 2009 for each of the 12 ESAC
      drug-specific quality indicators based on outpatient antibiotic use data
      expressed in defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). For each of
      the indicators we grouped the 2009 indicator values into four quartiles. To
      evaluate changes in quality between 2004 and 2009, based on their respective
      indicator values, countries were also grouped according to the quartile
      distribution of the 2004 indicator values. Only countries able to deliver data
      for both years were included in this analysis. RESULTS: In 2009 a difference in
      the quality of outpatient antibiotic use between Nordic and Southern European
      countries was observed. Quality of outpatient antibiotic use decreased between
      2004 and 2009. In particular, there were increases in the quality indicators
      [J01F_DID], [J01M_DID], [J01CR_%] and [J01_B/N], i.e. the use of macrolides,
      lincosamides and streptogramins in DID, the use of quinolones in DID, the
      proportional use of combinations of penicillins, including beta-lactamase
      inhibitors and the ratio of broad- to narrow-spectrum antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS:
      Quality of outpatient antibiotic use in DID decreased between 2004 and 2009. A
      continuous effort to improve outpatient antibiotic consumption seems to be
      essential to reduce outpatient antibiotic use in general and the use of broad
      spectrum antibiotics in particular.

PMID- 22096067
TI  - European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient use of
      tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials in Europe
      (1997-2009).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on more than a decade of outpatient use of tetracyclines,
      sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials in Europe were collected
      from 33 countries as part of the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial
      Consumption (ESAC) project, funded by the European Centre for Disease Prevention
      and Control (ECDC). METHODS: For the period 1997-2009, data on outpatient use of
      systemic tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials
      aggregated at the level of the active substance were collected and expressed in
      defined daily doses (DDD; WHO, version 2011) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID).
      Using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification, trends in the use
      of tetracyclines (J01A), sulphonamides and trimethoprim (J01E) and other
      antibacterials (J01X) over time, seasonal variation and composition of use were
      analysed. RESULTS: In 2009, the variations in outpatient use of systemic
      tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials between
      countries, and also in the composition of use over time, were huge. For
      tetracyclines a significant and for sulphonamides and trimethoprim a non
      significant decrease in use was observed between 1997 and 2009 in Europe. The
      seasonal variation in their use significantly decreased over time. For the other
      antibacterials, no significant changes in the volume of use or its seasonal
      variation were seen. CONCLUSIONS: As for all other major antibiotic subgroups, a
      striking variation in use and composition of use between countries in Europe was
      observed for outpatient use of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and
      other antibacterials. In combination with the decreasing use, especially of
      recommended substances, this represents an opportunity not only to reduce
      antibiotic use but also to improve its quality.

PMID- 22096070
TI  - Analysing the composition of outpatient antibiotic use: a tutorial on
      compositional data analysis.
AB  - In this tutorial, statistical methods for studying outpatient use of antibiotics
      in Europe are described, using data provided by IMS Health. The methods are
      applied to two related research questions, namely the assessment of changes in
      the relative volume of use of different antibiotic subclasses over time and
      changes in the absolute volume of antibiotic use.

PMID- 22096071
TI  - Basolateral rather than apical primary cilia on neuroepithelial cells committed
      to delamination.
AB  - Delamination of neural progenitors from the apical adherens junction belt of the
      neuroepithelium is a hallmark of cerebral cortex development and evolution.
      Specific cell biological processes preceding this delamination are largely
      unknown. Here, we identify a novel, pre-delamination state of neuroepithelial
      cells in mouse embryonic neocortex. Specifically, in a subpopulation of
      neuroepithelial cells that, like all others, exhibit apical-basal polarity and
      apical adherens junctions, the re-establishing of the primary cilium after
      mitosis occurs at the basolateral rather than the apical plasma membrane.
      Neuroepithelial cells carrying basolateral primary cilia appear at the onset of
      cortical neurogenesis, increase in abundance with its progression, selectively
      express the basal (intermediate) progenitor marker Tbr2, and eventually
      delaminate from the apical adherens junction belt to become basal progenitors,
      translocating their nucleus from the ventricular to the subventricular zone.
      Overexpression of insulinoma-associated 1, a transcription factor known to
      promote the generation of basal progenitors, increases the proportion of
      basolateral cilia. Basolateral cilia in cells delaminating from the apical
      adherens junction belt are preferentially found near spot-like adherens
      junctions, suggesting that the latter provide positional cues to basolateral
      ciliogenesis. We conclude that re-establishing a basolateral primary cilium
      constitutes the first known cell biological feature preceding neural progenitor
      delamination.

PMID- 22096072
TI  - Differential plasticity of epiblast and primitive endoderm precursors within the
      ICM of the early mouse embryo.
AB  - Cell differentiation during pre-implantation mammalian development involves the
      formation of two extra-embryonic lineages: trophoblast and primitive endoderm
      (PrE). A subset of cells within the inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst does
      not respond to differentiation signals and forms the pluripotent epiblast, which
      gives rise to all of the tissues in the adult body. How this group of cells is
      set aside remains unknown. Recent studies documented distinct sequential phases
      of marker expression during the segregation of epiblast and PrE within the ICM.
      However, the connection between marker expression and lineage commitment remains
      unclear. Using a fluorescent reporter for PrE, we investigated the plasticity of
      epiblast and PrE precursors. Our observations reveal that loss of plasticity does
      not coincide directly with lineage restriction of epiblast and PrE markers, but
      rather with exclusion of the pluripotency marker Oct4 from the PrE. We note that
      individual ICM cells can contribute to all three lineages of the blastocyst until
      peri-implantation. However, epiblast precursors exhibit less plasticity than
      precursors of PrE, probably owing to differences in responsiveness to
      extracellular signalling. We therefore propose that the early embryo environment
      restricts the fate choice of epiblast but not PrE precursors, thus ensuring the
      formation and preservation of the pluripotent foetal lineage.

PMID- 22096073
TI  - Gbetagamma signaling controls the polarization of zebrafish primordial germ cells
      by regulating Rac activity.
AB  - During development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate from the sites of their
      specification towards the region in which the future gonad develops. This cell
      migration requires polarization of PGCs and their responsiveness to external
      guidance cues. In zebrafish, the directed migration and polarization of PGCs are
      regulated independently, by the chemokine Cxcl12a and the Rho GTPase Rac1,
      respectively. However, the upstream signals controlling Rac activity in this
      context have not yet been identified. By investigating the role of G proteins in
      PGC migration, we found that signaling mediated by G protein subunits Gbetagamma
      is required to regulate cell polarization. PGCs that are defective for Gbetagamma
      signaling failed to polarize, and developed multiple protrusions in random
      locations, resembling the defects observed in PGCs with decreased Rac activity.
      These defects render PGCs incapable of migrating actively and responding to
      directional cues. FRET-based assays showed that PGCs require Gbetagamma signaling
      for polarized Rac activation and actin organization at the leading front, as well
      as for maintaining overall Rac levels in these cells. Conversely, overexpression
      of Gbetagamma in PGCs increases Rac activity. Our results indicate that during
      PGC migration in vivo, Gbetagamma signaling regulates Rac activity to control
      cell polarity, which is required for the responsiveness to chemokine signaling.

PMID- 22096074
TI  - The role of the histone H2A ubiquitinase Sce in Polycomb repression.
AB  - Polycomb group (PcG) proteins exist in multiprotein complexes that modify
      chromatin to repress transcription. Drosophila PcG proteins Sex combs extra (Sce;
      dRing) and Posterior sex combs (Psc) are core subunits of PRC1-type complexes.
      The Sce:Psc module acts as an E3 ligase for monoubiquitylation of histone H2A, an
      activity thought to be crucial for repression by PRC1-type complexes. Here, we
      created an Sce knockout allele and show that depletion of Sce results in loss of
      H2A monoubiquitylation in developing Drosophila. Genome-wide profiling identified
      a set of target genes co-bound by Sce and all other PRC1 subunits. Analyses in
      mutants lacking individual PRC1 subunits reveals that these target genes comprise
      two distinct classes. Class I genes are misexpressed in mutants lacking any of
      the PRC1 subunits. Class II genes are only misexpressed in animals lacking the
      Psc-Su(z)2 and Polyhomeotic (Ph) subunits but remain stably repressed in the
      absence of the Sce and Polycomb (Pc) subunits. Repression of class II target
      genes therefore does not require Sce and H2A monoubiquitylation but might rely on
      the ability of Psc-Su(z)2 and Ph to inhibit nucleosome remodeling or to compact
      chromatin. Similarly, Sce does not provide tumor suppressor activity in larval
      tissues under conditions in which Psc-Su(z)2, Ph and Pc show such activity. Sce
      and H2A monoubiquitylation are therefore only crucial for repression of a subset
      of genes and processes regulated by PRC1-type complexes. Sce synergizes with the
      Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex to repress transcription at
      class I genes, suggesting that H2A monoubiquitylation must be appropriately
      balanced for their transcriptional repression.

PMID- 22096075
TI  - Ptf1a-mediated control of Dll1 reveals an alternative to the lateral inhibition
      mechanism.
AB  - Neurog3-induced Dll1 expression in pancreatic endocrine progenitors ostensibly
      activates Hes1 expression via Notch and thereby represses Neurog3 and endocrine
      differentiation in neighboring cells by lateral inhibition. Here we show in mouse
      that Dll1 and Hes1 expression deviate during regionalization of early endoderm,
      and later during early pancreas morphogenesis. At that time, Ptf1a activates Dll1
      in multipotent pancreatic progenitor cells (MPCs), and Hes1 expression becomes
      Dll1 dependent over a brief time window. Moreover, Dll1, Hes1 and Dll1/Hes1
      mutant phenotypes diverge during organ regionalization, become congruent at early
      bud stages, and then diverge again at late bud stages. Persistent pancreatic
      hypoplasia in Dll1 mutants after eliminating Neurog3 expression and endocrine
      development, together with reduced proliferation of MPCs in both Dll1 and Hes1
      mutants, reveals that the hypoplasia is caused by a growth defect rather than by
      progenitor depletion. Unexpectedly, we find that Hes1 is required to sustain
      Ptf1a expression, and in turn Dll1 expression in early MPCs. Our results show
      that Ptf1a-induced Dll1 expression stimulates MPC proliferation and pancreatic
      growth by maintaining Hes1 expression and Ptf1a protein levels.

PMID- 22096076
TI  - Rankl-induced osteoclastogenesis leads to loss of mineralization in a medaka
      osteoporosis model.
AB  - Osteoclasts are macrophage-related bone resorbing cells of hematopoietic origin.
      Factors that regulate osteoclastogenesis are of great interest for investigating
      the pathology and treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. In mammals,
      receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (Rankl) is a regulator of osteoclast
      formation and activation: its misexpression causes osteoclast stimulation and
      osteoporotic bone loss. Here, we report an osteoporotic phenotype that is induced
      by overexpression of Rankl in the medaka model. We generated transgenic medaka
      lines that express GFP under control of the cathepsin K promoter in osteoclasts
      starting at 12 days post-fertilization (dpf), or Rankl together with CFP under
      control of a bi-directional heat-shock promoter. Using long-term confocal time
      lapse imaging of double and triple transgenic larvae, we monitored in vivo
      formation and activation of osteoclasts, as well as their interaction with
      osteoblasts. Upon Rankl induction, GFP-positive osteoclasts are first observed in
      the intervertebral regions and then quickly migrate to the surface of mineralized
      neural and haemal arches, as well as to the centra of the vertebral bodies. These
      osteoclasts are TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) and cathepsin K
      positive, mononuclear and highly mobile with dynamically extending protrusions.
      They are exclusively found in tight contact with mineralized matrix. Rankl
      induced osteoclast formation resulted in severe degradation of the mineralized
      matrix in vertebral bodies and arches. In conclusion, our in vivo imaging
      approach confirms a conserved role of Rankl in osteoclastogenesis in teleost fish
      and provides new insight into the cellular interactions during bone resorption in
      an animal model that is useful for genetic and chemical screening.

PMID- 22096077
TI  - Sox2-mediated differential activation of Six3.2 contributes to forebrain
      patterning.
AB  - The vertebrate forebrain is patterned during gastrulation into telencephalic,
      retinal, hypothalamic and diencephalic primordia. Specification of each of these
      domains requires the concerted activity of combinations of transcription factors
      (TFs). Paradoxically, some of these factors are widely expressed in the
      forebrain, which raises the question of how they can mediate regional
      differences. To address this issue, we focused on the homeobox TF Six3.2. With
      genomic and functional approaches we demonstrate that, in medaka fish, Six3.2
      regulates, in a concentration-dependent manner, telencephalic and retinal
      specification under the direct control of Sox2. Six3.2 and Sox2 have antagonistic
      functions in hypothalamic development. These activities are, in part, executed by
      Foxg1 and Rx3, which seem to be differentially and directly regulated by Six3.2
      and Sox2. Together, these data delineate the mechanisms by which Six3.2
      diversifies its activity in the forebrain and highlight a novel function for Sox2
      as one of the main regulators of anterior forebrain development. They also
      demonstrate that graded levels of the same TF, probably operating in partially
      independent transcriptional networks, pattern the vertebrate forebrain along the
      anterior-posterior axis.

PMID- 22096078
TI  - Retinoic acid signaling controls the formation, proliferation and survival of the
      blastema during adult zebrafish fin regeneration.
AB  - Adult teleosts rebuild amputated fins through a proliferation-dependent process
      called epimorphic regeneration, in which a blastema of cycling progenitor cells
      replaces the lost fin tissue. The genetic networks that control formation of
      blastema cells from formerly quiescent stump tissue and subsequent blastema
      function are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the cellular and
      molecular consequences of genetically interfering with retinoic acid (RA)
      signaling for the formation of the zebrafish blastema. We show that RA signaling
      is upregulated within the first few hours after fin amputation in the stump
      mesenchyme, where it controls Fgf, Wnt/beta-catenin and Igf signaling. Genetic
      inhibition of the RA pathway at this stage blocks blastema formation by
      inhibiting cell cycle entry of stump cells and impairs the formation of the basal
      epidermal layer, a signaling center in the wound epidermis. In the established
      blastema, RA signaling remains active to ensure the survival of the highly
      proliferative blastemal population by controlling expression of the anti
      apoptotic factor bcl2. In addition, RA signaling maintains blastema proliferation
      through the activation of growth-stimulatory signals mediated by Fgf and Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling, as well as by reducing signaling through the growth-inhibitory
      non-canonical Wnt pathway. The endogenous roles of RA in adult vertebrate
      appendage regeneration are uncovered here for the first time. They provide a
      mechanistic framework to understand previous observations in salamanders that
      link endogenous sources of RA to the regeneration process itself and support the
      hypothesis that the RA signaling pathway is an essential component of vertebrate
      tissue regeneration.

PMID- 22096079
TI  - Drosophila G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 regulates cAMP-dependent Hedgehog
      signaling.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) play a conserved role in Hedgehog (Hh)
      signaling. In several systems, GRKs are required for efficient Hh target gene
      expression. Their principal target appears to be Smoothened (Smo), the
      intracellular signal-generating component of the pathway and a member of the G
      protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein family. In Drosophila, a GRK called Gprk2
      is needed for internalization and downregulation of activated Smo, consistent
      with the typical role of these kinases in negatively regulating GPCRs. However,
      Hh target gene activation is strongly impaired in gprk2 mutant flies, indicating
      that Gprk2 must also positively regulate Hh signaling at some level. To
      investigate its function in signaling, we analyzed several different readouts of
      Hh pathway activity in animals or cells lacking Gprk2. Surprisingly, although
      target gene expression was impaired, Smo-dependent activation of downstream
      components of the signaling pathway was increased in the absence of Gprk2. This
      suggests that Gprk2 does indeed play a role in terminating Smo signaling.
      However, loss of Gprk2 resulted in a decrease in cellular cAMP concentrations to
      a level that was limiting for Hh target gene activation. Normal expression of
      target genes was restored in gprk2 mutants by stimulating cAMP production or
      activating the cAMP-dependent Protein kinase A (Pka). Our results suggest that
      direct regulation of Smo by Gprk2 is not absolutely required for Hh target gene
      expression. Gprk2 is important for normal cAMP regulation, and thus has an
      indirect effect on the activity of Pka-regulated components of the Hh pathway,
      including Smo itself.

PMID- 22096081
TI  - Effectiveness and acceptability of delivery of antiretroviral treatment in health
      centres by health officers and nurses in Ethiopia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends shifting tasks from
      physicians to lower cadres for the delivery of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for
      countries short of physicians. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness
      and acceptability of ART delivery by health officers and nurses in Ethiopia.
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort study to evaluate outcomes of ART services in 25
      health centres staffed with health officers and/or nurses and 30 hospitals
      staffed with physicians in 2009. Median CD4-cell counts, mortality, loss to
      follow-up and retention were the primary outcomes. Interviews and focus group
      discussions were conducted with people living with HIV/AIDS, AIDS programme
      managers and health care providers to identify the types and acceptability of the
      tasks conducted by the health officers, nurses and community health workers.
      RESULTS: Health officers and nurses were providing ART, including ART
      prescription, for non-severe cases. The management of severe cases was
      exclusively the task of physicians. Community health workers were involved in
      adherence counselling and defaulter tracing. The baseline median CD4-cell counts
      per micro-liter of blood were 117 (interquartiles [IQ] 64,188) and 119 (IQ
      67,190) at health centres and hospitals respectively. After 24 months on ART, the
      median CD4-cell counts per micro-liter of blood increased to 321 (IQ 242, 414)
      and 301 (IQ 217, 411) at health centres and hospitals respectively. Retention in
      care was higher in health centres (76%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [73%-79%])
      than hospitals (67%, 95% CI [66%-68%]). This difference is mainly due to the
      higher loss to follow-up rate in hospitals (25% versus 13%). Mortality was higher
      in health centres than hospitals (11% versus 8%), but the difference is not
      statistically significant. Service delivery by non-physicians was accepted by
      patients, health care providers and programme managers. However, the absence of a
      regulatory framework for task shifting, the lack of extra remuneration for the
      additional roles assumed by nurses and health officers, and the high cost for
      training and mentorship were identified as weaknesses. CONCLUSION: ART delivery
      in health centres, based on health officers and nurses is feasible, effective and
      acceptable in Ethiopia. However, issues related to regulation, remuneration and
      cost need to be addressed for the sustainable implementation of these delivery
      models.

PMID- 22096082
TI  - Assessing the effects of removing user fees in Zambia and Niger.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to overcome some of the limitations of previous
      studies investigating the effects of fee removal, by looking at heterogeneity of
      effects within countries and over time, as well as the existence of spill-over
      effects on groups not targeted by the policy change. METHODS: Using routine
      district health services data before and after recent abolitions of user charges
      in Zambia and Niger, we examine the effects of the policy change on the use of
      health services by different groups and over time, using an interrupted
      timeseries design. RESULTS: Removing user fees for primary health care services
      in rural districts in Zambia and for children over five years old in Niger
      increased use of services by the targeted groups. The impact of the policy change
      differed widely across districts, ranging from +12% and +194% in Niger to -39%
      and +108% in Zambia. Eighteen months after the policy change, some of these
      effects had been eroded. There was evidence that abolishing user fees can both
      have positive and negative spillover effects. CONCLUSION: These results highlight
      the importance of paying attention to implementation challenges and monitoring
      the effects of policy reforms which are often more mixed and complicated that
      they appear. The comparison of these reforms in two countries also sheds light on
      the potentially different ways in which free care can be used as a tool to
      improve access.

PMID- 22096080
TI  - Dynamic interactions of high Cdt1 and geminin levels regulate S phase in early
      Xenopus embryos.
AB  - Cdt1 plays a key role in licensing DNA for replication. In the somatic cells of
      metazoans, both Cdt1 and its natural inhibitor geminin show reciprocal
      fluctuations in their protein levels owing to cell cycle-dependent proteolysis.
      Here, we show that the protein levels of Cdt1 and geminin are persistently high
      during the rapid cell cycles of the early Xenopus embryo. Immunoprecipitation of
      Cdt1 and geminin complexes, together with their cell cycle spatiotemporal
      dynamics, strongly supports the hypothesis that Cdt1 licensing activity is
      regulated by periodic interaction with geminin rather than its proteolysis.
      Overexpression of ectopic geminin slows down, but neither arrests early embryonic
      cell cycles nor affects endogenous geminin levels; apparent embryonic lethality
      is observed around 3-4 hours after mid-blastula transition. However, functional
      knockdown of geminin by DeltaCdt1_193-447, which lacks licensing activity and
      degradation sequences, causes cell cycle arrest and DNA damage in affected cells.
      This contributes to subsequent developmental defects in treated embryos. Our
      results clearly show that rapidly proliferating early Xenopus embryonic cells are
      able to regulate replication licensing in the persistent presence of high levels
      of licensing proteins by relying on changing interactions between Cdt1 and
      geminin during the cell cycle, but not their degradation.

PMID- 22096083
TI  - Predicting phenolic acid absorption in Caco-2 cells: a theoretical permeability
      model and mechanistic study.
AB  - There is a considerable need to rationalize the membrane permeability and
      mechanism of transport for potential nutraceuticals. The aim of this
      investigation was to develop a theoretical permeability equation, based on a
      reported descriptive absorption model, enabling calculation of the transcellular
      component of absorption across Caco-2 monolayers. Published data for Caco-2
      permeability of 30 drugs transported by the transcellular route were correlated
      with the descriptors 1-octanol/water distribution coefficient (log D, pH 7.4) and
      size, based on molecular mass. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to derive a
      set of model parameters a', beta', and b' with an integrated molecular mass
      function. The new theoretical transcellular permeability (TTP) model obtained a
      good fit of the published data (R2 = 0.93) and predicted reasonably well (R2 =
      0.86) the experimental apparent permeability coefficient (P(app)) for nine non
      training set compounds reportedly transported by the transcellular route. For the
      first time, the TTP model was used to predict the absorption characteristics of
      six phenolic acids, and this original investigation was supported by in vitro
      Caco-2 cell mechanistic studies, which suggested that deviation of the P(app)
      value from the predicted transcellular permeability (P(app)(trans)) may be
      attributed to involvement of active uptake, efflux transporters, or paracellular
      flux.

PMID- 22096084
TI  - Assessment of the impact of CYP3A polymorphisms on the formation of alpha
      hydroxytamoxifen and N-desmethyltamoxifen in human liver microsomes.
AB  - Tamoxifen, an antiestrogen used in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer,
      is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Its biotransformation to
      alpha-hydroxytamoxifen (alpha-OHT), which may be genotoxic, and to N
      desmethyltamoxifen (N-DMT), which is partially hydroxylated to 4-hydroxy-N-DMT
      (endoxifen), a potent antiestrogen, is mediated by CYP3A enzymes. However, the
      potential contribution of CYP3A5 and the impact of its low-expression variants on
      the formation of these metabolites are not clear. Therefore, we assessed the
      contributions of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 and examined the impact of CYP3A5 genotypes on
      the formation of alpha-OHT and N-DMT, by using recombinant CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 and
      human liver microsomes (HLM) genotyped for CYP3A5 variants. We observed that the
      catalytic efficiency [intrinsic clearance (CL(int))] for alpha-OHT formation with
      recombinant CYP3A4 was 5-fold higher than that with recombinant CYP3A5 (0.81
      versus 0.16 nl . min-1 . pmol cytochrome P450-1). There was no significant
      difference in CL(int) values between the three CYP3A5-genotyped HLM (*1/*1,
      *1/*3, and *3/*3). For N-DMT formation, the CL(int) with recombinant CYP3A4 was
      only 1.7-fold higher, relative to that with recombinant CYP3A5. In addition, the
      CL(int) for N-DMT formation by HLM with CYP3A5*3/*3 alleles was approximately 3
      fold lower than that for HLM expressing CYP3A5*1/*1. Regression analyses of
      tamoxifen metabolism with respect to testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation facilitated
      assessment of CYP3A5 contributions to the formation of the two metabolites. The
      CYP3A5 contributions to alpha-OHT formation were negligible, whereas the
      contributions to N-DMT formation ranged from 51 to 61%. Our findings suggest that
      polymorphic CYP3A5 expression may affect the formation of N-DMT but not that of
      alpha-OHT.

PMID- 22096085
TI  - Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy using a 6F vesiculoscope for ejaculatory duct
      obstruction: initial experience.
AB  - Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a surgically correctable condition  that
      occurs in some infertile men. The standard therapy is transurethral  resection of
      ejaculatory ducts (TURED). However, TURED has been associated  with a high risk
      of complications, including the impairment of semen  parameters and retrograde
      ejaculation. In our clinical practice, vesiculoscopy  has demonstrated potential
      as a minimally invasive alternative technique for  the diagnosis and treatment of
      EDO. Very few studies have examined  transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TRU
      SVS) in recent years, and no study  has examined 6F vesiculoscopes. Therefore, we
      performed a retrospective study  of TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope and its
      effect on the diagnosis and  treatment of EDO. A total of 21 patients who
      underwent this procedure were  included in the study. The mean patient age was
      28.8 years (range, 23-36  years). The procedure was completed successfully in all
      patients within a mean  time of 31.5 minutes and a mean hospital stay of 1.17
      days. All patients had  EDO. Calculi were found in the ejaculatory ducts or in
      the seminal vesicles of  5 patients. Sperm was detected in 11 patients 1-3 months
      postsurgery and  in another 8 patients 3-12 months postsurgery. No sperm was
      detected in  the remaining 2 patients by 12 months postsurgery. Epididymitis,
      retrograde  ejaculation, urinary incontinence, and rectal injury were not
      observed. These  data indicate that TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope affords
      direct access to  the seminal vesicle and offers the advantages of fewer
      complications and more  optimal sperm recovery as well as direct, dynamic video
      imaging.

PMID- 22096086
TI  - A possible role for perforin and granzyme B in resveratrol-enhanced
      radiosensitivity of prostate cancer.
AB  - Perforin and granzyme B are expressed primarily by activated lymphocytes 
      (cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells) and 
      function together to induce apoptosis of target cells. Typically, these  proteins
      are not expressed in tumor cells. In the present study, we  established the
      constitutive expression of perforin and granzyme B by the PC-3  and DU145
      prostate cancer (PCA) cell lines with reverse transcription  polymerase chain
      reaction, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, or a  combination of techniques.
      The combination of radiation and resveratrol  (XRT/RSV)
      additively/synergistically decreased survival of PCA because, at  least in part,
      of increased apoptosis. We further demonstrated that treatment  with RSV up
      regulated the expression of both perforin and granzyme B, whereas  treatment with
      XRT up-regulated the expression of granzyme B, but not that of  perforin.
      Combined XRT/RSV treatment of PCA cells further increased the  expression of both
      perforin and granzyme B compared with RSV or XRT alone.  Thus, increased
      radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells induced by RSV  correlated with up
      regulation of perforin and granzyme B, demonstrating a  possible mechanism for
      tumor apoptosis. These findings might be helpful in  devising new strategies for
      treating PCA.

PMID- 22096087
TI  - Penile cavernosal artery pseudoaneurysm.
AB  - A patient presented with a mass in the cavernous body. The mass, 1 cm in 
      diameter, was detected in the left cavernous body on the MRI and color Doppler 
      ultrasound of the penis of the patient, who presented with pain approximately  3
      months after a blunt trauma to the pelvic region. According to the statement  of
      the patient, any direct trauma to the penis was obscure. The lesion was  resected
      and pathological examination of the removed mass revealed  pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 22096088
TI  - Sertraline and mirtazapine do not reduce severity of depression in people with
      dementia.

PMID- 22096089
TI  - No free lunches: balancing bleeding and efficacy with ticagrelor.

PMID- 22096090
TI  - Temporal trends of the gaps in post-myocardial infarction secondary prevention
      strategies of co-morbid and elderly populations vs. younger counterparts: an
      analysis of three successive cohorts between 2003 and 2008.
AB  - Aims Epidemiological studies reported two contrasting trends: on one hand, a
      significant improvement in the use of evidence-based treatments of patients
      discharged with a myocardial infarction (MI). On the other hand, the increasing
      number of elderly and co-morbid patients who are usually less treated. The aim of
      this study is to examine whether improvements in the treatment of MI are
      homogeneously distributed throughout all subgroups of patients.  Methods and
      results Based on record linkage of administrative registers, 21 423 patients
      discharged with MI in three different periods (2003, 2005, and 2007), were
      identified and followed up for major clinical events up to 1 year. Using as a
      reference temporal category those patients discharged in 2003 (odds ratios, 95%
      confidence intervals) and as a demographic category male patients aged <=75 years
      (1.00), the study identified: in-hospital mortality significantly decreased in
      all periods and in all groups of patients; out-of-hospital mortality decreased
      only in younger patients and not in older patients; prescription of evidence
      based treatments increased in all periods for all patients; however, the
      magnitude of improvement was mostly concentrated in younger patients.  Conclusion
      Although there was a mean improvement in the treatment and outcome of patients
      discharged from an MI, most of these benefits were strongly concentrated in
      younger, healthier patients. Old and co-morbid populations-although representing
      a substantial proportion of the burden of disease-received significant less
      attention and barely improved their survival.

PMID- 22096091
TI  - 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Toll-like receptors, dendritic cells,
      and their roles in atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22096092
TI  - The controversial role of the urokinase system in abdominal aortic aneurysm
      formation and rupture.

PMID- 22096093
TI  - Smooth muscle cells for vascular engineering.

PMID- 22096095
TI  - Calcific aortic valve disease: cellular origins of valve calcification.

PMID- 22096094
TI  - We can do it together: PAR1/PAR2 heterodimer signaling in VSMCs.

PMID- 22096096
TI  - Cell death in cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22096097
TI  - Cell death, damage-associated molecular patterns, and sterile inflammation in
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Cell death and inflammation are ancient processes of fundamental biological
      importance in both normal physiology and pathology. This is evidenced by the
      profound conservation of mediators, with ancestral homologues identified from
      plants to humans, and the number of diseases driven by aberrant control of either
      process. Apoptosis is the most well-studied cell death, but many forms exist,
      including autophagy, necrosis, pyroptosis, paraptosis, and the obscure dark cell
      death. Cell death occurs throughout the cardiovascular system, from initial
      shaping of the heart and vasculature during development to involvement in
      pathologies, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm, cardiomyopathy, restenosis, and
      vascular graft rejection. However, determining whether cell death primarily
      drives pathology or is a secondary bystander effect is difficult. Inflammation,
      the primary response of innate immunity, is considered essential in initiating
      and driving vascular diseases. Cell death and inflammation are inextricably
      linked with their effectors modulating the other process. Indeed, an evolutionary
      link between cell death and inflammation occurs at caspase-1 (which activates
      interleukin-1beta), which can induce death by pyroptosis, and is a member of the
      caspase family vital for apoptosis. This review examines cell death in vascular
      disease, how it can induce inflammation, and finally the emergence of
      inflammasomes in vascular pathology.

PMID- 22096098
TI  - Autophagy in atherosclerosis: a potential drug target for plaque stabilization.
AB  - Evidence is accumulating that autophagy occurs in advanced atherosclerotic
      plaques. Although there is an almost relentless discovery of molecules that are
      involved in autophagy, studies of selective autophagy induction or inhibition
      using knockout mice are just now beginning to reveal its biological significance.
      Most likely, autophagy safeguards plaque cells against cellular distress, in
      particular oxidative injury, by degrading the damaged intracellular material. In
      this way, autophagy is protective and contributes to cellular recovery in an
      unfavorable environment. Pharmacological approaches have recently been developed
      to stabilize vulnerable, rupture-prone lesions through induction of autophagy.
      This approach has proven to be successful in short-term studies. However, how
      autophagy induction affects processes such as inflammation remains to be
      elucidated and is currently under investigation. This review highlights the
      possibilities for exploiting autophagy as a drug target for plaque stabilization.

PMID- 22096099
TI  - Mechanisms of ER stress-induced apoptosis in atherosclerosis.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is triggered by perturbations in ER function
      such as those caused by protein misfolding or by increases in protein secretion.
      Eukaryotic cells respond to ER stress by activating 3 ER-resident proteins,
      activating transcription factor-6, inositol requiring protein-1, and protein
      kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK). These proteins direct signaling pathways that
      relieve ER stress in a process known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). In
      pathological settings, however, prolonged UPR activation can promote cell death,
      and this process has recently emerged as an important concept in atherosclerosis.
      We review here the evidence for UPR activation and cell death in macrophages,
      smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells in the context of advanced
      atherosclerosis as well as the existing literature regarding mechanisms of UPR
      induced cell death. Knowledge in this area may suggest new therapeutic targets
      relevant to the formation of clinically dangerous atherosclerotic plaques.

PMID- 22096100
TI  - Host proteasomal degradation generates amino acids essential for intracellular
      bacterial growth.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila proliferates in environmental amoeba and human cells
      within the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). The exported AnkB F-box effector
      of L. pneumophila is anchored into the LCV membrane by host-mediated
      farnesylation. Here, we report that host proteasomal degradation of Lys(48)
      linked polyubiquitinated proteins, assembled on the LCV by AnkB, generates amino
      acids required for intracellular bacterial proliferation. The severe defect of
      the ankB null mutant in proliferation within amoeba and human cells is rescued by
      supplementation of a mixture of amino acids or cysteine, serine, pyruvate, or
      citrate, similar to rescue by genetic complementation. Defect of the ankB mutant
      in intrapulmonary proliferation in mice is rescued upon injection of a mixture of
      amino acids or cysteine. Therefore, Legionella promotes eukaryotic proteasomal
      degradation to generate amino acids needed as carbon and energy sources for
      bacterial proliferation within evolutionarily distant hosts.

PMID- 22096102
TI  - The structure of the eukaryotic ribosome at 3.0 A resolution.
AB  - Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA into proteins.
      Many aspects of translation and its regulation are specific to eukaryotes, whose
      ribosomes are much larger and intricate than their bacterial counterparts. We
      report the crystal structure of the 80S ribosome from the yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae--including nearly all ribosomal RNA bases and protein side chains as
      well as an additional protein, Stm1--at a resolution of 3.0 angstroms. This
      atomic model reveals the architecture of eukaryote-specific elements and their
      interaction with the universally conserved core, and describes all eukaryote
      specific bridges between the two ribosomal subunits. It forms the structural
      framework for the design and analysis of experiments that explore the eukaryotic
      translation apparatus and the evolutionary forces that shaped it.

PMID- 22096101
TI  - Imaging of Plasmodium liver stages to drive next-generation antimalarial drug
      discovery.
AB  - Most malaria drug development focuses on parasite stages detected in red blood
      cells, even though, to achieve eradication, next-generation drugs active against
      both erythrocytic and exo-erythrocytic forms would be preferable. We applied a
      multifactorial approach to a set of >4000 commercially available compounds with
      previously demonstrated blood-stage activity (median inhibitory concentration < 1
      micromolar) and identified chemical scaffolds with potent activity against both
      forms. From this screen, we identified an imidazolopiperazine scaffold series
      that was highly enriched among compounds active against Plasmodium liver stages.
      The orally bioavailable lead imidazolopiperazine confers complete causal
      prophylactic protection (15 milligrams/kilogram) in rodent models of malaria and
      shows potent in vivo blood-stage therapeutic activity. The open-source chemical
      tools resulting from our effort provide starting points for future drug discovery
      programs, as well as opportunities for researchers to investigate the biology of
      exo-erythrocytic forms.

PMID- 22096103
TI  - Calibrating the end-Permian mass extinction.
AB  - The end-Permian mass extinction was the most severe biodiversity crisis in Earth
      history. To better constrain the timing, and ultimately the causes of this event,
      we collected a suite of geochronologic, isotopic, and biostratigraphic data on
      several well-preserved sedimentary sections in South China. High-precision U-Pb
      dating reveals that the extinction peak occurred just before 252.28 +/- 0.08
      million years ago, after a decline of 2 per mil (0/00) in delta(13)C over 90,000
      years, and coincided with a delta(13)C excursion of -50/00 that is estimated to
      have lasted <=20,000 years. The extinction interval was less than 200,000 years
      and synchronous in marine and terrestrial realms; associated charcoal-rich and
      soot-bearing layers indicate widespread wildfires on land. A massive release of
      thermogenic carbon dioxide and/or methane may have caused the catastrophic
      extinction.

PMID- 22096104
TI  - The origin of OB runaway stars.
AB  - About 20% of all massive stars in the Milky Way have unusually high velocities,
      the origin of which has puzzled astronomers for half a century. We argue that
      these velocities originate from strong gravitational interactions between single
      stars and binaries in the centers of star clusters. The ejecting binary forms
      naturally during the collapse of a young (<=1 million years old) star cluster.
      This model replicates the key characteristics of OB runaways in our galaxy, and
      it explains the presence of runaway stars of >=100 solar masses (M(?)) around
      young star clusters, such as R136 and Westerlund 2. The high proportion and the
      distributions in mass and velocity of runaways in the Milky Way are reproduced if
      the majority of massive stars are born in dense and relatively low-mass (5000 to
      10,000 M(?)) clusters.

PMID- 22096105
TI  - Rose and Lalonde in the age of genomics, epigenetics and disparities.

PMID- 22096106
TI  - Genomics and individuals in public health practice: are we luddites or can we
      meet the challenge?

PMID- 22096107
TI  - Public health, genomics and autonomy: comment on Dr R.L. Zimmern's Genomics and
      individuals in public health practice: are we luddites or can we meet the
      challenge?

PMID- 22096108
TI  - Genomics, individuals and public health: a view from clinical genetics: comment
      on Dr R.L. Zimmern's Genomics and individuals in public health practice: are we
      luddites or can we meet the challenge?

PMID- 22096109
TI  - Yes, but ... * comment on Dr R.L. Zimmern's Genomics and individuals in public
      health practice: are we luddites or can we meet the challenge?

PMID- 22096110
TI  - Communicating with decision-makers through evidence reviews.

PMID- 22096111
TI  - Beneficial effect of real-time continuous glucose monitoring system on glycemic
      control in type 1 diabetic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of
      randomized trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) provides detailed
      information on glucose patterns and trends, thus allowing the patients to manage
      their diabetes more effectively. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to explore the
      potential beneficial effects of the use of RT-CGM on diabetes management compared
      with self blood glucose measurement (SBGM) in patients with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus (T1DM), by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were
      searched through by two independent investigators for RCTs concerning the use of
      RT-CGM in patients with T1DM. Only studies with a similar insulin regimen in the
      experimental and control groups were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Seven
      RCTs (n=948) met the inclusion criteria. Combined data from all studies showed
      better HbA1c reduction in subjects using RT-CGM compared with those using SBGM
      (mean difference (MD) -0.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): from -0.34 to 
      0.17; P<0.001). Patients treated with insulin pump and RT-CGM had a lower HbA1c
      level compared with subjects managed with insulin pump and SBGM (four RCTs,
      n=497; MD -0.26; 95% CI: from -0.43 to -0.10; P=0.002). The benefits of applying
      RT-CGM were not associated with an increasing rate of major hypoglycemic
      episodes. The use of RT-CGM for over 60-70% of time was associated with a
      significant lowering of HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: RT-CGM is more beneficial than SBGM
      in reducing HbA1c in patients with type 1 diabetes. Further studies are needed to
      evaluate the efficacy of this system in the pediatric population, especially in
      very young children.

PMID- 22096112
TI  - Recent advances in cardiovascular aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with increased
      cardiovascular risk (CVR) markers, but population studies have not clarified
      whether there is an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Four
      different PCOS phenotypes resulted from the Rotterdam criteria that may differ in
      their CVR potential, thus introducing further complexity. This has led to studies
      using surrogate CVR markers including biomarkers in blood and imaging such as
      flow-mediated vasodilatation. In PCOS, both peripheral and central insulin
      resistance (IR) have been shown. Weight loss has been shown to improve IR and
      visceral fat, while insulin sensitizer therapies with metformin or
      thiazolidinediones improve IR and endothelial dysfunction. IR is also found in
      non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that in turn is very common in PCOS; studies
      have suggested that IR may be improved by treatment with metformin and omega-3
      fish oils. PCOS patients have a more dyslipidemic phenotype that is worse in
      'classical PCOS' associated with a higher CVR. Studies with atorvastatin and
      simvastatin have reported a decrease in the lipid parameters and an improvement
      in CVR indices including IR, but it is unclear whether this is due to their lipid
      lowering action or a pleiotropic effect of the statin. In this expert opinion
      review, the relevant literature published during the last 2 years was considered.
      It focuses on some recent important data that has emerged while also exposing the
      gaps that remain in our knowledge that need to be addressed.

PMID- 22096113
TI  - Impaired aerobic exercise adaptation in children and adolescents with
      craniopharyngioma is associated with hypothalamic involvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many patients treated for craniopharyngioma (CP) complain of a
      relative incapacity for physical activity. Whether this is due to an objective
      decrease in adaptation to exercise is unclear. We assessed exercise tolerance in
      children with surgically treated CP and appropriate pituitary hormone replacement
      therapy compared with healthy controls and we examined the potential
      relationships with hypothalamic involvement, GH replacement, and the
      catecholamine deficiency frequently observed in these subjects. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Seventeen subjects (12 males and five females) with CP and 22 healthy
      controls (14 males and eight females) aged 15.3+/-2.5 years (7.3-18 years)
      underwent a standardized cycle ergometer test. Maximum aerobic capacity was
      expressed as the ratio of VO(2max) to fat-free mass (VO(2max)/FFM), a measure
      independent of age and fat mass in children. RESULTS: VO(2max)/FFM was 20% lower
      in children with CP compared with controls (P<0.05), even after adjustment for
      gender. Children with hypothalamic involvement (n=10) had a higher percentage of
      fat mass (P<0.05) than those without hypothalamic involvement (n=7) and lower
      VO(2max)/FFM (P<0.05), whereas children without hypothalamic involvement had
      VO(2max)/FFM close to that of controls (P>0.05). GH treatment was associated with
      a significant positive effect on aerobic capacity (P<0.05) only in the absence of
      hypothalamic involvement. No relationship was found between exercise capacity
      parameters and daily urine epinephrine excretion or epinephrine peak response to
      insulin-induced hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CP have a decrease in
      aerobic capacity mainly related to hypothalamic involvement. The hypothalamic
      factors altering aerobic capacity remain to be determined.

PMID- 22096114
TI  - Proteomic analysis of human saliva from lung cancer patients using two
      dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
AB  - Lung cancer is often asymptomatic or causes only nonspecific symptoms in its
      early stages. Early detection represents one of the most promising approaches to
      reduce the growing lung cancer burden. Human saliva is an attractive diagnostic
      fluid because its collection is less invasive than that of tissue or blood.
      Profiling of proteins in saliva over the course of disease progression could
      reveal potential biomarkers indicative of oral or systematic diseases, which may
      be used extensively in future medical diagnostics. There were 72 subjects
      enrolled in this study for saliva sample collection according to the approved
      protocol. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined with MS was the
      platform for salivary proteome separation, quantification, and identification
      from two pooled samples. Candidate proteomic biomarkers were verified and
      prevalidated by using immunoassay methods. There were 16 candidate protein
      biomarkers discovered by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and MS.
      Three proteins were further verified in the discovery sample set, prevalidation
      sample set, and lung cancer cell lines. The discriminatory power of these
      candidate biomarkers in lung cancer patients and healthy control subjects can
      reach 88.5% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity with AUC = 0.90. This preliminary
      data report demonstrates that proteomic biomarkers are present in human saliva
      when people develop lung cancer. The discriminatory power of these candidate
      biomarkers indicate that a simple saliva test might be established for lung
      cancer clinical screening and detection.

PMID- 22096115
TI  - Morphometric changes in the human pulmonary acinus during inflation.
AB  - Despite decades of research into the mechanisms of lung inflation and deflation,
      there is little consensus about whether lung inflation occurs due to the
      recruitment of new alveoli or by changes in the size and/or shape of alveoli and
      alveolar ducts. In this study we use in vivo (3)He lung morphometry via MRI to
      measure the average alveolar depth and alveolar duct radius at three levels of
      inspiration in five healthy human subjects and calculate the average alveolar
      volume, surface area, and the total number of alveoli at each level of inflation.
      Our results indicate that during a 143 +/- 18% increase in lung gas volume, the
      average alveolar depth decreases 21 +/-5%, the average alveolar duct radius
      increases 7 +/- 3%, and the total number of alveoli increases by 96 +/- 9%
      (results are means +/- SD between subjects; P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.00001,
      respectively, via paired t-tests). Thus our results indicate that in healthy
      human subjects the lung inflates primarily by alveolar recruitment and, to a
      lesser extent, by anisotropic expansion of alveolar ducts.

PMID- 22096116
TI  - Mechanisms of systemic vasodilation by lysozyme-c in septic shock.
AB  - In septic shock (SS), cardiovascular collapse is caused by the release of
      inflammatory mediators. We previously found that lysozyme-c (Lzm-S), released
      from leukocytes, contributed to systemic vasodilation in a canine model of SS. We
      then delineated the pathway by which this occurs in a canine carotid artery organ
      bath preparation (CAP). We showed that Lzm-S could intrinsically generate
      hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and that H(2)O(2) subsequently reacted with
      endogenous catalase to form compound I, an oxidized form of catalase. In turn,
      compound I led to an increase in cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate to produce
      vasodilation. However, it was not clear from previous studies whether it is
      necessary for Lzm-S to bind to the vasculature to cause vasodilation or,
      alternatively, whether the generation of H(2)O(2) by Lzm-S in the surrounding
      medium is all that is required. We examined this question in the present study in
      which we used multiple preparations. In a partitioned CAP, we found that when we
      added Lzm-S to a partitioned space in which a semipermeable membrane prevented
      diffusion of Lzm-S to the carotid artery tissue, vasodilation still occurred
      because of diffusion of H(2)O(2). On the other hand, we found that Lzm-S could
      accumulate within the vascular smooth muscle layer (VSML) after 7 h of SS in a
      canine model. We also determined that when Lzm-S was located in close proximity
      to vascular smooth muscle cells, it could generate H(2)O(2) to produce
      lengthening in a human cell culture preparation. We conclude that there are two
      mechanisms by which Lzm-S can cause vasodilation in SS. In one instance, H(2)O(2)
      generated by Lzm-S in plasma diffuses to the VSML to cause vasodilation. In a
      second mechanism, Lzm-S directly binds to the VSML, where it generates H(2)O(2)
      to produce vasodilation.

PMID- 22096117
TI  - Compensatory responses to upper airway obstruction in obese apneic men and women.
AB  - Defective structural and neural upper airway properties both play a pivotal role
      in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. A more favorable structural upper
      airway property [pharyngeal critical pressure under hypotonic conditions (passive
      Pcrit)] has been documented for women. However, the role of sex-related
      modulation in compensatory responses to upper airway obstruction (UAO),
      independent of the passive Pcrit, remains unclear. Obese apneic men and women
      underwent a standard polysomnography and physiological sleep studies to determine
      sleep apnea severity, passive Pcrit, and compensatory airflow and respiratory
      timing responses to prolonged periods of UAO. Sixty-two apneic men and women,
      pairwise matched by passive Pcrit, exhibited similar sleep apnea disease severity
      during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but women had markedly less severe disease
      during non-REM (NREM) sleep. By further matching men and women by body mass index
      and age (n = 24), we found that the lower NREM disease susceptibility in women
      was associated with an approximately twofold increase in peak inspiratory airflow
      (P = 0.003) and inspiratory duty cycle (P = 0.017) in response to prolonged
      periods of UAO and an ~20% lower minute ventilation during baseline unobstructed
      breathing (ventilatory demand) (P = 0.027). Thus, during UAO, women compared with
      men had greater upper airway and respiratory timing responses and a lower
      ventilatory demand that may account for sex differences in sleep-disordered
      breathing severity during NREM sleep, independent of upper airway structural
      properties and sleep apnea severity during REM sleep.

PMID- 22096118
TI  - Middle cerebral artery alterations in a rat chronic hypoperfusion model.
AB  - Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CHP) induces microvascular changes that could
      contribute to the progression of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia in
      the aging brain. This study aimed to analyze the effects of CHP on structural,
      mechanical, and myogenic properties of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) after
      bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in adult male Wistar rats. Sham
      animals underwent a similar surgical procedure without carotid artery (CA)
      ligation. After 15 days of occlusion, MCA and CA were dissected and MCA
      structural, mechanical, and myogenic properties were assessed by pressure
      myography. Collagen I/III expression was determined by immunofluorescence in MCA
      and CA and by Western blot in CA. mRNA levels for 1A1, 1A2, and 3A1 collagen
      subunits were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR in CA. Matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13) and hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha (HIF-1alpha) protein expression were determined in CA by Western blot.
      BCCAO diminished cross-sectional area, wall thickness, and wall-to-lumen ratio.
      Nevertheless, whereas wall stress was increased, stiffness was not modified and
      myogenic response was diminished. Hypoperfusion triggered HIF-1alpha expression.
      Collagen I/III protein expression diminished in MCA and CA after BCCAO, despite
      increased mRNA levels for 1A1 and 3A1 collagen subunits. Therefore, the reduced
      collagen expression might be due to proteolytic degradation, since the expression
      of MMP-1 and MMP-9 increased in the CA. These data suggest that BCCAO induces
      hypotrophic remodeling by a mechanism that involves a reduction of collagen I/III
      in association with increased MMP-1 and MMP-9 and that decreases myogenic tone in
      major arteries supplying the brain.

PMID- 22096120
TI  - Spaceflight regulates ryanodine receptor subtype 1 in portal vein myocytes in the
      opposite way of hypertension.
AB  - Gravity has a structural role for living systems. Tissue development,
      architecture, and organization are modified when the gravity vector is changed.
      In particular, microgravity induces a redistribution of blood volume and thus
      pressure in the astronaut body, abolishing an upright blood pressure gradient,
      inducing orthostatic hypotension. The present study was designed to investigate
      whether isolated vascular smooth muscle cells are directly sensitive to altered
      gravitational forces and, second, whether sustained blood pressure changes act on
      the same molecular target. Exposure to microgravity during 8 days in the
      International Space Station induced the decrease of ryanodine receptor subtype 1
      expression in primary cultured myocytes from rat hepatic portal vein. Identical
      results were found in portal vein from mice exposed to microgravity during an 8
      day shuttle spaceflight. To evaluate the functional consequences of this
      physiological adaptation, we have compared evoked calcium signals obtained in
      myocytes from hindlimb unloaded rats, in which the shift of blood pressure mimics
      the one produced by the microgravity, with those obtained in myocytes from rats
      injected with antisense oligonucleotide directed against ryanodine receptor
      subtype 1. In both conditions, calcium signals implicating calcium-induced
      calcium release were significantly decreased. In contrast, in spontaneous
      hypertensive rat, an increase in ryanodine receptor subtype 1 expression was
      observed as well as the calcium-induced calcium release mechanism. Taken
      together, our results shown that myocytes were directly sensitive to gravity
      level and that they adapt their calcium signaling pathways to pressure by the
      regulation of the ryanodine receptor subtype 1 expression.

PMID- 22096119
TI  - Effects of whole body vibration on motor unit recruitment and threshold.
AB  - Whole body vibration (WBV) has been suggested to elicit reflex muscle
      contractions but this has never been verified. We recorded from 32 single motor
      units (MU) in the vastus lateralis of 7 healthy subjects (34 +/- 15.4 yr) during
      five 1-min bouts of WBV (30 Hz, 3 mm peak to peak), and the vibration waveform
      was also recorded. Recruitment thresholds were recorded from 38 MUs before and
      after WBV. The phase angle distribution of all MUs during WBV was nonuniform (P <
      0.001) and displayed a prominent peak phase angle of firing. There was a strong
      linear relationship (r = -0.68, P < 0.001) between the change in recruitment
      threshold after WBV and average recruitment threshold; the lowest threshold MUs
      increased recruitment threshold (P = 0.008) while reductions were observed in the
      higher threshold units (P = 0.031). We investigated one possible cause of changed
      thresholds. Presynaptic inhibition in the soleus was measured in 8 healthy
      subjects (29 +/- 4.6 yr). A total of 30 H-reflexes (stimulation intensity 30%
      Mmax) were recorded before and after WBV: 15 conditioned by prior stimulation (60
      ms) of the antagonist and 15 unconditioned. There were no significant changes in
      the relationship between the conditioned and unconditioned responses. The
      consistent phase angle at which each MU fired during WBV indicates the presence
      of reflex muscle activity similar to the tonic vibration reflex. The varying
      response in high- and low-threshold MUs may be due to the different contributions
      of the mono- and polysynaptic pathways but not presynaptic inhibition.

PMID- 22096121
TI  - Mechanism of loss of consciousness during vascular neck restraint.
AB  - Vascular neck restraint (VNR) is a technique that police officers may employ to
      control combative individuals. As the mechanism of unconsciousness is not
      completely understood, we tested the hypothesis that VNR simply compresses the
      carotid arteries, thereby decreasing middle cerebral artery blood flow. Twenty
      four healthy police officers (age 35 +/- 4 yr) were studied. Heart rate (HR),
      arterial pressure, rate of change of pressure (dP/dt), and stroke volume (SV)
      were measured using infrared finger photoplethysmography. Bilateral mean middle
      cerebral artery flow velocity (MCAVmean) was measured by using transcranial
      Doppler ultrasound. Neck pressure was measured using flat, fluid-filled balloon
      transducers positioned over both carotid bifurcations. To detect ocular fixation,
      subjects were asked to focus on a pen that was moved from side to side. VNR was
      released 1-2 s after ocular fixation. Ocular fixation occurred in 16 subjects
      [time 9.5 +/- 0.4 (SE) s]. Pressures over the right (R) and left (L) carotid
      arteries were 257 +/- 22 and 146 +/- 18 mmHg, respectively. VNR decreased
      MCAVmean (R 45 +/- 3 to 8 +/- 4 cm/s; L 53 +/- 2 to 10 +/- 3 cm/s) and SV (92 +/-
      4 to 75 +/- 4 ml; P < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), dP/dt, and HR did not
      change significantly. We conclude that the most important mechanism in loss of
      consciousness was decreased cerebral blood flow caused by carotid artery
      compression. The small decrease in CO (9.6 to 7.5 l/min) observed would not seem
      to be important as there was no change in MAP. In addition, with no significant
      change in HR, ventricular contractility, or MAP, the carotid sinus baroreceptor
      reflex appears to contribute little to the response to VNR.

PMID- 22096122
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of the ACE gene might be more relevant to endurance
      physiology than the I/D polymorphism.

PMID- 22096123
TI  - Does SIRT1 determine exercise-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis:
      differences between in vitro and in vivo experiments?

PMID- 22096124
TI  - Mental health law in motion--confronting new challenges in the modern psychiatric
      landscape.

PMID- 22096125
TI  - Mental health law and the EU: the next new regulatory frontier?
AB  - Over the last decade the EU's engagement with health law and policy has rapidly
      increased and there is now a growing body of literature highlighting this
      evolution and the impact of legal and regulatory structures in this area. In
      contrast the specific impact of EU law and policy in relation to the area of
      mental health remains the subject of comparatively little engagement. The aim of
      this paper is to examine whether mental health law and policy will become a major
      site for EU policy and law in the future. It examines the development of EU
      policy in this area. It sets this in the context of related legal developments
      such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the new EU Patients Rights
      Directives. It suggests that while it might be at present premature to envisage
      that a single body of EU mental health law itself may be unlikely that
      nonetheless the EU presents what is a potentially very influential site for
      regulation, law and policy in this area in the years to come.

PMID- 22096126
TI  - Incapacitated persons and deprivation of liberty: Surrey County Council v CA, LA
      and MIG and MEG [2010] EWHC 785 (Fam), (Court of Protection) P (otherwise known
      as MIG) and Q (otherwise known as MEG) v Surrey County Council, CA and LA [2011]
      EWCA Civ 190.

PMID- 22096127
TI  - India and euthanasia: the poignant case of Aruna Shanbaug.

PMID- 22096128
TI  - Only skin deep? The harm of being born a different colour to one's parents: A (a
      minor) and B (a minor) by C (their mother and next friend) v A Health and Social
      Services Trust [2010] NIQB 108; [2011] NICA 28.

PMID- 22096130
TI  - Identification of Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) bernardiae by matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis and by
      species-specific PCR.

PMID- 22096132
TI  - Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient.
AB  - Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus that causes infections
      primarily in animals. In humans, this bacterium usually causes localized
      cutaneous infections called erysipeloid. Here we report a case of pneumonia with
      isolation of E. rhusiopathiae from bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of a pneumonia case caused by E.
      rhusiopathiae confirmed by culture.

PMID- 22096131
TI  - Antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates from a prospective survey
      of invasive fungal infections in Italian intensive care units.
AB  - The antifungal susceptibility pattern of 302 Candida isolates collected during an
      Italian survey on invasive fungal infections in an intensive care setting was
      investigated. The results were correlated with some epidemiological data and
      compared with the antifungal profiles obtained in a previous survey. No
      resistance to echinocandins was detected. The overall resistance levels to
      fluconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole were 12.6, 6.0 and 7.1 %,
      respectively. Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis accounted for more than
      half of all the fluconazole resistant isolates. Reduced susceptibility to
      fluconazole is not uncommon among isolates (12.3 %) and appears to be increasing,
      particularly among C. parapsilosis isolates, which showed an increase in
      resistant isolates from 2 % in the 1990s to 25.8 % in the present study. Routine
      antifungal susceptibility testing of this species is therefore recommended.

PMID- 22096133
TI  - Detection of the Smqnr quinolone protection gene and its prevalence in clinical
      isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in China.
AB  - The aim of this study was to detect novel variants of the Stenotrophomonas
      maltophilia Smqnr gene family and analyse the prevalence of Smqnr genes in
      clinical isolates of S. maltophilia in China. In total, 442 clinical isolates of
      S. maltophilia were collected from nine hospitals in four provinces in China.
      Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against six commonly used antibiotics was
      performed on these isolates. The sequences of the Smqnr genes amplified by PCR
      were aligned with those of known Smqnr genes in GenBank and an Smqnr database.
      The resistance rate against co-trimoxazole was highest at 48.6 %, followed by
      resistance rates against ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, ticarcillin/clavulanate
      and tigecycline at 28.7, 21.3, 19.0 and 16.1 %, respectively. The highest
      susceptibility was shown to levofloxacin, with a resistance rate of just 6.1 %.
      Smqnr genes were detected in 114 isolates, and comprised 11 previously identified
      genes and 20 new variants, bringing the total number of known Smqnr genes to 47.
      The 20 novel Smqnr genes were designated Smqnr28-47 and the encoded proteins
      showed only 1-12 amino acid differences among each other. The most common Smqnr
      genes in China were Smqnr8 and its variant Smqnr35 with prevalences of 17.5 %
      (20/114) and 13.2 % (15/114), respectively. Both the known and the novel Smqnr
      genes were discovered in both quinolone non-sensitive and sensitive isolates with
      similar frequency, suggesting that the Smqnr gene makes little contribution to
      quinolone resistance in this organism.

PMID- 22096134
TI  - False-positive PCR results linked to administration of seasonal influenza
      vaccine.
AB  - False-positive PCR results usually occur as a consequence of specimen-to-specimen
      or amplicon-to-specimen contamination within the laboratory. Evidence of
      contamination at time of specimen collection linked to influenza vaccine
      administration in the same location as influenza sampling is described. Clinical,
      circumstantial and laboratory evidence was gathered for each of five cases of
      influenza-like illness (ILI) with unusual patterns of PCR reactivity for seasonal
      H1N1, H3N2, H1N1 (2009) and influenza B viruses. Two 2010 trivalent influenza
      vaccines and environmental swabs of a hospital influenza vaccination room were
      also tested for influenza RNA. Sequencing of influenza A matrix (M) gene
      amplicons from the five cases and vaccines was undertaken. Four 2009 general
      practitioner (GP) specimens were seasonal H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B PCR
      positive. One 2010 GP specimen was H1N1 (2009), H3N2 and influenza B positive.
      PCR of 2010 trivalent vaccines showed high loads of detectable influenza A and B
      RNA. Sequencing of the five specimens and vaccines showed greatest homology with
      the M gene sequence of Influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 H1N1 virus (used in
      generation of influenza vaccine strains). Environmental swabs had detectable
      influenza A and B RNA. RNA detection studies demonstrated vaccine RNA still
      detectable for at least 66 days. Administration of influenza vaccines and
      clinical sampling in the same room resulted in the contamination with vaccine
      strains of surveillance swabs collected from patients with ILI. Vaccine
      contamination should therefore be considered, particularly where multiple
      influenza virus RNA PCR positive signals (e.g. H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B) are
      detected in the same specimen.

PMID- 22096135
TI  - Cholangitis with septic shock caused by Raoultella planticola.
AB  - Raoultella planticola (formerly Klebsiella planticola) is a Gram-negative
      bacterium that has been rarely reported in association with human infection. Here
      we describe a case of cholangitis complicated with septic shock caused by R.
      planticola in an immunocompromised patient with advanced cancer who underwent
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to extract common bile duct
      stones. The infection was cleared by piperacillin-tazobactam treatment.

PMID- 22096136
TI  - Identification of transferable DHA-1 type AmpC beta-lactamases and two mutations
      in quinolone resistance-determining regions of Salmonella enterica serovar
      Thompson.

PMID- 22096137
TI  - Comparison between graded unilateral and bilateral medial rectus recession for
      esotropia.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the postoperative surgical outcomes and the changes in deviation
      achieved per millimetre of recession in patients treated by graded unilateral
      medial rectus (UMR) or bilateral medial rectus (BMR) recession for small to large
      angle esotropia with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. METHODS: In a
      retrospective, consecutive and interventional case series, 102 patients underwent
      UMR recession and BMR recession for constant esotropia measuring 15-35 prism
      diopters (PD) and 30-70 PD, respectively, from 1 January 2007 to 30 September
      2010. Successful alignment was defined as +/- 8 PD of orthophoria in primary and
      lateral gaze. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between: (1) the
      success rates of the BMR and UMR recession groups at postoperative days 1~3
      (p=1.00) or at final follow-up (p=0.421); (2) the variation in the mean change in
      deviation from postoperative days 1~3 to the final follow-up of the UMR (p=0.58)
      and BMR (p=0.56) recession groups; and (3) the mean correction in PD per
      millimetre of muscle recession in the UMR and BMR (p=0.63) recession groups.
      CONCLUSION: Graded UMR recession for 15-35 PD of esodeviation was as effective as
      graded BMR recession for 30-70 PD of esodeviation. There was no statistical
      difference in changes in deviation per millimetre of recession between equivalent
      amounts of unilateral and bilateral recession.

PMID- 22096138
TI  - Prevalence of blindness in Western Australia: a population study using capture
      and recapture techniques.
AB  - AIM: To determine the prevalence of blinding eye disease in Western Australia
      using a capture and recapture methodology. METHODS: Three independent lists of
      residents of Western Australia who were also legally blind were collated during
      the capture periods in 2008-9. The first list was obtained from the state-wide
      blind register. A second list comprised patients routinely attending hospital
      outpatient eye clinics over a 6-month period in 2008. The third list was patients
      attending ophthalmologists' routine clinical appointments over a 6-week period in
      2009. Lists were compared to identify those individuals who were captured on each
      list and those who were recaptured by subsequent lists. Log-linear models were
      used to calculate the best fit and estimate the prevalence of blindness in the
      Western Australian population and extrapolated to a national prevalence of
      blindness in Australia. RESULTS: 1771 legally blind people were identified on
      three separate lists. The best estimate of the prevalence of blindness in Western
      Australia was 3384 (95% CI 2947 to 3983) or 0.15% of the population of 2.25
      million. Extrapolating to the national population (21.87 million) gave a
      prevalence of legal blindness of approximately 32,892 or 0.15%. CONCLUSION:
      Capture-recapture techniques can be used to determine the prevalence of blindness
      in whole populations. The calculated prevalence of blindness suggested that up to
      30% of legally blind people may not be receiving available financial support and
      up to 60% were not accessing rehabilitation services.

PMID- 22096139
TI  - Inhibitory effect of corneal endothelial cells on IL-17-producing Th17 cells.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether cultured corneal endothelial (CE) cells suppress
      interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing effector T cells in vitro. METHODS: CE cell
      lines established from a normal mouse were used. Target bystander T cells were
      established from normal splenic T cells with anti-CD3 antibodies. Production of
      IL-17 by target T cells was evaluated by ELISA, flow cytometry and quantitative
      PCR. To abolish the CE-inhibitory function, transforming growth factor beta
      (TGFbeta)-small interfering RNA-transfected CE cells or transwell membrane
      inserts, which block cell-to-cell contact, were used. RESULTS: Cultured CE cells
      greatly suppressed the activation of bystander target cells (pan-T, CD4 T, CD8 T,
      and B cells) in vitro, particularly inflammatory cytokine production by CD4
      cells. Cultured CE cells significantly suppressed IL-17-producing T cells and
      fully suppressed polarised T helper 17 (Th17) cell lines that are induced by Th17
      associated differentiation factors. However, CE cells failed to suppress Th17
      cells if the CE cell lines were pretreated with TGFbeta small interfering RNA or
      if direct contact with T cells was blocked with transwell membrane inserts.
      CONCLUSION: CE cells impair the effector functions and activation of IL-17
      producing helper T cells in a cell-contact-dependent mechanism. Thus, corneal
      endothelium may contribute to the maintenance of the privileged immune status in
      the eye by inducing peripheral immune tolerance.

PMID- 22096140
TI  - Self-induced facial excoriations and ocular trauma: a treatment dilemma.

PMID- 22096141
TI  - Prediction error and myopic shift after intraocular lens implantation (IOL) in
      paediatric cataract patients.

PMID- 22096142
TI  - 'Kite-tail' fascia lata strips technique: frontalis suspension using a non
      endoscopic minimally invasive single-thigh incision approach.
AB  - AIM: To introduce 'kite-tail' strips or a 'multiple Z-plasty' technique on an
      autogenous fascia lata graft without a stripper to correct severe blepharoptosis
      by frontalis suspension and to evaluate its effectiveness on surgical outcome.
      METHODS: 26 eyelids of 18 patients (seven women, 11 men; 10 unilateral, eight
      bilateral) underwent this procedure. Only a small skin incision was made on the
      leg measuring 2 cm. A final of 3.5 * 0.6 cm or 5 * 1 cm fascia lata strip was
      obtained according to the ptosis laterality. The obtained fascia lata graft was
      then dissected by a described stripping technique for a final of one or two
      fascia lata strips approximately 12.5 cm * 2 mm long. Functional and cosmetic
      results were evaluated and the advantages of this technique were stressed.
      RESULTS: Mean age was 26.0 years (range 3-64) with a mean follow-up period of
      28.8 months (range 6-52). All cases achieved good to excellent final lid
      positions and adequate cosmetic results with no postoperative early (haemorrhage,
      wound infection) or late (contour abnormality, overcorrection, muscle herniation,
      recurrence) complications. CONCLUSIONS: This is an easily mastered, simple, safe
      and efficient alternative technique that offers various benefits over
      conventional approaches. It avoids extended blunt dissections and has fewer
      postoperative leg complaints with less haemorrhage-haematoma formation or muscle
      prolapsus. It is useful at any age, especially in small children who already have
      a limited amount of delicate fascia lata and may be preferred when a fasciotome
      or videoendoscope is not available or fails to harvest sufficient material of
      fascia lata.

PMID- 22096143
TI  - A hybrid form of retinopathy of prematurity.
AB  - AIMS: To study a hybrid pattern of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) demonstrating
      both ridge tissue (simulating staged ROP) and flat neovascularisation (simulating
      aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP)) in the same eye.
      METHODS: Retrospective chart review from January 2006 to June 2010. We reviewed
      the retinal drawings and Retcam images for a hybrid pattern of ROP, that is,
      presence of ridge tissue (characteristic of staged ROP) along with flat
      neovascular syncytium (characteristic of APROP) in the same eye. RESULTS: 28 eyes
      of 18 infants had hybrid characteristics. All eyes had severe plus disease, flat
      new vessels at the junction of the vascular and avascular retina and ridge tissue
      at variable locations. Three patterns were noted: I Ridge at the junction of
      vascular and avascular retina (14 (50%) eyes); II Ridge in the vascularised
      posterior retina (10 (35.71%) eyes); III Ill-defined ridge close to the optic
      disc, with mat-like fibrous proliferation into the vitreous (4 (14.29%) eyes).
      After confluent laser photocoagulation, we observed favourable outcome in 92.3%
      eyes with pattern I, 100% eyes with pattern II and 25% eyes with pattern III
      disease. CONCLUSION: Some eyes with ROP may have abnormal neovascularisation
      resembling both APROP and classical staged ROP. It is difficult to characterise
      these eyes according to the international classification of ROP. However, the
      presence of plus disease should serve as guide to treatment.

PMID- 22096145
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii in the peripheral blood of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis.

PMID- 22096144
TI  - Long-term surgical outcomes of porous polyethylene orbital implants: a review of
      314 cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study reports on the long-term surgical outcomes after the
      insertion of porous Medpor orbital implants into anophthalmic sockets. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review of 314 eyes from 314 patients who underwent
      evisceration, enucleation and secondary procedures using Medpor orbital implants
      was completed focusing on implant-associated complications and their corrective
      methods as surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 50 months (range 6
      107 months). The most common complication was blepharoptosis (n=33, 10.5%). Other
      postoperative complications were exposure (n=14, 4.5%) and implant infection
      (n=3, 1%). The complications were successfully managed by surgical repair and/or
      conservative care. CONCLUSION: Using Medpor resulted in similar surgical
      outcomes, in terms of the types and frequencies of complications, as other kinds
      of porous orbital implants.

PMID- 22096146
TI  - Phylogenomic analysis of polyketide synthase-encoding genes in Trichoderma.
AB  - Members of the economically important ascomycete genus Trichoderma are
      ubiquitously distributed around the world. The mycoparasitic lifestyle and plant
      defence-inducing interactions of Trichoderma spp. make them ideal biocontrol
      agents. Of the Trichoderma enzymes that produce secondary metabolites, some of
      which likely play important roles in biocontrol processes, polyketide synthase
      (PKSs) have garnered less attention than non-ribosomal peptide synthetases such
      as those that produce peptaibols. We have taken a phylogenomic approach to study
      the PKS repertoire encoded in the genomes of Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma
      atroviride and Trichoderma virens. Our analysis lays a foundation for future
      research related to PKSs within the genus Trichoderma and in other filamentous
      fungi.

PMID- 22096147
TI  - Construction of a chassis for hydrogen production: physiological and molecular
      characterization of a Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 mutant lacking a functional
      bidirectional hydrogenase.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes that are promising 'low-cost'
      microbial cell factories due to their simple nutritional requirements and
      metabolic plasticity, and the availability of tools for their genetic
      manipulation. The unicellular non-nitrogen-fixing Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is
      the best studied cyanobacterial strain and its genome was the first to be
      sequenced. The vast amount of physiological and molecular data available,
      together with a relatively small genome, makes Synechocystis suitable for
      computational metabolic modelling and to be used as a photoautotrophic chassis in
      synthetic biology applications. To prepare it for the introduction of a synthetic
      hydrogen producing device, a Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 deletion mutant lacking
      an active bidirectional hydrogenase (DeltahoxYH) was produced and characterized
      at different levels: physiological, proteomic and transcriptional. The results
      showed that, under conditions favouring hydrogenase activity, 17 of the 210
      identified proteins had significant differential fold changes in comparisons of
      the mutant with the wild-type. Most of these proteins are related to the redox
      and energy state of the cell. Transcriptional studies revealed that only six
      genes encoding those proteins exhibited significant differences in transcript
      levels. Moreover, the mutant exhibits similar growth behaviour compared with the
      wild-type, reflecting Synechocystis plasticity and metabolic adaptability.
      Overall, this study reveals that the Synechocystis DeltahoxYH mutant is robust
      and can be used as a photoautotrophic chassis for the integration of synthetic
      constructs, i.e. molecular constructs assembled from well characterized
      biological and/or synthetic parts (e.g. promoters, regulators, coding regions,
      terminators) designed for a specific purpose.

PMID- 22096148
TI  - Modulation of volatile organic compound formation in the Mycodiesel-producing
      endophyte Hypoxylon sp. CI-4.
AB  - An endophytic Hypoxylon sp. (strain CI-4) producing a wide spectrum of volatile
      organic compounds (VOCs), including 1,8-cineole, 1-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene and
      cyclohexane, 1,2,4-tris(methylene), was selected as a candidate for the
      modulation of VOC production. This was done in order to learn if the production
      of these and other VOCs can be affected by using agents that may modulate the
      epigenetics of the fungus. Many of the VOCs made by this organism are of interest
      because of their high energy densities and thus the potential they might have as
      Mycodiesel fuels. Strain CI-4 was exposed to the epigenetic modulators
      suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, a histone deacetylase) and 5-azacytidine
      (AZA, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor). After these treatments the organism
      displayed striking cultural changes, including variations in pigmentation, growth
      rates and odour, in addition to significant differences in the bioactivities of
      the VOCs. The resulting variants were designated CI4-B, CI4-AZA and CI4-SAHA.
      GC/MS analyses of the VOCs produced by the variants showed considerable
      variation, with the emergence of several compounds not previously observed in the
      wild-type, particularly an array of tentatively identified terpenes such as alpha
      thujene, sabinene, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinolene and beta-selinene, in
      addition to several primary and secondary alkanes, alkenes, organic acids and
      derivatives of benzene. Proton transfer reaction mass spectroscopic analyses
      showed a marked increase in the ratio of ethanol (mass 47) to the total mass of
      all other ionizable VOCs, from ~0.6 in the untreated strain CI-4 to ~0.8 in CI-4
      grown in the presence of AZA. Strain CI4-B was created by exposure of the fungus
      to 100 uM SAHA; upon removal of the epigenetic modulator from the culture medium,
      it did not revert to the wild-type phenotype. Results of this study have
      implications for understanding why there may be a wide range of VOCs found in
      various isolates of this fungus in nature.

PMID- 22096150
TI  - Cumulative effect of prophage burden on Shiga toxin production in Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) such as E. coli O157 are significant human
      pathogens, capable of producing severe, systemic disease outcomes. The more
      serious symptoms associated with STEC infection are primarily the result of Shiga
      toxin (Stx) production, directed by converting Stx bacteriophages. During phage
      mediated replication and host cell lysis, the toxins are released en masse from
      the bacterial cells, and the severity of disease is linked inexorably to toxin
      load. It is common for a single bacterial host to harbour more than one
      heterogeneous Stx prophage, and it has also been recently proven that multiple
      isogenic prophage copies can exist in a single cell, contrary to the lambda
      immunity model. It is possible that in these multiple lysogens there is an
      increased potential for production of Stx. This study investigated the expression
      profiles of single and double isogenic lysogens of Stx phage 24(B) using
      quantitative PCR to examine transcription levels, and a reporter gene construct
      as a proxy for the translation levels of stx transcripts. Toxin gene expression
      in double lysogens was in excess of the single lysogen counterpart, both in the
      prophage state and after induction of the lytic life cycle. In addition, double
      lysogens were found to be more sensitive to an increased induction stimulus than
      single lysogens, suggesting that maintenance of a stable prophage is less likely
      when multiple phage genome copies are present. Overall, these data demonstrate
      that the phenomenon of multiple lysogeny in STEC has the potential to impact upon
      disease pathology through increased toxin load.

PMID- 22096149
TI  - Low-carbon acclimation in carboxysome-less and photorespiratory mutants of the
      cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.
AB  - Using metabolic and transcriptomic phenotyping, we studied acclimation of
      cyanobacteria to low inorganic carbon (LC) conditions and the requirements for
      coordinated alteration of metabolism and gene expression. To analyse possible
      metabolic signals for LC sensing and compensating reactions, the carboxysome-less
      mutant DeltaccmM and the photorespiratory mutant DeltaglcD1/D2 were compared with
      wild-type (WT) Synechocystis. Metabolic phenotyping revealed accumulation of 2
      phosphoglycolate (2PG) in DeltaccmM and of glycolate in DeltaglcD1/D2 in LC- but
      also in high inorganic carbon (HC)-grown mutant cells. The accumulation of
      photorespiratory metabolites provided evidence for the oxygenase activity of
      RubisCO at HC. The global gene expression patterns of HC-grown DeltaccmM and
      DeltaglcD1/D2 showed differential expression of many genes involved in
      photosynthesis, high-light stress and N assimilation. In contrast, the
      transcripts of LC-specific genes, such as those for inorganic carbon transporters
      and components of the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM), remained unchanged in
      HC cells. After a shift to LC, DeltaglcD1/D2 and WT cells displayed induction of
      many of the LC-inducible genes, whereas DeltaccmM lacked similar changes in
      expression. From the coincidence of the presence of 2PG in DeltaccmM without CCM
      induction and of glycolate in DeltaglcD1/D2 with CCM induction, we regard a
      direct role for 2PG as a metabolic signal for the induction of CCM during LC
      acclimation as less likely. Instead, our data suggest a potential role for
      glycolate as a signal molecule for enhanced expression of CCM genes.

PMID- 22096151
TI  - Escherichia coli enterobactin synthesis and uptake mutants are hypersensitive to
      an antimicrobial peptide that limits the availability of iron in addition to
      blocking Holliday junction resolution.
AB  - The peptide wrwycr inhibits Holliday junction resolution and is a potent
      antimicrobial. To study the physiological effects of wrwycr treatment on
      Escherichia coli cells, we partially screened the Keio collection of knockout
      mutants for those with increased sensitivity to wrwycr. Strains lacking part of
      the ferric-enterobactin (iron-bound siderophore) uptake and utilization system,
      parts of the enterobactin synthesis pathway, TolC (an outer-membrane channel
      protein) or Fur (an iron-responsive regulator) were hypersensitive to wrwycr. We
      provide evidence that the DeltatolC mutant was hypersensitive to wrwycr due to
      its reduced ability to efflux wrwycr from the cell rather than due to its export
      of newly synthesized enterobactin. Deleting ryhB, which encodes a small RNA
      involved in iron regulation, mostly relieved the wrwycr hypersensitivity of the
      fur and ferric-enterobactin uptake mutants, indicating that the altered
      regulation of a RyhB-controlled gene was at least partly responsible for the
      hypersensitivity of these strains. Chelatable iron in the cell, measured by
      electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, increased dramatically following
      wrwycr treatment, as did expression of Fur-repressed genes and, to some extent,
      mutation frequency. These incongruous results suggest that while wrwycr treatment
      caused accumulation of chelatable iron in the cell, iron was not available to
      bind to Fur. This is corroborated by the observed induction of the suf system,
      which assembles iron-sulfur clusters in low-iron conditions. Disruption of iron
      metabolism by wrwycr, in addition to its effects on DNA repair, may make it a
      particularly effective antimicrobial in the context of the low-iron environment
      of a mammalian host.

PMID- 22096152
TI  - Effect of external voltage on Pseudomonas putida F1 in a bio electrochemical cell
      using toluene as sole carbon and energy source.
AB  - A bio electrochemical cell (BEC) was constructed as a typical two-chamber
      microbial fuel cell (MFC), except that it was operated under external voltage
      instead of constant resistance as in an MFC. The anode chamber contained a pure
      culture of Pseudomonas putida F1 grown in a minimal medium containing toluene as
      the sole carbon and energy source. Operating the BEC under external voltages of
      75, 125, 175, 250 and 500 mV (versus an Ag/AgCl reference electrode) led to
      increased bacterial cell growth to an OD(600) of 0.62-0.75, while the control
      BEC, which was not connected to external voltage, reached an OD(600) of only 0.3.
      Examination of the current generated under external voltages of 75, 125, 175, 250
      and 500 mV showed that the maximal currents were 11, 23, 28, 54 and 94 mA m(-2),
      respectively. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated an anodic peak at 270
      mV, which may imply oxidation of a vital molecule. The average residual toluene
      concentration after 147 h in the BEC operated under external voltage was 22 %,
      whereas in the control BEC it was 81 %. Proteome analysis of bacterial cells
      grown in the BEC (125 mV) revealed two groups of proteins, which are ascribed to
      charge transfer in the bacterial cells and from the cell to the electrode. In
      conclusion, operating the BEC at 75-500 mV enabled growth of a pure culture of P.
      putida F1 and toluene degradation even in an oxygen-limited environment.

PMID- 22096153
TI  - The energy research imperative.

PMID- 22096158
TI  - U.S. research funding. NSF creates fast track for out-of-the-box proposals.

PMID- 22096159
TI  - U.S. Congress. Research projects could be roadkill in revision of massive highway
      bill.

PMID- 22096160
TI  - Scientific community. Revolution brings new hopes for Libyan archaeology.

PMID- 22096161
TI  - Climate change. China looks to balance its carbon books.

PMID- 22096162
TI  - Climate change. An unsung carbon sink.

PMID- 22096163
TI  - Ecology. Will busting dams boost salmon?

PMID- 22096164
TI  - Ecology. Out of the frying pan?

PMID- 22096165
TI  - Evolutionary biology. Evolutionary time travel.

PMID- 22096166
TI  - Natural resources. Dreams of a lithium empire.

PMID- 22096167
TI  - Race disparity in grants: check the citations.

PMID- 22096168
TI  - Race disparity in grants: empirical solutions vital.

PMID- 22096170
TI  - Race disparity in grants: oversight at home.

PMID- 22096173
TI  - Comment on "Global trends in wind speed and wave height".
AB  - Young et al. (Reports, 22 April 2011, p. 451) reported trends in global mean wind
      speed much larger than found by other investigators. Their report fails to
      reference these other investigations and does not discuss the consequences that
      such large wind trends would have on global evaporation and precipitation. The
      difference between their altimeter and buoy trends suggests a relatively large
      trend error.

PMID- 22096175
TI  - Environment and development. Preparing to manage climate change financing.

PMID- 22096176
TI  - Psychology. When more is more.

PMID- 22096177
TI  - Geography. Understanding tribal fates.

PMID- 22096178
TI  - Neuroscience. Human locomotor circuits conform.

PMID- 22096179
TI  - Biochemistry. One atom makes all the difference.

PMID- 22096180
TI  - Microbiology. Antioxidant strategies to tolerate antibiotics.

PMID- 22096181
TI  - Astronomy. Analyzing solar cycles.

PMID- 22096183
TI  - Retrospective. Steven P. Jobs (1955-2011).

PMID- 22096182
TI  - Materials science. True performance metrics in electrochemical energy storage.

PMID- 22096184
TI  - Materials for grid energy. Electricity now and when. Introduction.

PMID- 22096185
TI  - Saving for a rainy day.

PMID- 22096186
TI  - Turning over a new leaf.

PMID- 22096187
TI  - Sunlight in your tank--right away.

PMID- 22096188
TI  - Electrical energy storage for the grid: a battery of choices.
AB  - The increasing interest in energy storage for the grid can be attributed to
      multiple factors, including the capital costs of managing peak demands, the
      investments needed for grid reliability, and the integration of renewable energy
      sources. Although existing energy storage is dominated by pumped hydroelectric,
      there is the recognition that battery systems can offer a number of high-value
      opportunities, provided that lower costs can be obtained. The battery systems
      reviewed here include sodium-sulfur batteries that are commercially available for
      grid applications, redox-flow batteries that offer low cost, and lithium-ion
      batteries whose development for commercial electronics and electric vehicles is
      being applied to grid storage.

PMID- 22096189
TI  - Lowering the temperature of solid oxide fuel cells.
AB  - Fuel cells are uniquely capable of overcoming combustion efficiency limitations
      (e.g., the Carnot cycle). However, the linking of fuel cells (an energy
      conversion device) and hydrogen (an energy carrier) has emphasized investment in
      proton-exchange membrane fuel cells as part of a larger hydrogen economy and thus
      relegated fuel cells to a future technology. In contrast, solid oxide fuel cells
      are capable of operating on conventional fuels (as well as hydrogen) today. The
      main issue for solid oxide fuel cells is high operating temperature (about 800
      degrees C) and the resulting materials and cost limitations and operating
      complexities (e.g., thermal cycling). Recent solid oxide fuel cells results have
      demonstrated extremely high power densities of about 2 watts per square
      centimeter at 650 degrees C along with flexible fueling, thus enabling higher
      efficiency within the current fuel infrastructure. Newly developed, high
      conductivity electrolytes and nanostructured electrode designs provide a path for
      further performance improvement at much lower temperatures, down to ~350 degrees
      C, thus providing opportunity to transform the way we convert and store energy.

PMID- 22096190
TI  - Evidence for interstitial carbon in nitrogenase FeMo cofactor.
AB  - The identity of the interstitial light atom in the center of the FeMo cofactor of
      nitrogenase has been enigmatic since its discovery. Atomic-resolution x-ray
      diffraction data and an electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) analysis
      now provide direct evidence that the ligand is a carbon species.

PMID- 22096191
TI  - The large, oxygen-rich halos of star-forming galaxies are a major reservoir of
      galactic metals.
AB  - The circumgalactic medium (CGM) is fed by galaxy outflows and accretion of
      intergalactic gas, but its mass, heavy element enrichment, and relation to galaxy
      properties are poorly constrained by observations. In a survey of the outskirts
      of 42 galaxies with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph onboard the Hubble Space
      Telescope, we detected ubiquitous, large (150-kiloparsec) halos of ionized oxygen
      surrounding star-forming galaxies; we found much less ionized oxygen around
      galaxies with little or no star formation. This ionized CGM contains a
      substantial mass of heavy elements and gas, perhaps far exceeding the reservoirs
      of gas in the galaxies themselves. Our data indicate that it is a basic component
      of nearly all star-forming galaxies that is removed or transformed during the
      quenching of star formation and the transition to passive evolution.

PMID- 22096192
TI  - The hidden mass and large spatial extent of a post-starburst galaxy outflow.
AB  - Outflowing winds of multiphase plasma have been proposed to regulate the buildup
      of galaxies, but key aspects of these outflows have not been probed with
      observations. By using ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, we show that "warm
      hot" plasma at 10(5.5) kelvin contains 10 to 150 times more mass than the cold
      gas in a post-starburst galaxy wind. This wind extends to distances > 68
      kiloparsecs, and at least some portion of it will escape. Moreover, the
      kinematical correlation of the cold and warm-hot phases indicates that the warm
      hot plasma is related to the interaction of the cold matter with a hotter
      (unseen) phase at >>10(6) kelvin. Such multiphase winds can remove substantial
      masses and alter the evolution of post-starburst galaxies.

PMID- 22096193
TI  - Giant piezoelectricity on Si for hyperactive MEMS.
AB  - Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) incorporating active piezoelectric layers
      offer integrated actuation, sensing, and transduction. The broad implementation
      of such active MEMS has long been constrained by the inability to integrate
      materials with giant piezoelectric response, such as Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)
      PbTiO(3) (PMN-PT). We synthesized high-quality PMN-PT epitaxial thin films on
      vicinal (001) Si wafers with the use of an epitaxial (001) SrTiO(3) template
      layer with superior piezoelectric coefficients (e(31,f) = -27 +/- 3 coulombs per
      square meter) and figures of merit for piezoelectric energy-harvesting systems.
      We have incorporated these heterostructures into microcantilevers that are
      actuated with extremely low drive voltage due to thin-film piezoelectric
      properties that rival bulk PMN-PT single crystals. These epitaxial
      heterostructures exhibit very large electromechanical coupling for ultrasound
      medical imaging, microfluidic control, mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting.

PMID- 22096194
TI  - Ultralight metallic microlattices.
AB  - Ultralight (<10 milligrams per cubic centimeter) cellular materials are desirable
      for thermal insulation; battery electrodes; catalyst supports; and acoustic,
      vibration, or shock energy damping. We present ultralight materials based on
      periodic hollow-tube microlattices. These materials are fabricated by starting
      with a template formed by self-propagating photopolymer waveguide prototyping,
      coating the template by electroless nickel plating, and subsequently etching away
      the template. The resulting metallic microlattices exhibit densities rho >= 0.9
      milligram per cubic centimeter, complete recovery after compression exceeding 50%
      strain, and energy absorption similar to elastomers. Young's modulus E scales
      with density as E ~ rho(2), in contrast to the E ~ rho(3) scaling observed for
      ultralight aerogels and carbon nanotube foams with stochastic architecture. We
      attribute these properties to structural hierarchy at the nanometer, micrometer,
      and millimeter scales.

PMID- 22096195
TI  - Silica-like malleable materials from permanent organic networks.
AB  - Permanently cross-linked materials have outstanding mechanical properties and
      solvent resistance, but they cannot be processed and reshaped once synthesized.
      Non-cross-linked polymers and those with reversible cross-links are processable,
      but they are soluble. We designed epoxy networks that can rearrange their
      topology by exchange reactions without depolymerization and showed that they are
      insoluble and processable. Unlike organic compounds and polymers whose viscosity
      varies abruptly near the glass transition, these networks show Arrhenius-like
      gradual viscosity variations like those of vitreous silica. Like silica, the
      materials can be wrought and welded to make complex objects by local heating
      without the use of molds. The concept of a glass made by reversible topology
      freezing in epoxy networks can be readily scaled up for applications and
      generalized to other chemistries.

PMID- 22096196
TI  - Domain dynamics during ferroelectric switching.
AB  - The utility of ferroelectric materials stems from the ability to nucleate and
      move polarized domains using an electric field. To understand the mechanisms of
      polarization switching, structural characterization at the nanoscale is required.
      We used aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy to follow the
      kinetics and dynamics of ferroelectric switching at millisecond temporal and
      subangstrom spatial resolution in an epitaxial bilayer of an antiferromagnetic
      ferroelectric (BiFeO(3)) on a ferromagnetic electrode (La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3)). We
      observed localized nucleation events at the electrode interface, domain wall
      pinning on point defects, and the formation of ferroelectric domains localized to
      the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic interface. These results show how defects and
      interfaces impede full ferroelectric switching of a thin film.

PMID- 22096197
TI  - Negative frequency-dependent selection of sexually antagonistic alleles in Myodes
      glareolus.
AB  - Sexually antagonistic genetic variation, where optimal values of traits are sex
      dependent, is known to slow the loss of genetic variance associated with
      directional selection on fitness-related traits. However, sexual antagonism alone
      is not sufficient to maintain variation indefinitely. Selection of rare forms
      within the sexes can help to conserve genotypic diversity. We combined
      theoretical models and a field experiment with Myodes glareolus to show that
      negative frequency-dependent selection on male dominance maintains variation in
      sexually antagonistic alleles. In our experiment, high-dominance male bank voles
      were found to have low-fecundity sisters, and vice versa. These results show that
      investigations of sexually antagonistic traits should take into account the
      effects of social interactions on the interplay between ecology and evolution,
      and that investigations of genetic variation should not be conducted solely under
      laboratory conditions.

PMID- 22096198
TI  - X-ray emission spectroscopy evidences a central carbon in the nitrogenase iron
      molybdenum cofactor.
AB  - Nitrogenase is a complex enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of dinitrogen to
      ammonia. Despite insight from structural and biochemical studies, its structure
      and mechanism await full characterization. An iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco)
      is thought to be the site of dinitrogen reduction, but the identity of a central
      atom in this cofactor remains unknown. Fe Kbeta x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES)
      of intact nitrogenase MoFe protein, isolated FeMoco, and the FeMoco-deficient
      nifB protein indicates that among the candidate atoms oxygen, nitrogen, and
      carbon, it is carbon that best fits the XES data. The experimental XES is
      supported by computational efforts, which show that oxidation and spin states do
      not affect the assignment of the central atom to C(4-). Identification of the
      central atom will drive further studies on its role in catalysis.

PMID- 22096199
TI  - Structural basis of silencing: Sir3 BAH domain in complex with a nucleosome at
      3.0 A resolution.
AB  - Gene silencing is essential for regulating cell fate in eukaryotes. Altered
      chromatin architectures contribute to maintaining the silenced state in a variety
      of species. The silent information regulator (Sir) proteins regulate mating type
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of these proteins, Sir3, interacts directly with
      the nucleosome to help generate silenced domains. We determined the crystal
      structure of a complex of the yeast Sir3 BAH (bromo-associated homology) domain
      and the nucleosome core particle at 3.0 angstrom resolution. We see multiple
      molecular interactions between the protein surfaces of the nucleosome and the BAH
      domain that explain numerous genetic mutations. These interactions are
      accompanied by structural rearrangements in both the nucleosome and the BAH
      domain. The structure explains how covalent modifications on H4K16 and H3K79
      regulate formation of a silencing complex that contains the nucleosome as a
      central component.

PMID- 22096200
TI  - Active starvation responses mediate antibiotic tolerance in biofilms and nutrient
      limited bacteria.
AB  - Bacteria become highly tolerant to antibiotics when nutrients are limited. The
      inactivity of antibiotic targets caused by starvation-induced growth arrest is
      thought to be a key mechanism producing tolerance. Here we show that the
      antibiotic tolerance of nutrient-limited and biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa is
      mediated by active responses to starvation, rather than by the passive effects of
      growth arrest. The protective mechanism is controlled by the starvation-signaling
      stringent response (SR), and our experiments link SR-mediated tolerance to
      reduced levels of oxidant stress in bacterial cells. Furthermore, inactivating
      this protective mechanism sensitized biofilms by several orders of magnitude to
      four different classes of antibiotics and markedly enhanced the efficacy of
      antibiotic treatment in experimental infections.

PMID- 22096201
TI  - H2S: a universal defense against antibiotics in bacteria.
AB  - Many prokaryotic species generate hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in their natural
      environments. However, the biochemistry and physiological role of this gas in
      nonsulfur bacteria remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that inactivation
      of putative cystathionine beta-synthase, cystathionine gamma-lyase, or 3
      mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in Bacillus anthracis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli suppresses H(2)S production,
      rendering these pathogens highly sensitive to a multitude of antibiotics.
      Exogenous H(2)S suppresses this effect. Moreover, in bacteria that normally
      produce H(2)S and nitric oxide, these two gases act synergistically to sustain
      growth. The mechanism of gas-mediated antibiotic resistance relies on mitigation
      of oxidative stress imposed by antibiotics.

PMID- 22096202
TI  - Locomotor primitives in newborn babies and their development.
AB  - How rudimentary movements evolve into sophisticated ones during development
      remains unclear. It is often assumed that the primitive patterns of neural
      control are suppressed during development, replaced by entirely new patterns.
      Here we identified the basic patterns of lumbosacral motoneuron activity from
      multimuscle recordings in stepping neonates, toddlers, preschoolers, and adults.
      Surprisingly, we found that the two basic patterns of stepping neonates are
      retained through development, augmented by two new patterns first revealed in
      toddlers. Markedly similar patterns were observed also in the rat, cat, macaque,
      and guineafowl, consistent with the hypothesis that, despite substantial
      phylogenetic distances and morphological differences, locomotion in several
      animal species is built starting from common primitives, perhaps related to a
      common ancestral neural network.

PMID- 22096203
TI  - Rational choice, context dependence, and the value of information in European
      starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).
AB  - Both human and nonhuman decision-makers can deviate from optimal choice by making
      context-dependent choices. Because ignoring context information can be
      beneficial, this is called a "less-is-more effect." The fact that organisms are
      so sensitive to the context is thus paradoxical and calls for the inclusion of an
      ecological perspective. In an experiment with starlings, adding cues that
      identified the context impaired performance in simultaneous prey choices but
      improved it in sequential prey encounters, in which subjects could reject
      opportunities in order to search instead in the background. Because sequential
      prey encounters are likely to be more frequent in nature, storing and using
      contextual information appears to be ecologically rational on balance by
      conditioning acceptance of each opportunity to the relative richness of the
      background, even if this causes context-dependent suboptimal preferences in (less
      frequent) simultaneous choices. In ecologically relevant scenarios, more
      information seems to be more.

PMID- 22096204
TI  - The impact of Asian American value systems on palliative care: illustrative cases
      from the family-focused grief therapy trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinicians meet people from different ethnic backgrounds, yet need to
      respond in culturally sensitive ways. This article focuses on Asian American
      families. METHODS: Within a randomized controlled trial of family therapy
      commenced during palliative care and continued into bereavement, 3 families of
      Asian American background were examined qualitatively from a cultural perspective
      by listening to recordings of 26 therapy sessions and reviewing detailed
      supervision notes compiled by each therapist. RESULTS: A synopsis of each
      family's therapy narrative is presented. Prominent themes include family
      closeness, respect for hierarchy within the family, gender-determined roles,
      intergenerational tensions, preoccupation with shame and limited emotional
      expressiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Family therapists working with culturally diverse
      families need to pay thoughtful attention to ethnic issues as they strive to
      support them during palliative care and bereavement.

PMID- 22096205
TI  - The challenge of fungal keratitis.

PMID- 22096206
TI  - High levels of serum uric acid predict severity of coronary artery disease in
      patients with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - We aimed to elucidate the relation between serum uric acid (SUA) level and
      severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in nondiabetic, nonhypertensive
      patients (n = 246) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Severity of CAD was
      assessed by the Gensini score. One, 2, and 3 or more diseased vessels were
      identified in 87 (35.4%), 55 (22.4%), and 104 (42.2%) patients, respectively.
      Patients with hyperuricemia had higher Gensini score, high number of diseased
      vessels, critical lesions, and total occlusion. Serum uric acid level was
      significantly associated with number of diseased vessels. Serum uric acid was an
      independent risk factor for multivessel disease by univariate analysis. High
      levels of SUA associated with the severity of CAD in nondiabetic, nonhypertensive
      patients with ACS.

PMID- 22096207
TI  - Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels are associated with
      functional capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
AB  - We hypothesized that higher serum levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic
      peptide (NT-pro-BNP) are associated with lower functional capacity in patients
      with peripheral arterial disease ([PAD] n = 481, mean age 67, 68% men).
      Functional capacity was quantified as distance walked on a treadmill for 5
      minutes. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the distance walked:
      >144 yards (group 1, n = 254); 60 to 144 yards (group 2, n = 80); <60 yards or
      did not walk (group 3, n = 147). The association between NT-pro-BNP levels and
      the ordinal 3-level walking distance was assessed using multivariable ordinal
      logistic regression analyses that adjusted for several possible confounding
      variables. Higher levels of NT-pro-BNP were associated with a lower ordinal
      walking category independent of possible confounders (odds ratio [OR] 1.51, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.77; P < .001). In conclusion, higher levels of NT
      pro-BNP are independently associated with lower functional capacity in patients
      with PAD and may be a marker of hemodynamic stress in these patients.

PMID- 22096208
TI  - Counterpoint: high altitude is not for the birds!

PMID- 22096209
TI  - Rebuttal from Meir et al.

PMID- 22096210
TI  - Rebuttal from Llanos et al.

PMID- 22096211
TI  - Comments on point: counterpoint: high altitude is/is not for the birds!

PMID- 22096212
TI  - Last word on point:counterpoint: high altitude is/is not for the birds!

PMID- 22096213
TI  - Last word on point:counterpoint: high altitude is/is not for the birds!

PMID- 22096214
TI  - Impulsivity and the sexes: measurement and structural invariance of the UPPS-P
      Impulsive Behavior Scale.
AB  - Before it is possible to test whether men and women differ in impulsivity, it is
      necessary to evaluate whether impulsivity measures are invariant across sex. The
      UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of
      perseverance, and sensation seeking, with added subscale of positive urgency) is
      one measure of five dispositions toward rash action that has shown to have robust
      and clinically useful relationships among risk-taking outcomes. In the current
      research, the author examined (a) the psychometric measurement invariance of the
      UPPS-P across sex, (b) the scale's structural invariance across sex, and (c)
      whether the five impulsivity traits differentially relate to risk outcomes as a
      function of sex. In a sample of 1,372 undergraduates, the author found evidence
      for measurement and invariance across sex: Thus, comparisons of men and women on
      the UPPS-P can be considered valid. Additionally, although males tend to report
      higher levels of sensation seeking and positive urgency (and possibly lack of
      perseverance), the relationships between the UPPS-P traits and risk outcomes were
      generally invariant across sex. The UPPS-P appears to function comparably across
      males and females, and mean differences on this scale between the sexes can be
      thought to reflect trait-level differences.

PMID- 22096215
TI  - The Expansion of mtDNA Haplogroup L3 within and out of Africa.
AB  - Although fossil remains show that anatomically modern humans dispersed out of
      Africa into the Near East ~100 to 130 ka, genetic evidence from extant
      populations has suggested that non-Africans descend primarily from a single
      successful later migration. Within the human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tree,
      haplogroup L3 encompasses not only many sub-Saharan Africans but also all ancient
      non-African lineages, and its age therefore provides an upper bound for the
      dispersal out of Africa. An analysis of 369 complete African L3 sequences places
      this maximum at ~70 ka, virtually ruling out a successful exit before 74 ka, the
      date of the Toba volcanic supereruption in Sumatra. The similarity of the age of
      L3 to its two non-African daughter haplogroups, M and N, suggests that the same
      process was likely responsible for both the L3 expansion in Eastern Africa and
      the dispersal of a small group of modern humans out of Africa to settle the rest
      of the world. The timing of the expansion of L3 suggests a link to improved
      climatic conditions after ~70 ka in Eastern and Central Africa rather than to
      symbolically mediated behavior, which evidently arose considerably earlier. The
      L3 mtDNA pool within Africa suggests a migration from Eastern Africa to Central
      Africa ~60 to 35 ka and major migrations in the immediate postglacial again
      linked to climate. The largest population size increase seen in the L3 data is 3
      4 ka in Central Africa, corresponding to Bantu expansions, leading diverse L3
      lineages to spread into Eastern and Southern Africa in the last 3-2 ka.

PMID- 22096216
TI  - Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) have been accumulated
      through amplification bursts and play important roles in gene expression and
      species diversity in Oryza sativa.
AB  - Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are predicted to play
      important roles on genome evolution. We developed a BLASTN-based approach for de
      novo identification of MITEs and systematically analyzed MITEs in rice genome.
      The genome of rice cultivar Nipponbare (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica) harbors
      178,533 MITE-related sequences classified into 338 families. Pairwise nucleotide
      diversity and phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that individual MITE families
      were resulted from one or multiple rounds of amplification bursts. The timing of
      amplification burst varied considerably between different MITE families or
      subfamilies. MITEs are associated with 23,623 (58.2%) genes in rice genome. At
      least 7,887 MITEs are transcribed and more than 3,463 were transcribed with rice
      genes. The MITE sequences transcribed with rice coding genes form 1,130 pairs of
      potential natural sense/antisense transcripts. MITEs generate 23.5% (183,837 of
      781,885) of all small RNAs identified from rice. Some MITE families generated
      small RNAs mainly from the terminals, while other families generated small RNAs
      predominantly from the central region. More than half (51.8%) of the MITE-derived
      small RNAs were generated exclusively by MITEs located away from genes. Genome
      wide analysis showed that genes associated with MITEs have significantly lower
      expression than genes away from MITEs. Approximately 14.8% of loci with full
      length MITEs have presence/absence polymorphism between rice cultivars 93-11 (O.
      sativa ssp. indica) and Nipponbare. Considering that different sets of genes may
      be regulated by MITE-derived small RNAs in different genotypes, MITEs provide
      considerable diversity for O. sativa.

PMID- 22096217
TI  - Dosimetric variations of target volumes and organs at risk in nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma intensity-modulated radiotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual dose variability to
      the targets and organs at risk (OARs) during nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and to investigate the significance of
      replanning. METHODS: 11 NPC patients were included in this study. Each patient
      had both a planning CT and weekly repeated CT. Simulated plans that were
      generated by using the same beam configurations mapped to the repeated CT
      represented the actual delivered doses to the target volumes and OARs. An IMRT
      replanning was performed with the fifth week CT scan. Doses among the initial
      plan, the simulated plans and replanning were compared. RESULTS: There were no
      significant dosimetric differences in the gross tumour volume, clinical target
      volume (CTV) 1 or CTV2 for either the simulated plans or the replanning compared
      with the initial plan. Dosimetric variability of both parotid glands and the
      brain stem were unique to each individual, and doses to the spinal cord were
      always maintained within the limit. Replanning in the fifth week had
      significantly decreased the doses delivered to both parotids (p-values of the
      mean dose were 0.015 and 0.026 for the left and right parotid, respectively),
      whereas it did not reduce the doses to the brain stem and spinal cord. There was
      no relationship between dose variability and weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: There are
      no significant dose changes for target volumes and spinal cord, and doses to the
      brain stem and both parotid glands changed individually during NPC IMRT.
      Replanning helps to spare bilateral parotids.

PMID- 22096218
TI  - Diagnostic quality of 50 and 100 MUm computed radiography compared with screen
      film mammography in operative breast specimens.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare reader ratings of the clinical diagnostic quality of 50 and
      100 MUm computed radiography (CR) systems with screen-film mammography (SFM) in
      operative specimens. METHODS: Mammograms of 57 fresh operative breast specimens
      were analysed by 10 readers. Exposures were made with identical position and
      compression with three mammographic systems (Fuji 100CR, 50CR and SFM). Images
      were anonymised and readers blinded to the CR system used. A five-point
      comparative scoring system (-2 to +2) was used to assess seven quality criteria
      and overall diagnostic value. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed of
      reader ratings (n = 16,925). RESULTS: For most quality criteria, both CR systems
      were rated as equivalent to or better than SFM. The CR systems were significantly
      better at demonstrating skin edge and background tissue (p < 1 * 10(-5)).
      Microcalcification was best demonstrated on the CR50 system (p < 1 * 10(-5)). The
      overall diagnostic value of both CR systems was rated as being as good as or
      better than SFM (p < 1 * 10(-5)). CONCLUSION: In this clinical setting, the
      overall diagnostic performance of both CR systems was as good as or better than
      SFM, with the CR50 system performing better than the CR100.

PMID- 22096219
TI  - Spleen in haematological malignancies: spectrum of imaging findings.
AB  - Imaging morphology and metabolic activity of splenic lesions is of paramount
      importance in patients with haematological malignancies; it can alter tumour
      staging, treatment protocols and overall prognosis. CT, MRI and positron emission
      tomography (PET)/CT have been shown to be powerful tools for the non-invasive
      assessment of splenic involvement in various haematological malignancies. Since
      many haematological malignancies and non-neoplastic conditions can involve the
      spleen and imaging manifestations can overlap, imaging and clinical findings
      outside of the spleen should be looked for to narrow the differential diagnosis;
      confirmation can be obtained by pathological findings. Radiologists should be
      familiar with the cross-sectional imaging patterns of haematological malignancies
      involving the spleen as well as non-neoplastic splenic findings common in these
      patients to facilitate their care and follow-up. This pictorial review provides
      the common and uncommon imaging appearances and complications of various
      haematological malignancies involving the spleen on CT, MRI and PET/CT, and
      common pitfalls in diagnosis.

PMID- 22096220
TI  - More harm than good? The anatomy of misguided shielding of the ovaries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Popular gonad shield designs aim to provide coverage of the true
      pelvis, which is presumed to be the probable location of the ovaries. Shields are
      frequently placed inaccurately, especially in children, obscuring important
      orthopaedic landmarks on pelvic radiographs. We aimed to identify the position of
      the ovaries and asses how this may vary with age and the degree of bladder
      filling. We aimed to identify the position of the ovaries and asses how this may
      vary with age and the degree of bladder filling. METHODS: Using MRI examinations
      of the pelvis in women and children, we located 594 ovaries in 306 female
      patients aged from birth to 59 years. RESULTS: This study provides new evidence
      that bladder filling affects ovary position. A lower than expected number of
      patients had both ovaries within the pelvis if the bladder contained more than a
      moderate volume of urine. Bladder emptying should be achieved wherever practical
      if a shield is used. In children under the age of 7 years, more than half (19/37)
      had at least one ovary outside the true pelvis. There was a significant
      association between age and ovary position, with the percentage of patients with
      one or both ovaries outside the true pelvis decreasing with age (chi(2),
      p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The embryological descent of the ovaries into the pelvis
      would appear to continue after birth, well into childhood. Current popular shield
      designs are therefore inappropriate for use in young children. Given the high
      risk of obscuring critical landmarks, coupled with the new evidence that even
      accurate placement will not necessarily protect the ovaries, the use of pelvic
      shields in girls should be reconsidered.

PMID- 22096221
TI  - Imaging carotid body chemodectomas with 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET-CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of 68
      gallium-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-1-Nal3
      octreotide ((68)Ga-DOTA-NOC) positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) in carotid
      body chemodectomas (CBCs). METHODS: 5 patients with known CBCs (conventional
      imaging and angiography) were evaluated retrospectively (3 males, 2 females; mean
      age 36.6 years). All underwent PET-CT after injection of 148 MBq (4 mCi) of
      (68)Ga-DOTA-NOC. RESULTS: At baseline there were four bilateral CBCs and one
      unilateral CBC with an additional glomus tympanicum and bilateral glomus jugulare
      tumour in these five patients. All these lesions showed intense uptake on (68)Ga
      DOTA-NOC PET-CT. Apart from these known lesions, additional tumours were detected
      in three patients; glomus jugulare in one, aortic body tumour and multiple
      abdominal paragangliomas in another and unsuspected vertebral metastasis in the
      last. Overall it led to a change in management in 3 of the 5 patients (60%).
      CONCLUSION: (68)Ga-DOTA-NOC PET-CT is a promising non-invasive imaging modality
      in the detection and characterisation of CBCs.

PMID- 22096222
TI  - Comparison of the clinical performance of three digital mammography systems in a
      breast cancer screening programme.
AB  - This study compares the clinical performance of three digital mammography system
      types in a breast cancer screening programme. 28 digital mammography systems from
      three different vendors were included in the study. The retrospective analysis
      included 238 182 screening examinations of females aged between 50 and 64 years
      over a 3-year period. All images were double read and assigned a result according
      to a 5-point rating scale to indicate the probability of cancer. Females with a
      positive result were recalled for further assessment imaging and biopsy if
      necessary. Clinical performance in terms of cancer detection rate was analysed
      and the results presented. No statistically significant difference was found
      between the three different mammography systems in a population-based screening
      programme, in terms of the overall cancer detection rate or in the detection of
      invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ. This was shown in both prevalent
      and subsequent screening examination categories. The results demonstrate
      comparable cancer detection performance for the three imaging system types
      operational in the screening programme.

PMID- 22096223
TI  - Enhancement of the radiation response of EMT-6 tumours by a copper
      octabromotetracarboranylphenylporphyrin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The carborane-containing porphyrin, copper (II) 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18
      octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-[1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranyl]methoxyphenyl)
      porphyrin (CuTCPBr), was investigated as a potential radiation enhancing agent
      for X-ray radiotherapy (XRT) in a subcutaneously implanted EMT-6 murine
      carcinoma. METHOD: The biodistribution and toxicological profile of this
      porphyrin has been shown to be favourable for another bimodal radiotherapy
      technique, boron neutron-capture therapy. For the XRT studies, CuTCPBr was
      formulated in either 9% Cremophor (BASF Corporation, Ludwigschafen, Germany) EL
      and 18% propylene glycol (9% CRM) or a revised formulation comprising 1%
      Cremophor ELP, 2% Tween 80 (JT Baker, Mansfield, MA), 5% ethanol and 2.2% PEG 400
      (CTEP formulation), which would be more clinically acceptable than the original
      9% CRM formulation. Using the 9% CRM formulation of CuTCPBr, doses of 100, 210 or
      400 mg kg(-1) of body weight were used in combination with single doses of 25-35
      Gy 100 kVp X-rays. RESULTS: While doses of 100 mg kg(-1) and 210 mg kg(-1) did
      not result in any significant enhancement of tumour response, the 400 mg kg(-1)
      dose did. A dose modification factor of 1.20+/-0.10 was obtained based on the
      comparison of doses that produced a 50% local tumour control probability. With
      the CTEP formulation of CuTCPBr, doses of 83 and 170 mg kg(-1) produced
      significant radiation enhancement, with dose modification factors based on the
      TCP(50) of 1.29+/-0.15 and 1.84+/-0.24, respectively. CONCLUSION: CuTCPBr
      significantly enhanced the efficacy of XRT in the treatment of EMT-6 carcinomas
      in mice. The CTEP formulation showed a marked improvement, with over 9% CRM being
      associated with higher dose modification factors. Moreover, the radiation
      response in the skin was not enhanced.

PMID- 22096224
TI  - Prediction of incident hip fracture by femoral neck bone mineral density and neck
      shaft angle: a 5-year longitudinal study in post-menopausal females.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare hip fracture incidence in post-menopausal females who were
      differently stratified for the fracture risk according to bone mineral density
      and proximal femur geometry. METHODS: In a 5 year follow-up study, the hip
      fracture incidence in 729 post-menopausal females (45 of whom suffered from
      incident hip fracture) was assessed and compared. Forward logistic regression was
      used to select independent predictors of hip fracture risk, including age, age at
      menopause, height, weight, femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD), neck-shaft
      angle (NSA), hip axis length, femoral neck diameter and femoral shaft diameter as
      covariates. Fracture incidence was then calculated for the categories of
      young/old age, high/low FNBMD and wide/narrow NSA, which were obtained by
      dichotomising each hip fracture independent predictor at the value best
      separating females with and without a hip fracture. RESULTS: The hip fracture
      incidence of the whole cohort was significantly higher in females with a wide NSA
      (8.52%) than in those with a narrow NSA (3.51%). The combination of wide NSA and
      low FNBMD had the highest hip fracture incidence in the whole cohort (17.61%) and
      each age category. The combinations of narrow/wide NSA with low/high FNBMD,
      respectively, gave a significantly higher fracture incidence in older than in
      younger women, whereas women with a combined wide NSA and low FNBMD had no
      significantly different fracture incidence in young (14.60%) or old age (21.62%).
      CONCLUSION: Our study showed that NSA is effective at predicting the hip fracture
      risk and that the detection in early post-menopause of a wide NSA together with a
      low FNBMD should identify females at high probability of incident hip fracture.

PMID- 22096225
TI  - Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation
      between quantitative parameters and histological grading.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The quantitative parameters in the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
      time-intensity curve of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were studied to explore
      their possible implication for histological grading of HCC. METHODS: A total of
      130 HCC patients (115 males and 15 females; age: 48.13+/-11.00 years) were
      studied using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography time-intensity curve and
      histological pathology. The quantification software Sonoliver(r) (TomTec Imaging
      Systems, Unterschleissheim, Germany) was applied to derive time-intensity curves
      of regions of interest in the interior of HCCs and in reference. Quantitative
      parameters of 115 patients were successfully obtained, including maximum of
      intensity (IMAX), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP), rise slope (RS) and washout
      time (WT). Histological grading of HCC was performed using haematoxylin-eosin
      staining, and monoclonal antibodies specific for smooth muscle actin were used to
      observe unpaired arteries (UAs). RESULTS: There were significant differences
      among WTs in the three differentiated HCC groups (p<0.05). However, there were no
      significant differences among RT, TTP, RS and IMAX in the differentiated HCC
      groups. Moreover, the number of UAs in the differentiated HCC groups showed no
      statistical significance. CONCLUSION: WT plays an important role in predicting
      well, moderately and poorly differentiated HCC.

PMID- 22096226
TI  - Characterization of the role of ABCG2 as a bile acid transporter in liver and
      placenta.
AB  - ABCG2 is involved in epithelial transport/barrier functions. Here, we have
      investigated its ability to transport bile acids in liver and placenta.
      Cholylglycylamido fluorescein (CGamF) was exported by WIF-B9/R cells, which do
      not express the bile salt export pump (BSEP). Sensitivity to typical inhibitors
      suggested that CGamF export was mainly mediated by ABCG2. In Chinese hamster
      ovary (CHO cells), coexpression of rat Oatp1a1 and human ABCG2 enhanced the
      uptake and efflux, respectively, of CGamF, cholic acid (CA), glycoCA (GCA),
      tauroCA, and taurolithocholic acid-3-sulfate. The ability of ABCG2 to export
      these bile acids was confirmed by microinjecting them together with inulin in
      Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing this pump. ABCG2-mediated bile acid transport
      was inhibited by estradiol 17beta-d-glucuronide and fumitremorgin C. Placental
      barrier for bile acids accounted for <2-fold increase in fetal cholanemia despite
      >14-fold increased maternal cholanemia induced by obstructive cholestasis in
      pregnant rats. In rat placenta, the expression of Abcg2, which was much higher
      than that of Bsep, was not affected by short-term cholestasis. In pregnant rats,
      fumitremorgin C did not affect uptake/secretion of GCA by the liver but inhibited
      its fetal-maternal transfer. Compared with wild-type mice, obstructive
      cholestasis in pregnant Abcg2(-/-) knockout mice induced similar bile acid
      accumulation in maternal serum but higher accumulation in placenta, fetal serum,
      and liver. In conclusion, ABCG2 is able to transport bile acids. The importance
      of this function depends on the relative expression in the same epithelium of
      other bile acid exporters. Thus, ABCG2 may play a key role in bile acid transport
      in placenta, as BSEP does in liver.

PMID- 22096227
TI  - MINT, the molecular interaction database: 2012 update.
AB  - The Molecular INTeraction Database (MINT, http://mint.bio.uniroma2.it/mint/) is a
      public repository for protein-protein interactions (PPI) reported in peer
      reviewed journals. The database grows steadily over the years and at September
      2011 contains approximately 235,000 binary interactions captured from over 4750
      publications. The web interface allows the users to search, visualize and
      download interactions data. MINT is one of the members of the International
      Molecular Exchange consortium (IMEx) and adopts the Molecular Interaction
      Ontology of the Proteomics Standard Initiative (PSI-MI) standards for curation
      and data exchange. MINT data are freely accessible and downloadable at
      http://mint.bio.uniroma2.it/mint/download.do. We report here the growth of the
      database, the major changes in curation policy and a new algorithm to assign a
      confidence to each interaction.

PMID- 22096228
TI  - SubtiWiki--a comprehensive community resource for the model organism Bacillus
      subtilis.
AB  - In the post-genomic era, most components of a cell are known and they can be
      quantified by large-scale functional genomics approaches. However, genome
      annotation is the bottleneck that hampers our understanding of living cells and
      organisms. Up-to-date functional annotation is of special importance for model
      organisms that provide a frame of reference for studies with other relevant
      organisms. We have generated a Wiki-type database for the Gram-positive model
      bacterium Bacillus subtilis, SubtiWiki (http://subtiwiki.uni-goettingen.de/).
      This Wiki is centered around the individual genes and gene products of B.
      subtilis and provides information on each aspect of gene function and expression
      as well as protein activity and its control. SubtiWiki is accompanied by two
      companion databases SubtiPathways and SubtInteract that provide graphical
      representations of B. subtilis metabolism and its regulation and of protein
      protein interactions, respectively. The diagrams of both databases are easily
      navigatable using the popular Google maps API, and they are extensively linked
      with the SubtiWiki gene pages. Moreover, each gene/gene product was assigned to
      one or more functional categories and transcription factor regulons. Pages for
      the specific categories and regulons provide a rapid overview of functionally
      related genes/proteins. Today, SubtiWiki can be regarded as one of the most
      complete inventories of knowledge on a living organism in one single resource.

PMID- 22096229
TI  - InterPro in 2011: new developments in the family and domain prediction database.
AB  - InterPro (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/interpro/) is a database that integrates diverse
      information about protein families, domains and functional sites, and makes it
      freely available to the public via Web-based interfaces and services. Central to
      the database are diagnostic models, known as signatures, against which protein
      sequences can be searched to determine their potential function. InterPro has
      utility in the large-scale analysis of whole genomes and meta-genomes, as well as
      in characterizing individual protein sequences. Herein we give an overview of new
      developments in the database and its associated software since 2009, including
      updates to database content, curation processes and Web and programmatic
      interfaces.

PMID- 22096230
TI  - WikiPathways: building research communities on biological pathways.
AB  - Here, we describe the development of WikiPathways (http://www.wikipathways.org),
      a public wiki for pathway curation, since it was first published in 2008. New
      features are discussed, as well as developments in the community of contributors.
      New features include a zoomable pathway viewer, support for pathway ontology
      annotations, the ability to mark pathways as private for a limited time and the
      availability of stable hyperlinks to pathways and the elements therein.
      WikiPathways content is freely available in a variety of formats such as the
      BioPAX standard, and the content is increasingly adopted by external databases
      and tools, including Wikipedia. A recent development is the use of WikiPathways
      as a staging ground for centrally curated databases such as Reactome.
      WikiPathways is seeing steady growth in the number of users, page views and edits
      for each pathway. To assess whether the community curation experiment can be
      considered successful, here we analyze the relation between use and contribution,
      which gives results in line with other wiki projects. The novel use of pathway
      pages as supplementary material to publications, as well as the addition of
      tailored content for research domains, is expected to stimulate growth further.

PMID- 22096231
TI  - eggNOG v3.0: orthologous groups covering 1133 organisms at 41 different taxonomic
      ranges.
AB  - Orthologous relationships form the basis of most comparative genomic and
      metagenomic studies and are essential for proper phylogenetic and functional
      analyses. The third version of the eggNOG database (http://eggnog.embl.de)
      contains non-supervised orthologous groups constructed from 1133 organisms,
      doubling the number of genes with orthology assignment compared to eggNOG v2. The
      new release is the result of a number of improvements and expansions: (i) the
      underlying homology searches are now based on the SIMAP database; (ii) the
      orthologous groups have been extended to 41 levels of selected taxonomic ranges
      enabling much more fine-grained orthology assignments; and (iii) the newly
      designed web page is considerably faster with more functionality. In total,
      eggNOG v3 contains 721,801 orthologous groups, encompassing a total of 4,396,591
      genes. Additionally, we updated 4873 and 4850 original COGs and KOGs,
      respectively, to include all 1133 organisms. At the universal level, covering all
      three domains of life, 101,208 orthologous groups are available, while the others
      are applicable at 40 more limited taxonomic ranges. Each group is amended by
      multiple sequence alignments and maximum-likelihood trees and broad functional
      descriptions are provided for 450,904 orthologous groups (62.5%).

PMID- 22096232
TI  - The BioSample Database (BioSD) at the European Bioinformatics Institute.
AB  - The BioSample Database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/biosamples) is a new database at EBI
      that stores information about biological samples used in molecular experiments,
      such as sequencing, gene expression or proteomics. The goals of the BioSample
      Database include: (i) recording and linking of sample information consistently
      within EBI databases such as ENA, ArrayExpress and PRIDE; (ii) minimizing data
      entry efforts for EBI database submitters by enabling submitting sample
      descriptions once and referencing them later in data submissions to assay
      databases and (iii) supporting cross database queries by sample characteristics.
      Each sample in the database is assigned an accession number. The database
      includes a growing set of reference samples, such as cell lines, which are
      repeatedly used in experiments and can be easily referenced from any database by
      their accession numbers. Accession numbers for the reference samples will be
      exchanged with a similar database at NCBI. The samples in the database can be
      queried by their attributes, such as sample types, disease names or sample
      providers. A simple tab-delimited format facilitates submissions of sample
      information to the database, initially via email to biosamples@ebi.ac.uk.

PMID- 22096233
TI  - MINAS--a database of Metal Ions in Nucleic AcidS.
AB  - Correctly folded into the respective native 3D structure, RNA and DNA are
      responsible for uncountable key functions in any viable organism. In order to
      exert their function, metal ion cofactors are closely involved in folding,
      structure formation and, e.g. in ribozymes, also the catalytic mechanism. The
      database MINAS, Metal Ions in Nucleic AcidS (http://www.minas.uzh.ch), compiles
      the detailed information on innersphere, outersphere and larger coordination
      environment of >70,000 metal ions of 36 elements found in >2000 structures of
      nucleic acids contained today in the PDB and NDB. MINAS is updated monthly with
      new structures and offers a multitude of search functions, e.g. the kind of metal
      ion, metal-ligand distance, innersphere and outersphere ligands defined by
      element or functional group, residue, experimental method, as well as PDB entry
      related information. The results of each search can be saved individually for
      later use with so-called miniPDB files containing the respective metal ion
      together with the coordination environment within a 15 A radius. MINAS thus
      offers a unique way to explore the coordination geometries and ligands of metal
      ions together with the respective binding pockets in nucleic acids.

PMID- 22096234
TI  - dbDEPC 2.0: updated database of differentially expressed proteins in human
      cancers.
AB  - A large amount of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) have been identified
      in various cancer proteomics experiments, curation and annotation of these
      proteins are important in deciphering their roles in oncogenesis and tumor
      progression, and may further help to discover potential protein biomarkers for
      clinical applications. In 2009, we published the first database of DEPs in human
      cancers (dbDEPCs). In this updated version of 2011, dbDEPC 2.0 has more than
      doubly expanded to over 4000 protein entries, curated from 331 experiments across
      20 types of human cancers. This resource allows researchers to search whether
      their interested proteins have been reported changing in certain cancers, to
      compare their own proteomic discovery with previous studies, to picture selected
      protein expression heatmap across multiple cancers and to relate protein
      expression changes with aberrance in other genetic level. New important
      developments include addition of experiment design information, advanced filter
      tools for customer-specified analysis and a network analysis tool. We expect
      dbDEPC 2.0 to be a much more powerful tool than it was in its first release and
      can serve as reference to both proteomics and cancer researchers. dbDEPC 2.0 is
      available at http://lifecenter.sgst.cn/dbdepc/index.do.

PMID- 22096235
TI  - Predictive networks: a flexible, open source, web application for integration and
      analysis of human gene networks.
AB  - Genomics provided us with an unprecedented quantity of data on the genes that are
      activated or repressed in a wide range of phenotypes. We have increasingly come
      to recognize that defining the networks and pathways underlying these phenotypes
      requires both the integration of multiple data types and the development of
      advanced computational methods to infer relationships between the genes and to
      estimate the predictive power of the networks through which they interact. To
      address these issues we have developed Predictive Networks (PN), a flexible, open
      source, web-based application and data services framework that enables the
      integration, navigation, visualization and analysis of gene interaction networks.
      The primary goal of PN is to allow biomedical researchers to evaluate
      experimentally derived gene lists in the context of large-scale gene interaction
      networks. The PN analytical pipeline involves two key steps. The first is the
      collection of a comprehensive set of known gene interactions derived from a
      variety of publicly available sources. The second is to use these 'known'
      interactions together with gene expression data to infer robust gene networks.
      The PN web application is accessible from http://predictivenetworks.org. The PN
      code base is freely available at
      https://sourceforge.net/projects/predictivenets/.

PMID- 22096236
TI  - ProOpDB: Prokaryotic Operon DataBase.
AB  - The Prokaryotic Operon DataBase (ProOpDB,
      http://operons.ibt.unam.mx/OperonPredictor) constitutes one of the most precise
      and complete repositories of operon predictions now available. Using our novel
      and highly accurate operon identification algorithm, we have predicted the operon
      structures of more than 1200 prokaryotic genomes. ProOpDB offers diverse
      alternatives by which a set of operon predictions can be retrieved including: (i)
      organism name, (ii) metabolic pathways, as defined by the KEGG database, (iii)
      gene orthology, as defined by the COG database, (iv) conserved protein domains,
      as defined by the Pfam database, (v) reference gene and (vi) reference operon,
      among others. In order to limit the operon output to non-redundant organisms,
      ProOpDB offers an efficient method to select the most representative organisms
      based on a precompiled phylogenetic distances matrix. In addition, the ProOpDB
      operon predictions are used directly as the input data of our Gene Context Tool
      to visualize their genomic context and retrieve the sequence of their
      corresponding 5' regulatory regions, as well as the nucleotide or amino acid
      sequences of their genes.

PMID- 22096237
TI  - Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of human NK cells developing after
      umbilical cord blood transplantation: a role for human cytomegalovirus?
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in early immunity after
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation because they are the first lymphocyte
      subset recovering after the allograft. In this study, we analyzed the development
      of NK cells after intrabone umbilical cord blood (CB) transplantation in 18 adult
      patients with hematologic malignancies. Our data indicate that, also in this
      transplantation setting, NK cells are the first lymphoid population detectable in
      peripheral blood. However, different patterns of NK-cell development could be
      identified. Indeed, in a group of patients, a relevant fraction of NK cells
      expressed a mature phenotype characterized by the KIR(+)NKG2A(-) signature 3-6
      months after transplantation. In other patients, most NK cells maintained an
      immature phenotype even after 12 months. A possible role for cytomegalovirus in
      the promotion of NK-cell development was suggested by the observation that a more
      rapid NK-cell maturation together with expansion of NKG2C(+) NK cells was
      confined to patients experiencing cytomegalovirus reactivation. In a fraction of
      these patients, an aberrant and hyporesponsive CD56(-)CD16(+)p75/AIRM1(-) NK-cell
      subset (mostly KIR(+)NKG2A(-)) reminiscent of that described in patients with
      viremic HIV was detected. Our data support the concept that cytomegalovirus
      infection may drive NK-cell development after umbilical CB transplantation.

PMID- 22096238
TI  - Identification of VLDLR as a novel endothelial cell receptor for fibrin that
      modulates fibrin-dependent transendothelial migration of leukocytes.
AB  - While testing the effect of the (beta15-66)(2) fragment, which mimics a pair of
      fibrin betaN-domains, on the morphology of endothelial cells, we found that this
      fragment induces redistribution of vascular endothelial-cadherin in a process
      that is inhibited by the receptor-associated protein (RAP). Based on this
      finding, we hypothesized that fibrin may interact with members of RAP-dependent
      low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family. To test this hypothesis, we
      examined the interaction of (beta15-66)(2), fibrin, and several fibrin-derived
      fragments with 2 members of this family by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance.
      The experiments showed that very LDL (VLDL) receptor (VLDLR) interacts with high
      affinity with fibrin through its betaN-domains, and this interaction is inhibited
      by RAP and (beta15-66)(2). Furthermore, RAP inhibited transendothelial migration
      of neutrophils induced by fibrin-derived NDSK-II fragment containing betaN
      domains, suggesting the involvement of VLDLR in fibrin-dependent leukocyte
      transmigration. Our experiments with VLDLR-deficient mice confirmed this
      suggestion by showing that, in contrast to wild-type mice, fibrin-dependent
      leukocyte transmigration does not occur in such mice. Altogether, the present
      study identified VLDLR as a novel endothelial cell receptor for fibrin that
      promotes fibrin-dependent leukocyte transmigration and thereby inflammation.
      Establishing the molecular mechanism underlying this interaction may result in
      the development of novel inhibitors of fibrin-dependent inflammation.

PMID- 22096239
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell engineering at a crossroads.
AB  - The genetic engineering of hematopoietic stem cells is the basis for potentially
      treating a large array of hereditary and acquired diseases, and stands as the
      paradigm for stem cell engineering in general. Recent clinical reports support
      the formidable promise of this approach but also highlight the limitations of the
      technologies used to date, which have on occasion resulted in clonal expansion,
      myelodysplasia, or leukemogenesis. New research directions, predicated on
      improved vector designs, targeted gene delivery or the therapeutic use of
      pluripotent stem cells, herald the advent of safer and more effective
      hematopoietic stem cell therapies that may transform medical practice. In this
      review, we place these recent advances in perspective, emphasizing the solutions
      emerging from a wave of new technologies and highlighting the challenges that lie
      ahead.

PMID- 22096240
TI  - Fetal hemoglobin levels and morbidity in untransfused patients with beta
      thalassemia intermedia.
AB  - To evaluate the association between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and morbidity
      in beta-thalassemia intermedia (TI), we analyzed data from 63 untransfused
      patients who had also never received HbF induction therapy. Patient records were
      reviewed for any history of 10 predefined morbidities. Laboratory measurements
      for markers of ineffective erythropoiesis were also obtained. The mean age of
      patients was 32.1 years, 47.6% were males, and the median HbF level was 37.2%.
      HbF levels correlated positively with total hemoglobin, yet negatively with
      growth differentiation factor-15 and non-transferrin-bound iron levels. Median
      HbF levels were significantly lower in patients with the majority of evaluated
      morbidities than in those without. There was a strong negative adjusted linear
      correlation between the HbF level and the total number of morbidities (R(2) =
      0.825, P < .001). The HbF threshold of 63.7% had 95.5% sensitivity and 100%
      specificity for ensuring absence of morbidity. There exists a strong association
      between HbF levels and morbidity in the subset of untransfused patients with TI.

PMID- 22096241
TI  - SF3B1 mutations are prevalent in myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts
      but do not hold independent prognostic value.
AB  - SF3B1 mutations were recently reported in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs),
      especially in the presence of ring sideroblasts (RSs). We sought to define the
      interaction between SF3B1 mutations, morphology, karyotype, and prognosis in MDS
      with more than or equal to 15% RS (MDS-RS). We studied 107 patients with MDS-RS,
      including 48 with refractory anemia with RS (RARS), 43 with refractory cytopenia
      with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD)-RS, 11 with refractory anemia with excess
      blasts-1 (RAEB1)-RS, and 5 with RAEB2-RS. SF3B1 mutations were detected in 53 (~
      50%) patients: 35 RARS (73%), 16 RCMD-RS (37%), and 2 RAEB1-RS (18%). In
      univariate analysis, the presence of SF3B1 mutations was associated with better
      overall (P < .01) and leukemia-free (P < .01) survival; however, in both
      instances, significance was completely accounted for by World Health Organization
      morphologic risk categorization. In other words, when RARS and RCMD-RS were
      analyzed separately, there was no additional prognostic value from the presence
      or absence of SF3B1 mutations.

PMID- 22096243
TI  - EBV-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases in nonimmunocompromised
      hosts: prospective analysis of 108 cases.
AB  - EBV-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disease (T/NK-LPD) is defined as a
      systemic illness characterized by clonal proliferation of EBV-infected T or NK
      cells. We prospectively enrolled 108 nonimmunocompromised patients with this
      disease (50 men and 58 women; median onset age, 8 years; age range, 1-50 years)
      evidenced by expansion of EBV(+) T/NK cells in the peripheral blood; these were
      of the T-cell type in 64 cases and of the NK-cell type in 44, and were clinically
      categorized into 4 groups: 80 cases of chronic active EBV disease, 15 of EBV
      associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 9 of severe mosquito bite allergy,
      and 4 of hydroa vacciniforme. These clinical profiles were closely linked with
      the EBV(+) cell immunophenotypes. In a median follow-up period of 46 months, 47
      patients (44%) died of severe organ complications. During the follow-up, 13
      patients developed overt lymphoma or leukemia characterized by extranodal NK/T
      cell lymphoma and aggressive NK-cell leukemia. Fifty-nine received hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation, 66% of whom survived. Age at onset of disease (>= 8
      years) and liver dysfunction were risk factors for mortality, whereas patients
      who received transplantation had a better prognosis. These data depict clinical
      characteristics of systemic EBV(+) T/NK-LPD and provide insight into the
      diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for distinct disease.

PMID- 22096242
TI  - Associated risk factors for silent cerebral infarcts in sickle cell anemia: low
      baseline hemoglobin, sex, and relative high systolic blood pressure.
AB  - The most common form of neurologic injury in sickle cell anemia (SCA) is silent
      cerebral infarction (SCI). In the Silent Cerebral Infarct Multi-Center Clinical
      Trial, we sought to identify risk factors associated with SCI. In this cross
      sectional study, we evaluated the clinical history and baseline laboratory values
      and performed magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in participants with SCA
      (HbSS or HbSbeta degrees  thalassemia) between the ages of 5 and 15 years with no
      history of overt stroke or seizures. Neuroradiology and neurology committees
      adjudicated the presence of SCI. SCIs were diagnosed in 30.8% (251 of 814)
      participants who completed all evaluations and had valid data on all prespecified
      demographic and clinical covariates. The mean age of the participants was 9.1
      years, with 413 males (50.7%). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis,
      lower baseline hemoglobin concentration (P < .001), higher baseline systolic
      blood pressure (P = .018), and male sex (P = .030) were statistically
      significantly associated with an increased risk of an SCI. Hemoglobin
      concentration and systolic blood pressure are risk factors for SCI in children
      with SCA and may be therapeutic targets for decreasing the risk of SCI. This
      study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00072761.

PMID- 22096244
TI  - P-selectin glycoprotein ligand regulates the interaction of multiple myeloma
      cells with the bone marrow microenvironment.
AB  - Interactions between multiple myeloma (MM) cells and the BM microenvironment play
      a critical role in the pathogenesis of MM and in the development of drug
      resistance by MM cells. Selectins are involved in extravasation and homing of
      leukocytes to target organs. In the present study, we focused on adhesion
      dynamics that involve P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) on MM cells and
      its interaction with selectins in the BM microenvironment. We show that PSGL-1 is
      highly expressed on MM cells and regulates the adhesion and homing of MM cells to
      cells in the BM microenvironment in vitro and in vivo. This interaction involves
      both endothelial cells and BM stromal cells. Using loss-of-function studies and
      the small-molecule pan-selectin inhibitor GMI-1070, we show that PSGL-1 regulates
      the activation of integrins and downstream signaling. We also document that this
      interaction regulates MM-cell proliferation in coculture with BM
      microenvironmental cells and the development of drug resistance. Furthermore,
      inhibiting this interaction with GMI-1070 enhances the sensitization of MM cells
      to bortezomib in vitro and in vivo. These data highlight the critical
      contribution of PSGL-1 to the regulation of growth, dissemination, and drug
      resistance in MM in the context of the BM microenvironment.

PMID- 22096245
TI  - miR-155 regulates HGAL expression and increases lymphoma cell motility.
AB  - HGAL, a prognostic biomarker in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and
      classic Hodgkin lymphoma, inhibits lymphocyte and lymphoma cell motility by
      activating the RhoA signaling cascade and interacting with actin and myosin
      proteins. Although HGAL expression is limited to germinal center (GC) lymphocytes
      and GC-derived lymphomas, little is known about its regulation. miR-155 is
      implicated in control of GC reaction and lymphomagenesis. We demonstrate that miR
      155 directly down-regulates HGAL expression by binding to its 3'-untranslated
      region, leading to decreased RhoA activation and increased spontaneous and
      chemoattractant-induced lymphoma cell motility. The effects of miR-155 on RhoA
      activation and cell motility can be rescued by transfection of HGAL lacking the
      miR-155 binding site. This inhibitory effect of miR-155 suggests that it may have
      a key role in the loss of HGAL expression on differentiation of human GC B cells
      to plasma cell. Furthermore, this effect may contribute to lymphoma cell
      dissemination and aggressiveness, characteristic of activated B cell-like diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma typically expressing high levels of miR-155 and lacking
      HGAL expression.

PMID- 22096246
TI  - In vivo imaging visualizes discoid platelet aggregations without endothelium
      disruption and implicates contribution of inflammatory cytokine and integrin
      signaling.
AB  - The mechanism by which thrombotic vessel occlusion occurs independently of plaque
      development or endothelial cell (EC) disruption remains unclear, largely because
      of an inability to visualize the formation of thrombus, especially at the single
      platelet level in real time. Here we demonstrate that rapidly developing thrombi
      composed of discoid platelets can be induced in the mesenteric capillaries,
      arterioles, and large-sized arteries of living mice, enabling characterization of
      the kinetics of thrombosis initiation and the multicellular interrelationships
      during thrombus development. Platelet aggregation without EC disruption was
      triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) photochemically induced by moderate
      power laser irradiation. The inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 could be
      key components of the EC response, acting through regulation of VWF mobilization
      to the cell surface. Thrombus formation was then initiated by the binding of
      platelet GPIbalpha to endothelial VWF in our model, and this effect was inhibited
      by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. Actin linker talin-dependent activation of
      alphaIIb-beta3 integrin or Rac1 in platelets was required for late-phase thrombus
      stability. Our novel imaging technology illustrates the molecular mechanism
      underlying inflammation-based thrombus formation by discoid platelets on
      undisrupted ECs and suggests control of ROS could be a useful therapeutic target
      for the prevention of thrombotic diseases.

PMID- 22096247
TI  - Integrin-alphavbeta3 regulates thrombopoietin-mediated maintenance of
      hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Throughout life, one's blood supply depends on sustained division of
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for self-renewal and differentiation. Within the
      bone marrow microenvironment, an adhesion-dependent or -independent niche system
      regulates HSC function. Here we show that a novel adhesion-dependent mechanism
      via integrin-beta3 signaling contributes to HSC maintenance. Specific ligation of
      beta3-integrin on HSCs using an antibody or extracellular matrix protein
      prevented loss of long-term repopulating (LTR) activity during ex vivo culture.
      The actions required activation of alphavbeta3-integrin "inside-out" signaling,
      which is dependent on thrombopoietin (TPO), an essential cytokine for activation
      of dormant HSCs. Subsequent "outside-in" signaling via phosphorylation of Tyr747
      in the beta3-subunit cytoplasmic domain was indispensable for TPO-dependent, but
      not stem cell factor-dependent, LTR activity in HSCs in vivo. This was
      accompanied with enhanced expression of Vps72, Mll1, and Runx1, 3 factors known
      to be critical for maintaining HSC activity. Thus, our findings demonstrate a
      mechanistic link between beta3-integrin and TPO in HSCs, which may contribute to
      maintenance of LTR activity in vivo as well as during ex vivo culture.

PMID- 22096248
TI  - The TLR-mediated response of plasmacytoid dendritic cells is positively regulated
      by estradiol in vivo through cell-intrinsic estrogen receptor alpha signaling.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce large amounts of type I interferons
      (IFN-alpha/beta) in response to viral or endogenous nucleic acids through
      activation of their endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLR-7 and TLR-9). Enhanced TLR
      7-mediated IFN-alpha production by pDCs in women, compared with men, has been
      reported, but whether sex hormones, such as estrogens, are involved in this sex
      based difference is unknown. Here we show, in humanized mice, that the TLR-7
      mediated response of human pDCs is increased in female host mice relative to
      male. In a clinical trial, we establish that treatment of postmenopausal women
      with 17beta-estradiol markedly enhances TLR-7- and TLR-9-dependent production of
      IFN-alpha by pDCs stimulated by synthetic ligands or by nucleic acid-containing
      immune complexes. In mice, we found exogenous and endogenous estrogens to promote
      the TLR-mediated cytokine secretion by pDCs through hematopoietic expression of
      estrogen receptor (ER) alpha. Genetic ablation of ERalpha gene in the DC lineage
      abrogated the enhancing effect of 17beta-estradiol on their TLR-mediated
      production of IFN-alpha, showing that estrogens directly target pDCs in vivo. Our
      results uncover a previously unappreciated role for estrogens in regulating the
      innate functions of pDCs, which may account for sex-based differences in
      autoimmune and infectious diseases.

PMID- 22096250
TI  - Monosomal karyotype in adult acute myeloid leukemia: prognostic impact and
      outcome after different treatment strategies.
AB  - We aimed to determine the prognostic impact of monosomal karyotype (MK) in acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML) in the context of the current World Health Organization
      (WHO) classification and to evaluate the outcome of MK(+) patients after
      allogeneic HSCT. Of 1058 patients with abnormal cytogenetics, 319 (30%) were MK
      MK(+). MK(+) patients were significantly older (P = .0001), had lower white blood
      counts (P = .0006), and lower percentages of BM blasts (P = .0004); MK was
      associated with the presence of -5/5q-, -7, 7q-, abnl(12p), abnl(17p), -18/18q-, 
      20/20q-, inv(3)/t(3;3), complex karyotype (CK), and myelodysplasia (MDS)-related
      cytogenetic abnormalities (P < .0001, each); and NPM1 mutations (P < .0001), FLT3
      internal tandem duplications (P < .0001), and tyrosine kinase domain mutations (P
      = .02) were less frequent in MK(+). Response to induction therapy and overall
      survival in MK(+) patients were dismal with a complete remission rate of 32.5%
      and a 4-year survival of 9%. MK retained its prognostic impact in AML with CK,
      AML with MDS-related cytogenetic abnormalities, and in a revised definition (MK
      R) excluding cases with recurrent genetic abnormalities according to WHO
      classification and those with derivative chromosomes not leading to true
      monosomies. In younger patients, allogeneic HSCT from matched related and
      unrelated donors resulted in a limited improvement of overall survival.

PMID- 22096249
TI  - Histone deacetylases mediate the silencing of miR-15a, miR-16, and miR-29b in
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) demonstrates a global down-regulation of miR
      15a and miR-16 and a selective silencing of the related miR-29b in aggressive
      disease. Deletions in chromosome 13 [del(13q14)] partially account for the loss
      of expression of miR-15a and miR-16, but the mechanisms by which miR-29b becomes
      silenced is unknown. In the present study, we show that the histone deacetylases
      (HDACs) are overexpressed in CLL and mediate the epigenetic silencing of miR-15a,
      miR-16, and miR-29b. HDAC inhibition triggered the accumulation of the
      transcriptionally activating chromatin modification H3K4me2 and restored the
      expression of miR-15a, miR-16, and miR-29b in approximately 35% of samples.
      Ectopic expression of miR-15a and miR-16 and HDAC inhibition-induced expression
      of miR-15a, miR-16, or miR-29b in primary CLL cells was associated with declines
      in the levels of Mcl-1, but not Bcl-2, mitochondrial dysfunction, and induction
      of cell death. Therefore, our results show that HDACs aberrantly silence the
      expression of the critical tumor suppressors miR-15a, miR-16, and miR-29b in CLL.
      Deacetylase inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy that restores the expression
      of these miRs to antagonize Mcl-1, an important survival protein in these cells.
      Consequently, CLL patients who exhibit such epigenetic silencing may benefit from
      HDAC inhibitor-based therapy.

PMID- 22096251
TI  - ARHGAP25, a novel Rac GTPase-activating protein, regulates phagocytosis in human
      neutrophilic granulocytes.
AB  - Members of the Rac/Rho family of small GTPases play an essential role in
      phagocytic cells in organization of the actin cytoskeleton and production of
      toxic oxygen compounds. GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) decrease the amount of
      the GTP-bound active form of small GTPases, and contribute to the control of
      biologic signals. The number of potential Rac/RhoGAPs largely exceeds the number
      of Rac/Rho GTPases and the expression profile, and their specific role in
      different cell types is largely unknown. In this study, we report for the first
      time the properties of full-length ARHGAP25 protein, and show that it is
      specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells, and acts as a RacGAP both in vitro
      and in vivo. By silencing and overexpressing the protein in neutrophil model cell
      lines (PLB-985 and CosPhoxFcgammaR, respectively) and in primary macrophages, we
      demonstrate that ARHGAP25 is a negative regulator of phagocytosis acting probably
      via modulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

PMID- 22096253
TI  - The kiss of death in FL.
AB  - In this issue of Blood, Laurent et al use 3-D confocal imaging to visualize CD8+
      T-cell lytic immune synapses in follicular lymphoma and report that this activity
      may influence progression-free survival after rituximab-chemotherapy.

PMID- 22096252
TI  - The adaptor protein Shc integrates growth factor and ECM signaling during
      postnatal angiogenesis.
AB  - Angiogenesis requires integration of cues from growth factors, extracellular
      matrix (ECM) proteins, and their receptors in endothelial cells. In the present
      study, we show that the adaptor protein Shc is required for angiogenesis in
      zebrafish, mice, and cell-culture models. Shc knockdown zebrafish embryos show
      defects in intersegmental vessel sprouting in the trunk. Shc flox/flox; Tie2-Cre
      mice display reduced angiogenesis in the retinal neovascularization model and in
      response to VEGF in the Matrigel plug assay in vivo. Functional studies reveal a
      model in which Shc is required for integrin-mediated spreading and migration
      specifically on fibronectin, as well as endothelial cell survival in response to
      VEGF. Mechanistically, Shc is required for activation of the Akt pathway
      downstream of both integrin and VEGF signaling, as well as for integration of
      signals from these 2 receptors when cells are grown on fibronectin. Therefore, we
      have identified a unique mechanism in which signals from 2 critical angiogenic
      signaling axes, integrins and VEGFR-2, converge at Shc to regulate postnatal
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 22096254
TI  - Gene mutation and AML pathogenesis.
AB  - In their large study of 1185 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Shen and
      colleagues have dissected the overlapping incidences and prognostic significances
      of mutations of the 12 genes most frequently mutated in AML,including FLT3, NPM1,
      CEBPA, KIT, N-RAS, MLL, WT1, IDH1/2, TET2, DNMT3A, and ASXL1.

PMID- 22096255
TI  - Angiogenesis: the HETE is on.
AB  - In this issue of Blood, Singh and colleagues identify HMG-CoA reductase-dependent
      farnesylation of Rac-1 as critical for 15(S)-HETE-induced angiogenesis. These
      findings establish a novel link between eicosanoid and cholesterol metabolism
      with important biologic and therapeutic implications for angiogenesis.

PMID- 22096256
TI  - How evidence based is English public health policy?

PMID- 22096257
TI  - Buffer Standards for the Biological pH of the Amino Acid N-[2
      hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N'-[3-propanesulfonic acid], HEPPS, From (278.15 to
      328.15) K.
AB  - For the HEPPS buffer under investigation, there are seven buffer solutions
      without NaCl and eight buffer solutions that contain Cl(-) and have an ionic
      strength (I = 0.16 mol.kg(-1)), which is similar to that of blood plasma. These
      buffer solutions have been evaluated in the temperature range of (278.15 to
      328.15) K using the extended Debye- Huckel equation and the Bates-Guggenheim
      convention. The previously determined E(j) values have been used to determine the
      operational pH values of HEPPS buffer solutions at (298.15 and 310.15) K. These
      are recommended as secondary standard reference solutions for pH measurements in
      saline media with an isotonic ionic strength of I = 0.16 mol.kg(-1).

PMID- 22096258
TI  - Low power, biologically benign NIR light triggers polymer disassembly.
AB  - Near infrared (NIR) irradiation can penetrate up to 10 cm deep into tissues and
      be remotely applied with high spatial and temporal precision. Despite its
      potential for various medical and biological applications, there is a dearth of
      biomaterials that are responsive at this wavelength region. Herein we report a
      polymeric material that is able to disassemble in response to biologically benign
      levels of NIR irradiation upon two-photon absorption. The design relies on the
      photolysis of the multiple pendant 4-bromo7-hydroxycoumarin protecting groups to
      trigger a cascade of cyclization and rearrangement reactions leading to the
      degradation of the polymer backbone. The new material undergoes a 50% Mw loss
      after 25 sec of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation by single photon absorption and 21
      min of NIR irradiation via two-photon absorption. Most importantly, even NIR
      irradiation at biologically benign laser power is sufficient to cause significant
      polymer disassembly. Furthermore, this material is well tolerated by cells both
      before and after degradation. These results demonstrate for the first time a NIR
      sensitive material with potential to be used for in vivo applications.

PMID- 22096259
TI  - Open Wound Healing In Vivo: Monitoring Binding and Presence of Adhesion/Growth
      Regulatory Galectins in Rat Skin during the Course of Complete Re
      Epithelialization.
AB  - Galectins are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that modulate
      inflammation and immunity. This functional versatility prompted us to perform a
      histochemical study of their occurrence during wound healing using rat skin as an
      in vivo model. Wound healing is a dynamic process that exhibits three basic
      phases: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. In this study antibodies
      against keratins-10 and -14, wide-spectrum cytokeratin, vimentin, and
      fibronectin, and non-cross-reactive antibodies to galectins-1, -2, and -3 were
      applied to frozen sections of skin specimens two days (inflammatory phase), seven
      days (proliferation phase), and twenty-one days (maturation phase) after
      wounding. The presence of binding sites for galectins-1, -2, -3, and -7 as a
      measure for assessing changes in reactivity was determined using labeled proteins
      as probes. Our study detected a series of alterations in galectin parameters
      during the different phases of wound healing. Presence of galectin-1, for
      example, increased during the early phase of healing, whereas galectin-3 rapidly
      decreased in newly formed granulation tissue. In addition, nuclear reactivity of
      epidermal cells for galectin-2 occurred seven days post-trauma. The dynamic
      regulation of galectins during re-epithelialization intimates a role of these
      proteins in skin wound healing, most notably for galectin-1 increasing during the
      early phases and galectin-3 then slightly increasing during later phases of
      healing. Such changes may identify a potential target for the development of
      novel drugs to aid in wound repair and patients' care.

PMID- 22096260
TI  - Immunohistochemical and Immunocytochemical Localization of Amylase in Rat Parotid
      Glands and von Ebner's Glands by Ion Etching-Immunoscanning Electron Microscopy.
AB  - The distribution of amylase in rat parotid glands and von Ebner's glands was
      examined using ion etching-immunoscanning electron microscopy, which enables both
      light and electron microscopic observations of identical semi-thin resin sections
      immunolabeled with anti-alpha-amylase and immunogold in association with silver
      enhancement. At the light microscopic level, most acinar secretory granules (SG)
      and striated duct secretions of parotid glands were strongly stained dark brown.
      In von Ebner's glands, acinar SG and duct secretions were weakly to strongly
      stained light to dark brown. At the electron microscopic level, labeling was
      observed as bright gold-silver particles. The labeling intensity of acinar SG of
      parotid glands was higher than that of von Ebner's glands. In parotid glands,
      weak labeling of SG in transitional cells between acini and intercalated ducts,
      very weak labeling of SG in intercalated ducts, and strong labeling of striated
      duct secretions were observed. In von Ebner's glands, the secretions and some SG
      of interlobular ducts were strongly labeled compared to those of intralobular
      ducts and SG of acini. Less amylase was synthesized in von Ebner's acini compared
      to parotid acini, whereas von Ebner's ducts may secrete significantly more
      amylase to modify saliva than parotid ducts.

PMID- 22096261
TI  - Transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the developing
      mouse eye.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied widely for their potential to
      differentiate into various lineage cells including neural cells in vitro and in
      vivo. To investigate the influence of the developing host environment on the
      integration and morphological and molecular differentiation of MSCs, human bone
      marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were transplanted into the
      developing mouse retina. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing BM
      MSCs were transplanted by intraocular injections into mice, ranging in ages from
      1 day postnatal (PN) to 10 days PN. The survival dates ranged from 7 days post
      transplantation (DPT) to 28DPT, at which time an immunohistochemical analysis was
      performed on the eyes. The transplanted BM-MSCs survived and showed morphological
      differentiation into neural cells and some processes within the host retina. Some
      transplanted cells expressed microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2ab, marker for
      mature neural cells) or glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP, marker for glial
      cells) at 5PN 7DPT. In addition, some transplanted cells integrated into the
      developing retina. The morphological and molecular differentiation and
      integration within the 5PN 7DPT eye was greater than those of other-aged host
      eye. The present findings suggest that the age of the host environment can
      strongly influence the differentiation and integration of BM-MSCs.

PMID- 22096262
TI  - Autophagy is constitutively active in normal mouse sino-atrial nodal cells.
AB  - This study was designed to examine the autophagy in sino-atrial (SA) nodal cells
      from the normal adult mouse heart. Autophagy is the cellular process responsible
      for the degradation and recycling of long-lived and/or damaged cytoplasmic
      components by lysosomal digestion. In the heart, autophagy is known to occur at a
      low level under physiological conditions, but to become upregulated when cells
      are exposed to certain stresses, such as ischemia. We examined whether the basal
      level of autophagy in SA nodal cells was different from that in ventricular or
      atrial myocytes. An ultrastructural analysis revealed that the SA nodal cells
      contained a number of autophagic vacuoles (autophagosomes) with various stages of
      degradation by lysosomal digestion, whereas the number of those in ventricular or
      atrial myocytes was either negligible or very small. The immunostaining of
      autophagosome marker microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and
      lysosome marker lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) indicated that the
      content of both autophagosomes and lysosomes were much greater in SA nodal cells
      than in ordinary cardiomyocytes. Our results provide evidence that the autophagy
      is active in normal SA nodal cells, which is not a stress-activated process but a
      constitutive event in the mouse heart.

PMID- 22096263
TI  - Replication Banding Patterns in Human Chromosomes Detected Using 5-ethynyl-2'
      deoxyuridine Incorporation.
AB  - A novel technique using the incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) into
      replicating DNA is described for the analysis of replicating banding patterns of
      human metaphase chromosomes. Human lymphocytes were synchronized with excess
      thymidine and treated with EdU during the late S phase of the cell cycle. The
      incorporated EdU was then detected in metaphase chromosomes using Alexa Fluor(r)
      488 azides, through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of organic azides with
      the terminal acetylene group of EdU. Chromosomes with incorporated EdU showed a
      banding pattern similar to G-banding of normal human chromosomes. Imaging by
      atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid conditions showed that the structure of
      the chromosomes was well preserved even after EdU treatment. Comparison between
      fluorescence microscopy and AFM images of the same chromosome 1 indicated the
      presence of ridges and grooves in the chromatid arm, features that have been
      previously reported in relation to G-banding. These results suggest an intimate
      relationship between EdU-induced replication bands and G- or R-bands in human
      chromosomes. This technique is thus useful for analyzing the structure of
      chromosomes in relation to their banding patterns following DNA replication in
      the S phase.

PMID- 22096264
TI  - Experimental and theoretical advances in prosody: A review.
AB  - Research on prosody has recently become an important focus in various
      disciplines, including Linguistics, Psychology, and Computer Science. This
      article reviews recent research advances on two key issues: prosodic phrasing and
      prosodic prominence. Both aspects of prosody are influenced by linguistic factors
      such as syntactic constituent structure, semantic relations, phonological rhythm,
      pragmatic considerations, and also by processing factors such as the length,
      complexity or predictability of linguistic material. Our review summarizes recent
      insights into the production and perception of these two components of prosody
      and their grammatical underpinnings. While this review only covers a subset of a
      broader set of research topics on prosody in cognitive science, they are
      representative of a tendency in the field toward a more interdisciplinary
      approach.

PMID- 22096265
TI  - Accent detection is a slippery slope: Direction and rate of F0 change drives
      listeners' comprehension.
AB  - The present study tests whether listeners use F0, duration, or some combination
      of the two to identify the presence of an accented word in a short discourse.
      Participants' eye movements to previously mentioned and new objects were
      monitored as participants listened to instructions to move objects in a display.
      The name of the target object on critical trials was resynthesized from naturally
      produced utterances so that it had either high or low F0 and either long or short
      duration. Fixations to the new object were highest when there was a steep rise in
      F0. Fixations to the previously mentioned object were highest when there was a
      steep drop in F0. These results suggest that listeners use F0 slope to make
      decisions about the presence of an accent, and that F0 and duration by themselves
      do not solely determine accent interpretation.

PMID- 22096266
TI  - Distributed impact of cognitive-communication impairment: Disruptions in the use
      of definite references when speaking to individuals with amnesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Definite references signal a speaker's belief that a listener can
      uniquely identify the referent (e.g., the dog, as the only dog among a group of
      animals). Clark's (1992) collaborative referencing model provides a way to
      examine the speaker's display of confidence that his/her reference will be
      understood by the listener without further clarification. We previously found
      that amnesia participants, as directors in a barrier task with a familiar
      partner, used referencing forms that displayed less confidence than forms used by
      comparison participants. If this is an interactional consequence of managing the
      memory impairment (as opposed to a language deficit), we should also expect a
      decrease in definite referencing by their partners.  AIMS: To examine the use of
      definite references by healthy non-brain-damaged participants when speaking to
      their memory-impaired partner during repeated trials of a barrier task.  METHODS
      #ENTITYSTARTX00026; PROCEDURES: We replicated our previous work with 11 of the
      same participant pairs-6 individuals with hippocampal amnesia and 5 comparison
      participants-each of whom was paired with a familiar partner of their choosing.
      Focusing on the productions of the partners (i.e., partners became directors) we
      (1) coded referential expressions as definite or indefinite; (2) tracked changes
      in the use of indefinite and definite references across trials; and (3) compared
      data to previous analyses (when amnesia participants were directors).  OUTCOMES
      #ENTITYSTARTX00026; RESULTS: The productions of comparison pairs were
      overwhelming definite (95%, 1359). In sharp contrast, partners of the amnesia
      participants used a definite initiating reference less than half the time (48%,
      825), when speaking to their memory-impaired partner and used definite references
      that signalled a lack of confidence more often and across more trials. 
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the assumption that disruptions in language
      and-memory-in-use are not limited to the productions of the individuals with
      amnesia, but rather extend to the discourse of their communication partners.
      Observing disruptions in the use of definite references of individuals with
      intact language and declarative memory, when communicating with their partner
      with amnesia, points to the complex interaction of memory and language. Even when
      attention is paid to grammatical forms, the decisions are never linguistic alone.

PMID- 22096267
TI  - Shyness and Vocabulary: The Roles of Executive Functioning and Home Environmental
      Stimulation.
AB  - Although shyness has often been found to be negatively related to vocabulary, few
      studies have examined the processes that produce or modify this relation. The
      present study examined executive functioning skills and home environmental
      stimulation as potential mediating and moderating mechanisms. A sample of 3.5
      year-old children (N=254) were administered executive functioning tasks and a
      vocabulary test during a laboratory visit. Mothers completed questionnaires
      assessing child shyness and home environmental stimulation. Our primary
      hypothesis was that executive functioning mediates the association between
      shyness and vocabulary, and home environmental stimulation moderates the relation
      between executive functioning and vocabulary. Alternative hypotheses were also
      tested. Results indicated that children with better executive functioning skills
      developed stronger vocabularies when reared in more, versus less, stimulating
      environments. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of the role of
      shyness, executive functioning, and home environmental stimulation in early
      vocabulary development.

PMID- 22096268
TI  - Dual Processes in Decision Making and Developmental Neuroscience: A Fuzzy-Trace
      Model.
AB  - From Piaget to the present, traditional and dual-process theories have predicted
      improvement in reasoning from childhood to adulthood, and improvement has been
      observed. However, developmental reversals-that reasoning biases emerge with
      development -have also been observed in a growing list of paradigms. We explain
      how fuzzy-trace theory predicts both improvement and developmental reversals in
      reasoning and decision making. Drawing on research on logical and quantitative
      reasoning, as well as on risky decision making in the laboratory and in life, we
      illustrate how the same small set of theoretical principles apply to typical
      neurodevelopment, encompassing childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and to
      neurological conditions such as autism and Alzheimer's disease. For example,
      framing effects-that risk preferences shift when the same decisions are phrases
      in terms of gains versus losses-emerge in early adolescence as gist-based
      intuition develops. In autistic individuals, who rely less on gist-based
      intuition and more on verbatim-based analysis, framing biases are attenuated
      (i.e., they outperform typically developing control subjects). In adults, simple
      manipulations based on fuzzy-trace theory can make framing effects appear and
      disappear depending on whether gist-based intuition or verbatim-based analysis is
      induced. These theoretical principles are summarized and integrated in a new
      mathematical model that specifies how dual modes of reasoning combine to produce
      predictable variability in performance. In particular, we show how the most
      popular and extensively studied model of decision making-prospect theory-can be
      derived from fuzzy-trace theory by combining analytical (verbatim-based) and
      intuitive (gist-based) processes.

PMID- 22096269
TI  - Bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidenes) (i-bitz) as Stable 1,4-Bidentate Ligands Based on
      Mesoionic Carbenes (MICs).
AB  - Direct metalation of bis(1,2,3-triazolium) salts affords mononuclear rhodium(I)
      complexes, which feature a 1,4-bidentate bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene) (i-bitz)
      ligand. The topology of the ligand is similar to 2,2'-bipyridines (bpy) and their
      congeners, as well as bis(1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidenes) (bitz). As the former, but in
      contrast to the latter, the free i-bitz can be isolated, which paves the way for
      various applications.

PMID- 22096270
TI  - Problem Drinking, Unemployment, and Intimate Partner Violence among a Sample of
      Construction Industry Workers and their Partners.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to determine the contribution of male unemployment
      and each partner's problem drinking to risk for male-to-female partner violence
      (MFPV) and female-to-male partner violence (FMPV) among a sample of construction
      industry workers and their spouses/partners. Participants in the sample (n=848
      couples) completed cross-sectional health behavior surveys. Multivariate logistic
      regression models of MFPV and FMPV, with adjustment for demographic and
      psychosocial variables, were developed. Approximately 20% of couples reported
      MFPV, and 24% reported FMPV. Results indicated that couples in which the male was
      a problem drinker, and in which the male worker reported being currently
      unemployed, were at risk for MFPV. Number of months unemployed by the male worker
      was significantly associated with FMPV, but problem drinking was not associated
      with this outcome. Male and female impulsivity were significantly associated with
      risk for MFPV and FMPV, and the male's report of adverse childhood events was
      associated with increased likelihood of MFPV. There was no evidence for the
      effects of unemployment being moderated (exacerbated) by problem drinking.
      Workplace-based prevention efforts may be a feasible and important strategy to
      reduce problem drinking and partner violence among high-risk occupational groups.

PMID- 22096271
TI  - AUDIO-CASI: Hardware and Software Considerations in Adding Sound to a Computer
      Assisted Interviewing System.
AB  - This article reviews a multimedia application in the area of survey measurement
      research: adding audio capabilities to a computer-assisted interviewing system.
      Hardware and software issues are discussed, and potential hardware devices that
      operate from DOS platforms are reviewed. Three types of hardware devices are
      considered: PCMCIA devices, parallel port attachments, and laptops with built-in
      sound.

PMID- 22096272
TI  - Anesthesia : Contributing to pollution?

PMID- 22096273
TI  - Prevention of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.

PMID- 22096274
TI  - Psychiatric diseases: Need for an increased awareness among the
      anesthesiologists.
AB  - Psychological disorders and psychiatric diseases have been on the rise since the
      last three decades. An increasing number of such patients are encountered
      nowadays for elective or emergency surgery. A multi-array of challenges are faced
      while anesthetizing these patients or treating them in an intensive care unit.
      The problems include the deteriorated mental physiology, altered cognition and
      the possible drug interactions with psychotropic medications. The challenge
      starts from the preoperative assessment stage. Knowledge of the pharmacological
      profile of the various anti-psychotic drugs, their side-effects and drug
      interactions are of prime importance for an anesthesiologist to facilitate smooth
      delivery of anesthesia in such patients. It is important to formulate a clear
      plan to deal with any challenge in the perioperative or postoperative period. All
      the clinical aspects and various definitions of mental disorders in the present
      article have been used as per the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). We reviewed the advances in
      psychiatric diseases, their treatment and their implications on delivery of
      anesthesia.

PMID- 22096275
TI  - A systematic review of the effects of sedatives and anesthetics in patients with
      obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - The objective of this review is to determine the effects of perioperative
      sedatives and anesthetics in surgical patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
      on respiratory events, medication requirements, hemodynamics, pain, emergence,
      and hospital stay. We searched The Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled
      Trials, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1950 to
      June 2010 for relevant articles. All prospective and retrospective studies were
      eligible for inclusion if the effects of perioperative administration of sedation
      and anesthetics on medication requirements, pain, emergence, hemodynamics,
      respiratory events, and length of hospital stay in OSA patients were reported.
      The search strategy yielded 18 studies of 1467 patients. Of these, 456 patients
      were documented as having OSA. Few adverse respiratory effects were reported.
      Eight out of 700 (1.14%) patients undergoing middle ear surgery with midazolam
      and fentanyl had impaired upper airway patency and were retrospectively diagnosed
      as having OSA by polysomnography. Also, intraoperative snoring causing uvular
      edema in the postoperative period was described in an OSA patient undergoing
      upper limb surgery when propofol was administered with midazolam and fentanyl for
      sedation. A decrease in oxygen saturation in the postoperative period was
      described with propofol and isoflurane in 21 OSA patients undergoing uvulo-palato
      pharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy surgery (P<0.05). Perioperative alpha 2 agonists
      were shown to decrease the use of anesthetics (P<0.05), analgesics (P=0.008) and
      anti-hypertensives (P<0.001) in OSA patients. Contradictory reports regarding
      emergence occurred with intraoperative dexmedetomidine. Intraoperative opioids
      decreased the analgesic consumption (P=0.03) and pain scores (P<0.05) in the
      postoperative period. There was limited data on the length of hospital stay.
      There were few adverse effects reported when patients with known OSA underwent
      elective surgery with the currently available sedatives and anesthetics. Adverse
      events were reported with midazolam. However, the quality and number of patients
      in the studies were limited. There is a need for further trials with large
      numbers and uniform reporting of outcomes.

PMID- 22096276
TI  - Combined spinal epidural and epidural volume extension: Interaction of patient
      position and hyperbaric bupivacaine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous trials have documented failure of block augmentation with
      epidural volume extension, when applied after the intrathecal injection of
      hyperbaric bupivacaine was made in sitting position. However, there is no study
      comparing the effect of change in patient position during block performance, on
      the results of epidural volume extension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was
      conducted in two parts in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I
      or II parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section under regional
      anesthesia. In the first part, 28 patients were randomized to one of the two
      groups, depending on whether epidural volume extension was applied following the
      block in sitting (group SE) or lateral position (group LE) (n=14 each). In the
      second part of the study another 28 patients were recruited and randomized to
      receive the block in sitting (group S) or lateral (group L) position (n=14 each),
      without epidural volume extension. All patients received combined spinal epidural
      block using needle-through-needle technique with intrathecal injection of 9 mg
      hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) and 10 MUg fentanyl. Epidural volume extension was
      performed using 5 ml normal saline in groups SE and LE. RESULTS: In the first
      part of the study, the maximum sensory block level was higher in group LE vs. SE
      (P<0.05). In the second part of the study, no significant difference was seen in
      the maximum sensory level between group S and group L (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: If
      epidural volume extension is being applied with intention of rapid extension of
      sensory block when hyperbaric bupivacaine has been injected intrathecally, the
      combined spinal epidural block should be performed in lateral position rather
      than in the sitting position.

PMID- 22096277
TI  - Bier's block using lignocaine and butorphanol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioids are most commonly used as adjuncts in intravenous regional
      anesthesia (IVRA) to improve the quality of intraoperative and postoperative
      analgesia. There is paucity of literature on the use of butorphanol in IVRA.
      AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the likely benefits of addition of
      butorphanol to lignocaine in Bier's block in terms of onset and duration of
      sensory block and also for analgesic requirement in postoperative period.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A randomized double blind study was conducted at Tertiary
      Care Educational Institute. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 40 adult ASA I or II
      patients scheduled to undergo upper limb surgery were randomized in two groups
      (n=20). Group I received 3 mg/kg of lignocaine alone and group II received 1 mg
      butorphanol in addition to 3 mg/kg lignocaine. Sensory block onset time and time
      to recovery from sensory block after tourniquet deflation were noted using the
      pin prick method. Duration of postoperative analgesia was noted using a visual
      analogue scale. All the patients were compared for the time to first rescue
      analgesic consumption and total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours
      postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was done
      using unpaired Student's t-test. RESULTS: Our study showed significant
      prolongation of postoperative analgesia in group II as noted by the time to first
      analgesic requirement. Total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours
      postoperatively was less in group II. Sensory block onset time and time to
      recovery from sensory block after tourniquet deflation, did not show any
      significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of
      butorphanol to lignocaine in IVRA significantly prolongs the duration of
      postoperative analgesia and 24 hours analgesic consumption is less in patients
      receiving butorphanol along with lignocaine in IVRA. However, there is no effect
      on sensory block onset time and time to recovery from sensory block.

PMID- 22096278
TI  - Role of hydrocortisone in prevention of pain on propofol injection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain following intravenous injection of propofol
      continues to be an intriguing problem. None of the commonly used methods
      completely attenuate the pain. Inflammatory response to propofol contributes to
      the pain. Role of hydrocortisone in attenuating pain has not been evaluated. This
      study was conducted to compare the efficacy of lignocaine and hydrocortisone in
      attenuation of pain following intravenous injection of propofol. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study was
      conducted on 72 adult patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists
      (ASA) physical status I or II, scheduled to undergo elective surgery. They were
      randomly assigned to four groups of 18 each. Group NS, group LG, group HC10, and
      group HC25. The groups received 2 ml normal saline, 2 ml 2% lignocaine, 10 mg/2
      ml hydrocortisone, and 25 mg/2 ml hydrocortisone, respectively, as pretreatment.
      Propofol was injected 30 sec later. A blinded researcher assessed the patient's
      pain level using a four point verbal rating scale. RESULTS: The four groups were
      comparable in respect to patient's characteristics. There was no significant
      difference of hemodynamics changes during propofol induction between all the
      groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of
      pain between patients who received hydrocortisone and the placebo group. The
      incidence of pain was significantly less in group LG than other three groups.
      CONCLUSION: Use of intravenous low dose hydrocortisone pretreatment of the vein
      does not attenuate pain following propofol injection.

PMID- 22096279
TI  - Hemodynamic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Effect of two
      different doses of intravenous clonidine premedication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clonidine has emerged as an attractive premedication desirable in
      laparoscopic surgery wherein significant hemodynamic stress response is seen. The
      minimum safe and effective dose of intravenous clonidine to attenuate the
      hemodynamic stress response during laparoscopic surgery has however not yet been
      determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind
      controlled study was conducted on 90 adults of ASA physical status I and II,
      scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Patients
      were randomized to one of the three groups (n= 30). Group I received 100 ml of
      normal saline, while groups II and III received 1 MUg/ kg and 2 MUg/ kg of
      clonidine respectively, intravenous, in 100 ml of normal saline along. All
      patients received glycopyrrolate 0.004 mg/kg and tramadol 1.5 mg/kg
      intravenously, 30 min before induction. Hemodynamic variables (heart rate,
      systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure), SpO2, and sedation score were
      recorded at specific timings. MAP above 20% from baseline was considered
      significant and treated with nitroglycerine. RESULTS: In group I, there was a
      significant increase in hemodynamic variables during intubation pneumoperitoneum
      and extubation (P<0.001). Clonidine given 1 MUg/kg intravenous attenuated
      hemodynamic stress response to pneumoperitoneum (P<0.05), but not that associated
      with intubation and extubation. Clonidine 2 MUg/kg intravenous prevented
      hemodynamic stress response to pneumoperitoneum and that associated with
      intubation and extubation (P<0.05). As against 14 and 2 patients in groups I and
      II respectively, no patient required nitroglycerine infusion in group III.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clonidine, 2 MUg/ kg intravenously, 30 min before induction is safe
      and effective in preventing the hemodynamic stress response during laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.

PMID- 22096280
TI  - The analgesic efficacy of peritubal infiltration of 0.25% bupivacaine in
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy - A prospective randomized study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a routine endourologic procedure in
      patients with renal stones. Although it is less painful than open surgery, good
      postoperative analgesia is required to alleviate pain around nephrostomy tube.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty ASA grade I patients, 18 to 60 years of age, of
      either sex were randomized to receive 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine (group S) or 20
      ml of normal saline (group C) through 23-gauge spinal needle along the
      nephrostomy tube under fluroscopic guidance at the end of the surgery.
      Postoperative pain score was assessed by visual and dynamic visual analog scores.
      When the scores were >=4, rescue analgesia was given in the form of tramadol 1
      mg/kg i.v. upto maximum 400 mg in 24 hours. Time to first demand analgesia and
      total dose of tramadol in first 24 hours was noted. RESULTS: Pain scores at rest
      and during coughing as well as rescue analgesic requirements for first 24 hours
      were significantly less in the bupivacaine group than those of the control group
      (P < 0.05). The first request for demand analgesia was around 9 hours in group S,
      while in group C it was around 2.6 hours (P < 0.05). Total requirement of
      tramadol in group S was 119.3 mg and in C group it was 276.8 mg (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Peritubal infiltration of 0.25% bupivacaine is efficient in
      alleviating postoperative pain after PCNL.

PMID- 22096281
TI  - Preventive analgesia: Effect of small dose of ketamine on morphine requirement
      after renal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N-methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors seem to be responsible for pain
      memory and their blockade can contribute significantly in prevention of pain.
      This study was conducted to evaluate the preventive effect of small dose of
      ketamine, a NMDA receptor blocker, given before skin incision in renal surgery,
      with the aim to compare analgesic efficacy, intra operative and post-operative
      side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective double-blind study, 60
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk I and II adult patients
      scheduled for elective open renal surgeries by flank incision were randomly
      divided in two groups. Ketamine group (group K) received ketamine 0.15 mg/kg
      intravenously, 30 minute before start of surgery followed by infusion of ketamine
      2 mcg/kg/min till start of skin closure. Control group (group C) received normal
      saline in place of ketamine. Both groups received morphine 0.15 mg/ kg i.v. at
      the time of skin closure. The analgesic efficacy was judged by visual analogue
      scale (VAS) at rest and on movement, time to first analgesic and morphine
      consumption in 24 hours. Opioid or ketamine related side effects were also
      recorded. RESULTS: Patients in ketamine group had significantly lower VAS score,
      longer time to first analgesic (21.6 +/- 0.12 Vs 3.8 +/- 0.7 hrs), and lower
      morphine consumption (5.8 +/- 1.48 Vs 18.1 +/- 1.6 mg) in 24 hours. There were no
      demonstrable side effects related to ketamine in group K whereas incidence of
      nausea and vomiting was higher in group C. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate
      that small dose of ketamine decreases post-operative pain, reduces morphine
      consumption, and delays patients request for analgesia beyond the clinical
      duration of action of ketamine after open renal surgery.

PMID- 22096282
TI  - Pre-emptive oral dexmethorphan reduces fentanyl-induced cough as well as
      immediate postoperative adrenocortico-tropic hormone and growth hormone level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fentanyl-induced cough is not always benign and brief and can be
      remarkably troublesome, spasmodic, and explosive. Dextromethorphan, an opioid
      derivative with an antitussive action, may be effective in reducing the fentanyl
      induced cough. Dextromethorphan, a N-methyl D aspartate receptor antagonist, may
      have some effect on diminishing the stress response to surgery. This study was
      undertaken to determine whether preoperative dextromethorphan could effectively
      attenuate its incidence, severity, and effect on postoperative stress hormone
      levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and twenty patients of American
      society of anesthesiologists I-II, aged 18-60 years, undergoing elective
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendicectomy were randomly allocated into two
      groups (Group C, control; Group D, dextromethorphan) consisting of 160 patients
      each. Patients in Group D received dextromethorphan 40 mg orally and in Group C
      received placebo tablets 60 minutes before induction of anesthesia. The incidence
      of cough was recorded for 1 minute after fentanyl injection and graded as none
      (0), mild (1-2), moderate (3-5), and severe (>5 cough). Blood samples were
      collected for estimation of stress hormone levels before surgery and again at 1
      hour and 24 hours postoperatively and compared. The appearance of adverse
      reactions was recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of reflex fentanyl cough was lower
      in dextromethorphan group (3.9%) in comparison to placebo (59.8%). Five patients
      developed mild and one moderate cough in the dextromethorphan group. In the
      control group, 31 patients developed mild, 29 moderate, and 32 severe cough. The
      stress hormones were significantly higher at 1 hour and 24 hours postoperatively
      in both groups in comparison to its preoperative values. However, at 1 hour
      postoperatively, adrenocorticotropic hormone, epinephrine, and growth hormone
      values were significantly low in the dextromethorphan group (61.5 +/- 21.1 pg/
      ml, 142.1 +/- 11.2 pg/ml, and 3.8 +/- 0.7 ng/ml) relative to the control group
      (73.4 +/- 21.9 pg/ml, 158.9 +/- 17.9 pg/ml, and 4.2 +/- 1.3 ng/ml), but changes
      became insignificant at 24 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative oral
      dextromethorphan 40 mg decreased the incidence and severity of fentanyl induced
      cough and reduced the rise in stress hormones at 1 hour postoperatively.

PMID- 22096283
TI  - Comparative study of intrathecal dexmedetomidine with intrathecal magnesium
      sulfate used as adjuvants to bupivacaine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No drug, used as adjuvant to spinal bupivacaine, has yet been
      identified that specifically inhibits nociception without its associated side
      effects. AIMS: This prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted to
      evaluate the onset and duration of sensory and motor block as well as
      perioperative analgesia and adverse effects of dexmedetomidine and magnesium
      sulfate given intrathecally with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal
      anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients classified as American
      Society of Anesthesiologists status I and II scheduled for lower abdominal and
      lower limb procedures were prospectively studied. Patients were randomly
      allocated to receive intrathecally either 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.1
      ml (10 MUg) dexmedetomidine (group D, n=30) or 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine plus
      0.1 ml (50 mg) magnesium sulfate (group M, n=30) or 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine
      plus 0.1 ml saline (group C, n=30) as control. The onset time to reach peak
      sensory and motor level, the regression time for sensory and motor block,
      hemodynamic changes and side-effects were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:
      All statistical analyses were performed using INSTAT for windows. Continuous
      variables were tested for normal distribution by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
      Data was expressed as either mean and standard deviation or numbers and
      percentages. Continuous covariates (age, body mass index and height) were
      compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the times to reach T10
      dermatomes, Bromage 3 scale and the regression of the sensory block to S1
      dermatome and Bromage scale 0, one-way ANOVA was used to compare the means. The
      level of significance used was P<0.05. RESULTS: The onset times to reach T10
      dermatome and to reach peak sensory level as well as onset time to reach modified
      Bromage 3 motor block were significantly different in the three groups. The onset
      time to reach peak sensory and motor level was shorter in group D as compared
      with the control group C, and it was significantly prolonged in group M. We also
      found that patients in group D had significant longer sensory and motor block
      times than patients in group M, which was greater than in the control group C.
      CONCLUSION: It was found that onset of anesthesia was rapid and of prolonged
      duration in the dexmedetomidine group (D). However, in the magnesium sulfate
      group (M), although onset of block was delayed, the duration was significantly
      prolonged as compared with the control group (C), but to a lesser degree than in
      the dexmedetomidine group (D). The groups were similar with respect to
      hemodynamic variables and there were no significant side-effects in either of the
      groups.

PMID- 22096284
TI  - Effect of intraoperative depth of anesthesia on postoperative pain and analgesic
      requirement: A randomized prospective observer blinded study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative depth of anesthesia may affect postoperative pain
      relief. This prospective, randomized, and observer-blinded study assessed the
      effect of intraoperative depth of anesthesia on the postoperative pain and
      analgesic requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients were randomly divided into two
      groups of 40 each. A standard technique for anesthesia was followed in all
      patients. Depth of anesthesia was monitored by bispectral index (BIS) and
      adjusted with 0.5 to 1.5% isoflurane in group S by addition of propofol in group
      B, if required, to maintain a BIS value of 45 to 40. Postoperative analgesia was
      provided by tramadol 1 mg/kg every 6 hours and rescue analgesia by morphine
      boluses. Postoperative pain was assessed by Visual analogue scale score at 0, 8,
      16, and 24 hours. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics were comparable in
      both groups. The mean BIS value in Group S was 63.32 +/- 11.43 and 45.06 +/-
      15.31 in Group B, well in the range of 40 to 60, reflecting adequate hypnotic
      effect for general anesthesia. The mean arterial pressure was low in group B
      throughout the surgery (P<0.05-0.001). The pain score were lower in group B at 0
      and 8 hours postoperatively when compared with group S (P<0.05). The rescue
      analgesic requirement was less in group B, compared with group S (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Maintaining BIS to a value of 45 to 40 throughout the surgery results
      in better postoperative pain relief and decreased requirement of rescue analgesic
      without any untoward effect.

PMID- 22096285
TI  - Student assessment of teaching effectiveness of "bundle of changes"-A paired,
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inching toward optimum patient safety by training personnel is the
      prime aim of the ongoing medical education. AIMS: To assess whether lectures
      targeted to improve quality care in ICU could improve ICU practitioners'
      knowledge levels and to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: In this paired controlled trial, 50 ICU practitioners, i.e., anesthesia
      and medicine residents and nursing staff of our hospital attended a series of
      four lectures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants enrolled in the study attended
      lectures on bundles of changes in ICU, namely, introduction, ventilator bundle,
      central line bundle, and catheter-related blood stream infections and severe
      sepsis bundle. They were given a questionnaire of 15 multiple choice questions
      prior to and after the lectures. We evaluated their immediate knowledge
      acquisition and retention recall. Subsequently, they evaluated the effectiveness
      of the teaching programme by a questionnaire of 10 multiple choice questions.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data for statistical analysis were tabulated and
      analyzed using SPSS-Pc 11.5 version software. RESULTS: Fifty study participants
      completed all three questionnaires. There was an increase in the overall mean
      score in the post-lecture test (4.58 + 1.51 SD) (P < 0.001). Overall mean score
      increased significantly from 8.30 + 1.34 SD in THE pre-lecture test - to 12.02 +
      1.61 SD in the postlecture re-test (3.72 + 1.39 SD) (P < 0.001). In the
      evaluation of teaching effectiveness 88% respondents agreed to most of the
      questions, signifying the effectiveness of the lectures. However, there were 10%
      who disagreed to the questions and only 2% strongly disagreed to all the
      questions. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching programmes such as the "bundle of changes" are
      effective in improving immediate knowledge acquisition and retention recall of
      the participants if designed keeping the target audience in mind.

PMID- 22096286
TI  - Patient's experiences and satisfaction with preanesthesia services: A prospective
      audit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction with the medical services is an important
      indicator of quality of healthcare but is seldom given importance in our country.
      It is difficult to measure patient satisfaction, especially in pre- and
      perioperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this audit by means of
      a questionnaire designed to assess preanesthetic clinic services in a large
      government hospital. A total of 200 patients were randomly selected to respond to
      a multiple item questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A database was created and
      analyzed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: 95% patients filled the proforma. Most
      of the patients (60%) were not aware of the purpose of visit to preanesthetic
      clinic. Majority of them were attended in time by the doctors but most of them
      (60%) received fitness after 2 to 3 visits. Majority was not explained about the
      preanesthesia instructions. Most of them were not satisfied by amenities in
      hospital. Several studies have shown that a thorough preoperative examination can
      be as effective as an anxiolytic premedication and can increase quality of care.
      In our study, location of preanesthetic clinic and unable to get fitness in first
      visit (because of lack of coordination between doctors of various specialties)
      were the major hindrances. CONCLUSION: Measures should be taken to improve the
      functioning of preanesthesia clinic and patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22096288
TI  - Effect of one minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane with and without
      fentanyl on hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug combinations can be used for optimum obtundation of the
      hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. The objective of this trial was to
      compare the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation after
      administration of 2 MUg/kg fentanyl bolus or a placebo with 2% end tidal
      sevoflurane at induction of anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70
      surgical patients of either gender, age 18-45 years were selected for this double
      blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial, with 35 in each group. All patients
      received a standardized induction with thiopentone, atracurium, and an end tidal
      concentration of 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane. Heart rate
      and noninvasive blood pressure were compared to the baseline post induction and
      for seven minutes post intubation. Some adverse events were noted. RESULTS: The
      maximum heart rate response was significantly less in the sevoflurane fentanyl
      group (15% vs. 22%). Significant difference between groups was observed in the
      systolic blood pressure at six minutes post intubation. Hemodynamic adverse
      events recorded were similar. CONCLUSION: Addition of 2 MUg fentanyl bolus to 1
      MAC sevoflurane anesthesia at induction attenuated the hemodynamic response to a
      maximum of 15% above baseline values.

PMID- 22096287
TI  - Stellate ganglion block for treatment of cerebral vasospasm in patients with
      aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage - A preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stellate ganglion block improves cerebral perfusion by decreasing the
      cerebral vascular tone. Its effects on cerebral vasospasm to relieve neurological
      deficits have not been evaluated. This prospective observational study was
      carried out to evaluate the effect of stellate ganglion block on cerebral
      hemodynamics in patients with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients of either sex,
      aged 18-75 years, who underwent surgical clipping of aneurysm and developed
      refractory cerebral vasospasm were included. Stellate ganglion block was
      performed using 10 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% on the side with maximum cerebral blood
      flow velocity. Neurological status, cerebral blood flow velocity and pulsatility
      index were assessed before and 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours
      and 24 hours after stellate ganglion block. RESULTS: Improved Glasgow coma score
      was observed 30 minutes after stellate ganglion block. Neurological deficits
      reduced in 11 patients. Ipsilateral middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity
      decreased from 133.66 cm/sec before stellate ganglion block to 110.53 cm/sec at 6
      hours (P<0.001) and 121.62 cm/sec at 24 hours (P<0.001) after stellate ganglion
      block. There was a decrease in ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery mean flow
      velocity after stellate ganglion block (P<0.001), which persisted for 12 hours. A
      decline in flow velocities was observed in contralateral middle cerebral artery
      (P=0.008) and anterior cerebral artery (P=0.041) for 12 hours. CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests stellate ganglion block to be an effective modality of treatment
      for refractory cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 22096289
TI  - Electromagnetic interference in a cardiac pacemaker during cauterization with the
      coagulating, not cutting mode.
AB  - Electromagnetic interference in pacemakers has almost always been reported in
      association with the cutting mode of monopolar electrocautery and rarely in
      association with the coagulation mode. We report a case of electrocautery-induced
      electromagnetic interference with a DDDR pacemaker (dual-chamber paced, dual
      chamber sensed, dual response to sensing, and rate modulated) in the coagulating
      and not cutting mode during a spine procedure. We also discuss the factors
      affecting intraoperative electromagnetic interference. A 74-year-old man
      experienced intraoperative electromagnetic interference that resulted in asystole
      caused by surgical electrocautery in the coagulation mode while the
      electrodispersive pad was placed at different locations and distances from the
      operating site (This electromagnetic interference did not occur during the use of
      the cutting mode). However, because of careful management, the outcome was
      favorable. Clinicians should be aware that the coagulation mode of electrocautery
      can cause electromagnetic interference and hemodynamic instability. Heightened
      vigilance and preparedness can ensure a favorable outcome.

PMID- 22096290
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin in an obese patient with renal
      insufficiency.
AB  - We report the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in an obese patient with renal
      insufficiency using pharmacokinetic equations, and comparing them with actual
      levels. A 47-year-old man with morbid obesity had a complicated hospital course
      with acute renal failure. Due to sputum growth of coagulase-negative
      Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin 1500 mg intravenously twice daily was given
      empirically. Peak and trough plasma concentrations were drawn at steady state.
      Based on levels, true pharmacokinetic parameters for the patient were calculated
      using equations. This revealed that calculating individual pharmacokinetic
      parameters using equations may be a valid tool for dosing vancomycin in obese
      patients with renal insufficiency.

PMID- 22096291
TI  - Foreign body removal with repair of iatrogenic tracheo-bronchial tear repair: An
      anesthetic challenge.
AB  - Foreign body aspiration into the airway is common in the pediatric age group and
      its anesthetic management is a challenge. Iatrogenic tracheo-bronchial injury
      further worsens the situation. Flexible pediatric fiberscope is the gold standard
      for securing the airway in cases of airway injury. We present a case of a 7-year
      old girl who presented to the hospital with signs and symptoms of foreign body
      aspiration and suspected tracheo-bronchial tree injury. The impacted foreign body
      was removed by rigid bronchoscopy and the presence of a tracheo-bronchial tear
      was confirmed. To repair the airway tear, thoracotomy was planned necessitating
      one lung ventilation. A pediatric flexible fiberscope was not available, so left
      endobronchial intubation for one lung ventilation was done with the help of an
      airway exchange catheter using a rigid bronchoscope as a conduit. Subsequent
      intra-operative and post-operative period were uneventful.

PMID- 22096292
TI  - Antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery stents for noncardiac
      surgery: Role of thromboelastography.
AB  - The perioperative course of the patients who have undergone coronary stent
      placement was studied. These patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy and were
      posted for noncardiac surgery. Clopidogrel had been discontinued for a variable
      duration before noncardiac surgery. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed
      preoperatively to assess their fitness for surgery. The surgery and the
      postoperative period were uneventful in all the patients. There was no incidence
      of increased bleeding in any of the patients. Blood transfusion was not required
      in any patient. We concluded that standard TEG can be used when in dilemma about
      the fitness of the patient for surgery. Although there are clear guidelines about
      the patients who are on dual antiplatelet therapy, in clinical practice, it is
      important to weigh the risk-benefit to the advantage of the patient. If we stop
      the dual antiplatelet therapy in a patient with drug eluting stent within 1 year
      of implantation, the risk of major adverse cardiac event increases many fold. If
      we continue clopidogrel and aspirin during surgery, the risk of bleeding
      increases but is not life-threatening, except when surgery is performed in closed
      spaces. Thus, to continue dual antiplatelet medication intraoperatively is better
      than to stop it. If the medicine has to be withheld, it should be withheld for
      the minimal possible duration and a TEG should be performed.

PMID- 22096293
TI  - Arrhythmias following spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery - Is Wenckebach
      common?
AB  - Arrhythmias in pregnancy are common and may cause concern for the well-being of
      both mother and fetus. Generally, no previous history of heart disease is
      elicited and majority of the arrhythmias are benign. Bradycardia is commonly seen
      following subarachnoid block for cesarean section. However, the incidence of
      subsequent heart block is low. This case report highlights the occurrence of
      perioperative arrhythmias following sympathetic blockade in pregnant patients and
      their early detection by vigilant monitoring.

PMID- 22096294
TI  - Use of intubating laryngeal mask airway in a morbidly obese patient with chest
      trauma in an emergency setting.
AB  - A morbidly obese male who sustained blunt trauma chest with bilateral
      pneumothorax was referred to the intensive care unit for management of his
      condition. Problems encountered in managing the patient were gradually increasing
      hypoxemia (chest trauma with multiple rib fractures with lung contusions) and
      difficult mask ventilation and intubation (morbid obesity, heavy jaw, short and
      thick neck). We performed awake endotracheal intubation using an intubating
      laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) size 4 and provided mechanical ventilation to the
      patient. This report suggests that ILMA can be very useful in the management of
      difficult airway outside the operating room and can help in preventing adverse
      events in an emergency setting.

PMID- 22096295
TI  - Anesthetic management of a patient with sickle cell disease for common bile duct
      exploration.
AB  - Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may present to the anesthetist in
      different clinical settings like perioperative care, management of acute painful
      crisis and intensive therapy for acute respiratory failure. We describe the
      successful management of a 34-year-old female patient with SCD, posted for
      cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration under general and epidural
      anesthesia. The importance of preoperative stabilization and careful anesthetic
      strategy is emphasized.

PMID- 22096296
TI  - Successful anesthetic management of a child with blepharophimosis syndrome and
      atrial septal defect for reconstructive ocular surgery.
AB  - Blepharophimosis syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by
      eyelid malformation, involvement of reproductive system and abnormal facial
      morphology leading to difficult airway. We report a rare association of
      blepharophimosis syndrome and atrial septal defect in a 10-year-old girl who came
      for reconstruction surgery of eyelid. The child had dyspnea on exertion. Atrial
      septal defect was identified preoperatively by clinical examination and
      echocardiography. Anesthesia management was complicated by failure in laryngeal
      mask airway placement and Cobra perilaryngeal airway was subsequently used.

PMID- 22096297
TI  - Remifentanil apnea: Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Remifentanil is an opioid analgesic frequently used in intensive care patients
      because of its rapid onset of action, potency, and ultra-short duration. If an
      excessive dose is given, it leads to rapid, short lasting, potentially life
      threatening side effects such as apnea, bradycadia, hypotension, and rigidity,
      following rapid peak serum levels. We report a 36-year-old woman developing apnea
      with bradycardia and hypotension, following an infusion in the central venous
      catheter lumen that had been used for remifentanil till tracheal extubation. The
      patient was immediately ventilated with bag-valve-mask and improved within 8
      minutes. She became fully awake, heart rate and blood pressure returned to
      normal, and oxygen saturation improved to 100%. Acute care physicians,
      intensivists, anesthesiologists, and critical care nurses should be aware of this
      clinical problem in order prevent it as much as possible and to initiate
      immediate resuscitative measures.

PMID- 22096298
TI  - Unilateral pulmonary edema after laparoscopic nephrectomy.
AB  - Unilateral-dependent pulmonary edema though reported in laparoscopic donor
      nephrectomies, has not been reported after laparoscopic non-donor nephrectomies.
      A 75-kg, 61-year-old man, a diagnosed case of right renal cell carcinoma was
      scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy. After establishing general anesthesia,
      the patient was positioned in the left-sided modified kidney (flank) position.
      During the 5.75-hour procedure, he was hemodynamically stable except for a
      transient drop in blood pressure immediately after positioning. Intra-abdominal
      pressure was maintained less than 15 mmHg throughout the procedure. Blood loss
      was approximately 50 mL and urine output was 100 mL in the first hour followed by
      a total of 20 mL in the next 4.75 hours. Total fluid received during the
      procedure included 1.5 L of Ringer's lactate and 1.0 L of 6% hydroxyethyl starch.
      After an uneventful procedure he developed respiratory distress in the
      postoperative period with a radiological evidence of dependent lung edema.
      Clinical and radiological improvement followed noninvasive ventilation,
      intravenous diuretics and oxygen therapy.

PMID- 22096299
TI  - Transient brachial monoparesis following epidural anesthesia for cesarean
      section.
AB  - Monoparesis following lumbar epidural block is a rare occurrence, with few cases
      reported in the literature. We report development of transient brachial
      monoparesis following epidural anesthesia in a parturient for cesarean section.
      The patient received a mixture of 15 mL of 2% lignocaine with 50 mcg fentanyl
      epidurally to achieve a blockade up to T6 level. She remained hemodynamically
      stable throughout the procedure, with no respiratory distress or desaturation.
      However, near the end of surgery, she developed weakness in the right upper limb.
      The weakness lasted for 90 min, followed by complete neurological recovery.
      Subsequent hospital stay was uneventful.

PMID- 22096300
TI  - Tumor lysis syndrome developing intraoperatively.
AB  - Tumor lysis syndrome is a potentially life threatening condition which is most
      commonly encountered in patients being treated with chemotherapy. We report a
      case of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome that developed intraoperatively in a
      patient with undiagnosed Burkitt's lymphoma. Characteristic electrolyte
      disturbances and white emulsion like urine following laparotomy and tumor
      handling intraoperatively suggested the diagnosis. This is a rare perioperative
      complication and the report emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in
      recognizing the same.

PMID- 22096301
TI  - Supraventricular tachycardia after an intercostal nerve block with bupivacaine
      treated with 10% intralipid.

PMID- 22096302
TI  - Difficult intubation in traumatic tongue bifurcation.

PMID- 22096303
TI  - Malfunctioning catheter connector: An unusual and rare cause of epidural catheter
      blockade.

PMID- 22096304
TI  - Low dose spinal anesthesia for peripartum cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22096305
TI  - An assembly to allow nebulization and oxygen enrichment of spontaneously
      breathing tracheostomized patients on T-piece.

PMID- 22096306
TI  - Intraventricular hemorrhage after ventriculoperitoneal shunt removal.

PMID- 22096307
TI  - Anesthetic management for removal of adrenocortical carcinoma with thrombus in
      the inferior vena cava extending to the right atrium.

PMID- 22096308
TI  - Comparison of propofol-based anesthesia to conventional inhalational general
      anesthesia for spine surgery-Few queries.

PMID- 22096309
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 22096310
TI  - Endotracheal tube fixation in neurosurgical procedures operated in prone
      position.

PMID- 22096311
TI  - Intubating children with giant occipital encephalocele in lateral position: Right
      or left side?

PMID- 22096312
TI  - Ventilator malfunction.

PMID- 22096314
TI  - Structure pre-requisites for isoflavones as effective antibacterial agents.
AB  - Recent reports reveal that there is increasing incidence of infections of
      multidrug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Flavonoids and related
      compounds have been shown to possess potent antimicrobial activities. Most of the
      flavonoids are considered as constitutive antimicrobial substances recently
      termed as "Phytoanticipins," especially those belonging to prenylated flavonoids
      and isoflavones. The current review highlights the structure prerequisites for
      isoflavones as antibacterial agents. Structure-activity relationship (SAR)
      conclusions have been drawn by comparing the reported minimum inhibitory
      concentration values for the various isoflavones against S. aureus and MRSA.
      There exists a significant co-relationship between the presence of certain
      functional groups (prenyl group, phenolic hydroxyl) at particular positions and
      antibacterial activity of the compounds. These trends have been postulated with a
      view of assisting better drug designing of future next-generation antiinfectives,
      particularly against the bothersome multidrug-resistant microbes. The SAR of
      these isoflavones has also proved to be a basis to explore the mechanism of
      antibacterial action. Thus, the study would prove extremely useful to synthesize
      antibacterial isoflavones in future, which would eventually be beneficial for
      optimizing the lead molecule for the antibacterial action.

PMID- 22096313
TI  - Flavonoids: A versatile source of anticancer drugs.
AB  - An exponential increase in the number of studies investigating how different
      components of the diet interact at the molecular and cellular level to determine
      the fate of a cell has been witnessed. In search for anticancer drugs compelling
      data from laboratories, epidemiologic investigations, and human clinical trials
      showed that flavonoids have important effects on cancer chemoprevention and
      chemotherapy. In many molecular mechanisms of action for prevention against
      cancer, flavonoids play a major role by interacting between different types of
      genes and enzymes. Many mechanisms of action have been identified, including
      carcinogen inactivation, antiproliferation, cell cycle arrest, induction of
      apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, antioxidation, and reversal of multidrug
      resistance or a combination of these mechanisms. This review focuses on the
      anticancer activity of flavonoids as well as their molecular mechanisms,
      including the treatment of mammary and prostate cancer. This review also
      highlights some advanced derivatives of flavonoids, which play an important role
      against cancer.

PMID- 22096315
TI  - alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from plants: A natural approach to treat diabetes.
AB  - Diabetes is a common metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high plasma
      glucose levels, leading to major complications, such as diabetic neuropathy,
      retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. One of the effective managements of
      diabetes mellitus, in particular, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
      to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia, is to retard the absorption of glucose by
      inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, such as alpha-glucosidase and
      alpha-amylase, in the digestive organs. alpha-Glucosidase is the key enzyme
      catalyzing the final step in the digestive process of carbohydrates. Hence, alpha
      glucosidase inhibitors can retard the liberation of d-glucose from dietary
      complex carbohydrates and delay glucose absorption, resulting in reduced
      postprandial plasma glucose levels and suppression of postprandial hyperglycemia.
      In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify effective alpha
      glucosidase inhibitors from natural sources in order to develop a physiologic
      functional food or lead compounds for use against diabetes. Many alpha
      glucosidase inhibitors that are phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, alkaloids,
      terpenoids,anthocyanins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and so on, have been
      isolated from plants. In the present review, we focus on the constituents
      isolated from different plants having alpha-glucosidase inhibitory potency along
      with IC50 values.

PMID- 22096316
TI  - Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension (HTN) is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is dangerous
      because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis
      (hardening of arteries), besides increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
      HTN can also lead to other conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney
      disease, and blindness. Conventional antihypertensives are usually associated
      with many side effects. About 75 to 80% of the world population use herbal
      medicines, mainly in developing countries, for primary health care because of
      their better acceptability with human body and lesser side effects. In the last
      three decades, a lot of concerted efforts have been channeled into researching
      the local plants with hypotensive and antihypertensive therapeutic values. The
      hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of some of these medicinal plants have
      been validated and others disproved. However, ayurvedic knowledge needs to be
      coupled with modern medicine and more scientific research needs to be done to
      verify the effectiveness, and elucidate the safety profile of such herbal
      remedies for their antihypertensive potential.

PMID- 22096317
TI  - Phytoestrogens in postmenopausal indications: A theoretical perspective.
AB  - This review discusses plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity. The
      authors rightly emphasize the need for the intake of foods containing
      phytoestrogens in view of their positive effects on postmenopausal indications.
      This is particularly significant in the light of the current wave of enthusiasm
      for vegetarian food, in general, and phytoestrogens, in particular.
      Phytoestrogens are plant-derived hormone-like diphenolic compounds of dietary
      origin. These compounds are weakly estrogenic and could play a role in the
      prevention of other estrogen-related conditions, namely, cardiovascular diseases,
      menopausal symptoms, postmenopausal osteoporosis, neuroprotective effects, and
      hormone-dependent cancers (breast and endometrium cancer).

PMID- 22096318
TI  - Novel approaches for stability improvement in natural medicines.
AB  - Natural product market has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. It
      results in the formulation of a number of proprietary herbal products, majority
      of them being multi-component formulations. With the advancement of herbal drug
      treatments, it has now been observed that many of the constituents present in the
      drug may react with each other, raising the serious concern about the stability
      of such formulations which is an important issue in the field of phytochemistry
      and natural medicines. Natural products are often prone to deterioration,
      especially during storage, leading to loss of active component, production of
      metabolites with no activity and, in extreme cases, production of toxic
      metabolites. This area needs to be addressed in order to determine the efficacy
      of the formulation. Understanding the problems related to natural product
      stability can give the idea of dealing with the stability issues. Modifications
      of the conventional herbal formulations can deal with the stability problems to a
      large extent. This article deals with the stability problems and is aimed to
      provide some tools and techniques to increase stability of natural medicines and
      herbal formulations.

PMID- 22096319
TI  - A review on Balanites aegyptiaca Del (desert date): phytochemical constituents,
      traditional uses, and pharmacological activity.
AB  - Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae), known as 'desert date,' is spiny
      shrub or tree up to l0 m tall, widely distributed in dry land areas of Africa and
      South Asia. It is traditionally used in treatment of various ailments i.e.
      jaundice, intestinal worm infection, wounds, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy,
      dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, asthma, and fever.
      It contains protein, lipid, carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, and
      organic acid. Present review summarizes the traditional claims, phytochemistry,
      and pharmacology of B. aegyptiaca Del reported in scientific literature.

PMID- 22096320
TI  - Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update.
AB  - Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi are the sources of cumin and caraway seeds
      respectively, which have been used since antiquity for the treatment of various
      indications in traditional healing systems in wide geographical areas. Cumin and
      caraway seeds are rich sources of essential oils and have been actively
      researched for their chemical composition and biological activities. In recent
      times (especially during the last 3 years) considerable progress has been made
      regarding validation of their acclaimed medicinal attributes by extensive
      experimental studies. In this attempt many novel bioactivities have been
      revealed. This review highlights the significance of cumin and caraway as
      potential source of diverse natural products and their medicinal applications.

PMID- 22096321
TI  - Tamarindus indica: Extent of explored potential.
AB  - Tamarindus is a monotypic genus and belongs to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of
      the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), Tamarindus indica L., commonly known as
      Tamarind tree is one of the most important multipurpose tropical fruit tree
      species in the Indian subcontinent. Tamarind fruit was at first thought to be
      produced by an Indian palm, as the name Tamarind comes from a Persian word "Tamar
      I-hind," meaning date of India. Its name "Amlika" in Sanskrit indicates its
      ancient presence in the country. T.indica is used as traditional medicine in
      India, Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria,and most of the tropical countries.
      It is used traditionally in abdominal pain, diarrhea and dysentery, helminthes
      infections, wound healing, malaria and fever, constipation, inflammation, cell
      cytotoxicity, gonorrhea, and eye diseases. It has numerous chemical values and is
      rich in phytochemicals, and hence the plant is reported to possess antidiabetic
      activity, antimicrobial activity, antivenomic activity, antioxidant activity,
      antimalarial activity, hepatoprotective activity, antiasthmatic activity,
      laxative activity, and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Every part of the plant from
      root to leaf tips is useful for human needs. Thus the aim of the present review
      is to describe its morphology, and explore the phytochemical constituents,
      commercial utilization of the parts of the plant, and medicinal and pharmacologic
      activities so that T. indica's potential as multipurpose tree species can be
      understood.

PMID- 22096322
TI  - Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview.
AB  - Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a well-known medicinal plant species from
      the Asteraceae family often referred to as the "star among medicinal species."
      Nowadays it is a highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and
      traditional medicine. Its multitherapeutic, cosmetic, and nutritional values have
      been established through years of traditional and scientific use and research.
      Chamomile has an established domestic (Indian) and international market, which is
      increasing day by day. The plant available in the market many a times is
      adulterated and substituted by close relatives of chamomile. This article briefly
      reviews the medicinal uses along with botany and cultivation techniques. Since
      chamomile is a rich source of natural products, details on chemical constituents
      of essential oil and plant parts as well as their pharmacological properties are
      included. Furthermore, particular emphasis is given to the biochemistry,
      biotechnology, market demand, and trade of the plant. This is an attempt to
      compile and document information on different aspects of chamomile and highlight
      the need for research and development.

PMID- 22096323
TI  - Ficus hispida Linn.: A review of its pharmacognostic and ethnomedicinal
      properties.
AB  - Ficus hispida (FH) Linn. is a moderate sized tree found throughout the year and
      is grown wild or cultivated for its edible fruits and folklore value.
      Traditionally, different parts of the plant have been used in the treatment of
      ulcers, psoriasis, anemia, piles jaundice, vitiligo, hemorrhage, diabetes,
      convulsion, hepatitis, dysentery, biliousness, and as lactagogue and purgative.
      FH contains wide varieties of bioactives from different phytochemical groups like
      alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, sterols, phenols, flavonoids,
      gums and mucilage, glycosides, saponins, and terpenes. Various scientific works
      have been published to establish the scientific basis of traditional medicinal
      values attributed to FH. Furthermore, newer pharmacological activities like
      antineoplastic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects
      were also reported recently. Till now, no work has been published to elaborate
      the pharmacognostic features of FH Linn. The present review is, therefore, an
      effort to give a detailed account on its pharmacognosy and phytochemistry, and an
      extensive survey on its pharmacological activities. Moreover, we are trying to
      establish the mechanism of action behind its earlier reported pharmacology. The
      review also looks at the future formulation based delivery approaches of its
      lipophilic bioactives, which is done to enhance its dissolution so as to increase
      its bioavailability, and thus the associated pharmacological action.

PMID- 22096325
TI  - Launch of Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine for the global
      scientific audience.

PMID- 22096326
TI  - Orodispersible tablets: A new trend in drug delivery.
AB  - The most common and preferred route of drug administration is through the oral
      route. Orodispersible tablets are gaining importance among novel oral drug
      delivery system as they have improved patient compliance and have some additional
      advantages compared to other oral formulation. They are also solid unit dosage
      forms, which disintegrate in the mouth within a minute in the presence of saliva
      due to super disintegrants in the formulation. Thus this type of drug delivery
      helps a proper peroral administration in pediatric and geriatric population where
      swallowing is a matter of trouble. Various scientists have prepared
      orodispersible tablets by following various methods. However, the most common
      method of preparation is the compression method. Other special methods are
      molding, melt granulation, phase-transition process, sublimation, freeze-drying,
      spray-drying, and effervescent method. Since these tablets dissolve directly in
      the mouth, so, their taste is also an important factor. Various approaches have
      been taken in order to mask the bitter taste of the drug. A number of scientists
      have explored several drugs in this field. Like all other solid dosage forms,
      they are also evaluated in the field of hardness, friability, wetting time,
      moisture uptake, disintegration test, and dissolution test.

PMID- 22096324
TI  - Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review.
AB  - Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant
      traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid
      arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems
      with menstruation and labor during childbirth. The feverfew herb has a long
      history of use in traditional and folk medicine, especially among Greek and early
      European herbalists. Feverfew has also been used for psoriasis, allergies,
      asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The plant contains a large
      number of natural products, but the active principles probably include one or
      more of the sesquiterpene lactones known to be present, including parthenolide.
      Other potentially active constituents include flavonoid glycosides and pinenes.
      It has multiple pharmacologic properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
      cardiotonic, antispasmodic, an emmenagogue, and as an enema for worms. In this
      review, we have explored the various dimensions of the feverfew plant and
      compiled its vast pharmacologic applications to comprehend and synthesize the
      subject of its potential image of multipurpose medicinal agent. The plant is
      widely cultivated to large regions of the world and its importance as a medicinal
      plant is growing substantially with increasing and stronger reports in support of
      its multifarious therapeutic uses.

PMID- 22096327
TI  - Impact of uncertainty on sound perception.
AB  - In the auditory study, masking caused by sound uncertainty is a hot topic because
      research on this topic has a potential to be applied to improve human perception
      in a real world. This article introduces the origination of the study on this so
      called informational masking and lists some key results obtained. The
      informational masking is widely accepted to result from the central auditory
      system since the classical auditory peripheral model fails to account for the
      data. This article reviewed the currently most satisfactory model on
      informational masking and its ability and disability in accounting for current
      experimental data. In the end, potential sources of the informational masking are
      discussed as an indication for the future research direction. The review is
      mostly based on articles published in JASA and JARO, the two most prestigious
      journals in the auditory study.

PMID- 22096328
TI  - Geochemical studies of fluoride and other water quality parameters of ground
      water in Dhule region Maharashtra, India.
AB  - This study has been carried out to find out the water pollutants and to test the
      suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes in Dhule and
      surrounding areas in Maharashtra State in India. The analysis was carried out for
      the parameters pH, DO (dissolved oxygen), BOD (biological oxygen demand), Cl-,
      NO3-, F-, S(2)-, total alkalinity, total solid, total dissolved solids (TDS),
      total suspended solids (TSS), total hardness, calcium, magnesium, carbonate and
      noncarbonate hardness, and concentrations of calcium and magnesium. These
      parameters were compared against the standards laid down by World Health
      Organization (WHO) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for drinking
      water quality. High levels of NO(3)-, Cl-, F-, S(2)-, total solid, TDS, TSS,
      total hardness, magnesium and calcium have been found in the collected samples.
      From these observations, it has been found that fluoride is present as per the
      permissible limit (WHO 2003) in some of the villages studied, but both fluoride
      and nitrate levels are unacceptable in drinking water samples taken from several
      villages in Dhule. This is a serious problem and, therefore, requires immediate
      attention. Excess of theses impurities in water causes many diseases in plants
      and animals. This study has been carried out to find out the water pollutants and
      to test the suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes in Dhule
      and surrounding areas in Maharashtra.

PMID- 22096329
TI  - Antibacterial activity of garlic extract on streptomycin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus and Escherichia coli solely and in synergism with streptomycin.
AB  - This study focuses the significant antibacterial activity of Garlic (Allium
      sativum Linn.) extract on streptomycin-resistant strains solely and in synergism
      with streptomycin. Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA 1026 and gram
      negative Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 were made resistant to standard antibiotic
      streptomycin used as a control in the experiment. Zones of inhibition of
      different treatment groups were measured by agar-well-diffusion assay and
      compared with control. Statistical comparison of sole extract and streptomycin
      synergism with streptomycin control had proved it significant.

PMID- 22096330
TI  - Intracellular scavenging activity of Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8
      tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid) in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces
      pombe.
AB  - The ability of Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid),
      a water-soluble vitamin E analogue, to prevent oxidative damages is well
      characterized, but the mechanisms underlying it remain unclear. The protective
      effect of Trolox pre-treatment on H(2)O(2)-induced toxicity might be attributed
      to the decreased cellular permeability to H(2)O(2) or in vitro scavenging
      activity of Trolox, induction of antioxidant enzymes or the direct scavenging
      activity of Trolox. The results obtained rule out the first and second
      possibilities and intracellular scavenging activity was found to be the mechanism
      whereby Trolox confers protection. This was confirmed by measuring protein
      oxidation (levels), and the observed decrease in proteasomal activity indicated
      that the decrease in protein carbonyls was due to Trolox scavenging activity
      rather than proteasome activation. In conclusion, the intracellular scavenging
      activity of Trolox is a key protective mechanism against H(2)O(2). These findings
      obtained in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a good model organism for eukaryotic
      cells, can be used as standard protocols for investigating the antioxidant
      activity of pure or complex potential antioxidants.

PMID- 22096331
TI  - Anticandidal activity of endemic Salvia potentillifolia Boiss. and Heldr. ex
      Bentham and Origanum hypericifolium Schwartz and P.H. Davis in Turkey.
AB  - This study established baseline data on lytic anticandidal activities of endemic
      species Origanum hypericifolium and Salvia potentillifolia naturally distributed
      in Denizli and its environment. Stream distillation was used to isolate the
      unfatty polar part and clinical isolated Candida spp. strains were subcultured to
      sabouraud dextrose agar. Lytic anticandidal activities of unfatty polar parts
      were evaluated by enzyme-linked calorimetric method against 93 clinical isolates
      belonging to Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. Kefyr,
      and C. parapsilosis. As a result, two (2.15%) strains of C. glabrata among tested
      pathogenic 93 clinical isolates of Candida strains were found to be sensitive to
      S. potentillifolai. However, each strain of C. albicans and C. tropicalis was
      found to be sensitive to O. hypericifolium. Results indicated that O.
      hypericifolium and S. potentillifolia had a potential of being used in food and
      medicine because of their anticandidal activity.

PMID- 22096332
TI  - HindIII-based restriction fragment length polymorphism in hemophilic and
      nonhemophilic patients.
AB  - Hemophilia A is most common recessively inherited bleeding disorder, which affect
      one in five thousand male births throughout the world. In most of the hemophilic
      A patients, no common mutation is easily identifiable. This limitation has been
      overcome by the use of polymorphic DNA marker, i.e., restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (RFLP). This marker of polymorphism could only be detected by
      amplifying the polymorphic region and digestion the polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) product with the restriction enzyme (PCR-RFLP), i.e., HindIII. The
      polymorphic region of HindIII is 608 bp in length and after the restriction
      digestion, different sizes of fragments, i.e., 427 and 181 bp were, respectively,
      obtained. However, in homozygous (+/+) condition three bands of 427, 100, and 81
      bp were obtained and in the other negative allelic homozygous condition (-/-) two
      bands of 427 and 181 bp were obtained. Similarly fragments of different sizes,
      i.e., 427, 181, 100, and 81 bp were obtained in heterozygous conditions.
      Therefore, in this study, we have analyzed the factor VIII gene in the 17
      different families using restriction enzyme HindIII-based RFLP molecular marker
      technique. Out of these, the observed heterozygosity for HindIII was found 47.5%,
      whereas, for positive allele it was 26%, and for negative allele the frequency
      was 74%.

PMID- 22096333
TI  - Antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging effects of fruits of Dregea volubilis.
AB  - This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of petroleum ether (60-80
      degrees C), chloroform, and methanol extract of the fruits of Dregea volubilis
      Benth (Asclepiadaceae). The different antioxidant assays, including total
      antioxidant activity, reducing power, free radical, super oxide anion radical,
      nitric oxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation, and total phenolic content were
      studied. The extracts exhibited potent total antioxidant activity that increased
      with increasing amount of extract concentration, which was compared with standard
      drug vitamin C at different concentrations as extracts. The different
      concentrations of all the extracts and vitamin C showed inhibition on lipid
      peroxidation. In addition, all the extracts had effective reducing power, free
      radical scavenging, super oxide anion scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, lipid
      peroxidation, and total phenolic content depending on concentration. These
      various antioxidant activities were compared with standard antioxidant such as
      vitamin C at different concentration as different extracts.

PMID- 22096334
TI  - A study on poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital.
AB  - Acute poisoning with various substance is common everywhere. The earlier the
      initial resuscitations, gastric decontamination and use of specific antidotes,
      the better the outcome. The aim of this study was to characterize the poisoning
      cases admitted to the tertiary care hospital, Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh,
      Southern India. All cases admitted to the emergency department of the hospital
      between the months of January and December, 2007, were evaluated retrospectively.
      We reviewed data obtained from the hospital medical records and included the
      following factors: socio-demographic characteristics, agents and route of intake
      and time of admission of the poisoned patients. During the outbreak in 2007,
      2,226 patients were admitted to the hospital with different poisonings; the
      overall case fatality rate was 8.3% (n = 186). More detailed data from 2007
      reveals that two-third of the patients were 21-30 years old, 5.12% (n = 114) were
      male and 3.23% (n = 72) were female, who had intentionally poisoned themselves.
      In summary, the tertiary care hospitals of the Telangana region, Warangal,
      indicate that significant opportunities for reducing mortality are achieved by
      better medical management and further sales restrictions on the most toxic
      pesticides. This study highlighted the lacunae in the services of tertiary care
      hospitals and the need to establish a poison information center for the better
      management and prevention of poisoning cases.

PMID- 22096335
TI  - Periodontitis: A risk for delivery of premature labor and low-birth-weight
      infants.
AB  - Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of
      the teeth and is caused by specific microorganisms or group of specific
      microorganisms. The association of periodontal infection with organ systems like
      cardiovascular system, endocrine system, reproductive system, and respiratory
      system makes periodontal infection a complex multiphase disease. Inflamed
      periodontal tissues produce significant amounts of proinflammatory cytokines,
      mainly interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which may have systemic effects on the host. Low birth
      weight, defined as birth weight less than 2,500 g, continues to be a significant
      public health issue in both developed and developing countries. Research suggests
      that the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can actually get into the
      bloodstream and target the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low
      birth-weight (PLBW) babies. One reasonable mechanism begins with deleterious
      effects of endotoxins released from Gram-negative bacteria responsible for
      periodontal disease. Hence periodontal disease appears to be an independent risk
      factor for PLBW and there is a need to expand preventive measures for pregnant
      women in harmonization with the gynecological and dental professions.

PMID- 22096336
TI  - Stem cells: An overview with respect to cardiovascular and renal disease.
AB  - In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of
      stem cell biology. Stem cells have clonogenic and self-renewing capabilities, and
      under certain conditions, can differentiate into multiple lineages of mature
      cells. Recent studies have shown that adult stem cells can be isolated from a
      wide variety of tissues, including bone marrow, peripheral blood, muscle, and
      adipose tissue. The potential clinical applications lead to an extended interest
      in the use of stem cells in many medical disciplines. In this article, we present
      an overview of stem cells with special reference to cardiovascular and renal
      diseases treatments by stem cells.

PMID- 22096337
TI  - Role of antibodies in cancer targeting.
AB  - The development of chemotherapeutic agents capable of specifically eliminating
      tumor cells has been a great challenge since these agents cannot differentiate
      between normal body cells and tumor cells. Enhanced elimination of cancer cells
      without affecting normal body cells can be achieved by developing strategies
      which can enable drug targeting. With recent advances in antibody engineering
      strategies, the development of different antibody-associated tumor-targeted
      delivery systems for chemotherapy, chemoprevention, and early cancer diagnosis
      has become possible. In this review, the role of antibodies for cancer diagnosis,
      chemoprevention, and chemotherapy will be discussed with an emphasis on recent
      advances in antibody engineering.

PMID- 22096338
TI  - TUD-1: synthesis and application of a versatile catalyst, carrier, material...
AB  - The three-dimensional sponge-like mesoporous material TUD-1 is straightforward to
      prepare. Its synthesis can readily be modified to introduce metals into the
      framework of TUD-1, imparting many different catalytic activities. M-TUD-1
      catalysts have proven to be very active, unlimited by diffusion and very stable.
      By combining two metals into one TUD-1 catalyst, synergy between Lewis and
      Bronsted acid sites could be induced; incorporation of zeolites similarly gave
      rise to synergy. In addition to successful applications in redox-, acid- and
      photo-catalysis TUD-1 proved to be an excellent carrier material for catalysts,
      enabling new applications. TUD-1 was used as a contrast agent and drug delivery
      system, indicating that this material is but at the beginning of its potential
      applications.

PMID- 22096339
TI  - Occupational chemical burns: a 2-year experience in the emergency department.
AB  - Chemical burn injuries are a result of exposure to acid, alkali, or organic
      compounds. In this retrospective study, a total of 21 patients suffering
      occupational chemical burns, came to the emergency room at the University General
      Hospital of Alexandroupolis, from 2008 to 2010; 76.2% were workers, 19% were
      farmers, and 4.8% were desk officers. The majority of burns were due to exposure
      to acid (61.9%). Upper extremities were the most frequently injured area followed
      by the lower extremities and thorax. None of the patients needed further hospital
      care, but in the follow-up, four of the patients suffered keloid. Proper surgical
      treatment at the emergency room decreases the length of hospital stay for
      patients who suffer chemically induced burns.

PMID- 22096340
TI  - Patient-Centered Medical Home in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating
      but preventable and treatable disease characterized by cough, phlegm, dyspnea,
      and fixed or incompletely reversible airway obstruction. Most patients with COPD
      rely on primary care practices for COPD management. Unfortunately, only about 55%
      of US outpatients with COPD receive all guideline-recommended care. Proactive and
      consistent primary care for COPD, as for many other chronic diseases, can reduce
      hospitalizations. Optimal chronic disease management requires focusing on
      maintenance rather than merely acute rescue. The Patient-Centered Medical Home
      (PCMH), which implements the chronic care model, is a promising framework for
      primary care transformation. This review presents core PCMH concepts and proposes
      multidisciplinary team-based PCMH care strategies for COPD.

PMID- 22096341
TI  - Does evidence really matter? Professionals' opinions on the practice of early
      mobilization after stroke.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early mobilization after stroke may be important for a good outcome
      and it is currently recommended in a range of international guidelines. The
      evidence base, however, is limited and clear definitions of what constitutes
      early mobilization are lacking. AIMS: To explore stroke care professionals'
      opinions about (1) when after stroke, first mobilization should take place, (2)
      whether early mobilization may affect patients' final outcome, and (3) what level
      of evidence they require to be convinced that early mobilization is beneficial.
      METHODS: A nine-item questionnaire was used to interview stroke care
      professionals during a conference in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS: Among 202
      professionals interviewed, 40% were in favor of mobilizing both ischemic and
      hemorrhagic stroke patients within 24 hours of stroke onset. There was no clear
      agreement about the optimal time point beyond 24 hours. Most professionals
      thought that patients' final motor outcome (76%), cognitive outcome (57%), and
      risk of depression (75%) depends on being mobilized early. Only 19% required a
      large randomized controlled trial or a systematic review to be convinced of
      benefit. CONCLUSION: The spread in opinion reflects the absence of clear
      guidelines and knowledge in this important area of stroke recovery and
      rehabilitation, which suggests further research is required.

PMID- 22096342
TI  - Role of toll-like receptor 4 in acute neutrophilic lung inflammation induced by
      intratracheal bacterial products in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a conserved family of innate
      immune recognition receptors. Among TLRs, TLR4 is important for the recognition
      of Gram-negative bacteria, whereas TLR2 recognizes cell wall constituents of Gram
      positive microorganisms, such as peptidoglycan (PGN). METHODS: To evaluate the
      role of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury induced by Escherichia coli
      endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) or PGN, we compared inflammatory cell
      accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung pathology between
      C3H/HeJ (TLR4 mutant) and wild-type C3H/HeN mice. The levels of proinflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines in plasma and BAL fluid and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaB) translocation in the lung were also evaluated. RESULTS: In C3H/HeJ mice,
      LPS-induced neutrophil emigration was significantly decreased compared with
      C3H/HeN mice, whereas PGN-induced neutrophil emigration did not differ.
      Differential cell count in BAL fluid revealed comparable neutrophil recruitment
      in the alveolar space. In TLR4 mutant mice, LPS-induced upregulation of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), KC, and CXCL10 in plasma and BAL fluid was
      attenuate, which was not different after PGN. NF-kappaB translocation in the lung
      was significantly decreased in C3H/HeJ compared with C3H/HeN mice, whereas PGN
      induced NF-kappaB translocation was not different. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that TLR4 mediates inflammatory cascade induced by Gram-negative bacteria
      that is locally administered.

PMID- 22096343
TI  - No evidence for activation of T(H)1 or T(H)17 pathways in unstimulated peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells from children with beta-cell autoimmunity or T1D.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The balance between T(H)1, T(H)2, T(H)17, and regulatory T cells
      has been suggested to be disturbed in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated this
      balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from children at risk of
      developing T1D and children with T1D. METHODS: We studied PBMC expression levels
      of markers related to T(H)1 (T-bet, IL-12Rbeta(1), IL-12Rbeta(2)), T(H)2 (GATA-3,
      IL-4Ralpha), T(H)17 (IL-17A), and regulatory T cells (Foxp3, ICOS, and CTLA-4)
      with real-time polymerase chain reaction from 17 children with T1D, 13 children
      with beta-cell autoimmunity, 15 children with T1D risk-associated human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA) haplotypes, and 24 healthy, control children. RESULTS: We observed
      decreased expression levels of GATA-3 by PBMC of healthy children with
      autoantibodies compared to healthy, control children (p = 0.014) or children with
      HLA risk alleles (p = 0.032). Children with T1D demonstrated lower expression
      levels of T-bet, IL-12Rbeta(1), and IL-4Ralpha both at diagnosis and 12 months
      later. CONCLUSION: We found no indication of aberrant activation of T(H)1,
      T(H)17, or Treg in peripheral blood from children with or without risk of T1D.
      The observed immunological differences between children at risk of and with T1D
      should be considered when immunopathogenesis of beta-cell destruction is studied.

PMID- 22096344
TI  - Synergistic induction of CX3CL1 by TNF alpha and IFN gamma in osteoblasts from
      rheumatoid arthritis: involvement of NF-kappa B and STAT-1 signaling pathways.
AB  - To explore the regulation of CX3CL1 in inflammatory bone diseases, CX3CL1
      expression by osteoblasts (OB) was examined. Human OB isolated from rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) patients, osteoarthritis patients, and normal individuals were
      incubated in the presence of cytokines. Soluble CX3CL1 levels were determined
      with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of CX3CL1 mRNA was examined
      using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Although tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha or interferon (IFN)-gamma alone RA OB induced negligible
      CX3CL1 secretion, the combination of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma induced dramatic
      increases in both soluble CX3CL1 protein and mRNA transcripts. This synergistic
      effect was more pronounced in OB from RA than in OB from either osteoarthritis or
      normal individuals. The expression of CX3CL1 was markedly reduced by specific
      inhibitors of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) or STAT-1 transcription
      factor. These findings suggest that osteoblasts are an important cellular source
      of CX3CL1 and may play roles in inflammatory bone/joint diseases.

PMID- 22096345
TI  - Neuroinflammation and tumor necrosis factor signaling in the pathophysiology of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects
      nearly one in two individuals over 90 years of age. Its neuropathological
      hallmarks are accumulation of extraneuronal plaques of amyloid-beta (Abeta), the
      presence of neurofibrillary tangles formed by aberrantly hyperphosphorylated tau,
      progressive synaptic loss, and neurodegeneration which eventually results in
      decline of memory and cognitive faculties. Although the etiology of sporadic AD
      in humans is unknown, mutations in amyloid precursor protein or components of its
      processing machinery (beta-secretase and gamma-secretase) result in
      overproduction of Abeta1-40 and 1-42 peptides and are sufficient to cause
      disease. In this review, we highlight the experimental and clinical evidence that
      suggests a close association between neuro-inflammation and AD pathogenesis.
      Overproduction of inflammatory mediators in the brain occurs when microglia,
      which are often found in close physical association with amyloid plaques in AD
      brains, become chronically activated. It has been proposed that elevated levels
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), may inhibit
      phagocytosis of Abeta in AD brains thereby hindering efficient plaque removal by
      resident microglia. In support of this idea, the bacterial endotoxin
      lipopolysaccharide, a potent trigger of inflammation that elicits production of
      TNF and many other cytokines, can accelerate the appearance and severity of AD
      pathology in several animal models of AD. We review the evidence implicating TNF
      signaling in AD pathology and discuss how TNF-dependent processes may contribute
      to cognitive dysfunction and accelerated progression of AD. We conclude by
      reviewing the observations that provide compelling rationale to investigate the
      extent to which new therapeutic approaches that selectively target the TNF
      pathway modify progression of neuropathology in pre-clinical models of AD as well
      as the promising findings with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      and recent clinical trials with Abeta immunotherapy.

PMID- 22096346
TI  - Local anesthetic failure associated with inflammation: verification of the
      acidosis mechanism and the hypothetic participation of inflammatory
      peroxynitrite.
AB  - The presence of inflammation decreases local anesthetic efficacy, especially in
      dental anesthesia. Although inflammatory acidosis is most frequently cited as the
      cause of such clinical phenomena, this has not been experimentally proved. We
      verified the acidosis mechanism by studying the drug and membrane lipid
      interaction under acidic conditions together with proposing an alternative
      hypothesis. Liposomes and nerve cell model membranes consisting of phospholipids
      and cholesterol were treated at different pH with lidocaine, prilocaine and
      bupivacaine (0.05%-0.2%, w/v). Their membrane-interactive potencies were compared
      by the induced-changes in membrane fluidity. Local anesthetics fluidized
      phosphatidylcholine membranes with the potency being significantly lower at pH
      6.4 than at pH 7.4 (p < 0.01), supporting the acidosis theory. However, they
      greatly fluidized nerve cell model membranes even at pH 6.4 corresponding to
      inflamed tissues, challenging the conventional mechanism. Local anesthetics acted
      on phosphatidylserine liposomes, as well as nerve cell model membranes, at pH 6.4
      with almost the same potency as that at pH 7.4, but not on phosphatidylcholine,
      phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin liposomes. Since the positively
      charged anesthetic molecules are able to interact with nerve cell membranes by
      ion-paring with anionic components like phosphatidylserine, tissue acidosis is
      not essentially responsible for the local anesthetic failure associated with
      inflammation. The effects of local anesthetics on nerve cell model membranes were
      inhibited by treating with peroxynitrite (50 MUM), suggesting that inflammatory
      cells producing peroxynitrite may affect local anesthesia.

PMID- 22096349
TI  - Comparisons of different mean airway pressure settings during high-frequency
      oscillation in inflammatory response to oleic acid-induced lung injury in
      rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study was designed to examine effects of different mean
      airway pressure (MAP) settings during high-frequency oscillation (HFO) on
      oxygenation and inflammatory responses to acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits.
      METHODS: Anesthetized rabbits were mechanically ventilated with a conventional
      mechanical ventilation (CMV) mode (tidal volume 6 ml/kg, inspired oxygen fraction
      [F(Io2)] of 1.0, respiratory rate [RR] of 30/min, positive end-expiratory
      pressure [PEEP] of 5 cmH(2)O). ALI was induced by intravenous administration of
      oleic acid (0.08 ml/kg) and the animals were randomly allocated to the following
      three experimental groups; animals (n = 6) ventilated using the same mode of CMV,
      or animals ventilated with standard MAP (MAP 10 cmH(2)O, n = 7), and high MAP (15
      cmH(2)O, n = 6) settings of HFO (Hz 15). The MAP settings were calculated by the
      inflation limb of the pressure-volume curve during CMV. RESULTS: HFO with a high
      MAP setting significantly improved the deteriorated oxygenation during oleic acid
      induced ALI and reduced wet/dry ratios, neutrophil counts and interleukin-8
      concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, compared to those parameters in
      CMV and standard MAP-HFO. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that only high MAP
      setting during HFO could contribute to decreased lung inflammation as well as
      improved oxygenation during the development of ALI.

PMID- 22096348
TI  - Inflammatory mechanisms in the lung.
AB  - Inflammation is the body's response to insults, which include infection, trauma,
      and hypersensitivity. The inflammatory response is complex and involves a variety
      of mechanisms to defend against pathogens and repair tissue. In the lung,
      inflammation is usually caused by pathogens or by exposure to toxins, pollutants,
      irritants, and allergens. During inflammation, numerous types of inflammatory
      cells are activated. Each releases cytokines and mediators to modify activities
      of other inflammatory cells. Orchestration of these cells and molecules leads to
      progression of inflammation. Clinically, acute inflammation is seen in pneumonia
      and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), whereas chronic inflammation is
      represented by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because
      the lung is a vital organ for gas exchange, excessive inflammation can be life
      threatening. Because the lung is constantly exposed to harmful pathogens, an
      immediate and intense defense action (mainly inflammation) is required to
      eliminate the invaders as early as possible. A delicate balance between
      inflammation and anti-inflammation is essential for lung homeostasis. A full
      understanding of the underlying mechanisms is vital in the treatment of patients
      with lung inflammation. This review focuses on cellular and molecular aspects of
      lung inflammation during acute and chronic inflammatory states.

PMID- 22096347
TI  - Progress and perspectives on the role of RPE cell inflammatory responses in the
      development of age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in
      developed countries. The etiology of AMD remains poorly understood and no
      treatment is currently available for the atrophic form of AMD. Atrophic AMD has
      been proposed to involve abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE),
      which lies beneath the photoreceptor cells and normally provides critical
      metabolic support to these light-sensing cells. Cumulative oxidative stress and
      local inflammation are thought to represent pathological processes involved in
      the etiology of atrophic AMD. Studies of tissue culture and animal models reveal
      that oxidative stress-induced injury to the RPE results in a chronic inflammatory
      response, drusen formation, and RPE atrophy. RPE degeneration in turn causes a
      progressive degeneration of photoreceptors, leading to the irreversible loss of
      vision. This review describes some of the potential major molecular and cellular
      events contributing to RPE death and inflammatory responses. In addition,
      potential target areas for therapeutic intervention will be discussed and new
      experimental therapeutic strategies for atrophic AMD will be presented.

PMID- 22096350
TI  - Etanercept, improved dosage schedules and combinations in the treatment of
      psoriasis: an update.
AB  - Etanercept, a subcutaneously administered fully human soluble tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF) receptor, was initially approved for the treatment of psoriasis at a
      dose of 25 mg twice weekly in repeated 24-week cycles with the possibility to
      double the dose in the first 12 weeks of the first cycle. During intermittent
      treatment, patients retain their ability to respond to etanercept. Recently, a
      new dosing schedule of etanercept 50 mg once weekly was approved, based on a
      study in which PASI-75 (75% improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) was
      achieved by 37% and 71% of patients at week 12 and 24. Another study demonstrated
      a PASI-75 of 57% and 69% in pediatric psoriasis patients receiving etanercept 0.8
      mg/kg (up to 50 mg) once weekly for 12 and 24 weeks respectively, resulting in
      European approval from age 8. Based on recent clinical trials, the antipsoriatic
      effect of etanercept can be markedly increased in combination with acitretin,
      methotrexate or UVB. The combination with acitretin appears attractive because of
      its non-immunosuppressive and chemopreventive properties. Etanercept-methotrexate
      combination therapy is well established in rheumatologic patients. From a long
      term perspective, the combination of TNF-inhibitors with phototherapy
      (photocarcinogenesis) or cyclosporine (carcinogenesis, infections) warrants great
      caution however. Finally, combination with topical calcipotriol-betamethasone
      ointment may increase the speed of response to TNF-inhibitors in the first 4
      weeks of treatment.

PMID- 22096351
TI  - Etiology and treatment of the inflammatory causes of cystoid macular edema.
AB  - Cystoid macular edema in its various forms can be considered one of the leading
      causes of central vision loss in the developed world. It occurs in a wide variety
      of pathologic conditions and represents the final common pathway of several basic
      processes. Therapeutic approaches to cystoid macular edema depend on a clear
      understanding of its contributing pathophysiologic mechanisms. This review will
      discuss the mechanism of ocular inflammation in cystoid macular edema with a
      particular focus on the inflammatory causes: post-operative, uveitic, and after
      laser procedures. A variety of pharmacologic agents targeting inflammatory
      molecules have been shown to reduce macular edema and improve visual function.
      However, the long-term efficacy and safety of most new therapies have yet to be
      established in controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 22096352
TI  - Rilonacept in the management of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS).
AB  - Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are a subgroup of the hereditary
      periodic fever syndromes, which are rare autoinflammatory and inherited
      disorders, characterized by recurrent inflammation and varying degrees of
      severity. CAPS are thought to be driven by excessive production of interleukin
      1beta (IL-1beta), through over-activation of the inflammasome by gain of function
      mutations in the gene encoding cryopyrin (NLRP3). This conclusion is supported by
      the remarkable efficacy of IL-1beta blockade in these conditions. Rilonacept
      (Arcalyst(TM); Regeneron) is the first us Food and Drug Administration-approved
      treatment for familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome and Muckle-Wells syndrome
      and the first in a new line of drugs designed for longer-acting IL-1 blockade.
      Rilonacept has been associated with a decrease in disease activity, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in the treatment
      of CAPS. The clinical safety and efficacy of rilonacept in CAPS and non-CAPS
      populations will be summarized in this review. Rilonacept is also beneficial for
      patients who tolerate injections poorly, due to an extended half-life over the
      unapproved CAPS treatment, anakinra, requiring weekly rather than daily self
      administration. Other autoinflammatory disorders may also benefit from rilonacept
      treatment, with clinical trials in progress for systemic onset juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis, gout and familial mediterranean fever.

PMID- 22096353
TI  - Topical alpha-selective p38 MAP kinase inhibition reduces acute skin inflammation
      in guinea pig.
AB  - Certain skin pathologies, including psoriasis, are thought to be immune-mediated
      inflammatory diseases. Available literature clearly indicates the involvement of
      inflammatory cells (neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages), their cytokines, and
      the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in the
      pathophysiology of psoriasis. Neutrophils play an important role in the formation
      of acute inflammatory changes in psoriasis. Acute inflammation or acute flares in
      psoriasis remain poorly addressed in clinical medicine. In this communication, we
      first establish a simple and reproducible model for studying neutrophil-mediated
      acute skin inflammation. Using the hairless guinea pig, due to the similarity of
      skin architecture to that of human, acute inflammation was induced with an
      intradermal injection of 50 MUg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 50 MUL solution.
      Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured by MPO-positive neutrophils and shown
      to increase for 24-hours post-injection. Simultaneously, the level of
      phosphorylated p38 MAPK was documented for 48-hours post-LPS injection in the
      skin. Next, we used this model to examine the therapeutic potential of an alpha
      selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SCIO-469. A comparison of topical application of
      SCIO-469 at 5 mg/mL or 15 mg/mL to vehicle revealed that SCIO-469 dose
      dependently reduces acute skin inflammation and that this effect is statistically
      significant at the higher dose. Further examination of tissues that received this
      dose also revealed statistically significant reduction of MPO activity,
      phosphorylated p38 MAPK, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2. These data suggest
      that the alpha-selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SCIO-469, acts as a topical anti
      inflammatory agent via the p38 MAPK pathway to reduce neutrophil induced acute
      inflammation in the skin. These observations suggest that alpha-selective p38
      MAPK inhibition may be an effective therapeutic strategy to manage acute skin
      inflammation.

PMID- 22096354
TI  - Injectable interferon beta-1b for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease with
      either a progressive (10%-15%) or relapsing-remitting (85%-90%) course. The
      pathological hallmarks of MS are lesions of both white and grey matter in the
      central nervous system. The onset of the disease is usually around 30 years of
      age. The patients experience an acute focal neurologic dysfunction which is not
      characteristic, followed by partial or complete recovery. Acute episodes of
      neurologic dysfunction with diverse signs and symptoms will then recur throughout
      the life of a patient, with periods of partial or complete remission and clinical
      stability in between. Currently, there are several therapeutic options for MS
      with disease-modifying properties. Immunomodulatory therapy with interferon beta
      1b (IFN-beta1b) or -1a, glatiramer and natalizumab shows similar efficacy; in a
      resistant or intolerant patient, the most recently approved therapeutic option is
      mitoxantrone. IFN-beta1b in patients with MS binds to specific receptors on
      surface of immune cells, changing the expression of several genes and leading to
      a decrease in quantity of cell-associated adhesion molecules, inhibition of major
      histocompatibility complex class II expression and reduction in inflammatory
      cells migration into the central nervous system. After 2 years of treatment, IFN
      beta1b reduces the risk of development of clinically defined MS from 45% (with
      placebo) to 28% (with IFN-beta1b). It also reduces relapses for 34% (1.31
      exacerbations annually with placebo and 0.9 with higher dose of IFN-beta1b) and
      makes 31% more patients relapse-free. In secondary-progressive disease annual
      rate of progression is 3% lower with IFN-beta1b. In recommended doses IFN-beta1b
      causes the following frequent adverse effects: injection site reactions (redness,
      discoloration, inflammation, pain, necrosis and non-specific reactions),
      insomnia, influenza-like syndrome, asthenia, headache, myalgia, hypoesthesia,
      nausea, paresthesia, myasthenia, chills and depression. Efficacy of IFN-beta1b in
      relapsing-remitting MS is higher than that of IFN-beta1a, and similar to the
      efficacy of glatiramer acetate. These facts promote IFN-beta1b as one of the most
      important drugs in the spectrum of immunological therapies for this debilitating
      disease.

PMID- 22096356
TI  - Immune response profiles after caterpillar exposure: a case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: The role of the immune response to caterpillar exposure is not well
      described. This case study is the first to report a patient who presented with an
      allergic reaction after exposure to the larvae of the sycamore tussock moth,
      Halysidota harrisii Walsh, 1864. METHODS: Blood was collected from an allergic
      asthmatic adult (m/42 y/o) at 2 hrs - 2 wks after contact urticaria with
      associated dyspnea after exposure to the larvae of the sycamore tussock moth,
      Halysidota harrisii Walsh, 1864. Distributions of blood lymphocytes (CD4(+),
      CD8(+), CD8(+)CD60(+), CD19(+), CD23(+), CD16/56(+), CD25, CD45RA(+), CD45RO(+)),
      monocytes (CD1d(+)), levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE), and
      cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-4, TNF-alpha) were studied (flow cytometry,
      nephelometry, UniCAP Total IgE Fluoroenzymeimmunoassay, cytokine ELISA, clinical
      toxicology). RESULTS: Numbers of CD4(+) T cells, CD25(+) cells, CD19(+) B cells,
      and CD1d(+) monocytes decreased (22, 27, 33, 20%, respectively) one week post
      reaction, CD45RA(+) naive T cells decreased at 36 hours (21%),while CD8(+)CD60(+)
      T cells and CD23(+) cells decreased 48 hrs (33, 74%, respectively) post reaction.
      In contrast, numbers of CD16/56(+) NK precursor cells increased (60%) 12 hrs,
      then decreased (65%) 48 hrs post reaction; other lymphocyte subsets were
      unaffected. Serum IgM, IgG and IgA were within normal range; however, serum IgE
      demonstrated a bimodal elevation at 2 hrs (15%) and one week post reaction.
      Levels of IFN-gamma, IL-4, and TNF-alpha were not detected in serum pre-exposure
      (<1.0-4.0 pg/mL). However, high levels of IFN-gamma (187-319 pg/mL) and TNF-alpha
      (549-749 pg/mL) were detected in serum 24-36 hrs and 3.5-24 hrs post reaction,
      respectively. In contrast, levels of IL-4 were undetected (<1.0 pg/mL) in serum
      at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to the larvae of the sycamore tussock
      moth, Halysidota harrisii Walsh, 1864 may result in increased cytokine levels and
      blood CD16/56(+) NK precursor cells.

PMID- 22096355
TI  - Current perspectives on the role of IL-17 in autoimmune disease.
AB  - Until recently, autoimmune diseases had been categorized as either Th1- or Th2
      mediated diseases. However, the discovery of a novel subset of helper T cells
      producing interleukin (IL)-17, ie, Th17 cells, changed this paradigm. Currently,
      IL-17 and Th17 cells are implicated in many autoimmune diseases, such as
      rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel
      diseases. Such conclusions were initially drawn from observations in animal
      models of autoimmune diseases, and accumulating data from clinical research also
      support the involvement of IL-17 in human diseases as well. Reagents targeting
      Th17-related molecules have been under clinical investigation for some diseases
      but have not always been effective in controlling disease activity. Consistent
      with this, it has become evident that there are substantial differences in the
      development of Th17 cells and in the way they function in autoimmune diseases
      between humans and experimental animals. Thus, further investigation is needed
      before we can draw any conclusions about the importance of IL-17 and Th17 cells
      in human autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22096357
TI  - Emerging therapies for treatment of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - In the last decade, a new armamentarium of immune-based therapies have been
      developed and tested in patients with multiple sclerosis. Some of these therapies
      are showing a high level of efficacy, with an acceptable adverse effect profile.
      Because present therapies have significant limitations in slowing disease
      progression, require injections, are sometimes associated with significant side
      effects of immunosuppression, and do little to reverse disability, identifying
      more effective treatments is an important goal for clinical research in multiple
      sclerosis. However, in order to improve our current approach to disease-modifying
      therapies, it is imperative to promote the development of individualized therapy
      strategies.

PMID- 22096359
TI  - Inflammatory cytokines and atrial fibrillation: current and prospective views.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and a
      challenging clinical problem encountered in daily clinical practice. There is an
      increasing body of evidence linking inflammation to a broad spectrum of
      cardiovascular conditions including AF. Historical evidence supports an
      association between AF and inflammation and is consistent with the association of
      AF with inflammatory conditions of the heart, such as myocarditis and
      pericarditis. AF has been associated with myocardial oxidative stress, and
      antioxidant agents have demonstrated antiarrhythmic benefit in humans. Increased
      plasma interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and plasma viscosity support
      the existence of an inflammatory state among "typical" populations with chronic
      AF. These indexes of inflammation are related to the prothrombotic state and may
      be linked to the clinical characteristics of the patients (underlying vascular
      disease and comorbidities), rather than simply to the presence of AF itself. It
      has been suggested that inflammation may have a role in the development of atrial
      arrhythmias after cardiac surgery, and that a genetic predisposition to develop
      postoperative complications exists. Cytokines can have a prognostic significance;
      IL-6 levels, CRP, and other cytokines may have prognostic value in AF. Cytokine
      lowering therapies, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and other
      anti-inflammatory agents may have a role in the treatment of AF. The present
      article provides an overview of the evidence linking inflammatory cytokines to AF
      and their therapeutic and prognostic implications.

PMID- 22096360
TI  - Prostate cancer cells undergoing ER stress in vitro and in vivo activate
      transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several micro-environmental and cell-intrinsic stimuli cause tumor
      cells to undergo endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in vivo. The occurrence of an
      ER stress response has been associated with tumor progression and angiogenesis.
      Recently, we found that pharmacological induction of ER stress in B lymphoma
      cells upregulates the transcription of several pro-inflammatory cytokines.
      RESULTS: Here, we show that transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate
      (TRAMP) C1 murine prostate cancer cells induced to undergo ER stress in vitro
      activate the transcription of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 23p19 (IL-23p19),
      and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Furthermore we show that TRAMP C1
      tumors growing in vivo spontaneously experience ER stress and that transcription
      of IL-6, IL-23p19, and TNF-alpha correlates with the in vivo ER stress response.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that an ER stress response in prostate cancer
      cells activates a program of pro-inflammatory cytokine transcription. A possible
      implication of this finding is that cancer cells may use the ER stress response
      to modify their microenvironment.

PMID- 22096358
TI  - Potential of anti-inflammatory treatment for cystic fibrosis lung disease.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening genetic disorder in
      Caucasians. With improved diagnosis and treatment, survival has steadily
      increased. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of patients still die from
      respiratory failure caused by structural damage resulting from airway
      obstruction, recurrent infection, and inflammation. Here, we discuss the role of
      inflammation and the development of anti-inflammatory therapies to treat CF lung
      disease. The inflammatory host response is the least addressed component of CF
      airway disease at this time. Current challenges in both preclinical and clinical
      investigation make the identification of suitable anti-inflammatory drugs more
      difficult. Despite this, many researchers are making significant progress toward
      this goal and the CF research community has reason to believe that new therapies
      will emerge from these efforts.

PMID- 22096362
TI  - Deletion of PPAR-gamma in immune cells enhances susceptibility to antiglomerular
      basement membrane disease.
AB  - Activation of the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) has been shown to be immunoregulatory in autoimmune
      diseases by inhibiting production of a number of inflammatory mediators. We
      investigated whether PPAR-gamma gene deletion in hematopoietic cells would alter
      disease pathogenesis in the antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) mouse
      model. PPAR-gamma(+/+) and PPAR-gamma(-/-) mice were immunized with rabbit
      antimouse GBM antibodies and lipopolysaccharide and evaluated for two weeks.
      Although both the PPAR-gamma(+/+) and PPAR-gamma(-/-) mice had IgG deposition in
      the glomerulus and showed proteinuria two weeks after injection, glomerular and
      tubulointerstitial disease in PPAR-gamma(-/-) mice were significantly more severe
      compared with the PPAR-gamma(+/+) animals. We observed that the PPAR-gamma(-/-)
      mice had decreased CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells and an increased
      CD8(+):CD4(+) ratio as compared with the PPAR-gamma(+/+) mice, suggesting that
      PPAR-gamma has a role in the regulation of T cells. Furthermore, plasma
      interleukin-6 levels were significantly increased in the PPAR-gamma(-/-) mice at
      two weeks as compared with the PPAR-gamma(+/+) animals. Taken together, these
      studies show that the lack of PPAR-gamma expression enhances inflammatory renal
      disease in the anti-GBM antibody-induced glomerulonephritis mouse model and
      suggests targeting PPAR-gamma may have therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 22096361
TI  - The effect of smoking on the symptoms and progression of multiple sclerosis: a
      review.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder of
      the central nervous system with characteristic demyelinating lesions and axonal
      loss. MS accounts for the most common cause of neurological disability in young
      adults in the Western world. The clinical manifestations and the course of MS are
      highly variable. The early stage of the disease is usually characterized by
      attacks of neurological dysfunction with complete or incomplete recovery,
      however, with time disability accumulates in many patients. MS is believed to
      result from an interplay between susceptibility genes and environmental factors,
      one of which is smoking. Smoking, a worldwide epidemic, can be regarded as an
      important risk factor for MS particularly because of its modifiable nature in the
      quest to prevent or temper the disease course in MS as well as providing possible
      insights into MS pathogenesis. There are also reports that smoking may influence
      the symptoms and disease progression in patients with MS. The purpose of this
      article is to review the effects of smoking on MS symptoms and progression. We
      conclude that (1) although there are some early reports on worsening of MS
      symptoms by smoking, the existing evidence is insufficient to thoroughly assess
      the effects of smoking on the myriad of MS symptoms and (2) smoking seems to
      adversely influence disease progression in MS patients. We also discuss the
      potential biological mechanisms linking smoking and MS.

PMID- 22096363
TI  - Current and emerging strategies for the treatment of acute pericarditis: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Pericarditis is a common disorder that has multiple causes and presents in
      various primary-care and secondary-care settings. It is diagnosed in 0.1% of all
      hospital admissions and in 5% of emergency room visits for chest pain. Despite
      the advance of new diagnostic techniques, pericarditis is most commonly
      idiopathic, and radiation therapy, cardiac surgery, and percutaneous procedures
      have become important causes. Pericarditis is frequently benign and self
      limiting. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents remain the first-line treatment
      for uncomplicated cases. Integrated use of new imaging methods facilitates
      accurate detection and management of complications such as pericardial effusion
      or constriction. In this article, we perform a systematic review on the etiology,
      clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of acute
      pericarditis. We summarize current evidence on contemporary and emerging
      treatment strategies.

PMID- 22096365
TI  - Low intracellular ATP levels exacerbate carcinogen-induced inflammatory stress
      response and inhibit in vitro tubulogenesis in human brain endothelial cells.
AB  - Solid tumor development requires angiogenesis and is correlated to the expression
      of inflammatory markers through cellular metabolic and energetic adaptation.
      While high glycolysis rates enable the cancer cell compartment to generate
      adenosine triphosphate (ATP), very little is known about the impact of low
      intracellular ATP concentrations within the vascular endothelial cell
      compartment, which is responsible for tumor angiogenesis. Here, we investigated
      the effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glucose analog that inhibits glycolysis
      through intracellular ATP depletion, on human brain microvascular endothelial
      cell (HBMEC) angiogenic properties. While preformed capillaries remained
      unaffected, we found that in vitro tubulogenesis was dose-dependently decreased
      by 2-DG and that this correlated with reduced intracellular ATP levels.
      Procarcinogenic signaling was induced with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)
      and found to trigger the proinflammatory marker cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker GRP78 expression, whose inductions were
      potentiated when PMA was combined with 2-DG treatment. Inversely, PMA-induced
      matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene expression and protein secretion were
      abrogated in the presence of 2-DG, and this can be partially explained by reduced
      nuclear factor-kappaB signaling. Collectively, we provide evidence for an
      intracellular ATP requirement in order for tubulogenesis to occur, and we link
      increases in ER stress to inflammation. A better understanding of the metabolic
      adaptations of the vascular endothelial cells that mediate tumor vascularization
      will help the development of new drugs and therapies.

PMID- 22096366
TI  - Immunology of fibrotic lung disease: managing infections whilst preventing
      autoimmunity?
AB  - Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and lung fibrosis are characterized by different
      grades of fibrosis and inflammation. Persistent low-grade inflammation is
      believed to play a major pathogenic role, leading to an imbalance of cytokines,
      growth factors, and tissue proteinases. Recruited monocytes and macrophages play
      a pivotal role through their cytokine expression and possibly differentiation
      into fibrocytes, pericytes, or myofibroblasts. Atypical bacterial infections can
      cause ILD, although not usually in the form of usual interstitial pneumonia. On
      the other hand, bacterial colonization is frequently encountered in patients with
      chronic fibrotic lung disorders, and patients regularly undergo antibacterial
      treatment. As demonstrated in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis and other
      chronic respiratory disorders, treatment with macrolides can be beneficial. This
      is partly explained by their antimicrobial effects but, for macrolides,
      immunomodulatory properties have been identified which might also be beneficial
      in patients with ILD or lung fibrosis. This article reviews the immunology of
      lung fibrogenesis and putative implications of macrolides for reinstallation of
      tolerance.

PMID- 22096364
TI  - Current and emerging strategies for the treatment and management of systemic
      lupus erythematosus based on molecular signatures of acute and chronic
      inflammation.
AB  - Lupus is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition in which eicosanoids,
      cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), a deranged immune system, and genetics play a
      significant role. Our studies revealed that an imbalance in the pro- and
      antioxidants and NO and an alteration in the metabolism of essential fatty acids
      exist in lupus. The current strategy of management includes administration of
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and
      immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids. Investigational drugs include
      the following: 1) belimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically
      recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, also
      known as B-cell-activation factor of the TNF family; 2) stem cell
      transplantation; 3) rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, which
      is primarily found on the surface of B-cells and can therefore destroy B-cells;
      and 4) IL-27, which has potent anti-inflammatory actions. Our studies showed that
      a regimen of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and methods designed to
      enhance endothelial NO synthesis and augment antioxidant defenses, led to
      induction of long-lasting remission of the disease. These results suggest that
      methods designed to modulate molecular signatures of the disease process and
      suppress inflammation could be of significant benefit in lupus. Some of these
      strategies could be vagal nerve stimulation, glucose-insulin infusion, and
      administration of lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and nitrolipids by themselves
      or their stable synthetic analogs that are known to suppress inflammation and
      help in the resolution and healing of the inflammation-induced damage. These
      strategies are likely to be useful not only in lupus but also in other
      conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, ischemia-reperfusion
      injury to the myocardium, ischemic heart disease, and sepsis.

PMID- 22096367
TI  - Effects of SU5416 and a vascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing antibody
      on wear debris-induced inflammatory osteolysis in a mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of highly vascularized and inflammatory
      periprosthetic tissue characterizes the progress of aseptic loosening, a major
      complication of joint arthroplasty. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is
      an important cell signaling protein involved in angiogenesis. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate whether R2/Fc (a VEGF neutralizing antibody) and SU5416
      (a VEGF receptor II [Flk-1] inhibitor) could ameliorate particle-induced
      inflammatory osteolysis in a mouse model. METHODS: Ultrahigh molecular weight
      polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles were introduced into established air pouches in
      BALB/c mice, followed by implantation of calvaria bone from syngeneic
      littermates. Drug treatment was started 2 weeks after bone implantation, and mice
      without drug treatment were included as controls. Pouch tissues were harvested 4
      weeks after bone implantation for molecular and histological analysis, and
      implanted bone degradation was analyzed by microcomputed tomography. RESULTS:
      Exposure to UHMWPE particles induced inflammatory osteolysis, which was
      associated with increased expression of VEGF/Flt-1 proteins. Treatment with R2/Fc
      significantly improved UHMWPE particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis, and
      reduced the expression of VEGF/Flt-1 proteins. However, SU5416 treatment showed
      no effect on UHMWPE particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings indicate that VEGF signaling exerts a regulatory effect on the
      development of UHMWPE-induced inflammatory osteolysis, through its unique Flt-1,
      rather than Flk-1, receptor located on monocyte/macrophage cell lineages. These
      data provide a biological rationale for a VEGF/Flt-1-targeted treatment strategy,
      especially during the early stages of the wear debris-induced inflammatory
      response.

PMID- 22096368
TI  - The role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in gout.
AB  - Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by abrupt self-limiting attacks
      of inflammation caused by precipitation of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the
      joint. Recent studies suggest that orchestration of the MSU-induced inflammatory
      response is dependent on the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta, underlined by
      promising results in early IL-1 inhibitor trials in gout patients. This IL-1
      dependent innate inflammatory phenotype, which is observed in a number of
      diseases in addition to gout, is now understood to rely on the formation of the
      macromolecular NLRP3 inflammasome complex in response to the MSU 'danger signal'.
      This review focuses on our current understanding of the NLRP3 inflammasome and
      its critical role in MSU-crystal induced inflammatory gout attacks. It also
      discusses the management of treatment-resistant acute and chronic tophaceous gout
      with IL-1 inhibitors; early clinical studies of rilonacept (IL-1 Trap),
      canakinumab (monoclonal anti-IL-1beta antibody), and anakinra have all
      demonstrated treatment efficacy in such patients.

PMID- 22096369
TI  - Increased leptin/leptin receptor pathway affects systemic and airway inflammation
      in COPD former smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leptin, a hormone produced mainly by adipose tissue, regulates food
      intake and energy expenditure. It is involved in inflammatory diseases such as
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its deficiency is associated
      with increased susceptibility to the infection. The leptin receptor is expressed
      in the lung and in the neutrophils. METHODS: We measured the levels of leptin,
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble form of intercellular
      adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in sputum and plasma from 27 smoker and former
      smoker patients with stable COPD using ELISA methods. Further we analyzed leptin
      and its receptor expression in sputum cells from 16 COPD patients using
      immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: In plasma of COPD patients, leptin was inversely
      correlated with TNF-alpha and positively correlated with the patient weight,
      whereas the levels of sICAM-1 were positively correlated with TNF-alpha. In
      sputum of COPD patients leptin levels were correlated with forced expiratory
      volume in 1 second/forced vitality capacity. Additionally, increased levels of
      sputum leptin and TNF-alpha were observed in COPD former smokers rather than
      smokers. Further the expression of leptin receptor in sputum neutrophils was
      significantly higher in COPD former smokers than in smokers, and the expression
      of leptin and its receptor was positively correlated in neutrophils of COPD
      former smokers. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a role of leptin in the local
      and systemic inflammation of COPD and, taking into account the involvement of
      neutrophils in this inflammatory disease, describe a novel aspect of the
      leptin/leptin receptor pathway in the regulation of host defense after smoking
      cessation.

PMID- 22096370
TI  - The effect of disease activity on body composition and resting energy expenditure
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cachexia is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but whether
      it is attributable primarily to reduced dietary intake or increased metabolism is
      unclear, as is the association with inflammation. To examine whether rheumatoid
      cachexia is related to increased energy expenditure, reduced food intake, or an
      inflammatory cytokine response we undertook a prospective, longitudinal study of
      patients with RA, during periods of relative relapse and remission of
      inflammation. METHODS: Sixteen patients admitted to hospital with a flare of RA
      were assessed clinically to determine disease activity and were re-examined 6
      weeks later. Their fat-free mass (FFM), dietary intake, resting energy
      expenditure (REE), and plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also
      measured. Data were compared with those from 16 healthy, age- and sex-matched
      controls. RESULTS: At baseline the body weight, body mass index, and FFM of
      patients with RA were significantly lower than those of controls. Disease
      activity scores of patients (6.39 +/- 0.8) were reduced when the patients were re
      examined 6 weeks later (5.23 +/- 1.26) and FFM was no longer statistically
      different from that of controls (visit 1 = 25.8 +/- 10.1 and visit 2 = 26.8 +/-
      9.5 versus controls = 32.3 +/- 10.9). There were no differences in food intake
      between patients and controls or between patients studied at the 2 time points,
      but REE was greater in patients after correcting for FMM (visit 1 = 62.2 +/-
      24.7, visit 2 = 59.7 +/- 26.3 versus controls = 46.0 +/- 13.7). Plasma IL-6
      concentrations were significantly higher in patients than controls. Although IL-6
      was not significantly correlated with REE, lower REE measurements were not
      observed when the plasma IL-6 concentration increased. CONCLUSION: Reduced FFM in
      patients with RA is not attributable to reduced food intake. Energy expenditure
      is greater in patients when corrected for FFM, particularly in patients with
      acute flares of disease activity. Although clearly not the only factor involved,
      increased production of IL-6 may contribute to increasing REE.

PMID- 22096372
TI  - Apolipoprotein A-I and A-I mimetic peptides: a role in atherosclerosis.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the
      westernized world. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular
      diseases. Atherosclerosis is a slowly evolving chronic inflammatory disorder
      involving the intima of large and medium sized arteries that is initiated in
      response to high plasma lipid levels, especially LDL. Cells of both the innate
      and adaptive immunity are involved in this chronic inflammation. Although high
      plasma LDL levels are a major contributor to most stages of the evolution of
      atherosclerosis, HDL and its major protein apoA-I possess properties that
      attenuate and may even reverse atherosclerosis. Two major functions are the
      ability to induce the efflux of cholesterol from cells, particularly lipid-loaded
      macrophages, in the artery wall for transfer to the liver, a process referred to
      as reverse cholesterol transport, and the ability to attenuate the pro
      inflammatory properties of LDL. The removal of cellular cholesterol from lipid
      loaded macrophages may also be anti-inflammatory. One of the most promising
      therapies to enhance the anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory properties of HDL is
      apoA-I mimetic peptides. Several of these peptides have been shown to promote
      cellular cholesterol efflux, attenuate the production of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines by macrophages, and to attenuate the pro-inflammatory properties of
      LDL. This latter effect may be related to their high affinity for oxidized lipids
      present in LDL. This review discusses the functional properties of the peptides
      and their effect on experimental atherosclerosis and the results of initial
      clinical studies in humans.

PMID- 22096373
TI  - Cyclophilin A cooperates with MIP-2 to augment neutrophil migration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemokines contribute to inflammatory responses by inducing leukocyte
      migration and extravasation. In addition, chemoattractants other than classical
      chemokines can also be present. Many chemokines have been demonstrated to
      cooperate, leading to an augmentation in leukocyte recruitment and providing a
      potential role for the presence of multiple chemoattractants. Extracellular
      cyclophilins are a group of alternative chemotactic factors, which can be highly
      elevated during various inflammatory responses and, as we have previously shown,
      can contribute significantly to neutrophil recruitment in an animal model of
      acute lung inflammation. In the current studies we investigated whether the most
      abundant extracellular cyclophilin, CypA, has the capacity to function in
      partnership with 2 classical chemokines known to be secreted in the same model,
      macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2/CXCL2 and keratinocyte chemoattractant
      (KC)/CXCL1. METHODS: Neutrophil migration in response to combinations of CypA and
      MIP-2 or CypA and KC was measured by in vitro chemotaxis assays. Biochemical
      responses of neutrophils incubated with the combinations of chemoattractants were
      determined by changes in chemokine receptor internalization and actin
      polymerization measured by flow cytometry, and changes in intracellular calcium
      mobilization measured with a calcium sensitive fluorochrome. RESULTS: A
      combination of CypA and MIP-2, but not KC, augmented neutrophil migration. Based
      on the level of augmentation, the cooperation between CypA and MIP-2 appeared to
      be synergistic. Evidence that CypA and MIP-2 cooperate at the biochemical level
      was demonstrated by increases in receptor internalization, calcium mobilization,
      and actin polymerization. CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence for the
      capacity of extracellular cyclophilins to interact with classical chemokines,
      resulting in greater and more efficient leukocyte recruitment.

PMID- 22096371
TI  - Role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in inflammation and sepsis.
AB  - The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a thermoreceptor that
      responds to noxious temperatures, as well as to chemical agonists, such as
      vanilloids and protons. In addition, its channel activity is notably potentiated
      by proinflammatory mediators released upon tissue damage. The TRPV1 contribution
      to sensory neuron sensitization by proalgesic agents has signaled this receptor
      as a prime target for analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug intervention. However,
      TRPV1 antagonists have notably failed in clinical and preclinical studies because
      of their unwanted side effects. Recent reports have unveiled previously
      unrecognized anti-inflammatory and protective functions of TRPV1 in several
      diseases. For instance, this channel has been suggested to play an anti
      inflammatory role in sepsis. Therefore, the use of potent TRPV1 antagonists as a
      general strategy to treat inflammation must be cautiously considered, given the
      deleterious effects that may arise from inhibiting the population of channels
      that have a protective function. The use of TRPV1 antagonists may be limited to
      treating those pathologies where enhanced receptor activity contributes to the
      inflamed state. Alternatively, therapeutic paradigms, such as reduction of
      inflammatory-mediated increase of receptor expression in the cell surface, may be
      a better strategy to prevent abrogation of the TRPV1 subpopulation involved in
      anti-inflammatory and protective processes.

PMID- 22096375
TI  - Inflammatory cytokines regulate endothelial cell survival and tissue repair
      functions via NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - Inflammation contributes to the development of fibrotic and malignant diseases.
      We assessed the ability of inflammatory cytokines to modulate endothelial cell
      survival and functions related to tissue repair/remodeling. Treatment with
      interleukin (IL)-1beta or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (2 ng/mL) led to
      human pulmonary artery endothelial cells becoming spindle-shaped fibroblast-like
      cells. However, immunoblot and DNA microarray showed no change in most
      endothelial and mesenchymal markers. In the presence of IL-1beta or TNF-alpha,
      cells were resistant to apoptosis induced by deprivation of serum and growth
      factor, and were more migratory. In addition, cells treated with IL-1beta or TNF
      alpha contracted collagen gels more robustly. In contrast, transforming growth
      factor-beta1 did not induce these responses. RNA interference targeting nuclear
      factor (NF)-kappaB p65 blocked the effects of IL-1beta or TNF-alpha on cell
      morphologic change, survival, migration, and collagen gel contraction. These
      results suggest that endothelial cells may contribute to tissue repair/remodeling
      via the NF-kappaB signaling in a milieu of airway inflammation.

PMID- 22096376
TI  - Profile of darunavir in the management of treatment-experienced HIV patients.
AB  - Darunavir (formerly TMC114) is a second-generation, sulfonamide-based,
      peptidomimetic protease inhibitor (PI) with a modified 3-dimensional structure
      enabling more efficient binding to HIV protease. It has become an important drug,
      in combination with low-dose ritonavir boosting, in the treatment of both
      antiretroviral-naive and multiclass-experienced patients. Growing data now exist
      suggesting it possesses a high barrier to resistance and requires multiple PI
      mutations in order to suffer reduced virological potency.

PMID- 22096377
TI  - Role of darunavir in the management of HIV infection.
AB  - There is an ongoing need for potent antiretroviral therapies to deal with the
      increasing pool of treatment-experienced patients with multiple drug resistance.
      The last few years have seen the arrival of 2 new and very potent protease
      inhibitors - darunavir and tipranavir - alongside 2 whole new classes of anti-HIV
      agents - the integrase inhibitors and chemokine receptor CCR5 antagonists. This
      review focuses on the role of darunavir in managing HIV infection, with an
      emphasis on darunavir's exceptional resistance profile and related clinical
      effectiveness, pharmacokinetics, tolerability and toxicity data. Darunavir in
      combination with the pharmacokinetic booster ritonavir has proved to be very
      effective in the treatment of highly treatment-experienced HIV patients with
      multiple drug resistance. The favorable tolerability and toxicity profile
      alongside the drug's high genetic barrier to the development of resistance
      prompted approval of darunavir for HIV-treatment naive patients. Furthermore, the
      paradigm of treating HIV with a combination of anti-HIV agents is currently being
      challenged by ongoing darunavir monotherapy trials and these preliminary data
      will be discussed.

PMID- 22096374
TI  - Vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an acquired multiorgan connective tissue disease with
      variable mortality and morbidity dictated by clinical subset type. The etiology
      of the basic disease and pathogenesis of the systemic autoimmunity, fibrosis, and
      fibroproliferative vasculopathy are unknown and debated. In this review, the
      spectrum of vascular abnormalities and the options currently available to treat
      the vascular manifestations of SSc are discussed. Also discussed is how the
      hallmark pathologies (ie, how autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the
      disease) might be effected and interconnected with modulatory input from
      lysophospholipids, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and lysophosphatidic acid.

PMID- 22096379
TI  - The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection among TB patients in
      Port Harcourt Nigeria.
AB  - The joint statement by the American Thoracic Society, Centers for Disease Control
      and Prevention, and Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends that all
      patients with tuberculosis (TB) undergo testing for human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) infection after counseling. In this study, we investigated the prevalence
      of HIV infection among 120 patients diagnosed with microbiologically proven TB
      aged 18 to 54 years with a mean age of 39.5 years (standard deviation 6.75). The
      subjects studied were 36 male (30%) and 84 females (70%). Enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay methods were used to screen for HIV infection among the
      subjects. Of the 120 TB patients tested 30 (25%) were positive for HIV infection.
      The prevalence of HIV was higher in females 24 (80%) compared to males 6 (20%)
      and among singles (66.7%) compared to married subjects (33.3%) (chi(2) = 83.5 and
      chi(2) = 126.2, respectively P = 0.001). HIV-1 was the predominant viral subtype.
      HIV prevalence was significantly higher in subjects in the 38-47 year and 28-37
      year age groups (both 40%) followed by the 18-28 year age group (20%) (chi(2) =
      42.6, P = 0.05). The mean CD4 lymphocyte count of the HIV-infected TB subjects
      was significantly lower (195 +/- 40.5 cells/MUL) compared to the non-HIV infected
      (288 +/- 35.25 cells/MUL P = 0.01). This study has shown a high prevalence of HIV
      among TB patients. Reactivation of TB among people living with HIV can be reduced
      by TB preventive therapy and by universal access to antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 22096378
TI  - Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for the management of HIV infection
      during pregnancy.
AB  - Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the treatment of HIV
      1 infection using both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies to prevent
      mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Optimal prevention of the MTCT of HIV
      requires antiretroviral drugs (ARV) during pregnancy, during labor, and to the
      infant. ARVs reduce viral replication, lowering maternal plasma viral load and
      thus the likelihood of MTCT. Postexposure prophylaxis of ARV agents in newborns
      protect against infection following potential exposure to maternal HIV during
      birth. In general, the choice of an ARV for treatment of HIV-infected women
      during pregnancy is complicated by the need to consider the effectiveness of the
      therapy for the maternal disease as well as the teratogenic or teratotoxic
      potential of these drugs. Clinicians managing HIV in pregnancy need to discuss
      the potential risks and benefits of available therapy options so that mothers can
      make informed decisions in choosing the best treatment regimen for themselves and
      for their children.

PMID- 22096380
TI  - Ethanol suppression of peripheral blood mononuclear cell trafficking across brain
      endothelial cells in immunodeficiency virus infection.
AB  - Earlier studies suggested that the combination of alcohol use and
      immunodeficiency virus infection resulted in more severe neurologic disease than
      either condition individually. These deleterious interactions could be due to
      increased immune cell and virus trafficking or may result from interactions
      between ethanol and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated toxicity within
      the brain. To determine the extent to which increased trafficking played a role,
      we examined the effect of ethanol on the migration of different peripheral blood
      mononuclear cell (PBMCs) subsets across a brain endothelial cell monolayer. We
      utilized combinations of feline brain endothelial cells with astrocytes, and/or
      microglia with either acute exposure to 0.08 g/dL ethanol, a combination of
      ethanol and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or FIV alone. Adherence of PBMCs
      to endothelium was increased in all combinations of cells with the addition of
      ethanol. Despite increased PBMC adhesion with ethanol treatment, transmigration
      of B cells, monocytes, CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells was not increased and was
      actually decreased in the presence of astrocytes. Expression of three common
      adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), ICAM2, and
      vascular cell adhesion molecule, was unchanged or slightly decreased by ethanol.
      This indicated that although adherence is increased by ethanol it is not due to
      an increased expression of adhesion molecules. RANTES, MIP1alpha, MIP1beta, and
      MCP-1 mRNA expression was also studied in brain endothelial cells, astrocytes and
      microglia by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Ethanol treatment
      of astrocytes resulted in modest changes of message while FIV caused 7-92-fold
      increases. The combination of ethanol and FIV reversed the large increase in
      RANTES and MIP1alpha message in astrocytes but increased MIP1beta and MCP to 20
      38-fold over control cells. Thus, modest concentrations of alcohol do not
      directly influence immune cell trafficking at the endothelium but may exert more
      complex effects on chemokine expression from astrocytes when combined with FIV.

PMID- 22096381
TI  - Effect of once-daily FDC treatment era on initiation of cART.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is associated with
      increased survival among HIV-infected persons. Yet, no research to date has
      examined whether introduction of once-daily fixed-dosed combinations (FDC)
      affects the likelihood of cART initiation. We aimed to determine whether
      implementation of once-daily FDC regimens was associated with changes to cART
      initiation. We also identified clinical, treatment regimen, and provider
      characteristics possibly associated with cART initiation. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective observational analysis. METHODS: We queried electronic medical
      records between July 1999-June 2006 to identify incident cases of detectable HIV
      infection in antiretroviral-naive adults. Cox regression with time-dependent
      covariates was used to examine the effects of once-daily FDC era, clinical,
      provider, and treatment regimen characteristics on cART initiation. RESULTS: Once
      daily FDC availability did not change the likelihood of cART initiation, but
      other characteristics were associated with an increased likelihood: AIDS
      diagnosis, above-median daily pill consumption, and 16+ yrs of physician HIV
      experience. Decreased likelihood of cART initiation was associated with CD4 201
      350 cells/MUL, HIV RNA < 100,000 copies/mL, and with CD4 > 350 cells/MUL (any HIV
      RNA level), compared to CD4 <= 200 cells/MUL. CONCLUSION: Availability of once
      daily FDC-based regimens did not affect likelihood of cART initiation. Patient
      clinical characteristics appear to be more important predictors of cART
      initiation.

PMID- 22096382
TI  - Is it safe? Talking to teens with HIV/AIDS about death and dying: a 3-month
      evaluation of Family Centered Advance Care (FACE) planning - anxiety, depression,
      quality of life.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the safety of engaging HIV-positive (HIV+) adolescents in a
      Family Centered Advance Care (FACE) planning intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      We conducted a 2-armed, randomized controlled clinical trial in 2 hospital-based
      outpatient clinics from 2006-2008 with HIV+ adolescents and their surrogates (n =
      76). Three 60-90 minutes sessions were conducted weekly. FACE intervention groups
      received: Lyon FCACP Survey((c)), the Respecting Choices((r)) interview, and
      completion of The Five Wishes((c)). The Healthy Living Control (HLC) received:
      Developmental History, Healthy Tips, Future Planning (vocational, school or
      vocational rehabilitation). Three-month post-intervention outcomes were:
      completion of advance directive (Five Wishes((c))); psychological adjustment
      (Beck Depression, Anxiety Inventories); quality of life (PedsQL(TM)); and HIV
      symptoms (General Health Self-Assessment). RESULTS: Adolescents had a mean age,
      16 years; 40% male; 92% African-American; 68% with perinatally acquired HIV, 29%
      had AIDS diagnosis. FACE participants completed advance directives more than
      controls, using time matched comparison (P < 0.001). Neither anxiety, nor
      depression, increased at clinically or statistically significant levels post
      intervention. FACE adolescents maintained quality of life. FACE families
      perceived their adolescents as worsening in their school (P = 0.018) and
      emotional (P = 0.029) quality of life at 3 months, compared with controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Participating in advance care planning did not unduly distress HIV+
      adolescents.

PMID- 22096383
TI  - Novel mechanisms of central nervous system damage in HIV infection.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection of the central nervous system is an
      early event after primary infection, resulting in motor and cognitive defects in
      a significant number of individuals despite successful antiretroviral therapy.
      The pathology of the infected brain is characterized by enhanced leukocyte
      infiltration, microglial activation and nodules, aberrant expression of
      inflammatory factors, neuronal dysregulation and loss, and blood-brain barrier
      disruption. Months to years following the primary infection, these central
      nervous system insults result in a spectrum of motor and cognitive dysfunction,
      ranging from mild impairment to frank dementia. The mechanisms that mediate
      impairment are still not fully defined. In this review we discuss the cellular
      and molecular mechanisms that facilitate impairment and new data that implicate
      intercellular communication systems, gap junctions and tunneling nanotubes, as
      mediators of human immunodeficiency virus-1 toxicity and infection within the
      central nervous system. These data suggest potential targets for novel
      therapeutics.

PMID- 22096384
TI  - Optimizing management of treatment-naive and treatment-experienced HIV+ patients:
      the role of maraviroc.
AB  - Maraviroc is the first CCR5 antagonist approved for the treatment of HIV-1
      infection. It specifically inhibits the replication of R5 viruses by blocking
      viral entry. HIV-1 tropism can be estimated accurately and predict viral response
      to maraviroc. Genotypic tools are increasingly replacing phenotypic assays in
      most places. The favorable pharmacokinetic properties and the good safety profile
      of maraviroc may support an earlier use of the drug in HIV-1 infection, as well
      as favor its consideration as part of switch strategies in patients under
      suppressive antiret-roviral regimens containing less-well-tolerated drugs.
      Moreover, a particular immune benefit of maraviroc might encourage its use as
      part of intensification strategies in HIV-infected patients with impaired CD4
      gains despite prolonged suppression of HIV replication with antiretroviral
      therapy. However, the long-term consequences of using maraviroc must be carefully
      checked, given its particular mechanism of action, blocking a physiologic cell
      receptor.

PMID- 22096385
TI  - Novel strategies in the use of lopinavir/ritonavir for the treatment of HIV
      infection in children.
AB  - Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) is considered by many as the first choice protease
      inhibitor (PI) for children. This co-formulation avoids the need for children to
      take ritonavir separately to "boost" the levels of lopinavir. LPV/r has high
      virologic potency, an excellent toxicity profile and a high barrier to the
      development of viral resistance. However, LPV/r has poor tolerability of the oral
      suspension (due to the poor taste of ritonavir), difficult dosing requirements
      and metabolic side effects, especially hyperlipidemia. The new tablet low-dose
      formulation (100/25 mg) may allow more convenient antiretroviral treatment in
      children. Novel strategies of LPV/r in childhood could maximize its advantages.
      For example, infants infected with HIV despite single dose Nevirapine after birth
      need effective combination antiretroviral treatment. This can be given using a
      higher dose of LPV/r with therapeutic drug monitoring. Other novel uses include
      once daily LPV/r regimens in older children and adolescents and lower doses of
      LPV/r in certain populations, which may decrease hyperlipidemia. Heavily pre
      treated children might benefit from a double PI/r regimen which includes LPV/r.
      The high potency of LPV/r needs to be balanced with convenient regimens, to
      enhance adherence and decrease toxicity whenever possible. The aim of this review
      is to discuss the rationale behind these novel strategies of LPV/r use in
      pediatric antiretroviral treatment as well as their results and limitations.

PMID- 22096386
TI  - Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria: an overview of research studies
      and implications for policy and practice.
AB  - Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and AIDS remain major public
      health crises in Nigeria, a country which harbors more people living with
      HIV/AIDS than any country in the world, with the exception of South Africa and
      India. In response to the HIV pandemic, global and international health
      initiatives have targeted several countries, including Nigeria, for the expansion
      of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs for the increasing number of affected
      patients. The success of these expanded ART initiatives depends on the treated
      individual's continual adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Thirteen peer
      reviewed studies concerning adherence to ART in Nigeria were reviewed with very
      few pediatric and adolescent studies being found. Methodologies of adherence
      measurement were analyzed and reasons for nonadherence were identified in the
      geopolitical zones in the federal republic of Nigeria. The results of the
      literature review indicate that adherence to ART is mixed (both high and low
      adherence) with patient self-recall identified as the common method of
      assessment. The most common reasons identified for patient nonadherence include
      the cost of therapy (even when the drugs are heavily subsidized), medication side
      effects, nonavailability of ARV drugs, and the stigma of taking the drugs. This
      manuscript highlights the policy and practice implications from these studies and
      provides recommendations for future ART program management.

PMID- 22096387
TI  - Predictors of frequency of condom use and attitudes among sexually active female
      military personnel in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite awareness of condom efficacy, in protecting against both
      human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted diseases (HIV/STDs) and
      unintended pregnancy; some females find it difficult to use or permit condom use
      consistently because of the power imbalances or other dynamics operating in their
      relationships with males. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors
      that predict the frequency of condom use and attitudes among sexually active
      female military personnel in Nigeria. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional
      design in which a total of 346 responses were obtained from consenting female
      military personnel in two cantonments in Southwestern Nigeria between 2006 and
      2008. The study instrument was designed to assess HIV/acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome (AIDS) knowledge (HAK), HIV risk behaviors (HRB), alcohol and drug use,
      condom attitudes and barriers (CAS) condom use self-efficacy (CUS) and social
      support to condom use (SSC). The sociodemographic characteristics of participants
      were also captured. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression
      were used for modeling the predictors of condom use. RESULTS: The results showed
      that 63% of the respondents reported using condoms always, 26% sometimes used
      condoms and 11% never used condoms during a sexual encounter in the past three
      months. Univariate analysis revealed that significant associations existed
      between CAB (P < 0.05), HRB (P < 0.01) and SSC (P < 0.01) with the frequency of
      condom use. The following sociodemographic variables: age, marital status, number
      of children, employment status and type of sexual relationship were also
      significantly (P <= 0.05) associated with consistent condom use in the study
      group. Multivariate analysis indicated that marital status, type of relationship
      and CAB were the only significant predictors (r(2) = 0.37; P <= 0.05) of condom
      use behaviors after adjusting for all other factors in the model. CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings indicate that consistent condom use could be enhanced through gender
      specific intervention programs that incorporate the predictor variables
      identified. These are likely to be successful in decreasing sexual risk behaviors
      in the subpopulation.

PMID- 22096388
TI  - Optimal management of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis in patients living
      with HIV infection.
AB  - Mucocutaneous candidiasis is frequently one of the first signs of human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Over 90% of patients with AIDS will
      develop oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) at some time during their illness.
      Although numerous antifungal agents are available, azoles, both topical
      (clotrimazole) and systemic (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole,
      posaconazole) have replaced older topical antifungals (gentian violet and
      nystatin) in the management of oropharyngeal candidiasis in these patients. The
      systemic azoles, are generally safe and effective agents in HIV-infected patients
      with oropharyngeal candidiasis. A constant concern in these patients is relapse,
      which is dependent on the degree of immunosuppression commonly seen after topical
      therapy, rather than with systemic azole therapy. Candida esophagitis (CE) is
      also an important concern since it occurs in more than 10% of patients with AIDS
      and can lead to a decrease in oral intake and associated weight loss. Fluconazole
      has become the most widely used antifungal in the management of mucosal
      candidiasis. However, itraconazole and posaconazole have similar clinical
      response rates as fluconazole and are also effective alternative agents. In
      patients with fluconazole-refractory mucosal candidiasis, treatment options now
      include itraconazole solution, voriconazole, posaconazole, and the newer
      echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin).

PMID- 22096390
TI  - Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current
      options, challenges and future directions.
AB  - The discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was led by the merge of
      clustered cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) in otherwise healthy
      people in the early 80's.1,2 In the face of sophisticated treatment now available
      for HIV infection, life expectancy approaches normal limits. It has dramatically
      changed the natural course of HIV from a nearly fatal infection to a chronic
      disease.3-5 However, PCP still remains a relatively common presentation of
      uncontrolled HIV. Despite the knowledge and advances gained in the prevention and
      management of PCP infection, it continues to have high morbidity and mortality
      rates. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) remains as the recommended first
      line treatment. Alternatives include pentamidine, dapsone plus trimethoprim,
      clindamycin administered with primaquine, and atovaquone. For optimal management,
      clinicians need to be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the
      available drugs. The parameters used to classify severity of infection are also
      important, as it is well known that the adjunctive use of steroids in moderate to
      severe cases have been shown to significantly improve outcome. Evolving
      management practices, such as the successful institution of early antiretroviral
      therapy, may further enhance overall survival rates.

PMID- 22096391
TI  - An update on the use of Atripla in the treatment of HIV in the United States.
AB  - Atripla((r)) (Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, CA, USA and Bristol-Myers Squibb,
      New York City, NY, USA) is a coformulated single pill composed of efavirenz,
      emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil, intended as a once-daily potent
      combination antiretroviral therapeutic agent. Its efficacy is equivalent to the 3
      component drugs taken in a combination as single medications. The coformulated
      antiretroviral regimen can be quite effective in patients whose human
      immunodeficiency virus is sensitive to all 3 components of Atripla. However,
      women at risk of pregnancy, already pregnant, or nursing mothers should not take
      Atripla, due to the teratogenic potential of the efavirenz moiety. Adverse
      effects are similar to those seen with the constituent medications, including
      potential central nervous system effects and renal toxicity. Since its US Food
      and Drug administration approval, prescriptions for Atripla have increased
      steadily.

PMID- 22096389
TI  - HIV reservoirs in vivo and new strategies for possible eradication of HIV from
      the reservoir sites.
AB  - Even though the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected
      individuals with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) provides a complete
      control of plasma viremia to below detectable levels (<40 copies/mL plasma),
      there is an unequal distribution of all antiretroviral drugs across diverse
      cellular and anatomic compartments in vivo. The main consequence of this is the
      acquisition of resistance by HIV to all known classes of currently prescribed
      antiretroviral drugs and the establishment of HIV reservoirs in vivo. HIV has a
      distinct advantage of surviving in the host via both pre-and postintegration
      latency. The postintegration latency is caused by inert and metabolically
      inactive provirus, which cannot be accessed either by the immune system or the
      therapeutics. This integrated provirus provides HIV with a safe haven in the host
      where it is incessantly challenged by its immune selection pressure and also by
      HAART. Thus, the provirus is one of the strategies for viral concealment in the
      host and the provirus can be rekindled, through unknown stimuli, to create
      progeny for productive infection of the host. Thus, the reservoir establishment
      remains the biggest impediment to HIV eradication from the host. This review
      provides an overview of HIV reservoir sites and discusses both the virtues and
      problems associated with therapies/strategies targeting these reservoir sites in
      vivo.

PMID- 22096392
TI  - Role of etravirine in the management of treatment-experienced patients with human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1.
AB  - Etravirine is an oral diarylpyrimidine compound, a second-generation human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitor (NNRTI) with expanded antiviral activity against NNRTI-resistant HIV-1,
      to be used in combination therapy for treatment-experienced patients. Compared
      with first-generation NNRTIs, etravirine has a high genetic barrier to
      resistance, and is better tolerated without the neuropsychiatric and hepatic side
      effects of efavirenz and nevirapine, respectively. Its safety profile is
      comparable to placebo with the exception of rash, which has been mild and self
      limited in the great majority of patients. In phase III clinical trials among
      treatment-experienced patients harboring NNRTI-resistant HIV-1, etravirine in
      combination with an optimized background regimen (OBR) that included ritonavir
      boosted darunavir demonstrated superior antiviral activity than the control OBR.
      In addition, patients on the etravirine arm had fewer AIDS-defining conditions,
      hospitalizations, and lower mortality compared with the OBR control arm.

PMID- 22096393
TI  - Profile of maraviroc: a CCR5 antagonist in the management of treatment
      experienced HIV patients.
AB  - Maraviroc is the first and, so far, the only licensed representative of the class
      of chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) inhibitors used for the treatment of human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Its safety and efficacy were demonstrated
      in several clinical trials, and its use was approved in 2007 by the responsible
      authorities. Some specific issues are correlated with maraviroc and its use. It
      is the only drug in the antiretroviral armamentarium, which does not interact
      with the viral enzymes but with a human receptor. Hence, it is able to be long
      term effective only if the infecting virus uses, exclusively, the CCR5 receptor.
      Occurrence and detection of the CCR5 tropism are some of the great challenges of
      maraviroc use in treatment-experienced patients. Although up to 80% of naive
      patients harbor CCR5-tropic virus, the occurrence of CXCR4 or other tropisms
      increases with the duration of HIV infection and treatment. Nonetheless,
      maraviroc is a potent medication for eligible patients and helps to improve the
      outcome of antiretroviral treatment (ART) of HIV infection.

PMID- 22096394
TI  - Long-term treatment of patients with HIV-1: the role of atazanavir.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      remains a major milestone in the management of HIV-infected patients. Protease
      inhibitors (PI) are commonly used as part of triple combinations, given that to
      antiviral potency, better tolerance and convenience has been achieved in recent
      years. OBJECTIVE: To summarize and update evidence-based information about
      atazanavir (ATV) on initial, simplification, and rescue interventions in HIV
      patients. METHODS: Review of observational and randomized trials reported in
      medical conferences, peer-reviewed journals, and treatment guidelines. RESULTS:
      ATV is a second-generation PI, which has shown across studies potent antiviral
      activity and high genetic barrier, both in HAART-naive patients or after
      virological failure. Indulgent metabolic profile, in terms of insulin glucose and
      lipid levels, adds value to this drug for the long-term management of HIV
      infection.

PMID- 22096396
TI  - Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence in an unbooked obstetric population in
      the Niger Delta.
AB  - Despite recent advances in the prevention of transmission of human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from mother to child during pregnancy,
      infants continue to be born and infected with HIV, particularly in Africa. This
      study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of HIV infection among
      unbooked pregnant women in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. One hundred and eighteen
      consecutively recruited unbooked subjects presenting to the isolation ward at the
      University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were screened for HIV. Among the
      118 subjects studied, 30 (25.4%) were positive for HIV. HIV-1 was the predominant
      viral strain. Gestational age of subjects at presentation was 28-40 weeks and
      mean age was 35.04 +/- 8.06 years. The majority of subjects were primigravidas 66
      (55.9%), while 52 (44.1%) were multigravidas. The prevalence of HIV was
      significantly higher among unbooked pregnant women with less formal education: 14
      (11.9%) compared with 9 (7.6%), 5 (4.2%), and 2 (1.7%) for those with primary,
      secondary, and tertiary education, respectively (P = 0.01). Among the
      occupational groups, the prevalence of HIV was significantly higher among traders
      14 (11.9%) than in career women 5 (4.2%, P = 0.04). Multigravid women were more
      susceptible to HIV infection 17 (14.4%) than primigravid women. Perinatal
      mortality and emergency cesarean section was high among unbooked pregnant women.
      The prevalence of HIV observed amongst unbooked antenatal subjects in this study
      is significantly higher than those of booked patients in previous studies. These
      findings are very pertinent to health care delivery, because this pool of
      unbooked patients may not be benefiting from the Prevention of Maternal to Child
      Transmission program, thus increasing the pediatric HIV burden in our
      environment.

PMID- 22096397
TI  - Effect of HIV infection on time to recovery from an acute manic episode.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Understanding factors affecting the time to recovery from acute
      mania is critical in the management of manic syndromes. The aim of this study was
      to determine the effect of HIV infection on time to recovery from acute mania.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in which medical charts of
      individuals who were treated for acute mania were reviewed. Survival analysis
      with Cox regression models were used to compare time to recovery from an acute
      manic episode between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals and
      HIV-negative individuals. RESULTS: Median survival time was one week for HIV
      positive individuals and more than four weeks for HIV-negative individuals
      (chi(2) = 18.4, P value = 0.000). HIV infection was the only marginally
      significant independent predictor of survival probability on the acute admission
      ward (hazards ratio 2.87, P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Acute mania in HIV-infected
      persons responds faster to psychotropic drugs compared with that in HIV-negative
      persons.

PMID- 22096395
TI  - New and emerging agents in the management of lipodystrophy in HIV-infected
      patients.
AB  - Lipodystrophy remains a major long-term complication in human immunodeficiency
      virus-infected patients under antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Patients may present
      with lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy or both. The choice of treatments to improve
      fat redistribution depends on the form of lipodystrophy and its duration.
      Measures known to improve lipoatrophy are switches in ARV therapy (stavudine or
      zidovudine to abacavir or tenofovir) and filling interventions. Pioglitazone may
      be added to these measures, although any benefits appear small. Uridine and
      leptin were found to be disappointing so far. Regarding lipohypertrophy, diet and
      exercise, recombinant human growth hormone, and metformin may reduce visceral
      fat, but may worsen subcutaneous lipoatrophy. Surgical therapy may be required.
      Attractive pharmacologic treatments include growth hormone-releasing factor and
      leptin. Adiponectin and adiponectin receptors are promising therapeutic targets
      to explore.

PMID- 22096398
TI  - The effect of aging, nutrition, and exercise during HIV infection.
AB  - Medical advances continue to change the face of human immunodeficiency virus-
      acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). As life expectancy increases, the
      number of people living with HIV rises, presenting new challenges for the
      management of a chronic condition. Aging, nutrition, and physical activity can
      influence outcomes in other chronic conditions, and emerging data show that each
      of these factors can impact viral replication and the immune system in HIV. HIV
      infection results in a decline of the immune system through the depletion of CD4+
      T cells. From initial infection, viral replication is a continuous phenomenon.
      Immunosenescence, a hallmark of aging, results in an increased susceptibility to
      infections secondary to a delayed immune response, and this phenomenon may be
      increased in HIV-infected patients. Optimal nutrition is an important adjunct in
      the clinical care of patients with HIV. Nutritional interventions may improve the
      quality and span of life and symptom management, support the effectiveness of
      medications, and improve the patient's resistance to infections and other disease
      complications by altering immunity. Moderate physical activity can improve many
      immune parameters, reduce the risk of acute infection, and combat metabolic
      abnormalities. As people with HIV age, alternative therapies such as nutrition
      and physical activity may complement medical management.

PMID- 22096399
TI  - Stromal cell-derived factor 1 polymorphism in patients infected with HIV and
      implications for AIDS progression in Tunisia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An interesting finding in the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection is that certain mutations in genes coding for chemokines,
      and their receptors and ligands, may confer resistance or susceptibility to HIV-1
      infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. The mutation
      most frequently studied is stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)1-3'A, a single
      nucleotide polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region at the 801 position of the
      SDF1 gene, which seems to be associated with susceptibility or resistance to
      diseases, including AIDS. We examined the frequency of the above polymorphisms in
      the Tunisian population, and evaluated their contribution to a protective genetic
      background against HIV infection and progression. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One
      hundred forty blood samples from HIV-infected patients from the Cellular
      Immunology Research Laboratory at the National Blood Transfusion Center were
      compared with those of 164 random blood donors from the same center. Genotyping
      was initially performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. SDF1 PCR
      product genomic regions were further subjected to restriction fragment length
      polymorphism analysis for genotype determination. Screening for the SDF1
      polymorphism in the HIV-infected population yielded 56 heterozygous (40%), 52
      mutation homozygous (37.1%), and 32 wild-type homozygous (22.8%) subjects. In
      contrast, in our healthy population, we found 70/164 heterozygous (42.6%), nine
      mutation homozygous (5.4%), and 85 wild-type homozygous (51.8%) subjects. The
      allele frequencies in the HIV-infected and healthy populations were f(SD1 3'A) =
      57.1%, f(SDF1) = 42.8%, f(SDF1 3'A) = 26.8%, and f(SDF1) = 73.1%, respectively.
      The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the SDF1 3'A in our population show
      significantly higher distribution profiles compared with those observed in other
      Caucasian, European, and African American populations. Our results were examined
      by chi(2) test and appear to confirm an association between polymorphism and AIDS
      progression. A higher odds ratio (>1) was found for the SDF1-3'A allele than for
      the wild-type allele (<1). CONCLUSION: This result seems to confirm that the SDF1
      3'A allele is associated with acceleration and progression from HIV infection to
      AIDS in the Tunisian population.

PMID- 22096400
TI  - Atherosclerosis: pathogenesis and increased occurrence in individuals with HIV
      and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke. Since
      1981, more than 980,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the United States.
      According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1 million Americans may
      be infected with HIV. By killing or damaging CD4+ T cells of the body's immune
      system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections. People
      diagnosed with AIDS often suffer from life-threatening diseases caused by
      opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis. HIV-infected individuals have
      increased risks for atherosclerosis. This review summarizes the effects of
      oxidized low density lipoproteins in impairing macrophage functions in
      individuals with atherosclerosis (with and without HIV infection) thereby
      enhancing the susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

PMID- 22096401
TI  - Management of chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients: current treatment
      options, challenges and future directions.
AB  - Diarrhea is a common clinical manifestation of HIV infection regardless of
      whether the patients have AIDS. HIV and malnutrition tend to occur in the same
      populations, the underprivileged and resource-poor. Malnutrition increases
      severity and mortality of infection. Occurrence of chronic diarrhea in HIV
      infected patients, gut status and pathogenic agents, nutritional status and the
      crucial role of nutrition are reviewed. Bovine colostrum-based food can be useful
      for managing chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients, enhancing both
      nutritional and immunological status.

PMID- 22096402
TI  - Impact of comorbidities and drug therapy on development of renal impairment in a
      predominantly African American and Hispanic HIV clinic population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Renal impairment in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients
      could potentially be caused by many factors. HIV-related renal impairment risks
      have been little studied in African Americans and Hispanics. We investigated the
      impact of HIV itself, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART),
      comorbidities, and non-HIV-related drug treatment on glomerular filtration rate
      in a predominantly African American/Hispanic HIV-infected population who had
      received HAART for at least one year. This study was a retrospective electronic
      medical record database evaluation of renal impairment risks in a largely African
      American/Hispanic HIV population obtaining medical care at an HIV clinic in
      Dallas, Texas. METHODS: Proportional hazards models were used to investigate an
      association between an estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease >25% from
      baseline (ie, renal impairment) and demographics,
      antiretroviral/nonantiretroviral medications, comorbidities (hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection, hepatitis B virus [HBV]
      infection), CD4+ counts, viral load, and duration patients were monitored at the
      clinic (time on study). RESULTS: In total, 323 patients were evaluated: 82%
      males; 61% African American/12% Hispanic/19% Caucasian; mean age 37.9 years
      (standard deviation [SD] 8.5); 6% HBV-positive; 34% HCV-positive; 29%
      hypertensive; 3% diabetic; 52% tenofovir-treated; mean weight 75.4 kg (SD, 15.4);
      mean estimated glomerular filtration 114.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (SD, 36.7) using the
      Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) calculation method; mean creatinine
      clearance (from which estimated glomerular filtration was extrapolated) by the
      Cockcroft-Gault calculation method 120.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (SD, 41.2); mean time
      on study 2.7 years (SD, 1.0 year). An estimated glomerular filtration rate
      decrease of >25% from baseline was significantly associated with time on study (P
      = 0.0017; hazards ratio [HR] = 0.999) and hypertension (HR = 1.706; P = 0.0158)
      by the MDRD method, and with age (HR = 1.039; P = 0.0077), weight (HR = 0.987; P
      = 0.0023), and time on study (HR = 0.999; P = 0.0043) by extrapolation of
      Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance calculation. No specific HAART agent was
      associated with significant renal impairment risk by the definition used in this
      study. CONCLUSION: This retrospective database study showed time on study,
      hypertension, weight, and age to be the only significant predictors of an
      estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease >25% from baseline.

PMID- 22096403
TI  - Antiretroviral therapy initiated soon after HIV diagnosis as standard care:
      potential to save lives?
AB  - In 2008, an estimated 33.4 million people were infected with human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and ~4 million people were receiving antiretroviral
      therapy (ART). However, in 2007, an estimated 6.7 million people were in need of
      ART under the current World Health Organization guidelines, and 2.7 million more
      people became infected with HIV. Most of those not currently eligible for ART
      will become eligible within the next decade, making the current treatment
      strategy unsustainable. The development of cheaper, less toxic, and more potent
      antiretrovirals over the past decade has made it possible to consider novel
      strategies of arresting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Evidence is growing that ART can
      be used to prevent HIV transmission and that earlier initiation of treatment is
      beneficial for those infected with HIV. A mathematical model predicts that by
      testing whole communities annually and treating all who are infected immediately,
      up to 7.2 million AIDS-related deaths could be prevented in the next 40 years,
      long-term funding required to fight the HIV epidemic could be reduced, and, most
      importantly, control of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic could be regained within 1-2 years
      of full-scale implementation of the strategy. We discuss the development of the
      concept of ART for the prevention of HIV transmission and the modeled impact that
      a test-and-treat strategy could have on the HIV epidemic, and consequently argue
      that a field trial should be carried out to confirm model parameters, highlight
      any practical problems, and test the model's predictions.

PMID- 22096405
TI  - Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine: systematic review with an
      emphasis on resource-limited settings.
AB  - The vast majority of people living with human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome reside in the developing world, in
      settings characterized by limited health budgets, critical shortages of doctors,
      limited laboratory monitoring, a substantial burden of HIV in children, and high
      rates of coinfection, in particular tuberculosis. Therefore, the extent to which
      new antiretrovirals will contribute to improvements in the management of HIV
      globally will depend to a large extent on their affordability, ease of use, low
      toxicity profile, availability as pediatric formulations, and compatibility with
      tuberculosis and other common drugs. We undertook a systematic review of the
      available evidence regarding drug interactions, and the efficacy and safety of
      rilpivirine (also known as TMC-278), and assessed our findings in view of the
      needs and constraints of resource-limited settings. The main pharmacokinetic
      interactions relevant to HIV management reported to date include reduced
      bioavailability of rilpivirine when coadministered with rifampicin, rifabutin or
      acid suppressing agents, and reduced bioavailability of ketoconazole. Potential
      recommendations for dose adjustment to compensate for these interactions have not
      been elaborated. Trials comparing rilpivirine and efavirenz found similar
      outcomes up to 96 weeks in intent-to-treat analysis; failure of rilpivirine was
      mainly virological, whereas failure among those exposed to efavirenz was mainly
      related to the occurrence of adverse events. Around half of the patients who fail
      rilpivirine develop non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance
      mutations. The incidence of Grade 2-4 events was lower for rilpivirine compared
      with efavirenz. Grade 3-4 adverse events potentially related to the drugs were
      infrequent and statistically similar for both drugs. No dose-response
      relationship was observed for efficacy or safety, and the lowest dose (25 mg) was
      selected for further clinical development. The potential low cost and dose of the
      active pharmaceutical ingredient means that rilpivirine can potentially be
      manufactured at a low price. Moreover, its long half-life suggests the potential
      for monthly dosing via nonoral routes, with promising early results from studies
      of a long-acting injectable formulation. These characteristics make rilpivirine
      an attractive drug for resource-limited settings. Future research should assess
      the potential to improve robustness and assess the clinical significance of
      interaction with antituberculosis drugs.

PMID- 22096404
TI  - Antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS
      patients: a critical appraisal.
AB  - The widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has entirely changed the
      management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and dramatically
      reduced the rates of opportunistic infections (OI). However, OI continue to cause
      significant morbidity and mortality in both developed countries, where
      presentation with advanced HIV infection is common, and also in developing
      countries where ART is less widely available. Evidence to direct OI guidelines is
      partly limited by the fact that many large-scale studies date from the pre-ART
      era and more recent studies are sometimes poorly powered due to the falling rates
      of OI. Treatment of OI is now known to be as much about antimicrobials as about
      immune reconstitution with ART, and recent studies help guide the timing of
      initiation of ART in different infections. OI have also become complicated by the
      immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome phenomenon which may occur once
      successful immune recovery begins. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole has long been
      one of the most important antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of OI and
      remains paramount. It has a broad spectrum of activity against Pneumocystis
      jiroveci, toxoplasmosis, and bacterial infections and has an important role to
      play in preventing life-threatening OI. New advances in treating OI are coming
      from a variety of quarters: in cytomegalovirus eye disease, the use of oral
      rather than intravenous drugs is changing the face of therapy; in cryptococcal
      meningitis, improved drug formulations and combination therapy is improving
      clearance rates and reducing drug toxicities; and in gut disease, the possibility
      of rapid immune restitution with ART is replacing the need for antimicrobials
      against cryptosporidia and microsporidia.

PMID- 22096406
TI  - Strategies to improve HIV treatment adherence in developed countries: clinical
      management at the individual level.
AB  - REMARKABLE ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)
      DISEASE HAVE BEEN BLUNTED BY WIDESPREAD SUBOPTIMAL ADHERENCE (IE, NONADHERENCE),
      WHICH HAS EMERGED AS A MAJOR BARRIER TO ACHIEVING THE PRIMARY GOAL OF
      ANTIRETROVIRAL (ARV) THERAPY: suppression of HIV viral load. Nonsuppressed HIV
      viral load is associated with drug resistance, increased morbidity and mortality,
      and a higher risk of person-to-person HIV transmission. For HIV-infected
      individuals who are failing HIV treatment due to nonadherence, becoming adherent
      is a life-saving behavior change. However, overcoming nonadherence is one of the
      most daunting challenges in the successful management of HIV disease. The purpose
      of this paper is to provide clinicians with a better understanding of
      nonadherence to ARV treatment and to review the various factors that have been
      associated with either adherence or nonadherence. Strategies are presented that
      may help the nonadherent individual become ready to take HIV medications as
      prescribed.

PMID- 22096407
TI  - Characteristics of foot fractures in HIV-infected patients previously treated
      with tenofovir versus non-tenofovir-containing highly active antiretroviral
      therapy.
AB  - In a retrospective case series study, medical records were evaluated for all male
      patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosed over a one
      year period with foot fractures (n = 30) confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging
      at a Los Angeles outpatient private practice rheumatology clinic. Proportionally
      more patients had received tenofovir prefracture (17 [57%]) than those who had
      not (13 [43%]). At fracture diagnosis, these two groups were similar in median
      age (49 versus 48 years), HIV-1 RNA (both 1.7 log(10) copies/mL), CD4 count (300
      versus 364/mm(3)), time between HIV diagnosis and foot fracture (both 17 years),
      family history of degenerative bone disease (24% versus 23%), prevalence of
      malabsorption syndrome, renal failure, calcium deficiency, or vitamin D
      deficiency, and concurrent use of bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and diuretics.
      However, more tenofovir-treated patients had osteoporosis (35% versus 8%), stress
      type fractures (53% versus 31%), concurrent fractures (12% versus 0%), wasting
      syndrome (29% versus 15%), truncal obesity (18% versus 8%), smoked cigarettes
      (more than one pack/day for more than one year; 35% versus 8%), dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DEXA) T scores < -2.4 (denoting osteoporosis) at the femur (24%
      versus 9%) and spine (47% versus 36%), and had received protease inhibitors (71%
      versus 46%), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (24% versus 0%),
      prednisone (24% versus 0%), testosterone (47% versus 23%), and teriparatide (29%
      versus 8%). Median time from tenofovir initiation until fracture was 2.57 (range
      1.17-5.69) years. In conclusion, more foot fractures were observed in tenofovir
      treated patients than in non-tenofovir-treated patients with HIV infection.
      Comorbidities and/or coadministered drugs may have been contributory.

PMID- 22096408
TI  - Participation of women in HIV clinical trials: the IPEC-FIOCRUZ experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fifty percent of people living with human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) worldwide are female. In
      Brazil, for example, 240,000 women are infected with HIV, rates of infection in
      women have increased over the last two decades, and addressing HIV prevention and
      treatment for women at risk for, or living with, HIV/AIDS remains a challenge. To
      better address the needs of women living with HIV in Brazil, the Instituto de
      Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas - Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (IPEC-FIOCRUZ) HIV
      Women's Cohort was established in 1996 to study the natural history of women
      seeking HIV care. This analysis describes the characteristics of women in the
      cohort who participated in HIV clinical trials between 1999 and 2008. METHODS: A
      total of 736 Women's Cohort participants were in active follow-up and 665
      participants from the Women's Cohort were included in univariable and
      multivariable analyses to determine socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors
      associated with women's participation in HIV clinical trials at our site.
      RESULTS: Of the complete cohort, 23% participated in a clinical trial between
      January 1999 and July 2008. Odds of participation decreased for women who were
      younger than 35 years old, currently employed, had an HIV-positive sexual
      partner, and/or who reported a lifetime history of illicit drug use.
      Alternatively, the odds of participation increased for women who had more than 8
      years of formal education, were living independently, and/or were married or
      cohabitating. CONCLUSION: The rate of participation in HIV clinical trials by
      women in the IPEC-Fiocruz Cohort was similar to other published cohorts, but
      identification of local risk factors and barriers to participation remains
      important. Our analysis offers a novel description of the factors associated with
      participation in HIV clinical trials among women in care at IPEC-FIOCRUZ in Rio
      de Janeiro, Brazil.

PMID- 22096409
TI  - Growth hormone and tesamorelin in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
AB  - HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) develop a
      complex of body composition changes known, including peripheral fat loss
      (lipoatrophy) and central fat accumulation (lipohypertrophy). These changes may
      cause significant patient distress, which could in turn interfere with adherence
      to antiretroviral therapy. Treatment options - including antiretroviral switch,
      insulin sensitizers, and surgical approaches - have been associated with limited
      success and potential complications. The observation that low growth hormone
      levels are associated with central fat accumulation among HIV patients has led to
      the development of tesamorelin (a growth hormone releasing hormone analog) for
      the management of central fat accumulation. Randomized controlled trials have
      shown that administration of tesamorelin is safe and effective in reducing
      central fat accumulation among HIV-infected patients. This effect is transient,
      however, and its association with improved cardiovascular risk remains unclear.

PMID- 22096410
TI  - Role of raltegravir in the management of HIV-1 infection.
AB  - The development of multiple agents with potent antiretroviral activity against
      HIV has ushered in a new age of optimism in the management of patients infected
      with the virus. However, the viruses' dynamic ability to develop resistance
      against these agents necessitates the investigation of novel targets for viral
      suppression. Raltegravir represents a first-in-class agent targeting the HIV
      integrase enzyme, which is responsible for integration of virally encoded DNA
      into the host genome. Over the last 5 years, clinical trials data has
      demonstrated an increasing role for raltegravir in the management of both
      treatment-experienced and treatment-naive HIV-1-infected patients. This review
      focuses on the evidence supporting raltegravir's efficacy in an array of clinical
      settings. Other HIV-1 integrase inhibitors in development are also briefly
      discussed.

PMID- 22096411
TI  - HIV-related risk perception among female sex workers in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over one-third of sex workers in Nigeria are infected with human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yet there is a lack of understanding of sex
      workers' own perception of sexual risk-taking. Applying the theory of cognitive
      dissonance, this paper examined the personal HIV risk perception of brothel-based
      sex workers. METHODS: The study is based on 24 focus group discussions held among
      brothel-based sex workers in four geographically and culturally dispersed cities
      in Nigeria. RESULTS: It was found that sex workers underestimated their risk of
      infection and rationalized, defended, or justified their behaviors, a typical
      psychological response to worry, threat, and anxiety arising from the apparent
      discrepancies between beliefs and behaviors. To reduce dissonance, many sex
      workers had a strong belief in fatalism, predestination, and faith-based
      invulnerability to HIV infection. Many believed that one will not die of acquired
      immune deficiency syndrome if it is not ordained by God. The sex workers also had
      a high level of HIV-related stigma. CONCLUSION: From these findings, most sex
      workers considered risk reduction and in particular condom use as far beyond
      their control or even unnecessary, as a result of their strong beliefs in
      fatalism and predestination. Therefore, one critical area of intervention is the
      need to assist sex workers to develop accurate means of assessing their personal
      vulnerability and self-appraisal of HIV-related risk.

PMID- 22096412
TI  - Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody in HIV-infected patients at the
      Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with a ubiquitous intracellular
      protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. With the advent of the HIV pandemic in
      Nigeria, toxoplasmic encephalitis has become one of the more frequent
      opportunistic infections and the most commonly implicated cause of focal brain
      lesions complicating the course of AIDS. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to
      compare the pattern of seroprevalence of T. gondii (Toxo-IgG) antibodies among
      HIV-infected persons presenting with neurological complications and those
      without. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma specimens collected from 380 subjects were
      tested for Toxo- IgG antibodies by enzyme immunoassay technique and CD4
      estimation by flow cytometry. Close-ended questionnaires were applied to all
      respondents to collect relevant data, with ethical approval from the hospital
      ethical committee. Plasma was obtained from two study groups comprising 300 HIV
      positive respondents without neurological presentations, and 80 HIV-positive
      respondents with neurological complications. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of Toxo-IgG
      antibodies was 58% in the HIV-positive study group without neurological
      complications (of these, 79.2% were males and 38.5% were females) and 40% in the
      study group with neurological complications (46.2% of these were males and 28.6%
      were females). The overall seroprevalence of Toxo-IgG antibodies among the HIV
      positive respondents (with and without neurological complications) was 54.2% (206
      of 380). Seroprevalence of Toxo-IgG antibodies was lowest among the educated
      subjects (19% of the respondents with tertiary education) and among females in
      both study groups. A higher proportion of the subjects with neurological
      complications had CD4 cell count <100 cells/MUL compared with respondents without
      neurological defects (39% vs 22.7%; P = 0.000), but the seroprevalence of Toxo
      IgG antibodies was higher in subjects without neurological complications (45% vs
      31.3%; P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Toxoplasmosis, though an important opportunistic
      infection in our environment, may not account for the majority of neurological
      complications observed in patients with HIV infection in our center.

PMID- 22096413
TI  - Brief Interventions for Tobacco Users: Using the Internet to Train Healthcare
      Providers.
AB  - One fifth of Americans smoke; many have no plans to quit. Motivational
      Interviewing (MI) is an effective approach to intervention with precontemplative
      smokers, yet a substantial number of healthcare practitioners lack training in
      this approach. Two interactive online tutorials were developed to teach
      practitioners to deliver brief tobacco cessation interventions grounded in the MI
      approach. The tutorials emphasized the unique aspects of working with
      precontemplative smokers, incorporating audio and video examples of best
      practices, interactive exercises, targeted feedback, and practice opportunities.
      One hundred and fifty-two healthcare providers-in-training were randomly assigned
      to use the online tutorials or to read training material that was matched for
      content. A virtual standardized patient evaluation was given before and after the
      training. Both groups improved their scores from pre- to posttest; however, the
      tutorial group scored significantly better than the reading group at posttest.
      The results of this study demonstrate the promise of interactive online tutorials
      as an efficient and effective way to deliver clinical education.

PMID- 22096415
TI  - Orthodontic considerations for the patient wearing a Milwaukee Brace.

PMID- 22096414
TI  - The pathomechanical etiology of post-traumatic osteoarthritis following
      intraarticular fractures.
AB  - Many intra-articular fracture patients eventually experience significant
      functional deficits, pain, and stiffness from post-traumatic osteoarthritis
      (PTOA). Over the last several decades, continued refinement of surgical
      reconstruction techniques has failed to markedly improve patient outcomes. New
      treatment paradigms are needed - ideally, bio/pharmaceutical. Progress in that
      direction has been impeded because the pathomechanical etiology of PTOA
      development is poorly understood. In particular, the relative roles and
      pathomechanisms of acute joint injury (from the initial trauma) versus chronic
      contact stress elevation (from residual incongruity) are unknown, primarily
      because there have been no objective methods for reliably quantifying either of
      these insult entities. Over the past decade, novel enabling technologies have
      been developed that provide objective biomechanical indices of injury severity
      and of chronic contact stress challenge to fractured joint surfaces. The severity
      of the initial joint injury is indexed primarily on the basis of the energy
      released in fracture, obtained from validated digital image analysis of CT scans.
      Chronic contact stress elevations are indexed by patient-specific finite element
      stress analysis, using models derived from post-reduction CT scans. These new
      measures, conceived in the laboratory, have been taken through the stage of
      validation, and then have been applied in studies of intra-articular fracture
      patients, to relate these biomechanical indices of cartilage insult to the
      incidence and severity of PTOA This body of work has provided a novel framework
      for developing and testing new approaches to forestall PTOA following intra
      articular fractures.

PMID- 22096416
TI  - The Ponseti method in Latin America: initial impact and barriers to its diffusion
      and implementation.
AB  - The Ponseti method for correcting clubfoot is a safe, effective, and minimally
      invasive treatment that has recently been implemented in Latin America. This
      study evaluates the initial impact and unique barriers to the diffusion of the
      Ponseti method throughout this region. Structured interviews were conducted with
      30 physicians practicing the Ponseti method in three socioeconomically diverse
      countries: Chile, Peru and Guatemala. Since learning the Ponseti method, these
      physicians have treated approximately 1,740 clubfoot patients, with an estimated
      1,705 (98%) patients treated using the Ponseti method, and 35 (2%) patients
      treated using surgical techniques. The barriers were classified into the
      following themes: physician education, health care system of the country, culture
      and beliefs of patients, physical distance and transport, financial barriers for
      patients, and parental compliance with the method. The results yielded several
      common barriers throughout Latin America including lack of physician education,
      physical distance to the treatment centers, and financial barriers for patients.
      Information from this study can be used to inform, and to implement and evaluate
      specific strategies to improve the diffusion of the Ponseti method for treating
      clubfoot throughout Latin America.

PMID- 22096417
TI  - Diffusion of innovation: enhancing the dissemination of the Ponseti method in
      Latin America through virtual forums.
AB  - This ethnographic study evaluated the use of low-bandwidth web-conferencing to
      enhance diffusion of a specific best practice, the Ponseti method to treat
      clubfoot, in three economically diverse countries in Latin America. A "Ponseti
      Virtual Forum" (PVF) was organized in Guatemala, Peru and Chile to examine the
      influences of economic level and telecommunication infrastructure on the
      effectiveness of tins approach. Across the three countries, a total of 14
      different sites participated in the PVFs. Thirty-three Ponseti-trained
      practitioners were interviewed before and after each PVF, which included
      interactions with a Spanish-speaking Ponseti method expert. Semi-structured
      interviews, observations, and IP address data were triangulated and analyzed. The
      results demonstrated that 100% of the practitioners rated the sessions as very
      useful and that they would use this approach again. The largest obstacles to
      using PVFs were financial (7 out of 9 practitioners) in Guatemala; a lack of
      equipment and network access (6 out of 11) in Peru; and the organization and
      implementation of the conferences themselves (7 out of 9) in Chile. This study
      illustrates the usefulness of Ponseti Virtual Forums in Latin America. Health
      officials in Peru are currently developing a large-scale information session for
      traumatologists about the Ponseti method, while practitioners in Guatemala and
      Chile are organizing monthly scholarly meetings for physicians in remote areas.
      This initial feedback suggests that low-bandwidth web-conferencing can be an
      important vehicle for the dissemination of best practices, such as the Ponseti
      method, in developing countries.

PMID- 22096418
TI  - Ponseti Brasil: a national program to eradicate neglected clubfoot - preliminary
      results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After hearing about the reproducible and excellent results of the
      Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment, a group of Brazilian orthopaedic surgeons
      organized and participated in a standardized national program to teach the
      Ponseti technique in 21 different cities across Brazil. METHODS: A total of 21
      Ponseti symposiums were organized in a standard fashion from January, 2007 to
      December, 2008. They consisted of a two-day program with lectures, hands-on cast
      application, and discussion of local clinical cases presented by orthopaedic
      surgeons. Thirteen Brazilian orthopaedic surgeons, who had been trained by the
      University of Iowa or centers recognized by them, taught the method. Financial
      support for travel was provided by an English charity: La Vida (Vital Investment
      for Developing Aid in Latin America). The physicians who attended the symposiums
      answered questionnaires before and after the training. RESULTS: About 7% of the
      8000 orthopaedic surgeons in Brazil (556 orthopaedic surgeons) were trained.
      These orthopaedic surgeons stated that they had treated about 4905 babies in the
      previous year via other methods, including extensive surgery. Seventeen percent
      of the surgeons did not know about the Ponseti technique at the start of the
      symposium. Eighty-eight percent reported they felt able to treat children with
      the Ponseti technique after the symposium. Ninety-four percent of respondents
      reported that the symposium changed their way of treating clubfoot CONCLUSIONS:
      These Ponseti symposiums brought about an exchange of medical information and
      empowered the participants. This program is a good educational tool which can be
      used in eradicating neglected clubfoot in Brazil.

PMID- 22096419
TI  - Comparison of hospital costs and duration of treatment with two different
      clubfoot protocols.

PMID- 22096420
TI  - Reliability of various observers in determining common radiographic parameters of
      adult hip structural anatomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiographic evaluation of the hip is extremely important in the
      diagnosis and treatment decisionmaking process for pre-arthritic hip disease.
      Many different radiographic measurements have been described as indicators of
      underlying structural hip deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine
      the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of various musculoskeletal
      physicians in performing selected measurements of adult structural hip anatomy.
      METHODS: A blinded review of 45 sets of radiographs from patients with
      developmental dysplasia, femoro-acetabular impingement, and normal anatomy was
      performed. Data points included the lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), vertical
      center-anterior angle (VCA), head-neck offset ratio (UNO), alpha angle, Tonnis
      angle, Tonnis osteoarthritis grade and a radiographic diagnosis. One orthopaedic
      fellow, two orthopaedic residents, and two attending musculoskeletal physiatrists
      analyzed radiographs on two separate occasions. One sports medicine orthopaedic
      attending physician completed a single analysis of the image sets. Intraobserver
      and interobserver reliability was established using intra-class correlation
      coefficients (ICC) for continuous variables. Agreement regarding categorical
      variables was performed using the kappa coefficient RESULTS: Excellent
      intraobserver reliability was found for the following: LCEA (ICC = 0.88), VCA
      (0.88), Tonnis angle (0.83), HNO on the frog lateral (0.78), alpha angle on the
      frog lateral (0.76), HNO on the cross-table lateral (0.75), and angle alpha on
      the cross-table lateral (0.76). Intraobserver reliability for osteoarthritis
      grade was poor (weighted kappa = 0.57). For all data points, interobserver
      reliability was considerably worse, with 95% confidence intervals spanning below
      0.55. CONCLUSIONS: While the described measurements of adult structural hip
      anatomy provide excellent reliability for a given reader, these measurements are
      less reliable across readers. Taken in isolation, these measurements, as
      performed by observers with varied clinical experience and clinical backgrounds,
      are limited in determining a consistent radiographic diagnosis.

PMID- 22096421
TI  - Concomitant infection and local metal reaction in patients undergoing revision of
      metal on metal total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with conventional polyethylene bearings is
      traditionally the standard operative treatment for endstage arthritis of the hip.
      This design has excellent survivorship in most populations, with a low occurrence
      of infection and other associated complications. Due to concern over increased
      wear in younger, more active populations, other bearing surfaces have been
      evaluated, particularly metal-on-metal with wear rates theorized to be lower than
      conventional THA. Unique to metal-on-metal THA, however, is the possibility of
      local soft tissue reactions that can mimic infection, making proper diagnosis and
      treatment difficult. We present a case series of nine hips in eight patients
      undergoing revision of metal-on-metal THA for local soft tissue reactions, three
      of which were also found to be concomitantly infected. The laboratory and hip
      aspirate data described show significant overlap between the infected and non
      infected cases. Care must be taken when evaluating patients with failed metal-on
      metal THA as there may be an increased incidence of co-infection in this group of
      patients.

PMID- 22096422
TI  - Demographic and comorbid disparities based on payer type in a total joint
      arthroplasty cohort: implications in a changing health care arena.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare differences in
      demographic, functional, access to care, and comorbidity data between a Medicaid
      and Iowa Care (state Medicaid) insured patient cohort and Medicare and a
      Commercial Payer patient cohort undergoing lower extremity total joint
      arthroplasty (TJA). MATERIAL & METHODS: A retrospective review of 874 primary
      TKAs and THAs by a single surgeon at an academic institution between January,
      2004 and June, 2008 was performed. Data on the primary insurance payer was used
      to stratify the cohort into two groups; Medicaid and Iowa Care (state Medicaid)
      insured and Medicare and commercial payer. Demographic, functional, access to
      care, and comorbidity data obtained from a standard preoperative survey were
      compared. RESULTS: Of 874 primary TKAs and THAs, 18.3 % of patients were Medicaid
      and Iowa Care insured, while 81.7 % were insured by Medicare and commercial
      payer. Average age was 53.7 and 62.3 respectively, while average BMI was 35.2 and
      32.9 respectively. The Medicaid and Iowa Care group was found to be 3 times more
      likely to smoke tobacco (25.2% v. 8.3%). Preoperative WOMAC Function scores were
      33.9 and 46.8, respectively. Self reported diabetes was used as a general
      surrogate for health comorbidities and occurred in 12.3 % and 11.5%,
      respectively. Distance traveled was used as a general surrogate for access to
      care with averages of 92.5 miles and 62.8 miles, respectively. CONCLUSION: The
      Medicaid and Iowa Care (state Medicaid) group had significantly higher rates of
      smoking, were significantly younger, and had significantly lower WOMAC scores
      (p<0.05) preoperatively. BMI comparison showed a trend to greater obesity in the
      Medicaid and Iowa Care cohort (p=0.056). Diabetes rates were comparable between
      the two cohorts. Medicaid and Iowa Care patients traveled 29.7 miles farther,
      suggesting they had less access to local orthopaedic care. There are major
      differences in comorbidities and patient demographics between payer types.

PMID- 22096423
TI  - Hinged cast brace for persistent flexion contracture following total knee
      replacement.
AB  - The reported incidence of persistent knee flexion contracture following total
      knee arthroplasty (TKA) has varied from 1-15 percent Various treatment modalities
      have been described in attempts to manage this often difficult problem. This
      paper describes a novel method of treatment by using a hinged cast brace
      (previously reported for treatment of femur fractures and knee contractures
      secondary to hemophilia and cerebral palsy) for use in patients with symptomatic
      knee flexion contractures. Application of this cast brace with frequent
      adjustment (every three to four days, initially) toward full extension can often
      improve knee extension, after physical therapy and other modalities such as
      extension-assist braces have failed. Care must be taken in the application and
      use of this device which utilizes frequent manipulations to reduce and maintain
      the knee flexion angle. We report two clinical cases in which this protocol was
      effectively used in decreasing symptomatic knee flexion contractures.

PMID- 22096424
TI  - Range of motion and patient satisfaction with traditional and high-flexion
      rotating-platform knees.
AB  - Although a high degree of flexion is necessary for some activities of daily
      living, most total knee arthroplasty implants are designed to provide only up to
      120 degrees  of flexion. Some new designs claim to provide greater flexion. In
      this retrospective study, we evaluated the Sigma rotating-platform high-flex knee
      against the traditional Sigma rotating-platform knee (DePuy, Warsaw, IN). There
      were 153 knees evaluated. We matched the subjects primarily on preoperative
      flexion and had 64 matched pairs. We also evaluated the knees based on their
      preoperative flexion, either <120 degrees  or >=120 degrees . In comparing the
      two implants, there were no significant differences in the patients' overall
      satisfaction, flexion gained or lost, or the need for further surgery. This study
      was approved by an institutional review board.

PMID- 22096425
TI  - Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a blood salvage system in primary total knee
      arthroplasty--a retrospective match-controlled chart review.
AB  - We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and cost effectiveness of the OrthoPAT
      blood salvage system (Haemonetics Corp., Braintree, MA) following total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). Two-hundred-and-two patients who received the OrthoPAT system
      were matched to 202 controls. A second match was performed for subjects weighing
      <75 kg. For all matched subjects, no significant difference in allogeneic blood
      transfusion (ABT) rate was found between the control and study groups (p=0.55).
      In the subjects <75 kg, use of the OrthoPAT system almost halved the incidence of
      ABT; however, in this small population the result was not statistically
      significant (p=0.10). Blood management costs for study patients were
      significantly higher than those of the control group in both the total matched
      pairs and those <75 kg (p< 0.0001 and p= 0.05, respectively).

PMID- 22096426
TI  - Assessment of walking pattern pre and post peri-acetabular osteotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult hip dysplasia (AHD) is a common etiology of hip pain in the
      young adult. Patients with adult hip dysplasia may present with hip pain and
      early degenerative changes resulting from elevated cumulative hip-contact stress.
      While there are numerous studies using radiographic parameters coupled with
      general and disease-specific health status measures to demonstrate that
      periacetabular osteotomy improves the orientation of the acetabulum, decreases
      pain and improves function, to our knowledge there is only one study that
      utilized gait analysis to demonstrate an objective functional alteration. The
      purpose of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the walking pattern
      and assess the activity level of patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy for
      symptomatic adult hip dysplasia. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was
      obtained for collection and review of data on 55 patients who underwent
      periacetabular osteotomy at one institution by the senior author (TM) between the
      years 2007-2009. Walking pattern characteristics were assessed including
      velocity, cadence, stride length of the affected side, and percent of single-limb
      support on the affected limb using GaitRite(r) walking pattern analysis. Activity
      was assessed as average steps/day over a consecutive seven-day period. As a
      secondary analysis, the disease-specific and generalized health status outcome
      measures of all patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy were reviewed.
      RESULTS: At an average of 11.5 months post periacetabular osteotomy the walking
      patterns of 27 patients were available for review. Several trends were observed,
      including an approximate 5% increase in walking velocity (118 cm/sec to 125
      cm/sec), and a 4.5 % increase in stride length (132 cm to 138 cm, p=0.01). At a
      mean 9.5 months following surgery, 26 patients reported an 8.75% decrease in
      average steps taken daily (4598 steps/day to 4196 steps/day). A significant
      improvement in SF-36 PC scores (p<0.01), the WOMAC hip pain and function scores
      (p<0.01) and the HHS (p<0.01) was noted during the same period. CONCLUSION: At an
      average of 11.5 months following periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of
      symptomatic hip dysplasia, a trend toward increased walking velocity and a
      significant increase in stride length was noted. A significant improvement in
      pain relief as well as improved physical function was observed in the short term.
      Subgroup analysis of patients without pre-existing osteoarthritis (as compared to
      those with pre-existing osteoarthrosis) revealed increased walking velocity,
      stride length of the affected limb, and percent of gait cycle in single support
      on the affected limb following periacetabular osteotomy. Further prospective
      studies are needed to fully clarify the long-term impact of the periacetabular
      osteotomy on patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia.

PMID- 22096427
TI  - Quantifying the effects of extensor mechanism medializatlon procedures using MRI:
      a cadaver-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral joint kinematics are dependent on a variety of
      anatomical features. One of the most common causes of patellar instability is
      malalignment of the quadriceps extensor mechanism. The Southwick-Fulkerson
      osteotomy focuses on correcting malalignment of the quadriceps extensor mechanism
      through medialization of the tibial tubercle. MRI, in conjunction with
      established patellofemoral indices, allows quantitative evaluation of the
      patellofemoral joint during active quadriceps extension both pre- and
      postoperatively. PURPOSE: This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the effects
      of extensor mechanism medialization procedures using established patellofemoral
      indices in order to establish a relationship between tubercle transfer distance
      and patellar tracking. It is believed that a 15mm medial transfer of the tibial
      tubercle will produce statistically significant changes in patellar tracking when
      evaluated during active quadriceps contraction. METHODS: Four fresh-frozen
      cadavers underwent a modified Fulkerson osteotomy. The central quadriceps tendon
      was identified and traction was applied with a vector parallel to the femoral
      diaphysis using sutures, to simulate active quadriceps contraction. MRI images
      were obtained following Omm (control) and 15mm tibial tubercle medialization.
      Each knee was evaluated at 30, 20, 10, and 0 degrees of flexion. RESULTS:
      Quantitative evaluation of patellar tracking during active quadriceps contraction
      detected significant changes in patellar translation following 15mm medial
      transfer of the tibial tubercle as compared to the control. The significantly
      reduced indices suggest reduced patellar lateralization and improved patellar
      tracking during the critical range of motion from 30 to 0 degrees of flexion.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that significant quantitative
      changes in patellar tracking occur following 15mm tibial tubercle medialization
      when evaluated during active quadriceps contraction using MRI in conjunction with
      established patellofemoral indices. These findings suggest that quantitative
      evaluation of patellar tracking may be a valuable pre- and postoperative tool
      when coupled with qualitative clinical findings.

PMID- 22096428
TI  - Integrating carthage-specific T1rho MRI into knee clinic diagnostic imaging.
AB  - With a rise in post-traumatic osteoarthritis, OA no longer is considered just a
      disease of aging. The 'gold standard' for OA diagnosis has long been planar
      radiographs for visualizing osteophytes, joint space narrowing and sclerotic
      changes. A typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol will acquire proton
      density, T1, T2, and fat suppressed images that give a comprehensive picture of
      morphologic changes associated with injury and subsequent degenerative processes.
      However, the earliest events of cartilage degeneration occur within the tissue,
      before measureable changes in morphology. MRI methods have been proposed to
      display and quantify changes in composition and integrity of such elements of
      cartilage extracellular matrix as collagen and proteoglycan (PG) content in vivo.
      T1rho the spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame, has come to the
      forefront for visualizing water proton-PG interactions in articular cartilage.
      The purpose of this T1rho MRI study was to define an objective femoral condyle
      specific registration method, in which zone-dependent cartilage compositional
      changes could be assessed from the bone outward through the existing cartilage,
      at pre-ACL reconstruction and subsequent follow-up times, when the loss of
      thickness to surface-down cartilage erosion might occur later in the OA
      pathogenesis. Additionally, this study explores the effects of reducing the
      number of spin-lock times on the absolute T1rho relaxation times; a major
      parameter in expanding T1rho coverage to the whole joint while satisfying
      clinical imaging time and specific absorption rate (SAR) safety constraints. The
      developed image analysis tools serve as the first step toward quantitative
      functional assessment of cartilage health with noninvasive T1rho MRI, which has
      the potential to become an important new tool for the early diagnosis of
      cartilage degeneration following ACL trauma.

PMID- 22096429
TI  - Digital soft tissue trauma: a concise primer of soft tissue reconstruction of
      traumatic hand injuries.

PMID- 22096430
TI  - Arthroscopic subacromial decompression: acromioplasty versus bursectomy alone-
      does it really matter? A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subacromial impingement is a common disorder mat in some cases
      results in surgical management. Arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy alone or in
      combination with acromioplasty are treatment options when non-operative measures
      fail. METHODS: A systematic review of all level-I and level-II studies regarding
      subacromial bursectomy and acromioplasty for impingement was performed. Medline
      publications were reviewed for appropriate studies. RESULTS: A total of six
      studies that met inclusion criteria were identified. However, only one randomized
      study was identified that directly compared the treatments in question.
      Additionally, only one prospective study of subacromial bursectomy was
      identified. A comparison of similar outcome measures revealed bursectomy alone
      provided similar results to bursectomy with acromioplasty. DISCUSSION: Limited
      high-level studies are available regarding arthroscopic treatment of subacromial
      impingement. Data available currently suggests that bursectomy alone provides
      similar outcomes to bursectomy with acromioplasty.

PMID- 22096432
TI  - The value of physical examination in conjunction with a survey for identifying
      youth pitchers with arm pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a
      screening survey in identifying injuries in youth baseball pitchers. It is
      hypothesized that a standalone survey is unlikely to give a complete picture and
      that an additional physical examination is necessary to identify all injuries.
      METHODS: Seventy-seven youth baseball players who pitched in the last 12 months
      completed the survey. Players underwent physical examination if they reported a
      history of time-loss injury (16 players) or if they had any current complaints of
      pain without a history of time-loss injury (22 players). RESULTS: This screening
      protocol resulted in positive physical examination findings in 37.6% of all 77
      players. This included a rate of 56.3% of pitchers with a positive time-loss
      injury history and 90.9% of pitchers with a negative time-loss injury, but
      positive complaint of pain. The most common complaint in both groups was elbow
      tenderness with the most common location being the medial epicondyle. CONCLUSION:
      While the survey was effective at identifying time-loss injuries, it may neglect
      more mild injuries, underestimating the percentage of players with pain and
      positive physical examination findings. The high frequency of positive
      examination findings in athletes without a history of time-loss injury demands
      further investigation.

PMID- 22096431
TI  - Mechanical behavior of carpal tunnel subsynovial connective tissue under
      compression.
AB  - Subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) is a fluid-permeated loose connective tissue
      that occupies the majority of the space in the carpal tunnel not occupied by the
      digital flexor tendons or the median nerve. It is arranged in layers around these
      more discrete structures, presumably to assist with tendon gliding. As a result
      of this arrangement, the compressive behavior and the fluid permeability of this
      tissue may substantially affect the stresses in the median nerve resulting from
      contact with its neighboring tendons or with the walls of the tunnel itself.
      These stresses may contribute to damage of the median nerve and the development
      of carpal tunnel syndrome. In this study, the fluid permeability and the
      compressive behavior of the SSCT were investigated to better understand the
      mechanics of this tissue and how it may mediate mechanical insult to the median
      nerve. A custom experimental apparatus was built to allow simultaneous
      measurement of tissue compression and fluid flow. Using Darcy's law, the average
      SSCT fluid permeability was 8.78*10(15) m(4)/Ns. The compressive behavior of the
      SSCT demonstrated time dependence, with an initial modulus of 395kPa gradually
      decreasing to a value of 285kPa. These baseline tissue data may serve as a
      mechanical norm (toward which pathological tissue might be returned,
      therapeutically) and may serve as essential properties to include in future
      mechanical models of the carpal tunnel.

PMID- 22096433
TI  - Conical, radiographic, and patient-reported results of surface replacing proximal
      interphalangeal joint arthroplasty of the hand.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the one-year clinical, radiologic and
      patient-reported results of surface-replacing proximal interphalangeal joint
      arthroplasty (SR-PIP) of the hand. Fifteen patients with 18 joints underwent the
      procedure, and nine patients with 11 joints had follow-up of at least one year's
      duration. Of these joints, six had a diagnosis of osteoarthritis with no history
      of trauma, three had post-traumatic arthritis, one had psoriatic arthritis, and
      one had erosive arthritis. The mean clinical follow-up was at 3.3 years, and the
      mean radiographic follow-up was at 3.1 years. The average post-operative gain in
      range of motion at the PIP joint was 28 degrees and was statistically
      significant. Six patients completed self-reported questionnaires at a mean of 4.8
      years post-operatively. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
      (DASH) score post-operatively was 17, and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ)
      score for overall satisfaction was 70. There were three complications but only
      one reoperation. Seven of 11 joints showed some evidence of subsidence on follow
      up radiographic examination. However, no joints were revised secondary to
      loosening. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if this observable radiologic
      subsidence leads to symptomatic loosening of the implant.

PMID- 22096434
TI  - Extremity sarcoma surgery in younger children: ten years of patients ten years
      and under.
AB  - Sarcoma surgeons face unique challenges in younger patients with significant
      skeletal growth remaining. The heightened concerns regarding radiation in the
      very young and the drastic changes expected in the lengths and cross-sectional
      areas of bones affect the decision-making for both soft-tissue and bone sarcomas
      in this population. Nonetheless, there is sparse literature focused on sarcoma
      surgery in this age group. The records of one tertiary regional sarcoma treatment
      program were reviewed to identify all patients ten years old or younger at the
      time of local control surgery for limb or limb-girdle sarcomas. Demographic
      information, diagnosis, surgery performed, complications, and general outcomes
      were gleaned from the medical records. 43 patients were identified, including 15
      with osteosarcomas, 11 Ewing's sarcoma family tumors, five rhabdomyosarcomas, and
      two synovial sarcomas, among others. Location of tumors varied widely, but
      demonstrated a predilection for the upper extremity more than is typical in
      adolescents with the same tumor types. Survival was favorable overall, with only
      five patients dying from disease. Most patients continued to function well at
      latest follow-up, but 16 experienced additional surgical interventions following
      the index procedure. Sarcoma surgery in the younger growing child presents
      challenges for the surgeon, patient, and parents, but is usually successful in
      the long-term.

PMID- 22096435
TI  - Chondrosarcoma of the spine: a series of 16 cases and a review of the literature.
AB  - Only a few major studies of chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine have been
      reported. These studies have shown that spinal chondrosarcomas require complete
      surgical resection and are notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and radiation.
      We present 16 cases of chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine diagnosed at a median
      age of 54.5 (range 20 - 79) years. Diagnosis and treatment studies were based on
      both CT scans and MRI. Fifteen of our 16 patients had low-grade (grade 1-2)
      chondrosarcomas. All patients were treated with surgical resection. Fourteen
      patients had total resection while two patients had subtotal resection. The two
      patients who had subtotal resection died of their disease. Five of the fourteen
      patients who had total resection also died. The mean interval to death was 3.6
      years. This study confirms that although chondrosarcomas of the spine are low
      grade, they are dangerous neoplasms. Even with complete resection, they have a
      high rate of recurrence and metastasis.

PMID- 22096436
TI  - Patterns of improvement following oncologic reconstructrion compared to total
      knee arthroplasty and revision knee arthroplasty.
AB  - Limb salvage surgery for primary malignant bone tumors of the lower limbs
      requires complete resection of the tumor, followed by a reconstruction to restore
      function. In contrast to the abundant information on total knee arthroplasty,
      data on the recovery pattern of limb salvage surgery is largely limited. With the
      aim of guiding patient expectations and optimizing care, we retrospectively
      compared the clinical outcomes among patients following oncologic knee
      reconstruction, primary total knee arthroplasty, and revision total knee
      arthroplasty. From January, 2001 to June, 2009, we identified a cohort of 503
      primary total knee arthroplasties, 55 revision knee arthroplasties, and 15
      oncologic reconstructions. Outcomes were assessed by the validated Short Form-36
      (SF-36) health questionnaire. We found that oncologic patients significantly
      improved their Physical Component Score at one and minimum two-year follow up
      compared to baseline (p< 0.05) with the majority of improvement (90%) made within
      the first year following surgery. This is a similar pattern to that observed
      following primary and revision total knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 22096437
TI  - A randomized, prospective study comparing intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation
      with the dynamic hip screw and the dynamic helical hip system in a community
      practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance of the Dynamic Helical Hip System
      (DHHS) spiral blade relative to the Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) lag screw. DESIGN:
      Randomized prospective study. SETTING: One level-2 trauma center and one level-3
      trauma center. PATIENTS: Fifty-one consecutive patients were recruited into the
      trial. Inclusion criteria included patients over 50 years of age with AO/OTA 31A1
      or 31A2 fracture. INTERVENTION: Surgeries were performed by one of 15
      participating community orthopaedic surgeons. The patients were randomized to
      either a DHHS or DHS implant. Follow-up occurred at two weeks and six weeks and
      then at six-week intervals until healing occurred. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary
      outcome variables included sliding of die implant on the final AP radiographs,
      failure by cut-out and implant failure. RESULTS: There were 24 patients in the
      DHS group and 27 in the DHHS group. There was no difference in age, gender, ASA
      score, fracture classification or in the quality of reduction measured on the
      immediate postoperative radiographs (p=0.28) between the two groups. The tip apex
      distance was 18.7 mm in the DHHS group and 18.5 mm in the DHS group (p=0.40). The
      DHHS group had average blade sliding of 7.4 mm while the DHS group had an average
      lag-screw sliding of 7.7 (p=0.45). The DHHS group had two failures by central
      protrusion of the blade through the femoral head without significant varus
      collapse or superior migration. One was revised to a DHS and healed, the other
      was revised to a proximal femoral locking plate, which also failed and eventually
      required revision to a total hip arthroplasty. Investigation of the implants post
      failure showed evidence of binding of the blade shaft in the barrel as a
      mechanism of failure in both cases. No DHS implants cut out in this series,
      although one patient was revised to a total hip arthroplasty for symptomatic
      segmental osteonecrosis. CONCLUSION: Both implants performed well in a majority
      of cases. The higher incidence of failure in the DHHS group is concerning,
      despite the low numbers. The mechanism of failure of the DHHS implant left
      adequate bone stock for attempts at revision fixation.

PMID- 22096438
TI  - Children hospitalized with lower extremity fractures in the United States in
      2006: a population-based approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic and
      hospitalization characteristics of children hospitalized with lower extremity
      fractures in the United States in 2006. METHODS: Children aged 0 to 20 years with
      a diagnosis of lower extremity fracture in the 2006 Healthcare Cost and
      Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) were included. Lower extremity
      fractures were defined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision,
      Clinical Modification codes 820-829 under "Injury and Poisoning (800-999)."
      Patient demographic and hospitalization-related data were analyzed by chi-square
      testing and unbalanced analysis of variance. RESULTS: There were more boys than
      girls with lower extremity fractures and 53% had private insurance as their
      primary payer. About one half of the children were between the ages of 13 and 20
      years, but all ages were represented from age 0 to 20. White children accounted
      for 56%. Urban hospitalizations accounted for 93% of cases and 66 percent of
      admissions were to teaching hospitals. All patients had an average length of stay
      (LOS) 4.04 days, and infant patients had the longest average LOS of 5.46 days.
      The average number of diagnoses per patient was 3.07, and the average number of
      procedures per patient was 2.21. The average charge per discharge was $35,236,
      and the oldest patients had the largest average charge of $41,907. The average
      number of comorbidities increased with increasing patient age. There was a 55.6%
      greater mortality risk in non-teaching hospitals than in teaching hospitals and
      there was at least ten times the mortality risk in rural hospitals than in urban
      hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an understanding of the demographic
      and hospitalization characteristics of children with lower extremity fractures in
      the United States in 2006. This information may be useful in implementing
      measures to help prevent similar injuries in the future. Further research is
      required to determine causality of the associations found including increased
      mortality risk for this population at rural and non-teaching hospitals.

PMID- 22096439
TI  - Gluteal compartment syndrome and superior gluteal artery injury as a result of
      simple hip dislocation: a case report.
AB  - Gluteal compartment syndrome as a result of hematoma from a ruptured superior
      gluteal artery is exceedingly rare; to date, one similar case in a pelvic
      fracture model has been reported. We report a case of acute gluteal compartment
      syndrome from a ruptured superior gluteal artery resulting from a simple
      posterior hip dislocation in an otherwise healthy young male. Timely surgical
      exploration, evacuation of the hematoma, and achievement of hemostasis allowed
      for an excellent outcome at follow-up. We review the gluteal compartments as well
      as treatment protocols for this injury.

PMID- 22096440
TI  - Treatment of posttraumatic labral interposition with surgical hip dislocation and
      labral repair.
AB  - We report a case of a 12-year-old male with delayed presentation of a spontaneous
      incongruous reduction of a hip dislocation due to labral-chondral acetabular rim
      fragment entrapment The patient was treated with a staged hip arthroscopy and
      subsequent surgical dislocation and open repair. At two-year follow-up, the
      patient had an excellent clinical and radiographic outcome.

PMID- 22096441
TI  - Open pelvic fractures: the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville
      experience over ten years.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Open fractures of the pelvis remain a devastating injury with a
      high mortality and morbidity. Such injuries require an aggressive treatment plan
      and the coordination of trauma and orthopaedic surgeons to achieve the best
      outcomes. We report our experience at the University of Tennessee Medical Center
      at Knoxville with open pelvic fractures over the last ten years. METHODS: After
      IRB and institutional approval, we reviewed patients admitted with a diagnosis of
      open fracture of the pelvis from 1999 to 2009. Demographic and admission data
      were recorded in the trauma registry (TRACS) of the Level I Trauma Center,
      serving the 1.2 million people living in the regions of east Tennessee, western
      North Carolina and southeastern Kentucky. Data on fractures were obtained from
      review of the medical records and radiographs within the chart. RESULTS: There
      were 3053 pelvic fractures from January 1999 to December 2009. There were 231
      deaths in this group (6%) and ages ranged from 18 to 89 years old and Injury
      Severity Scores ranged from 4 to 75, with a mean of 18.3. Seventy five percent of
      patients were able to be discharged home. Fifty-two fractures were open. There
      were 43 men and the mean age was 39 years old. Average ISS was 23 and ranged from
      5 to 50. There were 10 deaths (19%) and eight patients underwent
      angioembolization for control of bleeding (3 deaths). Motorcycle crashes were the
      most frequent cause of an open fracture, with lateral compression injuries
      representing 71%. A defined algorithm for fracture management has been in place
      and employed to assure adequate resuscitation and fracture care and is presented.
      DISCUSSION: Open pelvic fractures are usually the result of a high energy
      transfer, and convey a high morbidity and mortality. A defined resuscitation and
      fixation strategy improves outcome from historical reports. Injuries from
      penetrating mechanisms are associated with less morbidity and lower mortality.

PMID- 22096442
TI  - Proximal junctional kyphosis in adult reconstructive spine surgery results from
      incomplete restoration of the lumbar lordosis relative to the magnitude of the
      thoracic kyphosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PROXIMAL JUNCTIONAL KYPHOSIS (PJK) IS DEFINED AS: 1) Proximal
      junction sagittal Cobb angle >>=10 degrees , and 2) Proximal junction sagittal
      Cobb angle of at least 10 degrees  greater than the pre-operative measurement PJK
      is a common complication which develops in 39% of adults following surgery for
      spinal deformity. The pathogenesis, risk factors and prevention of this
      complication are unclear. METHODS: Of 54 consecutive adults treated with spinal
      deformity surgery (age>=59.3+/-10.1 years), 19 of 54 (35%) developed PJK. The
      average follow-up was 26.8 months (range 12 - 42). Radiographic parameters were
      measured at the pre-operative, early postoperative (4-6 weeks), and final follow
      up visits. Sagittal alignment was measured by the ratio between the C7-plumbline
      and the sacral-femoral distance. Binary logistic regression model with predictor
      variables included: Age, BMI, C7-plumbline, and whether lumbar lordosis, thoracic
      kyphosis and sacral slope were present RESULTS: Patients who developed PJK and
      those without PJK presented with comparable age, BMI, pelvic incidence and
      sagittal imbalance before surgery. They also presented with comparable sacral
      slope and lumbar lordosis. The average magnitude of thoracic kyphosis was
      significantly larger than the lumbar lordosis in the proximal junctional kyphosis
      group, both at baseline and in the early postoperative period, as represented by
      [(-lumbar )lordosis - (thoracic kyphosis)]; no- PJK versus PJK; 6.6 degrees +/
      23.2 degrees  versus -6.6 degrees +/-14.2 degrees ; p>=0.012. This was not
      effectively addressed with surgery in the PJK group [(-LL-TK): 6.2 degrees +/
      13.1 degrees  vs. -5.2 degrees +/-9.6 degrees ; p>=0.004]. This group also
      presented with signs of pelvic retroversion with a sacral slope of 29.3 degrees
      +/-8.2 degrees  pre-operatively that was unchanged after surgery (30.4 degrees +/
      8.5 degrees  postoperatively). Logistic regression determined that the magnitude
      of thoracic kyphosis and sagittal balance (C7-plumbline) was the most important
      predictor of proximal junctional kyphosis. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal junctional
      kyphosis developed in those patients where the thoracic kyphosis remained greater
      in magnitude relative to the lumbar lordosis, and where the sagittal balance
      seemed corrected, but part of thise correction was secondary to pelvic
      retroversion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic case-control study - Level III.

PMID- 22096443
TI  - Cervical laminoplasty construct stability: an experimental and finite element
      investigation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Experimental and finite element investigation of cervical
      laminoplasty. OBJECTIVE: To determine the stability of the construct post
      cervical laminoplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical laminoplasty is a
      widely used technique to widen the spinal canal dimensions without permanently
      removing the dorsal elements of the cervical spine. Although various laminoplasty
      procedures have been developed recently, the use of mini-plates to hold the
      lamina open and prevent restenosis of the spinal cord is a fairly new method and
      has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: Biomechanical compression tests
      and finite element analyses were performed in this study. Sixteen cervical
      vertebrae (C3 - C6) were isolated from six cadaveric cervical spines (age at
      death 68 to 91 years; mean 85 years) and were used for compression tests. Out of
      the 16 vertebrae, four were without any surgical intervention and the remaining
      12 were implanted with one of the two laminoplasty plates: open door (OD) graft.
      Each vertebra was randomly assigned to one of the three groups: OD plate (6),
      graft plate (6) or intact vertebrae (4). The intact and implanted vertebrae were
      potted and loaded to failure. Cross-head displacements and the corresponding
      reaction force throughout the test were recorded to determine the failure loads.
      A finite element model of the C5 cervical vertebra was created to accommodate the
      laminoplasty implants. Experimental loading and boundary conditions were
      simulated and the stress distribution in the lamina was predicted in response to
      the compressive loads. RESULTS: A substantial increase in the sagittal canal
      diameter (27%-33%) and the spinal canal area (31.2%-47%) was observed at all
      levels. The strength of the implanted specimens was considerably decreased (by
      six to eight times) as compared to the intact specimens. CONCLUSION:
      Experimentally obtained data can be combined with mathematical models, such as
      finite element models, to accurately predict the biomechanical behavior (stresses
      and strains) of implants and the posterior bone which may not be possible by the
      use of any other method.

PMID- 22096444
TI  - Cervical synovial cyst: case report.
AB  - A 47-year-old female school teacher with a six-week history of left-sided
      scapular and arm pain is presented. We report her evaluation and treatment
      Although lumbar degenerative synovial cysts have been reported over 200 times in
      the literature,6 cervical synovial cysts are much more rare. This case reports a
      cervicothoracic junction degenerative synovial cyst presenting as radiculopathy.

PMID- 22096445
TI  - Early spondylodiscitis presenting with single vertebral body involvement: a
      report of two cases.
AB  - Infectious spondylodiscitis is an uncommon disease with increasing incidence that
      typically presents with abnormalities in two adjacent vertebral bodies and the
      intervening disk. We describe two cases that initially presented with imaging
      abnormalities in only a single vertebral body. Both patients had a history of
      lumbar back pain and elevated inflammatory markers, but the lack of classical
      spondylodiscitis imaging findings led to diagnostic delay and confusion. It is
      likely that the incidence of atypical presentations of spondylodiscitis will
      increase as the disease incidence increases and imaging is performed at an
      earlier stage. It is important to recognize the disease early because early
      diagnosis is the key to preventing serious complications like epidural abscess
      and spinal cord compression.

PMID- 22096446
TI  - Ulnar nerve component to innervation of thumb carpometacarpal joint.
AB  - PURPOSE: Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is one of the most common
      problems addressed by hand surgeons. The gold standard of treatment for thumb CMC
      joint arthritis is trapeziectomy, ligament reconstruction and tendon
      interposition. Denervation of the thumb CMC joint is not currently used to treat
      arthritis in this joint due to the failure of the procedure to yield significant
      symptomatic relief. The failure of denervation is puzzling, given that past
      anatomic studies show the radial nerve is the major innervation of the thumb CMC
      joint with the lateral antebrachial nerve and the median nerve also innervating
      this joint. Although no anatomic study has ever shown that the ulnar nerve
      innervates the CMC joint, due to both the failure of denervation and the success
      of arthroscopic thermal ablation, we suspect that previous anatomic studies may
      have overlooked innervation of the thumb CMC joint via the ulnar nerve. METHODS:
      We dissected 19 formalin-preserved cadaveric hand-to-mid-forearm specimens. The
      radial, median and ulnar nerves were identified in the proximal forearm and then
      followed distally. Any branch heading toward the radial side of the hand were
      followed to see if they innervated the thumb CMC joint. RESULTS: Eleven specimens
      (58%) had superficial radial nerve innervation to the thumb CMC joint. Nine
      specimens (47%) had median nerve innervation from the motor branch. Nine
      specimens (47%) had ulnar nerve innervation from the motor branch. CONCLUSIONS:
      We believe this is the first study to demonstrate that the ulnar nerve innervates
      the thumb CMC joint This finding may explain the poor results seen in earlier
      attempts at denervation of the thumb CMC, but the more favorable results with
      techniques such as arthroscopy with thermal ablation.

PMID- 22096447
TI  - The course of the distal saphenous nerve: a cadaveric investigation and clinical
      implications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Injury to the saphenous nerve at the ankle has been described as a
      complication resulting from incision and dissection over the distal tibia and
      medial malleolus. However, the exact course and location of the distal saphenous
      nerve is not well described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the distal limit of the saphenous nerve and its anatomic relationship
      to commonly identified orthopaedic landmarks and surgical incisions. METHODS:
      Sixteen cadaveric ankles were examined at the level of the distal tibia medial
      malleolus. An incision was made along the medial aspect of the lower extremity
      from the knee to the hallux to follow the course and branches of the saphenous
      nerve under direct visualization. We recorded the shortest distance from the most
      distal visualized portion of the saphenous nerve to the tip of the medial
      malleolus, to the antero-medial arthroscopic portal site, and to the tibialis
      anterior tendon. RESULTS: The saphenous nerve runs posterior to the greater
      saphenous vein in the leg and divides into an anterior and posterior branch
      approximately 3 cm proximal to the tip of the medial malleolus. These branches
      terminate in the integument proximal to the tip of the medial malleolus, while
      the vein continues into the foot. The anterior branch ends at the anterior aspect
      of the medial malleolus near the posterior edge of the greater saphenous vein.
      The posterior branch ends near the posterior aspect of the medial malleolus. The
      average distance from the distal-most visualized aspect of the saphenous nerve to
      the tip of the medial malleolus measured 8mm +/-; 5mm; from the nerve to the
      medial arthroscopic portal measured 14mm +/-2mm; and from the nerve to the
      tibialis anterior measured 16mm +/-3mm. In only one case (of 16) was there an
      identifiable branch of the saphenous nerve extending to the foot and in this
      specimen it extended to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The first
      metatarsophalangeal joint was innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve in all
      cases. Small variations were also noted. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights the proximity of the distal saphenous nerve to common landmarks in
      orthopaedic surgery. This has important clinical implications in ankle
      arthroscopy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, fixation of distal tibia medial malleolar
      fractures, and other procedures centered about the medial malleolus. While the
      distal course of the saphenous nerve is generally predictable, variations exist
      and thus the orthopaedic surgeon must operate cautiously to prevent iatrogenic
      injury. To avoid saphenous nerve injury, incisions should stay distal to the tip
      of the medial malleolus. The medial arthroscopic portal should be more than one
      centimeter from the anterior aspect of the medial malleolus which will also avoid
      the greater saphenous vein. Incision over the anterior tibialis tendon should
      stay within one centimeter of the medial edge of the tendon.

PMID- 22096448
TI  - A brief (and somewhat personal) history of the orthopaedic clinic at the
      University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 1978-2011.

PMID- 22096449
TI  - Predictive measures of a resident's performance on written Orthopaedic Board
      scores.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Residency programs are continually attempting to predict the
      performance of both current and potential residents. Previous studies have
      supported the use of USMLE Steps 1 and 2 as predictors of Orthopaedic In-Training
      Examination (OITE) and eventual American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery success,
      while others show no significant correlation. A strong performance on OITE
      examinations does correlate with strong residency performance, and some believe
      OITE scores are good predictors of future written board success. The current
      study was designed to examine potential differences in resident assessment
      measures and their predictive value for written boards. DESIGN/METHODS: A
      retrospective review of resident performance data was performed for the past 10
      years. Personalized information was removed by the residency coordinator. USMLE
      Step 1, USMLE Step 2, Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (from first to fifth
      years of training), and written orthopaedic specialty board scores were
      collected. Subsequently, the residents were separated into two groups, those
      scoring above the 35(th) percentile on written boards and those scoring below.
      Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses to compare and
      contrast the scores across all tests. RESULTS: A significant difference was seen
      between the groups in regard to USMLE scores for both Step 1 and 2. Also, a
      significant difference was found between OITE scores for both the second and
      fifth years. Positive correlations were found for USMLE Step 1, Step 2, OITE 2
      and OITE 5 when compared to performance on written boards. One resident initially
      failed written boards, but passed on the second attempt This resident
      consistently scored in the 20(th) and 30(th) percentiles on the in-training
      examinations. CONCLUSIONS: USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores along with OITE scores are
      helpful in gauging an orthopaedic resident's performance on written boards. Lower
      USMLE scores along with consistently low OITE scores likely identify residents at
      risk of failing their written boards. Close monitoring of the annual OITE scores
      is recommended and may be useful to identify struggling residents. Future work
      involving multiple institutions is warranted and would ensure applicability of
      our findings to other orthopedic residency programs.

PMID- 22096450
TI  - Grammatical form and semantic context in verb learning.
AB  - Decades of research have documented that young word learners have more difficulty
      learning verbs than nouns. Nonetheless, recent evidence has uncovered conditions
      under which children as young as 24 months succeed. Here, we focus in on the kind
      of linguistic information that undergirds 24-month-olds' success. We introduced
      24-month-olds to novel words (either nouns or verbs) as they watched dynamic
      scenes (e.g., a man waving a balloon); the novel words were presented in semantic
      contexts that were either rich (e.g., The man is pilking a balloon), or more
      sparse (e.g., He's pilking it). Toddlers successfully learned nouns in both the
      semantically rich and sparse contexts, but learned verbs only in the rich
      context. This documents that to learn the meaning of a novel verb, English
      acquiring toddlers take advantage of the semantically rich information provided
      in lexicalized noun phrases. Implications for cross-linguistic theories of
      acquisition are discussed.

PMID- 22096451
TI  - Microscopic Symmetry Imposed by Rotational Symmetry Boundary Conditions in
      Molecular Dynamics Simulation.
AB  - A large number of viral capsids, as well as other macromolecular assemblies, have
      icosahedral structure or structures with other rotational symmetries. This
      symmetry can be exploited during molecular dynamics (MD) to model in effect the
      full viral capsid using only a subset of primary atoms plus copies of image atoms
      generated from rotational symmetry boundary conditions (RSBC). A pure rotational
      symmetry operation results in both primary and image atoms at short range, and
      within nonbonded interaction distance of each other, so that nonbonded
      interactions can not be specified by the minimum image convention and explicit
      treatment of image atoms is required. As such an unavoidable consequence of RSBC
      is that the enumeration of nonbonded interactions in regions surrounding certain
      rotational axes must include both a primary atom and its copied image atom,
      thereby imposing microscopic symmetry for some forces. We examined the
      possibility of artifacts arising from this imposed microscopic symmetry of RSBC
      using two simulation systems: a water shell and human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14)
      capsid with explicit water. The primary unit was a pentamer of the icosahedron,
      which has the advantage of direct comparison of icosahedrally equivalent spatial
      regions, for example regions near a 2-fold symmetry axis with imposed symmetry
      and a 2-fold axis without imposed symmetry. Analysis of structural and dynamic
      properties of water molecules and protein atoms found similar behavior near
      symmetry axes with imposed symmetry and where the minimum image convention fails
      compared with that in other regions in the simulation system, even though an
      excluded volume effect was detected for water molecules near the axes with
      imposed symmetry. These results validate the use of RSBC for icosahedral viral
      capsids or other rotationally symmetric systems.

PMID- 22096453
TI  - Trade-offs and constraints in allosteric sensing.
AB  - Sensing extracellular changes initiates signal transduction and is the first
      stage of cellular decision-making. Yet relatively little is known about why one
      form of sensing biochemistry has been selected over another. To gain insight into
      this question, we studied the sensing characteristics of one of the biochemically
      simplest of sensors: the allosteric transcription factor. Such proteins, common
      in microbes, directly transduce the detection of a sensed molecule to changes in
      gene regulation. Using the Monod-Wyman-Changeux model, we determined six sensing
      characteristics--the dynamic range, the Hill number, the intrinsic noise, the
      information transfer capacity, the static gain, and the mean response time--as a
      function of the biochemical parameters of individual sensors and of the number of
      sensors. We found that specifying one characteristic strongly constrains others.
      For example, a high dynamic range implies a high Hill number and a high capacity,
      and vice versa. Perhaps surprisingly, these constraints are so strong that most
      of the space of characteristics is inaccessible given biophysically plausible
      ranges of parameter values. Within our approximations, we can calculate the
      probability distribution of the numbers of input molecules that maximizes
      information transfer and show that a population of one hundred allosteric
      transcription factors can in principle distinguish between more than four bands
      of input concentrations. Our results imply that allosteric sensors are unlikely
      to have been selected for high performance in one sensing characteristic but for
      a compromise in the performance of many.

PMID- 22096452
TI  - Neural dynamics as sampling: a model for stochastic computation in recurrent
      networks of spiking neurons.
AB  - The organization of computations in networks of spiking neurons in the brain is
      still largely unknown, in particular in view of the inherently stochastic
      features of their firing activity and the experimentally observed trial-to-trial
      variability of neural systems in the brain. In principle there exists a powerful
      computational framework for stochastic computations, probabilistic inference by
      sampling, which can explain a large number of macroscopic experimental data in
      neuroscience and cognitive science. But it has turned out to be surprisingly
      difficult to create a link between these abstract models for stochastic
      computations and more detailed models of the dynamics of networks of spiking
      neurons. Here we create such a link and show that under some conditions the
      stochastic firing activity of networks of spiking neurons can be interpreted as
      probabilistic inference via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Since
      common methods for MCMC sampling in distributed systems, such as Gibbs sampling,
      are inconsistent with the dynamics of spiking neurons, we introduce a different
      approach based on non-reversible Markov chains that is able to reflect inherent
      temporal processes of spiking neuronal activity through a suitable choice of
      random variables. We propose a neural network model and show by a rigorous
      theoretical analysis that its neural activity implements MCMC sampling of a given
      distribution, both for the case of discrete and continuous time. This provides a
      step towards closing the gap between abstract functional models of cortical
      computation and more detailed models of networks of spiking neurons.

PMID- 22096454
TI  - Hypertension in Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease.
AB  - The relationship between hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is
      bidirectional in nature and, generally, management strategies for cardiovascular
      risk reduction also attenuate progression of CKD. Prevalent hypertension
      increases with diminishing kidney function, and the management strategy changes
      with level of kidney function. In this review, we will examine the evidence for
      management of hypertension, as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular
      disease in CKD, and the impact of this management on progression of CKD.

PMID- 22096455
TI  - Possible Mechanisms of Local Tissue Renin-Angiotensin System Activation in the
      Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - The role of local tissue renin-angiotensin system (tRAS) activation in the
      cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not
      well understood. To this point, we posit that early redox stress-mediated injury
      to tissues and organs via accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      and associated wound healing responses might serve as a paradigm to better
      understand how tRAS is involved. There are at least five common categories
      responsible for generating ROS that may result in a positive feedback ROS-tRAS
      axis. These mechanisms include metabolic substrate excess, hormonal excess,
      hypoxia-ischemia/reperfusion, trauma, and inflammation. Because ROS are toxic to
      proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids they may be the primary instigator, serving
      as the injury nidus to initiate the wound healing process. Insulin resistance is
      central to the development of the CRS and T2DM, and there are now thought to be
      four major organ systems important in their development. In states of
      overnutrition and tRAS activation, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle (SkM), islet
      tissues, and liver (the quadrumvirate) are individually and synergistically
      related to the development of insulin resistance, CRS, and T2DM. The obesity
      epidemic is thought to be the driving force behind the CRS and T2DM, which
      results in the impairment of multiple end-organs, including the cardiovascular
      system, pancreas, kidney, retina, liver, adipose tissue, SkM, and nervous system.
      A better understanding of the complex mechanisms leading to local tRAS activation
      and increases in tissue ROS may lead to new therapies emphasizing global risk
      reduction of ROS resulting in decreased morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22096457
TI  - Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
      and the Role of Serum Albumin: A Cross-Sectional Study from South India.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular mortality. We aimed to
      study the prevalence of SCH in ESRD patients and assessed its associated risk
      factors.  METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 2 tertiary-care
      centers in Chennai, India, over a 3-year period. The study group comprised 137
      patients with ESRD on thrice weekly regular maintenance hemodialysis. Free
      thyroxine (FT(4)) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured using an
      electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. SCH was defined as TSH ranging between 4.5
      and 10 mIU/l with normal FT(4) (0.93-1.7 ng/dl). Patients with overt
      hypothyroidism, SCH and overt hyperthyroidism, those on medications affecting
      thyroid function and pregnant women were excluded from the study.  RESULTS: Of
      137 ESRD patients (mean age: 43 +/- 13.38 years), 107 were males (78.1%), 45
      diabetics (32.8%), 127 hypertensives (92.7%), and 38 smokers (27.7%). Prevalence
      of SCH was 24.8%. In unadjusted (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.91-5.21) and adjusted (for
      age, gender, HbA(1C), and albumin/creatinine ratio; OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 2.15-4.98)
      logistic regression analysis, serum albumin was significantly associated with
      SCH. Further, multiple linear regression identified that for every 1 g/dl drop in
      serum albumin TSH increased by 4.61 mIU/l (95% CI: 2.75-5.92).  CONCLUSION: We
      observed a high prevalence of SCH in our ESRD patients. Also, serum albumin was
      significantly associated with SCH in our study.

PMID- 22096456
TI  - Prenatal Programming and Epigenetics in the Genesis of the Cardiorenal Syndrome.
AB  - The presence of a group of interacting maladaptive factors, including
      hypertension, insulin resistance, metabolic dyslipidemia, obesity, and
      microalbuminuria and/or reduced renal function, collectively constitutes the
      cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRS). Nutritional and other environmental cues
      during fetal development can permanently affect the composition, homeostatic
      systems, and functions of multiple organs and systems; this process has been
      referred to as 'programming'. Since the original formulation of the notion that
      low birth weight is a proxy for 'prenatal programming' of adult hypertension and
      cardiovascular disease, evidence has also emerged for programming of kidney
      disease, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic dyslipidemia, and other chronic
      diseases. The programming concept was initially predicated on the notion that in
      utero growth restriction due to famine was responsible for increased
      hypertension, and cardiovascular and renal diseases. On the other hand, we are
      now more commonly exposed to increasing rates of maternal obesity. The current
      review will discuss the overarching role of maternal overnutrition, as well as
      fetal undernutrition, in epigenetic programming in relation to the pathogenesis
      of the CRS in children and adults.

PMID- 22096459
TI  - Membrane flow patterns in multicomponent giant vesicles induced by alternating
      electric fields?Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Vesicle
      preparation procedure, numerical calculations and confocal microscopy movies of
      domain motion. See DOI: 10.1039/b811876kClick here for additional data file.Click
      here for additional data file.Click here for additional data file.Click here for
      additional data file.Click here for additional data file.
AB  - Alternating electric (AC) fields induce circular patterns of lipid transport in
      membranes of giant vesicles. The flow is visualized by fluorescently labelled
      lipid domains.

PMID- 22096458
TI  - Phosphate Metabolism in Cardiorenal Metabolic Disease.
AB  - Hyperphosphatemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease,
      abnormalities of mineral metabolism and bone disease, and the progression of
      renal insufficiency in patients with chronic renal disease. In early renal
      disease, serum phosphate levels are maintained within the 'normal laboratory
      range' by compensatory increases in phosphaturic hormones such as fibroblast
      growth factor-23 (FGF-23). An important co-factor for FGF-23 is Klotho; a
      deficiency in Klotho plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
      hyperphosphatemia, renal tubulointerstitial disease, and parathyroid and bone
      abnormalities. Clinical hyperphosphatemia occurs when these phosphaturic
      mechanisms cannot counterbalance nephron loss. Hyperphosphatemia is associated
      with calcific uremic arteriolopathy and uremic cardiomyopathy, which may explain,
      in part, the epidemiologic connections between phosphate excess and
      cardiovascular disease. However, no clinical trials have been conducted to
      establish a causal relationship, and large, randomized trials with hard endpoints
      are urgently needed to prove or disprove the benefits and risks of therapy. In
      summary, hyperphosphatemia accelerates renal tubulointerstitial disease, renal
      osteodystrophy, as well as cardiovascular disease, and it is an important
      mortality risk factor in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 22096460
TI  - Three new Editors!

PMID- 22096461
TI  - Spontaneous neck haematoma.
AB  - A 66-year-old Caucasian woman presented with right-sided neck swelling and
      worsening pain for 5 days. There was no history of trauma, cough or excessive
      muscular strain. She was not on any anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. On
      initial examination, a 5*4 cm swelling was seen on the trapezius in the posterior
      triangle of the right side of the neck. The swelling was tender, firm and not
      mobile on palpation. A CT scan of the neck showed resolving haematoma 3 cm deep
      to the right trapezius muscle at the level of the hyoid bone. She was treated as
      an outpatient with analgesics. A repeat CT scan after 4 weeks showed complete
      resolution of the haematoma. A Medline literature search did not reveal any
      reported cases of spontaneous haematoma in the posterior triangle of the neck
      without any precipitating factor.

PMID- 22096462
TI  - Primary orbital yolk sac tumour in a 14-year-old girl.
AB  - Yolk sac tumour is a common malignant germ cell tumour, which usually occurs in
      the testes or ovaries of infants. It can occasionally arise from a number of
      extragonadal sites. Extragonadal germ cell tumours of the head and neck region
      account for 5% of all benign and malignant germ cell tumours. The orbit is an
      extremely unusual location for development of primary yolk sac tumour. The
      present report concerns the case of a yolk sac tumour in a 14-year-old girl,
      arising as a primary tumour of the orbit with invasion of periorbital and
      intracranial spaces.

PMID- 22096463
TI  - Serous ovarian carcinoma in pregnancy.
AB  - The diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma in pregnancy is rare (incidence of 0.018
      0.073/1000 pregnancies). Its rarity is reflected by a paucity of cases reported
      in the literature. The present report concerns a case of advanced serous ovarian
      carcinoma in a full-term pregnancy. This was an incidental finding discovered
      during an emergency caesarean section for presumed fetal distress. The majority
      of ovarian carcinomas diagnosed in pregnancy present at early stages, are
      associated with a good prognosis and are non-epithelial type tumours. Advanced
      epithelial ovarian carcinoma diagnosed in pregnancy however is associated with a
      poor prognosis. Case reporting should certainly contain detailed information on
      clinicopathological variables and treatment regimens. Longer-term maternal and
      neonatal outcomes are more difficult to substantiate in case reporting. The
      authors therefore feel that data centralisation would be beneficial in
      identifying optimal management strategies in these rare tumours and in other
      malignant tumours diagnosed and treated during pregnancy.

PMID- 22096464
TI  - Combined penetrating injury of the perineum and abdominal viscera.
AB  - This is a rare presentation. A farmer aged 52 years old was brought to the
      emergency service of Government District (Doon) Hospital in the late evening
      having significant bleeding per rectum. He had injured his perineum on a sharp
      wooden stick during a fall near a tube well. The wooden stick had been extracted
      by his relatives, which had resulted in profuse bleeding. The patient was managed
      with intravenous crystalloids and rushed to the operating theatre for examination
      under analgesia. Blood transfusion was arranged and the wound explored under
      general anaesthesia. The patient had unusual associated visceral injuries as well
      as sphincter, rectum, urinary bladder, ileal loop and mesentery injuries. The
      injured bowel, mesentery, urinary bladder and rectum were repaired with diversion
      of the upper pelvic colon. In addition, debridement of the perineal wound with
      rectal sphincter repair was performed and the presacral space drained. The
      colostomy was closed after 3 months, and the patient survived and is continent.

PMID- 22096465
TI  - Cardiac sarcoidosis mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
AB  - Isolated manifestation of sarcoidosis in the heart is very rare. The present work
      describes the case of a 41-year-old woman with ventricular tachycardia and severe
      symptoms of heart failure in June 2006. Clinical, MRI and echocardiographic
      findings revealed the diagnosis of an arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
      Due to the severe progression of the disease, cardiac transplantation was
      performed in August 2007. Histopathological examination of the explanted heart,
      however, revealed numerous non-necrotising granulomas with giant cells,
      lymphocytic infiltration and interstitial fibrosis, finally confirming the
      diagnosis of a myocardial sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22096466
TI  - Intracamaral bevacizumab in neovascular glaucoma with scleromalasia and retinal
      detachment.

PMID- 22096467
TI  - Suspension airbags: a potential danger.

PMID- 22096468
TI  - A fortunate escape from a broken heart: contained ventricular rupture forming a
      pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 22096469
TI  - Acute pancreatitis following paracetamol overdose.
AB  - A 17-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting 3 h after
      she attempted to commit suicide by ingesting 30*500 mg paracetamol tablets. The
      woman was found to have a raised amylase level, and a CT scan confirmed the
      diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. According to the Naranjo adverse drug reaction
      probability scale, it is likely that the pancreatitis was induced by the
      paracetamol ingestion. A literature search reported 36 cases of pancreatitis
      following excessive doses of paracetamol, however this possible drug reaction is
      not widely recognised and not documented in the British National Formulary (BNF)
      list of possible adverse reactions from paracetamol. Being aware of the
      possibility that abdominal pain following paracetamol overdose may be a
      manifestation of pancreatitis can help the early detection and initiation of
      treatment for pancreatitis.

PMID- 22096470
TI  - Pacemaker endocarditis: an important clinical entity.
AB  - Pacemaker endocarditis remains a rare but potentially life threatening
      complication of pacemaker implantation. This case illustrates a rare cause of
      pacemaker endocarditis, Serratia marcescens, the management difficulties that can
      be faced with such organisms, and the potential indolent nature of pacemaker lead
      associated endocarditis. A review of the current data for pacemaker endocarditis
      management suggests that treatment with antimicrobials alone is unlikely to be
      curative and explantation of the device is recommended in all cases of confirmed
      pacemaker endocarditis (by echocardiography, in correlation with the patient's
      clinical condition and inflammatory markers).

PMID- 22096471
TI  - The purple urine bag syndrome.

PMID- 22096472
TI  - "An unfortunate trip": small bowel perforation in a patient with an undiagnosed
      inguinal hernia following minor blunt trauma.
AB  - Small bowel perforation due to blunt abdominal trauma associated with inguinal
      hernia is uncommon. An 80-year-old woman presented to the emergency department
      following a simple fall and had developed a traumatic perforation of the proximal
      ileum likely secondary to an undiagnosed inguinal hernia. Following this minor
      blunt trauma she recovered after an emergency laparotomy and bowel resection.

PMID- 22096473
TI  - Spontaneous pneumothorax in the third trimester of pregnancy.
AB  - The present report concerns a young woman previously diagnosed as having
      childhood asthma who presented with a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax during
      the third trimester of pregnancy; at term a caesarean section was recommended for
      safety reasons. Post partum a severe fixed ventilatory defect unresponsive to
      inhaled bronchodilator and a short oral course of steroids ruled out asthma.
      Diffuse bronchiectasis was found on her chest CT scan, although this was not
      evident clinically. Known aetiologies for diffuse bronchiectasis (cystic
      fibrosis, anti-alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency, rheumatic diseases, mycobacterial
      infections, childhood infections and immune deficiencies) were ruled out.
      Therefore it is believed her bronchiectasis was idiopathic or congenital. No
      recommendations from recent guidelines on how to manage labour in a woman after a
      spontaneous pneumothorax could be found. However, a literature search revealed
      that pregnant women usually experience primary pneumothorax and may continue in
      natural labour; however, it is unknown how best to manage a woman with secondary
      spontaneous pneumothorax.

PMID- 22096474
TI  - In-cell click labelling of small molecules to determine subcellular localisation.
AB  - Small molecule fluorometric boron dipyrromethene probes were developed to bind
      hepatitis C virus-encoded NS5A protein and aid subcellular distribution studies.
      These molecules did not co-locate with NS5A, therefore alternative 'silent' azide
      reporters were used to obtain a more relevant picture of their distribution.
      Following pre-incubation with replicon cells, click chemistry was used to append
      a fluorophore to the azide that confirmed the co-localisation of the small
      molecule with the NS5A protein, thus providing greater insight into the antiviral
      mode of action of this chemotype. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online
      version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12154-010-0047-1) contains supplementary
      material, which is available to authorized users.

PMID- 22096475
TI  - Job Strain, Workplace Discrimination, and Hypertension among Older Workers: The
      Health and Retirement Study.
AB  - Job strain has been associated with hypertension among younger workers; however,
      whether this relationship persists among older workers, particularly older
      racial/ethnic minorities, is unresolved. This study evaluated whether job strain
      and workplace discrimination are associated with hypertension and poor blood
      pressure control among older workers and whether these relationships vary by
      gender and race/ethnicity. Data were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study,
      and analysis was restricted to employed participants with complete information on
      job strain and blood pressure (N = 3,794). In adjusted models, high job strain
      was associated with lower likelihood of hypertension (odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 0.63, 0.89) relative to low job strain. Stratified
      analyses indicated this association was only significant among white (OR: 0.71,
      95% CI: 0.58, 0.86) and male (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.79) workers. High job
      strain was not significantly associated with hypertension among African American
      (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.63, 2.07) or Hispanic (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.29, 1.09)
      workers. Workplace discrimination was not associated with hypertension among any
      group. Neither job strain nor discrimination was associated with poor blood
      pressure control. These findings suggest that persistence in work characterized
      by high job strain in later life may signal resilience to the influence of work
      related stressors on health. Future research efforts should examine the factors
      that contribute to gender and racial differences in these relationships.

PMID- 22096476
TI  - Down-regulation of EBV-LMP1 radio-sensitizes nasal pharyngeal carcinoma cells via
      NF-kappaB regulated ATM expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) encoded by EBV is expressed in
      the majority of EBV-associated human malignancies and has been suggested to be
      one of the major oncogenic factors in EBV-mediated carcinogenesis. In previous
      studies we experimentally demonstrated that down-regulation of LMP1 expression by
      DNAzymes could increase radiosensitivity both in cells and in a xenograft NPC
      model in mice. RESULTS: In this study we explored the molecular mechanisms
      underlying the radiosensitization caused by the down-regulation of LMP1 in
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It was confirmed that LMP1 could up-regulate ATM
      expression in NPCs. Bioinformatic analysis of the ATM ptomoter region revealed
      three tentative binding sites for NF-kappaB. By using a specific inhibitor of NF
      kappaB signaling and the dominant negative mutant of IkappaB, it was shown that
      the ATM expression in CNE1-LMP1 cells could be efficiently suppressed. Inhibition
      of LMP1 expression by the DNAzyme led to attenuation of the NF-kappaB DNA binding
      activity. We further showed that the silence of ATM expression by ATM-targeted
      siRNA could enhance the radiosensitivity in LMP1 positive NPC cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Together, our results indicate that ATM expression can be regulated by LMP1 via
      the NF-kappaB pathways through direct promoter binding, which resulted in the
      change of radiosensitivity in NPCs.

PMID- 22096477
TI  - Improved NYVAC-based vaccine vectors.
AB  - While as yet there is no vaccine against HIV/AIDS, the results of the phase III
      Thai trial (RV144) have been encouraging and suggest that further improvements of
      the prime/boost vaccine combination of a poxvirus and protein are needed. With
      this aim, in this investigation we have generated derivatives of the candidate
      vaccinia virus vaccine vector NYVAC with potentially improved functions. This has
      been achieved by the re-incorporation into the virus genome of two host range
      genes, K1L and C7L, in conjunction with the removal of the immunomodulatory viral
      molecule B19, an antagonist of type I interferon action. These novel virus
      vectors, referred to as NYVAC-C-KC and NYVAC-C-KC-DeltaB19R, have acquired
      relevant biological characteristics, giving higher levels of antigen expression
      in infected cells, replication-competency in human keratinocytes and dermal
      fibroblasts, activation of selective host cell signal transduction pathways, and
      limited virus spread in tissues. Importantly, these replication-competent viruses
      have been demonstrated to maintain a highly attenuated phenotype.

PMID- 22096478
TI  - Conjunctival reconstruction with progenitor cell-derived autologous epidermal
      sheets in rhesus monkey.
AB  - Severe ocular surface diseases are some of the most challenging problems that the
      clinician faces today. Conventional management is generally unsatisfactory, and
      the long-term ocular consequences of these conditions are devastating. It is
      significantly important to find a substitute for conjunctival epithelial cells.
      This study was to explore the possibility of progenitor cell-derived epidermal
      sheets on denuded amniotic membrane to reconstruct ocular surface of conjunctiva
      damaged monkeys. We isolated epidermal progenitor cells of rhesus monkeys by type
      IV collagen adhesion, and then expanded progenitor cell-derived epidermal sheets
      on denuded amniotic membrane ex vivo. At 3 weeks after the conjunctiva injury,
      the damaged ocular surface of four monkeys was surgically reconstructed by
      transplanting the autologous cultivated epidermal progenitor cells. At 2 weeks
      after surgery, transplants were removed and examined with Hematoxylin-eosin
      staining, Periodic acid Schiff staining, immunofluorescent staining, scanning and
      transmission electron microscopy. Histological examination of transplanted sheets
      revealed that the cell sheets were healthy alive, adhered well to the denuded
      amniotic membrane, and had several layers of epithelial cells. Electron
      microscopy showed that the epithelial cells were very similar in appearance to
      those of normal conjunctival epithelium, even without goblet cell detected.
      Epithelial cells of transplants had numerous desmosomal junctions and were
      attached to the amniotic membrane with hemidesmosomes. Immunohistochemistry
      confirmed the presence of the conjunctival specific markers, mucin 4 and keratin
      4, in the transplanted epidermal progenitor cells. In conclusion, our present
      study successfully reconstructed conjunctiva with autologous transplantation of
      progenitor cell-derived epidermal sheets on denuded AM in conjunctival damaged
      monkeys, which is the first step toward assessing the use of autologous
      transplantation of progenitor cells of nonocular surface origin. Epidermal
      progenitor cells could be provided as a new substitute for conjunctival
      epithelial cells to overcome the problems of autologous conjunctiva shortage.

PMID- 22096479
TI  - Multiple sites in alphaB-crystallin modulate its interactions with desmin
      filaments assembled in vitro.
AB  - The beta3- and beta8-strands and C-terminal residues 155-165 of alphaB-crystallin
      were identified by pin arrays as interaction sites for various client proteins
      including the intermediate filament protein desmin. Here we present data using 5
      well-characterised alphaB-crystallin protein constructs with substituted beta3-
      and beta8-strands and with the C-terminal residues 155-165 deleted to demonstrate
      the importance of these sequences to the interaction of alphaB-crystallin with
      desmin filaments. We used electron microscopy of negatively stained samples to
      visualize increased interactions followed by sedimentation assays to quantify our
      observations. A low-speed sedimentation assay measured the ability of alphaB
      crystallin to prevent the self-association of desmin filaments. A high-speed
      sedimentation assay measured alphaB-crystallin cosedimentation with desmin
      filaments. Swapping the beta8-strand of alphaB-crystallin or deleting residues
      155-165 increased the cosedimentation of alphaB-crystallin with desmin filaments,
      but this coincided with increased filament-filament interactions. In contrast,
      substitution of the beta3-strand with the equivalent alphaA-crystallin sequences
      improved the ability of alphaB-crystallin to prevent desmin filament-filament
      interactions with no significant change in its cosedimentation properties. These
      data suggest that all three sequences (beta3-strand, beta8-strand and C-terminal
      residues 155-165) contribute to the interaction of alphaB-crystallin with desmin
      filaments. The data also suggest that the cosedimentation of alphaB-crystallin
      with desmin filaments does not necessarily correlate with preventing desmin
      filament-filament interactions. This important observation is relevant not only
      to the formation of the protein aggregates that contain both desmin and alphaB
      crystallin and typify desmin related myopathies, but also to the interaction of
      alphaB-crystallin with other filamentous protein polymers.

PMID- 22096480
TI  - Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 regulate the frequency of IFNgamma-producing CD4+ T
      cells during pulmonary infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae.
AB  - TLR2 and TLR4 are crucial for recognition of Chlamydia pneumoniae in vivo, since
      infected TLR2/4 double-deficient mice are unable to control the infection as
      evidenced by severe loss of body weight and progressive lethal pneumonia.
      Unexpectedly, these mice display higher pulmonary levels of the protective
      cytokine IFNgamma than wild type mice. We show here, that antigen-specific CD4(+)
      T-cells are responsible for the observed IFNgamma-secretion in vivo and their
      frequency is higher in TLR2/4 double-deficient than in wild type mice. The
      capacity of TLR2/4 double-deficient dendritic cells to re-stimulate CD4(+) T
      cells did not differ from wild type dendritic cells. However, the frequency of
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T-cells was considerably higher in wild type compared to
      TLR2/4 double-deficient mice and was inversely related to the number of IFNgamma
      secreting CD4(+) effector T-cells. Despite increased IFNgamma-levels, at least
      one IFNgamma-mediated response, protective NO-secretion, could not be induced in
      the absence of TLR2 and 4. In summary, CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cells
      fail to expand in the absence of TLR2 and TLR4 during pulmonary infection with C.
      pneumoniae, which in turn enhances the frequency of CD4(+)IFNgamma(+) effector T
      cells. Failure of IFNgamma to induce NO in TLR2/4 double-deficient cells
      represents one possible mechanism why TLR2/4 double-deficient mice are unable to
      control pneumonia caused by C. pneumoniae and succumb to the infection.

PMID- 22096481
TI  - Nogo-receptors NgR1 and NgR2 do not mediate regulation of CD4 T helper responses
      and CNS repair in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Myelin-associated inhibition of axonal regrowth after injury is considered one
      important factor that contributes to regeneration failure in the adult central
      nervous system (CNS). Blocking strategies targeting this pathway have been
      successfully applied in several nerve injury models, including experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), suggesting myelin-associated inhibitors
      (MAIs) and functionally related molecules as targets to enhance regeneration in
      multiple sclerosis. NgR1 and NgR2 were identified as interaction partners for the
      myelin proteins Nogo-A, MAG and OMgp and are probably mediating their growth
      inhibitory effects on axons, although the in vivo relevance of this pathway is
      currently under debate. Recently, alternative functions of MAIs and NgRs in the
      regulation of immune cell migration and T cell differentiation have been
      described. Whether and to what extent NgR1 and NgR2 are contributing to Nogo and
      MAG-related inhibition of neuroregeneration or immunomodulation during EAE is
      currently unknown. Here we show that genetic deletion of both receptors does not
      promote functional recovery during EAE and that NgR1 and NgR2-mediated signals
      play a minor role in the development of CNS inflammation. Induction of EAE in
      Ngr1/2-double mutant mice resulted in indifferent disease course and tissue
      damage when compared to WT controls. Further, the development of encephalitogenic
      CD4(+) Th1 and Th17 responses was unchanged. However, we observed a slightly
      increased leukocyte infiltration into the CNS in the absence of NgR1 and NgR2,
      indicating that NgRs might be involved in the regulation of immune cell migration
      in the CNS. Our study demonstrates the urgent need for a more detailed knowledge
      on the multifunctional roles of ligands and receptors involved in CNS
      regeneration failure.

PMID- 22096482
TI  - An efficient vector system to modify cells genetically.
AB  - The transfer of foreign genes into mammalian cells has been essential for
      understanding the functions of genes and mechanisms of genetic diseases, for the
      production of coding proteins and for gene therapy applications. Currently, the
      identification and selection of cells that have received transferred genetic
      material can be accomplished by methods, including drug selection, reporter
      enzyme detection and GFP imaging. These methods may confer antibiotic resistance,
      or be disruptive, or require special equipment. In this study, we labeled
      genetically modified cells with a cell surface biotinylation tag by co
      transfecting cells with BirA, a biotin ligase. The modified cells can be quickly
      isolated for downstream applications using a simple streptavidin bead method.
      This system can also be used to screen cells expressing two sets of genes from
      separate vectors.

PMID- 22096483
TI  - Versican G3 domain modulates breast cancer cell apoptosis: a mechanism for breast
      cancer cell response to chemotherapy and EGFR therapy.
AB  - Overexpression of EGFR and versican has been reported in association with breast
      cancers. Considered oncogenic, these molecules may be attractive therapeutic
      targets. Possessing anti-apoptotic and drug resistant properties, overexpression
      of these molecules is accompanied by selective sensitization to the process of
      apoptosis. In this study, we exogenously expressed a versican G3 construct in
      breast cancer cell lines and analyzed the effects of G3 on cell viability in
      fetal bovine serum free conditioned media and evaluated the effects of apoptotic
      agent C2-ceramide, and chemotherapeutic agents including Docetaxel, Doxorubicin,
      and Epirubicin. Versican G3 domain enhanced tumor cell resistance to apoptosis
      when cultured in serum free medium, Doxorubicin, or Epirubicin by up-regulating
      pERK and GSK-3beta (S9P). However, it could be prevented by selective EGFR
      inhibitor AG 1478 and selective MEK inhibitor PD 98059. Both AG 1478 and PD 98059
      enhanced expression of pSAPK/JNK, while selective JNK inhibitor SP 600125
      enhanced expression of GSK-3beta (S9P). Versican G3 promoted cell apoptosis
      induced by C2-ceramide or Docetaxel by enhancing expression of pSAPK/JNK and
      decreasing expression of GSK-3beta (S9P), an observation blocked by AG 1478 or SP
      6000125. Inhibition of endogenous versican expression by siRNA or reduction of
      versican G3's expression by linking G3 with 3'UTR prevented G3 modulated cell
      apoptosis. The dual roles of G3 in modulating breast cancer cell resistance to
      chemotherapeutic agents may in part explain a potential mechanism for breast
      cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy and EGFR therapy. The apoptotic effects of
      chemotherapeutics depend upon the activation and balance of down stream signals
      in the EGFR pathway. GSK-3beta (S9P) appears to function as a key checkpoint in
      this balance of apoptosis and anti-apoptosis. Investigation and potential
      consideration of targeting GSK-3beta (S9P) merits further study.

PMID- 22096484
TI  - Transcriptome of small regulatory RNAs in the development of the zoonotic
      parasite Trichinella spiralis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichinella spiralis is a parasite with unique features. It is a
      multicellular organism but with an intracellular parasitization and development
      stage. T. spiralis is the helminthic pathogen that causes zoonotic trichinellosis
      and afflicts more than 10 million people worldwide, whereas the parasite's
      biology, especially the developmental regulation is largely unknown. In other
      organisms, small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNA) and small interfering
      RNAs (siRNA) execute post-transcriptional regulation by translational repression
      or mRNA degradation, and a large number of miRNAs have been identified in diverse
      species. In T. spiralis, the profile of small non-coding RNAs and their function
      remains poorly understood. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, the
      transcriptional profiles of miRNA and siRNA in three developmental stages of T.
      spiralis in the rat host were investigated, and compared by high-throughput cDNA
      sequencing technique ("RNA-seq"). 5,443,641 unique sequence tags were obtained.
      Of these, 21 represented conserved miRNAs related to 13 previously identified
      metazoan miRNA families and 213 were novel miRNAs so far unique to T. spiralis.
      Some of these miRNAs exhibited stage-specific expression. Expression of miRNAs
      was confirmed in three stages of the life cycle by qRT-PCR and northern blot
      analysis. In addition, endogenous siRNAs (endo-siRNAs) were found mainly derived
      from natural antisense transcripts (NAT) and transposable elements (TE) in the
      parasite. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: We provide evidence for the presence of
      miRNAs and endo-siRNAs in T. spiralis. The miRNAs accounted for the major
      proportion of the small regulatory RNA population of T. spiralis, while fewer
      endogenous siRNAs were found. The finding of stage-specific expression patterns
      of the miRNAs in different developmental stages of T. spiralis suggests that
      miRNAs may play important roles in parasite development. Our data provide a basis
      for further understanding of the molecular regulation and functional evolution of
      miRNAs in parasitic nematodes.

PMID- 22096485
TI  - Enhanced activity of meprin-alpha, a pro-migratory and pro-angiogenic protease,
      in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Meprin-alpha is a metalloprotease overexpressed in cancer cells, leading to the
      accumulation of this protease in a subset of colorectal tumors. The impact of
      increased meprin-alpha levels on tumor progression is not known. We investigated
      the effect of this protease on cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro and
      studied the expression of meprin-alpha mRNA, protein and proteolytic activity in
      primary tumors at progressive stages and in liver metastases of patients with
      colorectal cancer, as well as inhibitory activity towards meprin-alpha in sera of
      cancer patient as compared to healthy controls. We found that the hepatocyte
      growth factor (HGF)-induced migratory response of meprin-transfected epithelial
      cells was increased compared to wild-type cells in the presence of plasminogen,
      and that the angiogenic response in organ-cultured rat aortic explants was
      enhanced in the presence of exogenous human meprin-alpha. In patients, meprin
      alpha mRNA was expressed in colonic adenomas, primary tumors UICC (International
      Union Against Cancer) stage I, II, III and IV, as well as in liver metastases. In
      contrast, the corresponding protein accumulated only in primary tumors and liver
      metastases, but not in adenomas. However, liver metastases lacked meprin-alpha
      activity despite increased expression of the corresponding protein, which
      correlated with inefficient zymogen activation. Sera from cancer patients
      exhibited reduced meprin-alpha inhibition compared to healthy controls. In
      conclusion, meprin-alpha activity is regulated differently in primary tumors and
      metastases, leading to high proteolytic activity in primary tumors and low
      activity in liver metastases. By virtue of its pro-migratory and pro-angiogenic
      activity, meprin-alpha may promote tumor progression in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22096486
TI  - The automatic conservative: ideology-based attentional asymmetries in the
      processing of valenced information.
AB  - Research has widely explored the differences between conservatives and liberals,
      and it has been also recently demonstrated that conservatives display different
      reactions toward valenced stimuli. However, previous studies have not yet fully
      illuminated the cognitive underpinnings of these differences. In the current
      work, we argued that political ideology is related to selective attention
      processes, so that negative stimuli are more likely to automatically grab the
      attention of conservatives as compared to liberals. In Experiment 1, we
      demonstrated that negative (vs. positive) information impaired the performance of
      conservatives, more than liberals, in an Emotional Stroop Task. This finding was
      confirmed in Experiment 2 and in Experiment 3 employing a Dot-Probe Task,
      demonstrating that threatening stimuli were more likely to attract the attention
      of conservatives. Overall, results support the conclusion that people embracing
      conservative views of the world display an automatic selective attention for
      negative stimuli.

PMID- 22096487
TI  - A vicious cycle: a cross-sectional study of canine tail-chasing and human
      responses to it, using a free video-sharing website.
AB  - Tail-chasing is widely celebrated as normal canine behaviour in cultural
      references. However, all previous scientific studies of tail-chasing or
      'spinning' have comprised small clinical populations of dogs with neurological,
      compulsive or other pathological conditions; most were ultimately euthanased.
      Thus, there is great disparity between scientific and public information on tail
      chasing. I gathered data on the first large (n = 400), non-clinical tail-chasing
      population, made possible through a vast, free, online video repository,
      YouTubeTM. The demographics of this online population are described and
      discussed. Approximately one third of tail-chasing dogs showed clinical signs,
      including habitual (daily or 'all the time') or perseverative (difficult to
      distract) performance of the behaviour. These signs were observed across diverse
      breeds. Clinical signs appeared virtually unrecognised by the video owners and
      commenting viewers; laughter was recorded in 55% of videos, encouragement in 43%,
      and the commonest viewer descriptors were that the behaviour was 'funny' (46%) or
      'cute' (42%). Habitual tail-chasers had 6.5+/-2.3 times the odds of being
      described as 'Stupid' than other dogs, and perseverative dogs were 6.8+/-2.1
      times more frequently described as 'Funny' than distractible ones were. Compared
      with breed- and age-matched control videos, tail-chasing videos were
      significantly more often indoors and with a computer/television screen switched
      on. These findings highlight that tail-chasing is sometimes pathological, but can
      remain untreated, or even be encouraged, because of an assumption that it is
      'normal' dog behaviour. The enormous viewing figures that YouTubeTM attracts
      (mean+/-s.e. = 863+/-197 viewings per tail-chasing video) suggest that this
      perception will be further reinforced, without effective intervention.

PMID- 22096488
TI  - The age-related risk of co-existing meningitis in children with urinary tract
      infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine age-stratified rates of
      co-existing bacterial meningitis in children with urinary tract infection (UTI).
      The secondary aims of this study were to determine the causative pathogens of
      UTI, and the clinical features and outcome of children with co-existing
      meningitis. METHODS: Analysis of data collected over a nine-year period at a
      tertiary pediatric hospital in Australia. STUDY POPULATION: children below 16
      years of age with culture-confirmed UTI and a paired CSF sample. RESULTS: A total
      of 748 episodes in 735 cases were included in the final analysis. The commonest
      pathogens causing UTI were Escherichia coli (67.4%), Enterococcus faecalis
      (8.4%), Klebsiella oxytoca (3.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.5%). Only two
      (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.15-4.36%) of 163 neonates (between 0 and 28 days of age) with
      UTI had co-existing meningitis. Both presented with pyrexia, irritability and
      lethargy, and recovered uneventfully with antibiotic treatment. There were no
      cases of co-existing meningitis among 499 infants (between 29 days and 12 months
      of age) with UTI (95% CI: 0.00-0.74%), or any of the 86 children aged 12 months
      or over (95% CI: 0.00-4.20%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that
      clinicians should have a low threshold to perform a lumbar puncture in neonates
      with UTI, as the risk of co-existing meningitis is not insignificant in this age
      group. In contrast, beyond the neonatal period, the risk is small and a more
      selective approach is warranted.

PMID- 22096489
TI  - Comparative effects of fructose and glucose on lipogenic gene expression and
      intermediary metabolism in HepG2 liver cells.
AB  - Consumption of large amounts of fructose or sucrose increases lipogenesis and
      circulating triglycerides in humans. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms
      responsible for this effect are not completely understood, it is possible that as
      reported for rodents, high fructose exposure increases expression of the
      lipogenic enzymes fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC-1) in
      human liver. Since activation of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) is
      associated with increases in the expression of FAS and ACC-1, it raises the
      possibility that HBP-related metabolites would contribute to any increase in
      hepatic expression of these enzymes following fructose exposure. Thus, we
      compared lipogenic gene expression in human-derived HepG2 cells after incubation
      in culture medium containing glucose alone or glucose plus 5 mM fructose, using
      the HBP precursor 10 mM glucosamine (GlcN) as a positive control. Cellular
      metabolite profiling was conducted to analyze differences between glucose and
      fructose metabolism. Despite evidence for the active uptake and metabolism of
      fructose by HepG2 cells, expression of FAS or ACC-1 did not increase in these
      cells compared with those incubated with glucose alone. Levels of UDP-N
      acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), the end-product of the HBP, did not differ
      significantly between the glucose and fructose conditions. Exposure to 10 mM GlcN
      for 10 minutes to 24 hours resulted in 8-fold elevated levels of intracellular
      UDP-GlcNAc (P<0.001), as well as a 74-126% increase in FAS (P<0.05) and 49-95%
      increase in ACC-1 (P<0.01) expression above controls. It is concluded that in
      HepG2 liver cells cultured under standard conditions, sustained exposure to
      fructose does not result in an activation of the HBP or increased lipogenic gene
      expression. Should this scenario manifest in human liver in vivo, it would
      suggest that high fructose consumption promotes triglyceride synthesis primarily
      through its action to provide lipid precursor carbon and not by activating
      lipogenic gene expression.

PMID- 22096490
TI  - NASA-approved rotary bioreactor enhances proliferation of human epidermal stem
      cells and supports formation of 3D epidermis-like structure.
AB  - The skin is susceptible to different injuries and diseases. One major obstacle in
      skin tissue engineering is how to develop functional three-dimensional (3D)
      substitute for damaged skin. Previous studies have proved a 3D dynamic simulated
      microgravity (SMG) culture system as a "stimulatory" environment for the
      proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Here, we employed the NASA
      approved rotary bioreactor to investigate the proliferation and differentiation
      of human epidermal stem cells (hEpSCs). hEpSCs were isolated from children
      foreskins and enriched by collecting epidermal stem cell colonies. Cytodex-3
      micro-carriers and hEpSCs were co-cultured in the rotary bioreactor and 6-well
      dish for 15 days. The result showed that hEpSCs cultured in rotary bioreactor
      exhibited enhanced proliferation and viability surpassing those cultured in
      static conditions. Additionally, immunostaining analysis confirmed higher
      percentage of ki67 positive cells in rotary bioreactor compared with the static
      culture. In contrast, comparing with static culture, cells in the rotary
      bioreactor displayed a low expression of involucrin at day 10. Histological
      analysis revealed that cells cultured in rotary bioreactor aggregated on the
      micro-carriers and formed multilayer 3D epidermis structures. In conclusion, our
      research suggests that NASA-approved rotary bioreactor can support the
      proliferation of hEpSCs and provide a strategy to form multilayer epidermis
      structure.

PMID- 22096491
TI  - Facial attractiveness ratings from video-clips and static images tell the same
      story.
AB  - Most of what we know about what makes a face attractive and why we have the
      preferences we do is based on attractiveness ratings of static images of faces,
      usually photographs. However, several reports that such ratings fail to correlate
      significantly with ratings made to dynamic video clips, which provide richer
      samples of appearance, challenge the validity of this literature. Here, we tested
      the validity of attractiveness ratings made to static images, using a substantial
      sample of male faces. We found that these ratings agreed very strongly with
      ratings made to videos of these men, despite the presence of much more
      information in the videos (multiple views, neutral and smiling expressions and
      speech-related movements). Not surprisingly, given this high agreement, the
      components of video-attractiveness were also very similar to those reported
      previously for static-attractiveness. Specifically, averageness, symmetry and
      masculinity were all significant components of attractiveness rated from videos.
      Finally, regression analyses yielded very similar effects of attractiveness on
      success in obtaining sexual partners, whether attractiveness was rated from
      videos or static images. These results validate the widespread use of
      attractiveness ratings made to static images in evolutionary and social
      psychological research. We speculate that this validity may stem from our
      tendency to make rapid and robust judgements of attractiveness.

PMID- 22096492
TI  - Maternal synchronization of gestational length and lung maturation.
AB  - Among all mammals, fetal growth and organ maturation must be precisely
      synchronized with gestational length to optimize survival at birth. Lack of
      pulmonary maturation is the major cause of infant mortality in preterm birth.
      Whether fetal or maternal genotypes influence the close relationship between the
      length of gestation and lung function at birth is unknown. Structural and
      biochemical indicators of pulmonary maturity were measured in two mouse strains
      whose gestational length differed by one day. Shorter gestation in C57BL/6J mice
      was associated with advanced morphological and biochemical pulmonary development
      and better perinatal survival when compared to A/J pups born prematurely. After
      ovarian transplantation, A/J pups were born early in C57BL/6J dams and survived
      after birth, consistent with maternal control gestational length. Expression of
      genes critical for perinatal lung function was assessed in A/J pups born after
      ovarian transfer. A subset of mRNAs important for perinatal respiratory
      adaptation was selectively induced in the A/J pups born after ovarian transfer.
      mRNAs precociously induced after ovarian transfer indicated an important role for
      the transcription factors C/EBPalpha and CREB in maternally induced lung
      maturation. We conclude that fetal lung maturation is determined by both fetal
      and maternal genotypes. Ovarian transfer experiments demonstrated that maternal
      genotype determines the timing of birth and can influence fetal lung growth and
      maturation to ensure perinatal survival.

PMID- 22096493
TI  - Nuclease modulates biofilm formation in community-associated methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is an
      emerging contributor to biofilm-related infections. We recently reported that
      strains lacking sigma factor B (sigB) in the USA300 lineage of CA-MRSA are unable
      to develop a biofilm. Interestingly, when spent media from a USA300 sigB mutant
      was incubated with other S. aureus strains, biofilm formation was inhibited.
      Following fractionation and mass spectrometry analysis, the major anti-biofilm
      factor identified in the spent media was secreted thermonuclease (Nuc).
      Considering reports that extracellular DNA (eDNA) is an important component of
      the biofilm matrix, we investigated the regulation and role of Nuc in USA300. The
      expression of the nuc gene was increased in a sigB mutant, repressed by glucose
      supplementation, and was unaffected by the agr quorum-sensing system. A FRET
      assay for Nuc activity was developed and confirmed the regulatory results. A
      USA300 nuc mutant was constructed and displayed an enhanced biofilm-forming
      capacity, and the nuc mutant also accumulated more high molecular weight eDNA
      than the WT and regulatory mutant strains. Inactivation of nuc in the USA300 sigB
      mutant background partially repaired the sigB biofilm-negative phenotype,
      suggesting that nuc expression contributes to the inability of the mutant to form
      biofilm. To test the generality of the nuc mutant biofilm phenotypes, the
      mutation was introduced into other S. aureus genetic backgrounds and similar
      increases in biofilm formation were observed. Finally, using multiple S. aureus
      strains and regulatory mutants, an inverse correlation between Nuc activity and
      biofilm formation was demonstrated. Altogether, our findings confirm the
      important role for eDNA in the S. aureus biofilm matrix and indicates Nuc is a
      regulator of biofilm formation.

PMID- 22096494
TI  - A novel, functional and replicable risk gene region for alcohol dependence
      identified by genome-wide association study.
AB  - Several genome-wide association studies (GWASs) reported tens of risk genes for
      alcohol dependence, but most of them have not been replicated or confirmed by
      functional studies. The present study used a GWAS to search for novel, functional
      and replicable risk gene regions for alcohol dependence. Associations of all top
      ranked SNPs identified in a discovery sample of 681 African-American (AA) cases
      with alcohol dependence and 508 AA controls were retested in a primary
      replication sample of 1,409 European-American (EA) cases and 1,518 EA controls.
      The replicable associations were then subjected to secondary replication in a
      sample of 6,438 Australian family subjects. A functional expression quantitative
      trait locus (eQTL) analysis of these replicable risk SNPs was followed-up in
      order to explore their cis-acting regulatory effects on gene expression. We found
      that within a 90 Mb region around PHF3-PTP4A1 locus in AAs, a linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) block in PHF3-PTP4A1 formed the only peak associated with
      alcohol dependence at p<10(-4). Within this block, 30 SNPs associated with
      alcohol dependence in AAs (1.6*10(-5)<=p<=0.050) were replicated in EAs (1.3*10(
      3)<=p<=0.038), and 18 of them were also replicated in Australians (1.8*10(
      3)<=p<=0.048). Most of these risk SNPs had strong cis-acting regulatory effects
      on PHF3-PTP4A1 mRNA expression across three HapMap samples. The distributions of 
      log(p) values for association and functional signals throughout this LD block
      were highly consistent across AAs, EAs, Australians and three HapMap samples. We
      conclude that the PHF3-PTP4A1 region appears to harbor a causal locus for alcohol
      dependence, and proteins encoded by PHF3 and/or PTP4A1 might play a functional
      role in the disorder.

PMID- 22096495
TI  - Competing conservation objectives for predators and prey: estimating killer whale
      prey requirements for Chinook salmon.
AB  - Ecosystem-based management (EBM) of marine resources attempts to conserve
      interacting species. In contrast to single-species fisheries management, EBM aims
      to identify and resolve conflicting objectives for different species. Such a
      conflict may be emerging in the northeastern Pacific for southern resident killer
      whales (Orcinus orca) and their primary prey, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus
      tshawytscha). Both species have at-risk conservation status and transboundary
      (Canada-US) ranges. We modeled individual killer whale prey requirements from
      feeding and growth records of captive killer whales and morphometric data from
      historic live-capture fishery and whaling records worldwide. The models, combined
      with caloric value of salmon, and demographic and diet data for wild killer
      whales, allow us to predict salmon quantities needed to maintain and recover this
      killer whale population, which numbered 87 individuals in 2009. Our analyses
      provide new information on cost of lactation and new parameter estimates for
      other killer whale populations globally. Prey requirements of southern resident
      killer whales are difficult to reconcile with fisheries and conservation
      objectives for Chinook salmon, because the number of fish required is large
      relative to annual returns and fishery catches. For instance, a U.S. recovery
      goal (2.3% annual population growth of killer whales over 28 years) implies a 75%
      increase in energetic requirements. Reducing salmon fisheries may serve as a
      temporary mitigation measure to allow time for management actions to improve
      salmon productivity to take effect. As ecosystem-based fishery management becomes
      more prevalent, trade-offs between conservation objectives for predators and prey
      will become increasingly necessary. Our approach offers scenarios to compare
      relative influence of various sources of uncertainty on the resulting consumption
      estimates to prioritise future research efforts, and a general approach for
      assessing the extent of conflict between conservation objectives for threatened
      or protected wildlife where the interaction between affected species can be
      quantified.

PMID- 22096496
TI  - Effect of transmission reduction by insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) on
      antimalarial drug resistance in western Kenya.
AB  - Despite the clear public health benefit of insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs),
      the impact of malaria transmission-reduction by vector control on the spread of
      drug resistance is not well understood. In the present study, the effect of
      sustained transmission reduction by ITNs on the prevalence of Plasmodium
      falciparum gene mutations associated with resistance to the antimalarial drugs
      sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and chloroquine (CQ) in children under the age of
      five years was investigated during an ITN trial in Asembo area, western Kenya.
      During the ITN trial, the national first line antimalarial treatment changed from
      CQ to SP. Smear-positive samples collected from cross sectional surveys prior to
      ITN introduction (baseline, n = 250) and five years post-ITN intervention (year 5
      survey, n = 242) were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at
      dhfr-51, 59, 108, 164 and dhps-437, 540 (SP resistance), and pfcrt-76 and pfmdr1
      86 (CQ resistance). The association between the drug resistance mutations and
      epidemiological variables was evaluated. There were significant increases in the
      prevalence of SP dhps mutations and the dhfr/dhps quintuple mutant, and a
      significant reduction in the proportion of mixed infections detected at dhfr-51,
      59 and dhps-437, 540 SNPs from baseline to the year 5 survey. There was no change
      in the high prevalence of pfcrt-76 and pfmdr1-86 mutations. Multivariable
      regression analysis further showed that current antifolate use and year of survey
      were significantly associated with more SP drug resistance mutations. These
      results suggest that increased antifolate drug use due to drug policy change
      likely led to the high prevalence of SP mutations 5 years post-ITN intervention
      and reduced transmission had no apparent effect on the existing high prevalence
      of CQ mutations. There is no evidence from the current study that sustained
      transmission reduction by ITNs reduces the prevalence of genes associated with
      malaria drug resistance.

PMID- 22096497
TI  - Modulation of metabolism and switching to biofilm prevail over exopolysaccharide
      production in the response of Rhizobium alamii to cadmium.
AB  - Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd(2+)) affect microbial metabolic processes.
      Consequently, bacteria adapt by adjusting their cellular machinery. We have
      investigated the dose-dependent growth effects of Cd(2+) on Rhizobium alamii, an
      exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing bacterium that forms a biofilm on plant roots.
      Adsorption isotherms show that the EPS of R. alamii binds cadmium in competition
      with calcium. A metabonomics approach based on ion cyclotron resonance Fourier
      transform mass spectrometry has showed that cadmium alters mainly the bacterial
      metabolism in pathways implying sugars, purine, phosphate, calcium signalling and
      cell respiration. We determined the influence of EPS on the bacterium response to
      cadmium, using a mutant of R. alamii impaired in EPS production (MSDeltaGT).
      Cadmium dose-dependent effects on the bacterial growth were not significantly
      different between the R. alamii wild type (wt) and MSDeltaGT strains. Although
      cadmium did not modify the quantity of EPS isolated from R. alamii, it triggered
      the formation of biofilm vs planktonic cells, both by R. alamii wt and by
      MSDeltaGT. Thus, it appears that cadmium toxicity could be managed by switching
      to a biofilm way of life, rather than producing EPS. We conclude that modulations
      of the bacterial metabolism and switching to biofilms prevails in the adaptation
      of R. alamii to cadmium. These results are original with regard to the
      conventional role attributed to EPS in a biofilm matrix, and the bacterial
      response to cadmium.

PMID- 22096498
TI  - A thermostable beta-glucuronidase obtained by directed evolution as a reporter
      gene in transgenic plants.
AB  - A beta-glucuronidase variant, GUS-TR3337, that was obtained by directed evolution
      exhibited higher thermostability than the wild-type enzyme, GUS-WT. In this
      study, the utility of GUS-TR337 as an improved reporter was evaluated. The
      corresponding gus-tr3337 and gus-wt genes were independently cloned in a plant
      expression vector and introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana. With 4-MUG as a
      substrate, plants containing the gus-wt gene showed no detectable beta
      glucuronidase activity after exposure to 60 degrees C for 10 min, while those
      hosting the gus-tr3337 gene retained 70% or 50% activity after exposure to 80
      degrees C for 10 min or 30 min, respectively. Similarly, in vivo beta
      glucuronidase activity could be demonstrated by using X-GLUC as a substrate in
      transgenic Arabidopsis plants hosting the gus-tr3337 gene that were exposed to 80
      degrees C for up to 30 min. Thus, the thermostability of GUS-TR3337 can be
      exploited to distinguish between endogenous and transgenic beta-glucuronidase
      activity, which is a welcome improvement in its use as a reporter.

PMID- 22096499
TI  - Honey bee dopamine and octopamine receptors linked to intracellular calcium
      signaling have a close phylogenetic and pharmacological relationship.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three dopamine receptor genes have been identified that are highly
      conserved among arthropod species. One of these genes, referred to in honey bees
      as Amdop2, shows a close phylogenetic relationship to the a-adrenergic-like
      octopamine receptor family. In this study we examined in parallel the functional
      and pharmacological properties of AmDOP2 and the honey bee octopamine receptor,
      AmOA1. For comparison, pharmacological properties of the honey bee dopamine
      receptors AmDOP1 and AmDOP3, and the tyramine receptor AmTYR1, were also
      examined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using HEK293 cells heterologously
      expressing honey bee biogenic amine receptors, we found that activation of AmDOP2
      receptors, like AmOA1 receptors, initiates a rapid increase in intracellular
      calcium levels. We found no evidence of calcium signaling via AmDOP1, AmDOP3 or
      AmTYR1 receptors. AmDOP2- and AmOA1-mediated increases in intracellular calcium
      were inhibited by 10 uM edelfosine indicating a requirement for phospholipase C
      beta activity in this signaling pathway. Edelfosine treatment had no effect on
      AmDOP2- or AmOA1-mediated increases in intracellular cAMP. The synthetic
      compounds mianserin and epinastine, like cis-(Z)-flupentixol and spiperone, were
      found to have significant antagonist activity on AmDOP2 receptors. All 4
      compounds were effective antagonists also on AmOA1 receptors. Analysis of
      putative ligand binding sites offers a possible explanation for why epinastine
      acts as an antagonist at AmDOP2 receptors, but fails to block responses mediated
      via AmDOP1. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that AmDOP2, like
      AmOA1, is coupled not only to cAMP, but also to calcium-signalling and moreover,
      that the two signalling pathways are independent upstream of phospholipase C-beta
      activity. The striking similarity between the pharmacological properties of these
      2 receptors suggests an underlying conservation of structural properties related
      to receptor function. Taken together, these results strongly support phylogenetic
      analyses indicating that the AmDOP2 and AmOA1 receptor genes are immediate
      paralogs.

PMID- 22096500
TI  - Optimization of fermentation conditions and rheological properties of
      exopolysaccharide produced by deep-sea bacterium Zunongwangia profunda SM-A87.
AB  - Zunongwangia profunda SM-A87 isolated from deep-sea sediment can secrete large
      quantity of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Response surface methodology was applied to
      optimize the culture conditions for EPS production. Single-factor experiment
      showed that lactose was the best carbon source. Based on the Plackett-Burman
      design, lactose, peptone and temperature were selected as significant variables,
      which were further optimized by the steepest ascent (descent) method and central
      composite design. The optimal culture conditions for EPS production and broth
      viscosity were determined as 32.21 g/L lactose, 8.87 g/L peptone and an
      incubation temperature of 9.8 degrees C. Under these conditions, the maximum EPS
      yield and broth viscosity were 8.90 g/L and 6551 mPa*s, respectively, which is
      the first report of such high yield of EPS from a marine bacterium. The aqueous
      solution of the EPS displayed high viscosity, interesting shearing thinning
      property and great tolerance to high temperature, a wide range of pH, and high
      salinity.

PMID- 22096501
TI  - Plant DNA barcodes can accurately estimate species richness in poorly known
      floras.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Widespread uptake of DNA barcoding technology for vascular plants has
      been slow due to the relatively poor resolution of species discrimination (~70%)
      and low sequencing and amplification success of one of the two official barcoding
      loci, matK. Studies to date have mostly focused on finding a solution to these
      intrinsic limitations of the markers, rather than posing questions that can
      maximize the utility of DNA barcodes for plants with the current technology.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we test the ability of plant DNA barcodes
      using the two official barcoding loci, rbcLa and matK, plus an alternative
      barcoding locus, trnH-psbA, to estimate the species diversity of trees in a
      tropical rainforest plot. Species discrimination accuracy was similar to findings
      from previous studies but species richness estimation accuracy proved higher, up
      to 89%. All combinations which included the trnH-psbA locus performed better at
      both species discrimination and richness estimation than matK, which showed
      little enhanced species discriminatory power when concatenated with rbcLa. The
      utility of the trnH-psbA locus is limited however, by the occurrence of
      intraspecific variation observed in some angiosperm families to occur as an
      inversion that obscures the monophyly of species. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We
      demonstrate for the first time, using a case study, the potential of plant DNA
      barcodes for the rapid estimation of species richness in taxonomically poorly
      known areas or cryptic populations revealing a powerful new tool for rapid
      biodiversity assessment. The combination of the rbcLa and trnH-psbA loci
      performed better for this purpose than any two-locus combination that included
      matK. We show that although DNA barcodes fail to discriminate all species of
      plants, new perspectives and methods on biodiversity value and quantification may
      overshadow some of these shortcomings by applying barcode data in new ways.

PMID- 22096502
TI  - KIAA0101 is overexpressed, and promotes growth and invasion in adrenal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: KIAA0101 is a proliferating cell nuclear antigen-associated factor
      that is overexpressed in some human malignancies. Adrenocortical neoplasm is one
      of the most common human neoplasms for which the molecular causes are poorly
      understood. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish between localized benign and
      malignant adrenocortical tumors. For these reasons, we studied the expression,
      function and possible mechanism of dysregulation of KIAA0101 in human
      adrenocortical neoplasm. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: KIAA0101 mRNA and
      protein expression levels were determined in 112 adrenocortical tissue samples
      (21 normal adrenal cortex, 80 benign adrenocortical tumors, and 11 adrenocortical
      carcinoma (ACC). SiRNA knockdown was used to determine the functional role of
      KIAA0101 on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, soft agar anchorage
      independent growth and invasion in the ACC cell line, NCI-H295R. In addition, we
      explored the mechanism of KIAA0101 dysregulation by examining the mutational
      status. KIAA0101 mRNA (9.7 fold) and protein expression were significantly higher
      in ACC (p<0.0001). KIAA0101 had sparse protein expression in only a few normal
      adrenal cortex samples, which was confined to adrenocortical progenitor cells.
      KIAA0101 expression levels were 84% accurate for distinguishing between ACC and
      normal and benign adrenocortical tumor samples. Knockdown of KIAA0101 gene
      expression significantly decreased anchorage independent growth by 80% and
      invasion by 60% (p = 0.001; p = 0.006). We found no mutations in KIAA0101 in ACC.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: KIAA0101 is overexpressed in ACC. Our data supports
      that KIAA0101 is a marker of cellular proliferation, promotes growth and
      invasion, and is a good diagnostic marker for distinguishing benign from
      malignant adrenocortical neoplasm.

PMID- 22096503
TI  - Role of SPI-1 secreted effectors in acute bovine response to Salmonella enterica
      Serovar Typhimurium: a systems biology analysis approach.
AB  - Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) causes enterocolitis
      with diarrhea and polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) influx into the intestinal mucosa
      in humans and calves. The Salmonella Type III Secretion System (T3SS) encoded at
      Pathogenicity Island I translocates Salmonella effector proteins SipA, SopA,
      SopB, SopD, and SopE2 into epithelial cells and is required for induction of
      diarrhea. These effector proteins act together to induce intestinal fluid
      secretion and transcription of C-X-C chemokines, recruiting PMNs to the infection
      site. While individual molecular interactions of the effectors with cultured host
      cells have been characterized, their combined role in intestinal fluid secretion
      and inflammation is less understood. We hypothesized that comparison of the
      bovine intestinal mucosal response to wild type Salmonella and a SipA, SopABDE2
      effector mutant relative to uninfected bovine ileum would reveal heretofore
      unidentified diarrhea-associated host cellular pathways. To determine the
      coordinated effects of these virulence factors, a bovine ligated ileal loop model
      was used to measure responses to wild type S. Typhimurium (WT) and a DeltasipA,
      sopABDE2 mutant (MUT) across 12 hours of infection using a bovine microarray.
      Data were analyzed using standard microarray analysis and a dynamic bayesian
      network modeling approach (DBN). Both analytical methods confirmed increased
      expression of immune response genes to Salmonella infection and novel gene
      expression. Gene expression changes mapped to 219 molecular interaction pathways
      and 1620 gene ontology groups. Bayesian network modeling identified effects of
      infection on several interrelated signaling pathways including MAPK,
      Phosphatidylinositol, mTOR, Calcium, Toll-like Receptor, CCR3, Wnt, TGF-beta, and
      Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton and Apoptosis that were used to model of host
      pathogen interactions. Comparison of WT and MUT demonstrated significantly
      different patterns of host response at early time points of infection (15
      minutes, 30 minutes and one hour) within phosphatidylinositol, CCR3, Wnt, and TGF
      beta signaling pathways and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway.

PMID- 22096504
TI  - A genome-wide survey on basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in giant
      panda.
AB  - The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a critically endangered mammalian
      species. Studies on functions of regulatory proteins involved in developmental
      processes would facilitate understanding of specific behavior in giant panda. The
      basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins play essential roles in a wide range of
      developmental processes in higher organisms. bHLH family members have been
      identified in over 20 organisms, including fruit fly, zebrafish, mouse and human.
      Our present study identified 107 bHLH family members being encoded in giant panda
      genome. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that they belong to 44 bHLH families with
      46, 25, 15, 4, 11 and 3 members in group A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively, while
      the remaining 3 members were assigned into "orphan". Compared to mouse, the giant
      panda does not encode seven bHLH proteins namely Beta3a, Mesp2, Sclerax, S-Myc,
      Hes5 (or Hes6), EBF4 and Orphan 1. These results provide useful background
      information for future studies on structure and function of bHLH proteins in the
      regulation of giant panda development.

PMID- 22096505
TI  - A novel Rho-like protein TbRHP is involved in spindle formation and mitosis in
      trypanosomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In animals and fungi Rho subfamily small GTPases are involved in
      signal transduction, cytoskeletal function and cellular proliferation. These
      organisms typically possess multiple Rho paralogues and numerous downstream
      effectors, consistent with the highly complex contributions of Rho proteins to
      cellular physiology. By contrast, trypanosomatids have a much simpler Rho
      signaling system, and the Trypanosoma brucei genome contains only a single
      divergent Rho-related gene, TbRHP (Tb927.10.6240). Further, only a single RhoGAP
      like protein (Tb09.160.4180) is annotated, contrasting with the >70 Rho GAP
      proteins from Homo sapiens. We wished to establish the function(s) of TbRHP and
      if Tb09.160.4180 is a potential GAP for this protein. METHODS/FINDINGS: TbRHP
      represents an evolutionarily restricted member of the Rho GTPase clade and is
      likely trypanosomatid restricted. TbRHP is expressed in both mammalian and insect
      dwelling stages of T. brucei and presents with a diffuse cytoplasmic location and
      is excluded from the nucleus. RNAi ablation of TbRHP results in major cell cycle
      defects and accumulation of multi-nucleated cells, coinciding with a loss of
      detectable mitotic spindles. Using yeast two hybrid analysis we find that TbRHP
      interacts with both Tb11.01.3180 (TbRACK), a homolog of Rho-kinase, and the sole
      trypanosome RhoGAP protein Tb09.160.4180, which is related to human OCRL.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite minimization of the Rho pathway, TbRHP retains an important
      role in spindle formation, and hence mitosis, in trypanosomes. TbRHP is a partner
      for TbRACK and an OCRL-related trypanosome Rho-GAP.

PMID- 22096506
TI  - Cooperation between referees and authors increases peer review accuracy.
AB  - Peer review is fundamentally a cooperative process between scientists in a
      community who agree to review each other's work in an unbiased fashion. Peer
      review is the foundation for decisions concerning publication in journals,
      awarding of grants, and academic promotion. Here we perform a laboratory study of
      open and closed peer review based on an online game. We show that when reviewer
      behavior was made public under open review, reviewers were rewarded for
      refereeing and formed significantly more cooperative interactions (13% increase
      in cooperation, P = 0.018). We also show that referees and authors who
      participated in cooperative interactions had an 11% higher reviewing accuracy
      rate (P = 0.016). Our results suggest that increasing cooperation in the peer
      review process can lead to a decreased risk of reviewing errors.

PMID- 22096507
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum parasites are killed by a transition state analogue of
      purine nucleoside phosphorylase in a primate animal model.
AB  - Plasmodium falciparum causes most of the one million annual deaths from malaria.
      Drug resistance is widespread and novel agents against new targets are needed to
      support combination-therapy approaches promoted by the World Health Organization.
      Plasmodium species are purine auxotrophs. Blocking purine nucleoside
      phosphorylase (PNP) kills cultured parasites by purine starvation. DADMe
      Immucillin-G (BCX4945) is a transition state analogue of human and Plasmodium
      PNPs, binding with picomolar affinity. Here, we test BCX4945 in Aotus primates,
      an animal model for Plasmodium falciparum infections. Oral administration of
      BCX4945 for seven days results in parasite clearance and recrudescence in
      otherwise lethal infections of P. falciparum in Aotus monkeys. The molecular
      action of BCX4945 is demonstrated in crystal structures of human and P.
      falciparum PNPs. Metabolite analysis demonstrates that PNP blockade inhibits
      purine salvage and polyamine synthesis in the parasites. The efficacy, oral
      availability, chemical stability, unique mechanism of action and low toxicity of
      BCX4945 demonstrate potential for combination therapies with this novel
      antimalarial agent.

PMID- 22096508
TI  - Variation in effects of non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors according to the human
      leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*01:01 allele and ancestral haplotype 8.1.
AB  - Genetic variations in human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are critical in host
      responses to infections, transplantation, and immunological diseases. We
      previously identified associations with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and the HLA
      DRB1*01:01 allele and extended ancestral haplotype (AH) 8.1 (HLA-A*01-B*08-DR*03
      TNF-308A). To illuminate how HLA alleles and haplotypes may influence NHL
      etiology, we examined potential interactions between HLA-DRB1*01:01 and AH 8.1,
      and a wide range of NHL risk factors among 685 NHL cases and 646 controls from a
      United States population-based case-control study. We calculated odds ratios and
      95% confidence intervals by HLA allele or haplotype status, adjusted for sex,
      age, race and study center for NHL and two major subtypes using polychotomous
      unconditional logistic regression models. The previously reported elevation in
      NHL risk associated with exposures to termite treatment and polychlorinated
      biphenyls were restricted to individuals who did not possess HLA-DRB1*01:01.
      Previous associations for NHL and DLBCL with decreased sun exposure, higher BMI,
      and autoimmune conditions were statistically significant only among those with AH
      8.1, and null among those without AH 8.1. Our results suggest that NHL risk
      factors vary in their association based on HLA-DRB1*01:01 and AH 8.1 status. Our
      results further suggest that certain NHL risk factors may act through a common
      mechanism to alter NHL risk. Finally, control participants with either HLA
      DRB1*01:01 or AH 8.1 reported having a family history of NHL twice as likely as
      those who did not have either allele or haplotype, providing the first empirical
      evidence that HLA associations may explain some of the well-established
      relationship between family history and NHL risk.

PMID- 22096509
TI  - Immune response and mitochondrial metabolism are commonly deregulated in DMD and
      aging skeletal muscle.
AB  - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a complex process involving multiple
      pathways downstream of the primary genetic insult leading to fatal muscle
      degeneration. Aging muscle is a multifactorial neuromuscular process
      characterized by impaired muscle regeneration leading to progressive atrophy. We
      hypothesized that these chronic atrophying situations may share specific myogenic
      adaptative responses at transcriptional level according to tissue remodeling.
      Muscle biopsies from four young DMD and four AGED subjects were referred to a
      group of seven muscle biopsies from young subjects without any neuromuscular
      disorder and explored through a dedicated expression microarray. We identified
      528 differentially expressed genes (out of 2,745 analyzed), of which 328 could be
      validated by an exhaustive meta-analysis of public microarray datasets referring
      to DMD and Aging in skeletal muscle. Among the 328 validated co-expressed genes,
      50% had the same expression profile in both groups and corresponded to
      immune/fibrosis responses and mitochondrial metabolism. Generalizing these
      observed meta-signatures with large compendia of public datasets reinforced our
      results as they could be also identified in other pathological processes and in
      diverse physiological conditions. Focusing on the common gene signatures in these
      two atrophying conditions, we observed enrichment in motifs for candidate
      transcription factors that may coordinate either the immune/fibrosis responses
      (ETS1, IRF1, NF1) or the mitochondrial metabolism (ESRRA). Deregulation in their
      expression could be responsible, at least in part, for the same transcriptome
      changes initiating the chronic muscle atrophy. This study suggests that distinct
      pathophysiological processes may share common gene responses and pathways related
      to specific transcription factors.

PMID- 22096511
TI  - A new basal sauropodomorph (Dinosauria: Saurischia) from Quebrada del Barro
      Formation (Marayes-El Carrizal Basin), northwestern Argentina.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Argentinean basal sauropodomorphs are known by several specimens from
      different basins; Ischigualasto, El Tranquilo, and Mogna. The Argentinean record
      is diverse and includes some of the most primitive known sauropodomorphs such as
      Panphagia and Chromogisaurus, as well as more derived forms, including several
      massospondylids. Until now, the Massospondylidae were the group of basal
      sauropodomorphs most widely spread around Pangea with a record in almost all
      continents, mostly from the southern hemisphere, including the only record from
      Antarctica. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING: We describe here a new basal
      sauropodomorph, Leyesaurus marayensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Quebrada del
      Barro Formation, an Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic unit that crops out in
      northwestern Argentina. The new taxon is represented by a partial articulated
      skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, scapular and pelvic girdles,
      and hindlimb. Leyesaurus is diagnosed by a set of unique features, such as a
      sharply acute angle (50 degrees) formed by the ascending process of the maxilla
      and the alveolar margin, a straight ascending process of the maxilla with a
      longitudinal ridge on its lateral surface, noticeably bulging labial side of the
      maxillary teeth, greatly elongated cervical vertebrae, and proximal articular
      surface of metatarsal III that is shelf-like and medially deflected. Phylogenetic
      analysis recovers Leyesaurus as a basal sauropodomorph, sister taxon of
      Adeopapposaurus within the Massospondylidae. Moreover, the results suggest that
      massospondylids achieved a higher diversity than previously thought.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our phylogenetic results differ with respect to
      previous analyses by rejecting the massospondylid affinities of some taxa from
      the northern hemisphere (e.g., Seitaad, Sarahsaurus). As a result, the new taxon
      Leyesaurus, coupled with other recent discoveries, suggests that the diversity of
      massospondylids in the southern hemisphere was higher than in other regions of
      Pangea. Finally, the close affinities of Leyesaurus with the Lower Jurassic
      Massospondylus suggest a younger age for the Quebrada del Barro Formation than
      previously postulated.

PMID- 22096510
TI  - Association of six single nucleotide polymorphisms with gestational diabetes
      mellitus in a Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate whether the candidate genes that confer susceptibility
      to type 2 diabetes mellitus are also correlated with gestational diabetes
      mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese women. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this
      study, 1764 unrelated pregnant women were recruited, of which 725 women had GDM
      and 1039 served as controls. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7754840 in
      CDKAL1, rs391300 in SRR, rs2383208 in CDKN2A/2B, rs4402960 in IGF2BP2, rs10830963
      in MTNR1B, rs4607517 in GCK) were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination
      assays. The genotype and allele distributions of each SNP between the GDM cases
      and controls and the combined effects of alleles for the risk of developing GDM
      were analyzed. We found that the rs4402960, rs2383208 and rs391300 were
      statistically associated with GDM (OR = 1.207, 95%CI = 1.029-1.417, p = 0.021; OR
      = 1.242, 95%CI = 1.077-1.432, p = 0.003; OR = 1.202, 95%CI = 1.020-1.416, P =
      0.028, respectively). In addition, the effect was greater under a recessive model
      in rs391300 (OR = 1.820, 95%CI = 1.226-2.701, p = 0.003). Meanwhile, the joint
      effect of these three loci indicated an additive effect of multiple alleles on
      the risk of developing GDM with an OR of 1.196 per allele (p = 1.08*10(-4)). We
      also found that the risk alleles of rs2383208 (b = -0.085, p = 0.003), rs4402960
      (b = -0.057, p = 0.046) and rs10830963 (b = -0.096, p = 0.001) were associated
      with HOMA-B, while rs7754840 was associated with decrease in insulin AUC during a
      100 g OGTT given at the time of GDM diagnosis (b = -0.080, p = 0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Several risk alleles of type 2 diabetes were associated
      with GDM in pregnant Chinese women. The effects of these SNPs on GDM might be
      through the impairment of beta cell function and these risk loci contributed
      additively to the disease.

PMID- 22096512
TI  - Identification of residues in the heme domain of soluble guanylyl cyclase that
      are important for basal and stimulated catalytic activity.
AB  - Nitric oxide signals through activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), a heme
      containing heterodimer. NO binds to the heme domain located in the N-terminal
      part of the beta subunit of sGC resulting in increased production of cGMP in the
      catalytic domain located at the C-terminal part of sGC. Little is known about the
      mechanism by which the NO signaling is propagated from the receptor domain (heme
      domain) to the effector domain (catalytic domain), in particular events
      subsequent to the breakage of the bond between the heme iron and Histidine 105
      (H105) of the beta subunit. Our modeling of the heme-binding domain as well as
      previous homologous heme domain structures in different states point to two
      regions that could be critical for propagation of the NO activation signal.
      Structure-based mutational analysis of these regions revealed that residues T110
      and R116 in the alphaF helix-beta1 strand, and residues I41 and R40 in the alphaB
      alphaC loop mediate propagation of activation between the heme domain and the
      catalytic domain. Biochemical analysis of these heme mutants allows refinement of
      the map of the residues that are critical for heme stability and propagation of
      the NO/YC-1 activation signal in sGC.

PMID- 22096513
TI  - Physical fitness and telomere length in patients with coronary heart disease:
      findings from the Heart and Soul Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short telomere length (TL) is an independent predictor of mortality
      in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the relationship between
      physical fitness and TL has not been explored in these patients. METHODS: In a
      cross sectional study of 944 outpatients with stable CHD, we performed exercise
      treadmill testing, assessed self-reported physical activity, and measured
      leukocyte TL using a quantitative PCR assay. We used generalized linear models to
      calculate mean TL (T/S ratio), and logistic regression models to compare the
      proportion of patients with short TL (defined as the lowest quartile), among
      participants with low, medium and high physical fitness, based on metabolic
      equivalent tasks achieved (METs). RESULTS: 229 participants had low physical
      fitness (<5 METS), 334 had moderate physical fitness (5-7 METS), and 381 had high
      physical fitness (>7 METS). Mean +/- T/S ratio ranged from 0.86+/-0.21 (5349+/
      3781 base pairs) in those with low physical fitness to 0.95+/-0.23 (5566+/-3829
      base pairs) in those with high physical fitness (p<.001). This association
      remained strong after adjustment for numerous patient characteristics, including
      measures of cardiac disease severity and physical inactivity (p = 0.005).
      Compared with participants with high physical fitness, those with low physical
      fitness had 2-fold greater odds of having TL in the lowest quartile (OR 2.39, 95%
      CI 1.60-3.55; p<.001). This association was similar after multivariable
      adjustment (OR 1.94, 95%CI, 1.18-3.20; p = 0.009). Self-reported physical
      inactivity was associated with shorter TL in unadjusted analyses, but not after
      multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: We found that worse objectively-assessed
      physical fitness is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length in patients
      with CHD. The clinical implications of this association deserve further study.

PMID- 22096514
TI  - Transgenic mice over-expressing ET-1 in the endothelial cells develop systemic
      hypertension with altered vascular reactivity.
AB  - Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor involved in the regulation of
      vascular tone and implicated in hypertension. However, the role of small blood
      vessels endothelial ET-1 in hypertension remains unclear. The present study
      investigated the effect of chronic over-expression of endothelial ET-1 on
      arterial blood pressure and vascular reactivity using transgenic mice approach.
      Transgenic mice (TET-1) with endothelial ET-1 over-expression showed increased in
      ET-1 level in the endothelial cells of small pulmonary blood vessels. Although
      TET-1 mice appeared normal, they developed mild hypertension which was normalized
      by the ET(A) receptor (BQ123) but not by ET(B) receptor (BQ788) antagonist. Tail
      cuff measurements showed a significant elevation of systolic and mean blood
      pressure in conscious TET-1 mice. The mice also exhibited left ventricular
      hypertrophy and left axis deviation in electrocardiogram, suggesting an increased
      peripheral resistance. The ionic concentrations in the urine and serum were
      normal in 8-week old TET-1 mice, indicating that the systemic hypertension was
      independent of renal function, although, higher serum urea levels suggested the
      occurrence of kidney dysfunction. The vascular reactivity of the aorta and the
      mesenteric artery was altered in the TET-1 mice indicating that chronic
      endothelial ET-1 up-regulation leads to vascular tone imbalance in both conduit
      and resistance arteries. These findings provide evidence for the role of spatial
      expression of ET-1 in the endothelium contributing to mild hypertension was
      mediated by ET(A) receptors. The results also suggest that chronic endothelial ET
      1 over-expression affects both cardiac and vascular functions, which, at least in
      part, causes blood pressure elevation.

PMID- 22096515
TI  - Conflict between genetic and phenotypic differentiation: the evolutionary history
      of a 'lost and rediscovered' shorebird.
AB  - Understanding and resolving conflicts between phenotypic and genetic
      differentiation is central to evolutionary research. While phenotypically
      monomorphic species may exhibit deep genetic divergences, some morphologically
      distinct taxa lack notable genetic differentiation. Here we conduct a molecular
      investigation of an enigmatic shorebird with a convoluted taxonomic history, the
      White-faced Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus dealbatus), widely regarded as a
      subspecies of the Kentish Plover (C. alexandrinus). Described as distinct in
      1863, its name was consistently misapplied in subsequent decades until taxonomic
      clarification ensued in 2008. Using a recently proposed test of species
      delimitation, we reconfirm the phenotypic distinctness of dealbatus. We then
      compare three mitochondrial and seven nuclear DNA markers among 278 samples of
      dealbatus and alexandrinus from across their breeding range and four other
      closely related plovers. We fail to find any population genetic differentiation
      between dealbatus and alexandrinus, whereas the other species are deeply diverged
      at the study loci. Kentish Plovers join a small but growing list of species for
      which low levels of genetic differentiation are accompanied by the presence of
      strong phenotypic divergence, suggesting that diagnostic phenotypic characters
      may be encoded by few genes that are difficult to detect. Alternatively, gene
      expression differences may be crucial in producing different phenotypes whereas
      neutral differentiation may be lagging behind.

PMID- 22096516
TI  - Differential immediate and sustained memory enhancing effects of alpha7 nicotinic
      receptor agonists and allosteric modulators in rats.
AB  - The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a potential target for the
      treatment of cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia, ADHD and
      Alzheimer's disease. Here we test the hypothesis that upregulation of alpha7
      nAChR levels underlies the enhanced and sustained procognitive effect of repeated
      administration of alpha7 nAChR agonists. We further compare the effect of
      agonists to that of alpha7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), which do
      not induce upregulation of the alpha7 nAChR. Using the social discrimination test
      as a measure of short-term memory, we show that the alpha7 nAChR agonist A-582941
      improves short-term memory immediately after repeated (7* daily), but not a
      single administration. The alpha7 nAChR PAMs PNU-120596 and AVL-3288 do not
      affect short-term memory immediately after a single or repeated administration.
      This demonstrates a fundamental difference in the behavioral effects of agonists
      and PAMs that may be relevant for clinical development. Importantly, A-582941 and
      AVL-3288 increase short-term memory 24 hrs after repeated, but not a single,
      administration, suggesting that repeated administration of both agonists and PAMs
      may produce sustained effects on cognitive performance. Subsequent [(125)I]
      bungarotoxin autoradiography revealed no direct correlation between alpha7 nAChR
      levels in frontal cortical or hippocampal brain regions and short-term memory
      with either compound. Additionally, repeated treatment with A-582941 did not
      affect mRNA expression of RIC-3 or the lynx-like gene products lynx1, lynx2,
      PSCA, or Ly6H, which are known to affect nAChR function. In conclusion, both
      alpha7 nAChR agonists and PAMs exhibit sustained pro-cognitive effects after
      repeated administration, and altered levels of the alpha7 nAChR per se, or that
      of endogenous regulators of nAChR function, are likely not the major cause of
      this effect.

PMID- 22096517
TI  - Noise pollution filters bird communities based on vocal frequency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human-generated noise pollution now permeates natural habitats
      worldwide, presenting evolutionarily novel acoustic conditions unprecedented to
      most landscapes. These acoustics not only harm humans, but threaten wildlife, and
      especially birds, via changes to species densities, foraging behavior,
      reproductive success, and predator-prey interactions. Explanations for negative
      effects of noise on birds include disruption of acoustic communication through
      energetic masking, potentially forcing species that rely upon acoustic
      communication to abandon otherwise suitable areas. However, this hypothesis has
      not been adequately tested because confounding stimuli often co-vary with noise
      and are difficult to separate from noise exposure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Using a natural experiment that controls for confounding stimuli, we
      evaluate whether species vocal features or urban-tolerance classifications
      explain their responses to noise measured through habitat use. Two data sets
      representing nesting and abundance responses reveal that noise filters bird
      communities nonrandomly. Signal duration and urban tolerance failed to explain
      species-specific responses, but birds with low-frequency signals that are more
      susceptible to masking from noise avoided noisy areas and birds with higher
      frequency vocalizations remained. Signal frequency was also negatively correlated
      with body mass, suggesting that larger birds may be more sensitive to noise due
      to the link between body size and vocal frequency. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      findings suggest that acoustic masking by noise may be a strong selective force
      shaping the ecology of birds worldwide. Larger birds with lower frequency signals
      may be excluded from noisy areas, whereas smaller species persist via
      transmission of higher frequency signals. We discuss our findings as they relate
      to interspecific relationships among body size, vocal amplitude and frequency and
      suggest that they are immediately relevant to the global problem of increases in
      noise by providing critical insight as to which species traits influence
      tolerance of these novel acoustics.

PMID- 22096518
TI  - Abnormal cognition, sleep, EEG and brain metabolism in a novel knock-in Alzheimer
      mouse, PLB1.
AB  - Late-stage neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are beta
      amyloid (betaA) and hyperphosphorylated tau peptides, aggregated into plaques and
      tangles, respectively. Corresponding phenotypes have been mimicked in existing
      transgenic mice, however, the translational value of aggressive over-expression
      has recently been questioned. As controlled gene expression may offer animal
      models with better predictive validity, we set out to design a transgenic mouse
      model that circumvents complications arising from pronuclear injection and
      massive over-expression, by targeted insertion of human mutated amyloid and tau
      transgenes, under the forebrain- and neurone-specific CaMKIIalpha promoter,
      termed PLB1(Double). Crossing with an existing presenilin 1 line resulted in
      PLB1(Triple) mice. PLB1(Triple) mice presented with stable gene expression and
      age-related pathology of intra-neuronal amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau in
      hippocampus and cortex from 6 months onwards. At this early stage, pre-clinical
      (18)FDG PET/CT imaging revealed cortical hypometabolism with increased metabolic
      activity in basal forebrain and ventral midbrain. Quantitative EEG analyses
      yielded heightened delta power during wakefulness and REM sleep, and time in
      wakefulness was already reliably enhanced at 6 months of age. These anomalies
      were paralleled by impairments in long-term and short-term hippocampal plasticity
      and preceded cognitive deficits in recognition memory, spatial learning, and
      sleep fragmentation all emerging at ~12 months. These data suggest that prodromal
      AD phenotypes can be successfully modelled in transgenic mice devoid of
      fibrillary plaque or tangle development. PLB1(Triple) mice progress from a mild
      (MCI-like) state to a more comprehensive AD-relevant phenotype, which are
      accessible using translational tools such as wireless EEG and microPET/CT.

PMID- 22096519
TI  - Evidence for thalamic involvement in the thermal grill illusion: an FMRI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perceptual illusions play an important role in untangling neural
      mechanisms underlying conscious phenomena. The thermal grill illusion (TGI) has
      been suggested as a promising model for exploring percepts involved in
      neuropathic pain, such as cold-allodynia (pain arising from contact with
      innocuous cold). The TGI is an unpleasant/painful sensation from touching
      juxtapositioned bars of cold and warm innocuous temperatures. AIM: To develop an
      MRI-compatible TGI-unit and explore the supraspinal correlates of the illusion,
      using fMRI, in a group of healthy volunteers. METHODS: We constructed a TGI
      thermode allowing the rapid presentation of warm(41 degrees C), cold(18 degrees
      C) and interleaved(41 degrees C+18 degrees C = TGI) temperatures in an fMRI
      environment. Twenty volunteers were tested. The affective-motivational
      ("unpleasantness") and sensory-disciminatory ("pain-intensity") dimensions of
      each respective stimulus were rated. Functional images were analyzed at a
      corrected alpha-level <0.05. RESULTS: The TGI was rated as significantly more
      unpleasant and painful than stimulation with each of its constituent
      temperatures. Also, the TGI was rated as significantly more unpleasant than
      painful. Thermal stimulation versus neutral baseline revealed bilateral
      activations of the anterior insulae and fronto-parietal regions. Unlike its
      constituent temperatures the TGI displayed a strong activation of the right
      (contralateral) thalamus. Exploratory contrasts at a slightly more liberal
      threshold-level also revealed a TGI-activation of the right mid/anterior insula,
      correlating with ratings of unpleasantness (rho = 0.31). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE:
      To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fMRI-study of the TGI. The
      activation of the anterior insula is consistent with this region's putative role
      in processing of homeostatically relevant feeling-states. Our results constitute
      the first neurophysiologic evidence of thalamic involvement in the TGI. Similar
      thalamic activity has previously been observed during evoked cold-allodynia in
      patients with central neuropathic pain. Our results further the understanding of
      the supraspinal correlates of the TGI-phenomenon and pave the way for future
      inquiries into if and how it may relate to neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22096520
TI  - Percutaneous cryoablation of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cryoablation for metastatic
      lung tumors from colorectal cancer. METHODS: The procedures were performed on 24
      patients (36-82 years of age, with a median age of 62; 17 male patients, 7 female
      patients) for 55 metastatic tumors in the lung, during 30 sessions. The
      procedural safety, local progression free interval, and overall survival were
      assessed by follow-up computed tomographic scanning performed every 3-4 months.
      RESULTS: The major complications were pneumothorax, 19 sessions (63%), pleural
      effusion, 21 sessions (70%), transient and self-limiting hemoptysis, 13 sessions
      (43%) and tract seeding, 1 session (3%). The 1- and 3-year local progression free
      intervals were 90.8% and 59%, respectively. The 3-years local progression free
      intervals of tumors <=15 mm in diameter was 79.8% and that of tumors >15 mm was
      28.6% (p = 0.001; log-rank test). The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were
      91% and 59.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that percutaneous
      cryoablation is a feasible treatment option. The local progression free interval
      was satisfactory at least for tumors that were <=15 mm in diameter.

PMID- 22096521
TI  - Anti-transforming growth factor beta antibody treatment rescues bone loss and
      prevents breast cancer metastasis to bone.
AB  - Breast cancer often metastasizes to bone causing osteolytic bone resorption which
      releases active TGFbeta. Because TGFbeta favors progression of breast cancer
      metastasis to bone, we hypothesized that treatment using anti-TGFbeta antibody
      may reduce tumor burden and rescue tumor-associated bone loss in metastatic
      breast cancer. In this study we have tested the efficacy of an anti-TGFbeta
      antibody 1D11 preventing breast cancer bone metastasis. We have used two
      preclinical breast cancer bone metastasis models, in which either human breast
      cancer cells or murine mammary tumor cells were injected in host mice via left
      cardiac ventricle. Using several in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo assays, we have
      demonstrated that anti-TGFbeta antibody treatment have significantly reduced
      tumor burden in the bone along with a statistically significant threefold
      reduction in osteolytic lesion number and tenfold reduction in osteolytic lesion
      area. A decrease in osteoclast numbers (p = 0.027) in vivo and osteoclastogenesis
      ex vivo were also observed. Most importantly, in tumor-bearing mice, anti-TGFbeta
      treatment resulted in a twofold increase in bone volume (p<0.01). In addition,
      treatment with anti-TGFbeta antibody increased the mineral-to-collagen ratio in
      vivo, a reflection of improved tissue level properties. Moreover, anti-TGFbeta
      antibody directly increased mineralized matrix formation in calverial osteoblast
      (p = 0.005), suggesting a direct beneficial role of anti-TGFbeta antibody
      treatment on osteoblasts. Data presented here demonstrate that anti-TGFbeta
      treatment may offer a novel therapeutic option for tumor-induced bone disease and
      has the dual potential for simultaneously decreasing tumor burden and rescue bone
      loss in breast cancer to bone metastases. This approach of intervention has the
      potential to reduce skeletal related events (SREs) in breast cancer survivors.

PMID- 22096522
TI  - Cognitive control and individual differences in economic ultimatum decision
      making.
AB  - Much publicity has been given to the fact that people's economic decisions often
      deviate from the rational predictions of standard economic models. In the classic
      ultimatum game, for example, most people turn down financial gains by rejecting
      unequal monetary splits. The present study points to neglected individual
      differences in this debate. After participants played the ultimatum game we
      tested for individual differences in cognitive control capacity of the most and
      least economic responders. The key finding was that people who were higher in
      cognitive control, as measured by behavioral (Go/No-Go performance) and neural
      (No-Go N2 amplitude) markers, did tend to behave more in line with the standard
      models and showed increased acceptance of unequal splits. Hence, the cognitively
      highest scoring decision-makers were more likely to maximize their monetary
      payoffs and adhere to the standard economic predictions. Findings question
      popular claims with respect to the rejection of standard economic models and the
      irrationality of human economic decision-making.

PMID- 22096523
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of Internet-based self-management compared with usual care in
      asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of Internet-based self-management in patients with
      asthma has been shown, but its cost-effectiveness is unknown. We conducted a cost
      effectiveness analysis of Internet-based asthma self-management compared with
      usual care. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Cost-effectiveness analysis
      alongside a randomized controlled trial, with 12 months follow-up. Patients were
      aged 18 to 50 year and had physician diagnosed asthma. The Internet-based self
      management program involved weekly on-line monitoring of asthma control with self
      treatment advice, remote Web communications, and Internet-based information. We
      determined quality adjusted life years (QALYs) as measured by the EuroQol-5D and
      costs for health care use and absenteeism. We performed a detailed cost price
      analysis for the primary intervention. QALYs did not statistically significantly
      differ between the Internet group and usual care: difference 0.024 (95% CI, 
      0.016 to 0.065). Costs of the Internet-based intervention were $254 (95% CI, $243
      to $265) during the period of 1 year. From a societal perspective, the cost
      difference was $641 (95% CI, $-1957 to $3240). From a health care perspective,
      the cost difference was $37 (95% CI, $-874 to $950). At a willingness-to-pay of
      $50,000 per QALY, the probability that Internet-based self-management was cost
      effective compared to usual care was 62% and 82% from a societal and health care
      perspective, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based self-management of asthma
      can be as effective as current asthma care and costs are similar. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN79864465.

PMID- 22096524
TI  - Evidence for more than one Parkinson's disease-associated variant within the HLA
      region.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) was recently found to be associated with HLA in a genome
      wide association study (GWAS). Follow-up GWAS's replicated the PD-HLA association
      but their top hits differ. Do the different hits tag the same locus or is there
      more than one PD-associated variant within HLA? We show that the top GWAS hits
      are not correlated with each other (0.00<=r(2)<=0.15). Using our GWAS (2000
      cases, 1986 controls) we conducted step-wise conditional analysis on 107 SNPs
      with P<10(-3) for PD-association; 103 dropped-out, four remained significant.
      Each SNP, when conditioned on the other three, yielded P(SNP1) = 5*10(-4),
      P(SNP2) = 5*10(-4), P(SNP3) = 4*10(-3) and P(SNP4) = 0.025. The four SNPs were
      not correlated (0.01<=r(2)<=0.20). Haplotype analysis (excluding rare SNP2)
      revealed increasing PD risk with increasing risk alleles from OR = 1.27, P =
      5*10(-3) for one risk allele to OR = 1.65, P = 4*10(-8) for three. Using
      additional 843 cases and 856 controls we replicated the independent effects of
      SNP1 (P(conditioned-on-SNP4) = 0.04) and SNP4 (P(conditioned-on-SNP1) = 0.04);
      SNP2 and SNP3 could not be replicated. In pooled GWAS and replication, SNP1 had
      OR(conditioned-on-SNP4) = 1.23, P(conditioned-on-SNP4) = 6*10(-7); SNP4 had
      OR(conditioned-on-SNP1) = 1.18, P(conditioned-on-SNP1) = 3*10(-3); and the
      haplotype with both risk alleles had OR = 1.48, P = 2*10(-12). Genotypic OR
      increased with the number of risk alleles an individual possessed up to OR =
      1.94, P = 2*10(-11) for individuals who were homozygous for the risk allele at
      both SNP1 and SNP4. SNP1 is a variant in HLA-DRA and is associated with HLA-DRA,
      DRB5 and DQA2 gene expression. SNP4 is correlated (r(2) = 0.95) with variants
      that are associated with HLA-DQA2 expression, and with the top HLA SNP from the
      IPDGC GWAS (r(2) = 0.60). Our findings suggest more than one PD-HLA association;
      either different alleles of the same gene, or separate loci.

PMID- 22096525
TI  - Effect of protein kinase C delta (PKC-delta) inhibition on the transcriptome of
      normal and systemic sclerosis human dermal fibroblasts in vitro.
AB  - Previous studies demonstrated that protein kinase C- delta (PKC-delta) inhibition
      with the selective inhibitor, rottlerin, resulted in potent downregulation of
      type I collagen expression and production in normal human dermal fibroblasts and
      abrogated the exaggerated type I collagen production and expression in
      fibroblasts cultured from affected skin from patients with the fibrosing disorder
      systemic sclerosis (SSc). To elucidate the mechanisms involved in the ability of
      PKC-delta to regulate collagen production in fibroblasts, we examined the effects
      of PKC-delta inhibition on the transcriptome of normal and SSc human dermal
      fibroblasts. Normal and SSc human dermal fibroblasts were incubated with
      rottlerin (5 uM), and their gene expression was analyzed by microarrays. Pathway
      analysis and gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes in each
      comparison were performed. Identification of significantly overrepresented
      transcriptional regulatory elements (TREs) was performed using the Promoter
      Analysis and Interaction Network Toolset (PAINT) program. PKC-delta activity was
      also inhibited using RNA interference (siRNA) and by treating fibroblasts with a
      specific PKC-delta inhibitory cell permeable peptide. Differential gene
      expression of 20 genes was confirmed using real time PCR. PKC-delta inhibition
      caused a profound change in the transcriptome of normal and SSc human dermal
      fibroblasts in vitro. Pathway and gene ontology analysis identified multiple
      cellular and organismal pathways affected by PKC-delta inhibition. Furthermore,
      both pathway and PAINT analyses indicated that the transcription factor NFkappaB
      played an important role in the transcriptome changes induced by PKC-delta
      inhibition. Multiple genes involved in the degradation of the extracellular
      matrix components were significantly reduced in SSc fibroblasts and their
      expression was increased by PKC-delta inhibition. These results indicate that
      isoform-specific inhibition of PKC-delta profibrotic effects may represent a
      novel therapeutic approach for SSc and other fibrotic diseases.

PMID- 22096526
TI  - Bmi1 is expressed in postnatal myogenic satellite cells, controls their
      maintenance and plays an essential role in repeated muscle regeneration.
AB  - Satellite cells are the resident stem cell population of the adult mammalian
      skeletal muscle and they play a crucial role in its homeostasis and in its
      regenerative capacity after injury. We show here that the Polycomb group (PcG)
      gene Bmi1 is expressed in both the Pax7 positive (+)/Myf5 negative (-) stem cell
      population as well as the Pax7+/Myf5+ committed myogenic progenitor population.
      Depletion of Pax7+/Myf5- satellite cells with reciprocal increase in Pax7+/Myf5+
      as well as MyoD positive (+) cells is seen in Bmi1-/- mice leading to reduced
      postnatal muscle fiber size and impaired regeneration upon injury. Bmi1-/-
      satellite cells have a reduced proliferative capacity and fail to re-enter the
      cell cycle when stimulated by high serum conditions in vitro, in keeping with a
      cell intrinsic defect. Thus, both the in vivo and in vitro results suggest that
      Bmi1 plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the stem cell pool in postnatal
      skeletal muscle and is essential for efficient muscle regeneration after injury
      especially after repeated muscle injury.

PMID- 22096528
TI  - Structural-functional characterization and physiological significance of
      ferredoxin-NADP reductase from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri.
AB  - Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri is a phytopathogen bacterium that causes severe
      citrus canker disease. Similar to other phytopathogens, after infection by this
      bacterium, plants trigger a defense mechanism that produces reactive oxygen
      species. Ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductases (FNRs) are redox flavoenzymes that
      participate in several metabolic functions, including the response to reactive
      oxygen species. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri has a gene (fpr) that encodes
      for a FNR (Xac-FNR) that belongs to the subclass I bacterial FNRs. The aim of
      this work was to search for the physiological role of this enzyme and to
      characterize its structural and functional properties. The functionality of Xac
      FNR was tested by cross-complementation of a FNR knockout Escherichia coli
      strain, which exhibit high susceptibility to agents that produce an abnormal
      accumulation of (*)O(2)(-). Xac-FNR was able to substitute for the FNR in E. coli
      in its antioxidant role. The expression of fpr in X. axonopodis pv. citri was
      assessed using semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. A 2.2-fold
      induction was observed in the presence of the superoxide-generating agents methyl
      viologen and 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Structural and functional studies
      showed that Xac-FNR displayed different functional features from other subclass I
      bacterial FNRs. Our analyses suggest that these differences may be due to the
      unusual carboxy-terminal region. We propose a further classification of subclass
      I bacterial FNRs, which is useful to determine the nature of their ferredoxin
      redox partners. Using sequence analysis, we identified a ferredoxin (XAC1762) as
      a potential substrate of Xac-FNR. The purified ferredoxin protein displayed the
      typical broad UV-visible spectrum of [4Fe-4S] clusters and was able to function
      as substrate of Xac-FNR in the cytochrome c reductase activity. Our results
      suggest that Xac-FNR is involved in the oxidative stress response of Xanthomonas
      axonopodis pv. citri and performs its biological function most likely through the
      interaction with ferredoxin XAC1762.

PMID- 22096527
TI  - Whole-genome comparison of two Campylobacter jejuni isolates of the same sequence
      type reveals multiple loci of different ancestral lineage.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni ST-474 is the most important human enteric pathogen in New
      Zealand, and yet this genotype is rarely found elsewhere in the world. Insight
      into the evolution of this organism was gained by a whole genome comparison of
      two ST-474, flaA SVR-14 isolates and other available C. jejuni isolates and
      genomes. The two isolates were collected from different sources, human (H22082)
      and retail poultry (P110b), at the same time and from the same geographical
      location. Solexa sequencing of each isolate resulted in ~1.659 Mb (H22082) and
      ~1.656 Mb (P110b) of assembled sequences within 28 (H22082) and 29 (P110b)
      contigs. We analysed 1502 genes for which we had sequences within both ST-474
      isolates and within at least one of 11 C. jejuni reference genomes. Although
      94.5% of genes were identical between the two ST-474 isolates, we identified 83
      genes that differed by at least one nucleotide, including 55 genes with non
      synonymous substitutions. These covered 101 kb and contained 672 point
      differences. We inferred that 22 (3.3%) of these differences were due to mutation
      and 650 (96.7%) were imported via recombination. Our analysis estimated 38
      recombinant breakpoints within these 83 genes, which correspond to recombination
      events affecting at least 19 loci regions and gives a tract length estimate of ~2
      kb. This includes a ~12 kb region displaying non-homologous recombination in one
      of the ST-474 genomes, with the insertion of two genes, including ykgC, a
      putative oxidoreductase, and a conserved hypothetical protein of unknown
      function. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the source of this recombined
      DNA is more likely to have come from C. jejuni strains that are more closely
      related to ST-474. This suggests that the rates of recombination and mutation are
      similar in order of magnitude, but that recombination has been much more
      important for generating divergence between the two ST-474 isolates.

PMID- 22096529
TI  - Resource wars and conflict ivory: the impact of civil conflict on elephants in
      the Democratic Republic of Congo--the case of the Okapi Reserve.
AB  - Human conflict generally has substantial negative impacts on wildlife and
      conservation. The recent civil war (1995-2006) in the Democratic Republic of
      Congo (DRC) resulted in a significant loss of wildlife, including elephants, due
      to institutional collapse, lawlessness and unbridled exploitation of natural
      resources such as minerals, wood, ivory and bushmeat. We used data from distance
      sampling surveys conducted before and after the war in a protected forest, the
      Okapi Faunal Reserve, to document changes in elephant abundance and distribution.
      We employed Generalized Additive Models to relate changes in elephant
      distribution to human and environmental factors. Populations declined by nearly
      fifty percent coinciding with a major increase in elephant poaching as indicated
      by reports of ivory trade during the war. Our results suggest that humans
      influenced elephant distribution far more than habitat, both before and after the
      war, but post-war models explained more of the variation. Elephant abundance
      declined more, closer to the park boundary and to areas of intense human
      activity. After the war, elephant densities were relatively higher in the centre
      of the park where they were better protected, suggesting that this area may have
      acted as a refuge. In other sites in Eastern DRC, where no protection was
      provided, elephants were even more decimated. Post-war dynamics, such as weakened
      institutions, human movements and availability of weapons, continue to affect
      elephants. Survival of remaining populations and recovery will be determined by
      these persistent factors and by new threats associated with growing human
      populations and exploitation of natural resources. Prioritizing wildlife
      protection, curbing illegal trade in ivory and bushmeat, and strengthening
      national institutions and organizations in charge of conservation will be crucial
      to counter these threats.

PMID- 22096530
TI  - Insufficiently defined genetic background confounds phenotypes in transgenic
      studies as exemplified by malaria infection in Tlr9 knockout mice.
AB  - The use of genetically modified mice, i.e. transgenic as well as gene knockout
      (KO) and knock-in mice, has become an established tool to study gene function in
      many animal models for human diseases. However, a gene functions in a particular
      genomic context. This implies the importance of a well-defined homogenous genetic
      background for the analysis and interpretation of phenotypes associated with
      genetic mutations. By studying a Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS (PcAS) malaria
      infection in mice bearing a TLR9 null mutation, we found an increased
      susceptibility to infection, i.e. higher parasitemia levels and increased
      mortality. However, this was not triggered by the deficient TLR9 gene itself.
      Instead, this disease phenotype was dependent on the heterogeneous genetic
      background of the mice, which appeared insufficiently defined as determined by
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Hence, it is of critical
      importance to study gene KO phenotypes on a homogenous genetic background
      identical to that of their wild type (WT) control counterparts. In particular, to
      avoid problems related to an insufficiently defined genetic background, we
      advocate that for each study involving genetically modified mice, at least a
      detailed description of the origin and genetic background of both the WT control
      and the altered strain of mice is essential.

PMID- 22096531
TI  - Loss of sphingosine kinase 1/S1P signaling impairs cell growth and survival of
      neurons and progenitor cells in the developing sensory ganglia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lysophospholipids such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine
      1-phosphate (S1P) are important signaling molecules that can regulate a wide
      range of cellular responses. We discovered that Sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1), a
      key enzyme that converts sphingosine to S1P, is expressed in neurons and
      progenitor cells in nascent trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia during mouse
      embryogenesis. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Sphk1 null mouse embryos do not display
      overt deficits owing to compensation by Sphk2. Thus, we analyzed embryos that are
      deficient in both Sphk1 and Sphk2 (which essentially eliminates S1P function) in
      order to investigate the role(s) of Sphk1 during sensory ganglia formation. While
      animals lacking 1-3 alleles of Sphk1 and Sphk2 had no obvious phenotype, embryos
      without both genes displayed clear developmental defects. The complete absence of
      Sphk1 and Sphk2 resulted in trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia with fewer neurons
      and progenitor cells. The profound loss in cell number could be attributed to a
      decrease in cell proliferation as well as an increase in apoptosis. Furthermore,
      Sphk1/2 double mutants displayed an overall reduction in other sphingolipids as
      well as an imbalance of S1P/sphingosine and S1P/ceramide ratio, thereby favoring
      cell death and reducing cell growth. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results provide
      strong in vivo evidence that sphingosine kinase/S1P signaling plays an important
      role in regulating early events during development of sensory ganglia.

PMID- 22096532
TI  - A convenient model of severe, high incidence autoimmune gastritis caused by
      polyclonal effector T cells and without perturbation of regulatory T cells.
AB  - Autoimmune gastritis results from the breakdown of T cell tolerance to the
      gastric H(+)/K(+) ATPase. The gastric H(+)/K(+) ATPase is responsible for the
      acidification of gastric juice and consists of an alpha subunit (H/Kalpha) and a
      beta subunit (H/Kbeta). Here we show that CD4(+) T cells from H/Kalpha-deficient
      mice (H/Kalpha(-/-)) are highly pathogenic and autoimmune gastritis can be
      induced in sublethally irradiated wildtype mice by adoptive transfer of
      unfractionated CD4(+) T cells from H/Kalpha(-/-) mice. All recipient mice
      consistently developed the most severe form of autoimmune gastritis 8 weeks after
      the transfer, featuring hypertrophy of the gastric mucosa, complete depletion of
      the parietal and zymogenic cells, and presence of autoantibodies to H(+)/K(+)
      ATPase in the serum. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the disease significantly
      affected stomach weight and stomach pH of recipient mice. Depletion of parietal
      cells in this disease model required the presence of both H/Kalpha and H/Kbeta
      since transfer of H/Kalpha(-/-) CD4(+) T cells did not result in depletion of
      parietal cells in H/Kalpha(-/-) or H/Kbeta(-/-) recipient mice. The consistency
      of disease severity, the use of polyclonal T cells and a specific T cell response
      to the gastric autoantigen make this an ideal disease model for the study of many
      aspects of organ-specific autoimmunity including prevention and treatment of the
      disease.

PMID- 22096533
TI  - Justice blocks and predictability of U.S. Supreme Court votes.
AB  - Successful attempts to predict judges' votes shed light into how legal decisions
      are made and, ultimately, into the behavior and evolution of the judiciary. Here,
      we investigate to what extent it is possible to make predictions of a justice's
      vote based on the other justices' votes in the same case. For our predictions, we
      use models and methods that have been developed to uncover hidden associations
      between actors in complex social networks. We show that these methods are more
      accurate at predicting justice's votes than forecasts made by legal experts and
      by algorithms that take into consideration the content of the cases. We argue
      that, within our framework, high predictability is a quantitative proxy for
      stable justice (and case) blocks, which probably reflect stable a priori
      attitudes toward the law. We find that U.S. Supreme Court justice votes are more
      predictable than one would expect from an ideal court composed of perfectly
      independent justices. Deviations from ideal behavior are most apparent in divided
      5-4 decisions, where justice blocks seem to be most stable. Moreover, we find
      evidence that justice predictability decreased during the 50-year period spanning
      from the Warren Court to the Rehnquist Court, and that aggregate court
      predictability has been significantly lower during Democratic presidencies. More
      broadly, our results show that it is possible to use methods developed for the
      analysis of complex social networks to quantitatively investigate historical
      questions related to political decision-making.

PMID- 22096534
TI  - Moth wing scales slightly increase the absorbance of bat echolocation calls.
AB  - Coevolutionary arms races between predators and prey can lead to a diverse range
      of foraging and defense strategies, such as countermeasures between nocturnal
      insects and echolocating bats. Here, we show how the fine structure of wing
      scales may help moths by slightly increasing sound absorbance at frequencies
      typically used in bat echolocation. Using four widespread species of moths and
      butterflies, we found that moth scales are composed of honeycomb-like hollows
      similar to sound-absorbing material, but these were absent from butterfly scales.
      Micro-reverberation chamber experiments revealed that moth wings were more
      absorbent at the frequencies emitted by many echolocating bats (40-60 kHz) than
      butterfly wings. Furthermore, moth wings lost absorbance at these frequencies
      when scales were removed, which suggests that some moths have evolved stealth
      tactics to reduce their conspicuousness to echolocating bats. Although the
      benefits to moths are relatively small in terms of reducing their target
      strengths, scales may nonetheless confer survival advantages by reducing the
      detection distances of moths by bats by 5-6%.

PMID- 22096535
TI  - Kidney bean: a major sensitizer among legumes in asthma and rhinitis patients
      from India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of IgE mediated food allergies has increased over the
      last two decades. Food allergy has been reported to be fatal in highly sensitive
      individuals. Legumes are important food allergens but their prevalence may vary
      among different populations. The present study identifies sensitization to common
      legumes among Indian population, characterizes allergens of kidney bean and
      establishes its cross reactivity with other legumes. METHODOLOGY: Patients (n =
      355) with history of legume allergy were skin prick tested (SPT) with 10 legumes.
      Specific IgE (sIgE) and total IgE were estimated in sera by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Characterization of kidney bean allergens and their cross
      reactivity was investigated by immunobiochemical methods. Identification of major
      allergens of kidney bean was carried out by mass spectrometry. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Kidney bean exhibited sensitization in 78 (22.0%) patients followed by
      chickpea 65 (18.0%) and peanut 53 (15%). SPT positive patients depicted
      significantly elevated sIgE levels against different legumes (r = 0.85,
      p<0.0001). Sera from 30 kidney bean sensitive individuals exhibited basophil
      histamine release (16-54%) which significantly correlated with their SPT (r =
      0.83, p<0.0001) and sIgE (r = 0.99, p<0.0001). Kidney bean showed eight major
      allergens of 58, 50, 45, 42, 40, 37, 34 and 18 kDa on immunoblot and required
      67.3+/-2.51 ng of homologous protein for 50% IgE inhibition. Inhibition assays
      revealed extensive cross reactivity among kidney bean, peanut, black gram and
      pigeon pea. nLC-MS/MS analysis identified four allergens of kidney bean showing
      significant matches with known proteins namely lectin (phytohemagglutinin),
      phaseolin, alpha-amylase inhibitor precursor and group 3 late embryogenesis
      abundant protein. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Among legumes, kidney bean followed by
      chick pea and peanut are the major allergic triggers in asthma and rhinitis
      patients in India. Kidney bean showed eight major allergens and cross reacted
      with other legumes. A combination of SPT, sIgE and histamine release assay is
      helpful in allergy diagnosis.

PMID- 22096536
TI  - Xenopus reduced folate carrier regulates neural crest development epigenetically.
AB  - Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy causes birth neurocristopathic
      malformations resulting from aberrant development of neural crest cells. The
      Reduced folate carrier (RFC) is a membrane-bound receptor for facilitating
      transfer of reduced folate into the cells. RFC knockout mice are embryonic lethal
      and develop multiple malformations, including neurocristopathies. Here we show
      that XRFC is specifically expressed in neural crest tissues in Xenopus embryos
      and knockdown of XRFC by specific morpholino results in severe
      neurocristopathies. Inhibition of RFC blocked the expression of a series of
      neural crest marker genes while overexpression of RFC or injection of 5
      methyltetrahydrofolate expanded the neural crest territories. In animal cap
      assays, knockdown of RFC dramatically reduced the mono- and trimethyl-Histone3-K4
      levels and co-injection of the lysine methyltransferase hMLL1 largely rescued the
      XRFC morpholino phenotype. Our data revealed that the RFC mediated folate
      metabolic pathway likely potentiates neural crest gene expression through
      epigenetic modifications.

PMID- 22096537
TI  - Functional organization of hsp70 cluster in camel (Camelus dromedarius) and other
      mammals.
AB  - Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a molecular chaperone providing tolerance to
      heat and other challenges at the cellular and organismal levels. We sequenced a
      genomic cluster containing three hsp70 family genes linked with major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region from an extremely heat tolerant
      animal, camel (Camelus dromedarius). Two hsp70 family genes comprising the
      cluster contain heat shock elements (HSEs), while the third gene lacks HSEs and
      should not be induced by heat shock. Comparison of the camel hsp70 cluster with
      the corresponding regions from several mammalian species revealed similar
      organization of genes forming the cluster. Specifically, the two heat inducible
      hsp70 genes are arranged in tandem, while the third constitutively expressed
      hsp70 family member is present in inverted orientation. Comparison of regulatory
      regions of hsp70 genes from camel and other mammals demonstrates that
      transcription factor matches with highest significance are located in the highly
      conserved 250-bp upstream region and correspond to HSEs followed by NF-Y and Sp1
      binding sites. The high degree of sequence conservation leaves little room for
      putative camel-specific regulatory elements. Surprisingly, RT-PCR and 5'/3'-RACE
      analysis demonstrated that all three hsp70 genes are expressed in camel's muscle
      and blood cells not only after heat shock, but under normal physiological
      conditions as well, and may account for tolerance of camel cells to extreme
      environmental conditions. A high degree of evolutionary conservation observed for
      the hsp70 cluster always linked with MHC locus in mammals suggests an important
      role of such organization for coordinated functioning of these vital genes.

PMID- 22096538
TI  - Distinct expression patterns of CD69 in mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues in
      primary SIV infection of rhesus macaques.
AB  - Although the intestinal tract plays a major role in early human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection, the role of immune activation and viral replication in
      intestinal tissues is not completely understood. Further, increasing evidence
      suggests the early leukocyte activation antigen CD69 may be involved in the
      development or regulation of important T cell subsets, as well as a major
      regulatory molecule of immune responses. Using the simian immunodeficiency virus
      (SIV) rhesus macaque model, we compared expression of CD69 on T cells from the
      intestine, spleen, lymph nodes, and blood of normal and SIV-infected macaques
      throughout infection. In uninfected macaques, the majority of intestinal lamina
      propria CD4+ T cells had a memory (CD95+) phenotype and co-expressed CD69, and
      essentially all intestinal CCR5+ cells co-expressed CD69. In contrast, systemic
      lymphoid tissues had far fewer CD69+ T cells, and many had a naive phenotype.
      Further, marked, selective depletion of intestinal CD4+CD69+ T cells occurred in
      early SIV infection, and this depletion persisted throughout infection. Markedly
      increased levels of CD8+CD69+ T cells were detected after SIV infection in
      virtually all tissues, including the intestine. Further, confocal microscopy
      demonstrated selective, productive infection of CD3+CD69+ T cells in the
      intestine in early infection. Combined, these results indicate CD69+CD4+ T cells
      are a major early target for viral infection, and their rapid loss by direct
      infection may have profound effects on intestinal immune regulation in HIV
      infected patients.

PMID- 22096539
TI  - A secreted form of the asialoglycoprotein receptor, sH2a, as a novel potential
      noninvasive marker for liver fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The human asialoglycoprotein receptor is a membrane
      heterooligomer expressed exclusively in hepatocytes. A soluble secreted form,
      sH2a, arises, not by shedding at the cell surface, but by intracellular cleavage
      of its membrane-bound precursor, which is encoded by an alternatively spliced
      form of the receptor H2 subunit. Here we determined and report that sH2a, present
      at constant levels in serum from healthy individuals is altered upon liver
      fibrosis, reflecting the status of hepatocyte function. METHODS: We measured sH2a
      levels in serum using a monoclonal antibody and an ELISA assay that we developed,
      comparing with routine liver function markers. We compared blindly pretreatment
      serum samples from a cohort of 44 hepatitis C patients, which had METAVIR-scored
      biopsies, with 28 healthy individuals. RESULTS: sH2a levels varied minimally for
      the healthy individuals (150+/-21 ng/ml), whereas the levels deviated from this
      normal range increasingly in correlation with fibrosis stage. A simple algorithm
      combining sH2a levels with those of alanine aminotransferase allowed prediction
      of fibrosis stage, with a very high area under the ROC curve of 0.86.
      CONCLUSIONS: sH2a has the potential to be a uniquely sensitive and specific novel
      marker for liver fibrosis and function.

PMID- 22096540
TI  - The evaluation of the oxidative stress parameters in patients with primary angle
      closure glaucoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the presence of oxidative stress in patients with primary
      angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and to investigate the relationship between
      oxidative stress and PACG. METHODS: Fifty patients with primary angle-closure
      glaucoma and fifty healthy controls of matched age and gender were included in
      the study prospectively. Serum samples were obtained to detect the oxidation
      degradation products malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated diene (CD), 4
      hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), protein
      carbonyl (PC), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosin (8
      OHdG). RESULTS: The concentration of MDA and CD in PACG patients was
      significantly higher than those of the control subjects (P<0.05, P<0.01). The
      serum 4-HNE concentrations were increased in PACG patients, but the differences
      with those of the healthy controls were not statistically significant. Compared
      to normal subjects, there was significant higher in serum AOPP and PC in PACG
      patients (P<0.01). PACG patients had higher levels of 8-OHdG in serum with
      respect to the comparative group of normal subjects (P<0.01). When plasma IMA
      levels in the PACG group were compared with those in the control group,
      significant increases in IMA were observed in the former (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study demonstrated that IMA is a new biomarker available for assessing
      oxidative stress in PCAG. Oxidative stress is an important risk factor in the
      development of primary angle-closure glaucoma. Increased levels of oxidative
      stress products may be associated with primary angle-closure glaucoma.

PMID- 22096541
TI  - Phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate controls T cell activation by regulating
      T cell rigidity and organization.
AB  - Here we investigate the role of Phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PIP(2))
      in the physiological activation of primary murine T cells by antigen presenting
      cells (APC) by addressing two principal challenges in PIP(2) biology. First,
      PIP(2) is a regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics and a substrate for second
      messenger generation. The relative importance of these two processes needs to be
      determined. Second, PIP(2) is turned over by multiple biosynthetic and
      metabolizing enzymes. The joint effect of these enzymes on PIP(2) distributions
      needs to be determined with resolution in time and space. We found that T cells
      express four isoforms of the principal PIP(2)-generating enzyme
      phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) with distinct spatial and
      temporal characteristics. In the context of a larger systems analysis of T cell
      signaling, these data identify the T cell/APC interface and the T cell distal
      pole as sites of differential PIP(2) turnover. Overexpression of different PIP5K
      isoforms, as corroborated by knock down and PIP(2) blockade, yielded an increase
      in PIP(2) levels combined with isoform-specific changes in the spatiotemporal
      distributions of accessible PIP(2). It rigidified the T cell, likely by impairing
      the inactivation of Ezrin Moesin Radixin, delayed and diminished the clustering
      of the T cell receptor at the cellular interface, reduced the efficiency of T
      cell proximal signaling and IL-2 secretion. These effects were consistently more
      severe for distal PIP5K isoforms. Thus spatially constrained cytoskeletal roles
      of PIP(2) in the control of T cell rigidity and spatiotemporal organization
      dominate the effects of PIP(2) on T cell activation.

PMID- 22096542
TI  - An antibody to de-N-acetyl sialic acid containing-polysialic acid identifies an
      intracellular antigen and induces apoptosis in human cancer cell lines.
AB  - Polysialic acid (PSA), an alpha2,8-linked homopolymer of N-acetylneuraminic acid
      (Neu5Ac), is developmentally regulated and its expression is thought to be
      restricted to a few tissues in adults. Recently, we showed that two human
      pathogens expressed a derivative of PSA containing de-N-acetyl sialic acid
      residues (NeuPSA). Here we show that an epitope identified by the anti-NeuPSA
      monoclonal antibody, SEAM 3 (SEAM 3-reactive antigen or S3RA), is expressed in
      human melanomas, and also intracellularly in a human melanoma cell line (SK-MEL
      28), a human T cell leukemia cell line (Jurkat), and two neuroblastoma cell lines
      (CHP-134 and SH-SY5Y). SEAM 3 binding induced apoptosis in the four cell lines
      tested. The unusual intracellular distribution of S3RA was similar to that
      described for the PSA polysialyltransferases, STX and PST, which are also
      expressed in the four cell lines used here. Interestingly, suppression of PST
      mRNA expression by transfection of SK-MEL-28 cells with PST-specific short
      interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in decreased SEAM 3 binding. The results suggest
      further studies of the utility of antibodies such as SEAM 3 as therapeutic agents
      for certain malignancies.

PMID- 22096543
TI  - Dengue reporter virus particles for measuring neutralizing antibodies against
      each of the four dengue serotypes.
AB  - The lack of reliable, high-throughput tools for characterizing anti-dengue virus
      (DENV) antibodies in large numbers of serum samples has been an obstacle in
      understanding the impact of neutralizing antibodies on disease progression and
      vaccine efficacy. A reporter system using pseudoinfectious DENV reporter virus
      particles (RVPs) was previously developed by others to facilitate the genetic
      manipulation and biological characterization of DENV virions. In the current
      study, we demonstrate the diagnostic utility of DENV RVPs for measuring
      neutralizing antibodies in human serum samples against all four DENV serotypes,
      with attention to the suitability of DENV RVPs for large-scale, long-term
      studies. DENV RVPs used against human sera yielded serotype-specific responses
      and reproducible neutralization titers that were in statistical agreement with
      Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) results. DENV RVPs were also used to
      measure neutralization titers against the four DENV serotypes in a panel of human
      sera from a clinical study of dengue patients. The high-throughput capability,
      stability, rapidity, and reproducibility of assays using DENV RVPs offer
      advantages for detecting immune responses that can be applied to large-scale
      clinical studies of DENV infection and vaccination.

PMID- 22096544
TI  - Protective role of Ashwagandha leaf extract and its component withanone on
      scopolamine-induced changes in the brain and brain-derived cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scopolamine is a well-known cholinergic antagonist that causes
      amnesia in human and animal models. Scopolamine-induced amnesia in rodent models
      has been widely used to understand the molecular, biochemical, behavioral
      changes, and to delineate therapeutic targets of memory impairment. Although this
      has been linked to the decrease in central cholinergic neuronal activity
      following the blockade of muscarinic receptors, the underlying molecular and
      cellular mechanism(s) particularly the effect on neuroplasticity remains elusive.
      In the present study, we have investigated (i) the effects of scopolamine on the
      molecules involved in neuronal and glial plasticity both in vivo and in vitro and
      (ii) their recovery by alcoholic extract of Ashwagandha leaves (i-Extract).
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: As a drug model, scopolamine hydrobromide was
      administered intraperitoneally to mice and its effect on the brain function was
      determined by molecular analyses. The results showed that the scopolamine caused
      downregulation of the expression of BDNF and GFAP in dose and time dependent
      manner, and these effects were markedly attenuated in response to i-Extract
      treatment. Similar to our observations in animal model system, we found that the
      scopolamine induced cytotoxicity in IMR32 neuronal and C6 glioma cells. It was
      associated with downregulation of neuronal cell markers NF-H, MAP2, PSD-95, GAP
      43 and glial cell marker GFAP and with upregulation of DNA damage--gammaH2AX and
      oxidative stress--ROS markers. Furthermore, these molecules showed recovery when
      cells were treated with i-Extract or its purified component, withanone.
      CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that besides cholinergic blockade, scopolamine
      induced memory loss may be associated with oxidative stress and Ashwagandha i
      Extract, and withanone may serve as potential preventive and therapeutic agents
      for neurodegenerative disorders and hence warrant further molecular analyses.

PMID- 22096545
TI  - Acidocalcisomes as calcium- and polyphosphate-storage compartments during
      embryogenesis of the insect Rhodnius prolixus Stahl.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The yolk of insect eggs is a cellular domain specialized in the
      storage of reserve components for embryo development. The reserve macromolecules
      are stored in different organelles and their interactions with the embryo cells
      are mostly unknown. Acidocalcisomes are lysosome-related organelles characterized
      by their acidic nature, high electron density and large content of polyphosphate
      bound to several cations. In this work, we report the presence of acidocalcisome
      like organelles in eggs of the insect vector Rhodnius prolixus.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Characterization of the elemental composition of
      electron-dense vesicles by electron probe X-ray microanalysis revealed a
      composition similar to that previously described for acidocalcisomes. Following
      subcellular fractionation experiments, fractions enriched in acidocalcisomes were
      obtained and characterized. Immunofluorescence showed that polyphosphate polymers
      and the vacuolar proton translocating pyrophosphatase (V-H(+)-PPase, considered
      as a marker for acidocalcisomes) are found in the same vesicles and that these
      organelles are mainly localized in the egg cortex. Polyphosphate quantification
      showed that acidocalcisomes contain a significant amount of polyphosphate
      detected at day-0 eggs. Elemental analyses of the egg fractions showed that
      24.5+/-0.65% of the egg calcium are also stored in such organelles. During
      embryogenesis, incubation of acidocalcisomes with acridine orange showed that
      these organelles are acidified at day-3 (coinciding with the period of yolk
      mobilization) and polyphosphate quantification showed that the levels of
      polyphosphate tend to decrease during early embryogenesis, being approximately
      30% lower at day-3 compared to day-0 eggs. CONCLUSIONS: We found that
      acidocalcisomes are present in the eggs and are the main storage compartments of
      polyphosphate and calcium in the egg yolk. As such components have been shown to
      be involved in a series of dynamic events that may control embryo growth, results
      reveal the potential involvement of a novel organelle in the storage and
      mobilization of inorganic elements to the embryo cells.

PMID- 22096546
TI  - Suppression of expression of heat shock protein 70 by gefitinib and its
      contribution to pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD), particularly pulmonary fibrosis, is
      of serious clinical concern. Gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is beneficial as a drug for treating non
      small cell lung cancer; however, this drug induces ILD and the molecular
      mechanisms underpinning this condition remain unclear. We recently reported that
      expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) protects against bleomycin-induced
      pulmonary fibrosis, an animal model of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we have
      examined the effects of drugs known to induce ILD clinically on the expression of
      HSP70 in cultured lung epithelial cells and have found that gefitinib has a
      suppressive effect. Results of a luciferase reporter assay, pulse-labelling
      analysis of protein and experiments using an inhibitor of translation or
      transcription suggest that gefitinib suppresses the expression of HSP70 at the
      level of translation. Furthermore, the results of experiments with siRNA for
      Dicer1, an enzyme responsible for synthesis of microRNA, and real-time RT-PCR
      analysis suggest that some microRNAs are involved in the gefitinib-induced
      translational inhibition of HSP70. Mutations in the EGFR affect the concentration
      of gefitinib required for suppressing the expression of HSP70. These results
      suggest that gefitinib suppresses the translation of HSP70 through an EGFR- and
      microRNA-mediated mechanism. In vivo, while oral administration of gefitinib
      suppressed the pulmonary expression of HSP70 and exacerbated bleomycin-induced
      pulmonary fibrosis in wild-type mice, these effects were not as distinct in
      transgenic mice expressing HSP70. Furthermore, oral co-administration of
      geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), an inducer of HSP70, suppressed gefitinib-induced
      exacerbation of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, these
      findings suggest that gefitinib-induced exacerbation of bleomycin-induced
      pulmonary fibrosis is mediated by suppression of pulmonary expression of HSP70
      and that an inducer of HSP70 expression, such as GGA, may be therapeutically
      beneficial for the treatment of gefitinib-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 22096547
TI  - Antibiotic resistance gene abundances correlate with metal and geochemical
      conditions in archived Scottish soils.
AB  - The vast majority of antibiotic resistant genes (ARG) acquired by human pathogens
      have originated from the natural environment. Therefore, understanding factors
      that influence intrinsic levels of ARG in the environment could be
      epidemiologically significant. The selection for metal resistance often promotes
      AR in exposed organisms; however, the relationship between metal levels in nature
      and the intrinsic presence of ARG has not been fully assessed. Here, we
      quantified, using qPCR, the abundance of eleven ARG and compared their levels
      with geochemical conditions in randomly selected soils from a Scottish archive.
      Many ARG positively correlated with soil copper levels, with approximately half
      being highly significant (p<0.05); whereas chromium, nickel, lead, and iron also
      significantly correlated with specific ARG. Results show that geochemical metal
      conditions innately influence the potential for AR in soil. We suggest soil
      geochemical data might be used to estimate baseline gene presence on local,
      regional and global scales within epidemiological risk studies related to AR
      transmission from the environment.

PMID- 22096548
TI  - In vitro recombination of non-homologous genes can result in gene fusions that
      confer a switching phenotype to cells.
AB  - Regulation of protein activity is central to the complexity of life. The ability
      to regulate protein activity through exogenously added molecules has
      biotechnological/biomedical applications and offers tools for basic science. Such
      regulation can be achieved by establishing a means to modulate the specific
      activity of the protein (i.e. allostery). An alternative strategy for
      intracellular regulation of protein activity is to control the amount of protein
      through effects on its production, accumulation, and degradation. We have
      previously demonstrated that the non-homologous recombination of the genes
      encoding maltose binding protein (MBP) and TEM1 beta-lactamase (BLA) can result
      in fusion proteins in which beta-lactamase enzyme activity is allosterically
      regulated by maltose. Here, through use of a two-tiered genetic selection scheme,
      we demonstrate that such recombination can result in genes that confer maltose
      dependent resistance to beta-lactam even though they do not encode allosteric
      enzymes. These 'phenotypic switch' genes encode fusion proteins whose
      accumulation is a result of a specific interaction with maltose. Phenotypic
      switches represent an important class of proteins for basic science and
      biotechnological applications in vivo.

PMID- 22096549
TI  - The structural basis of localizing polo-like kinase to the flagellum attachment
      zone in Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - The polo-like kinase in the deep branching eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei (TbPlk)
      has many unique features. Unlike all the other polo-like kinases known to
      associate with the nucleus and controlling both mitosis and cytokinesis, TbPlk
      localizes to the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ) and regulates only cytokinesis
      in T. brucei. TbPlk was, however, previously found capable of complementing all
      the multiple Plk (Cdc5) functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, indicating that it
      has acquired all the functions of Cdc5. In the present study, Cdc5 tagged with an
      enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (EYFP) localized exclusively in the FAZ of
      T. brucei, suggesting that the unusual localization and limited function of TbPlk
      are probably attributed to the particular environment in T. brucei cells.
      Structural basis for the FAZ localization of TbPlk was further investigated with
      TbPlk and TbPlk mutants tagged with EYFP and expressed in T. brucei. The results
      indicated that a kinase-inactive mutant N169A and a TbPlk mutant with the entire
      kinase domain (KD) deleted both localized to the FAZ. Substantial association
      with FAZ was also maintained when one of the two polo-boxes (PB1 or 2) or the
      linker region between them was deleted from TbPlk. But a deletion of both polo
      boxes led to a complete exclusion of the protein from FAZ. All the deletion
      mutants retained the kinase activity, further indicating that the TbPlk kinase
      function does not play a role for FAZ localization. The two polo boxes in TbPlk
      are most likely instrumental in localizing the protein to FAZ through potential
      interactions with certain FAZ structural component(s). A putative cryptic
      bipartite nuclear targeting signal was identified in TbPlk, which was capable of
      directing TbPlk into the nucleus when either the kinase activity was lost or the
      PB1 was deleted from the protein.

PMID- 22096550
TI  - Temperature-dependence of Weibel-Palade body exocytosis and cell surface
      dispersal of von Willebrand factor and its propolypeptide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB) are endothelial cell (EC) specific
      secretory organelles containing Von Willebrand factor (VWF). The temperature
      dependence of Ca(2+)-driven WPB exocytosis is not known, although indirect
      evidence suggests that WPB exocytosis may occur at very low temperatures. Here we
      quantitatively analyse the temperature-dependence of Ca(2+)-driven WPB exocytosis
      and release of secreted VWF from the cell surface of ECs using fluorescence
      microscopy of cultured human ECs containing fluorescent WPBs. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Ca(2+)-driven WPB exocytosis occurred at all temperatures studied (7-37 degrees
      C). The kinetics and extent of WPB exocytosis were strongly temperature
      dependent: Delays in exocytosis increased from 0.92 s at 37 degrees C to 134.2 s
      at 7 degrees C, the maximum rate of WPB fusion decreased from 10.0+/-2.2 s(-1)
      (37 degrees C) to 0.80+/-0.14 s(-1) (7 degrees C) and the fractional extent of
      degranulation of WPBs in each cell from 67+/-3% (37 degrees C) to 3.6+/-1.3% (7
      degrees C). A discrepancy was found between the reduction in Ca(2+)-driven VWF
      secretion and WPB exocytosis at reduced temperature; at 17 degrees C VWF
      secretion was reduced by 95% but WPB exocytosis by 75-80%. This discrepancy
      arises because VWF dispersal from sites of WPB exocytosis is largely prevented at
      low temperature. In contrast VWF-propolypeptide (proregion) dispersal from WPBs,
      although slowed, was complete within 60-120 s. Novel antibodies to the cleaved
      and processed proregion were characterised and used to show that secreted
      proregion more accurately reports the secretion of WPBs at sub-physiological
      temperatures than assay of VWF itself. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first
      quantitative analysis of the temperature-dependence of WPB exocytosis. We provide
      evidence; by comparison of biochemical data for VWF or proregion secretion with
      direct analysis of WPB exocytosis at reduced temperature, that proregion is a
      more reliable marker for WPB exocytosis at reduced temperature, where VWF-EC
      adhesion is increased.

PMID- 22096551
TI  - Risk behaviors and reasons for not getting tested for HIV among men who have sex
      with men: an online survey in Peru.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the greatest burden of
      the HIV epidemic in Peru. Given that MSM are frequent users of the Internet,
      understanding the risk behaviors and the reasons for not getting tested among MSM
      who surf the Internet may improve the tailoring of future online behavioral
      interventions. METHODS: From October 2007 to April 2008, we conducted an online
      survey among users of seven Peruvian gay websites. RESULTS: We received 1,481
      surveys, 1,301 of which were included in the analysis. The median age of the
      participants was 22.5 years (range 12-71), 67% were homosexual, and the remainder
      was bisexual. Of survey respondents, 49.4% had never been tested for HIV and only
      11.3% were contacted in-person during the last year by peer health educators from
      the Peruvian Ministry of Health and NGOs. Additionally, 50.8% had unprotected
      anal or vaginal sex at last intercourse, and a significant percentage reported a
      condom broken (22.1%), slipped (16.4%) or sexual intercourse initiated without
      wearing a condom (39.1%). The most common reasons for not getting tested for HIV
      among high-risk MSM were "I fear the consequences of a positive test result" (n =
      55, 34.4%), and "I don't know where I can get tested" (n = 50, 31.3%).
      CONCLUSIONS: A small percentage of Peruvian MSM who answered our online survey,
      were reached by traditional peer-based education programs. Given that among high
      risk MSM, fear of a positive test result and lack of awareness of places where to
      get tested are the most important reasons for not taking an HIV test, Internet
      interventions aimed at motivating HIV testing should work to reduce fear of
      testing and increase awareness of places that offer free HIV testing services to
      MSM.

PMID- 22096552
TI  - Next generation sequencing-based analysis of repetitive DNA in the model
      dioecious [corrected] plant Silene latifolia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Silene latifolia is a dioecious [corrected] plant with well
      distinguished X and Y chromosomes that is used as a model to study sex
      determination and sex chromosome evolution in plants. However, efficient
      utilization of this species has been hampered by the lack of large-scale
      sequencing resources and detailed analysis of its genome composition, especially
      with respect to repetitive DNA, which makes up the majority of the genome.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed low-pass 454 sequencing followed by
      similarity-based clustering of 454 reads in order to identify and characterize
      sequences of all major groups of S. latifolia repeats. Illumina sequencing data
      from male and female genomes were also generated and employed to quantify the
      genomic proportions of individual repeat families. The majority of identified
      repeats belonged to LTR-retrotransposons, constituting about 50% of genomic DNA,
      with Ty3/gypsy elements being more frequent than Ty1/copia. While there were
      differences between the male and female genome in the abundance of several repeat
      families, their overall repeat composition was highly similar. Specific
      localization patterns on sex chromosomes were found for several satellite repeats
      using in situ hybridization with probes based on k-mer frequency analysis of
      Illumina sequencing data. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides
      comprehensive information about the sequence composition and abundance of repeats
      representing over 60% of the S. latifolia genome. The results revealed generally
      low divergence in repeat composition between the sex chromosomes, which is
      consistent with their relatively recent origin. In addition, the study generated
      various data resources that are available for future exploration of the S.
      latifolia genome.

PMID- 22096553
TI  - Internal colonization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in tomato
      plants.
AB  - Several Salmonella enterica outbreaks have been traced back to contaminated
      tomatoes. In this study, the internalization of S. enterica Typhimurium via
      tomato leaves was investigated as affected by surfactants and bacterial rdar
      morphotype, which was reported to be important for the environmental persistence
      and attachment of Salmonella to plants. Surfactants, especially Silwet L-77,
      promoted ingress and survival of S. enterica Typhimurium in tomato leaves. In
      each of two experiments, 84 tomato plants were inoculated two to four times
      before fruiting with GFP-labeled S. enterica Typhimurium strain MAE110 (with rdar
      morphotype) or MAE119 (without rdar). For each inoculation, single leaflets were
      dipped in 10(9) CFU/ml Salmonella suspension with Silwet L-77. Inoculated and
      adjacent leaflets were tested for Salmonella survival for 3 weeks after each
      inoculation. The surface and pulp of ripe fruits produced on these plants were
      also examined for Salmonella. Populations of both Salmonella strains in
      inoculated leaflets decreased during 2 weeks after inoculation but remained
      unchanged (at about 10(4) CFU/g) in week 3. Populations of MAE110 were
      significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of MAE119 from day 3 after inoculation.
      In the first year, nine fruits collected from one of the 42 MAE119 inoculated
      plants were positive for S. enterica Typhimurium. In the second year, Salmonella
      was detected in adjacent non-inoculated leaves of eight tomato plants (five
      inoculated with strain MAE110). The pulp of 12 fruits from two plants inoculated
      with MAE110 was Salmonella positive (about 10(6) CFU/g). Internalization was
      confirmed by fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. For the first time,
      convincing evidence is presented that S. enterica can move inside tomato plants
      grown in natural field soil and colonize fruits at high levels without inducing
      any symptoms, except for a slight reduction in plant growth.

PMID- 22096554
TI  - Origins and evolution of the HET-s prion-forming protein: searching for other
      amyloid-forming solenoids.
AB  - The HET-s prion-forming domain from the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina is
      gaining considerable interest since it yielded the first well-defined atomic
      structure of a functional amyloid fibril. This structure has been identified as a
      left-handed beta solenoid with a triangular hydrophobic core. To delineate the
      origins of the HET-s prion-forming protein and to discover other amyloid-forming
      proteins, we searched for all homologs of the HET-s protein in a database of
      protein domains and fungal genomes, using a combined application of HMM, psi
      blast and pGenThreader techniques, and performed a comparative evolutionary
      analysis of the N-terminal alpha-helical domain and the C-terminal prion-forming
      domain of HET-s. By assessing the tandem evolution of both domains, we observed
      that the prion-forming domain is restricted to Sordariomycetes, with a marginal
      additional sequence homolog in Arthroderma otae as a likely case of horizontal
      transfer. This suggests innovation and rapid evolution of the solenoid fold in
      the Sordariomycetes clade. In contrast, the N-terminal domain evolves at a slower
      rate (in Sordariomycetes) and spans many diverse clades of fungi. We performed a
      full three-dimensional protein threading analysis on all identified HET-s
      homologs against the HET-s solenoid fold, and present detailed structural
      annotations for identified structural homologs to the prion-forming domain. An
      analysis of the physicochemical characteristics in our set of structural models
      indicates that the HET-s solenoid shape can be readily adopted in these homologs,
      but that they are all less optimized for fibril formation than the P. anserina
      HET-s sequence itself, due chiefly to the presence of fewer asparagine ladders
      and salt bridges. Our combined structural and evolutionary analysis suggests that
      the HET-s shape has "limited scope" for amyloidosis across the wider protein
      universe, compared to the 'generic' left-handed beta helix. We discuss the
      implications of our findings on future identification of amyloid-forming proteins
      sharing the solenoid fold.

PMID- 22096555
TI  - Avian conservation practices strengthen ecosystem services in California
      vineyards.
AB  - Insectivorous Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) occupy vineyard nest boxes
      established by California winegrape growers who want to encourage avian
      conservation. Experimentally, the provision of available nest sites serves as an
      alternative to exclosure methods for isolating the potential ecosystem services
      provided by foraging birds. We compared the abundance and species richness of
      avian foragers and removal rates of sentinel prey in treatments with songbird
      nest boxes and controls without nest boxes. The average species richness of avian
      insectivores increased by over 50 percent compared to controls. Insectivorous
      bird density nearly quadrupled, primarily due to a tenfold increase in Western
      Bluebird abundance. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the
      abundance of omnivorous or granivorous bird species some of which
      opportunistically forage on grapes. In a sentinel prey experiment, 2.4 times more
      live beet armyworms (Spodoptera exigua) were removed in the nest box treatment
      than in the control. As an estimate of the maximum foraging services provided by
      insectivorous birds, we found that larval removal rates measured immediately
      below occupied boxes averaged 3.5 times greater than in the control. Consequently
      the presence of Western Bluebirds in vineyard nest boxes strengthened ecosystem
      services to winegrape growers, illustrating a benefit of agroecological
      conservation practices. Predator addition and sentinel prey experiments lack some
      disadvantages of predator exclusion experiments and were robust methodologies for
      detecting ecosystem services.

PMID- 22096556
TI  - Advances in ITP--therapy and quality of life--a patient survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend glucocorticoids and splenectomy as
      standard 1(st) and 2(nd) line treatments for chronic immune thrombocytopenia
      (ITP). We sought to find out how German ITP-patients are treated with respect to
      these guidelines. METHODS: Members of a patient support association >=18 years
      with a self-reported history of chronic ITP>12 months were surveyed with a web
      based questionnaire. RESULTS: 122 questionnaires were evaluated. 70% of patients
      had chronic ITP for more than 5 years and 20% an average platelet count of
      <=30.10(9)/L. 41% of the patients reported haematomas or petechiae more than once
      or twice and up to 12 times or more per year and 17% oropharyngeal and nasal
      bleeds. 11% had been admitted to hospital during the last 12 months. 88% had
      received or currently receive glucocorticoids, 27% were splenectomised. IVIG had
      been given to 55%, rituximab to 22%, anti-D to 12%, ciclosporin to 7%, while
      complementary and alternative medical treatments had been used by 36%. 50 women
      responded to questions concerning pregnancy. 14 (28%) had been advised not to
      become pregnant. 23 reported pregnancies and 10 (44%) required treatment for
      their ITP during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Glucocorticoids are the most common
      therapy for chronic ITP but complementary and alternative treatments already come
      second and less than 1/3 of patients are splenectomised. This and the frequent
      use of complementary medicines suggests patients' dissatisfaction with
      conventional approaches. Many patients receive off-label therapies. There is a
      major need for adequate counselling and care for pregnant ITP-patients.

PMID- 22096557
TI  - IL-2 stimulated but not unstimulated NK cells induce selective disappearance of
      peripheral blood cells: concomitant results to a phase I/II study.
AB  - In an ongoing clinical phase I/II study, 16 pediatric patients suffering from
      high risk leukemia/tumors received highly purified donor natural killer (NK) cell
      immunotherapy (NK-DLI) at day (+3) +40 and +100 post haploidentical stem cell
      transplantation. However, literature about the influence of NK-DLI on recipient's
      immune system is scarce. Here we present concomitant results of a noninvasive in
      vivo monitoring approach of recipient's peripheral blood (PB) cells after
      transfer of either unstimulated (NK-DLI(unstim)) or IL-2 (1000 U/ml, 9-14 days)
      activated NK cells (NK-DLI(IL-2 stim)) along with their ex vivo secreted
      cytokine/chemokines. We performed phenotypical and functional characterizations
      of the NK-DLIs, detailed flow cytometric analyses of various PB cells and
      comprehensive cytokine/chemokine arrays before and after NK-DLI. Patients of both
      groups were comparable with regard to remission status, immune reconstitution,
      donor chimerism, KIR mismatching, stem cell and NK-DLI dose. Only after NK-DLI(IL
      2 stim) was a rapid, almost complete loss of CD56(bright)CD16(dim/-) immune
      regulatory and CD56(dim)CD16(+) cytotoxic NK cells, monocytes, dendritic cells
      and eosinophils from PB circulation seen 10 min after infusion, while neutrophils
      significantly increased. The reduction of NK cells was due to both, a decrease in
      patients' own CD69(-) NCR(low)CD62L(+) NK cells as well as to a diminishing of
      the transferred cells from the NK-DLI(IL-2 stim) with the CD56(bright)CD16(+/
      )CD69(+)NCR(high)CD62L(-) phenotype. All cell counts recovered within the next 24
      h. Transfer of NK-DLI(IL-2 stim) translated into significantly increased levels
      of various cytokines/chemokines (i.e. IFN-gamma, IL-6, MIP-1beta) in patients'
      PB. Those remained stable for at least 1 h, presumably leading to endothelial
      activation, leukocyte adhesion and/or extravasation. In contrast, NK-DLI(unstim)
      did not cause any of the observed effects. In conclusion, we assume that the
      adoptive transfer of NK-DLI(IL-2 stim) under the influence of ex vivo and in vivo
      secreted cytokines/chemokines may promote NK cell trafficking and therefore might
      enhance efficacy of immunotherapy.

PMID- 22096558
TI  - Characterization of the response of primary cells relevant to dialysis-related
      amyloidosis to beta2-microglobulin monomer and fibrils.
AB  - The formation of insoluble amyloid fibrils is associated with an array of
      devastating human diseases. Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) is a severe
      complication of hemodialysis that results in the progressive destruction of the
      bones and joints. Elevated concentrations of beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m) in
      the serum of subjects on hemodialysis promote the formation of amyloid fibrils in
      the osteoarticular tissues, but the cellular basis for the destruction of these
      tissues in DRA is poorly understood. In this study we performed a systematic
      analysis of the interaction of monomeric and fibrillar beta(2)m with primary
      human cells of the types present in the synovial joints of subjects with DRA.
      Building upon observations that macrophages infiltrate beta(2)m amyloid deposits
      in vivo we demonstrate that monocytes, the precursors of macrophages, cannot
      degrade beta(2)m fibrils, and that both monomeric beta(2)m and fibrillar beta(2)m
      are cytotoxic to these cells. beta(2)m fibrils also impair the formation of bone
      resorbing osteoclasts from monocytes and reduce the viability of osteoblasts, the
      cell type that produces bone. As a consequence, we predict that beta(2)m amyloid
      will disrupt the remodelling of the bone, which is critical for the maintenance
      of this tissue. Moreover, we show that beta(2)m fibrils reduce the viability of
      chondrocytes, rationalizing the loss of cartilage in DRA. Together, our
      observations demonstrate that beta(2)m cytotoxicity has multiple cellular targets
      in the osteoarticular tissues and is likely to be a key factor in the bone and
      joint destruction characteristic of DRA.

PMID- 22096560
TI  - Predator-prey dynamics driven by feedback between functionally diverse trophic
      levels.
AB  - Neglecting the naturally existing functional diversity of communities and the
      resulting potential to respond to altered conditions may strongly reduce the
      realism and predictive power of ecological models. We therefore propose and study
      a predator-prey model that describes mutual feedback via species shifts in both
      predator and prey, using a dynamic trait approach. Species compositions of the
      two trophic levels were described by mean functional traits--prey edibility and
      predator food-selectivity--and functional diversities by the variances. Altered
      edibility triggered shifts in food-selectivity so that consumers continuously
      respond to the present prey composition, and vice versa. This trait-mediated
      feedback mechanism resulted in a complex dynamic behavior with ongoing
      oscillations in the mean trait values, reflecting continuous reorganization of
      the trophic levels. The feedback was only possible if sufficient functional
      diversity was present in both trophic levels. Functional diversity was internally
      maintained on the prey level as no niche existed in our system, which was ideal
      under any composition of the predator level due to the trade-offs between
      edibility, growth and carrying capacity. The predators were only subject to one
      trade-off between food-selectivity and grazing ability and in the absence of
      immigration, one predator type became abundant, i.e., functional diversity
      declined to zero. In the lack of functional diversity the system showed the same
      dynamics as conventional models of predator-prey interactions ignoring the
      potential for shifts in species composition. This way, our study identified the
      crucial role of trade-offs and their shape in physiological and ecological traits
      for preserving diversity.

PMID- 22096559
TI  - Molecular basis of virulence in Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: S. aureus is one of the main pathogens involved in ruminant mastitis
      worldwide. The severity of staphylococcal infection is highly variable, ranging
      from subclinical to gangrenous mastitis. This work represents an in-depth
      characterization of S. aureus mastitis isolates to identify bacterial factors
      involved in severity of mastitis infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We
      employed genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to comprehensively
      compare two clonally related S. aureus strains that reproducibly induce severe
      (strain O11) and milder (strain O46) mastitis in ewes. Variation in the content
      of mobile genetic elements, iron acquisition and metabolism, transcriptional
      regulation and exoprotein production was observed. In particular, O11 produced
      relatively high levels of exoproteins, including toxins and proteases known to be
      important in virulence. A characteristic we observed in other S. aureus strains
      isolated from clinical mastitis cases. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data are
      consistent with a dose-dependant role of some staphylococcal factors in the
      hypervirulence of strains isolated from severe mastitis. Mobile genetic elements,
      transcriptional regulators, exoproteins and iron acquisition pathways constitute
      good targets for further research to define the underlying mechanisms of mastitis
      severity.

PMID- 22096561
TI  - Decreased glomerular filtration rate is associated with mortality and
      cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies reported the associations between decreased glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) and mortality, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke in
      hypertensive patients. We aim to assess the associations between GFR and
      mortality, CHD, and stroke in hypertensive patients and to evaluate whether low
      GFR can improve the prediction of these outcomes in addition to conventional
      cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This is an observational
      prospective study and 3,711 eligible hypertensive patients aged >=5 years from
      rural areas of China were used for the present analysis. The associations between
      eGFR and outcomes, followed by a median of 4.9 years, were evaluated using Cox
      proportional hazards models adjusting for other potential confounders. Low eGFR
      was independently associated with risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular
      mortality, and incident stroke [multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95%
      confidence intervals) for eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) relative to eGFR >=90
      ml/min/1.73 m(2) were 1.824 (1.047-3.365), 2.371 (1.109-5.068), and 2.493 (1.193
      5.212), respectively]. We found no independent association between eGFR and the
      risk of CHD. For 4-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, integrated
      discrimination improvement (IDI) was positive when eGFR were added to traditional
      risk factors (1.51%, P = 0.016, and 1.99%, P = 0.017, respectively). For stroke
      and CHD events, net reclassification improvements (NRI) were 5.9% (P = 0.012) and
      1.8% (P = 0.083) for eGFR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We have established an
      inversely independent association between eGFR and all-cause mortality,
      cardiovascular mortality, and stroke in hypertensive patients in rural areas of
      China. Further, addition of eGFR significantly improved the prediction of 4-year
      mortality and stroke over and above that of conventional risk factors. We
      recommend that eGFR be incorporated into prognostic assessment for patients with
      hypertension in rural areas of China. LIMITATIONS: We did not have sufficient
      information on atrial fibrillation to control for the potential covariate. These
      associations should be further confirmed in future.

PMID- 22096562
TI  - The role of proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) on cisplatin resistance in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: We previously demonstrated Proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) plays
      important roles in regulating tumor progression, migration and invasion in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to examine the role of
      proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) on cisplatin resistance in HCC and to
      explore its underlying molecular mechanism. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Stable transfectants either overexpressing or suppressing Pyk2 were established
      in different HCC cell lines. MTT, colony formation and Annexin-V assays were
      employed to examine their in vitro responses to cisplatin. Xenograft ectopic and
      orthotopic nude mice models were generated to investigate the in vivo responses
      of them to cisplatin treatment. cDNA microarray was performed to identify Pyk2
      induced genes which were further validated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR using
      clinical HCC samples. In vitro functional study demonstrated that Pyk2
      overexpressing HCC transfectants exhibited relatively lower cytotoxicity, higher
      colony-forming ability and lower apoptosis to cisplatin compared with the control
      transfectants. Moreover, Pyk2 overexpressing HCC transfectants had a higher
      survival rate under cisplatin treatment by up-regulation of AKT phosphorylation.
      In vivo xenograft nude mice model demonstrated that Pyk2-overexpressing
      transfectants developed higher tolerance to cisplatin treatment together with
      less tumor necrosis and apoptosis. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that there
      were more than 4,000 genes differentially expressed upon overexpression of Pyk2.
      Several upregulated genes were found to be involved in drug resistance and
      invasion in cancers. Among them, the expression profiles of MDR1, GAGE1, STAT1
      and MAP7 were significantly associated with the expression of Pyk2 in clinical
      HCC samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may suggest a new evidence of Pyk2 on
      promoting cisplatin resistance of HCC cells through preventing cell apoptosis,
      activation of AKT pathway and upregulation of drug resistant genes.

PMID- 22096563
TI  - Large-scale protein-protein interaction analysis in Arabidopsis mesophyll
      protoplasts by split firefly luciferase complementation.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) constitute the regulatory network that
      coordinates diverse cellular functions. There are growing needs in plant research
      for creating protein interaction maps behind complex cellular processes and at a
      systems biology level. However, only a few approaches have been successfully used
      for large-scale surveys of PPIs in plants, each having advantages and
      disadvantages. Here we present split firefly luciferase complementation (SFLC) as
      a highly sensitive and noninvasive technique for in planta PPI investigation. In
      this assay, the separate halves of a firefly luciferase can come into close
      proximity and transiently restore its catalytic activity only when their fusion
      partners, namely the two proteins of interest, interact with each other. This
      assay was conferred with quantitativeness and high throughput potential when the
      Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplast system and a microplate luminometer were
      employed for protein expression and luciferase measurement, respectively. Using
      the SFLC assay, we could monitor the dynamics of rapamycin-induced and ascomycin
      disrupted interaction between Arabidopsis FRB and human FKBP proteins in a near
      real-time manner. As a proof of concept for large-scale PPI survey, we further
      applied the SFLC assay to testing 132 binary PPIs among 8 auxin response factors
      (ARFs) and 12 Aux/IAA proteins from Arabidopsis. Our results demonstrated that
      the SFLC assay is ideal for in vivo quantitative PPI analysis in plant cells and
      is particularly powerful for large-scale binary PPI screens.

PMID- 22096564
TI  - Defining the role of essential genes in human disease.
AB  - A greater understanding of the causes of human disease can come from identifying
      characteristics that are specific to disease genes. However, a full understanding
      of the contribution of essential genes to human disease is lacking, due to the
      premise that these genes tend to cause developmental abnormalities rather than
      adult disease. We tested the hypothesis that human orthologs of mouse essential
      genes are associated with a variety of human diseases, rather than only those
      related to miscarriage and birth defects. We segregated human disease genes
      according to whether the knockout phenotype of their mouse ortholog was lethal or
      viable, defining those with orthologs producing lethal knockouts as essential
      disease genes. We show that the human orthologs of mouse essential genes are
      associated with a wide spectrum of diseases affecting diverse physiological
      systems. Notably, human disease genes with essential mouse orthologs are over
      represented among disease genes associated with cancer, suggesting links between
      adult cellular abnormalities and developmental functions. The proteins encoded by
      essential genes are highly connected in protein-protein interaction networks,
      which we find correlates with an over-representation of nuclear proteins amongst
      essential disease genes. Disease genes associated with essential orthologs also
      are more likely than those with non-essential orthologs to contribute to disease
      through an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, suggesting that these diseases
      may actually result from semi-dominant mutant alleles. Overall, we have described
      attributes found in disease genes according to the essentiality status of their
      mouse orthologs. These findings demonstrate that disease genes do occupy highly
      connected positions in protein-protein interaction networks, and that due to the
      complexity of disease-associated alleles, essential genes cannot be ignored as
      candidates for causing diverse human diseases.

PMID- 22096565
TI  - IRF8 governs expression of genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity in
      human and mouse germinal center B cells.
AB  - IRF8 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 8) is a transcription factor expressed
      throughout B cell differentiation except for mature plasma cells. Previous
      studies showed it is part of the transcriptional network governing B cell
      specification and commitment in the bone marrow, regulates the distribution of
      mature B cells into the splenic follicular and marginal zone compartments, and is
      expressed at highest levels in germinal center (GC) B cells. Here, we
      investigated the transcriptional programs and signaling pathways affected by IRF8
      in human and mouse GC B cells as defined by ChIP-chip analyses and
      transcriptional profiling. We show that IRF8 binds a large number of genes by
      targeting two distinct motifs, half of which are also targeted by PU.1. Over 70%
      of the binding sites localized to proximal and distal promoter regions with ~25%
      being intragenic. There was significant enrichment among targeted genes for those
      involved in innate and adaptive immunity with over 30% previously defined as
      interferon stimulated genes. We also showed that IRF8 target genes contributes to
      multiple aspects of the biology of mature B cells including critical components
      of the molecular crosstalk among GC B cells, T follicular helper cells, and
      follicular dendritic cells.

PMID- 22096566
TI  - Distribution and characterization of progenitor cells within the human filum
      terminale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Filum terminale (FT) is a structure that is intimately associated
      with conus medullaris, the most caudal part of the spinal cord. It is well
      documented that certain regions of the adult human central nervous system
      contains undifferentiated, progenitor cells or multipotent precursors. The
      primary objective of this study was to describe the distribution and progenitor
      features of this cell population in humans, and to confirm their ability to
      differentiate within the neuroectodermal lineage. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      We demonstrate that neural stem/progenitor cells are present in FT obtained from
      patients treated for tethered cord. When human or rat FT-derived cells were
      cultured in defined medium, they proliferated and formed neurospheres in 13 out
      of 21 individuals. Cells expressing Sox2 and Musashi-1 were found to outline the
      central canal, and also to be distributed in islets throughout the whole FT.
      Following plating, the cells developed antigen profiles characteristic of
      astrocytes (GFAP) and neurons (beta-III-tubulin). Addition of PDGF-BB directed
      the cells towards a neuronal fate. Moreover, the cells obtained from young donors
      shows higher capacity for proliferation and are easier to expand than cells
      derived from older donors. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The identification of bona
      fide neural progenitor cells in FT suggests a possible role for progenitor cells
      in this extension of conus medullaris and may provide an additional source of
      such cells for possible therapeutic purposes. Filum terminale, human, progenitor
      cells, neuron, astrocytes, spinal cord.

PMID- 22096567
TI  - Mutagen-specific mutation signature determines global microRNA binding.
AB  - Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene products at the
      post-transcriptional level. It is thought that loss of cell regulation by miRNAs
      supports cancer development. Based on whole genome sequencing of a melanoma
      tumor, we predict, using three different computational algorithms, that the
      melanoma somatic mutations globally reduce binding of miRNAs to the mutated
      3'UTRs. This phenomenon reflects the nature of the characteristic UV-induced
      mutation, C-to-T. Furthermore, we show that seed regions are enriched with
      Guanine, thus rendering miRNAs prone to reduced binding to UV-mutated 3'UTRs.
      Accordingly, mutation patterns in non UV-induced malignancies e.g. lung cancer
      and leukemia do not yield similar predictions. It is suggested that UV-induced
      disruption of miRNA-mediated gene regulation plays a carcinogenic role.
      Remarkably, dark-skinned populations have significantly higher GC content in
      3'UTR SNPs than light-skinned populations, which implies on evolutionary pressure
      to preserve regulation by trans-acting oligonucleotides under conditions with
      excess UV radiation.

PMID- 22096568
TI  - Construction and characterization of single-chain variable fragment antibody
      library derived from germline rearranged immunoglobulin variable genes.
AB  - Antibody repertoires for library construction are conventionally harvested from
      mRNAs of immune cells. To examine whether germline rearranged immunoglobulin (Ig)
      variable region genes could be used as source of antibody repertoire, an
      immunized phage-displayed scFv library was prepared using splenocytic genomic DNA
      as template. In addition, a novel frame-shifting PCR (fsPCR) step was introduced
      to rescue stop codon and to enhance diversity of the complementarity-determining
      region 3 (CDR3). The germline scFv library was initially characterized against
      the hapten antigen phenyloxazolone (phOx). Sequence analysis of the phOx
      selective scFvs indicated that the CDRs consisted of novel as well as conserved
      motifs. In order to illustrate that the diversity of CDR3 was increased by the
      fsPCR step, a second scFv library was constructed using a single scFv clone L3G7C
      as a template. Despite showing similar binding characteristics towards phOx, the
      scFv clones that were obtained from the L3G7C-derived antibody library gave a
      lower non-specific binding than that of the parental L3G7C clone. To determine
      whether germline library represented the endogenous immune status, specific scFv
      clones for nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-associated coronavirus (SCoV) were
      obtained both from naive and immunized germline scFv libraries. Both libraries
      yielded specific anti-N scFvs that exhibited similar binding characteristics
      towards recombinant N protein, except the immunized library gave a larger number
      of specific anti-N scFv, and clones with identical nucleotide sequences were
      found. In conclusion, highly diversified antibody library can be efficiently
      constructed using germline rearranged immunoglobulin variable genes as source of
      antibody repertoires and fsPCR to diversify the CDR3.

PMID- 22096569
TI  - Ku70 alleviates neurodegeneration in Drosophila models of Huntington's disease.
AB  - DNA damage accumulates in genome DNA during the long life of neurons, thus DNA
      damage repair is indispensable to keep normal functions of neurons. We previously
      reported that Ku70, a critical molecule for DNA double strand break (DSB) repair,
      is involved in the pathology of Huntington's disease (HD). Mutant huntingtin
      (Htt) impaired Ku70 function via direct interaction, and Ku70 supplementation
      recovered phenotypes of a mouse HD model. In this study, we generate multiple
      Drosophila HD models that express mutant huntingtin (Htt) in eye or motor neuron
      by different drivers and show various phenotypes. In such fly models, Ku70 co
      expression recovers lifespan, locomotive activity and eye degeneration. In
      contrast, Ku70 reduction by heterozygous null mutation or siRNA-mediated knock
      down accelerates lifespan shortening and locomotion disability. These results
      collectively support that Ku70 is a critical mediator of the HD pathology and a
      candidate therapeutic target in HD.

PMID- 22096570
TI  - Primary cilium depletion typifies cutaneous melanoma in situ and malignant
      melanoma.
AB  - Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal malignancy that arises spontaneously or via in
      situ precursor neoplasms. While melanoma in situ and locally invasive malignant
      melanoma can be cured surgically, these lesions can sometimes be difficult to
      distinguish from melanocytic nevi. Thus, the identification of histolopathologic
      or molecular features that distinguish these biologically distinct lesions would
      represent an important advance. To this end, we determined the abundance of
      melanocytic primary cilia in a series of 62 cases composed of typical cutaneous
      melanocytic nevi, melanoma in situ, invasive melanoma, and metastatic melanoma.
      Primary cilia are sensory organelles that modulate developmental and adaptive
      signaling and notably, are substantially depleted from the neoplastic epithelium
      of pancreatic carcinoma at a stage equivalent to melanoma in situ. In this
      series, we find that while nearly all melanocytes in 22 melanocytic nevi
      possessed a primary cilium, a near-complete loss of this organelle was observed
      in 16 cases of melanoma in situ, in 16 unequivocal primary invasive melanomas,
      and in 8 metastatic tumors, each associated with a cutaneous primary lesion.
      These findings suggest that the primary cilium may be used to segregate cutaneous
      invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ from melanocytic nevi. Moreover, they
      place the loss of an organelle known to regulate oncogenic signaling at an early
      stage of melanoma development.

PMID- 22096571
TI  - DNA replication timing is maintained genome-wide in primary human myoblasts
      independent of D4Z4 contraction in FSH muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to contraction of an
      array of tandem 3.3-kb repeats (D4Z4) at 4q35.2 from 11-100 copies to 1-10
      copies. The extent to which D4Z4 contraction at 4q35.2 affects overall 4q35.2
      chromatin organization remains unclear. Because DNA replication timing is highly
      predictive of long-range chromatin interactions, we generated genome-wide
      replication-timing profiles for FSHD and control myogenic precursor cells. We
      compared non-immortalized myoblasts from four FSHD patients and three control
      individuals to each other and to a variety of other human cell types. This study
      also represents the first genome-wide comparison of replication timing profiles
      in non-immortalized human cell cultures. Myoblasts from both control and FSHD
      individuals all shared a myoblast-specific replication profile. In contrast, male
      and female individuals were readily distinguished by monoallelic differences in
      replication timing at DXZ4 and other regions across the X chromosome affected by
      X inactivation. We conclude that replication timing is a robust cell-type
      specific feature that is unaffected by FSHD-related D4Z4 contraction.

PMID- 22096572
TI  - Fucoidan extract induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via a mechanism involving the
      ROS-dependent JNK activation and mitochondria-mediated pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fucoidan extract (FE), an enzymatically digested compound with a low
      molecular weight, is extracted from brown seaweed. As a natural compound with
      various actions, FE is attractive, especially in Asian countries, for improving
      the therapeutic efficacy and safety of cancer treatment. The present study was
      carried out to investigate the anti-tumor properties of FE in human carcinoma
      cells and further examine the underlying mechanisms of its activities.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING: FE inhibits the growth of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa,
      and HT1080 cells. FE-mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells is accompanied by
      DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, and phosphatidylserine exposure. FE
      induces mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) through loss of
      mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and regulation of the expression of
      Bcl-2 family members. Release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and cytochrome c
      precedes MMP. AIF release causes DNA fragmentation, the final stage of apoptosis,
      via a caspase-independent mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, FE was found to
      induce phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and apoptosis was found to be attenuated by
      inhibition of JNK. Furthermore, FE-mediated apoptosis was found to involve the
      generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are responsible for the
      decrease of DeltaPsim and phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 kinases.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that FE activates a caspase
      independent apoptotic pathway in MCF-7 cancer cells through activation of ROS
      mediated MAP kinases and regulation of the Bcl-2 family protein-mediated
      mitochondrial pathway. They also provide evidence that FE deserves further
      investigation as a natural anticancer and cancer preventive agent.

PMID- 22096573
TI  - Semaphorin 3A contributes to distal pulmonary epithelial cell differentiation and
      lung morphogenesis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a neural guidance cue that also mediates
      cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis, and inhibits branching
      morphogenesis. Because we have shown that genetic deletion of neuropilin-1, which
      encodes an obligatory Sema3A co-receptor, influences airspace remodeling in the
      smoke-exposed adult lung, we sought to determine whether genetic deletion of
      Sema3A altered distal lung structure. METHODS: To determine whether loss of
      Sema3A signaling influenced distal lung morphology, we compared pulmonary
      histology, distal epithelial cell morphology and maturation, and the balance
      between lung cell proliferation and death, in lungs from mice with a targeted
      genetic deletion of Sema3A (Sema3A(-/-)) and wild-type (Sema3A(+/+)) littermate
      controls. RESULTS: Genetic deletion of Sema3A resulted in significant perinatal
      lethality. At E17.5, lungs from Sema3A(-/-) mice had thickened septae and reduced
      airspace size. Distal lung epithelial cells had increased intracellular glycogen
      pools and small multivesicular and lamellar bodies with atypical ultrastructure,
      as well as reduced expression of type I alveolar epithelial cell markers.
      Alveolarization was markedly attenuated in lungs from the rare Sema3A(-/-) mice
      that survived the immediate perinatal period. Furthermore, Sema3A deletion was
      linked with enhanced postnatal alveolar septal cell death. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data suggest that Sema3A modulates distal pulmonary epithelial cell development
      and alveolar septation. Defining how Sema3A influences structural plasticity of
      the developing lung is a critical first step for determining if this pathway can
      be exploited to develop innovative strategies for repair after acute or chronic
      lung injury.

PMID- 22096574
TI  - The colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) receptor sustains ERK1/2 activation and
      proliferation in breast cancer cell lines.
AB  - Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in western
      countries. Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1) and its receptor (CSF-1R) regulate
      macrophage and osteoclast production, trophoblast implantation and mammary gland
      development. The expression of CSF-1R and/or CSF-1 strongly correlates with poor
      prognosis in several human epithelial tumors, including breast carcinomas. We
      demonstrate that CSF-1 and CSF-1R are expressed, although at different levels, in
      16/17 breast cancer cell lines tested with no differences among molecular
      subtypes. The role of CSF-1/CSF-1R in the proliferation of breast cancer cells
      was then studied in MDAMB468 and SKBR3 cells belonging to different subtypes. CSF
      1 administration induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and enhanced cell proliferation
      in both cell lines. Furthermore, the inhibition of CSF-1/CSF-1R signaling, by CSF
      1R siRNA or imatinib treatment, impaired CSF-1 induced ERK1/2 activation and cell
      proliferation. We also demonstrate that c-Jun, cyclin D1 and c-Myc, known for
      their involvement in cell proliferation, are downstream CSF-1R in breast cancer
      cells. The presence of a proliferative CSF-1/CSF-1R autocrine loop involving
      ERK1/2 was also found. The wide expression of the CSF-1/CSF-1R pair across breast
      cancer cell subtypes supports CSF-1/CSF-1R targeting in breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 22096575
TI  - SERCA2 regulates non-CF and CF airway epithelial cell response to ozone.
AB  - Calcium mobilization can regulate a wide range of essential functions of
      respiratory epithelium, including ion transport, ciliary beat frequency, and
      secretion of mucus, all of which are modified in cystic fibrosis (CF). SERCA2, an
      important controller of calcium signaling, is deficient in CF epithelium. We
      conducted this study to determine whether SERCA2 deficiency can modulate airway
      epithelial responses to environmental oxidants such as ozone. This could
      contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary exacerbations, which are important
      and frequent clinical events in CF. To address this, we used air-liquid interface
      (ALI) cultures of non-CF and CF cell lines, as well as differentiated cultures of
      cells derived from non-CF and CF patients. We found that ozone exposure caused
      enhanced membrane damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell death in
      CF airway epithelial cell lines relative to non-CF. Ozone exposure caused
      increased proinflammatory cytokine production in CF airway epithelial cell lines.
      Elevated proinflammatory cytokine production also was observed in shRNA-mediated
      SERCA2 knockdown cells. Overexpression of SERCA2 reversed ozone-induced
      proinflammatory cytokine production. Ozone-induced proinflammatory cytokine
      production was NF-kappaB- dependent. In a stable NF-kappaB reporter cell line,
      SERCA2 inhibition and knockdown both upregulated cytomix-induced NF-kappaB
      activity, indicating importance of SERCA2 in modulating NF-kappaB activity. In
      this system, increased NF-kappaB activity was also accompanied by increased IL-8
      production. Ozone also induced NF-kappaB activity and IL-8 release, an effect
      that was greater in SERCA2-silenced NF-kappaB-reporter cells. SERCA2
      overexpression reversed cytomix-induced increased IL-8 release and total nuclear
      p65 in CFTR-deficient (16HBE-AS) cells. These studies suggest that SERCA2 is an
      important regulator of the proinflammatory response of airway epithelial cells
      and could be a potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 22096576
TI  - Estrogen receptor alpha expression in podocytes mediates protection against
      apoptosis in-vitro and in-vivo.
AB  - CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that women have a
      significantly better prognosis in chronic renal diseases compared to men. This
      suggests critical influences of gender hormones on glomerular structure and
      function. We examined potential direct protective effects of estradiol on
      podocytes. METHODS: Expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) was examined
      in podocytes in vitro and in vivo. Receptor localization was shown using Western
      blot of separated nuclear and cytoplasmatic protein fractions. Podocytes were
      treated with Puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN, apoptosis induction), estradiol, or
      both in combination. Apoptotic cells were detected with Hoechst nuclear staining
      and Annexin-FITC flow cytometry. To visualize mitochondrial membrane potential
      depolarization as an indicator for apoptosis, cells were stained with tetramethyl
      rhodamine methylester (TMRM). Estradiol-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38
      MAPK was examined by Western blot. Glomeruli of ERalpha knock-out mice and wild
      type controls were analysed by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: ERalpha was consistently expressed in human and murine podocytes.
      Estradiol stimulated ERalpha protein expression, reduced PAN-induced apoptosis in
      vitro by 26.5+/-24.6% or 56.6+/-5.9% (flow cytometry or Hoechst-staining,
      respectively; both p<0.05), and restored PAN-induced mitochondrial membrane
      potential depolarization. Estradiol enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In ERalpha
      knockout mice, podocyte number was reduced compared to controls (female/male:
      80/86 vs. 132/135 podocytes per glomerulus, p<0.05). Podocyte volume was enhanced
      in ERalpha knockout mice (female/male: 429/371 um(3) vs. 264/223 um(3) in
      controls, p<0.05). Tgfbeta1 and collagen type IV expression were increased in
      knockout mice, indicating glomerular damage. CONCLUSIONS: Podocytes express
      ERalpha, whose activation leads to a significant protection against
      experimentally induced apoptosis. Possible underlying mechanisms include
      stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of MAPK
      signalling. Characteristic morphological changes indicating glomerulopathy in
      ERalpha knock-out mice support the in vivo relevance of the ERalpha for podocyte
      viability and function. Thus, our findings provide a novel model for the
      protective influence of female gender on chronic glomerular diseases.

PMID- 22096578
TI  - Fish geometry and electric organ discharge determine functional organization of
      the electrosensory epithelium.
AB  - Active electroreception in Gymnotus omarorum is a sensory modality that perceives
      the changes that nearby objects cause in a self generated electric field. The
      field is emitted as repetitive stereotyped pulses that stimulate skin
      electroreceptors. Differently from mormyriformes electric fish, gymnotiformes
      have an electric organ distributed along a large portion of the body, which fires
      sequentially. As a consequence shape and amplitude of both, the electric field
      generated and the image of objects, change during the electric pulse. To study
      how G. omarorum constructs a perceptual representation, we developed a
      computational model that allows the determination of the self-generated field and
      the electric image. We verify and use the model as a tool to explore image
      formation in diverse experimental circumstances. We show how the electric images
      of objects change in shape as a function of time and position, relative to the
      fish's body. We propose a theoretical framework about the organization of the
      different perceptive tasks made by electroreception: 1) At the head region, where
      the electrosensory mosaic presents an electric fovea, the field polarizing nearby
      objects is coherent and collimated. This favors the high resolution sampling of
      images of small objects and perception of electric color. Besides, the high
      sensitivity of the fovea allows the detection and tracking of large faraway
      objects in rostral regions. 2) In the trunk and tail region a multiplicity of
      sources illuminate different regions of the object, allowing the characterization
      of the shape and position of a large object. In this region, electroreceptors are
      of a unique type and capacitive detection should be based in the pattern of the
      afferents response. 3) Far from the fish, active electroreception is not possible
      but the collimated field is suitable to be used for electrocommunication and
      detection of large objects at the sides and caudally.

PMID- 22096577
TI  - Defects in the medial entorhinal cortex and dentate gyrus in the mouse model of
      Sanfilippo syndrome type B.
AB  - Sanfilippo syndrome type B (MPS IIIB) is characterized by profound mental
      retardation in childhood, dementia and death in late adolescence; it is caused by
      deficiency of alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase and resulting lysosomal storage of
      heparan sulfate. A mouse model, generated by homologous recombination of the
      Naglu gene, was used to study pathological changes in the brain. We found earlier
      that neurons in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) and the dentate gyrus showed a
      number of secondary defects, including the presence of hyperphosphorylated tau
      (Ptau) detected with antibodies raised against Ptau in Alzheimer disease brain.
      By further use of immunohistochemistry, we now show staining in neurons of the
      same area for beta amyloid, extending the resemblance to Alzheimer disease. Ptau
      inclusions in the dentate gyrus of MPS IIIB mice were reduced in number when the
      mice were administered LiCl, a specific inhibitor of Gsk3beta. Additional
      proteins found elevated in MEC include proteins involved in autophagy and the
      heparan sulfate proteoglycans, glypicans 1 and 5, the latter closely related to
      the primary defect. The level of secondary accumulations was associated with
      elevation of glypican, as seen by comparing brains of mice at different ages or
      with different mucopolysaccharide storage diseases. The MEC of an MPS IIIA mouse
      had the same intense immunostaining for glypican 1 and other markers as MPS IIIB,
      while MEC of MPS I and MPS II mice had weak staining, and MEC of an MPS VI mouse
      had no staining at all for the same proteins. A considerable amount of glypican
      was found in MEC of MPS IIIB mice outside of lysosomes. We propose that it is the
      extralysosomal glypican that would be harmful to neurons, because its heparan
      sulfate branches could potentiate the formation of Ptau and beta amyloid
      aggregates, which would be toxic as well as difficult to degrade.

PMID- 22096580
TI  - Astrovirus infection in hospitalized infants with severe combined
      immunodeficiency after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Infants with severe primary combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and children post
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are extremely
      susceptible to unusual infections. The lack of generic tools to detect disease
      causing viruses among more than 200 potential human viral pathogens represents a
      major challenge to clinicians and virologists. We investigated retrospectively
      the causes of a fatal disseminated viral infection with meningoencephalitis in an
      infant with gamma C-SCID and of chronic gastroenteritis in 2 other infants
      admitted for HSCT during the same time period. Analysis was undertaken by
      combining cell culture, electron microscopy and sequence-independent single
      primer amplification (SISPA) techniques. Caco-2 cells inoculated with fecal
      samples developed a cytopathic effect and non-enveloped viral particles in
      infected cells were detected by electron microscopy. SISPA led to the
      identification of astrovirus as the pathogen. Both sequencing of the capsid gene
      and the pattern of infection suggested nosocomial transmission from a chronically
      excreting index case to 2 other patients leading to fatal infection in 1 and to
      transient disease in the others. Virus-specific, real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction was then performed on different stored samples to
      assess the extent of infection. Infection was associated with viremia in 2 cases
      and contributed to death in 1. At autopsy, viral RNA was detected in the brain
      and different other organs, while immunochemistry confirmed infection of
      gastrointestinal tissues. This report illustrates the usefulness of the combined
      use of classical virology procedures and modern molecular tools for the diagnosis
      of unexpected infections. It illustrates that astrovirus has the potential to
      cause severe disseminated lethal infection in highly immunocompromised pediatric
      patients.

PMID- 22096579
TI  - A role for the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 in membrane sorting of LAPTM4 proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lysosome associated protein transmembrane (LAPTM) family is
      comprised of three members: LAPTM5, LAPTM4a and LAPTM4b, with the latter
      previously shown to be overexpressed in numerous cancers. While we had
      demonstrated earlier the requirement of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 for LAPTM5
      sorting to lysosomes, the regulation of sorting of LAPTM4 proteins is less clear.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we show that LAPTM4a and LAPTM4b are
      localized to the lysosome, but unique to LAPTM4b, a fraction of it is present at
      the plasma membrane and its overexpression induces the formation of actin-based
      membrane protrusions. We demonstrate that LAPTM4s, like LAPTM5, are able to co
      immunoprecipitate with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4, an interaction that is
      dependent on LAPTM4 PY motifs and plays a role in membrane sorting. Accordingly,
      in Nedd4 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), LAPTM4a and LAPTM4b show
      reduced lysosomal localization. Moreover, lack of PY motifs leads to enhanced
      missorting of LAPTM4b to the plasma membrane instead of the lysosome.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that while some requisites of
      LAPTM5 lysosomal sorting are conserved among LAPTM4 proteins, LAPTM4a and LAPTM4b
      have also developed distinct sorting requirements.

PMID- 22096581
TI  - Metabolic patterns and biotransformation activities of resveratrol in human
      glioblastoma cells: relevance with therapeutic efficacies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trans-resveratrol rather than its biotransformed monosulfate
      metabolite exerts anti-medulloblastoma effects by suppressing STAT3 activation.
      Nevertheless, its effects on human glioblastoma cells are variable due to certain
      unknown reason(s). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Citing resveratrol-sensitive
      UW228-3 medulloblastoma cell line and primarily cultured rat brain cells/PBCs as
      controls, the effect of resveratrol on LN-18 human glioblastoma cells and its
      relevance with metabolic pattern(s), brain-associated sulfotransferase/SULT
      expression and the statuses of STAT3 signaling and protein inhibitor of activated
      STAT3 (PIAS3) were elucidated by multiple experimental approaches. Meanwhile, the
      expression patterns of three SULTs (SULT1A1, 1C2 and 4A1) in human glioblastoma
      tumors were profiled immunohistochemically. The results revealed that 100 uM
      resveratrol-treated LN-18 generated the same metabolites as UW228-3 cells, while
      additional metabolite in molecular weight of 403.0992 in negative ion mode was
      found in PBCs. Neither growth arrest nor apoptosis was found in resveratrol
      treated LN-18 and PBC cells. Upon resveratrol treatment, the levels of SULT1A1,
      1C2 and 4A1 expression in LN-18 cells were more up-regulated than that expressed
      in UW228-3 cells and close to the levels in PBCs. Immunohistochemical staining
      showed that 42.0%, 27.1% and 19.6% of 149 glioblastoma cases produced similar
      SULT1A1, 1C2 and 4A1 levels as that of tumor-surrounding tissues. Unlike the
      situation in UW228-3 cells, STAT3 signaling remained activated and its protein
      inhibitor PIAS3 was restricted in the cytosol of resveratrol-treated LN-18 cells.
      No nuclear translocation of STAT3 and PIAS3 was observed in resveratrol-treated
      PBCs. Treatment with STAT3 chemical inhibitor, AG490, committed majority of LN-18
      and UW228-3 cells but not PBCs to apoptosis within 48 hours.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: LN-18 glioblastoma cells are insensitive to resveratrol
      due to the more inducible brain-associated SULT expression, insufficiency of
      resveratrol to suppress activated STAT3 signaling and the lack of PIAS3 nuclear
      translocation. The findings from PBCs suggest that an effective anticancer dose
      of resveratrol exerts little side effect on normal brain cells.

PMID- 22096582
TI  - Quantifying killing of orangutans and human-orangutan conflict in Kalimantan,
      Indonesia.
AB  - Human-orangutan conflict and hunting are thought to pose a serious threat to
      orangutan existence in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. No data existed
      prior to the present study to substantiate these threats. We investigated the
      rates, spatial distribution and causes of conflict and hunting through an
      interview-based survey in the orangutan's range in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Between
      April 2008 and September 2009, we interviewed 6983 respondents in 687 villages to
      obtain socio-economic information, assess knowledge of local wildlife in general
      and orangutan encounters specifically, and to query respondents about their
      knowledge on orangutan conflicts and killing, and relevant laws. This survey
      revealed estimated killing rates of between 750 and 1800 animals killed in the
      last year, and between 1950 and 3100 animals killed per year on average within
      the lifetime of the survey respondents. These killing rates are higher than
      previously thought and are high enough to pose a serious threat to the continued
      existence of orangutans in Kalimantan. Importantly, the study contributes to our
      understanding of the spatial variation in threats, and the underlying causes of
      those threats, which can be used to facilitate the development of targeted
      conservation management.

PMID- 22096583
TI  - Arctic Ocean microbial community structure before and after the 2007 record sea
      ice minimum.
AB  - Increasing global temperatures are having a profound impact in the Arctic,
      including the dramatic loss of multiyear sea ice in 2007 that has continued to
      the present. The majority of life in the Arctic is microbial and the consequences
      of climate-mediated changes on microbial marine food webs, which are responsible
      for biogeochemical cycling and support higher trophic levels, are unknown. We
      examined microbial communities over time by using high-throughput sequencing of
      microbial DNA collected between 2003 and 2010 from the subsurface chlorophyll
      maximum (SCM) layer of the Beaufort Sea (Canadian Arctic). We found that overall
      this layer has freshened and concentrations of nitrate, the limiting nutrient for
      photosynthetic production in Arctic seas, have decreased. We compared microbial
      communities from before and after the record September 2007 sea ice minimum and
      detected significant differences in communities from all three domains of life.
      In particular, there were significant changes in species composition of Eukarya,
      with ciliates becoming more common and heterotrophic marine stramenopiles (MASTs)
      accounting for a smaller proportion of sequences retrieved after 2007. Within the
      Archaea, Marine Group I Thaumarchaeota, which earlier represented up to 60% of
      the Archaea sequences in this layer, have declined to <10%. Bacterial communities
      overall were less diverse after 2007, with a significant decrease of the
      Bacteroidetes. These significant shifts suggest that the microbial food webs are
      sensitive to physical oceanographic changes such as those occurring in the
      Canadian Arctic over the past decade.

PMID- 22096584
TI  - Mild functional differences of dynamin 2 mutations associated to centronuclear
      myopathy and Charcot-Marie Tooth peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - The large GTPase dynamin 2 is a key player in membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics
      mutated in centronuclear myopathy (CNM) and Charcot-Marie Tooth (CMT) neuropathy,
      two discrete dominant neuromuscular disorders affecting skeletal muscle and
      peripheral nerves respectively. The molecular basis for the tissue-specific
      phenotypes observed and the physiopathological mechanisms linked to dynamin 2
      mutations are not well established. In this study, we have analyzed the impact of
      CNM and CMT implicated dynamin 2 mutants using ectopic expression of four CNM and
      two CMT mutations, and patient fibroblasts harboring two dynamin 2 CNM mutations
      in established cellular processes of dynamin 2 action. Wild type and CMT mutants
      were seen in association with microtubules whereas CNM mutants lacked
      microtubules association and did not disrupt interphase microtubules dynamics.
      Most dynamin 2 mutants partially decreased clathrin-mediated endocytosis when
      ectopically expressed in cultured cells; however, experiments in patient
      fibroblasts suggested that endocytosis is overall not defective. Furthermore, CNM
      mutants were seen in association with enlarged clathrin stained structures
      whereas the CMT mutant constructs were associated with clathrin structures that
      appeared clustered, similar to the structures observed in Dnm1 and Dnm2 double
      knock-out cells. Other roles of dynamin 2 including its interaction with BIN1
      (amphiphysin 2), and its function in Golgi maintenance and centrosome cohesion
      were not significantly altered. Taken together, these mild functional defects are
      suggestive of differences between CMT and CNM disease-causing dynamin 2 mutants
      and suggest that a slight impairment in clathrin-mediated pathways may accumulate
      over time to foster the respective human diseases.

PMID- 22096585
TI  - Up-regulation of A1M/alpha1-microglobulin in skin by heme and reactive oxygen
      species gives protection from oxidative damage.
AB  - During bleeding the skin is subjected to oxidative insults from free heme and
      radicals, generated from extracellular hemoglobin. The lipocalin alpha(1)
      microglobulin (A1M) was recently shown to have reductase properties, reducing
      heme-proteins and other substrates, and to scavenge heme and radicals. We
      investigated the expression and localization of A1M in skin and the possible role
      of A1M in the protection of skin tissue from damage induced by heme and reactive
      oxygen species. Skin explants, keratinocyte cultures and purified collagen I were
      exposed to heme, reactive oxygen species, and/or A1M and investigated by
      biochemical methods and electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that A1M is
      localized ubiquitously in the dermal and epidermal layers, and that the A1M-gene
      is expressed in keratinocytes and up-regulated after exposure to heme and
      reactive oxygen species. A1M inhibited the heme- and reactive oxygen species
      induced ultrastructural damage, up-regulation of antioxidation and cell cycle
      regulatory genes, and protein carbonyl formation in skin and keratinocytes.
      Finally, A1M bound to purified collagen I (K(d) = 0.96*10(-6) M) and could
      inhibit and repair the destruction of collagen fibrils by heme and reactive
      oxygen species. The results suggest that A1M may have a physiological role in
      protection of skin cells and matrix against oxidative damage following bleeding.

PMID- 22096586
TI  - Comparing the MRI appearance of the lymph nodes and spleen in wild-type and
      immuno-deficient mouse strains.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the normal MRI appearance of lymphoid
      organs in immuno-competent and immuno-deficient mice commonly used in research.
      Four mice from each of four different mouse strains (nude, NOG, C57BL/6, CB-17
      SCID (SCID)) were imaged weekly for one month. Images were acquired with a 3D
      balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) sequence. The volume of the lymph
      nodes and spleens were measured from MR images. In images of nude and SCID mice,
      lymph nodes sometimes contained a hyperintense region visible on MRI images.
      Volumes of the nodes were highly variable in nude mice. Nodes in SCID mice were
      smaller than in nude or C57Bl/6 mice (p<0.0001). Lymph node volumes changed
      slightly over time in all strains. The spleens of C57Bl/6 and nude mice were
      similar in size and appearance. Spleens of SCID and NOG mice were significantly
      smaller (p<0.0001) and abnormal in appearance. The MRI appearance of the normal
      lymph nodes and spleen varies considerably in the various mouse strains examined
      in this study. This is important to recognize in order to avoid the
      misinterpretation of MRI findings as abnormal when these strains are used in MRI
      imaging studies.

PMID- 22096587
TI  - Atypical scrapie isolates involve a uniform prion species with a complex
      molecular signature.
AB  - The pathobiology of atypical scrapie, a prion disease affecting sheep and goats,
      is still poorly understood. In a previous study, we demonstrated that atypical
      scrapie affecting small ruminants in Switzerland differs in the neuroanatomical
      distribution of the pathological prion protein (PrP(d)). To investigate whether
      these differences depend on host-related vs. pathogen-related factors, we
      transmitted atypical scrapie to transgenic mice over-expressing the ovine prion
      protein (tg338). The clinical, neuropathological, and molecular phenotype of
      tg338 mice is similar between mice carrying the Swiss atypical scrapie isolates
      and the Nor98, an atypical scrapie isolate from Norway. Together with published
      data, our results suggest that atypical scrapie is caused by a uniform type of
      prion, and that the observed phenotypic differences in small ruminants are likely
      host-dependant. Strikingly, by using a refined SDS-PAGE technique, we established
      that the prominent proteinase K-resistant prion protein fragment in atypical
      scrapie consists of two separate, unglycosylated peptides with molecular masses
      of roughly 5 and 8 kDa. These findings show similarities to those for other prion
      diseases in animals and humans, and lay the groundwork for future comparative
      research.

PMID- 22096588
TI  - Infections in infants during the first 12 months of life: role of placental
      malaria and environmental factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between placental malaria (PM) and first peripheral
      parasitaemias in early infancy was assessed in Tori Bossito, a rural area of
      Benin with a careful attention on transmission factors at an individual level.
      METHODOLOGY: Statistical analysis was performed on 550 infants followed weekly
      from birth to 12 months. Malaria transmission was assessed by anopheles human
      landing catches every 6 weeks in 36 sampling houses and season defined by
      rainfall. Each child was located by GPS and assigned to the closest anopheles
      sampling house. Data were analysed by survival Cox models, stratified on the
      possession of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) at enrolment. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Among infants sleeping in a house with an ITN, PM was found to be
      highly associated to first malaria infections, after adjusting on season, number
      of anopheles, antenatal care (ANC) visits and maternal severe anaemia. Infants
      born from a malaria infected placenta had a 2.13 fold increased risk to present a
      first malaria infection than those born from a non infected placenta ([1.24
      3.67], p<0.01) when sleeping in a house with an ITN. The risk to present a first
      malaria infection was increased by 3.2 to 6.5, according to the level of
      anopheles exposure (moderate or high levels, compared to the absence of
      anopheles). CONCLUSIONS: First malaria infections in early childhood can be
      attributed simultaneously to both PM and high levels of exposure to infected
      anopheles. Protective measures as Intermittent Preventive Treatment during
      pregnancy (IPTp) and ITNs, targeted on both mothers and infants should be
      reinforced, as well as the research on new drugs and insecticides. In parallel,
      investigations on placental malaria have to be strengthened to better understand
      the mechanisms involved, and thus to protect adequately the infants high risk
      group.

PMID- 22096590
TI  - Amoeboid cells use protrusions for walking, gliding and swimming.
AB  - Amoeboid cells crawl using pseudopods, which are convex extensions of the cell
      surface. In many laboratory experiments, cells move on a smooth substrate, but in
      the wild cells may experience obstacles of other cells or dead material, or may
      even move in liquid. To understand how cells cope with heterogeneous environments
      we have investigated the pseudopod life cycle of wild type and mutant cells
      moving on a substrate and when suspended in liquid. We show that the same
      pseudopod cycle can provide three types of movement that we address as walking,
      gliding and swimming. In walking, the extending pseudopod will adhere firmly to
      the substrate, which allows cells to generate forces to bypass obstacles. Mutant
      cells with compromised adhesion can move much faster than wild type cells on a
      smooth substrate (gliding), but cannot move effectively against obstacles that
      provide resistance. In a liquid, when swimming, the extending pseudopods convert
      to side-bumps that move rapidly to the rear of the cells. Calculations suggest
      that these bumps provide sufficient drag force to mediate the observed forward
      swimming of the cell.

PMID- 22096589
TI  - Yes-associated protein expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma nodal
      metastasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Yes-associated protein (YAP) is considered an oncogene found
      amplified in multiple tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
      (HNSCC). However, the role for YAP expression in HNSCC is not understood. Based
      on the central role of YAP in the hippo pathway, we tested if YAP was associated
      with the stage of HNSCC progression and metastatic potential. METHODS: To
      determine the expression of YAP in human benign and HNSCC tissue specimens,
      immunohistochemical analyses were performed in whole tissue samples and tissue
      microarrays. The expression of YAP in tissues of microarray was first associated
      with clinic-pathologic factors and results verified in samples from whole tissue
      sections. To investigate the role of YAP and p63 in regulating HNSCC epithelial
      to mesenchymal transition, epithelial and mesenchymal markers were assayed in
      Fadu and SCC-25 cells, HNSCC cells with endogenously elevated YAP expression and
      siRNA-mediated expression knockdown. RESULTS: Analysis of human HNSCC tissues
      suggested YAP expression was elevated in tumors compared to benign tissues and
      specifically localized at the tumor invasive front (p value < 0.05). But, indexed
      YAP expression was lower with greater tumor grade (p value  =  0.02). In
      contrast, p63 expression was primarily elevated in high-grade tumors.
      Interestingly, both YAP and p63 was strongly expressed at the tumor invasive
      front and in metastatic HNSCC. Strikingly, we demonstrated YAP expression in the
      primary HNSCC tumor was associated with nodal metastasis in univariate analysis
      (p value  =  0.02). However, the knockdown of YAP in Fadu and SCC-25 cell lines
      was not associated with changes in epithelial to mesenchymal transdifferentiation
      or p63 expression. CONCLUSION: Together, YAP expression, in combination with p63
      can facilitate identification of HNSCC tumors from hyperplastic and benign
      tissues and the metastatic function of YAP in HNSCC may not be a result of
      epithelia to mesenchymal transdifferentiation.

PMID- 22096591
TI  - A graphical user interface for a method to infer kinetics and network
      architecture (MIKANA).
AB  - One of the main challenges in the biomedical sciences is the determination of
      reaction mechanisms that constitute a biochemical pathway. During the last
      decades, advances have been made in building complex diagrams showing the static
      interactions of proteins. The challenge for systems biologists is to build
      realistic models of the dynamical behavior of reactants, intermediates and
      products. For this purpose, several methods have been recently proposed to deduce
      the reaction mechanisms or to estimate the kinetic parameters of the elementary
      reactions that constitute the pathway. One such method is MIKANA: Method to Infer
      Kinetics And Network Architecture. MIKANA is a computational method to infer both
      reaction mechanisms and estimate the kinetic parameters of biochemical pathways
      from time course data. To make it available to the scientific community, we
      developed a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for MIKANA. Among other features, the
      GUI validates and processes an input time course data, displays the inferred
      reactions, generates the differential equations for the chemical species in the
      pathway and plots the prediction curves on top of the input time course data. We
      also added a new feature to MIKANA that allows the user to exclude a priori known
      reactions from the inferred mechanism. This addition improves the performance of
      the method. In this article, we illustrate the GUI for MIKANA with three
      examples: an irreversible Michaelis-Menten reaction mechanism; the interaction
      map of chemical species of the muscle glycolytic pathway; and the glycolytic
      pathway of Lactococcus lactis. We also describe the code and methods in
      sufficient detail to allow researchers to further develop the code or reproduce
      the experiments described. The code for MIKANA is open source, free for academic
      and non-academic use and is available for download (Information S1).

PMID- 22096592
TI  - Prenatal stress induces long-term effects in cell turnover in the hippocampus
      hypothalamus-pituitary axis in adult male rats.
AB  - Subchronic gestational stress leads to permanent modifications in the hippocampus
      hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis of offspring probably due to the increase in
      circulating glucocorticoids known to affect prenatal programming. The aim of this
      study was to investigate whether cell turnover is affected in the hippocampus
      hypothalamus-pituitary axis by subchronic prenatal stress and the intracellular
      mechanisms involved. Restraint stress was performed in pregnant rats during the
      last week of gestation (45 minutes; 3 times/day). Only male offspring were used
      for this study and were sacrificed at 6 months of age. In prenatally stressed
      adults a decrease in markers of cell death and proliferation was observed in the
      hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary. This was associated with an increase in
      insulin-like growth factor-I mRNA levels, phosphorylation of CREB and calpastatin
      levels and inhibition of calpain -2 and caspase -8 activation. Levels of the anti
      apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were increased and levels of the pro-apoptotic factor p53
      were reduced. In conclusion, prenatal restraint stress induces a long-term
      decrease in cell turnover in the hippocampus-hypothalamus-pituitary axis that
      might be at least partly mediated by an autocrine-paracrine IGF-I effect. These
      changes could condition the response of this axis to future physiological and
      pathophysiological situations.

PMID- 22096593
TI  - Gene expression profile change and associated physiological and pathological
      effects in mouse liver induced by fasting and refeeding.
AB  - Food availability regulates basal metabolism and progression of many diseases,
      and liver plays an important role in these processes. The effects of food
      availability on digital gene expression profile, physiological and pathological
      functions in liver are yet to be further elucidated. In this study, we applied
      high-throughput sequencing technology to detect digital gene expression profile
      of mouse liver in fed, fasted and refed states. Totally 12162 genes were
      detected, and 2305 genes were significantly regulated by food availability.
      Biological process and pathway analysis showed that fasting mainly affected lipid
      and carboxylic acid metabolic processes in liver. Moreover, the genes regulated
      by fasting and refeeding in liver were mainly enriched in lipid metabolic process
      or fatty acid metabolism. Network analysis demonstrated that fasting mainly
      regulated Drug Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry and Endocrine System
      Development and Function, and the networks including Lipid Metabolism, Small
      Molecule Biochemistry and Gene Expression were affected by refeeding. In
      addition, FunDo analysis showed that liver cancer and diabetes mellitus were most
      likely to be affected by food availability. This study provides the digital gene
      expression profile of mouse liver regulated by food availability, and
      demonstrates the main biological processes, pathways, gene networks and potential
      hepatic diseases regulated by fasting and refeeding. These results show that food
      availability mainly regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and is highly correlated
      with liver-related diseases including liver cancer and diabetes.

PMID- 22096595
TI  - Potential accumulative effect of the herbicide glyphosate on glyphosate-tolerant
      maize rhizobacterial communities over a three-year cultivation period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glyphosate is a herbicide that is liable to be used in the extensive
      cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant cultivars. The potential accumulation of the
      relative effect of glyphosate on the rhizobacterial communities of glyphosate
      tolerant maize has been monitored over a period of three years.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The composition of rhizobacterial communities is
      known to vary with soil texture, hence, the analyses have been performed in two
      agricultural fields with a different soil texture. The accumulative effects of
      glyphosate have been monitored by means of high throughput DNA pyrosequencing of
      the bacterial DNA coding for the 16S rRNA hypervariable V6 region from
      rhizobacterial communities. The relative composition of the rhizobacterial
      communities does vary in each field over the three-year period. The overall
      distribution of the bacterial phyla seems to change from one year to the next
      similarly in the untreated and glyphosate-treated soils in both fields. The two
      methods used to estimate bacterial diversity offered consistent results and are
      equally suitable for diversity assessment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The
      glyphosate treatment during the three-year period of seasonal cultivation in two
      different fields did not seem to significantly change the maize rhizobacterial
      communities when compared to those of the untreated soil. This may be
      particularly relevant with respect to a potential authorisation to cultivate
      glyphosate-tolerant maize in the European Union.

PMID- 22096594
TI  - Comprehensive analysis of tissue preservation and recording quality from chronic
      multielectrode implants.
AB  - Multielectrodes have been used with great success to simultaneously record the
      activity of neuronal populations in awake, behaving animals. In particular, there
      is great promise in the use of this technique to allow the control of
      neuroprosthetic devices by human patients. However, it is crucial to fully
      characterize the tissue response to the chronic implants in animal models ahead
      of the initiation of human clinical trials. Here we evaluated the effects of
      unilateral multielectrode implants on the motor cortex of rats weekly recorded
      for 1-6 months using several histological methods to assess metabolic markers,
      inflammatory response, immediate-early gene (IEG) expression, cytoskeletal
      integrity and apoptotic profiles. We also investigated the correlations between
      each of these features and firing rates, to estimate the impact of post-implant
      time on neuronal recordings. Overall, limited neuronal loss and glial activation
      were observed on the implanted sites. Reactivity to enzymatic metabolic markers
      and IEG expression were not significantly different between implanted and non
      implanted hemispheres. Multielectrode recordings remained viable for up to 6
      months after implantation, and firing rates correlated well to the histochemical
      and immunohistochemical markers. Altogether, our results indicate that chronic
      tungsten multielectrode implants do not substantially alter the histological and
      functional integrity of target sites in the cerebral cortex.

PMID- 22096597
TI  - Average rank-based score to measure deregulation of molecular pathway gene sets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deregulation of biological pathways has been shown to be involved in
      the turmorigenesis of a variety of cancers. The co-regulation of pathways in
      tumor and normal tissues has not been studied in a systematic manner. RESULTS: In
      this study we propose a novel statistic named AR-score (average rank based score)
      to measure pathway activities based on microarray gene expression profiles. We
      calculate and compare the AR-scores of pathways in microarray datasets containing
      expression profiles for a wide range of cancer types as well as the corresponding
      normal tissues. We find that many pathways undergo significant activity changes
      in tumors with respect to normal tissues. AR-scores for a small subset of
      pathways are capable of distinguishing tumor from normal tissues or classifying
      tumor subtypes. In normal tissues many pathways are highly correlated in their
      activities, whereas their correlations reduce significantly in tumors and cancer
      cell lines. The co-expression of genes in the same pathways was also
      significantly perturbed in tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The co-regulation of genes in the
      same pathways and co-regulation of different pathways are significantly perturbed
      in tumors versus normal tissues. Our method provides a useful tool for better
      understanding the mechanistic changes in tumors, which can also be used for
      exploring other biological problems.

PMID- 22096596
TI  - RGS9 knockout causes a short delay in light responses of ON-bipolar cells.
AB  - RGS9 and R9AP are components of the photoreceptor-specific GTPase activating
      complex responsible for rapid inactivation of the G protein, transducin, in the
      course of photoresponse recovery from excitation. The amount of this complex in
      photoreceptors is strictly dependent on the expression level of R9AP;
      consequently, the knockouts of either RGS9 or R9AP cause comparable delays in
      photoresponse recovery. While RGS9 is believed to be present only in rods and
      cones, R9AP is also expressed in dendritic tips of ON-bipolar cells, which
      receive synaptic inputs from photoreceptors. Recent studies demonstrated that
      knockouts of R9AP and its binding partner in ON-bipolar cells, RGS11, cause a
      small delay in ON-bipolar cell light responses manifested as a delayed onset of
      electroretinography b-waves. This led the authors to suggest that R9AP and RGS11
      participate in regulating the kinetics of light responses in these cells. Here we
      report the surprising finding that a nearly identical b-wave delay is observed in
      RGS9 knockout mice. Given the exclusive localization of RGS9 in photoreceptors,
      this result argues for a presynaptic origin of the b-wave delay in this case and
      perhaps in the case of the R9AP knockout as well, since R9AP is expressed in both
      photoreceptors and ON-bipolar cells. We also conducted a detailed analysis of the
      b-wave rising phase kinetics in both knockout animal types and found that,
      despite a delayed b-wave onset, the slope of the light response is unaffected or
      increased, dependent on the light stimulus intensity. This result is inconsistent
      with a slowdown of response propagation in ON-bipolar cells caused by the R9AP
      knockout, further arguing against the postsynaptic nature of the delayed b-wave
      phenotype in RGS9 and R9AP knockout mice.

PMID- 22096598
TI  - Signs of selective pressure on genetic variants affecting human height.
AB  - Many decades of scientific investigation have proved the role of selective
      pressure in Homo Sapiens at least at the level of individual genes or loci.
      Nevertheless, there are examples of polygenic traits that are bound to be under
      selection, but studies devoted to apply population genetics methods to unveil
      such occurrence are still lacking. Stature provides a relevant example of well
      studied polygenic trait for which is now available a genome-wide association
      study which has identified the genes involved in this trait, and which is known
      to be under selection. We studied the behavior of F(ST) in a simulated toy model
      to detect population differentiation on a generic polygenic phenotype under
      selection. The simulations showed that the set of alleles involved in the trait
      has a higher mean F(ST) value than those undergoing genetic drift only. In view
      of this we looked for an increase in the mean F(ST) value of the 180 variants
      associated to human height. For this set of alleles we found F(ST) to be
      significantly higher than the genomic background (p = 0.0356). On the basis of a
      statistical analysis we excluded that the increase was just due to the presence
      of outliers. We also proved as marginal the role played by local adaptation
      phenomena, even on different phenotypes in linkage disequilibrium with genetic
      variants involved in height. The increase of F(ST) for the set of alleles
      involved in a polygenic trait seems to provide an example of symmetry breaking
      phenomenon concerning the population differentiation. The splitting in the allele
      frequencies would be driven by the initial conditions in the population dynamics
      which are stochastically modified by events like drift, bottlenecks, etc, and
      other stochastic events like the born of new mutations.

PMID- 22096599
TI  - A non-verbal Turing test: differentiating mind from machine in gaze-based social
      interaction.
AB  - In social interaction, gaze behavior provides important signals that have a
      significant impact on our perception of others. Previous investigations, however,
      have relied on paradigms in which participants are passive observers of other
      persons' gazes and do not adjust their gaze behavior as is the case in real-life
      social encounters. We used an interactive eye-tracking paradigm that allows
      participants to interact with an anthropomorphic virtual character whose gaze
      behavior is responsive to where the participant looks on the stimulus screen in
      real time. The character's gaze reactions were systematically varied along a
      continuum from a maximal probability of gaze aversion to a maximal probability of
      gaze-following during brief interactions, thereby varying contingency and
      congruency of the reactions. We investigated how these variations influenced
      whether participants believed that the character was controlled by another person
      (i.e., a confederate) or a computer program. In a series of experiments, the
      human confederate was either introduced as naive to the task, cooperative, or
      competitive. Results demonstrate that the ascription of humanness increases with
      higher congruency of gaze reactions when participants are interacting with a
      naive partner. In contrast, humanness ascription is driven by the degree of
      contingency irrespective of congruency when the confederate was introduced as
      cooperative. Conversely, during interaction with a competitive confederate,
      judgments were neither based on congruency nor on contingency. These results
      offer important insights into what renders the experience of an interaction truly
      social: Humans appear to have a default expectation of reciprocation that can be
      influenced drastically by the presumed disposition of the interactor to either
      cooperate or compete.

PMID- 22096600
TI  - Cell motility dynamics: a novel segmentation algorithm to quantify multi-cellular
      bright field microscopy images.
AB  - Confocal microscopy analysis of fluorescence and morphology is becoming the
      standard tool in cell biology and molecular imaging. Accurate quantification
      algorithms are required to enhance the understanding of different biological
      phenomena. We present a novel approach based on image-segmentation of multi
      cellular regions in bright field images demonstrating enhanced quantitative
      analyses and better understanding of cell motility. We present MultiCellSeg, a
      segmentation algorithm to separate between multi-cellular and background regions
      for bright field images, which is based on classification of local patches within
      an image: a cascade of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) is applied using basic
      image features. Post processing includes additional classification and graph-cut
      segmentation to reclassify erroneous regions and refine the segmentation. This
      approach leads to a parameter-free and robust algorithm. Comparison to an
      alternative algorithm on wound healing assay images demonstrates its superiority.
      The proposed approach was used to evaluate common cell migration models such as
      wound healing and scatter assay. It was applied to quantify the acceleration
      effect of Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) on healing rate in a
      time lapse confocal microscopy wound healing assay and demonstrated that the
      healing rate is linear in both treated and untreated cells, and that HGF/SF
      accelerates the healing rate by approximately two-fold. A novel fully automated,
      accurate, zero-parameters method to classify and score scatter-assay images was
      developed and demonstrated that multi-cellular texture is an excellent descriptor
      to measure HGF/SF-induced cell scattering. We show that exploitation of textural
      information from differential interference contrast (DIC) images on the multi
      cellular level can prove beneficial for the analyses of wound healing and scatter
      assays. The proposed approach is generic and can be used alone or alongside
      traditional fluorescence single-cell processing to perform objective, accurate
      quantitative analyses for various biological applications.

PMID- 22096601
TI  - Cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency causes fat loss in mice.
AB  - Cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) is the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for the
      de novo synthesis of cysteine. Patients with CBS deficiency have greatly elevated
      plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), decreased levels of plasma total cysteine
      (tCys), and often a marfanoid appearance characterized by thinness and low body
      mass index (BMI). Here, we characterize the growth and body mass characteristics
      of CBS deficient TgI278T Cbs(-/-) mice and show that these animals have
      significantly decreased fat mass and tCys compared to heterozygous sibling mice.
      The decrease in fat mass is accompanied by a 34% decrease in liver glutathione
      (GSH) along with a significant decrease in liver mRNA and protein for the
      critical fat biosynthesizing enzyme Stearoyl CoA desaturase-1 (Scd-1). Because
      plasma tCys has been positively associated with fat mass in humans, we tested the
      hypothesis that decreased tCys in TgI278T Cbs(-/-) mice was the cause of the lean
      phenotype by placing the animals on water supplemented with N-acetyl cysteine
      (NAC) from birth to 240 days of age. Although NAC treatment in TgI278T Cbs(-/-)
      mice caused significant increase in serum tCys and liver GSH, there was no
      increase in body fat content or in liver Scd-1 levels. Our results show that lack
      of CBS activity causes loss of fat mass, and that this effect appears to be
      independent of low serum tCys.

PMID- 22096602
TI  - The PHD finger of human UHRF1 reveals a new subgroup of unmethylated histone H3
      tail readers.
AB  - The human UHRF1 protein (ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1)
      has emerged as a potential cancer target due to its implication in cell cycle
      regulation, maintenance of DNA methylation after replication and heterochromatin
      formation. UHRF1 functions as an adaptor protein that binds to histones and
      recruits histone modifying enzymes, like HDAC1 or G9a, which exert their action
      on chromatin. In this work, we show the binding specificity of the PHD finger of
      human UHRF1 (huUHRF1-PHD) towards unmodified histone H3 N-terminal tail using
      native gel electrophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry. We report the
      molecular basis of this interaction by determining the crystal structure of
      huUHRF1-PHD in complex with the histone H3 N-terminal tail. The structure reveals
      a new mode of histone recognition involving an extra conserved zinc finger
      preceding the conventional PHD finger region. This additional zinc finger forms
      part of a large surface cavity that accommodates the side chain of the histone H3
      lysine K4 (H3K4) regardless of its methylation state. Mutation of Q330, which
      specifically interacts with H3K4, to alanine has no effect on the binding,
      suggesting a loose interaction between huUHRF1-PHD and H3K4. On the other hand,
      the recognition appears to rely on histone H3R2, which fits snugly into a groove
      on the protein and makes tight interactions with the conserved aspartates D334
      and D337. Indeed, a mutation of the former aspartate disrupts the formation of
      the complex, while mutating the latter decreases the binding affinity nine-fold.

PMID- 22096603
TI  - Antibiotics shaping bacterial genome: deletion of an IS91 flanked virulence
      determinant upon exposure to subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations.
AB  - The nucleoid-associated proteins Hha and YdgT repress the expression of the toxin
      alpha-hemolysin. An Escherichia coli mutant lacking these proteins overexpresses
      the toxin alpha-hemolysin encoded in the multicopy recombinant plasmid pANN202
      312R. Unexpectedly, we could observe that this mutant generated clones that no
      further produced hemolysin (Hly(-)). Generation of Hly(-) clones was dependent
      upon the presence in the culture medium of the antibiotic kanamycin (km), a
      marker of the hha allele (hha::Tn5). Detailed analysis of different Hly(-) clones
      evidenced that recombination between partial IS91 sequences that flank the hly
      operon had occurred. A fluctuation test evidenced that the presence of km in the
      culture medium was underlying the generation of these clones. A decrease of the
      km concentration from 25 mg/l to 12.5 mg/l abolished the appearance of Hly(-)
      derivatives. We considered as a working hypothesis that, when producing high
      levels of the toxin (combination of the hha ydgT mutations with the presence of
      the multicopy hemolytic plasmid pANN202-312R), the concentration of km of 25 mg/l
      resulted subinhibitory and stimulated the recombination between adjacent IS91
      flanking sequences. To further test this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of
      subinhibitory km concentrations in the wild type E. coli strain MG1655 harboring
      the parental low copy number plasmid pHly152. At a km concentration of 5 mg/l,
      subinhibitory for strain MG1655 (pHly152), generation of Hly(-) clones could be
      readily detected. Similar results were also obtained when, instead of km,
      ampicillin was used. IS91 is flanking several virulence determinants in different
      enteric bacterial pathogenic strains from E. coli and Shigella. The results
      presented here evidence that stress generated by exposure to subinhibitory
      antibiotic concentrations may result in rearrangements of the bacterial genome.
      Whereas some of these rearrangements may be deleterious, others may generate
      genotypes with increased virulence, which may resume infection.

PMID- 22096604
TI  - New insights into the structure of (1->3,1->6)-beta-D-glucan side chains in the
      Candida glabrata cell wall.
AB  - beta-Glucan is a (1->3)-beta-linked glucose polymer with (1->6)-beta-linked side
      chains and a major component of fungal cell walls. beta-Glucans provide
      structural integrity to the fungal cell wall. The nature of the (1-6)-beta-linked
      side chain structure of fungal (1->3,1->6)-beta-D-glucans has been very difficult
      to elucidate. Herein, we report the first detailed structural characterization of
      the (1->6)-beta-linked side chains of Candida glabrata using high-field NMR. The
      (1->6)-beta-linked side chains have an average length of 4 to 5 repeat units
      spaced every 21 repeat units along the (1->3)-linked polymer backbone. Computer
      modeling suggests that the side chains have a bent curve structure that allows
      for a flexible interconnection with parallel (1->3)-beta-D-glucan polymers,
      and/or as a point of attachment for proteins. Based on these observations we
      propose new approaches to how (1->6)-beta-linked side chains interconnect with
      neighboring glucan polymers in a manner that maximizes fungal cell wall strength,
      while also allowing for flexibility, or plasticity.

PMID- 22096605
TI  - Interleukin-6 synthesis in human chondrocytes is regulated via the antagonistic
      actions of prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin (PG)E(2),
      PGD(2) and its dehydration end product 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15d-PGJ(2))
      have been detected in joint synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). PGE(2) directly stimulates IL-6 production in human articular
      chondrocytes. However, the effects of PGD(2) and 15d-PGJ(2) in the absence or
      presence of PGE(2) on IL-6 synthesis in human chondrocytes have yet to be
      determined. It is believed that dysregulated overproduction of IL-6 is
      responsible for the systemic inflammatory manifestations and abnormal laboratory
      findings in RA patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using the T/C-28a2
      chondrocyte cell line as a model system, we report that exogenous PGE(2) and
      PGD(2)/15d-PGJ(2) exert antagonistic effects on IL-6 synthesis in human T/C-28a2
      chondrocytes. Using a synthesis of sophisticated molecular biology techniques, we
      determined that PGE(2) stimulates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) synthesis, which is
      in turn responsible for the activation of the ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt and PKA/CREB
      pathways that phosphorylate the NF-kappaB p65 subunit leading to NF-kappaB
      activation. Binding of the activated NF-kappaB p65 subunit to IL-6 promoter
      induces IL-6 synthesis in human T/C28a2 chondrocytes. PGD(2) or 15d-PGJ(2)
      concurrently downregulates TLR4 and upregulates caveolin-1, which in turn inhibit
      the PGE(2)-dependent ERK1/2, PI3-K and PKA activation, and ultimately with NF
      kappaB-dependent IL-6 synthesis in chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We
      have delineated the signaling cascade by which PGE(2) and PGD(2)/15d-PGJ(2) exert
      opposing effects on IL-6 synthesis in human chondrocytes. Elucidation of the
      molecular pathway of IL-6 synthesis and secretion by chondrocytes will provide
      insights for developing strategies to reduce inflammation and pain in RA
      patients.

PMID- 22096606
TI  - The repetitive cytoskeletal protein H49 of Trypanosoma cruzi is a calpain-like
      protein located at the flagellum attachment zone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi has a single flagellum attached to the cell body by
      a network of specialized cytoskeletal and membranous connections called the
      flagellum attachment zone. Previously, we isolated a DNA fragment (clone H49)
      which encodes tandemly arranged repeats of 68 amino acids associated with a high
      molecular weight cytoskeletal protein. In the current study, the genomic
      complexity of H49 and its relationships to the T. cruzi calpain-like cysteine
      peptidase family, comprising active calpains and calpain-like proteins, is
      addressed. Immunofluorescence analysis and biochemical fractionation were used to
      demonstrate the cellular location of H49 proteins. METHODS AND FINDINGS: All of
      H49 repeats are associated with calpain-like sequences. Sequence analysis
      demonstrated that this protein, now termed H49/calpain, consists of an amino
      terminal catalytic cysteine protease domain II, followed by a large region of 68
      amino acid repeats tandemly arranged and a carboxy-terminal segment carrying the
      protease domains II and III. The H49/calpains can be classified as calpain-like
      proteins as the cysteine protease catalytic triad has been partially conserved in
      these proteins. The H49/calpains repeats share less than 60% identity with other
      calpain-like proteins in Leishmania and T. brucei, and there is no immunological
      cross reaction among them. It is suggested that the expansion of H49/calpain
      repeats only occurred in T. cruzi after separation of a T. cruzi ancestor from
      other trypanosomatid lineages. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting experiments
      demonstrated that H49/calpain is located along the flagellum attachment zone
      adjacent to the cell body. CONCLUSIONS: H49/calpain contains large central region
      composed of 68-amino acid repeats tandemly arranged. They can be classified as
      calpain-like proteins as the cysteine protease catalytic triad is partially
      conserved in these proteins. H49/calpains could have a structural role, namely
      that of ensuring that the cell body remains attached to the flagellum by
      connecting the subpellicular microtubule array to it.

PMID- 22096607
TI  - p21-Activated kinase 1 (Pak1) phosphorylates BAD directly at serine 111 in vitro
      and indirectly through Raf-1 at serine 112.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell survival depends on the balance between protective and apoptotic
      signals. When the balance of signals tips towards apoptosis, cells undergo
      programmed cell death. This balance has profound implications in diseases
      including cancer. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors are mutated to promote cell
      survival during tumor development, and many chemotherapeutic drugs kill tumor
      cells by stimulating apoptosis. BAD is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family
      of proteins, which can be phosphorylated on numerous sites to modulate binding to
      Bcl-2 and 14-3-3 proteins and inhibit its pro-apoptotic activities. One of the
      critical phosphorylation sites is the serine 112 (S112), which can be
      phosphorylated by several kinases including Pak1. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      We mapped the Pak phosphorylation sites by making serine to alanine mutations in
      BAD and testing them as substrates in in vitro kinase assays. We found that the
      primary phosphorylation site is not S112 but serine 111 (S111), a site that is
      sometimes found phosphorylated in vivo. In transfection assays of HEK293T cells,
      we showed that Pak1 required Raf-1 to stimulate phosphorylation on S112. Mutating
      either S111 or S112 to alanine enhanced binding to Bcl-2, but the double mutant
      S111/112A bound better to Bcl-2. Moreover, BAD phosphorylation at S111 was
      observed in several other cell lines, and treating one of them with the Pak1
      inhibitor 2,2'-Dihydroxy-1,1'-dinaphthyldisulfide (IPA-3) reduced phosphorylation
      primarily at S112 and to a smaller extent at S111, while Raf inhibitors only
      reduced phosphorylation at S112. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Together, these
      findings demonstrate that Pak1 phosphorylates BAD directly at S111, but
      phosphorylated S112 through Raf-1. These two sites of BAD serve as redundant
      regulatory sites for Bcl-2 binding.

PMID- 22096608
TI  - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms predict delay to hospital in
      patients with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased delay to hospital presentation with acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) is associated with poor outcomes. While demographic factors associated with
      this delay have been well described, scarce data are available on the role of
      modifiable factors, such as psychosocial disorders, on pre-hospital delay.
      Patients with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often avoid
      stressful situations and may delay presenting for care when they experience
      cardiac symptoms. It is unknown, however, whether PTSD symptoms negatively impact
      the time to presentation during an ACS. METHODS: We assessed the relationship
      between PTSD symptoms and pre-hospital delay in 241 adults with an ACS in the
      ongoing Prescription Use, Lifestyle, Stress Evaluation (PULSE) study. RESULTS:
      Overall, 66% of patients were male; 40% were Hispanic or Latino. The mean age was
      61.9+/-11.6 years old. PTSD symptoms were present in 17.8% of patients. Pre
      hospital delay was longer for patients with PTSD symptoms compared to those
      without [geometric mean: 25.8 hours (95% CI 13.8-44.8) vs. 10.7 hours (95% CI 8.3
      13.8)]; P = 0.005. After multivariable adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity,
      depression, left ventricular ejection fraction and history of myocardial
      infarction, the mean pre-hospital delay was 173% (95% CI: 36%-450%) longer for
      patients with versus without PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Among patients presenting
      with an ACS, PTSD symptoms were independently associated with longer pre-hospital
      delays. Future studies of pre-hospital delay should examine the mechanisms
      underlying this association.

PMID- 22096609
TI  - The effects of warming and nitrogen addition on soil nitrogen cycling in a
      temperate grassland, northeastern China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition are
      predicted to affect soil N cycling in terrestrial biomes over the next century.
      However, the interactive effects of warming and N deposition on soil N
      mineralization in temperate grasslands are poorly understood.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A field manipulation experiment was conducted to
      examine the effects of warming and N addition on soil N cycling in a temperate
      grassland of northeastern China from 2007 to 2009. Soil samples were incubated at
      a constant temperature and moisture, from samples collected in the field. The
      results showed that both warming and N addition significantly stimulated soil net
      N mineralization rate and net nitrification rate. Combined warming and N addition
      caused an interactive effect on N mineralization, which could be explained by the
      relative shift of soil microbial community structure because of fungal biomass
      increase and strong plant uptake of added N due to warming. Irrespective of
      strong intra- and inter-annual variations in soil N mineralization, the responses
      of N mineralization to warming and N addition did not change during the three
      growing seasons, suggesting independence of warming and N responses of N
      mineralization from precipitation variations in the temperate grassland.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Interactions between climate warming and N deposition
      on soil N cycling were significant. These findings will improve our understanding
      on the response of soil N cycling to the simultaneous climate change drivers in
      temperate grassland ecosystem.

PMID- 22096610
TI  - Evaluation of approaches to identify the targets of cellular immunity on a
      proteome-wide scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccine development against malaria and other complex diseases
      remains a challenge for the scientific community. The recent elucidation of the
      genome, proteome and transcriptome of many of these complex pathogens provides
      the basis for rational vaccine design by identifying, on a proteome-wide scale,
      novel target antigens that are recognized by T cells and antibodies from exposed
      individuals. However, there is currently no algorithm to effectively identify
      important target antigens from genome sequence data; this is especially
      challenging for T cell targets. Furthermore, for some of these pathogens, such as
      Plasmodium, protein expression using conventional platforms has been problematic
      but cell-free in vitro transcription translation (IVTT) strategies have recently
      proved successful. Herein, we report a novel approach for proteome-wide scale
      identification of the antigenic targets of T cell responses using IVTT products.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments
      using IVTT proteins either unpurified, absorbed to carboxylated polybeads, or
      affinity purified through nickel resin or magnetic beads. In vitro studies in
      humans using CMV, EBV, and Influenza A virus proteins showed antigen-specific
      cytokine production in ELIspot and Cytometric Bead Array assays with cells
      stimulated with purified or unpurified IVTT antigens. In vitro and in vivo
      studies in mice immunized with the Plasmodium yoelii circumsporozoite DNA vaccine
      with or without IVTT protein boost showed antigen-specific cytokine production
      using purified IVTT antigens only. Overall, the nickel resin method of IVTT
      antigen purification proved optimal in both human and murine systems.
      CONCLUSIONS: This work provides proof of concept for the potential of high
      throughput approaches to identify T cell targets of complex parasitic, viral or
      bacterial pathogens from genomic sequence data, for rational vaccine development
      against emerging and re-emerging diseases that pose a threat to public health.

PMID- 22096611
TI  - Bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical microbicide trials: blind
      evaluation of candidate gels in murine models of efficacy and safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite significant protection in preclinical studies, cellulose
      sulfate (CS) failed to protect women against HIV-1/2 and was associated with a
      trend toward increased HIV-1 acquisition in one of the clinical trials. These
      results highlight the need for preclinical tests more predictive of clinical
      outcomes. The objective of this study was to test coded vaginal gels, including
      CS, in murine models of safety and efficacy to determine the models' utility for
      evaluating future products. METHODS: Four coded formulations, including 6% CS, 2%
      PRO 2000 and two placebo gels, were administered intravaginally to
      medroxyprogesterone-treated mice and their ability to prevent genital herpes
      (efficacy) or to alter the susceptibility to low dose HSV challenge (safety) was
      determined. Nonoyxnol-9 served as a positive toxicity control. RESULTS: CS and
      PRO 2000 significantly protected mice from genital herpes following infection
      with a laboratory or clinical isolate of HSV-2 introduced in buffer (p<0.001).
      However, protection was reduced when virus was introduced in seminal plasma.
      Moreover, mice were significantly more susceptible to infection with low doses of
      HSV-2 when challenged 12 h after the 7th daily dose of CS or nonoxynol-9
      (p<0.05). The increased susceptibility was associated with alterations in
      epithelial architecture. CONCLUSIONS: CS prevented genital herpes when present at
      the time of viral challenge, but increased the rate of infection when gel was
      applied daily for 7 days with a vaginal wash prior to viral inoculation. The
      findings presumably reflect altered epithelial architecture, which may have
      contributed to the trend towards increased HIV observed clinically.

PMID- 22096612
TI  - Dynamic microtubules promote synaptic NMDA receptor-dependent spine enlargement.
AB  - Most excitatory synaptic terminals in the brain impinge on dendritic spines. We
      and others have recently shown that dynamic microtubules (MTs) enter spines from
      the dendritic shaft. However, a direct role for MTs in long-lasting spine
      plasticity has yet to be demonstrated and it remains unclear whether MT-spine
      invasions are directly influenced by synaptic activity. Lasting changes in spine
      morphology and synaptic strength can be triggered by activation of synaptic NMDA
      receptors (NMDARs) and are associated with learning and memory processes. To
      determine whether MTs are involved in NMDAR-dependent spine plasticity, we imaged
      MT dynamics and spine morphology in live mouse hippocampal pyramidal neurons
      before and after acute activation of synaptic NMDARs. Synaptic NMDAR activation
      promoted MT-spine invasions and lasting increases in spine size, with invaded
      spines exhibiting significantly faster and more growth than non-invaded spines.
      Even individual MT invasions triggered rapid increases in spine size that
      persisted longer following NMDAR activation. Inhibition of either NMDARs or
      dynamic MTs blocked NMDAR-dependent spine growth. Together these results
      demonstrate for the first time that MT-spine invasions are positively regulated
      by signaling through synaptic NMDARs, and contribute to long-lasting structural
      changes in targeted spines.

PMID- 22096613
TI  - Android fat depot is more closely associated with metabolic syndrome than
      abdominal visceral fat in elderly people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fat accumulation in android compartments may confer increased
      metabolic risk. The incremental utility of measuring regional fat deposition in
      association with metabolic syndrome (MS) has not been well described particularly
      in an elderly population. METHODS AND FINDINGS: As part of the Korean
      Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging, which is a community-based cohort study
      of people aged more than 65 years, subjects (287 male, 75.9+/-8.6 years and 278
      female, 76.0+/-8.8 years) with regional body composition data using Dual energy X
      ray absorptiometry for android/gynoid area, computed tomography for
      visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT/SAT), and cardiometabolic markers
      including adiponectin and high-sensitivity CRP were enrolled. We investigated the
      relationship between regional body composition and MS in multivariate regression
      models. Mean VAT and SAT area was 131.4+/-65.5 cm(2) and 126.9+/-55.2 cm(2) in
      men (P = 0.045) and 120.0+/-46.7 cm(2) and 211.8+/-65.9 cm(2) in women (P<0.01).
      Mean android and gynoid fat amount was 1.8+/-0.8 kg and 2.5+/-0.8 kg in men and
      2.0+/-0.6 kg and 3.3+/-0.8 kg in women, respectively (both P<0.01). VAT area and
      android fat amount was strongly correlated with most metabolic risk factors
      compared to SAT or gynoid fat. Furthermore, android fat amount was significantly
      associated with clustering of MS components after adjustment for multiple
      parameters including age, gender, adiponectin, hsCRP, a surrogate marker of
      insulin resistance, whole body fat mass and VAT area. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      are consistent with the hypothesized role of android fat as a pathogenic fat
      depot in the MS. Measurement of android fat may provide a more complete
      understanding of metabolic risk associated with variations in fat distribution.

PMID- 22096614
TI  - Comparison of peritoneal adhesion formation in bowel retraction by cotton towels
      versus the silicone lap pak device in a rabbit model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Manipulation of cotton operating room towels within the abdominal
      cavity in open abdominal surgery has been associated with the formation of
      peritoneal adhesions. In a rabbit model, the use of standard cotton operating
      room towels is compared to the Lap Pak, a silicone bowel-packing device, to
      determine the potential for reducing the risk of adhesions. METHODS: Thirty
      rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups. The rabbits underwent a sham surgery
      with incision only (n = 10), placement of operating room towels (n = 10), or
      placement of a Lap Pak (n = 10). After 14 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and
      the peritoneal cavity explored for adhesions. The number, tenacity, ease of
      dissection, and density of adhesions were recorded, and the adhesions
      quantitatively graded using a Modified Hopkins Adhesion scoring system. RESULTS:
      The operating room towel group had an average adhesion score of 2.5, and 8 (80%)
      rabbits developed adhesions. The sham group had an average adhesion score of 0.3
      and one rabbit (10%) developed adhesions. The Lap Pak group had an average
      adhesion score of 0.2 and 1 rabbit (10%) developed adhesions. The frequency and
      severity of adhesions in the operating room towel group were significantly
      greater from that of the baseline sham group. There was no significant difference
      between the Lap Pak and sham groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this rabbit laparotomy
      model, the use of the Lap Pak to retract the bowels resulted in significantly
      fewer adhesions compared to cotton operating room towels. Lap Pak may be
      beneficial for bowel packing in general abdominal surgeries.

PMID- 22096615
TI  - Flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after volar plating of a distal radius
      fracture: pronator quadratus plate coverage may not adequately protect tendons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The senior author previously reported a case of rupture of the flexor
      policis longus tendon after volar plating of a distal radius fracture. We
      hypothesized that restoration of the pronator quadratus to its native position
      after plating might prevent this problem. METHODS: The authors report a new case
      of irritation of the flexor policis longus 2.5 years after volar plating of a
      distal radius fracture. The plate was in good contact with the bone, and the
      pronator quadratus had been restored to its native position. Despite this, there
      was a partial-thickness laceration of the tendon over the plate and a defect in
      the pronator quadratus muscle which had been between the plate and the tendon.
      RESULTS: The patient was treated with removal of the plate and repair of the
      tendon. She never lost function of the flexor policis longus tendon and has full
      function of her hand. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that restoration of the
      pronator quadratus to its native position after volar plating of a distal radius
      fracture does protect the overlying flexor tendons. Even with this step, tendon
      irritation can still occur. The authors advise their patients at the time of
      discharge from initial treatment of their distal radius fracture to be vigilant
      for any evidence of flexor tendon irritation and to return for evaluation if they
      have any suspicion of this.

PMID- 22096616
TI  - Nitazoxanide Disrupts Membrane Potential and Intrabacterial pH Homeostasis of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Nitazoxanide (Alinia((r))), a nitro-thiazolyl antiparasitic drug, kills diverse
      microorganisms by unknown mechanisms. Here we identified two actions of
      nitazoxanide against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb): disruption of Mtb's
      membrane potential and pH homeostasis. Both actions were shared by a structurally
      related anti-mycobacterial compound, niclosamide. Reactive nitrogen intermediates
      were reported to synergize with nitazoxanide and its deacetylated derivative
      tizoxanide in killing Mtb. Herein, however, we could not attribute this to
      increased uptake of nitazoxanide or tizoxanide as monitored by targeted
      metabolomics, nor to increased impact of nitazoxanide on Mtb's membrane potential
      or intrabacterial pH. Thus, further mechanisms of action of nitazoxanide or
      tizoxanide may await discovery. The multiple mechanisms of action may contribute
      to Mtb's ultra-low frequency of resistance against nitazoxanide.

PMID- 22096617
TI  - CONTINUOUS REPOPULATION OF LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN TRANSPLANTED MYCOBACTERIAL
      GRANULOMAS.
AB  - Granulomas are the interface between host and mycobacteria, and are crucial for
      the surivival of both species. While macrophages are the main cellular component
      of these lesions, different lymphocyte subpopulations within the lesions also
      play important roles. Lymphocytes are continuously recruited into these
      inflammatory lesions via local vessels to replace cells that are either dying or
      leaving; however, their rate of replacement is not known. Using a model of
      granuloma transplantation and fluorescently labeled cellular compartments we
      report that, depending on the subpopulation, 10-80%, of cells in the granuloma
      are replaced within one week after transplantation. CD4(+) T cells specific for
      Mycobacterium antigen entered transplanted granulomas at a higher frequency than
      Foxp3(+) CD4(+) T cells by one week. Interestingly, a small number of T
      lymphocytes migrated out of the granuloma to secondary lymphoid organs. The
      mechanisms that define the differences in recruitment and efflux behind each
      subpopulation requires further studies. Ultimately, a better understanding of
      lymphoid traffic may provide new ways to modulate, regulate, and treat
      granulomatous diseases.

PMID- 22096619
TI  - Laparoscopic removal of pelvic hydatid cysts in young female: a case report.
AB  - Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of dog tapeworms
      belonging to the genus Echinococcus (family taeniidae) and is also referred to as
      echinococcosis. Human cystic echinococcosis caused by E. granulosus is the most
      common presentation and probably accounts for more than 95% of the estimated 2-3
      million annual worldwide cases. The liver (70-80%) and lungs (15-25%) are the
      most frequent locations for echinococcal cysts. The diagnosis is made through the
      combined assessment of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. The
      treatment is mainly surgical, and, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment,
      prognosis is good. With advances and increasing experience in laparoscopic
      surgery, many more attempts have been made to offer the advantage of such a
      procedure to these patients (Chowbey et al. (2003)).

PMID- 22096618
TI  - Delineating chromosomal breakpoints in radiation-induced papillary thyroid
      cancer.
AB  - Recurrent translocations are well known hallmarks of many human solid tumors and
      hematological disorders, where patient- and breakpoint-specific information may
      facilitate prognostication and individualized therapy. In thyroid carcinomas, the
      proto-oncogenes RET and NTRK1 are often found to be activated through chromosomal
      rearrangements. However, many sporadic tumors and papillary thyroid carcinomas
      (PTCs) arising in patients with a history of exposure to elevated levels of
      ionizing irradiation do not carry these known abnormalities. We developed a rapid
      scheme to screen tumor cell metaphase spreads and identify candidate genes of
      tumorigenesis and neoplastic progression for subsequent functional studies. Using
      a series of overnight fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments with
      pools comprised of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, it now becomes
      possible to rapidly refine breakpoint maps and, within one week, progress from
      the low resolution Spectral Karyotyping (SKY) maps or Giemsa-banding (G-banding)
      karyotypes to fully integrated, high resolution physical maps including a list of
      candiate genes in the critical regions. 

PMID- 22096620
TI  - Single-port Laparoscopic Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure: Technique and Results.
AB  - In general, reversal of Hartmann's procedure is associated with a high morbidity
      and therefore leads to a low rate of intestinal restoration. Reversal of
      Hartmann's procedure has to be seen as a complex abdominal operation with the
      same possible complications as in other colorectal resections. By using the
      laparoscopic technique, operative access trauma by laparotomy can be minimized.
      After introducing single-port access into laparoscopic surgery beginning with
      cholecystectomies and sigmoid resections, we started with the first single-port
      laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure in January 2010. After excision of
      the colostoma, mobilization, and reponing into the abdominal cavity, the single
      port trocar was placed at the stoma incision without any extra scar. We
      investigated whether the single-port laparoscopic reversal is as safely feasible
      as the "conventional" laparoscopic procedure. Till December 2010, single-port
      reversal operation was performed in 8 patients 2-4 months after Hartmann's
      procedure because of complicated diverticulitis. No conversion to "conventional"
      laparoscopic or open procedure was necessary in 1 patient one extra 5 mm trocar
      was used. The average operation time was 74 min. Except for one wound
      complication, the postoperative course was uncomplicated. The patients were
      discharged after 4 to 8 postoperative days. Single-port reversal of Hartmann's
      procedure has showed as a new method for minimizing the access trauma even
      further than "conventional" laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 22096621
TI  - The arthroscopic ulnohumeral arthroplasty: from mini-open to arthroscopic
      surgery.
AB  - In cubarthritis-osteoarthritis of the elbow-surgical procedures may be considered
      to debride the elbow joint to reduce pain, to increase mobility, and to postpone
      joint replacement surgery. The ulnohumeral arthroplasty as described by
      Outerbridge and Kashiwagi was originally introduced to debride both anterior and
      posterior elbow compartments through a direct posterior mini-open approach. To
      achieve this, a distal humeral fenestration throughout the humeral fossa is
      performed. Although with an elbow arthroscopy, a technique that was obviously
      developed later on, all compartments can be easily visualized. The arthroscopic
      fenestration of the humerus preserves its advantages, with good clinical results
      focused on pain relief and gaining mobility. On top, future elbow joint locking
      based on degenerative loose bodies can be prevented. Therefore, this surgery is
      often done in young, more active patients and even in sportsmen. These patients,
      however, need to be prompted to restrict loading on the elbow in the immediate
      postoperative period, because the elbow is biomechanically weakened and may be
      prone to a fracture. However, both outcome and postoperative rehabilitation are
      promising and the arthroscopic Outerbridge procedure is a reliable procedure with
      an easy rehabilitation. Therefore, the threshold is relatively low in early
      cubarthritis and recurrent locking of the elbow. In this paper, we present a
      literature review and the author's experience and own research on the Outerbridge
      procedure.

PMID- 22096622
TI  - 5'CAG and 5'CTG Repeats Create Differential Impediment to the Progression of a
      Minimal Reconstituted T4 Replisome Depending on the Concentration of dNTPs.
AB  - Instability of repetitive sequences originates from strand misalignment during
      repair or replicative DNA synthesis. To investigate the activity of reconstituted
      T4 replisomes across trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) during leading strand DNA
      synthesis, we developed a method to build replication miniforks containing a TNR
      unit of defined sequence and length. Each minifork consists of three strands,
      primer, leading strand template, and lagging strand template with a 5' single
      stranded (ss) tail. Each strand is prepared independently, and the minifork is
      assembled by hybridization of the three strands. Using these miniforks and a
      minimal reconstituted T4 replisome, we show that during leading strand DNA
      synthesis, the dNTP concentration dictates which strand of the structure-forming
      5'CAG/5'CTG repeat creates the strongest impediment to the minimal replication
      complex. We discuss this result in the light of the known fluctuation of dNTP
      concentration during the cell cycle and cell growth and the known concentration
      balance among individual dNTPs.

PMID- 22096623
TI  - Serial Assessment of Cardiac Function during and following Mitoxantrone Infusion
      in 30 Consecutive Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Immunosuppressive therapy is an established therapeutic option in patients
      suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). In an open nonrandomized study we
      serially assessed cardiac function in 30 consecutive patients with MS before,
      during, and after mitoxantrone therapy. Mitoxantrone (12 mg/m(2)) was
      administered intravenously at 3-month intervals. Before each infusion, cardiac
      function was assessed by history taking, resting electrocardiogram, and
      echocardiography. Whereas no patient experienced clinical signs of heart failure,
      left ventricular pump function decreased continuously during mitoxantrone therapy
      and did not recover after cessation. The presented data suggest a dose-dependent
      and long-lasting toxic cardiac effect of low-dose mitoxantrone therapy in MS.

PMID- 22096624
TI  - Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain correlations to visual function, optical
      coherence tomography, and treatment.
AB  - Objective. To correlate visual and neurologic clinical scores and treatment of
      optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with assays of serum
      phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) and optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) measurements of axonal loss. Design/Methods. The Optic Neuritis Treatment
      Trial (ONTT) randomized 457 patients with acute optic neuritis to intravenous
      methylprednisolone (IVMP) followed by oral prednisone, oral prednisone or placebo
      treatment arms. We quantified serum pNF-H levels in 175 ONTT patients 5 years
      after study entry. We performed OCT measurements of macular volume and the
      retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in a subset of 51 patients at year 15. Results.
      Elevated pNF-H levels at year 5 correlated to poorer visual function at study
      entry. Lower 15 year macular volumes and RNFL thickness correlated better with
      follow-up than with baseline visual function measures. With IVMP treatment, 15
      year RNFL differences of the fellow eye (FE) minus the affected eye (SE)
      RNFLFEmSE correlated with five-year pNF-H levels. PNF-H was reduced by half with
      IVMP relative to placebo or by 40% relative to prednisone. Conclusions/Relevance.
      Acute optic neuritis patients who have more severe visual loss during initial
      presentation have a higher incidence of axonal loss that was slightly suppressed
      with IVMP treatment.

PMID- 22096625
TI  - Internet usage by patients with multiple sclerosis: implications to participatory
      medicine and personalized healthcare.
AB  - Online health information and services for patients were suggested to improve
      symptom management and treatment adherence, thereby contributing to healthcare
      optimization. This paper aimed to characterize multiple sclerosis (MS) patients
      Internet usage. Information regarding browsing habits, Internet reliability, and
      the medical team's attitude to information collected online was obtained by
      questionnaires from MS patients. Data was compared between nonbrowsers, browsers
      on MS topics, and browsers on non-MS topics only. From the 96 patients recruited,
      61 (63.5%) performed MS-related searches. The most viewed topics were
      "understanding the disease" and "treatments". Patients reported that the
      information helped coping with MS and assured them of the appropriateness of
      their therapy. Shorter disease duration was correlated with higher Internet
      activity. Disabled patients were more interested in online interaction with
      specialists and support groups. This paper suggests that MS patients benefit from
      online information, and it emphasizes the importance of resources tailored to
      patients needs.

PMID- 22096626
TI  - Evaluating the use of optical coherence tomography in optic neuritis.
AB  - Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory optic nerve injury, which is strongly
      associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Axonal damage in the optic nerve
      manifests as retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) deficits, which can be readily
      quantified with optical coherence tomography (OCT). The RNFL represents the most
      proximal region of the afferent visual pathway; and, as such, is a unique region
      of the central nervous system (CNS) because it lacks myelin. Changes in retinal
      integrity can be correlated with reliable and quantifiable visual outcomes to
      provide a structural-functional paradigm of CNS injury. Because the eye provides
      a unique "view" into the effects of CNS inflammation, the ON "system model" may
      provide greater understanding about disease mechanisms, which underpin disability
      in MS. This review addresses the applications of OCT in study of ON patients,
      with specific reference to the published reports to date. The future role of OCT
      is discussed, both in terms of the potential gains and certain challenges
      associated with this evolving technology.

PMID- 22096627
TI  - CCR5Delta32 Polymorphism Associated with a Slower Rate Disease Progression in a
      Cohort of RR-MS Sicilian Patients.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease is carried through inflammatory and degenerative
      stages. Based on clinical feaures, it can be subdivided into three groups:
      relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, and primary progressive MS.
      Multiple sclerosis has a multifactorial etiology with an interplay of genetic
      predisposition, environmental factors, and autoimmune inflammatory mechanism in
      which play a key role CC-chemokines and its receptors. In this paper, we studied
      the frequency of CCR5 gene Delta32 allele in a cohort of Sicilian RR-MS patients
      comparing with general Sicilian population. Also, we evaluate the association
      between this commonly polymorphism and disability development and age of disease
      onset in the same cohort. Our results show that presence of CCR5Delta32 is
      significantly associated with expanded disability status scale score (EDSS) but
      not with age of disease onset.

PMID- 22096628
TI  - Serum metabolic profile in multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive demyelinating process considered as an
      autoimmune disease, although the causes of this pathology have not been yet fully
      established. Similarly to other neurodegenerations, MS is characterized by a
      series of biochemical changes affecting to different extent neuronal functions;
      great attention has been given to oxidative/nitrosative stress and to alterations
      in mitochondrial functions. According to previous data, MS patients show
      significant changes in the circulating concentrations of different metabolites,
      although it is still unclear whether uric acid undergoes to decrease, increase,
      or no change under this pathological condition. In this study, we report the
      serum metabolic profile in terms of purines, pyrimidines, creatinine,
      malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, nitrite, and nitrate in a group of 170 MS
      patients. The results show increase in circulating uric acid and other oxypurines
      (hypoxanthine and xanthine), as well as in uridine and beta-pseudouridine. The
      concomitant increase in circulating creatinine, malondialdehyde, nitrite, and
      nitrate, and decrease in ascorbic acid, demonstrates that MS induces alteration
      in energy metabolism and in oxidants/antioxidants balance that can be monitored
      in serum of MS patients.

PMID- 22096629
TI  - Varicella zoster virus and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disorder; however, little is known
      about the triggering factors of the abnormal immune response. Different viruses
      from the herpes family have been mentioned as potential participants. Here, we
      review the evidences that support the association of varicella zoster virus (VZV)
      with MS. Epidemiological studies from geographical areas, where incidence of MS
      has increased in recent decades, pointed out a high frequency of varicella and
      zoster in the clinical antecedents of MS patients, and also laboratory
      investigations have found large quantities of DNA from VZV in leucocytes and
      cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients restricted to the ephemeral period of MS
      relapse, followed by disappearance of the virus during remission. The above
      observations and the peculiar features of VZV, mainly characterized by its
      neurotropism and long periods of latency followed by viral reactivation, support
      the idea on the participation of VZV in the etiology of MS. However, as with
      reports from studies with other viruses, particularly Epstein Barr virus,
      conflicting results on confirmatory studies about the presence of viral gene
      products in brain tissue indicate the need for further research on the potential
      participation of VZV in the etiology of MS.

PMID- 22096630
TI  - Repeated intrathecal triamcinolone acetonide administration in progressive
      multiple sclerosis: a review.
AB  - At the present time, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or immunosuppressive
      treatments of multiple sclerosis (MS) are mainly effective in the early phases of
      the disease but are of less advantage in progressive phases. Current therapeutic
      strategies of both primary and secondary progressive MS are rare. One alternative
      may be intrathecal application of triamcinolone acetonide (TCA). Number of papers
      deal with advantages and disadvantages of intrathecal administration in MS.
      Former trials lacked detailed selection of MS patients, with small sample sizes,
      low steroid dosages, and only a small number of intrathecal administration of
      short acting steroids. The present paper summarizes recent trials performed
      following a different treatment regime. They were conducted in patients with
      progressive MS suffering mainly from spinal symptoms and documented a significant
      improvement of EDSS and walking distance (WD). Intrathecal TCA administration is
      a proposal to take into account as one therapy option in patients with a
      progressive clinical course and predominantly spinal symptoms.

PMID- 22096631
TI  - Consensus Guidelines for CSF and Blood Biobanking for CNS Biomarker Studies.
AB  - There is a long history of research into body fluid biomarkers in
      neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. However, only a few biomarkers
      in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are being used in clinical practice. Anti-aquaporin
      4 antibodies in serum are currently useful for the diagnosis of neuromyelitis
      optica (NMO), but we could expect novel CSF biomarkers that help define prognosis
      and response to treatment for this disease. One of the most critical factors in
      biomarker research is the inadequate powering of studies performed by single
      centers. Collaboration between investigators is needed to establish large
      biobanks of well-defined samples. A key issue in collaboration is to establish
      standardized protocols for biobanking to ensure that the statistical power gained
      by increasing the numbers of CSF samples is not compromised by pre-analytical
      factors. Here, consensus guidelines for CSF collection and biobanking are
      presented, based on the guidelines that have been published by the BioMS-eu
      network for CSF biomarker research. We focussed on CSF collection procedures, pre
      analytical factors and high quality clinical and paraclinical information.
      Importantly, the biobanking protocols are applicable for CSF biobanks for
      research targeting any neurological disease.

PMID- 22096632
TI  - The impact of comorbid depression on adherence to therapy for multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Objective. Examine the impact of comorbid depression on adherence to disease
      modifying therapy (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods. A retrospective
      database was used to identify patients with MS treated with a DMT. Patients with
      MS and comorbid depression were matched to patients with MS only. Adherence to
      DMT was proxied by the medication possession ratio (MPR) and multivariate
      regressions were used to examine the association between comorbid depression and
      adherence to DMT. Results. Patients with comorbid depression had a 10 point lower
      MPR (P < 0.01) and were less likely to achieve a MPR of at least 80% (odds ratio
      (OR) = 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.74) than those without
      depression. While treatment with an antidepressant generally had no significant
      impact on the likelihood of achieving an MPR threshold of 80% (OR = 1.32; 95% CI
      0.50-3.48), adherence to antidepressant therapy guidelines were associated with
      improved adherence to DMT therapy. Conclusions. MS patients with comorbid
      depression were approximately half as likely to be adherent to their DMT relative
      to patients with MS without depression. Although treatment with antidepressant
      therapy generally did not improve the likelihood of adherence, treatment with
      antidepressants for at least 6 months was associated with better adherence to
      DMT.

PMID- 22096633
TI  - Exploring the Association between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Initial
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Acute Optic Neuritis.
AB  - Background. Recent studies have shown that OCT-measured retinal nerve fiber layer
      (RNFL) values may represent a marker for axonal damage in the anterior visual
      pathway of optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The goal of
      this study was to determine the link between RNFL values and initial magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in
      patients with acute ON. Methods. Fifty patients who experienced ON as a
      clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) were followed for a mean period of 34 months
      with OCT testing. RNFL values in affected (ON) eyes and clinically unaffected
      (non-ON) eyes were compared between patients with MRI evidence of white matter
      lesions and those with normal baseline MRI findings, over a two year period.
      Findings. Twenty-one patients (42%) developed clinically definite MS (CDMS)
      during the study. After two years, temporal RNFL values were thinner (P = .07) in
      ON patients with MRI lesions at baseline, but the results were not significant.
      Conclusions. There is no association between RNFL values and baseline MRI status
      in ON patients at risk for future CDMS over a two year period.

PMID- 22096634
TI  - Corpus callosum microstructural changes correlate with cognitive dysfunction in
      early stages of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: axial and radial
      diffusivities approach.
AB  - The corpus callosum is the largest fiber bundle in the central nervous system and
      it takes part in several cognitive pathways. It can be affected by multiple
      sclerosis (MS) early in the disease. DTI is capable of infering the
      microstructural organization of the white matter. The vectorial analysis of the
      DTI offers the more specific indices of axial diffusivity (AD) and radial
      diffusivity (RD), which have shown to be useful to discriminate myelin damage
      from axon loss, respectively. This study presents DTI results (mean diffusivity
      (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), RD, and AD) of 23 relapsing-remitting MS
      patients and its correlation with cognitive performance. There were 47.8% of
      cognitive impaired patients (MS CI). We found signs of demyelination, reflected
      by increased RD, and incipient axon loss, reflected by AD increase, which was
      slightly higher in the MS CI. The cognitive changes correlated with the DTI
      parameters, suggesting that loss of complexity in CC connections can impair
      neural conduction. Thus, cognitive impairment can be related to callosal
      disconnection, and DTI can be a promising tool to evaluate those changes.

PMID- 22096635
TI  - Neurofilament proteins as body fluid biomarkers of neurodegeneration in multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - Biomarkers of axonal degeneration have the potential to improve our capacity to
      predict and monitor neurological outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
      Neurofilament proteins, one of the major proteins expressed within neurons and
      axons, have been detected in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples from MS
      patients and are now being actively investigated for their utility as prognostic
      indicators of disease progression in MS. In this paper, we summarize the current
      literature on neurofilament structure, assembly, and degeneration and discuss
      their potential utility as biomarkers for monitoring neurological decline in MS.
      We also discuss the need to further develop sensitive methods for assaying
      neurofilaments in blood to improve clinical applicability.

PMID- 22096636
TI  - Potential impact of B cells on T cell function in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease of the central
      nervous system. The contribution of B cells in the pathoetiology of MS has
      recently been highlighted by the emergence of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal
      antibody that specifically depletes B cells, as a potent immunomodulatory therapy
      for the treatment of MS. However, a clearer understanding of the impact B cells
      have on the neuro-inflammatory component of MS pathogenesis is needed in order to
      develop novel therapeutics whose affects on B cells would be beneficial and not
      harmful. Since T cells are known mediators of the pathology of MS, the goal of
      this review is to summarize what is known about the interactions between B cells
      and T cells, and how current and emerging immunotherapies may impact B-T cell
      interactions in MS.

PMID- 22096637
TI  - Multiple sclerosis: a disorder of altered T-cell homeostasis.
AB  - Uncertainty exists as to whether similar or different mechanisms contribute to
      the pathogenesis of different subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS). Detailed
      analysis of naive T cell homeostasis shows that patients with relapsing-remitting
      MS (RRMS) and with primary progressive MS (PPMS) have early-onset thymic
      involution that causes reduced thymic output. The reduced thymic output leads to
      secondary peripheral homeostatic alterations in naive CD4 T-cells, which closely
      mimic T-cell alterations observed in an experimental animal model of diabetes
      mellitus. Homeostatic T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling and proliferation of naive
      T cells are induced by self-peptides. Consequently, the findings of increased TCR
      signalling of naive CD4 T-cells, without increased proliferation, in PPMS, and
      the increased homeostatic proliferation of naive CD4 T-cells in RRMS favour the
      development of autoimmunity. Thus, it seems highly likely that peripheral T-cell
      alterations secondary to a thymic abnormality contribute to the pathogenesis of
      both MS subtypes.

PMID- 22096638
TI  - Optical coherence tomography in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica: an
      update.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses light interference patterns to produce a
      cross-sectional image of the retina. It is capable of measuring the unmyelinated
      axons of the retinal ganglionar cells as they converge on the optic disc. In a
      disease like multiple sclerosis (MS), in which axonal loss has been identified as
      an important cause of sustained disability, it may prove an invaluable tool. OCT
      has demonstrated that axonal loss occurs after each episode of optic neuritis and
      that the degree of axonal loss is correlated to visual outcomes. Furthermore,
      axonal loss occurs in MS even in the absence of inflammatory episodes, and the
      degree of this loss is correlated with the duration of the disease process, with
      more thinning as the disease advances and in progressive forms. Thus, OCT retinal
      nerve fiber layer measurements may represent an objective outcome measure with
      which to evaluate the effect of treatment.

PMID- 22096639
TI  - Reduced ErbB4 Expression in Immune Cells of Patients with Relapsing Remitting
      Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Background. There is an insufficient remyelination in the lesions of multiple
      sclerosis (MS). One of the factor that was found to promote remyelination is
      neuregulin-1 which is the ligand of ErbB4. Immune cells have been implicated in
      neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. Aims. We studied the expression of ErbB4 in
      the immune cells of patients with relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis
      (MS) and healthy controls. Methods. ErB4 expression in immune cells was studied
      by flow cytometry without stimulation or with stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti
      CD28 monoclonal antibodies or in the presence of interferon-g or TNF-alpha as
      well as by immunoprecipitation and Western blot, and its mRNA was studied by real
      time PCR. Results. We found reduced levels of ErbB4 in the total PBMCs and in T
      cells, monocytes, and B cells of RR MS patients. Similarly, the ErbB4 RNA levels
      were reduced in the immune cells of patients with RR-MS. Stimulation via CD3 and
      CD28 significantly upregulated the expression of ErbB4 on immune cells healthy
      individuals. This effect was weaker in the patients group. Conclusion. ErbB4 may
      play a role in the proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells,
      differentiation of oligodendrocytes, and remyelination, and, therefore, the
      reduced ErbB4 expression in immune cells of patients with RR-MS may contribute to
      insufficient remyelination that occurs in the disease.

PMID- 22096640
TI  - Iron and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Increased iron deposition might be implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent
      development of MRI enabled to determine brain iron levels in a quantitative
      manner, which has put more interest on studying the role of iron in MS. Evidence
      for abnormal iron homeostasis in MS comes also from analyses of iron and iron
      related proteins in CSF and blood and postmortem MS brain sections. However, it
      is not yet clear if iron accumulation is implicated in MS pathology or merely
      reflects an epiphenomenon. Further interest has been generated by the idea of
      chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency that might be associated with brain
      iron accumulation due to a reduction in venous outflow, but its existence and
      etiologic role in MS are currently controversially debated. In future studies,
      combined approaches applying quantitative MRI together with CSF and serum
      analyses of iron and iron-related proteins in a clinical followup setting might
      help to elucidate the implication of iron accumulation in MS.

PMID- 22096641
TI  - When to initiate disease-modifying drugs for relapsing remitting multiple
      sclerosis in adults?
AB  - For patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Scierosis Beta Interfaerons and
      Glatiramer Acetate were the first to be licensed for treatment. This review deals
      with one major question: when to initiate therapy? Through exploring the unique
      characteristics of the disease and treatement we suggest an approach that should
      be helpful in the process of decision-making.

PMID- 22096643
TI  - Hyperacute corticosteroid treatment of optic neuritis at the onset of pain may
      prevent visual loss: a case series.
AB  - Aim. To show that high-dose corticosteroids may prevent visual loss in patients
      with optic neuritis (ON) treated at the prodromal, hyperacute, phase of
      retrobulbar pain. Method. Prospective case series: patients were recruited with a
      history of ON associated with pain. The patients were advised to report
      immediately to the investigators should the pain recur in either eye. Where
      possible, orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to confirm a
      recurrence of ON and treatment with high-dose corticosteroids was commenced.
      Visual function and the patient's subjective account were monitored. Results.
      Eight patients (including cases of MS, CRION and NMO) presented in the hyperacute
      phase. MRI confirmed optic nerve inflammation in 5/5. Treatment was commenced
      immediately, and, in all cases, no visual loss ensued. Conclusion. MRI can be
      used to confirm acute optic neuritis prior to visual loss in the hyperacute
      phase. We suggest that treatment with high-dose corticosteroids may abort the
      attack and prevent loss of vision in patients with ON who are treated at the
      onset of pain. This has potential implications for the management of acute ON and
      also for our understanding of the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets
      in the neuroinflammatory conditions associated with ON.

PMID- 22096644
TI  - Blood and CSF Biomarker Dynamics in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Data
      Interpretation.
AB  - Background. Disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to neuroaxonal
      degeneration. A reliable blood biomarker for neuroaxonal degeneration is needed.
      Objectives. To explore the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and
      serum concentrations of a protein biomarker for neuroaxonal degeneration, the
      neurofilaments heavy chain (NfH). Methods. An exploratory cross-sectional (n =
      51) and longitudinal (n = 34) study on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum NfH
      phosphoform levels in patients with MS. The expanded disability status scale
      (EDSS), CSF, and serum levels of NfH-SMI34 and NfH-SMI35 were quantified at
      baseline. Disability progression was assessed at 3-year followup. Results. At
      baseline, patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS, EDSS 6) and secondary
      progressive MS (SPMS, EDSS 6) were more disabled compared to patients with
      relapsing remitting MS (RRMS, EDSS 2, P < .0001). Serum and CSF NfH phosphoform
      levels were not correlated. Baseline serum levels of the NfH-SMI34 were
      significantly (P < .05) higher in patients with PPMS (2.05 ng/mL) compared to
      SPMS (0.03 ng/mL) and RRMS (1.56 ng/mL). In SPMS higher serum than CSF NfH-SMI34
      levels predicted disability progression from baseline (DeltaEDSS 2, P < .05). In
      RRMS higher CSF than serum NfH-SMI35 levels predicted disability progression
      (DeltaEDSS 2, P < .05). Conclusion. Serum and CSF NfH-SMI34 and NfH-SMI35 levels
      did not correlate with each other in MS. The quantitative relationship of CSF and
      serum NfH levels suggests that neuroaxonal degeneration of the central nervous
      system is the likely cause for disability progression in RRMS. In more severely
      disabled patients with PP/SPMS, subtle pathology of the peripheral nervous system
      cannot be excluded as an alternative source for blood NfH levels. Therefore, the
      interpretation of blood protein biomarker data in diseases of the central nervous
      system (CNS) should consider the possibility that pathology of the peripheral
      nervous system (PNS) may influence the results.

PMID- 22096645
TI  - Restless legs syndrome presenting as an acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Restless legs syndrome is common in patients with multiple sclerosis but has not
      been reported as occurring due to an acute, inflammatory, demyelinating attack.
      Restless legs syndrome is known to be related to low brain iron levels. Multiple
      sclerosis has been associated with the abnormal accumulation of iron in the
      chronic, progressive phase of axonal degeneration. Iron deficiency may play a
      role in demyelination. This suggests that restless legs syndrome may be caused by
      the inflammatory, demyelinating component of multiple sclerosis rather than
      axonal degeneration. The author presents a case of self-limited restless legs
      syndrome occurring as an acute attack of multiple sclerosis, supporting the
      notion that inflammatory demyelination is the underlying pathophysiology of
      restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 22096642
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers of neuroaxonal damage in multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - Following emerging evidence that neurodegenerative processes in multiple
      sclerosis (MS) are present from its early stages, an intensive scientific
      interest has been directed to biomarkers of neuro-axonal damage in body fluids of
      MS patients. Recent research has introduced new candidate biomarkers but also
      elucidated pathogenetic and clinical relevance of the well-known ones. This paper
      reviews the existing data on blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of
      neuroaxonal damage in MS and highlights their relation to clinical parameters, as
      well as their potential predictive value to estimate future disease course,
      disability, and treatment response. Strategies for future research in this field
      are suggested.

PMID- 22096646
TI  - Response to interferon-Beta treatment in afro-caribbeans with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients of African ancestry have a more
      aggressive disease course than white patients and could be resistant to
      interferon-beta (INFB). Methods. We studied the impact of INFB in treatment-naive
      Afro-Caribbean (AC) with clinically definite MS using our European Database for
      Multiple Sclerosis (EDMUS) (2003-2010). Main outcome measures were annual relapse
      rate after 2 years of treatment, proportion of exacerbation-free subjects 48
      weeks after initiating INFB, and time to first relapse. Results. 76 AC-MS
      (59F/17M) were identified. Annual relapse rate of 1.29 decreased to 0.83 (-35.6%)
      after 2 years of treatment. The proportion of relapse-free patients at 48 weeks
      was 46.2%. Median time to first relapse was 52 weeks. Conclusion. INFB is not
      strong enough to control AC-MS patients in many cases which is problematic in a
      population of worse MS prognosis.

PMID- 22096647
TI  - An NTCP Analysis of Urethral Complications from Low Doserate Mono- and Bi
      Radionuclide Brachytherapy.
AB  - Urethral NTCP has been determined for three prostates implanted with seeds based
      on (125)I (145 Gy), (103)Pd (125 Gy), (131)Cs (115 Gy), (103)Pd-(125)I (145 Gy),
      or (103)Pd-(131)Cs (115 Gy or 130 Gy). First, DU(20), meaning that 20% of the
      urhral volume receive a dose of at least DU(20), is converted into an I-125 LDR
      equivalent DU(20) in order to use the urethral NTCP model. Second, the
      propagation of uncertainties through the steps in the NTCP calculation was
      assessed in order to identify the parameters responsible for large data
      uncertainties. Two sets of radiobiological parameters were studied. The NTCP
      results all fall in the 19%-23% range and are associated with large
      uncertainties, making the comparison difficult. Depending on the dataset chosen,
      the ranking of NTCP values among the six seed implants studied changes. Moreover,
      the large uncertainties on the fitting parameters of the urethral NTCP model
      result in large uncertainty on the NTCP value. In conclusion, the use of NTCP
      model for permanent brachytherapy is feasible but it is essential that the
      uncertainties on the parameters in the model be reduced.

PMID- 22096648
TI  - Comments on the extraperitoneal approach for standard laparoscopic radical
      prostatectomy: what is gained and what is lost.
AB  - Laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (LERP) is considered the
      standard care treatment option for the management of localized and locally
      advanced prostatic cancer (PCa) in many institutes worldwide. In this work, the
      main advantages and disadvantages of LERP approach are reviewed with regard to
      its outcomes, the complication management, the learning curve, and the extend of
      pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). It is concluded that LERP demonstrates
      comparable cancer control, urinary continence, and potency outcomes with the open
      and the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, while offering advantages in
      complication management in comparison to the transperitoneal approach. Learning
      curve of LERP is considered long and stiff and significantly affects
      perioperative outcomes and morbidity, cancer control, and functional results.
      Thus, close mentoring especially in the beginning of the learning curve is
      advised. Finally, LERP still has a role in the limited or modified PLND offered
      in intermediate risk PCa patients.

PMID- 22096649
TI  - Pathology update for urologists.

PMID- 22096650
TI  - Racial/Ethnic patterns in prostate cancer outcomes in an active surveillance
      cohort.
AB  - Introduction. Concern regarding overtreatment of prostate cancer (CaP) is leading
      to increased attention on active surveillance (AS). This study examined CaP
      survivors on AS and compared secondary treatment patterns and overall survival by
      race/ethnicity. Methods. The study population consisted of CaP patients self
      classified as black or white followed on AS in the Center for Prostate Disease
      Research (CPDR) multicenter national database between 1989 and 2008. Secondary
      treatment included radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy or
      brachytherapy (EBRT-Br), and hormone therapy (HT). Secondary treatment patterns
      and overall survival were compared by race/ethnicity. Results. Among 886 eligible
      patients, 21% were black. Despite racial differences in risk characteristics and
      secondary treatment patterns, overall survival was comparable across race. RP
      following AS was associated with the longest overall survival. Conclusion. Racial
      disparity in overall survival was not observed in this military health care
      beneficiary cohort with an equal access to health care.

PMID- 22096651
TI  - First danish single-institution experience with radical prostatectomy:
      biochemical outcome in 1200 consecutive patients.
AB  - Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) as intended curative therapy for patients
      with clinically localized prostate cancer (PC) was initiated in 1995 in Denmark.
      This paper reports single-institution results from the first 1200 consecutive
      patients operated during a 15-year period. Median age at surgery was 63 years.
      Median PSA was 9 ng/mL. Palpable tumors (<=cT2) were present in 48% of patients.
      Gleason score at biopsy was <=7 for 85% of patients. In sixty-five percent of
      patients, histopathology revealed localized PCa after RRP. Positive surgical
      margins were found in 39.2% of the cases. Biochemical recurrence (BR) occurred
      for 214 (18%) of patients. The estimated biochemical recurrence free survival
      (BRFS) was 71.7% and 63.2% after 5 and 10 years, respectively. When patients were
      stratified according to the D'Amico criteria, BRFS after 10 years was 75.3%,
      59.7%, and 39.3% for low-, medium- and high-risk patients, respectively. In
      univariate analysis, clinical stage, PSA at diagnosis and type of surgery were
      significant predictors of BR. In multivariate analysis, Gleason score > 7, PSA >
      10, and higher clinical stage were significant predictors of BR. Early Danish
      results in a population not subjected to screening demonstrate BRFS rates
      comparable with earlier reports from the prescreening era.

PMID- 22096652
TI  - The Metabolic Syndrome and Biochemical Recurrence following Radical
      Prostatectomy.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome refers to a set of conditions that increases the risk of
      cardiovascular disease and has been associated with an increased risk of prostate
      cancer, particularly among African American men. This study aimed to estimate the
      association of metabolic syndrome with biochemical recurrence (BCR) in a racially
      diverse population. Among 383 radical prostatectomy patients, 67 patients had
      documented biochemical recurrence. Hypertension was significantly, positively
      associated with the rate of BCR (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.1; 95%  CI = 1.1, 3.8).
      There were distinct racial differences in the prevalence of individual metabolic
      syndrome components; however, the observed associations with BCR did not differ
      appreciably by race. We conclude that hypertension may contribute to a poorer
      prognosis in surgically treated prostate cancer patients. Our findings suggest
      that targeting components of the metabolic syndrome which are potentially
      modifiable through lifestyle interventions may be a viable strategy to reduce
      risk of BCR in prostate cancer.

PMID- 22096653
TI  - Bevacizumab and weekly docetaxel in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant
      prostate cancer previously exposed to docetaxel.
AB  - Background. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the activity and tolerability
      of docetaxel (D) and bevacizumab (Bev) in patients with metastatic castrate
      resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) previously exposed to D. Methods. Treatment
      consisted of D 30 mg/m(2) i.v. for four consecutive weekly administrations
      followed by a 2-week rest interval, in addition to Bev 5 mg/kg i.v. every 2
      weeks. Results. Forty-three patients were enrolled: a PSA response was observed
      in 27 patients (62.7%, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.91), and a palliative response was
      achieved in 31 patients (72.1%, 95%CI: 0.48 to 1.02). After a median followup of
      11.3 months, only five patients had died. The regimen was generally well
      tolerated. Conclusion. Weekly D + biweekly Bev seems to be an effective and well
      tolerated treatment option for patients with metastatic CRPC previously exposed
      to D-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 22096654
TI  - Specimen orientation by marking the peripheral end: (potential) clinical
      advantages in prostate biopsy.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to identify advantages that could be obtained by
      orientation of the biopsy specimen using the marking technique. We reviewed our
      experience (4,500 cases) and the published literature. The peripheral (proximal)
      end of the fresh specimen is marked with ink soon after needle delivering in a
      few minutes. It is performed easily in association with pre-embedding method.
      Five potential clinical advantages were identified: (1) tumor localization, (2)
      atypical lesions localization and planning rebiopsy strategy, (3) planning
      surgical strategy, (4) selection criteria for focal therapy and active
      surveillance, and (5) cost reduction. Peripheral end marking is low cost, easy
      and reproducible. It drives several potential advantages in cancer diagnosis or
      isolated atypical lesions, in particular, spatial localization within the biopsy
      (transition versus peripheral zone, anterior versus posterior, subcapsular versus
      intraparenchima, and extraprostatic extension) should be easy and reliable. We
      can add a new pathological parameter: pathological orientation or biopsy
      polarity.

PMID- 22096655
TI  - Using molecular markers to help predict who will fail after radical
      prostatectomy.
AB  - Recent phase III trial data clearly demonstrate that adjuvant therapy can reduce
      recurrence and increase survival after prostatectomy for prostate cancer. There
      is great interest in being able to accurately predict who is at risk of failure
      to avoid treating those who may not benefit. The standard markers consisting of
      prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, and pathological stage are not
      very specific, so there is an unmet need for other markers to aid in prognostic
      stratification. Numerous studies have been conducted with various markers and
      more recently gene signatures, but it is unclear whether any of them are really
      useful. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to determine the
      current status of molecular markers in predicting outcome after radical
      prostatectomy.

PMID- 22096656
TI  - Proliferative tumor doubling times of prostatic carcinoma.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) has a variable biology ranging from latent cancer to
      extremely aggressive tumors. Proliferative activities of cancers may indicate
      their biological potential. A flow cytometric assay to calculate maximum
      proliferative doubling times (T(max)) of PCa in radical prostatectomy specimens
      after preoperative in vivo bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) infusion is presented. Only
      4/17 specimens had tumors large enough for flow cytometric analysis. The T(max)
      of tumors was similar and ranged from 0.6 to 3.6 months. Tumors had calculated
      doubling times 2- to 25-fold faster than their matched normal tissue. Variations
      in labeling index and T(max) were observed within a tumor as well as between
      different Gleason grades. The observed PSA doubling times (PSA-DT) ranged from
      18.4 to 32.0 months, considerably slower than the corresponding T(max) of tumors
      involved. While lack of data for apoptotic rates is a limitation, apparent
      biological differences between latent versus aggressive PCa may be attributable
      to variations in apoptotic rates of these tumors rather than their cell
      proliferative rates.

PMID- 22096657
TI  - Systematic analysis of transrectal prostate biopsies using an ink method and
      specific histopathologic protocol: a prospective study.
AB  - Background. Transrectal prostate biopsy is the standard protocol for the
      screening for prostate cancer. It helps to locate prostatic adenocarcinoma and
      plan treatment. However, the increasing number of prostate biopsies leads to
      considerably greater costs for the pathology laboratories. In this study, we
      compare the traditional method with an ink method in combination with a
      systematic histopathologic protocol. Methods. Two hundred consecutive transrectal
      prostate biopsy specimens were received from the radiology department. They were
      separated into two groups: one hundred were processed as six different specimens
      in the usual manner. The other one hundred were submitted in six containers, the
      apex, base, and middle section of which were stained different colours. The
      samples subject to the ink method were embedded in paraffin and placed in two
      cassettes which were sectioned using a specific protocol. Results. The
      comparative study of the nonink and ink methods for histopathologic diagnosis
      showed no statistical differences as far as diagnostic categories were concerned
      (P  value < .005). The number of PIN diagnoses increased when the ink method was
      used, but no statistical differences were found. The ink method led to a cost
      reduction of 48.86%. Conclusions. Our ink method combined with a specific
      histopathologic protocol provided the same diagnostic quality, tumor location
      information as the traditional method, and lower pathology expenses.

PMID- 22096658
TI  - ER and PI3K independently modulate endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast
      cancer.
AB  - Endocrine therapy-resistant estrogen receptor-positive (ER(+)) breast cancer is
      the most common cause of breast cancer death. Miller and colleagues demonstrate
      that ligand-independent ER activity promotes the growth of breast cancer cells
      through CDK4/E2F. As an independent event, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
      (PI3K) pathway is also upregulated in endocrine therapy-resistant cells.
      Promising preclinical evidence by several groups for the combination of an
      inhibitor of ligand-independent ER, fulvestrant, with PI3K inhibition, has led to
      the activation of trials evaluating this concept.

PMID- 22096660
TI  - Are the American Psychological Association's Detainee Interrogation Policies
      Ethical and Effective?: Key Claims, Documents, and Results.
AB  - After 9-11, the United States began interrogating detainees at settings such as
      Abu Ghraib, Bagram, and Guantanamo. The American Psychological Association (APA)
      supported psychologists' involvement in interrogations, adopted formal policies,
      and made an array of public assurances. This article's purpose is to highlight
      key APA decisions, policies, procedures, documents, and public statements in
      urgent need of rethinking and to suggest questions that may be useful in a
      serious assessment, such as, "However well intended, were APA's interrogation
      policies ethically sound?"; "Were they valid, realistic, and able to achieve
      their purpose?"; "Were other approaches available that would address
      interrogation issues more directly, comprehensively, and actively, that were more
      ethically and scientifically based, and that would have had a greater likelihood
      of success?"; and "Should APA continue to endorse its post-9-11 detainee
      interrogation policies?"

PMID- 22096661
TI  - Time for a new approach to case reports.

PMID- 22096662
TI  - H1N1 infection in emergency surgery: A cautionary tale.
AB  - Pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 has spread rapidly since its first report in
      Mexico in March 2009. This is the first influenza pandemic in over 40 years and
      it atypically affects previously healthy young adults, with higher rates of
      morbidity and mortality. The medical literature has been inundated with reports
      of H1N1 infection, the majority found in critical care and internal medicine
      journals with a relative paucity in the surgical literature. Despite this, it
      remains an important entity that can impact greatly on acute surgical
      emergencies. We present a case of previously healthy 31-year-old male who
      underwent open appendectomy. His post-operative recovery was complicated by acute
      respiratory distress syndrome secondary to H1N1 infection. This case report
      highlights the impact that H1N1 virus can have on acute surgical emergencies and
      how it can complicate the post-operative course.

PMID- 22096659
TI  - The emergence of lncRNAs in cancer biology.
AB  - The discovery of numerous noncoding RNA (ncRNA) transcripts in species from yeast
      to mammals has dramatically altered our understanding of cell biology, especially
      the biology of diseases such as cancer. In humans, the identification of abundant
      long ncRNA (lncRNA) >200 bp has catalyzed their characterization as critical
      components of cancer biology. Recently, roles for lncRNAs as drivers of tumor
      suppressive and oncogenic functions have appeared in prevalent cancer types, such
      as breast and prostate cancer. In this review, we highlight the emerging impact
      of ncRNAs in cancer research, with a particular focus on the mechanisms and
      functions of lncRNAs.

PMID- 22096663
TI  - No more abdominal hysterectomy for myomata using a new minimally-invasive
      technique.
AB  - To perform hysterectomy in uterus myomatosus, there are several surgical
      techniques. For a uterine weight of >1000 g, after a caesarean section and in
      nullipara per vaginam, the most common surgical technique for hysterectomy in
      patients is hysterectomy per laparotomiam. A new endoscopical technique developed
      to treat such patients and to avoid laparotomy is described in this case report:
      the laparoscopic combined hysterectomy (LACH) using the change-over technique.
      Adhesiolysis, preparation of the ureters and the bladder and morcellation of the
      uterus of 2480 g were performed minimally-invasive in two steps, from one side of
      the patient with a change-over of the OP-team to the other side of the patient.
      The cervix was removed per vaginam.

PMID- 22096664
TI  - Actinomycosis of the colon with invasion of the abdominal wall: An uncommon
      presentation of a colonic tumour.
AB  - Actinomycosis is an uncommon chronic suppurative infectious disease that is
      caused by Actinomycetes organisms, which are gram-positive, microaerophilic,
      anaerobic bacteria. The most common type causing disease in humans is Actinomyces
      israelii. This organism is a commensal of the human mouth and is seldom
      pathogenic. When it does cause disease, however, three main clinical types of
      involvement are recognized including cervico-facial, thoracic and abdominal
      actinomycosis.Herein, we present the case of a 79-year-old male patient who
      underwent surgical exploration following presentation with abdominal pain and an
      abdominal mass, initially thought to be a malignancy. Pathologic examination
      confirmed this as a case of abdominal actinomycosis. This diagnosis should always
      be included in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with an
      infiltrative abdominal mass.

PMID- 22096665
TI  - Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.
AB  - Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare abnormality of the anatomical
      relationship between the popliteal artery and adjacent muscles or fibrous bands
      in the popliteal fossa. The following is a case report of a 19 year old female,
      in whom popliteal artery entrapment syndrome was diagnosed, and successfully
      treated surgically. A review of literature is also presented and provides details
      on how PAES is classified, diagnosed both clinically and radiologically, and
      treated surgically.

PMID- 22096666
TI  - Coexistence of colonic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal
      stromal tumour-A case report.
AB  - The occurrence of synchronous primary neoplasms remains an issue of great
      interest to surgeons and oncologists in particular, and the medical field in
      general. The question of common genetic pathways in the pathogenesis of such
      neoplasms is always raised when such associations are seen-whether metachronously
      or synchronously. The possibility of the coexistence of multiple tumours in the
      same patient must be taken into consideration when preparing patients for
      operation and a thorough search of the intraperitoneal organs for such
      coexistence remains important.A case of synchronously resected caecal carcinoma,
      jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumour and renal cell carcinoma is presented
      here, along with a literature review on synchronous tumour resection.

PMID- 22096667
TI  - A case of a paraduodenal hernia.
AB  - Paraduodenal hernias are rare hernias that result from error of rotation of the
      mid-gut. It can be discovered incidentally at laparotomy, seen on radiological
      imagining or infrequently cause intestinal obstruction. We report a case of a
      left paraduodenal hernia diagnosed intraoperatively after being operated on in
      the emergency setting for generalized peritonitis. He required resection of
      multiple loops of small bowel with primary anastomosis. The mouth of the sac was
      obliterated by suture apposition to the posterior wall. The patient was
      discharged on day 4 after an uneventful recovery.

PMID- 22096668
TI  - Scrotal calcinosis: A case report.
AB  - Scrotal calcinosis (SC) was a rare and benign condition characterized by multiple
      calcific substances deposits occurring in scrotum and formed nodules and lumps
      within scrotal skin. A case of a 49-year-old male patient with a 7-year history
      of scrotal calcinosis was reported. Histopathological findings had not showed
      evidences of epithelial structures. In our case, no evidence of cystic structure
      was found around calcified materials. It was indicated that SC might be
      idiopathic.

PMID- 22096669
TI  - Castleman's disease-A case report.
AB  - Castleman's disease is a rare clinicopathological entity characterized by non
      neoplastic lymph node hypertrophy. Its incidence and etiology is unknown. It has
      been found in association with Kaposi's sarcoma thus necessitating investigations
      for HIV. Although its localized variety is benign other types can be multifocal
      with adverse systemic manifestations. A case report of a 42 yrs old female with a
      slowly enlarging highly vascular mass in the left iliac fossa is presented which
      lead to a histological diagnosis of this rare condition (see picture).
      Furthermore its clinical features, its types, relevant investigations and current
      treatment modalities are discussed.

PMID- 22096670
TI  - Colonic obstruction secondary to incarcerated Spigelian hernia in a severely
      obese patient.
AB  - Spigelian hernia is a rare hernia of the ventral abdominal wall accounting for 1
      2% of all hernias. Incarceration of a Spigelian hernia has been reported in 17
      24% of the cases. We herein describe an extremely rare case of a colonic
      obstruction secondary to an incarcerated Spigelian hernia in a severely obese
      patient. Physical examination was inconclusive and diagnosis was established by
      computed tomography scans. The patient underwent an open intraperitoneal mesh
      repair. A high level of suspicion and awareness is required as clinical findings
      of a Spigelian hernia are often nonspecific especially in obese patients.
      Computed tomography scan provides detailed information for the surgical planning.
      Open mesh repair is safe in the emergent surgical intervention of a complicated
      Spigelian hernia in severely obese patients.

PMID- 22096671
TI  - Adrenocortical oncocytoma: Review of imaging and histopathological implications.
AB  - Oncocytomas are rare tumours of the adrenal glands whose malignant potential is
      difficult to assess with certainty. We report a case of an adrenal oncocytoma and
      present a review of the literature particularly with regards to the radiological
      and histopathological features and their impact on the management.Adrenal
      oncocytomas are usually identified incidentally on imaging and can achieve large
      sizes. They should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any large upper
      abdominal lesion including those apparently arising from the liver as in this
      case report. MRI scan appears to be the ideal imaging modality to characterise
      such lesions. There seems to be little benefit in biopsying these masses and
      surgery remains the most optimal management. It remains difficult to predict
      metastatic behaviour based on histological findings and so long term surveillance
      is advisable.

PMID- 22096672
TI  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue: Late metastasis to the
      pancreas.
AB  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively rare epithelial tumor of the
      salivary glands. We present a 64-year-old gentleman with ACC of the tongue who
      following resection and radiotherapy, presented 10 years later with a lung
      metastasis and underwent operative intervention and further radiotherapy. Five
      years later he presented with obstructive jaundice found to be metastatic ACC. We
      believe this to be the first report of an ACC metastasizing to the pancreas.

PMID- 22096673
TI  - The sentinel placement of an open abdomen negative pressure unit.
AB  - The open abdomen is a common condition after a trauma necessitating celiotomy
      with the inability to close the fascia either due to damage control surgery or
      abdominal compartment syndrome. Traditionally the open abdomen has been
      approached with the use of the open abdomen temporary abdominal closure (Barker
      Vacuum Pack Dressing). More recently there has been the addition of the ABTheraTM
      open abdomen negative pressure unit introduced by KCI. Our case report is based
      on the first patient to have placement of the ABTheraTM device.

PMID- 22096674
TI  - Ovarian teratoma presenting as small bowel obstruction in an elderly lady-A case
      report.
AB  - Teratomas of the ovary are of the mature or immature type. The mature variety is
      called dermoid cysts, which is the most frequent benign germ cell tumour of the
      ovary in the reproductive age group. They are usually asymptomatic until they
      reach a significant dimension.(1) Pressure effect, torsion and rupture of an
      ovarian cyst may present as an acute abdomen. A case is presented where an
      elderly lady presented with small bowel obstruction due to a very large, non
      adherent to the intestine, dermoid cyst.

PMID- 22096675
TI  - Laparoscopic port site Richter's hernia - An important lesson learnt.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We report a case of small bowel obstruction with strangulation
      caused by a port site hernia following a laparoscopic appendicectomy and the
      successful management of the problem by employing a laparoscopy assisted
      technique. The aim of this report is to emphasize the importance of fascial
      closures of trocar sites in order to significantly decrease postoperative
      morbidity. CASE REPORT: A 31 years old female presented with a classic clinical
      picture of acute appendicitis. She underwent an uneventful laparoscopic
      appendicectomy. A 12 mm trocar was used at the umbilical port. On Postoperative
      day three, the patient developed abdominal distension, crampy abdominal pain,
      nausea and bilious vomiting. Her white cell count increased to 16,500/mm(3), and
      CRP was 145. X-ray abdomen showed dilated small bowel with multiple air fluid
      levels. CT scan showed a herniated loop of small bowel into the trocar site with
      small bowel obstruction. Laparoscopy was done to confirm the Richter's hernia
      into trocar site with small bowel obstruction. The bowel loop could not be
      reduced laparoscopically. Limited exploration of the trocar site confirmed
      findings with necrosis of the antimesenteric portion of the small bowel. A
      limited bowel resection and anastomosis was performed. The patient had an
      uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Most port site hernias present within 10 days of
      the primary procedures, delayed hernias have been reported. CT scan is a helpful
      adjunct to differentiate port site hematoma from incarcerated small bowel. The
      knowledge of such a complication and its early diagnosis are important to avoid
      complications.

PMID- 22096676
TI  - Suspected oesophageal cancer in a 33 year old lady.
AB  - A previously healthy 33 year old lady presented with acute dysphagia with
      endoscopic and CT features of oesophageal carcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
      revealed a large subcarinal lymph node compressing at the mid-oesophagus. Fine
      needle aspiration (FNA) showed a single well-formed epithelioid granuloma with no
      evidence of malignancy. Molecular analysis showed the aspirate to be positive for
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She continues to improve with standard anti-TB
      medication without surgery.This is a rare case of acute dysphagia secondary to
      primary tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy. EUS and FNA have completely
      altered the clinical management of this lady.

PMID- 22096677
TI  - Endometriosis of the appendix: Report of three cases.
AB  - Endometriosis of the appendix is an entity of extragonadal endometriosis. It
      commonly affects women in the childbearing age with a wide spectrum of clinical
      manifestations. Women can present with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis or
      chronic pelvic pain. The surgical management varies from simple appendectomy to
      right hemicolectomy depending on the clinical findings. We report 3 cases of
      endometriosis of the appendix presenting with appendiceal intussusception. The
      surgical literature is reviewed and current surgical management is discussed.

PMID- 22096678
TI  - Ileorectal fistula due to a rectal cancer-A case report.
AB  - A 51-year-old man was seen at our hospital because of diarrhea. Barium enema and
      colonoscopy revealed a cancer in the lower rectum and fistula formation from the
      site to ileum. Resection of the rectal cancer and ileorectal fistula was
      performed. Histologically, the resected lesion was mucinous adenocarcinoma with
      contiguous invasion from the rectum to the ileum. The patient is alive with no
      sign of recurrence 120 months after operation. Fistula formation between the
      colon and other gastrointestinal tract organs is very rare, especially for rectal
      cancer. Fistula-forming colorectal cancers are rarely found to have metastatic
      lesions in the liver, peritoneum and lymph nodes despite their invasive behavior;
      accordingly, curative resection involving partial resection of the intestine with
      fistula is expected.

PMID- 22096679
TI  - Clinical manifestation of RCC leptomeningealcarcinomatosis-A case study.
AB  - Whilst tumour spread to the meninges is not uncommon, occurring in up to 20% of
      various other tumours, leptomeningeal carcinoma from a primary renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) is rare. To date, we are aware of only 3 other reported cases. We
      describe a 45-year-old man who underwent a radical nephrectomy for a large renal
      cell carcinoma of clear cell subtype. 1 month post nephrectomy, he was re
      admitted with vague neurological symptoms and was subsequently found to have
      malignant cells in his CSF. He deteriorated rapidly and was deceased within 10
      days post admission.

PMID- 22096680
TI  - Intussusception of the appendix secondary to mucinous cystadenoma: A rare cause
      of abdominal pain.
AB  - A 35-year-old woman was seen as an outpatient with a 3-month history of pain in
      the right iliac fossa. A CT scan of her abdomen revealed the presence of a
      mucocele of the appendix. Intra-operatively, an appendico-appendicular
      intussusception was found. Histology confirmed the presence of a mucinous
      cystadenoma with the presence of acellular mucin on the serosal surface of the
      appendix. This association has rarely been described in the literature. Prompt
      surgical intervention is advocated to prevent the subsequent development of
      pseudomyxoma peritonei. We present a case of intussusception of the appendix with
      a mucinous cystadenoma as its lead point.

PMID- 22096681
TI  - Bilateral ovarian fibrothecoma. An uncommon cause of a large pelvic mass.
AB  - Ovarian fibrothecomas are uncommon tumors of gonadal stromal cell origin. They
      account for 3-4% of all ovarian tumors and in 90% of the cases are unilateral.
      Here, we describe a rare case of a bilateral ovarian fibrothecoma in a
      postmenopausal woman who presented with a large pelvic mass and metrorrhagia.
      Diagnostic evaluation and surgical management are discussed along with a brief
      review of the literature. Although rare, ovarian fibrothecoma should be
      considered in patients presenting with a large pelvic mass and postmenopausal
      bleeding. Radical surgery is the preferred management strategy for postmenopausal
      women with bilateral ovarian fibrothecomas and is associated with a good
      prognosis.

PMID- 22096682
TI  - Simple repair of a giant inguinoscrotal hernia.
AB  - We present a case of a giant inguinoscrotal hernia that extended almost to the
      patient's knees. Operative repair was through a standard transverse inguinal
      incision. No debulking or abdominal enlargement procedure had to be performed.
      The repair was done with a tension-free, onlay, prosthetic mesh repair.

PMID- 22096683
TI  - Spinal schwannomatosis in the absence of neurofibromatosis: A very rare
      condition.
AB  - Schwannomatosis is defined as an extremely rare tumors syndrome characterized by
      the presence of multiple schwannomas in the absence of typical signs of NF1 and
      NF2 syndromes. The genetic and molecular analysis performed on these tumors makes
      it possible to name schwannomatosis as distinct clinical and genetic syndrome.
      The treatment in the case of symptomatic lesions is surgical removal; if the
      lesions are asymptomatic it is better to perform serial MRI studies. Given the
      high incidence of developing additional lesions in patients with schwannomatosis,
      it remains imperative to perform serial brain and spinal cord MRI studies during
      follow-up. The differential diagnosis is important including clinical and
      radiological criteria plus molecular genetic analysis of tumor cells and
      lymphocyte DNA. We report a rare case of spinal schwannomatosis in which genetic
      analysis performed on surgical samples showed two different mutations in the
      cells of the two lesions.

PMID- 22096684
TI  - Colocutaneous fistula secondary to amoebiasis.
AB  - Here we present an interesting and extremely rare case of a 66 year old male who
      developed a colocutaneous fistula secondary to amoebiasis. The patient presented
      with an acute history of right lower abdominal pain, weight loss and a palpable
      mass. A CT scan demonstrated a fluid filled cavity in the right iliac fossa
      consistent with an appendiceal abscess which was drained under radiological
      guidance. However, following drainage his symptoms remained requiring open
      surgical drainage, and a controlled caecostomy was performed due to a small
      caecal perforation. Despite appropriate conservative therapy he failed to
      progress, and developed localised sepsis in the right iliac fossa with a
      colocutaneous fistula, requiring a formal right hemicolectomy. The histological
      examination confirmed the presence of abundant trophozoites of Entamoeba
      histolytica.We highlight the fact that in the modern age of immigration and long
      distance travel, it will become increasingly likely that the so-called 'tropical'
      diseases will present throughout the world. This case also highlights the need to
      keep an open mind in cases that do not progress as expected, and to react
      accordingly to any unusual developments.

PMID- 22096685
TI  - Sternum resection and reconstruction for metastatic renal cell cancer.
AB  - A 62-year-old male with bilateral renal cell carcinomas underwent bilateral
      nephrectomies. Following which he continued hemodialysis. He was admitted to our
      hospital with a small sternal mass present for 10 months. The operation consisted
      of sternectomy with right 4th costal cartilage resection and sternal
      reconstruction with Prolene mesh and methylmethacrylate. Postoperative course was
      uneventful and his respirations were normal without paradoxical movement of the
      thorax or hypoxemia. He is currently well and being followed up as an out
      patient.

PMID- 22096686
TI  - Platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome and bronchopleural fistula following right
      pneumonectomy: The first case of double misfortune following pneumonectomy.
AB  - We report a case of post-pneumonectomy right to left shunting via patent foramen
      ovale (PFO) and bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Although the latter complication is
      well-known following pneumonectomy, the former is quite rare. In terms of post
      pneumonectomy complications, no case has been reported, in which right to left
      shunting via PFO and BPF were synchronous. Low awareness of post-pneumonectomy
      PFO often results in delay of the appropriate management, like in our experience.
      The rarity and the complexity of our case as well as literature review of the
      post-pneumonectomy right to left shunting via PFO are summarized.With our case of
      post-pneumonectomy right to left shunting via PFO and BPF reviewed, we would like
      to show the rarity of our case and to enlighten all of the thoracic surgeons for
      early detection of this hemodynamic complication following pneumonectomy.

PMID- 22096687
TI  - An unusual groin exploration: De Garengeot's hernia.
AB  - De Garengeot's hernia is a rare surgical phenomenon and describes the presence of
      the vermiform appendix within a femoral hernia. We describe a case of acute
      appendicitis mimicking an irreducible femoral hernia and reiterate key operative
      techniques necessary to prevent post-operative morbidity associated with this
      pathology.

PMID- 22096688
TI  - Disconnected subduroperitoneal shunt catheter induces silent bowel perforation:
      An unusual complication.
AB  - We report a case of silent bowel perforation by a fractured subduroperitoneal
      shunt after surgical shunt revision. A 93-year-old bedridden man experienced
      transanal prolapse of a shunt catheter after defecation. Upon arrival, the
      patient showed no fever or acute abdominal signs. Abdominal computed tomography
      (CT) showed an abandoned shunt catheter in the lower abdomen with rectum
      perforation. The disconnected catheter was successfully removed from the anus by
      digital rectal maneuver, and no peritonitis or other complication developed
      afterward. Such broken shunts no longer provide drainage function, and also pose
      a risk of migrating into the hollow viscera. Therefore, even in the absence of
      overt peritoneal signs, disconnected catheters should be removed by laparoscopic
      or minimal surgery to prevent possible development of this unusual complication.
      Instances of the rare complication are reviewed, and pathogenesis and treatment
      of the condition are discussed.

PMID- 22096689
TI  - Arteriovenous malformation: An unusual cause of rectus sheath hematoma, following
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an accumulation of blood in the rectus abdominis
      muscle sheath, secondary to several conditions which may cause the epigastric
      vessel rupture or muscular tear, but mostly affecting patients undergoing
      anticoagulation therapy.We present a rare case of a 67-year-old woman who
      underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and developed RSH on the 12th
      postoperative day. The patient was under anticoagulation therapy with
      acenocoumarole due to mitral valve replacement. The bleeding source was an
      arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture as indicated by the angiogram images and
      it was embolized succefully. The patient was discharged seven days later.

PMID- 22096690
TI  - Case report of a symptomatic giant renal oncocytoma.
AB  - Renal oncocytomas are benign tumours, often asymptomatic, and picked incidentally
      on radiological imaging. We present a case report of a symptomatic giant renal
      oncocytoma in a 61-year old man having lower back/right flank pain. A large right
      renal mass was identified on abdominal CT scan. Radiological features were not
      sufficient to differentiate this lesion from renal cancer. Right radical
      nephrectomy was performed. Typical features of oncocytoma, without evidence of
      malignancy, were seen on histological examination of the specimen. In this
      report, we discuss literature review of radiological, genetic, and pathological
      characteristics of renal oncocytoma.

PMID- 22096691
TI  - Intramuscular cavernous haemangioma of the triceps.
AB  - Haemangiomas are one of the most common soft tissue tumours comprising 7% of all
      benign tumours. Vascular malformations are often confused with haemangiomas. The
      etiology is unknown. They are common in infancy and childhood and females are
      more commonly affected. These tumours may be superficial or deep, and deeply
      seated lesions, are difficult to diagnose clinically and hence require
      radiographic assessment. Deep-seated haemangiomas are usually intramuscular,
      although intra-articular synovial haemangiomas also occur. The commonest anatomic
      site is the lower limb.Despite their vascular origin, haemangiomas do not
      metastasize or undergo malignant transformation. Many treatment modalities for
      the symptomatic haemangioma are available but surgical excision is the preferred
      treatment. We present an unusual case of a dumb-bell intramuscular haemangioma
      involving the triceps and extending into the cubital tunnel of the elbow,
      distinguish between haemangiomas and vascular malformations and emphasize the
      importance of surgical technique in ensuring ulnar nerve safety.

PMID- 22096692
TI  - Sublingual-plunging ranula as a complication of supraomohyoid neck dissection.
AB  - Ranulas are rare cystic lesions resulting from damage or rupture of one or more
      of the ducts of the sublingual gland, that lead to mucus extravasation or
      dilatation of the gland's duct. Extravasation cysts are more common than
      retention cysts. We present a case of a 45-year-old male with a squamous cell
      carcinoma of the ventral surface of the tongue that was treated with excision of
      the oral lesion and bilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection without supplementary
      radiotherapy. A left myocutaneous platysma flap was raised for defect closure.
      Ten months postoperatively he presented complaining of swelling of the right
      submandibular region. The diagnosis, based on his medical anamnesis and the CT
      imaging, was a sublingual-plunging ranula. It is postulated that the ranula
      resulted from damage to the ducts of the sublingual gland during selective neck
      dissection. One year postoperatively there are no signs of recurrence either of
      the ranula or of the cancer. We suggest that sublingual gland excision and
      intraoral cyst marsupialization is a logical treatment for sublingual-plunging
      ranulas.

PMID- 22096693
TI  - Myofibroblastoma of the breast: Case report and literature review.
AB  - Myofibroblastoma of the breast is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor. The literature
      describes relatively few cases of this type of tumor. We report on a new case of
      myofibroblastoma in a 65-year old man successfully managed at our institution.
      The purpose of this case report is to highlight characteristics and differential
      diagnosis of this rare neoplasm.

PMID- 22096694
TI  - Metastatic hernial sac tumor in a patient with FUO.
AB  - The presence of primary or metastatic cancer within a hernia sac is uncommon,
      which occurs in fewer than 0.5% of all surgically excised sacs (1). This article
      demonstrates a case of a metastatic pancreatic cancer, one of which presented as
      an inguinal hernia with fever of unknown origin (FUO). A 44-year-old male
      presented with a history of FUO and a painful inguinal hernia. Inguinal canal
      exploration revealed a mass like lesion in the sac without any correlation to
      abdominopelvic viscera. Postoperative evaluations confirmed moderately
      differentiated metastatic adenocarcinoma from pancreatic origin.

PMID- 22096695
TI  - Ovarian hydatid cyst: A case report.
AB  - Discovering an hydatid cyst in pelvic region, especially as primary localization,
      is a rare event; as a matter of fact according to data provided by literature the
      incidence is between 0.2 and 2.25%. The ovarian involvement is often secondary to
      a cyst's dissemination localized in a different site. When possible the optimal
      treatment is represented by radical laparotomic cystectomy. We report a case of
      an old woman affected by this pathology that we have treated with a cyst's
      marsupialization after a draining and irrigation of cyst cavity with hypertonic
      saline solutions.

PMID- 22096696
TI  - A case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the duodenum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the duodenum is rare
      and a distinct clinical entity. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old man presented with a
      history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting and decreased body weight
      over the past 2 months. Abdominal exam showed an epigastric mass of 10 cm. An
      upper gastrointestinal endoscopy documented a tumor in the third part of
      duodenum. The histopathological examination of biopsy has concluded a MFH.
      Abdominal CT revealed a large and heterogeneous mass of 10 cm in the third part
      of the duodenum. The intervention was conducted by way of a bi-subcostal
      laparotomy. Exploration of the tumor revealed involvement of the third part of
      duodenum. This lesion adhered and invaded the inferior vena cava. A palliative
      procedure using a gastro-entero-anastomosis was carried out with uneventful
      postoperative course. Neither adjuvant chemotherapy nor radiotherapy were
      conducted. The patient died four months following his operation. CONCLUSION: The
      biological behavior of malignat fibrous histiocytomas is extremely aggressive and
      mainly conditioned by size and histological grading. The treatment of choice,
      whenever possible, is based on early and complete surgical excision of the tumor.

PMID- 22096697
TI  - Bilateral DCIS following gynecomastia surgery. Role of nipple sparing mastectomy.
      A case report and review of literature.
AB  - Bilateral ductal carcinoma in situ of breast is a very rare disease in men.
      Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an abnormal proliferation that involves the
      ductal epithelium and it has the potential of evolving into an invasive tumour.
      Gynaecomastia (female like breast in men) is a benign condition though it is
      associated with a reported 3% incidence of unilateral invasive breast cancer.(2)
      Synchronous bilateral breast cancer in association with gynaecomastia is
      exceptionally rare. The recommended treatment for DCIS in male is mastectomy. So
      far only 2 cases of bilateral DCIS in male patients has been reported in the
      literature treated with skin and nipple sparing mastectomies. We report another
      case of synchronous bilateral DCIS in a male treated with skin and nipple sparing
      mastectomies. A 44 year-old man with history of long-standing gynecomastia. He
      had no identifiable risk factor for the development of cancer. His pre operative
      assessment of breast including mammograms was normal. He underwent bilateral
      subcutaneous mastectomies, with subsequent incidental diagnosis of synchronous
      bilateral ductal carcinoma in situ. The case was discussed in multidisciplinary
      team meeting and the need for further surgery was felt including excision of
      nipple areola complex. However considering patient wishes, cosmetic outcome and
      recent literature it was decided to preserve nipple areola complex (NAC) with
      regular follow up evaluation. Our patient at completion of 18 months of treatment
      is doing well with no signs of local recurrence.

PMID- 22096698
TI  - A submucosal fecal mass as the complication of stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A case
      report.
AB  - Despite the early encouraging results and safety profile of hemorrhoidopexy,
      several serious complications have been reported including rectal perforation,
      retroperitoneal sepsis, pelvic sepsis and rectovaginal fistulas. The recent
      article is the report of the case of a 30 year old woman, with a submucosal mass
      which was palpable in the anterior rectum. She had undergone a stapled
      hemorrhoidopexy due to a 2nd degree internal prolapsed hemorrhoid three years
      previously. Operation was planned to identify the nature of the mass and a
      cylindrical impacted 4 cm * 2 cm fecal mass was excised. The recent finding seems
      to be the first one being reported in this issue.

PMID- 22096699
TI  - Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of rectum: Report of a case.
AB  - Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of
      adults, mostly distributed in the thigh, buttock and groin (46%) and presents
      rarely in the gastrointestinal tract, classified as gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GIST). MFH is regarded as a diagnosis of exclusion, essentially
      synonymous with an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. The recent report
      presents an 80-year-old man with clinical manifestations of rectal bleeding and
      final diagnosis of MFH of rectum. It seems that radical resection and adjuvant
      radiation is important in the management strategy of a patient with such a rare
      rectal tumor.

PMID- 22096700
TI  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach in a child with a 3-year follow-up
      period-Case report.
AB  - We report a case of a nine-year-old boy with a 4-week history of general fatigue,
      loss of appetite, vomits and hematemesis. Laboratory evaluation revealed a
      hemoglobin level of 4.4 g/dl. After a transfusion of packed red blood cells the
      patient underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which showed a smooth, rounded 6
      8 cm submucosal lesion with a central depression with ulceration and active
      bleeding in the cardia extending to the fundus.Computed tomography (CT) of the
      chest, abdomen and pelvis showed a large mass originating from the gastric wall
      but not infiltrating surrounding organs, approximately 8.0 cm * 7.0 cm * 5 cm.
      Despite the tumor size, no metastases were diagnosed. The patient underwent a
      total gastrectomy in an en-bloc resection including the distal part of the
      esophagus (3 cm) and omentum with oncologic margins. Reconstruction was performed
      with a mediastinal end-to-side esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Immunehistochemic
      confirmed GIST. He remains well without evidence of disease after 36 months of
      follow-up with a multiprofessional team.

PMID- 22096701
TI  - Ileocolic intussusception due to intestinal metastatic melanoma. Case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - The small intestine is a frequent site of melanoma metastases and the most common
      cause of secondary intestinal tumors. Even though, its presentation with
      intestinal obstruction due to intussusception is very rare. We present a 47-year
      old woman with a medical history of facial melanoma operated 17 years ago and
      recently diagnosed of cervical recurrence who complained of abdominal pain of one
      week duration accompanied with vomiting and abdominal distension. Computed
      tomography (CT) scan revealed marked distension of the small intestine with
      features suggesting intussusception of the distal ileum. At laparoscopic
      exploration a massive ileocolic intussusception was found with invagination of
      the last 60 cm of ileum inside the cecum and ascending colon. Surgical reduction
      revealed a tumor of approximately 2 cm in the distal end of the intussuscepted
      intestine acting as the lead point. Resection of non-viable ileum along with the
      tumor and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Many other lesions of smaller
      size were found distantly in the proximal small bowel but were not treated. The
      patient had a full recovery and was discharged three days after surgery.
      Pathological examination showed metastatic melanoma and a positron emission
      tomography (PET) scan confirmed disseminated disease with brain metastasis. The
      patient died three months after surgery. Intestinal occlusion due to metastatic
      disease is a rare condition but should be taken into account particularly in
      patients with history of cancer. Surgical intervention with a mini-invasive
      laparoscopic approach is feasible. Intestinal resection and anastomosis is
      mandatory for either curative or palliative intentions providing a satisfactory
      treatment.

PMID- 22096702
TI  - Primary hydatid cyst of pancreas with acute pancreatitis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Primary hydatid disease of the pancreas is very rare and even rarer to
      cause pancreatitis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 20-year-old man who
      presented with abdominal pain and an epigastric mass. A diagnosis of a pancreatic
      hydatid cyst was established by ultrasonography and CT scan before surgery. The
      treatment consisted of laparoscopic cyst evacuation with omentoplasty. The
      recovery was uneventful and the patient has remained symptom free so far.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis
      of all cystic masses in the pancreas, especially in the geographical regions
      where the disease is endemic.

PMID- 22096703
TI  - The use of minimally invasive surgery in the management of idiopathic omental
      torsion: The diagnostic and therapeutic role of laparoscopy.
AB  - Omental torsion is an unusual and infrequently encountered cause of acute
      abdominal pain in adults. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful adjunct to
      clinical history and examination in establishing the diagnosis; however,
      definitive diagnosis is frequently established at the time of exploratory
      surgery. Treatment may be conservative or operative, with laparoscopic resection
      the surgical approach of choice. We report the case of a 60-year-old man who
      presented with a 3-day history of severe right-sided abdominal pain. Abdominal CT
      scan revealed a right upper quadrant mass with a whirl-like appearance,
      suspicious for omental infarction. Diagnostic laparoscopy was undertaken, the
      diagnosis confirmed and the diseased omentum resected. The patient was discharged
      the following day and made an uncomplicated recovery.

PMID- 22096704
TI  - Intrapancreatic accessory spleen: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - We present the case of a 26 year old male who was found to have a mass in the
      tail of the pancreas on an ultrasound scan. The lesion was suspicious for a non
      functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PNET) and so he underwent distal
      pancreatectomy. Pathology revealed this to be an intrapancreatic accessory spleen
      (IPAS). This is a rare entity, and the literature on this subject is reviewed. A
      lesion in the pancreas that enhances in a manner similar to the spleen, whether
      the contrast is used in the setting of a Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound, a contrast
      enhanced CT scan, or a gadolinium enhanced MRI scan, is suggestive of IPAS.
      Nonetheless, the majority of these rare lesions are likely to be surgically
      excised rather than observed due to the similar appearance to PNET.

PMID- 22096705
TI  - Use of omental pedicles in mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
AB  - We report a case of a sixty year old man with a mycotic infra-renal abdominal
      aortic aneurysm complicated by a left psoas abscess. After treatment with
      parenteral antibiotics he underwent early aortic reconstruction with an in-situ
      prosthetic graft wrapped in an omental pedicle. Mycotic abdominal aortic
      aneurysms can be treated in this way despite the potential for graft infection
      from persisting retroperitoneal sepsis.

PMID- 22096706
TI  - Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mandible and the infratemporal fossa-A case
      report.
AB  - Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a sarcoma which commonly occurs in the soft
      tissues, joints and tendons of the extremities of adults but its occurrence in
      the oral and maxillofacial region is very rare. We present a rare case of
      malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mandible with recurrence in the
      infratemporal fossa after surgery and radiotherapy. Patient underwent second
      surgery and complete tumor excision with minimal loss of function was achieved.
      Patient survived 8 years after surgery and died of natural cause.

PMID- 22096707
TI  - Diagnosis and management of idiopathic omental infarction: A case report.
AB  - A 32 year old man presented to casualty on three occasions in the space of four
      days, with intermittent, worsening abdominal pain. These symptoms imitated other
      commoner causes of acute abdomen and the site of onset changed, both factors
      delaying diagnosis. In due course, computer tomography imaging established
      findings indicative of omental infarction. Patient was discharged from hospital
      nine days later, having made a satisfactory recovery following successful
      conservative treatment. In this report, we evaluate the merits of a similar
      approach in future instances.

PMID- 22096708
TI  - Petersen's space hernia: A rare but expanding diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Petersen's space hernia is caused by the herniation of intestinal
      loops through the defect between the small bowel limbs, the transverse mesocolon
      and the retroperitoneum, after any type of gastrojejunostomy. The laparoscopic
      approach facilitates the occurrence of this type of hernia, due to the lack of
      post-operative adhesions which prevent bowel motility and hence, herniation. CASE
      REPORT: We report the case of a 46 year-old male submitted to an open antrectomy
      and vagotomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction six-years before, for the treatment
      of bleeding gastric ulcer.He presented with epigastric abdominal pain radiating
      to the back and alimentary vomiting with a 3 days evolution, with an episode of
      hematemesis 2 h before admission. His abdomen was bloated and tender at the
      epigastric region. The laboratory exams revealed mild leucocytosis and CRP
      elevation with normal pancreatic tests. The abdominal CT scan revealed an
      intestinal occlusion. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, disclosing an
      incarcerated Petersen space hernia of the common limb, with obstruction and
      dilatation of the biliary limb. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of this anatomic post
      operative defect and a low threshold for diagnosis are crucial to its management,
      since its nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings. Early operative
      intervention is warranted in order to avoid the severe complications of bowel
      necrosis.

PMID- 22096709
TI  - Infection of an esophageal cyst following endoscopic fine-needle aspiration.
AB  - In this report, we describe an unusual presentation of an esophageal cyst.
      Esophageal cysts are generally benign and are frequently asymptomatic until
      progressive enlargement leads to symptoms of obstruction. Incidental discovery
      usually warrants excision. In the described case, a patient presented with signs
      of enlargement and concerns for infection after an attempted endoscopic biopsy of
      the lesion. After admission and initial management with antibiotics she was taken
      to the operating room for resection via a thoracotomy. We review the literature
      and underscore the conventional practice of operative management of esophageal
      cysts without the use of invasive diagnostic evaluations.

PMID- 22096710
TI  - Platypnea-orthodeoxia due to fat embolism.
AB  - Platypnea-orthodeoxia is an uncommon syndrome that is characterized by dyspnea
      relieved by recumbency and deoxygenation following a change from a recumbent to
      an upright posture. We herein describe a case of platypnea-orthodeoxia in a 75
      year-old man after a surgical restoration of a bitrochanteric fracture of his
      right femur. However, in this extremely rare case, none of the current known
      anatomical or functional conditions which can cause platypnea-orthodeoxia had
      been diagnosed. We strongly believe that this syndrome could be also the result
      of fat embolism.

PMID- 22096711
TI  - Perineal scar endometriosis ten years after Miles' procedure for rectal cancer:
      Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Endometriosis within a perineal scar after a Miles' procedure has not been
      previously reported in literature. We report a case of a 35-year-old-female who
      was treated 10 years before at the same institution for a low rectal cancer that
      presents with two discrete subcutaneous bulges within her perineal wound. Since
      the patient was asymptomatic and the complete work up for recurrent disease
      showed no evidence of malignancy, first line therapy was conservative. After two
      pregnancies and a caesarean section, the patient presented at our observation
      with enlarged and tender perineal nodules. The patient was treated with a wide
      excision of the perineal scar en-bloc with the nodules. Final pathology report
      was consistent with scar endometriosis.

PMID- 22096712
TI  - Dieulafoy lesion endoscopically rubber banded, with further severe haematemesis
      requiring emergency laparotomy - Case report.
AB  - Dieulafoy lesion is a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage that can
      be fatal. We report a case of a sixty-year-old lady who presented to the
      emergency department with haematemesis and melaena. During
      oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), an active bleeding vessel was seen on the
      lesser curvature of the stomach, near the gastro-oesophageal junction and a
      diagnosis of Dieulafoy's lesion made. The lesion was managed with the application
      of two rubber bands. Our patient re-presented to the emergency department ten
      days later with severe haematemesis requiring an emergency laparotomy.A search of
      the entire English literature using PubMed with the phrase 'Dieulafoy' has been
      performed. Papers were reviewed in relation to management of this lesion with
      rubber banding via endoscopy. The current available haemostatic methods are
      described.

PMID- 22096713
TI  - Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy safe for acute cholecystitis in the presence of
      ventriculo-peritoneal shunt?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, laparoscopic
      procedures were previously contraindicated for the potential risks of elevating
      intra-cranial pressure resulting from increased intra-abdominal pressure and
      shunt malfunction/infection. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here we present a case of a
      patient with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt who successfully and uneventfully
      underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis without any shunt
      manipulation or intra-cranial pressure monitoring. DISCUSSION: Several methods
      have been suggested to decrease the risks of increased intra-cranial pressure
      during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with ventriculo-peritoneal
      shunts, but have not been routinely used. CONCLUSION: Standard technique
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely used to manage patients with VP shunts
      presenting with acute gall bladder disease.

PMID- 22096714
TI  - Traumatic mesenteric cyst after blunt abdominal trauma.
AB  - Mesenteric cysts are rare abdominal tumors of unclear histologic origin, usually
      asymptomatic. Post-traumatic mesenteric cyst usually results as a consequence of
      a mesenteric lymphangitic rupture or a hematoma followed by absorption and cystic
      degeneration. The preoperative histological and radiological diagnosis is
      difficult. We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient with sizable,
      palpable abdominal tumor, the gradual swelling of which the patient himself
      combined with the blunt abdominal trauma he acquired from an opponent's knee in a
      football game 5 months ago.

PMID- 22096715
TI  - Idiopathic spontaneous haemoperitoneum due to a ruptured middle colic artery
      aneurysm.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage is a rare, but
      challenging condition, associated with high mortality if not managed
      appropriately. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult, despite the recent
      advances in imaging. We present the clinical manifestations of this condition, as
      well as the available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. PRESENTATION OF
      CASE: We report a case of a spontaneously ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the
      middle colic artery, which was managed with an emergency laparotomy and
      aneurysmatectomy. Interestingly, no evidence of vasculitis, infection or collagen
      disease was discovered during the histopathology examination of the specimen.
      DISCUSSION: The treatment of idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage
      revolves around patient resuscitation and management of the source of bleeding.
      In case of a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery, the surgical
      management includes emergency laparotomy, arterial ligation and resection of the
      aneurysm. Transarterial embolisation has been suggested as a safe and less
      invasive alternative approach. CONCLUSION: A ruptured middle colic artery
      aneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis of any unexplained
      intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Aneurysmatectomy is the treatment of choice, with
      radiologic interventional techniques gaining ground in the management of this
      entity.

PMID- 22096716
TI  - Spontaneous biliary peritonitis, or delayed bile leak?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous biliary peritonitis is a rare cause of acute abdominal
      pain. Whilst usually of extrahepatic origin, here we describe an even rarer
      perforation of an intrahepatic duct. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 31 year old woman
      presented with acute onset epigastric abdominal pain on a background of
      cholecystectomy four years prior. Laparoscopy demonstrated bilious fluid but
      failed to identify the site of bile leak. Subsequent ERCP localised the leak to
      an anomalous radical of the right hepatic duct. DISCUSSION: Spontaneous biliary
      peritonitis is a rare diagnosis. Most cases are extrahepatic and the pathogenesis
      of intrahepatic ductal rupture has been difficult to define. Whilst acute bile
      leak is a recognised complication of cholecystectomy, bile leak four years
      following operation has not been described previously. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous
      biliary peritonitis remains as a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. Within the
      context of cholecystectomy, the surgeon should always be alert to the possibility
      of delayed bile leak.

PMID- 22096717
TI  - Utility of preoperative visualization for intrapulmonary sequestration in video
      assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
AB  - We herein report the case of a 59-year-old male suffering from severe cough. The
      patient had previously experienced several episodes of pneumonia beginning in
      childhood. A three dimensional multidetector computed tomography (3D-MDCT) scan
      revealed pulmonary sequestration with a left gastric artery blood supply, and
      clearly revealed the other pulmonary vessels. The patient underwent video
      assisted thoracoscopic surgery, in which the anomalous tissue was resected
      safely. Preoperative visualization of the vessels may be helpful for the safe
      treatment of a pulmonary sequestration, and the VATS approach is a suitable
      operation under corrective surgical planning.

PMID- 22096718
TI  - Transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy of a large adrenal lipoma: A case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - The exponential increase in use of computer tomography (CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) has lead to a significant increase in the detection of
      asymptomatic adrenal masses. The prevalence of adrenal "incidentalomas" is
      approximately 4-10%. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with a large right
      adrenal mass that was followed by serial computer tomography scans and multiple
      non-diagnostic core biopsies. Due to the large size of the mass and unknown
      pathology, the patient underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The patient's post
      operative course was uneventful. Pathology revealed a very unusual finding, a
      large adrenal lipoma. Adrenal lipomas are rare, benign, non-functioning tumor
      like lesions that occur with a relative frequency of only 0-11%. Over the past
      decade approximately 10 cases have been reported in literature. We review the
      literature of the current diagnostic and surgical treatment of adrenal lipomas
      (Pubmed and Cochrane from 1992-current).

PMID- 22096719
TI  - Bilateral symmetrical periprosthetic (mirror) fractures of knee fixed with dual
      plating technique.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fracture following total knee arthroplasty is a
      potentially serious condition. Here we report a case of bilaterally symmetrical
      (mirror) fracture of supracondylar area following trivial trauma. PRESENTATION OF
      CASE: Both fractures were OTA 33A2 and according to Rorabeck classification they
      were type II. Both fractures were fixed by dual plating technique using non
      locking plates. Intra operative fracture site biopsy revealed marked osteopenia
      and hence the patient was treated for osteoporosis. DISCUSSION: Both fractures
      united well at 14 weeks. At final follow up of 6 years there were no radiological
      signs of implant loosening and the patient was able to walk without any aids and
      had a range of 80 degrees  and 60 degrees  flexion in the right and left knees
      respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in the pre locking plate's era such
      difficult case has been successfully managed by dual plating technique.

PMID- 22096720
TI  - Inferior epigastric artery false aneurysm following incisional hernia repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We report a case of IEA false aneurysm following a mesh repair of a
      large incisional hernia. We emphasize the importance to consider the diagnosis to
      help avoid inappropriate interventions which could increase patient morbidity.
      CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old male patient, who 4 weeks previously had had a mesh
      repair of a large incisional hernia, presented with a painful left iliac fossa
      swelling. This was found to be an IEA false aneurysm. This was treated
      successfully with percutaneous thrombin injection. CONCLUSIONS: We feel an
      inferior epigastric artery false aneurysm must be included in the differential
      diagnosis when investigating the cause of any lateral swelling following
      incisional hernia repair. This would help reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis
      and avoid any inappropriate interventions which may cause increased patient
      morbidity.

PMID- 22096721
TI  - Sigmoid endometriosis and a diagnostic dilemma - A case report and literature
      review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intestinal endometriosis is often an infrequently considered
      diagnosis in female of childbearing age by general surgeon. There is a delay in
      diagnosis because of constellation of symptoms and lack of specific diagnostic
      modalities. Patients suffer from intestinal endometriosis for many years before
      they are diagnosed. Often, such patients are labelled with irritable bowel
      syndrome. Intestinal endometriosis has a diagnostic time delay of 8-11 years due
      to its non-specific clinical features and multi-system involvement. PRESENTATION
      OF CASE: Our patient was a 32 years old Caucasian female who was referred to us
      with features of intestinal obstruction. Despite repeated clinical assessments
      and use of different diagnostic modalities the diagnosis was still inconclusive
      even after 21 days of her first presentation to primary care physician. She had
      an exploratory laparotomy, sigmoid colectomy, and Hartmann's procedure with a
      temporary colostomy with us. Histopathology confirmed endometriosis and also
      showed melanosis coli. She was referred to the gynaecological team for review and
      follow up. DISCUSSION: Intestinal endometriosis should be considered as a
      differential diagnosis in female patients of childbearing age group presenting
      with non-specific gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. Our patient manifested
      intestinal endometriosis and melanosis coli on histopathology suggesting symptoms
      of long duration. CONCLUSION: Bowel endometriosis is a less considered and often
      ignored differential diagnosis in acute and chronic abdomen. This condition has
      considerable effect on patient's health both physically and psychologically.

PMID- 22096722
TI  - A rare case of segmental small bowel pneumatosis intestinalis: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pneumatosis intestinalis is a rare condition affecting 0.03% of the
      population. It has a myriad of aetiological causes and hence presentation can
      vary immensely. The management of symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis in an
      acute and outpatient setting remains a challenge to both physicians and surgeons.
      CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 79 year old who presented in a
      gastroenterology outpatients department with a history suggestive of intermittent
      small bowel obstruction associated with abdominal pain aggravated by eating and
      posture. He was found to have signs suggestive of Marfan's syndrome. Computed
      tomography demonstrated extensive pneumatosis intestinalis of the small bowel.
      Due to deterioration in symptoms, an exploratory laparotomy was performed
      demonstrating segmental small bowel pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to a
      hypermobile mesentery. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of both
      surgical and gastroenterology expertise in successfully managing symptomatic
      pneumatosis intestinalis.

PMID- 22096723
TI  - Post-biopsy renal allograft compartment syndrome: Addressing the problem,
      illustrated with a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Renal allograft compartment syndrome (RACS) has recently been
      coined to describe early allograft dysfunction secondary to raised pressure in
      the retroperitoneal space. This may be caused by direct compression of the renal
      vessels or by a diffuse renal parenchymal compression. Herein, we report a renal
      allograft compartment syndrome secondary to a needle core transplant biopsy and
      discuss the management strategies in line with an updated literature review.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A retrospective case-note review was carried out where a 45
      year-old male had a transplant renal biopsy at 4-weeks after transplant for
      raising creatinine. Following biopsy patient developed abdominal discomfort and
      had haematuria. DISCUSSION: Doppler ultrasound scanning of graft demonstrated
      good perfusion but a small haematoma (2 * 2 * 2 cm) in the upper pole of the
      kidney at the site of the biopsy. Patient was thereafter assessed conservatively
      with serial ultrasound monitoring. After 24 h, significant deterioration of graft
      function was observed. The third scan, demonstrated reversed flow in diastole in
      the upper pole of the kidney with a resistive index of 1.0 in the main renal
      vessel. With the above findings the kidney transplant was explored immediately
      and the transplant released from a 300 ml of liquefied haematoma, which was under
      considerable pressure. In the next 24-h, the patient showed an immediate return
      of graft function. CONCLUSION: We recommend sequential ultrasound Doppler
      scanning as an invaluable tool to help identify early RACS. The surgical
      exploration and adequate heamostasis with surgical glue should be sought out in
      all RACS.

PMID- 22096724
TI  - Giant celiac artery aneurysm: Treatment by transcatheter coil embolization.
AB  - Celiac artery aneurysms (CAA) are one of the rarest forms of visceral artery
      aneurysms. Most patients are a symptomatic at the time of diagnosis and aneurysms
      are detected incidentally during diagnostic imaging for other diseases. We
      present the case of a 42-year-old man who had an asymptomatic giant CAA detected
      incidentally by an abdominal ultrasound investigating an abdominal pain. A
      contrast enhanced computed tomography angiogram (CTA) revealed a large CAA
      measuring 7.1 cm * 4.3 cm with extensive collaterals from the superior mesenteric
      artery (SMA). The aneurysm sac was mostly filled with thrombus with the celiac
      artery branches occluded. Pre-procedural angiography and transcatheter
      embolization procedures were performed at the same session. Endovascular
      exclusion was performed by transcatheter coil embolization and packing of the
      aneurysm sack. Technical success was achieved by the absence of flow in the
      aneurysm, and preservation of the native circulation on angiograms obtained just
      after the transcatheter coil embolization procedure. One week postembolization, a
      CTA confirmed thrombosis of the aneurysm. The patient returned for a follow-up
      CTA 3, 6, 12 and 48 months after embolization. The aneurysm was thrombosed and
      the patient remained a symptomatic. The surgical mode of treatment of CAA is
      increasingly being replaced by endovascular embolization because of the lower
      morbidity and mortality and high success rate. The accepted endovascular approach
      is by coil embolization of the aneurysmal lumen, the proximal and distal
      aneurysmal neck, or both.

PMID- 22096725
TI  - Primary squamous cell carcinoma of breast with ipsilateral axillary lymph node
      metastasis: An unusual case.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pure squamous cell carcinoma of the breast [SCCB] is rare.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of
      breast with ipsilateral axillary lymph node metastasis in a 58year old woman.
      DISCUSSION: It is a breast carcinoma entirely composed of metaplastic squamous
      cells that may be keratinized, non-keratinized or spindled. The pure squamous
      cell carcinoma usually present with central cystic cavity, which we found in our
      case, also supported by immunohistochemical evidence. CONCLUSION: Although a rare
      breast cancer subtype, SCCB is of considerable interest due to its pathological
      heterogeneity and differences in clinical behavior and less reported occurrence
      of nodal metastasis.

PMID- 22096726
TI  - Inguinal herniae: Valuable clues to concurrent abdominal pathology: A series of
      case studies describing unusual findings in 'routine' hernia operations which
      demonstrate the need for thorough surgical training.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The case series presented here demonstrates that the pathology
      encountered during inguinal hernia repair can often provide clues to concurrent
      pathology; the well trained surgeon's broader medical knowledge can lead to
      earlier diagnosis. PRESENTATION OF CASES: The case series examines four cases of
      men presenting with inguinal hernias, who were found to have concurrent abdominal
      pathology after further investigation of the intraoperative findings of the
      surgeon. DISCUSSION: Operating surgeons not only require the necessary surgical
      skills to deal with the unexpected, but must also rely on their ability to think
      laterally when interpreting atypical incidental findings during 'routine'
      procedures. CONCLUSION: Experience and knowledge gained through a surgeon's
      career is essential to enable them to correctly interpret their intraoperative
      findings and potentially diagnose concurrent pathology. The authors believe that
      surgical care practitioners, trained in just 2 years, would lack these essential
      skills.

PMID- 22096727
TI  - Facial infiltrating lipomatosis: A case report and review of literature.
AB  - Infiltrating lipomatosis of the face has been described as a congenital disorder
      in which mature lipocytes invade adjacent tissues in the facial region. The
      presentation is always unilateral with hypertrophy of hard and soft structures on
      the affected side of the face. We present a case of a 27-year-old female who
      reported with a complaint of recurrent unilateral facial swelling with history of
      two previous resections, the histopathology or details of these surgeries were
      not available. The patient underwent resection of tumour and the histopathology
      confirmed it to be infiltrating lipomatosis. The surgery resulted in a definite
      improvement in the facial asymmetry and the patient is being closely followed up
      with no evidence of recurrence. The pathogenesis of the condition is unclear,
      though it has been postulated that the condition is at one end of a spectrum of
      overgrowth syndromes with classic Proteus syndrome on the other extreme.
      Management of this condition involves resection of the tumour which in most cases
      is subtotal to reduce the risk of damage to facial nerve. There is a controversy
      regarding both timing and extent of resection in the literature and we think the
      subtotal resection of tumour in an adolescent or older patient can give good
      aesthetic outcome without compromising facial nerve function. However, the
      patients should be informed about high rate of recurrence and increase risk of
      complications with any subsequent surgery.

PMID- 22096728
TI  - Long term survival after right hemicolectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy for
      locally advanced colonic cancer: Case report.
AB  - Locally advanced colorectal tumors represent about 5-22% of all colorectal
      cancers at the time of presentation. Specifically in the case of right colon
      cancer, the percentage of adjacent structure involvement ranges between 11% and
      28%. Organs that are most frequently invaded by right colonic tumors are the
      duodenum and the pancreatic head. We report the case of a 36-year old man with
      locally advanced right colonic cancer, invading the head of the pancreas and the
      superior mesenteric vein, who was successfully treated in our department with
      right hemicolectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy and short resection of the superior
      mesenteric vein with an end-to-end anastomosis, and remains alive and well, free
      of disease, nine years after the operation.

PMID- 22096729
TI  - Bilateral recurrent wrist flexor tenosynovitis and rice body formation in a
      patient with sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis: A case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rice body formation has been traditionally observed in the joint
      and tendon sheaths of patients with tuberculosis. Few case reports exist that
      describe rice body formation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We describe a
      case report of bilateral recurrent wrist flexor tenosynovitis with rice body
      formation in a patient with sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis. PRESENTATION OF
      CASE: This case report describes a 72 year old lady presenting with severe
      bilateral, flexor tenosynovitis of the wrists. Ultrasonography revealed
      significant echogenic fluid on the palmer aspect of wrist joint surrounding
      flexor tendons with intact neurovascular bundles and no bony erosion. Laboratory
      tests demonstrated elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (50 mm/h) and negative
      rheumatoid factor. A sequential subtotal flexor tenosynovectomy was carried out
      with decompression of the carpal tunnel. During the operation, multiple rice
      bodies among the flexor tendons with adherent synovitis were found. Histology
      revealed disrupted synovial tissue containing several areas of fibrinoid
      necrosis, bounded by a layer of vaguely pallisaded histiocytes but no epitheloid
      granulomata or germinal centre. A revision surgery with debulking of the fibro
      osseous canal was undertaken following recurrence. The patient presently has
      complete resolution of symptoms at one year follow-up. DISCUSSION: The combined
      clinical, laboratory, ultrasound and histology findings of the patient indicated
      that the cause of the rice body formation was due to a sero-negative arthritis
      rather than tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Rice body formation can be caused by sero
      negative arthritis. Bilateral wrist flexor tensosynovitis can recur within five
      months of a previous synovectomy in a patient with sero-negative arthritis.

PMID- 22096730
TI  - Incarcerated spontaneous transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prolapse of abdominal viscera into the thoracic subcutis through
      the chest wall is known as transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia (TIH). Herein,
      we present the first case of spontaneous TIH presenting as a thoracoabdominal
      emergency. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 78-year-old male presented with acute left
      thoracoabdominal pain following a sudden bulge at the left posterolateral chest
      wall corresponding to a partially reducible soft tissue mass with ecchymosis at
      the overlying skin. Paroxysmal cough during the last four days was also reported
      along with a prolonged daily application of a special tight abdominal belt that
      used while milking sheep. CT-scan of the abdomen showed intrathoracic proptosis
      of the splenic flexure through a defect of the left hemidiaphragm and
      subcutaneous prolapse of the herniated colon through the 7th intercostal space.
      On laparotomy, the herniated colon showed signs of ischemic necrosis leading to
      segmental colectomy followed by repair of the diaphragmatic defect. DISCUSSION:
      The clinical diagnosis of spontaneous TIH demands very high index of suspicion
      and thorough patient's history. In this case the daily elevation of the
      intraabdominal pressure due to an abdominal milking belt might have caused
      gradual slimming and loosening of the diaphragm and the intercostals muscles
      rendering them vulnerable to sudden increases of the thoracoabdominal pressure
      due to violent coughing. Such a hypothesis is reasonable in the absence of
      traumatic injury in this patient. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous TIH should be suspected
      in patients presenting with a sudden palpable chest wall bulge and associated
      thoracoabdominal symptoms in the absence of preceding injury.

PMID- 22096731
TI  - A perforated diverticulum in Cushing's disease.
AB  - We report a case of perforated colonic diverticulum in Cushing's disease.
      Although perforated diverticuli have been described in patients with Cushing's
      syndrome secondary to exogenous glucocorticoids, this complication has not been
      described in patients with Cushing's disease. Patients with hypercortisolism,
      from either exogenous or endogenous sources, should be monitored for diverticular
      perforation.

PMID- 22096732
TI  - Small bowel perforation secondary to accidental dental plate ingestion.
AB  - The majority of ingested foreign bodies will pass through the gastrointestinal
      tract without incident, with less than 1% of cases resulting in complications.
      Herein we present a case of small bowel perforation secondary to the accidental
      ingestion of a dental plate. A diagnosis of perforation was made by CT imaging,
      but the exact cause could only be determined after resection of the affected
      bowel and histo-pathological examination. We re-iterate the importance of
      accurate and thorough history taking in patients with possible foreign body
      ingestion.

PMID- 22096733
TI  - The adverse consequences of pyoderma gangrenosum in a 13 year old child.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, but serious, non
      infectious, neutrophilic dermatosis that causes cutaneous necrosis with a
      characteristically rapid evolution. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 13 year-old girl was
      admitted with a postoperative infected wound, which was surgically debrided. A
      new more aggressive lesion on the left upper extremity led the patient to the
      intensive care unit. Clinical diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was introduced
      with a crucial delay. An immediate clinical improvement after immunosuppressive
      therapy with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine was observed. The
      extensive cutaneous deficits were covered with keratinocyte cultured cells with
      an aesthetically good outcome. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of PG in young children is
      very difficult, especially without dermatological evaluation. This deforming
      ulcerative skin disease is probably a result of altered immunologic reactivity.
      Its early recognition may prevent unnecessary surgical treatment which leads to
      dangerous complications. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the first case of
      PG with such a widespread distribution reported in a child, as a consequence of
      iatrogenic pathergy.

PMID- 22096734
TI  - Colon cancer presenting with polymyositis-A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer most often presents with a change in bowel habit,
      weight loss or with bleeding per rectum. Much less commonly, colorectal cancer
      may present as part of a paraneoplastic syndrome. Polymyositis is a rare disease
      most often considered a complement-mediated idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
      manifested by proximal muscle weakness. However, polymyositis may also be part of
      a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with an underlying malignancy. The
      relationship between polymyositis and malignancy is well known, but it has been
      suggested that tumours of the large bowel are rarely complicated by myositis.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors describe a case report of an 82-year-old
      gentleman with a presumed musculoskeletal or neurological deficit who was
      subsequently diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in the setting of progressive
      fatigue and muscle weakness. Concurrently, we review the current literature
      looking at the relationship between cancer and polymyositis. DISCUSSION:
      Colorectal cancer rarely presents with symptoms such as muscle weakness, however
      it is important to be aware of the possibility of an underlying malignancy when
      seeing patients with symptoms which are suggestive of polymyositis. CONCLUSION:
      The diagnosis of polymyositis in the elderly population should raise suspicion of
      an underlying malignancy.

PMID- 22096736
TI  - Massive per rectal bleeding following blunt abdominal trauma: First presentation
      of Crohn's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic and relatively common
      disorder with heterogeneous presentation. Peak incidence occurs in the second and
      third decades of life. We present a patient with Crohn's disease whose first
      presentation was profuse bleeding/rectum following blunt abdominal trauma.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 29 year old previously healthy man presented one hour
      after sustaining relatively mild abdominal trauma, due to fall onto the ball
      during a rugby match. He complained of abdominal pain and one episode of large
      fresh rectal bleeding. He was pale and distressed with hypotension, tachycardia
      and abdominal guarding & fresh blood on digital rectal examination. With a
      provisional diagnosis of intestinal injury he was taken to theatre. Right hemi
      colectomy was done for a thickened and inflamed segment of distal ileum, a large
      adjacent mesenteric haematoma & mesenteric lymph nodes and blood in distal bowel.
      Histology confirmed the features of Crohn's disease. DISCUSSION: Crohn's disease
      is unusual cause of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding occurring in 0.9-6%
      of patients. Rectal bleeding associated with diarrhoea is relatively more common
      than massive bleeding. The presence of Crohn's disease in young patients
      presenting like this is unlikely to be suspected and diagnosis could only be made
      after laparotomy.

PMID- 22096735
TI  - Giant gallstone: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a high incidence of gallstones in the Chilean population.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report on a 57-year-old man who complained of abdominal
      pain in the right upper quadrant. Abdominal ultrasound indicated acute
      cholecystitis and a single, extremely large pear-shaped gallstone (16.8 cm long,
      and 7.8 cm at its widest point and 4.1 cm at its narrowest point). Its fresh
      weight (at operation) was 278.0 g and, after 4 years, its dry weight was 259.5 g.
      Emergency classical cholecystectomy was carried out successfully. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: We have been unable to find a report of a larger gallstone in the
      English or Spanish language medical literature.

PMID- 22096737
TI  - A giant adrenal cyst difficult to diagnose except by surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adrenal cysts represent rare clinical entities. Although surgical
      indications are well defined, pitfalls arise from the failure to establish an
      accurate preoperative diagnosis. Cystic lesions of other abdominal organs
      especially the pancreas complicate the diagnostic field. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We
      present the case of a giant adrenal cyst in a young female causing diagnostic
      dilemma. Imaging studies revealed a large cystic lesion of uncertain origin
      located between the spleen and the tail of the pancreas. It was decided to
      perform a laparotomy which confirmed the presence of an adrenal cyst and
      enucleation of the cyst was performed. Examination at one year confirmed no
      complications. DISCUSSION: Adrenal cysts should always be included in the
      differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal lesions. CONCLUSION: When the
      preoperative diagnosis is uncertain, surgical intervention can be both diagnostic
      and therapeutic.

PMID- 22096738
TI  - Unilateral borderzone infarction in a young polytrauma patient.
AB  - Although post-traumatic cerebral infarction is a known complication of
      craniocerebral trauma, borderzone infarction (BZI) after multiple traumas in
      young adults are uncommon and published data on this are extremely scant. We
      present an unusual occurrence of unilateral borderzone infarction in a 21-year
      old male who sustained multiple traumas in a traffic accident, which included
      mild head injury, blunt cardiac injury, right traumatic hemopneumothorax, and
      three long bone open fractures. Initial head scan revealed mild brain edema, and
      the BZI was uncovered by a repeated brain CT scan since the patient had a delayed
      neurological deficit which was incompatible for the injury severity of the head.
      Comprehensive work-up was performed and a narrowed right internal carotid artery
      was disclosed by CT angiography. Although unilateral BZI is extremely rare in
      young patients, emergency physicians should still keep in mind to warrant serial
      examinations for BZI and early recognition to provide appropriate treatment.

PMID- 22096739
TI  - Primary malignant melanoma presenting as superior mediastinal mass.
AB  - Malignant melanoma accounts for 1.5% of all cancers, and arises from a
      preexisting nevus in 40% of cases. Skin is the most common site for primary
      malignant melanoma. We present an extremely rare case of primary malignant
      melanoma presenting as a superior mediastinal mass.

PMID- 22096740
TI  - Duplication of vas deferens-A rare anomaly with review of literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Isolated duplication of vas deferens is a rare anomaly with only
      eleven cases reported in medical literature. Unawareness regarding this rare
      anomaly can lead to inadvertent injury to the vas during inguinal hernia surgery
      or failure of vasectomy procedure. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 27-year-old gentleman
      was diagnosed with isolated duplication of vas during left sided open inguinal
      hernia surgery. He had no other genito-urinary anomaly. Patient had an uneventful
      recovery from surgery. CONCLUSION: It is a rare anomaly and unawareness regarding
      this condition can lead to catastrophic consequences during inguinal hernia and
      vasectomy surgeries.

PMID- 22096741
TI  - Epigastirc hernia presenting as a giant abdominal interparietal hernia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epigastric hernia is a rare form of ventral abdominal hernia. When
      neglected it can attain an impressive size causing it un-aesthetic effect in
      addition to diagnostic difficulties. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Presented is a 60-year
      old female farmer with a 10-year history of a voluminous mass in the anterior
      abdominal wall. DISCUSSION: Surgery revealed an epigastric hernia presenting as
      an interparietal hernia. The hernia was an omentocele with a grossly distended
      hernia sac filled with about 2.5 l of serous fluid. No similar case has been
      found in the medical literature. CONCLUSION: Epigastric hernia can attain
      voluminous dimensions and present as a non-inguinal interparietal hernia.

PMID- 22096742
TI  - Early cystic duct carcinoma of new classification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Classically defined cystic duct carcinoma is extremely rare owing
      to its strict diagnostic criteria, which are not suitable in actual clinical
      settings. Recently, several new classifications of cystic duct carcinoma were
      reported, which defined it as a tumor with its center located in the cystic duct.
      On the other hand, the incidence of cystic duct carcinoma, based on the new
      classifications, is not rare, but all reported cases are advanced. PRESENTATION
      OF CASE: A 77-year-old man with dilatation of the common bile duct, a stricture
      at the level of the cystic duct junction, and a filling defect of contrast medium
      into cystic duct in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was diagnosed
      with cystic duct carcinoma. Radical cholecystectomy with bile duct resection was
      performed. In the resected specimen, we found that a 2 cm tumor whose center was
      located in the cystic duct and vertically limited to the mucosal layer.
      Horizontally, the tumor was superficially spread in the gallbladder, which were
      also limited to the mucosal layer. DISCUSSION: Here we report a first case of
      early cystic duct carcinoma diagnosed according to a new classification that had
      spread superficially into the gallbladder. When treating an early cystic duct
      carcinoma, it is important to note that even localized carcinoma can potentially
      invade into adjacent organs or metastasize to regional lymph nodes due to the
      location of cystic duct. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that perform radical
      resection such as cholecystectomy with gallbladder fossa resection, extrahepatic
      bile duct resection and regional lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice.

PMID- 22096743
TI  - A rare complication of acute appendicitis: Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Very few cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis have been
      reported as a complication of appendicitis. In these handful of cases, the
      thrombosis was identified early with computerised tomography scan and patients
      have been managed conservatively with antibiotics and anticoagulation.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 45-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency
      department with a 13-day history of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and
      rigors. CT scan of the abdomen revealed an appendicular mass and superior
      mesenteric vein thrombosis. The patient was initially managed by anticoagulation
      and antibiotics for two weeks and was discharged after satisfactory clinical
      improvement. He represented after discharge for increased severity of his
      abdominal pain and abnormal inflammatory markers. Emergency open appendicectomy
      for complicated appendicitis was performed and his postoperative course was
      unremarkable. He was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with
      anticoagulation. Outpatient review at two months was unremarkable. DISCUSSION:
      Acute appendicitis is a common surgical presentation where history and
      examination is key in clinching the diagnosis. Inflammatory markers and imaging
      modalities such as a CT scan can be helpful. Although surgical intervention is
      the mainstay of treatment, conservative management with antibiotics is an option
      if the diagnosis of appendicitis is equivocal. Recent evidence has revealed that
      elective appendicectomy is not necessary upon successful conservative management.
      Acute appendicitis can lead to local perforations and abscesses. Complications
      such as thrombosis in the superior mesenteric vein are rare and can be managed
      successfully with anticoagulants. CONCLUSION: Although this is a rare
      complication of appendicitis, the case was managed successfully with a
      conservative approach. This is inline with the general consensus which is to
      treat superior mesenteric vein thrombosis secondary to appendicitis
      conservatively unless the patient deteriorates.

PMID- 22096744
TI  - Extragastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (EGIST) in the abdominal wall: Case report
      and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is the most common
      mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract (GI). GIST that arises primarily
      outside the GI tract is termed Extragastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (EGIST). To
      the best of our knowledge, few cases of EGIST in the abdominal wall were
      reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a rare case of EGIST in the abdominal
      wall of a 57 year-old female patient. The asymptomatic tumor was located in the
      superior aspect of the left rectus abdominis muscle, measured 5.4 * cm 5.3 * cm
      6.9 cm and was well circumscribed. Histological examination showed an epithelioid
      cell morphology. The mitotic count was 7/50 HPFs. Immunohistochemistry showed
      diffuse strong CD117 positivity, focal positivity for S100. The tumor was excised
      and the margins were free of malignancy. The patient was doing well
      postoperatively and was discharged on STI-571 regimen. DISCUSSION: Although GIST
      is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, a case with
      EGIST in the abdominal wall is rare. Positive immunohistochemical staining for
      CD117 is a defining feature of GISTs. A great percentage of EGISTs represent a
      metastasis from a primary GIST. In our case, the clinical and diagnostic work-up
      have been proved it to be an EGIST. CONCLUSION: The existing data on EGIST is
      insufficient to make a final conclusion regarding the malignant potential and
      clinicopathological factors of EGISTs that determine patient prognosis. Thus a
      follow-up for a long period is required. EGISTs should be kept in mind in the
      differential diagnosis for patients presenting with solid mass of the abdominal
      wall.

PMID- 22096745
TI  - Angiodysplasia of the gallbladder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiodysplasia is a term used to describe distinct mucosal vascular
      ectasias found mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. Angiodysplasia of the
      gallbladder is exceedingly rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We encountered a patient
      who presented with biliary colic and subsequently underwent an elective
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The angiodysplasia of the gallbladder was found
      incidentally on histopathological examination of the excised gallbladder.
      DISCUSSION: Review of the literature showed only one other reported case of
      angiodysplasia of the gallbladder. The condition may be found incidentally after
      histopathological examination of the gallbladder removed for gallstone; or it may
      present with haemobilia. CONCLUSION: We presented an extremely rare case of
      angiodysplasia of the gallbladder, which was found incidentally after
      histopathological examination of the gallbladder removed for gallstone.
      Angiodysplasia of the gallbladder has the potential to bleed. Laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy is effective in providing a definitive cure.

PMID- 22096746
TI  - Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (epithelioid hemangioma) of the face:
      An unusual presentation.
AB  - Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare entity that usually
      occurs as 0.5-3 cm pink to brown nodules in the skin surface and subcutaneous
      tissues of the head & neck. Here we report an unusual occurrence in size and
      appearance of ALHE in the tissues of the cheek of an adult Asian male.

PMID- 22096747
TI  - Iatrogenic liver trauma managed with mesh-wrapping and ligation of portal vein
      branch: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Liver trauma is a critical condition that requires swift
      multidisciplinary approach. In complex hepatic injuries perihepatic packing is an
      established life-saving procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate and
      highlight the value of absorbable mesh wrapping of the injured liver, combined
      with ipsilateral ligation of portal vein branch. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year
      old patient underwent an open cholocystectomy, for gallbladder empyema. The
      second postoperative day he was re-operated on due to active hemorrhage. The
      bleeding was controlled by suturing the bed of the gallbladder fossa. During this
      maneuver a portal vein branch was torn resulting in a rapidly expanding
      subcapsular liver hematoma which led to the formation of two deep lacerations on
      the liver parenchyma. This life-threatening condition was treated by wrapping an
      absorbable mesh around the right liver lobe and subsequently ligating the right
      portal vein branch extrahepaticaly. CONCLUSION: Mesh wrapping of the fragmented
      liver with absorbable mesh constitutes a safe and effective method, in treating
      grade IV and V liver injuries, especially when combined with ipsilateral ligation
      of the bleeding vessel.

PMID- 22096748
TI  - Vanek's tumour mimicking an acute appendicitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vanek's tumour or Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP) are rare, benign
      localised lesions originating from the sub-mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract
      (GI) tract.(1) They have been widely reported as occurring within the stomach,
      Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum, more rarely (<1%) in the caecum or appendix.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of a 28-year-old lady who presented with
      a 2-day history of right iliac fossa pain, nausea and low-grade fever.
      Subsequent, ultrasonography (USS) of the abdomen demonstrated an inflamed tubular
      structure originating from caecum with fluid in the pelvis mimicking an acute
      appendicitis. Next to normal appendix an inflammatory polypoid mass was
      identified and on histological examination confirmed to be an IFP (Vanek's
      tumour). DISCUSSION: Right Iliac Fossa (RIF) pain with suspected appendicitis is
      one of the most common presentations in any acute surgical unit. In young women
      of childbearing age, the differential diagnosis can be varied and vast. The
      surgical management of IFP (Vanek's tumour) in such cases ranges from limited
      resection and caecectomy to limited right hemicolectomy. CONCLUSION: To date, the
      exact histiogenesis of these tumours remains unclear and requires a high level of
      intra-operative suspicion. According to our search such presentation is not
      reported.

PMID- 22096749
TI  - Middle-preserving pancreatectomy for synchronous ampullary carcinoma and solid
      pseudopapillary tumor of distal pancreas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Total pancreatectomy is the treatment of choice for multicentric
      diseases involving the pancreas. Middle-preserving pancreatectomy is a recently
      reported alternative procedure when the pancreatic body is spared from disease.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a 63-year old lady who underwent a combined
      Whipple's operation and distal splenopancreatectomy for her synchronous ampullary
      carcinoma and solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the distal pancreas. DISCUSSION: For
      multiple tumors of the pancreas, the choice of surgery should be based on the
      nature of pathology and follow the principle of oncological resection.
      CONCLUSION: Middle-preserving pancreatectomy is a safe and feasible option for
      patient with multicentric or synchronous pancreatic pathologies.

PMID- 22096750
TI  - Infertility and chylous ascites? A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chylous ascites is defined by an accumulation of chylous fluid in
      the peritoneal cavity and it clinically appears as a milky fluid in which
      laboratory examination reveals triglycerides, cholesterol, and sometimes
      chylomicrons and lymphocytes. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the first case of
      primary chylous ascites observed during laparoscopy for unexplained secondary
      infertility. DISCUSSION: Chylous ascites has never been linked to fertility but
      bathes all internal reproductive organs surfaces and is considered a
      communication mean between ovaries. CONCLUSION: Despite a lack of evidence, the
      question of peritoneal fluid role remains in infertility.

PMID- 22096751
TI  - Short report of an unusual ballistic trauma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Portable firearms have a relevant medico-legal interest, being a
      major cause of injury. Bullet entry wounds generally have a particular
      appearance, including contusion, skin introflection, and simple or excoriated
      ecchymosis. The skin wound is typically a hole with frayed margins, whose
      diameter is smaller than that of the bullet. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the
      case of a 19-year-old man with ballistic trauma. Examination of the patient's
      lesions indicated that the bullet had entered from the left mandibular
      parasymphysis, creating a small hole without the typical bullet wipe and
      blackening. Subsequently, the bullet seemed to have fractured the left chin
      region immediately below the lower alveolar process, and it finally stopped in
      the submandibular area in the suprahyoid region of the neck. DISCUSSION: This
      case is peculiar because the distinctive features of a firearm injury were
      absent; the lack of bleeding and edema made the case difficult to interpret
      without additional diagnostic investigations. CONCLUSION: Ballistic trauma can
      manifest in different ways; therefore, internal trauma should be suspected even
      in the absence of clear external signs. This case report shows how an unusual
      bullet entry hole can mask quite serious injuries.

PMID- 22096752
TI  - Closed reduction of radius refracture: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Refractures of the radius and ulna in the paediatric patient with
      flexible intramedullary nails in situ are known to occur. There are no formal
      guidelines currently in the literature to guide the management of such fractures.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 10-year-old Caucasian girl, sustained a closed refracture
      of the radius at the same level, with the flexible intramedullary nails in situ
      to treat her recent ulna and radius fractures. DISCUSSION: We proposed a new non
      invasive way of reducing and maintaining such fractures without removal of the
      bent nail completely. CONCLUSION: This method does not significantly reduce the
      mechanical strength of the nail, as we do not advocate applying an external
      lateral force, which would compromise nail mechanical strength and eventually
      lead to breakage of the nail in situ.

PMID- 22096753
TI  - Robotic redo fundoplication for incompetent wrapping after antireflux surgery: A
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high.
      antireflux surgery with specific indications could be an option. Nissen
      fundoplication is the most popular surgical procedure for GERD, and recent
      results using laparoscopy have reported excellent short- and mid-term results.
      Regarding surgical outcome of antireflux surgery, the rate of complications has
      been reported as below 2.4%, but rare cases still require reoperation.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53-year old male patient underwent laparoscopic Nissen
      fundoplication three years ago owing to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
      troubled by dysphagia and heartburn However, despite undergoing surgery, his
      symptoms did not show improvement .A robotic redo fundoplication was planned. The
      patient recovered uneventfully, and the esophagography on postoperative day four
      revealed improvement of previous upward contrast reflux and distension of the
      distal esophagus during swallowing had disappeared. Dysphagia and heartburn had
      still not occurred at one year follow-up. DISCUSSION: Redo antireflux surgery for
      postoperative stricture is not an easy procedure due to postoperative adhesion
      and anatomical change. Robotic surgery may be more helpful for precise dissection
      of the adhesion site by a previous operation and robotic suturing for re
      fundoplication was more effective. CONCLUSION: Re-do fundoplication using a
      robot, which is a complicated procedure compared with primary anti-reflux surgery
      would be a general procedure in the near future.

PMID- 22096754
TI  - Early intervention in intersigmoid hernia may prevent bowel resection-A case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intersigmoid hernia is a rare internal hernia presenting with
      symptoms of bowel obstruction. Preoperative diagnosis is uncommon but
      computerised tomography (CT) may show signs to suggest internal hernia.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 63-year-old female presented with abdominal pain,
      vomiting and absolute constipation. Examination revealed a tense distended
      abdomen. A plain abdominal radiograph showed features of small bowel obstruction.
      Conservative management was initiated without success and a CT scan was performed
      which showed a dilated distal oesophagus, stomach and small bowel with a non
      dilated length of distal ileum and large bowel. Internal hernia was suggested as
      a possible cause and the patient underwent a laparotomy where a loop of small
      bowel was found to be strangulated and gangrenous within the intersigmoid fossa.
      The gangrenous bowel was resected, an end-to-end anastamosis was performed and
      the fossa was closed. The patient made an uneventful recovery. DISCUSSION:
      Hernias of the sigmoid mesocolon account for 6% of internal hernias with internal
      hernias themselves causing between 0.2 and 4.1% of intestinal obstruction. This
      report presents a case of intersigmoid hernia, a rare internal hernia which
      should be suspected in patients presenting with acute obstruction, no past
      surgical history and no external hernia. Patients with these symptoms should
      receive an urgent CT scan to facilitate early surgery and minimise strangulation
      and prevent bowel resection. CONCLUSION: Intersigmoid hernia presents with acute
      obstruction, no past surgical history and no external hernia. Urgent CT scanning
      and early surgery may minimise strangulation, conserve bowel and reduce patient
      morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22096755
TI  - Successful treatment of ventilator dependent emphysema with Chartis treatment
      planning and endobronchial valves.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Emphysema is a leading cause of disability and death. Patients who
      require ventilator support as a result of respiratory failure have limited
      treatment options. We report a successful outcome for a ventilator dependent
      patient in whom endobronchial valves were inserted into lobes assessed as being
      without collateral ventilation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 54 year old male patient
      had been ventilator dependent for two months due to respiratory insufficiency
      from emphysema. Prior to admission, FEV(1) was 0.89L (25% predicted) and RV was
      4.5L (205% predicted). CT scan showed destruction of right lower and middle lobes
      and left lower lobe. Chartis assessment showed the absence of collateral
      ventilation. Zephyr endobronchial valves were placed in left and right lower
      lobes. Lung volume reduction bilaterally was confirmed on chest X-ray and CT scan
      the following day. On day three, ventilator support was discontinued and there
      was no requirement for supplementary oxygen. At 30 days post procedure, the RV
      reduced to 3.2L (142% predicted) and the FEV(1) increased to 1.32L (38%
      predicted). DISCUSSION: Hyperinflation in emphysema compromises lung function.
      For this ventilator dependent patient, there were no other treatment options.
      Endoscopic lung volume reduction was successfully achieved by bilateral lower
      lobe placement of Zephyr endobronchial valves with a prior assessment using
      Chartis to determine the absence of collateral flow in the targeted lobes. The
      patient achieved an impressive 48% improvement in FEV(1) and a 29% reduction in
      RV. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic lung volume reduction assisted by Chartis to plan
      treatment resulted in a clinical and a health-economic benefit.

PMID- 22096756
TI  - Endometriosis in the canal of Nuck hydrocele: An unusual presentation.
AB  - The authors describe an unusual rare presentation of endometriosis in a
      hydrocoele of the canal of Nuck. A 43-year-old lady presented with a swelling in
      her right groin associated with mild discomfort. Examination revealed a cystic
      swelling in the groin for which she underwent an exploration and excision of the
      swelling. Surgery revealed a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck which was confirmed
      histologically. The unusual presentation of endometriosis in the sac was
      confirmed immunocytochemically.

PMID- 22096757
TI  - A pseudo-TEP repair of an incarcerated obturator hernia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obturator hernia (OH) is a rare condition and difficult to
      diagnose. While they account for as few as 0.073% of all hernias, mortality can
      be as high as 70%. The typical clinical presentation for OH is small bowel
      obstruction. Computed tomography is the diagnostic tool of choice. Surgical
      repair is mandatory in virtually all cases of OH and traditionally consists of
      performing an exploratory laparotomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 90-year-old female
      was admitted to our surgical service with signs of small bowel obstruction and a
      CT scan revealing incarcerated fatty tissue and small bowel within a left OH.
      DISCUSSION: The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of OH has been
      limited to elective repairs; most reports detail that the OH was found
      serendipitously during laparoscopic inguinal hernia operations or other pelvic
      procedures. A few reports describe the use of laparoscopy to treat OH associated
      with bowel obstruction in an emergency setting using a TAPP approach. A strict
      TEP hernia repair is not indicated for all patients with OH, and should rarely be
      performed in emergency situations given its limitation to assess or resect bowel
      if necessary. In selected cases, a formal exploratory laparoscopy that is
      negative for compromised bowel can be safely followed by a TEP repair using the
      same umbilical access as shown in our patient. CONCLUSION: A 90-year-old female
      with a small bowel obstruction related to an incarcerated OH was treated
      effectively with an extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach.

PMID- 22096758
TI  - Intraabdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor: Report of a case and
      literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare malignancy with poor
      prognosis that predominantly affects young males. Its etiopathogenesis is still
      unknown and diagnosis can be achieved only by immunohistochemistry and
      cytogenetic studies. Due to our limited knowledge of the pathologic and clinical
      nature of this disease, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal
      therapeutic procedures for treating this neoplasm. A high degree of care and
      improvements in diagnostic capabilities are required in order to identify this
      entity and avoid misdiagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a new case of a 29
      year-old male who proceeded to our Emergency Department complaining about non
      specific abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities except
      for a palpable mass in the lower abdomen and a diffuse abdominal pain. Computed
      Tomography scan showed enlarged paraortic and mesenteric lymphadenopathy,
      thickness of the small bowel wall and dispersed masses intraperitoneally. He
      underwent an exploratory laparotomy and the resultant biopsy revealed
      desmoplastic small round cell tumor. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of desmoplastic small
      round cell tumor can easily be missed because it presents with few early warning
      symptoms and signs, while the routine blood tests are within normal limits.
      CONCLUSION: A high degree of suspicion, a thorough physical examination, a full
      imaging check and an aggressive therapeutic approach are required in order to
      identify this disease and fight for a better quality of life for these patients.
      In addition we make a review of the literature in an effort to clarify the
      epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of this entity.

PMID- 22096759
TI  - Total neopharyngeal stenosis following pharyngolaryngo-oesophagectomy with
      gastric interposition: Successful recanalisation using a transcervical
      radiologically guided technique.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pharyngo-oesophageal stricturing is common following treatment of
      head and neck cancers. Absolute dysphagia secondary to total stenosis, although
      rare, is particularly debilitating and presents a significant therapeutic
      challenge. We present a strategy for managing total neopharyngeal stenosis
      following pharyngolaryngo-oesophagectomy (PLOG). PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 71-year
      old female developed total neopharyngeal stenosis following PLOG with gastric
      interposition for squamous cell carcinoma of the proximal cervical
      oesophagus/post-cricoid. A transcervical, percutaneous, radiologically guided
      procedure was performed to restore lumenal patency, which enabled resumption of
      oral feeding. DISCUSSION: Established treatments for pharyngo-oesophageal
      strictures are frequently limited by complications in patients with complex
      strictures or total stenoses. Whilst several interventions have been described,
      recent interest has focussed on combined antegrade/retrograde endoscopic
      procedures dilating a pre-existing gastrostomy site for access. This was not
      possible in our patient due to the surgically altered anatomy which posed a
      unique therapeutic challenge. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported
      percutaneous, transcervical, radiologically guided technique to treat
      neopharyngeal stenosis following PLOG. It demonstrates a novel and efficacious
      approach which may be considered in the management of this rare but significant
      complication.

PMID- 22096760
TI  - Case report and literature review: Metastatic lobular carcinoma of the breast an
      unusual presentation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common type of
      invasive breast carcinoma (between 5% and 15%). The incidence of invasive lobular
      carcinoma has been increasing while the incidence of invasive duct carcinoma has
      not changed in the last two decades. This increase is postulated to be secondary
      to an increased use of combined replacement hormonal therapy. Patients with
      invasive lobular carcinoma tend to be slightly older than those with non-lobular
      invasive carcinoma with a reported mean age of 57 years compared to 64 years. On
      mammography, architectural distortion is more common and microcalcifications less
      common with invasive lobular carcinoma than invasive ductal carcinoma. The
      incidence of extrahepatic gastrointestinal (GI) tract metastases observed in
      autopsy studies varies in the literature from 6% to 18% with the most commonly
      affected organ being the stomach, followed by colon and rectum. Gastric lesions
      seem to be slightly more frequent, compared to colorectal lesions (6-18% compared
      to 8-12%, respectively). PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 70-year
      old woman who was referred to our institution with a concurrent gastric and
      rectal cancer that on further evaluation was diagnosed as metastatic invasive
      lobular carcinoma of the breast. She has a stage IV clinical T3N1M1 left breast
      invasive lobular carcinoma (ER positive at 250, PR negative, HER-2/neu 1+
      negative) with biopsy proven metastases to left axillary lymph nodes, gastric
      mucosa, peritoneum, rectal mass, and bone who presented with a partial large
      bowel obstruction. She is currently being treated with weekly intravenous
      paclitaxel, bevacizumab that was added after her third cycle, and she is also
      receiving monthly zoledronic acid. She is currently undergoing her 12-month of
      treatment and is tolerating it well. Discussion Breast cancer is the most common
      site-specific cancer in women and is the leading cause of death from cancer for
      women aged 20-59 years. It accounts for 26% of all newly diagnosed cancers in
      females and is responsible for 15% of the cancer-related deaths in women.(9)
      Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies that metastasize to the GI
      tract, along with melanoma, ovarian and bladder cancer. CONCLUSION: We present
      one of the first reports of metastatic lobular breast cancer presenting as a
      synchronous rectal and gastric tumors. Metastatic lobular carcinoma of the breast
      is a rare entity with a wide range of clinical presentations. A high level of
      suspicion, repetition of endoscopic procedures, and a detailed pathological
      analysis is necessary for early diagnosis, which might help to avoid surgical
      treatment due to incorrect diagnosis. Patients with a history of breast cancer
      who present with new gastrointestinal lesions should have these lesions evaluated
      for evidence of metastasis through histopathologic evaluation and
      immunohistochemical analysis. Differentiating between a primary GI lesion and
      metastatic breast cancer will allow initiation of appropriate treatment and help
      prevent unnecessary operations.

PMID- 22096761
TI  - Adrenal pseudocyst: Diagnosis and laparoscopic management - A case report.
AB  - Cysts of the adrenal gland are rare and are usually discovered incidentally.
      Large adrenal cysts can however present with severe abdominal pain and can be
      complicated by haemorrhage, rupture or infection. Adrenal pseudocysts appear to
      result from haemorrhage within a normal adrenal gland and can expand to
      accommodate massive amounts of fluid.We report the case of a 39-year-old woman
      who presented with worsening right upper quadrant pain. An ultrasound scan of the
      abdomen confirmed a large 29 cm * 20 cm * 17 cm cyst that appeared to originate
      in the upper pole of the right kidney causing displacement of the liver and right
      kidney.Following complete aspiration the cyst re-accumulated and an MRI scan
      demonstrated a thickened and irregular cyst wall with haemorrhagic fluid.
      Laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed and the histopathological
      diagnosis was confirmed as an adrenal pseudocyst.

PMID- 22096762
TI  - Bilateral persistent sciatic arteries complicated with chronic lower limb
      ischemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare vascular anomaly
      associated with a higher rate of aneurysm formation or thromboembolic
      complications causing lower extremity ischemia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 15-year
      old female patient with bilateral PSA presented with lower extremity ischemia.
      Considering the age and symptoms of the patient, we did not perform any
      intervention, but continued surveillance with duplex ultrasonography in case of
      the high incidence of aneurysmal formation or thromboembolic event. DISCUSSION:
      Epidemiology, development, anatomical structure, diagnosis and treatments of PSAs
      are discussed. CONCLUSION: PSAs, are prone to early atheromatous degeneration and
      aneurysm formation. Treatment of a PSA mainly dependent on the symptoms is either
      by surgical procedures or by endovascular interventions.

PMID- 22096763
TI  - Lingual thyroid: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lingual thyroid (LT) gland is a rare clinical entity which was
      found to occur due to the failure of the thyroid gland to descend to its normal
      cervical location during embryogenesis. The presence of an ectopic thyroid gland
      located at the base of the tongue may present with symptoms like dysphagia,
      dysphonia, upper airway obstruction or even hemorrhage at any time from infancy
      through adulthood. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We are presenting a case of 5-year-old
      girl who presented with lingual thyroid, treated with Suppression treatment
      followed by elective surgical resection. DISCUSSION: Incidence of ectopic lingual
      thyroid gland is reported as 1:100,000. It is more common in females. Most of
      presentations due to oropharyngeal obstruction, including dysphagia, dyspnea and
      dysphonia. Investigations include thyroid function tests, neck US, Technetium
      scanning and C.T. CONCLUSION: Lingual thyroid is a rare anomaly. Dysphagia and
      dysphonia are common presenting symptoms. Pathogenesis of this ectopic is
      unknown. Different types of surgical approaches have been described in the
      management.

PMID- 22096764
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic value of laparoscopy for small bowel blunt injuries: A
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Small bowel injuries after blunt abdominal trauma represent both a
      diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are
      necessary in order to avoid a dangerous diagnostic delay. Laparoscopy can
      represent a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with uncertain clinical
      symptoms. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We report the case of a 25-year-old man,
      haemodynamically stable, admitted for acute abdominal pain a few hours after a
      physical assault. Giving the persistence of the abdominal pain and the presence
      of free fluids at the computed tomography examination, an exploratory laparoscopy
      was performed. DISCUSSION: At the laparoscopic exploration, an isolated small
      bowel perforation was found, 60 cm distal from the ligament of Treitz. The injury
      was repaired by laparoscopic suturing and the patient was discharged home at
      postoperative day 3 after an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopy represents a valuable tool for patients with small bowel blunt
      injuries allowing a timely diagnosis and a prompt treatment.

PMID- 22096765
TI  - Our philosophy.

PMID- 22096766
TI  - Whats new in critical illness and injury science ? Mapping and tracking glucose
      levels in critical patients.

PMID- 22096767
TI  - The glucogram: A new quantitative tool for glycemic analysis in the surgical
      intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycemic control is an important aspect of patient care in the
      surgical intensive care unit (SICU). This is a pilot study of a novel glycemic
      analysis tool - the glucogram. We hypothesize that the glucogram may be helpful
      in quantifying the clinical significance of acute hyperglycemic states (AHS) and
      in describing glycemic variability (GV) in critically ill patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Serial glucose measurements were analyzed in SICU patients with lengths
      of stay (LOS) >30 days. Glucose data were formatted into 12-hour epochs and
      graphically analyzed using stochastic and momentum indicators. Recorded clinical
      events were classified as major or minor (control). Examples of major events
      include cardiogenic shock, acute respiratory failure, major hemorrhage,
      infection/sepsis, etc. Examples of minor (control) events include non-emergent
      bedside procedures, blood transfusion given to a hemodynamically stable patient,
      etc. Positive/negative indicator status was then correlated with AHS and
      associated clinical events. The conjunction of positive indicator/major clinical
      event or negative indicator/minor clinical event was defined as clinical "match".
      GV was determined by averaging glucose fluctuations (maximal - minimal value
      within each 12-hour epoch) over time. In addition, event-specific glucose
      excursion (ESGE) associated with each positive indicator/AHS match (final minus
      initial value for each occurrence) was calculated. Descriptive statistics,
      sensitivity/specificity determination, and student's t-test were used in data
      analysis. RESULTS: Glycemic and clinical data were reviewed for 11 patients (mean
      SICU LOS 74.5 days; 7 men/4 women; mean age 54.9 years; APACHE II of 17.7 +/-
      6.44; mortality 36%). A total of 4354 glucose data points (1254 epochs) were
      analyzed. There were 354 major clinical events and 93 minor (control) events. The
      glucogram identified AHS/indicator/clinical event "matches" with overall
      sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 65%. We noted that while the mean GV was
      greater for non-survivors than for survivors (19.3 mg/dL vs. 10.3 mg/dL, P =
      0.02), there was no difference in mean ESGE between survivors (154.7) and non
      survivors (160.8, P = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: The glucogram was able to quantify the
      correlation between AHS and major clinical events with a sensitivity of 84% and a
      specificity of 65%. In addition, mean GV was nearly two times higher for non
      survivors. The glucogram may be useful both clinically (i.e., in the electronic
      ICU or other "early warning" systems) and as a research tool (i.e., in model
      development and standardization). Results of this study provide a foundation for
      further, larger-scale, multi-parametric, prospective evaluations of the
      glucogram.

PMID- 22096768
TI  - Resource utilization in the management of traumatic brain injury patients in a
      critical care unit: An audit from a rural set-up of a developing country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical patients including patients with severe head injury are
      at risk of developing respiratory complications. These can adversely affect the
      outcome and can result in poor survival. Many studies confirm that tracheostomy
      is a safe, effective method of airway management for patients with severe head,
      facial and multisystem organ trauma. AIMS: To know the indications for performing
      early tracheostomy and its outcome. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective data
      analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a retrospective analysis of
      all patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of head injury between January
      2007 and December 2009 and underwent tracheostomy at a rural tertiary care trauma
      center of Central India. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 40 patients
      with head injury underwent tracheostomy. All the patients sustained head injury
      in road traffic accidents. The mean age of the patients was 37.6 years (range 14
      75 years, standard deviation 14 +/- 14.9 years). Maximum number of patients were
      in their third decade of life, followed by those in the fifth and fourth decades.
      There were 36 males and 4 females. Tracheostomy was performed in 30 patients with
      severe head injury, 9 patients with moderate head injury and in only one case of
      mild head injury as the patient had multiple facial injuries compromising the
      airway. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocritical care is a relatively new field in India, and
      the facilities for critical neurosurgical patients are available only in a very
      few tertiary care centers mainly serving the urban areas. In the present study,
      we discuss our limited experience with tracheostomy in patients with head injury
      while facing the challenge of limited resources.

PMID- 22096769
TI  - Risk factors for aminoglycoside-associated nephrotoxicity in surgical intensive
      care unit patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aminoglycosides are commonly used antibiotics in the intensive care
      unit (ICU), but are associated with nephrotoxicity. This study evaluated the
      development of aminoglycoside-associated nephrotoxicity (AAN) in a single
      surgical intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients in our
      surgical ICU who received more than two doses of aminoglycosides were
      retrospectively reviewed for demographics, serum creatinine, receipt of
      nephrotoxins [angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II
      receptor blockers, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
      cyclosporine, tacrolimus, vasopressors, vancomycin and intravenous iodinated
      contrast] and the need for dialysis. AAN was defined as an increase in serum
      creatinine >0.5 mg/dL on at least 2 consecutive days. Univariate and multiple
      regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (43 males)
      receiving aminoglycoside were evaluated. Mean age, weight, initial serum
      creatinine, and duration of aminoglycoside therapy were 58.7 (+/-15) years, 83.3
      (+/-24.4) kg, 0.9 (+/-0.5) mg/dL, and 4 (+/-2.3) days, respectively. Thirty-one
      (51%) aminoglycoside recipients also received additional nephrotoxins. Seven
      aminoglycoside recipients (11.5%) developed AAN, four of whom required dialysis
      and all had received additional nephrotoxins. Only concurrent use of vasopressors
      (P = 0.041) and vancomycin (P = 0.002) were statistically associated with AAN.
      Receipt of vasopressors or vancomycin were independent predictors of acute kidney
      insufficiency (AKI) with odds ratios of 19.9 (95% CI: 1.6-245, P = 0.019) and
      49.8 (95% CI: 4.1-602, P = 0.002), respectively. Four patients (6.6%) required
      dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill surgical patients receiving
      aminoglycosides, AAN occurred in 11.5% of the patients. Concurrent use of
      aminoglycosides with other nephrotoxins increased the risk of AAN.

PMID- 22096770
TI  - Trauma care today, what's new?
AB  - Injury is the fourth leading cause of death in the US, and the leading cause of
      death in younger age. Trauma is primarily a disease of the young and accounts for
      more years of productive life lost than any other illness. Consequently, almost
      every health care provider encounters trauma patients from time to time. Many of
      these patients are critically ill and pose several challenges in the acute phase,
      including airway and ventilation, fluid management, intracranial pressure
      control, etc. In the last decade, several strategies and treatment options have
      been studied in trauma care along with improvement in technologies. In this
      review, we will discuss a few of the new developments and updates in trauma care.

PMID- 22096771
TI  - Perioperative management of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem and the leading
      cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite the modern diagnosis and
      treatment, the prognosis for patients with TBI remains poor. While severity of
      primary injury is the major factor determining the outcomes, the secondary injury
      caused by physiological insults such as hypotension, hypoxemia, hypercarbia,
      hypocarbia, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, etc. that develop over time after the
      onset of the initial injury, causes further damage to brain tissue, worsening the
      outcome in TBI. Perioperative period may be particularly important in the course
      of TBI management. While surgery and anesthesia may predispose the patients to
      new onset secondary injuries which may contribute adversely to outcomes, the
      perioperative period is also an opportunity to detect and correct the undiagnosed
      pre-existing secondary insults, to prevent against new secondary insults and is a
      potential window to initiate interventions that may improve outcome of TBI. For
      this review, extensive Pubmed and Medline search on various aspects of
      perioperative management of TBI was performed, followed by review of research
      focusing on intraoperative and perioperative period. While the research focusing
      specifically on the intraoperative and immediate perioperative TBI management is
      limited, clinical management continues to be based largely on physiological
      optimization and recommendations of Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines. This
      review is focused on the perioperative management of TBI, with particular
      emphasis on recent developments.

PMID- 22096772
TI  - Anesthetic considerations in acute spinal cord trauma.
AB  - Patients with actual or potential spinal cord injury (SCI) are frequently seen at
      adult trauma centers, and a large number of these patients require operative
      intervention. All polytrauma patients should be assumed to have an SCI until
      proven otherwise. Pre-hospital providers should take adequate measures to
      immobilize the spine for all trauma patients at the site of the accident.
      Stabilization of the spine facilitates the treatment of other major injuries both
      in and outside the hospital. The presiding goal of perioperative management is to
      prevent iatrogenic deterioration of existing injury and limit the development of
      secondary injury whilst providing overall organ support, which may be adversely
      affected by the injury. This review article explores the anesthetic implications
      of the patient with acute SCI. A comprehensive literature search of Medline,
      Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, conference proceedings and
      internet sites for relevant literature was performed. Reference lists of relevant
      published articles were also examined. Searches were carried out in October 2010
      and there were no restrictions by study design or country of origin. Publication
      date of included studies was limited to 1990-2010.

PMID- 22096773
TI  - Advances in prehospital trauma care.
AB  - Prehospital trauma care developed over the last decades parallel in many
      countries. Most of the prehospital emergency medical systems relied on input or
      experiences from military medicine and were often modeled after the existing
      military procedures. Some systems were initially developed with the trauma
      patient in mind, while other systems were tailored for medical, especially
      cardiovascular, emergencies. The key components to successful prehospital trauma
      care are the well-known ABCs of trauma care: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
      Establishing and securing the airway, ventilation, fluid resuscitation, and in
      addition, the quick transport to the best-suited trauma center represent the
      pillars of trauma care in the field. While ABC in trauma care has neither been
      challenged nor changed, new techniques, tools and procedures have been developed
      to make it easier for the prehospital provider to achieve these goals in the
      prehospital setting and thus improve the outcome of trauma patients.

PMID- 22096774
TI  - Trends in trauma transfusion.
AB  - Trauma is the leading cause of death in young adults and acute blood loss
      contributes to a large portion of mortality in the early post-trauma period. The
      recognition of lethal triad of coagulopathy, hypothermia and acidosis has led to
      the concepts of damage control surgery and resuscitation. Recent experience with
      managing polytrauma victims from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has led to a few
      significant changes in clinical practice. Simultaneously, transfusion practices
      in the civilian settings have also been extensively studied retrospectively and
      prospectively in the last decade. Early treatment of coagulopathy with a high
      ratio of fresh frozen plasma and platelets to packed red blood cells
      (FFP:platelet:RBC), prevention and early correction of hypothermia and acidosis,
      monitoring of hemostasis using point of care tests like thromoboelastometry, use
      of recombinant activated factor VII, antifibrinolytic drugs like tranexamic acid
      are just some of the emerging trends. Further studies, especially in the civilian
      trauma centers, are needed to confirm the lessons learned in the military
      environment. Identification of patients likely to need massive transfusion
      followed by immediate preventive and therapeutic interventions to prevent the
      development of coagulopathy could help in reducing the morbidity and mortality
      associated with uncontrolled hemorrhage in trauma patients.

PMID- 22096775
TI  - Current trends and update on injury prevention.
AB  - Injuries are a major and growing public health problem, a leading cause of death
      and disabilities among people aged 1-44 years around the world. Each year, 5.8
      million people die from injuries, accounting for 10% of the world's deaths. Road
      traffic injuries (RTIs), self-inflicted injuries and violence are the top three
      leading causes of all injury deaths, while RTIs, falls and drowning are the top
      three leading causes of unintentional injury death. In many high-income
      countries, trends of injury death have been decreasing as a result of prevention
      measures. In contrast, trends in low- and middle-income countries have been
      rising. In this article, we review the prevention strategies for RTIs, violence,
      falls and drowning developed over decades to disseminate the knowledge and inform
      health care providers, especially acute care physicians, about the importance of
      injury prevention.

PMID- 22096777
TI  - Acute ischemic colitis secondary to air embolism after diving.
AB  - Ischemic colitis (IC) secondary to air embolism from decompression sickness or
      barotrauma during diving is an extremely rare condition. After extensive review
      of the available literature, we found that there has been only one reported case
      of IC secondary to air embolism from diving. Although air embolization from
      diving and the various medical complications that follow have been well
      documented, the clinical manifestation of IC from an air embolism during diving
      is very rare and thus far unstudied. Common symptoms of IC include abdominal
      pain, bloody or non-bloody diarrhea or nausea or vomiting or any combination.
      Emergency physicians and Critical Care specialists should consider IC as a
      potential diagnosis for a patient with the above-mentioned symptoms and a history
      of recent diving. We report a case of IC from air embolism after a routine dive
      to 75 feet below sea level in a 53-year-old White female who presented to a
      community Emergency Department complaining of a 2-day history of diffuse
      abdominal pain and nausea. She was diagnosed by colonoscopy with biopsies and
      treated conservatively with antibiotics, bowel rest, and a slow advancement in
      diet.

PMID- 22096776
TI  - Damage control in the injured patient.
AB  - The damage control concept is an essential component in the management of
      severely injured patients. The principles in sequence are as follows: (1)
      abbreviated surgical procedures limited to haemorrhage and contamination control;
      (2) correction of physiological derangements; (3) definitive surgical procedures.
      Although originally described in the management of major abdominal injuries, the
      concept has been extended to include thoracic, vascular, orthopedic, and
      neurosurgical procedures, as well as anesthesia and resuscitative strategies.

PMID- 22096778
TI  - Treatment of an intraoral bleeding in hemophilic patient with a thermoplastic
      palatal stent - A novel approach.
AB  - This is a case report of a 13-year old child diagnosed with hemophilia A. He
      reported with a bleeding wound in the middle part of the hard palate, due to
      trauma from a lead pencil. An intraoral palatal stent was planned to provide
      continuous pressure, stabilize the clot and allow local delivery of hemostatic
      agent. The stent was fabricated with a thermoplastic silicone rubber (biostar)
      under vacuum. The hemostatic agent used was one 500 mg capsule of tranxemic acid
      that was crushed and applied as a paste every 6 hourly. The patient was admitted
      under supervision for 3 days, where Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) intravenous
      infusion of 15-25 U/kg twice a day was given. Complete healing was observed in
      the traumatized area within 10 days. This article emphasizes on prenatal
      diagnosis, carrier screening and counseling of parents born with hemophilic
      children.

PMID- 22096779
TI  - Propofol infusion syndrome in a super morbidly obese patient (BMI = 75).
AB  - Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but often fatal complication as a
      result of large doses of propofol infusion (4-5 mg/kg/hr) for a prolonged period
      (>48 h). It has been reported in both children and adults. Besides large doses of
      propofol infusion, the risk factors include young age, acute neurological injury,
      low carbohydrate and high fat intake, exogenous administration of corticosteroid
      and catecholamine, critical illness, and inborn errors of mitochondrial fatty
      acid oxidation. PRIS manifestation include presence of metabolic acidosis with a
      base deficit of more than 10 mmol/l at least on one occasion, rhabdomyolysis or
      myoglobinuria, acute renal failure, sudden onset of bradycardia resistant to
      treatment, myocardial failure, and lipemic plasma. The pathophysiology of PRIS
      may be either direct mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibition or impaired
      mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism mediated by propofol. We report a case of
      supermorbidly obese patient who received propofol infusion by total body weight
      instead of actual body weight and developed PRIS.

PMID- 22096780
TI  - Unwashed doctors.

PMID- 22096781
TI  - Direct hapten-linked competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (CIELISA) for the detection of O-pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid.
AB  - Immunoassay detection of O-pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA) employing
      direct coating of N-2-aminoethyl-O-pinacolyl methylphosphonate (hapten B) on
      microtiter plates is reported. Coating was achieved by covalently linking hapten
      B to a glutaraldehyde (GA) polymer network directly bound to the polystyrene (PS)
      surface of a standard 96-well microtiter plate. 4-(2-(O-Pinacolylmethylphosphoryl
      amino)ethyl amino)-4-oxobutanoic acid (hapten A)-ovalbumin (OVA) conjugate served
      as the coating antigen for comparison with direct hapten B-coated plates in the
      CIELISA format. The developed assay employing direct hapten B coated plates
      demonstrated enhanced sensitivity with the IC(50) value for PMPA being 0.027 MUg
      mL(-1). The assay could detect PMPA even at the concentration of 0.006 MUg mL(
      1). The mean recovery of standard PMPA (spiked in water) was found to be 83.7%.

PMID- 22096782
TI  - HIV epidemic among U.S black women increasing at disturbing pace. 'The statistics
      are mind-boggling'.

PMID- 22096783
TI  - Mother-daughter power in DC program for girls.  Focus on self-empowerment.

PMID- 22096784
TI  - MSM of color need HIV men's health leadership.  Their infection rates are up.

PMID- 22096785
TI  - Cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhea: it's just a matter of time.

PMID- 22096787
TI  - Research explores at-home HIV testing.

PMID- 22096788
TI  - New condoms eyed for men, women.

PMID- 22096786
TI  - HIV prevention in serodiscordant pair.

PMID- 22096789
TI  - Populations at greatest risk.

PMID- 22096790
TI  - Funding.  AIDS response by donor government declines.

PMID- 22096791
TI  - Research.  Partner abuse increases infection risk in black women, teenagers.

PMID- 22096792
TI  - Research. Symptom-based screening could reduce MSM infections.

PMID- 22096793
TI  - Study finds HIV spreading to Pakistan's general population.

PMID- 22096794
TI  - CDC prevention programs tailored to women of color.

PMID- 22096795
TI  - Benefits.  Veteran could not show he contracted HIV while in service.

PMID- 22096796
TI  - Employment. Worker with HIV could not support emotional distress claims.

PMID- 22096797
TI  - Plan administrator had reasons to terminate man's benefits.

PMID- 22096798
TI  - ADA.  Worker failed to show he could perform functions of job.

PMID- 22096799
TI  - Findings of research misconduct.

PMID- 22096800
TI  - [Progression of surgical treatment].

PMID- 22096801
TI  - [Progression of chemotherapy].

PMID- 22096802
TI  - International study of a continence device with 12-hour wear times.
AB  - This international, phase III, 215-day, open-label, non-randomized, multicentre
      study assessed the safety and efficacy of 12-hour wear times with a novel
      colostomy continence control device in participants with end colostomies. Study
      stages were usual pouching (21 days), wafer transition (14 days), device 'ramp
      up' for 4, 6, and 8 hours (21 days), and 12-hour device wear (159 days). Of the
      78 participants enrolled, 66 wore at least one device, and 45 completed
      treatment. Median device wear time was 11 hours per day during the final stage.
      Adverse events were reported by 12%, 7%, and 56% of participants during the usual
      pouching stage (0.01 events per participant per day), wafer transition stage, and
      device-wear stages (0.01 events per participant per day), respectively. No
      detrimental effects were seen on stoma vascularity or the normal gastrointestinal
      flora. The daily leakage-free rate was 0.89 for any leakage and 0.93 for type 2
      leakage (e.g. not contained under the wafer). Most participants (87%) rated the
      ability of the device to restore continence as 'good' or 'very good'. Overall,
      the study showed that the continence control device was safe and effective for
      wear times up to 12 hours per day in colostomy patients.

PMID- 22096803
TI  - Peristomal skin irritation and the use of a silicone-based barrier film.
AB  - Maintaining skin integrity is vital to ensure good adhesion of the stoma pouch,
      and to avoid discomfort for the person with a stoma, ensuring a good quality of
      life. However, there are many risk factors associated with potential peristomal
      skin soreness, and a large number of research studies have highlighted the vast
      number of patients who actually experience these problems (Mahjoubi, 2005;
      Ratliff et al, 2005; Herlufsen et al, 2006; Lynch et al, 2008; Meisner and
      Balleby, 2008). Clinical nurse specialists in stoma care are responsible for
      ensuring that all patients are fully assessed, and also that patients are given
      appropriate evidence-based care to avoid peristomal skin irritation, where
      possible. This article will discuss the common causes of peristomal skin
      breakdown, the tools available to assist with assessment, and how to best treat
      peristomal skin irritation.

PMID- 22096804
TI  - Improving patient care after stoma reversal.
AB  - This article will examine the current service provision for patients who have had
      a temporary stoma reversal. Findings of a patient survey will be presented,
      highlighting the support and information received by 27 patients following a
      stoma reversal operation. Associated literature (Camilleri-Brennan and Steele,
      2000; Sailer at al, 2000; Desnoo and Faithfull, 2006; Siassi et al, 2008; Chow et
      al, 2009) has confirmed a high likelihood of altered bowel function after stoma
      reversal, but makes less reference to the care that these patients require during
      the follow-up period. It is recommended that colorectal teams discuss the care
      implications for patients requiring stoma reversal, and appraise their care
      delivery to ensure patient needs are met.

PMID- 22096805
TI  - Second primary peristomal carcinoma: a case study.
AB  - Literature has highlighted that peristomal skin problems are common among
      ostomists (Williams et al, 2010); however, peristoma metastases are considered to
      be very rare. Peristomal metastases tend to manifest as cutaneous or subcutaneous
      nodules, or as a rash on the anterior abdominal wall (Lyon and Smith, 2001), and
      are therefore easily mistaken for a more common stoma complication. The role of
      the specialist nurse in stoma care is crucial to recognizin unusual skin lesions
      and referring appropriately for further assessmet and treatment. Highlighting the
      need for education and sharing of clinical skills, this article explores the care
      of a patient who was diagnosed with a second primary peristomal adenocarinoma.
      The patient has consented to the use of this case study, and, to maintain
      confidentiality, his name has been changed.

PMID- 22096806
TI  - Matching the skin barrier to the skin type.
AB  - Peristomal skin problems are thought to be common (Herlufsson et al, 2006;
      Williams et al, 2010), and can interfere with the security of stoma products.
      Stoma patients are reliant on the integrity of their peristomal skin to maintain
      a normal lifestyle. Bekkers et al (1996) highlighted that, if the peristomal skin
      becomes damaged, it not only affects the person physically, but also
      psychologically, ultimately prolonging rehabilitation and adaptation to the
      stoma. Therefore, it can be concluded that maintaining skin integrity is a basic
      and essential skill in ensuring good stoma management. This article explores the
      assessment of four stoma patients, highlighting the importance of matching their
      skin type with their skin barrier for optimum skin protection. The patients have
      kindly agreed for their case studies to be published as a means of informing
      others. All names have been changed in line with Nursing and Midwifery Council
      (2010) guidelines to maintain patient confidentiality. This article was
      originally presented at the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists' (WCET)
      annual conference in 2010, receiving first prize at poster presentations.

PMID- 22096807
TI  - Acknowledge your true value as a specialist nurse.

PMID- 22096808
TI  - No clinical relevance of approved animal experiments after seventeen years.

PMID- 22096809
TI  - SATIS ethics ranking of universities in Germany regarding animal use in
      education.

PMID- 22096810
TI  - The composition and morphology of yeast nuclear scaffolds.
AB  - The yeast nuclear scaffold has been shown to bind with high affinity to genomic
      sequences that permit autonomous DNA replication of plasmids (ARS elements). We
      describe here conditions for the isolation of a histone-free nuclear
      substructure, the nuclear scaffold, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We examine the
      protein composition of this structure,and the conditions under which
      topoisomerase II, the nuclear factor RAP-1 and RNA polymerase II co-fractionate
      with the scaffold. We find that exposure of nuclei to a combined metal and heat
      treatment (0.5mM Cu(2) +, 37 degree centigrade prior to detergent extraction is
      required for effective stabilization of these proteins with the scaffold.
      Electron microscopy of the residual nuclei extracted with non-ionic detergents
      shows the absence of a typical peripheral lamina structure.

PMID- 22096811
TI  - Glutamine requirement for aerial mycelium growth in Neurospora crassa.
AB  - Five amino acids are accumulated during vegetative growth of Neurospora crassa,
      particularly.during the prestationary growth phase. Alanine, glutamine,
      glutamate, arginine and ornithine.comprised over 80% of the total amino acid pool
      in the mycelium. Amino acid pools of different amino acid auxotrophs were
      followed during the partial transformation of a mycelial mat into an aerial
      mycelium. The mycelial mat under starvation and in direct contact with air
      rapidly formed aerial mycelium, which produced thereafter a burst of conidia.
      During this process,glutamine and alanine in the mycelial mat were consumed more
      rapidly than other amino acids;in the growing aerial mycelium, glutamate and
      glutamine were particularly accumulated. Of the amino acids that were initially
      accumulated in the mycelial mat, only a high glutamine pool was required for
      aerial mycelium growth induced by starvation. This requirement for glutamine
      could not be satisfied by a mixture of the amino compounds that are synthesized
      via glutamine amidotransferase reactions. It is proposed that glutamine serves as
      a nitrogen carrier from the mycelial mat to the growing aerial mycelium.

PMID- 22096812
TI  - Glutamine metabolism during aerial mycelium growth of Neurospora crassa.
AB  - During vegetative growth, glutamine is accumulated in the mycelium of Neurospora
      crassa. This high pool of glutamine seems to be required for aerial mycelium
      growth. Enzymes responsible for the synthesis and catabolism of glutamine were
      measured before and during the partial transformation of a mycelial mat into
      aerial mycelium. In the transforming mycelial mat,considerable activities of the
      biosynthetic NADP-glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase (predominantly
      beta polypeptide) and also some activity of glutamate synthase were observed. In
      the aerial mycelium, glutamine synthetase (predominantly beta polypeptide) was
      detected, but very low activities of NADP-glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamate
      mycelium could derive from glutamine. No glutaminase activity could be detected.
      It is suggested that glutamate is formed through the activities of the glutamine
      transaminase-omega -amidase pathway and another transaminase. High activities of
      glutamine and alanine transaminases were observed in the aerial mycelium. These
      results are discussed in terms of the possible role of glutamine as a nitrogen
      carrier from the mycelium to the growing aerial hyphae.

PMID- 22096813
TI  - NZNO is in good heart and health.

PMID- 22096814
TI  - Cultivating empathy--nursing's core.

PMID- 22096815
TI  - Ens part of perioperative team too.

PMID- 22096816
TI  - Experiencing family-centred care.

PMID- 22096817
TI  - Nursing practising certificate restored.

PMID- 22096819
TI  - Working to close the gaps in health equity and access.

PMID- 22096818
TI  - Recording Canterbury nurses' history.

PMID- 22096820
TI  - Supporting nurses to provide primary mental health care.

PMID- 22096821
TI  - Treating adolescent depression with cognitive behaviour therapy.

PMID- 22096823
TI  - Political neutrality must not be used to stifle debate.

PMID- 22096822
TI  - Blood and hypertension: the damage of too much pressure.

PMID- 22096824
TI  - Nurses' contribution following an emergency.

PMID- 22096825
TI  - Time to rethink health spending.

PMID- 22096826
TI  - Giving evidence: a gruelling process.

PMID- 22096827
TI  - UK's obesity epidemic 'cannot be fixed with a one-size-fits-all' solution.

PMID- 22096829
TI  - Public health White Paper and transfer from NHS trusts to local authorities.

PMID- 22096828
TI  - Doubts about policy, the will to fight and union support.

PMID- 22096830
TI  - SRE for primary children. Resources for the delivery of sex and relationship
      education.

PMID- 22096831
TI  - Charities: cuts and crisis.

PMID- 22096832
TI  - The TwF project: promoting bilingualism for public health in Wales.
AB  - The Twf project was established in Wales in 2001 with the overall aim to increase
      the transfer of the Welsh language within the family. The project has two main
      strategies, which are to work with midwives and health visitors in order that
      they can inform parents of the advantages of raising children bilingually, and to
      raise awareness among parents-to-be, parents and the general public of the
      advantages of raising children bilingually. The project is funded by the Welsh
      government through the Welsh Language Board, and its community workers provide
      health visitors, midwives and other partners within their areas with Twf
      resources and information about relevant research, and visit antenatal and
      postnatal clinics on a regular basis to talk to parents. Where a particular need
      is identified, the Twf worker runs groups for new parents and parents-to-be to
      help them to speak Welsh to the baby through interesting activities, such as baby
      massage, singing and stories.

PMID- 22096833
TI  - Childcare support at nursery schools in Japan: current services and future needs.
AB  - This study aimed to survey childcare support being undertaken by nursery school
      teachers in Japan and to identify the theories and skills necessary for nursery
      school teachers to carry out childcare support in the future. In 2007, a postal
      questionnaires was sent to 1200 teachers at 850 nursery schools, with responses
      from 712 teachers from 456 nursery schools. In terms of knowledge and skills
      considered necessary by nursery school teachers in local childcare support
      centers, 'knowledge and skills of giving advice' was the most common response,
      followed by 'understanding of children's growth and development'. Nursery school
      teachers need to receive sufficient education before and after graduation to gain
      these skills. It is also clear that there is a need for nursery school teachers
      to make use of their expertise by co-ordinating collaboration among professionals
      and in the community.

PMID- 22096834
TI  - Brutal and negligent? 19th century factory mothers and child care.
AB  - This paper aims to highlight some working class women's childcare practices in
      northern industrial areas of Britain during the latter half of the 19th century.
      It aims to challenge the commonly held belief that 19th century northern working
      class factory mothers were irresponsive and neglectful toward their infants,
      thereby fuelling the high northern infant mortality rate. It will do this by
      showing that factory mothers were responsible and responsive toward their infants
      despite being thwarted by the working patterns of industrialisation. It begins by
      outlining the arguments made by historians that northern working class women were
      neglectful toward their children. Then key areas such as the working patterns of
      waged factory mothers will be illustrated to show the agency and determination of
      19th century working class women to provide their infants with good care.
      Reassessment of these historical childcare practices can provide a springboard by
      which today's health professionals can endeavour to maintain accurate and fair
      perspectives about the childcare practices of today's women of low socio-economic
      status.

PMID- 22096835
TI  - Lactational amenorrhoea method contraception: improving knowledge.
AB  - Lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM) is a reliable form of contraception for up
      to six months following childbirth, provided the mother's periods have not
      returned and she is breastfeeding exclusively with sufficient feeds and no dummy
      or bottle use. This paper considers how LAM works and how it may be supported in
      practice, and provides a local example involving the use of information provision
      and training to overcome barriers to its understanding and use. An information
      leaflet was produced based on national guidance and with input from local
      practitioners and women. Brief training was also used to help ensure that women
      receive consistent and up-to-date information from health professionals.

PMID- 22096836
TI  - Sport in the park.

PMID- 22096837
TI  - Baby Friendly education.

PMID- 22096838
TI  - Flu fighter: push to vaccinate more NHS staff in the community.

PMID- 22096839
TI  - Theft and embezzlement: 10 steps to prevent it.

PMID- 22096840
TI  - Patient reviews on the Internet.

PMID- 22096841
TI  - Uplifting one generation to the next.

PMID- 22096842
TI  - Workers' compensation overview.

PMID- 22096843
TI  - Web browsers.

PMID- 22096845
TI  - Di-ag-KNOW-sis.

PMID- 22096844
TI  - It must be in the genes! Interview by Ernest Scheerer, Jr.

PMID- 22096846
TI  - Its not a crisis.

PMID- 22096848
TI  - [The interventions effect-assessment of the workers exposed to N, N
      dimethylformamide by percutaneous in a synthetic leather factory].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of interventions on synthetic leather workers
      exposed to N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) by skin. METHODS: Twenty-six workers
      exposed to DMF were recruited. The level of DMF in ambient or handwash solution
      and N-methylformamide (NMF) in end-shift urine samples were detected before
      interventions and after interventions for six months. RESULTS: After
      interventions the levels of DMF in ambient reduced 52.7% from (63.27 +/- 52.67)
      mg/m3 to (29.95 +/- 23.79) mg/m3. The levels of NMF in urine samples reduced
      17.9% from (2.07 +/- 0.32) mg/g Cr to (1.70 +/- 0.29) mg/g Cr (P < 0.01). The
      mean level of DMF in handwash solution reduced 53.4% from 0.88 +/- 0.40 mg to
      0.41 +/- 0.81 mg. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the multi-intervention
      measures (engineering control, personal protection and health promotion) should
      be used for the synthetic leather workers occupationally exposed to DMF.

PMID- 22096847
TI  - [Association between polymorphisms of metabolic genes and telomere length in
      workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the polymorphisms of metabolic
      genes and telomere length of genomic DNA in peripheral blood of workers exposed
      to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). METHODS: One hundred and forty five
      coke-oven workers exposed to PAHs and sixty eight non-exposed medical staffs were
      recruited in this study. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) served as the internal
      exposure dose of PAHs for all subjects. Relative telomere length (RTL) of genomic
      DNA in peripheral blood was used as telomere length and measured by real-time
      PCR. Polymorphisms of metabolic genes were detected by PCR-based methods.
      RESULTS: Compared with control group, the exposure group shown a decreased RTL
      (1.10 +/- 0.75 vs 1.43 +/- 1.06, P < 0.05). In the coke-oven workers, after
      adjusting the sex, age, cigarettes per day and urinary 1-OHP, RTL (1.25 +/- 0.93)
      of workers with CT genotype at the CYP1A1 3801 T > C was significantly longer
      than that (0.93 +/- 0.51) of workers with TT genotype (P < 0.05). RTL (0.90 +/-
      0.58) of individuals with the Tyr/His genotype at mEH Tyr113His was significantly
      shorter than that (1.24 +/- 0.90) of individuals with the Tyr/Tyr genotype (P <
      0.05). RTL (1.02 +/- 0.64) of individuals with the CT genotype at AHR rs10250822
      was significantly shorter than that (1.36 +/- 1.14) of individuals with the CC
      genotype (P < 0.05). RTL (0.93 +/- 0.54) of individuals with the AT genotype at
      AHR rs10247158 was significantly shorter than that (1.19 +/- 0.84) of individuals
      with the AA genotype (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of present study
      suggested that PAHs exposure could induce the shorted RTL, CYP1A1, mEH, AHR
      polymorphisms might influence the change of telomere length of genomic DNA in
      peripheral blood of workers exposed to PAHs.

PMID- 22096849
TI  - [The effects of the cadmium chloride on the DNA damage and the expression level
      of gadd gene in HepG2 cell line].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the cadmium chloride on the DNA damage
      and the expression of the gadd153 and gadd45beta promoter and mRNA in HepG2
      cells. METHODS: DNA damage induced by cadmium chloride was detected by comet
      assay. The plasmids (pGADD153-Luc and pG45-Luc) containing DNA damage and repair
      inducible gene 153 and 45 (gadd153 and gadd45beta) promoter and luciferase and
      gadd45beta reporter gene were constructed. The activity of gadd153 and gadd45beta
      promoter were represented by the luciferase activity, the inducible luciferase
      activities was detected by bioluminescence. The expression of gadd153 and
      gadd45beta mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The results of comet assay
      indicated that Olive Tail Moment induced by the cadmium chloride increased
      significantly at the dose of 100, 300 micromol/L, compared with the control (P <
      0.05). The luciferase activity analysis showed that the expression levels of
      gadd153 promoter increased significantly in 1, 5, 10 micromol/L treatment group,
      compared with the control (P < 0.05). The expression levels of gadd45beta
      promoter in 5, 10 micromol/L treatment group were significantly higher than that
      in control group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of gadd153 mRNA induced by
      cadmium chloride at the doses of 1, 5, 10 micromol/L and the expression levels of
      gadd45beta mRNA induced at the doses of 5, 10 micromol/L were significantly
      higher than thoae in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The cadmium chloride
      can induce the DNA damage and increase the expression levels of the gadd153 and
      gadd45beta promoters in HepG2 cells.

PMID- 22096850
TI  - [Influence of 1, 2-dichloroethane on open field behavior and levels of
      neurotransmitters in brain of mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) on the behavior
      and the brain neurotransmitter levels in mice. METHODS: Thirty mice were randomly
      divided into four groups, which were control group and groups of low, middle and
      high exposure (225, 450 and 900 mg/m3) to 1,2-DCE for 10 days (3.5 h a day) by
      inhalation. After the last exposure, the open field test was performed
      immediately. After exposure all mice were killed and the brain tissues were taken
      up rapidly. The levels of aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric
      acid (GABA) in the brain were detected by high performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC). RESULTS: Levels of Asp and Glu in all exposure groups increased with
      doses. As compared to the control group, levels of Glu in all exposure groups
      increased significantly (P < 0.05). Levels of GABA in the low exposure group were
      significantly lower than those in control group, but those in the high exposure
      group were significantly higher than those in control group. The results of the
      open field test showed that effect of low exposure to 1,2-DCE on the behavior was
      stimulant, but the high exposure to 1,2-DCE inhibited behavior of exploration,
      excitement and sport. CONCLUSIONS: Subacute exposure to 1,2-DCE could result in
      the change of amino acid neurotransmitter content and ratio in the brain, thereby
      change the behavior of mice appeared, which might be the mechanism of
      neurotoxicity caused by 1,2-DCE in part.

PMID- 22096852
TI  - [Effects of n-hexane exposure on human serum myelin basic proteins].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of n-hexane on expression of serum myelin
      proteins (MBP) in workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane. METHODS: In this
      study, 269 workers exposed to n-hexane for more than one year and 104 subjects
      not exposed to n-hexane served as the exposure group and the control group,
      respectively. The urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels in all subjects were detected.
      On the basis of urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels, the exposure group was divided
      into the high exposure sub-group and low exposure sub-group. The serum myelin
      basic protein (MBP) levels were measured by ELISA kit. RESULTS: The mean
      concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the exposed group was (3.10 +/- 1.35)
      mg/L. The concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the control group was
      undetectable. The levels of serum MBP in the high exposure sub-group and low
      exposure sub-group were (2.43 +/- 0.24) and (1.62 +/- 0.23) microg/L,
      respectively, which were significantly higher than that (0.78 +/- 0.12) microg/L
      in the controls (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed the positive
      correlation between serum MBP levels and urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels (r =
      0.781, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of present study showed that the serum
      MBP levels of workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane significantly elevated,
      and the serum MBP can serve as the effective biomarker of n-hexane exposure.

PMID- 22096851
TI  - [Effects of Xue-Bi-Jing combined with forsythia suspension on the liver gene
      expression levels of rats with sepsis model].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of "XUE BI JING plus LIANQIAO" injection on gene
      expression levels of rats with sepsis model. METHODS: One hundred and twenty rats
      were randomly divided into sham operation group, sepsis model group, Te-neng
      group and "XUE BI JING plus forsythia suspension" group. The sepsis model of rats
      was prepared by "CLP" method. Tai neng group was treated by peritoneal injection
      Imipenem/ Cilastatin (0.18 g/kg); "XUE BI JING plus LIANQIAO" group was treated
      by peritoneal injection Imipenem/ Cilastatin (0.18 g/kg) plus "xue-bi-jing" (10
      ml/kg) and "liang ge san" (18 g/200 g) by intragastric administration 2 times a
      day; the sham operation group and model group were treated by peritoneal
      injection of normal saline (10 ml/kg). The survival rates at 48h and 72h were
      observed for all groups. The gene expression levels of livers in all groups were
      detected by BiostarR-40s chip. The NCBI database was used to inquest Gene
      function and class. RESULTS: The survival rates at 48h and 72h in "XUE BI JING+
      forsythia suspension" group were 83.3% and 76.7% which were significantly higher
      than those (30.0% and 16.7%) in sepsis model group and those (60.0% and 33.3%) in
      Te-neng group (P < 0.01). Model group/control group have 305 differential
      expression genes with 159 up-regulation genes and 146 down-regulation genes. Tai
      neng group/model group have 386 differential expression genes with 206 up
      regulation genes and 180 down-regulation genes. "XUE BI JING plus forsythia
      suspension" group/model group have 342 differential expression genes with 102 up
      regulation genes and 240 downregulation genes. The genes with up-regulation in
      model group/ control group and with down-regulation in"XUE BI JING plus forsythia
      suspension" group/model group were 24. The genes with down-regulation in the
      model group/ sham operation group and with up-regulation in "XUE BI JING plus
      forsythia suspension"group/model group were 16. CONCLUSION: "XUE BI JING plus
      forsythia suspension" can reduce the mortality of rats with sepsis, which could
      be due to the expression of relative regulation genes.

PMID- 22096853
TI  - [Current situation of occupational health and medicine research capability in
      China].

PMID- 22096854
TI  - [Analysis of the mental health status of female migrant workers in electronic
      industry].

PMID- 22096856
TI  - [Changes of brain oxidative stress induced by nano-alumina in ICR mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the brain oxidative stress injury induced by nano
      alumina particles in ICR mice. METHODS: Sixty male ICR mice were randomly divided
      into 6 groups: control group, solvent control group, 100 mg/kg micro-alumina
      particles group, 3 groups exposed to nano-alumina particles at the doses of 50,
      100 and 200 mg/kg. The mice were exposed by nasal drip for 30 days. Then levels
      of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase
      (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in brain tissues of mice were detected.
      RESULTS: There was no difference of SOD activity in mouse brain between control
      group [(17.32 +/- 6.23)U/gHb] and 50 mg/kg nano-alumina particles group [(17.89
      +/- 1.82) U/gHb]. The SOD activity [(4.93 +/- 2.30)U/gHb] in 200 mg/kg nano
      alumina particles group was significantly lower than that in control group (P <
      0.05). The MDA levels in 3 nano-alumina particles groups were (0.76 +/- 0.13),
      (1.00 +/- 0.30) and (1.16 +/- 0.39)nmol/ml, respectively, which were
      significantly higher than that [( 0.24 +/- 0.09)nmol/ml] in control group (P <
      0.05). The GSH levels in 3 nano-alumina particles groups were (0.72 +/- 0.08),
      (0.55 +/- 0.19) and (0.61 +/- 0.20)mg/gpro, respectively, which were
      significantly lower than that [(1.55 +/- 0.34)mg/gpro]] in control group (P <
      0.05). The CAT activity in 50 and 100 mg/kg nano-alumina particles groups were
      (10.40 +/- 3.84) and (10.40 +/- 2.00)U/mgpro, respectively, which were
      significantly higher than that [(5.79 +/- 0.96) U/mgpro] in control group (P <
      0.05). The CAT activity [(3.25 +/- 1.04)U/mgpro] in 200 mg/kg nano-alumina
      particles group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05 ).
      CONCLUSION: Nano-alumina particles can induce the oxidative stress damage in
      brain tissues of mice.

PMID- 22096855
TI  - [Study on alternative methods for the acute oral toxicity in detection of
      chemicals].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate three alternative methods for LD50 test-Fixed Dose
      Procedure (FDP), the Acute Toxic Class Method (ATC) and Up and Down Procedure
      (UDP). METHODS: Female SD rats (8-12 weeks of age, 160-200 g) were used. Three
      alternative methods from OECD were applied to assess 22 chemicals (10 cosmetic
      raw materials and 12 raw materials of personal and home care products). The
      toxicity ranking for tested chemicals was established according to Globally
      Harmonized System (GSH). The results LD50 test were compared for the consistency
      and correlation between alternative methods and traditional test. RESULTS: For
      cosmetic raw materials, the concordance rate of the three alternative methods was
      80% (8/10); for raw material of personal and home care products, the concordance
      rates of FDP, ATC and UDP was 91.7% (11/12), 75.0% (9/12) and 83.0% (10/12),
      respectively. The number of animals required in three alternative methods was
      significantly lower than that in traditional test (P < 0.05), but the time
      required in three alternative methods was significantly higher than that in
      traditional test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High consistency and correlation were
      found between each alternative method and LD50 test. FDP may be more potential
      when applied to assess acute oral toxicity of cosmetic raw materials.

PMID- 22096857
TI  - [Effects of paraquat on the learning and memory ability in developing mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the damages of paraquat to the learning and memory ability
      of developing mice and explore the possible mechanism involving oxidative stress.
      METHODS: Eighty healthy Kunming mice in aged 21 days were divided into 4 groups
      randomly: a control group (distilled water) and three paraquat treatment groups.
      The doses of paraquat were 0.89, 2.67 and 8mg/kg body weight, respectively.
      Paraquat was administered orally in doses of 0.1 ml/10 g body weight,
      respectively, once a day and for 28 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test
      and the shuttling and avoid dark box test were used to detect the learning and
      memory abilities of mice. The levels of MDA and the activities of SOD and GSH-PX
      were detected according to the commercial kits manual using a microplate reader.
      RESULTS: Morris water maze test showed that the escape latency of mice after
      paraquat treatment (57.98 +/- 2.78, 62.35 +/- 3.18, 85.57 +/- 5.10) were
      significantly increase compared with the control (21.74 +/- 1.36), respectively
      (P < 0.05). There were good dose-response relationship (R = 0.8629, P < 0.05).
      The shuttling and avoid dark box test showed that initiative avoidance latency of
      mice after paraquat treatment (5.56 +/- 0.29, 6.08 +/- 0.22, 8.32 +/- 0.38) were
      significantly increase compared with the control (3.50 +/- 0.13), respectively (P
      < 0.05). There were good dose-response relationship (R = 0.9579, P < 0.05). The
      levels of MDA in serum of mice in paraquat treatment groups (2.67 and 8 mg/kg)
      (24.76 +/- 1.76, 31.10 +/- 4.57) and in hippocampus of mice in each paraquat
      treatment groups were significantly increase compared with the control (serum:
      16.38 +/- 6.26, hippocampus: 1.93 +/- 0.39) (P < 0.05, respectively). The
      activities of SOD in serum and hippocampus of mice in each paraquat treatment
      groups were significantly decrease compared with the control (serum: 213.25 +/-
      6.78, hippocampus: 197.36 +/- 6.37) (P < 0.05, respectively). The activities of
      GSH-PX in serum and hippocampus of mice in each paraquat treatment groups were
      significantly decrease compared with the control (serum: 583.47 +/- 11.23,
      hippocampus: 412.38 +/- 13.16) (P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Paraquat can
      induce the oxidative damage in hippocampus, and then influence the learning and
      memory abilities of developing mice.

PMID- 22096858
TI  - [The assessment of hemoperfusion for the treatment of acute methamidophos
      poisoning].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of hemoperfusion(HP) about the patients of
      methamidophos poisoning. METHODS: On the basis of comprehensive treatment,15
      cases of severe acute methamidophos poisoning patients were treated with HP,
      Blood samples were collected at 7 time points, before and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60mins
      following the beginning and the end of hemoperfusion. Blood samples were used for
      measuring the concentration of methamidophos and perfusion devices were used for
      measuring the volume of methamidophos adsorbed by the device after hemoperfusion.
      RESULTS: 15 patients live in 12 cases, 3 cases of death. HP (former) blood
      Cholinesterase vigor were 662.60 + 632.05, HP (after) blood cholinesterase vigor
      were 2577.52 + 920.38 IU/L; The difference of blood Cholinesterase vigor between
      the before and after HP was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The patients'
      methamidophos concentration of blood when HP treated 45, 60, 120 min were
      respectively (851 + 672), (680 + 529), (587 + 520) microg /ml, there were
      significantly lower than that the patients' methamidophos concentration of blood
      who were before HP (1659 + 1105) microg/ml, a statistically significant
      difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HP can be cut down obviously methamidophos
      poisoning patients serum concentrations of toxic, the experimental method
      directly prove the clinical application of carbon HP can really adsorption
      methamidophos.

PMID- 22096859
TI  - [Acute poisoning of the clinical analysis of p-nitroaniline].

PMID- 22096860
TI  - [The clinical analysis of pesticide poisoning by injection: a report of 10 case].

PMID- 22096861
TI  - [Clinical report of occupational acute dimethylformamide poisoning].

PMID- 22096862
TI  - [Development of determination of germanium hydride in the air of workplace by
      atomic fluorescence].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An atomic fluorescence (AFS) method was developed to determine
      germanium hydride in the air of workplace. METHOD: Germanium hydride in the air
      of workplace was collected by charcoal tube, and desorbed by nitric acid followed
      filtration with 0.22 microm cellulose filter, the AFS was used to determine
      Germanium in the desorbed solution. RESULTS: The linear was good at the range of
      0.85-300 microg/L with the correlation coefficient of 0.9993; the LOD and LOQ
      were 0.51 microg/L and 0.000 17 mg/m3, respectively. The recovery was ranged from
      90% to 106%, the RSD of intra- and inter- precision were 3.3%-5.9% and 3.7%-6.3%.
      CONCLUSION: The linear range, sensitivity and precision of the method were all
      satisfied for the determination of germanium hydride in the air of workplace.

PMID- 22096863
TI  - [Determination of diborane in the air of workplace by ICP-AES].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A sampling method was established to collect diborane in the air of
      workplace and an ICP-AES method was developed to determine the Boron in desorbed
      solution. METHOD: Diborane in the air of workplace was collected by solid sorbent
      tube filled with oxidant impregnated activated carbon. The adsorbed diborane was
      desorbed into 3% H2O2 aqueous, and then the desorbed Boron was determined by ICP
      AES. RESULTS: The sampling efficiency of this method was 99.6% with the
      desorption efficiency of diborane with 5.660 microg and 56.6 microg spiked were
      90.9% and 99.5%, respectively. Both the intra-and inter-precision RSD were less
      than 8%. The standard curve of this method ranged from 0.1 to 10.0 microg/ml
      (Boron), and the LOD and LOQ were 0.011 mg/m3 and 0.035 mg/m3 (15L samples)
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The method established was suitable for diborane
      sampling and determination in the air of workplace.

PMID- 22096864
TI  - [Determination of four acids in the air of workplace by gas chromatography].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Four kinds of acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, acrylic acid and
      methylacrylic acid) in the air in a workplace were quantitatively determined by
      gas chromatography synchronously. METHODS: Four acids in the air were adsorbed by
      silica gel tube sampling and solvent desorption using acetone, then analyzed by
      GC with FFAP capillary column. RESULTS: To acetic acid, propionic acid, acrylic
      acid and methylacrylic acid, the linear regression equations were respectively y
      = -4.3+1.46x (r = 0.999), y = 0.4+2.37x (r = 0.999), y = 10.4+1.73x (r = 0.999)
      and y = -2.3+3.21x (r = 0.999). The detection limits were respectively 3.4
      microg/mL, 2.1 microg/mL, 2.9 microg/mL and 1.6 microg/mL. The average desorption
      efficiencies were respectively 92.2%-92.8%, 94.1%-97.4%, 94.8%-95.4% and 94.1%
      98.3%. The relative standard deviations were 1.1%-4.0%, 1.2%-7.8%, 0.9%-4.0% and
      1.6%-4.8%. CONCLUSION: The method is suitable to determine four kinds of acids in
      the air in a workplace.

PMID- 22096865
TI  - [Capillary gas chromatography internal standard method for the determination of
      urinary 2,5-hexadione].

PMID- 22096866
TI  - [6486 cases of medicine poisoning].

PMID- 22096867
TI  - [Clinical significance on MicroScan Rapid plus series using various antibiotic
      resistant bacteria].
AB  - MicroScan Rapid plus Neg II Series and MicroScan Rapid plus Pos Series by Siemens
      Healthcare Diagnostics K.K. are the panels which enable to measure identification
      and antimicrobial susceptibility testing quickly and we have confirmed that it is
      useful for detecting drug resistance bacteria. As the identification result of
      comparing Rapid plus series with the current panel by using 143 strains of
      various drug resistance bacteria, Gram positive cocci was 87. 7%, glucose
      fermenter was 100% and glucose non-fermenter was 77.3 in Gram negative bacilli.
      On the evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Rapid plus series, in
      comparison with the current panel, confirmed the lower tendency of MIC value on
      some drugs, but it basically presented the good concordance rate. In terms of the
      reporting time of antimicrobial agent, non-fermenter or MRCNS reported the result
      as needed after 8 hours and it took a little longer time for the report of
      antimicrobial agent. On the other hand, 80% or higher of antimicrobial agent on
      panel was reported for intestinal bacteria in 4.5 hours and for MRSA in 6.5
      hours. It enabled to report the testing result on the same day. Due to the
      results above, Rapid plus series was highly valued on the usability, such as the
      early detection of drug resistance bacteria and the selection of therapeutic
      agents.

PMID- 22096868
TI  - [Evaluation of measurement method of a bacterial sepsis marker, procalcitonin].
AB  - Procalcitonin (PCT) is a novel biomarker for diagnosis and severity evaluation of
      bacterial sepsis. PCT measurement methods provided by Wako Pure Chemical
      Industries, Ltd. include a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay system
      SphereLight Wako and fully automated immunoanalyzer microTASWako i30 for a
      quantitative measurement, and immunochromatographic assay method, B R A H M S PCT
      Q kit. This time, basic performance of SphereLight Wako and microTASWako i30 was
      evaluated as quantitative determination methods for PCT. The lower limit of
      detection for the both methods was 0.02 ng/ml. Correlation coefficients of 0.993
      to 0.997 indicated good correlation between the two methods. The both methods
      allow quick and easy measurement of PCT, therefore they are helpful for diagnosis
      and severity evaluation of bacterial sepsis.

PMID- 22096869
TI  - [Pediatric heart surgery in developing countries. Twenty years experience of La
      Chaine de L'espoir (Chain of Hope)].
AB  - Because of their high incidence, cardiac disorders in children are now a public
      health issue. These children require multidisciplinary management, but surgery is
      sometimes unavoidable. The two most frequent types of cardiac disorder in
      children are congenital defects and rheumatic valve disease. La Chaine de
      l'Espoir (Chain of Hope) is present in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and
      the Middle East. Due to the socio-economic context and lack of technical
      resources, pediatric heart surgery has several particular characteristics in
      developing countries. Infants rarely undergo cardiac surgery, given the
      complexity of their management and particularly the need for intensive care.
      Another specificity is the need to limit treatment to reparatory or conservative
      methods. Surgery is rarely attempted in terminally ill patients. Costs must be
      kept to a minimum, and this is why we have optedfor local manufacture of mitral
      rings, led by Daniel Roux. After 20 years of practice we have found that regional
      hospitals are the smallest structures that can offer acceptable results in terms
      of patient care and professional training

PMID- 22096870
TI  - [Preventing complications of cardiac malformations in poor countries].
AB  - Natural selection and therapeutic efficiency limit the type of cardiac
      malformations that/can be treated in poor countries. Most of the patients studied
      here are those with left-to-right shunts (arterial, atrial and, especially,
      ventricular), right-to-left shunts associated with a ventricular septal defect
      (tetralogy of Fallot) or an atrial septal defect (trilogy of Fallot), and
      stenosis of the pulmonary or aortic valves. Early diagnosis is crucial, but this
      will require a new health policy involving specially trained nurses or
      technicians equipped with cheap portable echo-Doppler machines to examine babies'
      hearts. We then analyze the follow-up and medical treatment of these common
      cardiac disorders and the need for "national" centers for open- and closed-heart
      surgery and catheterization. We feel we have achieved our training goal when a
      center is able to close a VSD in a 6-month-old baby with a low rate of morbidity
      and mortality.

PMID- 22096871
TI  - [Acquired childhood heart diseases in developing countries].
AB  - In developing countries rheumatic valve disease is the most frequently acquired
      cardiac disorder observed during childhood. Any valve may be affected but the
      mitral valve is the predominant site. Echocardiography has a key role in the
      diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Severe rheumatic valve disease
      carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Available surgical treatments
      include prosthetic valve replacement and conservative surgery, which is
      preferable when feasible. Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy is currently the
      treatment of choice for mitral stenosis. Preventive strategies are needed to
      eliminate rheumatic fever and the valve disorders it can cause.

PMID- 22096872
TI  - [Kidney transplantation-dedication to Rene Kuss and Jean Hamburger].

PMID- 22096873
TI  - [History of medical progress in renal transplantation: a review of 3,000
      consecutive kidney grafts at Bicetre-Kremlin, Bicetre University Hospital -
      France].
AB  - Major medical progress has been made in the field of renal transplantation over
      the last 40 years, thanks to advances in areas such as metabolism, immunology,
      therapeutics, and pathology. This progress has been accompanied by important
      changes in French legislation that governs organ harvest and transplantation, as
      well as the institutions that regulate organ allocation. Patient and graft
      survival have both increased markedly, although long-term improvements have been
      somewhat offset by complications, including adverse effects of immunosuppression.
      On average recipients are older than in the past and some recipients are now
      dying from age-related comorbidities despite having functional grafts.

PMID- 22096874
TI  - [Surgical view of a series of 3,000 kidney transplantations].
AB  - This article reviews a series of 3,000 consecutive kidney transplantations.
      Vascular and urinary complications occurred in respectively 7.4 % and 9.8 % of
      recipients. Arterial and venous thrombosis and urinary fistulas were the most
      serious complications. The frequency of arterial stenosis fell from 18.8 % to 8.9
      % when the artery was implanted in the external rather than the internal iliac
      artery. The frequency of artery stenosis fell from 15.9 % to 9.5 % when the right
      renal vein was extended by using the transected cadaver vena cava. Urinary
      fistulas were an early complication, but their incidence fellfrom 6.6 % to 2.8 %
      with the use of JJstents. Urinary stenosis remained frequent (5.4 %) despite the
      use of JJstents. Surgical and endoscopic treatment of renal artery stenosis gave
      very similar success rates (82 %), indicating that dilation of a stenosed artery
      is a good option when medical treatment fails. Endourological treatment of
      urinary complications was successful on 64 % of fistulas and 46 % of stenoses.
      The results of this series and an analysis of the literature show the importance
      of improving the organ harvest technique and reducing the cold ischemia time,
      which is the main reason for delayed recovery of graft function.

PMID- 22096875
TI  - [Meeting the needs of families of patients in intensive care units].
AB  - As patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are not always able to decide for
      themselves, their family must receive thorough information on the diagnosis,
      prognosis and available treatments (unless the patient has expressed his/her
      opposition). It is crucial to provide this information before requesting the
      family's involvement. Together, the family and ICU physicians can ensure that the
      patient receives the most appropriate care. Next-of-kin may either be called on
      to make decisions (as surrogates) or simply to offer their considered opinion.
      Good communication and information are a source of comfort and empowerment for
      the family, especially in end-of-life settings. Finally, we examine areas
      warrantingfurther research on the family-physician relationship in ICUs.

PMID- 22096876
TI  - [Psychiatric issues during and after intensive care (ICU) stays].
AB  - Stays in intensive care units (ICUs) are a source of psychological and physical
      stress, sometimes resulting in psychological disorders that may persist after ICU
      discharge. ICU stressors include exhaustion, drug-induced sleep privation,
      intubation, pain, noise, and a disrupted light-dark cycle. Patients remember
      traumatic experiences, such as a fear of being killed or abandoned, nightmares,
      and panic attacks. Depression is frequent but difficult to detect. Psychiatric
      disorders such as delirium and confusion (hallucinations, agitation, stupor)
      occur in almost half of all ICU patients. Simple measures can reduce the risk of
      such disorders, including noise reduction, less intense lighting (especially at
      night), individual rooms, visible clocks to reduce confusion, frequent family
      visits, verbal contact, reassurance, and anxiolytics. Anxiety and depression are
      frequent after ICU stays, and may be mixed with post-traumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD), which can include fear, feelings of horror, helplessness, avoidance,
      neurovegetative symptoms, and intrusive thoughts. New techniques are being tested
      to prevent these disorders, such as logbooksfor families and team members to note
      events during and after the ICU stay, and end-of-stay psychological OK?
      consultations for both the patient and the family.

PMID- 22096877
TI  - [Burn out syndrome among critical care workers].
AB  - Burnout syndrome (BOS) is a psychological state resulting from prolonged exposure
      to job stressors. Because intensive care units (ICUs) are characterized by a high
      level of work-related stress, we reviewed the available literature on BOS among
      ICU-healthcare workers. Recent studies suggest that severe BOS (measured with the
      Maslach Burnout Inventory) is present in about half of all critical care
      physicians and one-third of critical care nurses. Interestingly, the determinants
      of BOS difer between the two groups of caregivers. Intensivists with severe BOS
      tend to be those with a large number of working hours (number of night shifts,
      and time since last vacation), whereas severe BOS among ICU nurses is mainly
      related to ICU organization and end-of-life care policy. ICU conflicts were
      independent predictors of severe BOS in both groups. Recent studies also identify
      potential preventive measures, such as ICU working groups, better communication
      during end-of-life care, and prevention and management of ICU conflicts.

PMID- 22096879
TI  - US death rates from myeloproliferative neoplasms, and implications for cancer
      surveillance.
AB  - Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) may contribute to death from other causes due
      to complications and sequelae of MPN or its treatment. The present study found
      that the US death rate for MPN (polycythemia vera, essential
      thrombocythemia/thrombocytosis, and "chronic myeloproliferative disease") in 2005
      2006 was twice as high using all causes of the death on the death certificate
      (6,488 deaths, age-standardized rate 1.06 per 100,000 per year) vs only the
      underlying cause (3,303 deaths, age-standardized rate 0.54 per 100,000 per year).
      This finding was consistent by age, gender, race (African American/black and
      white) and Hispanic ethnicity. Thus, surveillance of trends in MPN-related
      mortality rates in the population needs to take into account all causes of death
      on the death certificate, because MPN contributes to death from other causes such
      as thrombosis. MPN is a major cause of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), and
      under-ascertainment of MPN-related deaths was suggested by the small proportion
      (3%) of all 848 US deaths in 2005-2006 with SVT coded as any cause of death that
      also had MPN coded. Increased clinical testing of peripheral blood for specific
      acquired genetic mutations, known since 2005 as being common in certain MPN and
      also in SVT, could lead to increased numbers of deaths certified as MPN-related
      and also incident cases of MPN reported to central cancer registries.

PMID- 22096878
TI  - Quality of cancer registry data: findings from CDC-NPCR's Breast and Prostate
      Cancer Data Quality and Patterns of Care Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Breast and Prostate Cancer Data Quality and Patterns of Care (POC
      BP) Study enabled a reabstraction study of the quality of population-based,
      central cancer registry data on the characteristics and initial treatment of
      breast cancer in females and prostate cancer in the United States. METHODS:
      Stratified random samples of 9,103 female breast cancers and 8,995 prostate
      cancers were available for the analysis, using the independently reabstracted
      data as the gold standard to compute measurements of agreement. RESULTS: A slight
      majority (53% [8/15]) of the cancer site and treatment combinations showed kappa
      statistics > or = 0.60 and percent agreements, sensitivities, and predictive
      values positive > or = 80%: surgery and radiation for the 2 cancers, radiation
      completed and chemotherapy for breast cancer, and radiation modality and hormone
      therapy for prostate cancer. The qualities of the Collaborative Stage (CS) site
      specific factors and derived variables for the 2 cancers were inconsistent, which
      confirmed the need to evaluate the recently-implemented CS algorithm. CONCLUSION:
      The data quality analysis from POC-BP underscores the importance of examining the
      quality of specific data variables by cancer site, thereby highlighting those
      variables for which data collection procedures could be improved.

PMID- 22096880
TI  - Analyzing quality of colorectal cancer care through registry statistics: a small
      community hospital example.
AB  - As the quantity of elderly Americans requiring oncologic care grows, and as
      cancer treatment and medicine become more advanced, assessing quality of cancer
      care becomes a necessary and advantageous practice for any facility.' Such
      analysis is especially practical in small community hospitals, which may not have
      the resources of their larger academic counterparts to ensure that the care being
      provided is current and competitive in terms of both technique and outcome. This
      study is a comparison of the colorectal cancer care at one such center, Falmouth
      Community Hospital (FCH)--located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, about an hour and a
      half away from the nearest metropolitan center--to the care provided at a major
      nearby Boston Tertiary Center (BTC) and at teaching and research facilities
      across New England and the United States. The metrics used to measure performance
      encompass both outcome (survival rate data) as well as technique, including
      quality of surgery (number of lymph nodes removed) and the administration of
      adjuvant treatments, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, as per national
      guidelines. All data for comparison between FCH and BTC were culled from those
      hospitals' tumor registries. Data for the comparison between FCH and national
      tertiary/referral centers were taken from the American College of Surgeons'
      Commission on Cancer, namely National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) statistics,
      Hospital Benchmark Reports and Practice Profile Reports. The results showed that,
      while patients at FCH were diagnosed at both a higher age and at a more advanced
      stage of colorectal cancer than their BTC counterparts, FCH stands up favorably
      to BTC and other large centers in terms of the metrics referenced above. Quality
      assessment such as the analysis conducted here can be used at other community
      facilities to spotlight, and ultimately eliminate, deficiencies in cancer
      programs.

PMID- 22096881
TI  - Textbook development at the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).

PMID- 22096882
TI  - The national transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10.

PMID- 22096883
TI  - Interactive learning tool: site-specific schema crossword puzzles.
AB  - Staying abreast of the TNM and Collaborative Staging updates can be overwhelming.
      Reading voluminous amounts of study material may be the last task on a to-do list
      for the busy cancer registrar. Crossword puzzles can provide an alternative,
      interesting learning tool to support continuing education. Researching puzzle
      clue answers serves as an interactive approach. Puzzles included in this article
      are considered "informal" as their layout is not symmetrical, but the learning
      value is not adversely affected. Try them out and see what you know, or don't
      know. It can be fun!

PMID- 22096884
TI  - Raising the bar: sprints or marathons?

PMID- 22096885
TI  - [Advances in the studies of viral hepatitis and future prospectives].

PMID- 22096886
TI  - [The strategy for hepatitis control in Japan].

PMID- 22096887
TI  - [Hepatitis C virus infection in japan--epidemiology].

PMID- 22096888
TI  - [Natural course of hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096889
TI  - [Progress and perspective in HCV research].

PMID- 22096890
TI  - [The origin and evolution of hepatitis C virus].

PMID- 22096891
TI  - [Gene organization of hepatitis C virus and its function].

PMID- 22096892
TI  - [Entry mechanisms of HCV].

PMID- 22096893
TI  - [Mechanism of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA replication and HCV genetic
      variability].

PMID- 22096894
TI  - [Critical roles of lipids in the HCV life cycle].

PMID- 22096895
TI  - [Mechanism of HCV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis].

PMID- 22096896
TI  - [Hepatitis C virus culture and its application].

PMID- 22096897
TI  - [HCV replication animal model].

PMID- 22096898
TI  - [Genome-wide association study and clinical application].

PMID- 22096899
TI  - [Immunopathogenesis of HCV infection].

PMID- 22096900
TI  - [Mechanism of HCV persistence].

PMID- 22096901
TI  - [The pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus induced by viral proteins].

PMID- 22096902
TI  - [Functions of host factors regarding HCV pathogenicity].

PMID- 22096903
TI  - [Clinical significance for serological markers of hepatitis virus C].

PMID- 22096904
TI  - [Present status of transfusion-associated hepatitis C virus infection and
      efficiency after implementation of nucleic acid amplification testing].

PMID- 22096905
TI  - [Mother-to-infant transmission and intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C
      virus].

PMID- 22096906
TI  - [In-hospital HCV infection and the countermeasures].

PMID- 22096907
TI  - [Hepatitis C virus infection and insulin resistance].

PMID- 22096908
TI  - [HCV infection and lipid abnormalities].

PMID- 22096909
TI  - [HCV infection and iron dysmetabolism].

PMID- 22096910
TI  - [HCV and oxidative stress].

PMID- 22096911
TI  - [Treatment for chronic hepatitis with normal serum ALT].

PMID- 22096912
TI  - [Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment for acute hepatitis C in Japan].

PMID- 22096913
TI  - [Pathology of chronic viral hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096914
TI  - [Development of anti viral therapy for chronic hepatitis type C].

PMID- 22096915
TI  - [Treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis C in Japan].

PMID- 22096916
TI  - [Indication of monotherapy with pegylated interferon or interferon for patient
      with HCV in Japan].

PMID- 22096917
TI  - [Combination therapy of PEG-interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C in
      Japan].

PMID- 22096918
TI  - [Improved virologic response in chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon,
      ribavirin and add-on drug].

PMID- 22096919
TI  - [Splenectomy before antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C with
      thrombocytopenia].

PMID- 22096920
TI  - [Virus removal and eradication by double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP)].

PMID- 22096921
TI  - [Re-treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C who previously failed to
      peginterferon/ribavirin therapy].

PMID- 22096922
TI  - [Side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection
      and clinical management of them].

PMID- 22096923
TI  - [Treatment of elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096924
TI  - [Relation of IL28B gene polymorphism to chronic hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096925
TI  - [Response to interferon therapy using mutations in the HCV-NS5A].

PMID- 22096926
TI  - [Core amino acid substitutions of hepatitis C virus].

PMID- 22096927
TI  - [Prediction of response to peginterferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic
      hepatitis C analyzed by data mining method].

PMID- 22096928
TI  - [Alternative therapies for hepatitis C: UDCA and SNMC].

PMID- 22096929
TI  - [Iron reduction therapy by phlebotomy for chronic hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096930
TI  - [Efficacy of the NS3-4A protease inhibitor telaprevir in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096931
TI  - [New antivirals against hepatitis C virus(protease inhibitors, polymerase
      inhibitors, and host factor targeting antivirals)].

PMID- 22096932
TI  - [Present management on HCV infected hemodialyzed patients].

PMID- 22096933
TI  - [Coinfection of HIV with HCV].

PMID- 22096934
TI  - [Management of hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation].

PMID- 22096935
TI  - [Extrahepatic manifestation associated with infection of hepatitis C virus and
      its management].

PMID- 22096936
TI  - [Development of hepatocellular carcinoma from chronic hepatitis C].

PMID- 22096937
TI  - [Antiviral treatment reduces risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with
      hepatitis C virus-related chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis].

PMID- 22096938
TI  - [Effects of interferon treatment on recurrence and survival after curative
      treatment of hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma].

PMID- 22096939
TI  - [Hepatitis B virus infection in Japan--epidemiology].

PMID- 22096940
TI  - [Natural history of hepatitis B virus infection].

PMID- 22096941
TI  - [Progress and perspective in HBV research].

PMID- 22096942
TI  - [Structure and replication mechanisms of hepatitis B virus].

PMID- 22096943
TI  - [Hepatitis B virus genotype and the mutation related to clinical outcome].

PMID- 22096944
TI  - [Hepatocarcinogenesis by HBV].

PMID- 22096945
TI  - [Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in animal models and their applications].

PMID- 22096946
TI  - [Mechanisms of the immune response against HBV infection].

PMID- 22096947
TI  - [The mechanisms of establishment of chronic infection of HBV].

PMID- 22096948
TI  - [The mechanisms and clinical significance of seroconversion of HBsAg to anti
      HBs].

PMID- 22096949
TI  - [Markers of hepatitis B virus and clinical significances].

PMID- 22096950
TI  - [Prevention of mother-to-child and intrafamilial transmission in hepatitis B
      virus infection].

PMID- 22096951
TI  - [The present situation of hepatitis B virus infection as a sexual transmitted
      disease in Japan].

PMID- 22096952
TI  - [Protection from HBV infection in medical institution].

PMID- 22096953
TI  - [Indications and efficacy of hepatitis B vaccines (HB vaccines) and hepatitis B
      immune globulin (HBIG): current situations and problems of hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) infection-preventing strategies in Japan].

PMID- 22096954
TI  - [Mechanisms of liver injury and viral regulation in hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096955
TI  - [Clinical implication of hepatitis B virus genotype].

PMID- 22096956
TI  - [HBeAg and HBV DNA in chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096957
TI  - [The clinical features of HBV asymptomatic carrier, and management].

PMID- 22096958
TI  - [Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment for acute hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096959
TI  - [Demographic and clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of fulminant
      hepatitis induced by HBV infection in Japan].

PMID- 22096960
TI  - [Current status of chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096961
TI  - [Pathology of chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096962
TI  - [The factors associated with pathology, treatment and prognosis of chronic
      hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096963
TI  - [The past, present and future treatment for chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096964
TI  - [Treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis B in Japan].

PMID- 22096966
TI  - [Entecavir].

PMID- 22096965
TI  - [Interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096967
TI  - [Lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil].

PMID- 22096968
TI  - [Sequential therapy for chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096969
TI  - [Immunotherapy for chronic hepatitis due to HBV].

PMID- 22096970
TI  - [Treatment of difficult-to-treat chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096971
TI  - [New drugs of treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B].

PMID- 22096972
TI  - [Occult HBV infection].

PMID- 22096973
TI  - [Prevention and management of hepatitis B virus reactivation during anticancer or
      immunosuppressive therapy].

PMID- 22096974
TI  - [Prophylaxis of hepatitis B viral re-infection after liver transplantation].

PMID- 22096975
TI  - [Management of HIV and HBV co-infection].

PMID- 22096976
TI  - [Hepatitis B virus associated chronic liver diseases and carcinogenesis].

PMID- 22096977
TI  - [Prevention for the development of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular
      carcinoma by anti-viral treatment].

PMID- 22096978
TI  - [Efficacy of adjuvant treatment after curative treatment in patients with HBV
      related hepatocellular carcinoma].

PMID- 22096979
TI  - [Epidemiology and recent feature of hepatitis A in Japan].

PMID- 22096980
TI  - [Virological and molecular characteristics of hepatitis A virus].

PMID- 22096981
TI  - [Recent clinical characteristics of hepatitis A].

PMID- 22096982
TI  - [Epidemiology and recent trend of hepatitis E in Japan].

PMID- 22096983
TI  - [Virological characteristics of hepatitis E virus].

PMID- 22096984
TI  - [Hepatitis E, diagnosis and treatment].

PMID- 22096985
TI  - [Hepatitis D--overview].

PMID- 22096986
TI  - [Molecular mechanisms regulating the activity of macrophages].
AB  - This article reviews modern concepts of the most common types of macrophage
      activation: classical, alternative, and type II. Molecular mechanisms of
      induction and regulation of these three types of activation are discussed. Any
      population of macrophages was shown to change its properties depending on its
      microenvironment and concrete biological situation (the "functional plasticity of
      macrophages"). Many intermediate states of macrophages were described along with
      the most pronounced and well-known activation types (classical activation,
      alternative activation, and type II activation). These intermediate states are
      characterized by a variety of combinations of their biological properties,
      including elements of the three afore mentioned types of activation. Macrophage
      activity is regulated by a complex network of interrelated cascade mechanisms.

PMID- 22096987
TI  - [Immunobiological properties of Yersinia pestis antigens].
AB  - The present review contains information concerning immunobiological properties of
      plague microbe antigens. All of the identified antigens are evaluated in relation
      to pathogenicity of Yersinia pestis namely a resistance to phagocytosis,
      toxicity, adhesiveness etc. as well as persistence ability and adaptation to
      variable environment. In addition, the role of antigens in immunogenicity of
      living plague microbe for experimental animals is considered. The data concerning
      mechanisms of antigenic contribution to the development of adaptive immunity are
      presented.

PMID- 22096988
TI  - [Synthesis of biosynthetic precursors of red fluorescent proteins' chromophores].
AB  - A method for the synthesis of 5-arylidene-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-ones, the
      corresponding chromophore of green fluorescent protein (GFP) with acylaminoalkyl
      substituents at position 2 of imidazole core have been developed. These
      structures represent biosynthetic precursors of the chromophores of red
      fluorescent proteins. The method is based on masking of the dehydrotyrosine
      fragment with beta-hydroxytyrosine moiety The key stages of the synthesis include
      peptide coupling of beta-hydroxytyrosine with the N-acetylamino acid of choice,
      unmasking of dehydrotyrosine by O-acylation with subsequent elimination, and
      cyclization of the obtained derivatives of 3-acylaminocinnamic acid in basic
      media.

PMID- 22096989
TI  - [Proteolysis of semax analogues with different N-terminal amino acids by
      aminopeptidases].
AB  - Proteolysis of semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, Sem) and its analogues
      ([Ala1]Sem, [Gly1]Sem, [Thr1]Sem, [Trp1]Sem) that are differ from semax in
      substitution of N-terminal Met residue were studied. It is shown that such
      replacement changes the rate of peptides degradation by N-aminopeptidases (EC
      3.4.11.2, Sigma, Type VI, 9.2 units. Akt. / mg). [Ala1]Sem, [Gly1]Sem and
      [Thr1]Sem semax analogues proved to be more stable to proteolysis than semax
      (Sem), and their initial product of proteolysis is His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (Sem-5).
      For triptophan analogue both Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (Sem-6) and Sem-5 product
      are formed in similar quantities. It is found that all investigated analogues can
      be used as inhibitors in Sem proteolysis.

PMID- 22096990
TI  - Antimicrobial activity of marine sponge Clathria indica (Dendy, 1889).
AB  - Sponges are sessile filter feeders that have developed efficient defense
      mechanisms against foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria or eukaryotic
      organisms. Antimicrobial peptides are known as major components of the innate
      immune defense system in marine invertebrates. The aim of the present work was to
      study the antimicrobial properties of the Indian sponge Clathria indica with
      special reference to the identification of antimicrobial peptides. Crude
      methanolic extract and its chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous fractions were
      tested against 16 human pathogens which include eleven bacteria with four of them
      being multidrug resistant and five pathogenic fungi. All fractions showed
      effective antibacterial activity against common and multidrug-resistant
      Salmonella typhi and antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. neoformans.
      However, they were ineffective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Chloroform fraction being the
      most potent among the fractions tested on chemical investigation was indicative
      of the presence of peptides as evidenced by ninhydrin positive spots on TLC and
      presence of peptide bonds by NMR. Its ESI-MS showed presence of several peptides
      in the range of m/z 850 to 980. Structure of three peptides has been tentatively
      assigned by ESI-MS/MS or tandem mass analysis, on the basis of the amino acid
      sequence established. The results clearly show that the sponge C. indica
      represent an interesting source of marine invertebrates-derived antimicrobial
      peptides in the development of new strategies to treat various infectious
      diseases.

PMID- 22096991
TI  - [Cloning, expression, isolation and properties of thymidine kinase herpes simplex
      virus, strain L2].
AB  - A thymidine kinase UL23 gene (EC 2.7.1.145) from an acyclovir-sensitive strain L2
      of herpes simplex virus type 1 was cloned and expressed in E. coli. Enzyme was
      purified by chromatography to a homogeneous state controlled by PAG
      electrophoresis. The Michaelis constants for the reactions with thymidine and an
      acyclovir were determined. It was found that enzyme phosphorilate some modified
      nucleosides such as d2T, d4T, d2C, 3TC, FLT, BVDU, GCV. A comparison of the
      purified enzyme properties and properties ofthymidine kinase of other strains of
      herpes simplex virus, previously published was carried out. It is shown that
      enzyme is inhibited by acyclovir H-phosphonate.

PMID- 22096992
TI  - [A new method of producing biologically active nanocomplexes by non-covalent
      conjugation of proteins with viral particles].
AB  - Currently, a range of biologically active molecules have been attached to plant
      and bacterial viras nanoscaffolds, yielding stable nanoparticles that display
      multiple copies of the desired molecule. In this paper we propose a new method of
      non-covalent attachment of peptides to the surface of virios. We have
      demonstrated that this method is efficient in a model system that includes
      tobacco mosaic virus particles, synthetic polycation (quaternized poly(4
      vinylpyridine) carrying ethyl ethyl pendant radicals) and polypeptide of
      interest. This principle of step-by-step binding to the surface of virions was
      used for electrostatic association with hydrophilic fragment of influenza virus
      haemagglutinin.

PMID- 22096993
TI  - [Changing the protective properties of the receptor domain of protective antigen
      anthrax exotoxin, depending on the orientation of the presentation on
      nanoparticles].
AB  - Polysterene particles bearing on its surface recombinant protein receptor domain
      of protective antigen anthrax exotoxin, exposed in different orientations have
      been constructed. Particles with exposed COOH region of receptor domain induced
      the highest protective immunity in mice anthrax model (95%). We revealed that
      immunization with these particles causes a specific induction of Th1-response,
      characterized by increased levels ofcytokine TNF-alpha and IL-2.

PMID- 22096994
TI  - [Myeloperoxidase-induced biodegradation of single-walled carbon nanotubes is
      mediated by hypochlorite].
AB  - Broad prospects for the use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in medicine
      and biotechnology raise the concerns about both their toxicity, and the
      mechanisms of biodegradation and excretion from the body. SWNTs biodegradation as
      a result of catalytic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was shown in the isolated
      MPO system as well as in the suspension of neutrophils [Kagan V.E., et al.,
      2010]. In the present study we analyzed the ability of different MPO-produced
      oxidants to participate in the modification and degradation of SWNTs. The
      comparison of the ability of various peroxidases to degrade SWNTs in vitro
      revealed that myeloperoxidase, due to its ability to produce hypochlorite, and
      lactoperoxidase, due to its ability to produce hypobromite, are extremely
      efficient in the degradation of carbon nanotubes. The biodegradation of SWNTs in
      the model system can also be caused by free radicals generated as a result of
      heme degradation and, to a lesser extent, by active oxoferryl intermediates of
      peroxidases. Our experiments showed that in the presence of blood plasma,
      peroxidase intermediates or free radical products of heme degradation were unable
      to initiate biodegradation of carbon nanotubes, only the generation of
      hypochlorite by MPO can cause the biodegradation of carbon nanotubes in vivo.
      Titration of SWNTs suspension containing plasma with hypochlorite at high
      concentrations resulted in the decrease in the optical absorbance of the
      suspension indicating the degradation of nanotubes. Our results clearly indicate
      that hypochlorite can serve as a main oxidizing agent which is able to modify and
      degrade nanotubes in the sites of inflammation and in the phagosomes.

PMID- 22096995
TI  - [Application of the duplex-specific nuclease for fast analysis of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms and detection of target DNA in complex PCR products].
AB  - We have developed a simple method for fast analysis of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms and identification of target clones from cloned complex PCR
      products. The method utilizes Kamchatka crab duplex-specific nuclease and
      universal fluorescent probe and is alternative to laborious screening procedures
      using radioactive probes, restriction analysis followed by gel electrophoresis or
      expensive sequencing. The method efficacy was demonstrated in several model
      experiments.

PMID- 22096996
TI  - [DNA sequence-specific ligands: XIV. Synthesis of fluorescent biologicaly active
      dimeric bisbenzimidazoles-DB(3, 4, 5, 7, 11)].
AB  - Five fluorescent symmetric dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DB(n) have been synthesized
      containing four 2,6-substited benzimidazole fragments and differ in length of
      oligomethylene linker (n=3, 4, 5, 7, 11) between the two bisbenzimidazole blocks.
      The ability of these dimeric bisbenzimidazoles to form complexes with double
      stranded DNA (dsDNA) was shown by spectral methods. Upon binding to dsDNA DB(n)
      are localized in the minor groove. The DNA-methyltransferase Dnmt3a inhibition
      data are demonstrate the site-specific binding of dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DB(3)
      and DB(11) with oligonucleotide duplex.

PMID- 22096997
TI  - [Synthesis and antituberculosis activity of the derivatives of glycoside
      steviolbioside from the plant Stevia rebaudiana and diterpenoid isosteviol
      containing hydrazone, hydrazide and pyridinoyl moieties].
AB  - Conjugates of antitubercular drug Isoniazid (hydrazide of isonicotinic acid),
      nicotinic and alpha-picolinic acid hydrazides and glycoside steviolbioside from
      the plant Stevia rebaudiana as well as the product of its acid hydrolysis,
      diterpenoid isosteviol, were synthesized. Besides, isosteviol hydrazide and
      hydrazone derivatives as well as conjugates containing two isosteviol moieties
      connected by dihydrazide linker were also obtained. Both initial compounds and
      their synthetic derivatives inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      (H37Rv in vitro). The minimum concentration at which the growth of M.
      tuberculosis was inhibited by 100% (MIC) for stevioside and steviolbioside equals
      7.5 and 3.8 microg/mL, respectively. MIC values for conjugates of the hydrazides
      of pyridine carbonic acids and steviolbioside as well as isosteviol are in the
      ranges 5-10 and 10-20 microg/mL, respectively. Maximum inhibitory effect against
      M. tuberculosis showed the conjugates of isosteviol and adipic acid dihydrazide
      (MIC values ranged from 1.7 to 3.1 microg/mL). Antitubercular activity of the
      compounds studied is higher than the activity of antitubercular drug Pyrizanamide
      (MIC = 12.5-20 microg/mL) but lower than the activity of antitubercular drug
      Isoniazid (MIC = 0.02-0.04 microg/mL).

PMID- 22096998
TI  - [Synthesis of cationic ether glycerolipids with heterocyclic nitrogen containing
      bases as polar domains].
AB  - Synthesis of new antitumor ether glycerolipids with various heterocyclic nitrogen
      containing bases as polar domains is described. We propose synthetic scheme for
      cationic lipids containing aliphatic short-chain substituents in the heterocyclic
      polar head.

PMID- 22096999
TI  - [Two new asterosaponins from the antarctic starfish Diplasterias brucei.
      Structures and cytotoxic activities].
AB  - Two new asterosaponins, diplasteriosides A and B, with the same oligosaccharide
      chains beta-D-Fucp-(1-->2)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-[beta-D-Quip-(1-->2)]-beta-D-Quip
      (1-->3)-beta-D-Quip-(1-->, linked to C6 of known genins, 3-O-sulfates of
      thornasterols A and B, respectively, were isolated along with the previously
      known asteriidoside A from the Antarctic starfish Diplasterias brucei. The
      structures of new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (mainly 2D
      NMR and mass spectrometry). The cytotoxicity of isolated asterosaponins against
      human colon cancer cell line HCT-116, human breast cancer cell line T-47D, and
      human melanoma cancer cell line RPMI-7951 was investigated.

PMID- 22097000
TI  - [Synthesis of amino analogues of cholic acid].
AB  - Amino analogues of cholic acid were synthesized by reduction of oximes with
      combination of titanium(III) chloride and sodium cyanoborohydride.

PMID- 22097001
TI  - Characterisation of the recalcitrant organic compounds in leachates formed during
      the anaerobic biodegradation of waste.
AB  - This study investigates the use of UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy to
      assess the early development of recalcitrant organic compounds in leachates
      formed during the anaerobic biodegradation of municipal solid waste. Biochemical
      methane potential tests were carried out on fresh waste (FW) and composted waste
      (CW) over a period of 150 days and leachates produced from the degradation of two
      wastes were analysed for humic-like (H-L) and fulvic-like (F-L) structures by UV
      spectroscopy and fluorescence excitation-emission-matrix analyses. During
      anaerobic biodegradation, the synthesis and utilization of H-L and F-L structures
      in the leachates over time was indicative of the generation of the recalcitrant
      organic compounds. The results obtained from UV absorption and fluorescence
      spectroscopy suggested that CW leachates resulted in a higher concentration and
      more condensed form of recalcitrant H-L and F-L molecules than FW leachates.
      These findings demonstrate how fluorescence and UV absorption spectroscopy can be
      used as an indicator for monitoring the evolution of recalcitrant organic
      compounds (H-L and F-L substances) in leachates formed at different stages of
      waste biodegradation.

PMID- 22097002
TI  - The feasibility of trace element supplementation for stable operation of wheat
      stillage-fed biogas tank reactors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trace element
      supplementation on operation of wheat stillage-fed biogas tank reactors. The
      stillage used was a residue from bio-ethanol production, containing high levels
      of sulfate. In biogas production, high sulfate content has been associated with
      poor process stability in terms of low methane production and accumulation of
      process intermediates. However, the results of the present study show that this
      problem can be overcome by trace element supplementations. Four lab-scale wheat
      stillage-fed biogas tank reactors were operated for 345 days at a hydraulic
      retention time of 20 days (37 degrees C). It was concluded that daily
      supplementation with Co (0.5 mg L(-1)), Ni (0.2 mg L(-1)) and Fe (0.5 g L(-1))
      were required for maintaining process stability at the organic loading rate of
      4.0 g volatile solids L(-1) day(-1).

PMID- 22097003
TI  - Evaluation of cattle bedding and grazing BMPs in an agricultural watershed in
      Alberta.
AB  - This paper highlights the environmental impacts of implementing beneficial
      management practices to address cattle bedding and direct access to the creek in
      a study watershed in southern Alberta, Canada. Approximately 35 cow-calf pairs
      grazed 194 ha of grass forage and had direct access to the creek in the spring
      and summer. During winter, the cattle were fed adjacent to the creek at an old
      bedding site. The practice changes included off-stream watering, bedding site
      relocation and fencing for rotational grazing. The cost was $15,225 and 60 h of
      labour. Four years of data were used in a before-and-after experimental design to
      evaluate the practice changes. After two years of post-implementation monitoring,
      riparian assessments showed an increase in plant diversity, but no change in the
      percent cover of the riparian species Salix exigua and Juncus balitus and a
      decrease in Carex sp. (P < 0.05). Water quality monitoring showed a decrease in
      the difference between upstream and downstream concentrations of total
      phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, total nitrogen, organic nitrogen and
      Escherichia coli (P < 0.10). These results showed that improved environmental
      changes in riparian and water quality can be measured following the
      implementation of beneficial management practices for cattle bedding and grazing.

PMID- 22097004
TI  - Recovering phosphorus as struvite from the digested swine wastewater with bittern
      as a magnesium source.
AB  - Recovering nitrogen and phosphorus through struvite (MgNH4PO4 6H2O)
      crystallization from swine wastewater has gained increasing interest. However,
      swine wastewater contains complex compositions, which may hinder the formation of
      struvite crystal and affect the purity of the precipitates by forming other
      insoluble minerals. In this work, experiments were carried out to evaluate
      struvite precipitation in the anaerobically digested swine wastewater, with
      dosing bittern as a low-cost magnesium source. Exceeded 90% phosphate removal and
      23-29% ammonium reduction were obtained. FTIR, XRD and mass balance analysis were
      combined to analyze the species of precipitated minerals. Results showed that the
      precipitates were struvite, mixed with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and
      brucite. The presence of Ca2+ diminished the percentage of struvite and gave rise
      to ACP formation. Controlling pH below 9.5 and bittern dosage above 1% (w/w)
      could inhibit ACP precipitation and harvest a highly pure struvite crystal
      product.

PMID- 22097005
TI  - Effect of xylose and nutrients concentration on ethanol production by a newly
      isolated extreme thermophilic bacterium.
AB  - An extreme thermophilic ethanol-producing strain was isolated from an ethanol
      high-yielding mixed culture, originally isolated from a hydrogen producing
      reactor operated at 70 degrees C. Ethanol yields were assessed with increasing
      concentrations of xylose, up to 20 g/l. The ability of the strain to grow without
      nutrient addition (yeast extract, peptone and vitamins) was also assessed. The
      maximum ethanol yield achieved was 1.28 mol ethanol/mol xylose consumed (77% of
      the theoretical yield), at 2 g/l of initial xylose concentration. The isolate was
      able to grow and produce ethanol as the main fermentation product under most of
      the conditions tested, including in media lacking vitamins, peptone and yeast
      extract. The results indicate that this new organism is a promising candidate for
      the development of a second generation bio-ethanol production process.

PMID- 22097006
TI  - A sewer process model as planning and management tool--hydrogen sulfide
      simulation at catchment scale.
AB  - The collection system of a major city at the Persian Gulf was simulated for bulk
      water hydrogen sulfide and the release of sewer gas to the urban atmosphere.
      Geometry data on 870 km of sanitary sewer and data on dry weather flow entering
      all nodes in the catchment was exported from a Mike Urban database and imported
      to the sewer process model WATS. The process model then routed sewage and sewer
      gas through the system and simulated relevant physical, chemical and biological
      processes. In its non-calibrated state, the model was used as a planning tool to
      identify problem areas and to identify locations to install monitoring equipment
      and make preliminary choices for control strategies in terms of dosing of nitrate
      and iron salts. The monitoring equipment consisted of flow meters, level gauges,
      UV-Vis spectroscopes, and H2S gas sensors. Data from the first set of installed
      monitoring equipment were applied to calibrate and validate the model. It was
      illustrated how the calibrated model can be applied to assess compliance with
      quantitative formulated service levels and to design control strategies in terms
      of dosing of iron and nitrate salts.

PMID- 22097007
TI  - Pulse shear stress for anaerobic membrane bioreactor fouling control.
AB  - Increase of shear stress at membrane surfaces is a generally applied strategy to
      minimize membrane fouling. It has been reported that a two-phase flow, better
      known as slug flow, is an effective way to increase shear stress. Hence, slug
      flow was introduced into an anaerobic membrane bioreactor for membrane fouling
      control. Anaerobic suspended sludge was cultured in an anaerobic membrane
      bioreactor (AMBR) operated with a side stream inside-out tubular membrane unit
      applying sustainable flux flow regimes. The averaged particle diameter decreased
      from 20 to 5 microm during operation of the AMBR. However, the COD removal
      efficiency did not show any significant deterioration, whereas the specific
      methanogenic activity (SMA) increased from 0.16 to 0.41 gCOD/g VSS/day.
      Nevertheless, the imposed gas slug appeared to be insufficient for adequate
      fouling control, resulting in rapidly increasing trans membrane pressures (TMP)
      operating at a flux exceeding 16 L/m2/h. Addition of powdered activated carbon
      (PAC) enhanced the effect of slug flow on membrane fouling. However, the combined
      effect was still considered as not being significant. The tubular membrane was
      subsequently equipped with inert inserts for creating a locally increased shear
      stress for enhanced fouling control. Results show an increase in the membrane
      flux from 16 L/m2/h to 34 L/m2/h after the inserts were mounted in the membrane
      tube.

PMID- 22097008
TI  - Dewatering sludge originating in water treatment works in reed bed systems.
AB  - The dewatering process of the liquid water works sludge was examined in a trial
      with a series of six trial beds, each 20 m2. These were monitored from April 2008
      to June 2010. It is possible to get the vegetation to grow in ferric sludge
      (approximately 300,000 mg Fe/kg dry solid, pH 7,7). It has not been necessary to
      use fertilizer. The influence of the loading programs (15-50 kg dry
      solid/m2/year) was tested with 1-5 days of loading and 35-55 days of rest. It is
      possible to drain and treat ferric sludge. Generally the dewatering profile is a
      peak with a maximum over 0.015-0.025 L/s/m2. The times for dewatering of 6-12 m3
      are approximately 15 h and over 90% of the load is dewatered in that period. The
      dry solid (0.16-0.20%) in the sludge has been concentrated approximately 200
      times. The dewatering phase results in ferric sludge with 30-40% dry solid which
      cracks up very quickly. The volume reduction is over 99%. The trend shows that
      the main volume of reject water has a turbidity level below 5 NTU even in the
      loading periods.

PMID- 22097009
TI  - Continuous hydrogen and methane production in a two-stage cheese whey
      fermentation system.
AB  - The feasibility of integrating biological hydrogen and methane production in a
      two-stage process using mixed cultures and cheese whey powder (CWP) as substrate
      was studied. The effect of operational parameters such as hydraulic retention
      time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR) on the volumetric hydrogen (VHPR) and
      methane (VMPR) production rates was assessed. The highest VHPR was 28 L H2/L/d,
      obtained during stable operation in a CSTR at HRT and OLR of 6 h and 142 g
      lactose/ L/d, respectively. Moreover, hydrogen (13 L/L/d) was produced even at
      HRT as low as 3.5 h and OLR of 163 g lactose/L/d, nonetheless, the reactor
      operation was not stable. Regarding methane production in an UASB reactor, the
      acidified effluent from the hydrogen-producing bioreactor was efficiently treated
      obtaining COD removals above 90% at OLR and HRT of 20 g COD/L/d and 6 h,
      respectively. The two-stage process for continuous production of hydrogen and
      methane recovered over 70% of the energy present in the substrate. This study
      demonstrated that hydrogen production can be efficiently coupled to methane
      production in a two-stage system and that CWP is an adequate substrate for energy
      production.

PMID- 22097010
TI  - Enhancement of the conventional anaerobic digestion of sludge: comparison of four
      different strategies.
AB  - Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the preferred option to stabilize sludge. However,
      the rate limiting step of solids hydrolysis makes it worth modifing the
      conventional mesophilic AD in order to increase the performance of the digester.
      The main strategies are to introduce a hydrolysis pre-treatment, or to modify the
      digestion temperature. Among the different pre-treatment alternatives, the
      thermal hydrolysis (TH) at 170 degrees C for 30 min, and the ultrasounds pre
      treatment (US) at 30 kJ/kg TS were selected for the research, while for the non
      conventional anaerobic digestion, the thermophilic (TAD) and the two-stage
      temperature phased AD (TPAD) were considered. Four pilot plants were operated,
      with the same configuration and size of anaerobic digester (200 L, continuously
      fed). The biogas results show a general increase compared to the conventional
      digestion, being the highest production per unit of digester for the process
      combining the thermal pre-treatment and AD (1.4 L biogas/L digester day compared
      to the value of 0.26 obtained in conventional digesters). The dewaterability of
      the digestate became enhanced for processes TH + AD and TPAD when compared with
      the conventional digestate, while it became worse for processes US + AD and TAD.
      In all the research lines, the viscosity in the digester was smaller compared to
      the conventional (which is a key factor for process performance and economics),
      and both thermal pre-treatment and thermophilic digestion (TAD and TPAD) assure a
      pathogen free digestate.

PMID- 22097011
TI  - The impact of cyanobacteria on growth and death of opportunistic pathogenic
      bacteria.
AB  - Climate change may cause increased microbial growth in water sources and more
      knowledge is required on how this may affect the hygienic water quality, i.e.,
      whether increased occurrence of cyanobacteria and algae may stimulate the growth
      rate of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Laboratory experiments were performed
      to investigate if the presence of the cyanobacteria Anabanea lemmermannii and
      Microcystis aeruginosa affected the survival and growth rate of the opportunistic
      pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the
      faecal indicators Escherichia coli and coliforms. Cyanobacteria were cultured in
      bottles containing the nutrient-poor medium 02. Sewage, A. hydrophila or P.
      aeruginosa was added to cyanobacterial cultures and the bacterial growth and
      survival was followed. E. coli and coliforms from sewage died within few days and
      the decay rate was not affected by the presence of cyanobacteria. The presence of
      Anabaena stimulated the growth rate of P. aeruginosa, but had no effect on the
      growth rate of A. hydrophila. Microcystis had no effect on the growth rate of P.
      aeruginosa and an inhibiting effect on the growth rate of A. hydrophila.

PMID- 22097012
TI  - Application of sequencing batch membrane bioreactors (SB-MBR) for the treatment
      of municipal wastewater.
AB  - Sequencing batch membrane bioreactors can be a good option in up-grading small
      municipal plant and for industrial applications, maintaining some of the
      advantages of both original technologies (effluent quality improvement,
      flexibility and simplicity of realization, operation and control). In this study,
      the effects of volumetric exchange ratio (VER) and aeration/filtration strategy
      have been evaluated. Moreover, with the adoption of cycles shorter than 8 h, the
      opportunity of further simplification of the membrane operation has been tested
      by choosing a continuous filtration mode instead of the usual short cycle of
      permeation/relaxation. Two lab-scales MBR equipped with Zenon hollow fiber
      modules were fed on real primary effluent. For all tests, hydraulic retention
      time of 10 h and sludge retention time of 60 days have been adopted. Different
      cycles have been investigated, lasting between 1 and 8 h and all comprising an
      anoxic phase to allow for denitrification. Operation at low VER resulted in
      better effluent quality with no limitations to the denitrification phase. For VER
      >33% a pre-aeration step was required before effluent withdrawal for optimal
      ammonium removal. Moreover, VER appeared to have limited negative effect on
      sludge concentration and yield, while the membrane cleaning frequency slightly
      increased for increasing VER.

PMID- 22097013
TI  - Three stages MBR (methanogenic, aerobic biofilm and membrane filtration) for the
      treatment of low-strength wastewaters.
AB  - The use of a new three stages MBR process with a first methanogenic UASB stage, a
      second stage with aerobic biofilm growing on small carrier elements maintained in
      suspension and third stage with membrane filtration module is presented. The
      objective of the first methanogenic chamber is to diminish COD of the raw
      wastewater, producing a biogas rich in methane, and decrease the sludge
      production. In the second stage, the remaining soluble biodegradable COD is
      oxidized by heterotrophs. In the third stage, the membrane modules could be
      operated at higher fluxes than those reported for AnMBR systems, and similar to
      those obtained in aerobic MBRs. In this sense, the concept of these three stages
      MBR is to join the advantages of the methanogenic and aerobic membrane bioreactor
      processes, by reducing energy requirements for aeration, producing biogas with
      high methane percentage and a permeate with very low COD content. A synthetic
      wastewater was fed to the three stages MBR. COD in the influent was between 200
      and 1,200 mg/L, ammonium ranged from 10 to 35 mg/L and phosphorous concentration
      was 8 mg/L. OLR in-between 1 and 3 kg COD/(m3 d) and a HRT of 13-21 h were
      applied. Temperature was between 17.5 and 23.2 degrees C. During the whole
      operating period the COD removal efficiencies were in the range of 90 and 96% of
      which in between 40 and 80% was removed in the first methanogenic chamber. Biogas
      production with methane content between 75 and 80% was observed. With regard to
      membrane operation, average permeabilities around 150 L/(m2 h bar) were achieved,
      operating with fluxes of 11-15 L/(m2 h).

PMID- 22097014
TI  - Clonal variation in reproductive response to temperature by a potential bulking
      control agent, Lecane inermis (Rotifera).
AB  - The novel idea of using rotifers Lecane inermis (Rotifera, Monogononta) as a tool
      to overcome activated sludge bulking generates an on-going need to study rotifer
      biology. The results of biological research on rotifers can serve to improve the
      method so that it can be most effective when applied in treatment plants. The aim
      of this study was to test the effect of temperature on four selected rotifer
      clones originating from different treatment plants. The rate of population
      development from a single individual (parthenogenetic female) during a 10-day
      experiment was measured at three temperatures: 8, 15 and 20 degrees C. The
      temperatures used reflect the annual temperature distribution in the majority of
      municipal wastewater treatment plants in the temperate zone. The growth rate
      coefficient (r) and doubling time (tD) were calculated for each clone. Under the
      most favourable conditions (20 degrees C), rvalues varied between 0.41 and 0.47 d
      and doubling time between 1.5 and 1.7 d. At a temperature of 15 degrees C, the
      doubling time was approximately two times longer (2.5-3.4 d). The strongest
      intraspecific variations were observed at the lowest temperature of 8 degrees C.
      At this temperature, one of the clones almost failed to proliferate, and another
      exhibited a doubling time of 7.9 d. The doubling times were a few times greater
      for the remaining two clones (60 d for Lk1, 33.3 d for Lk4). These results could
      be very useful in predicting the chances that the rotifers would survive in a
      biological reactor in a wastewater treatment plant at the temperatures used in
      these reactors.

PMID- 22097015
TI  - Kinetics of heterotrophic biomass and storage mechanism in wetland cores measured
      by respirometry.
AB  - Although oxygen uptake rate has been widely used in activated sludge for
      measuring kinetic and stoichiometric parameters or for wastewater
      characterization, its application in constructed wetlands (CWs) cores has been
      recently proposed. The aim of this research is to estimate the kinetic and
      stoichiometric parameters of the heterotrophic biomass in CW cores. Respirometric
      tests were carried out with pure carbonaceous substrate and real wastewater.
      Endogenous respiration was about 2 gO2 m(-3) h(-1) (per unit of bed volume),
      while the kinetic parameters obtained for COD oxidation were very high (maximum
      rate per unit of bed volume of 10.7-26.8 gCOD m(-3) h(-1)) which indicates high
      biodegradation potential in fully aerobic environment. Regarding to
      stoichiometric parameter, the maximum growth yield, Y(H), was 0.56-0.59
      mgCOD/mgCOD, while the storage yield, Y(STO), was 0.75-0.77 mgCOD/mgCOD. The
      storage mechanism was observed in CW cores during COD oxidation, which leads to
      the transformation of the external soluble substrate in internal storage
      products, probably as response to intermittent loads applied in CW systems,
      transient concentrations of readily biodegradable substrate and alternance of
      feast/famine periods.

PMID- 22097016
TI  - A novel technology for on-site cupric oxide recovery from cupric chloride etchant
      waste.
AB  - For on-site copper recovery in print circuit board factories, we propose a novel
      technology to obtain cupric oxide with a low content ratio of chloride from high
      chloride concentration waste, such as cupric chloride etchant waste. Our
      technology is designed to avoid formation of double salt and accumulation of
      cupric hydroxide. In the proposed method, etchant waste mixed with hydrogen
      peroxide solution is added to sodium hydroxide solution by stepwise addition. We
      performed lab-scale experiments on the influence of reaction pH conditions on the
      content ratio of chloride in recovering cupric oxide. The results show that
      recycled cupric oxide tends to contain a lower content ratio of chloride under
      higher starting temperatures and higher final pH conditions of the reaction. We
      also confirmed the optimized conditions; the starting temperature of the sodium
      hydroxide solution is higher than 70 degrees C, and the final pH of the reaction
      is 11.5 to 12. Based on the optimized temperature and pH conditions, we also
      performed a pilot trial to recover cupric oxide from real etchant waste. Then, we
      successfully obtained cupric oxide with a content ratio of chloride in 80 mg
      Cl/kg-CuO.

PMID- 22097017
TI  - Synthesis of polyaspartic acid-aminobenzenesulfonic acid grafted copolymer and
      its scale inhibition performance and dispersion capacity.
AB  - Polysuccinimide (abridged as PSI) was synthesized by urea and maleic anhydride.
      Aminobenzenesulfonic acid (ABSA) was introduced at different mole ratio to PSI to
      generate polyaspartic acid (abridged as PASP)/ABSA graft copolymer. The scale
      inhibition behavior of resultant PASP/ABSA copolymer was evaluated by using
      static scale inhibition method. The transmittance of the supernatant of the
      copolymer solution was measured to evaluate its dispersion ability for ferric
      oxide. The corrosion inhibition performance of the copolymer for iron plates
      immersed in the refined testing water (including 0.555 g of CaCl2 2H2O, 0.493 g
      of MgSO4 7H2O, 50 mg PASP/ABSA graft copolymer and 0.168 g of NaCl) was tested.
      It was found that PASP/ABSA copolymer was able to efficiently inhibit CaCO3 and
      Ca3(PO4)2 scales and had good corrosion inhibition ability as well, and it also
      had good dispersion ability for Fe2O3. Besides, the inhibition efficiency of
      PASP/ABSA against CaCO3 and Ca3(PO4)2 scales and its dispersion capacity for
      Fe2O3 was highly dependent on dosage. The reason may lie in that PASP/ABSA
      copolymer simultaneously possesses carboxylic ion and sulfonic group which can
      chelate Ca2+ to form stabilized and dissoluble chelates, resulting in increase of
      solubility of calcium salts in water. Also it may lie in that the introduction of
      acidic hydrophilic sulfonic group with a strong electrolytic capacity into PASP
      molecule simultaneously enhances the dispersion of the inhibitor molecules and
      hinders the formation of Ca3(PO4)2 scale.

PMID- 22097018
TI  - The role of SSVF and SSHF beds in concentrated wastewater treatment, design
      recommendation.
AB  - The return flows of reject water from sewage sludge dewatering alter the
      activated sludge process in a conventional WWTP and increase TN concentration in
      the final effluent from WWTP. The objective of the investigation carried out was
      to consider the application of multistage treatment wetland (MTW) for the
      treatment of reject water from sewage sludge dewatering in a centrifuge (RWC).
      This paper aims to present the design and performance of each stage of the
      treatment as well as the efficiency of total MTW. The full scale pilot plant for
      RWC, consisting of two vertical flow beds (SS VF) working in series, followed by
      an horizontal flow bed (SS HF), was built in 2008. The applied configuration
      ensured a very high removal efficiency of principal pollutant (COD - 76.0% and
      NH4+-N - 93.6%). In the investigated facilities, the SS VF beds ensured an
      effective removal of nitrogen compounds, especially NH4+-N, whereas the
      decomposition of hardly degradable Org-N and COD took place in SS HF. This
      research illustrates that the MTW could be successfully applied for the treatment
      of RWC.

PMID- 22097019
TI  - Life cycle assessment of an intensive sewage treatment plant in Barcelona (Spain)
      with focus on energy aspects.
AB  - Life Cycle Assessment was used to evaluate environmental impacts associated to a
      full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Barcelona Metropolitan Area, with
      a treatment capacity of 2 million population equivalent, focussing on energy
      aspects and resources consumption. The wastewater line includes conventional pre
      treatment, primary settler, activated sludge with nitrogen removal, and tertiary
      treatment; and the sludge line consists of thickening, anaerobic digestion,
      cogeneration, dewatering and thermal drying. Real site data were preferably
      included in the inventory. Environmental impacts of the resulting impact
      categories were determined by the CLM 2 baseline method. According to the
      results, the combustion of natural gas in the cogeneration engine is responsible
      for the main impact on Climate Change and Depletion of Abiotic Resources, while
      the combustion of biogas in the cogeneration unit accounts for a minor part. The
      results suggest that the environmental performance of the WWTP would be enhanced
      by increasing biogas production through improved anaerobic digestion of sewage
      sludge.

PMID- 22097020
TI  - PLIO: a generic tool for real-time operational predictive optimal control of
      water networks.
AB  - This paper presents a generic tool, named PLIO, that allows to implement the real
      time operational control of water networks. Control strategies are generated
      using predictive optimal control techniques. This tool allows the flow management
      in a large water supply and distribution system including reservoirs, open-flow
      channels for water transport, water treatment plants, pressurized water pipe
      networks, tanks, flow/pressure control elements and a telemetry/telecontrol
      system. Predictive optimal control is used to generate flow control strategies
      from the sources to the consumer areas to meet future demands with appropriate
      pressure levels, optimizing operational goals such as network safety volumes and
      flow control stability. PLIO allows to build the network model graphically and
      then to automatically generate the model equations used by the predictive optimal
      controller. Additionally, PLIO can work off-line (in simulation) and on-line (in
      real-time mode). The case study of Santiago-Chile is presented to exemplify the
      control results obtained using PLIO off-line (in simulation).

PMID- 22097021
TI  - Treatment of wastewater from a cotton dyeing process with UV/H2O2 using a
      photoreactor covered with reflective material.
AB  - Wastewater containing several dyes, including sulfur black from the dyeing
      process in a textile mill, was treated using a UV/H2O2 process. The wastewater
      was characterized by a low BOD/COD ratio, intense color and high acute toxicity
      to the algae species Pseudokirchneriella subcaptata. The influence of the pH and
      H2O2 concentration on the treatment process was evaluated by a full factorial
      design 22 with three replicates of the central experiment. The removal of
      aromatic compounds and color was improved by an increase in the H2O2
      concentration and a decrease in pH. The best results were obtained at pH 5.0 and
      6 g L(-1). With these conditions and 120 min of UV irradiation, the removal of
      the color, aromatic compounds and COD were 74.1, 55.1 and 44.8%, respectively.
      Under the same conditions, but using a photoreactor covered with aluminum foil,
      the removal of the color, aromatic compounds and COD were 92.0, 77.6 and 59.4%,
      respectively. Moreover, the use of aluminum foil reduced the cost of the
      treatment by 40.8%. These results suggest the potential application of reflective
      materials as a photoreactor accessory to reduce electric energy consumption
      during the UV/H2O2 process.

PMID- 22097022
TI  - A feasibility study of magnetic separation of magnetic nanoparticle for forward
      osmosis.
AB  - It was recently reported that a UK company has developed a naturally non-toxic
      magnetoferritin to act as a draw solute for drawing water in forward osmosis
      process. The gist of this technology is the utilization of the magnetic
      nanoparticle and high-gradient magnetic separation for draw solute separation and
      reuse. However, any demonstration on this technology has not been reported yet.
      In this study, a feasibility test of magnetic separation using magnetic
      nanoparticle was therefore performed to investigate the possibility of magnetic
      separation in water treatment such as desalination. Basically, a magnetic
      separation system consisted of a column packed with a bed of magnetically
      susceptible wools placed between the poles of electromagnet and Fe3O4 magnetic
      nanoparticle was used as a model nanoparticle. The effect of nanoparticle size to
      applied magnetic field in separation column was experimentally investigated and
      the magnetic field distribution in a magnet gap and the magnetic field gradient
      around stainless steel wool wire were analyzed through numerical simulation. The
      amount of magnetic nanoparticle captured in the separator column increased as the
      magnetic field strength and particle size increased. As a result, if magnetic
      separation is intended to be used for draw solute separation and reuse, both
      novel nanoparticle and large-scale high performance magnetic separator must be
      developed.

PMID- 22097023
TI  - High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for rapid and
      sensitive analysis of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in wastewater.
AB  - A sensitive and fast method was developed to quantitatively analyse the six
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (fluoranthene (FLT), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF),
      benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), benzo[a] pyrene (Bap), benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP) and
      indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (INPY)) by high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)
      coupling with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Chromatographic separation was
      performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEHC18 column (1.7 microm, 2.1 mm x 50 mm). A
      0.2 microm precolumn filter was used to protect the analytical column. Mobile
      phase Awas acetonitrile containing 0.5% toluene. Mobile phase B was water.
      Linearity of detection was in the range of 1-100 microg L(-1); LOD of 5 PAHs were
      lower than 0.1 microg L(-1); LOQ were 0.2 microg L(-1) except for
      benzo[k]fluoranthene. The LOD and the LOQ of benzo[k]fluoranthene were
      respectively 0.1 microg L(-1) and 0.8 microg L(-1). Wastewater samples collected
      from two wastewater treatment plants were determined using this method
      respectively. Recovery of all compounds varied from 67.8 +/- 10.6% to 113.2 +/-
      7.2%. In comparison with the existing methods, this rapid method saves time and
      solvent and improves instrument sample throughput by 2-5 fold.

PMID- 22097024
TI  - Micropollutants in stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflow in the
      Copenhagen area, Denmark.
AB  - Stormwater runoff contains a broad range of micropollutants. In Europe a number
      of these substances are regulated through the Water Framework Directive, which
      establishes Environmental Quality Standards (EQSs) for surface waters. Knowledge
      about discharge of these substances through stormwater runoff and combined sewer
      overflows (CSOs) is essential to ensure compliance with the EQSs. Results from a
      screening campaign including more than 50 substances at four stormwater discharge
      locations and one CSO in Copenhagen are reported here. Heavy metal concentrations
      were detected at levels similar to earlier findings, e.g., with copper found at
      concentrations up to 13 times greater than the Danish standard for surface
      waters. The concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exceeded the EQSs
      by factors up to 500 times for stormwater and 2,000 times for the CSO. Glyphosate
      was found in all samples whilst diuron, isoproturon, terbutylazine and MCPA were
      found only in some of the samples. Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) was also found at
      all five locations in concentrations exceeding the EQS. The results give a
      valuable background for designing further monitoring programmes focusing on the
      chemical status of surface waters in urban areas.

PMID- 22097025
TI  - Restoration of stormwater retention capacity at the allotment-scale through a
      novel economic instrument.
AB  - Urbanisation results in changes to runoff behaviour which, if not addressed,
      inevitably degrade receiving waters. To date, most stormwater management has
      focussed on the streetscape and public open space. Given that much of the
      catchment imperviousness is located on private land, we developed and tested a
      novel economic instrument (a uniform price auction) for encouraging allotment
      scale stormwater retention. We evaluated bids using an integrated environmental
      benefit index (EBI), based on the ability of the proposed works to reduce runoff
      frequency, pollutant loads and to reduce potable water demand. The uniform price
      auction resulted in 1.4 ha of impervious areas being effectively 'disconnected'
      from the stormwater system. The EBI provided an objective and transparent method
      of comparing bids, which varied in the type of works proposed (e.g. rainwater
      tank, rain-garden), the cost and the resulting environmental benefit. Whilst the
      pilot auction was a success, the public subsidy of works undertaken was around
      85%, meaning that property owners a relatively small private benefit in the
      works. Future auction rounds will be revised to (i) test an EBI which is more
      focussed on the protection of streams (assessing changes to runoff frequency,
      baseflow volumes and water quality) and (ii) provide an auction process which is
      simpler to understand, and provides greater practical support for landholders who
      wish to undertake works.

PMID- 22097026
TI  - Heavy metals, PAHs and toxicity in stormwater wet detention ponds.
AB  - Concentrations of 6 different heavy metals and total polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in stormwater runoff and in the pond water of
      two Danish wet detention ponds. The pond water samples were analyzed for toxic
      effects, using the algae Selenastrum capricornutum as a test organism. Stormwater
      and pond water from a catchment with light industry showed high levels of heavy
      metals, especially zinc and copper. The pond water showed high toxic effects and
      copper were found to be the main toxicant. Additionally, a large part of the
      copper was suspected to be complex bound, reducing the potential toxicity of the
      metal. Another catchment (residential) produced stormwater and pond water with
      moderate concentration of heavy metals. The pond water occasionally showed toxic
      effects but no correlation between heavy metals and toxicity was identified. PAHs
      concentrations were for both catchments low and no correlations between PAH
      concentrations in the pond and toxicity were found.

PMID- 22097027
TI  - Proposal for identification methodology for urban agglomerations according to
      directive 91/271/EEC on wastewater treatment.
AB  - This paper discusses the problem of the identification and definition of the
      urban agglomerations in accordance with Directive 91/271/EC. The aim of this
      identification is to guarantee a satisfactory level of treatment for urban
      wastewaters and the achievement of the quality objectives for water bodies. The
      methodology employed, taking into account the existing planning tools in the
      water service sector, has been based on official national census data, on the
      Water Protection Plan, on the predictions of Water Service Plans prepared by each
      Water Authority and on detailed indications provided by the Authorities
      themselves. The proposed approach, obtained with geographic information systems
      applications and the calculation of pollution loads, is described and tested in
      the Veneto region, Italy. In the final part of the paper some considerations on
      the results obtained are presented and discussed.

PMID- 22097028
TI  - The use of CFD modelling to optimise measurement of overflow rates in a
      downstream-controlled dual-overflow structure.
AB  - The measurement of the flow through complex combined sewer overflow structures in
      the frame of automated monitoring remains difficult. In this paper, a methodology
      based on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling in order to
      improve the instrumentation of a downstream-controlled dual-overflow structure is
      presented. The dual-overflow structure is composed of two combined sewer
      overflows (CSOs) connected by a rectangular channel and controlled by a
      downstream gate located at the entry of the Meyzieu waste water treatment plant
      (close to Lyon, France). The analysis of the CFD results provides: (i) a better
      understanding of the interaction between the two CSOs--that means the hydraulic
      operation, the hydrodynamic behaviour, the backflow effect--and (ii) an ability
      to optimise the location of the water depth sensor. The measured water depth is
      used to assess the overflow rate by means of a numerical relationship.
      Uncertainties are also assessed.

PMID- 22097029
TI  - The study of adsorption characteristics of electrospun polymer nanofibers for
      benzenes in water.
AB  - The adsorption properties of benzene, p-dichlorobenzene and nitrobenzene on
      polymer nanofibers were studied. Compared with polyacrylonitrile nanofiber,
      polystyrene (PS) nanofiber presented better adsorption performance. Langmuir and
      Freundlich adsorption models were used for the mathematical description of
      adsorption equilibria, and Freundlich isotherms fitted better. Kinetic studies
      showed that the adsorption of PS nanofiber followed pseudo first-order model.
      Various thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy (delta G), enthalpy
      (delta H) and entropy (delta S) were calculated for predicting the adsorption
      nature of PS nanofiber for three benzenes, which indicated that the adsorption
      was spontaneous and a physical process. The regeneration efficiency maintains
      over 80% after five cycles of adsorption/desorption tests. It showed that PS
      nanofibers are promising candidates for adsorption and removal of aromatic
      hydrocarbons from water.

PMID- 22097030
TI  - Methane conversion efficiency as a simple control parameter for an anaerobic
      digester at high loading rates.
AB  - The anaerobic digestion process is globally applied to the treatment of highly
      concentrated wastes such as industrial and rural effluents, and sewage sludge.
      However, it is known to be relatively unstable. When loaded with high
      concentrations of organic material, unwanted volatile fatty acids (VFA) are often
      produced rather than methane (CH4) gas which can lead to digester acidification
      and failure. This study investigated digester behaviour under high loading rates,
      testing the usefulness of stoichiometric methane conversion efficiency as a
      digester control parameter at high loading rates. Our results show that, in
      general, the CH4 production rate was proportional to the feed rate (loading
      rate). However, at very high loading rates, the CH4 production rate was not
      proportional to the increase in the feeding rate. Consequently, VFA accumulated
      and the H2 partial pressure increased. The proportionality of the loading rate
      and gas production rate is stoichiometrically expressed as the conversion
      efficiency. We found that conversion efficiency was a useful indicator as an
      early warning of digester imbalance. The digester remained stable at conversion
      efficiencies above 75%. Dropping below 70% signified the onset of digester
      failure. As loading rate and methane production data are readily available on
      line in most anaerobic digestion plants, the conversion efficiency can be
      monitored on-line and used as an efficient control technique to maintain safe
      operation of anaerobic digesters at high loading rates.

PMID- 22097031
TI  - Priority organic pollutants in the urban water cycle (Toulouse, France).
AB  - Application of the European Water Framework Directive requires Member States to
      have better understanding of the quality of surface waters in order to improve
      knowledge of priority pollutants. Xenobiotics in urban receiving waters are an
      emerging concern. This study proposes a screening campaign of nine molecular
      species of xenobiotics in a separated sewer system. Five sites were investigated
      over one year in Toulouse (France) using quantitative monitoring. For each
      sample, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls,
      nonylphenols, diethelhexylphthalate, linear alkylbenzene sulphonates, methyl tert
      butylether, total hydrocarbons, estradiol and ethinylestradiol were analysed.
      Ground, rain and roof collected water concentrations are similar to treated
      wastewater levels. Run-off water was the most polluted of the five types
      investigated, discharged into the aquatic environment. The wastewater treatment
      plant reduced xenobiotic concentrations by 66% before discharge into the
      environment. Regarding environmental quality standards, observed concentrations
      in waters were in compliance with standards. The results show that xenobiotic
      concentrations are variable over time and space in all urban water compartments.

PMID- 22097032
TI  - Automatic characterisation of primary, secondary and mixed sludge inflow in terms
      of the mathematical generalised sludge digester model.
AB  - This paper presents the characterisation procedure of different types of sludge
      generated in a wastewater treatment plant to be reproduced in a mathematical
      model of the sludge digestion process. The automatic calibration method used is
      based on an optimisation problem and uses a set of mathematical equations related
      to the a priori knowledge of the sludge composition, the experimental
      measurements applied to the real sludge, and the definition of the model
      components. In this work, the potential of the characterisation methodology is
      shown by means of a real example, taking into account that sludge is a very
      complex matter to characterise and that the models for digestion also have a
      considerable number of model components. The results obtained suit both the
      previously reported characteristics of the primary, secondary and mixed sludge,
      and the experimental measurements specially done for this work. These three types
      of sludge have been successfully characterised to be used in complex mathematical
      models.

PMID- 22097033
TI  - Models for nitrification process design: one or two AOB populations?
AB  - Models for engineering design of nitrifying systems use one ammonia oxidizer
      biomass (AOB) state variable. A simple extension using two AOB populations allows
      a more accurate prediction of nitrification systems at switching process
      environments. These two AOB subpopulations are characterized by two different
      sets of kinetic parameters. Selection pressure and competition between the two
      functional AOB populations are determined by process conditions as demonstrated
      by three case studies: Case study I describes dynamics of two AOB populations
      showing different temperature sensitivities (modified Arrhenius term on growth
      and decay) when bioaugmented from the warm sidestream treatment environment to
      the cold mainstream and vice-versa. Case study II investigates competition
      between fast growing micro-strategists and k-strategists adjusted to low ammonia
      levels depending on the internal mixed liquor recycle rate (IMLR). Case study III
      shows that AOB transferred from the waste activated sludge of an SBR to the
      parallel continuous flow system with different decay kinetics can overgrow or
      coexist with the original population.

PMID- 22097034
TI  - Three years of operation of the urine diversion system at GTZ headquarters in
      Germany: user opinions and maintenance challenges.
AB  - In the main office building of GTZ in Eschborn, Germany a resource-oriented
      sanitation system containing urine diversion (UD) toilets and waterless urinals
      has been in operation since 2006. After 2.5 years of operating the system, a
      first overall evaluation of the system in terms of its acceptance amongst the
      users and the cleaning staff was conducted by carrying out two surveys and many
      interviews. The overall result is that most of the users appreciate the
      sanitation concept in theory but have problems with the technical design of the
      particular type of UD flush toilets installed here. The survey results also gave
      some directions towards which hygiene devices the users would appreciate in order
      to overcome their reluctance to sit down on the toilet seat in public buildings
      (the sitting being necessary for correct operation of the urine valve to separate
      urine from flush water). Also, it is difficult to convince the cleaning and
      facility maintenance staff of the necessity of special cleaning and preventative
      maintenance routines. Hence, before such systems can be widely used, clear
      cleaning routines and maintenance instruction are required as well as certain
      technical modifications of this type of UD flush toilets to optimise the
      urine/water separation and the flushing properties of the toilet.

PMID- 22097035
TI  - Nitrogen removal and ammonia-oxidising bacteria in a vertical flow constructed
      wetland treating inorganic wastewater.
AB  - Nitrogen removal performance and the ammonia-oxidising bacterial (AOB) community
      were assessed in the batch loaded 1.3 ha saturated surface vertical flow wetland
      at CSBP Ltd, a fertiliser and chemical manufacturer located in Kwinana, Western
      Australia. From September 2008 to October 2009 water quality was monitored and
      sediment samples collected for bacterial analyses. During the period of study the
      wetland received an average inflow of 1,109 m3/day with NH3-N = 40 mg/L and NO3-N
      = 23 mg/L. Effluent NH3-N and NO3-N were on average 31 and 25 mg/L, respectively.
      The overall NH3-N removal rate for the period was 1.2 g/m2/day indicating the
      nitrifying capacity of the wetland. The structure of the AOB community was
      analysed using group specific primers for the ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA)
      by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and by clone libraries to
      identify key members. The majority of sequences obtained were most similar to
      Nitrosomonas sp. while Nitrosospira sp. was less frequent. Another two vertical
      flow wetlands, 0.8 ha each, were commissioned at CSBP in July 2009, since then
      the wetland in this study has received nitrified effluent from these two new
      cells.

PMID- 22097036
TI  - Occurrence of hydrodynamic cavitation.
AB  - In this paper, the conditions under which cavitation (or liquid film rupture) can
      or cannot occur in thin layers of moving liquid are derived for three typical
      cases. At the same time, expressions depending on geometrical and movement
      parameters, where cavitation might start, are given. The results are obtained
      using simple engineering terms, which can be used in cases whether it is
      necessary to avoid cavitation or to induce it.

PMID- 22097037
TI  - Spectrophotometric characterization of human impacted surface waters in the
      Moselle watershed.
AB  - In order to characterize the pollution discharged into the Moselle River and some
      of its tributaries, spectroscopic techniques, namely UV-vis spectroscopy and
      synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, have been combined. UV-visible spectra
      were analysed using the maximum of the second derivative at 225 nm (related to
      nitrates), the SUVA254 and E2/E3 indices (related to the nature of organic
      matter). Synchronous fluorescence spectra (delta lambda = 50 nm) presented
      different shapes depending upon the type of pollution. The pollution results from
      anthropogenic activities: untreated domestic sewage due to misconnections in a
      periurban river, effluent from urban WWTPS, agricultural runoff (nitrates) in
      several streams, discharge from a paper mill (humic-like substances due to wood
      processing) and from steel mills (PAHs).

PMID- 22097038
TI  - Grey water treatment in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor at
      different temperatures.
AB  - The treatment of grey water in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)
      reactors, operated at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and
      temperatures, was investigated. The first reactor (UASB-A) was operated at
      ambient temperature (14-25 degrees C) and HRT of 20, 12 and 8 h, while the second
      reactor (UASB-30) was operated at controlled temperature of 30 degrees C and HRT
      of 16, 10 and 6 h. The two reactors were fed with grey water from 'Flintenbreite'
      settlement in Luebeck, Germany. When the grey water was treated in the UASB
      reactor at 30 degrees C, total chemical oxygen demand (CODt) removal of 52-64%
      was achieved at HRT between 6 and 16 h, while at lower temperature lower removal
      (31-41%) was obtained at HRT between 8 and 20 h. Total nitrogen and phosphorous
      removal in the UASB reactors were limited (22-36 and 10-24%, respectively) at all
      operational conditions. The results showed that at increasing temperature or
      decreasing HRT of the reactors, maximum specific methanogenic activity of the
      sludge in the reactors improved. As the UASB reactor showed a significantly
      higher COD removal (31-64%) than the septic tank (11-14%) even at low
      temperature, it is recommended to use UASB reactor instead of septic tank (the
      most common system) for grey water pre-treatment. Based on the achieved results
      and due to high peak flow factor, a HRT between 8 and 12 h can be considered the
      suitable HRT for the UASB reactor treating grey water at temperature 20-30
      degrees C, while a HRT of 12-24 h can be applied at temperature lower than 20
      degrees C.

PMID- 22097039
TI  - Urine nitrification and sewer discharge to realize in-sewer denitrification to
      simplify sewage treatment in Hong Kong.
AB  - The chemically enhanced primary treatment works in Hong Kong will be upgraded for
      biological nitrogen removal. This study proposed a novel approach to waive the
      upgrading by urine source-separation, onsite nitrification and discharge of
      nitrified urine into sewers to achieve in-sewer denitrification. Human urine was
      collected and a lab-scale experiment for full urine nitrification was conducted.
      The results showed that full nitrification was achieved with alkaline addition.
      Simulation of nitrified urine discharge into an 8-km pressure main in Hong Kong
      was conducted with a quasi-2D dynamic sewer model developed from a previously
      calibrated sewer biofilm model. It was assumed that 70% of the residents' urine
      was collected and fully nitrified on-site. The simulation results revealed that
      the proposed approach is effective in removal of nitrogen within the sewer, which
      decreases ammonia-N at the sewer outlet to a level required for secondary
      effluent discharge in Hong Kong.

PMID- 22097040
TI  - Comparing the microbial characteristics of rainwater in two operating rainwater
      tanks with different surface-to-volume ratios.
AB  - In this study, the microbial characteristics of rainwater in two tanks with
      different surface-to-volume ratios were investigated and compared to determine
      how the internal design features of storage tanks affect water quality. The
      particle and nutrient parameters of the rainwater, including turbidity, suspended
      solids, total organic carbon, and total phosphate, were lower in Tank 2, which
      had a surface-to-volume ratio 7.5 times greater than that of Tank 1. In addition,
      although the rainwater was collected from the same catchment area, the water in
      Tank 1 had greater numbers of bacteria, and the bacterial communities in the
      water differed between the two storage tanks. It appears that the differences in
      the inside surface structures of the rainwater tanks affected the microbial
      ecosystems. Increasing the surface-to-volume ratio in rainwater tanks may affect
      rainwater quality, because this extends the area for biofilm development. Further
      study of the role of biofilm in rainwater tank is required precisely, and its
      function needs to be considered in the design and management of rainwater tanks.

PMID- 22097041
TI  - The significance of interactions between organic compounds on low pressure
      membrane fouling.
AB  - Fouling of hollow fibre microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes by
      solutions of pure organic compounds and mixtures of these compounds was studied
      with a backwashable membrane filtration apparatus. Small molecular weight
      compounds resulted in little fouling, while their polymeric analogues resulted in
      more severe fouling. Neutrally charged dextran resulted in minor, irreversible
      fouling, that was considered to be associated with blocking of small pores.
      Cationically charged chitosan produced gross fouling for which the extent of
      reversibility increased with salt addition. Anionically charged alginic acid
      resulted in gross irreversible fouling, except when being filtered by a
      hydrophilic membrane in the absence of calcium where a high degree of flux
      recovery was observed. Calcium addition to the alginic acid solutions resulted in
      gross fouling of all membranes and calcium bridging was considered to be
      responsible for this behaviour. Greater fouling occurred on the hydrophilic
      membrane compared to the hydrophobic membranes for bovine serum albumin (BSA)
      solutions, and this was considered to be due to physical blocking of pores,
      because addition of calcium resulted in lower flux declines. Addition of BSA and
      calcium to alginic acid solutions resulted in lower flux recoveries for the
      alginic acid system, consistent with the proposition that interactions between
      polysaccharide and other compounds are required for irreversible fouling on
      hydrophilic membranes.

PMID- 22097042
TI  - Soil aquifer treatment using advanced primary effluent.
AB  - Soil aquifer treatment (SAT) using primary effluent (PE) is an attractive option
      for wastewater treatment and reuse in many developing countries with no or
      minimal wastewater treatment. One of the main limitations of SAT of PE is rapid
      clogging of the infiltration basin due to high suspended solid concentrations.
      Some pre-treatment of PE before infiltration is likely to reduce this limitation,
      improve performance of SAT and help to implement this technology effectively. The
      effects of three pre-treatment options namely sedimentation (SED), coagulation
      (COAG) and horizontal roughing filtration (HRF) on SAT were analyzed by
      conducting laboratory-scale batch and soil column experiments. The sedimentation
      and coagulation pre-treatments led to less head loss development and reduction of
      clogging effect. The head loss development in soil column using PE + COAG and PE
      + SED was reduced by 85 and 72%, respectively, compared to PE alone without any
      pretreatment. The overall dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal of pre
      treatments and soil column collectively were 34, 44, 51 and 43.5% for PE without
      any pre-treatment, PE + SED, PE + COAG and PE + HRF, respectively. Coagulation
      pre-treatment of PE was found to be the most effective option in terms of
      suspended solids, DOC and nitrogen removal. Sedimentation pre-treatment of PE
      could be attractive where land is relatively less expensive for the construction
      of sedimentation basins.

PMID- 22097043
TI  - Autogenerative high pressure digestion: anaerobic digestion and biogas upgrading
      in a single step reactor system.
AB  - Conventional anaerobic digestion is a widely applied technology to produce biogas
      from organic wastes and residues. The biogas calorific value depends on the CH,
      content which generally ranges between 55 and 65%. Biogas upgrading to so-called
      'green gas', with natural gas quality, generally proceeds with add-on
      technologies, applicable only for biogas flows > 100 m3/h. In the concept of
      autogenerative high pressure digestion (AHPD), methanogenic biomass builds up
      pressure inside the reactor. Since CO2 has a higher solubility than CH4, it will
      proportion more to the liquid phase at higher pressures. Therefore, AHPD biogas
      is characterised by a high CH4 content, reaching equilibrium values between 90
      and 95% at a pressure of 3-90 bar. In addition, also H2S and NH3 are
      theoretically more soluble in the bulk liquid than CO2. Moreover, the water
      content of the already compressed biogas is calculated to have a dew point <--10
      degrees C. Ideally, high-quality biogas can be directly used for electricity and
      heat generation, or injected in a local natural gas distribution net. In the
      present study, using sodium acetate as substrate and anaerobic granular sludge as
      inoculum, batch-fed reactors showed a pressure increase up to 90 bars, the
      maximum allowable value for our used reactors. However, the specific methanogenic
      activity (SMA) of the sludge decreased on average by 30% compared to digestion at
      ambient pressure (1 bar). Other results show no effect of pressure exposure on
      the SMA assessed under atmospheric conditions. These first results show that the
      proposed AHPD process is a highly promising technology for anaerobic digestion
      and biogas upgrading in a single step reactor system.

PMID- 22097044
TI  - Adsorption characteristics of methylene blue onto agricultural wastes lotus leaf
      in bath and column modes.
AB  - The adsorption potential of lotus leaf to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous
      solution was investigated in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Langmuir,
      Freundlich, Temkin and Koble-Corrigan isotherm models were employed to discuss
      the adsorption behavior. The results of analysis indicated that the equilibrium
      data were perfectly represented by Temkin isotherm and the Langmuir saturation
      adsorption capacity of lotus leaf was found to be 239.6 mg g(-1) at 303 K. In
      fixed-bed column experiments, the effects of flow rate, influent concentration
      and bed height on the breakthrough characteristics of adsorption were discussed.
      The Thomas and the bed-depth/service time (BDST) models were applied to the
      column experimental data to determine the characteristic parameters of the column
      adsorption. The two models were found to be suitable to describe the dynamic
      behavior of MB adsorbed onto the lotus leaf powder column.

PMID- 22097045
TI  - Adsorption behavior of activated carbon derived from pyrolusite-modified sewage
      sludge: equilibrium modeling, kinetic and thermodynamic studies.
AB  - Activated carbon was developed from sewage sludge using pyrolusite as an
      additive. It was demonstrated that the removal efficiency of two synthetic dyes
      (Tracid orange GS and Direct fast turquoise blue GL) by the produced adsorbent
      was up to 97.6%. The activated carbon with pyrolusite addition had 38.2% higher
      surface area, 43.8% larger micropore and 54.4% larger mesopore production than
      ordinary sludge-based activated carbons. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and
      kinetics were also investigated based on dyes adsorption tests. The experimental
      data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption, and the
      results fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic data have been analyzed
      using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion
      equation. The experimental data fitted very well with pseudo-second-order kinetic
      model. Activation energies for the adsorption processes ranged between 8.7 and
      19.1 kJ mol 1. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy (deltaG0),
      standard enthalpy (deltaH0) and standard entropy (deltaS0) were evaluated. The
      adsorption of these two dyes on the activated carbon was found to be a
      spontaneous and endothermic process in nature.

PMID- 22097047
TI  - The development of a code of practice for single house on-site wastewater
      treatment in Ireland.
AB  - The performance of six separate percolation areas was intensively monitored to
      ascertain the attenuation effects of unsaturated subsoils with respect to on-site
      wastewater effluent: three sites receiving septic tank effluent, the other three
      sites receiving secondary treated effluent. The development of a biomat across
      the percolation areas receiving secondary treated effluent was restricted on
      these sites compared to those sites receiving septic tank effluent. This created
      significant differences in terms of the hydraulic loading on the percolation
      areas with implications for the transport and attenuation of indicator
      microorganisms and nitrogen down through the subsoils and into the groundwater.
      The results of this work have formed a large input into the production of a new
      Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses.
      This has led to changes in the design of on-site hydraulic loading from 180 L per
      capita per day (L/c.d) down to 150 L/c.d. The range of acceptable subsoils
      receiving septic tank effluent has narrowed for more highly permeable subsoils
      following a series of tracer studies using bacteriophages. However, the range has
      been extended for lower permeability subsoils (range 0.08 down to 0.06 m/d)
      receiving secondary treated effluent in order to encourage the effluent to spread
      further along the trenches. The maximum individual length of percolation trenches
      receiving secondary effluent has also been reduced to 10 m to encourage
      dispersion on a wider area. This paper thus highlights how research can directly
      feed into a Code of Practice.

PMID- 22097046
TI  - Mullite ceramic membranes for industrial oily wastewater treatment: experimental
      and neural network modeling.
AB  - In this paper, results of an experimental and modeling of separation of oil from
      industrial oily wastewaters (desalter unit effluent of Seraje, Ghom gas wells,
      Iran) with mullite ceramic membranes are presented. Mullite microfiltration
      symmetric membranes were synthesized from kaolin clay and alpha-alumina powder.
      The results show that the mullite ceramic membrane has a high total organic
      carbon and chemical oxygen demand rejection (94 and 89%, respectively), a low
      fouling resistance (30%) and a high final permeation flux (75 L/m2 h). Also, an
      artificial neural network, a predictive tool for tracking the inputs and outputs
      of a non-linear problem, is used to model the permeation flux decline during
      microfiltration of oily wastewater. The aim was to predict the permeation flux as
      a function of feed temperature, trans-membrane pressure, cross-flow velocity, oil
      concentration and filtration time, using a feed-forward neural network. Finally
      the structure of hidden layers and nodes in each layer with minimum error were
      reported leading to a 4-15 structure which demonstrated good agreement with the
      experimental measurements with an average error of less than 2%.

PMID- 22097048
TI  - Determination of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in solid and liquid phase river
      water samples in Chao Phraya River, Thailand.
AB  - Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), especially perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and
      perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are fully fluorinated organic compounds, which
      have been used in many industrial applications. These chemicals have contaminated
      surface water all over the world even in developing countries like Thailand. The
      previous study showed the contamination in Chao Phraya River in 2006 and 2007.
      The purposes of this field study were to determine the solid and liquid phase of
      PFCs contamination in Chao Phraya River and to compare the changes of PFC
      concentration in 2008. Surveys were conducted in the lower reach of Chao Phraya
      River in the industrialized area. A solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with
      HPLC-ESI-MS/MS were used for the analysis for ten PFCs. Ten PFCs were analyzed to
      identify the contamination in both solid and liquid phases. PFCs were detected in
      both the solid and liquid phase in every sample. PFOA was the most dominant PFC
      while PFPA and PFOS were also highly detected in most samples. The average
      loadings of PFPA, PFOA and PFOS in Chao Phraya River were 94.3, 284.6 and 93.4
      g/d, respectively. PFOS concentrations did not show differences between 2006 and
      2008. However, PFOA concentrations were higher in 2008/5/26, while comparing
      other samplings. The ratio of solid:liquid PFPA (2.1:1.0) [(ng/g)/(ng/L)] was
      lower than PFOA (13.9:1.0) [(ng/g)/(ng/L)] and PFOS (17.6:1.0) [(ng/g)/(ng/L)].
      The shorter chain (more hydrophilic) PFC was better to dissolve in water rather
      than adsorb onto suspended solids. PFOS also showed more potential to attach in
      the suspended solids than PFOA.

PMID- 22097049
TI  - Recovery of phosphorus and aluminium from sewage sludge ash by a new wet chemical
      elution process (SESAL-Phos-recovery process).
AB  - The potential of a new wet chemical process for phosphorus and aluminium recovery
      from sewage sludge ash by sequential elution with acidic and alkaline solutions
      has been investigated: SESAL-Phos (sequential elution of sewage sludge ash for
      aluminium and phosphorus recovery). Its most innovative aspect is an acidic pre
      treatment step in which calcium is leached from the sewage sludge ash. Thus the
      percentage of alkaline soluble aluminium phosphates is increased from 20 to 67%.
      This aluminium phosphate is then dissolved in alkali. Subsequently, the dissolved
      phosphorus is precipitated as calcium phosphate with low heavy metal content and
      recovered from the alkaline solution. Dissolved aluminium is recovered and may be
      reused as a precipitant in wastewater treatment plants.

PMID- 22097050
TI  - Full scale evaluation of diffuser ageing with clean water oxygen transfer tests.
AB  - Aeration is a crucial part of the biological wastewater treatment in activated
      sludge systems and the main energy user of WWTPs. Approximately 50 to 60% of the
      total energy consumption of a WWTP can be attributed to the aeration system. The
      performance of the aeration system, and in the case of fine bubble diffused
      aeration the diffuser performance, has a significant impact on the overall plant
      efficiency. This paper seeks to isolate the changes of the diffuser performance
      over time by eliminating all other influencing parameters like sludge retention
      time, surfactants and reactor layout. To achieve this, different diffusers have
      been installed and tested in parallel treatment trains in two WWTPs. The
      diffusers have been performance tested in clean water tests under new conditions
      and after one year of operation. A set of material property tests describing the
      diffuser membrane quality was also performed. The results showed a significant
      drop in the performance of the EPDM diffuser in the first year which resulted in
      similar oxygen transfer efficiency around 16 g/m3/m for all tested systems. Even
      though the tested silicone diffusers did not show a drop in performance they had
      a low efficiency in the initial tests. The material properties indicate that the
      EPDM performance loss is partly due to the washout of additives.

PMID- 22097051
TI  - Chemical disinfection of Legionella in hot water systems biofilm: a pilot-scale 1
      study.
AB  - Legionella bacteria encounter optimum growing conditions in hot water systems and
      cooling towers. A pilot-scale 1 unit was built in order to study the biofilm
      disinfection. It consisted of two identical loops, one used as a control and the
      other as a 'Test Loop'. A combination of a bio-detergent and a biocide (hydrogen
      peroxide + peracetic acid) was applied in the Test Loop three times under the
      same conditions at 100 and 1,000 mg/L with a contact time of 24 and 3-6 hours,
      respectively. Each treatment test was preceded by a three week period of biofilm
      re-colonization. Initial concentrations of culturable Legionella into biofilm
      were close to 10(3) CFU/cm2. Results showed that culturable Legionella spp. in
      biofilm were no longer detectable three days following each treatment.
      evertheless, initial Legionella spp. concentrations were recovered 7 days after
      the treatments (in two cases). Before the tests, Legionella spp. and L.
      pneumophila PCR counts were both about 10(4) GU/cm2 in biofilm and they both
      decreased by 1 to 2 log units 72 hours after each treatment. The three tests had
      a good but transient efficiency on Legionella disinfection in biofilm.

PMID- 22097052
TI  - Two-phase thermophilic anaerobic digestion process for biohythane production
      treating biowaste: preliminary results.
AB  - This paper deals with the optimization of a two-phase anaerobic process treating
      biowaste for hydrogen and methane production. Neither physical nor chemical pre
      treatments were used to optimize the process. The work was carried out at pilot
      scale, using two CSTRs (200 and 380 L working volume respectively) both
      maintained at thermophilic temperature (55 C) and fed semi-continuously with
      biowaste. The experiment was divided into three periods; during the first two
      periods the organic loading rate was maintained at 20 kg TVS/m3 d and the
      hydraulic retention time was changed from 6.6 to 3.3 days, while in the last
      period the digestate of the second reactor was recirculated to the first reactor
      in order to buffer the system and control pH at levels around 5. The HRT was
      maintained at 3.3 days and the OLR was decreased at 16.5 kg TVS/m3 d. The best
      yield was obtained in the last period where a specific hydrogen production of
      50.9 L/kg VSfed was reached, with a H2 content in biogas from the first reactor
      of 36%. The methanogenic stage after the hydrogen conversion reached a specific
      biogas production of 0.62 m3/kg VSfed and an overall organic removal above 70%,
      without any stability problem. The overall biogas production was some 1.5 m3 per
      day with a gas composition of 10% H2 and 50% CH4.

PMID- 22097053
TI  - Climate adaptive urban planning and design with water in Dutch polders.
AB  - The existing water management in Dutch polders is based on independent water
      systems for each polder. These are featuring artificial stabilized ground and
      surface water levels. As a result of the local climate the water levels in the
      polders are not continuously at a constant level. To maintain a stable water
      table in the polders, the surplus of relatively clean rainwater has to be pumped
      away during the cold seasons into canals or rivers, which are located on a higher
      level. During the summer relatively polluted water from these waterways is led
      into the polders to top up the declining water levels. This procedure leads to
      various problems regarding water quantity and water quality. The described
      existing system is not adaptable to climate change and includes the risk of
      flooding, particularly from torrential rain. Therefore it is crucial to develop,
      preferably self-sufficient, rainwater management systems in the polders. They
      should allow the fluctuation of the water levels inside the polders for seasonal
      storage and flood control. The described concept is adopted in the present water
      policy in the Netherlands as well as in research and recent urban development
      projects in Dutch polders.

PMID- 22097054
TI  - Characterization and kinetics of sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic denitrification in
      batch reactors containing suspended and immobilized cells.
AB  - Sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic denitrification is an advantageous alternative over
      heterotrophic denitrification, and may have potential for nitrogen removal of low
      strength wastewaters, such as anaerobically pre-treated domestic sewage. This
      study evaluated the fundamentals and kinetics of this process in batch reactors
      containing suspended and immobilized cells. Batch tests were performed for
      different NOx-/S2- ratios and using nitrate and nitrite as electron acceptors.
      Autotrophic denitrification was observed for both electron acceptors, and NOx-/S2
      ratios defined whether sulfide oxidation was complete or not. Kinetic parameter
      values obtained for nitrate were higher than for nitrite as electron acceptor.
      Zero-order models were better adjusted to profiles obtained for suspended cell
      reactors, whereas first-order models were more adequate for immobilized cell
      reactors. However, in the latter, mass transfer physical phenomena had a
      significant effect on kinetics based on biochemical reactions. Results showed
      that sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic denitrification can be successfully
      established for low-strength wastewaters and have potential for nitrogen removal
      from anaerobically pre-treated domestic sewage.

PMID- 22097055
TI  - Acute toxicity and inactivation tests of CO2 on invertebrates in drinking water
      treatment systems.
AB  - In addition to the esthetic problem caused by invertebrates, researchers are
      recently starting to be more aware of their potential importance in terms of
      public health. However, the inactivation methods of invertebrates which could
      proliferate in drinking water treatment systems are not well developed. The
      objective of this study is to assess the acute toxicity and inactivation effects
      of CO2 on familiar invertebrates in water treatment processes. The results of
      this study revealed that CO2 has a definite toxicity to familiar invertebrates.
      The values of 24-h LC50 (median lethal concentration) were calculated for each
      test with six groups of invertebrates. The toxicity of CO2 was higher with
      increasing concentrations in solution but was lower with the increase in size of
      the invertebrates. Above the concentration of 1,000 mg/L for the CO2 solution,
      the 100% inactivation time of all the invertebrates was less than 5 s, and in 15
      min, the inactivation ratio showed a gradient descent with a decline in
      concentration. As seen for Mesocyclops thermocyclopoides, by dosing with a sodium
      bicarbonate solution first and adding a dilute hydrochloric acid solution 5 min
      later, it is possible to obtain a satisfactory inactivation effect in the GAC
      (granular activated carbon) filters.

PMID- 22097056
TI  - Rapid quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) concentration in activated
      sludge with the fluorescent dye Nile blue A.
AB  - The present study was conducted (1) to develop a rapid quantification method of
      polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) concentration in activated sludge by Nile blue A
      staining and fluorescence measurement and (2) to perform on-line monitoring of
      PHA concentrations in activated sludge. Activated sludge samples collected from
      laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors and full-scale wastewater treatment
      plants were stained with Nile blue A and their fluorescence intensities were
      determined. There was a high correlation (R2 > 0.97) between the fluorescence
      intensities of Nile blue A and PHA concentrations in activated sludge determined
      by gas chromatography. The Nile blue A staining and fluorescence measurement
      method allows us to determine PHA concentrations in activated sludge within only
      five minutes and up to 96 samples can be measured at once by using microplate
      reader. On-line monitoring of PHA concentrations in activated sludge was achieved
      by using a fluorometer equipped with a flow cell and the time point at which PHA
      concentration in activated sludge reached the maximum level could be identified.
      In addition, we examined the influence of pH, floc size and co-existing chemicals
      in activated sludge suspension on the fluorescence intensities of Nile blue A.

PMID- 22097057
TI  - Decolorization of anthraquinone dye Reactive Blue 19 by the combination of
      persulfate and zero-valent iron.
AB  - Decolorization of anthraquinone dye Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) with sulfate radicals
      generated in situ from persulfate and zero-valent iron (ZVI) was investigated.
      The effects of initial solution pH, initial concentration of RB19, ZVI and
      persulfate, reaction temperature and common dissolved anions were studied. 100%
      color removal efficiency and 54% TOC removal efficiency were achieved in 45 min
      with an initial RB19 concentration of 0.1 mM under typical conditions (pH 7.0,
      0.8 g L(-1) ZVI, 10 mM persulfate and 30 C). The decolorization efficiency of
      RB19 increased with higher iron dosage, higher initial persulfate concentration,
      and higher reaction temperature. It is also an acid driven process. The
      decolorization process followed pseudo-first order kinetics and the activation
      energy was 98.1 kJ mol-1. RB19 decolorization was inhibited by common dissolved
      anions such as CL-, NO3-, H2PO4- and HCO3- since they reacted with sulfate
      radicals that retarded the oxidation process. The experiment demonstrated that
      the combination of persulfate and ZVI was a promising technology for the
      decolorization of dye wastewater.

PMID- 22097058
TI  - Impact of operating history on mixed culture fermentation microbial ecology and
      product mixture.
AB  - Mixed culture fermentation is an alternative to pure culture fermentation for
      production of biofuels and valuable products. A glucose-fed, continuous reactor
      was operated cyclically to a central pH of 5.5 from a number of precedent pHs,
      from 4.5 to 7.5. At each pH, stable chemical production was reached after 2
      retention times and was held for least 2 further retention times prior to the
      next change. Bacterial groups were identified by phylogenetic analysis of 16S
      rRNA gene clones. Bacterial community dynamics were monitored by terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphism. More ethanol was produced at high pH,
      and more butyrate at lower pH. At pH 5.5, the product spectrum was not measurably
      influenced by precedent pH but showed seemingly random changes. The impact of
      precedent pH on community structure was more systematic, with clear indications
      that when the pH was returned to 5.5, the bacterial group that was dominant at
      the precedent pH remained at high abundance. This result is important, since it
      indicates a decoupling between microbial function (as indicated by product
      spectrum), and community structure. More work is needed to determine the
      longevity of this hysteresis effect. There was evidence that groups retained
      their ability to re-emerge even after times of low abundance.

PMID- 22097059
TI  - Storm water infiltration in a monitored green roof for hydrologic restoration.
AB  - The objectives of this study are to provide detailed information about green roof
      performance in the Mediterranean climate (retained volume, peak flow reduction,
      runoff delay) and to identify a suitable modelling approach for describing the
      associated hydrologic response. Data collected during a 13-month monitoring
      campaign and a seasonal monitoring campaign (September-December 2008) at the
      green roof experimental site of the University of Genova (Italy) are presented
      together with results obtained in quantifying the green roof hydrologic
      performance. In order to examine the green roof hydrologic response, the SWMS_2D
      model, that solves the Richards' equation for two-dimensional saturated
      unsaturated water flow, has been implemented. Modelling results confirm the
      suitability of the SWMS_2D model to properly describe the hydrologic response of
      the green roofs. The model adequately reproduces the hydrographs; furthermore,
      the predicted soil water content profile generally matches the observed values
      along a vertical profile where measurements are available.

PMID- 22097060
TI  - Process-based modelling of phosphorus removal in a novel constructed wetland
      system using dewatered alum-sludge as substrate.
AB  - A process-based model that can evaluate the transport and the fate of phosphorus
      (P) in agricultural wastewater was developed for a novel 4-stage dewatered alum
      sludge cakes (DASC) based constructed wetlands (CWs) system using STELLA software
      (version 9.1.4). The model considered adsorption, plant and microbial uptakes as
      the major forms of P involved in the transformation chains. The results were
      obtained by experimental procedure through laboratory measurement, from
      literature and/or calibration. The observed effluent P concentration in the CWs
      ranged from 3.62 to 8.50 mg/L (stage 1), 2.00 to 4.45 mg/L (stage 2), 1.39 to
      3.76 mg/L (stage 3) and 0.52 to 2.36 mg/L (stage 4), whereas the simulated values
      ranged from 2.12 to 10.99 mg/L (stage 1), 1.32 to 5.65 mg/L (stage 2), 0.84 to
      3.64 mg/L (stage 3) and 0.53 to 2.25 mg/L (stage 4), respectively. The simulated
      and observed values of P removal in the CWs system were in good agreement. A mass
      balance analysis was performed for all the major processes which resulted in a
      major pathway of P removal through adsorption (64-75%, 58-66%, 57-63% and 49-58%)
      followed by plant uptake (7-11%, 8-14%, 14-17% and 9-19%) and microbial uptake (3
      7%, 3-5%, 9-12% and 7-12%) for stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4,
      respectively. Thus the mathematical model developed in this study could be used
      to explain the removal processes and simulate the fate of P in the DASC-based CWS
      system.

PMID- 22097061
TI  - Security through diversity: moving from rhetoric to practice.
AB  - In response to a range of contemporary urban water challenges, there is an
      increasingly urgent need to change the way water is used in our cities. In
      Australia, the 'Security through Diversity' policy has been introduced in a
      number of cities to help facilitate a shift towards sustainable urban water
      management. This qualitative case study research investigated the interpretation
      and implementation of this radically different urban water policy approach across
      the case study cities of Perth and Melbourne. To focus the research and allow for
      more reliable comparative analysis across the cities, the introduction of
      desalination and permanent water saving rules as new initiatives in these cities
      were of particular interest. The research results are drawn from a synthesis of
      over 65 semi-structured interviews with senior urban water practitioners in the
      case study cities, and a content analysis of key policy and guidance documents,
      as well as organizational literature where available. The key finding of this
      research was that because of an entrenched technological paradigm, and the
      difficulty in breaking this pattern of lock-in, practitioners are currently
      interpreting and implementing Security through Diversity in a way that does not
      fully realise the potential of this strategy. More specifically the interview
      results revealed that the urban water practitioner community believed that the
      introduction of seawater desalination would discharge their city's responsibility
      for achieving Security through Diversity and that demand management initiatives,
      while nice, are not essential to this policy position. Interestingly, despite
      context evidence to the contrary, the practitioners believed supply and demand
      planning to be an integrated practice within their city. The paper concludes by
      offering some recommendations to facilitate a more comprehensive implementation
      of Security through Diversity and outlines areas for possible future research.

PMID- 22097062
TI  - Acidogenic fermentation of municipal solid waste and its application to bio
      electricity production via microbial fuel cells (MfCs).
AB  - Acidogenic fermentation of organic municipal solid waste (MSW) and the bio
      electricity production potential from its volatile fatty acid (VFA)-rich leachate
      using an air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated in this study.
      The acidogenic fermentation of 2 kg of MSW has been carried out in a 6 L
      anaerobic leach-bed reactor (LBR) under mesophilic conditions (30 degrees C).
      Total production of 92 g VFA expressed as chemical oxygen demand (COD) in 3 L
      leachate mainly containing acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids has been
      achieved with manual leachate recirculation and without pH control in 74 days of
      incubation. Leachate collected on day 32 was used as a feed to an air-cathode MFC
      after being diluted and supplemented with NaCl or NaHCO3. The maximum power
      density in the diluted leachate was only 5.9 W/m3, but reached up to 8.6 W/m3
      upon the addition of 7 mmol/L NaCl. Increase in coulombic efficiency from 6 to
      22% was also observed as a result of NaCl supplementation. On the other hand,
      NaHCO3 addition did not improve the power output.

PMID- 22097064
TI  - Determination of toxic heavy metals in sea water by FAAS after preconcentration
      with a novel chelating resin.
AB  - A solid phase extraction procedure was developed for preconcentration of toxic
      heavy metals such as cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, lead and zinc in sea
      water samples. A microcolumn packed with 6-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]naphthalene
      2,3-diol-formaldehyde (HPDN-F) resin acts as a sorbent to retain the analyte ions
      by forming metal chelates. The retained trace level metal was subsequently eluted
      with 1 mol/L HCl and the acid eluent was analysed by Flame Atomic Absorption
      Spectrophotometer (FAAS). The HPDN-F chelating resin and its metal chelates were
      characterized by spectral and thermal analysis. The chelating property of the
      HPDN-F resin towards divalent metal ions was studied as a function of pH and
      preconcentration flow rate. The recoveries of cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese,
      lead and zinc under the optimum working conditions were above 95%. The relative
      standard deviations were < 2%. The limits of detection were < 0.1 microg/L. The
      method presented was applied for the determination of cadmium, cobalt, copper,
      manganese, lead and zinc in sea water samples.

PMID- 22097063
TI  - Post-treatment of biologically treated wastewater of agrochemical industry by
      sulfated chitosan composite nanofiltration membrane.
AB  - The objective of this study is to treat the biologically treated wastewater using
      sulfated chitosan/ polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite nanofiltration (NF) membrane
      to improve agrochemical industry wastewater quality for reuse. Although
      biological treatment is quite efficient, the wastewater does not meet the reuse
      criteria. Hence, further treatment to improve the water quality is investigated.
      Sulfated chitosan composite NF membranes, having a PAN ultrafiltration membrane
      as the substrate, are prepared by coating and cross-linking methods. The effects
      of membrane preparation conditions on the rejection and permeation performance of
      the membranes are studied. The new membranes are characterized by NMR and
      scanning electron micrograph. Wastewater from agrochemical industry contains high
      concentrations of organic matter, color, heavy metals and other toxic substances.
      The operating variables studied are applied pressure (3-15 atm) and feed flowrate
      (4-16 L/min). It is found that the observed rejection (R(o)) increases with
      increase in feed pressure at constant feed flowrate. The rejection of cations
      follows the sequence: R(o)(Zn2+) > R(o)(Ni2+) > R(o)(CU2+) > R(o)(Cd2+) for
      wastewater. It is observed that the order of solute rejection sequence is
      inversely proportional to the diffusion coefficients.

PMID- 22097065
TI  - Determination of processes affecting groundwater quality in the coastal aquifer
      beneath Puri city, India: a multivariate statistical approach.
AB  - Variability of groundwater quality parameters is linked to various processes such
      as weathering, organic matter degradation, aerobic respiration, iron reduction,
      mineral dissolution and precipitation, cation exchange and mixing of salt water
      with fresh water. Multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component
      analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to the
      standardized data set of eleven groundwater quality parameters (i.e. pH, Ca2+,
      Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe3+, alkalinity, NO3-, Cl-, SO4(2-), TDS) collected during the
      post-monsoon and the summer seasons in order to elicit hydrologic and
      biogeochemical processes affecting water quality in the unconfined aquifer
      beneath Puri city in eastern India. The application of PCA resulted in four
      factors explaining 73% variance in post-monsoon and 81% variance in summer. The
      HCA using Ward's method and squared Euclidean distance measure classified the
      parameters into four clusters based on their similarities. PCA and HCA allowed
      interpretation of processes. During both post-monsoon and summer seasons,
      anthropogenic pollution and organic matter degradation/Fe(III) reduction were
      found dominant due to contribution from on-site sanitation in septic tanks and
      soak pits in the city. Cation exchange and mineral precipitation were possible
      causes for increase in Na+ and decrease in Ca2+ concentration in summer. Fresh
      water recharge during monsoon and Sea water intrusion in summer are attributed as
      significant hydrologic processes to variations of the groundwater quality at the
      study site.

PMID- 22097066
TI  - Elimination and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban
      stormwater wet detention ponds.
AB  - The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in water and
      sediments of seven wet detention ponds receiving urban stormwater were
      investigated. The ponds comprised traditional wet detention ponds with a
      permanent wet volume and a storage volume as well as ponds that were expanded
      with sand filters and other means to improve the removal of micropollutants. The
      concentrations of sigmaPAH in the sediments varied between 6 +/- 5 and 2,222 +/-
      603 ng g(-1) dry weight (mean +/- standard deviation), and were highest in the
      ponds with lower pond volume per catchment area and did not clearly reflect
      different activities in the catchments. In general, the concentrations of PAHS in
      the sediments decreased from inlet to outlet, especially in the systems with good
      conditions for sedimentation such as systems with flow perpendicular sand dikes
      and extensive submerged vegetation. High molecular weight PAHs were predominant
      in the sediments indicating the pyrogenic origin of the PAHS. There was no
      correlation between PAH species concentrations in water or sediments and their
      hydrophobicity (log K(ow)). PAH concentrations in water fluctuated in response to
      intensity and frequency of rain events, whereas concentrations in the sediments
      integrated the pollutant load over time. Pond systems expanded with sand filters
      and other technologies to enhance removal of micropollutants consistently had
      concentrations of PAHS in the effluents below the detection level.

PMID- 22097067
TI  - Total and hexavalent chromium removal in a subsurface horizontal flow (h-SSF)
      constructed wetland operating as post-treatment of textile wastewater for water
      reuse.
AB  - In this study we investigated total and hexavalent chromium removal in an h-SSF
      constructed wetland (CW) planted with Phragmites australis and operating as post
      treatment of effluent wastewater from an activated sludge plant serving the
      textile industrial district of Prato (Italy). Two measurement campaigns were
      carried out in 2006 and 2008-2010 in which more than 950 inlet and outlet samples
      were analyzed. When inlet and outlet concentrations were compared one to the
      other, the latter were found to be significantly lower than the former (p <
      0.001); during the entire period of investigation, removal of hexavalent chromium
      equal to about 70% was achieved. Outlet concentrations ranged between values
      lower than the quantification limit (0.5 microg L(-1)) and 4.5 microg L(-1), and
      in all cases were therefore lower than the limit indicated for hexavalent
      chromium in the Italian regulation for water reuse (5 microg L(-1)). The
      comparison of the removal efficiencies achieved for hexavalent and trivalent
      chromium during the two campaigns suggested that the removal of the former can be
      sustained in the long term, while for the latter, the treatment efficiency is
      more sensitive to the age of the CW, being that it is it based on trivalent
      chromium retention in the reed bed.

PMID- 22097068
TI  - Urban flood risk assessment using sewer flooding databases.
AB  - Sustainable water management is a global challenge for the 21st century. One key
      aspect remains protection against urban flooding. The main objective is to ensure
      or maintain an adequate level of service for all inhabitants. However, level of
      service is still difficult to assess and the high-risk locations difficult to
      identify. In this article, we propose a methodology, which (i) allows water
      managers to measure the service provided by the urban drainage system with regard
      to protection against urban flooding; and (ii) helps stakeholders to determine
      effective strategies for improving the service provided. One key aspect of this
      work is to use a database of sewer flood event records to assess flood risk. Our
      methodology helps urban water managers to assess the risk of sewer flooding; this
      approach does not seek to predict flooding but rather to inform decision makers
      on the current level of risk and on actions which need to be taken to reduce the
      risk. This work is based on a comprehensive definition of risk, including
      territorial vulnerability and perceptions of urban water stakeholders. This paper
      presents the results and the methodological contributions from implementing the
      methodology on two case studies: the cities of Lyon and Mulhouse.

PMID- 22097069
TI  - Comparison of the photoconversion of para-chlorophenol under simulated sunlight
      and UV irradiation in ice.
AB  - The photochemistry of para-chlorophenol (4-CP) was studied under simulated
      sunlight (lambda > 300 nm) and UV irradiation by using a 125 W high-pressure
      mercury lamp with or without a hard glass as light source in an ice matrix. The
      experiments were carried out in a photochemical cold chamber reactor at -14 to 
      12 degrees C. The photoconversion rate, photoproducts and photoconversion
      mechanism of 4-CP were all inspected and compared. The results show that the 4-CP
      photoconversion obeys the first order kinetic model and its photoconversion rate
      is highly affected by the initial concentration of 4-CP, light intensity and
      water quality. It is found that the conversion rate of 4-CP under UV irradiation
      is higher than that under simulated sunlight irradiation. The intermediate
      products of 4-CP were characterized by GC-MS, HPLC-ESI-MS and HPLC techniques and
      the possible photoconversion mechanism was proposed accordingly. It is concluded
      that the mechanism and photoproducts of 4-CP photolysis in ice are different from
      those in water, and the photoproducts and photoconversion pathways of 4-CP in ice
      varied with different light sources.

PMID- 22097070
TI  - Relative kinetics of anaerobic digestion under thermophilic and mesophilic
      conditions.
AB  - With several advantages over the conventional mesophilic anaerobic digestion,
      such as better sludge quality and higher biogas production, thermophilic
      anaerobic digestion is regarded as a promising alternative for sludge digestion.
      Primary and activated sludges are complex materials, and historically, analysis
      of kinetics has been largely on whole sludge, without analysis of individual
      components. This paper analyses relative digestion kinetics of pure substrates
      designed to target main stages of sludge digestion under thermophilic and
      mesophilic conditions. Hydrolysis rate of cellulose was significantly influenced
      by temperature with hydrolysis coefficients of--at 55 degrees C (0.7 +/- 0.1 day(
      1)), 60 degrees C (0.8 +/- 0.2 day(-1)), 65 degrees C (1.1 +/- 0.2 day(-1)) and
      70 degrees C (1.2 +/- 0.2 day(-1)) over 38 degrees C (0.4 +/- 0.1 day(-1)). This
      strongly follows the Arrhenius relationship, with an activation energy (E(A)) of
      31 +/- 4 kJ mol(-1), corresponding to an increase of 1.5x for each 10 degrees C
      of temperature increase. Glucose uptake was rapid with a wide variety of
      fermentation products detected under mesophilic conditions, while uptake was
      slower under thermophilic conditions with acetate and propionate being dominant
      products. Propionate acetogenesis and acetate-utilizing methanogenesis kinetics
      were not influenced by temperatures. Hydrolysis is widely regarded as a rate
      limiting step in sludge digestion, thus improvements in hydrolysis rates as
      measured during this study have the potential for significant improvements in
      overall apparent sludge digestion rates.

PMID- 22097071
TI  - Membrane treatment of liquid wastes from radiological decontamination operations.
AB  - The paper focuses on the evaluation of membrane filtration for the treatment of
      liquid radioactive streams generated in area decontamination operations. In this
      work, semi-permeable membranes were demonstrated to be effective reducing the
      volume of wastewater containing cesium and cobalt by two orders of a magnitude.
      The efficiency of membrane separation was enhanced by employing additives that
      enlarged the size of target radionuclide species and improved their rejection by
      the membranes. This was achieved by chelation with synthetic water-soluble
      polymers and by adsorption on micro particles of adsorbent coupled with micelle
      formation. The effect of wastewater composition and that of the radionuclide
      binding additives on the volume reduction was investigated. Membrane treatment is
      expected to help simplify further processing and decrease disposal costs.

PMID- 22097072
TI  - GIS and ordination techniques for studying influence of watershed characteristics
      on river water quality.
AB  - Landscape characteristics of twenty-eight sub-catchments within the Miyun
      reservoir watershed in Miyun County, northeast Beijing of China were examined to
      identify relationships with stream water chemistry. The influences of the entire
      catchment and 300 m buffer zone on water quality were compared using multiple
      regression analysis and redundancy analysis during three seasons. Results showed
      that strong seasonal differences in nitrate, nitrite and ammonium are observed
      whereas no difference in total phosphorus and conductivity. Landscape factors
      were significantly correlated to stream water quality. Residential area and
      stream density contributed markedly to river condition variability. Water quality
      was better explained by interactions with the landscape during and after rainy
      season. There was also a seasonal shift in the landscape factors that were the
      dominant explanatory variables. The relationships between landscape attributes
      and water quality on watershed scale were slightly different from those on
      riparian scale; however, landscape attributes may have stronger influences on
      water chemistry.

PMID- 22097073
TI  - Reuse of treated wastewater and sewage sludge for fertilization and irrigation.
AB  - The objective of the present work was to assess the short-term potential of
      treated wastewater and sewage sludge for ornamental lawn fertilization and
      irrigation. A field experiment was performed and the following treatments were
      considered: sewage sludge application + irrigation with public water; sewage
      sludge application + irrigation with treated wastewater; irrigation with public
      water; irrigation with treated wastewater (TW). Irrigation with treated
      wastewater showed a positive effect on lawn installation through higher growth of
      grass (1,667 cm) and higher dry matter yield (18,147 g m(-2)). These results
      represent a significant increase in the grass yield compared with public water
      irrigation. The grass height (2,606 cm) and dry matter yield (23,177 g m(-2))
      increased even more, when sewage sludge produced in the wastewater treatment
      plant (WWTP) was applied to soil, which proves once more its benefits as an
      organic fertilizer. At the end of the experiment, an increase of some soil
      parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and
      NH4+) was observed, indicating that treated wastewater irrigation can cause a
      soil sodization. This short-term study indicated that use of treated wastewater
      and sewage sludge for ornamental lawn fertilization and irrigation is an
      environmentally sustainable option for re-use of the WWTP by-products.

PMID- 22097074
TI  - Assessing the role of biochemical methane potential tests in determining
      anaerobic degradability rate and extent.
AB  - The biodegradability and bioavailability of hydrolysis-limited substrates under
      anaerobic (and aerobic) conditions can be represented by two key parameters-
      degradability (f(d)), or the percentage that can be effectively be destroyed
      during digestion, and first order hydrolysis coefficient (k(hyd)), or the speed
      at which material breaks down. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) testing uses a
      batch test (in triplicate), and by fitting against a first order model, can fit
      both parameters in the same test. BMP testing is now being widely used for
      anaerobic process feasibility and design purposes, and standardisation efforts
      are ongoing. In this paper, we address a number of key issues relating to the
      test method and its analysis. This includes proposal of a new fitting and
      parameter estimation method, evaluation of the impact of inoculum to substrate
      ratio on fitted parameters, and comparison to performance in continuous systems.
      The new parameter estimation technique provides an estimate of parameter
      uncertainty and correlation, and is clearly more suitable than model
      transformation and linear regression. An inoculum volume ratio of at least 50%
      (2:1 on VS basis) was required on a cellulose substrate to use methane production
      as primary indicator, as found by comparing methane production and solubilisation
      of cellulose. Finally, on a typical material, waste activated sludge, the batch
      test was slightly conservative in terms of degradability and rate, indicating a
      bias in the BMP test. The test is a cost-effective and capable method to evaluate
      potential substrates, but it should be noted that it is generally conservative,
      especially if sub-optimal inoculum is used.

PMID- 22097075
TI  - Effect of phosphorus concentration on phosphorus removal and biomass.
AB  - Membrane bioreactor (MBR) process was employed to study the effect of biological
      phosphorus removal (bio-P removal) and P-content in treated sludge with increased
      phosphorus concentration present in the wastewater. Further, the following four
      test fractions of raw wastewaters was obtained having different P-concentrations
      viz., run 1: P-20 mg/L, run 2: P-40 mg/L, run 3: P-60 mg/L, run 4: P-80 mg/L. The
      effective P-removal obtained for these four test fractions were found to be 23.07
      mg/L (98.17%), 41.35 mg/L (88.16%), 45.75 mg/L (72.04%) and 55.80 mg/L (66.82%)
      respectively for run 1, 2, 3 and 4 fractions. Moreover, the similar increase in
      phosphorous concentration i.e., from 20 to 80 mg/L caused an apparent increase in
      total solid (TS) values from 7 to 8.3 g TS/L, whereas the total volatile solid
      (TVS) content remained constant (i.e. 4.5 g TVS/L). These results inferred that
      the proportion of TVS in the TS decreased from 70 to 55%. Moreover, by increasing
      the initial P-concentration from 20 to 80 mg/L, the corresponding P-proportion of
      excess sludge was increased from 2 to 6.2%.

PMID- 22097076
TI  - Development of a GIS method to localize critical source areas of diffuse nitrate
      pollution.
AB  - The present study aimed at developing a universal method for the localization of
      critical source areas (CSAs) of diffuse nitrate (NO3-) pollution in rural
      catchments with low data availability. Based on existing methods, land use, soil,
      slope, riparian buffer strips and distance to surface waters were identified as
      the most relevant indicator parameters for diffuse agricultural NO3- pollution.
      The five parameters were averaged in a GIS-overlay to localize areas with low,
      medium and high risk of NO3- pollution. A first application of the GIS approach
      to the Ic catchment in France, showed that identified CSAs were in good agreement
      with results from river monitoring and numerical modelling. Additionally, the GIS
      approach showed low sensitivity to single parameters, which makes it robust to
      varying data availability. As a result, the tested GIS-approach provides a
      promising, easy-to-use CSA identification concept, applicable for a wide range of
      rural catchments.

PMID- 22097077
TI  - Removal of methylene blue from water by gamma-MnO2.
AB  - Methylene blue (MB) is a cationic dyestuff, which is particularly resistant to
      biodegradation. The molecular sieved gamma-MnO2 was used as an adsorbent/oxidant
      to remove the MB at room temperature and in visible light. The removal efficiency
      was mainly evaluated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV-Vis spectrometer (UV-Vis),
      total organic carbon (TOC). The results revealed that the mechanisms of MB
      removal by gamma-MnO2 are significantly influenced by the pH. In acidic
      conditions, hypsochromic effects (i.e. blue shifts of UV-Vis spectra) resulting
      from N-demethylation of the dimethylamino group in MB may occur concomitantly
      with oxidative degradation by gamma-MnO2. However, the TOC in solution after
      gamma-MnO2 treatment in acidic conditions did not show a dramatic decrease. At
      near neutral pH conditions, there was almost no UV-Vis absorption for the MB
      solution, however, only 50% TOC removal was observed. It indicated that MB was
      not only adsorbed onto gamma-MnO2 but also partially oxidatively degraded to
      other organic compounds which were colourless for UV-Vis.

PMID- 22097078
TI  - Simultaneous domestic wastewater treatment and renewable energy production using
      microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
AB  - Microbial fuel cells (MFCS) can be used in wastewater treatment and to
      simultaneously produce electricity (renewable energy). MFC technology has already
      been applied successfully in lab-scale studies to treat domestic wastewater,
      focussing on organic matter removal and energy production. However, domestic
      wastewater also contains nitrogen that needs to be treated before being
      discharged. The goal of this paper is to assess simultaneous domestic wastewater
      treatment and energy production using an air-cathode MFC, paying special
      attention to nitrogen compound transformations. An air-cathode MFC was designed
      and run treating 1.39 L d(-1) of wastewater with an organic load rate of 7.2 kg
      COD m(-3) d(-1) (80% removal efficiency) and producing 1.42 W m(-3). In terms of
      nitrogen transformations, the study demonstrates that two different processes
      took place in the MFC: physical-chemical and biological. Nitrogen loss was
      observed increasing in line with the power produced. A low level of oxygen was
      present in the anodic compartment, and ammonium was oxidised to nitrite and
      nitrate.

PMID- 22097079
TI  - Biofilm development during the start-up of a sulfate-reducing down-flow fluidized
      bed reactor at different COD/SO4(2-) ratios and HRT.
AB  - In sulfate-reducing reactors, it has been reported that the sulfate removal
      efficiency increases when the COD/SO4(2-) ratio is increased. The start-up of a
      down-flow fluidized bed reactor constitutes an important step to establish a
      microbial community in the biofilm able to survive under the operational
      bioreactor conditions in order to achieve effective removal of both sulfate and
      organic matter. In this work the influence of COD/SO4(2-) ratio and HRT in the
      development of a biofilm during reactor start-up (35 days) was studied. The
      reactor was inoculated with 1.6 g VSS/L of granular sludge, ground low density
      polyethylene was used as support material; the feed consisted of mineral medium
      at pH 5.5 containing 1 g COD/L (acetate:lactate, 70:30) and sodium sulfate. Four
      experiments were conducted at HRT of 1 or 2 days and COD/SO4(2-) ratio of 0.67 or
      2.5. The results obtained indicated that a COD/SO4(2-) ratio of 2.5 and HRT 2
      days allowed high sulfate and COD removal (66.1 and 69.8%, respectively), whereas
      maximum amount of attached biomass (1.9 g SVI/L support) and highest sulfate
      reducing biofilm activity (10.1 g COD-H2S/g VSS-d) was achieved at HRT of 1 day
      and at COD/sulfate ratios of 0.67 and 2.5, respectively, which suggests that
      suspended biomass also played a key role in the performance of the reactors.

PMID- 22097080
TI  - Effect of operating temperature on performance of microbial fuel cell.
AB  - The performance of dual chambered mediator-less microbial fuel cell (MFC)
      operated under batch mode was evaluated under different operating temperatures,
      ranging between 20 and 55 degrees C, with step increase in temperature of 5
      degrees C. Synthetic wastewater with sucrose as carbon source having chemical
      oxygen demand (COD) of 519-555 mg/L was used in the study. Temperature was a
      crucial factor in the performance of MFCs for both COD removal and electricity
      production. The MFC demonstrated highest COD removal efficiency of 84% and power
      density normalized to the anode surface area of 34.38 mW/m2 at operating
      temperature of 40 degrees C. Higher VSS to SS ratio was observed at the operating
      temperature between 35 and 45 degrees C. Under different operating temperatures
      the observed sludge yield was in the range of 0.05 to 0.14 g VSS/g COD removed.
      The maximum Coulombic and energy efficiencies were obtained at 40 degrees C, with
      values of 7.39 and 13.14%, respectively. Internal resistance of the MFC decreased
      with increase in operating temperature. Maximum internal resistance of 1,150
      omega was observed when the MFC was operated at 20 degrees C; whereas the minimum
      internal resistance (552 omega) was observed at 55 degrees C.

PMID- 22097081
TI  - Enhancement of a UASB-septic tank performance for decentralised treatment of
      strong domestic sewage.
AB  - The possibility of enhancing the process performance of the UASB-septic tank for
      treating strong sewage in Palestine by means of inoculating the reactor with well
      adapted anaerobic sludge and/or adding a packing media to the upper part of the
      reactor, creating an anaerobic hybrid (AH)-septic tank, was investigated. To
      achieve these objectives, two community onsite UASB-septic tank and AH-septic
      tank were operated in parallel at 2 days HRT for around 8 months overlapping the
      cold and hot periods of the year in Palestine. The achieved removal efficiencies
      of CODtot in the UASB-septic tank and AH-septic tank during the first months of
      operation, coinciding with the cold period and the subsequent hot period, were
      respectively 50 (+/- 15)% and 48 (+/- 15)% and 66 (+/- 8)% and 55 (+/- 8)%. This
      shows that the UASB-septic tank performed significantly better (p < 0.05) than
      the AH-septic tank after rather long periods of operation. The difference in the
      CODtot removal efficiency was mainly due to the better CODss removal efficiencies
      in the UASB-septic tank. The removal efficiencies over the last 50 days of
      operation for CODtot, CODsus, CODcol and CODdis were 70, 72, 77 and 55% and 53,
      54, 78 and 45% for the UASB-septic tank and AH-septic tank, respectively.
      Comparing the here achieved COD removal efficiencies with previously reported
      efficiencies of UASB-septic tanks operated in Palestine shows that the reactor
      performance in terms of COD removal and conversion, during the first 8 months of
      operation, has improved substantially by being started with well adapted
      anaerobic sludge, simulating and predicting long-term performance. Adding packing
      media did not lead to an improvement.

PMID- 22097082
TI  - Systematic evaluation of biofilm models for engineering practice: components and
      critical assumptions.
AB  - Biofilm models are valuable tools for the design and evaluation of biofilm-based
      processes despite several uncertainties including the dynamics and rate of
      biofilm detachment, concentration gradients external to the biofilm surface, and
      undefined biofilm reactor model calibration protocol. The present investigation
      serves to (1) systematically evaluate critical biofilm model assumptions and
      components and (2) conduct a sensitivity analysis with the aim of identifying
      parameter subsets for biofilm reactor model calibration. AQUASIM was used to
      describe submerged-completely mixed combined carbon oxidation and nitrification
      IFAS and MBBR systems, and tertiary nitrification and denitrification MBBRs. The
      influence of uncertainties in model parameters on relevant model outputs was
      determined for simulated scenarios by means of a local sensitivity analysis. To
      obtain reasonable simulation results for partially penetrated biofilms that
      accumulated a substantial thickness in the modelled biofilm reactor (e.g. 1,000
      microm), an appropriate biofilm discretization was applied to properly model
      soluble substrate concentration gradients and, consistent with the assumed
      mechanism for describing biofilm biomass distribution, biofilm biomass spatial
      variability. The MTBL thickness had a significant impact on model results for
      each of the modelled reactor configurations. Further research is needed to
      develop a mathematical description (empirical or otherwise) of the MTBL thickness
      that is relevant to modern biofilm reactors. No simple recommendations for a
      generally applicable calibration protocol are provided, but sensitivity analysis
      has been proven to be a powerful tool for the identification of highly sensitive
      parameter subsets for biofilm (reactor) model calibration.

PMID- 22097083
TI  - Critical source area management of agricultural phosphorus: experiences,
      challenges and opportunities.
AB  - The concept of critical source areas of phosphorus (P) loss produced by
      coinciding source and transport factors has been studied since the mid 1990s. It
      is widely recognized that identification of such areas has led to targeting of
      management strategies and conservation practices that more effectively mitigate P
      transfers from agricultural landscapes to surface waters. Such was the purpose of
      P Indices and more complex nonpoint source models. Despite their widespread
      adoption across the U.S., a lack of water quality improvement in certain areas
      (e.g. Chesapeake Bay Watershed and some of its tributaries) has challenged
      critical source area management to be more restrictive. While the role of soil
      and applied P has been easy to define and quantify, representation of transport
      processes still remains more elusive. Even so, the release of P from land
      management and in-stream buffering contribute to a legacy effect that can
      overwhelm the benefits of critical source area management, particularly as scale
      increases (e.g. the Chesapeake Bay). Also, conservation tillage that reduces
      erosion can lead to vertical stratification of soil P and ultimately increased
      dissolved P loss. Clearly, complexities imparted by spatially variable
      landscapes, climate, and system response will require iterative monitoring and
      adaptation, to develop locally relevant solutions. To overcome the challenges we
      have outlined, critical source area management must involve development of a
      'toolbox' that contains several approaches to address the underlying problem of
      localized excesses of P and provide both spatial and temporal management options.
      To a large extent, this may be facilitated with the use of GIS and digital
      elevation models. Irrespective of the tool used, however, there must be a two-way
      dialogue between science and policy to limit the softening of technically
      rigorous and politically difficult approaches to truly reducing P losses.

PMID- 22097084
TI  - Effect of thermal alkaline pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of wasted
      activated sludge.
AB  - The effect of alkaline pretreatment of waste-activated sludge, using two models
      to study the sequential hydrolysis rates of suspended (Sanders' surface model)
      and dissolved (Goel's saturation model) solids, on the mesophilic and
      thermophilic anaerobic digestion rate is evaluated. The pretreatment, which
      reduces the size of the solids, increases the reaction rate by increasing the
      surface area and the specific surface hydrolysis constant (K(SBK)); at
      thermophilic conditions from 0.45 x 10(-3) kg m(-2) d(-1) for the fresh sludge to
      0.74 x 10(-3) kg m(-2) d(-1) for the pretreated sludge and at mesophilic
      conditions these values are 0.28 x 10(-3) kg m(-2) d(-1) and 0.47 x 10(-3) kg m(
      2) d(-1) confirming the usefulness of a pretreatment for solids reduction. But
      for soluble solids, the thermoalkaline pretreatment decreases the reaction rates
      by inducing a competitive inhibition on the thermophilic anaerobic digestion rate
      while in the mesophilic range, a non-competitive inhibition is observed. A
      mathematical simulation of the consecutive reactions, suspended solids to
      dissolved solids and to methane in staged anaerobic thermophilic-mesophilic
      digestion, shows that with 4% suspended solids concentration it is better not to
      use a thermoalkaline pretreatment because overall solids reduction and total
      methane production are not as good as without pretreatment.

PMID- 22097085
TI  - Degradation of organic dye using zero-valent iron prepared from by-product of
      pickling line.
AB  - In this study, zero-valent iron (ZVI) was produced using iron oxide that is a by
      product of a pickling line at a steel works. The reaction activity of the
      produced ZVI was evaluated through a series of decomposition experiments of
      Orange II aqueous solution. The size of ZVI particles increased with reduction
      temperature due to coalescence. Correspondingly, the specific surface area of ZVI
      decreased with increasing reduction temperature. The decomposition efficiency of
      synthesized ZVI particles was higher at a lower pH. In particular, no significant
      decomposition reaction was observed at pH of 4 and higher. The rate of the ZVI
      assisted decomposition of Orange II was increased by addition of H2O2 at pH of 3,
      whereas it was reduced by addition of H2O2 at a higher pH of 6. Nevertheless,
      simultaneous use of ZVI, UV and H2O2 led to a considerable increase in the
      decomposition rate even at a high pH condition (pH = 6).

PMID- 22097086
TI  - Effect of hydraulic retention time on pretreatment of blended municipal sludge.
AB  - The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of hydraulic
      retention time (HRT) on hydrolysis and acidogenesis for the pretreatment
      processes: acid phase digestion (APD) and autothermal thermophilic aerobic
      digestion (ATAD) using blended municipal sludge. The effect of the different
      pretreatment steps on mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD) was evaluated in terms
      of methane yield, keeping the operating conditions of the MAD the same for all
      systems. Best operating conditions for both APD and ATAD were observed for 2.5 d
      HRT with high total volatile fatty acids (tVFA), and the highest methane yield
      observed for MAD. No significant difference was observed between the two
      processes in terms of overall volatile solids (VS) reduction with same total HRT.
      The autothermal process produced heat of 14,300 J/g VS removed from hydrolytic
      and acetogenic reactions without compromising overall methane yields when the HRT
      was 2.5 d or lower and the total O2 used was 0.10 m3 O2/g VS added or lower.
      However, the process needs the input of oxygen and engineering analysis should
      balance these differences when considering the relative merits of the two
      pretreatment processes. This is the first study of its kind directly comparing
      these two viable pretreatment processes with the same sludge.

PMID- 22097087
TI  - Evaluation of undersized bioretention stormwater control measures for treatment
      of highway bridge deck runoff.
AB  - Two grassed bioretention cells were constructed in the easement of a bridge deck
      in Knightdale, North Carolina, USA, in October, 2009. One was intentionally
      undersized ('small'), while the other was full sized ('large') per current North
      Carolina standards. The large and small cells captured runoff from the 25- and 8
      mm events, respectively. Both bioretention cells employed average fill media
      depths of 0.65 m and internal water storage (IWS) zones of 0.6 m. Flow
      proportional, composite water quality samples were collected and analyzed for
      nitrogen species, phosphorus species, and TSS. During 13 months of data
      collection, the large cell's median effluent concentrations and loads were less
      than those from the small cell. The small cell's TN and TSS load reductions were
      84 and 50%, respectively, of those achieved by the large cell, with both cells
      significantly reducing TN and TSS. TP loads were not significantly reduced by
      either cell, likely due to low TP concentrations in the highway runoff which may
      have approached irreducible levels. Outflow pollutant loads from the large and
      small cell were not significantly different from one another for any of the
      examined pollutants. The small cell's relative performance provides support for
      retrofitting undersized systems in urbanized areas where there is insufficient
      space available for conventional full-sized stormwater treatment systems.

PMID- 22097088
TI  - Pollutant removal in a multi-stage municipal wastewater treatment system
      comprised of constructed wetlands and a maturation pond, in a temperate climate.
AB  - A multi-stage municipal wastewater treatment system is proposed to comply with
      Mexican standards for discharge into receiving water bodies. The system is
      located in Santa Fe de la Laguna, Mexico, an area with a temperate climate. It
      was designed for 2,700 people equivalent (259.2 m3/d) and consists of a
      preliminary treatment, a septic tank as well as two modules operating in
      parallel, each consisting of a horizontal subsurface-flow wetland, a maturation
      pond and a vertical flow polishing wetland. After two years of operation, on-site
      research was performed. An efficient biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) (94-98%),
      chemical oxygen demand (91-93%), total suspended solids (93-97%), total Kjeldahl
      nitrogen (56-88%) and fecal coliform (4-5 logs) removal was obtained. Significant
      phosphorus removal was not accomplished in this study (25-52%).
      Evapotranspiration was measured in different treatment units. This study
      demonstrates that during the dry season wastewater treatment by this multi-stage
      system cannot comply with the limits established by Mexican standards for
      receiving water bodies type 'C'. However, it has demonstrated the system's
      potential for less restrictive uses such as agricultural irrigation, recreation
      and provides the opportunity for wastewater treatment in rural areas without
      electric energy.

PMID- 22097089
TI  - Experimental design of diffusion and desorption of contaminant in heterogeneous
      media.
AB  - Storage of contaminants in low permeability media (LPM) presents a great
      challenge for prediction of remediation effectiveness and efficiency. The reason
      lies in the contaminants' complex behaviors within heterogeneous media. Both
      interparticle and intraparticle diffusion contribute to the difficulty of precise
      site assessment. Sorption of contaminants--especially within LPM--may sequester
      the contaminants from active treatment, while desorption over a long period of
      time leads to contaminant release from storage and consequent re-contamination.
      Research has been conducted toward better understanding of contaminant diffusion
      and sorption/desorption processes to better predict contaminant response to site
      treatment. However, most of the research has been carried out within homogeneous
      media, while real scenarios in environmental problems feature media whose
      permeability and other characteristics vary significantly over the treatment
      volume. Further, few efforts have combined the interparticle/intraparticle
      diffusion and sorption/desorption processes together. This research aims at a
      feasible experimental design of diffusion and desorption of contaminant in
      heterogeneous media to address the gaps in previous research. A 2-D experimental
      system was designed to evaluate interparticle/intraparticle diffusion processes
      of trichloroethylene (TCE) in heterogeneous media. The 2-D system was modified to
      include organic matter in media for simulation of sorption/desorption processes.
      Results of the research will improve the understanding of how these different
      transport processes act together within heterogeneous media. Results will also
      allow for the evaluation of the impact of contaminant mass transport from within
      low permeability media at a potential treatment site and can support the
      development of mathematical tools/models combining interparticle/intraparticle
      and sorption/desorption processes. Such a model will promote more accurate site
      assessment and provide more confidence in the choice of an effective,
      economically optimized remediation strategy.

PMID- 22097090
TI  - Application of flow cytometry for examining phytoplankton succession in two
      eutrophic lakes.
AB  - Flow cytometry has potential as a rapid assessment technique to evaluate
      phytoplankton biomass and species composition. It facilitates for multi-parameter
      analysis of individual cells on the basis of light scattering effects induced
      from cellular constituents, as well as auto-fluorescence. Fluorescence emission
      characteristics may be especially useful in classifying cyanobacteria as they
      contain phycoerythrin which emits light predominantly in the 550-600 nm waveband,
      chlorophyll-a (650-700 nm emission) and allophycocyanin (660 nm emission). The
      objective of our study was to assess the utility of flow cytometry for the rapid
      identification and sorting of freshwater algae and cyanobacteria species. Using a
      selection of laboratory-cultured freshwater algae and cyanobacteria species, this
      study demonstrated unique light scatter and fluorescent characteristics for each
      species examined, allowing for rapid species identification and sorting of mixed
      populations of laboratory cultures and samples from two lakes in the Rotorua
      region (New Zealand). Analysis of lake water samples collected over seven months
      demonstrated changes in abundance and community composition of phytoplankton in
      the two lakes and demonstrates that flow cytometry may be a useful technique for
      examining seasonal changes in phytoplankton composition.

PMID- 22097091
TI  - Assessing sub-Saharan Erythrina for efficacy: traditional uses, biological
      activities and phytochemistry.
AB  - The genus Erythrina comprises more than 100 species, widely distributed in
      tropical and subtropical areas. In Africa, 31 wild species and 14 cultivated
      species have been described. In sub-Saharan Africa, Erythrina species are used to
      treat frequent parasitic and microbial diseases, inflammation, cancer, wounds.
      The rationale of these traditional uses in African traditional medicine was
      established by screening several species for biological activities. Promising
      activities were found against bacteria, parasites (Plasmodium), human and
      phytopathogenic fungi, some of which were multidrug resistant (MDR) micro
      organisms. Some species also exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities
      and enzymes inhibitory properties. Most of the species chemically investigated
      were reported to contain flavanones, prenylated isoflavones, isoflavanones and
      pterocarpans. Some phytochemicals (vogelin B, vogelin C, isowightcone, abyssinin
      II, derrone) were the active principles as antibacterials, antifungals,
      antiplasmodials and inhibitors of enzyme borne diseases (PTP1B, HIV protease,
      DGAT). This review highlights the important role of Erythrina species as sources
      of lead compounds or new class of phytotherapeutic agents for fighting against
      major public health (MDR infections, cancer, diabetes, obesity) in sub-Saharan
      Africa.

PMID- 22097092
TI  - Comparison of ketamine and fentanyl for postoperative pain relief in children
      following adenotonsillectomy.
AB  - Adenotonsillectomy has a high incidence of postoperative pain. Therefore, the
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of either
      ketamine or fentanyl for postoperative pain relief in children following
      adenotonsillectomy. Sixty children aged 3-12 years, scheduled for
      adenotonsillectomy, were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind study.
      Patients were divided into two groups of 30 cases and received intravenous
      ketamine (0.5 mg kg(-1)) or fentanyl (1 microg kg(-1)). Modified Hannallah pain
      scale or Observational Pain Scores (OPS), nausea, vomiting, bleeding, rescue
      analgesia, sedation and post-anesthesia recovery scores were recorded both at
      first and 15th minute postoperatively. Moreover, patients receiving ketamine
      (group 1) or fentanyl (group 2) had comparable OPS and sedation score both on
      arrival and at 15th minute in the recovery room (p > 0.05). Although rescue
      analgesics were similarly required in both groups (p > 0.05), the time to reach
      rescue analgesia was shorter in group 1 (p = 0.001). Only one patient in fentanyl
      group had nausea and vomiting in the first 15 min that needed antiemetic in the
      recovery room. In conclusion, intravenous fentanyl (1 microg kg(-1)) compared
      with intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg kg(-1)) might provide extended time to first
      analgesic in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Interestingly, fentanyl and
      ketamine did not differ in post-operative vomiting.

PMID- 22097093
TI  - Dichloromethane-methanol extract from Borassus aethiopumn mart. (Arecaceae)
      induces apoptosis of human colon cancer HT-29 cells.
AB  - Borassus aetihiopum MART (Arecaceae) is a plant used in traditional herbal
      medicine for the treatment of various diseases (bronchitis, laryngitis,
      antiseptic). In particular, their male inflorcscences were reported to exhibit
      cicatrizing, antiseptic and fungicidal properties. In the present study, the
      biological activity of E2F2, an apolar extract from Borassus aethiopum male
      inflorescence was investigated on colon cancer HT29 cells. Phytochemical
      screening was carried according to methodology for chemical analysis for
      vegetable drugs. Cells proliferation was determined by the MTT assay and cells
      cycle distribution was analysed by using laser flow cytometer (Beckman coulter).
      The cytoskeleton organisation was examined under a laser scanning confocal
      microscope (Zess). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of E2F2 extract revealed
      the presence of sterols, triterpenes and saponosids. E2F2 extract (1 microg and
      100 microg mL(-1)) significantly inhibited cell proliferation by blocking cell
      population in G0/G1 phase. Flow Cytometric analysis of E2F2-treated HT29 cells
      showed that hypoploid cell population (sub G1 phase) increased with processing
      time exposures. Immunofluorescence confocal analysis revealed a disrupt actin
      microfilaments network in E2F2 treated-cells with a significant reduction in
      actin stress fibres and appearance of a random, non-oriented distribution of
      focal adhesion sites. These data indicate that E2F2 extract has anti
      proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. Further studies are required to
      unravel the mechanisms of action of E2F2 extract.

PMID- 22097094
TI  - Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase family in fine
      needle aspiration and permanent specimens of invasive lobular and ductal breast
      cancers.
AB  - Recently, the role of HER-2/Neu gene amplification has been enthusiastically
      investigated in breast cancer. Determining the HER-2/Neu status could be achieved
      by evaluating either histologic samples or cytologic specimens obtained by Fine
      Needle Aspiration (FNA). This study aimed at determining the concordance of HER
      2/Neu expression in FNA and histologic sections. FNA samples, as well as their
      corresponding histologic sections of 90 cases with breast cancer were evaluated
      in Tabriz Sina Teaching Center in a 13-month period of time. The
      immunohistochemistry was employed for determining the HER-2/Neu amplification for
      both methods. The concordance rate and agreement were determined between the two
      methods. Ninety specimens of women with a mean age of 50.93 +/- 10.64 (29-84)
      years were assessed. There were 84 cases with invasive ductal carcinoma and 6
      cases with invasive lobular carcinoma. Lymph nodes were involved in 50 cases and
      there were vascular and neural involvement in 40 and 35 cases, respectively. Her
      2/Neu was not detected in 27 cases (30%) with weak and strong amplifications in
      47 (52.2%) and 16 (17.8%) cases of FNA specimens, respectively. Her-2/Neu was not
      detected in 29 cases (32.2%) with weak and strong amplifications in 42 (46.7%)
      and 19 (21.1%) cases of histologic specimens, respectively. The concordance rate
      was 70% between the two methods. The agree ment was statistically significant
      between the two methods, as well (kappa = 0.51, p < 0.001). HER-2/neu gene
      amplification can be reliably estimated by immunohistochemistry on breast cancer
      FNAs and a good correlation has been found between this and results on
      histological sections.

PMID- 22097095
TI  - Evaluation of serum levels of essential trace elements in patients with pulmonary
      tuberculosis before and after treatment by age and gender.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of Zinc, Copper, Iron and
      Copper/Zinc ratio in the serum of adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in
      Iran. Serum levels of Zinc and Copper were determined by flame atomic absorption
      spectrophotometer and scrum iron concentration was measured by using an Auto
      Analyzer. The study group consisted of 50 pulmonary tuberculosis patients before
      treatment and after 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy. Levels of scrum Zn (p <
      0.001) and Fe (p < 0.001) in TB patients were significantly increased after 6
      months of anti-tubercular therapy. However, serum Cu concentration (p < 0.01) and
      Cu/Zn ratio (p < 0.05) were decreased after 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy.
      Some studies indicated a strong association of Zn, Cu, Fe and the Cu/Zn ratio
      with TB. In this study, we found remarkable change in Cu/Zn ratio. Some
      researchers mentioned that serum Cu/Zn ratio could be used as an important
      laboratory marker for diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. They also
      mentioned that trace element levels must be closely monitored during the process
      of disease.

PMID- 22097096
TI  - Evaluation of serum C-reactive protein level and its related factors in
      hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran.
AB  - Chronic inflammation, as reflected by increased level of acute phase protein such
      as C-reactive Protein (CRP) is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. CRP is
      a strong predictor of overall and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in
      hemodialysis patients. This research was conducted to determine the C-reactive
      Protein (CRP) levels and its correlation to demographic and clinical
      characteristics and Laboratory values in hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran. In
      a cross sectional study, 147 hemodialysis patients were studied. Patients'
      demographic and clinical data were recorded and also serum CRP, Cholesterol,
      Albumin, Phosphorous, Calcium, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels were measured.
      Overall, the mean CRP concentration was 15.8 mg L(-1). With considering to the
      different cutoff point (5, 6.2, 10 mg L(-1)) for CRP level, 107 patients (72.8%)
      had CRP level >5 mg L(-1), 99 patients (67.3%) had CRP level > 6.2 mg L(-1) and
      77 patients (52.4%) had CRP level >10 nmg L(-1). The CRP levels greater than 6.2,
      had a direct statistically significant correlation with duration of hemodialysis
      and phosphorus level (p = 0.01). Also, CRP levels above 10 mg L(-1) had a direct
      statistically significant correlation with age and phosphorus levels (p = 0.02).
      According to the prevalence of high CRP level and it's correlation with age,
      duration ofhemodialysis and phosphorus level in hemodialysis patients, CRP level
      should be screened in this group of patients routinely because of its prognostic
      importance.

PMID- 22097097
TI  - Association of Pap smear abnormalities with autoimmune disorders.
AB  - Recently, it is hypothesized that there might be an association between
      immunological disorders and cervical premalignant and malignant abnormalities.
      Related studies have been generally focused on some particular autoimmune
      disease, specially the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed at
      comparing the rate of Pap smear abnormalities in female patients with autoimmune
      diseases and normal counterparts. In a case-control setting, 118 female patients
      with various autoimmune diseases (the case group) and 118 healthy female
      counterparts (the control group) were recruited in Tabriz Imam Reza Teaching
      Centre in a 24 months period of time. The two groups were matched for
      demographics and known risk factors of cervical malignancy. Frequencies of
      abnormal Pap smear testing were compared between the two groups. The autoimmune
      disorders were SLE (74 patients), rheumatoid arthritis or RA (32 patients),
      systcmic sclerosis or SS (7 patients) and ankylosing spondylitis or AS (5
      patients) in the case group. Frequency of abnormal Pap smear testing was
      significantly higher in the case group comparing with that in the controls (7.6%
      vs. 1.7%; p = 0.03). Frequency of abnormal Pap smear testing was higher in the
      patients with SLE (8.1%) and RA (9.3%) comparing with that in the controls;
      However, these differences were marginally nonsignificant (p = 0.06 and p = 0.07,
      respectively). Frequency of cases with abnormal Pap smear testing was not
      statistically different between the autoimmune disorders (p = 0.99). Based on
      these findings and in conclusion, there might be an association between the
      autoimmune disorders and occurrence of premalignant or malignant lesions in
      cervix. Further studies with larger samples sizes are recommended.

PMID- 22097098
TI  - Chemopreventive activity of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from yacon against TPA
      induced Raji cells deformation.
AB  - Yacon is a medicinal plant used as a traditional medicine by the natives in South
      America. In Japan, it becomes popular as a health food. Sesquiterpene Lactones
      (SLs) from yacon leaves were investigated and the active SLs such as enhydrin,
      uvedalin and sonchifolin, bearing alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone and epoxides as
      the active functional groups, were identified by 1H-6000 MHz-NMR. Chemopreventive
      and cytotoxic activities were determined using different primary screening
      methods. In this study, all tested SLs strongly inhibited TPA-induced deformed of
      Raji cells. The IC50 values of yacon SLs from anti-deforming assay were 0.04-0.4
      microM. Interestingly, yacon SLs showed more potential of chemo preventive
      activity than both curcumin and parthenolide. However, the cytotoxicity on Raji
      cells was observed at high concentration of yacon SLs. The degree of anti
      deformation was ranked in order: enhydrin >uvedalin >sonchifolin >parthenolide
      >curcumin. As according to structure-activity relationship, the high activities
      of enhydrin, uvedalin and sonchifolin may be due to the 2-methyl-2-butenoate and
      its epoxide moiety.

PMID- 22097099
TI  - Relaxing music for anxiety control.
AB  - The purpose of this investigation was to determine the characteristics of
      relaxing music for anxiety control. Undergraduate students (N=84) were instructed
      to imagine themselves in an anxiety producing situation while listening to a
      selection of 30 music compositions. For each composition, level of relaxation,
      the factors that either enhanced or detracted from its relaxing potential and the
      emotional labels attached were assessed. Participants were also asked to state
      which music components (e.g., tempo, melody) were most conducive to relaxation.
      Additional information was obtained through the use of a focus group of 6
      undergraduate music students. This paper presents details on the characteristics
      of relaxing-music for anxiety control and emotional labels attached to the
      relaxing compositions. Furthermore, an importance value has been attached to each
      of the music components under scrutiny, thus providing an indication of which
      music components should receive greatest attention when selecting music for
      anxiety control.

PMID- 22097100
TI  - Feminist music therapy pedagogy: a survey of music therapy educators.
AB  - This study surveyed 188 music therapy educators regarding their views and use of
      feminist pedagogy and feminist music therapy. The purpose of this study was two
      fold: (a) to determine how many music therapy educators used feminist pedagogy
      and (b) to determine if there was a relationship between the use of feminist
      pedagogy and academic rank of the participants. Seventy-two participants
      responded to this study, with 69 participants included for data analysis. Stake
      and Hoffman's (2000) feminist pedagogy survey was adapted for this study,
      examining four subscales of feminist pedagogy: (a) participatory learning, (b)
      validation of personal experience/development of confidence, (c) political/
      social activism, and (d) critical thinking/open-mindedness. The results revealed
      that 46% (n=32) of participants identified as feminist music therapists and 67%
      (n=46) of participants identified as using feminist pedagogy. Results of a mixed
      analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant difference within the
      four survey subscales (p<.0001), no significant difference (p=.32) for academic
      rank, and no significant interaction (p=.08) of academic rank and the four survey
      subscales. Tukey's post hoc analysis of the data indicated that the survey
      subscale measuring political activism (p<.0001) was significantly lower than the
      other three survey subscales. In addition, a qualitative analysis on open-ended
      responses is also included. Discussion of the results, limitations, and areas for
      future research are addressed.

PMID- 22097101
TI  - Clinical practice of dual-certified music therapists/child life specialists: a
      phenomenological study.
AB  - The discipline of child life enjoys a strong presence in many medical settings
      within the current pediatric healthcare environment. Due to the widespread
      establishment of child life programs, music therapists often find themselves
      negotiating their role and contributions to pediatric healthcare in relation to
      the field of child life. There is increasing interest among music therapy interns
      and clinicians in pursuing certification in child life to increase clinical
      knowledge and enhance marketability. A small, but strong, cohort of dual
      certified music therapists/child life specialists is currently practicing in the
      field, but the nuances of their clinical practice have not been systematically
      examined. The current study used an interpretative phenomenological approach to
      explore the lived experiences of eight dual-certified clinicians, and to
      interpret how clinicians make sense of those lived experiences. Two overarching
      themes of identity and flexibility arose from the analysis: issues relating to
      establishing, challenging, and modifying professional identity; and flexibility
      manifested within areas of theoretical orientation, professional role, and
      clinical approach. Dual-certified clinicians vary in the degree to which they
      integrate the fields of music therapy and child life in practice, from complete
      and seamless integration of the two, to exclusive practice of only one field,
      depending upon the bounds of their positions. Participants reported that child
      life training is beneficial, but not necessary for achieving advanced practice in
      pediatric medical music therapy. Implications for the continuing advancement of
      music therapy in pediatric healthcare are discussed.

PMID- 22097102
TI  - Steady beat and state anxiety.
AB  - Daily life in today's society is filled with moments of high state anxiety. State
      anxiety is the amount of anxiety one is experiencing in the present moment; it is
      not a personality trait. Many people need simple, cost-effective ways to self
      regulate themselves so they can sleep, be more productive, and attend to their
      activities of daily life. Therefore, the present study questioned whether
      listening to a steady beat will decrease feelings of state anxiety in healthy
      subjects. Participants (N=36) between the ages of 20 and 50 volunteered for the
      study. During this study, experimental anxiety was induced and the Visual Analog
      Scale served as the measurement tool for both tests. Subjects in the control
      group sat in silence, while subjects in the experimental group listened to a
      steady beat of 66 beats per minute. The results of an independent-samples t test
      indicated significant differences between the groups on the posttest measure, t
      (34)=2.41, p=.02. Subjects who listened to the steady beat reported less anxiety
      than subjects who sat in silence. This study suggests that steady beat alone can
      reduce state anxiety, thus providing a cost-effective and accessible means for
      self-regulation in the midst of high state anxiety.

PMID- 22097103
TI  - Descriptive analysis of YouTube music therapy videos.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive analysis of music therapy
      related videos on YouTube. Preliminary searches using the keywords music therapy,
      music therapy session, and "music therapy session" resulted in listings of 5000,
      767, and 59 videos respectively. The narrowed down listing of 59 videos was
      divided between two investigators and reviewed in order to determine their
      relationship to actual music therapy practice. A total of 32 videos were
      determined to be depictions of music therapy sessions. These videos were analyzed
      using a 16-item investigator-created rubric that examined both video specific
      information and therapy specific information. Results of the analysis indicated
      that audio and visual quality was adequate, while narrative descriptions and
      identification information were ineffective in the majority of the videos. The
      top 5 videos (based on the highest number of viewings in the sample) were
      selected for further analysis in order to investigate demonstration of the
      Professional Level of Practice Competencies set forth in the American Music
      Therapy Association (AMTA) Professional Competencies (AMTA, 2008). Four of the
      five videos met basic competency criteria, with the quality of the fifth video
      precluding evaluation of content. Of particular interest is the fact that none of
      the videos included credentialing information. Results of this study suggest the
      need to consider ways to ensure accurate dissemination of music therapy-related
      information in the YouTube environment, ethical standards when posting music
      therapy session videos, and the possibility of creating AMTA standards for
      posting music therapy related video.

PMID- 22097104
TI  - Effects of a single-session assertiveness music therapy role playing protocol for
      psychiatric inpatients.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to implement and measure the effectiveness of a
      single-session assertiveness music therapy role playing protocol for psychiatric
      inpatients. Participants (N=133) were randomly assigned by group to one of three
      conditions: (a) Assertiveness Music Therapy, (b) No Music Assertiveness, or (c)
      Music No Assertiveness. Participants in both assertiveness conditions role played
      a number of different commonly occurring scenarios at an inpatient psychiatric
      facility and in the community. There were no significant between-group
      differences in posttest quality of life, locus of control, or other subscales.
      However, participants in both assertiveness conditions tended to have slightly
      higher internal locus of control and overall quality of life scores than
      participants in the music no assertiveness condition. Additionally, the
      assertiveness music therapy condition had higher attendance rates than the other
      conditions. A higher percentage of participants from both the assertiveness music
      therapy and music no assertiveness conditions indicated they thought their
      session was the most helpful/therapeutic group therapy session in which they had
      participated; this was not the case for the assertiveness no music condition.
      Future research is warranted to measure the effects of protocols that can help
      psychiatric patients generalize skills learned in treatment.

PMID- 22097105
TI  - Music therapy career aptitude test.
AB  - The purpose of the Music Therapy Career Aptitude Test (MTCAT) was to measure the
      affective domain of music therapy students including their self-awareness as it
      relates to the music therapy career, value in human development, interest in
      general therapy, and aptitude for being a professional music therapist. The MTCAT
      was administered to 113 music therapy students who are currently freshman or
      sophomores in an undergraduate music therapy program or in the first year of a
      music therapy master's equivalency program. The results of analysis indicated
      that the MTCAT is normally distributed and that all 20 questions are
      significantly correlated with the total test score of the MTCAT. The reliability
      of the MTCAT was considerably high (Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha=0.8). The
      criterion-related validity was examined by comparing the MTCAT scores of music
      therapy students with the scores of 43 professional music therapists. The
      correlation between the scores of students and professionals was found to be
      statistically significant. The results suggests that normal distribution,
      internal consistency, homogeneity of construct, item discrimination, correlation
      analysis, content validity, and criterion-related validity in the MTCAT may be
      helpful in predicting music therapy career aptitude and may aid in the career
      decision making process of college music therapy students.

PMID- 22097106
TI  - [Getting retired--a relief or a misfortune].

PMID- 22097107
TI  - Effects of changes in dynamic characteristics of the middle ear on transient
      evoked otoacoustic emissions.
AB  - Transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions are transmitted through the middle ear.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dynamic properties of
      the transmission system on the measurability of transient otoacoustic emissions.
      The authors analyzed the presence of transient otoacoustic emissions in 48
      children with serous otitis media regarding the tympanogram, presence and type of
      effusion and pure tone average findings. The results obtained in this research
      show the predominant absence of transient otoacoustic emissions in patients with
      type B tympanogram (69.1%) especially if the effusion is mucoid (77.5%) with the
      hearing loss of 15 decibel hearing level. This research shows that disorders in
      dynamic characteristics of the middle ear in patients with serous otitis obstruct
      the transmission of acoustic energy and affect the measurability of transient
      otoacoustic emissions, especially if the effusion is mucoid and hearing loss of
      15 decibel hearing level.

PMID- 22097108
TI  - [Contemporary treatment neuropathic pain].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neuropathic pain, or pain associated with disease or injury to the
      peripheral or central nervous system, is a common symptom of a heterogeneous
      group of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy; trigeminal neuralgia,
      postherpetic neuralgia and spinal cord injury. Chronic neuropathic pain should
      not be thought of as a symptom. It should truly be thought of as a disease with a
      very complicated pathophysiology. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: The mechanisms involved in
      neuropathic pain are complex and involve both peripheral and central
      pathophysiologic phenomenon. The underlying dysfunction may involve
      deafferentation within the peripheral nervous system (e.g. neuropathy),
      deafferentation within the central nervous system (e.g. post-thalamic stroke) or
      an imbalance between the two (e.g. phantom limb pain). CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
      Neuropathic pain is non-nociceptive, in contrast to acute nociceptive pain, and
      it can be described as "burning", "electric", "tingling", and "shooting" in
      nature. TREATMENT: Rational polypharmacy is often necessary and actually it is
      almost always the rule. It would be an exception if a patient was completely
      satisfied with his treatment. Treatment goals should include understanding that
      our patients may need to be titrated and managed with more than one agent and one
      type of treatment. There should be the balance of safety, efficacy, and
      tolerability. CONCLUSION: There are many new agents and new applications of the
      existing agents being currently studied which will most certainly lead to even
      more improved ways of managing this very complicated set of disorders.

PMID- 22097109
TI  - [Role of surgical resection in treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fifth leading cause of death from
      malignant diseases. The total five-year rate is bellow 5%, but in patients who
      underwent pancreatic resection, the five-year rate may be up to 20%. Surgical
      resection is still the only therapeutic option that offers the possibility of
      cure. In recent decades, the perioperative mortality rate has been significantly
      reduced in the institutions performing a number of these operations per year and
      has become less than 5%. Postoperative morbidity remains high. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The results of surgical resection in the treatment of pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma have been analyzed. A retrospective study included the patients
      operated at the Department for Abdominal, Endocrine and Transplantation surgery,
      Clinical Center of Vojvodina. RESULTS: In the period from February 1st 1998 to
      February 1st 2007 a total of 67 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent
      resection. The average age of patients was 58.81 +/- 1.42 years. There were 44
      (65.7%) male and 23 (34.3%) female patients. The most common locations of cancer
      were the head, then the body and the tail of the pancreas and they were found in
      57 (85.1%) cases, 7 (10,4%) cases and 3 (4,47%) cases, respectively. The
      postoperative mortality appeared in 3 (4.47%) cases and postoperative morbidity
      in 21 (31.3%) cases. The average survival was 22.89 +/- 3.87 months, the median
      being 9.0 +/- 2.18 months. The five-year survival rate was 13.5%. CONCLUSION: For
      patients with pancreatic cancer, surgical resection still remains the only chance
      of cure. These procedures are performed with acceptable postoperative mortality
      and morbidity rate. The percentage of cured patients is still unsatisfactorily
      low.

PMID- 22097110
TI  - [Assessment of health-related quality of life in patients after acute myocardial
      infarction].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute myocardial infarction has negative influence on patient's
      quality of life. The objective of the paper was to assess the health-related
      quality of life in the patients one month and twelve months after acute
      myocardial infarction and to compare it with the healthy controls. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A prospective cohort study involved 160 patients aged from 30 to 79 and
      240 healthy controls. The health-related quality of life was assessed with the
      Serbian version of these questionnaires: EuroQuol-5-Dimension and EuroQuolVAS.
      Angina pectoris was ranked according to the classification of Canadian
      Cardiovascular Society. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used.
      RESULTS: The healthy controls had significantly higher average scores in
      EuroQuolVAS compared with the patients one month after acute myocardial
      infarction (74.35 +/- 9.42 vs 60.50 +/- 12.03, p<0.001), as well as twelve months
      afte acute myocardial infarction (74.35 +/- 9.42 vs 69.83 +/- 12.06, p<0.001).
      Significantly lower average ranges in EuroQuol-5-Dimension questionnaire and
      higher quality of life were found twelve months after acute myocardial infarction
      than one month after acute myocardial infarction (1.41 +/- 0.26 vs 1.53 +/- 0.26,
      p<0.001). The average ranges of angina pectoris were significantly lower in all
      the patients twelve months after acute myocardial infarction compared with the
      first month (0.78 +/- 0.51 vs 0.91 +/- 0.44, p<0.01). The multivariate regression
      analysis confirmed thrombolytic therapy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
      and age to be important factors influencing health-related quality of life.
      CONCLUSION: The patients assessed their health condition to be significantly
      higher twelve months after acute myocardial infarction than one month after it.
      The health-related quality of life was significantly higher in patients who had
      undergone the percutaneous intervention than in those who had been treated with
      the thrombolytic therapy.

PMID- 22097111
TI  - Prognostic significance of intracranial pressure monitoring and intracranial
      hypertension in severe brain trauma patients.
AB  - Since without prospective randomized studies it is not possible to have a clear
      attitude towards the importance of intracranial pressure monitoring, this study
      was aimed at examining the prognostic effect of the intracranial pressure
      monitoring and intracranial pressure oriented therapy in severe brain trauma
      patients, and at defining optimal intracranial pressure values for starting the
      treatment. Two groups of patients were treated in the study, one consisted of 32
      patients undergoing intracranial pressure monitoring and the second group of 29
      patients without intracranial pressure monitoring in the control group. The study
      was prospective with groups randomized. There were 53% survivals in the
      intracranial pressure monitored patients and 34% in the control group, with no
      significant difference in the survival rate between the two groups (chi2=2.11;
      p=0.15; p>0.05). The average intracranial pressure in the patients with
      intracranial hypertension who died was 27 mm Hg, while in the patients who
      survived the average intracranial pressure was significantly lower (Student's t
      test: t=2.91; p=0.008; p<0.01) and it was 18 mm Hg. We recommend starting
      intracranial pressure oriented therapy when the patient's intracranial pressure
      exceeds 18 mmHg during 2 hours of monitoring.

PMID- 22097112
TI  - [Influence of the first episode duration on further course of bipolar disorder].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bipolar disorder has been continuously studied due to its high
      prevalence and incidence. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of
      duration of the first episode of bipolar disorder on the further course of this
      disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted as a retrospective
      prospective, naturalistic study, which included 65 bipolar patients admitted to
      the hospital. We used Student's t-test in addition to descriptive parameters,
      mean, median and standard deviation. We followed the 5-year course of the
      disorder after the first episode. RESULTS: Having examined the medical records of
      the first episode and five-year follow-up of the course of the disease we found a
      statistically significant difference (2 vs 1.54; df=120; p<0.05) in the number of
      episodes following the first episode between the patients whose first episode was
      longer than 2 months and the patients whose first episode was shorter than 2
      months. In addition, we found a statistically significant difference (55.42 vs
      42.3; df=120; p<0.05) in duration of episodes that followed the first episode
      between the patients whose first episode was longer than 2 months and the
      patients whose first episode was shorter than 2 months. DISCUSSION: Since these
      results are in accordance with the literature, we ought to point out the
      possibility of developing chronic syndromes in patients with longer first
      episodes. CONCLUSION: This study is a modest contribution to the trend of
      studying bipolar disorder. Better knowledge of the course would enable better
      treatment, prognosis and outcome of this disorder.

PMID- 22097113
TI  - Thromboprophylaxis implementation during pregnancy in women with recurrent foetal
      losses and thrombophilia.
AB  - Recurrent foetal loss is a significant clinical problem, occurring in 1-5% of
      reproductive females. Inherited or acquired thrombophilia has been diagnosed in
      50-65% of women with history of unexplained foetal loss. The low molecular weight
      heparin was applied in 24 women with inherited thrombophilia and previous
      recurrent foetal loss and in 6 women with primary antiphospholipid syndrome
      throughout their following pregnancies. The dose of low molecular weight heparin
      for the majority of women was 35-75 u/kg. Women with primary antiphospholipid
      syndrome received both low molecular weight heparin and aspirin 50-100 mg daily.
      Implementation of thromboprophylaxis resulted in successful pregnancy outcome in
      29 out of38 pregnancies, which represents a significant improvement of pregnancy
      outcome in comparison to previous 81 pregnancy losses. The number of treated
      pregnancies in our study is small, but the rate of successful pregnancy outcomes
      is high (76%), indicating that low molecular weight heparin may be a promising
      approach to women with thrombophilia and recurrent foetal loss.

PMID- 22097114
TI  - [Classical and molecular methods for diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis
      infections].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the leading cause of
      bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in industrial countries, particularly
      among young people. The consequences of chlamydial infections may involve pelvic
      inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility. METHODS:
      Available tests for detection of chlamydia in men and women include culture in
      tissue culture cells, direct immunofluorescence test, enzyme immune assay,
      nucelic acid probe hibridization and polymerase chain reaction. Nucleic acid
      amplification tests use different ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic acid regions
      as target molecules for amplifying Chlamydia trachomatis
      ribonucleic/deoxyribonucleic acid in clinical samples. Nucleic acid amplification
      tests are more sensitive than non-nucleic acid amplification tests. CONCLUSION:
      Although screening programmes exist in a number of countries, the continuously
      increasing prevalence of chlamydial infections demonstrates the necessity for
      defining the best method for the diagnosis and the population for screening.

PMID- 22097115
TI  - [Frequency of vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolated from blood cultures from
      2008 to 2010].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Enterococci are important hospital-acquired pathogens. The most
      commonly isolated species of the genus, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus
      faecium are the third to fourth-most prevalent nosocomial pathogens worldwide.
      The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of resistance to vancomycin
      and other antimicrobial agents of Enterococcus spp strains isolated from blood
      cultures of hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the three-year
      period, from 2008 to 2010, 132 strains of Enterococcus spp isolated from blood
      cultures of hospitalized patients were tested for their susceptibility to
      ampicillin, vancomycin, gentamycin (high-level resistance), erythromycin,
      chloramphenicol, teicoplanin, ciprofloxacin by disc diffusion method according to
      the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. Susceptibility
      of vancomycin resistant E. faecium to the same antibiotics and to linezolid,
      quinopristin/dalfopristin and tigecyclin was determined using VITEK system.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Resistance to vancomycin was detected in 21 (15.9%)
      Enterococcus spp strains. The percentage of resistance to other antimicrobial
      agents varied from 23. l% for chloramphenicol to 81.3% for ciproflxacin. All
      vancomycin resistant enterococci were identified as E. faecium and belonged to
      phenotype VanA. The resistance to other antibiotics was very high, except for
      linezolid and quinopristin/dalfopristin (4.7%). The high-level aminoglycoside
      resistance was 87.6% for gentamycin and 95.2% for streptomycin. All isolates were
      resistant to ampicillin, teicoplanin and ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSION: The detected
      high frequency of multidrug-resistant isolates among vancomycin resistant
      enterococci is of great importance and suggests the need for further monitoring
      of susceptibility in order to take adequate measures to prevent and control
      spreading of resistant strains.

PMID- 22097116
TI  - [Role of the chosen general practitioner in educating women on the importance of
      regular gynecological examinations].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since regular screening is the best way of preventing the
      development of cervical cancer, the objective has been set to assess the
      motivation of women to have regular gynecological examinations and to estimate
      the role of the chosen general practitioner. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was
      performed on the basis of the prospective study done at the Health Centre "Novi
      Sad" in 2009 during the systematic regular examinations carried out by general
      practitioners. RESULTS: It was found that 60.8% of the examined women had regular
      checkups; 21.5% visited their doctor once in the period of two to five years and
      4.9% had undergone the examination in a period > 10 years, whereas 1.9 women had
      never had an examination. Other examinees had occasional check-ups with various
      time laps between them. DISCUSSION: The reasons for not visiting a gynecologist
      were fear of the examination, absence of discomforts and lack of time. However,
      87.2% of the examinees visited a gynecologist after they had been advised to do
      so by their general practitioner. Gynecological finding was good in 87.6% of the
      women, 3.4% were found to have carcinoma and 8.9% had some other abnormal
      finding. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, it has been concluded
      that the chosen general practitioner has a very important role in motivating
      women to have regular gynecological examinations and in educating them on the
      risk factors for developing malignant diseases and on the possible prevention.

PMID- 22097117
TI  - Comparison of the results of treatment of humeral shaft fractures by different
      methods.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the functional results of non-operative and
      different operative techniques of managing humeral shaft fractures. The average
      follow-up was one year after the trauma in 61 patients with united fracture,
      where the initial method of treatment was the definitive one. The patients were
      divided into four groups: 22 were treated with hanging cast, 20 with
      intramedullary nails, 10 with dynamic-compressive plates and screws and 9 with
      external fixators. We estimated the presence of bone union by radiographic and
      clinical evaluation and compared the results with Constant and Mayo scores. The
      etiology of injuries was falls and traffic accidents in 87% of cases. The hanging
      cast group had the most of elbow contractures and insufficient results of
      functional scales. The plating group had lower average values of scores than
      nails, especially considering the elbow function. Among subgroups, the locked
      intramedullary nails had better results than Ender nails. The most complicated
      cases treated with Ilizarov and Mitkovic's external fixators had good results,
      especially in the treatment of open humeral shaft fractures; however, the
      rehabilitation period was longer. The best average functional results were
      recorded in the nailing group because of rigid fixation, solid callus formation
      and return to everyday activities in the shortest time.

PMID- 22097118
TI  - [Contemporary methods and mobile denture cleansers and theirs significance for
      older population].
AB  - A dramatic increase in the number of people living in their seventies, eighties
      and nineties is associated with a loss of teeth and the use of mobile dentures.
      The aim of this paper was to highlight the consequences of poor denture hygiene
      on oral and general health in vulnerable elderly people, in long-term
      hospitalized elderly patients and in long-term institutionalized elderly in
      nursing homes. DENTURE DEPOSITS AND CONSEQUENCES OF POOR DENTURE HYGIENE: The
      number of bacteria living in the mouth is getting larger after putting denture
      on. Namely, a small "space" develops between jaw and denture, creating perfect
      conditions for bacterial growth. Denture becomes a "reservoir" of micro
      organisms. Denture deposits such as bacterial plaque, fungi, tartar and remnants
      could be responsible for stomatitis prothetica, cheilitis angularis, inflammatory
      fibrous hyperplasia, halitosis (bad breath), dental caries in mobile denture
      carriers, mucositis and periimplantitis in mobile implant over-dentures carriers,
      accelerated destruction of denture materials for underlying, such as denture base
      soft liners, respiratory airways diseases, bacterial endocarditis and
      gastrointestinal infections. REMOVAL OF DENTURE DEPOSITS: It is recommendable to
      combine mechanical and chemical denture cleaning. Denture submersion into a
      commercial cleansing solution for less than one hour is an effective cleaning
      method. Commercial cleanser: specifically intended for dentures with metal parts
      should be used for those dentures. Commercial cleansers with a new component of
      silicon polymer, whose thin layer surrounds all denture surfaces and disables
      oral bacteria to agglomerate, are effective and useful. Preventive hygienic
      treatments are very important in hospitals and homes for the aged, bearing in
      mind that old and ill persons reside here. Those institutions are recommended to
      get equipped with ultrasound denture cleaners. IMPORTANCE OF WRITTEN BROCHURE ON
      PROPER DENTURE HYGIENE: Patients should be verbally instructed and showed about
      cleaning techniques, but also written instructions inform of brochure should be
      distributed in order to achieve better effects.

PMID- 22097119
TI  - [Prediction of renal dysfunction in patients with obstructive icterus].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Renal dysfunction is one of complications in patients with
      obstructive icterus. It is important to recognize it early and take adequate
      measure to prevent its occurrence. One third of the patients with obstructive
      icterus have deterioration of renal function before surgical intervention. The
      aim of the research was to assess the renal dysfunction markers in patients with
      obstructive icterus. The following factors were examined: diuresis, urinary
      sodium concentration, sodium excretory fraction, urine osmolality, osmotic
      concentration index, creatinine concentration index and renal index of lesion.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 85 patients with obstructive icterus (50
      patients before surgical intervention and 35 after surgical intervention) and 30
      patients without icterus as a control group. The patients with normal renal
      function before the development of the disease were included. RESULTS: Malignant
      etiology was present in 39 patients and benign in 46 patients of the examined
      group. The evaluation parameters (of renal function were examined in all of the
      patients. Creatinine concentration index led to the greatest change in the
      coefficient value of an internal consistency, showing that it was the best renal
      function marker in the examined group of patients with icterus. The next one was
      the urinary osmolality, since its exclusion would lead to a decrease in the value
      of Cronbach a coefficient to 0.06. Icterus and surgical intervention show
      statistically significant effects to change in the value of the markers of
      laboratory differentiation of renal function, observed as an entire set.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The examination showed that the concentration
      clearances of creatinine and urine osmolality are the parameters which point to
      the probability of renal dysfunction occurrence in obstructive icterus.

PMID- 22097120
TI  - [Non-immune hydrops fetalis--clinical experience in newborn infants].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-immune hydrops fetalis is a condition of excessive accumulation
      of extravascular fluid without identifiable circulating antibody to erythrocytes
      membrane antigens. In newborn infants it is characterized by skin oedema and
      pleural, pericardial or peritoneal effusion. In the era of routine Rh
      immunization for the prevention of foetal erythroblastosis, non-immune
      pathophysiologic mechanisms are presented in 76-87% of all hydropic newborns. Non
      immune hydrops fetalis can be associated with numerous and various disorders. The
      mortality rate may exceed 50%. This study was aimed at presenting our clinical
      experience in treating newborn infants with non-immune hydrops fetalis. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A retrospective-prospective study included newborn infants with non
      immune hydrops fetalis, who were treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of
      Mother and Child Health Institute of Serbia between January 1, 2001 and October
      31, 2010. All valid data about aetiology, diagnosis, clinical course and outcome
      were recorded. RESULTS: The diagnosis of non-immune hydrops fetalis was made in
      11 newborns. The etiologic diagnosis was established in 8 patients: anaemia due
      to fetomaternal transfusion in 4 patients and conatal cytomegalovirus infection,
      intracranial haemorrhage, isolated pulmonary lymphangiectasia and diffuse skin
      and mediastinal lymphangiomatosis in the remaining 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Non
      immune hydrops of newborn infant is associated with a high mortality rate and
      requires complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An optimal management of
      neonates with non-immune hydrops fetalis demands a multidisciplinary approach to
      the treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit.

PMID- 22097121
TI  - ["Basics of delivery" by Dr Miladin Velickovic, the first text-book on obstetrics
      in our country].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In order to establish the School of Medicine in Belgrade it was
      necessary, among other things, to prepare textbooks for undergraduate studies in
      Serbian language. Considering the gynaecology and obstetrics in general, it is
      interesting to mention that the manuscript "Basics of delivery", which may be
      considered the first textbook of obstetrics in our country, was prepared to be
      published in 1925 by Dr. Miladin Velickovic, a Head of Gynaecology Department of
      the State Hospital in Novi Sad. that is, the author who had never been engaged in
      teaching activities. BOOK REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: This text of 502 pages and 220
      pictures encompassed the teaching material in obstetrics and basics of
      neonatology in such a way that it fulfilled the void in this kind of literature
      in our milieu. Three years later, Dr. Velickovic had his book "Gynaecological
      haemorrhages and menstrual disorders" published, which was meant to assist
      medical students to study gynaecology more comprehensively. Dr. Velickovic was
      inspired to write this text by emotional reasons as well. Namely since he had
      been granted the scholarship by baroness 'Eufemija Jovic' Fund, he was sent to
      study medicine in Budapest. Without sufficient knowledge of Hungarian, he
      realized the importance of having the textbooks for medical students in their
      native language, and therefore, he did his best to achieve this vision.
      CONCLUSION: This paper includes the review of book, "Basics of delivery", which
      may be considered the first textbook of obstetrics in our country, as well as
      biographical data of Dr. Velickovic, whose personality has been gradually falling
      into oblivion.

PMID- 22097122
TI  - [Current situation and future in treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc
      protrusion with diskoscope].

PMID- 22097123
TI  - [Minimally invasive percutanuous cannulated pedicle screw system fixation for the
      treatment of thoracolumbar flexion-distraction fracture without neurologic
      impairment].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effect of percutanuous cannulated
      pedicle screw AF system fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar flexion
      distraction fracture without neurologic impairment. METHODS: From June 2008 to
      June 2010,21 patients with thoracolumbar flexion-distraction fracture were
      treated with percutanuous cannulated pedicle screw fixation. There were 16 males
      and 5 females with the mean age of 32.7 years ranging from 23 to 55 years.
      Injured levels 5 cases was in T12, 13 was in L1, 3 was in L2. According to
      classification of AO, B1 was in 13 cases, B2 was in 8 cases. ASIA grade of all
      the patients were grade E. The mean operative time, bleeding volume, lengths of
      stay were evaluated. All the patients took the X-ray and three-dimensional CT
      reconstruction to observe the fracture healing and to measure the height of the
      anterior border of fracture vertebral body and the Cobb angle of kyphosis. The
      visual analogue scales (VAS) were compared preoperation and postoperation. The
      clinical effects were analyzed according to Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) from
      10 aspects, including pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting,
      standing, sleeping, sex life, social life, traveling. RESULTS: All the operations
      were successful and the mean time was (109.0+/-16.0) min, blood loss was (90.0+/
      15.0) ml, lengths of stay was (7.7+/-2.3) d. No postoperative neurological
      deficits or wound infection occured. One case occurred subcutaneous fluid of
      incision and 1 case occurred delayed healing of incision. Fifteen patients were
      followed up with an average of 16.7 months (12-33 months). The VAS score improved
      from preoperative 8.3+/-1.7 to 1.8+/-1.2 at final follow up (P<0.05). The ODI of
      last follow-up was (10.0+/-1.2)%. Three-dimensional CT reconstructions and X-rays
      showed the height of vertebral body increased from preoperative (54.0+/-17.1)% to
      (82.7 - 3.5)% at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). Cobb angle of kyphosis
      changed from preoperative (23.0+/-13.1) to (6.9+/-5.1) degrees at 12 months after
      operation (P<0.05). The healing time of fracture was (4.7+/-0.3) months. There
      were no significant loss of vertebral height or kyphosis correction between
      postoperative 1 months and last follow-up (P>0.05). There were satisfactory
      fracture reduction and good position of internal fixation,and no loss of
      reduction within 12 months and no fixation failure in follow-up. CONCLUSION: The
      minimally invasive percutaneous cannulated pedicle screw fixation technique is
      feasible in treatment of thoracolumbar flexion-distraction fracture without
      neurologic impairment. This technique can avoid re -injury of posterior ligaments
      and bone structure, and may rebuild posterior tension band structure with the
      advantages of less trauma, less bleeding,shorter operative time, rapid
      postoperative recovery and so on.

PMID- 22097124
TI  - [Follow-up of discectomy with transforaminal endoscope through interlaminar
      approach for lumbar disc herniation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of discectomy with transforaminal endoscope
      through interlaminar approach in treating lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: From
      April 2009 to April 2010, the clinical data of 27 patients with lumbar disc
      herniation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were treated with
      discectomy by transforaminal endoscope through interlaminar approach, including
      20 males and 7 females, with an average age of 41.8 years, ranging from 21 to 69
      year; of them, 12 patients with "from inside to outside" approach and 17 patients
      with "from outside to inside" approach. All the patients were followed up.
      Clinical effect were evaluated according to Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and
      modified MacNab standard. RESULTS: The operation of one case was stopped because
      of unobvious visual field of bleeding and the one case was transferred to
      microendoscopic discectomy. Other operations of 25 cases were successful. Among
      27 patients, 20 cases were followed up from 12 to 24 months with an average of
      (18.0+/-2.5) months. The mean of ODI improved from preoperative (75.4+/-7.8)% to
      (13.0+/-20.5)% at final follow-up (P=0.000). According to modified MacNab
      standard, 7 cases obtained excellent result, 9 good, 1 fair and 3 poor. Among the
      poor outcome, one patient accepted the classical discectomy because of recurrent
      herniation of same level three months later,and the other two need take medicine.
      CONCLUSION: The discectomy with transforaminal endoscope through interlaminar
      approach for lumbar disc herniation is effective by decompress through from
      outside to inside access and from inside to outside access,the former is
      recommended to the dural sac and nerve root compressed to collateral side by huge
      protrusion and the latter is recommended to relatively smaller protrusion with
      long time conservative therapy.

PMID- 22097125
TI  - [Micro-endoscopic discectomy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in
      senile patients over seventy years old].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore applicability and therapeutic effects of Micro-endoscopic
      discectomy (MED) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in senile patients
      over seventy years old. METHODS: Thirty-two patients over seventy years old with
      lumber disc herniation were treated by MED from December 2007 to June 2010. Among
      them,20 patients were male and 12 patients were female,ranging in age from 70 to
      86 years, with an average of 78.5 years old. The course of diseases ranged from 2
      weeks to 30 years, with an average of 3.5 years. The main clinical symptoms were
      low back pain with radiating pain in lower extremities, especially under the keen
      joint. The surgical time, blood loss, complications and function recovery were
      evaluated retrospectively immediately after operation. X-ray at 1 week after
      operation was used to observe the change of physical curvature of lumbar; MRI at
      1 month after operation was used to observe the radiographic change of lumbar
      before and after treatment; MacNab standard was applied to evaluate the
      therapeutic effects at 3 months after operation. RESULTS: The mean follow up
      period was 12.5 months (from 3 to 30 months). The mean operative time was 60 min
      (from 30 to 120 min) and the mean blood loss was 45 ml (from 15 to 150 ml).
      Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in 1 case, the operation continued after
      pressing by brain cotton and without nerve root and vessels injury; 1 case
      aggravated after revive, but other patients were eased. X-ray at 1 week after
      operation showed physical curvature of lumbar of 25 patients improved; MRI at 1
      month after operation showed residue intervertebral disc and calcification tissue
      in 8 cases. Eleven patients still had numbness of limbs,but the pain and
      tenderness of limbs relieved. According to MacNab standard at 3 months after
      operation, 25 cases got an excellent result (78.1%), 6 good (18.8%) and 1 fair
      (3.1%). CONCLUSION: MED is effective for the senile patients over 70 years old
      with lumbar disc herniation and promotes ambulation earlier. MED has the
      advantage of minimal invasive, less blood loss and good clinical effects; MED is
      suitable for the patients with obvious radiating pain in lower extremities,
      especially under the keen joint and combine with mild spinal stenosis and root
      stenosis.

PMID- 22097126
TI  - [Treatment of lumbar disc herniation combine with buttock tender node with
      Pizhen].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of Pizhen in treating lumbar disc
      herniation combined with buttock tender node. METHODS: From August 2009 to
      February 2010,83 patients (29 males and 54 females) with lumbar disc herniation
      combined with buttock tender node were randomly divided into the Pizhen group and
      acupuncture group. Pizhen group were treated with Pizhen manipulation, inserting
      needle by vertical prick with quacking inserting and quick withdrawing the
      needle, no rotating and the depth was through the surface of fascia, two times as
      a course of treatment; acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture, inserting
      Ashi-point, retaining the needle 20 min, ten times as a course of treatment. VAS
      scoring at the end of treatment and B ultrasonic image at 3d after treatment was
      carried out to observe the therapeutic effects. RESULTS: B ultrasonic image of
      buttock tender node showed inflammation reaction or ellipse. The width of the
      inflammation reaction decreased after treatment, but there has no statistical
      significance (P=0.635). There was no significant difference between two groups
      (P=0.813). CONCLUSION: Pizhen manipulation is better than acupuncture. B
      ultrasonic image gives morphological performance of buttock tender node, the
      content is inflammatory infiltrates. B ultrasound has certainly significance in
      diagnosing, treating and evaluating the clinical effect of Pizhen manipulation on
      treating buttock tender node.

PMID- 22097127
TI  - [Micro-decompression procedure for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with
      multilevel].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical application results of the micro
      decompression procedure for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with
      multilevel. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2008, 40 patients with lumbar
      spinal stenosis with multilevel were treated by micro-decompression procedure.
      There were 28 males and 12 females, ranging in ages from 55 to 80 years,with an
      average of 58 years. The course of this disease ranged from 18 months to 12
      years,averaged 32 months. Forty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with
      multilevel were diagnosed by CT or MRI examination. There were 20 cases with two
      levels stenosis (L4,5 and L5S1), 15 cases with three levels stenosis (L3,4, L4,5
      and L5S1), and 5 cases with four levels stenosis (L2,3, L3,4, L4,5 and L5S1). The
      therapeutic effects were evaluated according MacNab standard in aspect of pain,
      bladder function, range of lumbar spine motion and muscle strength of lower limb.
      RESULTS: All of the incisions healed without infections and complications. The
      mean operation time of each side was 70 minutes (ranged from 50 to 90 minutes),
      and mean blood loss was 150 ml (ranged from 90 to 200 ml). All the patients were
      followed up from 22 to 52 months with an average of 26 months. According to
      MacNab standard, 28 cases got an excellent result, 10 good and 2 poor.
      CONCLUSION: Operative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis with multilevel should
      focus on the symptom sites causing by neural compression and preventive
      decompression operations are not necessary for nonsymptomatic sites. The micro
      decompression procedure can be easily tolerated by older patients;it can decrease
      the damage to the posterior stabilizing structures of the lumbar spine. It is
      easily to access to spinal canal and decompress the nerve roots.

PMID- 22097128
TI  - [Clinical analysis of CT guided unilateral PVP for the treatment of osteoporotic
      vertebral compression fracture in senile patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and security of CT guided
      unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for the treatment of osteoporotic
      vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in senile patients. METHODS: From April
      2009 to June 2010, 26 patients undergoing CT guided unilateral percutaneous
      vertebroplasty were analyzed retrospectively. There were 9 males and 17
      females,ranging in age from 60 to 85 years with an average of (67.50+/-6.76)
      years, ranging in course of disease from 2 to 30 days with an average of (8.92+/
      4.36) d. The affected segments involved 35 vertebras. The major clinical
      manifestations of OVCF were lumbar-back pain (especially when turning over or
      stooping down) and unable to bear. The needle was punctured into vertebral of
      lesions through unilateral puncture under the CT guidance; and then 3-5 ml bone
      cement was injected into vertebral. Antibiotic was used 3 days to prevent
      postoperative infections. Postoperative complications were observed after
      operation, such as local leakage of bone cement, penetrating spinal cord and/or
      segmental spinal nerve injuries and pulmonary embolism. X-ray was used to measure
      the height of anterior, middle and exterior of vertebral before and after
      treatment. A visual analog scale (VAS) scoring was applied to evaluate pain score
      preoperative, 48 hours postoperative and the terminal follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty
      six patients achieved success in punctuation without serious complications. Local
      leakage of bone cement occurred in 6 cases, but without clinical symptoms or
      signs. One patient suffered from acute intraoperative reactions to bone cement
      and relieved by 5 mg dexamethasone and oxygen. All patients were followed up for
      6 to 12 months [averaged (8.4+/-1.6) months]. The postoperative vertebrae height
      was higher than preoperative,but there was no statistical difference between
      postoperative and preoperative (P>0.05). Preoperative VAS scores was 7.63+/-0.92,
      postoperative score was 3.00+/-1.09, the final follow-up score was 2.38+/-1.17;
      there was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative at 48
      hours (P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference between final follow-up
      and postoperative at 48 hours (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Unilateral PVP under CT
      guided can increase the vertebral strength and stabilize vertebral body,and the
      procedure is a safe and effective method for OVCF in elderly patients.

PMID- 22097129
TI  - [Treatment of the 3rd lumbar vertebrae transverse process syndrome with spatula].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application and clinical effects of spatula for the
      treatment of the 3rd lumbar vertebrae transverse process syndrome. METHODS: From
      December 2009 to October 2010, 38 patients with the 3rd lumbar vertebrae
      transverse process syndrome were treated by spatula, of them, 33 patients were
      follow-up. Among the patients,19 cases were male and 14 cases were female,with an
      average age of (37.6+/-7.8) years (ranged from 28 to 58 years). The course of
      this diseases ranged from 10 days to 14 months with an average of (126.9+/-14.7)
      days. The main symptoms of the patients including unilateral lumbar pain, lateral
      bend waist limitation,the ache became even worse after exertion or prolonged
      sitting and radiated to the affected side of thigh and popliteal fossa,but the
      pain never exceed knee joint. The tenderness at the tip of the 3rd lumbar
      vertebrae was obviously and the contract muscle bundle could be touched. The X
      rays showed the two sides of the transverse were asymmetric. CT or MRI was used
      to exclude spinal stenosis,tumor,and intervertebral disk hernia. Spatula was
      applied for sow discord and solution accretion, and injected compound medicine
      (0.2% Lidocaine 3 ml, Triamcinolone acetonide 5 ml, add 0.9% physiological
      sailine 2 ml to 10 ml). If the symptoms did not improved after the first
      treatment, start the second treatment one week later, but it was not more than
      three times. According to the standard of JOA score, the effects before and after
      treatment were evaluated by low back pain, leg pain or numbness, gait, Straight
      Leg Raising test, sensory and movement disorder,bladder function test. RESULTS:
      Thirty-three patients were followed up for 2-12 months with an average of 4
      months. All of the incisions were healed without complications. The clinical
      symptoms were improved and 22 cases were treated once, 7 cases twice and 4 cases
      3 times. According to JOA evaluation criteria,the score before and after
      treatment was increased from (7.03+/-3.81) to (13.29+/-3.78), and 26 cases got
      excellent result, 5 good, 2 fair. CONCLUSION: 3rd lumbar vertebrae transverse
      process syndrome is one of the indications of the spatula. If the diagnose is
      correct, lesions position precisely located and operation performed properly, the
      treatment by spatula showed confirmed therapeutic effects, low complication and
      high safety.

PMID- 22097130
TI  - [Problems and solutions in minimally invasive process of posterior discectomy for
      lumbar disc herniation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the problems and complications of posterior discectomy for
      lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2010, 497 patients
      with lumbar disc herniation were treated by posterior discectomy, which data were
      analyzed retrospectively. There were 395 males and 102 females,ranging in age
      from 20 to 78 years with an average of 43.7 years. Among them, 405 cases were in
      single gap, 86 cases were in double gaps and 6 cases were in three gaps. The
      complication of operation and solution was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean operative
      time was 70 min (from 45 to 210 min), and the mean hospitalization was 10 d (from
      5 to 20 d). Forty-seven cases suffered operative complications. There were 16
      cases of wrong location of segments (14 cases occurred in operation and 2
      occurred after operation), 15 cases of less alleviation or aggravation of nerve
      symptoms (12 cases were poor alleviation and 3 cases were aggravation), 10 cases
      of urinary retention, 5 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 1 case of
      infection. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive process of posterior discectomy in
      treating lumbar disc herniation may complicate with many problems. The operative
      effects can be improved and the complication can be decreased if the ability of
      location is improved,surgical indications is correct and the operation is exactly
      performed.

PMID- 22097131
TI  - [Effective analysis of percutaneous reduction and Kirschner pin fixation for the
      treatment of intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To introduce and evaluate the clinical effects of percutaneous
      reduction and Kirschner pin fixation for the treatment of intraarticular
      fractures of the calcaneus in children. METHODS: From March 2001 to February
      2009,12 patients with intraarticular calcaneal fractures were treated by
      percutaneous reduction and Kirschner pin fixation (13 feet). There were 8 males
      and 4 females,ranging in age from 3 to 14,with an average of 8.7 years. According
      to Essex-Lopresti classification, among 5 feet were tongue fractures and 8 feet
      were compressed fractures. According to Sanders classification, 9 feet were type
      II and 4 feet were type III. The Biihler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus
      were obtained before and after operation. All patients were evaluated according
      to Maryland Foot Score. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 16-71
      months (means 35.9 months),and all the incisions were healed without
      complications and infection. The preoperative X-ray film showed that Bohler angle
      was (19.7+/-5.3) degrees, Gissane angle was (137.3+/-7.5) degrees. The
      postoperative X-ray film demonstrated that Bohler angle was (32.6+/-3.7) degrees,
      Gissane angle was (125.4+/-2.9) degrees. There was a significant difference
      between preoperative and postoperative (P<0.01). The average Maryland score was
      96.3+/-2.4 (range, 92 to 100 points). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous reduction and
      Kirschner pin fixation is an effective minimally invasive way to treat
      intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus in children, it has many advantages
      such as minimal invasion, reliable fixation and satisfactory effects.

PMID- 22097132
TI  - [Experimental study of ectopic bone formation of engineered bone constructs under
      the periosteum of New-Zealand rabbits].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of ectopic bone formation for engineered bone
      constructs with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). METHODS: BMSCs were obtained
      from 3-month female New-Zealand rabbits with weight of 3 kg, induced to
      osteogenitor cell, were expanded by culture and then seeded into the porous beta
      tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) particles. Engineered bone constructs were
      implanted under the periostem of rabbit femur. Samples were retrieved and examed
      after 3 months. Blood vessels and osteoblast were examined through optical
      microscope. RESULTS: Twelve implanted engineered bone particles of 16 samples
      were fixed well under periosteum and rounded by periosteum. There were a lot of
      vessels and new bone in engineered bone. The structure of bone was disorder; the
      vessels arranged equally. Four cases found implanted bone freed outside of
      periosteum,lots of implanted material were absorbed,the volume of residual was
      less than osteogenesis, and lack of blood vessel. 80% engineered bone constructs
      attached to the femur under the periostem very well,osteogenesis was fine and
      vessels were growed into new bone. CONCLUSION: Engineered bone can obtained good
      ectopic bone under the periostem.

PMID- 22097133
TI  - [Effects of different concentrations of gubishu containing serum on the
      proliferation of rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro culture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Gubishu
      containing serum on the proliferation of rabbit articular chondrocytes cultured
      in vitro. METHODS: Articular chondrocytes were obtained from the cartilage of 1
      month rabbit and cultured in vitro. They were randomly divided into 8
      groups,blank and Gubishu groups in different concentrations (5%, 10%,15%, 20%),
      MTT assay method was adopted to observe the influence of Gubishu containing serum
      with different concentrations to the proliferation of chondrocytes after
      incubated 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days. RESULTS: The proliferation of chondrocytes was
      dependent on the concentration in Gubishu groups. At same time point,there was
      significant value between every groups, 20% concentration was greatest (P<0.05);
      There was significant differences between 5%, 10% and 20% concentration of the
      blank groups at same time point (P<0.05), and was not between 15% and 20%
      concentration at the 1, 3, 5 and 7 days (P>0.05), 20% concentration of the blank
      group was greatest. 20% concentrations of Gubishu containing serum was
      significantly greater than 20% concentrations of blank group at the 1, 3, 5 and 7
      days (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 20% concentrations of Gubishu containing serum can
      significantly increase the proliferation of chondrocytes, and bring the
      logarithmic growth period forward to the 3 day.

PMID- 22097134
TI  - [Treatment of forearm double fracture with manipulative reduction and hard paper
      splints].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects and complications of manipulative
      reduction and hard paper splints in treating forearm double fracture. METHODS:
      From November 2005 to December 2010,38 patients with forearm double fracture were
      treated with manipulative reduction and hard paper splints immobilization,
      including 26 males and 12 females, aged from 18 to 66 years (averaged 28 years).
      The time from injury to manipulation was 20 min to 2 d with an average of 8
      hours. Before treatment, the patients manifested swelling, pain,
      deformity,abnormal activity of injured limbs, dysfunction of elbow and wrist
      extension-flexion and forearm supination-pronation; X-rays showed fractures
      occurred in radius and ulna. Fracture healing, flexion function of elbow and
      wrist, supination-pronation function of forearm were used to evaluated the
      therapeutic effects. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration
      ranged from 3 to 8 months,with a mean of 5.7 months. According to Anderson grade
      criterion of forearm fractures, 33 cases were excellent and fracture healing,
      which loss of elbow or wrist flexion and extension ranging <10% and forearm
      rotation <25%; 5 cases were good and fracture healing,which loss of elbow or
      wrist flexion and extension ranging <20% and forearm rotation loss <50%; there
      was no dissatisfactory or failure cases. CONCLUSION: This method makes the
      fixation firmly, safely and utility, prevents the sore of pressing and necrosis,
      and worths further clinical applications.

PMID- 22097135
TI  - [T3, T4 pathologic fracture with incompletely paralysis caused by Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis: a case report].

PMID- 22097136
TI  - [Treatment of high-pressure paint injection injuries of hand with debridement
      combined with vacuum sealing drainage technique].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of debridement combined with vacuum sealing
      drainage (VSD) technique in treatment of high-pressure paint injection injuries
      of hand. METHODS: From April 2005 to August 2010,14 patients with high-pressure
      paint injection injuries of hand were treated with debridement and VSD technique
      within 6 hours after injury. All the patients were male,ranging in age from 23 to
      47 years with an average of 36.5 years. All injuries occurred left hand,thumb
      injured in 5 cases,index finger in 3 cases, middle finger in 2 cases and palm in
      4 cases. Injured hands swelled obviously with poor blood circulation. When the
      wounds were covered with fresh granulation tissue without inflammatory effusion
      after operation of 3-4 times, the skingrafting (9 cases) or transfer flap (5
      cases) were done on the wounds. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up from 8
      to 16 months with an average of 12 months. All the wounds obtained good healing.
      Therapeutic effects were estimated according to TAM criteria, 7 cases were
      excellent,6 good and 1 fair. CONCLUSION: In high-pressure paint injection
      injuries of hands,debridement combined with VSD technique can avoid wound
      infection,promote the growth of granulation tissue. It is beneficial to wound
      healing.

PMID- 22097137
TI  - [Observation of CT three-dimensional reconstruction in the treatment of standard
      manipulation for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the morphological change of prominence through CT three
      dimensional reconstruction before and after manipulative treatment and in order
      to investigate biomechanical effect of manipulation in treating lumbar
      intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). METHODS: From December 2009 to May 2010,
      24 patients with LIDH (32 herniated discs) with the unilateral typing,which were
      treated with manipulation (on alternate day one time and every time about 20 min,
      3 weeks as a course of treatment). There were 10 males and 14 females, ranging in
      age from 25 to 54 years with an average of 36.2 years, in course of disease from
      2 days to 10 years with an average of 6.9 years. Protrusible 12 discs were in
      L4,5 and 20 discs were in L5S1. According to typing of distance between
      prominence and zygapophysial joint or vertebral plate (ligamentum flavum), 5
      cases were type I, 13 cases were type II and 6 cases were type III. After a
      course of treatment,the morphological changes of prominences were analyzed in the
      same level of CT three-dimensional reconstruction, including contour map of nerve
      root sheath side distance (TD), the distance between prominence and zygapophysial
      joint or vertebral plate (ligamentum flavum), the deviated angle of prominence
      (AN value) and the sagittal index (SI value). RESULTS: From the contour map of
      TD, 19 patients (79.2% of the total) can be identified morphological changes
      after the treatment; from the distance between prominence and zygapophysial joint
      or vertebral plate (ligamentum flavum), 7 cases with type II turned into type I
      and 2 cases with type III turned into type II after treatment; AN value increased
      after treatment (P<0.05),it showed prominence occurred morphological change
      toward deviated direction of intervertebral foramina; there was no significant
      difference in SI value between before and after treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Standard manipulation can make prominence change, the prominence and nerve roots
      release, and mutual position improve,which can provide imaging evidence for the
      study in biomechanical effects.

PMID- 22097138
TI  - [Clinical study on the prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip
      arthroplasty by Xiaozhong Zhitong].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of Xiaozhong Zhitong mixture
      preventing heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS:
      From July 2006 to October 2009, 154 patients underwent total hip replacement
      surgery were randomly divided into sham group (group A, 50 cases), indomethacin
      group (group B, 55 cases) and Xiaozhong Zhitong mixture group (group C, 49
      cases). Among 154 patients, 9 cases were primary osteoarthris, 34 cases
      osteoarthritis secondary to acetabular dysplasia, 98 cases osteoarthritis
      secondary to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, 2 cases rheumatoid
      arthritis, 5 cases femoral neck fracture, 6 cases other diseases. Modified Gibson
      approach was used during the operation. After operation, group A was no
      preventing treatment, group B was treated by indomethacin 50 mg every time, twice
      a day; group C was treated by Xiaozhong Zhitong mixture 50 ml every time, twice a
      day for 4 weeks. Eighteen months after operation was study termination point and
      X-ray (including the double hip anteroposterior,obturator oblique and iliac
      oblique film) was used to observe whether heterotopic ossification was formed
      (Brooker classification was used to evaluate ossification degree); Harris scoring
      was used to evaluate the function of hip joint,including PAHSS 80 scores and
      IAHSS 20 scores. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up,with the average of
      duration of 21.2 months. The condition of heterotopic ossification: for group
      A,there were 27 cases with heterotopic ossification(54%) ,and Brooker I in 8
      cases, II in 9 cases, III in 8 cases and IVin 2 cases; for group B, there were 12
      cases heterotopic ossification (21.82%), and Brooker I in 10 cases, II in 2
      cases; for group C, there were 11 cases heterotopic ossification(22.45%), and
      Brooker I in 9 cases, I in 2 cases. There was significant difference among three
      group in heterotopic ossification by rank test (P<0.05), but no difference
      between group B and C (P>0.05); there were no significant difference among three
      groups before treatment in Harris, PAHSS and IAHSS by analysis of variance (one
      way ANOVA) (P>0.05), and has significant difference at 18 months after treatment
      (P<0.01). There were significant difference in Harris, PAHSS and IAHSS before and
      after treatment at 18 months (P<0.01). LSD-t was used to analyzed the scoring of
      Harris, PAHSS and IAHSS, there was significant difference among group A and group
      B and group C (P>0.05), but no difference between group B and C (P<0.01). There
      were gastrointestinal reaction in 5 of group A, 35 in group B and 4 in group C.
      CONCLUSION: The effect of Xiaozhong Zhitong mixture on the prevention of
      heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty is similar to indomethacin,
      but Xiaozhong Zhitong mixture has the advantages of less side effects and easily
      acceptance by patients.

PMID- 22097139
TI  - [Thinking on conception and name of the "subluxation"].
AB  - "Subluxation" is the core of pathological conception of spinal injuries treated
      by spinal manipulation. The conception of "Subluxation" not only includes changes
      of joint anatomy,but also emphasizes on joint dysfunction which is caused by
      changes of the anatomical position. The name of "Subluxation" in manual medicine
      is the same as modern medicine,but the content is obviously different.
      Nonetheless, it would be confused and not reflect the characteristics of manual
      practices. So we can consider changing the name of "Subluxation" in manual
      medicine into "Yatuowei".

PMID- 22097140
TI  - [Anterior-posterior operation with posteriorly limited fixation for the
      irreducible old dislocation of the inferior cervical vertebra combined with tiny
      joint interlocking].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcome and application value of single
      stage circumferential surgery for irreducible old dislocation of the inferior
      cervical vertebra combined with tiny joint interlocking. METHODS: From Mar. 2004
      to Aug. 2010,18 patients with old dislocation of the inferior cervical vertebra,
      in which 16 showed double joint interlocking and the others 2 showed single by
      the three dimensional CT scan. MRI showed that all patients had intervertebral
      disc injury including intervertebral disc rupture (9 cases), intervertebral disc
      herniation (2 cases) and the fracture of inferior cervical vertebra accompanying
      with intervertebral disc rupture (7 cases). All patients were treated with
      anterior-posterior operation with posteriorly limited fixation. Stability and
      fusion rate of injury segment were observe by X-ray and CT scan;function of
      spinal cord was assessed by Frankel grade criteria. RESULTS: All patients were
      followed up from 6 to 12 months with an average of 8.6 months. Dislocation of
      cervical vertebra got complete reduction and all grafts got fusion. There was no
      complication of internal fixation breakage, loosening ,displacement and there was
      no injury of blood vessel, nerve, esophagus during the operation. No function of
      spinal cord got worse after operation and the function improved by 1.2 grades in
      average in Frankel grade. CONCLUSION: Single stage circumferential surgery in
      treating irreducibly old dislocation of inferior cervical vertebra combined with
      tiny joint interlocking can complete recover the sequence of the cervical
      vertebra and relieve the compression of spinal cord and can obtain postoperative
      immediate stability for injury segment and will not aggravate the injury of the
      spinal cord and may create beneficial condition for functional recovery of the
      spinal cord.

PMID- 22097141
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of tarsometatarsal joint complex injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnosis and treatment of tarsometatarsal joint
      complex injury (TJC). METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2009,16 patients with
      tarsometatarsal joint complex injury were treated with open reduction and
      internal fixation. There were 12 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 21 to
      45 years with an average of 34.1 years. Seven cases were left and 9 cases were
      right and all injuries caused by direct violence. Four cases caused by traffic
      accident 5 by fall from high and 7 by crush injury. Intercuneiform dislocation
      were in 11 cases, naviculocuneiform joint dislocation in 3 cases and cuboid
      fracture in 2 cases. All the cases were three column injuries. According to the
      situation of exploring and the stability, screw fixation was used for intertarsal
      joint, internal and middle column tarsometatarsal joint, the Kirschner wire
      fixation for external column and miniature plate fixation for comminuted fracture
      of metatarsal bones and compressible fracture of cuboid. The criteria of the
      AOFAS Foot and Ankle Surgery by the United States Association of ankle-rear foot
      functional scale was used to evaluate the clinical effect. RESULTS: All the
      patients were followed up,the duration ranged from 6 to 18 months(averaged 12.6
      months). According to the score system of AOFAS,the total score was (74.6+/-10.4
      ) points, including pain items of (29.3+/-5.9), the score of functional items of
      (32.4+/-5.6) points, and power lines of (12.9+/-2.6). All the incisions were
      primarily healed without infection, skin necrosis,fixture broken or loosen. Three
      cases received arthrodesis due to osteoarthritis. Four cases were followed up
      continually because they only had the radiologic osteoarthritis without pain.
      CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction and stable fixation is the key point of the
      treatment of tarsometatarsal joint complex injury. Open reduction and internal
      fixation at the first stage is good for secondary arthrodesis.

PMID- 22097142
TI  - [The causes and preventive methods of misdiagnosis on wrist scaphoid bone
      fracture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analysis the curative effect of wrist scaphoid bone
      fracture,and explore the causes and preventive methods of misdiagnosis. METHODS:
      From September 2007 to September 2010,16 patients with wrist scaphoid bone
      fractures were treated with plaster cast and cannulated screws fixation. There
      were 10 males and 6 females,ranging in age from 26 to 44 years with an average of
      35 years. Among them, 12 cases manifested swelling pain of radial lateral wrist,
      tenderness at snuffbox area, wrist pain aggravated when stretching wrist joint,
      thumb or forefinger; 4 cases manifested no obviously symptoms and limited
      movement; 9 cases were early diagnosed; 5 cases were treated by plaster cast; 4
      cases were treated with cannulated screws fixation; Among 7 cases with
      misdiagnosis, there were 4 cases without obvious symptoms and they were dealt
      with activating blood to dissipate swelling and pain process in preliminary
      stage. Four cases were treated with plaster cast and 3 cases with cannulated
      screws fixation. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up from 3 months to 39
      months (averaged 21 months). Among 16 patients, 9 cases were early diagnosis, 7
      cases were misdiagnosis and the rate of misdiagnosis was 43.8%. Seven cases with
      screws fixation were no wound infection. There was 1 case with occurred chronic
      pain and declining wrist mobility in both plaster cast and screw group, and both
      of them were misdiagnosed. According to curative effect rating criteria,these 2
      cases were classified into moderate, other 14 cases were excellent. CONCLUSION:
      Wrist scaphoid bone fracture are easy to misdiagnose, so early diagnosis and
      treatment is particularly important. The main causes of misdiagnosis are
      nonspecific symptoms at early stage, combination with other injuries, lack of
      knowledge and ignorance of the further examination. Therefore, detailed inquiries
      and particular examination, multi-dimensional radiography and CT scan or MRI scan
      are the main measures for prevention.

PMID- 22097143
TI  - [Herbert screw fixation for the treatment of capitulum radius fracture: a report
      of 15 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the short-term therapeutic effects of Herbert screw
      fixation on type Mason II, Ill radial head fractures. METHODS: From March 2008 to
      July 2010,15 patients with Mason II, III radial head fractures were treated by
      open reduction and Herbert screw fixation including 6 males and 9 females with
      the mean age of 32 years (from 18 to 55). Seven cases were left and 8 cases were
      right. The interval from injury to hospitalization ranged from 3 to 10 hours. The
      clinical symptoms were swelling, pain, restricted movement in elbow. Bonycrepitus
      were heard on the elbow joint and X-ray film showed radial head fractures. Mayo
      elbow scoring system was used to evaluate recovery of elbow function. RESULTS:
      All the incisions primarily healed without myositis ossificans. All the patients
      were followed up for 6 to 15 months. According to Mayo elbow score, the result
      was excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 2 cases. Mayo score was
      (86.67+/-1.26) points, which including pain (53.33+/-9.76), joint
      function(27.33+/-4.58), joint stability(6.00+/-2.07) elbow joint mobility was 70
      degrees-130 degrees with the average of (105+/-10) degrees, forearm rotation was
      1000-1300 with the average of (120+/-16) degrees. CONCLUSION: Treatment of Mason
      II, II radial head fractures with Herbert screw fixation has advantages of
      satisfactory reduction, reliable fixation,easy operating and early movement of
      joint.

PMID- 22097144
TI  - [Surgical treatment for multiple thoracolumbar fractures through posterior
      approach].

PMID- 22097145
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of scapula fractures].
AB  - Scapula fractures are rare and frequently occur secondary to high-energy trauma.
      Ninety percent of patients are often accompied with other potentially life
      threatening injuries. Diagnosis of scapula fractures are often overlooked for the
      heavy injuries during the first diagnosing. Most patients can get satisfactory
      outcome by conservative treatment. However,the operative intervention should be
      considered for the patients who have displaced or intra-articular fracture in
      order to accelerat fracture healing and improve functional recovery. In this
      paper,we reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of scapula fractures.

PMID- 22097146
TI  - [Application of collagen hydrogel in cartilage tissue engineering].
AB  - Articular osteocartilage injury caused by trauma or bone disease is very common
      in clinical practices,the proportion of cartilage defects reached 40.31%. As the
      low self healing abilities of articular cartilage, the technology of tissue
      engineering becomes a new method to treat articular cartilage injuries with
      regenerative medicine. Scaffolds can be divided into preformed and hydrogel
      scaffolds according to properties. The traditional graft of pre-formed scaffold
      will bring the secondary injury to the cartilage around the defect, and the loose
      graft intergration with the defect surface is still a problem. Repairing
      irregular articular cartilage defects with ideal biomimic materials on the basis
      of avoiding secondary damage will become a main issue. The method of minimally
      invasive injecting, biomimics, and in situ remodeling brings hope to articular
      cartilage repairing. Below is a summary of the international and domestics
      reference data of recent years on collagen hydrogel in cartilage tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 22097147
TI  - Local injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) and angiolytic KTP laser treatment of
      recurrent respiratory papillomatosis of the vocal folds: a prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Photoangiolytic laser treatment of recurrent respiratory
      papillomatosis (RRP) is effective, but does not reliably prevent recurrence.
      Therefore, sublesional injections of the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab
      (Avastin) were given to assess the adjunctive effect on disease recurrence. Since
      bevacizumab is a new therapeutic modality for RRP, there were also primary safety
      objectives to determine whether there was a pegative impact on the voice and
      whether there were local or systemic complications. METHODS: A prospective open
      label investigation was conducted in 20 adult patients with bilateral vocal fold
      RRP. The patients underwent planned 532-nm pulsed KTP laser photoangiolysis of
      bilateral glottal disease 4 times with an approximately 6-week interval between
      procedures. At each planned laser procedure, the vocal fold that on initial
      presentation had a greater volume of disease also underwent 4 serial sublesional
      bevacizumab injections (7.5 to 12.5 mg in 0.3 to 0.5 mL). A sham injection with
      saline solution was administered to the other vocal fold as a control. Disease
      resolution was compared between subjects' vocal folds, and objective measures of
      vocal function (acoustic, aerodynamic), as well as patients' self-assessments of
      vocal function (Voice-Related Quality of Life survey), were obtained. RESULTS:
      All 20 patients completed the study, and there were no local or systemic
      complications. After 4 injections, 3 of the 20 patients had no discernible
      disease in either vocal fold. Of the remaining 17 subjects, 16 had less disease
      in the bevacizumab-treated vocal fold despite starting with more disease. Only 1
      of the 17 had more disease in the bevacizumab-treated vocal fold after 4
      injections. Moreover, 7 of the 20 patients (35%) did not require a laser
      procedure in the vocal fold that had received 4 bevacizumab injections, as
      compared with 3 of the 20 vocal folds (15%) that were treated with laser alone.
      All of the vocal function measures displayed statistically significant
      posttreatment improvements, except for average fundamental frequency in the 3
      female patients, in whom it fell below the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: This
      prospective investigation provided evidence that bevacizumab injections enhanced
      KTP laser treatment of glottal papillomatosis without systemic or local
      complications. Coupling the antiangiogenesis agent bevacizumab with KTP laser
      photoangiolysis is conceptually synergistic and scientifically promising since
      the mechanisms of action are complementary.

PMID- 22097148
TI  - Validity and efficacy of a pediatric airway foreign body training course in
      resident education.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the validity and efficacy of a pediatric airway foreign
      body simulation for otolaryngology resident training. METHODS: We created a
      course using a high-fidelity toddler mannequin designed to instruct and evaluate
      otolaryngology residents in pediatric airway foreign body management. Seven
      junior and 5 senior residents participated. Their performance was evaluated by 2
      observers using an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS)
      instrument. RESULTS: By the third trial, all junior and senior residents scored a
      proficiency level of "independent without errors" or "independent and efficient,"
      and the performance of the junior residents was not different from that of the
      senior residents. After completing the course, the junior residents self-rated
      their abilities as commensurate with those of a senior resident, and senior
      residents rated themselves capable of performing foreign body extraction without
      supervision. All participants felt that the course and simulator had good overall
      realism and a realistic feel, demonstrating face validity. Perhaps most
      importantly, the residents' highest ratings were for "facilitated management of
      complications" and "facilitated working with the operating room team"--areas
      difficult to teach during live surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This pediatric
      airway foreign body course using a high-fidelity simulator has face and construct
      validity, and results in statistically improved performance and self-evaluation
      of all participants.

PMID- 22097149
TI  - Investigation of fatigue, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and spectral-based
      cepstral measurements in healthy speakers after neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We observed whether 30 minutes of neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation applied to the necks of healthy speakers would result in significant
      acoustic changes and perceptions of fatigue and/or delayed-onset muscle soreness
      (DOMS). METHODS: Twelve participants were assigned to experimental (n=6; 3 male
      and 3 female) and control groups (n=6; 3 male and 3 female). Neuromuscular
      electrical stimulation was applied to the anterior neck in the experimental group
      only. All participants produced 3 trials of the vowel /a/ and the Rainbow Passage
      before and after completing a 30-minute phonation protocol. Recorded samples were
      analyzed for measures of the cepstral peak prominence, the ratio of low- to high
      frequency spectral energy, and their respective standard deviations. Perceptions
      of fatigue and DOMS were rated on visual analog scales before, 5 minutes after,
      and 24 hours after completion of the phonation protocol. RESULTS: Statistically
      significant acoustic findings reflecting reduced relative sound pressure level,
      increased high-frequency noise, and phonatory instability were observed in the
      experimental group. In addition, reports of fatigue and DOMS were also reported
      by some participants. CONCLUSIONS: A 30-minute dosage may be too high for some
      people experiencing neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the first time.

PMID- 22097150
TI  - HSP70 antibodies in 80 patients with "clinically certain" Meniere's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We tested the claim that a significant proportion of patients with
      Meniere's disease have antibodies to heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) antigen, which
      may lead to defective endolymphatic sac function and vertigo attacks. METHODS:
      Serum samples were taken from 80 subjects with a "certain" diagnosis of Meniere's
      disease (American Academy criteria plus electrocochleographic confirmation of
      endolymphatic hydrops with tone burst stimuli) and were tested for HSP70
      antibodies with the OTOblot (hsp70) Western blot assay. The response was recorded
      as negative, positive, or equivocal. Samples from 80 sex- and age-matched blood
      donors were used as controls. RESULTS: Of 80 patients with "clinically certain"
      Meniere's disease, 14 were positive for HSP70 antibodies or equivocal; of 80
      controls, 10 were positive or equivocal. There was no significant difference
      (p=0.239). There was no correlation with bilateral disease, "activity" of
      Meniere's disease, or stage of Meniere's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an
      unequivocal diagnosis of Meniere's disease do not have a significantly raised
      incidence of HSP70 antibodies.

PMID- 22097151
TI  - Computed tomography-based exploration of infundibular anatomy for maxillary sinus
      balloon dilation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A clinically relevant reconstruction of the ethmoid infundibulum and
      maxillary sinus ostium was developed to use 3-dimensional computed tomographic
      (CT) imaging technology and measurement software in an effort to better
      understand the anatomy of the maxillary sinus ostium and to optimize the
      maxillary sinus balloon dilation technique. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      performed of reconstructed high-resolution CT scans of patients from a private
      otolaryngology practice who underwent imaging for evaluation of sinus disease
      using multiplanar reconstruction software. The CT scans were retrospectively
      obtained from patients who presented for evaluation of chronic sinus disease and
      were analyzed with quantitative multiplanar reconstruction software that allowed
      measurements to be computed in clinically meaningful planes. RESULTS: Data were
      obtained from 31 sinuses on 18 CT scans. The mean anteroposterior distance from
      the guidewire exit to the maxillary ostium was 3.5 mm, and the mean optimal guide
      trajectory ("clocking") angle was 17.50 from the pure axialplane (95% confidence
      interval, 12.58 degrees to 22.48 degrees). The curvilinear guidewire travel
      distance was 6.9 mm from the guidewire exit to the ostial entry. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study reveals specific anatomic information that is applicable to the
      technique of transnasal maxillary sinus balloon catheter dilation. The data
      collected allow surgeons to anticipate the direction in which a guidewire must be
      manipulated in order to correctly enter the maxillary ostium. According to the
      data, a gentle anterior retraction of the uncinate process and a starting guide
      orientation 180 from pure lateral will best facilitate maxillary sinus ostial
      access. Application of the readily available software used for this study affords
      the opportunity to predict the location of the natural ostium within the
      infundibulum before operation and customize the technique to each specific
      patient.

PMID- 22097152
TI  - Effect of fibrin glue on collagen deposition after autologous fascia grafting in
      rabbit vocal folds.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Fibrin glue (FG) is a reaction product of fibrinogen and thrombin
      that forms a fibrin clot responsible for tissue adhesion. However, FG and its
      components may interfere with wound healing by interacting with cytokines such as
      transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The objective of this study was to
      investigate the effect of FG on collagen deposition after fascia grafting in the
      vocal folds of rabbits. METHODS: Eighteen rabbits underwent autologous fascia
      grafting in both vocal folds, and the left side was fixed with FG. Each animal
      was painlessly sacrificed after 7, 30, or 90 days. The larynx was removed, and
      the vocal folds were prepared for histomorphometric analysis by picrosirius red
      staining to evaluate collagen deposition around the graft. RESULTS: There was a
      significant increase in collagen density around the grafts at 90 days in the
      vocal folds that were fixed with FG (p=0.0102) compared with the control vocal
      folds. CONCLUSIONS: Application of FG altered collagen deposition around the
      fascia grafts, leading to significantly increased collagen density after 90 days.
      Differences found in the composition of the extracellular matrix in later stages
      of the healing process are a result of changes that occur in the beginning of
      this process. Therapeutic interventions, such as the use of FG and/or its
      components, performed in the early stages of wound healing may interfere with the
      complex interactions of fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and cytokines
      (especially TGF-beta), thereby modulating the healing process.

PMID- 22097153
TI  - Effect of altered core body temperature on glottal closing force.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A basic function of the larynx is to provide sphincteric protection
      of the lower airway, initiated by a brain stem-mediated glottal closure reflex.
      Glottal closing force is defined as the measured pressure generated between the
      vocal folds during glottal closure. One of the factors thought to affect the
      glottal closure reflex is a variation in core body temperature. METHODS: Four
      adult male Yorkshire pigs were used in this study. The subjects were studied
      under control conditions (37 degreesC), hyperthermic conditions (38 degrees C to
      41 degrees C), and hypothermic conditions (36 degrees C to 34 degrees C).
      RESULTS: We demonstrated that the glottal closing force increased significantly
      with an increase in core body temperature and also decreased significantly with
      decreased core body temperature. These results are supported by
      neurophysiological changes demonstrated by other studies in pups and adult dogs
      in response to altered core body temperatures. The mechanism for these responses
      is thought to reside centrally, rather than in the peripheral nervous system.
      CONCLUSIONS: We hope that a better understanding of these aspects of glottal
      closure will alter the care of many patients with postanesthesia hypothermia and
      many sedated inmates and will also further enhance preventive measures needed to
      decrease the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome in overheated or febrile
      infants.

PMID- 22097154
TI  - Evaluation of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss: a survey of pediatric
      otolaryngologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the trends in the evaluation of pediatric
      patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to determine evaluation
      patterns based on respondents' demographic data. METHODS: All members of the
      American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology were invited to voluntarily and
      anonymously complete an online survey. The survey was available from September
      2009 to January 2010 and addressed demographic data and tests obtained in
      evaluating new pediatric patients with SNHL at different age points and with
      different degrees of hearing loss. RESULTS: The response rate was 22.9% (79 of
      345). For all ages and all types of SNHL, the most common consultations were
      genetics (26% to 76%) and ophthalmology (31% to 66%) consultations. Computed
      tomography of the temporal bones (49% to 66%), genetic testing (25% to 68%), and
      electrocardiography (13% to 43%) were the most commonly performed tests. Although
      there was no consistent difference in practice patterns by gender or years of
      practice, there were differences in the use of thyroid function tests, TORCH
      titers, and autoimmune studies by hospital affiliation. CONCLUSIONS: Type of SNHL
      and age are factors in the evaluation of pediatric patients with SNHL.
      Additionally, evaluation patterns differ according to region and hospital
      affiliation. The results of this study may provide guidance for otolaryngologists
      in making information-based and cost-effective evaluations.

PMID- 22097155
TI  - Campomelic dysplasia: airway management in two patients and an update on clinical
      molecular correlations in the head and neck.
AB  - Campomelic dysplasia is a rare and historically lethal skeletal dysplasia with a
      variable but recognizable phenotype; it affects the long bones and is associated
      with a variety of head and neck anomalies. Mutations in or around the SOX9 gene
      have been identified as the molecular origin in most patients. We briefly present
      2 children who meet the diagnostic criteria for campomelic dysplasia to
      illustrate the various clinical manifestations. Many patients with campomelic
      dysplasia have airway obstruction at multiple levels. We describe our approach to
      managing the airway in these patients, and review recent advances in
      understanding how SOX9 mutations lead to the spectrum of abnormalities seen in
      the head and neck.

PMID- 22097156
TI  - Status of propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangioma and description of a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to review the current use of propranolol
      for treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH), specifically regarding 1) the age at
      initiation of therapy, 2) the method of initiation, 3) the use of other adjuvant
      therapy, 4) the duration of therapy and relapse rate, 5) the adverse events, and
      6) the outcome. Our secondary objective was to describe a randomized, controlled,
      single-blinded trial comparing propranolol to prednisolone for treatment of IH.
      METHODS: Ovid Medline and PubMed searches were completed for the MeSH keywords
      "propranolol" and "hemangioma." Forty-nine English-language articles were
      published between June 2008 and September 2010, and 28 of these reported data
      from a total of 213 patients. Only 6 studies treated more than 10 patients, and
      these were selected for review in detail (154 patients). RESULTS: The treatment
      was initiated during infancy in 92.9% of patients (mean, 4.5 months). Sixty-five
      percent of patients were treated with 2 mg/kg per day, and 25.3% with 3 mg/kg per
      day. Patients were monitored overnight at initiation of treatment in 3 series (59
      patients), for 4 to 6 hours as outpatients in 2 series (62 patients), and
      initially as inpatients but later as outpatients in 1 series (32 patients).
      Propranolol was used as sole therapy in about two thirds of patients (103
      patients). Treatment was ongoing in 46% of patients at the time of publication.
      The average treatment duration in the remaining patients was 5.1 months. Rebound
      growth occurred in 21% of patients after a mean of 4.3 months of therapy. Adverse
      events occurred in 18.1% of patients and included hypotension in 6, somnolence in
      6, wheezing in 4, insomnia, agitation, and/or nightmares in 6, cool hands or
      night sweats in 2, gastroesophageal reflux in 3, and psoriasis-like rash in 1.
      All authors reported a favorable outcome with propranolol, but the definition of
      efficacy was not standardized. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol is an attractive
      alternative to other treatments for IH. Despite apparent widespread use of this
      medication, the data are limited, and prospective studies are lacking for this
      indication. The relatively high rate of adverse effects supports the need for
      careful monitoring of patients on this therapy. Fastidious reporting of adverse
      events and objective evaluation of early and late outcomes are necessary to
      improve our understanding of the use of propranolol for this indication.

PMID- 22097157
TI  - AOFAS position statement regarding the future of the AOFAS Clinical Rating
      Systems.

PMID- 22097158
TI  - Chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated with eccentric stretching program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the efficacy of a modified eccentric heel-drop
      program (reduced time and increased duration of stretch) in treating chronic
      Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: Athletes with at least 12 weeks of symptoms
      diagnosed clinically as chronic Achilles tendinopathy were enrolled in the study.
      The only treatment recommended was a 6-week eccentric stretching regimen, with
      each stretch being maintained for at least 15 seconds. Athletes were followed to
      assess the response to treatment using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and
      a patient effectiveness rating for treatment satisfaction as well as time to
      return to pre-injury activity level. Followup was successful in 156 (82%) of the
      athletes. A total of 190 athletes were seen with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
      RESULTS: Mid-substance injuries were diagnosed in 168 (88%) with the remainder 22
      (12%) having distal insertional injuries. Pain as assessed by VAS reduced from
      mean of 7.2 at commencement of the regimen to 2.9 (p<0.01) after 6 weeks of
      stretching. Six months post commencement of program mean pain was 1.1. Patient
      satisfaction was rated at 7 or above (excellent) in 124 (80%) of the athletes.
      For mid-substance injuries the satisfaction rating was excellent in 86%. Overall
      mean time to return to pre-morbid activity was 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: A modified 6
      week eccentric heel-drop training regimen as the only treatment for chronic
      Achilles tendinopathy resulted in a high degree of patient satisfaction, reduced
      pain and a successful return to pre-morbid activity levels. These results were
      best for mid-substance rather than insertional tendinopathy.

PMID- 22097159
TI  - Long-term clinical outcomes following the central incision technique for
      insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The central incision technique, more than any other exposure, allows
      for optimal access to the diseased Achilles tendon as well as the Haglund's
      prominence and the retro calcaneal bursa. We hypothesized that the central
      incision technique would be an effective, well-tolerated surgical incision for
      the surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy with minimal to no
      loss of plantarflexion strength. METHODS: Retrospective review of a single
      surgeon's experience with 27 patients, 29 surgical procedures utilizing this
      central approach. Isokinetic testing of plantarflexion strength, AOFAS Foot and
      Ankle Survey and AOFAS hindfoot score were administered to 22 patients at a mean
      followup time of 4 years. An additional telephone assessment was performed at a
      mean followup time of 7 years. RESULTS: Average recovery time was 5.7 (range, 2
      to 16) months. There was no significant difference in plantarflexion strength
      between the operative and nonoperative sides. At the early (4-year) assessment,
      15 patients had an AOFAS hindfoot score of 100; the average AOFAS hindfoot score
      was 96. The long-term assessment at a mean of 7 years; 22 patients (including the
      two bilateral cases) reported pain scores of 0 and they had no strength deficits.
      Overall, there was a 96% (22 of 23) satisfaction rate. CONCLUSION: Surgical
      debridement and resection for insertional Achilles tendinopathy using the central
      incision technique appears to be a technically optimal procedure affording 96%
      pain-free patients out 7 years with minimal to no loss of strength.

PMID- 22097160
TI  - Comparison of multi-drug injection versus placebo after hallux valgus surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus surgery is followed by a significant amount of
      postoperative pain. Local multi-drug injection can be an option for pain control,
      but few clinical studies exist. METHODS: Between May 2008 and July 2009, 30
      consecutive patients (60 feet) received simultaneous bilateral proximal
      osteotomies for the correction of hallux valgus deformities. Each patient
      received local infiltration of the test solution made with ropivacaine, morphine,
      ketorolac, and epinephrine on one foot and same amount of normal saline on the
      other foot. The test side and the control side were randomly selected and both
      the patient and the surgeon remained blinded until the end of the data
      collection. RESULTS: The multi-drug injection resulted in significantly less pain
      at 4 hours after the operation through the night of the first postoperative day.
      The difference in visual analogue scale (VAS) between the two sides was most
      significant at 8 hours after the operation, and then gradually decreased through
      the first and second postoperative day. Mean satisfaction VAS was significantly
      higher on the injection side (8.2+/-0.9) compared to the control side (6.2+/-1.9,
      p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Local multi-drug injection was easy to perform and safe
      and effective in reducing pain and enhancing patient satisfaction after hallux
      valgus surgery.

PMID- 22097161
TI  - Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of three radiological
      classification systems for intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of intra-articular calcaneal fractures is difficult.
      One aspect for successful management is the use of a reliable and reproducible
      fracture classification system (FCS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of Letournel,
      Sanders, and Zwipp classification systems on CT scan and the Bohler's angle
      measurement on plain X-ray. Furthermore, we studied if the addition of a CT scan
      to the plain X-ray influenced the evaluation of fracture extension to the
      calcaneocuboid joint. METHODS: The CT scan and plain X-ray images of 51 intra
      articular calcaneal fractures were evaluated two times by three observers (two
      radiologists and one orthopedic surgeon) within a 5-month interval. The
      interobserver reliability was measured using the Fleiss kappa while the
      intraobserver reproducibility was measured using the Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: The
      mean kappa values for the interobserver reliability and intraobserver
      reproducibility of the Sanders classification were 0.25 and 0.39, respectively,
      of Zwipp classification were 0.24 and 0.16, respectively, while those of the
      Letournel classification were 0.50 and 0.42, respectively. For the Bohler's
      angle, the mean kappa values for the interobserver reliability and intraobserver
      reproducibility were 0.34 and 0.32, respectively. The addition of CT scan images
      to plain X-ray found a higher incidence of calcaneocuboid joint involvement.
      CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the limitation regarding the
      interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of the Letournel,
      Sanders and Zwipp classification systems for calcaneal fractures. Future studies
      should attempt to improve the present classification systems.

PMID- 22097162
TI  - Precision of foot alignment measures in Charcot arthropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Foot deformity associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral
      neuropathy (PN) contributes to joint instability, ulceration and amputation. This
      study reports the intrarater and inter-rater measurement precision and least
      significant change (LSC) of radiological measures of foot deformity in subjects
      with DM, PN, and foot related complications. METHODS: Cuboid height, Meary's
      angle, calcaneal pitch and hindfoot-forefoot angle were measured from plain-film
      radiographs on 15 subjects with DM, PN, and foot-related complications. A foot
      and ankle fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with 23 years of experience
      (Rater 1) measured radiographs twice. A foot and ankle fellowship-trained
      orthopedic surgeon with 2 years of experience (Rater 2) and a radiologist in
      residency training (Rater 3) measured radiographs once. Root mean square standard
      deviation and LSC were calculated to determine measurement precision and the
      smallest change considered biologically real, not the result of chance. RESULTS:
      Intrarater measurement precision was: 0.9 mm for cuboid height, 3 degrees for
      Meary's angle, and 2 degrees for calcaneal pitch and hindfoot-forefoot angle.
      Inter-rater measurement precision for rater 1 versus 2 and 1 versus 3 were: 1.7
      and 1.6 mm for cuboid height, 4 degrees for Meary's angle, 2 degrees for
      calcaneal pitch, and 3 degrees for the hindfoot-forefoot angle. The LSC was less
      than or equal to: 4.7 mm for cuboid, 12 degrees for Meary's angle, 6 degrees for
      calcaneal pitch, and 8 degrees for hindfoot-forefoot angle. CONCLUSION: Cuboid
      height, calcaneal pitch, and hindfoot-forefoot angle measures can be completed
      with relatively good measurement precision.

PMID- 22097163
TI  - Deltoid ligament abnormalities in chronic lateral ankle instability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with repeated ankle sprains and chronic lateral
      ankle instability tends to focus on the lateral collateral ligaments. We reviewed
      records to ascertain the prevalence of abnormalities of the deltoid ligament in
      this population. METHODS: Retrospective review of MR images and surgical reports
      was performed for all patients during a 3-year period that underwent surgical
      treatment of chronic ankle instability at a single institution. Forty-seven
      ankles (46 patients) met inclusion criteria. None had medial ankle pain. RESULTS:
      On MRI, all patients had anterior talofibular ligament tear, plus injury to one
      or more additional ligaments. Ninety-one percent had injury of calcaneofibular
      ligament. Injury to the posterior talofibular ligament was less common (49%).
      Deltoid ligament injuries were seen in 72% of cases (23% superficial deltoid
      only, 6% deep deltoid only, 43% both superficial and deep components). Of
      patients with injury to the superficial deltoid, 32% had an intact deep deltoid
      ligament. MRI correlated well to surgical findings. CONCLUSION: Deltoid ligament
      injuries were common in patients with lateral ankle instability who underwent
      reconstruction.

PMID- 22097164
TI  - Biomechanical comparison of the Achillon tendon repair system and the Krackow
      locking loop technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Achillon" Achilles tendon repair system combines the benefits of
      open repair and percutaneous repair and has excellent clinical results with
      minimal complications. The Krackow locking loop has been the standard suture
      technique for many surgeons in open Achilles repair. We determined to see how the
      Achillon repair compared with the Krackow locking loop in a biomechanical pull
      out study. METHODS: Paired lower limbs of ten human cadavers were randomly split
      to receive repair via Krackow locking loop or via Achillon in concordance with
      the manufacturer's manual. Following repair, the study groups were subjected to
      the same tissue processing and tensioned to failure in an Instron" 8841 device.
      From load-displacement curves, initial linear stiffness, load to failure, and
      work to failure were determined. RESULTS: The predominant mechanism of failure
      for the Krackow stitch was the breakage of the sutures or knots. The predominant
      failure mechanism of the Achillon repairs was the tearing of the suture loops
      through the tendon tissue. Repairs using the Krackow stitch possessed an average
      maximum load to failure of 128.3+/-30.3 N and a work to failure of 2199.1+/-669.7
      N mm. After excluding outliers, repairs with the Achillon technique resulted in a
      maximum failure load of 178+/-35.4 N and a work to failure of 3999.8+/-942.7 N mm
      that were both significantly higher than the Krackow stitch (p<0.05). The initial
      stiffness of the repairs was significantly higher using the Krackow stitch
      (10.4+/-2.0 N/mm) compared to the Achillon technique (6.6+/-2.3 N/mm) (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The results indicate a properly performed Achillon repair can be
      stronger (higher load to failure) and tougher (higher work to failure) than an
      open repair using the Krackow locking loop, although the Krackow repair tends to
      be stiffer prior to plastic deformation in this model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Applied correctly, the Achillon repair system offers an effective, minimally
      invasive alternative to traditional open repair.

PMID- 22097165
TI  - Results of partial matrixectomy for chronic ingrown toenail.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several treatment modalities which targeted partial matrixectomies,
      including chemical, laser matrixectomy, and partial nail avulsion, have been used
      in the dermatology, podiatry, and orthopaedic literature. We report our
      experience with surgical matrixectomy. METHODS: We treated 224 patients with
      severe ingrowing toenails. Segmental wedge resection of involved margin was
      performed. Followup time was a minimum of 10 months. RESULTS: Statistical
      analysis of recurrence and disease parameters such as stage of disease,
      infection, involved margin, previous surgery, followup time, and age showed no
      significant correlation (p>0.05). Twenty-two patients (9.8%) had a recurrence.
      Revision surgery was performed in 16 patients (7.1%). CONCLUSION: We recommend
      the Winograd technique with a few modifications especially for severe Stage 2 and
      3 cases. Both loupe magnification and observation of soft tissue in the
      postoperative period were important details.

PMID- 22097166
TI  - Driving brake reaction time following right ankle arthrodesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the brake reaction time of
      patients with successful right ankle fusion to normal volunteers without an ankle
      fusion. METHODS: Ten patients who underwent successful right ankle arthrodesis
      were evaluated using a driving simulator as well as an in-shoe pedobarographic
      measuring system. Brake reaction time, braking force, peak pressure, contact
      area, and the center of force between the foot and the brake pedal were recorded.
      SF-12 scores were obtained from all study patients. A control group of ten age
      matched individuals without ankle fusion was included for comparison. RESULTS:
      Mean brake reaction time for the ankle fusion group (0.42+/-0.14 seconds) was
      significantly slower than for the control group (0.33+/-0.06 seconds) (p=0.03).
      The center of force was consistently isolated to the forefoot in the ankle fusion
      group compared to controls who distributed the center of force over both the
      forefoot and midfoot. There was no significant difference between the ankle
      fusion and control groups with respect to braking force, peak pressure, or
      contact area. CONCLUSION: The mean brake reaction time following successful right
      ankle arthrodesis was significantly slower than that of normal controls. However,
      the fusion group time was still below the threshold for what is defined as a safe
      brake reaction time by the United States Federal Highway Administration.

PMID- 22097167
TI  - Hallux IP arthritis after MP arthrodesis managed with interpositional
      arthroplasty of MP joint and IP fusion: case report.

PMID- 22097168
TI  - Recurrent ankle equinus deformity due to intramuscular hemangioma of the
      gastrocnemius: case report.

PMID- 22097169
TI  - Avoiding suture knot prominence with suture button along distal fibula: technical
      tip.

PMID- 22097170
TI  - Osteochondral talar allograft for large osteochondral defects: technique tip.

PMID- 22097171
TI  - Mobility of the first ray: review article.
AB  - Since its introduction by Morton in the early 20th century, first metatarsal
      instability has been debated as a contributing cause of many foot ailments. Given
      our evolutionary origins, some instability at the first ray seems inevitable. It
      makes sense that hypermobility could be the pathology leading to the development
      of various forefoot disorders. The problem is that it has been difficult to
      prove. Only in the last decade have there been any devices with which to quantify
      mobility, and each of the devices measures slightly different variables. However,
      each of these devices has been shown to be consistent and reliable. Excessive
      mobility of the first ray probably cannot be considered the only "suspect." With
      disorders such as hallux valgus and metatarsalgia, environment and footwear may
      play just as important a role as hypermobility. There are some conclusions,
      though, that can be safely drawn at this point. * We should define the measures
      of first ray mobility. One recent study has suggested the terms metatarsal
      elevation and metatarsal translation to describe two different aspects of the
      problem. * Simple clinical tools may be as useful as more cumbersome research
      tools for assessing first ray instability. * First ray mobility on average is
      increased in patients with hallux valgus. * First ray mobility is increased in
      some patients with transfer metatarsalgia. * Although some studies show increased
      elevation or mobility of the first ray in hallux rigidus, other studies do not.
      The burden is on the current generation of foot and ankle practitioners to
      resolve the debate of its predecessors. By first defining the measures of
      instability and then applying them to large populations, the role of
      hypermobility may be better defined. Then we can debate how best to "fix" the
      problem!

PMID- 22097172
TI  - FootForum: DVT and SCIP.

PMID- 22097173
TI  - Pantalar arthrodesis for post-traumatic arthritis and diabetic neuroarthropathy
      of the ankle and hindfoot.

PMID- 22097174
TI  - [Management of bacterial exacerbations of obstructive lung diseases].
AB  - Bacterial infections are a common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      exacerbations. They play a main role in exacerbation of cystic fibrosis, less
      frequently in COPD and occasionally in asthma. Etiology of exacerbations depends
      on the severity of these diseases and is known to be facilitated by bacterial
      colonization of the airways. The clinical presentation of bacterial exacerbations
      is similar and their course is influenced by prompt and proper antibiotic
      treatment. The principles of this treatment are discussed in the paper.

PMID- 22097175
TI  - [Serum and urinary homocysteine in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic
      syndrome].
AB  - Hyperhomocysteinemia is independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.
      Similarly to nephrotic syndrome (NS) predisposes to vein thrombosis. THE AIM OF
      THE STUDY: To evaluate serum and urinary total homocysteine (stHcy and utHcy)
      levels in children with the symptoms of SN, and to determine a correlation
      between its concentration and some parameters of hemostasis, as well as doses and
      the time of prednisone therapy and serum cortisol level. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The examined group consisted of 18 children with NS, aged 7.64 +/- 5.1 years,
      divided on two groups: A--in time o proteinuria; B--during treatment with
      prednisone after regression of proteinuria. Control group (C) consisted of 20
      children, aged 8.5 +/- 3.6 years. Serum and urinary tHcy levels were assayed by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method using the Axis-Shield set. RESULTS:
      Serum total Hcy concentration in groups A and B did not differ from the control
      group (p > 0.05). Urinary total Hcy concentration in groups A and B was
      significantly higher than that of control (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was
      observed between stHcy and serum albumin as well as cortisol levels, and between
      utHcy and serum AT III level. CONCLUSIONS: In children with steroid-dependent NS,
      subclinical disturbances in hemostasis were independent of serum tHcy
      concentration. There was no correlation between serum tHcy and cumulated doses,
      as well as time of prednisone treatment, however positive correlation was found
      with serum cortisone. Urinary excretion of Hcy significantly increases, in
      comparison to control, and correlates with serum AT III level.

PMID- 22097176
TI  - [Evaluation of 99mTc-DTPA scyntygraphy of the relative degree of renal
      dysfunction after surgical removal of kidney tumor].
AB  - In nephron sparing surgery (NSS) procedures the most important is oncological
      outcome and also the preservation of maximum renal function. Renal scyntygraphy
      using 99mTc-DTPA allows for assessment of renal function and its changes after
      surgery because of tumor. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: To assess the loss of kidney
      function operated using 99mTc-DTPA scyntygraphy, depending on the location of the
      tumor, type of growth, and time of warm ischemia of the operated kidney.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal scyntygraphy was performed in 30 patients who
      underwent NSS procedures for renal cortical tumors of its diameter of about 3.2
      cm (range: 2.5-4.1 cm) before surgery and after surgery at an average of 3.8
      months (range: 2.3-5.4 months). All patients were stratified according to time of
      warm ischemia (up to and above 10 mines), type of tumor growth (endo- and
      egzophytic) and tumor location (upper, middle and lower pole). RESULTS: The
      relative loss of kidney function operated depending on the type of kidney tumor
      growth when egzophytic and endophytic was amounted to 16% (range: 12-22%) and 29%
      (range: 24-46%) respectively (p < 0.01), in contrast depending on the location in
      the upper, middle and lower pole of the kidney 24% (range: 12-36%), 31% (range:
      26-46%) and 25% (range: 15-38%), respectively (p < 0.05) Depending on the time of
      warm ischemia for up to and above 10 mines a relative loss of kidney function of
      surgery was set at 21% (range: 12-24%) and 31% (range: 29-46%), respectively (p <
      0.1). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the loss of kidney
      function after NSS procedures for renal cortical tumor is the largest in the
      middle field of tumor endophytic growth where, during the operation the time of
      warm ischemia is the longest. Tumors of this type should be operating in the
      centers performing these procedures on a routine basis.

PMID- 22097177
TI  - [The influence of lipoic acid on total protein concentration in the liver and
      spleen tissue in rats during lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress].
AB  - THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the influence of lipoic acid on total protein
      concentration in the liver and spleen in rats during endotoxemia. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Experiments were performed on Wistar rats divided into following groups:
      Group I (control) received saline; Group II (LA) received lipoic acid (60 mg/kg
      b.w.); Group III (LPS) received lipopolysaccharide (30 mg/kg b.w.); Group IV
      (LPS+LA) received LPS (30 mg/kg b.w.) and 30 min later LA (60 mg/kg b.w.). Five
      hours after last injection rats were sacrificed, and the liver and spleen were
      harvested for subsequent total protein assay. RESULTS: Lipoic acid administration
      led to a significant increase in total protein concentration in the liver and
      spleen tissue of endotoxemic rats when compared to control. CONCLUSION: Lipoic
      acid administration during early phase of LPS-induced oxidative stress increase
      protein level in the liver and spleen tissue, which indicate an increase of
      antioxidant properties of an organism.

PMID- 22097178
TI  - [Prevalence of non-adherence to medication among patients treated for selected
      chronic conditions].
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of this phenomenon among
      patients being treated for selected chronic conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As
      many as 63,221 patients treated for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux
      disease, Alzheimer disease, depression, schizophrenia, and memory loss were
      enrolled to this multicenter, questionnaire-based open study The primary outcome
      measure was patient adherence assessed with 4-item Morisky questionnaire. Only
      those respondents who gave negative answers to all questionnaire questions were
      assumed adherent. RESULTS: Out of respondents, 83.8%--in different ways--were
      nonadherent, and only 16.2% were adherent. Significant differences in adherence
      were observed with different diseases (p < 0.05), asymptomatic versus symptomatic
      nature of disease (asymptomatic diseases--81.5%, versus symptomatic diseases-
      84.7%, in average, p < 0.05), as well as psychiatric, versus organic disease type
      (nonadherence in 85.6, and 82.1% patients, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Study proved
      very high prevalence of non-adherence in patient treated for chronic conditions.
      Patients are non-adherent particularly often in a case of psychiatric conditions.

PMID- 22097179
TI  - [Brugada syndrome--case report].
AB  - Brugada syndrome (BS) is a rare genetically-based condition occurring usually in
      the third and fourth decade of human life, mainly developing in men (85%). It is
      manifested through permanent or periodic malignant ventricular arrhythmia leading
      to fainting, and consequently sudden cardiac death. Despite possessing great
      knowledge of the condition, implementation of cardioverter-defibrillator still
      remains the only effective way of treating malignant arrhythmia and of preventing
      sudden cardiac death. The following paper presents a case of a healthy nineteen
      year-old man who was admitted to the Outpatient Cardiologic Center for a sport
      qualifying check-up. During examination, the ECG showed some features of Brugada
      syndrome and the patient was sent for further hospital diagnostics. During the
      aimaline provocative test the ECG revealed ST elevation up to 4mm in V1-V2 leads,
      whereas the electrophysiological examination with standard protocol and with
      right ventricular apex and right ventricular output aggressive protocol did not
      provoke any ventricular arrhythmia. The patient was qualified for preventive
      treatment with recommendation for regular check-up in an outpatient cardiologic
      center and with a total ban on extreme sport exercises.

PMID- 22097180
TI  - [Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a consequence of gastrointestinal disorder--a case
      preceded by exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux disease].
AB  - The etiology of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), defined as a transient left
      ventricular dysfunction in the absence of significant coronary artery stenoses,
      still reminds unclear. Its onset is often associated with emotional stress or
      progression in the course of various disorders (including gastrointestinal ones),
      miscellaneous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We describe a case of a 67
      year-old man, in whom severe left ventricular function impairment, completely
      reversible after a week, was observed during hospitalization for gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD) exacerbation. The authors review the literature on TC cases
      which were preceded by digestive system illness, examination or surgery and
      discuss the possible mechanisms of this relationship.

PMID- 22097181
TI  - [Ascites as the first manifestation of ovarian cancer in the disseminated stage-
      case report].
AB  - The presence of ascites is usually associated with portal hypertension, usually
      due to cirrhosis of the liver, with portal vein thrombosis, congestive cardiac
      failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, tuberculosis. Approximately 10% of all
      cases of ascites occurs in malignant tumors, mostly of ovarian cancer. The
      purpose of this publication is to present the case of 63-year-old woman who has a
      basic and initial sole manifestation of disease--cancer of the ovary--was
      increasing ascites.

PMID- 22097182
TI  - [Chronic constipation in children--typical and atypical diagnosis--case reports].
AB  - Constipation in children is a common health problem. It accounts for 3% of visit
      to general pediatrics clinics and 30% of visits to pediatric gastroenterologist.
      Fun(TK)ional constipation is the most common causa of contipation in children. We
      present three cases with chronic contstipation.

PMID- 22097183
TI  - [Spuriously healthy plant fats].
AB  - Since long plant fats are considered by nutritionists, dieticians and doctors, as
      main source of essential unsaturated fatty acids) n-6 and n-3 in human diet. On
      the market there is plenty of oils that can be consumed directly or used to
      frying. Last four decades consumption of oils increased several times due to
      stimulated by advertisement popularization of their pro-health activity. Plant
      oils supply mostly multi unsaturated fatty acids n-6 excess of which
      disadvantageously influence human health. Determinations of changes of oxidative
      stability of plant fats (during processing and storage) proved that consumption
      of oxidation products of fatty acids and sterols may be a reason of various
      diseases. Both epidemiologic and clinic studies indicated that if plant fats
      (both oils except this from olives and margarines) have possessed pro-health
      properties, their several times increased consumption would liquidate the problem
      of arteriosclerosis and its clinical complications (heart attack, stroke). For
      the present, every second death in the industrial countries results from the
      cardiovascular disease. Morbidity of cancer is also increasing and of
      neurological and neurodegenerative diseases is growing up vigorously.

PMID- 22097184
TI  - [Osteoprotegerin--a new atherosclerosis marker].
AB  - Studies on bones metabolism regulation mechanisms leaded to discovery of
      RANKL/OPG/RANK signal system (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB
      ligand/osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB). It was found
      that beyond bone metabolism regulation Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is involved in some
      other processes: apoptosis, regulation of immunological system. Data from
      numerous studies performed in the last years indicate potential association
      between OPG and cardiovascular pathology. OPG was identified as atherosclerosis
      marker. Molecular mechanism by which OPG exerts its atherogenic effect is not
      fully elucidated.

PMID- 22097185
TI  - [Sentinel lymph node biopsy as a new approach to colorectal cancer treatment].
AB  - Some concepts considering sentinel lymph node excision in colon and rectal
      carcinoma are presented in the paper. Arguments pro and contra were exposed and
      interpret separately. The problem is still open. Current knowledge indicates that
      lymphatic system in colon and rectum can be very different in many patients.
      There is no evidence that sentinel node biopsy in this group can be useful. In
      patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma (T3, T4 according to TNM
      classification) sentinel node biopsy cannot replace regional lymph node
      dissection. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and localization of metastases allows to
      change the qualification of the NO patients to N1 (upstaging). This means the
      change of cancer staging in these patients and qualification to chemotherapy. In
      conclusion we underline that there is still too little knowledge to implement
      these procedures in clinical practice, that problem needs more consideration.

PMID- 22097186
TI  - [The main directions of research on the causes conditioning the occurrence of the
      borderline personality disorders].
AB  - Currently, there are two main directions of explaining the occurrence of the
      borderline personality disorders (BPD). The first of them attempts to explain
      them upon the constitutional basis, finding the causes in the genetic
      conditioning, biological and organic factors. The other one underline a role of
      the psychological developmental categories. A significant role is ascribed to
      traumatic childhood mental experiences such as: harassment and sexual abuse, as
      well as neglect of emotional and developmental needs of a child. About 40-71% of
      the infirm with the borderline personality admits to have been sexually abused.
      It was observed that there is a connection between the extent of sexual abuse of
      an individual in childhood and the intensification of the disorders proper for
      the borderline personality. One should, however, point out that sexual abuse,
      although they are regarded as a risk factor, are not seen as specific to the
      infirm with the borderline personality disorders. Moreover, there is a third
      direction referred to in the literature, seeking the causes of the occurrence of
      the borderline personality in a significant influence of social-cultural and
      environment factors. It was noticed that there is a significant correlation
      between the social situation and the degree of dissemination of those disorders.
      The borderline personality disorders are more frequent among the people of the
      low social status background and with relatively low level of education. More and
      more frequently, theorists and clinical personnel adhere to the view that the
      development of that disorder is caused by a combination of neurobiological and
      social factors, together with the pathological qualities of early-childhood
      development.

PMID- 22097187
TI  - [Depressive disorder, treatment and sexual dysfunction--part II].
AB  - Depressive disorders and antidepressant therapy have been associated with sexual
      dysfunction. Sexual dysfunctions are recognized as a potential side effect of
      antidepressant therapy. Not reliable algorithms have been developed in the
      presence of sexual dysfunctions in the course of depressive disorders. The most
      commonly used methods of treatment of sexual dysfunction in depressive disorders
      include: waiting for spontaneous remission, reduction in dose of a repressive
      drug, the change of drug discontinuation for a short time, the use of the drug
      after having sexual intercourse, drug holidays and corrective medications
      (yohimbine, phosphodiesterase type 5 and anesthetic creams). Among the most
      effective agents used in the treatment sre: bupropion, trazodone, nefazodone,
      agomelatine, tianeptine and flibanserin. Optimal antidepressant treatment should
      result in remission of the symptoms of the underlying illness and minimize the
      potential for short-term and long-term adverse effects, including sexual
      dysfunction. Physicians should monitor their patients for antidepressant-induced
      sexual adverse effects, as these may affect compliance with therapy and ultimate
      treatment success.

PMID- 22097189
TI  - [TU You-you won Lasker Debakey clinical medical research award--for her
      outstanding achievements in studies on artemisinin].

PMID- 22097190
TI  - [Exploration on some problems in clinical study and application of disease
      syndrome combination model].

PMID- 22097188
TI  - Personal and ambient exposures to air toxics in Camden, New Jersey.
AB  - Personal exposures and ambient concentrations of air toxics were characterized in
      a pollution "hot spot" and an urban reference site, both in Camden, New Jersey.
      The hot spot was the city's Waterfront South neighborhood; the reference site was
      a neighborhood, about 1 km to the east, around the intersection of Copewood and
      Davis streets. Using personal exposure measurements, residential ambient air
      measurements, statistical analyses, and exposure modeling, we examined the impact
      of local industrial and mobile pollution sources, particularly diesel trucks, on
      personal exposures and ambient concentrations in the two neighborhoods. Presented
      in the report are details of our study design, sample and data collection
      methods, data- and model-analysis approaches, and results and key findings of the
      study. In summary, 107 participants were recruited from nonsmoking households,
      including 54 from Waterfront South and 53 from the Copewood-Davis area. Personal
      air samples were collected for 24 hr and measured for 32 target compounds--11
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs*), four aldehydes, 16 polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs), and particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter <
      or = 2.5 microm (PM2.5). Simultaneously with the personal monitoring, ambient
      concentrations of the target compounds were measured at two fixed monitoring
      sites, one each in the Waterfront South and Copewood-Davis neighborhoods. To
      understand the potential impact of local sources of air toxics on personal
      exposures caused by temporal (weekdays versus weekend days) and seasonal (summer
      versus winter) variations in source intensities of the air toxics, four
      measurements were made of each subject, two in summer and two in winter. Within
      each season, one measurement was made on a weekday and the other on a weekend
      day. A baseline questionnaire and a time diary with an activity questionnaire
      were administered to each participant in order to obtain information that could
      be used to understand personal exposure to specific air toxics measured during
      each sampling period. Given the number of emission sources of air toxics in
      Waterfront South, a spatial variation study consisting of three saturation
      sampling campaigns was conducted to characterize the spatial distribution of VOCs
      and aldehydes in the two neighborhoods. Passive samplers were used to collect VOC
      and aldehyde samples for 24- and 48-hr sampling periods simultaneously at 22 and
      16 grid-based sampling sites in Waterfront South and Copewood-Davis,
      respectively. Results showed that measured ambient concentrations of some target
      pollutants (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]), such as PM2.5 (31.3 +/- 12.5
      microg/m3), toluene (4.24 +/- 5.23 microg/m3), and benzo[a]pyrene (0.36 +/- 0.45
      ng/m3), were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Waterfront South than in Copewood
      Davis, where the concentrations of PM2.5, toluene, and benzo[a]pyrene were 25.3
      +/- 11.9 microg/m3, 2.46 +/- 3.19 microg/m3, and 0.21 +/- 0.26 ng/m3,
      respectively. High concentrations of specific air toxics, such as 60 microg/m3
      for toluene and 159 microg/m3 for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), were also found
      in areas close to local stationary sources in Waterfront South during the
      saturation-sampling campaigns. Greater spatial variation in benzene, toluene,
      ethylbenzene, and xylenes (known collectively as BTEX) as well as of MTBE was
      observed in Waterfront South than in Copewood-Davis during days with low wind
      speed. These observations indicated the significant impact of local emission
      sources of these pollutants and possibly of other pollutants emitted by
      individual source types on air pollution in Waterfront South. (Waterfront South
      is a known hot spot for these pollutants.) There were no significant differences
      between Waterfront South and Copewood-Davis in mean concentrations of benzene or
      MTBE, although some stationary sources of the two compounds have been reported in
      Waterfront South. Further, a good correlation (R > 0.6) was found between benzene
      and MTBE in both locations. These results suggest that automobile exhausts were
      the main contributors to benzene and MTBE air pollution in both neighborhoods.
      Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were found to be high in both
      neighborhoods. Mean (+/- SD) concentrations of formaldehyde were 20.2 +/- 19.5
      microg/m3 in Waterfront South and 24.8 +/- 20.8 microg/m3 in Copewood-Davis. A
      similar trend was observed for the two compounds during the saturation-sampling
      campaigns. The results indicate that mobile sources (i.e., diesel trucks) had a
      large impact on formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations in both
      neighborhoods and that both are aldehyde hot spots. The study also showed that
      PM2.5, aldehydes, BTEX, and MTBE concentrations in both Waterfront South and
      Copewood-Davis were higher than ambient background concentrations in New Jersey
      and than national average concentrations, indicating that both neighborhoods are
      in fact hot spots for these pollutants. Higher concentrations were observed on
      weekdays than on weekend days for several compounds, including toluene,
      ethylbenzene, and xylenes (known collectively as TEX) as well as PAHs and PM2.5.
      These observations showed the impact on ambient air pollution of higher traffic
      volumes and more active industrial and commercial operations in the study areas
      on weekdays. Seasonal variations differed by species. Concentrations of TEX, for
      example, were found to be higher in winter than in summer in both locations,
      possibly because of higher emission rates from automobiles and reduced
      photochemical reactivity in winter. In contrast, concentrations of MTBE were
      found to be significantly higher in summer than in winter in both locations,
      possibly because of higher evaporation rates from gasoline in summer. Similarly,
      concentrations of heavier PAHs, such as benzo[a]pyrene, were found to be higher
      in winter in both locations, possibly because of higher emission rates from
      mobile sources, the use of home heating, and the reduced photochemical reactivity
      of benzo[a]pyrene in winter. In contrast, concentrations of lighter PAHs were
      found to be higher in summer in both locations, possibly because of
      volatilization of these compounds from various surfaces in summer. In addition,
      higher concentrations of formaldehyde were observed in summer than in winter,
      possibly because of significant contributions from photochemical reactions to
      formaldehyde air pollution in summer. Personal concentrations of toluene (25.4 +/
      13.5 microg/m3) and acrolein (1.78 +/- 3.7 microg/m3) in Waterfront South were
      found to be higher than those in the Copewood-Davis neighborhood (13.1 +/- 15.3
      microg/m3 for toluene and 1.27 +/- 2.36 microg/m3 for acrolein). However,
      personal concentrations for most of the other compounds measured in Waterfront
      South were found to be similar to or lower than those than in Copewood-Davis.
      (For example, mean +/- SD concentrations were 4.58 +/- 17.3 microg/m3 for
      benzene, 4.06 +/- 5.32 microg/m3 for MTBE, 16.8 +/- 15.5 microg/m3 for
      formaldehyde, and 0.40 +/- 0.94 ng/m3 for benzo[a]pyrene in Waterfront South and
      9.19 +/- 34.0 microg/m3 for benzene, 6.22 +/- 19.0 microg/m3 for MTBE, 16.0 +/-
      16.7 microg/m3 for formaldehyde, and 0.42 +/- 1.08 ng/m3 for benzo[a]pyrene in
      Copewood-Davis.) This was probably because many of the target compounds had both
      outdoor and indoor sources. The higher personal concentrations of these compounds
      in Copewood-Davis might have resulted in part from higher exposure to
      environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) of subjects from Copewood-Davis. The Spearman
      correlation coefficient (R) was found to be high for pollutants with significant
      outdoor sources. The R's for MTBE and carbon tetrachloride, for example, were >
      0.65 in both Waterfront South and Copewood-Davis. The R's were moderate or low
      (0.3-0.6) for compounds with both outdoor and indoor sources, such as BTEX and
      formaldehyde. A weaker association (R < 0.5) was found for compounds with
      significant indoor sources, such as BTEX, formaldehyde, PAHs, and PM2.5. The
      correlations between personal and ambient concentrations of MTBE and BTEX were
      found to be stronger in Waterfront South than in Copewood-Davis, reflecting the
      significant impact of local air pollution sources on personal exposure to these
      pollutants in Waterfront South. Emission-based ambient concentrations of benzene,
      toluene, and formaldehyde and contributions of ambient exposure to personal
      concentrations of these three compounds were modeled using atmospheric dispersion
      modeling and Individual Based Exposure Modeling (IBEM) software, respectively,
      which were coupled for analysis in the Modeling Environment for Total Risk
      (MENTOR) system. The compounds were associated with the three types of dominant
      sources in the two neighborhoods: industrial sources (toluene), exhaust from
      gasoline-powered motor vehicles (benzene), and exhaust from diesel-powered motor
      vehicles (formaldehyde). Subsequently, both the calculated and measured ambient
      concentrations of each of the three compounds were separately combined with the
      time diaries and activity questionnaires completed by the subjects as inputs to
      IBEM-MENTOR for estimating personal exposures from ambient sources. Modeled
      ambient concentrations of benzene and toluene were generally in agreement with
      the measured ambient concentrations within a factor of two, but the values were
      underestimated at the high-end percentiles. The major local (neighborhood)
      contributors to ambient benzene concentrations were from mobile sources in the
      study areas; both mobile and stationary (point and area) sources contributed to
      the ambient toluene concentrations. This finding can be used as guidance for
      developing better emission inventories to characterize, through modeling, the
      ambient concentrations of air toxics in the study areas. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

PMID- 22097191
TI  - [Disease-syndrome combination clinical study on psychosomatic diseases: Yang and
      Yin syndrome typing for psychosomatic diseases].

PMID- 22097192
TI  - [Primary study on disease-syndrome combination and clinical therapy for chronic
      heart failure].

PMID- 22097193
TI  - [Thoughts on the cut-in point of disease-syndrome combination in the clinical
      study of Chinese medicinal pediatrics].

PMID- 22097194
TI  - [Analysis of treating diabetes mellitus by disease-syndrome combination].

PMID- 22097195
TI  - [Effect of Chinese medicine comprehensive regimen as the maintenance therapy on
      time to progression and quality of life of patients with advanced non-small-cell
      lung cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Chinese medicine (CM) comprehensive regimen
      as the maintenance therapy (MT) on time to progression (TTP) and quality of life
      (QOL) of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The
      study was a prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial. Fifty non
      progressive patients with advanced NSCLC who responded to first-line therapy were
      randomized into the test group (25 cases, treated with CM comprehensive regimen:
      intravenous dripping of Chinese herbal preparation, oral administration of
      Chinese herbal decoction, and point application) and the control group [25 cases,
      treated with one of three single-agent maintenance chemotherapy regimens:
      pemetrexed (500 mg/m2, day 1), docetaxel (75 mg/m2, day 1), and gemcitabine (1000
      mg/mi, day 1 and day 8) in the ratio of 1:1]. Each cycle consisted of 21 days.
      Cycles were repeated until the disease progressed, or intolerable toxic or
      adverse reaction occurred, or patients refused to continue the treatment. The
      primary end point was TTP and the secondary end point was QOL. QOL was evaluated
      using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of
      life questionnaire QLQ-LC43 (EORTC QLQ-LC43). TTP of fifty patients and QOL of 43
      patients had been statistically analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The TTP in the test group
      was prolonged for 23 days when compared with that of the control group, with
      insignificant difference (87 days vs 64 days, P=0.063). (2) The scores of domains
      in EORTC QLQ-LC43 were statistically significantly better in the test group than
      in the control group (P<0.05) except cognitive and social functions, the symptoms
      of dysphagia and pain in other parts. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The CM comprehensive
      regimen as MT had equivalent efficacy on TTP when compared with single-agent
      maintenance chemotherapy regimen. It was advantageous over improving the QOL. (2)
      It is necessary to enlarge the sample size to further confirm the therapeutic
      efficacy of CM comprehensive regimen as MT in treatment of patients with advanced
      NSCLC.

PMID- 22097196
TI  - [Effects of modified bazhen decoction in assistant with enteral nutrition on the
      growth hormone, the nutritional state, and the immune function in patients with
      gastric cancer after operation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of modified Bazhen Decoction (BZD) in assistant
      with enteral nutrition (EN) on the growth hormone, the nutritional state, and the
      immune function in patients with gastric cancer after operation. METHODS: The
      prospective, random, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial was adopted. 88
      patients receiving gastric cancer operation were randomly assigned to the
      parenteral nutrition group (Group A, 27 cases), the EN group (Group B, 30 cases),
      and the comprehensive group (Group C, BZD in assistant with EN, 31 cases).
      Isocaloric and isonitrogenous parenteral nutritional support was given to
      patients in Group A from the operation day to the ninth day. Isocaloric and
      isonitrogenous EN was given to patients in Group B and C from the second day of
      operation till the ninth day. 100 mL BZD was nasal fed to patients in Group C
      during the second day to the ninth day after operation. The levels of the growth
      hormone, immune indices such as IgA, IgG, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+, etc., and
      nutritional indices such as serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, etc. were
      detected in the three groups one day before operation, on the 1st day after
      operation, and on the tenth day after operation. RESULTS: The levels of IgA, IgG,
      CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+, serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin decreased more than
      before operation in the three groups, with statistical difference (P<0.05). On
      the tenth day after operation, all indices in Group B and C were somewhat
      improved, showing statistical difference when compared with those in Group A
      (P<0.05). Besides, the aforesaid indices were higher in Group C than in Group B
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Modified BZD in assistant with EN could further promote
      the elevation of the growth hormone levels. Besides, it could further improve the
      nutrition state and the immune function.

PMID- 22097197
TI  - [Clinical study of safflower injection in treating and preventing the vascular
      crisis after free flap transplantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Safflower Injection (Al) in
      treating and preventing the vascular crisis after free flap transplantation.
      METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing free flap transplantation were randomly
      assigned to the treatment group and control group according to the visiting
      sequence, thirty in each. Free flap transplantation was performed on all
      patients, and medication was given 0. 5 h before flap vascular anastomosis, 1-7
      days after surgery. Twenty mL Al was intravenously dripped to patients in the
      treatment group after adding in 250 mL 5% glucose injection, while Dextran-40 was
      intravenously dripped to patients in the control group. The medication was
      conducted once per day. The hemorheology and four indices of blood coagulation
      [prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial
      thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB)] were compared between the two
      groups before operation (TO), during operation (T1), 24 h after operation (T2),
      three days after operation (T3), and seven days after operation (T4). Meanwhile,
      flaps were observed and adverse reaction recorded. The clinical efficacy and
      safety were compared. RESULTS: Better result was obtained in the treatment group
      when compared their clinical efficacy (86. 67% vs 60. 00%, P<0.05). The whole
      blood high and low viscosity, plasma viscosity, red blood cell (RBC) volume, RBC
      aggregation index all decreased, and RBC deformed index increased in the two
      groups at T4, showing statistical difference when compared with those at T3
      (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in the four indices of
      blood coagulation when compared with any time point in the same group (P>0.05).
      There was no statistical significance in hemorheology and the four indices of
      blood coagulation between the two groups at the same time point (P>0.05). The
      adverse reaction rate in the treatment group was lower than that in the control
      group, showing statistical difference (13.33% vs 30.00%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AI
      could effectively prevent and treat the vascular crisis after free flap
      transplantation. It had less adverse reaction and good safety. It was better than
      Dextran-40. It was a safe and effective drug to prevent the vascular crisis.

PMID- 22097198
TI  - [Myocardial protection of cardioplegic solution with Salvia miltiorrhizae in
      extracorporeal circulation of coronary artery bypass graft].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the myocardial protection of cardioplegic solution with
      Salvia miltiorrhizae (SM) in extracorporeal circulation of coronary artery bypass
      graft (CABG) and to investigate the mechanisms of SM. METHODS: 30 patients who
      received CABG under extracorporeal circulation were randomly assigned to two
      groups, the observation group (15 cases) and the control group (15 cases).
      Patients in the observation group received the cardioplegic solution with SM and
      those in the control group received the cardioplegic solution without SM. The
      indices such as serum SOD activities, MDA contents, LDH, CK-MB, cTnl levels, the
      rate of heart reskip, activated coagulation time (ACT), the time of assisted
      respiration, and the days of in-hospital after operation were observed in the two
      groups pre-operation, post-operation, 6 h and 24 h post-operation, respectively.
      RESULTS: When compared with the control group, MDA contents, LDH, CK-MB, cTnl
      levels were lower, SOD activities (all P<0.05) and heart re-skip rate (P>0.05)
      higher in the observation group. There was no statistical significance in the
      time of assisted respiration, the days of in-hospital, or ACT in the two groups
      (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of cardioplegic solution with SM in
      extracorporeal circulation of CABG showed obvious myocardial protection. It had
      better effects than the cardioplegic solution with no SM.

PMID- 22097199
TI  - [Study on the distribution and characteristics of Chinese medicine syndrome in
      patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To supply evidence for establishing the standard for Chinese medicine
      (CM) syndrome differentiation by investigating the distribution and
      characteristics of CM syndromes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD). METHODS: 928 NAFLD patients' symptoms, signs, tongue and pulse
      parameters were studied by clinical epidemiologic survey. And the results were
      analyzed by the cluster analysis and factor analysis. RESULTS: The results of
      cluster analysis showed that the CM syndrome typings of fatty liver patients were
      mainly classified as dampness heat accumulation, Pi deficiency with dampness
      phlegm, Gan-qi stagnation and Pi deficiency, phlegm stasis accumulation, and Gan
      Shen insufficiency, which were in accordance with clinical practice. The results
      of factor analysis indicated that overweight/obesity, abdominal distension,
      hypochondriac pain, discomfort in the hepatic region were common "condition
      factors" of fatty liver patients. The 5 "syndrome factors" such as dampness heat
      accumulation, Pi deficiency with dampness phlegm, Gan-qi stagnation and Pi
      deficiency, phlegm stasis accumulation, and Gan-Shen insufficiency showed
      identification significance in syndrome typing. CONCLUSIONS: The basic CM
      syndrome typings of NAFLD were dampness heat accumulation, Pi deficiency with
      dampness phlegm, Gan-qi stagnation and Pi deficiency, phlegm stasis accumulation,
      and Gan-Shen insufficiency. The four parameters of fatty liver patients could be
      classified by statistical analysis as condition factors and syndrome factors
      (which could reflect CM syndrome characteristics), which could provide certain
      evidence for establishing CM syndrome differentiation standards.

PMID- 22097200
TI  - [Clinical effects of qianggan capsule on the liver tissue pathology and PDGF-BB,
      TGF-beta1, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic efficacy of Qianggan Capsule (QC) in treating
      patients Seventy pa-with chronic hepatitis B fibrosis from the pathological
      aspect and serum fibrosis markers. METHODS: patients with chronic hepatitis B
      were randomly assigned to two groups, the treated group (45 cases) and the
      control group (25 cases). QC was given to patients in the treated group, while
      glucurone and compound vitamin B were given to those in the control group. The
      therapeutic course for both groups was 6 months. The therapeutic effect was
      assessed by determination of fibrosis markers including serum levels of platelet
      derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF
      beta1), matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitors of
      metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT),
      total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and prothrombin time (PT) were completed 1
      month before treatment and at the end of the trial respectively. RESULTS: (1)
      Serum levels of ALT, TBIL, PT decreased obviously and the serum ALB level
      obviously increased in both groups (all P<0.05), showing no significant
      difference between the two groups (P>0.05). (2) Hepatic fibrosis markers: Serum
      levels of PDGF-BB, TGF-1P3, and TIMP-1 significantly decreased, and serum MMP-1
      level markedly increased in the treated group more than before treatment (all
      P<0.05). No significant difference was shown between before and after treatment
      in each index of the control group (P>0.05). Serum levels of PDGF-BB, TGF-beta1,
      and TIMP-1 were obviously lower and the serum MMP-1 level was obviously higher in
      the treated group than in the control group after treatment (all P<0.05). (3)
      Hepatic histopathological results: The hepatic inflammatory necrosis activity and
      the hepatic fibrosis degree in the treated group were significantly improved
      (P<0.05), with the total effective rate of the hepatic necrosis activity
      improvement being 40.00% and that of the hepatic fibrosis degree being 57.78%.
      But there was no obvious improvement in the hepatic inflammatory necrosis
      activity or the hepatic fibrosis degree in the control group (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: QC could effectively improve serological indices and pathological
      indices of chronic hepatitis B fibrosis patients, showing better therapeutic
      effect in reversing hepatic fibrosis and alleviating hepatic inflammatory
      necrosis.

PMID- 22097201
TI  - [Plasma proteomic analysis of patients with chronic hepatitis B of damp-heat
      retention in the middle-jiao syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the essence of chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB) of damp-heat
      retention in the middle-jiao syndrome (DRMS) from plasma proteomic angle.
      METHODS: Plasma proteomic analyses of plasma whole protein of patients in the
      group with CHB of DRMS (20 cases) and subjects in the health control group (5
      cases) were compared using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), mass
      spectrography, and other bioinformatics analyses methods. RESULTS: Eight protein
      dots with obvious regularity changes of differential expression were obtained by
      2-DE. Seven protein dots were obtained by mass spectrography (One protein dot
      with undetected results): apolipoprotein C2 (APO-C2), vitronectin (VN),
      haptoglobin (HPT), transthyretin (TTHY), APO-A1, serum amyloid P-component
      (SAMP), and APO-A4. Compared with the health control group, the expressions of
      APO-A1 and APO-A4 were somewhat higher and the expressions of the expressions of
      the rest five protein dots were obviously down-regulated. CONCLUSION: APO-Al and
      APO-A4 were of potential significance in the diagnosis of CHB patients of DRMS,
      prognostic markers, or treatment targets.

PMID- 22097202
TI  - [Effect of biantong huangqi ointment combined with western medicine on the
      recurrence of children's bronchial asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the intervention of Biantong Huangqi Ointment (BHO) combined
      with Western medicine (WM) on the recurrence of bronchial asthma (BA). METHODS:
      Eighty-four BA children patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group
      (43 cases) and the control group (41 cases). During the period of onset, patients
      in the two groups were treated by WM alone. During the remission phase, patients
      in the treatment group took BHO, one dose daily, while those in the control group
      were treated with atomized inhalation of Budesonide and Salbutamol (0.5 mL each
      time for those 3 -8 years old; 0.75 mL each time for >or=those 8-12 years old).
      The therapeutic course for them all was 1 month. The serum levels of IgG and IgE
      before and after treatment, 6 and 12 months after withdrawal of medication were
      detected in the two groups, and the recurrence rate of BA observed in the two
      groups. RESULTS: The recurrence rate of the treatment group was obviously lower
      than that of the control group after withdrawal of medication (9.5% vs 24.4% for
      6 months, 14.0% vs 34.1% for 12 months), showing statistical difference between
      the two groups (P<0.05). The serum IgG level of children patients in the
      treatment group increased continuously after medication. The high serum IgE level
      state obtained long-term and effective relief. CONCLUSION: BHO showed favorable
      anti-recurrent effect on children's BA. Its mechanism might be associated with
      regulating children's immune system.

PMID- 22097203
TI  - [Clinical control study on postmenopausal osteoporosis treated with embedding
      thread according to syndrome differentiation and medication].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic efficacy of embedding thread according to
      staging and wholism syndrome differentiation and its effect on correlated indices
      of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: 135 patients with
      postmenopausal osteoporosis were randomly assigned to the control group A
      (treated with Calcichew D3 Tablet), the control group B (treated with Calcichew
      D3 Tablet and Xianling Gubao Capsule), and the treatment group (treated with
      Calcichew D5 Tablet and embedding thread according to staging and wholism
      syndrome differentiation). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Chinese medicine
      syndrome integral, and the quality of life scale before treatment, 3 months after
      treatment, and 6 months after treatment were assessed. Changes of the lumbar bone
      mineral density (BMD) and the serum level of estradiol (E2) were also assessed
      before and after six-month treatment. And the therapeutic efficacy of each group
      was also assessed after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, there
      was no significant difference in scores of VAS, Chinese medicine syndrome
      integral and the quality of life scale, the.serum level of E2, and the lumbar BMD
      of the patients in three groups (all P>0.05). After three months of treatment,
      there was significant difference in scores of VAS, Chinese medicine syndrome
      integral and the quality of life scale of the patients in the three groups (all
      P<0.01). Of them, the improvement of the three indices in the control group A was
      the worst in three groups (P< 0.05, P<0.01). The VAS in the treatment group was
      superior to those in control group B (P<0.01). But the difference of Chinese
      medicine syndrome integral and the quality of life scale was insignificant in the
      three groups. After six months of treatment, significant difference was shown in
      the scores of VAS, Chinese medicine syndrome integral, or the quality of life
      scale of the patients in the three groups when compared with the corresponding
      index before treatment and after three months of treatment (all P<0.01). Of them
      the improvement of the three indices of patients in the treatment group and the
      control group B was better than that in the control group A (all P<0.01), and the
      improvement in the treatment group were superior to that in the control group B
      (P<0.05, P<0. 01). Significant difference was shown in the serum level of E2 and
      the lumbar BMD of the patients in the treatment group and the control group B
      when compared with before treatment of the same group (both P<0.01). But there
      was no difference in the control group A between before and after treatment, with
      better effects obtained in the treatment group and the control group B. And the
      serum level of E, of the patients in the treatment group after treatment was
      higher than that in the control group B (P<0.01), but there was no difference in
      the lumbar BMD. The therapeutic efficacy in the treatment group and the control
      group B were superior to that in the control group A (P<0.01, P<0.05), but no
      difference existed between the treatment group and the control group B.
      CONCLUSIONS: The therapy of embedding thread according to staging and wholism
      syndrome differentiation could reduce the scores of VAS and Chinese medicine
      syndrome integral, enhance the serum lever of E2, the quality of life scale and
      the lumbar BMD of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. So it was an
      effective method.

PMID- 22097204
TI  - [Effect of massage on hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery and serum
      prostaglandin in treating patients with primary dysmenorrhea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of massage in the treatment of primary
      dysmenorrhea (PD), and its effect on hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery
      and serum prostaglandins. METHODS: 60 PD patients were randomly assigned to the
      massage group and the control group, 30 in each. Patients in the massage group
      received massage, while those in the control group orally took ibuprofen
      sustained release capsule, both for three menstrual cycles. The pain degree was
      assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS). The hemodynamics parameters of
      uterine artery [including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic
      to diastolic peak ratio (S/D)], the serum levels of prostaglandin F2alpha
      (PGF2alpha) and PGE2 in the menstruation were detected in the two groups before
      and after treatment. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in each index
      before treatment between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group
      after treatment, the scores of VAS (mm, 33. 17+/-7.93 vs 63.53+/-9.48), PI
      (2.18+/-0.18 vs 2.74+/-0.23), RI (0.67+/-0.09 vs 0. 86+/-0.27), S/D (5.44+/-0.47
      vs 7.56+/-0.28), and serum PGF2a level (ng/L, 28. 10+/-2.41 vs 37.68+/-2.16) were
      lower and serum PGE, level (ng/L, 29.82+/-2.13 vs 26.43+/-1.42) higher in the
      massage group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Massage had favorable therapeutic effect on PD. Its effect might be achieved
      through improving the blood circulation of uterus, adjusting the abnormal levels
      of PGF2a and PGE2, thus exerting pain relief effect.

PMID- 22097205
TI  - [A multi-center, randomized control trial on clinical research education to
      diabetes patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of implementing education about clinical research
      in changing the awareness and attitudes of diabetic patients. METHODS: A
      randomized control trial was implemented in 258 patients with diabetes from 6
      hospitals. The participants were assigned to the intervention group (129 cases,
      who received education about the clinical research) and the control group (129
      cases, who received no intervention). The outcome indicators were the variables
      on knowledge, attitude for the clinical research between before and after
      intervention in the same group and between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no
      withdrawal or lost in the two groups. Comparing the contents between inter-groups
      and intra-group for 19 assignment questions, it showed statistical significance
      (P<0.05). After the patients received education, their knowledge about and
      attitude towards clinical research, informed consent, placebo, follow-up, random
      allocation, and ethics, etc. were markedly improved. Their attitudes for the
      participants to join in scientific research, opinion, confidence were obviously
      changed, and it also showed that the method was feasible. The patients' education
      level was positively correlated with the clinical research educated outputs.
      CONCLUSION: This study proved the necessity for patients participating in future
      clinical trials to receive education, as well as its feasibility and
      effectiveness.

PMID- 22097206
TI  - [Experimental study on metabonomics of coronary heart disease myocardial ischemia
      of blood stasis syndrome based on the NOESY pulse NMR].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study changes of serum metabolite profiles in Ameriod ring induced
      coronary heart disease (CHD) chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI) mini-pigs by NMR.
      METHODS: The blood stasis syndrome (BSS) animal model was established by coronary
      angiography, blood hemorheology, and so on. By using NMR and pattern recognition,
      changes of serum endogenous metabolites of the four-week mini-pigs of the BSS
      model and the sham-operative group. RESULTS: The model prepared by using this
      method was confirmed as the stable CHD CMI model of BSS. Animals in the model
      group and the sham-operative group were clearly classified using the principal
      component analysis (PCA). The PCA of serum 1HNMR spectrum and metabolic spectrum
      in the two groups were significantly different in this model. Compared with the
      sham-operative group, endogenous metabolites in the serum such as the levels of
      citric acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, lactic acid,
      glutamate, glucose, etc. increased in the model group, while the concentrations
      of lipid metabolites such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density
      lipoprotein (VLDL) decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The different metabolites between the
      model group and the sham-operative group mainly manifested as metabolic disorders
      of glucose and lipids, as well as energy metabolism such as the disturbance of
      tricarboxylic acid (TCA). Metabonomics could provide a new path for the
      objectivity of Chinese medicine syndromes.

PMID- 22097207
TI  - [Effect of qufeng zhidong simplified recipe on the behavior of the tic disorder
      rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects qufeng zhidong Simplified Recipe (QZSR) on the
      behavior of the tic disorder (TD) rats. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats were randomly
      divided to the normal group, the model group, the QZSR-1 group, the QZSR-2 group,
      and the QZSR group, 10 in each group. Two mg/kg apomorphine (APO) was
      intraperitoneally injected to rats in the model group, the QZSR-1 group, the QZSR
      2 group, and the QZSR group, while equal volume of normal saline was
      intraperitoneally injected to rats in the normal group, both once daily for 7
      successive weeks. At the 4th week equal volume of normal saline was
      intraperitoneally injected to rats in the model group and the normal group, while
      corresponding medicinal liquid was intraperitoneally injected to those in the
      rest groups, both once daily for 7 successive weeks. At the 2nd and 4th week of
      intervention, rats' improvement degrees of stereotyped behavior and the open
      field test were monitored, and their experimental results were analyzed. RESULTS:
      At the 2nd and 4th week of intervention, when compared with those of the model
      group, the score of stereotyped behavior decreased, the numbers of passing-panel,
      straightening, and dejecta pill were reduced, and the number of grooming
      increased in the QZSR-1 group, the QZSR-2 group, and the QZSR group. But there
      was no difference among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: QZSR could
      significantly reduce APO induced stereotyped behavior scores of TD rats, improve
      their locomotor activities, and reinforce their adaptive faculty.

PMID- 22097208
TI  - [Effects of chaihu shugan powder on the behavior and expressions of BDNF and TrkB
      in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe in rat model of depression].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CHSGP) on the
      behavior and the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its
      receptor tyrosine kinase receptors B (TrkB) in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the
      frontal lobe of depression model rats. METHODS: Sixty adult Sprague-Dawley rats
      were randomly divided into 6 groups, i. e., the normal control group (NC), the
      model control group (MC), the CHSGP group, the disassembly 1 group (CI), the
      disassembly 2 group (CII), and the Fluoxetine control group (FC), 10 in each
      group. Except those in the NC, the rest rats were singly housed and exposed on an
      unpredicted sequence of mild stressor. From the fifteenth day, all rats were
      administered with equal volume of normal saline (to the NC group and the MC
      group) and of corresponding medicinal liquid (5.9 g/kg to the CHSGP group, 3.3
      g/kg to the CI group, 2.6 g/kg to the CII group, and 1.8 mg/kg to the FC group)
      by gastrogavage for 2 successive weeks. The rats' body weight, sucrose
      consumption volume in the sucrose preference test, and times of grooming in the
      open field test were detected on the 0, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th day, respectively.
      The mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the
      frontal lobe were detected by immunohistochemical assay and Real-time fluorescent
      quantitation PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the NC group, the rats' body weight was
      put up slowly in the MC group. The scores in the open field test decreased. The
      times of grooming and sucrose consumption volume were both reduced. The time of
      staying in central square was postponed. The mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in
      the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe decreased with statistical
      significance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MC group, the behavior indices
      of rats in the CHSGP, CI, CII, and FC groups were significantly improved. The
      mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal
      lobe were obviously enhanced with statistical significance (P<0.05, P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: CHSGP could obviously improve the depressive state of the model
      rats. Its mechanism might be correlated with increasing the mRNA expressions of
      BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe.

PMID- 22097209
TI  - [Effects of huanglian jiedu decoction on free radicals metabolism and
      pathomorphism of the hippocampus in App/PS1 double transgenic mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDT) on the
      metabolism of free radicals, the morphology and histopathology of hippocampal CA1
      neurons in PS1/APP double transgenic mice of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to
      study its possible mechanisms, thus providing experimental evidence for treating
      AD by HLJDT. METHODS: The APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model was used. Mice
      were randomly divided into five groups, i. e., the model control group, the
      positive control group (Aricept), high-, middle-, and low-dose HLJDT group (at
      the daily dose of 865 mg*kg(-1), 433 mg*kg(-1), and 216 mg*kg(-1), respectively).
      Corresponding medication was daily given by gastrogavage. Seven months later
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected at the ten
      month old mice, thus observing the effects on the morphology of CA1 hippocampal
      neurons and the senile plaques (SP). RESULTS: HLJDT and Aricept could obviously
      increase the SOD contents and lower the MDA contents (P<0.05), attenuate the
      destroy of neurocytes and the formation of SP, effectively hinder the
      degeneration of hippocampal neurons. Better results were obtained in the middle
      dose HLJDT group than in the positive control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      mechanism of HLJDT in treating AD might be possibly correlated with improving
      anti-oxygenation, protecting hippocampal neurocytes, and reducing the formation
      of SP.

PMID- 22097210
TI  - [Effects of berberine on the pancreatic beta cell apoptosis in rats with insulin
      resistance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of berberine on the pancreatic 13 cell
      apoptosis in rats with insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: IR Wistar rat model was
      established by feeding with high fructose diet. After 6-week treatment of
      berberine, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Then fasting insulin
      level (Fins) was detected and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) calculated. The
      islet was isolated and purified. The pancreatic p3 cell apoptosis was detected by
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling
      assay (TUNEL). The apoptosis-related protein ASK1 and Caspase-12 expressions were
      examined by immunohistochemical assay. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group,
      the blood glucose at 0 and 1 h increased, the Fins increased and ISI decreased,
      the blood lipids were disarranged, the pancreatic beta cell apoptosis increased,
      and ASK1 and Caspase-12 protein expressions increased in IR rats. Compared with
      the model group, the blood glucose at 0 and 1 h and the Fins decreased, ISI
      increased, the disarranged blood lipids were improved, the pancreatic beta cell
      apoptosis decreased, and the ASK1 expression decreased, but with no obvious
      change in the Caspase-12 expressions in the berberine group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Berberine could alleviate IR state in IR rats and inhibit pancreatic 13 cell
      apoptosis. Its mechanism might be correlated with the inhibition of ASK1 protein
      expressions.

PMID- 22097211
TI  - [Uniform designed research on the active ingredients assembling of huangqi
      decoction for inhibition of DMN-induced liver fibrosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen out effective ingredients of Huangqi Decoction (HQD) on
      dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) induced liver fibrosis and its assembling actions.
      METHODS: (1) DMN solution (0. 5%) was peritoneally injected to rats to prepare
      the liver fibrosis model for 12 times, starting from the 1st day of modeling to
      the end of the 4th week. Uniform design method with 4-factor 8-level table was
      used to optimize the proportion of four ingredients from HQD, including
      astragaloside (AS), astragalus flavonoids (AF), glycyrrhizae acid (GA), and
      glycyrrhizae flavonoids (GF). Moreover, the changes of hydroxyproline (Hyp)
      content in the liver issue and the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in
      serum were observed as screen indices, and the method of regression analysis was
      used to find out an optimal combination. (2) A further study for comparing and
      verifying the efficacy of the obtained optimized prescription was conducted by
      observing the changes of fibrosis pathology, the content of Hyp in the liver
      tissue and serum enzyme activity after medication. RESULTS: The optimal
      proportion of AS and GA was 164:48. Compared with the model group, the content of
      Hyp in the liver tissue and the levels of ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
      and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum decreased significantly, indicating the
      inhibiting effect of HQD and the AS/GA combination group on hepatic fibrosis
      formation (P<0.05). The AS/GA combination group was better than AS/GA used alone
      group in reducing the content of Hyp in the liver tissue and the level of ALT in
      serum. Furthermore, the AS/GA combination group was better than the HQD group in
      reducing the level of ALT in serum. CONCLUSIONS: AS and GA were effective
      ingredients of HQD, and the combination of AS and GA had obvious synergistic
      effect in reducing liver collagen deposition and decreasing serum ALT activity in
      DMN-induced liver fibrosis.

PMID- 22097212
TI  - [Effect of the combination of bushen xuguan recipe and ruanjian huayu recipe on
      the MMP-2 expression in endometriosis rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the combination of Bushen Xuguan Recipe (BXR)
      and Ruan-jian Huayu Recipe (RHR) on the matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2)
      expression of rats with endometriosis (EMS), and to study the pathogenesis and
      mechanism of EMS. METHODS: The EMS rat model was established. Successfully
      modeled female SD rats were randomly divided into the combination group
      (BXR+RHR), the RHR group, and the model group. And a normal control group was set
      up. After 4 weeks of medicinal treatment, rats were sacrificed in the oestrus
      cycle. MMP-2 distribution and the staining density in ectopic and eutopic
      endometrium of the rats were observed under microscope. The MMP-2 expression was
      determined by immunohistochemical assay (SP method). RESULTS: The MMP-2
      expression in the ectopic endometrial tissues of rats in the model group were
      significantly higher than that of the normal control group (P<0.01). Compared
      with the model group, the MMP-2 expression decreased in the combination group and
      the RHR group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of the combination group was most
      obvious by observing the distribution of MMP-2 and changes of positive staining.
      CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of EMS was correlated with increased activities of
      MMP-2. The combination method could inhibit the activities of MMP-2 in the
      ectopic endometrial tissues of EMS rats more effectively than RHR alone, which
      might be achieved through improving the endocrine environment, and reducing the
      "invasion" capability of the ectopic endometrium.

PMID- 22097213
TI  - [Inhibitory effect of arsenic trioxide on the pulmonary metastasis of melanoma
      B16 cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on the
      pulmonary metastasis of melanoma B16 cells. METHODS: Mice melanoma cells B16 were
      injected into the vein of the eye socket of C57BL/6J mice. The lung tissue weight
      and the B16 melanoma lung metastasis nodules were examined after intraperitoneal
      injection of As2O3. The microvessel density in the pulmonary metastatic tumor
      nodules was observed using HE staining and immunohistochemistry analysis for VIII
      R Ag. The cell adhesion rate was detected using CellTiter 96 Aqueous One reagent.
      RESULTS: As2O3 could significantly inhibit the pulmonary metastasis of B16
      melanoma. The lung weight, the pulmonary metastasis nodules, and microvessels per
      visual field of the experimental group and the control group were 0.139+/-0.013 g
      and 0.353+/-0.070 g, 20.42+/-1.78 and 61.42+/-3.09, 3.25+/-0.75 and 7.50+/-1.45,
      respectively (all P<0.01). As2O3 showed significant effect on the cell adhesion
      rate, showing statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: As2O3 had significant antitumor metastasis effect. It might be
      correlated with inhibiting angiogenesis and enhancing the cell adhesion.

PMID- 22097214
TI  - [Effect of salvianolic acid B on TGF-beta1-induced human embryonic lung
      fibroblast's biological behavior].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (SAB) on the
      proliferation of human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5, and the secretion of
      procollagen I and endogenous transforming growth factor-beta1, (TGF-beta1).
      METHODS: The MRC-5 cells were randomly divided into four groups as follows: the
      control group: cells cultured with DMEM but with no TGF-beta1, or SAB; the TGF
      beta1, group: cell cultured with 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1; the SAB1 group: cell
      cultured with medium with 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1 and 1 pmol/L SAB; the SAB2 group:
      cell cultured with medium with 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1, and 10 pmol/L SAB. The
      proliferation of cells was assayed by MTT incorporation. The concentration of
      amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), a marker of collagen
      synthesis, was measured by radioimmunoassay. The endogenous TGF-beta1, levels
      were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The optical density, procollagen I contents,
      and endogenous TGF-beta1, levels significantly increased when compared with those
      of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the TGF-beta1, group, the optical
      density was obviously lowered, the procollagen I contents and endogenous TGF
      beta1, levels significantly decreased in the SAB1 group and the SAB2 group, and
      better in the SAB2 group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      SAB could inhibit the proliferation of MRC-5 cells induced by TGF-beta1 and
      attenuate the roles of secreting collagen and endogenous TGF-beta1. It had the
      potential of postponing or delaying the progressive developing of pulmonary
      fibrosis.

PMID- 22097215
TI  - [Effect of genistein on MAPK signal pathway in the collagen-induced arthritis
      fibroblast-like synoviocytes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of genistein (Gen) on MAPK signal pathway in the
      CIA rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). METHODS: The rat model of collagen
      induced arthritis (CIA) was established. The cultured FLS of CIA rats were
      divided using randomized method. The effects of Gen (at the concentration of 50,
      100, and 200 micromol/L, respectively) on the proliferation of FLS in CIA rats
      using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Effects of Gen (at the
      concentration of 50, 100, and 200 pmol/L, respectively) on the expressions of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphorylated extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in the FLS of CIA rats were detected. RESULTS:
      Gen could inhibit the proliferation of FLS in CIA rats. The FLS proliferation in
      the high dose Gen group at 72 h was only 1.10+/-0.04, significantly lower than
      that in the model group (2.12+/-0.03, P<0.01). Besides, after Gen's action on
      FLS, the expression of p-ERK was down-regulated. It was only 0.34+/-0.02 in the
      high dose Gen group, significantly lower than that in the model group (2.68+/
      0.14, P<0.01). There was no change in the expression of ERK (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Gen could inhibit the proliferation of FLS in CIA rats. Its
      mechanism of action was mainly correlated to down-regulating the tyrosine kinase
      of MAPK signal transduction pathway and inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK.

PMID- 22097216
TI  - [Exploration on the establishment of animal models for gouty nephropathy
      complicated with chronic renal failure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the method for establishing animal models of gouty
      nephropathy complicated with chronic renal failure. METHODS: Six-eight weeks old
      male Wistar rats were fed with 10% fodder yeast. The adenine at the daily dose of
      100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg was administrated to them by gastrogavage. The
      serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and uric acid (UA)
      were dynamically monitored. Meanwhile, the pathological changes of rat kidney
      were observed. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, serum BUN, Cr,
      and UA obviously increased in rats administered with 100 mg/kg for 7 days
      (P<0.05). Meanwhile, pathological changes as gouty nephropathy occurred. Along
      with the prolongation of the modeling time, the aforesaid biochemical indices and
      pathohistological changes of the kidney were more obvious. The blood Cr level
      just reached the chronic renal failure level on the 26th day of the
      administration (about the 4th week), and obviously exceeded the renal failure
      level on the 41st day (about the 6th week). The blood UA level increased to a
      higher level on the 7th day of modeling, and maintained at a higher level for a
      long time. It decreased rapidly from the 41st day to the 48th day. The renal
      pathological examination showed aggravated infiltration of lymphocytes and
      stromal fibrous proliferation. On the 48th day of modeling, the proliferation of
      the fibrous tissue and the interstitial fibrosis were obvious on the bases of the
      aforesaid changes. The serum BUN, Cr, and blood UA obviously increased in the
      rats administered with 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg when compared with the normal
      control group, reaching the level of chronic renal failure (P<0.05). These levels
      obviously decreased 17 days after restoring to normal fodder feeding, and
      approached the normal levels till the 35th day. CONCLUSION: Ideal experimental
      animal models of gouty nephropathy complicated with chronic renal failure could
      be established in male Wistar rats by feeding with 10% fodder yeast and 100 mg/kg
      adenine by gastrogavage for 5 weeks.

PMID- 22097217
TI  - [Preventive and therapeutic effects of xiaobanxia fuling decoction on cisplatin
      induced pica rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of Xiaobanxia
      Fuling Decoction (XBFD) on cisplatin-induced pica rats and to study its
      mechanism. METHODS: Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into
      the following 7 groups, i.e., the blank control group, the model group, the high
      , middle-, and low-dose XBFD groups (at the daily dose of 30, 15, and 7. 5 g/kg,
      respectively), the aprepitant (at the daily dose of 13 mg/kg), and pure Chinese
      medicine group (at the daily dose of XBFD 15 g/kg), 6 in each group. On the 3rd
      day of this study, 3 mg/kg cisplatin was intraperitoneally injected to rats
      except the blank control group and the model group to establish the pica rat
      model. The consumptions of kaolin, food, and the general situation of rats were
      observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) in
      both the medulla oblongata and the gastric antrum were measured by
      immunohistochemical assay and Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR respectively
      on the sixth day of this study. RESULTS: On the third, fourth, and fifth day of
      this study, the consumption of kaolin of rats significantly increased when
      compared with the blank control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,
      the consumption of kaolin significantly decreased in the high-, middle-, and low
      dose XBFD groups on the third, fourth, and fifth day of this study (P<0.05). The
      food intake of rats in the high-dose XBFD groups significantly increased when
      compared with the model group on the third day of this study (P<0.05). The
      protein and mRNA expressions of NK, R in the medulla oblongata and the gastric
      antrum significantly decreased in the high- and middle-dose XBFD groups when
      compared with the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: XBFD could prevent and treat
      cisplatin-induced pica in rats. Its effect might be correlated with decreasing
      expressions of NK, R in the medulla oblongata and the gastric antrum.

PMID- 22097218
TI  - [Exploration on syndrome differentiation standardization of Chinese medicine
      diagnosis and treatment].
AB  - The syndrome differentiation standardization of Chinese medicine and treatment
      technologies is the premise of Chinese medicine's entry into the world. But its
      individualized diagnosis and therapeutic features are contrary to the
      specification of standardization. The achievement and existent problems in
      syndrome differentiation standardization of Chinese medicine and treatment
      technologies were summarized in this paper. The thinking ways and recommendations
      to solve were proposed as well.

PMID- 22097219
TI  - [Chinese medicine prevention and treatment of AIDS in terms of constitution
      theory].
AB  - The significant effects of constitutional factor on AIDS were addressed. Acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by HIV, is mainly characterized as
      decreased immune function or immune deficiency. It has strong infectiousness and
      higher mortality, so it is one of the diseases that attract great attention to
      clinical prevention and treatment. The constitution not only exerts significant
      effect on the immune function of patients with AIDS, but also plays important
      roles in the development, prognosis, and outcomes of AIDS. Therefore, it is of
      great referential significance in both clinical and scientific studies of AIDS by
      exploring Chinese medicine prevention and treatment of AIDS from the angle of
      constitution.

PMID- 22097220
TI  - [Study on the social communication features of interpretation of Chinese
      medicine].

PMID- 22097221
TI  - [Severe sensorineural deafness after cerebral trauma by electroacupuncture and
      scalp acupuncture: a report of 19 cases].

PMID- 22097222
TI  - [Treatment of declined ovary reserve function by shen nourishing blood activating
      method: a case report of 50 cases].

PMID- 22097223
TI  - [Overview of adverse effects of integrative medicine treatment of social
      communication stress on bronchial asthma].

PMID- 22097224
TI  - [Advance of Chinese medicine studies on children's mycoplasmal pneumonia].

PMID- 22097225
TI  - IMAJ "Bat Mitzvah" year: highlights of 2010-2011.

PMID- 22097226
TI  - Severe influenza A (H1N1): the course of imaging findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel swine-origin
      influenza virus (influenza A/H1N1 2009) that began in Mexico was declared a
      global pandemic by the World Health Organization in June 2009. The pandemic
      affected many countries, including Israel. OBJECTIVES: To compare the course of
      chest radiographic and computed tomography findings in patients who survived and
      those who died following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or intubation
      due to severe laboratory-confirmed swine-origin influenza A/H1N1 2009. METHODS:
      We retrospectively reviewed the patient records (267 radiographs, 8 CTs) of 22
      patients (10 males, 12 females) aged 3.5-66 years (median 34) with confirmed
      influenza A/ H1N1 2009, admitted to the ICU and/or intubated in five major
      Israeli medical centers during the period July-November 2009. We recorded
      demographic, clinical, and imaging findings--including pattern of opacification,
      extent, laterality, distribution, zone of findings, and presence/absence of
      nodular opacities--at initial radiography and during the course of disease, and
      compared the findings of survivors and non-survivors. Statistical significance
      was calculated using the Wilcoxon (continuous variables) and Fisher exact tests.
      RESULTS: The most common findings on the initial chest radiography were airspace
      opacities, which were multifocal in 17 patients (77%) and bilateral in 16 (73%),
      and located in the lower or lower and middle lung zones in 19 patients (86%).
      Large airspace nodules with indistinct margins were seen in 8 patients (36%).
      Twelve patients survived, 10 died. Patients who died had multiple background
      illnesses and were significantly older than survivors (P = 0.006). Radiologic
      findings for the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSION:
      Airspace opacities, often with nodular appearance, were the most common findings
      among patients with severe influenza A/H1N1 2009. The course of radiologic
      findings was similar in patients with severe influenza A/ H1N1 2009 who survived
      and those who died.

PMID- 22097227
TI  - Endoscopic transnasal cerebrospinal fluid leak repair: a 10 year experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic techniques have gained popularity for the repair of
      anterior skull base defects. OBJECTIVE: To describe the 10 year experience with
      endoscopic surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in a tertiary
      medical center. METHODS: The files of all patients who underwent endoscopic
      transnasal CSF leak repair in our institution between 1996 and 2006 were
      reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were identified: 16 women and 7 men with
      a mean age of 48 years and one child aged 9.5 years. The leak was trauma-induced
      in 17 patients and occurred spontaneously in the other 7. The defect was
      localized by preoperative computed tomography or CT/cysternography in 86% of
      cases. A fascia lata graft was the dominant choice for defect closure, and it was
      combined with a conchal or septal flap, fat, periosteum, or fibrin glue in 15
      patients. The success rate was 83% after the first closure attempt and 91% after
      the second. Two patients required a craniotomy at the third attempt. Mean
      hospitalization time was 6.7 days. There were two minor complications. Two
      patients were lost to follow-up; none of the others had a recurrence during 2
      years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic transnasal technique for the
      repair of CSF rhinorrhea is associated with a high success rate and low
      morbidity, and it should be considered for the majority of cases. Repeated
      attempts may improve success.

PMID- 22097228
TI  - Periprocedural complication rate of carotid endarterectomy versus carotid
      angioplasty and stenting: a retrospective study and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the past, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was the only modality for
      invasive intervention in cases of carotid stenosis. Due to improvements in
      endovascular techniques (stenting), there is a growing debate regarding the
      preferred procedure for carotid intervention. OBJECTIVES: To compare the 30 day
      complication rate after CEA and carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) in a
      tertiary medical center in Israel between the years 2008 and 2010. METHODS: We
      reviewed the medical charts of all the patients who underwent either CEA or CAS
      of the internal carotid artery due to symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis
      during the period 2008-2010 (total of 128 patients). RESULTS: There was no
      difference between the groups in the rate of severe complications in the peri
      procedural period. Mild complications were non-significantly more common in the
      CEA group (17%) compared to the CAS group (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      significant difference in the mild and severe complications rate between CEA and
      CAS in the peri-procedural period.

PMID- 22097229
TI  - Inducible clindamycin resistance among methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus
      aureus infections in pediatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus infections are a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide. Clindamycin is widely used in the treatment of
      staphylococcal infections; however, it is our impression that in the last few
      years, inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR) has become more prevalent.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of ICR in methicillin-sensitive
      Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections among pediatric patients in Israel.
      METHODS: We reviewed the files of children diagnosed with MSSA infections during
      the period January 2006 to June 2007 forfull antibiogram (includingthe D-test for
      ICR), phage typing and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA. RESULTS: Altogether,
      240 MSSA isolates were recovered, mainly from wounds and abscesses. ICR was
      detected in 62 of 68 erythromycin-resistant/clindamycin-sensitive strains (91%);
      the ICR rate for the total number of isolates was 26% (62/240). Phage type
      analysis demonstrated that 38 of 61 ICR isolates (62%) were sensitive to group 2,
      compared to 42 of 172 isolates (24%) that did not express ICR (P < 0.01). On
      randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, phage type 2 isolates expressing ICR belonged
      to the same clone, which was different from ICR isolates sensitive to other
      phages and from isolates not expressing ICR. CONCLUSIONS: Inducible clindamycin
      resistance is common among methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in Israeli
      children. The D-test should be performed routinely in all MSSA isolates.

PMID- 22097230
TI  - Optimal time needed for withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in patients with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a
      major problem worldwide and are usually the main indication for mechanical
      ventilation (MV), especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). The rate of
      weaning failure is also high and prolonged MV leads to complications of
      intubation. The goal is to wean these patients as soon as possible. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the optimal time necessary to start the weaning process. METHODS: In an
      attempt to determine the length of MV and stay in the ICU, we compared the length
      of MV, weaning, reintubations and discharge during a 10 month period. This study
      included 122 patients on MV due to severe exacerbation of COPD who were not
      suitable for non-invasive ventilation. For each patient serial arterial blood
      gases were measured at admission and during hospitalization. PeCO2 (mixed expired
      CO2) was tested using a Datex S/5 instrument at follow-up. RESULTS: The study
      population comprised all patients who required MV; of these 122, 108 were
      ventilated from 6 to 140 hours (mean 48 +/- 42), 9 needed more than 168 hours,
      and 5 died due to severe ventilation-associated pneumonia. No correlation was
      found between pH, PCO2 and length of MV; these findings did not contribute to
      evaluation of the patient's condition nor did they enable us to predict the
      length of treatment necessary. CONCLUSION: Most of the patients (93%) ventilated
      for acute respiratory failure due to COPD required MV for only 6-90 hours.

PMID- 22097231
TI  - Religiosity, anxiety and depression among Israeli medical students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Religiosity has been examined as a mechanism of stress management.
      Since many studies have shown a high rate of psychological morbidity among
      medical students during different stages oftraining, it is important to
      investigate whether religiosity may serve as a protective factor. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the association between religiosity and depression or anxiety in a sample
      of medical students and to compare the results with a matched sample of students
      from other fields of study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined a sample
      of Tel Aviv University medical students and compared them with students in other
      faculties at the same university for any association between religiosity and
      depression or anxiety. The subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the
      Beck Anxiety Inventory, a modified religiosity inventory, and a demographic and
      psychosocial variables inventory. RESULTS: Findings did not show a significant
      association between religiosity and depression or anxiety in the general sample
      (n = 119). A positive significant correlation between religiosity and anxiety was
      found among medical students, with 29.4% of them reporting anxiety and 25.2%
      depression. While high rates of depression and anxiety were reported by students
      in the first to third years (preclinical years), there was a decrease in
      depression and anxiety in the fourth to sixth years (clinical years). However,
      higher anxiety and depression scores were noted among controls as compared to
      medical students. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to another recent investigation, a
      negative correlation between religion and depression/anxiety does not necessarily
      exist. An association between religiosity and mental health could have many
      theoretical and practical implications and requires further investigation.
      Similar to previous studies, the rates of depression and anxiety among Israeli
      medical students were comparable with those of other countries. These rates are
      considered higher than those in the general population and emphasize the
      importance of alertness to mental health issues among students, especially during
      the early study years.

PMID- 22097232
TI  - Does percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty improve blood pressure
      control and renal function in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery
      stenosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) and stenting is an established
      procedure for the treatment of hypertension caused by atherosclerotic renal
      artery stenosis. However recently, the decision whether or notto perform this
      procedure has raised considerable debate. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association
      between the basic clinical and radiological characteristics of candidates for
      renal artery PTA and the clinical outcome of the procedure in terms of
      improvement of blood pressure control and renal function. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent percutaneous
      transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA) and stent implantation in a tertiary
      medical center during the period 2000-2007. The clinical and radiological data
      were extracted from the medical file of each patient. Blood pressure measurements
      and creatinine level were recorded before the procedure and 1 month, 6 months, 12
      months and 18 months after PTRA. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in
      the final statistical analysis. The mean age of the study population was 66.6 +/-
      8.8 years old and 75% were men. There was a significant reduction in both
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure 1 month after the procedure: 160.5 +/- 24.7
      vs. 141.8 +/- 23.6 mmHg and 83.8 +/- 12.9 vs. 68.8 +/- 11.8 mmHg respectively (P
      < 0.001). The reduction in blood pressure was constant throughout the follow-up
      period and was evident 18 months after the procedure: 160.5 +/- 24.7 vs. 135.0 +/
      35.1 mmHg and 83.8 +/- 12.9 vs. 71.3 +/- 16.5 mmHg respectively (P < 0.001).
      However, no improvement in renal function was observed at any time during the
      follow-up period. We could not demonstrate an association between clinical or
      radiological features and the clinical outcome after PTRA. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings show that PTRA can be considered an effective procedure for improving
      blood pressure control in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis
      (ARAS) and resistant hypertension. This research, together with previous studies,
      strengthens the knowledge that the decline in glomerular filtration rate seen in
      many patients with ARAS is non-reversible and is not improved by PTRA.

PMID- 22097233
TI  - The genetics of benign neutropenia.
AB  - In Israel, Yemenite Jews and other populations including Ethiopian Jews and
      Bedouins have a low neutrophil count. This phenomenon has been called "benign
      neutropenia" since it has not been associated with any increased risk of
      infection and has also been described in other populations around the world
      including Africans, African Americans and Afro-Carribeans. Here we describe the
      recent success in mapping the gene that underlies benign neutropenia in African
      American populations. We discuss the known function of the gene and consider
      potential mechanisms for the effect on neutropenia. We also consider the
      possibility that this gene underlies the same effect observed in Yemenite Jews,
      Ethiopian Jews and Bedouins in Israel.

PMID- 22097234
TI  - Pericardial cyst: a novel extrarenal manifestation of autosomal dominant
      polycystic kidney disease.

PMID- 22097235
TI  - Dysferlinopathy and very-long-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency
      segregating in the same family.

PMID- 22097236
TI  - Primary cardiac lymphoma presenting with atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22097238
TI  - Awake fiberoptic intubation and general anesthesia in a parturient with mirror
      syndrome and a predicted difficult airway.

PMID- 22097237
TI  - Liver metastasis from colonic adenocarcinoma presenting as nephrolithiasis:
      computed tomography findings.

PMID- 22097239
TI  - "Broken heart syndrome" (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).

PMID- 22097240
TI  - Usefulness of 64-slice computed tomography for evaluation of atrial septal
      aneurysm.

PMID- 22097241
TI  - Local iron overload in chronic leg ulcers.

PMID- 22097242
TI  - Soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) for iron deficiency detection in the acutely
      ill, hospitalized patients.

PMID- 22097243
TI  - [A squeeze approach for electrocardiogram ST-segment detection based on R-wave
      and T-wave].
AB  - ST-segment is the main clinical appearance in myocardial ischemia detection based
      on electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. However, it is highly sensitive to
      interferences (baseline wandering, postural changes, electrode interference,
      etc.), which cause the feature points of ECG ST-segment to be difficult to detect
      accurately. Currently, the common detection methods of ST-segment are: R+x and
      J+x, but they are affected badly by T-wave morphological variability and J point
      location. For these reasons, firstly we proposed a convenient and accurate
      approach for T-wave onset in this paper. It did not need to locate T-wave peak
      and was robust to baseline wandering and T-wave morphology. Secondly, we proposed
      a squeeze approach for ST-segment detection based on R-wave peak and T-wave
      onset. After the Long-Term ST database (LTST) verification, the proposed method
      has shown a good timeliness and robustness, and the accuracy of ST-segment
      detection has reached above 92%.

PMID- 22097244
TI  - [Extraction of AF signal during atrial fibrillation from single-lead ECG based on
      non-stationary heartbeat series].
AB  - The real-time and wireless mobile has become the trend of electrocardiogram (ECG)
      monitoring system for atrial fibrillation (AF). At present, the ECG with multi
      leads (12 leads) is needed by most of AF signal extraction algorithms in order to
      extract effective AF waves. However, it is not very convenient for patients'
      movements in a multi-lead ECG monitoring system. Although the traditional
      template matching method is for single-lead ECG extraction, it is less robust
      than blind source extraction algorithm, and is affected severely by noise. In
      view of this,we put forth a new real-time algorithm for extracting AF from the
      singlelead ECG, using non-stationary heartbeat series during AF to extend
      dimension (segmentation), and then applying a blind source extraction algorithm
      to extract the effective AF signal. Experiment results showed that this method
      could be used to extract AF signal effectively from a single-lead ECG data.
      Therefore, it is suitable to apply this method to Wireless Monitoring System
      using single-lead ECG.

PMID- 22097245
TI  - [Features of Debakey III aortic dissection after endovascular graft exclusion:
      evaluation with DSCT angiography].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prothesis and vascular features of
      Debakey III aortic dissection by DSCT angiography after endovascular graft
      exclusion. We performed a retrospective analysis of 39 Debakey III aortic
      dissection patients who underwent DSCT angiography after endovascular graft
      exclusion. After the operations in this study, all the 39 patients had no stent
      fracture and migration, 15 among all the 39 had endoleaks (type I 12 patients,
      type II 2 patients, 1 patient had no reason), 17 had large amount of thrombosis
      in false lumen, and 1 had false lumen outside the stent absorbed completely.
      While before the operations, 15 patients had abnormal renal perfusion pre
      operation, and 9 of them had recovered after the operations. And the nearer
      located to the initial exclusive place, the more obviously the aortic remodeling
      occurred. In conclusion, DSCT angiography can accurately evaluate the prosthesis
      and anatomic-pathologic features of Debakey III aortic dissection after
      endovascular graft exclusion.

PMID- 22097246
TI  - [An algorithm of corneal reconstruction based on precise location of corneal
      center].
AB  - Placido disk is widely used in corneal topography. In order to solve the problem
      that the convex of the corneal can not be precisely located in the Placido
      corneal topography system, an algorithm of corneal reconstruction based on the
      Placido disk was introduced. The key of this method is the calculation of radius
      of corneal convex by using the innermost ring data. Based on image analysis
      result, we precisely calculated the radius of corneal convex iteratively by
      connecting the convex and the first ring using a circle, and then calculated the
      location of all the reflect point and its power. At last we created the pseudo
      color map of the human corneal. The corneal was simulated by using standard steel
      sphere, and the calculating errors of the result were all below 0.25D. It showed
      that the algorithm used in this work could get relatively accurate powers and
      would have fair stability.

PMID- 22097247
TI  - [Interface interconnection and data integration in implementing of digital
      operating room].
AB  - The digital operating-room, with highly integrated clinical information, is very
      important for rescuing lives of patients and improving quality of operations.
      Since equipments in domestic operating-rooms have diversified interface and
      nonstandard communication protocols, designing and implementing an integrated
      data sharing program for different kinds of diagnosing, monitoring, and treatment
      equipments become a key point in construction of digital operating room. This
      paper addresses interface interconnection and data integration for commonly used
      clinical equipments from aspects of hardware interface, interface connection and
      communication protocol, and offers a solution for interconnection and integration
      of clinical equipments in heterogeneous environment. Based on the solution, a
      case of an optimal digital operating-room is presented in this paper. Comparing
      with the international solution for digital operating-room, the solution proposed
      in this paper is more economical and effective. And finally, this paper provides
      a proposal for the platform construction of digital perating-room as well as a
      viewpoint for standardization of domestic clinical equipments.

PMID- 22097248
TI  - [CUDA-based fast dose calculation in radiotherapy].
AB  - Dose calculation plays a key role in treatment planning of radiotherapy.
      Algorithms for dose calculation require high accuracy and computational
      efficiency. Finite size pencil beam (FSPB) algorithm is a method commonly adopted
      in the treatment planning system for radiotherapy. However, improvement on its
      computational efficiency is still desirable for such purpose as real time
      treatment planning. In this paper, we present an implementation of the FSPB, by
      which the most time-consuming parts in the algorithm are parallelized and ported
      on graphic processing unit (GPU). Compared with the FSPB completely running on
      central processing unit (CPU), the GPU-implemented FSPB can speed up the dose
      calculation for 25-35 times on a low price GPU (Geforce GT320) and for 55-100
      times on a Tesla C1060, indicating that the GPU-implemented FSPB can provide fast
      enough dose calculations for real-time treatment planning.

PMID- 22097249
TI  - [Noise and speckle reduction in ultrasound Doppler blood flow spectrograms by
      using MP-PCNN].
AB  - To reduce background noise and Dopplar speckle in the spectrogram of ultrasound
      Doppler blood flow signals, a novel method, called Matching Pursuit with
      threshold decaying pulse coupled neural network (MP-PCNN), has been proposed. The
      proposed method used an iterative algorithm, which decomposed the ultrasound
      Doppler signals into linear expansion of atoms in a time-frequency dictionary by
      using the Matching Pursuit (MP) for de-noising the ultrasound Doppler signal.
      Subsequently, a simplified unidirectional pulse coupled neural network was
      applied to calculate the firing matrix of the denoised spectrogram. The Doppler
      speckles were located and removed through analyzing and processing the PCNN
      firing matrix. Experiments were conducted on simulation signals which SNRs were
      0dB, 5dB and 10dB. The result showed that the MP-PCNN performed effectively in
      reducing noise, eliminating Doppler speckles, and achieved better performance
      than exiting noise and speckle suppression algorithm for Doppler ultrasound blood
      flow spectrogram.

PMID- 22097250
TI  - [EEG signal classification based on EMD and SVM].
AB  - The automatic detection and classification of EEG epileptic wave have great
      clinical significance. This paper proposes an empirical mode decomposition (EMD)
      and support vector machine (SVM) based classification method for non-stationary
      EEG. Firstly, EMD was used to decompose EEG into multiple empirical mode
      components. Secondly, effective features were extracted from the scales. Finally,
      the EEG was classified with SVM. The experiment indicated that this method could
      achieve good classification result with accuracy of 99 % for interictal and ictal
      EEGs.

PMID- 22097251
TI  - [Bionic model for coordinated head-eye motion control].
AB  - The relationships between eye movements and head movements of the primate during
      gaze shifts are analyzed in detail in the present paper. Applying the mechanisms
      of neurophysiology to engineering domain, we have improved the robot eye-head
      coordination. A bionic control strategy of coordinated head-eye motion was
      proposed. The processes of gaze shifts are composed of an initial fast phase
      followed by a slow phase. In the fast phase saccade eye movements and slow head
      movements were combined, which cooperate to bring gaze from an initial resting
      position toward the new target rapidly, while in the slow phase the gaze
      stability and target fixation were ensured by the action of the vestibulo-ocular
      reflex (VOR) where the eyes and head rotate by equal amplitudes in opposite
      directions. A bionic gaze control model was given. The simulation results
      confirmed the effectiveness of the model by comparing with the results of
      neurophysiology experiments.

PMID- 22097252
TI  - [Research on the application of pattern selection algorithm based on
      bioinformatic data].
AB  - Pattern selection plays an important role in data mining and pattern recognition,
      especially for large scale bioinformatic data. There are many problems in this
      field, such as algorithm complexity and numbers of the best feature subset. In
      this paper, we propose a new pattern selection algorithm, carrying out pattern
      selection base on Mutual Information (MI). Pattern subset evaluation index was
      studied to ensure the best feature subset. To pattern selection, algorithm bases
      on the correlation of patterns and label, as well as the redundancy of each
      pattern. Neurofuzzy Pattern Subset Evaluation Index was researched to make sure
      which is the best subset for our pattern subset evaluation. To verify the
      effectiveness of our method, several experiments are carried out on the data of
      gene expression of mouse from Leiden University and UCI datasets. The
      experimental results indicated that our algorithm achieved better results in the
      complexity and accuracy.

PMID- 22097253
TI  - [Wavelet modulus maxima of multifractality based analysis of the pathological ECG
      signals].
AB  - In this paper, wavelet moudulus maxima based multifractal analysis was used to
      study the multifractal characteristics of the atrial premature beat (APB) signal,
      the premature ventricular contraction (PVC) signal and normal ECG signal. By
      analyzing the multifractal spectrum, it was obtained that three kinds of signals
      had different multifractal strengths. Normal ECG signals had the strongest
      singularity strength. The PVC beats had the second stronger singularity strength.
      And the APB beats had the weakest singularity strength. The T test indicated that
      above-mentioned analysis could disclose significant differences among these three
      signals. It has meaningful reference for clinical diagnosing and distinguishing
      with PVC and APB signals.

PMID- 22097254
TI  - [Finite element analysis of the dynamic behaviour of a microbubble within a rigid
      micro-tube].
AB  - The dynamic behaviour of a microbubble confined within a rigid micro-tube was
      studied using finite element method. The results indicated that the microbubble
      oscillation was limited when constrained within the micro-tube. Both the
      expansion ratio of its effective radius and natural frequency decreased with the
      decrease of the tube radius. Meanwhile, the deformation of the microbubble was
      non-spherical and became more significant when the ultrasound pressure amplitude
      increased. The dynamic behaviour in micro-tube was different from that in
      infinite liquid.

PMID- 22097255
TI  - [Extraction method of the visual graphical feature from biomedical data].
AB  - The vector space transformations such as principal component analysis (PCA),
      linear discriminant analysis (LDA), independent component analysis (ICA) or the
      kernel-based methods may be applied on the extracted feature from the field,
      which could improve the classification performance. A barycentre graphical
      feature extraction method of the star plot was proposed in the present study
      based on the graphical representation of multi-dimensional data. The feature
      order question of the graphical representation methods affecting the star plot
      was investigated and the feature order method was proposed based on the improved
      genetic algorithm (GA). For some biomedical datasets, such as breast cancer and
      diabetes, the obtained classification error of barycentre graphical feature of
      star plot in the GA based optimal feature order is very promising compared to the
      previously reported classification methods, and is superior to that of
      traditional feature extraction method.

PMID- 22097256
TI  - [Regularized inhomogeneity correction method for phased array image in magnetic
      resonance imaging].
AB  - Phased array coils (multiple receiver coil systems) have been extensively used
      for acquisition of MR images owing to their ability of increasing SNR, extending
      field-of-view (FOV), and reducing acquisition time. But the SOS algorithm,which
      is main method for phased array image reconstruction,will cause inhomogeneity in
      reconstructed image. A regularized least square method for phased array image
      combination is proposed in this paper. In the method, an additional reference
      scan is performed in advance. By using the reference scan, coil sensitivity map
      can be acquired, and image reconstructed from reference scan can be used as
      reference data in the regulation term. Experiments showed that the image
      uniformity was greatly improved by this method with scanning phantom and
      volunteer.

PMID- 22097257
TI  - [The establishment and meaning of the three-dimensional finite element model of
      pelvic floor levator ani muscle in an old healthy woman].
AB  - This paper is to establish a three-dimensional finite element model (3D-FEM) of
      pelvic floor levator ani muscles in an old healthy women. We acquired the image
      data of the pelvic bones and pelvic floor muscles from CT and MRI scanning in a
      non-pregnant old healthy female volunteers. The 3-D reconstruction and mesh
      optimization of the whole pelvic bones and muscles with application of image
      processing software Mimics12.0 and Geomagic9.0 were obtained. Then we built the
      3D-FEM of the musculoskeletal system of the pelvic bones and levator ani muscles
      with Ansys11.0 software. We obtained an accurate 3D-FEM of pelvic bones and
      levator ani muscles in the older healthy woman. The results showed that it was
      reliable to build 3D-FEM with CT and MRI scanning data and this model could
      vividly reflect the huge space anatomy of the real pelvic floor levator ani
      muscles. It avoids the defects to gain the model from the body of anatomical
      specimens in the past. The image data of model are closer to vivisection, and the
      model is more conducive to the latter finite element analysis.

PMID- 22097258
TI  - [The specification of parameters driven by measurement data in the construction
      of virtual sources in Monte Carlo simulation].
AB  - Dose calculation algorithms based on the Monte Carlo (MC) method are widely
      regarded as the most accurate tool available in radiotherapy. The MC simulation
      in radiotherapy has been split into two parts, the radiation source simulation
      and patient simulation. In this research, a virtual source for simulating the
      linear accelerator head was constructed with measurement-driven models. The
      dependence between the calculation accuracy and the specification of various
      parameters was studied by comparison between the measurement data and calculation
      results. It has been shown that the dose profile obtained by MC simulation can be
      consistent with measurement data, suggesting that the compound effect of primary
      photons and secondary photons are considered with appropriate parameter
      specification. The requirement of modeling for MC simulation can be met in
      clinical conditions.

PMID- 22097259
TI  - [Design of extracorporeal apparatus of capsule endoscopy based on ARM+FPGA].
AB  - Considering that the patients would bear the annoyance of fixed posture for long
      time when they are examined with gastrointestinal wireless endoscopy, even though
      portable devices have been developed, the treatments still depend on PC so much,
      we proposed an embedded solution based on ARM + FPGA. It used embedded ARM9
      S3C2440 as processor core, collected images from digestive tract through capsule
      endoscopy which can be swallowed down there, and wirelessly transferred these
      images to the receiving system, then used video decoder chip SAA7114H for analog
      of NTSC video image decode. And under FPGA's logic controlling, effective digital
      video signal was transferred to S3C2440 for further treatment. Finally within the
      embedded Linux environment, we programmed the visual user interfaces using the
      QT/Embedded, realizing the offline record of the real-time video images of
      digestive tract portable and preferences. It can make patients move more freely
      and even without PC when examining. In addition, the method greatly improves the
      efficiency of the doctor, and is more intelligent and with more humane nature.

PMID- 22097260
TI  - [Fetal electrocardiogram extraction based on independent component analysis and
      quantum particle swarm optimizer algorithm].
AB  - Fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) is an objective index of the activities of fetal
      cardiac electrophysiology. The acquired FECG is interfered by maternal
      electrocardiogram (MECG). How to extract the fetus ECG quickly and effectively
      has become an important research topic. During the non-invasive FECG extraction
      algorithms, independent component analysis(ICA) algorithm is considered as the
      best method, but the existing algorithms of obtaining the decomposition of the
      convergence properties of the matrix do not work effectively. Quantum particle
      swarm optimization (QPSO) is an intelligent optimization algorithm converging in
      the global. In order to extract the FECG signal effectively and quickly, we
      propose a method combining ICA and QPSO. The results show that this approach can
      extract the useful signal more clearly and accurately than other non-invasive
      methods.

PMID- 22097261
TI  - [A novel voltage multiplier for X-ray power supply].
AB  - In this paper, a seriesly connected three phase bipolar symmetrical voltage
      multiplier (VM) is proposed, which is a novel VM for X-ray power supply. It
      consists of three single phase bipolar symmetrical VM, which are connected in
      series at their smoothing columns. The charging and discharging process occurs
      six times in a cycle and the frequency of the output voltage ripple is six times
      as large as the drive signal frequency. The proposed VM has three times larger
      output voltage and three times smaller ripple factor as compared to single phase
      bipolar symmetrical VM, and smaller voltage drop and faster dynamic response than
      those of the series connected three phase symmetrical VM. The simulation is
      provided to show the feasibility of proposed VM.

PMID- 22097262
TI  - [Improved mechanical strength and cell occlusivity of electrospun L-polylactic
      acid aligned nanofibrous membranes by post heat treatment].
AB  - Electrospun nanofibrous materials are considered as ideal scaffolds for tissue
      engineering because their fibrous structure is quite similar to the morphology of
      natural extracellular matrix, and they can offer biomimetic microenvironment for
      cell growth. However, the highly porous scaffolds are too weak to meet the
      mechanical requirement of guided tissue regeneration (GTR). In the present
      investigation, electrospun L-polylactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous membranes were
      collected with high speed rolling method, and then hot stretched and annealed to
      improve the tensile strength and cell occlusivity. The membrane with the maximum
      tensile strength (strength 103MPa and modulus 1.83GPa) was obtained by hot
      stretching for twice at 100 degrees C and further annealed for 10min at the same
      temperature. Cytotoxicity test showed that the heat treated membrane supported
      well the attachment and growth of human periodontal ligament cells, but inhibited
      the cell proliferation. The cell occlusivity of the membrane was also
      significantly improved as the porosity decreased after heat treatment. It could
      be used as the enhancement interlayer of barrier materials for GTR.

PMID- 22097263
TI  - [Contributions of edentulous mandibular alveolar ridge height and denture
      adhesive to complete denture retention].
AB  - The present paper is to investigate the relationship between height and stress
      bearing area of mandibular alveolar ridge, their influence on retention of
      complete denture, and the effectiveness of denture adhesive (DA). Five mandibular
      edentulous models of different heights and a rabbit palate model were prepared in
      Die-Stone. Measurements were made on the heights and stress-bearing areas of
      mandibular alveolar ridge, the retention force of mandibular models 15 min after
      DA administration, and the retention force on the rabbit palate before and after
      adhering. All available data were analyzed statistically. Linear regression
      relationship was demonstrated between ridge height and bearing area, ridge height
      and retention force, and bearing area and retention force (P<0.01), separately.
      Retention force per unit area was positively related to the height and area.
      Retention force increased to 2.87 times postadhesive-treating. Height and stress
      bearing area of mandibular alveolar ridge directly correlate with the retention
      of complete denture, and DA significantly improves the retention ability of
      complete denture.

PMID- 22097264
TI  - [Design & fabrication of porous core implant with preset channel network for
      osteonecrosis of the femoral head].
AB  - Referring to the anatomical characterization of natural spongy bone and channel
      network in cortical bone, we designed a new pattern of biomimetic impalnt with
      preset channel for blood vessel inserting to treat early femoral head necrosis.
      The surgical ptrocedure was simulated by CAD model. Ceramic stereolithography was
      applied to fabricate the green part. Other process, such as dehydration, rinsing,
      drying and sintering, were taken successively. The final ceramic part kept
      identical with the engineered part either in the shape or in the internal
      structure. No deformation or crack happened. Pore size, interconnected pore size,
      porosity and interconnected porosity of ceramic part could satisfy cellular
      grouth. Spectrum analysis showed that no phase transition or chemical reaction
      happened during fabrication process. The biocompatibility of the final part kept
      the same with original during beta-TCP powder. The compressive strength was 23.54
      MPa, close to natural spongy bone. It is an ideal implant to treat early femoral
      head necroseis because it makes preimplantation of cells and biological factors,
      blood velssel inserting, early establishment of blood supply possible. At the
      same time, it could provide enough mechanical support to prevent collapse of
      femoral head. It could provide a wide clinical foreground.

PMID- 22097265
TI  - [Study of blood compatibility on TiO2 coated biomedical Ni-Ti shape memory
      alloy].
AB  - We coated a thin TiO2 film on the surface of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy by
      activated sputter method in the present work. The blood platelet adherence and
      antithrombogenicity of the TiO2-coated Ni-Ti alloy were evaluated. The results
      showed that the platelets on the TiO2-coated Ni-Ti alloy were fewer than those on
      316L stainless steel, and no agglomeration or distortion for the platelets on the
      coated alloy was found, which means less probability of blood coagulation for the
      alloy. The coagulation time on the coated Ni-Ti shape memory alloy was longer
      than that on the 316L. Compared with that on the 316L stainless steel, the TiO2
      coated Ni-Ti shape memory alloy showed better blood compatibility, indicating
      that the Ni-Ti alloy with TiO2 coating is a kind of ideal biomedical materials
      with high clinical value.

PMID- 22097266
TI  - [Construction of Sirtl shRNA interfering vector and its effects on cell
      proliferation and apoptosis].
AB  - This study was aimed to construct Sirt1 shRNA interfering vector and to analyze
      the effects of Sirtl on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HepG2, A549 and 293T
      cell lines. To design and synthisize Sirtl shRNA sequence then recombinate it to
      pGenesil-1.0 plasmid, the positive pGenesil-1.0-Sirtl vector clone was screened
      by effective detections and sequencing. The vectors were transfected into HepG2,
      A549, 293T cell lines, and Sirtl expression levels in these clones were detected
      by RT-PCR and Western-blot. These clone cell proliferation activities were
      detected by MTT, and these cells apoptosis incidences were detected by MTT
      experiment after treated with DOX. The results showed that Sirt1 shRNA
      interfering vectors were successfully screened. The levels of Sirtl expression in
      HepG2-sh, A549-sh and 293T-sh cells were significantly reduced compared with
      their control cells. It was indicated that the proliferation activities of these
      cells were impaired and anti-apoptosis capabilities of HepG2-sh, A549-sh and 293T
      sh were also impaired notably. Sirt1 took an important role in maintaining cell
      proliferation and resisting cell apoptosis caused by DNA damage, and this result
      also provided theoretical information for the further research.

PMID- 22097267
TI  - [Construction of NK4 gene lentiviral vector and its expression in bone
      mesenchymal stem cells].
AB  - The present investigation was to construct lentiviral vector carrying the human
      gene NK4 and transfect the human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and to
      determine the expression of NK4 gene in hBMSCs after transfection. The NK4 gene
      was obtained from HGF cDNA by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), and the pGC-FU-NK4
      plasmid was constructed by double restriction enzyme digestion and gene
      recombinant. The titer of virus was tested by real-time quantitative PCR. After
      transfected by lentivirus, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in hBMSCs was
      observed using fluorescence microscope, and the expression of NK4 in culture
      supernatant was detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The
      sequence of the PCR product was consistent with the data of GeneBank by DNA
      sequencing. The virus titer was 2 X 10(8)TU/ml. Strong green fluorescence was
      observed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of hBMSCs with fluorescent
      microscopy. The expression of NK4 in culture supernatant was increased with time
      extension. The hBMSCs can be transfected by NK4 gene expressing lentiviral vector
      safely and effectively, and the expressin and secretion of NK4 was persistent and
      stable.

PMID- 22097268
TI  - [Preliminary research of induction of the multiple HPV antibody by HPV L1 type
      conserved sequence aimed at human papillomavirus major protein].
AB  - To investigate whether a conserved sequence of the human papillomavirus(HPV) L1
      protein consisted of 12 amino acid residue can induce the antibody aimed at
      multiple HPV types, we screened a conserved sequence of the HPV L1 protein by
      forecasting B cell epitope and comparing multiple sequences. The peptide was
      synthesized, mixed with Freund adjuvant, and used to immunize rabbits, and those
      in the control group were only immunized with Freund adjuvant. Then the antibody
      titer was identified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And
      immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot and immunohistochemistry
      were used to detect whether the antibody could react with cervical cancer cell
      lines and cervical tissue that had been identified with HPV infections. We found
      that the antibody titer was greater than 1:25600. Moreover, we confirmed that the
      antibody could react with cervical cancer cell lines and cervical tissue with HPV
      infections. The results showed that the peptide could induce antibody aimed at
      multiple HPV types. Our findings have great significance in further research of
      the broad spectrum HPV, HPV L1 diagnosis kits.

PMID- 22097269
TI  - [Application of orthogonal analysis to the optimization of HPV16 E2 protein
      expression].
AB  - This study was aimed to identify pET21b-HPV16E2/BL21(DE3) strain and to optimize
      the expression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E2 protein by orthogonal
      analysis. Four influence factors on two levels were selected to increase the
      target protein quantity. The four factors were induction time, induction
      temperature, inductor concentration and cell density. The quantity of HPV16 E2
      protein was used as the evaluation parameter. Induced by IPTG, HPV16 E2 protein
      was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot. Target protein was analyzed by GIS
      imaging system to quantify the protein level. SPSS13. 0 software was applied to
      analyze the result. Data showed that the expression strain pET211rHPV16
      E2/BL21(DE3) was identified correctly. HPV16 E2 protein expressed mainly at
      insoluble form. The 42KD protein band was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western
      blot. Orthogonal test was applied on influence factor analysis and expression
      optimization successfully. Main influence factors were inductor concentration and
      induction temperature. The optimimum condition of maximum expression quantity was
      37 degrees C, 7h, 1.0 mmol/L IPTG and OD600 1.0. In this experiment, orthogonal
      test could not only be used to analyze the influential factors and promote the
      target protein expression, but also be used to provide a better experiment method
      for molecular biological study.

PMID- 22097270
TI  - [The effect of NK-1 tachykinin receptor antagonist on hypoxia induced hepatic
      function injury and hepatocellular apoptosis in rats].
AB  - To investigate the effect and mechanism of NK-1 Tachykinin receptor (NK-IR)
      antagonist on hypoxia induced hepatic injury, we established the hypoxic rat
      model. 30 male SD rats (weighing 240-300g) were randomly divided into 3 groups,
      control group, and experimental groups including the hypoxia group and the NK-1R
      antagonist group. The rats of experimental groups underwent hypoxia, among them
      the NK-1R antagonist group were those with interference of NK-1R antagonist by
      intraperitoneal injection. Hepatic injury was evaluated by pathological staining,
      hepatic function detection and hepatocellular apoptosis determination. Results
      showed hypoxia-induced hepatic injury in rats was established successfully.
      Edema,ballooning degeneration and spotty necrosis were found in livers in the
      experimental groups, among which the pathological injury in the hypoxia group was
      worse than that in the NK-1R antagonist group. Moreover,GGT and the rate of
      hepatocellular apoptosis in the NK-1R antagonist group were obviously lower than
      that in the hypoxia group (P<0.05). But no significant difference were found in
      ALT,AST and ALP between groups (P>0.05). These data indicate that Substance P
      possibly participate in the process of hypoxia-induced hepatic injury, and NK-1R
      antagonist could reduce hypoxia-induced hepatic injury.

PMID- 22097271
TI  - [20-year search on molecular markers of Leishmania isolates from different Kala
      azar foci in China to confirm whether genetic fingerprints of Kala-azar pathogens
      correlate with disease types].
AB  - Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) from different endemic regions of China expresses
      different clinic and epidemiological features, and traditionally is classified as
      hilly, plain and desert types/foci. We concentrated our review on whether the
      pathogens from those foci were different at molecular level, if so, whether there
      are were molecular markers readily identifiable by molecular technologies. This
      was a review of a 20-year search for such markers by using kinetoplastic DNA
      (kDNA), nDNA hybridization, PCR-SSCP, RAPD and sequence analysis of SSU rDNA
      variable regions and LACK gene. The results showed that heterogeneities at
      molecular level exist in Leishmania isolated from different foci of China, which
      could be used as markers for different types of Leishmaniasis in China.

PMID- 22097272
TI  - [A segmentation algorithm of OCT image for macula edema].
AB  - According to the characteristics of OCT images for macula edema, we studied a
      method for segmentation of the macula edema. Based on the Chan-Vese model, we
      proposed an improved level-set algorithm. With defining the integer-valued signed
      function directly, the curve could evolute outward or inward by changing the
      inside neighboring rid points and outside neighboring grid points into each
      other. We realized image segmentation which is much faster than the method of
      Chan-Vese model and smoothness regularization. We segmented 45 images and
      extracted the macula edema of each image. After achieving good segmentation
      results, we estimated the volume of the macular edema. The method provides
      quantitative analytic tools for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 22097273
TI  - [Simulation of extracellular action potential for hippocampal pyramidal neurons].
AB  - In order to extract more information from extracellular action potential (EAP) of
      neurons recorded deep in the brain tissue, we established simulation models of
      various pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and investigated the
      effects of dendrite currents, cell morphology and ion mechanisms on the formation
      of EAP waveforms. The results show that dendrite currents have significant
      effects on the EAP at the locations far from cell body, but not on those near
      cell body. The differences of shape of various pyramidal neurons result in large
      changes in the EAP amplitudes. However, the shapes of these different EAP are
      very similar. Ion mechanisms, such as calcium channels, have little effect on EAP
      waveforms. These results provide important information for experimental EAP
      recordings, EAP data analysis, and developing new methods to extract more
      neuronal data from EAP.

PMID- 22097274
TI  - [Expression of C-fos, C-jun in hippocampus under the model of transmitting
      epileptic discharge from brain tissue to muscular tissue on its own skull].
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the changes of the behaviors, EEG
      and expression of c-fos, c-jun on induced seizure in rats by injecting penicillin
      after transmitting epileptic discharge from brain tissue to muscular tissue on
      skull. Eighteen experimental rats were divided into 3 groups, with each 6 rats.
      Seizure group: 6 acute seizure models were established by injecting penicillin in
      hippocampus of rats; Transferring group, 6 acute seizure models were established
      by injecting penicillin in hippocampus of rats, and electrode connected to
      muscles was planted into epileptic focus of each rat; Control group, 6 rats were
      only planted electrode in hippocampus without injecting penicillin. Then we
      observed the changes of behaviors, EEG and expression of C-fos, C-jun in
      hippocampus with immunohistochemical method. There was no statistic difference in
      seizure frequency of rat between seizure group and transferring group, but the
      discharging frequency in EEG of transferring group lowered significantly
      (P<0.05). The expression of C-fos, C-jun in hippocampus of transferring group
      rats was significantly lower than that of seizure group (P<0.005). It could be
      concluded that under the model of transmitting epileptic discharge from brain
      tissue to muscular tissue on skull, the burst times on EEG electrode decreased,
      concomitantly with the lower expression of C-fos, C-jun in hippocampus.

PMID- 22097275
TI  - [Application of pulse-coupled neural network combined with genetic algorithm on
      MR images of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy].
AB  - This paper is to provide a basis for the establishment of an early diagnostic
      system for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by performing segmentation and
      feature extraction of lesions on the MR images of neonatal babies with HIE. The
      segmentation on MR images of HIE based on the genetic algorithm (GA) combined
      with a pulse-coupled neural network (PCNN) were carried out. There were better
      segmentation results by using PCNN segmentation based on GA than PCNN
      segmentation with fixed parameters. The data suggested that a PCNN based on GA
      could provide effective assistance for diagnosis and research.

PMID- 22097276
TI  - [Study on visual display terminal mental fatigue status based on physiological
      information].
AB  - A visual display terminal (VDT) mental fatigue task was designed to search for
      the objective indicator to diagnose and evaluate the VDT mental fatigue status.
      The signals of temperature and electrocardiograph (ECG) are collected from the
      subjects. The temperature, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are
      extracted as the objective parameters after analyzing the temperature signals in
      time domain and the ECG signals in time domain and frequency domain. Compared
      with mental fatigue pre-experiment, the temperature increased significantly
      (P<0.001), and the RR-PNN50 increased obviously (P<0.05), while the S wavelet of
      ECG signals decreased obviously (P<0.05) after mental fatigue experiment.
      Compared with the end of mental fatigue experiment, the temperature increased,
      the changes of RR-PNN50 were not obvious, the S wavelet increased significantly
      (P<0.01), and the mental fatigue was somewhat remittance after natural recovery.
      The results showed that the objective indicator to evaluate the VDT mental
      fatigue status would be hopeful to be found out by analyzing the signals of
      temperature and ECG.

PMID- 22097277
TI  - [Design of a three-dimensionally controlled multi-cell-assembly system based on
      the control of a mixer nozzle].
AB  - Three-dimensionally controlled cell-assembly technique makes fabricating tissues
      and organs in vitro to be possible. However, for real tissues and organs with
      complex structure and various cells, fabricating tissues and organs in vitro need
      a technique that could assemble and locate multi cells and materials precisely in
      the space. Facing the needs of multi-cell assembly, we designed a mixer nozzle
      and the matching pulse switching circuit which based on the single-nozzle cell
      assembly system, and developed a multi-cell-assembly system. We also carried out
      some assembly experiments with this system using materials that were similar to
      the multi-component extracellular matrix materials. The results demonstrated that
      the system could assemble various cells and materials into three-dimensional
      inhomogeneous structures precisely.

PMID- 22097278
TI  - [A review of research progress on biological effects about nanometer scaffold for
      bone tissue engineering].
AB  - Quite a few orthopedics experts have fabricated some novel bone scaffolds with
      nanotechnology and have carried out some researches on nano-biological effects.
      The study of the biological effects about nano-biomaterials can facilitate the
      understanding of the interaction between the biomaterials and the organism, and
      provide research ideas and direction to construct new biomaterials with
      physiological function. To better understand the interaction of nano biomaterials
      with protein, cells and bio-security, this review presents recent advances of
      biological effects about nano scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

PMID- 22097279
TI  - [Research progress on key technology of power and signal transmission in
      neuroprosthetic].
AB  - The power and signal transmission technology is one of the key technologies in
      neuroprosthetic research. This paper proposes firstly the related theory of power
      and signal transmission technology in neuroprosthetic, then summarizes the three
      key aspects of the power and signal transmission technology in neuroprosthetic.
      After analyzed the development of the inductive wireless power harvesting
      technology, the wireless telemetry technology and the wireless power harvesting
      telemetry technology, the emphasis on research contents will be proposed and
      discussed, which will help accelerate the further research of prosthetic.

PMID- 22097280
TI  - [Progress of research in retinal image registration].
AB  - The retinal image registration has important applications in the processes of
      auxiliary diagnosis and treatment for a variety of diseases. The retinal image
      registration can be used to measure the disease process and the therapeutic
      effect. A variety of retinal image registration techniques have been studied
      extensively in recent years. However, there are still many problems existing and
      there are numerous research possibilities. Based on extensive investigation of
      existing literatures, the present paper analyzes the feature of retinal image and
      current challenges of retinal image registration, and reviews the transformation
      models of the retinal image registration technology and the main research
      algorithms in current retinal image registration, and analyzes the advantages and
      disadvantages of various types of algorithms. Some research challenges and future
      developing trends are also discussed.

PMID- 22097281
TI  - [Research on the aging of all-ceramics restoration materials].
AB  - All-ceramic crowns and bridges have been widely used for dental restorations
      owing to their excellent functionality, aesthetics and biocompatibility. However,
      the premature clinical failure of all-ceramic crowns and bridges may easily occur
      when they are subjected to the complex environment of oral cavity. In the oral
      environment, all-ceramic materials are prone to aging. Aging can lead all-ceramic
      materials to change color, to lower bending strength, and to reduce anti-fracture
      toughness. There are many factors affecting the aging of the all-ceramic
      materials, for example, the grain size, the type of stabilizer, the residual
      stress and the water environment. In order to analyze the aging behavior, to
      optimize the design of all-ceramic crowns and bridges, and to evaluate the
      reliability and durability, we review in this paper recent research progress of
      aging behavior for all-ceramics restoration materials.

PMID- 22097282
TI  - [Research progresses on ergonomics assessment and measurement methods for push
      pull behavior].
AB  - Pushing and pulling (P&P) is a common operating mode of operator's physical
      works, and plays an important role in evaluation of human behavior health and
      operation performance. At present, there are many research methods of P&P, and
      this article is a state-of-art review of the classification of P&P research
      methods, the various impact factors in P&P program, technical details of
      internal/external P&P force measurement and evaluation, the limitation of current
      research methods and the future developments in the ergonomics field.

PMID- 22097283
TI  - [The update progress of physical treatment for osteoporosis].
AB  - Treatments for osteoporosis have many varieties, and the role, characteristics of
      them are also different. This paper investigates from the perspective of physical
      therapy pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), shock wave, and low-intensity
      pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy. Then comprehensive analysis of their mechanism
      of action, clinical application of new advances for more reasonable choice for
      clinical treatment and further trend of research are discussed. Through the
      research and discussions, we find out the strengths, weaknesses, and the best
      method of treatment in order to achieve better therapeutic effect.

PMID- 22097284
TI  - Methods of predicting visceral fat in Brazilian adults and older adults: a
      comparison between anthropometry and computerized tomography.
AB  - Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is linked with the metabolic consequences of
      obesity, being necessary the use alternative methods of predicting this type of
      fat, like anthropometry. The objective of this study was assess the performance
      of anthropometry in predicting visceral fat measured with computerized tomography
      in adults and older adults. Study transversal with 197 individuals underwent
      computerized tomography (CT) and anthropometry. The variables analized were:
      visceral adipose tissue area by CT, Sagittal Abdominal Diameter (SAD), Waist
      Circumference (WC) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR). A descriptive analysis, Pearson
      correlation and ROC curve were carried out. We observed Correlations higher than
      0.7 (p = 0.000) between the SAD, WC and the VAT area were found in adult men and
      older men and in adult women. WHR displayed the least correlations. The most
      sensitive and specific SAD cut-off points were equal for all the men (Adults:
      20.2 cm/Older adults: 20.2 cm) but different for the women (Adults: 21.0 cm;
      sens.: 83.3; spec.: 79.1/Older adults: 19.9 cm; sens.: 81.0; spec.:79.3). The WC
      cutoff points that identified a VAT area = 130 cm2 were 90.2 cm and 92.2 cm for
      men (adult men--sens.: 86.7; spec.: 86.1--and older men-sens.: 79.3; spec.: 77.8 
      respectively), while for women the recorded values were 92.3 cm (adult women-
      sens.: 83.3; spec: 81.4) and 88.2 cm (older women--sens.:76.2; spec.: 69.0). This
      study showed that WC and SAD achieved the best performance in the identification
      of visceral fat considered at risk for the development of cardiometabolic
      diseases in adults and older adults.

PMID- 22097285
TI  - [Impacts of technological knowledge of small indigenous farmers on food
      availability in the Mexican southeast].
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of technological knowledge
      (acquired in Farmer Field Schools) on the availability of food for poor
      indigenous farmers, who are mainly dedicated to the production of maize for home
      consumption in the Cuicateca regi6n, Oaxaca, Mexico. The variables analyzed were
      1) Level of technological knowledge, 2) maize yield, and 3) time that the last
      maize harvest supplied the food needs of the farmers in question (a proxy
      indicator of food availability). A random sample of 36 participants in the rural
      training schools and a control group of the same size were given questionnaires
      at the beginning and end of their study. The statistical analysis was done using
      the Pearson chi-2 contrast test and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. After finding
      that there was no normal distribution, the Wilcoxon test to contrast paired data
      was used, and finally, correlations were obtained. It was found that the increase
      in technological knowledge of 7.29 +/- 1.01 to 46.64 +/- 18.40 did not correlate
      (P > or = 0.05) with the time that the last maize harvest lasted in providing
      food. The results show that the increase in technological knowledge does not
      increase availability of maize as food.

PMID- 22097286
TI  - [Odds ratio between sociocultural factors, body dissatisfaction, and body mass
      index in university students of Hidalgo, Mexico].
AB  - After to identify risky factors involved in the prediction and prevention of
      eating disorders (ED), in a sample of university males and females students from
      an urban setting in Hidalgo. Mexico; the main purpose of this paper was to
      reaffirm the following assumptions: 1) Dissatisfaction with body shape is closely
      related to both, the influence of sociocultural factors as Body Mass Index (BMI);
      2) The participating women reported more dissatisfaction with body shape,
      indicating greater influence of sociocultural factors than men.Transversal,
      descriptive and association field research was carried out in a sample of 490
      students (57% females. 43% males), from 16 to 30 years old (X(-) = 19.63, SD = +/
      2.11). Multidimensional self-reported questionnaire were applied. BMI was
      obtained by measuring each subject's weight and height. Regarding the impact
      association measures obtained by Odds Ratio, there were significant association
      (p < 0.05) between high BMI and body image dissatisfaction. Also, statistically
      significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between body dissatisfaction and
      sociocultural factors (distress because of body image, influence of advertising,
      and influence of verbal messages), and between BMI and these latter, where men
      showed a higher risk. Findings suggest that body dissatisfaction in women, and
      BMI, specifically overweight in men, act like key agents of the impact of
      sociocultural factors in the researched sample.

PMID- 22097287
TI  - [Quality of the diet of women with severe and morbid obesity undergoing gastric
      bypass and sleeve gastrectomy].
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of dietary intake and
      quality of the diet in patients undergoing gastric bypass and sleeve surgery. In
      36 women with severe and morbid obesity it was assessed their nutrient intakes
      and dietary quality before and 6 months after bariatric surgery through three-day
      food records. Vitamin and mineral intakes from supplements were strictly
      controlled. Energy and nutrient intakes were significantly decreased 6 months
      after surgery bypass compared to the pre-surgery period with the exceptions of
      calcium and vitamin C. No differences were observed between groups. The Dietary
      quality index was also similar in both groups. Dietary intakes of calcium, iron,
      zinc, copper, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E were below 100% of adequacy
      from at the 6th month after the surgery. Nevertheless, by considering both diet
      and supplements supply, nutrient adequacy of all but calcium and folic acid was
      above 100% in both groups. Gastric bypass patients presented greater values. In
      conclusion, these patients present an important reduction of their energy and
      nutrient intakes, with no major impact of the type of surgery. Supplement
      characteristics are crucial to cover nutritional needs.

PMID- 22097288
TI  - [Comparative analysis of growth and sexual maturation in girls of Santa Rosa (La
      Pampa) and La Plata (Buenos Aires), Argentina].
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze growth in relation to menarche in girls from
      two Argentinean urban populations. We performed a comparative-descriptive cross
      sectional study in 2474 schoolchildren between 8.0 and 16.9 years old from Santa
      Rosa (SR) and La Plata (LP) cities. We registered the presence of menarche and
      anthropometrics variables of body weight, total and sitting heights, arm
      circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Body mass index,
      subscapular/triceps index and muscle and fat arm areas were calculated. The study
      group was divided into 4 groups according to the city and menarche. The socio
      environmental structured survey indicated significant differences between cities
      with these variables: tenure status, building materials and services, health care
      coverage, cash assistance, educational level and parents' occupation, therefore
      establishing a higher welfare in youngsters of SR. Menarche at a mean age of 12.7
      years old was more prevalent in SR (40.6%) than in LP (33.7%) (c2 = 12.9; p <
      0.01). The ANOVA indicated significant differences between cities in total and
      sitting heights and muscle area (p < 0.01), body weight and arm circumference (p
      < 0.05) which were generally held in the post hoc comparison by age in pre
      menarche and post-menarche groups. The presence of a small body size at the
      expense of lowering in: total height, muscle area and leg length in LP
      youngsters, associated with a lower prevalence of menarche in this city, it would
      represents the adaptive cost of a lower welfare environment.

PMID- 22097289
TI  - [What kind of intervention has the best results to reduce the weight in
      overweighted or obese adults?].
AB  - Evidence has shown that interventions which involve changes in a person's
      lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, lead to weight loss and thus
      reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. However, the effectiveness and
      necessary duration of specific interventions are unclear. The purpose of this
      research was to evaluate and compare the effect on weight of interventions based
      on diet, exercise and a combination of both. The research subjects were
      overweight and obese adults, at six and twelve months after the beginning of the
      intervention. First a systematic review was carried out, followed by a meta
      analysis. Initially, 24 studies were selected which met the established criteria
      for inclusion; twelve of these demonstrated the required level of quality. The
      diet-based interventions resulted in reductions of-6.66 kilograms (95% confidence
      interval (CI): -9.04 to -4.28) and -3.80 kilograms (CI: -5.50 to -2.10) at six
      and twelve months, respectively. Those who engaged in exercise showed a loss of 
      2.21 kilograms (CI: -4.62 to -0.21) and -2.00 kilograms (CI: -5.70 to -1.70) at
      six and twelve months, respectively, while those who changed their diets and
      engaged in exercise showed a loss of -10.86 kilograms (CI: -13.22 to -8.49) and 
      6.50 kilograms (CI: -8.09 to -4.90) at six and twelve months. The combination of
      diet and exercise showed the best effect in reducing weight among overweight and
      obese people, followed by diet alone while exercise alone didn't reach
      significant results. The effect of these interventions was greater during the
      first six months of intervention.

PMID- 22097290
TI  - [Metabolic parameters and risk factors associated with abdominal obesity among
      female adolescents in public schools in the Distrito Federal (Brazil)].
AB  - This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and investigate
      their association with parameters markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its risk
      factors in female adolescents. It is a cross-sectional study with 150 adolescents
      from 10 public schools in the Federal District, Brazil. The presence of abdominal
      obesity was considered by measuring waist circumference above the 80th
      percentile, according to Taylor et al. (2000). The associated factors included
      sociodemographic characteristics, health status of adolescents and their parents,
      physical activity, eating habits, blood pressure and biochemical profile. The
      abdominal obesity prevalence ratio (PR) was estimated by Poisson regression
      model, with 95% CI. Among the adolescents studied (age= 15.6 +/- 0.8 years; BMI =
      21.0 +/- 3.0 kg/m2), prevalence of abdominal obesity was 20%, and this condition
      was not associated with sociodemographic variables, physical activity and diet.
      However, abdominal obesity was significantly associated with intake of less than
      4 meals a day (PR = 2.27; IC95% 1.27-4.10), previous obesity (PR = 2.36; IC95%
      1.31-4.01), history of parental chronic disease (PR = 3.55; IC 95% 1.63-7.75),
      fasting insulin = 15 uUi/mL (PR = 3.05; IC 95% 1.36-6.82) e HDL-c > 40 mg/dL (PR
      = 0.39; IC95% 0.23-0.67). In this population, modifiable factors, family history
      and determinants of MS, such as insulin and HDL-c were associated with abdominal
      obesity, which points to the need for effective health promotion among
      adolescents.

PMID- 22097291
TI  - Identification of Lactobacillus spp. in colostrum from Chilean mothers.
AB  - The biodiversity of Lactobacillus spp. in colostrum samples from 116 Chilean
      mothers was analyzed by PCR and 16S rDNA sequencing. Lactobacilli were isolated
      in 55.3% of the samples, with concentrations of 3.33 +/- 0.55 (log CFU/ml). The
      predominant species were L. plantarum (64%), L. fermentum (16%) and L. pentosus
      (9%). 28% of the isolated strains were resistant to gastric pH and bile salts,
      suggesting that they could be used as probiotics.

PMID- 22097292
TI  - [Bacteriological quality of traditional, organic and hydroponic cultured lettuce
      in Costa Rica].
AB  - The main objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of
      lettuces commercialized in the Metropolitan Area of San Jose, Costa Rica, and
      cultured in different ways, in order to detect differences between the culturing
      methods and the risk that these products may represent for Public Health. The
      study was done at the Food Microbiology Laboratory, Universidad de Costa Rica,
      from March to July, 2010. 30 lettuce samples were analyzed (10 obtained by
      traditional culture, 10 by organic culture and 10 by hydropony). All samples were
      obtained from markets where their origin was certified. Total aerobic plate
      count, total and fecal coliforms count and Escherichia coli were determined to
      all samples, as well as the presence/abscense of Salmonella spp. and Listeria
      monocytogenes in 25 g. Results obtained show that there is no statistically
      significant difference (p < 0.001) between the different types of cultures
      analyzed for any of the parameters evaluated. An important percentage of the
      samples presented coliforms, nevertheless, just one E. coli strain was isolated
      from a traditionally cultured lettuce sample. Four different Salmonella spp.
      strains were isolated from the samples as well as one Listeria monocytogenes
      strain. Data obtained show that the consumption of this product, raw or without
      an adequate hygiene and disinfection may represent a risk for health. Also, from
      the bacteriological point of view, there is no significant difference between the
      culturing methods evaluated, suggesting that the specific directions for each
      type of culture are not followed or that there is an inadequate handling of the
      products or post harvest contamination.

PMID- 22097293
TI  - Impact of solar dehydration on composition and antioxidant properties of acai
      (Euterpe oleracea Mart.).
AB  - Commercial products derived from the acai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) are
      available in Brazil, but in Venezuela, it is only known by ethnic indigenous
      groups of the Amazon. In this study, acai flour was made by solar dehydration and
      the effect of processing on the composition, microbiological quality, and
      antioxidant properties of such flour were evaluated. The fruit was purchased in
      Puerto Ayacucho, Venezuela, and a portion was manually pulped. Microbiological
      quality, proximal composition, minerals, polyphenols, tannins, anthocyanins, and
      antioxidant capacity were evaluated. The remaining portion of fruit was blanched
      in a solution of ascorbic acid and citric acid at 98 degrees C for 1 min in the
      same manner, manually pulped, dried by solar dehydration and the acai flour was
      also analysed. From the composition of the acai flour, its high content of fat
      (22.9%), protein (13.7%), dietary fibre (20.5%), total polyphenols (1.60 g/kg)
      and antioxidant capacity (79.97%) stood out. The blanching of the fruit and the
      solar dehydrating of the acai pulp did not modify the composition, but they
      improved its microbiological quality and reduced phenolic compounds and
      antioxidant capacity. The flour obtained is stable and innocuous and could be
      used to diversify the diet of the indigenous people of the Amazon region.

PMID- 22097294
TI  - [Mineral bioaccessibility in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St) infusions and
      mixtures with iron fortified milk].
AB  - The bioaccesibility of various minerals in infusions of yerba male (mate cocido)
      and preparations with Fe-fortified milk was assessed to determine the influence
      of the infusions on the potential bioavailability of intrinsic minerals and
      fortified Fe. The dialyzability (D) of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc was
      evaluated, as indicator of bioaccesibility in milk samples fortified with ferrous
      sulfate (FS), ferric bisglicinate GF) and EDTANaFe. Dialyzability was also
      evaluated in mixtures of milk with mate cocido and in infusions cooked with Fe
      fortified milk. In each case the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) in a ratio Fe: AA
      1:4 was studied. In the mate cocido FeD was zero and increased to 15% with the
      addition of AA. The FeD in milk with SF, BGF and EDTANaFe (1.2, 1.0 and 27.4
      respectively), increased with the addition of AA to 2.9, 3.5 and 24.8. The FeD in
      the mixture milk: mate cocido was 4.7%, 5.7% and 31.2% for SF, BGF and EDTANaFe
      respectively. With the addition of AA was 13.5%, 13.7% and 25.7%. In infusions
      cooked with SF fortified milk, the values were lower than those of the mixture.
      The CaD did not show significant changes in Fe fortified milk and its
      preparations with yerba mate, while the MgD and ZnD only showed a significant
      reduction in infusion cooked with Fe-fortified milk. The use of infusions of
      yerba mate does not provide significant amounts of minerals. However, its use in
      mixtures with milk will not adversely affect the availability of Fe in that
      matrix.

PMID- 22097295
TI  - [Basal state of the nutritional information declared in labels of foods products
      marketed in Costa Rica].
AB  - The nutritional labeling regulations for prepackaged foods based on the Codex
      Alimentarius legislation enacted in 2002 in Costa Rica. In the same year, a
      research was conducted in order to describe the baseline of nutritional labeling.
      The declared information on the labels of all prepackaged foods was collected,
      except for alcoholic beverages. Six variables were analyzed using SPSS. 2,910
      labels of foods were reviewed and classified in 19 food categories. 58.4% (n =
      1698) included nutritional information, proportion that varied by country of
      origin and food category. Of the labels that included nutritional information,
      68.1% had nutritional panel, 1.2% nutrient claims and 27.4%, both. 95% of the
      nutritional components declared on the labels included energy and macronutrients
      data. At least 100 different nutritional and health claims were identified. Most
      frequently used claims were content (74.7%), followed by addition (16.9%). The
      components most frequently mentioned were vitamins and minerals, vitamins
      (alone), carbohydrates, total fat, cholesterol and energy. Food groups who
      reported these descriptors were: cereals and by products, baby foods, milks,
      beverages, foods for special dietary uses and substitutes. One to five
      descriptors were used in a label. In a decade the proportion of prepackaged foods
      with nutritional labeling tripled in the metropolitan area of Costa Rica. It is
      concluded that the tendency of nutrition information declaration is up, sustained
      and represents an accessible tool for health promotion, if the information
      provided is reliable and secure.

PMID- 22097296
TI  - [Proximal composition, lipid and cholesterol content of meat from pigs fed peach
      palm meal (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) and synthetic lysine].
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the proximal composition, lipids and
      cholesterol content of meat from pigs fed diets with peach-palm meal (PPM), with
      or without addition of synthetic lysine (LYS). In experiment 1, 24 pigs were
      randomly allotted into six treatments with three levels of PPM (0.16 and 32%) and
      two levels of LYS (0 and 0.27%). In experiment II, 16 finishing pigs were fed
      with two levels of PPM (0 and 17.50%) and two levels of LYS (0 and 0.27%). At the
      end of each experiment (42 and 35 d, respectively), pigs were slaughtered and
      loin samples were obtained to determine crude protein, dry matter, moisture, ash,
      total lipids, and cholesterol content. In experiment I, pork loin from 16% PPM
      had more dry matter (26.45 g/100 g) and less moisture (73.49 g/100g) than pork
      loin from 32% PPM (25.11 y 75.03 g/100g, respectively). Meat samples from pigs
      without LYS had higher (p < 0.05) content of lipids (2.11 g/100 g) than meat from
      pigs that consumed LYS (1.72 g/100 g). In experiment II, the proximal, lipids and
      cholesterol content were similar among treatments. The PPM addition to pig diets
      did not affect the proximal composition of pork, while LYS addition indicated a
      reduction of total lipids, which could result as an alternative to obtain leaner
      meat.

PMID- 22097297
TI  - [The therapeutic strategy for burn wounds].
AB  - Wound repair is the critical issue in burn injury management. Optimal coverage or
      regeneration of skin tissue is still a great challenge. In this review, we
      summarize the current achievements in the fields of immune tolerance induction,
      skin tissue regeneration, and hypertrophic scar control, which might provide new
      viewpoints and research direction for diagnosis and treatment of burn wounds.

PMID- 22097298
TI  - [Construction and operation of the wound care technology platform].
AB  - Chronic wounds are a major healthcare problem costing billions of dollars a year
      over the world. However, it is regrettable that a large number of chronic wounds
      are still treated simply by conventional dressing change in local clinics,
      lacking of definite diagnosis and personalized care. This situation results in a
      low wound healing rate, unsatisfied life quality of the patients, and higher
      medical cost for the prolonged promiscuous care. We should not only emphasize the
      importance of wound care in clinical practice, but also emphasize the importance
      of establishing wound care centers. With the experience of our practice in wound
      care center, the construction of wound care technology platform is strongly
      suggested. This platform could act as an education base to train more
      professional wound care doctors, nurses, and care workers, as well as resolve
      many technical difficulties involved in the treatment of many complicated chronic
      wounds.

PMID- 22097299
TI  - [Current situation of negative-pressure wound therapy].
AB  - Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used to help wound healing since
      early 1970s, and it has been used increasingly for treating a wide variety of
      wounds since the early 1990s and started to popularize in China near the mid
      1990s. This technique is different from conventional dressing change, as it
      controls local humidity, alleviates edema, and improves local circulation all by
      negative pressure. The method generally involves the application of a dressing on
      the wound surface, connecting the dressing to a vacuum pump through a tube, and
      then sealing the wound with adhesive films. Most of the clinicians in China
      believe that NPWT is helpful in accelerating wound healing, though as yet there
      is no strong evidence to support it. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more
      research to further clarify the mechanism and therapeutic effect of NPWT.

PMID- 22097300
TI  - [Efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage in mice infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      and its mechanism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) on the
      proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in infected wound, and to explore
      its possible mechanism. METHODS: Full-thickness skin wounds each with area of 1
      cm x 1 cm were produced on the back of 40 C57 BL/6 mice, and then they were
      contaminated with wild type PA strains PAO1 marked with target gene of bacterial
      luciferase luxCDABE (PAO1-lux), they were dressed for 24 hours to reproduce PA
      infection model. Then mice were divided into experiment [E, with treatment of VSD
      (pressure value at -16.625 kPa)] and control (C, with treatment of conventional
      dressing change) groups according to the random number table, with 20 mice in
      each group. The fluorescence intensity of PAO1-lux and blood flow in wound was
      respectively measured by in vivo optical imaging system and laser Doppler
      perfusion imager before treatment and at post treatment hour (PTH) 24. The
      expression levels of IL-1beta and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA
      in wound edge were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR
      before treatment and at PTH 24. The specimens of wound edge tissue were collected
      for observation of pathological change at PTH 24. Data were processed with t
      test. RESULTS: There were no obvious difference in fluorescence intensity of PAO1
      lux and blood flow in wound between E and C groups before treatment (with t value
      respectively 0.03, 0.50, P values all above 0.05). The fluorescence intensity of
      PAOl-lux and blood flow in wound in E group at PTH 24 [(2.69 +/- 0.75) photons x
      s(-1) x cm(-2) x sr(-1) and (96 +/- 9) PU] was respectively lower and higher than
      that inC group [(5.18 +/- 0.96) photons x s(-1) cm x (-2) x sr(-1) and (70 +/-
      11) PU, with t value respectively 3.54, 3.13, P values all below 0.05]. The
      expression levels of IL-1beta and VEGF mRNA in both groups before treatment were
      similar (with t value respectively 0.19, 0.07, P values all above 0.05). The
      expression levels of IL-1beta and VEGF mRNA in E group at PTH 24 was respectively
      4.72 +/- 0.37, 2.68 +/- 0.39, all markedly higher than those in C group (2.24 +/-
      0.50, 1.22 +/- 0.13, with t value respectively 6.90, 6.12, P values all equal to
      0.00). The number of inflammatory cell infiltrating the wound edge in E group at
      PTH 24 was increased by nearly 77% as compared with that in C group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared with conventional dressing change, VSD can reduce the amount of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa in full-thickness skin defect wound at the early stage, it
      may be related with an increase in blood flow and number of inflammatory cells in
      wound tissue, promoting expression of IL-1beta and VEGF mRNA.

PMID- 22097301
TI  - [Vascularization of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid knitted mesh/collagen-chitosan
      hybrid scaffold].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)
      knitted mesh/collagen-chitosan hybrid scaffold (PCCS) on angiogenesis, and to
      explore the relative mechanisms. METHODS: PLGA knitted mesh was integrated into
      collagen-chitosan scaffold (CCS) to construct PCCS with freeze-lyophilizing
      method, and CCS was made with the same method. The characteristics of morphology
      and water absorbing capacity among PCCS, PLGA knitted mesh, and CCS were compared
      in vitro. PCCS and CCS was respectively implanted into subcutaneous tissue of
      back on both sides in 24 SD rats, and the tissue specimens were harvested at post
      operation week (POW) 1, 2, and 4 according to the random number table to evaluate
      the level of angiogenesis by histopathological and immunohistochemical
      examinations. The expression levels of alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA were examined by real-time
      quantitative RT-PCR. Data were processed with t test. RESULTS: (1) PLGA knitted
      mesh was closely integrated with sponge of collagen-chitosan in PCCS, and the
      porous structure of PCCS was similar to that of CCS. (2) Compared with that of
      PCCS [(506 +/- 15)%], the water absorbing rate of CCS and PLGA knitted mesh was
      respectively increased and decreased [(627 +/- 21)%, (195 +/- 15)%, with t value
      respectively 3.8, 11.9, P < 0.05 or P < 0.001]. (3) The scaffolds were filled
      with newly formed tissue in CCS at POW 4, while those in PCCS were observed at
      POW 2 with more homogeneous and abundant collagen. (4) Blood vessels could be
      induced, and they grew into scaffolds along with prolongation of implantation
      time in PCCS and CCS. The number of mature blood vessels in PCCS at POW 1, 2, 4
      [(10.7 +/- 3.2), (18.6 +/- 2.1), and (30.3 +/- 4.5) branches per square
      centimeter] was respectively higher than that in CCS [(5.4 +/- 0.9), (10.8 +/-
      4.2), and (23.6 +/- 1.7) branches per square centimeter, with t value
      respectively 4.6, 4.4, 4.5, P values all below 0.01]. (5) The expression levels
      of alpha-SMA and VEGF mRNA in PCCS at POW 1, 2, 4 were significantly higher than
      those in the CCS (with t(alpha-SMA) value respectively 1.26, 1.63, 2.17, with
      t(VEGF) value respectively 5.52, 2.07, 1.78, P values all below 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: PCCS is able to induce the ingrowth of blood vessels rapidly and
      promote their maturity. The mechanical properties and microstructures of
      scaffolds play synergistic role in the process of angiogenesis.

PMID- 22097302
TI  - [Study on differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      into human sweat gland cells in vitro and the relative signal pathway].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the differentiation potential of human umbilical cord-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSC) into human sweat gland cells (hSGC) and the role
      of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. METHODS: UCMSC and hSGC
      were isolated and cultured in vitro. The former was identified with expression of
      CD14, CD29, CD34, CD44, CD45, CD105, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK19, and
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), while the latter was identified with expression
      of CK19 and CEA. UCMSC with density of 5 x 10(4) cells per well placed in lower
      compartment of Transwell chamber were divided into control group (C, cultured
      with nutrient solution without any stimulation), thermal injury group (TI,
      treated with heat-shocked hSGC with density of 1 x 10(4) cells per well
      inoculated into the upper compartment of Transwell chamber for indirect co
      culture), thermal injury + EGF group (TIE, treated with indirect co-culture as
      used in TI group, with addition of 50 ng/mL EGF), thermal injury + PD98059 group
      (TIP, treated with indirect co-culture as used in TI group, with addition of 10
      nmol/mL ERK specific inhibitor PD98059) according to the random number table. One
      week after culture, the positive expression rates of CK7 and CK19 in UCMSC were
      detected by flow cytometry, the expression of CK19 and CEA in UCMSC were examined
      with immunohistochemical staining and the positive expression rate of CEA was
      calculated, and the expression level of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) was determined
      by Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance.
      RESULTS: (1) CD29, CD44, and CD105 were highly expressed in UCMSC, accompanied by
      low or negative expression of CD14, CD34, CD45, CK7, CK19, and CEA. The
      expression of CK19 and CEA were positive in hSGC. The two results showed that
      UCMSC and hSGC were pure. (2) Compared with those of C group [(2.2 +/- 1.5)%,
      (2.2 +/- 0.7)%, (3.3 +/- 0.7)%, 0.640 +/- 0.026], the expression levels of CK7,
      CK19, CEA, and pERK in UCSMC of TI group [(6.4 +/- 0.7)%, (5.7 +/- 0.3)%, (7.4 +/
      1.0)%, 0.790 +/- 0.049] and TIE group [(14.3 +/- 1.0)%, (12.6 +/- 1.1)%, (17.6
      +/- 2.3)%, 1.200 +/- 0.032] were significantly increased (with F value
      respectively 78.49, 139.36, 87.13, and 191.74, P values all below 0.01), and
      those of TIE group were higher than those of TI group (with F value from 50.14 to
      145.47, P values all below 0.01). There were no obvious difference in the 4
      indexes between TIP group and C group (with F value from 0.00 to 0.13, P values
      all above 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UCMSC co-cultured with heat-shocked hSGC can
      differentiate into hSGC, and ERK signal pathway participates in the process of
      differentiation of UCMSC into hSGC.

PMID- 22097303
TI  - [Preparation of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds and study
      on its biodegradation behaviors in vivo and in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To fabricate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan hybrid nanofibrous
      scaffolds owning the similar physiological structure of ECM, and to observe its
      biodegradation behavior in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: (1) The PVA nanofibrous
      scaffold and PVA/chitosan hybrid nanofibrous scaffold were fabricated by
      electrospinning technique, and then they were crosslinked by glutaraldehyde vapor
      method. The morphology of both scaffolds was observed by scanning electron
      microscope (SEM). (2) Biodegradation experiment in vitro: the samples of two
      scaffolds with size of 2 cm x 2 cm were placed into phosphate-buffer saline (PBS)
      fluid under 37.0 degrees C water for incubation, and then they were dried to
      observe morphologic changes under SEM on post incubation day (PID) 3, 7, and 14.
      (3) Biodegradation experiment in vivo: 48 Wistar rats were divided into PVA group
      and PVA/chitosan group according to the random number table, with 24 rats in each
      group. PVA or PVA/chitosan nanofibrous scaffold was implanted into subcutaneous
      tissue on both sides of back in rats of both groups, with 4 scaffolds in each
      rat. The scaffold samples were harvested to observe morphologic changes with HE
      staining on post operation day (POD) 3, 7, 14, and 28. RESULTS: (1) After
      crosslinking, the surface of fibers in PVA and PVA/chitosan hybrid nanofibrous
      scaffolds were smooth, and the diameters of fibers were similar, ranging from 200
      to 300 nm, with high porosity. (2) Biodegradation experiment in vitro showed that
      the morphologic changes in fiber was respectively swelling, dissolution, fusion
      in PVA nanofibrous scaffold on PID 3, 7, 14, and that in PVA/chitosan hybrid
      nanofibrous scaffold was respectively swelling, dissolution and fragmentation,
      and disappearance. (3) Biodegradation experiment in vivo showed that the
      morphologic changes in scaffold structure was respectively loosening, fuzziness
      of edges, degradation, and disappearance in PVA group and PVA/chitosan group on
      POD 3, 7, 14, 28. CONCLUSIONS: PVA/chitosan hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds can be
      prepared with electrospinning technique, and it has an appropriate biodegradation
      rate compatible with tissue reconstruction after crosslinking.

PMID- 22097304
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease in burn children].
AB  - We try to discuss the relationship between burn and Kawasaki disease (KD), and to
      study the diagnosis and treatment of KD in burn children. The medical records of
      one burn child with KD from our pediatric ward together with those of 5 burn
      children with KD retrieved from foreign literature were analyzed. The clinical
      features of KD, including bilateral nonexudative conjunctivitis, erythema of the
      lips and oral mucosa, skin rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, changes in the distal
      part of extremities, were enrolled in the study. Six patients were male and
      younger than 5 years old, with 2 suffering from mild burn, 2 with moderate burn,
      and 2 with severe burn. Two days after second degree burn, all burn children had
      fever and skin rash with 4 or 5 clinical symptoms and signs of KD. Among them,
      coronary artery dilatation was found in 1 case as detected by echocardiography,
      positive wound culture was found in 2 cases, negative blood culture was found in
      6 cases. All patients were given high-dose gamma globulin or (and) aspirin within
      10 days after the first fever, followed by control and amelioration of the
      disease. We conclude that the pathogenesis of KD may be related with burn wound
      and reabsorption of edema. KD may be suspected in burn children younger than 5
      years when they had fever and skin rash at the same time.

PMID- 22097305
TI  - [Comparison study of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy and dynamic magnetic
      resonance lymphangiography for the diagnosis of extremity lymphedema].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the role of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy and dynamic
      magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) for the diagnosis of extremity
      lymphedema. METHODS: Sixteen patients with primary extremity lymphedema and two
      with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome combined with lymphedema were examined by
      lymphoscintigraphy using the tracer 99Tc-labelled dextran, and also by MRL using
      gadobenate dimeglumine as contrast agent. The results of morphological
      abnormalities and functional state of the lymphatic system at affected limbs from
      the two imaging methods were compared. RESULTS: Lymphatic vessels were imaged in
      14 of 18 limbs with lymphedema using MRL, compared with one of 18 using
      lymphoscintigraphy. MRL detected the inguinal nodes in 16 of 17 patients, whereas
      lymphoscintigraphy revealed inguinal nodes in only nine cases. MRL revealed more
      precise information about structural and functional abnormalities of lymph
      vessels and nodes than lymphoscintigraphy by real-time measurement of lymph flow
      in vessels and nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic MRL is more sensitive and accurate
      than lymphoscintigraphy in the detection of anatomical and functional
      abnormalities in the lymphatic system in patients with extremity lymphedema.

PMID- 22097306
TI  - [Application of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in Le Fort I osteotomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To improve the accuracy and safety of the Le Fort I osteotomy.
      METHODS: Eighty-four patients underwent CBCT scan before maxillary orthognathic
      surgery. The anatomic structures of maxilla were marked and measured. RESULTS: In
      84 cases, there were 3 cases with severe hypoplasia of maxillary sinus, 11 cases
      with impacted third molar, 8 cases with separation in maxillary sinus, 4 cases
      with the deviation of nasal septum, and 3 cases with cysts in maxillary sinus.
      Form CBCT images, the position of the pterygopalatine canal, the thickness of
      maxillary wall, hidden lesion of maxillary sinus, the location of Impacted molar,
      the deviation of nasal septum, and other anatomic structure could be accurately
      localized. CBCT could provide sufficient and valuable information in diagnosis
      and design for Le Fort I osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT imaging technology could
      provide precise anatomic images for Le Fort I osteotomy. It improves the accuracy
      and safety of the Le Fort I osteotomy.

PMID- 22097307
TI  - [Acellular cadaveric dermis-assisted immediate breast reconstruction: the
      preliminary experience].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of acellular
      cadaveric dermis (ACD)-assisted immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: From
      Sep. 2009 to May 2010, 10 cases received ACD-assisted immediate breast
      reconstruction. During the operation, the ACD was used to cover inferior and
      lateral portion of the implants in 2 cases and expanders in 8 cases. RESULTS: The
      patients were followed up for an average period of 4 months with satisfactory
      breast appearance. The complications included infection in 2 cases and dehiscence
      in 2 cases. But no implant or expander was taken out. CONCLUSIONS: The ACD
      assisted immediate breast reconstruction is a technically simple procedure with
      minimal morbidity. Satisfactory clinical outcome can be achieved with appropriate
      candidates.

PMID- 22097308
TI  - [Check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical result of check ligament suspension for
      correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis. METHODS: Since Jan. 2010 to Nov.
      2010, 15 eyes in 15 cases with congenital severe blepharoptosis were treated with
      the check ligament suspension. Palpebral aponeurosis was exposure by opening
      fascia palpebral during blepharoplasty. Palpebral aponeurosis was cut off about 5
      mm above the tarsus. The check ligament was seen in the intermuscular space
      between the segment of levator and the anterior one third of superior rectus
      attached to the conjunctival fornix. Congenital blepharoptosis could be corrected
      by suturing the check ligament and levator palpebrae superior to the upper margin
      of tarsal plate with 3-0 silk thread. Double eyelid plasty was carried out in the
      end. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 3-11 months with good cosmetic result. All
      the cases could close their eyes in 15 to 30 days with no complication.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this technique is quite successful in raising the
      level of the upper eyelid in severe congenital blepharoptosis. The check ligament
      moves in a similar direction as the natural movement of levator muscle, so both
      the postoperative static and dynamic appearance of the upper lid is more natural.

PMID- 22097309
TI  - [Auricular reconstruction for concha-type microtia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the method of auricular reconstruction for concha-type
      microtia. METHODS: Two-staged auricular reconstruction was applied in 13 cases
      (14 ears) with concha-type microtia. The cartilage auricular framework was
      fabricated and implanted in the first stage, followed by ear elevation and cranio
      auricle angle formation at the second stage. RESULTS: The patients were followed
      up for 2 months to 2 years with satisfactory aesthetic result. The reconstructed
      ears had a good appearance and position, and were symmetric to the healthy ears.
      CONCLUSIONS: The two-staged auricular reconstruction with autologous cartilage
      framework is ideal for concha-type microtia.

PMID- 22097310
TI  - ["W-shape" flap at nasal tip for the correction of the nasal deformity secondary
      to unilateral cleft lip].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate an effective method for the correction of the narrow
      nostril secondary to cleft lip. METHODS: A "bird wing shape" incision was made on
      the nasal tip to form a "W-shape" flap for repairing the nasal deformities
      secondary to cleft lip, especially for the cases with narrow nostril. RESULTS:
      Twenty-eight patients were treated with this method. All the cases achieved a
      symmetry shape of nasal ala, nostril, nasal columella and a normal height of
      nasal tip except for 2 cases with malformation at nasal tip who achieved
      improvement after reoperation. 21 cases were followed up for 6-12 months with
      good cosmetic result and no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: "W-shape" flap at the nasal
      tip is an ideal way for the correction of mild to moderate narrow nostril
      deformity secondary to cleft lip.

PMID- 22097311
TI  - [Application of free anterior serratus musculo-fascial flap in bridge style for
      the soft tissue defect at leg].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of free anterior serratus musculo
      fascial flap in bridge style for the soft tissue defect at leg. METHODS: From
      Sept. 2006 to Jan. 2009, the free anterior serratus musculo-fascial flaps were
      used in bridge style in 7 cases with soft tissue defects at legs. The anterior
      serratus musculo-fascial flaps were elevated with subscapular and circumflex
      scapular vessels forming a T-shaped vascular pedicles. The T-shaped pedicle was
      end-to-end anastomosed with the two ends of the posterior tibial artery at the
      healthy leg. The musculo-fascial flap and its pedicle were covered with skin
      graft. RESULTS: All the 7 flaps survived completely with satisfactory result. The
      patients were followed up for 9-42 months with good functional and esthetic
      result both in donor site and recipient site. The patency of posterior tibial
      artery was demonstrated by clinical and Doppler examination. CONCLUSIONS: This
      technique is particularly useful in leg reconstructive surgery when only one
      vessel remains. The patency of the posterior tibial artery at the healthy leg is
      preserved and the morbidity in donor site is minimal.

PMID- 22097312
TI  - [Application of V-Y flap pedicled with superior malleolus cutaneous branch for
      small skin defect at the dorsal side of foot].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of V-Y flap pedicled with
      superior malleolus cutaneous branch for small skin defect at the dorsal side of
      foot. METHODS: From Aug. 2008 to Aug. 2010, 9 cases with skin defects at the
      dorsal side of feet were treated by V-Y flaps pedicled with superior malleolus
      cutaneous branch. The flap size ranged from 6.0 cm x 5.5 cm to 12.0 cm x 6.5 cm.
      The defects at the donor sites were closed directly. RESULTS: All flaps survived
      completely. 9 cases were followed up for 6-12 months after operation. The flaps
      had good texture and color match. The 2-point discrimination distance at the flap
      was 10-14 mm. The function of ankle was normal. CONCLUSIONS: The V-Y flap
      pedicled with superior malleolus cutaneous branch is ideal for the treatment of
      small skin defect at the dorsal side of foot.

PMID- 22097313
TI  - [Koyanagi technique for repairing proximal hypospadias with penoscrotal
      transposition].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of Koyanagi technique for repairing
      proximal hypospadias with penoscrotal transposition. METHODS: Koyanagi procedure
      was used for repairing proximal hypospadias with penoscrotal transposition in 26
      boys (mean age 4.2 years) between July 2005 and June 2010. RESULTS: Primary
      healing was achieved in 22 cases. Three patients suffered from urinary fistula
      and the external urethral orifice in one patient was retracted to penis coronary
      sulcus, who were re-operated successfully. Two cases showed slight penile ventral
      curvature. Slight stricture of the urethral external orifice was noted in one
      case, which relieved after one to two times of urethral sounding every week for
      eight months. 20 patients were followed up for 6-36 months (mean 10.5 months)
      with good cosmetic result and normal urethra function. The penoscrotal
      transposition was also corrected. CONCLUSIONS: The original Koyanagi procedure
      might be one of the simple and effective method for repairing proximal
      hypospadias with penoscrotal transposition.

PMID- 22097314
TI  - [Different expression of TGF-beta1 and collagen during the healing process of
      wound infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the different expression of TGF-beta1 and collagen during
      the healing process of wound infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). METHODS:
      24 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into pure wound group (group A) and
      wound + PAO1 group (group B). The re-epithelial rate, shrinkage rate and
      neutrophils number on the wounds were observed on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 10th day
      after operation. The expression of TGF-beta1 and collage I, Ill was also
      detected. RESULTS: On the 7th day, the re-epithelial rate in group A was higher
      than that in group B, while the shrinkage rate in group A was lower than that in
      group B. The neutrophils number increased to peak on the 1st day in group B, but
      on the 3rd day in group A. The TGF-beta1 expression increased after operation in
      both groups, but it decreased in group B on the 3rd day and re-increased after
      that. The TGF-beta1 expression was significantly different between the two groups
      on the 7th day (P < 0.05). The expression of collagen I and III decreased during
      healing. The expression of collagen III in group A was higher on the 3rd day and
      was lower on the 7th and 10th day than that in group B, showing a significant
      difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PAO1 infection could delay the expression of
      TGF-beta1 and collagen I, III on wound, which may interfere the healing process
      of wound.

PMID- 22097315
TI  - [Construction of recombinant lentiviral vector of Tie2-RNAi and its influence on
      malignant melanoma cells in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To construct lentivector carrying Tie2-Small interfering RNA (SiRNA),
      so as to study its influence on malignant melanoma cells. METHODS: Recombinant
      plasmid pSilencer 1.0-U6-Tie2-siRNA and plasmid pNL-EGFP were digested with XbaI,
      ligated a target lentiviral transfer plasmid of pNL-EGFP-U6-Tie2-I or pNL-EGFP-U6
      Tie2-II, and then the electrophoresis clones was sequenced. Plasmids of pNL-EGFP
      U6-Tie2-I and pNL-EGFP-U6-Tie2-II were constructed and combined with pVSVG and
      pHelper, respectively, to constitute lentiviral vector system of three plasmids.
      The Lentiviral vector system was transfected into 293T cell to produce pNL-EGFP
      U6-Tie2- I and pNL-EGFP-U6-Tie2-II lentivirus. Then the supernatant was collected
      to determine the titer. Malignant melanoma cells were infected by both
      lentiviruses and identified by Realtime RT-PCR to assess inhibitory efficiency.
      RESULTS: The recombinant lentiviral vectors of Tie2-RNAi were constructed
      successfully which were analyzed with restriction enzyme digestion and identified
      by sequencing. And the titer of lentiviral vector was 8.8 x 10(3)/ml, which was
      determined by 293T cell. The results of Realtime RT-PCR demonstrated that the
      lentiviral vectors of Tie2-RNAi could infect malignant melanoma cells and inhibit
      the expression of Tie2 genes in malignant melanoma cells (P<0.01). There was no
      significant difference in the expression level (P>0.05) between the two
      lentiviral vectors of Tie2-RNAi. CONCLUSIONS: Lentivector carrying Tie2-SiRNA can
      be constructed successfully and inhibit the expression of Tie2 gene in vitro
      significantly. The study will supply the theory basis for the further research on
      the inhibition of tumor growth in vivo.

PMID- 22097316
TI  - [Construction and transplantation of tissue-engineered skin with mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts in SD mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application and mechanism of tissue-engineered skin
      with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) for the full-thickness skin defects on
      mice. METHODS: The MEFs and fibroblasts were cultured and seeded in scaffold made
      of rat tail collage. ELISA method was used for detection of secretory function.
      The full-thickness skin defects were created on mice and covered by MEFs-scaffold
      complex (experimental group), or FBs-scaffold complex (control group 1), or
      scaffold only (control group 2). The process of wound healing was evaluated by
      observation of the re-epithelization rate. Microvessel density (MVD) and vimentin
      within the wound sites were also detected with immunohistochemistry staining
      technique to describe the characteristics of wound healing. Hoechst 33342
      staining was performed to trace MEFs'fate. RESULTS: MEFs scaffold group had
      higher level secretion of IL-6 and lower of TGF-beta1 than FBs scaffold group
      (P<0.05). Compared with wounds in control groups, the wounds in MEFs group healed
      markedly fast (P<0.05) and the MVD was significantly higher (P <0.05). The
      fibroblasts in the wounds of MEFs group were arranged regularly and the MEFs
      decreased during the healing process. CONCLUSIONS: The MEFs-scaffold complex can
      promote wound healing with less scar formation. MEFs may have an inducing effect
      on the wound healing.

PMID- 22097317
TI  - [The effect of integrin-linked kinase on VEGF expression in fibroblasts from
      human hypertrophic scar].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and its
      effect on VEGF expression in fibroblasts from human hypertrophic scar. METHODS:
      Fibroblasts were isolated from hypertrophic scar of 8 patients and cultured in
      vitro. Then the cells were divided into three groups: (1) Cells were cultured
      only in DMEM containing 10% FCS in the control group; (2) Cells were transfected
      with empty plasmid in the empty plasmid group; (3) Cells were transfected with
      plasmid expressing ILKcDNA in the ILK cDNA plasmid transfection group. First, the
      expression of ILK and VEGF was observed by immunocytochemistry before and after
      ILK cDNA transfection. Second, ILK and VEGF mRNA expression was investigated by
      real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Third, the protein expression of ILK and VEGF was
      detected by Western blot. Finally, the protein level of VEGF in supernatant of
      fibroblasts was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Before ILK cDNA transfection, the
      expression of ILK was positive and the VEGF expression was weak in cytoplasm of
      fibroblasts . After ILK cDNA transfection, both the expression of ILK and VEGF
      was enhanced. The level of VEGF mRNA was significantly higher in ILK cDNA
      transfection group (0.338 +/- 0.060) than that in control group (0.022 +/- 0.001)
      and empty plasmid group (0.028 +/- 0.005, P < 0.05). The level of VEGF protein
      was significantly higher in ILK cDNA transfection group (0.819 +/- 0.019) than
      that in control group (0.607 +/- 0.033) and empty plasmid group (0. 591 +/-
      0.024, P<0. 05). Secretion of VEGF increased remarkably in ILK cDNA transfection
      group comparing with the other two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ILK could up
      regulate the VEGF mRNA and protein level in human scar fibroblasts. It may play
      an important role in the angiogenesis in hypertrophic scar.

PMID- 22097318
TI  - [Different expression of protein in the supernatant of heat injured
      keratinocytes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference of protein expression in the supernatant of
      heat injured keratinocytes (KC) and normal KC. METHODS: A model of heat injured
      KC was produced in vitro. The supernatant of normal KC and heat injured KC was
      collected after culture for 12 hours, and was ultrafiltered and lyophilized to
      get the protein. The protein sample was separated by immobilized pH gradient
      based two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The gel was stained and the
      different expression of protein was analyzed using ImageMaster 2D analysis
      software. RESULTS: (1) Average protein spots were 1,898 +/- 113, 1,877 +/- 97 in
      the supernatant of normal and heat injured KC and 1,118 protein spots could be
      used for statistical analysis. (2) Statistical result showed that 26 protein
      spots were significantly different between the two groups. 16 protein spots were
      higher in the supernatant of normal KC and then 10 protein spots were lower in
      the normal group. (3) 16 protein spots, which included 10 kinds of proteins, were
      identified successfully as different spots. Lower expression proteins were alpha
      enolase, actin cytoplasmic 2, peroxiredoxin-4, phosphoglycerate mutase 1, G
      protein-regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth l in the supernatant of heat
      injured KC. Higher expression proteins in heat KC were purine nucleoside
      phosphorylase, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 10, proteasome
      subunit alpha type-7, UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase in the supernatant of heat
      injured KC. CONCLUSIONS: The result indicated that there are some significant
      different expression proteins in the supernatant of normal KC and heat injured
      KC. These findings provide new data for screening major molecules of tissue
      repair and finding the mechanism of wound repair.

PMID- 22097319
TI  - [Effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone on proliferation and expression of c-fos, c
      jun, CREB and PCNA in cultured Schwann cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinine (PQQ) on
      proliferation and expression of c-fos, c-jun, CREB and PCNA in cultured Schwann
      cells. METHODS: Schwann cells were cultured and purified in vitro. The purity of
      Schwann cells was identified by immunofluorescence of S-100. After
      synchronization of cell cycle by serum-free medium, different concentration of
      PQQ (0,1, 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000 nmol/L) were added into culture medium for 72 h.
      Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle. The content of c-fos, c-jun, and
      CREB mRNA were detected by RT-PCR, and the expression of PCNA protein was
      detected by Western blot. RESULTS: After PQQ treatment, the percentage of cells
      in G0/G1 phase decreased and the percentage of cells in S and G2/M phase
      increased. After treated by PQQ at concentration of 1-10,000nmol/L, content of c
      fos,c-jun,CREB mRNA was increased by 0.33,0.42 and 0. 52 fold (P < 0. 05).
      However, at concentration of 1 000 nmol/L, there was no difference in mRNAs
      content when compare to control (P >0.05). And it showed a decline at
      concentration of 10,000 nmol/L (P < 0.05). PCNA protein expression was up
      regulated at PQQ concentration of 1-100 nmol/L. At 100 nmol/L, the expression
      increased by 1.17 fold (P < 0.05); However, at 1,000 nmol/L, there was no
      difference in PCNA expression when compared to control. And 10,000 nmol/L of PQQ
      inhibited the expression of PCNA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When treated with PQQ
      at concentration of 10-100 nmol/L, the proliferation of Schwann cells increased
      and the expression of c-fos,c-jun, CREB and PCNA was up-regulated.

PMID- 22097320
TI  - [Effects of PEG stress on flavonoids accumulation and related gene expression in
      suspension of Scutellaria baicalensis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of PEG stress on baicalin, baicalein accumulation
      induced by an increased concentration of PEG solution and the related genes'
      expression in suspension of Scutellaria baicalensis. METHOD: The content of
      baicalin, baicalein in suspension of S. baicalensis was determined by HPLC. The
      related genes' expression was analyzed by semi-quantitative PCR. RESULT: The
      content of proline in suspension of S. baicalensis was promoted by PEG treatment.
      Ten percent PEG treatment promoted the expression of PAL and the content of
      baicalein in experimental material via a drought stress. 20% PEG solution
      treatment promoted the expression of UBGAT. At the same time, the increased
      activity of APX inhibited the progress of eliminating reactive oxygen by
      baicalein, which induced the transformation from baicalein to baicalin.
      CONCLUSION: Active ingredient in suspension of S. baicalensis was promoted
      significantly via a stress of light concentration of PEG solution.

PMID- 22097321
TI  - [Dynamic accumulation of effective components and biomass of Coptis chinensis in
      Hongya county].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the dynamic accumulation of the effective components and
      biomass of Coptis chinensis, so to provide the experimental date of optimal
      harvest time for C. chinensis in Hongya county. METHOD: The samples of three to
      five years were gathered from the same field and time. The biomass was analyzed
      by weighed. The jatrorrhizine, columbamine, epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine
      and berberine in C. chinensis were analyzed by HPLC. RESULT: With the increasing
      of years of growth, the rootstalk biomass of C. chinensis was increasing
      continuously. The biomass growth of four-year-old C. chinensis was the fastest in
      the year. From September to October was the fastest season of the growth of
      rootstalk. The dynamic accumulation in rootstalk C. chinensis had regularity in
      the certain extend. The contents of six alkaloids and all alkaloids in 4-year-old
      C. chinensis were more than that in 3-years-old and 5-year-old. The contents of
      six alkaloids were mostly highest in August. From July to December, there is no
      significant difference in the contents of columbamine, epiberberine, coptisine,
      palmatine, berberine and all alkaloids in 4-years-old C. chinensis. CONCLUSION:
      According to the biomass and the accumulation pattern of the effective components
      in the C. chinensis, the optimal harvest time is from September to October of 4
      year-old C. chinensis.

PMID- 22097322
TI  - [Studies of floral biology, breeding characters of Lamium barbatum].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reveal the flowering characteristics and provide theoretical basis
      for the breeding and cultivation of Lamium barbatum. METHOD: The field
      observation and investigation of blooming phenophase were applied in the study
      growth dynamics of inflorescence and the period of the floret were measured. Then
      the statistic analyses of them were carried out. The pollen viability was
      evaluated by TTC test and the stigma receptivity was evaluated by benzidine-H2O2
      method. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The flowers of L. barbatum were bisexual, with 4
      to 14 flowers in an inflorescence. The population came into bloom from April to
      June and the blossom of a single flower could last about 3 days. Pollination peak
      lasted 8 hours from the very beginning of blooming, and the high stigma receptive
      stage remained during the same period of time. The results indicated that the
      breeding system of L. barbatum was outcrossing with self-compatibility and
      pollinators were needed based on the outcrossing index. The most frequent floral
      visitors were bees. The suitable breeding strategy was also discussed.

PMID- 22097323
TI  - [Effects of AM fungi on growth and microelement of Scuteliaria baiealensis under
      different applied phosphorous levels].
AB  - The effects of AM fungi on the growth, nutrient uptake and microelement of
      Scutellaria baicalensis under different applied phosphorous levels in the pot
      culture were studied. The results showed that applied phosphorous levels had
      remarkable effect on AM fungal inoculation. Inoculation effect of AM fungi was
      the best under 0.12-0.18 g x kg(-1) soil. At those levels, the effect of AM fungi
      on the growth of S. baicalensis was the best, but either lower or higher
      phosphorous level showed suppressed infecting of AM fungi to S. baicalensis.
      After inoculation, the contents of biomass, total P, baicalin, total N of root
      were increased as well as the microelements of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, but the
      contents of total N of shoot, N/P were decreased as well as the microelements of
      Mn, Cu. In conclusion, the growth of host plant and using rate of phosphorus
      fertilizer can be promoted by inoculation of AM fungi.

PMID- 22097324
TI  - [Structures and bioactivity of polysaccharides from isatidis radix].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigated the chemical structures and bioactivity of
      polysaccharides from Isatidis Radix. METHOD: Polysaccharides were extracted and
      purified by column chromatograph and their chemical structures were identified by
      UV, IR, NMR, periodic acid oxadation and Smith degradation method and their
      stimulation effects to macrophage were evaluated by using MTT method. RESULT:
      Five polysaccharides, polysaccharide A , B, C, D and E were gotten and their
      molecular weights were 2 000, 1 757.1, 1 34 2.7, 955.6, 11.7 kDa, respectively.
      Polysaccharide A was composed of arabinose, polysaccharide E was composed of
      arabinose and galactose, polysaccharides B, C, D were composed of glucose and 1 -
      > 2, 1 --> 3, 1 --> 4, 1 --> 6 linkages existed in polysaccharides A-E, of A, B,
      C, D, E were alpha-configurations. Polysaccharides B, C and D showed better
      bioactivity than polysaccharides A and E with stimulation index (SI) of 5.31,
      4.76, 5.17. CONCLUSION: Five polysaccharides are seperated firstly from Isatidis
      Radix.

PMID- 22097325
TI  - [Extraction and antioxidant activity of collagen from elephant skin, pig skin and
      fish scales].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study collagen structure of the traditional Chinese medicine
      elephant skin and the proposed alternatives such as pig skin, fish scale, and
      antioxidant activity. METHOD: Orthogonal experimental design method was employed
      to determine the optimal extraction condition of collagen from the elephant skin,
      and the structure and content of collagen of proposed alternatives were compared,
      their scavenging ability were determined by salicylic acid. RESULT: Collagen
      extracted from elephant skin with the optimal conditions was the structural
      integrity and good quality first time, and collagen structure of the elephant
      skin was similar to the proposed alternatives. Free radical scavenging capacity
      of collagen, values of IC50, were 0.51 g x L(-1) of elephant skin, 0.60 g x L(-1)
      of pig skin and 0.42 g x L(-1) of fish scale. CONCLUSION: By comparing and
      identification of proteins that the collagen of elephant skin is type I collagen,
      with a strong antioxidant capacity, is the active ingredients of elephant skin.
      It provides a further study of alternatives as an important reference.

PMID- 22097326
TI  - [Comparative analysis of volatile fractions in Polygonati rhizoma and its
      processed products by GC-MS].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct comparative study on the volatile components from
      Polygonati Rhizoma during processing. METHOD: Volatile oil was obtained from
      Polygonati Rhizoma by steam distillation (SD). Volatile components were
      concentrated by a purge and trap-thermal desorption (P&T-TD) method, and analyzed
      with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which were comparative by
      analyzed with the method of SD-GC-MS simultaneously. RESULT: The change in
      quantity and quality of volatile components in pre and post processed Polygonati
      Rhizoma were observed. Fifty-one compounds were checked out with SD-GC-MS, while
      11 compounds with P&T-TD-GC-MS. CONCLUSION: This study is useful to illustrate
      the mechanism of decreasing toxicity and stimulating components after being
      processed.

PMID- 22097327
TI  - [Extraction, purification technology and antineoplastic effects of solamargine].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To extract and purify of solamargine from Solanum nigrum, and to
      research its antineoplastic effects. METHOD: S. nigrum was extracted refluently
      with 80% alcohol, solamargine was purified with silica gel column chromatography
      and recrystallization, and then conducted its structure identification and purity
      checks. Screened the effect on human tumor cell groth inhibition in vitro by MTT
      assay, and researched on the features in mice with H22 liver cancer or Ehrlich
      ascites tumor of solamargine. RESULT: The concent of solamargine reached 97.9%.
      Solamargine had significantly inhibition on 6 tumor cells in vitro, and it had
      significantly inhibition on mice with H22 liver cancer or ehrlich ascites tumor
      in the 2.4 mg x kg(-1) dose of i.v. CONCLUSION: Solamargine have the
      antineoplastic effect.

PMID- 22097328
TI  - [Study on in vitro release of xingnaojing microemulsion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study in vitro release of Xingnaojing microemulsion and to
      investigate the release mechanism. METHOD: The concentration of jasminoidin was
      determined by HPLC and the concentration of Aipian was determined by GC. In vitro
      release characteristics were conducted by dialysis technique. Model fitting was
      used to determine the kinetics and mechanism. RESULT: Jasminoidin released
      completely within 2 h, fitting the Weibell model best. The release of borneol
      fitted first order model. CONCLUSION: The release mechanisms of different types
      of medicines are quite different. The different types of medicines dissolve in
      the different phases in the microemulsion.

PMID- 22097329
TI  - [Study on pharmacokinetics of borneol in rats injected with novel-xingnaojing by
      GC-FID].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a GC-FID method for the determination of borneol
      concentration in rat plasma and to investigate the pharmacokinetics after
      injection of novel-Xingnaojing. METHOD: Novel-Xingnaojing was injected via by
      caudal vein injection. The blood samples were collected by posterior orbital
      venous plexus approach at 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 20, 30, 45 min. The drug in plasma
      was extracted with ethyl acetate and then detected by GC-FID, octadecane was used
      as the internal standard. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by the
      software of Kinetica. RESULT: The calibration curve was good linear in the range
      of 1.67-16.67 mg x L(-1). The extraction recoveries of low, medium and high
      concentration were (92.81 +/- 1.11)%, (85.38 +/- 0.86)% and (84.58 +/- 0.58)%,
      respectivley. And the RSDs of within-day and between-day were below 3.00%. Plasma
      concentration of borneol was consistent with the two-compartment open model. The
      pharmacokinetic parameters were that the t1/2alpha was (1.18 +/- 0.20) min, the
      t1/2beta was (22.27 +/- 6.85) min, the C(max)(Calc) was (18.76 +/- 2.10) mg x L(
      1), the MRT was (23.84 +/- 7.67) min(-1), and the AUC was (100.00 +/- 15.85) mg x
      min x L(-1). CONCLUSION: The GC-FID method developed can be applied to
      determination and pharmacokinetics. The borneol in novel-Xingnaojing is
      distributed and metabolized fast after being administrated.

PMID- 22097330
TI  - [Studies on chemical constituents of Rabdosia serra].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of aerial part of Rabdosia serra.
      METHOD: The compounds were isolated by extraction, coloum chromatography over
      silica gel and ODS, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by
      various spectroscopic methods including MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR data. RESULT: Six
      compounds were isolated from R. serra and were characterized as ent-1alpha,
      7alpha, 14beta, 20-tetrahydroxy-11, 16-kauradien-15-one (1), kamebakaurin (2),
      dihydrokamebakaurin (3), rabdoinflexin A (4), daucosterol( 5), and beta
      sitosterol (6). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new compound, and coumpound 3 was
      obtained from this plant for the first time.

PMID- 22097331
TI  - [Chemical constituents from Bufonis periostracum and their antitumor activity in
      vitro].
AB  - Eight compounds were isolated from Bufonis periostracum by repeated column
      chromatography on silica gel, ODS and Sephadex LH-20 and their structures were
      characterized as palmitatic acid cholesteryl ester (1), cholesterol (2), 5alpha,
      8alpha-epidioxycholesta-6-en-3beta-ol (3), cholest-5-en-3beta, 7beta-diol (4),
      cholest-7-en-3beta, 5alpha, 6beta-triol (5), 3-octaddecyloxy-1, 2-propanediol
      (6), isisamide (7) and bufothionine (8) on the base of spectral analysis.
      Compounds 1-8 were isolated from Bufonis periostracum for the first time and
      compounds 3, 5, 6, 7 were obtained from Bufo bufo gargarizans and Bufo genus for
      the first time. The bioassays showed all tested samples displayed no antitumor
      activity against the cell lines such as A549, BeL 7402, HGC-27 and HL-60, except
      the control compound bufalin.

PMID- 22097332
TI  - [Isoprenoids and phenylpropanoids from Saussurea deltoidea].
AB  - To investigate the chemical constituents of Saussurea deltoidea, 10 compounds
      were isolated from the title plant by various chromatography methods such as
      silica gel, RP-18 silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, HPLC, et al.
      Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis. Five isoprenoids and Five
      phenylpropanoids were isolated and elucidated as (3R, 6R, 7E) -3-hydroxy-4, 7
      megastigmadien-9-one (1), (3S, 5R, 6S, 7E) -5, 6-epoxy-3-hydroxy-7-megastigmen-9
      one (2), 3-hydroxy-beta-damascone (3), S-(+) -dehydrovomifoliol (4), megastigman
      5-ene-3beta, 9R-diol (5), coniferaldehyde (6), beta-hydroxypropiovanillone (7), 3
      hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl) -1-propanone (8), dihydrosyringenin
      (9), 4-[(1S) -3-hydroxy-1-methoxypropyl]-2, 6-dimenthoxyphenol (10). All the
      compounds were isolated from S. deltoidea for the first time.

PMID- 22097333
TI  - [Chemical constituents of Swertia hispidicalyx].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Swertia hispidicalyx. METHOD:
      The EtOAc part of S. hispidicalyx was chromatographied by various column
      chromatography methods, and the isolates were identified based on spectroscopic
      analyses (MS, 1H-and 13C-NMR). RESULT: Eleven compounds were isolated from S.
      hispidicalyx and characterized as 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (1), 1,5,8
      trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (2), gentiolactone (3), swertiamarin (4), 3,4
      dihydro-1H,6H,8H-naphtho [1, 2-c:4, 5-c', d'] dipyrano-1,8-dione (5), (+)
      syringaresinol (6), trans-coniferyl aldehyde (7), maslinic acid (8), oleanolic
      acid (9), daucosterol (10), and -sitosterol (11). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-11 were
      obtained from S. hispidicalyx for the first time.

PMID- 22097334
TI  - [Simultaneous determination of six flavonoids in Hyperici Japonici Herba by HPCE
      DAD].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a high performance capillary electrophoresis method with
      diode array detection (HPCE-DAD) for simultaneous determination of rutin,
      isoquercitrin, hyperoside, quercitrin, kaempferol and quercetin in Hyperici
      Japonici Herba. METHOD: Based on the mode of capillary zone electrophoresis, 40
      mmol x L(-1) borax was used as buffer solution (pH 8.62), uncoated fused silica
      capillary (56 cm x 64.5 cm x 75 microm) was used, separation voltage was 25 kV,
      detection wavelength was at 206 nm, column temperature was maintained at 25
      degrees C, and sample was injected at 50 mbar, 8 s. RESULT: Six flavonoids showed
      good linearity (r > 0.9953) in the range of the tested concentration, the average
      recoveries of the method were between 98.8%-102.9%. CONCLUSION: The method is
      simple, accurate and reproducible, and can be used for quality control of
      Hyperici Japonici Herba.

PMID- 22097335
TI  - [Simultaneous determination of 4 nortriterpenoids in Schisandra chinensis extract
      by HPLC].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine 4 nortriterpenoids (de-hydroxy arisanlactone D, 25
      hydroxy schindilactone, schindilachone A, lancifodilactone D) in Schisandra
      chinensis extract by HPLC. METHOD: The analysis was performed on a waters
      symmetry column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile
      water (33:67) at a flow rate of 1 ml x min(-1). The column temperature was set at
      37 degrees C, and the detector wavelength was 264 nm. RESULT: The linear ranges
      of de-hydroxy arisanlactone D, 25-hydroxy schindilactone, schindilachone A, and
      lancifodilactone D are 0.075-1.800, 0.098-0.980; 0.095-0.950, and 0.053-0.530
      microg, respectively, and the average recoveries were 98.57%, 96.44%, 97.96%, and
      97.27%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The four nortriterpenoids were well separated
      by this method, and it could be used to determine the four nortriterpenoids in
      Schisandra chinensis extract.

PMID- 22097336
TI  - [Study on constituents of essential oil from Lonicera fulvotomentosa in different
      collected periods].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To extract and identify the chemical constituents of essential oil
      from Lonicera fulvotomentosa in different collected periods (bud, Silver-flower
      and Golden-flower periods). METHOD: Extracts in three different collected periods
      were subjected to GC-MS analysis for determination of their chemical
      constituents. RESULT: The 29, 34 and 28 kinds of chemical constituents
      corresponding to the above three periods were found, and 44 kinds of compounds
      were identified. The relative content of every chemical constituents in each
      essential oil was obtained by area normalization method. CONCLUSION: The O-tolyl
      isocyanide was detected from essential oil of Lonicera for the first time. The
      result indicated that the highest relative content in essential oil in the three
      periods is alcohol substance and the second is ester and aldehyde. Many common
      constituents in the essential oil from L. fulvotomentosa, including linalool,
      hyacinthin, O-tolyl isocyanide, geraniol, methyl anthranilate, and so on, all
      could be detected in the three periods. However, the differences of their
      relative content are obvious.

PMID- 22097337
TI  - [Determination of atranol, lecanorin, ethyl orsellinate and methyl orsellinate in
      Usnea diffracta by RP-HPLC].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a RP-HPLC method for determining the contents of atranol,
      lecanorin, ethyl orsellinate and methyl orsellinate in Usnea diffracta. METHOD: A
      Kromasil-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was used at 25 degrees C with the
      mobile phases of acetonitrile -1% acetic acid in a gradient manner. The flow rate
      was set at 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 280 nm. RESULT: The
      correlation coefficients of atranol, lecanorin, ethyl orsellinate, and methyl
      orsellinate were higher than 0.999. Recoveries were from 102.9% to 95.30%; with
      RSD from 2.3% to 1.9%. CONCLUSION: The method is quick, simple and repeatable for
      simultaneous determination of atranol, lecanorin, ethyl orsellinate and methyl
      orsellinate in U. diffracta.

PMID- 22097338
TI  - [Ocular pharmacokinetics of puerarin in anesthetic rabbits by microdialysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the model of microdialysis, and study the ocular
      pharmacokinetics of puerarin in anesthetic rabbits. METHOD: Implanted the probe
      into anterior chamber of anesthetic rabbit by surgery. After balanced for 2 h, 1%
      puerarin eye drop (100 microL) was applied into the cul-de-sac with micropipette.
      Immediately the dialysate was collected at different time and detected by HPLC
      with the detection wavelength of 249 nm. The mobile phase was methanol and 0.1%
      citric acid solution (30:70); the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). RESULT: After
      the administration, puerarin can be absorbed into aqueous humor quickly. The peak
      concentration of puerarin appeared at about 1 h and then reduced gradually. The
      peak concentration(C(max)) is (2.52 +/- 0.31) mg x L(-1). The other lower peak
      was shown at 3.5 h during the eliminate phase. This might be attributed to the
      inhibition of aqueous humor production by the puerarin and resulted in a high
      drug concentration. The area under concentration-time curve (AUC(0-t)) is (5.04
      +/- 0.21) mg x h x L(-1) and the eliminate half life (t1/2) is (0.38 +/- 0.13) h.
      CONCLUSION: The microdialysis technique can be used to detect the ocular
      pharmacokinetics of puerarin, and support the valuable pharmacokinetics parameter
      for the clinical applications of puerarin eye drop.

PMID- 22097339
TI  - [Comparative study on effect of icariin and genistein on proliferation and
      mineralization of osteoblasts in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigated the effect of icariin and genistein on proliferation
      and mineralization of cultured rat osteoblasts (rat calvarial osteoblasts, ROB).
      And to contrast the pharmacological activity of icariin and genistein. METHOD:
      Bone cells were obtained by enzyme digestion from the segregated neonatal SD rat
      skull, and were cultured in MEM containing 10% FBS which was changed after three
      days later. Serial subcultivation was proceeded when cells covered with 90%
      culture dish. The final action concentration of icariin and genistein were both 1
      x 10(-5) mol x L(-1). Proliferation was analyzed by MTT on 96-well plates, while
      differentiation was analyzed on 24-well plates. Under the induced condition, the
      alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium salt sediment yield and osteocalcin were
      measured at the 3, 6, 9, 12 d. At 12th day, ALP staining, alizarin red staining
      and calcified nodule count were preceded. Total RNA was isolated at 0, 6, 12, 24,
      48, 72 h. The gene expression of bFGF, IGF-1, Osterix and Runx-2 was analyzed by
      Real-time RT-PCR. RESULT: With the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1),
      icariin and genistein have no significant effect on the ROB' s proliferation. The
      osteogenesis, ALP activity, calcium salt sediment yield and osteocalcin,
      calcified tubercle amount were significantly increased. And they enhanced the
      mRNA level of bFGF, IGF-1, Osterix and Runx-2. On the level of osteoblasts, the
      activity of icariin is stronger than that of genistein. CONCLUSION: When the
      final concentration of icariin and genistein is 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1), they can
      significantly promoted ROB maturation. And on the level of osteoblasts, the
      activity of icariin is stronger than that of genistein.

PMID- 22097340
TI  - [Studies on pharmacokinetics of hydroxysafflor yellow A in Carthamus tinctorius
      and its compound preparation in rat].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a RP-HPLC method for the determination of the concentration
      of hydroxysafflor yellow A in rat plasma, to study the pharmacokinetics of
      Carthamus tinctorius extration and Naodesheng tablet, and to investigate the
      effect of other components on the pharmacokinetics of hydroxysafflor yellow A.
      METHOD: The rats were orally treated with Carthamus tinctorius extration and
      Naodesheng capsule respectively. Blood samples were collected in heparinized
      eppendorf tube via the oculi chorioideae vein. Plasma was separated by
      centrifugation at 10 000 r x min(-1) for 10 min, and two-times methanol in volume
      was added to deposit proteins. After centrifugation, the upper liquid was
      transferred to filter. The concentration of hydroxysafflor yellow A in serum was
      determined by RP-HPLC. The stationary phase was C18, and methanol-acetonitrile
      0.7% orthophosphoric acid (26: 2:72) was taken as the mobile phase, A UV detector
      was used at 403 nm. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with 3p97
      program. RESULT: A good linear relationship of hydroxysafflor yellow A was
      obtained in the range of 0.03 and 2.56 mg x L(-1), the lowest limit of
      determination was 10 microg x L(-1), and the lowest limit of quantitation was 30
      microg x L(-1). The mean recoveries were (99.3 +/- 1.4)%, (92.8 +/- 1.8)%, (98.4
      +/- 2.0)% for high, middle, low concentrations of the samples respectively. The
      plasma concentration-time curves of hydroxysafflor yellow A were fitted with two
      compartments model. The AUC)0-t), AUC(0-infinity), C(max) and T(max) of
      hydroxysafflor yellow A were increased in the Naodesheng group, compared with 50
      mg x kg(-1) C. tinctorius extract group. CONCLUSION: The HPLC method was
      selective, accurate and sensitive. The results indicated that the other herbs
      improved the absorption of hydroxysafflor yellow A and increased the
      bioavailability of hydroxysafflor yellow A significantly.

PMID- 22097342
TI  - [Puerarin induced apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell by
      mitochondrial pathway].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of mitochondrial pathway in the
      apoptosis induced by puerarin (PUE) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.
      METHOD: Cultured rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) were intervened
      by high, middle and low dose of puerarin (1.5 x 10(-3), 1.5 x 10(-4), 1.5 x 10(
      5) mol x L(-1)). The change of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed.
      Western blot detected the expression of apoptosis-related gene Caspase-9, Bax and
      Bcl-2 protein. RESULT: Compared with the control group, mitochondrial membrane
      potential significantly decreased in puerarin groups. Puerarin can enhance the
      expression of Caspase-9 and Bax protein, decrease the expression of Bcl-2
      protein. Puerarin also has a concentration-dependent on the induction of PASMC.
      CONCLUSION: Puerarin can induce PASMC apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway.

PMID- 22097341
TI  - [Effect of epimedii folium processed with different refining temperatures and
      amounts of sheep's oil on kidney-yang deficiency rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of refining temperatures and amounts of
      sheep's oil used in processing Epimedii Folium on Kedney-yang deficiency rats.
      METHOD: The corticosterone was subcutaneous injected to establish the kidney yang
      deficiency rat model. With the temperatures and amounts of sheep's oil were 250
      degrees C/30%, 120 degrees C/30% and 120 degrees C/20% respectively, the crude
      drug and three kinds of pressed Epimedii Folium were extracted by water and used
      as examined samples while total flavonoid of Epimedii Folium was used as positive
      control. After examined samples and control samples were intragastirc
      administrated, the pharmacologic action was analyzed. RESULT: As compared to
      crude drug, all of the aqueous extracts of processed Epimedii Folium have
      stronger effect of warming kidney and enhancing yang, especially the Epimedii
      Folium processed by sheep's oil with refining temperatures 120 degrees C and
      amounts of sheep's oil 30%. Its mechanism might be related to improving the
      insufficiency of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-thymus (HPAT) axis suppression.
      CONCLUSION: The refining temperature of sheep's oil can affect the quality of
      excipients and processed drugs. The results may be useful in explaining the
      mechanism of Epimedii Folium processing and establishment of pharmaceutical
      standard of sheep's oil used as processing excipients.

PMID- 22097343
TI  - [In vivo and in vitro effect of peptide HP-6 derived from donkey serum albumin on
      hematopoietic system].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By bioinformatics method, the effect in hematopoietic system of
      bioactive peptide HP-6, which was obtained from donkey serum albumin and is one
      of the major protein components from donkey-hide gelatin, was investigated.
      METHOD: Human bone marrow nucleated cells (hBMNCs) and murine bone marrow stromal
      cells (mBMSCs) were separated and cultured with different concentration of
      peptide HP-6 (0.000 15, 0.001 5, 0.015, 0.15, 1.5 micromol x L(-1)). The effect
      on promoting proliferation of cells related to hematopoiesis in bone morrow was
      detected and the ultrastructure of cells after treated by HP-6 was observed
      through transmission electron microscope. Hemorrhage anemia mouse model and
      anemia mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide were established, and randomly
      divided into peptide HP-6 groups which were administered respectively with
      different doses (1, 0.1, 0.01 mg x kg(-1)) by gavage, and control group which was
      administered with PBS by gavage. Peripheral blood components of all mice and bone
      morrow cells (BMC) number of mice induced by cyclophosphamide were evaluated.
      RESULT: Peptide HP-6 could concentration-related promote the proliferation of
      hBMNCs and mBMSCs, hBMNCs got the highest reproduction rate of 152.11% and mBMSCs
      also got 63.52% with the concentration of 0.15 micromol x L(-1), then the
      reproduction rate decreased while the concentration kept increasing. The
      transmission electron microscope showed that ultrastructure of cells was normal
      after treated by HP-6.1 mg x kg(-1) peptide HP-6 significantly increased
      peripheral platelet and protected mouse morrow injured by cyclophoshamide. 0.1 mg
      x kg(-1) peptide HP-6 significantly increased peripheral platelet with relative
      growth rate of 77.65%, increased peripheral white blood cells count and
      peripheral red blood cells count, also could protect mouse peripheral blood after
      treated by chemotherapeutics. CONCLUSION: Peptide HP-6 could promote the
      proliferation of cells related to hematopoietic system, enhance mouse hemopoiesis
      function and the resistance to chemotherapeutic injury.

PMID- 22097344
TI  - [Effectiveness of cultured Cordyceps sinensis combined with glucocorticosteroid
      on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the treatment effects of cultured Cordyceps sinensis combined
      with glucocorticosteroid on experimental pulmonary fibrosis in rats induced by
      bleomycin. METHOD: Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups, including
      control group, model group, cultured C. sinensis groups, prednisone group,
      cultured C. sinensis combined with prednisone group. On experimental day 0, the
      rats were respectively intratracheally instilled with bleomycin, and rats in the
      control group and model group with the same volume of normal saline. One day
      after the injection, cultured C. sinensis and glucocorticosteroid was
      respectively given to rats daily by gastric gavage, while the same volume of
      normal saline was given to those in the control group and model group. On 28th d,
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected. Histological
      changes of the lungs were evaluated by HE stain, Masson's trichrome stain.
      Collagen content of the lung tissue was assessed by hydroxyprolin concentration.
      Lung expression of CTGF protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The level
      of TGF-beta1 protein was measured by ELISA. RESULT: Compared to model group,
      pulmonary fibrosis were alleviated in cultured C. sinensis and prednisone group,
      and CTGF expression, Hydroxyproline concentrations and protein TGF-beta1 were
      decreased. The combination effect of C. sinensis and prednisone group is
      augmented compared with using C. sinensis or prednisone group alone. CONCLUSION:
      The cultured C. sinensis and prednisone alleviates pulmonary fibrosis, and the
      combination use of both drugs has synergia effects in anti-fibrous degeneration.

PMID- 22097345
TI  - [Effects of different compatibility proportion of jiaotai pills on treating type
      2 diabetes mellitus in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different compatibility proportion of Jiaotai
      pills on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rats. METHOD: The model of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats was established by injecting streptozotocin from
      tail vein and feeding with high fat and high caloric diet. Diabetic rats were
      randomly divided into model group, Jiaotai pill 1 group (Coptidis Rhizoma
      cinnamon 2: 1), Jiaotai pill 2 group (Coptidis Rhizoma-cinnamon 4: 1), Jiaotai
      pill 3 group (Coptidis Rhizoma-cinnamon 10: 1) and metformin group. Rats in
      different treatment groups were given by corresponding therapy from gastric tube.
      Meanwhile normal control group was another set. Body weight, oral glucose
      tolerance test (OGTT), blood lipid level including total cholesterol (TC),
      triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), plasma levels of free fatty acid (FFA) and
      adiponectin, plasma liver enzymes activity(ALT, AST, AKP, gamma-GT) and
      pathological results of liver tissue were determined after eight weeks. RESULT:
      Body weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postpradial plasma glucose at one hour
      (PG-1 h), postpradial blood glucose at two hour (PG-2 h), plasma levels of TC,
      TG, LDL-C, FFA and liver enzymes activity were all increased in rats of model
      group compared with those in normal control group. Plasma levels of HDL-C and
      adiponectin were decreased in model group (P < 0.01). Fatty degeneration of
      hepatocytes was apparent in liver tissues in rats of model group. Compared with
      model group results of OGTT, blood lipid levels and liver enzymes activity were
      improved while levels of HDL-C and adiponectin were increased in rats of
      different treatment groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Meanwhile fatty degeneration
      of hepatocytes was improved in liver tissues in rats of different treatment
      groups. Compared with metformin group, plasma level of HDL-C was elevated while
      AKP and gamma-GT were decreased significantly in rats of Jiaotai pill 1 group (P
      < 0.05), gamma-GT level was decreased significantly in rats of Jiaotai pill 2
      group (P < 0.05), AST, AKP and gamma-GT levels were decreased significantly in
      rats of Jiaotai pill 3 group (P < 0.05). Compared with Jiaotai Pill 1 group,
      plasma levels of HDL-C was decreased while AKP levels was elevated significantly
      in rats of Jiaotai pill 2 group, but HDL-C was decreased in rats of Jiaotai pill
      3 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that different compatibility
      proportion of Jiaotai pills are effective on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in
      rats. The effect of Jiaotai pill 1 group is better than that of other therapy
      groups.

PMID- 22097346
TI  - [Clinical study on intervention of spleen-restoring decoction integrating with
      dormancy hygiene education on subhealthy insomnia of deficiency of both heart and
      spleen pattern].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To appraise the clinical efficacy, safety and compliance of the
      intervention of spleen-restoring decoction combined with dormancy hygiene
      education and the intervention of spleen-restoring decoction alone on sub-healthy
      insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen pattern. METHOD: Study design
      took multi-centers, blind and randomized control trial, 107 participants with sub
      healthy insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen pattern were assigned
      to A group (52 cases) which was treated with the intervention of spleen-restoring
      decoction combined with dormancy hygiene education and B group (55 cases) which
      was treated with the intervention of spleen-restoring decoction single, compared
      by efficacy, PSQI score, CGI score, WHOQOL-BREF score and security. RESULT: The
      efficacy of two group was 79.58%. There was no significant different between
      them. The PSQI scores before treatment was (11.80 +/- 2.08) and which afer
      treatment was (6.78 +/- 2.84) of A group. The PSQI scores before treatment was
      (11.61 +/- 2.00) and which afer treatment was (6.73 +/- 2.27) of B group. There
      was significant difference in PSQI scores both A group and B group after
      treatment (P < 0.01); the results of CGI score and WHOQOL-BREF score before and
      after measurement showed the same as PSQI. There were no significant difference
      between two groups in all scores after treatment and there was no interaction
      between time pots and treatment factors . Withdrawal reaction analysis: comparing
      CGI after withdraw 2 weeks and at the end of treatment course, there was no
      significant difference between two groups. The same result was in comparison
      among groups. CONCLUSION: Both the intervention of spleen-restoring decoction
      integrating with dormancy hygiene education and spleen-restoring decoction had
      obvious clinical efficacy on treating subhealthy insomnia of deficiency of both
      the heart and spleen pattern, and had high compliance and safety. The
      intervention of spleen-restoring decoction integrating with dormancy hygiene
      education showed no better clinical efficacy than spleen-restoring decoction did.

PMID- 22097347
TI  - [Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on anticoagulation and blood drug level of
      warfarin in healthy wolunteers].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on the
      pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin and observe the anticoagulant
      activity of GBE. METHOD: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, two
      way cross-over trial was conducted. Twelve healthy volunteers (sex ratio was 1:
      1) were randomized into two groups and received GBE (three pill, tid) or placebo
      (three pill, tid) for 5 weeks respectively. the subjects received a single dose
      of warfarin (5 mg) on the day 29. Blood samples for pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics assessment were collectd. RESULT: Compared with placebo, BE had
      no significant pharmacodynamics effects on warfarin and had no effects on
      prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). GBE
      extract increased C(max), AUC(0-144 min), AUC(0-infinity), t1/2, of warfarin
      significantly and decreased CL(F) of warfarin significantly (P < 0.05), and there
      were no singnificant difference of V(d) (F). CONCLUSION: GBE has limited effects
      on the pharmacokinetics but no effects on the pharmacodynamics of single dose
      warfain in health subjects. GBE has no effects on clotting process alone.

PMID- 22097348
TI  - [Effects of sanjin tablets on T lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood of women
      with recurrent urinary tract infection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the impact of Sanjin tablet on the T lymphocyte subsets of
      the peripheral blood of female patients with recurrent urinary tract infection,
      to reveal the immune pharmacological mechanism of its prevention and treatment of
      the disease. METHOD: A randomized, controlled and open trial was adopted. The 68
      patients were divided into treatment group (30 cases) and control group (28
      cases). Two groups were both treated with conventional sensitive antibiotics, the
      treatment group took Sanjin tablet in addition. After bacteria in the urine were
      negative, the treatment group took maintenance therapy with Sanjin tablet for 3
      months, the control group took appropriate low-dose antibiotics maintenance
      treatment for 3 months. The peripheral blood T lymphocyte levels before and after
      treatment, time from the initial treatment to the bacterial culture of urine was
      negative of the two groups, and the recurrence rate of urinary tract infection in
      3 months after discontinuation of the two groups were observed. RESULT: After
      treatment, the CD3+, CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood of the
      treatment group were enhanced compared with untreated and the control group (P <
      0.05). Time from the initial treatment to the bacterial was negative and the
      recurrence rate of the treatment group were significantly better than the control
      group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Effective treatment with Sanjin tablet to the
      recurrent urinary tract infection of female patients will probablely through the
      mechanism of improving the cell-mediated immunity levels to achieve the effect of
      shortening the course of treatment and to reducing the recurrence rate.

PMID- 22097349
TI  - [Overview in establishing animal models against ischemic cerebrocardiac disease
      and thinking about efficacy evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine].
AB  - In order to explore the pathogenesis of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, drug
      screening, efficacy evaluation and treatment plan optimization, many kinds of
      animal models against ischemic cerrebrocardiac were established with operation
      successively in recent years. According to the characteristic of traditional
      Chinese medicine, it's a question to choose the appropriate animal model for drug
      screening and efficacy evaluation, and to combine the cerebral ischemia of animal
      models with clinical disease research closely. The stability and reliability of
      animal models and the efficacy of drugs in clinical should be considered in order
      to provide effective drug screening evaluation research tools.

PMID- 22097350
TI  - [Discussion on forming pattern of dao-di herbs Ligusticum chuanxiong].
AB  - As a famous-region Dao-di Herbs, Ligusticum chuanxiong which mainly grows in the
      west of the upper reaches of Jinma River in Dujiangyan for a long time. In recent
      years, the history, species and origin of L. chuanxiong were researched by many
      scholars. However, the forming pattern of Dao-di herbs of L. chuanxiong has not
      been reported systematically. Basing on the general principles of the formation
      of Dao-di herbs, it can be concluded that the forming pattern of L. chuanxiong is
      the type of two determinants, which are combined both unique ecological
      environment of genuine regions and advanced cultivation techniques.

PMID- 22097351
TI  - [Herbal textual research on origin and development of chuanxiong].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the origin and development of Xiongqiong with medicinal
      literatures. METHOD: Medical literatures of past dynasties were analysed combined
      with the modern material. RESULT: There were two main origins of Xiongqiong in
      ancient times: eastern origin and western origin. It evolved into Chuanxiong and
      Xixiong because of cultivating in the western origin after Tang dynasty. The
      earliest original plant of Xiongqiong was Ligusticum sinense. Actually, Xixiong
      was the cultivation product of L. sinense. And L. chuanxiong was likely to be a
      gardening breed due to long-term cultivation of L. sinense. CONCLUSION: Xixiong
      is used as Xiongqiong in ancient times, but now it is used as Ligustici Rhizoma
      et Radix. Therefore, we need to find out the relationship between L. chuanxiong
      and L. sinense through modern research, and determine which Chinese herb is L.
      sinense classifies.

PMID- 22097352
TI  - [Effects of elevated CO2 concentration and nitrogen deposition on the biomass
      accumulation and allocation in south subtropical main native tree species and
      their mixed communities].
AB  - A 5-year experiment was conducted to study the effects of simulated elevated CO2
      concentration, nitrogen deposition, and their combination on the biomass
      accumulation and allocation in five south subtropical native tree species Schima
      superba, Ormosia pinnata, Acmena acuminatissima, Syzygium hancei, and Castanopsis
      hystrix and their mixed communities. The test tree species had different
      responses in their biomass accumulation and allocation to the elevated CO2
      concentration and nitrogen deposition. Elevated CO2 concentration and nitrogen
      deposition increased the biomass of legume species by 49.3% and 71.0%,
      respectively, and promoted the biomass accumulation in sun species. Nitrogen
      deposition increased the biomass of shade-preference species significantly, but
      elevated CO2 concentration was in adverse. Elevated CO2 concentration inhibited
      the biomass allocation in the belowground part of sun species but promoted the
      biomass allocation in the belowground part of shade-preference species. Elevated
      CO2 concentration, nitrogen deposition, and their interaction all promoted the
      biomass accumulation in mixed communities. Elevated CO2 concentration increased
      the biomass accumulation in the belowground part of the communities, while
      nitrogen deposition increased the biomass accumulation in the aboveground part.
      Under the background of global climate change, Ormosia pinnata and Castanopsis
      hystrix tended to be the appropriate species for carbon fixation in south
      subtropical area.

PMID- 22097353
TI  - [Effects of aboveground and belowground competition between grass and tree on elm
      seedlings growth in Horqin Sandy Land].
AB  - Elm sparse woodland steppe plays an important role in vegetation restoration and
      landscape protection in Horqin Sandy Land. In this paper, a two-factor and two
      level field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of aboveground and
      belowground competition between grass and tree on the growth of elm seedlings in
      the Sandy Land. Five aspects were considered, i.e., seedling biomass, belowground
      biomass/aboveground biomass, stem height, ratio of root to stem, and leaf number.
      For the one-year-old elm seedlings, their biomass showed a trend of no
      competition > aboveground competition > full competition > belowground
      competition, belowground biomass / aboveground biomass showed a trend of
      belowground competition > full competition > no competition > aboveground
      competition, stem height showed a trend of aboveground competition > no
      competition > full competition > belowground competition, root/stem ratio showed
      a trend of belowground competition > full competition > no competition >
      aboveground competition, and leaf number showed a trend of aboveground
      competition > no competition > belowground competition > full competition.
      Belowground competition had significant effects on the growth of one-year-old elm
      seedlings, while aboveground competition did not have. Neither belowground
      competition nor aboveground competition had significant effects on the growth of
      two-year-old elm seedlings. It was suggested that in Horqin Sandy Land, grass
      affected the growth of elm seedlings mainly via below-ground competition, but the
      belowground competition didn' t affect the resource allocation of elm seedlings.
      With the age increase of elm seedlings, the effects of grass competition on the
      growth of elm seedlings became weaker.

PMID- 22097354
TI  - [Spatial heterogeneity of plant community species diversity in Ejina Oasis at the
      lower reaches of Heihe River].
AB  - By the method of geostatistics, this paper studied the spatial heterogeneity of
      plant community species diversity in Ejina Oasis at the lower reaches of Heihe
      River. In the study area, the Margalef richness index (Ma), Simpson diversity
      index (Ds), Shannon diversity index (H') and Pielou evenness index (J') were in
      normal distribution, and the coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 55.8% to
      67.8%, suggesting a moderate variability. The Ma and H' were accorded with
      exponential models, and the Ds and J' were accorded with spherical models. The H'
      had the highest extent of spatial variation, followed by Ma, J' and Ds. Within
      the variable range, the structural factors in the spatial variation of Ma, Ds,
      H', and J' were dominant, ranging from 81.1% to 93.0%. The indices changed
      obviously parallel to the river, with significantly high values near Dalaihubu
      Town (42 degrees N, 101 degrees E), and obviously low values within the strips
      100 degrees-101 degrees E and 102 degrees-102 degrees 30' E, mainly including
      east and west Gobi and the hinterland of Badain Jaran Desert.

PMID- 22097355
TI  - [Effects of simulated acid rain on water physiological characteristics of Myrica
      rubra seedlings].
AB  - Taking the seedlings of typical subtropical economic tree species Myrica rubra in
      Zhejiang Province as test materials, a pot experiment was conducted to study
      their water physiological characteristics under effects of simulated acid rain
      (pH 2.5 and pH 4.0), with water (pH 5.6) as the control. Season, year, and acid
      rain all had significant effects on the photosynthetic rate (Pn). Among the
      treatments, the Pn had a greater difference in summer than in spring and autumn,
      and was higher in treatment acid rain (pH 4.0). Season, year, acid rain, and the
      interactions of season and year and of the three factors had significant effects
      on the stomata conductance (Gs), and also, the Gs had a greater difference among
      the treatments in summer than in spring and autumn. Acid rain had inhibitory
      effect on Gs. Season, year, acid rain, and the interactions of season and year
      and of season and acid rain affected the transpiration rate (Tr) significantly.
      Same as Pn and Gs, the Tr had a greater difference among the treatments in summer
      than in spring and autumn. Acid rain (pH 2.5) had the strongest inhibitory effect
      on Tr. Acid rain and the interactions of season and year and of season and acid
      rain had significant effects on the water use efficiency (WUE), and acid rain (pH
      2.5) had definitely positive effect on the WUE.

PMID- 22097356
TI  - [Characteristics of stemflow for typical alpine shrubs in Qilian Mountain].
AB  - Taking the typical alpine shrubs Potentilla fruticosa, Salix cupularis, Hippophae
      rhamnoides, and Caragana jubata in Qilian Mountain as test objects, a field
      investigation from June 1 to October 31, 2010 was conducted on the variation
      characteristics of the shrub stemflow, and analyzed the affecting effects of
      rainfall intensity and canopy structure morphology. The stemflow generated when
      the rainfall in early period was 2.1 mm, with an average of 3.4%, 3.2%, 8.0%, and
      4.2% of the gross rainfall for P. fruticosa, S. cupularis, H. rhamnoides, and C.
      jubata, respectively. There was a significant positive linear correlation between
      the stemflow and rainfall intensity. With increasing rainfall, the stemflow
      percentage showed a trend of increase-decrease-increase. Stemflow played an
      important role in supplying water to the shrub rhizosphere, and the average
      funneling ratio was 59, 30, 110, and 49 for P. fruticosa, S. cupularis, H.
      rhamnoides, and C. jubata, respectively. The stemflow percentage had a
      significant exponential relationship with the maximum rain intensity in 10
      minutes (I10). When the I10 was more than 6.0 mm x h(-1), the stemflow of H.
      rhamnoides and C. jubata showed a persistently increasing trend, while that of P.
      fruticosa and S. cupularis tended to be stable. Canopy structure morphology had
      complicated effects on the stemflow. In the same rainfall intensities, the height
      and crown projection area of the shrubs were the important factors affecting the
      generation of stemflow.

PMID- 22097357
TI  - [Age structures of Spodiopogon sibiricus populations on weedy meadow and elm
      woodland in Songnen Plain, northeast China].
AB  - In 2003 and 2006, investigations were made on the age structures of Spodiopogon
      sibiricus populations as well as the matter productivities and vegetative
      reproduction capacities of different age-class modules of the populations on the
      weedy meadow and elm woodland in Songnen Plain of northeast China. At the two
      habitats, the tillers of S. sibiricus all consisted of 2-3 age classes, and the
      rhizomes all composed of 4 age classes. Both the tillers and the rhizomes had the
      greatest proportion of 1- or 2-year-old, and the age structures were of expansive
      or stable. The 1- or 2-year-old tiller-node buds were dominant, and the rhizome
      topmost buds occupied 29.4%-45.0%, being of significance to the population
      regeneration in the next year. The 1- or 2-year-old modules of the tillers and
      rhizomes had the highest matter productivity and vegetative reproduction
      capacity, and the rhizomes had higher vegetative reproduction capacity than the
      tiller-nodes.

PMID- 22097358
TI  - [Effects of exogenous lead on the growth and lead accumulation characteristics of
      roadside dominant herbaceous plants in Shanxi Province].
AB  - A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of different
      concentration (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg x kg(-1)) lead (Pb) on the growth and Pb
      absorption and accumulation of 14 roadside dominant herbaceous plants in Shanxi
      Province. With increasing Pb concentration in the pot, Amaranthus retroflexus and
      Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanese appeared obviously toxic symptoms, while the other
      12 test plants had higher Pb tolerance, with no significant decrease in their
      plant height and biomass, compared with control. Chenopodium album and
      Psathyrostachys juncea had the lowest Pb content (averaged 12.70 and 11.33 mg Pb
      x kg(-1), respectively) in their aboveground part and the lowest Pb ratio (0.12
      and 0.10, respectively) of aboveground part / root, being the potential low Pb
      accumulation plants and able to be used for the vegetation restoration of Pb
      polluted soil. Red leaf A. tricolor and green leaf A. tricolor in treatment 1500
      mg Pb x kg(-1) had the highest Pb accumulation (53.37 and 45.29 mg Pb per 100
      plants, respectively) in their aboveground parts, being able to be chosen as the
      pioneer plants for the remediation of Pb-polluted soil.

PMID- 22097359
TI  - [Impacts of salt stress on the growth and physiological characteristics of Rosa
      rugosa].
AB  - Taking 1-year-old cuttings of a wild type and three cultivars of Rosa rugosa as
      test materials, this paper studied their biomass, photosynthesis, osmotic
      adjustment substance contents, root activity, and ion contents under the stress
      of different concentration NaCl. Salt stress inhibited the growth of the
      cuttings, and root was more sensitive than shoot. Under salt stress, wild rose
      had significantly higher contents of free proline and soluble sugar than the
      cultivars, and the contents of free proline and soluble sugar in cultivar 'Ziyan'
      were higher than those in cultivars 'Zhongke 2' and 'Purple Branch'. Compared
      with rose cultivars, the wild rose under salt stress had smaller changes in its
      photosynthetic characteristics and root activity. It was suggested that wild rose
      had a higher resistance to salt stress than the cultivars, and cultivar 'Ziyan'
      had a higher resistance than 'Purple Branch' and 'Zhongke 2'. All the test
      indices could be used as the indicators of R. rugosa salt-tolerance.

PMID- 22097360
TI  - [Soil nutrient status of pure birch and larch plantations based on their
      seedlings bioassay].
AB  - One-year-old birch (Betula platyphylla) and larch (Larix olgensis) seedlings were
      respectively planted in pots with the soils taken from 35-year-old pure birch and
      larch plantations, and the seedlings growth, biomass increment, foliar nutrient
      content, and soil nutrient status were monitored, aimed to evaluate the fertility
      levels of the two soils and the possible interspecific interaction in mixed larch
      birch forest. Birch soil had significantly higher contents of total N and
      available N than larch soil, while larch soil had significantly higher contents
      of total P, available P, and total K than birch soil (P < 0.05). In the first
      growth season, the height and collar diameter growth and the biomass accumulation
      of birch seedlings growing on birch soil were 69%, 52%, and 65% (P < 0.05) higher
      than those growing on larch soil, and the larch seedlings also had 12%, 8%, and
      37% gains of the indices, respectively. The foliar N concentration of both larch
      and birch seedlings growing on birch soil was higher than that on larch soil,
      while the foliar P concentration was higher when the seedlings were growing on
      larch soil than on birch soil. The birch soil had higher content of available N
      because of the higher litterfall, while the larch soil had greater available P
      because of the higher P mobilizing effect. It was predicted that in mixed birch
      larch forest, the complementary interaction of soil N and P could benefit the
      growth of the two tree species.

PMID- 22097361
TI  - [Effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on soil available nitrogen forms and
      their contents in typical temperate forest stands].
AB  - An indoor experiment was conducted to study the effects of simulated nitrogen
      deposition on the soil available N in typical temperate forest stands. During the
      experiment period, nitrogen deposition increased the soil NH4+ -N, NO3- -N, and
      available N contents, as compared with the control, but the increments differed
      with stand types, soil layers, nitrogen treatment types, and treatment duration.
      Mixed forest soil had weaker responses in its available N contents to the
      nitrogen deposition than broad-leaved forest soil but stronger responses than
      artificially pure coniferous forest soil, and soil A horizon was more sensitive
      to nitrogen deposition than soil B horizon. Ammonium nitrogen deposition had
      larger effects on soil NH4+ -N content, nitrate nitrogen deposition had larger
      effects on soil NO3- -N content, while mixed ammonium and nitrate nitrogen
      deposition increased the contents of both soil NH4+ -N and soil NO3- -N, and the
      increments were higher than those of ammonium nitrogen deposition and nitrate
      nitrogen deposition, suggesting the additive effects of the mixed ammonium and
      nitrate nitrogen deposition on the forest soil available N.

PMID- 22097362
TI  - [Carbon storage, density, and distribution in forest ecosystems in Jilin Province
      of northeast China].
AB  - By using forest resources inventory data and field investigation data, this paper
      studied the carbon storage, density, and distribution characteristics in forest
      ecosystems in Jilin Province of Northeast China. The total carbon storage in the
      forest ecosystems was 1827.293 Tg C, and the carbon storages in arbor layer,
      shrub-grass layer, litter layer, and soil were 439.152 Tg C, 5.195 Tg C, 45.600
      Tg C, and 1330.466 Tg C, accounting for 24.1%, 0.3%, 2.5%, and 73.1% of the
      total, respectively. The carbon density in the forest ecosystems was 225.304 Mg C
      x hm(-2), with 54.352 Mg C x hm(-2) in arbor layer, 0.643 Mg C x hm(-2) in shrub
      grass layer, 5.644 Mg C x hm(-2) in litter layer, and 164.666 Mg C x hm(-2) in
      soil. Different types of the forest ecosystems had a carbon storage varied from
      9.357 Tg C to 959.716 Tg C and a carbon density ranged from 180.648 Mg C * hm(-2)
      to 254.627 Mg C x hm(-2), with the highest values in soil and the lowest values
      in shrub-grass layer. Overall, the carbon storage and density in the forest
      ecosystems were greater in eastern mountainous area than in central and western
      plains. In the Province, middle-aged forests had a greater proportion than the
      forests in other age classes, and thereby, a proper management of the present
      forests could increase the carbon sequestration of the forest ecosystems.

PMID- 22097363
TI  - [Changes of China agricultural climate resources under the background of climate
      change. VIII. Change characteristics of heat resources during the growth period
      of double cropping rice in Jiangxi Province].
AB  - Based on the observation data from the meteorological stations and agricultural
      experimental stations in Jiangxi Province, this paper studied the change trend of
      the growth period of double cropping rice in the province, and, by using the
      indices growing degree-days (GDD), cool degree-days (CDD), and heat degree-days
      (HDD), the change trends of the heat resources at each growth stage of the double
      cropping rice in 1981-2007 were analyzed. Under the background of climate
      warming, the mean air temperature, mean minimum air temperature, mean maximum air
      temperature during the growth period of the double cropping rice all had an
      increasing trend, leading to the shortening of double cropping rice growth
      season, with the most obvious decrease of vegetative growth phase and the
      prolonged reproductive growth phase. In the vegetative growth phase, the GDD and
      HDD increased, while the CDD decreased. In 1981-2007, the effective heat
      resources of double cropping rice in Jiangxi Province increased, low temperature
      risk reduced, while high temperature risk increased. The increment of the
      effective heat resources for double cropping rice was higher in northeast Jiangxi
      than in southwest Jiangxi, low temperature risk was higher in south Jiangxi than
      that in north Jiangxi, and high temperature risk was the highest in middle
      Jiangxi.

PMID- 22097364
TI  - [Effects of applying controlled-release fertilizer and its combination with urea
      on nitrous oxide emission during rice growth period].
AB  - By the method of static chamber, a field experiment was conducted to study the
      effects of applying controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) and its combination with
      urea on the N2O emission during rice growth period. Four treatments, i.e., no
      fertilization (CK), urea (U), urea and CRF with a ratio of 3:7 (U+C), and CRF (C)
      were installed, and the N application rate in treatments U, U+C, and C was the
      same. Compared with treatment U, treatments U+C and C decreased the N2O emission
      during rice growth season by 40.4% and 59.6%, and decreased the emission at
      midseason aeration stage by 65.1% and 83.9%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared
      with that in treatment C, the N2O emission in treatment U+C had a slight
      decrease, and decreased by 53.9% at midseason aeration stage. Applying CRF
      increased rice yield, and the increment in treatments C and U+C was 7.8% and
      9.8%, respectively, as compared to treatment U. Applying CRF delayed the peak
      time of soil inorganic nitrogen concentration, resulting in the reduction of N2O
      emission at midseason aeration stage. During rice growth season, no significant
      correlation was observed between N2O flux and soil Eh or soil temperature.

PMID- 22097365
TI  - [Effects of nitrogen application and ridge film furrow planting on water use of
      winter wheat in dry land of south Shanxi].
AB  - A 2-year (2008-2010) field experiment was conducted to study the effects of basal
      dressing nitrogen, topdressing nitrogen, and ridge film furrow planting on the 0
      2 m soil moisture status and the grain yield and water use efficiency of winter
      wheat in rain-fed area of South Shanxi Province. In all treatments, the soil
      moisture status during winter wheat growth period had the same change trend,
      being increased steadily from pre-sowing to revival stage and decreased sharply
      from revival stage to heading stage, and then increased gradually till maturity
      stage. From revival stage to heading stage, the soil water consumption was the
      most. Increasing nitrogen basal application rate or topdressing nitrogen
      increased the soil water consumption, widened the soil moisture active layer, and
      deepened the relatively stable layer. Topdressing nitrogen increased grain yield
      significantly; ridge film furrow planting decreased soil water consumption
      obviously. The water use efficiency under ridge film furrow planting was 23.4%
      and 39.1% higher than that under conventional planting system in 2009 and 2010 (P
      < 0.01). The grain yield under ridge film furrow planting plus top-dressing
      nitrogen was 3643 kg x hm(-2), which was significantly higher than that under
      single ridge film furrow planting or topdressing nitrogen, displaying a
      preferable water-fertilizer coupling effect.

PMID- 22097366
TI  - [Salt tolerance evaluation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) at its germinating and
      seedling stages and selection of related indices].
AB  - A sand culture experiment was conducted to study the salt tolerance of 13 cotton
      cultivars at their germinating and seedling stages under the stress of different
      concentration NaCl, and a cluster analysis was made on the salt tolerance,
      according to the subjection values of salt toxicity coefficients of multi-indices
      and the sum subjection value. It was observed that the appropriate concentration
      of NaCl for the evaluation of salt tolerance was 150 mmol x L(-1). The salt
      tolerance differed with cultivar and growth stage. Among the 13 cultivars, the
      CCRI-44 and CCRI-177 were steadily salt-tolerant at both germinating and seedling
      stages, the CCRI-103, Dexiamian 1, and NuCOTN 33B were steadily and moderately
      salt-tolerant, while the CCRI-102, Sumian 12, and Simian 3 were steadily salt
      sensitive. Germination rate, germination potential, germination index, vigor
      index, and fresh mass could be served as the indicators to evaluate the salt
      tolerance of the cultivars at germinating stage, while plant height, leaf
      expansion rate, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, root vigor, and net photosynthetic
      rate could be applied to assess the salt tolerance at seedling stage.

PMID- 22097367
TI  - [Effects of solar greenhouse vegetable cultivation on soil physical quality].
AB  - Taking the solar greenhouse heavy loam soil having been planted vegetables for
      different years at Yunyang Town in Jingyang County of Shaanxi Province as test
      objects, and with the uncovered vegetable soil adjacent to the greenhouse as the
      control, this paper studied the effects of solar greenhouse vegetable cultivation
      on soil physical quality. Solar greenhouse vegetable cultivation had greater
      effects on the bulk density of 0-30 cm soil layer (an increase in 0-10 cm soil
      layer and a decrease in 10-30 cm soil layer), but little effects on that of 30-40
      cm soil layer. In 0-40 cm solar greenhouse soil profile, the contents of < 0.01
      mm physical clay and < 0.001 mm clay were lower in upper layer than in deeper
      layer, indicating their downward movement, and this phenomenon was more obvious
      with increasing year of solar greenhouse vegetable cultivation. Within the first
      5 years of solar greenhouse vegetable cultivation, soil field water capacity
      decreased significantly, with a decrement of 13.8%, but remained relatively
      stable after then.

PMID- 22097368
TI  - [Effects of sunken depth of energy-saving solar greenhouse on the diurnal
      variation and spatial distribution of environmental factors in the greenhouse].
AB  - Taking the energy-saving solar greenhouses with the same infrastructure but
      different sunken depths (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m) in Tai' an of Shandong Province
      as test objects, this paper analyzed the intercepted amount of direct solar
      radiation energy, and studied the diurnal variation and spatial distribution
      patterns of environmental factors in the greenhouses on winter solstice (December
      20-24, 2009) and summer solstice (June 19-23, 2010). With the increase of sunken
      depth, the shadow areas in the greenhouses caused by sunken profiles increased
      gradually, the direct solar radiation energy into the interior of the greenhouses
      shifted from south to north, and the ratio of ground radiation to back wall
      radiation decreased gradually. Within the range of 0-1.0 m sunken depth, the air
      temperature and soil temperature in the greenhouses increased significantly with
      increasing sunken depth; but when the sunken depth was 1.5 m, the warming effect
      declined significantly, and the deviation of the lowest soil temperature
      increased. The deeper the sunken depth, the lower the light intensity and the
      higher the relative humidity in the greenhouses were. In considering of both
      lighting and heat preservation, the appropriate sunken depth of energy-saving
      sunlight greenhouses with a span of 10 m in Tai' an region should be less than
      1.0 m.

PMID- 22097369
TI  - [Dynamic changes of surface soil organic carbon and light-fraction organic carbon
      after mobile dune afforestation with Mongolian pine in Horqin Sandy Land].
AB  - This paper studied the dynamic changes of surface (0-15 cm) soil organic carbon
      (SOC) and light-fraction organic carbon (LFOC) in 25- and 35-year-old sand-fixing
      Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) plantations in Horqin Sandy
      Land, with a mobile dune as a comparison site. After the afforestation on mobile
      dune, the content of coarse sand in soil decreased, while that of fine sand and
      clay-silt increased significantly. The SOC and LFOC contents also increased
      significantly, but tended to decrease with increasing soil depth. Afforestation
      increased the storages of SOC and LFOC in surface soil, and the increment
      increased with plantation age. In the two plantations, the increment of surface
      soil LFOC storage was much higher than that of SOC storage, suggesting that
      mobile dune afforestation had a larger effect on surface soil LFOC than on SOC.

PMID- 22097370
TI  - [Crop-soil nitrogen cycling and soil organic carbon balance in black soil zone of
      Jilin Province based on DSSAT model].
AB  - By using the CERES-Maize crop model and Century soil model in Decision Support
      System of Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model, this paper studied the effects
      of crop management parameters, fertilizer N application rate, soil initial N
      supply, and crop residue application on the maize growth, crop-soil N cycling,
      and soil organic C and N ecological balance in black soil (Mollisol) zone of
      Jilin Province, Northeast China. Taking 12,000-15,000 kg x hm(-2) as the target
      yield of maize, the optimum N application rate was 200-240 kg N x hm(-2). Under
      this fertilization, the aboveground part N uptake was 250-290 kg N x hm(-2),
      among which, 120-140 kg N x hm(-2) came from soil, and 130-150 kg N x hm(-2) came
      from fertilizer. Increasing the N application rate (250-420 kg N x hm(-2))
      induced an obvious increase of soil residual N (63-183 kg x hm(-2)); delaying the
      N topdressing date also induced the increase of the residual N. When the crop
      residue application exceeded 6000 kg x hm(-2), the soil active organic C and N
      could maintain the supply/demand balance during maize growth season. To achieve
      the target maize yield and maintain the ecological balance of soil organic C and
      N in black soil zone of Jilin Province, the chemical N application rate would be
      controlled in the range of 200-240 kg N x hm(-2), topdressing N should be at
      proper date, and the application amount of crop residue would be up to 6000 kg x
      hm(-2).

PMID- 22097371
TI  - [Vulnerability assessment of eco-environment in Yimeng mountainous area of
      Shandong Province based on SRP conceptual model].
AB  - Based on the ecological sensitivity-resilience-pressure (SRP) conceptual model,
      and selecting 13 indices including landscape diversity index, soil erosion, and
      elevation, etc. , the vulnerability of the eco-environment in Yimeng mountainous
      area of Shandong Province was assessed under the support of GIS and by using
      principal component analysis and hierarchy analytical method. According to the
      eco-environmental vulnerability index (EVI) values, the eco-environment
      vulnerability of study area was classified into 5 levels, i.e., slight (<1.8),
      light (1.8-2.8), moderate (2.8-3.5), heavy (3.5-4.0), and extreme vulnerability
      (>4.0). In the study area, moderately vulnerable area occupied 43.3% of the
      total, while the slightly, lightly, heavily, and extremely vulnerable areas
      occupied 6.1%, 33.8%, 15.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. The heavily and extremely
      vulnerable areas mainly located in the topographically complicated hilly area or
      the hill-plain ecotone with frequent human activities.

PMID- 22097372
TI  - [Spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover in northern Tibetan Plateau with responses
      to climate change].
AB  - By using the 2001-2008 MOMS land cover products (MCDl2Ql) and based on the
      modified classification scheme embodied the characteristics of land cover in
      northern Tibetan Plateau, the annual land cover type maps of the Plateau were
      drawn, with the dynamic changes of each land cover type analyzed by
      classification statistics, dynamic transfer matrix, and landscape pattern
      indices. In 2001-2008, due to the acceleration of global climate warming, the
      areas of glacier and snow-covered land in the Plateau decreased rapidly, and the
      melted snow water gathered into low-lying valley or basin, making the lake level
      raised and the lake area enlarged. Some permanent wetlands were formed because of
      partially submersed grassland. The vegetation cover did not show any evident
      meliorated or degraded trend. From 2001 to 2004, as the climate became warmer and
      wetter, the spatial distribution of desert began to shrink, and the proportions
      of sparse grassland and grassland increased. From 2006 to 2007, due to the warmer
      and drier climate, the desert bare land increased, and the sparse grassland
      decreased. From 2001 to 2008, both the landscape fragmentation degree and the
      land cover heterogeneity decreased, and the differences in the proportions of all
      land cover types somewhat enlarged.

PMID- 22097373
TI  - [Simulation of vegetation landscape in Pingtan Island based on BP neural network
      model].
AB  - Taking GIS as technical platform and by using Matlab 7.0, the vegetation
      landscape in Pingtan Island was cut with 2 km x 2 km grid graph. The data of 50
      quadrats were obtained. Forty-four of the 50 quadrates were used for model
      training, and the rest 6 were used for model checking. Fractal dimension, Shannon
      diversity index, and contagion index were selected as output data of the model,
      and the number of residential quarter, wind speed, and the distance from the
      coast were chosen as affecting factors. A BP neural network model of vegetation
      landscape in Pingtan Island was established, and was checked by error test. The
      results demonstrated that the major factors affecting the vegetation landscape
      spatial pattern and diversity in Pingtan Island were wind speed and the distance
      from the coast, and anthropogenic factors had greater effects on the spatial
      connection of vegetation landscape. The fitted results of the relationships
      between vegetation landscape and environmental and anthropogenic factors were
      basically accorded with the truth. The average error was 7.4%, and the minimum
      error was 0.2%, indicating that the model could be applied to quantitatively
      predict and simulate the vegetation landscape in Pingtan Island.

PMID- 22097374
TI  - [Priority areas for biodiversity conservation in Hainan Island: evaluation and
      systematic conservation planning].
AB  - A total of 140 endangered species in Hainan Island were selected as indicator
      species, and their spatial distribution patterns were analyzed by using mechanism
      habitat model. Based on the iterative operation with systematic conservation
      planning tool MARXAN, the priority areas of these species were identified and
      evaluated. The priority areas had an area of 5383.7 km2, accounting for 15.6% of
      the total land area of the Island, and mainly distributed in some forest regions
      (Yinggeling, Jianfengling and Wuzhishan) and in northern part water source
      regions. In the priority areas, the conservation proportion of 11 1st grade
      indicator species habitats occupied at least 65% of all the habitats. Through the
      gap analysis of priority areas and current nature reserves, it was suggested that
      an expansion of Jianfengling, Yinggeling-Limushan, and Wuzhishan-Diaoluoshan
      nature reserves and the establishment of Baolonglinchang-Linbiling-Fuwanling
      protection system should be made, and the protection areas for water source
      conservation and endangered species should be established in the northern part of
      the Island.

PMID- 22097375
TI  - [Applications of habitat equivalency analysis in ecological damage assessment of
      oil spill incident].
AB  - Habitat equivalency analysis (HEA) is one of the methods commonly used by U.S.
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in natural resources damage
      assessment, but rarely applied in China. Based on the theory of HEA and the
      assessment practices of domestic oil spill incidents, a modification on the HEA
      was made in this paper, and applied to calculate the habitat value in oil spill
      incidents. According to the data collected from an oil spill incident in China,
      the modified HEA was applied in a case study to scale the compensatory
      restoration. By introducing the ecological service equivalent factor to transfer
      various habitats, it was achieved to value of the injured habitats in ecological
      damage assessment of oil spill incident.

PMID- 22097376
TI  - [Characteristics of non-point source pollution in Tiaoxi watershed and related
      affecting factors].
AB  - By using soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model, this paper simulated the
      surface runoff intensity and the export loadings of sediment particulates and
      nutrients via non-point source hydrological pathway in Tiaoxi watershed, and
      integrated with the simulation results, analyzed the temporal and spatial
      distribution characteristics of non-point source pollution in the watershed in
      2008. In the study area, the per unit area non-point source pollution was
      stronger in northern region than in southern region and in eastern region than in
      western region, and the weakest in central region. Among the land utilization
      types, farmland had the biggest contribution to the sediment loading. There were
      significantly positive correlations between the loadings of surface runoff and
      associated sediment particulates and the rainfall intensity. The export loadings
      of nutrients through surface runoff were higher in rainy season (from June to
      September) than in dry season (from December to next March), and there existed
      significant correlations between the surface runoff loadings of sediment
      particulates, organic nitrogen, and nitrate and the average gradient of lands.

PMID- 22097377
TI  - [Spatial pattern and its variation of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis larvae and
      Ummeliata insecticeps under paddy rice cropping neighboring with vegetables or
      corn].
AB  - Geostatistical methods were adopted to characterize the spatial pattern and its
      variation of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis larvae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and
      Ummeliata insecticeps (Araneida: Linyphiidae) in the habitats of paddy rice
      neighboring with white melon, tomato, or corn. In the rice growth period, C.
      medinalis larvae and U. insecticeps presented aggregative distribution, with the
      spatial range varied from 1.91 to 182.57 m and from 3.70 to 9.70 m, respectively.
      Isoline map showed that the density of U. insecticeps was spatially and
      temporally identical with that of C. medinalis larvae, suggesting that U.
      insecticeps had strong pursuing and control effects on C. medinalis larvae. Among
      the test neighboring patterns, paddy rice neighboring with white melon had the
      best performance of U. insecticeps.

PMID- 22097378
TI  - [Effects of Bt corn straw insecticidal proteins on enzyme activities of Eisenia
      fetida].
AB  - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins released from Bt corn can enter soil
      ecosystem via returning straw into field, root exudation, and pollen fluttering
      down. In this study, the straws of Bt corn and its near-isogenic non-Bt line were
      added into soil with an application rate of 5% and 7.5% to breed Eisenia fetida,
      and the total protein content and the activities of acetylcholine esterase
      (AchE), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) in E. fetida were determined after 7 and 14 days. Under the same
      application rate of the straws, the total protein content and GSH-PX activity of
      E. fetida decreased while the AchE, CAT, and SOD activities increased on the 14th
      day, compared with those on the 7th day. The Bt corn straw increased the SOD
      activity and decreased the AchE and GSH-PX activities, but had less effects on
      the total protein content and CAT activity, compared with non-Bt corn straw. All
      the results suggested that Bt corn straw had no inhibitory effect on E. fetida
      total protein but could inhibit the AchE and GSH-PX activities, and could not
      induce CAT activity but induce SOD activity within a short time.

PMID- 22097379
TI  - [Colonization and disease control and fruit preservation functions of endophytic
      bacterial strains in lychee].
AB  - By spraying the GFP-marked endophytic bacterial strains BS-2-gfp and TB2-gfp,
      this paper studied their colonization in lychee organs and the functions of the
      strains in disease control and fruit preservation. The BS-2-gfp and TB2-gfp could
      colonize and propagate in lychee leaves, flowers, un-matured fruits, and matured
      fruits, and transfer from the flowers to un-matured fruits. The colonization of
      BS-2-gfp and TB2-gfp in lychee leaves varied with season and growth stage, being
      larger in quantity and longer in duration in spring than in autumn. The
      colonization quantity and duration of the strains also differed in other organs.
      Both the BS-2-gfp and the TB2-gfp could be isolated and recovered from lychee
      leaves after 37 d inoculation, the BS-2-gfp could not be isolated from the
      flowers after inoculation for 10 d, and the BS-2-gfp and TB2-gfp had the largest
      colonization quantity in matured fruits. The colonization quantity of TB2-gfp in
      lychee pericarp reached to the maximum (1.90 x 10(6) CFU x g(-1) FM) when the
      disease index of litchi downy blight had a sharp increase, and, compared with BS
      2-gfp, the TB2-gfp had better fruit preservation efficiency, and its colonization
      quantity in lychee pericarp was also higher. It was suggested that there was a
      positive correlation between the colonization quantity of test bacterial strains
      in lychee pericarp and the disease control and fruit preservation effect.

PMID- 22097380
TI  - [Resistance realized heritability and risk assessment of Panonychus citri to
      avermectin and fenpropathrin].
AB  - On the basis of resistance breeding and selection in laboratory, and by using the
      threshold trait analysis in quantitative genetics, this paper studied the
      realized resistance heritability of Panonychus citri (McGregor) collected from
      Beibei of Chongqing to avermectin and fenpropathrin, and predicted the resistance
      risk of P. citri to these two acaricides. After 11- and 16-generations of
      selection with avermectin and fenpropathrin, the resistance of P. citri to the
      two acaricides increased by 3.8- and 29.9-fold, and the realized resistance
      heritability was 0.0475 and 0.1544, respectively. Under laboratory condition, to
      develop a 10-fold increase of resistance required 12-26 generations of selection
      for avermectin, and 7-16 generations of selection for fenpropathrin under the
      selection pressure of 50%-90% mortality for each generation. Under field
      condition, it would require more generations to develop the same resistance
      level. Comparing with bioacaricide avermectin, pyrethroid fenpropathrin had
      obviously higher resistance risk to P. citri. The results provided references for
      the resistance management of P. citri to acaricides.

PMID- 22097381
TI  - [Responses of ground arthropod functional groups to the enclosure of grazing
      grassland in desert steppe].
AB  - With the support of the National Resources Monitoring Station in Yanchi County of
      Ningxia, an investigation was conducted on the ground arthropods, vegetations,
      and soil properties in the enclosed and un-enclosed grazing grassland in desert
      steppe. In the meantime, the functional groups of ground arthropods were
      classified according to their feeding habits. The ground arthropods in the desert
      steppe could be classified into four functional groups, i.e., predatory,
      phytophagous, saprophagous, and omnivorous, among which, predatory and
      phytophagous groups were dominant in quantity, and phytophagous and saprophagous
      groups were predominant in biomass, implying that the ground arthropod in desert
      steppe was mainly characterized by phytophagous arthropods. Enclosure increased
      the individual and group number of predatory, phytophagous, and omnivorous
      arthropods as well as the biomass of predatory and omnivorous arthropods, and
      enhanced the biodiversity of predatory and phytophagous arthropods, which was
      closely correlated with the vegetation recovery and soil environment improvement,
      and demonstrated that the enclosure of grazing grassland increased the diversity
      and complexity of ground arthropod functional groups in desert steppe.
      Nevertheless, the individual number and biomass of saprophagous arthropods
      decreased after the enclosure, reflecting the dependence of these arthropods on
      grazing grassland.

PMID- 22097382
TI  - [Effects of artificial reef construction to marine ecosystem services value: a
      case of Yang-Meikeng artificial reef region in Shenzhen].
AB  - Based on the researches and statistic data of Yangmeikeng artificial reef region
      in Shenzhen in 2008 and by the method of ecosystem services value, this paper
      analyzed the effects of artificial reef construction in the region on the marine
      ecosystem services. After the artificial reef construction, the tourism service
      value in the region decreased from 87% to 42%, food supply service value
      increased from 7% to 27%, and the services value of raw material supply, climatic
      regulation, air quality regulation, water quality regulation, harmful organism
      and disease regulation, and knowledge expansion had a slight increase, as
      compared to the surrounding coastal areas. The total services value per unit area
      of Yangmeikeng artificial reef region in 2008 was 1714.7 x 10(4) yuan x km(-2),
      far higher than the mean services value of coastal marine ecosystem in the
      surrounding areas of Shenzhen and in the world. Artificial reef construction
      affected and altered the structure of regional marine ecosystem services value,
      and improved the regional ecosystem services value, being of significance for the
      rational exploitation and utilization of marine resources and the successful
      recovery of damaged marine eco-environment and fish resources. Utilizing the
      method of ecosystem services value to evaluate artificial reef construction
      region could better elucidate the benefits of artificial reef construction,
      effectively promote the development of our artificial reef construction, and
      improve the management of marine ecosystem.

PMID- 22097383
TI  - [Sexual reproductive allocation of Sargassum thunbergii at Taiping Cape of Yellow
      Sea].
AB  - This paper studied the dynamics of reproductive allocation (RA) of Sargassum
      thunbergii during its sexual reproductive season and the related environmental
      factors at the Taiping Cape of Yellow Sea. The sexual reproduction of S.
      thunbergii initiated in early June, peaked in mid July when the sea water
      temperature was about 22 degrees C (the mean proportion of biomass allocated to
      reproductive organs on July 19 was 76.7%), and ended in late August. The RA had a
      significant linear correlation with the average length of thallus branches (r =
      0.855, P < 0.01). The thalli with a length less than 10 cm showed a lower RA in
      the whole sexual reproductive season, while the thalli longer than 10 cm had a RA
      up to averagely 70.0% at the peak maturing stage. UNIANOVA analysis showed that
      both tidal level and wave strength had significant effects on the RA of S.
      thunbergii (tidal level: F = 175.62, P < 0.01; wave strength: F = 95.35, P <
      0.01), and there was a significant interaction between tidal level and wave
      strength (F = 9.14, P < 0.05). The sizes of the effects were in the order of
      tidal level > wave strength > tidal level x wave strength.

PMID- 22097384
TI  - [Secondary productivity of macrobenthos in rocky intertidal zone of Yushan
      Islands, Zhejiang Province].
AB  - In order to understand the current status of macrobenthos in intertidal zone of
      Yushan Islands, macrobenthos samples were collected from 5 sections in the
      intertidal zone in four seasons from March 2009 to January 2010, with the
      density, biomass, secondary productivity, and P/B value of the macrobenthos
      investigated by using Brey's empirical formula. The mean density of the
      marobenthos was 1419.5 ind x m(-2), mean biomass in ash free dry mass (AFDM) was
      565.53 g x m(-2), mean annual secondary productivity was 285.58 g x m(-2) x a(-1)
      (AFDM), and mean annual P/B value was 0.51. The secondary productivity was mainly
      affected by mollusca and gastropda, with five critical species Septifer virgatus,
      Modiolus modiolus, Serpulorbis imbricata, Tetraclita japonica, and T. squamosa
      contributed 84.0% of the total. The P/B value in the study area was lower than
      that in other sea areas, showing that the generation turnover rate of the
      macrobenthos in the intertidal zone of Yushan Islands was slower, and the
      community structure was more stable.

PMID- 22097385
TI  - [Impacts of ultraviolet irradiation on the sperm motility and longevity of
      Acipenser baerii].
AB  - This paper studied the impacts of different dose ultraviolet irradiation (254 nm,
      UVC) on the sperm motility and longevity of Acipenser baerii. Ultraviolet
      irradiation had significant impacts on the sperm motility, its fast motion time,
      and longevity. With the increasing dose of ultraviolet irradiation, the sperm
      motility decreased rapidly first, increased rapidly then, and decreased rapidly
      again. The sperm fast motion time had the similar variation trend as the sperm
      motility, but the sperm longevity kept decreasing with increasing dose of
      ultraviolet irradiation. When the ultraviolet irradiation dose increased to 288
      mJ x cm(-2), the sperm fast motion disappeared; when the ultraviolet irradiation
      dose increased up to 324 mJ x cm(-2), the sperm had no motility and died.
      According to the "Hertwig effect", the optimum ultraviolet irradiation dose for
      inactivating A. baerii sperm was 216 mJ x cm(-2).

PMID- 22097386
TI  - [Edge effect and its impacts on forest ecosystem: a review].
AB  - Edge effect is an important concept in ecology and biological conservation,
      playing an important role in the study of ecological processes such as energy and
      material flow at ecosystem scale and landscape scale. This paper expatiated the
      connotation, features, quantitative evaluation (basis of quantitative analysis,
      strength, impact zone, and models, etc.), and applied aspects of edge effect,
      summarized the impacts of edge effect on forest ecosystem, analyzed the
      deficiencies in the study of edge effect, and prospected related research
      directions, aimed to provide references for forest and protected area management.

PMID- 22097387
TI  - [Effects of seasonal snow cover on soil nitrogen transformation in alpine
      ecosystem: a review].
AB  - Seasonal snow cover has pronounced effects on the soil nitrogen concentration and
      transformation in alpine ecosystem. Snowfall is an important form of nitrogen
      deposition, which directly affects the content of soil available nitrogen.
      Different depths and different duration of snow cover caused by snowfall may lead
      the heterogeneity of abiotic factors (soil temperature and moisture) and biotic
      factors (soil microbes, alpine plants, and alpine animals), and further, produce
      complicated effects on the mineralization and immobilization of soil nitrogen.
      This paper introduced in emphasis the inherent mechanisms of soil nitrogen
      mineralization and leaching under the effects of frequent freeze-thaw events
      during the durative melting of snow cover, and summarized the main research
      results of field in situ experiments about the effects of seasonal snow cover on
      soil nitrogen in alpine ecosystem based on the possible changes in snow cover in
      the future. Some suggestions with regard to the effects of seasonal snow cover on
      soil nitrogen were put forward.

PMID- 22097388
TI  - [Technical strategies in the research of plant salt-responsive proteomics: a
      review].
AB  - Soil salinization is one of the key factors limiting plant growth and
      distribution. To explore plant molecular salt-responsive mechanisms is the basis
      of enhancing plant salt tolerance in virtue of molecular biological techniques,
      and also, the hotspot of plant physiology and molecular ecology. High throughput
      proteomics approaches include two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), blue
      native/SDS-PAGE (BN/SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel
      electrophoresis (2D DIGE), liquid chromatography (LC), and various mass
      spectrometry (MS) techniques, being widely applied in the research of plant salt
      response and supplied important information for understanding plant molecular
      salt-tolerant mechanisms. In this paper, a review was made on the technical
      strategies applied in the research of plant salt-responsive proteomics.

PMID- 22097389
TI  - [Otolith microchemistry of tuna species: research progress].
AB  - Microchemistry analysis of trace elements and isotopes in fishes' calcified
      substances is an emerging approach to analyze the population structure, life
      history, and migration environmental history of fishes. With the increasing
      improvement of the researches and applications of otolith microchemistry, this
      approach has been a good tool for studying the ecology of tuna species.
      Currently, the research contents of tuna species' otolith microchemistry mainly
      include trace elements and isotopes, and the former is the emphasis and hotspot
      in applied research, playing a vital role in the researches of population
      partitioning, natal origin, migration environmental history, and life history of
      tuna species, especially bluefin tuna. However, most of the researches are
      focusing on the variation of otolith's Sr/Ca ratio, and there is no final
      conclusion on the relationships between the fractionation of isotopes C and O in
      otolith and the temperature. For the sake of exploiting the huge value of otolith
      microchemistry, it would be necessary to strengthen the researches on the
      deposition mechanisms of trace elements in otolith, and to analyze the spatio
      temporal variations of various trace elements in otolith by comprehensive
      research methods.

PMID- 22097390
TI  - [Bio-treatment of grease wastewater: research progress].
AB  - In conventional wastewater bio-treatment, little attention has been paid on the
      bio-degradation of grease, causing low efficiency in the process, and thereby,
      further study should be made on the development and application of related mature
      and effective bio-treatment techniques. This paper summarized the pathways and
      mechanisms of grease bio-degradation in wastewater treatment, with the focus on
      the research progress in the functional microbes involved in lipid hydrolysis and
      long-chain fatty acid degradation, and briefly introduced a series of new
      treatment technologies based on the habitat differences of the functional
      microbes. The key breakthrough directions in the technological study of grease
      bio-degradation were prospected, expecting to provide theoretical guidance to the
      development of the related technologies.

PMID- 22097391
TI  - A new method for determining phospholipase D activity using the monomolecular
      film technique.
AB  - A versatile and continuous assay for phospholipase D (PL D) activity was
      developed using the monomolecular film technique. For this purpose, a two-step
      enzymatic reaction was used. First, PL D hydrolysis of stable 1,2-diacyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphocholine (PC) films by PL D generated a stable 1,2-diacyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphate (PA) film and water-soluble choline. Secondly, the latter
      acidic phospholipid, in contrast to the initial PC molecule, was further
      hydrolysed under the action of porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) in order to give
      rise to lysophosphatidic acid and fatty acid, which were rapidly desorbed from
      the interface. With this new procedure, it is possible to obtain continuous and
      accurate kinetic measurements of the PL D-catalyzed reaction with phospholipid
      monolayers as substrates. The PLD kinetics were linear with time and the
      velocities recorded were directly dependent upon the amount of PL D used. In a
      preliminary study, we investigated the effects of the surface pressure on the PL
      D activity.

PMID- 22097392
TI  - [Operative treatment of painful neuromas].
AB  - 3-5% of patients with traumatic or iatrogenic peripheral nerve injury develop a
      painful neuroma, especially following trauma of small cutaneous sensory nerve
      branches. Neuroma pain is difficult to treat and often leads to loss of function
      and reduction of quality of life. Patients with a painful neuroma present with
      spontaneous electric, shooting or burning pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia and cold
      intolerance. The diagnosis is based on the medical history and physical
      examination, supplemented by Tinel's test and a diagnostic nerve blockade.
      Lasting pain relief is possible by means of surgical neuroma treatment performed
      by a plastic surgeon. Surgical treatment consists of repair or denervation of the
      nerve with relocation of the nerve stump in bone or muscle tissue or a vein.
      Referral of neuroma patients without delay to a plastic surgeon or
      multidisciplinary consultation is important, because the symptoms become
      increasingly difficult to treat over time. 3-5% of patients with traumatic or
      iatrogenic peripheral nerve injury develop a painful neuroma, especially
      following trauma of small cutaneous sensory nerve branches. Neuroma pain is
      difficult to treat and often leads to loss of function and reduction of quality
      of life. Patients with a painful neuroma present with spontaneous electric,
      shooting or burning pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia and cold intolerance. The
      diagnosis is based on the medical history and physical examination, supplemented
      by Tinel's test and a diagnostic nerve blockade. Lasting pain relief is possible
      by means of surgical neuroma treatment performed by a plastic surgeon. Surgical
      treatment consists of repair or denervation of the nerve with relocation of the
      nerve stump in bone or muscle tissue or a vein. Referral of neuroma patients
      without delay to a plastic surgeon or multidisciplinary consultation is
      important, because the symptoms become increasingly difficult to treat over time.

PMID- 22097393
TI  - State trends in premiums and deductibles, 2003-2010: the need for action to
      address rising costs.
AB  - Rapidly rising health insurance costs continue to strain the budgets of U.S.
      families and employers. This issue brief analyzes changes in private employer
      based health premiums and deductibles for all states from 2003 to 2010, and finds
      total premiums for family coverage increased 50 percent across states and
      employee annual share of premiums increased by 63 percent over these seven years.
      At the same time, per-person deductibles doubled in large, as well as small,
      firms. If premium trends continue at the rate prior to enactment of the
      Affordable Care Act, the average premium for family coverage will rise 72 percent
      by 2020, to nearly $24,000. Health reform offers the potential to reduce
      insurance cost growth while improving financial protections. If efforts succeed
      in slowing annual premium growth by 1 percentage point, by 2020 employers and
      families together would save $2,161 annually for family coverage, compared with
      projected premiums at historical rates of increase.

PMID- 22097394
TI  - Compared to Canadians, U.S. physicians spend nearly four times as much money
      interacting with payers.
AB  - KEY FINDINGS: (1) In Canadian office practices, physi-cians spent 2.2 hours per
      week interacting with payers, nurses spent 2.5 hours, and clerical staff spent
      15.9 hours. In U.S. practices, physicians spent 3.4 hours per week interacting
      with payers, nurses spent 20.6 hours, and clerical staff spent 53.1 hours. (2)
      Canadian physician practices spent $22,205 per physician per year on interactions
      with health plans. U.S. physician practices spent $82,975 per physician per year.
      (3) U.S. physician practices spend $60,770 per physician per year more
      (approximately four times as much) than their Canadian counterparts.

PMID- 22097395
TI  - Children's exposure to secondhand smoke: nearly one million affected in
      California.
AB  - Despite the steady decline of smoking rates in California, over 200,000 children
      under age 12 live in homes where smoking is allowed, and another 742,000 live
      with an adult or adolescent smoker. Significant differences in children's
      exposure to tobacco smoke and risk of exposure are found by race/ethnicity,
      geographic regions within the state and by poverty level. African-American
      children were found to have a significantly higher rate of exposure than other
      racial and ethnic groups, while children in the Northern/Sierra and San Joaquin
      Valley regions were at the highest risk of exposure to secondhand smoke. Children
      living in lower-income households were also at higher risk. These findings can
      aid strategies to decrease children's exposure to tobacco smoke in the home
      through targeted public health messages and outreach to those enrolled in public
      programs.

PMID- 22097396
TI  - [Polite robots and shot necked monsters].

PMID- 22097397
TI  - [Franz Muntefering attempts answers for the demographic change. Social democratic
      principles disturb a little. Munte discovers nursing].

PMID- 22097398
TI  - [Violence on the unit: experts explain background and give practical advice.
      "Nurses experience aggression in a patient as a personal failure" (interview by
      Lex)].

PMID- 22097399
TI  - [Robots in the nursing home. "It gives the impression of something pleasantly
      service-like"].

PMID- 22097400
TI  - [The power of speech: how nurses positively influence nursing routine with
      communication. Using words to move the world].

PMID- 22097401
TI  - [A memorandum for quality and safety of health care of tomorrow. Cooperation
      among health professions].

PMID- 22097402
TI  - [How mothers experience the daily routine with their tracheotomized infants.
      "These short necked monsters are indeed life threatening"].

PMID- 22097403
TI  - [Dying in homelessness. "It's nice that you come to me"!].

PMID- 22097404
TI  - [Shared-housing arrangements for care dependent older persons. Support from
      family members and volunteers].
AB  - Due to growing numbers of older care dependant persons shared-housing
      arrangements (SHA) were developed as a new approach, especially for those elderly
      People suffering from dementia. The involvement of family members and volunteers
      is a core component of the SHA concept. Besides the active involvement in
      meaningful activities, relatives also often act as legal representatives.
      Empirical data concerning how frequently family members and volunteers are
      involved as well as the tasks they pursue is lacking. The aim of the study is to
      describe and evaluate the involvement of family members and volunteers in SHA.
      Special Care Units (SCU) are observed in comparison. In january 2009, all
      identified SHA and SCU in the city of Berlin were included in a cross-sectional
      survey as part of the DeWeGE-study. The DeWeGE-study was the first one on SHA in
      the city of Berlin. Data was collected using a written, standardised
      questionnaire. We collected data related to the frequency and tasks of family
      members and volunteer involvement as well as to the residents characteristics.
      963 residents of 105 SHA and 17 SCU were included. More persons suffer from
      dementia in SCU than in SHA. SHA offer events to inform relatives and volunteers
      about their possible involvement less often than SCU. Family members are involved
      in meaningful activities in around 50 percent of all SHA and SCU. The proportion
      of family members who are present in the unit at least once per week is
      significantly higher in SCU than in SHA. No statistically significant difference
      between SHA and SCU is found regarding the involvement of volunteers. In SHA,
      legal representatives are more often paid professionals than in SCU. The real
      involvement of family members and volunteers in SHA does not reflect the
      conceptual propositions of this care arrangement.

PMID- 22097405
TI  - [Determining the quality of technical aids in homely care contexts. A study of
      the survey instruments QUEST2.0 and KWAZO].
AB  - The data on the supply of technical aids are insufficient in Germany,
      particularly with regard to quality aspects. Thus this article will demonstrate
      possibilities to improve the data quality. The analysis of the current supply
      situation for care aids and the detection of the relevance of the subject with
      care and aid statistics lead to the following research questions: Which
      instruments are able to measure the care-quality of technical aids for insured
      people older than 65 years in home care? And: Furthermore is their prediction
      sufficient to cause a more efficient care in this sector? The systematical
      research found two instruments, which met two criteria: 1.) Measurement of
      satisfaction from a user perspective. 2.) General applicability for many
      categories of aid. The studies were tested for evidence of reliability, validity
      and applicability. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assisitive
      Technologies (QUEST2.0, 12 items) and the KWAZO instrument (7 items), developed
      in the Netherlands were used. Both instruments are tested for validity and
      reliability and in terms of their practical applicability in the nursing process
      events. It is necessary to consider are whether and in what way the two
      instruments made in a standardized comprehensive care and support needs
      assessment available in Germany.

PMID- 22097406
TI  - [Ambulatory nursing for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Do
      specialized nursing personnel help in ambulatory care nursing programs?].

PMID- 22097407
TI  - [When the doctor allows the blood pressure to rise....].

PMID- 22097408
TI  - [When facilities update nursing documentation... Electronic data processing
      instead of paper!].

PMID- 22097409
TI  - [Communication in routine nursing care. Surprising reactions].

PMID- 22097410
TI  - [After the war: US Americans influence the professionalization of nursing. A new
      nursing elite is created. The "Hollywood Nurses"].

PMID- 22097411
TI  - [Dementia: technical monitoring systems in nursing. Where are you walking...?!].

PMID- 22097412
TI  - [UrgoClean: a new wound dressing features high absorption and uptake of fibrous
      deposits].

PMID- 22097413
TI  - [Nurses will assume a key role in pain therapy].

PMID- 22097414
TI  - [Opioids play a major role in multimodal pain therapy"].

PMID- 22097415
TI  - [Portrait of Louise Hagan].

PMID- 22097416
TI  - [The world fight against infections. The first international conference in Geneva
      on the prevention and control of infections, a success!].

PMID- 22097417
TI  - [Subcutaneous immunotherapy for the treatment of allergies].

PMID- 22097418
TI  - [Myths and realities. Nursing care documentation].

PMID- 22097419
TI  - [Allergy or food intolerance: how to distinguish between the two].

PMID- 22097420
TI  - [Shaking. Evaluating and intervening].

PMID- 22097421
TI  - [Goodbye to the flu? It is better to prevent it than to suffer from it!].

PMID- 22097422
TI  - [Unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraception at school. Before acting, we need to
      know how to listen].

PMID- 22097423
TI  - [HIBOU: evaluating sleep disorders in children].

PMID- 22097424
TI  - [Systemic scleroderma. A poorly understood illness].

PMID- 22097425
TI  - [Living with a stoma].

PMID- 22097426
TI  - [The SIPPE program. When intervention makes the difference].

PMID- 22097427
TI  - [Blood pressure measurement at home. Why? For whom? How?].

PMID- 22097428
TI  - [Vitamin D poisoning in infants. Preventing an overdose due to multiple forms and
      formats of liquid Vitamin D].

PMID- 22097429
TI  - [Erectile dysfunction. Another option].

PMID- 22097430
TI  - [Benlysta. Finally, the first medication for lupus].

PMID- 22097431
TI  - [Abera and Yohanes. The scarifications of the Surmas].

PMID- 22097432
TI  - [REER - CELI, CELI - REER?].

PMID- 22097433
TI  - [Medium-term strategy for the specific management of pneumology hospitals and
      wards after the decentralization of the sanitary system].
AB  - Identifying and promoting new management techniques for the descentralized
      pneumology hospitals or wards was one of the most ambitious objectives of the
      project "Quality in the pneumology medical services through continuous medical
      education and organizational flexibility", financed by the Human Resourses
      Development Sectorial Operational Programme 2007-2013 (ID 58451). The "Medium
      term Strategy on the specific management of the pneumology hospitals or wards
      after the descentralization of the sanitary system" presented in the article was
      written by the project's experts and discussed with pneumology managers and local
      authorities representatives. This Strategy application depends on the
      colaboration of the pneumology hospitals with professional associations, and
      local and central authorities.

PMID- 22097434
TI  - [Evolution of endemic tuberculosis in Olt county, Romania, between 1990 and
      2008].
AB  - A world-wide recrudescence of tuberculosis has been seen, due to the
      deterioration of the health state of the population from many areas of the world,
      because of increasing number of homeless persons, and also the immigrants from
      countries with TB epidemic. The present epidemiological context draw attention to
      the necessity of early detection of the disease and the beginning of early
      directly observed treatment, preferably ambulatory, if the sick person doesn't
      have other complications, isn't infected with multidrog resistant bacili and
      lives in a properly social environment for his support. For the evaluation of
      tuberculosis epidemic in Olt county, the authors realised a retrospective study
      on a period of over 15 years (1990-2008), based on the analysis of the main
      epidemiological indices of TB epidemic in this county compared with Romania:
      global incidence both in adults and children, for new cases nd relapses apart,
      incidence of MDR-TB (multidrug resistant-tuberculosis) cases, mortality through
      tuberculosis. Global incidence of TB in Olt county almost doubled between 1990
      2008, reaching 147, 4 per hundred thousand, with much higher values compared with
      the national ones. Olt county presents constant values over the national ones
      between 1995-2008, due to the global incidence and also to the new cases and
      relapses. The incidence of new cases in children in 2008 (20,4 per hundred
      thousand) was below the national level (28 per hundred thousand). The risk of
      illness for the 0-14 years old children from Olt county was significantly lower
      in 2008 compared with the previous year, which, toghether with a number of MDR-TB
      cases under 15, signifies a regress of the epidemic.

PMID- 22097435
TI  - Is there delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in an intermediate-to-low
      TB incidence setting.
AB  - A cross-sectional study on pulmonary TB diagnosis delay in an intermediate TB
      incidence setting showed average patient's delay of 44 +/- 61.65 days and total
      delay of 103 +/- 148 days. Alcoholism, lack of TB cases in family, diabetes
      mellitus, relapse, cough or tachycardia (p< 0.01), absence of hemoptysis, dyspnea
      and anemia (p < 0.01), age > or = 40 (p < 0.05), negative auscultation and
      positive sputum smear findings (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with
      patient's delay > 30 days. Age < 40 years, negative auscultation and sputum smear
      findings (p < 0.01), female sex, city as residence (p < 0.05), absence of cough,
      sputum, weight loss, fever, excavation (p < 0.01), and night sweats (p < 0.05)
      were significantly associated with total delay > 103 days. Further population
      education and continual medical education are waranted.

PMID- 22097436
TI  - Mini-mediastinotomy under local anesthesia for biopsy of anterior mediastinal
      masses with airway compression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Management strategies for anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs) depend
      strongly on the histopathological diagnosis. The manifestations of these masses
      sometimes are an emergency because of large airway or great vessel compression
      which make general anesthesia challenging and hazardous and many authors have
      emphasized the dangers of general anesthesia in such patients. METHODS: This
      prospective study carried on 23 patients with AMMs and large airway or vessel
      compression via mini-mediastinotomy under local anesthesia for taking
      histological biopsy. RESULTS: . A definite histolopathological diagnosis was made
      in all cases. Morbidity was seen in one patient with entering the pleural cavity,
      there was no mortality. Out of 23 patients, 9 patients had already undergone less
      invasive procedures without definite diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-mediastinotomy
      under local anesthesia for diagnostic biopsy in AMMs with airway compression is
      safe, minimally invasive, effective, and is useful in therapeutic decision making
      for AMMs.

PMID- 22097437
TI  - [Clinical features and course of patients with tuberculosis requiring intensive
      care].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe the characteristics of patients with tuberculosis (TB)
      requiring intensive care and to identify the risk factors for mortality. METHODS:
      We conducted a retrospective, cohort study, between January 2006 and December
      2009. The patients with TB, admitted in Pneumology Clinic Hospital, Iasi,
      requiring advanced life support in intensive care unit (ICU), were included. We
      assessed different clinical parameters to identify the factors that predict in
      hospital mortality. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality. RESULTS:
      During the study period, 27 patients with TB required intensive care. Of them, 16
      (59.3%) had acute respiratory failure and 6 (22.2%) required mechanical
      ventilation. Eighteen (66.7%) patients died. Acute respiratory failure, acute
      hepatic failure and mechanical ventilation significantly correlate with a high in
      hospital mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found a high mortality
      rate in TB patients requiring intensive care, identifying some risk factors.

PMID- 22097438
TI  - A new model for cystic fibrosis management: control concept.
AB  - Traditional medical care considers symptomatic and objective findings of disease
      as the main outcome measure. However, modern medical practice defines health as a
      complete state of well being including physical state and patient's perception of
      social and psychological well being. Therefore, the main aim of therapeutic
      management needs to be "the control of disease related and unrelated to the
      health condition of the individual in terms of functional and emotional well
      being". This necessitates evaluation of control status in cases with cystic
      fibrosis via evaluation of symptomatic and physical findings with laboratory
      techniques and psycho-somatic instruments. The aim of this review article is to
      define the three main indicators of control and to provide initial ideas for
      development of a new instrument that covers all.

PMID- 22097439
TI  - [Endobronchial changes in sarcoidosis].
AB  - The first case of endobronchial sarcoidosis was described by Benedict and
      Castelman in 1941. The endoscopic aspects in sarcoidosis can reveal: erythema,
      edema, network of capillary ectases, granularity, irregular mucosa thickening,
      macro and micro nodules in mucosa, bronchial and tracheal stenosis, distortions,
      tractions (including at the large and medium airways), sometimes bronchial
      ectases secondary to these modifications. The doctors must be aware of the
      possibility of affecting the great airways in sarcoidosis, such situation,
      although rare, could make for a difficult diagnosis, especially in the case of
      the tusigen syndrome or persistent and unexplained wheezing. The more the
      parenchimal disease progresses, the greater is the frequency of the airways being
      affected.

PMID- 22097440
TI  - [Functional evaluation before lung resection for cancer--international
      recommendations].
AB  - Complications and disability after radical therapy for lung cancer can be
      predicted by preoperative functional evaluation. Functional tests and threshold
      values of the parameters have been described and included in a well-validated
      algorithm, ensuring functional reserve evaluation of candidates for pulmonary
      resection. There are no defined tests or cut-off values to provide predictions of
      complications after chemo-radiotherapy or limited pulmonary resections.

PMID- 22097441
TI  - Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of trachea in a 22 years old woman: a case report.
AB  - Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a relatively common salivary glands tumor. This tumor
      is characterized by mucus secretion, cell type can be intermediate or squamous.
      Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the bronchi and especially trachea is very unusual.
      We are reporting the case of a 22 years old female who presented with main
      complaint of exertional dyspnea and stridor for about 2 month. Bronchoscopy
      examination showed a mass with smooth surface in trachea. After surgery a low
      grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma was confirmed by pathological examination.

PMID- 22097442
TI  - [The Irish lesson--when will it apply also to Romania?].
AB  - We are speaking every time about models but historically we are not considering
      the way made for obtaining them. In this paper we are reviewing the road for
      realizing common antismoking front in Ireland and where we failed in comparison
      in this introduction of the anti-smoking law.

PMID- 22097443
TI  - [Epidemiological problems: reflections on communication].

PMID- 22097444
TI  - [Adult severe community-acquired pneumonia: from diagnosis to intensive care].
AB  - Severe community-acquired pneumonia is defined as a pneumonia acquired in an
      extra-hospital setting requiring intensive care. Clinical scores such as the ATS
      modified rule can help the clinician to recognize quickly the patients needing
      ICU. Evidence based interventions decreasing mortality consist of rapid
      administration of antibiotics, by probably privileging an association containing
      a macrolide, as well as fast and specialized care of shock and respiratory
      failure. Severe community-acquired pneumonia is burdened by a short and long-term
      important mortality.

PMID- 22097445
TI  - [Drugs "look-alike, sound-alike": an important issue in infectious diseases].
AB  - Incidents linked to the prescription of medications also referred to as "look
      alike, sound-alike" are frequent both in the ambulatory and in hospital sectors.
      These incidents are associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. Next to
      other specialties of medicine, infectiology is particularly affected. Strategies
      to reduce these risks have been devised, but available recommendations are
      frequently poorly observed. A heightened awareness regarding the "look-alike,
      sound-alike" problem among doctors as well as other health care professionals,
      regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry would help assure and
      maintain increased patient safety and quality of care.

PMID- 22097446
TI  - [Traps in infectious serology].
AB  - The role of serology in infectious disease diagnosis is highlighted by HIV and
      viral hepatitis diagnosis developed since the 80's. However, long before these
      recent developments serum reactivity played its role in diagnosing, active or
      previous severe bacterial infection in diseases such as typhoid fever (Widal),
      brucellosis (Wright test), syphilis (VDRL, Wassermann test), typhus (Weil-Felix
      test) etc. From early infection to immunity, serology analyzes the patient's
      immunological memory enabling the fight against infections. The resulting
      information depends on the type of pathogen, the site of infection, the host and
      the stage of disease. Together with the direct tests for the detection of
      pathogens, serological tests form the basis of microbiological diagnosis. To
      better understand the utility of serology, we will provide an overview and show
      its pitfalls.

PMID- 22097447
TI  - [HIV: vision of a cure].
AB  - In 2008, Mr Brown, an HIV positive patient was healed of acute myeloid leukemia,
      after receiving an hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a donor
      homozygous for the CCR5 gene variant delta32. He was able to recover a normal CD4
      T cell count and his HIV viral load has remained undetectable, despite
      discontinuing antiviral therapy. This extraordinary case is a proof of concept
      that HIV can be cured and has boosted the research, especially in the field of
      gene therapy. Several groups are working on blocking the expression of the CCR5
      and CXCR4 co-receptors, by using either RNA interference or zinc-finger nuclease
      tools. The aim of this article is to describe their actual stage of development.

PMID- 22097448
TI  - [Infections related to water activities].
AB  - Infections acquired by exposure to water are common. The evolution of these
      infections found in our region is benign. However, some acquired in our regions
      or during travel abroad, may have a severe clinical course that requires early
      diagnosis. This article proposes a non-exhaustive review of the most common
      infections encountered in our regions or acquired abroad. The review excludes
      gastrointestinal infections acquired after ingestion of contaminated water.

PMID- 22097449
TI  - [Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections].
AB  - Diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, which most often cause
      pulmonary disease, are increasing. Only a few of the numerous mycobacteria
      species are clearly pathogenic. Patients, either immunocompetent or
      immunocompromised, with orwithout underlying disease, are contaminated from the
      environment. Diagnosis, according to standardized criteria, is based on clinical
      picture, radiological exams and positive microbiological samples, usually on more
      than one occasion (slow growing culture and PCR). There are several typical
      presentations, such as tuberculosis-like disease and lung nodules associated with
      bronchiectasis. Treatment combines several antimicrobials, is long (occasionally
      more than one year) and is not always successful.

PMID- 22097451
TI  - [It is necessary to fill in the gap which separates scientific research from
      clinical practice].

PMID- 22097450
TI  - [Pit falls in the emergency walk-in clinic: lower limb (2)].
AB  - The lower limb is the seat of many traumatic lesions especially the foot and
      ankle. To misdiagnose these injuries leads to pain, instability, early arthritis
      and poor results. Clinical examination is very important and also standard X
      rays. New imaging techniques such as MRI will help to delineate some difficult to
      see lesions such as Lisfranc's fracture-dislocations, osteochondral lesions or
      occult hip fractures.

PMID- 22097452
TI  - [Inadvertent exclusion].

PMID- 22097453
TI  - [A genetically engineered human pancreatic beta cell line].

PMID- 22097454
TI  - [The end of the book and the computer].

PMID- 22097455
TI  - [Giving birth anonymously versus the "towers of abandonment" (1)].

PMID- 22097456
TI  - [Physicians: urgency at home].

PMID- 22097457
TI  - Bioconjugated quantum dots as fluorescent probes for biomedical imaging.
AB  - Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots have become an important class of
      fluorescent labels for biological and biomedical imaging. In comparison with
      conventional organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, quantum dots have
      extraordinary fluorescent properties including high brightness, high resistance
      to photobleaching and tunable wavelengths. In this review, we briefly discuss the
      properties and modification of quantum dots. We focus on the applications of
      quantum dots in biomedical imaging, including molecular detection, live cell
      imaging and in vivo imaging. The toxicity of the quantum dots to cells and
      animals is also discussed.

PMID- 22097458
TI  - Information processing schemes based on monolayer protected metallic
      nanoclusters.
AB  - Nanostructures are potentially useful as building blocks to complement future
      electronics because of their high versatility and packing densities. The
      fabrication and characterization of particular nanostructures and the use of new
      theoretical tools to describe their properties are receiving much attention.
      However, the integration of these individual systems into general schemes that
      could perform simple tasks is also necessary because modern electronics operation
      relies on the concerted action of many basic units. We review here new conceptual
      schemes that can allow information processing with ligand or monolayer protected
      metallic nanoclusters (MPCs) on the basis of the experimentally demonstrated and
      theoretically described electrical characteristics of these nanostructures. In
      particular, we make use of the tunnelling current through a metallic nanocluster
      attached to the electrodes by ligands. The nanostructure is described as a single
      electron transistor (SET) that can be gated by an external potential. This fact
      permits exploiting information processing schemes in approximately defined arrays
      of MPCs. These schemes include: (i) binary, multivalued, and reversible logic
      gates; (ii) an associative memory and a synchronization circuit; and (iii) two
      signal processing nanodevices based on parallel arrays of MPCs and nanoswitches.
      In each case, the practical operation of the nanodevice is based on the SET
      properties of MPCs reported experimentally. We examine also some of the practical
      problems that should be addressed in future experimental realizations: the
      stochastic nature of the electron tunnelling, the relatively low operation
      temperatures, and the limited reliability caused by the weak signals involved and
      the nanostructure variability. The perspectives to solve these problems are based
      on the potentially high degree of scalability of the nanostructures.

PMID- 22097459
TI  - Superior neuroprotective effects of cerebrolysin in heat stroke following chronic
      intoxication of Cu or Ag engineered nanoparticles. A comparative study with other
      neuroprotective agents using biochemical and morphological approaches in the rat.
AB  - The possibility that cerebrolysin, a mixture of several active fragments of
      neurotrophic factors and peptides induces neuroprotection following nanoparticles
      induced exacerbation of brain damage in heat stroke was examined in a rat model.
      For this purpose, the therapeutic efficacy of Cerebrolysin (2.5 or 5 ml/kg)
      recommended for stroke treatment was used in comparison with other drugs in
      standard doses recommended for such therapy in clinical situations e.g.,
      levetiracetam (44 mg/kg), pregabalin (200 mg/kg), topiramate (40 mg/kg,i.p.) and
      valproate (400 mg/kg). Rats subjected to 4 h heat stress in a biological oxygen
      demand (BOD) incubator at 38 degrees C (Rel Humid 45-47%; Wind vel 22.4 to 25.6
      cm/sec) developed profound behavioral symptoms of heat stroke e.g., hyperthermia,
      profuse salivation, prostration and gastric ulcerations in the stomach. These
      rats also exhibited marked brain pathology at this time. Thus, breakdown of the
      blood-brain barrier (BBB) to proteins associated with brain edema formation could
      be seen in these heat stressed rats as compared to control groups. The edematous
      brain areas showed profound neuronal damage and/or distortion in large areas of
      the neuropil. These pathological symptoms were further exacerbated in Cu or Ag
      nanoparticles treated group (50-60 nm particle size, 50 mg/kg, i.p./day for 7
      days) after identical heat stress on the 8th day. Pretreatment with cerebrolysin
      (2.5 ml/kg, i.v.) daily for 3 days in normal rats before heat stress
      significantly reduced the behavioral stress symptoms and the breakdown of the BBB
      function, edema formation and neuronal injuries. However, the magnitude and
      intensity of these neuroprotective effects were much less intense in all other
      drug treated rats after similar heat stress. On the other hand, almost double
      dose of cerebrolysin (5 ml/kg) was needed to achieve comparable neuroprotection
      in nanoparticles treated animals after heat stress. Whereas, double dose of all
      other compounds was much less effective in inducing neuroprotection in
      nanoparticles treated heat-exposed animals. These observations are the first to
      show that cerebrolysin exerts the most superior neuroprotective effects in heat
      stress as compared to other neuroprotective agents on brain pathology in normal
      and in nanoparticles treated group. Furthermore, cerebrolysin in double dose was
      the most effective in inducing neuroprotection in nanoparticles treated heat
      exposed rats on brain pathology as compared to double doses of other drugs. Taken
      together, our results show that cerebrolysin has the most superior
      neuroprotective effects on brain pathology in heat stroke in both normal and
      nanoparticles treated rats as compared to other contemporary neuroprotective
      agents, not reported earlier.

PMID- 22097460
TI  - Detection of malathion, fenthion and methidathion by using heparin-reduced gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles were utilized for the detection of
      organophosphorous pesticides. Heparin, one of glycosaminoglycans, was used as a
      reducing and stabilizing agent. The reaction conditions were optimized, and high
      resolution-transmission electron microscopic images revealed gold nanoparticles
      of various shapes. Organophosphorous pesticides in water were detected by simply
      mixing them with gold nanoparticles. NaCl induced a color change in the mixed
      solution from wine-red to purple-blue that was dependent on the pesticide
      concentration in the range of 10-1,000 ppb. Gold nanoparticles were immobilized
      on a silica gel matrix in order to prepare solid supports for removing
      pesticides. The incorporation of atomic gold and heparin bound to 2 g of silica
      gel was determined 4,058 ppm and 33 microg as measured by inductively coupled
      plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry and carbazole assay, respectively. AuNPs
      immobilized silica gel columns were successfully applied for removing fenthion in
      water confirmed by RP-HPLC and FT-IR analyses.

PMID- 22097461
TI  - pH dependent spontaneous growth of ellagic acid assemblies for targeting HeLa
      cells.
AB  - Herein, we have studied the self-assembly and the spontaneous growth of
      microassemblies of the plant polyphenol ellagic acid for HeLa cancer cell imaging
      and therapy. The growth of the assemblies was studied at varying pH over time. It
      was found that initially microspheres were formed which gradually transformed
      into microfibers via nucleation and polymerization process. The optimum growth of
      microfibers was found to be in the pH range of 6-8. We have shown that the
      microfibers successfully adhered to the HeLa cell membranes and inhibited their
      proliferation. This biological approach, using assemblies derived from plant
      polyphenols, may be used for direct cellular drug delivery and may potentially
      help develop a simple and economical method to create building blocks with
      desired properties for a new generation of sensors, bioimaging and drug delivery
      systems.

PMID- 22097462
TI  - Sorting the unique chirality, right handed single wall carbon nanotubes via the
      dye modified ssDNA.
AB  - The unique (n, m) SWCNTs have both left- and right-handed helicity and they are
      enantiomers, and unique chiral SWCNTs with single helicity haven't achieved yet.
      In our studies the aromatic fluorescence molecule, (R+) 5'-Hexachloro-Fluorescein
      Phosphoramidite (HEX), was linked to DNA, and this new polymer could help us to
      get unique chiral SWCNT (11,1) with only right-handed species, and this result is
      confirmed by AFM, HRTEM, NIR, SRCD, and Raman studies.

PMID- 22097463
TI  - Synthesis of retinyl palmitate catalyzed by Candida sp.99-125 lipase immobilized
      on fiber-like SBA-15 mesoporous material.
AB  - Candida sp.99-125 lipase was suitable for transesterification of fats and oils to
      produce fatty acid methyl ester. The adsorption of Candida sp.99-125 lipase onto
      the fiber-like SBA-15 mesoporous material has been studied. The unaltered
      structural order of the fiber-like SBA-15 before and after the adsorption has
      been confirmed by FT-IR, SEM and N2 adsorption. The amount of adsorbed Candida
      sp.99-125 lipase depends both on the solution pH and reaction time. Good
      adsorption capacity of Candida sp.99-125 lipase on fiber-like SBA-15 may be due
      to solution pH from 5.0 to 9.0 especially at 7.0 (93.99 mg enzyme per gram silica
      is obtained and the activity recovery is 281.05%). A high lipase loading (135.9
      mg enzyme per gram silica) was obtained, but it did not produce a proportionate
      level of catalytic activity. The immobilized Candida sp.99-125 lipase showed
      increased adaptability in the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate compared to
      free Candida sp.99-125 lipase at pH 5.0-9.0. Meanwhile, the immobilized Candida
      sp.99-125 lipase showed higher thermal stability than that of free Candida sp.99
      125 lipase. And the synthesis of retinyl palmitate in organic solvent with the
      immobilized Candida sp.99-125 lipase was investigated. The influence factors,
      such as: the solvent used, the molar ratio and concentrations of substrates, the
      reaction time and the amount of lipase were studied and optimized. In the
      conditions of transesterificating 0.164 g retinyl acetate and 0.32 g palmitic
      acid, 10 mL of solvent hexane, 1:4 of mass ratio of lipase to retinyl acetate,
      and 6 hours of reaction time, 74.6% of retinyl acetate was converted into retinyl
      plamitate.

PMID- 22097464
TI  - Curcumin associated magnetite nanoparticles inhibit in vitro melanoma cell
      growth.
AB  - Curcumin is a natural product possessing therapeutic properties but the low water
      solubility of this compound limits its use. We have successfully incorporated
      curcumin into a bilayer of dodecanoic acid attached to magnetite nanoparticles in
      an effort to maximize solubility and delivery efficiency. Curcumin/magnetite
      nanoparticles were characterized using diffused reflectance infra-red fourier
      transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Moreover
      curcumin associated magnetite nanoparticles inhibited in vitro melanoma cell
      growth. An inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 66.0 +/- 3.0 microM (48 +/- 2.2
      microg-iron/mL) was observed for the curcumin/magnetite nanoparticles.
      Fluorescent microscopy revealed that curcumin associated magnetite nanoparticles
      were internalized by the melanoma cells and remained in the cytoplasm. The
      curcumin/magnetic nanoparticles synthesized in this study possess magnetic and
      water solubility properties making this a novel curcumin formulation with
      therapeutic potential.

PMID- 22097465
TI  - Targeted labeling of cancer cells using biotin tagged avidin functionalized
      biocompatible fluorescent nanocrystals.
AB  - The present study details the development of biotin tagged avidin functionalized
      Zinc Sulphide [ZnS] nanocrystals through a simple aqueous chemistry route at room
      temperature for targeted imaging applications. Surface functionalization of
      Manganese doped ZnS nanocrystals with L-cysteine provided functional groups that
      facilitated its conjugation to avidin. Further biotinylation of these particles
      through the strong non-covalent interaction between biotin and avidin enabled
      highly specific labeling of the biotin receptors on human hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The nanobioconjugates thus developed exhibited stable
      and brilliant fluorescence upon labeling the biotin receptors on cells as
      observed through fluorescence microscopy. Characterization studies using X-ray
      diffraction, dynamic light scattering as well as Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy revealed the bioconjugated particles to be appropriately
      functionalized and stable, with size ranging from 50 to 80 nm. Cytotoxicity of
      this material system evaluated using MTT, LDH leakage and apoptosis assay
      revealed its non-toxic nature even for high concentrations extending upto 250
      microM and 48 hours of incubation. Our results confirmed that biotinylated ZnS
      nanocrystals offer great potential for highly specific labeling and targeted
      imaging of cancer cells.

PMID- 22097466
TI  - Photocatalytic bactericidal mechanism of nanoscale TiO2 films on Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Two kinds of nanoscale TiO2 films were prepared by magnetron sputtering and
      screen printing methods, respectively. Results show that both phase composition
      and specific surface area of the film affect the photocatalytic bactericidal
      efficiency. Time-series in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation were
      further used to characterize the cellular responses of Escherichia coli (E. coli)
      in photocatalytic process. Some nanosized patches were found on the bacterial
      surface in the forepart of photocatalytic reaction. It suggested that the
      photocatalytic attack induced the self-protection of bacteria at first.
      Subsequently, some cracks on the surface and the enlargement of cell body
      indicated that the cell wall was damaged and lost its structure supporting
      function, and it eventually led to the death of bacteria.

PMID- 22097467
TI  - Single nucleotide variation detection on 3D DNA microarray by ligation of two
      terminal-modified universal probes.
AB  - Exploiting the advantages of three-dimensional (3D) DNA microarray, we put
      forward a novel strategy termed "ligation of two-terminal-modified universal
      probes" for single nucleotide variation (SNV) detection on 3D microarray. By
      performing specific ligation reaction between the unmodified hybridization primer
      with 3' hydroxyl terminus and the universal probe with phosphorylated 5' terminus
      and fluorescently labeled 3' terminus, two point mutations (C3206T and A5301G) in
      the PCR products immobilized on the 3D polyacrylamide gel DNA microarray were
      accurately discriminated. This method can not only maintain the predominance of
      3D DNA microarray as a platform with high through-put, but also can exert this
      predominance to the cases of detecting a small quantity of samples and multiple
      SNVs since four universal probes can be employed to detect all SNVs, therefore,
      it is more feasible for laboratory research and provide an effective tool for
      clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 22097468
TI  - Visualisation of morphological interaction of diamond and silver nanoparticles
      with Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Currently, medicine intensively searches for methods to transport drugs to a
      target (sick) point within the body. The objective of the present investigation
      was to evaluate morphological characteristics of the assembles of silver or
      diamond nanoparticles with Salmonella Enteritidis (G-) or Listeria monocytogenes
      (G+), to reveal possibilities of constructing nanoparticle-bacteria vehicles.
      Diamond nanoparticles (nano-D) were produced by the detonation method.
      Hydrocolloids of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) were produced by electric non
      explosive patented method. Hydrocolloids of nanoparticles (200 microl) were added
      to bacteria suspension (200 microl) in the following order: nano-D + Salmonella
      E.; nano-D + Listeria monocytogenes; nano-Ag + Salmonella E; nano-Ag + Listeria
      monocytogenes. Samples were inspected by transmission electron microscopy.
      Visualisation of nanoparticles and bacteria interaction showed harmful effects of
      both nanoparticles on bacteria morphology. The most spectacular effect of nano-D
      were strong links between nano-D packages and the flagella of Salmonella E. Nano
      Ag were closely attached to Listeria monocytogenes but not to Salmonella E. There
      was no evidence of entering nano-Ag inside Listeria monocytogenes but smaller
      particles were placed inside Salmonella E. The ability of nano-D to attach to the
      flagella and the ability of nano-Ag to penetrate inside bacteria cells can be
      utilized to design nano-bacteria vehicles, being carriers for active substances
      attached to nanoparticles.

PMID- 22097469
TI  - Nano rods for coloured glasses obtained by hybrid sol-gel coating.
AB  - Many new materials are now allowing new properties thanks to nanotechnology
      because this domain of physics gives possibilities to optimize targeted
      properties even if these materials react in very various influential parameters.
      Architectural, automotive, bone pathologies, environment, display applications
      are some concerned domains. The sol-gel process is a method allowing the
      realisation of coats at ambiant temperature, thus it is possible to realize
      Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), water-repellent coatings on privacy glass,
      antireflective coatings, hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces, bone tissue
      regeneration. In this study, the purpose is to show the thermal influence on a
      covered glass with a complex hybrid sol-gel solution. This coated glass is going
      to change color from red to orange under the heat influence. This color change
      effect comes from the evolution of various compounds organizations then/or from
      their loss during the degassing sequence. We show in spite of the complexity of
      the process that the responsible is mainly the organic dye. Thus the structure of
      the heated glass at 250 degrees C looks radically different than the heated one
      at 350 degrees C. SEM measurement allows to identify the surface compositions and
      to determine the elementary composition along the sample's cross section. TGA is
      used to justify a mass loss when samples are annealed. UV/Visible measurement is
      realized by two methods: in-line transmission to evaluate luminous flux and thus
      give colorimetric dot in the normalized CIE diagram and diffuse transmission to
      observe the size influence of the pigments. Infrared Reflectivity allows to
      evaluate the influence of species on the structure and to better target the
      nature of the lost compounds during annealing. TEM measurement proves that the
      obtained iron particles are nano rods for both samples.

PMID- 22097470
TI  - Interface and temperature dependent magnetic properties in permalloy thin films
      and tunnel junction structures.
AB  - Magnetization dynamics and field dependent magnetization of different devices
      based on 25-30 nm thick Permalloy (Py) films: such as single Py layers (Py/MgO;
      Py/CoFeB/Al2O3) and Py inserted as a magnetic layer in magnetic tunnel junctions
      (Py/CoFe/Al2O3/CoFe; Py/CoFeB/Al2O3/CoFe; Py/MgO/Fe) have been extensively
      studied within a temperature range between 300 K down to 5 K. The dynamic
      response was investigated in the linear regime measuring the ferromagnetic
      resonance response of the Py layers using broadband vector network analyzer
      technique. Both the static and the dynamic properties suggest the possible
      presence of a thermally induced spin reorientation transition in the Py interface
      at temperatures around 60 K in all the samples investigated. It seems, however,
      that the details of the interface between Py and the hardening
      ferromagnet/insulator structure, the atomic structure of Py layers (amorphous vs.
      textured) as well as the presence of dipolar coupling through the insulating
      barrier in the magnetic tunnel junction structures could strongly influence this
      low temperature reorientation transition. Our conclusions are indirectly
      supported by structural characterization of the samples by means of X-Ray
      diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques.
      Micromagnetic simulations indicate the possibility of strongly enhanced surface
      anisotropy in thin Py films over CoFe or CoFeB underlayers. Comparison of the
      simulations with experimental results also shows that the thermally-induced spin
      reorientation transition could be influenced by the presence of strong disorder
      at the surface.

PMID- 22097471
TI  - Reverse micelle microstructural transformations induced by surfactant molecular
      structure, concentration, and temperature.
AB  - We have investigated the microstructural transformations of nonionic surfactant
      reverse micelles induced by surfactant molecular architecture, surfactant
      concentration, and temperature in nonaqueous media. The investigations were based
      on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheometry techniques. Polyglycerol
      polyoleic acid esters spontaneously self-assembled into reverse micelle in n
      decane under ambient conditions, whose shape, size, and internal structure could
      be controlled by the surfactant molecular architecture, concentration, and
      temperature. The maximum size of the micelles was found to increase with an
      increase in the hydrophilic headgroup size of the surfactant. On the other hand,
      an opposite trend was observed with an increase in the number of oleate chain per
      surfactant molecules, which was well supported by rheology data; viscosity
      decreased with the number of oleate chain per surfactant molecule. The SAXS and
      rheology data have shown a clear evidence of one dimensional micellar growth with
      increase in the surfactant concentration. The relative viscosity, eta(r), of the
      reverse micelle exhibited steeper concentration dependence behavior than those
      predicted for a dispersion of spherical particles based on the Krieger-Dougherty
      relation which provided a clear evidence of the presence of elongated micelles at
      higher concentration. An ellipsoidal prolate-to-sphere type transition was
      observed upon heating.

PMID- 22097472
TI  - Chiral recognition of mandelic acid by L-MA derivative-modified sensor in liquid
      environment.
AB  - This study demonstrates a new approach for the highly selective molecular
      recognition of chiral mandelic acid using an L-mandelic acid derivative with an
      optically active hydroxyl group as the selector. The proposed method is based on
      quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) detection combined with functional multilayer
      film techniques in a liquid environment. The present chiral recognition results
      suggest that the L-mandelic acid derivative is an excellent resolving agent for
      detecting chiral mandelic acid.

PMID- 22097473
TI  - Chiral zinc phenylalanine nanofibers with fluorescence.
AB  - Chiral Zn(II)/D-,L-phenylalanine (Phe) bio-coordination polymer nanofibers with
      fluorescence were prepared by fast coordination-assisted assembly. The synthetic
      strategy is based on the fact that the Zn2+ ions were linked to oxygen atoms from
      carboxylate groups of the D- or L-amino acid by coordination interactions to form
      the chiral polymers. The Zn(II)/D-,L-Phe nanofibers had homogeneous diameters in
      the range of 700-900 nm and ultra-long length in several hundred micrometers, and
      the surface of the fiber was extremely smooth. In addition, the enantiomers of
      Zn(II)/Phe nanofibers exhibited both optical activity and fluorescent property in
      the solid state, which has great potential for application in the field of
      biomimetic nanofabrication and micro-/nano-optoelectronics.

PMID- 22097474
TI  - Average plasmonic enhancement of molecules-doped Au-NS@SiO2 on fluorescence.
AB  - The average plasmonic enhancement of Au nanoshell (Au-NS) coated by a molecules
      doped silica layer (Au-NS@SiO2) on molecular fluorescence is studied
      theoretically to estimate the overall performance of a large number of Au
      NS@SiO2. Using Mie theory and dyadic Green's functions, analytical solutions of
      the excitation rate and the apparent quantum yield are obtained to calculate the
      enhancement factor of Au-NS@SiO2 on the fluorescence of a molecule with a
      specific orientation and location at a specific excitation wavelength lambda ex
      and an emission wavelength lambda em. Subsequently, the average enhancement
      factor (AEF) is calculated by averaging all possible orientations and locations
      of the molecule. For example, AEF of Au-NS@SiO2 (a3 = 50 nm t2 = 15 nm, t1 = 25
      nm) is 4.544 for a NIR fluorescence at lambda ex = 780 nm and lambda em = 820 nm.
      Our results show that Au-NS is a broadband enhancer for NIR fluorescence; the
      bandwidth and the peak depend on the core size and the thickness of Au shell.

PMID- 22097475
TI  - The effect of tetrafluoromethane plasma post-treatment on the electrical property
      of tungsten oxide nanowires.
AB  - The effects of tetrafluoromethane (CF4) plasma on the surface morphology,
      chemical compositions, and electrical property of tungsten oxide (W18O49)
      nanowires are investigated. The nanostructured tungsten oxide nanowires with
      average length of 250-350 nm were self-catalytically grown on Si substrate. By
      post-treatment with CF4 plasma for 10 min, the W18O49 nanowires on the substrate
      showed the highest current response. Longer CF4 plasma post-treatment time
      demonstrated higher etching effect which demolished the nanowires and resulted in
      lower conductivity of the samples. The disintegration of the W18O49 nanowires
      layer after CF4 plasma treatment, revealed physically by the decrease of the
      average thickness and chemically by the decrease of XRD peak ratio (I 23.0/I
      26.0), was closely related to the overall electrical performance. The etching
      effect was further reveled by Raman spectra showing the evolution of O-W-O and
      W=O characteristics with the increased post-treatment time. Moreover, the
      improvement of the electrical property of W18O49 nanowires was elucidated by the
      exposure rate to explain the mechanism of plasma post treatment in three stages:
      passivation, degradation and ablation. The maximum exposure rate, corresponding
      to the maximum conductivity, was achieved by 10 min of CF4 plasma treatment. The
      time-differentiated exposure analyses confirmed the evolution of resistance of
      W18O49 nanowires on Si with different post-treatment time which supported the
      results of surface characterizations.

PMID- 22097476
TI  - Controlled synthesis and up-conversion emission of rare-earth tri-doped NaYF4
      nanocrystals under femtosecond-laser excitation.
AB  - Cubic nanocrystal and hexagonal micro-rods NaYF4, with predictable size, shape
      and phase, have been successfully synthesized through hydrothermal reaction. The
      growth mechanism and the effect of mass transfer on the morphology of hexagonal
      micro-prism are both discussed in detail. The increase of tri-doping lanthanide
      ion concentration decreased the size of crystal particle, which was explained by
      the Arrhenius rate equation together combined with the Gibbs-Thomson
      relationship. Furthermore, the dopants did not only affect the sizes of tri-doped
      NaYF4 micro-rods, but also impacted upon fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence
      of tri-doped NaYF4: Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ system, excited by an 800 nm femtolaser, was
      intensified with the increase of doped lanthanide ions concentration.
      Nevertheless owing to the fluorescence quenching, the other two systems (NaYF4:
      Nd3+/Ho3+/Er3+ and NaYF4: Nd3+/Tm3+/Er3+) did not show the same phenomenon.

PMID- 22097477
TI  - Size selective excitonic transition energies in strongly confined CdSe quantum
      dots.
AB  - We report on the synthesis of CdSe nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) of different
      radii (R). Size dependent optical properties like increase in the confinement
      energy with decreasing radius for different excitonic transitions are studied.
      Different excitonic transitions are calculated from the second derivative of UV
      vis absorption spectra of as synthesized CdSe QDs. The transitions are assigned
      to specific states by calculating the transition energies using effective mass
      approximation. A close matching of the transition energies with the experiment
      suggesting that the second derivative of the absorption spectra could provide a
      direct knowledge of the electronic transition for the direct band gap
      semiconductor quantum dots.

PMID- 22097478
TI  - Graphene-based nanostructured hybrid materials for conductive and
      superhydrophobic functional coatings.
AB  - A bi-functional, conductive and superhydrophobic, graphene-based nanostructured
      hybrid material was fabricated. In order to construct the bi-functional hybrid
      material, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)
      were introduced. The water contact angle (WCA) of the graphene/POSS/CNT coating
      reached about 155 degrees and its conductivity was about 1-10 S/cm. Such graphene
      based nanostructured hybrid materials could have great potential as an antistatic
      and self-cleaning coating in various applications.

PMID- 22097479
TI  - High-efficiency photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using electrospun
      ZnO nanofibers as catalyst.
AB  - In this work, ZnO nanofibers (ZNFs) were successfully prepared via a simple
      electrospinning technique using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and zinc acetate
      dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2 2H2O) as precursors. The obtained ZNFs have an average
      diameter of ca. 95 nm and are composed of crystalline wurtzite phase. Methylene
      blue (MB) dye was used to investigate the photocatalytic performance of pure
      ZNFs. The study confirms that ZNFs have favorable catalytic activity, and the
      best degradation efficiency of MB can exceed 90% under UV light irradiation for 3
      hours. In addition, we propose a possible photodegradation mechanism.

PMID- 22097480
TI  - Crystallographic phase induced electro-optic properties of nanorod blend nematic
      liquid crystal.
AB  - Ultrasmall ZnS or PbS nanorods encapsulated in fluid-like soft organic
      surfactants show excellent miscibility in the nematic liquid crystal (LC ZLI
      4792) host resulting in a novel soft matter type blend with enhanced electro
      optic properties. The ultranarrow ZnS rods are of wurtzite phase and possess a
      chemical bipolarity and a net dipole moment. The centrosymmetric ultranarrow PbS
      rods possess a finite size and shape dependent inherent dipole moment despite
      their cubic rock-salt structure. When an electric field is applied, the blend
      aligns along the direction of the field producing a local unidirectional
      orientation of the rods and LC directors, and defining a unique axis for the
      system. The local ordering significantly affects the global ordering of the blend
      allowing a more rapid response of the electro-optic properties. The degree and
      switching speed of the blends depend upon the magnitude of dipole moments present
      in the dopant nanorods. We show how a non-mesogenic element designed with
      preferential crystallographic phase can be introduced within a LC for improvement
      of the switching properties of the LC blend. These types of unique blends are a
      model for fundamental conceptual advances in general understanding of interaction
      behaviour leading consequently to a significant technological advancement for
      superior device fabrication.

PMID- 22097481
TI  - Is dye mixture more suitable rather than single dye to fabricate dye sensitized
      solar cell?
AB  - The steady state and time resolved spectroscopic studies reveal that two xanthene
      dyes Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and Rhodamine B (RB), used in the present investigations,
      form ground state hydrogen -bonded complexes with meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)
      porphyrin (TCPP). However, it is apparent that upon photoexcitation the H-bonding
      complexes formed in the ground state decompose into the individual reacting
      components. This presumption was confirmed from the observation of the presence
      of only static quenching mode in the steady state fluorescence of the dyes in
      presence of porphyrin. The photoelectrochemical properties of the free dyes and
      the mixtures of each dye with porphyrin are investigated by measuring incident
      photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) using ZnO electrode and also with
      TiO2 electrode. It is seen that Rhodamine B-porphyrin mixture has attained
      maximum IPCE among the four samples studied at approximately 550 nm using ZnO
      electrode. Using TiO2 electrode, slight improvement in the value of IPCE was
      found for the same mixture. Therefore Rhodamine B-porphyrin mixture may act as a
      good sensitizer for converting solar energy to electrical energy.

PMID- 22097482
TI  - Gold nanoparticle induces masking of amines and some therapeutic implications.
AB  - Citrate capped gold nanoparticles (GNP) are effective in masking protein amines.
      The extent of such masking is quantified using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR)
      spectroscopy. A strong correlation is shown to exist between a shift of amide-II
      peak intensity (1600-1500 cm(-1)) caused by GNP and the number of exposed amines
      in a given protein. The result is validated using eight different proteins. The
      expected out-come of such masking is inhibition of interaction between any
      external ligand and such amines. The prediction is validated using a simple non
      enzymatic glycation of clinically important protein like crystallin.

PMID- 22097483
TI  - Atomic and electronic properties of realizable size single-crystal GaN nanotubes
      by first principles.
AB  - We studied the diameter and wall thickness dependent atomic and electronic
      properties of practical size single-crystal GaN nanotubes using first principle
      calculations. Single-crystal GaN nanotubes are similar to the hexagonal GaN
      nanowires, grown in the [0001] direction with [10-10] facets, except there is an
      axial hexagonal void in them. We first demonstrated that the atomic and
      electronic properties of these tubes are mainly determined by the thickness of
      their wurtzite walls; and their diameters have negligible effects. Then,
      considering the individual walls of GaN nanotubes in two-dimensional slab
      calculations we examine the bond distances, formation energy, band gap, effective
      electron mass and the evolution of electronic density of the states as a function
      of thickness for unsaturated and hydrogen-saturated slabs of GaN. Calculations
      revealed that the unsaturated dangling bonds at the surfaces induce defect states
      in the band gap region of unsaturated tubes. Therefore, regardless of diameter
      and wall thickness, their band gaps are always smaller than that of the bulk GaN.
      However, the band gaps of the hydrogen-saturated tubes are found to be amplified
      with respect to bulk GaN. The amplification in the band gaps as a function of
      wall thickness in the range of 5.6-16.9 A and 16.9-28.1 A scales with a factor of
      1/d(0.9281) and 1/d(1.769), respectively. Our results show that, regardless of
      diameter, hydrogen saturated single-crystal GaN tubes with the wall thickness as
      small as 28.1 A would be stable and they would have a noticeably larger band gap
      with respect to the band gap of bulk GaN.

PMID- 22097484
TI  - The effect of arginine on gold nanoparticles in colloidal solutions and in thin
      films.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous colloidal solutions and their
      interaction with L-arginine solutions at different concentrations was
      investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and
      atomic force microscopy (AFM). The shift towards red of the absorption maximum of
      gold nanoparticles with increasing L-arginine concentration and in time, and the
      apparition of a new large band at higher wavelength evidence the formation of
      assemblies of gold nanoparticles, mediated by the amino acid. TEM images present
      the progress in the building process of supermolecular structures. Further, the
      AFM images show the self assemblies of gold nanoparticles capped with L-arginine
      well ordered in large domains on silanized glass. As a model for the process, we
      suggest that the positively charged guanidinium group of L-arginine is anchored
      on the negative citrate capped gold nanoparticles, while the other two
      functionalities of L-arginine are involved in the bonding between gold
      nanoparticles. The ability of arginine to specifically bind gold nanoparticles
      could lead to an increased ability of proteins, containing arginine, to
      specifically bind to nanogold. Then, they bind other target proteins or different
      ligands underlying numerous biological and medical applications that range from
      nanoscale biosensors, cell-cell communications to targeted delivery of drugs to
      cancer cells.

PMID- 22097485
TI  - Carbon decorative coatings by dip-, spin-, and spray-assisted layer-by-layer
      assembly deposition.
AB  - We performed a comparative surface analysis of all-carbon nano-objects (multiwall
      carbon nanotubes (MWNT) or graphene oxide (GO) sheets) based multilayer coatings
      prepared using three widely used nanofilm fabrication methods: dip-, spin-, and
      spray-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition. The resultant films showed a
      marked difference in their growth mechanisms and surface morphologies. Various
      carbon decorative coatings were synthesized with different surface roughness
      values, despite identical preparation conditions. In particular, smooth to highly
      rough all-carbon surfaces, as determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were readily obtained by manipulating the LbL
      deposition methods. As was confirmed by the AFM and SEM analyses, this finding
      indicated the fundamental morphological evolution of one-dimensional nano-objects
      (MWNT) and two-dimensional nano-objects (GO) by control of the surface roughness
      through the deposition method. Therefore, an analysis of the three LbL-assembly
      methods presented herein may offer useful information about the industrial use of
      carbon decorative coatings and provide an insight into ways to control the
      structures of multilayer coatings by tuning the morphologies of carbon nano
      objects.

PMID- 22097486
TI  - Nanostructure and chemical characterisation of individual NiFe/Pt multilayer
      nanowires.
AB  - NiFe/Pt multilayer nanowires have been successfully fabricated by pulse
      electrodeposition into the channels of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO)
      templates, and characterized at the nanoscale. Individual nanowires have uniform
      structure and regular periodicity. The NiFe and Pt layers are polycrystalline,
      with random orientation fcc lattice structure crystallites and grain sizes 3-10
      nm, and the average layer growth rate is 30 nm/s for NiFe and 4 nm/s for Pt.
      Nanoscale chemical analysis of individual NiFe/Pt nanowires by EDX and EELS shows
      that they contain alternating NiFe and Pt layers, with a small approximately 1%
      inclusion of Pt in the NiFe layer due to electrochemical co-deposition.

PMID- 22097487
TI  - Synthesis and morphological control of europium doped cadmium sulphide
      nanocrystals.
AB  - Europium doped cadmium sulphide (Cd(0.98)Eu(0.2)S) nanostructures were
      synthesised by chemical co-precipitation method using ethylene glycol (EG) and
      deionized water (Eu:CdS-1), and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and deionized water
      (Eu:CdS-2) as mixed solvents. It has been found that the nanostructure of the
      europium doped CdS can be controlled by simply varying the mixed solvent system.
      Powder XRD pattern reveals the formation of hexagonal (wurtzite) and cubic (zinc
      blende) structure for Eu:CdS-1, and Eu:CdS-2, respectively. The crystallite size
      of the sample prepared using IPA and deionized water was measured to be 2.64 nm
      which is much smaller than that of the sample prepared using EG and deionized
      water as mixed solvent (3.65 nm). Morphology of the materials can also be changed
      from flower shaped crystals to paddy like structures by varying the mixed
      solvents. Band gap values of Eu3+ doped CdS nanocrystals synthesized from two
      different solvents were estimated using UV-reflectance spectra. The size and
      crystallinity of the samples were confirmed by HRTEM and SAED analysis. A
      significant change in the PL emission of the CdS nanocrystals was observed for
      the europium doped CdS which is mainly due to the presence of EU3+ ions which
      also play a significant role in the energy transfer process. It was also observed
      that the shift in the emission and efficiency depends on size and shape of the
      synthesised nanoparticles.

PMID- 22097488
TI  - Direct measurements of the Young's modulus of a single halloysite nanotube using
      a transmission electron microscope with a bending stage.
AB  - Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a naturally occurring nanotubular aluminosilicate
      mineral, which has been used to prepare nanocomposites with exceptional
      mechanical properties. In order to understand the roles of nanotubes during the
      deformation and fracture of nanocomposites, a state-of-the-art transmission
      electron microscope (TEM) with a bending stage was used to measure the Young's
      modulus of individual HNTs. TEM micrographs showed that the HNTs were surprising
      flexible and could be bent to almost 90 degrees without fracture. There was no
      observable reduction in the cross-sectional area of the bent HNTs. The findings
      suggest that HNTs, as a nanofiller, have a good potential to be used in high
      performance structural materials, especially polymer-based nanocomposites.

PMID- 22097489
TI  - Microwave-assisted facile synthesis of palladium nanoparticles in HEPES solution
      and their size-dependent catalytic activities to Suzuki reaction.
AB  - Palladium nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized via a rapid and
      facile microwave route in HEPES (2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1
      piperazinyl]ethanesulfonic acid) buffer solution. The shape- and size-controlled
      Pd nanoparticles could be obtained by one-step method without dependence of seed
      mediated growth. The capping agent plays a key role in the formation of Pd NPs
      with different shape and size, which could be tuned by varying capping agents
      such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium
      citrate (Na3(cit)) and potassium bromide (KBr). The size-dependent catalytic
      activities of the obtained Pd NPs for Suzuki coupling reaction were also
      investigated. It demonstrated that the catalytic activity of Pd NPs was enhanced
      regularly with the decrease of particle size. Pd NPs less than 10 nm exhibited
      better catalytic activities for Suzuki reaction than the commercial Pd/C
      catalyst. Pd/MWCNTs and Pd/SBA-15 nanocomposites were also prepared by a facile
      method and afforded good catalytic activity and reusability. This "green"
      synthetic protocol could be used as a general method for the rapid synthesis of
      transition metal nanoparticles.

PMID- 22097490
TI  - The morphology-dependent photocatalysis for rhodamine B degradation over Bi2WO6
      hierarchical nanostructure.
AB  - In this paper, the nanostructured Bi2WO6 with different hierarchical morphologies
      was synthesized via a warmly hydrothermal route. The structure and morphology of
      the as-prepared Bi2WO6 products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),
      field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), UV-vis absorption
      spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and N2-sorption analysis. The photocatalytic efficiency of
      Bi2WO6 was investigated by photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible
      light irradiation. The present work demonstrated that Bi2WO6 with four different
      hierarchical structures was effective visible-light-driven photocatalytic
      functional material for environmental purification. Moreover, the nest-like
      Bi2WO6 exhibited superior photocatalytic effects on rhodamine B degradation
      compared with other three Bi2WO6 morphologies. The excellent catalytic effect of
      the nest-like Bi2WO6 was attributed to its unique structural property and large
      surface area. The relationship between morphology and photocatalytic performance
      was discussed in detail. The photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of RhB
      was also investigated, which revealed the important role of morphology in
      improving the photocatalyitc activities of Bi2WO6.

PMID- 22097491
TI  - Microwave-controlled facile synthesis of well-defined PbS hexapods.
AB  - Controlled synthesis of well-defined PbS nanostructures in terms of size and
      shape has been strongly motivated by their potential applications ranging from
      solar photovoltaics to near-infrared optics. Hereby, we report a facile microwave
      assistant method for ultrafast fabrication of PbS nanostructures, by which
      uniform PbS hexapods with six arms stretching along six (100) directions of the
      crystal seeds have been easily synthesized within minutes. Various morphologies
      including rectangle plates, uniform cubes as well as nanoparticles were obtained
      by tuning the parameters for the formation of PbS nanocrystals. The results
      reveal that both concentration and feed ratio of precursors determine the growth
      of PbS nanocrystals significantly. And higher initial precursor concentration
      favors the formation of the hexapod structures. The process of crystal growth is
      monitored through scanning electron microscopy of PbS from different durations of
      the reaction. This controlled ultrafast synthesis of PbS structures at nanometer
      and micrometer scale with various morphologies may be promising in large scale
      fabrication of nanostructures. Based on the systematically study of the growth
      process, a possible mechanism for the formation of the hexapod-like structure is
      discussed.

PMID- 22097492
TI  - Poly(lactic acid)/graphene nanocomposites prepared via solution blending using
      chloroform as a mutual solvent.
AB  - Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/graphene nanocomposites were prepared by direct solution
      blending of PLA with graphene using chloroform as a mutual solvent. Graphene was
      prepared by a solution-phase processing followed by thermal reduction, which can
      be dispersed stably in chloroform for more than one month. Transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the quality of the dispersion of graphene in
      the PLA matrix. The thermal properties and crystallization behavior of the
      nanocomposites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polar optical microscopy (POM). The
      results showed that the thermal stability of PLA was significantly improved with
      a very low loading of graphene and the addition of graphene had a great effect on
      spherulite morphology of PLA.

PMID- 22097493
TI  - Biomolecule-assisted green route to Sb2S3 crystals with three-dimensional
      dandelionlike patterns.
AB  - This paper describes a simple biomolecule-assisted solvothermal approach to
      fabricate the three-dimensional (3D) Sb2S3 microsphere with a wealth of novel
      morphologies in the presence of L-cysteine, which served as both the sulfur
      source and the directing molecule in the formation of antimony sulfide
      nanostructures. The effects of different solvents, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
      on the morphology, structure, and phase composition of the as-prepared Sb2S3
      products were discussed. The formation of 3D dandelionlike Sb2S3 microsphere was
      probably via the mechanism of the orientated aggregation growth of the Sb2S3
      particles under the complexing action of L-cysteine, and co-action of the
      surfactant PVP. The absorption spectra of as-prepared 3D dandelionlike Sb2S3
      structures show an optical shoulder band gap of 1.81 eV, which is near to the
      optimum for photovoltaic conversion.

PMID- 22097494
TI  - In vitro radiosensitizing effects of ultrasmall gadolinium based particles on
      tumour cells.
AB  - Since radiotherapy is widely used in cancer treatment, it is essential to develop
      strategies which lower the irradiation burden while increasing efficacy and
      become efficient even in radio resistant tumors. Our new strategy is relying on
      the development of solid hybrid nanoparticles based on rare-earth such as
      gadolinium. In this paper, we then evidenced that gadolinium-based particles can
      be designed to enter efficiently into the human glioblastoma cell line U87 in
      quantities that can be tuned by modifying the incubation conditions. These sub-5
      nm particles consist in a core of gadolinium oxide, a shell of polysiloxane and
      are functionalized by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Although
      photoelectric effect is maximal in the [10-100 keV] range, such particles were
      found to possess efficient in-vitro radiosensitizing properties at an energy of
      660 keV by using the "single-cell gel electrophoresis comet assay," an assay that
      measures the number of DNA damage that occurs during irradiation. Even more
      interesting, the particles have been evidenced by MTT assays to be also efficient
      radiosensitizers at an energy of 6 MeV for doses comprised between 2 and 8 Gy.
      The properties of the gadolinium-based particles give promising opening to a
      particle-assisted radio-therapy by using irradiation systems already installed in
      the majority of hospitals.

PMID- 22097495
TI  - Preparation of ethosomes and deformable liposomes encapsulated with 5
      fluorouracil and their investigation of permeability and retention in
      hypertrophic scar.
AB  - With the aim of comparing scar penetration efficiency and retention between
      ethosomes and deformable liposomes both encapsulated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU),
      the 5-FU ethosomal suspensions (5-FU ES, 81.74 +/- 9.37 nm) and the 5-FU
      Deformable Liposomal Suspensions (5-FU DS, 73.7 +/- 9.45 nm) were prepared
      respectively by Touitou method and Cevc method, their sizes were determined by
      Particle Sizer System (PSS), and their entrapment Efficiency (EE) was detected by
      ultracentrifugation and microcolumn centrifugation. Their transdermal delivery
      experiments were done in hypertrophic scars in vitro. The permeated amount of 5
      FU and retention contents of 5-FU were both calculated by High Performance Liquid
      Chromatography (HPLC). Fluorescence intensities of ES and DS labeled with
      Rodanmin 6GO (Rho) were measured by Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM). The control
      groups such as the 5-FU and empty ethosomal vesicles (5-FU + EEV), the 5-FU and
      empty deformable liposomal vesicles (5-FU + EDV) and 5-FU PBS Solution (5-FU Sol)
      were set up. Results showed that, prepared 5-FU ES was 81.74 +/- 9.37 nm in size,
      5-FU DS was 73.7 +/- 9.45 nm, EE of 5-FU ES was 10.95%, EE of 5-FU DS was 15.05%.
      Within 24 hours, in the group of 5-FU ES, the penetration amount of 5-FU in scar
      was 14.12 +/- 0.1 microg/mL/cm2, the retention contents of 5-FU was 10.74 +/-
      1.17 microg/cm2, and the fluorescence intensity of Rho in hypertrophic scar
      tissues were 182 +/- 18.3; in the group of 5-FU DS: the penetration amount of 5
      FU was 12.35 +/- 1.21 microg/mLcm2; the retention contents of 5-FU was 17.48 +/-
      0.82 microg/cm2, and the fluorescence intensity of Rho was 241.45 +/- 7.63; there
      existed statistical difference between penetration amount in the group of 5-FU ES
      and that in the group of 5-FU DS as well as control groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01),
      the penetration amount in the group of ES is markedly higher than DS group or
      control groups. Conversely, the retention contents of 5-FU and the fluorescence
      intensity of Rho in DS group were higher than those in ES group and control
      groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In conclusion, both ES and DS could deliver 5-FU
      into the hypertrophic scars effectively. ES has better permeability of 5-FU than
      DS, DS has higher entrapment efficiency of 5-FU, and more 5-FU deposition in
      hypertrophic scar than ES. We should select ES or DS encapsulated with 5-FU
      according to clinical demand for hypertrophic scar therapy.

PMID- 22097496
TI  - Toxicity of nano gamma alumina to neural stem cells.
AB  - Nano alumina, one of the most important nanomaterials, is widely used in diverse
      areas. It was reported that nano alumina could cross the blood brain barrier to
      enter the brain. Considering aluminum accumulation in brain is closely related to
      many neural diseases. We studied the neural toxicity of four nano gamma-alumina
      samples by using neural stem cells (NSCs) C17.2 as a model. We find that the
      toxicity of nano gamma-alumina is pretty low, though these alumina particles are
      easily internalized by cells. The loss of cell viability and membrane integrity
      are dose-dependent and sample-dependent after alumina exposure. At concentrations
      lower than 100 microg/mL, no significant toxicity is observed for all alumina
      samples. When the concentration reaches 200 microg/mL, alumina treated cells
      begin to loss their activities. No culture period effect (up to 3 days) is
      observed. Very tiny soluble aluminum and the absorption of culture medium
      ingredients onto alumina particles do not affect the cell viability.
      Intracellular reactive oxygen species generation may contribute to the
      cytotoxicity of alumina particles at high concentration, but it does not induce
      the apoptosis of NSCs.

PMID- 22097497
TI  - Interaction between fullerenes and single-wall carbon nanotubes: the influence of
      fullerene size and electronic structure.
AB  - A series of fullerenes and endohedral metallofullerenes peapods have been
      synthesized by supercritical method in high filling rate. The interaction between
      SWNTs and various kinds of fullerenes (C60, C70, C78, C84) and metallofullerenes
      (Gd@C82, Er@C82, Ho@C82, Y@C82) has been further investigated. The slight blue
      shift of G-band in Raman spectra with respect to pristine SWNTs was attributed to
      the charge transfer from SWNTs to fullerenes cage. The obvious RBM shift strongly
      depended on the distance between the inner wall of the SWNTs and the fullerene
      cage and also partly associated with the electronic structure of the fullerene.
      These results indicated that the interaction between fullerenes and SWNTs, which
      was considered to be the van de walls interaction, can be influenced by the cage
      size and the kind of fullerenes.

PMID- 22097498
TI  - Nano-silver mediated polymerization of pyrrole: synthesis and gas sensing
      properties of polypyrrole (PPy)/Ag nano-composite.
AB  - Thermal polymerization of pyrrole was performed using silver nitrate as source of
      silver ions followed by its conversion to Polypyrrole (PPy)/Ag nano-comoposites
      without using any external oxidizing agent or solvent. The formation of PPy was
      monitored by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy showing a band at approximately
      464 nm. XRD measurement confirmed characteristic peaks for face centered cubic
      (fcc) silver and presence of PPy at 2 theta of approximately 23 degrees
      suggesting the formation of PPy/Ag nanocomposite. Transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) images showed non-aggregated spherical Ag nano-particles of
      about 5-10 nm. PPy/Ag thick film acts as a NH3 sensor at 100 degrees C, a H2S
      sensor at 250 degrees C and CO2 sensor at 350 degrees C. The thick films showed
      capability to recognize various gases at different operating temperature.

PMID- 22097499
TI  - Nanostructured H(3+x)PW(12-x)NbxO40 (x = 0-3) Keggin heteropolyacid catalysts.
AB  - Nanostructured H(3+x)PW(12-x)NbxO40 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) Keggin heteropolyacid (HPA)
      catalysts were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and tunneling
      spectroscopy to probe their redox property and oxidation catalysis. STM image
      showed that the HPAs formed two-dimensional well-ordered monolayer arrays on
      graphite surface. In tunneling spectra of the HPAs deposited on graphite, they
      exhibited a distinctive current-voltage behavior referred to as negative
      differential resistance (NDR). NDR peak voltage measured atop HPA molecule was
      then correlated with reduction potential and absorption edge energy determined by
      electrochemical method and UV-visible spectroscopy, respectively. It was revealed
      that NDR peak voltage of the HPAs appeared at less negative voltage with
      increasing reduction potential and with decreasing absorption edge energy. In
      order to correlate NDR peak voltage of H(3+x)PW(12-x)NbxO40 Keggin HPAs with
      oxidation catalysis, oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutyraldehyde to
      methacrolein was carried out as a model reaction. NDR peak voltage of the HPAs
      appeared at less negative voltage with increasing yield for methacrolein.

PMID- 22097500
TI  - TiO2 and SnO2 magnetic nanocomposites: influence of semiconductors and synthetic
      methods on photoactivity.
AB  - A number of reports have been published on use of TiO2 in thin films, magnetic
      nanocomposites, or heterostructures such as TiO2/Ag and TiO2/SnO2, as catalysts
      for water decontamination. Hence, semiconductor materials such as SnO2,
      associated with TiO2 in such nanocomposites, should be assessed in depth for such
      applications, especially those involving complex structures, such as magnetic
      photocatalytic nanocomposites. The present study describes the synthesis,
      characterization and testing of the photocatalytic potential of TiO2 or SnO2
      magnetic nanocomposites obtained by the polymeric precursor and the hydrolytic
      sol-gel methods. The nanocomposites TiO2/CoFe2O4 and SnO2/CoFe2O4 were
      synthesized from polymeric precursors while TiO2/Fe3O4 and SnO2/Fe3O4 were
      synthesized by the hydrolytic sol-gel method. The materials were characterized by
      X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (FEG/SEM) and transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic potentials were evaluated by
      rhodamine B dye photodegradation under UV-C radiation. Compared to SnO2, the
      nanocomposites with a coating of TiO2 were found to show better photocatalytic
      activity, but the SnO2 magnetic nanocomposites showed some photocatalytic
      activity, even though SnO2 is reported to be inactive for these purposes. As for
      the synthesis method, the nanocomposites obtained from polymeric precursors had
      smaller surface areas, but higher photocatalytic activity, than those obtained by
      the hydrolytic sol-gel method. This observation was attributed to the higher
      crystallinity and a more active surface resulting from calcination of the
      polymeric precursor material.

PMID- 22097501
TI  - Crystallization, mechanical properties, and controlled enzymatic degradation of
      biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes
      nanocomposites.
AB  - Biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes
      containing carboxylic groups (f-MWNTs) nanocomposites were prepared via simple
      melt compounding at low f-MWNTs loading in this work. Scanning and transmission
      electron microscopy observations indicate a homogeneous and fine distribution of
      f-MWNTs throughout the PCL matrix. The effect of low f-MWNTs loading on the
      crystallization, mechanical properties, and controlled enzymatic degradation of
      PCL in the nanocomposites were studied in detail with various techniques. The
      experimental results indicate that the incorporation of f-MWNTs enhances both the
      nonisothermal crystallization peak temperature and the overall isothermal
      crystallization rate of PCL in the PCL/f-MWNTs nanocomposites relative to neat
      PCL; moreover, the incorporation of a small quantity of f-MWNTs has improved
      apparently the mechanical properties of the PCL/MWNTs nanocomposites compared to
      neat PCL. The enzymatic degradation of neat PCL and the PCL/f-MWNTs
      nanocomposites at low f-MWNTs loading was studied in detail. The variation of
      weight loss with enzymatic degradation time, the surface morphology change, the
      reduced film thickness, the appearance of f-MWNTs on the surface of the films,
      and the almost unchanged molecular weight after enzymatic degradation suggest
      that the enzymatic degradation of neat PCL and the PCL/f-MWNTs nanocomposites may
      proceed via surface erosion mechanism. The presence of f-MWNTs reduces the
      enzymatic degradation rate of the PCL matrix in the nanocomposites compared with
      that of the pure PCL film.

PMID- 22097502
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of CLEA-lysozyme immobilized PS/PSMA nanofiber.
AB  - Using 0.2% glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker, lysozyme was covalently
      immobilized onto electrospun polystyrene/poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)
      (PS/PSMA) nanofibers as cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA). The lysozyme
      capacity of PS/PSMA nanofibers under optimal condition was 57.6 mg/g of
      nanofibers. Various parameters were used to evaluate the stability of the
      immobilized CLEA-lysozyme. Compared to free enzyme, the immobilized CLEA-lysozyme
      exhibited its optimal enzymatic activity at higher temperature and pH. The
      immobilized CLEA-lysozyme maintained more than 78% of its initial activity during
      30 days of storage period. Additionally, the immobilized CLEA-lysozyme presented
      a high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The durability
      determinations of such nanofibers showed 90.3% retention of the initial lysozyme
      activity after 80 consecutive reuses, and 81.2% of bacteriostasis ratio after 10
      cycles. The results of this study suggest that CLEA-lysozyme immobilized
      nanofiber which can stabilize its enzymatic activity through cross-linking
      immobilization can be beneficial for various antibacterial processes.

PMID- 22097503
TI  - Tough yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic by low-temperature spark plasma
      sintering of long-term stored nanopowders.
AB  - Weakly agglomerated 1.75 and 3 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia nanopowders were
      used in this study after six years of storage in vacuum-processed plastic
      containers. The proper storage conditions of the Y-TZP nanopowders avoided the
      hard agglomeration. Untreated and bead-milled nanopowders were used to obtain
      dense ceramics by slip casting and subsequent low-temperature sintering. Fully
      dense nanostructured 1.75Y-TZP and 3Y-YZP ceramics with and without doping of 1
      wt% Al2O3 were produced by an optimized spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique at
      the temperatures of 1050-1150 degrees C at a pressure of 100 MPa. The SPS has
      revealed the clear advantage of consolidation of the weakly agglomerated
      nanopowders without preliminary deagglomeration. The Vickers hardness of both the
      low-temperature and spark plasma sintered samples was found to lie in the range
      of 10.98-13.71 GPa. A maximum fracture toughness of 15.7 MPa m(1/2) (average
      14.23 MPa m(1/2)) was achieved by SPS of the 1.75Y-TZP ceramic doped with 1 wt%
      Al2O3 whereas the toughness of the 3Y-TZP ceramics with and without alumina
      doping was found to vary between 3.55 and 5.5 MPa m(1/2).

PMID- 22097504
TI  - Ni2+ doped indium oxide nanocubes: doped contents inducing transferring of their
      intrinsic magnetisms.
AB  - A series of Ni2+ doped indium oxide nanocubes with different Ni2+ contents
      (nominally from 3 at.% to 20 at.%) were prepared by direct solvothermal method.
      We found that the highest Ni2+ doped percentage was 20 at.% in the experiment and
      crystalline sizes of these Ni2+ doped indium oxide specimens linearly increased
      with increments of doped contents and then decreased. Meanwhile, their magnetisms
      were also transferred from ferromagnetism to paramagnetic properties due to the
      stronger Ni-O-Ni paramagnetic chemical bonds. HRTEM, SAED and XRD further
      confirmed their magnetic properties were intrinsic and not caused by second
      impure phases.

PMID- 22097505
TI  - Surface nanostructuring of boron-doped diamond films and their electrochemical
      performance.
AB  - Uniform and vertically aligned nanocone and nanopillar arrays were successfully
      constructed on heavily boron-doped nanocrysatlline diamond films by carrying out
      bias-assisted reactive ion etching in hydrogen/argon plasmas. The electrochemical
      properties of the nanostructured boron-doped diamond films were investigated by
      cyclic voltammetry using 1 mM [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) as redox couple. Compared to the
      planar boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond film electrode, the surface
      nanostructuring of boron-doped diamond film electrodes demonstrate enhanced
      sensitivity due to their enlarged electro-active surface areas. The results
      indicated that boron-doped diamond nanocones and nanopillars are promising
      electrode materials which benefit to improve the efficiency, sensitivity and
      reproducibility of biomedical and chemical sensors.

PMID- 22097506
TI  - From nanotubes to nano-cocoons with coiled pore channels.
AB  - Silica nanotubes with coiled pore channels and hollow spheres with coiled or
      concentric circular pore channels have been prepared using the self-assemblies of
      chiral cationic amphiphiles as templates. However, the relationship among these
      morphologies and pore architectures has not been well studied. For a better
      understanding the relationship, silica nanostructures were systematically
      prepared by tuning the reaction conditions. With increasing the stirring rate,
      silica nanotube with coiled pore channels changed to linked nano-cocoon with
      coiled pore channels. With increasing the concentration of the reaction mixture,
      the morphology changed from sphere to linked cocoon, and then to nanorod with
      lamellar mesopores on the surface. Transmission electron microscopy images taken
      after different reaction times indicated a cooperation mechanism.

PMID- 22097507
TI  - Comparison studies between hydrogenation and oxidation of MWNTs followed by acid
      treatment.
AB  - MWNTs obtained using iron catalyst and ethylene as a carbon source were submitted
      to a purification procedure. To purify these materials from amorphous carbon two
      parallel methods--based on either hydrogen or air treatment--were applied. At the
      second purification stage iron particles were removed using 1 M or 5 M nitric or
      hydrochloric acids. The phase composition of the samples was determined using X
      ray diffraction method. The sample morphology was characterized using a high
      resolution transmission electron microscopy. The relative fraction of impurities
      in the samples was estimated by Raman spectroscopy and the quantitative analysis
      of metal impurity content was validated by means of thermogravimetric analysis.

PMID- 22097508
TI  - Enhanced mechanical properties of electrospun nano-fibers through NaCl mediation.
AB  - Electrospun (ES) nano-scale polymer fibers are known to exhibit lower Young's
      modulus and strength than their bulk counterpart. We have discovered that minute
      additions of sodium chloride (NaCl) during the preparation stage of ES polymethyl
      methacrylate (PMMA) fibers raises the fiber mechanical properties in a
      significant way, nearly up to bulk values, over a range of diameters. NaCl
      induced electrical effects leading to enhanced molecular alignment during nano
      fiber formation is the most likely explanation for this synergistic effect.
      Moreover, beyond the now-recognized rise in Young's modulus values, we observed
      that the strength and tensile toughness of the ES fibers also significantly
      increase at progressively smaller diameters.

PMID- 22097509
TI  - Mono-disperse silver quantum dots modified formvar film.
AB  - Formvar films were treated with different doses of silver ions implantation. The
      implanted silver ions were found to form silver quantum dots (AgQDs) uniformly
      distributed in the formvar films. While density of the AgQDs increases as the
      implantation dose increases, their sizes are not sensitive to the dose. It was
      found that the formvar films implanted with AgQDs have excellent bacteria killing
      capability. The same implantation approach can also be extended for application
      in other matrices. As an example, ZnS nanoribbon was implanted with the same
      approach to obtain uniformly distributed AgQDs with monodispersed size.

PMID- 22097510
TI  - Facile microwave-combustion synthesis of wurtzite CdS nanoparticles.
AB  - In this study we first report microwave-combustion synthesis of faceted CdS
      nanoparticles by using cadmium thiocyanate complex as a single source precursor.
      This is the first example of a metal-thiocyanate (M-SCN) complex being used as a
      source for metal sulfides (M-S) preparation in a microwave-combustion process.
      The synthesized CdS was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field
      mission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission
      electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The by-product assisted combustion synthesis yields
      CdS nanoparticles with the mixtures of octahedral geometries, hexagonal, and
      triangle plate morphologies and the sizes were found to be 100 nm to 5 microm.
      The XRD patterns imply the formation of well crystallized wurtzite CdS. The
      influence of cadmium and sulfur precursors and microwave irradiation time on the
      morphology of CdS nanoparticle was also investigated. The cadmium and sulfur
      precursors strongly influenced the CdS morphology and increasing the microwave
      irradiation time and intensity has no effect on the CdS morphology. In addition,
      a plausible mechanism of CdS nanoparticle formation has been proposed in this
      research.

PMID- 22097511
TI  - Metalcones: hybrid organic-inorganic films fabricated using atomic and molecular
      layer deposition techniques.
AB  - Hybrid organic-inorganic films can be deposited using atomic layer deposition
      (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) techniques. A special set of hybrid
      organic-inorganic films based on metal precursors and various organic alcohols
      yields metal alkoxide films that can be described as "metalcones." Many metalcone
      films are possible such as the "alucones" and "zincones" based on the reaction of
      trimethylaluminum and diethylzinc, respectively, with various organic alcohols
      such as ethylene glycol (EG). This paper reviews the previous work on metalcone
      MLD and discusses a variety of new metalcone systems. "Titanicones" are grown
      using TiCl4 and glycerol or EG and "zircones" are grown using zirconium tetra
      tert-butoxide and EG. In addition, the organic alcohol can also be varied to
      change the properties within one metalcone family. For example, the glycerol
      triol precursor allows for more cross-linking and higher toughness in alucones
      than the EG diol precursor. Alloys can also be formed by combining metalcone MLD
      and metal oxide ALD. By varying the relative number of cycles of MLD and ALD, the
      composition and properties of the hybrid organic-inorganic films can be tuned
      from pure metalcone MLD to pure metal oxide ALD.

PMID- 22097512
TI  - Synthesis of active carbon-based catalysts by chemical vapor infiltration for
      nitrogen oxide conversion.
AB  - Direct reduction of nitrogen oxides is still a challenge. Strong efforts have
      been made in developing noble and transition metal catalysts on microporous
      support materials such as active carbons or zeolites. However, the required
      activation energy and low conversion rates still limit its breakthrough.
      Furthermore, infiltration of such microporous matrix materials is commonly
      performed by wet chemistry routes. Deep infiltration and homogeneous precursor
      distribution are often challenging due to precursor viscosity or electrostatic
      shielding and may be inhibited by pore clogging. Gas phase infiltration, as an
      alternative, can resolve viscosity issues and may contribute to homogeneous
      infiltration of precursors. In the present work new catalysts based on active
      carbon substrates were synthesized via chemical vapor infiltration. Iron oxide
      nano clusters were deposited in the microporous matrix material. Detailed
      investigation of produced catalysts included nitrogen oxide adsorption, X-ray
      diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray
      spectroscopy. Catalytic activity was studied in a recycle flow reactor by time
      resolved mass spectrometry at a temperature of 423 K. The infiltrated active
      carbons showed very homogeneous deposition of iron oxide nano clusters in the
      range of below 12 to 19 nm, depending on the amount of infiltrated precursor. The
      specific surface area was not excessively reduced, nor was the pore size
      distribution changed compared to the original substrate. Catalytic nitrogen
      oxides conversion was detected at temperatures as low as 423 K.

PMID- 22097513
TI  - Remote plasma processing of sapphire substrates for deposition of TiN and TiO2.
AB  - The paper uses remote plasma assisted deposition, oxidation and nitridation
      processes for depositing thin films of metallic TiN on crystalline sapphire
      (0001) substrates. These films on sapphire substrates are being studied as window
      materials for high power radio frequency (RF) power tubes. A sequence of four
      process steps has been performed in a reactor chamber that isolates the
      deposition and surface-processing chamber from the plasma generation region. The
      chamber is part of an ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) compatible multi-chamber cluster in
      which the sequence of four process steps can be interrupted after each step, and
      surface chemistry changes can be identified by in-line Auger electron
      spectroscopy (AES). The four process steps, performed after an ex-situ chemical
      clean and blow-dry in nitrogen gas, are (i) a remote plasma-assisted oxidation
      (RPAO) in which surface contaminants including adventitious carbon are removed;
      (ii) a remote plasma-assisted nitridation (RPAN) process which forms a
      superficial layer of generic AION used to increase surface adhesion of the TiN
      films; (iii) a remote plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (RPECVD) process
      for deposition of 2 to 5 nm thick TiN films, and finally (iv) a second RPAN step
      that increases the ratio of Ti-N bonding in the TiN films with respect to
      adventitious O-atom incorporation from the Ti precursor, Ti tetra-butoxide.

PMID- 22097514
TI  - Formation of fractal structures from silicon dioxide nanoparticles synthesized by
      RF atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - Fractal structures were formed on silicon substrates from SiO2 nanoparticles
      homogeneously synthesized in low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma from
      tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). RF discharge (power absorbed was about 10 W) sustained
      between two parallel mesh electrodes was used to generate plasma. The average
      size of nanoparticles was in the range of 8-20 nm and was determined by process
      parameters. The obtained products were analyzed by SEM (scanning electron
      microscopy) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Values of fractal
      dimension parameter of bidimensionals agglomerates formed on the substrate
      surface from nanoparticles were calculated with the use of Gwyddion and others.
      It was found that values of this parameter of the deposited structures varied in
      the range of 1.48-2 and were determined by combination of the process parameters.
      An empirical model explaining mechanism of the fractal structures formation and
      variation of the fractal dimension parameter with the process parameters was
      proposed.

PMID- 22097515
TI  - Remote plasma enhanced chemical deposition of non-crystalline GeO2 on Ge and Si
      substrates.
AB  - Non-crystalline GeO2 films remote were plasma deposited at 300 degrees C onto Ge
      substrates after a final rinse in NH4OH. The reactant precursors gas were: (i)
      down-stream injected 2% GeH4 in He as the Ge precursor, and (ii) up-stream,
      plasma excited O2-He mixtures as the O precursor. Films annealed at 400 degrees C
      displayed no evidence for loss of O resulting in Ge sub-oxide formation, and for
      a 5-6 eV mid-gap absorption associated with formation of GeOx suboxide bonding, x
      < 2. These films were stable in normal laboratory ambients with no evidence for
      reaction with atmospheric water. Films deposited on Ge and annealed at 600
      degrees C and 700 degrees C display spectra indicative of loss of O-atoms,
      accompanied with a 5.5 eV absorption. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and many
      electron theory are combined to describe symmetries and degeneracies for O
      vacancy bonding defects. These include comparisons with remote plasma-deposited
      non-crystalline SiO2 on Si substrates with SiON interfacial layers. Three
      different properties of remote plasma GeO2 films are addressed comparisons
      between (i) conduction band and band edge states of GeO2 and SiO2, and (ii)
      electronic structure of O-atom vacancy defects in GeO2 and SiO2, and differences
      between (iii) annealing of GeO2 films on Ge substrates, and Si substrates
      passivated with SiON interfacial transition regions important for device
      applications.

PMID- 22097516
TI  - Nanosynthesis of tunable composite materials by room-temperature pulsed focused
      electron beam induced chemical vapour deposition.
AB  - Hydrocarbons inherently present in standard high-vacuum scanning electron
      microscopes can be favorably used for co-deposition with functional molecules
      injected into the chamber. By varying the beam exposure pulse time the carbon
      content incorporated into the deposit can be tuned. In the particular case when
      the hydrocarbons are provided by surface diffusion, the composition depends also
      on the size of the final deposits. This dependency can be used as an additional
      parameter, besides the beam pulse time, in order to tune the metal/matrix ratio
      and to obtain new nanoscale materials with tailored physical properties. We
      present and discuss experimental results on composition tunability by pulsed
      electron-beam deposition for the two-adsorbate system Co2(CO)8/hydrocarbon and
      their use in fabricating Hall nanosensors of cobalt-carbon nanocomposite material
      with enhanced magnetic sensitivity and high magnetic spatial resolution.

PMID- 22097517
TI  - Multiscale analysis of silicon carbide-chemical vapor deposition process.
AB  - A kinetic study, which was performed by using multi-scale (a macro and a micro
      scale) analysis, is presented in order to determine the reaction mechanism of the
      chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of silicon carbide (SiC) from CH3SiCl3 (MTS)/H2
      gaseous mixture. The multi-scale analysis provides two well-defined reaction
      fields, corresponding to the flat substrates placed in a hot wall reactor and
      micro trenches on the substrate surface, with centimeter and submicron
      characteristic length scales, respectively. The microcavity method is a micro
      scale analysis used to study the relative contributions of gas-phase and surface
      reactions to the SiC growth, and to determine the sticking probability of growth
      species in CVD reaction systems. From the macro-scale analysis, activation energy
      of the growth rate was estimated to be 43.0 kcal/mol at the up-stream part and
      the sticking probability was estimated to be 9.5 x 10(-7) at 1273 K and 6.8 x 10(
      6) at 1373 K. On the other hand, we examined a sticking probability (eta) and the
      reaction mechanism by using the microcavity method. From the micro-scale
      analysis, we found that at least two growth species, a stable intermediate 1 (eta
      1, = 1.3 x 10(-3) at 1273 K and 4.5 x 10(-3) at 1373 K) and a highly active
      intermediate 2 (eta 2 = 2.0 x 10(-1) at 1273 K and 5.4 x 10(-1) at 1373 K), are
      formed as byproducts of the gas-phase reaction. Activation energy of the sticking
      probability was 43.9 kcal/mol in the case of the intermediate 1 and 34.5 kcal/mol
      in the case of the intermediate 2. We could also confirm that the source
      precursor, MTS, was not the film growth species. Another analytical model based
      on Monte Carlo simulations correlates the film profile in the microcavity to the
      sticking probability of the deposition species. The combination of these two
      analysis techniques presents an overall picture of the reaction scheme.

PMID- 22097518
TI  - Atomic layer deposition ultra-barriers for electronic applications-strategies and
      implementation.
AB  - We show that Al2O3 thin films, grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on
      polyester, are ultrabarriers with moisture permeation <10(-5) g-H2O/m2-day, as
      determined after aging for more than three years. We present evidence that the
      mechanism for gas permeation in ALD Al2O3 films is not due to pinholes, but that
      the onset of permeation occurs abruptly, analogous to electrical breakdown in
      oxide thin films. We show that the permeation onset time increases for thicker
      Al2O3 films and higher ALD process temperature, for which the hydrogen defect
      concentration in Al2O3 films is less. Further, we show that mild plasma treatment
      of the polyester, prior to ALD deposition of Al2O3, makes the surface more
      hydrophilic and reduces moisture permeation compared to an untreated surface.
      Similarly, ALD deposition on the bare or non-slip side of the polyester film is
      preferred for low permeation.

PMID- 22097519
TI  - Comparison of characteristics of fluorine doped zinc and gallium tin oxide
      composite thin films deposited on stainless steel 316 bipolar plate by electron
      cyclotron resonance-metal organic chemical vapor deposition for proton exchange
      membrane fuel cells.
AB  - In order to replace the brittle graphite bipolar plates currently used for the
      PEMFC stack, coated SUS 316 was employed. As a metallic bipolar plate, coated SUS
      316 can provide higher mechanical strength, better durability to shocks and
      vibration, less permeability, improved thermal and bulk electrical conductivity,
      as well as being thinner and lighter. To enhance the interfacial contact
      resistance and corrosion resistance of SUS 316, the deposition of GTO:F and ZTO:F
      composite films was carried out by ECR-MOCVD. The surface morphology of the films
      consisted of tiny elliptically shaped grains with a thickness of 1 microm. The
      corrosion current for GTO:F was 0.13 Acm(-2) which was much lower than that of
      bare SUS 316 (50.16 Acm(-2)). The GTO:F coated film had the smallest corrosion
      current due to the formation of a tight surface morphology with very few pin
      holes. The GTO:F coated film exhibited the highest cell voltage and power density
      due to its lower ICR values.

PMID- 22097520
TI  - An automatic system using mobile-agent software to model the calculation process
      of a chemical vapor deposition film deposition simulator.
AB  - We have developed an automatic modeling system for calculation processes of the
      simulator to reproduce experimental results of chemical vapor deposition (CVD),
      in order to decrease the calculation cost of the simulator. Replacing the
      simulator by the mathematical models proposed by the system will contribute
      towards decreasing the calculation costs for predicting the experimental results.
      The system consists of a mobile agent and two software resources in computer
      networks, that is, generalized modeling software and a simulator reproducing
      cross-sections of the deposited films on the substrates with the micrometer- or
      nanometer-sized trenches. The mobile agent autonomously creates appropriate
      models by moving to and then operating the software resources. The models are
      calculated by partial least squares regression (PLS), quadratic PLS (QPLS) and
      error back propagation (BP) methods using artificial neural networks (ANN) and
      expresses by mathematical formulas to reproduce the calculated results of the
      simulator. The models show good reproducibility and predictability both for
      uniformity and filling properties of the films calculated by the simulator. The
      models using the BP method yield the best performance. The filling property data
      are more suitable to modeling than film uniformity.

PMID- 22097521
TI  - Textured tetragonal ZrO2 film grown on (100) silicon surface by DLI metal-organic
      chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - Zirconia (ZrO2) thin films with micronic layer thickness are deposited on Si(100)
      substrates by MOCVD in a cold wall reactor using direct injection (DLI-CVD)
      process with Zr2(OiPr)6(thd)2 precursor diluted in cyclohexane. The effects of
      experimental parameters such as substrate's temperature, injection frequency,
      oxygen partial pressure in the reactive chamber and deposition duration of the
      process are investigated in order to produce a strongly textured tetragonal ZrO2
      film. The films crystalline structure and crystallite size (several nm) are
      identified by Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD); the microstructure and
      morphology are observed with the use of FEG-SEM. GIXRD patterns showed the
      predominance of nano-crystallized tetragonal phase (or cubic) in the films. Pole
      figures have been analysed for both {111}(t-c) and {200}(t-c) planes in order to
      evaluate the relationship binding the preferential crystallographic orientation
      to the column-like growth structure. Besides, the internal stresses levels (with
      the use of sin2 psi method) within zirconia layers varied from a compressive to a
      tensile state depending on the experimental deposition conditions and are related
      to phase orientation and/or transformation into monoclinic one. It is
      demonstrated that high temperature, low pressure and low deposition time enhanced
      the tetragonal phase quality that became highly (200)t textured.

PMID- 22097522
TI  - Electrochromic and optical study of atmospheric pressure chemical vapour
      deposition MoO3-Cr2O3 films.
AB  - Electrochromism (EC) is a phenomenon in which materials are able to change their
      optical properties in a reversible and persistent way under the action of a
      voltage pulse. The studied MoO3-Cr2O3 films are obtained by atmospheric pressure
      CVD. Mixing MoO3 films with Cr2O3 is expected to enhance optical transparency and
      to modulate electrochromic properties of MoO3 films. In the present work, the
      study is focused on the morphological, structural and optical properties of MoO3
      Cr2O3 films as a function of annealing temperatures. Raman spectroscopy and
      optical spectrophotometry are used for the film characterization. The mixed oxide
      films obtained on ordinary glass substrates show transmittance values in the
      range of 70-80%. Surface morphology is analyzed by SEM and AFM methods. The
      microanalysis of MoO3-Cr2O3 films reveals uniform distribution of the elements,
      which is a sign of homogeneous structure.

PMID- 22097523
TI  - In-line silicon epitaxy for photovoltaics using a continous chemical vapour
      deposition reactor.
AB  - Thin film solar cell techniques can effectively reduce the costs for photovoltaic
      solar power. However, most of these techniques still have the disadvantage of a
      comparatively low efficiency. One way to realize a thin film solar cell concept
      with high efficiency potential is the crystalline silicon thin-film (cSiTF)
      concept. Following the high-temperature approach, this concept is based on a
      silicon epitaxy process. This paper reports the current status of the development
      of a high throughput epitaxy tool at Fraunhofer ISE and presents first results.
      Also presented is the development of a simulation tool which is a virtual image
      of the real setup in order to forecast save deposition conditions. The presented
      epitaxy tool is the ConCVD (Continuous Chemical Vapour Deposition), in which an
      improved reactor setup has been installed, based on the experience gained so far.
      To provide insight into upcoming further advances, the industrial scale epitaxy
      tool ProConCVD is presented as well.

PMID- 22097524
TI  - Real-time ellipsometric characterization of the initial growth stage of poly(3,4
      ethylene dioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonic acid) films by electrospray
      deposition.
AB  - Kinetic spectroscopic ellipsometry have been used to study the initial growth
      stage of poly(3,4-polyethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic
      acid)(PEDOT:PSS) films by the electrospray deposition (ESD) method. The real-time
      spectra analysis revealed that the surface overlayer decreased in thickness once
      the first bulk layer monolayer was formed, indicating a smoothening effect as the
      nucleation-related microstructure coalesced into the bulk layer. Once the
      coalescence was completed and the nucleation-induced surface roughness layer was
      stabilized, the underlying bulk layer increased linearly with time. These results
      originate from the degrees of the evaporation of solvent material during the
      transferring the precursors to the surface and/or of the diffusion of deposition
      precursors after sticking at the growing surface.

PMID- 22097525
TI  - Surface modification of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxthiophene):poly(styrene sulfonic
      acid) (PEDOT:PSS) films by atmospheric-pressure argon plasma for organic thin
      film solar cells.
AB  - Highly-conductive poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonic acid)
      (PEDOT:PSS) films obtained by the addition of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and the
      argon plasma exposure were used as a transparent conductive anode (TCA) for
      copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc)/C60 organic thin-film solar cells (OSCs). The
      CuPc/C60 OSCs on as-grown DMSO added PEDOT:PSS layer showed a power efficiency of
      0.6%, whereas it was improved markedly to 1.34% after the atmospheric-pressure
      argon plasma exposure, which was comparable to that formed on indium-tin-oxide
      layer. Effects of the DMSO addition and the argon plasma exposure in the spin
      coated PEDOT:PSS films is demonstrated in terms of the in-depth characterization
      of optical and electrical properties.

PMID- 22097526
TI  - SiGe epitaxy on a 300 mm batch furnace.
AB  - This work reports the feasibility of silicon and silicon germanium epitaxy using
      an ASM A412(TMa) LPCVD all quartz, hot wall, vertical batch furnace reactor using
      100 wafer product loads. The very same furnace can be used for 25 wafer and 200
      wafer load size, without any hardware changes, dependant on production needs.
      Following this approach a significant cost reduction for epitaxy in 300 mm high
      volume manufacturing is possible and enables new applications. The native oxide
      of the substrate was removed by wet chemical cleaning with time coupling of less
      than 1 h and subsequent in-situ low pressure hydrogen anneal prior to Si or SiGe
      deposition. The epitaxial layers were grown using silane and germane. The Si and
      SiGe layers have been characterized with ToFSIMS, XRD, Raman, AFM and TEM
      confirming excellent crystalline quality, layer thickness and within wafer SiGe
      stoichiometry uniformity.

PMID- 22097527
TI  - An automatic modeling system of the reaction mechanisms for chemical vapor
      deposition processes using real-coded genetic algorithms.
AB  - The identification of appropriate reaction models is very helpful for developing
      chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In this study, we have developed an
      automatic system to model reaction mechanisms in the CVD processes by analyzing
      the experimental results, which are cross-sectional shapes of the deposited films
      on substrates with micrometer- or nanometer-sized trenches. We designed the
      inference engine to model the reaction mechanism in the system by the use of real
      coded genetic algorithms (RCGAs). We studied the dependence of the system
      performance on two methods using simple genetic algorithms (SGAs) and the RCGAs;
      the one involves the conventional GA operators and the other involves the blend
      crossover operator (BLX-alpha). Although we demonstrated that the systems using
      both the methods could successfully model the reaction mechanisms, the RCGAs
      showed the better performance with respect to the accuracy and the calculation
      cost for identifying the models.

PMID- 22097528
TI  - Growth of TiO2 with thermal and plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition.
AB  - We show a comparative study of the TiO2 ALD with TTIP and either O2 or O2-plasma
      on Si/SiO2 substrates. In particular we compare the surface morphology and
      crystalline phase by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron
      Spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) for different O2
      plasma procedures upon changing the time between cycles and the N2-purging
      pressure. The AFM images show that already these parameters may induce structural
      changes in the TiO2 films grown by ALD, with the formation of crystallites with
      average lateral width varying between 15 and 80 nm. By means of XAS we also found
      that the crystallites have mixed anatase and rutile crystalline phases and that
      smaller crystallites have a greater rutile component than the larger ones.

PMID- 22097529
TI  - Kinetics of SiHCl3 chemical vapor deposition and fluid dynamic simulations.
AB  - Though most of the current silicon photovoltaic technology relies on
      trichlorosilane (SiHCl3) as a precursor gas to deposit Si, only a few studies
      have been devoted to the investigation of its gas phase and surface kinetics. In
      the present work we propose a new kinetic mechanism apt to describe the gas phase
      and surface chemistry active during the deposition of Si from SiHCl3. Kinetic
      constants of key reactions were either taken from the literature or determined
      through ab initio calculations. The capability of the mechanism to reproduce
      experimental data was tested through the implementation of the kinetic scheme in
      a fluid dynamic model and in the simulation of both deposition and etching of Si
      in horizontal reactors. The results of the simulations show that the reactivity
      of HCl is of key importance in order to control the Si deposition rate. When HCl
      reaches a critical concentration in the gas phase it starts etching the Si
      surface, so that the net deposition rate is the net sum of the adsorption rate of
      the gas phase precursors and the etching rate due to HCl. In these conditions the
      possibility to further deposit Si is directly related to the rate of consumption
      of HCl through its reaction with SiHCl3 to give SiCl4. The proposed reaction
      mechanism was implemented in a 3D fluid dynamic model of a simple Siemens
      reactor. The simulation results indicate that the proposed interpretation of the
      growth process applies also to this class of reactors, which operate in what can
      be defined as a mixed kinetic-transport controlled regime.

PMID- 22097530
TI  - A sub-atmospheric chemical vapor deposition process for deposition of oxide liner
      in high aspect ratio through silicon vias.
AB  - The formation of a Through Silicon Via (TSV) includes a deep Si trench etching
      and the formation of an insulating layer along the high-aspect-ratio trench and
      the filling of a conductive material into the via hole. The isolation of the
      filling conductor from the silicon substrate becomes more important for higher
      frequencies due to the high coupling of the signal to the silicon. The importance
      of the oxide thickness on the via wall isolation can be verified using
      electromagnetic field simulators. To satisfy the needs on the Silicon dioxide
      deposition, a sub-atmospheric chemical vapor deposition (SA-CVD) process has been
      developed to deposit an isolation oxide to the walls of deep silicon trenches.
      The technique provides excellent step coverage of the 100 microm depth silicon
      trenches with the high aspect ratio of 20 and more. The developed technique
      allows covering the deep silicon trenches by oxide and makes the high isolation
      of TSVs from silicon substrate feasible which is the key factor for the
      performance of TSVs for mm-wave 3D packaging.

PMID- 22097531
TI  - Chemical activity of oxygen atoms in the magnetron sputter-deposited ZnO films
      during film growth.
AB  - The role of oxygen atoms in the growth of magnetron sputter-deposited ZnO films
      was studied in a deposition and post-deposition study in which the deposition of
      a several-nanometer-thick ZnO layer altered with an exposure to an O2/Ar mixed
      plasma, i.e., a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. The film crystallization was
      promoted by suppressing the oxygen vacancy and interstitial defects by adjusting
      the exposure conditions of the O2/Ar plasma. These findings suggest that the
      chemical potential of the oxygen atom influences the film crystallization and the
      electronic state. The diffusion and effusion of oxygen atoms at the growing
      surface have an effect similar to that of thermal annealing, promoted film
      crystallization and the creation and the annihilation of oxygen- and zinc-related
      defects. The role of oxygen atoms reaching the growing film surface is discussed
      in terms of chemical annealing and a possible oxygen diffusion mechanism is
      proposed.

PMID- 22097532
TI  - Determination of the surface diffusion coefficient and the residence time of
      adsorbates via local focused electron beam induced chemical vapour deposition.
AB  - In this paper we present a model for local gas assisted focused electron beam
      induced deposition which allows estimating the surface diffusion coefficient and
      the residence time of volatile precursor adsorbates. Elaborating the existing
      continuum model for one adsorbate species and using a novel set of parameters we
      simplified the differential equation describing the dynamics of this process. We
      will show that stationary exposure experiments do not allow for a unique
      determination of the parameters residence time, surface diffusion coefficient,
      and net cross-section. Rather an estimation of parameter windows is possible by
      assuming meaningful values for the electron dissociation cross section. The model
      was applied to the experimental results for Cu(hfac)2 as a gas precursor.

PMID- 22097533
TI  - Superhydrophilic and tribological improvements of polymeric surfaces via plasma
      enhanced chemical vapor deposition ceramic coatings.
AB  - The main object of this study is the treatment of polymeric (PVC, PC) surfaces
      with the aim of inducing enhanced superhydrophilic characteristics together with
      nanohardness features; this would allow polymeric surfaces to have longer
      durability and prevent the accumulation of dirt on the surface which could
      disable the proper use of these polymeric surfaces. Indeed plastic surfaces are
      difficult substrates to be covered effectively and functionalized, mainly due to
      their high sensitivity to heat treatments and irradiation in the UV-Vis range
      together with their inert behavior. Their functionalization is achieved through
      the deposition of ceramic coatings such as titania (TiO2), on the polymeric
      surfaces via PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) at low
      temperatures. Characterizations are carried out by contact angle analysis for the
      superhydrophilic characteristics, and by nanoindentation analysis for the
      tribological features. A cold PECVD discontinuous method allowed us to improve
      nanohardness, reaching a value of 1.39 GPa which is nearly ten times higher than
      that of the uncoated polymeric substrate, and seems a promising solution for
      improving uniformity of the coatings. Superhydrophilic behavior of the activated
      TiO2 surfaces showed contact angle values lower than 10 degrees.

PMID- 22097534
TI  - Alumina coating on dense tungsten powder by fluidized bed metal organic chemical
      vapour deposition.
AB  - In order to study the feasibility of coating very dense powders by alumina using
      Fluidized Bed Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (FB-MOCVD), experiments
      were performed on a commercial tungsten powder, 75 microm in median volume
      diameter and 19,300 kg/m3 in grain density. The first part of the work was
      dedicated to the experimental study of the tungsten powder fluidization using
      argon as carrier gas at room temperature and at 400 degrees C. Due to the very
      high density of the tungsten powder, leading to low initial fixed bed heights and
      low bed expansions, different weights of powder were tested in order to reach
      satisfactory temperature profiles along the fluidized bed. Then, using argon as a
      fluidized bed former and aluminium acetylacetonate Al(C5O2H7)3 as a single source
      precursor, alumina thin films were deposited on tungsten particles at a low
      temperature range (e.g., 370-420 degrees C) by FB-MOCVD. The influence of the
      weight of powder, bed temperature and run duration was studied. Characterizations
      of the obtained samples were performed by various techniques including scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
      analyses, Field Emission Gun SEM (FEG-SEM) and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR)
      spectroscopy. The different analyses indicated that tungsten particles were
      uniformly coated by a continuous alumina thin film. The thickness of the film
      ranged between 25 and 80 nm, depending on the coating conditions. The alumina
      thin films were amorphous and contained carbon contamination. This latter may
      correspond to the adsorption of species resulting from incomplete decomposition
      of the precursor at so low deposition temperature.

PMID- 22097535
TI  - TiCp*(OMe)3 versus Ti(OMe)4 in atomic layer deposition of TiO2 with water--ab
      initio modelling of atomic layer deposition surface reactions.
AB  - It is a common finding that titanocene-derived precursors do not yield TiO2 films
      in ALD with water. For instance, ALD with Ti(OMe)4 and water gives 0.5 A/cycle,
      while TiCp*(OMe)3 does not show any growth (Me=CH3, Cp* = C5(CH3)5). This is
      apparently in contradiction with the computed reactivity of the ligands: the
      energetics of hydrolysis of the gas-phase precursor indicate that TiCp*(OMe)3 is
      more reactive to ligand elimination than Ti(OMe)4. However such a model of
      precursor reactivity neglects surface reactions such as adsorption, diffusion and
      desorption, all of which can have an important effect on ALD growth rate. A more
      accurate model of the surface reaction is needed to find the reason for the
      different behaviours of Ti(OMe)4 and TiCp*(OMe)3 in the ALD process. The more
      realistic surface model is a TiO2 slab that is periodic in three dimensions.
      These calculations reveal that TiCp*(OMe)3 does not chemisorb in the usual way
      because of extreme crowding of the Ti centre by Cp* and that this prevents ALD
      growth.

PMID- 22097536
TI  - Atomic vapor deposition approach to In2O3 thin films.
AB  - In2O3 thin films were grown by atomic vapor deposition (AVD) on Si(100) and glass
      substrates from a tris-guanidinate complex of indium [In(N(i)Pr2guanid)3] under
      an oxygen atmosphere. The effects of the growth temperature on the structure,
      morphology and composition of In2O3 films were investigated. X-ray diffraction
      (XRD) measurements revealed that In2O3 films deposited in the temperature range
      450-700 degreesC crystallised in the cubic phase. The film morphology, studied by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), was
      strongly dependent on the substrate temperature. Stoichiometric In2O3 films were
      formed under optimised processing conditions as was confirmed by X-ray
      photoelectron and X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopies (XPS, XE-AES), as
      well as by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). Finally, optical
      properties were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurements,
      spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and optical absorption. In2O3 films grown on
      glass exhibited excellent transparency (approximately 90%) in the Visible (Vis)
      spectral region.

PMID- 22097537
TI  - Controlling the crystallinity and roughness of atomic layer deposited titanium
      dioxide films.
AB  - The surface roughness of thin films is an important parameter related to the
      sticking behaviour of surfaces in the manufacturing of microelectomechanical
      systems (MEMS). In this work, TiO2 films made by atomic layer deposition (ALD)
      with the TiCl4-H2O process were characterized for their growth, roughness and
      crystallinity as function of deposition temperature (110-300 degrees C), film
      thickness (up to approximately 100 nm) and substrate (thermal SiO2, RCA-cleaned
      Si, Al2O3). TiO2 films got rougher with increasing film thickness and to some
      extent with increasing deposition temperature. The substrate drastically
      influenced the crystallization behaviour of the film: for films of about 20 nm
      thickness, on thermal SiO2 and RCA-cleaned Si, anatase TiO2 crystal diameter was
      about 40 nm, while on Al2O3 surface the diameter was about a micrometer. The
      roughness could be controlled from 0.2 nm up to several nanometers, which makes
      the TiO2 films candidates for adhesion engineering in MEMS.

PMID- 22097538
TI  - Atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition of 3C-SiC for silicon thin-film
      solar cells on various substrates.
AB  - The production of crystalline silicon thin-film solar cells on cost effective
      ceramic substrates depends on a highly reliable diffusion barrier to separate the
      light absorbing layers from the substrate. Ideally this intermediate layer should
      be deposited with cost effective techniques, be conductive and should feature
      optical confinement. Furthermore the intermediate layer should withstand high
      temperatures and harsh chemical environments like they occur during solar cell
      processing. Especially stability against oxidizing solvents like HNO3 or
      inactivity during e.g., oxide removing steps with HF is required. Crystalline
      silicon carbide (c-SiC) deposited by atmospheric pressure chemical vapour
      deposition (APCVD) can match all those requirements and additionally fits the
      thermal properties of crystalline silicon. The c-SiC intermediate layer is
      deposited from methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) and H2 at 1100 degrees C. Under these
      conditions, growth of solely cubic 3C-SiC could be observed by X-ray diffraction
      measurements. Use of such intermediate layers during high temperature steps
      prevents diffusion of transition metals, originating from the substrates, into
      active silicon layers. Doping of these 3C-SiC layers with nitrogen results in
      specific resistivity of less than 100 ohms cm. The different potentially cost
      effective substrates are made from graphite, crystalline silicon, sintered
      silicon carbide and sintered zircon (ZrSiO4). Surface properties of the coated
      substrates were investigated, explaining changes in surface roughness and
      influences on the solar cell processing.

PMID- 22097539
TI  - Electrical and optical performance of transparent conducting oxide films
      deposited by electrostatic spray assisted vapour deposition.
AB  - Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films have the remarkable combination of high
      electrical conductivity and optical transparency. There is always a strong
      motivation to produce TCO films with good performance at low cost. Electrostatic
      Spray Assisted Vapor Deposition (ESAVD), as a variant of chemical vapour
      deposition (CVD), is a non-vacuum and low-cost deposition method. Several types
      of TCO films have been deposited using ESAVD process, including indium tin oxide
      (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). This
      paper reports the electrical and optical properties of TCO films produced by
      ESAVD methods, as well as the effects of post treatment by plasma hydrogenation
      on these TCO films. The possible mechanisms involved during plasma hydrogenation
      of TCO films are also discussed. Reduction and etching effect during plasma
      hydrogenation are the most important factors which determine the optical and
      electrical performance of TCO films.

PMID- 22097540
TI  - Ultra-thin atomic layer deposited TiN films: non-linear I-V behaviour and the
      importance of surface passivation.
AB  - We report the electrical resistivity of atomic layer deposited TiN thin films in
      the thickness range 2.5-20 nm. The measurements were carried out using the
      circular transfer length method structures. For the films with thickness in the
      range of 10-20 nm, the measurements exhibited linear current-voltage (I-V)
      curves. The sheet resistance R(sh) was determined, and the resistivity was
      calculated. A value of 120 microohms-cm was obtained for a 20 nm TiN layer. With
      decreasing film thickness, the resistivity slightly increased and reached 135
      microohms-cm for a 10 nm film. However, the measurements on 2.5-5.0 nm thick
      films revealed non-linear I-V characteristics, implying the dependence of the
      measured resistance, and therefore the resistivity, of the layers on applied
      voltage. The influence of the native oxidation due to the exposure of the films
      to air was taken into account. To fully eliminate this oxidation, a highly
      resistive amorphous silicon layer was deposited directly after the ALD of TiN.
      The electrical measurements on the passivated 2.5- and 3.5 nm TiN layers then
      exhibited linear I-V characteristics. A resistivity of 400 and 310 microohms-cm
      was obtained for a 2.5- and 3.5 nm TiN film, respectively.

PMID- 22097541
TI  - On the effects of electric fields in aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
      reactions of vanadyl acetylacetonate solutions in ethanol.
AB  - Thin films of thermochromic vanadium dioxide have been deposited on glass
      substrates at 530 degrees C from the aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
      of vanadyl acetylacetonate solutions in ethanol under the influence of electric
      fields. Electric fields were generated by applying a potential difference between
      the top plate and the substrate of the reactor. The deposited films were analysed
      and characterised using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and variable temperature
      UV/Visible spectroscopy. The application of an electric field led to significant
      changes in the deposited films microstructure and functional properties. It was
      found that an increase in electric field strength caused a decrease in
      crystallite size and in an increase in the change in transmission in the near
      infrared when compared to films grown without the use of an electric field.

PMID- 22097542
TI  - Linking the operating parameters of chemical vapor deposition reactors with film
      conformality and surface nano-morphology.
AB  - A multiscale modeling framework is used to couple the co-existing scales, i.e.,
      macro-, micro- and nano-scale, in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. The
      framework consists of a reactor scale model (RSM) for the description of the
      transport phenomena in the bulk phase (macro-scale) of a CVD reactor and two
      models for the micro- and nano-scale: (a) A feature scale model (FSM) describing
      the deposition of a film inside features on a predefined micro-topography on the
      wafer and (b) a nano-morphology model (NMM) describing the surface morphology
      evolution during thin film deposition on an initially flat surface. The FSM is
      deterministic and consists of three sub-models: A ballistic model for the
      species' transport inside features, a surface chemistry model, and a profile
      evolution algorithm based on the level set method. The NMM is stochastic and is
      based on the kinetic Monte Carlo method. The coupling of RSM with FSM is
      performed through a correction of the species consumption on the wafer. The
      linking of RSM with NMM is performed through "feeding" of the deposition rate
      calculated by RSM to the NMM. The case study is CVD of Silicon (Si) from Silane.
      The effect of the reactor's operating parameters on the Si film conformality
      inside trenches is investigated by the coupling of RSM with FSM. The formation of
      dimmers on an initially flat Si (001) surface as well as the periodic change of
      the surface nano-morphology is predicted.

PMID- 22097543
TI  - A study of pyrolysis of polymethylsiloxanes by Fourier transform infrared.
AB  - This paper is dedicated to a comparative study of pyrolysis of
      decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and hexamethyldisiloxane, widely used as precursors
      for CVD of silicon dioxide films. The pyrolysis process was carried out in a hot
      wall horizontal tube reactor made from quartz within the temperature range 25
      1000 degrees C. FTIR spectroscopy has been used for the analysis of gaseous
      reaction products in the exhaust line of the reactor. It has been found that
      transformation of DMPSO was initiated by the open ring in the precursor molecules
      with its further transformation to linear biradicals followed by the chain's
      growth due to radical reactions. HMDSO transformation is connected with
      separation of silanon, silyl and methyl radicals with following multi-type
      interactions of siloxane radicals and formation of non-rigorously organized three
      dimensional molecules.

PMID- 22097544
TI  - Enhancement of crystallinity and optical properties of bilayer TiO2/ZnO thin
      films prepared by atomic layer deposition.
AB  - Bilayer and multilayer thin films are becoming increasingly important in the
      development of faster, smaller and more efficient electronic and optoelectronic
      devices. One of the motivations of applying bilayer or multilayer structures is
      to modify the optical properties of materials. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a
      variant of Chemical Vapour Deposition that can produce uniform and conformal thin
      films with well controlled nanostructures. In this study, we have demonstrated
      new findings of the use of ALD fabricated bilayer TiO2/ZnO thin films with
      enhanced crystallinity and optical properties. TiO2 films have been deposited at
      300 degrees C for 1000 (51 nm in thickness) or 3000 (161 nm in thickness)
      deposition cycles onto glass and Si substrates. ZnO films are subsequently
      deposited on the TiO2 layers at 280 degrees C for 500 deposition cycles (55 nm).
      The crystallinity and optical properties of the TiO2/ZnO thin films have been
      analysed by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Atomic
      Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. XRD diffraction pattern
      confirmed the presence of ZnO with wutrtize crystal structure and TiO2 with
      anatase structure. It shows that the crystallinity of the TiO2 films has been
      improved with the deposition of ZnO. The intensity of UV luminescence has
      increased by almost 30% for TiO2/ZnO bilayer as compared to the single layer
      TiO2. The possible mechanism for the enhancement of the optical properties of
      bilayer TiO2/ZnO thin films will be discussed.

PMID- 22097545
TI  - SUBLIBOX: a proprietary solvent free method for intense vaporization of solid
      compounds.
AB  - Chemical vapour deposition and atomic layer deposition using precursors that are
      solids at ambient temperature and pressure present challenges due to the often
      low saturating vapour pressure of these compounds. Additional concerns arise from
      the difficulty to maintain a reproducible and stable precursor flow rate to the
      deposition chamber and from the possible particle contamination if suitable
      safeguards are not built into the precursor delivery line. In the present
      contribution, SUBLIBOX, a pilot industrial scale sublimator is presented.
      SUBLIBOX is based on a new sublimation process involving gas-solid fluidization
      technology. Aluminum acetyl-acetonate [Al(acac)3], a promising precursor for the
      processing of alumina films despite its low saturated vapour pressure, is used as
      a model, though technologically interesting system. Mass balance measurements,
      involving trapping of the sublimed precursor at the exit of the sublimation
      chamber, reveal that SUBLIBOX ensures (a) stable, (b) efficient, (c) reproducible
      and (d) long term precursor vapour flow rates. The process is particularly well
      adapted for delivering vapours to CVD reactors for coatings on glass and
      stainless steel or for producing optical fibbers preforms by various techniques.

PMID- 22097546
TI  - TiO2 coating of high surface area silica gel by chemical vapor deposition of
      TiCl4 in a fluidized-bed reactor.
AB  - TiO2 was deposited on high surface area porous silica gel (400 m2g(-1)) in a
      fluidized bed reactor. Chemical vapor deposition was employed for the coating
      under vacuum conditions with TiCl4 as precursor. Nitrogen physisorption, X-ray
      diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      and UV-vis spectroscopy were applied to characterize the obtained TiO2-SiO2
      composites with different Ti loadings up to 5 wt%. Only a slight decrease in the
      specific surface area was detected at low Ti loadings. At a Ti loading of 2 wt%,
      TiO2 was found to be highly dispersed on the SiO2 surface likely in form of a
      thin film. At higher Ti loadings, two weak reflections corresponding to anatase
      TiO2 were observed in the diffraction patterns indicating the presence of
      crystalline bulk TiO2. High resolution XPS clearly distinguished two types of Ti
      species, i.e., Ti-O-Si at the interface and Ti-O-Ti in bulk TiO2. The presence of
      polymeric TiOx species at low Ti loadings was confirmed by a blue shift in the UV
      vis spectra as compared to bulk TiO2. All these results point to a strong
      interaction between the TiO2 deposit and the porous SiO2 substrate especially at
      low Ti loadings.

PMID- 22097547
TI  - Electric fields in the chemical vapour deposition growth of vanadium dioxide thin
      films.
AB  - Thin films of thermochromic vanadium dioxide have been the subject of intensive
      research in recent years year due to their postulated use as "intelligent" window
      coatings. The usefulness of such technology depends on a semi-conducting to metal
      transition with an associated change in infra-red optical properties. This exact
      nature of this transition depends on a large number of factors such as doping,
      crystallite size, strain, crystallographic orientation etc. In this paper we
      discuss the nature of these factors with a particular focus on how the
      application of electric fields in the deposition affects crystallite size and
      film strain with reference to recent results.

PMID- 22097548
TI  - Germanium nanowires with 3-nm-diameter prepared by low temperature vapour-liquid
      solid chemical vapour deposition.
AB  - We report the growth of germanium nanowires (Ge NWs) with single-step temperature
      method via vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism in the low pressure chemical
      vapour deposition (CVD) reactor at 300 degrees C, 280 degrees C, and 260 degrees
      C. The catalyst used in our experiment was Au nanoparticles with equivalent
      thicknesses of 0.1 nm (average diameter approximately 3 nm), 0.3 nm (average
      diameter approximately 4 nm), 1 nm (average diameter approximately 6 nm), and 3
      nm (average diameter approximately 14 nm). The Gibbs-Thomson effect was used to
      explain our experimental results. The Ge NWs grown at 300 degrees C tend to have
      tapered structure while the Ge NWs grown at 280 degrees C and 260 degrees C tend
      to have straight structure. Tapering was caused by the uncatalysed deposition of
      Ge atoms via CVD mechanism on the sidewalls of nanowire and significantly
      minimised at lower temperature. We observed that the growth at lower temperature
      yielded Ge NWs with smaller diameter and also observed that the diameter and
      length of Ge NWs increases with the size of Au nanoparticles for all growth
      temperatures. For the same size of Au nanoparticles, Ge NWs tend to be longer
      with a decrease in temperature. The Ge NWs grown at 260 degrees C from 0.1-nm
      thick Au had diameter as small as approximately 3 nm, offering an opportunity to
      fabricate high-performance p-type ballistic Ge NW transistor, to realise nanowire
      solar cell with higher efficiency, and also to observe the quantum confinement
      effect.

PMID- 22097549
TI  - Investigation of thermal and hot-wire chemical vapor deposition copper thin films
      on TiN substrates using CupraSelect as precursor.
AB  - Copper films were deposited on oxidized Si substrates covered with TiN using a
      novel chemical vapor deposition reactor in which reactions were assisted by a
      heated tungsten filament (hot-wire CVD, HWCVD). Liquid at room temperature
      hexafluoroacetylacetonate Cu(I) trimethylvinylsilane (CupraSelect) was directly
      injected into the reactor with the aid of a direct-liquid injection (DLI) system
      using N2 as carrier gas. The deposition rates of HWCVD Cu films obtained on TiN
      covered substrates were found to increase with filament temperature (65 and 170
      degrees C were tested). The resistivities of HWCVD Cu films were found to be
      higher than for thermally grown films due to the possible presence of impurities
      into the Cu films from the incomplete dissociation of the precursor and W
      impurities caused by the presence of the filament. For HWCVD films grown at a
      filament temperature of 170 degrees C, smaller grains are formed than at 65
      degrees C as shown from the taken SEM micrographs. XRD diffractograms taken on Cu
      films deposited on TiN could not reveal the presence of W compounds originating
      from the filament because the relative peak was masked by the TiN [112] peak.

PMID- 22097550
TI  - Advanced APCVD-processes for high-temperature grown crystalline silicon thin film
      solar cells.
AB  - Crystalline silicon thin film (cSiTF) solar cells based on the epitaxial wafer
      equivalent (EpiWE) concept combine advantages of wafer-based and thin film
      silicon solar cells. In this paper two processes beyond the standard process
      sequence for cSiTF cell fabrication are described. The first provides an
      alternative to wet chemical saw damage removal by chemical vapor etching (CVE)
      with hydrogen chloride in-situ prior to epitaxial deposition. This application
      decreases the number of process and handling steps. Solar cells fabricated with
      different etching processes achieved efficiencies up to 14.7%. 1300 degrees C
      etching temperature led to better cell results than 1200 degrees C. The second
      investigated process aims for an improvement of cell efficiency by implementation
      of a reflecting interlayer between substrate and active solar cell. Some
      characteristics of epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) of a patterned silicon
      dioxide film in a lab-type reactor constructed at Fraunhofer ISE are described
      and first solar cell results are presented.

PMID- 22097551
TI  - Integration of metal organic chemical vapour deposition and wet chemical
      techniques to obtain highly ordered porous ZnO nanoplatforms.
AB  - Large-area, highly ordered ZnO micropores-arrays consisting of ZnO nanotubes
      delimited by ZnO nanorods have been successfully fabricated and tested for
      protein sensing applications. ZnO seed layers have been deposited by Metal
      Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition and readily patterned by Colloidal Lithography
      to attain ZnO nanorods growth at selective sites by Chemical Bath Deposition. The
      used synthetic approach has been proven effective for the easy assembly of ZnO
      nanoplatforms into high-density arrays. Both patterned and unpatterned ZnO
      nanorods have been morphologically and compositionally characterised and, thus,
      tested for model studies of protein mobility at the interface. The patterned
      layers, having a higher contribution of surface polar moieties than the
      corresponding unpatterned surfaces, exhibit a reduced lateral diffusion of the
      adsorbed protein. This evidence is related to the intrinsic porous nature of the
      ZnO hemispherical arrays characterised by a nanotube-nanorod hybrid networks. The
      present study gives a great impetus to the fabrication of tunable ZnO
      nanoplatforms having multiple morphologies and exceptionally high surface areas
      suitable for application in sensing devices.

PMID- 22097552
TI  - Diamond layers grown by chemical vapor deposition on NbN systems and NbN/SiO2
      based devices.
AB  - Deposits of individual diamond grains and continuous polycrystalline diamond
      layers have been generated by means of a HFCVD technique onto different types of
      untreated or seeded NbN surfaces. To test the feasibility of using diamond layers
      as protective coatings for aerospace applications, we carried out diamond
      deposition onto the lithographically defined NbN microelectrodes of a NbN/SiO2
      multifinger device. The morphological and structural features of the diamond
      deposits and of the substrates were characterized by FE-SEM, XRD and Raman
      spectroscopy. The preferential growth of diamond on the superconductive NbN
      enables the selective coating of the NbN microstripes sputtered on the insulating
      SiO2. Moreover the diamond coating procedure is able to preserve the structural
      integrity of the substrate material and to retain the shaped architecture of the
      device. For the polycrystalline diamond layers grown on NbN a residual stress of 
      9.8 GPa, largely due to thermal stress, has been estimated by Raman analysis. The
      diamond coatings of the NbN-based architectures result to be mechanically stable.

PMID- 22097553
TI  - Relevance of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of chemical vapor deposition
      precursors.
AB  - We have studied various metallorganic and organometallic compounds by
      simultaneous nonisothermal thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric
      analyses to confirm their volatility and thermal stability. The equilibrium vapor
      pressures of the metallorganic and organometallic compounds were determined by
      horizontal dual arm single furnace thermoanalyzer as transpiration apparatus.
      Antoine coefficients were calculated from the temperature dependence equilibrium
      vapor pressure data. The model-fitting solid-state kinetic analyses of Al(acac)3,
      (acac = acetylacetonato), Cr(CO)6, Fe(Cp)2, (Cp-cyclopentadienyl), Ga(acac)3,
      Mn(tmhd)3, and Y(tmhd)3 (tmhd = 2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato) revealed
      that the processes follow diffusion controlled, contracting area and zero order
      model sublimation or evaporation kinetics. The activation energy for the
      sublimation/evaporation processes were calculated by model-free kinetic methods.
      Thin films of nickel and lanthanum-strontium-manganite (LSM) are grown on silicon
      substrate at 573 K using selected metallorganic complexes of Ni[(acac)2en],
      La(tmhd)3, Sr(tmhd)2 and Mn(tmhd)3 as precursors by plasma assisted liquid
      injection chemical vapor deposition (PA-LICVD). The deposited films were
      characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray
      analysis for their composition and morphology.

PMID- 22097554
TI  - Decomposition schemes of copper(I) N,N'-diisopropylacetamidinate during chemical
      vapor deposition of copper.
AB  - Copper(I) N,N'-diisopropylacetamidinate [Cu(amd)]2 (amd =
      CH(CH3)2NC(CH3)NCH(CH3)2), an oxygen and halogen-free compound, was previously
      tested as precursor for pure copper CVD and ALD films. The present work deals
      with the investigation of the composition and of the reactivity of the gas phase
      during the CVD process. The work was performed by mass spectrometry as a function
      of temperature in two different, though complementary environments: (A) in a
      miniature, low pressure hot wall CVD reactor, (B) in a cold wall reactor
      operating at subatmospheric pressure. (A) revealed that the onset of thermal
      decomposition is 140 degrees C and 130 degrees C in vacuum and in the presence of
      hydrogen, respectively; maximal decomposition degree is reached at temperature
      higher than 200 degrees C. The protonated ligand H(amd) is the main gaseous
      decomposition by-product; propene CH2=CHCH3, acetonitryle CH3C[triple bond]N and
      iminopropane CH3C(CH3)=NH are also observed in vacuum. Heterogeneous
      decomposition mechanism both in vacuum and hydrogen presence is discussed.

PMID- 22097555
TI  - Low temperature silicon nitride by hot wire chemical vapour deposition for the
      use in impermeable thin film encapsulation on flexible substrates.
AB  - High quality non porous silicon nitride layers were deposited by hot wire
      chemical vapour deposition at substrate temperatures lower than 110 degrees C.
      The layer properties were investigated using FTIR, reflection/transmission
      measurements and 1:6 buffered HF etching rate. A Si-H peak position of 2180 cm(
      1) in the Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrum indicates a N/Si ratio
      around 1.2. Together with a refractive index of 1.97 at a wavelength of 632 nm
      and an extinction coefficient of 0.002 at 400 nm, this suggests that a
      transparent high density silicon nitride material has been made below 110 degrees
      C, which is compatible with polymer films and is expected to have a high
      impermeability. To confirm the compatibility with polymer films a silicon nitride
      layer was deposited on poly(glycidyl methacrylate) made by initiated chemical
      vapour deposition, resulting in a highly transparent double layer.

PMID- 22097556
TI  - Plasma processing of nanomaterials: emerging technologies for sensing and energy
      applications.
AB  - Plasma processing represents an attractive and versatile option for the
      fabrication of low-dimensional nanomaterials, whose chemical and physical
      properties can be conveniently tailored for the development of advanced
      technologies. In particular, Plasma Enhanced-Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD)
      is an appealing route to multi-functional oxide nanoarchitectures under
      relatively mild conditions, owing to the unique features and activation
      mechanisms of non-equilibrium plasmas. In this context, the potential of plasma
      assisted fabrication in advanced nanosystem development is discussed. After a
      brief introduction on the basic categories of plasma approaches, the perspectives
      of application to CVD processes are commented, reporting on the growth and
      characterization of Co3O4 nanomaterials as a case study. Besides examining the
      interrelations between the material properties and the synthesis conditions,
      special focus is given to their emerging applications as catalysts for photo
      assisted hydrogen production and solid state gas sensors.

PMID- 22097557
TI  - Aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition control parameters for selective
      deposition of tungsten oxide nanostructures.
AB  - Tungsten oxide films were deposited via Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour
      Deposition (AACVD) from the single-source precursor W(OPh)6. Film morphology and
      optimum deposition temperatures for formation of quasi-one-dimensional structures
      is influenced by the solvent 'carrier' used for deposition of the films with bulk
      porous films and nanostructured needles, hollow tubes and fibres obtained
      dependent on the solvent used and the deposition temperature. This influence of
      solvent could be exploited for the synthesis of other nanomaterials, and so
      provide a new and versatile route to develop and integrate nanostructured
      materials for device applications.

PMID- 22097558
TI  - BiFeO3 films doped in the A or B sites: effects on the structural and
      morphological properties.
AB  - Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) has been applied to the
      fabrication of BiFeO3 films undoped and doped with Ba or Ti on SrTiO3 (100) and
      YSZ (100) substrates. The films have been deposited using a multi-metal source,
      consisting of the Bi(phenyl)3, Fe(tmhd)3 and Ba(hfa)2 tetraglyme or Ti(tmhd)2(O
      iPr)2 (phenyl = -C6H5, H-tmhd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptandione; O-iPr = iso
      propoxide; H-hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione; tetraglyme =
      CH3O(CH2CH2O)4CH3) precursor mixture. The structural and morphological
      characterization of films has been carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
      field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Chemical compositional
      studies have been performed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Structural
      and morphological characterizations point to the formation of homogeneous and
      flat surfaces for both undoped and doped BiFeO3 films.

PMID- 22097559
TI  - In situ gas phase measurements during metal alkylamide atomic layer deposition.
AB  - Metal alkylamide compounds, such as tetrakis(ethylmethylamido) hafnium (TEMAH),
      represent a technologically important class of metalorganic precursors for the
      deposition of metal oxides and metal nitrides via atomic layer deposition (ALD)
      or chemical vapor deposition. The development of in situ diagnostics for
      processes involving these compounds could be beneficial in, e.g., developing
      deposition recipes and validating equipment-scale simulations. This report
      describes the performance of the combination of two techniques for the
      simultaneous, rapid measurement of the three major gas phase species during
      hafnium oxide thermal ALD using TEMAH and water: TEMAH, water, and methylethyl
      amine (MEA), the only major reaction by-product. For measurement of TEMAH and
      MEA, direct absorption methods based on a broadband infrared source with
      different mid-IR bandpass filters and utilizing amplitude modulation and
      synchronous detection were developed. For the measurement of water, wavelength
      modulation spectroscopy utilizing a near-IR distributed feedback diode laser was
      used. Despite the relatively simple reactor geometry employed here (a flow tube),
      differences were easily observed in the time-dependent species distributions in
      300 mL/min of a helium carrier gas and in 1000 mL/min of a nitrogen carrier gas.
      The degree of TEMAH entrainment was lower in 300 mL/min of helium compared to
      that in 1000 mL/min of nitrogen. The capability to obtain detailed time-dependent
      species concentrations during ALD could potentially allow for the selection of
      carrier gas composition and flow rates that would minimize parasitic wall
      reactions. However, when nitrogen was employed at the higher flow rates, various
      flow effects were observed that, if detrimental to a deposition process, would
      effectively limit the upper range of useful flow rates.

PMID- 22097560
TI  - Investigation of substrate influence on tin dioxide nanostructures synthesized
      using horizontal furnace.
AB  - SnO2 nanostructures were directly synthesised by chemical vapour transport on
      different substrates in a horizontal furnace. The influence of substrate on the
      morphology of these nanostructures was investigated by changing the substrate
      type, coating, and temperature. The SnO2 nanowires and nanorods were one
      dimensional (1D) structures with widths and lengths of 50-200 nm and several
      micrometers respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show
      formation of short nanorods with lengths of less than 1 microm on indium-tin
      oxide (ITO) substrates. The effect of substrate temperature on growth was
      studied. SnO2 nanowires were obtained using silicon substrate, and the effect of
      Au coating on the size and morphology of these structures was proposed. By
      coating the Si wafer with a thin layer of Au, the size of the nanostructure was
      reduced and the length increased. The differences in size and morphology are
      shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra
      show tetragonal structures for both substrates.

PMID- 22097561
TI  - Deposition of thermal and hot-wire chemical vapor deposition copper thin films on
      patterned substrates.
AB  - In this work we study the hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) of copper
      films on blanket and patterned substrates at high filament temperatures. A
      vertical chemical vapor deposition reactor was used in which the chemical
      reactions were assisted by a tungsten filament heated at 650 degrees C.
      Hexafluoroacetylacetonate Cu(I) trimethylvinylsilane (CupraSelect) vapors were
      used, directly injected into the reactor with the aid of a liquid injection
      system using N2 as carrier gas. Copper thin films grown also by thermal and hot
      wire CVD. The substrates used were oxidized silicon wafers on which trenches with
      dimensions of the order of 500 nm were formed and subsequently covered with LPCVD
      W. HWCVD copper thin films grown at filament temperature of 650 degrees C showed
      higher growth rates compared to the thermally ones. They also exhibited higher
      resistivities than thermal and HWCVD films grown at lower filament temperatures.
      Thermally grown Cu films have very uniform deposition leading to full coverage of
      the patterned substrates while the HWCVD films exhibited a tendency to vertical
      growth, thereby creating gaps and incomplete step coverage.

PMID- 22097562
TI  - N-type crystalline silicon films free of amorphous silicon deposited on glass by
      HCl addition using hot wire chemical vapour deposition.
AB  - Since n-type crystalline silicon films have the electric property much better
      than those of hydrogenated amorphous and microcrystalline silicon films, they can
      enhance the performance of advanced electronic devices such as solar cells and
      thin film transistors (TFTs). Since the formation of amorphous silicon is
      unavoidable in the low temperature deposition of microcrystalline silicon on a
      glass substrate at temperatures less than 550 degrees C in the plasma-enhanced
      chemical vapour deposition and hot wire chemical vapour deposition (HWCVD),
      crystalline silicon films have not been deposited directly on a glass substrate
      but fabricated by the post treatment of amorphous silicon films. In this work, by
      adding the HCl gas, amorphous silicon-free n-type crystalline silicon films could
      be deposited directly on a glass substrate by HWCVD. The resistivity of the n
      type crystalline silicon film for the flow rate ratio of [HCl]/[SiH4] = 7.5 and
      [PH3]/[SiH4] = 0.042 was 5.31 x 10(-4) ohms cm, which is comparable to the
      resistivity 1.23 x 10(-3) ohms cm of films prepared by thermal annealing of
      amorphous silicon films. The absence of amorphous silicon in the film could be
      confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy.

PMID- 22097563
TI  - Understanding 'clean-up' of III-V native oxides during atomic layer deposition
      using bulk first principles models.
AB  - The use of III-V materials as the channel in future transistor devices is
      dependent on removing the deleterious native oxides from their surface before
      deposition of a gate dielectric. Trimethylaluminium has been found to achieve in
      situ 'clean-up' of the oxides of GaAs and InGaAs before atomic layer deposition
      (ALD) of alumina. Here we propose six reaction mechanisms for 'clean-up,'
      featuring exchange of ligands between surface atoms, reduction of arsenic oxide
      by methyl groups and desorption of various products. We use first principles
      Density Functional Theory (DFT) to determine which mechanistic path is
      thermodynamically favoured based on models of the bulk oxides and gas-phase
      products. We therefore predict that 'clean-up' of arsenic oxides mostly produces
      As4 gas. Most C is predicted to form C2H6 but with some C2H4, CH4 and H2O. An
      alternative pathway is non-redox ligand exchange, which allows non-reducible
      oxides to be cleaned-up.

PMID- 22097564
TI  - Optimization of chemical vapor deposition diamond films growth on steel:
      correlation between mechanical properties, structure, and composition.
AB  - In the present work we perform optimization of mechanical and crystalline
      properties of CVD microcrystalline diamond films grown on steel substrates. A
      chromium-nitride (Cr-N) interlayer had been previously proposed to serve as a
      buffer for carbon and iron inter-diffusion and as a matching layer for the widely
      differing expansion coefficients of diamond and steel. However, adhesion and wear
      as well as crystalline perfection of diamond films are strongly affected by
      conditions of both Cr-N interlayer preparation and CVD diamond deposition. In
      this work we assess the effects of two parameters. The first one is the
      temperature of the Cr-N interlayer preparation: temperatures in the range of 500
      degrees C-800 degrees C were used. The second one is diamond film thickness in
      the 0.5 microm-2 microm range monitored through variation of the deposition time
      from approximately 30 min to 2 hours. The mechanical properties of so deposited
      diamond films were investigated. For this purpose, scratch tests were performed
      at different indentation loads. The friction coefficient and wear loss were
      assessed. The mechanical and tribological properties were related to structure,
      composition, and crystalline perfection of diamond films which were extensively
      analyzed using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. It was found
      that relatively thick diamond film deposited on the Cr-N interlayer prepared at
      the temperature similar to that of the CVD process has the best mechanical and
      adhesion strength. This film was stable without visible cracks around the wear
      track during all scratch tests with different indentation loads. In other cases,
      cracking and delamination of the films took place at low to moderate indentation
      loads.

PMID- 22097565
TI  - Chemical vapor deposition of Ni-C films from bis-(ethylcyclopentadienyl) nickel.
AB  - Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is widely used for deposition of
      various nickel-containing coatings, such as catalytic nickel thin films and
      nanoparticles, nickel silicide alloys and magnetic carbon-nickel nanocomposite
      layers. Here we report preliminary results from an attempt to use bis
      (ethylcyclopentadienyl) nickel [(EtCp)2Ni] as a precursor for MOCVD of Ni-C thin
      films in the (EtCp)2Ni-Ar and (EtCp)2Ni-H2-Ar reaction systems. Mechanism of
      precursor fragmentation was proposed on the basis of the results from a study of
      gaseous reaction products in the exhaust line of the reactor by means of mass
      spectrometry. It was found that an introduction of hydrogen in the gas phase led
      to an increase in conversion rate of the precursor. Deposited films were analyzed
      by means of atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X
      ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XFS). The effect of hydrogen on growth rate,
      composition, and morphology of the deposited Ni-C films were experimentally
      studied.

PMID- 22097566
TI  - Texture and surface morphology effects on tetragonal phase stabilization in ZrO2
      films deposited by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - Tetragonal zirconia coatings (ZrO2) without doping any trivalent impurities have
      been deposited by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on (100) Si
      single crystals, using Zr(thd)4 precursor. The surface and cross-section
      morphologies were observed with Field-Emission-Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy
      (FEG-SEM). The crystalline structures were characterized by grazing incident X
      ray diffraction (GIXRD). Crystallographic textures of these films were studied
      for both {011}t and {110}t planes by pole figure recording by X-ray diffraction
      under a 4-circle goniometer. The internal stresses were measured with the use of
      sin2 psi method. In order to study the relationship of microstructures and
      tetragonal phase stabilization in ZrO2 films, annealing experiments were taken at
      different temperature. The results show that the critical crystallite size for
      tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation is different for samples with
      different initial microstructures. Besides the critical crystallite size and the
      residual stress, the texture and crystallite morphology of the ZrO2 films are
      responsible for the stabilization of the metastable tetragonal phase.

PMID- 22097567
TI  - Dia-magnetic to ferro-magnetic behavioral change of Fe-catalysts based
      nitrogenated carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) by the process of chlorination/oxidation.
AB  - In this work, we have synthesized multiwall nitrogenated carbon nanotubes (MW
      NCNTs) with Fe-catalysts by the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor
      deposition process @950 degrees C and subsequently functionalized with chlorine
      and oxygen. The dia-magnetic behavioral M-H loop of non-functionalized MW-NCNTs
      were turn into ferromagnetic behaviors by the process of chlorination and
      oxidation respectively; which were characterized by means of superconducting
      quantum interference device magnetometer within the temperature range 5-300 K. A
      prominent cusp like behavior is also observed at around approximately 45 K in
      M(FC) and M(ZFC) measurements confirming the ferromagnetic behaviors of these MW
      NCNTs after chlorination and oxidation.

PMID- 22097568
TI  - Chemical vapour deposition of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide thin films.
AB  - Nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide is often considered as a promising nanomaterial
      for photocatalytic applications. Here we report the first results of a study of
      APCVD of N-doped TiO2 thin films prepared with the use of ammonia as a source of
      nitrogen and titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as a source of Ti and O atoms. The
      obtained films were analyzed with X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy,
      atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy,
      and ellipsometry. It was found that the film growth rate in the TTIP-NH3-Ar
      reaction system varied insignificantly with substrate temperature in the range of
      450,..., 750 degrees C and did not exceed 4.4 nm/min. Yellow and orange layers
      with nitrogen content of about 7.6% were formed at the deposition temperature
      higher than 600 degrees C. The results of the structure analysis of the deposited
      films showed that addition of ammonia led to stabilization of the amorphous phase
      in the films. The effect of ammonia on optical and photocatalytic properties was
      also considered.

PMID- 22097569
TI  - Fabrication of CuxGey nanoplatelets.
AB  - Modern technologies demand novel alloy materials for advanced devices and
      applications. Here we report on Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) of
      Ge2Me6 and SnMe4 leading to deposition of nanoplatelets along with nanoparticles.
      According to analytical techniques (Raman spectroscopy, ED, EDX, SEM and HRTEM)
      the nanoplatelets up to several tens of microm in length have been prepared in
      two alloy modifications orthorhombic Cu3Ge and hexagonal Cu86Ge14. Thickness of
      the nanoplatelets ranges from 50 to 150 nm. CuSn seeds served for the growth of
      Ge nanoparticles scattered among nanoplatelets.

PMID- 22097570
TI  - One dimensional aluminum nitride nanostructures: synthesis, structural, and
      luminescence properties.
AB  - Aluminum nitride (AIN) is a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap about 6.1
      eV at room temperature, the largest among semiconductors. This paper emphasizes
      experimental results of the growth and optical properties of AIN nanostructures
      by direct nitridation. The nitridation process was performed by chemical vapor
      deposition method with nitrogen (N2) gas flow. AIN nanostructures were analyzed
      by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX)
      spectroscope and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. AIN nanowires with
      different widths from ultrathin to thick were synthesized with this method. All
      of the samples had high purity without presence of any other material in EDX
      spectrum. The PL spectra were obtained by a 325-nm helium-cadmium (He-Cd) laser
      as the excitation source showing high-intensity light emitting visible
      wavelengths for these structures at room temperature.

PMID- 22097571
TI  - Growth of chromium carbide in a hot wall DLICVD reactor.
AB  - Chromium carbide coatings were grown at 748 K in a hot wall CVD reactor fed by
      sublimation of bis(benzene)chromium, BBC (MOCVD) and by direct liquid injection
      using a BBC/toluene solution (DLICVD). The two types of coatings exhibit an
      amorphous structure and the same C content (22 at.%). DLICVD permits delivering
      higher mass flow rate of precursors and consequently the growth rate is 3 times
      higher and the thickness uniformity is better than using MOCVD. Chromium metal
      deposition has also been investigated by DLICVD in this hot wall reactor using
      BBC/toluene/additive as precursor. The purpose of the additive is to block
      carbide formation. Two additives have been studied: (i) hexachlorobenzene (C6Cl6)
      and (ii) thiophenol (C6H5SH). The ratio additive/BBC required for Cr metal
      deposition is a few percent. In this process, C6Cl6 is not decomposed and only
      traces of Cl (0.4 at.%) are found in the coatings. For a ratio C6Cl6/BBC > 27%
      the growth of any coating is blocked. The gas phase containing C6H5SH is more
      reactive since the onset of deposition occurs approximately 50 K before the
      temperature of the chlorinated compound. Furthermore, a sulfur contamination of 3
      at.% has been analyzed in the coatings revealing a partial decomposition of the
      additive. The results are detailed and discussed in relation with previous works.

PMID- 22097572
TI  - Metal organic chemical vapour deposition of vertically aligned ZnO nanowires
      using oxygen donor adducts.
AB  - Vertically aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) have been grown by liquid
      injection Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition, using oxygen donor adducts of
      Me2Zn. The growth and characterisation of the nanowires grown using [Me2Zn(L)]
      where L = monodentate ethers, tetrahydrofuran (C4H8O) (1), tetrahydropyran
      (C5H10O) (2), furan (C4H4O) (3) and the bidentate ethers, 1,2-dimethoxyethane
      (C4H12O2,) (4) 1,4-dioxane (C4H8O2) (5) and 1,4-thioxane (C4H8SO) (6) is
      discussed. Single crystal X-ray structures of (4), (5), (6) have been established
      and are included here. The ZnO NWs were deposited in the absence of a seed
      catalyst on Si(111) and F-doped SnO2/glass substrates over the temperature range
      350-600 degrees C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data shows that the nanowires grown
      from all adduct precursors were deposited in the wurtzitic phase.

PMID- 22097573
TI  - On the reliability of heteronuclear precursors-ligand effects in the Li-MOCVD
      synthesis of SrTiO3 films.
AB  - Strontium titanate SrTiO3 thin films are highly perspective as gate dielectric
      material. Difference in volatility of the common homometallic precursors
      strontium beta-diketonates and titanium alkoxides remains major hinder for
      preparation of high quality coatings based on this phase. An attractive
      alternative in its synthesis by MOCVD is provided by application of
      heterometallic mixed-ligand complexes, Sr2Ti2(beta-diket)4(OR)8(ROH)x. Mass
      spectrometric study reveals, however, that none of these species can be
      considered a true single-source precursor. The relative stability of the
      molecules in solution and the congruence of in-situ release of homometallic
      species on evaporation are, on the other hand, crucial for the quality of the
      produced films and are strongly influenced by the nature of alkoxide ligands, OR.
      The historically first discovered representative of this heterometallic family, a
      sec-alkoxide derivative Sr2Ti2(thd)4(O(i)Pr)8, is in fact unexpectedly unstable,
      transforming in solution into Sr2Ti(thd)4(O(i)Pr)4((i)PrOH), which explains
      difficulties in keeping the correct stoichiometry using isopropoxide precursor.
      The primary alkoxide complexes, Sr2Ti2(thd)4(OR)8(ROH)2, R = Et, (n)Pr are also
      unstable yielding Sr4Ti2(thd)4(OR)8(ROH)2 on decomposition. The best solution
      stability and most uniform evaporation was observed for the iso-derivative,
      Sr2Ti2(thd)4(O(i)Bu)8, permitting to apply it in long term experiments under
      industrial process conditions. Present contribution provides detailed
      experimental comparison between and sec-and iso-alkoxide derivatives and sheds
      light on the influence of the ligand on molecular stability of a precursor and
      how it influences the quality of the derived oxide film, especially in relation
      to its electrophysical properties.

PMID- 22097574
TI  - Effects of interfacial layer on characteristics of TiN/ZrO2 structures.
AB  - To minimize the formation of unwanted interfacial layers, thin interfacial layer
      (ZrCN layer) was deposited between TiN bottom electrode and ZrO2 dielectric in
      TiN/ZrO2/TiN capacitor. Carbon and nitrogen were also involved in the layer
      because ZrCN layer was thermally deposited using TEMAZ without any reactant.
      Electrical characteristics of TiN/ZrO2/TiN capacitor were improved by insertion
      of ZrCN layer. The oxidation of TiN bottom electrode was largely inhibited at
      TiN/ZrCN/ZrO2 structure compared to TiN/ZrO2 structure. While the sheet
      resistance of TiN/ZrCN/ZrO2 structure was constantly sustained with increasing
      ZrO2 thickness, the large increase of sheet resistance was observed in TiN/ZrO2
      structure after 6 nm ZrO2 deposition. When ZrO2 films were deposited on ZrCN
      layer, the deposition rate of ZrO2 also increased. It is believed that ZrCN layer
      acted both as a protection layer of TiN oxidation and a seed layer of ZrO2
      growth.

PMID- 22097575
TI  - An aerosol-process for the synthesis of nanostructured molybdenum oxide catalysts
      by integrated chemical vapour synthesis/chemical vapour deposition at atmospheric
      pressure.
AB  - We report the synthesis of composite nanoparticles by an integrated CVS/CVD
      process at atmospheric pressure. Iron oxide and silica support particles were
      generated by chemical vapour synthesis (CVS), using Fe(CO)5 and Si(OC2H5)4 and
      were directly coated in the aerosol state with molybdenum oxide by chemical
      vapour deposition of Mo(CO)6. Depending on the CVS temperature hematite (600
      degrees C) or maghemite (1500 degrees C) iron oxide phases were determined by XRD
      and FTIR. Core-shell structures with a coating thickness in the lower nm range
      were obtained for CVD temperatures below 150 degrees C. Complete encapsulation of
      the core particles and uniform elemental distribution is shown by TEM and EELS
      measurements. Higher CVD temperatures lead to unwanted homogenous decomposition
      of the molybdenum precursor. Additional aerosol temperature treatment was used to
      reach further oxidation and the formation of a mixed oxide shell, indicated by
      FTIR measurements. The results show the potential of the process for the
      synthesis of structured core-shell nanoparticles.

PMID- 22097576
TI  - Stability of high temperature chemical vapor deposited silicon based structures
      on metals for solar conversion.
AB  - Highly crystallized silicon layers were grown on metal sheets at high temperature
      (950 degrees C) by thermal CVD from silane. An intermediate buffer layer was
      mandatory to prevent interdiffusion and silicide formation but also to compensate
      lattice parameters and thermal expansion coefficients mismatches between metal
      and silicon and ideally transfer some crystalline properties (grain size,
      texture) from the substrate to the silicon layer. After a thermodynamic study,
      aluminum nitride or titanium nitride diffusion barrier layers were selected and
      processed by CVD. The structure and the interfaces stabilities of these
      silicon/nitride/metal stacks were studied by field effect gun scanning and
      transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman and energy dispersive
      X-ray spectroscopy. As a result, TiN deposited by CVD appears to be an efficient
      material as a buffer layer between steel and silicon.

PMID- 22097577
TI  - Methyldichloroborane evidenced as an intermediate in the chemical vapour
      deposition synthesis of boron carbide.
AB  - The most recent ceramic-matrix composites (CMC) considered for long-life
      applications as thermostructural parts in aerospace propulsion contain, among
      others, boron-rich phases like boron carbide. This compound is prepared by
      thermal Chemical Vapour Infiltration (CVI), starting from precursors like boron
      halides and hydrocarbons. We present a study aiming at a precise knowledge of the
      gas-phase composition in a hot-zone LPCVD reactor fed with BCl3, CH4 and H2,
      which combines experimental and theoretical approaches. This work has brought
      strong evidences of the presence of Methydichloroborane (MDB, BCl2CH3) in the
      process. It is demonstrated that this intermediate, the presence of which had
      never been formally proved before, appears for processing temperatures slightly
      lower than the deposition temperature of boron carbide. The study features
      quantum chemical computations, which provide several pieces of information like
      thermochemical and kinetic data, as well as vibration and rotation frequencies,
      reaction kinetics computations, and experimental gas-phase characterization of
      several species by FTIR, for several processing parameter sets. The main results
      are presented, and the place of MDB in the reaction scheme is discussed.

PMID- 22097578
TI  - Microstructure characteristics of ZrO2 coating produced by atmospheric pressure
      chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - To settle the problem of low growth rate when prepare ZrO2 thermal barrier
      coating by Metalorganic CVD (MOCVD), a simple method was employed-atmospheric
      pressure CVD (APCVD). The paper firstly thermodynamic calculated the effect of
      O/Zr ratio and temperature on phase formation at various H/C ratios for ZrCl4-CO2
      H2-Ar system. With temperature increment, the solid phase changes from C+
      monoclinic ZrO2 to Monoclinic ZrO2 then to tetragonal ZrO2. With the increase of
      H/C ratio, the phase zone of C+ monoclinic ZrO2 expands. XRD and Raman spectrum
      were employed to measure phase structure of ZrO2 coating at different
      temperature. At 1300 degrees C, the coating contains a small amount tetragonal
      ZrO2 phase besides monoclinic phase; at 1100 degrees C, the coating is composed
      of monoclinic ZrO2 phase and a little C. The surface SEM images show the small
      grains evolve to polycrystals which have clear crystal form when raising
      temperature. The cross-section images show that dense ZrO2 column crystals
      arrange normal to the substrate.

PMID- 22097579
TI  - Transient stages in the chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide.
AB  - Transient CVD experiments were simulated by varying continuously the deposition
      temperature or the initial gas flow rates (Q(MTS) or Q(H2)). Their consequences
      on the physicochemical properties of the coatings have been first examined. The
      adhesion of SiC/SiC bilayers containing these "transient interphases" (phi(Tr))
      was investigated by scratch testing. For transient stages resulting from a
      decrease of Q(MTS) or T, free silicon can be co-deposited in proportions
      depending on alpha = Q(H2)/Q(MTS), T and P. This phenomenon is related to the
      high reactivity of the Si bearing species and is activated by high T and P and
      low a values. In this case, the continuous covalent bonding through the Si-rich
      interphases preserves the adhesion between the two SiC layers. Transient stages
      resulting from a decrease of Q(H2) lead first to larger and columnar SiC grains
      and finally to the deposition of anisotropic carbon, due to the formation of
      unsaturated hydrocarbons in the gas phase. The interphases with the highest
      carbon concentrations and thicknesses lead to delamination and local chipping of
      the outer SiC layer. The poor shear strength of these continuous and anisotropic
      layers is detrimental to the adherence of the bilayers.

PMID- 22097580
TI  - Durability of silver nanoparticulate films within a silica matrix by flame
      assisted chemical vapour deposition for biocidal applications.
AB  - Healthcare acquired infection (HCAI) rates have come under increasing scrutiny in
      recent years and been a major priority for health professionals in the UK and
      elsewhere. Of particular concern is the rise of so called 'superbugs', or those
      resistant to conventional antibiotics, such as Escherichia coli, Clostridium
      difficile and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The reasons for
      this rise are many and complex, but one important factor is bacterial survival
      rates on wards and other hospital areas. In this respect, nanostructured biocidal
      surfaces offer a potentially powerful weapon in the fight against HCAI. In
      addition to providing a toxic environment to a range of infectious disease
      causing bacteria (while remaining harmless to human health), any potential
      bioactive coated surface is required to be durable enough to withstand regular
      hospital cleaning methods without a reduction in biocidal activity over time and
      be economically viable to mass produce. The flame assisted chemical vapour
      deposition (FACVD) of silver and silver/silica films offer a means of producing
      such surfaces. In this work, we report investigations into a wide range of
      experimental factors and parameters affecting film durability, including burner
      head design and relative water vapour content in the flame environment. The
      produced films were assessed in terms of durability (by scratch testing) and
      relative silver content using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy
      (GDOES).

PMID- 22097581
TI  - Kinetics of the formation of titanium oxynitride and nitride under the action of
      VUV, studied by means of ellipsometry.
AB  - Preparation of thin nanolayers (approximately 10 nm) with the required
      stoichiometry and minimal grain size is important for the development of
      nanostructures. The kinetics of the formation of titanium nitride and titanium
      oxynitride layers through nitridation of the titanium matrix was investigated in
      the present work. It was shown that the UV radiation causes an increase in
      nitridation rate, depending on radiation energy, within the studied range 4 to 21
      eV. The investigation was carried out with the help of ellipsometry and
      independent methods: atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanism of titanium interaction with nitrogen
      resulting in the formation of nitride and oxynitride layers at the Si/Ti and
      SiO2/Ti interfaces was investigated, the role of the UV radiation in solid-state
      reactions was revealed, and the mechanism of the process was proposed on the
      basis of the experimental data and results of quantum chemical simulation. The
      use of UV radiation allowed us to obtain the layers at low temperatures (0-5
      degrees C) and to achieve a short reaction time due to an increase in reaction
      rate. The resulting layers have good masking properties (minimal density of pores
      and defects, high smoothness of the surface). This allows one to use these layers
      for chemical and electronic passivation and stabilization of the surface of
      semiconductor nano-objects (quantum dots, quantum wires, nanowhiskers etc.) for
      electronic and photon nanodevices.

PMID- 22097582
TI  - Atomically controlled processing in silicon-based CVD epitaxial growth.
AB  - One of the main requirements for Si-based ultrasmall device is atomic-order
      control of process technology. Here, we show the concept of atomically controlled
      processing for group IV semiconductors based on atomic-order surface reaction
      control in Si-based CVD epitaxial growth. Self-limiting formation of 1-3 atomic
      layers of group IV or related atoms after thermal adsorption and reaction of
      hydride gases on Si(1-x)Gex(100) (x = 0-1) surface are generalized based on the
      Langmuir-type model. Moreover, Si-based epitaxial growth on N, P or C atomic
      layer formed on Si(1-x)Gex(100) surface is achieved at temperatures below 500
      degrees C. N atoms of about 4 x 10(14) cm(-2) are buried in the Si epitaxial
      layer within about 1 nm thick region. In the Si(0.5)Ge(0.5) epitaxial layer, N
      atoms of about 6 x 10(14) cm(-2) are confined within about 1.5 nm thick region.
      The confined N atoms in Si(1-x)Gex preferentially form Si-N bonds. For unstrained
      Si cap layer grown on top of the P atomic layer formed on Si(1-x)Gex(100) with P
      atomic amount of below about 4 x 10(14) cm(-2) using Si2H6 instead of SiH4, the
      incorporated P atoms are almost confined within 1 nm around the heterointerface.
      It is found that tensile-strain in the Si cap layer growth enhances P surface
      segregation and reduces the incorporated P atomic amount around the
      heterointerface. Heavy C atomic-layer doping suppresses strain relaxation as well
      as intermixing between Si and Ge at the nm-order thick Si(1-x)Gex/Si
      heterointerface. These results open the way to atomically controlled technology
      for ULSIs.

PMID- 22097583
TI  - The effects of using ALD-grown ZnO buffer layers on the properties of indium tin
      oxide grown by chemical solution deposition.
AB  - In comparison to ITO films prepared by chemical solution deposition on bare
      substrates, the use of a ZnO buffer layer and Al2O3 barrier layer has been shown
      to have a significant effect on morphology, measured sheet resistance and
      therefore resistivity. In the case of quartz substrates, ITO resistivity
      decreased from 9.6 x 10(-3) ohms cm to 4.3 x 10(-3) ohms cm on incorporation of a
      ZnO buffer layer and Al2O3 barrier layer, both grown by ALD. A change in surface
      morphology was observed, due to the presence of the buffer layer, however, the
      ZnO buffer layer was not found to influence the XRD pattern of the ITO films.

PMID- 22097584
TI  - Aerosol assisted depositions of polymers using an atomiser delivery system.
AB  - The hydrophobicity, robustness and anti-microbial properties of Sylgard 184
      polymer films deposited via AACVD were optimised by using aerosol droplets from
      an atomiser delivery system, polymer coating substrates and the swell
      encapsulation of methylene blue. By using an atomiser deposition system (average
      droplet size 0.35 microm) rather than a misting aerosol system (45 microm) lead
      to a surface with smaller surface features, which improved hydrophobicity (water
      contact angle 165 degrees) in addition to increasing the films transparency from
      ca 10 to 65%. Pre-treating the substrates with the same Sylgard 184 elastomer
      lead to a highly consistent surface hydrophobicity and an increase in average
      water contact angle measured (169 degrees). This paper shows the first example of
      dye incorporation in a CVD derived polymer film-these films have potential as
      antimicrobial surfaces.

PMID- 22097585
TI  - Influence of varying porogen loads and different UV cures on low-kappa film
      characteristics.
AB  - Nanoporous low-kappa films were manufactured by using a 3-step process: co
      deposition of a skeleton and porogens by PECVD, porogen removal by remote plasma
      and UV cure. In this study, the influence of both the variation of the porogen
      load and the different types of UV-cures on several film characteristics were
      investigated. Improved kappa-values were observed for increased porogen to
      skeleton ratios and a broad band cure, where the wavelength of the photons is
      always higher than 200 nm. However the Young's modulus and hardness decreased
      correspondingly. These variations can be attributed to the changing density and
      chemical composition of the different films. A wide range of low-kappa films was
      obtained by tuning the porogen load and applying different types of UV cures.

PMID- 22097586
TI  - A difference in using atomic layer deposition or physical vapour deposition TiN
      as electrode material in metal-insulator-metal and metal-insulator-silicon
      capacitors.
AB  - In this work, metal-insulator-metal (MIM) and metal-insulator-silicon (MIS)
      capacitors are studied using titanium nitride (TiN) as the electrode material.
      The effect of structural defects on the electrical properties on MIS and MIM
      capacitors is studied for various electrode configurations. In the MIM capacitors
      the bottom electrode is a patterned 100 nm TiN layer (called BE type 1),
      deposited via sputtering, while MIS capacitors have a flat bottom electrode
      (called BE type 2-silicon substrate). A high quality 50-100 nm thick SiO2 layer,
      made by inductively-coupled plasma CVD at 150 degrees C, is deposited as a
      dielectric on top of both types of bottom electrodes. BE type 1 (MIM) capacitors
      have a varying from low to high concentration of structural defects in the SiO2
      layer. BE type 2 (MIS) capacitors have a low concentration of structural defects
      and are used as a reference. Two sets of each capacitor design are fabricated
      with the TiN top electrode deposited either via physical vapour deposition (PVD,
      i.e., sputtering) or atomic layer deposition (ALD). The MIM and MIS capacitors
      are electrically characterized in terms of the leakage current at an electric
      field of 0.1 MV/cm (I leak) and for different structural defect concentrations.
      It is shown that the structural defects only show up in the electrical
      characteristics of BE type 1 capacitors with an ALD TiN-based top electrode. This
      is due to the excellent step coverage of the ALD process. This work clearly
      demonstrates the sensitivity to process-induced structural defects, when ALD is
      used as a step in process integration of conductors on insulation materials.

PMID- 22097587
TI  - Low temperature SiC film deposition using trichlorosilane gas and
      monomethylsilane gas.
AB  - In order to produce silicon carbide thin film through the process entirely at low
      temperatures, silicon carbide chemical vapor deposition on a silicon wafer
      surface was performed using trichlorosilane gas and monomethylsilane gas. First,
      the silicon thin film was formed using trichlorosilane gas at 800 degrees C and
      was cooled to room temperature in ambient hydrogen, in order to produce hydrogen
      terminated silicon surface. Next, monomethylsilane gas was introduced at room
      temperature to produce silicon carbide thin film. The mirror-like appearance of
      the film obtained by this process was maintained after the exposure to hydrogen
      chloride gas at 800 degrees C. Furthermore, very thin Si-C layer was detected at
      the surface by means of the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Thus,
      the silicon carbide thin film was concluded to be formed through the process at
      temperatures below 800 degrees C.

PMID- 22097588
TI  - Atomic layer deposition of ruthenium films on strontium titanate.
AB  - Atomic layer deposition of ruthenium on SrTiO3 layers was investigated using
      (C2H5C5H4). (NC4H4)Ru and air as precursors. For comparison, the growth was
      studied also on ZrO2 films and SiO2/Si surfaces. Deposition temperature was 325
      degrees C. Using rather short but intense air pulses, smooth and uniform Ru films
      were deposited on SrTiO3. The films were crystallized at early stages of the
      growth. The nucleation density and rate on SrTiO3 were notably lower compared to
      that on ZrO2 and SiO2, but the physical qualities including the film conductivity
      were considerably enhanced after reaching Ru film thickness around 10 nm.

PMID- 22097589
TI  - Conformal atomic layer deposition of TA-based diffusion barrier film using a
      novel mono-guanidinate precursor.
AB  - In this work, we present elaboration of Ta-based thin films by ALD from a novel
      tantalum precursor, the eta2-N,N'-isopropylethylguanidinato-tetra-diethylamino
      tantalum ([eta2-(i)PrNC(NEt2)NEt]Ta(NEt2)4, IEGTDEAT). Ammonia was used as
      reducing agents. The experimental conditions were optimized by quartz
      microgravimetry, studying the influence of duration of precursors and purge
      pulses and the substrate temperature. An optimal deposition temperature of 260
      degrees C was showed. Ta-based thin films deposited on planar and patterned
      substrates showed a perfect conformality and continuity, even at low number of
      cycles.

PMID- 22097590
TI  - Amorphous alumina coatings: processing, structure and remarkable barrier
      properties.
AB  - Amorphous aluminium oxide coatings were processed by metalorganic chemical vapour
      deposition (MOCVD); their structural characteristics were determined as a
      function of the processing conditions, the process was modelled considering
      appropriate chemical kinetic schemes, and the properties of the obtained material
      were investigated and were correlated with the nanostructure of the coatings.
      With increasing processing temperature in the range 350 degrees C-700 degrees C,
      subatmospheric MOCVD of alumina from aluminium tri-isopropoxide (ATI)
      sequentially yields partially hydroxylated amorphous aluminium oxides, amorphous
      Al2O3 (415 degrees C-650 degrees C) and nanostructured gamma-Al2O3 films. A
      numerical model for the process allowed reproducing the non uniformity of
      deposition rate along the substrate zone due to the depletion of ATI. The
      hardness of the coatings prepared at 350 degrees C, 480 degrees C and 700 degrees
      C is 6 GPa, 11 GPa and 1 GPa, respectively. Scratch tests on films grown on TA6V
      titanium alloy reveal adhesive and cohesive failures for the amorphous and
      nanocrystalline ones, respectively. Alumina coating processed at 480 degrees C on
      TA6V yielded zero weight gain after oxidation at 600 degrees C in lab air. The
      surface of such low temperature processed amorphous films is hydrophobic (water
      contact angle 106 degrees), while the high temperature processed nanocrystalline
      films are hydrophilic (48 degrees at a deposition temperature of 700 degrees C).
      It is concluded that amorphous Al2O3 coatings can be used as oxidation and
      corrosion barriers at ambient or moderate temperature. Nanostructured with Pt or
      Ag nanoparticles, they can also provide anti-fouling or catalytic surfaces.

PMID- 22097591
TI  - Fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition of silicon on carbon nanotubes for Li-ion
      batteries.
AB  - Silicon was deposited on balls of entangled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT)
      with a mean diameter of several hundreds of microns, by Fluidized Bed Chemical
      Vapor Deposition from silane (SiH4). The weight total percentage of deposited
      silicon was between 30 and 70%, to test their efficacy in Li-ion battery anodes.
      TEM and SEM imaging revealed that silicon deposits were of the form of
      nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the whole CNT surface. The diameter of these
      nanoparticles increases with the deposited silicon percentage from 18 to 36 nm
      whereas their density remains constant at 5 10(22) nanoparticles/g of CNT. This
      indicates a low affinity of chemical species born from silane pyrolysis with the
      CNT surface for nucleation. The increase of the silicon nanoparticles diameter
      leads to the decrease of the specific surface area and the porous volume of the
      balls, probably due to the filling of the pores of the CNT network by silicon. A
      slight increase of the mean diameter of the balls was observed for the two
      highest silicon percentages, certainly due to the ability of the CNT network to
      be deformed under the mechanical stress induced by the silicon nanoparticles
      growth.

PMID- 22097592
TI  - Single-step fabrication of nanolamellar structured oxide ceramic coatings by
      metal-organic chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - Oxide ceramic coatings in the system Y2O3-Al2O3-ZrO2 were fabricated in
      laboratory scale by using a MOCVD unit. A hot wall reactor was used along with
      different precursor feeding systems. Most experiments were carried out by using
      powder flash evaporation including a screw feeder for precursor powder delivery.
      For comparison, further samples were fabricated by using band flash evaporation
      and continuous evaporation from a crucible. Oxygen was used in all cases as
      reactant gas. Aluminium-tris-2,4-pentanedione (Al(acac)3), yttrium-tris-2,2,6,6
      tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (Y(thd)3) and zirconium-tetrakis-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl
      3,5-heptanedione (Zr(thd)4) were applied as metal-organic precursors because of
      their similar vaporization behaviour under the given conditions. The coating
      stoichiometry was varied from pure alumina to complex ternary compositions in the
      system Y2O3-Al2O3-ZrO2. Both kinds of ternary coatings fabricated by using flash
      evaporation methods show a nanolamellar microstructure in the as deposited state.
      Heat treating experiments at 1200 degrees C for up to 5 days enhance the lamellar
      character of the coating deposited by using powder flash evaporation. The
      lamellar microstructure is due to alternating YSZ enriched layers and YAG
      enriched layers in this state. However, the coating fabricated by using band
      flash evaporation shows a dense interpenetrating network of YSZ and YAG after
      heat treating instead of a lamellar microstructure observed in the as deposited
      state.

PMID- 22097593
TI  - Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma etching of F:SnO2 for thin film
      photovoltaics.
AB  - Thin film based photovoltaic systems offer significant advantage over wafer based
      technologies enabling the use of low cost, large area substrates such as glass,
      greatly facilitating the construction and integration of large modules. The
      viability of such systems has advanced in recent years, with researchers striving
      to optimise performance through the development of materials and cell design. One
      way to improve efficiency is to texture the interface between the TCO and the
      absorber layer to maximise scattering over the appropriate wavelength range, with
      nanometre scale features such as pyramids being reported as giving high scatter.
      These textures may be achieved by advanced growth processes, such as CVD, post
      growth etching or a combination of both. In this work, textured F:SnO2 films
      produced by APCVD were favourably modified using a remote, non thermal,
      atmospheric plasma to activate a selective dry etch process resulting in
      significantly enhanced topography. Uniform treatment of the samples was achieved
      by translation of the samples below the plasma head. Advantages of this approach,
      compared to competitive technologies such as wet chemical processes, are the
      relatively low power consumption and ease of scalability and retroprocess
      integration. The modified structures were studied using AFM, SEM and EDAX, with
      the observed topography controlled by process variables. Optical properties were
      assessed along with Hall measurements.

PMID- 22097594
TI  - Impedance spectroscopy of manganite films prepared by metalorganic chemical vapor
      deposition.
AB  - Polycrystalline Pr(1-x)CaxMnO3 (PCMO) films were prepared by liquid source
      metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using in situ infrared spectroscopic
      monitoring. The electric properties of the PCMO-based devices with Ni and Al
      electrodes (Ni-PCMO-Ni and Al-PCMO-Al devices) were studied by dc current-voltage
      (I-V) measurements and ac impedance spectroscopy. The current varied linearly
      with the applied voltage in Ni-PCMO-Ni devices, while nonlinear behavior was
      observed in I-V curves for Al-PCMO-Al devices. Impedance spectra were also
      different between Ni-PCMO-Ni and Al-PCMO-Al devices. The Cole-Cole plots for the
      Ni-PCMO-Ni devices showed only a single semicircular arc, which was assigned to
      the PCMO bulk impedance. Impedance spectra for the Al-PCMO-Al devices had two
      distinct components, which could be attributed to the PCMO bulk and to the
      interface between the PCMO film and the Al electrode, respectively. The bias
      dependence of the impedance spectra suggested that the resistance switching in
      the Al-PCMO-Al devices was mainly due to the resistance change in the interface
      between the film and the electrode. The metal electrode plays an important role
      in the resistance switching in the PCMO-based devices. The choice of the optimum
      metal electrodes is essential to the ReRAM application of the manganite-based
      devices.

PMID- 22097595
TI  - Carburization of Si microwires by chemical vapour deposition.
AB  - We report the elaboration of silicon carbide (SiC) nanostructures thanks to the
      carburization of silicon microwires (MWs) under methane at high temperature. The
      produced SiC nanostructures display a tubular shape and are polycrystalline. The
      as-prepared silicon carbide microtubes (MTs) were characterized and studied by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dual focused ion beam-scanning electron
      microscope (FIB-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction
      (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The formation of microtubes can be explained by the
      out-diffusion of Si through the SiC during the carburization process.

PMID- 22097596
TI  - Atmospheric pressure chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) for the preparation of
      biomorphic SiC ceramics derived from paper.
AB  - Chemical Vapor Infiltration of biological structures such as paper is used here
      to produce biomorphic SiC ceramics with high temperature resistance. The
      biological substrate materials are infiltrated with tetramethylsilane (TMS) at
      atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures of 790 degrees C. A simple tube
      furnace (hot-wall reactor) is used for the infiltration process. As result,
      porous SiC-ceramics are grown which are around 20% smaller and 70% lighter than
      the initial substrates. This can be explained by the pyrolytic reaction of the
      substrates while heating them up to 790 degrees C, which is necessary for the
      infiltration process. Nevertheless, besides the shrinking of the substrates the
      geometrical form remains nearly unchanged. The resulting materials were heated up
      to 1000 degrees C in oxygen atmosphere in order to analyze their resistance
      against oxidation. After this treatment, all of them were still mechanically
      stable and of unchanged shape while a further mass loss was observed. This
      confirms the high temperature stability of the prepared materials.

PMID- 22097598
TI  - [Difference of HBV DNA levels and HBV genotypes between the patients with primary
      hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis with hepatitis B].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference of HBV DNA levels and HBV genotypes between
      the patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis who
      infected with hepatitis B virus. METHODS: Total 430 patients with hepatitis B
      were enrolled and further divided into the HCC group (210 cases) and liver
      cirrhosis group (HBV LC, 220 cases). The levels of HBV DNA and HBV genotypes were
      detected in all of the serum samples from the two groups, and the differences in
      the genotypes and virological markers between HCC patients and HBV LC patients
      were further analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rates of HBV DNA of HCC patients and
      HBV LC patients were 84.3% (177/210) and 94. 5% (208/220), respectively. The mean
      values of serum HBV DNA in HCC patients and HBV-LC patients were (5.06 +/- 1.01)
      log10 cps/ml and (5.36 +/- 1.13) log10 cps/ml, respectively. The positive rates
      of HBV DNA and the mean values of serum HBV DNA were higher in HBV-LC patients
      than those in HCC patients (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the main genotype was C in
      both groups and the distribution of genotype C and genotype B had no statistical
      difference. CONCLUSIONS: Mainly presented as a C genotype in both groups, the
      total levels of serum HBV DNA in HCC patients were lower than those in HBV-LC
      patients.

PMID- 22097597
TI  - [Detection and analysis of gene polymorphism in hepatitis B virus C region].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the variations of gene C in hepatitis B viruses between
      hepatitis B patients and healthy carriers, and provide experimental evidences for
      analysis of virus gene mutations acting on the virus material science and
      response of the body to the virus. METHODS: The virus DNA load in hepatitis B
      patients and healthy blood donors was investigated by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR). Gene sequence analysis was taken to detect gene polymorphism, and
      all the success samples were compaired with standard strain by DNAstar. RESULTS:
      (1)G Compared with standard strain, C region in all samples had mutations, there
      were 31 mutations in at least 2 samples (3 mutations in gene PreC and 28
      mutations in gene C), including 9 missense mutations, 1 chain termination
      mutation and 21 synonymous mutation. Mutations nt 1827 c-->a and nt 2221 c-->t
      existed in all the samples, and most samples had 6 synonymous mutations. Four
      hepatitis B patients had mutation nt1896 g-->a, and another 4 patients had 2
      mutations, namely, S87G and I97F (or 197L) in HBcAg CTL recognition episome. (2)
      The success ratio of amplification and sequencing of HBV DNA was closely
      associated with its copy numbers. In the present study, copy numbers of HBV DNA
      which were successfully amplified and sequenced were almost more than 40 193/ml.
      CONCLUSIONS: HBV genome were easily affected by nucleotide mutations, 2 residues
      had mutations in gene of C region, which is firstly reported, suggesting these
      mutations may be geographical restricted. Mutations in gene of C region may
      either change the structure and function of HBeAg and HBcAg, which may further
      induce the escape of immune clearance for HBV or influence the detection of HBsAg
      or HBeAg, which may creat new problems for the prevention, diagnosis and
      treatment of hepatitis B.

PMID- 22097600
TI  - [Analysis of sequence and genotype of E gene of the newly isolated Japanese
      encephalitis virus strains in Wuhan, Hubei Province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the molecular characteristics of the newly isolated two
      Japanese encephalitis virus strains (JEV) in Wuhan. METHODS: The mosquitoes were
      collected in Wuhan from April to October in 2009. The envelope (E) protein gene
      of JEV was detected using RT-PCR and sequenced. Sequence comparisons and
      phylogenetic analysis were conducted using DNAstar and MegAlign. RESULTS: Two
      Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) strains (WHJX09-9, WHJX09-10) were isolated
      from Culex tritaeniorhynchus among 16 mosquito pools and identified as genotype
      I. The result showed that the homology of the two strains was 98. 9% in
      nucleotides and 100% in deduced amines. The comparison between the new genotype 1
      JEV strains and live attenuated vaccine strain SA14-14-2 in E gene showed that
      the homology of nucleotide sequence was 87.4% and 87.9%, the homology of amino
      acid was 96.9% (total 15 amino acid were different) in E gene. The mutation sites
      of amino acid distributed among three different coding domain, but no antigen
      binding site and neurotoxin-involved site of amino acid were changed. CONCLUSION:
      Wuhan had appeared a new genotype of JEV which was different from the former
      strain isolated in Wuhan, the new JEV strains still had neurotoxicity but had
      high homology with the vaccine strains adopted in Wuhan. The vaccine could still
      be adopted to prevent Japanese encephalitis if steps were take to eradicate
      mosquitos at the same time. laboratory surveillance were also an important task
      to build an early-warning mechanism against JEV.

PMID- 22097599
TI  - [Analysis of genetic diversity and amino acid sequence of HIV-1tat in CNS and
      peripheral tissue of a patient with ADC and a patient with non-ADC].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the diversity of HIV-1 tat gene in CNS and peripheral tissue
      of a patient with ADC and a patient with non-ADC, so as to research HIV
      evolution, the mechanism of CNS invasion and the pathogenesis of ADC. METHODS:
      The tat gene was amplified with nested PCR from genomic DNA which was extracted
      from spleen and basal ganglia of one non-ADC patient with a wide range of
      cerebral artery atherosclerosis and one ADC patient. PCR products were cloned
      into the PGEM-T vector, after transformation and selection by ampicillin and
      blue/white spotting. Five of positive clones were sequenced. HIV-1 tat sequences
      were processed with BioEdit and MEGA4. With the softwares, neighbor-joining tree,
      p-distances, values of ds/dn, and analysis of amino acid motifs were all done, so
      as to research the diversity of HIV-1 tat gene in CNS and peripheral tissue.
      RESULTS: Gene mutation of HIV-1 tat exist in the two patients, the mutation
      process of tat isolated from ADC patient suffered more compartmentalization than
      tat isolated from non-ADC patient, the differences of tat genes between CNS and
      peripheral tissue in ADC patient were greater than the non-ADC patient. Ds/dn
      showed that the virus gene mutation played a major role, the body intend to
      remove harmful non-synonymous mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The compartmentation of tat
      gene in CNS and peripheral tissue of the two patients was different, the reason
      may be related to the pathway of HIV into the CNS, the relationship between HIV
      gene mutation in CNS and ADC still need more investigation.

PMID- 22097601
TI  - [Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotypes in congenitally infected
      neonates].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB)
      genotypes and clinical features in neonates with congenital infections. METHODS:
      Urine samples were obtained from 67 neonates with HCMV infection confirmed by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The gB gene fragment was amplified by nested
      PCR. HCMV gB genotyping was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism.
      RESULTS: In all these cases, the most prevalent genotype was gBl (50.7%),
      followed by gB3 (23.9%), gB2 (17.9%), and gBl/gB3 coinfection (7.5%); gB4 was not
      found. Moreover, gB1 was more prevalent in infants with liver damage (27/37,
      73.0%) than in other symptomatic infants without liver damage (13/30, 43.3%; P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The gBI genotype is the most prevalent in infants with
      congenital symptomatic HCMV disease, especially in those with liver damage,
      followed by genotypes gB3, gB2, and gB4.

PMID- 22097602
TI  - [The clinical research of the MGMT expression levels in glioma pations].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the expression of tumor O (6)
      methylquanine DNA methyl-tranferase(MGMT) and pathological grade,and the
      influence of racial factors on tumor MGMT expression levels for glioma patients.
      METHODS: Compare and analysis the correlation between the pathological grade and
      MGMT levels and the racial factors on MGMT expression levels by the
      immunohistochemical staining on the tumor specimens of 33 Uygur and 61 Han.
      RESULTS: The positive rate of 61 Han gliomas pations with MGMT is 45.90% and 33
      cases of the Uygur is 30.30% , there's no clear correlation between the racial
      factors and the tumor MGMT levels. (P >0.05). Comparative the 94 patients with
      pathological level and tumor MGMT level, there is no clear correlation between
      pathologic level and MGMT pression in tumor tissues (P >0.05). CONCLUSION:
      There's no clear correlation of tumor MGMT expression and pathological levels;
      and there's no significant effect between racial factors and expression of glioma
      MGMT.

PMID- 22097603
TI  - [Sequencing and analyses of the adenovirus polymerase gene in fecal samples of
      captively bred Rhesus macaques].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In an attempt to study the moleculr characterization and epidemiology
      of simian adenoviruses in nonhuman primate (NHP) populations. METHODS: We
      examined a colony of captively bred rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in China for
      the presence of adenoviral DNA in stool samples. This was done by using the PCR
      method that targeted the adenovirus polymerase gene, and the PCR positive
      fragments were cloned for sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Among
      the 57 animals analyzed, fecal samples from 12 animals were positive for the
      presence of adenoviral DNA. The results suggested that the viral DNA clones were
      primarily segregated into two large groups: SAdV-6 (2 non-redundant sequences)
      and SAdV-7 (9 non-redundant sequences). In addition, there were three clones with
      more similarity to SAdV-1, SAdV-3 and HAdV-52 respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data
      confirmed the prevalence of adenoviral DNA in the feces of NHPs and revealed the
      adenoviruses in the gastrointestinal tract of the study animals. heterogeneity
      and phylogenetics of the adenoviruses in the gastrointestinal tract of the study
      animals.

PMID- 22097604
TI  - [The correlational study of viral load of human bocavirus and clinical features
      in children with acute respiratory tract infection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlations between clinical features in paediatric
      patients with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) and viral load of human
      bocavirus. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 956 children < 5 years
      admitted with an acute respiratory tract infection from November 2009 to December
      2010, and 251 healthy children conclused as control group in the corresponding
      period. Human bocavirus was investigated in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and
      throat swab by PCR, and viral load was detected by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) in HBoV positive sample. Clinical data were also prospectively
      recorded. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in HBoV positive rate
      between children with ARTI and control group at enrollment. There was a
      significant difference in HBoV viral load between children with upper respiratory
      tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection. HBoV viral load did not
      differ significantly between children with upper respiratory tract infection and
      control group. Among children with lower respiratory tract infection, no
      significant difference were detected between common and severe cases in HBoV
      viral load. HBoV viral load did not differ significantly whether the children
      were with or without co-infection. CONCLUSIONS: HBoV could be detected perennial
      and considered as a major pathogen associated with acute respiratory tract
      infection in children. However, HBoV may not be a independent factor in children
      with ARTI and the HBoV viral load was not associated with the severity of
      respiratory illness.

PMID- 22097605
TI  - [The analysis of effect of Th1/Th2 cytokine in the different prognosis in severe
      influenza A (H1N1)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of cytokine in the different prognosis of
      patients with severe influenza A (H1N1) infection. METHODS: 28 cases with severe
      influenza A (H1N1) were enrolled in the study including 16 cured cases and 12
      dead cases. The cytokine level in serum was detected by Luminex technology.
      RESULTS: The levels of IL-2, IL-12 (P70) and IFN-gamma in dead group was lower
      than cured and normal control group and the difference were significant, P <0.05,
      respectively. IL-4 level in the dead group was significantly lower than cured
      group and normal control group, P value was 0.0310 and 0.0012, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Thl cytokine level in the severe 2009 epidemic H1N1 influeaze
      cases shows decreased trend, and the trend is more obvious in dead cases. The
      decrease of Th1 cytokine may be one of reasons leading to severe clinical
      situation and related withthe bad prognosis.

PMID- 22097606
TI  - [Study on EB virus infection, LMP1 and Bcl-2 expression in lung cancer patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, the expression
      of EBV latent membrane protein 1 ( LMPl) and oncogene bcl-2 in lung cancer
      patients. METHODS: EBERI in 108 cases of lung cancer were detected with in situ
      hybridization. EBV positive and negative lung cancer tissues were analysed for
      the expression of LMP1 and Bcl-2 by immnohistochemistry. The average area (AA)
      and integral optical density (IA) of each sample was measured with the digital
      medical image analyzing system. RESULTS: In 108 cases of lung cancer, 36 cases
      were EBER1 positive and 7 cases were LMP1 positive. The expression of Bcl-2 was
      higher in EBV positive lung cancer tissues than that in EBV negative. The AA
      value was 58014.23 +/- 6918.45 and 38156.22 +/- 4096.79, while the IA value was
      11.00 +/- 1.48 and 8.03 +/- 0.78 respectively. No statistic difference was fund
      in the expression of Bcl-2 betwen LMP1 positive and negative lung cancer
      tisssues. CONCLUSION: EBV infection in lung cancer increased the expression of
      bcl-2, which may play a role in the occurrence or development of lung cancer. The
      increased expression of Bcl-2 may not be induced by LMP1. The exact mechanism
      need further study.

PMID- 22097607
TI  - [The expression and bioactivity of S gene in Vero-E6 cells using baculovirus
      vector].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The S gene of a Hanta Virus (HV) Z10 strain was cloned into a
      baculovirus shuttle bacmid pDual-CMV contained a CMV promoter to generated a
      recombinant baculovirus BAC-pDual-CMV-HVS, then the recombinant baculovirus was
      transfected into Vero-E6 cell. The cells with recombinant baculovirus were
      applied to the detection of HV antiserum. METHODS: To generate the recombinant
      baculovirus BAC-pDual-CMV-HVS, the sequence of CMV promoter was obtained from the
      plasmid pEGFP-N1 by PCR, and subsequently cloned to the baculovirus shuttle
      bacmid pFastBacDUAL resulting the recombinant plasmid pDual-CMV. Then the
      sequence of HV-S gene was inserted to the plasmid pDual-CMV, to generate the
      plasmid pDual-CMV-HVS. Plasmid pDual-CMV-HVS was transformed into the DH10BAC
      competent cells to get the recombinant baculovirus BAC-pDual-CMV-HVS. The antigen
      substrate slides were made by transfecting the recombinant virus into Vero-E6
      cells. RESULTS: The plasmid pDual-CMV-HVS was verified by sequencing. The
      recombinant virus BAC-pDual-CMV-HVS was generated according to the protocol of
      the baculovirus and transfected into Vero-E6 cells. The expression of the HV-S
      gene was verified by positive HV antiserum. CONCLUSION: [corrected] The
      recombinant virus were successfully generated and applied to prepare the antigen
      substrate slides. The antigen substrate slides was conveniently prepared without
      special equipments, and can be used to detect the antiserum of HV virus.

PMID- 22097608
TI  - [Clinical study on viral hepatitis combined with aplastic anemia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features, outcomes and treatments of viral
      hepatitis combined with aplastic anemia. METHODS: 25 cases diagnosed as viral
      hepatits combined with aplastic anemia in Beijing Ditan Hsopital between April
      2004 and September 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. In this group of patients
      aplastic anemia was finally diagnosed by bone marrow aspiration. We collected
      clinical data of these patients, including a history of liver disease, drug
      allergies, hospital medication history, laboratory data, and then performed
      descriptive analysis. RESULTS: 25 patients with viral hepatitis were diagnosed as
      complicated with aplastic anemia by histopathological data. Among these patients,
      17 were male and 8 were women. Viral hepatitis included: chronic hepatitis B (12
      cases), chronic hepatitis C (4 cases), acute hepatits E (1 case), hepatitis
      caused by CMV infection (1 case), and unclassified hepatitis (7 cases). Among
      these patients, 7 were diagnosed as severe hepatits. Considering previous
      history, only 3 patients had history of short term interferon therapy before
      hospitalization, and the remaining patients did not use drug that affects blood
      system. Treatments were as followings: using colony stimulating factor in 6
      patients, gamma globulin in 9 patients, glucocorticoids in 3 patients,
      erythropoietin in 1 patient, only oral drug to raise erythrocytes in 2 patients,
      red blood cells transfusion in 6 patients, platelets transfusion in 2 patients.
      As for clinical outcomes, 20 patients acquired improved condition and were
      dicharged, 3 patients were discharged voluntarily and 2 patients died of severe
      hepatits combined with other complications. CONCLUSION: Main treatments of viral
      hepatitis combined with aplastic anemia were to treat primary hepatopathy and
      nucleoside analogue-based antiviral therapy, to provide symptomatic and
      supportive treatment for blood diseases. Blood diseases would recover
      simultaneously while liver disease was improved, and the prognosis was good.

PMID- 22097610
TI  - [The clinical epidemiology characteristics of HFMD in 2010 of Hangzhou].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical epidemiology characteristics of HFMD in children
      from April 2010 to October in Hangzhou. METHODS: 1848 HFMD hospital patients are
      admitted to clinical epidemiological analysis. RESULTS: Onset ages of HFMD
      primarily under 3 years, boys more than girls, social above diasporas, rural
      above town. The highest peak in 5-7 months. Mostly clinical symptoms are mild,
      the prognosis is good. CONCLUSION: HFMD has obvious susceptible population and
      susceptibility season. Increase health interventions to susceptible regions and
      the crowd in popular season, early detection, active therapy, most prognosis is
      good.

PMID- 22097609
TI  - [Significance of serum golgi protein 73 (GP73), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and
      lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) expresssion in primary hepatic
      carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the alone and joint diagnostic value of serum golgi protein
      73 (GP73), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and the percentage of lectin-reactive aipha
      fetoprotein (AFP-L3) of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC), and provide a novel
      method for diagnosis for PHC and screening for high-risk population. METHODS:
      ELISA was used to detect the serum level of GP73, AFP and AFP-L3% in 81 cases of
      PHC,176 cases chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, 30 cases other tumber cancer
      and 40 cases of health people. RESULTS: The sensitivity of GP73, AFP and AFP-L3%
      in PHC is 77.78%, 62.69% and 51.85%, and the specificity is 84.55%, 86.99% and
      96.34%, respectively. Joint detection could increase the sensitivity up to
      88.89%. CONCLUSION: GP73 was a high sensitivity mark for dignosis of PHC, while
      AFP-L3% was a high specificity mark for dignosis of PHC. The joint detection
      could improve PHC diagnostic performance.

PMID- 22097611
TI  - [Detection the serum IgM and IgG specific for TORCH in 1307 women in the period
      of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective is to obtain the information of women in the period of
      prepregnancy and pregnancy infected by TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rabella Virus,
      Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus) in Kunming for preventing fetus from
      infection by TORCH in uterus. METHODS: The serum IgM and IgG specific for TORCH
      from 1307 women in the period of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy were measured with
      ELISA and The reagent is the product of virion/serion. RESULTS: The serum IgM
      specific for TORCH were detected in 2.83% of 1307 pregnant women for Toxoplasma,
      2.37% for Rebulla Virus, 0.46% for Cytomegalovirus, 2.45% for Herpes Simplex
      Virus. The total positive rate of serum IgM specific for TORCH was 1.45%. The
      serum IgG specific for TORCH were detected in 3.98% of 1307 pregnant women for
      Toxoplasma, 72.3% for Rebulla Virus, 97.78% for Cytomegalovirus, 80.34% for
      Herpes Simplex Virus. The total positive rate of serum IgG specific for TORCH was
      63.60%. There was no significant difference among the women with different
      pregnant situation in terms of the serum IgM and IgG specific for TORCH.
      CONCLUSION: There are some of women in the period of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy
      with current infection by TORCH in Kunming. It is recommended to screen for
      infection by TORCH in women in the period of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy to
      prevent fetus from infection by TORCH in uterus.

PMID- 22097612
TI  - [Efficacy of two nucleoside analogs to treat resistant HBeAg-negative chronic
      hepatitis B].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and safety of entecavir and adefovir
      in the treatment of lamivudine-resistant HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.
      METHODS: Sixty-five patients with lamivudine-resistant HBeAg-negative chronic
      hepatitis B were randomly divided into two groups. The entecavir treatment group
      included 33 patients, who were administrated entecavir 1.0 mg/d. The adefovir
      treatment group included 32 patients, who were administrated adefovir dipivoxil
      10 mg/d. Changes in serum HBV DNA, liver functions, phosphocreatine kinase,
      creatinine and adverse reaction were dynamically monitored. RESULTS: At the end
      of the 12th, 24th, 48th week of treatment, the rates of serum ALT normalization
      of the entecavir treatment group were higher than that of the adefovir treatment
      group, but there wasn't statistically difference between two groups until the end
      of the 48 th week of treatment (P > 0.05). The rate of sera to turn negative for
      HBV DNA of the entecavir treatment group was significantly higher than that of
      the adefovir treatment group at the end of the 12th week. Moreover, the
      difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both entecavir and
      adefovir dipivoxil might have a good response to lamivudine-resistant HBeAg
      negative chronical hepatitis B. Entecavir could achieve better therapeutic
      effects.

PMID- 22097613
TI  - [The study of combining high-risk human papillomavirus types checking and
      cytologic test in the screening of cervical lesions].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between thinprep cytologic test and the
      types of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in cervical precancerous lesion
      screening. METHODS: To perform high-risk HPV types test in 1375 samples. Choose
      256 positive samples to take thinprep cytologic test (TCT) and directed biopsies
      under colposcopy. Adopting two-channels real time PCR to genotype and quantify
      eight high risk HPV DNA (high risk types: HPV 16, 18, 45, 31; intermediate risk
      types: HPV 33, 52, 58, 67). RESULTS: There are 256 positive samples in High risk
      HPV DNA test (18.62%). WNL rate for TCT is 16.41% (42/256), ASCUS and above rate
      for TCT is 83.59% (214/256). There is no statistically significant difference in
      the viral loads of HPV infection rate between the TCT negative patients and
      positive patients (P > 0.5). Positive correspondence rate for TCT and biopsy are
      92.86% (39/42), 81.36% (48/59), 85.19% (23/27) and 9/10. CONCLUSION: High-risk
      HPV types checking combined with TCT and biopsy can raise positive rate
      significantly. It should be used as a reliable method for early diagnosis in
      cervical cancer and CIN screening.

PMID- 22097615
TI  - [Detection of hepatitis C core antigen in intravenous drug addictions].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the status of detection of hepatitis C core antigen in
      intravenous drug addictions, and discuss the foreground of the hepatitis C core
      antigen ELISA test system. METHODS: HCV core antigen, HCV RNA quantity, anti HCV
      IgG, HBsAg were analysis in all the plasma samples taken from 93 cases of
      intravenous drug users. RESULTS: The specialty and sensitivity of HCV core
      antigen in intravenous drug addictions 100% -54% separately. When HBsAg were
      positive, the sensitivity of HCV core antigen was 38%, while HBsAg negative, the
      sensitivity of HCV core antigen was 69% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The detections of
      HCV core antigen showed high specialty but low sensitivity in intravenous drug
      addictions. The positive rate has positive relation with HCV RNA virus logarithm
      quantity. Coinfection with HBV are the interfere factor of HCV core antigen
      detection. In screening experimentations, the detection of HCV core antigen in
      plasma may be applied as supplement method for anti-HCV-IgG. It can also be used
      to monitor viremia in HCV infection.

PMID- 22097616
TI  - [Establishment and application of nested real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction assay for detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular
      DNA].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a nested real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) assay for detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in
      PBMC( peripheral blood monocyte) and MMNC (marrow monocyte). METHODS: Based on
      the structural differences between HBVcccDNA and HBV rcDNA, two pairs of specific
      primers spanned the gap of the positive and negative chains and a specific TaqMan
      probe situated downstream were designed. To remove rcDNA, cccDNA was processed by
      Mung Bean Nuclease,and then amplified by nested real-time quantitative PCR using
      a pair of outer primers and a pair of inner primers. According to the standard
      preparation, cccDNA levels of specimen were calculated. RESULTS: We have
      established a nested real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR method for HBV cccDNA
      successfully, and the linear range is from 5.0 x 10(2) to 3. 9 x 10(7) copies per
      milliliter. Of the 25 PBMC samples and 7 MMNC samples of the chronic hepatitis B
      or liver cirrhosis patients, 3 MMNC samples and 9 PBMC samples were HBV cccDNA
      positive, while all of the 21 healthy donator blood PBMC samples were negative.
      CONCLUSIONS: The nested real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR method may be
      applied to detect HBVcccDNA level in PBMC and MMNC. HBVcccDNA can be detected in
      PBMC and MMNC.

PMID- 22097614
TI  - [Comparative study on the clinical characteristics of HBV/HCV co-infection
      patients with different HCV contaminnation mode].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiological,
      biochemical and virological characteristics among patients co-infected with
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) according to the mode of HCV
      contamination. METHODS: The study included 133 patients with chronic HBV/HCV co
      infection. They were studied and subdivided into two groups (drug addicts group
      and Blood transfusion group) according to the mode of HCV contaminnation. The
      epidemiological, biochemical and virological characteristics were collected.
      Univariate analysis was performed with the SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: 78 patients were
      infected by the mode of drug addicts (IDU), whereas 55 were infected by the mode
      of blood transfusion( PTCH). Patients in drug addicts group had yonger age,
      shorter HBV and HCV infection history, and lower cirrhosis percentage than those
      of patients in PTCH group (P <0.05). However,serum levels of ALT (t =4.760, P
      =0.000), AST (t = 3.798, P = 0.000), TBil (t = 4.274, P = 0.000) of IDU patients
      were higher than those of PTCH patients. There was difference of sex composition
      between two groups (chi2 = 18.706, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical
      characteristics of patients with HBV/HCV coinfection were significantly different
      among different HCV contamination mode. PTCH patients have the characteristics of
      older age, more cirrhosis and mild degree of liver injury; IDU patients have the
      characteristics of yonger age,fewer cirrhosis and severe liver injury.

PMID- 22097618
TI  - [Soft tumors in the mid abdomen and thighs. Diabetes, lipohypertrophy].

PMID- 22097617
TI  - [Establishment of cellular immunity of enhanced hepatitis B vaccine].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the method to detect the cellular immune response of
      enhanced hepatitis B vaccine and make verification preliminary. METHODS:
      Immunized BALB/c mice with enhanced hepatitis B vaccine and detected the IFN
      gamma spots forming cells (SFC) of mouse spleen cell by Elispot. Optimized the
      conditions of the experiment. Cellular immune response between enhanced hepatitis
      B vaccine and normal hepatitis B vaccine by Elispot were compared. RESULTS: IFN
      gamma SFC was higher in 5microg dose than in 2microg dose after immunization with
      enhanced hepatitis B vaccine and IFN-gamma SFC was declined after immunization 3
      weeks ago. IFN-gamma SFC was higher in stimulus by peptide than by protein.
      Compared to normal hepatitis B vaccine, IFN-gamma SFC was higher in enhanced
      hepatitis B vaccine. CONCLUSION: Established the detection method to evaluate the
      cellular immunity of enhanced hepatitis B vaccine and tested the repeatability.

PMID- 22097619
TI  - ["Enormous burden" of psychiatric illnesses (interview by Thomas Muller)].

PMID- 22097620
TI  - [Is life insurance really worth it? The guaranteed interest rate and what
      remains].

PMID- 22097621
TI  - [Early symptoms of systemic illnesses].

PMID- 22097622
TI  - [Acute chest pain. A myocardial infarct - or does it come from the aorta?].

PMID- 22097623
TI  - [The immunocompromised patient: can you vaccinate him? You even must!].

PMID- 22097624
TI  - [The ghost ride ended in neurosurgery].

PMID- 22097625
TI  - [When can he lift again?].

PMID- 22097628
TI  - [Medical treatment of professional voice users].

PMID- 22097627
TI  - [Medicine for musicians].

PMID- 22097629
TI  - [Musicians dystonia].

PMID- 22097630
TI  - [Diagnosis and therapy of performance anxiety].

PMID- 22097631
TI  - [Fracture of the clavicle].

PMID- 22097632
TI  - [Overweight in families with migrant background].

PMID- 22097633
TI  - [Crohn's disease--early immune-modulatory therapy improves outcome].

PMID- 22097634
TI  - [Too fat to be rescued?].

PMID- 22097635
TI  - Multidimensional measure of display clutter and pilot performance for advanced
      head-up display.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to: develop a multidimensional measure of
      display clutter for advanced head-up displays (HUDs) incorporating enhanced and
      synthetic vision; assess the influence of HUD configuration on perceptions of
      display clutter, workload, and flight performance; model clutter scores in terms
      of visual display properties; and model flight performance in terms of subjective
      and objective clutter indices. METHODS: In a flight simulator, 18 pilots with
      different levels of flight experience flew approaches divided into three
      segments. Three HUD configuration sets were presented under two levels of flight
      workload. Pilot ratings of overall display clutter, its underlying dimensions,
      and mental workload were recorded along with flight performance measures. Display
      image analysis software was used to measure visual properties of the HUDs.
      RESULTS: The multidimensional measure of clutter showed internal consistency with
      overall perceived clutter. Calculated clutter scores were sensitive to HUD
      configurations and in agreement with a priori display classifications. There was
      a trend for the extremes of display clutter to cause higher workload and less
      stable performance due to cognitive complexity and a lack of information for high
      and low clutter displays, respectively. Multiple linear regression models of
      perceived clutter were developed based on HUD visual properties with predictive
      utility. Models of flight performance based on the clutter score and workload
      ratings were also developed, but with less predictive power. DISCUSSION: Measures
      and models of display clutter are expected to be applicable to the evaluation of
      a range of display concepts.

PMID- 22097636
TI  - Axis rotation and visually induced motion sickness: the role of combined roll,
      pitch, and yaw motion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motion sickness (MS) is a well-known phenomenon in aviation and in
      virtual environments such as simulators or computer games. The severity of MS is
      thought to be due to the amount of sensory conflict, which should increase with
      the complexity of the simulated motion. The present study focused on the
      direction and complexity of simulated body rotations in the genesis and severity
      of visually induced MS. METHODS: Three simulated rollercoaster rides including
      translational movement in the fore-aft axis and additional rotational motion
      either in pitch only, along the pitch and roll axes, or in pitch, roll, and yaw
      were generated. We presented video clips of 15 min on a large projection screen
      to a total number of 61 volunteers, who were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3
      rotational motion groups. MS was measured using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale
      (20-point verbal rating scale) and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire.
      Aftereffects were captured up to 5 h after the experiment was finished. RESULTS:
      Analyses indicated lowest MS scores in the pitch-only condition (1.95). Dual-
      (4.33) or triple-axis (5.30) combinations revealed significantly higher MS scores
      than the single-axis condition, but surprisingly did not differ from each other.
      MS started to subside rapidly after about 1 h past stimulus presentation.
      DISCUSSION: We conclude that the complexity of visual motion does not increase MS
      linearly. Instead, we propose that MS reached a plateau in the dual-axis
      condition and adding a third rotational axis did not further surpass the severity
      of MS reached.

PMID- 22097637
TI  - Severe hypotension during the decreasing phase of Gz stress in anesthetized rats
      wearing an anti-G suit.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Physiological responses to +Gz stress have been reported in several
      studies. However, no reports exist on differences in arterial pressure responses
      between increasing and decreasing G phases. We hypothesized that +Gz stress
      and/or an anti-G support might disturb the circulation system and cause potential
      brain hypoperfusion, even if the anti-G support protects against G-induced loss
      of consciousness. METHODS: Dependency of +Gz magnitude, hemodynamic changes,
      renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), and aortic blood flow (AoBF) were
      estimated in anesthetized rats to analyze the effects of +Gz stress and/or an
      anti-G support on arterial pressure at a level of the brain (APLB). The rats were
      exposed to +Gz using a centrifuge for small animals while wearing an anti-G suit.
      RESULTS: APLB remained at the control level while the anti-G suit was inflated.
      However, a decrease in APLB was observed twice during increasing and decreasing G
      phases using the anti-G suit. Hypotension in the decreasing C phase at +5 Gz was
      significantly deeper than that in the increasing G phase (47.5 +/- 7.7 vs. 29.6
      +/- 3.0 mmHg). RSNA responses to Gz loads were greater in the decreasing G than
      in the increasing G phase (129.7 +/- 8.6 vs. 147.3 +/- 10.4%). Both AoBF and
      calculated vascular resistance were suppressed more significantly in the
      decreasing G than in the increasing G phase (38.3 +/- 4.4 vs. 34.4 +/- 3.4 ml x
      min(-1), 1.44 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.14 mmHg x min(-1) x ml(-1)). DISCUSSION: We
      conclude that transient excessive decreasing G hypotension may occur during the
      decreasing G phase, which may be due to anti-G suit functioning.

PMID- 22097638
TI  - Automated collection of fatigue ratings at the top of descent: a practical
      commercial airline tool.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a need to develop an efficient and accurate way of
      assessing pilot fatigue in commercial airline operations. We investigated the
      validity of an automated system to collect pilot ratings of alertness at the top
      of descent, comparing the data obtained with existing results from previous
      studies and those predicted by the validated SAFE fatigue model. METHODS: Boeing
      777 pilots were prompted to enter a Samn-Perelli fatigue scale rating directly
      into the flight management system of the aircraft shortly prior to descent on a
      variety of short- and long-haul commercial flights. These data were examined to
      evaluate whether the patterns were in line with predicted effects of duty length,
      crew number, and circadian factors. We also compared the results with data from
      previous studies as well as SAFE model predictions for equivalent routes.
      RESULTS: The effects of duty length, time of day, and crew complement were in
      line with expected trends and with data from previous studies; the correlation
      with predictions from the SAFE model was high (r = 0.88). Fatigue ratings were
      greater on longer trips (except where mitigated by adding an extra pilot) and on
      overnight sectors (4.68 vs 3.77). DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the
      automated collection of subjective ratings is a valid way to collect data on
      fatigue in an airline setting. This method has potential benefits for the crew in
      assessing fatigue risk prior to approach, as part of a fatigue risk management
      system, with the possibility of wider safety benefits.

PMID- 22097639
TI  - Measuring the cumulative effect of G force on aviator neck pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In many studies, high G force is thought to be the most important
      causal factor of aviator neck pain. However, most of the studies performed to
      date have compared neck pain of aviators exposed to high G force with that of
      aviators not so exposed or with that of the general population. As a result, neck
      pain for aviators exposed to high G force as it relates to G level is not yet
      well-known. METHODS: The subjects were 1003 male aviators who were sent an
      anonymous questionnaire. Subject variables were information on physical
      characteristics, lifestyle, and flight characteristics, including information
      about exposed maximum G (Gmax). There were three dependent variables: whether the
      aviator had experienced neck pain, frequency of neck pain, and subjective
      severity of neck pain. RESULT: With the multivariate analysis, amount of Gmax
      exposure (frequency or monthly duration of Gmax exposure) had a statistically
      significant positive relationship with all three dependent variable. BMI, flight
      hours in current aircraft, and posterior seat type had a meaningful positive
      relationship with experience of neck pain and subjective severity of neck pain.
      Other characteristics, including Gmax level, were not significantly related with
      any dependent variables. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that G level could
      have a ceiling effect; in other words, above a certain G level, aviator neck pain
      risk does not increase. This means that amount of Gmax exposure becomes more
      influential on aviator neck pain than the level of Gmax.

PMID- 22097640
TI  - Assessment of occupational cosmic radiation exposure of flight attendants using
      questionnaire data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Female flight attendants may have a higher risk of breast and other
      cancers than the general population because of routine exposure to cosmic
      radiation. As part of a forthcoming study of breast and other cancer incidence,
      occupational cosmic radiation exposure of a cohort of female flight attendants
      was estimated. METHODS: Questionnaire data were collected from living female
      cohort members who were formerly employed as flight attendants with Pan American
      World Airways. These data included airline at which the flight attendant was
      employed, assigned domicile, start and end dates for employment at domicile, and
      number of block hours and commuter segments flown per month. Questionnaire
      respondents were assigned daily absorbed and effective doses using a time
      weighted dose rate specific to the domicile and/or work history era combined with
      self-reported work history information. RESULTS: Completed work history
      questionnaires were received from 5898 living cohort members. Mean employment
      time as a flight attendant was 7.4 yr at Pan Am and 12 yr in total. Estimated
      mean annual effective dose from all sources of occupational cosmic radiation
      exposure was 2.5 +/- 1.0 mSv, with a mean career dose of 30 mSv. DISCUSSION:
      Annual effective doses were similar to doses assessed for other flight attendant
      cohorts; however, questionnaire-based cumulative doses assessed in this study
      were on average higher than those assessed for other flight attendant cohorts
      using company-based records. The difference is attributed to the inclusion of
      dose from work at other airlines and commuter flights, which was made possible by
      using questionnaire data.

PMID- 22097641
TI  - Laser illumination of flight crewmembers by altitude and chronology of
      occurrence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The illumination of flight crew personnel by lasers while they
      perform landing and departure maneuvers has concerned the aviation community for
      the past two decades. This study examines the frequency of illumination events in
      the United States by altitude and chronology of occurrence to determine where and
      when aviators and the flying public may be at greatest risk. METHODS: Reports of
      aircraft illuminated by high-intensity light sources are maintained in a database
      at the Federal Aviation Administration's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute.
      Reports of flight crewmembers exposed to lasers from January 1, 2004, to December
      31, 2008, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Cockpit illuminations at or below
      2000 ft (approximately 610 m) increased from 12.5 to 26.7% over the 5-yr period,
      while the percentage of illuminations between 2000 and 10,000 ft (approximately
      610-3048 m) decreased from 87.5 to 58.4%. The months of November and December had
      the highest frequency of laser events (23%), while May and June had the least
      (12%). Sunday was the most likely day for an aircraft to be illuminated (18.3%),
      while Wednesday was the least likely day for such an incident (15.4%). More than
      91% of all aircraft illumination events occurred between 1800 and midnight.
      CONCLUSION: The continuing increase in the number of laser illuminations reported
      at or below 2000 ft (approximately 610 m) represents an escalating threat to
      aviation safety. Information provided in this study may allow law enforcement to
      deploy their resources more efficiently to apprehend those responsible for these
      crimes.

PMID- 22097642
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome: aeromedical considerations.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed in
      accordance with the Rome III criteria. The pathophysiology of this illness is not
      well defined and there are no known structural abnormalities, biomedical markers,
      nor inflammatory causes to explain the symptoms. There are a number of serious
      illnesses, such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease that
      mimic IBS. If the Rome III criteria are satisfied and there are no alarm features
      of more serious illness, an in-depth workup is not necessary. There are numerous
      treatment regimens for IBS, none of which are curative nor offer universal
      relief. Some of the treatment regimens, such as antispasmodics and
      antidiarrheals, are not suitable for aviators because of anticholinergic effects
      and sedation. The aeromedical disposition decision is always challenging because
      of the vagaries of this illness. In general, a more liberal policy for pilots in
      civil aviation would be in order as long as symptoms are not frequent nor severe
      and not requiring antispasmodics or antidiarrheals while flying. A more
      conservative policy is in order for military pilots, possibly requiring
      restriction to multiseat aircraft.

PMID- 22097643
TI  - Chemical and traumatic occupational eye exposures in aviation personnel.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The eye is vulnerable to chemical exposure and foreign body
      infiltration in the occupational setting. Individuals working in the aviation
      field are prone to these types of exposures. METHODS: We conducted a 28-mo
      retrospective chart review to document the number of airline workers complaining
      of chemical or foreign body exposure to the eye at an onsite airport medical
      clinic. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9),
      code for chemical conjunctivitis (372.5), was used to identify patients' charts.
      We documented the type of treatment that was initiated and whether there was eye
      damage. We further investigated the chemical composition of the products and
      whether there was any associated toxicity. RESULTS: Few instances of chemical
      exposure and foreign body infiltration were found. Patients were exposed to the
      following products: lubricants (e.g., naphthenic oils), hydraulic fluid (e.g.,
      petroleum or phosphate ester based), jet fuel (e.g., kerosene), and de-icing
      agents (e.g., propylene glycol). There was no documentation regarding the use of
      personal protection equipment in the patients' charts. All patients received eye
      irrigation with normal saline. No sequelae were documented. CONCLUSION: Airline
      personnel are exposed to a variety of chemical agents in the workplace. None of
      the agents that workers were exposed to in this small study exhibited toxic
      effects to the eye. Proper use of personal protection equipment in aviation
      personnel may limit the number of chemical and foreign body eye exposures.

PMID- 22097645
TI  - Challenges in aerospace medicine education.
AB  - Aerospace medicine training and research represents a dream for many and a
      challenge for most. In Canada, although some opportunities exist for the pursuit
      of education and research in the aerospace medicine field, they are limited
      despite the importance of this field for enabling safe human space exploration.
      In this commentary, we aim to identify some of the challenges facing individuals
      wishing to get involved in the field as well as the causal factors for these
      challenges. We also explore strategies to mitigate against these.

PMID- 22097644
TI  - Prostate cancer incidence in U.S. Air Force aviators compared with non-aviators.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several studies investigating whether prostate cancer incidence is
      elevated in aviators both in the civilian and military sectors have yielded
      inconsistent findings. Most investigations have compared aviators to the general
      population. Instead, our study compared prostate cancer incidence rates among
      officer aviators and non-aviators in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to reduce
      confounding by socioeconomic status and frequency of medical exams. METHODS: This
      retrospective analysis ascertained prostate cancer cases using the Automated
      Cancer Tumor Registry of the Department of Defense linked to personnel records
      from the USAF Personnel Center to identify aviators and non-aviators. Survival
      analysis using the Cox Proportional Hazards model allowed comparison of prostate
      cancer incidence rates in USAF aviators and non-aviators. RESULTS: After
      adjustment for age and race, the hazards ratio for prostate cancer incidence
      comparing aviators with non-aviators was 1.15 (95% confidence interval, 0.85
      1.44). Neither prostate cancer incidence nor time to diagnosis differed
      significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our study compared prostate
      cancer rates in aviators with a reference group of non-aviators similar in socio
      economic level and frequency of exams. When compared to this internal reference
      group the risk of prostate cancer in USAF officer aviators appeared similar with
      no significant excess.

PMID- 22097646
TI  - Medical policy development for human spaceflight at NASA: an evolution.
AB  - Codification of medical policy for the National Aeronautics and Space
      Administration (NASA) did not occur until 1977. Policy development was based on
      NASA's human spaceflight efforts from 1958, and the need to support the
      operational aspects of the upcoming Space Shuttle Program as well as other future
      activities. In 1958, the Space Task Group (STG), a part of the National Advisory
      Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), became the focal point for astronaut selection,
      medical support, and instrumentation development in support of Project Mercury.
      NACA transitioned into NASA in 1958. The STG moved to Houston, TX, in 1961 and
      became the Manned Spacecraft Center. During these early years, medical support
      for astronaut selection and healthcare was provided through arrangements with the
      U.S. military, specifically the United States Air Force, which had the largest
      group of subject matter experts in aerospace medicine. Through most of the 1960s,
      the military worked very closely with NASA in developing the foundations of
      bioastronautics and space medicine. This work was complemented by select
      individuals from outside the government. From 1958 to 1977, there was no standard
      approach to medical policy formulation within NASA. During this time, it was
      individualized and subjected to political pressures. This manuscript documents
      the evolution of medical policy in the NASA, and provides a historical account of
      the individuals, processes, and needs to develop policy.

PMID- 22097647
TI  - Two-depth transcranial Doppler: a novel approach for non-invasive absolute
      intracranial pressure measurement.

PMID- 22097648
TI  - You're the flight surgeon: aortic insufficiency.

PMID- 22097650
TI  - [After almost half a century...it is now].

PMID- 22097649
TI  - This month in aerospace medicine history.

PMID- 22097651
TI  - [Conservative treatment of the pectus carinatum].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pectus carinatum (PC) is a deformity that involves the protrusion
      of the anterior chest wall. It is 10 times less frequent than pectus excavatum.
      It has a progressive growth and is more common with men. There are two different
      types, the lower or condrocorporal which is the most common one, and the upper or
      condromanubrial. Most of the time there are no cardio-respiratory symptoms.
      OBJECTIVE: We present our experience in the orthopedic treatment of the pectus
      carinatum. METHOD: Retrospective review of patients treated in our hospital from
      2002 until 2009. Patients were treated with observation, aerobic exercises,
      postural change and/or compression braces. Literature review was performed of the
      treatment for this pathology. RESULTS: 18 patients have been diagnosed with PC,
      16 were men and 2 women. All were treated in a nonoperative way. Only 11 of them
      used a compression brace. We missed two follow-ups and another has just yet begun
      to achieve proper results. All the rest have had excellent results with
      nonoperative treatment. None of them have had a surgical treatment. CONCLUSION:
      The PC is a disease that most often is a cosmetic problem, with no impact on a
      cardio-respiratory level. Classically it has been a surgical entity. In our
      experience we have found that the orthopedic method is an effective alternative,
      safe and with a significant reduction in morbidity. But we need the collaboration
      of the patient to accept and maintain continuity in the use of the prostheses.

PMID- 22097652
TI  - [Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in postoperative period of tracheal
      surgery].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Reconstructive surgery of the airway often means prolonged periods of
      intubation during the post-operatory period, increasing the needs for drugs and
      favoring the appearance of infectious complications. We present an original
      system of ventilatory support with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
      (NIPPV) using in patients subjected to reconstructive surgery of the airway.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in patients undergoing reconstructive
      procedures of the airway in the year 2009 was carried out. We exclude those
      treated endoscopically and those who had vascular rings. The positive pressure
      mechanism used in the Surgery Critical Care Unit was a design made by the unit
      based on the circuit devised by Mapleson that provides optimum levels of
      ventilation without need for connection to a respiratory. We analyze the results,
      postoperatory intubation time, time dependent on NIPPV and medical treatment
      received. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (1 Female and 6 Males) with median age
      of 1.6 (0.1-7.5) years were included. The diagnoses were: 4 subglottic stenosis,
      2 had tracheal stenosis and 1 subcarinal stenosis with involvement of both
      principal bronchioles. The techniques used were: laryngotracheoplasty with costal
      cartilage graft (4), tracheoplasty with costal cartilage (1) and sliding
      tracheoplasty (2) with bilateral bronchoplasty in one of them. The mean time of
      nasotracheal intubation was 3 days, and mean time of NIPPV was 2.3. No patient
      required reintubation and none had infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ventilatory support by VPPNI allows effective extubation in these patients, it
      being possible to maintain a safe airway. Infectious complications, frequent in
      prolonged intubations, were not observed in any of the cases.

PMID- 22097653
TI  - [First results of the orchiopexy via scrotal approach].
AB  - PURPOSE: We present our first results with the technique described by Bianchi and
      Squire in 1989 for the surgical treatment of undescended testis by scrotal
      incision as an alternative to the traditional inguinal approach. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Prospective study of patients operated with the diagnosis of
      cryptorchidism with scrotal orchidopexy from October 2008 through July 2009.
      INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients with inguinal palpable testis, scrotal orchidopexy,
      testicular position was assessed at 6 months and/or one year after surgery. All
      procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Retractile testes were excluded.
      We studied the preoperative localization of the testis, the average surgical
      time, presence or absence of the processus vaginalis, conversions to the
      traditional inguinal orchiopexy, complications and location of six months and one
      year after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 50 orchidopexy were performed in 39
      patients during this period. Aged between 1 and 12 years (mean 5 years, median 4
      years). Were located in the intraoperative exam under anesthesia, fifteen testes
      in the inguinal canal and 35 in the external inguinal ring. Operative times
      ranged from 15 to 60 minutes (mean 34 minutes). The processus vaginalis was
      patent in 25 procedures (50%) and were ligated via the scrotal incision. Two
      patients required conversion to a traditional inguinal approach. All testes were
      satisfactorily positioned in the scrotum and there were no cases de testicular
      atrophy or ascent, hernia o hydrocele formation with followup that ranged from 6
      months to 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of orchiopexy with scrotal approach
      is a safe, well tolerated and reliable method.

PMID- 22097654
TI  - [Evaluation of the anal position in newborns and children with chronic
      constipation. Incidence of anterior ectopic anus].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anterior ectopic anus (AEA), continues to be a controversial issue.
      The objective is to determine the normal position of the anus or anal ano-genital
      index (AGI) in newborns (NB) and in a group of infants with chronic constipation,
      know the incidence of AEA in both groups, and its relationship with constipation.
      METHODS: A prospective aleatory study is performed in where the AGI is determined
      in 529 NB and 64 older patients with chronic constipation. The AGI is obtained by
      dividing the distances (cm): vulvar fornix-anus/fornix-coccyx in females and
      scrotum-anus/scrotum-coccyx in males. The NB group is further studied for
      gestational age, weight, number of meconium discharges and anal calibration. The
      newborns with AEA are then controlled to exclude constipation. In patients with
      chronic constipation, their age, sex and AGI are evaluated. The statistical
      comparisons are made by a Student's t test and Welch's t test for independent
      samples. RESULTS: 49.5% of NB are male. The average gestational age is 38.95 +/-
      2.08/w in NB females and 38.54 +/- 2.26/w in NB males. The average weight is
      3101.91 +/- 511.41/g in newborn females and 3145.14 +/- 573.36/g in newborn
      males. The average AGI of NB females is 0.40 +/- 0.05 and NB males 0.53 +/- 0.06.
      AEA is considered with AGI < 0.30 in females and < 0.41 in males. 2.2% of NB
      females (6/267) and 1.1% of NB males (3/262) have AEA. There is a significant
      difference between the AGI of NB females and NB males (p < 0.0001). 98% of NB
      discharge meconium in the first 24 hours. 2 NB females with AGI 0,21 and 0,26 had
      severe constipation in the first months of life. In group with chronic
      constipation (64 pacients), 59.4% are female. The AGI is 0.36 +/- 0.1 in females
      and 0.47 +/- 0.1 in males (p < 0.0001). Concerning of AEA in the NB group (AGI <
      0.30 in females and 0.41 in males) incidence of AEA in group with chronic
      constipation is 35% in males and 47% in females. CONCLUSIONS: The position of the
      anus in the perineal floor is anterior in females, with significant differences
      (p < 0.0001) to the AGI in males. AEA has more incidence in females (2.2%). In
      the constipated group 47% of females had AEA and it is considered the probable
      reason for this disorder in these patients. To conclude, each NB evaluation
      protocol should include determination of the AGI in the neonatal period to
      exclude AEA and to prevent clinical consequences.

PMID- 22097655
TI  - [Robotic surgery: first pediatric series in Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite several surgical robots operating in Spain, the experience in
      pediatric pathology is limited. We found interesting to review the first full
      pediatric series in our country. We would like to share as well our views on the
      transition from conventional to robotic laparoscopy. METHODS: Retrospective
      review of all the pediatric laparoscopic surgery assisted by the da Vinci robot
      (Intuitive Surgical), in our center, between April 2009 and February 2010.
      RESULTS: 8 patients were operated (7-15 years), with an average weight of 42 Kg
      (18 to 83 Kg). 11 procedures were performed: bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (1),
      inguinal hernia (1), cholecystectomy (4), splenectomy (2), resection of
      pancreatic mass (1), fundoplication (1), adrenalectomy (1). All proceedings,
      except two, were completed with the robot. As complications, there was one
      intraoperative bleeding that required blood transfusion, and in the postoperative
      period, there was a surgical wound infection. There were no conversions to open
      surgery. The average time of preparation before surgery was 130 minutes. The
      three-dimensional vision and lack of tremor are the main advantages cited by all
      surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve of Robotic Surgery is shorter than that
      of conventional laparoscopy. Trained surgeons can perform complex procedures
      laparoscopically from the outset. The main difficulty in children is the proper
      planning of trocar placement, due to the smaller size of the surgical field. The
      organization of surgery is complex and success depends on close collaboration of
      all stakeholders.

PMID- 22097656
TI  - [Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Evaluation and indication for surgical
      treatment by esophageal phmetry].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal pH monitoring is considered the best procedure to
      assess the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conditioning its
      treatment. The indication for surgery is becoming less common. We intend to meet
      this test to what extent it has influenced. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruit
      patients treated in our Centre since the introduction of pH monitoring. We
      compare the number of times before and after its use. We value clinical
      manifestations, usual pH metric values versus non-operated patients with
      pathological test, associated pathology. RESULTS:  SAMPLE: 91 patients, 151 pH
      metric studies (98 preoperative). Number of interventions prior to introduction
      of pH monitoring: 20/year, post: 3.79/year. SYMPTOMS: gastrointestinal 60.2%,
      respiratory 10.2%, mixed 24.5%. 495 non-operated patients, 692 pathological
      studies. PH metric values operated/not operated: No. reflux 116.91 +/-
      125.46/101.69 +/- 83.39 (p < 0.001), No. reflux >5 minutes 8.49 +/- 8.28/4.43 +/-
      4.85 (p = 0.001), longest reflux 60.21 +/- 95.93/31.16 +/- 80.09 (p < 0.001),
      clearance 1.27 +/- 1.44/0.86 +/- 1.05 (p = 0.04), DeMeester 52.74 +/- 56.21/29.49
      +/- 23.57 (p < 0.001). 14 of 98 preoperative pH monitoring were normal.
      Associated pathology operated/not operated: 13.26%/ 7.47%. CONCLUSIONS: The pH
      metric control of patients with GERD and the progress of medical treatment have
      led to a decrease in surgical procedures. In our experience, the intensity of
      GERD is a valuable parameter in deciding on the surgery. We attach particular
      value parameters measuring oesophageal clearance and indices that integrate
      several of them. However, in some patients without pathological pH monitoring, we
      have indicated the operation. The prevalence of associated pathology in the
      operated makes us value them more demanding.

PMID- 22097657
TI  - [Laparoscopic appendectomy with endoloop: results of our experience].
AB  - There are several different techniques for laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), with
      different material requirements and approach. We present the results from our
      series, where we employ monopolar hook for mesoappendix dissection and double
      polyglactin endoloop for ligation of appendicular stump. The appendix is taken
      out through the Hasson trocar without any contact with abdominal wall, in a
      completely laparoscopic procedure. We sought to analyze the security of this
      technique. We reviewed retrospectively every LA for acute appendicitis performed
      during the last 10 years in our Hospital. We collected data regarding surgical
      procedure and postoperative outcome, focusing on intraoperative or postoperative
      complications. A total of hundred and ten (110) LA for acute appendicitis (from
      simple appendicitis to perforated appendicitis) were performed. Mean operative
      time was 74.7 minutes (median 70 min, SD 24.43 min, min. 25, max. 130 min). Ten
      patients (9.09%) had postoperative complications, consisting in intraabdominal
      abscess in 6 patients (5.4%) and wound infection in 3 patients (2.7%). No major
      complication was found, as uncontrolled hemorrhage, bowel perforation or stump
      dehiscence. No patient needed a second surgical procedure in the postoperative
      time. Laparoscopic appendectomy with polyglactin endoloops is a completely
      laparoscopic and safe procedure, without any intraoperative complication in our
      series. Laparoscopic approach with 12 mm Hasson trocar and two 5 mm working
      trocars allows a nice aesthetic result.

PMID- 22097659
TI  - [When is it best to perform enterostomy closure in premature infants with
      necrotizing enterocolitis?].
AB  - INTRODUCION AND AIM: The enterostomy used in the treatment of Necrotizing
      Enterocolitis (NEC) causes many complications before and after its closure. The
      aim of this study was to examine the complications of closure aiming at
      determining the best timing for this operation. PATIENTS AND METHOD:
      Retrospective review patients (p) below 1500 g with NEC in whom the enterostomy
      was closed in the last seven years. P were divided into two groups: PC (planned
      closure after uncomplicated postoperative period) and CC (advanced closure due to
      stomal--excessive looses--or to parenteral nutrition complications--septicemia,
      liver dysfunction-). We compared the age at closure, time of enterostomy, weight
      gain and complications. RESULTS: Out of a total of 25 p requiring surgical
      treatment for NEC, 16 from the PC group and 9 from the CC group were included.
      The mean age at the moment of the closure were, respectively, 129 + 65 vs. 204 +/
      121 days (p < 0.05). Weight at closure was 2665 +/- 841 vs. 4665 +/- 2076 g (p <
      0.05); the mean time with the enterostomy was 105 +/- 64 vs. 187 +/- 116 d (p <
      0.05), and the weight gain was 1779 +/- 859 vs. 3693 +/- 2155 g (p < 0.05). After
      stomal closure, 7/16 p of the CC group (43%) and 2/9 of the PC group (22%)
      required reoperation due to severe complications (ns). In 4 of them, three of the
      CC group and one of the PC group, a new enterostomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS:
      In p with enterostomy-related complications, closure has often to be advanced and
      it is performed in deficient nutritional conditions. Severe complications after
      enterostomy closure required reoperation in 43% of the CC group and in 22% of the
      PC group. Although there was no statistically significant difference, the trend
      indicates an augmented risk in CC group. The timing for enterostomy closure
      should be chosen individually. At the time of indicating the closure, the high
      risk of complications, should be taken into account particularly in preterms with
      enterostomy-related problems.

PMID- 22097658
TI  - [Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in patients with craniofacial malformation].
AB  - Craniofacial malformations (Pierre-Robin sequence, Treacher-Collins syndrome,
      Nager syndrome, etc.) are frequently associated to severe mandibular hypoplasia,
      which can cause upper airway obstruction by retroposition of the base of the
      tongue in the posterior pharyngeal space. Most of the patients respond to
      postural treatment. In prone decubitus position, it may be necessary to monitor
      oxygen saturation, insert a nasopharyngeal tube and even an endotracheal one. In
      more severe cases with prolonged and frequent pauses of apnea, tracheostomy may
      be necessary, but it is associated with high morbidity and sometimes mortality.
      In the last two years, in the Multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Unit of the
      Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 4 children with severe obstructive apnea secondary
      to severe mandibular hypoplasia have been treated with mandibular distraction
      osteogenesis, this procedure being effective in the resolution of the condition.
      It has avoided tracheostomy, it has lengthened the jaw in a period of 2-3 weeks.
      During this time, the obstructive respiratory problems and also swallowing
      problems have disappeared. The esthetic results were excellent and the
      complications, for the moment, minimum.

PMID- 22097661
TI  - [Laparoscopy as diagnostic-therapeutic method in abdominal traumatism in the
      pediatric age].
AB  - The management of blunt abdominal traumatism with a moderate amount of free
      peritoneal fluid and without solid organ injury as well as the one of minimal
      penetrating trauma is controversial. We present three cases of blunt abdominal
      trauma and two of penetrating trauma that underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in our
      department. We found a small bowel perforation in one of the cases of blunt
      trauma that was repaired by externalization of the jejuna loop by one of the
      ports. In the other two cases we found intestinal and mesenteric contusions and
      free fluid that were treated by peritoneal drainage. One of the cases of
      penetrating trauma presented omentum evisceration with no other injuries and the
      second presented a gastric perforation that needed reconversion to laparotomy. In
      our experience and according to literature, laparoscopy should be taken into
      account as a diagnostic procedure and sometimes also therapeutic in selected
      cases of both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma in pediatric population.

PMID- 22097660
TI  - [Management of pediatric iatrogenic tracheobronchial lesions in pediatric
      patients].
AB  - AIM: To present our experience in the management of three cases of
      tracheobronchial iatrogenic injuries and the literature revision about this
      pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present 3 patients treated in our center with
      tracehobronchial iatrogenic injuries since 2005. RESULTS: Case 1. 8 year old boy
      who present cervical, mediastinal and facial emphysema after foreign body
      extraction. After 9 days of conservative management without endotracheal
      intubation all emphysema remited, and the bronchial injury healed. Case 2. 1
      month old toddler who presented after cardiovascular surgery and endotracheal
      tube extraction dyspnea and hypoxia. Fibrobronchoscopy showed subglotic posterior
      tracheal disrupture. Fifteen-day endotracheal intubation throughout the injury
      was enough management on this patient. One month later the tracheal injury was
      completely healed. Case 3. 5 year old girl with tracheobronchial iatrogenic
      injury after orotracheal intubation who developed neumothorax and subcutaneous
      emphysema. After fiteen-day conservative management without intubation the injury
      healed. CONCLUSION: After iatrogenic tracheobronchial injury suspicion there were
      confirmed by fibrobronchoscopy. Conservative treatment in this patients was
      successful. Orotracheal intubation prevented air leaking through the tracheal
      injury allowing complete healing of the trachea. Bronchial injuries healed
      without needing intubation or mechanical ventilation. Articles reviewed recommend
      surgical treatment in those cases who had complete or large airway disrupture or
      in those who were misdiagnosed.

PMID- 22097663
TI  - [Sudden abdominal pain...is it a surprise? Necrosis of an ectopic spleen].
AB  - An ectopic/wandering spleen is rare in children. It results from the absence or
      laxity of the supporting ligaments which may cause torsion of the splenic pedicle
      with subsequent infarction. We present a case of a six-year-old girl, with
      history of onphalocele, dextrocardia and ectopic spleen (incidentally discovered
      three years ago as an abdominal mass on physical examination), with acute
      abdominal pain and signs of peritoneal irritation. Sonography showed an enlarged
      ectopic spleen in the pelvis. Computed tomography scan did not enable
      visualization of the spleen and allowed the identification of a pelvic mass
      without uptake of intravenous contrast. Splenectomy was performed due to splenic
      infarction. In the presence of a wandering spleen, even if asymptomatic,
      splenopexy may be performed to minimize complications, and together with acute
      abdominal pain, torsion of splenic pedicle may be considered.

PMID- 22097662
TI  - [Odontogenic myxoma of nasosinusal localization in a pediatric patient].
AB  - In the present study we report and discuss a case of odontogenic myxoma in a 13
      month-old patient. Only two other reports have been published in the literature
      describing the occurrence of this type of tumor at an earlier age. Odontogenic
      myxoma is a benign mesenchymal neoplasm of the maxilla more common between the
      third and fourth decades of life. The case here reported is exceptional as it
      presents in an infant and, although some cases have been reported in the
      literature, this type of tumor is rare in early childhood. The most common
      locations include the ascending ramus and the angle of the jaw, although these
      tumors may also affect the upper maxilla, in which case they may involve the
      maxillary sinus. According to the review of the literature, these tumors show a
      recurrence rate of about 25%. Consequently, after the intraoperative clinical
      examination of the lesion and the assessment of the initial suspected diagnosis
      by means of intraoperative biopsy under general anesthesia, we carried out the
      resection of the tumor with wide margins at some points of the tumor location.

PMID- 22097664
TI  - [The Pediatric Surgical Service exists in Sabadell from 1968].

PMID- 22097665
TI  - Sixtieth anniversary--West Indian Medical Journal.

PMID- 22097666
TI  - The West Indian Medical Journal and the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) the next
      60 years.

PMID- 22097667
TI  - The road to the United Nations High Level Meeting on chronic non-communicable
      diseases.
AB  - The United Nations High Level Meeting (UNHLM) on non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
      will take place in New York on September 19 and 20, 2011. This historic event
      will focus world attention on the chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) for
      the first time. In 2008, CNCDs, principally cardiovascular disease, cancer;
      chronic lung diseases and diabetes, accounted for 63% (or 36 million) of the 57
      million deaths occurring worldwide. Many of these deaths may be considered
      premature (involving 9.1 million persons aged less than 60 years), and around 80%
      of overall deaths occurred in low and middle income countries. Chronic non
      communicable diseases are therefore a major cause of premature death, with
      resulting enormous negative impact on national economies and global development,
      while continuing to increase at worrying rates particularly in the developing
      world. Without successful interventions, NCD-related deaths are projected to
      reach 52 million by 2030.

PMID- 22097668
TI  - From Port-of-Spain summit to United Nations High Level Meeting CARICOM and the
      global non-communicable disease agenda.
AB  - The English-speaking Caribbean has the highest per capita burden of chronic non
      communicable diseases (CNCDs) in the region of the Americas. Building on a long
      history of cooperation in health among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and past
      successes in eliminating/reducing communicable diseases through collective
      action, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have now been targeted CARICOM convened
      a "first-in-the-world" summit of Heads of Government to address NCDs, which
      generated the Port-of-Spain NCD Summit Declaration, "Uniting to Stop The Epidemic
      of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases". This 15-point declaration calls on all of
      government, civil society and the private sector to jointly tackle the common
      risk factors for the major chronic diseases, and improve the care of such
      diseases. Implementation of this declaration has been mixed, being most
      successful where there were regional supports, and in countries with populations
      > 250 000 reflecting country capacity. CARICOM has elevated this approach to the
      global level through successful advocacy for a United Nations High Level Meeting
      on NCDs to be convened in September 2011. Jamaica will be one of two co
      facilitators of this meeting, a reflection of the role of CARICOM countries in
      advancing the NCD agenda at the global level. CARICOM Heads of Government should
      attend this meeting, showcase the implementation of the NCD Summit Declaration in
      the Caribbean, commit to enhancing systems and resources, endorse and implement
      the commitments made and identify and support leadership for sustained action and
      accountability for these initiatives.

PMID- 22097669
TI  - Chronic non-communicable diseases and the economy.
AB  - There is no question that chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) pose the
      single, greatest sustained threat to the stability of health systems worldwide.
      While undoubtedly the main dimension of the CNCDs challenge is in respect of the
      health and well-being of the population, it is becoming increasingly obvious that
      CNCDs are also posing a serious challenge to economies. Health system costs are
      increasing faster than national income in almost all nations and the main cause
      is the growing incidence of CNCDs and the diverse spill-over effects. The concern
      is that if this continues, there will come a time when the economic system will
      simply no longer be capable of coping with the burden of the CNCDs. In these
      circumstances the economist has two major concerns. The first is to understand
      and explain how CNCDs affect the functioning of the economic system. It is argued
      that while the analysis will necessarily begin on the qualitative level, for
      policy purposes it must also be taken to the quantitative level. The second major
      concern of the economist is to understand and explain how the working of the
      economy influences the incidence of CNCDs in particular countries. The author
      suggests that at a time when the prevention and management of CNCDs are high on
      the agenda of many nations, it is important to know whether the measures being
      taken to improve human development and economic well-being are themselves
      contributing to an increasing incidence of CNCDs particularly in small,
      vulnerable, open economies. In this regard, this paper briefly explains how CNCDs
      affect the economic system and presents some of the estimates of quantitative
      impact on the economy.

PMID- 22097670
TI  - Chronic disease in the Caribbean: strategies to respond to the public health
      challenge in the region. What can we learn from Jamaica's experience?
AB  - With the advent of the epidemiological transition, chronic non-communicable
      diseases (CNCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of death globally. In this
      paper we present an overview of the burden of CNCDs in the Caribbean region and
      use Jamaica as a case-study to review the impact of policy initiatives and
      interventions implemented in response to the CNCD epidemic. The findings show
      that while Jamaica has implemented several policy initiatives aimed at stemming
      the tide of the CNCD epidemic, a comparison of data from two national health and
      lifestyle surveys conducted in Jamaica in 2000/01 and 2007/08 revealed that there
      was an increase in the prevalence of intermediate CNCD risk factors such as
      hypertension and obesity. We therefore present recommended strategies which we
      believe will enhance the current CNCD response and thus reduce, or at least stem,
      the current epidemic of CNCDs.

PMID- 22097671
TI  - Taming the burgeoning stroke epidemic in Africa: stroke quadrangle to the rescue.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death. This is a
      systematic review of the existing literature to examine the burden and profile of
      stroke in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region and proffer
      coordinated and responsive means to tackle the epidemic. METHODS: A systematic
      review of the literature was conducted according to the Centre for Reviews and
      Dissemination Guidelines using Pubmed, African Journals On-Line and Google
      Scholar databases. Over 1300 articles were obtained. All abstracts were screened,
      and every article that might have contained relevant information was read in
      full. Their heterogeneity made meta-analysis impossible. So a critical assessment
      of the data with a narrative review was conducted. RESULTS: Stroke has an annual
      incidence rate of up to 316 per 100 000, a prevalence rate of up to 315 per 100
      000 and a three-year fatality of up to 84% in Africa. In 2002, model-based
      estimated age-adjusted stroke mortality rates ranged between 168 and 179 per 100
      000 population for countries in the African region. There is severe scarcity of
      facilities and human resources for prevention, investigations, acute care and
      rehabilitation of stroke patients in Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Africa bears a heavy
      burden of stroke. This author proposes a stroke quadrangle comprising a concerted
      network of four pillars: demographic surveillance and stroke research network,
      integrated community-based primary and secondary prevention programmes, easily
      accessible and well-equipped acute stroke care services, and neuro-rehabilitation
      centres and services. This network could be reinforced using information and
      communication technologies, telemedicine facilities and linked health information
      systems.

PMID- 22097672
TI  - An update on the burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Jamaica:
      findings from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2007-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented a high burden of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) risk factors in Jamaica and suggest that mortality from CVD may be
      increasing. This paper provides an update on the burden of CVD risk factors in
      Jamaica using data from the most recent national health survey and evaluates the
      impact of obesity and physical activity on other CVD risk factors. METHODS: The
      Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2007-2008 (JHLS-2) recruited a nationally
      representative sample of 2848 Jamaicans, 15-74 years old between November 2007
      and March 2008. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain data
      on demographic characteristics, medical history and health behaviour Blood
      pressure and anthropometric measurements were made using standardized protocols
      and capillary blood samples were obtained to measure fasting glucose and total
      cholesterol. Prevalence estimates for the various CVD risk factors were obtained
      within and across sex and other demographic categories. Data were weighted for
      the complex survey design, nonresponse to questionnaire items or failure to
      complete some segments of the evaluation. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates for
      traditional CVD risk factors were: hypertension, 25%; diabetes, 8%;
      hypercholesterolaemia, 12%; obesity, 25%; smoking 15%. In addition, 35% of
      Jamaicans had prehypertension, 3% had impaired fasting glucose and 27% were
      overweight. A higher proportion of women had diabetes, obesity and
      hypercholesterolaemia while the prevalence of prehypertension and cigarette
      smoking was higher in men. Approximately 50% of persons with hypertension, 25% of
      persons with diabetes and 86% of persons with hypercholesterolaemia were unaware
      of their risk status. In multivariate analysis, obesity was associated with
      increased odds of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia while physical
      inactivity was associated with higher odds of diabetes. CONCLUSION: The burden of
      CVD risk factors in Jamaica remains very high and warrants interventions to
      reduce CVD risk.

PMID- 22097673
TI  - Prehypertension in Jamaica: a review of data from recent studies.
AB  - Prehypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg or
      diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg in patients not on medication for
      hypertension. Recent studies have shown that prehypertension has a high
      prevalence in both western and eastern countries and is associated with
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, incident CVD and CVD mortality. We
      reviewed data from ongoing epidemiological studies in Jamaica in order to provide
      an update on the prevalence and predictors of prehypertension in Jamaica. Studies
      included were the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Surveys (2000-2001 and 2007-2008),
      the Jamaica Youth Risk and Resiliency Behaviour Survey 2006, the 1986 Jamaica
      Birth Cohort Study and the Spanish Town Cohort Study. The prevalence of
      prehypertension in the most recent national survey was 35% (95% CI 33, 38%).
      Prevalence was higher in men compared to women (42% versus 29%). Jamaicans with
      prehypertension were more likely to have other CVD risk factors and were three
      times more likely to develop hypertension compared with persons with a normal
      blood pressure. Prevalence was also high among youth, particularly males.
      Longitudinal analysis from the 1986 birth cohort suggested that prehypertension
      may be more common in persons with low birthweight or short birth length.
      Physicians and public health practitioners should recognize the increased CVD
      risk associated with prehypertension and should begin to institute CVD prevention
      measures in persons with prehypertension. Sex differences and the early onset of
      prehypertension in men require further exploration.

PMID- 22097674
TI  - The socio-economic determinants of obesity in adults in the Bahamas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the socio-economic determinants of obesity in adults in
      The Bahamas. DESIGN AND METHODS: A subpopulation of adults 21 to 60 years was
      analysed for socio-economic differences in obesity levels. Data from the 2001
      Bahamas Living Conditions Survey, a nationwide comprehensive household survey
      which included anthropometric measurements, were used. Bivariate and binary
      logistic regression methods for complex samples were employed. FINDINGS: Overall
      obesity prevalence was 32% (38% female, 25% male, p = < 0.0001). An inverse
      relationship by education appeared to be the strongest predictor for all persons
      (OR = 0.78, CI 0.67, 0.90; p < 0.0001). This relationship was also evident for
      females (OR = 0.71, CI 0.59, 0.85; p < 0.0001) while a positive relationship
      existed by economic level for males (OR = 1.23, CI 1.07, 1.41; p = 0.005). There
      was a difference in food group expenditure for starchy vegetables only (p =
      0.049). Other food group household expenditure, urban residence and female headed
      households showed no significant differences by obesity. CONCLUSIONS: In line
      with international trends, obesity rates are high in The Bahamas, and especially
      affect females of lower socio-economic status. Public policy that targets this
      group is necessary to address this health concern.

PMID- 22097675
TI  - Childhood obesity in the Caribbean.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overweight among school children in
      Bonaire, an island in the Caribbean, and to obtain clues for prevention of
      overweight. METHODS: In a cross-sectional school-based study, weight and height
      were measured in all 4-16-year old children in Bonaire (n = 2148). Body mass
      index was categorized as defined by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF).
      The children were administered a questionnaire pertaining to lifestyle and
      nutrition. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight, including obesity, in boys is
      24.3%, and 31.9% in girls; obesity is 9.9% and 13.7%, respectively. Approximately
      half of the children have an unhealthy food pattern. Significantly less
      overweight (49%) and obese children (45%) are physically active for > 1 hour/day
      compared to normal weight children (56%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of
      overweight and obesity in children in Bonaire is high. Prevention of overweight
      should focus on stimulating healthy eating habits and more physical activity.

PMID- 22097676
TI  - Obesity prevention: the key to non-communicable disease control.
AB  - Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the main public health problem in the
      Caribbean and they place a severe economic burden on the health systems in the
      region. This paper contends that preventing obesity is a critical factor in
      controlling NCDs. The paper further argues that obesity prevention is more likely
      to come from structural and policy-related changes to the environment than from
      medical interventions targeted at the individual. Rolling back the rapid increase
      in obesity in the Caribbean requires much more than the traditional passive
      approach that relied almost entirely on education for individual behavioural
      change. The traditional models of obesity control have generally failed globally
      and a new public policy approach needs to be instituted to attack this epidemic
      in a multisectoral way. Effective control of obesity will require a shift away
      from the traditional focus on clinical management and individual behaviour change
      towards strategies which deal with the environment in which such behaviours occur
      Outlined in this paper are key policy changes required by the various sectors
      whose inputs are vital to the success of prevention efforts.

PMID- 22097677
TI  - Chronic non-communicable disease risk factor survey 2010 among University of the
      West Indies staff at Cave Hill, Barbados.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of risk factors for chronic non
      communicable diseases (CNCDs) among staff of The University of the West Indies
      (UWI), Cave Hill campus, in Barbados. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire
      comprising validated questions from the WHO STEPS NCD Risk Factor Survey, the
      Jamaica Healthy Lifestyle (JHL) Survey and the Behaviour Risk Factor (BRF)
      Survey, was conducted during the Staff Health Day in May 2010, and at four
      locations on campus during July 2010. Standardized measurements of weight, height
      and blood pressure were taken. Data were analysed using EXCEL and STATA and
      results were compared to the Barbados 2007 STEPS NCD survey. RESULTS: The target
      population was all staff at the Cave Hill campus of UWI. The coverage rate was
      25.2% (269/1068); 63.8% of males and 75% of females were either overweight or
      obese. Ninety-seven per cent ate less than the recommended 5 fruits and
      vegetables per day. Low levels of physical activity were reported in 51.9% of
      males and 62.2% of females. Thirty-two per cent of males and 13% of females were
      binge drinkers. All participants had at least one of the risk factors (current
      daily smoker < 5 fruits and vegetables/day, physical inactivity, overweight/obese
      and raised blood pressure) whilst 48% of males and 57.2% of females demonstrated
      three or more risk factors. These results are similar to those found in the
      Barbados STEPS NCD risk factor survey of 2007. CONCLUSION: The results confirm a
      similar high prevalence of NCD risk factors among Cave Hill UWI staff as among
      the Barbadian population. The study reveals opportunities to inform policy on
      strategies to positively impact the risk factors.

PMID- 22097678
TI  - Glaucoma in the English-speaking Caribbean.
AB  - The Barbados Eye Studies have provided the most comprehensive information on the
      major eye diseases in African origin populations to date. Black Barbadians have
      among the highest rates of primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG) reported to date in
      a population-based study (7.0%). Incidence rates of OAG over a nine-year follow
      up period were 0.5% per year, and two to five times higher than reported in
      predominantly Caucasian populations. Risk factors for OAG included older age,
      male gender higher intraocular pressure, positive glaucoma family history, in
      addition to lean body mass and a positive cataract history. Low blood pressure to
      intraocular pressure relationships were also found to increase OAG risk,
      suggesting an aetiologic role for low vascular perfusion of the optic nerve.
      Recent analyses revealed a region on chromosome 2 associated with increased OAG
      risk, which has potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment.
      Approximately 50% of Barbadians with OAG were unaware of having the disease in
      the baseline study and this situation remained unchanged nine years later open
      angle glaucoma causes painless, irreversible loss of vision and there are clear
      reasons why screening may be of particular public health importance in high risk
      African descent populations, given the benefits of early detection and
      appropriate treatment. There are data that suggest that it would be cost
      effective to conduct open-angle glaucoma screening in Barbados and this has
      implications for policy and care, with the ultimate aim of reducing glaucoma
      related blindness.

PMID- 22097679
TI  - Chronic kidney disease in the Caribbean.
AB  - Globally, diabetes mellitus and hypertension are major causes of chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Reports from the Caribbean
      renal registry have also identified diabetes mellitus and hypertension as the
      leading causes of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. Chronic non
      communicable diseases including chronic kidney disease continue to be a major
      financial challenge in the Caribbean. Patients with chronic kidney disease have
      high rates of healthcare utilization, morbidity and mortality, and hence
      constitute a significant economic and clinical burden to the healthcare system.
      Emphasis should be placed on ways to reduce the incidence of kidney disease and
      the progression to dialysis. The most economically feasible form of renal
      replacement therapy that offers the best quality of life should be sought.

PMID- 22097682
TI  - Integrating mental health into primary care an integrative collaborative primary
      care model--the Jamaican experience.
AB  - Many low-income countries face enormous constraints which limit the development
      of mental health services. The World Health Organization (WHO) made ten
      recommendations to facilitate the development of mental health services; among
      these is the integration of mental health into primary care. Jamaica developed an
      integrated collaborative system of mental health care through the adoption of a
      primary care model which is central to the delivery of mental health care. This
      model emphasized the integration of mental health into primary care and, in
      expanding the role of the mental health team, made it more collaborative. Mental
      health services were mainstreamed into primary care and several strategies
      facilitated this process. These included the training of staff in primary care,
      the availability of psychotropic medication in primary care facilities and the
      provision of mental health beds at the community level. Furthermore, focus was
      placed on human development and the involvement of consumers in the policy
      development and service delivery. This has resulted in a reduction in the
      population of the mental health hospital and expansion in the community mental
      health services.

PMID- 22097681
TI  - Is criminal violence a non-communicable disease? Exploring the epidemiology of
      violence in Jamaica.
AB  - There is a high level of criminal violence that afflicts the Jamaican society.
      While it is certainly noncommunicable in the context of medicine and public
      health, the concepts of social contagion and the well-established fact of the
      intergenerational transfer of effects of trauma raise questions as to whether or
      not it is non-communicable in a social sense. Historically, scholars have linked
      Jamaican criminal violence to three main roots: poverty and urban decay,
      political patronage, garrisonisation and more recently to a fourth, the growth in
      transnational organized crime (TOC). Traditionally as well, policymakers have
      brought the three discrete perspectives of criminology, criminal justice and
      public health to bear on the problem. This paper applies a conceptual framework
      derived from a combination of epidemiology and the behavioural sciences to argue
      that a sustainable resolution to this looming and intractable social problem must
      take the form of a cocktail of policies that encompasses all three approaches at
      levels ranging from the community to the international.

PMID- 22097680
TI  - Chronic disease and ageing in the Caribbean: opportunities knock at the door.
AB  - Amidst rapid population ageing, the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases
      and their sequelae demand reflective and critical looks at the issue and the
      subsequent development of informed age-sensitive responses. This paper reviews
      the burden of chronic diseases in the Caribbean, and its relationship to ageing
      and the demographic transition. Inter-linkages between the social determinants of
      health, poverty, ageing, and chronic disease are illustrated. Suggestions are
      made regarding directions to be pursued and the emerging initiative regarding
      chronic non-communicable diseases being spearheaded at the United Nations by
      CARICOM countries

PMID- 22097683
TI  - Tobacco and non-communicable diseases controlling the tobacco epidemic.

PMID- 22097685
TI  - Ethical issues in healthcare financing.
AB  - The four goals of good healthcare are to relieve symptoms, cure disease, prolong
      life and improve quality of life. Access to healthcare has been a perpetual
      challenge to healthcare providers who must take into account important factors
      such as equity, efficiency and effectiveness in designing healthcare systems to
      meet the four goals of good healthcare. The underlying philosophy may designate
      health as being a basic human right, an investment, a commodity to be bought and
      sold, a political demand or an expenditure. The design, policies and operational
      arrangements will usually reflect which of the above philosophies underpin the
      healthcare system, and consequently, access. Mechanisms for funding include fee
      for-service, cost sharing (insurance, either private or government sponsored)
      free-of-fee at point of delivery (payments being made through general taxes,
      health levies, etc) or cost-recovery. For each of these methods of financial
      access to healthcare services, there are ethical issues which can compromise the
      four principles of ethical practices in healthcare, viz beneficence, non
      maleficence, autonomy and justice. In times of economic recession, providing
      adequate healthcare will require governments, with support from external
      agencies, to focus on poverty reduction strategies through provision of
      preventive services such as immunization and nutrition, delivered at primary care
      facilities. To maximize the effect of such policies, it will be necessary to
      integrate policies to fashion an intersectoral approach.

PMID- 22097684
TI  - Healthcare for the poor and dispossessed: from Alma-Ata to the Millennium
      Development Goals.
AB  - Healthcare models which recognize the equity principle have had to confront the
      challenge of providing healthcare for the poor and dispossessed. Healthcare
      premised on "human rights" strives to remove/ reduce barriers to access by a
      complete waiver of all fees in the public sector or various other subsidies to
      make healthcare more affordable. Social welfare programmes are held hostage to
      the vagaries of the economy and resource scarcity. The Alma-Ata's primary
      healthcare is inherently a health development strategy which embraces a wholistic
      approach to health and wellness. This strategy, by refocussing on the Millennium
      Development Goals, can therefore accommodate the innovations required to overcome
      the challenges posed by technological, financial, cultural and geographical
      factors to provide a better quality of life for all, but moreso for the poor and
      dispossessed.

PMID- 22097686
TI  - Critical evaluation of the optimal medical therapy in the cardiac
      resynchronization therapy candidates--single centre experience.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal medical therapy in the
      chronic heart failure (CHF) patients referred from the comunity centres and the
      outpatients cardiology clinics for the cardiac resynchronization therapy with
      defibrilator (CRTD) to the Department of Cardiology, Na Homolce Hospital with the
      device implantation between 1st January 2008 and 30st September 2009. METHODS:
      The optimal medical therapy was analysed retrospectively from the medical records
      of 179 consecutive CHF patients NYHA class III-IV. Beta-blockers (BB) were used
      only in 81% subjects referred for CRTD, ACE inhibitors (ACEI) were used only in
      68% patients Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) were used in 18% subjects. ACEI
      or ARB were used in 81%, spironolacton was use in 59%. Recommended target DD for
      BB (carvedilol 25 mg bid) was used only in 13% subjects, recommended target DD
      for ACEI (enalapril 10 mg bid) was used only in 9.4% patients. RESULTS: In the
      Department of Cardiology, the optimal medical therapy was changed after CRTD, BB
      were used in 95% subjects at discharge (p < 0.01) and the number of patients
      reaching at least of 50% of recommended daily dose (DD) of BB increased (p <
      0.05). ACEI were recommended after CRTD in 80% subjects after implantation (p <
      0.05), the number of patients reaching at least of 50% of recommended DD for
      ACEIs increased too (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ARB use
      recomended in the hospital (19% after CRTD - NS). ACEI or ARB were used in 98%
      patients after the device implanted (p < 0.05) and spironolacton in 77% after
      CRTD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite optimal composition of the optimal medical
      heart failure therapy only small number of CRTD candidates are reaching
      recommended drug dose. The optimization of the medical therapy in the specialized
      center lead to significantly higher proportion of CHF using the optimal therapy
      with the increased dose of BB and ACEI.

PMID- 22097687
TI  - [Cost of acute heart failure related readmissions].
AB  - AIM OF STUDY: To assess direct in-patient cost and length of stay in the
      intensive care unit (ICU) and the standard cardiology unit in acute heart failure
      (AHF) readmissions. RESULTS: Out of 1 759 patients hospitalized with acute heart
      failure, 223 patients were readmitted to Faculty Hospital Brno-Bohunice (Czech
      Republic) during study period (61.4% male; mean age 71.2 years) with mean total
      cost CZK 85 120 (Euro 3 095) per length of stay 9.2 days and interventions.
      Comparing to the first hospitalization of study cohort (223 pts.) the decrease
      was recorded in mean room rate, length of stay and need of ICU stay (from 48% to
      42% pts.), nevertheless ICU stay increased (from 3.7 days to 4.1 days). The
      growth of mean cost was recorded in both procedures in angiology (the decrease in
      number of coronary angiography which is cheaper was more remarkable than PCI
      decrease in readmitted patients) and arrhythmology (including device: pacemaker,
      ICD, CRT) which made 57.5% of total readmission costs. CONCLUSION: The difference
      in mean in-patient cost between the first and second hospitalization was 18%. The
      antiarrhytmic procedures had the most significant impact on total readmission
      cost and its variability, butwe assume that these procedures will reduce within
      next readmissions and their impact will weaken as in angiology procedures.

PMID- 22097688
TI  - [Vaccination against hepatitis B in patients with chronic renal failure--twenty
      years follow-up].
AB  - AIM: The efficacy of vaccination against hepatitis B was evaluated in patients
      with chronic renal failure from 4 dialysis units in 1988-2010. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Hepatitis B vaccination was started in 1 271 patients with chronic renal
      failure (606 female, 665 male). Patients received intramuscularly 3 doses of
      plasma-derived or since 1990, recombinant vaccine at the interval 0, 1 and 2
      months for dialysis patients and 0, 1 and 6 months for pre-dialysis patients.
      Each vaccine contained 40 microg of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in 1 002
      patients, however only 20 microg HBsAg in 269 patients till 2000. Blood samples
      were obtained at the beginning of vaccination, 1-2 month after immunization and
      biannual thereafter. Serum samples were tested using ELISA methods for HBsAg and
      antibodies against hepatitis B surface and core antigens (anti-HBs, anti-HBc).
      The patients without protective anti-HBs level and the patients with waning of
      anti-HBs antibodies were revaccinated. RESULTS: Anti-HBs antibodies after the
      third vaccine were investigated in 786 patients. Protective anti-HBs levels (> or
      = 10 IU/l) were proved in 49%, 65% and 74% patients after the third, fourth and
      fifth vaccine. The waning of protective anti-HBs antibodies was detected in 47%
      and 68% of patients during 3 and 5 years after vaccination. The new infections
      with HBsAg positive status were proved in 28 patients, in 27 of them in period
      1988-1994. Anti-HBc seroconversion was observed in 10 patients. CONCLUSION:
      Vaccination considerably reduced hepatitis B incidence in the patients with
      chronic renal failure during nineties. However still approximately one quarter of
      patients did not produce protective anti-HBs level after immunization with
      recombinant vaccine and new form of vaccination against hepatitis B may be
      considered also in the Czech Republic.

PMID- 22097689
TI  - [Normal pulmonary circulation pressure values in healthy subjects at rest and
      during exercise].
AB  - The paper is based on the results of an earlier retrospective international WHO
      study of normal pressure values in the pulmonary circulation and the right heart
      in 468 healthy individuals. The results of this study suggest that the pulmonary
      hypertension should be defined by the mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest of >
      or = 20 mmHg and not > or = 25 mmHg. Pulmonary wedge pressure should be < 12
      mmHg. These results have recently been confirmed by the so far largest
      retrospective international study of normal values published by Kovacs et al and
      involving 1187 healthy volunteers. However, this study does not include pulmonary
      wedge pressure values. Normal values ofthe mean pulmonary artery pressure during
      exercise are determined by age. In healthy individuals younger than 50 years of
      age, the mean pulmonary artery pressure during exercise increases in parallel
      with increasing cardiac output. However, the increase in the mean pulmonary
      artery pressure during exercise is steeper in healthy individuals aged 50 years
      and over. This results from a sharper increase in the pulmonary wedge pressure
      caused probably by diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in the older
      population.

PMID- 22097690
TI  - [Resynchronization therapy for heart failure--still many question marks].
AB  - At present, the potential benefit of resynchronization therapy, i.e. an improved
      quality of life and prolonged survival in patients with heart failure, is not
      achieved in every patient. The 30% non-response has prompted a search for new
      criteria predicting patient response to resynchronization treatment. An absence
      of mechanical dyssynchrony, viability of the myocardium and an inadequate
      positioning of the intracardiac left ventricular lead probably limit the response
      to resynchronization therapy. ECG remains essential for the selection of suitable
      patients.

PMID- 22097691
TI  - [Diagnostic algorithm of syncope: integrative approach].
AB  - Syncope is a symptom, defined as transient loss of consciousness and postural
      tone with spontaneous and mostly prompt recovery. At first it is necessary to
      differentiate other non-syncopal transient loss of consciousness and simple
      falls, where thorough history taking is pivotal. EGSYS and OESIL risk scores seem
      to be contributional in initial risk stratification, however they are neither
      widely accepted nor a part of national guidelines. They are part of the European
      society of cardiology guidelines, though. Next it is essential expert ECG
      evaluation, thorough physical status examination, supine and standing blood
      pressure measurement and carotid sinus massage, if not contraindicated.
      Successively one has to decide if hospitalization or outpatient management is
      more suitable. Recently it has been shown, that so-called syncope management
      units (aimed for short-term hospitalization or fast outpatient examination,
      including vital function monitoring, echocardiography and facile cathlab access)
      are effective in fast syncope evaluation. Echocardiography, ECG monitoring and
      head-up tilt test should be a part of complex diagnostic evaluation. If syncope
      is not clarified by upon stated methods moreover syncope is recurrent,
      electrophysiological study, ILR implantation or both are justified. Despite of
      entire health practitioner's effort, more than 1/3 of syncopes remain
      unexplained.

PMID- 22097692
TI  - [Treatment of acute exacerbation of the obstructive pulmonary disease with
      hospitalization at an intensive care unit].
AB  - Bronchodilatation is preferably achieved with beta-2-agonists (SABA), salbutamol.
      Therapy is intensified with anticholinergics (ipratropium bromide monohydrate). A
      combined preparation may also be used (ipratropium bromide monohydrate and
      fenoterole hydrobromide). Methylxantines (theophylline) are the second line
      option. Corticosteroids are administered orally (prednisolone) or intravenously
      (methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone). Patients who have problems expectorating
      are administered mucolytics (ambroxol hydrochloride or bromhexine hydrochloride).
      Some patients are treated with antibiotics. Oxygenotherapy is indicated in
      patients with hypoxemia. Insufficient treatment effect and progression of
      respiratory insufficiency warrants application of mechanical or non-invasive
      ventilation.

PMID- 22097693
TI  - [The role of central nervous system in etiopathogenesis of peripheral organ
      diseases].
AB  - Current research on the etiopathogenesis of diseases of peripheral organs is
      primarily focused on the study of processes affecting those organs directly
      altered by diseases. As a result, therapeutic interventions are focused on the
      cells of those organs affected by pathological processes. However, pathological
      processes are not restricted to any "circumscribed" group of cells. Cells of
      tissue affected by pathological process interact with cells in the surrounding
      tissues. Moreover, pathologic processes also induce changes in the activity of
      the neuroendocrine and immune systems, which also affect the progression of
      pathological processes. The neurobiological view of diseases is based on the
      assumption that the nervous system processes signals related to pathological
      processes in peripheral organs and then consequently modulates it via the
      autonomic, neuroendocrine, and neuroimmune regulations. The aim of this paper is
      to explain the basis of the neurobiological view of diseases of the peripheral
      organs, and then discuss possible therapeutic consequences.

PMID- 22097694
TI  - [Prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia].
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common leukemia type in Western
      countries. Even incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is high, this disease
      remained beyond interest for a very long time. However, in the last few years the
      view of this disease fundamentally changed and due to intensive study, new
      knowledge especially on pathogenesis, prognostic factors and therapy based on
      intensive therapeutic procedures were made. Today we know that usage of classical
      prognostic factors is insufficient for prognosis evaluation in the individuals.
      However modern (IgVH mutation status, cytogenetic abberations) and new markers
      (LPL/ADAM29 ratio, microRNA, markers of angiogenesis etc) have potential to
      distinguish patients in early stages to groups with significantly different
      prognosis and predict clinical course of the disease.

PMID- 22097695
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults].

PMID- 22097696
TI  - [Benign solitary cecal ulcer].
AB  - Solitary benign cecal ulcer is a non-usual finding without characteristic
      clinical or radiological performance. Because ofits little frequency and its
      clinical symptoms often suspicious for the presence of severe diseases like are
      malignancies, acute abdomen or lower gastrointestinal bleeding, this finding is
      only rarely diagnosed preoperatively. Definitive diagnosis is almost always made
      pathologically. In this case report we describe clinical, radiological and
      pathological findings in our patient with difficulties caused by a solitary
      benign cecal ulcer.

PMID- 22097697
TI  - [MR-documented remission of pituitary stalk infiltration in patients with
      Langerhans cell histiocytosis following treatment with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine].
AB  - In adult patients, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) manifests most frequently
      with one or more osteolytic lesions or, alternatively, with pulmonary involvement
      with nodules and cysts or with skin lesions. Infiltration ofthe central nervous
      system is a rather rare sign of LCH. The LCH cells have an unexplained affinity
      to hypothalamus and to pituitary stalk and, consequently, central diabetes
      insipidus is the most frequent clinical sign of brain involvement in LCH. We
      describe treatment of 2 adult patients with LCH in whom central diabetes
      insipidus was the first sign of LCH and MR confirmed pituitary stalk
      infiltration. The first man was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus and pituitary
      stalk infiltration at 33 years of age. LCH was confirmed 2 years later by
      histology of verrucous lesions on the skin of perianal area. The disease affected
      the skin and CNS. The patient was treated with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (5 mg/m2
      s.c. for 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle). No pituitary infiltration was
      evident on an MR image after the 4th cycle. Residual perianal infiltration was
      irradiated. The patient has been in complete remission for 44 months following
      treatment completion, although vasopressin and testosterone substitution is
      required. The second man was also diagnosed with diabetes insipidus and pituitary
      stalk infiltration at 33 years of age. Pulmonary involvement was identified with
      high resolution CT(HRCT) and high CD1a and S-100 positive elements with
      bronchoalveolar lavage. This patient further had external auditory canal
      infiltrations causing chronic discharge from the ears. The patient was treated
      with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine as above. A follow up MR after the 4th cycle showed
      reduction in the infiltration diameter from 5.5 to 3.0 mm. Therefore, 2
      chlorodeoxyadenosine 5 mg/m2 s.c. was combined with dexamethasone 20 mg p.o.
      during the 5th and 6th cycle. The MR image after treatment completion showed
      remission of the pituitary stalk infiltrate. External auditory canal infiltration
      diminished as did the nodules in pulmonary parenchyma. Nevertheless, vasopressin
      substitution is still required. The patient has been in complete remission for 8
      months from the completion of the treatment. Pituitary stalk infiltration
      disappeared after the treatment with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine in 2 patients; after
      4 cycles in the first and after 6 cycles (with an addition of dexamethasone
      during the last 2 cycles) in the second.

PMID- 22097698
TI  - Timely findings from birth defects surveillance programs.

PMID- 22097699
TI  - Clinical differentiation of patent foramen ovale and secundum atrial septal
      defect: a survey of pediatric cardiologists in Dallas, Texas, USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public health birth defect surveillance registries rely on health
      care provider diagnosis and definition of congenital anomalies. Major anomalies
      are likely to have consistent diagnoses across providers; however, definition of
      some more common, often minor, defects can be problematic. Of particular
      frustration are the transient neonatal heart findings: patent ductus arteriosus,
      patent foramen ovale, and pulmonary artery branch stenosis. Under certain
      circumstances these findings may be considered true anomalies-patent foramen
      ovale (PFO) as a clinical finding overlaps significantly with atrial septal
      defect (ASD) of secundum type, the latter being considered a true congenital
      malformation. Some criteria must be established to separate these conditions in
      case ascertainment. It is therefore helpful to understand the clinical
      definitions of patent foramen ovale and secundum atrial septal defect. METHODS:
      Pediatric cardiologists in the greater Dallas, Texas metropolitan area were
      surveyed by telephone, fax, and/or email and asked what criteria they use to
      distinguish a PFO from a secundum ASD. This was an open-ended question. No
      baseline parameters were suggested or introduced by the interviewer. Pediatric
      cardiology fellowship training was identified for each physician to examine the
      hypothesis that graduates of a given program would use the same diagnostic
      criteria. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 22 of 23 pediatric cardiologists.
      Four measurement criteria were identified: size of the opening, presence or
      absence of a flap of septal tissue, appearance of the defect on echocardiogram
      and presence/absence/amount of blood shunting across through the opening. Though
      there was overlap, diagnostic criteria differentiating PFO and secundum ASD
      varied among pediatric cardiologists. Two fellowship programs were well
      represented by the respondent population. Eight respondents were trained at
      Fellowship 1 and 5 at Fellowship 2. Place of fellowship training was not a strong
      indicator of which diagnostic criteria were used, even when graduates were in
      practice together. Physicians in private practice were more likely to report
      objective measurements as bases for their diagnostic decision. CONCLUSIONS: The
      pronounced variability in clinical definitions will be a problem for birth defect
      surveillance and research based upon the resultant database. When different
      physicians use different diagnostic criteria for borderline defects, it is
      impossible to know whether a defect ascertained and coded with a standard
      protocol is the same across the population. Since it is unlikely that consistent
      diagnostic criteria can be put in place, the surveillance program is burdened
      with compensating for the variability.

PMID- 22097700
TI  - Should aggregate US Census data be used as a proxy for individual household
      income in a birth defects registry?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birth Defects Registries do not have access to income data and low
      household income is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes of stillbirth,
      preterm birth, and birth defects. We compared 1999 income data from the National
      Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) with 2000 Census block group income data
      for the residence location of these same mothers. METHODS: We geocoded 339 case
      mothers and 121 control mothers and assessed household income among case and
      control mothers by using NBDPS and census block group data. Correlation and
      concordance were assessed between the 2 data sources' household income data.
      RESULTS: The household income distribution was similar between case and control
      mothers within each data source. Both case and control mothers in the NBDPS's
      lowest household income category (<$20,000/year) reported lower income than was
      documented in their census block group's median household income (p
      value<0.0001). A weak correlation was identified between NBDPS interview and
      census block group income data (control mothers, rs=0.53; case mothers, rs=0.32).
      There was also poor to fair concordance between the 2 data sources (control
      mothers, kw=0.28; 95% CI=0.19-0.37 and case mothers, kw=0.18; 95% CI=0.13-0.24).
      CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate dissimilar household incomes between NBDPS
      and census block group data. Caution should be used if block-level data is used
      as a proxy for individual-level household incomes in population-based birth
      defects surveillance and research.

PMID- 22097702
TI  - Exploring the environmental and genetic etiologies of congenital heart defects:
      the Wisconsin Pediatric Cardiac Registry.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Wisconsin Pediatric Cardiac Registry (WPCR) collects
      information on infants born in the state of Wisconsin with structural congenital
      heart disease (CHD). METHODS: The WPCR actively ascertains CHD cases in the state
      of Wisconsin. Cases must be conceived and born in Wisconsin after January 1,
      2000. Once ascertained, subjects are approached to participate in genetic
      sampling and completion of a questionnaire that assesses family history of CHD,
      maternal health, and environmental exposures before pregnancy and during the
      first trimester. In 2009, the WPCR underwent a transition to a new database and
      from a paper questionnaire to a Web-based questionnaire. RESULTS: The WPCR has
      screened over 5,100 children and has ascertained 4,919 cases of CHD in the state
      of Wisconsin during the years 2000 to 2009. During this interval, 1,982 completed
      questionnaires and 1,062 DNA samples have been obtained from consented subjects.
      Another 1,774 DNA samples have been obtained from blood relatives of CHD
      subjects. DISCUSSION: The WPCR operates as a specialized resource of genetic and
      environmental information on children with CHD for researchers focusing on the
      multifactorial causes of CHD.

PMID- 22097701
TI  - Evolution of an integrated public health surveillance system.
AB  - There is a growing recognition in maternal and child health of the importance of
      social, behavioral, biological, and genetic factors across the entire life
      course. Unfortunately, most state maternal and child health surveillance systems
      are not designed to readily address longitudinal research questions or track and
      follow children across multiple programs over time. The Virginia Department of
      Health (VDH) recently integrated its birth defects registry, newborn hearing
      screening tracking and management system, and electronic birth certificate (EBC)
      into a robust, Web-based surveillance system called the Virginia Vital Events and
      Screening Tracking System (VVESTS). Completely redesigning the existing birth
      defects and newborn hearing screening system (the Virginia Infant Screening and
      Infant Tracking System--VISITS I) with minimal disruption of ongoing reporting
      presented a number of challenges. Because VVESTS had different requirements such
      as required fields and data validations, extensive data preparation was required
      to ensure that existing VISITS I data would be included in the new system (VISITS
      II). Efforts included record deduplication, conversion of free text fields into
      discrete variables, dealing with missing/invalid data, and linkage with birth
      certificate data. VISITS II serves multiple program needs; improves data quality
      and security; automates linkages within families, across programs, and over time;
      and improves the ability of VDH to provide children with birth defects and their
      families necessary follow-up services and enhanced care coordination.

PMID- 22097703
TI  - The relative contribution of data sources to a birth defects registry utilizing
      passive multisource ascertainment methods: does a smaller birth defects case
      ascertainment net lead to overall or disproportionate loss?
AB  - Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has operated the Florida
      Birth Defects Registry (FBDR), a statewide, population-based, passive
      surveillance system. Cases are identified by collecting information from extant
      data sources including the statewide hospital inpatient and ambulatory discharge
      data sets. Additional data sources include administrative, clinical, and service
      related information from the FDOH's Children's Medical Services program for
      children with special health care needs. Like many state birth defects programs,
      the FBDR faces diminishing funding and resources that may restrict the registry
      to hospital discharge data. We conducted an evaluation to quantify the potential
      under-ascertainment to the FBDR resulting from loss of specific data sources, and
      to determine if there would be a disproportionate loss of cases by
      sociodemographic and perinatal characteristics. Analyses involved a series of
      retrospective reconstructions of the FBDR for 1998-2007 to assess the number of
      cases that would have been ascertained and reported based on the hypothetical
      loss of 1 or more of the FBDR source data sets. The reconstructed number of cases
      identified for each defect category was then compared to the current FBDR
      (constructed using all 5 source data sets) to determine the proportion of cases
      that would have been missed if the data sources in question were eliminated.
      These scenarios were constructed overall and by selected characteristics to
      identify potential disparities in the proportion of cases missed. The inpatient
      hospital discharge data set was the primary data source for identification of
      birth defects in the FBDR. Elimination of this single data source would cause the
      FBDR to miss nearly three fourths of infants diagnosed with 1 or more of the
      birth defects under study. Our evaluation revealed that an FBDR constructed on
      hospital discharge data alone would disproportionately miss more cases born to
      subgroups of women, including non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and those born
      outside the US. Despite funding and resource constraints, the FBDR continues
      efforts to identify data sources that may contribute to completeness of case
      ascertainment in an effort to serve the needs of the Florida maternal and child
      health population.

PMID- 22097704
TI  - The Collaborative Stage Version 2 Data Validation Project, 2010.
AB  - The Collaborative Stage Data Collection System (CS), used to collect cancer
      information and derive stage values, was extensively revised in response to
      revisions in the American Joint Committee on Cancer's AJCC Cancer Staging Manual
      seventh edition, published in 2010. CSv2 was released to the cancer registry
      community for use in January 2010. In February 2010 the CSv2 Project management
      team authorized the data validation project to review the content and formatting
      of the data tables and make recommendations to the CSv2 mapping team for
      modifications to the tables. This article describes the review process, problems
      identified and resolved, and results: 1453 new codes, 340 converted codes, 301
      codes marked for manual review, 6 new types of data tags, 3 new version numbers,
      changes in table notes, changes in construction of intermediate tables, and
      changes in tables which combine AJCC TNM components into stage assignments. The
      purpose of this article is to help software vendors, registry users, and data
      analysts understand the changes they will see as they implement the new version,
      CSv2:V0203. Also, as vendors, users, and analysts become aware of the
      complexities and limitations of the current system and processes, and the
      considerations involved in modifying the system, evident to those working on the
      project, it is hoped that the review presented in this article will inform
      ongoing discussions about the future management and development of the
      Collaborative Stage Data Collection System.

PMID- 22097705
TI  - The Rapid Quality Reporting System--a new quality of care tool for CoC-accredited
      cancer programs.

PMID- 22097707
TI  - Is it reportable?

PMID- 22097706
TI  - Raising the bar: rejuvenating the cancer registrar.

PMID- 22097708
TI  - [Development and application of the physical hypoxic models of C. elegans].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a suitable hypoxic injury model, which is important for
      revealing pathological molecular mechanism of hypoxia. METHODS: We focused on C.
      elegans by treatment with different hypoxic times and systematically observed
      mortality, movement, Cellular morphology and the related-protein expression of
      the animals. RESULTS: We demonstrated that hypoxia (0.2% partial pressure of
      oxygen) induced morphological cell defects, and then leading to death of C.
      elegans. The mortality of C. elegans increased along with hypoxic time, while
      hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) was significantly up-regulated. In addition, by
      using neuron-specific transgenic wonns with green fluorescent protein--we
      observed the neuron-specffic injury caused by hypoxic stress. CONCLUSION: We
      successfully established an effective, convenient physical hypoxic model of C.
      elegans, which will facilitate the studies of hypoxic pathology and molecular
      mechanisms of hypoxic response in the future.

PMID- 22097709
TI  - [Effects of hypoxia to rat diaphragmatic discharge].

PMID- 22097710
TI  - [The effects of chronic stress on spatial cognitive ability of different sex
      mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of chronic stress on spatial cognitive
      ability in different sex mice. METHODS: Thirty-two adult KM mice were divided
      into four groups (n=8): male control and chronic stress group, female control and
      chronic stress group. We used the modified Kaz's methods to build on the chronic
      stress model of mice, and then used the place navigational testing and the probe
      trial testing by the Morris water maze to measure the spatial cognitive ability
      of mice. RESULTS: Following two weeks stress treatment, in the place navigational
      testing, to male group, the average latency to find the platform in water maze of
      chronic stress group was longer than that of the control; to female group, the
      average latency of chronic stress group was shorter than the control. Moreover,
      the male stress group showed faster swimming speed but longer latency to find the
      platform. In the probe trial testing the female chronic stress group spent more
      time in the target quadrant compared to the male chronic stress group.
      CONCLUSION: Two weeks' chronic stress could impair male mice's spatial cognitive
      ability, but improve the female's.

PMID- 22097711
TI  - [The research of total flaveos of Gymostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb)Mak drug serum
      on calcium ion and NOS-NO system in cardiomyocytes injured by hypoxia and
      reoxygenization].

PMID- 22097712
TI  - [Changes of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in pulmonary tissue of
      rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced
      apoptosis in pulmonary tissue of rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
      METHODS: Twenty two male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and 4
      week hypoxia-hypercapnia group (n=11). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure
      (mPAP) and the mean carotid arterial pressure (mCAP) were monitored, and the
      weight ratio of right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle plus septum (LV + S) were
      measured. The rattish pathological model were assessed by mPAP, mCAP, RV/(LV+ S),
      vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA), vessel cavity area/total area (CA/TA) and
      media thickness of pulmonary arteriole (PAMT). The pulmonary apoptotic cells were
      detected by Hoechst staining. RT-PCR was used to study the genetic expression of
      caspasel2, glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and GRP94 in pulmonary tissue.
      The expression of GRP94 and GRP78 proteins in pulmonary tissue were determined by
      using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: (1) (The mPAP, RV/(LV + S), WA/TA and PAMT
      were respectively higher by 50.5%, 37.3%, 72.5% and 137% in hypoxic group than
      those in control group, while CA/TA was lower by 41.9% (all P < 0.01). There was
      not significant difference of mCAP between the two groups. (2) Hoechst staining
      showed that the pulmonary apoptotic cells in hypoxic group outnumbered markedly
      than those in control group, and the apoptotic cells were mainly in pulmonary
      tissue, while they were rare in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell. (3)
      Compared with control group, the expression of pulmonary caspasel2, GRP78 and
      GRP94 mRNA in hypoxic group were higher by 144%, 137% and 80.7% (all P < 0.05),
      respectively. (4) The expression of pulmonary GRP78 and GRP94 proteins were up
      regulated in hypoxic group, and these proteins mainly localized in pulmonary
      vascular endothelial cell. CONCLUSION: The endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced
      apoptosis may be one of the mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and
      pulmonary vascular wall remodeling.

PMID- 22097713
TI  - [Expression of mRNA for MCP-1 and CCR2 in cerebral tissue of rats with acute
      alcoholism].

PMID- 22097714
TI  - [Effect of neotype carbonic anhydrase target-based inhibitors(P-8) on the hypoxic
      tolerance in mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of different doses of P-8 in increasing the
      Hypoxia tolerance of mice and the mechanisms involved. METHODS: The health mice
      were placed into the oxygen deficit bottles and measured the survival time in the
      condition of hypoxia. The male mice were put into the ladder cage, then placed
      them into the hypobaric champer to determine the survival time of mice with
      decompression hypoxia (min). We observed the activity changes of the mice's
      organization carbonic anhydrase II (CAII). By using the drug in prophylaxis, we
      investigated the effects of carbonic anhydrase target-based inhibitors P-8 for
      improving the hypoxia tolerance. RESULTS: (1) In improving the endurance of mice
      in the condition of hypoxia, the survival time of 6.25 mg/(kg x d) and more doses
      of P-8 groups were (27.38 +/- 4.63, 29.53 +/- 4.43, 29.67 +/- 7.28, 31.55 +/-
      6.34, 32.45 +/- 6.65, 36.81 +/- 7.24 and 35.41 +/- 4.20) min, compared with the
      control group (22.90 +/- 3.19) min , the survival time significantly prolonged (P
      < 0.05, P < 0.01); compared to the same dose of acetazolamide groups (24.54 +/-
      3.17, 22.70 +/- 3.04, 22.67 +/- 2.99, 23.93 +/- 0.96, 27.87 +/- 5.06, 30.79 +/-
      5.12 and 35.14 +/- 6.46) min, the survival time significantly prolonged; P-8
      groups and Acetazolamide's minimum effective dose were 6.25 and 100 mg/(kg x d),
      the potency of P-8 is 16 times Acetazolamide. (2) In improving the endurance of
      mice in the condition of hypoxia, the survival time of middle and high doses of P
      8 groups [(24.82 +/- -3.92, 28.27 +/- 5.89) min] were significantly longer than
      those in control group [(21.96 2.51) min, P < 0.05]; compared with the
      acetazolamide (23.11 +/- 3.71) min, the survival time of high dose of P-8 group
      was significantly prolonged. (3) Compared with the normal control group, P-8 [(25
      mg/(kg x d), 50 mg/(kg x d), 100 mg/(kg x d), 200 mg/(kg x d)] dose groups
      inhibited the activity of carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) in the renal (P < 0.05, P
      < 0.01); P-8 [100 mg/(kg x d) and 200 mg/(kg x d)] dose group significantly
      inhibited the activity of carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) in the brain (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: P-8 treatment improved the endurance of mice in the condition of
      hypoxia and worked better than Acetazolamide. The mechanism may be related to the
      inhibition of carbonic anhydrase organization.

PMID- 22097716
TI  - [Role of toll-like receptor 4 in the asthmatic rat airway smooth muscle cells
      proliferation and apoptosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of Toll like receptor 4(TLR4) in the asthmatic rat
      airway smooth muscle cell (ASMCs) proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS:
      Established rat model of asthma,isolated and cultured rat ASMCs in asthma, using
      methods of small molecule RNA interference technology and lipofection method, for
      small molecule RNA-TLR4 transfection, detected proliferation of ASMCs by MIT
      minim colorimetry, apoptosis of ASMCs by TUNNEL, the expression of TLR4 protein
      and mRNA were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR in cells. RESULTS: The
      proliferation of ASMCs in TNF-alpha group were significantly higher than that in
      control group and siRNA-TLR4 transfection group and TNF-alpha + siRNA-TLR4
      transfection group respectively and the proliferation of ASMCs in siRNA-TLR4
      transfction group was lower than that in control group. The apoptosis rate of
      ASMCs in TNF-alpha group was lower than that in control group, siRNA-TLR4
      transfection group and TNF-alpha + siRNA-TLR4 transfection group respectively and
      the apoptosis rate of ASMCs in siRNA-TLR4 transfection group and TNF-alpha +
      siRNA-TLR4 transfection group were significantly higher than those in control
      group. The mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 in control group and TNF-alpha
      group were significantly higher than those in siRNA-TLR4 transfection group and
      TNF-alpha + siRNA-TLR4 transfection group. The mRNA and protein expression of
      TLR4 in TNF-alpha group were significantly higher than those in control group (P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Activation of TLR4 may contribute to asthmatic airway smooth
      muscle cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis and play an important role in
      airway remodeling in asthma.

PMID- 22097715
TI  - [Influence of acute hypoxia on CHL1 expression in different tissues of mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acute hypoxia on the cell adhesion molecule
      close homologue of L1 (CHL1) expression in different brain areas and main organs
      (heart, lung, kidney) of mice, and provide a basis for the role of CHL1 in
      hypoxia injury. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=10):
      normoxia group and hypoxia group. Hypoxia group were treated by acute hypoxia (8%
      O2, 8 h). Protein expression changes in different tissues were evaluated by
      Western blot. RESULTS: In central nervous system, CHL1 protein expressions were
      down-regulated in cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and brain stem by acute hypoxia
      and up-regulated in cerebellum. In heart and lung, CHL1 protein expression were
      down-regulated by acute hypoxia. CONCLUSION: CHL1 protein expressions were
      changed in different tissues after acute hypoxia, which suggested CHL1 might play
      an important role in hypoxia damage regulation.

PMID- 22097717
TI  - [Changes of NGFI-B subcellular location in cardiomyocytes of stressed rats and
      its biological effects].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of expression and subcellular location of
      nuclear growth-induced protein-B(NGFI-B) in cardiomyocytes of stressed rats and
      its biological effect and to provide scientific evidences for exploring the
      mechanism underlying myocardium injury induced by stress. METHODS: The cell model
      of stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury were established. Western blot method and
      confocal microscopy method were used to investigate the subcellular location of
      NGFI-B in cardiomyocytes under stress. The flow-cytometry was selected to detect
      the apoptotic rate in cardiomyocytes in vitro. Western blot method was used to
      determine the content of cytochrome C protein in mitochondria and cytoplasm
      respectively. RESULTS: Stress induced the increase of NGFI-B content in the
      mitochondria of cardiomyocytes and the translocation of NGFI-B from the nucleus
      to the mitochondria. The translocation of NGFI-B promoted the release of
      cytochrome C from the mitochondria and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Treatment of
      stressed cardiomyocytes with leptomycin B, a non-specific blocker of nuclear
      export, resulted in nuclear retention of NGFI-B and abrogated its ability to
      induce the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria. CONCLUSION: Stress
      could induce NGFI-B translocation from the nucleus to the mitochondria in
      cardiomyocytes, which activated the mitochondrial pathway of cell apoptosis.

PMID- 22097718
TI  - [Effects of iptakalim on pressure-overload induced cardiac remodeling and plasma
      PGI2 content in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of iptakalim (IPT) on pressure-overload induced
      cardiac remodeling in rats, and investigate correlation between this protection
      effects and plasma PGI2 content. METHOD: The pressure-overload induced cardiac
      remodeling model was induced by abdominal aorta constriction for 6 weeks, and the
      rats were divided into 5 groups repectively: (1) sham group, (2) control group,
      (3) IPT 3 mg/kg group (IPT 3), (4) indomethacin 2 mg/kg group (Indo 2), (5)
      indomethacin 2 mg/kg + IPT 3 mg/kg group (Indo 2 + IPT 3). RM6000 eight channel
      physiological recorder was used to record haemodynamics index, heart weight was
      weighed and the cardiac remodeling index was calculated, HE stain and Masson's
      stain were employed to perform histological analysis, colorimetric method was
      used to detect the hydroxyproline content in cardiac tissue, radioimmunological
      method was used to measure the plasma PGI2 content. RESULTS: After 42 days of
      aortic banding, the hyperdynamic circulation state, cardiac remodeling and
      decreased plasma PGI2 content were observed in the model group compared with
      those in the sham group, which were effectively reserved by treatment with IPT 3
      mg/kg. Single-use indomethacin led to further deterioration of this
      pathophysiological changes, however, combination administration of IPT 3 mg/kg
      prevented these from worsening characteristic by ameliorating hyperdynamic
      circulation state and cardiac remodeling, augmnent plasma PGI2 content.
      CONCLUSION: IPT can significantly reverse abdominal aorta binding/pressure
      overload induced cardiac remodeling, its mechanism may contribute to binding
      K(ATP) channel in endothelial cells, ameliorating endothelium cells function,
      augmenting PGI2 synthesis and secretion.

PMID- 22097719
TI  - [The correlation, between expression of stanniocalcin-1 gene and level of
      hydrogen peroxide in tissue during cutaneous scand repair in mice].

PMID- 22097720
TI  - [The relationship between endogenous hydrogen sulfide system and pulmonary
      hypertension induced by hypoxic hypercapnia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of the endogenous hydrogen sulfide(H2S)
      system in pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxic hypercapnia (HHPH) in rats
      and approach the possible mechanisms. METHODS: 20 SD rats were randomly divided
      into control group (C) and hypoxic hypercapnia group (HH) (n=10). The changes of
      hemodynamics and the right ventricle/left ventricle + septum (RV/LV + SP) were
      measured. The ratio of vessel wall area and total area (WA/TA) of arteriae
      pulmonalis were observed under lightmicroscope. By using TdT-mediated dUTP nick
      end labeling (TUNEL) and immunocytochemistry techniques, apoptosis index (AI) and
      expression of Bcl-2, Bax protein in arteriae pulmonalis were tested. Plasma level
      of H2S and activity of H2S generating enzymes in homogenates of rat lung tissue
      were evaluated by sensitive modified sulfide electrode method. Cystathionine
      gamma-lyase (CSE) mRNA in lung tissues was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The
      level of mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP), WA/TA and RV/LV + SP were
      significantly higher in HH group than those in C group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
      Compared with those in C group, the AI of arteriae pulmonalis in HH group were
      significantly lower; the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased while that of Bax
      protein decreased, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 went up obviously (all P < 0.01).
      Plasma level of H2S, the activity of H2S generating enzymes and CSE mRNA in HH
      group were significantly lower than those in C group (all P < 0.01). Plasma level
      of H2S, the activity of H2S generating enzymes, CSE mRNA each was closely
      positively related to Al while inversely related to mPAP and Bcl-2/Bax (all P <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: The endogenous hydrogen sulfide system is closely related to
      pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxic hypercapnia. The depression of the
      H2S/CSE system in HHPH may help increase the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, inhibit
      apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and finally result in the
      formation of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 22097721
TI  - [Intermittent hypoxic preconditioning promotes altitude acclimatization: the
      duration and efficacy after cessation of hypoxic preconditioning].

PMID- 22097722
TI  - [Correlation between MPO 129 A/G polymorphism and severity of coronary artery
      disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between myeloperoxidase (MPO) 129 A/G
      promoter polymorphisms and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).
      METHODS: The study enrolled 267 patients who had been diagnosed as coronary
      artery diseases by coronary angiography. The serum MPO activity was detected by
      colorimetric method. PCR-RFLP method was used to decide the genotypes of the
      patients. The severity of CAD was evaluated by the numbers of stenotic coronary
      arteries and the Gensini scores respectively. RESULTS: The MPO 129 locus G and A
      alleles frequency were 0.893 and 0.107, respectively. No significant difference
      was observed in serum MPO activity between different genotypes (P > 0.05). The
      distribution of genotypes in different Gensini score groups had no significant
      difference (P > 0.05). The patients with GG genotypes were prone to develop
      mutivessel diseases. CONCLUSION: No significant correlation exists in MPO 129
      locus polymorphism and serum MPO activity. The MPO 129 locus polymorphism isn't a
      reasonable predict factor of CAD severity.

PMID- 22097724
TI  - [The effects of high fat diet and endurance exercise on the aorta wall structure
      of experimental animal].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Based on high fat diet induced the model of atherosclerosis (AS) in
      C57BL/6J mice, authors studied the effect of endurance exercise on the
      atherosclerostic formation. METHODS: Forty eight 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were
      divided into four groups randomly (n=12): control (group N), 12-week
      atherosclerosis model group(group H), 12-week atherosclerosis model plus 11-week
      treadmill training group (group H + E) and 22-week atherosclerosis model group
      (group HS). Then, we observed the effects of endurance exercise on the ultra
      structure of aorta by electron microscope. RESULTS: Twenty weeks of high fat diet
      could result in serious AS in mice while endurance exercise could significantly
      antagonize or restrain the occur of AS. In addition, 10 weeks of endurance
      exercise could alleviate the symptom of pathological changes which already
      happened on aorta wall. CONCLUSION: It indicated that endurance exercise could
      effectively prevent and cure AS that induced by high fat diet.

PMID- 22097723
TI  - [The effect of 5-HD on expression of PKC-alpha in rats of chronic hypoxic
      pulmonary hypertension].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of mito chondrial K(ATP) channels
      (mitoK(ATP)) inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate(5-HD) on chronic hypoxic pulmonary
      artery hypertension (CHPAH) rats and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Forty
      eight male SD rats were equally divided into 4 groups randomly (n=12): normal
      group, hypoxia group, hypoxia + 5-HD group, hypoxia + Diazoxide group. Except the
      first group, the other three groups were put into hypoxic [O2 (10.0% +/- 0.3%]
      and nonrmobaric chamber for four weeks to establish chronic hypoxic model and
      received different interference. When the interference completed, right heart
      catheter was used to detect the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) of each
      rat and PKC-alpha mRNA expression in pulmonary arteries was detected by reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein expression by
      Western blot. RESULTS: (mPAP was much higher in hypoxia group than that in normal
      group (P < 0.01) while in hypoxia + 5-HD group and hypoxia + diazoxide were
      decreased significantly compared to hypoxia group (P < 0.01). (2) The protein and
      mRNA levels of PKC-alpha in the hypoxic group were higher than those in normal
      group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 5-HD plays a protective role on CHPAH. The
      mechanism of its effect may be attributed to inhibiting MitoK(ATP).

PMID- 22097725
TI  - [Effects of rapid eye movement sleep deprivation on recall of fear extinction in
      rats].

PMID- 22097726
TI  - [The study on protective effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate in cardiomyocytes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of protective effect of Sphingosine-1
      phosphate(S1P) in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes dining simulated
      hypoxia/reoxygenation. METHODS: On the basis of culturing neonatal rat
      cardiomyocytes, the model of hypoxia-reoxygennation was built by using method of
      Liquid Paraffin covering, the impact of S1P on apoptosis and p-Akt and
      mitochondrial membrane potential were studied by using method of Propidine Iodide
      staining and Western blot and Bhodanmine123 staining. RESULTS: SiP could reduce
      apoptosis rate (P < 0.01) and stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential (P <
      0.05) and improved the level of p-Akt1 (P < 0.01) in hypoxia/reoxygenation
      cardiomyocytes significantly. But wonnannin could block these effects of S1P
      partially. CONCLUSION: SiP can obviously restrain apoptosis in curtured rat
      neonatal cardiomyocytes during simulated hypoxia/reoxygenation. Stabilization of
      mitochondrial membrane potential by P13K-AM signaling pathway is likely to play a
      role in protective action of S1P.

PMID- 22097727
TI  - [Research of the influence of jiawei "ba zhen soup" on the junior men's sanda
      athletes' testosterone, cortisone and hemoglobin].

PMID- 22097728
TI  - [The expression of connective tissue growth factor in mast cells in the
      development of pulmonary fibrosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether connective tissue growth factor (CGGF) is
      expressed in mast cells (MCs) in lung in the development of bleomycin (BLM)
      induced pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly
      divided into 2 groups: BLM group and control group (n=16). The rats in BLM group
      were received single intratracheal instillation of BLM (5 mg/kg), and the rats in
      control group received equal volume of 0.9% normal saline(NS) to BLM. The rats in
      each group were sacrificed for lung tissue sampling on day 14 and day 28 after
      intratracheal instillation respectively. As the index of the severity of
      pulmonary fibrosis, the content of hydroxyproline in lungs was analyzed by
      chloramine T method. Mast cells and CTGF expression in lungs were examined by
      toluidine blue stain and immunohistochemical assay respectively. RESULTS: (1) On
      day 28 after intratracheal instillation of BLM, the content of hydroxyproline in
      lungs of rats was higher than that of control rats (P < 0.01). (2) Compared to
      control rats, the rats on day 14 and day 28 after instillation of BLM showed
      increased number of mast cells (Both P < 0.01) and up-regulated CTGF expression
      (Both P < 0.01). (3) No CTGF immuno-positive MCs were seen in the lungs of
      control rats whereas CTGF immuno-positive MCs were observed in the pathological
      areas in lungs of rats on day 14 and day 28 after BLM. CONCLUSION: CTGF is
      expressed in MCs in lungs in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, which might
      be one of the mechanisms underling promoting effect of MCs on fibrosis in lung.

PMID- 22097729
TI  - [Study of tyrosinase gene mutation in oculocutaneous albinism type 1 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the patients' genotypes and the mutation spectrum of
      Tyrosinase (TYR) gene and the effects on protein structure and function in
      oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1). METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) and sequencing techniques were applied to amplify and analyze the regions
      of exon, exonintron and promoter of TYR gene of 15 OCA1 probands and some of
      their parents. The protein structure and function were forecasted and analyzed by
      bioinformatics software. RESULTS: Sequencing result showed 11 kinds of mutations,
      including 5 missense mutations (W400L, R299H, E294K, R77Q and K142M), 3 nonsense
      mutations (R116X, R278X and G295X), 2 insertion mutation (929insC and 232insGGG)
      and 1 splice site mutation (IVS1-3C > G). The nosogenesis was related to the
      change of protein structure and function in four pathological mutations.
      CONCLUSION: It seemes that W400L is the frequent mutations, which accounted for
      about 30.0% in Chinese mainland OCA1 alleles. It is doable to make some
      reasonable interpretation about TYR gene nosogenesis by bioinformatics method.

PMID- 22097732
TI  - [MEK inhibitors suppressed expression of NOS in spinal cord of morphine-induced
      dependent and withdrawal rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of intrathecal injection of mitogen-activated
      protein kinases inhibitors U0126 on the behavioral changes of morphine-induced
      dependent and withdrawal rats and the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)
      in spinal cord. METHODS: All the rats were divided into 4 groups: control group,
      dependent group, withdrawal group, U0126 group (5 microg). Global withdrawal
      score, Touch evoked agitation scores (TEA score), immunohistochemical and Western
      blot technique were undertaken to evaluate behavioral changes and expression of
      FOS, nNOS and iNOS in spinal cord respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that
      intrathecal administration of U0126 significantly alleviated withdrawal symptom,
      withdrawal scores of U0126 group (22.5 +/- 4.09) were significantly lower than
      than those of withdrawal group (28.6 +/- 4.89) (P < 0.05). TEA scores of
      withdrawal group were 13.5 +/- 2.55, which were significantly higher than those
      of U0126 group (10.0 +/- 2.76, P < 0.05). Fos-like positive neurons in dorsal
      horn of withdrawal group were 380 +/- 71, which were higher than those of U0126
      group(287 +/- 54, P < 0.05). Also nNOS and iNOS positive neurons in dorsal horn
      of U0126 group were 180 +/- 32, 10.8 +/- 2.8 respectively, which were
      significantly lower than that of withdrawal group (239 +/- 45, 16.8 +/- 5.1, P <
      0.05). Compared with withdrawal group, levels of nNOS and iNOS protein in spinal
      cord of U0126 group were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: MEK inhibitors could
      alleviate withdrawal symptom of morphine-induced dependent rats and could
      suppress expression of NOS in spinal cord, and extracellular signal-regulate
      kinase (ERK) might involve the expression of NOS in spinal cord.

PMID- 22097730
TI  - [The effect of genetic polymorphism of the exon 2 of the beta-lactoglobulin gene
      on the milk composition in Chinese Holstein].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to study the effect of the polymorphism at the exon2 region
      of the (3-LG allele gene on milk composition and yield. METHODS: The single
      strand conformation polymorphism method (PCR-SSCP) was used to analyze for
      polymorphism the exon2 region of the 3-LG gene (NCBI accession number: DQ489319)
      in Chinese Holstein. RESULTS: Eight SSCP patterns were detected in the fragments:
      ab, abc, abd, abe, abcd, abce, abde and abcde, and the patterns frequencies as
      follows: 0.14, 0.10, 0.27, 0.23, 0.05, 0.04, 0.11 and 0.06 (P < 0.05); Six single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were detected in this study: sitel C>T, site2 T>C,
      site3 C>T, site4 C>C, site5 C> A, site6 A>T or C, and the polymorphism
      infonnation content (PIC) of these SNPs were in median or high polymorphism (PIC
      > 0.25). CONCLUSION: These SNPs at the exon2 region of the beta-LG gene were
      remarkably and affected milk performance traits (milk yield, protein and fat
      contents) in Chinese Holstein.

PMID- 22097731
TI  - [The effect of valsartan on the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation
      end products in human glomerular mesangial cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effect of valsartan on human glomerular mesangial
      cells oxidative stress and the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation
      end products (RAGE) induced by the advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).
      METHODS: Human glomerular mesangial cells were treated with advanced glycation
      end-product-bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) in the presence of valsartan. The
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells were measured by Flow cytometry, and the
      mRNA of p47 phox, which was the primary subunits of NADPH oxidase, was detected
      by semi-quantitative reberse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
      The mRNA of RAGE was detected by RT-PCR and the RAGE protein was assayed by
      immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The product of ROS, and the expression of p47 phox
      and RAGE in mesangial cells, which were treated with AGE-BSA in the presence of
      valsartan, were down-regulated compared with the groups treated with AGE-BSA (P <
      0.05). Valsartan dose-dependently and time-dependently inhibited the AGE-elicited
      overexpression of RAGE, ROS and p47(phox) in mesangial cells. CONCLUSION:
      Valsartan could inhibit RAGE expression through downregulation of oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 22097733
TI  - [Simultaneous telemetric analyzing of the temporal relationship for the changes
      of the circadian rhythms of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and core
      temperature in the rat].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure simultaneously the time course for the circadian rhythm of
      brown adipose tissue(BAT) thermogenesis and core temperature, and analyzing their
      temporal relationship. METHODS: The circadian rhythm of core temperature (Tc),
      BAT temperature (T(BAT)), axillary temperature (Tax) and motor activity were
      simultaneously measured by telemetry in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats at an
      ambient temperature of 22 degrees C during a 12-h light:12-h dark photoperiod
      (lights on at 06:00 h and lights off at 18:00 h). RESULTS: (1) T(BAT) was 0.67
      degrees C lower than Tc group under the light phase, but it was similar to that
      Tc during the dark phase. The rate of increase in T(BAT) was higher than
      corresponding increases in Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark
      phase, and increase in T(BAT) commenced approximately 8 min before Tc increases.
      Whereas at the start of transition from the dark to light phase, decrease in
      T(BAT) commenced approximately 4 min before Tc decreases. (2) The amplitude of
      the circadian Tax rhythm was similar to that of Tc. During either the light phase
      or dark phase, Tax was lower than simultaneous measurement of Tc. (3) Increases
      in behavioral activity commenced before increases in T(BAT) and Tc at the start
      of transition from the light to dark phase. CONCLUSION: BAT thermogenesis
      contributes to increase in core temperature during the dark phase, indicating
      that circadian changes of BAT thermogenesis does indeed play significant role in
      the overall maintenance of the circadian rhythm of core temperature.

PMID- 22097734
TI  - [Penehyclidine hydrochloride inhibits glutamate release and related research in
      global brain ischemia/reperfusion rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on glutamate
      (Glu)release and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)1 expression in hippocampus
      CA1 with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar
      rats were randomly allocated into three groups; group A received sham operation;
      group B received ischemia/reperfusion; group C received penehyclidine
      hydrochloride treatment (2 mg/kg) before ischemia/reperfusion (n=20). Global
      cerebral ischemia was induced according to Pulsinelli-Brierley method. All
      animals were divided into two experiments: (I) Microdialysis plus HPLC/FD were
      used to detect Glu level after reperfusion 1 h, 3 h, 6 h. (II) After reperfusion
      3 h, the animals were decapitated on ice and the brains were immediately removed
      to detect NMDAR1 expression in CA1 area by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After
      penehyclidine hydrochloride treatment, extracellular Glu level in CA1 were
      significantly decreased compared with those of control group (P < 0.05 or 0.01);
      Total integrated OD, average gray value and positive-cell area of NMDAR1 in CA1
      were also significantly decreased compared with those of control group (P < 0.05
      or 0.01). CONCLUSION: Penehyclidine hydrochloride might has protective effect in
      hippocampus CA1 on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion animals. The protective
      mechanism might be involved in inhibiting Glu release and NMDAR1 expression.

PMID- 22097736
TI  - [Effects of psychic ability and glutamine for different time sleep deprivation].

PMID- 22097735
TI  - [Study on pancreas of type 1 diabetic mice induced by MLD-STZ using proteomics].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To get a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying type 1
      diabetes mellitus, the differentially expressed pancreatic proteins from multiple
      low-dose streptozotocin (MLD-SIZ) mouse and normal mouse were analyzed and
      compared. METHODS: 20 male rats were separated into 2 groups (n=10): model mice
      treated with MLD-STZ and normal mice,differences of pancreatic proteome among in
      the two groups of mice, were analyzed by two dimensional polyacryamide gel
      electrophoresis (2DE). Protein quantification was analyzed and the differentially
      expressed spots were identified using mass spectrometry and MASCOT database
      searching. RESULTS: Compared with control group, 23 proteins had changed
      significantly in the model group, 8 proteins expression were up-regulated, 15
      proteins expressions down-regulated significantly. Using MALDI-TOF-MS, 15
      proteins with significant change were identified by peptide fingerprinting map
      and the results were searched in MASCOT database. The function analyzed showed
      that proteins with change were associated with metabolic, anti-oxidant,
      structural, catalytic enzymes and chaperone, et al. CONCLUSION: Type 1 diabetes
      is probably exerted via multi-target and multi-path mechanism. The proteins with
      significant change are newly target for type 1 diabetes early diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 22097738
TI  - [Effect of total flavonoids from Chrysanthemun morifolium on learning and memory
      in aging mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of total fiavonoids from Chrysanthemun
      morifolium (TFCM) on learning and memory, and cholinergic system function in
      aging mice. METHODS: The aging mice model was established by subcutaneous
      injection of D-galactose. ICR mice were divided into five groups (n=10): contrA
      group, model group, and TFCM groups. Mice in TFCM groups were given TFCM (50,100
      or 150 mg/kg) by gastric irrigation once a day. Learning and memory ability were
      evaluated by Morris water maze test. The MDA content, SOD and Ach E activity were
      also measured. RESULTS: Compared with control group, learning and memory ability
      declined in the D-galactose-induced aging mice; meanwhile MDA content and AchE
      activity increased, SOD activity decreased. Treatment with TFCM (100, 150 mg/kg)
      ameliorated the decrease in learning and memory ability of aging mice. Compared
      with model group, TFCM (100, 150 mg/kg) could also decrease MDA content and Ach E
      activity, and increase SOD activity in aging mice. CONCLUSION: TFCM may improve
      the learning and memory ability of aging mice. The mechanism is involved in its
      antioxidative characteristic and improvement of central cholinergic system
      function.

PMID- 22097737
TI  - [Effect of ERK1/2 signaling pathway on astragaloside IV protects H9c2 cells
      against H2O2-induced oxidative injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Astragaloside IV(AST) protects H9c2 cells
      against H2O2-induced oxidative injury partly through ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
      METHODS: H9c2 cells oxidative injury was induced by 200 tmol/L H2O2 for 6 hours
      to establish the H2O2-induced injury model of H9c2 cells. The viability of H9c2
      cells was detected using MTf method. Activity of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),
      total-superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and
      content of MDA (malondialdehyde) in the culture medium were detected using
      colorimetric method. Western blot was performed to exam expression of p-ERK1/2
      and ERK1/2 in H9c2 cells respectively. RESULTS: Under 200 micromol/L H2O2
      treatment for 6 hours, the vaibility of H9c2 cells was suitable for the following
      study. Compared with H2O2 group, the cell viability was increased significantly
      in AST10 + H2O2 and AST2O + H2O2 groups (P < 0.01). The activity of LDH in the
      culture medium was decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The activity of T-SOD and
      Mn-SOD was increased significantly (P < 0.01), the content of MDA was decreased
      significantly (P < 0.01). Treated with 10 mg/L or 20 mg/L of AST, expression of p
      ERK1/2 in H9c2 cells injured from H2O2 was increased significantly (P < 0.01),
      when PD98059 (inhibitor of ERK1/2) was added, the effects of AST were cancelled.
      CONCLUSION: AST protects H9c2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative injury partly
      through ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

PMID- 22097739
TI  - [Effects of nitric oxide on spontaneous pain reaction and neuronal apoptosis in
      the spinal cord of rats induced by formalin inflammatory pain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe whether formalin inflammatory pain can induce neuron
      apoptosis in rats spinal cord or not and the effects of nitric oxide on the
      spontaneous pain reaction and neuron apoptosis in the spinal cord of rats with
      formalin inflammatory pain. METHODS: Formalin-induced paw licking time was used
      to reflect the degree of spontaneous pain of rats, and the flow cytometry was
      used to detecte neuron apoptosis rate of spinal cord. RESULTS: Compared with
      control group, the apoptosis ratio of spinal neuron was increased in the rats
      with formalin inflammatory pain, and peaked at 3d after formalin injection. Pre
      intrathecal injection of NOS inhibitor L-NAME inhibited the nociceptive
      behavioural response in double phases induced by fonnrmalin injection and cut
      down the neuron apoptosis ratio of spinal cord of rats with formalin inflammatory
      pain. Nociceptive behavioural response and incraesed neuron apoptosis in the
      spinal cord were induced by intrathecal injection of L-Arg in normal rats.
      CONCLUSION: The results indicated that formalin inflammatory pain could induce
      the apoptosis of spinal neurons. The neurons apoptosis was the most significant
      on the third day after formalin injection. The increased pruduction of NO in
      spinal cord could promote the transmit of nociceptive information and participate
      the induction of neuronal apoptosis during the formalin inflammatory pain.

PMID- 22097741
TI  - [Application of an improved tracheal intubation method during the preparation of
      myocardial infarction model in the mouse].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An improved tracheal intubation method was used in preparation of
      myocardial infarction model in the mouse for increasing the success rate.
      METHODS: The mice were intubated by an improved trachea cannula through oral
      cavity. The left anterior thoracotomy performed. The myocardial infarction model
      was made by legating the left anterior descending coronary artery in mouse. The
      color of heart was observed, and electrocardiogram was recorded. The survival
      rate and pathologic change were observed after two weeks of operation. RESULTS:
      40 myocardial infarction model mice were made by improved trachea cannula. The
      color of ventricles anterior wall had got madder red, and ST stages were raised
      on II leads of electrocardiogram in all of model mice. After two weeks, 27 mice
      were survival. The survival rate was 87.1% except for accidental death during
      operation. The heart chamber expanded and ventricular wall became thin in
      myocardial infarction mice by eyes. After pathological sections were stained, by
      HE cardiac muscle fibers ruptured or lysed. There were some of necrosis of
      myocardiac cells and many of infiltration of inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION:
      Application of an improved tracheal intubation method simplified operation of
      tracheal intubation during preparation of myocardial infarction model in the
      mouse. The trauma was tinier than the other one, and achievement ratio of the
      model preparation was improved.

PMID- 22097740
TI  - [Changes of GABA-activated currents in isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons in
      rats with neuropathic pain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of GABA-activated currents in isolated
      dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with neuropathic pain. METHODS: The
      neuropathic pain model was established by chronic constriction injury (CCI) 7
      days before electrophysiological-recording. The rat DRG neurons were
      enzymatically dissociated. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record
      GABA-activated currents. The changes of currents of injured side and opposite
      side were expected to compare with control group. RESULTS: (1) The currents of
      injured side of CCI group were notablely decreased compared with control group
      (GABA concentration, 0.1-1000 micromol/L). (2) By the contrast, opposite side
      currents of CCI group increased significantly compared with those in injured side
      and control group (GABA concentration, 0.01-1000 micromol/L). CONCLUSION: The
      data indicates that the chronic constriction injury change both the function of
      GABAA receptors of injury side and opposite side. The decrease of pre-synaptic
      inhibition of GABA may be the possible reason of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22097742
TI  - [Design of power and data telemetry system utilizing Class-E amplifier for visual
      prosthesis].
AB  - A wireless transmission system for visual prosthesis is introduced. Power and
      data are transmitted through inductive link between only one pair of coils, in
      order to reduce the size of the device. The transmitter is based on Class-E power
      amplifier due to its high efficiency, and a modulation circuit is added to
      control the dc supply of the Class-E amplifier to achieve ASK modulation of data
      with modulation depth of 25%. In addition, an experimental system is implemented,
      and test shows that it sufficiently supports a 16-channel micro-stimulator on
      power delivery and data transfer rate.

PMID- 22097743
TI  - [An adaptive filtering algorithm applied to inhibit the interference from the
      ventricular during atrial epicardial mapping experiment].
AB  - This paper introduces an adaptive filtering algorithm based on the LMS principle
      to inhibit the ventricular interference in the atrial epicardial mapping
      experiments.

PMID- 22097744
TI  - [A model of blood pressure measurement which based on NN with raised accuracy].
AB  - To address the accuracy problem of the oscillometric method in electronic blood
      pressure monitor, this paper introduces a more accurate new blood pressure
      measurement model, which based on ANN. And simulation checking method is put
      forward.

PMID- 22097745
TI  - [Application of algebraic reconstruction technique of multi-source tomosynthesis
      in dynamic reconstruction].
AB  - To reduce the motion artifacts, a new scanning configuration is proposed for
      tomosynthesis in dynamic reconstruction. In this new configuration, multiple x
      ray sources are uniformly distributed on the circular scanning trajectory and
      moving simultaneously. Numerical experiments are performed using two dynamic
      digital phantoms and algebraic reconstruction technique. The reconstruction
      images of single-source tomosynthesis and multi-source tomosynthesis are compared
      and evaluated. The results show that multi-source tomosynthesis could reduce
      artifacts effectively, thus improving image quality. The advantages of multi
      source tomosynthesis in dynamic reconstruction are important to cardiac imaging
      and respiratory imaging.

PMID- 22097746
TI  - [An improved auto-window algorithm for MR image].
AB  - When MR image's area is too small compared with the whole picture, the use of the
      current auto-window algorithms usually gets poor clarity and contrast. In order
      to address this problem, an improved auto-window algorithm is proposed in this
      paper and can solve the problem effectively and get clear and rich layers of MR
      images quickly and easily.

PMID- 22097747
TI  - [Comparison of two coils for MR angiography based on the SDNR method].
AB  - In this paper, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal different-to-noise ratio
      (SDNR) methods were used to compare image quality using two different
      radiofrequency coils. The two coil types included an eight-element phased-array
      coil and a quadrature birdcage head coil with endcap and the comparison studies
      performed on a uniform cylindrical phantom and volunteer respectively. The
      results showed phased-array coil have advantages and proved effectiveness of the
      method in the evaluation and selection of coils.

PMID- 22097748
TI  - [Study on diagnostic methods of breathing disorders based on fuzzy logic
      inference and the neural network].
AB  - This paper descries a new non-invasive method for diagnosis of breathing
      disorders based on adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In this
      method, PetCO2, SpO2 and HR are chosen as inputs, and the breathing condition is
      selected as output ofANFIS. The inputs and output are then classified into fuzzy
      subsets by experts' knowledge. After, the fuzzy IF-THEN rules are built up
      according to the corresponding membership functions by set up of fuzzy subsets.
      The neural network was finally established and the membership functions and fuzzy
      rules were optimized by training. The results of experiment shows that ANFIS is
      more effective than BP Network regarding the diagnosis of breathing disorders.

PMID- 22097749
TI  - [Study for lung sound acquisition module based on ARM and Linux].
AB  - A acquisition module with ARM and Linux as a core was developed. This paper
      presents the hardware configuration and the software design. It is shown that the
      module can extract human lung sound reliably and effectively.

PMID- 22097750
TI  - [Design of a medical folding fridge].
AB  - This article introduces a design of a medical folding fridge, which consists of
      three major components, base, folding frame and insulated cover. The base has a
      cooling system. The frame and cover are expanded during normal use and folded
      during storage or transportation. The device is compact, durable, transportable
      and well environmental adaptable. The system design is proved proper and the
      temperature inside is reliable. It is very suitable for temperature sensitive
      supplies stored in the medical emergency field.

PMID- 22097751
TI  - [Summary about the progress and specifications of FDA regarding intravascular
      catheters].
AB  - This article summarizes the progress and specifications of FDA regarding
      intravascular catheters, and hope this would be helpful to people concerned.

PMID- 22097752
TI  - [Ethic review on clinical experiments of medical devices in medical
      institutions].
AB  - Clinical experiments are always used to evaluate the safety and validity of
      medical devices. The experiments have two types of clinical trying and testing.
      Ethic review must be done by the ethics committee of the medical department with
      the qualification of clinical research, and the approval must be made before the
      experiments. In order to ensure the safety and validity of clinical experiments
      of medical devices in medical institutions, the contents, process and approval
      criterions of the ethic review were analyzed and discussed.

PMID- 22097753
TI  - [Some perspectives of management in the use of medical devices].
AB  - The improper selection, management or use of medical devices may lead to a
      disproportionate rise in the cost of healthcare, which has concerned many
      countries. Some perspectives of management in the use of medical device have been
      widely discussed in 1st global forum on medical devices held by the World Health
      Organization on Thailand in 2010. This paper presents some main perspectives
      about this.

PMID- 22097754
TI  - [Analysis of FDA medical device recall in 2005-2006].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze medical device recall information of FDA U.S. and to
      address the safety issue of medical device. METHOD: For each report, the recall
      class, product name, product class and recall reason were recorded and classified
      for analysis. RESULTS: 3093 reports were identified; the recalling reasons of the
      three classes were significantly different. It is found that the main recall
      reason for medical material is package problems (39%) and design defectiveness
      (19%), for medical tools are design defectiveness (27%) and package problems
      (26%), and for medical equipment are design defectiveness (45%) and system
      failures (39%). The number of software recalled is 109. The main recall reason
      for high risk equipment is design defectiveness, and the I class level of high
      risk equipment recalled was decline in 2006 compared to that in 2005. CONCLUSION:
      Monitoring and application of medical device recall information should be
      strengthened, and the objective law of medical device safety issue should be
      summed up, in order to provide reference for supervision of medical device.

PMID- 22097757
TI  - [Emergency medical equipment safety and risk management].
AB  - This paper analyzes emergency medical devices, and puts forward the types of risk
      management mode, risk analysis, risk assessment (including the risk score
      calculation), and risk control points. Emergency medical equipment which has the
      high risk and is directly related to the patient's life safety, should be taken
      seriously.

PMID- 22097755
TI  - [Research of the transformation and implementation of IEC60601-1 3rd edition in
      China].
AB  - This paper discussed the possible influence of the transformation and
      implementation of IEC60601-1 3rd edition in China, and accordingly proposed some
      preliminary suggestions.

PMID- 22097756
TI  - [Review and experience on inter-laboratory comparisons of medical device
      testing].
AB  - By Reviewing the Inter-laboratory Comparisons of Medical Device Testing for 5
      times, the present paper summarizes several experience and thoughts in
      participating in inter-laboratory comparisons, and offers some suggestions.

PMID- 22097758
TI  - [A perspective of YY0709-2009 testing of alarm system for medical use].
AB  - This paper introduces the meaning of YY0709-2009's issue and its scope. It
      emphasizes the details of visual and audible alarms. Reasonable suggestions to
      comply with these requirements are provided at the end of the article. It will be
      of help to understand YY0709-2009 and to manufacture or test the product under
      YY0709-2009.

PMID- 22097759
TI  - [fMRI functional connectivity analysis of anxiety disease patients based on
      spatiotemporal Lyapunov exponent method].
AB  - Attempting to use nonlinear spatiotemporal Lyapunov exponent to characterize fMRI
      brain functional connectivity of anxiety disease patients, we adopted the methods
      of nonlinear spatiotemporal Lyapunov exponent and linear correlation coefficients
      to analyses fMRI datum of 11 anxiety disease patients and 11 healthy volunteers,
      respectively. The results show that there are significant normalized variance
      exponent (NVE) differences in Inferior Frontal Gyrus (rIFG) and Medial Frontal
      Gyrus (MFG) between the two groups (P<0.01). And correlation coefficients shows
      significant differences (P<0.05). The spatial-temporal Lyapunov exponent method
      had higher sensitivity than the correlation coefficient method in the
      characterization of functional connectivity; Anxiety disease patients have
      abnormal functional connectivity in rIFG and MFG during our experiment.

PMID- 22097760
TI  - [Some special problems about the usement of wedge field in radiation therapy].
AB  - This article presents and discusses some special problems about the use of wedge
      field in radiation therapy according to the practice of the author. Thus we
      attain the rules of quality assurance in radiotherapy by WHO.

PMID- 22097762
TI  - [An implementation of constructing medical data integration platform based on web
      service].
AB  - Using the technology of Web Service and the Development tools of MyEclipse, we
      design and realize a Medical Data Integration Platform. The plan can use the
      existing resources of the hospital adequately, simplify the integration of
      Medical Data, and have the nice extensibility and maintainability.

PMID- 22097761
TI  - [A preliminary study for starshot analysis during quality control of medical
      linacs].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was to discuss the influencing factors of Starshot analysis
      during the quality control of medical linacs. METHODS: During the quality control
      of a Siemens medical linac, Starshot analysis were carried out using FilmQA
      software and KODAK low sensitive films. The influence of setting to the results
      of Starshot analysis were explored, including Jaw width, shit of gantry angles,
      center shifts of Jaws, Beam energy and scan resolution. RESULT: The offset of
      Jaws's center had effect on the analysis result and the center offset was
      linearly related to the result. The influence of Beam energy and scan resolution
      was much smaller, and the maximum deviation was less than 0.2mm. The deviation
      for gantry angle at 4 degree was a little larger than 2 degree which deviation
      was less than 0.1mm.The Jaw width had greater effort on the analysis result, and
      two trends were found in 2 tests. CONCLUSION: In clinic, if the result of
      Starshot analysis was out of tolerance, a careful check to multi factors should
      be made before the last determination.

PMID- 22097763
TI  - [Malfunction analysis and preventive measures of CT equipment].
AB  - After the analysis of the service and maintenance technology of CT equipment
      under the existing technical condition we conclude that although the CT equipment
      malfunctions vary with different manufacturer, they are predictable and
      preventable, based on the identical CT principle and similar construction of
      system.

PMID- 22097765
TI  - [Advances in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats--a
      review].
AB  - The recently discovered Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat
      (CRISPRs) can protect bacteria and archaea with adaptive and heritable defense
      systems against the invasion of phage- and plasmid- associated mobile genetic
      elements. Here, we review the structure, diversity, mechanism of interference and
      self versus non-self discrimination of CRISPR systems. We also discuss the
      potential applications of this novel interference system.

PMID- 22097764
TI  - [Discovery and research progress of endophytic bacteria in the root nodules of
      legumes--a review].
AB  - Recently, some research reports showed varied endophytic bacteria in the root
      nodules of some legumes, which attracts great interest in research field of
      rhizobia. Here, we reviewed the discovery, identification of some endophytic
      bacteria (Agrobacterium, non-symbiotic rhizobia, and other bacteria) in root
      nodules and their influence on symbiosis or plant growth, to understand the
      microecosystem of root nodule and to extend the field of rhizobia research.

PMID- 22097767
TI  - [Studies on the actinobacterial diversity in aiding lake sediments].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims at investigating the diversity of actinobacteria in
      Aiding Lake, a hypersaline lake and the lowest land point in China. METHODS: The
      diversity of actinobacteria in the sediment from Aiding Lake was investigated by
      culture--independent method based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene
      sequences and selective isolation. Specific primers were used to amplify the
      actinobacterial 16S rRNA gene, and corresponding clone libraries were constructed
      for the sediment samples. Different clones selected on the basis of Hae III
      digestion patterns were sequenced. Nine selective media with different salinities
      were used to isolate actinobacteria from the sediment samples. RESULTS: The
      analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that 273 clone sequences belonged to
      subclasses Actinobacteridae (208), Acidimicrobidae (13) and Rubrobacteridae (52).
      The dominant actinobacteria was genus Rothia, which accounted for 37% of total
      clones. The similarity between 45.8% of 273 detected sequences and published
      sequences were less than 97%, which might represent new taxa. Some sequences,
      which formed several distinct clades in phylogenetic tree may represent new
      taxonomical groups of actinobacteria. Fifty-five strains were isolated by
      different selective media. They belonged to six suborders of the order
      Actinomycetales, of which Streptomyces and Nocardiopsis were the dominant groups.
      Six potential new species were obtained. CONCLUSION: Aiding Lake harbors abundant
      actinobacteria, including large number of unknown actinobacterial groups.

PMID- 22097766
TI  - [Central metabolism of anammox bacteria--a review].
AB  - Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a biological process by which ammonium
      is oxidized to dinitrogen gas by using nitrite as the electrons acceptor.
      Anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria play an important role in nitrogen removal
      from wastewater and global N-cycle. The study of metabolism of anammox bacteria
      will help us understand the anammox mechanism and develop anammox biotechnology.
      Anammox bacteria are chemoautotrophic bacteria that use CO, or HCO3- as carbon
      source and obtain their energy from the conversion of ammonium and nitrite into
      dinitrogen gas. Hydrazine has been detected as an intermediate in the anammox
      pathway, while hydroxylamine and nitric oxide have not been detected yet. The
      genomic data indicate that anammox bacteria fix carbon dioxide through acetyl-CoA
      pathway. The proposed anammox pathway is consistent with the available
      experimental data, thermodynamical calculation and biochemical determination and
      as well as the Ockham's razor principal.

PMID- 22097768
TI  - [Development of a genetic modification system for caerulomycin producer
      Actinoalloteichus sp. WH1-2216-6].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to enable the caerulomyicn biosynthetic study by in vivo gene
      disruptions, it is crucial to develop a genetic modification system for the
      producer Actinoalloteichus sp. WH1-2216-6. METHODS: The spore germination timing
      and the concentration of MgSO4 in the medium were investigated for the optimal
      conjugal transfer of exotic pSET152 DNA into Actinoalloteichus sp. WH1-2216-6.
      Using the PCR-targeting system, we disrupted a putative caerulomycin 2,3
      dihydroxybenzoate-AMP ligase gene by "in-frame deletion" in E. coli, to afford
      the cosmid pCSG2104, which was then transferred into Actinoalloteichus sp. WH1
      2216-6 by conjugation under optimized conditions. RESULTS: The putative
      caerulomycin 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate-AMP ligase in Actinoalloteichus sp. WH1-2216-6
      was successfully disrupted by in-frame replacement with the aac3IV gene cassette.
      The resulting mutant strain was unable to produce caerulomycins. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of high concentration of MgSO4 in the medium can promote the conjugation
      efficiency between E. coli and Actinoalloteichus sp. WH1-2216-6 and lead to the
      successful development of a genetic modification system for Actinoalloteichus sp.
      WH1-2216-6, enabling the functional characterization of caerulomycin biosynthetic
      genes in vivo. A positive example was provided for other Actinobacteria
      recalcitrant to genetic modification.

PMID- 22097769
TI  - [Influence of predominant aerobic bacteria isolated from different healthy
      animals on daidzein biotransforming capacity by co-culture with different
      daidzein biotransforming bacteria].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of isolated predominant aerobic bacteria
      on daidzein biotransformation capacity by co-culture with daidzein
      biotransforming bacteria. METHODS: Predominant aerobic bacteria were isolated
      from diluted feces solutions of different healthy animals, including ICR mice,
      Luhua chicken, Landrace pigs and Rex rabbits. Daidzein biotransforming bacteria
      were anaerobically co-cultured with the isolated predominant aerobic bacteria and
      the cultural broth was extracted and detected by high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Twenty two predominant aerobic bacteria were
      isolated from the four different healthy animals mentioned above. Based on the
      analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, morphology study and relative biophysico
      biochemical characteristics, all 22 isolates belong to the 5 genera, i. e.
      Escherichia (10) , Proteus (5) , Enterococcus (4), Bacillus (2) and Pseudomonas
      (1). Co-culture between predominant aerobic bacteria and daidzein biotransforming
      bacteria was carried out under anaerobic conditions. The results showed that the
      biotransformation capacity was totally lost when different daidzein
      biotransforming bacterium was co-cultured with either Bacillus cereus ( R1 ) or
      Pseudomonas aerginosa (R5) and continuously inoculated for 2 or 3 passages.
      However, no obvious influence was observed when daidzein biotransforming bacteria
      were co-cultured with all the other isolated predominant aerobic bacteria except
      R1 and R5. In addition, when strain R1 and R5 was co-cultured with the intestinal
      microflora of the ICR mice anaerobically and continuously inoculated for 5
      passages, about 90% of the co-cultures totally lost the activity to convert
      daidzein to equol effectively. CONCLUSION: Different predominant aerobic bacteria
      showed different influence on daidzein biotransformation capacity after being co
      cultured with different daidzein biotransforming bacteria. Among all the isolated
      predominant aerobic bacteria used for co-culture, both Bacillus cereus ( R1) and
      Pseudomonas aerginosa (R5) were detected significant inhibition on
      biotransformation activity of different daidzein biotransforming bacteria.

PMID- 22097770
TI  - [High expression and characterization of N-acyl-homoserine lactonase-xylanase
      recombinant protein].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The fusion protein SL2B with both xylanase and N-acyl-homoserine
      lactonase activities was expressed in Pichia pastori. Characterization of the
      purified xylanase and N-acyl-homoserine lactonase fusion protein SL2B was
      investigated. METHODS: The fusion gene sl2b was amplified from the N-acyl
      homoserine lactonase gene aiiA-B546 and the xylanase gene xynAS27cd via overlap
      PCR technique. After the recombinant vector pPIC9/sl2b was transformed into P.
      pastoris, transformants with both xylanase and N-acyl-homoserine lactonase
      activity were screened. The purified SL2B was obtained with ammonium sulfate
      precipitation and molecular sieve. Both N-acyl-homoserine lactonase and xylanase
      activities of SL2B were characterized. RESULTS: The purified SL2B showed that the
      xylanase had optimal pH and temperature at pH 6.5 and 60 degrees C, respectively.
      The enzyme was stable between pH 6.0 and 8.0, retained over 80% enzyme activity
      between 50 and 65 degrees C. It resisted various neutral proteases and chemical
      reagents. With oat spelt xylan as substrate, the Km value of SL2B was 2.9 mg/L.
      The N-acyl-homoserine lactonase had optimal pH and temperature at pH 8.0 and 30
      degrees C, respectively. The enzyme was stable between pH 4.0 and 10.0, retained
      over 80% enzyme activity between 0 and 50 degrees C. It resisted various neutral
      proteases and chemical reagents. The fusion protein can hydrolyze many N-acyl
      homoserine lactones substrates. With N-(3-oxo-octanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone as
      substrate, the Km value of SL2B was 0.050 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: High level
      expression is achieved by fusing N-acyl-homoserine lactonase to the xylanase.

PMID- 22097771
TI  - [Identification and denitrification of an aerobic bacterium].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Denitrifying bacteria play an important role in the biological
      nitrogen removal process, especially the aerobic denitrifying bacteria. However,
      there are few studies on aerobic denitrifying bacteria. The present study aimed
      at the isolation of aerobic denitrifying bacteria with high ammonium and nitrite
      nitrogen removing ability from environmental samples, and its phylogeny and
      denitrifying characteristics. METHODS: Based on the aerobic denitrifying
      activity, ammonium and nitrite nitrogen removing ability, the strains were
      isolated from sludge, water and sediment in a eutrophicated pond. A strain with
      the highest activities was identified according to its morphological,
      physiological and biochemical properties and phylogenetic analysis of its 16S
      rRNA sequence. By using NO(3-)-N, NH(4+)-N and NO(2-)-N as the sole nitrogen
      source respectively, its denitrifying characteristics, and the effects of culture
      conditions such as initial pH of medium, temperature, carbon source, shaking
      speed on the ability of removing ammonium and nitrite nitrogen, were investigated
      under aerobic condition. RESULTS: Among the isolated strains, strain C-4 showed
      the highest ability of removing ammonium and nitrite nitrogen. Strain C-4 was
      identified as Acinetobacter sp.. Under the conditions of sodium citrate as carbon
      source, temperature 30 degres C, shaking speed 120 r/min, cell age of 18 h, pH
      8.5 for 200 mg/L NH(4+)-N medium and pH 7.5 for 100 mg/L NO(2-)-N medium, the net
      removal efficiency of nitrogen were 65.8% and 47.8% after 15 h and 12 h,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: An aerobic denitrifying strain Acinetobacter sp. C-4
      (HQ896038) was isolated from water pond, and it exhibited high net removal
      efficiency of nitrogen in relative media. The net removal efficiency of nitrogen
      of strain C-4 was 73.04% in dealing with a eutrophicated pond water.

PMID- 22097774
TI  - Biodegradation of pyridine and quinoline by two Pseudomonas strains.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the degradation of pyridine and quinoline by two Pseudomonas.
      METHODS: Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence homology and the
      intergenic spacer region sequence, the two isolates were identified. The
      degradation capability of pyridine and quinoline was determined according to
      spectrophotometry and Electrospray Ionisation/Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS). The
      degrading plasmids were detected by plasmid curing and the possible degrading
      genes were also cloned. RESULTS: The two isolates were identified as Pseudomonas
      and nominated XJUHX-1 and XJUHX-12. The two Pseudomonas were tolerant with
      pyridine and quinoline and two and four possible metabolites were detected in the
      culture medium containing quinoline and pyridine, respectively. The degrading
      capability of curing plasmids was lower than the crude isolates. The gene
      segments coding for the NADH (acceptor) reductase component OxoR for quinoline
      degradation and nitrogenase reductase (NifH) of denitrification for pyridine
      degradation were amplified from the genome of XJUHX-1 and XJUHX-12, both were
      cloned and expressed in E. coli BL 21 producing recombinant proteins with
      molecular mass of 43 kDa and 16 kDa. CONCLUSION: The two isolates could degrade
      pyridine and quinoline respectively.

PMID- 22097772
TI  - [Observation by transmission electron microscope and identification of endophytic
      bacteria isolated from Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The pine wood nematode, Bursaphlenchus xylophilus, morphologically
      similar to B. mucronatus, is the pathogen of pine wilt disease. This study was
      focused on the endophytic bacteria present in these nematodes. METHODS: Detailed
      observations were made on sections of all parts of the two types of nematodes by
      transmission electron microscope. The nematodes were surface-sterilized by
      soaking in 1% mercuric chloride and antibiotic mixture, and then ground and
      cultured on nutrient agar plate. The physiological and biochemical
      characteristics combined with molecular characterization of bacteria were
      analyzed and identified. RESULTS: Endophytic bacteria were found in intestines of
      the two nematodes by transmission electron microscope observations. On the basis
      of surface sterilization, total three bacteria strains were obtained from B.
      xylophilus and B. mucronatus. These bacteria belong to Stenotrophomonas and
      Ewingella. CONCLUSION: It confirms the presence of endophytic bacteria in
      Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus and these bacteria may play a
      physical and ecological roles in nematodes.

PMID- 22097773
TI  - [Field resistance of Phytophthora melonis to metalaxyl in South China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Phytophthora melonis is the casual agent of wax gourd and cucumber
      Phytophthora blight which becomes a constraint for sustainable production of the
      related crops. Metalaxyl is one of the principal fungicides for controlling the
      disease now. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to investigate the
      baseline sensitivity and field resistance of P. melonis to metalaxyl in South
      China; (2) to test the occurrence of metalaxyl-resistant mutants from metalaxyl
      sensitive wild type strains exposed to the fungicide; and (3) to monitor the
      development of metalaxyl resistance in P. melonis population. METHODS: Over 400
      samples of wax gourd and cucumber Phytophthora blight were collected from Guangxi
      Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdong province during 2007-2010, and 193 strains
      of P. melonis were isolated and purified. The sensitivity of the isolated strains
      to metalaxyl was tested using mycelial growth rate method in vitro and floating
      leaf-disk method in vivo, respectively. The metalaxyl-sensitive strains were
      induced on PDA plates containing 10 microg/mL metalaxyl. RESULTS: The sensitive,
      moderately resistant and resistant strains were recorded as 29.0% , 18.1% and
      52.8%, respectively, among 193 tested strains. The frequency and level of
      resistance of P. melonis from Guangdong were higher than that from Guangxi. The
      strains from cucumber was generally more resistant to metalaxyl than those from
      wax gourd. The metalaxyl-resistant strains were frequently detected as
      predominant populations in most of the sampling sites and the highest resistance
      index (4226.9) was confirmed. Metalaxyl-resistant (M1r) mutants could be isolated
      from approximately 60% of the sensitive wild-type strains. The resistance level
      of the M mutants was 189-407 times higher than that of their sensitive parental
      strains. The EC50 values of 9 sensitive strains from a sampling site without a
      record of phenylamide fungicide application ranged from 0.0429 to 0.5461
      microg/mL. Their mean EC50 value (0.3200 +/- 0.1617 microg/mL) was considered as
      the baseline sensitivity of P. melonis to metalaxyl in South China. CONCLUSION:
      Metalaxyl-resistant strains universally occur in South China, especially in the
      vegetable-growing areas with a longer history of metalaxyl application. The
      establishment of the baseline sensitivity of P. melonis to metalaxyl will provide
      a science-based guide for evaluating and further monitoring resistance of the
      pathogen to the fungicide.

PMID- 22097775
TI  - [Insertion of glycoprotein gene between P and M gene influences the pathogenicity
      of the rabies virus Flury LEP].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of a
      recombinant rabies virus Flury LEP (low egg passage) that has two glycoprotein
      genes (G gene). METHODS: By using reverse genetics techniques, we constructed a
      recombinant virus Flury LEP that has an additional G gene between P and M gene
      (rLEP-PGM). Then we studied the biological characteristics of the recombinant
      virus and its pathogenicity on mice. RESULTS: The in vitro growth characteristic
      of rLEP-PGM were similar to the LEP strain. Western blot analysis of glycoprotein
      expression showed that the glycoprotein expression level of rLEP-PGM was 1.5
      times higher than LEP. The LD50 of rLEP-PGM and LEP was 3 FFU and 1 FFU by
      intracerebral injection. However, the LD50 of intramuscular injection was 4 x
      10(4) Lg FFU and 3.2 x 10(5) Lg FFU, respectively. CONCLUSION: Insertion of an
      additional G gene between P and M gene can significantly raise the expression
      level of glycoprotein and enhance the ability to invade central nervous system
      from peripheral sites.

PMID- 22097776
TI  - [High-throughput screening of human pancreatic alpha-amylase inhibitors].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Targeting the important enzyme in human glucose metabolic pathway, we
      established a high throughput screening model for human pancreatic alpha-amylase
      inhibitors. METHODS: Pichia pastoris expression system was used to clone and
      express the human pancreatic alpha-amylase; we established the alpha-amylase
      inhibitor screening model using the catalytic properties of enzyme; this model
      was applied in screening of actinomycete' metabolites; the taxonomic status of
      positive strains were analyzed by constructing 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree.
      RESULTS: We cloned and expressed the intact gene of human pancreatic alpha
      amylase successfully; the high-throughput screening model of alpha-amylase
      inhibitors was established; nearly 2000 actinomycete' metabolites were screened,
      14 alpha-amylase inhibitor producing strains were obtained finally, and showed
      taxonomically rich diversity. CONCLUSION: The alpha-amylase inhibitor high
      throughput screening model had high practical value for developing new
      hypoglycemic drugs.

PMID- 22097777
TI  - [Comparison of three protein extraction methods for proteomic analysis of
      Alexandrium tamarense with two-dimensional electrophoresis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to find the best extraction method for proteins of
      Alexandrium tamarense for two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis.
      METHODS: Three methods for extracting proteins from A. tamarense were compared,
      including trihydroxymethyl aminomethane (Tris-HCl ) buffer extraction,
      trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone precipitation and lysis buffer extraction.
      Alga was cultivated in normal f/2 media (control) and supplemented with algicidal
      substances. Proteins obtained using the best extraction method were separated
      with 2-DE. Protein-expression differences were identified using matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization-time of flight ( MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).
      RESULTS: Among the three protein extraction methods, lysis buffer extraction
      shows the best detection of the number and quality of protein spots with a clear
      background. Then, the lysis buffer extraction method was successfully applied to
      profiling protein expression in algicidal substances stress conditions and 14
      differential expression proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF/MS. CONCLUSION:
      Lysis buffer extraction was the most effective protein extraction method for
      Alexandrium tamarense.

PMID- 22097779
TI  - [Isolation and identification of a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YB-3 against
      Rhizoctonia solani].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An antagonistic bacterial strain YB-3 against Rhizoctonia solani was
      isolated from soils. METHODS: Antagonistic strains were isolated by a reporter
      strain method. YB-3 was identified based on morphology observation, physiological
      and biochemical characterizations, Biolog, G + C content and 16S rDNA sequence
      analysis. The antagonistic spectrum and the properties of the inhibitor produced
      by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YB-3 against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria
      were investigated by means of plate two-way cultivation and disc diffusion
      method. RESULTS: The strain YB-3 against Rhizoctonia solani was identified as
      Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The antagonistic results showed that it had
      distinctively inhibitive effects on 14 pathogenic fungi and 7 bacteria. In
      addition, it also had inhibitive effects on strains from genus Bacillus to which
      YB-3 belongs. Antagonistic properties of B. amyloliquefaciens YB-3 was
      thermostable, acid resistant, and protease sensitive. CONCLUSION: Bacillus
      amyloliquefaciens YB-3 was isolated and characterized which had distinctively
      inhibitive effects on Rhizoctonia solani and had broad-spectrum, highly efficient
      to plant pathogens.

PMID- 22097780
TI  - [Application of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction on drug residues in
      animal source foods].
AB  - Due to the superior molecular recognition and good physical and chemical
      stability, the molecularly imprinted materials have gained more and more concern
      recently in extrication and separation fields. Using the imprinted materials as
      adsorbents, the molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) allows
      selective extraction of the target molecules and its analogues from complex
      matrices, and is suitable for complex sample preparation and enrichment
      processes. This article describes the principle, latest progresses and parameters
      of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction and summarizes its extraction and
      applications for the determination of drug residues of animal source foods in
      recent years. Moreover, the shortcomings and future prospects of molecularly
      imprinted solid-phase extraction are also mentioned.

PMID- 22097778
TI  - [Establishment and evaluation of a real-time IAC-PCR for the detection of
      Salmonella].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish a new EvaGreen real-time IAC
      PCR for the rapid detection of Salmonella. METHODS: We used Salmonella genomic
      comparison analysis to mine Salmonella-specific targets, and Primer Premier 5.0
      to design primers which were evaluated by specificity and sensitivity tests.
      RESULTS: We obtained a Salmonella-specific gene that encodes putative type III
      secretion protein (ssaQ), and specific primers (SsaQ6L/SsaQ6R) were designed
      based on this gene. Then we established IAC-PCR and EvaGreen real-time IAC-PCR
      assays, which showed 100% inclusivity and 100% exclusivity on all strains tested.
      Their detection limits of purified Salmonella genomic DNA were 14.9 copies/PCR
      and 2.76 copies/PCR respectively. Artificial contamination assays showed that
      Salmonella could be detected after 10 hours and 8 hours enrichment when the
      original bacterial concentration was 4.2 cfu/10 mL. CONCLUSION: A new EvaGreen
      real-time IAC-PCR with high specificity and sensitivity was successfully
      developed for the rapid detection of Salmonella.

PMID- 22097781
TI  - [Development of rapid detection techniques for food safety].
AB  - In recent years, food safety incidents are increasing due to the environmental
      pollution, abuse of additives, improper storage and so on. Rapid detection
      techniques are fast, simple and efficient for the requirements of preliminary
      screening to food security. In this paper, the rapid detection methods for food
      safety, including enzyme inhibition, biosensors and immunoassay, are reviewed,
      and the prospects of the future developments are expected.

PMID- 22097782
TI  - A perspective on high throughput analysis of pesticide residues in foods.
AB  - The screening of pesticide residues plays a vital role in food safety.
      Applications of high throughput analytical procedures are desirable for screening
      a large number of pesticides and food samples in a time-efficient and cost
      effective manner. This review discusses how sample throughput of pesticide
      analysis could be improved with an emphasis on sample preparation,
      instrumentation and data analysis.

PMID- 22097784
TI  - [Developments for the analysis of trans fatty acids in food products].
AB  - More attention has been paid to trans fatty acids (TFAs) because of its influence
      on the human health. Adequate analytical tools are required for determining the
      contents of TFAs in labeling food products. Several different analytical methods
      such as spectrometry, chromatography, mass spectrometry and electrophoresis have
      been developed for analyzing TFAs in food products. This paper reviews the
      analytical methods developed for identifying and quantifying TFAs in oils and
      fats, describes the related merits of these approaches and their applications in
      food analysis.

PMID- 22097783
TI  - [Application of gene detection technology in food species identification].
AB  - It is critical to determine the biological identity of all ingredients in food to
      ensure its safety and quality. Modern gene detection technology makes species
      identification in food more accurate, sensitive and rapid. A comprehensive review
      on its current applications in the last decade and the future perspective in food
      species identification is presented, including a brief introduction of gene
      detection methods, and their applications in plant-originated food, animal
      originated food, high value-added food and highly processed food.

PMID- 22097785
TI  - [Recent applications of solid-phase extraction techniques for analysis of trace
      residues and contaminants in food].
AB  - The determination of trace residues and contaminants in food often requires
      extensive sample extraction and preparation prior to instrumental analysis. Due
      to the multiplicity and complexity of food matrices, it is not possible to use
      only one sample preparation technique. This review introduces the application of
      some new techniques of solid-phase extraction (SPE) in recent years, such as
      solid-phase microextraction (SPME), stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), matrix
      solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction
      (MISPE) , immunoaffinity-based solid-phase extraction (IASPE), monolithic solid
      phase extraction, carbon nanotube solid-phase extraction, in the analysis of
      trace residues and contaminants in food. At last, future developments in this
      field are outlined.

PMID- 22097786
TI  - [Determination of five aflatoxins in Chinese patent medicines and medicinal herbs
      by immunoaffinity extraction coupled with ultra-high performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].
AB  - A method for the determination of five aflatoxins (B1 , B2, G1 , G2, M1 ) in
      Chinese patent medicines and medicinal herbs by immunoaffinity extraction coupled
      with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC
      MS/MS) was developed. The samples were extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol-water
      solution, followed by stepwise purification using an immunoaffinity column. The
      target compounds were then eluted with methanol. The extract was filtered then
      analyzed. With the gradient elution using a binary mobile phase containing of
      0.1% formic acid-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution and methanol, the five
      aflatoxins were separated on an UHPLC BEH C18 column, followed by positive
      electrospray ionization and multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) provided by a triple
      quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. The limits of detection for the standard
      solution of aflatoxins ranged from 0.05-0.3 microg/L. The linear response was
      observed in the spiked concentration range of 0.5-100 microg/L with the
      correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. The spiked recoveries were within
      62.3%-82.4% at the spiked levels of 1.0 microg/kg and 5.0 microg/kg for all the
      five aflatoxins with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 10% (n = 6).
      The developed method is sensitive, accurate, and reproducible with the reasonable
      recoveries, and can be applied to the determination of the 5 aflatoxins in the
      Chinese traditional patent medicines, medicinal herbs as well as other similar
      complex matrices.

PMID- 22097787
TI  - [Determination of 61 organophosphorous pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables,
      milk, vegetable oils and animal muscles by dispersive solid-phase extraction and
      ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].
AB  - A dispersive solid-phase extraction coupled with ultra performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the
      determination of 61 organophosphorous pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables,
      milk, vegetable oils and animal muscles. The fruit, vegetable and milk samples
      were extracted with acetonitrile and separated with salting out method; vegetable
      oil samples were dissolved by n-hexane, and extracted with acetonitrile; animal
      muscle samples were extracted with acetonitrile-water assisted by n-hexane and
      separated with salting out method. And then the supernatants were purified using
      dispersive solid-phase extraction (C18 and primary secondary amine powder) prior
      to the UPLC-MS/MS analysis. The analytes were indentified in positive
      electrospray ionization (ESI+) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The
      matrix-matched external standard calibration curves were used for quantitative
      analysis. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits (S/N > or = 10) of
      the method were 0.01 mg/kg. The recoveries were 62.8%-107%, and the relative
      standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 4.2%-19%. The method has the
      advantages of easy, fast, and more sensitive, and can meet the requirement of the
      determination of organophosphorous pesticide residues in the foods.

PMID- 22097788
TI  - [Stir rod sorptive extraction with poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene
      dimethacrylate) as coating and its application to the analysis of sulfonamides in
      milk samples].
AB  - A poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) polymer(poly(MAA-co-EDMA))
      was prepared via in-situ polymerization on the outside surface of vial glass
      insert and used as stir rod sorptive extraction (SRSE) coating. The extraction
      performance of the polymer coating toward four sulfonamides (SAs) was
      investigated. The effects of several parameters to SRSE, such as the pH value,
      inorganic salt and organic phase concentrations of the sample matrix, were
      investigated. It demonstrated that the sulfonamides were captured on the poly(MAA
      co-EDMA) coating mainly through cation-exchange and hydrophobic interactions. A
      novel approach is presented for the determination of four sulfonamide
      antibacterial residues in milk samples by coupling SRSE to liquid chromatography
      and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SRSE/LC-ESI-MS). In this method,
      the detection limits (S/N = 3) of 0.11-0.52 microg/L and quantification limits
      (S/N = 10) of 0.35-1.72 microg/L were obtained. The method showed good linearity
      in the range of 1-500 microg/L. Good method reproducibility was also found by
      intra- and inter-day precisions, yielding the relative standard deviations (RSDs)
      less than 11.3%. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is simple,
      sensitive, low cost and suitable for the determination of sulfonamides in milk
      samples.

PMID- 22097789
TI  - [Screening method for 29 forbidden or limited synthetic pigments in cheese by
      liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry].
AB  - A screening method for 29 forbidden or limited synthetic pigments in cheese
      samples was established by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF MS). The pigments were extracted by n-hexane/water (3:1,
      v/v). After extraction, the n-hexane extract, water extract and residue, were
      obtained. The n-hexane extract was then cleaned-up by gel permeation
      chromatography (GPC). The water extract was extracted by acetonitrile, and the
      residue by ammonia water/methanol (1:99, v/v). The results showed that the 29
      synthetic pigments with a wide range of polarities were extracted effectively
      with the recoveries between 70% and 95%, and matched well by Q-TOF MS precision
      mass searching to the mass spectral library with matching scores between 59. 66
      and 99. 47. The quantitative analysis of the 29 pigments was carried out by
      Target MS/MS. The limits of detection (LODs) for 8 Sudan dyes were 0.4-2.5
      micro/kg while for 21 water-soluble synthetic pigments were 20-80 microg/kg. The
      screening method is suitable for a wide range of synthetic pigments, and can be
      applied to food samples with proteins and fat in matrix.

PMID- 22097790
TI  - [Determination of spinosyns A and D residues in food by high performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].
AB  - A high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/ MS)
      method was established for the determination of spinosyns A and D residues in
      foodstuffs. The food samples were extracted with acetonitrile-water (50:50, v/v),
      and then purified by an HLB solid phase extraction (SPE) column. The analytes
      were determined by HPLC-MS/MS and quantified by external standard method. The
      mass spectrometric detection was operated with electrospray in positive
      ionization mode and the spinosyns A and D were identified in multiple reaction
      monitoring (MRM) mode. The linear range of the method was 1-20 microg/L, with the
      correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.999 9. No significant matrix effect was found
      for spiked samples. The recoveries of spinosyns A and D spiked in food were 76.2%
      114.0% at the spiked levels of 1-10 microg/kg. The relative standard deviations
      (RSDs) were less than 10%. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification
      (LOQs) were 0.2 microg/kg and 0.5 microg/kg for spinosyn A, 0.5 microg/kg and 1.0
      microg/kg for spinosyn D, respectively. The proposed procedure was applied to the
      analysis of 969 real samples from Xiamen, Fujian Province (China), of which 15
      positive samples were found. The results showed that the proposed method is
      sensitive and accurate for the determination of spinosyns A and D in foodstuffs.

PMID- 22097791
TI  - [Multi-residue determination of 289 pesticides in garlic by gas chromatography
      and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry].
AB  - A new idea of solvent transfer technique was developed and applied to determine
      283 pesticide residues in garlic by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
      (method I), and the other method using normal phase silica/selective elution
      technique was applied to determine 6 pesticide residues with strongly polar in
      garlic by gas chromatography (method II). For the method I, the residues were
      extracted from homogenized tissue with acetonitrile-water, separated with liquid
      liquid partition; the clear supernatant was purified by solvent transfer
      technique and solid phase extraction (Envi-18 and LC-NH2 columns), then was
      analyzed by GC-MS. For the method II, the residues were extracted from
      homogenized tissue using ethyl acetate and sodium sulfate assisted by
      ultrasonication. The supernatant was purified by solid phase extraction (primary
      secondary amine (PSA) powder and LC-Si column) prior to GC analysis. The
      determination was performed by using selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode in GC-MS
      method and flame photometric detector (FPD) in GC method, then external standard
      method was used in the quantification. Under the optimal conditions, the
      detection limits for the two methods (S/N > or = 10) of pesticides were 0.01-0.05
      mg/kg, the recoveries carried out by the addition of standards of 0.01-0.20 mg/kg
      were 52%-163%, among which the recoveries for 88% pesticides were between 70% and
      120%; the recoveries of the method II were 70%-111%; while the relative standard
      deviations were 2.4%-18% and 3.2%-9.3%, respectively. The model of solvent
      transfer technique and the sensitivity improvement of GC-MS was also studied. The
      methods are easy, fast, more sensitive, and can meet the requirement of the
      multiresidual analysis in garlic.

PMID- 22097792
TI  - [Determination of fipronil and its metabolites in tea by solid-phase
      microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry].
AB  - An effective multi-residue method for the trace analysis of fipronil and four
      metabolites (fipronil-desulfinyl, fipronil-sulfide, fipronil-sulfone and fipronil
      carboxamide) in tea was developed based on solid-phase microextraction coupled
      with gas chromatography (SPME-GC). The targets were extracted with a fused-silica
      fiber coated with 85 microm polyacrylate (PA). The extraction was performed in a
      pH 9 buffer (containing 0.1 mol/L boracic acid, 0.1 mol/L KCI and 0.1 mol/L NaOH)
      at 60 degrees C and under 2500 r/min for 30 min. With the concentration range of
      2-10 microg/kg, the recoveries ranged from 71.2% to 109.3% and the relative
      standard deviations (RSDs) were lower than 10% (n = 6). The limits of detection
      (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) of the studied compounds ranged from 0.3
      microg/kg to 1.2 microg/kg and 1.0 microg/kg to 4.0 microg/kg, respectively, with
      the values well below the residue limits set by Japan, European Union and China.
      By the proposed method, 1 positive samples of 30 tea samples were found with
      fipronil and fipronil-sulfone. The identification of the method was done by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method can be applied as a
      monitoring tool for tea, in the investigation of food to fipronil and its
      metabolites.

PMID- 22097793
TI  - [Determination of iodine and its species in plant samples using ion
      chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].
AB  - A method was established for the determination of iodine and its species in plant
      samples using ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC
      ICP/ MS). Alkaline extraction and IC-ICP/MS were applied as the sample pre
      treatment method and the detection technique respectively, for iodate and iodide
      determination. Moreover, high-temperature pyrolysis absorption was adopted as the
      pre-treatment method for total iodine analysis, which finally converted all the
      iodine species into iodide and measured the iodide by IC-ICP/MS. The recoveries
      of iodine for alkaline extraction and high-temperature pyrolysis absorption were
      89.6%-97.5% and 95.2%-111.2%, respectively. The results were satisfactory. The
      detection limit of iodine was 0.010 mg/kg. The iodine and its speciation contents
      in several kinds of plant samples such as seaweeds, kelp, cabbage, tea leaf and
      spinach were investigated. It was shown that the iodine in seaweeds mainly
      existed as organic iodine; while the ones in kelp, cabbage, tea leaf and spinach
      mainly existed as inorganic iodine.

PMID- 22097794
TI  - [Improvement of the method for methylmercury determination in aquatic products
      using liquid chromatography online coupled with atomic fluorescence
      spectrometry].
AB  - The improvement method was developed for methylmercury determination using liquid
      chromatography online coupled with cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry
      (LC-CV-AFS). Cysteine was used as complexing agent in mobile phase instead of
      mercaptoethanol. Under the optimized conditions, baseline separation of mercury
      species could be achieved within 8 min on a C18 column with a mobile phase of 5%
      (v/v) acetonitrile-1 g/L L-cysteine-50 mmol/L ammonium acetate aqueous solution.
      The linear range of calibration curve of methylmercury was 1-50 microg/L and the
      limit of detection (S/N = 3) for methylmercury was 0.3 microg/L. Ultrasonication
      assisted hydrochloric acid extraction was used to extract methylmercury from
      seafood samples. The sample extract was cleaned up by a C18 solid phase
      extraction (SPE) cartridge. For validation of the method, certified reference
      materials and spiked seafood samples were analyzed. The determined methylmercury
      contents of certified reference materials NIST1566b, BCR464 and GBW10029 agreed
      well with the certified values. The determined methylmercury values for Food
      Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) sample 07115 were satisfied. The
      recoveries of methylmercury in seafood samples at three spiked levels (10, 50 and
      500 microg/kg) ranged from 89% to 112%, including cooked seafood food. The
      precision of the method based on relative standard deviation (RSD) was not more
      than 7%. The present method of LC-CV-AFS is accurate, sensitive, simple, and can
      meet the demand of methylmercury determination in seafood.

PMID- 22097796
TI  - [Species identification of grouper and snapper in Taiwan Strait using polymerase
      chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and lab-on-a
      chip system].
AB  - Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
      analysis and lab-on-a-chip system were used to identify grouper and snapper
      species in Taiwan Strait. A fragment of 464 bp length of mitochondrial cytochrome
      b gene was amplified by PCR and the products were digested with restriction
      enzymes Dde I , Hae III and NLa III, individually. The fragments generated after
      digestion were further resolved on the DNA Chip. Eight grouper species and five
      snapper species were successfully identified. The results demonstrated that PCR
      RFLP analysis and lab-on-a-chip system provide a fast, easy, automated, and
      reliable analysis approach. This approach is potential for the purpose of fish
      adulteration control.

PMID- 22097795
TI  - [Application of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism and lab-on-a-chip technology to the identification of fish species
      from Bohai Bay].
AB  - Nine representative fish species from Bohai Bay were identified by polymerase
      chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and lab-on-a
      chip technology. The nine fish species were Pseudosciaena polyactis, Lateolabrax
      japonicus, Scomberomorus niphonius, Pneumatophorus japonicus, Pseudopleuronectes
      yokohamae, Collichthys lucidus, Sebastes schlegeli, Cleisthenes herzensteini and
      Saurida elongata. The 464 bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was
      amplified and further digested by Dde I , Hae III and Nla III. The digested DNA
      fragments were analyzed by microfluidic capillary electrophoresis. The nine fish
      species were fully discriminated. The results demonstrated that the proposed
      method is efficient, precise and fast in fish species identification.

PMID- 22097797
TI  - [In situ and rapid identification of tea by direct analysis in real time mass
      spectrometry].
AB  - By applying an ambient mass spectrometric method--direct analysis in real time
      mass spectrometry (DART MS), a method was developed for rapid identification of
      the principal constituents in different kinds of tea. The identification of
      different kinds of tea was also achieved by characteristic mass spectrometric
      signals. Under atmospheric pressure, DART MS method does not require any sample
      preparation, greatly reduces the analysis time, realizes the in situ, rapid,
      accurate, and high-throughput analysis.

PMID- 22097799
TI  - [Preparation of natural matrix standard sample of minced eel for quality control
      of flumequine residue].
AB  - In order to obtain quality control samples for the analysis of flumequine residue
      in eel which are consistent with real detection samples, minced eel was prepared
      as natural matrix standard samples containing flumequine. The results showed that
      through the administration of drug application and appropriate time of sample
      acquisition, the natural positive matrix containing the expected levels (5-10
      microg/kg) of flumequine and the representative of actual samples at the original
      state could be obtained. The uniformity of the material was ensured by
      homogenizing and paddle type blending. The irradiation of Co60-gamma rays at 12
      kGy and the packaging material could prevent the degradation of the minced
      samples at ambient temperature and facilitate the inter-laboratory transfer in
      any season.

PMID- 22097800
TI  - [Progress in co-culture and differentiation in adipose-derived stem cells: a
      review].
AB  - Stem cells can be differentiated into many kinds of somatic cells under defined
      culture conditions. In addition, the homing possess can be partially imitated by
      co-culture of stem cells with mature somatic cells. Regarding the importance of
      clinical application of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), our review first
      introduced the sources and signs of ADSCs, and then the current knowledge of
      ADSCs co-culture technology, including drug and chemical induced culture, two
      dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) co-culture, mechanisms of ADSCs
      differentiation, and application development in recent years in details. Finally,
      we also addressed prospects of ADSCs.

PMID- 22097798
TI  - [Rapid analysis of melamine in milk and milk powder using QuEChERS approach
      coupled with weak cation exchange chromatography].
AB  - A simple, rapid method for the determination of melamine in milk and milk powder
      was developed using QuEChERS approach coupled with weak cation exchange
      chromatography (WCX). The samples were extracted and cleaned-up by medicinal
      alcohol and lipid adsorbent (LAS) simultaneously, then centrifuged and filtered
      for high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis. The separation was
      performed on a WCX column (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with 2 mmol/L KH2 PO4 (pH
      3.8) as mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min and the detection wavelength
      was 208 nm. The injection volume was 20 microL and the column temperature was 30
      degrees C. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity was obtained in the
      range of 0.02-20 mg/L with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.999 9. For samples
      spiked with melamine standard in the range of 1-50 mg/kg, the average recoveries
      of standard in the milk and milk powder were 98.9%-105.2% and 86.4%-102.9%,
      respectively. The relative standard deviations were 0.9%-3.4% and 1.5%-6.7%,
      respectively. The limits of detection (LOD, S/N > or = 3) were 0.05 mg/kg (milk)
      and 0.1 mg/kg (milk powder). The present method is green due to not use of the
      toxic organic solvents.

PMID- 22097801
TI  - [Molecular recognition code between pathogenic bacterial TAL-effectors and host
      target genes: a review].
AB  - As the pathogenic bacterial virulence and avirulence factors, transcription
      activator like (TAL) effectors of Xanthomonas can resulted in the host diseases
      or resistance responses. TAL effectors can specifically bind the target DNA of
      host plant with a novel protein-DNA binding pattern in which two amino acids
      recognize one nucleotide. The complexities of TAL-DNA binding have the
      feasibility in use of gene therapy through homologous recombination and site
      specific mutation. By using the molecular recognition code between TAL-effectors
      and host target genes, we can exploit both the susceptible and resistance genes;
      broad spectrum resistance induced by multiple TAL effectors could also be
      manipulated. Deeper insight in the area of protein-DNA binding mechanism will
      benefit the application in the biomedical engineering and agricultural
      engineering. This article reviews the findings and functions of TAL effectors,
      the binding specificity and recognition code between TAL-effectors and host
      target genes. The possible applications and future prospects of the molecular
      recognition code have been discussed.

PMID- 22097802
TI  - [Epigenetic regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis in filamentous fungi:
      a review].
AB  - Secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi are important sources of new drugs,
      and their biosynthetic processes are regulated by numerous factors. Recent
      studies indicate that many filamentous fungal secondary metabolites are regulated
      by epigenetic modifications, which not only affect the titers of secondary
      metabolites, but also activate the cryptic gene clusters. This review summarizes
      recent advances of epigenetic application in filamentous fungal secondary
      metabolite biosynthesis, especially the types of fungal epigenetic modification
      and epigenetic remodeling of the fungal secondary metabolism. The application of
      epigenetic theory in filamentous fungi is becoming a new strategy for fungal
      strain improvement and a powerful method to obtain novel natural products.

PMID- 22097803
TI  - [Development of SPA-ELISA for detection of antibodies against rabies virus based
      on expression of main antigenic determinant of nucleoprotein].
AB  - To evaluate the effectiveness of rabies vaccination, we developed the SPA-ELISA
      method to detect the antibodies against rabies virus (RV) using the main
      antigenic determinant of nucleoprotein (RV N1) as antigen. The complete
      Nucleoprotein (N) gene and the partial N1 gene (1 000-1 353 bp) of RV Flury LEP
      strain were amplified using RT-PCR and PCR approaches. The two fragments were
      inserted into pGEX-6P-1 respectively. Then we transformed the recombinant
      plasmids into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain and expressed them by adding 1
      mmol/L of IPTG (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside). SDS-PAGE analysis showed
      that both of the two recombinant proteins were presented as inclusion bodies.
      Compared with the complete nucleoprotein, the partial protein (RV N1) was
      expressed at a much higher level in E. coli BL21(DE3). The antigenic specificity
      of the partial N1 protein was confirmed by Western blotting. By coating the
      plates with purified RV N1 as an antigen, an SPA-ELISA method for the detection
      of the antibodies against RV was established. By optimizing this method, the
      optimal concentration of RV N1 coating the ELISA plate was 2 mg/L. The optimal
      concentration of serum samples and SPA-HRP was 1:100 and 1:4 000 respectively.
      Compared with a commercially available ELISA kit coating RV as antigen, the
      coincidence rate of SPA-ELISA was 94.1%. Our results show that the developed SPA
      ELISA based on the RV N1 was useful for the detection of the antibodies against
      RV in the sera of dogs.

PMID- 22097804
TI  - [Optimization of plant des-pGlu1-Brazzein gene according to yeasty biased codons
      and its expression in Pichia pastoris].
AB  - According to the amino acid sequence of des-pGlu1-Brazzein, 4 pairs of
      oligonucleotide with cosmic site were synthesized by using yeasty biased codons.
      After linkage and PCR, the 179 bp code area of des-pGlu1-Brazzein was obtained
      and inserted into pPIC9K, which resulted in the recombinant expression vector
      pPIC9K-Bra. By digestion with Sal I, the lined pPIC9K-Bra was transformed into
      Pichia pastoris GS115 by electric shock. The results of expression indicted that
      the secreted target protein accounted for 51.6% of total protein in the
      supernatant and showed biological activity after purification.

PMID- 22097805
TI  - [Construction of a bivalent plant expression vector carrying VvSUC11 and VvSUC12
      genes and its genetic transformation in sugar beet].
AB  - We have recombined genes VvSUC11, VvSUC12 from Vitis vinifera L., and root
      specific promoters of sweet potato storage protein gene from Ipomoea batatas L.
      Lam., named as SP1 and SP2. We have constructed a vector pCAMBIA2301-SP1- VvSUC11
      SP2-VvSUC12 using pCAMBIA2301 as an original vector. VvSUC11 and VvSUC12 were
      under the control of root-specific promoters of sweet potato storage protein
      gene. We transformed the vector into KWS-9103 breeding line of Beta vulgaris L.
      with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. We have established the optimal
      genetic transformation protocol of sugar beet as following: the explants pre
      cultured for 4 days were immersed in Agrobacterium suspension of OD(600)=0.5,
      supplemented with 0.005% Silwet L-77, and followed by a 4-day culture on medium
      containing cefotaxime, then the buds were selected on medium containing kanamycin
      and cefotaxime. The percentage of kanamycin-resistant buds was as high as 42%.
      Results of PCR and RT-PCR proved that the target genes had integrated into sugar
      beet genome and expressed. It will lay a foundation for further studying their
      function in Beta vulgaris.

PMID- 22097806
TI  - [Role of cytoglobin in protecting hepatic stellate cells against oxidation
      induced damage].
AB  - The aim of this study was to reveal the protection role and the related mechanism
      of cytoglobin on the oxidation induced hepatic stellate cell damage. We applied
      siRNA to interfere the endogenous cytoglobin gene, used recombinant cytoglobin
      protein to treat the completely activated human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2
      and the incompletely activated primary rat hepatic stellate cells, or over
      expressed cytoglobin protein in LX-2 cells. We used two different oxidative
      stress related models, the hydrogen peroxide model and the iron-overload model in
      our experiments and investigated the proliferation status and the intracellular
      superoxide level of the cells. The results showed that endogenous cytoglobin
      exerted significant protective effects on hydrogen peroxide or iron-overload
      induced LX-2 cell damage, confirming that upregulation of cytoglobin was the
      protective response of activated hepatic stellate cells to oxidative stress.
      Recombinant cytoglobin protein could protect LX-2 cells from oxidation induced
      damage, and prevent primary rat hepatic stellate cells from excessive
      proliferation and injury. The cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      scavenging capacity of the recombinant cytoglobin protein was not as good as its
      capacity in scavenging ROS outside the cells, likely owing to the lack of active
      transporting mechanisms. Intracellular over-expression of cytoglobin protein
      could exert significant protective effect on LX-2 cells treated with hydrogen
      peroxide or iron-overload. Our results would accelerate the exploitation of new
      anti-fibrotic targets.

PMID- 22097807
TI  - [Antigen selection, optimized expression and polyclonal antibody preparation of O
      GlcNAcase].
AB  - In order to probe the biological function of O-GlcNAc and the pathogenesis of
      associated diseases, it is essential to prepare a potent and specific O-GlcNAcase
      (OGA) antibody. Based on protein sequence analysis, we found N terminal 1-350
      amino acids of OGA (sOGA) has high antigenicity and hydrophilicity and then
      constructed it into plasmid pET28a vector. First, we optimized the expression of
      sOGA in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) (0.05 mmol/L IPTG, 10 hours) and purified it
      with the Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography
      respectively. SDS-PAGE verified the molecular weight (45 kDa) and the purity
      (>95%) of sOGA and the purified protein was subjected to immunize New Zealand
      rabbits. Finally, we obtained OGA polyclonal antibody by affinity purifying the
      antiserum with CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B beads. Western blotting and ELISA
      assay showed that this antibody could recognize three OGA isoforms with high
      specificity and the sensitivity was 0.11 ng/mL (the titer was 1:80 000). These
      results indicated the prepared polyclonal antibody of OGA can be used for the
      biological function study of OGA.

PMID- 22097808
TI  - [Design and expression of an inhibitor for HIV-1 targeting dendritic cell].
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects the host cells by the fusion of viral
      and cell membranes. Blocking the combining between HIV and the receptors can
      prevent HIV from entering the host cells. We designed an invasion-inhibitor for
      HIV-1 targeting dendritic cell (DC), including 2 important HIV-1 receptors CD4
      and CCR5, and 2 molecules Flt3-L and Mip-3alpha. With the synthetic gene of the
      inhibitor, 2 eukaryotic expression vectors pABK-CKR5-CD4/Flt3L-Mip3alpha (pABK
      HIV-MF) and pABK-CKR5-CD4 (pABK-HIV-MT) were constructed and transfected into HEK
      293 cells for expression. Results from RT-PCR, immunofluorescent assay, ELISA and
      Western blot approved that the invasion-inhibitor for HIV-1 was successfully and
      exactly expressed in the eukaryotic cells. Current study formed a solid base for
      the further research on the function of inhibitors for HIV-1 and elimination
      targeting DC.

PMID- 22097809
TI  - [Analysis of the transcriptional profiling of cell cycle regulatory networks of
      recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells in batch and fed-batch cultures].
AB  - In the light of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line 11G-S expressing human
      recombinant pro-urokinase, the differences of gene expression levels of the cells
      in different growth phases in both batch and fed-batch cultures were revealed by
      using gene chip technology. Then, based on the known cell cycle regulatory
      networks, the transcriptional profiling of the cell cycle regulatory networks of
      the cells in batch and fed-batch cultures was analyzed by using Genmapp software.
      Among the approximate 19 191 target genes in gene chip, the number of down
      regulated genes was more than those of up-regulated genes of the cells in both
      batch and fed-batch cultures. The number of down-regulated genes of the cells in
      the recession phase in fed-batch culture was much more than that of the cells in
      batch culture. Comparative transcriptional analysis of the key cell cycle
      regulatory genes of the cells in both culture modes indicated that the cell
      proliferation and cell viability of the cells in both batch and fed-batch
      cultures were mainly regulated through down-regulating Cdk6, Cdk2, Cdc2a, Ccne1,
      Ccne2 genes of CDKs, Cyclin and CKI family and up-regulating Smad4 gene.

PMID- 22097810
TI  - [Differentiation of porcine amniotic fluid stem cells into the beating
      cardiomyocytes].
AB  - The aim of this research is to find an effective cardiomyocyte-induced method
      derived from porcine amniotic fluid stem cells (pAFS). For cardiac
      differentiation, the cells were formed embryoid bodies (EBs) firstly, then
      cultured in induced-medium including 5-azacytidine (5-aza) and vitamin C (Vc). We
      detected the specific markers of cardiomyocyte by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and
      transmission electron microscope. The results showed that some embryoid bodies
      beat rhythmically after 10 days of induction. Furthermore, analysis of t test
      revealed that the percentage of beating cardiomyocyte-like cell clusters was
      highest (33%) when induction using 0.1 mmol/L Vc and 5 micromol/L 5-aza.
      Immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that cardiomyocyte-like cell clusters
      expressed alpha-actin, Tnni3. RT-PCR analysis also illustrated that TbX5, Gata4,
      alpha-MHC and Tnni3 were expressed positive in cardiomyocyte-like cell clusters.
      Especially, we observed basic structures of myocardium, such as myofilament,
      glycogen granule and so on by transmission electron microscope. In conclusion, 5
      azacytidine and vitamin C could promote differentiation of pAFS into myocardium.

PMID- 22097811
TI  - [Construction and expression characterization of transgenic chicken bioreactor
      vector].
AB  - We constructed transgenic chicken bioreactor vector, driven by chicken ovalbumin
      promoter, lentiviral vector and cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter control vector
      encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and luciferase (Luc) as reporter genes.
      The three vectors were used to transfect or infect chicken primary oviduct
      epithelial cells, embryo fibroblasts cells, mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cells and
      bovine mammary epithelial cells. High efficient and specific expression vector
      for transgenic chicken bioreactor was determined by detecting fluorescence and
      luciferase activity. Reporter gene analysis showed that chicken ovalbumin
      promoter expression vector was not cell type-specific in these four different
      cells. Additionally, luciferase reporter analysis illustrated that the chicken
      ovalbumin promoter activity was over 100 times lower than that of the CMV
      promoter in four different cells. Both of these two reporter genes were expressed
      in those four different cells infected by lentiviral expression vectors.
      Similarly, the GFP reached the similar expression level in cells infected by
      lentivirus and cells transfected with CMV promoter plasmid vectors when the
      multiplicity of infection was 20. In conclusion, the transgenic chicken
      bioreactor vector under the control of chicken ovalbumin promoter was not highly
      efficient and cell type-specific. However, the efficient expression and
      extensiveness oflentiviral vector could be used for studying chicken oviduct
      bioreactor.

PMID- 22097812
TI  - [Evaluation and application of exogenous gene expression system based on
      retroviral vector].
AB  - Currently, exogenous gene expression system based on retroviral vector has been
      widely used as efficient gene expression system in both gene therapeutic research
      and RNA interference. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of exogenous
      gene expression mediated by the retroviral vector in mammalian cells. First, we
      constructed EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) vector using pcDNA3.1(+)
      and retroviral vector pQCXIN as backbone vector respectively. Then, we
      transfected or infected HEK293 cells and CHO-K1 cells with above vector or
      corresponding retroviral virus, and measured the relative fluorescence intensity
      (RFI) of EGFP. The results showed that the RFI of the retroviral virus-infected
      cells was two times higher than that of the plasmid-transfected cells. Further
      experiments revealed repeated virus infection enhanced the expression of EGFP
      markedly, with RFI increasing twice after four rounds of virus infection.
      Furthermore, the EGFP expression in HEK293 cells mediated by the retroviral
      vector was more stable than transfected with plasmid pcDNA3.1(+). Finally, we
      further validated the efficiency of exogenous gene expression system based on the
      retroviral vector by expressing recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) in
      HEK293 cells. We obtained HEK293 cell lines with rhAPC expression between 10 and
      15 microg/(10(6) cells d). In conclusion, the exogenous gene expression system
      based on the retroviral vector is an alternative method for the generation of
      stable and high-expressing mammalian cell lines.

PMID- 22097813
TI  - [Establishment of loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique for rapid
      detection of NDM-1 gene].
AB  - We established a rapid detection method of New Delhi Metallo-beta-Lactamase Gene
      (NDM-1) based on Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). With the
      application of LAMP, we designed four sets of LAMP premiers, using NDM-1 gene as
      the target sequence, and selected the set of optimal primers. Meanwhile, we
      established optimal reaction systems and conditions to carry out the sensitivity
      and specificity experiments. The experiment results showed that the whole
      detection process took only one hour and could be observed visually. In the
      experiment of sensitivity, NDM-1 gene had a detection limit of 6 copies in each
      reaction. In the experiment of specificity, we detected NDM-1 gene in 4 pathogen
      strains (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
      Streptococcus pneumoniae), and the total DNA from intestinal microbes and the
      total DNA from soil microbes. We had not detected the amplification reactions.
      The detection method established could rapidly detect NDM-1 gene and visualize
      the experiment result. The method is easy to operate and has high sensitivity and
      specificity and thus has great application value in basic research laboratories,
      emergent detection and spot detection.

PMID- 22097815
TI  - [Expression, purification and characterization of non-specific Serratia nuclease
      in Escherichia coli].
AB  - To efficiently produce non-specific nuclease (NU) of Serratia marcescens through
      recombinant overexpression approach and to characterize the purified NU. The
      nuclease gene was amplified from the genomic DNA of Serratia marcescens by PCR
      and fused into vector pMAL-c4X with maltose binding protein (MBP) tag. The
      recombinant vector verified by DNA sequencing was transformed into Escherichia
      coli BL21. The expressed MBP-NU was purified through the amylose resin and its
      catalytic characters were analyzed. The results showed the NU gene had 97%
      identities with the reported S. marcescens nuclease gene and intracellularly
      expressed in E. coli BL21. The optimal expression conditions were 37 degrees C,
      0.75 mmol/L IPTG with 1.5 h induction. The purified MBP-NU exhibited non-specific
      nuclease activity, able to degrade various nucleic acids, including RNA, single
      stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA that was circular or linear. Its optimal
      temperature was 37 degrees C and optimal pH 8.0. From 1 L culture broth 10.8 mg
      NU could be purified with a specific activity of 1.11x10(6) U/mg. The catalytic
      activity of NU was not inhibited by reagents such as EDTA (0.5 mmol/L), PMSF (1
      mmol/L) and KCl (150 mmol/L) commonly used in protein purification.

PMID- 22097814
TI  - [Rapid expression and preparation of the recombinant fusion protein sTNFRII-gAD
      by adenovirus vector system].
AB  - We expressed and prepared the recombinant fusion protein sTNFRII-gAD consisted of
      soluble TNF receptor II and the globular domain of adiponectin by Adenovirus
      Vector System in mammalian BHK21c022 cells. First we used the adenovirus vector
      containing EGFP gene (rAd5-EGFP) to infect BHK21c022 cells at different MOI (from
      0 to 1 000), and then evaluated their transduction efficiency and cytotoxicity.
      Similarly, we constructed the replication-deficient adenovirus type 5-sTNFRII-gAD
      (rAd5-sTNFRII-gAD). We collected the supernatants for Western blotting to
      determine the optimal MOI by comparing the expression levels of sTNFRII-gAD
      fusion protein, 48 h after the BHK21c022 cells were infected by rAd5-sTNFRII-gAD
      at different MOIs (from 0 to 1 000). Then, we chose rAd5-sTNFRII-gAD at MOI 100
      to infect five bottles of BHK21c022 cells in 100 mL of serum-free chemically
      defined media 100 mL, harvested the supernatant every 48 h for 6 times, and
      condense and purify sTNFRII-gAD fusion protein by ammonium sulfate salt-out and
      size-exclusion chromatography, respectively. Finally, we analyzed anti-TNFalpha
      activity of sTNFRII-gAD fusion protein on L929 cells in vitro. The results showed
      that the number of BHK21c022 cells expressing EGFP protein was increased
      significantly with the increase of MOI. However, some cells died at MOI of 1 000
      while there was no significant cytotoxicity at MOI from 0 to 100. Western
      blotting analysis showed that the more adenoviruses, the higher expression of
      sTNFRII-gAD fusion protein in the supernatant with the highest expression at MOI
      1 000. We successfully obtained about 11 mg bioactive and purified sTNFRII-gAD
      fusion protein at last. The in vitro assay demonstrated that the sTNFRII-gAD
      fusion protein was potent to antagonize TNFalpha's cytotoxicity to L929 cells.
      Put together, we established a recombinant adenovirus vector/BHK21 cell
      expression system, characteristic of the efficient serum-free culture and easy
      scaling-up.

PMID- 22097816
TI  - [Advances in researches on hyperspectral remote sensing forestry information
      extracting technology].
AB  - The hyperspectral remote sensing technology has become one of the leading
      technologies in forestry remote sensing domain. In the present review paper, the
      advances in researches on hyperspectral remote sensing technology in forestry
      information extraction both at home and abroad were reviewed, and the five main
      research aspects including the hyperspectral classification and recognition of
      forest tree species, the hyperspectral inversion and extraction of forest
      ecological physical parameters, the hyperspectral monitoring and diagnosis of
      forest nutrient element, the forest crown density information extraction and the
      hyperspectral monitoring of forest disasters were summarized. The unresolved
      problems of hyperspectral technology in the forestry remote sensing applications
      were pointed out and the possible ways to solve these problems were expounded.
      Finally, the application prospect of hyperspectral remote sensing technology in
      forestry was analyzed.

PMID- 22097817
TI  - [FTIR microspectroscopy and its progress in application].
AB  - FTIR microspectroscopy technique was born in the mid-nineties. The research on
      this technique has just began abroad, and this technology has not yet been widely
      recognized in China. It is a rapid, nondestructive testing technology, has the
      advantages of microdomain, visualization, high precision and high sensitivity. In
      the present study, the composition, operational principle and working mode of
      FTIR microspectroscopy were summarized. The progress in application of FTIR
      microspectroscopy technique was investigated in some fields, including
      biomedicine, microbiology, forensic science, materials science, nutrition and
      feed science and agricultural products. The difficulty of FTIR microspectroscopy
      research and the prospects of this technique were also discussed.

PMID- 22097818
TI  - [Applications of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detection of polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons].
AB  - In the present review article, the methodology and recent advances of surface
      enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) were described in detection of polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs, a series of organic compounds, are of much
      concern because some of them as pollutants have been identified as carcinogenic,
      mutagenic and teratogenic compounds. They show low affinity to metallic surface,
      which confines applications of SERS to their detections. This article reviewed
      the development trends in PAHs analysis by using of SERS substrate modified by
      supramolecular system. And perspective SERS in PAHs studies have also been
      presented.

PMID- 22097819
TI  - [Effects of Ag nanocrystals on electroluminescence in Si oxide films].
AB  - Ag nanocrystal-embedded silicon oxide (SiO2 : Ag) films with varying Ag fractions
      were prepared on p-Si substrate by magnetron co-sputtering and thermal annealing.
      Visible electroluminescence (EL) was observed from the structures of ITO/SiO2 :
      Ag/p-Si. The authors found that Ag nanocrystals in the SiO2 film can not only
      shift the EL peak evidently but also enhance the EL intensity markedly. The
      larger the Ag fractions in the EL structures, the longer the peak wavelengths.
      The electromagnetic interactions of the Ag nanocrystals with the emitters in the
      film via local surface plasmons are considered responsible for these experimental
      results.

PMID- 22097820
TI  - [Luminescence characteristics of PVK doped with Ir(Fppy)3].
AB  - In the present work, the photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL)
      characteristics of Tris[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine]iridium(III) (Ir(Fppy)3)
      doped poly(n-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) with different doping concentrations were
      investigated. And a blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) with
      the structures of ITO/PEDOT : PSS/PVK : Ir(Fppy)3/BCP/Alq3/LiF/Al was fabricated.
      The experimental results show that the luminescence performances of devices are
      different as the doping concentration of Ir(Fppy)3 is different. When the doping
      concentration of Ir(Fppy)3 is lower, the luminescence of PVK can be found in EL
      spectra. When the doping concentration is too high, concentration quenching may
      occur. As the doping concentration is suitable, the luminescence of PVK can not
      be found, only the luminescence of Ir(Fppy)3 can be found in EL spectra. It is
      concluded that the device with doping concentration of 4% has the best
      photoelectric performance according to its current density-voltage-luminance
      curve.

PMID- 22097821
TI  - [Near-infrared luminescence and energy transfer of ACaPO4 : Eu2+, Nd3+ (A = Li,
      K, Na)].
AB  - Near-infrared (NIR) luminescence phosphors ACaPO4 : Eu2+, Nd2+ (A = Li, K, Na)
      were prepared by conventional solid state method and the sensitization of Nd3+
      near-infrared luminescence by Eu2+ was investigated. The characteristic NIR
      luminescence of Nd3+ in ACaPO4 matrix is greatly enhanced by co-doping of Eu2+.
      The fluorescence properties of ACaPO4 : Eu2+, the NIR luminescence properties of
      ACaPO4 : Eu2+, Nd3+ and the fluorescence lifetime were studied. The effect of
      emission wavelength of Eu2+ on NIR luminescence of Nd3+ was investigated; The
      energy transfer mechanism between Eu2+ and Nd3+ was also discussed. Emission peak
      wavelength of Eu2+ In ACaPO4 matrixes was found red shift with the series of A =
      Li, K, Na and the extent of the overlap with the different excitation peaks of
      Nd3+ changes obviously. It was concluded that the emission peak position of Eu2+
      is a very important factor for energy transfer, and the optimal wavelength range
      for Eu2+ --> Nd3+ energy transfer is 500 to 550 nm.

PMID- 22097822
TI  - [The spectrogram characteristics of organic blue-emissive light-emitting
      excitated YAG : Ce phosphor].
AB  - It is demonstrated that the panchromatic luminescence devices with organic blue
      emissive light-emitting was fabricated. This technique used down conversion,
      which was already popular in inorganic power LEDs to obtain white light emission.
      A blue OLED device with a configuration of ITO/2T-NATA (30 nm)/AND : TBPe (50
      Wt%, 40 nm)/Alq3 (100 nm)/LiF(1 nm)/Al(100 nm) was prepared via vacuum deposition
      process, and then coated with YAG : Ce phosphor layers of different thicknesses
      to obtain a controllable and uniform shape while the CIE coordinates were fine
      tuned. This development not only decreased steps of technics and degree of
      difficulty, but also applied the mature technology of phosphor. The results
      showed that steady spectrogram was obtained in the devices with phosphor, with a
      best performance of a maximum luminance of 13 840 cd x m(-2) which was about 2
      times of that of the devices without phosphor; a maximum current efficiency of
      17.3 cd x A(-1) was increased more two times more than the devices without
      phosphor. The emission spectrum could be adjusted by varying the concentration
      and thickness of the phosphor layers. Absoulte spectrogram of devices was in
      direct proportion with different driving current corresponding.

PMID- 22097823
TI  - [Luminescence investigation of Na(z)Ca(1-x-2y-z)Bi(y)MoO4 : Eu(x+y)3+, red
      phosphors].
AB  - A series of red phosphors with the composition Na(z)Ca(1-x-2y-z), Bi(y) MoO4 :
      Eu(x+y)3+ (y, z = 0, x = 0.24, 0.26, 0.30, 0.34, 0.38; x = 0.30, y = 0.01, 0.02,
      0.03, 0.03, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07; x = 0.30, y = 0.04, z = 0.38) were prepared via
      traditional solid-state method. The crystal structures of the obtained phosphors
      were identified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method. The photoluminescence
      properties of the samples were characterized by fluorescence spectrophotometer.
      The results indicated that the concentration of Eu3+ single doped Ca(1-x) MoO4 :
      Eu3+ with the maximum luminescence intensity was found to be 0.30 (namely, Ca0.70
      MoO4 : Eu(0.30)3+); the photoluminescence properties with different ratio of
      Bi3+/Eu3+ codoped Ca0.70-2y Bi(y) MoO4 : Eu(0.30+y)3+, were also investigated,
      and the results showed that the charge band (CTB) reached the maximum value when
      the y value was equal to 0.03; for the characteristic excitation peaks of Eu3+,
      however, the intensity of the excitation spectral line locating at 393 nm was
      stronger than that at 464 nm when y < 0.03, while the intensity at 464 nm was
      greater than that at 393 nm when y > or = 0.03; the intensity of excitation peaks
      locating at 393 and 464 nm respectively both reached the maximum intensity when
      the y value was 0.04. The relative intensity of the excitation and emission of
      the above phosphor was enhanced greatly when Na2CO3 acting as charge compensation
      was added. The above results showed that the relative intensity between 393 and
      464 nm could be changed by adjusting the ratio of Bi3+ /Eu3+ codoping
      concentrations.

PMID- 22097824
TI  - [Synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of novel beta-diketone
      and Eu(III) ternary complex].
AB  - The novel beta-diketone 1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-phenylpropane-1, 3-dione (L) was
      synthesized at room temperature by classical Claisen condensation reaction. With
      the beta-diketone L as the first ligand and phen as the secondary ligand, and a
      new rare-earth Eu (III) ternary complex was prepared. The ligand L and ternary
      complex were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV spectra and
      fluorescence spectra. IR spectra indicated that: the novel ligand L contained the
      structure of beta-diketone, where the content of enol was high; the Eu3+ ion in
      the ternary complex was coordinated with six oxygen atoms of three L ligands and
      two nitrogen atoms of the second ligand phen. UV spectra showed that the main
      absorption was from the first ligand L in the Eu (III) ternary complex. The
      excitation and emission spectra of the ternary complex were measured and
      investigated. Fluorescence spectra demonstrated that the ternary complex could
      emit characteristic fluorescence of rare earth Eu3+ ion and the strongest
      emission band was narrow which was attributed to the 5 D0 --> 7 F2 transitions of
      the 4f electrons of the central Eu3+ ions. So, the new Eu(III) ternary complex is
      an excellent red-emitter which would be regarded as a valuable material with
      bright red fluorescence because it presents good monochromaticity.

PMID- 22097825
TI  - [Growth of codoped CdWO4 crystals by Bridgman method and their optical spectra].
AB  - The CdWO4 crystals with good quality in the size of Phi25 mm x 120 mm, doped with
      Co in 0.5% molar fraction in the raw composition, were grown by the Bridgman
      method by taking -70 degrees C x cm(-1) of solid-liquid interface and -0.50 mm x
      h(-1) growth rate. The crystal presents transparence and deep blue. The X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the crystals. Three absorption peaks
      at 518, 564 and 655 nm respectively, which are attributed to the overlapping of 4
      T1 (4F) --> 4A2 (4F) and 4 T1 (4F) --> 4 T1 (4P) of Co2+ octahedrons, and a wide
      band centered at 1 863 nm, which is attributed to 4Ti (4F) --> 4 T2 (4F), was
      observed. The absorption results indicated that the Co ions presented +2 valence
      in crystal and located within the distorted oxygen octahedrons. The crystal-field
      parameter D(q) and the Racah parameter B were estimated to be 990 and 726.3 cm(
      1) respectively based on the absorption spectra. A fluorescence emission at 778
      nm (4T1 (4P) --> 4 T1 (4F)) for codoped CdWO4 crystals was observed under
      excitation by 520 nm light. It can be deduced from the changes in absorption and
      emission intensity of different parts of crystal that the concentration of Co2+
      ion in crystal increased along growing direction and the effective distribution
      coefficient of Co2+ ion in CdWO4 crystal is less than 1.

PMID- 22097826
TI  - [Research on parameters optimization of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
      based experimental device].
AB  - For a better application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to coal
      quality analysis, it is necessary to optimize the key parameters of the
      experimental LIBS-based device. The relationships between the key parameters and
      the signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) of the elemental emission lines in the plasma
      spectrum of the pulverized coal were studied, according to which the optimal
      parameters can be selected. Experimental results indicate that the optimal
      settings for our LIBS-based device are laser pulse energy = 120 mJ x Pulse(-1),
      delay time of spectrometer = 200 ns, laser focal point be located 3-5 mm
      underneath the sample surface, rotation speed of sample cell = 2.7 rev x min(-1),
      a narrow-band filter with center frequency of 1 064 nm and a diaphragm with
      center hole diameter of 1.5 mm be placed in the path of the laser beam.
      Quantitative analysis results of pulverized coal show that, by using the optimal
      LIBS-based device, the standard deviation (SD) of C has been reduced from 6.7% to
      1.6%, while the relative standard deviation (RSD) of other trace elements has
      been reduced from 28% to 10%. As a result, th accuracy has been improved greatly.

PMID- 22097827
TI  - [Enhancement of the radiation of laser-induced stainless steel plasmas by
      prefabricated keyhole].
AB  - The prefabricated keyhole effects on the radiation characteristic of laser
      induced stainless steel plasma were investigated. A high-energy neodymium glass
      pulse laser was used to ablate stainless steel sample in air at atmospheric
      pressure. Combined-type multi-function grating spectroscope and CCD spectral
      acquainting and processing system were used to record plasma spectrum. The
      electron temperature and the full width at half maximum of spectral line,
      respectively. The study results showed that the spectral intensity and signal-to
      background ratio of laser plasma increase in the range of 71.5%-125.8% and 7.6%
      18.5% respectively when a laser beam (-5 J) acted on the stainless steel sample
      on which prefabricated keyholes (d = 1.5 mm, h = 0.8 mm) were placed. The plasma
      temperature and electron density increased by about 1 200 K and 1.21 x 10(16) cm(
      3), respectively. This proved that prefabricated keyhole had a significant
      enhancement effect on the radiation of laser-induced stainless steel plasma.

PMID- 22097828
TI  - [Measurement of molecular vibrational temperature of circle-dot filament in
      dielectric barrier discharge].
AB  - Vibrational temperature in circle discharge channel and central dot discharge
      channel of circle-dot filament in argon/air dielectric barrier discharge was
      firstly measured by using optical emission spectra. The variations of the
      vibrational temperature in central-dot discharge channel and circle discharge
      channel as a function of air content were also studied. Emission spectral lines
      of the N2 second positive band system (C 3pi(u) -->B 3pi(g)) were used to
      calculate the vabrational temperature. It was found that the vibrational
      temperature of circle is higher than that of the central dot. The vibrational
      temperature of circle increases more rapidly than that of central dot although
      both increase with the increase in air content. These results are of great
      importance to the study of microdischarge in dielectric barrier discharge system.

PMID- 22097829
TI  - Structural characterization of lignins isolated from Caragana sinica using FT-IR
      and NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - In order to efficiently explore and use woody biomass, six lignin fractions were
      isolated from dewaxed Caragana sinica via successive extraction with organic
      solvents and alkaline solutions. The lignin structures were characterized by
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic
      Resonance (NMR). FT-IR spectra revealed that the "core" of the lignin structure
      did not significantly change during the treatment under the conditions given. The
      results of 1H and 13C NMR demonstrated that the lignin fraction L2, isolated with
      70% ethanol containing 1% NaOH, was mainly composed of beta-O-4 ether bonds
      together with G and S units and trace p-hydroxyphenyl unit. Based on the 2D HSQC
      NMR spectrum, the ethanol organosolv lignin fraction L1, extracted with 70%
      ethanol, presents a predominance of beta-O-4' aryl ether linkages (61% of total
      side chains), and a low abundance of condensed carbon-carbon linked structures
      (such as beta-beta', beta-1', and beta-5') and a lower S/G ratio. Furthermore, a
      small percentage (ca. 9%) of the linkage side chain was found to be acylated at
      the gamma-carbon.

PMID- 22097830
TI  - [Comparative research on the NIR and MIR micro-imaging of two similar plastic
      materials].
AB  - The NIR/MIR micro-imaging can supply not only the information of spectra, but
      also the information of spacial distribution of the sample, which is superior to
      the traditional NIR/MIR spectroscopy analysis. In the present paper, polyethylene
      and parafilm, with similar appearances, were regarded as the research objects, of
      which the NIR/MIR micro-imaging was collected. Chemical imaging (CI) and compare
      correlation imaging were carried out for the two materials respectively to
      discuss the imaging methods of the two materials. The result indicated that the
      differentiation of the CI values of the two materials in the NIR/MIR CI for
      material II was 0.004 8 and 0.254 8 respectively, while those in the NIR/MIR CI
      for material I were 0.002 6 and 0.326 5, respectively. Clear CI was acquired, and
      the two materials could be differentiated. The result of the compare correlation
      imagings indicated that the compare correlation imagings, in which the NIR/MIR
      spectra of the two materials were regarded as reference spectra respectively, can
      differentiate the two materials remarkably with clear imagings. In the compare
      correlation imagings of MIR micro-imaging, the difference of the correlation
      coefficients between the two materials' MIR spectra and the reference spectrum
      was more than 0.12, which showed a better imaging result; while a tiny difference
      of the correlation coefficients between the two materials' NIR spectra and the
      reference spectrum could be employed to show a clear imaging result for NIR
      compare correlation imaging so as to differentiate the two materials. This
      thesis, to some extent, can supply the reference to not only the rapid
      discrimination of the safety of the packaging material for agri-food, but also
      the imaging methods for NIR/MIR micro-imaging to differentiate the different
      materials.

PMID- 22097831
TI  - [Adulteration detection of urea in milk by mid-infrared spectroscopy].
AB  - In the present study, a technique of mid-infrared spectroscopy for detection of
      urea in milk was put forward. Eighteen adulterated milk samples with added
      different content of urea (1-18 g x L(-1)) were prepared. The mid-infrared
      spectra of these milk samples were measured. The infrared characteristics of pure
      milk and adulterated milk were studied, and analysis and comparisons of the
      differences were carried out. The absorption peak area (A1 562) of 1 562 cm(-1),
      which was assigned to the C-N stretching vibration for urea, and the absorption
      peak area (A1 464) of 1 464 cm(-1), which was assigned to the C=O stretching
      vibration for amide III', were calculated by origin. Linear fitting of relation
      was made between A1 562/A1 464 and urea concentration in milk. The results show
      that the A1 562/A1 464 is linear with urea concentration in milk, with a
      regression coefficient of 0.96. The study is important to improving quality of
      dairy products and protecting the benefit of consumers, and takes on crucial
      social significance and application prospect.

PMID- 22097832
TI  - [Determination of acidity and vitamin C in apples using portable NIR analyzer].
AB  - Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology based on a portable NIR analyzer,
      combined with kernel Isomap algorithm and generalized regression neural network
      (GRNN) has been applied to establishing quantitative models for prediction of
      acidity and vitamin C in six kinds of apple samples. The obtained results
      demonstrated that the fitting and the predictive accuracy of the models with
      kernel Isomap algorithm were satisfactory. The correlation between actual and
      predicted values of calibration samples (R(c)) obtained by the acidity model was
      0.999 4, and for prediction samples (R(p)) was 0.979 9. The root mean square
      error of prediction set (RMSEP) was 0.055 8. For the vitamin C model, R(c) was
      0.989 1, R(p) was 0.927 2, and RMSEP was 4.043 1. Results proved that the
      portable NIR analyzer can be a feasible tool for the determination of acidity and
      vitamin C in apples.

PMID- 22097833
TI  - [Identification of Pu'er teas with different storage years by FTIR spectroscopy].
AB  - Infrared spectra of Pu'er raw tea and Pu'er ripe tea were investigated using
      Fourier transform spectroscopy, in order to exploit a rapid method for
      discrimination of aging period for Pu' er tea samples. The results showed that
      the two kinds of Pu'er teas shared a similar woveform of infrared spectrum.
      However, due to the variations of aging time, leading to different chemical
      composition in pu'er teas, both Pu'er raw tea and ripe tea displayed
      corresponding different characteristic peaks. And the extent of aging of Pu'er
      tea had a significant relationship with optical density and waveforms of
      absorption peaks in the wave number range of 1 120-1 570 cm(-1) and 400-853 cm(
      1), suggesting that the extent of aging of Pu'er tea may be identified by
      infrared spectrum technology rapidly and simply.

PMID- 22097834
TI  - [Second structure of the protein factions from lotus seeds].
AB  - Following the sequential Osborne extraction procedure, the proteins of lotus
      seeds were classified. The secondary structures of albumin, globulin, prolamine
      and glutelin fractions were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
      (FTIR). The FTIR images of amide I and III bands from the four protein fractions
      were analyzed using Fourier deconvolution and curve-fitting technique. The
      results showed that there were minor differences in every corresponding peak
      position and peak area percent of secondary structure between albumin and
      globulin as well as between prolamin and glutelin. But there were differences in
      every corresponding peak position between albumin (or globulin) and prolamin (or
      glutelin). Especially the area percents of the corresponding nonrandom structures
      (alpha-helix and beta-sheet) of albumin and globulin were significantly larger
      than those of prolamin and glutelin. The contents of nonrandom structures of
      albumin and globulin extracted with 0.1 mol x L(-1) NaCl solution were about 55%
      and those of prolamine and glutelin fractions were only at round 40%, indicating
      that the secondary structures of the salt-extraction protein were ordered and
      stable.

PMID- 22097835
TI  - [Selection of visible-NIR variables based on extraction and successive
      projections algorithm].
AB  - The pixels were 2 048 or 3 648 for the most Si charge coupled device dector. The
      interval between the adjacent wavelengths was few. The pretreatment could not
      deal with the spectra well. Spectral matrix was reconstructed by equal interval
      extraction in the wavelength range of 600.09-980.47nm. The variables for
      developing partial least squares (PLS) models were chosen by genetic algorithm
      (GA) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) from the pretreatment spectra.
      The models' predictive ability was evaluated by leave-one-out cross validation.
      By comparison, the best results were obtained by the SPA-PLS models. The standard
      errors of cross validation (SECV) were 0.661 degrees Brix, 0.067% and 2.91 mg x
      (100 g)(-1) for soluble solids, total adicity and vitamin C, respectively. The
      results suggested that the predictive ability can be improved by equal interval
      extraction method and SPA for determinating the quality of Nanfeng mandarin
      fruits.

PMID- 22097836
TI  - [FTIR spectroscopic analysis of Cu2+ adsorption on hematite and bayerite].
AB  - The changes in surface hydroxyl structures and their absorption peaks after the
      adsorption of Cu2+ on the hematite and bayerite were studied by FTIR spectroscopy
      under the different pH values and Cu2+ concentrations. The result indicated that:
      (1) with the increase of Cu2+ concentrations, the H-O-H and OH deformation
      vibration of the hematite participated in the adsorption and Cu2+ combined with
      the Fe-O structure strongly, then Fe-O-(Cu) had been formed on the hematite
      surface. (2) In acid conditions, H+ in the solution destroyed the O-H structure
      of hematite surface and the existence of NO3- prompted the production of a new
      peak (1 131 cm(-1)). With pH value increasing, the hydroxy structure of hematite
      surface changed gradually from stretching vibration to deformation vibration,
      then the structures of Fe-OH and Fe(3+) -O(2-) constantly changed. (3) The
      adsorption of Cu2+ on the bayerite happened in the high wave position. With the
      Cu2+ concentration increasing, the free OH bending vibration, the OH- stretching
      vibration and its H-O-H bending vibration were all involved in the adsorption,
      and at the same time, Al3+ of Al-O was gradually replaced by Cu2+, which enhanced
      the vibration intensity of the low waves position. (4) With the increase in pH,
      the Al-OH bending vibration and Al-O stretching vibration changed gradually,
      which indicated that AlOCu+ and AlOCuOH structure had been formed on the bayerite
      surface after the adsorption.

PMID- 22097837
TI  - [Identification of yougui and jisheng shenqi pills with FTIR and EDS fingerprint
      spectra by new visual comparison].
AB  - FTIR combined with EDS fingerprint spectra was first applied to the
      identification of two kind of traditional Chinese compound formulae-Yougui pill
      and Jisheng shenqi pills, which have the similar composition The IR FPS of
      extraction of two kinds of pills extracted with chloroform were measured by
      liquid membrane method. The exclusively characteristic peak groups of these two
      kinds of formulae were theoretically established based on the Shapiro-Wilk W
      testing method,and the characteristic radicals and compound species corresponding
      to each characteristic peak were determined. Meanwhile, EDS fingerprint spectra
      of the two kinds of original powders were also measured which can reflect the
      element species and content information. Based on the three kinds of information
      (characteristic peak groups, radicals and compound species, different elements),
      Yougui and Jisheng shenqi pills were identified quickly, precisely and reliably.
      In this method, infrared fingerprint spectra possess the similar ability with
      chromatograph fingerprint spectra in identification of traditional Chinese
      compound formulae. The results show that the new visual comparison method is
      suitable for identifying traditional Chinese compound formulae with the same
      dosage-form and similar composition.

PMID- 22097838
TI  - [Research on the measurement of urinary albumin by visible-near infrared
      spectroscopy].
AB  - The urinary albumin (UMALB) is the most reliable diagnostic indicator of renal
      injury in clinical. Attempting to realize the rapid and free reagent measurement
      of UMALB, the visible-near infrared multiple optical path length spectra of 207
      urine samples were collected. By the nonlinear characteristics of multiple
      optical path length spectra, more information about the component of sample
      contents can be obtained. The PLS model of the spectra and UMALB was firstly
      established. Based on it, the PLS-ANN modeling method was built to introduce
      nonlinear information. By contrast, the PLS-ANN modeling method can obtain a
      better model to improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis. The R2 of
      predicted model was 0.951 1 and the RMSEP was 5.02 mg x L(-1). The results showed
      the feasibility of the visible-near infrared multiple optical path length
      spectroscopy technique for urinary albumin analysis. This research establishes
      the foundation of detecting the urinary albumin and other components free of
      reagent conveniently and rapidly.

PMID- 22097839
TI  - [Study on the application of DBPSO algorithm to thickness measurement of surface
      insulation coating of silicon steel by NIR spectrometry].
AB  - A novel thickness measurement NIR spectrometry for surface insulation coating of
      silicon steel based on discrete binary particle swarm optimization (DBPSO)
      algorithm is presented. First, we used NIR spectrometer to collect the NIR
      spectra of insulation coating of silicon steel, and then, DBPSO algorithm was
      used to select the optimal wavelength variates and composed a new spectra set.
      Last, the authors created the thickness quantitative analysis model using kernel
      partial least square algorithm. The experimental results show that the absolute
      error range analyzed by created model was from -0.12 to 0.19 microm, and the
      maximal relative error was 14.31%, which completely met the practical measurement
      need. The research indicates that DBPSO is effective wavelength selection
      methods, which can efficiently select the wavelength variates carrying more
      useful information, improve the analysis accuracy and speed. And the NIR
      spectroscopy is an effective measurement method for thickness analysis of silicon
      steel insulation coating.

PMID- 22097840
TI  - [Analysis and evaluation of different radial parts of Cordyceps kyushuensis by
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy].
AB  - Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and second derivative spectra were
      used to analyze and evaluate the different parts of Cordyceps kyushuensis Kob in
      the present work. The results showed that C. kyushuensis contained proteins,
      polysaccharides, nucleosides, lipids and other active ingredients, the single
      dimensional IR spectra of the various parts were highly similar, the similarity
      coefficient between the cultured stroma and medium reached up to 0.992 7, and the
      natural stroma was more different from the parasites, with similarity coefficient
      of 0.949 9. Second derivative spectrum further enriched and confirmed the feature
      of corresponding spectrum peaks, proved the existence of active substances such
      as cordycepin and adenosine, and prompted the presence of alpha- and beta
      glycosidic bonds. The diversity and complexity of chemical constituents in
      different parts of C. kyushuensis were synthetically described by IR spectra,
      which provided a fast, comprehensive and objective approach to the analysis and
      evaluation of the imperceptible differences, and the quality control of
      Cordyceps. This work supplies a theoretical basis for development and utilization
      of genetic resources C. kyushuensis.

PMID- 22097841
TI  - [A new approach to rapid determination of compound fertilizer composition].
AB  - In the present paper, a new approach to rapid determination of compound
      fertilizer composition was introduced, namely first preparing aqueous solution of
      solid fertilizer, then predicting the compound fertilizer composition using the
      near infrared transmission spectra of the solution. Using the new method, models
      were built by means of PLS regression, and the standard errors of prediction of
      total nitrogen content, P2O5 content, and K2O content are 0.5, 0.7, 0.8, and 2.0,
      respectively. This has solved the problem of large prediction error for K content
      of compound fertilizer using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy due to the
      fact that KCl dose not have near infrared absorption, and achieved rapid analysis
      of all compositions of compound fertilizer in 5 minutes.

PMID- 22097842
TI  - [Water Raman spectrum suppression with low-pass filter in underwater in-situ
      Raman spectroscopy].
AB  - As a powerful tool for studying chemical structures, Raman spectroscopy has been
      used in aquatic environments in-situ measurement widely, and has been used in
      deep sea research recently. For underwater in-situ detection, O-H vibration Raman
      peak of water is inherent and strong compared with other dissolved matter's Raman
      signals. When the authors want to get a good SNR Raman signal of dissolved matter
      by increasing detection time, O-H vibration Raman peak of water will get to
      saturation easily, which influences other Raman signal's detection. In the
      present paper, a specially designed short-pass optical filter was used for
      suppression of water's O-H vibration Raman peak. The authors calculated the
      suppression effect of short-pass optical filter with linear and exponential
      edges. The simulation shows that exponential edge filter has better performance
      and can suppress water's O-H vibration Raman peak effectively. The experiment
      also proves the calculation results. With the suppression optical filter, the
      intensity of water's O-H vibration Raman signal and other dissolved matters'
      become similar. And the influence of suppression optical filter on other
      dissolved matters' Raman signal is little. So the suppression optical filter is
      feasible for in-situ underwater Raman spectroscopy.

PMID- 22097843
TI  - [Mid-infrared and Raman spectral analysis of geometrically frustrated natural
      atacamite].
AB  - At room temperature, the mid-infrared spectra of geometrically frustrated natural
      atacamite (hydroxyl copper chloride, beta-Cu2(OH)3Cl) in the range of 4 000-400
      cm(-1) were measured by FTIR spectrometers, and meanwhile its Raman spectrum in
      the range of 4 000-95 cm(-1) was obtained by Jobin Yvon LabRAM HR800 Raman
      spectrometer. According to its crystal structure parameters, the authors
      confirmed the characteristic peaks of sample 4 000-2 500-1 000 cm(-1) in the
      functional group region and 1 000-550-200-95 cm(-1) in the fingerprint region,
      and also explored its microscopic origin Five distinct regions were assigned: the
      hydroxyl stretching vibration v(O-H) determined by the overall environment around
      the hydroxyl group; the overtones generated by the sum or multiplication of
      fundamental frequencies of hydroxyl bending vibration; the hydroxyl bending
      vibration modes delta(O-H) of the combination of delta(Cu-O-H) and delta(O
      H...HCl); the vibration modes of strongly bonded planar CuO4 units; the vibration
      modes of weakly bonded linear-triatomic chain Cl-Cu-O/Cl. The bands were assigned
      in accordance with its crystal structure parameters, which is more reasonable to
      establish the relationship between its molecular structure and its respective
      spectral properties.

PMID- 22097844
TI  - [3-D fluorescence properties of petrochemical wastewater].
AB  - Petrochemical wastewater is one of major types of industrial wastewater in China.
      It is of huge quantity and causes serious pollution. Wastewater contains lots of
      fluorescence matters. Its fluorescence spectrum could exhibit organic components
      and unique for each sample like fingerprint. Thus it is referred to as
      fluorescence fingerprint of water quality, in brief aqueous fingerprint. This
      paper presented that there were almost 10 peaks in the aqueous fingerprint of
      petrochemical wastewater from a large-scale petrochemical plant, including the
      peak at the excitation/emission wavelengths (lambda(ex)/lambda(em)) of around
      230/340 nm. That peak exists in the fluorescence spectra of various petroleum
      materials. The aqueous fingerprint was divided into 3 zones according to the
      relationship of fluorescence intensity of peaks: the linear relation between the
      peaks from different zones was not significant while that between the peaks from
      same zone was significant with coefficients of above 0.85. The zone around
      lambda(ex)/lambda(em) = 230/305 nm might relate to benzene compounds and the zone
      around lambda(ex)/lambda(em) = 220-320/230-440 nm (excluding the zone around
      lambda(ex)/lambda(em) = 230/305 nm) showed close relation with the raw materials
      (petroleum materials). The intensity of each peak had a fixed range. That range
      and relationships between peaks could be the evidences for diagnosing if the
      performance of the production processes is proper.

PMID- 22097845
TI  - [Study on the transient and steady state property of fluorescence of free radical
      photoinitiator].
AB  - The fluorescence characteristic of various free radical photoinitiators was
      investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The influence of conjugated structure
      on fluorescence spectrum was analyzed from the molecular structure. The results
      show that: the wave length of fluorescence excitation spectrum gradually augments
      with the conjugative effect enhancement, and so does the peak of fluorescence
      emission spectrum. The transient fluorescence spectrum of photoinitiator is
      affected by electron groups and the fluorescence decay of photoinitiators with
      electron-withdrawing groups is faster than that of photoinitiators with electron
      donating groups. The excitation peak of photoinitiator has evident red shift with
      the polarity of solvent increasing, which shows that transition type is pi-pi*
      transition, and the fluorescence decay is postponed with the solvent glutinosity
      changing. When the photoinitiator density is at 10(-2) mol x L(-1), the
      fluorescence decay is evidently fast because of quenching effect caused by self
      absorption and collisions between particles.

PMID- 22097846
TI  - [Studies on the interaction of rhein with bovine serum albumin by spectroscopic
      and voltammetric methods].
AB  - The interaction between rhein and bovine serum albumin(BSA) was studied by UV
      Visible, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism in conjunction with
      electrochemical method. The results indicated that rhein has a powerful ability
      to quench the albumin's fluorescence in a static mode. The binding constants(KA)
      and binding site numbers (n) obtained at different temperatures were 3.67 x
      10(5), 0.99 (298 K) and 2.60 x 10(4), 0.83 (309 K) respectively. According to the
      thermodynamic parameters the main sorts of binding force of rhein-BSA was fixed
      as electrostatic. The distance between donor and acceptor in rhein-BSA was 3.28
      nm based on the Forster energy transfer theory. Results of the circular dichroism
      and synchronous fluorescence show that the binding can cause conformation change
      of BSA.

PMID- 22097847
TI  - [Using extraction of red edge position to validate consistency of hyperspectral
      imaging and non-imaging data].
AB  - Using Pushbroom imaging spectrometer (PIS) and FieldSpec ProFR2500 (ASD),
      spectral reflectances of winter wheat and maize at different stages were
      collected synchronously. In order to validate the reliability of imaging spectral
      data, the red edge position of hyperspectral data for PIS and ASD were extracted
      by different algorithms, respectively. The following results were obtained: (1)
      The original spectrum of both instruments had high inosculation in red light
      region (670-740 nm); (2) With the spectra collected under laboratory condition
      (maize leaf), the extracted red edge position was is concentrated between 700 and
      720 nm for the two instruments; (3) With the spectra collected undre field
      condition (wheat leaf), the extracted red edge position for PIS and ASD were
      different, the red edge position of PIS data was in 760 nm, while it was in 720
      nm for ASD data. The main reason might be that the imaging spectral data were
      influenced by oxygen absorbtion; (4) the red edge rangeability of PIS and ASD
      were different, but the trends were the same. The above results could provide
      some references for hyperspectral imaging data's extensive application.

PMID- 22097848
TI  - [A method of endmember extraction in hyperspectral remote sensing images based on
      discrete particle swarm optimization (D-PSO)].
AB  - For the inaccuracy of endmember extraction caused by abnormal noises of data
      during the mixed pixel decomposition process, particle swarm optimization (PSO),
      a swarm intelligence algorithm was introduced and improved in the present paper.
      By re-defining the position and velocity representation and data updating
      strategies, the algorithm of discrete particle swarm optimization (D-PSO) was
      proposed, which made it possible to search resolutions in discrete space and
      ultimately resolve combinatorial optimization problems. In addition, by defining
      objective functions and feasible solution spaces, endmember extraction was
      converted to combinatorial optimization problem, which can be resolved by D-PSO.
      After giving the detailed flow of applying D-PSO to endmember extraction and
      experiments based on simulative data and real data, it has been verified the
      algorithm's flexibility to handle data with abnormal noise and the reliability of
      endmember extraction were verified. Furthermore, the influence of different
      parameters on the algorithm's performances was analyzed thoroughly.

PMID- 22097849
TI  - [Hyperspectral feature band selection based on mean confidence interval and tree
      species discrimination].
AB  - In the present study, based on the leaf-level hyperspectral data of BaiMu, LeiZhu
      and WuHuanZi, the authors come up with two solutions through the theory of
      statistics; the first one is that optimal discriminating band between tree
      species is extracted by mean interval confidence, the other one is that tree
      species is discriminated by the Manhattan distance and the Min Max interval
      similarity. The research results showed that (1) the optimal discriminating bands
      between BaiMu and LeiZhu are around 350-446, 497-527, 553-1 330, 1 355-2 400 and
      2 436-2 500 nm; the optimal discriminating bands between BaiMu and WuHuanZi are
      around 434-555, 580-1 903, 1 914-2 089, 2 172-2 457 and 2 475-2 500 nm; the
      optimal discriminating bands between LeiZhu and WuHuanZi are around 434-555, 580
      1 903, 1 914-2 089, 2 172-2 457 and 2 475-2 500 nm; and this result is helpful
      for us to find maximum difference to identifying tree species respectively. (2)
      In these optimal discriminating bands, we find that the Manhattan distance
      between the same species is far less than the different species; but the Min-Max
      interval similarity between the same species is far more than the different
      species, so this result could help us to discriminate and identify different
      types of tree species effectively.

PMID- 22097850
TI  - [A remote sensing band simulation approach based on image spectral library].
AB  - The authors proposed an image spectral library based band simulation method.
      Firstly, the authors clustered the reference image which has the same class
      composition with the target image by using its pixel spectrum similarity.
      Secondly, the authors fetched sample from the reference image base on the former
      cluster image, and then built the image spectral library. Thirdly, the authors
      fetched the same count of each type of samples to train the simulation model.
      Finally, the authors simulated the target band of the target image. The
      experiment results show that: firstly, this method can be more precise to
      simulate TM blue band, and increase more than 1.2 RMSE value than that of the
      "Spectral Library-image" model and more than 0.6 RMSE value than that of the
      "image-image" model. On the other hand, our method is more stable and reliable
      than the "image-image" and "Spectral Library-Image" simulation model; finally,
      this method can be successfully applied to the blue band simulation that SPOT and
      MSS lacked.

PMID- 22097851
TI  - [The hierarchical clustering analysis of hyperspectral image based on
      probabilistic latent semantic analysis].
AB  - The paper introduces the Probabilistic Latent Semantic Analysis (PLSA) to the
      image clustering and an effective image clustering algorithm using the semantic
      information from PLSA is proposed which is used for hyperspectral images.
      Firstly, the ISODATA algorithm is used to obtain the initial clustering result of
      hyperspectral image and the clusters of the initial clustering result are
      considered as the visual words of the PLSA. Secondly, the object-oriented image
      segmentation algorithm is used to partition the hyperspectral image and segments
      with relatively pure pixels are regarded as documents in PLSA. Thirdly, a variety
      of identification methods which can estimate the best number of cluster centers
      is combined to get the number of latent semantic topics. Then the conditional
      distributions of visual words in topics and the mixtures of topics in different
      documents are estimated by using PLSA. Finally, the conditional probabilistic of
      latent semantic topics are distinguished using statistical pattern recognition
      method, the topic type for each visual in each document will be given and the
      clustering result of hyperspectral image are then achieved. Experimental results
      show the clusters of the proposed algorithm are better than K-MEANS and ISODATA
      in terms of object-oriented property and the clustering result is closer to the
      distribution of real spatial distribution of surface.

PMID- 22097852
TI  - [Synthesis and spectral characteristic of pharmaceutical dipfluzine hydrochloride
      benzoic acid co-crystal].
AB  - Pharmaceutical co-crystals can improve the chemical and physical properties of
      active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), which is new idea and expected to provide
      new stable structures. Pharmaceutical co-crystals have the potential to be much
      more useful in pharmaceutical products than salts, solvates or hydrates,
      polymorphs and stoichiometric solvates (pseudo-polymorphs). In our study,
      dipfluzine hydrochloride-benzoic acid co-crystal was synthesized by solid co
      grinding. The samples were subjected to IR, DSC, XRD, Raman and THz spectral
      analysis. The results indicated that dipfluzine hydrochloride-benzoic acid
      complex was new phase compared with the single API and CCF. THz-TDS
      characterization indicated that hydrogen bond formed between API and CCF, which
      confirmed the formation of co-crystal.

PMID- 22097853
TI  - [Quantitative spectrum analysis of characteristic gases of spontaneous combustion
      coal].
AB  - Aimed at the characteristics of spontaneous combustion gas such as a variety of
      gases, lou limit of detection, and critical requirement of safety, Fourier
      transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis is presented to analyze
      characteristic gases of spontaneous combustion In this paper, analysis method is
      introduced at first by combing characteristics of absorption spectra of analyte
      and analysis requirement. Parameter setting method, sample preparation, feature
      variable abstract and analysis model building are taken into consideration. The
      methods of sample preparation, feature abstraction and analysis model are
      introduced in detail. And then, eleven kinds of gases were tested with Tensor 27
      spectrometer. CH4, C2H6, C3H8, iC4H10, nC4H10, C2 H4, C3 H6, C3 H2, SF6, CO and
      CO2 were included. The optical path length was 10 cm while the spectra resolution
      was set as 1 cm(-1). The testing results show that the detection limit of all
      analytes is less than 2 x 10(-6). All the detection limits fit the measurement
      requirement of spontaneous combustion gas, which means that FTIR may be an ideal
      instrument and the analysis method used in this paper is competent for
      spontaneous combustion gas measurement on line.

PMID- 22097854
TI  - [Use of ensemble Kalman smoother algorithm for the time-series retrieval of leaf
      area index from remote sensing data].
AB  - In the present paper, the empirical LAI dynamic model was constructed using the
      MOD15A2 data set, and the canopy radiative transfer model MCRM2 was coupled with
      the LAI dynamic model through LAI. The scheme was proposed to retrieve LAI by
      assimilating MOD09A1 data set into the coupled model. The ensemble Kalman
      smoother (EnKS) method was first introduced. In order to preferably assess the
      feasibility of EnKS, the LAI retrieval results of EnKS were compared with the
      ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) solutions and MODIS LAI product. The results
      indicated that the EnKS method achieved ideal results. The retrieved LAI temporal
      profiles by the EnKS method were smoother and more continuous than the EnKF
      solutions and the MODIS LAI product, which were in good agreement with the
      realistic LAI climatology. The developed inversion method in this paper can be
      applied to retrieve LAI time--continuous profiles effectively.

PMID- 22097855
TI  - [Effect of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization behaviors of MC nylon 6].
AB  - Multi-walled carbon nanotubes bearing hydroxyl group were modified with toluene
      diisocyanate (TDI) and stabilized with caprolactam. The functionalized carbon
      nanotubes were used to prepare monomer casting polyamide 6(MC nylon 6)/carbon
      nanotubes nanocomposites. The results of FTIR proved that isocynate groups have
      been incorporated into carbon nanotubes successfully. XRD results showed that the
      addition of the functionalized carbon nanotubes has no significant influence on
      the crystal structure of MC nylon 6, whereas the untreated carbon nanotubes could
      hinder the growth of alpha2-crystal of nylon 6; with the loading of 0.3 Wt% of
      the functionalized carbon nanotubes, the crystallinity degree of the
      nanocomposites is almost equal to that of pure MC nylon 6, whereas as the loading
      increased to 0.5 Wt%, the crystallinity degree of MC nylon 6 decreased. DSC
      revealed that carbon nanotubes in MC nylon 6 acted as effective nucleation
      agents. The peak temperature of crystallization for MC nylon 6 increased by 10
      degrees C from 173.4 to 183.5 degrees C, and the temperature range of
      crystallization decreased, indicating that the carbon nanotubes act as
      heterogeneous nucleation agents for MC nylon 6.

PMID- 22097856
TI  - Coniferous canopy BRF simulation based on 3-D realistic scene.
AB  - It is difficulties for the computer simulation method to study radiation regime
      at large-scale. Simplified coniferous model was investigated in the present
      study. It makes the computer simulation methods such as L-systems and radiosity
      graphics combined method (RGM) more powerful in remote sensing of heterogeneous
      coniferous forests over a large-scale region. L-systems is applied to render 3-D
      coniferous forest scenarios, and RGM model was used to calculate BRF
      (bidirectional reflectance factor) in visible and near-infrared regions. Results
      in this study show that in most cases both agreed well. Meanwhile at a tree and
      forest level, the results are also good.

PMID- 22097857
TI  - Spectral reflectance characteristics of different snow and snow-covered land
      surface objects and mixed spectrum fitting.
AB  - The field spectroradiometer was used to measure spectra of different snow and
      snow-covered land surface objects in Beijing area. The result showed that for a
      pure snow spectrum, the snow reflectance peaks appeared from visible to 800 nm
      band locations; there was an obvious absorption valley of snow spectrum near 1
      030 nm wavelength. Compared with fresh snow, the reflection peaks of the old snow
      and melting snow showed different degrees of decline in the ranges of 300-1 300,
      1 700-1 800 and 2 200-2 300 nm, the lowest was from the compacted snow and frozen
      ice. For the vegetation and snow mixed spectral characteristics, it was indicated
      that the spectral reflectance increased for the snow-covered land types
      (including pine leaf with snow and pine leaf on snow background), due to the
      influence of snow background in the range of 350-1 300 nm. However, the spectrum
      reflectance of mixed pixel remained a vegetation spectral characteristic. In the
      end, based on the spectrum analysis of snow, vegetation, and mixed
      snow/vegetation pixels, the mixed spectral fitting equations were established,
      and the results showed that there was good correlation between spectral curves by
      simulation fitting and observed ones (correlation coefficient R2 = 0.950 9).

PMID- 22097858
TI  - [Study of ignition characteristic of DC voltage plasma ignitor].
AB  - The changing law between interelectrode current, discharge characteristic and jet
      characteristic of plasma ignitor under different inlet Ar pressure and working
      current was researched by adopting self-made plasma ignitor. Still, four channels
      CCD spectrometer was adopted to measure the spectrum characteristic at the exit
      of ignitor and electron temperature of plasma was calculated according to the
      spectrum characteristic. The results show that the interelectrode current
      gradually reduced with rising inlet Ar pressure; The jet length of plasma ignitor
      firstly increased then reduced with rising inlet Ar flowrate, and also increased
      with rising working current; The working current of plasma ignitor reduced with
      rising inlet Ar flowrate, and increased with rising source output current; the
      electron temperature of plasma ignitor jet increased with rising working current
      and reduced with rising Ar flowrate. The research results are of certain guidance
      meanings and reference values for the practical application of plasma ignition
      system in aeroengine.

PMID- 22097859
TI  - [Light absorption characteristic of natural pyrite].
AB  - In the present paper, the natural pyrite was the sample. With the UV-visible near
      infrared spectrophotometer Cary 500, we measured the absorption and reflection
      spectra of the sample within 200-2 000 nm range, calculated the absorption
      coefficient and figured out the forbidden band of the sample according to the
      Tauc regulation. The authors discovered that the light absorption coefficient of
      natural pyrite measured is 10(5) order of magnitude; in the absorption pattern we
      found obvious shoulder line structure and we can judge that the sample belongs to
      indirect forbidden band semiconductor, its forbidden band was 0.64 eV in width
      and the "limit conversion efficiency" corresponding to 0.64 eV could reach 14% or
      so. With the comparison of the results of this paper and the forbidden band of
      the solar battery materials at present in common, this paper mainly analyzed the
      effect of the light absorption coefficient and forbidden band on the
      photoelectric conversion efficiency of pyrite. The authors found that its high
      absorption coefficient provided the possibility that pyrite will be used as solar
      battery with the film form, but its forbidden band was narrower than the
      theoretical number. The authors could broaden its forbidden band or make
      composite films to use.

PMID- 22097860
TI  - [Comparison between myoglobin and its mutant(D60K) interacting with hydrogen
      peroxide by spectrum].
AB  - To characterize the roles played by surface-charged residue Asp60 in the
      structure stability of myoglobin when it was replaced with Lys, the interaction
      of myoglobin[Mb(WT)] and its mutant[Mb(D60K)] with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were
      studied by the method of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy,
      fluorescence spectroscopy and stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy under
      simulative physiological conditions. There are remarkable differences between
      Mb(D60K) and Mb (WT) in the UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence
      spectroscopy of iron porphyrin during the process of interaction. Although we
      only altered one external amino acide, the data showed that the function and
      structure stability of Mb(D60K) was greatly changed. Furthermore, results from
      synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy
      all indicated that H2O2 had less effect on the structure of Mb(D60K) while the
      structure of Mb(WT) was notably changed. From a comprehensive and comparative
      data analysis, the authors determined that the structure of Mb(D60K) was improved
      when it interacted with H2O2.

PMID- 22097861
TI  - [Determination of serum proteins by resonance light scattering method with
      lidocaine as a probe].
AB  - A new method for the determination of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum
      albumin (HSA) was developed by using resonance light scattering (RLS) technique
      via an interaction of serum albumin with lidocaine and sodium dodecylbenzene
      sulphonate (SDBS). The RLS intensity of serum albumin was enhanced in the
      presence of lidocaine and SDBS. The influences of some experimental factors,
      including incubation time, addition sequence of reagents, pH values, foreign
      substances and the concentrations of lidocaine and SDBS, on the enhancement of
      the RLS intensity were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the enhanced
      RLS intensities were proportional to the concentrations of serum albumin in the
      range of 1.0-45.0 mg x L(-1) for BSA and 0.5-30.0 mg x L(-1) for HSA. The method
      was successfully applied to the determination of real human serum samples, with
      the relative standard deviations of 4.9%-5.7% (n = 5) and standard addition
      recoveries of 90%-103%. The method only involves the use of conventional
      fluorescence spectrometer and chemical reagents. It is simple, easy to operate
      and sensitive with the limit of detection of 0.14 mg x L(-1). The fresh human
      serum samples can be directly analyzed without the need of any prior
      pretreatment. The method can be a good alternative of choice for the
      determination of BSA and HSA.

PMID- 22097862
TI  - [Spectroscopic study on the combustion reaction characteristics of
      methylcyclohexane].
AB  - Using a measurement system consisting of monochromators, photomultiplier tubes,
      piezoelectric pressure sensors and a digital oscilloscope, characteristic
      emissions of intermediate products OH, CH and C2 produced in the combustion
      reaction of methylcyclohexane were measured behind reflected shock waves in a
      shock tube, and ignition delay times of methylcyclohexane/ oxygen/argon were
      acquired. Experimental conditions cover temperatures from 1 164 to 1 566 K,
      pressures from 1.03 to 1.99 atm, a fuel concentration of 1.0%, and an equivalence
      ratio of 1.0. Combustion reaction characteristics of methylcyclohexane were
      obtained qualitatively by analyzing emissions from intermediate products OH, CH
      and C2. The measured ignition delay times agree with available experimental data
      and the prediction of a combustion reaction mechanism. Current work provides
      experimental data for constructing and validating the combustion reaction
      mechanism of methylcyclohexane.

PMID- 22097863
TI  - [Research on spectral characteristics of Yb3+ doped double-cladding large-mode
      area micro-structured optical fiber].
AB  - Yb3+ doped double-cladding large-mode-area micro-structured optical fibers (Micro
      structured fibers, MSF) are the ideal medium for the super high-power optical
      fiber laser applications. In the present paper, the authors fabricated the Yb3+
      doped silica-based glass using the method of non-chemical vapor deposition, and
      fabricated the Yb3+ doped double-cladding large-mode-area MSF by stack-drawing
      method using this glass as the core of MSF, according to the design requirements.
      Fluorescence spectrum of the MSF was obtained using Ti: sapphire femtosecond
      laser with the wavelength of 975 nm and LD laser with the wavelength of 980 nm as
      pumping source. The experimental results show that the optical fiber has strong
      fluorescence at the wavelength of 1 050 nm, and it can inhibit generation of
      cooperative luminescence effectively.

PMID- 22097864
TI  - [Preparation and catalytic activity of surface-modification CNTs/TiO2 composite
      photocatalysts].
AB  - A novel kind of carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide (CNTs/TiO2) composite
      photocatalyst was prepared by a modified sol-gel method in which the nanoscaled
      TiO2 particles were uniformly deposited on the CNTs modified with poly(vinyl
      pyrrolidone) (PVP). The composites were characterized by a range of analytical
      techniques including high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X
      ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results
      show the successful covering of the CNTs with PVP, forming core-shell structure.
      The nanoscaled TiO2 particles were uniformly deposited on the surface of CNTs
      reducing the bare CNTs which avoid losing the absorption and scattering of
      photons. The combination of CNTs and TiO2 particles imply the enhanced
      interactions between the CNTs and TiO2 interface which possibly becomes
      heterojunction. The composites become mesoporous crystalline TiO2 (anatase)
      clusters after annealing at 500 degrees C, and the surface area increases
      obviously. The photocatalytic activities of surface modification CNTs/TiO2
      (smCNTs/TiO2) composites are extremely enhanced from the results of the
      photodegradation of methylene blue (MB).

PMID- 22097865
TI  - [Study on the distribution of plasma parameters in electrodeless lamp using
      emission spectrometry].
AB  - Electrodeless lamp in pear shape was ignited using inductively coupled discharge
      setup and Ar-Hg mixtures as working gas. The changes in electronic temperature
      and density with axial and radial positions at 5 s of igniting were studied by
      means of emission spectrometry. The changes in electronic temperature were
      obtained according to the Ar line intensity ratio of 425.9 nm/ 750.4 nm. And the
      variations in electronic density were analyzed using 750.4 nm line intensity. It
      was found that plasma electronic temperature and density is various at different
      axial or radial positions. The electronic temperatures first increase, then
      decrease, and then increase quickly, and finally decline. While the electronic
      density firstly increase quickly, the decrease, and then rise slowly and finally
      decline again with axial distance increasing. With radial distance increasing,
      electronic temperature increases to a stable area, then continues to rise, while
      electronic density decreases.

PMID- 22097866
TI  - [A real-time determination method with laser measurement for depth profile
      analysis of GD-OES].
AB  - This paper presents the traditional methods of GD depth analysis method and also
      its limitations, and the earlier studies of real-time depth measurement
      technology. A new method of real-time depth determination by laser technology for
      GD-OES depth analysis is proposed. The real-time depth measurement system is
      composed of laser displacement sensor and new designed Grimm-type GD source based
      on laser measurement method, and the system design and technical principles are
      described in detail. Sputtering depth measurement signal and element spectrum
      signal can be synchronously collected by this system. The displacement phenomenon
      of glow discharge source during real-time sputtering depth measurement process is
      analyzed. The real-time sputtering depth measurement curve of zinc alloy standard
      sample was tested by two laser displacement sensors measurement system. The
      actual value of sputtering depth was obtained by adding the depth measurement
      curve of sputtering surface and the reference plane curve, and the actual depth
      result is in line with Dektak8-type surface profilometer.

PMID- 22097867
TI  - [Plasma spectral analysis of laser cleaning process in air].
AB  - It is quick and accurate to on-line monitor the sample condition of laser
      cleaning by means of laser-induced plasma spectrum in air. In the present
      article, the echelle grating spectrometer was used to detect the plasma spectral
      lines induced by pulsed laser interaction with copper coin samples with or
      without contamination. The spectrogram showed that there were clear Cu I spectrum
      lines and air atom spectrum lines of N I and O I. In order to eliminate the
      uncertainty of single measurement, the statistical regularity of N I and O I
      spectrum lines was analyzed. Their intensity distribution laws were consistent
      and their relative standard deviations were the same basically. So a single
      measurement spectrum could be used to monitor cleaning process. The spectra of
      copper samples with contamination consisted of many elements atomic spectral
      lines and continuous spectral lines. But there are Cu I spectral lines in the
      spectra of clean copper samples. As a result, the authors could detect the change
      of spectral lines to judge whether the laser cleaning samples were clean.

PMID- 22097868
TI  - [Quantitative analysis of Mn, Cr in steel based on laser-induced breakdown
      spectroscopy].
AB  - Quantitative analysis of trace elements such as manganese and chromium in steel
      was performed employing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique in
      the present paper. The experimental measurements indicate that the optimal delay,
      focal plane and detecting position from the sample surface are 2 micros, -3.5 mm
      and 1.5 mm,respectively. Mn I: 403.07 nm and Cr I : 427.48 nm were selected as
      the analytical lines and their contents in the target steel sample were analyzed
      with traditional quantitative analysis and internal standard methods. Comparison
      of the results with two kinds of quantitatively analytical methods show that the
      coefficients of determination gained by internal standard method are 0.998 and
      0.979 which are much better than the results obtained by traditional quantitative
      analysis method. According to the established calibration curve by internal
      standard method the detection limits of manganese and chromium calculated are
      0.005% and 0.040 6%, respectively.

PMID- 22097869
TI  - [Study on of deferrization mechanism of apoferritin and the effect of spectra
      variation with holoferritin].
AB  - The deferrization mechanism of apoferritin was established, and the spectra
      variation of apoferritin was compared with that of holoferritin. Sodium
      hyposulfite is a strong reducing agent, therefore, was applied to deoxidize
      holoferritin to release iron ion, and connection of iron of buffer was measured
      by the 2,2-dipyridyl. Apoferritin was detected by ICP-MS. Holoferritin was found
      to have no absorption compared with apoferritin by UV analysis, and have no
      fluorescence emission spectra in contrast with apoferritin by fluorescence
      analysis.

PMID- 22097870
TI  - Content of nutritional elements in sudangrass and ryegrass determined by ICP-AES.
AB  - The sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense) and ryegrass (Lolium multi florum L.) rotation
      is a new type of cropping system, which has developed rapidly in recent years in
      the south of China. The contents of nutritional elements for forage grass in the
      sudangrass and ryegrass rotation system were determined by ICP-AES. The results
      showed that there were abundant and essential nutritional elements for animals in
      sudangrass and ryegrass. The contents of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, B, Cu, Zn and Mn
      for sudangrass were 0.20% -0.29%, 1.94%-2.57%, 0.62%-0.97%, 0.39%-0.69%, 0.12%
      0.18%, 108.35-180.12, 3.04-5.96, 6.17-10.02, 20.37-31.36 and 46.80-101.29 mg x
      kg(-1), respectively. The contents of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, Mn for
      ryegrass were 0.39%-0.70%, 3.77%-5.07%, 0.61%-0.84%, 0.28% -0.47%, 0.32%-0.41%,
      291.65- 632.20, 2.13-3.23, 13.29-15.19, 30.73-42.98 and 92.08-156.04 mg x kg(-1),
      respectively, and there were differences between various periods in nutritional
      elements in the two forage grasses. The application of ICP-AES could reflect fast
      and efficiently the content of nutritional elements for forage grass as animals
      feed.

PMID- 22097871
TI  - [Determination of Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, P, Si, Mo and Ti in high chromium cast iron by
      inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry].
AB  - The high-chromium cast iron sample was microwave-assisted digested with aqueous
      regia in a closed vessel. Series standards were prepared with matching Fe matrix
      and adding Y as internal standard. Line intensities of the prepared standards and
      the digested sample solutions were determined by inductively coupled plasma
      atomic emission spectrometry. Accuracy of the proposed method was verified by the
      analysis of three national standard Materials GSBH 41018, GBW 01120 and GBW
      01121, and the results were well agreed with the certification data.

PMID- 22097872
TI  - [Study of symbolic element in roasting slag of pyrite by inductively coupled
      plasma mass spectrometry].
AB  - In the present paper, the correlations between sixteen elements from the dry
      method roasted dust-slag of pyrite and sixteen elements from the soil layer near
      and far from the store area were studied by ICP-MS. Similar radio and outstanding
      different radio of the elements between the dust-slag and the soil were studied
      too. It was discovered that in the pollution soil layer Tl, Cd, Cs, Cu, Zn, Mn,
      Pb and Ni were easy to be identified and had similar radio with the elements in
      the dust-slag. But only Tl, Cd, Zn and Ni are suitable for criterion of element
      similar properties. In dust-slag and soil, distinct composition element radios of
      Tl, Cs, Co, Mo, Zn, Cr, V, Sr, Sb, Pb, Rb, Mn and Ni had striking
      differentiation. Only Tl, V, Sb and Cu corresponded to both the uncorrelated
      elements analysis of surface layer and middle-base layer soil. Tl could be used
      as an inspection target of similar elements and outstanding different elements
      between the dust-slag and the soil in the meanwhile. So we suggested that Tl can
      be used as a symbolic element in the roasting dust-slag of pyrite to find the
      dust-slag of pyrite in dust-recognition and to differentiate the metallurgy dust
      of pyrite and soil dust.

PMID- 22097873
TI  - [Determination of metals in waste bag filter of steel works by microwave
      digestion-flame atomic absorption spectrometry].
AB  - A method of microwave digestion technique-flame atomic absorption spectrometry
      was proposed to determine the total contents of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in five
      different kinds of waste bag filters from a steel plant. The digestion effects of
      the six acid systems on the heavy metals digestion were studied for the first
      time. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method was between 1.02% and
      9.35%, and the recovery rates obtained by standard addition method ranged from
      87.7% to 105.6%. The results indicated that the proposed method exhibited the
      advantages of simplicity, speediness, accuracy and repeatability, and it was
      suitable for determining the metal elements of the waste bag filter. The results
      also showed that different digestion systems should be used according to
      different waste bag filters. The waste bag filter samples from different
      production processes had different metal elements content. The Pb and Zn were the
      highest in the waste bag filters, while the Cu, Ni, Cd and Cr were relatively
      lower. These determination results provided the scientific data for further
      treatment and disposal of the waste bag filter.

PMID- 22097874
TI  - [XPS and SEM spectroscopy study of hyperdispersant on atrazine surface].
AB  - The authors studied the electronic condition of comb-shaped copolymer of
      polycarboxylic acid type hyperdispersant adsorbed on the surface of atrazine
      particles with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thickness of the
      adsorption was calculated. The results suggested that after adsorbing the
      dispersant, the peak intensity of N(1s) and Cl(2p) of the interface of atrazine
      particle decreased sharply, while the absorption of Cl(2s) almost diminished.
      Meanwhile the peak intensity of C(1s), O (1s) and Na(1s) increased obviously
      owing to the second emission of C, O, and Na from the dispersant molecule. After
      adsorption, the dispersant formed a favorable protecting membrane on the surface
      of atrazine particles whose thickness was about 24 nm. The authors also studied
      the surface state of the sample with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The
      results of which showed that after adsorption, the atrazine particles became
      smaller and their dispersion was in good order. These changes allowed the
      atrazine particle to have a stable suspension property. This study provided
      significant information for the application of environment friendly atrazine
      suspension concentrate.

PMID- 22097875
TI  - [The influence of the gain on ignition and correction in X-ray fluorescence
      spectrometry].
AB  - Research on the gain on ignition question for preparing ore with fusion sample
      preparation technique was done, and a new correction method was worked out. After
      fusion sample preparation, sulphide ore would have a lot of sulfate, which would
      change the sample matrix dramatically, and the matrix effect was corrected with
      errors. In this paper, a new solution to measuring gain on ignition was put
      forward, and it was committed step that the sample having gain on ignition was
      redefined by sample having loss on ignition. Through conversion, the gain on
      ignition was corrected by subtraction method, and the matrix effect was corrected
      by theoretical influence coefficients. The analysis results of redefinition
      samples were converted into the primal samples lastly. The project took copper
      concentrates as the experimental object, it was found that the gain on ignition
      of this method was obviously different from the gravimetric method, but through
      influence evaluation, this error had little effect on test results, and may be
      reduced by flux. After correction of the gain on ignition, the standard deviation
      of the elements calibration curves for Cu, Fe and S were less than 0.14%, 0.074%
      and 0.14% respectively, which were obviousely superior to 0.21%, 0.15% and 0.19%.
      The results got from this method were in satisfactory agreement with certified
      values.

PMID- 22097876
TI  - [Searching QSO candidates and calculating their redshfit from a flood of
      spectra].
AB  - In the present paper the author offers a method to search the QSO candidates and
      calculate their redshfit using their broad emission lines which are the most
      important character of quasars. It is hard to identify the lines in the quasar's
      spectra due to their redshifts distributing on a broad range. Spectra contain two
      components. One is continuum and the other is lines. The author uses a method of
      LFPS (low frequency points set) to build the continuum and detect the obvious
      emission lines, a method that can avoid the broad emission lines as a part of the
      continuum. The redshift can be calculated by comparing the extracted lines with
      the line table. The classification can be done with both emission lines and the
      redshift. For a better accurate rate to recognize the lines, this paper provides
      a method to estimate the level of the local noise. The method this paper used is
      independent of the flux calibration of the spectra. It can work for the spectra
      of the present LAMOST.

PMID- 22097877
TI  - [Galaxy/quasar classification based on nearest neighbor method].
AB  - With the wide application of high-quality CCD in celestial spectrum imagery and
      the implementation of many large sky survey programs (e. g., Sloan Digital Sky
      Survey (SDSS), Two-degree-Field Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dF), Spectroscopic
      Survey Telescope (SST), Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope
      (LAMOST) program and Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) program, etc.),
      celestial observational data are coming into the world like torrential rain.
      Therefore, to utilize them effectively and fully, research on automated
      processing methods for celestial data is imperative. In the present work, we
      investigated how to recognizing galaxies and quasars from spectra based on
      nearest neighbor method. Galaxies and quasars are extragalactic objects, they are
      far away from earth, and their spectra are usually contaminated by various noise.
      Therefore, it is a typical problem to recognize these two types of spectra in
      automatic spectra classification. Furthermore, the utilized method, nearest
      neighbor, is one of the most typical, classic, mature algorithms in pattern
      recognition and data mining, and often is used as a benchmark in developing novel
      algorithm. For applicability in practice, it is shown that the recognition ratio
      of nearest neighbor method (NN) is comparable to the best results reported in the
      literature based on more complicated methods, and the superiority of NN is that
      this method does not need to be trained, which is useful in incremental learning
      and parallel computation in mass spectral data processing. In conclusion, the
      results in this work are helpful for studying galaxies and quasars spectra
      classification.

PMID- 22097878
TI  - [One step method to design concave holographic grating for monochromator].
AB  - The present paper put forward a new method, named one step method, to design
      concave holographic grating for a monochromator. This new method is simple and
      direct and easy to understand. Additionally, in this new method, we can control
      the whole aberrations of concave grating very well. Genetic algorithm was applied
      to optimize the objective function of this new method for its strong ability to
      search the extremum of nonlinear functions and a comparison was made between this
      new method and the classical method. The result shows that, for coma correction
      or astigmatism correction, the imaging properties of the concave grating designed
      by the new method is much better than the grating designed by the classical
      method.

PMID- 22097880
TI  - Bone segmentation applying rigid bone position and triple shadow check method
      based on RF data.
AB  - Noninvasive 3D reconstruction of a bone requires very accurate 2D navigated scans
      of bone. The use of brightness-mode ultrasound seems to be promising, if some 2D
      scans of bone are obtained in a fully automatic manner. This paper presents a
      rapid and fully automatic method for segmenting bone in a standard 2D ultrasound
      image (B-mode image). The algorithm focuses on segmenting bone in the B-mode
      image using RF data of the image. The article introduces the signal-processing
      scheme designed based on RF data to automatically segment bone in the B-mode
      image. The segmentation accuracy was assessed by performing various tests for
      this algorithm for various locations of the limbs of the human body. The
      algorithm was tested for 120 images taken at different locations of limbs of the
      human body. The sensitivity of these tests was calculated to be 0.99 and
      specificity was found to be 1. The suggested segmentation approach provides a
      reliable means of detecting bone in B-mode image.

PMID- 22097879
TI  - QM/MM analysis suggests that Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) and nucleotide
      pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase slightly tighten the transition state for
      phosphate diester hydrolysis relative to solution: implication for catalytic
      promiscuity in the AP superfamily.
AB  - Several members of the Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) superfamily exhibit a high level
      of catalytic proffciency and promiscuity in structurally similar active sites. A
      thorough characterization of the nature of transition state for different
      substrates in these enzymes is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms
      that govern those remarkable catalytic properties. In this work, we study the
      hydrolysis of a phosphate diester, MpNPP(-), in solution, two experimentally well
      characterized variants of AP (R166S AP, R166S/E322Y AP) and wild type Nucleotide
      pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP) by QM/MM calculations in which the QM
      method is an approximate density functional theory previously parametrized for
      phosphate hydrolysis (SCC-DFTBPR). The general agreements found between these
      calculations and available experimental data for both solution and enzymes
      support the use of SCC-DFTBPR/MM for a semiquantitative analysis of the catalytic
      mechanism and nature of transition state in AP and NPP. Although phosphate
      diesters are cognate substrates for NPP but promiscuous substrates for AP, the
      calculations suggest that their hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by AP and NPP
      feature similar synchronous transition states that are slightly tighter in nature
      compared to that in solution, due in part to the geometry of the bimetallic zinc
      motif. Therefore, this study provides the first direct computational support to
      the hypothesis that enzymes in the AP superfamily catalyze cognate and
      promiscuous substrates via similar transition states to those in solution. Our
      calculations do not support the finding of recent QM/MM studies by Lopez-Canut
      and co-workers, who suggested that the same diester substrate goes through a much
      looser transition state in NPP/AP than in solution, a result likely biased by the
      large structural distortion of the bimetallic zinc site in their simulations.
      Finally, our calculations for different phosphate diester orientations and
      phosphorothioate diesters highlight that the interpretation of thio-substitution
      experiments is not always straightforward.

PMID- 22097881
TI  - Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha is involved in the neurodegeneration induced by
      isoflurane in the brain of neonatal rats.
AB  - More and more data show isoflurane, a commonly used volatile anesthetic has dual
      effects on neuron fate. However, the underlying mechanisms that can explain the
      apparent paradox are poorly understood. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, a
      transcription factor, has been found regulating both prosurvival and prodeath
      pathways in the CNS. Previously, we found that isoflurane can activate HIF-1alpha
      under normoxic conditions in vitro and HIF-1alpha has been found to be involved
      in the pre-conditioning effect of isoflurane in various organs. Here, we
      investigated whether HIF-1alpha is a contributing factor in the neurodegenration
      in rodent primary cultured neurons and in developing rat brain. Isoflurane dose
      dependently induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in neonatal rats as assessed by
      S100beta, cleaved caspase 3 and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP),
      respectively. Notably, isoflurane up-regulates HIF-1alpha protein levels in vivo
      and in vitro during induction of neurodegeneration. Likewise, isoflurane resulted
      in a significant elevation of cytosonic calcium levels in neuron cultures.
      Furthermore, knockdown of HIF-1alpha expression in cultured neurons attenuated
      isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity. Finally, Morris water maze (MWM) test showed
      neonatal exposure to isoflurane impaired juvenile learning and memory ability in
      rats. These findings indicate that HIF-1alpha is involved in the
      neurodegeneration induced by isoflurane in the brain of neonatal rats, suggesting
      HIF-1alpha may be a candidate for the dual effects of isoflurane on neuron fate.

PMID- 22097882
TI  - Enantioselective enolate protonation in sulfa-Michael addition to alpha
      substituted N-acryloyloxazolidin-2-ones with bifunctional organocatalyst.
AB  - Organocatalytic conjugate addition of thiols to alpha-substituted N
      acryloyloxazolidin-2-ones followed by asymmetric protonation has been studied in
      the presence of cinchona alkaloid derived thioureas. Both of the enantiomers are
      accessible with the same level of enantioselectivity using pseudoenantiomeric
      quinine/quinidine derived catalysts. The addition/protonation products have been
      converted to useful biologically active molecules.

PMID- 22097884
TI  - Severe lipoatrophy with insulin in type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 22097883
TI  - Radical-mediated enzymatic methylation: a tale of two SAMS.
AB  - Methylation is an essential and ubiquitous reaction that plays an important role
      in a wide range of biological processes. Most biological methylations use S
      adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor and proceed via an S(N)2
      displacement mechanism. However, researchers have discovered an increasing number
      of methylations that involve radical chemistry. The enzymes known to catalyze
      these reactions all belong to the radical SAM superfamily. This family of enzymes
      utilizes a specialized [4Fe-4S] cluster for reductive cleavage of SAM to yield a
      highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl (dAdo) radical. Radical chemistry is then
      imposed on a variety of organic substrates, leading to a diverse array of
      transformations. Until recently, researchers had not fully understood how these
      enzymes employ radical chemistry to mediate a methyl transfer reaction.  Sequence
      analyses reveal that the currently identified radical SAM methyltransferases
      (RSMTs) can be grouped into three classes, which appear distinct in protein
      architecture and mechanism. Class A RSMTs mainly include the rRNA
      methyltransferases RlmN and Cfr from various origins. As exemplified by 
      Escherichia coli  RlmN, these proteins have a single canonical radical SAM core
      domain that includes an (betaalpha)(6) partial barrel most similar to that of
      pyruvate formate lyase-activase. The exciting recent studies on RlmN and Cfr are
      beginning to provide insights into the intriguing chemistry of class A RSMTs.
      These enzymes utilize a methylene radical generated on a unique methylated
      cysteine residue. However, based on the variety of substrates used by the other
      classes of RSMTs, alternative mechanisms are likely to be discovered. Class B
      RSMTs contain a proposed N-terminal cobalamin binding domain in addition to a
      radical SAM domain at the C-terminus. This class of proteins methylates diverse
      substrates at inert sp(3) carbons, aromatic heterocycles, and phosphinates,
      possibly involving a cobalamin-mediated methyl transfer process. Class C RSMTs
      share significant sequence similarity with coproporphyrinogen III oxidase HemN.
      Despite methylating similar substrates (aromatic heterocycles), class C RSMTs
      likely employ a mechanism distinct from that of class A because two conserved
      cysteines that are required for class A are typically not found in class C RSMTs.
      Class A and class B enzymes probably share the use of two molecules of SAM: one
      to generate a dAdo radical and one to provide the methyl group to the substrate.
      In class A, a cysteine would act as a conduit of the methyl group whereas in
      class B cobalamin may serve this purpose. Currently no clues are available
      regarding the mechanism of class C RSMTs, but the sequence similarities between
      its members and HemN and the observation that HemN binds two SAM molecules
      suggest that class C enzymes could use two SAM molecules for catalysis. The
      diverse strategies for using two SAM molecules reflect the rich chemistry of
      radical-mediated methylation reactions and the remarkable versatility of the
      radical SAM superfamily.

PMID- 22097885
TI  - Introducing routine trial of labour after caesarean section in a second level
      hospital setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analysed the impact on caesarean section (CS) rate of introducing a
      routine trial of labour (TOL) for patients with a previous CS. STUDY DESIGN:
      During 2007 and 2008, we offered a TOL to all women with one previous CS planning
      to give birth in our hospital. The adherence to the procedure, success of vaginal
      delivery, overall CS rate, incidence of symptomatic uterine rupture and other
      complications were evaluated. Labour induction was allowed only using castor oil
      or Amniotomy. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four women were considered eligible
      for TOL. A total of 87.6% of them agreed to undergo the procedure (78.7% in the
      first year versus 95.2% in the second year, p < 0.05). Of these, 63.5% delivered
      successfully (42.3% in the first year versus 78.8% in the second year, p < 0.05);
      10.6% underwent a primary CS because of failed spontaneous labour or failed
      labour induction and 25.9% a secondary CS during labour. The CS rate decreased
      significantly from 19.6% (in 2003-2006) to 14.9% (iN 2007-2008) (p < 0.05). One
      case of symptomatic uterine rupture occurred, while no difference for other
      complications was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The CS rate decreased dramatically
      through introducing a TOL programme for patients with one previous CS. The
      possibility of symptomatic uterine rupture should be however considered and
      patients adequately informed.

PMID- 22097886
TI  - The effects of methane and hydrogen gases produced by enteric bacteria on ileal
      motility and colonic transit time.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gases produced by intestinal flora may modulate intestinal motor
      function in healthy individuals as well as those with functional bowel disease.
      Methane, produced by enteric bacteria in the human gut, is associated with slowed
      intestinal transit and constipation. The effects of hydrogen, another main gas
      produced by bacterial fermentation in the gut, on small bowel and colonic motor
      function remains unrecognized. Therefore, we set out to investigate whether
      intestinal gases including methane and hydrogen could influence the small bowel
      motility and colonic transit. METHODS: Guinea pig ileum was placed in the
      peristaltic bath with tension transducers attached to measure velocity and
      amplitude of peristaltic contraction before and after the infusion of control,
      hydrogen, and methane gases. Also, changes in the intraluminal pressures were
      monitored before and after the gas infusions. KEY RESULTS: Methane decreased
      peristaltic velocity and increased contraction amplitude significantly of guinea
      pig ileum (P < 0.05). The AUC of intraluminal pressure was significantly
      increased with methane in guinea pig ileum (P < 0.05). In a second experiment,
      guinea pig colon was placed in the peristaltic bath to measure transit time
      before and after control, hydrogen, methane, and methane-hydrogen mixture gas
      infusions. Hydrogen shortened colonic transit time by 47% in the proximal colon,
      and by 10% in the distal colon, when compared with baselines (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Methane delayed ileal peristaltic conduction velocity
      by augmenting contractility. Hydrogen shortened colonic transit, and that effect
      was more prominent in the proximal colon than distal colon.

PMID- 22097887
TI  - Matching genetics with oceanography: directional gene flow in a Mediterranean
      fish species.
AB  - Genetic connectivity and geographic fragmentation are two opposing mechanisms
      determining the population structure of species. While the first homogenizes the
      genetic background across populations the second one allows their
      differentiation. Therefore, knowledge of processes affecting dispersal of marine
      organisms is crucial to understand their genetic distribution patterns and for
      the effective management of their populations. In this study, we use genetic
      analyses of eleven microsatellites in combination with oceanographic satellite
      and dispersal simulation data to determine distribution patterns for Serranus
      cabrilla, a ubiquitous demersal broadcast spawner, in the Mediterranean Sea.
      Pairwise population F(ST)  values ranged between -0.003 and 0.135. Two
      genetically distinct clusters were identified, with a clear division located
      between the oceanographic discontinuities at the Ibiza Channel (IC) and the
      Almeria-Oran Front (AOF), revealing an admixed population in between. The
      Balearic Front (BF) also appeared to dictate population structure. Directional
      gene flow on the Spanish coast was observed as S. cabrilla dispersed from west to
      east over the AOF, from north to south on the IC and from south of the IC towards
      the Balearic Islands. Correlations between genetic and oceanographic data were
      highly significant. Seasonal changes in current patterns and the relationship
      between ocean circulation patterns and spawning season may also play an important
      role in population structure around oceanographic fronts.

PMID- 22097888
TI  - Effects of reactive oxygen species from activated leucocytes on human sperm
      motility, viability and morphology.
AB  - The accumulated data suggest that inflammation can increase the level of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to impaired sperm function and male
      infertility. Therefore, we propose that inflammation-mediated production of ROS
      in male and female reproductive tracts hinder sperm fertilisation. To test this
      hypothesis, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) with polymorphonuclear leucocytes
      (PMNs) was applied to generate endogenous ROS. We evaluated the time-dependent
      effects of ROS on human sperm motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane
      potential (MMP). The results showed that after treatment with PMA and PMNs, the
      motility of human spermatozoa significantly decreased to 50% on Day 1 and 15% on
      Day 4 compared with that of the, respectively, negative controls (P = 0.012). The
      viability of human spermatozoa decreased on Day 4 of PMA + PMNs treatment (P =
      0.028). The MMP of human spermatozoa significantly decreased from Day 2 to Day 4
      in the PMA + PMN group compared with that of the controls (P = 0.019). Taken
      together, the 4-day cultivation approach provided an accurate evaluation of sperm
      quality, especially sperm motility and MMP. Our findings indicated that
      endogenous inflammation increased ROS levels, which might induce sperm oxidative
      damage. Additionally, sperm motility might be one of the earliest and most
      sensitive indicators of this damage.

PMID- 22097889
TI  - Association of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene promoter polymorphism at sites 
      308 and -238 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Environmental and genetic factors play a role in the
      pathogenesis and natural history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
      The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the association
      between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene promoter polymorphism at sites 
      308 and -238 and NAFLD susceptibility. METHODS: We performed an extensive search
      of relevant studies and made a meta-analysis, including eight studies with 837
      NAFLD cases and 990 controls in the association between TNF-alpha -308
      polymorphism and NAFLD; and seven studies with 771 cases and 787 controls in TNF
      alpha -238 polymorphism. RESULTS: The combined results showed that there was a
      significant difference in TNF-alpha-238 genotype distribution between NAFLD and
      control based on all studies (GA/AA vs GG [odds ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence
      interval = 1.58-2.69, P < 0.000,01]). However, the combined results based on all
      studies showed there was no evidence of association of TNF-alpha-308 genotype
      distribution between NAFLD cases and controls (GA/AA vs GG [odds ratio = 1.08,
      95% confidence interval = 0.82-1.42, P = 0.60]). When stratifying for race, the
      significant results did not change materially compared with whole populations.
      CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that TNF-alpha gene promoter
      polymorphism at position -238 but not -308 might be a risk factor for NAFLD.

PMID- 22097890
TI  - Chemical and antioxidant properties of casein peptide and its glucose Maillard
      reaction products in fish oil-in-water emulsions.
AB  - Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were prepared by reacting casein peptides with
      different concentrations of glucose at 80  degrees C for up to 12 h. The chemical
      properties of MRPs and their effects on lipid oxidation in fish oil-in-water
      emulsions were investigated. Increasing browning development and absorbance in
      294 nm in the MRPs caused an increase in DPPH radical scavenging, but a decrease
      in iron chelation, which could be related to the loss of free amino groups in the
      peptides. The MRPs produced with longer reaction time or higher glucose
      concentrations were less effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation in emulsions at
      pH 7.0 compared to casein peptides alone. However, the antioxidant activity of
      MRPs in emulsions at pH 3.0 was not decreased by prolonged heating. The
      bitterness of MRPs was less than that of the original casein peptides, and
      bitterness decreased with increasing heating time and glucose concentrations.
      Therefore, the Maillard reaction was a potential method to reduce the bitterness
      of casein peptides while not strongly decreasing their antioxidant activity.

PMID- 22097891
TI  - Immediate breast reconstruction and compliance with UK national cancer waiting
      targets: the University Hospital Birmingham experience.

PMID- 22097893
TI  - Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio: a new marker for predicting steatohepatitis and
      fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most severe form of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is associated with inflammation and
      increased oxidative stress. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L) integrates
      information on the inflammatory milieu and physiological stress. AIMS: The aim of
      this study was to determine the utility of N/L ratio to predict the presence of
      NASH in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Our cohort consisted of 101 consecutive
      patients undergoing liver biopsy for clinical suspicion of NAFLD. Patients were
      divided into two groups: NASH group (n = 50) and not NASH group (n = 51). The
      stage of fibrosis was measured using a 4-point scale. The total white cell count,
      neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were recorded, and the N/L ratio was calculated.
      RESULTS: The mean age was 49.5 (+/- 10.8) years and the mean BMI was 31.4 (+/-
      4.9) kg/m(2) . Patients with NASH had a higher N/L ratio compared with patients
      with not NASH [2.5 (1.9-3.3) and 1.6 (1.2-2.0), respectively, P < 0.001]. The N/L
      ratio correlated with the NAFLD activity score and its individual components
      (steatosis, inflammation and ballooning P < 0.001). Patients with advanced
      fibrosis (F3-4) had an elevated N/L ratio [2.9 (2.0-3.9)] compared with patients
      with fibrosis stage 1-2 [1.8 (1.2-2.2)], P < 0.001. For each one-unit increase in
      N/L ratio, the likelihood of having NASH increased by 70% and the likelihood of
      having fibrosis increased by 50%. CONCLUSION: The N/L ratio is higher in patients
      with NASH and advanced fibrosis. This ratio can be used as a novel noninvasive
      marker to predict advanced disease.

PMID- 22097894
TI  - Tick saliva suppresses IFN signalling in dendritic cells upon Borrelia afzelii
      infection.
AB  - Type I interferons (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) are crucial determinants of the host
      immune response and tick saliva modulates this response, thus facilitating the
      transmission of tickborne pathogens. The current study therefore examines the
      effect of Ixodes ricinus tick saliva on IFN-beta signalling in murine dendritic
      cells using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Borrelia afzelii spirochaetes as
      inducers. Activated dendritic cells secret IFN that activates Signal Transducer
      and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT-1). Our results show that Borrelia-induced
      activation of STAT-1 was suppressed by tick saliva. As the amount of secreted IFN
      beta was not influenced by tick saliva, the results indicated that saliva
      affected the interferon pathway at the IFN receptor or downstream of it. By using
      recombinant IFN-beta, we show that tick saliva attenuates IFN-triggered STAT-1
      activation. Tick saliva also inhibited LPS-induced IFN-beta production suggesting
      that saliva interferes with the activation of the pathway that mediates IFN-beta
      induction. Our data indicate that I. ricinus tick saliva may modulate the host
      immune response by attenuating the initial signal transduction pathway of type I
      IFN.

PMID- 22097895
TI  - DFNB49 is an important cause of non-syndromic deafness in Czech Roma patients but
      not in the general Czech population.
AB  - Due to endogamy, the Roma have a higher risk for autosomal recessive (AR)
      disorders. We used homozygosity mapping on single-nucleotide polymorphism chips
      in one Czech Roma consanguineous family with non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL).
      The second largest homozygous region in a deaf patient was mapped to the
      previously reported DFNB49 region. The MARVELD2 gene was recently reported as a
      causal gene for NSHL DFNB49. Sequencing of the MARVELD2 gene revealed a
      previously reported homozygous mutation c.1331+2 T>C (IVS4 + 2 T>C) in the deaf
      child. Subsequently, the same mutation was found in two more Roma families from
      an additional 19 unrelated Czech Roma patients with deafness tested for the
      MARVELD2 gene. To explore the importance of MARVELD2 mutations and DFNB49 for the
      general Czech and Central European population with early hearing loss we also
      tested 40 unrelated Czech patients with AR NSHL. No pathogenic mutation in the
      MARVELD2 gene was found in a group of 40 Czech non-Roma patients. Mutations in
      the MARVELD2 gene seem to be a significant cause of early NSHL in Czech Roma and
      this gene should be tested in this group of patients after GJB2.

PMID- 22097896
TI  - Repair of rabbit osteochondral defects by an acellular technique with an
      ultrapurified alginate gel containing stromal cell-derived factor-1.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine whether the local administration of
      stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) using ultrapurified alginate gel (UPAL gel)
      could improve reparative tissues of osteochondral defects compared with those
      without treatment. For the investigation, a full-thickness osteochondral defect
      4.5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth was created in the patella groove of the
      distal femur in rabbits. Local expression of SDF-1 protein was temporarily
      upregulated at 1 week after creating the osteochondral defect. The local
      administration of SDF-1 enhanced the migration of host cells, mainly bone marrow
      stromal cells (BMSCs), to the site of the osteochondral defect. In vitro cell
      migration assay supported this result. In the SDF-1 (UPAL gel containing SDF-1)
      treatment group, the histological scores and the compressive modulus of
      reparative tissues were significantly improved compared with the no-treatment and
      vehicle (UPAL gel without SDF-1) groups. On the other hand, SDF-1 did not
      influence the cellular proliferation and chondrogenesis of BMSCs. Based on the
      results obtained here, we speculate that SDF-1 enhances the reparative process of
      osteochondral injuries not through direct effects on the behavior of host cells,
      but through increased migration of host cells to the injured site. UPAL gel, as a
      vehicle material, may play an important role in chondrogenesis of recruited
      cells, mainly BMSCs. The cell-free approach with local administration of SDF-1
      may be an effective strategy for developing a minimally invasive technique for
      cartilage tissue regeneration.

PMID- 22097897
TI  - Prevalence of melanocytic nevi in 8- to 10-year-old children in Southern Spain
      and analysis of associated factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a known relationship between melanocytic nevi (MN) and
      cutaneous melanoma. MN are related to genetic and environmental factors, and the
      latter appear to be more important in childhood. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      prevalence of MN and its relationship with phenotypic traits and sun exposure
      habits in 8- to 10-year-old children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross
      sectional study of 8- to 10-year-old primary school children in the city of
      Granada (Spain), gathering data on phenotypic traits, sun protection measures,
      sunburn frequency and the number and density of MN. RESULTS: We detected a mean
      of 19.38 MN per child, predominantly <2 mm in diameter. MN count was associated
      with low phototype, and was higher in boys vs. girls with low phototype. MN were
      more numerous with higher age. The largest number of MN of all sizes was detected
      in 10-year-old boys. MN were most frequently located on the torso and other sites
      intermittently exposed to sunlight. CONCLUSIONS: A higher MN count is associated
      with lower phototype (blonde hair and fair skin) and higher age. The mean number
      of MN, including those of smaller size (<2 mm), was elevated in our series,
      especially on intermittently exposed sites.

PMID- 22097898
TI  - Long-term outcome of primary non-responders to tenofovir therapy in HIV/HBV-co
      infected patients: impact of HBV genotype G.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the early virological response (EVR) to combined tenofovir
      lamivudine or emtricitabine regimen in HBV/HIV-co-infected patients and the long
      term efficacy of tenofovir. METHODS: In this retrospective monocentric study,
      among the 166 HIV/HBV-co-infected patients regularly followed from 2003 to 2008
      at Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, 61 patients had received, either de novo
      combination therapy with tenofovir and lamivudine or emtricitabine (group I, n =
      15) or add-on tenofovir to lamivudine therapy (group II, n = 46). The HBV
      polymerase region was sequenced and analysed for all patients with available
      samples. RESULTS: All 15 group I patients achieved EVR vs 32 (82%) of group II
      patients (P = 0.15). Seven adherent group II patients met criteria for primary
      non-response, but achieved delayed response (DR) to therapy. In these seven
      patients, when compared with the 39 group II patients, there was a trend to
      longer duration of lamivudine pre-treatment and to higher rate of lamivudine
      resistant mutants; and HBV genotype-G proportion was higher (P = 0.026). No
      virological breakthrough occurred after a median of 46 months follow up.
      CONCLUSION: In these HBV/HIV-co-infected patients, first-line HBV therapy with
      tenofovir and emtricitabine or lamivudine was associated with EVR. However, DR to
      tenofovir was observed in 15% of patients who added tenofovir to lamivudine
      therapy, of whom four of seven (57%) had genotype G-HBV infection. No resistance
      was evidenced after 46 months of therapy even in patients with DR to tenofovir.
      At last, a good renal safety profile of TDF was observed after a median follow-up
      of 4 years of therapy.

PMID- 22097899
TI  - Fatigue-induced increase in intracortical communication between mid/anterior
      insular and motor cortex during cycling exercise.
AB  - In the present study, intracortical communication between mid/anterior insular
      and motor cortex was investigated during a fatiguing cycling exercise. From 16
      healthy male subjects performing a constant-load test at 60% peak oxygen
      consumption (VO(2peak)) until volitional exhaustion, electroencephalography data
      were analysed during repetitive, artefact-free periods of 1-min duration. To
      quantify fatigue-induced intracortical communication, mean intra-hemispheric
      lagged phase synchronization between mid/anterior insular and motor cortex was
      calculated: (i) at the beginning of cycling; (ii) at the end of cycling; and
      (iii) during recovery cycling. Results revealed significantly increased lagged
      phase synchronization at the end of cycling, which returned to baseline during
      recovery cycling after subjects' cessation of exercise. Following previous
      imaging studies reporting the mid/anterior insular cortex as an essential
      instance processing a variety of sensory stimuli and signalling forthcoming
      physiological threat, our results provide further evidence that during a
      fatiguing exercise this structure might not only integrate and evaluate sensory
      information from the periphery, but also act in communication with the motor
      cortex. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically
      demonstrate that muscle fatigue leads to changes in interaction between
      structures of a brain's neural network.

PMID- 22097900
TI  - Hydration of formate and acetate ions by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy.
AB  - Dielectric relaxation (DR) spectra have been measured for aqueous solutions of
      sodium formate (NaOFm) and sodium acetate (NaOAc) over a wide range of
      frequencies (0.2 <= nu/GHz <= 89) up to solute concentrations c is less or
      approximately equal to 3.2 M and is less or approximately equal to 3.7 M,
      respectively, at 25  degrees C. Measurements were also made on NaOAc(aq) at 15 <=
      T/ degrees C <= 35. In addition to the usual dominant bulk-water relaxation
      process at ~20 GHz, one or two further relaxation modes were detected. One
      process, centered at ~8 GHz and observed for both NaOFm(aq) and NaOAc(aq), was
      attributed to the presence of slow water in the hydration shells of the anions. A
      lower-frequency process at ~0.6 GHz, observed only for NaOAc(aq) at c is less or
      approximately equal to 1 M, was thought to be due to the presence of very small
      concentrations of ion pairs. Detailed analysis of the spectra indicated that very
      few (<2 per anion) water molecules were irrotationally bound (frozen) on the DR
      time scale. Nevertheless, both anions are strongly hydrated, as evidenced by the
      significant amounts of slow water detected. Such H(2)O molecules with reduced
      dynamics result from two distinct effects. The first is the relatively strong
      hydrophilic interaction of water with the -COO(-) moiety, which is similar for
      the two anions and little affected by increasing solute concentration. The second
      (for OAc(-) only) is the hydrophobic hydration of the -CH(3) group, which is
      fragile, decreasing markedly with increasing solute concentration and
      temperature. The activation parameters for bulk-water relaxation in NaOAc(aq)
      indicated a breakdown of the bulk water structure at high solute concentrations.

PMID- 22097903
TI  - Circadian clocks and drug delivery systems: impact and opportunities in
      chronotherapeutics.
AB  - Chronotherapeutics aims at the adjustment of treatments to ~ 24 h rhythms, which
      result from the moderation of most biological functions by the circadian timing
      system (CTS). The integration of CTS-related knowledge in drug delivery concepts
      challenges most current views, where steady-state constant drug levels are
      synonymous to enhanced tolerability and efficacy. In contrast, robust molecular
      clocks rhythmically control Phase I, II and III drug metabolism, as well as
      pharmacodynamics. Thus, circadian timing of medications predictably modifies drug
      tolerability and/or efficacy up to several-fold in rodents, as well as in
      patients. Optimal dosing times indeed complement the recommendations for optimal
      doses of glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, bronchodilators and so on. Clinically-driven in
      vitro and in silico circadian data now provide mechanistic insights for the
      effective translation of chronotherapeutic delivery, especially for cancer
      therapies. Programmable-in-time electronic or polymeric drug delivery systems are
      being used for improving health in patients with cancer or rheumatoid diseases,
      respectively. Current research aims at the optimization of circadian amplitude
      and phase of drug delivery according to CTS biomarkers. Intelligent drug delivery
      systems could then integrate the critical rhythmic information stemming from the
      individual patient and achieve a critical leap forward in the safe administration
      of potentially toxic therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22097901
TI  - Overnight changes in waking auditory evoked potential amplitude reflect altered
      sleep homeostasis in major depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep homeostasis is altered in major depressive disorder (MDD). Pre-
      to postsleep decline in waking auditory evoked potential (AEP) amplitude has been
      correlated with sleep slow wave activity (SWA), suggesting that overnight changes
      in waking AEP amplitude are homeostatically regulated in healthy individuals.
      This study investigated whether the overnight change in waking AEP amplitude and
      its relation to SWA is altered in MDD. METHOD: Using 256-channel high-density
      electroencephalography, all-night sleep polysomnography and single-tone waking
      AEPs pre- and postsleep were collected in 15 healthy controls (HC) and 15 non
      medicated individuals with MDD. RESULTS: N1 and P2 amplitudes of the waking AEP
      declined after sleep in the HC group, but not in MDD. The reduction in N1
      amplitude also correlated with fronto-central SWA in the HC group, but a
      comparable relationship was not found in MDD, despite equivalent SWA between
      groups. No pre- to postsleep differences were found for N1 or P2 latencies in
      either group. These findings were not confounded by varying levels of alertness
      or differences in sleep variables between groups. CONCLUSION: MDD involves
      altered sleep homeostasis as measured by the overnight change in waking AEP
      amplitude. Future research is required to determine the clinical implications of
      these findings.

PMID- 22097904
TI  - Advanced methodologies to formulate nanotheragnostic agents for combined drug
      delivery and imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in nanoparticle synthesis engineering have made it
      possible to combine disease diagnosis and therapy. This progress could help to
      open the door to 'personalized' medicines. AREAS COVERED: This review highlights
      the significant applications of theragnostic nanoparticles in therapy. The basic
      elements to be included in the formulation of theragnostic nanotools are briefly
      compiled and explained. Special attention is given to the analysis of current
      formulation strategies from case studies in the literature published after 2000
      for simultaneous selective disease imaging and efficient image-guided drug (gene)
      delivery. This contribution provides a systematic overview of important features
      in the formulation of theragnostic nanoparticulate systems. Special insight is
      given to the introduction of passive and active targeting concepts in the
      engineering of such multifunctional nanoplatforms to gain control of their
      biological fate. EXPERT OPINION: Theragnostic nanotechnologies will optimize the
      way of delivering therapeutic and imaging molecules to disease sites; as a
      consequence, combined selective diagnosis and effective pharmacotherapy could be
      used in unison to combat severe diseases. Nanotoxicity investigations, which
      illustrate the risks of toxicity/immunogenicity associated with the use of such
      nanoplatforms, will determine their introduction into the clinic.

PMID- 22097902
TI  - Differential roles of cysteine residues in the cellular trafficking,
      dimerization, and function of the high-density lipoprotein receptor, SR-BI.
AB  - The scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR-BI) binds high-density lipoprotein
      (HDL) and mediates selective delivery of cholesteryl esters (CEs) to the liver
      and steroidogenic cells of the adrenal glands and gonads. Although it is clear
      that the large extracellular domain (ECD) of SR-BI binds HDL, the role of ECD in
      the selective HDL-CE transport remains poorly understood. In this study, we used
      a combination of mutational and chemical approaches to systematically evaluate
      the contribution of cysteine residues, especially six cysteine residues of ECD,
      in SR-BI-mediated selective HDL-CE uptake, intracellular trafficking, and SR-BI
      dimerization. Pretreatment of SR-BI-overexpressing COS-7 cells with a disulfide
      (S-S) bond reducing agent, beta-mercaptoethanol (100 mM) or dithiothreitol (DTT)
      (10 mM), modestly but significantly impaired SR-BI-mediated selective HDL-CE
      uptake. Treatment of SR-BI-overexpressing COS-7 cells with the optimal doses of
      membrane permeant alkyl methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents, positively charged
      MTSEA or neutral MMTS, that specifically react with the free sulfhydryl group of
      cysteine reduced the rate of SR-BI-mediated selective HDL-CE uptake, indicating
      that certain intracellular free cysteine residues may also be critically involved
      in the selective cholesterol transport process. In contrast, use of membrane
      impermeant MTS reagent, positively charged MTSET and negatively charged MTSES,
      showed no such effect. Next, the importance of eight cysteine residues in SR-BI
      expression, cell surface expression, dimer formation, and selective HDL-derived
      CE transport was evaluated. These cysteine residues were replaced either singly
      or in pairs with serine, and the mutant SR-BIs were expressed in either COS-7 or
      CHO cells. Four mutations, C280S, C321S, C323S, and C334S, of the ECD, either
      singly or in various pair combinations, resulted in significant decreases in SR
      BI (HDL) binding activity, selective CE uptake, and trafficking to the cell
      surface. Surprisingly, we found that mutation of the two remaining cysteine
      residues, C251 and C384 of the ECD, had no effect on either SR-BI expression or
      function. Other cysteine mutations and substitutions were also without effect.
      Western blot data indicated that single and double mutations at C280, C321, C323,
      and C334 residues strongly favor dimer formation. However, they are rendered
      nonfunctional presumably because of mutation-induced formation of aberrant
      disulfide linkages resulting in inhibition of optimal HDL binding and, thus,
      selective HDL-CE uptake. These results provide novel insights into the functional
      role of four cysteine residues, C280, C321, C323, and C334, of the SR-BI ECD in
      SR-BI expression and trafficking to the cell surface, its dimerization, and
      associated selective CE transport function.

PMID- 22097905
TI  - Quality by design (QbD) approaches for the compression step of tableting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although tableting is one of the most commonly used processes in
      drug manufacturing, the tablet formation process is still not fully understood,
      nor can it be fully controlled. AREAS COVERED: In this paper, recent approaches
      to correlate tablet mechanical properties with process parameters are discussed,
      covering (mainly) the last 5 years. These approaches are the basis for a future
      of rational formulation strategies, which may lead to optimum tablet properties
      within a shorter timescale, in contrast to the present empirical approach. The
      reader will on one hand gain an insight into current parameterization of the
      tableting process and evaluation strategies and on the other hand will gain an
      impression of the difficulties connected to the interpretation of a physically
      complex process and its impact on predictive modeling. EXPERT OPINION: The main
      consolidated findings are that even when using multivariate statistical
      approaches, it cannot be expected to find a global evaluation method that fully
      explains the mechanism of tableting, but that careful sequential evaluation is
      required. For further improvement, there is a need to use more complex models and
      alternative technologies, in order to increase both tablet quality and
      productivity.

PMID- 22097906
TI  - Spray granulation for drug formulation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Granulation is a key unit process in the production of
      pharmaceutical solid dosage forms and involves the agglomeration of fine
      particles with the aid of a binding agent. Fluidized bed granulation, a classic
      example of spray granulation, is a technique of particle agglomeration brought
      about by the spray addition of the binding liquid onto a stationary bed of powder
      particles that is transformed to a fluid-like state by the passage of air through
      it. AREAS COVERED: The basic working principles, equipment set-up, advantages and
      challenges of fluidized bed granulation are introduced in this review. This is
      followed by an overview of the formulation and process-related variables
      affecting granulation performance. Technological advances, particularly in the
      application of process analytical tools, in the field of fluidized bed
      granulation research are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Fluidized bed
      granulation is a popular technique for pharmaceutical production, as it is a
      highly economical and efficient one-pot process. The research and development of
      process analytical technologies (PAT) has allowed greater process understanding
      and control to be achieved, even for the lesser known fluidized bed techniques,
      such as bottom spray and fluidized hot melt granulation. In view of its
      consistent mixing, as well as continuous and concurrent wetting and drying
      occurring throughout processing, fluidized bed granulation shows great potential
      for continuous production although more research is required to fully implement,
      validate and integrate the PAT tools in a production line.

PMID- 22097907
TI  - Clinical trials of intranasal delivery for treating neurological disorders--a
      critical review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The intranasal delivery of therapeutics to the brain has achieved
      great success in preclinical studies. These findings are important because there
      are many neurological disorders without feasible treatments, due to a lack of
      effective drug delivery methods to the brain. Translating such intranasal
      delivery strategies from bench to bedside is an important step for curing these
      neurological diseases. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes recent clinical
      trials that have investigated the intranasal delivery of drugs to the brain to
      treat neurological disorders and their potential mechanisms of action. In
      addition, the potential opportunities as well as challenges of intranasal
      delivery in clinical trials are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: The intranasal
      delivery of drugs to the brain is a novel method with great potential, and it may
      provide an extraordinary approach to overcome the existing barriers of drug
      delivery for treating some neurological disorders. Intranasal delivery of central
      nervous system therapeutics has shown promise in several clinical trials, which
      demonstrates both the need and importance of further research.

PMID- 22097908
TI  - Prediction of lower extremities' movement by angle-angle diagrams and neural
      networks.
AB  - In contemporary science, the analysis of human walking is extensively used. The
      prediction of leg motion, as well as rehabilitation, can be usable for orthosis
      and prosthesis programing. Our work is focused on predicting of human walking by
      angle-angle diagrams, also called cyclograms. The applications of cyclograms in
      conjunction with artificial intelligence offers wide area of applications in
      medicine. But until now, this approach has not been studied or applied in
      practice.

PMID- 22097909
TI  - Mathematical modelling of ciliary movement mechanism.
AB  - The main purpose of the paper was to present a new approach to the mathematical
      modelling of ciliary movements. This approach is based on the solution of the
      inverse problem of the dynamics, which is described by Lagrange's equations for
      the system of successively hinged rigid rods. In this case, as is well known, the
      generalized forces may be found as the time functions. It is proposed to
      represent these functions by the functions of generalized coordinates and
      velocities and also of the model parameters, whose values are determined as a
      solution of the parametric optimization problem. Besides, a special algorithm of
      ciliary movement control was elaborated. This algorithm is based on the
      hypothesis of variation of the equilibrium positions for cilia during one cycle
      of beating. The numerical results are in a good agreement with the cilia
      movements observed in Paramecium multimicronucleatum.

PMID- 22097910
TI  - Generation of singlet oxygen by the glyoxal-peroxynitrite system.
AB  - Diacetyl, methylglyoxal, and glyoxal are alpha-dicarbonyl catabolites prone to
      nucleophilic additions of amino groups of proteins and nucleobases, thereby
      triggering adverse biological responses. Because of their electrophilicity, in
      aqueous medium, they exist in a phosphate-catalyzed dynamic equilibrium with
      their hydrate forms. Diacetyl and methylglyoxal can be attacked by peroxynitrite
      (k(2) ~ 1.0 * 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and k(2) ~ 1.0 * 10(5) M(-1) s(-1),
      respectively), a potent biological nucleophile and oxidant, yielding the acetyl
      radical from the homolysis of peroxynitrosocarbonyl adducts, and acetate or
      formate ions, respectively. We report here that glyoxal also reacts with
      peroxynitrite, yielding formate ion at rates at least 1 order of magnitude
      greater than does methylglyoxal. A triplet EPR signal (1:2:1; a(H) = 0.78 mT)
      attributable to hydrated formyl radical was detected by direct flow experiments.
      In the presence of the spin trap 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane, the EPR spectrum
      displays the di-tert-butyl nitroxide signal, another signal assignable to the
      spin trapping adduct with hydrogen radical (a(N) = a(H) = 1.44 mT), probably
      formed from formyl radical decarbonylation, and a third EPR signal assignable to
      the formyl radical adduct of the spin trap (a(N) = 0.71 mT and a(H) = 0.14 mT).
      The novelty here is the detection of singlet oxygen ((1)Delta(g)) monomol light
      emission at 1270 nm during the reaction, probably formed by subsequent dioxygen
      addition to formyl radical and a Russell reaction of nascent formylperoxyl
      radicals. Accordingly, the near-infrared emission increases upon raising the
      peroxynitrite concentration in D(2)O buffer and is suppressed upon addition of
      O(2) ((1)Delta(g)) quenchers (NaN(3), l-His, H(2)O). Unequivocal evidence of O(2)
      ((1)Delta(g)) generation was also obtained by chemical trapping of (18)O(2)
      ((1)Delta(g)) with anthracene-9,10-divinylsulfonate, using HPLC/MS/MS for
      detection of the corresponding 9,10-endoperoxide derivative. Our studies add
      insights into the molecular events underlying nitrosative, oxidative, and
      carbonyl stress in inflammatory processes and aging-associated maladies.

PMID- 22097911
TI  - Exploratory study on the effect of osteoactivin on bone formation in the rat
      critical-size calvarial defect model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Osteoactivin is a novel glycoprotein shown to exhibit
      an important role in regulating osteoblast differentiation and function. The aim
      of the present study was to evaluate the potential of osteoactivin to support
      bone regeneration using an established defect model. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Critical-size, 8-mm-diameter through-and-through calvarial osteotomy defects were
      created in 60 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Test animals received 0.1 mL of
      osteoactivin in phosphate-buffered saline (50 MUg/mL) soak-loaded onto an
      absorbable collagen sponge. Controls received 0.1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline
      soak-loaded onto the absorbable collagen sponge or no further intervention (sham
      surgery). The animals were euthanized 2 and 4 wk after treatment and histometric
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: The absorbable collagen sponge control (mean +/
      standard deviation: 40.9 +/- 26.9%) showed borderline significant greater bone
      fill compared with sham-surgery (22.9 +/- 15.8%; p = 0.10) and osteoactivin (20.2
      +/- 11.8%; p = 0.07) treatments at 2 wk. In contrast, osteoactivin (84.7 +/-
      15.8%) showed significantly greater bone fill than sham-surgery (28.4 +/- 9.6%; p
      < 0.001) and absorbable collagen sponge (41.8 +/- 22.1%; p < 0.001) at 4 wk. No
      animals receiving sham-surgery or absorbable collagen sponge exhibited complete
      bone fill at 4 wk while 70% of the animals receiving osteoactivin showed complete
      bone fill. CONCLUSION: Osteoactivin demonstrates a significant potential to
      support bone regeneration/formation. Studies using discriminating large animal
      models are necessary to explore clinical application for periodontal and
      craniofacial indications.

PMID- 22097913
TI  - Material aspects of growth plate modelling using Carter's and Stokes's
      approaches.
AB  - Growth plate, named also as physis, is the anatomical structure responsible for
      the bone growth. Apart from numerous biological and biochemical factors,
      biomechanics has also strong influence on its functioning. Loadings acting on the
      bone element during its development can change (increase or decrease) the
      velocity of growth. This way mechanobiological processes influence the skeletal
      development. Several theories try to describe the relationship between loadings
      acting on the physis and biological processes leading to bone growth and
      development. Unfortunately, some serious discrepancies exist between them.
      Additionally, difficulties occur during the modelling of the growth plate
      activity, which results from the problems in determining material parameters of
      the particular physis component. The aim of the study was to analyse the
      influence of material properties of particular parts of the physis on
      biomechanical conditions of the bone growth. Two concepts, based on the Carter's
      and Stokes's approaches, were applied to estimate the biomechanical stimulation
      of the bone growth occurring within the physis volume. Results of the numerical
      simulations show that due to inhomogeneity of the physis structure, the complex 3
      D stress state occurs within the growth plate even in the case of uniform axial
      pressure acting on its surface. The value of the cartilage Poisson's ratio has a
      significant influence on the biomechanics of the growth plate activity estimated
      using both theories. Carter's model is additionally very sensitive to its
      dilatational parameter. Both methods lead to non-uniform patterns of mechanical
      stimulation of the bone growth within the volume of the cartilage. The
      differences in the stiffness between cartilaginous and bone parts of the growth
      plate are of fundamental importance for such phenomenon.

PMID- 22097912
TI  - Effects of oxygen on zonal marker expression in human articular chondrocytes.
AB  - Articular cartilage is organized in depth zones with phenotypically distinct
      subpopulations of chondrocytes that are exposed to different oxygen tensions.
      Despite growing evidence of the critical role for oxygen in chondrogenesis,
      little is known about its effect on chondrocytes from different zones. This study
      evaluates zonal marker expression of human articular chondrocytes from different
      zones under various oxygen tensions. Chondrocytes isolated from full-thickness,
      superficial, and middle/deep cartilage from knee replacement surgeries were
      expanded and redifferentiated under hypoxic (5% O(2)) or normoxic (20% O(2))
      conditions. Differentiation under hypoxia increased expression of hypoxia
      inducible factors 1alpha and 2alpha and accumulation of extracellular matrix,
      particularly in middle/deep chondrocytes, and favored re-expression of
      proteoglycan 4 by superficial chondrocytes compared with middle/deep cells. Zone
      dependent expression of clusterin varied with culture duration. These results
      demonstrate that zonal chondrocytes retain important phenotypic differences
      during in vitro cultivation, and that these characteristics can be improved by
      altering the oxygen environment. However, transcript levels for pleiotrophin,
      cartilage intermediate layer protein, and collagen type X were similar between
      zones, challenging their reliability as zonal markers for tissue-engineered
      cartilage from osteoarthritis patients. Key factors including oxygen tension and
      cell source should be considered to prescribe zone-specific properties to tissue
      engineered cartilage.

PMID- 22097918
TI  - Modifications of stearidonic acid soybean oil by enzymatic acidolysis for the
      production of human milk fat analogues.
AB  - Structured lipids (SLs) from stearidonic acid (SDA) soybean oil pre-enriched with
      palmitic acid (PA) at the sn-2 position with Novozym 435 (NSL) or Lipozyme TL IM
      (LSL) from previous research were further enriched with gamma-linolenic acid
      (GLA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Small-scale acidolysis reactions with
      Lipozyme TL IM were performed to determine the optimal reaction conditions as 1:1
      substrate mole ratio of NSL or LSL to free DHA at 65  degrees C for 24 h and a
      1:0.5 substrate mole ratio of NSL or LSL to free GLA at 65  degrees C for 12 h.
      Optimized SL products were scaled up in a 1 L stir-batch reactor, and the
      resulting SLs of NSL:DHA (NDHA), LSL:DHA (LDHA), NSL:GLA (NGLA), and LSL:GLA
      (LGLA) were chemically and physically characterized. The SLs contained >54% PA at
      the sn-2 position with GLA >8% for the GLA SLs and DHA >10% for the DHA SLs. The
      oxidative stabilities of the SLs were increased by the addition of 200 ppm TBHQ,
      with NGLA being more stable due to higher tocopherol content than the other SLs.
      The melting and crystallization profiles did not differ between the DHA SLs or
      the GLA SLs. The triacylglycerol (TAG) species were similar for the GLA SLs but
      differed between the DHA SLs, with tripalmitin being the major TAG species in all
      SLs.

PMID- 22097919
TI  - Expression of oxytocin receptor in diabetic rat penis.
AB  - Oxytocin receptor (OTR) expressed in the rat penis and mediated the contractility
      of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle both in vitro and in vivo, and OTR could
      maintain penile detumescence; however, the expression of OTR in diabetic rat
      penis remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression of
      OTR in diabetic rat penis. The experimental rats were randomly divided into
      control group and STZ-diabetic rats group. The expressions of mRNA and protein
      were examined by real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry respectively. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring
      intracavernous pressure following electrostimulation of the cavernous nerves.
      mRNA and protein expression of OTR significantly increased in diabetic rats group
      compared with the control group. Erectile function of diabetic rats group
      significantly decreased compared with the control group. Our data showed that the
      expression of OTR significantly increased in diabetic rats group and OTR may
      involve in the development of diabetic erectile dysfunction.

PMID- 22097920
TI  - Slow gallbladder emptying reverts to normal but small intestinal transit of a
      physiological meal remains slow in celiac patients during gluten-free diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alterations of small intestinal transit and gallbladder (GB) motility
      have been reported in celiac disease (CD) in studies involving, in most cases,
      non-physiological experimental conditions and artificial stimuli to motility. Our
      aims were to quantitate non-invasively small intestinal transit time and GB
      emptying during administration of a physiological and palatable solid meal, and
      to assess the effect of gluten-free diet (GFD). METHODS: We simultaneously
      measured mouth-to-cecum transit time (MCTT) using a validated H(2) breath test,
      and GB motility using ultrasonography. We studied CD patients before (n = 19) and
      during (n = 14) GFD, and healthy volunteers (n = 24) following administration of
      a physiological solid meal (Kcal 539). KEY RESULTS: Mouth-to-cecum transit time
      was more prolonged in CD (mean +/- SEM: 235 +/- 96 min) than in controls (169 +/-
      65 min, P = 0.0039). The GB fasting volume and postprandial residual volume were
      significantly higher in CD than in controls, and GB emptying constant was slower
      in CD than in controls. During GFD, GB emptying reverted to normal, but MCTT
      remained unchanged (229 +/- 69 min) and more prolonged in CD than in controls (P
      = 0.0139). During GFD, duodenal infiltration with lymphocytes and mast cells
      persisted higher than that in controls, and the number of mast cells lying in
      proximity of nervous endings did not change. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Slow
      postprandial MCTT in response to a physiological meal does not revert to normal
      during GFD, an effect mirroring incomplete histopathologic recovery.

PMID- 22097921
TI  - Simplistic partially limiting surgical guide for flapless implant placement: a
      case report.
AB  - The accurate positioning of implant in bone is important in order to meet the
      biological, esthetic, and biomechanical requirements of the prosthesis. This
      becomes crucial in flapless implant placement. The combination of bone sounding
      and use of a surgical guide will allow precise placement of a dental implant,
      abutment, and provisional restoration in a minimally invasive manner. A technique
      to transfer the diagnostic information to the surgical guide is described in this
      report. The chief advantage of the procedure is the ability to apply flapless
      implant placement surgery and immediate loading.

PMID- 22097922
TI  - A trimeric supercomplex of the oxygen-tolerant membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase
      from Ralstonia eutropha H16.
AB  - The oxygen-tolerant membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase (MBH) from Ralstonia
      eutropha H16 consists of three subunits. The large subunit HoxG carries the
      [NiFe] active site, and the small subunit HoxK contains three [FeS] clusters.
      Both subunits form the so-called hydrogenase module, which is oriented toward the
      periplasm. Membrane association is established by a membrane-integral cytochrome
      b subunit (HoxZ) that transfers the electrons from the hydrogenase module to the
      respiratory chain. So far, it was not possible to isolate the MBH in its native
      heterotrimeric state due to the loss of HoxZ during the process of protein
      solubilization. By using the very mild detergent digitonin, we were successful in
      isolating the MBH hydrogenase module in complex with the cytochrome b. H(2)
      dependent reduction of the two HoxZ-stemming heme centers demonstrated that the
      hydrogenase module is productively connected to the cytochrome b. Further
      investigation provided evidence that the MBH exists in the membrane as a high
      molecular mass complex consisting of three heterotrimeric units. The lipids
      phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were identified to play a role
      in the interaction of the hydrogenase module with the cytochrome b subunit.

PMID- 22097924
TI  - Primary cicatricial alopecia: recent advances in understanding and management.
AB  - Primary cicatricial alopecias (PCA) are a rare group of disorders, in which the
      hair follicle is the main target of destructive inflammation resulting in
      irreversible hair loss with scarring of affected lesions. The most typical
      clinical manifestation of PCA is the loss of visible follicular ostia. The
      histopathological hallmark of a fully developed lesion is the replacement of the
      hair follicle structure by fibrous tissue. PCA could share similar clinical
      manifestations and eventually lead to "burn-out" alopecia. Some subsets are
      hardly distinguishable histopathologically and the mechanisms that elicit such a
      destructive reaction have not been fully elucidated. Thus, the management of PCA
      represents one of the most challenging clinical problems for dermatologists. The
      aim of this review is to provide a concise and comprehensive summary of recent
      advances in PCA management, especially focusing on novel methodologies to aid
      diagnosis, and updates on our understanding of the etiopathogenesis. Dermoscopy,
      a new pathological preparation technique and direct immunofluorescence analysis
      enable more accurate clinicopathological diagnosis of PCA. Microarray analysis
      may be beneficial to distinguish PCA subtypes. Currently suggested mechanisms
      underlying PCA include loss of immune protection of stem cells, impaired stem
      cell self-maintenance, enhanced autoimmunity by pro-inflammatory cytokines and
      environmental/genetic predispositions. Interestingly, recent data indicates the
      association between lipid metabolism dysregulation and PCA development, implying
      an important role of the sebaceous gland dysfunction in the etiopathogenesis.
      Based on that hypothesis and observations, novel therapeutic approaches have been
      proposed, including the use of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
      agonist for lichen planopilaris.

PMID- 22097923
TI  - Circulating anti-angiogenic factors during hypertensive pregnancy and increased
      risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that high circulating concentrations of
      maternal anti-angiogenic factors are associated with increased risk of
      respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). STUDY DESIGN: This is a nested case-control
      study of nulliparous women who delivered less than 37 weeks of gestation within
      the Calcium for Preeclampsia Prevention (CPEP) trial. The study included 116
      women with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension and 323 normotensive
      controls. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), placental growth factor
      (PlGF) and soluble endoglin (sEng) in maternal serum were measured at 21-32 weeks
      of gestation. RESULTS: Preterm infants born to hypertensive mothers were more
      likely to develop RDS (22.5% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.03). After adjustment for
      gestational age at delivery, the odds ratio for the relationship between
      hypertension in pregnancy and RDS was 2.18 (95% CI 1.08-4.39). In hypertensive
      pregnancies women whose infants developed RDS had significantly higher
      circulating mean sFlt1 levels during midpregnancy (21-32 weeks of gestation) even
      after adjustment for gestational age at delivery (21,516 pg/mL vs. 7,000 pg/mL, p
      = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preterm preeclampsia and gestational hypertension,
      characterized by high circulating levels of sFlt1, are associated with a twofold
      increased risk of RDS in infants delivered before 37 weeks. Among women with
      these hypertensive pregnancies circulating sFlt1 concentrations during
      midpregnancy were substantially higher in women whose infants developed RDS.

PMID- 22097925
TI  - Investigational NMDA receptor modulators for depression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With regards to depression, the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate
      receptor (NMDA) was pursued many years ago, mainly in the form of preclinical
      studies. Since then, there have been several clinical data in the literature
      indicating the efficacy of NMDA receptor antagonists of either stand-alone or as
      an adjunct therapy in depression and depression-related diseases. AREAS COVERED:
      The present review focuses on clinical data of well-known and recently discovered
      NMDA receptor antagonists/modulators and their mechanisms of action. EXPERT
      OPINION: Several NMDA receptor modulators have been tested in both human and
      animal studies to examine their potential antidepressant activity. Most of the
      compounds that exhibited beneficial properties in the animal tests and models of
      depression either have never been tested or did not show efficacy in humans. For
      some of them, such as ketamine, where a consistently reproducible antidepressant
      effect was found, clinical use is limited by a variety of adverse effects.
      However, ketamine has become a standard tool for identifying the biological
      factors associated with rapid antidepressant action and, as such, is a novel
      target for the development of new therapeutics.

PMID- 22097926
TI  - Evolving concepts in primary sclerosing cholangitis.
AB  - Patients suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) show considerable
      differences regarding clinical manifestations (i.e. large duct versus small-duct
      PSC, presence or absence of concomitant inflammatory bowel disease), disease
      progression, risk for malignancy and response to therapy, raising the question
      whether PSC may represent a mixed bag of diseases of different aetiologies. The
      growing list of secondary causes and diseases 'mimicking' or even overlapping
      with PSC (e.g. IgG4-associated sclerosing cholangitis), which frequently causes
      problems in clear-cut discrimination from classic PSC and the emerging knowledge
      about potential disease modifier genes (e.g. variants of CFTR, TGR5 and MDR3)
      support such a conceptual view. In addition, PSC in children differs
      significantly from PSC in adults in several aspects resulting in distinct
      therapeutic concepts. From a clinical perspective, appropriate categorization and
      careful differential diagnosis are essential for the management of concerned
      patients. Therefore, the aim of the current review is to summarize current and
      evolving pathophysiological concepts and to provide up-to-date perspectives
      including future treatment strategies for PSC.

PMID- 22097927
TI  - Uric and 1-methyluric acids: metabolic wastes or antiradical protectors?
AB  - The reactions of uric and 1-methyluric acids in nonpolar environments, as well as
      those of the corresponding urate anions in aqueous solution, with (*)OH,
      (*)OCH(3), (*)OOH, and (*)OOCH(3) have been studied using the density functional
      theory. Different mechanisms of reactions have been taken into account, and their
      relative importance on the antiradical activity of these compounds is analyzed.
      Both uric and methyluric acids are better scavengers in aqueous solution than in
      nonpolar media, which indicates that the urate anions are the most active
      species. The free radical scavenging activity of the studied compounds was found
      to be excellent for (*)OH, and very good for (*)OCH(3). In addition, 1-methyluric
      acid is predicted to moderately protect against peroxyl oxidation, while the
      protective effects of uric acid against these particular species are not expected
      to be significant. In addition, 1-methyluric acid was found to be a better
      radical scavenger than its precursor, caffeine, suggesting that the antiradical
      activity of the latter might be explained by the action of its metabolites,
      rather than by its direct activity.

PMID- 22097929
TI  - Reconstruction of a beech population bottleneck using archival demographic
      information and Bayesian analysis of genetic data.
AB  - Range expansion and contraction has occurred in the history of most species and
      can seriously impact patterns of genetic diversity. Historical data about range
      change are rare and generally appropriate for studies at large scales, whereas
      the individual pollen and seed dispersal events that form the basis of geneflow
      and colonization generally occur at a local scale. In this study, we investigated
      range change in Fagus sylvatica on Mont Ventoux, France, using historical data
      from 1838 to the present and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analyses of
      genetic data. From the historical data, we identified a population minimum in
      1845 and located remnant populations at least 200 years old. The ABC analysis
      selected a demographic scenario with three populations, corresponding to two
      remnant populations and one area of recent expansion. It also identified
      expansion from a smaller ancestral population but did not find that this
      expansion followed a population bottleneck, as suggested by the historical data.
      Despite a strong support to the selected scenario for our data set, the ABC
      approach showed a low power to discriminate among scenarios on average and a low
      ability to accurately estimate effective population sizes and divergence dates,
      probably due to the temporal scale of the study. This study provides an unusual
      opportunity to test ABC analysis in a system with a well-documented demographic
      history and identify discrepancies between the results of historical, classical
      population genetic and ABC analyses. The results also provide valuable insights
      into genetic processes at work at a fine spatial and temporal scale in range
      change and colonization.

PMID- 22097928
TI  - Do brain responses to emotional images and cigarette cues differ? An fMRI study
      in smokers.
AB  - Chronic smoking is thought to cause changes in brain reward systems that result
      in overvaluation of cigarette-related stimuli and undervaluation of natural
      rewards. We tested the hypotheses that, in smokers, brain circuits involved in
      emotional processing: (i) would be more active during exposure to cigarette
      related than neutral pictures; and (ii) would be less active to pleasant compared
      with cigarette-related pictures, suggesting a devaluation of intrinsically
      pleasant stimuli. We obtained whole-brain blood oxygenation level-dependent
      (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 35 smokers during the
      presentation of pleasant (erotica and romance), unpleasant (mutilations and sad),
      neutral, and cigarette-related pictures. Whole-brain analyses showed
      significantly larger BOLD responses during presentation of cigarette-related
      pictures relative to neutral ones within the secondary visual areas, the
      cingulate gyrus, the frontal gyrus, the dorsal striatum, and the left insula.
      BOLD responses to erotic pictures exceeded responses to cigarette-related
      pictures in all clusters except the insula. Within the left insula we observed
      larger BOLD responses to cigarette-related pictures than to all other picture
      categories. By including intrinsically pleasant and unpleasant pictures in
      addition to neutral ones, we were able to conclude that the presentation of
      cigarette-related pictures activates brain areas supporting emotional processes,
      but we did not find evidence of overall reduced activation of the brain reward
      systems in the presence of intrinsically pleasant stimuli.

PMID- 22097930
TI  - MRI features of hepatocellular carcinoma expressing progenitor cell markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features
      differ between hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with and without expression of
      progenitor cell markers, such as cytokeratin (CK) 19 and epithelial cell adhesion
      molecule (EpCAM). METHODS: Sixty-three patients with 71 HCCs who underwent
      surgery after preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging were evaluated.
      HCCs expressing progenitor cell markers were defined as showing CK19 or EpCAM
      expression. MR imaging features, including the fat component, arterial
      enhancement (global vs. peripheral), dynamic enhancement (washout vs. progressive
      or persistent), nodule-in-nodule appearance and MR gross morphology (expanding
      vs. non-expanding), were compared between HCCs with and without progenitor cell
      markers expression. Lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratio (SIR) and apparent
      diffusion coefficient values were compared using an independent samples t-test.
      Early recurrence rates were also compared. RESULTS: HCCs expressing progenitor
      cell markers were more commonly of the non-expanding type (P = 0.016), more
      frequently had a progressive or persistent dynamic enhancement pattern (P =
      0.008) and less frequently demonstrated a nodule-in-nodule appearance (P =
      0.009). HCCs expressing progenitor cell markers had significantly higher SIRs on
      diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) (b = 50 and 800, P < 0.001; b = 400, P = 0.001)
      and a significantly lower SIR on hepatobiliary phase images (P = 0.024). The
      early recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with prior HCCs that
      expressed progenitor cell markers (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: HCCs expressing
      progenitor cell markers can be characterized according to their non-expanding MR
      gross morphology, persistent or progressive dynamic enhancement patterns, higher
      SIRs on DWIs, lower SIRs on hepatobiliary phase images and less frequent nodule
      in-nodule appearance.

PMID- 22097931
TI  - Characterization of microRNA expression profiles associated with hepatitis B
      virus replication and clearance in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) is an approved treatment for
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MicroRNA (miRNA) are currently known as a part of IFN
      mediated antiviral defense. We aimed at characterizing the miRNA expression
      associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and IFN-mediated HBV
      clearance. METHODS: We investigated the expression patterns of cellular miRNA
      induced by HBV replication and/or IFN-alpha treatment in HepG2 cells, and also
      analyzed the miRNA response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CHB patients
      on IFN-alpha treatment. The differentially expressed miRNA were verified using
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and an miRNA expression pattern
      was classified based on the final virological response. RESULTS: A total of 223
      miRNA were differentially expressed (> 1.5 folds) between the HepG2.2.15 and
      HepG2 cells, including 24 highly differentially expressed miRNA (> 5 folds). With
      12 h of IFN-alpha treatment, 23 totally differentially expressed miRNA were
      identified in HepG2 cells; whereas only five miRNA were identified in HepG2.2.15
      cells. Similar amounts of the miRNA were regulated in patients with HBeAg or non
      HBeAg seroconversion; whereas levels of eight miRNA were significantly
      differentially expressed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: HBV replication
      alters miRNA expression profiles and impairs IFN-inducible miRNA response in
      HepG2 cells. The miRNA expression pattern of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      in CHB patients with IFN therapy can be associated with their therapeutic
      outcome.

PMID- 22097932
TI  - Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy decreased the serum IL-17E level in a
      patient with psoriasis vulgaris.

PMID- 22097933
TI  - Predictors of persistence in girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:
      results from an 11-year controlled follow-up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   This study sought to examine the age-dependent persistence of
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its predictors in a large
      sample of girls with and without ADHD followed prospectively for 11 years into
      young adulthood. METHOD:   Participants were girls with (N=96) and without (N=91)
      ADHD and were 6-17 years old at the baseline assessment (mean age, 11 years) and
      15-30 years old at the follow-up assessment (mean: 22 years). Participants were
      comprehensively and blindly assessed with structured diagnostic interviews and
      assessments of cognitive, social, school, and family functioning. RESULTS:   At
      the 11-year follow-up, 33.3% met full criteria for ADHD, 29.2% showed partial
      persistence of the disorder, 10.4% had impaired functioning, and 4.2% were
      remitted but treated (77.1% of the sample). Predictors of persistence were
      psychiatric comorbidity, family history of psychopathology, and family and school
      functioning at baseline. CONCLUSION:   These long-term, prospective, follow-up
      findings extend to girls findings that ADHD is persistent over the long term and
      can be predicted from psychosocial adversity and psychiatric comorbidity
      ascertained 11 years earlier.

PMID- 22097934
TI  - Towards an evidence-based process for the clinical interpretation of copy number
      variation.
AB  - The evidence-based review (EBR) process has been widely used to develop standards
      for medical decision-making and to explore complex clinical questions. This
      approach can be applied to genetic tests, such as chromosomal microarrays, in
      order to assist in the clinical interpretation of certain copy number variants
      (CNVs), particularly those that are rare, and guide array design for optimal
      clinical utility. To address these issues, the International Standards for
      Cytogenomic Arrays Consortium has established an EBR Work Group charged with
      building a framework to systematically assess the potential clinical relevance of
      CNVs throughout the genome. This group has developed a rating system enumerating
      the evidence supporting or refuting dosage sensitivity for individual genes and
      regions that considers the following criteria: number of causative mutations
      reported; patterns of inheritance; consistency of phenotype; evidence from large
      scale case-control studies; mutational mechanisms; data from public genome
      variation databases; and expert consensus opinion. The system is designed to be
      dynamic in nature, with regions being reevaluated periodically to incorporate
      emerging evidence. The evidence collected will be displayed within a publically
      available database, and can be used in part to inform clinical laboratory CNV
      interpretations as well as to guide array design.

PMID- 22097935
TI  - Bone mass of the mandible and the risk of breast cancer among Japanese
      postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22097936
TI  - Microsatellite instability: detection and management in sporadic colorectal
      cancer.

PMID- 22097937
TI  - Can tertiary prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma be achieved by nucleos(t)ide
      analogs therapy of hepatitis B?

PMID- 22097938
TI  - Literature review in cases with exacerbation of ulcerative colitis induced by
      treatment with interferon and/or ribavirin.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune disorder of the gastrointestinal tract which
      has been reported to be precipitated by interferon (IFN) therapy. We describe the
      results of a literature review of cases in which the development or exacerbation
      of UC was coincident with IFN and/or ribavirin (RIB) treatment for chronic
      hepatitis C. We summarized the studies on the effectiveness of IFN for UC or
      Crohn's disease, which were primarily carried out in Europe and the USA. In the
      nine reported cases of UC exacerbation by IFN therapy in Japan, seven involved
      IFN-alpha, one involved IFN-alpha2b plus RIB, and the other involved IFN-beta;
      thus cases induced by IFN-alpha were more common. The period between the
      initiation of IFN treatment and the development or exacerbation of UC varied
      widely among the reported cases (from 1 day to 4.5 years). The reports have all
      assumed a cause-and-effect correlation between IFN treatment and UC. However,
      although combination therapy of IFN and RIB has become widespread in Japan, UC
      development or exacerbation induced by IFN has not increased concurrently.
      Conversely, numerous studies reporting the effectiveness of IFN for treating UC
      and Crohn's disease have been published in Europe and the USA. One reason for
      this finding may be the difference in the balance of T helper cell 1 and T helper
      cell 2 between populations.

PMID- 22097939
TI  - Hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation: has the human leukocyte
      antigen mismatching at individual loci a role?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The objective of this 11-year cohort retrospective study
      conducted in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who underwent
      liver transplantation (LT) was to identify whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      mismatching is associated with the recurrence of HCV and with the time to
      recurrence of HCV. METHODS: Among the 181 patients (74% men; mean age: 54 years,
      range 25-71) who underwent a LT between 1995 and 2006 in the study center, 163
      had relevant data in their medical chart documenting HCV recurrence, and 107
      (65.64%) reported a histological evidence of HCV recurrence. RESULTS: Survival
      was 78% at 5 years. There was no significant relationship between the total score
      of HLA-mismatches and the recurrence of HCV. Similarly, there was no significant
      relationship between the total score of HLA mismatches and the time to recurrence
      of HCV. For the analyses at each individual locus, a significant relationship
      between the individual scores of HLA-mismatches and the recurrence of HCV were
      observed. Out of the 40 patients who experienced a rejection, the rate of
      recurrence was not different according to the severity of the rejection (75%
      mild, 64% moderate and 64% for severe rejection). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion,
      this large study did not demonstrate any relationship between the total score of
      HLA mismatches and HCV-recurrence. Contrarily a significant relationship between
      the individual scores of HLA mismatches (HLA-A3, HLA-B35, HLA-DR3, HLA-DR7, HLA
      DQ2, HLA-DQ2-0) and the recurrence of HCV were observed.

PMID- 22097940
TI  - Education and imaging. Gastrointestinal: asymptomatic spontaneous isolated
      dissection of superior mesenteric artery diagnosed incidentally.

PMID- 22097941
TI  - Education and imaging. Gastrointestinal: a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)
      arising in a Meckel's diverticulum.

PMID- 22097942
TI  - Education and imaging. Hepatobiliary and pancreatic: Niemann-Pick disease.

PMID- 22097945
TI  - Bone formation analysis: effect of quantification procedures on the study
      outcome.
AB  - Quantification of the amount of newly formed bone is an essential part of bone
      regeneration studies. Histomorphometry, based on histological sections of plastic
      embedded specimens, is the most frequently applied technique in this assessment.
      Before performing image analysis, a specific region of interest (ROI) has to be
      determined. Based on the histological procedure, different areas within the ROI
      can be discriminated and assigned to relevant tissue structures. However, in
      literature not much attention is paid to the effect of the histological
      procedures on the final outcome of the histomorphometrical measurements on bone
      regeneration. In this study, the histomorphometrical bone formation of the
      intramedullary cavity of the guinea pig tibia, filled with calcium phosphate
      cement, was quantified in plastic-embedded and paraffin-embedded specimens and in
      specimens analyzed with scanning electron microscopy in the backscattering mode
      (SEM-BS). The data showed that the histological procedure significantly affected
      the measured bone amount. Therefore, it is recommended that scaffold
      characteristics are carefully considered in selecting a proper technique for the
      analysis of bone formation in bone tissue engineering studies. The results of
      this study identified high-resolution SEM-BS and elastic van Gieson staining of
      decalcified histological sections as recommendable techniques for evaluating bone
      formation.

PMID- 22097946
TI  - Improved ruthenium catalysts for Z-selective olefin metathesis.
AB  - Several new C-H-activated ruthenium catalysts for Z-selective olefin metathesis
      have been synthesized. Both the carboxylate ligand and the aryl group of the N
      heterocyclic carbene have been altered and the resulting catalysts evaluated
      using a range of metathesis reactions. Substitution of bidentate with monodentate
      X-type ligands led to a severe attenuation of metathesis activity and
      selectivity, while minor differences were observed between bidentate ligands
      within the same family (e.g., carboxylates). The use of nitrato-type ligands in
      place of carboxylates afforded a significant improvement in metathesis activity
      and selectivity. With these catalysts, turnover numbers approaching 1000 were
      possible for a variety of cross-metathesis reactions, including the synthesis of
      industrially relevant products.

PMID- 22097952
TI  - Genetic prion disease-associated myelodysplasia and SIADH in siblings.

PMID- 22097953
TI  - Termination of refractory focal status epilepticus by the P-glycoprotein
      inhibitor verapamil.

PMID- 22097954
TI  - De novo P102L mutation in a patient with Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease.

PMID- 22097955
TI  - Procedure of generating the individually matched bone scaffolds.
AB  - The pace of modern life forced continuous high readiness and proper condition of
      motion systems on human beings. The techniques used in medicine and orthopaedics
      enable treatment of even highly complicated injuries and pathological states. One
      of them involves the use of bone scaffolding - the technique being intensively
      developed, which seems to have a promising future. Based on a numerical
      modelling, it is possible to match that type of implant to the needs of
      individual patient, with consideration for both biomechanical factors (patient
      weight, bone size and its defects) and the applicable implantation techniques.
      Vast possibilities are offered by the application of the finite element method as
      a technique enabling verification of an implant with the individually matched
      geometry and material. The paper presents the procedure aimed at generating the
      bone scaffold structure that enables the stresses created in the contact places
      of implant with the surrounding bone tissue to be reduced. High stresses may lead
      to local damages to the tissue and, in extreme cases, to the destruction of a
      scaffold. The present procedure is based on the theory of genetic algorithms and,
      due to several models widely known in biomechanics, allows stresses in places of
      bone contact with implant to be significantly reduced.

PMID- 22097956
TI  - A cutaneous vascular neoplasm with hobnail microscopic morphology and unusual
      gross features.
AB  - Vascular tumors are categorized into benign hemangiomas, frankly malignant
      angiosarcomas and tumors with intermediate biological behavior
      (hemangioendotheliomas). The latter group includes hemangioendotheliomas of the
      epithelioid, kaposiform, retiform and composite subtypes. Furthermore, a
      heterogeneous group of both benign and intermediate vascular tumors exhibits a
      peculiar hobnail cell morphology. This heterogeneous group encompasses hobnail
      hemangioma, retiform hemangioendothelioma, papillary intralymphatic
      angioendothelioma and a subset of angiosarcoma. We herein present a case of a
      cutaneous vascular neoplasm with hobnail morphology and unusual gross features.

PMID- 22097957
TI  - Oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis and systemic cytokine profile in
      C57BL/6.KOR-ApoE shl mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontal infection affects atherosclerotic diseases,
      such as coronary heart diseases. Mouse models have revealed that oral infection
      with Porphyromonas gingivalis induces changes in inflammatory- and lipid
      metabolism-related gene expression, regardless of the development of
      atherosclerotic lesions. However, the serum protein expression profile in the
      oral infection model has not been investigated. The present study aimed to
      analyse the effect of oral infection with P. gingivalis on the expression levels
      of multiple cytokines in the serum in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by using a
      cytokine antibody array. MATERIAL AND METHODS: C57BL/6.KOR-Apoe(shl) mice were
      orally infected with P. gingivalis five times at 3 day intervals and were then
      killed. Splenocytes were isolated and analysed for proliferative activity and
      immunoglobulin G (IgG) production in response to in vitro restimulation with P.
      gingivalis. The expression levels of various cytokines in the sera were analysed
      using a mouse antibody array glass chip. RESULTS: Splenocytes from P. gingivalis
      infected mice demonstrated significantly greater proliferation and IgG production
      in response to P. gingivalis compared with those from sham-infected mice.
      Antibody array analysis revealed the selective upregulation of matrix
      metalloproteinase 3, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, insulin-like growth
      factor binding protein 2 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 and the
      downregulation of interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and L-selectin.
      CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that oral infection with P. gingivalis induces
      alterations in systemic cytokine production. These cytokines could play roles in
      the development not only of periodontitis but also of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22097958
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation studies of the binding
      mechanism of allosteric inhibitors with p38alpha MAP kinase.
AB  - p38 MAP kinase is a promising target for anti-inflammatory treatment. The
      classical kinase inhibitors imatinib and sorafenib as well as BI-1 and BIRB-796
      were reported to bind in the DFG-out form of human p38alpha, known as type II or
      allosteric kinase inhibitors. Although DFG-out conformation has attracted great
      interest in the design of type II kinase inhibitors, the structural requirements
      for binding and mechanism of stabilization of DFG-out conformation remain
      unclear. As allosteric inhibition is important to the selectivity of kinase
      inhibitor, herein the binding modes of imatinib, sorafenib, BI-1 and BIRB-796 to
      p38alpha were investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. Binding free
      energies were calculated by molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area
      method. The predicted binding affinities can give a good explanation of the
      activity difference of the studied inhibitors. Furthermore, binding free energies
      decomposition analysis and further structural analysis indicate that the
      dominating effect of van der Waals interaction drives the binding process, and
      key residues, such as Lys53, Gly71, Leu75, Ile84, Thr106, Met109, Leu167, Asp168,
      and Phe169, play important roles by forming hydrogen bond, salt bridge, and
      hydrophobic interactions with the DFG-out conformation of p38alpha. Finally, we
      also conducted a detailed analysis of BI-1, imatinib, and sorafenib binding to
      p38alpha in comparison with BIRB-796 exploited for gaining potency as well as
      selectivity of p38 inhibitors. These results are expected to be useful for future
      rational design of novel type II p38 inhibitors.

PMID- 22097959
TI  - New species of Arostrilepis (Eucestoda: Hymenolepididae) in members of Cricetidae
      and Geomyidae (Rodentia) from the western Nearctic.
AB  - Abstract :    Specimens originally identified as  Arostrilepis horrida  from the
      Nearctic are revised, contributing to the recognition of a complex of cryptic
      species distributed across the Holarctic region. Previously unrecognized species
      are described based on specimens in cricetid (Neotominae) and geomyid rodents. 
      Arostrilepis mariettavogeae  n. sp. in  Peromyscus californicus  from Monterey
      County, California and  Arostrilepis schilleri  n. sp. in  Thomomys bulbivorus 
      from Corvallis, Oregon are characterized. Consistent with recent studies defining
      diversity in the genus, form, size, and spination (pattern, shape, and size) of
      the cirrus are diagnostic; species are further distinguished by the relative
      position and length of the cirrus sac and arrangement of the testes. Species of 
      Arostrilepis  have not previously been described in rodents outside of the
      Arvicolinae or from localities in the Nearctic. These studies emphasize the need
      for routine deposition of archival specimens and information, from survey,
      ecological, and biogeographic studies, in museum collections to serve as self
      correcting records for biodiversity at local, regional, and continental scales.

PMID- 22097960
TI  - Tryptophan 697 modulates hydride and interflavin electron transfer in human
      methionine synthase reductase.
AB  - Human methionine synthase reductase (MSR), a diflavin oxidoreductase, plays a
      vital role in methionine and folate metabolism by sustaining methionine synthase
      (MS) activity. MSR catalyzes the oxidation of NADPH and shuttles electrons via
      its FAD and FMN cofactors to inactive MS-cob(II)alamin. A conserved aromatic
      residue (Trp697) positioned next to the FAD isoalloxazine ring controls
      nicotinamide binding and catalysis in related flavoproteins. We created four MSR
      mutants (W697S, W697H, S698Delta, and S698A) and studied their associated kinetic
      behavior. Multiwavelength stopped-flow analysis reveals that NADPH reduction of
      the C-terminal Ser698 mutants occurs in three resolvable kinetic steps
      encompassing transfer of a hydride ion to FAD, semiquinone formation (indicating
      FAD to FMN electron transfer), and slow flavin reduction by a second molecule of
      NADPH. Corresponding experiments with the W697 mutants show a two-step flavin
      reduction without an observable semiquinone intermediate, indicating that W697
      supports FAD to FMN electron transfer. Accelerated rates of FAD reduction, steady
      state cytochrome c(3+) turnover, and uncoupled NADPH oxidation in the S698Delta
      and W697H mutants may be attributed to a decrease in the energy barrier for
      displacement of W697 by NADPH. Binding of NADP(+), but not 2',5'-ADP, is tighter
      for all mutants than for native MSR. The combined studies demonstrate that while
      W697 attenuates hydride transfer, it ensures coenzyme selectivity and accelerates
      FAD to FMN electron transfer. Moreover, analysis of analogous cytochrome P450
      reductase (CPR) variants points to key differences in the driving force for
      flavin reduction and suggests that the conserved FAD stacking tryptophan residue
      in CPR also promotes interflavin electron transfer.

PMID- 22097961
TI  - Capsaicin instillation for postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 22097962
TI  - Evaluation of risk factors and effect of physical activity in caesarean section
      in nulliparous women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for caesarean
      section (CS) in nulliparous women and to determine the effect of physical
      activity on ease of labour. METHODS: A prospective observational study, including
      282 nulliparous women at 37-41 gestational weeks was conducted. Maternal
      demographic characteristics, obstetric history and Modified Grimby scale for
      evaluation of physical activity were noted. Patients were classified into
      spontaneous labour and induction group. Multiple logistic regression model was
      used to assess independent risk factors for type of delivery. RESULTS: Caesarean
      rate was increasing with higher educational status (p < 0.001). Maternal height,
      maternal and paternal age were higher, whereas dilatation on admission was lower
      in CS group (p < 0.05). Maternal age, weight gain and CS rate were higher in
      induction group (p < 0.05). Fetal distress as a cause of CS was detected higher
      in induction group (p < 0.05). Physical activity has no significant effect on
      mode of delivery (p > 0.05). Maternal height (p = 0.011), and cervical dilatation
      on admission (p = 0.004) were identified as predictor factors for CS. CONCLUSION:
      Cervical dilatation is the most important negative predictive factor for CS,
      whereas, moderate physical activity has no effect on mode of delivery. Fetal
      distress was the most frequent cause of CS in induction group.

PMID- 22097963
TI  - Tunnel frit: a nonmetallic in-capillary frit for nanoflow ultra high-performance
      liquid chromatography-mass spectrometryapplications.
AB  - In this study, an easy method to fabricate a durable in-capillary frit was
      developed for use in nanoflow liquid chromatography (nanoLC). A small orifice was
      tunneled into the sol-gel frit during the polymerization process resulting in the
      simple fabrication of a tunnel frit. A short packing tunnel frit column (2 cm,
      C(18) particles) was able to sustain over 10,000 psi continuous liquid flow for
      10 days without observation of particle loss, and back pressure variation was
      less than 5%. The tunnel frit was successfully applied to the fabrication of
      nanoflow ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (nano-UHPLC) trap and
      analytical columns. In the analysis of tryptic peptides, the tunnel frit trap and
      analytical columns were demonstrated to have high separation efficiency and
      sensitivity. In analysis of phosphopeptides, the use of the nonmetallic tunnel
      frit column showed better sensitivity than the metallic frit column. This design
      can facilitate the preparation of nano-HPLC and nano-UHPLC columns and the
      packing material can easily be refilled when the column is severely contaminated
      or clogged.

PMID- 22097966
TI  - Multiple lines of evidence for demographic and range expansion of a temperate
      species (Hyla sarda) during the last glaciation.
AB  - Many temperate species experienced demographic and range contractions in response
      to climatic changes during Pleistocene glaciations. In this study, we investigate
      the evolutionary history of the Tyrrhenian tree frog Hyla sarda, a species
      inhabiting the Corsica-Sardinia island system (Western Mediterranean basin). We
      used sequence analysis of two mitochondrial (overall 1229 bp) and three nuclear
      (overall 1692 bp) gene fragments to assess the phylogeography and demographic
      history of this species, and species distribution modelling (SDM) to predict its
      range variation over time. Phylogeographic, historical demographic and SDM
      analyses consistently indicate that H. sarda does not conform to the scenario
      generally expected for temperate species but rather underwent demographic and
      range expansion mostly during the last glacial phase. Palaeogeographic data and
      SDM analyses suggest that such expansion was driven by the glaciation-induced
      increase in lowland areas during marine regression. This unusual scenario
      suggests that at least some temperate species may not have suffered the adverse
      effects of glacial climate on their population size and range extent, owing to
      the mitigating effects of other glaciations-induced palaeoenvironmental changes.
      We discuss previous clues for the occurrence of such a scenario in other species
      and some possible challenges with its identification. Early phylogeographic
      literature suggested that responses to the Pleistocene glacial-interglacial
      cycles were expected to vary among species and regions. Our results point out
      that such variation may have been greater than previously thought.

PMID- 22097967
TI  - Role of stress-induced NKG2D ligands in liver diseases.
AB  - Cell death by apoptosis is a prominent feature in a variety of liver diseases. It
      is likely that apoptosis is the initial cellular response to hepatocyte and
      biliary injury, which then leads to the initiation of cellular and cytokine
      cascades culminating in hepatocyte death with subsequent fibrosis and cirrhosis.
      This sequence of events is of paramount clinical importance. Recently, soluble
      forms of the major histocompatibility complex class I-related chains A and
      closely related B (MIC A and B) were reported to be increased in patients with a
      variety of liver diseases. MIC A and B are cell surface glycoproteins that
      function as indicators for cellular stress and thus activate circulating
      cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells. The interaction between MIC A and B with
      their cognate receptor natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) culminates in
      enhanced liver cell death, which is mediated in part by apoptotic mechanisms. The
      present overview focuses on the role of the stress-induced NKG2D ligands MIC A
      and B in diverse liver diseases. Critical insights into these complex relations
      may help to promote rationally based therapies in liver diseases. Importantly, we
      hope that this overview will help to stimulate further studies into mechanisms by
      which stress ligands mediate cell death and its sequale.

PMID- 22097968
TI  - Structural and dynamical insights into the molten-globule form of ovalbumin.
AB  - Ovalbumin is a 45 kDa egg-white glycoprotein which belongs to the class of serpin
      superfamily. We have studied the structural properties of both native and
      partially unfolded molten-globule forms of ovalbumin using a diverse array of
      spectroscopic tools. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements provided important
      structural and dynamical insights into the native and molten-globule states.
      Fluorescence anisotropy decay analysis indicated that there is a conformational
      swelling from the native to the molten-globule form of ovalbumin. We have also
      carried out red-edge excitation shift measurements to probe the dipolar
      relaxation dynamics around the intrinsic tryptophan residues. Additionally,
      stopped-flow fluorescence experiments revealed that the conformational transition
      from the native to the molten-globule form proceeds in a stepwise manner
      involving a burst-phase with a submillisecond conformational change followed by
      biphasic slower conformational reorganizations on the millisecond time scale
      leading to the final molten-globule state.

PMID- 22097965
TI  - Toxicological considerations when creating nanoparticle-based drugs and drug
      delivery systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The biggest challenge faced by the scientific community involved in
      drug development is to deliver safe and effective dosage of drugs without causing
      systemic toxicity. Therefore, novel nano-based delivery vehicles specifically
      targeting tumors but not normal tissues are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED:
      Nanoparticles have beneficial aspects but can be toxic themselves, which is
      always a concern for any drug or delivery agent. This review examines and details
      the toxicological aspects that should be considered when planning to use
      nanoparticles in animals or in man for drug delivery or imaging. Subjects
      discussed in this review include i) overviews of applications of various
      nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging; ii) toxicological aspects to
      consider when selecting particular nanoparticles for use in various applications
      in animals or man; iii) hurdles faced when examining nanoparticle toxicity; and
      iv) current approaches for assessing nanoparticle toxicity. EXPERT OPINION:
      Nanotechnology has significant potential for advancing therapeutic efficacy and
      imaging in cancer; however, these agents can be toxic. Therefore, toxicity needs
      to be considered when selecting nanoparticles for a particular application.
      Methods for assessing nanoparticle toxicity need to be improved and standardized
      across all nanotechnology platforms in order to speed up the application of
      nanoparticle use in humans.

PMID- 22097969
TI  - Cyclooxygenase-2 and Akt mediate multiple growth-factor-induced epithelial
      mesenchymal transition in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cancer invasion and metastasis are characterized by
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes
      metastasis and significant mortality. Elucidating factors promoting EMT in HCC
      are necessary to develop effective therapeutic strategies. METHODS: The LH86 cell
      line was developed in our laboratory from well-differentiated HCC without
      associated hepatitis or cirrhosis and used as a model to study EMT in HCC.
      Effects of transforming growth factor beta-1, epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte
      growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were examined using
      morphology, molecular markers, effects on migration and tumorigenicity. The
      involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Akt were examined. RESULTS: LH86
      cells display epithelial morphology. Transforming-growth-factor-beta-1-,
      epidermal-growth-factor-, hepatocyte-growth-factor- and basic-fibroblast-growth
      factor-induced mesenchymal changes in them were associated with loss of E
      cadherin, albumin, alpha-1 anti-trypsin expression and increased expression of
      vimentin, collagen I and fibronectin. There was associated increased migration,
      tumorigenicity and increased expression of COX-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Akt
      and phosphorylated Akt. Inhibition of COX-2 and Akt pathways led to inhibition of
      characteristics of EMT. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple growth factors induce EMT in HCC.
      COX-2 and Akt may mediate EMT-associated development and progression of HCC and
      molecular targeting of COX-2 and Akt may be an effective therapeutic or
      chemopreventive strategy in advanced and metastatic HCC.

PMID- 22097970
TI  - Patent blue dye and an atypical anaphylactic reaction after sentinel lymph node
      biopsy in early breast cancer.

PMID- 22097971
TI  - The use of tumescent local anaesthesia in ablative laser treatments.

PMID- 22097975
TI  - Outcomes of the Seventh International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical
      Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion and Second
      Annual Meeting of the International Society for Pediatric Mechanical
      Cardiopulmonary Support.

PMID- 22097972
TI  - Five years of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil in Chinese patients with HBeAg
      positive chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) is a nucleotide analogue with proven
      efficacy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). AIMS: This study investigated long-term
      ADV treatment in HBeAg-positive patients. METHODS: A total of 480 Chinese
      subjects with HBeAg-positive CHB who participated in a 1-year, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled study of ADV 10 mg daily were offered open-label continuation
      for a further 208 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 390 subjects completed 5 years of
      treatment. Baseline median hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was 8.8 log(10)  copies/ml
      and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 2.6 * upper limit of normal. Treatment with
      ADV resulted in sustained suppression of median HBV DNA by 4.8, 5.0, 5.1, 5.4 and
      5.5 log(10)  copies/ml after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years respectively. Continuous
      treatment with ADV led to a progressive increase in the proportion of subjects
      achieving undetectable HBV DNA, from 28% after 1 year to 58% after 5 years. HBeAg
      seroconversion rates increased cumulatively from 11% after 1 year to 29% after 5
      years. HBsAg seroconversion was achieved by 1.0% of patients. ADV resulted in ALT
      normalization that was maintained throughout this study in 75-79% of subjects.
      Virological breakthrough associated with ADV resistant mutations (rtN236T and
      rtA181V) occurred in 14.6% of subjects. ADV was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Five
      years of ADV treatment in Chinese subjects with HBeAg-positive CHB resulted in
      increasing virological and serological responses and sustained biochemical
      responses over time. Virological resistance was identified in 14.6% of patients.
      Urgent switch or add-on therapy with a nucleoside analogue is necessary if ADV
      resistant mutations are detected, particularly rtN236T. Treatment was well
      tolerated.

PMID- 22097976
TI  - Istanbul Symposiums on Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support Systems.

PMID- 22097977
TI  - The impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on survival in pediatric
      patients with respiratory and heart failure: review of our experience.
AB  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is widely used for circulatory support
      in pediatric cardiac patients with low cardiac output and hypoxemia. We
      retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of ECMO support for respiratory and heart
      failure in infants and children. From April 2002 to February 2011, 14 patients
      aged 19 days to 20 years old (average 44 months), with body weight 2.6 kg to 71
      kg (median 14.1 kg), underwent ECMO support for failing cardiac function,
      hypoxemia, and low cardiac output syndrome. In 12 patients, ECMO was introduced
      after operation for congenital heart disease (four with complete repair including
      Fontan circulation, and eight with palliative repair). In one patient, ECMO was
      introduced after partial pulmonary resection for congenital cystic adenomatoid
      malformation because of respiratory failure. ECMO was introduced in a patient
      with severe heart failure caused by fulminant myocarditis. Patients'
      demographics, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, additional
      support, and outcomes were analyzed. Ten patients (71%) were successfully weaned
      from ECMO, and eight patients (57%) were discharged from the hospital. The mean
      duration of ECMO support was 332 h (range 11-2030 h). Although management of the
      ECMO circuit, including anticoagulation (activated clotting time: 150-250), was
      conducted following the institutional practice guidelines, it was difficult to
      control the bleeding. Seven patients required renal replacement therapy during
      ECMO support using peritoneal dialysis or continuous hemodiafiltration. Five
      patients had additional operative procedures: systemic-pulmonary shunt in two,
      bidirectional Glenn takedown with right modified Blalock-Taussig shunt, total
      cavopulmonary connection takedown, and redo ECMO in one patient each. The patient
      who had the longest ECMO support for respiratory failure due to acute respiratory
      distress syndrome after lung surgery was successfully weaned from ECMO because
      high-frequency oscillation (HFO) improved respiratory function. ECMO for heart
      and respiratory failure in infants and children is effective and allows time for
      recovery of cardiac dysfunction and acute hypoxic insult. The long-term ECMO
      support for over 2000 h was very rare, but it was possible to wean this patient
      from ECMO using HFO.

PMID- 22097978
TI  - Comparison of parameters for detection of splanchnic hypoxia in children
      undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with pulsatile versus nonpulsatile normothermia
      or hypothermia during congenital heart surgeries.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate gastric mucosal oxygenation together with
      whole-body oxygen changes in infants undergoing congenital heart surgery with
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure and the use of either pulsatile or
      nonpulsatile mode of perfusion with normothermia and pulsatile or nonpulsatile
      moderate hypothermia. Sixty infants undergoing congenital cardiac surgery were
      randomized into four groups as: nonpulsatile normothermia CPB (NNCPB, n = 15),
      pulsatile normothermia CPB (PNCPB, n = 15), nonpulsatile moderate hypothermia CPB
      (NHCPB, n = 15), and pulsatile moderate hypothermia CPB (PHCPB, n = 15) groups.
      In NNCPB and PNCPB groups, mild hypothermia was used (35 degrees C), whereas in
      NHCPB and PHCPB groups, moderate hypothermia (28 degrees C) was used. Gastric
      intramucosal pH (pHi), whole-body oxygen delivery (DO(2)) and consumption
      (VO(2)), and whole-body oxygen extraction fraction were measured at sequential
      time points intraoperatively and up to 2 h postoperatively. The measurement of
      continuous tonometry data was collected at desired intervals. The values of
      DO(2), VO(2), and whole-body oxygen extraction fraction were not different
      between groups before CPB and during CPB, whereas the PNCPB group showed higher
      values of DO(2), VO(2), and whole-body oxygen extraction fraction compared to the
      other groups at the measurement levels of 20 and 60 min after aortic cross clamp,
      end of CPB, and 2 h after CPB (P < 0.0001). Between groups, no difference was
      observed for pHi, lactate, and cardiac index values (P > 0.05). This study shows
      that the use of normothermic pulsatile perfusion (35 degrees C) provides better
      gastric mucosal oxygenation as compared to other perfusion strategies in neonates
      and infants undergoing congenital heart surgery with CPB procedures.

PMID- 22097979
TI  - A method for anticoagulation of children on mechanical circulatory support.
AB  - Anticoagulation of children on mechanical circulatory support presents a
      challenge. We implanted 28 devices in children and infants using a consistent
      anticoagulation protocol. We performed a retrospective review of all children
      implanted in our program with mechanical assist devices since 1997. Heparin,
      dipyridamole, and aspirin were used for anticoagulation and antiaggregation.
      Coagulation monitoring included thromboelastography (TEG), platelet aggregration
      studies, international normalized ratio, partial thromboplastin time, and
      platelet count. Twenty-eight children, ages 1 month to 16 years (mean 5.3; median
      2.4 years), were implanted for 3-107 days (mean 27; median 17). Eighteen received
      left ventricular assist devices, seven received biventricular assist devices, and
      three received total artificial hearts. Adverse events during the 720 days of
      device support included the following: six (21%) reoperations for bleeding; seven
      strokes (25%): two fatal, two with a mild residual deficit, and three without
      deficit; and three (11%) visceral emboli: two fatal and one nonfatal. There were
      eight deaths (29%). Causes of death were embolic (four), graft failure post
      transplantation (one), preimplant anoxic brain damage (two), and postexplant
      heart failure (one). 24/28 (86%) survived to transplantation or weaning from
      device and 20/28 (71%) were discharged from the hospital, 10 after
      transplantation and 10 after native heart recovery. All 20 early survivors
      survived long term. We describe an anticoagulation protocol based upon TEG and
      platelet aggregation studies and using heparin, aspirin, and dipyridamole.
      Adequate anticoagulation is more difficult in children. However, 71% of the
      patients in our study survived long term.

PMID- 22097980
TI  - Antithrombin replacement during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - Heparin remains the predominant anticoagulant during extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation (ECMO). Heparin acts by potentiating the anticoagulant effect of
      antithrombin (ATIII). Acquired ATIII deficiency, common in pediatric patients
      requiring ECMO, may result in ineffective anticoagulation with heparin. ATIII
      replacement may result in increased bleeding. Our objective is to determine
      ATIII's effect on anticoagulation and blood loss during ECMO. A retrospective
      chart review was performed of all patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
      who received ATIII while supported on ECMO in 2009. ATIII activity levels,
      heparin drip rate, and activated clotting times (ACT) were compared before, 4, 8,
      and 24 h after ATIII administration. Chest tube output and packed red blood cell
      (pRBC) transfusion volume were compared from 24 h before ATIII administration to
      24 h after. Twenty-eight patients received ATIII as a bolus dose during the
      course of 31 separate times on ECMO support. The median age of these patients was
      0.3 years (range 1 day-19.5 years). ATIII activity increased significantly at 8
      and 24 h after administration. No significant difference was noted in heparin
      drip rate, ACT levels, chest tube output, or pRBC transfusion volume. ATIII
      administration resulted in higher ATIII activity levels for 24 h without a
      significant effect on heparin dose, ACT, or measures of bleeding.

PMID- 22097981
TI  - Influence of mild metabolic acidosis on cardiac contractility and isoprenaline
      response in isolated ovine myocardium.
AB  - The postoperative course after major surgical procedures such as cardiothoracic
      operations is often accompanied by acute metabolic abnormalities due to large
      volume and temperature shifts. In general, those intervention-induced trauma
      might cause the use of catecholamines to stabilize hemodynamics. Within the
      cardiac community, there are still controversial discussions about standardized
      medical therapy to treat postoperative acidosis, for example, buffering versus
      nonbuffering for improving catecholaminergic response of myocardial
      contractility. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of mild
      (and thus clinically relevant) acidosis on myocardial contractility and
      catecholamine response in explanted trabeculae of ovine hearts. Intact trabeculae
      (n = 24) were isolated from the right ventricle of healthy sheep hearts. Two
      different groups (group 1: pH = 7.40, n = 9 and group 2: pH = 7.20, n = 13) were
      investigated, and force amplitudes were measured at frequencies between 30 and
      180 beats per minute and increasing catecholamine concentrations (isoprenaline 0
      3 * 10(-6) mM). Force-frequency relation experiments in the presence of a
      physiological and/or mild acidotic pH solution showed no significant differences.
      Mean force amplitudes normalized to the lowest frequency showing no significant
      differences in force development between 0.5 and 3 Hz (n = 9 vs. 13, P = n.s.)
      (0.5 Hz absolute values 3.1 +/- 2.6 for pH = 7.40 vs. 3.8 +/- 2.6 mN/mm(2) for pH
      = 7.20, P = n.s.). Moreover, there was no significant difference in relaxation
      kinetics between the two groups. Furthermore, the experiments showed similar
      catecholamine responses in both groups. Force amplitudes normalized to baseline
      and maximum force showed no significant differences in force development between
      baseline and maximum isoprenaline concentrations (n = 6 vs. 9, P = n.s.)
      (baseline absolute values 4.3 +/- 4.0 for pH = 7.40 vs. 3.9 +/- 1.2 mN/mm(2) for
      pH = 7.20, P = n.s.). Additionally, relaxation kinetics did not show differences
      after catecholamine stimulation. The presented experiments revealed no
      significant negative inotropic effects on isometrically contracting ovine
      trabeculae with mild metabolic acidosis (pH = 7.2) compared with physiological pH
      (7.4). Additionally, similar catecholamine responses were seen in both groups.
      Further investigations (e.g., in vivo and/or in failing hearts with reduced
      compensatory reserves) will be necessary to examine optimal medical treatment for
      metabolic abnormalities after cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22097982
TI  - Cardioplegia and angiotensin II receptor antagonists modulate signal transducers
      and activators of transcription activation in neonatal rat myocytes.
AB  - Previous investigations have shown that the signal transducers and activators of
      transcription (STATs) signaling pathway play an important role in the modulation
      of apoptosis after ischemia and reperfusion. The mechanism for this enhanced
      cardioprotection is unknown, but we believe that alterations STATs may play a
      role. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined the effects of angiotension II
      type 1 (AT1) and angiotension II type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonist added to
      cardioplegia on the downstream response of different STATs, connected with
      proinflammatory pathways (STAT2, STAT5) and prohypertrophic and antiapoptotic
      pathways (STAT3). Isolated, nonworking hearts (n = 3 per group) from neonatal
      rats were perfused aerobically (4 degrees C) for 20 min in the Langendorff mode
      with the modified St. Thomas' Hospital no. 2 (MSTH2) cardioplegic solution (Group
      1), the MSTH2 cardioplegic solution + AT1 receptor antagonist (Group 2), and
      MSTH2 cardioplegic solution + AT2 receptor antagonist (Group 3). Thus, myocytes
      were isolated by enzymatic digestion, and STAT2, STAT3, and STAT5 were
      investigated in Western blot studies. Times to arrest after cardioplegia were 8
      12 s for all groups. Total cardioplegia delivery volume was about 300 mL for the
      20 min. Perfusion with the MSTH2 cardioplegic solution supplemented with AT1
      receptor antagonist (Group 2) induced a significant reduction in STAT2 and STAT5
      tyrosine phosphorylation (-58 and -63%, respectively, vs. Group 1, P < 0.05).
      Conversely, STAT2 and STAT5 activation were unaffected by perfusion with the
      MSTH2 cardioplegic solution supplemented with AT2 receptor antagonist (Group 3).
      The decreased activation of STAT2 and STAT5 observed in Group 2 was accompanied
      by reduction of interleukin-1beta (-57% in Group 2 vs. Group 1, P < 0.05). There
      were no significant differences in STAT3 phosphorylation among all groups. Only
      the addition of AT1 receptor antagonist to MSTH2 cardioplegia significantly
      decreases the inflammatory response of the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes without
      affecting antiapoptotic influence provided by tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3.
      AT1 receptor antagonist added to cardioplegia represents an additional modality
      for enhancing myocardial protection during cardiac surgery and could contribute
      to optimize the ischemia tolerance of the pediatric heart.

PMID- 22097983
TI  - Development of magnetic bearing system for a new third-generation blood pump.
AB  - A magnetic bearing system is a crucial component in a third-generation blood
      pump, particularly when we consider aspects such as system durability and blood
      compatibility. Many factors such as efficiency, occupying volume, hemodynamic
      stability in the flow path, mechanical stability, and stiffness need to be
      considered for the use of a magnetic bearing system in a third-generation blood
      pump, and a number of studies have been conducted to develop novel magnetic
      bearing design for better handling of these factors. In this study, we developed
      and evaluated a new magnetic bearing system having a motor for a new third
      generation blood pump. This magnetic bearing system consists of a magnetic
      levitation compartment and a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor compartment.
      The active-control degree of freedom is one; this control is used for controlling
      the levitation in the axial direction. The levitation in the radial direction has
      a passive magnetic levitation structure. In order to improve the system
      efficiency, we separated the magnetic circuit for axial levitation by using a
      magnetic circuit for motor drive. Each magnetic circuit in the bearing system was
      designed to have a minimum gap by placing mechanical parts, such as the impeller
      blades, outside the circuit. A custom-designed noncontact gap sensor was used for
      minimizing the system volume. We fabricated an experimental prototype of the
      proposed magnetic bearing system and evaluated its performance by a control
      system using the Matlab xPC Target system. The noncontact gap sensor was an eddy
      current gap sensor with an outer diameter of 2.38 mm, thickness of 0.88 mm, and
      resolution of 5 um. The BLDC motor compartment was designed to have an outer
      diameter of 20 mm, length of 28.75 mm, and power of 4.5 W. It exhibited a torque
      of 8.6 mNm at 5000 rpm. The entire bearing system, including the motor and the
      sensor, had an outer diameter of 22 mm and a length of 97 mm. The prototype
      exhibited sufficient levitation performance in the stop state and the rotation
      state with a gap of 0.2 mm between the rotor and the stator. The system had a
      steady position error of 0.01 um in the stop state and a position error of 0.02
      um at a rotational speed of 5000 rpm; the current consumption rates were 0.15 A
      and 0.17 A in the stop state and the rotation state, respectively. In summary, we
      developed and evaluated a unique magnetic bearing system with an integrated
      motor. We believe that our design will be an important basis for the further
      development of the design of an entire third-generation blood pump system.

PMID- 22097984
TI  - Incidence of healthcare-associated infections in a pediatric population with an
      extracorporeal ventricular assist device.
AB  - During the last decade, ventricular assist devices (VADs) have become a precious
      tool to support children with end-stage heart failure. However, thromboembolic
      events, bleeding, and infections may have a considerable impact on outcome. We
      retrospectively analyzed the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
      in nine patients supported by EXCOR Pediatric (Berlin Heart [BH]) VAD in a
      pediatric cardiosurgical intensive care unit between January 1, 2009 and March
      31, 2011 (27 months). Median age was 8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6-11),
      median weight 7.5 kg (IQR 4.5-8.5). Seven patients were supported with a left
      VAD, two with a biventricular VAD (BiVAD). Six patients with a left VAD underwent
      heart transplant after 89 days (median, IQR 41-143) of support. One patient is
      still on the waiting list. All patients with BiVAD died after 12 days of
      assistance due to VAD malfunction. Sixteen HAIs were reported in five out of nine
      patients (56%). All infected patients were supported by a left VAD. When compared
      with noninfected patients, they had a longer mechanical support period (median
      131 days, IQR 75-164, vs. 25 days, IQR 11-61, P = 0.03), a longer intensive care
      unit stay (median 159 days, IQR 85-188, vs. 48 days, IQR 17-87, P = 0.06) and a
      longer length of hospital stay (median 186 days, IQR 105-222, vs. 64 days, IQR 34
      113, P = 0.06). Overall, nine mechanical devices were replaced for thromboembolic
      issues, most of them (67%) in patients with VAD-related infections. Overall,
      infection rate was 17.6 per 1000 patients days, 1.3 BH endocarditis per 1000 BH
      days, 4.0 surgical sites infections per 1000 BH days, 12.5 central line
      associated blood stream infections per 1000 central venous catheter days, 5
      catheter-associated urinary tract infections per 1000 urinary catheter days, and
      13.5 ventilator-associated pneumonia cases per 1000 mechanical ventilation days.
      Overall, VAD-related infections were 5.4 per 1000 BH days. Of the 17 isolated
      pathogens, 53% were Gram-negative rods, with a prevalence of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa (35.3%). Four bacteria were multidrug resistant (25%), three were
      carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (50% of all isolated pseudomonads), and one
      was a methicillin-resistant S. aureus. VADs used as a bridge to cardiac
      transplantation are associated with a large number of HAIs. Patients with
      infected VADs were admitted for longer time in intensive care and in hospital
      with increased healthcare costs but with no impact on survival.

PMID- 22097985
TI  - Sodium alginate hydrogel-based bioprinting using a novel multinozzle bioprinting
      system.
AB  - Bioprinting is a technology for constructing bioartificial tissue or organs of
      complex three-dimensional (3-D) structure with high-precision spatial shape
      forming ability in larger scale than conventional tissue engineering methods and
      simultaneous multiple components composition ability. It utilizes computer
      controlled 3-D printer mechanism or solid free-form fabrication technologies. In
      this study, sodium alginate hydrogel that can be utilized for large-dimension
      tissue fabrication with its fast gelation property was studied regarding material
      specific printing technique and printing parameters using a multinozzle
      bioprinting system developed by the authors. A sodium alginate solution was
      prepared with a concentration of 1% (wt/vol), and 1% CaCl(2) solution was used as
      cross-linker for the gelation. The two materials were loaded in each of two
      nozzles in the multinozzle bioprinting system that has a total of four nozzles of
      which the injection speed can be independently controlled. A 3-D alginate
      structure was fabricated through layer-by-layer printing. Each layer was formed
      through two phases of printing, the first phase with the sodium alginate solution
      and the second phase with the calcium chloride solution, in identical printing
      pattern and speed condition. The target patterns were lattice shaped with 2-mm
      spacing and two different line widths. The nozzle moving speed was 6.67 mm/s, and
      the injection head speed was 10 um/s. For the two different line widths, two
      injection needles with inner diameters of 260 and 410 um were used. The number of
      layers accumulated was five in this experiment. By varying the nozzle moving
      speed and the injection speed, various pattern widths could be achieved. The
      feasibility of sodium alginate hydrogel free-form formation by alternate printing
      of alginate solution and sodium chloride solution was confirmed in the developed
      multinozzle bioprinting system.

PMID- 22097987
TI  - Systemic contact dermatitis.
AB  - Systemic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that may occur in
      persons with contact allergy when they are exposed to the hapten orally,
      transcutaneously, per rectum, intravesically, intravenously, or by inhalation.
      The most common causes of systemic contact dermatitis are drugs used both
      topically and systemically. Other causes are ubiquitously occurring haptens, such
      as the metals nickel, cobalt, gold, and chromate, and aromatic substances such as
      spices. Avoidance of the offending hapten is the most obvious treatment. For some
      haptens, such as nickel, diet treatment may be effective. Chelation therapy with
      disulfiram is another therapeutic option in nickel-allergic patients with
      systemic contact dermatitis. Hyposensitization therapy has been attempted with
      some success in systemic contact dermatitis caused by nickel and Parthenium
      hysterophorus.

PMID- 22097988
TI  - Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia - an approach to diagnosis and
      management.
AB  - Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) occurs primarily in African
      American women and is the most common cause of scarring hair loss in this
      population. Since the mid 20th century, hair care practices of African-American
      women have been associated with CCCA, although there is developing evidence that
      the etiology of CCCA may be multifactorial. Clinically diagnosing CCCA may be
      challenging because it can resemble female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata,
      lichen planopilaris, or telogen effluvium. Therapeutic options are limited, thus
      the goal of treatment is to prevent progression of disease because once scar
      formation occurs, it is irreversible.

PMID- 22097989
TI  - Hypopigmented papules on the upper trunk and forearm of a young man.

PMID- 22097990
TI  - A nodule developing within a congenital verrucous-surfaced plaque on the lower
      back.

PMID- 22097991
TI  - Immunohistochemical profile of cytokeratins in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia
      of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical
      profile of cytokeratins (Ck) in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of cutaneous
      leishmaniasis (CL). METHODS: The tissue samples, with pseudoepitheliomatous
      hyperplasia, were collected from 37 patients (age 6-85 years old) with indolent
      ulcers in skin confirmed as CL. The lesions were submitted to immunolabeling for
      Ck pairs 4-13, 5-14, and 6-16. RESULTS: In the 37 CL cases, Ck4 and Ck13 staining
      were, in the majority of cases, negative. Of them, 33 and 35 cases were negative
      for Ck4 and Ck13, respectively. The Ck4 immunostaining was found in basal and
      parabasal layers, and Ck13 was viewed in the basal compartment of epithelium. Ck5
      was found in 29 cases distributed homogeneously in all layers. Ck14 and Ck6 were
      found in all samples in all layers, and Ck16 was positive for all cases but
      heterogeneously found in the basal layer. CONCLUSION: In summary, we noticed that
      the pattern of some Ck staining in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in CL
      lesions revealed intense epithelial reinforcement, protection, and proliferation.

PMID- 22097992
TI  - Radiotherapy-induced pemphigus vulgaris with autoantibodies targeting a 110 kDa
      epidermal antigen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is an autoimmune intraepidermal blistering disease mediated
      by autoantibodies targeting desmosomes. It can be induced by many triggers, such
      as ionizing radiation. METHODS: We report a case of radiotherapy-induced
      pemphigus (RIP) with a review of the published cases in the English and French
      literature. RESULTS: A 61-year old man was diagnosed to have epidermoid carcinoma
      of the piriform sinus and then received a 70 Gy radiation therapy. One month
      after the treatment completion, multiple blisters and erosions occurred initially
      on the site of irradiation, then in other skin areas. Histological examination
      showed an intraepidermal blister with acantholysis and necrosis of individual
      keratinocytes. Direct immunofluorescence and indirect immunofluorescence were
      typical of pemphigus. Immunoblot revealed antibodies reacting with a 110 kDa
      antigen. This feature was consistent with the diagnosis of RIP. Less than 20
      cases of RIP have been reported previously. Mean age at diagnosis was 64.2 years,
      and there is a slight female preponderance. RIP occurred, in most cases,
      initially within the area of irradiation. CONCLUSION: Our patient showed some
      distinctive findings never reported previously in RIP: a histological focal
      keratinocyte necrosis, and the presence of autoantibodies reacting with a 110 kDa
      keratinocytic protein in immunoblot analysis. Because of a different prognosis,
      it is important to differentiate RIP and paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), although
      cases of ionizing radiation-induced PNP had also been described. As in our
      patient, RIP seems to respond well to systemic corticosteroids and
      immunosuppressive therapy, which induce remission within a few months.

PMID- 22097993
TI  - Pityriasis rubra pilaris: the clinical context of acantholysis and other
      histologic features.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acantholysis has been described in biopsies of pityriasis rubra
      pilaris (PRP), but this has not been emphasized in the dermatology literature. It
      is helpful for dermatologists to associate acantholysis with PRP in the correct
      clinical setting. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to further elucidate the clinical
      context and associated histologic features of acantholysis in PRP. METHODS: Eight
      cases of PRP with acantholysis, 16 other cases of PRP, 26 cases of psoriasis, and
      17 cases of erythroderma of different causes were studied in an academic setting.
      RESULTS: The presence of acantholysis initially confounded the diagnosis in two
      cases of PRP. Acantholysis was focal or extensive and resembled Darier's disease,
      Hailey-Hailey disease, or pemphigus vulgaris. Acantholysis was seen in biopsies
      from early, isolated papulosquamous lesions from the trunk as well as from
      erythroderma. By comparison, 26 cases of psoriasis and 17 cases of erythroderma
      showed only focal acantholysis in two cases of erythroderma. CONCLUSIONS:
      Acantholysis is a histologic feature of PRP and can serve as a histologic clue to
      the diagnosis of PRP before the onset of erythroderma. Eosinophils and/or a
      lichenoid infiltrate may also be evident.

PMID- 22097994
TI  - Correlation and agreement of self-assessed and objective skin disease severity in
      a cross-sectional study of patients with acne, psoriasis, and atopic eczema.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown variable correlation of patients' self
      assessed skin severity measures and clinician-assessed objective measures of
      severity. But, generally, correlation has not been as good as might be expected
      for conditions in which the objective physical extent of skin disease is apparent
      to the sufferer to an extent that is not applicable in many other diseases.
      METHODS: This paper reports agreement and correlation of self-assessed and
      objective severity measures in a study of 108 subjects with acne, psoriasis, or
      atopic eczema. The study was a cross-sectional study examining psychological
      associations of these skin diseases. Objective severity was assessed with the
      Leeds technique (acne), the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and Six Area Six
      Sign Atopic Dermatitis instruments. Agreement is a more appropriate measure than
      correlation in this situation and was measured with weighted kappa, while
      correlation was measured with Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: There was a
      modest correlation of rho = 0.46 and similarly very modest agreement of 0.35
      (weighted kappa) of self-assessed and clinician-assessed disease severity.
      Furthermore, self-assessed (but not clinician-assessed) severity was
      statistically associated with psychological morbidity in this study; i.e. -
      depression, anxiety, and overall psychological morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians
      should consider psychological sequelae of skin disease, not only in those with
      objectively more severe disease but in patients across the severity spectrum.
      Both observational and interventional studies of skin disease should include both
      clinician-assessed and self-assessed measures of severity among assessed
      variables.

PMID- 22097995
TI  - Linear sclerodermic lupus erythematosus, a distinct variant of linear morphea and
      chronic cutaneous lupus erythematous.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overlap syndromes represent disorders that combine diagnostic
      criteria of two or more different connective tissue diseases. METHODS: We herein
      describe the case of a 34-year-old patient. RESULTS: Our patient developed a
      lesion on the scalp and forehead following Blaschko's line typical for linear
      morphea "en coup de sabre", while histopathological features were consistent with
      both chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus and linear morphea, a cutaneous
      overlap syndrome previously described as linear sclerodermiform lupus
      erythematosus. The patient was given oral antimalarials in association with
      topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors with good response. CONCLUSIONS:
      Knowledge of this peculiar cutaneous overlap syndrome is warranted, since its
      management and prognosis is probably different from classical linear morphea.

PMID- 22097996
TI  - Augmented diagnostic capability using videodermatoscopy on selected infectious
      and non-infectious penile growths.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large variety of infectious and non-infectious penile growths may
      occur on the glans or shaft with variable clinical presentation. Although most of
      these penile growths can be diagnosed through medical history and clinical
      examination, small, single or early lesions may not be easily recognized or
      differentiated by their clinical features. Videodermatoscopy (VD) is a non
      invasive technique that has greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy for
      pigmented and non-pigmented skin disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selected cases
      of penile growths from our Genital Dermatology Clinic have been evaluated by VD
      in order to identify specific VD patterns. RESULTS: Pearly penile papules,
      Fordyce's spots, genital warts, molluscum contagiosum, angiokeratoma of Fordyce,
      and median raphe penile cysts were found to show specific VD features, which are
      described and analyzed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: VD offers the possibility to
      enhance diagnostic accuracy and aids in the differential diagnosis of selected
      infectious and non-infectious penile growths. In case of single or not clinically
      specific lesions, VD allows non-invasive recognition of specific patterns and
      features in order to make a more definitive diagnosis and to rule out clinically
      similar growths, thus avoiding biopsy and other invasive measures in some cases.

PMID- 22097997
TI  - Unusual and recently described cutaneous atrophic disorders.
AB  - Cutaneous atrophic conditions are typically caused by changes in the dermis or
      subcutaneous tissue, sometimes consisting of the loss of a single fiber type.
      Since a significant decrease of subepidermal tissue is necessary for these
      lesions to be macroscopically atrophic, many conditions may not be appreciated as
      atrophy in the clinical setting. Clinicians should be familiar with the common or
      classic disorders causing cutaneous atrophy; however, there are a few new or
      rarely described atrophic conditions which are more difficult to identify and may
      not be atrophic clinically. This paper serves to describe the salient clinical
      and histological features of these new or rare disorders.

PMID- 22097998
TI  - Interesting effect of Malassezia spp. infection on dermatoses of other origins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tinea versicolor (TV) is a superficial fungal infection affecting as
      many as 40% of the population in the tropics. We noticed an unusual affect of TV
      on dermatoses of other origins. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, we
      examined patients attending our dermatology outpatient department over a period
      of one year for coexistence of TV with any unrelated dermatoses. We confirmed the
      diagnosis of TV by microscopy of skin scrapings. Skin biopsy was performed when
      necessary to confirm the diagnosis of associated dermatoses. RESULTS: We describe
      four cases in which unrelated dermatoses (viral exanthem, acute generalized
      exanthematous pustulosis, polymorphous light eruption, and irritant contact
      dermatitis) specifically spared sites affected with TV. CONCLUSIONS: Recent
      research has elucidated the immunomodulatory properties of Malassezia spp. in
      vitro. Our cases serve as possible in vivo models illustrating such properties.
      Further studies based on these reports could lead to the isolation of molecules
      from Malassezia, which may have potential use in anti-inflammatory drug
      formulations.

PMID- 22097999
TI  - Diagnosing leprosy: revisiting the role of the slit-skin smear with critical
      analysis of the applicability of polymerase chain reaction in diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosing leprosy is challenging, especially in early-stage cases,
      and the need for a sensitive diagnostic tool is urgent. Polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) holds promise as a simple and sensitive diagnostic tool, but its usefulness
      in the Indian context requires further evaluation. Slit-skin smear (SSS) remains
      the conventional method of leprosy detection. Hence, this study was undertaken to
      evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficacy of PCR versus that of SSS. METHODS:
      Punch biopsy of skin and SSS were obtained from the active margins of lesions.
      Cases were clinically grouped according to whether they were multibacillary (MB)
      or paucibacillary (PB) and classified into tuberculoid (TT), borderline
      tuberculoid (BT), borderline lepromatous (BL), lepromatous (LL), histoid, and
      indeterminate groups after clinicopathological correlation. DNA was extracted
      from biopsy specimens, and multiplex PCR was carried out incorporating primers
      intended for the amplification of a specific 372-bp fragment of a repetitive
      sequence of Mycobacterium leprae DNA. RESULTS: Among 164 patients, PCR was
      positive in 82.3%. The sensitivity of PCR was significantly greater (P < 0.0001)
      than that of SSS in both the MB (85.9% vs. 59.8%) and PB (75.4% vs. 1.8%)
      subgroups; the difference in sensitivity in the PB subgroup is remarkable.
      Positivity by PCR and SSS was found in 100% of LL and histoid leprosy, but PCR
      had significantly greater (P < 0.0001) positivity in BT leprosy and was of
      definite increased value in indeterminate and TT leprosy. CONCLUSIONS: Polymerase
      chain reaction had higher sensitivity compared with SSS, especially in
      diagnostically challenging and PB cases. Thus, the use of this costly but
      sensitive tool should be restricted to this subgroup, because SSS is sufficiently
      sensitive in the diagnosis of LL and histoid leprosy.

PMID- 22098000
TI  - A morbilliform variant of linear IgA dermatosis: a new case.

PMID- 22098001
TI  - Adult colloid milium: a case report and literature review.

PMID- 22098002
TI  - Diffuse polymorphic eosinophilic cellulitis in a patient with metallic alloy
      implants: a possible association?

PMID- 22098003
TI  - Successful treatment of leg ulcer caused by cryofibrinogenemia by using a
      systemic corticosteroid and warfarin.

PMID- 22098004
TI  - Canine melanoma: a comparison with human pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma.

PMID- 22098005
TI  - Progressive nodular histiocytosis: a case report and literature review.

PMID- 22098006
TI  - Multiple squamous cell carcinomas in the setting of psoriasis treated with
      etanercept: a report of four cases and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, hyperproliferative disease of the
      skin characterized by overexpression of type 1 cytokines, including tumor
      necrosis factor alpha. There is concern that antitumor necrosis factor agents
      such as etanercept may increase the incidence of cutaneous malignancies; however,
      the data are conflicting. Our objective was to further understand the
      characteristics and association of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development in
      patients with psoriasis who used etanercept. METHODS: Four patients with
      psoriasis were identified as having SCCs in the setting of etanercept. The
      histories of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: All four
      patients had lifelong psoriasis. The mean time of SCC onset was 11 months after
      etanercept therapy was begun (range, 1-17 months), and the number of SCCs in each
      patient ranged from five to more than 50. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, reports are
      conflicting about the effect of etanercept on SCC development. We present the
      first case series of patients in whom SCC developed in the setting of etanercept
      therapy. More research is needed to better characterize the effects of etanercept
      on the development and behavior of SCC in patients with psoriasis.

PMID- 22098007
TI  - A method for distinguishing the intended margins for a melanoma from the tissue
      cones after surgical excision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical excision of severely dysplastic nevi and thin cutaneous
      melanomas (<1 mm in depth) remains the most effective treatment to date. However,
      sometimes a severely dysplastic nevus may be upstaged to a melanoma in situ, or a
      melanoma in situ may be upgraded to an invasive melanoma once the completely
      excised specimen is reviewed microscopically. This then requires a re-excision
      around the entire scar at follow-up as the dermatological surgeon can be
      perplexed as to where the precise locations of the pigmented lesion and the
      tissue cones are, thereby generating a longer scar. OBJECTIVE: We want to
      introduce a simple, cost-effective and easy-to-implement approach that permits
      the dermatological surgeon to distinguish from a linear scar the site of the
      original pigmented lesion and the lengths of the tissue cones. Therefore, if a re
      excision is necessary, instead of surgical removal around the entire scar, only a
      focal directed excision of the pigmented lesion is necessary and this will result
      in a shorter scar; this will be useful for cosmetically sensitive areas on the
      face. A case is included to illustrate our objective. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
      Using our surgical method on a patient's left cheek pigmented lesion originally
      diagnosed as melanoma in situ with a subsequent revised diagnosis of invasive
      melanoma generated a shorter scar and a favorable cosmetic outcome.

PMID- 22098008
TI  - Effect of isotretinoin treatment on plasma holotranscobalamin, vitamin B12, folic
      acid, and homocysteine levels: non-controlled study.
AB  - Isotretinoin (Iso) has been used for the treatment of acne. Some previous studies
      reported elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels after treatment with Iso. Some side
      effects have clinical presentations similar to vitamin B12, folic acid
      deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia. In the present study we evaluated the
      plasma Hcy levels, the vitamins involved in its metabolism (vitamin B12 and folic
      acid), and holotranscobalamin (HoloTC), a transport system for vitamin B12
      absorption in patients receiving Iso treatment for acne vulgaris. A total of 66
      patients with acne vulgaris between the ages of 18 and 40 years were included.
      Screening for hemoglobin, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, total cholesterol,
      triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (VLDL-C), folic acid, vitamin B12, Hcy, and HoloTC were done just before
      initiation (pretreatment) and after four months of Iso treatment (posttreatment).
      Posttreatment vitamin B12, folic acid, and HoloTC levels were significantly lower
      while Hcy levels were significantly higher compared with initial values.
      Posttreatment total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, VLDL-C, SGPT, and SGOT
      levels were also higher, and HDL-C levels were lower compared with initial values
      while there was no change in hemoglobin levels during Iso treatment. We found
      that Iso usage might cause decreased vitamin B12, folic acid, and HoloTC. These
      Iso side effects might contribute to the missing link between Iso usage,
      hyperhomocysteinemia, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Trials may be made with the
      aim of demonstrating (clearly) if starting vitamin B12 and folic acid replacement
      therapies with Iso treatment initialization could be useful for preventing
      hyperhomocysteinemia and possibly related disorders.

PMID- 22098009
TI  - Hematological abnormalities and the use of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor
      in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Derangements in blood cell counts have been described in patients
      with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) but are
      not well characterized. We aim to describe the relationship between our patients'
      hematological results and the evolution of disease and hypothesize on the
      possible roles of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the management
      of these conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of our patients with
      SJS and TEN from January 2005 to 2010 were analyzed. RESULTS: Anemia and
      lymphopenia were most commonly seen, while thrombocytopenia was uncommon.
      Leukopenia and neutropenia were seen in patients with more severe disease, and
      the trend of leukopenia and neutropenia followed the evolution of disease. Two
      patients received G-CSF for febrile neutropenia and had a rapid recovery of their
      neutrophil counts as well as a shorter time to re-epithelialization. CONCLUSION:
      Our patients tended to have leukopenia and neutropenia that followed a
      predictable trend of decline and subsequent improvement depending on the stage of
      disease. This may be of pathogenic significance, and G-CSF may be used in these
      cases to manage febrile neutropenia and aid re-epithelialization. Further basic
      science research is required to prove our hypotheses.

PMID- 22098010
TI  - Mucosal psoriasis: a new insight toward a systemic inflammatory disease.

PMID- 22098011
TI  - On granulomatous hypersensitivity.

PMID- 22098013
TI  - Pseudoacne of the nasal crease in a 10-year-old boy.

PMID- 22098012
TI  - Palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis caused by cellulitis in a patient
      with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22098014
TI  - Unusual excessive xanthogranuloma in an adult.

PMID- 22098015
TI  - Prurigo nodularis as the first manifestation of a chronic autoimmune cholestatic
      hepatitis.

PMID- 22098016
TI  - 66th Annual Congress, Brazilian Society of Dermatology, Florianopolis, August 3
      6, 2011.

PMID- 22098018
TI  - Deep brain stimulation in Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration:
      challenges for the future.

PMID- 22098019
TI  - Infliximab or cyclosporine for acute severe ulcerative colitis: a retrospective
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Medical treatment of steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis
      (UC) is limited to either cyclosporine or infliximab. Studies comparing
      cyclosporine with either placebo or intravenous methylprednisone showed promise
      for cyclosporine, but associated it with significant toxicity. There is
      conflicting, but increasingly positive evidence for using infliximab. There are
      no studies directly comparing these two treatments. Our aim was to compare the
      outcomes of patients with steroid-refractory UC treated with either intravenous
      cyclosporine or infliximab. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of
      inpatients with steroid-refractory UC, treated with either intravenous
      cyclosporine or infliximab, at Waitemata District Health Board, between January
      2001 and February 2010. The primary end-points were time to colectomy, and
      colectomy rates at 3 and 12 months. Secondary end-points were time to discharge
      from initiation of treatment, steroid dependence at 12 months, and reported
      adverse events. RESULTS: The total study population was 38, with 19 in the
      infliximab group. Follow up to 12 months was complete in all patients. At 3
      months, the colectomy rate was 63% for cyclosporine, compared to 21% (P =
      0.0094). By 12 months the rate was 68% and 37% for cyclosporine and infliximab,
      respectively (P = 0.06). Patients in the cyclosporine group required an
      additional 5 days in hospital (P = 0.0086). Steroid dependence at 12 months was
      50% for cyclosporine versus 25% for infliximab (P = 0.36). Cyclosporine caused
      more adverse events (P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab improved clinical
      outcomes compared to the previous use of intravenous cyclosporine in patients
      admitted with steroid-refractory acute severe UC.

PMID- 22098020
TI  - Creation of bioorthogonal redox systems depending on nicotinamide flucytosine
      dinucleotide.
AB  - Many enzymes catalyzing biological redox chemistry depend on the omnipresent
      cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is also involved in
      various nonredox processes. It remains challenging to disconnect one particular
      NAD-dependent reaction from all others. Here we present a bioorthogonal system
      that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of l-malate with a dedicated abiotic
      cofactor, nicotinamide flucytosine dinucleotide (NFCD). By screening the
      multisite saturated mutagenesis libraries of the NAD-dependent malic enzyme (ME),
      we identified the mutant ME-L310R/Q401C, which showed excellent activity with
      NFCD, yet marginal activity with NAD. We found that another synthetic cofactor,
      nicotinamide cytosine dinucleotide (NCD), also displayed similar activity with
      the ME mutants. Inspired by these observations, we mutated d-lactate
      dehydrogenase (DLDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) to DLDH-V152R and MDH-L6R,
      respectively, and both mutants showed fully active with NFCD. When coupled with
      DLDH-V152R, ME-L310R/Q401C required only a catalytic amount of NFCD to convert l
      malate. Our results opened the window to engineer bioorthogonal redox systems for
      a wide variety of applications in systems biology and synthetic biology.

PMID- 22098021
TI  - Residues of sulfadiazine and doxycycline in broiler liver and muscle tissue due
      to cross-contamination of feed.
AB  - Veterinary drugs, such as antimicrobial compounds, are widely used in poultry and
      may lead to the presence of residues in matrices of animal origin, such as muscle
      and liver tissue. In this study, broilers received an experimental feed
      containing sulfadiazine or doxycycline at cross-contamination levels of 2.5, 5
      and 10% of the therapeutic dose in feed. Breast and thigh muscle and liver
      samples were collected during treatment and depletion period and analysed via
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Concentrations reached
      a plateau phase 3-5 days after the start of experimental feeding. A rapid
      depletion of residues was noted after withdrawal of the experimental feed. No
      significant differences in measured concentrations were observed between the
      various muscle types. Residue concentrations for some experimental groups; the
      10% group of sulfadiazine and the 5 and 10% group of doxycycline, however,
      exceeded their corresponding maximum residue limits (MRLs).

PMID- 22098022
TI  - Loss of implant-bone interface following distal radial locking-plate
      endoprosthesis limb-sparing surgery in a dog.
AB  - An eight-year-old, neutered female Rottweiler was presented with lameness of
      seven days duration. Radiographs were consistent with a distal radial bone
      tumour. Limb-sparing surgery was performed using a commercially available
      endoprosthesis with a locking bone plate. Histopathological examination of the
      resected bone revealed an intraosseous fibrosarcoma, and postoperative adjuvant
      chemotherapy was initiated three weeks after surgery. Despite initial
      satisfactory limb function, lameness worsened four months after surgery.
      Radiographs revealed large areas of bone lysis around the proximal and distal
      screws, leading to significant resorption of the radius and radial carpal bone
      with subsequent construct failure. Further treatment was declined by the owner
      and the dog was subsequently euthanased. This case illustrates that implant
      failure is not necessarily averted by the use of locking (compared with non
      locking) implants combined with an endoprosthesis to treat distal radial tumours
      in dogs.

PMID- 22098030
TI  - Infectious mononucleosis and monoclonal B lymphocytosis in an elderly man.

PMID- 22098031
TI  - Subjective quality of life in older community-dwelling adults in the kingdom of
      Bhutan and Japan.

PMID- 22098032
TI  - Fifteen-item geriatric depression scale predicts 8-year mortality in older
      Japanese.

PMID- 22098033
TI  - A new crisis in Japan-social isolation in old age.

PMID- 22098034
TI  - Physiologically relaxing effect of a hospital rooftop forest on older women
      requiring care.

PMID- 22098035
TI  - Self-neglect and elder abuse: related phenomena?

PMID- 22098029
TI  - Review: molecular pathology in adult high-grade gliomas: from molecular
      diagnostics to target therapies.
AB  - The classification of malignant gliomas is moving from a morphology-based guide
      to a system built on molecular criteria. The development of a genomic landscape
      for gliomas and a better understanding of its functional consequences have led to
      the development of internally consistent molecular classifiers. However,
      development of a biologically insightful classification to guide therapy is still
      a work in progress. Response to targeted treatments is based not only on the
      presence of drugable targets, but rather on the molecular circuitry of the cells.
      Further, tumours are heterogeneous and change and adapt in response to drugs.
      Therefore, the challenge of developing molecular classifiers that provide
      meaningful ways to stratify patients for therapy remains a major challenge for
      the field. In this review, we examine the potential role of MGMT methylation,
      IDH1/2 mutations, 1p/19q deletions, aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor and
      PI3K pathways, abnormal p53/Rb pathways, cancer stem-cell markers and microRNAs
      as prognostic and predictive molecular markers in the setting of adult high-grade
      gliomas and we outline the clinically relevant subtypes of glioblastoma with
      genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic integrated analyses. Furthermore, we
      describe how these advances, especially in epidermal growth factor
      receptor/PI3K/mTOR signalling pathway, affect our approaches towards targeted
      therapy, raising new challenges and identifying new leads.

PMID- 22098036
TI  - Effectiveness of thrombolysis with intravenous alteplase for acute ischemic
      stroke in older adults.

PMID- 22098037
TI  - Depressive symptoms increase the risk of mortality in older Mexican community
      dwelling adults.

PMID- 22098038
TI  - A 5-year review of the immunization profile of older adults with liver disease at
      a community hospital.

PMID- 22098039
TI  - Heparin bridging therapy and bleeding events in octogenarian inpatients with
      atrial fibrillation starting anticoagulation: results of an ancillary study.

PMID- 22098040
TI  - Sicca syndrome in hospitalized older adults: prevalence and comparison of
      objective and subjective symptoms.

PMID- 22098041
TI  - Asymptomatic colonization by Clostridium difficile in older adults admitted to a
      geriatric unit: a prospective cohort study.

PMID- 22098042
TI  - Does memantine improve the gait of individuals with Alzheimer's disease?

PMID- 22098043
TI  - Quality of the rating of mini-mental state examination in a well-defined
      population of French general practitioners.

PMID- 22098044
TI  - Objective sleep duration and quality in hospitalized older adults: associations
      with blood pressure and mood.

PMID- 22098045
TI  - Geriatric MyHealth Passport: a pilot study of a portable health summary in an
      elderly population.

PMID- 22098046
TI  - Timed up and go test predicts cognitive decline in healthy adults aged 80 and
      older in Okinawa: Keys to Optimal Cognitive Aging (KOCOA) Project.

PMID- 22098047
TI  - Guidelines for non-medical care providers to detect illnesses in elderly evacuees
      after the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku.

PMID- 22098048
TI  - Gait velocity versus the timed up and go test: which one to use for the
      prediction of falls and other adverse health outcomes in primary care?

PMID- 22098050
TI  - Undiagnosed cognitive impairment in nursing home residents.

PMID- 22098051
TI  - Functional recovery after stroke.

PMID- 22098053
TI  - Addressing challenges of identifying geometrically diverse sets of crystalline
      porous materials.
AB  - Crystalline porous materials have a variety of uses, such as for catalysis and
      separations. Identifying suitable materials for a given application can, in
      principle, be done by screening material databases. Such a screening requires
      automated high-throughput analysis tools that calculate topological and
      geometrical parameters describing pores. These descriptors can be used to
      compare, select, group, and classify materials. Here, we present a descriptor
      that captures shape and geometry characteristics of pores. Together with proposed
      similarity measures, it can be used to perform diversity selection on a set of
      porous materials. Our representations are histogram encodings of the probe
      accessible fragment of the Voronoi network representing the void space of a
      material. We discuss and demonstrate the application of our approach on the
      International Zeolite Association (IZA) database of zeolite frameworks and the
      Deem database of hypothetical zeolites, as well as zeolitic imidazolate
      frameworks constructed from IZA zeolite structures. The diverse structures
      retrieved by our method are complementary to those expected by emphasizing
      diversity in existing one-dimensional descriptors, e.g., surface area, and
      similar to those obtainable by a (subjective) manual selection based on
      materials' visual representations. Our technique allows for reduction of large
      sets of structures and thus enables the material researcher to focus efforts on
      maximally dissimilar structures.

PMID- 22098054
TI  - Round window membrane motion before and after stapedotomy surgery - an
      experimental study.
AB  - This paper presents the results of non-contact measurements of the human ear
      round window (RW) membrane motion in freshly harvested human cadaver temporal
      bone specimens. A PSV 400 Scanning Laser Vibrometer system (Polytec, Waldbronn,
      Germany) was used to determine the effect of stapedotomy on the sound-induced
      displacement amplitude of the RW membrane. The vibration patterns were measured
      in the frequency range of 0.4-10 kHz in four specimens with air conduction
      stimulation at 90 dB SPL applied to the external auditory canal. It was shown
      that the vibration amplitude of the RW membrane after stapes piston prosthesis
      implantation, in comparison with a physiological specimen, was reduced several
      times. The motion of the RW membrane can be used to determine the cochlear
      stimulation for the evaluation of middle ear ossicle reconstruction, especially
      in the case of otosclerosis surgery.

PMID- 22098056
TI  - Effect of denture adhesive on the micro-organisms in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Denture adhesives increase the retention and stability of dentures
      in edentulous patients, especially in cases where salivary flow is impaired or in
      the management of traumatised oral mucosa. OBJECTIVES: The effect of a denture
      adhesive on the oral flora at different time intervals. METHOD: Thirty denture
      wearing patients were involved in this study. While half of the group received a
      denture adhesive, the other half did not. At baseline, 1 and 2 months after
      delivering the dentures, smear samples were obtained from the saliva, palate and
      the dentures. Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida spp.,
      Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, alpha-haemolytic streptococci, beta
      haemolytic streptococci, Pneumococcus aureus, S. anginosus, S. intermedius, S.
      constellatus, S. sanguis, S. gordonii, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. salivarius, and
      yeasts were investigated. The data were statistically analysed using anova and
      repeated measures. RESULTS: Most types of the micro-organisms were not seen and
      could not be analysed statistically except alpha-haemolytic streptococci and C.
      albicans. No statistically significant difference was found for alpha-haemolytic
      streptococci and C. albicans in saliva, palate and the denture at all time
      intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged use of the denture adhesive tested up to 2
      months did not yield to increase in micro-organisms of the oral flora.

PMID- 22098057
TI  - Structure and property engineering of alpha-D-glucans synthesized by
      dextransucrase mutants.
AB  - Seven dextran types, displaying from 3 to 20% alpha(1->3) glycosidic linkages,
      were synthesized in vitro from sucrose by mutants of dextransucrase DSR-S from
      Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F, obtained by combinatorial engineering. The
      structural and physicochemical properties of these original biopolymers were
      characterized. When asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation coupled with
      multiangle laser light scattering was used, it was determined that weight average
      molar masses and radii of gyration ranged from 0.76 to 6.02 * 10(8) g.mol(-1) and
      from 55 to 206 nm, respectively. The nu(G) values reveal that dextrans Gcn6 and
      Gcn7, which contain 15 and 20% alpha(1->3) linkages, are highly branched and
      contain long ramifications, while Gcn1 is rather linear with only 3% alpha(1->3)
      linkages. Others display intermediate molecular structures. Rheological
      investigation shows that all of these polymers present a classical non-Newtonian
      pseudoplastic behavior. However, Gcn_DvDelta4N, Gcn2, Gcn3, and Gcn7 form weak
      gels, while others display a viscoelastic behavior that is typical of entangled
      polymer solutions. Finally, glass transition temperature T(g) was measured by
      differential scanning calorimetry. Interestingly, the T(g) of Gcn1 and Gcn5 are
      equal to 19.0 and 29.8  degrees C, respectively. Because of this low T(g), these
      two original dextrans are able to form rubber and flexible films at ambient
      temperature without any plasticizer addition. The mechanical parameters
      determined for Gcn1 films from tensile tests are very promising in comparison to
      the films obtained with other polysaccharides extracted from plants, algae or
      microbial fermentation. These results lead the way to using these dextrans as
      innovative biosourced materials.

PMID- 22098058
TI  - A rural undergraduate campus in England: virtue from opportunity and necessity.
AB  - The implementation of new curriculum at Keele University Medical School, UK has
      made heavy use of general practice as a locus for learning. This has necessitated
      a substantial expansion in the School's teaching network. The School's hinterland
      includes a large rural area with a number of excellent general practices and
      associated community hospitals that, to date, have been unable to teach
      undergraduates because of their inaccessibility. This article describes how the
      School and its partners articulated a vision to establish a rural campus with an
      associated rural accommodation hub, and the challenges involved in establishing
      and sustaining the campus.

PMID- 22098059
TI  - Diaphragmatic tear in pregnancy induced by intractable vomiting: a case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, the most common medical condition of
      pregnancy, affects up to 80% of all pregnancies to some extent, and hyperemesis
      gravidarum does less than 1% of pregnant women. When hyperemesis gravidarum
      induces diaphragmatic tear, diagnosis can be missed because of nonspecific
      presentation with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. METHODS: We reported a
      pregnant case suffering from intractable vomiting at the beginning of the second
      trimester (the 13th week of gestation) with delayed diagnosis of diaphragmatic
      tearing. RESULTS: The patient was misdiagnosed initially, which delayed the
      surgical intervention and unnecessary abortion. CONCLUSION: It is worthwhile
      considering the maternal diaphragmatic cause as an unusual one of refractory
      vomiting accompanied by clinically significant progressive epigastric pain,
      distension and respiratory embarrassment.

PMID- 22098060
TI  - Biomolecule-recognition gating membrane using biomolecular cross-linking and
      polymer phase transition.
AB  - We present for the first time a biomolecule-recognition gating system that
      responds to small signals of biomolecules by the cooperation of biorecognition
      cross-linking and polymer phase transition in nanosized pores. The biomolecule
      recognition gating membrane immobilizes the stimuli-responsive polymer, including
      the biomolecule-recognition receptor, onto the pore surface of a porous membrane.
      The pore state (open/closed) of this gating membrane depends on the formation of
      specific biorecognition cross-linking in the pores: a specific biomolecule having
      multibinding sites can be recognized by several receptors and acts as the cross
      linker of the grafted polymer, whereas a nonspecific molecule cannot. The pore
      state can be distinguished by a volume phase transition of the grafted polymer.
      In the present study, the principle of the proposed system is demonstrated using
      poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) as the stimuli-responsive polymer and avidin-biotin
      as a multibindable biomolecule-specific receptor. As a result of the selective
      response to the specific biomolecule, a clear permeability change of an order of
      magnitude was achieved. The principle is versatile and can be applied to many
      combinations of multibindable analyte-specific receptors, including antibody
      antigen and lectin-sugar analogues. The new gating system can find wide
      application in the bioanalytical field and aid the design of novel biodevices.

PMID- 22098061
TI  - Unravelling the peculiarities of island life: vicariance, dispersal and the
      diversification of the extinct and extant giant Galapagos tortoises.
AB  - In isolated oceanic islands, colonization patterns are often interpreted as
      resulting from dispersal rather than vicariant events. Such inferences may not be
      appropriate when island associations change over time and new islands do not form
      in a simple linear trend. Further complexity in the phylogeography of ocean
      islands arises when dealing with endangered taxa as extinctions, uncertainty on
      the number of evolutionary 'units', and human activities can obscure the
      progression of colonization events. Here, we address these issues through a
      reconstruction of the evolutionary history of giant Galapagos tortoises,
      integrating DNA data from extinct and extant species with information on recent
      human activities and newly available geological data. Our results show that only
      three of the five extinct or nearly extinct species should be considered
      independent evolutionary units. Dispersal from mainland South America started at
      approximately 3.2 Ma after the emergence of the two oldest islands of San
      Cristobal and Espanola. Dispersal from older to younger islands began
      approximately 1.74 Ma and was followed by multiple colonizations from different
      sources within the archipelago. Vicariant events, spurred by island formation,
      coalescence, and separation, contributed to lineage diversifications on Pinzon
      and Floreana dating from 1.26 and 0.85 Ma. This work provides an example of how
      to reconstruct the history of endangered taxa in spite of extinctions and human
      mediated dispersal events and highlights the need to take into account both
      vicariance and dispersal when dealing with organisms from islands whose
      associations are not simply explained by a linear emergence model.

PMID- 22098062
TI  - Screening of de novo tumors after liver transplantation.
AB  - De novo malignancies are frequent complications after liver transplantation. They
      are one of the leading causes of late death. Some authors have reported promising
      results following implementation of extensive cancer surveillance programs.
      Screening protocols might benefit patients by providing a diagnosis at an earlier
      stage when tumors may be cured. These protocols should be based on the specific
      risk factors of every patient. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence supporting
      screening protocols is still very weak both in the general population and in the
      transplant patients. On this basis, there is not enough evidence to recommend
      routine screening for all liver transplant recipients, apart from the
      recommendations accepted for the general population. Multicenter studies in
      selected groups of patients at high risk for malignancy may be the only way of
      defining the potential benefit of screening programs post-transplantation.

PMID- 22098063
TI  - High level use and satisfaction with internet-based breast cancer survivorship
      care plans.

PMID- 22098064
TI  - Tenofovir plus entecavir as rescue therapy for multidrug-resistant chronic
      hepatitis B.

PMID- 22098065
TI  - Clinical and pharmacokinetic evaluation of  satraplatin.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The toxicities of cisplatin, that is, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity
      and emesis, provided the impetus for the development of more tolerable platinum
      analogs. Satraplatin is an investigational third-generation orally available
      lipophilic platinum, which has demonstrated safety and antitumor activity in
      multiple settings. AREAS COVERED: The clinical activity of satraplatin in
      metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), breast, lung and other
      advanced solid tumors is discussed with a focus on its pharmacokinetic
      properties. The article was formulated using publications found through PubMed
      search in addition to presentations given at major conferences. EXPERT OPINION:
      Satraplatin was associated with dose-limiting myelosuppression, but no
      significant ototoxicity, neurotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Despite the activity of
      satraplatin in mCRPC, survival was not extended in an unselected population
      included in a Phase III trial. While further development of satraplatin in large
      Phase III trials is not planned at this time, efforts are ongoing to develop
      tailored therapy in mCRPC based on excision repair cross-complementing group 1
      expression or BRCAness. Moreover, based on potentially better central nervous
      system penetration due to lipophilicity, evaluation in patients with brain tumors
      is ongoing. Given the favorable toxicity profile and convenient oral
      administration, satraplatin may warrant development in settings that preclude
      cisplatin, for example, underlying renal dysfunction, elderly age and poor
      performance status.

PMID- 22098066
TI  - Probing side-chain dynamics in proteins by the measurement of nine deuterium
      relaxation rates per methyl group.
AB  - We demonstrate the feasibility of the measurement of up to nine deuterium spin
      relaxation rates in 13CHD2 and 13CH2D methyl isotopomers of small proteins. In
      addition to five measurable 2H relaxation rates in a 13CH2D methyl group (Millet,
      O.; Muhandiram, D. R.; Skrynnikov, N. R.; Kay, L. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124,
      6439-48), the measurement of additional four rates of (nearly) single
      exponentially decaying magnetization terms in methyl groups of the 13CHD2 variety
      is reported. Consistency relationships between 2H spin relaxation rates measured
      in the two different types of methyl groups are derived and verified
      experimentally for a subset of methyl-containing side chains in the protein
      ubiquitin. A detailed comparison of methyl-bearing side-chain dynamics parameters
      obtained from relaxation measurements in 13CH2D and 13CHD2 methyls of ubiquitin
      at 10, 27, and 40  degrees C reveals that transverse 2H relaxation rates in
      13CHD2 groups are reliable and accurate reporters of the amplitudes of methyl 3
      fold axis motions (S(axis)2) for protein molecules with global molecular tumbling
      times tau(C) >~9 ns. For smaller molecules, simple correction of transverse 2H
      relaxation rates in 13CHD2 groups is sufficient for the derivation of robust
      measures of order. Residue-specific distributions of S(axis)2 are consistent with
      atomic-detail molecular dynamics (MD) results. Both 13CHD2- and 13CH2D-derived
      S(axis)2 values are in good overall agreement with those obtained from 1 MUs MD
      simulations at all the three temperatures, although some differences in the site
      specific temperature dependence between MD- and 2H-relaxation-derived S(axis)2
      values are observed.

PMID- 22098067
TI  - The currently used commercial DNA-extraction methods give different results of
      clostridial and actinobacterial populations derived from human fecal samples.
AB  - Recently several human health-related microbiota studies have had partly
      contradictory results. As some differences may be explained by methodologies
      applied, we evaluated how different storage conditions and commonly used DNA
      extraction kits affect bacterial composition, diversity, and numbers of human
      fecal microbiota. According to our results, the DNA-extraction did not affect the
      diversity, composition, or quantity of Bacteroides spp., whereas after a week's
      storage at -20  degrees C, the numbers of Bacteroides spp. were 1.6-2.5 log units
      lower (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the numbers of predominant bacteria, Eubacterium
      rectale (Erec)-group, Clostridium leptum group, bifidobacteria, and Atopobium
      group were 0.5-4 log units higher (P < 0.05) after mechanical DNA-extraction as
      detected with qPCR, regardless of storage. Furthermore, the bacterial composition
      of Erec-group differed significantly after different DNA-extractions; after
      enzymatic DNA-extraction, the most prevalent genera detected were Roseburia (39%
      of clones) and Coprococcus (10%), whereas after mechanical DNA-extraction, the
      most prevalent genera were Blautia (30%), Coprococcus (13%), and Dorea (10%).
      According to our results, rigorous mechanical lysis enables detection of higher
      bacterial numbers and diversity from human fecal samples. As it was shown that
      the results of clostridial and actinobacterial populations are highly dependent
      on the DNA-extraction methods applied, the use of different DNA-extraction
      protocols may explain the contradictory results previously obtained.

PMID- 22098069
TI  - Identification of a galactose-specific flocculin essential for non-sexual
      flocculation and filamentous growth in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - Although various mutant strains of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
      exhibit non-sexual flocculation, little is known about the mechanistic basis for
      this phenomenon, nor have genes encoding the implicated flocculin been
      identified. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription
      factor Flo8 controls expression of some of the genes involved in non-sexual
      flocculation. We have found that overexpression of S. cerevisiae FLO8 induced non
      sexual flocculation in S. pombe. This non-sexual flocculation was Ca(2+) 
      dependent, and was inhibited by addition of galactose, but not by mannose,
      glucose or sucrose. In the FLO8-overexpressing strain, a gene designated gsf2(+)
      (galactose-specific flocculation) was specifically induced. The gsf2(+) gene was
      also highly expressed in lkh1Delta, tup12Delta and gsf1 mutants, all of which
      exhibited non-sexual flocculation dependent on gsf2(+) . We show that the N
      terminal region of Gsf2 recognizes galactose in mediating cell-cell interaction.
      Disruption of gsf2(+) also abolished the adhesion phenotype and invasive growth
      of the wild-type strain cultured in low ammonium medium. The newly identified
      flocculin Gsf2 in fission yeast was not only required for non-sexual flocculation
      but was also required for adhesion and filamentous growth through recognition of
      galactose residues on cell surface glycoconjugates.

PMID- 22098070
TI  - Clinicians' views of formats of performance comparisons.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Comparisons of the performance of health care
      providers are increasingly being used. Despite one key audience being clinicians,
      there has been little research on the format and content of such comparisons. Our
      aim was to explore clinicians' comprehension and preferences of format and
      content in displaying provider outcomes using comparisons of patient reported
      outcome measures data. METHOD: A qualitative study, based on seven meetings
      involving 107 clinicians (mostly consultant and junior doctors, and nurses),
      revealed their views on nine formats and five aspects of content. RESULTS: Key
      findings were the desire for data in more than one format, explicit display of
      comparative performance (rank order) and the need for explanations (e.g. of
      unfamiliar formats and of statistical uncertainty). CONCLUSIONS: Several themes
      were identified that shaped clinicians' views. Results were sufficiently clear to
      permit recommendations for the form and content of standard reports for the
      National Health Service.

PMID- 22098068
TI  - Somatostatin stimulates the migration of hepatic oval cells in the injured rat
      liver.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Somatostatin is a pleiotropic peptide, exerting a variety of effects
      through its receptor subtypes. Recently, somatostatin has been shown to act as a
      chemoattractant for haematopoietic progenitor cells and hepatic oval cells (HOC)
      via receptor subtype 2 and subtype 4 (SSTR4) respectively. AIMS: We investigated
      the in vivo effect of somatostatin/SSTR4 on HOC migration in the injured liver
      model of rats and the type of signalling molecules associated with the
      chemotactic function. METHODS: Migration assay, HOC transplantation and
      phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signalling were assessed with or without
      somatostatin and an analogue of somatostatin (TT232) that specifically binds to
      SSTR4. RESULTS: TT232 was shown to have an antimigratory action on HOC induced by
      somatostatin in vitro. In HOC transplantation experiments, a lower number of
      donor-derived cells were detected in TT232-treated animals, as compared with
      control animals. Activation of PI3K was observed in HOC exposed to somatostatin,
      and this activation was suppressed by either SSTR4 antibody or TT232
      pretreatment. In addition, a PI3K inhibitor abrogated the motility of HOC.
      CONCLUSION: Together, these data suggest that somatostatin stimulates the
      migration of HOC within injured liver through SSTR4, and this action appears to
      be mediated by the PI3K pathway.

PMID- 22098071
TI  - Patients' profile, burden of disease and quality of life in recurrent herpes
      labialis: a survey conducted in USA and France.

PMID- 22098072
TI  - Retrospective evaluation of the use of amiodarone in dogs with arrhythmias (from
      2003 to 2010).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of amiodarone in dogs with refractory
      supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and to document the side effects in
      treated dogs. METHODS: Records of 28 dogs were retrospectively searched to
      document indication for amiodarone administration, heart rate, alkaline
      phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating
      hormone values before and after starting treatment and during follow-up periods.
      RESULTS: Sixteen dogs with supraventricular and 12 dogs with ventricular
      arrhythmias were treated with amiodarone. Amiodarone treatment significantly
      reduced the heart rate (P<0.001) and resulted in improvement in the severity of
      the arrhythmia and clinical signs in 26 dogs. There were no significant
      differences in alkaline phosphatase (P=0.596), alanine aminotransferase
      (P=0.842), T4 (P=0.789) and thyroid stimulating hormone (P=0.064) before and
      after starting amiodarone. On maintenance therapy, median amiodarone blood levels
      were within the accepted reference range (0.5 to 2.0 mg/L) at 0.8 mg/L (range 0.2
      to 11.6 mg/L), but the majority of the desethylamiodarone levels were below
      normal at 0.1 mg/L (range 0.1 to 0.9 mg/L), based on human reference intervals
      (0.5 to 2.0 mg/L). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Amiodarone may be an effective and safe
      alternative to treat supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias in dogs, when
      common anti-arrhythmic drugs are not effective or contraindicated.

PMID- 22098073
TI  - Anatomy and functional role of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus: a search
      that has just begun.

PMID- 22098075
TI  - Baseline plasma levels of interleukin-8 in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer
      patients: relationship with nutritional status and prognosis.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-8 promotes cellular proliferation and angiogenesis in patients
      with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may be related to cachexia. Our aim
      was to investigate the relationship of IL-8 levels with nutritional status, and
      clinical outcome of patients with NSCLC. Patients with metastatic NSCLC referred
      for first-line therapy were eligible. Baseline IL-8 levels were measured in
      plasma. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used for the evaluation of the
      nutritional status, and patients were classified into 3 groups: A (score 24-30)
      "well nourished," B (score 17-23.5) "risk of malnutrition," and C (0-16.5)
      "malnourishment." Response to first-line chemotherapy, time-to-tumor progression
      (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were also recorded. In total, 114 patients (101
      males, 88.5%; mean age = 67.5 yr) were evaluated. Performance status was 0-1 in
      62% of the patients. According to the MNA, the majority of patients (71%) was
      either at nutritional risk or malnourished. IL-8 levels were significantly
      different between MNA groups (P = 0.023) and correlated with TTP (P = 0.013) and
      OS (P = 0.001) in univariate analysis. Baseline IL-8 levels correlate with the
      nutritional status of patients with metastatic NSCLC, suggesting that this
      cytokine may be related with cachexia.

PMID- 22098076
TI  - Diagnostic yield of dual-phase computed tomography enterography in patients with
      obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and a non-diagnostic capsule endoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: In patients with obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding,
      capsule endoscopy is widely used to determine the source of bleeding. However,
      there is currently no consensus on how to further evaluate patients with obscure
      GI bleeding with a non-diagnostic capsule endoscopy examination. This study aims
      to determine the diagnostic yield of dual-phase computed tomographic enterography
      (CTE) in patients with obscure GI bleeding and a non-diagnostic capsule
      endoscopy. METHODS: Patients with obscure GI bleeding who were referred for
      capsule endoscopy were prospectively enrolled. Obscure GI bleeding was defined as
      overt if there was obvious GI bleeding; otherwise it was defined as occult.
      Patients with a non-diagnostic capsule endoscopy and no contraindications
      underwent a CTE. RESULTS: Capsule endoscopy was performed in 52 patients; 26
      patients (50%) had occult GI bleeding and 26 patients (50%) had overt GI
      bleeding. CTE was then performed in 25 of the 48 patients without a definitive
      source of bleeding seen on capsule endoscopy. The diagnostic yield of CTE was 0%
      (0/11) in patients with occult bleeding versus 50% (7/14) in patients with overt
      bleeding (P < 0.01). Using clinical follow up as the gold standard, for the 25
      patients with a non-diagnostic capsule, CTE had a sensitivity of 33% (95%
      confidence interval 0.15, 0.56) and a specificity of 75% (95% confidence interval
      0.22, 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a non-diagnostic capsule endoscopy
      examination, CTE is useful for detecting a source of GI bleeding in patients with
      overt, but not occult, obscure GI bleeding.

PMID- 22098077
TI  - Urotensin II levels in patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney
      transplants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Urotensin II is a potent vasoactive peptide that has been implicated
      in the pathophysiology of many diseases. There is no study reporting the role and
      level of this peptide in recipients of kidney transplant. So we aimed to study
      the plasma levels of urotensin II in this group of patients. METHODS: Plasma
      urotensin II levels were analyzed in 110 subjects, who were divided into three
      groups: group 1 (35 kidney transplant recipients), group 2 (36 patients with
      chronic kidney disease), and group 3 (39 healthy controls). RESULTS: Analysis of
      logarithmic transformation of urotensin II, i.e. log (urotensin II * 1000)
      levels, with a one-way analysis of variance yielded a P value of 0.001. Post-hoc
      analysis showed significantly higher log (urotensin II * 1000) levels in group 1
      than groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.001 and 0.017, respectively). One of the important
      features of the subjects of this group was that they were taking
      immunosuppressive drugs because of renal transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: High
      urotensin II levels in recipients of kidney transplants could be drug-related
      (immunosuppressive drugs) and may be of practical importance that may be used to
      improve the long-term outcome of the patients.

PMID- 22098078
TI  - Homeless people as target population in the scientific investigation.

PMID- 22098079
TI  - Short communication: Phenotypic protease inhibitor resistance and cross
      resistance in the clinic from 2006 to 2008 and mutational prevalences in HIV from
      patients with discordant tipranavir and darunavir susceptibility phenotypes.
AB  - To test tipranavir (TPV) or darunavir (DRV) as treatment options for patients
      with phenotypic resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs), including lopinavir,
      saquinavir, atazanavir, and fosamprenavir, the PhenoSense GT database was
      analyzed for susceptibility to DRV or TPV among PI-resistant isolates. The
      Monogram Biosciences HIV database (South San Francisco, CA) containing 7775
      clinical isolates (2006-2008) not susceptible to at least one first-generation PI
      was analyzed. Phenotypic responses [resistant (R), partially susceptible (PS), or
      susceptible (S)] were defined by upper and lower clinical cut-offs to each PI.
      Genotypes were screened for amino acid substitutions associated with TPV-R/DRV-S
      and TPV-S/DRV-R phenotypes. In all, 4.9% (378) of isolates were resistant to all
      six PIs and 31.0% (2407) were resistant to none. Among isolates resistant to all
      four first-generation PIs, DRV resistance increased from 21.2% to 41.9% from 2006
      to 2008, respectively, and resistance to TPV remained steady (53.9 to 57.3%,
      respectively). Higher prevalence substitutions in DRV-S/TPV-R isolates versus DRV
      R/TPV-S isolates, respectively, were 82L/T (44.4% vs. 0%) and 83D (5.8% vs. 0%).
      Higher prevalence substitutions in DRV-R/TPV-S virus were 50V (0.0% vs. 28.9%),
      54L (1.0% vs. 36.1%), and 76V (0.4% vs. 15.5%). Mutations to help predict
      discordant susceptibility to DRV and TPV in isolates with reduced susceptibility
      to other PIs were identified. DRV resistance mutations associated with improved
      virologic response to TPV were more prevalent in DRV-R/TPV-S isolates. TPV
      resistance mutations were more prevalent in TPV-R and DRV-S isolates. These
      results confirm the impact of genotype on phenotype, illustrating how HIV
      genotype and phenotype data assist regimen optimization.

PMID- 22098080
TI  - Drug effect prediction by polypharmacology-based interaction profiling.
AB  - Most drugs exert their effects via multitarget interactions, as hypothesized by
      polypharmacology. While these multitarget interactions are responsible for the
      clinical effect profiles of drugs, current methods have failed to uncover the
      complex relationships between them. Here, we introduce an approach which is able
      to relate complex drug-protein interaction profiles with effect profiles.
      Structural data and registered effect profiles of all small-molecule drugs were
      collected, and interactions to a series of nontarget protein binding sites of
      each drug were calculated. Statistical analyses confirmed a close relationship
      between the studied 177 major effect categories and interaction profiles of ca.
      1200 FDA-approved small-molecule drugs. On the basis of this relationship, the
      effect profiles of drugs were revealed in their entirety, and hitherto uncovered
      effects could be predicted in a systematic manner. Our results show that the
      prediction power is independent of the composition of the protein set used for
      interaction profile generation.

PMID- 22098081
TI  - Identifying individual cell types in heterogeneous cultures using secondary ion
      mass spectrometry imaging with C60 etching and multivariate analysis.
AB  - Tissue engineering approaches fabricate and subsequently implant cell-seeded and
      unseeded scaffold biomaterials. Once in the body, these biomaterials are
      repopulated with somatic cells of various phenotypes whose identification upon
      explantation can be expensive and time-consuming. We show that imaging time-of
      flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) can be used to distinguish
      mammalian cell types in heterogeneous cultures. Primary rat esophageal epithelial
      cells (REEC) were cultured with NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts on tissue culture
      polystyrene and freeze-dried before TOF-SIMS imaging. Results show that a short
      etching sequence with C(60)(+) ions can be used to clean the sample surface and
      improve the TOF-SIMS image quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) and
      partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to identify peaks
      whose contributions to the total variance in the multivariate model were due to
      either the two cell types or the substrate. Using PLS-DA, unknown regions of
      cellularity that were otherwise unidentifiable by SIMS could be classified. From
      the loadings in the PLS-DA model, peaks were selected that were indicative of the
      two cell types and TOF-SIMS images were created and overlaid that showed the
      ability of this method to distinguish features visually.

PMID- 22098083
TI  - The role of metacognitive beliefs in stress sensitisation, self-esteem
      variability, and the generation of paranoia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION. Stress sensitisation may play a key role in the formation of
      psychosis. The authors examined whether metacognitive beliefs and self-esteem
      moderate affective response to stress, and whether subtle fluctuations in self
      esteem act as a mediator between stress and attenuated psychotic phenomena.
      METHOD. 70 healthy volunteers completed two conditions of the same experimental
      tasks, which were designed to be either neutral or stress inducing. Ambulant
      assessments of negative affect, self-esteem, and suspicious thoughts were taken
      before and after each task, and standardised questionnaires were completed at the
      beginning or end of each session. RESULTS. Metacognitive belief subscales, but
      not self-esteem, moderated the association between stress and resultant negative
      affect, and negative affect and suspicious thinking. Individuals who placed
      greater emphasis on controlling their thoughts had greater variability in their
      self-esteem during the stress condition, which in turn predicted the severity of
      their attenuated psychotic phenomena. DISCUSSION. Metacognitive beliefs may
      sensitise an individual to minor stressors, by increasing affective reactivity
      and causing subtle shifts in appraisals of self-worth. Psychosocial intervention
      may wish to target these beliefs in order to desensitise an individual to
      negative events.

PMID- 22098087
TI  - Synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): routes to various MOF topologies,
      morphologies, and composites.

PMID- 22098088
TI  - Synthesis of (+)-ambrisentan via chiral ketone-catalyzed asymmetric epoxidation.
AB  - The synthesis of optically pure (+)-ambrisentan has been achieved from 3,3
      diphenylacrylate in four steps with 53% overall yield and >99% ee at the >100 g
      scale without column purification. The chiral epoxide intermediate was prepared
      via asymmetric epoxidation with a fructose-derived diacetate ketone as catalyst.

PMID- 22098089
TI  - Construction-conditioned rollback in total knee replacement: fluoroscopic
      results.
AB  - Firstly, the way of implementing approximatively the initial rollback of the
      natural tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) in a total knee replacement (AEQUOS G1 TKR) is
      discussed. By configuration of the curvatures of the medial and lateral
      articulating surfaces a cam gear mechanism with positive drive can be installed,
      which works under force closure of the femoral and tibial surfaces. Briefly the
      geometric design features in flexion/extension are described and construction
      conditioned kinematical and functional properties that arise are discussed. Due
      to a positive drive of the cam gear under the force closure during the stance
      phase of gait the articulating surfaces predominantly roll. As a result of
      rolling, a sliding friction is avoided, thus the resistance to motion is reduced
      during the stance phase. Secondly, in vivo fluoroscopic measurements of the
      patella tendon angle during flexion/extension are presented. The patella tendon
      angle/ knee flexion angle characteristic and the kinematic profile in trend were
      similar to those observed in the native knee during gait (0 degrees -60 degrees
      ).

PMID- 22098090
TI  - Effect of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on lipid profiles in pregnant
      women: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to enhanced fat storage primarily during the mid-pregnancy
      period, pregnancy is associated with elevated levels of lipid profiles. To our
      knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of probiotic yoghurt
      consumption on serum lipid profiles in pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: This study was
      designed to determine the effects of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on
      lipid profiles of Iranian pregnant women. METHODS: This randomized single-blinded
      controlled clinical trial was performed among 70 pregnant women, primigravida,
      aged 18-30 years old who were carrying singleton pregnancy at their third
      trimester. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume 200 g/d of conventional
      (n=33) or the probiotic group (n=37) for 9 weeks. The probiotic yoghurt was a
      commercially available product prepared with the starter cultures of
      Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, enriched with probiotic
      culture of two strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5) and
      bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis BB12) with a total of min 1 * 10(7)
      colony-forming units. The conventional yoghurt contained the starter cultures of
      S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline
      and after 9-weeks intervention to measure serum lipid profiles. RESULTS: Although
      consumption of probiotic yogurt for 9 weeks had been resulted in a significant
      reduction in serum total- (-53.7 mg/dL, p=0.001), LDL- (-35.2 mg/dL, p=0.006) and
      HDL-cholesterol levels (-9.8 mg/dL, p=0.002) as well as serum triglyceride
      concentrations (-42.8 mg/dL, p=0.029), no significant differences were found
      comparing probiotic and conventional yogurts in terms of their effect on serum
      lipid profiles. Within-Group differences in conventional yogurt group revealed a
      significant reduction in HDL-cholesterol levels (-8.4 mg/dL, p=0.005) and
      borderline significant reduction in serum total cholesterol concentrations (-21.6
      mg/dL, p=0.08). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, consumption of probiotic yogurt among
      pregnant women could not affect serum lipid profiles as compared to the
      conventional yogurt.

PMID- 22098091
TI  - A scoping review and research synthesis on financing and regulating oral care in
      long-term care facilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral health care for frail elders is grossly inadequate almost
      everywhere, and our knowledge of regulating and financing oral care in this
      context is unclear. OBJECTIVE: This scoping study examined and summarised the
      published literature available and the gaps in knowledge about regulating and
      financing oral care in long-term care (LTC) facilities. METHODS: We limited the
      electronic search to reports on regulating and financing oral care, including
      reports, commentaries, reviews and policy statements on financing and regulating
      oral health-related services. RESULTS: The broad electronic search identified
      1168 citations, which produced 42 references, including 26 pieces of grey
      literature for a total of 68 papers. Specific information was found on public and
      private funding of care and on difficulties regulating care because of
      professional segregation, difficulties assessing need for care, uncertainty on
      appropriateness of treatments and issues around scope of professional practice. A
      wide range of information along with 19 implications and 18 specific gaps in
      knowledge emerged relevant to financing and regulating oral healthcare services
      in LTC facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Effort has been given to enhancing oral care for
      frail elders, but there is little agreement on how the care should be regulated
      or financed within the LTC sector.

PMID- 22098092
TI  - Rendering clinical psychology an evidence-based scientific discipline: a case
      study.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Both modern neuroscience and clinical psychology
      taken as separate fields have failed to reveal the explanatory mechanisms
      underlying mental disorders. The evidence acquired inside the mono-disciplinary
      matrices of neurobiology, clinical psychology and psychopathology are deeply
      insufficient in terms of their validity, reliability and utility. Further, no
      effective trans-disciplinary connections have been developed between them.
      ARGUMENT: In this context, our case study aims at illustrating some specific
      facets of clinical psychology as a crucial discipline for explaining and
      understanding mental disorder. The methods employed in clinical psychology are
      scrutinized using the exemplar case of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
      Inventory (MMPI). We demonstrate that a clinical interview and a clinical
      psychological rating scale consist of the same kind of cognitive content. The
      provisional difference can be described in terms of its having two comparable
      complementary cognitive structures. The test is composed of self-evaluation
      reports (items) formulated as questions or statements. The psychopathological
      structured interview is formulated in terms of subjective experience indicated as
      symptoms (these are self-reports recorded by the physician), complemented with
      the so-called 'signs' or the presumably 'objective' observations of the overt
      behaviours of the patient. However, the cognitive content of clinical judgment is
      beyond any doubt as subjective as the narrative of the patient. None of the
      components of the structured psychopathological interview is independent of the
      inter-subjective system created in the situation of clinical assessment.
      CONCLUSION: Therefore, the protocols from various clinicians that serve to
      sustain the reliability claim of the 'scientific' Diagnostic Statistical Manual
      of Mental Disorders cannot be regarded as independent measurements of the
      cognitive content and value of the psychological rating scales or vice versa.

PMID- 22098094
TI  - Insight into fractal self-assembly of poly(diallyldimethylammonium
      chloride)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles.
AB  - Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
      polyelectrolyte complexes (PDDA-CMCNa PECs) solids were prepared and dispersed in
      NaOH aqueous solution. Self-assembly of PECs nanoparticles during the solvent
      evaporation was examined by field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic
      force microscopy (AFM), and fractal dimension analysis. It was found that tree
      shaped fractal patterns formed after the solvent (water) was dried at ambient
      temperatures, and the fractal pattern is composed of needle-shaped PEC aggregate
      (PECA) nanoparticles. Time-dependent FESEM observation revealed that the fractal
      pattern started with the formation of initial nucleon and it is growing, during
      which the diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) mechanism revealed and made the
      pattern branched. Physical insight into the DLA mechanism was discussed in
      detail. Effects of PEC concentrations, PEC compositions, solvent evaporation
      temperatures, pH of PEC dispersion, and chemical structures of PECs on the
      formation of self-assembled fractal pattern were studied. Generally, it was found
      that the morphologies, charge characters of PEC particles, and the solvent
      evaporation conditions play important roles during the fractal self-assembly
      process.

PMID- 22098095
TI  - Clinical signs and left atrial size in cats with cardiovascular disease in
      general practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate population characteristics, clinical signs and simple
      echocardiographic measurements of a general practice population of cats, in
      identifying characteristics that reliably distinguish cats with heart disease
      from others, including those with respiratory disease, using widely available
      techniques. METHODS: Cats presented with heart disease (n=103), respiratory
      disease (n=19) and a normal group (n=29) were prospectively recruited. All cats
      were subject to full clinical examination, echocardiography and additional
      diagnostic procedures as appropriate to establish definitive diagnosis. Cats were
      classified as Group 1: no heart disease +/- respiratory disease; Group 2: heart
      disease with no clinical signs; Group 3: heart disease with clinical signs.
      Murmur, gallop sound and arrhythmia prevalence and left atrial size were compared
      between the groups. RESULTS: Low heart rates prevailed in Group 3. Murmurs were
      prevalent in Group 2, but in Group 3 prevalence was significantly lower.
      Dyspnoea, gallop sounds, arrhythmias and left atrial diameter were significantly
      different between groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Heart rate is unreliable for
      diagnosing heart failure in cats. Absence of murmur is prevalent in cats with
      clinical signs of heart failure, but arrhythmia and gallop sounds are prevalent.
      Echocardiographic measurement of left atrial diameter >16.5 mm may distinguish
      heart failure from respiratory disease in general practice.

PMID- 22098093
TI  - Soil bacterial communities of a calcium-supplemented and a reference watershed at
      the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire, USA.
AB  - Soil Ca depletion because of acidic deposition-related soil chemistry changes has
      led to the decline of forest productivity and carbon sequestration in the
      northeastern USA. In 1999, acidic watershed (WS) 1 at the Hubbard Brook
      Experimental Forest (HBEF), NH, USA was amended with Ca silicate to restore soil
      Ca pools. In 2006, soil samples were collected from the Ca-amended (WS1) and
      reference watershed (WS3) for comparison of bacterial community composition
      between the two watersheds. The sites were about 125 m apart and were known to
      have similar stream chemistry and tree populations before Ca amendment. Ca
      amended soil had higher Ca and P, and lower Al and acidity as compared with the
      reference soils. Analysis of bacterial populations by PhyloChip revealed that the
      bacterial community structure in the Ca-amended and the reference soils was
      significantly different and that the differences were more pronounced in the
      mineral soils. Overall, the relative abundance of 300 taxa was significantly
      affected. Numbers of detectable taxa in families such as Acidobacteriaceae,
      Comamonadaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae were lower in the Ca-amended soils, while
      Flavobacteriaceae and Geobacteraceae were higher. The other functionally
      important groups, e.g. ammonia-oxidizing Nitrosomonadaceae, had lower numbers of
      taxa in the Ca-amended organic soil but higher in the mineral soil.

PMID- 22098096
TI  - Risk factors for hepatitis C virus acquisition and predictors of persistence
      among Egyptian children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a lower prevalence in children and
      knowledge is limited regarding the natural outcome of HCV infection in children.
      AIM: To study the risk factors of HCV acquisition and predictors of persistence
      in Egyptian children. METHODS: Children, 1-9 years of age, were evaluated for
      acquisition of HCV (anti-HCV positive regardless of viraemia) and persistence of
      HCV (anti-HCV and HCV-RNA positive) at two paediatric hepatology clinics in Cairo
      at enrollment and at 3 monthly intervals. Spontaneous clearance of HCV was
      defined as >= two positive anti-HCV antibody tests with negative HCV-RNA at least
      6 months apart. RESULTS: Over a 33-month-period a total of 226 children <9 years
      of age were screened for HCV antibodies. Of those, 146 (65%) were anti-HCV
      positive of which 87 (60%) were HCV-RNA positive. The HCV acquisition was more
      likely to occur in older children (P = 0.003) with comorbid conditions (P < 0.01)
      compared to anti-HCV negative children. In a multivariate logistic regression
      analysis, the highest risk factors for HCV acquisition were surgical
      interventions [odds ratio (OR): 4.7] and blood transfusions (OR: 2.3). The
      highest risk factor for HCV persistence was dental treatment (OR: 16.9) and male
      gender (OR: 7.5). HCV persistence was also strongly associated with elevated
      baseline alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels (OR: 4.9) and fluctuating
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (OR: 8.1). CONCLUSION: Although surgical
      interventions and blood transfusion are significant risk factors for HCV
      acquisition in Egyptian children, dental treatment remains the highest risk
      factor for HCV chronic persistence in children.

PMID- 22098097
TI  - Mortality and cancer risk related to primary sclerosing cholangitis in a Swedish
      population-based cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population-based studies on the epidemiology of primary sclerosing
      cholangitis (PSC) are sparse. AIMS: To investigate mortality and risk of cancer,
      and to identify risk factors for hepatobiliary cancer and the combined end-point
      liver related death or liver transplantation (OLT) in a population-based PSC
      cohort in Vastra Gotaland, Sweden. METHODS: Primary sclerosing cholangitis cases
      were identified in diagnostic registries. Case validation and follow up was
      provided through individual review of case files and linkage to the Swedish
      Cancer and Cause of Death registries. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and
      standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for cancer were calculated in relation to the
      background population. Cox's proportional hazards analysis was used to calculate
      crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs). RESULTS: A total of 199 PSC patients
      were identified between 1992 and 2005. SMR in the PSC cohort was 4.20 (95%
      confidence interval (CI), 3.01-5.69). SIR for hepatobiliary cancer,
      cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer were 177 (110-271), 868 (505-1390) and
      2.87 (0.33-10.4) respectively. Age (RR=1.25 (1.01-1.53) per decade), female
      gender (RR=2.01 (1.09-3.72)), cholangitis (RR=2.56 (1.20-5.64)) and bilirubin
      (RR=3.95 (1.96-10.75) highest vs lowest quartile) were associated with the risk
      of liver related death or OLT. Age was associated with the risk of hepatobiliary
      cancer (RR 1.40 (1.01-1.95) per decade). CONCLUSIONS: Primary sclerosing
      cholangitis was associated with a four-fold increase in mortality in this
      population-based study. In accordance with previous studies, the risk of
      hepatobiliary cancer was dramatically increased. However, the increased risk of
      colorectal cancer reported in previous studies could not be confirmed.

PMID- 22098098
TI  - Beneficial use of steroids in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure
      palsy.
AB  - Management of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP) is
      primarily conservative, aimed at preventing nerve injury by avoiding trauma or
      other potential aggravating factors. No pharmacological treatment is known to be
      beneficial. We describe two adolescents, one with HNPP (male; aged 15y) and
      another with a clinical picture suggestive of HNPP (genetically unconfirmed;
      female; aged 14y), who showed considerable improvement of their symptoms after
      receiving corticosteroid therapy. Both individuals were symptomatic for at least
      5 months before the treatment. Following corticosteroids, both individuals
      demonstrated rapid improvement leading to near-complete recovery of muscle power.
      Clinical improvement after corticosteroid therapy has been reported in some
      individuals with other hereditary neuropathies. Our cases demonstrate that
      corticosteroid therapy may also be beneficial in individuals with HNPP who have a
      protracted or incomplete course of recovery.

PMID- 22098099
TI  - Future candidates for indications of Helicobacter pylori eradication: do the
      indications need to be revised?
AB  - Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori in 1982, the development of several
      treatment guidelines has allowed a consensus on the indications for H. pylori
      eradication. Beyond these currently accepted indications, including various upper
      gastrointestinal disorders and extragastric diseases, a significant amount of new
      information regarding H. pylori eradication is emerging. Certain types of acute
      gastritis, such as nodular gastritis, hypertrophic gastritis, Menetrier's
      disease, hemorrhagic gastritis, and granulomatous gastritis are reversible after
      H. pylori eradication. Further, for chronic gastritis, closed-type atrophic
      gastritis and complete-type intestinal metaplasia appear to be more reversible
      after H. pylori eradication than open-type atrophic gastritis and incomplete-type
      intestinal metaplasia. Eradication can also be considered in subjects younger
      than 40 years who have a family history of gastric cancer and in subjects with
      long-term medications that might lead to bleeding (antiplatelet agents) or
      atrophy (proton pump inhibitors). Emerging evidence indicates that H. pylori
      eradication could be an effective treatment for some extragastric diseases that
      are unresponsive to conventional therapy. In such conditions, routine screening
      for eradication of H. pylori has not previously been recommended; a "test-and
      treat" approach is suggested in the aforementioned situations. Given that H.
      pylori eradication is effective when the gastritis is reversible, future
      indications should be expanded to include acute gastric lesions that show marked
      improvement upon H. pylori eradication rather than just focusing on chronic
      gastric lesions. Future indications for H. pylori eradication should focus more
      on reversible lesions before preneoplastic conditions develop.

PMID- 22098100
TI  - How is sesamin metabolised in the human liver to show its biological effects?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sesamin is a major lignan found in sesame and is known to have
      various biological effects. Some of these biological effects occur following its
      metabolic conversion to corresponding catechols and, therefore, the study of
      sesamin metabolism is quite important. There is currently a need to identify the
      enzymes responsible for metabolism of sesamin so that scientists will be more
      able to predict sesamin-drug interactions. AREAS COVERED: The authors reviewed
      all the published literature with a focus on papers that dealt with metabolism of
      sesamin by drug-metabolising enzymes in rat and/or human liver, such as
      cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. The article also reviews papers
      that dealt with the inhibition of enzymes by sesamin including drug-metabolising
      enzymes and other physiologically important enzymes. Additionally, the authors
      discuss the species-based differences in the metabolism of sesamin between rats
      and humans. EXPERT OPINION: A remarkable species-based difference was found in
      sesamin metabolism between humans and other animals; thus, it is very important
      that precautions are taken when predicting the physiological effects in humans
      from animal data. A mechanism-based inhibition of human CYP2C9 by sesamin was
      recently discovered, suggesting that it is important to evaluate the interaction
      between sesamin and drugs that are mainly metabolised by CYP2C9. Furthermore,
      further analysis of sesamin and episesamin and their molecular mechanisms are
      needed to make better use of sesamin supplements.

PMID- 22098101
TI  - RNA mimicry, a decoy for regulatory proteins.
AB  - Small non-coding RNA molecules (sRNA) are key regulators participating in complex
      networks, which adapt metabolism in response to environmental changes. In this
      issue of Molecular Microbiology, and in a related paper in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
      USA, Moreno et al. (2011) and Sonnleitner et al. (2009) report on novel sRNAs,
      which act as decoys to inhibit the activity of the master post-transcriptional
      regulatory protein Crc. Crc is a key protein involved in carbon catabolite
      repression that optimizes metabolism improving the adaptation of the bacteria to
      their diverse habitats. Crc is a novel RNA-binding protein that regulates
      translation of multiple target mRNAs. Two regulatory sRNAs in Pseudomonas putida
      mimic the natural mRNA targets of Crc and counteract the action of Crc by
      sequestrating the protein when catabolite repression is absent. Crc trapping by a
      sRNA is a mechanism reminiscent to the regulation of the repressor of secondary
      metabolites (RsmA) in Pseudomonas, and highlights the suitability of RNA
      dependent regulation to rapidly adjust cell growth in response to environmental
      changes.

PMID- 22098102
TI  - Primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma: a systematic review focused on treatment and
      outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite intensive treatment, the overall prognosis of Ewing sarcoma
      of the bone remains poor. Primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma very rarely occurs and
      the prognosis has been reported to be better in some small series. All cases of
      Ewing sarcoma are currently treated in the same way, regardless of their
      location. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether Ewing sarcoma of the bone and primary
      cutaneous Ewing sarcoma are different in terms of epidemiology and prognosis.
      METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the keywords
      'cutaneous Ewing's sarcoma', 'primary Ewing's sarcoma of skin' and 'primary
      neuroectodermal tumour and skin' in the Medline database. Series of five or more
      cases were included. RESULTS: Six series met the inclusion criteria, making a
      total of 61 patients. Median age at diagnosis was 17 years and 33% were male. The
      median size of the tumour was 2.3 cm. The treatment consisted of surgery in all
      cases, adjuvant multiagent chemotherapy in 69% of cases, adjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy in 38% of cases and adjuvant radiotherapy without adjuvant
      chemotherapy in 3% of cases. Six patients developed metastases, four of whom
      died. The overall survival was 93% and the 10-year probability of survival was
      estimated at 91% (95% confidence interval 83-100). CONCLUSION: This systematic
      review demonstrated epidemiological and prognostic differences between Ewing
      sarcoma of the bone and primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma. Primary cutaneous Ewing
      sarcoma has a female predominance, occurs at a later age, but, more importantly,
      has a better outcome. Multimodal therapy for Ewing sarcoma is associated with
      immediate and long-term morbidity and mortality. Although the size of our study
      does not allow a definitive conclusion about treatment modalities, we suggest
      that a less toxic approach compared with conventional treatment should be
      investigated in primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma.

PMID- 22098103
TI  - Comparison of clinical characteristics and management of inflammatory bowel
      disease in Hong Kong versus Melbourne.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), common in Melbourne, was
      rare but is now increasing in incidence in Hong Kong (HK). To investigate whether
      these are the same diseases in the West and East, potential causes of changing
      incidence, and to plan resource needs, an appreciation of clinical
      characteristics in contrasting populations is essential. METHODS: Disease
      characteristics were collected from prospectively populated IBD databases in two
      specialist centers in Melbourne, Australia and HK. RESULTS: Of 795 patients
      (Crohn's disease [CD] : ulcerative colitis [UC] Melbourne 272:159 and HK
      161:203), the age of diagnosis was higher, there were proportionally more male
      patients with CD but no UC sex difference, fewer patients were current or ex
      smokers (CD 8% vs 50%; UC 17% vs 35%) and a family history of IBD was less common
      (2% vs 11%; P < 0.001) in HK compared to Melbourne. Stricturing and perianal CD
      were more common in HK (12% vs 6%; P < 0.001; and 29% vs 16%; P = 0.001,
      respectively). In HK for UC, more patients had extensive disease at diagnosis
      (42% vs 22%) but colectomy was less common (7% vs 20%; P < 0.001). In Melbourne
      there was greater steroid use at diagnosis and patients were more likely to
      receive an immunomodulator or anti-tumor necrosis factor agent. CONCLUSIONS: IBD
      in HK was diagnosed at an older age, and had more complicated disease behavior
      than in Melbourne. Medical therapy, however, was less intense in HK. These
      differences may relate to real differences in disease or delayed diagnosis due to
      late presentation and less disease recognition in HK.

PMID- 22098104
TI  - Clinicopathological and prognostic role of cyclin D1 in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Cyclin D1 is one of the most commonly over-expressed oncogenes; however, its role
      in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains controversial. We conducted
      a meta-analysis of 20 studies, comprising 2,041 patients to clarify this issue.
      In all studies, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were collected and the
      status of cyclin D1 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The combined
      odds ratios (Ors) for cyclin D1 expression were 0.74 (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 0.58-0.93) for well and moderately differentiated versus poorly
      differentiated tumors, 0.65 (95% CI: 0.45-0.94) for T1/T2 versus T3/ T4 tumors,
      0.59 (95% CI: 0.39-0.90) for N0 versus N1 tumors, and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.33-0.71)
      for stage I/II versus stage III/IV diseases, respectively. The association
      between cyclin D1 expression and prognosis was examined in 10 studies, and the
      combined hazard ratio was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.49-2.12). Cyclin D1 expression level
      detected by IHC is associated with worst clinicopathological features and
      prognosis for ESCC.

PMID- 22098105
TI  - Tissue imaging using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Ambient ionization imaging mass spectrometry is uniquely suited for detailed
      spatially resolved chemical characterization of biological samples in their
      native environment. However, the spatial resolution attainable using existing
      approaches is limited by the ion transfer efficiency from the ionization region
      into the mass spectrometer. Here, we present a first study of ambient imaging of
      biological samples using nanospray desorption ionization (nano-DESI). Nano-DESI
      is a new ambient pressure ionization technique that uses minute amounts of
      solvent confined between two capillaries comprising the nano-DESI probe and the
      solid analyte for controlled desorption of molecules present on the substrate
      followed by ionization through self-aspirating nanospray. We demonstrate highly
      sensitive spatially resolved analysis of tissue samples without sample
      preparation. Our first proof-of-principle experiments indicate the potential of
      nano-DESI for ambient imaging with a spatial resolution of better than 12 MUm.
      The significant improvement of the spatial resolution offered by nano-DESI
      imaging combined with high detection efficiency will enable new imaging mass
      spectrometry applications in clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, molecular
      biology, and biochemistry.

PMID- 22098106
TI  - Parallel allochronic divergence in a winter moth due to disruption of
      reproductive period by winter harshness.
AB  - The disruption of reproductive timing by climatic harshness may result in the
      temporal isolation of conspecific populations and, ultimately, in speciation.
      However, whether temporal isolation alone can act as the force initiating
      speciation and how often the same type of climatic disruption results in the
      divergence of allochronic populations in a lineage are largely unknown. The
      reproductive period of the winter geometrid moth Inurois punctigera is separated
      into early and late winter in habitats with severe winters, but not in habitats
      with mild winters, suggesting that the reproductive season is disrupted by the
      harshness of the mid-winter period. Here, we show that sympatric pairs of early-
      and late-winter populations that differ in origin exist in different regions,
      suggesting a parallel divergence of reproductive timing. In each region,
      significant genetic differentiation exists between these early- and late-winter
      populations, suggesting that the temporal reproductive isolation has persisted.
      Moreover, we demonstrate that the temporal isolation, in comparison with
      geographic isolation, contributes greatly to the genetic differentiation among
      geographic and temporal populations by an analysis of molecular variance and by a
      comparison of genetic differentiations (F(ST) ) between geographic populations
      with and without difference in reproductive season. Our results suggest that
      adaptive divergence of allochronically reproducing populations has occurred
      independently in different regions, implying the generality of the role of
      temporal isolation in initiating speciation in a winter moth lineage.

PMID- 22098107
TI  - 'Real-time' PCR-based detection of Coxiella burnetii using conventional
      techniques.
AB  - The diagnosis of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii infection) relies primarily on the
      serological detection of specific antibodies. Recently, PCR-based methods have
      been introduced in diagnostic laboratories. Unfortunately, the fastest and most
      reliable 'real-time' detection method, which employs the 'online' detection of
      target nucleotide sequences while the amplification process is still in progress,
      requires expensive devices and consumables. In this study, we present a simple
      method that combines the simplicity of conventional PCR with new technical and
      methodical enhancements, resulting in a fast, specific and easy method for the
      molecular detection of C. burnetii. A collection of C. burnetii reference strains
      was tested with the modified conventional gel-based PCR approach applying a
      particluar PCR buffer (QIAGEN((r)) Fast Cycling PCR kit) and using a closed ready
      to-use gel-cassette-system (FlashGel((r))) for the visualization of specific PCR
      products. The modified conventional PCR method reached nearly the speed of the
      LightCycler((r)) HybProbe real-time PCR assay (120 vs. 90 min) and showed equal
      sensitivity and specificity. The general cost per PCR run was 25% less than that
      for the LightCycler method. These improvements make this method suitable for
      small laboratories with limited resources and for deployable PCR diagnostics in
      field laboratories.

PMID- 22098108
TI  - Inhibition of IGF-1 signaling by genistein: modulation of E-cadherin expression
      and downregulation of beta-catenin signaling in hormone refractory PC-3 prostate
      cancer cells.
AB  - Elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are associated with an
      increased risk of several different cancers, including prostate cancer.
      Inhibition of IGF-1 and the downstream signaling pathways mediated by the
      activation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) may be involved in inhibiting prostate
      carcinogenesis. We investigated whether genistein downregulated the IGF-1/IGF-1R
      signaling pathway and inhibited cell growth in hormone refractory PC-3 prostate
      cancer cells. Genistein treatment caused a significant inhibition of IGF-1
      stimulated cell growth. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that genistein
      significantly decreased the number of IGF-1-stimulated cells in the G0/G1 phase
      of the cell cycle. In IGF-1-treated cells, genistein effectively inhibited the
      phosphorylation of IGF-1R and the phosphorylation of its downstream targets, such
      as Src, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSk-3beta). IGF-1 treatment
      decreased the levels of E-cadherin but increased the levels of beta-catenin and
      cyclin D1. However, genistein treatment greatly attenuated IGF-1-induced beta
      catenin signaling that correlated with increasing the levels of E-cadherin and
      decreasing cyclin D1 levels in PC-3 cells. In addition, genistein inhibited T
      cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF)-dependent transcriptional
      activity. These results showed that genistein effectively inhibited cell growth
      in IGF-1-stimulated PC-3 cells, possibly by inhibiting downstream of IGF-1R
      activation.

PMID- 22098109
TI  - Asymmetric hydrogenation of heteroarenes and arenes.

PMID- 22098110
TI  - The effect of erythropoietin on platelet and endothelial activation markers: a
      prospective trial in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) enhances formation of red blood cells and also affects
      thrombopoiesis and platelet function. We hypothesized that the effect of EPO may
      be reflected by changes in thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and endothelial cell function.
      Six male and six female subjects received recombinant human epoetin alpha
      (Erypo(r)) intravenously (300 U/kg). Biomarker levels were assessed at baseline
      and 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after infusion. Epoetin alpha increased TXB2 levels by
      140%, which reached significance at 48 hours (6.6 +/- 5 ng/ml vs. 15 +/- 9 ng/ml;
      p = 0.044) and remained at that level at 72 hours. In line, epoetin alpha
      increased E-selectin levels by 25% already at 24 hours (39 +/- 21 ng/ml vs. 49 +/
      26 ng/ml; p < 0.001) which stayed at this level until 72 hours (p < 0.001). The
      raise in platelet activation markers corresponded to an 88% increase in
      reticulocyte count (43 +/- 10 * 10(9)/l vs. 81 +/- 17 * 10(9)/l; p < 0.001) and a
      9% increase in platelet count at 72 hours (224 +/- 45 * 10(9)/l vs. 244 +/- 52 *
      10(9)/l; p = 0.005). Thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor concentrations were
      not significantly altered by epoetin alpha. Interestingly, gender differences in
      the baseline levels of E-selectin and thrombomodulin were observed. E-selectin
      and thrombomodulin levels were doubled in men compared to women (51 +/- 24 and 28
      +/- 10 ng/ml; p = 0.025 and 30 +/- 5 ng/ml vs. 16 +/- 5 ng/ml; p = 0.002,
      respectively). EPO increases TXB2 serum levels and soluble E-selectin. Further
      studies are needed to investigate whether these markers might be useful for
      estimation of thromboembolic risk during EPO-therapy and whether inhibition of
      thromboxane formation may lower thrombotic complications during EPO treatment:
      NCT01392612.

PMID- 22098111
TI  - Systematic knockdown of morphine pathway enzymes in opium poppy using virus
      induced gene silencing.
AB  - Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) remains the sole commercial source for several
      pharmaceutical alkaloids including the narcotic analgesics codeine and morphine,
      and the semi-synthetic drugs oxycodone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. Although
      most of the biosynthetic genes have been identified, the post-transcriptional
      regulation of the morphinan alkaloid pathway has not been determined. We have
      used virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) as a functional genomics tool to
      investigate the regulation of morphine biosynthesis via a systematic reduction in
      enzyme levels responsible for the final six steps in the pathway. Specific gene
      silencing was confirmed at the transcript level by real-time quantitative PCR
      (polymerase chain reaction), and at the protein level by immunoblot analysis
      using antibodies raised against salutaridine synthase (SalSyn), salutaridine
      reductase (SalR), salutaridine 7-O-acetyltransferase (SalAT), thebaine 6-O
      demethylase (T6ODM), codeinone reductase (COR), and codeine O-demethylase (CODM).
      In some cases, silencing a specific biosynthetic gene resulted in a predictable
      accumulation of the substrate for the corresponding enzyme. Reduced SalSyn, SalR,
      T6ODM and CODM protein levels correlated with lower morphine levels and a
      substantial increase in the accumulation of reticuline, salutaridine, thebaine
      and codeine, respectively. In contrast, the silencing of genes encoding SalAT and
      COR resulted in the accumulation of salutaridine and reticuline, respectively,
      which are not the corresponding enzymatic substrates. The silencing of alkaloid
      biosynthetic genes using VIGS confirms the physiological function of enzymes
      previously characterized in vitro, provides insight into the biochemical
      regulation of morphine biosynthesis, and demonstrates the immense potential for
      metabolic engineering in opium poppy.

PMID- 22098112
TI  - Oxypurinol, allopurinol and allopurinol-1-riboside in plasma following an acute
      overdose of allopurinol in a patient with advanced chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 22098113
TI  - Comparison of combinatorial clustering methods on pharmacological data sets
      represented by machine learning-selected real molecular descriptors.
AB  - Cluster algorithms play an important role in diversity related tasks of modern
      chemoinformatics, with the widest applications being in pharmaceutical industry
      drug discovery programs. The performance of these grouping strategies depends on
      various factors such as molecular representation, mathematical method,
      algorithmical technique, and statistical distribution of data. For this reason,
      introduction and comparison of new methods are necessary in order to find the
      model that best fits the problem at hand. Earlier comparative studies report on
      Ward's algorithm using fingerprints for molecular description as generally
      superior in this field. However, problems still remain, i.e., other types of
      numerical descriptions have been little exploited, current descriptors selection
      strategy is trial and error-driven, and no previous comparative studies
      considering a broader domain of the combinatorial methods in grouping
      chemoinformatic data sets have been conducted. In this work, a comparison between
      combinatorial methods is performed,with five of them being novel in
      cheminformatics. The experiments are carried out using eight data sets that are
      well established and validated in the medical chemistry literature. Each drug
      data set was represented by real molecular descriptors selected by machine
      learning techniques, which are consistent with the neighborhood principle.
      Statistical analysis of the results demonstrates that pharmacological activities
      of the eight data sets can be modeled with a few of families with 2D and 3D
      molecular descriptors, avoiding classification problems associated with the
      presence of nonrelevant features. Three out of five of the proposed cluster
      algorithms show superior performance over most classical algorithms and are
      similar (or slightly superior in the most optimistic sense) to Ward's algorithm.
      The usefulness of these algorithms is also assessed in a comparative experiment
      to potent QSAR and machine learning classifiers, where they perform similarly in
      some cases.

PMID- 22098114
TI  - Trends in maternal mortality over 29 years in a Kuwait Tertiary Teaching
      Hospital: signs of progress?
AB  - This study aims at (1) Assessing trends in maternal mortality in kuwait (2)
      Define strategies for prevention. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of maternal
      deaths that occurred among, 55,979 live births at a tertiary hospital, between
      1980 and 2009. RESULTS: There were 14 maternal deaths, and 55,979 live births,
      giving a maternal mortality rate of 25 per 100,000 live birth. In terms of
      decades maternal mortality declined from 54.8 in 1980-90 to 28.4 in 1990-2000 and
      continued to decline to 12.2 in 2000-2009. Thromboembolism (28.6%), Obstetric
      haemorrhage (21.5%) and Eclampsia (14.3%) were the leading causes of direct
      deaths. Cardiac disease is the most common cause of indirect deaths (14.3%)
      followed by H1N1 pneumonia 7.1%. Eclampsia contributed to 40% of deaths, only in
      the 1980s. Thromboembolism caused 28.6% of deaths, 50% of which were in the last
      9 years. Indirect deaths from cardiomyopathies (66.7%) gained prominence in the
      1990s. No deaths from puerperal sepsis were reported after the 1980s (14.3%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Maternal mortality rates are decreasing significantly (p<0.01) at
      our institution over the last 29 years. Obstetric haemorrhage and thromboembolism
      remain important causes of maternal mortality. Substandard care was identified in
      70% of Direct and 55% of indirect deaths.

PMID- 22098115
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of bifrontal electroconvulsive therapy versus
      bilateral and unilateral electroconvulsive therapy in depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      trials comparing efficacy and side effects of bifrontal (BF) ECT to bitemporal
      (BT) or unilateral (RUL) ECT in depression. METHODS: We performed a systematic
      review of randomized controlled trials comparing BF ECT with RUL or BT ECT in
      depression. Eight trials (n=617) reported some cognitive outcome. Efficacy was
      measured by reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score. Cognitive
      outcomes were limited to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in seven studies,
      with two studies measuring each of: Complex-figure delayed recall, Trail-making
      tests and verbal learning. RESULTS: Efficacy was equal between BF and BT ECT
      (Hedges's g=0.102, P=0.345, confidence interval (CI): -0.110, 0.313) and BF and
      RUL ECT (standardized mean difference=-0.12, P=0.365, CI: -0.378, 0.139). Post
      treatment MMSE score decline was less for BF than BT ECT (g=0.89, CI: 0.054,
      1.724) but not RUL ECT. RUL ECT impaired Complex figure recall more than BF ECT
      (g=0.76, CI :0.487, 1.035), but BF ECT impaired word recall more than RUL ECT (g=
      1.45, CI: -2.75, -0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Bifrontal ECT is not more effective than BT
      or RUL ECT but may have modest short-term benefits for specific memory domains.
      BF ECT has potential advantages, but given longer experience with BT and RUL,
      bifrontal ECT requires better characterization.

PMID- 22098116
TI  - Treatment of extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs - what is the
      evidence base?
AB  - A variety of surgical treatments and medical therapies are recommended for dogs
      with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS). The objective of this
      review was to assess the evidence base for the management of extrahepatic CPSS in
      dogs. An online bibliographic search was performed in November 2010 to identify
      articles relating to the question "Which of the treatment options for
      extrahepatic CPSS in dogs offers the best short- and long-term outcomes?"
      Articles were assigned a level of evidence based on a modified grading system.
      Thirty-eight articles were included in the review. Thirty-six articles were
      classified as grade 4 and two as grade 5. The timings and methods of assessment
      of short- and long-term outcomes varied widely between studies. One prospective
      study (grade 4a) showed that surgically treated dogs survived significantly
      longer than medically treated dogs. Four retrospective studies (grade 4b)
      compared the outcome of two surgical techniques but there were no statistically
      significant differences between treatment groups in terms of complications or
      outcome. The review found that the evidence base for the treatment of
      extrahepatic CPSS is weak. There is a lack of evidence of short- and long-term
      outcomes to recommend one treatment over another.

PMID- 22098117
TI  - Effect of toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling procedures on
      the surface microroughness of denture base acrylic resins.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study verified the surface microroughness of denture acrylic
      resins submitted to toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling
      procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples were prepared according to
      conventional, microwaved and boiled resins and submitted to microroughness
      measurements before and after procedures using a profilometer (Ra). Data were
      subjected to anova and Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS: Before thermocycling, a
      difference was found among treatments for microwaved and boiled resins, with
      greater values for toothbrushing and lower values for Efferdent and hypochlorite;
      control was intermediate. Differences among resins were observed for treatments,
      with higher values for boiled resin and lower values for conventional and
      microwaved resins. After thermocycling, differences were found for microwaved
      resin, with a higher value for toothbrushing and a lower value for Efferdent and
      hypochlorite; control was intermediate. Tooth-brushed boiled resin presented
      higher values and hypochlorite lower values; control and Efferdent were
      intermediates. Differences among resins were seen for treatments, with higher
      values for boiled resin and lower values for conventional and microwaved resins.
      Boiled resin presented differences for toothbrushing and hypochlorite, before and
      after thermocycling procedures were compared. CONCLUSIONS: For microwaved and
      boiled resins, toothbrushing and chemical disinfection promoted different levels
      of surface microroughness when associated or not with thermocycling.

PMID- 22098118
TI  - Pump-dump-probe and pump-repump-probe ultrafast spectroscopy resolves cross
      section of an early ground state intermediate and stimulated emission in the
      photoreactions of the Pr ground state of the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1.
AB  - The primary photoreactions of the red absorbing ground state (Pr) of the
      cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1 from Synechocystis PCC 6803 involve C15?C16 Z-E
      photoisomerization of its phycocyanobilin chromophore. The first observable
      product intermediate in pump-probe measurements of the photocycle, "Lumi-R", is
      formed with picosecond kinetics and involves excited state decay reactions that
      have 3 and 14 ps time constants. Here, we have studied the photochemical
      formation of the Lumi-R intermediate using multipulse picosecond visible
      spectroscopy. Pump-dump-probe (PDP) and pump-repump-probe (PRP) experiments were
      carried out by employing two femtosecond visible pulses with 1, 14, and 160 ps
      delays, together with a broadband dispersive visible probe. The time delays
      between the two excitation pulses have been selected to allow interaction with
      the dominant (3 and 14 ps) kinetic phases of Lumi-R formation. The frequency
      dependence of the PDP and PRP amplitudes was investigated at 620, 640, 660, and
      680 nm, covering excited state absorption (lambda(max) = 620 nm), ground state
      absorption (lambda(max) = 660 nm), and stimulated emission (lambda(max) = 680 nm)
      cross sections. Experimental double difference transient absorbance signals
      (DeltaDeltaOD), from the PDP and PRP measurements, required corrections to remove
      contributions from ground state repumping. The sensitivity of the resulting
      DeltaDeltaOD signals was systematically investigated for possible connectivity
      schemes and photochemical parameters. When applying a homogeneous (sequentially
      decaying) connectivity scheme in both the 3 and 14 ps kinetic phases, evidence
      for repumping of an intermediate that has an electronic ground state
      configuration (GSI) is taken from the dump-induced S1 formation with 620, 640,
      and 660 nm wavelengths and 1 and 14 ps repump delays. Evidence for repumping a
      GSI is also seen, for the same excitation wavelengths, when imposing a target
      connectivity scheme proposed in the literature for the 1 ps repump delay. In
      contrast, using a 680 nm dump pulse, ground state formation is observed for all
      models examined. The DeltaDeltaOD signals were dominated by stimulated emission,
      at both 1 and 14 ps delays for the longer wavelength excitation. The GSI, which
      is revealed by the PRP measurements and not resolved from pump-probe
      measurements, is found to be directly formed from the excited state of Pr, and
      its formation is considered using heterogeneous, homogeneous, and target models
      to globally fit the data.

PMID- 22098119
TI  - Pretransplant severe hepatic encephalopathy, peritransplant sodium and post-liver
      transplantation morbidity and mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) does not enhance the prediction of model
      of end-stage liver disease (MELD) wait-list mortality, but its influence on post
      liver transplantation (LT) morbidity and mortality is largely unknown. AIMS: To
      examine the association between severe pre-LT HE and peri-LT serum sodium levels
      as well as post-LT length of stay (LOS) and survival. METHODS: A retrospective
      cohort of 393 adult patients undergoing first LT for end-stage liver disease and
      followed for a median of 4 years post-LT was performed to evaluate the
      association between severe HE within the 30 days prior to LT and selected in
      hospital post-LT outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (10%) of the cohort had severe HE
      pre-LT. Patients with severe HE more frequently had Na changes of >=15 mmol/L in
      the peri-LT period (P = 0.002). LOS was significantly longer for severe HE than
      non-severe HE patients (16 vs. 8 days, P < 0.0001) and this association was
      independent of MELD, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, pre-LT nadir serum
      sodium and pre- to post-LT change in serum sodium. The 1-year mortality was 15%
      in the severe HE vs. 7% in the non-severe HE groups (HR = 2.19, P = 0.08), and
      this difference was attenuated by adjusting for pre-LT severe hypernatremia, but
      increased by adjusting for donor risk index. CONCLUSION: Severe HE mainly affects
      LOS, and this association is independent of MELD. Whether the large changes in
      peri-LT serum Na, more frequently seen in the severe HE group, contribute to post
      LT morbidity requires further study.

PMID- 22098120
TI  - Synthesis of (+)-phenserine using an interrupted Fischer indolization reaction.
AB  - A concise synthesis of the Alzheimer's therapeutic (+)-phenserine is described.
      The approach features an interrupted Fischer indolization to construct the
      pyrrolidinoindoline core, in addition to a classical resolution to arrive at
      phenserine in enantioenriched form.

PMID- 22098121
TI  - "Normal" liver stiffness values differ between men and women: a prospective study
      for healthy living liver and kidney donors in a native Korean population.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Liver stiffness (LS) measurement can distinguish individuals
      with potential liver disease (LD) from the general population. However, if LS is
      sex-sensitive, prevalence of LD may be incorrectly estimated when the same
      reference LS value is applied irrespective of sex. Here, we evaluated whether
      normal ranges of LS differ between healthy men and women. METHODS: LS was
      measured in a cohort of healthy living liver and kidney donors, none of whom
      suffered from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatitis B or C virus infection,
      heart or liver dysfunction, or metabolic syndrome. Patients with abnormal
      laboratory findings related to potential LD (platelet count < 150 * 10(3) /uL;
      aspartate aminotransferase > 40 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase [ALT] > 40 IU/L;
      albumin < 3.3 g/dL; total bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL; gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase >
      54 IU/L; alkaline phosphatase > 115 IU/L) were excluded. RESULTS: Among 242
      patients analyzed, the mean age was 34.1 for men (n = 121) and 40.5 years for
      women (n = 121) (P < 0.001). Men had a higher mean LS value than women (5.2 +/-
      1.2 vs 4.8 +/- 1.1 kPa/P < 0.001). Multivariate-linear regression analysis
      identified sex as the only independent factor for LS values (beta = 0.361/P =
      0.021). Using the 5th-95th percentiles, we determined normal LS ranges of 3.7-7.0
      kPa in men and 3.3-6.8 kPa in women. In subgroups with ALT < 30 IU/L (subgroup-1,
      n = 216) and ALT < 20 IU/L (subgroup-2, n = 163), men had significantly higher LS
      values than women (5.2 +/- 1.3 vs 4.7 +/- 1.1 kPa/P = 0.003 and 5.1 +/- 1.2 vs
      4.7 +/- 1.1 kPa/P = 0.030, respectively), demonstrating an independent sex effect
      (beta = 0.483/P = 0.003 and beta = 0.389/P = 0.030, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      An independent sex effect on LS values was confirmed. Thus, sex-specific
      references should be used for effective screening based on LS measurements.

PMID- 22098123
TI  - Dermatological phenotype in Costello syndrome: consequences of Ras dysregulation
      in development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The RASopathies are a class of human genetic syndromes caused by
      germline mutations in genes that encode protein components of the Ras/mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Costello syndrome (CS) is a RASopathy
      caused by mutations in the HRAS gene, a key regulator of signal transduction.
      OBJECTIVE: To quantify the specific cutaneous phenotype observed in 46
      individuals with Costello syndrome with confirmed HRAS mutations. METHODS: This
      was a cross-sectional study. Dermatological surveys were designed by the authors
      and were completed by parents of mutation-positive individuals with CS at the
      Costello Syndrome Family Network (CSFN) conferences in 2007 and 2009.
      Dermatological examinations were performed by the authors at the CSFN
      conferences. RESULTS: Cutaneous papillomas were reported in 33 of the 46 (72%)
      participants, with age of onset ranging from infancy to 22years. Individuals with
      CS are more likely than patients with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFC) to
      present with cutaneous papillomas (72% vs. 5%, P<0.001) and palmoplantar
      keratoderma (76% vs. 36%, P<0.001). Individuals with CS are less likely than
      individuals with CFC to present with sparse or absent eyebrows (9% vs. 90%,
      P<0.001) or keratosis pilaris (33% vs. 80%, P=0.001). This study also identified
      that loose, redundant skin on the hands and feet, 'stippled' dermatoglyphs
      (pachydermatoglyphia) on the fingertips (eight of 26, 31%) and acanthosis
      nigricans (17 of 46, 37%) are frequent features of CS. CONCLUSIONS: While there
      is significant phenotypic overlap among syndromes of the Ras/MAPK pathway,
      individuals with CS are more likely than individuals with CFC syndrome to present
      with cutaneous papillomas, palmoplantar keratoderma and full eyebrows, and are
      less likely to present with ulerythema ophryogenes, keratosis pilaris or multiple
      naevi. The dermatological features of CS, a Ras dysregulation syndrome, share
      many features with cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes. This may provide further
      insight into the role of Ras signalling in cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes.

PMID- 22098124
TI  - The influence of knee marker placement error on evaluation of gait kinematic
      parameters.
AB  - Vicon motion system is an accurate equipment for objective gait analysis.
      According to clinical experience the most important source of errors in
      kinematics is marker misplacement. It seems that knee marker placement is
      especially important because of its direct influence on two body segments: thigh
      and shank. There is little data in the literature on how the misplacement of knee
      marker determines the changes of kinematic parameters. Therefore the aim of this
      study was to collect the kinematic data of subjects with different knee
      pathologies (one with knee flexion contracture, the second with knee
      hyperextension) while knee marker position was changed in a systematical way.
      They were walking with their natural, preferred speed. The data were collected
      using VICON460 motion system, the Helen Hayes marker set and Plug-In-Gait model.
      Then they were processed based on Polygon software. The results of both subjects
      showed the changes of kinematics, depending on the knee marker misplacement. The
      assessed joint ranges of angle change were: in knee, 18 degrees  in sagittal
      plane and 20 degrees  in frontal plane; in hip, 10 degrees  in sagittal plane and
      24 degrees  in transversal plane; in ankle, 10 degrees  in sagittal plane and 25
      degrees  in transversal plane. This paper presents the detailed data which could
      help the users of such systems to interpret the kinematic data.

PMID- 22098126
TI  - Bioactive actions of pomegranate fruit extracts on leukemia cell lines in vitro
      hold promise for new therapeutic agents for leukemia.
AB  - Studies suggest that pomegranates contain bioactive chemicals with potential for
      treatment and prevention of cancer. Pomegranate juice extracts (PJE) have been
      shown to inhibit cellular proliferation and tumor growth and induce cell death
      via apoptosis in a number of cancer cell lines. However, to date, few studies
      have investigated the potential of PJE in the treatment of leukemia. We
      investigated the potential effect of PJE on induction of apoptosis and inhibition
      of cellular proliferation in 8 leukemia cell lines (4 lymphoid and 4 myeloid) and
      nontumor hematopoietic stem cells (control cells). Apoptosis was assessed by 2
      methods: Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining with flow cytometric analysis
      and 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) morphological assessment. Cell cycle
      stage was investigated using propidum iodide staining of DNA content and flow
      cytometric analysis. Live cell counts were also performed using a trypan
      exclusion assay. PJE significantly induced apoptosis in all cell lines, including
      nontumor control cells, although lymphoid cells and 2 of the myeloid cell lines
      were more sensitive. Furthermore, PJE induced cell cycle arrest. These results
      were confirmed by DAPI analysis and viable cell counts using trypan blue
      exclusion assay. Our results provide evidence that PJE contain bioactive
      compounds that could be used in the treatment of leukemia.

PMID- 22098125
TI  - Atypical timing and presentation of periventricular haemorrhagic infarction in
      preterm infants: the role of thrombophilia.
AB  - AIM: Periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) is a complication of preterm
      birth associated with cardiorespiratory instability. To date, the role of
      thrombophilia as a possible additional risk factor in infants with atypical
      timing and presentation of PVHI has not been investigated. METHOD: This was a
      retrospective cohort study of preterm infants who developed PVHI with an atypical
      timing and presentation either of antenatal onset or late in the postnatal course
      in the absence of a preceding sudden deterioration of their clinical condition.
      In infants with atypical PVHI mutation analysis of the factor V Leiden (G1691A),
      prothrombin (G20210A) gene, and C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene
      was performed, and plasma lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine levels were measured.
      RESULTS: Sixty-two preterm infants who presented with a PVHI were studied.
      Seventeen had an atypical presentation (seven males, 10 females; median
      birthweight 1170g [range 580-1990g]; median gestational age 30.6wks [range 28.7
      33.7wks]). The typical PVHI group comprised 28 males and 17 females (median
      birthweight 1200g [range 670-2210g]; median gestational age 29.6wks [range 25.3
      33.6wks]). Among the 17 infants with atypical presentation, the factor V Leiden
      mutation was found in seven infants (41%) as well as in the mothers of six of
      these seven infants; in one infant this was concomitant with a prothrombin gene
      mutation. A polymorphism in the MTHFR gene was also present in these infants. In
      two infants with an atypical presentation who were tested for this, a mutation in
      the COL4A1 gene was found (reported previously). All but two of the infants with
      an atypical presentation developed spastic unilateral cerebral palsy.
      INTERPRETATION: An atypical presentation of PVHI in preterm infants tends to
      occur more often in the presence of thrombophilia. Testing of thrombophilia,
      especially factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutation, is recommended in these
      infants.

PMID- 22098127
TI  - Sustained attention to response task (SART) shows impaired vigilance in a
      spectrum of disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness.
AB  - The sustained attention to response task comprises withholding key presses to one
      in nine of 225 target stimuli; it proved to be a sensitive measure of vigilance
      in a small group of narcoleptics. We studied sustained attention to response task
      results in 96 patients from a tertiary narcolepsy referral centre. Diagnoses
      according to ICSD-2 criteria were narcolepsy with (n=42) and without cataplexy
      (n=5), idiopathic hypersomnia without long sleep time (n=37), and obstructive
      sleep apnoea syndrome (n=12). The sustained attention to response task was
      administered prior to each of five multiple sleep latency test sessions. Analysis
      concerned error rates, mean reaction time, reaction time variability and post
      error slowing, as well as the correlation of sustained attention to response task
      results with mean latency of the multiple sleep latency test and possible time of
      day influences. Median sustained attention to response task error scores ranged
      from 8.4 to 11.1, and mean reaction times from 332 to 366ms. Sustained attention
      to response task error score and mean reaction time did not differ significantly
      between patient groups. Sustained attention to response task error score did not
      correlate with multiple sleep latency test sleep latency. Reaction time was more
      variable as the error score was higher. Sustained attention to response task
      error score was highest for the first session. We conclude that a high sustained
      attention to response task error rate reflects vigilance impairment in excessive
      daytime sleepiness irrespective of its cause. The sustained attention to response
      task and the multiple sleep latency test reflect different aspects of
      sleep/wakefulness and are complementary.

PMID- 22098128
TI  - Global gene expression profiling of Ehrlichia ruminantium at different stages of
      development.
AB  - Ehrlichia ruminantium (ER), the causative agent of heartwater on ruminants, is an
      obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma.
      Previous studies have shown that early stages of development may be critical for
      Ehrlichia pathogenicity. To gain insights into the biology of intracellular ER,
      we determined the genome-wide transcriptional profile of ER replicating inside
      bovine aortic endothelial cells using DNA microarrays. At intermediate and late
      stages of infection (reticulate and elementary bodies, respectively), a total of
      54 genes were differentially expressed. Among them, we measured by q-RTPCR the
      overexpression of 11 of 14 genes. A number of genes involved in metabolism,
      nutrient exchange, and defense mechanisms, including those involved in resistance
      to oxidative stress, were significantly induced in ER reticulate bodies. This is
      consistent with the oxidative stress condition and nutrient starvation that seem
      to occur in Ehrlichia-containing vacuoles. During the lysis stage of development,
      when ER is infectious, we showed the overexpression of a transcription factor,
      dksA, which is also known to induce virulence in other pathogens such as
      Salmonella typhimurium. Our results suggest a possible role of these genes in
      promoting ER development and pathogenicity.

PMID- 22098129
TI  - 50th anniversary of the discovery of ibuprofen: an interview with Dr Stewart
      Adams.
AB  - 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of ibuprofen. This article is a
      focus on the personal reflections and career of Dr Stewart Adams OBE, the
      scientist whose research lead to the discovery of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor.
      When Dr Adams discovered ibuprofen, he was working as a pharmacologist in the
      Research Department for the Boots Pure Drug Company Ltd. Dr Adams was assigned to
      work on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chose in 1953 to search for a drug that
      would be effective in RA but would not be a corticosteroid. He was one of the
      first workers in this field that later became known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti
      Inflammatory Drugs). In 1961, Dr Adams with John Nicholson, the organic chemist,
      filed a patent for the compound 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid, later to
      become one of the most successful NSAIDs in the modern world, ibuprofen. In this
      article, Dr Adams gives his modest insight into the early stages and initial
      observations which led to this world-wide success.

PMID- 22098130
TI  - Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia: a descriptive survey in the French
      PharmacoVigilance database.
AB  - The aim of this survey was to describe drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
      reported in the French PharmacoVigilance database (FPVD) and to discuss the drugs
      involved. The request to the FPVD used the seven most accurate diagnosis codes to
      identify ITP. The study was restricted to cases reported from 2007 to 2010 and at
      least "possible" according to the French causality assessment score. We then
      described the population's characteristics, the drugs involved, the clinical
      symptoms, and the course of ITP. For each drug, we estimated the causality
      assessment score developed by George for drug-induced ITP. We included 59 drug
      induced ITP. Among them, 45.8% were post-vaccinal: they mainly occurred in
      children (median age: 16 years). Main vaccines were diphtheria-tetanus
      poliomyelitis (DTP, 9 cases), influenza (n=8) and measles, mumps, and rubella
      (MMR, n=7). Regarding the 33 non-vaccinal cases: some drugs are well-known as
      triggering ITP (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), n=5;
      abciximab, n=4, acetaminophen, n=2). Other drugs inducing ITP were involved, like
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors or bevacizumab. Mean age was 57.1 +/- 21.7; 60.6%
      of the patients were male and 25% had autoimmune antecedents. Among the 55
      suspected drugs, three were classified as "probable" and 28 as "possible"
      according to George scale. In both vaccinal and other cases, median delay was 14
      days, median platelet value at nadir was<10000 ul(-1) and hemorrhagic symptoms
      were rarely severe (only 2 gastrointestinal hemorrhages). Specific treatment was
      introduced in 45 (76.3%) patients. Five drug-induced cases led to chronicity.
      Among them, ezetimibe was suspected in two reports. In the FPVD, DTP, MMR, and
      influenza vaccines are the most often reported vaccines inducing ITP, perhaps
      because of their wide use. Our study confirmed that NSAIDs, abciximab, and
      acetaminophen frequently trigger ITP. It also allows to suspect other drugs like
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors or bevacizumab. Ezetimibe may induce chronic ITP.
      Drug-induced ITP is rarely severe. Finally, this study also shows that chronicity
      of ITP does not rule out the possibility of an iatrogenic cause.

PMID- 22098131
TI  - Evaluation of hemostatic balance in blood from patients with polycythemia vera by
      means of thromboelastography: the effect of isovolemic erythrocytapheresis.
AB  - Polycythemia vera (PV) is associated with an increased frequency of thrombotic
      complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hemostatic balance in
      the blood of PV patients by means of thromboelastography (TEG). The effect of
      isovolemic erythrocytapheresis (ECP) on the hemostasis of PV patients was also
      studied. We assessed the coagulation status of 76 PV patients undergoing ECP and
      50 of healthy controls. TEG measurements were performed immediately before and
      after the ECP procedure. Coagulation was triggered by recalcification in freshly
      collected citrated blood. We recorded clotting time (R), alpha angle, and maximum
      amplitude (MA) of the clot. The results presented here show that, compared with
      healthy controls, PV patients demonstrated an increase in alpha angle (p<0.005)
      and in MA (p=0.14). In the subgroup of PV patients with high (>440 * 10(9)l(-1))
      platelet (PLT) count, differences in MA (p<0.01) and alpha angle (p<0.001) were
      more significant. Following ECP procedure, a significant (p <= 0.01) reduction of
      R time, a rise of alpha angle, and MA were observed, indicating augmentation of a
      hypercoagulable state. In PV patients, the rise in alpha angle positively
      correlated (r=0.549) with platelet count but not with the number of erythrocytes
      and leukocytes. Following ECP, this correlation was reduced (r=0.382). Dilution
      (with saline) of blood from PV patients and of healthy controls, to a degree
      similar to that used during the ECP procedure, resulted in reduction of R and
      rise of the alpha angle. In conclusion, TEG measurements show that the majority
      of PV patients demonstrate abnormal hemostasis in which a major role is played by
      platelets rather than plasma factors. The hypercoagulable state in PV patients is
      significantly augmented following the ECP and may be related to the hemodilution
      intrinsically included in this procedure. TEG may help to assess the thrombotic
      risk in individual PV patients.

PMID- 22098132
TI  - Characterizing organic monolithic columns using capillary flow porometry and
      scanning electron microscopy.
AB  - Polyethylene glycol diacrylate monoliths prepared using different amounts of
      monomer, porogen ratio, and capillary dimensions were characterized using
      capillary flow porometry (CFP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our
      results reveal good agreement between SEM and CFP measurements for through-pore
      size distribution. The CFP measurements for monoliths prepared by the same
      procedure in capillaries with different diameters (i.e., 75, 150, and 250 MUm)
      clearly confirmed a change in through-pore size distribution with capillary
      diameter, thus, certifying the need for in-column measurement techniques over
      bulk measurements (e.g., mercury intrusion porosimetry). The mean through-pore
      size varied from 3.52 to 1.50 MUm with a change in capillary diameter from 75 to
      250 MUm. Consistent mean through-pore size distribution for capillary columns
      with the same internal diameter but with different lengths (1.5, 2, and 3 cm)
      confirms the high interconnectivity of the pores and independence of CFP
      measurements with respect to capillary length. CFP and SEM measurements not only
      allow pore structure analysis but also prediction of relative column performance.
      Monoliths with narrow through-pore size distribution (0.8-1.2 MUm), small mean
      through-pore size, and thin skeletal size (0.55 MUm) gave the best performance in
      terms of efficiency for polyethylene glycol diacrylate monoliths.

PMID- 22098133
TI  - Effect of pretreatment with Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 on first-line
      Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Helicobacter pylori eradication clearly decreases peptic
      ulcer recurrence rates. H. pylori eradication is achieved in 70-90% of cases, but
      treatment failures due to poor patient compliance and resistant organisms do
      occur. Lactobacillus gasseri can suppress both clarithromycin-susceptible and 
      resistant strains of H. pylori in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine
      the effect of pretreatment with L. gasseri- containing yogurt on H. pylori
      eradication. We conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial in patients
      with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 229 patients were randomized into
      either a 1-week triple therapy of rabeprazole (10 mg bid), amoxicillin (750 mg
      bid), and clarithromycin (200 mg bid) or triple therapy plus L. gasseri
      containing yogurt. In the yogurt-plus-triple therapy groups, yogurt containing L.
      gasseri OLL2716 (112 g) was given twice daily for 4 weeks (3 weeks pretreatment
      and also 1 week during eradication therapy). Clarithromycin resistance was
      determined by the detection of a mutation in 23S rRNA using nested polymerase
      chain reaction and the direct sequencing of DNA from pretreatment feces. H.
      pylori eradication was diagnosed based on the urea breath test and a stool
      antigen test after 8 weeks of eradication. RESULTS: The status of H. pylori
      susceptibility to clarithromycin was successively determined in 188 out of 229
      samples. The rate of infection with clarithromycin-resistant strains of H. pylori
      was 27.1%. Overall eradication (intention to treat/per protocol) was 69.3/74.5%
      for the triple-only group, and 82.6/85.6% for the yogurt-plus-triple group (P =
      0.018/P = 0.041). Eradication of primary clarithromycin-resistant strains tended
      to be higher for yogurt-plus-triple therapy than triple-only therapy (38.5 vs
      28.0%, respectively, P = 0.458). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that the major
      cause of treatment failure is resistance to clarithromycin. A 4-week treatment
      with L. gasseri-containing yogurt improves the efficacy of triple therapy in
      patients with H. pylori infection.

PMID- 22098134
TI  - AGD1, a class 1 ARF-GAP, acts in common signaling pathways with phosphoinositide
      metabolism and the actin cytoskeleton in controlling Arabidopsis root hair
      polarity.
AB  - The Arabidopsis thaliana AGD1 gene encodes a class 1 adenosine diphosphate
      ribosylation factor-gtpase-activating protein (ARF-GAP). Previously, we found
      that agd1 mutants have root hairs that exhibit wavy growth and have two tips that
      originate from a single initiation point. To gain new insights into how AGD1
      modulates root hair polarity we analyzed double mutants of agd1 and other loci
      involved in root hair development, and evaluated dynamics of various components
      of root hair tip growth in agd1 by live cell microscopy. Because AGD1 contains a
      phosphoinositide (PI) binding pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, we focused on
      genetic interactions between agd1 and root hair mutants altered in PI metabolism.
      Rhd4, which is knocked-out in a gene encoding a phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate
      (PI-4P) phosphatase, was epistatic to agd1. In contrast, mutations to PIP5K3 and
      COW1, which encode a type B phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase 3 and a
      phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, respectively, enhanced the root hair
      defects of agd1. Enhanced root hair defects were also observed in double mutants
      to AGD1 and ACT2, a root hair-expressed vegetative actin isoform. Consistent with
      our double-mutant studies, targeting of tip growth components involved in PI
      signaling (PI-4P), secretion (RABA4b) and actin regulation (ROP2), were altered
      in agd1 root hairs. Furthermore, tip cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+](cyt) )
      oscillations were disrupted in root hairs of agd1. Taken together, our results
      indicate that AGD1 links PI signaling to cytoskeletal-, [Ca2+](cyt-) , ROP2-, and
      RABA4b-mediated root hair development.

PMID- 22098135
TI  - Malaria prevalence and treatment of febrile patients at health facilities and
      medicine retailers in Cameroon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the quality of malaria case management in Cameroon 5
      years after the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).
      Treatment patterns were examined in different types of facility, and the factors
      associated with being prescribed or receiving an ACT were investigated. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional cluster survey was conducted among individuals of all ages who
      left public and private health facilities and medicine retailers in Cameroon and
      who reported seeking treatment for a fever. Prevalence of malaria was determined
      by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in consenting patients attending the facilities
      and medicine retailers. RESULTS: Among the patients, 73% were prescribed or
      received an antimalarial, and 51% were prescribed or received an ACT. Treatment
      provided to patients significantly differed by type of facility: 65% of patients
      at public facilities, 55% of patients at private facilities and 45% of patients
      at medicine retailers were prescribed or received an ACT (P = 0.023). The odds of
      a febrile patient being prescribed or receiving an ACT were significantly higher
      for patients who asked for an ACT (OR = 24.1, P < 0.001), were examined by the
      health worker (OR = 1.88, P = 0.021), had not previously sought an antimalarial
      for the illness (OR = 2.29, P = 0.001) and sought treatment at a public (OR =
      3.55) or private facility (OR = 1.99, P = 0.003). Malaria was confirmed in 29% of
      patients and 70% of patients with a negative result were prescribed or received
      an antimalarial. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria case management could be improved.
      Symptomatic diagnosis is inefficient because two-thirds of febrile patients do
      not have malaria. Government plans to extend malaria testing should promote
      rational use of ACT; though, the introduction of rapid diagnostic testing needs
      to be accompanied by updated clinical guidelines that provide clear guidance for
      the treatment of patients with negative test results.

PMID- 22098139
TI  - A phase I study to characterize the multiple-dose pharmacokinetics,
      pharmacodynamics and safety of new enteric-coated triflusal formulations in
      healthy male volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An enteric-coated formulation of triflusal (triflusal EC), an
      antiplatelet agent, was developed to reduce the high incidence of
      gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs). The aim of this study is to compare the
      pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of triflusal EC with triflusal in
      healthy Korean male subjects to determine bioequivalence and non-inferiority for
      the purposes of marketing approval. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, two
      period, crossover study was conducted in 38 subjects. Either triflusal EC or
      triflusal was administered orally as a single 900 mg loading dose (day 1)
      followed by eight 600 mg/day maintenance doses on days 2 - 9, with a 13-day
      washout period. The plasma concentrations of 2-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl benzoic
      acid (HTB), the predominant active metabolite of triflusal, were assessed after
      administration of the loading dose, using HPLC/MS/MS. The platelet aggregation
      response to arachidonic acid was determined using turbidimetric aggregometry.
      RESULTS: The 90% CIs, for the geometric mean ratios of the log-transformed
      AUC(tau) and C(max) of HTB were seen to be within the predetermined range of 0.8 
      1.25. Triflusal EC was also shown to be non-inferior in its anti-aggregatory
      effect. No serious AEs were reported during this study. CONCLUSIONS: The
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the two triflusal formulations
      met the requirements for bioequivalence and non-inferiority, respectively. Both
      formulations were well tolerated.

PMID- 22098140
TI  - Improvements in the reliability of in vitro genotoxicity testing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In vitro genotoxicity assays have a high sensitivity to detect
      rodent carcinogens, but mammalian cell tests have a propensity for misleading
      positive results (poor specificity). Recent data show a greater risk of
      misleading positive results in p53-deficient rodent cell lines than in p53
      competent human cells. Measures of cytotoxicity, source and stability of cells
      used are also important. AREAS COVERED: In this review, potential reduction in
      the top concentration for testing (10 mM) is discussed. Indirect effects on non
      DNA targets, which may not be relevant for humans or may exhibit a threshold,
      have been identified. EXPERT OPINION: The reliability of in vitro genotoxicity
      tests could be improved by selecting p53-proficient, human cells. The provenance
      and stability of the cells used should be demonstrated. Measures of cytotoxicity
      based on cell proliferation should be used. Lowering the top concentration for
      testing from 10 mM to 4 mM or 2000 MUg/ml, whichever is the lower, as proposed by
      some experts, would seem to be justified. Artefacts that may be caused by
      reaction of test substance with culture medium should be avoided. Better
      understanding and investigation of the potential for threshold and irrelevant
      modes of action are encouraged.

PMID- 22098141
TI  - Performance of lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio as a reflex test for documenting
      fetal lung maturity in late preterm and term fetuses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if infants delivered after immature or indeterminate TDx
      FLM II testing and a mature reflex test are at increased risk for neonatal
      respiratory complications. METHODS: The primary analysis compared neonatal
      respiratory morbidity (RDS or TTN) in 34-39-week fetuses delivered after either
      (i) mature TDx-FLM II testing, or (ii) indeterminate or immature TDx-FLM II and a
      positive reflex test (PG or L/S ratio). RESULTS: Fifty patients delivered after
      mature TDx-FLM II, and 30 after immature or indeterminate TDx-FLM II with an L/S
      >= 2.0. Respiratory morbidity was significantly higher in the group delivered
      after mature reflex testing compared with mature TDx-FLM II (23% vs. 2%, p <
      0.01). When PG was present, there were no cases of RDS or TTN. CONCLUSIONS:
      Utilizing L/S ratios as a reflex test to confirm lung maturity was associated
      with a high risk for respiratory morbidity, particularly when PG was not present.

PMID- 22098143
TI  - Family-centred or family-censored care?

PMID- 22098136
TI  - Peroxiredoxins in parasites.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Parasite survival and virulence relies on effective defenses
      against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by the host immune system.
      Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitous enzymes now thought to be central to such
      defenses and, as such, have potential value as drug targets and vaccine antigens.
      RECENT ADVANCES: Plasmodial and kinetoplastid Prx systems are the most
      extensively studied, yet remain inadequately understood. For many other parasites
      our knowledge is even less well developed. Through parasite genome sequencing
      efforts, however, the key players are being discovered and characterized. Here we
      describe what is known about the biochemistry, regulation, and cell biology of
      Prxs in parasitic protozoa, helminths, and fungi. At least one Prx is found in
      each parasite with a sequenced genome, and a notable theme is the common patterns
      of expression, localization, and functionality among sequence-similar Prxs in
      related species. CRITICAL ISSUES: The nomenclature of Prxs from parasites is in a
      state of disarray, causing confusion and making comparative inferences difficult.
      Here we introduce a systematic Prx naming convention that is consistent between
      organisms and informative about structural and evolutionary relationships. FUTURE
      DIRECTIONS: The new nomenclature should stimulate the crossfertilization of ideas
      among parasitologists and with the broader redox research community. The diverse
      parasite developmental stages and host environments present complex systems in
      which to explore the variety of roles played by Prxs, with a view toward
      parlaying what is learned into novel therapies and vaccines that are urgently
      needed.

PMID- 22098144
TI  - Residual ridge atrophy in complete denture wearers and relationship with
      densitometric values of a cervical spine: a hierarchical regression analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of residual ridge atrophy (RRR) and its association with
      mineral density of other bones have not yet been fully explained. OBJECTIVE: To
      measure RRR over a 5-year period in complete denture wearers and relate it to the
      density of a cervical spine (CSBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients
      (different gender, age, body mass index, duration of edentulousness (DE) and
      different denture-wearing habits) participated. A copper stepwedge was attached
      to the cassette, and 50 lateral radiograms met the criteria to be included.
      RESULTS: A significant decrease in vertical height was observed in all measured
      sites. The amount of RRR was highest in frontal areas of both jaws and decreased
      gradually towards lateral regions. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that
      the amount of RRR in the maxillary frontal area could be explained up to 48.4% by
      the variable DE and only up to 6.1% by the CSBD, while gender had almost no
      influence (1%). Similar results were obtained for the lateral maxillary RRR
      (33.9%; 7%; 2%), frontal mandibular RRR (40; 8.4; 0.4%) and lateral mandibular
      RRR (31.5%; 3.4%; 7.7%). CONCLUSION: Skeletal bone density, reflecting systemic
      and hereditary factors, is weakly related to RRR (3.4-8.4%).

PMID- 22098145
TI  - Methylated arsenic species in plants originate from soil microorganisms.
AB  - * Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a ubiquitous human carcinogen, and rice (Oryza
      sativa) is the main contributor to iAs in the diet. Methylated pentavalent As
      species are less toxic and are routinely found in plants; however, it is
      currently unknown whether plants are able to methylate As. * Rice, tomato
      (Solanum lycopersicum) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) were exposed to iAs,
      monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)), or dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)), under axenic
      conditions. Rice seedlings were also grown in two soils under nonsterile flooded
      conditions, and rice plants exposed to arsenite or DMA(V) were grown to maturity
      in nonsterile hydroponic culture. Arsenic speciation in samples was determined by
      HPLC-ICP-MS. * Methylated arsenicals were not found in the three plant species
      exposed to iAs under axenic conditions. Axenically grown rice was able to take up
      MMA(V) or DMA(V), and reduce MMA(V) to MMA(III) but not convert it to DMA(V).
      Methylated As was detected in the shoots of soil-grown rice, and in rice grain
      from nonsterile hydroponic culture. GeoChip analysis of microbial genes in a
      Bangladeshi paddy soil showed the presence of the microbial As methyltransferase
      gene arsM. * Our results suggest that plants are unable to methylate iAs, and
      instead take up methylated As produced by microorganisms.

PMID- 22098146
TI  - Activity-aware clustering of high throughput screening data and elucidation of
      orthogonal structure-activity relationships.
AB  - From a medicinal chemistry point of view, one of the primary goals of high
      throughput screening (HTS) hit list assessment is the identification of
      chemotypes with an informative structure-activity relationship (SAR). Such
      chemotypes may enable optimization of the primary potency, as well as selectivity
      and phamacokinetic properties. A common way to prioritize them is molecular
      clustering of the hits. Typical clustering techniques, however, rely on a general
      notion of chemical similarity or standard rules of scaffold decomposition and are
      thus insensitive to molecular features that are enriched in biologically active
      compounds. This hinders SAR analysis, because compounds sharing the same
      pharmacophore might not end up in the same cluster and thus are not directly
      compared to each other by the medicinal chemist. Similarly, common chemotypes
      that are not related to activity may contaminate clusters, distracting from
      important chemical motifs. We combined molecular similarity and Bayesian models
      and introduce (I) a robust, activity-aware clustering approach and (II) a feature
      mapping method for the elucidation of distinct SAR determinants in
      polypharmacologic compounds. We evaluated the method on 462 dose-response assays
      from the Pubchem Bioassay repository. Activity-aware clustering grouped compounds
      sharing molecular cores that were specific for the target or pathway at hand,
      rather than grouping inactive scaffolds commonly found in compound series. Many
      of these core structures we also found in literature that discussed SARs of the
      respective targets. A numerical comparison of cores allowed for identification of
      the structural prerequisites for polypharmacology, i.e., distinct bioactive
      regions within a single compound, and pointed toward selectivity-conferring
      medchem strategies. The method presented here is generally applicable to any type
      of activity data and may help bridge the gap between hit list assessment and
      designing a medchem strategy.

PMID- 22098147
TI  - The potential role of Marginal Structural Models (MSMs) in testing the
      effectiveness of antidepressants in the treatment of patients with major
      depression in everyday clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To better evaluate the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs in the
      treatment of major depression in clinical practice. METHODS: A simulation
      experiment was used to illustrate an application of marginal structural models
      (MSMs) via inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach in the
      context of non-randomized data on N = 1,000 depressed subjects, initially
      subjected to "watchful waiting". In simulation we assumed that subjects with
      worse intermediate outcome have a higher probability of being subsequently
      assigned to antidepressant treatment while those who receive antidepressant
      treatment are more likely to reach remission and less likely to reach relapse
      state. The outcomes from multiple (500) simulated data sets are analyzed using
      simple unadjusted analysis based on logistic regression and using MSM. RESULTS:
      In contrast to unadjusted analysis, but consistent with the treatment
      assumptions, using MSM via IPTW results in strong evidence of the effectiveness
      of the antidepressant treatment. Furthermore MSM via IPTW substantially reduces
      the probability of wrongly rejecting the null hypothesis. However, the
      instability of weights due to the sparse data and incorrectly specified MSM may
      still result in inflation of Type I error rates. CONCLUSIONS: MSMs may allow
      evaluating the causal effects associated with antidepressant treatment from the
      data observed in clinical practice.

PMID- 22098148
TI  - Low plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) associated with completed
      suicide.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Immunological differences have previously been associated with
      depression and suicidal behaviour. Several cytokines have been identified as
      potentially important in understanding the pathophysiology of mood disorders and
      suicidality. Here we aimed to identify new inflammatory biomarkers for suicide
      prediction. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1-a , IL1-b, IL-2,
      IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFNG), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF
      a), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in 58 suicide attempters
      with a high throughput automated biochip immunoassay system. Patients were
      evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the
      Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). All patients were followed up for cause of death.
      RESULTS: We found significantly lower levels of VEGF in the seven patients who
      upon a mean follow-up of 13 years were found to have completed suicide. VEGF also
      showed a trend for negative correlation with the planning subscale of SIS. A
      trend could be shown for lower IL-2 and for higher IFNG levels in suicide
      victims. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides further support for a role of
      inflammation in the pathophysiology of suicidality. VEGF may be related with
      suicide risk.

PMID- 22098149
TI  - Surface behavior, aggregation and phase separation of aqueous mixtures of dodecyl
      trimethylammonium bromide and sodium oligoarene sulfonates: the transition to
      polyelectrolyte/surfactant behavior.
AB  - The properties and phase diagrams of aqueous mixtures of dodecyltrimethylammonium
      bromide (C(12)TAB) with the sodium oligoarene sulphonates (POSn), POS2, POS3,
      POS4, and POS6 have been studied using surface tension and neutron reflectometry
      to study the surface, and neutron small angle scattering and fluorescence to
      study the bulk solution. The behavior of POS2 and POS3 is reasonably consistent
      with mixed micelles of C(12)TAB and POSn-(C(12)TA)(n). These systems exhibit a
      single critical micelle concentration (CMC) at which the surface tension reaches
      the usual plateau. This is contrary to a recent report which suggests that the
      onset of the surface tension plateau does not coincide with the CMC. In the POS3
      system, the micelles conform to the core-shell model, are slightly ellipsoidal,
      and have aggregation numbers in the range 70-100. In addition, the dissociation
      constant for ionization of the micelles is significantly lower than for free
      C(12)TAB micelles, indicating binding of the POS3 ion to the micelles. Estimation
      of the CMCs of the POSn-(C(12)TA)(n) from n = 1-3 assuming ideal mixing of the
      two component surfactants and the observed values of the mixed CMC gives values
      that are consistent with the nearest related gemini surfactant. The POS4 and POS6
      systems are different. They both phase separate slowly to form a dilute and a
      concentrated (dense) phase. Fluorescence of POS4 has been used to show that the
      onset of aggregation of surfactant (critical aggregation concentration, CAC)
      occurs at the onset of the surface tension plateau and that, at the slightly
      higher concentration of the phase separation, the concentration of POS4 and
      C(12)TAB in the dilute phase is at or below its concentration at the CAC, that
      is, this is a clear case of complex coacervation. The surface layer of the
      C(12)TA ion in the surface tension plateau region, studied directly by neutron
      reflectometry, was found to be higher than a simple monolayer (observed for POS2
      and POS3) for both the POS4 and POS6 systems. In POS6 this evolved after a few
      hours to a structure consisting of a monolayer with an attached subsurface
      bilayer, closely resembling that observed for one class of
      polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures. It is suggested that this structured layer,
      which must be present on the surface of the dilute phase of the coacervated
      system, is a thin wetting film of the dense phase. The close resemblance of the
      properties of the POS6 system to that of one large group of
      polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures shows that the surface behavior of
      oligoion/surfactant mixtures can quickly become representative of that of true
      polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures. In addition, the more precise
      characterization possible for the POS6 system identifies an unusual feature of
      the surface behavior of some polyelectrolyte/surfactant systems and that is that
      the surface tension can remain low and constant through a
      precipitation/coacervation region because of the characteristics of two phase
      wetting. The well-defined fixed charge distribution in POS6 also suggests that
      rigidity and charge separation are the factors that control whether a given
      system will exhibit a flat surface tension plateau or the alternative of a peak
      on the surface tension plateau.

PMID- 22098150
TI  - Synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles by a sequential aza
      Wittig/Michael/isomerization reaction.
AB  - Carbodiimides 4, obtained from aza-Wittig reactions of iminophosphorane 3 with
      aryl isocyanates, reacted with secondary amines in the presence of a catalytic
      amount of sodium alkoxide to give 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles 7 in good
      yields. However, 4-acylimidazoles 11 were obtained, as phenols were used in the
      presence of a catalytic amount of potassium carbonate due to further air
      oxidation of the expected products 10.

PMID- 22098151
TI  - Pachyonychia congenita patients with mutations in KRT6A have more extensive
      disease compared with patients who have mutations in KRT16.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is an autosomal dominant, very rare
      keratin disorder caused by mutations in any of at least four genes (KRT6A, KRT6B,
      KRT16 or KRT17), which can lead to hypertrophic nail dystrophy and palmoplantar
      keratoderma, among other manifestations. Classically, patients with mutations in
      KRT6A and KRT16 have been grouped to the PC-1 subtype (Jadassohn-Lewandowsky
      type) and KRT6B and KRT17 to PC-2 (Jackson-Lawler type). OBJECTIVES: To describe
      clinical heterogeneity among patients with PC who have genetic mutations in KRT6A
      and KRT16. METHODS: In 2004, the Pachyonychia Congenita Project established the
      International PC Research Registry (IPCRR) for patients with PC. All patients
      reporting here underwent genetic testing and responded to a standardized,
      validated survey about their PC symptoms. We report results from 89 patients with
      KRT6A mutations and 68 patients with KRT16 mutations. RESULTS: Patients with PC
      who have KRT6A and KRT16 mutations display distinct phenotypic differences.
      Patients with PC-K6a experience earlier onset, more extensive nail disease and
      more substantial disease outside palms and soles, as they reported a higher
      prevalence of oral leucokeratosis (P < 0.001), cysts (P < 0.001) and follicular
      hyperkeratosis (P < 0.001) compared with their PC-K16 counterparts. CONCLUSION:
      Phenotypic differences between patients with KRT6A and KRT16 mutations support
      adoption of a new classification system based on the mutant gene (PC-6a, PC-16)
      rather than the PC-1 nomenclature.

PMID- 22098152
TI  - Severity and timing of progression predict refractoriness to transarterial
      chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is
      refractory to repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are considered for
      systemic therapy, but TACE refractoriness is not well defined. The aim of this
      study was to determine the characteristics of patients whose HCC is refractory to
      repetitive TACE. METHODS: We evaluated 264 patients with intermediate-stage HCC
      who underwent TACE between January 2006 and September 2009. We designated the
      development of vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread during follow up as
      "stage progression" (SP), and hypothesized that SP might be the surrogate end
      point for TACE refractoriness. RESULTS: The median follow up was 18.2 months, and
      median number of TACE was 3.0 (range, 1-13). Median time-to-progression was 5.5
      months (95% confidence interval, 4.8-6.2), and median overall survival was 25.3
      months (95% confidence interval, 21.6-29.0). We classified the patients according
      to disease course as: no progressive disease (PD(-); n = 33); PD without SP
      (PD(+)SP(-); n = 113); PD followed by SP (PD->SP; n = 47); and simultaneous PD
      and SP (PD&SP; n = 64). PD(-) and PD(+)SP(-) groups showed no difference in
      overall survival, PD->SP group had worse overall survival than PD(-) and PD(+)SP(
      ) groups, and PD&SP group had the worst overall survival. The significant
      prognostic factors for SP-free survival were development of PD and need for three
      sessions of TACE during the first 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: SP-free survival can be
      regarded as an end-point for TACE refractoriness. Development of progression or
      need for three sessions of TACE within the first 6 months could be predictive of
      TACE refractoriness.

PMID- 22098153
TI  - Scutellaria litwinowii induces apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic
      apoptotic pathways in human promyelocytic leukemia cells.
AB  - Scutellaria is a genus of Lamiaceae with known antiproliferative potentials.
      Scutellaria litwinowii Bornm. & Sint. ex Bornm. is one of the Iranian species of
      Scutellaria. Although there are widespread reports about the cytotoxic and
      antitumor effects of some species of this genus, research on the molecular
      mechanism responsible for the anticancer effects of S. litwinowii has not yet
      been conducted. In the current study, the apoptotic effects of S. litwinowii on 2
      myeloid cell lines, apoptosis-proficient HL60 cells and apoptosis-resistant K562
      cells, were analyzed. An increase in the activity of caspases-3, -8, and -9, poly
      (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, detection of phosphatidylserine on the
      outer layer of cell membrane and sub-G1 peak in the flow cytometry histogram of
      treated cells, suggested the induction of apoptosis. S. litwinowii also increased
      the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. It could be concluded that S. litwinowii induced apoptosis
      in both apoptosis-proficient and apoptosis-resistant leukemic cells and it might
      be considered as a novel candidate in the treatment of hematological
      malignancies.

PMID- 22098154
TI  - Evaluation of the kinematic parameters of normal-paced gait in subjects with
      gonarthrosis and the influence of gonarthrosis on the function of the ankle joint
      and hip joint.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the variability of parameters characterising
      the gait of persons suffering from degenerative changes of the knee joint and
      their influence on the ankle and hip joints. The values of the angular changes in
      the knee, ankle and hip joints in the three planes of motion were assessed.
      Locomotion tests were performed on 27 persons, aged between 60 and 74, using
      Vicon 250, the three-dimensional analysis system. The sharpest deviations from
      the results of the control group were revealed in the transverse and frontal
      planes. Degenerative knee joint disease has changed the gait stereotype causing a
      reduction in the economy of gonarthrosis patients' locomotion, the influence of
      the disease on the function of the neighbouring joints is also distinctly marked.

PMID- 22098155
TI  - PLOD2 induced under hypoxia is a novel prognostic factor for hepatocellular
      carcinoma after curative resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under hypoxia, tumour cells undergo genetic and adaptive changes that
      allow their survival. Previously, we reported that high expression of hypoxia
      inducible factor (HIF)-1 was a significant predictive factor for recurrence in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia also stimulates expression of procollagen
      lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase (PLOD) genes via the HIF-1 pathway. AIMS:
      The aim was to evaluate the relationship between hypoxia stress and expression of
      PLOD genes in HCC in vitro and to identify a new prognostic marker in HCC
      patients. METHODS: The PLOD2 expression was assessed under hypoxia in hepatoma
      cell lines and characterized in 139 HCC samples following hepatic resection using
      microarray experiments, quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Prognostic
      factors in HCC patients were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
      RESULTS: The PLOD2 expression was induced under the hypoxia in vitro. Disease
      free survival in the high PLOD2 expression group of HCC patients was
      significantly shorter when compared with the low-expression group (P = 0.002). In
      a subset of HCCs, we found that the PLOD2 expression of microarray was correlated
      with data of quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Of clinicopathological
      factors, PLOD2 expression was significantly correlated with tumour size (P =
      0.022) and macroscopic intrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.049). In univariate
      analysis, six prognostic factors (tumour multiplicity, macroscopic intrahepatic
      metastasis, histological grade, microscopic portal invasion, microscopic
      intrahepatic metastasis and PLOD2 expression) were significant for disease-free
      survival. PLOD2 expression was identified as a significant, independent factor of
      poor prognosis (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: PLOD2 is a potential novel prognostic
      factor for HCC patients following surgery.

PMID- 22098156
TI  - Cancer stem cell marker ALDH1 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis
      and poor survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a study from high
      incidence area of northern China.
AB  - Tumor recurrence and metastasis is the leading cause of death in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Cancer stem cell (CSC) may be responsible for
      tumor growth and maintenance of aggressive behavior. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1
      (ALDH1) has been proposed as one of the possible candidates for a CSC marker. The
      expression of ALDH1 may be correlated with the clinicopathologic factor and
      clinical outcome of patients with ESCC. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the expression of ALDH1 protein in human ESCC tissues, and evaluated
      the clinical implication of ALDH1 expression for these patients. All 79 patients
      who underwent esophagectomy for ESCC between January 2005 and June 2006 were
      enrolled in this study. The expression of ALDH1 in ESCC and adjacent noncancerous
      tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. ALDH1 was mainly expressed in ESCC
      cell nucleus. For the 79 ESCC patients, increased nuclear accumulation of ALDH1
      was found in 12 (15.2%) specimens. ALDH1 expression was correlated with poor
      histological differentiation (P= 0.003), lymph node metastasis (P= 0.011), and
      late pathologic TNM classification (pTNM) staging (P= 0.003). Patients in ALDH1
      positive group had a significantly poor 5-year overall survival than those in the
      negative group (8.3% vs. 52.2%, P= 0.025). We have demonstrated for the first
      time that the CSC marker, ALDH1, is expressed in human ESCC. The expression of
      ALDH1 protein in nucleus of the ESCC is significantly associated with lymph node
      metastasis and poor survival. Our results highly indicate the involvement of
      ALDH1 in the aggressive behavior of ESCC.

PMID- 22098157
TI  - Embracing an era of rising family quality of life research.

PMID- 22098158
TI  - Relevance-driven information search in "pseudodiagnostic" reasoning.
AB  - When faced with two competing hypotheses, people sometimes prefer to look at
      multiple sources of information in support of one hypothesis rather than to
      establish the diagnostic value of a single piece of information for the two
      hypotheses. This is termed pseudodiagnostic reasoning and has often been
      understood to reflect, among other things, poor information search strategies.
      Past research suggests that diagnostic reasoning may be more easily fostered when
      participants seek data to help in the selection of one of two competing courses
      of action as opposed to situations where they seek data to help infer which of
      two competing hypotheses is true. In the experiment reported here, we provide the
      first empirical evidence demonstrating that manipulating the relevance of the
      feature for which participants initially receive information determines whether
      they will make a nominally diagnostic or pseudodiagnostic selection. The
      discussion of these findings focuses on implications for the ability to engage in
      diagnostic hypothesis testing.

PMID- 22098160
TI  - Lysosomal function and dysfunction: mechanism and disease.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Lysosomes are organelles in which cellular degradation occurs in a
      controlled manner, separated from other cellular components. As several pathways
      terminate in the lysosome, lysosomal dysfunction has a profound impact on cell
      homeostasis, resulting in manifold pathological situations, including infectious
      diseases, neurodegeneration, and aging. RECENT ADVANCES: Lysosomal biology
      demonstrates that in addition to regulating the final steps of catabolic
      processes, lysosomes are essential up-stream modulators of autophagy and other
      essential lysosomal pathways. FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND CRITICAL ISSUES: Lysosomal
      membrane permeabilization offers therapeutic potential in the treatment of
      cancer, though the molecular regulators of this process remain obscure. This
      review focuses on recent discoveries in lysosomal function and dysfunction,
      primarily in in vivo situations.

PMID- 22098159
TI  - Deregulation of Hippo kinase signalling in human hepatic malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and
      hepatoblastoma (HB) are the main hepatic malignancies with limited treatment
      options and high mortality. Recent studies have implicated Hippo kinase pathway
      in cancer development, but detailed analysis of Hippo kinase signalling in human
      hepatic malignancies, especially CC and HB, is lacking. METHODS: We investigated
      Hippo kinase signalling in HCC, CC and HB using cells and patient samples.
      RESULTS: Increased expression of yes-associated protein (Yap), the downstream
      effector of the Hippo kinase pathway, was observed in HCC cells, and siRNA
      mediated knockdown of Yap resulted in decreased survival of HCC cells. The
      density-dependent activation of Hippo kinase pathway characteristic of normal
      cells was not observed in HCC cells and CCLP cells, a cholangiocarcinoma cell
      line. Immunohistochemistry of Yap in HCC, CC and HB tissues indicated extensive
      nuclear localization of Yap in majority of tissues. Western blot analysis
      performed using total cell extracts from patient samples and normal livers showed
      extensive activation of Yap. Marked induction of Glypican-3, CTGF and Survivin,
      the three Yap target genes was observed in the tumour samples. Further analysis
      revealed significant decrease in expression and activity of Lats kinase, the main
      upstream regulator of Yap. However, no change in activation of Mst-2 kinase, the
      upstream regulator of Lats kinase was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that
      Yap induction mediated by inactivation of Lats is observed in hepatic
      malignancies. These studies highlight Hippo kinase pathway as a novel therapeutic
      target for hepatic malignancies.

PMID- 22098161
TI  - Barley grains, deficient in cytosolic small subunit of ADP-glucose
      pyrophosphorylase, reveal coordinate adjustment of C:N metabolism mediated by an
      overlapping metabolic-hormonal control.
AB  - The barley Riso16 mutation leads to inactivation of cytosolic ADP-Glc
      pyrophosphorylase, and results in decreased ADP-Glc and endospermal starch
      levels. Here we show that this mutation is accompanied by a decrease in storage
      protein accumulation and seed size, which indicates that alteration of a single
      enzymatic step can change the network of storage metabolism as a whole. We used
      comprehensive transcript, metabolite and hormonal profiling to compare grain
      metabolism and development of Riso16 and wild-type endosperm. Despite increased
      sugar availability in mutant endosperm, glycolytic intermediates downstream of
      hexose phosphates remained unchanged or decreased, while several glycolytic
      enzymes were downregulated at the transcriptional level. Metabolite and
      transcript profiling also indicated an inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid cycle
      at the level of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-isocitrate
      dehydrogenase and an attendant decrease in alpha-ketoglutarate and amino acids
      levels in Riso16, compared with wild type. Decreased levels of cytokinins in
      Riso16 endosperm suggested co-regulation between starch synthesis, abscisic acid
      (ABA) deficiency and cytokinin biosynthesis. Comparative cis-element analysis in
      promoters of jointly downregulated genes in Riso16 revealed an overlap between
      metabolic and hormonal regulation, which leds to a coordinated downregulation of
      endosperm-specific and ABA-inducible gene expression (storage proteins) together
      with repression by sugars (isocitrate dehydrogenase, amylases). Such co
      regulation ensured that decreased carbon fluxes into starch lead to a coordinated
      inhibition of glycolysis, amino acid and storage proteins biosynthesis, which is
      useful in the prevention of osmotic imbalances and oxidative stress due to
      increased accumulation of sugars.

PMID- 22098162
TI  - Early use of high-dose riboflavin in a case of Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome.
AB  - Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVLS) is a genetic condition caused by a
      mutation in the C20orf54 gene, which also codes for an intestinal riboflavin
      transporter. We report the case of a female who presented at 22 months with acute
      onset stridor and generalized muscle weakness, in whom a genetic diagnosis of
      BVVLS was made, and whose symptoms improved on therapy with high-dose riboflavin.
      She had previously been developing normally and was able to walk at 11 months,
      then developed progressive muscle weakness at 22 months, and within 2 weeks was
      unable to sit without support. She also demonstrated stridor and paradoxical
      breathing indicating diaphragmatic weakness, and required continuous non-invasive
      ventilation (NIV) through a tracheostomy. After treatment with riboflavin she was
      able to walk unaided, and her Gross Motor Functional Classification level
      improved from level IV to level I, having fully regained the motor function she
      showed before symptom onset. There were no longer signs of diaphragmatic
      paralysis while on NIV, and she was able to tolerate 10-minute periods off NIV
      before paradoxical breathing again became apparent. We therefore recommend that
      in all cases suspected to be in the BVVLS or Fazio-Londe spectrum, early
      treatment with high-dose riboflavin must be considered.

PMID- 22098163
TI  - Aptamer capturing of enzymes on magnetic beads to enhance assay specificity and
      sensitivity.
AB  - Activity and specificity of enzyme molecules are important to enzymatic reactions
      and enzyme assays. We describe an aptamer capturing approach that improves the
      specificity and the sensitivity of enzyme detection. An aptamer recognizing the
      target enzyme molecule is conjugated on a magnetic bead, increasing the local
      concentration, and serves as an affinity probe to capture and separate minute
      amounts of the enzyme. The captured enzymes catalyze the subsequent conversion of
      fluorogenic substrate to fluorescent products, enabling a sensitive measure of
      the active enzyme. The feasibility of this technique is demonstrated through
      assays for human alpha thrombin and human neutrophil elastase (HNE), two
      important enzymes. Thrombin (2 fM) and 100 fM HNE can be detected. The
      incorporation of two binding events, substrate recognition and aptamer binding,
      greatly improves assay specificity. With its simplicity, this approach is
      applicable to biosensing and detection of disease biomarkers.

PMID- 22098164
TI  - Inflammatory stress exacerbates hepatic cholesterol accumulation via disrupting
      cellular cholesterol export.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Both inflammation and cholesterol accumulation play important
      roles in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was
      undertaken to investigate whether inflammation aggravated cholesterol
      accumulation via disrupting hepatic cholesterol export and we explored the
      underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We used casein injection in C57BL/6J mice, and
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulation in human hepatoblastoma cell
      line (HepG2) cells to induce inflammation. Intracellular cholesterol level was
      examined by Oil Red O staining and quantitative analysis. Bile acid level was
      quantified by colorimetric analysis. (3)[H] cholesterol assay by scintillation
      counting was performed to evaluate the cholesterol efflux. The mRNA and protein
      expression was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.
      RESULTS: Inflammation increased cholesterol accumulation in livers of C57BL/6J
      mice and in HepG2 cells. High-fat diet in mice and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
      loading in HepG2 cells increased bile acid synthesis and cholesterol efflux,
      enhanced the mRNA and protein expression of liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha),
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARalpha, gamma), cholesterol
      7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1).
      However, inflammation reduced bile acid synthesis and cholesterol efflux even in
      high-fat-diet-fed mice and HepG2 cells in the presence of LDL loading. The
      enhanced effects of these genes and proteins expression due to high-fat diet and
      LDL loading were inhibited by inflammation both in vivo and in vitro.
      CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation disrupted PPAR-LXR-CYP7A1/ABCA1-mediated bile acid
      synthesis and cholesterol efflux resulting in exacerbated cholesterol
      accumulation in livers of C57BL/6J mice and HepG2 cells.

PMID- 22098165
TI  - Foxp3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells are increased in patients with Coxiella
      burnetii endocarditis.
AB  - Chronic Q fever, which principally manifests as endocarditis, is characterized by
      Coxiella burnetii persistence and an impaired cell-mediated immune response. The
      long-term persistence of pathogens has been associated with the expansion of
      regulatory T cells (Tregs), the CD4(+)  T-cell subset that is characterized by
      the expression of CD25 and Foxp3. We investigated the presence of Tregs in
      patients with acute Q fever (n = 17), known to exhibit an efficient immune
      response, patients with Q fever endocarditis (n = 54) and controls (n = 27) by
      flow cytometry. The proportion of CD3(+) , CD4(+)  and CD8(+)  T cells was
      similar in controls and patients with Q fever. The percentage of CD4(+)  T cells
      that expressed CD25 was similar in controls and patients with Q fever. The
      population of CD4(+)  T cells that expressed both CD25 and Foxp3 was
      significantly (P < 0.001) increased in patients with Q fever endocarditis
      compared with controls. Our data suggest that the expansion of Tregs may be
      critical for the chronic evolution of Q fever.

PMID- 22098166
TI  - Chorionic villus sampling for abnormal screening compared to historical
      indications: prevalence of abnormal karyotypes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of abnormal karyotype results in women
      undergoing chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for abnormal first trimester screening
      compared to CVS for historical indications (advanced maternal age (AMA) or prior
      aneuploidy). METHODS: Retrospective cohort of all patients undergoing CVS at
      Oregon Health & Science University from January 2006 to June 2010. Patients were
      separated based on CVS indication: (1) positive ultrasound (U/S) or serum
      screening; or (2) AMA or prior aneuploidy with normal or no screening. Prevalence
      of abnormal karyotype results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Fetal
      karyotyping was successful in 500 of 506 CVS procedures performed. 203 CVS were
      performed for positive screening with 69 abnormal karyotypes (34.0%). 264 CVS
      were performed for historical indications with 11 abnormal karyotypes (4.2%).
      This difference was statistically significant (chi(2) 71.9, p < 0.001; OR 11.8
      [95% CI 5.8, 24.6]). There were two age-related aneuplodies in AMA women without
      positive screening. 42 out of 44 AMA women diagnosed with aneuploidy (95.5%) had
      abnormal U/S and/or serum screening (35 U/S, 4 serum, 3 U/S and serum).
      CONCLUSIONS: Combined ultrasound and serum screening should be recommended to all
      women, including AMA women, prior to undergoing invasive testing to improve risk
      based counseling and minimize morbidity.

PMID- 22098167
TI  - Audiovisual distraction reduces pain perception during shockwave lithotripsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lithotripsy is an established method to fragment kidney
      stones that can be performed without general anesthesia in the outpatient
      setting. Discomfort and/or noise, however, may deter some patients. It has been
      demonstrated that audiovisual distraction (AV) can reduce sedoanalgesic
      requirements and improve patient satisfaction in nonurologic settings, but to our
      knowledge, this has not been investigated with lithotripsy. This randomized
      controlled trial was designed to test the hypothesis that AV distraction can
      reduce perceived pain during lithotripsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients in
      the study received identical analgesia before a complete session of lithotripsy
      on a fixed-site Storz Modulith SLX F2 lithotripter. Patients were randomized to
      two groups: One group (n=61) received AV distraction via a wall-mounted 32" (82
      cm) television with wireless headphones; the other group (n=57) received no AV
      distraction. The mean intensity of treatment was comparable in both groups.
      Patients used a visual analogue scale (0-10) to record independent pain and
      distress scores and a nonverbal pain score was documented by the radiographer
      during the procedure (0-4). RESULTS: In the group that received AV distraction,
      all measures of pain perception were statistically lower. The patient-reported
      pain score was reduced from a mean of 6.1 to 2.4 (P<0.0001), and the distress
      score was reduced from a mean of 4.4 to 1.0 (P=0.0001). The mean nonverbal score
      recorded by the radiographer was reduced from 1.5 to 0.5 (<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      AV distraction significantly lowered patients' reported pain and distress scores.
      This correlated with the nonverbal scores reported by the radiographer. We
      conclude that AV distraction is a simple method of improving acceptance of
      lithotripsy and optimizing treatment.

PMID- 22098168
TI  - Induction of a viable-but-non-culturable state in bacteria treated with gas
      discharge plasma.

PMID- 22098169
TI  - Approximating protein flexibility through dynamic pharmacophore models:
      application to fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).
AB  - A structure-based drug discovery method is described that incorporates target
      flexibility through the use of an ensemble of protein conformations. The approach
      was applied to fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), a key deactivating enzyme in
      the endocannabinoid system. The resultant dynamic pharmacophore models are
      rapidly able to identify known FAAH inhibitors over drug-like decoys. Different
      sources of FAAH conformational ensembles were explored, with both snapshots from
      molecular dynamics simulations and a group of X-ray structures performing well.
      Results were compared to those from docking and pharmacophore models generated
      from a single X-ray structure. Increasing conformational sampling consistently
      improved the pharmacophore models, emphasizing the importance of incorporating
      target flexibility in structure-based drug design.

PMID- 22098171
TI  - Disaster risk reduction capacity assessment for precarious settlements in
      Guatemala City.
AB  - This study presents findings of an institutional capacity analysis of urban
      disaster risk reduction for informal settlements in the Guatemala Metropolitan
      Region. It uses a resource access perspective of vulnerability, actor-network
      theory, and qualitative data collection. The analysis reveals that there is
      interest in disaster risk reduction for the informal settlements; however, there
      is little in the way of direct financial or oversight relationships between
      informal settlement residents and all other actors. Respondents observed that
      informal settlements would probably remain inhabited; thus, there is a need for
      disaster risk reduction within these settlements. Disaster risk reduction
      capacity for informal settlements exists and can be further leveraged, as long as
      steps are taken to ensure appropriate access to and control of resources and
      oversight. Further, the nascent institutional arrangements should be strengthened
      through increased communication and coordination between actors, a
      decentralization of oversight and financial relationships, and mediation of
      identified resource conflicts.

PMID- 22098170
TI  - An alternative strategy of dismantling of the chloroplasts during leaf senescence
      observed in a high-yield variety of barley.
AB  - Changes in function and composition of the photosynthetic apparatus as well as
      the ultrastructure of chloroplasts in mesophyll cells were analyzed in flag
      leaves of the high-yield barley (Hordeum vulgare) variety cv. Lomerit during
      senescence under field conditions in two successive years. In contrast to
      previous results obtained with the elder variety cv. Carina photosystem II
      efficiency measured by F(v)/F(m) was found to be rather stable until a very late
      stage of senescence. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and P700 absorbance measurements
      revealed that the activities of the two photosystems declined in parallel. An
      increase in the chlorophyll a/b ratio at a late stage of senescence was observed
      to coincide with a decline in the level of the Lhcb1 apoprotein of the light
      harvesting complex (LHC) and the level of the corresponding transcript.
      Ultrastructural investigations revealed the presence of gerontoplasts that have
      long, single or pairwise thylakoids and lack large grana stacks. It is
      hypothesized that the early degradation of grana thylakoids harboring the major
      LHC reduced the risk of photoinhibition and might be causally related to the high
      yield of the barley variety cv. Lomerit.

PMID- 22098172
TI  - Convergent formal synthesis of (+/-)-roseophilin.
AB  - A facile convergent synthesis of the tricyclic core 2 of roseophilin is
      described, which represents the shortest route so far for the formal synthesis of
      roseophilin. The key step was a tandem pyrrole acylation-Nazarov cyclization
      reaction to form the cyclopenta[b]pyrrole moiety 4.

PMID- 22098173
TI  - Enhancing the effect of the nanofiber network structure on thermoresponsive
      wettability switching.
AB  - This letter reports the enhancing effects of a nanofiber network structure on
      stimuli-responsive wettability switching. Thermoresponsive coatings composed of
      nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning from thermoresponsive polymer poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm). The nanofiber coatings showed a large amplitude
      of thermoresponsive change in the wettability from hydrophilic to hydrophobic
      states compared to a smooth cast film. In particular, the combination of the
      surface chemistry and unique topology of the electrospun nanofiber coatings
      enables a transition from the Wenzel state to the metastable Cassie-Baxter state
      with an increase in temperature and consequently an enhanced amplitude of change
      in the water contact angles: the apparent contact angle differences between 25
      and 50  degrees C are Deltatheta*(25-50  degrees C )= 108 and 10 degrees  for the
      nanofiber coatings with a diameter of 830 nm and a smooth cast film,
      respectively. The fabrication of the 3D nanofiber network structure by
      electrospinning from stimuli-responsive materials is a promising option for
      highly responsive surfaces in wettability.

PMID- 22098174
TI  - Synthesis of the cancer preventive peptide lunasin by lactic acid bacteria during
      sourdough fermentation.
AB  - This study aimed to exploit the potential of sourdough lactic acid bacteria to
      release lunasin during fermentation of cereal and nonconventional flours. The
      peptidase activities of a large number of sourdough lactic acid bacteria were
      screened using synthetic substrates. Selected lactic acid bacteria were used as
      sourdough starters to ferment wholemeal wheat, soybean, barley, amaranth, and rye
      flours. Proteinase activity during fermentation was characterized by SDS-PAGE
      analysis of the water-soluble extracts. Albumins having molecular masses of 18 to
      22 kDa, which included the size of lunasin precursors, were markedly affected by
      proteolysis of lactic acid bacteria. After fermentation, lunasin from the water
      soluble extracts was quantified, purified, and identified through RP-HPLC and
      nano-LC-ESI-MS analyses. Compared to control doughs, the concentration of lunasin
      increased up to 2-4 times during fermentation. Lactobacillus curvatus SAL33 and
      Lactobacillus brevis AM7 synthesized the highest concentrations of lunasin in all
      the flours. Besides the presence of the entire lunasin sequence, fragments
      containing the immunoreactive epitope RGDDDDDDDDD were also found. This study
      shows that fermentation by lactic acid bacteria increased the concentration of
      lunasin to levels that would suggest new possibilities for the biological
      synthesis and for the formulation of functional foods.

PMID- 22098175
TI  - Academic achievement and smoking initiation in adolescence: a general growth
      mixture analysis.
AB  - AIMS: This study aims to: (i) explore the relations between smoking initiation
      and different profiles of academic achievement trajectories in early to mid
      adolescence; and (ii) to investigate whether background characteristics (gender,
      ethnicity, grade repetition, parental education) and proximal processes (parental
      practices, extra-curricular involvement) predicted class membership and smoking
      initiation. DESIGN: Four-year longitudinal cohort study (7th-10th grade).
      SETTING: Adolescents completed the questionnaires during school hours.
      PARTICIPANTS: At total of 741 adolescents with no history of smoking in grade 7
      participating in the Montreal Adolescent Depression Development Project.
      MEASUREMENTS: Self-report questionnaires were used to assess predictors and
      previous smoking in year 1, and smoking initiation by the end of the study. Grade
      point average (GPA) was obtained twice yearly from school records. FINDINGS:
      Three academic achievement trajectories were identified and found to differ
      significantly in rates of smoking initiation: persistently high achievers (7.1%
      smoking), average achievers (15.1% smokers) and unstable low achievers (49.1%
      smoking). Further, results showed that general parenting practices and parental
      education indirectly reduced the likelihood of smoking by reducing the risk of
      membership in classes with lower GPA. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who do well in
      school are less likely to smoke and it may be cost-effective for smoking
      prevention to focus on the few (12%) easy to identify unstable low achievers who
      form 35% of smoking onsets. In addition, as parental support and democratic
      control reduced the likelihood of poor academic performance, promoting essential
      generic parenting skills from a young age may also prevent future onsets of
      smoking in adolescence.

PMID- 22098176
TI  - Multiple effects of Honokiol on the life cycle of hepatitis C virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Honokiol, a small active molecular compound extracted from magnolia,
      has recently been shown to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in vitro.
      AIMS: This study further characterized aspects of the HCV lifecycle affected by
      the antiviral functions of honokiol. METHODS: The influence of honokiol on HCV
      infection, entry, translation and replication was assessed in Huh-7.5.1 cells
      using cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc), HCV pseudo-type (HCVpp) and sub-genomic
      replicons. RESULTS: Honokiol had strong antiviral effect against HCVcc infection
      at non-toxic concentrations. Combined with interferon-alpha, its inhibitory
      effect on HCVcc was more profound than that of ribavirin. Honokiol inhibited the
      cell entry of lentiviral particles pseudo-typed with glycoproteins from HCV
      genotypes 1a, 1b, and 2a, but not of the vesicular stomatitis virus. It had
      inefficient activity on HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-translation at
      concentrations with significant anti-HCVcc effects. The expression levels of
      components of replication complex, NS3, NS5A and NS5B, were down-regulated by
      honokiol in a dose-dependent manner. It also inhibited HCV replication dose
      dependently in both genotypes 1b and 2a sub-genomic replicons. CONCLUSIONS:
      Honokiol inhibits HCV infection by targeting cell entry and replication and, only
      at a concentration >30 MUM, IRES-mediated translation of HCV life cycle. Based on
      its high therapeutic index (LD(50) /EC(90)  = 5.4), honokiol may be a promising
      drug for the treatment of HCV infection.

PMID- 22098177
TI  - The influence of YMDD mutation patterns on clinical outcomes in patients with
      adefovir add-on lamivudine combination treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the patterns of lamivudine
      (LAM)-resistant mutations and the influence on biochemical and virological
      responses to adefovir (ADV) add-on LAM combination therapy in patients with LAM
      resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: Seventy-eight CHB patients with
      confirmed genotypic resistance to LAM, who initiated ADV add-on LAM combination
      treatment, were enrolled at our institution between April 2007 and April 2009.
      RESULTS: The baseline tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) mutation
      patterns were as follows: rtM204I 45 (57.7%); and rtM204V + rtM204I/V 33 (42.3%).
      The decrease in the mean +/- standard deviation (SD) serum log(10) HBV-DNA level
      did not differ between the patients carrying the rtM204I vs. rtM204IV +rtM204I/V
      mutations at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initiation of ADV add-on LAM
      combination treatment. The proportion of patients who achieved ALT normalization
      (<40 IU/L) 12 months after the initiation of ADV add-on LAM combination treatment
      were significantly higher in patients with a rtM204I mutation than rtM204V+
      rtM204I/V mutations (39 [86.7%] vs. 22 [66.7%], P = 0.05). The proportion of
      patients in whom the log(10) HBV-DNA decreased <2 log(10) copies/ml, 6 months
      after the initiation of ADV add-on LAM combination treatment (non-responders),
      was significantly higher in patients with a rtM204V + rtM204I/V mutations than
      rtM204I mutation (7 [21.2%] vs. 2 [4.4%], P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Biochemical
      response at 12 months from baseline was better in patients with a rtM204I
      mutation than rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations. In addition, early treatment failure
      was more common in patients with rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations than a rtM204I
      mutation.

PMID- 22098178
TI  - The frailty syndrome: a comprehensive review.
AB  - The frailty syndrome is defined as unintentional weight and muscle loss,
      exhaustion, and declines in grip strength, gait speed, and activity. Evidence
      with respect to the clinical definition, epidemiology, mechanisms, interactions,
      assessment, prevention, and treatment of frailty in the older adult is reviewed.

PMID- 22098179
TI  - Effectiveness of educational interventions to improve food safety practices among
      older adults.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of using
      Web-based and print materials for improving food safety practices to reduce the
      risk of foodborne illness among older adults. The study used a randomized
      controlled design, with participants assigned to an intervention group or control
      group. Although we observed small improvements in both groups, the difference in
      the changes between the two groups was nonsignificant, suggesting the educational
      materials did not impact participant behavior. We did, however, observe a trend
      improvement in one measure: the recommendation to avoid eating cold (not
      reheated) deli meats. The lack of program impact may be attributable to
      limitations of the evaluation (e.g., measurement effects) or the intervention
      (e.g., lack of personal contact). Based on the survey findings, improvements in
      older adults' food safety practices regarding reheating deli meats to steaming
      hot and cooking eggs until the yolks and whites are firm are needed. The current
      study and previous research suggest that current cohorts of older adults may be
      more receptive to print materials than Web-based materials. To improve retention
      and adoption of recommended food safety practices among older adults, future
      educational interventions should focus on a limited number of practices and
      combine print materials with personal contact.

PMID- 22098181
TI  - Obesity is more strongly associated with inappropriate eating behaviors than with
      mental health in older adults receiving congregate meals.
AB  - This study explored the relationships of inappropriate eating behaviors and
      mental health with obesity in congregate meal participants in Georgia (N = 120,
      mean age = 75 years, 75% female, 43% African American). Inappropriate eating
      behaviors were evaluated with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (18
      questions); mental health was assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale
      (21 questions); history of depression was assessed with the Behavioral Risk
      Factor Surveillance Survey; and height and weight were measured to calculate body
      mass index (BMI) and obesity (52% >= 30 kg/m(2)). In bivariate analyses, obesity
      was associated with cognitive restraint (rho = 0.49, p < 0.0001), uncontrolled
      eating (rho = 0.22; p < 0.01), emotional eating (rho = 0.32, p < 0.001), and
      stress (rho = 0.18, p < 0.05), but not with depression or anxiety. In
      multivariate regression analyses including all six eating behavior and mental
      health indices, only cognitive restraint and emotional eating were consistently
      associated with obesity (p < 0.05) when controlled for potential confounders
      (demographics, food insecurity, and chronic health conditions). Thus, mental
      health symptoms and inappropriate eating behaviors, particularly cognitive
      restraint and emotional eating, may be important targets for future research and
      intervention. Additional research is needed to better understand how cognitive
      restraint and emotional eating contribute to obesity in this population so that
      interdisciplinary research and health care teams can appropriately prevent and
      manage obesity in congregate meal participants.

PMID- 22098180
TI  - A theoretically based Behavioral Nutrition Intervention for Community Elders at
      high risk: the B-NICE randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - We conducted a study designed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a
      multilevel self-management intervention to improve nutritional intake in a group
      of older adults receiving Medicare home health services who were at especially
      high risk for experiencing undernutrition. The Behavioral Nutrition Intervention
      for Community Elders (B-NICE) trial used a prospective randomized controlled
      design to determine whether individually tailored counseling focused on social
      and behavioral aspects of eating resulted in increased caloric intake and
      improved nutrition-related health outcomes in a high-risk population of older
      adults. The study was guided by the theoretical approaches of the Ecological
      Model and Social Cognitive Theory. The development and implementation of the B
      NICE protocol, including the theoretical framework, methodology, specific
      elements of the behavioral intervention, and assurances of the treatment
      fidelity, as well as the health policy implications of the trial results, are
      presented in this article.

PMID- 22098186
TI  - Demodex-associated bacterial proteins induce neutrophil activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with rosacea demonstrate a higher density of Demodex mites
      in their skin than do controls. A bacterium isolated from a Demodex mite from a
      patient with papulopustular rosacea (PPR) was previously shown to provoke an
      immune response in patients with PPR or ocular rosacea, thus suggesting a
      possible role for bacterial proteins in the aetiology of this condition.
      OBJECTIVES: To examine the response of neutrophils to proteins derived from a
      bacterium isolated from a Demodex mite. METHODS: Bacterial cells were lysed and
      proteins were partially purified by AKTA fast protein liquid chromatography.
      Isolated neutrophils were exposed to bacterial proteins and monitored for
      alterations in migration, degranulation and cytokine production. RESULTS:
      Neutrophils exposed to proteins from Bacillus cells demonstrated increased levels
      of migration and elevated release of matrix metalloprotease 9, an enzyme known to
      degrade collagen, and cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide. In addition,
      neutrophils exposed to the bacterial proteins demonstrated elevated rates of
      interleukin 8 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha production. CONCLUSIONS: Proteins
      produced by a bacterium isolated from a Demodex mite have the ability to increase
      the migration, degranulation and cytokine production abilities of neutrophils.
      These results suggest that bacteria may play a role in the inflammatory erythema
      associated with rosacea.

PMID- 22098187
TI  - Detailed features of palisade vessels as a marker of the esophageal mucosa
      revealed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging.
AB  - The palisade vessels present at the distal end of the esophagus are considered to
      be a landmark of the esophagogastric junction and indispensable for diagnosis of
      columnar-lined esophagus on the basis of the Japanese criteria. Here we clarified
      the features of normal palisade vessels at the esophagogastric junction using
      magnifying endoscopy. We prospectively studied palisade vessels in 15 patients
      undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using a GIF-H260Z instrument (Olympus
      Medical Systems Co., Tokyo, Japan). All views of the palisade vessels were
      obtained at the maximum magnification power in the narrow band imaging mode. We
      divided the area in which palisade vessels were present into three sections: the
      area from the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) to about 1 cm orad within the
      esophagus (Section 1); the area between sections 1 and 3 (Section 2); and the
      area from the upper limit of the palisade vessels to about 1 cm distal within the
      esophagus (Section 3). In each section, we analyzed the vessel density, caliber
      of the palisade vessels, and their branching pattern. The vessel density in
      Sections 1, 2, and 3 was 9.1 +/- 2.1, 8.0 +/- 2.6, and 3.3 +/- 1.3 per high-power
      field (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]), respectively, and the differences were
      significant between Sections 1 and 2 (P= 0.0086) and between Sections 2 and 3 (P
      < 0.0001). The palisade vessel caliber in Sections 1, 2, and 3 was 127.6 +/- 52.4
      um, 149.6 +/- 58.6 um, and 199.5 +/- 75.1 um (mean +/- SD), respectively, and the
      differences between Sections 1 and 2, and between Sections 2 and 3, were
      significant (P < 0.0001). With regard to branching form, the frequency of
      branching was highest in Section 1, and the 'normal Y' shape was observed more
      frequently than in Sections 2 and 3. Toward the oral side, the frequency of
      branching diminished, and the frequency of the 'upside down Y' shape increased.
      The differences in branching form were significant among the three sections (P <
      0.0001). These results indicate that the density of palisade vessels is highest
      near the SCJ, and that towards their upper limit they gradually become more
      confluent and show an increase of thickness. Within a limited area near the SCJ,
      observations of branching form suggest that palisade vessels merge abruptly on
      the distal side. We have demonstrated that palisade vessels are a useful marker
      for endoscopic recognition of the lower esophagus.

PMID- 22098185
TI  - Evaluation of the adverse effect of premature discontinuation of pegylated
      interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus
      infection: results from Kyushu University Liver Disease Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alpha-2b and ribavirin (RBV)
      treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a
      substantially elevated risk of discontinuation. The aim of this study is to
      evaluate the reason for premature discontinuation during PEG-IFN alpha-2b and RBV
      treatment due to adverse effects in patients with chronic HCV infection. METHODS:
      A total of 2871 Japanese patients who had chronic HCV infection treated with PEG
      IFN alpha-2b and RBV were screened. We prospectively investigated the reasons for
      premature discontinuation of treatment classified by sex and age, and analyzed
      the timing of discontinuation. RESULTS: Of the 2871 patients, 250 (8.7%)
      discontinued treatment because of adverse effects. The main reasons for premature
      discontinuation were neurovegetative symptoms (n = 77, 30.8%), depression-related
      syndrome (n = 46, 18.4%), hematologic effects (n = 41, 16.4%) and dermatologic
      effects (n = 27, 10.8%). The rate of discontinuation of treatment for patients
      aged >= 65 years was significantly higher than for patients aged < 65 years, for
      both men (P < 0.0001) and women (P = 0.0121). Moreover, the frequency of
      discontinuation due to neurovegetative symptoms, depression-related syndrome, and
      hematologic effects for men aged >= 65 years was significantly higher than for
      those aged < 65 years (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0016, and P = 0.0170, respectively), but
      not for women. CONCLUSION: Premature discontinuation due to the adverse effects
      of PEG-IFN alpha-2b and RBV treatment by patients with chronic HCV infection is
      mainly due to neuropsychiatric symptoms and is more common for older than for
      younger patients.

PMID- 22098188
TI  - Kinematic and kinetic analyses of novice running in dress shoes and running
      shoes.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate how novice runners adjust their lower
      extremities in heel-toe running while they wear dress shoes and running shoes.
      Ten novice male runners repeatedly ran across a force plate at 4 m/s in each type
      of shoes. Joint kinematics and kinetics, vertical ground reaction force, and
      utilized coefficient of friction during the stance phase were quantified. The
      results obtained showed no differences in impact peaks, stance time, stride
      length and joint kinematics. However, dorsiflexion moment was significantly
      greater with dress shoes (407 Nm) compared to that with running shoes (304 Nm;
      p<0.05). Compared to the runners in running shoes (0.23), the runners in dress
      shoes (0.20) achieved a significantly lower utilized coefficient of friction (
      p<0.05). When running in dress shoes, novice runners tended to use better a
      dorsiflexion moment than when running in running shoes. This adaptation appears
      to minimize the chances of slipping at the moment of heel strike.

PMID- 22098190
TI  - The molecular pathogenesis of corticotroph tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of tumour formation in the anterior pituitary
      including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumours has been
      intensively studied, but the causative mechanisms involved in pituitary cell
      transformation and tumourigenesis remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      searched PubMed on any paper related with molecular pathology of pituitary
      corticotroph adenomas and have included to this review all relevant references
      published up to June 2011. RESULTS: Current studies increased our knowledge on
      the genetic basis of McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), multiple endocrine neoplasia
      type 1 (MEN1), Carney complex (CNC), pituitary adenoma predisposition syndromes
      and tuberous sclerosis, but they have performed little to elucidate the causes of
      sporadic pituitary tumours including Cushing disease. DISCUSSION: The aim of this
      review was to focus on the most recently published advances in the molecular
      pathology of corticotroph adenomas, which are presented in the context of changes
      seen in all types of pituitary adenomas, as well as in terms of corticotrophin
      releasing hormone/ACTH/cortisol-specific pathways. CONCLUSIONS: We would expect
      that over the next 5 years, more detailed analysis of inter-cellular
      communication pathways between pituitary cells, including the cadherins and
      integrins, and their interactions with other signalling pathways such as the beta
      catenin cascade will help elucidate what exactly goes awry in the formation of a
      benign corticotroph adenoma. This should in turn predict novel forms of
      pharmacological tumour control.

PMID- 22098189
TI  - NADPH oxidase 1-mediated oxidative stress leads to dopamine neuron death in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - AIM: Oxidative stress has long been considered as a major contributing factor in
      the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. However, molecular sources for reactive
      oxygen species in Parkinson's disease have not been clearly elucidated. Herein,
      we sought to investigate whether a superoxide-producing NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are
      implicated in oxidative stress-mediated dopaminergic neuronal degeneration.
      RESULTS: Expression of various Nox isoforms and cytoplasmic components were
      investigated in N27, rat dopaminergic cells. While most of Nox isoforms were
      constitutively expressed, Nox1 expression was significantly increased after
      treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine. Rac1, a key regulator in the Nox1 system, was
      also activated. Striatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine increased Nox1 expression
      in dopaminergic neurons in the rat substantia nigra. Interestingly, it was
      localized into the nucleus, and immunostaining for DNA oxidative stress marker, 8
      oxo-dG, was increased. Nox1 expression was also found in the nucleus of
      dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease patients.
      Adeno-associated virus-mediated Nox1 knockdown or Rac1 inhibition reduced 6
      hydroxydopamine-induced oxidative DNA damage and dopaminergic neuronal
      degeneration significantly. INNOVATION: Nox1/Rac1 could serve as a potential
      therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence that
      dopaminergic neurons are equipped with the Nox1/Rac1 superoxide-generating
      system. Stress-induced Nox1/Rac1 activation causes oxidative DNA damage and
      neurodegeneration. Reduced dopaminergic neuronal death achieved by targeting
      Nox1/Rac1, emphasizes the impact of oxidative stress caused by this system on the
      pathogenesis and therapy in Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22098191
TI  - Crystal structure of 6-SST/6-SFT from Pachysandra terminalis, a plant fructan
      biosynthesizing enzyme in complex with its acceptor substrate 6-kestose.
AB  - Fructans play important roles as reserve carbohydrates and stress protectants in
      plants, and additionally serve as prebiotics with emerging antioxidant
      properties. Various fructan types are synthesized by an array of plant
      fructosyltransferases belonging to family 32 of the glycoside hydrolases (GH32),
      clustering together with GH68 in Clan-J. Here, the 3D structure of a plant
      fructosyltransferase from a native source, the Pachysandra terminalis 6-SST/6-SFT
      (Pt6-SST/6-SFT), is reported. In addition to its 1-SST (1-kestose-forming) and
      hydrolytic side activities, the enzyme uses sucrose to create graminan- and levan
      type fructans, which are probably associated with cold tolerance in this species.
      Furthermore, a Pt6-SST/6-SFT complex with 6-kestose was generated, representing a
      genuine acceptor binding modus at the +1, +2 and +3 subsites in the active site.
      The enzyme shows a unique configuration in the vicinity of its active site,
      including a unique D/Q couple located at the +1 subsite that plays a dual role in
      donor and acceptor substrate binding. Furthermore, it shows a unique orientation
      of some hydrophobic residues, probably contributing to its specific
      functionality. A model is presented showing formation of a beta(2-6) fructosyl
      linkage on 6-kestose to create 6,6-nystose, a mechanism that differs from the
      creation of a beta(2-1) fructosyl linkage on sucrose to produce 1-kestose. The
      structures shed light on the evolution of plant fructosyltransferases from their
      vacuolar invertase ancestors, and contribute to further understanding of the
      complex structure-function relationships within plant GH32 members.

PMID- 22098192
TI  - Meta-analysis for evaluating the accuracy of endoscopy with narrow band imaging
      in detecting colorectal adenomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of the
      narrow band imaging (NBI) system could enhance the accuracy of adenoma detection
      during an endoscopic examination of the colon and rectum. METHODS: MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched along with a hand search
      of abstracts from relevant conferences up to June 2011. The rates of adenoma and
      flat adenoma detection, and withdrawal time were analyzed using Review Manager
      4.2. RESULTS: A total of 3049 subjects in eight trials were included. Meta
      analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the
      rates of adenoma detection between the NBI group and the white light colonoscopy
      group (pooled relative risk [RR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.19,
      P = 0.05). However, after exclusion of high-definition television modalities, the
      rate of adenoma detection by NBI was significantly higher than that by white
      light, particularly for patients with one adenoma (pooled RR 1.36, 95%CI 1.07
      1.71, P = 0.02). Endoscopy with the NBI system significantly increased the rate
      of flat adenoma detection (pooled RR 1.96, 95%CI 1.09-3.52, P = 0.02). However,
      endoscopy with NBI had longer withdrawal time than that with white light (pooled
      weighted mean difference: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.38-1.42, P = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS:
      Endoscopy with NBI seems to improve the detection of flat adenomas, particularly
      with high-definition technology, but prolongs the withdrawal time. These results
      indicate that endoscopy routinely using the NBI system for the surveillance of
      adenomas may be recommended after the technique is further modified.

PMID- 22098193
TI  - Adsorption of water molecules on selected charged sodium-chloride clusters.
AB  - The adsorption of water molecules (H(2)O) on sodium chloride cluster cations and
      anions was studied at 298 K over a mass range of 100-1200 amu using a custom
      built laser desorption ionization reactor and mass spectrometer. Under the
      conditions used, the cations Na(3)Cl(2)(+) and Na(4)Cl(3)(+) bind up to three
      water molecules, whereas the larger cations, Na(5)Cl(4)(+) to Na(19)Cl(18)(+),
      formed hydrates with one or two only. The overall trend is a decrease in
      hydration with increasing cluster size, with an abrupt drop occurring at the
      closed-shell Na(14)Cl(13)(+). As compared to the cluster cations, the cluster
      anions showed almost no adsorption. Among smaller clusters, a weak adsorption of
      one water molecule was observed for the cluster anions Na(6)Cl(7)(-) and
      Na(7)Cl(8)(-). In the higher mass region, a substantial adsorption of one water
      molecule was observed for Na(14)Cl(15)(-). Density functional theory (DFT)
      computations were carried out for the adsorption of one molecule of H(2)O on the
      cations Na(n)Cl(n-1)(+), for n = 2-8, and the anions Na(n)Cl(n+1)(-), for n = 1
      7. For each ion, the structure of the hydrate, the hydration energy, and the
      standard-state enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs energy of hydration at 298 K were
      computed. In addition, it was useful to compute the distortion energy, defined as
      the electronic energy lost due to weakening of the Na-Cl bonds upon adsorption of
      H(2)O. The results show that strong adsorption of a H(2)O molecule occurs for the
      linear cations only at an end Na ion and for the nonlinear cations only at a
      corner Na ion bonded to two Cl ions. An unexpected result of the theoretical
      investigation for the anions is that certain low-energy isomers of Na(6)Cl(7)(-)
      and Na(7)Cl(8)(-) bind H(2)O strongly enough to produce the observed weak
      adsorption. The possible implications of these results for the initial hydration
      of extended NaCl surfaces are discussed.

PMID- 22098194
TI  - Traumatic brain injury or decompression.

PMID- 22098196
TI  - An episode of severely suppressed electrocerebral activity recorded by
      electroencephalography during endoscopic resection of a colloid cyst.
AB  - Intraoperative neuromonitoring utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) is rarely
      performed during neuroendoscopy. The authors present a case in which this
      monitoring modality was used for a patient with a colloid cyst in preparation for
      an open craniotomy should an endoscopic approach fail. In this case, EEG
      serendipitously captured near-complete cessation of electrocerebral activity that
      occurred during intraventricular irrigation in response to ventricular collapse
      and resulted in no postoperative deficits. To the authors' knowledge, this is the
      first reported case of severe suppression of electrical activity captured by EEG
      during neuroendoscopy. Although they describe a transient phenomenon that
      resulted in no residual cognitive or neurological deficits, the importance of
      cautious introduction of ventricular irrigation, the need to carefully monitor
      intracranial pressure during neuroendoscopic procedures, and the need to pay
      close attention to irrigation temperature and composition should not be
      underestimated. Additional studies regarding the utility of EEG in alerting
      neurosurgeons to adverse electrical cerebral activity during neuroendoscopy are
      warranted.

PMID- 22098195
TI  - A multicenter pilot study of subcallosal cingulate area deep brain stimulation
      for treatment-resistant depression.
AB  - OBJECT: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been recently investigated as a
      treatment for major depression. One of the proposed targets for this application
      is the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG). To date, promising results after SCG
      DBS have been reported by a single center. In the present study the authors
      investigated whether these findings may be replicated at different institutions.
      They conducted a 3-center prospective open-label trial of SCG DBS for 12 months
      in patients with treatment-resistant depression. METHODS: Twenty-one patients
      underwent implantation of bilateral SCG electrodes. The authors examined the
      reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) score from baseline
      (RESP50). RESULTS: Patients treated with SCG DBS had an RESP50 of 57% at 1 month,
      48% at 6 months, and 29% at 12 months. The response rate after 12 months of DBS,
      however, increased to 62% when defined as a reduction in the baseline HRSD-17 of
      40% or more. Reductions in depressive symptomatology were associated with
      amelioration in disease severity in patients who responded to surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, findings from this study corroborate the results of
      previous reports showing that outcome of SCG DBS may be replicated across
      centers.

PMID- 22098197
TI  - Ischemia.

PMID- 22098198
TI  - The constant flow ventricular infusion test: a simple and useful study in the
      diagnosis of third ventriculostomy failure.
AB  - OBJECT: The evaluation of third ventriculostomy function in hydrocephalic
      patients is challenging. The utility of the constant flow infusion test in
      predicting response to shunt insertion in normal-pressure hydrocephalus, as well
      as in identifying shunt malfunction, has been previously demonstrated. The object
      of this study was to evaluate its usefulness in determining whether a revision
      CSF diversion procedure was indicated in patients presenting with recurring
      symptoms and persisting ventriculomegaly after endoscopic third ventriculostomy
      (ETV). METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective study of all patients who,
      after undergoing ETV at their institution, presented postoperatively with
      recurring symptoms and persisting ventriculomegaly. RESULTS: Forty-six patients
      (mean age 40.7 years, including 11 patients younger than 18 years) underwent 56
      constant flow ventricular infusion tests (VITs) at a mean of 24.7 months post
      ETV. Thirty-three patients with resistance to CSF outflow (R(out)) less than 13
      mm Hg/ml/min underwent follow-up (median 17 months) and experienced resolution of
      symptoms. In 10 episodes R(out) was greater than 13 mm Hg/ml/min; the patients in
      these cases underwent revisional CSF diversion. Two patients demonstrated high
      and frequent B (slow) waves despite a low R(out); these patients also underwent
      successful revisions. Patients who improved after surgery had increased B wave
      activity in the plateau phase of the VIT (p = 0.01). Thirty-four patients
      underwent MR imaging at the same time; 4 had high R(out) despite evidence of flow
      across the stoma. These 4 patients underwent surgery and experienced resolution
      of symptoms. Of 9 patients without flow, R(out) was less than 13 mm Hg/ml/min in
      4; these patients were successfully treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: The VIT
      is a useful and safe adjunct to clinical and MR imaging evaluation when ETV
      failure is suspected.

PMID- 22098199
TI  - Deep brain stimulation and depression.

PMID- 22098200
TI  - Percutaneous biopsy of lesions in the cavernous sinus region through the foramen
      ovale: diagnostic accuracy and limits in 50 patients.
AB  - OBJECT: The cavernous sinus and surrounding regions-specifically the Meckel cave,
      posterior sector of the cavernous sinus itself, and the upper part of the
      petroclival region-are the location of a large variety of lesions that require
      individual consideration regarding treatment strategy. These regions may be
      reached for biopsy by a percutaneous needle inserted through the foramen ovale.
      The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of
      percutaneous biopsy in a consecutive series of 50 patients referred for surgery
      between 1991 and 2010. METHODS: Seven biopsies (14%) were unproductive and 43
      (86%) were productive, among which 28 lesions subsequently underwent
      histopathological examination during a second (open) surgery. To evaluate the
      diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, results from surgery were compared with
      those from the biopsy. RESULTS: Sensitivity of the percutaneous biopsy was 0.83
      (95% CI 0.52-0.98), specificity was 1 (95% CI 0.79-1), and kappa coefficient was
      0.81. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its valuable diagnostic accuracy, percutaneous
      biopsy of the cavernous sinus and surrounding regions should be performed in
      patients with parasellar masses when neuroimaging does not provide sufficient
      information of a histopathological nature. This procedure would enable patients
      to obtain the most appropriate therapy, such as resective surgery,
      corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or radiosurgery.

PMID- 22098201
TI  - Deep brain stimulation interruption and suicidality.

PMID- 22098202
TI  - Craniovertebral junction abnormalities with hindbrain herniation and
      syringomyelia: regression of syringomyelia after removal of ventral
      craniovertebral junction compression.
AB  - OBJECT: Hindbrain herniation syndrome, or Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I),
      occurs frequently with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) abnormalities when there is
      reduction in the posterior fossa volume. Syringomyelia is often present.
      Posterior fossa dorsal decompression (PFDD) is typically performed but has
      adverse results when ventral bone abnormality exists. This paper presents the
      results of a prospective study on CVJ abnormalities in patients with CM-I and
      syringomyelia. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2008 (the MR imaging era), 298 patients
      with CVJ abnormalities and CM-I underwent ventral cervicomedullary decompression.
      Eighty-four patients had associated syringomyelia (15 with secondary invagination
      and 69 with primary basilar invagination, os odontoideum, or malunion of
      fractures). Of these 84 patients with CVJ abnormalities, CM-I, and syringomyelia,
      46 had previously undergone PFDD, and 28 had previously undergone PFDD combined
      with fusion procedures or shunt placements. Of the 84 patients, a cervicothoracic
      syrinx was observed in 57, thoracic syrinx in 14, and holocord syrinx in 13.
      Studies included CT, MR imaging, and cine flow studies. All 298 patients who
      underwent ventral CVJ decompression had irreducible or partially reducible
      pathology. All 84 with syringomyelia showed brainstem dysfunction, lower cranial
      nerve symptoms, or myelopathy. RESULTS: Brainstem signs improved in 66 of the 84
      patients, myelopathy improved in 58, and syringomyelia regressed in 64.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neurological improvement and syringomyelia resolution can occur
      using only ventral cervicomedullary junction decompression in patients with
      basilar invagination and basilar impression. This is likely due to the relief of
      neural encroachment and reestablishment of CSF pathways.

PMID- 22098204
TI  - Stereochemically consistent reaction mapping and identification of multiple
      reaction mechanisms through integer linear optimization.
AB  - Reaction mappings are of fundamental importance to researchers studying the
      mechanisms of chemical reactions and analyzing biochemical pathways. We have
      developed an automated method based on integer linear optimization, ILP, to
      identify optimal reaction mappings that minimize the number of bond changes. An
      alternate objective function is also proposed that minimizes the number of bond
      order changes. In contrast to previous approaches, our method produces mappings
      that respect stereochemistry. We also show how to locate multiple reaction
      mappings efficiently and determine which of those mappings correspond to distinct
      reaction mechanisms by automatically detecting molecular symmetries. We
      demonstrate our techniques through a number of computational studies on the GRI
      Mech, KEGG LIGAND, and BioPath databases. The computational studies indicate that
      99% of the 8078 reactions tested can be addressed within 1 CPU hour. The proposed
      framework has been incorporated into the Web tool DREAM (
      http://selene.princeton.edu/dream/ ), which is freely available to the scientific
      community.

PMID- 22098205
TI  - Acquired cytochrome C oxidase impairment in apheresis platelets during storage: a
      possible mechanism for depletion of metabolic adenosine triphosphate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels decline
      significantly during storage of platelet (PLT) products, in part due to PLT
      degranulation. However, metabolic ATP stores also become depleted during storage
      through an unclear mechanism. Since both anaerobic glycolysis and oxidative
      phosphorylation are important for PLT ATP production, it is possible that the
      reduction in metabolic ATP reflects impaired oxidative phosphorylation. To assess
      this, we evaluated the kinetic activity and protein expression of cytochrome C
      oxidase (CcOX) in stored apheresis PLTs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PLTs
      were collected and stored with agitation at 22 +/- 2 degrees C for 7 days. In
      vitro measurements of PLT metabolic state, function, and activation were
      performed on Days 0, 2, 4, and 7 of storage. Total PLT ATP content, steady-state
      CcOX kinetic activity, and protein immunoblotting for CcOX Subunits I and IV were
      also performed using isolated PLT mitochondria from simultaneously collected
      samples. RESULTS: Intra-PLT ATP and steady-state PLT CcOX activity declined
      significantly and in a progressive manner throughout storage while steady-state
      levels of CcOX I and IV protein remained unchanged. Time-dependent decline in
      CcOX activity correlated with progressive ATP depletion over time. CONCLUSION:
      During storage of apheresis PLTs for 7 days, the parallel decline in CcOX
      function and intra-PLT ATP suggests development of an acquired impairment in PLT
      oxidative phosphorylation associated with perturbed ATP homeostasis in stored
      PLTs.

PMID- 22098203
TI  - Comparison of induced hypertension, fluid bolus, and blood transfusion to augment
      cerebral oxygen delivery after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECT: Critical reductions in oxygen delivery (DO(2)) underlie the development
      of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). If DO(2)
      is not promptly restored, then irreversible injury (that is, cerebral infarction)
      may result. Hemodynamic therapies for DCI (that is, induced hypertension [IH] and
      hypervolemia) aim to improve DO(2) by raising cerebral blood flow (CBF). Red
      blood cell (RBC) transfusion may be an alternate strategy that augments DO(2) by
      improving arterial O(2) content. The authors compared the relative ability of
      these 3 interventions to improve cerebral DO(2), specifically their ability to
      restore DO(2) to regions where it is impaired. METHODS: The authors compared 3
      prospective physiological studies in which PET imaging was used to measure global
      and regional CBF and DO(2) before and after the following treatments: 1) fluid
      bolus of 15 ml/kg normal saline (9 patients); 2) raising mean arterial pressure
      25% (12 patients); and 3) transfusing 1 U of RBCs (17 patients) in 38 individuals
      with aneurysmal SAH at risk for DCI. Response between groups in regions with low
      DO(2) (< 4.5 ml/100 g/min) was compared using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS:
      Groups were similar except that the fluid bolus cohort had more patients with
      symptoms of DCI and lower baseline CBF. Global CBF or DO(2) did not rise
      significantly after any of the interventions, except after transfusion in
      patients with hemoglobin levels < 9 g/dl. All 3 treatments improved CBF and DO(2)
      to regions with impaired baseline DO(2), with a greater improvement after
      transfusion (23%) than hypertension (14%) or volume loading (10%); p < 0.001.
      Transfusion also resulted in a nonsignificantly greater (47%) reduction in the
      number of brain regions with low DO(2) when compared with fluid bolus (7%) and
      hypertension (12%) (p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: The IH, fluid bolus, and blood
      transfusion interventions all improve DO(2) to vulnerable brain regions at risk
      for ischemia after SAH. Transfusion appeared to provide a physiological benefit
      at least comparable to IH, especially among patients with anemia, but transfusion
      is associated with risks. The clinical significance of these findings remains to
      be established in controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 22098206
TI  - The living environment and children's fears following the Indonesian tsunami.
AB  - The tsunami that struck South-east Asia on 26 December 2004 left more than
      500,000 people in Aceh, Indonesia, homeless and displaced to temporary barracks
      and other communities. This study examines the associations between prolonged
      habitation in barracks and the nature of fears reported by school-age children
      and adolescents. In mid-2007, 30 months after the tsunami, the authors
      interviewed 155 child and parent dyads. Logistic regression analysis was used to
      compare the fears reported by children and adolescents living in barracks with
      those reported by their peers who were living in villages. After adjusting for
      demographic factors and tsunami exposure, the data reveals that children and
      adolescents living in barracks were three times more likely than those living in
      villages to report tsunami-related fears. The study demonstrates that continued
      residence in barracks 30 months after the tsunami is associated with higher rates
      of reporting tsunami-related fears, suggesting that barracks habitation has had a
      significant impact on the psychological experience of children and adolescents
      since the tsunami.

PMID- 22098207
TI  - A large asymptomatic hepatic mass.

PMID- 22098208
TI  - Detection of acylated homoserine lactones produced by Vibrio spp. and related
      species isolated from water and aquatic organisms.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the diversity in production of acylated homoserine lactones
      (AHLs) among Vibrio spp and related species. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 106
      isolates, with representatives of 28 Vibrio spp and related species, were
      investigated for the production of AHLs. For this, a rapid method for the
      screening of AHLs was developed based on the use of bacterial biosensors using a
      double-layer microplate assay. At least one bacterial biosensor was activated in
      20 species, Agrobacterium tumefaciens being the most frequently activated
      biosensor. One isolate of Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio rotiferianus and Vibrio
      metschnikovii activated the Chromobacterium violaceum biosensor, which is not
      common among the Vibrionaceae family. For those species with more than one
      isolate, the biosensor activation profile was the same except for two species, V.
      anguillarum and V. metschnikovii, which varied among the different isolates.
      CONCLUSIONS: AHL production was observed in the majority of the studied species,
      with a diverse biosensor activation profile. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: The high diversity in AHL production is in consistence with the high
      diversity in ecological niches of the Vibrionaceae family. The absence of AHL
      detection in eight species warrants further work on their quorum-sensing systems.

PMID- 22098209
TI  - Assessment in rural health professional education.

PMID- 22098210
TI  - Urban-rural influences on suicidality: gaps in the existing literature and
      recommendations for future research.
AB  - Suicide is a major public health issue of particular concern among rural
      populations, which experience a consistently higher suicide rate than urban
      areas. Although extensive research efforts have been directed towards
      understanding suicidality and related factors, there is a continued lack of
      clinically useful factors to target preventive measures, particularly among some
      regional and demographic groups. This suggests limitations in the
      conceptualisation of this important construct. A review of the literature was
      undertaken, using a snowballing and saturation approach. Literature was
      considered relevant if it addressed the research question 'what are the current
      limitations in research on urban/rural influences on suicidality?' Findings were
      used to develop a set of guidelines to inform future research. A number of gaps
      in existing research relevant to limitations in rural suicide research were
      identified: inconsistencies in terminology; a focus on high-end suicidal
      behaviours; a disproportionate focus on urban populations; a dominance of cross
      sectional research; and a high use of clinical samples. These limitations are
      discussed in terms of their implications for rural suicidality, and are used to
      support the development of recommendations for future research, with a focus on
      encouraging consistency and standardisation. A number of limitations can be
      identified in existing research on suicide. Targeting these specific areas can be
      an important step in addressing the current gaps in knowledge relating to rural
      suicide prevention.

PMID- 22098211
TI  - Performance pressure: simulated patients and high-stakes examinations in a
      regional clinical school.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and challenges of being a simulated patient
      (SP) in a high-stakes clinical examination context in a regional setting. DESIGN:
      Mixed methods, using a written survey, focus groups, and a retrospective postal
      survey. SETTING: A university clinical school in a Victorian regional city.
      PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen SP volunteers (from an existing database of 55 people) who
      had been involved in mid-year, summative Objective Structured Clinical
      Examination (OSCE) role-play performances. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Challenges of
      the OSCE role-play experience and the reported effects on SPs. The implications
      of these factors have an impact on the sustainability of SP programs in regional
      settings. RESULTS: Physical and emotional effects like exhaustion were reported,
      as well as empathy and concern for the medical students. The retrospective postal
      survey indicated that the SPs had no long-term negative effects from their high
      stakes examination experiences. Participants also reported that a level of
      decision making and improvisation was needed in the performance of their OSCE
      role plays. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the complexity and demands on SPs in
      performing in high-stakes clinical examinations. The results highlight that SP
      roles involve more than the transfer of scripted information. SPs should be
      considered as members of the examination team when preparing and implementing
      high-stakes examinations to assist in maintaining standardised performance during
      and across OSCE role plays. Relationships between SPs and educational institutes
      need to be nurtured to ensure that the ability to continue high-stakes OSCEs in a
      regional setting is maintained.

PMID- 22098212
TI  - Factors influencing the selection of rural practice locations for early career
      pharmacists in Victoria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To identify factors influencing the choice of practice location for
      early career pharmacists working and living in Victoria. DESIGN:   Survey.
      SETTING:   Victorian pharmacies. PARTICIPANTS:   Pharmacists living in Victoria
      in April 2009, who had registered with the Pharmacy Board of Victoria after 1
      October 2004, stratified into major city and rural areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 
      Questionnaire responses analysed via descriptive statistics, chi-square and
      direct logistic regression. RESULTS:   Early career pharmacists were more likely
      to practice in a rural location if they had undertaken a rural internship, had a
      spouse or partner with a non-metropolitan background and were not practicing in a
      hospital pharmacy. Pharmacists who had lived in a rural area during their
      childhood and had studied pharmacy at a rural university were four times more
      likely to have undertaken a rural internship than those that studied at a major
      city university. CONCLUSIONS:   The strongest indicator for future practice
      location was a pharmacist's internship location. Childhood location and pharmacy
      education location were indicators of internship location. Pharmacists with a
      rural childhood location, especially those who study at rural universities, are
      more likely to work in rural areas.

PMID- 22098213
TI  - Travelling all over the countryside: travel-related burden and financial
      difficulties reported by cancer patients in New South Wales and Victoria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe travel burden and travel-related financial burden
      experienced by cancer patients over the first year after diagnosis. DESIGN,
      SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Population-based longitudinal cohort of recent adult
      cancer patients diagnosed with the eight most incident cancers recruited from New
      South Wales and Victorian Cancer Registries. Self-report survey data were
      collected at 6 and 12 months after diagnosis from 1410 participants (city: n =
      890; regional/remote: n = 520). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Travel time to cancer
      treatment, living away from home for treatment, travel-related treatment
      decisions, extent of financial issues, unmet need for financial help. RESULTS:
      During the first 12 months after diagnosis, outer regional/remote residents had
      the greatest travel burden; 61% (n = 79) travelled at least 2 hours one way to
      receive treatment, and 49% (n = 66) lived away from home to receive treatment.
      Strongest associates of travel burden were living in regional/remote areas (odds
      ratio (OR) = 18.9-135.7), having received surgery (OR = 6.7) or radiotherapy (OR
      = 3.6). Between 6 and 12 months after diagnosis, 2% (n = 24) of patients declined
      cancer treatment because of the time it would take to get to treatment. Patients
      who travelled more than 2 hours or lived away for treatment reported
      significantly greater financial difficulties (38%; 40%) than those who did not
      (12%; 14%), even after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Travel burden is
      greatest for rural patients, and is associated with greater financial burden.
      Appropriate and adequate provision of travel and accommodation assistance schemes
      remains paramount to achieving equitable delivery of cancer services.

PMID- 22098214
TI  - Rural maternity care and health policy: parents' experiences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore rural residents' experiences of access to maternity care
      with consideration of the policy context. DESIGN: This paper describes findings
      from focus groups with parents which formed part of case study data from a larger
      study. SETTING: Four north Queensland rural towns. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three
      parents living in one of the four rural towns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Identifying
      prevalent themes in case studies regarding rural parents' expectations and
      experiences in accessing maternity care. RESULTS: Parents desired a local, safe
      and consistent maternity service. Removing or downgrading rural services
      introduced new barriers to care for rural residents: (i) increased financial
      costs; (ii) family issues; and (iii) safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      concerns about rural residents' health status and health care access have
      received significant policy attention for over a decade, many of the problems
      which prompted these policy initiatives remain today. Current policy approaches
      should be re-evaluated in order to improve rural Australians' access to vital
      health services such as maternity care.

PMID- 22098215
TI  - Young mothers' lived experiences prior to becoming pregnant in rural Victoria: a
      phenomenological study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the lived experiences and social context prior to becoming
      pregnant, of women who became mothers during adolescence in rural Victoria.
      DESIGN: Qualitative interpretive phenomenological study using semistructured
      interviews. SETTING: Rural community in North East Victoria, Australia.
      PARTICIPANTS: Four rural women who gave birth to a child between the ages of 15
      and 19. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the data as being essential to the
      participants' experiences prior to pregnancy. These included feeling isolated;
      life change: transition into adulthood; support and understanding in sexual
      relationships; feeling dissatisfied; and overcoming adversity. Participants'
      provided practical recommendations to improve life for young people in rural
      areas through reflecting on their own experiences. CONCLUSION: These findings
      highlight the complex nature of rural young women's experiences leading up to
      pregnancy and suggest that early motherhood might be largely reflective of the
      social environment in which one lives prior to pregnancy. Providing somewhere
      safe to go, organised and appropriate social activities and increasing access to
      health services were identified as being pertinent to improving experiences for
      rural young people prior to pregnancy. Health professionals should consider the
      importance of supporting young women through non-judgemental, approachable and
      accessible services.

PMID- 22098216
TI  - Asian migrants' lived experience and acculturation to Western health care in
      rural Tasmania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to explore the lived experience of Asian
      migrants' health care-seeking behaviour in Tasmania, to discern the acculturation
      process by which Asian migrants are enabled to use the health system and to
      identify strategies, which assist migrants to understand and use the health
      system better. METHODS: Qualitative research was adopted. Semistructured
      interviews were conducted with 36 Asian migrants residing in North, South and
      North West Tasmania, which were recruited through purposive sampling. RESULTS:
      Six main themes emerged from the interviews: the acculturation process,
      interactions with the health care system, access issues, culturally appropriate
      health care, positive health care in Tasmania and suggestions for improving
      health care. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that Asian migrants' views
      affected their health care-seeking behaviours because of the lack of information,
      poor communication, limited access and choices in Tasmania. Interestingly, those
      married to local Tasmanians had the shortest trajectory to health system
      acculturation. The study recommended developing health and well-being for Asian
      migrants by increasing access to information regarding navigating the health
      system and improving access to and awareness of language services. In addition,
      ensuring adequate, appropriately written, culturally specific and congruent
      information should be available to assist migrants' transition into a new health
      care system. Lastly, greater cultural awareness within the health profession to
      meet the needs of culturally specific individuals and communities is required
      when they seek care.

PMID- 22098217
TI  - Developing a sustainable model of rural cancer care: the Western Australian
      Cancer Network project.
AB  - PROBLEM: Cancer-related mortality is higher in rural areas than in urban centres.
      One of the contributing factors is limited access to treatment options in rural
      areas. DESIGN: An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Western Australian
      Cancer Network (CanNET WA) pilot project was undertaken using qualitative methods
      and document analysis. SETTING: CanNET WA was established in the Great Southern
      region of Western Australia. KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT: Three measures were
      assessed: impact of the CanNET WA on consumers, care providers and changes to
      systems and processes. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE: CanNET WA comprised a number of
      initiatives that together led to an improvement in cancer care. These included a
      multidisciplinary cancer team, improved access to visiting medical specialists,
      formal links with tertiary cancer centres, increased primary health involvement
      in cancer care and increased education regarding cancer care for local health
      care providers. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: Changes in the three key outcome measures were
      reported. Consumers had greater choice of treatment options and had more
      involvement in decision making. Health professionals reported improvements in
      care coordination and in peer support related to the new multidisciplinary cancer
      care team, and improved links with tertiary cancer centres in Perth. Systemic
      changes included mapping of referral pathways and tumour-specific care pathways.
      LESSONS LEARNT:   CanNET WA has demonstrated the need for coordinated cancer care
      for rural people that offers care locally whenever possible. The success of the
      project paved the way for the rollout of the CanNET WA concept into other
      regional areas of Western Australia.

PMID- 22098218
TI  - Re It's not just about the HbA1c.

PMID- 22098219
TI  - Support, incentives and evidence needed to improve oral health in rural areas.

PMID- 22098220
TI  - Education for remote and isolated practice.

PMID- 22098222
TI  - Facile preparation of graphene-copper nanoparticle composite by in situ chemical
      reduction for electrochemical sensing of carbohydrates.
AB  - A novel graphene-copper nanoparticle composite was prepared by the in situ
      chemical reduction of a mixture containing graphene oxide and copper(II) ions
      using potassium borohydride as a reductant. It was mixed with paraffin oil and
      packed into one end of a fused capillary to fabricate microdisc electrodes for
      sensing carbohydrates. The morphology and structure of the graphene-copper
      nanoparticle composite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray
      diffraction, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated
      that copper nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20.8 nm were successfully
      deposited on graphene nanosheets to form a well interconnected hybrid network.
      The analytical performance of these unique graphene-copper nanoparticle composite
      paste electrodes was demonstrated by sensing five carbohydrates in combination
      with cyclic voltammetry and capillary electrophoresis (CE). The advantages of the
      composite detectors include higher sensitivity, satisfactory stability, surface
      renewability, bulk modification, and low expense of fabrication. They should find
      applications in microchip CE, flowing-injection analysis, and other microfluidic
      analysis systems.

PMID- 22098223
TI  - Heat-killed Lactobacillus gasseri TMC0356 protects mice against influenza virus
      infection by stimulating gut and respiratory immune responses.
AB  - This study investigated whether heat-killed Lactobacillus protects host animal
      against influenza virus infection and stimulates their immunity. Heat-killed
      Lactobacillus gasseri TMC0356 was orally administered to BALB/c mice for 19 days;
      the mice were intranasally infected with Flu A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) on day 14, and
      clinical symptoms were monitored. After 6 days, the mice were sacrificed, and
      pulmonary virus titres were determined. Splenic activation of natural killer (NK)
      cells and the mRNA expression of cytokines and other immune molecules in the lung
      and Peyer's patch (PP) were analysed. Clinical symptom scores of mice orally fed
      TMC0356 ameliorated significantly (P < 0.01); their pulmonary virus titres
      decreased significantly compared with those of control mice (P < 0.05); their
      mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15 and IL-21 in PP and the pulmonary
      mRNA expression of IFN-gamma, TNF, IL-12a, IL-12rbl, IL-2rb and perforin 1
      increased significantly (P < 0.05). Oral administration of heat-killed
      lactobacilli may protect against influenza virus infection by stimulating local
      and systemic immune responses. Cellular components of lactobacilli may be pivotal
      in protecting against viral infection by enhancing gut and respiratory immune
      responses.

PMID- 22098225
TI  - Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for heart failure.

PMID- 22098224
TI  - Bioavailability of phytochemical constituents from a novel soy fortified lycopene
      rich tomato juice developed for targeted cancer prevention trials.
AB  - Studies suggest that tomato and soy foods may contribute to a lower risk of
      certain cancers. We developed a novel soy germ tomato juice to be used in
      controlled cancer prevention trials. This study describes an initial test of
      compliance, phytochemical bioavailability, and effects on biomarkers of blood
      lipids. Healthy men and women (n = 18) consumed a soy germ-fortified juice daily
      (300 mL supplying 66 mg isoflavones and 22 mg lycopene) for 8 wk. A single-dose
      bioavailability study was completed on day 1 and isoflavones in plasma and urine,
      and lycopene in the plasma, were measured. All subjects completed the trial, with
      97.7% +/- 3.5% (mean +/- SD) of the scheduled juice consumed. No adverse effects
      were documented. The postprandial study indicated that 3.1% +/- 2.3% of lycopene
      was absorbed and that 49.3% +/- 12.1% isoflavones ingested were recovered in 24-h
      urines. Lycopene plasma concentration changed from 0.60 +/- 0.22 to 1.24 +/- 0.30
      MUmol/L during 8 wk of consumption. Juice consumption significantly improved
      resistance of LDL+VLDL-C to Cu(2+)-mediated oxidation (P = 0.039), HDL-C (47.3 +/
      15.8 to 51.7 +/- 14.8 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and the ratio of total-C/HDL-C (4.25 +/
      1.59 to 3.63 +/- 1.16, P < 0.001) at 8 wk. A well-characterized soy-fortified
      tomato juice can be produced in large scale for multiinstitutional long-term
      cancer prevention trials and showed excellent compliance with no toxicity, while
      demonstrating absorption of biologically active phytochemicals. 

PMID- 22098226
TI  - Could the underestimation of bipolarity obstruct the search for novel
      antidepressant drugs?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite the clinical and social relevance of depression, and the
      availability of numerous antidepressants and non-pharmacological interventions,
      response rates remain unsatisfactory and novel therapeutic targets are being
      explored. AREAS COVERED: This review starts with a brief overview of the
      evolution of the current antidepressant drug scenario and ends with a focus on
      the potential influence of the underestimation of bipolarity on the exploration
      of novel antidepressant drugs. EXPERT OPINION: The field of antidepressant drug
      development has suffered from a relative decline recently and, with the exception
      of agomelatine, innovative non-monoaminergic antidepressants have yet to be
      developed. The need for more effective compounds is evident. Clinicians and
      researchers should pay greater attention to the impact of bipolarity in
      depression. The ultimate goal of this review is not to discourage the use of
      antidepressants but rather to encourage judicious prescriptions, and also to
      solicit a better collaboration between clinicians and preclinical researchers so
      that more reliable diagnostic criteria can be adopted.

PMID- 22098227
TI  - Treatment strategies for chronic stable angina.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stable angina pectoris - generally the expression of an imbalance
      between myocardial oxygen demand and supply - is often the first manifestation of
      ischemic heart disease. The effective management of this highly prevalent
      condition is largely dependent on the identification of the prevailing pathogenic
      mechanism, the implementation of lifestyle changes and the appropriate use of
      pharmacological agents and revascularization techniques. There is abundant
      literature on management of chronic stable angina, but publications are generally
      devoted to focused areas. There is a need for a comprehensive review that
      addresses both the different types of angina and their pathogenic mechanisms, as
      well as rational approaches to patient management. AREAS COVERED: This paper
      reviews the pathogenesis and pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial
      ischemia, along with its consequences and current treatment options. Relevant
      papers in the English literature were identified via PubMed, using the following
      keywords relating to chronic stable angina: ischemic heart disease, coronary
      artery disease and antianginal therapy. EXPERT OPINION: The treatment of chronic
      stable angina has improved in recent years as a result of a better understanding
      of its pathogenic mechanisms, the implementation of lifestyle changes and
      aggressive management of risk factors, as well as pharmacological advances and
      better revascularization techniques. Understanding the pathogenesis of the
      disease is important to identify effective treatment strategies. A careful
      clinical history, the implementation of appropriate diagnostic tests and a
      rational use of antianginal drugs and revascularization protocols often ensure
      the successful control of the patient's symptoms.

PMID- 22098228
TI  - Treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia with thalidomide and lenalidomide.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is biologically, as well as
      clinically, highly heterogeneous. In CLL patients, immunosuppression is a
      consequence of the disease, which plays a key role in effecting the quality of
      life and overall survival. Treatment modalities should ideally not only reduce
      tumor burden, but also augment immune function in CLL patients. AREAS COVERED:
      The current review summarizes biological and clinical data on thalidomide and
      lenalidomide in CLL. EXPERT OPINION: Immunomodulatory drugs such as thalidomide
      and lenalidomide show both antitumor activity and immunostimulation. Three main
      mechanisms of action seem to play a role in cancer, including i) anti-angiogenic,
      ii) immunomodulatory and iii) tumoricidal effects. The exact contributions of
      these effects seem to be unique for different diseases. The two representatives
      of this family of drugs studied in CLL include thalidomide and its analog
      lenalidomide. These drugs proved to be effective as single agents and in the
      combination setting in CLL. Toxicities have been identified but largely
      controlled by a low starting dose, with gradual dose escalation.

PMID- 22098229
TI  - Progress and contrasts of the development of tivozanib for therapy of kidney
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Targets for drug development for the treatment of kidney cancer
      (renal cell carcinoma; RCC) include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and
      its receptors and mammalian target of rapamycin. Currently available oral
      multitargeted VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that have been approved by
      the US Food and Drug Administration for advanced RCC, include sunitinib,
      sorafenib and pazopanib. Off-target TKI inhibition can potentially preclude full
      dose combination with other targeted and chemotherapeutic agents. There is a need
      to develop more potent and selective targeted agents for RCC therapy, which are
      more effective and have minimal off-target effects. AREAS COVERED: This drug
      evaluation review addresses the ongoing development for the treatment of RCC with
      tivozanib: a potent, selective and long-half-life VEGF TKI. The testing for
      clinical efficacy alone or in combination with other therapies for RCC and for
      other tumor types, and the clinical and market relevance of introducing another
      RCC therapy are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Tivozanib is distinguished by its high
      potency, selectivity, long-half-life and its potential to be effectively combined
      with other agents in RCC. This may offer more effective, yet well-tolerated
      treatment options. The relative clinical and market relevance remain to be seen,
      both for RCC therapy and other tumor types.

PMID- 22098230
TI  - Desvenlafaxine in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
AB  - Desvenlafaxine (DESV) is a newer antidepressant, which inhibits serotonin
      norepinephrine reuptake neurotransmission, similarly to venlafaxine, milnacipran
      and duloxetine. It was approved in February 2008 by the FDA for the treatment of
      major depressive disorder (MDD), based on well-controlled and adequately powered,
      large clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety for patients with MDD.
      Currently available data show that DESV has proven efficacy, acceptable safety
      and tolerability profiles, convenient once-daily dosing and minimal impact on the
      cytochrome P450 enzyme system in patients with MDD. This mini-review summarizes
      the clinical data and practical use of DESV under this approved indication.

PMID- 22098231
TI  - Innovative antidepressants: jumping out of the monoamine-based theory?

PMID- 22098233
TI  - Pleiotropic functions of brain proteinases: methodological considerations and
      search for caspase substrates.
AB  - Analysis of the literature and our own data suggest that the so-called
      "apoptotic" proteinases play important roles in brain function. However,
      mechanisms of their involvement in normal neuronal plasticity remain obscure. One
      of the main reasons for this is broad substrate specificity of proteinases; the
      number of potential substrates of each can reach several thousands. Obviously, a
      real approach to study functions of "apoptotic" proteinases, caspase-3 in
      particular, is to identify their intracellular substrates. It is the nature of a
      substrate that defines the direction of signal transduction or metabolic changes;
      therefore, identification of molecular partners of particular proteases should be
      the key study, not just measuring its activity or respective protein or mRNA
      expression. This approach will allow studying regulatory mechanisms not only for
      proteinases, but also for other pleiotropic enzymes usually possessing broad
      substrate specificity.

PMID- 22098234
TI  - Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a xenosensor and target for therapy.
AB  - Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3), which is under consideration in
      this review, is a member of the superfamily of nuclear receptors. However,
      certain features distinguish CAR from the variety of nuclear receptors. First,
      this receptor has structural features that allow it to display constitutive
      activity in the absence of a ligand and to interact in a species-specific manner
      with a huge number of ligands diverse in chemical structure and origin. Second,
      recently many researchers are focused on CAR because the significance is
      increasingly shown of its influence on a variety of physiological functions, such
      as gluconeogenesis, metabolism of xenobiotics, fatty acids, bilirubin, and bile
      acids, hormonal regulation, etc. In addition to the fundamental scientific
      interest, the study of CAR is of practical importance because changes in CAR
      activity can lead to disorders in physiological processes, which finally can
      result in changes in pathological states. However, despite intensive studies,
      many mechanisms are still unclear, which makes it difficult to understand the
      role of CAR in the overall picture of molecular regulation of physiological
      processes. This review analyzes the features and diversity of the functions of
      CAR.

PMID- 22098235
TI  - Characteristics of sigma-dependent pausing by RNA polymerases from Escherichia
      coli and Thermus aquaticus.
AB  - The sigma(70) subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the major transcription
      initiation factor in Escherichia coli. During transcription initiation, conserved
      region 2 of the sigma(70) subunit interacts with the -10 promoter element and
      plays a key role in DNA melting around the starting point of transcription.
      During transcription elongation, the sigma(70) subunit can induce pauses in RNA
      synthesis owing to interactions of region 2 with DNA regions similar to the -10
      promoter element. We demonstrated that the major sigma subunit from Thermus
      aquaticus (sigma(A)) is also able to induce transcription pausing by T. aquaticus
      RNAP. However, hybrid RNAP containing the sigma(A) subunit and E. coli core RNAP
      is unable to form pauses during elongation, while being able to recognize
      promoters and initiate transcription. Inability of the sigma(A) subunit to induce
      pausing by E. coli RNAP is explained by the substitutions of non-conserved amino
      acids in region 2, in the subregions interacting with the RNAP core enzyme. Thus,
      changes in the structure of region 2 of the sigma(70) subunit have stronger
      effects on transcription pausing than on promoter recognition, likely by
      weakening the interactions of the sigma subunit with the core RNAP during
      transcription elongation.

PMID- 22098236
TI  - Coherent phenomena of charge separation in reaction centers of LL131H and
      LL131H/LM160H/FM197H mutants of Rhodobacter sphaeroides.
AB  - Primary stage of charge separation and transfer of charges was studied in
      reaction centers (RCs) of point mutants LL131H and LL131H/LM160H/FM197H of the
      purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides by differential absorption spectroscopy
      with temporal resolution of 18 fsec at 90 K. Difference absorption spectra
      measured at 0-4 psec delays after excitation of dimer P at 870 nm with 30 fsec
      step were obtained in the spectral range of 935-1060 nm. It was found that a
      decay of P* due to charge separation is considerably slower in the mutant RCs in
      comparison with native RCs of Rba. sphaeroides. Coherent oscillations were found
      in the kinetics of stimulated emission of the P* state at 940 nm. Fourier
      analysis of the oscillations revealed a set of characteristic bands in the
      frequency range of 20-500 cm(-1). The most intense band has the frequency of ~130
      cm(-1) in RCs of mutant LL131H and in native RCs and the frequency of ~100 cm(-1)
      in RCs of the triple mutant. It was found that an absorption band of
      bacteriochlorophyll anion B(A)(-) which is registered in the difference
      absorption spectra of native RCs at 1020 nm is absent in the analogous spectra of
      the mutants. The results are analyzed in terms of the participation of the B(A)
      molecule in the primary electron transfer in the presence of a nuclear wave
      packet moving along the inharmonic surface of P* potential energy.

PMID- 22098237
TI  - Programmed cell death in plants: protective effect of mitochondrial-targeted
      quinones.
AB  - Ubiquinone or plastoquinone covalently linked to synthetic
      decyltriphenylphosphonium (DTPP(+)) or rhodamine cations prevent programmed cell
      death (PCD) in pea leaf epidermis induced by chitosan or CN(-). PCD was monitored
      by recording the destruction of cell nuclei. CN(-) induced the destruction of
      nuclei in both epidermal cells (EC) and guard cells (GC), whereas chitosan
      destroyed nuclei in EC not in GC. The half-maximum concentrations for the
      protective effects of the quinone derivatives were within the pico- and nanomolar
      range. The protective effect of the quinones was removed by a protonophoric
      uncoupler and reduced by tetraphenylphosphonium cations. CN(-)-Induced PCD was
      accelerated by the tested quinone derivatives at concentrations above 10(-8)-10(
      7) M. Unlike plastoquinone linked to the rhodamine cation (SkQR1), DTPP(+)
      derivatives of quinones suppressed menadione-induced H(2)O(2) generation in the
      cells. The CN(-)-induced destruction of GC nuclei was prevented by DTPP(+)
      derivatives in the dark not in the light. SkQR1 inhibited this process both in
      the dark and in the light, and its effect in the light was similar to that of
      rhodamine 6G. The data on the protective effect of cationic quinone derivatives
      indicate that mitochondria are involved in PCD in plants.

PMID- 22098238
TI  - New Actinoporins from sea anemone Heteractis crispa: cloning and functional
      expression.
AB  - A new actinoporin Hct-S4 (molecular mass 19,414 +/- 10 Da) belonging to the
      sphingomyelin-inhibited alpha-pore forming toxin (alpha-PFT) family was isolated
      from the tropical sea anemone Heteractis crispa (also called Radianthus
      macrodactylus) and purified by methods of protein chemistry. The N-terminal
      nucleotide sequence (encoding 20 amino acid residues) of actinoporin Hct-S4 was
      determined. Genes encoding 18 new isoforms of H. crispa actinoporins were cloned
      and sequenced. These genes form a multigene Hct-S family characterized by
      presence of N-terminal serine in the mature proteins. Highly conserved residues
      comprising the aromatic phosphorylcholine-binding site and significant structure
      function changes in the N-terminal segment (10-27 amino acid residues) of
      actinoporins were established. Two expressed recombinant actinoporins (rHct-S5
      and rHct-S6) were one order less hemolytically active than native actinoporins.

PMID- 22098239
TI  - Identification of proteins responding to adrenergic receptor subtype-specific
      hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes by proteomic approaches.
AB  - The individual signaling pathways underlying cardiac hypertrophy, which is
      induced by either alpha or beta adrenergic receptor (AR), are different.
      Activation of different AR subtypes couples to different G proteins and induction
      of specific signaling pathways, which ultimately results in subtype-specific
      regulation of cardiac function. We present the first proteomics study identifying
      proteins that are related to AR subtype-specific hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes by
      comparing the two-dimensional electrophoresis patterns between neonatal rat
      cardiomyocytes treated by phenylepinephrin (PE) and by isoproterenol (ISO). An
      improved 2-DE strategy was used in these comparative experiments. Twenty-five
      differentially expressed proteins in cardiomyocytes treated by PE or treated by
      ISO were successfully analyzed and identified using matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, especially those that
      might be responsible to intracellular oxidative stress such as dismutase,
      peroxiredoxin, and thioredoxin-like protein p46. In addition, induced reactive
      oxygen species were also found to be AR subtype-specifically relevant to
      endoplasmic reticulum proteinase ERK1/2 phosphorylation during the development of
      hypertrophy induced by different AR subtypes. The results will help to better
      understand the underlying mechanisms of different adrenergic receptor subtype
      induced hypertrophy.

PMID- 22098240
TI  - Site-directed mutagenesis of cysteine residues of Luciola mingrelica firefly
      luciferase.
AB  - Single mutants (C62S, C62V, C86S, C146S, C164S), double mutants (C62/146S,
      C62/164S, C86/146S, C146/164S), and triple mutant C62/146/164S of the Luciola
      mingrelica firefly luciferase carrying C-terminal His(6)-tag were obtained on the
      basis of plasmid pETL7 by site-directed mutagenesis. Bioluminescence and
      fluorescence spectra were not altered by the introduced mutations. In the case of
      mutants C86S, C86/146S, C62/164S, and the triple mutant C62/146/164S, the
      K(m)(ATP) and K(m)(LH)(2) values were increased by a factor of ~1.5-1.9. Their
      expression level, specific activity, and thermal stability were significantly
      decreased. The other mutations had almost no effect on the K(m)(ATP) and
      K(m)(LH)(2) values, specific activity, and thermal stability of the enzyme.
      Thermal stability of the C146S mutant was increased by a factor of ~2 and 1.3 at
      37 and 42 degrees C, respectively. The possible mechanism of the influence of
      these mutations on properties and structure of the enzyme is discussed.

PMID- 22098241
TI  - Self-assembly of soluble unlinked and cross-linked fibrin oligomers.
AB  - Self-assembly of soluble unlinked and cross-linked fibrin oligomers formed from
      desA-fibrin monomer under the influence of factor XIIIa was studied in the
      presence of non-denaturing urea concentrations. By methods of elastic and dynamic
      light scattering combined with analytical ultracentrifugation, desA-fibrin
      oligomers formed in both the presence and absence of the factor XIIIa were shown
      to be ensembles consisting of soluble rod-like double-stranded protofibrils with
      diverse weight and size. Unlinked and cross-linked soluble double-stranded
      protofibrils can reach the length of 350-450 nm. The structure of soluble
      covalently-linked protofibrils is stabilized by isopeptide gamma-dimers.
      Electrophoretic data indicate a complete absence of isopeptide bonds between
      alpha-chains of desA-fibrin molecules. The molecular mechanism of formation of
      soluble rod-like fibrin structures and specific features of its covalent
      stabilization under the influence of factor XIIIa are discussed.

PMID- 22098242
TI  - Methylglyoxal induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in sarcoma.
AB  - In the preceding paper (A. Ghosh et al. (2011) Biochemistry (Moscow), 76, 1051
      1060), using several comparable tissue materials, it has been convincingly
      demonstrated that methylglyoxal, a normal metabolite, inhibits mitochondrial
      complex I of specifically malignant cells. This suggests a distinct alteration of
      complex I, a highly important enzyme for energy (ATP) production, in malignancy.
      The present paper shows that as a consequence of this inhibition mitochondrial
      membrane potential is drastically reduced in sarcoma tissue but not in normal
      skeletal muscle. This was estimated spectrofluorimetrically using the dye
      rhodamine 123. As a consequence, cytochrome c was released from the sarcoma
      mitochondria as evidenced by Western blot analysis. Moreover, on treatment with
      methylglyoxal membrane potential collapse of sarcoma 180 cells was also indicated
      by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Atomic force microscopic study
      demonstrated gross structural alteration specifically of tumor mitochondria on
      methylglyoxal treatment. All these studies suggest that methylglyoxal might
      initiate an apoptotic event in malignant cells.

PMID- 22098243
TI  - Effect of cholinergic drugs on the activity of basic carboxypeptidases in rat
      nervous tissue.
AB  - Effects of a single administration of cholinergic drugs (arecoline, atropine,
      nicotine, mecamylamine) on the activity of carboxypeptidase H and of
      phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-inhibited carboxypeptidase, which are involved in
      metabolism of neuropeptides, were studied in brain parts and the adrenal glands
      of rats. The enzyme activities were determined fluorimetrically using specific
      inhibitors and substrates. In the majority of cases the enzyme activities
      decreased, and this decrease was retained for at least 72 h. Changes in the
      activities of the studied enzymes depended on the type of cholinergic action, the
      nervous system part, and the time after the injection. The changes in activities
      of the studied carboxypeptidases are supposed to be a possible mechanism
      responsible for changes in the levels of neuropeptides under the influence of
      high doses of the drugs.

PMID- 22098244
TI  - Contents of mRNAs encoding endosome/lysosome components in normal human aorta and
      in stage II of atherogenesis: a hidden regulation.
AB  - Contents of mRNAs encoding endosome/lysosome components EEA1, Rab5a, Lamp1,
      Lamp2, p62 (SQSTM1), and CD63 were measured by quantitative PCR and compared in
      intact fragments of human aorta and in aorta fragments with atherosclerotic
      lesions of stage II (fatty streaks) of the same donors. During atherogenesis an
      increase was detected only in the level of p62 mRNA but not in other mRNAs.
      Nevertheless, correlation analysis revealed a profound rearrangement of inter
      gene correlations: only 30% of correlations found in the fatty streaks coincided
      with the correlations in normal fragments. Thus, new constellations were formed
      in fatty streaks concurrently with disappearance of correlations between mRNAs
      under study and mRNAs encoding factors of lipid accumulation, reverse cholesterol
      transfer, and some lipid sensors/transcription regulators of lipid metabolism.

PMID- 22098245
TI  - Carbohydrate specificity of chicken and human tandem-repeat-type galectins-8 in
      composition of cells.
AB  - The network of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins in chicken (chicken galectin,
      CG) has only one tandem-repeat-type protein, CG8. Using a cell-based assay and
      probing galectin reactivity with a panel of fluorescent neoglycoconjugates
      (glycoprobes), its glycan-binding profile was determined. For internal
      validation, human galectin-8 (HG8) was tested. In comparison to HG8, CG8 showed a
      rather similar specificity: both galectins displayed high affinity to blood group
      ABH antigens as well as to 3'-sialylated and 3'-sulfated lactosamine chains. The
      most remarkable difference was found to be an ability of HG8 (but not CG8) to
      bind the disaccharide Galbeta1-3GlcNAc (Le(c)) as well as branched and linear
      oligolactosamines. The glycan-binding profile was shown to be influenced by
      glycocalix of the cell, where the galectin is anchored. Particularly, glycosidase
      treatment of galectin-loaded cells led to the change of the profile. Thus, we
      suppose the involvement of cis-glycans in the interaction of cell-anchored
      galectins with external glycoconjugates.

PMID- 22098246
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with metastatic tumour antigen 1
      overexpression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Metastatic tumour antigen 1 (MTA1) promotes angiogenesis by
      stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), which is closely
      associated with frequent postoperative recurrence and poor survival in patients
      with HCC. In this study, we determined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
      angiogenesis-related genes that are associated with MTA1 overexpression in HCC
      tissues. METHODS: A total of 376 patients with HCC who had received curative
      surgical resection or liver transplantation were enrolled (312/21/43;
      HBV/HCV/NBNC). MTA1 expression was determined via immunohistochemistry. Thirty
      three common SNPs sites (frequency >=5%) in the angiogenic protein gene that are
      closely connected to one another were selected, including MTA1, VEGF, HIF-1alpha,
      FGF-2, and IGF-II. RESULTS: Expression of MTA1 was detected in 120 HCC tissues
      (31%). An A allele at position IVS4-81G/A of the MTA1 gene (P = 0.016) and the TT
      genotype at position +12916C of the VEGF gene (P = 0.023) were significantly
      associated with MTA1 overexpression. However, the TT genotype at position -13021C
      (P = 0.011) and the haplotypes CT-CT (-11228C; -13021C) of the IGF-II gene
      (P(cor) = 0.033) were more common in patients with MTA1-negative HCC. Using
      multivariate analysis, the A allele at IVS4-81G/A in MTA1 gene (P = 0.015) and a
      T allele (TT+CT genotype) at -13021C in IGF-II (P = 0.002) were independent risk
      factors in HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: The
      genetic polymorphisms IVS4-81G/A in MTA1 and +12916C in VEGF genes were
      correlated with MTA1 overexpression. The SNPs in MTA1 and IGF-II genes may be
      important risk factors for the recurrence of HCC.

PMID- 22098247
TI  - Fabrication of flocculation-resistant pH/ionic strength/temperature
      multiresponsive hollow microspheres and their controlled release.
AB  - pH/ionic strength/temperature multiresponsive hollow microspheres were
      successfully prepared by the Ce(IV) initiated grafting polymerization of N
      isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) onto the multilayered polyelectrolyte shells
      encapsulating the polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) microsphere templates fabricated by
      the layer-by-layer assembly of chitosan (CS) and alginate (SAL), after etching
      the templates by dialysis. The hollow structure of the obtained multiresponsive
      hollow microspheres was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
      which indicated that the inner diameter of the hollow microspheres was about 200
      nm. The environmental responsive properties of the multiresponsive hollow
      microspheres were characterized with dynamic light scattering (DLS) in an aqueous
      system. The introduction of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) brushes onto the
      pH/ionic strength dual-responsive hollow microspheres achieved temperature
      responsive characteristics. It also could prevent flocculation among the obtained
      multiresponsive hollow microspheres in a solution with higher salt concentration.
      Their controlled release of drug molecules (a model hydrophobic drug,
      dipyridamole (DIP)) was also investigated.

PMID- 22098249
TI  - Income-related inequalities in denture-wearing by Europeans aged 50 and above.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite its importance for the planning of future treatment needs and
      an optimised allocation of health care resources, only little is known about
      socio-economic inequalities in denture-wearing by late middle-aged and elderly
      generations. OBJECTIVES: To describe income-related inequalities in denture
      wearing by elderly populations residing in different European countries. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
      (SHARE Wave 2) were used to assess income-related inequalities in denture-wearing
      by means of Concentration Indices (CI) for populations aged 50+ from 14 different
      European countries. RESULTS: We could identify a significant disproportionate
      concentration of denture-wearing amongst the poor elderly populations in Denmark
      (CI = -0.3534, corresponding to the highest level of inequality), Sweden (CI = 
      0.3479), Switzerland (CI = -0.2013), Greece (CI = -0.1953), the Netherlands (CI =
      -0.1413), France (CI = -0.1339), Austria (CI = -0.0974), Czech Republic (CI = 
      0.0959), Belgium (CI = -0.0947), Germany (CI = -0.0762), Ireland (CI = -0.0575)
      and Spain (CI = -0.0482, corresponding to the lowest level of pro-poor
      inequality). Poland became evident as the only country in which individuals from
      the upper end of the income scale wear more dentures than their peers from the
      lower end of the income scale (CI = 0.0379). No significant income-related
      inequalities were observable in Italy. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable income
      related inequality in denture-wearing by several elderly populations in Europe.
      Future resource planning for prosthetic care should, thus, specifically
      distinguish between the treatment needs of different socio-economic groups within
      elderly populations.

PMID- 22098248
TI  - Glutamatergic input is selectively increased in dorsal raphe subfield 5-HT
      neurons: role of morphology, topography and selective innervation.
AB  - Characterization of glutamatergic input to dorsal raphe (DR) serotonin (5-HT)
      neurons is crucial for understanding how the glutamate and 5-HT systems interact
      in psychiatric disorders. Markers of glutamatergic terminals, vGlut1, 2 and 3,
      reflect inputs from specific forebrain and midbrain regions. Punctate staining of
      vGlut2 was homogeneous throughout the mouse DR whereas vGlut1 and vGlut3 puncta
      were less dense in the lateral wing (lwDR) compared with the ventromedial (vmDR)
      subregion. The distribution of glutamate terminals was consistent with the lower
      miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency found in the lwDR; however,
      it was not predictive of glutamatergic synaptic input with local activity intact,
      as spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) frequency was higher in
      the lwDR. We examined the morphology of recorded cells to determine if variations
      in dendrite structure contributed to differences in synaptic input. Although lwDR
      neurons had longer, more complex dendrites than vmDR neurons, glutamatergic input
      was not correlated with dendrite length in the lwDR, suggesting that dendrite
      length did not contribute to subregional differences in sEPSC frequency. Overall,
      glutamatergic input in the DR was the result of selective innervation of
      subpopulations of 5-HT neurons and was rooted in the topography of DR neurons and
      the activity of glutamate neurons located within the midbrain slice. Increased
      glutamatergic input to lwDR cells potentially synergizes with previously reported
      increased intrinsic excitability of lwDR cells to increase 5-HT output in lwDR
      target regions. Because the vmDR and lwDR are involved in unique circuits,
      subregional differences in glutamate modulation may result in diverse effects on
      5-HT output in stress-related psychopathology.

PMID- 22098250
TI  - Effect of copper hydroxide sprays for citrus canker control on wild-type
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - AIMS:   To show that application of copper hydroxide citrus sprays mixed with
      field source water (possibly contaminated) will not support Escherichia coli on
      plant surfaces. Environmental stresses of transient phyllosphere bacteria and
      presence of copper will eradicate these bacteria before harvest. METHODS AND
      RESULTS:   Studies were performed in vitro with bacteria grown in broth and then
      subjected to field spray copper hydroxide concentrations in the broth and on
      citrus leaves. Escherichia coli exposed to copper hydroxide in vitro were
      eradicated from the broth within 6-8 h depending on the broth pH. Even with near
      neutral pH (7.2), cells began to die immediately after exposure to copper. No E.
      coli survived on leaf surfaces sprayed with copper. CONCLUSIONS:   Copper field
      sprays mixed with water that may contain E. coli can help eliminate E. coli from
      plant surfaces. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   HACCP mandates are
      becoming more restrictive because of the increased illness resulting from food
      pathogens on fresh produce. Use of potable water in fields, a proposed mandate,
      is not feasible for large grove owners. These data show that copper sprays aimed
      at reducing citrus canker also affect E. coli and may help to ease water quality
      mandates.

PMID- 22098251
TI  - Preconditioning donor liver with Nodosin perfusion lessens rat ischemia
      reperfusion injury via heme oxygenase-1 upregulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major cause of
      graft injury, dysfunction and even failure post-transplantation. Heme oxygenase 1
      (HO-1) has been found to be an attractive target for anti-inflammatory therapies
      and a potential candidate responsible for cell injury. The objective of this
      study was to investigate whether preconditioning the donor liver with Nodosin
      perfusion upregulates HO-1 and then lessens IRI in rat models. METHODS: Wistar
      rats were divided into four groups: experimental group, control group, positive
      control group and negative control group in which the donor liver was
      preconditioned with Nodosin, lactated ringer's solution, cobalt protoporphyrin
      and zinc protoporphyrin perfusion, respectively. We measured HO-1 expression and
      enzyme activity in rat livers of each group ex vivo at 0, 1 and 2 h after
      perfusion. At 1 h after perfusion, donor livers of Wistar rats were transplanted
      into Sprague-Dawley rats orthotopically. Serum transaminase levels, degree of
      cell apoptosis and Suzuki's score were used to assess ischemia/reperfusion injury
      in recipients at 24 h after transplantation. RESULTS: Ex vivo, donor liver
      preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion induced HO-1 expression and enzyme
      activity significantly, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In vivo,
      serum transaminase levels, cell apoptosis degree and Suzuki's score of
      representative recipients in the Nodosin group were lower than that in the
      control group (P < 0.05). Preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion induced HO-1
      protein mainly in Kupffer cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
      preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion provides a potential protective effect
      through inducing HO-1 expression to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury in
      liver transplantation.

PMID- 22098252
TI  - Predictive factors of PACU stay after herniorraphy in infant: a classification
      and regression tree analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Herniorraphy is a common surgical intervention in infants,
      particularly in those born prematurely. Prematurity and perioperative sedation
      have been shown to be risk factors for postoperative apnea. However, their
      influence upon PACU stay duration has not been evaluated. The goal of this study
      was to investigate predictive factors for PACU stay in infants undergoing
      herniorraphy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of
      perioperative data in infants <6 months of age undergoing herniorraphy during the
      period November 2007-November 2009. Collected data included age, gestational age
      at birth, post-conceptional age, weight, weight at birth, type of anesthesia
      (spinal vs general), perioperative administration of opioids and paracetamol,
      duration of surgery, duration of PACU stay, and apnea in PACU. Data analysis used
      classification and regression trees (CART) with a 10-fold cross-validation.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-six patients were included in the analysis. Five
      parameters were found to predict the duration of PACU stay: a post-conceptional
      age below 45 weeks, prematurity, general anesthesia, postoperative opioid
      administration, and the use of intraoperative regional analgesia. CRT method
      allows constructing a decision tree with eight terminal nodes. The percentage of
      explained variability of the model and the cross-validation were 79.7% and 76.6%,
      respectively. DISCUSSION: Our study allows construction of an accurate predictive
      tree for PACU stay during herniorraphy in infants <6 months. Parameters found to
      influence the duration of PACU stay were related to anesthesia techniques and
      perinatal outcomes.

PMID- 22098253
TI  - Bacteriology of hidradenitis suppurativa exacerbations and deep tissue cultures
      obtained during carbon dioxide laser treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown different bacteria in hidradenitis
      suppurativa (HS) lesions, but the literature regarding bacteria in acute
      exacerbation of HS is sparse. OBJECTIVES: To determine the type of bacteria
      isolated from HS lesions during exacerbations of the disease. METHODS: Patients
      with HS with acute nodules or abscesses were examined and treated by carbon
      dioxide laser vaporization. Bacterial samples for aerobic and anaerobic cultures
      were taken from the skin surface (before surgery) and then from the deeper layers
      (during surgery) of the lesions. At each level two samples were taken, one with a
      punch biopsy and one by pressing a soft agar gel against the skin. The bacterial
      findings were typed and quantified. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients (eight women
      and two men), with a mean age of 37.2 years and a mean HS duration of 14.5 years,
      were included. All of them had an ongoing exacerbation (mean duration 5.6 days)
      of their HS, with one inflamed lesion that was treated by carbon dioxide laser
      vaporization. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were found in the deep
      layers in all 10 patients. Nine of the patients carried Corynebacterium spp. and
      two alpha-haemolytic streptococci at various levels. Among the anaerobic
      microorganisms, Gram-positive cocci were the most common bacteria. CONCLUSIONS:
      As found in a previous study, CNS were the most common bacteria, but contrary to
      what we expected, Staphylococcus aureus was not found in any cultures from acute
      inflammatory nodules of HS exacerbations.

PMID- 22098254
TI  - Surface characterization, collagen adsorption and cell behaviour on poly(L
      lactide-co-glycolide).
AB  - Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) was modified through the adsorption of
      collagen to improve the behaviour of fibroblasts and osteoblasts. As reference
      materials cell-resistant polystyrene (PS) and cell-conductive tissue-culture
      polystyrene (TCPS) were also evaluated. The physicochemical surface properties of
      the materials were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic
      force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle measurements. The morphology of
      cells was examined using optical microscopy, while their growth was evaluated by
      both crystal violet and MTT tests. Nitric oxide level and protein concentration
      were tested in cell supernatants. The results showed that the adsorbed amount and
      the organization of the adsorbed collagen were influenced by surface
      hydrophobicity. Cell culture experiments on native substrates revealed that cell
      attachment, spreading and growth enhanced, depending on the substrate, in the
      following order: PS<PLG<TCPS. Coating the substrates with collagen led to
      distinct changes in the cell behaviour: the cells were more numerous, better
      spread and more homogeneously distributed on the surface compared to the bare
      polymers. Improvements in cell growth and protein secretion were also observed.
      The results obtained show that surface modification of PLG by simple adsorption
      of collagen promotes the distribution and proliferation of fibroblasts and
      osteoblasts.

PMID- 22098255
TI  - Dual involvement of a Medicago truncatula NAC transcription factor in root
      abiotic stress response and symbiotic nodule senescence.
AB  - Legume crops related to the model plant Medicago truncatula can adapt their root
      architecture to environmental conditions, both by branching and by establishing a
      symbiosis with rhizobial bacteria to form nitrogen-fixing nodules. Soil salinity
      is a major abiotic stress affecting plant yield and root growth. Previous
      transcriptomic analyses identified several transcription factors linked to the M.
      truncatula response to salt stress in roots, including NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC)
      encoding genes. Over-expression of one of these transcription factors, MtNAC969,
      induced formation of a shorter and less-branched root system, whereas RNAi
      mediated MtNAC969 inactivation promoted lateral root formation. The altered root
      system of over-expressing plants was able to maintain its growth under high
      salinity, and roots in which MtNAC969 was down-regulated showed improved growth
      under salt stress. Accordingly, expression of salt stress markers was decreased
      or induced in MtNAC969 over-expressing or RNAi roots, respectively, suggesting a
      repressive function for this transcription factor in the salt-stress response.
      Expression of MtNAC969 in central symbiotic nodule tissues was induced by nitrate
      treatment, and antagonistically affected by salt in roots and nodules, similarly
      to senescence markers. MtNAC969 RNAi nodules accumulated amyloplasts in the
      nitrogen-fixing zone, and were prematurely senescent. Therefore, the MtNAC969
      transcription factor, which is differentially affected by environmental cues in
      root and nodules, participates in several pathways controlling adaptation of the
      M. truncatula root system to the environment.

PMID- 22098256
TI  - Structural and functional outcomes after treatment of uveitic macular oedema: an
      optical coherence tomography and multifocal electroretinogram study.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   The aim was to evaluate the correlation between the anatomical and
      functional outcomes before and after treatment of uveitic macular oedema.
      METHODS:   Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with uveitic macular oedema were
      included in the present study. Visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) were measured before and after
      treatment of the macular oedema. Correlation analyses between VA, OCT and mfERG
      parameters were performed. RESULTS:   The VA and mfERG measurements showed
      statistically significant improvement after treatment of the macular oedema (p <
      0.01) and OCT-measured central foveal thickness decreased significantly from 434
      +/- 135 um before treatment to 267 +/- 92 um after treatment (p < 0.001).
      Correlation analyses showed that uveitic central foveal thickness before
      treatment was correlated with mfERG N1 response amplitude of area 1 (Spearman's r
      = -0.62, p < 0.001). VA (logMAR) after treatment had a negative correlation with
      the mfERG N1 response amplitude of area 1 (Spearman's r = -0.56, p = 0.001).
      Also, there was no correlation between the final VA and pre-treatment OCT and
      mfERG measurements. CONCLUSION:   This study deals with cystoid macular oedema
      associated with recurrent uveitis. In cystoid macular oedema, the value of mfERG
      before treatment is related to the central foveal thickness and VA. In contrast,
      after treatment the decrease of macular thickness is not always followed by an
      improvement of mfERG and VA. This supports the view that in uveitic macular
      oedema, the decrease in macular thickness after treatment may not be used as a
      predictor of improvement of macular function.

PMID- 22098257
TI  - Comparative cost analysis of housing and case management program for chronically
      ill homeless adults compared to usual care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the costs of a housing and case management program in a
      novel sample-homeless adults with chronic medical illnesses. DATA SOURCE: The
      study used data from multiple sources: (1) electronic medical records for
      hospital, emergency room, and ambulatory medical and mental health visits; (2)
      institutional and regional databases for days in respite centers, jails, or
      prisons; and (3) interviews for days in nursing homes, shelters, substance abuse
      treatment centers, and case manager visits. Total costs were estimated using unit
      costs for each service. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial of 407 homeless
      adults with chronic medical illnesses enrolled at two hospitals in Chicago,
      Illinois, and followed for 18 months. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Compared to usual care,
      the intervention group generated an average annual cost savings of (-)$6,307 per
      person (95 percent CI: -16,616, 4,002; p = .23). Subgroup analyses of chronically
      homeless and those with HIV showed higher per person, annual cost savings of (
      )$9,809 and (-)$6,622, respectively. Results were robust to sensitivity analysis
      using unit costs. CONCLUSION: The findings of this comprehensive, comparative
      cost analyses demonstrated an important average annual savings, though in this
      underpowered study these savings did not achieve statistical significance.

PMID- 22098258
TI  - Thermal decomposition mechanism of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ionic
      liquid.
AB  - In order to better understand the volatilization process for ionic liquids, the
      vapor evolved from heating the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide
      (EMIM(+)Br(-)) was analyzed via tunable vacuum ultraviolet photoionization time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (VUV-PI-TOFMS) and thermogravimetric analysis mass
      spectrometry (TGA-MS). For this ionic liquid, the experimental results indicate
      that vaporization takes place via the evolution of alkyl bromides and
      alkylimidazoles, presumably through alkyl abstraction via an S(N)2 type
      mechanism, and that vaporization of intact ion pairs or the formation of carbenes
      is negligible. Activation enthalpies for the formation of the methyl and ethyl
      bromides were evaluated experimentally, DeltaH(?)(CH(3)Br) = 116.1 +/- 6.6 kJ/mol
      and DeltaH(?)(CH(3)CH(2)Br) = 122.9 +/- 7.2 kJ/mol, and the results are found to
      be in agreement with calculated values for the S(N)2 reactions. Comparisons of
      product photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves with literature data are in good
      agreement, and ab initio thermodynamics calculations are presented as further
      evidence for the proposed thermal decomposition mechanism. Estimates for the
      enthalpy of vaporization of EMIM(+)Br(-) and, by comparison, 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium bromide (BMIM(+)Br(-)) from molecular dynamics calculations and
      their gas phase enthalpies of formation obtained by G4 calculations yield
      estimates for the ionic liquids' enthalpies of formation in the liquid phase:
      DeltaH(vap)(298 K) (EMIM(+)Br(-)) = 168 +/- 20 kJ/mol, DeltaH(f, gas)(298 K)
      (EMIM(+)Br(-)) = 38.4 +/- 10 kJ/mol, DeltaH(f, liq)(298 K) (EMIM(+)Br(-)) = -130
      +/- 22 kJ/mol, DeltaH(f, gas)(298 K) (BMIM(+)Br(-)) = -5.6 +/- 10 kJ/mol, and
      DeltaH(f, liq)(298 K) (BMIM(+)Br(-)) = -180 +/- 20 kJ/mol.

PMID- 22098261
TI  - The cerebellum generates motor-to-auditory predictions: ERP lesion evidence.
AB  - Forward predictions are crucial in motor action (e.g., catching a ball, or being
      tickled) but may also apply to sensory or cognitive processes (e.g., listening to
      distorted speech or to a foreign accent). According to the "internal forward
      model," the cerebellum generates predictions about somatosensory consequences of
      movements. These predictions simulate motor processes and prepare respective
      cortical areas for anticipated sensory input. Currently, there is very little
      evidence that a cerebellar forward model also applies to other sensory domains.
      In the current study, we address this question by examining the role of the
      cerebellum when auditory stimuli are anticipated as a consequence of a motor act.
      We applied an N100 suppression paradigm and compared the ERP in response to self
      initiated with the ERP response to externally produced sounds. We hypothesized
      that sensory consequences of self-initiated sounds are precisely predicted and
      should lead to an N100 suppression compared with externally produced sounds.
      Moreover, if the cerebellum is involved in the generation of a motor-to-auditory
      forward model, patients with focal cerebellar lesions should not display an N100
      suppression effect. Compared with healthy controls, patients showed a largely
      attenuated N100 suppression effect. The current results suggest that the
      cerebellum forms not only motor-to-somatosensory predictions but also motor-to
      auditory predictions. This extends the cerebellar forward model to other sensory
      domains such as audition.

PMID- 22098260
TI  - Structural integrity of the prefrontal cortex modulates electrocortical
      sensitivity to reward.
AB  - The P300 is a known ERP component assessing stimulus value, including the value
      of a monetary reward. In parallel, the incentive value of reinforcers relies on
      the PFC, a major cortical projection region of the mesocortical reward pathway.
      Here we show a significant positive correlation between P300 response to money
      (vs. no money) with PFC gray matter volume in the OFC, ACC, and dorsolateral and
      ventrolateral PFC in healthy control participants. In contrast, individuals with
      cocaine use disorders showed compromises in both P300 sensitivity to money and
      PFC gray matter volume in the ventrolateral PFC and OFC and their
      interdependence. These results document for the first time the importance of gray
      matter structural integrity of subregions of PFC to the reward-modulated P300
      response.

PMID- 22098262
TI  - Motor simulation during action word processing in neurosurgical patients.
AB  - The role that human motor areas play in linguistic processing is the subject of a
      stimulating debate. Data from nine neurosurgical patients with selective lesions
      of the precentral and postcentral sulcus could provide a direct answer as to
      whether motor area activation is necessary for action word processing. Action
      related verbs (face-, hand-, and feet-related verbs plus neutral verbs) silently
      read were processed for (i) motor imagery by vividness ratings and (ii) frequency
      ratings. Although no stimulus- or task-dependent modulation was found in the RTs
      of healthy controls, patients showed a task * stimulus interaction resulting in a
      stimulus-dependent somatotopic pattern of RTs for the imagery task. A lesion
      affecting a part of the cortex that represents a body part also led to slower RTs
      during the creation of mental images for verbs describing actions involving that
      same body part. By contrast, no category-related differences were seen in the
      frequency judgment task. This task-related dissociation suggests that the
      sensorimotor area is critically involved in processing action verbs only when
      subjects are simulating the corresponding movement. These findings have important
      implications for the ongoing discussion regarding the involvement of the
      sensorimotor cortex in linguistic processing.

PMID- 22098263
TI  - Persistent neuronal firing in primary somatosensory cortex in the absence of
      working memory of trial-specific features of the sample stimuli in a haptic
      working memory task.
AB  - Previous studies suggested that primary somatosensory (SI) neurons in well
      trained monkeys participated in the haptic-haptic unimodal delayed matching-to
      sample (DMS) task. In this study, 585 SI neurons were recorded in monkeys
      performing a task that was identical to that in the previous studies but without
      requiring discrimination and active memorization of specific features of a
      tactile or visual memorandum. A substantial number of those cells significantly
      changed their firing rate in the delay compared with the baseline, and some of
      them showed differential delay activity. These firing changes are similar to
      those recorded from monkeys engaged in active (working) memory. We conclude that
      the delay activity is not necessarily only observed as was generally thought in
      the situation of active memorization of different features between memoranda
      after those features have been actively discriminated. The delay activity
      observed in this study appears to be an intrinsic property of SI neurons and
      suggests that there exists a neural network in SI (the primary sensory cortex)
      for haptic working memory no matter whether the difference in features of
      memoranda needs to be memorized in the task or not. Over 400 SI neurons were also
      recorded in monkeys well-trained to discriminate two memoranda in the haptic
      haptic DMS task for comparison of delay firing of SI neurons between the two
      different working memory tasks used in this study. The similarity observed in
      those two situations suggests that working memory uses already-existing memory
      apparatus by activating it temporarily. Our data also suggest that, through
      training (repetitive exposure to the stimulus), SI neurons may increase their
      involvement in the working memory of the memorandum.

PMID- 22098264
TI  - Feeling without seeing? Engagement of ventral, but not dorsal, amygdala during
      unaware exposure to emotional faces.
AB  - The ability to selectively perceive items in the environment may be modulated by
      the emotional content of those items. The neural mechanism that underlies the
      privileged processing of emotionally salient content is poorly understood. Here,
      using fMRI, we investigated this issue via a binocular rivalry procedure when
      face stimuli depicting fearful or neutral expressions competed for awareness with
      a house. Results revealed an interesting dissociation in the amygdala during
      rivalry condition: Whereas its dorsal component exhibited dominant activation to
      aware fearful faces, a ventral component was more active during the suppression
      of fearful faces. Moreover, during rivalry, the dorsal and ventral components of
      the amygdala were coupled with segregated cortical activations in the brainstem
      and medial PFC, respectively. In summary, this study points to a differential
      involvement of two clusters within the amygdala and their connected networks in
      naturally occurring perceptual biases of emotional content in faces.

PMID- 22098259
TI  - Bacterial adaptation of respiration from oxic to microoxic and anoxic conditions:
      redox control.
AB  - Under a shortage of oxygen, bacterial growth can be faced mainly by two ATP
      generating mechanisms: (i) by synthesis of specific high-affinity terminal
      oxidases that allow bacteria to use traces of oxygen or (ii) by utilizing other
      substrates as final electron acceptors such as nitrate, which can be reduced to
      dinitrogen gas through denitrification or to ammonium. This bacterial respiratory
      shift from oxic to microoxic and anoxic conditions requires a regulatory strategy
      which ensures that cells can sense and respond to changes in oxygen tension and
      to the availability of other electron acceptors. Bacteria can sense oxygen by
      direct interaction of this molecule with a membrane protein receptor (e.g., FixL)
      or by interaction with a cytoplasmic transcriptional factor (e.g., Fnr). A third
      type of oxygen perception is based on sensing changes in redox state of molecules
      within the cell. Redox-responsive regulatory systems (e.g., ArcBA, RegBA/PrrBA,
      RoxSR, RegSR, ActSR, ResDE, and Rex) integrate the response to multiple signals
      (e.g., ubiquinone, menaquinone, redox active cysteine, electron transport to
      terminal oxidases, and NAD/NADH) and activate or repress target genes to
      coordinate the adaptation of bacterial respiration from oxic to anoxic
      conditions. Here, we provide a compilation of the current knowledge about
      proteins and regulatory networks involved in the redox control of the respiratory
      adaptation of different bacterial species to microxic and anoxic environments.

PMID- 22098265
TI  - The prefrontal cortex and oculomotor delayed response: a reconsideration of the
      "mnemonic scotoma".
AB  - The concept of the "mnemonic scotoma," a spatially circumscribed region of
      working memory impairment produced by unilateral lesions of the PFC, is central
      to the view that PFC is critical for the short-term retention of information.
      Presented here, however, are previously unpublished data that offer an
      alternative, nonmnemonic interpretation of this pattern of deficit. In their
      study, Wajima and Sawaguchi [Wajima, K., & Sawaguchi, T. The role of GABAergic
      inhibiton in suppressing perseverative responses in the monkey prefrontal cortex.
      Neuroscience Research, 50(Suppl. 1), P3-P317, 2004] applied the GABA(A)
      antagonist bicuculline methiodide unilaterally to the PFC of two monkeys while
      they performed an oculomotor delayed-response task. Consistent with previous
      studies, errors for the initial memory-guided saccade were markedly higher when
      the cued location fell into the region of the visual field affected by the
      infusion. These erroneous saccades tended to select an alternative target
      location (out of a possible 16) that had not been cued on that trial. By
      extending the analysis window, however, it was observed that the second,
      "corrective" saccade often acquired the location that had been cued on that
      trial. Further analysis of the erroneous initial saccades indicated that they
      tended to be directed to a location that had been relevant on the previous trial.
      Thus, the deficit was not one of "forgetting" the cued location. Rather, it was
      one of selecting between currently and previously relevant locations. These
      findings suggest a need for a reconsideration of the concept of the mnemonic
      scotoma, which in turn invites a reconsideration of functional interpretations of
      sustained neuronal activity in PFC.

PMID- 22098266
TI  - Explaining how brain stimulation can evoke memories.
AB  - An unexplained phenomenon in neuroscience is the discovery that electrical
      stimulation in temporal neocortex can cause neurosurgical patients to
      spontaneously experience memory retrieval. Here we provide the first detailed
      examination of the neural basis of stimulation-induced memory retrieval by
      probing brain activity in a patient who reliably recalled memories of his high
      school (HS) after stimulation at a site in his left temporal lobe. After
      stimulation, this patient performed a customized memory task in which he was
      prompted to retrieve information from HS and non-HS topics. At the one site where
      stimulation evoked HS memories, remembering HS information caused a distinctive
      pattern of neural activity compared with retrieving non-HS information. Together,
      these findings suggest that the patient had a cluster of neurons in his temporal
      lobe that help represent the "high school-ness" of the current cognitive state.
      We believe that stimulation here evoked HS memories because it altered local
      neural activity in a way that partially mimicked the normal brain state for HS
      memories. More broadly, our findings suggest that brain stimulation can evoke
      memories by recreating neural patterns from normal cognition.

PMID- 22098267
TI  - Are lapsed donors willing to resume blood donation, and what determines their
      motivation to do so?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the possibility of rerecruiting lapsed blood
      donors. Reasons for donation cessation, motivation to restart donation, and
      modifiable components of donation motivation were examined. We distinguished
      between lapsed donors who had passively withdrawn by merely not responding to
      donation invitations and donors who had contacted the blood bank to actively
      withdraw. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was sent to 400
      actively lapsed donors and to 400 passively lapsed donors, measuring intention to
      restart donation and psychological correlates of restart intention. The data were
      analyzed using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: The response rate among
      actively lapsed donors was higher than among passively lapsed donors (37% vs.
      25%). Actively lapsed donors typically ceased donating because of physical
      reactions, while passively lapsed donors quit because of a busy lifestyle.
      Nonetheless, 51% of actively lapsed responders and 80% of passively lapsed
      responders were willing to restart donations. Multiple regression analysis showed
      that, for passively lapsed donors, cognitive attitude was the strongest correlate
      of intention to donate in the future (beta=0.605, p<0.001), with affective
      attitude (beta=0.239, p<0.05) and self-efficacy (beta=0.266, p<0.001) explaining
      useful proportions of the variance as well. For actively lapsed donors, cognitive
      attitude was also the strongest correlate of intention (beta=0.601, p<0.001),
      with affective attitude (beta=0.345, p<0.001) and moral norm (beta=-0.118,
      p<0.05) explaining smaller proportions of the variance. CONCLUSION: The majority
      of lapsed donors indicated a moderate to high intention to restart donations.
      Interventions focusing on boosting cognitive and affective attitudes and self
      efficacy could further raise such intentions.

PMID- 22098269
TI  - Pump-intensity- and shell-thickness-dependent evolution of photoluminescence
      blinking in individual core/shell CdSe/CdS nanocrystals.
AB  - We report a systematic study of photoluminescence (PL) intensity and lifetime
      fluctuations in individual CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) as
      a function of shell thickness. We show that while at low pump intensities PL
      blinking in thin-shell (4-7 monolayers, MLs) NQDs can be described by random
      switching between two states of high (ON) and low (OFF) emissivities, it changes
      to the regime with a continuous distribution of ON intensity levels at high pump
      powers. A similar behavior is observed in samples with a medium shell thickness
      (10-12 MLs) without, however, the PL intensity ever switching to a complete "OFF"
      state and maintaining ca. 30% emissivity ("gray" state). Further, our data
      indicate that highly stable, blinking-free PL of thick-shell (15-19 MLs) NQDs
      ("giant" or g-NQDs) is characterized by nearly perfect Poisson statistics,
      corresponding to a narrow, shot-noise limited PL intensity distribution.
      Interestingly, in this case the PL lifetime shortens with increasing pump power
      and the PL decay may deviate from monoexponential. However, the PL intensity
      distribution remains shot-noise limited, indicating the absence of significant
      quantum yield fluctuations at a given pump power intensity during the
      experimental time window.

PMID- 22098270
TI  - Impaired renal function in morbid obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Obesity is a common risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). NAFLD and CKD have been
      associated in many epidemiological studies. We hypothesize that more severe liver
      disease, namely nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is related with further
      renal impairment. We aimed to evaluate if changes in renal function were present
      in morbid obese patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Prospective and consecutive
      recruitment of morbid obese patients with biopsy proven NAFLD obtained during
      bariatric surgery. Renal function was evaluated with CKD-Epidemiology
      Collaboration estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Plasmatic adiponectin,
      leptin and active ghrelin concentrations were determined. RESULTS: One hundred
      and forty-eight patients were included of whom 25% had NASH and 75% simple
      steatosis. NASH patients were older, with higher body mass index and had more
      frequently metabolic syndrome and lower eGFR (97 +/- 22 vs 106 +/- 16
      ml/min/1.73(2), P = 0.035). NASH conferred an odds ratio (OR) 3.0 (1.3-7.0) for
      eGFR < 90 and OR 9.7 (1.0-96.4) for eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73(2). eGFR < 90
      ml/min/1.73(2) associated with aspartate aminotransferase [OR 2.9 (1.1-7.6)] and
      gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase elevation [OR 3.0 (1.3-7.2)], NASH [OR 3.0 (1.3
      7.0)], any lobular inflammatory activity [OR 3.0 (1.3-7.0)] and severe fibrosis
      [OR 3.4 (1.1-10.8)]. Neither eGFR nor liver histology was associated with
      adipokines levels. CONCLUSIONS: In morbid obese patients, NASH, particularly
      lobular inflammation and advanced fibrosis, associates with mild decreases in
      eGFR, suggesting a common inflammatory link between liver and renal lesion.

PMID- 22098271
TI  - Concanavalin-A induces IL-17 production during the course of Candida albicans
      infection.
AB  - In a previous study, our group verified that 100% of mice survived to a lethal
      dose of Candida albicans following pretreatment with concanavalin-A (Con-A) for 3
      days. This work proposed to investigate whether treatment could mediate an
      adaptative immune response involving T(H) 17 cells. A significant increase in IL
      17 levels at 6 h postinfection was observed and was maintained up to 18 h in the
      Con-A group, whereas in control mice, a reduction in this cytokine was verified.
      In addition, T(H) 17 cells develop in the presence of TGF-beta, IL-1 beta, and IL
      6 that were increased significantly 2 h postinfection in Con-A-treated mice.
      Macrophages were involved in the process, engulfing greater numbers of yeast
      cells, and were activated through TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma produced at
      significant levels at 2 h postinfection. A significant increase in IL-12 levels
      was also observed at 2 h postinfection. Thus, activated macrophages were probably
      more capable of killing and processing Candida antigens, signalizing an
      adaptative immune response. Macrophages from controls did not prevent yeast-to
      hyphae transition and were partially destroyed, as shown in scanning microscopy.
      These results suggest that treatment with Con-A facilitated the triggering of
      T(H) 17 and T(H) 1 responses via IL-17 and IFN-gamma production, leading to the
      resolution of C. albicans infection.

PMID- 22098272
TI  - Rifaximin improves thrombocytopenia in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis in
      association with reduction of endotoxaemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a major haematological disorder of cirrhosis with
      unclear pathogenesis. Endotoxaemia resulting from intestinal bacterial overgrowth
      could reduce platelet counts directly or through cytokine release. AIMS: To
      correlate endotoxaemia with platelet counts and study the effects of intestinal
      decontamination with rifaximin on thrombocytopenia in relation to changes in
      endotoxin and cytokine concentrations in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.
      METHODS: Platelet counts, plasma endotoxin levels and serum interleukin-1 (IL-1),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were
      measured in 23 thrombocytopenic cirrhotic patients (platelet count<150 000/MUl)
      before and after 4-week treatment with rifaximin 1200 mg/d (n = 13) or no
      treatment (n = 10) and at baseline in 10 cirrhotic patients without
      thrombocytopenia; spleen size was measured at baseline in all patients. RESULTS:
      Endotoxin and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with
      thrombocytopenia than in those without thrombocytopenia (2.76 +/- 0.69 vs. 0.64
      +/- 0.09 EU/ml; P < 0.001 and 24.26 +/- 3.38 vs. 2.66 +/- 0.74 pg/ml; P = 0.001
      respectively). Platelet counts were inversely correlated with endotoxin levels (r
      = -0.589; P = 0.003), Child-Pugh score (r = -0.625; P = 0.001), IL-6 levels (r = 
      0.464; P = 0.02) and spleen size (r = -0.455; P = 0.02) in patients with
      thrombocytopenia. Following rifaximin, platelet counts increased significantly
      (83 100 +/- 9700 vs. 99 600 +/- 11 200/MUl; P = 0.006) in line with significant
      reductions in endotoxin (1.28 +/- 0.41 vs. 2.54 +/- 0.86 EU/ml; P = 0.005), IL-1
      (3.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.2 pg/ml; P = 0.04), IL-6 (12.8 +/- 2.5 vs. 21.1 +/-
      4.2 pg/ml; P = 0.01) and TNF-alpha (3.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 5.8 +/- 1.7; P = 0.02)
      levels. Platelet count changes were correlated with the changes in endotoxin (r =
      0.573; P = 0.04), TNF-alpha (r = 0.554; P = 0.05) and IL-6 (r = 0.495; P = 0.07)
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: Rifaximin improves cirrhosis-related thrombocytopenia and
      this could be related with the reduction of endotoxaemia.

PMID- 22098274
TI  - Optical sensing by transforming chromophoric silver clusters in DNA nanoreactors.
AB  - Bifunctional DNA oligonucleotides serve as templates for chromophoric silver
      clusters and as recognition sites for target DNA strands, and communication
      between these two components is the basis of an oligonucleotide sensor. Few-atom
      silver clusters exhibit distinct electronic spectra spanning the visible and near
      infrared region, and they are selectively synthesized by varying the base
      sequence of the DNA template. In these studies, a 16-base cluster template is
      adjoined with a 12-base sequence complementary to the target analyte, and
      hybridization induces structural changes in the composite sensor that direct the
      conversion between two spectrally and stoichiometrically distinct clusters.
      Without its complement, the sensor strand selectively harbors ~7 Ag atoms that
      absorb at 400 nm and fold the DNA host. Upon association of the target with its
      recognition site, the sensor strand opens to expose the cluster template that has
      the binding site for ~11 Ag atoms, and absorption at 720 nm with relatively
      strong emission develops in lieu of the violet absorption. Variations in the
      length and composition of the recognition site and the cluster template indicate
      that these types of dual-component sensors provide a general platform for near
      infrared-based detection of oligonucleotides in challenging biological
      environments.

PMID- 22098276
TI  - Quality of bladder cancer care in the USA.

PMID- 22098278
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of raltegravir in HIV/AIDS.
AB  - Raltegravir is a first-in-class HIV-1 integrase inhibitor with established
      antiviral efficacy in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with
      multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. In this article, we summarize
      pharmacoeconomic evaluations of raltegravir-based treatment regimens, compared
      with alternative therapies, in the treatment of patients with HIV infection
      and/or AIDS. Cost-effectiveness evaluations of raltegravir in treatment
      experienced patients conducted using a continuous-time, state-transition Markov
      cohort model suggest that raltegravir, combined with optimized background
      therapy, falls within the range that would generally be considered cost effective
      compared with optimized therapy alone in Spanish, Swiss and UK health systems. In
      treatment-naive populations, raltegravir was evaluated using a three-stage
      continuous-time state-transition cohort model. Raltegravir-based initiation
      treatment strategies (first-line raltegravir) were compared with protease
      inhibitor and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor initiation
      strategies, in which raltegravir was retained for salvage therapy. First-line
      raltegravir was cost-effective versus retaining raltegravir for salvage therapy
      in several European populations. A separate economic model was used to evaluate
      first-line raltegravir against two alternative initiation regimens representing
      standard clinical practice in Australia; raltegravir proved to be cost effective
      in both scenarios. In all studies examined, results were sensitive to factors
      including treatment duration, mortality rate, analytic time horizon, health
      utility weights, cost of raltegravir and optimized therapy, incidence of
      opportunistic infection and discount rates. Nonetheless, raltegravir remained
      cost effective under most scenarios.

PMID- 22098273
TI  - New insights into the mechanisms of green tea catechins in the chemoprevention of
      prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second most common
      cause of cancer deaths in American men. Its long latency, slow progression, and
      high incidence rate make prostate cancer ideal for targeted chemopreventative
      therapies. Therefore, chemoprevention studies and clinical trials are essential
      for reducing the burden of prostate cancer on society. Epidemiological studies
      suggest that tea consumption has protective effects against a variety of human
      cancers, including that of the prostate. Laboratory and clinical studies have
      demonstrated that green tea components, specifically the green tea catechin (GTC)
      epigallocatechin gallate, can induce apoptosis, suppress progression, and inhibit
      invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer. Multiple mechanisms are involved in
      the chemoprevention of prostate cancer with GTCs; understanding and refining
      models of fundamental molecular pathways by which GTCs modulate prostate
      carcinogenesis is essential to apply the utilization of green tea for the
      chemoprevention of prostate cancer in clinical settings. The objective of this
      article is to review and summarize the most current literature focusing on the
      major mechanisms of GTC chemopreventative action on prostate cancer from
      laboratory, in vitro, and in vivo studies, and clinical chemoprevention trials.

PMID- 22098279
TI  - Universal coverage with rising healthcare costs; health outcomes research value
      in decision-making in Latin America.
AB  - This is a short summary of the two plenary sessions held at the International
      Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Latin American
      Conference in Mexico City (Mexico) in September 2011, with 477 registrants and
      235 accepted abstract submissions. The first asked how attainable universal
      coverage is in the face of rising costs of health technologies; and the second
      considered the value of health outcomes research to decision-makers. This
      conference provided a scientific forum where researchers, health technology
      producers and public and private decision-makers shared their experiences and
      research in the field of health economic evaluations, health technology
      assessment and patient-reported outcomes/health-related quality of life studies.
      It was the third biennial regional meeting in Latin America, the next one being
      in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 2013.

PMID- 22098280
TI  - Quality of life in cancer clinical trials: researchers, patients and policy
      makers.
AB  - The second symposium of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of
      Cancer took place in September 2011 at the European Parliament in Brussels
      (Belgium). The aim of the symposium was to discuss a wide range of topics in
      health-related quality of life, symptom research and cancer clinical trials,
      including their design, implementation and analysis. Faculty and attendees
      included key opinion leaders in their fields, among them many Editorial Board
      members of Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, along with EU
      legislators and European patient groups, allowing increased collaboration between
      these different stakeholders in quality-of-life research in cancer clinical
      trials.

PMID- 22098281
TI  - The relevance of severity scores in predicting outcome after cardiac arrest.
AB  - Cardiac arrest is a major health and economic problem, with a mortality rate
      remaining unacceptably high. Prediction of outcome in this setting, especially if
      determined in the early phase after hospital admission, would allow clinicians to
      prioritize rapid therapeutic interventions, to better stratify patients' severity
      of illness, to reconsider the intensity of care and to readdress resource
      utilization. This article focuses on the possibility of using a severity-of
      illness score, combining the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and the
      Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score, to predict morbidity and mortality after
      cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22098282
TI  - Protocol-driven costs in trial-based pharmacoeconomic analyses.
AB  - Many authors and guidelines have proposed to exclude protocol-driven costs from
      cost-effectiveness analyses alongside clinical trials because they do not occur
      in clinical practice. This article, however, argues that only costs to improve
      patient adherence can be excluded, as the underlying protocol-driven activities
      have a clearly distinguishable cost and utility impact (most of the time). All
      other protocol-driven costs need to be included because the cost and utility
      impact of the underlying protocol-driven activities cannot be easily separated.

PMID- 22098283
TI  - Advancing PROMIS's methodology: results of the Third Patient-Reported Outcomes
      Measurement Information System (PROMIS((r))) Psychometric Summit.
AB  - In 2002, the NIH launched the 'Roadmap for Medical Research'. The Patient
      Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS((r))) is one of the
      Roadmap's key aspects. To create the next generation of patient-reported outcome
      measures, PROMIS utilizes item response theory (IRT) and computerized adaptive
      testing. In 2009, the NIH funded the second wave of PROMIS studies (PROMIS II).
      PROMIS II studies continue PROMIS's agenda, but also include new features,
      including longitudinal analyses and more sociodemographically diverse samples.
      PROMIS II also includes increased emphasis on pediatric populations and
      evaluation of PROMIS item banks for clinical research and population science.
      These aspects bring new psychometric challenges. To address this, investigators
      associated with PROMIS gathered at the Third Psychometric Summit in September
      2010 to identify, describe and discuss pressing psychometric issues and new
      developments in the field, as well as make analytic recommendations for PROMIS.
      The summit addressed five general themes: linking, differential item functioning,
      dimensionality, IRT models for longitudinal applications and new IRT software. In
      this article, we review the discussions and presentations that occurred at the
      Third PROMIS Psychometric Summit.

PMID- 22098284
TI  - Radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
AB  - Radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) are common and troublesome
      symptoms experienced by patients undergoing radiotherapy. Although quality of
      life and symptom control now figure prominently in evaluations of cancer
      therapies, progress in RINV research and clinical prevention has been slow. This
      article summarizes the major guidelines for the prevention of RINV; their
      structure, recommendations, evidence base and notable issues. It also examines
      the current challenges and controversies related to RINV clinical management and
      research, and provides possible solutions for them that could ultimately lead to
      better patient care.

PMID- 22098285
TI  - The EORTC QLQ-BN20 for assessment of quality of life in patients receiving
      treatment or prophylaxis for brain metastases: a literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Brain metastases occur in approximately 20-40% of cancer patients
      during the course of disease. As treatment for brain metastases is palliative
      over curative, quality of life (QoL) is emphasized over prolonged survival. The
      European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-BN20 is a
      QoL assessment specific to brain neoplasms. We aim to provide a review of the
      current use of the EORTC QLQ-BN20 for patients with brain metastases. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: All studies utilizing the QLQ-BN20 for QoL assessment in patients
      receiving treatments related to brain metastases were included. Study information
      including treatment type, assessment periods, patient enrolment and all
      information pertaining to the QLQ-BN20 were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 13
      studies were identified, five of which were randomized trials assessing
      prophylactic whole brain radiation for patients with small-cell lung cancer. The
      QLQ-BN20 was used in conjunction with the core QLQ-C30 questionnaire in all but
      one of the studies and together these comprised the entire QoL assessments for 11
      of the 13 studies. Neurocognitive function assessments supplemented QoL in four
      studies and accompanying performance status indices used with the QLQ-BN20
      varied. Compliance issues were commonly cited. QoL changes during study periods
      varied as improvements, deteriorations and stabilizations were all observed.
      CONCLUSION: QoL assessments should be conducted using disease-specific tools.
      Future studies should minimize patient burden in order to maximize data
      collection and accrual. A common set of QoL end points for patients with brain
      metastases should be created.

PMID- 22098286
TI  - FACT-Br for assessment of quality of life in patients receiving treatment for
      brain metastases: a literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Brain metastases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality
      for patients with advanced cancers, and quality-of-life (QoL) end points are most
      appropriate for this population. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy
      (FACT) questionnaires are commonly used to assess cancer-related QoL issues. The
      FACT-Brain (FACT-Br) provides an additional set of disease-specific questions
      pertaining to brain neoplasms. We aim to provide a comprehensive review to
      examine the use of the FACT-Br as a QoL assessment for patients with brain
      metastases. MATERIALS & METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted and all
      studies utilizing the FACT-Br for QoL assessment of patients with brain
      metastases were included. Study information and relevant information regarding
      the FACT-Br were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were identified
      representing various treatment options (radiation, chemotherapy and surgery) for
      patients with brain metastases. All studies utilized at least part of the FACT-Br
      as the main QoL assessment. In addition, neurocognitive and performance status
      assessments were performed in nine and 12 out of 14 studies, respectively. Issues
      of poor accrual, compliance and attrition were common and posed problems in
      reaching statistically significant changes in QoL despite changes in raw QoL
      scores. CONCLUSION: Studies involving patients with brain metastases should
      continue to utilize QoL tools such as the FACT-Br; however, this tool still
      requires validation for use in this patient population. Additional studies should
      observe the relationship between neurocognitive function and QoL, and attempt to
      minimize poor accrual and compliance issues through modifications of trial design
      and reduction of patient burden.

PMID- 22098287
TI  - Adherence to long-term adjuvant hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
AB  - Tamoxifen is an essential drug in treating hormone receptor-positive breast
      cancer and has been used successfully for the past three decades. More recently,
      aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have also shown great promise in reducing breast
      cancer recurrence. To receive the optimal benefits, patients need to take these
      drugs for a period of 5 years. Yet, despite the known positive patient outcomes
      associated with their use, adherence to both tamoxifen and AIs is substantially
      less than ideal. This article reviews the most recent literature reporting
      adherence rates for tamoxifen and AIs, as well as correlates of adherence.
      Factors that help to explain nonadherence are reviewed, including the side-effect
      profile, and approaches to intervention to enhance adherence are discussed.

PMID- 22098288
TI  - The impact of diabetes mellitus on healthcare costs in Italy.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common chronic disease that has a great
      impact not only in terms of clinical effects, but also in terms of economic
      burden worldwide. Expenditures due to diabetes derive essentially from direct and
      indirect costs. Current estimates of global healthcare expenditures due to
      diabetes are US$376 billion and are expected to increase to US$490 billion by
      2030. In particular, costs associated with diabetes-related complications
      represent the most relevant part of the national healthcare expenditure for
      diabetes and are higher than the costs of managing diabetes itself. The major
      expenditure depends on the type and the number of complications: cardiovascular
      complications increase direct costs, especially for hospitalization. Moreover,
      diabetic comorbidity has a greater economic impact on the health expenditure in
      comparison with those patients without diabetes. In Europe, the CODE-2 study was
      the first attempt to evaluate the costs of diabetes: the annual costs per patient
      were estimated at ?2384 and the highest value, ?2991, was registered in Italy.
      This indicates an overall annual cost of ?5170 million for the whole Italian
      population with diabetes. Current estimates for 2010 healthcare expenditure for
      diabetes are US$105 billion (10% of total healthcare expenditure, US$2046 per
      person) for the whole European region, and US$11 billion (9% of total healthcare
      expenditure, US$2087 per person) for Italy. More studies are needed in order to
      better define the real significance of the healthcare costs of diabetes in Italy.
      An effective therapy with a good metabolic control can reduce the risk of
      complications and represents a valid strategy from an economic point of view.

PMID- 22098289
TI  - The impact of reference-pricing systems in Europe: a literature review and case
      studies.
AB  - As healthcare budgets are continuously rising in Europe, governments implement a
      wide variety of policies to control them. Reference pricing is a popular tool for
      governments to contain pharmaceutical expenditures, as 22 European countries have
      implemented this system. This article evaluates the impact of reference-pricing
      systems on drug use, drug prices, drug expenditure and health outcomes. In
      addition, two case studies, one for statins and one for proton-pump inhibitors,
      were carried out. Reference pricing drives down prices of drugs subject to the
      system and the use of these drugs has increased. Reference pricing creates short
      term savings but the long-term growth of drug expenditure has not been reduced by
      reference pricing. Health outcomes of patients were not negatively affected by
      the system.

PMID- 22098290
TI  - The burden of diurnal and nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.
AB  - AIMS: To quantify the relationship between the timing of gastroesophageal reflux
      disease (GERD) symptoms and the burden of illness. PATIENTS & METHODS: Data from
      the 2010 National Health and Wellness Survey were used. Regression analyses
      compared non-GERD controls with GERD patients with diurnal symptoms, nocturnal
      symptoms, and both diurnal and nocturnal symptoms, controlling for potential
      confounders. Outcome measures included the Work Productivity and Activity
      Impairment and Short Form-12 questionnaires and reported healthcare resource use.
      RESULTS: All GERD groups demonstrated a substantial burden of illness compared
      with controls, estimated at US$1435 in direct costs and US$3143 in lost
      productivity. Experiencing GERD both day and night was associated with higher
      costs and lower quality of life than experiencing diurnal-only or nocturnal-only
      symptoms. CONCLUSION: Experiencing GERD symptoms both day and night is associated
      with higher costs than experiencing diurnal or nocturnal symptoms alone.

PMID- 22098291
TI  - The quality of three decision-analytic diabetes models: a systematic health
      economic assessment.
AB  - AIMS: Diabetes mellitus has important economic impacts worldwide. Interventions
      to prevent diabetes-related complications are often analyzed using model-based
      cost-effectiveness analyses. As model results are usually influenced by
      structural assumptions and by the data used, decision-makers should be able to
      assess the quality of diabetes models. The aim of this study was to assess the
      quality of selected diabetes models and to determine if modeling recommendations
      by the American Diabetes Association are considered. METHODS: The quality of
      three selected diabetes models (Archimedes Model, CDC Model and Center for
      Outcomes Research [CORE] Diabetes Model) was assessed using systematic methods.
      RESULTS: This systematic approach to assess model quality proved to be feasible
      and highlighted two areas for improvement: the rationale for model structure and
      methods to identify parameter values, which should be presented more
      transparently. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the need for a quality assessment of
      diabetes models is emphasized.

PMID- 22098293
TI  - Perioperative management of the child on long-term opioids.
AB  - The strategies used to manage children exposed to long-term opioids are
      extrapolated from adult literature. Opioid consumption during the perioperative
      period is more than three times that observed in patients not taking chronic
      opioids. A sparing use of opioids in the perioperative period results in both
      poor pain management and withdrawal phenomena. The child's pre-existing opioid
      requirement should be maintained, and acute pain associated with operative
      procedures should be managed with additional analgesia. This usually comprises
      short-acting opioids, regional or local anesthesia, and adjuvant therapies. Long
      acting opioids, transdermal opioid patches, and implantable pumps can be used to
      maintain the regular opioid requirement. Intravenous infusion, nurse controlled
      analgesia, patient-controlled analgesia, or oral formulations are invaluable for
      supplemental requirements postoperatively. Effective management requires more
      than simply increasing opioid dose during this time. Collaboration of the child,
      family, and all teams involved is necessary. While chronic pain or palliative
      care teams and other staff experienced with the care of children suffering
      chronic pain may have helpful input, many pediatric hospitals do not have chronic
      pain teams, and many patients receiving long-term opioids are not palliative.
      Acute pain services are appropriate to deal with those on long-term opioids in
      the perioperative setting and do so successfully in many centers. Staff caring
      for such children in the perioperative period should be aware of the challenges
      these children face and be educated before surgery about strategies for
      postoperative management and discharge planning.

PMID- 22098294
TI  - A 3-year longitudinal study of quality-of-life outcomes of elderly patients with
      implant- and tooth-supported fixed partial dentures in posterior dental regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have mainly been focused on oral health-related
      quality-of-life (OHRQoL) outcomes of removable dentures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      therapy of elderly patients with implant-supported fixed partial dentures (IFPD)
      and tooth-supported fixed partial dentures (FPD) in the posterior dental regions.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The OHIP49 was used to measure OHRQoL in 64 patients with
      IFPD and 38 patients with FPD, before, 3 weeks and 3 years after rehabilitation.
      A control group (CG) consisted of 62 individuals. RESULTS: The Oral Health Impact
      Profile questionnaire (OHIP) follow-up scores of the patients with FPD and the
      patients with IFPD were significantly smaller in comparison with the baseline
      scores (p < 0.01). The OHIP scores were further reduced at the 3-year follow-up.
      The patients with IFPD had significantly higher scores than the patients with FPD
      and the CG at the baseline and at the follow-ups. In the patients with FPD, both
      age groups (<=60 and >60) showed equal improvement of the OHRQoL. In the IFPD
      group, patients older than 60 years showed better improvement (p < 0.05). There
      were no significant differences dependent on gender and antagonistic teeth (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The FPD and the IFPD treatment showed significant improvement
      of OHRQoL. The FPD treatment improved OHRQoL equally in both age groups, while
      the IFPD treatment improved OHRQoL better in older patients.

PMID- 22098295
TI  - Developmental regulation of G protein-gated inwardly-rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3)
      channel subunits in the brain.
AB  - G protein-gated inwardly-rectifying K(+)  (GIRK/family 3 of inwardly-rectifying
      K(+) ) channels are coupled to neurotransmitter action and can play important
      roles in modulating neuronal excitability. We investigated the temporal and
      spatial expression of GIRK1, GIRK2 and GIRK3 subunits in the developing and adult
      brain of mice and rats using biochemical, immunohistochemical and immunoelectron
      microscopic techniques. At all ages analysed, the overall distribution patterns
      of GIRK1-3 were very similar, with high expression levels in the neocortex,
      cerebellum, hippocampus and thalamus. Focusing on the hippocampus, histoblotting
      and immunohistochemistry showed that GIRK1-3 protein levels increased with age,
      and this was accompanied by a shift in the subcellular localization of the
      subunits. Early in development (postnatal day 5), GIRK subunits were
      predominantly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in the pyramidal cells, but
      by postnatal day 60 they were mostly found along the plasma membrane. During
      development, GIRK1 and GIRK2 were found primarily at postsynaptic sites, whereas
      GIRK3 was predominantly detected at presynaptic sites. In addition, GIRK1 and
      GIRK2 expression on the spine plasma membrane showed identical proximal-to-distal
      gradients that differed from GIRK3 distribution. Furthermore, although GIRK1 was
      never found within the postsynaptic density (PSD), the level of GIRK2 in the PSD
      progressively increased and GIRK3 did not change in the PSD during development.
      Together, these findings shed new light on the developmental regulation and
      subcellular diversity of neuronal GIRK channels, and support the contention that
      distinct subpopulations of GIRK channels exert separable influences on neuronal
      excitability. The ability to selectively target specific subpopulations of GIRK
      channels may prove effective in the treatment of disorders of excitability.

PMID- 22098297
TI  - Energy decomposition analysis in solution based on the fragment molecular orbital
      method.
AB  - We develop the pair interaction energy decomposition analysis (PIEDA) in solution
      by combining the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method with the polarizable
      continuum model (PCM). The solvent screening of the electrostatic interaction and
      the desolvation penalty in complex formation are described by this approach from
      ab initio calculations of fragments and their pairs. The applications to the
      complex of solvated sodium and chlorine ions, as well as to lysine and aspartic
      acid, show how the analysis helps reveal the physical picture. The PIEDA/PCM
      method is also applied to a small protein chignolin (PDB: 1UAO), and the solvent
      screening of the pair interactions is discussed.

PMID- 22098296
TI  - Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in angiodysplasia: an interventional
      study with thalidomide.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The pathogenesis of angiodysplasia is still not fully
      understood and effective therapy is not available. Thalidomide was reported to be
      effective in the treatment of angiodysplasia, but the mechanisms underlying its
      activity are, as yet, unknown. We aimed to investigate the expression of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiodysplasia tissues, and the role of
      hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and basic fibroblast growth factor
      (bFGF) on VEGF expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).
      Additionally, we aimed to study the role of thalidomide in these parameters.
      METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to visualize VEGF in angiodysplasia
      lesions. HUVEC were incubated under hypoxic conditions or in the presence of
      bFGF. Effects of exposure to thalidomide were studied. Cell growth was assessed
      in methylthiazolyte-trazolium assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and real
      time polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the expression of VEGF at
      protein and mRNA levels. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of
      HIF-1alpha under hypoxic conditions. RESULTS: VEGF was strongly expressed in 75%
      of patients with angiodysplasia lesions, as compared to expression in patients
      without angiodysplasia lesions. VEGF was also induced in HUVEC under hypoxic
      conditions (P < 0.05). bFGF was found to stimulate the proliferation of HUVEC and
      enhance the expression of VEGF. Thalidomide suppressed bFGF-induced proliferation
      significantly and decreased VEGF expression, both at the protein and mRNA levels.
      Thalidomide also inhibited HIF-1alpha in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: VEGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      angiodysplasia. Thalidomide can suppress VEGF, either induced by HIF-1alpha or
      bFGF.

PMID- 22098299
TI  - Evaluating the material parameters of the human cornea in a numerical model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The values of the biomechanical human eyeball model parameters reported
      in the literature are still being disputed. The primary motivation behind this
      work was to predict the material parameters of the cornea through numerical
      simulations and to assess the applicability of the ubiquitously accepted law of
      applanation tonometry - the Imbert-Fick equation. METHODS: Numerical simulations
      of a few states of eyeball loading were run to determine the stroma material
      parameters. In the computations, the elasticity moduli of the material were
      related to the stress sign, instead of the orientation in space. RESULTS: Stroma
      elasticity secant modulus E was predicted to be close to 0.3 MPa. The numerically
      simulated applanation tonometer readings for the cornea with the calibration
      dimensions were found to be lower by 11 mmHg then IOP = 48 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS:
      This discrepancy is the result of a strictly mechanical phenomenon taking place
      in the tensioned and simultaneously flattened corneal shell and is not related to
      the tonometer measuring accuracy. The observed deviation has not been amenable to
      any GAT corrections, contradicting the Imbert-Fick law. This means a new approach
      to the calculation of corrections for GAT readings is needed.

PMID- 22098298
TI  - Mutagenesis of cysteine 81 prevents dimerization of the APS1 subunit of ADP
      glucose pyrophosphorylase and alters diurnal starch turnover in Arabidopsis
      thaliana leaves.
AB  - Many plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana, retain a substantial portion of
      their photosynthate in leaves in the form of starch, which is remobilized to
      support metabolism and growth at night. ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase)
      catalyses the first committed step in the pathway of starch synthesis, the
      production of ADP-glucose. The enzyme is redox-activated in the light and in
      response to sucrose accumulation, via reversible breakage of an intermolecular
      cysteine bridge between the two small (APS1) subunits. The biological function of
      this regulatory mechanism was investigated by complementing an aps1 null mutant
      (adg1) with a series of constructs containing a full-length APS1 gene encoding
      either the wild-type APS1 protein or mutated forms in which one of the five
      cysteine residues was replaced by serine. Substitution of Cys81 by serine
      prevented APS1 dimerization, whereas mutation of the other cysteines had no
      effect. Thus, Cys81 is both necessary and sufficient for dimerization of APS1.
      Compared to control plants, the adg1/APS1(C81S)  lines had higher levels of ADP
      glucose and maltose, and either increased rates of starch synthesis or a starch
      excess phenotype, depending on the daylength. APS1 protein levels were five- to
      tenfold lower in adg1/APS1(C81S)  lines than in control plants. These results
      show that redox modulation of AGPase contributes to the diurnal regulation of
      starch turnover, with inappropriate regulation of the enzyme having an unexpected
      impact on starch breakdown, and that Cys81 may play an important role in the
      regulation of AGPase turnover.

PMID- 22098300
TI  - Oxygen regulates tissue nitrite metabolism.
AB  - AIMS: Once dismissed as an inert byproduct of nitric oxide (NO) auto-oxidation,
      nitrite (NO(2)(-)) is now accepted as an endocrine reservoir of NO that elicits
      biological responses in major organs. While it is known that tissue nitrite is
      derived from NO oxidation and the diet, little is known about how nitrite is
      metabolized by tissue, particularly at intermediate oxygen tensions. We
      investigated the rates and mechanisms of tissue nitrite metabolism over a range
      of oxygen concentrations. RESULTS: We show that the rate of nitrite consumption
      differs in each organ. Further, oxygen regulates the rate and products of nitrite
      metabolism. In anoxia, nitrite is reduced to NO, with significant formation of
      iron-nitrosyl proteins and S-nitrosothiols. This hypoxic nitrite metabolism is
      mediated by different nitrite reductases in each tissue. In contrast, low
      concentrations (~3.5 MUM) of oxygen increase the rate of nitrite consumption by
      shifting nitrite metabolism to oxidative pathways, yielding nitrate. While
      cytochrome P(450) and myoglobin contribute in the liver and heart, respectively,
      mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase plays a significant role in nitrite oxidation,
      which is inhibited by cyanide. Using cyanide to prevent artifactual nitrite
      decay, we measure metabolism of oral and intraperitoneally administered nitrite
      in mice. INNOVATION: These data provide insight into the fate of nitrite in
      tissue, the enzymes involved in nitrite metabolism, and the role of oxygen in
      regulating these processes. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that even at low
      concentrations, oxygen is a potent regulator of the rate and products of tissue
      nitrite metabolism.

PMID- 22098302
TI  - Statistical perspectives: all together NOT.

PMID- 22098301
TI  - Rapid and slow nitric oxide responses during conducted vasodilation in the in
      vivo intestine and brain cortex microvasculatures.
AB  - Conduction of arteriolar vasodilation is initiated by activation of nitric oxide
      (NO) mechanisms, but dependent on conduction of hyperpolarization. Most studies
      have used brief (<1 second) activation of the initial vasodilation to evaluate
      the fast conduction processes. However, most arteriolar mechanisms involving NO
      production persist for minutes. In this study, fast and slower components of
      arteriolar conduction in the in vivo rat brain and small intestine were compared
      using three-minute stimulation of NO-dependent vasodilation and measurement of
      [NO] at the distal sites. Within 10-15 seconds, both vasculatures had a rapidly
      conducted vasodilation and dilation at distance had a fast but small [NO]
      component. A slower but larger distal vasodilation occurred after 60-90 seconds
      in the intestine, but not the brain, and was associated with a substantial
      increase in [NO]. This slowly developed dilation appeared to be caused by flow
      mediated responses of larger arterioles as smaller arterioles dilated to lower
      downstream resistance. These results indicate while the intestinal and cerebral
      arterioles have a fast conducted vasodilation system, the intestinal arterioles
      also have a slower but larger dilation of major arterioles that is NO related and
      dependent on the conduction of vasodilation between small arterioles.

PMID- 22098304
TI  - Evaluation of serum boron levels and lipid profile in pregnancies with or without
      gestational diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: Animal research has demonstrated that boron has effects on triglycerides
      and glucose and may act as a metabolic regulator in several enzymatic systems.
      Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent obstetrical complication and
      the lack of data on maternal status of boron in normal/diabetic pregnancies,
      prompted us to undertake this study. METHODS: Maternal blood samples were
      collected during screening and diagnosis of GDM at 24-28 weeks. Serum lipids
      (total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol, low density cholesterol,
      triglycerides, lipoprotein-a, apolipoprotein-A-I and apolipoprotein-B) and boron
      levels were determined. Fifteen non-GDM and 19 GDM women constituted the study
      population. RESULTS: The mean age was 30.1+/-5 years. The median boron levels
      were 15.2 MUg/L (0.0152 ppm; range, 8.4-25.4 MUg/L). When GDM and non-GDM cases
      were compared for age, gravidity, parity, lipid profiles and serum boron levels,
      no significant differences were found (P>0.05). No correlation was found between
      lipids and boron levels. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study contributes to the
      limited information about the metabolic aspects of boron. Considering the
      evidence that boron acts as a regulator of energy substrate utilization, the
      effect of dietary boron on glucose metabolism deserves further research.

PMID- 22098305
TI  - Vitamin D status during normal pregnancy and postpartum. A longitudinal study in
      141 Danish women.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To assess vitamin D status during normal pregnancy and in
      the postpartum lactation period. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study comprised 141
      healthy, ethnic Danish women with normal pregnancies, who were residents in
      Greater Copenhagen. Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D2+D3(25-OH-vitamin D) was measured
      at 18, 32 and 39 weeks' gestation and 8 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: There was a
      significant increase in 25-OH-vitamin D from 18 to 32 weeks' gestation (P=0.0001)
      followed by a significant decrease from 32 to 39 weeks (P=0.001) as well as from
      39 weeks to 8 weeks postpartum (P<0.0001). At 18, 32, 39 weeks' gestation and 8
      weeks postpartum, median 25-OH-vitamin D values were 77, 98, 91, and 73 nmol/L,
      respectively. During pregnancy and postpartum, none of the women displayed severe
      vitamin D deficiency (values <13 nmol/L). Between 1.4% and 4.3% of the
      participants displayed moderate vitamin D deficiency (values 13-24 nmol/L), 16
      19% displayed vitamin D insufficiency (values 25-50 nmol/L), 77-84% had values
      >50 nmol/L and 0.7-2.8% had values >200 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D status
      is frequent among pregnant Danish women, especially in late pregnancy and during
      lactation. Median dietary intake of vitamin D in women of reproductive age was
      2.4 MUg/day (10-90 percentile range=1.4-5.0). The recommendations for vitamin D
      supplementation prior to conception, during pregnancy and lactation should be
      reconsidered.

PMID- 22098306
TI  - How does the duration of active pushing in labor affect neonatal outcomes?
AB  - AIM: To assess the effect of time of active pushing (TAP) on neonatal outcome.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population (n=36,432) was taken from a Swedish
      randomized control trial on intrapartum monitoring, a European Union fetal
      electrocardiogram trial, and from Molndal Hospital. After validation of acid-base
      samples and TAP, 22,812 cases were accepted for analysis. RESULTS: The median
      active TAP was 36 min for P0 and 13 min for P>=1 (P<0.001). After adjustments for
      parity, epidural, labor induction, birth weight, and gender, pushing for 15-29
      min (n=6589) relative to pushing for <15 min (n=7264) increased the OR of a cord
      artery pH of <7.00 to 3.20 (95% CI 1.7-6.0), and that of a base deficit in
      extracellular fluid of >12 mmol/L to 3.5 (95% CI 1.3-9.0). The group with a cord
      artery pH of <7.00 had a longer TAP than the group with pH>=7.00: median (5th
      95th percentile), 38 (9-107) min vs. 23 (5-87) min, P<0.001. The probability of a
      spontaneous vaginal delivery decreased significantly with every subsequent
      increase of 30 min in TAP (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The risks of severe acidemia,
      metabolic acidosis, and deteriorated neonatal outcome gradually increased with
      the length of TAP (>15 min), while the probability of a spontaneous vaginal
      delivery decreased with the duration of pushing. We suggest active physiological
      evaluation of the labor progress together with continuous electronic fetal
      monitoring during pushing irrespective of guideline thresholds.

PMID- 22098307
TI  - Expression changes of sex hormone binding globulin in GDM placental tissues.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in
      normal placental tissues with placental tissues from patients with gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to deduce the mechanism affecting placental SHBG in
      GDM. METHODS: We detected SHBG localization and measured SHBG mRNA and protein
      using immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and
      Western blotting, respectively, in normal and GDM placental tissues. The
      distribution of SHBG in placental cells was examined using immune electron
      microscopy. RESULTS: Compared to controls, placental tissues from patients in the
      GDM group displayed disordered cell surface microvilli that were decreased in
      quantity, swollen, and had narrowed and broken gap junctions. Intracellular
      abnormalities included expanded rough endoplasmic reticula, swollen mitochondria,
      and irregular nuclear morphologies with non-uniform chromatin. SHBG localized
      primarily to trophoblast cell membranes and cytoplasm. SHBG was strongly
      expressed on the microvilli side and weakly expressed on the basement membrane
      with uneven staining. SHBG also was expressed in villous stromal cells and
      vascular endothelial cells. Compared to the controls, placental tissues from the
      GDM group displayed significantly decreased immunostaining rates for SHBG, as
      well as significantly lower levels of SHBG mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: SHBG was detected in placental trophoblast cells from patients with
      GDM, and the synthesis and secretion of SHBG were reduced when trophoblast cells
      were irregular. A decrease in SHBG could affect placental function or aggravate
      GDM. Our results suggest that placental SHBG plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of GDM.

PMID- 22098308
TI  - The impact of hospital mergers on treatment intensity and health outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of hospital mergers on treatment intensity and
      health outcomes. DATA: Hospital inpatient data from California for 1990 through
      2006, encompassing 40 mergers. STUDY DESIGN: I used a geographic-based IV
      approach to determine the effect of a zip code's exposure to a merger. The merged
      facility's market share represents exposure, instrumented with combined premerge
      shares. Additional specifications include Herfindahl Index (HHI), instrumented
      with predicted change in HHI. RESULTS: The primary specification results indicate
      that merger completion is associated with a 3.7 percent increase in the
      utilization of bypass surgery and angioplasty and a 1.7 percent increase in
      inpatient mortality above averages in 2000 for the average zip code. Isolating
      the competition mechanism mutes the treatment intensity result slightly, but it
      more than doubles the merger exposure effect on inpatient mortality to a 3.9
      percent increase. The competition mechanism is associated with a sizeable
      increase in number of procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previous studies, this
      analysis finds that hospital mergers are associated with increased treatment
      intensity and higher inpatient mortality rates among heart disease patients.
      Access to additional outcome measures such as 30-day mortality and readmission
      rates might shed additional light on whether the relationship between these
      outcomes is causal.

PMID- 22098309
TI  - Successful management of severe infant bullous pemphigoid with omalizumab.

PMID- 22098310
TI  - The extremophile Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans possesses a c-di-GMP signalling
      pathway that could play a significant role during bioleaching of minerals.
AB  - AIMS:   The primary goal of this study was to characterize the existence of a
      functional c-di-GMP pathway in the bioleaching bacterium Acidithiobacillus
      ferrooxidans. METHODS AND RESULTS:   A bioinformatic search revealed that the
      genome sequence of At. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 codes for several proteins
      involved in the c-di-GMP pathway, including diguanylate cyclases (DGC),
      phosphodiesterases and PilZ effector proteins. Overexpression in Escherichia coli
      demonstrated that four At. ferrooxidans genes code for proteins containing
      GGDEF/EAL domains with functional DGC activity. MS/MS analysis allowed the
      identification of c-di-GMP in nucleotide preparations obtained from At.
      ferrooxidans cells. In addition, c-di-GMP levels in cells grown on the surface of
      solid energetic substrates such as sulfur prills or pyrite were higher than those
      measured in ferrous iron planktonic cells. CONCLUSIONS:   At. ferrooxidans
      possesses a functional c-di-GMP pathway that could play a key role in At.
      ferrooxidans biofilm formation during bioleaching processes. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   This is the first global study about the c-di-GMP pathway
      in an acidophilic bacterium of great interest for the biomining industry. It
      opens a new way to explore the regulation of biofilm formation by biomining micro
      organisms during the bioleaching process.

PMID- 22098311
TI  - Northward shifts of the distributions of Spanish reptiles in association with
      climate change.
AB  - It is predicted that climate change will drive extinctions of some reptiles and
      that the number of these extinctions will depend on whether reptiles are able to
      change their distribution. Whether the latitudinal distribution of reptiles may
      change in response to increases in temperature is unknown. We used data on
      reptile distributions collected during the 20th century to analyze whether
      changes in the distributions of reptiles in Spain are associated with increases
      in temperature. We controlled for biases in sampling effort and found a mean,
      statistically significant, northward shift of the northern extent of reptile
      distributions of about 15.2 km from 1940-1975 to 1991-2005. The southern extent
      of the distributions did not change significantly. Thus, our results suggest that
      the latitudinal distributions of reptiles may be changing in response to climate
      change.

PMID- 22098312
TI  - Amelioration of acute graft-versus-host disease by adoptive transfer of ex vivo
      expanded human cord blood CD4+CD25+ forkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T cells is
      associated with the polarization of Treg/Th17 balance in a mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human cord blood (CB) is a superior source of regulatory T cells
      (Tregs) compared with peripheral blood. Initial studies have shown that CB
      derived Tregs can be effectively expanded ex vivo. However, in vitro suppressor
      activity of expanded CB-Tregs and their efficacy in the prevention of acute graft
      versus-host disease (aGVHD) in vivo are poorly understood. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: In vitro, human CB CD4+CD25+ T cells expanded with anti-CD3/CD28 beads
      plus interleukin (IL)-2 and the phenotypes, expression of cytokines, and
      suppression of expanded cells were analyzed after two cycles of stimulation. In
      vivo, the addition of human CB-Tregs was transferred in the major
      histocompatibility complex-mismatched aGVHD mouse model. Survival, body weight,
      GVHD scoring, histopathologic specimens, serum cytokines, and Th subsets were
      analyzed in CB-Treg-treated mice and untreated controls. RESULTS: After being
      expanded ex vivo, human CB-derived Tregs with potent suppressor function could
      meet clinical demands. Up to 85% of mice with CB-Tregs treatment survived beyond
      Day 63 after bone marrow transplantation; however, all aGVHD mice died within 18
      days. In the serum of the CB-Treg-treated mice, the production of transforming
      growth factor-beta increased continuously, as opposed to IL-17, which decreased
      quickly. Consistent with the changes of cytokines, the percentage of mouse CD4+
      forkhead box protein 3+ Tregs increased while that of Th17 cells decreased.
      CONCLUSION: Ex vivo expanded human CB-Tregs significantly prevented allogeneic
      aGVHD in vivo by modulating various cytokine secretion and polarizing the
      Treg/Th17 balance toward Treg, which suggests the potential use of expanded CB
      Tregs as a therapeutic approach for GVHD.

PMID- 22098313
TI  - Lead-free NaNbO3 nanowires for a high output piezoelectric nanogenerator.
AB  - Perovskite ferroelectric nanowires have rarely been used for the conversion of
      tiny mechanical vibrations into electricity, in spite of their large
      piezoelectricity. Here we present a lead-free NaNbO(3) nanowire-based
      piezoelectric device as a high output and cost-effective flexible nanogenerator.
      The device consists of a NaNbO(3) nanowire-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer
      composite and Au/Cr-coated polymer films. High-quality NaNbO(3) nanowires can be
      grown by hydrothermal method at low temperature and can be poled by an electric
      field at room temperature. The NaNbO(3) nanowire-PDMS polymer composite device
      shows an output voltage of 3.2 V and output current of 72 nA (current density of
      16 nA/cm(2)) under a compressive strain of 0.23%. These results imply that
      NaNbO(3) nanowires should be quite useful for large-scale lead-free piezoelectric
      nanogenerator applications.

PMID- 22098314
TI  - An audit of anesthetic management and complications of tracheo-esophageal fistula
      and esophageal atresia repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many different anesthetic techniques have been suggested for the
      management of tracheo-oesophageal fistula/oesophageal atresia (TOF/OA) although
      the incidence of ventilation difficulty is not well known and it is unclear which
      technique is best in managing this. The aim of our audit was to determine the
      incidence of ventilation difficulty during repair of TOF/OA. We also recorded the
      current practice for anesthesia and analgesia in these children as well as the
      incidence of comorbidities and surgical complications. METHODS: We
      retrospectively audited cases of TOF/OA repair over a 3-year period in four
      hospitals, recording demographics, comorbidities, surgical data, postoperative
      complications, and anesthetic technique, including ventilation difficulty and
      management strategy. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were identified with
      TOF/OA, and 106 patient notes and 101 anesthetic records were found. 42% of
      patients were premature, and 57.5% had significant comorbidities. Death was most
      likely in infants with low birth weight and low gestational age at birth and in
      those with major cardiac comorbidity. A range of techniques were used for
      induction, maintenance, extubation, and pain control. There were ventilation
      difficulties recorded at induction in seven patients, and significant
      desaturations were recorded in 15 patients intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This
      audit adds to the data already published about incidences of complications and
      comorbidities associated with TOF/OA repair. Defining anesthetic practice with
      regard to ventilation and analgesic strategies is important in comparing the
      adequacy and risk of techniques used. Our audit shows that a range of differing
      anesthetic techniques are still employed by different anesthetists and
      institutions and details some of the techniques being used for managing difficult
      ventilation.

PMID- 22098316
TI  - In vitro propagation of Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae isolated from Amblyomma
      maculatum.
AB  - Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae was identified during an investigation of a
      febrile outbreak in northwestern Peru (2002). DNA sequencing from two ticks
      (Amblyomma maculatum, Ixodes boliviensis) collected during the investigation
      revealed a novel Rickettsia agent with similarity to the spotted fever group
      rickettsiae. Since then, Candidatus R. andeanae has been detected in A. maculatum
      ticks collected in the southeastern and southcentral United States, Argentina,
      and Peru. To date, Candidatus R. andeanae has not been successfully cultivated in
      the laboratory. We present evidence for the continuous cultivation in three cell
      lines of Candidatus R. andeanae isolated from an A. maculatum tick (Portsmouth,
      Virginia).

PMID- 22098318
TI  - Salicylic acid derivatives: synthesis, features and usage as therapeutic tools.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the field of medicinal chemistry, there is a growing interest in
      the use of small molecules. Although acetyl salicylic acid is well known for
      medical applications, little is known about other salicylic acid derivatives, and
      there is serious lack of data and information on the effects and biological
      evaluation that connect them. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the synthesis and
      drug potencies of salicylic acid derivatives. After a brief overview of the
      information on salicylic acid and its features, a detailed review of salicylic
      acids as drugs and prodrugs, usage as cyclooxygenase inhibitors, properties in
      plants, synthesis and recent patents, is developed. EXPERT OPINION: Salicylic
      acid research is still an important area and innovations continue to arise, which
      offer hope for new therapeutics in related fields. It is anticipated that this
      review will guide the direction of long-term drug/nutraceutical safety trials and
      stimulate ideas for future research.

PMID- 22098317
TI  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) determines the improvement of hepatic
      endothelial dysfunction by vitamin E in cirrhotic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic endothelial dysfunction (HED), which is caused by decreased
      hepatic nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased lipid peroxidation,
      contributes to portal hypertension, which is a characteristic of cirrhosis.
      Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide
      synthase (NOS), is involved in cirrhosis-related HED and portal hypertension.
      AIMS: We evaluated the effect of vitamin E treatment on the lipid peroxidation,
      HED and portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: The common bile duct
      ligation (BDL)-induced cirrhotic rats were treated orally either with vehicle or
      with vitamin E for 1 month immediately after BDL. Systemic and portal
      haemodynamics, the magnitude of the increase in portal pressure induced by volume
      expansion, HED, oxidative stress, levels of ADMA, various proteins and mRNAs were
      then measured. RESULTS: In the vitamin E-treated BDL rats, a decrease in portal
      pressure was associated with an attenuation of the increased portal pressure
      induced by volume expansion. In isolated and perfused BDL rat livers, the vitamin
      E treatment significantly inhibited the (paradoxical) vasoconstriction response
      to methoxamine and acetylcholine (HED), and this was abolished by the presence of
      NOS. Vitamin E decreased ADMA synthesizing enzyme PRMT1 expression and the level
      of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver, while increasing
      the levels of hepatic ADMA metabolizing enzyme DDAH2, eNOS, phosphor-eNOS, ADMA
      level and superoxide dismutase activity. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of
      vitamin E suppressed hepatic ADMA and oxidative stress in the cirrhotic liver
      circulation, and therefore increases NO bioavailability, which improved HED and
      portal hypertension.

PMID- 22098319
TI  - Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands, a patent review (2006-2011).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), pentameric ligand-gated
      cation channels, are potential targets for the development of therapeutics for a
      variety of disease states. AREAS COVERED: This article is reviewing recent
      advances in the development of small-molecule ligands for diverse nAChR subtypes
      and is a continuation of an earlier review in this journal. EXPERT OPINION: The
      development of nAChR ligands with preference for alpha4beta2 or alpha7 subtypes
      for the treatment of central nervous system disorders are in the most advanced
      developmental stage. In addition, there is a fast growing interest to generate so
      called PAMs, positive allosteric modulators, to influence the channels'
      functionalities.

PMID- 22098320
TI  - Nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitors; a patent review (2006-2010).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, as transcription factor, is linked to
      the expression of various genes and plays an essential role in immune and
      inflammatory responses. Abnormal NF-kappaB signaling results in human diseases,
      such as immune disorders, inflammation and various cancers. Therefore, regulation
      of NF-kappaB may treat or improve the symptoms in human disorders. AREAS COVERED:
      This review provides information on recent NF-kappaB inhibitor-related patents
      from 2006 to 2010. The patents are explained and categorized by mechanism. The
      reader will gain an understanding of NF-kappaB function and the structure and
      biological activity of recently developed NF-kappaB inhibitors that may be new
      drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION: NF-kappaB plays an essential role in the human
      body and thus regulation of NF-kappaB is very important for the treatment of
      diseases. Furthermore, patented compounds and peptides are available as lead
      compounds in drug development studies.

PMID- 22098322
TI  - Hepatobiliary transporter expression and post-operative jaundice in patients
      undergoing partial hepatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Post-operative hyperbilirubinaemia in patients undergoing
      liver resections is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Apart from
      different known factors responsible for the development of post-operative
      jaundice, little is known about the role of hepatobiliary transport systems in
      the pathogenesis of post-operative jaundice in humans after liver resection.
      METHODS: Two liver tissue samples were taken from 14 patients undergoing liver
      resection before and after Pringle manoeuvre. Patients were retrospectively
      divided into two groups according to post-operative bilirubin serum levels. The
      two groups were analysed comparing the results of hepatobiliary transporter [Na
      taurocholate cotransporter (NTCP); multidrug resistance gene/phospholipid export
      pump(MDR3); bile salt export pump (BSEP); canalicular bile salt export pump
      (MRP2)], heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression as well as the results of
      routinely taken post-operative liver chemistry tests. RESULTS: Patients with low
      post-operative bilirubin had lower levels of NTCP, MDR3 and BSEP mRNA compared to
      those with high bilirubin after Pringle manoeuvre. HSP70 levels were
      significantly higher after ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in both groups
      resulting in 4.5-fold median increase. Baseline median mRNA expression of all
      four transporters prior to Pringle manoeuvre tended to be lower in the low
      bilirubin group whereas expression of HSP70 was higher in the low bilirubin group
      compared to the high bilirubin group. DISCUSSION: Higher mRNA levels of HSP70 in
      the low bilirubin group could indicate a possible protective effect of high HSP70
      levels against IR injury. Although the exact role of hepatobiliary transport
      systems in the development of post-operative hyper bilirubinemia is not yet
      completely understood, this study provides new insights into the molecular
      aspects of post-operative jaundice after liver surgery.

PMID- 22098323
TI  - Postural stability and occlusal status among Japanese elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are still no data available on the relationship between
      postural stability and occlusal status among the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To examine
      relationships between postural stability and occlusal status through a cohort
      study among elderly Japanese. METHOD: Oral examination, occlusal status, postural
      stability and a questionnaire were conducted and given to 87 community-dwelling
      Japanese at enrolment. RESULTS: The average occlusal pressure of the female group
      was statistically higher than the male group while average occlusal pressure and
      postural stability length were lesser in the group with more remaining teeth.
      Postural stability area and number of remaining teeth showed statistically
      significant correlations. Postural stability length was lesser in the group with
      strong occlusal force. Furthermore, the number of decayed teeth was fewer in the
      good hygiene group. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a close relationship
      between occlusal status and postural stability of Japanese older individuals.
      Occlusal hypofunction was observed more in those with occlusal problems, and a
      decrease in their occlusal functions resulted in postural instability.

PMID- 22098324
TI  - The impact of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and their combination on quality of
      life in depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is known to be negatively affected during the
      course of major depressive disorder. Various studies have documented the benefits
      of pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy alone on QOL in depression, with few studies
      examining combined treatment. This review will examine the evidence for the
      impact of each modality, as well as their combination, on QOL in depression.
      METHODS: Using the key terms depression, depress*, major depress*, quality of
      life, antidepressant*, and psychotherapy, MEDLINE and PsycINFO searches were
      conducted to identify treatment-outcome studies that used known QOL measurements
      over the past twenty-six years (1984 to 2010). RESULTS: Significant improvements
      in depressive symptomatology and QOL measurements were found with
      pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and their combination, with some studies showing
      greater improvement following combined treatment than with either intervention
      alone. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial evidence suggests that psychotherapy,
      pharmacotherapy, and their combination have favorable effects on QOL in
      depression. While some studies have shown that combined therapy is superior than
      either of the two forms alone in improving QOL, additional research is needed to
      elucidate this effect. QOL measurement is an important dimension of treatment
      outcome assessment in patients with depression.

PMID- 22098325
TI  - Narcissistic interpersonal problems in clinical practice.
AB  - Pathological narcissism is associated with significant interpersonal problems,
      which are unlikely to be acknowledged by narcissistic patients as clinical
      issues. Although a substantial clinical and theoretical literature deals with
      narcissism, a succinct overview of core narcissistic interpersonal problems is
      lacking, particularly in terms of their presentation in clinical settings. This
      article provides a descriptive overview of the major types of interpersonal
      problems associated with pathological narcissism: dominance, vindictiveness, and
      intrusiveness. We outline how these problems can manifest in patients' relations
      with others and in treatment situations. Clinical vignettes are provided to
      highlight the presentation of narcissistic interpersonal dysfunction in various
      types of clinical encounters, and to facilitate discussion of treatment
      implications.

PMID- 22098326
TI  - When the lightning rod leaves home: a family therapy case characterized by
      successive generations of familial conflict during a transition into young
      adulthood.

PMID- 22098327
TI  - The Tunisian Campaign, war neuroses, and the reorientation of American psychiatry
      during World War II.

PMID- 22098328
TI  - Women and aging.

PMID- 22098330
TI  - Coordination numbers of hydrated divalent transition metal ions investigated with
      IRPD spectroscopy.
AB  - Hydration of the divalent transition metal ions, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, with
      5-8 water molecules attached was investigated using infrared photodissociation
      spectroscopy and photodissociation kinetics. At 215 K, spectral intensities in
      both the bonded-OH and free-OH stretch regions indicate that the average
      coordination number (CN) of Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), and Ni(2+) is ~6, and these
      CN values are greater than those of Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). Ni has the highest CN,
      with no evidence for any population of structures with a water molecule in a
      second solvation shell for the hexa-hydrate at temperatures up to 331 K. Mn(2+),
      Fe(2+), and Co(2+) have similar CN at low temperature, but spectra of
      Mn(2+)(H(2)O)(6) indicate a second population of structures with a water molecule
      in a second solvent shell, i.e., a CN < 6, that increases in abundance at higher
      temperature (305 K). The propensity for these ions to undergo charge separation
      reactions at small cluster size roughly correlates with the ordering of the
      hydrolysis constants of these ions in aqueous solution and is consistent with the
      ordering of average CN values established from the infrared spectra of these
      ions.

PMID- 22098332
TI  - Effect of bed head elevation during sleep in symptomatic patients of nocturnal
      gastroesophageal reflux.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nocturnal gastro-esophageal reflux causes heartburn and sleep
      disturbances impairing quality of life. Lifestyle modifications, like bed head
      elevation during sleep, are thought to alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal
      reflux. We tested the hypothesis that bed head elevation might decrease recumbent
      acid exposure compared to sleeping in a flat bed. METHODS: Patients of
      symptomatic nocturnal reflux and documented recumbent (supine) reflux verified by
      esophageal pH test entered the trial. On day 1, baseline pH was measured while
      the patient slept on a flat bed. Then patients slept on a bed with the head end
      elevated by a 20-cm block for the next 6 consecutive days from day 2 to day 7.
      The pH test was repeated on day 2 and day 7. Each patient acted as his own
      control. RESULTS: Twenty of 24 (83.3%) patients with mean age of 36 +/- 5.5 years
      completed the trial. The mean (+/- SD) supine reflux time %, acid clearance time,
      number of refluxes 5 min longer and symptom score on day 1 and day 7 were 15.0 +/
      8.4 and 13.7 +/- 7.2; P = 0.001, 3.8 +/- 2.0 and 3.0 +/- 1.6; P = 0.001, 3.3 +/-
      2.2 and 1.0 +/- 1.2; P = 0.001, and 2.3 +/- 0.6 and 1.5 +/- 0.6; P = 0.04,
      respectively. The sleep disturbances improved in 13 (65%) patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Bed head elevation reduced esophageal acid exposure and acid clearance time in
      nocturnal (supine) refluxers and led to some relief from heartburn and sleep
      disturbance.

PMID- 22098331
TI  - Cortical activity patterns predict robust speech discrimination ability in noise.
AB  - The neural mechanisms that support speech discrimination in noisy conditions are
      poorly understood. In quiet conditions, spike timing information appears to be
      used in the discrimination of speech sounds. In this study, we evaluated the
      hypothesis that spike timing is also used to distinguish between speech sounds in
      noisy conditions that significantly degrade neural responses to speech sounds. We
      tested speech sound discrimination in rats and recorded primary auditory cortex
      (A1) responses to speech sounds in background noise of different intensities and
      spectral compositions. Our behavioral results indicate that rats, like humans,
      are able to accurately discriminate consonant sounds even in the presence of
      background noise that is as loud as the speech signal. Our neural recordings
      confirm that speech sounds evoke degraded but detectable responses in noise.
      Finally, we developed a novel neural classifier that mimics behavioral
      discrimination. The classifier discriminates between speech sounds by comparing
      the A1 spatiotemporal activity patterns evoked on single trials with the average
      spatiotemporal patterns evoked by known sounds. Unlike classifiers in most
      previous studies, this classifier is not provided with the stimulus onset time.
      Neural activity analyzed with the use of relative spike timing was well
      correlated with behavioral speech discrimination in quiet and in noise. Spike
      timing information integrated over longer intervals was required to accurately
      predict rat behavioral speech discrimination in noisy conditions. The similarity
      of neural and behavioral discrimination of speech in noise suggests that humans
      and rats may employ similar brain mechanisms to solve this problem.

PMID- 22098333
TI  - The procedure of evaluating the practical adhesion strength of new biocompatible
      nano- and micro-thin films in accordance with international standards.
AB  - The possibilities of using newly developed nano- and micro-thin films in
      biomedicine are intensively studied at the present time. Many research
      institutions are looking for ways to evaluate mechanical properties of these
      films. One of the most important and frequently studied characteristics is
      practical adhesion. A very important method for evaluating the practical adhesion
      strength is scratch test. Often, however, the research teams use a method based
      on the disunity evaluation of adhesion of biocompatible surface layer. This makes
      the quantitative comparison of research results impossible. We designed and
      tested new evaluation method and procedure based on international standards in
      order to eliminate these problems. This article is aimed at showing the new
      possibility of using established standards for evaluating adhesion of nano- and
      micro-thin biocompatible films and at showing the application of the standards to
      evaluate the often studied DLC biocompatible layers. The thickness of the film
      was 470 nm. As a substrate a titanium alloy Ti6Al4V was used.

PMID- 22098334
TI  - The paradox of triple negative breast cancer: novel approaches to treatment.
AB  - Breast cancer that lacks expression of estrogen/progesterone receptors and
      overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2), i.e. triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC), is not amenable to current targeted therapies and
      carries a poor prognosis. This review discusses the natural history of TNBC and
      published literature in the relevant treatment landscape, with a focus on newer
      therapies. Compared with other subtypes of breast cancer, TN tumors have higher
      response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy; however, this advantage is not
      clearly translated into the metastatic setting and has not improved these
      patients' overall survival. Numerous cytotoxic and targeted strategies have
      demonstrated efficacy or are under investigation. Strategies showing promise in
      this difficult-to-treat group of patients include cytotoxic therapy with platinum
      containing agents, ixabepilone, and novel targeted approaches such as poly(ADP
      ribose) polymerase inhibitors.

PMID- 22098335
TI  - Unraveling the regulatory network of the MADS box transcription factor RIN in
      fruit ripening.
AB  - The MADS box transcription factor RIN is a global regulator of fruit ripening.
      However, the direct targets modulated by RIN and the mechanisms underlying the
      transcriptional regulation remain largely unknown. Here we identified 41 protein
      spots representing 35 individual genes as potential targets of RIN by comparative
      proteomic analysis of a rin mutant in tomato fruits. Gene expression analysis
      showed that the mRNA level of 26 genes correlated well with the protein level.
      After examining the promoter regions of the candidate genes, a variable number of
      RIN binding sites were found. Five genes (E8, TomloxC, PNAE, PGK and ADH2) were
      identified as novel direct targets of RIN by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The
      results of a gel mobility shift assay confirmed the direct binding of RIN to the
      promoters of these genes. Of the direct target genes, TomloxC and ADH2, which
      encode lipoxygenase (LOX) and alcohol dehydrogenase, respectively, are critical
      for the production of characteristic tomato aromas derived from LOX pathway.
      Further study indicated that RIN also directly regulates the expression of HPL,
      which encodes hydroperoxide lyase, another rate-limiting enzyme in the LOX
      pathway. Loss of function of RIN causes de-regulation of the LOX pathway, leading
      to a specific defect in the generation of aroma compounds derived from this
      pathway. These results indicate that RIN modulates aroma formation by direct and
      rigorous regulation of expression of genes in the LOX pathway. Taken together,
      our findings suggest that the regulatory effect of RIN on fruit ripening is
      achieved by targeting specific molecular pathways.

PMID- 22098336
TI  - Extracellular calcium-sensing receptor is critical in hypoxic pulmonary
      vasoconstriction.
AB  - AIMS: The initiation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) involves an
      increase in cytosolic calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in pulmonary artery (PA) smooth
      muscle cells (PASMCs). Both the processes depend on extracellular Ca(2+).
      Extracellular Ca(2+) can be sensed by extracellular calcium-sensing receptor
      (CaSR). This study aims at determining whether CaSR is pivotal in the initiation
      of HPV. RESULTS: Experiments were performed in cultured PASMCs, isolated PAs, and
      rats including CaSR knockdown preparations. Both hypoxia and H(2)O(2) equivalent
      to the level achieved by hypoxia increased [Ca(2+)](i) in an extracellular Ca(2+)
      dependent manner in PASMCs, and this was inhibited by CaSR knockdown or its
      negative allosteric modulator, Calhex231. Hypoxia-increased H(2)O(2) generation
      was diminished by mitochondria depletion. Mitochondria depletion abolished
      hypoxia-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase (HICI), which was reversed by H(2)O(2)
      repletion. CaSR knockdown or Calhex231, however, prevented the reversible effect
      of H(2)O(2). HICI was abolished by catalase-polyethylene glycol (PEG-Catalase),
      not superoxide dismutase-polyethylene glycol (PEG-SOD) pretreatment, attenuated
      by ryanodine receptor3-knockdown or inhibition of store-operated Ca(2+) entry.
      HPV in vitro and in vivo was inhibited by Calhex231 and by CaSR knockdown.
      INNOVATION: A novel mechanism underlying HPV is revealed by the role of CaSR in
      orchestrating reactive oxygen species and [Ca(2+)](i) signaling. CONCLUSIONS: The
      activation of mitochondrial H(2)O(2)-sensitized CaSR by extracellular Ca(2+)
      mediates HICI in PASMCs and, thus, initiates HPV.

PMID- 22098337
TI  - The Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis-tomato interactome reveals the
      perception of pathogen by the host and suggests mechanisms of infection.
AB  - The Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm)
      causes wilt and canker disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Mechanisms of
      Cmm pathogenicity and tomato response to Cmm infection are not well understood.
      To explore the interaction between Cmm and tomato, multidimensional protein
      identification technology (MudPIT) and tandem mass spectrometry were used to
      analyze in vitro and in planta generated samples. The results show that during
      infection Cmm senses the plant environment, transmits signals, induces, and then
      secretes multiple hydrolytic enzymes, including serine proteases of the Pat-1,
      Ppa, and Sbt familes, the CelA, XysA, and NagA glycosyl hydrolases, and other
      cell wall-degrading enzymes. Tomato induction of pathogenesis-related (PR)
      proteins, LOX1, and other defense-related proteins during infection indicates
      that the plant senses the invading bacterium and mounts a basal defense response,
      although partial with some suppressed components including class III peroxidases
      and a secreted serine peptidase. The tomato ethylene-synthesizing enzyme ACC
      oxidase was induced during infection with the wild-type Cmm but not during
      infection with an endophytic Cmm strain, identifying Cmm-triggered host synthesis
      of ethylene as an important factor in disease symptom development. The proteomic
      data were also used to improve Cmm genome annotation, and thousands of Cmm gene
      models were confirmed or expanded.

PMID- 22098338
TI  - Detection of Acidovorax valerianellae, the causing agent of bacterial leaf spots
      in corn salad [Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr.], in corn salad seeds.
AB  - AIM:   The black leaf spot disease on corn salad caused by the bacterium
      Acidovorax valerianellae has been observed in Europe for several years and causes
      economic losses in corn salad cropping. Contaminated seeds or infested soil are
      considered as the major infection sources. The use of healthy seed material is
      the only way to prevent disease outbreaks. Therefore, a sensitive diagnostic
      method for seed testing should be developed. METHODS AND RESULTS:   Using a
      triple antibody sandwich ELISA with a high-specific monoclonal antibody, a quick
      and reliable detection method for contamination of seed lots with the pathogen
      was developed. This method allowed to detect contaminated seed lots as well as
      contamination with A. valerianellae in single seeds. Furthermore, the occurrence
      and distribution of the pathogen could be shown in symptomatic corn salad leaves
      and in naturally infested seeds by transmission electron microscopy and
      immunogold labelling for the first time. CONCLUSION:   Our results confirm the
      seed transmission of this corn salad disease. Pathogen load and distribution vary
      between positively tested seed lots. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   With
      this method, not only routine testing of seed material to eliminate contaminated
      seed lots from production is possible but also the control of sanitation
      procedures to reduce contamination.

PMID- 22098339
TI  - Botulinum A toxin and brachioradial pruritus.

PMID- 22098340
TI  - Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus does not pose a risk to blood
      recipient safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was first
      reported in association with chronic fatigue syndrome, it was suggested that it
      might offer a risk to blood safety. Thus, the prevalence of the virus among blood
      donors and, if present, its transmissibility by transfusion need to be defined.
      STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two populations of routine blood donor samples (1435
      and 13,399) were obtained for prevalence evaluations; samples from a linked donor
      recipient repository were also evaluated. Samples were tested for the presence of
      antibodies to XMRV-related recombinant antigens and/or for XMRV RNA, using
      validated, high-throughput systems. RESULTS: The presence of antibodies to XMRV
      could not be confirmed among a total of 17,249 blood donors or recipients (0%;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 0%-0.017%); 1763 tested samples were nonreactive
      for XMRV RNA (0%; 95% CI, 0%-0.17%). Evidence of infection was absent from 109
      recipients and 830 evaluable blood samples tested after transfusion of a total of
      3741 blood components. CONCLUSIONS: XMRV and related murine leukemia virus (MLV)
      markers are not present among a large population of blood donors and evidence of
      transfusion transmission could not be detected. Thus, these viruses do not
      currently pose a threat to blood recipient safety and further actions relating to
      XMRV and MLV are not justified.

PMID- 22098341
TI  - An integrated approach for predicting fates of reintroductions with demographic
      data from multiple populations.
AB  - We devised a novel approach to model reintroduced populations whereby demographic
      data collected from multiple sites are integrated into a Bayesian hierarchical
      model. Integrating data from multiple reintroductions allows more precise
      population-growth projections to be made, especially for populations for which
      data are sparse, and allows projections that account for random site-to-site
      variation to be made before new reintroductions are attempted. We used data from
      reintroductions of the North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), an endemic New
      Zealand passerine, to 10 sites where non-native mammalian predators are
      controlled. A comparison of candidate models that we based on deviance
      information criterion showed that rat-tracking rate (an index of rat density) was
      a useful predictor of robin fecundity and adult female survival, that landscape
      connectivity and a binary measure of whether sites were on a peninsula were
      useful predictors of apparent juvenile survival (probably due to differential
      dispersal away from reintroduction sites), and that there was unexplained random
      variation among sites in all demographic rates. We used the two best supported
      models to estimate the finite rate of increase (lambda) for populations at each
      of the 10 sites, and for a proposed reintroduction site, under different levels
      of rat control. Only three of the reintroduction sites had lambda distributions
      completely >1 for either model. At two sites, lambda was expected to be >1 if rat
      tracking rates were <5%. At the other five reintroduction sites, lambda was
      predicted to be close to 1, and it was unclear whether growth was expected.
      Predictions of lambda for the proposed reintroduction site were less precise than
      for other sites because distributions incorporated the full range of site-to-site
      random variation in vital rates. Our methods can be applied to any species for
      which postrelease data on demographic rates are available and potentially can be
      extended to model multiple species simultaneously.

PMID- 22098342
TI  - Management systems, patient quality improvement, resource availability, and
      substance abuse treatment quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships among general management systems, patient
      focused quality management/continuous process improvement (TQM/CPI) processes,
      resource availability, and multiple dimensions of substance use disorder (SUD)
      treatment. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Data are from a nationally representative
      sample of 221 SUD treatment centers through the National Treatment Center Study
      (NTCS). STUDY DESIGN: The design was a cross-sectional field study using latent
      variable structural equation models. The key variables are management practices,
      TQM/continuous quality improvement (CQI) practices, resource availability, and
      treatment center performance. DATA COLLECTION: Interviews and questionnaires
      provided data from treatment center administrative directors and clinical
      directors in 2007-2008. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Patient-focused TQM/CQI practices
      fully mediated the relationship between internal management practices and
      performance. The effects of TQM/CQI on performance are significantly larger for
      treatment centers with higher levels of staff per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Internal
      management practices may create a setting that supports implementation of
      specific patient-focused practices and protocols inherent to TQM/CQI processes.
      However, the positive effects of internal management practices on treatment
      center performance occur through use of specific patient-focused TQM/CPI
      practices and have more impact when greater amounts of supporting resources are
      present.

PMID- 22098343
TI  - Anesthetic and perioperative risk in the patient with Ataxia-Telangiectasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/AIM: To report our relatively large experience with perioperative care
      for patients with Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) and to identify the nature and
      frequency of complications. BACKGROUND: Ataxia-Telangiectasia is a rare autosomal
      recessive genetic disorder resulting in progressive multisystem degeneration and
      characteristic findings including complex neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency,
      increased risk of malignancy, and lung disease. Anecdotal reports have suggested
      high perioperative morbidity in patients with A-T, but few data exist.
      METHODS/MATERIALS: The Ataxia-Telangiectasia Clinical Center database was cross
      referenced with operative records between 1995 and 2009 to identify patients with
      perioperative A-T, and medical records were reviewed for preoperative history,
      management techniques, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with A-T
      underwent 34 anesthetics during the study period. The median age was 12.5 years
      (range 6-33 years). Common comorbidities included neurologic (100%), pulmonary
      (68%), immunologic (50%), oncologic (47%), and gastroenterologic (35%) disorders.
      Supplemental oxygen was required on postanesthesia care unit discharge for 24% of
      patients with a maximal duration of 24 h. Although mild postoperative hypothermia
      was relatively common (44% of anesthetics), there were no major complications, no
      unplanned admissions, and no mortality in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      limited by its retrospective nature, this is the first series describing
      perioperative risk for patients with A-T. Our results indicate that general
      anesthesia, airway manipulation, and perioperative mechanical ventilation may be
      tolerated with only minor postoperative anesthetic concerns. Perioperative
      providers should be aware of the complex multisystem medical concerns that may
      arise in these patients.

PMID- 22098344
TI  - Innovations in the treatment of cystic fibrosis: outriders for the treatment of
      diseases with other genetic defects?

PMID- 22098345
TI  - Subsystem quantum mechanics and in silico medicinal and biological chemistry.

PMID- 22098347
TI  - Drug discovery in the 21st century.
AB  - The Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry conference entitled was held on 6-7 June
      2011 at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA, USA. This 2-day conference focused
      on four specific areas: applying biophysical techniques to address current
      challenges in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery; treatment interventions for
      Alzheimer's disease; drug discovery for orphan, rare and neglected diseases; and
      kinase drug discovery for chronic and rare diseases. The meeting attracted 80
      attendees, approximately 95% of whom were drawn from the local biopharmaceutical
      industry.

PMID- 22098348
TI  - Iron chelation: deciphering novel molecular targets for cancer therapy. The tip
      of the iceberg of a web of iron-regulated molecules.
AB  - The response of cells to cellular iron depletion is complex with multiple
      molecules and signaling pathways being involved. Indeed, this is far broader than
      just the effect on the classical target, ribonucleotide reductase. It is likely
      that a network of interactions exists between the molecular players and that the
      relationships currently known only represent the 'tip of an iceberg' in terms of
      understanding the response of cells to iron deprivation. This article describes
      some of the research being undertaken in this area by the Richardson group at the
      University of Sydney, Australia [corrected].

PMID- 22098349
TI  - Antiproliferative effect of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin analogs on human
      breast cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Desmopressin (dDAVP), a synthetic nonapeptide derivative of arginine
      vasopressin, is a safe antidiuretic and hemostatic compound that acts as a
      selective agonist for the vasopressin V2 membrane receptor (V2R). It is known
      that dDAVP can inhibit progression of residual metastatic cells in preclinical
      models. Among other mechanisms, the compound induces an agonist effect on V2R
      present in tumor cells. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Looking for novel analogs with
      improved anti-tumor activity, positions 4 and 5, at the conformational peptide
      loop, were substituted. The analog [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP ([4-valine 5-glutamine]
      desmopressin) exhibited a significantly higher antiproliferative effect than
      dDAVP in cultures of MCF-7, a V2R-expressing human breast carcinoma cell line.
      The chiral isomer of this analog and tetrapeptide fragments corresponding to the
      loop region were also assessed. CONCLUSION: Preclinical evaluation of the anti
      tumor activity of [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP in animal models is warranted.

PMID- 22098350
TI  - Collaboration versus outsourcing: the need to think outside the box.
AB  - As has been widely reviewed elsewhere, the pharmaceutical industry is
      experiencing an 'innovation deficit' as evidenced by the decline in new chemical
      entity output. This decline, compounded by increased costs and regulatory
      requirements highlights the need to significantly revise strategic options across
      the drug-discovery spectrum. Within such revision(s), much of the focus has been
      on outsourcing to reduce, or at least contain, costs, but if the underlying
      predominance of 'closed collaborations' is not challenged to allow better use of
      combined knowledge and, thus, move towards a more genuine collaborative process
      then a 'numbers only' approach will not bring medium-to-long-term survival. There
      are many problems to confront in evolving new sustainable strategies, a real need
      to think differently exists and should to be cultivated. This article reviews
      current outsourcing and collaboration strategies to provide a perspective on how
      great knowledge sharing could help revise the drug-discovery process.

PMID- 22098351
TI  - Druggability assessment of protein-protein interfaces.
AB  - Recent success stories concerning the targeting of protein-protein interactions
      (PPIs) have led to an increased focus on this challenging target class for drug
      discovery. This article explores various avenues to assess the druggability of
      PPIs and describes a druggability decision flow chart, which can be applied to
      any PPI target. This flow chart not only covers small molecules but also
      peptidomimetics, peptides and conformationally restricted peptides as potential
      modalities for targeting PPIs. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of PPI
      druggability using various computational tools is summarized. The application of
      a systematic approach as presented in this paper will increase confidence that
      modulators (e.g., small organic molecules or peptides) can ultimately be
      identified for a particular target before a decision is made to commit
      significant discovery resources.

PMID- 22098352
TI  - Isoform-specific inhibitors of ACATs: recent advances and promising developments.
AB  - Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is a promising therapeutic target for
      cardiovascular diseases. Although a number of synthetic ACAT inhibitors have been
      developed, they have failed to show efficacy in clinical trials. Now, the
      presence of two ACAT isoforms with distinct functions, ACAT1 and ACAT2, has been
      discovered. Thus, the selectivity of ACAT inhibitors toward the two isoforms is
      important for their development as novel anti-atherosclerotic agents. The
      selectivity study indicated that fungal pyripyropene A (PPPA) is only an ACAT2
      specific inhibitor. Furthermore, PPPA proved orally active in atherogenic mouse
      models, indicating it possessed cholesterol-lowering and atheroprotective
      activities. Certain PPPA derivatives, semi-synthetically prepared, possessed more
      potent and selective in vitro activity than PPPA against ACAT2. This review
      covers these studies and describes the future prospects of ACAT2-specific
      inhibitors.

PMID- 22098353
TI  - Drug-permeability and transporter assays in Caco-2 and MDCK cell lines.
AB  - The human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial
      cell lines provide in vitro tools to assess a drug's permeability and transporter
      interactions during discovery and development. The cells, when cultured on
      semiporous filters, form confluent monolayers that model the intestinal
      epithelial barrier for permeability, transporter and drug-interaction assays. The
      applications of these assays in pharmaceutical research include qualitative
      prediction and ranking of absorption, determining mechanism(s) of permeability,
      formulation effects on drug permeability, and the potential for transporter
      mediated drug-drug interactions. This review focuses on recent examples of Caco-2
      and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells assays for drug permeability including
      transfected and knock-down cells, miniaturization and automation, and assay
      combinations to better understand and predict intestinal drug absorption.

PMID- 22098354
TI  - Dynamics, flexibility and ligand-induced conformational changes in biological
      macromolecules: a computational approach.
AB  - Biomolecules possess important dynamical properties that enable them to adapt and
      alternate their conformation as a response to environmental stimuli. Recent
      advancements in computational resources and methodology allow a higher capability
      to mimic in vitro conditions and open up the possibility of studying large
      systems over longer timescales. Here, we describe commonly used computational
      approaches for studying the dynamic properties of proteins. We review a selected
      set of simulation studies on ligand-induced changes in the chaperonin GroEL
      GroES, a molecular folding machine, maltose-binding protein, a prototypical
      member of the periplasmic binding proteins, and the bacterial ribosomal A-site,
      focusing on aminoglycoside antibiotic recognition. We also discuss a recent
      quantitative reconstruction of the binding process of benzamidine and trypsin.
      These studies contribute to the understanding and further development of the
      medicinal regulation of large biomolecular systems.

PMID- 22098357
TI  - Protein candidates for the serodiagnosis of rickettsioses.
AB  - The laboratory diagnosis of rickettsioses is based on serology (reference
      method), cell culture and/or molecular tools. However, the main drawback of
      serology is its incapacity to provide identification of Rickettsiae at the level
      of species. The aim of this study was to propose the versatile protein markers
      able to discriminate the patients with murine typhus from those with
      Mediterranean spotted fever. We have cloned and expressed 20 proteins of
      Rickettsia prowazekii and Rickettsia rickettsii, respectively, using the GATEWAY
      approach. These recombinant proteins were screened by ELISA with sera of infected
      patients with Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia conorii, respectively. We
      identified several potential markers which allowed infection due to R. typhi to
      be discriminated from those due to R. conorii. However, the values of test
      operating parameters were not sufficient for its 'routine' clinical use. Our
      diagnostic test requires further optimization for be applied as a point-of-care
      strategy in the management of patients with suspected cases of rickettsiosis.

PMID- 22098358
TI  - Use of lasers in dermatology.

PMID- 22098355
TI  - Advances in HIV microbicide development.
AB  - There is an urgent need control the spread of the global HIV pandemic. A
      microbicide, or topical drug applied to the mucosal environment to block
      transmission, is a promising HIV prevention strategy. The development of a safe
      and efficacious microbicide requires a thorough understanding of the mucosal
      environment and its role in HIV transmission. Knowledge of the key events in
      viral infection identifies points at which the virus might be most effectively
      targeted by a microbicide. The cervicovaginal and rectal mucosa play an important
      role in the innate defense against HIV, and microbicides must not interfere with
      these functions. In this review, we discuss the current research on HIV
      microbicide development.

PMID- 22098359
TI  - Mathematical models of laser-induced tissue thermal damage.
AB  - Laser sources are under increasing study for in vivo tumour ablation. Photo
      thermal ablation in tissues varies tremendously in governing physical phenomena,
      depending on wavelength, owing to wide variation in the optical properties of
      tissues, specifically the dominant chromophore and degree and type of scattering.
      Once converted into local tissue heating, however, the governing thermodynamic
      principles remain the same. Observed irreversible thermal alterations range from
      substantial structural disruption due to steam evolution in high temperature
      short-term activations to low temperature rise, longer-term initiation of the
      complex protein cascades that result in apoptosis and/or necroptosis. The usual
      mathematical model in hyperthermia studies, the thermal isoeffect dose, arising
      from the relative reaction rate formulation, is not an effective description of
      the higher temperature effects because multiple processes occur in parallel. The
      Arrhenius formulation based on the theory of absolute reaction rates is much more
      useful and descriptive in laser heating since the multiple thermodynamically
      independent processes may be studied separately.

PMID- 22098361
TI  - Treatment of leg veins with indocyanine green and lasers investigated with
      mathematical modelling.
AB  - PURPOSE: The treatment of leg veins is routinely performed in clinical practice
      using near infrared (NIR) lasers. However, due to low absorption of NIR light in
      blood vessels, the clinical results are still suboptimal. The absorption of the
      NIR light can be significantly increased with intravenous introduction of an
      indocyanine green (ICG) dye. In this work a mathematical model was used to
      delineate clinically valid settings for ICG and NIR lasers for the treatment of
      leg veins. METHODS: A finite element commercial package was used to simulate
      light propagation and absorption and heat generation in a skin-like geometry. The
      simulations were conducted for 755 nm and 810 nm light wavelengths, which are
      emitted by alexandrite and diode lasers, respectively. Five different laser
      settings, six different vessel diameters (0.1-2 mm) and three ICG concentrations
      (0, 1 or 2 mg/kg body weight (BW)) were used to calculate the temperature field
      spatial distribution as a function of time. RESULTS: The diameter of the blood
      vessels affects the temperature distribution during and following laser
      irradiation, with and without ICG. Adding 1 or 2 mg/kg bw of ICG will cause
      significant temperature increase (15-35 degrees C, p <= 0.001) in blood vessels
      with a diameter of 0.1-1 mm and steep temperature gradients in 1.5-2 mm diameter
      blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous application of ICG at 1-2 mg/kg may
      improve coagulation of blood vessels with 0.1-1 mm diameter irradiated with
      either a diode or alexandrite laser. This should be confirmed with clinical
      trials in the near future.

PMID- 22098360
TI  - Model-based planning and real-time predictive control for laser-induced thermal
      therapy.
AB  - In this article, the major idea and mathematical aspects of model-based planning
      and real-time predictive control for laser-induced thermal therapy (LITT) are
      presented. In particular, a computational framework and its major components
      developed by authors in recent years are reviewed. The framework provides the
      backbone for not only treatment planning but also real-time surgical monitoring
      and control with a focus on MR thermometry enabled predictive control and
      applications to image-guided LITT, or MRgLITT. Although this computational
      framework is designed for LITT in treating prostate cancer, it is further
      applicable to other thermal therapies in focal lesions induced by radio-frequency
      (RF), microwave and high-intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU). Moreover, the model
      based dynamic closed-loop predictive control algorithms in the framework,
      facilitated by the coupling of mathematical modelling and computer simulation
      with real-time imaging feedback, has great potential to enable a novel
      methodology in thermal medicine. Such technology could dramatically increase
      treatment efficacy and reduce morbidity.

PMID- 22098362
TI  - MR temperature imaging of nanoshell mediated laser ablation.
AB  - Minimally invasive thermal therapy using high-power diode lasers is an active
      area of clinical research. Gold nanoshells (AuNS) can be tuned to absorb light in
      the range used for laser ablation and may facilitate more conformal tumor heating
      and sparing of normal tissue via enhanced tumor specific heating. This concept
      was investigated in a xenograft model of prostate cancer (PC-3) using MR
      temperature imaging (MRTI) in a 1.5T scanner to characterize the spatiotemporal
      temperature distribution resulting from nanoparticle mediated heating. Tumors
      with and without intravenously injected AuNS were exposed to an external laser
      tuned to 808 nm for 180 sec at 4 W/cm(2) under real-time monitoring with proton
      resonance frequency shift based MRTI. Microscopy indicated that these
      nanoparticles (140-150 nm) accumulated passively in the tumor and remained close
      to the tumor microvasculature. MRTI measured a statistically significant (p <
      0.001) increase in maximum temperature in the tumor cortex (mean = 21 +/- 7
      degrees C) in +AuNS tumors versus control tumors. Analysis of the temperature
      maps helped demonstrate that the overall distribution of temperature within +AuNS
      tumors was demonstrably higher versus control, and resulted in damage visible on
      histopathology. This research demonstrates that passive uptake of intravenously
      injected AuNS in PC-3 xenografts converts the tumor vasculature into a potent
      heating source for nanoparticle mediated ablation at power levels which do not
      generate significant damage in normal tissue. When used in conjunction with MRTI,
      this has implications for development and validation of more conformal delivery
      of therapy for interstitial laser ablations.

PMID- 22098363
TI  - Heat shock protein expression and temperature distribution in prostate tumours
      treated with laser irradiation and nanoshells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sub-lethal temperature elevations in the tumour incurred during laser
      cancer therapy can induce heat shock protein (HSP) expression leading to enhanced
      tumour survival and recurrence. Nanoshells utilised in combination with laser
      therapy can potentially enable selective heat deposition, greater thermal injury,
      and diminished HSP expression in the tumour. The study objective was to measure
      the distribution of temperature and HSP expression in prostate tumours in
      response to laser therapy alone or with nanoshells to determine if these
      combinatorial therapies can minimise HSP expression. METHODS: PC3 cells were
      inoculated in the backs of CB17-Prkd c SCID/J mice and treated with external
      laser irradiation (wavelength of 810 nm, irradiance of 5 W/cm(2), spot size of 5
      mm, and heating duration of 3 min) alone or in combination with gold nanoshells
      (diameter of 55 nm and outer gold shell thickness of 10 nm) introduced into the
      tumour 24 h prior to laser treatment. Magnetic resonance temperature imaging was
      used to measure the distribution of temperature elevation in the tumours during
      laser treatment. Tumours were sectioned 16 h following laser treatment, stained
      for Hsp27 and Hsp70, imaged with a confocal microscope, and HSP expression levels
      were quantified as a function of depth in the tumours. RESULTS: Maximum
      temperature elevations at the tumour surface were 28 degrees C for laser
      treatment only and 50 degrees C for laser heating in combination with gold
      nanoshells. Laser therapy alone caused significant induction of HSP expression in
      the first few millimeters of the tumour depth, whereas decreasing HSP expression
      occurred with greater tumour depth. Tumours treated with laser and nanoshells
      experienced substantial temperatures (73-78 degrees C) at the tumour surface and
      temperatures greater than 53 degrees C in the first few millimeters which
      eliminated HSP expression. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of nanoshells in laser therapy
      can provide a mechanism for enhancing heat deposition capable of eliminating HSP
      expression within a larger tumour region compared to laser heating alone.

PMID- 22098365
TI  - Electronic properties and dissociative photoionization of thiocyanates. Part II.
      Valence and shallow-core (sulfur and chlorine 2p) regions of chloromethyl
      thiocyanate, CH2ClSCN.
AB  - A combination of photoelectron spectroscopy and synchrotron based photoelectron
      photoion coincidence (PEPICO) spectra has been applied to investigate the
      electronic structure and the dissociative ionization of the CH(2)ClSCN molecule
      in the valence region. The PES is assigned with the electronic structure
      calculations at the outer-valence Green's function and symmetry adapted
      cluster/configuration interaction (SAC-CI) levels offer an explanation of our
      experimental results. Upon vacuum ultraviolet irradiation the low-lying radical
      cation, located at 10.39 eV is formed. The molecular ion is observed in the time
      of-flight mass spectra, together with the CH(2)SCN(+) and CH(2)Cl(+) daughter
      ions. The total ion yield spectra have been measured in the S 2p and Cl 2p
      regions and several channels have been determined in dissociative photoionization
      events for the core-excited species. Thus, by using time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry and synchrotron radiation the relative abundances of the ionic
      fragments and their kinetic energy release values were obtained from both PEPICO
      and photoelectron photoion photoion coincidence spectra. Possible fragmentation
      processes are discussed and compared with that found for the related CH(3)SCN
      species.

PMID- 22098364
TI  - Sensorimotor integration for speech motor learning involves the inferior parietal
      cortex.
AB  - Sensorimotor integration is important for motor learning. The inferior parietal
      lobe, through its connections with the frontal lobe and cerebellum, has been
      associated with multisensory integration and sensorimotor adaptation for motor
      behaviors other than speech. In the present study, the contribution of the
      inferior parietal cortex to speech motor learning was evaluated using repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) prior to a speech motor adaptation task.
      Subjects' auditory feedback was altered in a manner consistent with the auditory
      consequences of an unintended change in tongue position during speech production,
      and adaptation performance was used to evaluate sensorimotor plasticity and short
      term learning. Prior to the feedback alteration, rTMS or sham stimulation was
      applied over the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG). Subjects who underwent the sham
      stimulation exhibited a robust adaptive response to the feedback alteration
      whereas subjects who underwent rTMS exhibited a diminished adaptive response. The
      results suggest that the inferior parietal region, in and around SMG, plays a
      role in sensorimotor adaptation for speech. The interconnections of the inferior
      parietal cortex with inferior frontal cortex, cerebellum and primary sensory
      areas suggest that this region may be an important component in learning and
      adapting sensorimotor patterns for speech.

PMID- 22098366
TI  - Surgical approach to pulmonary metastases from breast cancer.
AB  - One of the main characteristics of breast cancer is its capability to
      disseminate. Solitary pulmonary metastases from breast cancer occur rarely
      (0.4%). The aim of this study is to check whether or not the outcome following
      the surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases in patients with breast cancer is
      in accordance with the data in the literature and based on it to identify
      prognostic factors. We have reviewed retrospectively data for 33 patients who
      underwent 43 curative resections of breast cancer pulmonary metastases between
      1997 and 2002 at our department. Potential prognostic factors affecting survival,
      namely survival after lung metastasectomy, assessed were disease-free interval
      (DFI), the number and location of lung metastases, the diameter in mm of
      metastases and the extent of pulmonary resection. The median survival for 33
      patients with pulmonary breast cancer metastatic lesions after metastasectomy was
      73.2 months. Mean 5-year survival was 54.5%. There was a statistically
      significant difference in survival time with better prognosis for patients with
      DFI > 36 months (p = 0.0007), complete metastasectomy (p = 0.0153), unilateral
      pulmonary metastases (p=0.0267) and for patients who underwent multiple
      operations (p = 0.0211). In multivariate analysis there was significant influence
      for long-term prognosis for patients with DFI > 36 months (p = 0.0446) and for
      complete resection of the metastases (p = 0.0275). Analysis of the survival rates
      for patients with solitary pulmonary metastasis, with different size of tumors
      and after different types of pulmonary resection showed no significant
      differences. It was concluded that resection of lung metastases from breast
      cancer may offer a significant survival benefit for selected patients. The
      identified prognostic factor for survival after metastasectomy is DFI longer than
      36 months and complete resection of the metastases. In our group of patients, DFI
      longer than 36 months, unilateral pulmonary metastases and number of operations
      significantly influenced survival. Also, the results showed that lung
      metastasectomy by conventional surgery is a safe procedure with low perioperative
      morbidity and mortality rate.

PMID- 22098367
TI  - Recognizing and preventing death from compensated cirrhosis in the community.

PMID- 22098368
TI  - Impairment of cellulose- and cellobiose-degrading soil Bacteria by two acidic
      herbicides.
AB  - Herbicides have the potential to impair the metabolism of soil microorganisms.
      The current study addressed the toxic effect of bentazon and 4-chloro-2
      methylphenoxyacetic acid on aerobic and anaerobic Bacteria that are involved in
      cellulose and cellobiose degradation in an agricultural soil. Aerobic saccharide
      degradation was reduced at concentrations of herbicides above environmental
      values. Microbial processes (e.g. fermentations, ferric iron reduction) that were
      linked to anaerobic cellulose and cellobiose degradation were reduced in the
      presence of both herbicides at concentrations above and at those that occur in
      crop field soil. 16S rRNA gene transcript numbers of total Bacteria, and selected
      bacterial taxa (Clostridia [Group I], Planctomycetaceae, and two uncultivated
      taxa of Bacteroidetes) decreased more in anoxic than in oxic cellulose
      supplemented soil microcosms in the presence of both herbicides. Collectively,
      the results suggested that the metabolism of anaerobic cellulose-degrading
      Bacteria was impaired by typical in situ herbicide concentrations, whereas in
      situ concentrations did not impair metabolism of aerobic cellulose- and
      cellobiose-degrading soil Bacteria.

PMID- 22098369
TI  - The influence of exercises under isokinetic conditions on heart rate in males
      aged between 40 and 51.
AB  - The aim of the study was to estimate changes in heart rate (HR) values in
      response to the exercise under isokinetic conditions, with defined protocol using
      three different angular velocities and 2 minute break. The subjects were divided
      into two groups. The first group contained 18 males aged between 40 and 50, and
      the second group contained 20 males who were 20-30 years old. The heart rate was
      monitored before, during and after the strength moment measurement under
      isokinetic conditions of extensors and flexors of knee joint. The strength moment
      was measured with an angular velocity of 180  degrees /s, 120 degrees /s and 60 
      degrees /s. The number of repetitions of extension and flexion of the knee joint
      was 10 for the angular velocity of 180  degrees /s, 8 for the angular velocity of
      120  degrees /s and 5 for the angular velocity of 60  degrees /s. The break
      between each series of repetitions took 2 minutes. The peak torques for extensors
      and flexors of both lower extremities were measured. The peak torque and heart
      rate values increased with a decrease in the preset angular velocity and were
      lower in the second group. The results were within the norm accepted for
      submaximal heart rate index in both age groups.

PMID- 22098370
TI  - Rebound peer review: a viable recourse for aggrieved authors?
AB  - Scholarly peer review represents the linchpin of academic publishing. Recognized
      benefits of the peer review system are manifold. Critics raise several valid
      concerns that deserve attention. Several studies show that the current peer
      review system lacks robustness and is subject to bias in favor of well
      established research groups and "mainstream" theories. Hypotheses that harmonize
      with that of the leaders in the field are more likely to be accepted for
      publication in prestigious journals than heretic or radical ones. Then, there is
      the risk posed by the potentially unscrupulous reviewer. Alternatives to
      traditional peer review have been tried but the outcomes fall much short of
      expectations. Postreview rejection can be equally frustrating for the author and
      editor particularly when they are victims of limitations of the blinded forms of
      review. To provide recourse for authors who felt that their work has been
      rejected not because of the quality of science but because of the constraints of
      the peer review system, ARS introduces a rebound track for peer review (
      www.liebertpub.com/ars ). The rebound peer review track is a two-tier process
      that represents a hybrid of partially blinded and open peer review systems. The
      goal is to make sure that every author has the opportunity to rescue their
      rejected work which they feel may have been victimized by the glitches of the
      current peer review system. I invite affected authors to make full use of this
      experimental mechanism so we know whether the rebound peer review should prevail
      as a viable recourse.

PMID- 22098371
TI  - Use of contrast echocardiography to detect displacement of the needle during
      pericardiocentesis.
AB  - Bedside pericardiocentesis is a safe and routinely practiced procedure. We report
      a case in which echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was performed urgently
      for cardiac tamponade. In this case, there was displacement of the
      periocardiocentesis needle that was only detected by change in the color of
      aspirated fluid and confirmed by the use of contrast echocardiography. We
      prescribe the use of routine echocardiographic monitoring during
      pericardiocentesis to avoid this type of complication.

PMID- 22098372
TI  - NMR metabolomic analysis of dairy cows reveals milk glycerophosphocholine to
      phosphocholine ratio as prognostic biomarker for risk of ketosis.
AB  - Ketosis is a common metabolic disease in dairy cows. Diagnostic markers for
      ketosis such as acetone and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) are known, but
      disease prediction remains an unsolved challenge. Milk is a steadily available
      biofluid and routinely collected on a daily basis. This high availability makes
      milk superior to blood or urine samples for diagnostic purposes. In this
      contribution, we show that high milk glycerophosphocholine (GPC) levels and high
      ratios of GPC to phosphocholine (PC) allow for the reliable selection of healthy
      and metabolically stable cows for breeding purposes. Throughout lactation, high
      GPC values are connected with a low ketosis incidence. During the first month of
      lactation, molar GPC/PC ratios equal or greater than 2.5 indicate a very low risk
      for developing ketosis. This threshold was validated for different breeds
      (Holstein-Friesian, Brown Swiss, and Simmental Fleckvieh) and for animals in
      different lactations, with observed odds ratios between 1.5 and 2.38. In contrast
      to acetone and BHBA, these measures are independent of the acute disease status.
      A possible explanation for the predictive effect is that GPC and PC are measures
      for the ability to break down phospholipids as a fatty acid source to meet the
      enhanced energy requirements of early lactation.

PMID- 22098373
TI  - Identification of kinase substrates by bimolecular complementation assays.
AB  - As a consequence of the transient nature of kinase-substrate interactions, the
      detection of kinase targets, although central for understanding many biological
      processes, has remained challenging. Here we present a straightforward procedure
      that relies on the comparison of wild type with activation-loop mutants in the
      kinase of interest by bimolecular complementation assays. As a proof of
      functionality, we present the identification and in vivo confirmation of
      substrates of the major cell-cycle kinase in Arabidopsis, revealing a direct link
      between cell proliferation and the control of the redox state.

PMID- 22098374
TI  - Protease-antiprotease imbalance may be linked to potential defects in
      profilaggrin proteolysis in atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 22098375
TI  - Rapidly progressive B-cell dominated inflammatory neuropathy and littoral cell
      angioma of the spleen associated with plasmablastic B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 22098376
TI  - How do I implement a hospital-based blood management program?

PMID- 22098377
TI  - Assessing the effectiveness of marine reserves on unsustainably harvested long
      lived sessile invertebrates.
AB  - Although the rapid recovery of fishes after establishment of a marine reserve is
      well known, much less is known about the response of long-lived, sessile, benthic
      organisms to establishment of such reserves. Since antiquity, Mediterranean red
      coral (Corallium rubrum) has been harvested intensively for use in jewelry, and
      its distribution is currently smaller than its historical size throughout the
      Mediterranean Sea. To assess whether establishment of marine reserves is
      associated with a change in the size and number of red coral colonies that
      historically were not harvested sustainably, we analyzed temporal changes in mean
      colony diameter and density from 1992 to 2005 within red coral populations at
      different study sites in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve (established in 1992)
      and in adjacent unprotected areas. Moreover, we compared colony size in the Medes
      Islands Marine Reserve, where recreational diving is allowed and poaching has
      been observed after reserve establishment, with colony size in three other marine
      protected areas (Banyuls, Carry-le-Rouet, and Scandola) with the enforced
      prohibition of fishing and diving. At the end of the study, the size of red coral
      colonies at all sampling sites in the Medes Islands was significantly smaller
      than predicted by growth models and smaller than those in marine protected areas
      without fishing and diving. The annual number of recreational dives and the
      percent change in the basal diameter of red coral colonies were negatively
      correlated, which suggests that abrasion by divers may increase the mortality
      rates of the largest red coral colonies within this reserve . Our study is the
      first quantitative assessment of a poaching event, which was detected during our
      monitoring in 2002, inside the marine reserve. Poaching was associated with a
      loss of approximately 60% of the biomass of red coral colonies.

PMID- 22098378
TI  - High-level resistance to gentamicin: genetic transfer between Enterococcus
      faecalis isolated from food of animal origin and human microbiota.
AB  - AIMS:   To investigate the in vivo gene transfer of high-level gentamicin
      resistance (HLRG) from Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the food of animal
      origin to a human isolate, using a mouse model of intestinally colonized human
      microbiota. METHODS AND RESULTS:   In vitro study: The presence of plasmids
      involved in HLRG coding was investigated. After the conjugation experiment, the
      recipient strain, Ent. faecalis JH2-SS, acquired a plasmid responsible for HLRG
      [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) >800 MUg ml(-1) ], in a similar position
      to the donor cells. In vivo study: Seven BALB/c mice were dosed with ceftriaxone
      (400 mg kg(-1) ) and then inoculated with a dilution of 1/100 of human faeces
      (HFc). After 72 h, Ent. faecalis JH2-SS (recipient) was inoculated and then,
      after a further 72 h, the animals were given Ent. faecalis CS19, isolated from
      the food of animal origin, involved in HLRG (donor). The presence of
      transconjugant strains in HFc was subsequently recorded on a daily basis until
      the end of the experiment. The clonal relationship between Ent. faecalis and
      Escherichia coli in faeces was assessed by RAPD-PCR. Both the in vitro and in
      vivo studies showed that the receptor strain acquired a plasmid responsible for
      HLRG (MICs >800 MUg ml(-1) ), which migrated with a similar relative mobility
      value. Transconjugant strains were detected from 24 h after the donor strain
      inoculation and persisted until the end of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS:   The in
      vivo gene transfer of HLRG from Ent. faecalis strains, isolated from the food of
      animal origin, to human microbiota has been demonstrated in a mouse model.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   The complexity found on the therapeutic
      responses of invasive infectious diseases caused by Ent. faecalis facilitates the
      assessment of food of animal origin as a resistant pathogen reservoir. In
      addition, this study may contribute to the understanding of antimicrobials'
      resistance gene transfer between Ent. faecalis strains from food and human GI
      tract.

PMID- 22098379
TI  - Bottom-up photonic crystal lasers.
AB  - The directed growth of III-V nanopillars is used to demonstrate bottom-up
      photonic crystal lasers. Simultaneous formation of both the photonic band gap and
      active gain region is achieved via catalyst-free selective-area metal-organic
      chemical vapor deposition on masked GaAs substrates. The nanopillars implement a
      GaAs/InGaAs/GaAs axial double heterostructure for accurate, arbitrary placement
      of gain within the cavity and lateral InGaP shells to reduce surface
      recombination. The lasers operate single-mode at room temperature with low
      threshold peak power density of ~625 W/cm2. Cavity resonance and lasing
      wavelength is lithographically defined by controlling pillar pitch and diameter
      to vary from 960 to 989 nm. We envision this bottom-up approach to pillar-based
      devices as a new platform for photonic systems integration.

PMID- 22098380
TI  - Isoflavone composition and antioxidant capacity of modified-lipoxygenase soybeans
      grown in Maryland.
AB  - Maryland-grown soybean lines modified for low lipoxygenase-1 (LOX-1) content and
      a traditional nonmodified cultivar were analyzed for fatty acid composition,
      total phenolic content (TPC), isoflavone composition, relative DPPH* scavenging
      capacity (RDSC), and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HOSC). Soybean lines
      included black, brown, and yellow soybeans. TPC of all soybean lines ranged from
      2.84 to 4.74 mg gallic acid equiv (GAE)/g flour. Total isoflavones were between
      2.78 and 8.66 MUmol/g flour. RDSC of all lines was between 0.48 and 14.62 MUmol
      Trolox equiv (TE)/g flour, and HOSC ranged from 53.57 to 135.52 MUmol TE/g flour.
      Some modified-LOX genotypes demonstrated antioxidant capacity and/or isoflavone
      content similar to or higher than those of the nonmodified cultivar (P < 0.05).
      Black soybeans demonstrated higher TPC and RDSC than most yellow soybean lines,
      although they did not have higher isoflavone content. The results demonstrate
      that modification of the LOX trait did not necessarily alter the antioxidant
      capacity or chemical composition of the experimental soybean lines when compared
      with a nonmodified cultivar. These soybean lines may be studied further for
      nutraceutical properties and use in functional foods.

PMID- 22098381
TI  - Invariant natural killer T cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells may play an
      important role in regulating the innate and acquired immune systems in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there is little information
      regarding the potential role of iNKT cells in the pathogenesis of COPD. To
      investigate whether iNKT cells have an important role in COPD, the frequency of
      iNKT cells in peripheral blood of patients with COPD was analysed. METHODS: This
      was a comparative study of 28 patients with COPD and 19 age-matched healthy
      control subjects. Blood iNKT cells were stained with 6B11 mAb, anti-T cell
      receptor Valpha24 mAb, anti-T cell receptor Vbeta11 mAb or alpha
      galactosylceramide-loaded CD1d-tetramer, and analysed by flow cytometry. RESULTS:
      The frequency of CD4(+) 6B11(+) iNKT, CD4(+) Valpha24(+) iNKT, CD4(+) Vbeta11(+)
      iNKT and CD3(+) 6B11(+) iNKT cells was significantly lower in peripheral blood of
      patients with COPD than in that of healthy control subjects. The frequency of
      CD4(+) 6B11(+) iNKT cells was significantly lower in patients with exacerbations
      of COPD compared with those with stable COPD. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of iNKT
      was decreased in peripheral blood of patients with COPD. These results strongly
      suggest that iNKT cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD.

PMID- 22098382
TI  - Hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein specific T cells are associated with
      virological responses to combination therapy in chronic HCV patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Virus-specific T-cell responses play a major role in antiviral immune
      response. However, the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T-cell
      responses on combination therapy still remains controversial. AIMS: To identify
      the association between HCV-specific T cell responses and efficiency of
      combination therapy. METHODS: To address this issue, a longitudinal analysis of
      HCV-specific T-cell responses to overlapping peptides covering HCV-nonstructural
      protein (NS) was performed using ELISpot assay in 48 chronically infected HCV-1b
      patients during combination treatment with peginterferon-alfa and ribavirin.
      RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of chronic HCV patients showed detectable HCV-NS3, NS4
      or NS5A specific T-cell responses before therapy, with NS3 appearing to be the
      most immunodominant protein followed by NS5A and NS4. In addition, the percentage
      of patients responding to peptide stimulation was higher in patients with
      sustained virological response (SVR) when compared with those without SVR.
      Dynamics of HCV-NS-specific T-cell responses were further analysed; we found that
      HCV-specific T-cell responses maintained higher levels at 12 weeks into treatment
      in patients with SVR. In contrast, HCV-specific T-cell responses in patients
      without SVR declined significantly at 4 weeks into treatment and maintained low
      levels at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: We found that the HCV-specific T-cell responses
      were associated with good viral control in patients with combination therapy.

PMID- 22098383
TI  - Effect of a static magnetic field on nanodosimetric quantities in a DNA volume.
AB  - PURPOSE: With the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided radiation
      therapy it is becoming increasingly important to consider the potential influence
      of a magnetic field on ionising radiation. This paper aims to study the effect of
      a magnetic field on the track structure of radiation to determine if the
      biological effectiveness may be altered. METHODS: Using the Geant4-DNA (GEometry
      ANd Tracking 4) Monte Carlo simulation toolkit, nanodosimetric track structure
      parameters were calculated for electrons, protons and alpha particles moving in
      transverse magnetic fields up to 10 Tesla. Applying the model proposed by Garty
      et al., the track structure parameters were used to derive the probability of
      producing a double-strand break (DSB). RESULTS: For simulated primary particles
      of electrons (200 eV-10 keV), protons (300 keV-30 MeV) and alpha particles (1-9
      MeV) the application of a magnetic field was shown to have no significant effect
      (within statistical uncertainty limits) on the parameters characterizing
      radiation track structure or the probability of producing a DSB. CONCLUSIONS: The
      null result found here implies that if the presence of a magnetic field were to
      induce a change in the biological effectiveness of radiation, the effect would
      likely not be due to a change in the track structure of the radiation.

PMID- 22098385
TI  - Bibliometric awareness in nursing scholarship: can we afford to ignore it any
      longer?
AB  - In contemporary nursing academia, it is unthinkable that topics such as research
      methods, evidence-based practice, and the translation of research into practice
      would be omitted from nursing curricula at any level. What is surprising,
      however, is that despite a broad educational emphasis on "teaching research", the
      rising importance of bibliometrics appears to have been largely neglected. If
      nursing scholarship and nursing scholars are to prosper in the highly competitive
      field of modern health research, a sophisticated understanding of citation-based
      methods is clearly required. Armed with this knowledge, one can more successfully
      argue why scarce research funding, that might otherwise be channeled elsewhere,
      ought to be assigned to nursing researchers. We hereby urge readers to reflect on
      the extent to which bibliometrics is covered within formal nursing curricula at
      their college or university. It is no longer a case of if a graduate nurse will
      need this skill set for their future professional development, but when.

PMID- 22098384
TI  - Nursing home work environment and the risk of pressure ulcers and incontinence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between nursing home (NH) work environment
      attributes such as teams, consistent assignment and staff cohesion, and the risk
      of pressure ulcers and incontinence. DATA SOURCES/SETTING: Minimum dataset for
      46,044 residents in 162 facilities in New York State, for June 2006-July 2007,
      and survey responses from 7,418 workers in the same facilities. STUDY DESIGN: For
      each individual and facility, primary and secondary data were linked. Random
      effects logistic models were used to develop/validate outcome measures.
      Generalized estimating equation models with robust standard errors and
      probability weights were employed to examine the association between outcomes and
      work environment attributes. Key independent variables were staff cohesion,
      percent staff in daily care teams, and percent staff with consistent assignment.
      Other facility factors were also included. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Residents in
      facilities with worse staff cohesion had significantly greater odds of pressure
      ulcers and incontinence, compared with residents in facilities with better
      cohesion scores. Residents in facilities with greater penetration of self-managed
      teams had lower risk of pressure ulcers, but not of incontinence. Prevalence of
      consistent assignment was not significantly associated with the outcome measures.
      CONCLUSIONS: NH environments and management practices influence residents' health
      outcomes. These findings provide important lessons for administrators and
      regulators interested in promoting NH quality improvement.

PMID- 22098386
TI  - Energy relaxation dynamics of the hydration complex of hydroxide.
AB  - We use polarization-resolved mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy to study the
      dynamics of the hydration shells of hydroxide ions (OH(-)). We excite the OH
      stretch vibrations of H(2)O molecules solvating the OH(-) ion and observe that
      this excitation decays with a relaxation time constant T(1) of 200 fs. This
      relaxation is followed by a thermalization process that becomes slower with
      increasing concentration of OH(-). The prethermalized state is observed to be
      anisotropic, showing that the energy of the excited OH stretch vibrations is
      dissipated within the hydration complex. The anisotropy of the prethermalized
      state decays both as a result of the reorientation of the OH(-) hydration complex
      and heat diffusion from the excited complexes to unexcited complexes. Modeling
      the anisotropy data at different concentrations allows for an accurate estimate
      of the number of water molecules in the hydration shell of OH(-), the
      reorientation dynamics of the OH(-) hydration complex, and the molecular-scale
      heat diffusivity.

PMID- 22098387
TI  - High-dose esomeprazole is required for intraesophageal acid control in
      gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with hiatus hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to assess whether the efficacy of
      proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy at a standard dose in esophageal acid
      control is affected by the presence of hiatus hernia in Chinese gastroesophageal
      reflux disease patients, and whether a higher dose of PPI is required for acid
      control. METHODS: Consecutive gastroesophageal reflux disease patients who had
      typical reflux symptoms and abnormal baseline 24-h esophageal pH and underwent
      upper endoscopy were enrolled to receive esomeprazole at 40 mg once daily for 4
      weeks. Patients underwent the dual-channel 24-h pH test at the end of 4-week
      therapy. If the 24-h esophageal pH was still abnormal at the end of 4-week
      therapy, then esomeprazole at 40 mg twice daily was given for another 4 weeks
      after a washout interval of 1 week, and a 24-h pH test was repeated at the end of
      the therapy. RESULTS: Overall, 76 patients were included, 13 with hiatus hernia.
      Of the 76 patients treated with a 40 mg of esomeprazole daily, esophageal acid
      exposure was normalized in 64 (84.2%). Normalization of acid exposure was
      achieved by standard PPI therapy in 53.2% (7/13) of patients with hiatus hernia
      and 90.5% (57/63) of those without (P = 0.004). A double dose of esomeprazole was
      successful in normalizing the esophageal pH in all 12 non-responders to the
      standard dose of esomeprazole, including the six patients with hiatus hernia and
      six patients without. CONCLUSIONS: The standard-dose of esomeprazole fails to
      normalize the esophageal pH in almost 50% of patients with hiatus hernia, in whom
      the "double-dose" esomeprazole therapy is required.

PMID- 22098388
TI  - Thirteen novel deoxynivalenol-degrading bacteria are classified within two genera
      with distinct degradation mechanisms.
AB  - The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), a secondary metabolite produced by species of
      the plant pathogen Fusarium, causes serious problems in cereal crop production
      because of its toxicity towards humans and livestock. A biological approach for
      the degradation of DON using a DON-degrading bacterium (DDB) appears to be
      promising, although information about DDBs is limited. We isolated 13 aerobic
      DDBs from a variety of environmental samples, including field soils and wheat
      leaves. Of these 13 strains, nine belonged to the Gram-positive genus
      Nocardioides and other four to the Gram-negative genus Devosia. The degradation
      phenotypes of the two Gram types were clearly different; all washed cells of the
      13 strains degraded 100 MUg mL(-1) DON to below the detection limit (0.5 MUg mL(
      1)), but the conditions inducing the DON-degrading activities differed between
      the two Gram types. The HPLC profiles of the DON metabolites were also distinct
      between the two genera, although all strains produced 3-epi-deoxynivalenol. The
      Gram-positive strains showed DON assimilation in media containing DON as a carbon
      source, whereas the Gram-negatives did not. Our results suggest that aerobic DDBs
      are distributed within at least two phylogenetically restricted genera,
      suggesting independent evolution of the DON-degradation mechanisms.

PMID- 22098389
TI  - The addition of internists to a breast health program.
AB  - With the increases in complexity of care for breast health concerns, there is a
      growing need for efficient and effective clinical evaluation, especially for
      vulnerable populations at risk for poor outcomes. The Breast Health Center at
      Boston Medical Center is a multidisciplinary program, with internists providing
      care alongside breast surgeons, radiologists, and patient navigators. Using a
      triage system previously shown to have high provider and patient satisfaction,
      and the ability to provide timely care, patients are assigned to either a breast
      surgeon or internist. From 2007 to 2009, internists cared for 2,408 women,
      representing half of all referrals. Women served were diverse in terms of race
      (33% black, 30% Hispanic, 5% Asian), language (34% require language interpreter),
      and insurance status (51% had no insurance or public insurance). Most presented
      with an abnormal screen (breast examination 54% or imaging 4%) while the
      remainder were seen for symptoms such as pain (26%), non-bloody nipple discharge
      (4%), or risk assessment (7%). A majority of final diagnoses were made through
      clinical evaluation alone (n = 1,760, 73%), without the need for additional
      diagnostic imaging or tissue sampling; 9% (n = 214) received a benign diagnosis
      with the aid of breast imaging; 19% (n = 463) required tissue sampling. Only 4%
      went on to see a breast surgeon. Internists diagnosed 15 incident cancers with a
      median time to diagnosis of 19 days. Patient and provider satisfaction was high.
      These data suggest that a group of appropriately trained internists can provide
      quality breast care to a vulnerable population in a multidisciplinary setting.
      Replication of this model requires the availability of more clinical training
      programs for non-surgical providers.

PMID- 22098390
TI  - Evaluation of clinical specimens for Rickettsia, Bartonella, Borrelia, Coxiella,
      Anaplasma, Franciscella and Diplorickettsia positivity using serological and
      molecular biology methods.
AB  - We monitored clinical samples from patients of different age groups from selected
      regions in Slovakia. Overall seroprevalence evaluated by immunofluorescence (IFA)
      using nine Bartonella, two Borrelia, six rickettsial (spotted fever and typhus
      group), two Coxiella, and one human granulocytic ehrlichiosis Anaplasma,
      Franciscella tularensis and Diplorickettsia massiliensis antigens, in rural and
      city populations of Slovak Republic, was found to be 32% positive for spotted
      fever group rickettsiae. Only five (10%) of the rickettsia-positive cases
      evaluated by IFA were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Rickettsia
      helvetica, Rickettsia slovaca, and Rickettsia raoultii infection appear to be
      prevalent in Slovakia. Furthermore, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia and, for the
      first time, Bartonella elisabethae were confirmed in Slovakia.

PMID- 22098392
TI  - Cerebellopontine angle metastasis of a parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising
      from perineural invasion along the facial nerve.
AB  - A 72-year-old male was referred with left sided hearing loss, tinnitus and
      disequilibrium with radiological appearances suggestive of an intracanalicular
      left vestibular schwannoma. The patient then developed left sided trigeminal
      nerve sensory loss over the next 9 months with an enlarging parotid swelling. The
      eventual diagnosis was a destructive lesion in the left cerebellopontine angle
      (CPA) arising from metastatic perineural invasion along the facial nerve by a
      parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Surgical resection and targeted beam
      radiotherapy achieved a survival period of 9 months.

PMID- 22098393
TI  - Comparison of CT perfusion parameters and microvessel density in intracranial
      hemangiopericytomas with peritumoral edema.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intracranial hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare, and they have a
      tendency for local recurrence and metastases. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the relationship between CT perfusion (CTP) parameters and microvessel
      density (MVD) of HPCs and compare CTP parameters in parenchyma and peritumoral
      edema of HPCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the ethics
      committee, and written informed consent was obtained. Ten patients with HPCs and
      peritumoral edema, confirmed by pathological results, received 64-slice CT
      perfusion imaging before operation. To evaluate vascular attenuation of tumoral
      parenchyma, we immunostained the specimen sections for CD-34, measured the
      integrated optical density of all the positive stained CD-34 cells in the
      microscopic field, and calculated its ratio to total area of field as MVD.
      Perfusion analysis was calculated using the Patlak method. Using a 1-cm distance
      from the outer enhancing tumor margin as a boundary, the peritumoral edema was
      divided into an immediate and a distant part. The quantitative CTP parameters,
      including cerebral blood volume (CBV), permeability-surface area product (PS) of
      parenchyma, and immediate and distant peritumoral edemas, were compared. CBV and
      PS in parenchyma and immediate and distant peritumoral edemas of HPCs were also
      compared to their respective contralateral normal white matter. The correlations
      between MVD, CBV, and PS of tumoral parenchyma were analyzed. RESULTS: Positive
      correlations existed between CBV and MVD, PS and MVD (P < 0.05) respectively in
      the 10 patients. Furthermore, the values of CBV and PS in parenchyma of HPCs were
      significantly higher than those of the contralateral normal white matter and
      peritumoral edema (P < 0.05). The value of CBV in peritumoral edema of HPCs were
      lower than that of contralateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), while the value
      of PS in immediate and distant peritumoral edemas of HPCs were not significantly
      difference with that of contralateral normal white matter (P > 0.05). Finally,
      the values of CBV and PS did not show a significant difference between immediate
      and distant peritumoral edemas. CONCLUSIONS: CT perfusion imaging, especially
      determination of maximal CBV and corresponding PS values in the parenchyma, may
      be a useful and non-invasive technique for the preoperative evaluation of
      hemodynamic features of HPCs with peritumoral edema. CBV of peritumoral edema
      indicate that HPCs have a possibility of infiltration, this need further
      radiological-pathological research.

PMID- 22098394
TI  - Successful treatment of cutaneous venous malformations in a patient with blue
      rubber bleb naevus syndrome by Nd:YAG laser.

PMID- 22098391
TI  - The integrity of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons depends on expression of
      Nkx2-1.
AB  - The transcription factor Nkx2-1 belongs to the homeobox-encoding family of
      proteins that have essential functions in prenatal brain development. Nkx2-1 is
      required for the specification of cortical interneurons and several neuronal
      subtypes of the ventral forebrain. Moreover, this transcription factor is
      involved in migratory processes by regulating the expression of guidance
      molecules. Interestingly, Nkx2-1 expression was recently detected in the mouse
      brain at postnatal stages. Using two transgenic mouse lines that allow prenatal
      or postnatal cell type-specific deletion of Nkx2-1, we show that continuous
      expression of the transcription factor is essential for the maturation and
      maintenance of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in mice. Notably, prenatal
      deletion of Nkx2-1 in GAD67-expressing neurons leads to a nearly complete loss of
      cholinergic neurons and parvalbumin-containing GABAergic neurons in the basal
      forebrain. We also show that postnatal mutation of Nkx2-1 in choline
      acetyltransferase-expressing cells causes a striking reduction in their number.
      These degenerative changes are accompanied by partial denervation of their target
      structures and results in a discrete impairment of spatial memory.

PMID- 22098395
TI  - The interaction between seaweed farming as an alternative occupation and fisher
      numbers in the central Philippines.
AB  - Alternative occupations are frequently promoted as a means to reduce the number
      of people exploiting declining fisheries. However, there is little evidence that
      alternative occupations reduce fisher numbers. Seaweed farming is frequently
      promoted as a lucrative alternative occupation for artisanal fishers in Southeast
      Asia. We examined how the introduction of seaweed farming has affected village
      level changes in the number of fishers on Danajon Bank, central Philippines,
      where unsustainable fishing has led to declining fishery yields. To determine how
      fisher numbers had changed since seaweed farming started, we interviewed the
      heads of household from 300 households in 10 villages to examine their
      perceptions of how fisher numbers had changed in their village and the reasons
      they associated with these changes. We then asked key informants (people with
      detailed knowledge of village members) to estimate fisher numbers in these
      villages before seaweed farming began and at the time of the survey. We compared
      the results of how fisher numbers had changed in each village with the wealth,
      education, seaweed farm sizes, and other attributes of households in these
      villages, which we collected through interviews, and with village-level factors
      such as distance to markets. We also asked people why they either continued to
      engage in or ceased fishing. In four villages, respondents thought seaweed
      farming and low fish catches had reduced fisher numbers, at least temporarily. In
      one of these villages, there was a recent return to fishing due to declines in
      the price of seaweed and increased theft of seaweed. In another four villages,
      fisher numbers increased as human population increased, despite the widespread
      uptake of seaweed farming. Seaweed farming failed for technical reasons in two
      other villages. Our results suggest seaweed farming has reduced fisher numbers in
      some villages, a result that may be correlated with socioeconomic status, but the
      heterogeneity of outcomes is consistent with suggestions that alternative
      occupations are not a substitute for more direct forms of resource management.

PMID- 22098397
TI  - An investigation of strong sodium retention mechanisms in nanopore environments
      using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
AB  - Recent experimental research into the adsorption of various cations on zeolite
      minerals has shown that nanopore channels of approximately 0.5 nm or less can
      create an effect whereby the adsorption of ions, especially those that are weakly
      hydrated, can be significantly enhanced. This enhanced adsorption occurs due to
      the removal of hydrating water molecules which in turn is caused by the nanopore
      channel's small size. A new adsorption model, called the nanopore inner-sphere
      enhancement (NISE) effect, has been proposed that explains this unusual
      adsorption mechanism. To further validate this model a series of nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies is presented here. NMR spectra were gathered
      for Na adsorbed on three zeolite minerals of similar chemical composition but
      differing nanoporosities: zeolite Y with a limiting dimension of 0.76 nm, ZSM-5
      with a limiting dimension of 0.51 nm, and mordenite with a limiting dimension of
      0.26 nm. The NMR experiments validated the predictions of the NISE model whereby
      Na adsorbed via outer-sphere on zeolite Y, inner-sphere on ZSM-5, and a
      combination of both mechanisms on mordenite. The strong Na adsorption observed in
      these nanoporous minerals conflicts with sodium's general designation as a weak
      electrolyte.

PMID- 22098396
TI  - Analysis of 120 pediatric patients with nonmalignant disorders transplanted using
      unrelated plasma-depleted or -reduced cord blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unrelated cord blood (CB) is an important stem cell source for
      unrelated hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) of patients with nonmalignant
      disorders. Processing methods to prepare red blood cell-reduced CB units incur
      significant nucleated cell loss. In contrast, plasma depletion or reduction (PDR)
      processing of CB units entails the removal of only a portion of the plasma with
      minimal nucleated cell loss. However, there are relatively limited data regarding
      outcomes of CB transplants using units processed by PDR. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR)
      audited analysis was performed on 120 pediatric patients with nonmalignant
      disorders transplanted between November 2001 and January 2008 at 29 US and 17
      international centers using PDR CB units from two CB banks. RESULTS: Transplant
      characteristics were as follows: median age, 3.5 years (range, 0.1-14 years);
      median patient weight, 15 kg (range, 4-61 kg); 58% male; HLA matches
      (intermediate-resolution HLA-A and HLA-B and high-resolution HLA-DRB1) of the
      units used in these patients six of six in 26, five of six in 48, four of six in
      47, and three of six or two of six in 6; median prefreeze total nucleated cell
      dose, 10.5*10(7)/kg; median prefreeze CD34+ dose, 3.7*10(5)/kg; and
      nonmyeloablative regimen in 24%. The median times to myeloid and platelet
      engraftment were 21 and 49 days, respectively. The cumulative incidence of
      reported Grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 38+/-5%, and
      19+/-4% had Grade III to IV aGVHD. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 3-year
      transplant-related mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival were
      20+/-4, 79+/-4, and 70+/-6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the
      effectiveness of PDR CB units for HCT.

PMID- 22098398
TI  - Should cirrhosis change our attitude towards treating non-hepatic cancer?
AB  - Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is the end stage of any
      chronic liver disease. Cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, is a growing
      global health issue. There are limited data in the literature on the incidence,
      prevalence and management of non-hepatic cancers (NHC) in cirrhotic patients. The
      aim of this brief review was to underline the main concerns, pitfalls and
      warnings regarding practice for these patients. Survival of patients with
      compensated cirrhosis is significantly longer than that of decompensated
      cirrhosis and patients with NHC and in Child-Pugh class C should not be
      candidates for cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is important before starting cytotoxic
      chemotherapy to assess the aetiology and stage of liver disease and to screen
      these patients for portal hypertension and fluid retention. During cytotoxic
      chemotherapy, the effectiveness of cancer treatment, as well the appearance of
      early signs of hepatic decompensation, must be thoroughly monitored. Future phase
      3 trial designs in oncology should include a share of patients with compensated
      cirrhosis to obtain specific information in this setting. Identification of tests
      able to measure the global degree of hepatic impairment caused by cirrhosis could
      help in the management of this particular clinical situation.

PMID- 22098399
TI  - Role of left ventricular dyssynchrony in predicting remodeling after ST elevation
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraventricular dyssynchrony is associated with worsening systolic
      function, adverse remodeling, and clinical events. The aim of this study is to
      investigate whether intraventricular dyssynchrony assessed by tissue Doppler
      imaging (TDI) can predict left ventricular (LV) remodeling after first ST segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated successfully with primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive
      patients who presented with first acute STEMI were included in the study. All
      patients underwent successful pPCI. Standard echocardiography was performed
      within 48 hours of admission. LV dyssynchrony was assessed by color-coded TDI.
      Dyssynchrony (Ts-diff) was calculated by maximal temporal difference between time
      to peak systolic velocities (Ts) of six basal segments. Echocardiographic
      examination was repeated after 6 months to reassess LV volumes. LV remodeling was
      defined as >15% increase in LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) after 6 months.
      RESULTS: Eleven patients (23%) developed LV remodeling. Baseline dyssynchrony was
      found to be correlated with percent change in LVESVI and LV end-diastolic volume
      index (LVEDVI) after 6 months. Ts-diff, creatine kinase-MB and mitral inflow E
      wave deceleration time (DT) were the independent predictors of remodeling after
      STEMI in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis showed that Ts-diff >56 msec had 72.7% sensitivity
      and 83.8% specificity for predicting remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: LV dyssynchrony is
      a strong predictor of LV remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It
      could be useful in risk stratification of patients after AMI.

PMID- 22098400
TI  - Evaluation of dynamic formation of cervical spine column based on functional
      radiological studies in patients after cervical spine injury.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate cervical spine function, based on our
      own functional method of roentgenometric analysis in patients who suffered from
      cervical spine sprain injury. Study involved 72 patients who suffered from
      cervical spine whiplash injury. Conventional plain radiographs in all patients
      included three lateral views: maximum flexion, neutral (resting) and maximum
      extension. All views allowed roentgenometric evaluation of ligament instability
      of the lower cervical spine C5-C7 according to the White and Panjabi criteria.
      Furthermore, based on literature analysis and their own clinical observations,
      the authors proposed new classification of dynamic formation of cervical spine
      column. The dynamic formation of cervical column is evaluated based on
      pathomechanical chain of being between normal and unstable. Authors' own
      evaluation system in flexion views can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of
      this type of injury.

PMID- 22098401
TI  - Complementary therapies in rehabilitation: stroke patients' narratives. Part 2.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the narratives of nursing staff and patients in
      a Thailand Rehabilitation Centre where complementary therapies are used and to
      discuss perceived progress of these stroke patients. Specific complementary
      therapies used at this Rehabilitation Centre include Thai massage and herbal
      therapies. BACKGROUND: Whilst there has been a small amount of quantitative
      research on stroke patients and complementary therapies there has been no
      qualitative research on the experience of stroke patients and the use of
      complementary therapies. DESIGN: Qualitative pilot study using narrative inquiry
      and discourse analysis framed by poststructural theory. METHOD: Six stroke
      patients were interviewed about their involvement in complementary therapy
      practice and treatments and their experiences of these therapies in
      rehabilitation. RESULTS: This study represents a reflective mining of patients'
      stories and captures the main theme of changes in stroke patients' embodiment and
      a main discourse of attending to and enabling progress. Throughout the storylines
      there are many other discourses such as hope, desire, helplessness, despair,
      fear, motivation, gratefulness, gladness and fragility. CONCLUSION: Threaded
      throughout the stroke patients' stories of their rehabilitation there is a
      layering of discourses involving tensions and a longing to overcome their
      disability. There are twists and detours in their stories that show the
      complexity of the illness experience. Progress is not straightforward with a
      quick recovery. Many contexts or variables influence progress such as spatiality,
      temporality and people. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: What is offered here is
      the reality of the rehabilitation process for stroke patients. Through the use of
      narrative inquiry the contexts of people, spatiality (environment) and
      temporality (time) are an important part of rehabilitation process.

PMID- 22098403
TI  - The absolute monocyte count is associated with overall survival in patients newly
      diagnosed with follicular lymphoma.
AB  - Follicular lymphoma is characterized by a highly variable clinical course ranging
      from early transformation and disease-related mortality to prolonged periods of
      disease stability or even spontaneous remissions. This clinical heterogeneity is
      likely explained by differences in the tumor microenvironment, including variable
      infiltration by monocyte-derived cells. Therefore, we examined the absolute
      monocyte count obtained from a standard complete blood count with differential at
      the time of diagnosis as a prognostic factor in a cohort of patients with
      follicular lymphoma (n = 355) treated at a single institution between 1998 and
      2007. We found that the absolute monocyte count at diagnosis is associated with
      overall survival, independent of the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic
      Index (FLIPI). Furthermore, the absolute monocyte count improved the ability to
      identify high-risk patients when used in conjunction with the FLIPI. These
      results further support the central role of non-neoplastic myeloid-lineage cells
      in follicular lymphoma biology.

PMID- 22098404
TI  - Very poor outcome of leukemic transformation in myelofibrosis: a single center
      experience with 13 patients.

PMID- 22098405
TI  - Valproic acid combined with cytosine arabinoside in elderly patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia has in vitro but limited clinical activity.
AB  - Elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a poor prognosis. The
      authors examined the in vitro and clinical activity of the histone deacetylase
      inhibitor valproic acid (VA) combined with cytosine arabinoside (AraC) in elderly
      patients with AML unsuited to intensive therapy. For the in vitro studies,
      primary AML cells from 11 patients were treated with AraC and VA and analyzed for
      apoptosis, cytostatic effects, differentiation and acetyl histone H3 induction.
      VA (alone and with AraC) enhanced apoptosis and induced acetyl histone H3. VA
      inhibited cell proliferation. For the clinical trial, 15 patients were treated
      with VA and subcutaneous AraC and assessed for toxicity and response. No complete
      or partial remissions were achieved. In conclusion, VA has in vitro activity
      against AML and has additional activity with AraC. However, in this study, this
      combination demonstrated limited clinical activity in elderly patients with AML.

PMID- 22098406
TI  - High rates of surveillance imaging for treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:
      findings from a large national database.
AB  - We aimed to characterize surveillance imaging and circumstances of relapse for
      patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the National Comprehensive
      Cancer Network Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Outcomes Database, a prospective cohort
      study collecting clinical and outcome data at seven comprehensive cancer centers.
      Patients presenting with newly diagnosed DLBCL in remission >=3 months after
      initial therapy and who had accrued 2 years of follow-up were eligible for
      analysis (n = 625). The median number of imaging studies was 2.5/year
      (institutional range 0.5-3.5, p < 0.0001); 48.4% received only dedicated computed
      tomography (CT) scans, 14.6% received only positron emission tomography (PET)
      inclusive modalities, 32.8% received a combination and 4.2% received no imaging.
      Among all eligible patients, 50 (8.0%) experienced relapse, and approximately one
      quarter of subclinical relapses were detected through routine imaging. Our
      results suggest that despite limited data regarding its effect on outcomes,
      surveillance imaging is prevalent in DLBCL, and a majority of patients receive
      PET scans at some point during follow-up.

PMID- 22098409
TI  - New relationships connecting the dipole polarizability, radius, and second
      ionization potential for atoms.
AB  - The atomic dipole polarizability alpha of the 101 elements from He to No is
      related to the second ionization potential I2 and the Waber-Cromer radius r(WC).
      Our recommended model is the function alpha = P1.I2-4 + P2.r(WC)(3) I2(y). With
      the parameters P1 = 2.26, P2 = 3.912, and y = 0.439, it reproduces the
      polarizabilities of all 101 elements with a mean absolute deviation of 7.5 au.

PMID- 22098408
TI  - Hepatic gene transfer in neonatal mice by adeno-associated virus serotype 8
      vector.
AB  - For genetic diseases that manifest at a young age with irreversible consequences,
      early treatment is critical and essential. Neonatal gene therapy has the
      advantages of achieving therapeutic effects before disease manifestation, a low
      vector requirement and high vector-to-cell ratio, and a relatively immature
      immune system. Therapeutic effects or long-term rescue of neonatal lethality have
      been demonstrated in several animal models. However, vigorous cell proliferation
      in the newborn stage is a significant challenge for nonintegrating vectors, such
      as adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. Slightly delaying the injection age, and
      readministration at a later time, are two of the alternative strategies to solve
      this problem. In this study, we demonstrated robust and efficient hepatic gene
      transfer by self-complementary AAV8 vector in neonatal mice. However,
      transduction quickly decreased over a few weeks because of vector dilution caused
      by fast proliferation. Delaying the injection age improved sustained expression,
      although it also increased neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses to AAV capsid.
      This approach can be used to treat genetic diseases with slow progression. For
      genetic diseases with early onset and severe consequences, early treatment is
      essential. A second injection of vector of a different serotype at a later time
      may overcome preexisting NAb and achieve sustained therapeutic effects.

PMID- 22098410
TI  - Development of a Chip/Chip/SRM platform using digital chip isoelectric focusing
      and LC-Chip mass spectrometry for enrichment and quantitation of low abundance
      protein biomarkers in human plasma.
AB  - Protein biomarkers are critical for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of
      disease. The transition from protein biomarker discovery to verification can be a
      rate limiting step in clinical development of new diagnostics. Liquid
      chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-SRM MS) is
      becoming an important tool for biomarker verification studies in highly complex
      biological samples. Analyte enrichment or sample fractionation is often necessary
      to reduce sample complexity and improve sensitivity of SRM for quantitation of
      clinically relevant biomarker candidates present at the low ng/mL range in blood.
      In this paper, we describe an alternative method for sample preparation for LC
      SRM MS, which does not rely on availability of antibodies. This new platform is
      based on selective enrichment of proteotypic peptides from complex biological
      peptide mixtures via isoelectric focusing (IEF) on a digital ProteomeChip (dPC)
      for SRM quantitation using a triple quadrupole (QQQ) instrument with an LC-Chip
      (Chip/Chip/SRM). To demonstrate the value of this approach, the optimization of
      the Chip/Chip/SRM platform was performed using prostate specific antigen (PSA)
      added to female plasma as a model system. The combination of immunodepletion of
      albumin and IgG with peptide fractionation on the dPC, followed by SRM analysis,
      resulted in a limit of quantitation of PSA added to female plasma at the level of
      ~1-2.5 ng/mL with a CV of ~13%. The optimized platform was applied to measure
      levels of PSA in plasma of a small cohort of male patients with prostate cancer
      (PCa) and healthy matched controls with concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 25
      ng/mL. A good correlation (r(2) = 0.9459) was observed between standard clinical
      ELISA tests and the SRM-based assay. Our data demonstrate that the combination of
      IEF on the dPC and SRM (Chip/Chip/SRM) can be successfully applied for
      verification of low abundance protein biomarkers in complex samples.

PMID- 22098411
TI  - Potent hepatitis B surface antigen response to treatment of hepatitis-B-e-antigen
      positive chronic hepatitis B with alpha-interferon plus a nucleos(t)ide analog.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is the closest
      cure outcome in hepatitis B. The goal of this study was to investigate clinical
      features in chronic hepatitis B patients achieving seroconversion of HBsAg after
      treatment with alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha) and a nucleos(t)ide analog. METHODS:
      This retrospective study enrolled 38 chronic hepatitis B patients treated with
      IFN-alpha plus a nucleos(t)ide analog who achieved HBsAg seroconversion during
      the period from June 2001 to May 2009. Clinical and laboratory data of the
      patients were collected before and after treatment every 3 months. All patients
      with HBsAg seroconversion in this study were followed up for at least 12 months
      post-treatment. RESULTS: A total of 38 out of 142 patients achieved HBsAg
      seroconversion after treatment with IFN-alpha and a nucleos(t)tide analog for a
      prolonged period of time (medium 31 months). The median time to hepatitis B e
      antigen seroconversion and to HBsAg seroconversion was 19.5 months (range 3-60
      months) and 25.5 months (range 9-63 months), respectively. Thirty-six patients
      (95%) sustained HBsAg seroconversion during the post-treatment follow up. Three
      different HBsAg response patterns were observed with classical model accounting
      for 57.9% (22/38 cases), simultaneous transition mode accounting for 23.7% (9/38
      cases), and HBsAg prior transition model accounting for 18.4% (7/38 cases).
      CONCLUSIONS: Extended treatment with IFN-alpha in combination with a
      nucleos(t)ide analog in patients with hepatitis-B-e-antigen-positive appears to
      be a promising approach for achieving a high rate of HBsAg clearance-the closest
      outcome to cure.

PMID- 22098412
TI  - Nonimage-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of palpable axillary lymph nodes in
      breast cancer patients.
AB  - We report the utility of office-based, nonimaged guided fine needle aspiration of
      palpable axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. We examine the
      sensitivity and specificity of this procedure, and examine factors associated
      with a positive fine needle aspiration biopsy result. Although the utility of
      ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of axillary lymph nodes is
      well established, there is little data on nonimage guided office-based FNA of
      palpable axillary lymphadenopathy. We investigated the sensitivity and
      specificity of nonimage-guided FNA of axillary lymphadenopathy in patients
      presenting with breast cancer, and report factors associated with a positive FNA
      result. Retrospective study of 94 patients who underwent office-based FNA of
      palpable axillary lymph nodes between 2004 and 2008 was conducted. Cytology
      results were compared with pathology after axillary sentinel node or lymph node
      dissection. Nonimage-guided axillary FNA was 86% sensitive and 100% specific. On
      univariate analysis, patients with positive FNA cytology had larger breast tumors
      (p = 0.007), more pathologic positive lymph nodes (p < 0.0001), and were more
      likely to present with a palpable breast mass (p = 0.006) or with radiographic
      lymphadenopathy (p = 0.002). FNA-positive patients had an increased presence of
      lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.001), higher stage of disease (p < 0.001), higher
      N stage (p < 0.0001), and higher rate of HER2/neu expression (p = 0.008). On
      multivariate analysis, radiographic lymphadenopathy (p = 0.03) and number of
      positive lymph nodes (p = 0.04) were associated with a positive FNA result.
      Nonimage-guided FNA of palpable axillary lymphadenopathy in breast cancer
      patients is an inexpensive, sensitive, and specific test. Prompt determination of
      lymph node positivity benefits select patients, permitting avoidance of axillary
      ultrasound, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or delay in receiving neoadjuvant
      therapy. This results in time and cost savings for the health care system, and
      expedites definitive management.

PMID- 22098413
TI  - Main and interactive effects of social support in predicting mental health
      symptoms in men and women following military stressor exposure.
AB  - Evidence across a multitude of contexts indicates that social support is
      associated with reduced risk for mental health symptoms. More information is
      needed on the effectiveness of different sources of support, as well as sex
      differences in support. Associations between social support from two sources -
      the military unit and friends and family - and mental health symptoms were
      examined in a study of 1571 Marine recruits assessed at the beginning and end of
      a highly stressful 13-week training program. Military social support buffered the
      stressor exposure-posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS) relationship,
      whereas the relationship between stressor exposure and PTSS was highest when
      civilian social support was high. Further inspection of the interactions revealed
      that military support was most important at high levels of stressor exposure. Sex
      differences in the relationship between social support and symptoms were found,
      such that support from military peers was associated with lower levels of PTSS
      for men, whereas civilian support was associated with lower PTSS for women. While
      civilian social support was associated with lower levels of depression symptom
      severity in both women and men, the relationship was stronger for women. Reviewed
      implications focus on the importance of considering the recipient, source, and
      context of social support.

PMID- 22098415
TI  - EPOTRAN: a full-differential Monte Carlo code for electron and positron transport
      in liquid and gaseous water.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe here a novel full-differential Monte Carlo (MC) event-by
      event simulation, for modelling electron and positron histories in liquid and
      gaseous water, with impact energies ranging from the water excitation threshold
      (7.4 eV) to 10 keV. This new track-structure code is named EPOTRAN, an acronym
      for Electron and POsitron TRANsport in water. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the
      processes induced by both electrons and positrons are studied in detail via
      theoretical differential and total cross sections, calculated within the quantum
      mechanical framework by using the partial-wave method. Elastic and inelastic
      interactions are then successively reviewed, including in particular an original
      description of the positron-induced capture process leading to Positronium
      formation. RESULTS: Total and differential cross sections are reported and
      compared with a large set of existing measurements. Rather good agreement is
      generally observed over the considered energy range. CONCLUSIONS: This work
      reports the theoretical cross sections used in a special purpose Monte Carlo
      simulation suitable for electron and positron transport in gaseous and liquid
      water. This MC code should represent an accurate tool for dose calculation at the
      nanometric scale, by providing a detailed spatial distribution of energy
      deposits. Furthermore, positron trajectory studies made possible by this approach
      should prove useful for evaluating the real contribution of the positron range on
      the overall spatial resolution of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging.

PMID- 22098416
TI  - IL28B polymorphisms are markers of therapy response and are influenced by genetic
      ancestry in chronic hepatitis C patients from an admixed population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IL28B polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) patients. We do not know whether they are markers of treatment
      response in admixed populations or not. AIMS: To determine whether IL28B
      polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in patients with HCV from an
      admixed population and are influenced by genetic ancestry. METHODS: rs12979860
      and rs8099917 were genotyped in 222 HCV patients treated with pegylated
      interferon and ribavirin. Ancestry was determined using genetic markers. RESULTS:
      IL28B rs12979860 C/C was associated with sustained virological response (SVR),
      whereas C/T and T/T were associated with failure to therapy (P = 1.12 * 10(-5) ).
      IL28B rs8099917 T/T was associated with SVR, and G/G and G/T were associated with
      nonresponse/relapse (NR/R) (P = 8.00 * 10(-3) ). Among HCV genotype 1 patients
      with C/C genotype, genomic ancestry did not interfere with therapy response.
      Among patients with rs12979860 T/T genotype, African genetic contribution was
      greater in the NR/R group (P = 1.51 * 10(-3) ), whereas Amerindian and European
      genetic ancestry contribution were higher in the SVR group (P = 3.77 * 10(-3) and
      P = 2.16 * 10(-2) respectively). Among HCV type 1 patients with rs8099917 T/T,
      African genetic contribution was significantly greater in the NR/R group (P = 5.0
      * 10(-3) ); Amerindian and European ancestry genetic contribution were greater in
      the SVR group. CONCLUSION: IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were
      predictors of therapy response in HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3 subjects from an
      admixed population. Genomic ancestry did not interfere with response to therapy
      in patients with rs12979860 C/C, whereas it interfered in patients with C/T and
      T/T genotypes. Among HCV genotype 1 rs8099917 T/T patients, genomic ancestry
      interfered with response to therapy.

PMID- 22098417
TI  - Role of the spleen in Bartonella spp. infection.
AB  - Bartonella spp. are intra-erythrocytic pathogens of mammals. In this study, we
      investigated the role of the spleen, and other tissue and organs in Bartonella
      infection. Using an in vivo model of mice infection by Bartonella birtlesii, we
      detected accumulation of bacteria in the spleen, with transient infection of the
      liver, but failed to detect any bacteria in brain or lymph nodes. We then
      compared bacteraemia in normal Balb/C mice and in splenectomized mice.
      Bacteraemia in splenectomized mice was 10-fold higher than in normal mice and
      lasted 2 weeks longer. In conclusion, the spleen seems to retain and filter
      infected erythrocytes rather than to be a sanctuary for chronic Bartonella
      infection.

PMID- 22098418
TI  - Patient-physician role relationships and patient activation among individuals
      with chronic illness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether chronically ill patients' perceptions of their role
      relationships with their physicians are associated with levels of patient
      activation. DATA SOURCES: Random digit dial survey of 8,140 chronically ill
      patients and the Area Resource File. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, multivariate
      analysis of the relationship between dimensions of patient-physician role
      relationships and level of patient activation. The study controlled for variables
      related to patient demographics, socioeconomic status, health status, and market
      and family context. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Higher perceived quality of interpersonal
      exchange with physicians, greater fairness in the treatment process, and more out
      of-office contact with physicians were associated with higher levels of patient
      activation. Treatment goal setting was not significantly associated with patient
      activation. CONCLUSION: Patient-physician relationships are an important factor
      in patients taking a more active role in their health and health care. Efforts to
      increase activation that focus only on individual patients ignore the important
      fact that the nature of roles and relationships between provider and patient can
      shape the behaviors and attitudes of patients in ways that support or discourage
      patient activation.

PMID- 22098419
TI  - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of hesperetin metabolites obtained
      from hesperetin-administered rat serum: an ex vivo approach.
AB  - In recent years much attention has been focused on the pharmaceutical relevance
      of bioflavonoids, especially hesperidin and its aglycon hesperetin in terms of
      their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. However, the bioactivity of
      their metabolites, the real molecules in vivo hesperetin glucuronides/sulfates
      produced after ingestion, has been poorly understood. Thus, the study using an ex
      vivo approach is aimed to compare the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      activities of hesperidin/hesperetin or hesperetin metabolites derived from
      hesperetin-administered rat serum. We found that hesperetin metabolites (2.5-20
      MUM) showed higher antioxidant activity against various oxidative systems,
      including superoxide anion scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating
      effects, than that of hesperidin or hesperetin. The data also showed that
      pretreatment of hesperetin metabolites (1-10 MUM) within the range of
      physiological concentrations, compared to hesperetin, significantly inhibited
      nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production, as evidenced by the
      inhibition of their precursors, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels without appreciable cytotoxicity on LPS
      activated RAW264.7 macrophages or A7r5 smooth muscle cells. Concomitantly,
      hesperetin metabolites dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced intracellular
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, hesperetin metabolites significantly
      downregulate LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation followed by
      the suppression of inhibitor-kappaB (I-kappaB) degradation and phosphorylation of
      c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) and p38 MAPKs after challenge with LPS.
      Hesperetin metabolites ex vivo showed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      activity in comparison with hesperidin/hesperetin.

PMID- 22098420
TI  - Construction of Escherichia coli-Arthrobacter-Rhodococcus shuttle vectors based
      on a cryptic plasmid from Arthrobacter rhombi and investigation of their
      application for functional screening.
AB  - A cryptic plasmid from Arthrobacter rhombi PRH1, designated as pPRH, was
      sequenced and characterized. It was 5000 bp in length with a G+C content of 66
      mol%. The plasmid pPRH was predicted to encode six putative open reading frames
      (ORFs), in which ORF2 and ORF3 formed the minimal replicon of plasmid pPRH and
      shared 55-61% and 60-69% homology, respectively, with the RepA and RepB proteins
      of reported rhodococcal plasmids. Sequence analysis revealed a typical ColE2-type
      ori located 45 bp upstream of the gene repA. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis
      led to the conclusion that pPRH is a representative of a novel group of pAL5000
      subfamily of ColE2 family plasmids. Three shuttle vectors pRMU824, pRMU824Km and
      pRMU824Tc, encoding chloramphenicol resistance, were constructed. The latter two
      harboured additional antibiotic resistance genes kan and tet, respectively. All
      vectors successfully replicated in Escherichia coli, Arthrobacter and Rhodococcus
      spp. The vector pRMU824Km was employed for functional screening of 2
      hydroxypyridine catabolism encoding genes from Arthrobacter sp. PY22. Sequence
      analysis of the cloned 6-kb DNA fragment revealed eight putative ORFs, among
      which hpyB gene encoded a putative monooxygenase.

PMID- 22098421
TI  - Quantifying the spatial dependence of Culicoides midge samples collected by
      Onderstepoort-type blacklight traps: an experimental approach to infer the range
      of attraction of light traps.
AB  - The emergence of bluetongue disease in Europe has led several countries to
      rapidly establish large-scale entomological surveys of its vectors, which are
      midges belonging to the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera:
      Ceratopogonidae). These surveys have largely been based on the use of
      Onderstepoort-type blacklight traps. However, the range of attraction of the
      traps and the spatial dependence of the samples they provide are unknown, which
      somewhat complicates subsequent analyses. This paper investigates spatial
      interaction between Onderstepoort-type blacklight traps based on catches at a
      central trap placed close to two traps set in consecutive on/off modes. The
      spatial interaction is inferred from the drop in the number of midges collected
      in the central trap when nearby traps positioned at 50 m, 100 m or 200 m are
      turned on. The results showed a significant spatial interaction between traps
      separated by 50 m for female Culicoides obsoletus/Culicoides scoticus and
      Culicoides dewulfi. No significant interaction was found for female Culicoides of
      other species, for male Culicoides, or for traps spaced at >=100 m. Based on the
      experimental design geometry and on simple assumptions on the distribution of
      Culicoides midges in the neighbourhood of the traps, the paper also presents a
      method to infer the range of attraction of the traps.

PMID- 22098423
TI  - Home hemodialysis in the remote Canadian north: treatment in Manitoba fly-in
      communities.
AB  - Manitoba has the highest prevalence of ESRD in Canada. Northern Manitoba is a
      very sparsely settled area with a high proportion of aboriginal ESRD patients.
      Relocating to urban areas for dialysis is psychosocially and culturally stressful
      to patients. Delivering dialysis care in a home setting has demonstrated
      advantages in both clinical, economic, and health related quality of life
      domains. Establishing home hemodialysis in very remote communities has
      significant challenges, including poor and inadequate housing, unreliable water
      supply, limited community medical backup, and poor road access to communities
      especially for delivery of supplies. These challenges necessitate the development
      of strong community partnerships, and well documented processes for
      contingencies. A dedicated interdisciplinary support and training team at the
      urban hub is essential.

PMID- 22098424
TI  - Room-temperature tunnel magnetoresistance in self-assembled chemically
      synthesized metallic iron nanoparticles.
AB  - We report on room temperature magnetoresistance in networks of chemically
      synthesized metallic Fe nanoparticles surrounded by two types of organic
      barriers. Electrical properties, featuring Coulomb blockade, and magnetotransport
      measurements show that this magnetoresistance arises from spin-dependent
      tunnelling, so the organic ligands stabilizing the nanoparticles are efficient
      spin-conservative tunnel barrier. These results demonstrate the feasibility of an
      all-chemistry approach for room temperature spintronics.

PMID- 22098422
TI  - Altered apoptotic responses in neurons lacking RhoB GTPase.
AB  - Caspase 3 activation has been linked to the acute neurotoxic effects of central
      nervous system damage, as in traumatic brain injury or cerebral ischaemia, and
      also to the early events leading to long-term neurodegeneration, as in
      Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise mechanisms activating caspase 3 in
      neuronal injury are unclear. RhoB is a member of the Rho GTPase family that is
      dramatically induced by cerebral ischaemia or neurotrauma, both in preclinical
      models and clinically. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that RhoB
      might directly modulate caspase 3 activity and apoptotic or necrotic responses in
      neurons. Over-expression of RhoB in the NG108-15 neuronal cell line or in
      cultured corticohippocampal neurons elevated caspase 3 activity without inducing
      overt toxicity. Cultured corticohippocampal neurons from RhoB knockout mice did
      not show any differences in sensitivity to a necrotic stimulus - acute calcium
      ionophore exposure - compared with neurons from wild-type mice. However,
      corticohippocampal neurons lacking RhoB exhibited a reduction in the degree of
      DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activation induced by the apoptotic agent
      staurosporine, in parallel with increased neuronal survival. Staurosporine
      induction of caspase 9 activity was also suppressed. RhoB knockout mice showed
      reduced basal levels of caspase 3 activity in the adult brain. These data
      directly implicate neuronal RhoB in caspase 3 activation and the initial stages
      of programmed cell death, and suggest that RhoB may represent an attractive
      target for therapeutic intervention in conditions involving elevated caspase 3
      activity in the central nervous system.

PMID- 22098425
TI  - Obesity and melanoma.

PMID- 22098426
TI  - Tuning of the critical temperature in iron(II) spin-crossover materials based on
      bridging polycyanidometallates: pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) and
      hexacyanidoplatinate(IV).
AB  - The reactions of iron(II) sulfate, 4-amino-3,5-di-2-pyridyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole
      (abpt), and pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) or hexacyanidoplatinate(IV) resulted
      in the formation of one-dimensional iron(II) spin-crossover compounds
      [Fe(abpt)(2)(MU-Fe(CN)(5)(NO))](n) (1) and [Fe(abpt)(2)(MU-Pt(CN)(6))](n) (2)
      with the spin-transition critical temperature near or above room temperature
      accompanied by thermochromism. Furthermore, it has been proven that the critical
      temperature T(c) is influenced by the type of dianionic polycyanidometallate
      within the series of discussed systems, and it changes in the sequence of
      [Fe(CN)(5)(NO)](2-) < [Pt(CN)(6))](2-) < [Ni(CN)(4))](2-) ~ [Pd(CN)(4))](2-) ~
      [Pt(CN)(4))](2-).

PMID- 22098427
TI  - High-throughput multiplex PCR genotyping for 35 red blood cell antigens in blood
      donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One to two per cent of patients in need of red cell
      transfusion carry irregular antibodies to red blood cell (RBC) antigens and have
      to be supplied with specially selected blood units. To be able to respond to
      those requests, blood centres have to screen a significant number of donors for a
      variety of antigens serologically, which is a costly and through the shortage of
      reagents, also limited procedure. To make this procedure more efficient, the
      Austrian Red Cross has developed a genotyping assay as an alternative approach
      for high throughput RBC typing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multiplex polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) assay was designed for typing 35 RBC antigens in six
      reaction mixes. The assay includes both common as well as high-frequency-alleles:
      MNS1, MNS2, MNS3 and MNS4; LU1, LU2, LU8 and LU14; KEL1, KEL2, KEL3, KEL4, KEL6,
      KEL7, KEL11, KEL17 and KEL21; FY1, FY2, FYB(WK) and FY0 (FYB(ES)); JK1 and JK2;
      DI1, DI2, DI3 and DI4; YT1 and YT2; DO1 and DO2; CO1 and CO2; IN1 and IN2. The
      assay was validated using 370 selected serologically typed samples. Subsequently
      6000 individuals were screened to identify high frequency antigen (HFA)-negative
      donors and to facilitate the search for compatible blood for alloimmunized
      patients. RESULTS: All controls showed complete concordance for the tested
      markers. The screening of 6000 donors revealed 57 new HFA-negative donors and the
      blood group database was extended by approximately 210,000 results. CONCLUSION:
      The study shows that in practice, this high-throughput genotyping assay is
      feasible, fast and provides reliable results. Compared to serological testing,
      this molecular approach is also very cost-efficient.

PMID- 22098428
TI  - Left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony index by three-dimensional
      echocardiography in patients with decreased left ventricular function: comparison
      with tissue Doppler echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) can simultaneously assess
      left ventricular (LV) regional systolic motion and global LV mechanical
      dyssynchrony. METHODS: We used 3DE to measure systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI)
      (standard deviation of the time from cardiac cycle onset to minimum systolic
      volume in 17 LV segments) in 100 patients and analyzed the association of SDI
      with other parameters for LV systolic function or dyssynchrony. Eighteen patients
      who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were also evaluated at 6
      months after CRT, and the association of baseline SDI and tissue Doppler imaging
      (TDI) dyssynchrony index (Ts-SD) with the change of LV end-systolic volume (ESV)
      analyzed. Ts-SD was calculated using the standard deviation of the time from the
      QRS complex to peak systolic velocity. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse
      correlation between LVEF and SDI (r =-0.686, P < 0.0001). QRS duration was also
      significantly correlated to SDI (r = 0.407, P < 0.0001). There was a significant
      positive correlation between baseline SDI and the decrease in LVESV after CRT (r
      = 0.42). Baseline SDI was significantly greater in responders (10 patients) than
      in nonresponders (16.4 +/- 5.1 vs. 7.9 +/- 2.4%, P < 0.01), but there was no
      significant difference in Ts-SD. SDI > 11.9% predicted CRT response with a
      sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 75%. CONCLUSIONS: SDI derived from 3DE is
      a useful parameter to assess global LV systolic dyssynchrony and predict
      responses to CRT.

PMID- 22098429
TI  - Stilbene-chalcone hybrids: design, synthesis, and evaluation as a new class of
      antimalarial scaffolds that trigger cell death through stage specific apoptosis.
AB  - Novel stilbene-chalcone (S-C) hybrids were synthesized via a sequential Claisen
      Schmidt-Knoevenagel-Heck approach and evaluated for antiplasmodial activity in in
      vitro red cell culture using SYBR Green I assay. The most potent hybrid (11)
      showed IC(50) of 2.2, 1.4, and 6.4 MUM against 3D7 (chloroquine sensitive), Indo,
      and Dd2 (chloroquine resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, respectively.
      Interestingly, the respective individual stilbene (IC(50) > 100 MUM), chalcone
      (IC(50) = 11.5 MUM), or an equimolar mixture of stilbene and chalcone (IC(50) =
      32.5 MUM) were less potent than 11. Studies done using specific stage enriched
      cultures and parasite in continuous culture indicate that 11 and 18 spare the
      schizont but block the progression of the parasite life cycle at the ring or the
      trophozoite stages. Further, 11 and 18 caused chromatin condensation, DNA
      fragmentation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in Plasmodium
      falciparum, thereby suggesting their ability to cause apoptosis in malaria
      parasite.

PMID- 22098430
TI  - Carbon fiber-reinforced cyanate ester/nano-ZrW2O8 composites with tailored
      thermal expansion.
AB  - Fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in the design and fabrication of a
      variety of high performance aerospace components. The mismatch in coefficient of
      thermal expansion (CTE) between the high CTE polymer matrix and low CTE fiber
      reinforcements in such composite systems can lead to dimensional instability and
      deterioration of material lifetimes due to development of residual thermal
      stresses. The magnitude of thermally induced residual stresses in fiber
      reinforced composite systems can be minimized by replacement of conventional
      polymer matrices with a low CTE, polymer nanocomposite matrix. Zirconium
      tungstate (ZrW(2)O(8)) is a unique ceramic material that exhibits isotropic
      negative thermal expansion and has excellent potential as a filler for
      development of low CTE polymer nanocomposites. In this paper, we report the
      fabrication and thermal characterization of novel, multiscale, macro-nano hybrid
      composite laminates comprising bisphenol E cyanate ester (BECy)/ZrW(2)O(8)
      nanocomposite matrices reinforced with unidirectional carbon fibers. The results
      reveal that incorporation of nanoparticles facilitates a reduction in CTE of the
      composite systems, which in turn results in a reduction in panel warpage and
      curvature after the cure because of mitigation of thermally induced residual
      stresses.

PMID- 22098431
TI  - Relevance of the inner mitochondrial membrane enzyme F1F0-ATPase as an
      autoantigen in autoimmune liver disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recently, a non-M2-related mitochondrial 60 kDa protein
      found to be recognized by antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) negative sera from
      patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has been shown to contain parts of
      the five F(1)-ATPase subunits alpha, beta, gamma, delta and epsilon. In this
      study, we examined whether this enzyme is, indeed, a target antigen in PBC.
      METHODS: Analysed were 60 AMA-positive/anti-M2-negative and 103 anti-M2-positive
      PBC patients, 46 patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 35 patients with
      primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), 110 patients with viral hepatitis, 40
      patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), 33 patients with connective
      tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease,
      Sjogren disease, systemic sclerosis) and 25 blood donors. The F(1)-ATPase
      subunits alpha-delta were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli, purified
      and applied to ELISA and Western blotting. RESULTS: In all, 40 of the 60 AMA
      positive/anti-M2-negative (67%) and 44 (43%) of the 103 anti-M2-positive PBC-sera
      reacted with at least one of the F(1)-subunits alpha-delta. The beta- and gamma
      subunits were preferentially recognized. However, also up to 57% of patients with
      AIH and 34% of patients with PSC had anti-beta- or gamma-antibodies, while
      patients with viral hepatitis had these antibodies in up to 13%. Patients with
      IBD had anti-beta and anti-gamma-antibodies in up to 20 and 5% respectively. None
      of the patients with connective tissue diseases had antibodies to the beta- and
      only 6% to the gamma-subunit. Sera from healthy blood donors were negative.
      CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies to the beta- and gamma-subunits of F(1)-ATPase are
      further AMAs in PBC but occur also in other autoimmune liver disorders; they may
      be, therefore, indicators for a general autoimmune process of the liver.

PMID- 22098433
TI  - Clinical comparison of new monoclonal antibody-based nephelometric assays for
      free light chain kappa and lambda to polyclonal antibody-based assays and
      immunofixation electrophoresis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New monoclonal antibody-based assays for serum-free light chains
      (FLC) have become available. METHODS: In a clinical study with 541 patients, the
      new N Latex FLC assays were compared with the Freelite FLC assays and
      immunofixation electrophoresis (IF). RESULTS: Comparison of the different FLC
      kappa (kappa) assays showed a slope of 0.99 with a deviation of 5.0%, rs=0.92,
      for FLC lambda (lambda) a slope of 1.22, deviation 13.8%, rs=0.90 and for the
      kappa/lambda ratio a slope of 0.72, deviation -4.6%, rs=0.72. The concordance for
      the FLC kappa assays was 91%, for FLC lambda 85% and kappa/lambda ratio 95%. The
      clinical sensitivity and specificity of the kappa/lambda ratios in the study were
      comparable: 60% and 99% for the N Latex FLC assay and 61% and 97% for the
      Freelite assay. In IF-FLC positive samples, the N Latex FLC kappa/lambda ratio
      scored 20/23 (87%) samples outside the reference range and Freelite 21/23 (91%).
      For IF-FLC negative samples, N Latex FLC assay kappa/lambda ratio scored 338/350
      (97%) within the reference range and Freelite scored 332/350 (95%). CONCLUSIONS:
      The concordance scores and the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the new N
      Latex FLC assays and Freelite assays appeared comparable, but there are some
      differences in measurement of concentrations between the methods.

PMID- 22098435
TI  - Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level and plasma paraoxonase 1 activity with
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia and
      age is the most important risk factor for AD. Aging is associated with increased
      free radical production and oxidative stress plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of AD. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a biomarker
      indicating oxidative DNA damage. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL)-associated antioxidant enzyme and prevents especially oxidation
      of low-density lipoproteins. The aim of this study is to measure urinary 8-OHdG
      levels and serum PON1 activity in patients with AD. METHODS: A total of 21
      elderly patients diagnosed with moderate AD (10 men and 11 women, aged 76 +/- 7.8
      years) were included in the study. A total of 20 healthy elderly volunteers (11
      men and nine women, aged 81 +/- 7.2 years) were enrolled as a control group.
      Levels of urinary 8-OHdG, serum PON1 activity and lipid profile were determined
      in patients and controls. RESULTS: Urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly
      increased, but serum PON1 activity was significantly decreased in patients
      compared to controls. Lipid profile did not show a difference between the groups.
      There was a negative correlation between 8-OHdG levels and PON1 activity only in
      the patient group (r=-0.536). Analytical performance characteristics of the
      methods used were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, evidence of increased
      oxidative DNA damage was determined in AD patients as well as decreased serum
      PON1 activity. Oxidant stress and oxidative DNA damage are important pathological
      processes in AD. The biomarkers, urinary 8-OHdG level and serum PON1 activity can
      be used to determine and monitor the status of patients with AD.

PMID- 22098436
TI  - Minimum analytical quality specifications of inter-laboratory comparisons:
      agreement among Spanish EQAP organizers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Four Spanish scientific societies organizing external quality
      assessment programs (EQAP) formed a working group to promote the use of common
      minimum quality specifications for clinical tests. Laboratories that do not meet
      the minimum specifications are encouraged to make immediate review of the
      analytical procedure affected and to implement corrective actions if necessary.
      METHODS: The philosophy was to use the 95th percentile of results sent to EQAP
      (expressed in terms of percentage deviation from the target value) obtained for
      all results (except the outliers) during a cycle of 1 year. The target value for
      a number of analytes of the basic biochemistry program was established as the
      overall mean. However, because of the substantial discrepancies between routine
      methods for basic hematology, hormones, proteins, therapeutic drugs and tumor
      markers, the target in these cases was the peer group mean. RESULTS: The
      resulting specifications were quite similar to those established in the US
      (CLIA), and Germany (Richtlinie). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed specifications stand
      for the minimum level of quality to be attained for laboratories, to assure
      harmonized service performance. They have nothing to do with satisfying clinical
      requirements, which are the final level of quality to be reached, and that is
      strongly recommended in our organizations by means of documents, courses,
      symposiums and all types of educational activities.

PMID- 22098438
TI  - The relationship between antinuclear antibody data and antibodies against
      extractable nuclear antigens in a large laboratory cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anti-extractable nuclear antigen antibodies (anti-ENA) have
      diagnostic significance in systemic rheumatic disease (SRD). METHODS: Anti-ENA
      were tested in 1685/30,196 sera that were submitted sequentially for antinuclear
      antibody (ANA) testing. Frequency was stratified by ANA titer and pattern, by
      referral source, by submitted diagnosis and by patient age and sex. RESULTS: Anti
      ENA frequency increased with ANA titer (7.3% at < 32%-43.3% at >= 1024). Anti
      histone (11.6%) and anti-SSA/SSB (13.9%) were the most frequent finding with a
      homo?xadgeneous pattern; anti-SSA/SSB (39.7%) and anti-RNP/anti-Sm (37.7%) were
      the most frequent finding with a speckled pattern. Sera with speckled, multiple
      and homogenous ANA patterns accounted for 92.6% of positive anti-ENA findings. At
      ANA titer >= 256, 29.2% of these sera were tested for anti-ENA, of which 41.2%
      were positive; frequency was higher with an accompanying diagnosis of SRD (53.5%
      vs. 36.5%, p < 0.004 by chi2-test) but not with referral by rheumatologists
      (43.5% vs. 35.9%) and did not differ by patient age or sex. CONCLUSIONS:
      Reflexive anti-ENA testing may be helpful among sera with ANA titer >= 256 and
      homogeneous, speckled or multiple patterns, irrespective of referral source or
      accompanying diagnosis. Further work is needed to evaluate the clinical impact of
      this protocol.

PMID- 22098440
TI  - A pilot study of the novel offset-tip papillotome for selective biliary
      cannulation in ERCP.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We developed a new offset-tip papillotome to facilitate biliary
      cannulation and reduce the incidence of unintended contrast injection into the
      pancreatic duct during ERCP. The aim of the present retrospective cohort study
      was to evaluate the utility of the novel offset-tip papillotome in achievement of
      biliary cannulation, and prevention of unintended contrast injection into the
      pancreatic duct during ERCP, compared with a standard straight-tip catheter.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with native papilla who required biliary ERCP were
      retrospectively reviewed. Biliary ERCPs were performed by two experienced
      endoscopists using either the offset-tip papillotome or a standard catheter.
      Patients in whom ERCP involved fellows in training were excluded. RESULTS: Eighty
      five patients were included and divided into two cohorts: The offset-tip
      papillotome (OT; n = 40) and the standard straight-tip cohort (ST; n = 45).
      Biliary cannulation success rates in OT and ST cohort were 92.5% and 88.9%,
      respectively. The frequency of unintended contrast injection into the pancreatic
      duct and time to biliary cannulation of the OT cohort during biliary cannulation
      were significantly less than those of the ST cohort (0.56 vs. 1.65 times and
      103.3 vs. 287.9 seconds). CONCLUSION: The novel offset-tip papillotome could
      reduce the incidence of unintended contrast injection into the pancreatic duct
      and the time to biliary cannulation.

PMID- 22098441
TI  - Laparoscopic approaches for splenic artery aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic options for splenic artery aneurysm include endovascular
      management, laparoscopic surgery, and open surgery, although their indications
      and applications as standard therapy remain controversial. METHODS: Between
      August 2009 and March 2011, three patients with splenic artery aneurysm were
      treated at our institution. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS:
      There was no conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 204.7 min
      (range: 147-265 min) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL (range: 0
      90 mL). There was no mortality or morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic
      approaches for splenic artery aneurysm were safe procedures.

PMID- 22098442
TI  - The fibres and polyphenols in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) extraction
      residues delay postprandial lipemia.
AB  - The triacylglycerol (TAG) response to fatty meals containing dried and crushed
      berries or berry extraction residues was studied in a postprandial cross-over
      study with healthy normal-weight male volunteers. The berry material included sea
      buckthorn berries, sea buckthorn CO2 extraction residue (CO2-sea buckthorn) and
      sea buckthorn or black currant CO2 and ethanol extraction residue (CO2-EtOH-sea
      buckthorn, CO2-EtOH-black currant). Extraction residues were used in order to
      advance the potential use of valuable side stream components containing
      polyphenols and fibre as human food. Compared to the berry-depleted control, all
      berry meals delayed lipemia, whereas there were no differences in the total area
      under the TAG response curve. The lipemic delay largely derived from the fibre
      rather than from the polyphenols. Even so, the effect of polyphenols may be
      complementary since sea buckthorn and CO2-sea buckthorn showed significant
      differences in relation to control in a wider range of TAG areas than polyphenol
      depleted CO2-EtOH-sea buckthorn.

PMID- 22098443
TI  - Liver protein profiling in chronic hepatitis C: identification of potential
      predictive markers for interferon therapy outcome.
AB  - The current anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, based on pegylated-interferon
      alpha and ribavirin, has limited success rate and is accompanied by several side
      effects. The aim of this study was to identify protein profiles in pretreatment
      liver biopsies of HCV patients correlating with the outcome of antiviral therapy.
      Cytosolic or membrane/organelle-enriched protein extracts from liver biopsies of
      eight HCV patients were analyzed by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel
      electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Overall, this analysis identified 21
      proteins whose expression levels correlate with therapy response. These factors
      are involved in interferon-mediated antiviral activity, stress response, and
      energy metabolism. Moreover, we found that post-translational modifications of
      dihydroxyacetone kinase were also associated with therapy outcome. Differential
      expression of the five best performing markers (STAT1, Mx1, DD4, DAK, and PD
      ECGF) was confirmed by immunoblotting assays in an independent group of HCV
      patients. Finally, we showed that a prediction model based on the expression
      levels of these markers classifies responder and nonresponder patients with an
      accuracy of 85.7%. These results provide evidence that the analysis of
      pretreatment liver protein profiles is valuable for discriminating between
      responder and nonresponder HCV patients, and may contribute to reduce the number
      of nonresponder patients exposed to therapy-associated risks.

PMID- 22098444
TI  - Effects of transglucosidase on diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic
      biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the efficacy
      and safety of transglucosidase (TGD) were compared with placebo in patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). At 12 weeks, TGD 300 mg/day and TGD 900 mg/day
      significantly reduced HbA1c (0.18 and 0.21%) and insulin concentration (19.4 and
      25.0 pmol/l), respectively, vs. placebo. TGD 300 mg/day and TGD 900 mg/day also
      significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.22 and 0.17 mmol/l,
      respectively). TGD 900 mg/day significantly reduced triglyceride by 0.24 mmol/l
      and diastolic blood pressure by 8 mmHg. Placebo was associated with a significant
      increase from baseline in body mass index, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate
      aminotransferase (0.17 kg/m(2) , 3 and 2 U/l, respectively), whereas TGD was not.
      TGD 300 mg/day significantly increased high-molecular-weight adiponectin by 0.6
      ug/ml. Adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. TGD
      resulted in lowering of HbA1c and blood insulin level and improvements in
      metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM.

PMID- 22098445
TI  - The emerging discipline of behavioral neuroimaging.

PMID- 22098446
TI  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging in awake animals.
AB  - Awake animal imaging is becoming an important tool in behavioral neuroscience and
      preclinical drug discovery. Non-invasive ultra-high-field, functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a window to the mind, making it possible to
      image changes in brain activity across distributed, integrated neural circuits
      with high temporal and spatial resolution. In theory, changes in brain function,
      anatomy, and chemistry can be recorded in the same animal from early life into
      old age under stable or changing environmental conditions. This prospective
      capability of animal imaging to follow changes in brain neurobiology after
      genetic or environmental insult has great value to the fields of psychiatry and
      neurology and probably stands as the key advantage of MRI over other methods in
      the neuroscience toolbox. In addition, awake animal imaging offers the ability to
      record signal changes across the entire brain in seconds. When combined with the
      use of 3D segmented, annotated, brain atlases, and computational analysis, it is
      possible to reconstruct distributed, integrated neural circuits or 'fingerprints'
      of brain activity. These fingerprints can be used to characterize the activity
      and function of new psychotherapeutics in preclinical development and to study
      the neurobiology of integrated neural circuits controlling cognition and emotion.
      In this review, we describe the methods used to image awake animals and the
      recent advances in the radiofrequency electronics, pulse sequences, and the
      development of 3D segmented atlases and software for image analysis. Results from
      pharmacological MRI studies and from studies using provocation paradigms to
      elicit emotional responses are provided as a small sample of the number of
      different applications possible with awake animal imaging.

PMID- 22098447
TI  - Motion-tracking technique in unrestrained small-animal single-photon emission
      computed tomography.
AB  - Medical researchers have used structural and functional imaging techniques to
      study various neurological phenomena. Humans are typically conscious for both
      structural and functional neuroimaging studies. The use of functional neuro
      imaging techniques in mouse-based animal models is typically accomplished with
      restrained or anesthetized mice. A system was developed to perform functional
      imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography of awake mice to avoid
      the confounding influences of anesthesia or physical restraint. This review
      article provides an overview of the technique and how it is presently being used.
      The system is designed for brain imaging and uses infrared reflectors to track
      the head position as a function of time. The detected photons are acquired in
      list mode and are time-stamped. The position of the rotating gamma camera is also
      recorded as a function of time. These three sets of data are integrated together
      in an iterative image reconstruction program that performs motion compensation.
      The successful performance of the system is demonstrated in moving phantom and
      awake animal studies. The system and methodology has the potential of being a
      powerful tool in behavioral neuroimaging studies involving awake, unrestrained
      mice.

PMID- 22098448
TI  - Manganese enhanced MRI (MEMRI): neurophysiological applications.
AB  - Manganese ion (Mn(2+)) is a calcium (Ca(2+)) analog that can enter neurons and
      other excitable cells through voltage gated Ca(2+) channels. Mn(2+) is also a
      paramagnetic that shortens the spin-lattice relaxation time constant (T(1)) of
      tissues where it has accumulated, resulting in positive contrast enhancement.
      Mn(2+) was first investigated as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast
      agent approximately 20 years ago to assess the toxicity of the metal in rats. In
      the late 1990s, Alan Koretsky and colleagues pioneered the use of manganese
      enhanced MRI (MEMRI) towards studying brain activity, tract tracing and enhancing
      anatomical detail. This review will describe the methodologies and applications
      of MEMRI in the following areas: monitoring brain activity in animal models, in
      vivo neuronal tract tracing and using MEMRI to assess in vivo axonal transport
      rates.

PMID- 22098449
TI  - Integrating PET with behavioral neuroscience using RatCAP tomography.
AB  - Behavioral studies are an important part of neuroscience. They allow inferences
      about the functions of the brain and any internal states and processes it
      controls. Positron emission tomography (PET) is an in vivo imaging technique that
      provides insights into the mechanisms of neuronal communication. In this review,
      we focus on some of the contributions of PET to the field of behavioral
      neuroscience. Small animals typically require anesthesia to remain still during
      PET imaging, which places a burden on behavioral studies. Our approach integrates
      PET with behavioral observations using a miniature PET scanner that rats wear on
      the head, a mobility system to facilitate animal movement and ways to integrate
      the PET data with behavioral measures. We summarize our studies that assessed
      spontaneous, self-initiated behavioral activity and dopamine D2 receptor
      functions simultaneously.

PMID- 22098450
TI  - Fine epitope mapping within the pathogenic thyroglobulin peptide 2340-2359:
      minimal epitopes retaining antigenicity across various MHC haplotypes are not
      necessarily immunogenic.
AB  - We have previously reported that the 20-mer peptide p2340 (amino acids 2340
      2359), of human thyroglobulin (Tg) has the unique feature that it causes
      experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) in mouse strains bearing high-responder
      (HR) or low-responder (LR) MHC haplotypes in Tg-induced EAT. In this study, we
      have employed fine epitope mapping to examine whether this property of p2340 is
      the result of recognition of distinct or shared minimal T-cell epitopes in the
      context of HR or LR MHC class II molecules. Use of overlapping peptides showed
      that a core minimal 9-mer epitope (LTWVQTHIR, amino acids 2344-2352) was
      recognized by p2340-primed T cells from both HR (H2(k,s) ) and LR (H2(b,d) )
      strains, whereas a second 9-mer epitope (HIRGFGGDP, amino acids 2350-2358) was
      antigenic only in H2(s)  hosts. Truncation analysis of LTWVQTHIR and HIRGFGGDP
      peptides delineated them as the minimal epitopes recognized by p2340-primed T
      cells from the above strains. Subcutaneous challenge of all mouse strains with
      the 9-mer core peptide LTWVQTHIR in adjuvant elicited specific lymph node cell
      proliferative responses and mild EAT only in HR hosts, highlighting this sequence
      as a minimal pathogenic Tg peptide in EAT. The 9-mer peptide HIRGFGGDP was not
      found to be immunogenic in H2(s)  hosts. These data demonstrate that minimal T
      cell epitopes, defined as autoantigenic in hosts of various MHC haplotypes, are
      not intrinsically immunogenic. Activation of naive autoreactive T cells may
      require contributions from flanking residues within longer peptide sequences
      encompassing these epitopes.

PMID- 22098452
TI  - Acute-on-chronic liver failure in chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is most
      commonly caused by acute severe exacerbation of CHB. The pathophysiology of ACLF
      in CHB is still poorly understood. Despite the identification of important
      predisposing factors and prognostic markers, ACLF in CHB remains a disease
      associated with high mortality. The majority of studies using nucleoside analog
      therapy did not show any significant improvement in survival, although larger
      prospective studies are needed. Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment
      for ACLF in CHB. The challenge ahead would be prognosticating cases with
      favorable or unfavorable outcomes in order to streamline patients for early
      transplantation or for medical therapy.

PMID- 22098451
TI  - Risk factors for complications of radiation therapy on tissue expander breast
      reconstructions.
AB  - Radiation therapy has been shown to increase complication rates of tissue
      expander/implant breast reconstructions. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate patient characteristics to assess their impact on complications. A
      retrospective review of patients who underwent mastectomy plus tissue
      expander/implant reconstruction from January 2000 to December 2006 was performed.
      The main outcome of interest was the development of postoperative complications.
      Analyses were performed to detect risk factors for complications. A total of 560
      patients were included in the study. A total of 385 patients underwent unilateral
      and 174 underwent bilateral tissue expander/implant reconstructions, for a total
      of 733 reconstructions. A total complication rate of 31.8% and a major
      complication rate of 24.4% were calculated. The risk factors associated with a
      significantly increased incidence of complications were age greater than 50
      years, body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, and radiation. Women younger than
      50 years had a complication rate of 28.4%, whereas women older than 50 years had
      a complication rate of 37.0%. Women with a BMI less than 30 had a complication
      rate of 27.5%, whereas women with a BMI greater than 30 had a complication rate
      of 49%. The major complication rate in nonradiated and radiated patients was
      21.2% and 45.4%, respectively. Despite higher complication rates, tissue
      expander/implant reconstructions were successful in 70.1% of radiated patients.
      Based on this study, the ideal radiated patient would have a BMI less than 30 and
      be younger than 50 years of age to maximize the likelihood of a successful tissue
      expander/implant reconstruction.

PMID- 22098453
TI  - The risk factors effecting the dry mouth in inpatients in Hospital in west
      Anatolia.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inpatients with dry mouth
      and the associated risk factors. BACKGROUND: Dry mouth is defined as the
      excessive decrease in the amount of saliva. Hyposalivation may lead to rapid
      deterioration in oral health and may facilitate the development of opportunistic
      oral infections. Oral hygiene and evaluation of oral health are basic nursing
      activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS: The sample size was determined
      to be 90 inpatients according to the power analysis calculated for the patients
      with dry mouth who were able or unable to take oral liquids. The study was
      completed with 247 inpatients in the Internal Medicine Clinic. METHODS: A patient
      information form was used to collect the data for the present study. Saliva
      samples taken for analyses of flow rates. RESULTS: The amount of saliva of
      patients who were unable to take oral liquid was 10.7 times lower than those
      taking >1500 ml of liquids daily. The amount of saliva of patients receiving
      humidified oxygen was 2.3 times lower than those not receiving humidified oxygen.
      The amount of saliva of those receiving anticholinergic drugs was 3.64 times
      lower than those not receiving anticholinergic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Inability to
      take oral liquids and receiving humidified oxygen and anticholinergic drug
      therapy were significant factors for the development of dry mouth. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results are important for determining the risk factors for
      dry mouth. Being aware of dry mouth and knowing the associated risk factors are
      valuable information for nurses to initiate required procedures, as well as to
      prevent the development of oral health problems.

PMID- 22098454
TI  - Imaging protein-protein interactions inside living cells via interaction
      dependent fluorophore ligation.
AB  - We report a new method, Interaction-Dependent PRobe Incorporation Mediated by
      Enzymes, or ID-PRIME, for imaging protein-protein interactions (PPIs) inside
      living cells. ID-PRIME utilizes a mutant of  Escherichia coli  lipoic acid
      ligase, LplA(W37V), which can catalyze the covalent ligation of a coumarin
      fluorophore onto a peptide recognition sequence called LAP1. The affinity between
      the ligase and LAP1 is tuned such that, when each is fused to a protein partner
      of interest, LplA(W37V) labels LAP1 with coumarin only when the protein partners
      to which they are fused bring them together. Coumarin labeling in the absence of
      such interaction is low or undetectable. Characterization of ID-PRIME in living
      mammalian cells shows that multiple protein-protein interactions can be imaged
      (FRB-FKBP, Fos-Jun, and neuroligin-PSD-95), with as little as 10 min of coumarin
      treatment. The signal intensity and detection sensitivity are similar to those of
      the widely used fluorescent protein complementation technique (BiFC) for PPI
      detection, without the disadvantage of irreversible complex trapping. ID-PRIME
      provides a powerful and complementary approach to existing methods for
      visualization of PPIs in living cells with spatial and temporal resolution.

PMID- 22098456
TI  - Corynebacterium glutamicum whcB, a stationary phase-specific regulatory gene.
AB  - The function of whcB, one of the four whiB homologues of Corynebacterium
      glutamicum, was assessed. Cells carrying the P(180)-whcB clone, and thus
      overexpressing the whcB gene, showed retarded growth, probably due to increased
      sensitivity to oxidants, whereas cells lacking whcB (DeltawhcB) did not. However,
      growth retardation was not observed in cells with additionally whcE deleted.
      Furthermore, the DeltawhcE phenotype, characterized by slow growth and
      sensitivity to oxidants, was reversed in cells carrying P(180)-whcB. Like the
      whcE gene, which is also known as a whiB homologue, the whcB gene was
      preferentially expressed in stationary phase. Determination of the genes under
      regulation of whcB using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      identified several genes involved in electron transfer reactions that were
      regulated in cells carrying P(180)-whcB. Collectively, these findings indicate
      that whcB function requires whcE. Furthermore, whcB and whcE are paralogues but
      perform distinct regulatory roles during growth under oxidative stress.

PMID- 22098455
TI  - Artificial feeding synchronizes behavioral, hormonal, metabolic and neural
      parameters in mother-deprived neonatal rabbit pups.
AB  - Nursing in the rabbit is under circadian control, and pups have a daily
      anticipatory behavioral arousal synchronized to this unique event, but it is not
      known which signal is the main entraining cue. In the present study, we
      hypothesized that food is the main entraining signal. Using mother-deprived pups,
      we tested the effects of artificial feeding on the synchronization of locomotor
      behavior, plasma glucose, corticosterone, c-Fos (FOS) and PERIOD1 (PER1) rhythms
      in suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, paraventricular and tuberomammillary nuclei. At
      postnatal day 1, an intragastric tube was placed by gastrostomy. The next day and
      for the rest of the experiment, pups were fed with a milk formula through the
      cannula at either 02:00 h or 10:00 h [feeding time = zeitgeber time (ZT)0]. At
      postnatal days 5-7, pups exhibited behavioral arousal, with a significant
      increase in locomotor behavior 60 min before feeding. Glucose levels increased
      after feeding, peaking at ZT4-ZT12 and then declining. Corticosterone levels were
      highest around the time of feeding, and then decreased to trough concentrations
      at ZT12-ZT16, increasing again in anticipation of the next feeding bout. In the
      brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus had a rhythm of FOS and PER1 that was not
      significantly affected by the feeding schedule. Conversely, the supraoptic,
      paraventricular and tuberomammillary nuclei had rhythms of both FOS and PER1
      induced by the time of scheduled feeding. We conclude that the nursing rabbit pup
      is a natural model of food entrainment, as food, in this case milk formula, is a
      strong synchronizing signal for behavioral, hormonal, metabolic and neural
      parameters.

PMID- 22098457
TI  - Effect of antimicrobial residues on early adhesion and biofilm formation by wild
      type and benzalkonium chloride-adapted Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Antimicrobial residue deposition can change the physico-chemical properties of
      bacteria and surfaces and thus promote or impair bacterial adhesion. This study
      focuses on benzalkonium chloride (BC) deposition on polystyrene (PS) surfaces and
      the influence of this conditioning film on the physico-chemical properties of PS
      and on early adhesion and biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa wild-type
      and its laboratory BC-adapted strain. The latter readily acquired the ability to
      grow in BC, and also exhibited physico-chemical surface changes. The existence of
      residues on PS surfaces altered their hydrophobicity and favoured adhesion as
      determined by the free energy and early adhesion characterization. Adapted
      bacteria revealed a higher ability to adhere to surfaces and to develop biofilms,
      especially on BC-conditioned surfaces, which thereby could enhance resistance to
      sanitation attempts. These findings highlight the importance of investigations
      concerning the antimicrobial deposition effect after cleaning procedures, which
      may encourage bacterial adhesion, especially of bacteria that have been
      previously exposed to chemical stresses.

PMID- 22098458
TI  - Implications for risk assessment.

PMID- 22098459
TI  - Structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of phenolic oxime complexes of Cu
      and Ni.
AB  - Square planar complexes of the type Ni(L(1))(2), Ni(L(2))(2), Cu(L(1))(2), and
      Cu(L(2))(2), where L(1)H = 2-hydroxy-5-t-octylacetophenone oxime and L(2)H = 2
      hydroxy-5-n-propylacetophenone oxime, have been prepared and characterized by
      single-crystal X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, UV/vis spectroscopy, field
      effect-transistor measurements, density functional theory (DFT) and time
      dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations, and, in the case of the paramagnetic species,
      electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility. Variation of
      alkyl groups on the ligand from t-octyl to n-propyl enabled electronic isolation
      of the complexes in the crystal structures of M(L(1))(2) contrasting with pi
      stacking interactions for M(L(2))(2) (M = Ni, Cu). This was evidenced by a one
      dimensional antiferromagnetic chain for Cu(L(2))(2) but ideal paramagnetic
      behavior for Cu(L(1))(2) down to 1.8 K. Despite isostructural single crystal
      structures for M(L(2))(2), thin-film X-ray diffraction and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) revealed different morphologies depending on the metal and the
      deposition method (vapor or solution). The Cu complexes displayed limited
      electronic interaction between the central metal and the delocalized ligands,
      with more mixing in the case of Ni(II), as shown by electrochemistry and UV/vis
      spectroscopy. The complexes M(L(2))(2) showed poor charge transport in a field
      effect transistor (FET) device despite the ability to form pi-stacking
      structures, and this provides design insights for metal complexes to be used in
      conductive thin-film devices.

PMID- 22098460
TI  - CD48 as a novel molecular target for antibody therapy in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs are desirable for the improvement of multiple
      myeloma (MM) treatment. In this study, we found for the first time that CD48 was
      highly expressed on MM plasma cells. In 22 out of 24 MM patients, CD48 was
      expressed on more than 90% of MM plasma cells at significantly higher levels than
      it was on normal lymphocytes and monocytes. CD48 was only weakly expressed on
      some CD34(+)  haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and not expressed on
      erythrocytes or platelets. We next examined whether CD48 could serve as a target
      antigen for mAb therapy against MM. A newly generated in-house anti-CD48 mAb
      induced mild antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and marked complement
      dependent cytotoxicity against not only MM cell lines but also primary MM plasma
      cells in vitro. Administration of the anti-CD48 mAb significantly inhibited
      tumour growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice inoculated subcutaneously
      with MM cells. Furthermore, anti-CD48 mAb treatment inhibited growth of MM cells
      transplanted directly into murine bone marrow. Finally and importantly, we
      demonstrated that the anti-CD48 mAb did not damage normal CD34(+)  haematopoietic
      stem/progenitor cells. These results suggest that the anti-CD48 mAb has the
      potential to become an effective therapeutic mAb against MM.

PMID- 22098461
TI  - Administration of prednisolone intravenously or dexamethason orally in random
      donors reveals equal results in granulocyte collection: a single centre
      experience.
AB  - Since cytokine--mobilization for granulocyte collections in random donors--is not
      licensed in Austria, we investigated in a prospective analysis the effects of
      prednisolone or dexamethasone (DXM) in 153 donors (35 women/118 men) and in the
      collected products. Either prednisolone (50 mg) intravenously 4 h before
      granulocyte collection or DXM (8 mg) orally 12 h before collection was given.
      Collections were performed with the Cobe Spectra (CardianBCT, Lakewood). We
      recorded a significantly higher percentage of granulocytes in the peripheral
      blood of the DXM. However, the collected number of granulocytes was equal in both
      groups.

PMID- 22098462
TI  - Effects of high temperature stress at different development stages on soybean
      isoflavone and tocopherol concentrations.
AB  - Soybean contains a range of compounds with putative health benefits including
      isoflavones and tocopherols. A study was conducted to determine the effects on
      these compounds of high temperature stress imposed at specific development stages
      [i.e., none, pre-emergence, vegetative, early reproductive (R1-4), late
      reproductive (R5-8), or all stages]. Two cultivars (AC Proteina and OAC Champion)
      were grown in growth chambers set at contrasting temperatures [i.e., stress
      conditions of 33/25  degrees C (day/night temperature) and control conditions of
      23/15  degrees C] in order to generate these treatments. Isoflavone and
      tocopherol concentrations in mature seeds were determined using high-performance
      liquid chromatography. In both cultivars isoflavone response was greatest when
      stress occurred during the R5-8 stages and during all development stages, these
      treatments reducing total isoflavone concentration by an average of 85% compared
      to the control. Stress imposed at other stages also affected isoflavone
      concentration although the response was smaller. For example, stress during the
      vegetative stages reduced total isoflavones by 33% in OAC Champion. Stress
      imposed pre-emergence had an opposite effect increasing daidzein concentration by
      24% in AC Proteina. Tocopherol concentrations were affected the most when stress
      was imposed during all stages of development, followed by stress restricted to
      stages R5-8; response to stress during other stages was limited. The specific
      response of tocopherols differed, alpha-tocopherol being increased by high
      temperature by as much as 752%, the reverse being observed for delta-tocopherol
      and gamma-tocopherol. The present study demonstrates that while isoflavone and
      tocopherol concentrations in soybeans are affected the most by stress occurring
      during seed formation, concentrations can also be affected by stress occurring at
      other stages including stages as early as pre-emergence.

PMID- 22098463
TI  - Intensified daily dialysis: the best chronic dialysis option for children?
AB  - Children receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD) three times a week have many
      obstacles to overcome. Not only do they have to endure dietary restrictions, but
      they also need to take various medications on a daily basis, which contribute to
      anorexia. Children on such conventional dialysis programs often have poorly
      controlled blood pressure (which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and/or
      left ventricular dysfunction) and impaired statural growth. Therefore, the need
      for more frequent and/or intensive dialysis is recognized. Nevertheless despite
      limited center experience, daily dialysis is currently most often limited as a
      rescue treatment. When performed, daily intensified HD provides a modality for
      preserving cardiovascular health and promoting normal growth in children.
      Therefore, the time spent on chronic dialysis preserves their chances of the best
      possible outcome.

PMID- 22098464
TI  - Activated lymphocytes and high liver expression of IFN-gamma are associated with
      fulminant hepatic failure in patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: To study immunological mechanisms of fulminant hepatic failure
      (FHF) derived from extensive liver lesions, 14 patients with FHF induced by
      different aetiologies were investigated by observance of both lymphocyte
      phenotyping and cytokine levels. METHODS: Five patients bearing benign acute
      hepatitis B (AHB) and seven healthy liver donors (HC) were used as controls.
      Samples of liver and blood from both FHF patients and HC were obtained during
      transplantation procedures. Plasma levels of IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10,
      IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, RANTES and MIP-1alpha were quantified using a
      multiplex immunoassay. Cell characterization was carried out by flow cytometry.
      IFN-gamma staining was performed on liver sections using immunofluorescence
      methods. RESULTS: An increase of peripheral frequency of natural killer (NK)
      cells expressing early activation markers (CD69, HLA-DR and CD38) and adhesion
      molecule CD44 was observed in FHF patients. Elevated frequency of T lymphocytes
      CD4(+)  and CD8(+)  expressing CD38 and adhesion molecules CD29 and CD44 was also
      observed in FHF. Additionally, an increase of natural killer T cells (NKT) was
      detected in FHF patients. High plasma cytokine levels were not statistically
      different between FHF and AHB patients. In comparison to HC, a strong liver
      expression of IFN-gamma was detected in FHF patients. The increased frequency of
      CD4(+) CD44(+)  and IL-8 cytokine was found in patients with poor prognosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the involvement of NK and NKT cells as well
      as T lymphocytes CD4(+)  and CD8(+)  in the inflammatory process inducing FHF,
      confirmed by the high hepatic expression of IFN-gamma.

PMID- 22098465
TI  - The biological basis of severe outcomes in Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection.
AB  - Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes granulocytic anaplasmosis, an acute disease in
      humans that is also often subclinical. However, 36% are hospitalized, 7% need
      intensive care, and the case fatality rate is 0.6%. The biological basis for
      severe disease is not understood. Despite A. phagocytophilum's mechanisms to
      subvert neutrophil antimicrobial responses, whether these mechanisms lead to
      disease is unclear. In animals, inflammatory lesions track with IFNgamma and IL
      10 expression and infection of Ifng(-/-)  mice leads to increased pathogen load
      but inhibition of inflammation. Suppression of STAT signaling in horses impacts
      IL-10 and IFN-gamma expression, and also suppresses disease severity. Similar
      inhibition of inflammation with infection of NKT-deficient mice suggests that
      innate immune responses are key for disease. With severe disease, tissues can
      demonstrate hemophagocytosis, and measures of macrophage
      activation/hemophagocytic syndromes (MAS/HPS) support the concept of human
      granulocytic anaplasmosis as an immunopathologic disease. MAS/HPS are related to
      defective cytotoxic lymphocytes that ordinarily diminish inflammation. Pilot
      studies in mice show cytotoxic lymphocyte activation with A. phagocytophilum
      infection, yet suppression of cytotoxic responses from both NKT and CD8 cells,
      consistent with the development of MAS/HPS. Whether severity relates to microbial
      factors or genetically determined diversity in human immune and inflammatory
      response needs more investigation.

PMID- 22098467
TI  - Noninfectious diverticulum of mitral valve causing severe mitral regurgitation.

PMID- 22098466
TI  - Discovery of a novel and potent class of F. tularensis enoyl-reductase (FabI)
      inhibitors by molecular shape and electrostatic matching.
AB  - Enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase, FabI, is a key enzyme in the
      bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis pathway (FAS II). FabI is an NADH-dependent
      oxidoreductase that acts to reduce enoyl-ACP substrates in a final step of the
      pathway. The absence of this enzyme in humans makes it an attractive target for
      the development of new antibacterial agents. FabI is known to be unresponsive to
      structure-based design efforts due to a high degree of induced fit and a mobile
      flexible loop encompassing the active site. Here we discuss the development,
      validation, and careful application of a ligand-based virtual screen used for the
      identification of novel inhibitors of the  Francisella tularensis  FabI target.
      In this study, four known classes of FabI inhibitors were used as templates for
      virtual screens that involved molecular shape and electrostatic matching. The
      program ROCS was used to search a high-throughput screening library for compounds
      that matched any of the four molecular shape queries. Matching compounds were
      further refined using the program EON, which compares and scores compounds by
      matching electrostatic properties. Using these techniques, 50 compounds were
      selected, ordered, and tested. The tested compounds possessed novel chemical
      scaffolds when compared to the input query compounds. Several hits with low
      micromolar activity were identified and follow-up scaffold-based searches
      resulted in the identification of a lead series with submicromolar enzyme
      inhibition, high ligand efficiency, and a novel scaffold. Additionally, one of
      the most active compounds showed promising whole-cell antibacterial activity
      against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, including the target
      pathogen. The results of a preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis
      are presented.

PMID- 22098468
TI  - Pilot application of iTRAQ to the retinal disease Macular Telangiectasia.
AB  - We used the comparative proteomic technique iTRAQ coupled with offline 2DLC-MS/MS
      to analyze a rare specimen of the poorly understood, potentially blinding
      ophthalmic condition Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel type 2). We refined
      the technique using an internal standard consisting of pooled samples for each
      iTRAQ experiment to allow for multiple comparisons between different regions of
      the retina and different tissue donors. A total of 594 nonredundant proteins were
      identified in the retina and 168 in the vitreous, of which approximately half
      were found in significantly different abundance in the various comparisons made.
      The most prominent differences were found within the glycolytic pathway, where 8
      proteins were reduced in the diseased macula compared with peripheral retina of
      the same eye, and 10 were also reduced in comparison with the macula of a control
      eye. Furthermore, Muller cell-associated proteins, including GFAP, VIME, and
      GLNA, were also reduced in the diseased macula, consistent with a link between
      the glycolytic pathway and Muller cells. These changes were validated by Western
      blotting and immunohistochemical studies. Proteomic analysis of the vitreous
      revealed an increase of proteins that were reduced in the retina. This supports
      proteomic analysis of the more easily available vitreous, which may reveal retina
      specific protein changes associated with disease. Furthermore, our study has
      highlighted changes in the glycolytic pathway as a possible component of MacTel
      type 2 pathobiology.

PMID- 22098470
TI  - NSC 74859-mediated inhibition of STAT3 enhances the anti-proliferative activity
      of cetuximab in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cetuximab [an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor],
      which was shown to be effective in rectal and non-small cell lung cancers
      (NSCLCs), was only modestly effective in clinical trials of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). STAT3, which is thought to be a determinant of HCC sensitivity
      to antitumour drugs, may be involved. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of
      combination therapy using cetuximab and NSC 74859 (a novel STAT3 inhibitor) in
      EGFR and STAT3 overexpressing hepatoma cells. METHODS: Hepatoma cell lines were
      treated with cetuximab, NSC 74859 or a combination of both drugs. Efficacy of
      treatment was evaluated by determining cell viability using MTT assays and
      proliferation by cell counting. Expression and activation of STAT3 were
      determined using Western blot analysis. We evaluated the role of STAT3 in single
      and combination therapy using siRNA-mediated knock-down of STAT3 or STAT3
      overexpression strategies. RESULTS: HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, which had lower levels
      of pSTAT3 than SK-HEP1 cells, were more sensitive to cetuximab treatment when
      compared with SK-HEP1 cells. Although none of these cell lines was sensitive to
      NSC 74859 alone, NSC 74859 potentiated the antiproliferative effect of cetuximab
      in all three cell lines. siRNA knock-down of STAT3 increased the sensitivity of
      these cell lines to cetuximab, whereas STAT3 overexpression antagonized these
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced growth inhibition in hepatoma cells treated with
      both NSC 74859 and cetuximab suggests that cetuximab resistance is probably
      mediated via STAT3. Combination therapy using both inhibitors of EGFR and STAT3
      signalling warrants further investigation under in vivo condition.

PMID- 22098471
TI  - The distribution of fibrillin-2 and LTBP-2, and their co-localisation with
      fibrillin-1 in adult bovine tail disc.
AB  - We investigated the distribution of fibrillin-2 and LTBP-2 (latent TGF-beta
      binding protein-2) in the intervertebral disc of the adult bovine tail. The
      association of fibrillin-2 and of LTBP-2 with fibrillin-1 was examined by dual
      immunofluorescence staining. Both fibrillin-2 and LTBP-2 were found extensively
      distributed in all regions of the disc with the organisation of the network
      varying significantly region to region. In the outer annulus fibrosus (OAF) both
      fibrillin-2 and LTBP-2 co-localised with fibrillin-1 forming fibres running
      parallel to the collagen fibres of the lamellae with the microfibrillar network
      staining densely in between the adjacent lamellae and also at the boundaries of
      the collagen bundle compartments. In the inner annulus fibrosus (IAF) and nucleus
      pulposus (NP), co-localised fibrillin-1,2 and LTBP-2 formed a chondron-like
      structure around the cell. By contrast, the inter-territorial matrix of the IAF
      and NP contained a dense network of fibrillin-2 but only sparse/filamentous
      fibres of fibrillin-1 and LTBP-2. Dual immunostaining revealed that in this
      region, fibrillin-2 was highly colocalised with elastin. The LTBP-2 network co
      localised well with that of fibrillin-1 in all regions and indeed is reported to
      bind strongly to fibrillin-1. However, interestingly LTBP-2 but not fibrillin-1
      or fibrillin-2 was removed by hyaluronidase but not collagenase pre-digestion.
      Our results suggest that fibrillin-2 and LTBP-2 could play an important role in
      disc function.

PMID- 22098472
TI  - Saxagliptin and sitagliptin in adult patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin
      and saxagliptin with placebo and other hypoglycaemic medications in adults with
      type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE(r), Embase, the Cochrane Library and the
      International Pharmaceuticals from their inception through 3 February 2011.
      Studies were included of adults with type 2 diabetes that were 12 weeks or more
      in duration. Meta-analyses were conducted when included studies were homogenous
      enough to justify combining their results. A total of 32 articles met inclusion
      criteria. Sitagliptin 100 mg monotherapy and saxagliptin 5 mg resulted in greater
      HbA1c reduction compared to placebo [weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.82%, 95%
      CI -0.95 to -0.70 and WMD -0.70, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.56, respectively].
      Sitagliptin was similar to sulfonylureas for HbA1c reduction (WMD 0.08%, 95% CI 0
      0.16, 3 trials) and to saxagliptin in one head-to-head trial. There was no
      statistically significant difference in hypoglycaemia between sitagliptin (pooled
      RR 1.55, 95% CI 0.55-4.36) or saxagliptin (pooled RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.28-3.81) and
      placebo. Sitagliptin and saxagliptin result in similar modest HbA1c reductions
      and do not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia unless combined with other
      therapies. Their role in the long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes remains
      unclear given the lack of long-term data on efficacy, harms and health outcomes.

PMID- 22098473
TI  - Aging and temporal order memory: a comparison of direct and indirect measures.
AB  - The purpose of the present study is to compare the effect of aging on direct and
      indirect measures of temporal order memory, derived from the Rey Auditory Verbal
      Learning Test (AVLT). The spontaneous order in which the list was recalled in
      Trial 5 served as the indirect measure, and the explicit reordering of the words
      into their original order of presentation (i.e., Trial 10) served as the direct
      measure. Based on previously reported norms (n = 528) on the Rey AVLT, the
      effects of age (20-91 years) on the two measures of temporal order were analyzed.
      The results demonstrated that the direct measure was much more sensitive to the
      effect of age than the indirect measure. Furthermore, the direct measure was more
      significantly correlated with other verbal memory measures derived from the Rey
      AVLT. These results are consistent with studies that have documented that the
      frontal lobes, implicated in temporal memory, show the most significant
      degenerative changes over the years. As a result, the effortful and direct
      cognitive tasks in general and particularly in memory are more vulnerable to the
      effects of aging. These results lend further support to the dissociation between
      direct and indirect measures of memory in older adults. These temporal order
      measures, which are not usually assessed in standard batteries, could now be
      derived from a standard, frequently used test (i.e., Rey AVLT) and increase its
      diagnostic value.

PMID- 22098474
TI  - Optical detection of brain function: simultaneous imaging of cerebral vascular
      response, tissue metabolism, and cellular activity in vivo.
AB  - It is known that a remaining challenge for functional brain imaging is to
      distinguish the coupling and decoupling effects among neuronal activity, cerebral
      metabolism, and vascular hemodynamics, which highlights the need for new tools to
      enable simultaneous measures of these three properties in vivo. Here, we review
      current neuroimaging techniques and their prospects and potential limitations for
      tackling this challenge. We then report a novel dual-wavelength laser speckle
      imaging (DW-LSI) tool developed in our labs that enables simultaneous imaging of
      cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume, and tissue hemoglobin
      oxygenation, which allows us to monitor neurovascular and tissue metabolic
      activities at high spatiotemporal resolutions over a relatively large field of
      view. Moreover, we report digital frequency ramping Doppler optical coherence
      tomography (DFR-OCT) that allows for quantitative 3D imaging of the CBF network
      in vivo. In parallel, we review calcium imaging techniques to track neuronal
      activity, including intracellular calcium approach using Rhod2 fluorescence
      technique that we develop to detect neuronal activity in vivo. We report a new
      multimodality imaging platform that combines DW-LSI, DFR-OCT, and calcium
      fluorescence imaging for simultaneous detection of cortical hemodynamics,
      cerebral metabolism, and neuronal activities of the animal brain in vivo, as well
      as its integration with microprobes for imaging neuronal function in deep brain
      regions in vivo. Promising results of in vivo animal brain functional studies
      suggest the potential of this multimodality approach for future awake animal and
      behavioral studies.

PMID- 22098475
TI  - Heterosis for carotenoid concentration and profile in maize hybrids.
AB  - Production of high-lutein maize grain is of particular interest as a value-added
      feed source to produce high-lutein eggs. In this paper, it is demonstrated that
      heterosis for total carotenoid concentration and for the ratio of lutein to
      zeaxanthin (L:Z ratio), or profile type, exists infrequently in yellow dent
      crosses. However, yellow dent inbred maize lines A619 and CG102, both possessing
      high-lutein profiles, produce F1 seed with a classic overdominant expression of
      lutein levels (i.e., 49 ug/g dry weight (DW) above the high-parent value).
      Reciprocal crosses of A619 and CG102 with one another and with two high
      zeaxanthin (i.e., low lutein), high-carotenoid lines both suggest that the A619
      and CG102 high-lutein phenotypes are achieved by different and complementary
      genotypes. The contribution of CG102 to the heterotic response was examined using
      a QTL-based approach that involved phenotyping the mapping population in a
      testcross to A619. Significant QTL were found at loci known to be involved in the
      carotenoid pathway but also at loci proximate to, but separate from, known
      carotenoid pathway steps. Exploiting an overdominant heterotic response for
      lutein and total carotenoids should be given strong consideration as a viable
      method of producing high-carotenoid hybrid maize lines.

PMID- 22098476
TI  - Aqueous garlic extract and its phytochemical profile; special reference to
      antioxidant status.
AB  - Garlic (Allium sativum L) has distinct nutritional profile with special reference
      to its bioactive components and is used in different diet-based therapies to cure
      various lifestyle-related disorders. For this purpose, characterization and
      extraction of garlic were carried out followed by antioxidant assays. Different
      solvents (50% aqueous ethanol, 50% aqueous methanol and water) at different time
      intervals (4, 5 and 6 h) at 60 degrees C were used to optimize aqueous extraction
      efficiency of garlic. Among the solvents, water extract resulted in better
      extraction yield (31.85 +/- 2.09 g/25 g) at 5 h. The antioxidant potential of all
      these solvents was estimated through in vitro studies. In this context, it was
      observed that higher amount of total phenolic contents was present in aqueous
      methanol 71.87 +/- 1.69% at 45 min. Antiradical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
      assay) and antioxidant activity showed that the maximum value was 73.80 +/- 3.69
      and 83.83 +/- 0.16%, respectively, in methanolic extract at 45 min while glucose
      diffusion and ferric reducing antioxidant power were 97.00 +/- 0.20 and 32.66 +/-
      0.72% at p < 0.05, respectively. Aqueous garlic extract was selected as the best
      treatment on the basis of percentage yield and safety modulation in human body
      absorption. Aqueous garlic extract was subjected to pH, acidity, total soluble
      solids (TSS) and colour. It was observed that the pH of aqueous garlic extract
      decreased with the passage of time while acidity increased. It was also concluded
      that storage affected the value of TSS and colour significantly. L* values for
      colour on 0 day were 34.18 +/- 0.08, whereas those on 28th day were 38.84 +/-
      0.03. It was predicted that 28 days storage resulted in significant increase in
      L* value, while a* value decreased from 4.31 +/- 0.01 to 0.32 +/- 0.01 at the end
      of storage study.

PMID- 22098477
TI  - Bidirectional pattern-specific plasticity of the slow afterhyperpolarization in
      rats: role for high-voltage activated Ca2+ channels and I h.
AB  - A burst of action potentials in hippocampal neurons is followed by a slow
      afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) that serves to limit subsequent firing. A reduction
      in the sAHP accompanies acquisition of several types of learning, whereas
      increases in the sAHP are correlated with cognitive impairment. The present study
      demonstrates in vitro that activity-dependent bidirectional plasticity of the
      sAHP does not require synaptic activation, and depends on the pattern of action
      potential firing. Whole-cell current-clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons
      in hippocampal slices from young rats (postnatal days 14-24) were performed in
      blockers of synaptic transmission. The sAHP was evoked by action potential firing
      at gamma-related (50 Hz, gamma-AHP) or theta frequencies (5 Hz, theta-AHP), two
      firing frequencies implicated in attention and memory. Interestingly, when the
      gamma-AHP and theta-AHP were evoked in the same cell, a gradual potentiation of
      the gamma-AHP (186 +/- 31%) was observed that was blocked using Ca(2+) channel
      blockers nimodipine (10 MUm) or omega-conotoxin MVIIC (1 MUm). In experiments
      that exclusively evoked the sAHP with 50 Hz firing, the gamma-AHP was similarly
      potentiated (198 +/- 44%). However, theta-burst firing pattern alone resulted in
      a decrease (65 +/- 19%) of the sAHP. In these experiments, application of the h
      channel blocker ZD7288 (25 MUm) selectively prevented enhancement of the gamma
      AHP. These data demonstrate that induction requirements for bidirectional AHP
      plasticity depend on the pattern of action potential firing, and result from
      distinct mechanisms. The identification of novel mechanisms underlying AHP
      plasticity in vitro provides additional insight into the dynamic processes that
      may regulate neuronal excitability during learning in vivo.

PMID- 22098478
TI  - Tumor local chemohyperthermia using docetaxel-embedded magnetoliposomes:
      Interaction of chemotherapy and hyperthermia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: We have studied and reported the usefulness of tumor local
      chemohyperthermia at a low-grade temperature below 43 degrees C with docetaxel
      embedded magnetoliposome (DML) and an applied alternating current magnetic field.
      However, the mechanisms of this treatment and the dynamics of the injected
      docetaxel were not investigated in our previous study. Thus, we investigated the
      interaction of chemotherapy and hyperthermia in the treated tumor. METHODS: Human
      MKN45 gastric cancer cells were implanted in the hind limbs of Balb-c/nu/nu mice.
      DML, magnetite-loaded liposome, and docetaxel were injected into the tumors with
      or without being exposed to an alternating current magnetic field. Docetaxel and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations, the cell cycle, and cell death rates
      in the tumor were examined. RESULTS: Docetaxel concentrations were significantly
      higher in the DML-injected group than in the docetaxel-injected group 3 days
      after injection. A G2/M peak was observed 1 day after treatment in the DML
      injected and exposed group and the docetaxel-injected group, while it was
      observed 3 days after treatment in the DML-injected without heating group and the
      magnetite-loaded liposome group. The tumor cell death rate gradually increased in
      the DML-injected group, with or without being exposed, while it gradually
      decreased after its peak in other groups. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      concentration in the tumor treated with DML with heating remained at a high level
      on the 7th day after treatment, while it decreased after its peak in other
      groups. CONCLUSION: The antitumor effect of this treatment derives from a
      combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy locally in the tumor.

PMID- 22098479
TI  - An integrative review of interventions promoting self-care of patients with heart
      failure.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the interventions used to improve self-care of
      heart failure patients. The specific objectives were to examine the efficacy of
      interventions to improve heart failure self-care (self-maintenance and self
      management behaviours) and patient-related factors such as knowledge about heart
      failure, self-efficacy for heart failure self-care (confidence) and beliefs
      regarding heart failure self-care. BACKGROUND: Despite the significant advances
      in the treatment and management of heart failure, there continues to be poor
      patient outcomes associated with this clinical syndrome. DESIGN: An integrative
      review. METHOD: A search of MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Cochrane data base of clinical
      trials and the cumulative index of nursing and allied health literature (CINAHL)
      databases was conducted using 14 search terms for a period from 2000-2010. Hand
      searching of reference lists and author lists was also conducted. Nineteen
      eligible self-care intervention studies were included in this review. RESULTS:
      Cognitive-behavioural intervention mechanisms were most frequently used to
      improve patient's heart failure self-care. In the majority of the studies, the
      interventions demonstrated efficacy by improving heart failure patients' self
      care maintenance and management behaviours. Intervention group subjects, in the
      majority of studies, had significantly higher levels of knowledge pertaining to
      heart failure and heart failure related self-care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: Based on these findings, there are improved patient outcomes when
      standard patient education for heart failure is augmented using cognitive
      behavioural strategies that include additional evidence-based education and
      counselling.

PMID- 22098480
TI  - Identification and characterization of low molecular weight polyphenols in berry
      leaf extracts by HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI/MS.
AB  - This paper reports the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses of low
      molecular weight phenolics from five berry leaf extract using HPLC-DAD and LC
      ESI/MS. The identification of the black currant, raspberry, bilberry,
      honeysuckle, and strawberry leaf phytochemicals was based on the comparison of UV
      vis absorption maxima (lambda(max)) and mass spectral analysis. The peak
      identification in samples was also based on comparisons of the retention times
      (t(R)) of the isolated phytochemical standards. Knowledge of the precise phenolic
      profile of berry leaves may offer a scientific basis to put the underutilized
      berry leaves to good use as very cheap raw materials for polyphenol extract
      production. These studies indicated that these leaves can be used as a good and
      cheap source of bioactive constituents. These results suggest that berry leaves
      are a potential source of phenolics and have potential pro-healthy properties to
      contribute to human health.

PMID- 22098481
TI  - Enhancement of the mechanical properties of directly spun CNT fibers by chemical
      treatment.
AB  - Translating the remarkable mechanical properties of individual carbon nanotubes
      to macroscopic assemblies presents a unique challenge in maximizing the potential
      of these remarkable entities for new materials. Infinitely long individual
      nanotubes would represent the ideal molecular building blocks; however, in the
      case of length-limited nanotubes, typically in the range of micro- and
      millimeters, an alternative strategy could be based on the improvement of the
      mechanical coherency between bundles assembling the macroscopic materials, like
      fibers or films. Here, we present a method to enhance the mechanical performance
      of fibers continuously spun from a CVD reactor, by a postproduction processing
      methodology utilizing a chemical agent aided by UV irradiation. The treatment
      results in an increase of 100% in specific strength and 300% in toughness of the
      fibers with strength values rocketing to as high as 3.5 GPa SG(-1). An attempt
      has been made to explore the nature of the chemical modifications introduced in
      the fiber and the consequential effects on its properties.

PMID- 22098482
TI  - Expression of multiple cytokines and CCR4 in primary testicular diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, involving the skin.

PMID- 22098483
TI  - Visual acuity changes in cone and cone-rod dystrophies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate longitudinal visual acuity (VA)
      changes in cone (CD) and cone-rod dystrophies (CRD) in order to develop
      recommendations for follow-up strategies and to define an optimal time for
      potential therapeutic intervention. METHODS: Patients with clinically defined CD
      and CRD, who had at least three clinical examinations within a follow-up period
      of a minimum of 2 years, were included in the study. The observation period was
      divided into segments: between 1-2 visits and 2-3 visits in intervals of 2 years,
      and between 3-4 visits in 3-year intervals. Disease history was collected during
      the baseline examination. Median age of onset, age at first examination, and
      period between disease onset and 1st visit (latency) were estimated. Medians with
      25th and 75th quantile of VA decrease in logMAR for each segment of observation
      were calculated. The median percentage of VA decrease was also calculated.
      RESULTS: Initial results of the Tuebingen longitudinal study of VA changes in CRD
      and CD are presented as medians with 25th and 75th quintiles. Twenty-nine
      patients (14 men and 15 women) were studied. Nineteen of them had CRD and 10 CD.
      Median age at the baseline visit was 18 (11, 31) years for CRD and 26 (8, 41.5)
      years for CD. Median age of disease onset was 9 (8, 25) years for CRD and 7.5 (5,
      15) years for CD. The median latency was 6.5 (3; 8.25) years in CD and 4 (2, 10)
      years in CRD patients. VA in CD and CRD patients was significantly different only
      during the first visit (p < 0.03). VA decrease was highest in the period between
      2-3 visits with a median VA decrease of 36%, for CDR and between 3-4 visits for
      CD with a median VA decrease of 80%. In the CRD group the rate of VA decline was
      fairly even over the four visits, whereas in the CD group the decline appeared to
      progressively increase towards the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: CRD patients
      were younger than those with CD at a baseline visit and had a longer period of
      follow-up. A statistically significant difference in VA in CRD and CD was
      observed at the first ophthalmological examination only. VA decrease was most
      prominent in the second decade of life in CRD and in third decade in CD patients.
      CRD was characterized by a more progressive VA decrease than CD. CRD had a high
      decline of VA over the second and the third examination, whereas VA decline in CD
      progressed towards the end of follow-up period (fourth examination). These
      results should be considered when advising and following up such patients on a
      long-term basis.

PMID- 22098484
TI  - Synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical, electrochemical, and anion
      sensing studies of luminescent homo- and heteroleptic ruthenium(II) and
      osmium(II) complexes based on terpyridyl-imidazole ligand.
AB  - A series of hetero- and homoleptic tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)
      complexes of compositions [(tpy-PhCH(3))Ru(tpy-HImzphen)](ClO(4))(2) (1),
      [(H(2)pbbzim)Ru(tpy-HImzphen)](ClO(4))(2) (2), and [M(tpy
      HImzphen)(2)](ClO(4))(2) [M = Ru(II) (3) and Os(II) (4)], where tpy-PhCH(3) = 4'
      (4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, H(2)pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2
      yl)pyridine and tpy-HImzphen = 2-(4-[2,2':6',2"]terpyridine-4'-yl-phenyl)-1H
      phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole, have been synthesized and characterized by using
      standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. X-ray crystal structures of
      three complexes 2, 3, and 4 have been determined. The absorption spectra, redox
      behavior, and luminescence properties of the complexes have been thoroughly
      investigated. All of the complexes display moderately strong luminescence at room
      temperature with lifetimes in the range of 10-55 ns. The effect of solvents on
      the absorption and emission spectral behavior of the complexes has also been
      studied in detail. The anion sensing properties of all the complexes have been
      studied in solution using absorption, emission, and (1)H NMR spectral studies and
      by cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements. It has been observed that the complexes
      1, 3, and 4 act as sensors for F(-)only, whereas 2 acts as sensor for F(-), AcO(
      ), and to some extent for H(2)PO(4)(-). It is evident that in the presence of
      excess of anions deprotonation of the imidazole N-H fragment(s) occurs in all
      cases, an event which is signaled by the development of vivid colors visible with
      the naked eye. The receptor-anion binding/equilibrium constants have been
      evaluated.

PMID- 22098485
TI  - Decoding the roles of pilotins and accessory proteins in secretin escort
      services.
AB  - Secretins are channels that allow translocation of macromolecules across the
      outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Virulence, natural competence, and
      motility are among the functions mediated by these large oligomeric protein
      assemblies. Filamentous phage also uses secretins to exit their bacterial host
      without causing cell lysis. However, the secretin is only a part of a larger
      membrane-spanning complex, and additional proteins are often required for its
      formation. A class of outer membrane lipoproteins called pilotins has been
      implicated in secretin assembly and/or localization. Additional accessory
      proteins may also be involved in secretin stability. Significant progress has
      recently been made toward deciphering the complex interactions required for
      functional secretin assembly. To allow for easier comparison between different
      systems, we have classified the secretins into five different classes based on
      their requirements for proteins involved in their assembly, localization, and
      stability. An overview of pilotin and accessory protein structures, functions,
      and characterized modes of interaction with the secretin is presented.

PMID- 22098486
TI  - Intra- and inter-session reliability of vertical jump performance in healthy
      middle-aged and older men and women.
AB  - Despite its widespread use in performance assessment, the reliability of vertical
      jump in an ageing population has not been addressed properly. The aim of the
      present study was to assess intra- and inter-day reliability of countermovement
      jump in healthy middle-aged (55-65 years) and older (66-75 years) men and women.
      Eighty-two participants were recruited and asked to perform countermovement jumps
      on two different occasions interspersed by 4 weeks. The middle-aged groups
      exhibited excellent absolute reliability for flight height, jump height, peak
      force, peak power, peak force/body mass, and peak power/body mass, with
      coefficients of variation ranging from 2.9% to 7.2% in men and from 3.6% to 6.9%
      in women and moderate-to-high intraclass correlations (0.75 to 0.97 in men; 0.77
      to 0.95 in women). The older groups displayed good coefficients of variation
      (4.2% to 10.8% in men and 3.4% to 9.5% in women), but the intraclass correlations
      were low-to-high (0.43 to 0.84 in men; 0.42 to 0.93 in women). Overall, intra
      session reliability was higher than inter-session reliability. Peak power was by
      far the most consistent variable, whereas flight and jump height had the most
      marked variability. The minimum detectable change varied from 10.5% to 33%,
      depending on the variable examined, suggesting important implications for
      intervention studies.

PMID- 22098487
TI  - The natural history of hepatitis C virus infection acquired during childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcome of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
      acquired during childhood in the absence of antiviral therapy is not clear. AIMS:
      The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of untreated HCV acquired in
      childhood. Only population-based studies were included, as referred cases would
      be predicted to have more severe disease. METHODS: A systematic review of the
      literature was completed up to October 2010 to identify studies where a
      population was screened for HCV infection that was presumably acquired during
      childhood. Demographical and clinical data were collected on infected patients
      who had not been treated with an antiviral. Primary outcome was development of a
      severe adverse outcome (cirrhosis, hepatoma, need for a liver transplant or liver
      related death). RESULTS: There were 25 studies reporting a total of 733 infected
      patients. Liver biopsy results were provided for 180 patients (25%), revealing
      cirrhosis in eight (1.0% of the total and 4.0% of those who had a biopsy). None
      of the other patients developed a severe adverse outcome. As a result of the
      small number of patients with a severe adverse outcome, risk factors for HCV
      progression could not be identified. CONCLUSION: Although HCV can lead to liver
      transplantation and death during childhood, the vast majority of patients with
      disease acquired during childhood have slowly progressive disease. There is no
      clear indication for antiviral therapy in the majority of children with HCV
      infection.

PMID- 22098488
TI  - Freezing 'stem cells' in a bag and tube under various freezing conditions?

PMID- 22098489
TI  - The indirect consequences of a mutualism: comparing positive and negative
      components of the net interaction between honeydew-tending ants and host plants.
AB  - 1. In ecological webs, net indirect interactions between species are composed of
      interactions that vary in sign and magnitude. Most studies have focused on
      negative component interactions (e.g. predation, herbivory) without considering
      the relative importance of positive interactions (e.g. mutualism, facilitation)
      for determining net indirect effects. 2. In plant/arthropod communities, ants
      have multiple top-down effects via mutualisms with honeydew-producing herbivores
      and harassment of and predation on other herbivores; these ant effects provide
      opportunities for testing the relative importance of positive and negative
      interspecific interactions. We manipulated the presence of ants, honeydew
      producing membracids and leaf-chewing beetles on perennial host plants in field
      experiments in Colorado to quantify the relative strength of these different
      types of interactions and their impact on the ant's net indirect effect on
      plants. 3. In 2007, we demonstrated that ants simultaneously had a positive
      effect on membracids and a negative effect on beetles, resulting in less beetle
      damage on plants hosting the mutualism. 4. In 2008, we used structural equation
      modelling to describe interaction strengths through the entire insect herbivore
      community on plants with and without ants. The ant's mutualism with membracids
      was the sole strong interaction contributing to the net indirect effect of ants
      on plants. Predation, herbivory and facilitation were weak, and the net effect of
      ants reduced plant reproduction. This net indirect effect was also partially
      because of behavioural changes of herbivores in the presence of ants. An
      additional membracid manipulation showed that the membracid's effect on ant
      activity was largely responsible for the ant's net effect on plants; ant workers
      were nearly ten times as abundant on plants with mutualists, and effects on other
      herbivores were similar to those in the ant manipulation experiment. 5. These
      results demonstrate that mutualisms can be strong relative to negative direct
      interspecific interactions and that positive interactions deserve attention as
      important components of ecological webs.

PMID- 22098490
TI  - Neuro-inflammatory sequelae of minimal trauma in the non-traumatized human brain.
      A microdialysis study.
AB  - Cytokine measurement directly from the brain parenchyma by means of microdialysis
      has documented the activation of certain procedures in vivo, after brain trauma
      in humans. However, the intercalation of the micro-catheter insertion with the
      phenomena triggered by the head trauma renders the assessment of the findings
      problematic. The present study attempts to elucidate the pure effect of minimal
      trauma, represented by the insertion of the micro-catheter, on the non
      traumatized human brain. Microdialysis catheters were implanted to twelve
      patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, subjected to invasive electroencephalogram
      recording with intracranial electrodes. Samples were collected during the first 5
      days of monitoring. The dialysate was analyzed using bead flow cytometry, and the
      concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and TNFa were measured. The
      levels of IL-1 and IL-8 were found raised until 48 hours post-implantation and
      thereafter they reached a plateau of presumably basic values. The temporal
      profile of the IL-6 variation was different, the raise being much prolonged, as
      its concentration had not returned to basic levels at the fifth day post
      insertion. TNFa was found significantly raised only 2 hours after the
      implantation. Interleukins 10 and 12 did not present any significant response to
      micro-trauma. These findings, probably more clearly detected in an environment
      disengaged by the sequelae of severe brain injury, imply that the reaction of the
      neuro-inflammatory mechanisms of the brain exists even after minimal trauma and
      is unexpectedly intense concerning IL-6. This response concerns also IL-1, IL-8
      and TNFa, while IL-10 and IL-12 may necessitate more severe injuries to be
      activated. An approach to the question of basic cytokine levels in the normal
      brain parenchyma is attempted. Finally, questions may rise regarding the
      objectivity of findings attributed by some studies to inflammatory perturbation
      after head injury.

PMID- 22098491
TI  - Hypoxic hepatitis.
AB  - Hypoxic hepatitis (HH), an acute liver injury also known as 'ischaemic hepatitis'
      or 'shock liver', is frequently observed in intensive care units. HH is heralded
      by a massive but transient rise in serum aminotransferase activities caused by
      anoxic necrosis of centrilobular liver cells. Cardiac failure, respiratory
      failure and toxic-septic shock are the main underlying conditions accounting for
      more than 90% of cases, but HH may also occur in other circumstances. Until
      recently, liver ischaemia, i.e. a drop in hepatic blood flow, was considered the
      leading, and even the sole, hemodynamic mechanism responsible for HH, and it was
      generally held that a shock state was required. In reality, other hemodynamic
      mechanisms of hypoxia, such as passive congestion of the liver, arterial
      hypoxaemia and dysoxia, play an important role while a shock state is observed in
      only 50% of cases. Accordingly, 'ischaemic hepatitis' and 'shock liver' are
      misnomers. Therapy of HH depends primarily on the nature of the underlying
      condition. The prognosis is poor, with more than half of patients dying during
      the hospital stay.

PMID- 22098492
TI  - Three-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of the Fontan conduit for
      thrombus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Total caval pulmonary connection (Fontan circuit) is the final
      common pathway for the palliation of single ventricle congenital heart disease.
      Flow within the Fontan circuit results in an environment that is prone to
      thrombus formation putting the patient at risk for pulmonary and/or systemic
      embolus. To prevent these problems, patients are placed on antithrombotic therapy
      and periodically evaluated for thrombus within the conduit. Two-dimensional (2D)
      echocardiography, although commonly used to evaluate these patients, has been
      shown to have limited ability in accurately identifying thrombi within the Fontan
      conduit. The diagnosis of intracardiac thrombi has been augmented by three
      dimensional (3D) echocardiography and the patients in this series were evaluated
      with 3D imaging (3D transthoracic echocardiography and/or 3D transesophageal
      echocardiography) to determine if thrombi could be detected or excluded within
      the Fontan conduit. To the author's knowledge, this constitutes the first case
      series describing the use of 3D echocardiography to evaluate the Fontan conduit
      for thrombus. METHODS: The four patients described in this case series underwent
      3D echocardiography to evaluate the Fontan conduit for a suspected or potential
      thrombus. RESULTS: The Fontan conduit was imaged and thrombi were felt to be
      documented or excluded in all four patients with 3D echocardiography.
      CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional echocardiography may enhance the ability to detect
      or exclude thrombi within the Fontan conduit. Further studies are needed to
      determine if this will prove to be an effective and reliable technique in
      evaluating the Fontan conduit for thrombus.

PMID- 22098493
TI  - Challenges and expectations of the Mental Capacity Act 2005: an interview-based
      study of community-based specialist nurses working in dementia care.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to explore experiences of specialist community nurses
      providing information about the Mental Capacity Act and supporting people with
      dementia and carers. BACKGROUND: The role of specialist community nurses and case
      managers, such as Admiral Nurses, suggests that providing information about the
      recent Mental Capacity Act (2005) in England and Wales would be appreciated by
      people with dementia and carers and would assist in assessment and support.
      DESIGN: In-depth qualitative methodology was adopted to explore experiences and
      opinions of Admiral Nurses using the Mental Capacity Act. METHOD: A volunteer
      sample of 15 Admiral Nurses were interviewed in 2008 about their experiences of
      explaining the legal framework to carers and people with dementia and
      expectations of the Act. Thematic analysis identified textual consistencies in
      the interviews. RESULTS: Most participants reported positively about the Mental
      Capacity Act and considered it beneficial when working with people with dementia
      and carers. Specific themes included knowledge acquisition and training,
      alongside limited confidence with implementation; practice experiences in the
      community and the empowering nature of the Mental Capacity Act; practice
      expectations and challenges with implementation. CONCLUSION: The Mental Capacity
      Act has potential for supporting the safeguarding and empowerment role of
      community nurses. However, not all participants felt confident using it and
      speculated this would improve with greater familiarity and use, which should be
      facilitated by refresher training and supervision. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: The article concludes that nurses providing support to carers and of
      people with dementia may need greater familiarity about legal provisions. This
      may assist them in providing general information, making timely referrals to
      sources of specialist legal advice, and in using the Act to reduce anxiety,
      conflict and disputes.

PMID- 22098494
TI  - Cyclic hydroxyamidines as amide isosteres: discovery of oxadiazolines and
      oxadiazines as potent and highly efficacious gamma-secretase modulators in vivo.
AB  - Cyclic hydroxyamidines were designed and validated as isosteric replacements of
      the amide functionality. Compounds with these structural motifs were found to be
      metabolically stable and to possess highly desirable pharmacokinetic profiles.
      These designs were applied in the identification of gamma-secretase modulators
      leading to highly efficacious agents for reduction of central nervous system
      Abeta(42) in various animal models.

PMID- 22098495
TI  - Biological determinants of bleeding in patients with heterozygous factor XI
      deficiency.
AB  - Bleeding risk is not predictable in patients with factor XI (FXI; F11)
      deficiency. In this prospective study, our objectives were to determine the
      biological determinants for bleeding risk in patients with heterozygous FXI
      deficiency. Patients were classified as either bleeding patients or non-bleeding
      patients by calculating the bleeding score (BS) described for von Willebrand
      disease. Primary haemostasis, thrombin generation, thromboelastometry,
      procoagulant proteins, inhibitors, fibrinolysis, and F11 gene mutations were
      compared between bleeding and non-bleeding patients. Thirty-nine patients were
      included. BS significantly correlated with clinical assessment (P=0.001), and a
      score over 3 discriminated between bleeding (n=15) and non-bleeding (n=24)
      patients (P=0.034). Despite normal values, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and
      thrombomodulin (TM) plasma levels were significantly lower in bleeding patients
      than non-bleeding patients [ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo)=80.6+/-29.7
      iu/dl and 101.8+/-29.5iu/dl respectively, P=0.043; and VWF antigen
      (VWF:Ag)=84.0+/-28.0 iu/dl and 106.3+/-36.1 iu/dl respectively, P=0.035; and
      TM=17.7+/-11.7ng/ml and 23.6+/-9.7ng/ml respectively, P=0.043]. When considering
      BS as a continuous variable, only VWF:RCo remained significant (P=0.042), which
      accounted for 11% of the variability in BS.

PMID- 22098496
TI  - Occurrence and profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils
      from a typical e-waste recycling area in Southeast China.
AB  - Surface soils collected from Taizhou, a typical e-waste recycling area in
      Southeast China, were analyzed for the residues of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine
      pesticides (OCPs) by using microwave-assisted extraction and gas chromatography 
      mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in US EPA's
      priority list (SigmaPAHs), six indicator PCBs (SigmaPCBs), 15 OCPs widely used in
      China (SigmaOCPs) in soils ranged from 125 to 4737 ng/g (average: 854 ng/g), from
      not detected to 55.4 ng/g (3.16 ng/g), and from 47.9 to 820 ng/g (276 ng/g),
      respectively. Individual PAHs were ubiquitously found in soil samples with
      detected ratio of 96% and their residual levels were comparable with those of
      serious polluted sites. Principal component analysis in combination with
      diagnostic ratios suggested that the combustion of coal, wood, and plastic wastes
      that are closely associated with illegal and unsafe recycling operations of e
      wastes was the main source of PAHs in this area. Compared with other polluted
      sites, the PCBs residues in soils were generally low except for those in the
      major recycling site. The residual levels of OCPs in this region were also
      relatively higher and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH),
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite forms including
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE),
      hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dicofol were dominant species. The composition
      analysis indicated that the HCHs residues in soils might originate from the
      application of lindane (pure gamma-HCH) and parts of DDTs possibly from the wide
      use of dicofol with high impurity of DDT compounds in this region.

PMID- 22098497
TI  - Expression profile of genes involved in pathogenesis of pediatric Crohn's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Expression profiling of genes specific to pediatric Crohn's
      Disease (CD) patients was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms
      underlying disease cause and pathogenesis at disease onset. METHODS: We used
      suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) and differential screening analysis
      to profile the mRNA expression patterns of children with CD and age- and sex
      matched controls without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). RESULTS: Sequence
      analysis of 1000 clones enriched by SSH identified 75 functionally annotated
      human genes, represented by 430 clones. The 75 genes have potential involvement
      in gene networks, such as antigen presentation, inflammation, infection
      mechanism, connective tissue development, cell cycle and cancer. Twenty-eight
      genes were previously described in association with CD, while 47 were new genes
      not previously reported in the context of IBD. Additionally, 29 of the 75 genes
      have been previously implicated in bacterial and viral infections. Quantitative
      real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction performed on ileal
      derived RNA from 13 CD and nine non-IBD patients confirmed the upregulation of
      extracellular matrix gene MMP2 (P = 0.001), and cell proliferation gene REG1A (P
      = 0.063) in our pediatric CD cohort. CONCLUSION: The retrieval of 28 genes
      previously reported in association with adult CD emphasizes the importance of
      these genes in the pediatric setting. The observed upregulation of REG1A and
      MMP2, and their known impact on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix
      remodeling, agrees with the clinical behavior of the disease. Moreover, the
      expressions of bacterial- and virus-related genes in our CD-patient tissues
      support the concept that microbial agents are important in the etiopathogenesis
      of CD.

PMID- 22098501
TI  - Evidence of nanocrystalline semiconducting graphene monoxide during thermal
      reduction of graphene oxide in vacuum.
AB  - As silicon-based electronics are reaching the nanosize limits of the
      semiconductor roadmap, carbon-based nanoelectronics has become a rapidly growing
      field, with great interest in tuning the properties of carbon-based materials.
      Chemical functionalization is a proposed route, but syntheses of graphene oxide
      (G-O) produce disordered, nonstoichiometric materials with poor electronic
      properties. We report synthesis of an ordered, stoichiometric, solid-state carbon
      oxide that has never been observed in nature and coexists with graphene.
      Formation of this material, graphene monoxide (GMO), is achieved by annealing
      multilayered G-O. Our results indicate that the resulting thermally reduced G-O
      (TRG-O) consists of a two-dimensional nanocrystalline phase segregation:
      unoxidized graphitic regions are separated from highly oxidized regions of GMO.
      GMO has a quasi-hexagonal unit cell, an unusually high 1:1 O:C ratio, and a
      calculated direct band gap of ~0.9 eV.

PMID- 22098502
TI  - Development of a duplex real-time PCR for the detection of Rickettsia spp. and
      typhus group rickettsia in clinical samples.
AB  - Molecular diagnosis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may allow
      earlier diagnosis of rickettsiosis. We developed a duplex real-time PCR that
      amplifies (1) DNA of any rickettsial species and (2) DNA of both typhus group
      rickettsia, that is, Rickettsia prowazekii and Rickettsia typhi. Primers and
      probes were selected to amplify a segment of the 16S rRNA gene of Rickettsia spp.
      for the pan-rickettsial PCR and the citrate synthase gene (gltA) for the typhus
      group rickettsia PCR. Analytical sensitivity was 10 copies of control plasmid DNA
      per reaction. No cross-amplification was observed when testing human DNA and 22
      pathogens or skin commensals. Real-time PCR was applied to 16 clinical samples.
      Rickettsial DNA was detected in the skin biopsies of three patients. In one
      patient with severe murine typhus, the typhus group PCR was positive in a skin
      biopsy from a petechial lesion and seroconversion was later documented. The two
      other patients with negative typhus group PCR suffered from Mediterranean and
      African spotted fever, respectively; in both cases, skin biopsy was performed on
      the eschar. Our duplex real-time PCR showed a good analytical sensitivity and
      specificity, allowing early diagnosis of rickettsiosis among three patients, and
      recognition of typhus in one of them.

PMID- 22098504
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed Heck-type reactions of alkyl iodides.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed Heck-type reaction of unactivated alkyl iodides is
      described. This process displays broad substrate scope with respect to both
      alkene and alkyl iodide components and provides efficient access to a variety of
      cyclic products. The reaction is proposed to proceed via a hybrid organometallic
      radical mechanism, facilitating the Heck-type process with alkyl halide coupling
      partners. Initial intermolecular studies are also reported, demonstrating the
      potentially wide applicability of this approach in synthesis.

PMID- 22098503
TI  - Ablation of connexin30 in transgenic mice alters expression patterns of
      connexin26 and connexin32 in glial cells and leptomeninges.
AB  - Expression of connexin26 (Cx26), Cx30 and Cx43 in astrocytes and expression of
      Cx29, Cx32 and Cx47 in oligodendrocytes of adult rodent brain has been well
      documented, as has the interdependence of connexin expression patterns of
      macroglial cells in Cx32- and Cx47-knockout mice. To investigate this
      interdependence further, we examined immunofluorescence labelling of glial
      connexins in transgenic Cx30 null mice. Ablation of astrocytic Cx30, confirmed by
      the absence of immunolabelling for this connexin in all brain regions, resulted
      in the loss of its coupling partner Cx32 on the oligodendrocyte side of astrocyte
      oligodendrocyte (A/O) gap junctions, but had no effect on the localization of
      astrocytic Cx43 and oligodendrocytic Cx47 at these junctions or on the
      distribution of Cx32 along myelinated fibres. Surprisingly, gene deletion of Cx30
      led to the near total elimination of immunofluorescence labelling for Cx26 in all
      leptomeningeal tissues covering brain surfaces as well as in astrocytes of brain
      parenchyma. Moreover northern blot analysis revealed downregulation of Cx26 mRNA
      in Cx30-knockout brains. Our results support earlier observations on the
      interdependency of Cx30/Cx32 targeting to A/O gap junctions and further suggest
      that Cx26 mRNA expression is affected by Cx30 gene expression. In addition, Cx30
      protein may be required for co-stabilization of gap junctions or for co
      trafficking in cells.

PMID- 22098505
TI  - Simultaneous determination of seven bioactive components in Oolong tea Camellia
      sinensis: quality control by chemical composition and HPLC fingerprints.
AB  - A simple and reliable method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was
      developed for the quality control of oolong tea (the dry leaves of  Camellia
      sinensis ): the quality control included the HPLC fingerprint and the
      quantitative determination of seven bioactive compounds chemicals, namely, (-)
      gallocatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, (-)
      epicatechin, gallocatechin gallate, and (-)-epicatechin gallate. The developed
      analyses of the chemicals excelled in quantifying the chemicals in oolong tea.
      The chemical fingerprint of oolong tea was established using the raw materials of
      three main production sites in China, that is, Fujian (southern and northern
      parts), Taiwan, and Guangdong. The fingerprints from different cultivated sources
      were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis, similarity analysis, principal
      component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and discriminant
      analysis. The results indicated that the combination of chromatographic
      fingerprint and quantification analysEs could be used for the quality assessment
      of oolong tea and its derived products.

PMID- 22098506
TI  - Giant tubular adenoma of the breast: a rare entity.

PMID- 22098507
TI  - Implications of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network-Daily Trial.
AB  - Despite many years of experience with hemodialysis, the outcomes of maintenance
      dialysis patients remain poor. The Frequent Hemodialysis Network-Daily (FHN
      Daily) Trial found that six times per week in-center short hemodialysis decreased
      left ventricular mass and improved self-reported physical functioning over a 1
      year intervention period compared with conventional thrice-weekly dialysis.
      Despite the promising results, caution is needed in the projection of these
      intermediate outcomes to hard clinical endpoints, such as cardiovascular events
      and death.

PMID- 22098508
TI  - Operative innovations for colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22098509
TI  - Sealed Orifice Laparoscopic or Endoscopic (SOLE) Surgery: technology and
      technique convergence for next-step colorectal surgery.
AB  - The new avenue of minimally invasive surgery, referred to as single
      incision/access laparoscopy, is often presented as an alternative to standard
      multiport approaches, whereas in fact it is more usefully perceived as a
      complementary modality. The emergence of the technique can be of greater use both
      to patients and to the colorectal specialty if its principles can be merged into
      next-stage evolution by synergy with more conventional practice. In particular,
      rather than device specificity, what is needed is convergence of capability that
      can be applied by the same surgeon in differing scenarios depending on the
      individualized patient and disease characteristics. We detail here the global
      applicability of a simple access device construct that allows the provision of
      simple and complex single-port laparoscopy as well as contributing to multiport
      laparoscopic and transanal resections in a manner that is reliable, reproducible,
      ergonomical and economical.

PMID- 22098510
TI  - Optimizing patient outcomes in laparoscopic surgery.
AB  - There is increasing recognition that the entire peri-operative care delivered
      plays a vital role in determining patient's outcome. Optimisation of this care
      helps to prevent complications beyond immediate morbidity and mortality. Of the
      20 factors described in Enhanced Recovery Programmes, some have a greater impact
      than others, with analgesia and fluid therapy being two of the main factors. 1
      Analgesia - The main analgesic regimes used so far for laparoscopic colorectal
      surgery have been continuous thoracic epidural and patient controlled analgesia.
      There is a growing body of opinion that epidural analgesia may not be required
      for laparoscopic surgery. 2 Individualised goal directed therapy - It is now
      recognized that measuring flow rather than pressure within the cardiovascular
      system is more important. Fluid therapy impacts on the outcome by minimizing
      fluid shifts, optimizing stroke volume and restricting the salt load given whilst
      maintaining normovolaemia. Analgesia and fluid therapy, together with the
      remaining enhanced recovery criteria have led to the development of the trimodal
      approach.

PMID- 22098511
TI  - Near-infrared laparoscopy for real-time intra-operative arterial and lymphatic
      perfusion imaging.
AB  - Multimodal laparoscopic imaging systems possessing the capability for extended
      spectrum irradiation and visualization within a unified camera system are now
      available to provide enhanced intracorporeal operative anatomic and dynamic
      perfusion assessment and potentially augmented patient outcome. While ultraviolet
      range energies have limited penetration and hence are probably more useful for
      endoscopic mucosal interrogation, the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum is of greater
      potential utility for the purposes of examining inducible fluorescence in
      abdominopelvic tissue that can be achieved by administration of specific tracer
      agents, either directly into the circulation (e.g. for anastomotic perfusion
      assessment at the time of stapling) or into the lymphatic system (e.g. for lymph
      basin road-mapping and/or focussed target nodal assessment). This technology is
      also capable of supplementing anatomic recognition of the biliary system while
      implantable fibres can also be inserted intraoperatively for the purpose of
      safeguarding vital structures such as the oesphagus and ureters especially in
      difficult reoperations. It is likely that this technological capability will find
      a clear and common indication in colorectal specialist and general surgical
      departments worldwide in the near future.

PMID- 22098512
TI  - Early, minimally invasive closure of anastomotic leaks: a new concept.
AB  - Chronic pelvic sepsis after ileoanal or coloanal anastomosis precludes ileostomy
      closure and, even if closure is ultimately possible, function of the neorectum is
      badly affected. Early closure of the anastomotic leak might prevent chronic
      pelvic sepsis and its adverse sequelae. In our experience of early closure in a
      consecutive group of six patients with a leaking low anastomosis (five with
      ileoanal pouch anastomosis and one after a low anterior resection), we were able
      to achieve anastomotic closure in five by means of initial endosponge therapy
      followed either by early suture (four patients) or endoscopic clip repair (one
      patient). Early minimally invasive closure of low anastomotic leaks is therefore
      possible provided that the para-anastomotic cavity is drained well prior to
      closure and the anastomosis is defunctioned.

PMID- 22098513
TI  - Transanal extraction of the specimen during laparoscopic colectomy.
AB  - AIM: To assess the current state of the art of transanal specimen extraction in
      colonic resections. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted
      including the terms 'transrectal or transanal specimen extraction', 'Natural
      Orifice Specimen Extraction' and 'laparoscopic colectomy' for the period from
      1955 to May 2011. Exclusion criteria were abdomino-perineal resections, pull
      through technique, experimental studies and paediatric population. RESULTS:
      Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 154 patients. The
      overall postoperative complication rate was 10%. The risks of peritoneal
      contamination and sphincter dysfunction were evaluated by a single study of each.
      CONCLUSION: Transanal extraction is a feasible option to minimize incisions in
      colorectal surgery.

PMID- 22098514
TI  - Laparoscopic low anterior resection and transanal pull-through for low rectal
      cancer: a Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) technique.
AB  - Ultralow anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis has been proven to be
      oncologically sound and the majority of patients will have acceptable functional
      outcome. Here we describe a technique that combines laparoscopic ultralow total
      mesorectal excision with an intersphincteric dissection in order to allow the
      mobilized rectum and descending colon to be extracted via the muscular anal canal
      and so avoid any further abdominal incision other than laparoscopic port sites.
      We believe this novel approach to have significant clinical potential in selected
      patients.

PMID- 22098515
TI  - Extending the role of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) in rectal cancer.
AB  - Increasingly it is becoming clear that there is a role for local excision of
      early rectal cancer by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) as part of an
      organ-preservation strategy. This role is based on careful preoperative
      assessment, thorough postoperative histopathological examination and standardized
      follow up, with recourse to completion or salvage radical surgery in the face of
      poor prognostic factors, or early concerns over recurrent disease. Additionally,
      TEM is also proposed in selected circumstances after neoadjuvant treatment for
      rectal cancer. This latter topic is even more controversial with clinical
      evidence still evolving, but specialist centres report impressive results that
      cannot be ignored in the modern management of rectal cancer.

PMID- 22098516
TI  - Can mesorectal lymph node excision be avoided in rectal cancer surgery?
AB  - Rectal excision is the standard in rectal cancer treatment. The morbidity of
      rectal excision, together with the low rate of positive lymph nodes in patients
      with a good response after radiochemotherapy, raises the challenging concept of
      organ preservation. Patients with a complete response can benefit from a
      nonoperative strategy based on a strict follow up. Those with a complete or
      subcomplete response can be treated by local excision. Limitations in accurately
      assessing a complete response by conventional and modern imaging modalities
      suggest that local excision is more appropriate for the majority of patients when
      organ preservation is being considered. The encouraging results of retrospective
      series of local excision in downstaged clinical T2/T3 low rectal cancer after
      radiochemotherapy, however, need to be confirmed by the ongoing multicentre phase
      II United States and phase III French trials before routinely proposing organ
      preservation in patients with a good response.

PMID- 22098517
TI  - Totally transrectal endoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME).
AB  - Surgical treatment has been in constant evolution in the search for minimizing
      incisions regardless of the complexity of the operation. Natural Orifice
      Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) represents this progression of surgery to
      less invasive procedures. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an ideal
      NOTES platform to access the peritoneal cavity endoscopically through the anus
      and specifically to allow colorectal resections be performed through smaller, or
      indeed without, abdominal incisions. Transanal rectosigmoidectomy with total
      mesorectal excision (TME) using TEM is a feasible and oncologically safe option.
      Such use of currently available combined hybrid laparoendoscopic systems provides
      a safe platform to define future clinical applications and advantages of NOTES.
      Furthermore, it stimulates the active development of technologies that will
      support and enable it.

PMID- 22098518
TI  - Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and colorectal cancer?
AB  - Surgical techniques and technologies are rapidly evolving. In the field of
      colorectal surgery the transanal video-assisted approach was introduced by Buess,
      30 years ago, with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). In more recent years
      different techniques and technologies have been proposed, including natural
      orifice specimen extraction (NOSE), natural orifice transluminal endoscopic
      surgery (NOTES) and single-access surgery. Furthermore, a better understanding of
      the prognostic and risk factors of rectal cancer has allowed TEM to expand its
      indications to local resection of selected tumours, and more recently there have
      been proposals for sentinel node biopsy in colon and rectal cancer.

PMID- 22098519
TI  - Transrectal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for
      colorectal resection.
AB  - Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new surgical
      paradigm involving performance of intra-abdominal surgery via a natural orifice
      and thereafter peritoneal access through an intentionally created hole in a
      hollow viscus. The vast majority of research in this rapidly evolving field had
      involved access via an oral or vaginal route. Access via a transanal route, other
      than the obvious concern over contamination, has many appealing attributes. In
      addition, transanal surgery has long been a common procedure lending a valuable
      clinical experience to the foundation of this field of research. Examples of
      preclinical and clinical research on transanal NOTES colorectal resections are
      here presented and discussed.

PMID- 22098520
TI  - Safe sigmoid access for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).
AB  - One of the main challenges in transluminal surgery is sterile and safe access.
      For many interventions, a transanal approach would be ideal but it is considered
      too risky because of contamination and the danger of secondary leakage. A new
      safe and sterile transanal access was developed, combining four basic principles:
      (i) the creation of a decontaminating hydroperitoneum, (ii) the use of an
      overtube, (iii) defining the entry point with ultrasound and (iv) dedicated
      closure technique. Applicability and reliability was first proven in extensive
      animal experiments. Feasibility of the concept in humans was subsequently
      demonstrated in cadavers.

PMID- 22098521
TI  - Individualization of surgical management for early-stage colonic cancer.
AB  - A significant number of patients each year undergo radical segmental colectomy
      for node-negative colonic cancer in the UK. They are likely to represent 50% of
      our colonic cancer population in the future due to the implementation of the
      National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Short-term morbidity rates of up to
      40% are associated with the current surgical treatment and need serious
      consideration. In this article, we discuss a combination of two techniques that
      will allow minimally invasive treatment in an increasing number of patients with
      early colonic cancer.

PMID- 22098522
TI  - Current clinical status of sentinel lymph nodes in colon and proximal rectal
      cancer.
AB  - The postoperative report of the lymph node status of colorectal cancer in
      clinical practice is not a given fact. Among other factors, it is dependent on
      the experience and technique of the surgeon as well as the pathologist. Therefore
      a method like sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) that identifies and provides for
      analysis the lymph node at highest risk for tumour involvement would be highly
      beneficial. Unlike in breast cancer or melanoma, SLNB is more difficult to apply
      in colorectal cancer and is still not ready for clinical routine application for
      these tumor entities. However, careful patient selection and expertise of the
      involved specialists can improve the quality and results of SLNB in colorectal
      cancer. Especially in the early stage cancer patients, SLNB may be helpful to
      identify the earliest signs of lymphatic dissemination (thereby upstaging the
      patient) or to encourage a limited extent of resection.

PMID- 22098523
TI  - Laparoscopic lymphatic roadmapping with blue dye and radioisotope in colon
      cancer.
AB  - Lymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification by blue dye
      in colon cancer is a procedure feasible during minimally invasive surgery, with
      good specificity, but still a low sensitivity (78% in our series). These results
      are in accordance with the literature and have limited more widespread diffusion
      of the method, both as a tool for upstaging and more controversially, as a
      potential roadmap to a tailored lymphadenectomy. It is possible to improve the
      results of LM with careful selection of patients and by the use of an
      intraoperative gamma camera. The preliminary results of intra-operative
      lymphoscintigraphy are promising in a well-selected small group of patients, with
      high levels of sensitivity and specificity. If these results are confirmed in
      further prospective analyses, it may be possible to undertake selected, tailored
      lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 22098524
TI  - Near infrared fluorescence lymphatic laparoscopy of the colon and mesocolon.
AB  - During surgery, a surgeon relies on the vision of his eyes and the touch of his
      hands. While laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer has proven to be safe and
      effective, it still remains a technically difficult procedure. Although it is
      associated with reduced haptic feedback, by enforcing the power of visual
      guidance, the loss of this feedback can be (partly) compensated for. Here we
      describe how the use of near-infrared dyes and fluorescence laparoscopy could
      help improve tumour staging and therefore lead to better selection of patients
      for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. More controversially, and analogous to
      melanoma and breast cancer surgery with sentinel node biopsy, we speculate that
      local resection with SLN harvesting in early colon cancer might change the
      therapeutic and surgical strategy in colon cancer.

PMID- 22098525
TI  - Extended resections for colorectal cancer - indications for supraradical
      lymphadenectomy.
AB  - The laparoscopic approach to standard resections in colorectal cancer has proven
      that it may provide equal rates of R0 resections and adequate retrieval of lymph
      nodes as open procedures if performed by experienced hands. There might be
      difficulties in more advanced tumors or those with lymphatic spread beyond
      typical drainage areas and more extensive operations might be required. An
      atypical pattern of lymphatic spread often is associated with other adverse
      factors such as multifocality of primary cancers and adverse tumorbiological
      factors such as grade. Such patient subgroups may be defined beforehand and
      include particularly patients with underlying ulcerative colitis. Repetitively,
      extended lymph node dissection approaches have been advocated, however neither in
      randomised trails nor in meta-analysis has a more favourable outcome of patients
      undergoing such extended lymphatic dissections been demonstrated. Sticking to the
      rules of classical dissection of lymphatic drainage basins with removal of
      adequate lymph node numbers is one corner stone for successful treatment of
      colorectal cancer. The other one refers to a detailed description of the
      procedure performed in order to make the surgical procedure trackable.

PMID- 22098526
TI  - Robotic platforms for general and colorectal surgery.
AB  - Surgeons are increasingly turning to new technologies to help them overcome the
      barriers imposed by minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Robotics is an enabling
      technology with obvious applications to MIS. This manuscript looks at robotic
      platforms for general surgical application and explores the advantages,
      limitations and possible future roles.

PMID- 22098527
TI  - Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA): a reliable alternative
      for fetal chromosome analysis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether molecular karyotyping using multiple ligation
      probe amplification (MLPA) is a reliable alternative for quick and accurate
      diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. METHODS: MLPA, using specialised
      probe sets designed to detect aneuploidy, major chromosomal rearrangements and
      recognised microdeletion syndromes, was used to analyse chorionic villi or
      amniocytes left after traditional karyotyping of 476 fetuses for clinical
      indications. RESULTS: An abnormal result was obtained in 190 cases, including 124
      trisomies, 21 sex chromosome anomalies, 14 triploidies, and 31 rearrangements or
      mosaics. All trisomies were detected by all three techniques, but triploidies
      were only detected by karyotyping and QF-PCR. In 19 of the 31 cases of
      rearrangements or mosaicism there was an uncertain or high risk of adverse
      outcome. Traditional karyotyping detected 13 of the 19 pathogenic rearrangements,
      MLPA detected 18, and QF-PCR did not detect any. CONCLUSION: MLPA, using
      specialized probe sets, detects more chromosomal rearrangements, conferring
      significant risk of adverse outcome than karyotyping. A combination of qfPCR and
      MLPA could be a good, rapid alternative to current practice. In the future, used
      in conjunction with non-invasive prenatal diagnosis based on cell free fetal DNA
      it might provide a rapid and efficient approach to fetal karyotyping.

PMID- 22098528
TI  - Quantification of the adverse effect of ethinylestradiol containing oral
      contraceptive pills when used in conjunction with growth hormone replacement in
      routine practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oestrogen antagonizes the action of growth hormone (GH). For women
      with combined GH and oestrogen deficiency, transdermal oestradiol is more
      favourable in this regard compared to oral oestradiol. Oral contraceptive pills
      containing ethinylestradiol (EE) are commonly used in young women with GHD and
      there is little information on the impact of this form of oestrogen. DESIGN: A
      case note review of women with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) attending a
      tertiary endocrine clinic comparing the dose of GH and serum insulin-like growth
      factor 1 concentrations and the type of exogenous oestrogen. METHODS: All women
      with GHD between the ages of 18 and 47 attending University College London
      Hospitals (UCLH) were included and grouped according to type of oestrogen
      replacement. Weight, GH dose and serum IGF-I concentrations were recorded at 121
      visits in 88 women. RESULTS: The daily dose of GH was significantly higher and
      the GH responsivity was significantly lower in the EE group compared to those
      taking no oestrogen and transdermal oestrogen. The additional cost of GH for
      women using EE compared to transdermal oestradiol was L6016 per patient per year.
      Effectiveness of GH improved in all women changing from EE to another form of
      oestrogen. CONCLUSION: Use of oral contraceptive pills containing EE should be
      avoided in women receiving treatment with GH. Alternative options include oral or
      transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations for those that require
      oestrogen replacement or a progesterone-based regimen for contraceptive purposes.

PMID- 22098529
TI  - Ultrasensitive Pb(II) potentiometric sensor based on copolyaniline nanoparticles
      in a plasticizer-free membrane with a long lifetime.
AB  - A newly designed Pb(II) potentiometric sensor based on intrinsically conducting
      nanoparticles of solid poly(aniline-co-2-hydroxy-5-sulfonic aniline) possessing
      many ligating functional groups like -NH-, -N=, -OH, -SO(3)H, -NH(2) as
      ionophores in plasticizer-free vinyl resin solid membranes has been fabricated. A
      linear Nernstian response is obtained within a wide Pb(II) activity range from
      1.0 * 10(-3) to 1.0 * 10(-10) M with a detection limit as low as 2.2 * 10(-11) M.
      The pH independent plateau ranges between 3.5 and 7.0. After 15 months' usage,
      the sensor maintains 95% performance parameters. Its anti-interference ability to
      Cu(II), Cd(II), Ag(I), and Hg(II) is much stronger than other sensors with a
      detection limit at (sub)nanomolar level. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
      reveals that the solid sensing membrane has a diffusion coefficient of around 5 *
      10(-14) to 1 * 10(-13) cm(2) s(-1). The much lower diffusion coefficient for
      Pb(II) is highly beneficial for the elimination of Pb(II) flux across the
      membrane. The wide detection concentration range, low detection limit, high
      selectivity, extensive pH window, and long lifetime make for a robust sensor
      giving reliable measurement of Pb(II) content with potential application in real
      world samples at trace levels.

PMID- 22098530
TI  - Versatile behavior of the fluorophosphinidene ligand in iron carbonyl chemistry.
AB  - Fluorophosphinidene (PF) is a versatile ligand found experimentally in the
      transient species M(CO)(5)(PF) (M = Cr, Mo) as well as the stable cluster
      Ru(5)(CO)(15)(MU(4)-PF). The PF ligand can function as either a bent two-electron
      donor or a linear four-electron donor with the former being more common. The
      mononuclear tetracarbonyl Fe(PF)(CO)(4) is predicted to have a trigonal
      bipyramidal structure analogous to Fe(CO)(5) but with a bent PF ligand replacing
      one of the equatorial CO groups. The tricarbonyl Fe(PF)(CO)(3) is predicted to
      have two low-energy singlet structures, namely, one with a bent PF ligand and a
      16-electron iron configuration and the other with a linear PF ligand and the
      favored 18-electron iron configuration. Low-energy structures of the dicarbonyl
      Fe(PF)(CO)(2) have bent PF ligands and triplet spin multiplicities. The lowest
      energy structures of the binuclear Fe(2)(PF)(CO)(8) and Fe(2)(PF)(2)(CO)(7)
      derivatives are triply bridged structures analogous to the experimental structure
      of the analogous Fe(2)(CO)(9). The three bridges in each Fe(2)(PF)(CO)(8) and
      Fe(2)(PF)(2)(CO)(7) structure include all of the PF ligands. Other types of low
      energy Fe(2)(PF)(2)(CO)(7) structures include the phosphorus-bridging carbonyl
      structure (FP)(2)COFe(2)(CO)(6), lying only ~2 kcal/mol above the global minimum,
      as well as an Fe(2)(CO)(7)(MU-P(2)F(2)) structure in which the two PF groups have
      coupled to form a difluorodiphosphene ligand unsymmetrically bridging the central
      Fe(2) unit.

PMID- 22098531
TI  - Manifestation of diffuse yellowish keratoderma on the palms and soles in
      autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis patients may be indicative of mutations
      in NIPAL4.
AB  - Ichthyosis is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by abnormal skin scaling
      over the whole body. Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) comprises
      various forms, the most important of which are lamellar ichthyosis (LI) and
      congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE). Seven genes have been identified to
      be causative of ARCI, and these account for disease in 60-80% of the patients.
      There is notable phenotypic overlap between the major forms of ARCI, and a strong
      genotype-phenotype correlation has not been found. Here, we initially aimed to
      identify the causative gene in a large Iranian ARCI pedigree, and subsequently
      performed genetic analysis on four other affected pedigrees. A genotype-phenotype
      correlation was sought. Whole genome homozygosity mapping using high-density
      single nucleotide polymorphism chips was performed on the large pedigree. Linkage
      to chromosome 5 and a mutation in NIPAL4 causing p.G297R were identified. The
      same mutation was also identified in two of the remaining four Iranian pedigrees.
      Two of the NIPAL4 mutation bearing pedigrees were classified as CIE and one as
      LI. Notably, all NIPAL4 mutation-bearing patients manifested diffuse yellowish
      keratoderma on the palms and soles. We provide evidence suggesting presentation
      of this diffuse yellowish keratoderma may be indicative of mutations in NIPAL4,
      providing an easily assessable genotype-phenotype correlation.

PMID- 22098532
TI  - Lower limb joint kinetics and ankle joint stiffness in the sprint start push-off.
AB  - Sprint push-off technique is fundamental to sprint performance and joint
      stiffness has been identified as a performance-related variable during dynamic
      movements. However, joint stiffness for the push-off and its relationship with
      performance (times and velocities) has not been reported. The aim of this study
      was to quantify and explain lower limb net joint moments and mechanical powers,
      and ankle stiffness during the first stance phase of the push-off. One elite
      sprinter performed 10 maximal sprint starts. An automatic motion analysis system
      (CODA, 200 Hz) with synchronized force plates (Kistler, 1000 Hz) collected
      kinematic profiles at the hip, knee, and ankle and ground reaction forces,
      providing input for inverse dynamics analyses. The lower-limb joints
      predominately extended and revealed a proximal-to-distal sequential pattern of
      maximal extensor angular velocity and positive power production. Pearson
      correlations revealed relationships (P < 0.05) between ankle stiffness (5.93 +/-
      0.75 N x m x deg(-1)) and selected performance variables. Relationships between
      negative power phase ankle stiffness and horizontal (r = -0.79) and vertical (r =
      0.74) centre of mass velocities were opposite in direction to the positive power
      phase ankle stiffness (horizontal: r = 0.85; vertical: r = -0.54). Thus ankle
      stiffness may affect the goals of the sprint push-off in different ways,
      depending on the phase of stance considered.

PMID- 22098533
TI  - Comparative study of the in situ immune response in oral and nasal mucosal
      leishmaniasis.
AB  - Mucosal Leishmaniasis (ML) may occur in both nasal and oral mucosa. However,
      despite the impressive tissue destruction, little is known about the oral
      involvement. To compare some changes underlying inflammation in oral and nasal
      ML, we performed immunohistochemistry on mucosal tissue of 20 patients with ML
      (nasal [n = 12]; oral [n = 8] lesions) and 20 healthy donors using antibodies
      that recognize inflammatory markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD22, CD68, neutrophil
      elastase, CD1a, CLA, Ki67, Bcl-2, NOS2, CD62E, Fas and FasL). A significantly
      larger number of cells, mainly T cells and macrophages, were observed in lesions
      than in healthy tissue. In addition, high nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2)
      expression was associated with a reduced detection of parasites, highlighting the
      importance of NOS2 for parasite elimination. Oral lesions had higher numbers of
      neutrophils, parasites, proliferating cells and NOS2 than nasal lesions. These
      findings, together with the shorter duration of oral lesions and more intense
      symptoms, suggest a more recent inflammatory process. It could be explained by
      lesion-induced oral cavity changes that lead to eating difficulties and social
      stigma. In addition, the frequent poor tooth conservation and gingival
      inflammation tend to amplify tissue destruction and symptoms and may impair and
      confuse the correct diagnosis, thus delaying the onset of specific treatment.

PMID- 22098534
TI  - Partitioning the effects of an ecosystem engineer: kangaroo rats control
      community structure via multiple pathways.
AB  - 1. Ecosystem engineers impact communities by altering habitat conditions, but
      they can also have strong effects through consumptive, competitive and other non
      engineering pathways. 2. Engineering effects can lead to fundamentally different
      community dynamics than non-engineering effects, but the relative strengths of
      these interactions are seldom quantified. 3. We combined structural equation
      modelling and exclosure experiments to partition the effects of a keystone
      engineer, the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens), on plants, invertebrates and
      vertebrates in a semi-arid California grassland. 4. We separated the effects of
      burrow creation from kangaroo rat density and found that kangaroo rats increased
      the diversity and abundance of other species via both engineering and non
      engineering pathways. 5. Engineering was the primary factor structuring plant and
      small mammal communities, whereas non-engineering effects structured invertebrate
      communities and increased lizard abundance. 6. These results highlight the
      importance of the non-engineering effects of ecosystem engineers and shed new
      light on the multiple pathways by which strong-interactors shape communities.

PMID- 22098535
TI  - Iron-catalyzed rearrangements and cycloaddition reactions of 2H-chromenes.
AB  - Iron(III) salts catalyze the tandem rearrangement/hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of
      2H-chromenes to yield tetrahydrochromeno heterocycles. The process can occur as a
      homodimerization and cycloaddition process using electron-rich dienophiles.
      Deuterium labeling and mechanistic studies revealed a hydride shift and ortho
      quinone methide cycloaddition reaction pathway.

PMID- 22098536
TI  - Use of antiviral therapy in surveillance: impact on outcome of hepatitis B
      related hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is frequently
      prescribed for patients with chronic HBV infection during surveillance for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients who subsequently develop HCC, the
      impact of antiviral therapy on the outcome of HCC remains unclear. AIMS: We aimed
      to study the impact of antiviral therapy on the survival of patients who
      developed HCC. METHODS: From two prospective surveillance cohorts, the use of
      antiviral therapy for patients with HCC was retrospectively reviewed. We compared
      the overall survival, liver function and tumour characteristics between patients
      with and without antiviral therapy during surveillance. Multivariate analysis was
      conducted to determine the independent prognostication of antiviral therapy.
      RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 10.1 years of 1429 patients, 148 cases of
      HCC were diagnosed and followed up for a median of 5.7 years. Twenty-nine
      patients were given antiviral therapy during surveillance and continued treatment
      after diagnosis of HCC. The median survival of this group of patients was better
      than the rest of cohorts (hazard ratio: 0.472; 95% CI: 0.25-0.89; P = 0.0191).
      Use of antiviral therapy remained an independent prognostic factor after
      adjustment for demographic factors and tumour staging on multivariate analysis.
      Exploratory analysis revealed that patients who commenced antiviral therapy
      during surveillance had lower HBV DNA, lower serum alanine transaminase, better
      hepatic reserves and higher rate of local treatment at diagnosis of HCC.
      CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that commencement of antiviral therapy
      during the surveillance period is associated with improvement in overall survival
      in HBV-related HCC.

PMID- 22098537
TI  - A possible involvement of p62/sequestosome-1 in the process of biliary epithelial
      autophagy and senescence in primary biliary cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Given autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis in primary
      biliary cirrhosis (PBC), we examined an involvement of p62 sequestosome-1 (p62),
      a specific cargo for autophagy, in the process of autophagy and cellular
      senescence in PBC. METHODS: We examined immunohistochemically the expression of
      p62 in livers taken from patients with PBC (n = 46) and control livers (n = 78)
      and its colocalization with microtubule-associated proteins-light chain 3beta
      (LC3), lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) and senescent markers
      (p16(INK) (4a) and p21(WAF) (1/Cip1) ). We examined the expression of p62 and LC3
      in cultured biliary epithelial cells (BECs) treated with various stress. The
      effect of p62 knockdown with siRNA on stress-induced autophagy and cellular
      senescence was also assessed. RESULTS: The expression of p62 was specifically
      seen in cytoplasmic aggregates in BECs in the inflamed and damaged small bile
      ducts (SBDs) in PBC, when compared with non-inflamed ones in PBC and in control
      livers (P < 0.01). The co-expression of p62 with LC3, LAMP-1 and senescent
      markers was seen in the inflamed SBDs in PBC, but the intracytoplasmic
      localization was different. The expression of p62 and LC3 was significantly
      upregulated in BECs treated with various stress (P < 0.01) and pretreatment with
      bafilomycin A1 enhanced the accumulation of p62-positive aggregates in BECs with
      serum deprivation. The knockdown of p62 decreased stress-induced autophagy and
      cellular senescence. CONCLUSION: The aggregation of p62 is specifically increased
      in the damage bile ducts in PBC and may reflect dysfunctional autophagy, followed
      by cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of bile duct lesions in PBC.

PMID- 22098538
TI  - The utility of near infrared spectroscopy in detecting intracranial hemorrhage in
      children.
AB  - A prospective case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care pediatric
      intensive care unit (PICU) to evaluate the use of near infrared spectroscopy
      (NIRS) for the detection of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in children. Subjects 0
      14 years of age who had a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head performed as
      part of clinical care were eligible for enrollment. The children were stratified
      into two groups based on whether the CT was normal or abnormal. Children in the
      abnormal imaging cohort were further divided into those with ICH and those with
      other abnormalities of the brain parenchyma (contusions, diffuse axonal injury
      [DAI], or cerebral edema) or fractures. NIRS measurements were performed on all
      subjects within 24 h of head CT. The NIRS operator was blinded to the presence or
      absence of ICH. NIRS measurements were performed in eight different scalp
      locations (four bilaterally). A total of 103 measurements were made. The optical
      density (OD) was automatically calculated by comparing the reflected and diffused
      optical signal. A DeltaOD>0.2 between hemispheres in any scalp location was
      considered abnormal. NIRS was performed in a total of 28 subjects: 7 had normal
      imaging and 21 had abnormal imaging. Of those with abnormal imaging, 12 had ICH.
      The sensitivity and specificity of NIRS at detecting ICH was 1.0 and 0.8,
      respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 0.8 and 1.0,
      respectively. In conclusion, NIRS correctly identified all cases of ICH in this
      pilot study. Our preliminary results suggest that NIRS may be beneficial in the
      evaluation of a child with possible ICH.

PMID- 22098539
TI  - Indexed left atrial volume is superior to left atrial diameter in predicting
      nonvalvular atrial fibrillation recurrence after successful cardioversion: a
      prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although indexed left atrial volume (iLAV) is the most accurate
      measure of left atrial size, it has not been evaluated prospectively as predictor
      of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) after successful cardioversion (CV).
      METHODS: We prospectively selected 76 patients (mean age 66.1 +/- 13.6 years,
      65.8% men) with AFib who underwent successful CV. Baseline clinical and
      echocardiographic characteristics were obtained before CV. LAV was measured using
      Simpson's method and indexed to body surface area. All patients were scheduled
      for follow-up visit at 1, 6, 12 months, and then annually. A 24-hour Holter ECG
      was performed within 6 months and each time the patients reported symptoms
      suggestive of arrhythmia. RESULTS: The 52 patients (68.4%) with AFib recurrence
      had larger iLAV (35.5 +/- 8.9 mL/m(2) vs 27.0 +/- 6.7 mL/m(2) , P < 0.001).
      Anteroposterior LA diameter was not associated with AFib relapse (OR 1.08, 95%
      CI: 0.96-1.21, P = 0.09). Each unit increase in iLAV was associated with a 1.15
      fold increased risk of recurrence (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25, P < 0.001). In a
      multivariable model, iLAV remained the only independent predictor of relapse
      (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28, P = 0.02). The area under ROC curves,
      generated to compare LA diameter, and iLAV as predictors of AFib recurrence were
      0.56 (SE 0.07) versus 0.78 (SE 0.05), respectively (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This
      is the first prospective study to show that larger iLAV, as a more accurate
      measure of LA remodeling than anteroposterior diameter, is strongly and
      independently associated with a higher risk of AFib recurrence after CV.

PMID- 22098540
TI  - Effects of music intervention with nursing presence and recorded music on psycho
      physiological indices of cancer patient caregivers.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of music intervention with nursing
      presence and recorded music on blood volume pulse amplitude, the low/high
      frequency ratio component of heart rate variability, depression, anxiety and
      sleep quality in cancer patient caregivers; to compare the participants
      evaluation of these two forms of musical intervention. BACKGROUND: Presence is
      one of the activities of caring. However, little is known about the effect of
      music intervention with nursing presence on psycho-physiological indices. DESIGN:
      Randomised crossover controlled trial. METHOD: Thirty-four female participants
      were randomly assigned to a music intervention with nursing presence/recorded
      music sequence or recorded music/music intervention with nursing presence
      sequence. Each intervention lasted 30 minutes and was held at the participant's
      home. The music intervention with nursing presence consisted of an erhu and
      recorder performance. In the recorded music session, participants listened to
      prerecorded music for 30 minutes. Continuous measurements of blood volume pulse
      and low/high frequency ratio were taken throughout the procedure. Depression,
      anxiety and sleep quality were measured before and after each intervention.
      RESULTS: Both music intervention with nursing presence and recorded music
      interventions had beneficial effects on anxiety, depression and blood volume
      pulse amplitude. Significant differences between the two interventions were also
      observed for anxiety. Music intervention with nursing presence was more effective
      in lessening anxiety and on improving the ease of getting to sleep compared with
      recorded music (p < 0.05). All participants reported that they preferred music
      intervention with nursing presence to recorded music. Significant differences
      were found in music evaluation scores between the two interventions in terms of
      harmony and friendliness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both music interventions were
      beneficial, as measured on psycho-physiological indices. The music intervention
      with nursing presence provided a more friendly music experience to the listeners.
      RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings provide evidence for nurses that the
      therapeutic use of music and nursing presence as a research-based nursing
      intervention for the welfare of caregivers.

PMID- 22098541
TI  - RD-CODOX-M/IVAC with rituximab and intrathecal liposomal cytarabine in adult
      Burkitt lymphoma and 'unclassifiable' highly aggressive B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Specific trials on adult Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and 'unclassifiable' lymphomas
      with features intermediate between BL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      (BL/DLBCL) are advocated which include substantial numbers of older patients, to
      improve treatment feasibility, while countering risks of systemic and central
      nervous system (CNS) recurrences. We prospectively evaluated a modified CODOX
      M/IVAC (CODOX-M: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, high-dose
      methotrexate; IVAC: ifosfamide, etoposide and high-dose cytarabine) regimen by
      the addition of rituximab (R) and liposome-encapsulated cytarabine (D) to
      increase antitumour activity and halve the number of intrathecal treatments.
      Thirty adults (40% >60years) with BL (n=15) and BL/DLBCL (n=15) were accrued.
      Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), CNS recurrence, and
      liposomal cytarabine-associated toxicity. Eighty percent of patients received the
      whole treatment programme, the remaining cases received at least three full
      courses. Application of the RD-CODOX-M/IVAC regimen resulted in remarkable 4-year
      PFS (78%) and complete remission (CR) rates (93%). However, PFS was significantly
      lower in patients older than 60years as compared to younger ones (49%vs 93%,
      P=0.03; median, 36months), despite high actual dose-intensity, CR rate and
      tolerability. Reduced-intensity intratechal prophylaxis through liposomal
      cytarabine was effective because the CNS failure rate was low (3.4%) and without
      severe neurological toxicities. The RD-CODOX-M/IVAC strategy is feasible and
      highly effective, but improving outcomes in elderly patients remains a priority.

PMID- 22098542
TI  - Osthole enhances glucose uptake through activation of AMP-activated protein
      kinase in skeletal muscle cells.
AB  - AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that regulates cellular
      metabolism. Activation of AMPK in skeletal muscles, the liver, and adipose
      tissues results in a favorable metabolic milieu for preventing and treating type
      2 diabetes, i.e., decreased levels of circulating glucose, plasma lipids, and
      ectopic fat accumulation and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Osthole was extracted
      from a Chinese herbal medicine, and we found that it had glucose lowering
      activity in our previous study. However, the detailed glucose lowering mechanisms
      of osthole are still unclear. In this study, we used skeletal muscle cells to
      examine the underlying molecular mechanisms of osthole's glucose lowering
      activity. A Western blot analysis revealed that osthole significantly induced
      phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Next, we found that
      osthole significantly increased the level of translocation of glucose transporter
      4 (GLUT4) to plasma membranes and glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner.
      Osthole-induced glucose uptake was reversed by treatment with Compound C, an AMPK
      inhibitor, suggesting that osthole-induced glucose uptake was mediated in an AMPK
      dependent manner. The increase in the AMP:ATP ratio was involved in osthole's
      activation of AMPK. Finally, we found that osthole counteracted hyperglycemia in
      mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These results suggest that the
      increase in the AMP:ATP ratio by osthole triggered activation of the AMPK
      signaling pathway and led to increases in plasma membrane GLUT4 content and
      glucose uptake level. Therefore, osthole might have potential as an antidiabetic
      agent for treating diabetes.

PMID- 22098543
TI  - Myelin imaging compound (MIC) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of myelination.
AB  - The vertebrate nervous system is characterized by myelination, a fundamental
      biological process that protects the axons and facilitates electric pulse
      transduction. Damage to myelin is considered a major effect of autoimmune
      diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Currently, therapeutic interventions
      are focused on protecting myelin integrity and promoting myelin repair. These
      efforts need to be accompanied by an effective imaging tool that correlates the
      disease progression with the extent of myelination. To date, magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging technique to detect brain lesions in MS.
      However, conventional MRI cannot differentiate demyelinated lesions from other
      inflammatory lesions and therefore cannot predict disease progression in MS. To
      address this problem, we have prepared a Gd-based contrast agent, termed MIC
      (myelin imaging compound), which binds to myelin with high specificity. In this
      work, we demonstrate that MIC exhibits a high kinetic stability toward
      transmetalation with promising relaxometric properties. MIC was used for in vivo
      imaging of myelination following intracerebroventricular infusion in the rat
      brain. MIC was found to distribute preferentially in highly myelinated regions
      and was able to detect regions of focally induced demyelination.

PMID- 22098548
TI  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 RNAi suppresses gastric cancer metastasis in
      vivo.
AB  - Cancer metastasis remains the primary cause of pain, suffering, and death in
      cancer patients, and even the most current therapeutic strategies have not been
      highly successful in preventing or inhibiting metastasis. In most patients with
      scirrhous gastric cancer (one of the most aggressive of diffuse-type gastric
      cancer), recurrence occurs even after potentially curative resection, most
      frequently in the form of peritoneal metastasis. Given that the occurrence of
      diffuse-type gastric cancers has been increasing, the development of new
      strategies to combat metastasis of this disease is critically important.
      Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a critical factor in cancer
      progression; thus, PAI-1 RNAi may be an effective therapy against cancer
      metastasis. In the present study, we used an RNAi technique to reduce PAI-1
      expression in an in vivo model system for gastric cancer metastasis. Ex vivo
      plasmid transfection and adenovirus infection were tested as mechanisms to
      incorporate specific PAI-1 RNAi vectors into human gastric carcinoma cells. Both
      approaches significantly decreased peritoneal tumor growth and the formation of
      bloody ascites in the mouse model, suggesting that this approach may provide a
      new, effective strategy for inhibiting cancer metastasis.

PMID- 22098549
TI  - Filariasis presenting as gynecomastia.

PMID- 22098550
TI  - Liver disease in Viet Nam: screening, surveillance, management and education: a 5
      year plan and call to action.
AB  - Despite a high prevalence of liver disease in Viet Nam, there has been no
      nationwide approach to the disease and no systematic screening of at-risk
      individuals. Risk factors include chronic hepatitis B (estimated prevalence of
      12%), chronic hepatitis C (at least 2% prevalence), and heavy consumption of
      alcohol among men. This combination of factors has resulted in liver cancer being
      the most common cause of cancer death in Viet Nam. There is a general lack of
      understanding by both the general public and health-care providers about the
      major risk to health that liver disease represents. We report here the initial
      steps taken as part of a comprehensive approach to liver disease that will
      ultimately include nationwide education for health-care providers, health
      educators, and the public; expansion of nationwide screening for hepatitis B and
      C followed by hepatitis B virus vaccination or treatment of chronic hepatitis B
      and/or hepatitis C; education about alcoholic liver disease; long-term
      surveillance for liver cancer; reduction of infection transmission related to
      medical, commercial, and personal re-use of contaminated needles, syringes, sharp
      instruments, razors, and inadequately sterilized medical equipment; and ongoing
      collection and analysis of data about the prevalence of all forms of liver
      disease and the results of the expanded screening, vaccination, and treatment
      programs. We report the beginning results of our pilot hepatitis B screening
      program. We believe that this comprehensive nationwide approach could
      substantially reduce the morbidity and mortality from liver disease and greatly
      lessen the burden in terms of both lives lost and health-care costs.

PMID- 22098551
TI  - Characterization of Bordetella holmesii isolates from patients with pertussis
      like illness in The Netherlands.
AB  - Bordetella holmesii is a recently described human pathogen mainly isolated from
      blood. However, in the US and Canada, B. holmesii has also been cultured from the
      nasopharynx of patients with pertussis-like symptoms. To the best of our
      knowledge, respiratory isolates from Europe have not been characterized. Here, we
      report the isolation and characterization of B. holmesii from Dutch patients with
      pertussis-like illness. Species determination was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene
      sequencing and detection by PCR of IS481 and bhoE, a gene not found in Bordetella
      pertussis but present in B. holmesii. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)
      with microarrays revealed that the Dutch isolates formed a cluster distinct from
      isolates from the US and UK suggesting a distinct population or an
      epidemiological relationship between the Dutch isolates. All isolates contained a
      locus involved in iron uptake, previously suggested to originate from B.
      pertussis. The causes for the apparent increase in the isolation of B. holmesii
      are discussed.

PMID- 22098552
TI  - Photon-regulated DNA-enzymatic nanostructures by molecular assembly.
AB  - Future smart nanostructures will have to rely on molecular assembly for unique or
      advanced desired functions. For example, the evolved ribosome in nature is one
      example of functional self-assembly of nucleic acids and proteins employed in
      nature to perform specific tasks. Artificial self-assembled nanodevices have also
      been developed to mimic key biofunctions, and various nucleic acid- and protein
      based functional nanoassemblies have been reported. However, functionally
      regulating these nanostructures is still a major challenge. Here we report a
      general approach to fine-tune the catalytic function of DNA-enzymatic nanosized
      assemblies by taking advantage of the trans-cis isomerization of azobenzene
      molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to precisely
      modulate the structures and functions of an enzymatic assembly based on light
      induced DNA scaffold switching. Via photocontrolled DNA conformational switching,
      the proximity of multiple enzyme catalytic centers can be adjusted, as well as
      the catalytic efficiency of cofactor-mediated DNAzymes. We expect that this
      approach will lead to the advancement of DNA-enzymatic functional nanostructures
      in future biomedical and analytical applications.

PMID- 22098553
TI  - Impacts of HIV infection and long-term use of antiretroviral therapy on the
      prevalence of oral human papilloma virus type 16.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the prevalence and
      the copy numbers of oral human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV-16) in HIV-infected
      patients compared with non-HIV controls, and (ii) the effects of antiretroviral
      therapy (ART) and its duration on the virus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      carried out in HIV-infected patients with and without ART and in non-HIV
      controls. Saliva samples were collected, and the DNA extracted from those samples
      was used as a template to detect HPV-16 E6 and E7 by quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction. Student's t-test and ANOVA test were performed to determine the
      prevalence rates among groups. RESULTS: Forty-nine HIV-infected patients: 37 on
      ART (age range, 23-54 years; mean, 37 years), 12 not on ART (age range, 20-40
      years; mean, 31 years), and 20 non-HIV controls (age range, 19-53 years; mean, 31
      years) were enrolled. The prevalence of oral HPV-16 infection and the copy
      numbers of the virus were significantly higher in HIV-infected patients than in
      non-HIV controls when using E6 assay (geometric mean = 10696 vs. 563 copies/10(5)
      cells, P < 0.001), but not E7 assay. No significant difference was observed
      between those who were and were not on ART. Long-term use of ART did not
      significantly change the prevalence of oral HPV-16 infection and the copy numbers
      of the virus (P = 0.567). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the prevalence of oral HPV
      16 infection and the copy numbers of the virus are increased by HIV infection.
      Neither the use of ART nor its duration significantly affected the virus.

PMID- 22098554
TI  - Nestin-positive hair follicle pluripotent stem cells can promote regeneration of
      impinged peripheral nerve injury.
AB  - Nestin-positive, keratin 15 (K15)-negative multipotent hair follicle stem cells
      are located above the hair follicle bulge. We have termed this location the hair
      follicle pluripotent stem cell area. We have previously shown that
      transplantation of nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells can regenerate
      peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries. In the present study, we regenerated
      the impinged sciatic nerve by transplanting hair follicle pluripotent stem cells.
      Human hair follicle stem cells were transplanted around the impinged sciatic
      nerve of ICR nude (nu/nu) mice. The hair follicle stem cells were transplanted
      between impinged sciatic nerve fragments of the mouse where they differentiated
      into glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive Schwann cells and promoted the
      recovery of pre-existing axons. The regenerated sciatic nerve functionally
      recovered. These multipotent hair follicle stem cells thereby provide a potential
      accessible, autologous source of stem cells for regeneration therapy of nerves
      degenerated by compression between bony or other hard surfaces.

PMID- 22098555
TI  - On the trail of a cereal killer: recent advances in Fusarium graminearum
      pathogenomics and host resistance.
AB  - The ascomycete fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum (sexual stage: Gibberella
      zeae) causes the devastating head blight or scab disease on wheat and barley, and
      cob or ear rot disease on maize. Fusarium graminearum infection causes
      significant crop and quality losses. In addition to roles as virulence factors
      during pathogenesis, trichothecene mycotoxins (e.g. deoxynivalenol) produced by
      this pathogen constitute a significant threat to human and animal health if
      consumed in respective food or feed products. In the last few years, significant
      progress has been made towards a better understanding of the processes involved
      in F. graminearum pathogenesis, toxin biosynthesis and host resistance mechanisms
      through the use of high-throughput genomic and phenomic technologies. In this
      article, we briefly review these new advances and also discuss how future
      research can contribute to the development of sustainable plant protection
      strategies against this important plant pathogen.

PMID- 22098556
TI  - A stereocontrolled synthesis of (+)-saxitoxin.
AB  - A concise stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-saxitoxin is described. A
      silver(I)-initiated hydroamination cascade constructs the bicyclic guanidinium
      ion core from a alkynyl bisguanidine. This sequence creates two C-N bonds, one C
      O bond, and three rings and forms a single stereoisomer in a single synthetic
      transformation. This process enabled us to complete the synthesis of (+)
      saxitoxin in 14 steps from N-Boc-l-serine methyl ester.

PMID- 22098557
TI  - Gap junction-mediated calcium waves define communication networks among murine
      postnatal neural progenitor cells.
AB  - In the postnatal neurogenic niche, two populations of astrocyte-like cells (B
      cells) persist, one acting as neural progenitor cells (NPCs, B1 cells) and one
      forming a structural boundary between the neurogenic niche and the striatum (B2
      cells, niche astrocytes). Despite being viewed as two distinct entities, we found
      that B1 and B2 cells express the gap junction protein connexin 43 and display
      functional coupling involving 50-60 cells. Using neonatal electroporation to
      label slowly cycling radial glia-derived B1 cells, which send a basal process
      onto blood vessels, we further confirmed dye coupling between NPCs. To assess the
      functionality of the coupling, we used calcium imaging in a preparation
      preserving the three-dimensional architecture of the subventricular zone.
      Intercellular calcium waves were observed among B cells. These waves travelled
      bidirectionally between B1 and B2 cells and propagated on blood vessels. Inter-B
      cell calcium waves were absent in the presence of a gap junction blocker but
      persisted with purinergic receptor blockers. These findings show that privileged
      microdomains of communication networks exist among NPCs and niche astrocytes.
      Such functional coupling between these two cell types suggests that niche
      astrocytes do not merely have a structural role, but may play an active role in
      shaping the behavior of NPCs.

PMID- 22098558
TI  - Effect of photochemical smog associated with synoptic weather patterns on
      cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions in metropolitan Taipei.
AB  - This study focuses on the relationship between photochemical smog (PS) (hourly
      ozone conc. >100 ppb), PS-related diseases, and the synoptic weather patterns
      during 2005-2009 in metropolitan Taipei. The results show that compared to
      respiratory ailments (ICD code 460-519) and asthma (ICD code 493), cardiovascular
      ailments (ICD code 390-459) were more clearly influenced by PS events. On the PS
      event day, the number of admissions of babies, children, and adults increased by
      0.04 [95% CI 0.01-0.06], 0.03 [95% CI 0.00-0.07], and 1.12 [95% CI 0.36-1.89] (P
      < 0.05), respectively. The investigation showed that more than 70% of the PS
      events were associated primarily with the peripheral circulation of typhoons,
      Pacific pressure, and discrete Pacific pressure. PS events are a threat to public
      health. To avoid the ill effects of air pollution, residents should be informed
      about the daily weather patterns and air quality.

PMID- 22098559
TI  - Filarial and Wolbachia genomics.
AB  - Filarial nematode parasites, the causative agents for a spectrum of acute and
      chronic diseases including lymphatic filariasis and river blindness, threaten the
      well-being and livelihood of hundreds of millions of people in the developing
      regions of the world. The 2007 publication on a draft assembly of the 95-Mb
      genome of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi- representing the first
      helminth parasite genome to be sequenced - has been followed in rapid succession
      by projects that have resulted in the genome sequencing of six additional
      filarial species, seven nonfilarial nematode parasites of animals and nearly 30
      plant parasitic and free-living species. Parallel to the genomic sequencing,
      transcriptomic and proteomic projects have facilitated genome annotation,
      expanded our understanding of stage-associated gene expression and provided a
      first look at the role of epigenetic regulation of filarial genomes through
      microRNAs. The expansion in filarial genomics will also provide a significant
      enrichment in our knowledge of the diversity and variability in the genomes of
      the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia leading to a better understanding of the
      genetic principles that govern filarial-Wolbachia mutualism. The goal here is to
      provide an overview of the trends and advances in filarial and Wolbachia
      genomics.

PMID- 22098561
TI  - Update of the original HDLS kindred: divergent clinical courses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) was
      first identified among a Swedish kindred with 17 cases. The average age of onset
      was 36 years. Autopsy in four cases revealed the presence of axonal spheroids.
      The causative gene is unknown. METHODS: We performed genealogical and
      longitudinal observations of the original kindred. Forty members were examined,
      five telephone-interviewed, and one of the original HDLS cases from 1984 was
      neuropathologically examined. The clinical course was documented. The
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings of two recently affected cases were examined,
      and one of those autopsied. RESULTS: Of those examined, two developed HDLS during
      our survey and 38 were healthy. Those interviewed by telephone were healthy. One
      had symptoms suggestive of HDLS in 1984, but autopsy during our survey showed no
      spheroids. This patient, two relatives healthy at our examination and one without
      symptoms at telephone interview had HDLS diagnoses in the 1984 report. Thus, four
      HDLS diagnoses were unconfirmed. The number of identified patients amounts to 15
      among 75 individuals in four generations, including two recent cases who
      demonstrated a subacute multisystem encephalopathy in Case 1 and an insidious
      course in Case 2. CSF showed signs of neurodegeneration without inflammation, and
      autopsy verified HDLS in Case 1. CONCLUSIONS: Some HDLS cases were misdiagnosed
      with unspecified psychiatric diagnoses in affected relatives from the original
      1984 publication. However, HDLS is an encephalopathy dominated by a frontal lobe
      syndrome with an inexorably progressive and fatal course, where the different
      symptomatology in two recent cases confirmed the existence of acute and chronic
      variants.

PMID- 22098560
TI  - Reprogramming urokinase into an antibody-recruiting anticancer agent.
AB  - Synthetic compounds for controlling or creating human immunity have the potential
      to revolutionize disease treatment. Motivated by challenges in this arena, we
      report herein a strategy to target metastatic cancer cells for immune-mediated
      destruction by targeting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor
      (uPAR). Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and uPAR are overexpressed on
      the surfaces of a wide range of invasive cancer cells and are believed to
      contribute substantially to the migratory propensities of these cells. The key
      component of our approach is an antibody-recruiting molecule that targets the
      urokinase receptor (ARM-U). This bifunctional construct is formed by selectively,
      covalently attaching an antibody-binding small molecule to the active site of the
      urokinase enzyme. We demonstrate that ARM-U is capable of directing antibodies to
      the surfaces of target cancer cells and mediating both antibody-dependent
      cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)
      against multiple human cancer cell lines. We believe that the reported strategy
      has the potential to inform novel treatment options for a variety of deadly,
      invasive cancers.

PMID- 22098562
TI  - Validity and reliability of a new field test (Carminatti's test) for soccer
      players compared with laboratory-based measures.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the validity (Study 1) and reliability (Study
      2) of a novel intermittent running test (Carminatti's test) for physiological
      assessment of soccer players. In Study 1, 28 players performed Carminatti's test,
      a repeated sprint ability test, and an intermittent treadmill test. In Study 2,
      24 players performed Carminatti's test twice within 72 h to determine test-retest
      reliability. Carminatti's test required the participants to complete repeated
      bouts of 5 * 12 s shuttle running at progressively faster speeds until volitional
      exhaustion. The 12 s bouts were separated by 6 s recovery periods, making each
      stage 90 s in duration. The initial running distance was set at 15 m and was
      increased by 1 m at each stage (90 s). The repeated sprint ability test required
      the participants to perform 7 * 34.2 m maximal effort sprints separated by 25 s
      recovery. During the intermittent treadmill test, the initial velocity of 9.0 km
      . h(-1) was increased by 1.2 km . h(-1) every 3 min until volitional exhaustion.
      No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between Carminatti's test peak
      running velocity and speed at VO(2max) (v-VO(2max)). Peak running velocity in
      Carminatti's test was strongly correlated with v-VO(2max) (r = 0.74, P < 0.01),
      and highly associated with velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (r
      = 0.63, P < 0.01). Mean sprint time was strongly associated with peak running
      velocity in Carminatti's test (r = -0.71, P < 0.01). The intraclass correlation
      was 0.94 with a coefficient of variation of 1.4%. In conclusion, Carminatti's
      test appears to be avalid and reliable measure of physical fitness and of the
      ability to perform intermittent high-intensity exercise in soccer players.

PMID- 22098563
TI  - Relationship between monocyte/macrophage activation marker soluble CD163 and
      insulin resistance in obese and normal-weight subjects.
AB  - CONTEXT: The relationship of monocyte/macrophage activation to insulin resistance
      in obesity is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a marker of macrophage
      activation, soluble CD163 (sCD163), in relationship to insulin resistance and
      metabolic parameters in obese and normal-weight subjects. DESIGN AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-five healthy subjects (65 obese and 30 normal-weight) were
      studied. Plasma concentrations of sCD163 were assessed, as well as markers of
      glucose homeostasis, anthropometrics, cytokines and adipokines. The relationships
      between sCD163 and these parameters were investigated, and multiple regression
      modelling assessing the contribution of sCD163 to insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
      was performed. RESULTS: Soluble CD163 was significantly increased in obese
      subjects compared with normal-weight controls [974 (657, 1272) ng/ml vs 599 (423,
      892) ng/ml, median (IQR); P < 0.0001]. sCD163 was strongly associated with HOMA
      IR (Spearman's rho = 0.37, P = 0.0003) and other metabolic parameters. In
      multiple regression modelling for log HOMA-IR, sCD163 remained significantly
      associated (P = 0.005) controlling for known mediators of insulin resistance
      including age, gender, visceral adiposity and inflammatory markers (model R(2) =
      0.54, P < 0.0001). Additional nested multiple regression models for log HOMA-IR
      showed that sCD163 added more than other adipokines and inflammatory markers to
      the prediction of HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Monocyte/macrophage activation, as
      reflected by sCD163 levels, is strongly associated with HOMA-IR in normal-weight
      and obese subjects after controlling for known mediators of insulin resistance.
      Moreover, sCD163 adds to standard risk markers for predicting insulin resistance.
      These data suggest that monocyte/macrophage activation may be an important
      determinant of insulin resistance in obesity.

PMID- 22098564
TI  - High density lipoprotein in patients with liver failure; relation to sepsis,
      adrenal function and outcome of illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: High density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in
      the transport of cholesterol to the adrenal gland for steroidogenesis and may
      have actions that modulate response to infection and critical illness. The
      clinical relevance of HDL level in patients with liver failure remains poorly
      characterised. METHODS: In 164 critically-ill patients with acute (ALF) and acute
      on chronic liver failure (AOCLF) we evaluated the relationship between HDL levels
      measured on admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and survival, predisposition
      to sepsis and adrenocortical function assessed through the cortisol response to
      short synacthen testing (SST). RESULTS: In acute liver failure and acute on
      chronic liver failure, high density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower
      in non-survivors (P < 0.01). Levels correlated closely with biochemical markers
      of liver function and the duration of liver failure. However, predictive accuracy
      was not superior to conventional markers and on multi-variate analysis did not
      show independent association with survival. Low HDL concentration was not
      associated with an increased incidence of sepsis either precipitating or
      complicating ICU admission. Evidence of adrenocortical insufficiency was present
      in more than half of patients undergoing SST and HDL level but not other lipid
      parameters correlated closely with cortisol increment after SST (r = 0.364, P <
      0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: High density lipoprotein levels are low in patients with
      liver failure and reflect its severity. Levels are lower in non-survivors but do
      not offer an advantage as early indicators of prognosis over conventional
      markers. No evidence of a major predisposing role for infection was found, but
      findings suggest a close link to adrenal function.

PMID- 22098565
TI  - The role of noninvasive imaging in early diagnosis of clinically masked
      prepulseless inflammatory phase of Takayasu's Arteritis.
AB  - Diagnosis of early-phase Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is extremely difficult and
      overlooked as most often presentation is nonspecific and mimics various other
      diseases. Early diagnosis and initiation of proper therapy could alter the
      natural course of the disease. We describe an adolescent male presenting with
      pyrexia of unknown origin and clinical features simulating idiopathic dilated
      cardiomyopathy. Transthoracic echocardiography was suggestive of dilated
      cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Later vascular
      ultrasonography and CT aortography showed extensive thickening of intima-media of
      aorta and its major branches suggestive of inflammatory phase of TA. We discuss
      the role of noninvasive imaging in diagnosis of clinically masked prepulseless
      inflammatory phase of TA.

PMID- 22098566
TI  - New preparation of benzylic aluminum and zinc organometallics by direct insertion
      of aluminum powder.
AB  - The reaction of commercial Al-powder (3 equiv) and InCl(3) (1-5 mol %) with
      benzylic chlorides provides various functionalized benzylic aluminum
      sesquichlorides under mild conditions (THF, 20  degrees C, 3-24 h) without
      homocoupling (<5%). These new benzylic organometallics reacted smoothly with
      various electrophiles (Pd-catalyzed cross-couplings, or Cu-mediated acylations,
      allylations, or 1,4-addition reactions). Electron-poor benzylic chlorides or
      substrates prone to Wurtz coupling can be converted to benzylic zinc compounds by
      the reaction of Al-powder in the presence of ZnCl(2).

PMID- 22098567
TI  - Modeling erotomania delusion in the laboratory with hypnosis.
AB  - Erotomania is the delusional belief that one is loved from afar by another person
      (the target). This study used hypnosis as a novel cognitive neuropsychological
      research tool to model erotomania. The authors developed 2 versions of a hypnotic
      erotomania suggestion and tested their impact by asking subjects to recall and
      interpret a story featuring ambiguous scenarios. They also challenged the
      delusion by asking subjects to justify their beliefs. The hypnotic erotomania
      suggestions successfully recreated the features of the clinical delusion for many
      high hypnotizable subjects. They believed that the target loved them, interpreted
      ambiguous information consistent with this belief and confabulated evidence in
      service of their delusion. Some also resisted all challenges to their delusion.
      These features are strikingly similar to clinical cases and highlight the value
      of using hypnosis to model clinical delusions. The authors also discuss some
      limitations of this approach.

PMID- 22098568
TI  - EEG sLORETA functional imaging during hypnotic arm levitation and voluntary arm
      lifting.
AB  - This study (N = 37 with high, medium, and low hypnotizables) evaluated depth
      reports and EEG activity during both voluntary and hypnotically induced left-arm
      lifting with sLORETA functional neuroimaging. The hypnotic condition was
      associated with higher activity in fast EEG frequencies in anterior regions and
      slow EEG frequencies in central-parietal regions, all left-sided. The voluntary
      condition was associated with fast frequency activity in right-hemisphere central
      parietal regions and slow frequency activity in left anterior regions.
      Hypnotizability did not have a significant effect on EEG activity, but hypnotic
      depth correlated with left hemisphere increased anterior slow EEG and decreased
      central fast EEG activity. Hypnosis had a minimal effect on depth reports among
      lows, a moderate one among mediums, and a large one among highs. Because only
      left-arm data were available, the full role of the hemispheres remains to be
      clarified.

PMID- 22098569
TI  - Hypnotizability-related differences in written language.
AB  - The study analyzed the writing products of subjects with high (highs) and low
      (lows) hypnotizability. The participants were asked to write short texts in
      response to highly imaginative scenarios in standard conditions. The texts were
      processed through computerized and manual methods. The results showed that the
      highs' texts were more sophisticated due to a higher number of abstract nouns,
      more intense and imaginative due to a larger number of similes, metaphors, and
      onomatopoeias, and less detailed due to a higher nouns-to-adjectives ratio. The
      differences in the use of abstract nouns and highly imageable expressions are
      discussed in relation to the preeminent left-hemisphere activity of highs during
      wakefulness and to a possibly different involvement of the precuneus, which is
      involved in hypnotic phenomena.

PMID- 22098570
TI  - The cognitive demands of hypnotic response.
AB  - This study tests the proposal that hypnotic responding is effortless. The authors
      compared the responses of high and low hypnotizable participants (N = 70) in and
      out of hypnosis on a dual-task paradigm in which they were required to maintain
      hypnotic blindness during presentation of visual stimuli of varying salience
      intensities while simultaneously completing a secondary task. Whereas high
      hypnotizable participants in both hypnosis and wake conditions reported
      comparable levels of conviction in the hallucination suggestion, hypnotized highs
      performed poorer on the secondary task when the stimulus was present. Performance
      on the secondary task deteriorated when the visual stimulus was intensified.
      These findings contradict the notion that hypnotic response is not demanding on
      cognitive resources and suggest that increased effort is required to resolve the
      extent of conflict between reality and suggestion.

PMID- 22098571
TI  - Cerebral blood flow evaluation during the hypnotic state with transcranial
      Doppler sonography.
AB  - Cerebral blood flow was measured in normal waking (alert relaxed mental imagery)
      and hypnotic states. Mean flow velocity (Vm) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA)
      was significantly increased in hypnosis (Condition II) from Condition I (5
      minutes before hypnotic induction). Vm decreased in Condition III (hypnotic
      imagination). After hypnosis, Vm values returned to baseline. Pulsatility index
      values and resistive index values showed significant variations during
      sonographic monitoring between Conditions I and IV (5 minutes after the
      completion of hypnosis). Both values were significantly higher in Condition I
      than IV. These findings show that hypnotic status can modulate cerebral blood
      flow.

PMID- 22098572
TI  - Electromyographic investigation of hypnotic arm levitation: differences between
      voluntary arm elevation and involuntary arm levitation.
AB  - Thirty-three volunteers were randomly exposed to 3 conditions: hypnotic arm
      levitation, holding up the arm voluntarily without hypnosis, and imagined arm
      lifting without hypnosis. Trapezius, deltoid, extensor digitorum, flexor
      digitorum profundus, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii muscles were measured.
      Strain and muscle activity during lifting and holding up the right arm for 3
      minutes were used as dependent variables. During hypnotic arm levitation, the
      total muscle activity was lower than during holding it up voluntarily (p < .01);
      the activity in the deltoid was 27% lower (p < .001). Without hypnosis, the
      muscle activity showed a positive correlation with strain. However, there was no
      such correlation in the hypnotic condition. Apparently, it is possible to reduce
      strain and to objectively measure muscle activity in an uplifted arm through
      hypnotic arm levitation.

PMID- 22098573
TI  - Hypnotherapy intervention for loin pain hematuria: a case study.
AB  - Loin pain hematuria is characterized by chronic loin pain, hematuria, and
      dysuria. There are no known effective treatments for loin pain hematuria and
      longer term use of analgesics and surgical options are often ineffective or
      associated with negative side effects. This article reports on a 17-year-old
      female patient diagnosed with loin pain hematuria who presented with unilateral,
      uncontrolled loin pain following numerous unsuccessful attempts at controlling
      her symptoms with traditional medical interventions, including antibiotics,
      opioids, and renal denervation. The patient received 8 sessions of hypnotherapy.
      Baseline, endpoint, and follow-up measures administered included the General
      Health Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, McGill Pain
      Questionnaire, Pain Discomfort Scale, and visual analogue measures of pain,
      academic interference, and social interference. At follow-up, results indicated
      clinically significant decreases in pain, anxiety, and depression with nearly
      complete remission of presenting symptoms.

PMID- 22098574
TI  - Herbert Spiegel, MD, a man for all seasons: early personal and professional
      development, 1914-1946.
AB  - Herbert Spiegel, MD, was a pioneer in American psychiatry and the field of
      hypnosis, which he first started using as an army psychiatrist posted at Fort
      Meade, Maryland. He served as a battalion surgeon during the invasion of North
      Africa and later in the Tunisian campaign. On the battlefield, Spiegel used
      hypnosis for quick symptom resolution and pain control. He was wounded in action
      on May 7, 1943, and was awarded a Purple Heart for his courage and bravery. When
      Spiegel was evacuated back to America, he began writing about short-term
      treatment strategies based on cognitive restructuring, hypnosis, and other
      clinical techniques. This article details his early life and career.

PMID- 22098575
TI  - Conformational variability of organophosphorus hydrolase upon soman and paraoxon
      binding.
AB  - The bacterial enzyme organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) exhibits both catalytic and
      substrate promiscuity. It hydrolyzes bonds in a variety of phosphotriester (P-O),
      phosphonothioate (P-S), phosphofluoridate (P-F), and phosphonocyanate (F-CN)
      compounds. However, its catalytic efficiency varies markedly for different
      substrates, limiting the broad-range application of OPH as catalyst in the
      bioremediation of pesticides and chemical war agents. In the present study, pK(a)
      calculations and multiple explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      were performed to characterize and contrast the structural dynamics of OPH bound
      to two substrates hydrolyzed with very distinct catalytic efficiencies: the nerve
      agent soman (O-pinacolylmethylphosphonofluoridate) and the pesticide paraoxon
      (diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate). pK(a) calculations for the substrate-bound and
      unbound enzyme showed a significant pK(a) shift from standard values (DeltapK(a)
      = +/-3 units) for residues His254 and Arg275. MD simulations of protonated His254
      revealed a dynamic hydrogen bond network connecting the catalytic residue Asp301
      via His254 to Asp232, Asp233, Arg275, and Asp235, and is consistent with a
      previously postulated proton relay mechanism to ferry protons away from the
      active site with substrates that do not require activation of the leaving group.
      Hydrogen bonds between Asp301 and His254 were persistent in the OPH-paraoxon
      complex but not in the OPH-soman one, suggesting a potential role for such
      interaction in the more efficient hydrolysis of paraoxon over soman by OPH. These
      results are in line with previous mutational studies of residue His254, which led
      to an increase of the catalytic efficiency of OPH over soman yet decreased its
      efficiency for paraoxon. In addition, comparative analysis of the molecular
      trajectories for OPH bound to soman and paraoxon suggests that binding of the
      latter facilitates the conformational transition of OPH from the open to the
      closed substate promoting a tighter binding of paraoxon.

PMID- 22098576
TI  - Protein candidates for Q fever serodiagnosis.
AB  - The discriminatory diagnosis of Q fever remains difficult because of the
      unspecific clinical presentations of the disease. Additionally, the diagnosis is
      often delayed because serodiagnosis is not sensitive enough in the early stages
      of the disease when the immune response is not yet efficient. Similarly, the
      diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis can only be performed in approximately 35%,
      mainly via serology, which was a criterion postulated by Duke. Owing to the
      discriminatory diagnosis of Q fever and the high number of tests requested, we
      focused on expressing several proteins for ELISA studies with Coxiella burnetii
      infected sera. Previously, we selected a list of 31 candidates [Sekeyova et al.
      (2009) Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 28: 287-295], of which we have
      successfully cloned and expressed 21. Finally, 15 recombinant proteins were
      prescreened with the sera of patients with acute Q fever and Q fever
      endocarditis, respectively. Sera from a control group were also screened. The
      nine most immunoreactive proteins from the first assay were tested with the sera
      from a larger group of patients. Our study identified CBU_0092 as the best marker
      of acute Q fever but failed to isolate a highly specific and sensitive marker of
      Q fever endocarditis.

PMID- 22098583
TI  - Can cell death biomarkers predict the outcome of acute liver failure?

PMID- 22098584
TI  - Bilingualism and academic achievement.
AB  - Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Cohort, this study
      examines the role that bilingualism plays in children's academic developmental
      trajectories during their early school years, with particular attention on the
      school environment (N = 16,380). Growth-curve results showed that despite
      starting with lower math scores in kindergarten, Mixed Bilingual children fully
      closed the math gap with their White English Monolingual peers by fifth grade.
      However, because non-English-Dominant Bilinguals and non-English Monolinguals
      started kindergarten with significantly lower reading and math scores compared to
      their English Monolingual peers, by fifth grade the former groups still had
      significantly lower scores. School-level factors explained about one third of the
      reductions in the differences in children's academic performance.

PMID- 22098585
TI  - Experiences of abdominal massage for constipation.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to illuminate participants' experiences of receiving
      abdominal massage for constipation. BACKGROUND: Abdominal massage has been found
      to decrease the severity of constipation and abdominal pain, but little is known
      about how patients experience receiving abdominal massage. DESIGN: The present
      study is a qualitative descriptive study, based on individual interviews. METHOD:
      Nine adults receiving abdominal massage for constipation were invited to
      participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Sweden between 2005
      2007. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative content
      analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were formulated: 'being on one's guard', 'becoming
      embraced by safe hands', 'being touched physically and emotionally' and 'feeling
      vulnerable'. The participants reported that they were on guard, i.e. they were
      sceptical about whether or not abdominal massage was effective and suitable.
      However, as the massage sessions continued, they found the massage pleasant and
      began to feel embraced and in safe hands. They described how the abdominal
      massage made them feel as 'being touched physically and emotionally' and their
      bowel habits were improved. Along with the improvements, their agony was gone and
      they felt relieved. However, they considered their new condition fragile and they
      felt vulnerable to relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal massage was experienced as
      pleasurable, and after treatment, the participants felt more comfortable with
      their bowel function. Participants described abdominal massage as affecting the
      whole person. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Abdominal massage has been shown to
      be an effective intervention for constipation. A crucial aspect is that nurses
      need to be sensitive and respect the intimacy associated with the abdomen.

PMID- 22098586
TI  - Crystalline assemblies and densest packings of a family of truncated tetrahedra
      and the role of directional entropic forces.
AB  - Polyhedra and their arrangements have intrigued humankind since the ancient
      Greeks and are today important motifs in condensed matter, with application to
      many classes of liquids and solids. Yet, little is known about the
      thermodynamically stable phases of polyhedrally shaped building blocks, such as
      faceted nanoparticles and colloids. Although hard particles are known to organize
      due to entropy alone, and some unusual phases are reported in the literature, the
      role of entropic forces in connection with polyhedral shape is not well
      understood. Here, we study thermodynamic self-assembly of a family of truncated
      tetrahedra and report several atomic crystal isostructures, including diamond,
      beta-tin, and high-pressure lithium, as the polyhedron shape varies from
      tetrahedral to octahedral. We compare our findings with the densest packings of
      the truncated tetrahedron family obtained by numerical compression and report a
      new space-filling polyhedron, which has been overlooked in previous searches.
      Interestingly, the self-assembled structures differ from the densest packings. We
      show that the self-assembled crystal structures can be understood as a tendency
      for polyhedra to maximize face-to-face alignment, which can be generalized as
      directional entropic forces.

PMID- 22098587
TI  - Antiadipogenic effect of dietary apigenin through activation of AMPK in 3T3-L1
      cells.
AB  - Adipocyte differentiation (adipogenesis) is a complex process including the
      coordinated changes in hormone sensitivity and gene expression in response to
      various stimuli. Natural compounds are known to be involved in the regulation of
      this process. Here we investigated the effects of dietary apigenin, a plant
      flavonoid, on adipogenesis. Apigenin suppressed adipocyte differentiation of
      mouse adipocytic 3T3-L1 cells and reduced the accumulation of intracellular
      lipids. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that apigenin
      decreased the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and its
      target genes such as fatty acid binding protein 4 (aP2) and stearoyl-CoA
      desaturase. Apigenin decreased or had no effect on the expression of lipolytic
      genes such as adipose triglyceride lipase, hormone sensitive lipase, and monoacyl
      glyceride lipase, thereby reducing glycerol release from adipocytes.
      Noteworthily, apigenin activated 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
      kinase (AMPK) in an apigenin dose-dependent manner, which activation is known to
      suppress adipogenesis. These results provide a novel insight into the molecular
      mechanism involved in the action of apigenin: the apigenin-induced activation of
      AMPK leads to decreased expression of adipogenic and lipolytic genes, thus
      suppressing adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Thus, dietary apigenin may contribute
      to lower body-fat content and body-weight gain through the activation of AMPK.

PMID- 22098588
TI  - Development and evaluation of an information booklet about breast cancer and
      early menopause.

PMID- 22098589
TI  - Ethionamide boosters. 2. Combining bioisosteric replacement and structure-based
      drug design to solve pharmacokinetic issues in a series of potent 1,2,4
      oxadiazole EthR inhibitors.
AB  - Mycobacterial transcriptional repressor EthR controls the expression of EthA, the
      bacterial monooxygenase activating ethionamide, and is thus largely responsible
      for the low sensitivity of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis to this
      antibiotic. We recently reported structure-activity relationships of a series of
      1,2,4-oxadiazole EthR inhibitors leading to the discovery of potent ethionamide
      boosters. Despite high metabolic stability, pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed
      poor mice exposure; therefore, a second phase of optimization was required.
      Herein a structure-property relationship study is reported according to the
      replacement of the two aromatic heterocycles: 2-thienyl and 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl
      moieties. This work was done using a combination of structure-based drug design
      and in vitro/ex vivo evaluations of ethionamide boosters on the targeted protein
      EthR and on the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thanks to this
      process, we identified compound 42 (BDM41906), which displays improved efficacy
      in addition to high exposure to mice after oral administration.

PMID- 22098591
TI  - Mitochondrial transcription factor A regulates BCL2L1 gene expression and is a
      prognostic factor in serous ovarian cancer.
AB  - Mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) is necessary for both transcription
      and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Recently, we reported that mtTFA is
      expressed not only in mitochondria, but also in nuclei. However, the function of
      mtTFA in the nucleus has not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we
      examined nuclear mtTFA expression in 60 tissue samples of serous ovarian cancer
      using immunohistochemical analysis and found that 56.7% of serous ovarian cancer
      patients were positive for mtTFA, whereas 43.3% were negative. Univariate
      survival analysis showed that the overall 5-year survival rate was significantly
      worse for patients with mtTFA-positive cancer compared with mtTFA-negative cancer
      (32%vs 42%, respectively; P = 0.021). To elucidate the function of mtTFA in the
      nucleus, we investigated BCL2L1, a target gene of mtTFA. There was a significant
      correlation between nuclear mtTFA expression and BCL2L1 expression in seven
      ovarian cancer cell lines and in specimens of clinical ovarian cancer. Cellular
      BCL2L1 was downregulated following transfection of siRNA against mtTFA. BCL2L1
      promoter activity was increased after transfection of mtTFA expression plasmid,
      but decreased after siRNA knockdown of mtTFA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation
      assays showed that mtTFA was bound to the BCL2L1 promoter region. These results
      suggest that mtTFA is a prognostic factor for a poor outcome of ovarian cancer
      and may function as an antiapoptotic factor, regulating genes such as BCL2L1.
      Furthermore, mtTFA may be a promising molecular target for novel therapeutic
      strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22098590
TI  - Predicting the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in patients with non-erosive
      reflux disease before therapy using dual-channel 24-h esophageal pH monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: We aimed to determine whether reflux- and symptom-related
      parameters can predict the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in non
      erosive reflux disease (NERD). METHODS: Twenty-seven NERD patients who had
      experienced heartburn more than once a week within the previous month were
      enrolled. Intraesophageal pH before therapy was measured simultaneously at 5 and
      15 cm above the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) for 24 h. The PPI rabeprazole was
      administered at a dose of 10 mg once daily for 4 weeks. In the event that
      heartburn was not relieved, the dose was increased to 10 mg twice daily for an
      additional 2 weeks, and again to 20 mg twice daily for another 2 weeks. RESULTS:
      Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant associations between any reflux-
      or symptom-related parameters at either site and complete heartburn relief after
      4 weeks, or cumulative complete heartburn relief after 8 weeks. However, post-hoc
      analysis demonstrated more satisfactory heartburn relief after 4 weeks in
      patients with a high symptom index compared with those with a low symptom index,
      at 5 cm above the EGJ (P = 0.009). Cumulative satisfactory heartburn relief after
      8 weeks was also greater in patients with a high total number of acid reflux
      episodes compared with those with a low total number of episodes, at 15 cm above
      the EGJ (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-therapeutic pH monitoring in the lower and
      mid-esophagus is useful for predicting the efficacy of PPI in NERD patients.

PMID- 22098592
TI  - Connexin 26 (GJB2) mutations in keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome presenting
      with squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22098593
TI  - Comparison of manual and digital microvascular density counting of RECK
      expression in glioma.
AB  - A microvascular density (MVD) counting method for reversion-inducing cysteine
      rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) expression, using a digital image analysis
      tool, has advantages over manual counting by microscope. Thirty glioma cases with
      RECK staining were photographed at a magnification of 200* high power field and
      the photographs in RGB images were analyzed, and stained vessels were captured
      and were counted automatically. MVD with RECK expression using a digital image
      analysis tool showed comparable results to those of the manual method. RECK
      intensity expression could show linear correlation with grades of glioma by the
      digital method, which was superior compared to the manual method. The present
      method is recommended to researchers undertaking MVD study for glioma.

PMID- 22098594
TI  - The effects of landscape fragmentation on pollination dynamics: absence of
      evidence not evidence of absence.
AB  - Animal-mediated pollination is essential for both ecosystem services and
      conservation of global biodiversity, but a growing body of work reveals that it
      is negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance. Landscape-scale disturbance
      results in two often inter-related processes: (1) habitat loss, (2) disruptions
      of habitat configuration (i.e. fragmentation). Understanding the relative effects
      of such processes is critical in designing effective management strategies to
      limit pollination and pollinator decline. We reviewed existing published work
      from 1989 to 2009 and found that only six of 303 studies considering the
      influence of landscape context on pollination separated the effects of habitat
      loss from fragmentation. We provide a synthesis of the current landscape,
      behavioural, and pollination ecology literature in order to present preliminary
      multiple working hypotheses explaining how these two landscape processes might
      independently influence pollination dynamics. Landscape disturbance primarily
      influences three components of pollination interactions: pollinator density,
      movement, and plant demography. We argue that effects of habitat loss on each of
      these components are likely to differ substantially from the effects of
      fragmentation, which is likely to be more complex and may influence each
      pollination component in contrasting ways. The interdependency between plants and
      animals inherent to pollination systems also has the possibility to drive
      cumulative effects of fragmentation, initiating negative feedback loops between
      animals and the plants they pollinate. Alternatively, due to their asymmetrical
      structure, pollination networks may be relatively robust to fragmentation.
      Despite the potential importance of independent effects of habitat fragmentation,
      its effects on pollination remain largely untested. We postulate that variation
      across studies in the effects of 'fragmentation' owes much to artifacts of the
      sampling regimes adopted, particularly (1) incorrectly separating fragmentation
      from habitat loss, and (2) mis-matches in spatial scale between landscapes
      studied and the ecological processes of interest. The field of landscape
      pollination ecology could be greatly advanced through the consideration and
      quantification of the matrix, landscape functional connectivity, and pollinator
      movement behaviour in response to these elements. Studies designed to disentangle
      the independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation are essential for
      gaining insight into landscape-mediated pollination declines, implementing
      effective conservation measures, and optimizing ecosystem services in complex
      landscapes.

PMID- 22098595
TI  - A catalytic tethering strategy: simple aldehydes catalyze intermolecular alkene
      hydroaminations.
AB  - Herein we describe a catalytic tethering strategy in which simple aldehyde
      precatalysts enable, through temporary intramolecularity, room-temperature
      intermolecular hydroamination reactivity and the synthesis of vicinal diamines.
      The catalyst allows the formation of a mixed aminal from an allylic amine and a
      hydroxylamine, resulting in a facile intramolecular hydroamination event. The
      promising enantioselectivities obtained with a chiral aldehyde also highlight the
      potential of this catalytic tethering approach in asymmetric catalysis and
      demonstrate that efficient enantioinduction relying only on temporary
      intramolecularity is possible.

PMID- 22098596
TI  - Acute transient thyroid swelling after fine-needle aspiration biopsy: three cases
      during only 6 weeks - a rare complication?

PMID- 22098597
TI  - Echocardiographically detected fibrinous sheaths associated with central venous
      catheters.
AB  - Several million catheters are annually placed in the United States and worldwide
      for a multitude of clinical conditions. Potential delayed complications relating
      to central venous catheters include infections, thrombosis and fibrin sheath
      formation. Fibrin sheaths form frequently around central catheters but seldom
      cause clinical symptoms by themselves that warrant further investigation. It is
      likely that with the advent of echocardiographic imaging techniques, these
      "sleeves" get detected more often, which may result in early and correct
      diagnosis of this potential hazardous condition. Retained fibrin sleeves can
      cause malfunction of indwelling catheters, can persist after removal of the
      catheter, and be a nidus for thrombus formation or vegetation with a potential
      for distal embolization. Future research directed at creating new coatings with
      cytotoxic or cytostatic agents is warranted to reduce the incidence of fibrin
      sheath formation and hence prevent potential complications. We report three cases
      of persistent fibrin sheaths forming at the site of previously inserted tunneled
      catheters two of which were complicated by thrombus formation and vegetations.

PMID- 22098598
TI  - Synovial sarcoma of the cauda equina.
AB  - Primary synovial sarcoma originating from the cauda equina is extremely rare.
      Only one case, involving an 11-year-old girl, has been reported. The authors
      describe the case of a 23-year-old woman with a primary synovial sarcoma of the
      cauda equina.   The patient visited a local hospital and described a 2-month
      history of low-back pain. She was referred to the authors' hospital for further
      evaluation. On physical examination, she had a straight-leg raising result of 70
      degrees  bilaterally. Motor examination revealed Grade 4/5 strength in the
      bilateral extensor hallux longus muscles. There was normal sensation to light
      touch and vibration in the lower extremities. Sagittal Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MR
      imaging demonstrated an intradural, extramedullary, and uniformly enhancing mass
      that extended from L-3 to L-4. The mass was totally resected and adjuvant local
      radiation therapy was administered. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) of a paraffin-embedded tissue sample revealed SYT-SSX fusion
      transcripts, and the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was confirmed. Five and a half
      years after surgery, the patient is free of local recurrence and metastatic
      disease. The RT-PCR detection of SYT-SSX fusion transcripts played a key role in
      establishing the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the cauda equina. Complete
      resection of the mass with adjuvant local radiation therapy proved to be
      effective.

PMID- 22098599
TI  - Giant-cell granuloma of the axis.
AB  - Giant-cell granuloma is a benign and nonneoplastic lesion with an expansive and
      locally destructive behavior. It typically involves the mandible and the maxilla.
      Only 1 case arising from the odontoid process of the axis has been reported
      previously. The authors report on a 64-year-old man with a giant-cell granuloma
      of the axis. They review this uncommon entity, emphasizing the complexity of
      differentiating between this lesion and other giant-cell tumors.

PMID- 22098600
TI  - Spine clearance.

PMID- 22098601
TI  - Survival for colon and rectal cancer in Estonia: role of staging and treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International comparisons have indicated low colorectal cancer (CRC)
      survival in Estonia, compared to other European countries. The objective of this
      paper is to analyse long-term survival as well as staging and treatment patterns
      of CRC in Estonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis included all incident cases
      of CRC diagnosed in Estonia in 1997 (n = 546), identified through the Estonian
      Cancer Registry and followed up for 10 years after diagnosis. Staging and
      treatment data were retrospectively collected from medical records. Relative
      survival rate (RSR) was used to estimate the outcome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The
      5-year RSR was 51% for colon cancer and 38% for rectal cancer; the corresponding
      10-year RSR was 50% and 39%. We observed no excess mortality for early disease.
      For stages II and III, the survival was markedly higher in colon cancer (5-year
      RSR 79% and 66%, respectively) compared to rectal cancer (66% and 30%,
      respectively). Around 30% of cases were diagnosed with distant disease. Among
      radically operated colon and rectal cancer patients, the 10-year RSR was 90% and
      70%, respectively. Most patients with available pathological information had one
      to four lymph nodes examined. Survival has notably improved for colon cancer, but
      not for rectal cancer in Estonia. High proportion of cases with distant
      metastasis at first diagnosis along with inadequate staging and low proportion of
      patients treated with curatively intended surgery and appropriate chemotherapy
      and radiotherapy may have contributed to this outcome. Progress could be achieved
      by earlier diagnosis and implementing higher standards for staging and treatment.
      These conclusions are likely to be relevant also for other Eastern European
      countries.

PMID- 22098602
TI  - Modulation of neuromagnetic responses to face stimuli by preceding biographical
      information.
AB  - When we encode faces in memory, we often do so in association with biographical
      information regarding the person. To examine the neural dynamics underlying such
      encoding processes, we devised a face recognition task and recorded cortical
      activity using magnetoencephalography. The task included two conditions. In the
      experimental condition, face stimuli were preceded by biographical information
      regarding the person whose face was to be memorized, whereas in the control
      condition, nonsense syllables were presented before face stimuli. Behavioral
      results indicated that the biographical information about a person facilitated
      the recognition memory of their face. Magnetoencephalography signals showed clear
      visually evoked magnetic fields mainly in the occipitotemporal cortex, in
      response to the face stimuli that were to be encoded. The phasic peak was
      observed at 100-200 ms after onset of a face stimulus, which was followed by late
      latency deflections (200-400 ms). Comparison of the signal between conditions
      revealed that the preceding semantic information does modulate the neuromagnetic
      responses to the face stimuli. This modulation occurred primarily at the late
      latency component in the sensors over the occipitotemporal cortex. In addition,
      the effects of conditions were also observed in the signals from more anterior
      sensors, which occurred earlier than the effects in the occipitotemporal cortex.
      These results provide insights into the neural dynamics underlying the encoding
      of faces in association with their biographical information.

PMID- 22098604
TI  - Variation and evolution of the ABC transporter genes ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2, ABCG5
      and ABCG8: implication for pharmacogenetics and disease.
AB  - The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes are ubiquitous in the genomes of
      all vertebrates. Some of these transporters play a key role in xenobiotic defense
      and are endowed with the capacity to efflux harmful toxic substances. A major
      role in the evolution of the vertebrate ABC genes is played by gene duplication.
      Multiple gene duplication and deletion events have been identified in ABC genes,
      resulting in either gene birth or gene death indicating that the process of gene
      evolution is still ongoing in this group of transporters. Additionally,
      polymorphisms in these genes are linked to variations in expression, function,
      drug disposition and drug response. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ABC
      genes may be considered as markers of individual risk for adverse drug reactions
      or susceptibility to complex diseases as they can uniquely influence the quality
      and quantity of gene product. As the ABC genes continue to evolve, globalization
      will yield additional migration and racial admixtures that will have far reaching
      implications for the pharmacogenetics of this unique family of transporters in
      the context of human health.

PMID- 22098603
TI  - Gene-specific alterations of hepatic gene expression by ligand activation or
      hepatocyte-selective inhibition of retinoid X receptor-alpha signalling during
      inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation leads to transcriptional downregulation of many hepatic
      genes, particularly those activated by retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRalpha)
      heterodimers. Inflammation-mediated reduction of nuclear RXRalpha levels is a
      main factor in reduced nuclear receptor (NR)-regulated hepatic gene expression,
      eventually leading to cholestasis and liver damage. AIM: To investigate roles for
      RXRalpha in hepatic gene expression during inflammation, using two complementary
      mouse models: ligand activation of RXRalpha, and in mice expressing hepatocyte
      specific expression of RXRalpha missing its DNA-binding domain (DBD; hs
      RxralphaDeltaex4(-/-) ). METHODS: To activate RXRalpha, mice were gavage-fed with
      LG268 or vehicle for 5 days. To inhibit RXRalpha function, hs-RxralphaDeltaex4(-/
      ) mice were used. All mice were injected intraperitoneally with
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or saline for 16 h prior to analysis of hepatic RNA,
      protein and NR-DNA binding. RESULTS: LG268 treatment attenuated the LPS-mediated
      reductions of several RXRalpha-regulated genes, coinciding with maintained
      RXRalpha occupancy in both Bsep and Ostbeta promoters. Lacking full hepatocyte
      RXRalpha function (hs-RxralphaDeltaex4(-/-) mice) led to enhancement of LPS
      mediated changes in gene expression, but surprisingly, maintenance of RNA levels
      of some RXRalpha-regulated genes. Investigations revealed that hs
      RxralphaDeltaex4(-/-) hepatocytes expressed an internally truncated,
      approximately 44 kDa, RXRalpha-form. DNA-binding capacity of NR heterodimers was
      equivalent in wild-type and hs-RxralphaDeltaex4(-/-) livers, but reduced by LPS
      in both. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR revealed that RXRalpha
      occupancy to the Bsep RXRalpha:Farnesoid X Receptor site was reduced, but not
      absent, in hs-RxralphaDeltaex4(-/-) livers. CONCLUSIONS: There are differential
      regulatory roles for hepatic RXRalpha, both in basal and inflammatory states,
      suggesting new and complex multidomain roles for RXRalpha in regulating hepatic
      gene expression. Moreover, there is an unexpected non-obligate role for the DBD
      of RXRalpha.

PMID- 22098605
TI  - Linking genetic diversity and temporal fluctuations in population abundance of
      the introduced feral cat (Felis silvestris catus) on the Kerguelen archipelago.
AB  - Linking temporal variations of genetic diversity, including allelic richness and
      heterozygosity, and spatio-temporal fluctuations in population abundance has
      emerged as an important tool for understanding demographic and evolutionary
      processes in natural populations. This so-called genetic monitoring was conducted
      across 12 consecutive years (1996-2007) at three sites for the feral cat,
      introduced onto the Kerguelen archipelago fifty years ago. Temporal changes in
      allelic richness and heterozygosity at 18 microsatellite DNA loci were compared
      with temporal changes in the adult population abundance index, obtained by
      typical demographic monitoring. No association was found at the island spatial
      scale, but we observed an association between genetic diversity and adult
      population indices from year to year within each study site. More particularly,
      the magnitude of successive increases or decreases in the adult population
      abundance index appeared to be the major factor linking the trajectories of
      genetic diversity and adult population abundance indices. Natal dispersal and/or
      local recruitment, both facilitated by high juvenile survival when the adult
      population size is small, is proposed as the major demographic processes
      contributing to such an observed pattern. Finally, we suggested avoiding the use
      of the harmonic mean as an estimator of long-term population size to study the
      relationships between demographic fluctuations and heterozygosity in populations
      characterized by strong multiannual density fluctuations.

PMID- 22098606
TI  - The lack of memory B cells including T cell independent IgM+ IgD+ memory B cells
      in chronic graft-versus host disease is associated with susceptibility to
      infection.
AB  - The chronic graft-versus host disease (cGVHD) is associated with a perturbed B
      cell homeostasis and an increased infection rate. Aiming to determine the impact
      of lymphocyte subsets on cGVHD, blood samples from 98 patients at least 100 days
      following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (median 1066 days)
      were analyzed, serum levels of immunoglobulins measured and the incidence of
      severe infections retrospectively documented. Absolute CD19(+) B cell counts,
      including counts of immature (CD10(+) CD38(++) CD20(+) IgM(++)) and transitional
      (CD10(-) CD38(++) CD20(+) IgM(++)) as well as class switched memory (CD19(+)
      CD27(+) IgM(-) IgD(-)) B cells in patients with active cGVHD (n = 52) were
      significantly decreased as compared to those with inactive (n = 18) or without
      cGVHD (n = 28). In addition, nonclass switched IgM(+) memory B cells (CD19(+)
      CD27(+) IgM(+) IgD(+)) were absent in patients with cGVHD, but not in patients
      with inactive (0.4 * 10(6) /l) or without (1.7 * 10(6) /l) cGVHD (both P <
      0.001). In line with these results we found significantly decreased lgG levels in
      patients with cGVHD, which was associated with a significantly higher rate of
      severe infections in cGVHD patients. Our data underline the close association of
      diminished B cell counts with cGVHD and the onset of severe infections. The lack
      of IgM(+) memory B cells in patients with cGVHD may indicate functional asplenia.

PMID- 22098607
TI  - Levofloxacin-induced rhabdomyolysis in a hemodialysis patient.
AB  - Rhabdomyolysis is a well-known complication of various drug therapies. We report
      a case of levofloxacin-induced rhabdomyolysis requiring hospitalization in a
      hemodialysis patient. Physicians should be aware of the risk of this potentially
      severe adverse drug reaction.

PMID- 22098608
TI  - Asymmetric hydrogenation of 2- and 2,3-substituted quinoxalines with chiral
      cationic ruthenium diamine catalysts.
AB  - The enantioselective hydrogenation of 2-alkyl- and 2-aryl-subsituted quinoxalines
      and 2,3-disubstituted quinoxalines was developed by using the cationic Ru(eta(6)
      cymene)(monosulfonylated diamine)(BArF) system in high yields with up to 99% ee.
      The counteranion was found to be critically important for the high
      enantioselectivity and/or diastereoselectivity.

PMID- 22098609
TI  - Hepatoprotective effects of 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone on
      CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice.
AB  - In this paper, the hepatoprotective effects of 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'
      dimethylchalcone (DMC) on CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury in Kunming mice were
      investigated. DMC was administered intraperitoneally (ip) (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of
      body weight) for 7 days prior to the administration of CCl(4) (0.1%, ip).
      Pretreatment with DMC significantly decreased activities of serum hepatic
      enzymes, namely alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate
      dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and total
      bilirubin, and decreased the elevation of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde,
      reactive oxygen species, and protein carbonyl content. Pretreatment with DMC
      markedly increased activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide
      dismutase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase,
      glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase and increased levels of
      nonenzymatic antioxidant markers such as reduced glutathione, total sulfhydryl
      groups, vitamin C, and vitamin E in liver. These results combined with liver
      histopathology demonstrate that DMC has potential hepatoprotective effects, which
      may be related to the attenuation of oxidative stress, accelerating the
      antioxidant cascade and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

PMID- 22098610
TI  - Clinical impact of HFE mutations in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: HFE mutations, a common cause of hereditary hemochromatosis
      (HH), are reportedly associated with hepatic iron overload, severe liver
      fibrosis, and good response to interferon treatment in European patients with
      chronic hepatitis C (CHC). HH shows ethnicity-based differences and little is
      known about the effects of HH mutations on CHC in the Japanese. Thus, the aim of
      this study was to clarify the clinical influence of HFE mutations in Japanese CHC
      patients. METHODS: In a total of 251 patients with CHC, we analyzed the
      frequencies of H63D and S65C mutations in the HFE gene, and the influence of
      these mutations on clinical parameters and response to pegylated-interferon-alpha
      2b (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (5.6%) carried
      the H63D mutation; all were heterozygotes. No S65C mutations were found. Only
      hemoglobin levels in the H63D heterozygotes were higher than in wild-type
      patients. Eleven of 14 H63D heterozygotes achieved sustained virological response
      (SVR). On univariate analysis, factors associated with SVR were interleukin 28B
      (IL28B) polymorphism, age, hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, HCV viral load,
      white blood cell count, stage of fibrosis and H63D mutation. All patients with
      both TT genotype in IL28B (rs8099917) and H63D mutation in HFE (n = 10) achieved
      SVR. CONCLUSIONS: The H63D mutation has little impact on the clinical
      characteristics of CHC, but is related to favorable response to PEG-IFN plus
      ribavirin therapy, particularly in patients with the TT allele in IL28B.

PMID- 22098611
TI  - Cytotoxic withanolide constituents of Physalis longifolia.
AB  - Fourteen new withanolides, 1-14, named withalongolides A-N, respectively, were
      isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis longifolia together with eight known
      compounds (15-22). The structures of compounds 1-14 were elucidated through
      spectroscopic techniques and chemical methods. In addition, the structures of
      withanolides 1, 2, 3, and 6 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis.
      Using a MTS viability assay, eight withanolides (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 15, 16, and 19)
      and four acetylated derivatives (1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) showed potent cytotoxicity
      against human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (JMAR and MDA-1986), melanoma
      (B16F10 and SKMEL-28), and normal fetal fibroblast (MRC-5) cells with IC50 values
      in the range between 0.067 and 9.3 MUM.

PMID- 22098612
TI  - Iron metabolism and the role of HFE gene polymorphisms in Wilson disease.
AB  - Wilson disease (WD) is a rare inherited disorder of copper metabolism, which can
      lead to severe liver failure and to a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
      Previous animal studies and case reports suggest that hepatic iron overload and
      alterations in iron processing are associated with WD. The aim of this study was
      the assessment of iron metabolism and of the frequency of the most common HFE
      gene polymorphisms in WD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 143 patients
      with WD were analysed. Clinical presentation, liver function and iron metabolism
      parameters were recorded. Blood samples of the patients were analysed for HFE
      gene alterations (H63D; C282Y). Twenty-seven liver biopsies of these patients
      were studied with regard to iron content and fibrosis score. RESULTS: Contrary to
      previous reports of HFE gene polymorphisms in WD patients, in our cohort the
      allele frequencies (C282Y: 2.1%; H63D: 7.3%) were in line with frequencies
      obtained for general population. Male WD patients with decreased serum
      ceruloplasmin (Cp), showed increased serum ferritin levels. Hepatic iron content
      was normal in most cases. DISCUSSION: Male patients with very low Cp serum
      concentrations showed slightly elevated median serum ferritin concentrations,
      probably related to lack of ferroxidase acitivity. However, in consideration of
      absolute numbers of ferritin concentrations, these changes seem to be of minor
      clinical relevance.

PMID- 22098613
TI  - Maternal serum interleukin-6 and its association with clinicopathological
      infectious morbidity in preterm premature rupture of membranes: a prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of maternal serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) with
      fetomaternal outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS:
      Serial serum IL-6 levels were measured in 45 women with PPROM at gestation 24-34
      weeks. The women were followed till pueperium and fetomaternal outcome as well as
      the histopathology of the placenta and the umbilical cord was studied. The data
      were analyzed using t test and chi(2) test. RESULTS: IL-6 levels >= 8 pg/ml were
      significantly associated with puerperal sepsis and neonatal sepsis. Histological
      chorioamnionitis and funisitis were demonstrated in 48.8% and 13.3% women
      respectively and significantly correlated with elevated serum IL-6 levels and
      fetomaternal infection. A cut-off value of IL-6 of 8 pg/ml was found to correctly
      diagnose 19 out of 23 patients with infectious morbidity and showed the best
      sensitivity (82.6%) and specificity (86.3%) as compared to the total leucocycte
      count (TLC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing infection in PPROM.
      CONCLUSION: Maternal serum IL-6 can be used as a biomarker to predict preclinical
      asymptomatic infection in PPROM with good sensitivity and specificity.

PMID- 22098614
TI  - Growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone and adiponectin levels in non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis: an endocrine signature for advanced fibrosis in obese patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver-related clinical consequences of non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD) are seen only in the minority of patients with advanced
      fibrosis. The aim of our study was to generate insight into a potential endocrine
      basis of steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD. METHODS: Biopsy and
      blood samples were prospectively collected from patients with medically
      complicated obesity. Patients were categorized, according to liver histology,
      into: (i) normal, (ii) simple steatosis (SS), (iii) non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
      (NASH) with fibrosis stage (FS) 0-1 and (iv) NASH with FS >= 2. A broad panel of
      potential biomarkers included DHEA-S, growth hormone (GH), homeostasis model
      assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, resistin, adiponectin and
      cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) fragments. RESULTS: We studied 160 patients (mean BMI 46.8
      +/- 8.2 kg/m(2) ). Liver biopsies demonstrated normal histology in 10%, SS in
      45%, NASH with FS 0-1 in 37.5% and NASH with FS >= 2 in 7.5%. C-reactive protein,
      IL-6, GH, CK-18, adiponectin, HOMA-IR and quantitative insulin sensitivity check
      index (QUICKI) were significantly associated with NASH in univariate analysis,
      but overall predictivity of these parameters was low (AUC ROC = 0.62-0.68). In
      contrast, all patients with NASH with FS >= 2 had insulin resistance, as measured
      by QUICKI, and GH levels <0.45 ng/ml and all but one patient with NASH FS 2-3 had
      low DHEA levels (<123 MUg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum levels of GH and DHEA are
      very common in patients with NASH with more advanced fibrosis. Other biomarkers,
      including CK-18 fragment levels, have predictivity characteristics that would be
      of low clinical utility for distinguishing patients with normal histology or SS
      from those with NASH. These findings demonstrate an endocrine profile associated
      with advanced fibrosis.

PMID- 22098615
TI  - Severe hemorrhage because of delayed iliac vein rupture after dialysis catheter
      placement: is it preventable?
AB  - Mechanical complications of femoral catheterization for hemodialysis include
      pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistulae, neurological injury, and vessel
      perforation. With regard to the latter, severe hemorrhage is a rare but
      devastating and potentially fatal complication. We report the case of a 76-year
      old female who underwent femoral catheterization for hemodialysis using
      ultrasound guidance. The first hemodialysis session was conducted without
      incident. Unfortunately, inadvertent injury and delayed perforation of the iliac
      vein resulted in severe hemorrhage and retroperitoneal hematoma. Surgical repair
      was performed. The patient was asymptomatic after the procedure and was
      discharged 15 days later. Based on this case and a review of the literature, we
      present mechanisms and ways to prevent this complication.

PMID- 22098616
TI  - Fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated teeth.
AB  - AIM: To assess the influence of cervical preparation on fracture susceptibility
      of roots. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During root canal instrumentation, the cervical
      portions were prepared with different taper instruments: I: no cervical
      preparation; II: #30/.08; III: #30/.10; IV: #70/.12. The specimens were sealed
      with the following filling materials (n = 8), A: unfilled; B: Endofill/gutta
      percha; C: AH Plus/gutta-percha; D: Epiphany SE/Resilon. For the fracture
      resistance test, a universal testing machine was used at 1 mm per minute.
      RESULTS: anova demonstrated difference (P < 0.05) between taper instruments with
      a higher value for group I (205.3 +/- 77.5 N) followed by II (185.2 +/- 70.8 N),
      III (164.8 +/- 48.9 N), and IV (156.7 +/- 41.4 N). There was no difference (P >
      0.05) between filling materials A (189.1 +/- 66.3 N), B (186.3 +/- 61.0 N), C
      (159.7 +/- 69.9 N), and D (176.9 +/- 55.2 N). CONCLUSIONS: Greater cervical wear
      using a #70/.12 file increased the root fracture susceptibility, and the tested
      filling materials were not able to restore resistance.

PMID- 22098617
TI  - Genetic testing and screening of individuals at risk of NF2.
AB  - Genetic testing and management of the at-risk individual for neurofibromatosis
      type 2 (NF2) is complicated by the well-documented risk of mosaicism that causes
      a milder later onset more asymmetrical disease course. Risks of NF2 were derived
      from genetic testing of over 1000 individuals through the Manchester NF2-testing
      service. Individuals are at risk of NF2 or have 'potential' NF2 if they have
      features of the disease that fall short of diagnostic criteria or are the first
      degree relative of someone with NF2 or suspected NF2. The present protocol
      devised for the Nationally Commissioned Group (NCG) NF2 service in England
      addresses the risks, genetic testing and screening protocol for individuals at
      risk of NF2. Screening with cranial magnetic resonance imaging is advised until
      the risk of NF2 falls below a pragmatic threshold of 1%. Multiple case scenarios
      are shown to illustrate how to use the protocol.

PMID- 22098618
TI  - Cross-functional E3 ligases Parkin and C-terminus Hsp70-interacting protein in
      neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - The study of neurodegenerative disorders has had a major impact on our
      understanding of more fundamental mechanisms underlying neurobiology.
      Breakthroughs in the genetics of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD)
      has resulted in new knowledge in the areas of axonal transport, energy
      metabolism, protein trafficking/clearance and synaptic physiology. The major
      neurodegenerative diseases have in common a regional or network pathology
      associated with abnormal protein accumulation(s) and various degrees of motor or
      cognitive decline. In AD, beta-amyloids are deposited in extracellular diffuse
      and compacted plaques as well as intracellularly. There is a major contribution
      to the disease by the co-existence of an intraneuronal tauopathy. Additionally,
      PD-like Lewy Bodies (LBs) bearing aggregated alpha-synuclein is present in 40-60%
      of all AD cases, especially involving amygdala. Amyloid deposits can be degraded
      or cleared by several mechanisms, including immune-mediated and transcytosis
      across the blood-brain barrier. Another avenue for disposal involves the lysosome
      pathway via autophagy. Enzymatic pathways include insulin degradative enzyme and
      neprilysin. Finally, the co-operative actions of C-terminus Hsp70 interacting
      protein (CHIP) and Parkin, components of a multiprotein E3 ubiquitin ligase
      complex, may be a portal to proteasome-mediated degradation. Mutations in the
      Parkin gene are the most common genetic link to autosomal recessive Parkinson's
      disease. Parkin catalyzes the post-translational modification of proteins with
      polyubiquitin, targeting them to the 26S proteasome. Parkin reduces intracellular
      Abeta(1-42) peptide levels, counteracts its effects on cell death, and reverses
      its effect to inhibit the proteasome. Additionally, Parkin has intrinsic
      cytoprotective activity to promote proteasome function and defend against
      oxidative stress to mitochondria. Parkin and CHIP are also active in amyloid
      clearance and cytoprotection in vivo. Parkin has cross-functionality in
      additional neurodegenerative diseases, for instance, to eliminate polyglutamine
      expanded proteins, reducing their aggregation and toxicity and reinstate
      proteasome function. The dual actions of CHIP (molecular co-chaperone and E3
      ligase) and Parkin (as E3-ubiquitin ligase and anti-oxidant) may also play a role
      in suppressing inflammatory reactions in animal models of neurodegeneration. In
      this review, we focus on the significance of CHIP and Parkin as inducers of
      amyloid clearance, as cytoprotectants and in the suppression of reactive
      inflammation. A case is made for more effort to explore whether neurodegeneration
      associated with proteinopathies can be arrested at early stages by promoting
      their mutual action.

PMID- 22098619
TI  - Shifting species interactions in terrestrial dryland ecosystems under altered
      water availability and climate change.
AB  - Species interactions play key roles in linking the responses of populations,
      communities, and ecosystems to environmental change. For instance, species
      interactions are an important determinant of the complexity of changes in trophic
      biomass with variation in resources. Water resources are a major driver of
      terrestrial ecology and climate change is expected to greatly alter the
      distribution of this critical resource. While previous studies have documented
      strong effects of global environmental change on species interactions in general,
      responses can vary from region to region. Dryland ecosystems occupy more than one
      third of the Earth's land mass, are greatly affected by changes in water
      availability, and are predicted to be hotspots of climate change. Thus, it is
      imperative to understand the effects of environmental change on these globally
      significant ecosystems. Here, we review studies of the responses of population
      level plant-plant, plant-herbivore, and predator-prey interactions to changes in
      water availability in dryland environments in order to develop new hypotheses and
      predictions to guide future research. To help explain patterns of interaction
      outcomes, we developed a conceptual model that views interaction outcomes as
      shifting between (1) competition and facilitation (plant-plant), (2) herbivory,
      neutralism, or mutualism (plant-herbivore), or (3) neutralism and predation
      (predator-prey), as water availability crosses physiological, behavioural, or
      population-density thresholds. We link our conceptual model to hypothetical
      scenarios of current and future water availability to make testable predictions
      about the influence of changes in water availability on species interactions. We
      also examine potential implications of our conceptual model for the relative
      importance of top-down effects and the linearity of patterns of change in trophic
      biomass with changes in water availability. Finally, we highlight key research
      needs and some possible broader impacts of our findings. Overall, we hope to
      stimulate and guide future research that links changes in water availability to
      patterns of species interactions and the dynamics of populations and communities
      in dryland ecosystems.

PMID- 22098620
TI  - Changes in blood vessel maturation in the fibrous cap of the tumor rim.
AB  - It is widely accepted that blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment are
      immature because mural cell (MC) adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) is broadly
      lacking. Hyperpermeability of the tumor vasculature then results in interstitial
      hypertension that mitigates against penetration of anticancer drugs into the
      depths of the tumor. It has been suggested that treatment with angiogenesis
      inhibitors normalizes blood vessels, resulting in restoration of normal
      permeability and improved drug delivery. However, recent reports suggest that
      cancer cell invasion is induced from the edge of the tumor into peripheral areas
      after treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors. Therefore, it is important to
      assess the status of blood vessels in the fibrous cap at the tumor rim after
      antiangiogenesis therapy. In the present study, we found that mature blood
      vessels in which ECs are covered with MCs are present in the fibrous cap. After
      treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors, immature blood vessels were destroyed and
      vascular function was significantly improved, but maturing blood vessels in which
      ECs were covered with MCs remained visible. These maturing blood vessels showed a
      less dilated character after treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitors. It is
      widely accepted that well-matured blood vessels are sheathed in extracellular
      matrix (ECM) and that cancer cells migrate along tracks made of ECM collagen
      fibers. Therefore, our data indicate the importance of destroying maturing blood
      vessels outside the tumor parenchyma to prevent cancer cell invasion.

PMID- 22098621
TI  - Phagocytic properties in tumor astrocytes.
AB  - In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the pathophysiological events preceding and
      promoting an uncontrolled and remarkable growth is largely unknown. Studies on
      gliomas and macrophage expression have shown high levels of phagocytic cells,
      that is, microglial cells. It has also been demonstrated that human astrocytic
      cells and rat glioma cells are capable of phagocytosis. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate a potential phagocytic property in human GBM cells in tumor
      biopsies from surgery. With an immunhistochemical double staining using
      macrophage markers (CD68 and CD163) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase
      (hTERT) as a marker for neoplastic cells, we found high levels of double positive
      cells in human GBM. In hematoxylin-erythrosin stained sections, we also
      identified fragmented cell components in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. In our
      judgement, many neoplastic cells in GBM are also positive for macrophage markers.
      We suggest that human astroglial tumor cells may have phagocytic properties or
      phagocyte-like properties. This may represent a latent capacity of self-defence,
      evoked under certain circumstances. It is likely that these properties
      substantially help the tumors thrive and expand.

PMID- 22098622
TI  - Thermodynamics of supramolecular naphthalenediimide nanotube formation: the
      influence of solvents, side chains, and guest templates.
AB  - Amino-acid functionalized naphthalenediimides self-assemble into hydrogen-bonded
      supramolecular helical nanotubes via a noncooperative, isodesmic process; the
      self-assembly of ordered helical systems is usually realized through a
      cooperative process. This unexpected behavior was rationalized as a manifestation
      of entropy-enthalpy compensation. Fundamental insights into the thermodynamics
      governing this self-assembly were obtained through the fitting of the isodesmic
      model to (1)H NMR spectrometry and circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements.
      Furthermore, we have extended the application of this mathematical model, for the
      first time, to quantitatively estimate the effect of guests, solvents, and side
      chains on the stability of the supramolecular nanotube; most significantly, we
      demonstrate that C(60) acts as a template to stabilize the nanotube assembly and
      thereby substantially increase the degree of polymerization.

PMID- 22098623
TI  - Gonadotrophin secretion pattern in anorchid boys from birth to pubertal age:
      pathophysiological aspects and diagnostic usefulness.
AB  - CONTEXT: The biphasic ontogeny of serum gonadotrophins observed in normal
      children also exists in girls with gonadal dysgenesis, although with higher
      levels. However, limited data exist in prepubertal boys with anorchia. OBJECTIVE:
      To investigate whether the existence of testicular tissue is required for
      gonadotrophin downregulation in boys. Secondarily, we analysed the prevalence of
      high gonadotrophins and its diagnostic value to assess the presence or absence of
      testes in childhood. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective, semi-longitudinal study,
      we compared serum gonadotrophin levels in 35 boys with anorchia aged 0-18 years,
      in 29 bilaterally cryptorchid boys with abdominal testes and in 236 normal boys.
      RESULTS: In anorchid boys, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
      hormone (LH) were abnormally high in the first months after birth, then decreased
      progressively. LH decreased more readily than FSH and dropped to normal values in
      up to 70% of anorchid patients before the usual age of pubertal onset, when both
      gonadotrophins increased again to very high levels. In cryptorchid boys, FSH was
      elevated in a significantly (P < 0.0001) lower proportion of cases. Below the age
      of 6 years, FSH below 2 IU/l ruled out anorchia and LH above 5 IU/l confirmed
      anorchia with high accuracy. Between 6 and 11 years, FSH or LH levels above 5
      IU/l were highly specific for the absence of testes. CONCLUSIONS: The U-shaped
      pattern of serum gonadotrophins observed in normal males from birth to puberty
      was also found in anorchid boys, but with gonadotrophin levels considerably
      elevated. Serum gonadotrophin levels may normalize in anorchid boys during late
      childhood only to rise again at puberty. The presence of testicular tissue
      results in restrain of gonadotrophin secretion in most patients, even if the
      testes are cryptorchid.

PMID- 22098624
TI  - SOX4 interacts with plakoglobin in a Wnt3a-dependent manner in prostate cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SOX4 is a developmental transcription factor that is required for
      differentiation and proliferation in multiple tissues. SOX4 is overexpressed in
      many human malignancies, but the precise role of SOX4 in cancer progression is
      still not well understood. Thus, the identification of additional SOX4 binding
      partners is essential for elucidating the mechanism of SOX4-mediated effects in
      cancer progression. RESULTS: Here, we have adapted a one-step affinity
      purification method that enables rapid purification of SOX4 complexes via
      intracellular biotinylation of the amino-terminus of SOX4 to perform large-scale
      proteomics analysis. We have discovered that junction plakoglobin (JUP) interacts
      with SOX4 in both the cytosol and the nucleus and the interaction between SOX4
      and plakoglobin is significantly increased when prostate and breast cancer cells
      are stimulated with WNT3A. Interactions between SOX4 and plakoglobin were further
      enhanced by the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B (LMB), suggesting that
      plakoglobin promotes nuclear export of SOX4. The SOX4-plakoglobin complex
      affected the expression of Wnt pathway target genes and SOX4 downstream targets,
      such as AXIN2, DICER1, and DHX9. In addition, SOX4 DNA binding activity to the
      promoters of DICER1, AXIN2, DHX9 and SOX4 itself was reduced by conditions that
      promote SOX4-plakoglobin complex formation. Conditions that enhanced SOX4
      plakoglobin interactions resulted in reduced transcriptional activity of beta
      catenin luciferase reporters. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that this newly
      identified interaction between SOX4 and plakoglobin is inhibitory and provides
      new insights into the role of SOX4 in key pathways in cell proliferation,
      development, and cancer progression.

PMID- 22098625
TI  - What works to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with
      HIV/AIDS.
AB  - It is critical to include a sexual and reproductive health lens in HIV
      programming as most HIV transmission occurs through sexual intercourse. As global
      attention is focusing on the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living
      with HIV, identifying which interventions work becomes vitally important. What
      evidence exists to support sexual and reproductive health programming related to
      HIV programmes?This article reviews the evidence of what works to meet the sexual
      and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV in developing countries
      and includes 35 studies and evaluations of eight general interventions using
      various methods of implementation science from 15 countries. Data are primarily
      from 2000-2009. Searches to identify effective evaluations used SCOPUS, Popline,
      Medline, websites and consultations with experts. Evidence was ranked using the
      Gray Scale.A range of successful and promising interventions to improve the
      sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV include:
      providing contraceptives and family planning counselling as part of HIV services;
      ensuring early postpartum visits providing family planning and HIV information
      and services; providing youth-friendly services; supporting information and
      skills building; supporting disclosure; providing cervical cancer screening; and
      promoting condom use for dual protection against pregnancy and HIV. Provision of
      antiretrovirals can also increase protective behaviours, including condom
      use.While many gaps in programming and research remain, much can be done now to
      operationalize evidence-based effective interventions to meet the sexual and
      reproductive health needs of women living with HIV.

PMID- 22098626
TI  - Acute toxicity study of tilmicosin-loaded hydrogenated castor oil-solid lipid
      nanoparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous studies demonstrated that tilmicosin-loaded hydrogenated
      castor oil solid lipid nanoparticles (Til-HCO-SLN) are a promising formulation
      for enhanced pharmacological activity and therapeutic efficacy in veterinary use.
      The purpose of this work was to evaluate the acute toxicity of Til-HCO-SLN.
      METHODS: Two nanoparticle doses were used for the study in ICR mice. The low dose
      (766 mg/kg.bw) with tilmicosin 7.5 times of the clinic dosage and below the
      median lethal dose (LD(50)) was subcutaneously administered twice on the first
      and 7th day. The single high dose (5 g/kg.bw) was the practical upper limit in an
      acute toxicity study and was administered subcutaneously on the first day. Blank
      HCO-SLN, native tilmicosin, and saline solution were included as controls. After
      medication, animals were monitored over 14 days, and then necropsied. Signs of
      toxicity were evaluated via mortality, symptoms of treatment effect, gross and
      microscopic pathology, and hematologic and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: After
      administration of native tilmicosin, all mice died within 2 h in the high dose
      group, in the low dose group 3 died after the first and 2 died after the second
      injections. The surviving mice in the tilmicosin low dose group showed
      hypoactivity, accelerated breath, gloomy spirit and lethargy. In contrast, all
      mice in Til-HCO-SLN and blank HCO-SLN groups survived at both low and high doses.
      The high nanoparticle dose induced transient clinical symptoms of treatment
      effect such as transient reversible action retardation, anorexy and gloomy
      spirit, increased spleen and liver coefficients and decreased heart coefficients,
      microscopic pathological changes of liver, spleen and heart, and minor changes in
      hematologic and biochemical parameters, but no adverse effects were observed in
      the nanoparticle low dose group. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that the LD50
      of Til-HCO-SLN and blank HCO-SLN exceeded 5 g/kg.bw and thus the nanoparticles
      are considered low toxic according to the toxicity categories of chemicals.
      Moreover, HCO-SLN significantly decreased the toxicity of tilmicosin. Normal
      clinic dosage of Til-HCO-SLN is safe as evaluated by acute toxicity.

PMID- 22098627
TI  - Circulating soluble urokinase plasminogen activator is elevated in patients with
      chronic liver disease, discriminates stage and aetiology of cirrhosis and
      predicts prognosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a major factor for the progression of chronic liver
      diseases. Interactions between urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its
      receptor (uPAR) have been functionally linked to hepatic inflammation and
      fibrosis in mice. High serum concentrations of soluble uPAR (suPAR) are suggested
      to reflect activated immune cells. AIMS: We evaluated suPAR serum levels as a
      diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with chronic liver diseases.
      METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional cohort study of 159 patients with chronic
      liver diseases (61 without, 98 with established cirrhosis) and 43 healthy
      controls. Transplant-free survival was monitored for up to 3 years. RESULTS:
      Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator serum concentrations were significantly
      elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases compared with controls.
      Cirrhotic patients displayed higher levels than non-cirrhotics, closely depending
      on stage of fibrosis or cirrhosis. suPAR levels had high diagnostic power to
      identify established cirrhosis in chronic liver diseases. Circulating suPAR
      closely correlated with liver function, fibrosis markers, but also with systemic
      inflammation and renal function. A distinct suPAR elevation was noticed in
      patients with alcoholic aetiology of liver disease. suPAR identified alcoholic
      origin more precisely compared with classical indicators of alcoholism (mean
      corpuscular volume, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase). Strikingly, elevated suPAR
      levels were identified as a strong predictor of mortality or need for
      transplantation. suPAR levels >9 ng/ml indicated adverse prognosis (sensitivity:
      70.7%, specificity: 77.8%, relative risk: 8.5; 95% confidence interval: 3.5
      20.3). CONCLUSIONS: Serum suPAR is a potential novel biomarker for the diagnosis
      of cirrhosis, identification of alcoholic origin and for determining prognosis in
      patients with chronic liver disease.

PMID- 22098628
TI  - Illness burden and medical comorbidity in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement
      Program for Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Coexisting chronic medical conditions are common in bipolar disorder.
      Here, we report the prevalence and correlates of medical comorbidity in patients
      enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder
      (STEP-BD). We were particularly interested in associations between variables
      reflecting illness chronicity and burden with comorbid medical conditions.
      METHOD: We used intake data from the open-label component of the STEP-BD. History
      of medical comorbidity was obtained from the affective disorders evaluation, and
      its presence was the outcome of interest. The sample size in analyses varied from
      3399 to 3534. We used multiple Poisson regression to obtain prevalence ratios.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of any medical comorbidity in the sample was 58.8%. In
      addition to demographic variable, several clinical characteristics were
      associated with the frequency of medical comorbidity. Having more than 10
      previous mood episodes, childhood onset, smoking, lifetime comorbidity with
      anxiety, and substance use disorders were independently associated with having a
      medical comorbidity in the final multivariate model. CONCLUSION: The results
      presented here reveal strong associations between variables related to illness
      chronicity and medical burden in bipolar disorder. This lends further support to
      recent multidimensional models incorporating medical morbidity as a core feature
      of bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22098629
TI  - Development of a 'toolkit' to identify medical students at risk of failure to
      thrive on the course: an exploratory retrospective case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An earlier study at Nottingham suggested that 10-15% of the medical
      student intake was likely to fail completely or have substantial problems on the
      course. This is a problem for the students, the Faculty, and society as a whole.
      If struggling students could be identified early in the course and additional
      pastoral resources offered, some of this wastage might be avoided. An exploratory
      case study was conducted to determine whether there were common indicators in the
      early years, over and above academic failure, that might aid the identification
      of students potentially at risk. METHODS: The study group was drawn from five
      successive cohorts. Students who had experienced difficulties were identified in
      any of four ways: from Minutes of the Academic Progress Committee; by scanning
      examination lists at key stages (end of the first two years, and finals at the
      end of the clinical course); from lists of students flagged to the Postgraduate
      Deanery as in need of extra monitoring or support; and from progress files of
      those who had left the course prematurely. Relevant data were extracted from each
      student's course progress file into a customised database. RESULTS: 1188 students
      were admitted over the five years. 162 (14%) were identified for the study, 75 of
      whom had failed to complete the course by October 2010. In the 87 who did
      graduate, a combination of markers in Years 1 and 2 identified over half of those
      who would subsequently have the most severe problems throughout the course. This
      'toolkit' comprised failure of 3 or more examinations per year, an overall
      average of <50%, health or social difficulties, failure to complete Hepatitis B
      vaccination on time, and remarks noted about poor attitude or behaviour.
      CONCLUSIONS: A simple toolkit of academic and non-academic markers could be used
      routinely to help identify potential strugglers at an early stage, enabling
      additional support and guidance to be given to these students.

PMID- 22098630
TI  - Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal
      resection for laterally spreading tumors larger than 20 mm.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LST) > 20 mm are
      usually treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal
      resection (EMR). Endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection (EPMR) is sometimes
      required. The aim of our study was to compare the outcomes of ESD and EMR,
      including EPMR, for such LST. METHODS: A total of 269 consecutive patients with a
      colorectal LST > 20 mm were treated endoscopically at our hospital from April
      2006 to December 2009. We retrospectively evaluated the complications and local
      recurrence rates associated with ESD, hybrid ESD (ESD with EMR), EMR, and EPMR.
      RESULTS: ESD and EMR were performed successfully for 89 and 178 LST,
      respectively: 61 by ESD; 28 by hybrid ESD; 70 by EMR; and 108 by EPMR. Between
      group differences in perforation rates were not significant. Local recurrence
      rates in cases with curative resection were as follows: 0% (0/56) in ESD; 0%
      (0/27) in hybrid ESD; 1.4% (1/69) in EMR; and 12.1% (13/107) in EPMR; that is,
      significantly higher in EPMR. No metastasis was seen at follow up. The recurrence
      rate for EPMR yielding >= three pieces was significantly high (P < 0.001). All 14
      local recurrent lesions were adenomas that were cured endoscopically.
      CONCLUSIONS: As for safety, ESD/hybrid ESD is equivalent to EMR/EPMR. ESD/hybrid
      ESD is a feasible technique for en bloc resection and showed no local recurrence.
      Although local recurrences associated with EMR/EPMR were seen, which were
      conducted based on our indication criteria, all local recurrences could obtain
      complete cure by additional endoscopic treatment.

PMID- 22098632
TI  - Preparation of phosphate-enriched hemodialysates.

PMID- 22098631
TI  - Unique somato-dendritic distribution pattern of Kv4.2 channels on hippocampal CA1
      pyramidal cells.
AB  - A-type K(+) current (I(A)) plays a critical role in controlling the excitability
      of pyramidal cell (PC) dendrites. In vitro dendritic patch-pipette recordings
      have demonstrated a prominent, sixfold increase in I(A) density along the main
      apical dendrites of rat hippocampal CA1 PCs. In these cells, I(A) is mediated by
      Kv4.2 subunits, whose precise subcellular distribution and densities in small
      diameter oblique dendrites and dendritic spines are still unknown. Here we
      examined the densities of the Kv4.2 subunit in 13 axo-somato-dendritic
      compartments of CA1 PCs using a highly sensitive, high-resolution quantitative
      immunogold localization method (sodium dodecyl sulphate-digested freeze-fracture
      replica-labelling). Only an approximately 70% increase in Kv4.2 immunogold
      density was observed along the proximo-distal axis of main apical dendrites in
      the stratum radiatum with a slight decrease in density in stratum lacunosum
      moleculare. A similar pattern was detected for all dendritic compartments,
      including main apical dendrites, small-diameter oblique dendrites and dendritic
      spines. The specificity of the somato-dendritic labelling was confirmed in Kv4.2(
      /-) tissue. No specific immunolabelling for the Kv4.2 subunit was found in SNAP
      25-containing presynaptic axons. Our results demonstrate a novel distribution
      pattern of a voltage-gated ion channel along the somato-dendritic surface of CA1
      PCs, and suggest that the increase in the I(A) along the proximo-distal axis of
      PC dendrites cannot be solely explained by a corresponding increase in Kv4.2
      channel number.

PMID- 22098633
TI  - Pilotin-secretin recognition in the type II secretion system of Klebsiella
      oxytoca.
AB  - A crucial aspect of the functionality of bacterial type II secretion systems is
      the targeting and assembly of the outer membrane secretin. In the Klebsiella
      oxytoca type II secretion system, the lipoprotein PulS, a pilotin, targets
      secretin PulD monomers through the periplasm to the outer membrane. We present
      the crystal structure of PulS, an all-helical bundle that is structurally
      distinct from proteins with similar functions. Replacement of valine at position
      42 in a charged groove of PulS abolished complex formation between a non
      lipidated variant of PulS and a peptide corresponding to the unfolded region of
      PulD to which PulS binds (the S-domain), in vitro, as well as PulS function in
      vivo. Substitutions of other residues in the groove also diminished the
      interaction with the S-domain in vitro but exerted less marked effects in vivo.
      We propose that the interaction between PulS and the S-domain is maintained
      through a structural adaptation of the two proteins that could be influenced by
      cis factors such as the fatty acyl groups on PulS, as well as periplasmic trans
      acting factors, which represents a possible paradigm for chaperone-target protein
      interactions.

PMID- 22098634
TI  - Lapses in safety in end-stage renal disease patients admitted to surgical
      services.
AB  - Chronic dialysis patients are a vulnerable population that may be highly
      susceptible to medical errors, particularly when they are hospitalized. We
      performed a chart review of chronic hemodialysis patients admitted to surgical
      services at a tertiary care center in order to characterize lapses in patient
      safety. We conducted a retrospective chart review of admissions of patients
      receiving chronic hemodialysis to various surgical services at St. Michael's
      Hospital from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. For each hospitalization, we
      collected data on four process of care indicators of potential safety lapses.
      When these lapses were identified, we sought to determine whether: (i) the lapse
      was detected and remedied; and (ii) the lapse resulted in an adverse event. Among
      the 41 patients, 96 process of care lapses were identified. Multiple lapses were
      detected in 83% of the cohort. Failure to order a renal diet (72%) occurred most
      often. There was one adverse event. Process of care lapses were detected 39% of
      the time, usually within 1.5 days of their occurrence. Patients receiving chronic
      hemodialysis admitted to surgical services experience multiple lapses in patient
      safety, which often remain undetected. As such, it is imperative that these
      patients be closely monitored in order to mitigate against potential adverse
      events.

PMID- 22098636
TI  - Transition-metal-catalyzed uninterrupted four-step sequence to access
      trisubstituted isoxazoles.
AB  - We describe herein a novel uninterrupted four-step sequence to access
      trisubstituted isoxazoles from readily available propargylic alcohols using
      sequentially iron and palladium catalytic systems. The advantages of such a
      strategy are illustrated by the high overall yields and the time-saving procedure
      that are reported.

PMID- 22098635
TI  - Changes in vitamin D binding protein and vitamin D concentrations associated with
      liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with fractures, infections and
      death. Liver disease impairs vitamin D and vitamin D binding protein (DBP)
      metabolism. AIMS: We aimed to determine the impact of liver transplantation on
      vitamin D, particularly on DBP and free vitamin D concentrations. METHODS: Serum
      25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)(2) D and DBP concentrations were measured in 202 adults before
      liver transplantation and 3 months later in 155. Free vitamin D concentrations
      were estimated from these values. Risk factors for 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/ml)
      and low 1,25(OH)(2) D (<20 pg/ml) were examined with logistic regression, and
      changes in concentrations following transplantation with linear regression.
      RESULTS: Pretransplant, 84% were 25(OH)D deficient, 13% had 25(OH)D
      concentrations <2.5 ng/ml, and 77% had low 1,25(OH)(2) D. Model for end-stage
      liver disease score >= 20 (P < 0.005) and hypoalbuminemia (P < 0.005) were
      associated with low 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)(2) D concentrations. Following
      transplantation, 25(OH)D concentrations increased a median of 17.8 ng/ml (P <
      0.001). Albumin increased from a median of 2.7 to 3.8 g/dl (P < 0.001) and DBP
      from 8.6 to 23.8 mg/dl (P < 0.001). Changes in total 25(OH)D were positively and
      independently associated with changes in DBP (P < 0.05) and albumin (P < 0.001).
      Free 25(OH)D concentrations rose from 6.0 to 9.7 pg/ml (P < 0.001). In contrast,
      total 1,25(OH)(2)D concentrations rose only by 4.3 pg/ml (P < 0.001) and free
      1,25(OH)(2D concentrations declined (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum total and
      free 25(OH)D and DBP concentrations rose substantially following transplantation,
      while 1,25(OH)(2) D concentrations showed modest changes and free 1,25(OH)(2) D
      decreased. Studies of the effects of vitamin D status on diverse transplant
      complications are needed.

PMID- 22098637
TI  - Pharmacokinetic interaction of intramammary ceftriaxone and oral polyherbal drug
      (Fibrosin((r))) in goats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine pharmacokinetic
      interaction of ceftriaxone and polyherbal drug (Fibrosin((r))) in lactating goats
      following single dose intramammary administration of ceftriaxone with 1 h pre
      single dose oral administration of Fibrosin((r)). METHODS: Pharmacokinetic
      interaction of ceftriaxone and Fibrosin((r)) was evaluated in lactating goats
      following single dose intramammary administration of ceftriaxone at 50 mg/kg with
      1 h pre-single dose oral administration of Fibrosin((r)) (1.9 g). Estimation of
      ceftriaxone and its metabolite, ceftizoxime, was determined by high performance
      liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Fibrosin((r)) treated goats showed a typical
      absorption-reabsorption phase of ceftriaxone in plasma following intramammary
      administration. Neither ceftriaxone nor ceftizoxime was detected in the plasma
      and urine of goats without Fibrosin((r)) treatment, however, ceftriaxone
      persisted for 36 h and ceftizoxime was present from 48 h to 72 h in the plasma of
      Fibrosin((r)) treated goats. Ceftizoxime was also available from 72 h to 360 h
      post-dosing in milk in the presence of Fibrosin((r)) following intramammary
      administration of ceftriaxone suggesting the polyherbal drug played a major role
      in the penetration of ceftriaxone from milk to systemic circulation. Furthermore,
      the polyherbal drug increased the bioavailability of ceftizoxime in milk
      following the metabolism of ceftriaxone. CONCLUSIONS: Polyherbal drug
      (Fibrosin((r))) plays a major role in the penetration of ceftriaxone from milk to
      systemic circulation and may be responsible for increased bioavailability of its
      metabolite in the mammary gland resulting in higher concentration and longer
      persistence of the drug in milk.

PMID- 22098638
TI  - Protein hydrolysates and tissue repair.
AB  - Protein hydrolysates provide a rich source of protein which is useful in
      situations where excess protein is needed, such as during repair of tissue
      damage. The consumption of protein hydrolysates has been shown to result in more
      rapid uptake of amino acids compared with whole proteins or free-form amino acid
      mixtures and some peptides in hydrolysates exhibit biological activity. Early
      studies showed that protein hydrolysates are more effectively utilised than
      intact proteins or amino acids. In addition, they promote a strong insulinotropic
      effect, which reduces protein breakdown and enhances muscle and tissue uptake of
      branched-chain amino acids. These effects contribute to benefits of protein
      hydrolysates for enhancing repair of tissue damage caused by surgery, ulcers,
      burns and muscle-damaging exercise. While there is evidence that protein
      hydrolysates may be useful for facilitating tissue repair, additional research is
      needed to further examine various roles of protein hydrolysates in this process.

PMID- 22098642
TI  - Viscous friction of hydrogen-bonded matter.
AB  - Amontons' law successfully describes friction between macroscopic solid bodies
      for a wide range of velocities and normal forces. For the diffusion and forced
      sliding of adhering or entangled macromolecules, proteins, and biological
      complexes, temperature effects are invariably important, and a similarly
      successful friction law at biological length and velocity scales is missing.
      Hydrogen bonds (HBs) are key to the specific binding of biomatter. Here we show
      that friction between hydrogen-bonded matter obeys in the biologically relevant
      low-velocity viscous regime a simple law: the friction force is proportional to
      the number of HBs, the sliding velocity, and a friction coefficient gamma(HB).
      This law is deduced from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations for short
      peptide chains that are laterally pulled over planar hydroxylated substrates in
      the presence of water and holds for widely different peptides, surface
      polarities, and applied normal forces. The value of gamma(HB) is extrapolated
      from simulations at sliding velocities in the range from V = 10(-2) to 100 m/s by
      mapping on a simple stochastic model and turns out to be of the order of
      gamma(HB) ? 10(-8) kg/s. The friction of a single HB thus amounts to the Stokes
      friction of a sphere with an equivalent radius of roughly 1 MUm moving in water.
      Cooperativity is pronounced: roughly three HBs act collectively.

PMID- 22098643
TI  - [Emergencies in ENT imaging].

PMID- 22098644
TI  - [Imaging features of temporal bone fractures].
AB  - Imaging evaluation of the temporal bone often is neglected at the acute phase in
      patients with head trauma due to the urgent need to evaluate the brain. It should
      nonetheless be an integral part of this evaluation by the addition of thin
      dedicated CT images. Knowledge of the mechanisms of traumatic injuries combined
      to multiplanar reconstructions of the acquisition volume lead to accurate
      depiction of temporal bone injuries, including lesions of ossicles and footplate,
      structures measuring 2 or 3 mm. This comprehensive work-up will then allow prompt
      optimal ENT management and may improve the functional outcome.

PMID- 22098645
TI  - [Sudden onset hearing loss: imaging work-up].
AB  - Sudden onset hearing loss is idiopathic. It occurs in less than 24 h and
      spontaneously resolves within 15 days in two thirds of cases. Imaging is
      performed to exclude other causes of sudden onset hearing loss (vestibular
      schwannoma, vertebral artery dissection, stroke) and evaluate the inner ear
      structures. A few anatomical anomalies have been associated with an increased
      risk of hearing loss. Morphological anomalies involved the following structures
      in decreasing order of frequency: lateral semicircular canal (hypoplasia and
      dilatation), superior semicircular canal, posterior semicircular canal, vestibule
      and cochlea. Enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct also is frequently observed.

PMID- 22098646
TI  - [Sudden onset vertigo: imaging work-up].
AB  - Vertigo and dysequilibrium are a frequent cause of medical consultation. Clinical
      evaluation is essential. Some cases of vertigo are diagnosed clinically while
      others require imaging, sometimes emergently (suspected stroke). MRI is the
      imaging modality of choice to assess the labyrinth (labyrinthitis? labyrinthine
      hemorrhage?), internal auditory canal (vestibular schwannoma? other tumor?...)
      and brain parenchyma including all structures of the auditory pathways:
      vestibular nuclei, vestibulocerebellar tract, tracts involved with ocular
      motricity, vestibular cortex... Multiple central etiologies exist: stroke,
      multiple sclerosis, tumor... However, some etiologies are best depicted with CT,
      especially lesions of the labyrinth: cholesteatoma, trauma, suspected dehiscence
      of the superior semicircular canal, suspected labyrinthine fistula... Finally,
      imaging may be negative (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Meniere's disease,
      vestibular neuritis, migraine...), merely reducing the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22098647
TI  - [Skull base osteomyelitis].
AB  - Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare but serious infection. It typically afflicts
      immunosuppressed patients and should be suspected in patients with persistent
      otitis complicated by cranial nerve palsy (VII, IX and XII). The most frequent
      germ is pseudomonas aeruginosa. Contiguous spread of infection occurs along
      neurovascular structures and weaker regions of the skull base, then into the soft
      tissue compartments of the face and nasopharynx. Diagnosis and treatment should
      be made early for this disease with poor prognosis and high mortality.

PMID- 22098648
TI  - [Intracranial complications from ENT infections].
AB  - Sinonasal and temporal bone infections may extend to the skull, skull base,
      meninges, pericerebral spaces, brain parenchyma, dural sinuses, deep cerebral or
      cortical veins, intracranial arteries and cranial nerves either via contiguous or
      hematogeneous spread. The site of infection dictates the sites of potential
      complications: orbital with ethmoid sinusitis, cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis
      and oculomotor palsies with sphenoid sinusitis, transverse sinus thrombophlebitis
      with mastoiditis and superior sagittal sinus thrombophlebitis with frontal
      sinusitis. All may result in brain abscess. Congenital and acquired defects of
      the skull and meninges, with or without associated meningocele or
      meningoencephalocele, perilymphatic fistulas, and some anomalies of the inner ear
      may predispose to the intracranial extension of ENT infections.

PMID- 22098649
TI  - [Imaging evaluation of head and neck infections].
AB  - Infections of the head and neck are frequent and usually have a good prognosis
      even though complications may sometimes be life threatening. In addition to
      airway compromise, intracranial and thoracic extension may occur. Diagnosis
      usually is made on clinical examination and imaging may play a significant role
      in assessing the extent of the disease, detecting complications and assist in
      surgical planning. The imaging protocol should be appropriate for the proposed
      diagnosis and suspected complications. CT of the soft tissues of the neck and
      chest is the imaging test of choice. Interpretation requires knowledge of the
      anatomy to understand the modalities of local and distant spread of the disease.
      Imaging evaluation is important but should not delay emergently needed treatment
      for entities such as epiglottitis and necrotizing fasciitis.

PMID- 22098650
TI  - [Complications from sinonasal surgery].
AB  - Endoscopic sinonasal surgery is the main procedure in sinonasal pathology.
      Complications are rare but potentially severe given the close relationship
      between the nasal cavities and sinuses and the orbit, skull base and carotid
      arteries. The different types of surgeries along with the mechanisms of injury,
      presenting signs and symptoms, and imaging features of the different surgical
      complications will be reviewed. We will also review the anatomical variants
      increasing the surgical risk that radiologists should describe on preoperative
      imaging studies.

PMID- 22098651
TI  - [Vascular emergencies of the head and neck].
AB  - The clinical manifestations of vascular lesions of the head and neck may be
      variable (hemorrhagic, ischemic, compressive). Diagnosis often is made at the
      time of acute presentation, but delayed manifestations, sometimes long after the
      initial presentation, should not be overlooked. Hemorrhagic manifestations are
      characterized by epistaxis, corresponding mainly to lesions of the nasal cavities
      but involvement of the internal carotid artery should be excluded (life
      threatening). In addition, some vascular malformations may lead to severe
      hemorrhage. Ischemic manifestations typically result from arterial dissection. A
      venous origin is also possible. Carotid-cavernous fistulas rarely lead to
      hemorrhagic or ischemic manifestations and tend to result in ocular
      manifestations, typically delayed and sometimes misleading.

PMID- 22098652
TI  - Monitoring intravesical pressure during gastroschisis closure. Does it help to
      decide between delayed primary or staged closure?
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Correction of gastroschisis may be accomplished by
      either primary or staged closure or even delayed primary closure after the use of
      a preformed silo. However, there is neither a consensus on the best approach nor
      established criteria to favor one method over the other. The aim of this paper
      was to investigate the role of intravesical pressure (IVP) as a tool to prevent
      abdominal compartment syndrome in newborns undergoing correction of abdominal
      wall defects. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 45 newborns with gastroschisis
      in whom trans-operative intravesical pressure was used to choose between primary
      or staged closure. A threshold of 20 cm H(2)O was used and the outcomes between
      the two methods were compared. RESULTS: In 24 children delayed primary closure
      was achieved while the remaining 21 underwent staged reduction and closure. There
      was no difference in the frequency of complications, time to begin oral feeding,
      length of parenteral nutrition or length of hospital stay between the children of
      the two groups. The incidence of temporary oliguria or anuria, averaged 33% and
      it was similar in both groups of children. CONCLUSION: The data here presented
      suggests that monitoring intraoperative IVP during correction of gastroschisis
      may help to select children in whom staged closure is necessary, keeping their
      complication rate and overall outcome similar to that of children undergoing
      delayed primary closure. Further prospective studies should investigate more
      deeply the correlation between type of closure and the development of a
      compartment syndrome.

PMID- 22098653
TI  - Primary lateral sclerosis: upper-motor-predominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      with frontotemporal lobar degeneration--immunohistochemical and biochemical
      analyses of TDP-43.
AB  - Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is clinically defined as a disorder selectively
      affecting the upper motor neuron (UMN) system. However, recently it has also been
      considered that PLS is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation. To elucidate
      the association of PLS, or disorders mimicking PLS, with 43-kDa TAR DNA-binding
      protein (TDP-43) abnormality, we examined two adult patients with motor neuron
      disease, which clinically was limited almost entirely to the UMN system, and was
      followed by progressive frontotemporal atrophy. In the present study, the
      distribution and severity, and biochemical profile of phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP
      43) in the brains and spinal cords were examined immunohistochemically and
      biochemically. Pathologically, in both cases, frontotemporal lobar degeneration
      with ubiquitin inclusions (FTLD-U) was evident, with the most severe degeneration
      in the motor cortex. An important feature in both cases was the presence of
      Bunina bodies and/or ubiquitin inclusions, albeit very rarely, in the well
      preserved lower motor neurons. The amygdala and neostriatum were also affected.
      pTDP-43 immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of many positively stained
      neuronal cytoplamic inclusions (NCIs) and dystrophic neurites/neuropil threads in
      the affected frontotemporal cortex and subcortical gray matter. By contrast, such
      pTDP-43 lesions, including NCIs, were observed in only a few lower motor neurons.
      pTDP-43 immunoblotting revealed that fragments of ~25-kDa were present in the
      cortices, but not in the spinal cord in both cases. Genetically, neither of the
      patients had any mutation in the TDP-43 gene. In conclusion, we consider that
      although PLS may be a clinically significant disease entity, at autopsy, the
      majority of such clinical cases would present as upper-motor-predominant
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with FTLD-TDP.

PMID- 22098654
TI  - Quality in CKD: the 3 "Cs".

PMID- 22098655
TI  - Collegiality and CKD.

PMID- 22098656
TI  - Why work together? Developing effective comanagement strategies for the care of
      patients with CKD.
AB  - The ever-growing population of patients with CKD has prompted an increasing
      emphasis on earlier identification and proactive management by primary care
      providers. The provision of effective CKD care will necessitate a collegial
      relationship between the primary care providers and nephrologists exists. In this
      paper, barriers to the development of this working relationship, potential
      solutions within existing practice patterns, and newer ideas for effective
      communication will be explored.

PMID- 22098657
TI  - Complications of progression of CKD.
AB  - CKD is a complex comorbid condition with multiple manifestations. It is closely
      linked with cardiovascular disease and has a very high mortality rate. Currently,
      it consumes 28% of Medicare expenditures. Complications of CKD include
      hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, anemia, and bone
      and mineral disorders. It is underrecognized and underdiagnosed in primary care
      offices. There is strong evidence that controlling blood pressure, blood glucose,
      and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor
      blockers in albuminuric patients, as well as referral to the nephrologist when
      glomerular filtration rate is <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2), is associated with lower
      mortality, better access to kidney transplantation, improved management of
      comorbidities, and less frequent use of catheters for dialysis and to lower
      mortality.

PMID- 22098658
TI  - Improving blood pressure control among adults with CKD and diabetes: provider
      focused quality improvement using electronic health records.
AB  - Current evidence demonstrates poor provider knowledge and compliance to clinical
      practice guidelines (CPGs) for CKD screening, blood pressure (BP) goals specific
      to people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and CKD, and underutilization or incorrect
      drug selection for antihypertensive therapy. This 12-week provider-focused
      quality improvement project sought to (1) increase primary care provider (PCP)
      adherence to CPG in the treatment and control of BP among adults with CKD and DM
      by using electronic health records (EHRs) and patient-level feedback
      (scorecards); (2) increase PCP delivery of basic CKD patient education by using
      EHR-based decision support; and (3) assess whether electronic decision support
      and scorecards changed provider behavior. The project included 46 PCPs,
      physicians, and nurse practitioners, in a statewide federally qualified health
      center that operates 12 comprehensive primary care sites in Connecticut. There
      were 6781 DM visits, among 3137 unique, racially diverse patients. There was a
      statistically significant increase in CKD screening, diagnosis, and use of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin-receptor blocker. There was a
      statistically, but not clinically, significant increase in CKD basic education
      and ancillary service provider use when the provider was aware of the diagnosis
      or used EHR enhancements. EHR decision support and real-time provider feedback
      are necessary but not sufficient to improve uptake of CPG and to change PCP
      behavior.

PMID- 22098659
TI  - Geriatric nephrology: a paradigm shift in the approach to renal replacement
      therapy.
AB  - The population of elderly individuals diagnosed with CKD continues to grow. Many
      have multiple comorbid conditions that will impact life expectancy as well as
      decisions about whether to pursue renal replacement therapy. Nephrologists are
      uniquely positioned to assist their patients and caregivers in this regard and
      spend considerable time counseling them about the benefits and risks associated
      with dialysis therapy. This article presents an overview of many of the issues
      facing nephrologists, and provides tools to assist busy clinicians in helping
      their elderly patients in deciding whether to consider dialysis or intensive,
      nondialysis care.

PMID- 22098660
TI  - Referral and comanagement of the patient with CKD.
AB  - CKD is a common condition with well-documented associated morbidity and
      mortality. Given the substantial disease burden of CKD and the cost of ESRD,
      interventions to delay progression and decrease comorbidity remain an important
      part of CKD care. Early referral to nephrologists has been shown to delay
      progression of CKD. Conversely, late referral has been associated with increased
      hospitalizations, higher mortality, and worsened secondary outcomes. Late
      referral to nephrology has been consequent to numerous factors, including the
      health care system, provider issues, and patient related factors. In addition to
      timely referral to nephrologists, the optimal modality to provide care for CKD
      patients has also been evaluated. Multidisciplinary clinics have shown
      significant improvements in other disease states. Data for the use of these
      clinics have shown benefit in mortality, progression, and laboratory markers of
      disease severity. However, studies supporting the use of multidisciplinary
      clinics in CKD have been mixed. Evidence-based guidelines from groups, including
      Renal Physicians Association and NKF, provide tools for management of CKD
      patients by both generalists and nephrologists. Through the use of guidelines,
      timely referral, and a multidisciplinary approach to care, the ability to provide
      effective and efficient care for CKD patients can be improved. We present a model
      to guide a multidisciplinary comanagement approach to providing care to patients
      with CKD.

PMID- 22098661
TI  - Peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis: risks, benefits, and access issues.
AB  - Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) are dialysis options for end-stage
      renal disease patients in whom preemptive kidney transplantation is not possible.
      The selection of PD or HD will usually be based on patient motivation, desire,
      geographic distance from an HD unit, physician and/or nurse bias, and patient
      education. Unfortunately, many patients are not educated on PD before beginning
      dialysis. Most studies show that the relative risk of death in patients on in
      center HD versus PD changes over time with a lower risk on PD, especially in the
      first 3 months of dialysis. The survival advantage of PD continues for 1.5-2
      years but, over time, the risk of death with PD equals or becomes greater than
      with in-center HD, depending on patient factors. Thus, PD survival is best at the
      start of dialysis. Patient satisfaction may be higher with PD, and PD costs are
      significantly lower than HD costs. The new reimbursement system, including
      bundling of dialysis services, may lead to an increase in the number of incident
      patients on PD. The high technique failure of PD persists, despite significant
      reductions in peritonitis rates. Infection also continues to be an important
      cause of mortality and morbidity among HD patients, especially those using a
      central venous catheter as HD access. Nephrologists' efforts should be focused on
      educating themselves and their patients about the opportunities for home modality
      therapies and reducing the reliance on central venous catheter for long-term HD
      access.

PMID- 22098662
TI  - Transplantation and the primary care physician.
AB  - Increasing appreciation of the survival benefits of kidney transplantation,
      compared with chronic dialysis, has resulted in more patients with kidney disease
      being referred and receiving organs. The evolving disparity between a rapidly
      increasing pool of candidates and a smaller pool of available donors has created
      new issues for the physicians who care for kidney patients and their potential
      living donors. This article outlines current efforts to address the growing
      number of patients who await transplantation, including relaxation of traditional
      donation criteria, maximization of living donation, and donation schemas that
      permit incompatible donor-recipient pairs to participate through paired donation
      and transplantation chains. New ethical issues faced by donors and recipients are
      discussed. Surgical advances that reduce the morbidity of donors are also
      described, as is the role of the primary physician in medical issues of both
      donors and recipients.

PMID- 22098663
TI  - From CKD to ESRD: a tale of two transitions.
AB  - Transitions in levels of health offer important opportunities to affect patient
      outcomes. The transition from CKD to ESRD and dialysis dependence is costly in
      personal, social, and economic terms. This paper reviews these costs and offers
      resources that can be used by physicians and medical teams to help patients and
      their families weather the challenges of this process.

PMID- 22098664
TI  - The "no dialysis" option.
AB  - Increasing numbers of patients are starting dialysis who have limited prognoses
      for 6-month survival. The presence of multiple comorbidities, aging, and frailty
      contributes to this phenomenon. The rate of dialysis withdrawal has been
      accelerating over the past decade, and this calls into question the condition of
      patients who are initiating dialysis. One option is to consider and discuss the
      "no dialysis" option with patients and family. Patients need to be identified who
      may benefit from this option, and their medical management needs to be reviewed.

PMID- 22098665
TI  - The patient-centered medical home and the nephrologist.
AB  - The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a model of practice that has been
      proposed to address the many ills of our current health care delivery and
      financing systems. At its heart is a primary care practice that provides
      comprehensive, coordinated, high-quality, personalized care. Integral to the
      success of the PCMH model is a "neighborhood" of specialists who subscribe to the
      principles of the PCMH. Nephrologists will have an opportunity to practice within
      this framework, either as the PCMH itself or, more likely, as "neighbors" to the
      "home." The effective and enthusiastic participation of nephrologists and other
      specialists will depend on the details of the model, not the least important of
      which is the financial structure. Dozens of demonstration projects around the
      country are currently testing the model. If the PCMH model proves to be workable
      and is widely adopted, nephrologists could be uniquely positioned to participate,
      given our long experience providing coordinated care for complex patients in a
      quality-conscious environment.

PMID- 22098666
TI  - Sphingosine kinase 1 promotes tumour cell migration and invasion via the S1P/EDG1
      axis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), which phosphorylates sphingosine
      to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), is overexpressed in various types of cancers,
      and may act as an oncogene in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the
      precise role of the SphK1/S1P pathway in human liver cancer, especially regarding
      the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      expression of SphK1 was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. In
      addition, transwell cell migration and invasion assay were carried out for
      functional analysis. Furthermore, the level of S1P was quantified by ELISA and
      Rac1/Cdc42 GTPase activation was assessed by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The
      levels of SphK1 mRNA are commonly up-regulated in HCC patients and human liver
      cancer cell migration and invasion can be promoted by the overexpression of
      SphK1. In addition, inhibition of SphK1 with either a SphK1 inhibitor or siRNA
      reduced human liver cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore,
      overexpression of SphK1 increased S1P levels, and the exogenous addition of S1P
      increased liver cell migration and invasion through the EDG1 receptor. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSION: The results from this study provide strong evidence of a role for
      the SphK1/S1P/EDG1 pathway in liver metastasis, thus making it an attractive
      therapeutic target for the development of new anti-HCC drugs.

PMID- 22098669
TI  - Gestational age of previous twin preterm birth as a predictor for subsequent
      singleton preterm birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine an optimal gestational-age cutoff of preterm
      twin deliveries for predicting subsequent singleton preterm birth (PTB). STUDY
      DESIGN: We performed a retrospective study of women with a spontaneous twin
      delivery who subsequently had a singleton gestation. Univariate and multivariate
      analyses determined the risk of a spontaneous singleton PTB after a PTB of a twin
      gestation. Different gestational-age cutoffs of the previous twin PTB were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Among 255 women, previous twin PTB at <34 weeks' gestation
      was associated with an increased risk of singleton PTB (odds ratio, 9.67; 95%
      confidence interval, 3.07-30.47). Every twin gestational age cutoff at <34 weeks'
      gestation had a significantly higher risk of subsequent singleton PTB, which was
      no longer significant at >= 34 weeks' gestation (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.23-12.19). CONCLUSION: In women with a previous spontaneous twin PTB
      at <34 weeks' gestation, there is an increased risk of subsequent singleton PTB.
      A twin birth at >= 34 weeks' gestation is not associated with an increased risk
      for a subsequent singleton PTB.

PMID- 22098667
TI  - Effect of bile duct ligation on bile acid composition in mouse serum and liver.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholestatic liver diseases can be caused by genetic defects, drug
      toxicities, hepatobiliary malignancies or obstruction of the biliary tract.
      Cholestasis leads to accumulation of bile acids (BAs) in hepatocytes. Direct
      toxicity of BAs is currently the most accepted hypothesis for cholestatic liver
      injury. However, information on which bile acids are actually accumulating during
      cholestasis is limited. AIM: To assess the BA composition in liver and serum
      after bile duct ligation (BDL) in male C57Bl/6 mice between 6 h and 14 days and
      evaluate toxicity of the most abundant BAs. RESULTS: Bile acid concentrations
      increased in liver (27-fold) and serum (1400-fold) within 6 h after surgery and
      remained elevated up to 14 days. BAs in livers of BDL mice became more
      hydrophilic than sham controls, mainly because of increased 6beta-hydroxylation
      and taurine conjugation. Among the eight unconjugated and 16 conjugated BAs
      identified in serum and liver, only taurocholic acid (TCA), beta-muricholic acid
      (betaMCA) and TbetaMCA were substantially elevated representing >95% of these BAs
      over the entire time course. Although glycochenodeoxycholic acid and other
      conjugated BAs increased in BDL animals, the changes were several orders of
      magnitude lower compared with TCA, betaMCA and TbetaMCA. A mixture of these BAs
      did not cause apoptosis or necrosis, but induced inflammatory gene expression in
      cultured murine hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of cytotoxic BAs are
      insufficient to cause hepatocellular injury. In contrast, TCA, betaMCA and
      TbetaMCA are able to induce pro-inflammatory mediators in hepatocytes. Thus, BAs
      act as inflammagens and not as cytotoxic mediators after BDL in mice.

PMID- 22098670
TI  - Effect of hemodialysis and hemofiltration on plasma C.E.R.A. concentrations.
AB  - C.E.R.A., a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, is a long-acting
      erythropoiesis-stimulating agent approved for the treatment of anemia in patients
      with chronic kidney disease. Although the large molecular weight and the
      carbohydrate chain make it unlikely that C.E.R.A. could be removed during
      hemodialysis or hemofiltration, no such data have been published. In vitro
      studies were performed to assess the removal of C.E.R.A. during hemodialysis and
      hemofiltration, using both low-flux and high-flux membranes and parameters very
      similar to those used in clinical practice. Clinical pharmacokinetic studies of
      plasma C.E.R.A. concentrations in patients undergoing hemodialysis were also
      performed following subcutaneous injection of C.E.R.A. In the in vitro studies,
      plasma C.E.R.A. concentrations were not significantly different from baseline
      values in the primed blood reservoir over a 4-hour period during hemodialysis (P
      = 0.12). C.E.R.A. concentrations in the plasma obtained from the venous end of
      the hemofilter increased proportionally with the plasma total protein
      concentrations, reflecting the consequence of hemoconcentration and suggesting
      that C.E.R.A and plasma total proteins were retained by hemofiltration membranes
      to a similar degree. These in vitro studies showed that C.E.R.A. was not removed
      by simulated hemodialysis or hemofiltration either via transmembrane transport or
      adsorption to the membrane. The results were corroborated by the clinical
      pharmacokinetic data, which showed no detectable changes in plasma C.E.R.A.
      concentrations during hemodialysis using either low-flux or high-flux dialyzers.
      These results suggest that C.E.R.A. can be administered to patients at any time
      during hemodialysis or hemofiltration without appreciable loss in the
      extracorporeal circuit.

PMID- 22098671
TI  - Oral health of hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study at two German
      dialysis centers.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the oral hygiene behavior and state of
      oral health of hemodialysis (HD) patients in Germany. HD patients attending two
      dialysis centers were asked to participate in the study. Anamneses and oral
      hygiene behavior were recorded in a questionnaire. Dental examination included
      the dental status (DMF-T) and the degree of gingival inflammation (PDI:
      Periodontol Disease Index). Of 129 patients contacted, 54 (42%), aged 63.9 +/-
      13.0 years (23 women and 31 men), took part in the study. At an average, dialysis
      was required for 4.1 years. The cause of terminal renal failure was
      glomerulonephritis in 30% of patients and diabetic nephropathy in 22% of
      patients. Since dialysis therapy, 63% of the patients (n = 34) only visited a
      dentist when they had complaints. In 46 cases (85%), the dentist had been
      informed about the patient's requirement for dialysis, and in most cases (70%),
      the dental treatment took place on the day after dialysis. The mean DMF-T of the
      HD patients was 22.1 +/- 6.5. The proportion of carious teeth was low (D-T: 0.7
      +/- 1.2), of missing teeth (M-T) high (16.2 +/- 9.3). The median degree of
      gingival inflammation (PDI) was 1. Availing themselves of dental treatment after
      patients needed to have dialysis was mostly "complaint oriented." In addition to
      a high proportion of missing teeth, a good level of restoration of caries was
      found. The gingiva showed only a low level of inflammatory changes.

PMID- 22098672
TI  - A remarkably stable TipE gene cluster: evolution of insect Para sodium channel
      auxiliary subunits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First identified in fruit flies with temperature-sensitive paralysis
      phenotypes, the Drosophila melanogaster TipE locus encodes four voltage-gated
      sodium (NaV) channel auxiliary subunits. This cluster of TipE-like genes on
      chromosome 3L, and a fifth family member on chromosome 3R, are important for the
      optional expression and functionality of the Para NaV channel but appear quite
      distinct from auxiliary subunits in vertebrates. Here, we exploited available
      arthropod genomic resources to trace the origin of TipE-like genes by mapping
      their evolutionary histories and examining their genomic architectures. RESULTS:
      We identified a remarkably conserved synteny block of TipE-like orthologues with
      well-maintained local gene arrangements from 21 insect species. Homologues in the
      water flea, Daphnia pulex, suggest an ancestral pancrustacean repertoire of four
      TipE-like genes; a subsequent gene duplication may have generated functional
      redundancy allowing gene losses in the silk moth and mosquitoes. Intronic nesting
      of the insect TipE gene cluster probably occurred following the divergence from
      crustaceans, but in the flour beetle and silk moth genomes the clusters
      apparently escaped from nesting. Across Pancrustacea, TipE gene family members
      have experienced intronic nesting, escape from nesting, retrotransposition,
      translocation, and gene loss events while generally maintaining their local gene
      neighbourhoods. D. melanogaster TipE-like genes exhibit coordinated spatial and
      temporal regulation of expression distinct from their host gene but well
      correlated with their regulatory target, the Para NaV channel, suggesting that
      functional constraints may preserve the TipE gene cluster. We identified homology
      between TipE-like NaV channel regulators and vertebrate Slo-beta auxiliary
      subunits of big-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels, which
      suggests that ion channel regulatory partners have evolved distinct lineage
      specific characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: TipE-like genes form a remarkably
      conserved genomic cluster across all examined insect genomes. This study reveals
      likely structural and functional constraints on the genomic evolution of insect
      TipE gene family members maintained in synteny over hundreds of millions of years
      of evolution. The likely common origin of these NaV channel regulators with BKCa
      auxiliary subunits highlights the evolutionary plasticity of ion channel
      regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22098673
TI  - Learning in a simple biological system: a pilot study of classical conditioning
      of human macrophages in vitro.
AB  - Recent advances in cell biology and gene regulation suggest mechanisms whereby
      associative learning could be performed by single cells. Therefore, we explored a
      model of classical conditioning in human macrophages in vitro. In macrophage
      cultures, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; unconditioned stimulus) was paired
      once with streptomycin (conditioned stimulus). Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6)
      was used as response measure. At evocation, conditioning was not observed. Levels
      of IL-6 were higher only in those cultures that had been exposed to LPS in the
      learning phase (p's < .05), regardless whether they received the conditioned
      stimulus or not at evocation.However, habituation was evident, with a 62% loss of
      the IL-6 response after three LPS presentations (p < .001). If further
      experiments confirm that simple learning can occur in immune cells, this may have
      bearings not only on immune regulation, but also on the brain response to
      molecular signals detected in the periphery. Importantly, whether capacities for
      simple learning in single cells extend beyond habituation, and how this would be
      demonstrated, remain open questions.

PMID- 22098674
TI  - Impaired reproductive function of male rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis is one of the classical conditions known to have an adverse effect
      on female reproductive functions, but a few investigations into male reproductive
      parameters have been performed. This work was carried out to study the effects of
      Toxoplasma gondii on reproductive function in male rats. Male rats were infected
      with the RH strain of T. gondii tachyzoites, and following every 10 days from 10
      to 70 postinfection (PI), the percentage of body weight to testis weight ratio as
      well as epididymal sperm parameters (number, motility, viability, and morphology
      rates), serum testosterone (ST), intratesticular testosterone (ITT), serum
      lactate dehydrogenase (SLDH), intratesticular lactate dehydrogenase and fructose
      in seminal vesicles and coagulating glands were measured. The results of the
      study showed sperm motility, viability and concentration rates were significantly
      decreased temporary after infection up to 70 days. Sperm abnormality was also
      increased during these days. In addition, temporary alteration in ST, ITT, SLDH,
      intratesticular LDH and fructose in seminal vesicle and coagulating gland was
      observed PI. These findings suggest that toxoplasmosis can cause impermanent
      impairment on the reproductive parameters of male rats.

PMID- 22098675
TI  - Changes in patterns of persistent halogenated compounds through a pelagic food
      web in the Baltic Sea.
AB  - The concentrations and patterns of persistent halogenated compounds (PHCs),
      including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs),
      hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were examined
      in a pelagic food web from the southern Baltic Sea consisting of sediment,
      zooplankton, sprat, Atlantic salmon and anadromous brown trout. Lipid-normalized
      concentrations generally increased from low trophic levels to high trophic
      levels, with the exception of HCHs. Due to high concentrations of PBDEs in some
      zooplankton samples, biomagnification of BDE-47 was only observed for
      salmon/sprat and trout/sprat. Sprat collected individually and from salmon
      stomach had significantly different lipid-normalized concentrations and varied in
      their PHC pattern as well, possibly indicating a large natural variation within
      the Baltic Sea. The highest lipid-normalized concentrations were found in brown
      trout. Salmon and brown trout were similar in their PHC pattern suggesting
      similar food sources. Variation in PHC patterns among trophic levels was not
      smaller than that among geographically distinct locations, confirming the
      importance of comparable trophic levels for the assessment of PHC patterns, e.g.
      for tracing migratory fish.

PMID- 22098676
TI  - Comparison of multiple estimates of efficacy for influenza vaccine.
AB  - Influenza vaccine trials typically report vaccine efficacy for infection
      confirmed symptomatic illness. Data on indirect vaccine efficacy for
      susceptibility, the degree of vaccine protection to susceptibles, or indirect
      vaccine efficacy for illness given infection, are sparse. Using inactivated
      influenza vaccine randomized trial data, we calculated indirect vaccine efficacy
      for susceptibility of 20% [95% CI 9-30] and indirect vaccine efficacy for illness
      among infected persons 12% [95% CI 2-22], values inferior to a direct vaccine
      efficacy for infection-confirmed symptomatic illness of 55% [95% CI -21 to 84]
      and an indirect effect of 61% [95% CI 8-83]. Such data reveal variance in
      protective efficacy of the vaccine for multi-dimensional direct and indirect
      efficacy measures.

PMID- 22098677
TI  - Adipocyte mitochondrial genes and the forkhead factor FOXC2 are decreased in type
      2 diabetes patients and normalized in response to rosiglitazone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: FOXC2 has lately been implicated in diabetes and obesity as well as
      mitochondrial function and biogenesis and also as a regulator of mtTFA/Tfam. In
      this study, the expression of FOXC2 and selected genes involved in mitochondrial
      function and biogenesis in healthy subjects and in a matched cohort with type 2
      diabetes patients before and after treatment with rosiglitazone was determined.
      Quantitative real time PCR was used to analyze both RNA and DNA from biopsies
      from subcutaneous adipose tissue. METHODS: Blood samples and subcutaneous
      abdominal fat biopsies were collected from 12 T2D patients, of which 11 concluded
      the study, pre-treatment and 90 days after initiation of rosiglitazone treatment,
      and from 19 healthy control subjects on the first and only visit from healthy
      subjects. Clinical parameters were measured on the blood samples. RNA and DNA
      were prepared from the fat biopsies and gene expression was measured with real
      time PCR. RESULTS: The expression level of genes in the mitochondrial respiratory
      complexes I - IV were significantly downregulated in the diabetic patients and
      restored in response to rosiglitazone treatment. Rosiglitazone treatment also
      increased the relative number of mitochondria in diabetic patients compared with
      controls. Furthermore, the transcription factors FOXC2 and mtTFA/Tfam displayed a
      response pattern identical to the mitochondrial genes. CONCLUSIONS: FOXC2,
      mtTFA/Tfam and subunits of the respiratory complexes I - IV show equivalent
      regulation in gene expression levels in response to TZD treatment. This, together
      with the knowledge that FOXC2 has a regulatory function of mtTFA/Tfam and
      mitochondrial biogenesis, suggests that FOXC2 has a possible functional role in
      the TZD activated mitochondrial response.

PMID- 22098678
TI  - Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of the UDP-glucose: flavonoid
      3-O-glucosyltransferase from Concord grape (Vitis labrusca).
AB  - Glucosylation of anthocyanidin substrates at the 3-O-position is crucial for the
      red pigmentation of grape berries and wine. The gene that encodes the enzyme
      involved in this reaction has been cloned from Vitis labrusca cv. Concord,
      heterologously expressed, and the recombinant enzyme (rVL3GT) was characterized.
      VL3GT has 96% amino acid sequence identity with Vitis vinifera VV3GT and groups
      phylogenetically with several other flavonoid 3-O-glycosyltransferases. In vitro
      substrate specificity studies and kinetic analyses of rVL3GT indicate that this
      enzyme preferentially glucosylates cyanidin as compared with quercetin. Crude
      protein extracts from several Concord grape tissues were assayed for
      glucosyltransferase activity with cyanidin and quercetin as acceptor substrates.
      A comparison of the VL3GT activities toward with these substrates showed that the
      3GT enzyme activity is consistent with the expression of VL3GT in these tissues
      and is coincident with the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in both location and
      developmental stages. Enzyme activities in grape mesocarp, pre-veraison exocarp,
      leaf, flower bud, and flower tissues glucosylated quercetin but not cyanidin at
      high rates, suggesting the presence of additional enzymes which are able to
      glucosylate the 3-O-position of flavonols with higher specificity than
      anthocyanidins.

PMID- 22098679
TI  - cDNA cloning, genomic structure, molecular characterization and mRNA expression
      analysis of the Pekin duck interleukin-10 receptor 1.
AB  - Interleukin-10 (IL-10) mediates its broad anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory
      effects through two cell surface receptors by which binding to the IL-10 receptor
      1 (IL-10R1) is the initial step that leads to recruitment of IL-10R2 and
      initiation of the ternary complex signal transduction cascade. The duck IL-10R1
      (duIL-10R1) cDNA was obtained by using RT-PCR and 5'RACE. The deduced 574 amino
      acid protein has an amino acid identity of 62%, 27% and 28% with chicken, mouse
      and human IL-10R1, respectively. Comparison of the duIL-10R1 cDNA with duck
      genomic sequences revealed a seven exon-six intron structure of the duck IL-10R1
      gene that shares a similar size with the respective exons 1-7 of the chicken and
      human IL-10R1 genes, but the avian genes are more compact. Promoter analysis
      identified putative binding sites for regulatory elements such as CCAAT enhancer
      binding protein-alpha, specificity protein 1 (Sp1), nuclear factor 1 (NF1),
      transcriptional regulatory protein Oct-1, nuclear factor (NF) kappaB and
      interferon-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3). A canonical TATA box was absent in
      proximity of the transcription initiation site, but a CpG island was present.
      Sequence analysis of the predicted duIL-10R1 protein revealed characteristic
      features of class-II cytokine receptors (CFR2) family members and a considerable
      degree of conservation of residues implicated in ligand binding across higher
      vertebrates. The predicted secondary structure of the duIL-10R1 extracellular
      domain is compatible with the two-subdomain structure of the human IL-10R1
      protein established by its crystal structure. The 3D model structure shows
      conservation of the positions of conserved contact residues within four of the
      five ligand-binding loops. Within the cytoplasmic domain, residues implicated in
      signal transduction were conserved including two redundant peptide motifs GYXXQ
      essential for recruitment and activation of STAT3. DuIL-10R1 mRNA expression was
      most abundant in spleen, thymus, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and
      lung. Mitogen stimulation of PBMCs transiently increased duIL-10R1 mRNA
      expression. Our observations suggest significant evolutionary conservation of the
      IL-10R1 genomic organization, protein structure and receptor function through the
      JAK/STAT signalling pathway across higher vertebrates.

PMID- 22098680
TI  - Comparative effects of processing methods on the feeding value of maize in
      feedlot cattle.
AB  - The primary reason for processing maize is to enhance feeding value. Total tract
      starch digestion is similar for coarsely processed (dry rolled, cracked) dry
      maize. Enhancements in starch digestion due to dry rolling maize v. feeding maize
      whole may be greater in light-weight calves than in yearlings, and when DM intake
      is restricted ( < 1.5 % of body weight). The net energy (NE) maintain (NEm) and
      NE gain (NEg) values for whole maize are 8.83 and 6.02 MJ (2.11 and 1.44
      Mcal)/kg, respectively. Compared with conventional dry processing (i.e. coarse
      rolled, cracked), finely processing maize may increase the initial rate of
      digestion, but does not improve total tract starch digestion. Tempering before
      rolling (without the addition of steam) may enhance the growth performance
      response and the NE value of maize. Average total tract starch digestion is
      similar for high-moisture and steam-flaked maize. However, the proportion of
      starch digested ruminally is greater (about 8 %) for high-moisture maize. The
      growth performance response of feedlot cattle to the feeding of high-moisture
      maize is highly variable. Although the NEm and NEg value of whole high-moisture
      maize was slightly less than that of dry processed maize (averaging 9.04 and 6.44
      MJ (2.16 and 1.54 Mcal)/kg, respectively), grinding or rolling high-moisture
      maize before ensiling increased (6 %) its NE value. Substituting steam-flaked
      maize for dry processed maize increases average daily gain (6.3 %) and decreases
      DM intake (5 %). The comparative NEm and NEg values for steam-flaked maize at
      optimal processing (density = 0.34 kg/l) are 10.04 and 7.07 MJ (2.40 and 1.69
      Mcal)/kg, respectively. These NE values are greater (3 %) than current tabular
      values (National Research Council, 2000), being more consistent with earlier
      standards (National Research Council, 1984). When maize is the primary or sole
      source of starch in the diet, concentration of starch in faeces (faecal starch, %
      of DM) of feedlot steers can serve as an indicator of total tract starch
      digestion, and, hence, the feeding value of maize.

PMID- 22098681
TI  - Validation of real-time polymerase chain reaction tests for diagnosing feline
      immunodeficiency virus infection in domestic cats using Bayesian latent class
      models.
AB  - The objectives of the current study were to estimate the sensitivity and
      specificity of three real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for
      diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in domestic cats, both
      individually and when interpreted in series with one of two serological tests,
      separately in populations of cats at low and high risk of being infected with
      FIV. One PCR test targeted the pol gene and two targeted the gag gene of FIV. For
      comparison, sensitivities and specificities of the individual serological tests
      (IDEXX SNAP((r)) test and AGEN Simplify((r)) test) were also estimated. The study
      populations consisted of domestic cats thought to be not vaccinated against FIV.
      Low-risk (males aged 4 years or less and females; n=128) and high-risk (males
      over 4 years; n=128) cats were selected from those where blood samples were
      submitted to a commercial clinical pathology service. Bayesian latent class
      models were used to obtain posterior probability distributions for sensitivity
      and specificity for each test, based on prior distributions obtained from three
      experts. Medians of the posterior sensitivity distributions for the PCR tests
      based on the pol gene and two regions of the gag gene tests ranged from 0.85 to
      0.89, compared to 0.89-0.97 for the two serological tests. The medians of
      posterior specificity distributions for these PCR tests were 0.94-0.96, and 0.95
      0.97 for the serological tests. In contrast, the PCR based on one region of the
      gag gene had lower median sensitivity. Sensitivities of combinations of these
      serological and PCR tests interpreted in series were low; medians of posterior
      sensitivity distributions ranged from 0.75 to 0.83. Relative to the low-risk
      population, median sensitivities in the high-risk population were lower for all
      tests other than the AGEN Simplify((r)) test; specificities were similar in both
      populations. We conclude that the sensitivities of the two PCR tests based on the
      pol gene and two regions of the gag gene, respectively, in non-vaccinated cats
      are probably lower than the sensitivities of the two serological tests we
      assessed. We do not recommend screening cats whose FIV vaccination status is
      uncertain with one of these serological tests and then testing positives with one
      of these PCR tests because in non-vaccinates, the sensitivities of combinations
      of these serological and PCR tests interpreted in series are low. Assessment of
      the validity of these PCR assays in FIV-vaccinated cats is required.

PMID- 22098682
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii associated behavioural changes in mice, rats and humans:
      evidence from current research.

PMID- 22098683
TI  - Impact of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system on the outcome of
      critically ill adult patients: a before-after study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems are recommended to
      improve patient safety and outcomes. However, their effectiveness has been
      questioned. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of CPOE implementation on
      the outcome of critically ill patients. METHODS: This was an observational before
      after study carried out in a 21-bed medical and surgical intensive care unit
      (ICU) of a tertiary care center. It included all patients admitted to the ICU in
      the 24 months pre- and 12 months post-CPOE (Misys(r)) implementation. Data were
      extracted from a prospectively collected ICU database and included: demographics,
      Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, admission
      diagnosis and comorbid conditions. Outcomes compared in different pre- and post
      CPOE periods included: ICU and hospital mortality, duration of mechanical
      ventilation, and ICU and hospital length of stay. These outcomes were also
      compared in selected high risk subgroups of patients (age 12-17 years, traumatic
      brain injury, admission diagnosis of sepsis and admission APACHE II > 23).
      Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for imbalances in baseline
      characteristics and selected clinically relevant variables. RESULTS: There were
      1638 and 898 patients admitted to the ICU in the specified pre- and post-CPOE
      periods, respectively (age = 52 +/- 22 vs. 52 +/- 21 years, p = 0.74; APACHE II =
      24 +/- 9 vs. 24 +/- 10, p = 0.83). During these periods, there were no
      differences in ICU (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      0.7-1.3) and in hospital mortality (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.8-1.3). CPOE
      implementation was associated with similar duration of mechanical ventilation and
      of stay in the ICU and hospital. There was no increased mortality or stay in the
      high risk subgroups after CPOE implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of
      CPOE in an adult medical surgical ICU resulted in no improvement in patient
      outcomes in the immediate phase and up to 12 months after implementation.

PMID- 22098684
TI  - Evaluation of transient elastography for fibrosis assessment compared with large
      biopsies in chronic hepatitis B and C.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrosis determines prognosis and management in patients with chronic
      hepatitis B and C (CHB and CHC). Transient elastography (TE) is a promising non
      invasive method to assess fibrosis. We prospectively studied the performance of
      TE compared to histology and also whether there are differences between CHB and
      CHC. Only large biopsies (>= 25 mm) were used. METHODS: We included 241 patients
      with CHB (n = 125) and CHC (n = 116), of whom we acquired 257 liver biopsies, all
      preceded by elastography. We correlated liver stiffness with fibrosis stage
      according to the METAVIR system, inflammation (Histology Activity Index),
      steatosis and iron. The impact of gender, age, body mass index, alcohol, alanine
      aminotransferase levels, platelet count, viral load and genotype on liver
      stiffness was evaluated. RESULTS: The AUROC's for F >= 2 were 0.85 for CHB and
      0.76 for CHC. AUROC's for F >= 3 were 0.91 for CHB and 0.87 for CHC and 0.90 and
      0.91 for F4 for CHB and CHC respectively. For F >= 2 the cut-off value was 6.0
      kPa for CHB and 5.0 kPa for CHC. The cut-off values for >= F3 were 9.0 and 8.0
      kPa for CHB and CHC, respectively, and 13.0 kPa for F4 in both CHB and CHC
      patients. Besides inflammation, all other remaining factors do not influence
      liver stiffness. CONCLUSION: For the diagnosis of fibrosis stages F <= 2 TE is
      suboptimal, and inflammation may induce higher values. For stages F >= 3 TE
      performance is good and equal in both CHB and CHC patients.

PMID- 22098685
TI  - Can a decision-making model be justified in the management of hepatocellular
      adenoma?
AB  - During recent years, there was a great development in the area of hepatocellular
      adenomas (HCA), especially regarding the pathological subtype classification,
      radiological imaging and management during pregnancy. This review discusses the
      current knowledge about diagnosis and treatment modalities of HCA and proposes a
      decision-making model for HCA. A Medline search of studies relevant to
      epidemiology, histopathology, complications, imaging and management of HCA
      lesions was undertaken. References from identified articles were hand-searched
      for further relevant articles.

PMID- 22098686
TI  - Excess epicardial fat mass misrepresented as cardiomegaly in dry-weight
      assessment of a dialysis patient.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem that has entered the nephrology community and
      is challenging our conventional management strategies. In this case report, we
      present a morbidly obese dialysis patient whom dry-weight assessment was
      disturbed by excess epicardial fat mass due to obesity. This case suggests that
      problems related to obesity seem not to be limited to dealing with obesity
      associated kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and mortality, but also other
      concepts in nephrology such that, as described, excess epicardial fat mass
      related to morbid obesity in this patient erroneously suggested a high
      cardiothoracic index, and misled patient management. Interpretation of chest X
      ray in dry-weight assessment should take into account the patient's body weight
      especially in obese cases and alternative diagnostic methods for correct
      determination of fluid status are highly needed.

PMID- 22098687
TI  - Nocturnality constrains morphological and functional diversity in the eyes of
      reef fishes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ambient light levels are often considered to drive the evolution of
      eye form and function. Diel activity pattern is the main mechanism controlling
      the visual environment of teleost reef fish, with day-active (diurnal) fish
      active in well-illuminated conditions, whereas night-active (nocturnal) fish cope
      with dim light. Physiological optics predicts several specific evolutionary
      responses to dim-light vision that should be reflected in visual performance
      features of the eye. RESULTS: We analyzed a large comparative dataset on
      morphological traits of the eyes in 265 species of teleost reef fish in 43
      different families. The eye morphology of nocturnal reef teleosts is
      characterized by a syndrome that indicates better light sensitivity, including
      large relative eye size, high optical ratio and large, rounded pupils. Improved
      dim-light image formation comes at the cost of reduced depth of focus and
      reduction of potential accommodative lens movement. Diurnal teleost reef fish,
      released from the stringent functional requirements of dim-light vision have much
      higher morphological and optical diversity than nocturnal species, with large
      ranges of optical ratio, depth of focus, and lens accommodation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Physical characteristics of the environment are an important factor in the
      evolution and diversification of the vertebrate eye. Both teleost reef fish and
      terrestrial amniotes meet the functional requirements of dim-light vision with a
      similar evolutionary response of morphological and optical modifications. The
      trade-off between improved dim-light vision and reduced optical diversity may be
      a key factor in explaining the lower trophic diversity of nocturnal reef
      teleosts.

PMID- 22098688
TI  - Unexpected bilateral massive pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 22098690
TI  - Endoscopic Saphenous harvesting with an Open CO2 System (ESOS) trial for coronary
      artery bypass grafting surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, arterial conduits are
      preferred because of more favourable long-term patency and outcome. Anyway the
      greater saphenous vein continues to be the most commonly used bypass conduit.
      Minimally invasive endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting is increasingly being
      investigated in order to reduce the morbidity associated with conventional open
      vein harvesting, includes postoperative leg wound complications, pain and patient
      satisfaction. However, to date the short and the long-term benefits of the
      endoscopic technique remain controversial. This study provides an interesting
      opportunity to address this gap in the literature. METHODS/DESIGN: Endoscopic
      Saphenous harvesting with an Open CO2 System trial includes two parallel vein
      harvesting arms in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. It is an
      interventional, single centre, prospective, randomized, safety/efficacy,
      cost/effectiveness study, in adult patients with elective planned and first
      isolated coronary artery disease. A simple size of 100 patients for each arm will
      be required to achieve 80% statistical power, with a significant level of 0.05,
      for detecting most of the formulated hypotheses. A six-weeks leg wound
      complications rate was assumed to be 20% in the conventional arm and less of 4%
      in the endoscopic arm. Previously quoted studies suggest a first-year vein-graft
      failure rate of about 20% with an annual occlusion rate of 1% to 2% in the first
      six years, with practically no difference between the endoscopic and conventional
      approaches. Similarly, the results on event-free survival rates for the two arms
      have barely a 2-3% gap. Assuming a 10% drop-out rate and a 5% cross-over rate,
      the goal is to enrol 230 patients from a single Italian cardiac surgery centre.
      DISCUSSION: The goal of this prospective randomized trial is to compare and to
      test improvement in wound healing, quality of life, safety/efficacy, cost
      effectiveness, short and long-term outcomes and vein-graft patency after
      endoscopic open CO2 harvesting system versus conventional vein harvesting.The
      expected results are of high clinical relevance and will show the safety/efficacy
      or non-inferiority of one treatment approach in terms of vein harvesting for
      coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      www.clinicalTrials.gov NCT01121341.

PMID- 22098691
TI  - Unusual presentation of a case of Sjogren's syndrome with neurological and ocular
      manifestation.
AB  - Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that commonly presents to the
      ophthalmologist as a dry eye disease. We report an unusual presentation of a case
      of Sjogren's syndrome. A 33-year-old man presented with lid swelling,
      pseudomembraneous conjunctivitis with central corneal epithelial defect and
      history of limb weakness for past 2 years. There was progressive enlargement of
      the epithelial defect and conjunctival-scleral necrosis developed during follow
      up. Evaluation for underlying connective tissue disorder was positive for SS-B/La
      antibody and, the rheumatoid factor, anti nuclear antibody, anti neutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibody titres were negative. Patient was diagnosed as a case of
      Primary Sjogren's syndrome. Resolution of the conjunctival-scleral necrosis
      occurred following treatment with combination of cyclosporine and prednisolone.
      Paramedian tarsorrhaphy was performed to promote healing of the corneal
      epithelium. The corneal epithelium healed, conjunctival-scleral necrosis resolved
      completely and the visual acuity improved to 6/36 in the right eye after 3 months
      of immunosuppressive therapy. The immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued
      after completion of 6 months of treatment. After 6 months follow-up of stopping
      immunosuppressive therapy, the ocular and systemic condition is stable.

PMID- 22098689
TI  - Monthly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator treatment maintains stable
      hemoglobin levels in routine clinical management of hemodialysis patients.
AB  - Once-monthly administration of CERA, a continuous erythropoietin receptor
      activator, has shown equivalent efficacy to shorter-acting erythropoiesis
      stimulating agents (ESAs) that require more frequent dosing, but data on routine
      use of once-monthly CERA in hemodialysis patients are lacking. Study on Efficacy,
      Safety and Applicability of Mircera (SESAM) was a prospective, multicenter,
      noninterventional trial with a duration of up to 9 months (month 0-5 "titration
      phase"; month 6-8 "evaluation phase") to test the stability of Hb control in
      hemodialysis patients under routine conditions. Patient selection, Hb targets and
      CERA dosing were at the discretion of the local nephrologist. 918 patients from
      92 German nephrology centers were included. Ninety-three percent were on ESA
      treatment prior to study entry. The mean number of CERA dose changes during the
      study was 1.9 +/- 1.9 per patient. Mean Hb level was 11.4 +/- 1.2 g/dL at
      baseline and 11.7 +/- 1.4 g/dL at the end of the 8-month study. During the
      evaluation phase (months 6-8), 15.6%, 40.3%, and 66.0% of patients had stable Hb
      (i.e., at least two values) in the ranges 11-12, 10-12, and 10-13 g/dL,
      respectively. The mean intra-individual fluctuation in Hb was 1.4 +/- 0.7 g/dL
      during the study (0.5 +/- 0.4 g/dL during the 3-month evaluation phase). More
      than 90% of patients, and > 80% of physicians, rated CERA therapy as "very good"
      or "good" throughout the study. Four patients (0.4%) discontinued prematurely due
      to adverse drug reactions. Once-monthly CERA therapy maintains stable Hb values
      with low intra-individual variability and few dose adaptations in hemodialysis
      patients when administered entirely according to local practice, and the regimen
      was well-tolerated.

PMID- 22098692
TI  - A novel model to explain dietary factors affecting hypocalcaemia in dairy cattle.
AB  - Most dairy cows exhibit different degrees of hypocalcaemia around calving because
      the gestational Ca requirements shift to the disproportionately high Ca
      requirements of lactation. Ca homeostasis is a robust system that effectively
      adapts to changes in Ca demand or supply. However, these adaptations often are
      not rapid enough to avoid hypocalcaemia. A delay in the reconfiguration of
      intestinal Ca absorption and bone resorption is probably the underlying cause of
      this transient hypocalcaemia. Several dietary factors that affect different
      aspects of Ca metabolism are known to reduce the incidence of milk fever. The
      present review describes the interactions between nutrition and Ca homeostasis
      using observations from cattle and extrapolations from other species and aims to
      quantitatively model the effects of the nutritional approaches that are used to
      induce dry cows into an early adaptation of Ca metabolism. The present model
      suggests that reducing dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) increases Ca
      clearance from the blood by dietary induction of systemic acidosis, which results
      in hypercalciuria due to the loss of function of the renal Ca transient receptor
      potential vanilloid channel TRPV5. Alternatively, reducing the gastrointestinal
      availability of Ca by reducing dietary Ca or its nutritional availability will
      also induce the activation of Ca metabolism to compensate for basal blood Ca
      clearance. Our model of gastrointestinal Ca availability as well as blood Ca
      clearance in the transition dairy cow allowed us to conclude that the most common
      dietary strategies for milk fever prevention may have analogous modes of action
      that are based on the principle of metabolic adaptation before calving.

PMID- 22098693
TI  - Patterns of Long Term Care in 29 European countries: evidence from an exploratory
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The challenges posed by the rapidly ageing population, and the
      increased preponderance of disabled people in this group, coupled with the rising
      level of public expenditure required to service the complex organization of long
      term care (LTC) delivery are causing increased pressure on LTC systems in Europe.
      A pan-European survey was carried out to evaluate whether patterns of LTC can be
      identified across Europe and what are the trends of the countries along them.
      METHODS: An ecological study was conducted on the 27 EU Member States plus Norway
      and Iceland, referring to the period 2003-2007. Several variables related to
      organizational features, elderly needs and expenditure were drawn from OECD
      Health Data and the Eurostat Statistics database and combined using Multiple
      Factor Analysis (MFA). RESULTS: Two global Principal Components were taken into
      consideration given that their expressed total variance was greater than 60%.
      They were interpreted according to the higher (more than 0.5) positive or
      negative correlation coefficients between them and the original variables; thus
      patterns of LTC were identified. High alignment between old age related
      expenditure and elderly needs characterizes Nordic and Western European
      countries, the former also having a higher level of formal care than the latter.
      Mediterranean as well as Central and South Eastern European countries show lower
      alignment between old age related expenditure and elderly needs, coupled with a
      level of provision of formal care that is around or slightly above the average
      European level. In the dynamic comparison, linear, stable or unclear trends were
      shown for the studied countries. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis carried out is an
      explorative and descriptive study, which is an attempt to reveal patterns and
      trends of LTC in Europe, allowing comparisons between countries. It also
      stimulates further researches with lower aggregated data useful to gain
      meaningful policy-making evidence.Please see related article:
      http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/9/124.

PMID- 22098694
TI  - Biliary atresia and survival into adulthood without transplantation: a
      collaborative multicentre clinic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia is a progressive biliary injury which occurs only in
      infants. AIMS: To review the experience of patients surviving into adulthood
      without the need for liver transplantation in childhood. METHODS: A multicentre
      review of patients with biliary atresia treated surgically who survived into
      adulthood without the need for transplantation. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were
      identified across four centres. Median age at the last follow-up was 25 years
      (range: 18-46), and 21 patients had clinical features of portal hypertension. At
      last follow-up values of liver enzymes varied from normal to 15 * the upper limit
      of normal (ULN) for ALT (median 2.11 * ULN) and 9 * the ULN for ALP (median 2.02
      * ULN). Six patients had a serum bilirubin > 50 MUmol/l. Pruritus and jaundice
      were noted in 8 of 20 patients (40%) and 11 of 22 patients (50%) respectively.
      Thirteen patients (59.1%) were shown to have imaging features of sclerosing
      cholangitis, with strictures of intrahepatic bile duct(s) (IHBD), dilatation of
      IHBD (n = 8), or stone(s) within the IHBD (n = 5). A history of presumed
      bacterial cholangitis was present in 11 patients (50%). Successful pregnancies
      were recorded in three of fourteen female patients. Four patients underwent
      transplant between the ages of 20-27 years. Twenty-one patients (95.5%) were
      alive, including 18 (81.8%) with their native liver at the time of last follow
      up. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients treated for biliary atresia will survive into
      adulthood with their native liver, but commonly with secondary biliary disease
      including cholangitis and portal hypertension.

PMID- 22098695
TI  - J-tip guide wire entrapment within the heart during central venous
      catheterization.
AB  - A 55-year-old female was hospitalized for melena. The patient was suspected of
      having uremia symptoms. Use of a tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter of the
      right internal jugular vein was planned. At one point, the wire could not be
      extracted or advanced. In addition, whenever the guide wire was manipulated,
      ventricular premature rhythms developed. Fluoroscopy revealed knotting of the
      guide wire in the right ventricle. A 7 French guiding catheter was inserted along
      the guide wire, which loosened the knotting of the guide wire. The present case
      shows that entrapment within the heart can develop due to use of a J-tip guide
      wire. If a guide wire cannot be removed despite several attempts with gentle
      pressure, this event should be ruled out by fluoroscopy and chest X-ray. Using of
      straight or curved guide wire and real-time surveillance using fluoroscopy or
      electrocardiography may be important to prevent this complication.

PMID- 22098696
TI  - Genetic continuity across a deeply divergent linguistic contact zone in North
      Maluku, Indonesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The islands of North Maluku, Indonesia occupy a central position in
      the major prehistoric dispersal streams that shaped the peoples of Island
      Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Within this region a linguistic contact zone
      exists where speakers of Papuan and Austronesian languages reside in close
      proximity. Here we use population genetic data to assess the extent to which
      North Maluku populations experienced admixture of Asian genetic material, and
      whether linguistic boundaries reflect genetic differentiation today. RESULTS:
      Autosomal and X-linked markers reveal overall Asian admixture of 67% in North
      Maluku, demonstrating a substantial contribution of genetic material into the
      region from Asia. We observe no evidence of population structure associated with
      ethnicity or language affiliation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a model of
      widespread Asian admixture in North Maluku, likely mediated by the expansion of
      Austronesian-speaking peoples into the region during the mid Holocene. In North
      Maluku there is no genetic differentiation in terms of Austronesian- versus
      Papuan-speakers, suggesting extensive gene flow across linguistic boundaries. In
      a regional context, our results illuminate a major genetic divide at the Molucca
      Sea, between the islands of Sulawesi and North Maluku. West of this divide,
      populations exhibit predominantly Asian ancestry, with very little contribution
      of Papuan genetic material. East of the Molucca Sea, populations show diminished
      rates of Asian admixture and substantial persistence of Papuan genetic diversity.

PMID- 22098697
TI  - Homogeneous single-label biochemical Ras activation assay using time-resolved
      luminescence.
AB  - Mutations of the small GTP-binding protein Ras have been commonly found in
      tumors, and Ras oncogenes have been established to be involved in the early steps
      of cancerogenesis. The detection of Ras activity is critical in the determination
      of the cell signaling events controlling cell growth and differentiation.
      Therefore, development of improved methods for primary screening of novel
      potential drugs that target small GTPase or their regulators and their signaling
      pathways is important. Several assays have been developed for small GTPases
      studies, but all these methods have limitations for a high-throughput screening
      (HTS) use. Multiple steps including separation, use of radioactive labels or time
      consuming immunoblotting, and a need of large quantities of purified proteins are
      decreasing the user-friendliness of these methods. Here, we have developed a
      homogeneous H-Ras activity assay based on a single-label utilizing the
      homogeneous quenching resonance energy transfer technique (QRET). In the QRET
      method, the binding of a terbium-labeled GTP (Tb-GTP) to small GTPase protein H
      Ras protects the signal of the label from quenching, whereas the signal of the
      nonbound fraction of Tb-GTP is quenched by a soluble quencher. This enables a
      rapid determination of the changes in the activity status of Ras. The assay
      optimization showed that only 60 nM concentration of purified H-Ras protein was
      needed. The functionality of the assay was proved by detecting the effect of H
      Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless. The signal-to
      background ratio up to 7.7 was achieved with an average assay coefficient of
      variation of 9.1%. The use of a low concentration of purified protein is
      desirable and the signal-to-background ratio of 3.4 was achieved in the assay at
      a concentration of 60 nM for H-Ras and SOS proteins. The need of only one labeled
      molecule and the ability to decrease the quantities of purified proteins used in
      the experiments are valuable qualities in HTS showing the potential of the QRET
      method.

PMID- 22098698
TI  - Use of an alteplase algorithm for the management of hemodialysis catheter
      dysfunction.
AB  - Hemodialysis (HD) catheter dysfunction compromises HD adequacy and increases the
      cost of patient care. Repeated administration of alteplase in HD catheters
      typically produces only short-term benefits. The purpose of this study was to
      design, implement, and evaluate the efficacy of an experimental alteplase
      algorithm to manage HD catheter dysfunction. This was a two-part prospective
      nonrandomized study. Baseline data of alteplase use and catheter exchange were
      collected during part 1 of the study. Part 2 consisted of the alteplase algorithm
      implementation and repeat collection of catheter data. Rates of alteplase use and
      catheter exchange per 1000 catheter-days were the primary and secondary outcomes
      of the study. One hundred and seventy-two catheters in 131 patients were followed
      prospectively during the course of the study. The adjusted relative rate (RR) of
      alteplase use showed no significant difference between both parts of the study,
      adjusted RR: 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.73-1.65). Similarly, catheter
      exchange rates were not significantly different over the duration of the study
      (1.12 vs. 1.03 per 1000 catheter-days). However, waiting time for catheter
      exchange increased from 20.36 +/- 14 days in part 1 to 38.42 +/- 28 days in part
      2 (P < 0.05). The alteplase algorithm did not significantly reduce alteplase use.
      This may be partially explained by repeated use of alteplase in part 2, due to
      longer waiting times for catheter exchange procedures.

PMID- 22098699
TI  - Primary care physicians' perspectives towards managing rheumatoid arthritis: room
      for improvement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not receive care from
      a rheumatologist. We surveyed primary care physicians (PCPs) to better understand
      their attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding the optimal treatment of RA.
      METHODS: Randomly selected PCPs practicing in the US were surveyed. The survey
      encompassed their experience with RA, use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic
      drugs (DMARDs), and experience with rheumatology referrals. Logistic regression
      analyses described the responses and examined the correlation between physician
      variables and use of DMARDs. RESULTS: E-mail invitations were opened by 1, 103
      PCPs and completed by 267 (25%). Most respondents were men (68%) in practice for
      over 10 years (64%) who reported 6 or more RA patients under their care in the
      last year (71%). The majority reported some RA training after medical school
      (59%), but only one-third felt very confident managing this condition. Most (81%)
      reported prescribing DMARDs, but 37% do not initiate them, with only 9% reporting
      being very confident starting a DMARD. In unadjusted analyses, several respondent
      characteristics were strongly associated with not prescribing DMARDs, but none
      was significant after adjustment. Almost half (44%) of PCPs noted that patients
      report difficulty getting appointments with rheumatologists. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found many PCPs are uncomfortable managing RA with DMARDs, despite common beliefs
      that their patients lack access to a rheumatologist. Lack of accessibility to
      rheumatologists and discomfort in prescribing DMARDs for patients with RA are
      potential barriers to optimal treatment.

PMID- 22098700
TI  - A trial for the use of qigong in the treatment of pre and mild essential
      hypertension: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the
      prevalence of hypertension tends to increase with age. Current treatments for
      hypertension have side effects and poor adherence. Qigong has been studied as an
      alternative therapy for hypertension; however, the types of qigong used in those
      studies were diverse, and there have not been many well-designed randomized
      controlled trials.Our objectives are the following: 1) To evaluate the effects of
      qigong on blood pressure, health status and hormone levels for pre- or mild
      hypertension. 2) To test the methodological appropriateness of this clinical
      trial and calculate a sample size for future randomized trials. METHODS: Forty
      subjects with pre- or mild hypertension will be randomized to either the qigong
      exercise group or the non-treated group. Participants in the qigong group will
      conduct qigong exercises 5 times per week for 8 weeks, and participants in the
      non-treated group will maintain their current lifestyle, including diet and
      exercise. The use of antihypertensive medication is not permitted. The primary
      endpoint is a change in patient blood pressure. Secondary endpoints are patient
      health status (as measured by the SF-36 and the MYMOP2 questionnaires) and
      changes in hormone levels, including norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol.
      DISCUSSION: This study will be the first randomized trial to investigate the
      effectiveness of qigong exercises for the treatment of pre- and mild
      hypertension. The results of this study will help to establish the optimal
      approach for the care of adults with pre- or mild hypertension. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0000140.

PMID- 22098701
TI  - Antibacterial activities of 4-substituted-2-[(E)-{(1S,2R)/(1R,2S)-1-hydroxy-1
      phenylpropan-2-ylimino}methyl]phenol.
AB  - A series of norephedrine-based Schiff bases (1a-6a and 1b-6b) were synthesized by
      reacting substituted salicylaldehydes with d-norephedrine or l-norephedrine. The
      structure of these compounds was confirmed by elemental analyses and
      spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structures of 5a and 6a have been
      determined by X-ray crystallography, which revealed that the compounds are in the
      oxoamino form, with bent intramolecular N-H...O (N...O ~ 2.58 A) hydrogen bonds
      and that they are associated in dimers bridged by linear intermolecular O-H...O
      (O...O ~ 2.69 A) hydrogen bonds. The density functional theory calculations on 5a
      confirmed that the oxoamino form is more stable than the phenolimino form by 12.2
      kcal/mol. All the compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity using
      resazurin dye as indicator by twofold dilution method against four bacteria
      namely, Bacillus subtilis (NCIM2718), Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM5021),
      Escherichia coli (NCIM2931), and Proteus vulgaris (NCIM2813).

PMID- 22098702
TI  - Role transition from mental health nurse to IAPT high intensity psychological
      therapist.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative has
      depended on the training of a new NHS mental health workforce. At step 3 of the
      stepped care model, capacity building has required the recruitment of a wide
      range of mental health professionals into high intensity therapists training
      posts. This shift naturally entails role transition on the part of trainees into
      delivering cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBP), but no previous research
      has examined the experience of such transitions. AIM: To describe the lived
      experience of transition from mental health nurse to IAPT high intensity
      therapist and to identify possible factors which moderate effective role
      conversions. METHOD: Six qualified high intensity therapists were interviewed
      using a semi-structured interview and the subsequent interviews transcribed.
      Thematic content analysis (TCA) was used to analyze personal accounts of role
      transition. All participants had previously been mental health nurses and
      attended the same IAPT high intensity therapist (HIT) training programme.
      RESULTS: Six key themes were apparent from the TCA. Three interconnected themes
      concerning supervision (style, impact of approach and historical context) and
      three additional themes of the challenge of learning a new clinical approach,
      high need for support, and forming a new psychotherapist identity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings suggest supervision is the most important factor in supporting complex
      psychotherapy role transitions. Clinical supervisors may need to incorporate
      dedicated time on role and identity shift during CBP training to ensure effective
      assimilation and transition. Methodological short-comings are identified and
      discussed.

PMID- 22098704
TI  - Can 24-h urine sodium excretion be replaced by spot urine sodium/potassium in
      patients with decompensated cirrhosis?

PMID- 22098703
TI  - Reconstruction versus conservative treatment after rupture of the anterior
      cruciate ligament: cost effectiveness analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The decision whether to treat conservatively or reconstruct
      surgically a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an ongoing subject of
      debate. The high prevalence and associated public health burden of torn ACL has
      led to continuous efforts to determine the best therapeutic approach. A critical
      evaluation of benefits and expenditures of both treatment options as in a cost
      effectiveness analysis seems well-suited to provide valuable information for
      treating physicians and healthcare policymakers. METHODS: A literature review
      identified four of 7410 searched articles providing sufficient outcome
      probabilities for the two treatment options for modeling. A transformation key
      based on the expert opinions of 25 orthopedic surgeons was used to derive
      utilities from available evidence. The cost data for both treatment strategies
      were based on average figures compiled by Orthopaedic University Hospital
      Balgrist and reinforced by Swiss national statistics. A decision tree was
      constructed to derive the cost-effectiveness of each strategy, which was then
      tested for robustness using Monte Carlo simulation. RESULTS: Decision tree
      analysis revealed a cost effectiveness of 16,038 USD/0.78 QALY for ACL
      reconstruction and 15,466 USD/0.66 QALY for conservative treatment, implying an
      incremental cost effectiveness of 4,890 USD/QALY for ACL reconstruction.
      Sensitivity analysis of utilities did not change the trend. CONCLUSION: ACL
      reconstruction for reestablishment of knee stability seems cost effective in the
      Swiss setting based on currently available evidence. This, however, should be
      reinforced with randomized controlled trials comparing the two treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 22098705
TI  - Personal viewpoint: hemodialysis--water, power, and waste disposal: rethinking
      our environmental responsibilities.
AB  - While medical health professionals are trained to detect, treat, and comfort,
      they are not trained to consider the environmental impact of the services they
      provide. Dialysis practitioners seem particularly careless in the use of natural
      resources-especially water and power-and seem broadly ignorant of the profound
      medical waste issues created by single use dialysis equipment. If the data we
      have collected is an indication, then extrapolation of this data to a dialysis
      population currently estimated at ~2 million patients worldwide, a "world
      dialysis service" would use ~156 billion liters of water and discard ~2/3 of that
      during reverse osmosis. This waste occurs, despite the discarded water being high
      grade "gray water" of potable standard. The same world dialysis service would
      consume 1.62 billion kWh of power-mostly generated from coal and other
      environmentally damaging sources. Our world dialysis service, based on ~2 kg of
      waste from each dialysis treatment, would generate ~625,000 tonnes of plastic
      waste-waste that would be potentially reusable if simple sterilizing techniques
      were applied to it at the point of generation. Dialysis services must begin to
      explore eco-dialysis potentials. The continued plundering of resources without
      considering reuse or recycling, exploration of renewable energy options, or the
      reduction of the carbon footprint of the dialysis process . . . is unsustainable.
      Sustainable dialysis practices should be a global goal in the coming decade.

PMID- 22098706
TI  - DNA methylation changes elicited by social stimuli in the brains of worker honey
      bees.
AB  - Social environments are notoriously multifactorial, yet studies in rodents have
      suggested that single variables such as maternal care can in fact be disentangled
      and correlated with specific DNA methylation changes. This study assesses whether
      non-detrimental social environmental variation in a highly plastic social insect
      is correlated with epigenomic modifications at the DNA methylation level. Honey
      bee workers perform tasks such as nursing and foraging in response to the social
      environment in the hive, in an age-linked but not age-dependent manner. In this
      study, the methylation levels of 83 cytosine-phosphate-guanosine dinucleotides
      over eight genomic regions were compared between the brains of age-matched bees
      performing nursing or foraging tasks. The results reveal more changes correlated
      with task than with chronological age, and also hive-associated methylation at
      some sites. One methylation site from a gene encoding Protein Kinase C binding
      protein 1 was consistently more methylated in foragers than nurses, which is
      suggested to lead to production of task-specific protein isoforms via alternative
      splicing. This study illustrates the ability of the neural epigenome to
      dynamically respond to complex social stimuli.

PMID- 22098707
TI  - Renal involvement of mantle cell lymphona leading to end stage renal disease.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), owing to its insensitivity to chemotherapy, has a
      poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3 years to 4 years. MCL frequently
      infiltrates other organs. However, reports involving kidney in living patients
      are rare. Here, we report a case of MCL with renal involvement leading to end
      stage renal disease that required renal replacement therapy. A 69-year-old man
      diagnosed with MCL 3 years earlier was admitted to our emergency room due to
      uremic symptoms. After eight cycles of chemotherapy, he had displayed complete
      remission, but experienced a recurrence 1.5 years later; after refusing
      chemotherapy, the patient was lost on follow-up in the final 10 months. On
      presentation at the emergency room, the patient's serum blood urea nitrogen was
      109.5 mg/dL, and creatinine was 11.1 mg/dL. All serological markers for secondary
      glomerulonephritis were negative. Renal biopsy revealed 50% sclerosis of the
      glomerulus and small dense lymphocyte infiltration of the tubulo-interstitium.
      Similar cells were found on the gastric mucosa. Despite our recommendation for
      chemotherapy, he refused all treatments except for hemodialysis, which was
      maintained for 12 months until his death. This patient represents the first case
      report of the renal involvement of MCL leading to end stage renal disease.

PMID- 22098708
TI  - Bed rest or mobilization after rt-PA? A case-crossover study of factors
      influencing clinical decision making in stroke services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute stroke management is a dynamic field. Treatment with
      recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is standard care in Australia, but there
      are no evidence-based practice guidelines about first out of bed activity
      (mobilization) after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. AIMS: To identify
      factors influencing clinicians' decisions to delay or allow mobilization.
      METHODS: Case-crossover design. Using hypothetical case vignettes, we explored
      the factors that clinicians consider when deciding to first mobilize a patient
      after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Acute stroke physicians and
      nurses from Australian hospitals known to treat with recombinant tissue
      plasminogen activator participated. Information about hospital recombinant tissue
      plasminogen activator protocols and perceived benefits and harms of mobilization
      after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator were also captured. RESULTS: Fifty
      four clinicians, 52% senior nurses, and 48% senior physicians from all states of
      Australia participated. Of the factors influencing decisions about mobilization
      after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, neurological decline (0.29;
      confidence interval 0.12, 0.46; P = 0.001), neurological decline with symptomatic
      intracerebral hemorrhage (0.41; confidence interval 0.24, 0.59; P < 0.0001),
      infection of uncertain cause (0.32; confidence interval 0.14, 0.50; P = 0.001),
      severe chest infection (0.35; confidence interval 0.16, 0.53; P = 0.0004), severe
      stroke (0.29; confidence interval 0.12, 0.46; P = 0.001), drowsiness (0.47;
      confidence interval 0.29, 0.63; P < 0.0001), and confusion (0.31; confidence
      interval 0.15, 0.47; P = 0.0001) significantly influenced decisions. Falls risk
      was a common concern (85%). CONCLUSION: Growing interest in development of clear
      protocols that guide first mobilization after recombinant tissue plasminogen
      activator prompted this study. We have identified factors that may influence
      decisions about when to allow patients to mobilize after recombinant tissue
      plasminogen activator. These, combined with emerging evidence of risks and
      benefits of early mobilization, should help protocol development in the future.

PMID- 22098710
TI  - Increase in periosteal angiogenesis through heat shock conditioning.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is widely known that stress conditioning can protect
      microcirculation and induce the release of vasoactive factors for a period of
      several hours. Little, however, is known about the long-term effects of stress
      conditioning on microcirculation, especially on the microcirculation of the
      periosteum of the calvaria. For this reason, we used intravital fluorescence
      microscopy to investigate the effects of heat shock priming on the
      microcirculation of the periosteum over a period of several days. METHODS: Fifty
      two Lewis rats were randomized into eight groups. Six groups underwent heat shock
      priming of the periosteum of the calvaria at 42.5 degrees C, two of them (n = 8)
      for 15 minutes, two (n = 8) for 25 minutes and two (n = 8) for 35 minutes. After
      24 hours, a periosteal chamber was implanted into the heads of the animals of one
      of each of the two groups mentioned above. Microcirculation and inflammatory
      responses were studied repeatedly over a period of 14 days using intravital
      fluorescence microscopy. The expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 was
      examined by immunohistochemistry in three further groups 24 hours after a 15
      minute (n = 5), a 25-minute (n = 5) or a 35-minute (n = 5) heat shock treatment.
      Two groups that did not undergo priming were used as controls. One control group
      (n = 8) was investigated by intravital microscopy and the other (n = 5) by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: During the entire observation period of 14 days,
      the periosteal chambers revealed physiological microcirculation of the periosteum
      of the calvaria without perfusion failures. A significant (p < 0.05) and
      continuous increase in functional capillary density was noted from day 5 to day
      14 after 25-minute heat shock priming. Whereas a 15-minute exposure did not lead
      to an increase in functional capillary density, 35-minute priming caused a
      significant but reversible perfusion failure in capillaries. Non-perfused
      capillaries in the 35-minute treatment group were reperfused by day 10.
      Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in cytoprotective HSP70 expression
      in the periosteum after a 15-minute and a 35-minute heat shock pretreatment when
      compared with the control group. The level of HSP70 expression that was measured
      in the periosteum after 25 minutes of treatment was significantly higher than the
      levels observed after 15 or 35 minutes of heat shock exposure. CONCLUSION: A few
      days after heat shock priming over an appropriate period of time, a continuous
      increase in functional capillary density is seen in the periosteum of the
      calvaria. This increase in perfusion appears to be the result of the induction of
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 22098711
TI  - AGA standards for gastroenterologists for performing and interpreting diagnostic
      computed tomography colonography: 2011 update.

PMID- 22098709
TI  - Microplate-based platform for combined chromatin and DNA methylation
      immunoprecipitation assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The processes that compose expression of a given gene are far more
      complex than previously thought presenting unprecedented conceptual and
      mechanistic challenges that require development of new tools. Chromatin
      structure, which is regulated by DNA methylation and histone modification, is at
      the center of gene regulation. Immunoprecipitations of chromatin (ChIP) and
      methylated DNA (MeDIP) represent a major achievement in this area that allow
      researchers to probe chromatin modifications as well as specific protein-DNA
      interactions in vivo and to estimate the density of proteins at specific sites
      genome-wide. Although a critical component of chromatin structure, DNA
      methylation has often been studied independently of other chromatin events and
      transcription. RESULTS: To allow simultaneous measurements of DNA methylation
      with other genomic processes, we developed and validated a simple and easy-to-use
      high throughput microplate-based platform for analysis of DNA methylation.
      Compared to the traditional beads-based MeDIP the microplate MeDIP was more
      sensitive and had lower non-specific binding. We integrated the MeDIP method with
      a microplate ChIP assay which allows measurements of both DNA methylation and
      histone marks at the same time, Matrix ChIP-MeDIP platform. We illustrated
      several applications of this platform to relate DNA methylation, with chromatin
      and transcription events at selected genes in cultured cells, human cancer and in
      a model of diabetic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: The high throughput capacity of
      Matrix ChIP-MeDIP to profile tens and potentially hundreds of different genomic
      events at the same time as DNA methylation represents a powerful platform to
      explore complex genomic mechanism at selected genes in cultured cells and in
      whole tissues. In this regard, Matrix ChIP-MeDIP should be useful to complement
      genome-wide studies where the rich chromatin and transcription database resources
      provide fruitful foundation to pursue mechanistic, functional and diagnostic
      information at genes of interest in health and disease.

PMID- 22098712
TI  - Insulin resistance increases the occurrence of new cardiovascular events in
      patients with manifest arterial disease without known diabetes. the SMART study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is accompanied by a cluster of metabolic changes,
      often referred to as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is associated with an
      increased cardiovascular risk in patients with manifest arterial disease. We
      investigated whether insulin resistance is associated with an increased risk for
      cardiovascular events in patients with manifest arterial disease without known
      diabetes and whether this can be explained by the components of the metabolic
      syndrome or by inflammation. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in 2611 patients
      with manifest arterial disease without known diabetes. Homeostasis model of
      insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to quantify insulin resistance. The
      relation of HOMA-IR with cardiovascular events (vascular death, myocardial
      infarction or stroke) and all cause mortality was assessed with Cox regression
      analysis. In additional models adjustments were performed for the single
      components constituting the metabolic syndrome and for inflammation. RESULTS:
      HOMA-IR increases with the number of metabolic syndrome components (mean HOMA-IR
      +/- SD in groups with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 metabolic syndrome components: 1.4 +/-
      0.7; 1.8 +/- 1.2; 2.4 +/- 1.5; 3.1 +/- 1.8; 4.0 +/- 2.6; and 5.6 +/- 3.6
      respectively). High HOMA-IR was independently associated with an increased risk
      of cardiovascular events (tertile 2 vs. 1 HR 1.92; 95%CI 1.20-3.08) (tertile 3
      vs.1 HR 1.78; 95%CI 1.10-2.89) and with all cause mortality (tertile 2 vs. 1 HR
      1.80; 95%CI 1.04-3.10) (tertile 3 vs.1 HR 1.56; 95%CI 0.88-2.75). These relations
      were not influenced by the individual components of metabolic syndrome or by
      inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with manifest arterial disease without
      known diabetes, insulin resistance increases with the number of metabolic
      syndrome components, and elevated insulin resistance increases the risk of new
      cardiovascular events.

PMID- 22098714
TI  - Hospital-based injury data from level III institution in Cameroon: retrospective
      analysis of the present registration system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the epidemiology of trauma in Cameroon are scarce. Presently,
      hospital records are still used as a primary source of injury data. It has been
      shown that trauma registries could play a key role in providing basic data on
      trauma. Our goal is to review the present emergency ward records for completeness
      of data and provide an overview of injuries in the city of Limbe and the
      surrounding area in the Southwest Region of Cameroon prior to the institution of
      a formal registration system. METHODS: A retrospective review of Emergency Ward
      logs in Limbe Hospital was conducted over one year. Records for all patients over
      15 years of age were reviewed for 14 data points considered to be essential to a
      basic trauma registry. Completeness of records was assessed and a descriptive
      analysis of patterns and trends of trauma was performed. RESULTS: Injury-related
      conditions represent 27% of all registered admissions in the casualty department.
      Information on age, sex and mechanism of injury was lacking in 22% of cases.
      Information on vital signs was present in 2% (respiratory rate) to 12% (blood
      pressure on admission) of records. Patient disposition (admission, transfer,
      discharge, or death) was available 42% of the time, whilst location of injury was
      found in 84% of records. Road traffic injury was the most frequently recorded
      mechanism (36%), with the type of vehicle specified in 54% and the type of
      collision in only 22% of cases. Intentional injuries were the second most
      frequent mechanism at 23%. CONCLUSION: The frequency of trauma found in this
      context argues for further prevention and treatment efforts. The institution of a
      formal registration system will improve the completeness of data and lead to
      increased ability to evaluate the severity and subsequent public health
      implications of injury in this region.

PMID- 22098715
TI  - Development and piloting of the Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospitals System
      (TRIP Project-1).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Whilst more than 90% of injury related deaths are estimated to
      occur in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), the epidemiology of fatal and
      hospitalised injuries in Pacific Island Countries has received scant attention.
      This study describes the development and piloting of a population-based trauma
      registry in Fiji to address this gap in knowledge. METHODS: The Fiji Injury
      Surveillance in Hospitals (FISH) system was an active surveillance system
      designed to identify injuries resulting in death or a hospital admission in Viti
      Levu, Fiji. During the pilot conducted over five months in 2005, Accident and
      Emergency registers, admission folders and morgue registers from 8 of Viti Levu's
      12 hospitals, and an additional 3 hospitals in other parts of the country were
      reviewed by hospital staff and medical students to identify cases and extract a
      minimum data set that included demographic factors; the mechanism, nature and
      context of injury; substance use; and discharge outcomes. The system was audited
      to identify and redress difficulties with data quality in a manner that also
      supported local capacity development and training in injury surveillance and data
      management. RESULTS: This pilot study demonstrated the potential to collect high
      quality data on injuries that can pose a significant threat to life in Fiji using
      a mechanism that also increased the capability of health professionals to
      recognise the significance of injury as a public health issue. CONCLUSION: The
      injury surveillance system piloted provides the opportunity to inform national
      injury control strategies in Fiji and increase the capacity for injury prevention
      and more focused research addressing risk factors in the local context.

PMID- 22098716
TI  - Development of a quantification method for digoxin, a typical P-glycoprotein
      probe in clinical and non-clinical studies, using high performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: the usefulness of negative ionization
      mode to avoid competitive adduct-ion formation.
AB  - Highly sensitive and accurate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      (LC/MS/MS) methods have been developed and validated for measuring digoxin (DGX),
      a typical P-glycoprotein probe, in human plasma, rat plasma, and rat brain. We
      extracted DGX and deuterium-labeled DGX (as internal standard) from sample fluids
      under basic conditions using acetonitrile and sodium chloride-saturated 0.1 mol/L
      sodium hydroxide. The upper organic layer was diluted with distilled water, and
      the resulting solution was injected into an LC/MS/MS system in negative
      ionization mode. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C(18)-ODS column in
      the gradient mobile phase, which comprised 0.05% (w/v) ammonium carbonate (pH
      9.0) and methanol at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. Regardless of the type of
      biological matrix, intra-day and inter-day validation tests demonstrated good
      linearity of calibration curves within ranges of 0.1-10 ng/mL for plasma and 0.5
      50 ng/g for rat brain and gave excellent accuracy and precision of quality
      control samples at 4 concentration levels. Unlike existing methods, our approach
      uses negative ionization to avoid competitive adduct formation of DGX. Our method
      showed higher sensitivity and wider applicability to various types of biological
      matrices than existing methods. Our method will support clinical and preclinical
      investigation of in vivo P-glycoprotein functionality using DGX.

PMID- 22098717
TI  - Capillary electrophoretic determination of DNA damage markers: content of 8
      hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-nitroguanine in urine.
AB  - A sensitive and low-cost analytical method has been developed to determine 8
      hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-nitroguanine (8-NO(2)Gua) based on
      capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection (CE-AD) after solid phase
      extraction (SPE). Under optimized condition, these two markers were well
      separated from other components coexisting in urine, exhibiting a linear
      calibration over the concentration range of 0.1-50.0 MUg/mL with the detection
      limits ranging from 0.02 to 0.06 MUg/mL. The relative standard deviations (RSDs)
      were in the range of 0.1-2.1% for peak area, 0.1-1.5% for migration time,
      respectively. The average recovery and RSD were within the range of 100.0-108.0%
      and 0.1-1.7%, respectively. It was found that the urinary contents of 8-OHdG and
      8-NO(2)Gua in cancer patients were significantly higher than those in healthy
      ones.

PMID- 22098718
TI  - The siderophore-interacting protein YqjH acts as a ferric reductase in different
      iron assimilation pathways of Escherichia coli.
AB  - Siderophore-interacting proteins (SIPs), such as YqjH from Escherichia coli, are
      widespread among bacteria and commonly associated with iron-dependent induction
      and siderophore utilization. In this study, we show by detailed biochemical and
      genetic analyses the reaction mechanism by which the YqjH protein is able to
      catalyze the release of iron from a variety of iron chelators, including ferric
      triscatecholates and ferric dicitrate, displaying the highest efficiency for the
      hydrolyzed ferric enterobactin complex ferric (2,3-dihydroxybenzoylserine)(3).
      Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that residues K55 and R130 of YqjH are crucial
      for both substrate binding and reductase activity. The NADPH-dependent iron
      reduction was found to proceed via single-electron transfer in a double
      displacement-type reaction through formation of a transient flavosemiquinone. The
      capacity to reduce substrates with extremely negative redox potentials, though at
      low catalytic rates, was studied by displacing the native FAD cofactor with 5
      deaza-5-carba-FAD, which is restricted to a two-electron transfer. In the
      presence of the reconstituted noncatalytic protein, the ferric enterobactin
      midpoint potential increased remarkably and partially overlapped with the
      effective E(1) redox range. Concurrently, the observed molar ratios of generated
      Fe(II) versus NADPH were found to be ~1.5-fold higher for hydrolyzed ferric
      triscatecholates and ferric dicitrate than for ferric enterobactin. Further,
      combination of a chromosomal yqjH deletion with entC single- and entC fes double
      deletion backgrounds showed the impact of yqjH on growth during supplementation
      with ferric siderophore substrates. Thus, YqjH enhances siderophore utilization
      in different iron acquisition pathways, including assimilation of low-potential
      ferric substrates that are not reduced by common cellular cofactors.

PMID- 22098720
TI  - Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy as a tool to study the nanoscale
      organization of chromosomes.
AB  - Chromatin organization spans a wide range of structural complexity. Substructures
      at the 10-200nm scale are poorly characterized, especially in living cells, due
      to the limitations of electron microscopy and standard optical microscopy.
      Recently developed super-resolution fluorescence microscopy methods represent an
      exciting opportunity to access those substructures, and recent progress with
      these techniques has yielded insights into chromatin organization at different
      condensation stages. Recent studies have focused on confronting the challenges
      that are specific to chromatin super-resolution imaging, such as the high packing
      density of mitotic chromosomes and difficulties in interpreting interphase
      chromatin images. Building on these first results and with ongoing rapid
      technical advances in super-resolution fluorescence imaging there is great
      potential to uncover new features with unprecedented detail.

PMID- 22098719
TI  - Functional imaging of proteases: recent advances in the design and application of
      substrate-based and activity-based probes.
AB  - Proteases are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in protein substrates. This
      process can be important for regulated turnover of a target protein but it can
      also produce protein fragments that then perform other functions. Because the
      last few decades of protease research have confirmed that proteolysis is an
      essential regulatory process in both normal physiology and in multiple disease
      associated conditions, there has been an increasing interest in developing
      methods to image protease activity. Proteases are also considered to be one of
      the few 'druggable' classes of proteins and therefore a large number of small
      molecule based inhibitors of proteases have been reported. These compounds serve
      as a starting point for the design of probes that can be used to target active
      proteases for imaging applications. Currently, several classes of fluorescent
      probes have been developed to visualize protease activity in live cells and even
      whole organisms. The two primary classes of protease probes make use of either
      peptide/protein substrates or covalent inhibitors that produce a fluorescent
      signal when bound to an active protease target. This review outlines some of the
      most recent advances in the design of imaging probes for proteases. In
      particular, it highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both substrate-based
      and activity-based probes and their applications for imaging cysteine proteases
      that are important biomarkers for multiple human diseases.

PMID- 22098721
TI  - NOD2 gene variants and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

PMID- 22098722
TI  - Might cholesterol sulfate deficiency contribute to the development of autistic
      spectrum disorder?
AB  - Autism is a condition characterized by impaired cognitive and social skills,
      often associated with compromised immune function. There has been considerable
      concern recently that the incidence of autism is alarmingly on the rise,
      especially in Western nations, and environmental factors are increasingly
      suspected to play a role. In this paper, we propose a novel hypothesis for a
      principle cause of autism, namely insufficient supply of cholesterol sulfate to
      the fetus during gestation and the infant postnatally. We hypothesize that main
      contributory factors are insufficient sun exposure and insufficient dietary
      sulfur, for both the mother and the affected child. A novel contribution is the
      theory that endothelial nitric oxide synthase produces not only nitric oxide but
      also sulfate, and that sulfate production is stimulated by sunlight. We further
      hypothesize that the sulfur shortage manifests as an impaired immune response,
      including an increased susceptibility to eczema and asthma. Proposed corrective
      measures involve increased dietary sulfur intake for both the mother and the
      child, and increased sun exposure.

PMID- 22098723
TI  - High prevalence of gout with sleep apnea.

PMID- 22098724
TI  - Adriamycin induced spermatogenesis defect is due to the reduction in epididymal
      adipose tissue mass: a possible hypothesis.
AB  - Adriamycin is an anthracycline antibiotic used as anticancer drug since past few
      decades. Though effective against cancer, it is cardiotoxic, nephrotoxic,
      hepatotoxic and also toxic for reproductive system. Although a number of
      potential toxic mechanisms have been identified following exposure to adriamycin,
      the major pathogenic mechanism appears to be the generation of toxic reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). Animals treated with adriamycin have shown a decrease in
      total sperm count. This implies that adriamycin impairs the process of
      spermatogenesis. Epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) is necessary for normal
      spermatogenesis, and decrease in the EWAT causes disturbance in spermatogenesis.
      Factor X is an unknown molecule synthesized by EWAT that plays crucial role in
      spermatogenesis. Adriamycin inhibits Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF-4) and thus
      downregulates the adipogenesis process needed to maintain the EWAT mass. Apart
      form adipocytes, KLF-4 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR
      gamma) are also found in spermatogonium and testis, implying its vital role in
      spermatogenesis. Adriamycin treatment inhibits KLF-4 and thus PPAR-gamma in EWAT
      and spermatogonium. Reduction of EWAT might cause a decrease in Factor X level.
      Declining of Factor X level, KLF-4 and PPAR-gamma together will lead to
      disturbance in spermatogenesis process.

PMID- 22098725
TI  - Are SCN1A gene mutations responsible for genetic susceptibility to subacute
      sclerosing panencephalitis?
AB  - Dravet syndrome, characterized predominantly by myoclonus, has a striking
      clinical resemblance to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Patients with
      Dravet syndrome develop significant mental decline with advancing age of affected
      child like in SSPE. It is well established that SCN1A gene mutations are
      associated with Dravet syndrome. Even periodic EEG complexes have been described
      in Dravet syndrome. In addition to Dravet syndrome, several other types of acute
      and subacute encephalopathic syndromes having clinical and
      electroencephalographic resemblance to SSPE are associated with SCN1A gene
      mutations. SSPE is a devastating progressive inflammatory disorder of the central
      nervous system. It is caused by persistent infection of the brain by an aberrant
      measles virus. Only a few of a vast number of measles infected pediatric
      population develop SSPE. There are several reports describing presence of SSPE is
      close relatives and it has been described previously in sibling and twin pairs. A
      genetic susceptibility for development of SSPE is likely. In fact, a variety of
      genetic abnormalities have already been described in patients with SSPE. It can
      also be argued that because of striking clinical resemblance between Dravet and
      various epileptic and encephalopathic syndromes associated with SCN1A gene
      mutations and SSPE, SCN1A gene abnormalities may also be responsible for
      susceptibility to SSPE in measles infected children.

PMID- 22098726
TI  - The patterns of proximal attachments of the popliteus muscle: form and function.
AB  - The proximal attachments of the popliteus muscle exhibit some variability in the
      literature, leading to questions regarding function. The anatomic variability of
      the proximal attachments of popliteus muscles in Thais was studied in order to
      compare with the previous reported literature by carefully tracking its fibers
      caudo-cephalically. The sites of the proximal attachments of popliteus muscles
      found in this study were at the lateral femoral condyle (100%), the posterior
      horn of the lateral meniscus (63%) and the fibular head (52.1%). Our result also
      reveals the difference of the strength of the attachment at the lateral meniscus,
      having some relationship with the attachment at the fibular head, which
      corresponds with the concept of form and function.

PMID- 22098727
TI  - Cine-PC MR in assessment of cerebrospinal fluid velocity in the aqueduct of the
      midbrain correlated with intracranial pressure--initial study.
AB  - We assessed the changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics caused by
      barriers to CSF circulation, and determined the relationship between CSF velocity
      and intracranial pressure in the aqueduct of the midbrain. This was determined by
      correlating the CSF peak flow velocity with the intracranial pressure (ICP)
      obtained from a lumbar puncture (LP) procedure. The CSF peak flow velocity was
      measured by finger pulse-gated cine-phase contrast (PC) MR scan 8-12 hours after
      LP was performed in 28 patients. All patients were divided into 2 groups based on
      the directional patterns of the CSF net flow in the aqueduct of the midbrain over
      one cardiac cycle. The CSF peak net velocity (V(net)) was then correlated with
      ICP utilizing Pearson correlation analysis method, with significance difference
      assigned at the 5% level. Routine MR scanning revealed no abnormal findings in
      the brain when the direction of the CSF net flow is caudal. V(net) in the
      aqueduct of the midbrain was correlated positively with ICP (y(V)=0.011+0.002
      *(ICP), r=0.69, p<0.01). However, varying degrees of the hydrocephalus were
      observed in those patients who demonstrated a cranial direction of the CSF net
      flow. Our results indicate that non-invasive measurement of the CSF peak flow
      with cine-PC MR imaging can be related to the change of CSF circulation caused by
      the obstructions to the CSF circulation in the patients with various neurological
      disorders. This unique method may be a substantially useful tool to assess the
      changes in the ICP in the directional pattern.

PMID- 22098728
TI  - Ciprofloxacin as a prophylactic agent against prostate cancer: a "two hit"
      hypothesis.
AB  - More evidence indicate that prostate inflammation can lead to prostate cancer
      development. Prostate cancer affects elderly men. Prostate cancer prophylaxis is
      an important issue because life expectancy is very long now. Ciprofloxacin is an
      antibacterial agent used mainly in urinary tract infections and prostate
      inflammation. This drug acts also against cancer cells by the inhibition of
      topoisomerase II. These properties should allow it to inhibit the development of
      prostate cancer. Firstly, ciprofloxacin can stop the acute and chronic prostate
      inflammation which can lead to cancer development. Secondly, ciprofloxacin can
      potentially kill prostate cancer cells in their early stage of development.
      Ciprofloxacin accumulates mainly in the prostate after oral intake thus
      ciprofloxacin seems to be a perfect candidate as a prophylactic agent.

PMID- 22098729
TI  - Trafficking coordinate description of intracellular transport control of
      signaling networks.
AB  - Many cellular networks rely on the regulated transport of their components to
      transduce extracellular information into precise intracellular signals. The
      dynamics of these networks is typically described in terms of compartmentalized
      chemical reactions. There are many important situations, however, in which the
      properties of the compartments change continuously in a way that cannot naturally
      be described by chemical reactions. Here, we develop an approach based on
      transport along a trafficking coordinate to precisely describe these processes
      and we apply it explicitly to the TGF-beta signal transduction network, which
      plays a fundamental role in many diseases and cellular processes. The results of
      this newly introduced approach accurately capture the distinct TGF-beta signaling
      dynamics of cells with and without cancerous backgrounds and provide an avenue to
      predict the effects of chemical perturbations in a way that closely recapitulates
      the observed cellular behavior.

PMID- 22098730
TI  - Coding design of positional information for robust morphogenesis.
AB  - Robust positioning of cells in a tissue against unavoidable noises is important
      for achieving normal and reproducible morphogenesis. The position in a tissue is
      represented by morphogen concentrations, and cells read them to recognize their
      spatial coordinates. From the engineering viewpoint, these positioning processes
      can be regarded as an information coding. Organisms are conjectured to adopt good
      coding designs with high reliability for a given number of available morphogen
      species and their chemical properties. To answer, quantitatively, the questions
      of how good coding is adopted, and subsequently when, where, and to what extent
      each morphogen contributes to positioning, we need a way to evaluate the goodness
      of coding. In this article, by introducing basic concepts of computer science, we
      mathematically formulate coding processes in morphogen-dependent positioning, and
      define some key concepts such as encoding, decoding, and positional information
      and its precision. We demonstrate the best designs for pairs of encoding and
      decoding rules, and show how those designs can be biologically implemented by
      using some examples. We also propose a possible procedure of data analysis to
      validate the coding optimality formulated here.

PMID- 22098731
TI  - Noise underlies switching behavior of the bacterial flagellum.
AB  - We report the switching behavior of the full bacterial flagellum system that
      includes the filament and the motor in wild-type Escherichia coli cells. In
      sorting the motor behavior by the clockwise bias, we find that the distributions
      of the clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) intervals are either exponential
      or nonexponential with long tails. At low bias, CW intervals are exponentially
      distributed and CCW intervals exhibit long tails. At intermediate CW bias (0.5)
      both CW and CCW intervals are mainly exponentially distributed. A simple model
      suggests that these two distinct switching behaviors are governed by the presence
      of signaling noise within the chemotaxis network. Low noise yields exponentially
      distributed intervals, whereas large noise yields nonexponential behavior with
      long tails. These drastically different motor statistics may play a role in
      optimizing bacterial behavior for a wide range of environmental conditions.

PMID- 22098732
TI  - Native ultrastructure of the red cell cytoskeleton by cryo-electron tomography.
AB  - Erythrocytes possess a spectrin-based cytoskeleton that provides elasticity and
      mechanical stability necessary to survive the shear forces within the
      microvasculature. The architecture of this membrane skeleton and the nature of
      its intermolecular contacts determine the mechanical properties of the skeleton
      and confer the characteristic biconcave shape of red cells. We have used cryo
      electron tomography to evaluate the three-dimensional topology in intact,
      unexpanded membrane skeletons from mouse erythrocytes frozen in physiological
      buffer. The tomograms reveal a complex network of spectrin filaments converging
      at actin-based nodes and a gradual decrease in both the density and the thickness
      of the network from the center to the edge of the cell. The average contour
      length of spectrin filaments connecting junctional complexes is 46 +/- 15 nm,
      indicating that the spectrin heterotetramer in the native membrane skeleton is a
      fraction of its fully extended length (~190 nm). Higher-order oligomers of
      spectrin were prevalent, with hexamers and octamers seen between virtually every
      junctional complex in the network. Based on comparisons with expanded skeletons,
      we propose that the oligomeric state of spectrin is in a dynamic equilibrium that
      facilitates remodeling of the network as the cell changes shape in response to
      shear stress.

PMID- 22098733
TI  - Quantal regulation and exocytosis of platelet dense-body granules.
AB  - This study reports how quantal size, or the quantity of chemical messengers
      within a storage granule, is regulated in platelet dense-body granules via
      dynamic adaption of granule size according to changing levels of granule
      contents. Mechanistic studies using carbon-fiber microelectrode fast-scan cyclic
      voltammetry and amperometry methods correlated with transmission electron
      microscopy analysis reveal the impact of granule structural changes on granular
      content secretion kinetics and highlight the dynamic interplay between soluble
      granule contents and membrane components in exocytosis. Despite the distinct
      chemical profile of platelet dense-body granules, these secretory granules act
      according to general biochemical/biophysical phenomena using charge-charge
      interactions to sequester chemical messengers and employ known conserved
      exocytotic machinery to deliver them; therefore, the mechanistic information
      obtained herein further advances the general understanding of exocytosis while
      revealing fundamental details about blood platelets.

PMID- 22098734
TI  - Single cell analysis of ligand binding and complex formation of interleukin-4
      receptor subunits.
AB  - Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an important class I cytokine involved in adaptive
      immunity. IL-4 binds with high affinity to the single-pass transmembrane receptor
      IL-4Ralpha. Subsequently, IL-4Ralpha/IL-4 is believed to engage a second receptor
      chain, either IL-2Rgamma or IL-13Ralpha1, to form type I or II receptor
      complexes, respectively. This ternary complex formation then triggers downstream
      signaling via intracellular Janus kinases bound to the cytoplasmic receptor
      tails. Here, we study the successive steps of complex formation at the single
      cell level with confocal fluorescence imaging and correlation spectroscopy. We
      characterize binding and signaling of fluorescently labeled IL-4 by flow
      cytometry of IL-4-dependent BaF3 cells. The affinity to ectopically expressed IL
      4Ralpha was then measured by single-color fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
      in adherent HEK293T cells that express the components of the type II IL-4R but
      not type I. Finally, IL-4-induced complex formation was tested by dual-color
      fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. The data provide evidence for
      codiffusion of IL-4-A647 bound IL-4Ralpha and the type II subunit IL-13Ralpha1
      fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein, whereas type I complexes containing
      IL-2Rgamma and JAK3 were not detected at the cell surface. This behavior may
      reflect hitherto undefined differences in the mode of receptor activation between
      type I (lymphoid) and type II (epithelial) receptor expressing cells.

PMID- 22098735
TI  - How does stochastic ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca leak fail to initiate a Ca
      spark?
AB  - Spontaneous calcium (Ca) sparks are initiated by single ryanodine receptor (RyR)
      opening. Once one RyR channel opens, it elevates local [Ca] in the cleft space
      ([Ca](Cleft)), which opens other RyR channels in the same Ca release unit (CaRU)
      via Ca-induced Ca-release. Experiments by Zima et al. (J. Physiol. 588:4743-4757,
      2010) demonstrate that spontaneous Ca sparks occur only when intrasarcoplasmic
      reticulum (SR) [Ca] ([Ca](SR)) is above a threshold level, but that RyR-mediated
      SR Ca leak exists without Ca sparks well below this threshold [Ca](SR). We
      examine here how single RyR opening at lower [Ca](SR) can fail to recruit Ca
      sparks at a CaRU, while still contributing to SR Ca leak. We assess this using a
      physiologically detailed mathematical model of junctional SR Ca release in which
      RyR gating is regulated by [Ca](SR) and [Ca](Cleft). We find that several factors
      contribute to the failure of Ca sparks as [Ca](SR) declines: 1), lower [Ca](SR)
      reduces driving force and thus limits local [Ca](Cleft) achieved and the rate of
      rise during RyR opening; 2), low [Ca](SR) limits RyR open time (tau(O)), which
      further reduces local [Ca](Cleft) attained; 3), low tau(O) and fast [Ca](Cleft)
      dissipation after RyR closure shorten the opportunity for neighboring RyR
      activation; 4), at low [Ca](SR), the RyR exhibits reduced [Ca](Cleft)
      sensitivity. We conclude that all of these factors conspire to reduce the
      probability of Ca sparks as [Ca](SR) declines, despite continued RyR-mediated Ca
      leak. In addition, these same factors explain the much lower efficacy of L-type
      Ca channel opening to trigger local SR Ca release at low [Ca](SR) during
      excitation-contraction coupling. Conversely, all of these factors are
      fundamentally important for increasing the propensity for pro-arrhythmic Ca
      sparks and waves in cardiac myocytes at high [Ca](SR).

PMID- 22098736
TI  - Free energy simulations of ligand binding to the aspartate transporter Glt(Ph).
AB  - Glutamate/Aspartate transporters cotransport three Na(+) and one H(+) ions with
      the substrate and countertransport one K(+) ion. The binding sites for the
      substrate and two Na(+) ions have been observed in the crystal structure of the
      archeal homolog Glt(Ph), while the binding site for the third Na(+) ion has been
      proposed from computational studies and confirmed by experiments. Here we perform
      detailed free energy simulations of Glt(Ph), giving a comprehensive
      characterization of the substrate and ion binding sites, and calculating their
      binding free energies in various configurations. Our results show unequivocally
      that the substrate binds after the binding of two Na(+) ions. They also shed
      light into Asp/Glu selectivity of Glt(Ph), which is not observed in eukaryotic
      glutamate transporters.

PMID- 22098737
TI  - GluN1-specific redox effects on the kinetic mechanism of NMDA receptor
      activation.
AB  - NMDA receptors are glutamate-activated ion channel complexes central to the
      functioning of the mammalian nervous system. Opening of the NMDA receptor ion
      channel pore is initiated by agonist-induced conformational changes in the
      extracellular ligand-binding domain (LBD) but the dynamic mechanism of this
      process remains unresolved. We studied how a disulfide bond in the obligatory
      GluN1 subunit-the sole site of redox modulation in NMDA receptors-controls this
      activation gating mechanism. This disulfide bond is located in the hinge region
      of the LBD, and presumably constrains agonist-induced cleft closure of the
      clamshell-like LBD. Elimination of this bond, by either DTT-mediated reduction or
      mutagenesis, enhances gating efficiency such that pore opening now occurs with
      higher frequency and longer duration. The most prominent effect was to shift
      opening modes to long duration openings reminiscent of a high P(o) gating mode
      that the NMDA receptor exhibits under ambient oxidizing conditions. In terms of
      preopen gating steps, elimination of this bond has effects only on the fast
      gating step consistent with this step being GluN1-specific and reflecting GluN1
      gating movements immediately before channel opening. Overall, our results suggest
      that the dynamics of the GluN1 LBD have strong effects on late pore opening steps
      including regulating the duration of pore opening. This redox-mediated gating
      modulation could be an underlying mechanism of NMDA receptor malfunction in redox
      dependent disease states and presents a potential target of pharmacologic action.

PMID- 22098738
TI  - Simulations of the alternating access mechanism of the sodium symporter Mhp1.
AB  - Sodium coupled cotransporters of the five-helix inverted repeat (5HIR)
      superfamily use an alternating access mechanism to transport a myriad of small
      molecules across the cell membrane. One of the primary steps in this mechanism is
      the conformational transition from a state poised to bind extracellular
      substrates to a state that is competent to deliver substrate to the cytoplasm.
      Here, we construct a coarse-grained model of the 5HIR benzylhydantoin transporter
      Mhp1 that incorporates experimental structures of the outward- and inward-open
      states to investigate the mechanism of this conformational change. Using the
      weighted ensemble path-sampling method, we rigorously sample the outward- to
      inward-facing transition path ensemble. The transition path ensemble reveals a
      heterogeneous set of pathways connecting the two states and identifies two modes
      of transport: one consistent with a strict alternating access mechanism and
      another where decoupling of the inner and outer gates causes the transient
      formation of a continuous permeation pathway through the transporter. We also
      show that the conformational switch between the outward- and inward-open states
      results from rigid body motions of the hash motif relative to the substrate
      bundle, supporting the rocking bundle hypothesis. Finally, our methodology
      provides the groundwork for more chemically detailed investigations of the
      alternating mechanism.

PMID- 22098739
TI  - Tryptophan scanning mutagenesis of the first transmembrane domain of the innexin
      Shaking-B(Lethal).
AB  - The channel proteins of gap junctions are encoded by two distinct gene families,
      connexins, which are exclusive to chordates, and innexins/pannexins, which are
      found throughout the animal kingdom. Although the relationship between the
      primary structure and function of the vertebrate connexins has been relatively
      well studied, there are, to our knowledge, no structure-function analyses of
      invertebrate innexins. In the first such study, we have used tryptophan scanning
      to probe the first transmembrane domain (M1) of the Drosophila innexin Shaking
      B(Lethal), which is a component of rectifying electrical synapses in the Giant
      Fiber escape neural circuit. Tryptophan was substituted sequentially for 16 amino
      acids within M1 of Shaking-B(Lethal). Tryptophan insertion at every fourth
      residue (H27, T31, L35, and S39) disrupted gap junction function. The
      distribution of these sites is consistent with helical secondary structure and
      identifies the face of M1 involved in helix-helix interactions. Tryptophan
      substitution at several sites in M1 altered channel properties in a variety of
      ways. Changes in sensitivity to transjunctional voltage (Vj) were common and one
      mutation (S39W) induced sensitivity to transmembrane voltage (Vm). In addition,
      several mutations induced hemichannel activity. These changes are similar to
      those observed after substitutions within the transmembrane domains of connexins.

PMID- 22098740
TI  - Measurement of lipid nanodomain (raft) formation and size in
      sphingomyelin/POPC/cholesterol vesicles shows TX-100 and transmembrane helices
      increase domain size by coalescing preexisting nanodomains but do not induce
      domain formation.
AB  - Mixtures of unsaturated lipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol form coexisting
      liquid-disordered and sphingolipid and cholesterol-rich liquid-ordered (Lo)
      phases in water. The detergent Triton X-100 does not readily solubilize Lo
      domains, but does solubilize liquid-disordered domains, and is commonly used to
      prepare detergent-resistant membranes from cells and model membranes. However, it
      has been proposed that in membranes with mixtures of sphingomyelin (SM), 1
      palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC), and cholesterol Triton X-100 may
      induce Lo domain formation, and therefore detergent-resistant membranes may not
      reflect the presence of preexisting domains. To examine this hypothesis, the
      effect of Triton on Lo domain formation was measured in SM/POPC/cholesterol
      vesicles. Nitroxide quenching methods that can detect ordered nanodomains with
      radii >12 A showed that in the absence of Triton X-100 this mixture formed
      ordered state domains that melt with a midpoint (= T(mid)) at ~45 degrees C.
      However, T(mid) was lower when detected using various fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) pairs. Furthermore, the T(mid) value was Ro dependent, and
      decreased as Ro increased. Because FRET can only readily detect domains with
      radii >Ro, this result can be explained by domain radii that are close to Ro and
      decrease as temperature increases. An analysis of FRET and quenching data
      suggests that nanodomain radius gradually decreases from >=150 A to <40 A as
      temperature increases from 10 to 45 degrees C. Interestingly, the presence of
      Triton X-100 or a transmembrane-type peptide did not stabilize ordered state
      formation when detected by nitroxide quenching, i.e., did not increase T(mid).
      However, FRET-detected T(mid) did increase in the presence of Triton X-100 or a
      transmembrane peptide, indicating that both increased domain size. Controls
      showed that the results could not be accounted for by probe-induced
      perturbations. Thus, SM/POPC/cholesterol, a mixture similar to that in the outer
      leaflet of plasma membranes, forms nanodomains at physiological temperatures, and
      TX-100 does not induce domain formation or increase the fraction of the bilayer
      in the ordered state, although it does increase domain size by coalescing
      preexisting domains.

PMID- 22098741
TI  - Membrane-proximal external HIV-1 gp41 motif adapted for destabilizing the highly
      rigid viral envelope.
AB  - Electron microscopy structural determinations suggest that the membrane-proximal
      external region (MPER) of glycoprotein 41 (gp41) may associate with the HIV-1
      membrane interface. It is further proposed that MPER-induced disruption and/or
      deformation of the lipid bilayer ensue during viral fusion. However, it is
      predicted that the cholesterol content of this membrane (~45 mol %) will act
      against MPER binding and restructuring activity, in agreement with alternative
      structural models proposing that the MPER constitutes a gp41 ectodomain component
      that does not insert into the viral membrane. Here, using MPER-based peptides, we
      test the hypothesis that cholesterol impedes the membrane association and
      destabilizing activities of this gp41 domain. To that end, partitioning and
      leakage assays carried out in lipid vesicles were combined with x-ray
      reflectivity and grazing-incidence diffraction studies of monolayers. CpreTM, a
      peptide combining the carboxyterminal MPER sequence with aminoterminal residues
      of the transmembrane domain, bound and destabilized effectively cholesterol
      enriched membranes. Accordingly, virion incubation with this peptide inhibited
      cell infection potently but nonspecifically. Thus, CpreTM seems to mimic the
      envelope-perturbing function of the MPER domain and displays antiviral activity.
      As such, we infer that CpreTM bound to cholesterol-enriched membranes would
      represent a relevant target for anti-HIV-1 immunogen and inhibitor development.

PMID- 22098742
TI  - A conformational transition in the myosin VI converter contributes to the
      variable step size.
AB  - Myosin VI (MVI) is a dimeric molecular motor that translocates backwards on actin
      filaments with a surprisingly large and variable step size, given its short lever
      arm. A recent x-ray structure of MVI indicates that the large step size can be
      explained in part by a novel conformation of the converter subdomain in the
      prepowerstroke state, in which a 53-residue insert, unique to MVI, reorients the
      lever arm nearly parallel to the actin filament. To determine whether the
      existence of the novel converter conformation could contribute to the step-size
      variability, we used a path-based free-energy simulation tool, the string method,
      to show that there is a small free-energy difference between the novel converter
      conformation and the conventional conformation found in other myosins. This
      result suggests that MVI can bind to actin with the converter in either
      conformation. Models of MVI/MV chimeric dimers show that the variability in the
      tilting angle of the lever arm that results from the two converter conformations
      can lead to step-size variations of ~12 nm. These variations, in combination with
      other proposed mechanisms, could explain the experimentally determined step-size
      variability of ~25 nm for wild-type MVI. Mutations to test the findings by
      experiment are suggested.

PMID- 22098743
TI  - Millisecond-scale biochemical response to change in strain.
AB  - Muscle fiber contraction involves the cyclical interaction of myosin cross
      bridges with actin filaments, linked to hydrolysis of ATP that provides the
      required energy. We show here the relationship between cross-bridge states, force
      generation, and Pi release during ramp stretches of active mammalian skeletal
      muscle fibers at 20 degrees C. The results show that force and Pi release respond
      quickly to the application of stretch: force rises rapidly, whereas the rate of
      Pi release decreases abruptly and remains low for the duration of the stretch.
      These measurements show that biochemical change on the millisecond timescale
      accompanies the mechanical and structural responses in active muscle fibers. A
      cross-bridge model is used to simulate the effect of stretch on the distribution
      of actomyosin cross-bridges, force, and Pi release, with explicit inclusion of
      ATP, ADP, and Pi in the biochemical states and length-dependence of transitions.
      In the simulation, stretch causes rapid detachment and reattachment of cross
      bridges without release of Pi or ATP hydrolysis.

PMID- 22098744
TI  - Substrate stiffness increases twitch power of neonatal cardiomyocytes in
      correlation with changes in myofibril structure and intracellular calcium.
AB  - During neonatal development, there is an increase in myocardial stiffness that
      coincides with an increase in the contractility of the heart. In vitro assays
      have shown that substrate stiffness plays a role in regulating the twitch forces
      produced by immature cardiomyocytes. However, its effect on twitch power is
      unclear due to difficulties in measuring the twitch velocity of cardiomyocytes.
      Here, we introduce what we consider a novel approach to quantify twitch power by
      combining the temporal resolution of optical line scanning with the subcellular
      force resolution of micropost arrays. Using this approach, twitch power was found
      to be greater for cells cultured on stiffer posts, despite having lower twitch
      velocities. The increased power was attributed in part to improved myofibril
      structure (increased sarcomere length and Z-band width) and intracellular calcium
      levels. Immunofluorescent staining of alpha-actin revealed that cardiomyocytes
      had greater sarcomere length and Z-band width when cultured on stiffer arrays.
      Moreover, the concentration of intracellular calcium at rest and its rise with
      each twitch contraction was greater for cells on the stiffer posts. Altogether,
      these findings indicate that cardiomyocytes respond to substrate stiffness with
      biomechanical and biochemical changes that lead to an increase in cardiac
      contractility.

PMID- 22098745
TI  - Nonspecific transcription-factor-DNA binding influences nucleosome occupancy in
      yeast.
AB  - Quantitative understanding of the principles regulating nucleosome occupancy on a
      genome-wide level is a central issue in eukaryotic genomics. Here, we address
      this question using budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model organism.
      We perform a genome-wide computational analysis of the nonspecific transcription
      factor (TF)-DNA binding free-energy landscape and compare this landscape with
      experimentally determined nucleosome-binding preferences. We show that DNA
      regions with enhanced nonspecific TF-DNA binding are statistically significantly
      depleted of nucleosomes. We suggest therefore that the competition between TFs
      with histones for nonspecific binding to genomic sequences might be an important
      mechanism influencing nucleosome-binding preferences in vivo. We also predict
      that poly(dA:dT) and poly(dC:dG) tracts represent genomic elements with the
      strongest propensity for nonspecific TF-DNA binding, thus allowing TFs to
      outcompete nucleosomes at these elements. Our results suggest that nonspecific TF
      DNA binding might provide a barrier for statistical positioning of nucleosomes
      throughout the yeast genome. We predict that the strength of this barrier
      increases with the concentration of DNA binding proteins in a cell. We discuss
      the connection of the proposed mechanism with the recently discovered pathway of
      active nucleosome reconstitution.

PMID- 22098746
TI  - A theoretical model for the dynamic structure of hepatitis B nucleocapsid.
AB  - The genomic material of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is confined within a fenestrated
      nucleocapsid consisting of 240 identical copies of the capsid protein, which has
      a rigid core and a positively charged and highly flexible C-terminal domain
      (CTD). Although previous mutagenesis studies have demonstrated the importance of
      the CTD in viral RNA packaging and reverse transcription, the microscopic
      structure of the CTD and its interaction with encapsidated nucleic acids at
      various stages of viral maturation remain poorly understood. Here, we present a
      theoretical analysis of the radial distributions of the CTD chains and nucleic
      acids in the hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid at the beginning and final stages of
      viral reverse transcription based on classical density functional theory and a
      coarse-gained model for the pertinent biomolecules. We find that a significant
      portion of the CTD is exposed at the surface of the RNA-containing immature
      nucleocapsid and that the CTD is mostly confined within the DNA-containing mature
      nucleocapsid. Large accumulation of cations is predicted inside both immature and
      mature nucleocapsids. The theoretical results provide new insights into the
      molecular mechanism of CTD regulation of viral reverse transcription and
      nucleocapsid trafficking during various stages of the viral replication
      processes.

PMID- 22098747
TI  - Experimentally derived structural constraints for amyloid fibrils of wild-type
      transthyretin.
AB  - Transthyretin (TTR) is a largely beta-sheet serum protein responsible for
      transporting thyroxine and vitamin A. TTR is found in amyloid deposits of
      patients with senile systemic amyloidosis. TTR mutants lead to familial
      amyloidotic polyneuropathy and familial amyloid cardiomyopathy, with an earlier
      age of onset. Studies of amyloid fibrils of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy
      mutant TTR suggest a structure similar to the native state with only a simple
      opening of a beta-strand-loop-strand region exposing the two main beta-sheets of
      the protein for fibril elongation. However, we find that the wild-type TTR
      sequence forms amyloid fibrils that are considerably different from the
      previously suggested amyloid structure. Using protease digestion with mass
      spectrometry, we observe the amyloid core to be primarily composed of the C
      terminal region, starting around residue 50. Solid-state NMR measurements prove
      that TTR differs from other pathological amyloids in not having an in-register
      parallel beta-sheet architecture. We also find that the TTR amyloid is incapable
      of binding thyroxine as monitored by either isothermal calorimetry or 1,8
      anilinonaphthalene sulfonate competition. Taken together, our experiments are
      consistent with a significantly different configuration of the beta-sheets
      compared to the previously suggested structure.

PMID- 22098748
TI  - Spontaneous formation of twisted Abeta(16-22) fibrils in large-scale molecular
      dynamics simulations.
AB  - Protein aggregation is associated with fatal neurodegenerative diseases,
      including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Mapping out kinetics along the aggregation
      pathway could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive
      oligomerization and fibrillization, but that is beyond the current scope of
      computational research. Here we trace out the full kinetics of the spontaneous
      formation of fibrils by 48 Abeta(16-22) peptides, following the trajectories in
      molecular detail from an initial random configuration to a final configuration of
      twisted protofilaments with cross-beta-structure. We accomplish this by
      performing large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations based on an implicit
      solvent, intermediate-resolution protein model, PRIME20. Structural details such
      as the intersheet distance, perfectly antiparallel beta-strands, and
      interdigitating side chains analogous to a steric zipper interface are explained
      by and in agreement with experiment. Two characteristic fibrillization mechanisms
      - nucleation/templated growth and oligomeric merging/structural rearrangement -
      emerge depending on the temperature.

PMID- 22098749
TI  - Kinetics of nanochain formation in a simplified model of amelogenin
      biomacromolecules.
AB  - We show that the kinetics of nanochain formation of amelogenin molecules is well
      described by a combination of translational and rotational diffusion of a
      simplified anisotropic bipolar model consisting of hydrophobic spherical colloid
      particles and a point charge located on each particle surface. The colloid
      particles interact via a standard depletion attraction whereas the point charges
      interact through a screened Coulomb repulsion. We study the kinetics via a
      Brownian dynamics simulation of both translational and rotational motions and
      show that the anisotropy brought in by the charge dramatically affects the
      kinetic pathway of cluster formation and our simple model captures the main
      features of the experimental observations.

PMID- 22098750
TI  - Assembly of the major light-harvesting complex II in lipid nanodiscs.
AB  - Self-aggregation of isolated plant light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) upon
      detergent extraction is associated with fluorescence quenching and is used as an
      in vitro model to study the photophysical processes of nonphotochemical quenching
      (NPQ). In the NPQ state, in vivo induced under excess solar light conditions,
      harmful excitation energy is safely dissipated as heat. To prevent self
      aggregation and probe the conformations of LHCs in a lipid environment devoid
      from detergent interactions, we assembled LHCII trimer complexes into lipid
      nanodiscs consisting of a bilayer lipid matrix surrounded by a membrane scaffold
      protein (MSP). The LHCII nanodiscs were characterized by fluorescence
      spectroscopy and found to be in an unquenched, fluorescent state. Remarkably, the
      absorbance spectra of LHCII in lipid nanodiscs show fine structure in the
      carotenoid and Q(y) region that is different from unquenched, detergent
      solubilized LHCII but similar to that of self-aggregated, quenched LHCII in low
      detergent buffer without magnesium ions. The nanodisc data presented here suggest
      that 1), LHCII pigment-protein complexes undergo conformational changes upon
      assembly in nanodiscs that are not correlated with downregulation of its light
      harvesting function; and 2), these effects can be separated from quenching and
      aggregation-related phenomena. This will expand our present view of the
      conformational flexibility of LHCII in different microenvironments.

PMID- 22098751
TI  - Molecular simulation uncovers the conformational space of the lambda Cro dimer in
      solution.
AB  - The significant variation among solved structures of the lambda Cro dimer
      suggests its flexibility. However, contacts in the crystal lattice could have
      stabilized a conformation which is unrepresentative of its dominant solution
      form. Here we report on the conformational space of the Cro dimer in solution
      using replica exchange molecular dynamics in explicit solvent. The simulated
      ensemble shows remarkable correlation with available x-ray structures. Network
      analysis and a free energy surface reveal the predominance of closed and semi
      open dimers, with a modest barrier separating these two states. The fully open
      conformation lies higher in free energy, indicating that it requires
      stabilization by DNA or crystal contacts. Most NMR models are found to be
      unstable conformations in solution. Intersubunit salt bridging between Arg(4) and
      Glu(53) during simulation stabilizes closed conformations. Because a semi-open
      state is among the low-energy conformations sampled in simulation, we propose
      that Cro-DNA binding may not entail a large conformational change relative to the
      dominant dimer forms in solution.

PMID- 22098752
TI  - Improving the physical realism and structural accuracy of protein models by a two
      step atomic-level energy minimization.
AB  - Most protein structural prediction algorithms assemble structures as reduced
      models that represent amino acids by a reduced number of atoms to speed up the
      conformational search. Building accurate full-atom models from these reduced
      models is a necessary step toward a detailed function analysis. However, it is
      difficult to ensure that the atomic models retain the desired global topology
      while maintaining a sound local atomic geometry because the reduced models often
      have unphysical local distortions. To address this issue, we developed a new
      program, called ModRefiner, to construct and refine protein structures from
      Calpha traces based on a two-step, atomic-level energy minimization. The main
      chain structures are first constructed from initial Calpha traces and the side
      chain rotamers are then refined together with the backbone atoms with the use of
      a composite physics- and knowledge-based force field. We tested the method by
      performing an atomic structure refinement of 261 proteins with the initial models
      constructed from both ab initio and template-based structure assemblies. Compared
      with other state-of-art programs, ModRefiner shows improvements in both global
      and local structures, which have more accurate side-chain positions, better
      hydrogen-bonding networks, and fewer atomic overlaps. ModRefiner is freely
      available at http://zhanglab.ccmb.med.umich.edu/ModRefiner.

PMID- 22098753
TI  - Subdiffraction-limit study of Kaede diffusion and spatial distribution in live
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Photoactivation localization microscopy (PALM) is used to study the spatial
      distribution and diffusion of single copies of the protein Kaede in the cytoplasm
      of live Escherichia coli under moderate growth conditions (67 min doubling time).
      The spatial distribution of Kaede is uniform within the cytoplasm. The
      cytoplasmic radius of 380 +/- 30 nm varies little from cell to cell. Single
      particle tracking using 4 ms exposure times reveals negatively curved plots of
      mean-square displacement versus time. A detailed comparison with Monte Carlo
      simulations in a spherocylindrical volume shows that the curvature can be
      quantitatively understood in terms of free diffusion within a confining volume.
      The mean diffusion coefficient across cells is <D(Kaede)> = 7.3 +/- 1.1 MUm(2).s(
      1), consistent with a homotetrameric form of Kaede. The distribution of squared
      displacements along the long axis for individual Kaede molecules is consistent
      with homogeneous diffusion. However, for longer cells, a spatial map of one-step
      estimates of the diffusion coefficient along x suggests that diffusion is ~20-40%
      faster within nucleoids than in the ribosome-rich region lying between nucleoid
      lobes at the cell mid-plane. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching yielded
      <D(FRAP)> = 8.3 +/- 1.6 MUm(2).s(-1), in agreement with the single-particle
      tracking results.

PMID- 22098754
TI  - Two-color STED microscopy of living synapses using a single laser-beam pair.
AB  - The advent of superresolution microscopy has opened up new research opportunities
      into dynamic processes at the nanoscale inside living biological specimens. This
      is particularly true for synapses, which are very small, highly dynamic, and
      embedded in brain tissue. Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, a
      recently developed laser-scanning technique, has been shown to be well suited for
      imaging living synapses in brain slices using yellow fluorescent protein as a
      single label. However, it would be highly desirable to be able to image
      presynaptic boutons and postsynaptic spines, which together form synapses, using
      two different fluorophores. As STED microscopy uses separate laser beams for
      fluorescence excitation and quenching, incorporation of multicolor imaging for
      STED is more difficult than for conventional light microscopy. Although two-color
      schemes exist for STED microscopy, these approaches have several drawbacks due to
      their complexity, cost, and incompatibility with common labeling strategies and
      fluorophores. Therefore, we set out to develop a straightforward method for two
      color STED microscopy that permits the use of popular green-yellow fluorescent
      labels such as green fluorescent protein, yellow fluorescent protein, Alexa Fluor
      488, and calcein green. Our new (to our knowledge) method is based on a single
      excitation/STED laser-beam pair to simultaneously excite and quench pairs of
      these fluorophores, whose signals can be separated by spectral detection and
      linear unmixing. We illustrate the potential of this approach by two-color
      superresolution time-lapse imaging of axonal boutons and dendritic spines in
      living organotypic brain slices.

PMID- 22098755
TI  - Replacement of C-terminal histidines uncouples membrane insertion and
      translocation in diphtheria toxin T-domain.
AB  - The translocation (T) domain plays a key role in the action of diphtheria toxin
      and is responsible for transferring the N-terminus-attached catalytic domain
      across the endosomal membrane into the cytosol in response to acidification. The
      T-domain undergoes a series of pH-triggered conformational changes that take
      place in solution and on the membrane interface, and ultimately result in
      transbilayer insertion and N-terminus translocation. Structure-function studies
      along this pathway have been hindered because the protein population occupies
      multiple conformations at the same time. Here we report that replacement of the
      three C-terminal histidine residues, H322, H323, and H372, in triple-R or triple
      Q mutants prevents effective translocation of the N-terminus. Introduction of
      these mutations in the full-length toxin results in decrease of its potency. In
      the context of isolated T-domain, these mutations cause loss of characteristic
      conductance in planar bilayers. Surprisingly, these mutations do not affect
      general folding in solution, protein interaction with the membranes, insertion of
      the consensus transmembrane helical hairpin TH8-9, or the ability of the T-domain
      to destabilize vesicles to cause leakage of fluorescent markers. Thus, the C
      terminal histidine residues are critical for the transition from the inserted
      intermediate state to the open-channel state in the insertion/translocation
      pathway of the T-domain.

PMID- 22098756
TI  - Structural diversity and changes in conformational equilibria of biantennary
      complex-type N-glycans in water revealed by replica-exchange molecular dynamics
      simulation.
AB  - Structural diversity of N-glycans is essential for specific binding to their
      receptor proteins. To gain insights into structural and dynamic aspects in atomic
      detail not normally accessible by experiment, we here perform extensive molecular
      dynamics simulations of N-glycans in solution using the replica-exchange method.
      The simulations show that five distinct conformers exist in solution for the N
      glycans with and without bisecting GlcNAc. Importantly, the population sizes of
      three of the conformers are drastically reduced upon the introduction of
      bisecting GlcNAc. This is caused by a local hydrogen-bond rearrangement proximal
      to the bisecting GlcNAc. These simulations show that an N-glycan modification
      like the bisecting GlcNAc selects a certain "key" (or group of "keys") within the
      framework of the "bunch of keys" mechanism. Hence, the range of specific glycan
      protein interactions and affinity changes need to be understood in terms of the
      structural diversity of glycans and the alteration of conformational equilibria
      by core modification.

PMID- 22098757
TI  - The coupled proton transport in the ClC-ec1 Cl(-)/H(+) antiporter.
AB  - Using a reactive molecular dynamics simulation methodology, the free energy
      barrier for water-mediated proton transport between the two proton gating
      residues Glu(203) and Glu(148) in the ClC-ec1 antiporter, including the Grotthuss
      mechanism of proton hopping, was calculated. Three different chloride-binding
      states, with 1), both the central and internal Cl(-), 2), the central Cl(-) only,
      and 3), the internal Cl(-) only, were considered and the coupling to the H(+)
      transport studied. The results show that both the central and internal Cl(-) are
      essential for the proton transport from Glu(203) to Glu(148) to have a favorite
      free energy driving force. The rotation of the Glu(148) side chain was also found
      to be independent of the internal chloride binding state. These results emphasize
      the importance of the 2:1 stoichiometry of this well-studied Cl(-)/H(+)
      antiporter.

PMID- 22098758
TI  - An active photoreceptor intermediate revealed by in situ photoirradiated solid
      state NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - A novel, to our knowledge, in situ photoirradiation system for solid-state NMR
      measurements is improved and demonstrated to successfully identify the M
      photointermediate of pharaonis phoborhodopsin (ppR or sensory rhodopsin II), that
      of the complex with transducer (ppR/pHtrII), and T204A mutant embedded in a model
      membrane. The (13)C NMR signals from [20-(13)C]retinal-ppR and ppR/pHtrII
      revealed that multiple M-intermediates with 13-cis, 15-anti retinal configuration
      coexisted under the continuously photoirradiated condition. NMR signals observed
      from the photoactivated retinal provide insights into the process of photocycle
      in the ppR/pHtrII complex.

PMID- 22098759
TI  - Mechanosensing can result from adhesion molecule dynamics.
AB  - When plated onto a substrate, cells spread. Many cell types, including smooth
      muscle cells and fibroblasts, spread more effectively on stiffer substrates, and
      a simple empirical relationship has been determined that relates a cell's spread
      area to the substrate stiffness. In addition, some crawling cells when plated
      onto a stiff substrate will not migrate onto soft substrate, a process called
      "durotaxis". Here we show that the resistive force predicted previously for
      dynamic adhesion molecules can account for both of these mechanosensory effects.

PMID- 22098760
TI  - Endogenous factors modified by hemodialysis may interfere with the accuracy of
      blood glucose-measuring device.
AB  - In Japan, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) devices are widely used both at
      home and in hospitals, but many analytical errors and safety concerns have been
      reported about the SMBG devices used in hospitals. Analytical performances of
      StatStrip (Nova Biomedical Corporation, MA, USA), a new point-of-care testing
      device and Glutest (Sanwa Chemical, Aichi, Japan), a routinely used SMBG device
      were compared in glucose measurement of pre- and postdialysis blood samples and
      we evaluated which factors in blood modified by hemodialysis affect accuracy of
      these devices. Subjects in this study were 44 hemodialysis patients. Blood
      samples were obtained from patients just before and just after the hemodialysis.
      Blood glucose concentrations of samples were measured by StatStrip and Glutest.
      Hematocrit and plasma concentrations of electrolytes, metabolites, etc. of the
      samples were measured in the central laboratory. StatStrip showed no difference
      between pre- and postdialysis blood samples and showed very little bias from
      reference method. On the other hand, Glutest showed difference between pre- and
      postdialysis samples. Although there is no problem in the data of predialysis
      blood samples by Glutest, however, these of the postdialysis blood samples by
      Glutest were >10% less than reference method. Factors in blood modified by
      hemodialysis such as hematocrit, uric acid, albumin, potassium, and calcium
      affected glucose readings by Glutest. Glucose readings by Glutest of samples from
      hemodialysis patients were affected by hematocrit and several factors, which were
      modified by hemodialysis. StatStrip is considered as a better device in dialysis
      hospitals.

PMID- 22098761
TI  - Cardiac autonomic impairment and chronotropic incompetence in fibromyalgia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to gather knowledge on the cardiac autonomic modulation in
      patients with fibromyalgia (FM) in response to exercise and to investigate
      whether this population suffers from chronotropic incompetence (CI). METHODS:
      Fourteen women with FM (age: 46 +/- 3 years; body mass index (BMI): 26.6 +/- 1.4
      kg/m2) and 14 gender-, BMI- (25.4 +/- 1.3 kg/m2), and age-matched (age: 41 +/- 4
      years) healthy individuals (CTRL) took part in this cross-sectional study. A
      treadmill cardiorespiratory test was performed and heart-rate (HR) response
      during exercise was evaluated by the chronotropic reserve. HR recovery (deltaHRR)
      was defined as the difference between HR at peak exercise and at both first
      (deltaHRR1) and second (deltaHRR2) minutes after the exercise test. RESULTS: FM
      patients presented lower maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) when compared with
      healthy subjects (22 +/- 1 versus CTRL: 32 +/- 2 mL/kg/minute, respectively; P <
      0.001). Additionally, FM patients presented lower chronotropic reserve (72.5 +/-
      5 versus CTRL: 106.1 +/- 6, P < 0.001), deltaHRR1 (24.5 +/- 3 versus CTRL: 32.6
      +/- 2, P = 0.059) and deltaHRR2 (34.3 +/- 4 versus CTRL: 50.8 +/- 3, P = 0.002)
      than their healthy peers. The prevalence of CI was 57.1% among patients with FM.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FM who undertook a graded exercise test may present CI
      and delayed HR recovery, both being indicative of cardiac autonomic impairment
      and higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

PMID- 22098762
TI  - Independent genetic loci for sensorimotor gating and attentional performance in
      BXD recombinant inbred strains.
AB  - A startle reflex in response to an intense acoustic stimulus is inhibited when a
      barely detectable pulse precedes the startle stimulus by 30-500 ms. It has been
      theorized that this phenomenon, named prepulse inhibition (PPI) of a startle
      response, is an automatic early-stage gating process contributing to the ability
      to focus attention. Deficits in PPI may therefore contribute to deficits in
      attentional processing. Both deficits are observed in schizophrenia spectrum
      disorders. Here, we investigated whether there is overlap in genetic control of
      PPI and attentional processing phenotypes in the panel of BXD recombinant inbred
      strains of mice. Using an individually titrated prepulse intensity to handle
      differences in perceived prepulse intensities among strains, we identified a
      significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for PPI at the mid-distal end of
      chromosome 17. A measure of attentional processing in the five-choice serial
      reaction time task, response variability, mapped to a different locus on proximal
      mid chromosome 16. In addition, the estimated genetic and environmental
      correlations between PPI and several attentional phenotypes were low and not
      significant. Taken together, the observation of separate genetic loci for PPI and
      attention and the absence of genetic and environmental correlations indicate that
      differences in sensorimotor gating do not contribute to differences in
      attentional performance. Therefore, it is worth pursuing the causative genes
      residing in both attention and PPI QTL, as these may contribute to separate
      molecular pathways implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases, such as
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22098763
TI  - Rapid and sensitive hormonal profiling of complex plant samples by liquid
      chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant hormones play a pivotal role in several physiological processes
      during a plant's life cycle, from germination to senescence, and the
      determination of endogenous concentrations of hormones is essential to elucidate
      the role of a particular hormone in any physiological process. Availability of a
      sensitive and rapid method to quantify multiple classes of hormones
      simultaneously will greatly facilitate the investigation of signaling networks in
      controlling specific developmental pathways and physiological responses. Due to
      the presence of hormones at very low concentrations in plant tissues (10-9 M to
      10-6 M) and their different chemistries, the development of a high-throughput and
      comprehensive method for the determination of hormones is challenging. RESULTS:
      The present work reports a rapid, specific and sensitive method using ultrahigh
      performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem
      spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS/MS) to analyze quantitatively the major hormones found
      in plant tissues within six minutes, including auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins,
      abscisic acid, 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxyic acid (the ethylene precursor),
      jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. Sample preparation, extraction procedures and
      UPLC-MS/MS conditions were optimized for the determination of all plant hormones
      and are summarized in a schematic extraction diagram for the analysis of small
      amounts of plant material without time-consuming additional steps such as
      purification, sample drying or re-suspension. CONCLUSIONS: This new method is
      applicable to the analysis of dynamic changes in endogenous concentrations of
      hormones to study plant developmental processes or plant responses to biotic and
      abiotic stresses in complex tissues. An example is shown in which a hormone
      profiling is obtained from leaves of plants exposed to salt stress in the
      aromatic plant, Rosmarinus officinalis.

PMID- 22098764
TI  - Association of education level with dialysis outcome.
AB  - The impact of education on health care outcome has been studied in the past, but
      its role in the dialysis population is unclear. In this report, we evaluated this
      association. We used the United States Renal Data System data of end-stage renal
      disease patients aged 18 years. Education level at the time of end-stage renal
      disease onset was the primary variable of interest. The outcome of the study was
      patient mortality. We used four categories of education level: 0 = less than 12
      years of education; 1 = high school graduate; 2 = some college; 3 = college
      graduate. Subgroups based on age, race, sex, donor type, and diabetic status were
      also analyzed. After adjustments for covariates in the Cox model, using
      individuals with less than 12 years of education as a reference, patients with
      college education showed decreased mortality with hazard ratio of 0.81 (95%
      confidence interval 0.69-0.95), P = 0.010. In conclusion, we showed that higher
      education level is associated with improved survival of patients on dialysis.

PMID- 22098765
TI  - Adolescents' risky driving in context.

PMID- 22098766
TI  - The epidemiology of HIV among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: know your local
      epidemic and its implications for prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Broad patterns of HIV epidemiology are frequently used to design
      generic HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We reviewed the epidemiology
      of HIV among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, and explored the unique dynamics
      of infection in its different regions. RESULTS: In 2009, HIV prevalence among
      youth in sub-Saharan Africa was an estimated 1.4% in males and 3.4% in females,
      but these values mask wide variation at regional and national levels. Within
      countries there are further major differences in HIV prevalence, such as by sex,
      urban/rural location, economic status, education, or ethnic group. Within this
      highly nuanced context, HIV prevention programs targeting youth must consider
      both where new infections are occurring and where they are coming from.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given the epidemiology, one-size-fits-all HIV prevention programs
      are usually inappropriate at regional and national levels. Consideration of local
      context and risk associated with life transitions, such as leaving school or
      getting married, is imperative to successful programming for young people.

PMID- 22098767
TI  - HIV prevention in young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically review and update evidence on the effectiveness of
      youth HIV/AIDS prevention interventions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and to make
      evidence-based policy recommendations to guide efforts toward meeting the United
      Nations General Assembly Special Session HIV/AIDS goals. METHODS: Recent evidence
      (January 2005-December 2008) on the effectiveness of interventions to improve
      reported sexual behavior and biological outcomes among youth in SSA was assessed
      using the Steady, Ready, Go! (SRG) approach and synthesized with an earlier SRG
      review (January 1990-June 2005). RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included
      following screening of approximately 1,200 citations. School-based, adult-led,
      curriculum-based interventions showed clear evidence of reducing reported risky
      sexual behavior. Interventions in health facilities increased the use of services
      when made accessible and more youth-friendly. In geographically defined
      communities, both interventions specifically targeting youth and community-wide
      interventions reduced reports of risky sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS: HIV
      prevention among youth is a top priority in SSA. The most promising interventions
      should be scaled-up now, with careful evaluation, while exploring supplementary
      interventions to impact HIV incidence.

PMID- 22098768
TI  - The effect of passengers and risk-taking friends on risky driving and
      crashes/near crashes among novice teenagers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The high crash rates of novice teenage drivers are thought to be caused
      by inexperience and risky driving behavior, exacerbated by passengers, driving at
      night, and other complex driving conditions. This study examined factors
      associated with crash/near crash and risky driving rates among novice teenagers,
      including driving at night versus day, passenger presence and characteristics,
      and driver psychosocial factors. METHOD: The vehicles of 42 newly licensed
      teenage drivers were equipped with recording systems that collected data on
      driving performance and occupant characteristics during their first 18 months of
      licensure. Survey data were collected at four measurement times. Poisson
      regression models with random effects were used to analyze crash/near crash and
      elevated gravitational force event rates (i.e., risky driving); incident rate
      ratios measured associations with covariates. RESULTS: Crash/near crash rates
      among novice teenagers were 75% lower in the presence of adult passengers and 96%
      higher among those teenagers with risky friends. Teenage risky driving was 67%
      lower with adult passengers, 18% lower with teenage passengers; 20% lower during
      early night than day; and 109% higher among teens with relatively more risky
      friends. CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of risky driving in the presence of adult
      passengers suggests that teens can drive in a less risky manner. The higher rate
      of risky driving among those with risky friends suggests that risky driving may
      be socially influenced.

PMID- 22098769
TI  - An eleven site national quality improvement evaluation of adolescent medicine
      based eating disorder programs: predictors of weight outcomes at one year and
      risk adjustment analyses.
AB  - PURPOSE: This quality improvement project collected and analyzed short-term
      weight gain data for patients with restrictive eating disorders (EDs) treated in
      outpatient adolescent medicine-based ED programs nationally. METHODS: Data on
      presentation and treatment of low-weight ED patients aged 9-21 years presenting
      in 2006 were retrospectively collected from 11 independent ED programs at intake
      and at 1-year follow-up. Low-weight was defined as < 90% median body weight (MBW)
      which is specific to age. Treatment components at each program were analyzed.
      Risk adjustment was performed for weight gain at 1 year for each site, accounting
      for clinical variables identified as significant in bivariate analyses. RESULTS:
      The sites contained 6-51 patients per site (total N = 267); the mean age was 14.1
      17.1 years; duration of illness before intake was 5.7-18.6 months; % MBW at
      intake was 77.5-83.0; and % MBW at follow-up was 88.8-93.8. In general, 40%-63%
      of low weight ED subjects reached >=90% MBW at 1-year follow-up. At intake,
      patients with higher % MBW (p = .0002) and shorter duration of illness (p = .01)
      were more likely to be >=90% MBW at follow-up. Risk-adjusted odds ratios
      controlled for % MBW and duration of illness were .8 (.5, 1.4)-1.3 (.3, 3.8),
      with no significant differences among sites. CONCLUSION: A total of 11 ED
      programs successfully compared quality improvement data. Shorter duration of
      illness before intake and higher % MBW predicted improved weight outcomes at 1
      year. After adjusting for risk factors, program outcomes did not differ
      significantly. All adolescent medicine-based ED programs were effective in
      assisting patients to gain weight.

PMID- 22098770
TI  - Trends in body mass index in adolescence and young adulthood in the United
      States: 1959-2002.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examined trends in body mass index (BMI) during the
      transition from adolescence to young adulthood by gender and race, using national
      data from the United States spanning for >40 years from 1959 and 2002. Although
      past research has investigated BMI trends separately in childhood/adolescence and
      adulthood, this study uniquely focused on the transition to adulthood (12-26
      years) to identify the emergence of the obesity epidemic during this critical
      life-stage. METHODS: Longitudinal and cross-sectional data were obtained from
      four nationally representative surveys: National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey, National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, National Health
      Interview Survey, and National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth (NLSY79 and NLSY97).
      The analysis tracked age trends in BMI by time, which allowed for the examination
      of how BMI changed during the transition to adulthood and whether the patterns of
      change varied by period. Data best suited for trend analysis were identified. Age
      trends in BMI by gender and race were graphed and regression analysis was used to
      test for significant differences in the trends using the National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey and National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent
      Health. RESULTS: BMI increased sharply in the adolescent ages, beginning in the
      1990s and among young adults around 2000. This age pattern of BMI increase was
      more dramatic among females and blacks, particularly black females. CONCLUSIONS:
      BMI increased during the transition to adulthood and these increases have grown
      larger over time. Obesity prevention efforts should focus on this high-risk
      transition period, particularly among minority populations.

PMID- 22098771
TI  - Acceptability and feasibility of rapid HIV testing in an adolescent clinic
      setting: youth testing attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess youths' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding rapid
      HIV testing (RHT) and measure acceptability and feasibility of RHT in an
      adolescent clinic setting. METHODS: A 2007-2008 project introduced free RHT at an
      urban, hospital-based adolescent and young adult clinic in Boston, MA. Patients
      and HIV testing clients were offered either free nonrapid tests or fingerstick
      RHT. An anonymous questionnaire assessed youths' testing attitudes, knowledge,
      and behaviors (N = 127). Ordinal logistic regression model was used to determine
      associations with youth demographic characteristics and testing experience.
      RESULTS: Most participants valued rapid results. A minority desired
      confidentiality from parents and insurance providers. Older youth were more
      likely to know about testing methods (OR: 1.25; CI: 1.04-1.51) and plan for
      follow-up (OR: 1.43; CI: 1.14-1.81). Age, gender, and race were unrelated to
      testing facilitators such as rapidity, confidentiality, and cost, although
      younger clients were more likely to prefer noninvasive methods. Individuals with
      previous testing experience were more likely to say that they would contribute to
      expenses and value rapidity over cost. CONCLUSION: There was strong support for
      RHT among youth receiving HIV testing. Offering RHT to youth may facilitate
      routine testing. Future research should focus on increasing RHT access among
      diverse populations of youth.

PMID- 22098772
TI  - Finding shelter: two-year housing trajectories among homeless youth.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to (1) identify trajectories of homeless youth
      remaining sheltered or returning to shelter over a period of 2 years, and (2) to
      identify predictors of these trajectories. METHOD: A sample of 426 individuals
      aged 14-24 years receiving services at homeless youth serving agencies completed
      six assessments over 2 years. Latent class growth analysis was applied to the
      reports of whether youth had been inconsistently sheltered (i.e., living on the
      street or in a squat, abandoned building, or automobile) or consistently
      sheltered (i.e., not living in any of those settings) during the past 3 months.
      RESULTS: Three trajectories of homeless youth remaining sheltered or returning to
      shelter were identified: consistently sheltered (approximately 41% of the
      sample); inconsistently sheltered, short-term (approximately 20%); and
      inconsistently sheltered, long-term (approximately 39%). Being able to go home
      and having not left of one's own accord predicted greater likelihood of
      membership in the short-term versus the long-term inconsistently sheltered
      trajectory. Younger age, not using drugs other than alcohol or marijuana, less
      involvement in informal sector activities, being able to go home, and having been
      homeless for <1 year predicted membership in the consistently sheltered groups
      versus the long-term inconsistently sheltered groups in the multivariate
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that being able to return home is more
      important than the degree of individual impairment (e.g., substance use or mental
      health problems) when determining the likelihood that a homeless youth follows a
      more or a less chronically homeless pathway.

PMID- 22098773
TI  - Adolescents with low intelligence are at risk of functional somatic symptoms: the
      TRAILS study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Low intelligence is a risk factor for functional somatic symptoms (FSSs)
      in adults, but it is unknown whether a similar association exists in adolescents.
      We hypothesized that low intelligence may lead to FSS, and that this association
      is mediated by low school performance. In addition, we hypothesized that this
      mediation is particularly present in adolescents who perceive high parental
      expectations. METHODS: This study was performed in a general population cohort
      from the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey, using data from the first
      wave (n = 2,230, mean age = 11.09 years, SD = .56, 50.8% girls), second wave (n =
      2,149, mean age = 13.65 years, SD = .53, 51.0% girls), and third wave (n = 1,816,
      mean age = 16.25 years, SD = .72, 53.3% girls). Intelligence was measured using
      the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, which resulted in an
      intelligence quotient (IQ) for each participant. FSSs were measured by the
      Somatic Complaints Scale of the Youth Self-Report. School performance was
      assessed by teacher reports and perceived parental expectations by adolescent
      reports. Structural equation modeling was used to test our hypotheses. RESULTS:
      We found a significant negative association between IQ and FSS in the whole group
      (beta = -.24). This association was significant in the group perceiving high
      parental expectations (beta = -.37), but not in the group perceiving low parental
      expectations. The association between IQ and FSS was not mediated by school
      performance. CONCLUSIONS: Low intelligence is associated with a higher
      predisposition for FSS in adolescents, especially in those adolescents perceiving
      high parental expectations.

PMID- 22098774
TI  - Victimization experiences of adolescents in Malaysia.
AB  - PURPOSE: There has been little community-based research regarding multiple-type
      victimization experiences of young people in Asia, and none in Malaysia. This
      study aimed to estimate prevalence, explore gender differences, as well as
      describe typical perpetrators and family and social risk factors among Malaysian
      adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 1,870 students was conducted in
      20 randomly selected secondary schools in Selangor state (mean age: 16 years;
      58.8% female). The questionnaire included items on individual, family, and social
      background and different types of victimization experiences in childhood.
      RESULTS: Emotional and physical types of victimization were most common. A
      significant proportion of adolescents (22.1%) were exposed to more than one type,
      with 3% reporting all four types. Compared with females, males reported more
      physical, emotional, and sexual victimization. The excess of sexual victimization
      among boys was due to higher exposure to noncontact events, whereas prevalence of
      forced intercourse was equal for both genders (3.0%). Although adult male
      perpetrators predominate, female adults and peers of both genders also contribute
      substantially. Low quality of parent-child relationships and poor school and
      neighborhood environments had the strongest associations with victimization.
      Family structure (parental divorce, presence of step-parent or single parent, or
      household size), parental drug use, and rural/urban location were not influential
      in this sample. CONCLUSION: This study extends the analysis of multiple-type
      victimization to a Malaysian population. Although some personal, familial, and
      social factors correlate with those found in western nations, there are cross
      cultural differences, especially with regard to the nature of sexual violence
      based on gender and the influence of family structure.

PMID- 22098776
TI  - Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis infection in Bester sturgeon, a cultured hybrid
      of Huso huso * Acipenser ruthenus, in Taiwan.
AB  - Approximately 5300 hybrid sturgeons with an average body weight of 600-800 g were
      farmed in 3 round tankers measuring 3m in diameter each containing 28,000 L of
      aerated groundwater. According to the owner's description, the diseased fish had
      anorexia, pale body color, and reddish spots on the abdomen. The morbidity and
      lethality rates in this outbreak were about 70% (3706/5300) and 100% (3706/3706),
      respectively. The clinical examination revealed enteritis, enlarged abdomen, and
      rapid respiration rate. The gross findings revealed a volume of about 4 mL of
      ascites. The histopathological examination showed multiple massive, hemorrhagic
      or coagulative necrotic foci in the liver and spleen. Furthermore, there was
      diffuse infiltration of glycogen in hepatic cells, and a few polymorphonuclear
      and mononuclear leucocytes were observed surrounding the spleen. Some bacterial
      clumps were noted around the necrotic foci. We also observed that there was
      moderate to severe, acute, multifocal, coagulative necrosis in the renal
      parenchyma, with some necrotic foci present beneath the margin of the kidney.
      Additionally, multifocal, coagulative necrosis was found in the pancreas. Results
      of microbiologic examinations, including biochemical characteristics, PCR
      amplification of 16S rRNA gene, sequencing and comparison, and phylogenetic
      analysis, revealed the pathogen of this infection was Lactococcus lactis subsp.
      lactis, and based on the results of an antimicrobial agent sensitivity test the
      bacterium was only sensitive to ampicillin and florfenicol. Additionally, results
      of in vivo experimental infections in hybrid tilapia showed that 1*10(8) and
      1*10(9) CFU/mL of our isolate caused death in all fish and LD(50) values ranged
      from 10(2) to 10(5) CFU/mL. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the
      first reported case of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis infection in hybrid
      sturgeon.

PMID- 22098775
TI  - TRENTOOL: a Matlab open source toolbox to analyse information flow in time series
      data with transfer entropy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfer entropy (TE) is a measure for the detection of directed
      interactions. Transfer entropy is an information theoretic implementation of
      Wiener's principle of observational causality. It offers an approach to the
      detection of neuronal interactions that is free of an explicit model of the
      interactions. Hence, it offers the power to analyze linear and nonlinear
      interactions alike. This allows for example the comprehensive analysis of
      directed interactions in neural networks at various levels of description. Here
      we present the open-source MATLAB toolbox TRENTOOL that allows the user to handle
      the considerable complexity of this measure and to validate the obtained results
      using non-parametrical statistical testing. We demonstrate the use of the toolbox
      and the performance of the algorithm on simulated data with nonlinear (quadratic)
      coupling and on local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the retina and the
      optic tectum of the turtle (Pseudemys scripta elegans) where a neuronal one-way
      connection is likely present. RESULTS: In simulated data TE detected information
      flow in the simulated direction reliably with false positives not exceeding the
      rates expected under the null hypothesis. In the LFP data we found directed
      interactions from the retina to the tectum, despite the complicated signal
      transformations between these stages. No false positive interactions in the
      reverse directions were detected. CONCLUSIONS: TRENTOOL is an implementation of
      transfer entropy and mutual information analysis that aims to support the user in
      the application of this information theoretic measure. TRENTOOL is implemented as
      a MATLAB toolbox and available under an open source license (GPL v3). For the use
      with neural data TRENTOOL seamlessly integrates with the popular FieldTrip
      toolbox.

PMID- 22098777
TI  - Neuronal regeneration and protection by collagen-binding BDNF in the rat middle
      cerebral artery occlusion model.
AB  - It has been well confirmed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has
      therapeutic effects following stroke. However, it is difficult to be maintained
      at a sufficient concentration of BDNF in the infarcted hemisphere. We have shown
      in our previous work that BDNF fused with a collagen-binding domain (CBD-BDNF)
      could specifically bind to collagen. The ventricular ependyma of the brain is
      rich in collagen. Therefore, we have speculated that in the infarcted hemisphere,
      CBD-BDNF will bind to the collagen of the ventricular ependyma and stimulate the
      cell proliferation in the subventricular zone (SVZ). Using a rat middle cerebral
      artery occlusion model (MCAO), we injected CBD-BDNF into the lateral ventricle of
      MCAO rats. The results demonstrated that CBD-BDNF was retained at high levels in
      the infarcted hemisphere, promoted neural regeneration and angiogenesis, reduced
      cell loss, decreased apoptosis, and improved functional recovery. In addition,
      brain perfusion and metabolism, as evaluated by SPECT and PET, were improved in
      the CBD-BDNF treated group.

PMID- 22098778
TI  - Alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis by cell-transducible methotrexate upon
      transcutaneous delivery.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is initiated and
      maintained by various inflammatory/immune cells and their cytokines, leading to
      cartilage degradation and bone erosion. Despite its potent therapeutic efficacy
      on RA, the oral administration of methotrexate (MTX) provokes serious adverse
      systemic complications, thus necessitating the local application of MTX. Here, we
      show that transcutaneous MTX (TC-MTX) can efficiently penetrate joint skin ex
      vivo and in vivo, and that TC-MTX can significantly improve the various
      inflammatory symptoms associated with RA. Further, TC-MTX preserved the joint
      structures in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), which was also
      confirmed by three-dimensional micro-computed tomography scan. TC-MTX markedly
      decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines both in the serum and in
      inflamed joints of CIA mice. Further, its therapeutic potential is comparable to
      that of etanercept, a biological agent that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha. Importantly, the systemic cytotoxicity of TC-MTX was not detected. Thus,
      TC-MTX can be a new therapeutic modality for RA patients without systemic
      complications.

PMID- 22098779
TI  - Inhibition of cancer stem cell-like properties and reduced chemoradioresistance
      of glioblastoma using microRNA145 with cationic polyurethane-short branch PEI.
AB  - Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common primary brain tumors with poor
      prognosis. CD133 has been considered a putative marker of cancer stem cells
      (CSCs) in malignant cancers, including GBMs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), highly conserved
      small RNA molecules, may target oncogenes and have potential as a therapeutic
      strategy against cancer. However, the role of miRNAs in GBM-associated CSCs
      remains mostly unclear. In this study, our miRNA/mRNA-microarray and RT-PCR
      analysis showed that the expression of miR145 (a tumor-suppressive miRNA) is
      inversely correlated with the levels of Oct4 and Sox2 in GBM-CD133(+) cells and
      malignant glioma specimens. We demonstrated that miR145 negatively regulates GBM
      tumorigenesis by targeting Oct4 and Sox2 in GBM-CD133(+). Using polyurethane
      short branch polyethylenimine (PU-PEI) as a therapeutic-delivery vehicle, PU-PEI
      mediated miR145 delivery to GBM-CD133(+) significantly inhibited their
      tumorigenic and CSC-like abilities and facilitated their differentiation into
      CD133(-)-non-CSCs. Furthermore, PU-PEI-miR145-treated GBM-CD133(+) effectively
      suppressed the expression of drug-resistance and anti-apoptotic genes and
      increased the sensitivity of the cells to radiation and temozolomide. Finally,
      the in vivo delivery of PU-PEI-miR145 alone significantly suppressed
      tumorigenesis with stemness, and synergistically improved the survival rate when
      used in combination with radiotherapy and temozolomide in orthotopic GBM-CD133(+)
      transplanted immunocompromised mice. Therefore, PU-PEI-miR145 is a novel
      therapeutic approach for malignant brain tumors.

PMID- 22098780
TI  - Induction of ROS, mitochondrial damage and autophagy in lung epithelial cancer
      cells by iron oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Autophagy has attracted a great deal of research interest in tumor therapy in
      recent years. An attempt was made in this direction and now we report that iron
      oxide NPs synthesized by us selectively induce autophagy in cancer cells (A549)
      and not in normal cells (IMR-90). It was also noteworthy that autophagy
      correlated with ROS production as well as mitochondrial damage. Protection of NAC
      against ROS clearly suggested the implication of ROS in hyper-activation of
      autophagy and cell death. Pre-treatment of cancer cells with 3-MA also exhibited
      protection against autophagy and promote cellular viability. Results also showed
      involvement of classical mTOR pathway in autophagy induction by iron oxide NPs in
      A549 cells. Our results had shown that bare iron oxide NPs are significantly
      cytotoxic to human cancer cells (A549) but not to the normal human lung
      fibroblast cells (IMR-90).In other words our nanoparticles selectively kill
      cancerous cells. It is encouraging to conclude that iron oxide NPs bear the
      potential of its applications in biomedicine, such as tumor therapy specifically
      by inducing autophagy mediated cell death of cancer cells.

PMID- 22098781
TI  - Womens' attitudes and beliefs of childbirth and association with birth
      preference: a comparison of a Swedish and an Australian sample in mid-pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: the rate of caesarean in Australia is twice that of Sweden. Little is
      known about women's attitudes towards birth in countries where the caesarean rate
      is high compared to those where normal birth is a more common event. OBJECTIVES:
      to compare attitudes and beliefs towards birth in a sample of Australian and
      Swedish women in mid-pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS: women from rural towns in mid
      Sweden (n=386) and north-eastern Victoria in Australia (n=123). METHODS:
      questionnaire data was collected from 2007 to 2009. Levels of agreement or
      disagreement were indicated on sixteen attitude and belief statements regarding
      birth. Principal components analysis (PCA) identified the presence of subscales
      within the attitudes inventory. Using these subscales, attitudes associated with
      preferred mode of birth were determined. Odds ratios were calculated at 95% CI by
      country of care. RESULTS: the Australian sample was less likely than the Swedish
      sample to agree that they would like a birth that: 'is as pain free as possible'
      OR 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2-0.7), 'will reduce my chance of stress incontinence' OR 0.2
      (95% CI: 0.1-0.8), 'will least affect my future sex life' OR 0.3 (95% CI: 0.2
      0.6), 'will allow me to plan the date when my baby is born' OR 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2
      0.7) and 'is as natural as possible' OR 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2-0.9). They were also
      less likely to agree that: 'if a woman wants to have a caesarean she should be
      able to have one under any circumstances' OR 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2-0.7) and 'giving
      birth is a natural process that should not be interfered with unless necessary'
      OR 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1-0.7). Four attitudinal subscales were found: 'Personal Impact
      of Birth', 'Birth as Natural Event', 'Freedom of Choice' and 'Safety Concerns'.
      Women who preferred a caesarean, compared to those who preferred a vaginal birth,
      across both countries were less likely to think of 'Birth as a natural event'.
      KEY CONCLUSIONS: the Australian women were less likely than the Swedish women to
      hold attitudes and beliefs regarding the impact of pregnancy and birth on their
      body, the right to determine the type of birth they want and to value the natural
      process of birth. Women from both countries who preferred caesarean were less
      likely to agree with attitudes related to birth as a natural event.

PMID- 22098783
TI  - Life cycle assessment of the production and use of polypropylene tree shelters.
AB  - A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been conducted for the manufacture,
      use and disposal of polypropylene tree shelters, which are used to protect young
      seedlings in the first few years of growth. The LCA was conducted using Simapro
      software, the Ecoinvent database and ReCiPe assessment methodology. Detailed
      information on materials, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of shelters
      was obtained from Tubex Ltd. in South Wales, UK. Various scenarios based on
      different forest establishment methods, with or without tree shelters were
      derived and analysed using data from published literature and independent
      sources. The scenarios included commercial forestry in northern temperate
      conditions, amenity forest establishment in temperate conditions, and forest
      establishment in semi-arid conditions. For commercial forestry, a reduction in
      required seedling production and planting as well as additional time-averaged
      wood production led to significant benefits with tree shelters, both compared to
      unprotected and fenced cases. For the amenity forest scenarios, tree shelter use
      had a net environmental impact, while for semi-arid forestry, the benefits of
      reduction in water use outweighed shelter production impacts. The current
      practice of in-situ degradation was compared to collection and disposal and it
      was found that in-situ degradation was slightly preferable in terms of overall
      environmental impact. Use of biopolymer-based shelters would improve the
      environmental performance slightly.

PMID- 22098782
TI  - Haptoglobin genotype predicts development of coronary artery calcification in a
      prospective cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease has been linked with genotypes for
      haptoglobin (Hp) which modulates extracorpuscular hemoglobin. We hypothesized
      that the Hp genotype would predict progression of coronary artery calcification
      (CAC), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: CAC was measured three
      times in six years among 436 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 526 control
      subjects participating in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes
      (CACTI) study. Hp typing was performed on plasma samples by polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis. RESULTS: The Hp 2-2 genotype predicted development of
      significant CAC only in subjects with diabetes who were free of CAC at baseline
      (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.56, p = 0.03), compared to those without the Hp 2-2
      genotype, controlling for age, sex, blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol. Hp 2
      appeared to have an allele-dose effect on development of CAC. Hp genotype did not
      predict CAC progression in individuals without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Hp genotype
      may aid prediction of accelerated coronary atherosclerosis in subjects with type
      1 diabetes.

PMID- 22098784
TI  - Removal of phthalates from aqueous solution by different adsorbents: a short
      review.
AB  - This work presents a short review of adsorptive materials proposed and tested for
      removing phthalates from an aqueous environment. The objective is not to present
      an exhaustive review of all the types of adsorbents used, but to focus on
      selected types of "innovative" materials. Examples include modified activated
      carbon, chitosan and its modifications, beta-cyclodextrin, and specific types of
      biomass, such as activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, seaweed and
      microbial cultures. Data from the literature do not confirm the existence of a
      broad-spectral adsorbent with high sorption efficiency, low production costs and
      environmentally friendly manufacture. According to the coefficients of
      Freundlich's isotherm, the most promising adsorbent of those mentioned in this
      work appears to be the biomass of activated sludge, or extracellular
      polysaccharides extracted from it. This material benefits from steady production,
      is cheap and readily available. Nevertheless, before putting it in practice, the
      treatment and adaptation of this raw material has to be taken into consideration.

PMID- 22098785
TI  - Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke after recent transient ischemic
      attack.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis in stroke
      patients with recent transient ischemic attack are hotly debated. Patients
      suffering transient ischemic attack may present with diffusion-weighted imaging
      lesions, and although normal computed tomography would not preclude thrombolysis,
      the concern is that they may be at higher risk for hemorrhage post-thrombolysis
      treatment. Prior ipsilateral transient ischemic attack might provide protection
      due to ischemic preconditioning. We assessed post-thrombolysis outcomes in stroke
      patients who had prior transient ischemic attack. METHODS: Multicentered
      prospective study of consecutive acute stroke patients treated with intravenous
      tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Ipsilateral transient ischemic attack,
      baseline characteristics, risk factors, etiology, and time-lapse to treatment
      were recorded. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at seven-days and
      modified Rankin Scale at three-months, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and
      mortality were compared in patients with and without transient ischemic attack.
      RESULTS: There were 877 patients included, 60 (6.84%) had previous ipsilateral
      transient ischemic attack within one-month prior to the current stroke (65% in
      the previous 24 h). Transient ischemic attack patients were more frequently men
      (70% vs. 53%; P = 0.011), younger (63 vs. 71 years of age; P = 0.011), smokers
      (37% vs. 25%; P = 0.043), and with large vessel disease (40% vs. 25%; P = 0.011).
      Severity of stroke at onset was similar to those with and without prior transient
      ischemic attack (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 12 vs.
      14 P = 0.134). Those with previous transient ischemic attack were treated earlier
      (117 +/- 52 vs. 144 +/- 38 mins; P < 0.005). After adjustment for confounding
      variables, regression analysis showed that previous transient ischemic attack was
      not associated with differences in stroke outcome such as independence (modified
      Rankin Scale 0-2) (odds ratios: 1.035 (0.57-1.93) P = 0.91), mortality (odds
      ratios: 0.99 (0.37-2.67) P = 0.99), or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds
      ratios: 2.04 (0.45-9.32) P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Transient ischemic attack
      preceding ischemic stroke does not appear to have a major influence on outcomes
      following thrombolysis. Patients with prior ipsilateral transient ischemic attack
      appear not to be at higher risk of bleeding complications.

PMID- 22098786
TI  - [Overgrowth with and without obesity: clinical and molecular principles].
AB  - Somatic overgrowth is a complex and heterogeneous pathology that is only
      partially understood, although developments in molecular biology have allowed the
      discovery of the aetiological basis of some of these conditions. The differential
      diagnosis of a patient with a possible variant of normality, a chromosomopathy, a
      dysmorphic syndrome, a metabolic or an endocrine disease is essential. The
      initial clinical evaluation should include a correct anamnesis and physical
      examination, as well as complementary laboratory and image analyses that will
      help to orient the diagnosis. This should include a full blood counts and
      complete biochemical analysis, determinations of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, free T4, TSH and
      homocystinuria, as well as a karyotype and an X-ray of the left hand and wrist.
      These results should be very beneficial in orienting the diagnosis. Additional
      molecular studies should be performed when a monogenic disease is suspected.
      Cardiological, ophthalmological, skeletal, psychological and psychiatric studies
      should be performed if the clinical information and previously mentioned
      complementary studies so indicate. In this review, the aetiological basis and the
      diagnostic-therapeutic principles in the most common causes of overgrowth, will
      be analysed.

PMID- 22098787
TI  - [Penile cystic lesion after intramuscular testosterone injection].

PMID- 22098788
TI  - Uterine artery embolization immediately preceding laparoscopic myomectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether performing uterine artery embolization (UAE)
      immediately before laparoscopic myomectomy can facilitate a minimally invasive
      surgical approach for larger uterine fibroids. METHODS: In a retrospective case
      control study, laparoscopic myomectomy with and without preoperative UAE was
      examined. Data were analyzed from 26 laparoscopic myomectomies performed by a
      single surgeon at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine between
      2004 and 2010. Controls were matched for age, calendar year, surgeon, and number
      of fibroids removed. Surgical outcomes included preoperative clinical uterine
      size, operative time, operative blood loss, and postoperative myoma specimen
      weight. Data were analyzed via 2-tailed Student t test. RESULTS: Twelve women
      underwent laparoscopic myomectomy within 169 +/- 16minutes (mean +/- SEM) of
      preoperative UAE. Fourteen control patients underwent laparoscopic myomectomy
      alone. The UAE group had a greater mean preoperative clinical uterine size (19.7
      versus 12.4 weeks, P<0.001) and a greater mean myoma specimen weight measured
      postoperatively (595.3 versus 153.6 grams, P<0.05). There were no significant
      differences in operative time or blood loss, and there were no intra-operative
      complications. CONCLUSION: UAE performed immediately before laparoscopic
      myomectomy facilitated minimally invasive surgery for larger uteri and larger
      uterine myomas, with no differences in operative time or blood loss.

PMID- 22098789
TI  - Reduced maternal mortality in Tunisia and voluntary commitment to gender-related
      concerns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number and causes of maternal deaths in Tunisia from
      1999 to 2007, and compare the results with the last report (1993-1994). METHODS:
      Data on all deaths of women of reproductive age in the public (1999-2007) and
      private (2006 only) health sectors were collected and assessed for whether the
      death was due to pregnancy. Number of live births was provided by the National
      Institute of Statistics. RESULTS: Mean maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Tunisia
      decreased from 68.9 per 100000 live births in 1993-1994 to 36.3 (95% confidence
      interval, 27.9-46.5) in 2005-2007 (P<0.001). Causes of maternal death did not
      change significantly during the study period (1999-2007): hemorrhage and
      hypertensive disorders were the main causes. The gap between urbanized and more
      rural regions observed in 1993-1994 had narrowed, although MMR remained higher in
      central and western regions than on the east coast. CONCLUSION: The improvement
      in MMR can be credited to the voluntary political commitment focused on gender
      related concerns that has been made in Tunisia, including access to family
      planning; legalization of abortion; and creation of the National Board for Family
      and Population, and the Tunisian Safe Motherhood initiative in 1999.

PMID- 22098790
TI  - Friction-induced whirl vibration: root cause of squeaking in total hip
      arthroplasty.
AB  - Squeaking is reported for ceramic-on-ceramic hip arthroplasty, and risk factors
      leading to this phenomenon have been investigated empirically in the past, this
      way giving hints to when this phenomenon occurs. The aim of this study is to
      present an experimentally validated explanation for the dynamical mechanism
      underlying the squeak, i.e. a description of what happens when noise is
      generated. First the kinematics of the ceramic bearing couple in relative motion
      are reconsidered. The relative motion at the contact zone can be understood as
      superposition of relative rotation and translation. The relative weight of both
      components depends substantially on the instantaneous load vector, which
      primarily determines the position of the contact area, and the instantaneous
      relative rotation vector. For the investigated gait scenarios, both load vector
      and rotation axis vary strongly during the gait cycle. Second, experimental
      vibration analysis during squeak is performed. A pronounced micrometer scale
      elliptical motion of the ball inside the liner is found. It is shown that the
      rotational component of the relative kinematics during gait indeed leads to
      friction induced vibrations. We show that a generic whirl type friction induced
      flutter instability, also known from similar (non bio-) mechanical systems, is
      the root cause of the emitted squeaking noise. Based on the identified mechanism,
      the role of THA system parameters (materials, design), patient risk factors, as
      well as the role of the gait cycle, will have to be reconsidered and linked in
      the future to develop effective measures against squeaking.

PMID- 22098791
TI  - Impact of growth hormone hypersecretion on the adult human kidney.
AB  - Acromegaly is most often secondary to a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma with
      increased Insulin-like Growth Factor type 1 (IGF-1) level. The consequences of
      GH/IGF-1 hypersecretion reflect the diversity of action of these hormones. The
      genes of the GH receptor (GHR), IGF-1, IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and IGF-binding
      proteins (IGF-BP) are physiologically expressed in the adult kidney, suggesting a
      potential role of the somatotropic axis on renal structure and functions. The
      expression of these proteins is highly organized and differs according to the
      anatomical and functional segments of the nephron suggesting different roles of
      GH and IGF-1 in these segments. In animals, chronic exposure to high doses of GH
      induces glomerulosclerosis and increases albuminuria. Studies in patients with GH
      hypersecretion have identified numerous targets of GH/IGF-1 axis on the kidney:
      1) an impact on renal filtration with increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR),
      2) a structural impact with an increase in kidney weight and glomerular
      hypertrophy, and 3) a tubular impact leading to hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria
      and antinatriuretic effects. Despite the increased glomerular filtration rate
      observed in patients with GH hypersecretion, GH is an inefficient treatment for
      chronic renal failure. GH and IGF-1 seem to be involved in the physiopathology of
      diabetic nephropathy; this finding offers the possibility of targeting the GH/IGF
      1 axis for the prevention and the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22098792
TI  - Methods of verifying the output of the treatment planning system used for high
      dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships between the planning target volume
      (PTV) and the total reference air kerma (TRAK) required to irradiate the prostate
      using the Nucletron microSelection (192)Ir radioactive stepping source
      afterloader for the treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS: Using 54 patient
      plans, the relationship between the treatment planning system (TPS) TRAK
      (TRAK(TPS)) and the estimate and planimetry prostate volumes was investigated.
      Linear regression analysis was used to predict the TRAK (TRAK(pred)) using the
      prostate gland height, width and length (HWL) measurements. The TRAK was
      corrected using a conformal index (COIN) of the plan to improve the accuracy of
      the model. A further 54 patient plans were then used to evaluate the outcome of
      the linear regression lines. RESULTS: A formula was proposed (HxWxLxpi/5.19) to
      estimate the prostate volume, which showed a mean deviation from the planimetry
      volume of 0.0139 +/- 3.339 cm(3), where 69% was within +/- 10% of planimetry, and
      96% within +/-20%. Scatter graphs of TRAK(TPS) for 54 plans, showed a positive
      linear correlation, r=0.98, using the planimetry volume, and r=0.95 for the
      estimated volume. The further 54 treatment plans used for evaluation showed the
      TRAK(pred) was accurately predicted to +/- 10% for 100% of plans using the
      planimetry volume and 81% using the prostate volume estimate. CONCLUSIONS: The
      verification method proposed was found to be accurate and independent of TPS
      parameters, with suitable acceptance margins of +/- 10%.

PMID- 22098793
TI  - IGRT induced dose burden for a variety of imaging protocols at two different
      anatomical sites.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Increase in positioning accuracy and treatment adaptation
      is supported by image guidance. The downside is the concomitant imaging dose. In
      this study, we report on the total dose picture for different styles of image
      guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dose was measured in the Alderson phantom using
      TLD's. IGRT technology investigated included CBCT at the linac and simulator,
      multislice-CT and kV and MV planar imaging. Clinically used imaging protocols
      were applied and the total dose picture was assessed for four different sequences
      of imaging for a prostate and a head and neck treatment. RESULTS: The different
      imaging geometries for the various imaging modalities resulted in fairly
      different dose distributions. Head and neck doses up to 100 mGy and higher were
      found for portal imaging and multislice-CT. Depending on the IGRT sequence used
      maximum total dose varies between 120 and 1500 mGy. In prostate maximum doses
      between 40 and 100 mGy were found for portal imaging and CBCT at the linac. Here
      the maximum total dose varies between 120 and 2250 mGy depending on the sequence
      used. DISCUSSION: Factors like patient dimensions, age and sex can influence the
      applicability of presented values. Careful consideration of imaging dose
      especially for very intense imaging sequences is recommended.

PMID- 22098794
TI  - Combined PET/CT image characteristics for radiotherapy tumor response in lung
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prediction of local failure in radiotherapy patients with
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a challenging task. Recent evidence
      suggests that FDG-PET images can be used to predict outcomes. We investigate an
      alternative multimodality image-feature approach for predicting post-radiotherapy
      tumor progression in NSCLC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed pre-treatment FDG
      PET/CT studies of twenty-seven NSCLC patients for local and loco-regional
      failures. Thirty-two tumor region features based on SUV or HU, intensity-volume
      histogram (IVH) and texture characteristics were extracted. Statistical analysis
      was performed using Spearman's correlation (rs) and multivariable logistic
      regression. RESULTS: For loco-regional recurrence, IVH variables had the highest
      univariate association. In PET, IVH-slope reached rs=0.3426 (p=0.0403). Motion
      correction slightly improved correlation of texture features. In CT, coefficient
      of variation had the highest association rs=-0.2665 (p=0.0871). Similarly for
      local failure, a CT-IVH parameter reached rs=0.4530 (p=0.0105). For loco-regional
      and local failures, a 2-parameter model of PET-V(80) and CT-V(70) yielded
      rs=0.4854 (p=0.0067) and rs=0.5908 (p=0.0013), respectively. Addition of
      dosimetric variables provided improvement in cases of loco-regional but not local
      failures. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed a feature-based approach to evaluate radiation
      tumor response. Our study demonstrates that multimodality image-feature modeling
      provides better performance compared to existing metrics and holds promise for
      individualizing radiotherapy planning.

PMID- 22098795
TI  - Electronic portal images (EPIs) based position verification for the breast
      simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To develop a method based on electronic portal images
      (EPIs) for the position verification of breast cancer patients that are treated
      with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique. METHOD: 3D setup errors of
      the breast outline and the thoracic wall were determined from EPIs of the
      tangential treatment fields and anterior posterior (AP) verification field. The
      method was verified with repeated CT scans of 38 patients with an average setup
      error larger than 5 mm. RESULT: The 3D position deviation of the boost volume can
      best be determined from the position deviation of the breast outline in the
      ventrodorsal direction and the thoracic wall in the lateral and longitudinal
      directions from the tangential and AP EPIs. The method gives an average
      overestimation of the deviation of the boost volume in the ventrodorsal, lateral
      and longitudinal directions by 28%, 20% and 6%, respectively and an average
      underestimation of the deviation of the whole breast by 32%, 17% and 39%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The described method is superior to using tangential EPIs only and
      is recommended for position verification of breast cancer patients that are
      treated with a SIB technique if no Cone beam CT (CBCT) or fiducial markers can be
      used.

PMID- 22098796
TI  - Additional x-ray views increase decision to treat clavicular fractures
      surgically.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The trauma series for clavicular fractures includes anterior
      posterior and 20 degrees  cephalic tilt radiographs. Management of clavicular
      fractures either nonoperatively or operatively is dependent on radiographs. We
      hypothesized that the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the
      treatment decision would be improved with a novel 4-view radiographic series over
      the standard 2-view radiographic trauma series. METHODS: Four-view radiographic
      analysis was performed and consisted of anterior-posterior, 20 degrees  cephalic
      tilt, 45 degrees  cephalic tilt, and 45 degrees  caudal tilt. Radiographs were
      collected for 50 consecutive patients presenting with acute midshaft clavicular
      fractures. Four blinded orthopedists were asked to judge whether each case should
      be treated either operatively or nonoperatively based on the standard 2-view
      series and then the 4-view series a minimum of 1 week later. This procedure was
      repeated a minimum of 2 months later. The incidence of surgeon treatment
      modification was analyzed along with interobserver and intraobserver reliability
      of both series. RESULTS: In 17 cases, at least 1 surgeon changed the treatment
      decision between 2- and 4-view review. In 13 cases (26%), the treatment was
      changed from nonoperative to operative. Significantly greater intraobserver
      reliability was observed for the 4- versus 2-view series (R = 0.76 and R = 0.64,
      respectively), with no difference in interobserver reliability (intraclass
      correlation coefficient of 0.88 and 0.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: With the
      use of a novel 4-view radiographic series that includes orthogonal viewing
      angles, surgeons are more likely to treat clavicular fractures operatively and
      their intraobserver reliability is improved, suggesting improved visualization of
      anterior-posterior displacement.

PMID- 22098797
TI  - Sinonasal inverted papilloma associated with malignancy: the role of human
      papillomavirus infection and its implications for radiotherapy.
AB  - Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign but destructive tumor originating
      from the ciliated respiratory mucosa of the sinonasal tract. It can be associated
      with malignancy (squamous cell histology, in particular) and human papillomavirus
      infection has been investigated as a potential etiological factor linked to
      malignant alterations of IP. Surgery is the treatment of choice for IP, however,
      radiotherapy as an adjunct to surgery is indicated for IP with associated
      malignancy.

PMID- 22098798
TI  - Adaptation of barley to mild winters: a role for PPDH2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the adaptation of cereals to environmental conditions
      is one of the key areas in which plant science can contribute to tackling
      challenges presented by climate change. Temperature and day length are the main
      environmental regulators of flowering and drivers of adaptation in temperate
      cereals. The major genes that control flowering time in barley in response to
      environmental cues are VRNH1, VRNH2, VRNH3, PPDH1, and PPDH2 (candidate gene
      HvFT3). These genes from the vernalization and photoperiod pathways show complex
      interactions to promote flowering that are still not understood fully. In
      particular, PPDH2 function is assumed to be limited to the ability of a short
      photoperiod to promote flowering. Evidence from the fields of biodiversity,
      ecogeography, agronomy, and molecular genetics was combined to obtain a more
      complete overview of the potential role of PPDH2 in environmental adaptation in
      barley. RESULTS: The dominant PPDH2 allele is represented widely in spring barley
      cultivars but is found only occasionally in modern winter cultivars that have
      strong vernalization requirements. However, old landraces from the Iberian
      Peninsula, which also have a vernalization requirement, possess this allele at a
      much higher frequency than modern winter barley cultivars. Under field conditions
      in which the vernalization requirement of winter cultivars is not satisfied, the
      dominant PPDH2 allele promotes flowering, even under increasing photoperiods
      above 12 h. This hypothesis was supported by expression analysis of vernalization
      responsive genotypes. When the dominant allele of PPDH2 was expressed, this was
      associated with enhanced levels of VRNH1 and VRNH3 expression. Expression of
      these two genes is needed for the induction of flowering. Therefore, both in the
      field and under controlled conditions, PPDH2 has an effect of promotion of
      flowering. CONCLUSIONS: The dominant, ancestral, allele of PPDH2 is prevalent in
      southern European barley germplasm. The presence of the dominant allele is
      associated with early expression of VRNH1 and early flowering. We propose that
      PPDH2 promotes flowering of winter cultivars under all non-inductive conditions,
      i.e. under short days or long days in plants that have not satisfied their
      vernalization requirement. This mechanism is indicated to be a component of an
      adaptation syndrome of barley to Mediterranean conditions.

PMID- 22098799
TI  - Obesity: overview of an epidemic.
AB  - The obesity epidemic in the United States has proven difficult to reverse. We
      have not been successful in helping people sustain the eating and physical
      activity patterns that are needed to maintain a healthy body weight. There is
      growing recognition that we will not be able to sustain healthy lifestyles until
      we are able to address the environment and culture that currently support
      unhealthy lifestyles. Addressing obesity requires an understanding of energy
      balance. From an energy balance approach it should be easier to prevent obesity
      than to reverse it. Further, from an energy balance point of view, it may not be
      possible to solve the problem by focusing on food alone. Currently, energy
      requirements of much of the population may be below the level of energy intake
      than can reasonably be maintained over time. Many initiatives are underway to
      revise how we build our communities, the ways we produce and market our foods,
      and the ways we inadvertently promote sedentary behavior. Efforts are underway to
      prevent obesity in schools, worksites, and communities. It is probably too early
      to evaluate these efforts, but there have been no large-scale successes in
      preventing obesity to date. There is reason to be optimistic about dealing with
      obesity. We have successfully addressed many previous threats to public health.
      It was probably inconceivable in the 1950s to think that major public health
      initiatives could have such a dramatic effect on reducing the prevalence of
      smoking in the United States. Yet, this serious problem was addressed via a
      combination of strategies involving public health, economics, political advocacy,
      behavioral change, and environmental change. Similarly, Americans have been
      persuaded to use seat belts and recycle, addressing two other challenges to
      public health. But, there is also reason to be pessimistic. Certainly, we can
      learn from our previous efforts for social change, but we must realize that our
      challenge with obesity may be greater. In the other examples cited, we had clear
      goals in mind. Our goals were to stop smoking, increase the use of seatbelts, and
      increase recycling. The difficulty of achieving these goals should not be
      minimized, but they were clear and simple goals. In the case of obesity, there is
      no clear agreement about goals. Moreover, experts do not agree on which
      strategies should be implemented on a widespread basis to achieve the behavioral
      changes in the population needed to reverse the high prevalence rates of obesity.
      We need a successful model that will help us understand what to do to address
      obesity. A good example is the recent HEALTHY study. This comprehensive
      intervention was implemented in several schools and aimed to reduce obesity by
      concentrating on behavior and environment. This intervention delivered most of
      the strategies we believe to be effective in schools. Although the program
      produced a reduction in obesity, this reduction was not greater than the
      reduction seen in the control schools that did not receive the intervention. This
      does not mean we should not be intervening in schools, but rather that it may
      require concerted efforts across behavioral settings to reduce obesity. Although
      we need successful models, there is a great deal of urgency in responding to the
      obesity epidemic. An excellent example is the effort to get menu labeling in
      restaurants, which is moving rapidly toward being national policy. The evaluation
      of this strategy is still ongoing, and it is not clear what impact it will have
      on obesity rates. We should be encouraging efforts like this, but we must
      evaluate them rigorously. Once we become serious about addressing obesity, it
      will likely take decades to reverse obesity rates to levels seen 30 years ago.
      Meanwhile, the prevalence of overweight and obesity remains high and quite likely
      will continue to increase.

PMID- 22098801
TI  - Obesity, psychiatric status, and psychiatric medications.
AB  - This article has shown that obesity is related to several psychiatric disorders,
      the most thoroughly researched of which is depression. In both community and
      clinical populations, the observed relationship is more consistent in women than
      in men, and is stronger in more severely obese individuals. The presence of BED
      also is associated with elevated risk of additional psychopathology. Longitudinal
      research provides evidence to support a pathway from obesity to depression, as
      well as one from depression to obesity. Weight loss, particularly with
      nonpharmacologic methods, appears to have favorable group-level effects on mood,
      but may be associated with adverse outcomes for some individuals. Persons who
      require antipsychotic medications are at risk for weight gain and metabolic
      abnormalities, and their management should be informed by consensus guidelines.

PMID- 22098800
TI  - Regulation of energy balance and body weight by the brain: a distributed system
      prone to disruption.
AB  - Maintaining adequate energy supply via regulation of food intake and energy
      expenditure is crucial for survival and reproduction. The neural control of
      energy balance is highly complex, occurs across distributed central and
      peripheral areas, and incorporates multiple domains of control (including
      homeostatic and hedonic processes). The sheer number of active compounds (such as
      leptin and GLP-1) involved in the regulation of food intake speaks to the
      redundancy and complexity of the system. The balance between energy intake and
      expenditure is under CNS control. Constant bidirectional communication between
      the brain and the GI tract, as well as between the brain and other relevant
      tissues (ie, adipose tissue, pancreas, and liver), ensures that the brain
      constantly perceives and responds accordingly to the energy status/needs of the
      body. This elegant biological system is subject to disruption by a toxic
      obesogenic environment, leading to syndromes such as leptin and insulin
      resistance, and ultimately further exposing obese individuals to further weight
      gain and T2DM. Recent imaging studies in humans are beginning to examine the
      influence that higher-order/hedonic brain regions have on homeostatic areas, as
      well as their responsiveness to homeostatic peripheral signals. With greater
      understanding of these mechanisms, the field moves closer to understanding and
      eventually treating the causalities of obesity.

PMID- 22098802
TI  - Eating disorders and obesity.
AB  - In conclusion, 2 types of disordered eating behaviors affect some overweight and
      obese persons. BED and NES present an excellent opportunity to recognize, treat,
      and prevent these disorders that, at the least, maintain, and at worst, promote,
      overweight and obesity. Articles in this volume by Wilson and co-workers and
      Allison and colleagues discuss current treatment options for BED and NES,
      respectively. Clinicians are encouraged to evaluate the presence of BED and NES
      in all patients who seek treatment for their obesity. Although the prevalence of
      these 2 eating disorders is relatively low, both are associated with significant
      distress and dysfunction that can be ameliorated with effective treatment.

PMID- 22098803
TI  - Treatment of binge eating disorder.
AB  - The two specialty psychological therapies of CBT and IPT remain the treatments of
      choice for the full range of BED patients, particularly those with high levels of
      specific eating disorder psychopathology such as overvaluation of body shape and
      weight. They produce the greatest degree of remission from binge eating as well
      as improvement in specific eating disorder psychopathology and associated general
      psychopathology such as depression. The CBT protocol evaluated in the research
      summarized above was the original manual from Fairburn and colleagues. Fairburn
      has subsequently developed a more elaborate and sophisticated form of treatment,
      namely, enhanced CBT (CBT-E) for eating disorders. Initial research suggests that
      CBT-E may be more effective than the earlier version with bulimia nervosa and
      Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified patients. CBT-E has yet to be evaluated
      for the treatment of BED, although it would currently be the recommended form of
      CBT. Of relevance in this regard is that the so-called broad form of the new
      protocol includes 3 optional treatment modules that could be used to address more
      complex psychopathology in BED patients. One of the modules targeted at
      interpersonal difficulties is IPT, as described earlier in this chapter. Thus,
      the broader protocol could represent a combination of the two currently most
      effective therapies for BED. Whether this combined treatment proves more
      effective than either of the components alone, particularly for a subset of BED
      patients with more complex psychopathology, remains to be tested. CBT-E also
      includes a module designed to address what Fairburn terms "mood intolerance"
      (problems in coping with negative affect) that can trigger binge eating and
      purging. The content and strategies of this mood intolerance module overlap with
      the emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills training of Linehan's
      dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Two randomized controlled trials have tested
      the efficacy of an adaptation of DBT for the treatment of BED (DBT-BED) featuring
      mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance training. A small study
      by Telch and colleagues found that modified DBT-BED was more effective than a
      wait list control in eliminating binge eating. A second study showed that DBT-BED
      resulted in a significantly greater remission rate from binge eating at
      posttreatment than a group comparison treatment designed to control for
      nonspecific therapeutic factors such as treatment alliance and expectations.50
      This difference between the two treatments disappeared over a 12-month follow-up,
      indicating the absence of DBT-BED-specific influences on long-term outcomes. Both
      CBT and IPT have been shown to be more effective in eliminating binge eating than
      BWL in controlled, comparative clinical trials. Nonetheless, BWL has been
      effective in reducing binge eating and associated eating problems in BED patients
      in some studies and might be suitable for treatment of BED patients without high
      levels of specific eating disorder psychopathology. A finding worthy of future
      research is the apparent predictive value of early treatment response to BWL,
      indicating when BWL is likely to prove effective or not. No evidence supports the
      concern that BWL's emphasis on moderate caloric restriction either triggers or
      exacerbates binge eating in individuals with BED. Initially, CBTgsh was
      recommended as a feasible first-line treatment that might be sufficient treatment
      for a limited subset of patients in a stepped care approach. More recent
      research, however, has shown that CBTgsh seems to be as effective as a specialty
      therapy, such as IPT, with a majority of BED patients. The subset of patients
      that did not respond well to CBTgsh in this research were those with a high level
      of specific eating disorder psychopathology, as noted. A plausible explanation
      for this moderator effect is that the original Fairburn CBTgsh manual does not
      include an explicit emphasis on body shape and weight concerns. Subsequent
      implementation of this treatment has incorporated a module that directly
      addresses overvaluation of body shape and weight. Future research should
      determine whether an expanded form of CBTgsh is suitable for the full range of
      patients with BED. CBTgsh is recommended as a treatment for BED on two other
      counts. First, its brief and focused nature makes it cost effective. Second, its
      structured format makes it more readily disseminable than other longer,
      multicomponent psychological therapies. It can be implemented by a wider range of
      treatment providers than more technically complex, time-consuming, and clinical
      expertise-demanding specialty therapies such as CBT-E and IPT. The latter
      evidence-based therapies are rarely available to patients with BED in routine
      clinical care settings. Nevertheless, it must be noted that much of the research
      on CBTgsh to date has been conducted in an eating disorder specialty clinic
      setting. The degree to which the treatment can be adapted to a range of clinical
      service settings remains to be determined. In addition, little is known about the
      specific provider qualifications and level of expertise required to implement
      CBTgsh successfully. Despite its brief and focal nature, specific provider skills
      regarding what and what not to address in treatment are required. Currently
      available pharmacologic treatments cannot be recommended for treatment of BED.
      Aside from the inconsistent results of existing studies, the striking absence of
      controlled long-term evaluation of such treatment argues against its use.As
      summarized, the evidence-based treatments of CBT, IPT, and CBTgsh result in
      significant improvement and large treatment effects on multiple outcome measures
      aside from binge eating in overweight and obese patients. These include specific
      eating disorder psychopathology (eg, overvaluation of body shape and weight),
      general psychopathology (eg, depression), and psychosocial functioning. Moreover,
      these changes are typically well-maintained over 1 to 2 years of follow-up. The
      exception to this profile of improvement remains weight loss and its maintenance
      over time. These specialty psychological treatments do not produce weight loss,
      although successfully eliminating binge eating might protect against future
      weight gain. BWL consistently produces short-term weight loss, the extent of
      which has varied across different studies. Long-term weight loss has yet to be
      demonstrated, however. In this regard, the findings with obese patients with BED
      are not different than those on the treatment of obesity in general, in which
      there is little robust evidence of enduring weight loss effects of BWL.

PMID- 22098804
TI  - Treatment of night eating syndrome.
AB  - Although treatment research for NES remains limited, several options are
      available for patients whose symptoms require clinical attention. Pharmacotherapy
      has received the most empirical support of the proposed treatments. Controlled
      trials are needed to confirm the initial results from pilot studies with CBT,
      behavioral therapy, and phototherapy, and an extended controlled trial of
      progressive muscle relaxation would be useful. In their comprehensive review of
      the field, Striegel-Moore and colleagues have questioned the clinical utility of
      NES as a diagnostic entity and stress the very limited nature of treatment
      studies to date. Research in this field has to provide a systematic examination
      of the approaches described here, as well as others yet to be identified. This
      pursuit seems warranted given that persons suffering with the cluster of symptoms
      identified as NES are approaching health care providers for relief and are often
      frustrated by the lack of recognition of this syndrome. Future studies should
      test a wider variety of medications that would target serotonin or the circadian
      timing of eating. Additionally, trials comparing and combining medication
      treatments and CBT (or progressive muscle relaxation alone) would also be useful
      in addressing which treatment should be used as a first line treatment. With NES
      being considered for inclusion as a Feeding and Eating Condition Not Elsewhere
      Classified (FEC-NEC) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
      Disorders, Fifth Edition, it is likely that more clinical attention and studies
      will address these important issues in the coming years.

PMID- 22098805
TI  - Medical and behavioral evaluation of patients with obesity.
AB  - Obesity may be the most significant medical problem that health care providers
      will face over the coming decades. Physicians must aggressively address this
      chronic disease, providing both preventive and therapeutic care. Since this topic
      has not been traditionally taught in medical school or residency training,
      physicians and other health providers will need to acquire the knowledge, skills,
      and attitudes necessary to be effective obesity care providers. Performing a
      detailed initial assessment, including an obesity focused history, physical
      examination, and selected laboratory and diagnostic tests is fundamental to the
      process of care.

PMID- 22098806
TI  - Dietary approaches to the treatment of obesity.
AB  - Various dietary strategies can effectively reduce weight, as shown by this
      review. Those that are coupled with behavior therapy and ongoing support tend to
      produce longer lasting effects. Improvements in health parameters are observed
      with each dietary strategy. Improvements in diabetes and CVD risk factors have
      been observed with diets ranging from 10% fat to 45% fat. HP diets seem to be
      particularly effective in reducing fat mass and TAG, especially in individuals
      with dyslipidemia and who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Likewise, LC diets
      have been shown to be effective in decreasing TAG and VLDL and increasing HDL.
      Although low-GI diets do not seem to be superior to any other diet for weight
      loss, there is evidence to suggest that they may provide some metabolic benefit
      for those with type 2 diabetes. Clearly, all of these diets have benefits but
      they can be realized only when they are followed. A common theme across studies
      is poor long-term adherence and weight regain. Dansinger and colleagues found a
      strong association between diet adherence and clinically significant weight loss,
      suggesting that "sustained adherence to a diet" rather than "following a certain
      type of diet" is the key to successful weight management.

PMID- 22098807
TI  - Obesity and physical activity.
AB  - Physical activity seems to be an important component of lifestyle interventions
      for weight loss and maintenance. Although the effects of physical activity on
      weight loss may seem to be modest, there seems to be a dose-response relationship
      between physical activity and weight loss. Physical activity also seems to be a
      critically important behavior to promote long-term weight loss and the prevention
      of weight regain. The benefits of physical activity on weight loss are also
      observed in patients with severe obesity (BMI >= 35 kg/m2) and in patients who
      have undergone bariatric surgery. Moreover, independent of the effect of physical
      activity on body weight, engagement in physical activity that results in improved
      cardiorespiratory fitness can contribute to reductions in health risk in
      overweight and obese adults. Thus, progression of overweight and obese patients
      to an adequate dose of physical activity needs to be incorporated into clinical
      interventions for weight control.

PMID- 22098809
TI  - Motivational interviewing for weight loss.
AB  - MI is a patient-centered directive counseling style that aims to facilitate
      patients' likelihood of making behavior change through the exploration and
      strengthening of personal motivations. Hallmarks of MI include a collaborative
      relationship between patient and practitioner, a focus on the elicitation and
      enhancement of change talk, a nonconfrontational style, and a concerted effort to
      minimize resistance. MI has been applied to a variety of health-related
      behaviors, and a growing body of research suggests that this approach may be
      useful in the context of behavioral weight management. Although results are not
      uniform, the majority of research suggests that MI delivered as an independent
      component in addition to a behavioral weight loss program can augment weight loss
      and likely exerts its beneficial effects through enhancement of treatment
      engagement and adherence to behavioral recommendations. Furthermore, preliminary
      research suggests that MI may be helpful in promoting weight maintenance after an
      initial loss has been achieved. Given that behavioral weight management is a
      relatively new application of MI, a variety of issues merit further
      investigation. Of particular interest are issues related to the type and extent
      of provider training necessary to ensure adequate skill development, cost
      effectiveness of MI, and translational research to determine the feasibility and
      effectiveness of incorporating MI strategies into real-world weight loss
      settings.

PMID- 22098808
TI  - Behavioral treatment of obesity.
AB  - This review has shown that behavioral treatment is effective in inducing a 10%
      weight loss, which is sufficient to significantly improve health. Weight loss
      maintenance is challenging for most patients. Long-term outcomes have the
      potential to be improved through various methods including prolonging contact
      between patients and providers (either in the clinic or via Internet or
      telephone), facilitating high amounts of physical activity, or combining
      lifestyle modification with pharmacotherapy. Innovative programs also are being
      developed to disseminate behavioral approaches beyond traditional academic
      settings.

PMID- 22098810
TI  - Drug treatment of obesity.
AB  - Both diet and medications are useful in the treatment of the obese patient.
      Weight loss of about 10% below baseline can be achieved with both, and there is
      no evidence that the composition of the diet, by itself, has any influence on
      weight loss. Presently only 1 drug is approved for long-term treatment of
      overweight patients, and its effectiveness is limited to palliation of the
      chronic disease of obesity. Combinations of medications and antidiabetic drugs
      that produce weight loss are being evaluated.

PMID- 22098811
TI  - Surgical treatments for obesity.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective and durable treatment option
      for extreme obesity. Restrictive procedures, such as AGB and SG, limit gastric
      capacity and, thus, food intake while leaving the gastrointestinal tract intact.
      Malabsorptive procedures, such as BPD, shorten the length of the intestine to
      decrease nutrient absorption. Combined procedures, such as RYGB, include
      restriction and gastrointestinal rearrangement. Procedures that bypass segments
      of the gut are associated with greater weight loss and greater improvements in
      comorbid conditions than is gastric banding. This may be due, in part, to the
      differential effects of gastrointestinal rearrangement on the secretion of
      orexigenic and anorexigenic gut peptides that regulate appetite, glucose
      homeostasis, and body weight. Bariatric surgery is generally associated with low
      rates of perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality, although
      rigorous comparative safety data are lacking. High-quality, long-term,
      randomized, controlled trials are needed to compare the efficacy, safety, and
      cost effectiveness of the various bariatric surgery procedures with each other,
      as well as with intensive nonsurgical weight loss interventions.

PMID- 22098812
TI  - Obesity: a public health approach.
AB  - Obesity is an epidemic that likely will worsen without substantive changes to the
      current environment. Although treatment of the individual has conventionally been
      the focus of the obesity field, prevention using a public health model will be
      essential for making progress on a population level. There are encouraging signs
      that communities across the country are acknowledging the complex causes of
      obesity and making impressive reforms to improve their health and that of their
      children. Public policy changes long have been used to combat infectious and
      chronic diseases and will be vital in the attempt to reduce the toll of poor
      diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.

PMID- 22098813
TI  - Preface. Obesity and associated eating disorders: a guide for mental health
      professionals.

PMID- 22098814
TI  - Monitoring and blunting styles in fluid restriction consultation.
AB  - Excessive fluid overload is common in hemodialysis patients. Understanding fluid
      intake behavior in relation to used cognitive coping style would serve the fluid
      restriction consultation. The aim of this study was to explore whether
      hemodialysis patients' fluid intake behavior differs as a function of used coping
      style. Secondary analysis of data from 51 hemodialysis patients regarding
      cognitive coping style (assessed by the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory)
      and fluid intake behavior were used. The participants' mean age was 62.9 years
      (range 27-84), they had received dialysis treatment for 3.9 years on average
      (range 0-22), 63% were male and they had gained 3.6% (+/-1.3) of their dry body
      weight during the interdialytic period. There was a significant difference in
      fluid intake behavior between coping groups (F = 3.899, d.f. 2, P = 0.027). The
      difference (P = 0.028) was isolated between patients with cognitive blunting
      style and patients with neutral coping style. Identification of hemodialysis
      patients using cognitive avoidance strategies can be advantageous in renal care.
      Fluid advice provided may have to be adjusted to the used coping style,
      especially for patients with a blunting coping style. However, the findings need
      to be confirmed, and the effect of individualized counseling needs to be
      evaluated in forthcoming studies.

PMID- 22098815
TI  - Tracheobronchial malposition of fine bore feeding tube in patients with
      mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 22098816
TI  - Serological testing of cattle experimentally infected with Mycoplasma mycoides
      subsp. mycoides Small Colony using four different tests reveals a variety of
      seroconversion patterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To study the specific antibody response to infection with Mycoplasma
      mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC), the agent of Contagious Bovine
      Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), we examined three panels of sera collected during three
      experimental infection trials in African cattle. The methods used included an in
      house complement fixation test (CFT), a commercially available CFT, a competitive
      antibody ELISA (cELISA) and the immunoblotting test (IBT). In addition, lung
      tissue samples were examined by culture. RESULTS: A total of 89% (51/59) of all
      experimentally infected animals tested positive on at least one of the
      serological tests throughout the trial. The specific antibody titres to the MmmSC
      infection became positive first by CFT (6 to 9 days post infection [dpi]),
      followed by IBT (9 to 13 dpi) and cELISA (13 to 16 dpi). Individual animals were
      found to display remarkably distinct seroconversion patterns, which allowed their
      classification into i) early high responders, ii) late high responders, and iii)
      low responders. In accordance with other studies, none of the present serological
      tests was capable of detecting all CBPP infected animals. CONCLUSION: Comparison
      of the assays' performance in terms of sensitivity and specificity raises serious
      questions as to their reliability for identification of infected individuals in
      the field. In view of these limitations, a combination of CFT and cELISA can
      markedly improve CBPP diagnosis at single-animal level.

PMID- 22098818
TI  - A tribute.

PMID- 22098817
TI  - Biliary dysplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: additional
      value of DNA ploidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection of biliary dysplasia in PSC is essential for proper timing
      of liver transplantation to prevent the development of cholangiocancer, which is
      considered a contraindication for liver transplantation in most centres. In
      patients with PSC, differential diagnosis of benign, premalignant and malignant
      biliary strictures is difficult. AIMS: This prospective study aimed to evaluate
      the role of DNA analysis in combination with brush cytology, scored ERCP
      findings, and tumour markers to detect hepatobiliary dysplasia and malignancy.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Brush samples for cytology and for evaluation of DNA
      content analysed with flow cytometry came from 102 consecutive PSC patients
      referred for ERCP. Symptoms, serum Ca19-9 and CEA were determined at the time of
      index biliary examination. ERCP findings were scored for intra- and extrahepatic
      changes. The end-points were liver transplantation or diagnosis of malignancy or
      dysplasia. RESULTS: Most of the patients were asymptomatic at the time of ERCP:
      73% had no symptoms, and 12% had only mild symptoms. An aneuploid DNA content was
      evident in 20 (20%) patients, and cells suspected for malignancy in 22 (21%).
      Seven patients had both aneuploidity and cytology (7%) suspicious for malignancy.
      An end-point, diagnosis of malignancy or liver transplantation was achieved in 42
      patients. Combining DNA ploidity and cytology in patients at the end-point,
      sensitivity was 72%, specificity 82%, positive predictive value 86% and negative
      predictive value 67%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this mostly asymptomatic PSC
      patient population, 33% demonstrated abnormal brush cytology or aneuploidity.
      Determining DNA ploidy and brush cytology during ERCP offers a useful tool for
      identifying those PSC patients who are at high risk of developing
      cholangiocancer.

PMID- 22098819
TI  - Introduction and transition.

PMID- 22098820
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22098821
TI  - New-onset psoriasis in a maintenance hemodialysis patient.
AB  - New-onset psoriasis is extremely rare in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and several
      trials of dialysis therapies (HD and peritoneal dialysis) in psoriasis have
      indicated remarkable improvement in skin lesions and well-being even in patients
      without renal impairment. We describe a patient who developed severe psoriasis
      despite undergoing chronic maintenance hemodialysis for 5 years and was treated
      successfully with oral cyclosporin A.

PMID- 22098822
TI  - Detection of porcine DNA in gelatine and gelatine-containing processed food
      products-Halal/Kosher authentication.
AB  - A commercially available real-time PCR, based on a multi-copy target cytochrome b
      (cyt b) using porcine specific primers, has been validated for the Halal/Kosher
      authentication of gelatine. Extraction and purification of DNA from gelatine were
      successfully achieved using the SureFood(r) PREP Animal system, and real-time PCR
      was carried out using SureFood(r) Animal ID Pork Sens kit. The minimum level of
      adulteration that could be detected was 1.0% w/w for marshmallows and gum drops.
      A small survey was undertaken of processed food products such as gum drops,
      marshmallows and Turkish delight, believed to contain gelatine. Of fourteen food
      products from Germany, two samples were found to contain porcine gelatine,
      whereas of twenty-nine samples from Turkey twenty-eight were negative. However,
      one product from Turkey contained porcine DNA and thus was not Halal, and neither
      was the use of porcine gelatine indicated on the product label.

PMID- 22098823
TI  - Preliminary study on the effect of caspase-6 and calpain inhibitors on postmortem
      proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins in chicken breast muscle.
AB  - The objective was to determine the effect of three different protease inhibitors,
      caspase-6 specific inhibitor VEID-CHO (N-Acetyl-Val-Glu-Ile-Asp-al), calpain
      inhibitor leupeptin or calpain inhibitor EGTA on protein degradation,
      ultrastructure of myofibrils and calpain activity during postmortem (PM) aging of
      chicken muscle. Results showed that proteolysis of nebulin, troponin-T and desmin
      during 14-days postmortem storage were inhibited significantly by leupeptin.
      Inhibitive effects of VEID-CHO and EGTA on these protein degradations were
      significant only during 1-day postmortem storage. The activities of calpains were
      inhibited noticeably by leupeptin and EGTA, but not by VEID-CHO. Samples treated
      with VEID-CHO, leupeptin and EGTA retarded structural disruption of chicken
      muscle fibers. These results demonstrate that calpain is a major contributor to
      PM tenderization; while caspase-6 plays, if any, a minimal role in the conversion
      of chicken muscle to meat.

PMID- 22098824
TI  - Abnormal muscle activation during gait in diabetes patients with and without
      neuropathy.
AB  - The World Health Organization warns that, in 2000, as many as 33 million
      Europeans suffered from diabetes, approximately 15% will likely develop foot
      ulcers, and approximately 15-20% of these patients will face lower-extremity
      amputation. Changes in some gait parameters that appear to be specific in
      diabetes have been identified in the literature: shorter stride length, reduced
      walking speed, and altered lower limb and trunk mobility. The present study aimed
      at evaluating the role of altered muscle activity in gait alterations of diabetic
      subjects with and without neuropathy. This study involved 50 subjects: 10
      controls (BMI 24.4 +/- 2.8, age 61.2 +/- 5.07), 20 diabetics (BMI 26.4 +/- 2.5,
      age 56.53 +/- 13.29) and 20 neuropathics (BMI 26.8 +/- 3.4, age 61.2 +/- 7.7).
      The electrical activity of six muscles was collected bilaterally on the lower
      limb during gait: gluteus medius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, peroneous
      longus, gastrocnemius lateralis, and extensor digitorum communis.
      Electromyographic activity was represented through linear envelopes. Time and
      space parameters were also evaluated by means of two Bertec force plates and a
      six cameras motion capture system (BTS, 60-120 Hz). At initial contact and
      loading response, an early peak of rectus femoris activity occurred in diabetic
      subjects with and without neuropathy. During midstance a delay of gastrocnemius
      activity was observed in diabetic non-neuropathic subjects. During terminal swing
      a delay of rectus femoris and gluteus medius activity was seen in diabetic non
      neuropathic subjects'. The results suggest that important muscle activity
      deviations are present in diabetic subjects although these are not directly
      related to neuropathy.

PMID- 22098825
TI  - Both coordination and symmetry of arm swing are reduced in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A recent study reporting significantly reduced symmetry in arm swing
      amplitude in early Parkinson's disease (PD), as measured during single strides in
      a gait laboratory, led to this investigation of arm swing symmetry and
      coordination over many strides using wearable accelerometers in PD. METHODS:
      Forearm accelerations were recorded while eight early PD subjects and eight
      Controls performed 8-min walking trials. Arm swing asymmetry (ASA), maximal cross
      correlation (MXC), and instantaneous relative phase (IRP) of bilateral arm swing
      were compared between PD and Controls. Correlations between arm swing
      measurements (ASA and MXC) and Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores were
      estimated. RESULTS: PD subjects demonstrated significantly higher ASA (p=0.002)
      and lower MXC (p<0.001) than Controls. The IRP probability distribution for PD
      was significantly different than Controls (p<0.001), with an angular standard
      deviation of 67.2 degrees  for PD and 50.6 degrees  for Controls. Among PD
      subjects, ASA was significantly correlated with the UPDRS score for the limbs
      (R(2)=0.58, p=0.049), whereas MXC was significantly correlated with the tremor
      subscore of the limbs (R(2)=0.64, p=0.031). DISCUSSION: The study confirms
      previously reported higher arm swing asymmetry in PD but also shows there is
      significantly lower MXC and greater IRP variability, suggesting that reduction in
      bilateral arm coordination may contribute to clinically observed asymmetry in PD.
      The differential correlation of clinical measures of motor disability with
      measurements of arm swing during gait is intriguing and deserves further
      investigation.

PMID- 22098826
TI  - [Foreword].

PMID- 22098828
TI  - Gastric cancer: endoscopic diagnosis and staging.
AB  - Gastric cancer is common and is a cause of severe morbidity and mortality. Early
      diagnosis can improve the chances of cure and prolong survival because prognosis
      is inversely related to the disease stage. Endoscopy plays an important role in
      diagnosis. Emerging adjunct technologies such as image-enhanced endoscopy and
      magnification endoscopy aid in early cancer detection. Endoscopic ultrasonography
      is an additional useful tool for preoperative staging. Endoscopy for screening,
      except for high-risk patients, and outside areas of high prevalence, remains
      controversial.

PMID- 22098827
TI  - [Neurological adverse events under anti-TNF alpha therapy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anti-TNF alpha treatments are increasingly prescribed in various
      rheumatological or gastroenterological inflammatory diseases. Several adverse
      events, including neurological episodes have been reported in the literature.
      Relation to treatment is a major concern and guidelines for management of those
      patients are not available. The aim of our study is to collect and analyze
      neurological adverse events occurring during anti-TNF alpha therapy, and to
      propose guidelines for diagnosis of demyelinating-induced diseases. METHODS: All
      patients treated with anti-TNF alpha drug, who were addressed in our department
      following a neurological event, were collected. We gathered clinical data
      including previous neurological history and immunosuppressive treatments.
      Paraclinical data included brain and spinal MRI, CSF study and outcome after anti
      TNF therapy was collected. RESULTS: Nine patients were included in this study.
      Sex ratio was eight and mean age was 49+/-9 years. One patient had previous
      history of subarachnoidian hemorrage. All the patients previously received
      immunosuppressive drugs, including methotrexate (nine) and leflunomide (four).
      Three patients had a brain MRI before initiation of anti-TNF treatment, which was
      normal. Clinical episode was stroke-like in three cases, clinically isolated
      syndrome (CIS) in five cases, and peripheral neuropathy in one case. MRI showed
      lesions suggestive of demyelinating T2 hyperintensities in four cases, vascular
      infarcts in two cases, and non-specific T2 hyperintensities in three cases.
      Barkhof and Tintore criteria were fulfilled in one of the four CIS cases. CSF
      study was available for six patients. It was normal (four cases), showed
      oligoclonal bands (one case) and lymphocytic meningitis (one case). Anti-TNF
      alpha discontinuation was decided in five cases. Outcome was favorable for eight
      patients. One patient, whom MRI fulfilled Barkhof and Tintore criteria, and CSF
      showed oligoclonal bands, further developed relapsing remitting multiple
      sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Our study is compatible with data found in the literature.
      Barkhof and Tintore criteria and CSF study are useful in clinical practice to
      diagnose a first demyelinating event. Standardized paraclinical neurological
      explorations should be proposed to physicians who are in charge of anti-TNF
      treated patients.

PMID- 22098829
TI  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are relatively rare mesenchymal tumors
      located within the submucosa of the GI tract. The defining characteristic of
      GISTs is the presence of the cell-surface antigen CD117 receptor tyrosine kinase,
      identified by immunohistochemistry. Currently the only cure for GIST is complete
      surgical resection. Imatinib has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs and has
      been used as adjuvant treatment after resection, and as treatment for locally
      advanced, recurrent, and metastatic GIST. Imatinib resistance has become a
      significant concern in the treatment of GISTs and other tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors that target different pathways are currently being studied.

PMID- 22098830
TI  - Familial gastric cancer: genetics, diagnosis, and management.
AB  - This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of familial gastric cancer,
      particularly hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). First, existing consensus
      guidelines are discussed and then the pathology and genetics of HDGC are
      reviewed. Second, patient management is covered, including surveillance
      gastroscopy, prophylactic total gastrectomy, and management of the risk of breast
      cancer.

PMID- 22098831
TI  - Standard D2 and modified nodal dissection for gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The quality of surgical treatment is a major determinant of cancer treatment
      outcomes; however, controlling surgical quality is a difficult task. Surgical
      treatment of gastric cancers, and especially the benefits of nodal dissection,
      has been a topic of debate and no consensus has been reached to date. The D2
      nodal dissection defined, standardized, and practiced in Japan is a technically
      challenging procedure but carries better locoregional disease control. This
      article reviews the current definition of D1, D1 plus, and D2 nodal dissections,
      as well as the nodal dissection technique, indications for its modification, and
      the learning curve.

PMID- 22098832
TI  - Gastric cancer eastern experience.
AB  - Several guidelines are used for cancer therapy throughout the world. The Japan
      Gastric Cancer Association guideline, whereby standard surgery for T2 to T4
      curable gastric cancer is defined as more than two-thirds gastrectomy with D2
      dissection, are widely followed, with further data being gathered from either
      single institutions or nationwide registry. In the East, D2 dissection shows much
      better results than less extended surgery followed by adjuvant treatment.
      Adjuvant chemotherapy without radiotherapy shows significantly better survival
      results than surgery alone only when D2 dissection is applied. Without good local
      control, including regional lymph node metastasis, the cure rate cannot be high.

PMID- 22098833
TI  - Surgery for gastric cancer: what the trials indicate.
AB  - To optimize the therapeutic value of an operation for cancer, surgeons must weigh
      survival value against mortality/morbidity risk. As a result of several
      prospective, randomized trials, many surgeons feel that international opinion has
      reached a consensus. Reflexively radical surgical hubris has certainly given way
      to a more nuanced, customized approach to this disease. But issues remain. This
      article critically reviews existing data and emphasizes areas of continued
      controversy.

PMID- 22098834
TI  - Preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer.
AB  - Radical surgery offers the only chance of cure for patients with operable gastric
      cancer; however, outcomes remain generally poor due to a high rate of relapse
      post gastric surgery. Multimodality therapy using chemotherapy, radiation or a
      combination of both have been evaluated in different parts of the world to
      improve outcomes from surgery alone. Perioperative chemotherapy is generally
      preferred in Europe in contrast to postoperative chemoradiation in the US or
      adjuvant fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy in East Asia. Regardless of these
      variations, systemic chemotherapy consistently results in a survival benefit when
      used in multimodality treatment of operable gastric cancer.

PMID- 22098835
TI  - Phase I and II clinical trials for gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer remains a global public health problem with considerable
      heterogeneity in pathogenesis and clinical presentation across geographic
      regions. Improved understanding of the molecular biology of this disease has
      opened avenues for targeted intervention. An individualized treatment approach is
      required for optimal management of this cancer. Overcoming resistance to therapy
      requires combining targeted agents with the traditional options of
      chemotherapy/radiation therapy, and also targeting more than 1 pathway of
      carcinogenesis at a time. Encouraging molecular hypothesis and biomarker-driven
      trials will lead to improved patient outcomes and may eventually enable the
      therapeutic nihilism associated with gastric cancer to be overcome.

PMID- 22098836
TI  - Endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and beyond: full
      layer resection for gastric cancer with nonexposure technique (CLEAN-NET).
AB  - Mucosal cancer in the gastrointestinal tract generally has low risk of lymph node
      metastasis. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal
      dissection (ESD) are techniques of local excision of neoplasia confined to the
      mucosal layer. Specimens from EMR/ESD contribute to several diagnoses, and
      histologic results affect treatment decisions. A combined laparoscopic and
      endoscopic approach to neoplasia with a nonexposure technique allows full
      thickness resection of the stomach wall without exposing the gastric lumen to the
      peritoneal cavity, preventing cancer cell dissemination to the peritoneal cavity.
      This article reviews EMR/ESD and describes a new full-thickness resection method
      using the nonexposure technique (CLEAN-NET).

PMID- 22098837
TI  - Laparoscopic resection for gastric carcinoma: Western experience.
AB  - There has been much speculation regarding differences in outcome for patients who
      have gastric cancer in the Eastern versus Western world. Among other factors,
      these differences have contributed to a unique cohort of patients and experience
      in the Western staging/evaluation of gastric cancer and in the application of
      minimally invasive approaches for treatment. This review summarizes the current
      state of laparoscopic approaches for the staging and treatment of gastric
      adenocarcinoma for patients presenting in Western countries, with their
      associated unique presentation, comorbidities, and outcomes.

PMID- 22098838
TI  - Molecular markers for incidence, prognosis, and response to therapy.
AB  - Lung cancer is the most common malignancy in the United States and worldwide. In
      2011, it is estimated that more than 221,000 people in the United States will be
      diagnosed with cancer of the lung and bronchus. For patients with early-stage
      disease, 5-year survival approaches only 50%. Recent advances using molecular,
      genetic, and proteomic profiling of lung tumors have enabled refining the
      prognosis for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. With targeted therapies,
      there is an opportunity to enhance long-term survival. This article discusses
      several key molecular markers used in the prognostication and treatment of non
      small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 22098839
TI  - Management of gastric cancer. Foreword.

PMID- 22098840
TI  - Management of gastric cancer. Preface.

PMID- 22098841
TI  - Politics and patient care.

PMID- 22098842
TI  - CRASH-2 goes viral.

PMID- 22098843
TI  - Breast cancer: old and new debates.

PMID- 22098844
TI  - The Global Fund: getting the reforms right.

PMID- 22098846
TI  - Effect of population-based screening on breast cancer mortality.

PMID- 22098850
TI  - Hydroxycarbamide use in young children with sickle-cell anaemia.

PMID- 22098851
TI  - Hydroxycarbamide use in young children with sickle-cell anaemia.

PMID- 22098852
TI  - Need to realign patient-oriented and commercial and academic research.

PMID- 22098853
TI  - MRI for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
AB  - MRI is used widely both for screening women who are at increased risk of breast
      cancer and for treatment selection. Prospective studies confirm that MRI
      screening of women with known or suspected genetic mutation results in a higher
      sensitivity for cancer detection than does mammography. However, survival data
      are not available. In women with breast cancer, MRI detects cancer not identified
      with other types of screening. In two randomised trials, this increased
      sensitivity did not translate into improved selection of surgical treatment or a
      reduction in the number of operations. Data for longer-term outcomes such as
      ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence rates and contralateral breast cancer
      incidence are scarce, but to date do not show clear benefit for MRI. MRI is
      better than other methods of assessing the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy,
      and is helpful in identifying the primary tumour in patients who present with
      axillary adenopathy.

PMID- 22098854
TI  - Gene expression profiling in breast cancer: classification, prognostication, and
      prediction.
AB  - Microarray-based gene expression profiling has had a major effect on our
      understanding of breast cancer. Breast cancer is now perceived as a heterogeneous
      group of different diseases characterised by distinct molecular aberrations,
      rather than one disease with varying histological features and clinical
      behaviour. Gene expression profiling studies have shown that oestrogen-receptor
      (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancers are distinct diseases at the
      transcriptomic level, that additional molecular subtypes might exist within these
      groups, and that the prognosis of patients with ER-positive disease is largely
      determined by the expression of proliferation-related genes. On the basis of
      these principles, a molecular classification system and prognostic multigene
      classifiers based on microarrays or derivative technologies have been developed
      and are being tested in randomised clinical trials and incorporated into clinical
      practice. In this review, we focus on the conceptual effect and potential
      clinical use of the molecular classification of breast cancer, and discuss
      prognostic and predictive multigene predictors.

PMID- 22098855
TI  - A strange case of waitress headache.

PMID- 22098856
TI  - Non-communicable diseases and surgery at the UN? "Fugetaboutit!".

PMID- 22098857
TI  - The forgotten psychosocial dimension of the obesity epidemic.

PMID- 22098858
TI  - Nonlinearities in soft tissue strain.

PMID- 22098859
TI  - Characterization of the nonlinear behaviour and the failure of human liver
      capsule through inflation tests.
AB  - This paper aims at describing an inflation test protocol on a human liver capsule
      using stereo-correlation. The biaxial tension created by the inflation test is
      comparable to the type of loading the capsule would be subjected to during a
      liver compression. Confocal microscopy associated to an anti-collagen coloration
      reveals that the tissue is isotropic at the meso-scale. Stereo-correlation
      provides the strain field of the capsule during the test. It emphasizes the
      boundary condition effects on the strain field. The measurement of the shape of
      the capsule is used to determine the parameters of two hyperelastic (polynomial
      and exponential) homogeneous models. The ultimate first principal strain before
      failure is measured locally and its value is 50.5%+/-10.8%. In this protocol, the
      light goes throughout the sample and makes the heterogeneities of the material
      appear as darker grey levels on the pictures. These heterogeneities also appear
      on the strain fields, so we can assume that they have different material
      properties.

PMID- 22098860
TI  - Modeling failure of soft anisotropic materials with application to arteries.
AB  - The arterial wall is a composite where the preferred orientation of collagen
      fibers induces anisotropy. Though the hyperelastic theories of fiber-reinforced
      composites reached a high level of sophistication and showed a reasonable
      correspondence with the available experimental data they are short of the failure
      description. Following the tradition of strength of materials the failure
      criteria are usually separated from stress analysis. In the present work we
      incorporate a failure description in the hyperelastic models of soft anisotropic
      materials by introducing energy limiters in the strain energy functions. The
      limiters provide the saturation value for the strain energy which indicates the
      maximum energy that can be stored and dissipated by an infinitesimal material
      volume. By using some popular constitutive models enhanced with the energy
      limiters we analyze rupture of a sheet of arterial material under the plane
      stress state varying from the uniaxial to equal biaxial tension. We calculate the
      local failure criteria including the maximum principal stress, the maximum
      principal stretch, the von Mises stress, and the strain energy at the moment of
      the sheet rupture. We find that the local failure criterion in the form of the
      critical strain energy is the most robust among the considered ones. We also find
      that the tensile strength-the maximum principal stress-that is usually obtained
      in uniaxial tension tests might not be appropriate as a failure indicator in the
      cases of the developed biaxiality of the stress-strain state.

PMID- 22098861
TI  - Mechanical events within the arterial wall under the forces of pulsatile flow: a
      review.
AB  - Under the dynamic conditions of pulsatile flow, the forces exerted by the fluid
      on the vessel wall create considerable displacements and stresses within the
      thickness of the vessel wall. We review a series of analytical options for
      exploring the dynamics of the vessel wall, specifically displacements and
      stresses within the depth of the vessel wall, under a range of conditions
      including the degree of external tethering and the mechanical consistency of the
      wall material. It is shown that one of the most important effects of tethering is
      that of drastically restricting radial displacements of and within the vessel
      wall. This restriction in turn places limits on the length and speed of the
      propagating wave. Specifically, the wave speed is significantly reduced as a
      result of tethering. This has important consequences because the wave speed, or
      pulse wave velocity as it is referred to in the clinical setting, is used as an
      index of vascular stiffening in relation to aging or age related hypertension. It
      is found further that the extent of displacements and shear stresses within the
      vessel wall depend critically on the relative proportions of viscous and elastic
      content within the wall. In particular, loss of viscous consistency leads to
      higher shear stresses within the wall, thus putting higher loading on elastin and
      may ultimately lead to elastin fatigue. As elastin gradually fails, its load
      bearing function is presumably taken over by collagen which renders the vessel
      wall less elastic and more rigid as is observed in the aging process.

PMID- 22098862
TI  - Anisotropic time-dependant behaviour of the aortic valve.
AB  - The complex tri-layered structure of the aortic valve (AV) results in anisotropic
      quasi-static mechanical behaviour. However, its influence on AV viscoelasticity
      remains poorly understood. Viscoelasticity may strongly influence AV dynamic
      mechanical behaviour, making it essential to characterise the time-dependent
      response for designing successful substitutes. This study attempts to
      characterise the time-dependent behaviour of the AV at different strain and load
      increments, and to gain insight into the contribution of the microstructure to
      this behaviour. Uniaxial incremental stress-relaxation and creep experiments were
      undertaken, and the experimental data analysed with a generalised Maxwell model,
      to determine the characteristic time-dependent parameters. Results showed that
      the time dependent response of the tissue differed with the loading direction,
      and also with the level of applied load or strain, in both stress-relaxation and
      creep phenomena. Both phenomena were consistently more pronounced in the radial
      loading direction. Fitting of the Maxwell model highlighted that the time
      dependent modes required to model the data also varied in different increments,
      and additionally with the loading direction. These results suggest that different
      micro-structural mechanisms may be activated in stress-relaxation and creep,
      determined by the microstructural organisation of the valve matrix in each
      loading direction, at each strain or load increment.

PMID- 22098864
TI  - A systems based experimental approach to tactile friction.
AB  - This work focuses on the friction in contacts where the human finger pad is one
      of the interacting surfaces. This 'tactile friction' requires a full
      understanding of the contact mechanics and the behaviour of human skin. The
      coefficient of friction cannot be considered as a property of the skin alone, but
      depends on the entire tribo-system. In this work, frictional forces were measured
      using a commercially available load cell. Parameters such as the hydration of the
      skin, the normal load on the contact and the roughness of the contacting surfaces
      were varied, whilst keeping the other parameters constant. The tests were
      performed under controlled environmental conditions. The total friction force is
      a combination of forces related to adhesion and to deformation. A commonly made
      assumption is that, to describe the friction of human skin, the deformation
      component can be ignored and only the adhesive behaviour has to be taken into
      account. However, in this study it was found that the forces related to the
      (micro-scale) deformation of skin can have a significant contribution to the
      total friction force; this is valid both for dry conditions and in the presence
      of water, when hydration of the skin causes softening.

PMID- 22098863
TI  - Effect of orientation and targeted extracellular matrix degradation on the shear
      mechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus.
AB  - The intervertebral disc experiences combinations of compression, torsion, and
      bending that subject the disc substructures, particularly the annulus fibrosus
      (AF), to multidirectional loads and deformations. Combined tensile and shear
      loading is a particularly important loading paradigm, as compressive loads place
      the AF in circumferential hoop tension, and spine torsion or bending induces AF
      shear. Yet the anisotropy of AF mechanical properties in shear, as well as
      important structure-function mechanisms governing this response, are not well
      understood. The objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate the
      effects of tissue orientation and enzymatic degradation of glycosaminoglycan
      (GAG) and elastin on AF shear mechanical properties. Significant anisotropy was
      found: the circumferential shear modulus, Gthetaz, was an order of magnitude
      greater than the radial shear modulus, Grtheta. In the circumferential direction,
      prestrain significantly increased the shear modulus, suggesting an important role
      for collagen fiber stretch in shear properties for this orientation. While not
      significant and highly variable, ChABC treatment to remove GAG increased the
      circumferential shear modulus compared to PBS control (p=0.15). Together with the
      established literature for tensile loading of fiber-reinforced GAG-rich tissues,
      the trends for changes in shear modulus with ChABC treatment reflect complex,
      structure-function relationships between GAG and collagen that potentially occur
      over several hierarchical scales. Elastase digestion did not significantly affect
      shear modulus with respect to PBS control; further contributing to the notion
      that circumferential shear modulus is dominated by collagen fiber stretch. The
      results of this study highlight the complexity of the structure-function
      relationships that govern the mechanical response of the AF in radial and
      circumferential shear, and provide new and more accurate data for the validation
      of material models and tissue-engineered disc replacements.

PMID- 22098866
TI  - A mesostructurally-based anisotropic continuum model for biological soft tissues-
      decoupled invariant formulation.
AB  - Characterising and modelling the mechanical behaviour of biological soft tissues
      is an essential step in the development of predictive computational models to
      assist research for a wide range of applications in medicine, biology, tissue
      engineering, pharmaceutics, consumer goods, cosmetics, transport or military. It
      is therefore critical to develop constitutive models that can capture particular
      rheological mechanisms operating at specific length scales so that these models
      are adapted for their intended applications. Here, a novel mesoscopically-based
      decoupled invariant-based continuum constitutive framework for transversely
      isotropic and orthotropic biological soft tissues is developed. A notable feature
      of the formulation is the full decoupling of shear interactions. The constitutive
      model is based on a combination of the framework proposed by Lu and Zhang [Lu,
      J., Zhang, L., 2005. Physically motivated invariant formulation for transversely
      isotropic hyperelasticity. International Journal of Solids and Structures 42,
      6015-6031] and the entropic mechanics of tropocollagen molecules and collagen
      assemblies. One of the key aspects of the formulation is to use physically-based
      nanoscopic quantities that could be extracted from experiments and/or
      atomistic/molecular dynamics simulations to inform the macroscopic constitutive
      behaviour. This effectively couples the material properties at different levels
      of the multi-scale hierarchical structure of collagenous tissues. The orthotropic
      hyperelastic model was shown to reproduce very well the experimental multi-axial
      properties of rabbit skin. A new insight into the shear response of a skin sample
      subjected to a simulated indentation test was obtained using numerical direct
      sensitivity analyses.

PMID- 22098865
TI  - Fiber angle and aspect ratio influence the shear mechanics of oriented
      electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds.
AB  - Fibrocartilages, including the knee meniscus and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of the
      intervertebral disc, play critical mechanical roles in load transmission across
      joints and their function is dependent upon well-defined structural hierarchies,
      organization, and composition. All, however, are compromised in the pathologic
      transformations associated with tissue degeneration. Tissue engineering
      strategies that address these key features, for example, aligned nanofibrous
      scaffolds seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), represent a promising
      approach for the regeneration of these fibrous structures. While such engineered
      constructs can replicate native tissue structure and uniaxial tensile properties,
      the multidirectional loading encountered by these tissues in vivo necessitates
      that they function adequately in other loading modalities as well, including
      shear. As previous findings have shown that native tissue tensile and shear
      properties are dependent on fiber angle and sample aspect ratio, respectively,
      the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a changing
      fiber angle and sample aspect ratio on the shear properties of aligned
      electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds, and to determine how
      extracellular matrix deposition by resident MSCs modulates the measured shear
      response. Results show that fiber orientation and sample aspect ratio
      significantly influence the response of scaffolds in shear, and that measured
      shear strains can be predicted by finite element models. Furthermore, acellular
      PCL scaffolds possessed a relatively high shear modulus, 2-4 fold greater than
      native tissue, independent of fiber angle and aspect ratio. It was further noted
      that under testing conditions that engendered significant fiber stretch, the
      aggregate resistance to shear was higher, indicating a role for fiber stretch in
      the overall shear response. Finally, with time in culture, the shear modulus of
      MSC laden constructs increased, suggesting that deposited ECM contributes to the
      construct shear properties. Collectively, these findings show that aligned
      electrospun PCL scaffolds are a promising tool for engineering fibrocartilage
      tissues, and that the shear properties of both acellular and cell-seeded
      formulations can match or exceed native tissue benchmarks.

PMID- 22098867
TI  - Fibre-reinforced calcium phosphate cements: a review.
AB  - Calcium phosphate cements (CPC) consist of one or more calcium orthophosphate
      powders, which upon mixing with water or an aqueous solution, form a paste that
      is able to set and harden after being implanted within the body. Different issues
      remain still to be improved in CPC, such as their mechanical properties to more
      closely mimic those of natural bone, or their macroporosity to favour
      osteointegration of the artificial grafts. To this end, blends of CPC with
      polymer and ceramic fibres in different forms have been investigated. The present
      work aims at providing an overview of the different approaches taken and
      identifying the most significant achievements in the field of fibre-reinforced
      calcium phosphate cements for clinical applications, with special focus on their
      mechanical properties.

PMID- 22098868
TI  - In vivo evaluation of micro-rough and bioactive titanium dental implants using
      histometry and pull-out tests.
AB  - We report on the in vivo histological and mechanical performance of titanium
      dental implants with a new surface treatment (2Step) consisting of an initial
      grit-blasting process to produce a micro-rough surface, followed by a combined
      chemical and thermal treatment that produces a potentially bioactive surface,
      i.e., that can form an apatitic layer when exposed to biomimetic conditions in
      vitro. Our aim was to assess the short- and mid-term bone regenerative potential
      and mechanical retention of 2Step implants in mandible and maxilla of minipigs
      and compare them with micro-rough grit-blasted, micro-rough acid-etched, and
      smooth as-machined titanium implants. The percent of bone-to-implant contact
      after 2, 4, 6, and 10 weeks of implantation as well as the mechanical retention
      after 4, and 6 weeks of implantation were evaluated with histometric and pull-out
      tests, respectively, as a measure of the osseointegration of the implants. We
      also aimed to assess the bioactive nature of 2Step surfaces in vivo. Our results
      demonstrated that the 2Step treatment produced micro-rough and bioactive implants
      that accelerated bone tissue regeneration and increased mechanical retention in
      the bone bed at short periods of implantation in comparison with all other
      implants tested. This was mostly attributed to the ability of 2Step implants to
      form in vivo a layer of apatitic mineral that coated the implant and could
      rapidly stimulate (a) bone nucleation directly on the implant surface, and (b)
      bone growing from the implant surface. We also proved that roughness values of
      Ra~4.5 MUm favoured osseointegration of dental implants at short- and mid-term
      healing periods, as grit-blasted implants and 2Step implants had higher retention
      values than as machined and acid-etched implants. The surface quality resulting
      from the 2Step treatment applied on cpTi provided dental implants with a unique
      combination of rapid bone regeneration and high mechanical retention.

PMID- 22098869
TI  - A constrained mixture approach to mechano-sensing and force generation in
      contractile cells.
AB  - Biological tissues are very particular types of materials that have the ability
      to change their structure, properties and chemistry in response to external cues.
      Contractile cells, i.e. fibroblasts, are key players of tissue adaptivity as they
      are capable of reorganizing their surrounding extra-cellular matrix (ECM) by
      contracting and generating mechanical forces. This contractile behavior is
      attributed to the development of a stress-fiber (SF) network within the cell's
      cytoskeleton, a process that is known to be highly dependent of the nature of the
      mechanical environment (such as ECM stiffness or the presence of stress and
      strain). To describe these processes in a consistent manner, the present paper
      introduces a mutiphasic formulation (fluid/solid/solute mixture) that accounts
      for four major elements of cell contraction: cytoskeleton, cytosol, SF and actin
      monomers, as well as their interactions. The model represents the cross-talks
      between mechanics and chemistry through various means: (a) a mechano-sensitive
      formation and dissociation of an anisotropic SF network described by mass
      exchange between actin monomer and polymers, (b) a bio-mechanical model for SF
      contraction that captures the well-known length-tension and velocity-tension
      relation for muscles cells and (c) a convection/diffusion description for the
      transport of fluid and monomers within the cell. Numerical investigations show
      that the multiphasic model is able to capture the dependency of cell contraction
      on the stiffness of the mechanical environment and accurately describes the
      development of an oriented SF network observed in contracting fibroblasts.

PMID- 22098870
TI  - Bioactive composite for keratoprosthesis skirt.
AB  - In this study, the fabrication and properties of a synthetic keratoprosthesis
      skirt for use in osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) surgery are discussed. In
      the search for a new material concept, bioactive glass and polymethyl
      methacrylate (PMMA)-based composites were prepared. Three different bioactive
      glasses (i.e. 45S5, S53P4 and 1-98) and one slowly resorbing glass, FL107, with
      two different forms (i.e. particles and porous glass structures) were employed in
      the fabrication of specimens. In in vitro studies, the dissolution behaviour in
      simulated aqueous humour, compressive properties, and pore formation of the
      composites were investigated. According to the results, FL107 dissolved very
      slowly (2.4% of the initial glass content in three weeks); thus, the pore
      formation of the FL107 composite was also observed to be restricted. The
      dissolution rates of the bioactive glass-PMMA composites were greater (12%-17%).
      These faster dissolving bioactive glass particles caused some porosity on the
      outermost surfaces of the composite. The slight surface porosity was also
      confirmed by a decrease in compressive properties. During six weeks' in vitro
      dissolution, the compressive strength of the test specimens containing particles
      decreased by 22% compared to values in dry conditions (90-107 MPa). These results
      indicate that the bioactive composites could be stable synthetic candidates for a
      keratoprosthesis skirt in the treatment of severely damaged or diseased cornea.

PMID- 22098871
TI  - Enhanced mechanical properties and in vitro corrosion behavior of amorphous and
      devitrified Ti40Zr10Cu38Pd12 metallic glass.
AB  - The effects of annealing treatments on the microstructure, elastic/mechanical
      properties, wear resistance and corrosion behavior of rod-shaped Ti40Zr10Cu38Pd12
      bulk glassy alloys, synthesized by copper mold casting, are investigated.
      Formation of ultrafine crystals embedded in an amorphous matrix is observed for
      intermediate annealing temperatures, whereas a fully crystalline microstructure
      develops after heating to sufficiently high temperatures. The glassy alloy
      exhibits large hardness, relatively low Young's modulus, good wear resistance and
      excellent corrosion behavior. Nanoindentation measurements reveal that the sample
      annealed in the supercooled liquid region exhibits a hardness value of 9.4 GPa,
      which is 20% larger than in the completely amorphous state and much larger than
      the hardness of commercial Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The Young's modulus of the as-cast
      alloy (around 100 GPa, as determined from acoustic measurements) increases only
      slightly during partial devitrification. Finally, the anticorrosion performance
      of the Ti40Zr10Cu38Pd12 alloy in Hank's solution has been shown to ameliorate as
      crystallization proceeds and is roughly as good as in the commercial Ti-6Al-4V
      alloy. The outstanding mechanical and corrosion properties of the
      Ti40Zr10Cu38Pd12 alloy, both in amorphous and crystalline states, are appealing
      for its use in biomedical applications.

PMID- 22098872
TI  - Shear bond strength of a hot pressed Au-Pd-Pt alloy-porcelain dental composite.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hot pressing
      on the shear bond strength of a Au-Pt-Pd alloy-porcelain composite. METHODS:
      Several metal-porcelain composites specimens were produced by two different
      routes: conventional porcelain fused to metal (PFM) and hot pressing. In the
      latter case, porcelain was hot pressed onto a polished surface (PPPS) as well as
      a roughened one (PPRS). Bond strength of all metal-porcelain composites were
      assessed by the means of a shear test performed in a universal test machine
      (crosshead speed: 0.5 mm/min) until fracture. Interfaces of fractured specimens
      as well as undestroyed interface specimens were examined with optical microscope,
      stereomicroscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray
      Spectroscopy (EDS). The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by
      Tuckey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Shear bond strength of conventional PFM
      specimens were in line with the upper range of literature data (83+/-14 MPa). Hot
      pressing proved to significantly increase bond strength between metal and
      porcelain (p<0.05). For both polished and roughened surface the shear bond
      strength values for hot pressed specimens were 120+/-16 MPa and 129+/-5 MPa,
      respectively, which represents an improvement of more than 50% relatively to a
      conventional PFM. Roughened surface did not have a significant effect on bond
      strength of hot pressed specimens (p>0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that
      it is possible to significantly improve metal-porcelain bond strength by applying
      an overpressure during porcelain firing.

PMID- 22098873
TI  - Biaxial mechanical modeling of the small intestine.
AB  - Capsule endoscopes are pill-size devices provided with a camera that capture
      images of the small intestine from inside the body after being ingested by a
      patient. The interaction between intestinal tissue and capsule endoscopes needs
      to be investigated to optimize capsule design while preventing tissue damage. To
      that purpose, a constitutive model that can reliably predict the mechanical
      response of the intestinal tissue under complex mechanical loading is required.
      This paper describes the development and numerical validation of a
      phenomenological constitutive model for the porcine duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
      Parameters characterizing the mechanical behavior of the material were estimated
      from planar biaxial test data, where intestinal tissue specimens were
      simultaneously loaded along the circumferential and longitudinal directions.
      Specimen-specific Fung constitutive models were able to accurately predict the
      planar stress-strain behavior of the tested samples under a wide range of loading
      conditions. To increase model generality, average anisotropic constitutive
      relationships were also generated for each tissue region by fitting average
      stress-strain curves to the Fung potential. Due to the observed variability in
      the direction of maximum stiffness, the average Fung models were less anisotropic
      than the specimen-specific models. Hence, average isotropic models in the Neo
      Hookean and Mooney-Rivlin forms were attempted, but they could not adequately
      describe the degree of nonlinearity in the tissue. Values of the R2 for the
      nonlinear regressions were 0.17, 0.44 and 0.93 for the average Neo-Hookean,
      Mooney-Rivlin and Fung models, respectively. Average models were successfully
      implemented into FORTRAN routines and used to simulate capsule deployment with a
      finite element method analysis.

PMID- 22098874
TI  - Phantom elasticity reconstruction with Digital Image Elasto-Tomography.
AB  - Results from the application of a novel nonlinear hybrid reconstruction algorithm
      within a Digital Image Elasto-Tomography (DIET) system are presented. A hybrid
      reconstruction algorithm was optimized to solve for the elasticity distribution
      of two heterogeneous silicone phantoms using a shape-based parameterization. The
      hybrid algorithm achieved comparable performance to Combinatorial Optimization
      methods with significantly less computational expense. The specificity of three
      parameter reconstruction was confirmed by successful reconstruction of a
      homogeneous silicone phantom, indicating the potential suitability of the DIET
      system for application to inclusion imaging in elastography.

PMID- 22098875
TI  - Study of the behavior of the trabecular bone under cyclic compression with
      stepwise increasing amplitude.
AB  - This paper presents the results of a study of 61 trabecular bone samples exposed
      to a cyclic (1 Hz) compression load. The load was increased stepwise.
      Characteristic patterns of the hysteresis loop for the middle cycles of
      successive steps of load and for respective steps of load are presented.
      Characteristic patterns of secant modulus were also determined. The fatigue life
      results recorded were compared with the indices of bone architecture determined
      using micro-CT. Using Pearson's correlation, the best relationship between
      fatigue life and bone volume ratio (BV/TV) and the maximum load for which there
      was also reported a maximal value secant stiffness were identified. Based on
      these findings, it was determined that it is possible to use stepwise increasing
      load for analysis of the fatigue behavior of trabecular bone.

PMID- 22098876
TI  - Fracture characterization of bone under mode II loading using the end loaded
      split test.
AB  - Fracture energy release rate under mode II loading of bovine cortical bone is
      determined using a miniaturized testing device of the end loaded split test. The
      energy release rate is evaluated by means of a data reduction scheme based on
      specimen compliance, beam theory and crack equivalent concept. Experimental tests
      were carried out to evaluate the Resistance curve which provides a successful
      method to characterize fracture behavior of quasi-brittle materials like bone. A
      numerical analysis including a cohesive damage model was used to validate the
      procedure. It was demonstrated that the end loaded split test and proposed data
      reduction scheme provide a valuable solution for mode II fracture
      characterization of bone.

PMID- 22098877
TI  - Effect of high-energy X-ray doses on bone elastic properties and residual
      strains.
AB  - Bone X-ray irradiation occurs during medical treatments, sterilization of
      allografts, space travel and in vitro studies. High doses are known to affect the
      post-yield properties of bone, but their effect on the bone elastic properties is
      unclear. The effect of such doses on the mineral-organic interface has also not
      been adequately addressed. Here, the evolution of elastic properties and residual
      strains with increasing synchrotron X-ray dose (5-3880 kGy) is examined on bovine
      cortical bone. It is found that these doses affect neither the degree of
      nanometer-level load transfer between the hydroxyapatite (HAP) platelets and the
      collagen up to stresses of -60 MPa nor the microscopic modulus of collagen
      fibrils (both measured by synchrotron X-ray scattering during repeated in situ
      loading and unloading). However, the residual elastic strains in the HAP phase
      decrease markedly with increased irradiation, indicating damage at the HAP
      collagen interface. The HAP residual strain also decreases after repeated
      loading/unloading cycles. These observations can be explained by temporary de
      bonding at the HAP/collagen interface (thus reducing the residual strain),
      followed by rapid re-bonding (so that load transfer capability is not affected).

PMID- 22098878
TI  - Similar damage initiation but different failure behavior in trabecular and
      cortical bone tissue.
AB  - The mechanical properties of bone tissue are reflected in its micro- and
      nanostructure as well as in its composition. Numerous studies have compared the
      elastic mechanical properties of cortical and trabecular bone tissue and
      concluded that cortical bone tissue is stiffer than trabecular bone tissue. This
      study compared the progression of microdamage leading to fracture and the related
      local strains during this process in trabecular and cortical bone tissue.
      Unmachined single bovine trabeculae and similarly-sized cortical bovine bone
      samples were mechanically tested in three-point bending and concomitantly imaged
      to assess local strains using a digital image correlation technique. The bone
      whitening effect was used to detect microdamage formation and propagation. This
      study found that cortical bone tissue exhibits significantly lower maximum
      strains (trabecular 36.6%+/-14% vs. cortical 22.9%+/-7.4%) and less accumulated
      damage (trabecular 16100+/-8800 pix/mm2 vs. cortical 8000+/-3400 pix/mm2) at
      failure. However, no difference was detected for the maximum local strain at
      whitening onset (trabecular 5.8%+/-2.6% vs. cortical 7.2%+/-3.1%). The
      differences in elastic modulus and mineral distribution in the two tissues were
      investigated, using nanoindentation and micro-Raman imaging, to explain the
      different mechanical properties found. While cortical bone was found to be
      overall stiffer and more highly mineralized, no apparent differences were noted
      in the distribution of modulus values or mineral density along the specimen
      diameter. Therefore, differences in the mechanical behavior of trabecular and
      cortical bone tissue are likely to be in large part due to microstructural (i.e.
      orientation and distribution of cement lines) and collagen related compositional
      differences.

PMID- 22098879
TI  - Interface shear strength and fracture behaviour of porous glass-fibre-reinforced
      composite implant and bone model material.
AB  - Glass-fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs) are under current investigation to serve
      as durable bone substitute materials in load-bearing orthopaedic implants and
      bone implants in the head and neck area. The present form of biocompatible FRCs
      consist of non-woven E-glass-fibre tissues impregnated with varying amounts of a
      non-resorbable photopolymerisable bifunctional polymer resin with equal portions
      of both bis-phenyl-A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) and triethyleneglycol
      dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). FRCs with a total porosity of 10-70 vol% were prepared,
      more than 90 vol% of which being functional (open pores), and the rest closed.
      The pore sizes were greater than 100 MUm. In the present study, the push-out test
      was chosen to analyse the shear strength of the interface between mechanically
      interlocked gypsum and a porous FRC implant structure. Gypsum was used as a
      substitute material for natural bone. The simulative in vitro experiments
      revealed a significant rise of push-out forces to the twofold level of 1147 +/-
      271 N for an increase in total FRC porosity of 43%. Pins, intended to model the
      initial mechanical implant fixation, did not affect the measured shear strength
      of the gypsum-FRC interface, but led to slightly more cohesive fracture modes.
      Fractures always occurred inside the gypsum, it having lower compressive strength
      than the porous FRC structures. Therefore, the largest loads were restricted by
      the brittleness of the gypsum. Increases of the FRC implant porosity tended to
      lead to more cohesive fracture modes and higher interfacial fracture toughness.
      Statistical differences were confirmed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The
      differences between the modelled configuration showing gypsum penetration into
      all open pores and the real clinical situation with gradual bone ingrowth has to
      be considered.

PMID- 22098881
TI  - Mechanical characterization and numerical simulation of polyether-ether-ketone
      (PEEK) cranial implants.
AB  - Cranial implants have experienced a significant evolution in the last decade in
      different aspects such as materials, method of fixation, and the structure. In
      addition, patient-specific cranial implants have recently been started to be
      developed. To achieve this objective, efficient mechanical characterization and
      numerical modeling of the implant are required to guarantee its functionality on
      each patient as well as to facilitate further developments. In this work,
      mechanical characterization and numerical models have been performed for patient
      specific Polyaryletherketone (PEEK) scaffold cranial implants. Mechanical
      characterization has been performed at the scaffold and the whole implant levels
      under displacement control tests. Two different implant designs for the same
      patient but with different scaffold structure were experimentally characterized,
      and finite element models of the implants were developed within the framework of
      linear elasticity. Two types of finite element models were developed: a detailed
      finite element model with the actual scaffold geometry, and a solid shell-like
      model with effective material properties. These effective material properties
      were obtained by means of the Asymptotic Expansion Homogenization (AEH) theory
      which accounts for the periodicity of the underlying structure of the material.
      Experimental results showed a linear response of the material and the implant up
      to failure, therefore supporting the use of linear elastic models for simulation.
      Numerical models showed excellent agreement with experiments regarding load
      displacement response. Models also showed a very consistent behavior with regard
      to the location and the value of the maximum principal stress in the implant when
      subjected to the maximum load of the experiments. The two numerical models were
      compared. The homogenized model gave results that were very close to those
      obtained with the detailed model, while reducing the number of degrees of freedom
      by 90%, and therefore the overall computational burden. The results showed that
      the models are able to reproduce experimental results conducted on actual
      implants, offering a valid alternative to be used in the design of customized
      cranial implants with a scaffold structure.

PMID- 22098880
TI  - Manipulation of mechanical compliance of elastomeric PGS by incorporation of
      halloysite nanotubes for soft tissue engineering applications.
AB  - Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a promising elastomer for use in soft tissue
      engineering. However, it is difficult to achieve with PGS a satisfactory balance
      of mechanical compliance and degradation rate that meet the requirements of soft
      tissue engineering. In this work, we have synthesised a new PGS nanocomposite
      system filled with halloysite nanotubes, and mechanical properties, as well as
      related chemical characters, of the nanocomposites were investigated. It was
      found that the addition of nanotubular halloysite did not compromise the
      extensibility of material, compared with the pure PGS counterpart; instead the
      elongation at rupture was increased from 110 (in the pure PGS) to 225% (in the 20
      wt% composite). Second, Young's modulus and resilience of 3-5 wt% composites were
      ~0.8 MPa and >94% respectively, remaining close to the level of pure PGS which is
      desired for applications in soft tissue engineering. Third, an important feature
      of the 1-5 wt% composites was their stable mechanical properties over an extended
      period, which could allow the provision of reliable mechanical support to damaged
      tissues during the lag phase of the healing process. Finally, the in vitro study
      indicated that the addition of halloysite slowed down the degradation rate of the
      composites. In conclusion, the good compliance, enhanced stretchability, stable
      mechanical behavior over an extended period, and reduced degradation rates make
      the 3-5 wt% composites promising candidates for application in soft tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 22098882
TI  - Equivalent mechanical properties of biological membranes from lattice
      homogenization.
AB  - The goal of this manuscript is to set up a novel methodology for the calculation
      of the effective mechanical properties of biological membranes viewed as
      repetitive networks of elastic filaments, based on the discrete asymptotic
      homogenization method. We will show that for some lattice configurations,
      flexional effects due to internal structure mechanisms at the unit cell scale
      lead to additional flexional effects at the continuum scale, accounted for by an
      internal length associated to a micropolar behavior. Thereby, a systematic
      methodology is established, allowing the prediction of the overall mechanical
      properties of biological membranes for a given network topology, as closed form
      expressions of the geometrical and mechanical micro-parameters. The peptidoglycan
      and the erythrocyte have been analyzed using this methodology, and their
      effective moduli are calculated and recorded versus the geometrical and
      mechanical lattice parameters. A classification of lattices with respect to the
      choice of the equivalent continuum model is proposed: The Cauchy continuum and a
      micropolar continuum are adopted as two possible effective medium, for a given
      beam model. The relative ratio of the characteristic length of the micropolar
      continuum to the unit cell size determines the relevant choice of the equivalent
      medium. In most cases, the Cauchy continuum is sufficient to model membranes in
      most of their configurations. The peptidoglycan network may exhibit a re-entrant
      hexagonal lattice, for which micropolar effects become important. This is
      attested by the characteristic length becoming larger than the beam length for
      such configurations. The homogenized moduli give accurate results for both
      membranes, as revealed by comparison with experimental measurements or simulation
      results from the literature at the network scale. A first insight into the
      nonlinear mechanical behavior of the hexagonal and triangular networks is lastly
      investigated using a perturbative method.

PMID- 22098883
TI  - Influence of molecular weight of polymethyl(methacrylate) beads on the properties
      and structure of cross-linked denture base polymer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Denture base polymers are multiphase polymers made of
      polymethyl(methacrylate) (PMMA) beads and monomers containing methylmethacrylate
      and cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is typically dimethacrylate but
      methacrylated dendrimers have been tested. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the influence of the molecular weight of the PMMA beads on the
      mechanical properties of cross-linked denture base polymers. METHODS: Resin
      powder with three different molecular weights (Mw 120,000, 350,000, and 996,000)
      and a commercial autopolymerizing denture base resin (Palapress, Mw 220,000) were
      tested. The resin monomer liquid was applied with a methylmethacrylate mixture
      containing 4.6 vol% dendrimer (DD1, VTT Processes). To investigate the flexural
      properties, the surface microhardness of the PMMA beads, and the thickness of the
      swollen interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) layer on the PMMA beads, test
      specimens (3.3*10*65 mm) were fabricated from autopolymerizing resin using a
      powder/liquid ratio of 10 g/7 ml. The specimens were polymerized in distilled
      water maintained at 55  degrees C under 0.4 MPa pressure for 20 min. The flexural
      strength and flexural modulus (n=8/group) were measured with a three-point
      bending test at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The Vickers hardness of the area
      of the polymer with PMMA beads (n=10/group) was tested using a load of 98.12 mN
      for 5 s. In addition, the thickness of the swollen layer on the PMMA beads was
      measured (n=10/group). Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA
      and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The flexural strength of the specimens with Mw 220,000
      and 350,000 PMMA beads was significantly higher than the strength of specimens
      with beads having other molecular weights. The flexural modulus of specimens with
      Mw 120,000 PMMA beads was the lowest. There was no difference in the surface
      microhardness among all groups. The thickness of the swollen IPN layer on
      specimens with 120,000 Mw PMMA beads was significantly higher than in the other
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular weight of the PMMA beads of multiphase denture
      base polymers considerably influences their flexural properties and formation of
      IPN layer between the matrix polymer and the PMMA beads.

PMID- 22098884
TI  - Role of damage mechanics in nanoindentation of lamellar bone at multiple sizes:
      experiments and numerical modeling.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to show that damage mechanisms can account for the
      response of lamellar bone to nanoindentation tests, with particular regards to
      the decrease of indentation stiffness with increasing penetration depth and to
      the loss of contact stiffness during the unloading phase of the test. For this
      purpose, indentation experiments on bovine cortical bone samples along axial and
      transverse directions have been carried out at five penetration depths from 50 to
      450 nm; furthermore, a continuum damage model has been implemented into finite
      element analyses, which are able to simulate indentation experiments. Experiments
      along the axial direction have shown a decrease of about 20% of the indentation
      modulus with indentation depth; a similar trend was found along the transverse
      direction. All unloading branches of the force-displacement indentation curves
      exhibited relevant stiffness loss (curve concavity). The numerical model with
      damage was able to correctly predict the indentation stiffness and hardness at
      300 nm penetration depth along both axial and transverse directions. Furthermore,
      stiffness loss during unloading was simulated with both qualitative and
      quantitative agreement with experiments. A final validation has been provided by
      simulating axial indentation experiments at the remaining penetration depths
      using the same set of constitutive parameters as those used to simulate the
      experiments at 300 nm depth. These results support the hypothesis that damage
      plays a relevant role in the mechanics of lamellar bone and should be taken into
      account when studying bone mechanical properties at multiple scales.

PMID- 22098885
TI  - A thermo-mechanical treatment to improve the superelastic performances of
      biomedical Ti-26Nb and Ti-20Nb-6Zr (at.%) alloys.
AB  - A flash-thermal treatment technique has been developed very recently to improve
      both the critical stress to induce the martensitic transformation (MT) and the
      recoverable deformation of the metastable beta type titanium alloys. In this
      paper, this strategy is applied to both Ti-26Nb and Ti-20Nb-6Zr (at.%) alloys.
      Since both alloys have identical martensite start (Ms) temperature, it makes
      possible to investigate the effect of Zr on mechanical properties after the flash
      thermal treatment. It is clearly shown that a flash treatment of 360 s at 873 K
      on heavily cold-rolled samples results in good balance between the tensile
      strength, the ductility and the recoverable strains. Such contribution is more
      significant in the ternary alloy in which balanced properties combining high
      martensitic critical stress over 400 MPa and the large fully recoverable strains
      up to 3.0% can be achieved. These improvements are due to the flash treatment
      effects, resulting in ultra-fine beta grains with sizes 1-2 MUm with nano-sized
      alpha and omega phases precipitation in the beta matrix.

PMID- 22098886
TI  - Wear resistance of experimental titanium alloys for dental applications.
AB  - The present study evaluated microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of
      experimental titanium alloys containing zirconium and tantalum. Alloys were
      melted in arc melting furnace according to the following compositions: Ti-5Zr, Ti
      5Ta and Ti-5Ta-5Zr (%wt). Hemispheres and disks were obtained from wax patterns
      that were invested and cast by plasma. Microstructures were evaluated using
      optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and also Vickers
      microhardness was measured. Hemispherical samples and disks were used for 2-body
      wear tests, performed by repeated grinding of the samples. Wear resistance was
      assessed as height loss after 40,000 cycles. The data were compared using ANOVA
      and post-hoc Tukey test. Ti-5Zr presented a Widmanstatten structure and the
      identified phases were alpha and alpha' while Ti-5Ta and Ti-5Ta-5Zr presented
      alpha, beta, alpha' and alpha" phases, but the former presented a lamellar
      structure, and the other, acicular. The microhardness of Ti-5Zr was significantly
      greater than other materials and cp Ti presented wear resistance significantly
      lower than experimental alloys. It was concluded that wear resistance was
      improved when adding Ta and Zr to titanium and Zr increased microhardness of Ti
      5Zr alloy.

PMID- 22098887
TI  - Computer simulating a clinical trial of a load-bearing implant: an example of an
      intramedullary prosthesis.
AB  - Computational modelling is becoming ever more important for obtaining regulatory
      approval for new medical devices. An accepted approach is to infer performance in
      a population from an analysis conducted for an idealised or 'average' patient; we
      present here a method for predicting the performance of an orthopaedic implant
      when released into a population--effectively simulating a clinical trial.
      Specifically we hypothesise that an analysis based on a method for predicting the
      performance in a population will lead to different conclusions than an analysis
      based on an idealised or 'average' patient. To test this hypothesis we use a
      finite element model of an intramedullary implant in a bone whose size and
      remodelling activity is different for each individual in the population. We
      compare the performance of a low Young's modulus implant (E=20 GPa) to one with a
      higher Young's modulus (200 GPa). Cyclic loading is applied and failure is
      assumed when the migration of the implant relative to the bone exceeds a
      threshold magnitude. The analysis for an idealised of 'average' patient predicts
      that the lower modulus device survives longer whereas the analysis simulating a
      clinical trial predicts no statistically-significant tendency (p=0.77) for the
      low modulus device to perform better. It is concluded that population-based
      simulations of implant performance-simulating a clinical trial-present a very
      valuable opportunity for more realistic computational pre-clinical testing of
      medical devices.

PMID- 22098888
TI  - Surface integrity of biodegradable Magnesium-Calcium orthopedic implant by
      burnishing.
AB  - Magnesium-Calcium (MgCa) alloy as an emerging biodegradable implant material has
      received considerable attention in orthopedic fixation applications. The
      biodegradable MgCa alloys avoid stress shielding and secondary surgery inherent
      with permanent metallic implant materials. They also provide sufficient
      mechanical strength in load carrying applications as opposed to biopolymers.
      However, the key issue facing a biodegradable MgCa implant is the fast corrosion
      in the human body environment. The ability to adjust the degradation rate of MgCa
      alloys is critical in the successful development of biodegradable orthopedic
      materials. Burnishing as a low plastic deformation process is a promising
      technique to tune surface integrity of MgCa implant surface for biodegradation
      control. However, the poor ductility of MgCa alloys imposes a great challenge for
      burnishing. This study focuses on the basic understanding of surface mechanical
      behavior of burnished biodegradable MgCa0.8 (wt%) alloy. The effects of
      burnishing parameters, i.e., pressure, feed, speed, number of path, and
      burnishing pattern on surface integrity factors such as surface topography,
      roughness, microhardness, microstructure, and residual stresses are investigated.
      The burnished surfaces are shinier and smoother than the as-machined ones. The
      MgCa alloy can be safely burnished at suitable burnishing conditions since no
      cracks are produced at the surface and in the subsurface. The microstructure
      including grain size does not show a noticeable change after burnishing. The
      machined surfaces are harder than the burnished ones down to the deep subsurface
      (~200 MUm) as opposed to the shallow hardened depth (~50 MUm) in cutting.
      Residual stresses are highly compressive especially at low burnishing pressure.

PMID- 22098889
TI  - Computation of axonal elongation in head trauma finite element simulation.
AB  - In the case of head trauma, elongation of axons is thought to result in brain
      damage and to lead to Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI). Mechanical parameters have
      been previously proposed as DAI metric. Typically, brain injury parameters are
      expressed in terms of pressure, shearing stresses or invariants of the strain
      tensor. Addressing axonal deformation within the brain during head impact can
      improve our understanding of DAI mechanisms. A new technique based on directional
      measurements of water diffusion in soft tissue using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
      (MRI), called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), provides information on axonal
      orientation within the brain. The present study aims at coupling axonal
      orientation from a 12-patient-based DTI 3D picture, called "DTI atlas", with the
      Strasbourg University Finite Element Head Model (SUFEHM). This information is
      then integrated in head trauma simulation by computing axonal elongation for each
      finite element of the brain model in a post-processing of classical simulation
      results. Axonal elongation was selected as computation endpoint for its strong
      potential as a parameter for DAI prediction and location. After detailing the
      coupling technique between DTI atlas and the head FE model, two head trauma cases
      presenting different DAI injury levels are reconstructed and analyzed with the
      developed methodology as an illustration of axonal elongation computation.
      Results show that anisotropic brain structures can be realistically implemented
      into an existing finite element model of the brain. The feasibility of
      integrating axon fiber direction information within a dedicated post-processor is
      also established in the context of the computation of axonal elongation. The
      accuracy obtained when estimating level and location of the computed axonal
      elongation indicates that coupling classical isotropic finite element simulation
      with axonal structural anisotropy is an efficient strategy. Using this method,
      tensile elongation of the axons can be directly invoked as a mechanism for
      Diffuse Axonal Injury.

PMID- 22098890
TI  - Verification and implementation of a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar
      technique for characterizing biological tissue and soft biosimulant materials
      under dynamic shear loading.
AB  - Modeling human body response to dynamic loading events and developing biofidelic
      human surrogate systems require accurate material properties over a range of
      loading rates for various human organ tissues. This work describes a technique
      for measuring the shear properties of soft biomaterials at high rates of strain
      (100-1000 s(-1)) using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB).
      Establishing a uniform state of stress in the sample is a fundamental requirement
      for this type of high-rate testing. Input pulse shaping was utilized to tailor
      and control the ramping of the incident loading pulse such that a uniform stress
      state could be maintained within the specimen from the start of the test. Direct
      experimental verification of the stress uniformity in the sample was obtained via
      comparison of the force measured by piezoelectric quartz force gages on both the
      input and the output sides of the shear specimen. The technique was demonstrated
      for shear loading of silicone gel biosimulant materials and porcine brain tissue.
      Finite element simulations were utilized to further investigate the effect of
      pulse shaping on the loading rate and rise time. Simulations also provided a
      means for visualization of the degree of shear stress and strain uniformity in
      the specimen during an experiment. The presented technique can be applied to
      verify stress uniformity and ensure high quality data when measuring the dynamic
      shear modulus of soft biological simulants and tissue.

PMID- 22098891
TI  - Short-term fatigue testing can predict medium-term pericardium behaviour.
AB  - The medium-term fatigue behaviour of calf pericardium (similar to the one used to
      manufacture cardiac bioprostheses valve leaflets) has been studied. 96 samples
      were tested under fatigue subjecting them to biaxial stress at 1 Hz frequency for
      5000 cycles, in 4 series of 24 samples, at several supra-physiological mean
      pressures and pressure amplitudes. Short-term damage parameters such as the
      accumulated energy consumption in 10 cycles (E10) and medium-term ones after 5000
      cycles like total energy consumption (Et) and maximum displacement of the
      membrane (Dt) have been evaluated. E10 showed exponential growing tendency with
      pressure and linear tendency with pressure amplitude when only one parameter
      curve was plotted. Similar results were found when analysing Et and Dt. Linear
      correlation models were established between E10 and Et and E10 and Dt. Similar
      results were achieved in the four series, with excellent determination
      coefficients. The results confirm that the fatigue behaviour from the very first
      cycles of the test can predict the medium-term behaviour of the tissue by means
      of measurement of suitable damage markers. The tendencies observed between the
      parameters seem to show that the results could have been the same ones if the
      test had been performed at physiological pressures and amplitudes. This work
      opens the door to a non-destructive test of the tissue prior to employ it to
      manufacture valve leaflets.

PMID- 22098892
TI  - Mobile or fixed unicompartmental knee prostheses? In-vitro wear assessments to
      solve this dilemma.
AB  - The unicompartmental knee prosthesis is an attractive alternative to total knee
      arthroplasty. Current UKP devices can be subdivided into two groups based on
      different design principles: fixed bearing knees, where the ultra-high molecular
      weight polyethylene meniscal component snap or press fits into the tibial tray,
      and mobile bearing designs which facilitate movement of the insert relative to
      the tray. The present study was aimed at comparing the in-vitro wear behaviour of
      fixed and mobile unicompartmental knee menisci under two configurations: the
      femoral components were cemented into a custom-made metallic block or, as a
      novelty of the present study, into a synthetic femur (i.e. under conditions which
      should better reproduce the in-vivo behaviour). Analyses were performed using a
      displacement-control knee wear simulator with "three-plus-one" stations. All the
      kinematics tests were set in accordance with the ISO 14243-1,2,3. Fixed and
      mobile polyethylene menisci showed a different wear behaviour: the fixation-frame
      influenced directional load transfer through each component in a qualitative and
      quantitative way. In fact, gravimetric results showed that under the metal block
      holder fixation, mobile components worn more than fixed components (weight losses
      of 8.7+/-2.0 mg and 2.6+/-1.09 mg, respectively); on the other hand, under the
      synthetic femur configuration, differences in wear behaviour were less pronounced
      and mobile menisci underwent a slightly lower weight loss than fixed components
      (4.5+/-2.2 mg vs. 6.7+/-1.4 mg). This different trend was explained in relation
      to the kinematic schemes of the two fixation methods. Raman spectroscopy, used to
      evaluate the UHMWPE crystallinity changes induced by mechanical stress, showed
      that mobile menisci specimens were more affected than the fixed components in
      both their superior and inferior surfaces, independent of the fixation-frame. In
      conclusion, if tested under conditions which should better reproduce the in-vivo
      behaviour, mobile UKPs did not show a worse wear behaviour than fixed components
      in terms of weight losses, although UHMWPE changes at the molecular scale could
      be detrimental.

PMID- 22098893
TI  - A tri-phasic mixture model of bone resorption: theoretical investigations.
AB  - In this paper, for the first time, a tri-phasic model of bone resorption using a
      mixture with chemical reactions is proposed. Three constituents (matrix, fluid,
      and cells) are considered. Conservation equations and entropy inequality are
      provided. The dependent variables in the constitutive equations, such as the rate
      of resorption, are assumed to be a function of temperature, deformation gradient,
      and the extent of the chemical reactions. Using constitutive equations in the
      second law of thermodynamics, a criterion for the thermodynamic equilibrium state
      is obtained which contains a bio-chemo-mechanical affinity. Using the proposed
      model, one can find a theoretical explanation for some clinically observed
      behavior of bone, for instance for the greater rate of bone resorption in
      cortical than cancellous bone, using the conservation equations and/or
      consistency requirements of continuum mixture theory. This work can be seen as a
      first step towards establishing a new theoretical framework which could be
      developed in the future by collaborative work, and with the hope of shedding some
      light on the multidisciplinary and complex process of bone resorption.

PMID- 22098894
TI  - The effect of microstructure on fatigue performance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy after EDM
      surface treatment for application in orthopaedics.
AB  - Three different microstructures--equiaxed, bi-modal and coarse lamellar--are
      prepared from Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Electric discharge machining (EDM) with a high
      peak current (29 A) is performed in order to impose surface roughness and modify
      the chemical composition of the surface. Detailed scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM) investigation revealed a martensitic surface layer and subsurface heat
      affected zone (HAZ). EDX measurements showed carbon enriched remnants of the EDM
      process on the material surface. Rotating bending fatigue tests are undertaken
      for EDM processed samples for all three microstructures and also for
      electropolished-benchmark-samples. The fatigue performance is found to be rather
      poor and not particularly dependent on microstructure. The bi-modal
      microstructure shows a slightly superior high cycle fatigue performance. This
      performance can be further improved by a suitable heat treatment to an endurance
      limit of 200 MPa.

PMID- 22098895
TI  - Investigating a novel nanostructured fibrin-agarose biomaterial for human cornea
      tissue engineering: rheological properties.
AB  - In this work, the rheological properties of the biomaterial fibrin with different
      agarose concentrations, used for the generation of a bioengineered human corneal
      stroma by tissue engineering, before and after using a nanostructuring technique,
      were analyzed. The transparency of these artificial human stromas was also
      investigated. The temporal evaluation of the properties of these biomaterials is
      essential for the design of functional biological human corneal replacements. The
      nanostructuring technique used for the generation of nanostructured corneal
      constructs (NCCs) had a major influence on the rheological properties of the
      fibrin-agarose corneal equivalents. For an oscillatory shear stress of 1 Hz, well
      in the order of the natural oscillations of the human cornea, the NCCs had
      viscoelasticity values higher than those of non-nanostructured corneal constructs
      (N-NCCs), but similar to those of an ex vivo native cornea. The model that most
      resembled the rheological behavior of the native cornea was a fibrin-0.1% agarose
      concentration nanostructured construct. In addition, this artificial cornea model
      displayed optimal levels of transparency, similar to the native tissue. All these
      properties indicate that the fibrin-0.1% agarose concentration nanostructured
      construct might serve as an adequate candidate for the generation of an
      artificial complete cornea, not only for transplanting use but also for
      conducting pharmaceutical testing and biomedical research.

PMID- 22098896
TI  - The effect of different implant macrogeometries and surface treatment in early
      biomechanical fixation: an experimental study in dogs.
AB  - Implant surface characterization and biomechanical testing were made to evaluate
      the effect of different surface treatments along with different implant bulk
      configurations expressed as biomechanical fixation at early implantation times.
      Three implant surfaces, namely bioactive ceramic electrodeposition (ED), alumina
      blasted/acid etched (AB/AE), and resorbable blasting media (RBM) were fabricated
      in three implant macrogeometries (cylindrical, small chamber, and large chamber).
      All combinations between surface and bulk configurations were placed in the radii
      of beagle dogs (n=18), which were euthanized 14 and 40 days after surgery (n=9
      animals per time in vivo). The implants were subjected to torque to interface
      fracture. Effects of time, surface, and macrogeometry on torque to interface
      fracture were evaluated by a GLM at 95% level of significance. The results showed
      a significant increase in torque as time elapsed in vivo (p<0.001), and that the
      ED surface presented significantly higher values compared to AB/AE and RBM
      (p<0.001) at both times. The small chamber only presented a significantly higher
      biomechanical fixation compared to other geometries at 40 days in vivo (p=0.02).
      Biomechanical fixation at 14 and 40 days was affected by implant surface
      treatment, whereas implant design only affected results at 40 days in vivo.

PMID- 22098897
TI  - Influences of ionic concentration on nanomechanical behaviors for remineralized
      enamel.
AB  - This study evaluates the influences of 8DSS peptide and ionic concentrations of
      simulated body fluid on remineralization behaviors. The polished enamel specimens
      were acid-demineralized, exposed briefly to 8DSS peptide solution, and then
      immersed into simulated body fluid (SBF) that favors mineral deposition. At
      various stages of treatment, nanohardness and elastic modulus were determined by
      nanoindentation. The results show that the nanomechanical properties of the acid
      demineralized enamel were greatly improved as increasing the ionic concentrations
      of SBF due to the acceleration of mineral deposition. Additionally, the
      demineralized enamel, treated with 8DSS peptide and immersed into SBF*2 solution,
      possesses the highest values of nanohardness and elastic modulus resulting from
      the combinative effects of surface roughness, morphology, microstructure and
      crystallinity of the newly formed nanocomposite of calcium phosphate carbonate
      and hydroxyapatite. The formation of pores in the subsurface induced a reduction
      in the nanomechanical properties for the enamel subjected into SBF*3 solution.

PMID- 22098898
TI  - Life expectancy of modular Ti6Al4V hip implants: influence of stress and
      environment.
AB  - Stress dependent electrochemical dissolution is identified as one of the key
      mechanisms governing surface degradation in fretting and crevice corrosion of
      biomedical implants. The present study focuses on delineating the roles of
      mechanical stress and chemical conditions on the life expectancy of modular hip
      implants. First, material removal on a stressed surface of Ti6Al4V subjected to
      single asperity contact is investigated experimentally to identify the influence
      of contact load, in-plane stress and chemical environment on mean wear rates. A
      range of known stress levels are applied to the specimen while its surface is
      mechanically stimulated in different non-reactive to oxidizing aqueous
      environments. Evolution of surface degradation is monitored, and its mechanism is
      elucidated. This phase allows estimation of Preston Constant which is later used
      in the analysis. Second phase of the work is semi-analytical and computational,
      where, based on the estimated Preston constant and other material and process
      parameters, the scratch propensity (consisting of magnitude of scratch depth and
      their frequency per unit area) due to micro-motion in modular hip implants is
      estimated. The third phase views these scratches as initial notches and utilizes
      a mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation model to estimate the critical crack
      length for onset of instability. The number of loading cycles needed to reach
      this critical crack length is then labeled as the expected life of the implant
      under given mechanical and chemical conditions. Implications of different
      material and process conditions to life expectancy of orthopedic implants are
      discussed. It is observed that transverse micro-motion, compared to longitudinal
      micro-motion, plays a far more critical role in determining the implant life.
      Patient body weight, as well as proximity of the joint fluid to its iso-electric
      point play key roles in determining wear rates and associated life expectancies
      of modular hip implants. Sustained aeration of joint fluid, as well as proper
      tolerancing of mating surfaces, along with a proper choice of material
      microstructure may be utilized to extend implant life.

PMID- 22098899
TI  - Failure of silicone gel breast implants: is the mechanical weakening due to shell
      swelling a significant cause of prostheses rupture?
AB  - Silicone gel-filled breast implants nowadays are commonly used in breast surgery.
      Despite the improvements carried out during the years in the device design and
      manufacturing technologies, the long-term reliability of such prostheses is still
      doubted and the phenomena involved in the prostheses failure not yet clearly
      defined. This study investigates rupture causes by analysing the mechanical
      properties of failed and intact implants in the recent generation of silicon gel
      breast implants. The main scope is to assess whether mechanical weakness of the
      shells should be considered as a major cause of breast implant rupture or, on the
      contrary, the prosthesis shell damage is likely due to other random factors. Some
      tests were performed on the shells of a wide number of explanted prostheses, to
      evaluate the mechanical properties as a function of prostheses status at
      explantation (intact/ruptured) and variable degree of swelling. A weakening of
      the shell mechanical properties, so as a significant difference in the ultimate
      strength and stiffness of intact versus ruptured prostheses, was found. This
      attenuation of the properties may be justified as a consequence of the shell
      swelling phenomenon during implantation and has to be considered as a significant
      mechanism for silicone gel breast implant failure.

PMID- 22098900
TI  - Relationship between various deformation-induced products and mechanical
      properties in metastable Ti-30Zr-Mo alloys for biomedical applications.
AB  - Nowadays, there is a significant research focus on the development of bio-implant
      materials that have not only a low Young's modulus but also other unique
      characteristics such as a changeable Young's modulus and the ability to prevent
      calcium phosphate formation. Taking advantage of deformation-induced phases is an
      effective way to obtain the changeable Young's modulus. This study investigated
      the relationship between the various deformation-induced products and the
      mechanical properties-including Young's modulus, microstructure, and tensile
      properties-of Ti-30Zr-(5,6,7)mass%Mo alloys subjected to solution treatment (ST)
      and cold-rolling (CR). After ST, each alloy is composed of a beta phase and a
      small amount of athermally formed omega phase, and exhibits a low Young's
      modulus. During CR, deformation-induced phase transformation occurs in all the
      alloys. The change in Young's modulus due to CR is highly dependent on the types
      of deformation-induced products. The decrease in Young's modulus due to CR is
      related to the deformation-induced alpha' phase transformation accompanying with
      the disappearance of athermal omega phase, and the increase in Young's modulus is
      attributed to the deformation-induced omega phase, which mainly exists in
      {332}beta mechanical twins.

PMID- 22098901
TI  - Fatigue behavior of TiNi foams processed by the magnesium space holder technique.
AB  - While the wide range of applications of TiNi alloys makes them highly appealing
      due to their shape memory and superelasticity properties, the production of TiNi
      in the porous form further enlarges their application fields. Porous TiNi alloys
      have been studied extensively for biomedical applications since their elastic
      modulus is similar to that of bone. Accordingly, TiNi foams have been widely
      characterized in terms of their various mechanical properties; however, their
      fatigue properties have not been well studied, even though this is of vital
      importance in structural applications such as medical implants. In the scope of
      this study, TiNi foams processed from prealloyed powders by the magnesium space
      holder technique were mechanically characterized by monotonic and cyclic
      compression tests. TiNi foams with a porosity range of 49-64 vol.%, which is
      suitable for bone ingrowth, were determined to have a compressive strength
      varying in the range 93.27-273.45 MPa. Moreover, the wide range of elastic
      modulus values obtained (2.93-8.71 GPa) is promising for fulfilling various
      requirements of different implant applications without causing stress shielding.
      On the other hand, the endurance limit of TiNi foams was determined to be
      0.6sigmay, where sigmay is the yield strength, independent of the porosity
      content. Fractography studies on the failed foams after fatigue testing revealed
      that the failure occurs by the coalescence of micro-cracks initiated from pore
      walls leading to macro-crack formation aligned at 45  degrees  with respect to
      the loading axis.

PMID- 22098902
TI  - Regional and fiber orientation dependent shear properties and anisotropy of
      bovine meniscus.
AB  - Imaging of meniscal tissue reveals an extracellular matrix comprised of collagen
      fibrils arranged in circumferential bundles and radially aligned tie fibers,
      implicating structural material anisotropy. Biochemical analyses demonstrate
      regional disparities of proteoglycan content throughout the meniscal body, a
      constituent known to affect the shearing response of fibrocartilagenous tissue.
      Despite this phenomenological evidence and previous mechanical testing
      implicating otherwise, the meniscus if often modeled as a homogeneous,
      transversely isotropic material with little regard for regional specificity and
      material properties. The aim of this investigation was to determine if shear
      stress response homogeneity and directionality exists in and between bovine
      menisci with respect to anatomical location (medial and lateral), region
      (anterior, central, and posterior) and fiber orientation (parallel and
      perpendicular). Meniscus explants were subjected to lap shear strain at 0.002 s(
      1) with the circumferential collagen fibers oriented parallel or perpendicular to
      the loading axis. Comparisons were made using a piecewise linear elastic
      analysis. The toe region shear modulus was calculated from the first observed
      linear region, between 3% and 13% strain and the extended shear modulus was
      established after 80% of the maximum shear strain. The posterior region was
      significantly different than the central for the extended shear modulus,
      correlating with known proteoglycan distribution. Observed shearing anisotropy
      led to the use of an anisotropic hyperelastic model based on a two-fiber family
      composite, previously used for arterial walls. The chosen model provided an
      excellent fit to the sample population for each region. These data can be
      utilized in the advancement of finite element modeling as well as biomimetic
      tissue engineered constructs.

PMID- 22098903
TI  - Biomechanics of the stick insect antenna: damping properties and structural
      correlates of the cuticle.
AB  - The antenna of the Indian stick insect Carausius morosus is a highly specialized
      near-range sensory probe used to actively sample tactile cues about location,
      distance or shape of external objects in real time. The length of the antenna's
      flagellum is 100 times the diameter at the base, making it a very delicate and
      slender structure. Like the rest of the insect body, it is covered by a
      protective exoskeletal cuticle, making it stiff enough to allow controlled,
      active, exploratory movements and hard enough to resist damage and wear. At the
      same time, it is highly flexible in response to contact forces, and returns
      rapidly to its straight posture without oscillations upon release of contact
      force. Which mechanical adaptations allow stick insects to unfold the remarkable
      combination of maintaining a sufficiently invariant shape between contacts and
      being sufficiently compliant during contact? What role does the cuticle play? Our
      results show that, based on morphological differences, the flagellum can be
      divided into three zones, consisting of a tapered cone of stiff exocuticle lined
      by an inner wedge of compliant endocuticle. This inner wedge is thick at the
      antenna's base and thin at its distal half. The decay time constant after
      deflection, a measure that indicates strength of damping, is much longer at the
      base (tau>25 ms) than in the distal half (tau<18 ms) of the flagellum. Upon
      experimental desiccation, reducing mass and compliance of the endocuticle, the
      flagellum becomes under-damped. Analysing the frequency components indicates that
      the flagellum can be abstracted with the model of a double pendulum with springs
      and dampers in both joints. We conclude that in the stick-insect antenna the
      cuticle properties described are structural correlates of damping, allowing for a
      straight posture in the instant of a new contact event, combined with a maximum
      of flexibility.

PMID- 22098904
TI  - Neutron diffraction residual strain measurements in nanostructured hydroxyapatite
      coatings for orthopaedic implants.
AB  - The failure of an orthopaedic implant can be initiated by residual strain
      inherent to the hydroxyapatite coating (HAC). Knowledge of the through-thickness
      residual strain profile in the thermally sprayed hydroxyapatite coating/substrate
      system is therefore important in the development of a new generation of
      orthopaedic implants. As the coating microstructure is complex, non-destructive
      characterization of residual strain, e.g. using neutron diffraction, provides a
      useful measure of through thickness strain profile without altering the stress
      field. This first detailed study using a neutron diffraction technique, non
      destructively evaluates the through thickness strain measurement in
      nanostructured hydroxyapatite plasma sprayed coatings on a titanium alloy
      substrate (as-sprayed, heat treated, and heat treated then soaked in simulated
      body fluid (SBF)). The influence of crystallographic plane orientation on the
      residual strain measurement is shown to indicate texturing in the coating. This
      texturing is expected to influence both the biological and fracture response of
      HA coatings. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of heat-treatment
      and SBF on the residual stress profile for these biomedical coatings. The results
      show that the through thickness residual strain in all three coatings was
      different for different crystallographic planes but was on average tensile. It is
      also concluded that the heat-treatment and simulated body fluid exposure had a
      significant effect on the residual strain profile in the top layers of HAC.

PMID- 22098905
TI  - Direct comparison of nanoindentation and macroscopic measurements of bone
      viscoelasticity.
AB  - Nanoindentation has become a standard method for measuring mechanical properties
      of bone, especially within microstructural units such as individual osteons or
      trabeculae. The use of nanoindentation to measure elastic properties has been
      thoroughly studied and validated. However, it is also possible to assess time
      dependent properties of bone by nanoindentation. The goal of this study was to
      compare time dependent mechanical properties of bone measured at the macroscopic
      level with those measured by nanoindentation. Twelve samples were prepared from
      the posterior distal femoral cortex of young cows. Initially, dogbone samples
      were prepared and subjected to torsional stress relaxation in a saline bath at 37
      degrees C. A 5 mm thick disk was subsequently sectioned from the gage length,
      and subjected to nanoindentation. Nanoindentation was performed on hydrated
      samples using a standard protocol with 20 indents performed in 20 different
      osteons in each sample. Creep and stress relaxation data were fit to a Burgers
      four parameter rheological model, a five parameter generalized Maxwell model, and
      a three parameter standard linear solid. For Burgers viscoelastic model, the time
      constants measured by nanoindentation and torsion were weakly negatively
      correlated, while for the other two models the time constants were uncorrelated.
      The results support the notion that the viscoelastic behavior of bone at the
      macroscopic scale is primarily due to microstructural features, interfaces, or
      fluid flow, rather than viscous behavior of the bone tissue. As viscoelasticity
      affects the fatigue behavior of materials, the microscale properties may provide
      a measure of bone quality associated with initial damage formation.

PMID- 22098906
TI  - Mechanical parameters of strontium doped hydroxyapatite sintered using microwave
      and conventional methods.
AB  - The effects of ion substitution in hydroxyapatite (HA) on crystal structure and
      lattice stability is investigated in the green state and post sintering. The
      effects of ion incorporation on the biaxial flexural strength and hardness are
      also investigated. Sintering is carried out at 1200  degrees C using comparative
      conventional and microwave regimes. Post sintering, the effects of ion
      incorporation manifest as an increase in the lattice d-spacings and a reduction
      of the crystallite size. Some HA decomposition occurs with beta-TCP stabilisation
      in conventional sintering (CS), but this phase is destabilised during microwave
      sintering (MS), generating alpha-TCP. Conventional sintering (CS) allows higher
      densification in the undoped samples. Overall, for the Sr-doped compositions, the
      MS samples retain higher amounts of HA and experience higher density levels
      compared to the CS samples.

PMID- 22098908
TI  - Bone marrow modified acrylic bone cement for augmentation of osteoporotic
      cancellous bone.
AB  - The use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement to reinforce fragile or broken
      vertebral bodies (vertebroplasty) leads to extensive bone stiffening. This might
      be one reason for fractures at the adjacent vertebrae following this procedure.
      PMMA with a reduced Young's modulus may be more suitable. The goal of this study
      was to produce and characterize PMMA bone cements with a reduced Young's modulus
      by adding bone marrow. Bone cements were produced by combining PMMA with various
      volume fractions of freshly harvested bone marrow from sheep. Porosity, Young's
      modulus, yield strength, polymerization temperature, setting time and cement
      viscosity of different cement modifications were investigated. The samples
      generated comprised pores with diameters in the range of 30-250 MUm leading to
      porosity up to 51%. Compared to the control cement, Young's modulus and yield
      strength decreased from 1830 to 740 MPa and from 58 to 23 MPa respectively by
      adding 7.5 ml bone marrow to 23 ml premixed cement. The polymerization
      temperature decreased from 61 to 38 ?C for cement modification with 7.5 ml of
      bone marrow. Setting times of the modified cements were lower in comparison to
      the regular cement (28 min). Setting times increased with higher amounts of added
      bone marrow from around 16-25 min. The initial viscosities of the modified
      cements were higher in comparison to the control cement leading to a lower risk
      of extravasation. The hardening times followed the same trend as the setting
      times. In conclusion, blending bone marrow with acrylic bone cement seems to be a
      promising method to increase the compliance of PMMA cement for use in cancellous
      bone augmentation in osteoporotic patients due to its modified mechanical
      properties, lower polymerization temperature and elevated initial viscosity.

PMID- 22098907
TI  - Ti-Nb-Sn-hydroxyapatite composites synthesized by mechanical alloying and high
      frequency induction heated sintering.
AB  - A beta-type Ti-based composite, Ti-35Nb-2.5Sn-15-hydroxyapatite (HA), has been
      synthesized by mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy. The effects of milling
      time on microstructure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the
      sintered composites were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X
      ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness tests, compression tests and cells culture.
      The results revealed when milling time increased, the homogeneity and relative
      density of the sintered composite increased, but the finished sintering
      temperature decreased. The compression Young's modulus of sintered composite from
      12 h milled powders was about 22 GPa and its compression strength was 877 MPa.
      The cell culture results indicated cell viability for these sintered composites
      was very good. These results revealed the Ti-35Nb-2.5Sn-15HA composite could be
      useful for medical implants.

PMID- 22098909
TI  - Influence of the sliding velocity and the applied potential on the corrosion and
      wear behavior of HC CoCrMo biomedical alloy in simulated body fluids.
AB  - The corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of an as-cast high carbon CoCrMo alloy
      immersed in phosphate buffered solution (PBS) and phosphate buffered solution
      with bovine serum albumin (PBS+BSA) have been analyzed by electrochemical
      techniques and surface microscopy. After the electrochemical characterization of
      the alloy in both solutions, the sample was studied tribo-electrochemically (by
      open circuit potential, OCP measurements, potentiodynamic curves and
      potentiostatic tests) in a ball-on-disk tribometer rotating in different sliding
      velocities. The influence of solution chemistry, sliding velocity and applied
      potential on the corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of the CoCrMo alloy has
      been studied. Anodic current density increases with sliding velocity but wear
      rate does not change at an applied anodic potential; on the other hand, BSA
      modifies the wear debris behavior (by agglomerating the debris formed by
      mechanical removal of particles) thus increasing the mechanical wear volume.
      Under cathodic conditions, cathodic current density also increases during
      mechanical contact while the wear rate decreases with sliding velocity and BSA
      lubricates the contact thus reducing the total wear volume with respect to the
      non-containing BSA solution. The work shows how the electrode potential
      critically affects the corrosion and tribocorrosion rates by increasing the wear
      coefficients at applied anodic potentials due to severe wear accelerated
      corrosion.

PMID- 22098910
TI  - Cell adhesion to plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) titania coatings, assessed
      using a centrifuging technique.
AB  - The adhesion of bovine chondrocytes and human osteoblasts to three titania-based
      coatings, formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), was compared to that on
      uncoated Ti-6Al-4V substrates, and some comparisons were also made with plasma
      sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings. This was done using a centrifuge, with
      accelerations of up to 160,000 g, so as to induce buoyancy forces that created
      normal or shear stresses at the interface. It is shown that, on all surfaces, it
      was easier to remove cells under normal loading than under shear loading. Cell
      adhesion to the PEO coatings was stronger than that on Ti-6Al-4V and similar to
      that on HA. Cell proliferation rates were relatively high on one of the PEO
      coatings, which was virtually free of aluminium, but low on the other two, which
      contained significant levels of aluminium. It is concluded that the Al-free PEO
      coating offers promise for application to prosthetic implants.

PMID- 22098911
TI  - Principal stiffness orientation and degree of anisotropy of human osteons based
      on nanoindentation in three distinct planes.
AB  - Haversian systems or 'osteons' are cylindrical structures, formed by bone
      lamellae, that make up the major part of human cortical bone. Despite their
      discovery centuries ago in 1691 by Clopton Havers, their mechanical properties
      are still poorly understood. The objective of this study is a detailed
      identification of the anisotropic elastic properties of the secondary osteon in
      the lamella plane. Additionally, the principal material orientation with respect
      to the osteon is assessed. Therefore a new nanoindentation method was developed
      which allows the measurement of indentation data in three distinct planes on a
      single osteon. All investigated osteons appeared to be anisotropic with a
      preferred stiffness alignment along the axial direction with a small average
      helical winding around the osteon axis. The mean degree of anisotropy was 1.75+/
      0.36 and the mean helix angle was 10.3 degrees +/-0.8 degrees . These findings
      oppose two well established views of compact bone microstructure: first, the
      generally clear axial stiffness orientation contradicts a regular 'twisted
      plywood' collagen fibril orientation pattern in lamellar bone that would lead to
      a more isotropic behavior. Second, the class of transverse osteons were not
      observed from the mechanical point of view.

PMID- 22098912
TI  - Correlations between age, prestrain, diameter and atherosclerosis in the male
      abdominal aorta.
AB  - The longitudinal prestrain of arteries facilitates their physiological function.
      Remodeling, adaptation and aging result in an age-dependent magnitude of the
      pretension. Although the phenomenon is known, detailed statistics, especially for
      human arteries, are lacking. This study was designed to propose the regression
      model capable of estimating the prestrain of the human abdominal aorta. The
      length of the abdominal aorta before, l, and after excision from the body, L, the
      diameter, heart weight, thickness of left ventricle and degree of atherosclerosis
      were collected in autopsies of 156 male cadavers of known age. Longitudinal
      prestrain was quantified by means of the stretch ratio lambda=l/L. Statistical
      analysis revealed significant dependence between age, prestrain, diameter and
      atherosclerosis, which were best fitted to the power law equation. Longitudinal
      prestretch reduced with age significantly; lambdamean=1.30+/-0.07 for age<30
      (n=29), whereas lambdamean=1.06+/-0.03 for age>59 (n=31) with p-value<0.0001. Raw
      data gave linear correlation coefficients as follows: lambda-age (R=-0.842); l
      age (R=0.023); L-age (R=0.476); (l-L)-age (R=-0.811). It was concluded that
      longitudinal prestrain decreases nonlinearly with age and both age and diameter
      are suitable predictors of the prestrain. Data suggests that unloaded length
      elongates with age in contrast to the elastic retraction.

PMID- 22098913
TI  - Thiel-fixation preserves the non-linear load-deformation characteristic of spinal
      motion segments, but increases their flexibility.
AB  - Human cadaveric specimens are recommended as the best option for in-vitro tests.
      However, fresh human spine specimens are often difficult to obtain. Further
      problems are the potential risk of infection and they can only be used over a
      limited test period. Therefore, the use of embalmed specimens is often discussed.
      The most common method is formalin fixation. However, this type of embalming can
      result in failure, because the biomechanical properties of the tissue is
      partially influenced. In recent years the development of the new method, the
      fixation according to Thiel, could provide an alternative to fresh or formalin
      fixed specimens. The aim of the present study is to compare the biomechanical
      properties between fresh and Thiel-fixed spine specimens, and to compare the data
      to previous data of a test with formalin fixation. For the study, six L1-L2
      spinal segments from 16-week-old calves were biomechanically tested. The
      parameters, range of motion and neutral zone, were determined in
      flexion/extension, right/left lateral bending and left/right axial rotation. The
      results showed that the specimens kept their non-linear load-deformation
      characteristic after Thiel fixation. The range of motion of Thiel-fixed specimens
      increased relative to the unembalmed state by approximately 22% in flexion
      extension, 23% in lateral bending (p<0.05) and 45% in axial rotation (p<0.05). In
      conclusion, the results still suggest a preference for fresh cadaveric spine
      specimens for quantitative biomechanical in-vitro testing, because they provide
      the best physiological conditions. However, for preliminary tests, which may only
      be used for orientation, embalmed specimens using the Thiel fixation method might
      serve as an alternative. Compared to formalin-fixated specimens which become
      approximately 5 times stiffer and completely lose their non-linear load
      deformation-characteristic, as found in a previous study; the Thiel fixation
      maintains the non-linear load-deformation-characteristic but increases the range
      of motion.

PMID- 22098914
TI  - Contraction behaviors of dental composite restorations--finite element
      investigation with DIC validation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the effects of cavity configuration on
      the polymerization shrinkage and stress of light-cured composite restorations by
      combining local strain measurement and a finite element analysis (FEA). Dental
      mesio-occluso-distal cavities of various widths and depths (each for 2 vs. 4 mm),
      representing different configuration factors, were prepared on extracted molars.
      The displacements of the bonded tooth cusps and cavity floors, caused by
      polymerization shrinkage of composite restorations, were assessed utilizing a
      digital-image-correlation (DIC) technique. The cervical marginal microleakage was
      investigated by examining the resin replicas of these restorations under SEM. The
      local material properties of the polymerized composite along the curing depth
      were defined by the nanoindentation test and applied in the subsequent FEA. In
      the FEA, four models were generated to correspond with the experimental
      restorations. In the DIC measurement results, the 4(w)*4(D) mm cavity presented
      the greatest values of inward displacements at the cusp and floor. The cavity
      depth, rather than the cavity width, was found to significantly correlate to the
      floor deformation, the location of shrinkage centers, and also the cervical
      microleakage ratio. The FEA simulation results showed that the 2(w)*4(D) mm
      cavity presented the maximal von Mises and principal stress located respectively
      on the cervical margins and cavity floor. Additional safety factor analysis
      showed a high risk of bond failure over the cavity floor in the 4-mm deep cavity.
      With the experimental validation, the simulation revealed that the cavity depth
      was significant to the formation of contraction stress and the incidence of
      interfacial debonding.

PMID- 22098915
TI  - The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical
      properties of a bioceramic bone scaffold.
AB  - Micro and nanostructural properties are believed to play a critical role in the
      osteoinductive capacity of bioceramic bone scaffolds. Physical characteristics
      also play an important role for optimum biological performance, including
      osteoconductivity and strength. In this study microstructural and nano-mechanical
      properties of a bioceramic bone scaffold were investigated as a function of the
      sintering temperature in the range of 950-1150  degrees C, through the use of
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nanoindentation
      testing. Although the samples presented the same crystallographic phase, an
      increase in sintering temperature resulted in increased grain size, density and
      crystallite size. The intrinsic mechanical properties were measured by
      nanoindentation testing and analyzed with the Oliver-Pharr method. The
      nanoindentation tests consisted of a series of fourteen partial unload tests
      (n=14 per treatment) of twelve steps ranging from 1 to 12 mN. Statistically
      significant increases in hardness and elastic modulus were measured for
      increasing sintering temperature. These results support the development of
      clinically successful bioceramic scaffolds with mechanical properties that
      encourage bone ingrowth and provide structural integrity.

PMID- 22098916
TI  - Elasticity and viscoelasticity of embolization microspheres.
AB  - The present study investigates the mechanical properties of three embolization
      microspheres (E-ms): tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TG-ms), acrylamido
      polyvinyl alcohol microspheres (APVA-ms), and polyphosphazene-coated
      polymethylmethacrylate microspheres (PP-PMMA-ms). Compression and relaxation
      tests were performed on monolayers of particles and their Young's moduli and
      relaxation half times (RHTs) were determined. The elasticity of E-ms was
      evaluated by applying Hertz theory with the assumptions of incompressibility and
      a Poisson's ratio of 0.5. The Young's moduli of TG-ms, APVA-ms, and PP-PMMA-ms
      were 39.6+/-5.05 kPa, 18.8+/-4.00 kPa, and 13.6+/-1.98 kPa, respectively. The
      RHTs of TG-ms, APVA-ms, and PP-PMMA-ms were 52.3+/-5.56 s, 59.1+/-8.16 s, and
      31.0+/-7.01 s, respectively. TG-ms have a high rigidity and deform slightly under
      a sustained compression since they have a high elasticity. PP-PMMA-ms are soft
      and deform a lot under sustained compression. They are more viscous than the
      other two microspheres. APVA-ms have intermediate material properties, having the
      same low rigidity as PP-PMMA-ms and being more elastic than TG-ms.

PMID- 22098917
TI  - Arsenic, cadmium and neuron specific enolase (ENO2, gamma-enolase) expression in
      breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuron specific enolase (ENO2, gamma-enolase) has been used as a
      biomarker to help identify neuroendocrine differentiation in breast cancer. The
      goal of the present study was to determine if ENO2 expression in the breast
      epithelial cell is influenced by the environmental pollutants, arsenite and
      cadmium. Acute and chronic exposure of MCF-10A cells to As+3 and Cd+2 sufficient
      to allow colony formation in soft agar, was used to determine if ENO2 expression
      was altered by these pollutants. RESULTS: It was shown that both As+3 and Cd+2
      exposure caused significant increases in ENO2 expression under conditions of both
      acute and chronic exposure. In contrast, ENO1, the major glycolytic enolase in
      non-muscle and neuronal cells, was largely unaffected by exposure to either As+3
      or Cd+2. Localization studies showed that ENO2 in the MCF-10A cells transformed
      by As+3 or Cd+2 had both a cytoplasmic and nuclear localization. In contrast,
      ENO1 was localized to the cytoplasm. ENO2 localized to the cytoplasm was found to
      co-localized with ENO1. CONCLUSION: The results are the first to show that ENO2
      expression in breast epithelial cells is induced by acute and chronic exposure to
      As+3 or Cd+2. The findings also suggest a possible link between As+3 and Cd+2
      exposure and neuroendocrine differentiation in tumors. Overall, the results
      suggest that ENO2 might be developed as a biomarker indicating acute and/or
      chronic environmental exposure of the breast epithelial cell to As+3 and Cd+2.

PMID- 22098918
TI  - Dietary treatments enriched in olive and safflower oils regulate seric and
      placental matrix metalloproteinases in maternal diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in
      placental development and function, although related to the pro-inflammatory
      environment when produced in excess. Previous studies have identified MMP-2 and
      MMP-9 overactivities in the placenta from diabetic rats. In this study, we aimed
      to determine whether diets supplemented with olive and safflower oil, enriched in
      natural PPAR ligands, are able to regulate MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in the
      placenta and serum from diabetic rats. STUDY DESIGN: Diabetes was induced in rat
      neonates by streptozotocin administration (90mg/kg s.c.). Control and diabetic
      rats were fed with 6% olive oil- or 6% safflower oil-supplemented diets from days
      0.5-13.5 of gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: On day 13.5 of gestation, placentas
      and sera were isolated for further determination of matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs) 2 and 9 activities by zymography. Placental MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein
      concentration and immunolocalization were also determined. RESULTS: Sera from
      diabetic pregnant animals showed MMP-2 and MMP-9 overactivities when compared to
      controls. Serum MMP-9 activity was significantly decreased when the diabetic
      animals received the olive and safflower oil dietary treatments. Placentas from
      diabetic rats showed increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and protein
      concentrations, and both were decreased when diabetic rats received the olive and
      safflower dietary treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that both
      olive and safflower oil-supplemented diets were able to prevent MMPs
      overactivities in the placenta from diabetic rats, and that these beneficial
      effects are reflected in rat sera.

PMID- 22098919
TI  - A potassium channel opener for neuropathy, motor neuron disease and beyond.

PMID- 22098920
TI  - Clinical ramifications of bronchial kink after upper lobectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchial kink is caused by upward displacement of the remaining
      lower lobe of the lung after upper lobectomy, which can cause an intractable
      cough or shortness of breath. However, bronchial kink is often overlooked because
      of the difficulty in the simultaneous diagnosis of bronchial curvature and
      narrowing. METHODS: Screening for bronchial kink with three-dimensional computed
      tomography (CT)-based bronchography was done on 50 patients who had undergone
      hemilateral upper lobectomy for cancer. Bronchial kink was confirmed if there was
      airway angulation and resultant stenosis exceeding 80%. We compared postoperative
      changes in spirometry-based ventilatory capacity with CT-based functional lung
      volume (FLV) in patients with and without bronchial kink. RESULTS: Bronchial kink
      was confirmed in 21 patients (42%). Postoperative FLV and ventilatory capacity
      were significantly greater in patients without than in those with bronchial kink
      (p<0.05 for both measures). Postoperative FLV and ventilatory capacity were also
      significantly greater than the estimated postoperative values for both measures
      in patients without bronchial kink (both, p<0.05), representing favorable
      compensatory adaptation of the remaining lung, whereas this was not the case in
      patients with bronchial kink (both, p>0.1). Patients with bronchial kink
      complained more often than those without bronchial kink of an intractable cough
      and shortness of breath (76% vs 21%, respectively, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Bronchial kink after upper lobectomy is a common and functionally unfavorable
      condition that can exacerbate postoperative shortness of breath. Computed
      tomography-based bronchography is a useful tool in screening for bronchial kink.
      Strategies for preventing bronchial kink should be explored in the clinical
      setting.

PMID- 22098921
TI  - Coronary artery disease in adult congenital heart disease: outcome after coronary
      artery bypass grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease may be seen during repair of
      adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). There are few data outlining outcomes of
      concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in these patients. METHODS:
      Between February 1972 and August 2009, 122 patients (77 men) underwent
      concomitant CABG at the time of ACHD repair; median age was 64 years (range 40 to
      85 years). Thirty patients (25%) had preoperative angina, 7 patients (6%) had
      previous myocardial infarction (MI), and 6 patients (5%) had previous
      percutaneous intervention. Most common primary cardiac diagnoses included
      secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) in 73 patients (60%), Ebstein's anomaly in 14
      patients (11%), and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in 8 patients
      (7%). RESULTS: Operations included ASD repair in 78 patients (64%),
      tricuspid/pulmonary valve procedures in 23 patients (19%), and ventricular septal
      defect repair in 10 patients (8%). One bypass graft procedure was performed in 69
      patients (57%), 2 bypass graft procedures were performed in 32 patients (26%), 3
      bypass graft procedures were performed in 14 patients (11%), 4 bypass graft
      procedures were performed in 5 patients (4%), and 5 bypass graft procedures were
      performed in 2 patients (2%). There were 4 early deaths (3.3%). During a median
      follow-up of 6 years (maximum follow-up, 32 years), actuarial survival was 76% at
      5 years and 56% at 10 years. In patients with left anterior descending (LAD)
      artery disease, survival was higher when a left internal mammary graft (LIMA) was
      used (5 years, 86% versus 66%; 10 years, 66% versus 36%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Concomitant CABG may be required at the time of correction of ACHD. Survival is
      higher when a LIMA graft is used, and late functional outcome is good, with a low
      incidence of late angina and need for reintervention.

PMID- 22098922
TI  - Fifteen-year outcome of laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication: a randomized
      clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has become the method of
      choice in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
      replacing its open counterpart without confirmation by the long-term results of
      controlled clinical studies. The goal of the present study was to compare the 15
      year outcome of a randomized controlled comparison study of LNF versus open
      Nissen fundoplication (ONF). METHODS: From 1992 to 1995, 110 consecutive patients
      were randomized to undergo LNF or ONF. The 15-year objective results were
      evaluated by endoscopy, and the subjective symptomatic outcome was assessed by
      interviews. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients (48 in the LNF [LAP] and 38 in the
      ONF [OPEN] group) participated in the study. The late long-term symptomatic
      outcome was similar in the two patient groups. In the LAP group, 91.7% of the
      patients gave a positive evaluation of their surgical result, as compared with
      76.3% of the patients in the OPEN group (p=0.0484). A significantly greater
      number of disrupted plications (p=0.0115) and incisional hernias (p<0.001)
      occurred in the OPEN than in the LAP group. Both the subjective outcome and the
      objective endoscopic and clinical findings in the present study were in accord
      with our previously reported outcomes at 11-years after laparoscopic versus open
      fundoplication. The study found a trend toward (p=0.0851) an increasing need for
      the regular use of a proton pump inhibitor with the passage of time after Nissen
      fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS: The 15-year results obtained in the present study
      define laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as the procedure of choice in the
      surgical management of GERD. The long-term symptomatic outcomes of open and
      laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication appear to remain unaltered after the first 10
      postoperative years.

PMID- 22098923
TI  - Genetic diversity and mycotoxin production of Fusarium lactis species complex
      isolates from sweet pepper.
AB  - An internal fruit rot disease of sweet peppers was first detected in Belgium in
      2003. Research conducted mostly in Canada indicates that this disease is
      primarily caused by Fusarium lactis Pirotta. Ninety-eight Fusarium isolates
      obtained from diseased sweet peppers from Belgium, as well as from other
      countries (Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) were identified by
      sequencing the translation elongation factor 1alpha (EF). Of these 98 isolates,
      13 were identified as F. oxysporum Schltdl., nine as F. proliferatum (Matsush.)
      Nirenberg and two belonged to clade 3 of the F. solani species complex. Of the 74
      remaining isolates, the EF sequence showed 97% to 98% similarity to F. lactis. Of
      these isolates, the beta-tubulin (TUB), calmodulin (CAM) and the second largest
      subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) genes were also sequenced. Analysis of the
      combined sequences revealed that the 74 isolates share nine combined sequences
      that correspond to nine multilocus sequence types (STs), while the F. lactis
      neotype strain and one other strain, both isolated from figs, form a separate ST.
      Together, these 10 STs represent a monophyletic F. lactis species complex
      (FLASC). An unusually high level of genetic diversity was observed between
      (groups of) these STs. Two of them (ST5 and ST6) fulfilled the criteria for
      species recognition based on genealogical exclusivity and together represent a
      new monophyletic species lineage (FLASC-1). The seven other STs, together with
      the F. lactis neotype ST, form a paraphyletic species lineage in the African
      clade of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex (GFSC). From each of the 10
      STs, the mycotoxin production was assessed using a multi-mycotoxin liquid
      chromatography mass spectrometry method. Out of the 27 analyzed mycotoxins,
      beauvericin and fumonisins were detected in sweet pepper tissue and in maize
      kernels. The 10 STs clearly differed in the amount of mycotoxin produced, but
      there was only limited congruence between the production profile and the
      phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the morphological characterization (based on
      mycelial growth rate and the length of macroconidia) showed distinct differences
      between the 10 STs, but again there was limited congruence with the phylogenetic
      results. In conclusion, the data presented in this study demonstrate that 75% of
      the isolates obtained from sweet pepper with internal fruit rot belong to a F.
      lactis species complex (FLASC), including a new FLASC-1 monophyletic species, and
      that the members of this complex display great genetic and phenotypic diversity.

PMID- 22098924
TI  - Predictors of hospitalized patients' intentions to prevent healthcare harm: a
      cross sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients can play an important role in reducing healthcare harm but
      little is known about the factors that may affect patients' willingness to
      participate. In order to encourage the 'active' patient it is critical that we
      gain a deeper understanding of the antecedents of safety-relevant behaviours.
      Doing this will enable the implementation of effective interventions aimed at
      supporting patients to work with healthcare professionals in ensuring safe care.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine predictors of patients' intentions to engage in two safety
      behaviours: (1) reminding healthcare staff to wash their hands and; (2) notifying
      healthcare staff if they are not wearing a hospital identification bracelet.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey study. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sampling method
      was employed to recruit 80 medical and surgical hospital inpatients aged 18-80
      (mean 48) from one inner city London teaching hospital. METHODS: A 42 item survey
      that measured the extent that patients' control beliefs, behavioural beliefs,
      normative beliefs and perceived susceptibility and severity towards a hospital
      acquired infection or a misidentification error could predict their intentions to
      ask doctors/nurses about their hand washing compliance or notify doctors/nurses
      if they are not wearing a hospital identification bracelet. Data was analysed
      using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Control beliefs, normative beliefs
      and perceived severity were the strongest predictors of patients' intentions to
      participate in both behaviours. The regression models accounted for a smaller
      percentage of the variance in patients' intentions to ask doctors/nurses if they
      have washed their hands (42%/37%) than notifying staff if they were not wearing
      an identification bracelet (54%/56%). CONCLUSIONS: If patients understand why a
      behaviour is beneficial, they perceive it as acceptable to participate in and
      that they have control over the decision to engage in the behaviour, we
      hypothesise that more patients will intend to participate in that behaviour. When
      designing interventions aimed at encouraging the participation of patients in
      promoting their own safety, consideration should be given to the potential
      influence of patients' control beliefs, normative beliefs and perceived severity
      of errors on their intentions to participate.

PMID- 22098925
TI  - Reflections on the ethics of internet newsgroup research.

PMID- 22098926
TI  - The impact of term-time paid work on academic performance in nursing students: a
      longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing students in higher education are spending more time in paid
      employment despite evidence that this can impact negatively on academic
      performance. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of paid work on academic
      performance in undergraduate nursing students. DESIGN: Descriptive, correlational
      survey with longitudinal follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing students in
      metropolitan Sydney, Australia. METHODS: First year nursing students surveyed at
      baseline were followed up at the end of the final year of their nursing program
      to examine factors influencing academic performance. RESULTS: Of the 566 Year 1
      nursing students who were surveyed in the second semester of their Bachelor of
      Nursing program, 182 students (32%) completed the follow-up survey in Year 3. The
      percentage of students engaging in paid work during term-time had increased
      (p<0.001), from 70% in Year 1 to 84% in Year 3. There was an inverse relationship
      between mean hours in paid work during term-time and nursing students' GPA in
      their final year. Taking into account demographic factors, the mean hours spent
      in paid work during term-time had a negative impact on nursing students' GPA
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In view of these findings, we suggest that new models of
      undergraduate nursing education be explored to include faculty approved nursing
      related employment with defined opportunities for learning. This would
      accommodate the dual roles of undergraduate nursing students as students and
      employees and therefore not endanger their academic performance.

PMID- 22098927
TI  - Mixed brominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls:
      Simultaneous congener-selective determination in food.
AB  - Of the 4600 individual poly-halogenated (bromo-chloro) dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzo
      furans (PXDD/Fs) and 9180 poly-halogenated biphenyls (PXBs), 19 compounds were
      selected for analysis in food, based on current toxicological knowledge, chemical
      configuration, type and degree of halogenation, and the limited knowledge on
      environmental occurrence levels. The selection was also tempered by the
      availability of reliable analytical standards. The analytical methodology
      designed to allow simultaneous determination of PXDD/Fs and PXBs, was based on
      internal standardisation with (13)C(12) labelled compounds and high resolution
      mass spectrometry and involved a new separation procedure using dual activated
      carbon column fractionation. In order to unambiguously measure these compounds a
      practical, higher mass resolution (13,500-15,000 res) was used, coupled with a
      judicious choice of analyte ions and relative ion ratios. Further specificity was
      incorporated by exploiting the differences in chromatographic retention from
      those of potential interferants. The methodology was validated and used to
      measure occurrence levels of these contaminants in different matrices such as
      milk, meat, fish, eggs, offal, shellfish and soil. The limits of detection
      achieved by this methodology ranged from 0.005 to 0.02ngkg(-1) fat for foods. The
      analyses revealed the presence of both PXDD/Fs and PXBs, with the latter
      occurring to a greater extent, followed by PXDFs. This work represents the first
      targeted approach to measuring a range of individual PXDD/Fs and PXBs
      simultaneously.

PMID- 22098928
TI  - Food contaminant analysis at high resolution mass spectrometry: application for
      the determination of veterinary drugs in milk.
AB  - Veterinary drugs (VDs) can remain in milk as a consequence of their use in
      livestock. In order to control the levels of VD residues in milk, screening
      methodologies can be applied for a rapid discrimination among negative and non
      negative samples. In a second stage, non-negative samples are classified as
      negative or positive samples by using a confirmation method. Pre-target screening
      methods in low resolution MS (LRMS) are normally applied, but the number of
      analytes is limited, whereas the information obtained by full scan acquisition in
      high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is improved. Here, three screening
      methods (running time<4 min) based on Orbitrap, quadrupole-time of flight (QqTOF)
      and triple quadrupole (QqQ) have been compared, using in all cases ultra-high
      performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). For HRMS, the identification of the
      VDs was based on retention time (RT) and accurate mass measurements. Confirmation
      was based on the monitoring of fragments generated without precursor selection.
      The performance characteristics of the screening method provided reliable
      information regarding the presence or absence of the compounds below an
      established value, including uncertainty region and cut-off values. Better
      results in terms of cut-off values (<= 5.0 MUg kg(-1), except for spiramycin with
      a cut-off of 13.4 MUg kg(-1) for milk samples and 43.1 MUg kg(-1) for powdered
      milk based, emamectin with a cut-off of 42.2 MUg kg(-1) for milk samples and
      doxycycline, with a cut-off value of 15.8 MUg kg(-1) in powdered milk-based
      infant formulae) and uncertainty region were obtained using the Orbitrap-based
      screening method, which was submitted to further validation and used to analyze
      different real milk samples. The proposed method can be used in routine analysis,
      providing reliable results.

PMID- 22098929
TI  - Use of cation exchange chromatography for human C-peptide isotope dilution - mass
      spectrometric assay.
AB  - An application of ion exchange chromatography for C-peptide analysis is described
      here. At the stage of C-peptide isolation, a strong cation exchanger (SP HP or
      MonoS) was used to purify the analyte from ballast proteins and peptides. The
      conditions of ion-exchange chromatographic separations were optimized using
      theoretical modeling of the net surface electric charge of the peptide as a
      function of pH. The purified and concentrated sample was further subjected to LC
      MS/MS. In order to improve the reliability of analysis, two fragment ions were
      monitored simultaneously both for native C-peptide and internal standard,
      isotopically labeled C-peptides analogues (fragments with m/z of 927.7 and
      147.2). Using ion-exchange chromatography, it became possible to process larger
      sample volumes, important for testing patients with very low C peptide levels,
      compared to currently used solid phase extraction methods.

PMID- 22098930
TI  - Hydrophilic interaction chromatography of seized drugs and related compounds with
      sub 2 MUm particle columns.
AB  - The use of hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) with sub 2 MUm particle
      columns for the analysis of drugs and related compounds of forensic interest is
      described. This technique uses a high organic/low aqueous buffered mobile phase
      with a polar stationary phase, and is excellent for the separation of many of the
      charged solutes that are found in forensic drug exhibits. In this study, HILIC is
      investigated for 11 solutes of forensic interest, including weak bases, weak
      acids, and a neutral solute. In addition, for columns containing either ethylene
      bridged hybrid particles with or without an amide bonded phase, the effects of
      acetonitrile concentration, buffer type, buffer concentration, linear velocity,
      and sample concentration were studied. Based on these studies, HILIC with sub 2
      MUm particle columns can offer highly efficient, selective, and rapid isocratic
      separations of drugs and related compounds of forensic interest, with excellent
      peak shapes and low back pressures. This is in contrast to reverse phase
      chromatography (RPLC), where gradient elution is usually required, which can
      result in extensive overlap between acidic, neutral, and basic solutes. In
      addition, since HILIC exhibits a much greater loading capacity than RPLC, it
      could be a preferred technique for drug profiling. Furthermore, because high
      organic content mobile phases are highly amenable to mass spectrometric
      detection, the use of HILIC with tandem mass spectrometric detection for the
      analysis of seized drugs is described.

PMID- 22098931
TI  - Selective displacement chromatography in multimodal cation exchange systems.
AB  - A library of displacer analogues with varying degrees of electrostatic,
      hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding moieties was evaluated for their ability to
      enhance the selectivity of multimodal (MM) chromatography under high loading
      conditions. The library was screened for displacement of model proteins using a
      robotic liquid handling system and selective batch separations were achieved for
      proteins that were inseparable with linear gradient chromatography. Trends in
      protein displacement were identified and displacers with higher hydrophobicity
      and net charge exhibited improved protein displacements. Proteins that interacted
      with the resins primarily via electrostatic interactions were more readily
      displaced than those that possessed a significant hydrophobic contribution to
      their binding. In addition, multimodal displacers were found to be more selective
      than single mode electrostatic displacers. Column chromatography studies were
      also carried out and baseline separations were achieved for model protein pairs
      using selective displacement. Finally, operation of these columns in the
      desorption mode resulted in baseline separation of model proteins which were not
      separable by selective displacement chromatography. This study indicates that the
      inherent selectivity of MM resins can be augmented by the selectivity of the
      displacer under non-linear competitive binding conditions, creating new
      opportunities for protein separations not possible using traditional gradient
      operations.

PMID- 22098932
TI  - Enantioseparation of (+/-)-threo-methylphenidate in human plasma by cyclodextrin
      modified sample stacking capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - The (+/-)-threo-methylphenidate ((+/-)-threo-MP) is widely used for treatment of
      attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to clinical evidence,
      (+)-threo-MP possesses higher potency than (-)-threo-MP. Due to ppb level in
      plasma, till now, none of the capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods have been
      able to provide adequate sensitivity for therapeutic (+/-)-threo-MP monitoring.
      In this study, a cyclodextrin-modified field-amplified sample stacking CE method
      (CD-FASS-CE) for enantioseparation of (+/-)-threo-MP in human plasma was
      established for clinical applications. Phosphate buffer (50mM, pH 3.0) was filled
      into uncoated fused silica capillary (40 cm, 50 MUm I.D.), followed by a water
      plug (0.5 psi, 10s). Electrokinetic injection (6 kV, 200 s) was used to load
      samples and to enhance sensitivity. Stacking and separation were performed at 20
      kV and 200 nm using phosphate buffer (50mM, pH 3.0) containing 20mM HP-beta-CD
      and 30 mM triethanolamine. Analytes were separated simultaneously by using CD
      FASS-CE and had a lower detection limit of equal to the sub-ppb level. Linear
      calibration curves were obtained from 1 to 80 ng/mL (r=0.998). The limit of
      detection for both isomers was 600 pg/mL. RSD and RE of precision and accuracy in
      intra- and inter-day assays were below 7.89%. This method was further applied to
      analyze (+/-)-threo-MP in four healthy Asian volunteers and that provided some
      relevant information for clinical treatments.

PMID- 22098933
TI  - Phase transfer membrane supported liquid-liquid-liquid microextraction combined
      with large volume sample injection capillary electrophoresis-ultraviolet
      detection for the speciation of inorganic and organic mercury.
AB  - In this paper, a novel sample pretreatment technique termed phase transfer based
      liquid-liquid-liquid microextraction (PT-LLLME) was proposed for the simultaneous
      extraction of inorganic and organic mercury species. In PT-LLLME, an intermediate
      solvent (acetonitrile) was added into the donor phase to improve the contacting
      between target mercury species and complexing reagent. Meanwhile, a membrane
      supported (MS)-LLLME unit was designed to realize the PT-LLLME procedure. By
      using nylon membrane as supporting carrier, larger than 50 MUL of acceptor
      solution could be hung up. Following PT/MS-LLLME, the acceptor solutions were
      directly analyzed by large volume sample stacking capillary
      electrophoresis/ultraviolet detection (LVSS-CE/UV). Accordingly, a new method of
      PT/MS-LLLME combined with LVSS-CE/UV was developed for the simultaneous
      speciation of inorganic and organic mercury species. Parameters affecting the
      extraction efficiency of PT/MS-LLLME were investigated in details. Under the
      optimized conditions, enrichment factors (EFs) ranging from 160- to 478-fold were
      obtained for the extraction of target mercury species by PT/MS-LLLME. By
      combining PT/MS-LLLME with LVSS-CE/UV, EFs were magnified up to 12,138-fold and
      the limits of detection (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3) were at sub ppb level.
      The established approach of PT/MS-LLLME-LVSS-CE/UV was successfully applied to
      simultaneous determination of inorganic and organic mercury species in biological
      samples and environmental water samples.

PMID- 22098934
TI  - Separation of small inorganic anions using methacrylate-based anion-exchange
      monolithic column prepared by low temperature UV photo-polymerization.
AB  - A methacrylate-based anion-exchange monolithic column was prepared by a single
      step UV photo-copolymerization of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethyl ammonium
      chloride, butylmethacrylate, and ethylene dimethacrylate at a low temperature of 
      15  degrees C. The anion-exchange column exhibited good separation efficiency for
      the small inorganic anions of NO(2)(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), and I(-) in the
      isocratic mode. Under the conditions optimized using a mobile phase of 50% ACN
      containing 100mM of NaCl, the theoretical plate heights of the anions were within
      the range of 12.2-15.6 MUm (N, 64,000-82,000 m(-1); k, 0.2-1.6); and a value of
      9.4 MUm (N, 110,000 m(-1)) was achieved for t(0). The flow resistance of the
      column was acceptably low with a permeability of 2.7 * 10(-13) m(2). Fast
      gradient elution at a flow rate of 32 mm/s resulted in rapid and precise
      separation of the inorganic anions of IO(3)(-), NO(2)(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), and I(
      ) within 20s.

PMID- 22098935
TI  - Investigation of the biotransformation pathway of verapamil using
      electrochemistry/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry - a comparative study
      with liver cell microsomes.
AB  - The biotransformation pathway of verapamil, a widely prescribed calcium channel
      blocker, was investigated by electrochemistry (EC) coupled online to liquid
      chromatography (LC) and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Mimicry of the
      oxidative phase I metabolism was achieved in a simple amperometric thin-layer
      cell equipped with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) working electrode. Structures of
      the electrochemically generated metabolites were elucidated on the basis of
      accurate mass data and additional MS/MS experiments. We were able to demonstrate
      that all of the most important metabolic products of the calcium antagonist
      including norverapamil (formed by N-demethylation) can easily be simulated using
      this purely instrumental technique. Furthermore, newly reported metabolic
      reaction products like carbinolamines or imine methides become accessible. The
      results obtained by EC were compared with conventional in vitro studies by
      conducting incubations with rat as well as human liver microsomes (RLMs, HLMs).
      Both methods showed good agreement with the data from EC/LC/MS. Thus, it can be
      noted that EC is very well-suited for the simulation of the oxidative metabolism
      of verapamil. In summary, this study confirms that EC/LC/MS can be a powerful
      tool in drug discovery and development when applied complementary to established
      in vitro or in vivo approaches.

PMID- 22098936
TI  - Editorial on "Technology trends in antibody purification" by P.S. Gagnon.

PMID- 22098937
TI  - Non-targeted analysis of wastewater treatment plant effluents by high performance
      liquid chromatography-time slice-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic
      resonance/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Extracts of effluents from two different wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in
      Switzerland taken during the application period of pesticides were examined by
      coupling an HPLC-MS system to a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer using a
      post column peak trapping device. By trapping 1 min portions of the chromatogram
      onto post column solid phase extraction cartridges (time slice-SPE-NMR) a
      comprehensive overview of proton carrying constituents could be achieved. Non
      supervised statistical analysis of the NMR spectra obtained by this approach
      revealed NMR resonances pointing to contaminants present in decreasing proton
      concentration in the extracts. Comparison of exact mass data acquired during the
      trapping process to these NMR resonances enabled the identification of the
      pesticides Linuron, Metazachlor, Ethofumesate, Isoproturon, Metamitron, Propazine
      and Chloridazon. Desaminometamitron, a known transformation product of Metamitron
      could also be identified together with unexpected highly concentrated C8, C10 and
      C12 fatty acids and their glycerol mono- and di esters. Other compounds
      identified were a drug metabolite (3-Carboxymefenamic acid), a sun screen agent
      (Ensulizole: 2-Phenyl-1H-1,3-benzodiazole-6-sulfonic acid) and industrial
      chemicals (Benzotriazole, N-Benzyl-indole). In addition, a number of well
      resolved proton spectra cannot be attributed to a mass response showing the need
      of further investigations using 2D-NMR and different ionization techniques.

PMID- 22098938
TI  - Relative contributions of osteogenic tissues to new bone formation in periosteal
      distraction osteogenesis: histological and histomorphometrical evaluation in a
      rat calvaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relative contributions of different, potential factors to new
      bone formation in periosteal distraction osteogenesis are unknown. PURPOSE: The
      aim of the present study was to assess the influence of original bone and
      periosteum on bone formation during periosteal distraction osteogenesis in a rat
      calvarial model by means of histology and histomorphometry. METHODS: A total of
      48 rats were used for the experiment. The contribution of the periosteum was
      assessed by either intact or incised periosteum or an occlusive versus a
      perforated distraction plate. The cortical bone was either left intact or
      perforated. Animals were divided in eight experimental groups considering the
      three possible treatment modalities. All animals were subjected to a 7-day
      latency period, a 10-day distraction period and a 7-day consolidation period. The
      newly formed bone was analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically. RESULTS:
      New, mainly woven bone was found in all groups. Differences in the maximum height
      of new bone were observed and depended on location. Under the distraction plate,
      statistically significant differences in maximum bone height were found between
      the group with perforations in both cortical bone and distraction plate and the
      group without such perforations. CONCLUSIONS: If the marrow cavities were not
      opened, the contribution to new bone formation was dominant from the periosteum.
      If the bone perforations opened the marrow cavities, a significant contribution
      to new bone formation originated from the native bone.

PMID- 22098940
TI  - Quantitative trait loci mapping of dark-induced senescence in winter wheat
      (Triticum aestivum).
AB  - In order to explore the genetics of dark-induced senescence in winter wheat
      (Triticum aestivum L.), a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was carried out
      in a doubled haploid population developed from a cross between the varieties
      Hanxuan 10 (HX) and Lumai 14 (LM). The senescence parameters chlorophyll content
      (Chl a+b, Chl a, and Chl b), original fluorescence (Fo), maximum fluorescence
      level (Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and ratio of variable
      fluorescence to original fluorescence (Fv/Fo) were evaluated in the second leaf
      of whole three-leaf seedlings subjected to 7 d of darkness. A total of 43 QTLs
      were identified that were associated with dark-induced senescence using composite
      interval mapping. These QTLs were mapped to 20 loci distributed on 11
      chromosomes: 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3B, 3D, 5D, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. The phenotypic
      variation explained by each QTL ranged from 7.5% to 19.4%. Eleven loci coincided
      with two or more of the analyzed parameters. In addition, 14 loci co-located or
      were linked with previously reported QTLs regulating flag leaf senescence,
      tolerance to high light stress, and grain protein content (Gpc), separately.

PMID- 22098939
TI  - Transcriptional analysis of late ripening stages of grapevine berry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The composition of grapevine berry at harvest is a major determinant
      of wine quality. Optimal oenological maturity of berries is characterized by a
      high sugar/acidity ratio, high anthocyanin content in the skin, and low
      astringency. However, harvest time is still mostly determined empirically, based
      on crude biochemical composition and berry tasting. In this context, it is
      interesting to identify genes that are expressed/repressed specifically at the
      late stages of ripening and which may be used as indicators of maturity. RESULTS:
      Whole bunches and berries sorted by density were collected in vineyard on
      Chardonnay (white cultivar) grapevines for two consecutive years at three stages
      of ripening (7-days before harvest (TH-7), harvest (TH), and 10-days after
      harvest (TH+10)). Microvinification and sensory analysis indicate that the
      quality of the wines made from the whole bunches collected at TH-7, TH and TH+10
      differed, TH providing the highest quality wines.In parallel, gene expression was
      studied with Qiagen/Operon microarrays using two types of samples, i.e. whole
      bunches and berries sorted by density. Only 12 genes were consistently up- or
      down-regulated in whole bunches and density sorted berries for the two years
      studied in Chardonnay. 52 genes were differentially expressed between the TH-7
      and TH samples. In order to determine whether these genes followed a similar
      pattern of expression during the late stages of berry ripening in a red cultivar,
      nine genes were selected for RT-PCR analysis with Cabernet Sauvignon grown under
      two different temperature regimes affecting the precocity of ripening. The
      expression profiles and their relationship to ripening were confirmed in Cabernet
      Sauvignon for seven genes, encoding a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase, a
      galactinol synthase, a late embryogenesis abundant protein, a dirigent-like
      protein, a histidine kinase receptor, a valencene synthase and a putative S
      adenosyl-L-methionine:salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase. CONCLUSIONS:
      This set of up- and down-regulated genes characterize the late stages of berry
      ripening in the two cultivars studied, and are indirectly linked to wine quality.
      They might be used directly or indirectly to design immunological, biochemical or
      molecular tools aimed at the determination of optimal ripening in these
      cultivars.

PMID- 22098941
TI  - Dose reduction in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) screening using
      synthetically reconstructed projection images: an observer performance study.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare
      the interpretive performance of synthetically reconstructed two-dimensional
      images in combination with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) versus full-field
      digital mammography (FFDM) plus DBT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten radiologists
      trained in reading tomosynthesis examinations interpreted retrospectively, under
      two modes, 114 mammograms. One mode included the directly acquired full-field
      digital mammograms combined with DBT, and the other included synthetically
      reconstructed projection images combined with DBT. The reconstructed images do
      not require additional radiation exposure. The two modes were compared with
      respect to sensitivity, namely, recommendation to recall a breast with either a
      pathology-proven cancer (n = 48) or a high-risk lesion (n = 6), and specificity,
      namely, no recommendation to recall a breast not depicting an abnormality (n =
      144) or depicting only benign abnormalities (n = 30). RESULTS: The average
      sensitivity for FFDM with DBT was 0.826, compared to 0.772 for synthetic FFDM
      with DBT (difference, 0.054; P = .017 and P = .053 for fixed and random reader
      effects, respectively). The proportions of breasts with no or benign
      abnormalities recommended to be recalled were virtually the same: 0.298 and 0.297
      for the two modalities, respectively (95% confidence intervals for the
      difference, -0.028 to 0.036 and -0.070 to 0.066 for fixed and random reader
      effects, respectively). Sixteen additional clusters of microcalcifications
      ("positive" breasts) were missed by all readers combined when interpreting the
      mode with synthesized images versus FFDM. CONCLUSIONS: Lower sensitivity with
      comparable specificity was observed with the tested version of synthetically
      generated images compared to FFDM, both combined with DBT. Improved synthesized
      images with experimentally verified acceptable diagnostic quality will be needed
      to eliminate double exposure during DBT-based screening.

PMID- 22098942
TI  - Bureaucracy and the future of residency education.

PMID- 22098943
TI  - Comparison of digital with film radiographs for the classification of
      pneumoconiotic pleural abnormalities.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Analog film radiographs are typically used to classify
      pneumoconiosis to allow comparison with standard film radiographs. The aim of
      this study was to determine if digital radiography is comparable to film for the
      purpose of classifying pneumoconiotic pleural abnormalities. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Subjects were 200 asbestos-exposed patients, from whom digital and film
      chest radiographs were obtained along with chest high-resolution computed
      tomographic scans. Using a crossover design, radiographs were independently read
      on two occasions by seven readers, using conventional International Labour
      Organization standards for film and digitized standards for digital. High
      resolution computed tomographic scans were read independently by three readers.
      Areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves were calculated using
      high-resolution computed tomographic ratings as the gold standard for disease
      status. Mixed linear models were fit to estimate the effects of order of
      presentation, occasion, and modality, treating the seven readers as a random
      effect. Comparing digital and film radiography for each reader and occasion,
      crude agreement and agreement beyond chance (kappa) were also calculated.
      RESULTS: The linear models showed no statistically significant sequence effect
      for order of presentation (P = .73) or occasion (P = .28). Most important, the
      difference between modalities was not statistically significant (digital vs film,
      P = .54). The mean area under the curve for film was 0.736 and increased slightly
      to 0.741 for digital. Mean crude agreement for the presence of pleural
      abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis across all readers and occasions was
      78.3%, while the mean kappa value was 0.49. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate
      that digital radiography is not statistically different from analog film for the
      purpose of classifying pneumoconiotic pleural abnormalities, when appropriate
      standards are used.

PMID- 22098944
TI  - Layperson-oriented vs. clinical-based models for prediction of incidence of
      ischemic stroke: National FINRISK Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A simplified model not requiring a clinic visit is important for
      cardiovascular prevention. We compared such a model, with one requiring clinical
      measurements for prediction of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Five population-based
      Finnish cohorts comprising 14 296 men and 16 065 women aged 25-64 years were
      randomly recruited from 1982, and followed up using the national registers until
      the end of the 2007. The final Cox model included age, prior history of diabetes
      and hypertension, happy marriage, capability to walk 500 m (self-estimate),
      regular exercise, vegetable/fruit intake, smoking, body mass index, and systolic
      blood pressure; the layperson-oriented model was developed by taking blood
      pressure away from the final model. RESULTS: Four hundred sixty-nine men and 371
      women developed ischemic stroke events. The area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) for 10 years incidence of ischemic
      stroke was 0.817 (0.791-0.843) and 0.813 (0.787-0.839) for the model with and
      without systolic blood pressure in men and 0.815 (0.782-0.848) and 0.812 (0.779
      0.844), respectively, in women (P > 0.10). The predicted 10-year events rate
      matched well with the observed one across deciles of the predicted risk in men
      (chi(2)  = 11.57, 9df, P = 0.239) and in women (chi(2)  = 11.18, P = 0.263). The
      overall net reclassification improvement after adding blood pressure was 8.8% (P
      = 0.016) in men and 3.2% (P = 0.234) in women. The predicted 10-year risk of the
      ischemic stroke based on global vascular event models that includes coronary
      heart diseases did not match well with the observed stroke risk. CONCLUSIONS: The
      layperson model performed as well as the clinical-based one.

PMID- 22098945
TI  - The e-Health Implementation Toolkit: qualitative evaluation across four European
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implementation researchers have attempted to overcome the research
      practice gap in e-health by developing tools that summarize and synthesize
      research evidence of factors that impede or facilitate implementation of
      innovation in healthcare settings. The e-Health Implementation Toolkit (e-HIT) is
      an example of such a tool that was designed within the context of the United
      Kingdom National Health Service to promote implementation of e-health services.
      Its utility in international settings is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a
      qualitative evaluation of the e-HIT in use across four countries--Finland,
      Norway, Scotland, and Sweden. Data were generated using a combination of
      interview approaches (n = 22) to document e-HIT users' experiences of the tool to
      guide decision making about the selection of e-health pilot services and to
      monitor their progress over time. RESULTS: e-HIT users evaluated the tool
      positively in terms of its scope to organize and enhance their critical thinking
      about their implementation work and, importantly, to facilitate discussion
      between those involved in that work. It was easy to use in either its paper- or
      web-based format, and its visual elements were positively received. There were
      some minor criticisms of the e-HIT with some suggestions for content changes and
      comments about its design as a generic tool (rather than specific to sites and e
      health services). However, overall, e-HIT users considered it to be a highly
      workable tool that they found useful, which they would use again, and which they
      would recommend to other e-health implementers. CONCLUSION: The use of the e-HIT
      is feasible and acceptable in a range of international contexts by a range of
      professionals for a range of different e-health systems.

PMID- 22098946
TI  - Identification of candidate serum biomarkers for severe septic shock-associated
      kidney injury via microarray.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Septic-shock-associated acute kidney injury (SSAKI) carries high
      morbidity in the pediatric population. Effective treatment strategies are
      lacking, in part due to poor detection and prediction. There is a need to
      identify novel candidate biomarkers of SSAKI. The objective of our study was to
      determine whether microarray data from children with septic shock could be used
      to derive a panel of candidate biomarkers for predicting SSAKI. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study compared microarray data representing the first 24
      hours of admission for 179 children with septic shock with those of 53 age
      matched normal controls. SSAKI was defined as a >200% increase of baseline serum
      creatinine, persistent to 7 days after admission. RESULTS: Patients with SSAKI (n
      = 31) and patients without SSAKI (n = 148) were clinically similar, but SSAKI
      carried a higher mortality (45% vs. 10%). Twenty-one unique gene probes were
      upregulated in SSAKI patients versus patients without SSAKI. Using leave-one-out
      cross-validation and class prediction modeling, these probes predicted SSAKI with
      a sensitivity of 98% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 81 to 100) and a specificity
      of 80% (95% CI = 72 to 86). Serum protein levels of two specific genes showed
      high sensitivity for predicting SSAKI: matrix metalloproteinase-8 (89%, 95% CI =
      64 to 98) and elastase-2 (83%, 95% CI = 58 to 96). Both biomarkers carried a
      negative predictive value of 95%. When applied to a validation cohort, although
      both biomarkers carried low specificity (matrix metalloproteinase-8: 41%, 95% CI
      = 28 to 50; and elastase-2: 49%, 95% CI = 36 to 62), they carried high
      sensitivity (100%, 95% CI = 68 to 100 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Gene probes
      upregulated in critically ill pediatric patients with septic shock may allow for
      the identification of novel candidate serum biomarkers for SSAKI prediction.

PMID- 22098947
TI  - Accuracy of b-GGT fraction for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is a sensitive but non
      specific marker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, four GGT
      fractions (big-, medium-, small-, free-GGT) were described in humans. AIM: We
      aimed to investigate whether a specific GGT fraction pattern is associated with
      NAFLD. METHODS: Gamma-glutamyltransferase fractions were determined in patients
      with NAFLD (n = 90), and compared with those in control subjects (n = 70), and
      chronic hepatitis C (CHC, n = 45) age and gender matched. RESULTS: Total GGT was
      elevated in NAFLD as compared to controls (median, 25 degrees -75 degrees 
      percentile: 39.4, 20.0-82.0 U/L vs. 18.4, 13.2-24.9 U/L respectively, P < 0.001).
      All fractions were higher in NAFLD than in controls (P < 0.001). The b-GGT showed
      the highest diagnostic accuracy for NAFLD diagnosis [area under ROC curve (ROC
      AUC): 0.85; cut-off 2.6 U/L, sensitivity 74%, specificity 81%]. Also subjects
      with CHC showed increased GGT (41.5, 21.9-84.5 U/L, P < 0.001 vs. controls, P =
      n.s. vs. NAFLD), as well as m-, s-, and f-GGT, while b-GGT did not show any
      significant increase (P = n.s. vs. HS, P < 0.001 vs. NAFLD). In subjects with
      CHC, s-GGT showed the best diagnostic value (ROC-AUC: 0.853; cut-off 14.1 U/L,
      sensitivity 73%, specificity 90%). Serum GGT did not show any value in the
      differential diagnosis between NAFLD and CHC (ROC-AUC 0.507, P = n.s.), while b
      GGT/s-GGT ratio showed the highest diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing NAFLD
      and CHC (ROC-AUC: 0.93; cut-off value 0.16, sensitivity 82%, specificity 90%).
      CONCLUSIONS: b-GGT increases in NAFLD, but not in CHC. GGT fraction analysis
      might help in improving the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of NAFLD
      and other liver dysfunctions.

PMID- 22098948
TI  - Spaceflight alters the gene expression profile of cervical cancer cells.
AB  - Our previous study revealed that spaceflight induced biological changes in human
      cervical carcinoma Caski cells. Here, we report that 48A9 cells, which were
      subcloned from Caski cells, experienced significant growth suppression and
      exhibited low tumorigenic ability after spaceflight. To further understand the
      potential mechanism at the transcriptional level, we compared gene expression
      between 48A9 cells and ground control Caski cells with suppression subtractive
      hybridization (SSH) and reverse Northern blotting methods, and analyzed the
      relative gene network and molecular functions with the Ingenuity Pathways
      Analysis (IPA) program. We found 5 genes, SUB1, SGEF, MALAT-1, MYL6, and MT-CO2,
      to be up-regulated and identified 3 new cDNAs, termed B4, B5, and C4, in 48A9
      cells. In addition, we also identified the two most significant gene networks to
      indicate the function of these genes using the IPA program. To our knowledge, our
      results show for the first time that spaceflight can reduce the growth of tumor
      cells, and we also provide a new model for oncogenesis study.

PMID- 22098949
TI  - Knockdown of nucleophosmin induces S-phase arrest in HepG2 cells.
AB  - Nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM) is a universally expressed nucleolar phosphoprotein that
      participates in proliferation, apoptosis, ribosome assembly, and centrosome
      duplication; however, the role of NPM in cell cycle regulation is not well
      characterized. We investigated the mechanism by which NPM is involved in cell
      cycle regulation. NPM was knocked down using siRNA in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells.
      NPM translocation following actinomycin D (ActD) treatment was investigated using
      immunofluorescent staining. Expression of NPM and other factors involved in cell
      cycle regulation was examined by Western blotting. Cell cycle distribution was
      measured using flow cytometry to detect 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)
      incorporation. Cell proliferation was quantified by the MTT assay. Knockdown of
      NPM increased the percentage of HepG2 cells in S phase and led to decreased
      expression of P53 and P21Cip1/WAF1. S-phase arrest in HepG2 cells was
      significantly enhanced by ActD treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of NPM abrogated
      ActD-induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Taken together, these data demonstrate
      that inhibition of NPM has a significant effect on the cell cycle.

PMID- 22098951
TI  - Overexpression of P-glycoprotein induces acquired resistance to imatinib in
      chronic myelogenous leukemia cells.
AB  - Imatinib, a breakpoint cluster region (BCR)-Abelson murine leukemia(ABL) tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor (TKI), has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myelogenous
      leukemia (CML). However, development of multidrug resistance(MDR) limits the use
      of imatinib. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms of
      cellular resistance to imatinib in CML. Therefore, we established an imatinib
      resistant human CML cell line(K562-imatinib) through a stepwise selection
      process. While characterizing the phenotype of these cells, we found that K562
      imatinib cells were 124.6-fold more resistant to imatinib than parental K562
      cells. In addition, these cells were cross-resistant to second- and third
      generation BCR-ABL TKIs. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) demonstrated that P-glycoprotein(P-gp) and MDR1
      mRNA levels were increased in K562-imatinib cells. In addition, accumulation of
      [14C]6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) was decreased, whereas the ATP-dependent efflux of
      [14C]6-MP and [3H]methotrexate  transport were increased in K562-imatinib cells.
      These data suggest that the overexpression of P-gp may play a crucial role in
      acquired resistance to imatinib in CML K562-imatinib cells.

PMID- 22098953
TI  - Re: Molecular stratification of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by consensus
      clustering reveals distinct subtypes and survival patterns.

PMID- 22098950
TI  - Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2): its role in multidrug resistance
      and regulation of its gene expression.
AB  - Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)/ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2
      (ABCG2) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter identified as a molecular
      cause of multidrug resistance (MDR) in diverse cancer cells. BCRP physiologically
      functions as a part of a self-defense mechanism for the organism; it enhances
      elimination of toxic xenobiotic substances and harmful agents in the gut and
      biliary tract, as well as through the blood-brain, placental, and possibly blood
      testis barriers. BCRP recognizes and transports numerous anticancer drugs
      including conventional chemotherapeutic and targeted small therapeutic molecules
      relatively new in clinical use. Thus, BCRP expression in cancer cells directly
      causes MDR by active efflux of anticancer drugs. Because BCRP is also known to be
      a stem cell marker, its expression in cancer cells could be a manifestation of
      metabolic and signaling pathways that confer multiple mechanisms of drug
      resistance, self-renewal (stemness), and invasiveness (aggressiveness), and
      thereby impart a poor prognosis. Therefore, blocking BCRP-mediated active efflux
      may provide a therapeutic benefit for cancers. Delineating the precise molecular
      mechanisms for BCRP gene expression may lead to identification of a novel
      molecular target to modulate BCRP-mediated MDR. Current evidence suggests that
      BCRP gene transcription is regulated by a number of trans-acting elements
      including hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha, estrogen receptor, and peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor. Furthermore, alternative promoter usage,
      demethylation of the BCRP promoter, and histone modification are likely
      associated with drug-induced BCRP overexpression in cancer cells. Finally,
      PI3K/AKT signaling may play a critical role in modulating BCRP function under a
      variety of conditions. These biological events seem involved in a complicated
      manner. Untangling the events would be an essential first step to developing a
      method to modulate BCRP function to aid patients with cancer. This review will
      present a synopsis of the impact of BCRP-mediated MDR in cancer cells, and the
      molecular mechanisms of acquired MDR currently postulated in a variety of human
      cancers.

PMID- 22098954
TI  - Re: Feasibility of sentinel node detection in renal cell carcinoma: a pilot
      study.

PMID- 22098955
TI  - Re: Can we better select patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma for
      cytoreductive nephrectomy?

PMID- 22098952
TI  - Multidrug resistance associated proteins in multidrug resistance.
AB  - Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) are members of the C family of a group of
      proteins named ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. These ABC transporters
      together form the largest branch of proteins within the human body. The MRP
      family comprises of 13 members, of which MRP1 to MRP9 are the major transporters
      indicated to cause multidrug resistance in tumor cells by extruding anticancer
      drugs out of the cell. They are mainly lipophilic anionic transporters and are
      reported to transport free or conjugates of glutathione (GSH), glucuronate, or
      sulphate. In addition, MRP1 to MRP3 can transport neutral organic drugs in free
      form in the presence of free GSH. Collectively, MRPs can transport drugs that
      differ structurally and mechanistically, including natural anticancer drugs,
      nucleoside analogs, antimetabolites, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Many of
      these MRPs transport physiologically important anions such as leukotriene C4,
      bilirubin glucuronide, and cyclic nucleotides. This review focuses mainly on the
      physiological functions, cellular resistance characteristics, and probable in
      vivo role of MRP1 to MRP9.

PMID- 22098957
TI  - Re: Effect of dutasteride on prostate biopsy rates and the diagnosis of prostate
      cancer in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and enlarged prostates in the
      combination of avodart and tamsulosin trial.

PMID- 22098958
TI  - Re: Increased Cancer Risks for Relatives of Very Early-Onset Breast Cancer Cases
      With and Without BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations.

PMID- 22098960
TI  - Re: The use of zoledronic acid in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for
      prostate cancer with severe osteopenia or osteoporosis.

PMID- 22098962
TI  - Re: Nerve Growth Factor Level in the Prostatic Fluid of Patients With Chronic
      Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is Correlated With Symptom Severity and
      Response to Treatment.

PMID- 22098963
TI  - Re: Tenderness as measured by pressure pain thresholds extends beyond the pelvis
      in chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men.

PMID- 22098964
TI  - Re: Pregabalin for the treatment of men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic
      pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 22098965
TI  - Re: A pilot study of botulinum toxin a for male chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

PMID- 22098968
TI  - Re: Does urinary stone composition and morphology help for prediction of primary
      hyperparathyroidism?

PMID- 22098969
TI  - Re: Dorsal onlay skin graft urethroplasty in patients older than 65 years.

PMID- 22098970
TI  - Re: Should being aged over 70 years hinder penile prosthesis implantation?

PMID- 22098971
TI  - Re: Association between implementation of a medical team training program and
      surgical mortality.

PMID- 22098973
TI  - Re: Antimuscarinics and bladder outlet obstruction: from a contraindication to an
      indication?

PMID- 22098975
TI  - Re: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use in Women With Pelvic Floor
      Disorders: A Cohort Study.

PMID- 22098976
TI  - Re: Can pelvic floor muscle training reverse pelvic organ prolapse and reduce
      prolapse symptoms? An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

PMID- 22098977
TI  - Re: Treatment Outcomes and Resource Use of Patients With Neurogenic Detrusor
      Overactivity Receiving Botulinum Toxin A (BOTOX) Therapy in Germany.

PMID- 22098978
TI  - Re: Intravesical prostatic protrusion predicts clinical progression of benign
      prostatic enlargement in patients receiving medical treatment.

PMID- 22098979
TI  - Re: Symptomatic and quality of life response to tolterodine in subgroups of men
      with overactive bladder symptoms and presumed non-obstructive benign prostatic
      hyperplasia.

PMID- 22098980
TI  - Re: Safety of Physiological Testosterone Therapy in Women: Lessons From Female-to
      Male Transsexuals (FMT) Treated With Pharmacological Testosterone Therapy.

PMID- 22098981
TI  - Re: Behavior and symptom change among women treated with placebo for sexual
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22098984
TI  - Re: Clinical significance of sperm DNA damage in assisted reproduction outcome.

PMID- 22098985
TI  - Re: DNA fragmentation of normal spermatozoa negatively impacts embryo quality and
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome.

PMID- 22098986
TI  - Re: Y chromosome microdeletions, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm oxidative
      stress as causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology.

PMID- 22098987
TI  - Re: Sperm DNA integrity in cancer patients before and after cytotoxic treatment.

PMID- 22098988
TI  - Re: Radical soft tissue mobilization and reconstruction (kelly procedure) for
      bladder exstrophy repair in males: initial experience with nine cases.

PMID- 22098989
TI  - Re: Pelvic-floor imaging using three-dimensional ultrasonography and magnetic
      resonance imaging in the long term follow-up of the bladder-exstrophy-epispadias
      complex.

PMID- 22098990
TI  - Re: The meatal/urethral width in healthy uncircumcised boys.

PMID- 22098991
TI  - Re: eIF4E Phosphorylation Promotes Tumorigenesis and is Associated With Prostate
      Cancer Progression.

PMID- 22098992
TI  - Re: Fkbp52 regulates androgen receptor transactivation activity and male urethra
      morphogenesis.

PMID- 22098993
TI  - Man with rash and nausea. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis after
      cephalexin use.

PMID- 22098994
TI  - Is discharge to home after emergency department cardioversion safe for the
      treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation?
AB  - Recent-onset atrial fibrillation, defined as a first detected or recurrent
      episode of atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 hours, is a commonly
      encountered dysrhythmia in the emergency department (ED). Cardioversion of stable
      patients in the ED with recent-onset atrial fibrillation without antecedent
      anticoagulation would allow for these patients to be discharged directly to home.
      We searched the literature to determine whether any studies have investigated the
      safety of this management strategy and identified five that addressed this
      question. These studies are reviewed herein; importantly, not one ED patient who
      was cardioverted in any of the five studies suffered a thromboembolic event - the
      feared complication responsible for most of the controversy surrounding the ED
      management of atrial fibrillation. According to the available evidence, we
      conclude that it would be within the standard of care to discharge home stable
      patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation after cardioversion in the ED with
      adequate follow-up. It should be noted that although this strategy is safe and
      effective, the return visit rate for relapsed atrial fibrillation is 3% to 17%,
      and patients should be made aware of this possibility.

PMID- 22098995
TI  - Evaluation of the Test-mate ChE (cholinesterase) field kit in acute
      organophosphorus poisoning.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Measurement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is recommended in the
      management of organophosphorus poisoning, which results in 200,000 deaths
      worldwide annually. The Test-mate ChE 400 is a portable field kit designed for
      detecting occupational organophosphorus exposure that measures RBC AChE and
      plasma cholinesterase (PChE) within 4 minutes. We evaluate Test-mate against a
      reference laboratory test in patients with acute organophosphorus self-poisoning.
      METHODS: This was a cross-sectional comparison study of 14 patients with acute
      organophosphorus poisoning between May 2007 and June 2008. RBC AChE and PChE were
      measured in 96 and 91 samples, respectively, with the Test-mate ChE field kit and
      compared with a reference laboratory, using the limits of agreement method (Bland
      and Altman), kappa statistics, and Spearman's correlation coefficients. RESULTS:
      There was good agreement between the Test-mate ChE and the reference laboratory
      for RBC AChE. The mean difference (Test-mate-reference) was -0.62 U/g hemoglobin,
      95% limits of agreement -10.84 to 9.59 U/g hemoglobin. Good agreement was also
      observed between the categories of mild, moderate, and severe RBC AChE inhibition
      (weighted kappa 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 to 0.87). Measurement of
      PChE also showed good agreement, with a mean difference (Test-mate-reference) of
      +0.06 U/mL blood, 95% limits of agreement -0.41 to 0.53 U/mL blood. Spearman's
      correlation coefficients were 0.87 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.91) for RBC AChE and 0.76
      (95% CI 0.66 to 0.84) for PChE. Analysis for within-subject correlation of
      subjects did not change the limits of agreement. CONCLUSION: The Test-mate ChE
      field kit reliably provides rapid measurement of RBC AChE in acute
      organophosphorus poisoning.

PMID- 22098996
TI  - Commentary: characteristics of LEOs' fatalities in motor vehicle crashes: a lack
      of safety culture in LEOs is a loss for us all.

PMID- 22098997
TI  - Change of shift. Death by slow, better fast.

PMID- 22098998
TI  - Man with shoulder pain after a fall. Necrotizing fasciitis.

PMID- 22098999
TI  - Reperfusion is delayed beyond guideline recommendations in patients requiring
      interhospital helicopter transfer for treatment of STEMI.

PMID- 22099001
TI  - International emergency medicine and global health: training and career paths for
      emergency medicine residents.

PMID- 22099003
TI  - Unilateral facial swelling with fever. Parotitis.

PMID- 22099005
TI  - Adherence to artemether/lumefantrine treatment in children under real-life
      situations in rural Tanzania.
AB  - A follow-up study was conducted to determine the magnitude of and factors related
      to adherence to artemether/lumefantrine (ALu) treatment in rural settings in
      Tanzania. Children in five villages of Kilosa District treated at health
      facilities were followed-up at their homes on Day 7 after the first dose of ALu.
      For those found to be positive using a rapid diagnostic test for malaria and
      treated with ALu, their caretakers were interviewed on drug administration
      habits. In addition, capillary blood samples were collected on Day 7 to determine
      lumefantrine concentrations. The majority of children (392/444; 88.3%) were
      reported to have received all doses, in time. Non-adherence was due to
      untimeliness rather than missing doses and was highest for the last two doses. No
      significant difference was found between blood lumefantrine concentrations among
      adherent (median 286 nmol/l) and non-adherent [median 261 nmol/l; range 25 nmol/l
      (limit of quantification) to 9318 nmol/l]. Children from less poor households
      were more likely to adhere to therapy than the poor [odds ratio (OR)=2.45, 95% CI
      1.35-4.45; adjusted OR=2.23, 95% CI 1.20-4.13]. The high reported rate of
      adherence to ALu in rural areas is encouraging and needs to be preserved to
      reduce the risk of emergence of resistant strains. The age-based dosage schedule
      and lack of adherence to ALu treatment guidelines by health facility staff may
      explain both the huge variability in observed lumefantrine concentrations and the
      lack of difference in concentrations between the two groups.

PMID- 22099004
TI  - Strengthening relationships: amyloids create adhesion nanodomains in yeasts.
AB  - Budding yeasts adhere to biotic or abiotic surfaces and aggregate to form
      biofilms, using wall-anchored glycoprotein adhesins. The process is paradoxical:
      adhesins often show weak binding to specific ligands, yet mediate remarkably
      strong adherence. Single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM), genomics,
      biochemistry and cell biology have recently explained the puzzle, with Candida
      albicans Als adhesins as the paradigm. The strength of adhesion results partly
      from force-activated amyloid-like clustering of hundreds of adhesin molecules to
      form arrays of ordered multimeric binding sites. The various protein domains of
      eukaryotic adhesins cooperate to facilitate this fascinating new mechanism of
      activation.

PMID- 22099006
TI  - Attaching and effacing Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in
      children with acute diarrhoea and controls in Teresina/PI, Brazil.
AB  - This 3.5-year prospective study was conducted to ascertain the level of attaching
      and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) associated diarrhoea in children from
      Teresina, a northeastern state of Brazil. Passed faecal specimens from 400
      patients (250 with and 150 without diarrhoea) up to 60 months of age attending
      from 2004 to 2007 at two public hospitals were investigated. Conventional
      microbiology methods and PCR were employed. Escherichia coli was isolated from
      390 children, 240 of them with diarrhoea. A total of 117 AEEC strains were
      cultivated from specimens from 63 children, 37 with and 26 without diarrhoea. No
      association between AEEC and diarrhoea was observed. Atypical enteropathogenic E.
      coli (a-EPEC) (79.4%) was more commonly found than typical EPEC (t-EPEC).
      Association between EPEC and EPEC subtypes and diarrhoea was not detected. Mixed
      infection by t-EPEC and a-EPEC and infection by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
      (STEC) were rare. Enteropathogenic E. coli was more common in males and in
      children aged less than 12 months. Correlation between serotyping and PCR results
      was 0.19. High resistance rates of AEEC to ampicillin, cephalotin, and
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were found. In conclusion, EPEC is very common in
      children with diarrhoea and controls in the population we studied, with a-EPEC
      predominating. This diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) pathotype is more common in
      infant males and is resistant to drugs frequently used in clinical practice.

PMID- 22099007
TI  - Introduction. Demand for central venous access.

PMID- 22099008
TI  - A concise history of central venous access.
AB  - Central venous access has become a mainstay of modern interventional radiology
      practice. Its history has paralleled and enabled many current medical therapies.
      This short overview provides an interesting historical perspective of these
      increasingly common interventional procedures.

PMID- 22099009
TI  - Principles of non-tunneled central venous access.
AB  - Non-tunneled central venous access has become an important tool in the management
      of the sick patient, particularly in the intensive care unit. Image guidance
      allows more precise placement of lines with overall lower complication rates
      compared with guidance by physical landmarks. The use of image guidance has
      brought a procedure traditionally performed by surgeons into the realm of the
      interventional radiologist. Techniques for placement of non-tunneled central
      venous catheters, hemodialysis catheters, and peripherally inserted central
      catheter lines will be discussed.

PMID- 22099010
TI  - Principles of tunneled cuffed catheter placement.
AB  - Tunneled cuffed catheters provide reliable and instant long-term intravenous
      access for a large variety of therapeutic purposes, including chemotherapy,
      parenteral nutrition, and apheresis. The most frequent application is for
      patients with renal failure as an access device for hemodialysis. In this
      capacity, the rate of catheter use has remained stable in the United States,
      despite the promotion of arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous grafts. The
      latter 2 procedures achieve superior longevity and much higher cost-efficiency.
      Tunneled catheters, however, serve as bridging devices during maturation of newly
      placed arteriovenous fistulas or as the final option in patients in whom fistulas
      and grafts have failed. High-quality vascular access is a hallmark of
      interventional radiology, and its significance for patient care and for our
      specialty cannot be overestimated. Familiarity with basic concepts of the device
      and procedural techniques are crucial to achieve successful long-term venous
      access. The following article demonstrates key concepts of tunneled venous
      catheter placement by means of dialysis, inasmuch as dialysis catheters represent
      the most commonly placed tunneled central venous catheters. The principles of
      placement and techniques utilized, however, are applicable to devices that are
      used for chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition, such as the Hickman, Broviac,
      Groshong, or tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters.

PMID- 22099011
TI  - Principles of subcutaneous port placement.
AB  - The introduction of totally implantable subcutaneous devices in the early 1980s
      provided patients with secure, reliable venous access and also gave them the
      ability to move more freely and have a more normal lifestyle with these devices
      in place. The most common totally implantable device used today is the
      subcutaneous port. These ports consist of an injection port connected to a
      catheter. Ports provide a number of advantages compared with other venous
      catheters; the most important is the reduced risk of infection. These devices
      have significantly lower rates of infection than nontunneled and tunneled
      catheters. Additional advantages include less frequent irrigation and minimal
      home care, and they are less prone to environmental or cutaneous contamination
      when not being accessed. This article will focus on the placement of these ports.

PMID- 22099012
TI  - Peripherally inserted central catheter placement in infants and children.
AB  - The most common venous access procedure performed in children and infants is the
      peripherally inserted central catheter, or "PICC." Placement of a PICC affords
      patients stable long-term venous access for medication administration and blood
      draws. The Interventional Radiology team faces particular challenges in the
      placement and management of these catheters in a pediatric population. This
      article discusses our institution's step-by-step approach to operating a hospital
      wide PICC service.

PMID- 22099013
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of central venous access-associated infections.
AB  - This paper provides readers with a basic understanding of the types of central
      venous access-associated infections as well as appropriate diagnostic techniques.
      Preventive measures are the most effective way to reduce rates of catheter
      associated infection and are discussed in detail. Diagnosis and treatment of each
      type of infection are reviewed for nontunneled central venous catheters, tunneled
      dialysis catheters, and venous access ports. Readers should be able to employ the
      methods described in this paper to reduce the rate of central venous access
      associated infections at their hospitals.

PMID- 22099014
TI  - Evaluation and management of central venous access complications.
AB  - Venous access is 1 of the most common interventional procedures in the USA. Using
      image guidance in the last 2 decades, obtaining venous access has become
      increasingly routine, and the complications commonly associated with the
      procedure have significantly decreased. However, interventional radiologists
      still encounter both early and late complications routinely associated with both
      central and peripherally inserted access devices. This article discusses the most
      common and some unusual complications seen with the placement of these devices.
      We also briefly discuss the management of these complications.

PMID- 22099015
TI  - Venous access salvage techniques.
AB  - For patients who need long-term central venous access but who have developed
      obstruction of the usual central veins, "salvage" access techniques offer
      successful alternatives. These techniques include translumbar inferior vena cava
      access, transhepatic inferior vena cava access, catheterization of small venous
      collaterals, and recanalization of occluded veins. Inferior vena cava access
      techniques allow a range of devices to be placed, including ports, infusion
      catheters, and hemodialysis catheters. Collateral vessels may be too small to
      allow for large-caliber devices, such as hemodialysis catheters. Success rates
      for these access techniques are high and complications are infrequent. These
      access routes are in general quite durable. Adults and children can be treated.
      Once placed, devices are managed and used as they would be for any routinely
      placed venous access device.

PMID- 22099016
TI  - On the origin of hematopoietic stem cells: progress and controversy.
AB  - Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are responsible for the production and
      replenishment of all blood cell types during the entire life of an organism.
      Generated during embryonic development, HSCs transit through different anatomical
      niches where they will expand before colonizing in the bone marrow, where they
      will reside during adult life. Although the existence of HSCs has been known for
      more than fifty years and despite extensive research performed in different
      animal models, there is still uncertainty with respect to the precise origins of
      HSCs. We review the current knowledge on embryonic hematopoiesis and highlight
      the remaining questions regarding the anatomical and cellular identities of HSC
      precursors.

PMID- 22099017
TI  - Conditionally immortalised neural stem cells promote functional recovery and
      brain plasticity after transient focal cerebral ischaemia in mice.
AB  - Cell therapy has enormous potential to restore neurological function after
      stroke. The present study investigated effects of conditionally immortalised
      neural stem cells (ciNSCs), the Maudsley hippocampal murine neural stem cell line
      clone 36 (MHP36), on sensorimotor and histological outcome in mice subjected to
      transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Adult male C57BL/6 mice
      underwent MCAO by intraluminal thread or sham surgery and MHP36 cells or vehicle
      were implanted into ipsilateral cortex and caudate 2 days later. Functional
      recovery was assessed for 28 days using cylinder and ladder rung tests and tissue
      analysed for plasticity, differentiation and infarct size. MHP36-implanted
      animals showed accelerated and augmented functional recovery and an increase in
      neurons (MAP-2), synaptic plasticity (synaptophysin) and axonal projections (GAP
      43) but no difference in astrocytes (GFAP), oligodendrocytes (CNPase), microglia
      (IBA-1) or lesion volumes when compared to vehicle group. This is the first study
      showing a potential functional benefit of the ciNSCs, MHP36, after focal MCAO in
      mice, which is probably mediated by promoting neuronal differentiation, synaptic
      plasticity and axonal projections and opens up opportunities for future
      exploitation of genetically altered mice for dissection of mechanisms of stem
      cell based therapy.

PMID- 22099018
TI  - Bcl-xL enhances single-cell survival and expansion of human embryonic stem cells
      without affecting self-renewal.
AB  - Robust expansion and genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)
      and induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are limited by poor cell survival after
      enzymatic dissociation into single cells. Although inhibition of apoptosis is
      implicated for the single-cell survival of hESCs, the protective role of
      attenuation of apoptosis in hESC survival has not been elucidated. Bcl-xL is one
      of several anti-apoptotic proteins, which are members of the Bcl-2 family of
      proteins. Using an inducible system, we ectopically expressed Bcl-xL gene in
      hESCs, and found a significant increase of hESC colonies in the single-cell
      suspension cultures. Overexpression of Bcl-xL in hESCs decreased apoptotic
      caspase-3(+) cells, suggesting attenuation of apoptosis in hESCs. Without
      altering the kinetics of pluripotent gene expression, the efficiency to generate
      embryoid bodies (EBs) in vitro and the formation of teratoma in vivo were
      significantly increased in Bcl-xL-overexpressing hESCs after single-cell
      dissociation. Interestingly, the number and size of hESC colonies from cluster
      cultures were not affected by Bcl-xL overexpression. Several genes of
      extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules were upregulated by Bcl-xL in hESCs
      without single-cell dissociation, suggesting that Bcl-xL regulates adhesion
      molecular expression independent of cell dissociation. In addition, the gene
      expressions of FAS and several TNF signaling mediators were downregulated by Bcl
      xL. These data support a model in which Bcl-xL promotes cell survival and
      increases cloning efficiency of dissociated hESCs without altering hESC self
      renewal by i) attenuation of apoptosis, and ii) upregulation of adhesion
      molecules to facilitate cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions.

PMID- 22099019
TI  - Directing migration of endothelial progenitor cells with applied DC electric
      fields.
AB  - Naturally-occurring, endogenous electric fields (EFs) have been detected at skin
      wounds, damaged tissue sites and vasculature. Applied EFs guide migration of many
      types of cells, including endothelial cells to migrate directionally. Homing of
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to an injury site is important for repair of
      vasculature and also for angiogenesis. However, it has not been reported whether
      EPCs respond to applied EFs. Aiming to explore the possibility to use electric
      stimulation to regulate the progenitor cells and angiogenesis, we tested the
      effects of direct-current (DC) EFs on EPCs. We first used immunofluorescence to
      confirm the expression of endothelial progenitor markers in three lines of EPCs.
      We then cultured the progenitor cells in EFs. Using time-lapse video microscopy,
      we demonstrated that an applied DC EF directs migration of the EPCs toward the
      cathode. The progenitor cells also align and elongate in an EF. Inhibition of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor signaling completely abolished
      the EF-induced directional migration of the progenitor cells. We conclude that
      EFs are an effective signal that guides EPC migration through VEGF receptor
      signaling in vitro. Applied EFs may be used to control behaviors of EPCs in
      tissue engineering, in homing of EPCs to wounds and to an injury site in the
      vasculature.

PMID- 22099021
TI  - Comprehensive transcriptome and immunophenotype analysis of renal and cardiac MSC
      like populations supports strong congruence with bone marrow MSC despite
      maintenance of distinct identities.
AB  - Cells resembling bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been isolated from
      many organs but their functional relationships have not been thoroughly examined.
      Here we compared the immunophenotype, gene expression, multipotency and
      immunosuppressive potential of MSC-like colony-forming cells from adult murine
      bone marrow (bmMSC), kidney (kCFU-F) and heart (cCFU-F), cultured under uniform
      conditions. All populations showed classic MSC morphology and in vitro mesodermal
      multipotency. Of the two solid organ-specific CFU-F, only kCFU-F displayed
      suppression of T-cell alloreactivity in vitro, albeit to a lesser extent than
      bmMSC. Quantitative immunophenotyping using 81 phycoerythrin-conjugated CD
      antibodies demonstrated that all populations contained high percentages of cells
      expressing diagnostic MSC surface markers (Sca1, CD90.2, CD29, CD44), as well as
      others noted previously on murine MSC (CD24, CD49e, CD51, CD80, CD81, CD105).
      Illumina microarray expression profiling and bioinformatic analysis indicated a
      correlation of gene expression of 0.88-0.92 between pairwise comparisons. All
      populations expressed approximately 66% of genes in the pluripotency network
      (Plurinet), presumably reflecting their stem-like character. Furthermore, all
      populations expressed genes involved in immunomodulation, homing and tissue
      repair, suggesting these as conserved functions for MSC-like cells in solid
      organs. Despite this molecular congruence, strong biases in gene and protein
      expression and pathway activity were seen, suggesting organ-specific functions.
      Hence, tissue-derived MSC may also retain unique properties potentially rendering
      them more appropriate as cellular therapeutic agents for their organ of origin.

PMID- 22099020
TI  - Derivation of functional ventricular cardiomyocytes using endogenous promoter
      sequence from murine embryonic stem cells.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to establish a murine embryonic stem cell (mESC)
      line for isolation of functional ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCMs) and then to
      characterize the derived VCMs. By crossing the myosin light chain 2v (Mlc2v)-Cre
      mouse line with the reporter strain Rosa26-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), we
      generated mESC lines from these double transgenic mice, in which Cre-mediated
      removal of a stop sequence results in the expression of YFP under the control of
      the ubiquitously active Rosa26 promoter specifically in the VCM. After induction
      of differentiation via embryoid body (EB) formation, contracting YFP(+) cells
      were detected within EBs and isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. N
      cadherin, the cadherin expressed in cardiomyocytes, and the major cardiac
      connexin (Cx) isoform, Cx43, were detected in the respective adherens and gap
      junctions in these VCMs. Using current clamp recordings we demonstrated that mESC
      derived VCMs exhibited action potential characteristics comparable to those of
      neonatal mouse VCMs. Real-time intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](i) imaging showed
      rhythmic intracellular calcium transients in these VCMs. The amplitude and
      frequency of calcium transients were increased by isoproterenol stimulation,
      suggesting the existence of functional beta-adrenergic signaling. Moreover,
      [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations responded to increasing frequencies of external
      electrical stimulation, indicating that VCMs have functional excitation
      contraction coupling, a key factor for the ultimate cardiac contractile
      performance. The present study makes possible the production of homogeneous and
      functional VCMs for basic research as well as for cardiac repair and
      regeneration.

PMID- 22099022
TI  - Clonal multipotency and effect of long-term in vitro expansion on differentiation
      potential of human hair follicle derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Hair follicle harbors a rich stem cell pool with mesenchymal lineage
      differentiation potential. Although previous studies with rodent cells
      demonstrated that hair follicle sheath and papilla cells possess multi-lineage
      differentiation potential, human hair follicle derived mesenchymal stem cells
      (hHF-MSCs) have not been characterized in detail in terms of their multipotency.
      In addition, it is not clear whether these cells are true stem cells that can
      differentiate along multiple lineages or whether they represent a collection of
      progenitor cells with restricted differentiation potential. Here we report that
      hHF-MSCs are highly proliferative cells that can be maintained in culture for ~45
      population doublings before they start to show signs of cellular senescence.
      Under appropriate culture conditions, hHF-MSCs differentiated along the myogenic,
      osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages, as demonstrated by kinetic gene
      expression profiling and functional assays. Interestingly, the differentiation
      potential decreased with time in culture in a lineage-specific manner.
      Specifically, myogenesis and chondrogenesis showed a moderate decrease over time;
      osteogenesis was maximum at intermediate passages and adipogenesis was highly
      sensitive to long-term culture and was diminished at late passages. Finally, hHF
      MSCs were clonally multipotent as the majority of hHF-MSCs clones (73%)
      demonstrated bi- or tri-lineage differentiation potential. These results suggest
      that hHF-MSCs may present as an alternative source of easily accessible,
      autologous stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22099023
TI  - Endoglin is a novel endothelial cell specification gene.
AB  - Endothelial cells (EC) are important in vasculogenesis and organogenesis during
      development and in the pathogenesis of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
      However, few EC specification factors are known and primary EC production remains
      inefficient. Based on recent studies implicating endoglin (Eng) in early vascular
      development and angiogenesis, we hypothesized that Eng may be an EC specification
      gene. Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) were treated with recombinant Eng or a
      plasmid expressing the Eng ORF, and differentiated in the presence or absence of
      bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4). Expression of the mesoderm and EC marker
      genes, the known mediators of EC specification and their downstream targets was
      monitored by quantitative PCR, western blot, immunocytochemistry, and flow
      cytometry. Functionality of the differentiated EC was assessed by in vitro
      angiogenesis assay and the induction of Icam1 expression in response to TNF-alpha
      treatment. Both recombinant Eng and forced Eng expression increased the number of
      functional EC expressing the EC marker genes VE-cadherin, vWF, and Tie2, and
      enhanced the effect of BMP4. The Eng-induced EC differentiation was independent
      of known mediators of EC specification such as Indian Hedgehog (IHH) and BMP4 or
      of BMP4/Smad1/5/8 signaling. These studies suggest that Eng is a novel EC
      specification gene.

PMID- 22099026
TI  - Differentiation of human ES cell-derived neural progenitors to neuronal cells
      with regional specific identity by co-culturing of notochord and somite.
AB  - Limitations to the in vivo study of human nervous system development make it
      necessary to design an in vitro model to evaluate the in vivo effects of
      surrounding tissues on neurogenesis and regional identity of the human neural
      plate. Rostral neural progenitors (NPs) were initially generated from adherent
      human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in a defined condition and characterized.
      Then, to find the role of somites (S) and notochords (N) in rostro-caudal (RC)
      and dorso-ventral (DV) patterning of neuronal cells, NPs were co-cultured with
      microencapsulated chicken S or N in alginate beads. In this study, N induced more
      neurogenesis as evaluated by expression of TUJ1 and MAP2-positive cells.
      Additionally, N induced spinal cord ventral brachiothoracic identity as well as
      NPs proliferation. We observed a synergic effect on motoneuron induction when S
      and N were used together. Moreover, S induced hindbrain identity in
      differentiated neuronal cells from NPs. These results indicate that highly
      enriched NPs can be generated in an adherent and defined system from hESCs.
      Moreover, S and N tissues highly influenced neuronal differentiation in point of
      proliferation, neurogenesis, and RC and DV regional identity. These results
      indicate a very simple and efficient protocol to mimic in vivo events of human
      neural development in vitro which is important in the context of developmental
      neuroscience and cellular replacement therapies.

PMID- 22099024
TI  - Laminin-511 expression is associated with the functionality of feeder cells in
      human embryonic stem cell culture.
AB  - Fibroblast feeder cells play an important role in supporting the derivation and
      long term culture of undifferentiated, pluripotent human embryonic stem cells
      (hESCs). The feeder cells secrete various growth factors and extracellular matrix
      (ECM) proteins into extracellular milieu. However, the roles of the feeder cell
      secreted factors are largely unclear. Animal feeder cells and use of animal serum
      also make current feeder cell culture conditions unsuitable for derivation of
      clinical grade hESCs. We established xeno-free feeder cell lines using human
      serum (HS) and studied their function in hESC culture. While human foreskin
      fibroblast (hFF) feeder cells were clearly hESC supportive, none of the
      established xeno-free human dermal fibroblast (hDF) feeder cells were able to
      maintain undifferentiated hESC growth. The two fibroblast types were compared for
      their ECM protein synthesis, integrin receptor expression profiles and key growth
      factor secretion. We show that hESC supportive feeder cells produce laminin-511
      and express laminin-binding integrins alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1 and alpha7beta1.
      These results indicate specific laminin isoforms and integrins in maintenance of
      hESC pluripotency in feeder-dependent cultures. In addition, several genes with a
      known or possible role for hESC pluripotency were differentially expressed in
      distinct feeder cells.

PMID- 22099027
TI  - Induced pluripotent stem cells from hair follicles as a cellular model for
      neurodevelopmental disorders.
AB  - Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) allow unprecedented
      experimental platforms for basic research as well as high-throughput screening.
      This may be particularly relevant for neuropsychiatric disorders, in which the
      affected neuronal cells are not accessible. Keratinocytes isolated from hair
      follicles are an ideal source of patients' cells for reprogramming, due to their
      non-invasive accessibility and their common neuroectodermal origin with neurons,
      which can be important for potential epigenetic memory. From a small number of
      plucked human hair follicles obtained from two healthy donors we reprogrammed
      keratinocytes to pluripotent iPSC. We further differentiated these hair follicle
      derived iPSC to neural progenitors, forebrain neurons and functional dopaminergic
      neurons. This study shows that human hair follicle-derived iPSC can be
      differentiated into various neural lineages, suggesting this experimental system
      as a promising in vitro model to study normal and pathological neural
      developments, avoiding the invasiveness of commonly used skin biopsies.

PMID- 22099025
TI  - Rare corneal clones in mice suggest an age-related decrease of stem cell activity
      and support the limbal epithelial stem cell hypothesis.
AB  - The anterior ocular surface comprises the cornea, conjunctiva and a narrow
      intermediate region called the limbus. It is widely accepted that the corneal
      epithelium is maintained by stem cells but different hypotheses propose that the
      stem cells that maintain the mouse corneal epithelium during normal homeostasis
      are located either in the basal limbal epithelium or throughout the basal corneal
      epithelium. There are no specific markers to help test these alternatives and new
      methods are required to distinguish between them. We observed that KRT5(LacZ/-)
      transgenic mice produced rare beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)-positive radial
      stripes in the corneal epithelium. These stripes are likely to be clonal lineages
      of cells derived from stem cells, so they provide a lineage marker for actively
      proliferating stem cells. The distributions of the beta-gal-positive radial
      stripes suggested they extended centripetally from the limbus, supporting the
      limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) hypothesis. Stripe frequency declined between
      15 and 30 weeks, which predicts a reduction in stem cell function with age.
      Pax6(+/-), KRT5(LacZ/-) corneas had small patches rather than stripes, which
      confirms that corneal maintenance is abnormal in Pax6(+/-) mice.

PMID- 22099028
TI  - Is time on cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery associated with acute
      kidney injury requiring dialysis?
AB  - It is commonly accepted that the longer the time on extracorporeal
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the higher is the likelihood of developing acute
      renal failure requiring dialysis (ARF-D). Nonetheless, previous works elicited
      conflicting evidence. We investigated the relationship between CPB duration and
      ARF-D occurrence. Data were extracted from a large observational study. All
      factors independently associated with ARF-D were detected. Overall, 11,092 case
      record forms were analyzed. At the univariate analyses, time on CBP was
      associated with an increase in the ARF-D risk (odds ratio of fifth vs. first
      quintile of CBP time: 3.84; 95% confidence interval: 2.58-5.7; P < 0.001).
      However, after adjusting for confounders, the association between time on CBP and
      ARF-D lost its statistical significance. In this large dataset, CBP time did not
      predict ARF-D occurrence. These results might suggest that an accurate risk
      assessment might be more important than time on CPB in determining ARF-D
      occurrence.